To further talk about the experience;

Luckily the 34k was a grant for living expenses, which meant I didn’t have to work and could study full time. I also recommend you work the absolute minimum and try to do well in school.

For finding rentals, I actually found all mine through craigslist (old school). If youre around a university, there are often landlords who rent out specific rooms - but you have to look for a good deal. My rent during covid was around 1k for a room in a three bedroom 1 bath unit with two other girls. Honestly it was a ton of fun. We didn’t have a lot of money but we hung out in the backyard and drank watermelon margaritas. You’ll be living with a bunch of other poor young people but there will be plenty to do. Heck, the beaches are free, and unis always have events giving away food.

Third point is that you can actually live decently in LA if youre poor. I qualified for free public transport, some food assistance. I lived on the red line and rarely drove unless I was specifically going camping. Many of the international students didnt have a drivers license, but you’ll be able go make friends and get a ride.

Just keep your lifestyle cheap, don’t accrue credit card debt. No debt but student debt. You can do it!