Student Housing Cooperatives
The Student Housing Cooperatives within Isla Vista offer affordable, community-style living alternatives for students residing in Isla Vista. Each “Co-op” within Isla Vista upholds unique principles, values, and cultures creating spaces that support diverse identities and interests.
777 Camino Pescadero, Isla Vista, CA 93117
Hours
The Santa Barbara Student Housing Cooperative SBSHC provides low-rent cooperative housing for students attending post-secondary educational institutions in Santa Barbara County.
6612 Sueno Rd, Isla Vista, CA 93117
Hours
Biko House is named after Stephen Bantu Biko, founder and martyr of the anti-apartheid Black Consciousness movement in South Africa. The Biko house takes on the responsibility of maintaining a safe, respectful space for students of color in a predominantly white campus community, as well as spreading awareness about racial equality, social justice, anti-oppression, cultural awareness, social movements, and the need for intersectionality within the Isla Vista community and beyond.
6719 Sabado Tarde Rd, Isla Vista, CA 93117
Hours
Dolores House, formerly, “Dashain,” is our vegetarian / vegan house, named for social justice activist Dolores Huerta. The house strives to be ethical and environmentally friendly in its consumption, and buys organic produce from the local food cooperative and farmers’ markets.
732 Embarcadero del Norte, Isla Vista, CA 93117
Hours
The house is named after active co-op member Steven Manley, who passed away battling a brush wildfire near Santa Maria. Manley House, our first communal house, is home to 17 members who love their 3 avocado trees, one loquat tree, and passionfruit vine. They also enjoy their handmade swinging bench, comfy hammock, solar panels, annual prom, and built-in movie projector.
777 Camino Pescadero, Isla Vista, CA 93117
Hours
Named after Thomas Merton, a Catholic priest who advocated for interfaith understanding and social justice, Merton is the Interfaith-themed house. The Interfaith theme serves as a legacy to the building’s previous and only owner, the University Religious Conference, which had existed for several decades and used the location for many years as a vibrant meeting space for student community life and interfaith dialogue and cooperation.
6503 Madrid Rd, Isla Vista, CA 93117
Hours
Newman House is named after Patti Newman, significant contributor and driving force behind the creation of the Santa Barbara Housing Co-op. Newman endeavors to create a safe and supportive environment for students of the LGBTQ+ community and foster a welcoming community for all.
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