Finding the right place to live at UC Santa Barbara is as much a part of the Gaucho experience as sunny bike rides along the coast or cheering on UCSB athletics. Whether you’re a freshman settling into your first year before earning your bachelor cap and gown, a master’s student balancing classes and research, or a PhD candidate deep into dissertation work and future doctoral regalia, UCSB offers housing that combines breathtaking scenery with a strong sense of community.
This CAPGOWN guide walks you through UCSB’s most popular housing options — from the lively energy of Santa Catalina to the academically focused Anacapa — plus graduate housing that supports research, family life, and independent living. Expect insider tips, fun facts, and r/UCSantaBarbara student opinions to help you choose the perfect home base.
Santa Catalina – Social, Scenic & Steps from the Beach
Address: Santa Catalina Dorms, University of California-Santa Barbara, CA 93106
Santa Catalina, affectionately known as “FT” (for its location in Isla Vista’s Francisco Torres area), is UCSB’s largest residence hall and a hub for first-year social life.
Why CAPGOWN Bachelor Students Love It:
- Lively, community-focused atmosphere.
- Frequent social events and themed floors.
- Easy beach access for surfing, volleyball, and sunsets.
Fun Fact: Santa Catalina is split into two towers — North and South — with a pool in between, making it one of the few dorms in the UC system with resort-like amenities.
r/UCSantaBarbara Says:
“FT is wild, but you’ll never be bored.”
“If you want the classic UCSB social scene, this is it.”
San Nicolas – Classic Dorm Vibes & Ocean Views
Address: 5221 University Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93106
San Nicolas offers a more traditional residence hall experience, but with one of the most unique perks in the UC system — panoramic ocean views.
Why CAPGOWN Bachelor & Master’s Students Love It:
- Prime location on the main campus loop.
- Unmatched sunsets from the windows.
- Strong floor communities and supportive RAs.
Fun Fact: Santa Nicolas is named after one of the Channel Islands off the Santa Barbara coast. Residents love spotting dolphins from their lounge windows.
r/UCSantaBarbara Says:
“Waking up to the ocean view is unbeatable.”
“Feels like a small community in the middle of a big campus.”
San Miguel – Central & Convenient
Address: 552 University Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93106
San Miguel’s location puts you right in the middle of campus action. It’s one of the closest dorms to the University Center (UCen) and multiple dining halls.
Why CAPGOWN Bachelor & Master’s Students Love It:
- Minutes from lectures, dining, and the library.
- Tight-knit resident floors.
- Great for busy schedules and quick meal breaks.
Fun Fact: San Miguel and its neighbor San Nicolas are nicknamed “the San’s” by students — living in one usually means you’ll be friends with residents in the other.
r/UCSantaBarbara Says:
“You can literally roll out of bed and be in class in five minutes.”
“Great if you want everything within walking distance.”
Santa Rosa – Engaged, Active & Theme-Focused
Address: Santa Rosa Hall, Santa Barbara, CA 93117
Santa Rosa is known for its themed living communities and engaging residential programs, making it perfect for students who want to dive into campus involvement.
Why CAPGOWN Bachelor & Master’s Students Love It:
- Built-in opportunities to connect through themed housing.
- Centrally located near bike paths and dining.
- Active social and academic programming.
Fun Fact: Santa Rosa has hosted everything from surf clubs to cultural exchange floors — residents often join organizations right in their own hall.
r/UCSantaBarbara Says:
“Santa Rosa is for the joiners — if you want to be involved, it’s perfect.”
“Smaller feel but still close to everything.”
Anacapa – Suite-Style & Study-Friendly
Address: Anacapa Hall, Santa Barbara, CA 93117
Anacapa offers a quieter, more academically focused environment with suite-style living — perfect for students who want both comfort and community.
Why CAPGOWN Bachelor & Master’s Students Love It:
- Private bedrooms with shared suite spaces.
- Strong study culture and respectful atmosphere.
- Located near the Recreation Center and Storke Tower.
Fun Fact: Anacapa residents are known for forming “study squads” that meet regularly in the shared lounges.
r/UCSantaBarbara Says:
“Perfect if you want to actually sleep and focus.”
“The suite setup is a game-changer.”
Graduate Housing at UC Santa Barbara – Independent, Affordable & Coastal
UCSB’s graduate housing options give master’s and PhD students the balance they need — with quiet living, family accommodations, and ocean-adjacent locations.
San Clemente Villages – Grad-Only Apartments
Address: 6510 El Colegio Rd, Goleta, CA 93117
San Clemente Villages offer furnished apartments for single graduate students.
Why CAPGOWN Master’s & PhD Students Love It:
- Private bedrooms in 2- or 4-bedroom units.
- Graduate-only community for focus and networking.
- Short bike ride to campus and Isla Vista.
Fun Fact: San Clemente is LEED-certified, making it one of the most eco-friendly housing complexes in the UC system.
r/UCSantaBarbara Says:
“San Clemente is the sweet spot — affordable and full of grad students.”
“It’s quiet but not isolated.”
Storke Family Student Housing – Family-Friendly Living
Address: 786 Laurel Walk, Goleta, CA 93117
Designed for graduate students with partners or children, Storke Family Housing offers townhomes with easy campus access.
Why CAPGOWN Graduate Families Love It:
- Spacious units with playgrounds and community gardens.
- Close to parks, schools, and grocery stores.
- Strong family-oriented community.
Fun Fact: Storke is so close to the beach that many residents end their workday with sunset walks.
r/UCSantaBarbara Says:
“The community here is amazing for kids.”
“Hands down the best location if you have a family.”
Westgate Apartments – Affordable & Walkable
Address: 6543 El Colegio Rd, Goleta, CA 93117
Westgate offers affordable one-bedroom apartments for single graduate students or couples without children.
Why CAPGOWN Master’s Students Love It:
- Budget-friendly rent compared to Isla Vista.
- Walking distance to campus and bus lines.
- Quiet, low-key environment.
Fun Fact: Westgate residents often organize weekend potlucks — it’s one of the most social grad housing options without being loud.
r/UCSantaBarbara Says:
“Small but cozy. Feels like a neighborhood.”
“Perfect balance of price and location.”
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re catching your first Isla Vista sunset from Santa Catalina, hosting a study session in Anacapa, or raising a family in Storke Housing, UC Santa Barbara offers housing to match every stage of your academic journey. Each location blends the campus’s coastal charm with the resources and community you need to succeed.
And when it’s finally time to cross the stage, CAPGOWN will be there to help you look the part — with premium UCSB bachelor cap and gown sets, master’s regalia, and doctoral gowns designed for Gauchos who want to graduate in style.
No matter where you lived, celebrate your UCSB journey the CAPGOWN way — with tradition, comfort, and quality that matches your accomplishments.
