Los Angeles is a city that probably needs no introduction. Home to all things Hollywood, vibrant and diverse culture, and a number of famous universities, it is a great place to study, live and work. However, all of these benefits make LA a highly desirable location, so make sure to prepare for competitive acceptance rates and a higher cost of living.
Why study in Los Angeles?
California is one of the most popular destinations for international students. According to QS Top Universities, Los Angeles is currently the 43rd best city for students worldwide. Everyone will have their own reasons for why LA is their dream study destination, but here are some common reasons why international students love LA.
Firstly, Los Angeles is one of the most multicultural cities in the world; it has some of the most immigrant-friendly laws in the whole country, and there are over 220 different languages spoken in the city. You will find lots of ethnic communities in Los Angeles, like Koreatown and Boyle Heights, and Spanish is spoken by 36% of residents.
Los Angeles is the center of business, trade, and technology. It is home to many Fortune 500 corporations, famous tech companies, new startups, and more. This means that as a new graduate in the city, you will have many employment and internship options — although competition can get tough.
Networking is a benefit of studying in many places in the United States and is definitely not reserved exclusively for Los Angeles. More than any other, this city is driven by ideas, creativity, and the search for something new — and networking is second nature to most LA residents. Putting yourself out there and getting acquainted with new people in your future line of work can prove to be very helpful. It is also a good idea to keep your eyes open for internship opportunities and potential job offers upon graduation. Put yourself out there, introduce yourself by your name and what you do (or wish to do), and let the magic happen.
This city is also known for its great climate. The temperature averages around 9°C in January lows and 29°C in August highs, which is a very comfortable setting to live, study and work in. Plus, Los Angeles is home to some great beaches where you can unwind after a busy day at college.
While there are lots of advantages that come with living in the city, be aware that it has a high cost of living, almost 50% higher than the US average. The average rent is about $2,750 per month, with basic living expenses (excluding rent) averaging $1,353 per person. A typical monthly total for one person, including rent, is about $4,000–$4,500.
Best universities in Los Angeles
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
UCLA is the most popular university in LA and one of the best institutions in the world, ranking 46th in the latest QS Top Universities rankings.
UCLA prides itself on being “the birthplace of the Internet”: it was here where the first ARPANET transmission was made.
The university offers over 125 majors and around 80 minors. Some of the most popular fields of study include business and economics, biology, psychology, political science, and others. The cost of tuition at UCLA is $43,500, and the admission rate is 9%.
The University of California has 9 other campuses in California, located in Berkeley, Davis, Irvine, Merced, Riverside, San Diego, San Francisco, Santa Barbara, and Santa Cruz.
University of Southern California
The University of Southern California consistently ranks as one of the best universities in the world — in the QS University Rankings of 2025, it occupies the 125th spot. The University of Southern California was the first private university in LA and dates all the way back to 1880.
The university has 21 schools — the oldest and most popular being the Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences. This school alone has over 150 different majors.
An interesting fact about the University of Southern California is that it has more Oscar-winning alumni than any other institution in the United States.
It will cost you around $71,000 per year to study here, and the admission rate to the university is 9-10%.
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
Caltech is another famous institution. It is in the top ten QS Ranking of Top Universities in 2025 and is one of the most prestigious tertiary establishments, not only in the United States but also in the world.
Caltech is a relatively small private university with an undergraduate enrollment of under 1,000. It is an elite establishment, and studying here will cost you $63,000 annually. Getting into Caltech is also a demanding enterprise, with the admission rate at the university standing at 3%.
The most popular majors at the university include engineering, computer and information sciences and support services, physical sciences, biology and biomedical sciences, and mathematics and statistics.
Occidental College (Oxy)
Occidental College is a small liberal arts college in the Los Angeles area. The institution dates back to 1887 and is one of the oldest colleges in liberal arts on the West Coast of the US. The college offers over 30 majors and around ten minor-only programs.
Studying at Occidental College costs $63,000 annually, and the acceptance rate is 38%. The college is sometimes referred to as “Princeton of the West” and is considered to be an elite institution.
Interesting fact: due to its proximity to Hollywood, Occidental College is often used as a filming location for movies and TV shows.
Applying for a student visa to study in Los Angeles
If you plan to study in an American university full-time, you must apply for an F-1 student visa. To do this, you'll need to be accepted into a qualifying school in the US and obtain a Form I-20. After that, you'll pay the SEVIS fee ($350), complete the DS-160 visa application, and schedule a visa interview at a US embassy or consulate. You will also need to show proof of financial capacity: you should be able to pay for tuition and be able to support yourself throughout your stay in the US. Once you have received the visa, you must stay enrolled in the university and keep up good grades for your visa to stay valid.
If you are in the United States on an F-1 visa, you can also get an on-campus job — up to 20 hours a week. There are also options for working as an international student off-campus — but doing this is a bit more complicated, and you will first need to file an application with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
There are two other types of student visas you can apply for: J-1 and M-1.
J-1 visas are intended for individuals doing an internship, working on research projects, or involved in similar activities in the US. Note that a J-1 visa is only valid for the length of the program you are enrolled in.
M-1 visas are meant for those who are enrolled in technical or specialized study programs that are not held at academic institutions. Generally, as an M-1 visa holder, you are not allowed to work while in the US.
