In order to make your college years as comfortable and stress-free as possible, it’s important to get a feel for what dorm life is like at your top-choice school.
Luckily, California’s UC Santa Barbara (UCSB) offers a wide variety of housing options that can appeal to just about any type of student. Here are the top 5 dorms at UCSB:
1. San Joaquin Villages

UC SANTA BARBARA’S NEWEST APARTMENT COMPLEX for third and fourth-year undergraduate students, this urban-style housing is a short off-street bike ride from the middle of campus and is conveniently located adjacent to four bus lines. San Joaquin has four Faculty-in-Residence who advise residents and provide opportunities for residents to meet other faculty members. Professional live-in staff and Resident Assistants are available for after-hours assistance and community building.
UCSB San Joaquin Village Cost
ROOM TYPE | Semester Rate |
---|---|
3 Bedroom (3 occupants/room) | $701 (per month/person*) |
3 Bedroom (2 occupants/room) | $797 (per month/person*) |
2. Manzanita Village

MANZANITA VILLAGE RESIDENCE HALL is situated on the bluffs above the Pacific Ocean and campus lagoon, offering stunning views and a ‘family style’ of living with seventeen buildings housing smaller undergraduate communities. Nearby San Rafael Residence Hall and Manzanita share a Faculty-in-Residence who advises residents and provides opportunities for residents to meet other faculty members. Professional live-in staff and Resident Assistants are available for after-hours assistance and community building.
UCSB Manazanita Village Cost
ROOM TYPE | Academic Year Rate With Silver Meal Plan |
---|---|
Single room | $20,365 |
Double room | $18,820 |
Small double room | $15,524 |
Triple room | $17,275 |
3. Santa Ynez

THE SANTA YNEZ APARTMENT COMPLEX for third and fourth-year undergraduate students is conveniently located between the main campus and Isla Vista, and is accessible via bus or an off-street bike path. Santa Ynez has wonderful views of the mountains, BBQ areas throughout the complex, three community centers, a fitness center, and many open spaces for playing and studying. Professional live-in staff and Resident Assistants are available for after-hours assistance and community building.
UCSB Santa Ynez Cost
Room Type | Semester Rate |
---|---|
2 Bedroom (3 occupants/room) | $701 (per month/person*) |
2 Bedroom (2 occupants/room) | $797 (per month/person*) |
4. Anacapa

ANACAPA RESIDENCE HALL is home to undergraduate students and is a short walk to Campus Point Beach, one of the most popular surfing spots in Santa Barbara. Various rooms have beautiful views of the ocean, campus, mountains, and spacious lawns, and the building features a large community lounge for events and studying, a classroom, and a recreation room with a pool table, ping pong, foosball, air hockey, and more. Professional live-in staff and Resident Assistants are available for after-hours assistance and community building.
UCSB Anacapa Hall Cost
ROOM TYPE | Academic Year Rate With Silver Meal Plan |
---|---|
Single room | $20,365 |
Double room | $18,820 |
Small double room | $15,524 |
Triple room | $17,275 |
5. Santa Catalina

SANTA CATALINA RESIDENCE HALL is UC Santa Barbara’s largest residence hall for undergraduate students. It consists of two separate towers with North Tower spanning 11 floors and South Tower, 10 floors. Many rooms offer stunning views of the ocean, mountains, and surrounding community. This urban-style residence hall is a one-mile off-street bike ride from the middle of campus and is conveniently located adjacent to four bus lines. Professional live-in staff and Resident Assistants are available for after-hours assistance and community building.
UCSB Santa Catalina Hall Cost
ROOM TYPE | Academic Year Rate With Silver Meal Plan |
---|---|
Single room | $20,365 |
Double room | $18,820 |
Small double room | $15,524 |
Triple room | $17,275 |
Here are other UCSB dorms for First-Year Undergraduate Students
El Dorado Apartments
San Joaquin Villages
Santa Ynez Apartments
Sierra Madre Villages
Tropicana Villas
Westgate Apartments
San Clemente Villages