Ask the LA Expert(ish)
I have reached the halfway point. I’ve been living in Los Angeles for two months, meaning graduation is now only two months away. I have been having a blast at my internship, all the while exploring a new city — a city I’m actually thinking about moving to after graduation. Recently, I have been reconnecting with friends from back home, and they cannot believe how much I have done in LA. When I called my best friend the other day, she freaked when I said I was walking along Rodeo Drive. According to them, I have become quite LA savvy.
So, I decided to take to Twitter, and I asked some of the @HerCampus followers if they had any questions for me about living and interning in Los Angeles. I’ve attempted to put my expert(ish) hat on, and here’s my advice according to the questions I received.
@KBPeters88 tweeted: Ok so what are some cool non-tourist-y things you’ve done in LA? Thanks!!
Thanks, @KBPeters88! It’s really easy to fall into tourist traps in LA. The go-to spots are usually Hollywood Boulevard, The Grove, and Beverly Hills, and there are plenty of bus tours that will show you the city. But, I’ve chosen to take a different route. I explore a lot. What I call “exploring,” however, is what other people would call “getting lost.” I like to turn my GPS off and just look around. Some of my favorite spots have been 3rd Street in West Hollywood and La Brea Avenue right in LA, and I’ve found these places just by parking my car and going for a stroll. The streets are filled with great shops, cute restaurants, and you may even spot a few celebrities.
@darian_symone tweeted: How do you make living in LA affordable? What are the realities of it, and if you’ve made it work or not work.
Well, @darian_symone, I have been trying to save as much as possible while living in California. Since my internship is unpaid, I have been living off of summer job earnings. Because of this, money is pretty tight, but LA is the same as any other city. Things are more expensive depending on where you are located. I try to avoid areas like Beverly Hills, where I know items will be pricier. I actually spent $25 on a hamburger there once. I also volunteer to be the designated driver a lot, because then I know I won’t be spending money on alcohol. Bringing a lunch to work also helps me save. It’s the little things that add up. Because I could walk most everywhere in Boston, I never really thought about spending money, I just did it. In LA, I have to think about money and drive to wherever I need to go, so I actually think it’s been cheaper to live in LA.
@marissalasoff tweeted: Is it hard to adjust to the weather in LA?
Be jealous, @marissalasoff. Just kidding…sort of. LA weather is nothing that needs adjusting to. It’s spring and summer all the time, and it barely ever rains. I think the hardest thing to adjust to weather-wise are the Los Angeles drivers. They do not know how to drive, especially in the rain. Since precipitation is rare, they forget that you need to slow down. On rainy days, the streets are constantly clogged with accidents.
@kidsmokes tweeted: I’d love to read about East vs West coast style! Especially in professional environments.
Well, @kidsmokes, I have to say that LA professional clothes vary. As far as a style in general, people are laid back here. You will find more offices that are “everyday casual.” My co-workers believe in this, too. I do not think I have ever seen anyone in a suit. Actually, if someone got caught wearing one, they would probably be made fun of. Again, it really depends on where you work. The entertainment industry is so not corporate, so I just need to dress trendy and cute. My one really important piece of advice though? If you are new to a job, always over dress. It is the safer route to take.
I hope I was able to answer all of your questions about living and interning in Los Angeles. If you have any more, please feel to tweet me @JillianLeff.