Los Angeles, a major city on the West Coast of the United States, is a city of dreams, where the brilliant sunshine can influence the temperament of its residents. Whether it’s the bougainvillea showering flowers on Spanish-style rooftops, the scent of pine resin from Topanga Canyon, or the sunny mornings at Melrose or the Venice Canals, this vast metropolis exudes charming allure, attracting many immigrants to the USA to settle here. However, to quickly integrate into local life, it is essential to understand more about the common knowledge of living in the USA. Below, I have compiled some experiences of living in Los Angeles, hoping to help you, immigrants to the USA, enjoy life in Los Angeles even more!
1. Rejected? No worries! Don’t forget that you are in a competitive city like Los Angeles, where someone could be rejected at any moment due to a failed interview or a loan not being approved.
2. Familiarize yourself with the routes; at least get to know the main highways.
3. Avoid traveling between 4 PM and 7 PM.
4. Groupon and Goldstar are two major websites for shopping savings.
5. Parking tickets—don’t forget street sweeping days, or you might lose a significant amount of money.
6. Hiking at Runyon Canyon Park in Los Angeles is a great choice for exercise.
7. Business casual attire—suits and ties may be too formal for a city like Los Angeles, which is primarily casual; consider trying business casual for interviews.
8. Recharge yourself—many universities in Los Angeles offer continuing education courses.
9. IN-N-OUT—fast food that is a must-try when in Los Angeles.
10. DMV—an essential place to visit if you drive.
11. Exercise more—don’t waste the 300+ days of good weather in Los Angeles.
12. Listen to others’ advice.
13. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself.
14. Adequate sleep is also very important.
15. San Fernando Valley (including Studio City, North Hollywood, Van Nuys, etc.), commonly known as The Valley; if someone tells you, “I live in The Valley,” don’t be surprised.
16. Learn to utilize the resources around you.
17. Start with what you are good at.
18. Make friends who are optimistic and positive; you are influenced by those around you.
19. When renting, choose safe areas and avoid places like downtown and Koreatown, which can be chaotic.
20. Find a job.
21. Farmers Markets—where you can buy very fresh vegetables and fruits.
22. At Venice Beach, south of Santa Monica, there are often bands dressed as hippies performing, which is worth seeing.
23. Roscoe’s restaurant serves fried chicken and waffles, a strange combination but seems to taste quite good.
24. Don’t forget that there are many fun places around Los Angeles; Orange County, Santa Barbara, Napa Valley, and San Diego are all good choices.
25. Maintain good credit; try not to use credit cards for daily expenses (utilities, etc.).
26. 99 Cents Only Stores, where everything is 99 cents, is a great place to save money.
27. GPS—an essential item for life in Los Angeles.
28. If you want to buy IKEA furniture, you might find better deals on second-hand furniture websites than in the store.
29. Life is lived, not just seen; enjoy every day of living in Los Angeles.
