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.
New program welcomes USC transfer student veterans
USC welcomed a new group of transfer student military students with its inaugural Veterans Transfer Students Welcome.
Paris 2024: USC experts on geopolitics and the Olympics
USC experts in foreign policy and international relations are available to discuss the geopolitics of the Olympic games.
Trojans gather in Paris to celebrate the Olympics
More than 60 Trojans attended the event, including four USC Olympians preparing for the Games.
Trojans gather in Paris to celebrate the Olympics
More than 60 Trojans attended the event, including four USC Olympians preparing for the Games.
Paris 2024: Geopolitics and the Olympics
USC experts in international relations and foreign policy discuss how the Olympics shape — and are shaped by — global politics.
Paris 2024: Geopolitics and the Olympics
USC experts in international relations and foreign policy discuss how the Olympics shape — and are shaped by — global politics.
Neuroscientist teaches students the entrepreneurial mindset
The USC Marshall assistant professor of clinical entrepreneurship strives to understand the mind through meticulous research and passionate instruction.
Can policy decisions reduce our appetite for meat?
USC experts weigh in on combating climate change with plant-based food.
Trojan Leslie W. Tsang is taking her career to new heights
The entrepreneur in the entertainment and fashion industries — and now USC Gould alumna — has charged a path of success across Hong Kong.
Andrew Call named dean of USC Leventhal School of Accounting
Call — known for his inclusive decision-making, innovative teaching and influential research — comes to USC from Arizona State.
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)