Student Life
Campus Life
UCLA is a large university, and BIG means OPPORTUNITY.
Due to the size of our campus, students are presented with a wide array of opportunities and are empowered to take advantage of their UCLA experience to a greater level – both inside and outside of the classroom. UCLA has 1,000 student-run organizations, a wide variety of campus services, and a diversity that could only exist at a school so large.
Student opportunities facilitate creating a personal niche on campus, motivating your student to build his or her own community through shared interests and passions – a community as close and invaluable as any smaller campus could provide. With so many opportunities for involvement – not to mention academic, social, cultural, and athletic events and activities – students create their own individual and personal UCLA experience, which extends far beyond the walls of the classroom.
Organizations & Clubs
Bruin Leaders Project
Bruin Leaders Project is UCLA’s nationally renowned campus-sponsored leadership development program that strives to make its participants better students, better leaders and better citizens. The seminars offered throughout the year cover a wide range of topics ranging from public speaking, to self-realization, to conflict resolution.
Center for Student Programming (CSP)
The campus is home to over 900 special interest and community service student-run organizations, which are advised by the Center for Student Programming (CSP). CSP also provides workshops on topics such as leadership skills, communication and volunteer recruitment. With a campus so large, there is a service, center, or organization for every need, interest, or passion that your student may have.
Student Alumni Association (SAA)
The UCLA Student Alumni Association works on behalf of the UCLA Alumni Association to enhance the student experience at UCLA by connecting students to one another, alumni and the University. Throughout the year, SAA volunteers plan dozens of social, career-oriented, and school-unifying events, including popular campus traditions as Dinners for 12 Strangers, Entertainment Networking Night, Interview with a Bruin, and Spring Sing.
Student Media UCLA
Student Media UCLA is the home of UCLA’s student-run media, including the campus newspaper The Daily Bruin, magazines, and radio and television stations.
Undergraduate Student Association Council (USAC)
USAC is an acronym for Undergraduate Students Association Council, the governing body of the Undergraduate Students Association (USA) whose membership comprises every UCLA undergraduate student. Thousands of students participate in and benefit from USA’s programs and endeavors. Students attend programs sponsored by the Campus Events Commission; participate annually in the more than 20 voluntary outreach programs run by the Community Service Commission; and volunteer for programs run by the Student Welfare Commission, such as AIDS awareness, substance abuse awareness, blood drives and CPR/first aid training
Volunteer Opportunities
Students can become actively involved by volunteering in community service and exploring all possible ways to make a difference.
Center for Community Partnerships (CCP)
The Center for Community Partnerships offers a host of community-based opportunities, reflective of UCLA’s emphasis on maintaining a positive presence in the Los Angeles community.
Volunteer Center
The UCLA Volunteer Center offers students a variety of opportunities to become involved in the community through academic programs, campus programs, community organizations, and health and medical programs.
Campus Events & Activities
There is always something to do on campus, and the UCLA Happenings events calendar captures them all, including sport events, lectures and student activities. UCLA offers a rich variety of concerts, art exhibits, dance recitals, and theater productions as an integral part of University life.
Greek Life
UCLA has over 60 traditional, honors, and service Greek letter organizations, which are sponsored and advised by Fraternity & Sorority Relations. Approximately 14% of the student body is involved in fraternities and sororities.
Involvement in a fraternity or sorority can enrich the undergraduate experience and provide a strong foundation for cognitive, social and personal development. Men and women in fraternities and sororities are committed to their academics, volunteer time in the community, develop and strengthen leadership skills, form a campus and cultural support network and have access to affordable housing.
Sports & Recreation
UCLA Recreation provides extensive access to a broad range of recreational activities and services. Recreational services are offered across campus, including fields, gyms and pools.
Intramural Sports
The UCLA Intramural Sports Program consists of 30 leagues, tournaments, meets and special events with more than 8,000 participants each year. Intramural sports are Bruins competing against Bruins in an organized but casual setting. Students interested in playing a sport on campus for recreational purposes can compete in three or more different competitive levels. Students usually form teams from their residence hall floors, clubs or fraternity/sorority. Activities are offered each quarter, including limited activities during the summer quarter. Nominal fees are charged.
