Best Apartments for College Students in Los Angeles and Long Beach in 2026

April 27, 2026

Editorial illustration for blog post: Best Apartments for College Students in Los Angeles and Long Beach in 2026

Finding the right apartment as a college student can be tough. Between classes, work, roommates, budgets, parking, and wanting to live near campus, apartment hunting can feel like a full time job.

If you are searching for the best student apartments in Los Angeles or college rentals in Long Beach, there are great options if you know where to look.

Whether you attend University of Southern California, University of California Los Angeles, California State University Long Beach, Long Beach City College, or another Southern California school, this guide can help.

Best Apartments Near USC

Students near University of Southern California often look in:

  • University Park
  • Downtown Los Angeles
  • Exposition Park
  • Koreatown

Why students like these areas:

  • Close to campus
  • Easier roommate options
  • Transit access
  • Food and nightlife nearby

Best Apartments Near UCLA

Students at University of California Los Angeles usually search in:

  • Westwood
  • Sawtelle
  • Brentwood
  • Palms

These neighborhoods stay in demand because of location and student convenience.

Best Apartments Near CSULB

Students at California State University Long Beach often look in:

  • Traffic Circle area
  • East Long Beach
  • Belmont Heights
  • Zaferia
  • Downtown Long Beach

Why Long Beach works for students:

  • Better value than many LA neighborhoods
  • Beach lifestyle
  • Strong roommate options
  • Good food and nightlife

Best Apartments Near Long Beach City College

Students at Long Beach City College often search near:

  • Bixby Knolls
  • Signal Hill
  • Wrigley
  • Eastside Long Beach

What College Renters Should Prioritize

When searching for a student apartment in Los Angeles or Long Beach rental near campus, focus on:

  • Rent split with roommates
  • Parking
  • Laundry
  • Safe area
  • Commute to campus
  • WiFi options
  • Noise level
  • Lease length
  • Co-signer acceptance

Why Students Waste Time Apartment Hunting

Many rental sites only show price and bedrooms.

Students still have to guess:

  • Will they accept a co-signer?
  • Is student income enough?
  • Is the apartment still available?
  • Are roommates allowed?
  • What credit score is needed?

That creates stress and wasted application fees.

Search Smarter With ZRently

That is why many renters are using ZRently.

ZRently helps renters search with clearer requirements like:

Credit score

Income required

Co-signer acceptance

That is especially helpful for students using family support, part time income, or roommates.

If you are searching for student apartments in Los Angeles, apartments near USC, UCLA rentals, or Long Beach college apartments, check ZRently for new listings.

👉 Browse co-signer friendly listings on ZRently

Best Budget Strategy for Students

Want the smartest move?

  • Live with roommates
  • Stay slightly outside premium zones
  • Use transit if possible
  • Search early
  • Know requirements before applying

Final Thoughts

College goes fast. Where you live matters.

The right apartment can save time, money, and stress while making school life better.

Whether you are heading to University of Southern California, University of California Los Angeles, California State University Long Beach, or Long Beach City College, smarter searching can help you land the right place faster.

Find your student apartment on ZRently

Z

Sean Gregory

April 27, 2026

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