Motivation
Not only has it been a life-long dream of mine to visit LA as a lover of Hollywood, coastal beaches, and the perfect sunny Californian weather, but I wanted to gain experience from participating in an academic program that would boost my resume when applying for my masters program, and future jobs within my field. Having the opportunity to complete a portion of my psychology degree at one of The States' top public research universities was like scoring the jackpot.
Also, I loved the location of UCLA, as it was neighboring Santa Monica, Bel Air, and Beverly Hills, which made indulging in all of my favourite activities such as shopping, tanning, and sight-seeing super convenient. The honour of being able to say that I lived in LA (one of my dream cities) for 6 months and studied at UCLA was my ultimate motivation.
Personal Development
The experience of living alone for nearly 6 months in a new country, studying in a new school under a different system, and trying to navigate a new cultural environment was enriching in several ways educationally and personally. 
I'll forever preach the proverb "closed mouths don't get fed" as this experience taught me that in order to achieve my goals, and see growth in my life, I need to seize the opportunities around me even if it means stepping out of my comfort zone, challenging my anxieties, and that choosing to embark on this journey alone was only the tip of the iceberg and I was going to face more challenges down the road, but that nevertheless, I would come to appreciate how hard I worked and fought for this opportunity.
In other words, this experience helped me develop my independence and autonomy each step of the way, from flying to Sydney alone with a stack-load of papers to get my VISA, navigating my way around the airport in San Francisco, rushing in order to catch my connecting flight to LAX, needing to ask strangers for directions on a daily basis, and having to form new relationships with the friends around me to fill the void of missing my people back home.
Before arriving in LA, I had no home apart from the apartment I was going to be residing in temporarily, however, upon departing this city I had fallen in love with, I left with over 10 places across LA that my new friends assured me I can call home whenever I choose to visit.
Academic Development
Like most schools in the United States, UCLA operates on a quarterly system, rather than a semester-based system like UQ. During my time abroad, I studied 6 courses over two quarters over the duration of one semester here at UQ. Hence, although a full-time study load per an instructional period is only 3 courses as opposed to 4 courses at UQ, each term, a singular quarter system is much faster than the semester system, and initially it was hard to just to the fast-paced workload.
However, by my second quarter, I had adjusted to the pace, and found ways to optimize my study time to keep up with the workload, and taught myself how to manage my time more efficiently when under pressure and stricter time constraints. I also enjoyed that this meant I could study more subjects within the same duration I would have been attending university in Australia.
Another thing that I enjoyed about American schooling systems is that a large portion of students' grade is determined by their attendance, and the opportunities to earn extra credit. By gaining credit for simply attending class, this not only reduces the stress to do exceptionally well in university, but also incentives being present in classes and encourages students to attend. Giving students several options and ways to earn extra credit such as through SONA participation, or teacher evaluations also reduces stress by helping students compensate for lost points in assessments without affecting their grades drastically.
Professional Development
Over the course of this experience, I developed greater independence, autonomy, and resourcefulness, which are valuable attributes to posses, and ones that I believe employers tend to prioritize in candidates. Moreover, having studied at both UQ and UCLA, which are both prestigious and reputable universities, with strong psychology programs, will boost my resume. Having completed an experience like this also shows my interest and determination within my field, and having had the opportunity to take courses instructed by renowned professors such as Matthew Lieberman, means I have taken psychology courses which cover interesting topics and information that are otherwise not taught, nor offered at UQ.
The ability to demonstrate a successful completion of a study abroad program, with strong grades at a university like UCLA will be a factor that sets me apart from my peers who have not completed a similar experience when applying for masters programs, and even when seeking future employment. Moreover, as someone who would love to one day return or even potentially live in LA or New York, the experience of studying at an American university may increase my chances of being accepted into any post-graduate programs offered overseas.
Costs and Funding
I was fortunate enough to receive funding from the UQ Global Expereinces Grant, as well as the OS-help loan, in conjunction with my own personal savings and support from my family to fund this experience. Having completed this exchange, I can understand how valuable it is to budget for trips like these, which is something I failed to do effectively prior to this journey. I believe I spent approximately > $20 000 in total, which is quite costly, but given this was a once in a lifetime opportunity, I did spend more than I anticipated, especially considering how expensive Los Angeles, and the US is in general. 
