Los Angeles isn’t just Hollywood, palm trees, and traffic, it’s also one of the most popular cities for students in the United States. With world-class universities like UCLA, USC, Cal State LA, and many more, students from all over the world come here chasing degrees, career opportunities, and maybe a little California sunshine.
But once you’ve got your admission letter in hand, there’s one question that hits hard: Where should you live? LA is huge, and not every neighborhood makes sense for a student budget or lifestyle. You want a place that’s safe, (somewhat) affordable, and close enough to your campus so you’re not spending half your life sitting in traffic on the 405.
To save you hours of scrolling through student apartments in Los Angeles listings and “room for rent” ads, here’s a simple rundown of the 10 best neighbour hoods for students in Los Angeles.
10 best neighborhoods for students in Los Angeles.
1. Westwood
If you’re going to UCLA, Westwood is the obvious choice.You will find ucla apartments nearby, it’s basically student central, with apartments, cafes, grocery stores, and late-night food spots all within walking distance. Rent can be high, but the convenience of being so close to campus makes it worth it. You’ll also never feel out of place here since most people around you will be students. Whether you’re grabbing boba, hitting the gym, or studying in a coffee shop, Westwood has everything you need to make student life easier.
2. University Park
This is USC’s home turf. If you’re a Trojan, University Park puts you right at the center of things. The USC Village has restaurants, grocery stores, and student hangout spots, so you don’t have to travel far for essentials. It’s also close to downtown LA, which means tons of opportunities for internships and events. Security has improved a lot over the years, but like any city neighborhood, it’s smart to stay aware of your surroundings. Living here means you’re always plugged into campus life, which is a big plus.
3. Koreatown (K-Town)
Koreatown is one of the most popular choices for students because it’s fun, central, and relatively affordable compared to other parts of LA. The neighborhood never sleeps—there are 24-hour restaurants, karaoke bars, and some of the best Korean BBQ in the city. Rent is more reasonable here, and public transportation makes it easy to get to USC, UCLA, or Cal State LA. If you love food, culture, and nightlife, Koreatown will never disappoint.
4. North Hollywood (NoHo Arts District)
NoHo is the artsy, creative side of LA. It’s full of small theaters, murals, and a buzzing arts community. Students love it because it’s a little cheaper than other trendy neighborhoods, but still has a great vibe. The Metro Red Line connects NoHo to Hollywood and downtown, which makes commuting easier. If you’re studying film, theater, or art, you’ll fit right into the creative energy here.
5. Culver City
Culver City is like the calmer, cleaner cousin of some of LA’s busier neighborhoods. It’s known for being safe, student-friendly, and well-connected to both UCLA and Loyola Marymount. Recently, it has also become a tech hub with companies like Apple and Amazon setting up offices here. Students love it because you get a suburban feel without being cut off from the rest of the city. Rent is higher than in K-Town or Palms, but you get a quieter environment in exchange.
6. Santa Monica
If you’ve ever dreamed of walking to the beach after class, Santa Monica is perfect. It’s ideal for UCLA and Santa Monica College students who don’t mind paying a bit more for rent. The city is lively, full of restaurants, shops, and of course, the beach. Yes, it’s expensive, but the ocean views and atmosphere make it a dream location for many students. Just be ready for your friends to “visit” you a lot more often.
7. Echo Park
Echo Park is a creative, diverse neighborhood that’s close to both downtown and Silver Lake. It’s slightly more affordable than Silver Lake but has a similar artsy, cultural feel. Echo Park Lake is a big draw, and the community vibe makes it a student favorite. For those who want a mix of affordability and culture, Echo Park is one of the best choices.
Some Properties that you can check in LA :
- Currie Hall, Los Angeles
- University Gateway, Los Angeles
Final Thoughts
Los Angeles has a neighborhood for every type of student. Westwood is perfect if you want to be surrounded by classmates. K-Town works if you want culture and affordability. Santa Monica is for beach lovers, while DTLA is for those who love the city rush. The truth is, LA will never be “cheap.” Rent will always sting, parking will always be tough, and traffic will test your patience.
But here’s the good news: if you pick the right neighborhood, your student years in LA can be some of the most exciting of your life. You’ll find communities that fit your budget, your lifestyle, and your academic journey. And at the end of the day, living in Los Angeles means you’re studying in one of the most dynamic, opportunity-filled cities in the world.
How can amber help you?
amber helps you secure student accommodation of your choice on your study abroad journey. Having served 80 million students (and counting), amber is your one-stop shop for all your accommodation needs. Download the amber app from the Google Play Store or App Store to book an affordable home for your adventure.
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