Housing
Welcome to the Westcliff University Student Housing Resource Guide, designed to assist students transitioning to life at Westcliff University. Whether you’re a new student or returning, this guide provides essential information about housing options, local neighborhoods, and tips for securing accommodation. Our goal is to help make your move to Westcliff as smooth as possible so you can focus on your academic and personal success.
All housing possibilities below and others listed on the university website are unaffiliated with Westcliff and are provided solely to help your search.
Always be alert for possible housing scams, such as requests for upfront payment before seeing a property, or rent quotes that are suspiciously low.
Always verify the legitimacy of listings and avoid sharing personal or financial information until you are confident about the arrangement. The university is not responsible for housing transactions and encourages you to research thoroughly before committing to any agreement.
Roommate Matching
Roommate matching connects you with others seeking shared housing arrangements, helping you find your ideal living situation. Check out these platforms to discover your next home or roommate:
Join the Westcliff Student Life community to connect with other WU students searching for roommates or rooms. It’s a great way to meet fellow students looking for housing arrangements that suit your needs! If you’re interested in joining, contact your advisor.
Meet and chat with fellow WU students looking for roommates or rooms via WhatsApp. Join WU Student Life Community for group access! If you’re interested in joining, contact your advisor.
Housing options in the area:
- Distance from John Wayne Airport (SNA): 0-20 miles
- Description: Orange County is known for its coastal cities like Newport Beach and Huntington Beach, as well as suburban areas like Irvine and Anaheim. It’s family-friendly, with excellent schools, parks, and a strong job market. The area has a mix of high-end living and more affordable suburban options.
Close to Campus options:
- Woodbridge Apartments (844)836-9438 – 50 Eastshore, Irvine, CA 92604
- Avalon Apartments (949)596-4455 – 2777 Alton Parkway, Irvine, CA 92606
- Heritage Point Apartments (877)899-4214 – 4 Austin, Irvine, CA 92604
- Axis 2300 Apartments (657)237-7195 – 2300 DuPont Dr., Irvine CA 92612
- 109 Irvine Inn Apartments (Studios only) – 2810 Warner Ave, Irvine CA 92606
- Cypress Village Apartments (844)633-7202 – 100 Grand Canal, Irvine, CA 92620
- Horizon (957)366-4098 – 2414 N. Tustin, Santa Ana, CA 92705
- Pacific Wood Apartments (949)386-1383 – 16350 S Harbor Blvd. Santa Ana, CA 92704
- Distance from John Wayne Airport (SNA): 40-60 miles
- Description: Los Angeles County is a diverse urban area with a mix of glamorous neighborhoods like Beverly Hills and Santa Monica, alongside more affordable areas like Long Beach or Koreatown. The cost varies greatly depending on the neighborhood. LA is known for its entertainment industry, busy nightlife, and heavy traffic.
- Distance from John Wayne Airport (SNA): 45-90 miles
- Description: San Diego County offers coastal living with areas like La Jolla and Pacific Beach, and suburban options inland. Known for its laid-back vibe, great weather, and beaches, it’s also home to a strong military presence. San Diego has a high cost of living but offers a more relaxed pace than LA.
- Distance from John Wayne Airport (SNA): 50-80 miles
- Description: San Bernardino County is a more affordable inland area known for its sprawling suburban communities, desert landscapes, and mountains. Cities like Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, and Redlands offer a lower cost of living but are farther from coastal amenities. It’s a growing area for families and commuters.
Housing Websites and Outside Options:
- College Rentals
- Kapire Residences
- Shared/Private rooms
- Fully Furnished
- Roommate matcher
- Does require a background check
- Can rent for quarter, semester, or year
- Housekeeping is provided
- Cort
- Furniture rental for students
- Spare Room
- Single rooms for rent
- Homestay options
- Homestays are a great way to acclimate to US culture in a unique and supportive way.
- Student Room Stay
- Homestay Match
- Credit Check: Many landlords will check your credit history to determine your financial reliability. This often requires you to provide your SSN. If you have limited or no credit history, landlords may ask for a co-signer to guarantee the lease. The co-signer will be responsible for rent if you are unable to pay.
- International Students: If you do not have a U.S. credit history or SSN, some landlords may require alternative documentation, such as proof of income or a
larger security deposit. - Security Deposit: Be prepared to pay a security deposit, typically equivalent to one or two months’ rent. This is held by the landlord to cover any damages or unpaid rent.
- Utilities: Some rental agreements may include utilities (water, electricity, gas, etc.), but many will require you to set up and pay for utilities on your own. Confirm this with the landlord before signing the lease agreement.
Other Campuses:
Florida
Miami
Miami International Airport is preferred. FLL is further and may take more travel time and expenses to arrive at Westcliff’s Campus.
No, students do not need a car. The area is very accessible on foot and students can take Uber or Lyft as needed.
Recommended hotel is 1 mi from campus, there is public transportation if needed.
Students can stay anywhere in the recommended area, but we do encourage students to stay close to the campus to account for commute times.
Booking Link: Hilton Reservation
Hotel: Homewood Suites by Hilton Miami Downtown/Brickell
Company Name: WESTCLIFF UNIVERSITY
Parking – any student who is driving in must have their parking validated by the staff to have reduced parking rate for the day by the on-site parking garage.
Orlando
Orlando International Airport (MCO) 20 minute drive to OHLA. The next closest is Sanford international airport, 1 hour drive.
Not necessarily, an uber ride is 20 min, but can be expensive based on time of day ($30 – $50). In Celebration, there are plenty of nearby places to eat.
Orlando/Kissimmee does not have good public transportation. Traveling to Kissimmee (Celebration would take 3 or more hours by bus). Mears is the main taxi service from MCO. Taxi or Uber would be best.
The Celebration Hotel is directly next to the OHLA campus. It is pricey, but can be an option for those willing to pay for the convenience.
Holiday Inn and suites is only 10 Minutes away from the campus and reasonably priced.
Holiday Inn and suites or Celebration Hotel. Any hotel within the area us encouraged to stay in.
There is free parking behind the WU Orlando/OHLA campus.
California
Los Angeles - Santa Monica
Los Angeles International Airport – LAX, approximately 35-40 minutes from the Los Angeles – Santa Monica Westcliff University Campus.
No. Transportation is readily available via taxi, uber, bus, and metro train. There is a metro station within walking distance to the campus (Metro E Line – Downtown Santa Monica Station – near the intersection of 4th Street and Colorado Avenue). The city of Santa Monica has many great options for dining and recreation. Explore the surroundings for various food options, restaurants, and entertainment. Enjoy the proximity to Santa Monica Beach, the famous Santa Monica Pier, and 3rd St. Promenade, offering an array of shopping options, activities, and attractions.
HI Los Angeles Santa Monica Hostel is 11 minutes walking distance to the Santa Monica Campus. Pricing is extremely reasonable for either single or shared rooms
Hampton Inn Suites Santa Monica 501 Colorado Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401 is 12 minutes walking distance to the Santa Monica Campus
Hilton Santa Monica Hotel & Suites 1707 Fourth Street, Santa Monica, California, 90401 is about 17 minutes walking distance to the Santa Monica Campus
HI Los Angeles Santa Monica Hostel is most recommended due to affordability, ambience, and proximity to both the campus and the beach.
