Apartments

Many students plan their move to the Bay Area in early summer. Some students visit San Francisco well in advance (June - early August) to find suitable housing before the semester begins. As the current rental market has become extremely competitive, students are encouraged to begin the housing search process early.

Students unable to solidify their housing before Orientation often make a reservation at a hotel, youth hostel, residence club or Golden Gate Hall before their arrival. It is recommended that students not search for housing during Orientation placement exams and auditions. Please allow a minimum of three to four weeks to locate permanent housing. Hostels are usually the cheapest alternative, averaging $23 to $30 per night. Several hotels and residence clubs in the city provide weekly and monthly rates, and some include two meals a day plus maid service.

Online Housing Board

In order to distribute timely and important housing information, the Conservatory has created an online SFCM-Housing community through Google Groups. This interactive community provides a forum for Conservatory students to discuss housing needs, trends and opportunities. Access is restricted to current or incoming students, faculty, and staff.

Tips for Finding Housing

  1. Subscribe to the SFCM-Housing Google Group if you are a current or newly admitted student.
  2. Find a roommate! The SFCM-Housing Google Group also contains postings for students looking to live with fellow Conservatory students. Once you are a member of the online housing group, you can post your own roommate listing.
  3. Walk around the neighborhoods that interest you. Bring pen and paper to record addresses and telephone numbers from "For Rent" signs displayed in windows. Many landlords advertise their vacant apartments by placing a sign in the available apartment, as it is often more effective than a newspaper listing.
  4. Utilize the Internet. Most students find apartments through Craigslist, known to be the most up-to-date and thorough listing of rentals in the Bay Area. While in Craigslist, search under apartments/housing, rooms/shared, and sublets/temporary for more opportunities! Please be sure to review the Craigslist information on "Avoiding Scams and Fraud."

Housing Disclaimer

The Conservatory assumes no responsibility for accommodations, services, injuries, loss or damage that occur on any properties suggested by Conservatory and its employees or found through listings on the SFCM-Housing Google Group, housing referral board or suggested housing web sites, newspapers or bulletin boards. Students and landlords alike are urged to thoroughly investigate any housing, rental or roommate options.

Transportation Resources

Public transportation service in San Francisco is readily accessible. MUNI, the city's bus and in-town train system, is convenient to use and provides easy access to every neighborhood in town. All collegiate students are enrolled in the MUNI Class Pass system, which allows access to any MUNI surface bus or underground train in San Francisco during the academic year.

The nearest public transportation lines to the Conservatory and Golden Gate Hall include:

MUNI Underground Station
Van Ness Stop: Lines J, K, L, M, N
MUNI Bus Lines
Market & Van Ness Stop: Bus Lines 6, 7, 9, 26, 66, 71, 71L
Fell & Van Ness Stop: Bus Lines 47, 49
Mission & Van Ness Stop: Bus Lines 14, 14L, 26, 49
City Hall Stop: Bus Line 5
Hayes & Van Ness Stop: Bus Line 21

BART Station
Civic Center Stop: Daly City-Richmond; Daly City-Fremont; SFO-Pittsburg/Bay Point; Daly City-Dublin/Pleasanton