Club Sports
The UCLA Club Sports Program consists of more than 30 clubs and nearly 1,500 participants. Students complete against other universities not on the Division I level, i.e. lacrosse, rugby, ultimate Frisbee, archery, badminton, sailing, cycling, etc. All clubs are administered by UCLA Recreation; however, all clubs are organized by student officers. Club dues may apply.
Adaptive Programs
UCLA Recreation provides therapeutically-based recreation adaptive programs for people with cognitive and physical disabilities that expand their access to opportunities that promote physical fitness, health and wellness, increased self-esteem and greater functional independence.
Classes & Activities
UCLA Recreation has a broad range of instructional classes available in arts, dance, fitness, martial arts, sports, swimming, tennis, water aerobics, yoga and more. Group exercise, personal fitness training and private instruction are also available.
Outdoor Adventures
Outdoor Adventures provides wilderness education that is experiential and adventurous and promotes responsible stewardship of the environment and our natural resources.
Athletic Events
UCLA Athletics programs are nationally ranked and are a great way for students to show their Bruin pride. The University’s mission is to provide a well-rounded education both in and out of the classroom is well exemplified by the achievements of our student-athletes.
Students may choose to purchase the Den Sports Pass, which gives them access into the student section for every regular season home football game at the Rose Bowl and men’s basketball game in Pauley Pavilion. Otherwise, football tickets are available in February for both season and individual games, and basketball tickets may be purchased in October for both season tickets and individual games.
Students receive free admission to all sports besides football and men’s basketball.
Campus Services
- Bruin Resource Center provides specialized services and programs to address the concerns of Bruins who are transfers, veterans, former foster youth, parenting students, or AB 540 students.
- LGBT Campus Resource Center
- Center for Accessible Education
- UCLA Army ROTC
- Veterans Resource Office
- UCLA Community
Housing
From residence halls to off-campus apartments, take a look at the resources and information we have collected to help your student find the perfect fit.
On-Campus Housing
UCLA Housing & Hospitality Services manages all on-campus housing. With 23 communities open for the 2020-21 academic year, living on campus is a great option for continuing and new students alike.
- First-year students admitted for fall quarter of the academic year are guaranteed three consecutive years of on campus housing. Please visit Freshmen Student Housing Guarantee for more information.
- Transfer students admitted for fall quarter of the academic year are guaranteed one year of university housing. Please visit Transfer Student Housing Guarantee for more information.
For information regarding the matching and assignment process, accepting the Housing offer, change of assignment, and special accommodations, please visit the Housing Assignment Information website.
Dining & Meal Plans
UCLA Dining Services is an award-winning program that is nationally recognized for its high quality cuisine, state-of-the-art facilities, and innovative services. They offer a wide variety of menu choices, dining hours, and meal plans. Their program is designed to provide fresh, healthy, and tasty meals every day for students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
- Dining facilities and meal plans
- Hours of operation – At-a-glance hours of operation for all dining facilities
- Menus and nutritional information – Daily menu selections and nutritional information
- Special Services & Programs
- Dining Green – UCLA is committed to integrating sustainability into our dining options
Resources for Parents
We hope that the following will help you throughout the year as you help your student navigate living on-campus.
First Year Experience
- Serve as a one-stop-shop for campus resources, programming, and information for first year, transfer, and continuing students.
- Facilitate partnerships and linkages between ORL, Student Affairs, Undergraduate Education, the Graduate Division, Colleges, Schools, Professional Schools, External Affairs, and other primary stakeholders.
- Establish year-specific experiences in line with leading best practices and within the framework of Residential Life’s Core 5, UCLA’s True Bruin Values and Principles of Community (i.e. first year experience, second year experience, transfer year experience, etc.).Each of these experiences will follow the outline of the Student Experience Mission including: growth of intellectual and academic competencies, progressive growth of interpersonal skills, identity exploration and development, decision making skills relevant to major and career, progressive growth of self-management skills, multicultural competence, commitment to responsibilities as citizens in a democratic society, and the ability to identify/seek/utilize campus resources.
- Foster overall student success through the synthesis of FYTCSP, ORL, Division of Student Affairs and University goals via intentional programming.
