Here are some super helpful links that I use all the time. 

Finding an apartment

Craigslist - Just beware of the crazies.

Westside Rentals - $60 for 60 days, but people swear by it. 

Zillow - I'm a little obsessed with the iPad app. I love using the map feature.

RadPad - Let's you put in more specific search items like "hardwood floors" or "pets".

The Rental Girl - Fewer listings, but usually provides video tours, and I love the neighborhood breakdown.

LA Bound - This one's a no-brainer. Check out the neighborhood chapter, it will save you.

Padmapper - Incorporates listings from many different sites all on one Google Map.

Finding a place to crash

Airbnb - Highly recommended. Cool way to meet people when you're new, and it's much cheaper than hotels.

Couchsurfing - Literally on couches, can be helpful and cheap.

Finding normal(ish) people

Kickball - It's all the rage. Play on a team once a week, then socialize at a bar afterwards.

Dodgeball - Same idea as kickball. Play, drink, mingle.

LAB Facebook - Chat with other LA Bound readers! They are all in the same boat as you. May as well make it a dreamy party yacht. 

Network After Work - Newtorking events that are insanely large (like 400 people), but give it a try and bring business cards. I've met cool people here.

JHRTS - Networking society for anyone who has an assistant level job in the entertainment industry. 

Dealing with traffic

Waze - I use this as navigation pretty much every single day. It's my hero. And always accurate timing (12 min = 12 min, mind blown).

Sigalert - I only use this to do a fast check of the freeways before I'm leaving. Red = bad. Green = good, but possibly a lie by the time I get there.

Google Maps - I'm an Apple girl all the way, but let's face it, their map app isn't the best. 

Podcasts - If you're going to be stuck for awhile, listen to something entertaining. It helps the time go by faster. Here's a fucking fantastic one to get you started! #humble

Getting around LA

Lyft - Do people still use taxis? Lyft is great because there is almost always a code for a free ride floating around. Do a search on Facebook for free codes before you use the app. First ride is free up to $25.

Sidecar - Love Sidecar because you get to pick the car you want based on what's nearby, AND it tells you how much the ride will cost up front.

Uber - Use Uber X, or have a fancy moment and splurge on regular Uber.

Metro - Public transportation DOES exist! It's just not like NYC or other cities with good transit.

Film Industry goodies

Deadline - If you want to work in the industry, you should stay up on the latest news. 

Hollywood Reporter - Another industry news option that I use.

The Wrap - Yet another news option. I don't use this, but the whole world does and I should jump on that band wagon.

IMDb - I have a PRO account so I can access more crew information. I use this when trying to find jobs and contacts.

Production Alert - This is my favorite production listings but if you're not in a union, it's expensive. Try it out for a small time frame.

Production Weekly - Similar to Production Alert.

Film & TV Pro - Networking site for industry professionals.

JHRTS - Networking society for anyone who has an assistant level job in the entertainment industry. 

Staff Me Up - Great job search tool for the film industry. Find job openings by location. It's mostly Reality TV jobs, FYI. 

Art Directors Guild - This is the union I'm in. Great resource for all things Production Design.

Cinematographers Guild - If you want to be a DP, check out this union. 

Directors Guild of America - Calling all Directors. This is your union. 

Writers Guild of America, West - I think this is, like, for Writers? You can also copyright scripts through this site.

Local 44 - Union for Props, Set Decorators, Greens, and Special Effects.

Local 80 - Union for Grips, Craft Service (FOOD!), and Medics.

Teamsters - Union for Transportation.