USC Dormitories：Convenience and Community

For many students, the thought of living on campus is appealing due to its convenience. USC offers different dormitory options including residence halls, suites, and apartments for first-year students.

What’s great:

• Built-In Community: Dorm life makes it easy to meet people and make friends. There are always activities and events to join.
• Close to Everything: USC dormitories are typically located within walking distance of classrooms, libraries, dining halls, and other campus facilities.
• Affordable rent: According to USC Housing, for freshman, estimated yearly living expenses for 2023-2024 (rent for two semesters, mandatory full meal plans), range from $19,541 to $21,785. For upperclassmen, the range will be $10,832 to $15,492.

What need to consider:

• Limited Space: Dorm rooms are usually small and shared with 2-4 roommates, so personal space can be hard to come by.
• Mandatory Meal Plans: You’ll probably have to buy a meal plan during your freshman year, which might not always fit your food preferences or schedule.

Off-Campus Co-living Housing: Freedom and Flexibility

For those looking for more freedom but with an affordable price, off-campus co-living housing can be an attractive option, like those provided by Moo Housing. Here’s what to consider about:

Why It’s Awesome:

• Better Amenities: Many off-campus places come with extras like kitchens, living rooms, and in-unit laundry.
• More Independence: Off-campus co-living housing gives you more freedom and privacy. You can have your own bedroom and bathroom while sharing the kitchen and living area with your roommates. The unit type various from 2b2b to 7b7b, check Moo Housing for more thoughts!
• Cost-Effective: Off-campus options can often be cheaper. A fully furnished private bedroom and bathroom ranges from $900 - $1600 per month (House for rent near USC under $1000). Usually, housing within the DPS area will be more expensive.

What to Consider:

• Commuting Time: Depending on where you live, you might need to think about how you’ll get to campus. Housings with DPS area are usually within 5-10 minutes walking distance. Others are about 5-10 minutes drive.
• More Responsibility: You’ll need to manage your own bills, grocery shopping, and commuting.

Off-Campus Luxury Apartments: Upscale Living Near USC

For those who desire a more upscale living experience, luxury apartments in DTLA and Ktown are excellent choices. These apartments feature high-end finishes, such as granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and hardwood floors.

MooHousing partners with over 80 luxury apartments across Los Angeles. Our professional housing service helps you find the perfect apartment that fits your needs. Best of all, MooHousing offers this service completely free of charge, ensuring that you get the best living experience without any hassle.

Pros:

• Spacious Layouts: These apartments offer more space than typical dorms or standard apartments, giving you room to relax, entertain, and live comfortably.
• Top-Tier Amenities: Residents can enjoy access to exclusive amenities like a fitness center, rooftop pools with panoramic views, and stylish lounges for socializing or working.
• Privacy and Independence: The common floorplans luxury apartments provide are studio, 1 bedroom 1 bathroom and 2 bedroom 2 bathroom. With fewer shared spaces, luxury apartments provide more privacy and independence compared to dormitory living.

Cons

• Higher Costs: Luxury apartments typically come with higher rent. For example, the monthly rent for 1b1b apartment in DTLA area ranges from $2,000 - $3,500.
• Longer Commute: Most of the luxury apartments are located in DTLA and Ktown area, requiring more time and effort to commute, especially compared to on-campus housing options.
• Finding Roommates: Luxury apartments require you to rent the entire unit, meaning you’ll need to find your own roommates if you’re not renting alone.
• Unfurnished Units: Most luxury apartments do not come with furniture, so you'll need to arrange and purchase your own furnishings.

Conclusion

Both USC dorms and off-campus housing have their perks. It really comes down to what fits your lifestyle and budget best. If you’re looking for a mix of comfort, affordability, and safety, Moo Housing is definitely worth considering.