Housing

A rounded sculpture of two people in front of SFSU campus housing

While enrolled in a Center for Global Engagement program, you are eligible to live in campus housing. Campus housing is available on a first-come first-served basis. If you are interested in campus housing, please be sure to apply as soon as you are admitted to SFSU. Email globaled@sfsu.edu if you have any questions.

Students play soccer on a field in front of SFSU student housing

On-Campus Housing

You can live on campus while studying at the Center for Global Engagement. Many students want to live on campus so you must complete an on-campus housing application early.

A tree and students walking outside the Village at Centennial Square

Campus Apartments

These are 2-bedroom or 3-bedroom apartments with a bathroom, living/dining room, and kitchenette (equipped with refrigerators, sink, stovetop). Students will be in double bedrooms with 2 twin beds and desks.

On-Campus Housing Information

Housing for STEM Exploration (SEP) and San Francisco Discover (SFD) Students

You will stay at Towers at Centennial Square (TCS). These furnished one- and two-bedroom suites include a kitchenette, living and dining area, and a private bathroom. Bedrooms are set up as doubles or triples. You will need to bring or purchase your own cookware, dishes and other household items.

Housing Costs

Housing is offered by week from Sunday to Saturday.

  • 2 weeks (July 5 to July 18): $990
  • 3 weeks (July 5 to July 25): $1,485
  • 4 weeks (July 5 to Aug. 1): $1,980

What to Expect

You cannot arrive early or extend your stay. If you plan to stay longer in San Francisco, you will need to arrange off-campus housing.

Check-in is at 3 p.m. and check-out is at 11 a.m. If you do not check out by 11 a.m., you may be charged a late check-out fee.

Your rate includes dinner each night from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., breakfast on your final day from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m., and a linen package. Linens are exchanged once during your program.

Space is limited and assigned based on availability. You are encouraged to apply by April 1 to secure housing. The final deadline to apply is May 15.

How to Apply

Apply for housing when you submit your STEM Exploration Application or SF Discover Application.

If you apply through your university, let your university know your housing preference.

Once your housing is confirmed, you will receive an email with your total cost and payment instructions. Your program tuition and housing fees are due in full by May 22, 2026.

ALI-EAP, Summer in SF, University Pathway Program

Summer Housing Application for the following programs is open on Monday, April 6. 

Important Information:
Summer Housing information
Summer License Agreement: West Grove Commons

After submitting your summer housing application, please notify us at globaled@sfsu.edu. if you have any questions regarding summer housing, please contact the University Housing at housing@sfsu.edu or (415) 338-1067.

University housing spaces are limited and assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. You should apply as early as possible. The housing application opens on Monday, February 16, 2026. Once you are admitted and set up your SFSU account, you are encouraged to apply right away or by the priority deadline of May 1. After this date, availability will be very limited. Visit Academic Year Housing Application Process for details.

Housing Type:

You will live at Village at Centennial Square (VCS), a safe and centrally located campus community with easy access to campus resources. You will share the apartments with a mix of local and international students.

View housing rates and meal plan fees

Village at Centennial Square (VCS)

  • You are required to purchase a meal plan.
  • You will sign an Academic Year license agreement.

The VCS housing license agreement covers Fall 2026 and Spring 2027. If your program ends in Fall 2026 and you plan to return home, you must submit a Cancel a License Agreement by Oct. 31, 2026. Contact globaled@sfsu.edu if you need help.

How to Apply:

  1. Set up your SFSU account: After you are admitted, set up your password and enable multi-factor authentication. Visit the New Student Resources page for instructions. If you need help, contact Information Technology Services.
  2. Log in to the housing portal: Select Apply Now and log in using your SFSU credentials.
  3. Complete your application: Submit the license agreement and pay the initial fee.
  4. Notify us: Email globaled@sfsu.edu after you submit your application.
  5. Check your email: Watch your SFSU email for room selection from May 4 to 8, your room assignment and other updates. You can also view notifications in the Student Housing Portal.
  6. Arrange early move-in if needed: You may request early move-in as early as August 14, depending on availability. Contact housing@sfsu.edu by July 1, 2026. Early move-in must be approved in advance.