General requirements for entry to a university or college in Los Angeles
Different colleges and universities in Los Angeles have varying admission criteria, so it's crucial to evaluate your eligibility. Start by checking the admission rate at your desired institution to assess your chances objectively. Some schools, like Cal Tech listed above, only accept 3% of admissions, whereas others have rates closer to 40%.
To apply to a university in Los Angeles, you typically need strong grades from your previous educational institution. These grades should align with the GPA (Grade Point Average) requirements set by the university you're applying to. Most competitive institutions expect at least a 3.0 GPA for freshman admissions. If there's a significant academic gap between your prior education and the US university's expectations, consider enrolling in a pathway program. These preparatory courses cater specifically to international students in Los Angeles, helping them bridge the curriculum gap and greatly enhance their application prospects.
Another essential requirement for US university applications is proficiency in the English language. If you're not a native English speaker, you'll need to provide proof of your English language skills, often through tests like TOEFL, IELTS and sometimes Duolingo. To improve your language proficiency before applying, consider enrolling in a preparatory language course. Additionally, if you're aiming for a specific exam like TOEFL or IELTS, taking a dedicated language course can be beneficial.
Working while at university in LA
While studying in LA, international students are typically able to work, which can help with the high cost of living in LA. There are some restrictions and limits when it comes to working as a student in Los Angeles, and for the most up-to-date info, always check your visa requirements via US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). We cannot emphasize enough that it's crucial to adhere to visa regulations while working as an international student. Ensure that you do not exceed the allowed work hours and maintain your full-time student status. Always consult your designated school official (DSO) or international student advisor for guidance on employment options and visa compliance. However, most students won't encounter difficulties if they adhere to some simple restrictions. Here's a breakdown of what to expect when looking for work as a student in LA:
- On-campus employment: F1 visa holders are typically allowed to work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during scheduled breaks, such as summer or winter vacations. These on-campus jobs can include positions within your university, such as a research assistant or library aide;
- Off-campus employment: Off-campus employment options are limited for international students. However, there are opportunities to participate in Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT) programs. CPT allows you to engage in internships or employment related to your field of study during your program. OPT is often used after completing your degree and provides practical work experience;
- Career services for international students: Many universities in Los Angeles offer career services and resources to help international students find on-campus or off-campus job opportunities, internships, and co-op programs. These services can assist with resume building, interview preparation, and job search strategies;
- Work authorization for international students: Depending on your visa status and eligibility, you may need to apply for work authorization through the USCIS for programs like OPT. Be sure to follow the necessary steps and deadlines.
Student life in Los Angeles
Student accommodation in Los Angeles
Most LA universities have self-contained communities with dorms and apartments, making it easy for students to live on campus. These accommodations are usually shared, with rent between $1100 and $1,360 per month. UCLA offers single-student units for about $2,000, and a shared residence hall room with a meal plan is about $20,000 a year.
University housing fills up really fast, so it's important to apply early. Many students choose to share apartments to reduce costs, and on-campus living often includes community activities and meet-ups that make it easier to settle in and make friends.
Off-campus housing is also common. On average, a one-bedroom apartment costs about $2,500 monthly, and three-bedrooms can exceed $4,000, though sharing with roommates helps. Utilities, especially air conditioning, add to expenses.
If you want to compare living costs across different parts of LA, you can check student housing calculators such as UniAcco, which regularly updates price data for major US cities.
Leisure in Los Angeles
Los Angeles offers students a wealth of leisure options. You can explore Hollywood landmarks, swim, sunbathe or workout at beaches like Santa Monica and Venice, or visit museums such as the Getty Center and LACMA. Thrill-seekers head to Universal Studios or Disneyland, while food trucks and international restaurants showcase the city's culinary diversity. LA nightlife ranges from Hollywood clubs to beachfront bars. With its mild climate, outdoor activities like hiking in Griffith Park, biking along the coast, or enjoying picnics are popular year-round.
The cost of living in Los Angeles
As we've mentioned, LA is one of the most expensive US cities, but budgeting strategies like flatsharing, cooking together, and using public transport can help. On-campus students can join meal programs, although prices are rising. According to the latest Hechinger Report, university meal plans in the U.S. average between $4,000 and $5,500 per year. Other costs include laundry, entertainment, and eating out.
Student discounts in Los Angeles
Many establishments offer discounts for holders of a valid student ID. Amtrak gives 15% off fares, Greyhound 20% off, and museums like the Natural History Museum reduce admission for students. Movie theatres, restaurants, clothing stores, and tech companies such as Apple and Microsoft also provide student deals. Public transport, gyms, and entertainment venues often have discounted passes or tickets, making it easier to enjoy LA on a budget. Businesses that offer discounts change regularly, but checking with your university's student support centre, and looking on sites like UniDAYS and Student Beans can give you a good indication of what's available.
Part-time work or internships in Los Angeles
For international students, part-time jobs and internships can be valuable not only to help offset the high cost of living in LA but also for gaining experience in your field. It's best to look for roles that align with your studies.
Check your visa conditions before applying (OPT and CPT rules apply, as described above), but most universities offer on-campus roles, such as research assistantships or library work, and many students later move into internships or training programs related to their field.
Your university's international office or career services center is a great place to start looking for work or intern opportunities. Networking within your specific department or through student organizations can also open doors to internship opportunities.
Useful links:
QS Top Universities
US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
UCLA International Students Office
University of Southern California (USC) International Office
We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.
