So now that you are half-relieved, having finalized your destination as UC Irvine (good choice) and you are almost done or in the process of completing your visa formalities, let me help you tackle the next big thing on your agenda, housing!
I can absolutely relate to the storm that will slowly start rising in your mind as firstly, you are an international student and in most cases, you will not be here in person to look at the apartments and make a decision, but worry not my friend, we are here to help. Generally getting on-campus housing is difficult for incoming master’s students though it is guaranteed for PhD candidates. But not to panic, there are plenty of options within just a 2 mile radius around the campus. Firstly, get in touch with seniors as they will be your guiding light in these matters. There are plenty of ways to do this: join Facebook UCI housing groups, contact continuing students via social networking sites, or just contact your mentor and (s)he will help you or guide you to a resourceful person.
Most of the apartment communities here are run by The Irvine Company and they offer a lot of options within walkable distance from the campus, one being University Town Center (UTC) comprising of Stanford Court, Harvard Court, Darthmouth etc. These come at a higher price due to their location, a 2bed/2bath apartment here will be around $2800/month. There are a couple supermarkets on campus where students living on campus or in UTC generally buy groceries from- Trader Joes and Albertsons. The next community is Parkwest Apartments which is approx. 2 miles from campus. Here you will get a 2bed/2bath apartment around $2400/month and a 3bed/2bath for approx. $3000/month. They also offer 2bed/1bath, 1 bed/1bath etc. This community if preferred due to its proximity to an Indian grocery store- Wholesome Choice. The other popular option is Toscana Apartments, 1.6 miles from campus, where you get a 2bed/2bath for around $2400/month. This community is near Jamboree Promenade, a shopping complex, and Mother’s Market, a grocery store. The above 3 listed are the most popular, apart from that we also have Villa Siena, 1.7 miles from campus, and the list goes on. These communities listed are well connected by OCTA bus service and students can also bike down to the university in 10-15 min. UCI also offers Anteater express (W-line) that runs through Parkwest, Toscana and Villa Sienna.
The max occupancy in a 2bed/2bath is generally 5 people, 3bed/3bath is 7 and 1bed/1bath is 3. So relax as these costs will get divided among you and your roommates. Almost all of the have a pool, club house, gym, study spaces etc. The prices listed here are approximate and you can look into the websites for the current year rates. Utilities cost extra. All these communities are safe and you can get your queries answered by contacting students living there or checking reviews online. To book your apartment, they generally do not accept international payment, hence again, get in touch with seniors currently residing there to help you out or you can ask your relative/friends in the USA to make the payment on your behalf.
Last but not least, take a look at the Off Campus Housing Website; it will be helpful. I hope this helps you get a head start on your housing related issues. Remember, it is not as daunting of a task as it seems to be and we are all here to help. So happy house hunting!
UC Irvine Graduate Interconnect Program 