Navigating the USC off-campus housing process from another country is a different experience from doing it locally. Time zones make phone calls difficult. Leasing platforms are not always intuitive if you have not dealt with US housing before. And moving across the world is stressful enough without adding a complicated housing search on top of it.
At Mosaic Student Communities, we have been housing USC students for over 15 years, and a meaningful portion of our residents each year are international students. We understand the specific concerns that come with finding housing from abroad, and we have made our process as straightforward as possible to accommodate students wherever they are
in the world.
If you are coming to USC for Spring 2027, you should start looking now. The USC housing market is competitive, and the best options, especially furnished apartments and properties close to campus, go early. Many students sign leases a full year before their move-in date. Waiting until the spring or summer significantly limits your choices, and you may end up with fewer options in the neighborhoods closest to campus.
All Mosaic properties are in the neighborhoods surrounding the USC University Park campus, within walking distance of USC's main academic buildings. Most properties are inside or adjacent to the USC Department of Public Safety patrol zone, which gives you access to 24/7 security officers, the USC Safewalk service, and the free USC Lyft SafeRide program that runs every night from 6 PM to 2 AM within the campus geofence. For students and families who are new to Los Angeles, this is an important layer of security and peace of mind.
The University Park neighborhood is walkable by Los Angeles standards. From most Mosaic properties, your USC classes, the library, and most campus services are reachable on foot. The USC Village, which includes Target, Trader Joe's, Starbucks, and a range of restaurants and services, is within walking distance of North Campus properties. For longer trips around Los Angeles, the Expo Line Metro stop near campus connects you to Downtown, Culver City, and Santa Monica.
One of the things international students tell us they appreciate most about living with Mosaic is the community aspect. We are not just a landlord. We run events throughout the year across our properties, from casual gatherings to larger celebrations like our scholarship award nights. These events are a genuine way to meet neighbors and get connected to the wider USC student community, especially in your first semester when everything is new.
Tell us when you are planning to move in and our team will contact you about available USC housing for international students.
Our portfolio covers a range of living situations that work well for international students:
Studio apartments for students who want their own space
1 and 2-bedroom units that can be shared with one or two roommates
Furnished units at select luxury and signature properties
Larger shared homes for students who prefer group living and a more social environment
We offer two $2,000 scholarships per year to USC students based on financial need and community involvement. International students living at Mosaic properties are welcome to apply. Visit our Scholarships page for current deadlines and eligibility information.
Yes. Our entire leasing process is online. You can browse, reach out, and apply from anywhere in the world. Many international students secure their housing months before arriving.
Yes. We have fully furnished units at select properties including The District and The Riviera Luxe. Check our vacancies page for current furnished availability.
All properties are in the neighborhoods surrounding the USC University Park campus. Depending on the property, you are 5 to 20 minutes on foot from most USC buildings.
Most Mosaic properties are inside or adjacent to the USC DPS patrol zone, which includes 24/7 security, the Safewalk service, and the free USC Lyft SafeRide program from 6 PM to 2 AM.
As early as possible. Furnished units and properties close to campus go quickly. If you are planning for Fall 2026, reach out now. Leases are often signed a year in advance.
Yes. Email is the best way to reach us if you are overseas. We respond promptly to leasing@livewithmosaic.com. Our phone line is (323) 733-2258, available Monday to Friday 10 AM to 5 PM Pacific Time.
