Beverly Hills. Two miles east of UCLA is the famous incorporated city of Beverly Hills. Sometimes there are guest houses or rooms for rent in the area, especially south of Wilshire, and sharing an apartment is feasible. Most students, though, use Beverly Hills for fantastic window shopping, people watching, occasional famous-name dining, and magnificent public parks and gardens (along Santa Monica Boulevard north of Wilshire). North of Santa Monica Boulevard, services and public transportation are very limited; they are more plentiful along Beverly Boulevard, Wilshire and Olympic. Century City. This new, high-rise commercial center two miles southeast of UCLA has some condominiums, but not much housing for students. Sometimes there are rooms for rent west of Century City Shopping Center, and apartments line Beverly Glen Boulevard. Entertainment is the area's main value. Century City Shopping Center has great shopping, food and theaters offering matinee prices. The ABC Entertainment Center has live theater, more movies and shopping. The Santa Monica #5 bus from Century City connects with the #8 or the #12 buses to campus.

Pico-Robertson. This neighborhood-sometimes called Beverly Hills Adjacent, Beverlywood or Rimpau - is often overlooked by househunting students. But, it provides alternatives to the higher-priced housing closer to UCLA. Rents in the newspaper under "Beverly Hills Adjacent" may seem high, but many landlords here advertise only with a sign out front. Drive around - you may find a good deal. The small pocket of Los Angeles that abuts Beverly Hills just west of La Cienega Boulevard is popular and close to the Wilshire buses, but prices here are rising. The winding suburban streets of Beverlywood occupy the southwestern part of this neighborhood. Bachelor apartments and rooms for rent are sometimes available here but buses only skirt the area. Shopping and services are concentrated along Pico, Robertson and Olympic Boulevards. Pico has many small kosher groceries, ethnic restaurants and name brand discount stores. West Hollywood. West Hollywood is a densely populated city at the foot of the Hollywood Hills between Beverly Hills and Hollywood. A center of design, fashion, music and theater, it is known for its Melrose Avenue boutiques and theaters, famous restaurants, and the Pacific Design Center. Look for housing north of Beverly Boulevard to Sunset, between Doheny and Crescent Heights. North of Sunset between Fairfax and La Brea is also popular. Be aware that "greater West Hollywood" extends beyond the official city limits, so West Hollywood rent control may not apply to every apartment. Parts of West Hollywood are close enough for a bike ride to campus. The bus commute is easier if you live near the Wilshire or Sunset bus to UCLA. If you need to get around LA a lot, this neighborhood is not freeway friendly. It is well served by grocery stores, laundromats, parks, libraries, etc.