Speaks Out

Do you think housing prices and conditions in Westwood
are fair to students? Where do you live; how much do you pay for
rent? Bilal Khan Third-year Computer
science “I pay a lot. It’s $620 for a two-bedroom with
three other people on Midvale. (Rent prices) are completely
ridiculous. I live closer to campus because my roommates
wouldn’t get parking if we were to move farther away.
It’s a catch-22: if you don’t get parking, you
can’t live far enough to get a decrease in rent.”
Darlene Lugo Third-year Psychology “I live
in Palms, and I split a room in a one-bedroom for $500 a month. I
moved out of Westwood because (housing prices) aren’t fair to
students at all. I like the area UCLA is in, but Westwood is a rich
town (surrounded by) Bel Air and Beverly Hills, so it’s
expensive.” Debbie Lewis Third-year World
arts and cultures “I pay $550 for a two-bedroom apartment in
Westwood, and I split it with three other people. I think (rent)
could be a little cheaper. In our building, we don’t even
have recycling bins, and I think that’s pretty (bad). But the
location is convenient ““ it’s a short walk away from
campus. You don’t have to worry about getting parking, which
is a big issue if you live far from campus.” Jeff
Chan Alumnus “I live in West Hollywood and I pay
$600 in a two-bedroom apartment for my own room, and I think
it’s worth it. I moved out of Westwood because I graduated a
few years ago, but when I was here, apartments were really
expensive and I hear (rent prices) have gotten even worse.”
Razmig Haroun First-year Undeclared “I
don’t live in Westwood. I commute from Glendale because
it’s cheaper and I don’t pay rent. To live in Westwood,
I would need lower rent and suitable housing. It’s not fair
around here, because I hear (apartments) are really
expensive.” Lee Pham Fourth-year
Psychobiology “I live in Santa Monica because you get better
housing and it’s cheaper. I have a brand new apartment, and I
pay $450 a month, and I share a master bedroom in a three-bedroom
apartment with three other people.” Speaks Out compiled by
Edward Chiao, Daily Bruin Senior Staff. Photos by Tyson Evans,
Daily Bruin Contributor.