USC Student Housing Near Figueroa Street: Your Complete Guide to Off-Campus Living
- Ong Ogaslert
- Oct 15
- 4 min read
Introduction
Living near Figueroa Street places you at the very center of student life at the University of Southern California (USC). Known for its close proximity to campus, vibrant atmosphere, and countless restaurants and cafes, this area offers a perfect mix of convenience and community for students looking to live off-campus.
Whether you’re a freshman ready to leave the dorms or a graduate student seeking independence, this guide will help you navigate every aspect of finding USC student housing near Figueroa Street, including the best apartments, rent expectations, safety tips, and must-know leasing advice.
1. Why Choose Figueroa Street for Student Housing?
Figueroa Street is one of the most popular and desirable areas for USC students. Its proximity to campus — just a few minutes’ walk from major USC facilities like the Galen Center and Exposition Park — makes it a prime choice for those who want easy access to classes and student life.
Benefits of living near Figueroa Street:
Short walking distance to the USC main campus.
Access to countless restaurants, coffee shops, and grocery stores.
Close to public transportation options like the Metro E Line.
A strong community of USC students and young professionals.
Because of these advantages, properties near Figueroa tend to fill up fast — it’s best to start your search as early as possible.
2. Best Apartments and Complexes Near Figueroa Street
Figueroa is home to a mix of modern apartments and historic buildings that have been remodeled for student living.
Popular apartment complexes for USC students:
The Lorenzo: A luxury student housing complex with pools, study areas, and free shuttle service to campus.
Icon Plaza: Located just steps from Figueroa, this property offers furnished apartments and great amenities.
West 27th Place: Stylish apartments with individual leases and excellent security features.
Gateway Apartments: Known for being quiet, comfortable, and close to both Figueroa and Jefferson Blvd.
These properties are all within a 10-minute walk to campus, making them ideal for busy USC students who value convenience.
3. USC Student Housing Near Figueroa Street: Budgeting for Rent and Living Costs
Living near Figueroa offers unbeatable proximity to campus, but it comes with varying price points.
Average rent in the Figueroa area:
Shared apartment: $1,300–$1,700 per person/month
Studio or one-bedroom: $2,000–$2,800/month
Utilities & Wi-Fi: $120–$180/month
Groceries & transportation: $300–$450/month
Budgeting tips for USC students:
Share an apartment with 2–3 roommates to reduce monthly rent.
Look for buildings that include Wi-Fi and utilities in the rent.
Use USC’s free Campus Cruiser service to save on rideshares.
Explore dining options off-campus for better food value.
Starting your budgeting early ensures you can balance comfort with affordability while staying near all the action.
4. Roommates, Leases, and Legal Considerations
When living off-campus, understanding how to find reliable roommates and read your lease carefully can save you a lot of stress later.
Roommate tips:
Align on lifestyle preferences (sleep schedules, guests, cleanliness).
Discuss bills and responsibilities before moving in.
Consider using a roommate agreement template from USC’s Student Legal Services.
Lease advice:
Read all clauses about maintenance, deposits, and subletting.
Verify whether your lease includes furniture and appliances.
Always get a signed copy of the lease and receipts for payments.
5. Safety Around Figueroa Street
While the Figueroa corridor is lively and well-populated, safety should always be a priority.
Safety checklist:
Walk in groups after dark or use USC’s Campus Safety Patrol.
Avoid properties that lack security cameras or gated access.
Check building lighting and neighborhood reviews before signing a lease.
Register your property with the USC Department of Public Safety (DPS) for alerts.
With a few precautions, living near Figueroa Street is both safe and convenient for USC students.
6. Transportation and Commute
The beauty of living near Figueroa Street is that your commute to campus is almost effortless.
Getting around:
Walk or bike — most apartments are less than a 10-minute walk to class.
Use USC’s Shuttle and Transit System for free local transportation.
Metro E Line (Expo) connects you to Downtown LA and Santa Monica.
Scooters and bikes are widely available through apps like Bird and Lime.
Having everything nearby means you can save on car-related expenses like gas, parking, and maintenance.
7. Touring and Verifying Listings
Because Figueroa housing is in high demand, students should always verify listings before committing.
When touring apartments:
Inspect utilities, air conditioning, and water pressure.
Ask about Wi-Fi coverage and maintenance response times.
Check for hidden fees (parking, utilities, pet fees).
Tour in person or schedule a verified virtual walk-through.
Avoid paying deposits or signing leases without visiting the property — scams are common in popular student areas.
8. Making the Most of Life Near USC
Figueroa Street isn’t just a place to live — it’s a lifestyle.
Things to do nearby:
Catch a basketball game at the Galen Center.
Eat at student-favorite spots like Traddies, Dirt Dog, or Howlin’ Rays.
Relax at Exposition Park or visit the California Science Center.
Walk to The Coliseum for USC football games and concerts.
Living near Figueroa gives you easy access to everything that makes USC’s community dynamic and exciting.
Conclusion
Living near Figueroa Street offers a true USC experience — close to campus, full of student energy, and surrounded by everything you need. With these USC student housing near Figueroa Street tips, you’ll know exactly how to find the right apartment, manage your budget, and enjoy your independence.
Visit USC Universe Housing as a great resource to meet roommates and find off-campus housing at USC Universe Housing
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