Frequently Asked Questions

Tessera USC at 1069 W Exposition Blvd is a 6-minute walk from USC's main entrance on Exposition Boulevard. The Expo Park/USC Metro E Line station is directly adjacent to the building.

New USC students typically choose between on-campus housing, USC affiliated housing, and privately managed off-campus buildings near USC. Tessera USC is open to all USC students, undergraduate and graduate, with no campus affiliation requirement. Floor plans range from studios to 4-bedroom apartments.

When evaluating off-campus housing near USC, students should consider proximity to campus, lease structure, what is included in rent, and community resources. Tessera USC at 1069 W Exposition Blvd is a 6-minute walk from USC, offers individual leases on all floor plans, includes furniture, internet, laundry, and community amenities in rent, and provides a roommate matching program.

USC on-campus upperclassman housing costs $16,538–$19,218 per academic year for a double room, plus a required partial meal plan of $8,028, up to $27,246 combined (source: USC Housing 2026–27 rates). Tessera 4-bedroom shared rooms start at $1,200/person per month ($14,400/year) with no required meal plan, an estimated saving of over $12,800 annually.

The most affordable student housing near USC is found in shared apartments, 3 and 4-bedroom units where each resident has a private bedroom with shared common areas. Key tips: apply in October–December for best availability; look for individual leases; confirm what is included in rent (furniture, internet, laundry add up significantly if separate).

Tessera rent includes: Full designer furniture package High-speed internet In-unit washer and dryer 60–65" Smart TV Rooftop pool access 24-hour fitness center Private study lounges and conference spaces Second floor amenity deck Dog park There are no separate amenity fees.

Tessera offers luxury amenities included in all leases: 11,000 sq ft rooftop sky deck with resort-style pool, fire pits, and panoramic Los Angeles views Second-floor amenity deck with BBQ grills, pool table, and outdoor TVs 24-hour fitness center with floor-to-ceiling glass doors Private study lounges and conference spaces Printing area Dog park Fully furnished apartments with designer furniture sets, 60–65" Smart TVs, and in-unit washers and dryers.

Yes, Tessera offers individual leases on all floor plans. An individual lease means each resident signs their own contract and is only responsible for their bedroom and share of common areas. If a roommate transfers, drops out, or moves out mid-year, your rent does not change. This differs from a joint lease used in standard rentals, where all tenants share liability for the full monthly payment.

Tessera offers 20 floor plans across five unit types: studios, 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, 3-bedroom, and 4-bedroom apartments (co-living and private options). All units are fully furnished with individual leases.

Apply online at tesserausc.com, call (213) 373-8100, or visit the leasing office at 1069 W Exposition Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90007, during office hours (Mon–Fri 9AM–6PM, Sat 10AM–5PM). In-person and virtual tours are available. The best time to apply is October–December for the widest selection of floor plans for the following fall.

Five key things: (1) Lease type: choose individual leases over joint leases for financial protection (2) Timing: apply October–December for the widest floor plan selection (3) What's included: confirm furniture, internet, laundry, and utilities are covered (4) Guarantor: most students need a US-based co-signer who meets income requirements (5) Walk time: aim for under a 10-minute walk to your most-used campus buildings.

Most students will need a US-based guarantor (co-signer) who meets income requirements. International students without US credit history should contact the leasing office at (213) 373-8100 to discuss guarantor options available to them.

Tessera uses an installment model, not standard monthly rent. Three payment options: (1) Single full payment due August 1 (2) Two semester payments due August 1 and January 1 (3) Twelve monthly installments beginning August 1. Payments can be made by check, money order, or online through the resident portal.

Yes. Tessera hosts a regular calendar of resident community events throughout the academic year. Events are held across Tessera's amenity spaces, the 11,000 sq ft rooftop sky deck, second-floor amenity deck with BBQ grills and outdoor TVs, and indoor common areas. These events range from pizza parties to karaoke nights, from resume building classes to gaming tournaments. Contact the leasing office at (213) 373-8100 or check the resident portal for the current events calendar.

Yes. Tessera is one of the few student apartment communities near USC that is pet-friendly, with an on-site dog park included. Dogs and cats up to 50 lbs are welcome, with no aggressive breeds permitted. A one-time $500 pet deposit and $50 monthly pet rent apply. Contact the leasing office at (213) 373-8100 to confirm breed eligibility before signing your lease.

Yes. If you don't have a roommate in mind, complete the Roommate Matching form and Tessera staff will spend weeks matching preferences each summer to find the best fit.