Living in L.A.

Diverse. Enterprising. Complex. USC reflects the character of Los Angeles, a city as uplifting as it is industrious. People from every walk of life and corner of the globe live and thrive here — and find community through USC.

Los Angeles at a Glance

Think beyond sun-bleached beaches, tranquil mountain trails and miles of museum grounds. L.A. is a constellation of voices, opportunities, identities and inspiration. Hear a multitude of languages whether you’re on campus getting coffee or at Griffith Observatory gazing through a telescope. Wherever you are in the city — a taco truck, rooftop networking event or volunteering — you’re bound to meet fellow Trojans.

200+

Languages Spoken

10

Million People in L.A. County

100+

Museums

USC University Park Campus (UPC)

UPC is a convenient jumping-off point to some of L.A.’s most dynamic neighborhoods. Venice and Santa Monica are a beeline west, downtown is just north and the Greater Los Angeles Area is always within reach. The Expo Line stops on campus, which for drivers is also strategically located near key freeways.

 

USC Health Sciences Campus (HSC)

HSC is a hub of its own, near downtown and neighboring LAC+USC, a world-class teaching hospital. Students, scientists, doctors and patients from around the world move through one of Los Angeles’ most culturally significant neighborhoods, home to diverse immigrant groups and historic sites. Learn more.

Beachside view of Venice Beach, California.

The City of Angels

Los Angeles is more than a cultural and intellectual epicenter. It is a city that goes beyond mere inspiration. Its green spaces, exceptional entertainment venues and outdoor meeting areas beckon you to actively participate in the city’s unique spirit.

Iconic Views

People the world over recognize the Hollywood sign. In Los Angeles, it’s just part of our backyard, easily seen up close on a hike through the Hollywood Hills. And that barely scratches the surface of the city’s recognizable vistas — from the Mulholland Scenic Overlook, Venice Beach Boardwalk, downtown city skyline and more.

A hiker walking with the Hollywood Sign in the distance.

Open-Air Spaces

All that good weather means Los Angeles is packed with outdoor gathering spaces, many of them free of charge like Griffith Observatory. Day or night, the educational monument is a place for the public to observe, learn and be inspired. 

The Griffith Observatory and Los Angeles city skyline at twilight.

Mid-City Marvels

From the Los Angeles County Museum of Art’s visual treasure trove to the La Brea Tar Pits dripping with sticky history and the Academy Museum celebrating the history of moviemaking, there’s something for everyone in the middle of town.

The exhibition, Urban Light, an installation of 202 restored 1920's era cast iron street-lamps, located outside the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

National Park Access

From hiking in the otherworldly landscape of Joshua Tree to marveling at the majestic views in Yosemite, students have access to dozens of national and state parks that cover ocean, desert and mountain climates.

People running at Joshua Tree National Park in the Southern California Desert.

Legendary Performance Venues

From Walt Disney Concert Hall downtown to the Hollywood Bowl in the Hollywood Hills, students can experience some of the greatest performers in the world. For more modern events in intimate venues, dozens of live music centers seem to start with “The” — The Troubadour, The Palladium, The Wiltern, The Fonda, The Roxy, The Whisky…

A detail of Walt Disney Concert Hall in Downtown Los Angeles.

Converging Cultures and History

Since nearly the end of World War I, Grand Central Market in downtown L.A. represents a microcosm of historic immigrant communities, bringing together the cuisines, cultures and creativity that have shaped Los Angeles. The legacy eatery China Cafe has stood since 1959, offering classic Chinese American favorites like chow mein. chop suey and egg foo yeung.

The Grand Central Market in Downtown Los Angeles, California.