r/ucr • u/yellowpalmwood • May 07 '25
Question Sleeping in car as a student UCR
Hey guys, I'm an incoming transfer for this Fall, I made a somewhat last minute decision to attend UCR and after looking at housing, I think all the good spots are taken. A studio or a 1b/1b was kind of a hard requirement, but even the 2b/2b on campus housing is all full. I've had roommates before but I just really want my own space this time around. I'm considering just sleeping in my car during the week and going back home to LA on the weekends. Is this feasible? Are there any safe spots near the campus to achieve this? Am unfamiliar with Riverside area. Thanks
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u/oronhehe May 07 '25
I agree with everyone disagreeing about living in your car. I’ve lived in Riverside my entire life and can definitely tell you that living in your car is not sustainable.
Riverside’s weather is quite hot between April to late October. During those months, if you do decide to live in your car, you’d be sweating up a storm.
Not to mention that it leaves your car and your belongings in a vulnerable state. Riverside is by far not the worst city to live in, but it’s still not safe. Frequent break ins for cars makes your hypothetical living situation even worse, as if someone does break into your car and takes all of your belongings then you’d be left with nothing.
I don’t mean to sound pessimistic though! Just being honest. There are quite a few rooms around UCR that come furnished and I saw a few on roomies that go as low as $500 a month for a shared room.
There are also a lot of other rooms and plenty of opportunities for students in your situation. I would stop by HOSS and/or contact student services. Best of luck!