The Barn Residency Program gives current UC Davis students the opportunity to “live-in” at one of the 9 animal facilities on campus. In exchange for approximately 10 hours of work per week, you will receive free rent for one year, and potentially a second year (re-application is necessary).
The animal facilities, which have either private or shared rooms available in exchange for animal care, are:
2027–2028 Barn Residence Program Applications Now Open!
Application Deadline: Friday, December 11, 2026, at 11:59 PM Pacific Time.
Please email Kristy Portillo ([email protected]) with any questions about the program.
Criteria For Selection
Selection criteria have been updated for 2027-2028 application cycle. If you are interested in participating in the Barn Residency Program, please review the following criteria to determine the strength of your application. Students should review the guidelines before completing the application:
- 2027–2028 Barn Residence Program Guidelines
- Fall 2026 grades will be available December 28, 2026 or earlier. Students may submit their initial applications without an updated transcript.
- All applicants must submit an updated unofficial UC Davis transcript reflecting Fall 2026 grades by Monday, January 4, 2027, at 11:59 PM Pacific Time.
- Transcripts must be uploaded separately using the secure Box link provided in the Google Form. Applicants may also submit an optional résumé or CV through the same link.