<p>I visited my son last weekend and we went to some off campus properties within walking distance to USC. I have done a lot of research and read reviews although I’ve been told to take them with a grain of salt. The recent webinar for parents was very well done and it is available on the off campus website. We felt that there were too many variables to leave it up to him completely. Having said all of that, I am very discouraged by and concerned about the choices available for off campus housing. Of course, they are college students but having my son live in a place where 1) there are rampant roach problems, 2) the property mgmt. company and on site staff (some of which are just college students) are unresponsive to students needs (repairs, etc.), 3) the shuttle service, which is not the USC shuttle, is unreliable, etc. is unsettling. These are comments that I have read about almost every property EXCEPT for one. During a visit, I asked the student that was showing us around what I should do with the information that concerns me. She listened and was very honest (a good sign). She confirmed that the issues I was asking her about do in fact exist.</p>
<p>We visited 3 properties but there were several more on my list. None of which give me any degree of comfort! I know I won’t be the one living there but I would like peace of mind. My son and his friends are interested in one property in particular. He will not have a car so we need to let him know it won’t work. I keep looking for other options. </p>
<p>We visited Senate Plaza (couple blocks from school - sounds and looks very nice), Olympia Mills, and we stopped in Wilshire House (which has a walkway to Strom Fitness Center). I have not been able to find any reviews or comments about Wilshire House so if you are familiar with it , please let me know. Thanks and please share any advice that you have!</p>