When to Start Your Off-Campus Housing Search for LMU Students

Introduction

Loyola Marymount University’s prime Westside location makes housing competitive for students. With the Fall 2025 semester beginning in late August and LMU’s official move-in dates scheduled for August 18–24, students need to think ahead. Whether you’re looking near Playa Vista, Mar Vista, or Culver City, starting your off-campus housing search at the right time is critical to finding both affordability and convenience.

The Optimal Time to Search (Spring to Early Summer: April–June)

The best time for LMU students to begin looking for off-campus housing is April through June. Here’s why:

• Many leases around Playa Vista and Culver City align with the spring cycle, opening units after current tenants graduate.

• Students who begin in this window avoid the midsummer competition rush.

• Early summer provides the sweet spot—enough active listings with still plenty of time to organize roommates and move-in plans.

Early Search (February–March)

Some LMU students start looking as early as February or March, especially those who know they’ll be off-campus or already have roommates in place.

What to do if you’re searching early:

• Monitor LMU Universe for early roommate connections.

• Contact property managers and ask to be placed on early notification lists.

• Use the extra time to decide on budget and finalize roommates before listings open up in larger numbers.

Late Search (July–August)

Students who wait until July or August may face steep competition. Playa Vista and Mar Vista apartments are especially quick to fill, often leaving only high-priced options or waitlists by midsummer.

What to do if you’re searching late:

• Consider neighborhoods slightly farther out, such as Inglewood or Palms.

• Join multiple waitlists and check daily for last-minute openings.

• Be prepared with all application documents and deposits so you can secure a spot immediately if one opens up.

Why Timing Matters

LMU sits in one of LA’s most desirable housing markets, where affordability and availability shrink quickly. By starting in spring, students can take advantage of lease turnovers while avoiding late-summer stress.

Conclusion

The optimal time to start your LMU off-campus housing search is April–June. Starting earlier lets you get on landlord lists and plan roommates, while waiting until late summer requires flexibility and persistence.

👉 Visit LMU Universe as a great resource to meet roommates and find off-campus housing at LMU Housing Near Campus