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)
City Vibe
Sun, surf, and endless entertainment, but spread out over a massive, car-dependent sprawl.
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.
Before You Land
A few practical setup details students usually sort before arrival
Connectivity, insurance, and secure public WiFi are the boring things you only notice when you need them. Keep them on your checklist, but keep the guide itself front and centre.
Arrival Connectivity
Sort an eSIM before you land
Maps, ride apps, 2FA codes, and WhatsApp are usually the first things students need from the airport.
Coverage Check
Confirm your travel insurance
Even when the university gives guidance, students usually need to double-check what is covered before departure.
Public WiFi
Have a backup for shared networks
Campus halls, airports, and cafés are convenient, but many students prefer an extra privacy layer when they first arrive.
Weather & Packing
| Season | High / Low | Conditions | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 4°C / -3°C | Snow/Rain | Shortest days, brutal winds. |
| February | 6°C / -2°C | Occasional heavy snow | Peak winter conditions. |
| March | 11°C / 2°C | Rainy and windy | Unpredictable transitions. |
| April | 17°C / 7°C | Spring showers | Central Park blooms. |
| May | 22°C / 12°C | Mild, occasional storms | Perfect outdoor weather. |
| June | 27°C / 18°C | Warm, humid | Summer energy begins. |
| July | 30°C / 21°C | Hot and very humid | Concrete heat can be oppressive. |
| August | 29°C / 20°C | Hot and sticky | Often thunderstorms in afternoons. |
| September | 25°C / 16°C | Warm and crisp | Great month for new students. |
| October | 18°C / 10°C | Cool, clear | Autumn foliage peaks. |
| November | 12°C / 5°C | Chilly, damp | Layering required. |
| December | 6°C / 0°C | Cold, early snow possible | 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
Cost of Living Index
81.7 / 100
Expensive · World avg ≈ 44
| Category | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shared Room Rent | USD 1,200 – 2,000/month | Rent is high, and you often need to pay for parking as well. |
Going out & dining
Supermarket basket
Source: Numbeo · Prices approximate, updated periodically.
Housing
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
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.
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.
Safety
Safety Index
46.1 / 100
Moderate — stay alert
Crime Index
53.9 / 100
Moderate crime
Source: Numbeo · Lower crime = safer. Higher safety = safer.
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.
Transport
🚌 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.
Events & Activities
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 Perks
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
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.
Social Life
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.