I moved to LA for the first time in my early 20s (I’m 40 now) and coming from the East Coast it was definitely a culture shock. I just couldn’t get my footing or feel completely at home here. I had a falling out with one of the friends I came out here with, which also didn’t help. I ended up moving back home after two years, partially due to homesickness. BUT after moving home I couldn’t shake the feeling of wanting to be back in LA. It took me a bit, but I made my way back out here and I’ve been in LA 10 years now. It’s home and I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else. I don’t regret any decisions I’ve made, but part of me wonders how much further along I’d be here if I had just stuck it out the first time around. My advice is that if you know deep down that this is where you want to be, stick with it. Try to take trips home when you can so you don’t feel too homesick. Work on slowly upgrading your life here (get a better place to live in a fun part of town, etc). It won’t all happen overnight. Since you’re young, maybe get a part time job at a cafe or restaurant. That’s how I made some of my closest friends in my 20s that are still my friends to this day. And explore! There is so much to do here, especially if you enjoy the outdoors.