Living off-campus near USC gives you a sense of independence that is nothing compared to living in a dorm. There’s lots to enjoy, from enhancing the room’s feel with personal touches to enjoying better privacy and the freedom to keep a pet; living outside college can be exciting. However, the search for the perfect off-campus apartment can be a headache.
The possibility of being stuck with a house that does not truly meet your needs, an uncooperative roommate, or an agent who does not seem to care makes it even more scary. Any slight mistake when choosing your next off-campus house can quickly turn your dream apartment life into a nightmare.
Here are common mistakes that USC students should avoid when looking for off-campus housing.
Don’t judge a leasing agent by their friendly demeanor on your first conversation. Some agents may promise the world but leave you hanging when it comes to critical issues like fixing a broken heater, electrical issues or addressing plumbing problems promptly. A quick online search of reviews can save you from months of frustration. For example, students have reported unresponsive agents who ignored maintenance requests or failed to address security concerns.
Before you agree to anything, take your time to research potential leasing agencies. Read reviews to see what other students say about them. The goal is to get an agent with many good reviews, increasing the likelihood of a good experience. They might cost a little more, but sometimes, your peace of mind is worth it.
Here's the good news: USC off-campus housing agents are available to provide various services, including free consultation, virtual tours, and 24/7 customer support.
Many USC students procrastinate on their housing search, only to realize too late that the best options have already been taken. By waiting until the semester begins, you risk ending up with overpriced listings or apartments that don’t meet your needs. To avoid this, start looking at least 3-4 months before your move-in date. That way, you’ll have time to compare locations, amenities, and pricing to find the perfect fit.
It’s tempting to rely solely on photos or videos when juggling classes or other work that takes most of your time- not finding enough time for house hunting. The problem is that most agents record these media in a biased way that only shows the highlights and often reinvent the details that could break the deal, such as noisy neighbors, horrible natural light, and hidden maintenance issues.
Always visit the property yourself and not even rely on someone else. It allows you to interact with the apartment and environment and ask as many questions as possible about the property’s condition and terms. But when you can find the time for good reasons, a virtual tour is your next best bet alternative. A 360-degree tour can give you a better feel of things in more detail than photos and videos.
Unfortunately, scams are everywhere nowadays, and USC housing isn't an exception. Most victims are new students and those in a last-minute rush to find a place. The most common scams are fake agents putting up pictures of fantastic apartments on websites and social media, offering huge discounts if you deposit money immediately. Be aware of such, and when a prospective landlord contacts you, always verify the agent’s credentials and ask for a physical tour before sending money. Your safest bet is trusted platforms or USC-recommended housing resources.
An affordable apartment might seem like a good deal until you realize it’s a 50-minute drive to campus during rush hour. Long commutes can eat into your study time and quickly become exhausting. Before signing a lease, check the distance to campus and access to valuable amenities, and most importantly, ensure the area is safe. Will saving $100 on rent be worth it if your security is at risk and you spend hours daily stuck in annoying traffic?
Off-campus housing is usually cheaper if you live with roommates, but the wrong person will give you a hard time. It could mean dealing with a rowdy roommate who throws loud parties during finals, someone who doesn't want to help with the house chores, or who doesn't contribute their share of the rent on time. So, before you sign a lease together, talk about your expectations, especially regarding chores, noise, and finances. Also, set boundaries so you know what’s acceptable to avoid unnecessary confrontations later on.
If you plan, do your due diligence, and don’t rush, there's no reason you shouldn't find great off-campus housing at USC. Especially now that you know the common mistakes to avoid and where to look. So, follow these tips to find the right space, roommate, and agent to give you an easier time and allow you to focus on your studies without compromising the experience.
