Although the academic lifestyle is highly time consuming, students will often find themselves with free time to venture outside campus grounds on holidays and off days. Westwood can be entertaining, but so can the rest of Los Angeles. There are various things you, as a college student, can enjoy around this vibrant city that is outside of Westwood.
Hikes are a great starting point. Some, like the Hollywood Hike, Griffith Observatory Hike and Runyon Canyon, may seem overrated, yet, are still worth a visit. Other spots include the Escondido Falls hike in Malibu, the Bronson Caves (as seen in films and television), Wilacre Park and more. If you are looking to get some exercise while being surrounded by beautiful scenery, these recommendations are for you. Grab a group of friends and start the journey! Your body will thank you for it later.
Among the list of things our bodies are grateful for, good food is known to heal the soul. There are a wide assortment of wonderful restaurants around LA where you are guaranteed to find other university students. The most popular ones include, but are not limited to, Kazu Nori (multiple branches including one in Westwood), Bacari, Elephante, SUGARFISH, Jon and Vinny’s and Nardo. The locations of these places range from West Hollywood to Beverly Hills and Santa Monica. Although some of the menu items are on the pricier side, trying new cuisine is an exciting way to reward yourself from time to time. The ambiance is incredible and the food photos come out looking exceptional. Other favorite options include all-you-can-eat Korean barbecue spots in Koreatown and the endless choices of Asian dishes in Sawtelle. If you are looking for authentic, yet, affordable ramen, sushi and anything else Japanese, Sawtelle is the place for you!
The next suggestion may sound overly basic but there is a reason why so many out-of-state and international students choose to be a Bruin: the beaches! Will Rogers State Beach is probably the most liked by fellow Bruins; it is the ideal spot to soak in the sun and dip your toes in the water. Apart from Will Rogers, Venice Beach and Pacific Beach are places to put on your itinerary. School can get overwhelming and the cure to the stress might just be in the warm sand. If you do not like swimming, that is totally fine too! You can always indulge in a little beach picnic with friends, in which you are guaranteed a blast.
The final and, perhaps, most financially-impactful activity to enjoy in LA is shopping; it is why you hear every single college student claim they are ‘broke’ every other week. Apart from the highly visited malls like Century City and the Grove, you may also find yourself in love with the Americana at Brand in Glendale and Westfield Topanga. If shopping malls are not your cup of tea, there are some great thrift spots around Westwood as well. Melrose Avenue is nice for window-shopping, but the prices often exceed my personal value of the goods. That being said, the store, 2nd Street, has a unique collection of vintage items that if sought after correctly, could fulfill both your budget and heart. Buffalo Exchange and the Silverlake Flea are also places to look for hidden gems. However, like any other shopping experience, it will take time and effort to find pieces that make you happy.
With all these options ready for you to explore in LA, it is encouraged you take the time to venture outside of Westwood! School does not have to make up your entire life and while it can seem like the campus itself is some bubble we spend the majority of our time in, it is necessary to take trips outside of this bubble. Happy exploring!
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Featured Image via BruinLife Archives
