At the corner of Midvale Avenue and Ophir Drive stands an apartment complex with a name that conjures images of medieval fortresses in northern Europe, not Westwood's North Village. "It's sometimes called the White Castle because there is the Pink Palace," said Ashley Mudge, a fourth-year English student who has lived in the complex since July. Built in the 1920s, The Castle is known today for its faux spires and wrought iron gates, which contrast with other apartments along the same block. Mudge said the apartment's recognition among students contributes to its popularity. "When we invite friends over and we say we are in The Castle, they immediately know where we live," she said. A high brick fence covered in ivy surrounds a communal pool and patio. Read more...

No one asked Yucong Wang to deliver a presentation to his high school about applying to American universities. He just did it. "Not that many people know the way to the universities here," said Wang, a second-year electrical engineering student. He focused less on UCLA and more on broad topics like the SAT in his 2009 talk, while fellow students in his small city in eastern China listened closely. Wang did, however, plug a city he loves particularly for the weather and the Lakers. The number of international freshman applicants to UCLA rose by 40 percent this fall. Read more...