General | Getting Around | Leasing | Local Area | My Unit | Other

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General

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

  Students who are enrolled in Southwestern's J.D. or LL.M. programs are eligible to live in on-campus residences. Entering students will be given priority for a large percentage of the residences, on a first-come, first-served basis.

• What distinguishes the Southwestern student residences from other area apartments?

  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.

• What are the community amenities?

  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 a coffee cart with freshly brewed coffee as well as baked goods, 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.

• What amenities are provided in the units?

  All units are move-in ready, simplifying relocation and law school transition for residents. Each unit is air conditioned and fully furnished with new contemporary furniture. 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 WiFi and basic satellite t.v.

• Are the student residences and community handicap accessible?

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

• What are the facility's security features?

  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 will 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.

• Where can I check the progress of the student residences construction?

  Please visit www.swlaw.edu/campus/housingupdates for monthly construction updates.

• When can I tour the residence community?

  Tours of the residential community are available beginning July 1, 2013. Contact housing@swlaw.edu to schedule an appointment.

Getting Around

• What type of public transportation is available in the area?

  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.

• Where will I park my bike?

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

• Is parking available on-site?

  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. Parking permits may be purchased on a semester basis.

Leasing

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

  To apply for student housing, you must be a current Southwestern student or admitted Southwestern student for the 2013-14 Academic Year. Click here for the official On-Campus Housing Application Form.
  
  If you are not yet admitted but are interested in housing, or admitted and not sure if you want to apply for housing, you may indicate your interest in on-campus housing by submitting the Interest Form. Completing this form does not guarantee housing and this interest form is not an official application for housing. You will receive information about the student residences after completing this form.
  

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

  Since available housing space is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, you are encouraged to submit your on-campus housing application by May 1. Applications will be accepted until all units are filled.

• Is a housing deposit required?

  An application fee of $45 must be submitted with your application for housing. If your application is not able to be granted, any unused portion of the application fee will be returned with your letter informing you of the denial. After your application is approved, you will be requested to sign a Housing Contract and pay a security deposit of $350. That deposit is used or returned as provided in the Housing Contract.

• How do I submit an application for on-campus housing?
  

  Save the application to your computer, and when completed, submit it to Peak Campus Management:

  - by email (housing@swlaw.edu)

  - by fax to (213-383-1688)

  - by US mail (Peak Campus Management, Southwestern Law School,
  3050 Wilshire Blvd., Room W102, Los Angeles, CA 90010)

  - in person to the Peak Campus Management Office in the
  Westmoreland Building (Room W102)

• How do I pay the application fee?
  

  The $45 application fee may be paid via check or money order made payable to Peak Campus Management (electronic payment options may be available in the future).

  - If the application is submitted by email or fax, the application fee
  must be received by US Mail within 5 days (see address below)

  - If the application is submitted by US mail or delivered directly to
  the Peak Campus Management Office, the application fee should
  accompany the application.

  Send the application/application fee to Peak Campus Management, Southwestern Law School, 3050 Wilshire Blvd., Room W102, Los Angeles, CA 90010.

• When will I be able to move in?

  Residents will move in starting August 3, 2013.

• What is the leasing term?

  A one year lease is required, with occupancy from August 3, 2013 to July 15, 2014.

• What happens after the first year? May I renew?

  Unit renewal will be allowed following the first year on a lottery basis.

• Who is included as a resident under my lease?

  You and any identified immediate family members are included. Adult family members who occupy the unit must also sign the lease. If you have a non-family member roommate, he or she will have a separate lease.

• What is included in my monthly rent?

  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, free WiFi and basic satellite t.v., 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, any upgrades to satellite t.v. or internet speed, or phone services you select, storage and parking.
  

• Is there a waiting list for the student residences?

  A waiting list will 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.

• Are student residences available to transfer students?

  Transfer students may apply for student residences although priority is given to first year students.

• Does financial aid cover housing?

  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, visit www.swlaw.edu/studentservices/finaid/tuition.

• Do I need a co-signer?

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

• Is family housing available?

  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 bedroom 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.

• When do I get my security deposit back?

  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.

Local Area

• What is the surrounding area like?

  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 (2.2 miles), Walt Disney Concert Hall (2.98 miles), Little Tokyo (3.35 miles) and Chinatown (3.7 miles), Dodger Stadium (3.41 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 (6.59 miles), Griffith Observatory (7.10 miles), Universal Studios (7.4 miles), Santa Monica Pier and Third Street Promenade (14.29 miles), Venice Beach (15.69 miles), The Getty (15.70 miles), and for hiking, Runyon Canyon Park (6.1 miles).

• Are there restaurants, stores and other services nearby?

  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. Numerous eateries such as Subway, Baskin Robbins, Jamba Juice, Cha Cha Cha, Wasabi Japanese Noodles, Quiznos and King of New York Pizzeria participate along with The Laugh Factory, local dry cleaners and hair salons.

My Unit

• What do I need to bring to my new apartment?

  While the furniture 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, electronics and corresponding cords, and anything else that helps you feel at home.

• Are laundry facilities available?

  Brand new, energy efficient washer and dryer units are provided in each unit.

Other

• How do I receive packages and mail?

  Centralized, locked mailboxes will be provided for each unit in the lobby area of the community.

• Is smoking permitted on the premises?

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

• Are pets allowed?

  No pets are permitted in the units or residential community except for guide dogs required for accessibility.