Los Angeles isn’t just the entertainment capital of the world – it's also a hub for cutting-edge research and top-quality education, with thousands of students flocking to the city every year to pursue a degree.

If you're new to the city, navigating its many neighborhoods and finding somewhere to live can be challenging. Luckily, we have a huge range of student housing in Los Angeles with plenty of options in premier neighborhoods like Downtown, Westwood and Santa Monica.

With our modern and fully furnished apartments, you can find the perfect spot close to your chosen university and within easy reach of the city’s top attractions.  

Jump straight in and filter to find student housing in Los Angeles that suits your needs, or continue reading to learn more about student life in the city... 

Universities in Los Angeles

Whether you’re looking for some of the world’s most prestigious universities, top-ranked community colleges, or specialized schools for technology and the arts, LA has something for everyone. Here’s a rundown of some of the city’s most coveted institutions.

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

Part of the University of California (UC) system, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) typically ranks as the top university in Los Angeles and among the top 50 universities globally.

It’s also a public university – meaning lower tuition fees for domestic students – and is one of the best of these in the US. The stunning 419-acre campus is based in the upscale Westwood neighborhood, sitting at the base of the Santa Monica mountains.

UCLA has an extensive study offering and excels in a number of fields including film, medicine, law, business, and engineering. It’s also got an incredible athletics program with over 120 NCAA championships to its name.

Secured your place at the university? Find the perfect living space with our range of UCLA off-campus housing! 

University of Southern California (USC)

Rivaling UCLA for top spot, the University of Southern California (USC) is another leading university that ranks among the 150 institutions globally. The historic main campus is based in the University Park neighborhood roughly 2 miles from downtown LA – a major draw for many students.

Like UCLA, USC is renowned for its film school and has close ties to LA’s entertainment industry, while it also performs particularly well in business, engineering, and creative studies more broadly.

Athletics are a big deal here too and form a major part of campus culture. Students and athletes are all part of the ‘Trojan Family’, which provides valuable connections and support to alumni long after they graduate.

Heading here for your studies? Check out our vast array of student apartments near USC. 

California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA) 

California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA) is one of the top schools in the California State University system – another public university system made up of more than 20 campuses throughout the state.

Based east of downtown LA in the University Hills neighborhood, Cal State LA serves a diverse body of around 25,000 students and has an excellent reputation for business, engineering, and nursing.

Like the sound of this university? We have an excellent selection of apartments near Cal State LA for you to explore. 

Loyola Marymount University (LMU)

One of the top-ranking Catholic universities in the US, Loyola Marymount University (LMU) is a medium-sized institution with an enrollment of around 10,000 students and a beautiful campus based in Westchester, overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Continuing the theme of LA’s other universities, LMU has an amazing film school with many students going on to work in Hollywood. It’s also got a strong reputation for business and humanities – so worth looking into if you’re pursuing these fields.

Thinking of applying here? Browse our range of student apartments near LMU! 

Other universities

Beyond these universities, LA is home to some amazing community colleges where you can study for less and secure a transfer to a four-year institution to complete your degree. These include Santa Monica College, Pasadena City College, and Los Angeles City College.

You’ve also got lots of specialized schools offering tailored degree programs, including the Musicians Institute, Los Angeles Film School, and the Southern California Institute of Architecture.

Things for students to do in Los Angeles

From museum and beach trips to hiking in the Hollywood Hills, there’s an almost endless supply of things for students to do in Los Angeles. Below, we take you through our top picks.

Arts & culture

LA’s cultural scene is unmatched. There’s a lot you can see for free, including the Getty Center’s incredible collection of European art and the Broad’s range of contemporary works. The Los Angeles County Museum of Art does charge but is also worth checking out.

Held on the first Thursday of each month, the Downtown Los Angeles Art Walk is another free activity that’s not to be missed. And when you can spare some cash, there’s nothing quite like catching a show at the Hollywood Bowl or Walt Disney Concert Hall.

Food & drink

When it comes to food, there’s always something new to try in LA. Grand Central Market downtown is a great place to start and has everything from burgers, pizza, and tacos to bubble tea and artisanal coffee.

The city’s ethnic enclaves are some of the best places to find authentic local cuisine – head to Koreatown for late-night KBBQ or visit Little Tokyo for some amazing ramen. Food trucks are another cornerstone of LA food culture, and you can track these on social media. 

Outdoors

Escaping the city is easy in LA with its perfect weather and natural beauty. Griffith Park – one of the largest urban parks in the US – has some amazing hiking trails with views of the iconic Hollywood Sign and stunning panoramas from the Griffith Observatory.

For a day out at the beach, Santa Monica and Venice Beach are two instantly recognizable spots packed full of interesting characters and amusements. Further from the city, Malibu’s beaches are ideal for getting away from the crowds. 

Entertainment 

There’s no better place than LA for amusement parks. Disneyland Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood are two of the world’s most popular theme parks and an absolute must-visit at least once during your time in the City of Angels.

If you’re a real thrill seeker, Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia has some truly insane rollercoasters that you won’t want to miss. Knott's Berry Farm, located in Buena Park, is another solid option. 

