Study abroad in Los Angeles
Housing, transport, universities, language expectations and daily life for exchange students in Los Angeles.
Country
United StatesStudent Budget
USD 2,200 – 4,500/month
Transport Card
TAP Card
Population
3,822,238 (City) / 12,872,322 (Metro)
Study abroad in Los Angeles: student life
Study abroad in Los Angeles works best when you choose by university fit, neighbourhood and daily routine, not just the city photo. Sun, surf, and endless entertainment, but spread out over a massive, car-dependent sprawl. Check campus commute, night safety and housing before committing.
Who loves this city?
Creatives, film students, beach lovers, and those who prefer a laid-back lifestyle.
What makes it special
You can surf in the morning and hike in the mountains in the afternoon. Perfect weather year-round.
Newcomer shocks
- The absolute necessity of a car or taking Ubers everywhere.
- Traffic is a constant topic of conversation and dictates social plans.
- The stark contrast of wealth and extreme homelessness.
Weather in Los Angeles & what to pack
Los Angeles's weather affects clothing, transport and social life more than brochures suggest. Use the month table to plan heat, rain, cold, humidity or daylight before arrival.
| Month | Conditions | Note |
|---|---|---|
| January 4° / -3° | ❄️ Snow/RainSnow/Rain, cold | Shortest days, brutal winds. |
| February 6° / -2° | ❄️ Occasional heavy snowOccasional heavy snow, cool | Peak winter conditions. |
| March 11° / 2° | 🌧️ Rainy and windyRainy and windy, cool | Unpredictable transitions. |
| April 17° / 7° | 🌤️ Spring showersSpring showers, mild | Central Park blooms. |
| May 22° / 12° | 🌤️ Mild, occasional stormsMild, occasional storms, warm | Perfect outdoor weather. |
| June 27° / 18° | 💧 Warm, humidWarm, humid, warm | Summer energy begins. |
| July 30° / 21° | 💧 Hot and very humidHot and very humid, hot | Concrete heat can be oppressive. |
| August 29° / 20° | ☀️ Hot and stickyHot and sticky, hot | Often thunderstorms in afternoons. |
| September 25° / 16° | 🌤️ Warm and crispWarm and crisp, warm | Great month for new students. |
| October 18° / 10° | ☀️ Cool, clearCool, clear, mild | Autumn foliage peaks. |
| November 12° / 5° | 🌤️ Chilly, dampChilly, damp, mild | Layering required. |
| December 6° / 0° | ❄️ Cold, early snow possibleCold, early snow possible, cool | Festive season starts. |
No winter to speak of, but rare rainstorms can paralyze city traffic.
Packing checklist
- Sunglasses and sunscreen are daily essentials.
- A light jacket for cool evenings, even in summer.
- Activewear (athleisure) is acceptable practically everywhere.
Cost of living for students in Los Angeles
Cost of Living Index
81.7 / 100
Expensive · World avg ≈ 44
The budget to study abroad in Los Angeles is mostly rent-led: use USD 1500-3000/month for rooms and USD 2200-4500/month as the wider monthly planning range. Keep a buffer for deposit, transport and first-week setup.
| Category | Range / mo | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shared room - private market | USD 1,200 – 2,000 | Rent is high, and you often need to pay for parking as well. |
Private-market baseline
Use the standard student budget as a private-market planning range. Shared housing can cost less than a private apartment, especially outside the centre.
University and public housing
Campus halls, CROUS or an equivalent public option may cost substantially less. Prices, shared-room conditions and eligibility depend on the institution, and availability is never assumed in the standard range.
Going out & dining
Supermarket basket
Source: Numbeo · Prices approximate, updated periodically.
Student housing in Los Angeles
Housing in Los Angeles should be solved before arrival: compare neighbourhood, campus route and contract terms, not just price. Start with the university, verified platforms and student groups with scam checks.
Westwood
Varies by street, room type, and season.UCLA students. Commute: Walk to UCLA
Culver City
Varies by street, room type, and season.Young professionals and students. Commute: Bus to UCLA, Metro to USC
Where to search
Official contacts
Host university accommodation or international office
Start with your host university in Los Angeles; it usually has residence routes, partner platforms or scam warnings.
Student residences
University residences or recommended housing
Useful first landing if you apply early and accept less flexibility.
Private platforms
Student groups
International student groups
Useful for flatmates and scam alerts; always verify the contract, landlord identity and payment route.
Documents to prepare
Passport or national ID
Admission or exchange confirmation
Proof of funds or guarantor details if requested
Deposit funds and signed lease
Health insurance or local registration documents if required
Timing
Start with university housing as soon as the host opens applications.
Keep temporary accommodation for arrival if the private market is tight.
For one-semester stays, confirm minimum term and cancellation rules before signing.
