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Everything you need to know about LA, California Los Angeles
Everything you need to know about LA, California Los Angeles
Thinking about making the move to Los Angeles? Whether you’re heading to UCLA, USC, or one of the many other colleges in the area, LA offers an incredible mix of career opportunities, beach culture, and year-round sunshine. The City of Angels is home to nearly 4 million people and serves as the entertainment capital of the world, but there’s so much more to discover beyond Hollywood.
Bottom line: Los Angeles combines world-class universities, diverse job markets, and unbeatable weather, making it one of the most exciting cities for college students and young professionals alike.
The job market is incredibly diverse
Los Angeles isn’t just for aspiring actors and filmmakers. The city boasts the largest entertainment and media industry in the nation, but job opportunities extend far beyond the silver screen. You’ll find thriving sectors in aerospace, information technology, bioscience, transportation, fashion, and more. Major companies like Snapchat, Google, Netflix, and Buzzfeed all operate offices in the LA metro area, alongside countless startups and small businesses.
What makes LA’s work culture unique is the flexibility. Many residents work from home, freelance, or pursue non-traditional career paths. This gig economy vibe fits perfectly with the college lifestyle, offering students plenty of internship and part-time opportunities while they’re earning their degree.
College life thrives in Southern California
LA is a major center for higher education, home to prestigious universities like UCLA, USC, and Caltech. The college experience here goes beyond the classroom. Students have access to incredible internship opportunities in entertainment, tech, and business, often landing positions that kickstart their careers before graduation.
Pro tip: Many LA students use summer storage services to avoid hauling their stuff home between semesters, especially if they’re from out of state.
The city’s sprawling nature means each campus has its own distinct neighborhood vibe. Westwood near UCLA offers a classic college town feel, while USC’s campus sits closer to downtown’s urban energy. Between semesters, students often stay in the area for internships or summer jobs, making college storage solutions a practical necessity.
Transportation takes some getting used to
Let’s be real: LA is known for traffic. The city sprawls across a massive area, and while public transportation exists through Metro buses and rail lines, most residents rely on cars to get around. Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft are extremely popular and can be more convenient than owning a vehicle, especially for college students living on or near campus.
The good news? Once you learn the flow of the city, you’ll discover shortcuts and off-peak travel times that make navigation easier. Many students bike around their campus neighborhoods or use electric scooters for short trips. If you’re moving to LA for school, consider whether you actually need a car or if you can manage with alternative transportation for your first year.
The weather and outdoor lifestyle are unbeatable
One of LA’s biggest draws is the incredible weather. With over 280 days of sunshine per year, you can enjoy outdoor activities year-round. Students take advantage of this by hitting the beach between classes, hiking Griffith Park on weekends, or simply studying outside in February while friends back home are buried in snow.
Smart strategy: Store your heavy winter clothes over the school year since you’ll rarely need them in LA’s mild climate, freeing up valuable dorm room space.
The proximity to beaches like Santa Monica, Venice, and Malibu means you’re never more than a short drive from the Pacific Ocean. Griffith Park offers hiking trails with views of the iconic Hollywood Sign, and countless other parks and outdoor spaces provide perfect spots for pickup sports, picnics, or just hanging out with friends. This outdoor culture becomes part of daily life and makes the college experience in LA feel completely different from schools in other parts of the country.
Los Angeles offers an unmatched combination of academic excellence, career opportunities, and lifestyle perks that make it one of the most exciting places to spend your college years. The city’s diversity, both in terms of people and opportunities, means you’ll constantly discover something new. Whether you’re pursuing a degree in film, engineering, business, or anything in between, LA provides the resources and connections to help you succeed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living like for college students in Los Angeles?
Los Angeles has a higher cost of living compared to many other college towns, with rent being the biggest expense. Many students live in dorms their first year and then share off-campus apartments with roommates to reduce costs. Budgeting for transportation, food, and entertainment is essential, but student discounts and free activities help offset expenses.
Is it safe to live in Los Angeles as a college student?
Like any major city, LA has safer and less safe neighborhoods. Campus areas near UCLA, USC, and other universities generally have good security and active student communities. It's important to stay aware of your surroundings, use rideshare services at night, and follow campus safety guidelines. Most students find LA perfectly safe when taking common-sense precautions.
Do I need a car to attend college in Los Angeles?
It depends on your campus location and lifestyle. Many students at UCLA and USC manage without cars by using campus shuttles, public transit, bikes, and rideshare services. However, having a car provides more freedom to explore the city and surrounding areas. Consider your budget for parking, insurance, and gas before bringing a vehicle to campus.
What are the best neighborhoods for college students in LA?
Westwood near UCLA is extremely popular with students, offering restaurants, shops, and a walkable campus environment. The area around USC has improved significantly and offers affordable housing options. Other student-friendly neighborhoods include Culver City, Santa Monica, and parts of downtown LA, depending on which school you attend and your budget.
What should I do with my stuff during summer break in Los Angeles?
Many LA students use college storage services that pick up belongings at the end of spring semester and deliver them back in the fall. This is especially convenient if you're from out of state or staying in LA for a summer internship but moving to a different apartment. Storage Scholars serves multiple campuses in the LA area and handles the entire process for you.
How far is Los Angeles from other major California cities?
Los Angeles is centrally located along the Southern California coast. Long Beach is about 25 miles south, San Diego is roughly a 3-hour drive, and San Francisco is about 7 hours north. This makes LA a great home base for exploring California during breaks, with easy access to beaches, mountains, and desert destinations.
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This article is part of our Storage Scholars News guide
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