The Ultimate Packing List: Essentials for Your New Los Angeles Student Apartment

Your journey to finding the perfect USC off campus housing is a big step, and now that you've secured your new place, it's time for the next big challenge: packing. Whether you've chosen a fully furnished student residence in Los Angeles or a spacious unfurnished apartment, having a strategic packing list is essential. This guide will help you sort through what you need to bring for your new apartment near USC, so you can focus on what matters, your studies and new life in Los Angeles.

What to Know Before You Pack

Before you start packing, remember to check with your new property. For example, some USC rentals in Los Angeles are fully furnished, which means you can save a lot of space in your luggage and on your moving truck.

• For Furnished Apartments: Focus on personal items, tech, and decor.
• For Unfurnished Apartments: Be ready to pack all the furniture and kitchenware you'll need.

Knowing this will make your move into your new student apartment much smoother.

Your Packing Checklist

This checklist is organized by category to help you stay organized and ensure you have everything you need for your new USC apartment rental experience.

Kitchen & Dining

Even if you plan to eat out a lot, having a well-stocked kitchen can save you money and keep you healthy.

• Cookware: A pot, a pan, a baking sheet, and some mixing bowls are a great start.
• Dishware & Utensils: Don't forget plates, bowls, cups, and silverware.
• Small Appliances: A coffee maker or an electric kettle can be a lifesaver during late-night study sessions.

Bed & Bath

Your bedroom and bathroom should be a place of comfort and relaxation.

• Bedroom Essentials: Whether you’re in a studio or a multi-bedroom unit, you'll need bedding (sheets, comforter, pillows), towels and a bath mat, hangers, and a laundry basket.
• Bathroom Essentials: Include a shower caddy, toiletries, first-aid kit, and cleaning supplies.

Study & Tech

This is what you're here for! Make sure you have the right tools to ace your classes.

• Tech Gear: Your laptop, charger, and a power strip are non-negotiable.
• Desk Supplies: Pens, notebooks, highlighters, and a desk lamp are essential for staying organized.
• Organizers: Consider a small bookshelf or filing folders to keep your important documents in order.

Personal Touches

This is where you turn your apartments near USC into a true home.

• Decor: Add posters, photos, plants, or throw blankets to make your space feel more personal.
• Lighting: String lights or a unique floor lamp can create a cozy ambiance.

The Tessera Advantage: Simplify Your Move-In

At Tessera, we've designed our community to take the stress out of moving. Our apartments are fully furnished with modern, functional pieces. This includes beds, dressers, desks, and living room seating, so you can focus on classes, not couch deliveries. We also offer in-unit washer and dryer appliances, smart TVs, and stainless steel appliances. This means your space is move-in ready from day one.

Take the Next Step: Experience USC Student Living at Tessera

The right packing list depends on the type of student housing you choose. The ease of a furnished apartment, which includes items like a bed, desk, dresser, and living room furniture, means you can spend less time on logistics and more time on your studies. For a seamless living experience, consider a furnished apartment.

Whether you are a freshman looking to move off-campus for the first time or a graduate student seeking a sophisticated living environment, the perfect apartments near the University of Southern California awaits. For more information on what makes Tessera stand out, check out our guide on Luxury Student Housing at USC. To see our community firsthand and learn how our strategic location enhances your daily commute, schedule a tour today.