Office of International Services
  • Getting Started
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  • Living in the United States (Students)
  • Housing

Housing — USC OIS

[Photo] A red brick campus building with Gothic-inspired architecture and a tall clock tower rises above leafy trees beneath a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.

USC Housing offers a variety of on-campus living options that help students build community and adjust to university life. Students who use USC housing enjoy exclusive programming, mentorship opportunities, and direct support from resident assistants and faculty. Visit the USC Housing website to explore housing types and find the option that best fits your needs.

Some students and scholars may require temporary accommodations upon arrival in Los Angeles. Below are several options for short-term accommodations on or near the USC University Park Campus. Please contact the offices directly to inquire about accommodation details and to make reservations.

On-Campus Temporary Housing

The USC Housing office coordinates temporary housing for a limited number of international students.

Hotels and Motels

The USC Office of Orientation Programs has a partial list of hotels and motels available in the general area of the USC University Park Campus, particularly for the downtown area two miles north of campus. Please contact these accommodations directly for questions about available facilities, rates and more. 

Please note that these accommodations are located in the center of a large urban area. The university and OIS do not guarantee the safety or condition of any individual lodging and do not endorse any of the listings.

Additional Options

In addition to the temporary accommodation options above, temporary housing can be arranged through these other sources:

  • Contact one of the nationality clubs in the USC International Student Assembly to find fellow citizens who may provide additional tips or options.
  • Stay with friends or relatives who live near USC.
  • Contact a local church or the members of a religious congregation.
  1. Be aware of housing and rental scams. Watch OIS’s safety advisory video or visit the USC Department of Public Safety’s (DPS) website for more information. When in doubt, contact the DPS for tips or guidance prior to exchanging money or personal information with someone posing as a landlord or leasing agent.
  2. Live within the DPS patrol areas. DPS patrols within one mile (approximately 0.6 kilometers) of campus. Refer to a map to check whether your accommodation falls within these areas.
  3. Be mindful of safe transportation options. Students should consider the availability of USC public transportation routes when looking for non-university housing near campus.
  4. Be an informed tenant. Refer to this guide on tenants’ and landlords’ rights from the California Department of Real Estate to learn more about your rights.
[Photo] Three people stand beside a large move-in bin filled with suitcases, smiling and making peace signs outside a campus building. A white canopy, brick arches and additional move-in equipment are visible in the background.

Early Move-In to USC Housing