Local Guide To the Best Student Friendly Neighborhoods to Rent Near Colleges in San Francisco
Naturally, going away to college or university is super exciting in and of itself. It’s the prelude to the rest of your life, not to mention an unforgettable experience all its own. But San Francisco is so much more than just a great backdrop for that next big step in your life. Its vibrant creative energy, strong tech background, and jaw-dropping views make it its own adventure.
So, whether you’re currently picturing yourself polishing a term paper over coffee in one of the city’s many cafes or enjoying a sunny weekend stroll through Golden Gate Park after a long week in the classroom, you’re in for a special treat. And if you’re still deciding where you’d like to go to school, I’ve got you covered there, too.
In this post, I’ll cover some amazing San Francisco schools to take a closer look at, as well as a few nearby neighborhoods that make great places for students to live. Let’s dig in!
University of San Francisco
If you’re looking for a solid place to get a truly well-rounded education, the University of San Francisco is definitely worth your consideration. It’s known for its rigorous approach to academics, as well as its highly diverse student body and strong focus on community engagement.
USF has also produced more than its share of entrepreneurs over the years thanks to its stellar business program. However, it’s an incredible school for those interested in nursing, law, and multiple other disciplines, as well.
Haight-Ashbury
If you consider yourself a bohemian at heart, don’t sleep on Haight-Ashbury as a potential neighborhood to look for a living space. It’s as legendary as it is because it’s packed with history and colorful local culture.
Imagine yourself getting in some extra study time at one of the neighborhood’s cozy cafes over an absolutely sublime cup of tea followed by a little late afternoon shopping at one of the many nearby vintage stores. That’s the Haight-Ashbury student life in a nutshell.
NOPA (North of the Panhandle)
San Francisco’s NOPA neighborhood is a good place to live if you love the idea of living somewhere with an eclectic mix of residents. It’s as popular with young, upwardly mobile professionals as it is with students, making it a nice pick if you picture yourself staying in the city and pursuing employment after graduation.
NOPA is also known for its wide selection of quirky indie shops, unique restaurants, and other fun local hangouts.
Inner Richmond
Is idyllic Golden Gate Park someplace you see yourself spending lots of time once you’re actually living in the city? Are you as much of a sucker for good dim sum as I am? If so, Inner Richmond is a neighborhood to make memories in.
You’re just a stone’s throw away from unlimited sunny Golden Gate Park afternoons, not to mention plenty of laid-back cafes and restaurants that are terrific for grabbing a bite to eat after class. It’s a quiet neighborhood, as well, so you’ll be able to get your studying done in peace.
San Francisco State University
Situated in the southwestern portion of San Francisco, San Francisco University boasts beneficial ties to the local community and is well-known for its activism efforts. It’s also affordable, diverse, and a wonderful place to go if you picture yourself at a public university with a comprehensive approach to academics.
Do you see yourself going into education yourself someday or perhaps taking the business world by storm? Maybe you’ve got your heart set on a future as a cutting-edge journalist or the cinema world’s next big wave-maker. If so, you’ll love the programs and opportunities available here.
Naturally, the proximity to San Francisco’s beautiful beaches hardly hurts, either. You can finally be that person who looks forward to weekend jogs by the water or who crams for exams while taking in a stunning ocean view.
Ingleside
Ingleside is a safe, family-friendly neighborhood that also hosts a large student community, so it’s a wonderful place to rub elbows with the locals and meet great people. It also offers residents easy access to the city’s BART system, so getting around is a snap.
There’s also lots to do here, including plenty of cafes, restaurants, and cozy little places to shop or hang out. Enjoy a stroll through town and a visit to a couple of the local businesses before hunkering down in front of a cup of coffee to log some study time.
Sunset District
The Sunset District is a charming neighborhood that’s well known for its easy beach access. Residents love spending cool, foggy mornings strolling along the waterfront. There’s also a strong surf culture present here, so it’s a great spot for anyone who loves catching the occasional wave.
The eateries here are top-notch, as well. I can personally assure you that the neighborhood’s Asian cuisine offerings, in particular, are among the best in the city.
Daly City
Daly City is located just South of San Francisco itself and is a great fit for students who’d like to live somewhere with a suburban, “just like home” feel. It’s quiet here with terrific access to public transportation that keeps getting around simple.
Daly City is also a bit more affordable than San Francisco proper, making it a good option to explore for students on a tighter budget.
Academy of Art University
If you’re a creative type for whom nothing but a fulfilling career in the arts will do, then you owe it to yourself to consider the Academy of Art University. It’s San Francisco’s ultimate artistic playground with incredible access to a wide range of different creative disciplines – everything from fashion design to graphic design to animation.
The Academy of Art University also has valuable connections that can help students plan the next chapter of their lives. Think animation gigs at Pixar or amazing fashion roles in cultural centers like New York City. Plus, this school is right downtown in the middle of the action.
