University of California - Los Angeles Reviews

Greeks Run the Social Scene

Greeks are running the show here, though the University has been cracking down. Greeks are nice, but if you're not in a house, you can't have a ton of fun.

No Boredom!

There's truly something for everyone here. Younger students hang out at frats or party in dorms, and upperclassmen go to the zillions of bars in LA. It's the perfect social setup. Once you get tired of a certain scene, there's always a new venue to try out. I can't imagine getting bored.

Bus is cheap but takes forever

There is a nice bus system that's cheap, but the buses take forever and are kind of sketchy.

Computer Labs Don't Really Exist

There's always a long wait to use computers in the library. But this doesn't exactly matter because basically everyone owns a laptop- between lectures and notes and papers, it's really a necessity.

Two-Sport School

Athletics are supposedly good here, but some teams are lacking this year- ahem football. Students attend games for football and basketball but basically nothing else- football bus rides to the Rose Bowl are, however, pretty unforgettable.

Lax but There if Necessary

The professors and building personnnel are relatively lax, but they are definitely there if you need them. When you get in trouble in the dorms, not a lot of punishment is enacted, so it's not too troubling.

Easy to Get Around

The bus system rocks, and taxis are always ready and available- they arrive five minutes after you call and know the confusing streets super well.

It Doesn't Get Much Better

You can't complain with SoCal's sunshine. We've got less than 20 days of rain per year, and you can wear shorts and flip flops in the dead of winter.

Living on the Hill Is a Great First-Year Experience

Living on "the Hill" (where all the dorms are) is the only way to go as a freshman. Because everyone's concentrated in one place, it's easy to get around to each other, and there's lots of spaces to study/eat/hang out. The suites are a popular place to pre-game before going out, and they're really fun. Most RA's are really friendly and laid-back. Most people live on campus for their first two years and move campus for the last two.

Drinking and Marijuana Are It

I've never encountered any other drugs since I've been here, although it all depends on the crowd you're hanging out with. Because we live in L.A. though, we're in close proximity to many other drug scenes. There isn't a lot of peer pressure to drink or do drugs- you can definitely go out without being pressured to do that.

Food and Variety Are Amazing

UCLA dining is rated one of the best in the country, and it definitely shows. Each of the dining halls that are buffet style offer a wide arrangement of meals every night- rarely will nothing appeal to you. Bruin Cafe is open until 2am and is a common gathering spot late on Thursday and Friday nights. 14 Premier is the best meal plan to get as a freshman, unless you're a student athlete or have a large appetite.

Guys Can be Cocky, Girls are Great

Guys here are kind of on a power trip. They are not used to girls flocking them, which can sometimes lead to cockiness. Girls are really cute, fit, and put together. Oh wait, and super smart!

Not the Stereotypical Scene

People perceive rushing a sorority or frat as a judgemental experience, but honestly lots of houses here are very down-to-earth and the members are nice people.

Academics Are Taken Seriously

People take academics seriously here, but they definitely still know how to have fun. People will respect you if you stay in on a Friday to do homework, which is a nice change from high school.

Accepting and Tolerant

I'd say there are more ethnic backgrounds represented at UCLA than any school I've visited. People are very accepting, too.

We're Famous!

A lot of movies and commercials are filmed here, so it's fun to see your school on TV! That also means we have really cool architecture. And unlike real movie stars, everyone here is pretty friendly- I didn't expect that from a high-level university.

Most facilities are great

The athletic center is a little small for the size of the student body, but most other facilities are great. The library is definitely a social hub, and it has some solid couches. All the buildings here are gorgeous; I feel like I'm on the East Coast.

Basketball and Football Domination

Pretty much only basketball and football play a big role in campus life. These sports are popular and well attended. Everyone buses to the Rose Bowl for football, and people sometimes camp out in front of Pauley Pavilion for basktetball, which is a fun tradition.

Not all Rich

UCLA is known for it's diversity, and there is definitely a lot of it. I was surprised by the huge range of economic statuses represented here. There's also a ton of exchange students, and the nationality mix is awesome.

So Good

Our dining halls are seriously some of the best in the nation. Sushi, make-your-own stir-fry, paninis, bread bowls, Coffee Bean drinks, and the best muffins ever are all over the place at UCLA.

Always something to do

There's alwyas something to see or do in LA. Freshmen pretty much stay in the Westwood bubble, but there are layers of LA waiting to be peeled back as one gets older. When 21 hits, a whole new world called Sunset Strip opens. The clubs and bars are so much fun.

Big Blue Bus

The Big Blue Bus system is great because there's a stop on campus, and it can take you almost anywhere around L.A. Fare is a quarter with your Bruin Card.

It's so good

Nightlife is great here. You can be wild and crazy for three or four nights a week, but people know how to focus, too.

Strict in Crowded Dorms

Though the campus is incredibly safe, RA's and building authorities are not that strict. In more crammed halls, people do get written up a lot for noise and drinking, but in more secluded dorms nothing's really enforced.

You Need a Laptop!

Most people here have laptops, so computer labs aren't heavily popular. The few there are usually have long wait lines, though.