Well known as the City of Angels, the home of the Hollywood sign and countless mansions owned by celebrities, the West Coast city also has incredible beaches, local artwork and a rich and diverse culture which every traveller should explore.
If you're visiting the US, or studying in California, here are some things which should be on every LA travel itinerary.
Hit the beach!
The beaches in Los Angeles are world famous, and for good reason. Each beach has its own unique character. Venice Beach is the quirky one, with cute shops, galleries, gorgeous cafes, street performers, Muscle Beach bodybuilders and more. It's the perfect place for a spot of people watching!
If you want a relaxed day by the seaside, head out to Malibu and enjoy the vibes and waves there. Santa Monica Beach - home to the iconic pier and ferris wheel - is also well worth a visit, particularly as it's perfect for some Instagram snaps!
Beverly Hills, that's where I want to be
Hello 90210! The famous postcode deserves a walking tour to see it in its full glory. Home to high-end shops, extravagant houses and a-list celebrities, Beverly Hills is an area of LA that has to be seen to be believed. Take a trip to Rodeo Drive and window shop till your heart's content - but don't forget to keep an eye out for some famous faces at the same time!
The hikes and the bikes
LA is a great area to do some hiking - and that is exactly what the locals do. Browse any LA-based celebrity’s instagram, and they will undoubtedly have a hiking picture every few snaps.
Los Angeles is a health-conscious city and everywhere you go, you will find people enjoying an active lifestyle. There are loads of hiking trails throughout Los Angeles so why not sport those runners and get active!
Cycling is another great way to see the city, and the route via Santa Monica is one of the most popular. It should be noted that when I visited LA, I did a 26-mile bike tour and I nearly died. LA is very, very hilly. So pace yourself!
LA is possibly one of the finest places in the world for eating out, so don't worry about having to cook every night! The city has options to suit every budget and every cuisine type, so everyone will find something they love.
Check out Sprinkles Cupcakes for the coolest experience of your life - a vending machine with cupcakes!
Visit a movie set
Would a trip to LA be complete without a trip to a movie set? With Universal Studios, Warner Brothers, Paramount Pictures, and Sony Pictures all calling LA home, there are plenty of options available.
Lots of iconic movie scenes were filmed around the city as well, so if you can't squeeze in a studio backlot tour you can always try and see how many famous spots you recognize as you wander through Los Angeles.
Why Camp America is the Perfect Way to Spend Your Summer main image
Camp America offers cultural exchange summer jobs in the US to young people from around the world. Successful applicants are recruited to work at thousands of summer camps across the US.
The experiece is marketed as the "summer of a lifetime" but what's it actually like? Having experienced it all first-hand, I'm here to say it's possibly one of the best ways you could spend your summer. Here are the reasons why I found the Camp America experience to be completely unforgettable.
The memories
Yes, there are some days when Camp is gruelling - its an early start, you’re tired, drained, and the day is so long.
However, when you look back at your time there, it will be with such fond memories.
Looking back at it now, the experience was unforgettable, and I would not have changed that summer for the world. Camp outs, camp fires, camp songs, the chants, the hikes, the horseback rides, the days by the lakes. All of it was unbelievable.
The friends
Camp friends make the best friends! Camp America bonds people like no other experience. You work together, you learn together, you laugh together, you cry together. After nine weeks of intense camp life, you will have formed friendships which will last your entire life. I'm still best friends with my camp girls, and wouldn’t change them for the world. If you want friends for life - do Camp America.
The campers
The children you have to supervise and look after are sometimes the most annoying humans on the planet, BUT they are also fun, cute, and what makes the camp experience so special.
It's important to remember that you’re a role model to the campers - they have been looking forward to this summer all year round and it shows in their attitude.
Your job is to ensure they’re safe and having the best time ever. They will learn from you, but you will also learn so much from them.
The location
Camp is generally set in some of the most beautiful locations across the US. My camp was in rural Texas, surrounded by huge hills and a gorgeous giant lake. It was paradise.
The location is obviously a huge aspect of camp life - you need to make the most out of it and get outside and embrace the wilderness while you're there.
The activities
Camp is a perfect time to get out of your comfort zone and try something completely new, with activities galore for you to try out in your role as camp guide.
