HomeStudent life Life in the USA Life in Los Angeles
ASU FIDM students in the streets of Los Angeles

Life in Los Angeles 

Known as “The City of Angels”, Los Angeles is an international student destination like no other! With its iconic entertainment industry, diverse cuisine, stunning beaches, and activities all year round, it’s no wonder that LA is the #4 student city in the USA (QS Best Student Cities 2025). You’ll be surrounded by a vibrant melting pot of people and cultures, and join over 140,000 international students who choose California as their home!

You can study in Los Angeles at:

Los Angeles: things to know

Los Angeles culture

LA’s buzzing atmosphere makes it a unique place to live.

Downtown Los Angeles at a sunny day

Los Angeles offers an exciting student life that you won’t find anywhere else! 

A global entertainment hub

Known as the “Creative Capital of the World”, Los Angeles has a unique energy and feel. As the heart of the global entertainment industry, it’s a place where stars are born. From Hollywood’s iconic studios to world-famous landmarks, LA is a city where art, film, and music flourish. Creativity is everywhere in this incredible city — and it’s contagious! Studying here means immersing yourself in a world of endless inspiration!

Year-round live events and activities

In Los Angeles, you’ll never be bored. No matter what time of year, there are thrilling concerts and shows to enjoy at some of the world’s most recognizable venues — like the Hollywood Bowl or The Forum. The city also has over 750 museums to choose from, so you’re bound to find something that interests you. On top of that, LA is hosting the 2028 Olympics, meaning you’ll be able to get involved in this world-stage event!

Amazing cuisine from around the world

With 200+ languages spoken across the city, it’s no surprise that Los Angeles is a melting pot of international cuisine. You’ll be located near Koreatown, Little Tokyo and Chinatown, so you’ll have easy access to incredible food from all over Asia. Further afield, you’ll find flavors from around the world: authentic ramen, sushi, Mexican street tacos, classic American dishes, and so much more!

View of Santa Monica beach in the afternoon

Unforgettable experiences you can have in Los Angeles

Hollywood Sign

The Hollywood Sign is a cultural landmark known all over the world. Along with offering breath taking views of Los Angeles, it’s the perfect place to snap a picture for your Instagram! 

Huntington Library and Art Collection

Located in Pasadena, this stunning estate offers a world-class art collection, a library with 400,000+ books, and serene Japanese-style botanical gardens. It’s the ideal place to escape into art and nature!

Grand Central Market

If you’re a foodie, you can’t miss LA’s Grand Central Market. Operating for 100+ years, it has cuisine from every part of the world. From sticky rice and oysters to bubble tea and pupusas, it’s somewhere to both try new flavors and savor your favorite comfort foods. 

Santa Monica Pier

A classic California landmark, the Santa Monica Pier offers carnival games and rides against the stunning backdrop of the Pacific Ocean. Make sure you ride the popular Ferris wheel at sunset for some spectacular views!

The Broad

Less than 10 minutes from the ASU California Center, The Broad is a popular contemporary art museum with free admission. You can enjoy dazzling visual displays and works by some of the biggest names in contemporary art!

Crypto.com Arena

Located in downtown Los Angeles, the Crypto.com Arena is a hub for Los Angeles entertainment. Take in the electric atmosphere at world-class concerts, sports, and a wide range of other events!