Moving to LA to Work In Hollywood? Here Are a Few Tips to Make It Easier

Graduation is fast-approaching, and thousands of former college students will soon be joining America’s workforce. You, on the other hand, are a passionate actor and have different plans: you are gearing up to make the big move to Los Angeles, where you will see just how far you can go in one of the most exciting professions. While the early days of your career in film and television won’t be easy, there are ways to prepare yourself for your move to Hollywood so that they go more smoothly, including preparing your finances, considering UCLA off-campus housing for your new living space, and having the right mindset about your new career. Below, you will find some tips that help you to transition more easily to life as an actor in the City of Angels.

Be realistic about your finances, including how much you have now and how much you will need in LA.

Your arrival in Los Angeles will be a lot less stressful if you can come prepared to support yourself for at least the first three months. While you will see a lot of numbers thrown out, count on bringing about $20,000 to tide you over. Why so much? First, you don’t really know how long it will take you to find a job, so being prepared for the worst-case scenario is wise. Second, knowing that you can support yourself will be a load off your mind and let you sink into life in LA without so much stress. Third, you may decide to buy a car in order to get to auditions and classes, so having that nest egg can come in handy.

Choose wisely when researching where you will live.

While it may be a while before you move into that beachfront palace or your dream home in Beverly Hills, it doesn’t mean that you can’t live reasonably well. The key is to choose a good neighborhood and to even get a roommate so that rent and utilities are shared, saving considerable money. Two areas worth checking out are UCLA and Koreatown, popular both with students and young professionals. Studio apartments for rent in Koreatown begin around $2,000/month, but that cost goes down if you share a three-bedroom: off-campus student housing near UCLA offers some really good options as do Koreatown off-campus apartments. You may also be able to score some really good deals by looking into UCLA graduate housing. Remember to ask any potential roommates as many questions as possible so that you can get to know them and make sure you are compatible. Once you agree to live together, make sure that any chores or other duties will be clearly outlined and that everyone understands each other’s schedules. This will make living in your UCLA off-campus housing a lot easier and more fun for you and your roommates.

Remember that you are essentially starting over in the acting profession.

No doubt you have a lot of talent, or you wouldn’t be in Los Angeles, ready to find success in Hollywood. That said, it’s true what they say: Tinseltown is a bigger league, and those who reach their goals are often those who are teachable. With every production you go to, keep your eyes open and learn as much as possible. Keep a journal of everything you see and hear and review it often. If you are waiting for your scene to be shot and already have your lines memorized, then watch what is happening around you. How do the different departments interact with each other? Who is the first on the set and the last to leave? What does it mean to be professional on the set? Understanding all the nuances around you can make you a better actor as well as one that is cast again in the future.

Run your Hollywood career like it’s a business.

The truth is that even when you have an agent, you will always be your own biggest promoter. You will be the one who decides where your career is going and why. Having a plan for each day, then, is vital. Don’t go to bed at night in your UCLA off-campus housing without creating a list of goals for the next day. What time will you get up? How will you exercise to stay in shape and reduce stress? What time will you begin going to auditions? How will you promote yourself in between jobs? What are some new skills that you can learn so that your resume stays fresh? Those answers are all part of how you can manage your career path and steer it to the results you are seeking. 

Finally, remember that your life as an actor in Los Angeles will be an adventure.

No one makes it big overnight in LA – instead, it’s the result of dedication, hard work, and perseverance. No matter how frustrating some days might be, no matter how much you might want to throw in the towel, don’t forget to have fun and enjoy life in the moment. After all, it only takes one phone call to change your life. Until then, continue to do what you do best: act.

Tripalink creates co-living communities and student housing opportunities across the United States. We simplify the apartment search to reduce the cost of living, create beautiful homes, and help both students and young professionals find a community in their city. For more information about Tripalink and co-living, please see www.tripalink.com.