raquel4xc

Helpful but Not Essential

My computer broke during the first month of school, and I thought I was dead. However, I realized there are computer labs everywhere. You can even check out laptops from the libraries or borrow from your friends, which is what I mostly did. The only time it gets harder is during finals. Almost everyone has their own computer, but you can definitely survive without one. Wireless internet has been great for me, but I do know people that need ethernet cables to boost connection in the dorms. Sometimes it crashes during finals when all the students are online. I didn't bring a printer, but my roommate has one. It's nice to have one in the room, but it's easy enough to print without one.

Great Choice for Everyone

Students at UCLA are all smart and talented, otherwise they wouldn't be here. There is quite a bit of diversity in interests and social life, from nerds to ravers to well-rounded young adults. There are a LOT of Asians, but you are pretty much guaranteed to find someone your type. Dress is pretty much urban-chic or college comfy- lots of t-shirts and shorts. I got into a relationship pretty early on, but I know a lot of people who prefer to stay single and mingle. Lots of good-looking, incredible people.

Demonstrate Need

I didn't receive any financial aid from my school, which was quite a bummer. However, they do a pretty good job with scholarships and aid if you demonstrate need. There's lots of opportunity for work-study, and you can make appointments with financial aid personnel to help maximize your benefits. It's such a pricey school that almost everyone could use aid. It's hard to get in touch with people on the phone, and sometimes the online resources are confusing. Best bet is to go to the office and do everything in person.

Great Varsity and Club Sports

UCLA has great athletics, though both football and basketball have been disappointing this past year. Most students purchase a Den Pass, which allows you to go to all games. You have to take a bus to most big events, and it costs a few bucks each time you want to ride. Varsity and club sports are very popular and usually really good. There are pretty great athletic facilities, and students are pretty spirited.

Choose What You Want Out of Your College Experience

UCLA is in Cali, so of course there's lots of weed. Drinking is also readily available because a lot of students have fake IDs or connections with upperclassmen. However, on-campus restrictions are very strict and definitely enforced. You can easily stay clean, as many students do, or go off campus and party all you want. Police often break up parties if they're too loud though.

Nothing Not to Love

I am in love with my school. I love the classes, food, campus, surroundings, and people. There's almost nothing I can complain about besides cost. You have to work pretty hard, but there are also plenty of opportunities to unwind. I can't imagine myself anywhere else.

Be Smart About It or Get Sent Home

On-campus drug and alcohol restrictions are very strict. There is also a strict honor code that can result in immediate termination. However, it's easy to stay smart about partying and honest about schoolwork, so I don't worry extensively about punishment.

I Feel Safe

UCLA is actually in a very nice part of LA, between Brentwood, Bel Air, and Beverly Hills. I've never felt unsafe on campus, though I wouldn't go off campus at night without a buddy. There's security everywhere and numbers to call for help or an escort home. The biggest crimes are petty theft, so just be careful about your valuables and don't leave your things everywhere.

Pricey but Nice, Lots of Options

There's a lot of choice in dorms. I advise staying in a hall freshman and maybe sophomore years because they're the most social. Hall bathrooms are definitely acceptable, and most dorms have been remodeled recently or are completely new. Dorms tend to be pretty small, so if you want more space go with the pricier plazas or suites. It does cost a lot to live on campus, but it's worth it for the social aspect and food. Junior and senior year, most people get apartments because of price and space.