Deposit & contract notes
Do not pay a deposit without a written contract, landlord identity and proof the room exists.
Ask whether utilities, internet and agency fees are included.
Red flags
Never transfer money or deposits before signing a written rental contract and verifying the landlord's identity.
Always request a live video tour or physical viewing of the property to confirm it exists and matches the description.
Be extremely suspicious of listings priced significantly lower than the local market average for that neighborhood.
Is Los Angeles safe for students?
Safety Index
46.1 / 100
Moderate — stay alert
Crime Index
53.9 / 100
Moderate crime
Source: Numbeo · Lower crime = safer. Higher safety = safer.
Los Angeles is usually manageable for students, but the real risks are practical: petty theft, late-night routes, traffic, housing scams or weak arrival planning. Save emergency numbers and test your commute.
Varies drastically by neighborhood. University Park (USC) requires heightened awareness at night. Westwood (UCLA) is very safe.
Top risks
- Car break-ins (do not leave anything visible in your parked vehicle)
- Traffic accidents and pedestrian safety (cross only at marked crosswalks)
- Encounters with unstable individuals in certain metropolitan areas
Wait in well-lit areas at bus stops and ride in the front of buses or near the driver.
Getting around Los Angeles
Transport in Los Angeles works best once you activate the right pass or card in week one. A direct campus route often matters more than the most famous neighbourhood.
🚌 Car / Rideshare (Uber & Lyft)
LA is historically a car-dominated city. Ridesharing is quick but costs accumulate fast.
N/A
🚇 Metro Rail & Bus System
A growing system connecting downtown, Santa Monica, Pasadena, and Koreatown.
U-Pass program offers heavily discounted unlimited rides.
🚌 Santa Monica Big Blue Bus / Culver City Bus
Excellent municipal bus networks serving the Westside and UCLA surroundings.
Co-pay discount passes available through university transportation portals.
Things to do in Los Angeles as a student
Events in Los Angeles help students build groups and understand the city without spending only on expensive plans. Mix local culture, campus events, festivals and repeatable low-cost routines.
Hike to the Hollywood Sign
Year-round
Free
Classic LA outdoor activity and excellent panoramic views of the basin.
LACMA Friday Night Jazz & Concerts
Summer (April - November)
Free
Live music on the museum plaza; a popular social picnic spot for local college students.
Twilight Concerts at Santa Monica Pier
Late Summer
Free
Open-air beachside live music with ocean breezes and sunset views.
Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival
April (Palm Springs, 2h from LA)
3-day pass USD 499; car/camping extra
World's most famous boutique festival — art installations, fashion, and biggest music lineups anywhere
The Getty Center (Free Admission)
Tuesday–Sunday year-round
Free (parking USD 20)
Major art museum with sweeping LA views, free admission, architecture by Richard Meier, and collections that work well for a low-cost student day
medium
Griffith Observatory & Hike
Year-round
Free (planetarium shows USD 7)
Hike up to LA's iconic observatory — free telescopes, Hollywood Sign views, sunset over the basin
Student discounts & perks in Los Angeles
Student perks in Los Angeles can reduce transport, food and culture if you carry proof of enrolment. Activate them early because small savings matter by the end of the month.
Museums & Culture
Food Savings
Too Good To Go
Buy surplus bakery goods and meals from restaurants in Westwood and Silver Lake at steep discounts.
Get appSecure the Metro U-Pass through the UCLA or USC transportation office for unlimited transit. Fares & passes
Universities in Los Angeles for exchange students
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), University of Southern California (USC) are the main reference points. Compare faculty fit, language, campus route and housing before choosing.
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
A top-10 US public university with a stunning campus in Westwood, Los Angeles. Strong in film, medicine, and engineering.
Student social life in Los Angeles
Social life in Los Angeles starts faster when you join faculty groups, sport, exchange networks or weekly routines. Do not rely only on nightlife; repeated groups usually build better friendships.
What Students Usually Get Wrong
Student Associations
Erasmus Student Network (ESN) Local Section
Coordinates orientation events, social trips, and integration parties for incoming international students.
Central Student Union / Student Representation
The official university student representation providing support, sports clubs, and cultural activities.
Meeting Places 2
Public Groups 3
ESN & International Students Facebook Group
Search for the local group to find flatmates, events, and buy second-hand furniture.
Local ESN Instagram / Linktree
Follow the local section page to access current WhatsApp group chats and event sign-up forms.
UCLA Dashew Center
Public hub for international-student programming, orientation support, and campus community at UCLA.
Forums & Advice 1
Erasmus+ Community
Official network for exchange students — forums, contacts, and city guides.
Reddit: AskLosAngeles student transit and neighborhood threads
Useful for lived-experience checks on commuting, neighborhoods, and car-free student life; verify advice against official transit pages.