Arrival and Housing
We hope that you will call on the Center for the Student Experience staff to help with questions or needs related to your arrival. We recommend arriving at least two weeks before classes if you are moving to Pasadena from within the U.S. If you are an international student, we recommend arriving three to four weeks before the beginning of the term to find housing, get a driver’s license and get accustomed to Pasadena.
ArtCenter College of Design does not currently offer on-campus housing, but we’re committed to helping students secure comfortable and convenient living arrangements in Pasadena and the greater Los Angeles area. The Center for the Student Experience (CSE) provides resources to support students in finding off-campus housing, connecting with roommates, and navigating local rental markets. Please contact the CSE by email cse@artcenter.edu or phone 626-396-2323
ArtCenter arranges with Universal Student Housing (USH) to make its listings available to ArtCenter students. USH lists affordable housing in the homes of approved local families and individuals.
Living expenses and supplies
ArtCenter does not currently offer dormitories, and living costs vary greatly based on the type of housing a student chooses. However, we estimate an average amount for rent and food per term to be $7,169 for students not living at home. In addition, students should allow an average of $1,912 for personal expenses, $1,445 for transportation, and $2,000 for supplies each term. The supply amount is variable by major and individual projects. At the start of each term, individual instructors provide students with lists of necessary supplies.
ArtCenter Student Health Insurance
All ArtCenter students enrolled for courses that carry units and are charged tuition, with the exception of those enrolled in our fully-online MDes programs, will be automatically enrolled in a College-sponsored student health insurance program for that semester (and the break weeks that immediately follow). This benefit and service to students is provided at no additional charge. Enrollment in the student health insurance program provides medical health coverage for the enrolled student (additional coverage such as dental, vision, and dependents can be added at the student’s choice, but will be charged directly to the student). Enrollment in the student health insurance program is a College policy requirement and cannot be waived.