A guide to non-university housing

This week, lottery for USC Housing next year is set from today through Thursday. Though USC Housing offers great off-campus options like CarGar, Century and Troy to its students, sometimes, it’s just not enough. Here are a few non-university-owned alternatives that are worth trying. If you are still confused as to where to live next year, read on and find what suits you best.

The Lorenzo

This apartment complex is modeled like an expensive Las Vegas hotel. Its endless amenities attract many of the students who are down for a good time. You can snag a bed space here anywhere from $899-$1409. This is the most affordable living offered to USC students. However, there are some downfalls. This get-away is the furthest apartment complex from campus. Although its services include buses that travel every 15 minutes around campus, it is not guaranteed that everyone who needs to get on will fit. Students complain about constant fire alarms, bad service and the shuttles being too small.

New Mansion

Located right next to the mysterious restaurant with a “B” rating, New Mansion has a lot to offer. This complex is designed with multiple variations of floor plan. Some of the apartments are two – three stories tall! The inside of the apartments are very clean and have the best “home away from home” vibe. The workout room is up to date, and it is just one block away from campus. However, renting an apartment here is quite the investment. The units come unfurnished. That’s right, you have to buy all your furniture. If you are a rising sophomore this could be a good place to look into. If you are willing to live here for a few years, the furniture may not be a big problem. Just be ready to pay for Wifi!

University Gateway

“Thank you for calling University Gateway, you’re just a step off of campus, how may I help you?” Gateway is excellent at grabbing new students and taking them in. Their marketing team emphasizes that it is right across the street from campus, and that it is the most convenient place to live. Below the apartment complex is Fresh & Easy, CVS, and a few restaurants. Seems like an ideal place to be. But the negatives may outweigh the positives depending on what you like. The complex’ staff rarely breaches the age of 25, thus leading to confusion on how to fix annoying situations. Have a broken light in your room? Expect it to take a few weeks to be fixed. Don’t expect too much from maintenance here.

Icon Plaza

Let’s just say this place is pretty much irrelevant. It is far from all the other student housing (other than Tuscany), and never have I heard anyone say they live here. If you are ok with being on the opposite side of campus from all the other apartment complexes then go for it! It is about the same cost as Gateway, $999 per bed space, and is close to many food options. Starbucks!

Tuscany

The complex is appealing to the eye. Located right above Chipotle and Cold Stone, it is a popular destination on game days. The management is good and the rooms are high quality. Being one of the two apartments furthest from the row, not a lot of people involved in Greek life choose to life here. Many of the international student opt to live in this complex, and the study rooms are always full. Tuscany is best suited for grad students or people who want a super short walk to the business school. If you’re looking to be right in the heart of Greek life, try living in the Row House.