Daily life in California

Daily life in California

In California the cost of living is among the highest in the USA (MERIC index approximately 152). Campuses like Berkeley or UCLA attract students from all over the world: rent and deposits must be planned months in advance.

Transport

Excellent in large metros (metro/bus); you can often live without a car in the city. Approximate average commuting on the metro:35 minutes. Uber/Lyft available in major subways; limited rural areas.

• Consider a subway/bus pass if you study in Los Angeles.
• License within10 days if you drive —California DMV.
• Bike: Many campuses are bike-friendly; helmet and lights mandatory in some cities.

Shopping, tips and culture

Tips 15–20% in restaurants; often multicultural campus; Check local alcohol and noise regulations

• Tips:15–20% table service restaurants; bar $1–2 per drink.
• Supermarkets: Costco, Walmart, Trader Joe’s, ethnic markets to save money.
• Hours: Some shops closed or early close on Sunday (depends on county).

Cannabis and alcohol

• Cannabis: Legal for adults (recreational) with local rules.NCSL. Federal property remains prohibited on campus.
• Alcohol:21 years old; ID required everywhere.

Daylight saving time and climate

DST: observes.NCSL DST.

Laundry and shared house

1. Read Cold/Warm labels; separate colors.
2. Detergent in capsules or liquid — correct size.
3. Dryer: clean filter; some buildings prohibit indoor drying.
4. Written rule with roommates on washing and cleaning shifts.

Personal safety

• 911 emergencies;988 mental health crisis.
• Weapons: strict may-issue — respect campus policy (often zero tolerance).
• Weather notifications: heat, tornado or snow alerts depending on region.

Typical weekly budget (sharing)

• Room rate rent: variable — see Home guide.
• Food: $80–150/week if you cook; much more if only restaurants.
• Transportation: monthly pass or car/insurance cost.
• Phone: MVNO $25–45/month.

Climate, fires and earthquake

• Earthquake: Basic kit at home; Renter’s insurance often excludes earthquake (separate policy).
• Fires/smog: Sign up county alert; masks on bad AQI days.
• Waterfall: Periodic restrictions — do not waste in drought.

Phone and SIM

• MVNO (Mint, Visible, T-Mobile prepaid): Italian number porting not always necessary.
• Campus WiFi + eSIM for interstate travel.

Student cooking and meal plans

• Meal plan campus vs kitchen: calculate real meal cost.
• Halal/kosher/vegan: availability varies — Los Angeles, Bay Area (SF/Oakland), San Diego, Sacramento have different options by city.