About Alyssa: Born and raised in New Jersey, Alyssa spent time living in NYC, Florida, and North Carolina before coming to Anderson. With a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology from Rutgers University, Alyssa worked across functions from front-end development to product management, to technical sales and marketing, most recently, at Palo Alto Networks. Alyssa intends to use her MBA to explore other careers at the intersection of finance and technology.

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The decision to move across the country for an MBA is thrilling but daunting, especially when it involves transitioning from the East Coast’s hustle to the laid-back vibe of Los Angeles. Having grown up with cold winters, fast-paced days, and walkable cities, I wondered how I would adapt to endless sunshine, sprawling neighborhoods, and LA’s infamous traffic.

When I first arrived in LA, the contrast was immediate. The pace of life felt slower, and strangers smiled at me—a small gesture, but one that initially caught me off guard. The East Coast’s straightforward and sometimes brisk attitude was replaced by a sense of ease, as if everyone here had time to spare. I couldn’t help but marvel at the blue skies and palm trees, a stark difference from the skyscrapers and subway rides I was used to.

The Culture Shift

Living in LA means trading blizzards for sunshine and subway delays for car rides on the 405. I quickly realized that LA isn’t just about Hollywood glamour; it’s about a lifestyle centered around outdoor living, wellness, and community. The coffee shop culture, beachside yoga sessions, and hiking trails made me rethink what “busy” could look like.

That said, not everything came naturally. I’ve never been so far from my friends and family for so long, in a completely new place where I didn’t know a soul. But embracing these differences rather than resisting them made the transition much smoother. By being open and curious about others, I was able to feel at home in this new place. 

Finding My Community

Moving to a new city can feel isolating, but UCLA Anderson made it easy to feel at home. Orientation and section events brought together a diverse group of students who, like me, were eager to build connections. Through clubs like AnderTech, Out @Anderson, and Wine Club, I found friends who shared similar interests, whether it was exploring new wineries or prepping for interviews.

What struck me most was how intentional the UCLA Anderson community is about inclusivity. Coming from the East Coast, where my professional network was deeply rooted, I worried about starting over. Instead, I found that my classmates were not just peers but also supporters who genuinely wanted to see each other succeed. Our motto of “Share Success” shines through everyday. 

Exploring LA

One of the best parts of moving to LA is, well, LA itself. Weekends became opportunities to explore everything from Griffith Park’s hiking trails to Venice Beach’s eclectic boardwalk. The food scene alone deserves its own blog post—whether it’s grabbing tacos from a truck or indulging in Michelin-starred cuisine, LA doesn’t disappoint.

Balancing the rigor of an MBA program with the urge to explore a new city wasn’t always easy, but the beauty of LA is that it offers something for everyone. Whether you’re an art enthusiast wandering through the Getty or someone who prefers outdoor adventures, there’s no shortage of ways to unwind after a week of classes and recruiting events.

Tips for East Coast Transplants

If you’re considering a move to LA, here are a few lessons I’ve learned:

1. Embrace the sunshine: Invest in a good pair of sunglasses and sunscreen—you’ll need them year-round.
2. Plan for traffic: Allow extra time to get anywhere and use the time to catch up on podcasts or audiobooks.
3. Be open to change: The West Coast might feel unfamiliar at first, but it’s an opportunity to redefine what balance means to you and find new rhythms.

Adjusting to life in LA has been a journey of growth, adventure, and self-discovery. While I still miss the East Coast’s autumn leaves and bagels, I’ve come to appreciate the unique opportunities LA offers. Whether it’s the sense of community at UCLA Anderson or the city’s vibrant culture, moving west has been a transformative experience—and one I wouldn’t trade for anything.

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• Student Blogger: Alyssa Ramella ’26
• Undergrad: Rutgers University – New Brunswick
• Pre-MBA:  Technology Product, Sales, and Marketing
• Leadership@Anderson: Director of Prospective Students, Admissions Ambassador Corps; Director of Admissions and Outreach, Out @ Anderson; Director of Velocity Conference Operations- Women Business Connection; Director of Competitions – Entrepreneur Association