The Best Time to Start Your CSULB Off-Campus Housing Search

Planning to live off-campus while attending Cal State Long Beach (CSULB)? You’re not alone. Many students make the switch from dorms or commuting to off-campus living for more freedom, better value, or convenience. But with rising demand in the Long Beach area, timing your housing search is key to finding the right place at the right price.

At CSULB Universe Off-Campus Housing, we connect students with verified, student-friendly listings to make the process easier, faster, and more reliable.

When Should You Start Looking?

• For Fall Semester (Late August Start) Start your search between March and May. The best off-campus rentals near CSULB—especially in Belmont Heights, Los Altos, Traffic Circle, and Lakewood Village—get listed during spring and are usually taken by mid-summer. Start early to get access to the widest selection, schedule tours, and lock in favorable lease terms.

• For Spring Semester (January Start) Start looking in October or November. Though fewer listings are available for mid-year moves, this is a great time to find room openings in existing leases or sublets from students graduating early. Keep an eye on new posts and act quickly—mid-year housing moves happen fast.

• For Summer Housing (May–August) Search between March and early May. If you plan to stay in Long Beach for summer school, internships, or work, summer housing is easier to find. Many students sublet their apartments short-term, often fully furnished and at discounted rates.

Where to Begin Your Search

Your first stop should be csulb.offcampus-universe.com, where you’ll find:

• Student-friendly and landlord-verified listings near campus

• Apartments, shared housing, and single rooms

• Real-time availability and contact info

• Roommate group chats

• Marketplace

• Storage sites

• Filters for price, pets, distance from campus, number of bedrooms, and more

• Neighborhood insights and walking/biking distance to campus

Pro Tips for CSULB Renters

• Set your budget early – Consider rent, utilities, parking, and Wi-Fi

• Start touring ASAP – Virtual or in-person tours can help you secure the best units

• Coordinate with roommates – Most leases require a group application

• Follow @csulbuniverse_housing – We post new listings, sublets, and last-minute housing tips weekly

Start Your CSULB Housing Search Today

Off-campus housing near CSULB fills up fast, but with the right timing and tools, you can find a great place that fits your lifestyle and budget. Head to csulb.offcampus-universe.com today to browse available listings and start your off-campus living journey.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out either on Instagram or our Website!