Best Off-Campus Apartments Near CSULA for Students

Compare verified off-campus apartments near CSULA, from Daly Street value units to a private Westside duplex room. See rents, drive times, and student tips.

Mackenzie Smith
Mackenzie SmithAug 7, 2026 · 3 min read
Best Off-Campus Apartments Near CSULA for Students
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Best Off-Campus Apartments Near CSULA for Students

Finding off-campus apartments near CSULA can feel overwhelming when listings are scattered across Los Angeles. This guide highlights two live, verified UniShack options so Cal State LA students can compare commute, rent, and daily lifestyle before signing a lease.

What CSULA students should prioritize

Before you tour places, decide what matters most for your semester:

  • Commute to campus — Drive time to the University Library can range from about 12 minutes to nearly half an hour depending on the neighborhood.
  • All-in monthly cost — Factor rent plus utilities, internet, parking, and any cleaning fees.
  • Space type — Full apartment vs. private room in a shared home changes noise, privacy, and roommate dynamics.
  • Lease flexibility — Month-to-month or shorter minimums help if your plans change mid-year.

Closer-to-campus pick: 2532 Daly Street

If a shorter drive is your top priority, start with 2532 DALY STREET. This listing sits at 2532 Daly St in Los Angeles and is roughly a 12-minute drive to the University Library, which makes weekday class schedules more manageable.

Current rent ranges from about $1,150–$1,294, so it is a practical option for students watching their housing budget. The neighborhood puts you near local shopping, parks, and entertainment, with downtown LA a short drive away when you want a weekend change of scenery.

Who Daly Street fits best

Choose this option if you want:

  • A more campus-convenient location
  • Lower monthly rent than Westside private rooms
  • A straightforward apartment search for fall or spring move-in

Ask about current leasing specials when you inquire—select units have promoted incentives in the past.

Quieter Westside option: private room in a duplex

Prefer more personal space and a calmer residential feel? Consider the Peaceful 23′ × 16′ (320 sf) Large Private Room in Duplex. This nearly studio-size ground-floor room includes a private living area, dining/office nook, full-size bed, and a mini kitchen setup with fridge, freezer, microwave, and other light-cooking essentials.

Expect rents around $1,450–$1,495, with a 27-minute drive to the University Library. You trade a longer commute for Carthay Square’s quieter, tree-lined streets and easy access to grocery runs, cafés, and Westside destinations. In-home laundry, hardwood floors, and an enclosed front yard are useful everyday perks for students who study at home often.

Important details before you apply

  • Typically one occupant only
  • No pets
  • Month-to-month with a multi-month minimum (often preferring six months)
  • Utilities may be included, with internet and cleaning billed separately
  • Common application items include proof of income, a security deposit, and references

Quick comparison for CSULA renters




Factor
Daly Street
Peaceful duplex room




Drive to University Library
About 12 minutes
About 27 minutes


Rent range
~$1,150–$1,294
~$1,450–$1,495


Best for
Budget + shorter commute
Privacy + quieter Westside living


How to choose (and move faster)

  1. Map your weekly schedule — Early labs and late classes make the Daly Street commute more valuable.
  2. Set a hard rent ceiling — Include parking, internet, and deposits so you do not stretch month one.
  3. Tour with a checklist — Test cell signal, natural light, laundry access, and street parking at the hours you would actually be home.
  4. Confirm lease terms in writing — Especially minimum stay, utilities, guest policies, and move-in fees.

Start with verified UniShack listings

Both homes above are live on UniShack for California State University, Los Angeles. Compare 2532 DALY STREET and the Peaceful 23′ × 16′ (320 sf) Large Private Room in Duplex, then reach out early—good off-campus apartments near CSULA tend to move quickly once the semester housing rush starts.

Apartments mentioned

Live listings featured in this guide near csula.

Mackenzie Smith

About the author

Mackenzie Smith

Mackenzie Smith writes about off-campus student housing for UniShack, with a focus on practical apartment hunting tips, campus neighborhoods, and how to compare leases without the guesswork. She’s especially interested in helping students feel confident choosing a place that fits their budget, commute, and day-to-day life.