Housing FAQs

Q: Who is eligible to live in Southwestern's student residences?

A: Students who are enrolled in Southwestern's J.D. or LL.M. programs are eligible to live in on-campus residences.

Q: What distinguishes the Southwestern student residences from other area apartments?

A: The student residences are designed for law students and are conveniently located on the Southwestern campus adjacent to classrooms and campus amenities such as the Law Library, Fitness Center, Tea Room and student services - all contiguous or just minutes away. This central location provides residents a unique living-learning experience that is a natural extension of Southwestern's student-centered approach.

Q: What are the community amenities?

A: Convenience, accessibility and creating home are key elements of the residential design. With that in mind, wireless Internet access, group study rooms, and a business center with computer/scanner/printer are provided on-site. The student community center known as "The Pearl" offers lounge and café seating, and an entertainment area with a 65" flat screen television. Surrounding The Pearl are artfully landscaped outdoor areas complete with decorative, textured pathways, a grassy hillock, café seating, soothing fountain and barbeque, all highlighted at night by architectural lighting.

Q: What amenities are provided in the units?

A: All units are move-in ready, simplifying relocation and law school transition for residents. Each unit is air conditioned and fully furnished, including a Full X-Long bed. Unit design includes enhanced soundproofing, high ceilings and low maintenance flooring and cabinetry. The full kitchen features full size, state-of-the-art energy efficient appliances including microwave, refrigerator with ice maker, range with exhaust hood, dishwasher and garbage disposal. Granite countertops are provided in the kitchen and bathroom areas. Living rooms offer floor-to-ceiling glass windows and 42" flat screen television.  Window coverings are provided throughout. The units also include energy efficient washer and dryer, free Wi-Fi and free cable, including HBO and Cinemax channels. 

Q: Are the student residences and community handicap accessible?

A: Accessible studio, 1-bedroom or 2-bedroom units are available and all common, exterior and parking areas are fully handicap accessible.

Q: Can I bring my pet?

A:  We do not allow pets in the community.  Contact the office if you require reasonable accommodations to our no animal policy.  

Q: What are the facility's security features?

A:The community has been designed with state-of-the-art security monitoring and lighting. All pedestrian and parking entrances to the facility are controlled via programmable card keys. Additionally, a Campus Security Office is located on the entry level of the residential community. Campus Security officers monitor residential community common areas and entrances via closed circuit cameras as well as foot patrols. Security lighting in exterior areas and blue light and emergency intercoms are located throughout the community. For individual units, residents will be issued a customized digital key fob for individual unit entry.

Q: When can I tour the residence community?

A:  Contact the Management Office at 213-738-5500 or housing@swlaw.edu to schedule a tour of our community.  Tours can be given from 10:00AM - 5:30 PM.  

Q: What type of public transportation is available in the area?

A: The residences are located around the corner from local Metro rail and bus stops. Rail stops go to Union Station and connect with the vast Metrolink network connecting Los Angeles to surrounding cities and counties. The Southwestern Pocket Guide (pdf) has nearby destinations for dining, entertainment, shopping and nightlife, all accessible via public transportation.

Q: Where will I park my bike?

A: Secure bike storage is provided in the on-site parking garage.

Q: Is parking available on-site?

A: Two levels of secured, covered parking with capacity for 170 cars are available on-site for a fee. Preferred parking for hybrid/electric cars with a designated electric plug-in station is available for residents.

Q: How do I apply to live at Southwestern's student residences?

A: If you are interested in applying to live at The Residences at 7th or have questions, please contact the Management Office at (213) 738-5500 or housing@swlaw.edu.   Application links for admitted students can be found on the "Apply Now" tab.  Current students, please fill out the interest link form.  If we are able to extend leases to any current students you will be contacted. 

Q: What is the deadline to apply for on-campus housing?

A: Since available housing space is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, you are encouraged to submit your on-campus housing application as early as possible. Applications for a given academic year will be accepted until all units are filled.

Q: Is a housing deposit required?

A: An application fee of $55.58 and a security deposit for $400 must be submitted with your application for housing. If your application is not able to be granted, any unused portion of the application fee and the full security deposit will be returned with your letter informing you of the denial. 

While your application is pending approval, you will be requested to sign a Lease Contract. The security deposit is used or returned as provided in the Lease Contract.

Q: How do I pay the application fee and security deposit?

A: The application fee and security deposit can be paid by credit card or bank account through the Prospect Portal during the application process.

Q: I am interested in leasing an apartment, how do I get more information?

A: For students who are interested in leasing, contact the Management Office at 213-738-5500 or housing@swlaw.edu. 

Q: What is the leasing term?

A: For the 2024-2025 Academic Year, the lease term will be August 11, 2024 to July 25, 2025 for Traditional students.  SCALE I students will have the option for a lease from June 11, 2024 to May 30, 2025.  

Q: Who is included as a resident under my lease?

A: You and any identified immediate family members are included. Adult family members who occupy the unit must also sign the lease. 

Q: What is included in my monthly rent?

A: The rent includes a fully furnished unit with all appliances, a full sized refrigerator, 42" flat screen t.v., and in-unit clothes washer and dryer. Rent also includes water and sewer charges, Wi-Fi and basic cable, study room use, business center access (subject to customary use fees) as well as use of common area amenities. You pay separately for electrical utilities, renter's insurance, any upgrades to internet speed, or phone services you select, storage, and parking.

Q: Is there a waiting list for the student residences?

A: A waiting list may be established in the event that applications exceed available units. If this occurs, applicants will be notified and they will be placed on the waiting list in the order their application was received.

Q: Does financial aid cover housing?

