The University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) is advancing two major student housing projects to meet growing demand for on-campus accommodation. The UC Board of Regents has approved the scope, design, and budget for the East Campus Student Housing Project. This project will add 1,688 beds to the main campus, including 412 replacement beds and 1,276 new beds. It is part of UCSB’s plan to provide 3,500 new beds as outlined in its 2010 Long Range Development Plan (LRDP).
The East Campus project will now be reviewed by the California Coastal Commission. Construction is scheduled to begin in summer 2026. The plan includes a new residence hall to replace Santa Rosa Residence Hall and three new apartment buildings. These will offer singles, triples, and efficiency apartments. The project also involves renovating Ortega Dining Commons to serve more students. Temporary dining facilities will be available during construction.
The San Benito Student Housing Project began construction in spring 2025. Foundational work is complete, and the project is moving to building structures. Prefabricated exterior panels are being used to save time and costs. The San Benito project features an all-electric design and environmental measures, such as solar thermal collectors and wetland restoration. These features align with UCSB’s Decarbonization Policy…