University of California - Los AngelesDiversity Summary

Written by Suzy Strutner

Suzy Strutner

Hometown

Newport Beach, Calif.

Major

Communication Studies

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UCLA’s campus is one of the most diverse in the United States. There are several resource centers on campus for minority students and anyone who wants to learn about other cultures, including the Center for African American Studies, American Indian Students Center, Asian American Studies Center, and the LGBT Campus Resource Center, and there are interesting cultural exhibitions and shows available weekly. There are also plenty of minority student clubs on campus, including the Afrikan Student Union, Asian Pacific Coalition, and MEChA (for Hispanic students).

But, while UCLA is home to students from varied backgrounds, it seems like most tend to mingle within their own ethnic groups. When it does occur, racial bonding is facilitated by intramural sports, parties, and interest-based clubs. Some people are intimidated by ethnic clubs and are hesitant to embrace other cultures, and the vocalization of minority groups can make them seem more plentiful than they really are. But, making a friend for life with a person of another race is definitely possible if you're willing to cross the occasionally rough barrier.