<p>Can someone give me more information about this college? I'm an international and it seems like a really nice place. If I am going to spend 6000 on tuition then I'd want to go to a school that has a wide range of programs with good teachers, etc. (i.e. not a depressing place)</p>
<p>I've been reading a lot about what a good atmosphere it has there... is that true? Apparently it is the most like a university out of all the Californian community colleges. Are they really better/different from other cc's? </p>
<p>The one drawback is how expensive it is to live in that area... is there any way I could live cheaply while going to this college? even if it means commuting there?</p>
<p>I’m starting at SMC this summer/fall so I cant tell you much but I will say that your best bet for housing is to look on craigslist.com or elsewhere and find a room mate. Unless you commute really far or live in a really bad neighborhood housing is going to cost a lot not matter what…</p>
<p>OK which California colleges are based in areas that have the cheapest housing/rents? Are you a Californian resident, andrewexd?</p>
<p>yeah I live in california (west los angeles). Your question is a bit vauge - do you have any idea in which area you would like to live ? Generally Los Angeles and San Francisco areas are going to be expensive unless you live in Watts or something… What is your budget for housing ? Take a look at the listings on craigslist to give you an idea of how much housing would cost near SMC. </p>
<p>[los</a> angeles all housing classifieds “smc” - craigslist](<a href=“los angeles housing "smc" - craigslist”>los angeles housing "smc" - craigslist)</p>
<p>edit:
oh and I would try to stay in the LA area… I used to live in Torrance which is 20-25 miles south and it’s really boring, as with most suburbs.</p>
<p>For SMC, living in West La, Mar Vista, Palms are good choices as the rent cost is a bit cheaper than living in Santa Monica.</p>
<p>Just check Craigslist for the prices for those places too. :)</p>
<p>I agree with andrewexd, Torrance is boring… if you go to SMC, there’s plenty of international students (tons!) and lots of things to do in that area as well.</p>
<p>Thanks for the replies. </p>
<p>Are these semester dates accurate? There isn’t much of a break between terms. </p>
<p>Beginning and Ending Semester/Session Dates 2010-2011</p>
<p>Summer Session 2010 - June 21, 2010 ~ August 13, 2010
Fall Semester 2010 - August 30, 2010 ~ December 21, 2010
Winter Session 2011 - January 3, 2011 ~ February 10, 2011
Spring Semester 2011 - February 14, 2011 ~ June 14, 2011</p>
<p>I really want to use the breaks in between terms to travel abroad and it doesn’t seem like the semester system allows for this. Is this standard across all the Californian colleges? I know Foothill and de anza work on a quarter/term system but I am still trying to find when the exact start and end dates are.</p>
<p>^ well technically you only sign up for classes you want, as many as you want. Summer and Winter sessions are not full sessions, they are shorter as far as the semester but longer class periods. Most people only take Fall and Spring courses and maybe one or two classes during the summer/winter sessions. So technically if you are trying to transfer to a UC you just need 60 credits, regardless of what semester you pick. 15 credits each fall and spring semester = 60 credits in 2 years, or you can split them up however you like.</p>
<p>There are study abroad programs at alot of community colleges which you can look at here </p>
<p>[California</a> Colleges for International Education](<a href=“http://www.ccieworld.org/saprograms.php]California”>http://www.ccieworld.org/saprograms.php)</p>