QUICK ANSWER
CalArts housing is not guaranteed. New students apply after paying the tuition deposit, rooms are allocated by lottery, and first-time students get priority. For 2026–27 the application ran from March 13 to May 31, 2026, with results emailed in June.
On campus there are two halls next to the Main Building: Chouinard Hall for undergraduates, in double and triple rooms, and Ahmanson Hall suites for third- and fourth-year undergraduates and graduate students. Chouinard residents must take at least the 10-meal-a-week plan.
VALENCIA HALLS · 1
The Two Residence Halls
| Chouinard Hall | Ahmanson Hall | |
|---|---|---|
| Who lives there | Undergraduates | Third- and fourth-year undergraduates and graduate students |
| Rooms | Doubles and triples; singles only with Disability Office approval | Suites |
| Meal plan | 10 meals a week required (upgrades available) | Not stated as required |
| Gender-inclusive housing | Can be requested | Can be requested |
From CalArts Housing and Meal Plans pages, checked October 2026.
VALENCIA HALLS · 2
Timeline and Costs
| Item | 2026–27 detail |
|---|---|
| Application window | March 13 – May 31, 2026, after the tuition deposit |
| Allocation | Lottery; first-time first-year, MFA1 and transfer students get priority; results in June |
| Roommate assignments | First week of August |
| Housing (cost of attendance) | $8,304 for the year |
| Required 10-meal plan | $4,550 for the year |
| Before move-in | Immunization records on file with Student Health |
From CalArts housing application page, cost of attendance and meal plan prices (2026–27). The housing deposit amount is shown in the online application.
CalArts’ published cost of attendance for undergraduates living on campus is $90,455, including tuition of $62,954. Housing and food are a small share of that total, so the bigger financial question is tuition, not the room.
FOR KOREAN FAMILIES
Pay the tuition deposit early enough to apply for housing well before May 31, make sure immunization records are ready, and have a backup plan for off-campus housing in case the lottery does not place you. Ask Residence Life (reslife@calarts.edu) about the deposit and any international-student considerations. For the full cost picture, see our CalArts cost analysis.
VALENCIA HALLS · 3
Frequently Asked Questions
Is on-campus housing guaranteed at CalArts?
No. Rooms are allocated by lottery, with priority for first-time students, and CalArts says it cannot guarantee housing.
When do I apply for CalArts housing?
After paying the tuition deposit. For 2026–27 the window was March 13 to May 31, 2026.
Do Chouinard residents need a meal plan?
Yes. All Chouinard residents are enrolled in at least the 10-meal-a-week plan, $4,550 for 2026–27.
Can first-year students get a single room?
Chouinard singles are available only with approval through the Disability Office.
What does CalArts estimate for housing?
$8,304 for 2026–27 in the undergraduate on-campus cost of attendance.
ROYAL BLUE ART & DESIGN
For 19 years we have prepared Korean students for U.S. art schools from our studio in Apgujeong, Seoul. Our public record lists 1,099 acceptances confirmed directly with students, including 15 at CalArts. We help admitted students plan deposits and housing deadlines. Call 02-3446-5929 or book a consultation.
From CalArts Housing, How to Apply, Meal Plans and Cost of Attendance pages (2026–27). Royal Blue figures from our results record (2009–2026). Checked October 2026. If something here has changed, tell us and we will correct it.
Related reading: CalArts Cost Analysis (Korean) · Checking CalArts Experience · RISD Housing 2026–27 · Questions Before Committing · Royal Blue Results