Is UCLA worth it?

Question

I'm a student in the UK, currently studying English and I've been placed at UCLA for a year abroad. However, now I've been allocated to UCLA I'm not sure whether I should go, for a variety of reasons.

First, I've never been to LA and the fear of the unknown is huge! I'm worried I won't like the city (too big?too impersonal?) or the university. Second, I have to sort out accommodation for my year there and I have no idea what is nice.

So, wld anyone be able to help me with accommodation, UCLA as a university in general, especially for English, the friendliness of people, what to do for fun (I'll be 20 when I'm there) etc.

I'm also worried that I'll get homesick as it's so far from home, do you think doing a year abroad there is really worth it?

Thank you

Answer 1

Hello.

I understand your concerns.  Personally, I've never been particularly fond of Los Angeles either.  However, recently people I know here in France have gone to LA for a semester abroad, and really enjoyed it.

Los Angeles is a huge city, but as is the case with most big cities, people tend to find places where they feel at home in their area and tend to hang around there for the most part.  American universities tend to really be close-knit communities, especially on and around the campus, so you shouldn't worry about the people -- they will be friendly, helpful, and surely very curious about you as a foreign student.  

Finding a place to live will be more difficult however, especially because certain areas in Los Angeles can be a bit run-down.  Plus, you'll want to make sure you're within a certain distance of the campus, because otherwise getting to class on time will be very difficult.  

Have they refused you dorm accommodations?  On-campus housing would obviously be the easiest, and it is also one of the best ways to meet and make friends with other students.  However, if this isn't possible, perhaps you could contact the study abroad department and ask if they could give you any suggestions on finding other students that are looking for a roommate.  By finding someone who already has an apartment (or someone who can be there in person to find something) and is looking for someone to share with, you'll save yourself a lot of hassle.

As far as things to do goes, you'll be fine!  There's everything you could ever want in LA, and generally around a university campus there are plenty of restaurants, coffee shops, little stores, movie theatres, etc.  You won't be able to go to bars (as I'm sure you know, the drinking age in the US is 21), but you'll have plenty of other things to amuse yourself!

My friend who went to LA last semester was very nervous and worried about being homesick (she had never been away from her parents for more than a few days before), but she had a wonderful time and ended up being even more upset about having to come back when the semester had ended!  Going abroad is such a great experience, and I think it'll leave you with great souvenirs that will stay with you for the rest of your life.  

Buy some guidebooks and start reading, or dig around on the web some more about the area.  I think the more you find out about the school and the city, the more you'll be able to imagine yourself there (and the more excited and confident you will be about going).  Also, you could always look on sites like facebook for international student groups on campus -- a lot of the major universities have such groups on the social networking sites, and it's a great way to get in touch with people who are doing the same thing you will be this year to get their honest feedback on the whole experience.

Whatever decision you end up making, make sure it's an informed one. :)