A Review of USC Off-Campus Housing Options
by Maya Lopez ‘26
Every year at the end of the fall semester, college students search for housing for the next year. The politics behind finding housing are difficult as students try to find the perfect group of roommates without hurting anyone’s feelings. This gets even more difficult when each roommate has different priorities for their housing; some want the cheapest place and others the closest to campus. Many people want to live in the Village but don’t get an apartment that fits their group. Off-campus housing is a great option if you don’t want to have to pay for a meal plan or if you’re looking to be closer to the south side of campus or the row. Or, of course, if you’re an upperclassman and don’t have the privilege of living in USC housing. To help ease the anxiety that comes with searching through all the housing possibilities, I’ve compiled a list of some of the most popular off-campus housing options.
West 27th Place
West 27th Place, “West” for short, is often referred to as “the New North of off campus housing”. West is popular amongst sophomores in Greek life who enjoy amenities including a gym, hot tub, pool, and study room. The units here come fully furnished and each have their own washer and dryer. West is a 13 minute walk from EVK but only 2 minutes from the Row (do with that what you will). Don't feel like walking to class? West boasts a bike storage room as well as an underground garage with a security gate.
3025 Mansion
3025 Mansion (AKA Old Man and New Man) are an 8 minute walk from campus but, more importantly, they’re right next to popular late night eats like El Huero and Spudnuts. Old and New Man have less amenities than other off-campus housing options but still have a gym and study room. Old/New Man have some of the biggest apartments available but they don’t come furnished so residents are responsible for finding furniture for their apartment. Right on Figueroa, these options are great if you’re looking for more space and to be close to campus.
The Hub Coliseum
Not to be mistaken with the new Hub on Fig, The Hub Coliseum is closest to the business school and is only a 6 minute walk from Fertita Hall. If you like what the Hub has to offer but don’t want to have a delayed move in, The Hub Coliseum is a great option for you (iykyk). The Hub Coliseum is directly across the street from the USC Coliseum. This off-campus housing option features a gorgeous rooftop pool, as well as a sauna, gym, and outdoor patio. Units at The Hub come fully furnished with in-unit washers and dryers. Additionally The Hub has a parking garage and a place to store bikes. Very popular amongst business students, The Hub is generally known as one of the pricier off campus housing options.
The Lorenzo
The Lorenzo is a long 19 minute walk from campus, but fear not – it has its own shuttle which transports residents from their apartments to the Village entrance of USC. What the Lorenzo lacks in proximity to campus it makes up for in amenities. The Lorenzo has by far the most amenities of any off-campus housing option. First off, it has 4 pools: indoor, outdoor, rooftop, and olympic size. On top of this, residents enjoy a rock wall, music room with a grand piano, and 5 rooftop sundecks. If you’re into fitness, you’ll enjoy The Lorenzo’s 3 story fitness center, along with its running track, indoor basketball court, and sand volleyball court. The Lorenzo is a popular choice amongst graduate students, however some undergrads live there as well.
The 505
The 505 is a great off-campus housing option because it is right off of Figueroa Street and only a nine minute walk from campus. The 505 features unique amenities such as ping pong tables and recording studios. Apartments come fully furnished with in-unit washers and dryers. The 505 also has study lounges and fitness centers. The 505 is a bit secluded from other popular apartments amongst students, but it has its own community that residents enjoy.
Oasis
Oasis is a new off-campus housing option that just opened this year. It is a 13 minute walk to campus but right next to the row. Oasis doesn’t boast as many amenities as other options, but it is the newest so residents don’t have to worry about the maintenance issues that come with other older options. These apartments come fully furnished and have new, high end appliances. It's unclear what sense of community Oasis has because it's so new, but the apartments look promising as many current residents plan to renew their leases for next year.
The Shrine
Not to be confused with the popular concert venue, The Shrine Collection is an off-campus housing option sandwiched between the row and USC. It is an 8 minute walk from campus and apartments come fully furnished with their own washers and dryers. Additionally, the Shrine Collection has outdoor grills and a 24/7 fitness center. Fun fact about the Shrine Collection: it is one of the few off campus housing options near USC that allows pets.
Tuscany
Tuscany apartments are right next to The Hub Coliseum but slightly closer to campus with only a 4 minute walk to school. Tuscany is closest to Feritta Hall, so it's popular amongst business students who are on that side of campus frequently. Amenities at Tuscany include a pool, rooftop sundeck, study lounges on each floor, and a fitness center.
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