Details

• United States of America
• BaWiSo-23
• Undergraduate
• SoSe 2026
• Time spent at the partner university: 4 months
• Contact: Login to see contact information

1. Preparation

- Flights: Austrian Airlines recently launched a complimentary program for students, including second luggage. My flight was transcontinental, and Finnair offered a flexible option for two pieces of luggage and adjustable flight dates. - Car Rental: We rented a car through Turo, which does not charge a young driver fee for rentals exceeding 60 days. This makes them an economical choice for extended stays. Los Angeles is a car-centric city, so renting a car is essential for exploring beyond Uber and the Santa Monica tram. If traveling in a group, car rental costs will be comparable to Uber fares and car rental expenses for weekend trips. Additionally, renting a car allows for more diverse activities, such as visiting the beach for an afternoon or playing a round of golf. Your preferences will guide your choices, but a car is likely necessary for these activities. - Accommodation: I stayed in Lorenzo, but I was not particularly fond of it due to unfortunate roommate experiences. The management is unresponsive, and communication with them is often ignored. Therefore, I recommend considering renting a house or apartment near the campus. The only positive aspect of Lorenzo is that it attracts a large number of exchange students. However, if you are sociable and establish friendships quickly, you will be frequently invited to join them. - Visa: USC will provide all necessary information regarding visas. While the process may take time, it is advisable to remain calm and patient. Pre-Arrival Preparation: - Familiarize Yourself with the WU Group. - Research: Learn about the group’s members and interests. - Social Interaction: Visit a local bar or café to engage in casual conversations and gauge compatibility. - Collaborative Planning: - Shared Car Rental: If you find that the group is interested in car rentals, consider coordinating the rental process to optimize costs and convenience. - Shared Activities: Explore potential group activities that align with everyone’s interests, such as hiking, visiting museums, or attending cultural events.

2. Accommodation

In my initial search, I made a significant error by assuming the Lorenzo contract was suitable. However, I was unaware that the roommates were uncooperative and that the contract itself was unfavorable. Consequently, I was forced to pay rent from February to July, despite only residing there until mid-May. Other exchange students had contracts that lasted for four months. Lorenzo is a private accommodation, and the student residences are also of poor quality. I strongly recommend seeking an apartment or house with others in close proximity to the campus. The location of Lorenzo is highly undesirable. It is approximately 15-20 minutes away from the campus by foot, and the bus service is infrequent, operating only once every 20 minutes. The surrounding area is unsafe, with a high concentration of drugs and addicts, which has deterred many individuals from walking around it. While USC provides free Uber after 7 PM, I strongly advise against choosing Lorenzo as an accommodation, as it is not worth the risk.

3. Academic life at host university

In my opinion, you have two options: 1. Enroll in highly interesting courses that may provide valuable knowledge and skills. 2. Participate in a relaxed exchange program by attending classes twice a week. The first option involves enrolling in courses with engaging titles such as consulting, private equity, and entrepreneurship. While these courses may require significant effort, they offer small class sizes of 20 students and professors who are familiar with your name and genuinely care about your success. The second option entails taking fundamental courses like marketing and microeconomics. Often, it is sufficient to study for one day to pass the exam and there is no attendance requirement. This approach closely resembles the structure of classes at the University of Washington. Additionally, it can be a shortcut to achieving a good grade in marketing courses at the University of Washington without extensive studying. It is crucial to avoid classes on Wednesday evenings, ideally not Thursday at all (for weekend trips), and if Thursday is unavoidable, ensure that it is before noon. Marshall University typically does not offer classes on Fridays, but it is essential to avoid choosing classes on Fridays. Regarding campus facilities, there are two main areas: the campus and the village. The campus consists of 30 buildings, each belonging to a different school, ranging from cinema to political affairs. While the campus may not be particularly exciting, there are some food spots that offer average cuisine. All classes are held in this area. Closer to Lorenzo (a 15-minute walk away) is the village, which features grocery stores, restaurants, and a bar that is particularly lively on weekends.

5. Every day life in the host country

The experience was akin to a holiday. I had three classes in between, during which we visited museums, played golf, or surfed. On the evenings from Wednesday to Saturday, we primarily went out. This is likely the most expensive aspect. Every second weekend, we embarked on trips to California, which were also quite costly. The daily life, including grocery shopping, is comparable to Austria, if not even more affordable. There is only one genuine public transportation option from Los Angeles Downtown to Santa Monica, and it takes approximately 40 minutes to reach the beach. Santa Monica Beach is not particularly picturesque. Neither is the public transportation, as it is plagued by numerous homeless individuals and unfortunately, there have been instances of harassment. While it is not a significant issue to utilize public transportation, it is advisable to be aware of the situation and consider renting a car for a more comfortable experience. Venice offers several bars that cater to students, including Vics, Bells, and Bricks, which are popular for weekend outings. During the week, students typically visit Rocks on Wednesdays and after 901. Both establishments are average in quality but attract a substantial student population. Greek life is a prevalent phenomenon in the United States, as depicted in popular college films featuring house parties that escalate. It is essential to attend the rush to increase your chances of admission. For men, the admission process is challenging, requiring either a payment of $30 to $100 or a strong connection. For women, entry is generally free. We have never paid and occasionally gained admission through connections or by bypassing the entrance. It is crucial to establish friendships with individuals involved in Greek life, particularly women in sororities. They will provide you with invitations to formal events and other social gatherings. These events are highly sought after and essentially free parties, with buses transporting attendees to clubs afterward. In the United States, it is customary to approach individuals and initiate conversations. If someone in the class recognizes your face, they will greet you warmly, unlike at Washington University, where individuals often feign ignorance. This allows you to build friendships with students as well.

6. Testimonial

The most fulfilling period of my life, I could not envision myself in any other location that offers an ideal blend of cultural exchange, entertainment, and exceptional weekend getaway opportunities. Los Angeles stands as the epitome of this ideal, boasting a diverse array of celebrities, sports, fashion, music, beaches, and everything else one could desire. Once you have experienced life in California, it becomes challenging to return to the rainy climate of Austria. The perpetual sunshine in California contributes to the overall happiness of its residents. One additional aspect of USC is its reputation as a prestigious university attended by affluent individuals. Currently, three billionaires from Austria have their daughters enrolled there, and you may encounter numerous Instagram stories featuring individuals on luxurious yachts. It can be somewhat surreal to witness such wealth concentrated in a single location, yet it is also evident that the individuals involved maintain their friendly and amiable nature.