LA, a sunny, sprawling playground of a city, offers so much for students to do, see, and experience. But for those of us with limited income, it’s not easy to see all that the city has to offer. Being a student in LA doesn’t come cheap, but it can be done stylishly on a budget with a little extra effort. Here are eight tips for students with limited funds who want to enjoy LA.
1. Explore Free Museums and Cultural Attractions
There are many museums and cultural attractions in LA that are free or very cheap for students. Here are some of them:
- Griffith Observatory and Griffith Park. It’s a good spot for views of the city and the Hollywood Sign, as well as hiking.
- Santa Monica Pier and Beach. Enjoy the iconic pier and miles of beautiful beachfront.
- Venice Beach Boardwalk. A famous beach area with a wide array of street performers, skate parks, and street art.
- The Getty Center Gardens. Explore beautifully manicured gardens with breathtaking views of LA.
- Runyon Canyon Park. A popular hiking spot with great views of the city and a good workout.
- Hollywood Walk of Fame. Wander the sidewalks embellished with stars and visit the nearby TCL Chinese Theatre.
- Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden. Free to see themed plant collections and historic buildings on the third Tuesday of the month.
- The Urban Light Installation at LACMA. This is one of the most popular outdoor art installations in LA, and it is best experienced in the evening with a camera.
- El Matador Beach. A popular surfing destination in Malibu, California, with sea caves and rock formations.
- Outdoor Broad Plaza. The Broad Museum’s plaza is a magnificent structure to gawk at for free, even if you don’t have a ticket to get inside.
All these spots offer a mix of natural splendour and classic LA cool, and you can unwind there for free.
2. Take Advantage of Public Transportation
LA can be very stressful and expensive to drive in, but the city has a very good Metro public transportation system that can take you almost everywhere you need to go. If you get a TAP card (students get them at a special discounted rate), you can easily get around LA at a very reasonable price. Not only will you save on gas and parking fees, but also you won’t have to worry about traffic, which is a nightmare in LA.
3. Attend Free Events and Festivals
LA is a cultural epicenter with a year-round calendar of free events and festivals. There are numerous outdoor concerts and art walks, along with food festivals. You name it, and LA has it. Check out local event listings, such as Time Out Los Angeles or LA Weekly, to see what’s free and on offer in the city. Whether it’s a street fair, a movie night in the park, or a live musical performance, you can experience the cultural heart of LA without breaking the bank.
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4. Explore Diverse Neighborhoods
Another great way to see LA is through its varied neighborhoods. Each has its own unique feel, culture and history. Head to the original birthplace of Los Angeles, the iconic Olvera Street, to see some vibrant Mexican culture, food and craft. Those who are hungry for some real Korean food should head to Koreatown, while Little Tokyo is a great spot for Japanese food and culture. Chinatown is fantastic for markets and cheap eats. All these neighborhoods are great for more authentic cultural experiences at very affordable prices.
5. Take Advantage of Student Discounts
There are many advantages to being a student in LA: you get a whole range of discounts on everything from cinema tickets to gym memberships – just make sure to have your ID with you and never be afraid to ask if there are discounts available. Some venues or attractions, such as Universal Studios Hollywood, offer special rates for students, too, so it’s always worth checking in advance of booking.
6. Attend Tapings of TV Shows
One of the most LA things you can do is go to a live taping of a television show, and the best part is, it’s usually free! You can score tickets for shows such as Jimmy Kimmel Live! and The Price is Right. Just make sure you have your calendar in check, as tickets do go fast.
7. Discover Hidden Gems
Hidden gems, which would make LA seem like a city with an earthy side, are all over this town – and they won’t even put a dent in your wallet. The Last Bookstore in downtown LA is a mecca for bibliophiles and art fans, as well. This quirky bookstore/art installation is housed in a former bank building. The Watts Towers, a folk art installation created entirely out of scrap material, is another hidden gem that will open your eyes to LA without the tourists and the inflated prices.
Experience LA on a Budget
It’s actually pretty simple to live and have fun in Los Angeles on a student budget. Explore the neighborhoods, centuries of culture, and sneaky ways to save money and see everything from the beach to the mountains for just a few dollars. Don’t forget to take advantage of free events, student discounts and the diversity of LA. Remember to keep an open mind, and you’ll see the many sides of the City of Angels.
