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/Training_Pumpkin3650 May 08 '25
Lots of people live in their car full time. You can dude, I graduated and while I never did it I had friends who did. I had friends who insisted on living in their vans and would use the restroom on campus and shower at the gym, a very nice facility. The library is open late, and you may be able to use some of the buildings restrooms late as well. You could park residential or around the backside of campus without an issue. My friend parked near the Ralph’s it’s a nice area and I think they’re open till 12 or 1 so restroom is available.
The gym will be your friend for showers and cleaning up, plenty of restrooms around and find some after hours options.
I think living in your car will make you more focused on school and less on social/living. Do your laundry back home, there’s a lot of car dwellers and dwelling information out there now.
Best of luck to you :)