Hey everyone! I’m very excited to go to USC in the fall, but I am having some difficulties with finding apartments.
I’ll be moving to the US from Europe so I am not very educated on the various areas in LA (unless we include movies, TV shows, and GTA). I would really like to be within walking distance from the campus but I’ve been told that the area around USC is not the safest except the area above campus where university housing is also located. I’ve also come across numerous leasing companies with apartments in that area such as CDI Management, Mosaic Student Communities etc. I’ve read many favorable reviews on Facebook, Yelp and Google but I would really like to hear your thoughts on the graduate housing and the apartments from those leasing companies.
I am also open to living in a different area and commuting if means living in a significantly safer, more affordable and more “social” area. I have been told that Downtown Culver City, Beverly Grove, Korea Town (a bit sketchier), and Silver Lake/Echo Park are good areas but I would very much like to hear your thoughts as well. What are some areas that grad students tend to live in? Where did you live while studying at USC? Did you have any regrets? Any pro tips?
I apologize for the lengthy post, moving to the US feels a bit daunting and I want to learn as much as possible to make the most informed choice!
tl;dr Graduate student looking for housing advice. Would prefer to live close to campus (university housing, leasing companies) but I am open to living further and commuting.