How do I find a nice place to stay in San Diego?

San Diego is a large and beautiful metropolis on the southern coast Californian coast with many different neighborhoods: Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach, Mission Beach, La Jolla, Hillcrest or North Park are just a few. As a student at National University, you can of course choose which of these districts you like best and where you would like to live during your semester abroad. The various campuses of National University do not have their own campus accommodation, so all international students are free to choose their own accommodation.

Living with an American Host Family

Living with an American host family is a great way to get to know the “American way of life” better. If you are interested in being part of an American family, improving your English, and getting to know American culture and traditions, this is the right choice for you. You will have the choice to live in your own room or, or, if you wish, you can also share a room with another person in the family. You can also decide if you want to prepare your own food or share meals with the family.

All room categories are fully furnished and include a TV and internet connection. If you book the meals option, this would include breakfast and dinner.

Find an overview of the prices from DRA Housing, a agency, which is working with National University here:

• Single room (including meals): 36 USD / night*

• Single Room (including meals and ensuite bathroom): 45 USD / night*

• Double room (including meals): 28 USD / night*

Furthermore, a one-time placement fee or 250 USD* will occur.

Living in a shared flat or single apartment

The second option would be to share a space with roommates or choosing a single apartment. International students have to inform themselves independently on the basis of their different needs and book or rent the apartments in advance. In general, we recommend that if you opt for private rentals via the Internet, to schedule a visit to the apartment on the spot and in person, before any payments are made.

National University works with various providers of so-called ‘Apartment Housings’, which we can recommend to you. Prices vary according to size, location and season, so it is best to look directly at the provider’s website.

Anatolia Corporate Housing offers rooms in varios locations in San Diego, such as La Jolla, Spectrum or Mission Valley. The biggest apartment complex is Costa Verde Apartment Complex, which has a lot to offer for our international students. They are providing a fitness center, pool areas, and free parking lots. In walking distance you can find shopping malls, restaurants, grocery shopping, movie theaters and much more.

Our student residences usually proivde two types of accomodation:

Shared room: Two people share bedroom and bathroom, all in all four people live in the apartment and share common areas (living room, kitchen etc.). Rental costs currently start at  212.50 USD / week*.

Private room: Two people share the whole flat, there are two bathrooms and each resident has his / her own bedroom with ensuite bathroom. All other rooms will be shared with the second resident. This would be the more exclusive option and prices currently start at 399 USD / week*.

A one time placement fee of 250 USD* will be paid in order to reserve a free room for you. Fore more information and current prices please check out AC’s website directly.

*Prices are subject to change and may change without warning. Updated January 2021.