As a unit of the Office of Residential Life (ORL), the mission of First Year, Transfer & Continuing Student Programs (FYTCSP) is to support the academic mission of the University, cultivate safe environments, encourage personal growth, foster social responsibility and develop leaders for/in all new and continuing Bruins.
Additional Resources
First Year Experience (FYE) is dedicated to equipping all first-year students with the skills, tools, and knowledge to support their transition to UCLA.
Westwood & Los Angeles
Westwood
UCLA is located in Westwood, a neighborhood of West Los Angeles and adjacent to Bel Air, Beverly Hills, Brentwood and Santa Monica. On a typical day, you can find college students, professionals, residents, and tourists wandering Westwoods’ collection of stores, restaurants, and theaters. The weekends attract Angelenos from across the city for dining or entertainment.
Los Angeles
Los Angeles is the second largest city in the United States, with an estimated population of four million. Residential development is booming, cultural institutions are multiplying, and retail and entertainment options are thriving on an unprecedented scale. As America’s most populated county, L.A. County is the third-most racially diverse county in the United States. UCLA students, staff and faculty have the incredible opportunity to take all that Los Angeles has to offer and use it as a laboratory for understanding the complexity of cultures, images and industries.
Dining
Restaurants and eateries walking distance from campus
In addition to all-day and late-night offerings on campus, UCLA students often head into Westwood to step away from campus and eat at one of Westwood’s many restaurants, coffee shops, food stands, bars, and ice cream and frozen yogurt shops.
Some UCLA favorites include BJ’s Restaurant and Brewery, California Pizza Kitchen and the famous Diddy Riese with fresh-baked cookies and ice cream sandwiches for $2.00. Popular venues to watch sports include Rocco’s and Barney’s Beanery, and more upscale bars and restaurants include Napa Valley Grille, Palomino and the new Glendon Bar & Kitchen.
And, of course, the Village is home to a plethora of coffee shops from Starbucks to the Coffee Bean and Peet’s Coffee – all popular study locations for the dedicated student.
For a fantastic guide compiled by students at the UCLA Law School, click here.
Shopping
Everything your Bruin needs
In addition to the clothing chains, electronics stores and gift shops, Westwood Village grocery stores include a 24-hour Ralph’s, Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods. Drug stores with toiletries, office supplies, housewares, snacks and first-aid include CVS and Rite Aid. Bruins can also purchase many of these items in on-campus marketplaces, but Westwood stores have extended hours, and often cheaper prices.
For a directory of stores in the Village, click here.
Entertainment
What to do on an evening or weekend
Between sporting events, film screenings, arts performances and lectures, students do not have to go far for a night of entertainment. However, Westwood also offers plenty of options.
Movie theaters: National and international movie premieres frequently take place at Westwood’s own historic Fox Theater. Students often head down to the Village to catch a glimpse of their favorite stars walking the red carpet, or just to catch a movie at one of the Village’s many movie theaters.
- Hammer Museum: This UCLA-run museum is always free to UCLA students, staff and faculty. The museum’s Billy Wilder Theater hosts nightly events and screenings open free or discounted for the UCLA community.
- Geffen Playhouse: Located just down the street from campus, the Geffen offers world-class theater performances.
- The Improv Space: UCLA alumni and student owned and operated, the Improv Space features improv shows throughout the week and the year, and classes for aspiring performers.
UCLA in the Community
Forging the bond between UCLA and Los Angeles
UCLA has always made it a priority to engage with the Los Angeles community through campus-wide initiatives, faculty research and student projects. To learn about how UCLA is making a difference in Los Angeles, click here.
Arts, Culture & Entertainment
A cultural capital
UCLA’s creative community is undoubtedly reflective of the city itself. Los Angeles is the international center for film, television and music, home to working and aspiring writers, performers, artists and producers at every turn.
In addition to endless film screenings, music and theater performances, TV tapings, poetry and literature readings and comedy shows, Los Angeles is home to almost 1,000 museums and art galleries, leading California’s cultural growth with more museums per capita than any other city in the nation.
