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 freshmen walk by City Hall on the spring admit trip to Little Tokyo and the Arts District.](https://usc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/45752447545_094f804312_o-768x432.jpg)
The Fabric of a City
Trojans are cosmopolitan, with impact across the country and world. The only rival is how much we do right here in our home city.
USC and L.A.
Bringing affordable, renewable energy to multifamily homes, improving literacy rates, supporting aging residents for independent living — and all in the neighborhoods near campus: These are just part of our daily life in L.A.
How USC engineers are using ultrasound to restore vision
A USC Viterbi research team is using non-invasive technologies to target degenerative visual impairments.
The welcoming community that greeted USC’s first openly transgender social work grad student
Christina Munguia credits her graduate school journey as a life-changing experience of acceptance and personal growth.
Witnessing violence harms brains of older teens, but ‘transcendent thinking’ may be an antidote
Teens who think about social issues and violence in reflective ways show greater resilience to the effects of violence exposure on their brain development, USC research finds.
2024 Republican National Convention: USC experts available
The Republican National Convention will take place in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, from July 15-18, 2024. USC experts are available to provide commentary on various aspects of the convention.
New ‘smart bandages’ hold potential for revolutionizing treatment of chronic wounds
USC researchers are co-leading an effort to develop advanced electronic bandages and other tools to improve chronic wound monitoring and healing.
Brutal heatwave sparks wildfires across California
USC researchers are actively developing solutions to combat wildfires. They are available to discuss the ongoing blazes and the promising research underway that could help mitigate future threats.
Brutal heatwave sparks wildfires across California
USC researchers are actively developing solutions to combat wildfires. They are available to discuss the ongoing blazes and the promising research underway that could help mitigate future threats.
Cirrhosis affects twice as many transgender adults as cisgender adults
The study from Keck Medicine of USC suggests a need for more supportive, preventive care.
USC Family Caregiver Support Center launches innovative caregiving educational program
CalGrows grant-funded project focuses on the needs of care workers serving adults with Alzheimer’s disease.
How AI might help in diagnosing mild concussions
A USC undergraduate student’s research could offer vital insights in diagnosing traumatic brain injury early with 99% accuracy.
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.](https://usc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/pexels-veeterzy-1412235-2-768x432.jpg)
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.](https://usc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/roberto-nickson-RalF-D1-l8-unsplash_PW-540x0-c-default.jpg)
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.](https://usc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/iStock-680820256_PW-540x0-c-default.jpg)
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.](https://usc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/E8RMB5_PW-540x0-c-default.jpg)
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.](https://usc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/jed-villejo-bEcC0nyIp2g-unsplash_PW-540x0-c-default.jpg)
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.](https://usc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/pexels-pixabay-258846_PW-540x0-c-default.jpg)
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.](https://usc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/E5AYAD_PW-540x0-c-default.jpg)
On the Move
L.A. will teach you to navigate freeways and iconic roads, sometimes whether you like it or not. Fortunately, USC’s campus also brings you to the doorstep of the Metro Expo line, which runs from downtown to the beach and connects to several major lines that stretch through Southern California.
Daily shuttles operate between UPC, HSC and Amtrak/Metrolink Union Station.
USC also provides ride-sharing, on-demand car sharing and other short-term car options to help get you where you need to go.
![USC students, from left, David Karlsberg, Narine Vartanian, Eva Schaumkell and Kelly Robinson board the bus after a night at the Santa Monica Pier.](https://usc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/21175921413_25ac8a0493_o-768x432.jpg)