International Student Guidelines

Housing

Make your housing arrangements as soon as possible. University housing for graduate students is limited, and spaces fill quickly. Most graduate students prefer to live in privately owned apartments nearby.

If you will be living in privately owned housing, you will need to pay the first month’s rent plus a security deposit (usually, the equivalent of an additional month’s rent). Start-up expenses will likely include utility service fees and the purchase of household supplies. Feel free to visit the International Student Assembly’s Facebook page for other helpful tips and advice.

You may also refer to our general Housing page for more information about university and off-campus housing.

Short-Term Housing

If you have friends or relatives living in Southern California, you may want to stay with them for a short time while you look for an apartment or room for rent.

Short-term accommodation is also available in university housing from late May until early August each year. The cost begins at $45 per night (double-occupancy), on a space-available basis (rates subject to change). If you anticipate needing short-term housing, contact USC Housing to apply online at least two weeks before your arrival in Los Angeles or call (213) 743-5200 for more information.