Living in Los Angeles

A dynamic city at its core, Los Angeles exerts a profound international influence on art and culture. Here you'll find a mix of experimental galleries alongside well-known museums. Nearby cultural institutions like The Broad, LACMA, Hauser & Wirth, Hammer Museum, MOCA, California African American Museum, Huntington Library and Gardens, The Getty Center, ICA LA, and the Academy Museum showcase the city's breadth of cultural offerings.

Iconic landmarks like the Walt Disney Concert Hall, The Hollywood Walk of Fame, La Brea Tar Pits, Venice Beach, Hollywood Bowl, Hollyhock House, and Griffith Observatory serve as backdrops to enrich your educational experience.

The Arts District in Los Angeles, located just east of Downtown, is a lively neighborhood characterized by the transformation of former warehouses and factories into a hub for its thriving creative community. While SCI-Arc's design studios form a significant part of the architectural school experience, discussions frequently spill over into the surrounding neighborhood, animating the numerous restaurants, cafes, and galleries.

LA is the place where you can enjoy outdoor dining all year round. From food trucks to fine dining, LA's food scene has something for everyone with affordable options at different price points within walking distance of campus. Check out local eateries in nearby neighborhoods like Little Tokyo, Thai Town, Chinatown, Little Ethiopia, South LA, and more. Whether you're in the mood for spicy noodles, vegan tacos, or a seafood tower, this city's got you covered with a variety of options.

Public transportation in Los Angeles has undergone a transformative shift, making it easier for students to navigate the city without the need for a car. With a new train stop just minutes away, city bikes, scooters, and ride-sharing services readily available, many students find it convenient to forego owning a car altogether.

For those who prefer personal transportation, SCI-Arc's campus provides ample parking and electric vehicle charging stations. However, the city encourages sustainable commuting, offering students reduced fares on LA County trains, buses, and bicycle shares. This not only promotes eco-friendly options but also makes exploring the city's vibrant offerings more accessible for students.

Housing is independent of SCI-Arc. Students live in the Arts District itself or the nearby communities of Little Tokyo, Boyle Heights, Echo Park, Chinatown, Silver Lake, and Koreatown. Each community is ethnically, culturally, and economically diverse with many being easily reachable by bike or public transportation. Students who select to attend SCI-Arc will gain access to a housing section in their my.sciarc.edu portal with postings of roommates, sublet opportunities, and apartment openings.

While finding housing in any new city can be daunting, most SCI-Arc students find suitable accommodations within a week or two of beginning their search. Join the SCI-Arc Discord to find potential roommates and housing opportunities.

Nature is easily accessible in LA, offering a variety of landscapes just a short drive away. Enjoy the sunny beaches of Santa Monica, explore the scenic hikes in the nearby mountains of the Angeles National Forest, navigate the diverse trails and flora of nearby Griffith Park, or experience the tranquility of the desert in Joshua Tree and beyond. LA provides endless opportunities for nature lovers, making it easy to escape to different natural settings within the city's reach.