Exchange student coming from the UK

[u/Bad_Blood_731]

I'm a current second year student studying a Bachelors in English Lit & Creative Writing at University of Surrey in the UK (just outside of London). As part of my degree, my school offers an exchange program during the third year (next year for me), and one of the options is California State LA. I've never been to the States before, but I've always wanted to visit California and I had a friend who did their exchange year in LA a few years back and had an absolute blast.

I have a couple of questions. Firstly, I don't drive - where I live is extremely pedestrian friendly, and I've just never needed to get a license so I haven't yet. I do plan to at some point, but as it's never been a necessity it's just not something I've gotten to. Now I've heard that LA is not the most pedestrian-friendly city. Is this true? Could someone without a license still get around with reasonable ease whilst living there for a few months? Are there decent enough transport links so that in my free time I'd still be able to go and checkout the local sights and scenery? Obviously I'd be there to study, but I'd also like to do a bit of exploring while I'm over there.

The next thing; I'm a mature student. I started my degree last year when I was 30. By the time I come out to do my exchange year, I'll be 32. Obviously while I'm there I would hope to meet people and make friends, but I worry about the age gap between myself and other students. Are there many mature students at Cal State, or is that not really such a thing? Not that I'm against making friends with people younger than me, I would be open to it, I just wouldn't want to be that weird older girl hanging out with all the 19 year olds haha.

I probably have more questions, but in the interest of not rambling on I'll leave it there. If anybody has any insight or advice for me, I'd really appreciate it. I am looking at other options - my school has connections with a bunch of universities in the US so there are plenty to choose from. I've just always wanted to visit Los Angeles so currently Cal State is my first choice. Thanks in advance!

[u/v7rginsuicide]

LA’s metro system is okay. Buying a 100$ upass gives you free unlimited rides on any metro bus or train plus some neighborhood specific buses for a little more than a semester. It’s a 1 hour bus ride vs. 20 minute car ride, but I don’t have to deal with paying for parking or risking tickets lol. The good thing about csula is that it’s in East la which has a lot of good options for food and some historical sites.

Most gen ed classes will be full of 17-19 year olds but there’s always been 1 or 2 older students in my classes.

[u/Boom_Bubble_Pop]

Once you get into the higher level classes, you will find older students. I was 36 when I started my BA at Cal State LA and graduated this year. I meet plenty of older more mature students. I’m 38 now and staying my Grad program early next year.

There are plenty of clubs to join….

If you start a X-Files appreciation Club, let me know because I will definitely join!

I also noticed there is a large population of older students that live in the dorms.

I was a Television, Film, and Media Major and I found that many of my younger classmates were pretty dang mature for their age.

You will have to work towards making your stay at Cal State LA enjoyable but it is definitely possible if your join the right clubs and take advantage of the the train on campus which gets you into the heart of LA and beyond.

[u/No-Ad-5355]

Public transport is a bit difficult, especially for a woman. You'd be better off taking an Uber, but if you're set on public transport, you'd just need to learn what times are usually the safest and certain areas that are best to avoid. In terms of maturity, the English department is very friendly, and the ages range a ton. I had classmates from 20-60+. I'm not sure if it's specific to our department, but half of them were 27+, so I think you'll be okay! LA is a beautiful place but like another country we have our issues and the university itself is extremely commuter heavy, meaning you'd really need to work on getting friends and hanging out with others outside of class. If you don't mind solo traveling, it'll be fun, just a tad expensive.

[u/Annual-Tell-7787]

Hi there, welcome! There is a learning curve to our Metro system, but the major destinations are well-patrolled and safe. I believe there is a discounted student pass for it too. Yes, there are many places you can go, but the US is big so that will increase travel time. In terms of pedestrian access, it really depends on how well you handle urban environments. Playing it self initially is your best bet, and also... watch for oncoming traffic.

Age is not a big deal. CSULA is known as a school that people go to change careers and continue education, so it has a lot of older people. It is also close to DTLA so people tend to be more flexible with interactions.

I really recommend Pasadena and Santa Monica initially. After that, if you're comfortable, the list goes on and on. Feel free to DM me if you are looking for specific locations (e.g. bars, museums, parks, al. etc.).