Some of the most well-known centers for culture and arts include:
The Getty Museum (near Westwood) and Getty Villa (Malibu)
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (Mid-City)
The Museum of Contemporary Art (Downtown)
Walt Disney Concert Hall (Downtown)
Hollywood Bowl (Hollywood)
Meanwhile, The LA Opera, Los Angeles Philharmonic, and Center Theatre Group are among the nation’s largest and most respected companies in their disciplines.
The UCLA School of the Arts and Architecture strives to bring the UCLA and Los Angeles arts communities together in collaboration and cross-appreciation. Visit their site for a schedule of arts events.
Transportation
Getting around Los Angeles
Undoubtedly, you have heard the nightmares about Los Angeles traffic. Sadly, they are all true!
But the fact is that your Bruin does not need a car on campus. Many amazing neighborhoods and attractions are only a simple bus ride away. Since routes and schedules are always changing, the best bet is to map a route using Los Angeles Metropolitan Transit Authority’s planning website.
With BruinGo!, UCLA students can ride any Santa Monica Big Blue Bus or Culver City Bus line for 50¢ and a swipe of their BruinCard (student identification card). Go Metro is a quarterly bus pass that gives eligible Bruins half-price fares on all Metro Bus and Metro Rail lines, and LADOT Commuter Express, City of Santa Clarita Transit, and Antelope Valley Transit Authority commuter bus services are also part of our reduced-fare public transit options.
While Los Angeles is not the most bike-friendly city, UCLA Transportation also suggests that students use their bikes by biking to their destination or biking to the bus stop and then taking the bicycle on the bus (nearly all buses provide bicycle racks).
For the most updated news and information about public transit from Westwood across Los Angeles, click here.
Top Attractions for Bruins
Venturing outside of Westwood
Encourage your Bruin to step outside the UCLA community and explore Los Angeles for all that is has to offer. Here is a short list of top activities and attractions your Bruin should take advantage of while in Los Angeles, or for you to experience while visiting your Bruin:
The Getty Museum: The Getty Center presents an extensive collection of Western art from the Middle Ages to the present against a backdrop of dramatic architecture, tranquil gardens, and breathtaking views. The trip is great for an afternoon trip with friends, a romantic date or a spot for relaxing self-reflection.
The Grove: Just a few miles east of the UCLA campus is the upscale outdoor shopping center affectionately known as The Grove. Students can enjoy the dancing fountain, take in a movie at the theater, or try one of the many cuisines provided by the historic Farmers Market. It is also frequented by many local celebrities.
Santa Monica Pier and 3rd Street Promenade: Only a few miles west of the UCLA campus, you will find great shopping in a beautiful beach-side promenade, restaurants, sand and surf, and a boardwalk pier of good old-fashioned rides and games.
Griffith Park and Observatory: For those who like the outdoors, astronomy, or simply an amazing view of the city, Griffith Park features hiking trails and picnic areas, views of the city and the Hollywood sign, and a world-famous observatory at the top with an accompanying museum.
La Brea Tar Pits and the Page Museum: Located in Mid-City, the La Brea Tar Pits is a registered National Natural Landmark and home to live tar pits where creatures of all kinds have been preserved over the last thousands of years. Also located next to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA).
Hollywood Boulevard: Take a walk or drive down Hollywood Boulevard to get a great view of the Hollywood sign, see the hundreds of stars of the Walk of Fame, stop by the famous TCL Chinese Theatres and take in the sights and sounds of the tourist center of LA.
LA Live and Downtown LA: LA Live is the new center of an up-and-coming downtown Los Angeles, home to restaurants, clubs, theaters and (at the center of LA Live) the Staples Center. A night out in downtown may be a bit pricey, but definitely an experience.
Beaches: Make sure to hit the quirky and vibrant Venice Beach at least once, but your Bruin can hang with other Angelenos at beaches up and down the coast. Some of the more popular beaches include Santa Monica, Manhattan, Hermosa and a few in Malibu.
Rodeo Drive: Take a stroll down the world famous Rodeo Drive where internationally known designers hold their boutiques for celebrity clients.
Theme Parks: The UCLA Central Ticket Office offers discounted tickets for students to theme parks, including Disneyland, Universal Studios Hollywood, Six Flags Magic Mountain and Knott’s Berry Farm. All of these parks require a car, but all are well worth the trip!
