Off Campus Housing

Off-Campus Housing

Students choosing to live off-campus do so for a variety of reasons; e.g., individual living opportunities, affordability, etc.

The community of Merced provides a variety of off-campus housing options. For undocumented students here are some helpful tips when looking for off-campus housing:

Are utilities included in the rent?
Can I purchase an on-campus meal plan?
Do I require a furnished or unfurnished location?
Do I rent month to month?
Do I sign a year-long lease?
Is a credit check required?
Is a deposit required?
Is a social security number required?
Is the location on the CatTracks Bus route?
Is there a fee for the credit check?

I am looking for an off-campus place to live. What should I do?
The Student Housing Office has a variety of resources available to assist those who are looking for a place to live. Resources include:

• The OFF-CAMPUS DATABASE can be searched if you are looking for a place to live, or even a roommate. Go to och.ucmerced.edu and follow the links.
• Information for both first time renters and students who have rented before.
• Information and advising on landlord/tenant rights and responsibilities
• Information and forms helping to make your off-campus living experience successful!

What types of listings are on the och.ucmerced.edu site?

• Houses, Apartments and Condos
• Rooms in Private Homes
• Roommates Wanted

I am on the waiting list for On-Campus Housing. What should I do?
First of all, decide if you want to look at off-campus housing as a permanent solution for the year, or if you may want to move to campus when/if your name comes up on the waiting list.

If you decide to live off campus as a temporary solution, and want to move on-campus if space allows, don’t commit to a lease. A lease is a binding contract, just like student housing on campus. You might want to look for a month-to-month agreement where you can move out with 30 days notice. Often, the best place to find these agreements is in a room in a private home or an apartment complex that agrees to those terms.

Can I buy meals and eat on campus?
Yes, anyone may purchase food at Valley Dining and the Library Café. You may pay using cash. For the quickest service, put dining credit on your Cat Card so you can simply swipe your card at the cashier station and go.

What do I do if I need furniture?
Some apartments and homes may be furnished. If yours is not, look for garage sales, discount stores, or in your parent’s garage! Don’t think you cannot live without a full living room suite, however. Talk to your roommates, and pool your resources.

Speaking of Roommates…What do I do if we don’t get along?
First of all, pick your battles! Don’t let every little thing get to you. It will be a very long year if you start that way! Try to take care of problems “in house”. Work together to find solutions to your problems and if that doesn’t work, ask a mutual acquaintance to act as a mediator. Then LISTEN to one another and take steps to work it out. Don’t talk to others about your problems behind one another’s backs. This only makes things worse. Try treating your roommate as well as you would treat a guest in your home.

I won’t have a car. What type of transportation is available to me?
Commuting between campus and off-campus is quite simple. UC Merced students utilize the university shuttle system, CatTracks. The CatTracks shuttles transport students to the varied off-campus housing and to varied student destination within the Merced community; e.g., mall, movies, restaurants, etc. CatTracks routes are available online and assist students in coordinating their daily travels. 

In addition, the Merced County Transit also offers municipal bus service, The Bus, for Merced County and Turlock in neighboring Stanislaus County. 

My financial aid was calculated for living on-campus. Now what do I do?
As soon as you know you will be living off campus, contact the financial aid office at finaid@ucmerced.edu for more information. The estimated cost varies with on and off-campus living. Do not wait until it is too late.

What advice would you give a first time renter?

• Read what is available on the off-campus site and become familiar with it.
• Choose your residence for the year carefully. Think about transportation issues, safety issues, and where your friends will be living. Keep all these things in mind when you are looking over a lease.
• Do not hurry to sign something and think you will “work out the details later”. Later is never better.
• Find and carefully choose your roommates. Sit down before you sign together and ask a lot of questions. Having a roommate you don’t mind coming home to help to make your life in the apartment less stressful.
• Don’t think just because you are off-campus means you can just sit home! We need you to join a club, help volunteer at campus activities, and gain leadership experience. Contact Student Life, (209) 381-4163, or stop by and visit with people.

Merced Off-Campus Apartment Communities
UC Merced does not investigate, endorses, or guarantee the accuracy of any listings referrals, the quality of the facility listed, or the listed individuals, companies, or firms. UC Merced does not investigate, endorses, or guarantee the suitability of those responding to the listing. Users of this listing communicate and contract with each other individually and at their own risk. The Regents, officers, agents, and employees of the University of California shall not be liable for any actions occurring as result of arrangements made between users of this listing or for any errors or omissions made in compilation or print of the listings.

Off Campus Housing

AREA 1

AREA 2

AREA 3

AREA 4

Please refer to the map for location and proximity to the UC Merced campus.

Merced Station:

Layout: Fully furnished bedrooms with a full-size bed and a private bathroom. Living space has a couch, coffee table, and Smart 55" TV. There is also a balcony with each unit with provided patio furniture. Washer and dryer included in each unit.

Amenities: 

• Club House with study and entertainment spaces
• Huge gym
• 2 Pools
• Grilling areas
• Dog park
• and more! 

Rates (includes all utilities and complete furnishings):

• 2 bedrooms - $779 - $1099
• 3 bedroom - $999
• 4 bedroom - $699 - $929

Leasing: Individual leases.

Must meet 1 of these to qualify to rent:

• Income per month is 2.5 times the rent owed
• Put down 2 month's rent as a fully refundable deposit
• Have a guarantor/co-signer that meets the income requirement

Must also have some form of Renter's Insurance for up to $100,000 of coverage.

• Can use your Parent's Insurance
• Purchase their Peak Renter's Insurance for $17/month
• Covers your personal property as well

Pre-leasing for Fall 2021 begins on Monday, October 12. There is a one-time $50 application fee and a one-time $99 telecommunication fee. Virtual tours will be offered in November and physical tours will be offered in January. 

More Information:

Phone: (209) 3200-1800

Email: mercedstation@peakcampus.com

Website: https://www.mercedstation.com/