Student Life Resources

2–5 km radius city life information around the university: housing, supermarkets, dining, transit, safety, healthcare, and job market insights.

University of California, Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, California · United States

Redwood forest campus · coastal college town

UC Santa Cruz sits on a hilltop redwood forest overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Within a short distance, students can reach campus residential colleges, downtown Santa Cruz cafés, the beach and the famous Beach Boardwalk. It combines a quiet, nature-focused campus with a relaxed coastal student community.

Car-free living possible between campus & downtown Living cost: medium–high for a coastal California town Growing opportunities in tech, games & research in Santa Cruz–Silicon Valley

Scan city card QR code

Students and partners can open this UC Santa Cruz city card directly on mobile by scanning the QR code.

Housing & Food

Typical housing cost: $950–$1,400 / month (shared); $1,900–$2,600 / month (1B)
Food near campus: Dining halls + downtown cafés + local markets

More housing & food details

Student areas: residential colleges, campus apartments, downtown, Seabright, Westside
Housing reality: beach/downtown areas cost more; many students share rooms to reduce rent
Groceries: $60–$90 / week depending on cooking habits
Local style: farmers markets and natural food stores are popular

Transportation

Car-free living: Possible with UCSC shuttles + Santa Cruz Metro buses
Airport access: ~45–60 min to SJC; ~75–90 min to SFO (traffic dependent)

More transportation notes

Campus shuttles: serve colleges, campus core, and key off-campus stops
Hills factor: biking is easy downhill; uphill returns are steep—plan time/effort
Weekend travel: some students share cars for groceries and Bay Area trips

Safety & Emergency Support

Emergency: Call 911 for immediate danger or serious injury
Official support: UCSC Police Department · Cowell Student Health Center · CAPS (Counseling & Psychological Services)

Emergency checklist (save to your phone)

Campus safety: UCSC Police (non-emergency info available on their site)
Health services: Cowell Student Health Center · Contact & Nurse Advice Line
24/7 mental health crisis support: CAPS Get Help Now
Nearest hospital / ER (Santa Cruz): Dominican Hospital Emergency Care
Safety habits: use well-lit routes at night, keep valuables secure, and save emergency contacts.

Note: This section provides general guidance and official links only. It does not provide emergency services.

Cost of Living & Budget Planning

Living cost level: Higher than U.S. average due to coastal housing prices
Planning rule: Keep housing within ~50–65% of your monthly budget

Cost breakdown & planning tips

Main costs: rent, food, transportation, utilities
One-time costs: deposits, basic furniture, moving/setup costs
Emergency buffer: plan 1–2 months of essential expenses
Important note: planning guidance only; no financial aid implied

Work / Internship & Local Economy

Local strengths: Tourism, outdoor recreation, research + Silicon Valley connections
Student pathways: On-campus jobs + research roles + SV internships

More about internships & career support

Part-time work: cafés, shops, tourism-related roles in Santa Cruz
Internships: tech and research opportunities tied to San Jose/Silicon Valley
Commute: ~45–60 minutes to San Jose area depending on traffic
Career support: Career Success resources and Handshake postings

Weekend Life & City Experience

Nature & coastline: Redwoods, coastal trails, beaches, and state parks nearby
City vibe: Relaxed surf-and-music college town with festivals & arts

Weekend travel & lifestyle details

Popular weekends: beach days, hiking, Boardwalk visits
Short trips: Monterey or Bay Area day trips (often by car-share)
Best fit: students who want outdoors + a laid-back coastal lifestyle

Official Links

University homepage Global / International office Silicon Valley Extension Professional Education On-campus housing Off-campus housing Student Health & Counseling Campus Police Local transit Career Success (Career Center)

City Life Photos

Dining and cafés around UC Santa Cruz campus

Forest-style cafés and student dining spots around UC Santa Cruz.

Beaches and coastal views near UC Santa Cruz

Beaches and coastal views a short ride from the UCSC campus.

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk with seaside rides, games, and evening lights.

Redwood forest trail above the Pacific Ocean, a favorite hiking and biking route for UC Santa Cruz students.