Nightlife 

LA's nightlife has something for everyone. Well-known Hollywood clubs like Avalon and Academy attract top DJs and celebrities, but you can expect cover charges and dress codes. For something more casual, Echo Park and Silver Lake have lots of chill bars.

Other late-night hotspots include Westwood (particularly for UCLA students), Koreatown, and Little Tokyo. Comedy venues like the Comedy Store and Laugh Factory are also great for when you fancy a change from bars and clubs. 

Best student neighborhoods in Los Angeles 

In a city as big as LA, it can be difficult to know where to start looking for an apartment. Below, we take a look at some of the best areas in LA for student housing where you’ve got some excellent amenities and are near the top colleges and universities. 

University Park 

Located just a few miles southwest of downtown LA, University Park is a popular choice for USC students given its proximity to campus, and has lots of homes that have been converted into duplexes and fourplexes specifically for the college crowd.

The neighborhood is known to be very safe and offers easy access to nearby attractions at Exposition Park, such as the California Science Center and the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. 

Westwood 

If you’re looking for something a bit more sheltered from the hustle and bustle of downtown, Westwood is a highly desirable neighborhood on the Westside that's popular with students.

This walkable neighborhood centers around a commercial village with lots of cafes, restaurants, and theaters. It’s also home to UCLA, so there’s a solid provision of student housing, though apartments can be pricy. 

Echo Park 

Situated in east-central LA just a 15-minute bus ride from downtown, Echo Park is another student hotspot with a distinct hipster vibe, owing to its array of vintage shops, trendy restaurants, and indie music venues.

As the name suggests, it’s a very green area with Echo Park Lake at its center and Elysian Park – home of the Dodger Stadium – also within easy reach. As central LA goes, it’s one of the cheaper areas for student housing. 

Los Angeles cost of living 

Los Angeles has a reputation for being expensive, and while this isn’t completely unwarranted, you can limit costs with smart planning. Housing represents your main expense, and this can range from $800–$2,000 per month depending on the area.

The cost of maintaining a car is especially high, so there are clear benefits to living in an area with good public transport. Grocery prices also tend to be up on the national average, so altogether you’ll probably want to budget $1,500–$2,500 on monthly living expenses.

Free things to do in Los Angeles 

While it’s true that living costs are high, LA does offer a wealth of free activities to students looking to have fun on a budget. Top attractions like the Getty Center, The Broad, and the California Science Center all offer free admission.

LA’s natural beauty can obviously be enjoyed for free too. Some of the highlights here are Griffith Park, Runyon Canyon, and Topanga State Park, as well as Venice Beach and Malibu Beach.

Student discounts in Los Angeles 

Your student ID is valuable currency throughout Los Angeles, with the Natural History Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art all offering either free tickets or discounted rates to students.

Universal Studios also partners with local colleges and universities to offer student discounts, while the AMC and Regal theatre chains offer special student pricing, so you can catch the latest blockbuster releases for cheap. 

Public transit in Los Angeles 

It’s often said that you need a car to get around Los Angeles, but this isn’t always the case – especially if you live in central areas with good connections. Public transit in the city is improving and now encompasses a vast network with multiple operators and travel options. 

Metro

The Metro Rail system is generally the fastest way to get around the city, however coverage is mostly limited to central areas and major suburbs like Santa Monica and Long Beach. The network consists of six lines, four of which are light rail and the other two are underground.

Bus 

The Metro Bus service forms a part of the Metro Rail system and serves areas not covered by subway and light rail with a mix of local, rapid, and express routes. Beyond the Metro Rail network, there are also DASH buses for affordable, local trips. 

Other 

For longer distances, Metrolink commuter rail connects central LA to the rest of the county. Apps like Uber and Lyft can also help fill gaps in the network, with many students combining occasional rideshares with public transport as an affordable alternative to driving. 

Frequently asked questions 

How safe is Los Angeles for students?

Like any major city, some areas in Los Angeles are safer than others. Popular student neighborhoods like University Park, Westwood, and Echo Park do however tend to be safe. Still, it’s best to exercise the usual precautions and you may want to do some research into specific parts of the city when looking for off-campus housing. 

Is it hard to find student housing in Los Angeles?

Many students in Los Angeles choose to live off campus, making the market for this type of housing competitive. As such, it’s best to start looking for student housing at least three months before you start at university. This should give you enough time to find the right neighborhood, view a few properties, and secure your place. 

How much do student apartments in Los Angeles cost?

Student housing in Los Angeles is generally quite expensive, however prices vary considerably depending on the neighborhood. You can find good value if you’re willing to venture away from downtown. The student apartments we list in the city typically range from $800–$2,000 per month. 

What are the best student neighborhoods in Los Angeles?

The major student neighborhoods in Los Angeles center around the big universities – surrounding UCLA you have Westwood, while USC spills out into University Park. Echo Park in east-central LA is another popular area, particularly among art students drawn to its bohemian vibe. 

Do I need a visa to study in Los Angeles?

If you want to study in Los Angeles as a non-US citizen, you’ll need to obtain a student visa from a US embassy or consulate in your home country. For university or college study, you’ll need an F visa. Read more on the requirements and your eligibility here. 

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