Baton Rouge, Comfortable & Affordable Living
Baton Rouge offers comfortable and affordable living, especially when compared to many American cities. For example, in terms of housing, it costs 68,1% less in Baton Rouge than in Chicago, Illinois. As for groceries, in New York City (Manhattan, New York), it costs 29.6% more than it does here. Simply put, living on a budget is better in Louisiana’s Capital city.
There is abundant housing within close proximity of the Law School. In the past, many students chose to share an apartment with a classmate and most chose to live in apartments within a 10-minute walk of the Law Center, which is very close to many restaurants, coffee shops, the Varsity (a live music concert venue), and Tiger Stadium. Our LLM coordinator is happy to help find affordable housing and a roommate, if desired.
If you like to work out, LSU has a new student recreation complex (UREC) with a huge gym: 40,430 square feet of cardio and weight room space. UREC also boasts a giant outdoor pool with six fitness lap lanes and an LSU shaped leisure pool, all within walking distance of the Law Center. LSU’s campus is also loaded with other amenities like a post office, a Student Health Center, plenty of food options, and a grocery store.
Housing
LSU Law has a dedicated staff member who guides admitted LLM students with finding housing. In the last few years, most students have successfully found affordable off-campus housing that is within a 10- to 15-minute walk to the Law Center.
Students who are interested in on-campus housing also have the option to rent an apartment in the recently constructed (2018) Nicholson Gateway. Modern, new apartments come fully furnished and in a variety of layouts, with both 10-month and 12-month leases available. Steps away from class and with restaurants, shopping, 10,000 square feet University Recreation/Fitness Center, and grocery store on site, Nicholson Gateway Apartments is the perfect home for savvy graduate students.
For housing inquiries, contact us:
Phone: 225-578-7831
Email: llmadmissions@lsu.edu
Cost of Living
We receive many inquiries about tuition, but often candidates forget to take into account cost of living. Our recommendation is that students allocate at least $1,300 per month for living expenses (housing, food, etc.), books, supplies, and health insurance (mandatory for J-1/F1 holders). For most of our students, this is not simply a recommendation; it is a J-1/F1 visa requirement (student visa).
Most students will need a J-1 visa to study in the U.S. J-1 visa applicants must prove that they are able to finance their education and living expenses. Once admitted, LSU expects applicants to be able to show (with bank account proof) that they have the following available funds:
$ 15,000 = $ 1,500 x 10 months of studies
+ $ 4,043 = $ 4,043 in mandatory fees*
+ $ ______ = $ tuition and non-resident fees**
As such, even if a student receives a full scholarship, he or she will need equal or exceeding $19,043 to study at LSU. Most students will need more. With the exception of American citizens and permanent residents, all LLM students need J-1 visas; without it, it is not possible to study in the U.S.
*Mandatory fees are subject to change without advanced notice. University policies and rules regarding payment of tuition and fees are listed in the LSU Law Catalog.
**Information regarding the exact amount of tuition and non-resident fees owed to LSU Law is found in the applicant’s admission letter.
