Overview of Student Accommodation in Los Angeles, USA
Finding the proper student housing is a significant step for anyone moving to Los Angeles for college. With so many higher education options in the city, including UCLA, USC and LMU, thousands of students come to LA each year in need of student housing in Los Angeles. Neighborhoods like Westwood, University Park, and Culver City offer prime locations in Los Angeles with abundant student housing choices.
Los Angeles, USA, attracts thousands of students worldwide yearly who come to the city to pursue their dreams of higher education. As one of the largest cities in the United States, Los Angeles offers a wide range of student accommodation options to meet the needs and budgets of this diverse student population. When looking for the right place to live as a student in LA, it’s essential to consider factors like location, cost, amenities, and community.
Why Students are Drawn to LA for Higher Education
Several premier universities and colleges located in the heart of Los Angeles also attract students from all over the US and internationally. Some of the top schools that students come to LA to attend include:
- University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) – Approximately 31,500 students, around 11% international from over 100 countries.
- University of Southern California (USC) – Over 47,500 students enrolled, one of the highest international student populations in the country at 24%.
- California Institute of Technology (Caltech) – A small, elite school with around 2,240 total students but a high international population, with about 33% of students being from abroad.
- Loyola Marymount University – Total enrollment is around 9,500, with 18% being international students.
In addition to the academic opportunities at these prestigious universities, the city of Los Angeles itself is a significant draw. The beautiful sunny weather, beaches, Hollywood entertainment industry, music scene, diverse neighbourhoods, amusement parks, and endless things to see and do attract students from across the globe.
Los Angeles is often seen as an inspirational place to achieve big dreams and ambitions. For many students, especially those from abroad, the exciting opportunities the city offers both in and out of the classroom make choosing to study there easy.
Top Student Accommodations in Los Angeles
Here are the top recommended student accommodations in Los Angeles with details on facilities, amenities, locations, transportation and other essential information to help students make the best housing decision:
1. Classic Residence Halls at UCLA
UCLA’s classic residence halls offer convenient on-campus housing, including meal plans and easy access to classes and campus facilities. Popular options are Sproul, Rieber, and Hedrick Halls, which are located in the core of UCLA’s Westwood campus.
2. Gayley Place Apartments
These modern UCLA apartments are privately owned with fully furnished studio, 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom units. Amenities include a fitness centre, computer lab, and recreation lounge. Located directly across from UCLA.
3. Landfair Villa Apartments
Landfair Villa boasts fully furnished apartments with balconies near UCLA and Westwood Village. Amenities include laundry, parking, study areas, and social events. The community feels secure and quiet.
4. The Lorenzo Apartments
The Lorenzo offers stylish student living seconds from USC’s campus. Units are fully furnished with amenities like a pool, fitness centre, gaming lounge, and parking. Meal plans are available.
5. Icon Plaza Luxury Apartments
Icon Plaza apartments pamper students with upscale amenities near LMU, including a pool, spa, fitness studio, game room, and zen garden. The Expo Line provides quick access to USC and UCLA.
6. Ashton Palms Apartments
Ashton Palms is a comfortable student community near LMU with fully furnished units and amenities like a pool, sun deck, clubhouse, business centre, and barbecue areas for socializing.
7. University Gateway Apartments
These apartments near USC offer fully furnished accessible units, including single, double, and wheelchair-accessible floorplans. Amenities include academic support and career services programming.
8. Kelton Plaza Luxury Apartments
Kelton Plaza features upscale living right in Westwood Village near UCLA’s campus. Units have modern furnishings and amenities like a pool, spa, gym, game room, tanning booths, and parking.
9. Tuscany Apartments
Tuscany apartments offer reasonably priced USC student housing with amenities including a pool, spa, fitness centre, computer lab, and furnished units with up to 4 bedrooms. Parking and utilities included.
10. 319@Pico Apartments
These apartments overlook the USC campus with fully furnished studio, 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom units. Onsite amenities include laundry, parking, pool, and 24-hour front desk. Located directly on the USC Street route.
11. Serrano Apartments
Serrano apartments feature resort-style living minutes from USC with amenities like a poolside sundeck, basketball court, fitness centre, game room, and parking. Fully furnished units available.
12. Miraflores Apartments
Bright, Mediterranean-style apartments near LMU with amenities like a pool, sundeck, barbecue grills, lounge, and laundry room. Parking, utilities, and internet are included.
13. Palazzo East Apartments
Located directly across from UCLA, Palazzo East offers fully furnished studio, 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom units with resort-style amenities and a friendly community.
