Student Experience
UC Santa Cruz announces two-year housing guarantee for new undergraduate students
The expanded housing commitment was made possible by years of thoughtful planning and intentional investment in expanding student housing.
UC Santa Cruz is joining UC Berkeley, UC San Diego, UC Irvine, UCLA and UC Merced in offering undergraduate students a housing guarantee of at least two years. (Photo by Nick Gonzales)
UC Santa Cruz will provide two years of guaranteed university housing for incoming first-year and transfer students, a reflection of the campus’s longstanding commitment to advancing student success.
The expanded housing commitment was made possible by years of thoughtful planning and intentional investment in expanding student housing.
“I am thrilled UC Santa Cruz is able to offer this housing commitment to our incoming undergraduate students,” Chancellor Cynthia Larive said. “We are helping more students build a strong foundation for academic and personal success by offering them housing certainty for their first two years.”
UC Santa Cruz currently provides housing for about 9,300 students, roughly half of its undergraduates and one of the highest percentages within the UC system. Under Chancellor Larive’s leadership, the campus has been pursuing an ambitious plan to increase student housing by more than 40 percent.
The plan has been a success with several projects scheduled to open in the 2026-27 academic year and more projects on the horizon.
The completion of the Delaware Apartments and near-completion of our Kresge College Renewal Phases 1 and 2 and new Family Student Housing community have increased housing opportunities while replacing aging facilities with modern, welcoming spaces. More housing is on the way through the campus’s shared project with Cabrillo College, expected to open in 2027-28, and the recently approved Heller South development, which will provide housing for nearly 1,300 upper division students. Together, these investments have created the capacity and confidence to expand housing guarantee for new undergraduates.
UC Santa Cruz is joining UC Berkeley, UC San Diego, UC Irvine, UCLA and UC Merced in offering undergraduate students a housing guarantee of at least two years.
A student’s ability to succeed academically, build community, and fully engage in university life is closely tied to stable housing. The expanded guarantee reflects the campuswide commitment to creating the conditions for success. Research consistently shows that students who live in university housing are more likely to build meaningful connections, access campus resources, stay engaged in their education, and persist to graduation.
For students and families, this expanded guarantee also provides greater certainty during a critical period of transition, allowing students to focus on their academic, personal, and professional growth.
UC Santa Cruz leaders and staff are continuing to focus on expanding student housing, enriching residential life, and supporting student success.