Managing living expenses can be challenging in the San Francisco Bay Area due to the high cost of living. Here are some resources and help compiled by our Program.
Housing
- PMB Housing Guide:
Housing guide from Rocio regarding finding a place to live in and around Berkeley and the East Bay - UCSF On-Campus Housing:
Student housing through UCSF. Please be advised that UCSF tenants are subject to 2-year term limits in campus housing. - Rent Map:
The database of rent prices and locations of housings occupied by BioE students. - Sample Rental Application:
An example rental agreement of the kind that you would be filling out when you rent a house or an apartment.
Budgeting
- Sample Budget:
A budget spreadsheet used by one of the graduate students. It is meant to be a basic guide for how to be financially responsible while still maintaining a good quality of life as a graduate student. - Tax Information:
Unofficial tax information and links
Food Security
If you are struggling with food security, please do not be afraid to reach out to your specific campus for help
- UC Berkeley Basic Needs Center
- UCSF Student Financial Services
- UCSF Basic Needs & Food Security for Students
Student Discounts
- Book your travel at UC negotiated rates: https://findit.travel/UC.htm
- Lists of student discounts!
Personal Finance Resources
- Personal Finance courses at UC Berkeley — Fred Selinger is a fun lectuerer, there’s a course specifically for grad students and it’s just 2hrs/wk
- Starting with less than zero — Good advice if you’re coming into grad school with debt you’re currently paying off — look into getting extra money by being a grader/reader, tutoring, etc!
- Twocents — Practical, current advice that explains things such as how new policies/tax bills/etc from the federal government will directly affect you, has reminders on when to contribute to IRA’s, plus the usual gamut of financial advice