Undergraduate Apartments

Welcome to UC Santa Barbara!

It's time to start planning and getting ready to move into your new home! As one of the many students living with us this year, we hope you are excited to join our community of scholars. Visit this page often, as the information below is subject to change. Move-In information will be posted and updated here throughout the summer. Remember to check your UCSB email address frequently so you don’t miss important details or updates.

Move-In Information*

Nearly all students will be moving into their new home with you during move-in. To have a smooth, safe, and orderly move-in experience, please be sure to arrive during your selected move-in day and time and not before. Each building has its dates and times during which move-in is permitted. You can see the available times for your building by selecting the link in your assignment email, which will be sent out in early September. If you need to change your time or have not chosen a time, please visit the link in your assignment email to view available slots. If you arrive early, consider shopping at nearby stores or stopping at a restaurant. Residents are welcome to move in after their assigned move-in date/time as long as they are moved in before the start of classes.

*Due to construction activity on Hwy 101 through Ventura County into Santa Barbara County and on Hwy 217,  travel with caution and expect delays. Please check Caltrans QuickMap for real-time traffic conditions at https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/

Last Updated: September 1, 2023

Move-In Dates

Thursday, September 21, 2023 &
Friday, September 22, 2023

San Joaquin Villages*
Sierra Madre Villages*

*limited early move-in

Saturday, September 23, 2023 &
Sunday, September 24, 2023

El Dorado Apartments
San Joaquin Villages
Santa Ynez Apartments
Sierra Madre Villages
Westgate Apartments

Click the links to see move-in routes!

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Check-In Locations

Please print and bring with you the move-in permit that was in the confirmation email you received after selecting a move-in time. 

  • Check-in for El Dorado, Santa Ynez & Westgate Apartments takes place at the Santa Ynez Apartments office.
  • Follow El Colegio Road until you come to the Santa Ynez Apartment complex.
  • Turn into the complex and follow directional signage.
  • Go to the Santa Ynez Office for check-in.
  • After checking in, Santa Ynez residents may move their vehicles to a parking space closer to their apartment to unload.
  • El Dorado and Westgate residents will drive to their respective apartment buildings and use designated unloading areas to unload. 
  • Check-in for San Joaquin and Sierra Madre villages is at the Sierra Madre Villages Office located at the center of the Sierra Madre Villages apartment complex.
  • Turn on Sierra Madre Court.
  • Turn right into Lot 65 for check-in.
  • After checking in, Sierra Madre residents may move their vehicles to a parking space located closer to their apartment to unload.
  • San Joaquin residents will drive to San Joaquin to unload. When leaving the Sierra Madre Villages complex, the best way to get to San Joaquin is to make a right onto Storke Road. Then make a left onto El Colegio Road and another left at the first stoplight you come to (Camino Corto stoplight). There will be traffic signage and personnel directing you to your unloading area.
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Check-in Necessities

  • Please have the following ready...
    • A valid form of photo identification (Driver’s License, Passport, Access Card, etc.) to check in. 
    • Mobile phone: all students will be required to scan a QR code, allowing them to check in via our online booking system.
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Unloading

Please be mindful of your fellow students moving in by unloading quickly and driving your vehicle to long-term parking.

Please print and bring the move-in permit on your move-in day that was in the confirmation email you received after selecting a move-in time. The permit contains information about where to park and unload. Between 9:00am and 5:00pm, the permit is valid on your move-in day while you are actively unloading in the designated areas listed below: (click on the link to find your apartment's location within the complex.)

  • Santa Ynez Apartments - Parking Lot 57
  • El Dorado Apartments - Parking Lot 44
  • Westgate Apartments - Parking Lot 43
  • Santa Ynez, El Dorado, and Westgate Apartments are all two-story buildings connected by stairs. There is no elevator access to second-floor apartments.
  • After unloading, vehicles are required to move immediately to long-term parking in
    • El Dorado residents - Parking Lot 57
    • Santa Ynez residents can remain in Parking Lot 57
    • Westgate residents can remain in Parking Lot 43
  • After 5:00pm, and on your move-in day only, vehicles may return to the above unloading areas for additional unloading.