Whether it's flying through the air on a zip line, canoeing on the lake, hiking trails, rock climbing, challenging yourself on the high/low ropes course or horseback riding, you won't be short of things to do (and that's barely scratching the surface!) Do as much as you can!
The culture
Ever wanted to experience some authentic American culture? Just wait until you're celebrating July 4th at Camp - one of the coolest experiences of my summer. There was red, white and blue everywhere, themed food, themed costumes, fireworks, and just pure joy.
This, and many other cool experiences, are part of your itinerary when you spend a summer at Camp America.
The traveling
One of the best aspects of the Camp America experience is that you arrive in the US on a J1 visa. This visa, which allows you 30 days of travel after your time at camp, is intended to help the trip act as a cultural exchange and not just a working holiday.
Traveling around the US was an amazing experience for me, as it meant I got to watch the sun rise over the Grand Canyon, visit Las Vegas, the Big Apple, Los Angeles and many more iconic destinations.
The CV
Camp America is a seriously impressive thing to have on your CV. Practically every employer has heard of it and knows what type of person you have to be in order to have done it. While at Camp, you'll also have the opportunity to improve your soft skills and try things that are completely new which might be useful in your later career.
7 Tips for Settling In After Moving Abroad to the US main image
Well you did it. After applying to study in the US, you've passed the interviews, succeeded in the standardised tests (SATs are a nightmare) and navigated the application system minefield. You did it. You're now an international student in the United States.
It can be really scary, but moving to the United States can be one of the best decisions of your life. Whether it be for six months as a university exchange, or for the entire length of your degree, moving abroad is an exciting, daunting prospect. It's completely natural to not find your feet straight away, but hopefully this guide can help you settle in and start making friendships which will last you a lifetime.
Get outside
Don’t hide away due to shyness or a fear of reaching out. Getting out and about and outside of your comfort zone is key to finding your place in your new home. Even if it’s just going to the library, or going to that cute cafe on campus, you'll really feel the benefits of exploring new places and being ready to meet a whole new bunch of people.
Find a hobby
Moving abroad is the perfect time to be adventurous and pick up a new hobby. It will introduce you to heaps of new people, and make you invest your time wisely.
If you're interested in playing a sport, the investment in facilities in the US college sport system is insane, with some school sports teams attracting audiences of thousands of people. This experience is definitely worth taking advantage of, and even if you'd rather be a spectator than a participant you'll find the atmosphere and team spirit at college sports events is amazing.
Being busy and active is a great way to settle into a new place, and a new home can mean a fresh start!
Say yes to every opportunity
Whether it be a coffee date on a Saturday afternoon, or a road trip and a weekend away, try and say yes to every opportunity you are given. It’s all about breaking out of your comfort zone and experiencing new things - and making new friends along the way.
Invest in your interests
I don’t necessarily mean invest money, but more like time. Give yourself and your hobbies ample time - you will be doing something you love, while also meeting people who clearly enjoy the same things as you.
Maybe join a sorority or another social group that will help you make long-lasting friendships.
Take some time for yourself
This is really important - don’t burn yourself out! It is so easy to get caught in this trap of being overly busy and forcing yourself to do so many social activities that you never have any time to breathe and reflect.
If you get overtired, it can affect your mood, and you’ll find yourself enjoying life less. So try to take a day once a week to just be by yourself and to breathe.
Don’t be afraid to text first
If you meet someone you like - text them! Get in contact and invite them somewhere - they might just be shy and afraid to text first. What is worse than a potential friendship lost, because of not sending that first text?
It’s natural to take your time
So many people think that moving somewhere new will be a natural step, and that life will fall into place but that's just not how it works. It has taken me over a year to really get into the swing of things and be truly happy.
Sometimes life can be a bit slow to to update, and that’s perfectly natural. Don’t compare your journey to others - people settle at different paces, and comparing yourself to others only leads to unhappiness. Embrace your new life and enjoy every twist and turn.
Moving to the United States can be daunting, especially in those first few days when you've got no family or friends nearby to turn to. Here are some tips to help you settle in.
Being a student in London is intense, as you need to juggle university work, your social life and making the most of the amazing city on your doorstep. But thankfully, summer is here, meaning many students find themselves with a lot of free time on their hands. The opportunity to try new things in London are endless, from museums to carnivals, to park and lidos – no wonder it was rated the number one city for students in the QS Best Student Cities 2019 index.
