First month free on selected units!
Limited-time offer: Starting from $1049/month
Off-campus housing is any rental property that is not owned or managed by USC. It includes co-living houses, studios, and apartments located in neighborhoods around the University Park campus.
Most USC students move off-campus by sophomore year. Some international students and transfer students choose off-campus housing from day one.
Co-Living Houses The most common option for USC students. You rent a private bedroom in a shared house, with kitchen, living room, and laundry shared among housemates. Most are fully furnished. Prices start at $1,154/month for a private bedroom.
Studio Apartments A self-contained unit with your own kitchen and bathroom. More privacy than co-living, higher cost. Prices start at $1,275/month.
1-Bedroom Apartments Full apartment with separate bedroom and living area. Most expensive option near campus. Prices start at $1,421/month.
A lease is a legally binding contract between you and your landlord. Before signing, make sure you understand:
Lease length — most USC-area leases are 12 months. Some student-focused providers offer semester-based or flexible start dates.
Move-in costs — you typically need to pay upfront:
Total upfront cost can be $3,000–$5,000 before you even move in. Plan for this.
What happens if you break the lease — early termination usually means losing your deposit and potentially owing additional fees. Read this section carefully.
Who is responsible for repairs — the lease should specify what the landlord covers and how quickly they respond to maintenance requests.
The USC Department of Public Safety patrols a 2.5 square mile area around campus, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This zone is bounded by:
Inside this zone you get 24/7 patrol, emergency blue light phones, and Campus Cruiser rides until 2:45am.
Most first-time renters and international students prioritize staying inside or adjacent to this zone. Units within the DPS zone cost slightly more but provide significantly more peace of mind.
You can verify whether a specific address is inside the zone at housing.usc.edu/interactive-map.
Location first Is it inside the DPS patrol zone? How far is the walk to your main buildings? Walk the route at night before committing.
What's included Fully furnished means bed, desk, wardrobe, and kitchen appliances are provided. Confirm exactly what is included — not all "furnished" units are the same.
Lease flexibility Does the lease start date match when you actually arrive? Can you move in August 10 if you need to?
Utilities Are water and WiFi included? How are electricity and gas handled?
Roommate situation In co-living houses, you'll share space with other students. Ask who else is living there and whether roommates are assigned or self-selected.
❌ Landlord asks for payment before you've seen the unit or signed a lease — legitimate landlords don't ask for money upfront before any paperwork
❌ Price seems too good to be true — $700/month private bedroom near USC almost certainly doesn't exist legitimately
❌ No written lease — never pay rent without a signed lease agreement
❌ Pressure to sign immediately — good landlords give you time to review
❌ No response to maintenance requests during the viewing process — if they're slow before you move in, they'll be slower after
❌ Signing sight-unseen without a verified virtual tour — if you can't visit in person, ask for a live video walkthrough with the actual unit, not just photos
Standard LA apartments often require:
Most international students don't have these. Student-focused housing providers near USC typically accept:
Always confirm what's required before starting an application.
Units near USC fill up fast — especially those inside the DPS patrol zone.
The earlier you start, the more options you have.
Moo Housing specializes in student housing near USC and works with first-time renters and international students regularly. All co-living units are fully furnished, located within or adjacent to the DPS patrol zone, and available from August 10 for fall 2026.
Current offer: 1 month free rent on select units.
Tell us your budget and move-in date and we'll match you directly.
Never rented an apartment before? This is everything a first-time USC student needs to know about off-campus housing — from how leases work to what to look for and how to avoid getting scammed.
Never rented an apartment before? This is everything a first-time USC student needs to know about off-campus housing — from how leases work to what to look for and how to avoid getting scammed.
Never rented an apartment before? This is everything a first-time USC student needs to know about off-campus housing — from how leases work to what to look for and how to avoid getting scammed.