If you request early move-in:

  1. Submit documents such as your flight itinerary or program acceptance letter.
  2. Review the cost details provided by the Student Housing Office.
  3. Confirm that you accept the charges.
  4. Receive your approval letter with move-in details.

Important Dates:

Dates may change. Check University Housing for updates.

  • Early move-in: August 14 to 17, 2026. Contact housing@sfsu.edu by July 1, 2026 to arrange. You must complete your move-in before Orientation Day.
  • Fall move-out: December 19, 2026. If you are only enrolled for Fall 2026, submit a Cancel a License Agreement by Oct. 31, 2026. Late requests may include a fee.
  • Spring move-out: May 22, 2027.

All housing rates and dates may change. For the most current information, visit University Housing. If you have questions about your application, agreement, assignment, move-in or payment, contact University Housing.

Spring 2027 Housing Application Opens Monday, Oct. 12, 2026.

Spaces are limited. Housing applications are on a first-come, first-served basis. Once you're admitted to the spring program, be sure to apply for housing.

Housing Rates and Meal Plan Fee:

Village at Centennial Square (VCS) Housing and Meal Plan Fees

  • Mandatory meal plan

How to Apply

  1. Set Up Your SFSU Account: After being admitted to an SFSU program, set up your SFSU password and enable Multi-Factor Authentication. Visit Newly Admitted Students to setup your account. For technical issues, contact the ITS Helpdesk for assistance.
  2. Log in to the Housing Portal: Click the “Apply Now” button and log in to the online housing portal using your SFSU login and password.
  3. Complete Your Application: Complete the License Agreement and pay the initial administration fee. 
  4. Notify Us: Email globaled@sfsu.edu that you have submitted your housing application.
  5. Housing Communications: Check your SFSU Email for room assignment and housing communications. Reservation notifications start and Move-in Confirmation form available on the Student Housing Portal starting the first week of November.
  6. Arrange Early Move-in: Early move-in is available as early as Saturday, Jan. 16, 2027 for international students. To arrange your early move-in, contact Student Housing Office (SHO) at housing@sfsu.edu by Dec. 1, 2026. Early move-in cannot be accommodated without prior arrangement.

When requesting early move-in:

  1. Submit supporting documents such as your flight itinerary or program acceptance letter.
  2. Once SHO confirms your request, they will provide the total cost and a breakdown of the early move-in charges.
  3. You must reply with confirmation that you accept the charges.
  4. SHO will then send you an approval letter with additional early move-in details.

Early Move-in Begins: Saturday, Jan. 16, 2027

Spring Move-out Date: by 10 a.m., Saturday, May 22, 2027

Please check University Housing for updates. 

All housing rates and dates are estimates and subject to change. For the most accurate information, please refer to University Housing. 

Woman walks up a steep hill in front of San Francisco's Painted Ladies Victorian homes

Off-Campus Housing

You may choose to rent an apartment by yourself, or to share an apartment with other people. When you share an apartment with one or more people, you have a roommate(s). Another kind of off-campus housing is a Homestay, which allows you to live with a host family and stay in a room in the family’s home.

San Francisco Neighborhoods Map

Off-Campus Housing Information

You may need temporary, short-term housing when you first arrive in San Francisco, while you are looking for a permanent place to live. It is important to have temporary housing before you come to San Francisco. The Center for Global Engagement is not able to find housing for you.

International Student Placements

 

Hostels

Hostels (youth hostels) are cheaper than hotels, but you must share a room with several people. Residence hotels usually require a stay of one week or more and give a furnished room, meals, bed sheets and bath towels. Residence hotels may require that you pay a money deposit in advance in order to save a room.

