Housing

For information about living on campus, visit International Students on the Housing and Residence Life website. Space is limited, so we recommend applying as early as possible!

Campus Location:  California State University, Los Angeles is located where the 710 and 10 Freeways intersect.   /misc/trans/index.htm

Transportation from the Airport:  Taxis are expensive. Many people use “shared van ride” services such as the following instead: 

• www.supershuttle.com
• www.primetimeshuttle.com

Homestay Companies:  provide living arrangements with an American family in the family’s home. Different options are available regarding meals and laundry access. 

American Homestay Network:  www.homestaynetwork.com

Homestay Services International:  www.homestayservices.com

StudentLink International:  www.istudentlink.com

Universal Student Housing:  www.ushstudent.com

Apartment List www.apartmentlist.com/ca/los-angeles

Suggested Housing Areas:  Areas to the north and east of campus are recommended.  Here are some suggested cities:  Alhambra, South Pasadena, Pasadena, San Gabriel, Temple City, Rosemead

Zip (Postal) Code Map:
http://web.calstatela.edu/univ/housing/documents/form/Surrounding%20Zip%20Codes_MAP.pdf

Hotels/Motels:
http://www.cityofalhambra.org/about/hotels.html
http://www.tripadvisor.com
http://www.hotels.com
http://www.kayak.com
http://www.expedia.com

Renting an Apartment

1. The landlord will probably ask for a social security number when you apply. Please tell the landlord you are an international student at Cal State LA and, by law, cannot get a social security number. Ask if you can make special payment arrangements without a “Credit Check”.
2. Always get a written receipt for any and all deposits, rent payments, and any other payments you make to the landlord or management company.
3. Ask the landlord about the time period of the lease. Make sure the time period of the lease fits with your plans. If the lease goes beyond your planned stay in the USA, you will still have to pay the entire amount of the lease!
4. You will probably be asked to sign a rental contract – read it carefully and make sure you understand it BEFORE you sign. Get copies of all documents.
5. Most apartments do not have furniture. Some do not have refrigerators. Sometimes the landlord will provide a refrigerator for a small charge. Also, the landlord may have suggestions about renting furniture.
6. All apartments are required by law to have heat and hot water. If you need air conditioning (cool air), make sure you ask about that because it is not always in the apartment.
7. Utilities:  Ask about the electricity, gas, and water. Usually, the tenant (you) pay for electricity and gas. The landlord usually pays for water. You will need to arrange for the electricity and gas to be in your name so that you can receive the bills. You may be required to pay a deposit to the utility company. Use these links:

a. For electricity outside LA city boundary:  Southern California Edison:  www.SCE.com
b. For electricity inside LA city boundary:  LADWP:  www.ladwp.com
c. For natural gas:  Southern California Gas:  www.socalgas.com

8. Television:  Provided by cable TV companies for a monthly fee. Check with your landlord to see which companies service the area.

View additional housing information and resources.

If you want to live with an area family (Host Family), you should try to live in the El Sereno neighborhood of Los Angeles or in the nearby cities of Alhambra, South Pasadena, Pasadena, San Gabriel, Arcadia, or Monterey Park – these are nice cities and fairly close to campus. They also have a lot of buses for you to ride to school. There are several options available:

American Homestay Network:
Contact Ms. Victoria Nettles by email at [email protected] or by telephone at +1 888 268 1903. Alternatively, you can go to the website at www.homestaynetwork.com, read the website about their innovative programs, and follow the instructions to apply on line.

Homestay Services International:
Contact Mr. Jae Hopkins, Director by email at [email protected], by telephone at +1 619 461 4764, or by fax at +1 619 670 3397. Alternatively, you can go to the website at www.homestayservices.com, read the website and follow the instructions to download the application or apply online.

StudentLink International:
Contact StudentLink by email at [email protected] or go to their website at www.istudentlink.com/CSULA.html and follow the instructions to apply online. When you fill in the application, be sure to choose “Cal State LA” for “College You'll Attend.”

Universal Student Housing (USH):
For Universal Student Housing, you can find out about prices at www.ushstudent.com/homestay-csu-la-american-culture-language, and you can apply online by clicking “Apply” at the top of their home page at www.ushstudent.com. Be sure to choose “Homestay”, and when you fill in the application, be sure to choose “California State University, Los Angeles” under “School.” If you have difficulties with the form, you send an inquiry to [email protected].

Transportation from the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) cannot be arranged by the International Office, but can often be arranged through one of the Homestay providers listed above if you will be living with a Host Family. Otherwise, we suggest you contact the following sources for airport transportation: for taxis, search www.layellowcab.com or www.unitedtaxi.com for shuttles, see www.supershuttle.com or www.primetimeshuttle.com