Career Services
The UCLA Career Center is dedicated to offering UCLA students and alumni opportunities to make thoughtful and deliberate career choices. The Career Center provides progressive services and resources to help students choose and prepare for their careers, prepare and apply to graduate or professional school, learn job search skills, and find employment opportunities.
The role of the Center is to act as an educational agency, rather than an employment agency. Ultimately your student is responsible for preparing for their career goals and securing their destinations. However, parents can play an important supportive role in this process – please join UCLA in ensuring our students maximize their potential and take advantage of the vast resources available to them.
Check out these “HOTlinks” created by the Career Center for parents.
Academic Resources
Undergraduate Education
Undergraduate Education serves as the focal point for UCLA’s undergraduate education programs, including management of the campus’s major new initiatives for students, such as the Freshman Clusters, Fiat Lux Seminars, undergraduate research and community-based education.
Academic Resources
UCLA offers top-ranked academic programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. For undergraduates, our University’s prestigious program features 129 majors across five academic divisions and 81 minors, some part of our renowned graduate and professional schools. To explore UCLA’s diverse academic offerings, visit our list of majors and minors and directory of academic departments and resources.
Academic Counseling and Advising
UCLA General Catalog
The UCLA General Catalog presents all of the academic opportunities available on campus. Hard copies are available at the UCLA Bookstore, but are subject to change. Additionally, keep in mind that not all courses are offered every quarter – or every year. For a schedule of the current course offerings, visit the Schedule of Classes.
Academic Calendar
The UCLA Academic Calendar captures important academic dates, including deadlines for adding and dropping courses, tuition payment, and the beginning and end of each academic term.
Registrar
The UCLA Registrar manages the University’s class schedules, registration, class enrollment and grade collection; issues transcripts and diplomas; and creates the UCLA General Catalog and the quarterly Schedule of Classes.
The Registrar’s Office provides a directory of academic counseling offices that provide assistance with program planning, assessment of degree requirements, contact information for departmental or school advisers and counseling for scholastic challenges.
- Academic Advancement Program (AAP)
- ASK Peer Counseling
- College Academic Counseling (CAC)
- Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science
- Honors Programs
- School of the Arts and Architecture
- School of Nursing
- School of Theater, Film and Television
- Student Athletics
For departmental counselors, such as the English Department counselor or Chemistry & Biochemistry Department counselor, visit the department’s website or call Parent & Family Programs so that we can connect you.
Center for Community Learning (CCL)
The Center for Community Engagement involves undergraduates with opportunities to combine civic engagement with academic coursework, internships, and other community-based learning experiences. CCL also manages the Civic Engagement minor.
Education Abroad
The Education Abroad Program abroad offers unique opportunities for students to explore other cultures while earning credit towards graduation. Through EAP, Bruins can enroll in over 140 exchange programs in more than 30 countries. Students can spend a summer, semester or year abroad, and courses may be counted towards major, minor or GE requirements. Some programs also offer students the possibility to do field work, independent research or an internship abroad.
Honors Programs
The nationally-renowned Honors Programs at UCLA provides students the organization and environment within which to pursue individual excellence.
International Students and Scholars
The Dashew Center for International Students and Scholars coordinates services and programs that are available to UCLA’s 3,800 international students. The Dashew Center advises students on immigration regulations, academic and personal adjustment to American life and offers programming to support and involve students in the UCLA community.
Library System
Ranked among the top 10 research libraries in the U.S., the UCLA Library system is a campus wide network of libraries serving programs of study and research in many fields. Collections encompass more than eight million volumes as well as archives, audiovisual materials, corporate reports, government publications, manuscripts, maps, microforms, oral histories, photographs, technical reports and other scholarly resources. The library also provides access to digital resources including reference works, electronic journals, full-text titles and images.
Student Retention Center (SRC)
The Student Retention Center supports students with the highest attrition rates. SRC is open to all students of the University, but its first priority is to students who have academic difficulties or have been dismissed. SRC empowers students with academic tools and strategies that help them succeed at UCLA. Services include peer counseling, study groups, mentorship, class/professor evaluations, internships and writing programs.
