Los Angeles is famous the world over as a centre of film and television. The city is about much more than Hollywood, however, as international students will discover
With glorious sunshine, stunning beaches and thirst-quenching cocktails, Los Angeles is rightly viewed as one of the best destinations for a relaxing holiday in the US. Less well known are the city’s credentials as a centre of academic excellence on the West Coast.
Home to a population of just under 4 million and boasting more than 20 higher education institutions, Los Angeles is a fantastic place for international students thinking of making the US their home for a few years. If you want to find out more about student life in LA, this guide has all the info you need.
The best universities for international students
The second-largest city in the US (after New York), Los Angeles has plenty of higher education options for international students to choose from. Whether you want to enjoy lectures in the heart of downtown LA or would rather be based a bit further out, there’s bound to be a university that’s right for you. We’ve listed three of the best below:
- University of California Los Angeles (UCLA): Proud of the diverse background of its student body, UCLA welcomes individuals from nearly 90 countries every year. The university boasts extensive resources for international students, including sponsored outings around Southern California and on-campus cultural and language immersion events.
- University of Southern California (USC): With students from 135 countries, USC has a truly global cohort. In fact, international students represent more than a quarter of its student population. The university offers a multitude of advice to students from abroad on aspects such as English-language proficiency and financial aid.
- California Institute of Technology: Technically located in the city of Pasadena, the California Institute of Technology, or Caltech, is just 12 miles from downtown LA. The university, which offers a needs-sensitive admission process for international applicants, is known for its strength in science and engineering.
Accommodation
There are two primary options for student accommodation in Los Angeles. The first, and cheapest, is on-campus accommodation. While on-campus dormitories are likely to be the most affordable choice, their availability will depend on your institution. Off-campus university apartments may also be available and are another affordable option.
For individuals who would rather rent privately, several parts of Los Angeles are popular with the student crowd. These include Westwood Village, which borders the UCLA campus, and West Hills, with its tight-knit community and proximity to a variety of entertainment and dining options.
Other popular student locales include West LA, which boasts bars, restaurants, coffee shops and parks, and Santa Monica – perfect if you want to experience beach life but aren’t quite ready to give up cosmopolitan city living. Wherever you decide is the best area for you, remember to factor in your commute to lectures and seminars because public transport in Los Angeles can be hard to come by.
Places to eat and drink
With LA home to one of the world’s most diverse culinary scenes, international students are spoilt for choice when it comes to food and drink. Start your day right with a breakfast burrito from Lucky Boy in Pasadena or enjoy top-quality tacos, sushi and amazing sandwiches from a range of vendors across the city.
If you’ve had enough of street food and down-home diners, there are plenty of more refined restaurants too, with the city boasting 27 Michelin-starred eateries. Other fine-dining options include multi-regional Italian restaurant Bestia, and delicious Thai cuisine at Jitlada. Drink options are similarly creative, with places like Thunderbolt offering innovative cocktails and scrumptious bar bites.
Things to do
Between study sessions, make time for a visit to Hollywood Boulevard and the iconic Walk of Fame. If you’re lucky, you might see an A-list celebrity adding their hand and footprints to a new star. There’s also the Hollywood Heritage Museum to explore – and don’t forget to snap a selfie with the world-famous Hollywood sign.
Other things to do in LA include a visit to Grand Central Market, a European-style food hall established in 1917, as well as film screenings at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery – the final resting place of many screen legends. You can also get a glorious view of the city from the Mount Wilson Observatory.
Life on a budget
Student life in Los Angeles may not be the cheapest, but there are still plenty of fun activities to enjoy that won’t break the bank. Taking a stroll around the 4,000-acre Griffith Park won’t cost you a cent, and neither will a 22-mile bike ride along the Marvin Braude Bike Trail. Taco trucks provide a filling and affordable meal and public transport is usually cheaper than a taxi. Plus, remember to take your student discount card with you wherever you go.
Places to study
Plenty of trendy LA cafés double up as fantastic study spots, including Coffee Tomo and UnUrban Coffee House. If you’d prefer something more academic, UCLA’s Powell Library is an option, particularly as it’s open to all visitors. There’s no shortage of picturesque outdoor spaces to help you focus, such as Silver Lake Reservoir and Rosie’s Dog Beach. With great weather all year round, why not take advantage of it?
Ready to book your flight? Find out more about Student Universe, a travel agency for students, offering exclusive discounts on flights to the US that you won’t find anywhere else.
