Life in LA
UCLA is located in one of the most exciting cities in the country.
Prized for its cultural diversity, Los Angeles is home to people from 140 countries who speak 224 different languages. It means each street in LA feels like its own neighborhood with its own distinct feel and rhythm. With a pristine natural landscape, fantastic weather, never-ending opportunities, and an abundance of things to do, it is no surprise that Los Angeles is one of the best places to live in California.
U.S. cell phone service have multiple options. You will need to do research which options are best for you, according to your needs.
Prepaid Plans
“Prepaid” monthly plans allow you to pay one rate per month and do not require a contract. If you are bringing an UNLOCKED phone from home, you can just purchase a SIM card upon arriving in the US to set up your plan. Plans are affordable and often unlimited so you won’t have any surprises on your bill.
Contract Plans
Contract "postpaid" plans are a good option for students and scholars if they will be in the U.S. longer than 2 years since that is typically the amount of time for a mobile contract.
Contract Plans typically:
- Large data package offerings
- Pay for either a certain amount of minutes/month, or unlimited, ranging from $40-$70.
- Large variety of phones to select from with attractive sales. Typically several FREE options when you open an account (however, usually you still must pay tax)
- Coverage tends to be stronger and more reliable
- Most plans require a 2-year agreement/contract
- Credit history required for phone which means having a U.S. credit card for at least 6 months. Otherwise credit deposit is required
- Each service is normally charged separately. So if you would like unlimited talk, text, and data.
Keep in mind:
Most contract plans require that you have a Social Security Number (SSN). If you don’t have a SSN then your cell phone provider might let you open an account but will likely require a LARGE deposit which they return at the end of your contract. They will also likely charge you an early cancellation fee if you go back home before the end of your two-year contract and need to cancel service.
Cell Phone Providers
Major cell phone service providers in the US include Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. These companies provide a variety of contract, pre-paid, and no-contract plans. A US Social Security Number (SSN) is not needed to open an account, but you may be required to provide a deposit.
Finding new places to eat will never be an issue when you’re living in Los Angeles. Both locals and visitors agree that the food scene in Los Angeles is incredible and varies from one neighborhood to the next and you won’t have a hard time finding a great variety of ethnic cuisines.
Food “grocery” shopping in the U.S. can become quite overwhelming; the image of the stereotypical American grocery store with the seemingly endless aisles and an overabundance of choice often holds true. There can be many options such as large corporate grocery stores, organic and specialty food stores, discount grocery stores, farmer’s market, “home-away-from home stores”.
Discount Cards
Make sure you sign up for discount cards at grocery stores – you will save quite a bit of money! But be careful because sometimes it’s not just a discount card, it’s a credit card so make sure you know what you’re signing up for. For example, Ralphs, Albertsons and CVS all have discount cards, while Target has both a store-specific debit and credit card. If it asks for a Social Security Number on the applications, it’s a credit card.
Tips:
- Look for coupons in the local Sunday paper to help save some money!
- You'll need to provide photo ID when you purchase alcohol.
- If you drive to the store make sure you validate your parking ticket (if applicable).Grocery Shopping
Review the on-campus housing opportunities available to you.
In addition to UCLA housing, there are online rental companies that can assist your search in finding apartments near the University.
Some of the rental companies are:
UCLA does not officially endorse any of the below sites, but DGSOM international scholars may consider using them in their search.
In the United States, it is customary to use checks and credit cards rather than using cash because it is easier and safer. Banks and credit unions offer a variety of financial services including checking and savings accounts, debit cards, electronic bill pay, and wire.
Opening a U.S. Bank Account
To open a U.S. bank account, you must provide identification, such as a passport. Some institutions will require an address verification such as a rental agreement or utility bill. Consult with your bank in your home country to learn if there are affiliated banks in the United States. It is typically easier to do money wires (money transfers) when there is an affiliation.
Pharmacies in the U.S. carry medicines that do not require a prescription, known as ‘over the counter’ medications, and will have a pharmacist to fill a prescription called in by your doctor. Most pharmacies also carry personal care items and supplies for your home.