VISA application fees, documents, and flights to the embassy in Sydney cost approximately just over $1500; accommodation cost roughly $10 000; flights cost just over $1300; health insurance from ISO, and copay fees for non-student doctor visits cost just over $2000 in total. Groceries/eating out were another cost, amounting to around $4000 in total. I used what was left of my savings, plus any funds my family sent me on miscellaneous expenses such as souvenirs, clothing, makeup, cinema tickets, etc. However, these costs will vary depending on the person, and how they choose to spend their own money on leisure. I would also note that students preparing to go on exchange, especially in the United States, should acknowledge the costs that are involved in tipping employees in nearly all hospitality settings. Moreover, added tax at checkout is also another costly expense that one should prepare for, especially in LA.
The funding was significantly beneficial towards my experience as it nearly covered the full cost of my housing and health insurance. I used the rest of my savings to pay for flights for both my VISA and to the US, health insurance, VISA documents and application fees, groceries, and any leftover funds for leisure.
Accommodation
Someone who had previously completed an exchange to UCLA reached out to my post on the UQ Global Explorers page. She recommended the off-campus university apartments as they are a cheaper option compared to the university dorms, and they are closer to the Westwood Village (where all the shops were located).
On the UCLA housing page, you are given the option of the dorms or the off-campus apartments. I opted for the apartments because they were more cost-effective and you are given the option to choose how many roommates you want as this also affects the cost (more roommates = cheaper). While I was not able to choose which apartment building I lived in, as the system randomly assigns you, I was assigned to Gayley Heights which was one of the newest buildings.
Gayley Heights has a gorgeous lobby, and the apartment itself was modern, and furnished. I shared the flat with 9 other girls, but there were four bedrooms, and I was in a double (meaning I shared my room with one other person). Although there were many girls, we were all good friends, mindful, and respectful of each other's space, and distributed chores evenly so we were all able to live comfortably. I loved living in Gayley Heights, as it was right next to the village where the shops were located meaning it was more convenient to source groceries than when living in the dorms on-campus.
The only downside to living in the off-campus apartments is that they are a 20-minute walk from campus, which became quite exhausting after a while, however, UCLA does provide a free metro card so I was able to commute to and from campus, and to other spots around LA freely. I know there are also co-op housing options available if you want the cheapest accommodation, however, due to the living conditions described in some reviews, and the requirement of chores, I chose the official university apartments option instead. Living with 9 other girls was a way to make more friends, and I formed some of my closest relationships with the girls in my apartment.
Highlights 
Each moment of my experience was equally as exciting as the last, and I'll never forget the indescribable excitement and awe I felt once I touched down in LAX. From the sight of innumerable palm trees, to seeing the Hollywood sign in the distance, and to touring the UCLA campus for the very first time, each of these experiences will stick with me forever.
However, if I had to pick one highlight in particular, I would choose Easter day, as my roommate, whose dad is a firefighter, invited me to celebrate Easter with her family at one of LA's most famous fire stations. Not only did I get to bond with other firefighters' families over a home-cooked meal when I couldn't celebrate this year with my own family, but I also got to tour the station, try on the gear, and even go on a real call and sound the sirens and alarms. This was a highlight of my experience as it is an opportunity that only a few people have the privilege of doing, let alone in one of LA's most famous stations.
Top Tips
My best piece of advice I would give to others considering participating in an exchange experience would be to take the opportunity as soon as you are given it. Studying abroad is a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn among others your age in a foreign country, giving you the privilege to explore and travel a country you may never have been to, but have been dreamed of visiting, all while being productive at the same time, contributing to your future career, and fostering a sense of belonging amongst the locals.
This experience will greatly benefit your future both educationally/vocationally, and personally, through forcing you to exit your comfort zone, and use your independence to fuel the success of your goals and dreams. Although there will be several challenges, such as financial issues, and especially homesickness, these experiences will teach you valuable lessons very few other experiences can.
I would definitely recommend using budgeting strategies when planning for your trip as there were several "hidden" costs I had not anticipated, and had I not been given the financial support that was provided to me, I believe my financial situation could have been affected detrimentally. Hence, it is best to calculate costs by accounting for a wide range of factors, especially considering the tax/conversion rates specific to your country of travel.