A: Financial Aid is based on a student's Cost of Attendance to attend school. The Cost of Attendance is comprised of tuition, fees, books, supplies and living expenses. Living expenses include an amount for housing, whether Southwestern student residences or apartment/house. Living expenses are adjusted for actual housing costs. Living expenses are adjusted on an annual basis every February. For additional information, click here.

Q: Are there scholarships for housing?

A: There is a partial first-year housing scholarship available to select applicants. Please contact the office of Admissions at 213-738-6834 for more information.

Q: Do I need a co-signer?

A: A lease guarantor may be required subject to applicant's credit history and income (typically parent or family member).

Q: Is family housing available?

A: While there are no restrictions on having the spouse, domestic partner or child of a student occupying the unit with the student, in order to accommodate as many students as possible, unless excess capacity develops, no more than one apartment will be allotted to a student, including any family member residing with the student. No more than two occupants are allowed per bedroom. In considering whether to select the residences for family housing, the student should consider the suitability of a law school environment for the family, the size of the units, the available amenities for children, rules regarding noise and interference with studying, and the limits on the term of occupancy.

Q: When do I get my security deposit back?

A: If you occupy your unit, your security deposit will be returned within 21 days after unit vacancy, less any amount retained for damage that has occurred. If you fail to enroll at Southwestern, and Southwestern elects to terminate your Housing Contract, your security deposit will be retained to cover the early termination fee.

Q: When can I talk to someone in the management office directly?

A: The Management Office is open Monday through Friday between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., and can be reached by calling 213-738-5500 or emailing housing@swlaw.edu.

Q: What is the surrounding area like?

A: The residences are located in one of the fastest growing, vibrant urban centers in the country. The residential community is surrounded by the law school campus to the north and east, businesses on the south, and apartment complexes to the west.

Residents will enjoy the proximity of many area attractions: LA Live (1.7 miles), Walt Disney Concert Hall (3.0 miles), Little Tokyo (3.4 miles) and Chinatown (3.7 miles), Dodger Stadium (3.4 miles), the California Science Center (3.7 miles), the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) and the La Brea Tar Pits (4.14 miles), The Grove and Farmers Market (4.5 miles), The Hollywood Bowl (5 miles), Rodeo Drive (6.6 miles), Griffith Observatory (7.1 miles), Universal Studios (7.4 miles), Santa Monica Pier and Third Street Promenade (14.3 miles), Venice Beach (15.69 miles), The Getty (15.7 miles), and for hiking, Runyon Canyon Park (6.1 miles).

Q: Are there restaurants, stores, and other services nearby?

A: There are a variety of stores, restaurants, markets, and services within walking distance of the student residences. Additionally, Southwestern offers a local business support program through the Bison Benefits Card. By using this card, students will receive discounts on purchases from local businesses. Please contact the Student Affairs Office or check the Today at Southwestern emails for a complete listing of current Bison Benefit partners.   Around You at The Residences at 7th includes a list of restaurants, stores, and services within walking or public transportation distance from the apartment complex.

Q: What do I need to bring to my new apartment?

A: While the furniture, bed and appliances are included, below is a guide to help you with the personal belongings that you will need to provide:

Living Room: Electronics and corresponding cords, décor.

Kitchen: Pots and pans, plates, cups, silverware, dishwasher detergent, laundry detergent, etc.

Bedroom: Linens, pillows, towels, toiletries, shower hook and curtain, trash can, décor, floor lamp, electronics and corresponding cords, and anything else that helps you feel at home.

Q: Are laundry facilities available?

A: Energy efficient washer and dryer units are provided in each unit.

Q: What size are the beds?

A:  The beds in all unit types are a Full Extra Long (Full XL).

Q: How do I receive mail and packages?

A: Centralized, locked mailboxes will be provided for each unit in the lobby area of the community for USPS mail. Locked boxes are provided for USPS packages and a USPS outgoing mail box is also conveniently located in the lobby. Packages received from other carriers such as FedEx, UPS, DHL, etc. will be available for pick-up in the office during business hours.

Q: Is smoking permitted on the premises?

A: No smoking is permitted either on the premises or in individual units. Designated smoking areas are provided in campus outdoor areas.

Q: What are the sustainable design features of the community?

Southwestern's on-campus student housing complex is LEED® certified to the Platinum level. The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design™) green building program is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of green buildings.

The LEED rating system, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), is the foremost program for buildings, homes and communities that are designed, constructed, maintained and operated for improved environmental and human health performance. Certification recognizes the implementation of practical and measurable strategies and solutions aimed at achieving high performance in sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality.

The LEED® Certification trademark owned by the U.S. Green Building Council is used with permission.

Construction

• Building site erosion control
• Construction site waste management
• Off-site fabrication for efficient material framing and resource use, including wood waste control
• Use of local gravel for concrete mixes
• Use of aluminum systems with recycled aluminum products

Building Systems and Operations

• Roof and courtyard rain water directed to infiltration system
• Permeable paving direction water to infiltration system
• Irrigation demand reduced by 20%
• Use of high efficiency irrigation controls and systems
• Landscaping with non-invasive and drought resistant plants
• Preferred parking for hybrid/electric cars with designated electric plug-in stations
• Proximity to public transit systems including bus and rail with ridesharing program promoting use of mass transit, walking and biking
• Secured bicycle storage room
• Recycling facilities and program
• No-smoking facility

Unit Finishes, Appliances, and Systems

• Efficient HVAC system and windows with 24% more efficiency over the minimum Title 24 requirements
• Energy Star appliances
• Energy rated windows
• Operable windows allowing fresh air ventilation
• Glazing sun control and shading
• Water conservation appliances and fixtures
• Resilient flooring throughout
• Kitchen hood, bathrooms and dryer exhaust directly to outdoors
• Tenant training in use of green living systems and appliances

More information: www.usgbc.org/leed

Publication LEED for Homes Mid-Rise Program

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