Los Angeles is known for its beaches, and UCLA is just five miles from the nearest one. Popular activities include surfing, biking, playing beach volleyball, and running.
If you love the outdoors, take a hike to the Hollywood Sign, see a concert at the Hollywood Bowl amphitheater, have picnic in dog-friendly Griffith Park or witness the night sky at Griffith Observatory.
Art lovers will want to see a show at the state-of-the-art, Frank Gehry-designed Walt Disney Concert Hall; admire art from the masters, as well as up-and-coming artists, at the Getty Center; or swing by one-of-a-kind Los Angeles County Museum of Art to admire its collection.
- As the entertainment Capital of the world, Los Angeles offers a huge variety of activities to please any music lover, theater enthusiast, or sports fan.
- Crypto Arena (Formerly Staples Center)
- LA Convention Center
- Walt Disney Concert Hall
- Hollywood Bowl
- Los Angeles Theatres
There is also an array of family friendly theme parks nearby for those of us raising children or anyone who remains to be a kid at heart.
Applying for a Social Security Number
If you will receive U.S. sourced income, you will need to apply for a Social Security number (SSN). The SSN is a unique identification number that is used to keep track of your earnings, to collect social security benefits, and to receive some other government services. Other businesses and credit companies may also require your number.
J-1 Scholars: we recommend that you wait 10 business days after entering the United States and 5 business days after your check-in and the mandatory J-1 online orientation to apply for a Social Security Number.
For the most current and detailed SSN application instructions visit https://www.ssa.gov/ssnumber/ and to locate your nearest SSA Office https://www.ssa.gov/locator/
California Driver’s License and ID Card
California State I.D.
The DMV will issue a non-driver’s identification (ID) card. This is a very convenient form of identification since a passport is not always recognized for local transactions such as cashing checks or admission to an establishment where alcohol is served. The same documents are needed as if applying for a driver’s license and USCIS will have to confirm I-94 status in the United States. A temporary identification card will be issued but it will not have a photograph.
For DMV locations or more information visit the DMV website.
California Driver License
If you wish to operate a motor vehicle in the U.S. you must apply for a California Driver License. Please note that your home country's valid driver's license is acceptable for up to three months after you arrive in the US -- however not all officers are aware of that law and might issue you a ticket anyway. It is best to get a California license as soon as possible after you arrive to avoid any confusion or problems.
The DMV requires a written test and a road test. No appointment is necessary for the written test, but an appointment and a car are required for the road test.
Public Transit
Avoid traffic and relax, sleep, study or read.
UCLA BruinBus:
Bruin Bus operates three on-campus routes. These buses stop in five different stations of the campus. The University Apartments Shuttle serves several off-campus apartments in the Palms and Mar Vista areas. In order to ride the off-campus routes you must live in one of the off-campus apartments and obtain a pass from your apartment rental office.
Owning a Vehicle in California
International scholars who decide to purchase a vehicle in California should be aware of the auto insurance state requirements.
Visit the UCLA Legal Services articles/forms page for more details & resources.
Alternative Transportation
Bicycle or Walk
Riding a bicycle or walking is a fun, healthy and inexpensive way to get to and around campus. There are over 3,000 bike racks and lockers located throughout campus. The UCLA bike shop , located conveniently on campus, offers a wide selection of services to all UCLA students including BruinBike rentals.
Vanpool
The UCLA Vanpool Program offers a viable alternative to driving at a subsidized rate. Vanpools are groups of people who travel to UCLA in a UCLA van.
Vans typically operate Monday-Friday, traveling between common pickup locations and the UCLA campus. There are nearly 150 routes serving roughly 80 communities in five Southern California counties.
The weather in Los Angeles, California is generally sunny and warm throughout the year, thanks to its temperate climate. The summers are hot and long with usually mild winters. We often gloat about the number of sun-drenched days we have and rainfall is scarce, but a few sporadic showers occur each year to help keep the dry climate from getting too hot.