Note: SFSU is sharing this information gathered through our research. All information is subject to change. We also cannot vouch or provide any information about hostel quality or amenities. For all further questions please reach out to the hostel directly.

Adelaide Hostel
Website: Adelaide Hostel
Address: 5 Isadora Duncan Lane, San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone: (415) 359-1915
Email: info@adelaidehostelsanfrancisco.com

Room options are available at the following nightly rates, with a maximum stay of 14 nights:

  • Private room with bathroom: $120 to $150 per night
  • 4-bed shared dorm: $33 per night

HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel
Website: HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel
Address: 312 Mason Street, San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone: (415) 788-5604

Room options are available at the following nightly rates:

  • 4-bed shared dorm: $34 to $41 per night
  • Other room types: Visit the hostel website for current pricing

Orange Village Hostel
Website: Orange Village Hostel
Address: 411 O'Farrell Street, San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone: (415) 409-4000

Room options are available at the following nightly rates:

  • Private room: $120 to $150 per night
  • 4-bed shared dorm: $45 to $48 per night

Samesun San Francisco
Website: Samesun San Francisco
Address: 1475 Lombard St, San Francisco, CA 94123
Phone: (415) 441-6000

Room options are available at the following nightly rates:

  • Private room: $110 per night
  • 4-bed shared dorm: $38 per night

Hotels and Motels

The hotels and motels listed here are close to SFSU main campus and are good for a short stay of one week or less because they can be expensive.

Hotels and Motels

The hotels and motels listed here are close to SFSU main campus and are good for a short stay of one week or less because they can be expensive.

Days Inn at the Beach
2600 Sloat Blvd
San Francisco, CA 94116
Phone: (415) 665-9000/(866) 539-0036

Great Highway Inn
1234 Great Highway
San Francisco, CA 94122
Phone: (415) 731-6644

Ocean Park Motel
2690 46th Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94116
Phone: (415) 566-7020

Ocean View Motel
4340 Judah St
San Francisco, CA 94122
Phone: (415) 661-2300

Beach Motel
4211 Judah St. at 47th Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94122
Phone: (415) 681-6618

Seal Rock Inn
545 Point Lobos Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94121
Phone: (415) 752-8000

The residence club is located in the center of the city with a number of diverse neighborhoods within walking distance. Close to public transportation (approximately 10 minutes to downtown San Francisco, 40 minutes to main campus).

Type: Fully furnished single and double occupancy studios with private or shared bathroom. Linens and maid service are provided. Breakfast and dinner Monday - Saturday, Sunday brunch included in room rate.

Monroe Residence Club 
1870 Sacramento Street 
San Francisco, California 94109 
(415) 474-6200

Map - Monroe Residence Club

HELIOS Apartments – Berkeley
1698 University Ave.
Berkeley, CA 94703

Map - HELIOS

SFSU does not endorse any providers and cannot vouch or provide any information about accommodation quality, safety, or amenities. San Francisco State University is not responsible or liable for the consequences of any off-campus housing arrangement. The information is provided only as an aid in your search for housing. For all further questions please reach out to the housing providers directly. All information is subject to change.

The State of California, nor any agency, officer or employee of San Francisco State University warrants the accuracy, reliability or timeliness of any information published by any of the following websites, nor endorses any content, viewpoints, products or services and shall not be held liable for any losses caused by reliance on the accuracy, reliability or timeliness of such information. San Francisco State University assumes no responsibility for contracts/leases between individuals. San Francisco State University is not responsible or liable for the consequences of any off-campus housing arrangement and does not endorse or sponsor any of the agencies, services, advertisements, properties or landlords included in these websites. The information is provided only as an aid in your search for housing. Students are under no obligation to use this service or rent from companies or individuals listed. Students are strongly encouraged to use due diligence and to obtain references and other information regarding listings and facilities. Portions of such information may be incorrect or not current. Any person or entity that relies on any information obtained from this system does so at his or her own risk.

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