Wow, I'm late. Ayushman's article did an excellent job in explaining why I haven't written an article in over two weeks. I will spare you the melodramatic complaining that I'm ridiculously busy, going out most nights, averaging 6hrs of sleep a night (welcome back to investment banking) and don't even know what day of the week it is to focus on a matter that is dear to my hears at the moment and that is wheels.
Hollywood Boulevard at Night (source)
Detroit is the automotive heart of the United States but LA is where driving takes its true meaning. Despite its pot-holed roads and rude, lousy drivers LA offers incredible driving opportunities, whether you are going for a ride up the PCH, driving up the Santa Monica Mountains, heading East into the desert or cruising down Hollywood Blvd. Not having wheels my first month here was a serious handicap so the least I can do is encourage you to get them as soon as possible upon moving here.
Pacific Coast Highway
Getting a license in California is ridiculously easy but do spend the time reading the driving handbook as I have friends who have failed the written exam which is incredibly frustrating. Make sure to get an appointment as well as the California DMV is a real pain. The driving part is also really easy for those international students who need to take the behind the wheels part, just coerce one of your new American friends to lend you his car and go to the DMV with you (they're too nice to say no during those first few weeks - thanks Heather!).
Once this is done you need a car. Now I can't speak from personal experience as I just bought a beautiful motorcycle off Craigslist but I can shed some light on what my friends are going through so here are a few pointers: 1) set yourself a budget and don't go over it, once registration, insurance and taxes come in you're going to be over anyway; 2) buy second-hand - Craigslist if you know something about cars (you need to check it thoroughly), dealerships if you want a good warranty but are going to pay over or friends who you trust; 3) take your time - I know this goes against me saying that it's hard without a car but don't rush into a decision for the sake of road independence, people will help you out until you're settled and it's better than buying a car you don't want. Once all this is done and you've bought a car, a motorcycle, a scooter or anything else on wheels you're ready now you can join the hopefully-soon-to-be Anderson Motorsports Club.
My new wheels (Kawasaki Versys 650)
A couple of 1st years are getting together to try and start up a Motorsports Club at Anderson for anyone who loves engines and I just came back from our first meeting today which was looking really promising. Hopefully this will allow me to give you all insight into how to start a student club at Anderson as well. For now though, the brainstorming of all the cool activities that you can do in the LA area once again showed me one thing, there's way more to coming out to school here than meets the eye.
-Chris Varin, 14'