However, there are some events and activities which I think students should prioritize while in London for the summer, to get a real feel for the city and what locals love to get up to in their free time. So, here are 10 cheap things to do in London this summer.
London Design Festival
The London Design Festival is an annual celebration of London’s creative industries, held to promote London as the design capital of the world. All over the city major installations are installed by designers and artists, special exhibitions open, projects, events and talks take place, the majority of which are completely free. This is a really awe-inspiring festival appealing to creatives and non-creatives alike. There is something for everyone and something everywhere to see.
Silent Disco at The Natural History Museum
Next in our look at cheap things to do in London this summer is a truly unique experience, partying under Hope, the enormous blue whale skeleton hanging from the roof of the Hintze Hall in the Natural History Museum. There are three music channels to choose from, with separate DJ’s competing to please the hundreds of people dancing. There’s also a full bar and super easy access to the night tube to continue your night after the disco closes at 1am. Tickets are cheap as chips at £22 per person.
The Serpentine Pavilion
Every year the Serpentine commissions a new pavilion and it’s a highly anticipated reveal with the likes of Frida Escobedo and Frank Gehry designing previous years. The structures are imaginative, pioneering and incredibly impressive, as are the other Serpentine Galleries. They present works across art, architecture, design, fashion and digital design with architecture at their core. The galleries are free and makes for an amazing, cultural day out in Hyde Park.
Notting Hill Carnival
Notting Hill Carnival is Europe’s biggest street festival, taking place every August bank holiday throughout West London (August 25/26 in 2019). The main party is centered around Notting Hill and Ladbroke Grove and celebrates Caribbean culture and cultural diversity. It has an amazing and interesting history, the first event taking place in 1959. You can’t beat Notting Hill Carnival for a high intensity, fun filled bank holiday of partying.
Chihuly Nights at Kew Gardens
Kew Gardens is a great place to visit all year round, but this summer they are holding Chihuly Nights, a chance to experience Dale Chihuly’s glass sculptures illuminated at dusk. If you haven’t witnessed the American sculptures works before then this is a must. Tickets are £18 and the exhibition opens at 7.30pm. However, to make a real day of it, I recommend going earlier and exploring the botanical gardens too with over 50,000 plants and beautiful Victorian greenhouses to enjoy.
Hampstead Heath Ponds
It doesn’t get more British than this. There’s a long history of people swimming in Hampstead Heath ponds and sticking to tradition, the ladies and men’s ponds are still separated. However, there is now a mixed pond too so you can go with all of your friends! Hampstead Heath is one of London’s nicest parks and boasts a beautiful panoramic view over the city. Best of all, it only costs £2 to swim here and the ponds are open all summer.
Film4 Summer Screen at Somerset House
This open-air cinema, located in Somerset House Edmond J.Safra Fountain Courtyard, is London’s largest outdoor cinema. This year they're screening some cinema classics including The Matrix and Reservoir Dogs alongside DJ sets and BBQ’s every night. Ticket prices vary but you can get yourself some real bargains.
Open House London & Buckingham Palace Summer Opening
Every year, Open House London offers the opportunity for the public to step inside some of London’s most famous buildings which normally, you wouldn’t be able to enter. The list of buildings taking part this year hasn’t been released but last year some of the best included 10 Downing Street, St Paul’s Cathedral and The National Archives. It’s all free but some of the more popular events had to be pre-booked last year so you can expect to have to do the same in 2019.
Watch the Rugby World Cup in Boxpark
Last but not least in our look at cheap things to do in London in the summer, we have the Rugby World Cup. If you want to feel like a real local and get involved in proper British culture then you have to go to the pub to see a few games. My favorite place to watch big sporting events is Boxpark Shoreditch which is a popup food/drink hall. The vibe is young and relaxed, with indoor and outdoor seating, amazing food and big screens to enjoy the action on.
Now featuring 120 cities around the world, the recently published QS Best Student Cities 2019 is a great way to research which city is best for you based on the factors you care about in a study destination. The ranking is compiled based on six indicators, including affordability, desirability and student view, the latter of which takes into account opinions from students themselves.
But which cities came out top overall in the Best Student Cities? Read on as we count down the 10 (technically 11, as two are joint) best places to study abroad, and find out why they’ve earned their high positions.
