University of Southern California
Travel guide for Indian students — Los Angeles, United States. Nearest international gateway: LAX (Los Angeles).
The University of Southern California (USC) is a major private research university just south of downtown Los Angeles, and the oldest private research university in California. It has a large international cohort and strong programs in engineering, business, computer science, cinema and communications that draw many Indian students.
USC's University Park Campus is about 10-12 miles from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), the nearest international gateway, and is unusually well connected by LA Metro rail for a US campus.
USC sits in central LA with dedicated international student services and a large Indian graduate community across Viterbi engineering, Marshall business and the computer science programs.
Getting around with Metro
USC is one of the better-connected US campuses by rail. Three Metro E (Expo) Line stations sit by campus (Jefferson/USC, Expo Park/USC, Expo/Vermont). Students get a discounted U-Pass for the Metro system, and free USC trams and the Campus Cruiser circulate around campus.
From LAX to campus
LAX is about 10-12 miles away. A taxi is roughly $40; rideshare (Uber/Lyft) leaves from the LAX-it lot. By transit you can take the new Metro K Line to the LAX/Metro Transit Center and the free LAX Connector shuttle to the terminals - cheap (~$1-2) but slower (around an hour). Shared shuttle vans run ~$14-25.
When to book flights
Fares from India peak around the August fall intake. Booking 6-10 weeks ahead usually beats last-minute fares; compare carriers from your nearest metro above.
Visiting your child at USC means flying into Los Angeles International (LAX), about 10-12 miles from the University Park campus. Plan the US visitor visa well ahead - it is the longest lead time in the trip.
Getting from LAX to campus
Visitor visa for parents
Indian parents need a B1/B2 visitor visa. First-time interview waits are long and vary sharply by consulate, so city choice matters - you may book at ANY US consulate in India, not just your home city.
- Plan 8-12 months ahead, especially for graduation - graduations do NOT qualify for emergency/expedited appointments.
- You can book at any consulate in India; many families fly to Chennai to save months versus Mumbai or Delhi.
- The dropbox (interview waiver) window shrank from 48 to 12 months in 2025 - most parents with older expired visas now need a full interview.
- Visitor stays are up to 6 months per visit, set by the officer at entry on the I-94.
Just admitted to USC? Most Indian students enter on an F-1 academic visa (DS-160 fee $185 + SEVIS I-901 fee $350). J-1 is for exchange programs (SEVIS $220), M-1 for vocational study. Spouses/children come on F-2/J-2/M-2 dependent visas. You can enter the US up to 30 days before your program start date. For Fall 2026, Indian F-1 applicants must interview at one of five US consulates in India.
Arrival checklist
- Book your flight into LAX early - fall-intake fares climb through July and August.
- From LAX, taxi (~$40) is simplest; rideshare leaves from the LAX-it lot.
- Apply for your USC U-Pass to ride LA Metro at a student discount.
- Confirm student baggage allowance with your airline.
- Carry your I-20, SEVIS receipt and financial documents in hand luggage for US immigration.
Los Angeles is expensive but more flexible on rent than New York or San Francisco - expect about $1,700-2,600 a month all-in sharing and cooking. The LA catch isn't rent, it's distance: the city is huge and car-oriented, so a room near campus or a Metro line saves you both money and hours. A reduced-fare student TAP card makes transit cheap once you're settled close in.
Monthly cost of living in Los Angeles (a student estimate)
That's roughly $20,000-30,000 a year for living costs, on top of tuition.
Finding accommodation
LA rent varies widely by neighbourhood. Most students share apartments near campus or on a Metro line; on-campus housing is simplest for the first year.
- A reduced-fare student TAP card (U-Pass at some schools) makes Metro rail/bus very cheap.
- LA is spread out and car-oriented - pick housing near campus or a Metro line to avoid needing a car.
- Bill-inclusive student housing avoids setting up utilities without a US credit history.
Working part-time
On an F-1 visa you can work on-campus up to 20 hours/week during term (full-time in breaks). Off-campus work needs authorization - CPT during study, OPT after (up to 12 months, +24 for STEM degrees). You cannot freelance or work off-campus without approval.
Safety & student support
Los Angeles is generally safe in the student and campus areas, but it's a big, spread-out city - safety varies a lot by neighbourhood, so research the specific area.
- USC and UCLA run extensive campus security, escort services and safety apps - use them, especially at night.
- Stick to well-populated, well-lit areas after dark; the campus-adjacent neighbourhoods are the safest bet.
- If you bring or rent a car, never leave valuables visible - vehicle break-ins are the most common issue.
Indian community & food
LA has a very large Indian and South Asian community, anchored by Artesia's 'Little India' on Pioneer Boulevard - groceries, restaurants and shops all in one strip.
Indian grocery stores
- Pioneer Blvd in Artesia ('Little India') - India Sweets & Spices and a whole strip of desi grocers, sweets and restaurants.
- Namaste Spiceland and other Indian markets in the San Gabriel Valley.
- Smaller Indian grocers near both USC and UCLA for everyday staples.
Student community
- USC and UCLA both have large, active Indian and South Asian student organisations with major Diwali/Holi events.
- Artesia's Little India is the cultural centre for festivals, food and clothing.
- Huge range of Indian restaurants in Artesia, Culver City, Westwood and across the metro.
Cost & living figures for Los Angeles last verified Jun 2026. Figures are estimates and change over time.
Search the whole of FareEagle
Flights, hotels, buses and trip bundles — honest prices.