CalArts’ housing system is simpler than RISD’s or Parsons’ in some ways — because the campus is essentially self-contained in Valencia, and on-campus housing is the primary option for most students. Understanding the housing lottery, the on-campus options, and the off-campus alternatives in Valencia helps Korean students plan their CalArts living situation.
The CalArts Housing Philosophy: Campus Community Is the Point
CalArts’ housing system reflects the school’s founding philosophy: the creative community that emerges when artists, musicians, filmmakers, dancers, and theater makers live together is the educational environment. Housing at CalArts is not just accommodation — it is the physical infrastructure of the creative community that defines the CalArts experience.
The campus building in Valencia and its immediately adjacent housing structures create proximity between studio work and living space. Walking from your room to your animation desk is a matter of minutes. This physical integration intensifies the creative community in ways that commuter or off-campus living cannot replicate.
The Housing Lottery System
CalArts assigns campus housing through a lottery system. All students who apply for housing by the deadline are entered into the lottery, with priority given to:
- First-time, first-year BFA students
- First-time, first-year MFA and transfer students
- Returning students (lower priority)
For Korean first-year students: First-year priority means that Korean students arriving for their first year have a strong chance of receiving on-campus housing if they apply by the deadline. However, on-campus housing is not guaranteed.
Application process:
- The housing application opens approximately March 13, 2026 for 2026–27 (opening date varies annually)
- Deadline: approximately May 31 (verify current year deadline on calarts.edu)
- New students: Access to housing application becomes available approximately 5 days after paying the tuition deposit
- Housing fee and deposit must be paid electronically by the deadline
Lottery results: Housing lottery results are shared through CalArts email in June.
On-Campus Housing Options
CalArts provides on-campus housing in several configurations:
On-campus dorms/apartments: The CalArts campus includes residential spaces adjacent to the main building. Configurations range from traditional dormitory-style rooms to apartment units. Specific availability and room types change year to year based on the housing lottery pool.
Off-campus housing (CalArts-managed): CalArts also places students in off-campus housing arrangements when on-campus capacity is exceeded. These off-campus placements are managed through the housing office and provide transportation or proximity support.
Estimated on-campus housing cost: ~$11,000–$13,000 per academic year, included in CalArts’ official cost of attendance.
Off-Campus Housing in Valencia and the Santa Clarita Valley
Students who do not receive on-campus housing — or who prefer independent living — live in Valencia and the broader Santa Clarita Valley:
Valencia: The city immediately surrounding CalArts. Apartments and rental housing are available at significantly lower costs than New York or Providence. Estimated rent for a shared apartment room: $700–$1,200/month.
Santa Clarita: The broader valley including Newhall, Stevenson Ranch, and surrounding communities. More housing options at generally lower prices than direct campus vicinity.
For Korean students in off-campus housing: A car is essentially required for off-campus living in Valencia — public transportation is limited. The CalArts campus is not walkable to extensive amenities, and a car provides access to Los Angeles, Korean community resources in Koreatown, and the entertainment industry studio districts.
Practical Housing Advice for Korean Students
Apply for housing immediately after committing to enrollment. The May 31 deadline for the 2026–27 cycle means students who pay their enrollment deposit promptly have the maximum time to complete the housing application.
First-year students should strongly consider on-campus housing. The CalArts community experience — one of the school’s primary educational assets — is most intensively available to students who live on campus. First-year international students who arrive for their first year in Valencia without prior US experience benefit particularly from the social infrastructure of on-campus living.
Budget for transportation if living off-campus. A car in Los Angeles is not a luxury — it is a necessity for meaningful participation in the entertainment industry opportunities that make CalArts’ location valuable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is on-campus housing required at CalArts? No. On-campus housing is not mandatory at CalArts. Students can choose off-campus housing independently.
Do CalArts on-campus rooms have kitchens? Specific room configurations vary. Some on-campus options include kitchen access; others rely on the campus dining facilities. Check the current housing application materials for specific unit descriptions.
What if I don’t receive on-campus housing in the lottery? Students who are not placed in campus housing receive resources from the CalArts housing office for off-campus housing search in Valencia and the Santa Clarita Valley. CalArts’ housing staff can provide guidance and referrals.
Royal Blue Art & Design는 압구정에 위치한 유학미술학원으로, 19년간 한국 학생들의 RISD, Parsons, CalArts 등 미국 최상위 미술대학 입시를 도와왔습니다. [상담 문의하기 →]
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Exactly right. QS rankings measure research output, academic reputation, and employer surveys — metrics that matter in very different ways for studio-based programs. RISD and CalArts consistently place students at the top of creative industries precisely because they are built around practice, critique, and creative development. At Royal Blue, we always advise students to look beyond rankings and evaluate schools based on faculty, program structure, and portfolio culture. Thanks for adding this important nuance.