Student Services
Housing
The demand for graduate housing is much greater than the number of available spaces. Therefore, students are encouraged to apply for university housing as soon as possible to reserve a space. Approximately 1,500 graduate housing spaces accommodate your need for more privacy while providing a great way for you to get involved with campus life.
University housing puts you closer to libraries and laboratories, as well as USC social and cultural activities. USC apartments are fully furnished and most include kitchens. All buildings have laundry facilities and are within walking distance of campus. Cable TV (including HD channels) and Ethernet and wireless internet access are provided in all university residences.
Free university bus services and the Lyft Rides Program are available to get you to and from campus quickly and safely, and parking is provided in most buildings for an additional fee. All buildings include computerized entry monitoring.
Housing options include single-occupancy studio and one-bedroom apartments for students who want to live and study on their own; one- and two-bedroom shared apartments to accommodate roommates; or one- and two-bedroom apartments for married couples and families. Spaces are very limited, so apply early!
Academic Program Housing
Graduate students in select majors may opt to live in buildings with other students in their course of study. Accommodations vary by building, though most provide residents with the option of their own bedroom. Some have special contract dates to fit their school’s academic calendar. Housing availability for these programs may be limited.
Housing Contracts
Housing contracts for individual students cover the academic year only, from late August to mid-May. Semester-length or monthly contracts are not available. Family housing contracts, however, cover a 12-month period. If you are staying on campus for the summer, USC Housing offers summer housing, available by separate application.
Applying for Housing
Please note that application for admission to USC does not constitute a housing application. Apply for housing via the USC Housing website.
The application process for new students typically opens in February, and only students who have been admitted to the university and given a 10-digit USC ID number may apply. Applicants will be required to pay a $55 nonrefundable fee (subject to change) by credit card to complete an online application.
Housing is assigned first-come, first-served according to application date. Due to the high demand for graduate accommodations, those who wish to live in university housing should apply as soon as possible.
For more information about our housing options, please visit us online at housing.usc.edu or refer to our online Living at USC: Upperclassmen & Graduate Students brochure.
More Information:
(213) 740–2546 or (800) 872–4632
housing@usc.edu
Non-University Housing
You should allow two weeks to a month to find non-university housing off campus. Families may need more time. The USC Housing website includes a link to listings of off-campus housing. Apartment-locating and property management services in the Los Angeles area (such as Apartments.com) can assist you in locating suitable accommodations. You can also check the classified advertising section of the Los Angeles Times, other neighborhood newspapers, or The Daily Trojan, the USC student newspaper.
If you choose to live in non-university housing, be prepared to pay a security deposit (usually the equivalent of one month’s rent) in addition to the first month’s rent. Monthly apartment rents in the University Park area will be $800 and up depending on living arrangements. Many landlords require a legally binding, 12-month lease.