Hi everyone! I just got into USC for a PhD program with full funding (!!!!) I'm absolutely thrilled, but I know nothing about California, let alone L.A. and I live on the opposite side of the country. The engineering program was my #2 choice and unless I get a great offer from an even better school (doubtful), it's probably where I'll end up going. I haven't heard the best things about L.A. and I suspect it will be a huge adjustment from the suburbia I'm used to. Could anyone give me some general advice about the cost of living, safety on and off campus, or good resources for apartment hunting? Really, any tips you might have about the area are more than welcomed.
Another thing I'm a little worried about is making friends as a grad student at USC. I'm obviously prepared to spend most of my time studying and doing research, but I spent most of my undergrad pretty lonely (my school just really wasn't the best fit for me). I'm desperately trying not to repeat this in grad school and being able to make friends and have some fun outside of school is really important to me. Moving across the country by myself just seems really intimidating right now!