14. Century Palms Apartments
Century Palms apartments offer comfortable furnished units minutes from UCLA. Community amenities include gated parking, pool, spa, sundeck, clubhouse, and high-speed internet.
15. Hilgard House UCLA Apartments
UCLA’s Hilgard House reserved graduate apartments feature single and double-occupancy rooms with a shared common space. Located on UCLA’s campus and reserved for graduate students.
16. Gateway Apartments
USC’s Gateway apartments feature furnished efficiencies, 1-bedrooms, and 2-bedrooms. Amenities include academic resources, career coaching, campus transportation, lounge, and recreation spaces.
17. The Standard Apartments
The Standard apartments offer resort-style living minutes from UCLA. Units feature contemporary furnishings, full kitchens and amenities like a yoga studio, clubhouse and poolside cabanas.
18. Rosewood Apartments
Rosewood apartments are an affordable option near USC with studios and multi-bedroom units. Onsite amenities include a pool, sundeck, fitness centre, recreation room, and gated parking garage.
19. Sanders Hall Dormitory at UCLA
Sanders Hall offers classic single, double, and triple dorm rooms on UCLA’s campus. Amenities reserved for first-year undergraduate students include common study areas and class proximity.
20. Cardinal Gardens Apartments
Cardinal Gardens provides furnished apartments with a pool, sundeck, barbecue grills, and onsite laundry just north of USC. Utilities are included, and month-to-month leasing is available.
Most Popular Student Neighborhoods in LA
Los Angeles is a massive city spanning over 500 square miles. A few key neighbourhoods and areas are particularly popular with students thanks to their proximity to major colleges and universities and the abundance of student housing options nearby.
Westwood
Situated in western LA, it is the epicentre of student life in the city. Thanks to its prime location right next to the UCLA campus. It’s one of the safest and most pedestrian-friendly neighbourhoods in LA. Westwood Boulevard and the surrounding blocks are packed with affordable dining, bars, coffee shops, bookstores and other essential student conveniences.
While Westwood is one of the most expensive areas for student accommodation, its ideal location on UCLA’s doorstep makes it a top choice for many.
University Park
University Park surrounds the USC campus south of downtown LA. Here, you’ll find a high concentration of student housing, including many fraternity and sorority houses affiliated with the university. There are abundant budget-friendly dining options, cafes and shops catering to college students.
Exposition Park and the famous LA Memorial Coliseum stadium are also located nearby. With so much student activity, University Park has a fun, vibrant college-town vibe.
Culver City
Culver City offers a more affordable alternative to being correct on campus for students like Loyola Marymount University. Located around 10 miles from LMU, Culver City has seen significant development over the past few years. Trendy restaurants, bars and entertainment venues have made it a youth-oriented hotspot.
The new Metro Expo line also connects Culver City directly to USC and UCLA, making the commute to campus only about 30 minutes by train. It makes it a convenient and cost-effective base for students on a budget.
Types of Student Housing in Los Angeles
When beginning your student accommodation search in LA, there are a few main options to consider:
On-Campus Housing
Living in a dorm or residence hall managed by your university is one route for first-year students. It allows you to be right where the action is and meet new people quickly. UCLA, USC and LMU all offer various on-campus housing facilities.
The main advantage of living on campus is convenience. However, room options are typically limited, with higher costs than off-campus housing.
Off-Campus University Housing
In addition to dorms and halls on their campuses, many schools also manage off-campus apartment buildings reserved for students. These university-run housing facilities provide students with excellent academics-oriented housing, often with perks like furnished units, academic support programs and organized social activities.
For example, USC’s North University Park complex is located less than a mile from campus but managed fully by USC Housing. It gives students an independent living experience while still being connected to campus resources.
Private Student Apartments
There are dozens of privately owned and managed student apartment communities scattered around the major university campuses in LA. These generally offer the best variety and value regarding off-campus student living.
Many are located within walking or biking distance to campus. Private student apartments range from studio flats to 4-bedroom units to accommodate different group sizes and budgets. They provide all the youth-oriented amenities today’s university students seek, like gyms, pools, lounge spaces and high-speed internet.
Some popular private communities around UCLA include Landfair Villa, Gayley Place and Kelton Plaza. The Lorenzo near USC and Icon Plaza by LMU are top-rated personal student apartment options.
Shared Houses/Rooms
For the most budget-friendly student accommodation in LA, renting a room in a shared house is an option. Websites like Craigslist and local Facebook groups connect students looking for housemates and affordable rooms for rent in homes and apartments around the universities.
