All about FIDM

As indicated in my last post, I went up to LA on Thursday and Friday to get a preview of what I will be experiencing this week when I officially move in. I found out a lot of helpful information about the area, the school, and the apartments.

Hopefully the information below will answer a lot of FIDM students that will be attending the school in the future!

The school:

The school is located in downtown LA. When you first arrive, you'll see an atrium with multiple elevators and a front desk. Also at this level is the FIDM library and cafe. Once you check in at the desk, you can then take the elevators up into the school. There are multiple levels; one floor for registration, counselor, and other business offices. Another is for a variety of classes, the library, and a lounge area. The basement houses the museum and all of the exhibits. Right next door is the FIDM scholarship store(which I can't wait to check out more of!), and nearby is the Annex, the Met, and 15 minutes away is the Loft. I wasn't able to explore those other areas, but the Annex is what has the modern computer/study area seen below.

The school also has a nice park that students can relax at in between classes.

 Nearby is a Coffee and Tea cafe, a Panini restaurant, Ralph's, Quiznos, and more.

Park La Brea:

If you'll be living at these apartments, here is what I found out. There are 18 different towers(above) on the complex, along with two cafes, a workout gym, a pool and hot tub, a salon, dry cleaners, and more. All and any towers house FIDM students, and on any floor. Each tower has their own laundry facility in the basement. The washers and dryers each cost under $2, and the washers lock so no clothes can be taken out, but the dryers do not. Right now, they are trying to install Wifi in each of the towers, so students won't have to purchase their own device. You can also hang things up on the walls with small tacks only, no tape! Visitors are not allowed past midnight, and need to be called into the office each day they visit.

Views from the model apartment I was shown. Yes, that is the Hollywood sign in the second picture!

Across the street is The Grove. If you've never been here, it is basically an outdoor entertainment center that has shops, dining, its own theatre, and performances. Right down the street is a Ross, Little Caeser's, Whole Foods, Trader Joes, Pinkberry, Nordstrom, and so much more!

Transportation:

Many students on the FIDM FB page had a lot of questions about transportation and how to get around the city. If you aren't bringing a car, the Metro will be your best friend. This is LA's public bus system and only costs $1.50 to ride each time. Directions to and from FIDM via Park La Brea are as follows:

Park La Brea to FIDM:

1. Go to the SOUTHWEST corner of 3rd Street and Hauser Blvd
2. Board MTA Bus Line 16 Eastbound, with the head sign reading DOWNTOWN LA - 6TH- LOS ANGELES. The one way bus fare is $1.50. Exact change is required.
3. The closest bus stop to FIDM is on 6th Street, between Hope St and Grand Ave. Once there, you can walk to either Hope St or Grand Ave and head SOUTH. FIDM is on 9th Street, between Hope St and Grand Ave.

FIDM to Park La Brea: Go to the NORTHEAST corner of 5th Street and Flower Street (You may choose to have the FIDM shuttle drop you off there or you can walk there) Board MTA Bus Line 16 Westbound, with the head sign reading CEDARS-SINAI. The one way bus fare is $1.50. Exact change is required. The closest bus stop to Park La Brea is on 3rd Street and Martel Avenue (NORTHEAST corner). It is about a 30-45 bus ride to and from the school, and makes multiple stops a long the way. Students can get a monthly pass for only $36, which will allow unlimited rides during that time period. I am still somewhat confused about the FIDM shuttle. Here is what the website says about it: For the convenience and safety of our students, FIDM provides free shuttle service, day and evening. The shuttle runs continuously Monday through Friday. From 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.(Mon.-Fri.), the shuttle makes stops at The Loft, the Jewelry Design Studio, and the Main Campus. From 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. (Mon.-Thurs.), the stops include the Annex, the Metro Train Station at 7th & Figueroa, the Medici Apartments at 6th & Bixel, outlying parking lots, and the Main Campus. It does not mention Park La Brea, but the girl who gave us a tour of the school did mention it took an 8 mile trip and dropped off students at all of the areas. This will be something that we will need to talk to our RA's about on Thursday! Also, the shuttle picks students up every 15 minutes at the angel statue right out front by the atrium(below).

 I hope this has answered some, or all, of your questions about FIDM! If you have any more, please feel free to comment and I will try to help, or you can find out the rest later this week. Can't wait to meet all of you!

-M<3