Chinatown
Looking for a vibrant, energetic place to live that also happens to have all the amazing, affordable food you can eat? Historic Chinatown is worth your time and as famous as it is for some great reasons. There’s always something going on here and plenty to do, as it’s packed with unique cultural experiences just waiting to be experienced and appreciated.
Mission District
Picture yourself coming home after class to a colorful, energetic neighborhood that features mind-blowing street art and where your next incredible meal is always within easy reach. That’s the Mission District, a vibrant cultural center with a large community full of creatives and culture lovers you’ll love getting to know.
It’s also worth noting that the food here is considered to be some of the very best in the city, making it a must for foodies who love being close to amazing places to grab a bite. I personally can’t consider a visit here complete until I’ve had a taco or two.
Financial District
Students who don’t mind the idea of living someplace with a sleek, polished, business-like feel to it might enjoy life in San Francisco’s Financial District. It’s a great place for students who want to be right in the thick of the action and enjoy an easy commute to campus when it’s time to get down to business and study.
California College of the Arts
Dreaming about a long, happy career in a field like fine art, architecture, or anything similar? San Francisco’s California College of the Arts is a great place to think about furthering your education.
At CCA, students are encouraged to truly push the boundaries of creativity and innovate in exciting, stimulating ways. The school is also known for its attention to craftsmanship and other principles that form the foundation of a successful career in the arts.
CCA features a secondary campus in Oakland, as well, offering students access to an amazing creative community.
Dogpatch
Looking for an up-and-coming place to live that also brings a powerful artsy vibe to the table? Consider setting up shop in Dogpatch. It’s a very cool, growing neighborhood characterized by trendy apartments and art studios.
Dogpatch is also a great place to grab a cup of coffee, as it’s home to some of the best, most celebrated cafes in the city.
Mission Bay
Mission Bay is a newer destination for students looking for San Francisco apartments near the California College of Arts, but it’s a choice that’s impossible to regret. This neighborhood is about as modern as it gets, thanks to its newness and proximity to major tech hubs.
It’s also clean, exciting, and a great place to put down some temporary roots if want to take advantage of some truly stellar networking opportunities. Get out and about after class and have a blast in this uniquely promising neighborhood.
Potrero Hill
Can’t picture life in San Francisco without easy access to views of the stunning city skyline? Consider embracing life in beautiful Potrero Hill. This neighborhood features a strong sense of community, so it’s a great place for making meaningful connections.
This is also a good choice if you prefer sunnier days to the cooler, foggier weather prevalent in some of San Francisco’s other neighborhoods. Potrero Hill strikes a nice, comfortable balance between laid-back and exciting, making it ideal for CCA students in search of the perfect living experience.
Golden Gate University
Naturally, not every San Francisco-bound student considers themselves an artsy type, but not to worry. The city has lots of universities and colleges that cater to those aspiring to a career in accounting, law, taxation, business, and similar fields. Golden Gate University’s San Francisco campus is one of them.
GGU is the place to be if you want a school with a practical approach to learning and plenty of corresponding connections to take advantage of. It’s also located right in the heart of downtown San Francisco, so it’s literally right around the corner from networking opportunities with major law firms, corporations, and financial establishments.
South Beach
South Beach is modern, inviting, and just a stone’s throw from Golden Gate University, so your commute to class will be an absolute breeze. It’s also located right on the waterfront, making it a terrific place for students who can’t imagine living in San Francisco without easy beach access. (South Beach is said to have the best beaches in the city, and I can’t argue with that.)
This is also a terrific neighborhood for those who love beautiful parks, vibrant nightlife, and celebrated restaurants. Whatever you like to do, South Beach has you covered.
Tenderloin
Looking for genuinely affordable housing that won’t take you too far from campus? Consider securing a spot in Tenderloin. It’s home to the type of growing culture and arts scene San Francisco is famous for.
There’s also a strong focus here on improving public spaces, reviving underutilized spaces, and similar initiatives, so this is a neighborhood that’s improving and becoming an even better place to live by the day.
North Beach
North Beach is a perfect place to live for GGU students interested in experiencing a neighborhood with a strong historic heartbeat. This is an area known for its rich culture and incredible restaurants.
North Beach is also home to the city’s famous Coit Tower, as well as multiple museums, bookstores, and quirky public murals. Get your study time in over a slice of pizza at one of the neighborhood's terrific pizzerias before exploring the rest of this very walkable spot on foot.
As you can see, choosing San Francisco as the ideal place to continue your education brings a wealth of different opportunities into the mix. This city is more than just the home to some genuinely incredible universities and colleges. It’s a full-scale experience with the potential to change your personal outlook and professional future forever.
Choosing the right San Francisco apartments and living options near your university of choice only adds to the experience. So whether you see yourself rubbing elbows with the city’s best and brightest by moving into the Financial District, catching epic waves in the Sunset District, or something else entirely, San Francisco has something wonderful to offer you.