Please print and bring the move-in permit on your move-in day that was in the confirmation email you received after selecting a move-in time. The permit contains information about where to park and unload. Between 9:00am and 5:00pm, the permit is valid on your move-in day while you are actively unloading in the designated unloading areas listed below:

  • San Joaquin Villages residents will unload along the promenades located within the San Joaquin Villages apartment complex. 
  • There is one elevator per each of the two towers and one in each of the clusters in North Village, which is accessible via bridge walks between the buildings. You can see the locations of elevators and apartments via the San Joaquin building layout map.
  • After unloading, vehicles must move immediately to long-term parking in Parking Lot 38.
  • A shuttle service will be provided between Parking Lot 38 and San Joaquin Villages. Large appliances or furniture are not allowed on shuttle buses.
  • After 5:00pm, and on your move-in day only, vehicles may return to the above unloading areas for additional unloading.
  • A small, limited number of move-in carts will be available to residents on a first-come, first-serve basis. We highly encourage you to bring your own equipment (hand trucks, dollys, etc.) to assist with moving if you feel it is necessary.
    • When using moving carts:
      • Please be mindful of others. Take only one cart, and transfer your belongings as quickly as possible. 
      • Please do not keep empty carts in your room while setting up and do not leave empty carts in the hallways. Thank you in advance for your consideration.

Please print and bring the move-in permit on your move-in day that was in the confirmation email you received after selecting a move-in time. The permit contains information about where to park and unload. Between 9:00am and 5:00pm, the permit is valid on your move-in day while you are actively unloading in the designated unloading areas listed below:

  • Sierra Madre Villages residents will unload in Parking Lot 65
  • Sierra Madre Villages is comprised of three-story buildings with elevator access. Please check the Sierra Madre map to find elevator and apartment locations. Please note: Naciamento and Toluca share an elevator and are connected via landings on each floor.
  • After unloading, vehicles must move immediately to long-term parking in Parking Lot 38.
  • A shuttle service will be provided between Parking Lot 38 and Sierra Madre Villages. Large appliances or furniture are not allowed on shuttle buses.
  • After 5:00pm, and on your move-in day only, vehicles may return to the above unloading areas for additional unloading.
  • A small, limited number of move-in carts will be available to residents on a first-come, first-serve basis. We highly encourage you to bring your own equipment (hand trucks, dollys, etc.) to assist with moving if you feel it is necessary.
    • When using moving carts:
      • Please be mindful of others. Take only one cart, and transfer your belongings as quickly as possible. 
      • Please do not keep empty carts in your room while setting up and do not leave empty carts in the hallways. Thank you in advance for your consideration.

Important Information

  • Upon moving in, please inspect your new space (including all common areas and bathrooms) for any damages.
  • Please submit a move-in condition form via our online work order system on our Get it Fixed page.
  • Each resident must submit their own move-in condition form.
  • If you do not submit a move-in condition form within 72 hours of checking in, you accept the space as is and assume liability for the condition of your unit.
  • Any damages that are not reported and need to be repaired after move-out will be charged to your BARC account.
  • Establish ownership in case your bike is stolen! Bike theft is the number one crime at UCSB. Register your bike on the Community Service Officer's Online Bicycle Registration page. The cost to register is $10, paid by credit card.
  • For more information about UCSB's Bicycle Program, including campus rules and regulations, please visit the UCSB Police Department's website.
  • Apartment offices can issue you a temporary key if you get locked out of your bedroom/apartment.
  • Offices are open Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm (closed 12:00pm - 1:00pm).
  • If you need assistance after 5:00pm or on weekends, please call the RA On-Call.
  • Please visit our Mail web page for information on receiving mail and how to address your packages.
  • The What’s My Address page is particularly important. Depending on the carrier, it will help you properly address your mail and packages
  • Please do not address mail or packages to your University housing that are slated to arrive before move-in day, as buildings are locked, and these packages are returned as undeliverable.
  • UCSB Residential Dining offers students not living in the residence halls the option to eat in the University-owned dining commons during the academic year and the summer.
  • Please visit Campus Dining's Off Campus Meal Plan page for more information.

We recommend that residents reach out to their roommates to coordinate what they will bring to the room to allow residents to maximize the space in their rooms. All apartments are fully furnished, and the following is already included:

  • Bedrooms are carpeted and contain an extra-long twin-size bed, a closet, a drawer, a desk, and a chair for each student.
  • Kitchens have vinyl flooring and cabinets, a sink with a garbage disposal, a stove, an oven, and a refrigerator.
  • Living/Dining Rooms are carpeted and furnished with a couch, chair, end tables, coffee table, lamps, dining table, and dining chairs.
  • Santa Ynez apartments also contain an entertainment center cabinet.
  • Bathrooms have a tub-shower unit, wash basin, toilet and medicine cabinets.

