Los Angeles is massive – culturally and geographically. No matter what your interests may be, it’ll take some serious effort (and maybe a few extra semesters) to exhaust what LA has to offer. So, how do you make the most of La La Land? Here are my top rules:
1. Find an Optimal Stopping Algorithm that Works for You
Every day, we face complex choices – nap or do homework? Apply to LavaLab or SEP? Fred Again concert or beach volleyball at Manhattan beach? The key is to be aggressively open to new opportunities in order to gather as much information as possible. Surprise yourself and do things that make you think, “I would never.”
During my first few months on campus, I joined every club I could find and played on as many teams that would take me. This exploratory phase was invaluable. I quickly learned what I really wanted to spend my time doing – surfing, skiing, startups – and what I should sacrifice, like playing lacrosse (despite playing for 15 years). I even discovered a love for yoga, something I never expected.
By the second semester, I had sampled enough to start focusing my attention. Known in computer science as hill climbing, I adjusted my levels of commitment until I found a balance that made me happiest: 30% entrepreneurship, 30% class/homework, 15% skiing/surfing, 5% lifting/yoga, and 15% food (the best part about LA). While I can’t tell you what balance is right for you, I can say confidently that you NEED to explore to figure it out. So get out there and get uncomfortable.
2. The Best Things in Life are Free(ish)
One of the greatest values of USC is its commitment to student opportunities. There are countless things on campus designed to help you make the most out of your time here. This is your chance to take an Instagram break and look up KIUEL (Klein Institute for Undergraduate Engineering Life). Follow their page to get the best of every event Viterbi has to offer – from TONS of free food, free rides to the beach, carnivals, movie nights, cultural spaces, and YOGA, KIUEL is your go-to for taking advantage of VASE resources.
My biggest regret from freshman year was ignoring the bombardment of opportunities to connect, relax, or party that USC provides. LA is notoriously expensive, but movies, concerts, dinners, and expeditions on USC’s dime make the best parts of this city way more accessible.
Additionally, the Metro and Lyft are unparalleled opportunities to break out of the USC bubble. As soon as you get to campus, register for your FREE Metro pass and make sure your free Lyft account is set up right away. Although there are important safety considerations before taking advantage of these opportunities, learning to use the power of public transportation at your fingertips will let you access all the beaches, mountains, and bustling marketplaces that LA has to offer.
3. A Friend with a Ride is Better than a Ride by Yourself
DISCLAIMER: DO NOT USE YOUR FRIENDS – just don’t.
Los Angeles is a car-focused society, and if you don’t have wheels of your own, it’s easy to feel stranded. Conversely, if you do have a car, new places and high prices can be intimidating if you don’t have a reliable co-pilot. And no matter what your situation, what is the point of doing awesome stuff if you don’t have someone to share it with?
Carpooling is the greatest life hack in LA. As you explore what LA has to offer, pause before you order that Uber or leave the parking garage. Do you have friends who might be down for an adventure too? Is there a crush from a group project who has been raving about a pho place near the movie theater you’re headed to? It can be daunting to take the leap of faith towards building stronger friendships (or starting new ones), but I guarantee the experience will be better with a ride-along. Even if you crash and burn with your crush, you’ll be helping the environment and cutting the costs of the excursion.
So put yourself out there, make a friend, ask someone wearing a USC shirt at LAX to share a cab, but never stop making the effort to create memories with other people. It’s the best part of LA and college itself!
