For UCSB students seeking affordable housing, the Santa Barbara Student Housing Coop (SBSHC) is based in Isla Vista and offers affordable housing in Isla Vista in six different houses.

UCSB Students also move to off-campus apartments in the nearby city of Goleta. There’s Encina Meadows on Encina Road, which offers 1- and 2-bedroom apartments. Down Hollister Avenue, there is the Oasis Apartments, Villa La Esperanza, and Dearborn Green Apartments.

Additionally, UCSB students can opt to rent off-campus apartments in downtown Santa Barbara. There is the Rosewood Apt and Ivy at Anapamu on West Anapamu Street. There is also the CityWalk Apartments.

There are plenty of restaurants close to off-campus apartments near UCSB. In Isla Vista, there’s Pardall Road: Subway, Woodstock’s Pizza Isla Vista, Spudnuts Donuts Isla Vista, Freebirds, Blaze Pizza, Sam’s to Go, Buddha Bowls, Wecook, Domino’s, and IV Bagel Cafe.

In Goleta’s Camino Real Marketplace, there’s quick eats at Choppa Poke, Cajun Kitchen, Lilly’s Taqueria, Natural Cafe, and Chili’s.

Around the surrounding Goleta and Santa Barbara area, there are options for those 21+, such as M Special Brewing Company, Hollister Brewing Company, and Draughtsmen Aleworks, and Captain Fatty’s Brewery.

The Metropolitan Transit District (MTD) runs a local bus service between North Goleta and Carpinteria. It services UCSB's campus with its primary drop off and pick-up point at the bus loop (North Hall stop) and the Student Affairs and Administrative Services (SAASB) building.

UCSB students can ride MTD at no extra cost by using their student ID (ACCESS Card). Students often use Line 28, which runs between The Camino Real Marketplace, Isla Vista, and UCSB.

University of California – Santa Barbara Students living off-campus may opt to drive to and from campus instead of using public transportation or a bike. UCSB students who live more than two miles from campus are eligible for a quarterly “C” parking permit.

These permits cost $120 every quarter, or $450 for an annual permit (July through June). Annual permits are prorated, and students are charged for the remainder of the period.

For students living in off-campus housing in Isla Vista, they are ineligible for the “C” Parking Permit and can get to campus by walking, skating, or biking, or buying a 22 IVA Permit or 38 IVA Permit. The permits allow students to park in 22 Parking or 38 Parking.

The University of California - Santa Barbara uses UCSB Alert to deploy notifications to the UCSB community during an emergency. By default, all students are automatically enrolled for this free service.

UCSB also has the Community Service Organization (CSO), a professional unit of the campus police department staffed by UCSB students. CSO officers provide safety escorts throughout campus and Isla Vista, serve as security in residence halls and campus events and maintain bicycle registration and safety programs.

In Goleta, near off-campus housing in Isla Vista, there is a Costco, Albertsons, Smart & Final, and Target for students’ grocery shopping needs. On Sundays, there is also the Santa Barbara Farmers Market for farm-fresh groceries.

In Goleta’s Calle Real Shopping Center, there’s also Trader Joe’s, Walgreens, CVS, and Albertsons. The nearby Fairview Center has Michaels, Rite Aid, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Sprouts Farmers Market.

In downtown Santa Barbara, there’s shopping mall, Paseo Nuevo, which offers different eateries and retail options. Students can shop at H&M and Sephora or eat at Eureka!, California Pizza Kitchen, and more.