At a minimum, each resident should bring:

  • pillow and pillowcase
  • sheets and mattress cover (beds are extra-long twin-size)
  • blankets
  • towels
  • bathrobe and shower shoes
  • toiletries and carrying caddy
  • multiple surgical masks, KN94, KN95 or N95
  • a thermometer
  • headphones
  • a set of personal reusable cutlery and reusable cloth napkins

Many residents may also want to bring:

  • a laundry basket and detergent
  • decorations – push pins for posters, etc.
  • filtered water pitcher (e.g. Brita or Pur)
  • hot beverage mug, reusable water bottle, plates, bowls, utensils, and cooking equipment
  • items to keep your space clean and tidy
  • bicycle, helmet, U-Lock, and bike light (put lock and light on bike before leaving home)
  • computer and printer
  • high quality surge protector(s)
  • small fan
  • rain gear
  • small desk lamp
  • lawn chair for outdoor social distancing meetings
  • if you're planning to work on-campus, or anywhere in the local area, you will need to have original documentation to verify your eligibility to work; see these links for more information US Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS) acceptable documents and Employment Eligibility Verification form (see page 3).

The following items are NOT allowed:

  • explosives, firearms, or other weapons
  • illegal drugs or alcohol
  • empty alcohol containers as decorations
  • torchiere-style (floor lamps), halogen, or incandescent lamps
  • waterbeds
  • pets (no unapproved pets allowed in buildings at any time, especially during Move-In)
  • For students, a valid parking ePermit is mandatory for all vehicles parked in Campus Housing areas. Students bringing a car to campus must purchase a parking ePermit through Transportation & Parking Services. Please visit our Parking page for helpful information relevant to our communities.
  • Please note: All UCSB parking permits have transitioned to a virtual ePermit parking system. The UCSB ePermit system associates your vehicle’s license plate with your parking account. The UCSB ePermit allows one vehicle to be associated with your parking ePermit. Please be prepared to provide a copy of your vehicle's DMV registration upon application.
  • We understand that some available move-in times may not work for students observing Yom Kippur. If this applies to you, please note that you may sign up for any available move-in day and time.
  • To learn more, please review the Religious Holiday Conflicts policy.
  • UCSB Conference & Hospitality Services offers September Temporary Housing as a basic accommodation option for UCSB students seeking permanent local housing or while they wait for their fall housing to begin. 
  • This program is available only to UCSB students with valid PERM numbers.
  • Meals are not included.
  • Rooms are booked on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • For more information and to register, visit Conference & Hospitality Services September Temporary Housing web page.
  • Connecting to eduroam:
    • When prompted for a username, type YourNetID@ ucsb.edu. The @ucsb.edu is required, or the login will not work.
    • For the password, use your UCSB NetID password.
    • If prompted about a security certificate, choose ignore/accept/continue/trust etc.
    • If you have any problems, please visit ResNet's FAQ page. If you continue to experience issues connecting to WiFi, please submit a support request.

We support waste reduction, reuse and recycling! To avoid unnecessary waste and save money, please follow these “Zero Waste Move-In Tips.”

  • Space is tight ─ so less is more (less stuff = more space to relax).
  • Only pack what you need. Buy supplies that you know you will use. It is exciting to buy all new materials, but it is very easy to create a lot of waste. Start with what you already have and buy the essentials; you can always get more later.
  • Discuss what appliances you plan to bring with your roommates. Be mindful of your shared space and try to make arrangements to share items such as an iron or television to ensure everyone is comfortable.
  • Don’t buy “just in case” items. You can usually borrow items from your neighbors and friends or find free resources around campus. Learn about programs on campus that help students get essential items.
  • Donate, donate, donate. Luckily, the laundry room is never too far. Take this opportunity to purge your closet (or leave it behind for now) and bring what you will use. Donate clothes and other items that you don’t need or want!
  • Pack with what you have. Laundry baskets, storage bins, drawers, baskets, pillowcases, towels, and other reusable materials can be used as packing materials. Avoid using plastic trash bags. Use recycled boxes if needed ─ check a local grocery store, liquor store, or your workplace for secondhand boxes.
  • Re-use those boxes. Fold the flaps of your cardboard boxes so they will not require tape. Instead of bubble wrap, try household towels or newspapers for fragile items. Make sure to reuse or recycle all of your packaging later. Avoid using tape if possible, as it makes recycling cardboard harder.
  • Used items are even better than new ones! You can buy used textbooks, iClickers, furniture, decorations, clothing, and more. Textbook and item exchange pages through Facebook are specific for UCSB students and the Santa Barbara community. You can also rent textbooks through the UCSB Library and iClickers Associated Students. ​

Follow the above tips, and together, we can make a difference in supporting UCSB on its way to becoming a sustainable community!