<p>“LA: UCLA (though it’s not really in the city, only in sucky Westwood), USC (again, not really in LA - but closer to downtown than UCLA)”</p>
<p>I’m sorry, but what? “Not really in L.A.” is a meaningless statement in this context. Both the Westside (save Culver City, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, etc.) and Exposition Park are parts of the city of Los Angeles. L.A. is not a typical urban environment because there is no easily defined urban center. Unless you’re defining its urban center as downtown, which is slightly odd because it’s certainly not a very “happening” place despite ever-present rumors of revitalization. L.A. really is a city of villages and if you are interested in living here you just have to realize that and be okay with it. Going to school in L.A. is never going to be a walkable, typically urban experience. </p>
<p>And if you do go to UCLA or USC, just know that your experience will be improved by having a car.</p>