Los Angeles has been a large metropolis for nearly a century. However, what was once a network of suburbs surrounding a relatively small urban core has become a megacity, not unlike New York. The decision to move here – with the aim to thrive and succeed – isn’t one to take lightly. However, if you make the right moves and avoid the pitfalls, your dreams of a successful life in LA can come true.
If you want to live in a place where you can meet new people and explore new things, LA is the perfect place to call home. The following are some tips to help you survive your first year in LA.
1. Don’t take everyone seriously
We all know that Los Angeles is often described as a city that never sleeps, but we also don’t want our friends to think that we treat everything like a joke or something. So, make sure not to take EVERYTHING too seriously.
Of course, if someone is bothering you, try to get away from them; otherwise, act cool. When meeting somebody for the first time, don’t hesitate to ask about their interests and hobbies so that you will bond.
2. Get involved
Find an organization that interests you and join. Find what keeps you interested and passionate, whether volunteering, joining a club, or starting a study group. You will meet great people who share the same passion as you do, and this will bring out the best in you.
3. Take advantage of academic opportunities
Suppose your college or university offers any activity. In that case, you should sign up because these activities give you a chance to mingle with different students from all around the world.
It’ll help you expand your horizon beyond your hometown. Also, if you ever feel homesick, there is nothing better than talking to your classmates online through video chat apps.
4. Get out and explore
You shouldn’t only stay inside your apartment; you should also venture outside to see the surroundings. Make a point of exploring your neighborhood.
Learn how to speak Spanish so that you can go out alone and visit places that are specific to Latin culture. You could even consider going to Mexican joints and experiencing Mexican food. There is plenty to see and do in LA, so make sure you explore as much as possible.
Be sure to use hyperlocal networking services like Nextdoor. This app can help you connect with the neighborhood and access reliable information. Additionally, users can report racial profiling on Nextdoor as well as other hateful posts, making it an inclusive and judgment-free method of getting to know your neighbors.
5. Get used to the great weather
You can always count on great weather in Los Angeles. The region gets about 14 inches of rain per year, with sunny days taking up the vast majority of the calendar. In fact, the beautiful weather is probably the biggest factor in why so many people choose to call Southern California home.
6. Look for centrally-located housing
LA is huge; it’s not easy to find anything within walking distance. Don’t get caught up in finding an apartment close to a grocery store or mall right away.
You need to start with looking for apartments near the center of things. It doesn’t have to be something crazy like Hollywood Boulevard or ultra-central like Mid-City, but it does mean finding somewhere near a coffee shop.
7. Learn from others
This is probably one of the easiest ways to find out information about what it takes to live here. Everyone has an opinion about where they grew up, and they usually have good insights into sharing these opinions.
Ask people about their experiences living in LA; most likely, they will tell you stuff such as “LA is expensive, it sucks…” and whatever else comes to mind. However, when asking what makes LA stand out to them, they might say things that reflect what LA truly is like.
8. Know yourself
Remember that no matter how long you spend in LA, you’re still just human. Try to focus on improving yourself and staying true to your beliefs at all times. You must keep your priorities straight; you are not defined by anyone else except yourself.
9. Be ready for anything
Living in Los Angeles requires being ready for anything. This means knowing who to call when you need help.
Some people think moving to a big city is enough and they don’t want to put forth too much effort. However, we suggest developing solid relationships with other people to help you deal with life’s situations.
Surviving in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is a great place to grow up and become an adult, but it isn’t perfect either. So, take a look around this great country called America.
We didn’t write this article to discourage you from becoming an LA resident; quite the contrary. If you are looking to move to LA, you won’t regret it because it offers many opportunities that you would never dream of.