Hong Kong (SAR), up two places this year to rank joint 10th in the QS Best Student Cities index, is one of the largest financial centers in the world and makes for an exciting and dynamic study destination. It gets its best score in the rankings and employer activity indicators, with seven internationally ranked universities to choose from, led by the University of Hong Kong, which was ranked joint 25th in the QS World University Rankings® 2020.
The high-tech South Korean capital Seoul shares 10th place with Hong Kong in the QS Best Student Cities index in 2019, and also achieves its best scores in the rankings and employer activity indicators thanks to the high prestige of universities such as Seoul National University, which was ranked 37th in the latest world rankings. Seoul also rose by 14 places in the student mix indicator, now appearing in the top 50 for this, showing that its student population is increasing and becoming more diverse – 12 percent of students at its ranked universities international.
Sydney also hung on to ninth place among the best student cities in the world this year, unsurprisingly claiming its best score in the desirability category (ranked second in the world) due its high quality of life. Of course, this amazing carefree lifestyle comes with a hefty price tag, but students certainly find it worth the money, rating it 22nd in the student view indicator. When asked in our student survey what the best thing about Sydney was, one respondent said: “You get the intense buzz of the city life and the calm of the beach”.
Switzerland’s largest city and main financial center, Zurich remains the eighth best place to study abroad in 2019, with its highest score in the desirability indicator at fourth in the world. The city boasts the highest-ranked university in continental Europe, ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology) at sixth in the latest world rankings. Safe, clean and well maintained, Zurich is frequently included among lists of the world’s most livable cities, although again living costs are high.
Paris is down slightly this year to place seventh in the city ranking, but nonetheless remains a top-10 study destination. The French capital also previously featured as the number one city for students between 2013 and 2017, and now earns its best score in the rankings indicator, with no fewer than 12 QS-ranked universities to choose from, led by Université PSL (Paris Sciences & Lettres) in 53rd place.
Heading over to Canada, Montréal drops two places this year but nonetheless remains one of the top 10 places to study abroad in 2019. Previously claiming first place in 2017, it earns its best score in the student view indicator at second in the world, beaten only by Munich. When asked in our student survey what the best thing about studying in Montreal was, one respondent said: “You never get bored here. Lots of things to do and places to visit” while another called it “inclusive and friendly”.
Berlin climbs two places in the city ranking this year, with improved scores in the student mix and student view indicators. Although it comes one place behind fellow German city Munich overall, the capital does earn a stronger score in the affordability category, with lower costs of living. Berlin features at fourth in the student view indicator, with one student commenting this in our survey: “You can meet new people every time and make new friends, and they're so many different people and personalities and they are all accepted and can be whoever they want to be.”
Also up two places in this year’s Best Student Cities index, Munich has the distinction of coming number one overall with students themselves in the student view indicator. Not only is Munich affordable (with no tuition fees for all students at public universities), it’s also a very lively and enjoyable study destination, with the annual Oktoberfest beer festival attracting millions of visitors every year.
Melbourne continues to be the third highest-ranked student city in the world in 2019, with a first-place position in the student mix indicator. It has the largest ratio of students to overall population in the top 10, and a whopping 41 percent of students come from outside Australia. Melbourne also places third in the student view indicator, with one individual in our survey commenting: “Melbourne is a vibrant, happening city which allows students to explore the hustling and bustling city life while receiving quality education”.
Ranked second among the world’s best places to study abroad this year is Japanese capital Tokyo, which is also ranked first in the world for desirability. What’s particularly notable is its excellent safety rating of 13th in Numbeo’s Safety Index despite its huge size, as well as the high quality of life available. Tokyo is also first in the world in the employer activity category, showing that it’s a key recruiting ground for graduate employers.
And finally, the number one student city continues to be London, which earns very high scores for every indicator except, of course, affordability. The 2019 edition of the Best Student Cities index saw London climb four spots in the student view indicator to now be rated in the top 10 by students themselves, with one student commenting this in our survey: “London is the most exciting city to live in in Europe, and the parks and green spaces are unparalleled.”
London also again claims first place in the rankings indicator, with a whopping 18 QS-ranked universities to choose from, including two which feature in the top 10 of the world university rankings: UCL (University College London) and Imperial College London at eighth and ninth respectively.
Think your student city deserves to be in the top 10? Take our short survey, and help create next year’s edition of the QS Best Student Cities index.
