For UCLA and SMC students living at Comma Barrington, the university experience begins well before the first day of classes. It starts the moment you move into your new home, connect with classmates at a welcome event, or stumble across a coffee shop that you’ll end up recommending to everyone you meet.

If you’ve just moved to West LA for the fall semester, here’s how to make the most of the final days of summer.

Make Yourself at Home

It’s not just the furnished 4- and 5-bedroom units that make Comma Barrington feel like home. Explore the building’s clubhouse, rooftop terrace, and open-stairwell courtyard, and then add a few personal touches to your space—residents get exclusive discounts at Article and Takasa.

Wander Around Sawtelle Japantown

After you’ve settled into your room, spend some time getting to know your new neighborhood. From independent cafés and boutique shops to ramen bars, Sawtelle Japantown is full of places you’ll find yourself returning to throughout the semester.

Join the Welcome Week Fun

Both UCLA and SMC host student orientations, tours, and welcome parties to kick off the school year. Since you’re less than 15 minutes from each campus, it’s easy to stop by these events and start the semester feeling connected.

August 25: VIP Welcome Day at SMC
Visit SMC between 8:30am–12:00pm to meet faculty, staff, counselors, and fellow students, and enjoy free In-N-Out burgers.

September 20–26: True Bruin Welcome at UCLA
In addition to an activities fair and academic open houses, this week-long event features two can’t-miss celebrations: the Westwood Block Party and Bruin Bash.

Visit a Museum or Gallery

Living at Comma Barrington puts you close to some of Los Angeles’s most inspiring museums and galleries, including The Getty, Honor Fraser, and the Bergamot Station Arts Center. Whether you’re studying art or simply appreciate great design, they’re well worth adding to your weekend plans.

Catch a Show

Before the semester gets underway, carve out an evening for a movie or live performance. Theatres across West LA have an exciting lineup of shows scheduled for this August and September.

August 1–6: Select Films in 70mm at Aero Theatre
Throughout the first week of August, the Aero Theatre will be screening The Odyssey and a small collection of vintage movies—including It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad World and Rambo: First Blood Part II—in 70mm.

August 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29: Cinema by the Sea at Regent Santa Monica Beach
Hosted by the Regent Santa Monica Beach hotel, Cinema by the Sea is showing classic travel and road trip movies. Think Almost Famous, Little Miss Sunshine, and To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar.

August 5–September 6: The Comedy of Errors at Griffith Park
Pack a picnic and head to Griffith Park to participate in a beloved summer tradition. This year’s Free Shakespeare Festival brings one of the playwright’s funniest comedies to life in an outdoor setting.

Shop at Your Local Farmers’ Market

Stock up on freshly baked bread, organic fruits and vegetables, and other goodies at your neighborhood farmers’ markets. With a spacious shared kitchen waiting back at Comma Barrington, it’s easy to turn your market haul into a meal.

Westwood Village Farmers’ Market
Thursdays, 12pm–5pm

Santa Monica Main Street Farmers Market
Sundays, 8:30am–1:30pm

West LA Farmers’ Market
Sundays, 9am–2pm

Check Out a Summer Festival

One of the best ways to get to know your new city is by showing up for its community events. These late-summer festivals offer a taste of everything that makes West LA such a vibrant place to live.

August 28–30: Fiesta La Ballona in Culver City
Make your way to Veterans Memorial Park to enjoy live music and dance performances, carnival rides, food trucks, and quintessential summertime vibes.

August 30: Vegan Street Fair in Westwood
More than 100 vegan and vegan-friendly vendors will be at this year’s Vegan Street Fair, giving you the chance to discover new plant-based foods and sustainable brands from around the world.

September 27: Abbot Kinney Festival in Venice
This annual event transforms the iconic Abbot Kinney Boulevard into a pedestrian-only hub. Spend the day catching live performances, shopping for handmade products, and chilling in the beer gardens.

Ready to experience everything West LA has to offer? Comma Barrington is now leasing for the Fall 2026 semester. Apply today.