Student Housing Los Angeles, CA

Los Angeles is the second most populous city in the US. Every year, more than 5,00,000 students come to the city, making it difficult to find perfect student housing in Los Angeles. That’s where University Living comes in. We help students discover, compare, and book verified accommodations near top university campuses.

Our listings range from PBSAs to shared apartments. All of them are 100% verified, offering utmost safety and excellent quality. In addition to this, we have a dedicated team of experts available round the clock to guide you through the journey. We are known to simplify student mobility by offering transparent pricing with no hidden fees. We ensure that your LA life will be as smooth as a Pacific breeze, with top notch security systems and student-friendly experiences.

The right type of student housing in USA is all about balancing your budget with a comfortable lifestyle. Whether you are looking for a social atmosphere or a quiet place to study, the “City of Angels” is recognized for its various housing styles. These are divided into two types: Student Housing and Private Apartments. Below are their details:

1. Student Housing: Often referred to as purpose-built student accommodation (PBSAs), these residential complexes are specifically designed for students. Unlike traditional apartments, they are fully furnished and feature student-centric amenities, like study lounges, gyms, and cinema rooms. Following are their various types:

• En-Suite Rooms: This type of student room in Los Angeles is ideal for those who value privacy. You will have your own bedroom with an attached bathroom. As for the kitchen and living area, it will be shared with other flatmates, making it super easy for you to socialize.

• Studio Apartments: A studio room is a self-contained one-room unit that serves as a bed, bathroom, and kitchen. It is best suited for those who prioritize independence, peace, and quiet.

• Non-Ensuite Room: One of the budget-friendly options with a private bedroom, but you will be sharing the kitchen, bathroom, and living area with other students. It is especially made for those who want to rent while still having a private space to sleep and study.

• Shared Apartments: In this setting, two or more students will live together in a multi-bedroom unit, sharing not only a bedroom but common areas as well. It is best for extroverts and friends who want to move in together.

2. Private Apartments: These are standard residential apartments made for both students and working professionals. Here, you will get a fully furnished unit with bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and living area, giving you both privacy and independence. Utility bills are managed separately, allowing you to plan and budget accordingly.

Los Angeles, also known as the “Entertainment Capital of the World”, is more than just a city. It provides an opportunity for students who want to study, grow, and build global careers. As the most populous city in California, LA stretches across 472 square miles, merging creativity, technology and international trade in one place. For students, this means that they can have easy access to internships, networking events, and industry exposure. As of now, the city’s overall population is estimated at 3,869,891, making it the first city in the US to reach that milestone.

While the average monthly rent of student rooms in Los Angeles is around $2,991, what you gain in return is an excellent education system and amazing lifestyle experiences that are probably hard to find. Apart from this, LA is exceptionally diverse, with people from 140 countries speaking 224 identified languages. As an international student in the city, you won’t just fit in; you will feel represented.

Some of the popular universities in Los Angeles include UCLA and USC, attracting thousands of students from across the globe. Studying here means you will be at the centre of innovation and research. Outside the classroom, you can check out some of the top tourist attractions like Hollywood Sign, Universal Studios, and the Getty Center. And yes, LA is one of the few cities in the world where you can ski in the morning and surf in the afternoon.

In order to secure the right place in Los Angeles, you have to first understand how you want to experience the city as a student. From vibrant areas to quiet residential ones, LA offers options that are suitable for various academic routines and lifestyles. With the rental market becoming more accessible, students now have greater flexibility to explore accommodations that are aligned to their budgets and personal preferences. As the entertainment capital of the world, LA is one of the most exciting cities to be in. While the city has countless districts, staying in areas that are popular among students will ensure connectivity and a balanced academic life. Let’s discuss some of the top neighborhoods for student housing in Los Angeles:

• Westwood (Near UCLA): Westwood is widely considered the “Gold Standard” for students in Los Angeles. The reason for the same is that it is home to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Developed in 1919, it has evolved as a premier residential and commercial hub. Known for its Mediterranean-themed architecture and vibrant student life, this area is approximately 13-15 miles east of downtown. In addition to this, Santa Monica and Beverly Hills are just 6 miles and 4 miles away, giving students access to the beaches, shopping, and entertainment spots. The area is packed with student favorite cafes like Upside Down, Ministry of Coffee, and Espresso Profeta. Cultural attractions like the Hammer Museum, the Westwood Village Theatre, and many others add to the appeal.
• University Park (Near USC): University Park is considered the historic heart of South Angeles and serves as a home to the University of Southern California. With its stunning architecture and old Victorian mansions equipped with modern facilities, this area is known to provide a mix of heritage and comfort to the students. In terms of safety, this neighborhood is one of the most heavily patrolled in the country, offering students peace of mind, especially during late-night study sessions. Plus, it is only 2.5 miles north of downtown LA, which is roughly a 7–10-minute drive away, ensuring excellent connectivity. Apart from this, the area is highly walkable with a walk score of 88, making daily errands easily accessible without needing a car. Some of the popular student hangouts include Dulce, Nature’s Brew and Amoeba Coffee.
• Koreatown (K-Town): Koreatown, affectionately known as K-Town, is one of the most densely populated and culturally vibrant areas in Los Angeles. Spanning around 2.7 square miles, it operates as a 24-hour hub that rarely sleeps. The area is known to offer a mix of historic art deco buildings with neon-lit modern spaces, that appeals strongly to both students and young professionals. Located just 3 miles from Downtown LA (around a 10-15 minute drive) and 3-4 miles south of Hollywood, the neighborhood offers central connectivity to major university campuses and city hotspots. In addition to this, K-Town arguably has some of the best coffee shops in the city including Document Coffee Bar, and Coffee MCO. Because K-Town is so central, University Living offers several PBSA’s that are made for both USC and UCLA students who want an urban lifestyle with everything within reach.