This option gives students flexibility and independence. However, sharing a living space does mean compromising on privacy. The experience greatly depends on the housemates, so personalities must mesh well.
Homestays
When arriving in LA, international students or those from out of state may feel more comfortable staying with a local family. Homestays allow students to be fully immersed with American hosts who can guide the new city.
Local companies like American Homestay Network connect students with thoroughly screened families, offering spare rooms near the universities. This option provides built-in support as students transition to life in LA.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Housing
There are a few critical factors for students to weigh when researching housing options in Los Angeles:
Location
Most students aim to find housing, which is, at most, a 30-minute walk, bike ride, bus ride, or drive from their college campus. Neighbourhoods like Westwood and University Park put you at the heart of student life. But areas like Culver City can provide safe, affordable alternatives within a reasonable commute.
Cost
Los Angeles is expensive, so finding housing at the right price point is crucial for students. On-campus dorms are often the priciest. Off-campus apartments generally offer the best value for your money. Opting for a shared house can provide significant rental savings.
Amenities
Today’s university students expect specific amenities like high-speed internet, in-unit laundry, fitness centres, shared study spaces, parking, and modern furnishings. Newer, private student communities tend to offer the most amenities students seek.
Living Arrangements
Consider whether you want a private studio/bedroom, a shared double room, or a communal house. Some students prioritize privacy, while others benefit from shared living costs. Also, decide if you want to live alone or with roommates from campus.
Duration
Determine if you need housing for a year or your entire college tenure. Some university housing has limits on duration, while private companies offer more long-term flexible leases.
Sense of Community
Many students benefit from the built-in community of university residence halls. However, private student apartments also cultivate community through events and social activities. Think about the environment you’ll thrive in.
Students can find the LA housing situation that best matches their needs and campus lifestyles by weighing these key factors.
Pros and Cons of Different Housing Options
There are positives and drawbacks associated with each student accommodation type in Los Angeles:
University Residence Halls
Pros
– Easy access to classes, campus facilities and university resources
– Built-in student community and social opportunities
– No need to shop for furniture or kitchen supplies
– Academically-oriented environment
Cons
– Less living space and privacy
– Noise and distractions make study time challenging
– Require meal plans and limited kitchen usage
– University rules and policies
University-Managed Apartments
Pros
– Proximity to campus and access to campus resources
– Independent living experience with more amenities and space
– Student-focused services and community engagement
– Often includes utilities, internet and furnishings
Cons
– Limited duration lease options (usually one year)
– University rules still apply
– Typically more expensive than private options
Private Student Apartment Communities
Pros
– Most variety in terms of location, sizes, prices and amenities
– Flexible leasing durations from 3 months to 12 months
– Most affordable off-campus option for value
– Fun community environment with activities and events
Cons
– Further from campus than university housing
– Less oversight and noise may be an issue
– No included meal plans
– May require furnishings and parking fees
Shared Houses/Rooms
Pros
– Most affordable way to live off-campus
– More living space and privacy than dorms
– Flexibility in choosing housemates
– Learn independence and responsibility
Cons
– Inconsistent; relies on housemates being responsible
– Further commute to campus is likely
– Security deposits and utilities usually extra
– Furnishings and amenities vary greatly
Homestays
Pros
– Total immersion into American family life
– May include amenities like meals, laundry, supplies
– Provides built-in guidance and support
– Improves language skills and cultural exchange
Cons
– Less independence and space than other options
– Conflicting schedules or personalities
– Typically located further from campus
– Usually more expensive than shared housing
While every student’s needs differ, weighing the pros and cons helps identify the best housing match. Campus residence halls give an authentic college experience, while private apartments offer more independence and value. Shared houses provide significant budget savings but need more consistency. Homestays immerse students culturally but restrict freedom.
In a massive city like LA, there are plenty of options for students to find housing that suits their priorities and budgets.
Conclusion
The vibrant, diverse city of Los Angeles offers plenty of student accommodation choices. Major universities like UCLA, USC and LMU attract thousands of domestic and international students each year looking for housing. Popular neighbourhoods like Westwood and University Park put students steps away from campus, but areas like Culver City provide affordable alternatives.
On-campus dorms, university-run off-campus apartments, private student communities, shared houses, and homestays serve different needs. Critical factors like cost, location, amenities, arrangements and community help students narrow their preferences. Considering the pros and cons of each housing type will lead students to the ideal situation to launch their LA experience.
With an exciting campus life and endless things to experience across the city, Los Angeles provides students from around the world with an unparalleled setting for higher education and personal growth. Finding suitable student accommodation is the first step in living out those Southern California dreams.