Undergraduate Research Centers
Undergraduate Research Centers help UCLA undergraduates identify research opportunities in all fields, from the entry-level Student Research Program to the advanced Undergraduate Research Scholars Program. Scholarships are available to support students in research. Annual events and publications celebrate student achievements.
Study Abroad
The UCLA International Education Office is your one-stop shop for information about studying at any institution in the world. With four different methods to study in a different country and completely manageable financial plans, studying abroad is definitely an option that you and your Bruin should consider.
UC Education Abroad Program
With over 250 options in 35 countries, the University of California’s Education Abroad Program (EAP) is among the largest in the nation. As a participating university, UCLA has sent thousands of students through EAP and welcomed many international students to UCLA. EAP offers direct transfer of credit, reasonable cost, and a rewarding experience. Financial aid and scholarships are available. Students can spend a summer, semester or year abroad. For information about education abroad, please visit the Education Abroad Program website.
Travel Study
Travel Study programs combine the excitement of study abroad with the academic rigor of classes taught by UCLA faculty. Whereas Education Abroad takes place at another university, Travel Study involves exploring another region of the world with world-renowned UCLA faculty members. Find out more.
UCLA Exchange
UCLA has partnerships with major universities throughout the world that are designed to allow students to grow and learn through study and research with international colleagues. UCLA Exchange is designed to allow UCLA students to experience learning at leading universities abroad and allow international students to engage in short-term study at UCLA. Each exchange program represents a unique opportunity — some are open to all students; others are restricted to students in specific departments. Visit their website for more information.
Non-UC Programs
If EAP, Travel Study and UCLA Exchange aren’t the right options for your student, there are a variety of other options available. Students are encouraged to speak with a counselor in the International Education Office before signing up for a non-UC study abroad program. UCLA offers a Planned Academic Leave (PAL) for undergraduate students to study abroad on non-UC programs. To be granted an academic leave, students register online after having been accepted into a non-UC program. For more information, please visit their website.
Additional Resources
For a list of frequently asked questions, including managing finances, applying for any program, and more, please visit their list of Frequently Asked Questions.
Transportation
When it comes to getting around campus, getting to campus, or leaving campus, UCLA Transportation has it all covered! With daily permits, quarterly permits, and a variety of options for commuters, it is easy and quick to make sure that you and your Bruin can get to and stay on campus!
PARKING FOR VISITORS
Visitors can purchase all-day or hourly parking permits at pay stations in parking structures and lots across campus (exact cash or credit cards only). All-day permits can also be purchased at the various Information & Parking Booths located on campus (cash only). To find a parking area convenient to your destination on campus, please refer to these maps. Parking rates range from $1 for 20 minutes to $12 for the entire day. Accessible parking for individuals with disabilities costs $7 per day. For more information about visitor parking, click here.
Student Campus Access
UCLA has an extremely limited supply of single-occupancy vehicle permits for registered students. In order to receive a permit, on-campus residence hall students must have a demonstrated need for parking, such as an off-campus job or paid internship. Parking permits are not guaranteed and are offered through a prioritization process based on class standing (graduate or undergraduate) and whether a student is a commuter or residence hall tenant. Eligible carpool students are given priority and pay a discounted permit rate.
To help students access campus, UCLA Transportation offers many sustainable commute options. These include discounted public transit fares and a subsidized vanpool program that serves 85 Southern California communities. Additionally, students who join a vanpool, use public transit, or are part of a three-person carpool will be eligible to register for the Bruin Commuter Club. Membership provides even more benefits and incentives, including five days of discounted parking to use when needed throughout the quarter.
Find out more about UCLA Transportation’s commute programs or apply for parking online.
BruinBus
The BruinBus is a complimentary shuttle service that serves the UCLA campus and the Wilshire Center located in Westwood. It runs year-around and during the weekends so students can take it to the grocery store for added convenience. Anyone is welcome to board at one of its several stops. BruinBus also offers charter and driver services to UCLA departments and student organizations. Plus, with NextBus technology, you can track real-time bus movements on your computer or mobile phone. For the BruinBus schedules and stops, click here.
Additional Information
For a list of frequently asked questions, including office hours, update parking costs, and how to pay a citation, please visit the Transportation FAQ Website.
To contact UCLA Transportation, click here.
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