Urban Student

Studying in Los Angeles

California, United States

Los Angeles is the second-largest US city, the centre of the global entertainment industry, and home to top research universities. It offers year-round sunshine, beaches, and a vast, diverse, and car-dependent urban sprawl.

Universities and major institutes

  • University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
  • University of Southern California (USC)
  • California Institute of Technology (Caltech, Pasadena)
  • Cal State campuses across the region

Cost of living

LA is expensive, with costs driven by housing and the need for a car or long transit commutes. A room in a shared apartment typically runs $900–$1,800 per month.

Neighbourhoods for students

  • Westwood — UCLA’s home neighbourhood.
  • University Park / DTLA — around USC.
  • Pasadena — Caltech, leafy and historic.
  • Koreatown / Mid-City — central and relatively affordable.

Institutions in Los Angeles