Best UCLA & SMC Apartments in West Los Angeles

Finding an affordable apartment in West Los Angeles can be difficult for students attending UCLA or Santa Monica College (SMC), especially with so many choices at various price points and diverse neighborhoods available to you. This guide aims to give an in-depth view of student-friendly apartments near these institutions and aid you in making an informed decision for their off-campus living experiences. Hopefully, students will find something ideal will become much simpler!

Why choose West Los Angeles as student housing?

West LA offers students more than just convenient locations--it offers lifestyle hubs for students seeking both academic focus and vibrant city living. Nestled between UCLA and SMC, the area encompasses Sawtelle, Westwood, Palms and Brentwood neighborhoods. These are known for their walkability, transit access and student-friendly infrastructure.

UCLA students living in West LA enjoy convenient and cost-effective transportation options like the Big Blue Bus, Metro E Line (Expo), and UCLA BruinBus. Santa Monica College students take advantage of beachside neighborhoods with outdoor spaces and bike paths leading directly to campus for easy commuting as well.

West LA is more than a collection of logistics, it is also an oasis of culture. Offering everything from authentic ramen on Sawtelle Boulevard to indie cinemas, yoga studios, cozy study cafes and even Trader Joe's just down the road. Furthermore, its safe and clean environment, boasting large populations of students and young professionals, creates an immediate sense of community spirit.

West LA provides students with a vibrant environment where they can flourish on all fronts - be it weekend farmers markets, late-night study grinds, or hiking in nearby Santa Monica Mountains. Students of any academic and personal pursuit will feel at home here!

Apartments Near UCLA

Three neighborhoods surrounding UCLA - Westwood, Sawtelle, and parts of Brentwood - represent some of Los Angeles's most highly competitive rental markets. With over 30,000 undergraduate students competing for limited on-campus housing spots, many opt for off-campus living after their freshman year. Options available here range from large apartment complexes and co-living buildings, single-family rentals, or duplexes as off-campus accommodations. Prices tend to be on the higher side compared to other LA neighborhoods, yet students benefit greatly from being close to campus, accessible public transit options, and an established rental infrastructure geared specifically toward student lifestyles. Popular routes like the Big Blue Bus and Metro Rapid Line make commuting to UCLA from further away much simpler.

Although many neighborhoods provide you with various housing options that could meet your needs, here are a few top choices:

Maxwell 

📍1855 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025

• Distance From UCLA: 8-minute drive time.
• Features: Modern designs, fully furnished units with in-unit washer and dryer are among the many hallmarks of luxury living.
• Amenities: High-speed internet, fitness center, and rooftop lounge.
• Why Students Love Maxwell: Maxwell provides the ideal blend of luxury and convenience, making it the ideal place for students seeking comfortable living spaces.

1751 Malcolm Ave

📍1751 Malcolm Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024

• Distance From UCLA: 7-minute drive time.
• Features: With spacious layouts and modern appliances. Pet-friendly environments are also offered here.
• Amenities: Include secure parking, communal study areas and an outdoor courtyard.
• Why Students Love It: Calm environment that fosters academic success.

1868 Kelton Ave

📍1868 Kelton Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90025

• Distance From UCLA: 9-minute drive time.
• Features: Co-living spaces with fully furnished and shared common areas.
• Amenities: include weekly cleaning services, roommate matching and community events.
• Why Students Love It: Co-living fosters an atmosphere of camaraderie while still respecting individual privacy.

Apartments Near Santa Monica College (SMC)

Santa Monica College (SMC), a two-year community college with a large transfer student population, does not provide dormitories, so off-campus housing arrangements must be secured for most of its over 25,000 students. Many students look for bike-friendly locations within 15 minutes by bus or car commuting times from the campus. These neighborhoods may offer co-living arrangements that keep costs under control while still enjoying the Santa Monica lifestyle! Given SMC's coastal location, housing can become increasingly competitive. Co-living and roommate arrangements have become more widely utilized solutions to keep costs in control while enjoying the Santa Monica lifestyle.

SMC, situated in Santa Monica's picturesque city center, offers diverse housing solutions. Here are a few notable ones:

1743 Armacost Ave

📍1743 Armacost Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90025

• Distance to SMC: 8-minute drive time.
• Features: Modern units come fully furnished and with in-unit laundry for added convenience.
• Amenities: High-speed internet, secure entry and communal lounge.
• Why Students Love It: This property provides a comfortable and safe atmosphere conducive to academic focus.

MySuite at Cara Co-Living

📍1743 Butler Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90025

• Distance to SMC: 11-minute drive time.
• Features: Furnished apartments equipped with smart-home technology.
• Amenities: Washer/dryers, high-speed internet, controlled access and premium appliances.
• Why Students Love MySuite: It provides a modern, comfortable living space within walking distance to downtown Santa Monica.

1439 Armacost Ave

📍1439 Armacost Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90025

• Distance to SMC: 10-minute drive time.
• Features: Fully furnished, laundry facilities on-site for added convenience.
• Amenities: High-speed internet, secure parking, and communal areas.
• Why Students Like It: This property provides the ideal combination of comfort and convenience for students looking to balance academics with lifestyle needs.

Tips to Secure an Apartment

• Start Early: To maximize success with your search for an apartment or rental unit, start your search early - at least 2-3 months before you intend on moving in.
• Make a Budget: Review expenses such as rent, utilities, and transportation when creating your budget plan.
• Visit the Property: When possible, tour an apartment to assess its state and suitability for living purposes.
• Read Reviews: Seek feedback from current or previous residents in order to gauge the living experience.
• Understand the Lease Agreement: Before entering into a lease agreement, be certain to understand all its terms - duration, deposit requirements, and policies are essential components.

(Source: unsplash.com)

West LA provides UCLA and SMC students with numerous housing options tailored to meet their specific housing requirements. Whether looking for luxury apartments with top-tier amenities or budget-friendly shared housing solutions, there's sure to be something suitable.