Isla Vista’s Unprecedented Housing Shortage

The community of Isla Vista is facing an unprecedented housing shortage ahead of the fall quarter, leaving many students to consider drastic options such as commuting several hours or even living in their cars. Many factors are playing into the crisis, including high enrollment rates at the university level, lack of housing in the area, and more students choosing lower-density housing due to COVID-19.

KCSB News Directors Ashley Rusch and Daniel Huecias spoke with Robin Unander, Student Legal Services Advisor with the Legal Resource Center. We also hear from Julie Zhu, a third-year international UCSB student struggling to find housing.

KCSB News Reporter Pia Ramos contributed to this report.