HOUSING OPTIONS FOR NEW STUDENTS
Living Off-campus
Finding housing could be very challenging for ITS students. First, student housing at ITS is very limited. Second, it is also true that living in Los Angeles is very expensive. But it is also a common fact that international students of small colleges and seminaries mostly live off-campus in the Greater Los Angeles areas.
Most ideally, you would like to live near our campus in West Covina. Our campus is located at a very convenient area where it is only within a short walking distance to many restaurants and supermarkets. It is important to do your housing search with our campus address (located right under "Contact Us" section of this web page). Living in the neighboring cities is okay too if you plan to ride a bike, or your place is on bus line. Feel free to live far if you drive a car. To live off-campus, the following are a couple of choices you could consider:
Short-Term Housing
Home stay (1-2 weeks) Many travelers nowadays are familiar with Airbnb. The company offers short-term vacation homes or rooms for rental. It is very ideal for students who need to stay there for 1-2 weeks while finding their long-term housing. When you do a search, make sure you enter "West Covina, CA" in the search box. On the result page, you can narrow it down to "rooms". Cost: US$50 - $100 per night
Hotels (1 week):
There are a few hotels that are closer to our campus. This is a solution for students who just don't know where to stay after arrival. Please book a hotel reservation online before leaving your home country. You will be looking for long-term housing when you stay there. The following is a list:
- Budget Inn La Puente (US$87 per night)
- Covina Motel ($81 per night)
- Walnut Inn & Suites ($69 per night)
- Travelodge Inn & Suites by Wyndham West Covina ($99 per night)
Host Family (one month to one quarter):
International students traditionally live with host families because they offer room and board. They are called host families because they basically take care of you. However, many international students usually stay there only for the first school term. After the first term is over, they will probably find their own place and roomate(s) to share the place with. Cost: At least US$1,000 per month.
Long-Term Housing
Renting an apartment: (Cost of one bedroom: US$1,800 to $2,000 per month)
There are two apartments that are within walking distance to our campus. Renting an apartment usually requires a security deposit (usually equals to one-month rent). Furniture and utilities (e.g. gas, electricity and internet connection) are normally NOT included. Don't be surprised if a refrigerator is not included. Students usually find a roomate or two to share an apartment.
Cameron Park Apartments: (626) 338-2818
929 W Cameron Ave, West Covina, CA 91790 (Please call for rates)
Wescove Apartments (866) 703-2773
801 Wescove Pl. West Covina 91790 (Rent: US$2,895 - $2,975; only two bedrooms are available)
Renting a room (Cost: US$500 to $800 per person per month)
This option is probably the most financially feasible for our students. There are many websites for room rentals. Be aware of scams (e.g. those on craigslist ); do not pay any deposit online without first seeing the room and meeting the landlord/lady. Tips: Some students found a room for rent through their church members while others would locate or connect to people from their home country in the area. Listings on local newspapers are also worth trying.
Renting a house (Cost: US$3,000-4,000 per month)
This option is only possible if you have 6-8 people to share the house with. Many real estate websites are a good and trustworthy source of searching for house rentals.
Dormitories at ITS
There are two dormitories at ITS that could host up to 18 students. They are owned by ITS and maintained by a student dorm manager. Though not located on campus, both are within walking distance to our campus and almost adjacent to each other. Both dormitories are equipped with four bedrooms and two bathrooms, kitchens, living and dinning areas with spacious backyards and a swimming pool.
In order to qualify for student housing, you must submit a housing application by May 30th every year. Also, you need to successfully complete one academic year studying online. Dormitory spaces are very limited and are offered based on a point grading system.
It is very important to pay your rent every month. The current rate for a student is US$300 per month. Owing too much rent could lead to termination of your F-1 status in SEVIS. Please include rent in your yearly budget as living expenses are listed on your Form I-20 in the Financial section of the form. If you have any questions on student housing, please contact the Admission office or the VP of Finance and Operation.