University Cooperative Housing Association — Local services in Los Angeles

Moving to the coop was the best decision I could have made in terms of housing in LA. Rent is very very affordable (around 630usd per month) in a spacious and luminous triple room and with food inclueded (burrito night!!).

What I would say is the best of the coop is its people. I was able to make good friends from all over the world immediately. And every quarter you are surprised with new amazing people you didn't know before. It's a beautiful experience, it is a place full of life and history but rather than feeling sterile feels connected and vibrant. In a city that makes you feel isolated, the coop is a breathe of fresh air that proves that community living is a very viable and necessary option.

Yes, there are things that need to be fixed, but the people thet work in maintenance are on top of it if you tell them. Yes, you have to clean your hallway bathroom, but honestly you'll have to clean it less than what you would in a apartment. And yes, you have a 4 hour shift each week, which is fine and you can get in different positions as time passes.

I am very greatful of what I have lived at the coop, and who I have met in the journey. My memories here are precious and I encourage anyone who is thinking of moving in...

This place is what you make of it. It's not the fanciest place to live, but it's so cheap for what you're getting (around 700 per month depending on which building you live in). Rent includes a very well-equipped gym plus 3 meals a day (2 on weekends). The UCHA is a coop not just regular apartments, so you will have to be slightly involved --- you need to complete a 4 hour choreshift every week (members start out working in the kitchen or facilities (taking out trash), but you can easily move to a a different crew if you'd rather work in the front office, mailroom, garden crew, etc. You also have to complete a 4 hour project each quarter, but this can be something fun like organizing a party or craft day. You also have to vote and clean the bathrooms or you will get fined. The fines are annoying but if you just make sure you're aware of the rules at the coop you should be fine. Members generally eat together in the cafeteria and it's easy to make friends here. There are also a lot of foreign exchange students living here which is cool.

Overall: not the cleanest since everyone is responsible for cleaning up after themselves but nice people, good food, fun...

Overall I recommend the coop to live in but you have to do your research before moving in! This is cooperative living– a different model than most people are used to. Many people like it but it's not for everyone.

Pros: -cheap rent (~$700 a month, most other units in the area go for around $1100-1300 for a room w/ one roommate) -3 meals a day -ideal location in Westwood -diverse, lots of international students -great social atmosphere -many different living opportunities (3 buildings, different room types)

You have duties like working 4 hours a week (usually in the kitchen to start) and cleaning bathrooms. Room assignment is based on a seniority system. There is also no AC and the buildings are not in the best shape. Do not expect the same experience as living in a smaller apartment unit or on the hill. You get what you pay for here and the pros 100% outweigh the cons. If you're looking for a cheap, social, international living opportunity in Westwood this is the...