Los Angeles is one of the strongest economic hubs in California, making it a highly attractive destination for students who are looking for exposure and career opportunities. However, with its high-end lifestyle comes the need for thoughtful financial planning.

The cost of living here is approximately 50% higher than the national average. For context, the estimated monthly costs for a family of four in Los Angeles is $5,095 excluding rent. And for a single person it is $1,340 per month. That is why it is important for students to understand these figures. This will help students plan their accommodation, transportation, and daily expenses accordingly. Below is the in-depth table about cost of living in Los Angeles:

Still not sure about how much you will spend each month in the city? Use University Living’s cost of living calculator to estimate your real expenses from rent and groceries to transport and lifestyle.

There are several options for student accommodation in Los Angeles that are highly rated and popular among students. Designed to simplify your life, these residencies include utility bills like electricity, water, and high-speed Wi-Fi within the rent, helping you manage your budget more efficiently. In addition to this, these properties provide you with amenities such as gyms, rooftop swimming pools, study spaces, and cinema rooms. Safety of the students is also a priority. That is why most of the property listed have 24/7 CCTV surveillance and secure keycard entry. Following are some of the top student apartments in Los Angeles:

• SB & B 1452

• Pavo

• Orion 1421 Adams

• JFK 1220

• Max 2621 Catalina

• Orion 1317 Jefferson

• Sagittarius

Check out your dream room in Los Angeles via University Living today!

While Los Angeles is known for its vibrant lifestyle, affordable student housing options are also available here. With the right choice, you can enjoy the city’s energy without stretching your budget. Below are some of the top affordable accommodations in Los Angeles:

• Orion 1192 35th

• Be Homes 2624

• Heritage 624

• Heritage 631

• Heritage 1275

• 1360 W 35th St

Found something that matches your vibe? Explore it out with the help of University Living now!

Getting around Los Angeles as a student is a part of the adventure. From busy metro lines to iconic city buses, the transport network makes it easy to move between various campuses, beaches, and hotspots. That is why it is important for you to understand how student travel works. This will help you manage your expenses while keeping your daily life smooth. Some of the major ways students use to commute are mentioned below:

1. LA Metro (Rail and Bus): The LA metro is one of the primary transit systems in the region. Through its GoPass program, it allows K-12 and community college students to ride all Metro buses and trains for free. Additionally, students can easily utilize U-Pass, which offers unlimited rides for discounted semester fees. Some of the Major Rail Lines and stops include:

• Line B (Red): Connects Union Station to North Hollywood.

• Line E (Expo): Ideal for students travelling between Downtown LA to Downtown Santa Monica.

• Line D (Purple) Extension: Recently expanded with new stations such as Wilshire/La Brea and Wilshire/Fairfax, improving connectivity across the city.

2. LADOT Dash Buses: The DASH bus system offers frequent, localized services within specific neighborhoods, making short-distance travel simple and convenient. Students with a valid Student Reduced Fare TAP card can ride DASH buses free of charge. Some of the major stops and routes include:

• DASH F: Serves the Financial District and Exposition Park/USC.

• DASH Downtown: Multiple routes (A through E) covering key spots like Chinatown, Little Tokyo, Fashion District, and Union Station

For students, the city offers a perfect mix of theme parks, cultural landmarks, and hidden gems that won’t break your bank. Since many of these top attractions are located in student-friendly areas like Westwood and Exposition Park, you can easily balance your weekend adventures with study sessions. Following are some of the top tourist attractions:

• Griffith Observatory: Located on Mount Hollywood, it is the best spot for panoramic views of the LA basin and Hollywood sign. Major highlights here include Samuel Oschin Planetarium, Foucault pendulum etc. Entry to the building and ground is free.

• The Getty Center: Known for its stunning architecture, gardens and vast collection of European art. One can easily find masterpieces like Van Gogh and Monet, and the Central Garden.

• Santa Monica Pier and Beach: A classic seaside destination that features the world’s only solar powered Ferris wheel. Some of the things that you can do here include Pacific Park amusement rides, street performers, and sunset views.

• Universal Studios Hollywood: It is a combination of working film studios and high-octane theme parks. Major highlights of this place include The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the World-Famous Studio Tour, and the new Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift coaster