Student Life

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.

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.

Student Organizations, Leadership & Engagement (SOLE)

UCLA offers over 1,300 student organizations including student government, academic, leadership, spiritual & religious, club sports, and community service organizations that you can get involved in, all of which are advised by Student Organizations, Leadership & Engagement (SOLE). SOLE also provides "SOLE Sessions," (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 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.

Community Partnerships

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 Community events calendar captures them all, including sporting 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 the Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life. Approximately 13% 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. Members of 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.

 

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 leagues, tournaments, meets and special events with more than 7,000 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 54 clubs and 2,700+ participants. Students compete 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 within the UCLA Competitive Sports Program; however, all clubs are organized by student officers. Club dues may apply.

Adaptive Recreation

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 education that is experiential and adventurous, and is designed to nurture and encourage a life-long love of outdoor pursuits along with a deep appreciation of risk management, environmental stewardship, as well as social and cultural inclusivity.

 

Athletic Events

From residence halls to off-campus apartments, there are plenty of options to help your student find the perfect fit.

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, 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.

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 hundreds of museums and art galleries.

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 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 $45 per quarter. Go Metro is a quarterly bus pass that gives eligible Bruins reduced 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.

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 home to restaurants, clubs, theaters and (at the center of LA Live) the Crypto.com Arena. 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!

The UCLA Career Center is dedicated to offering UCLA students opportunities to make thoughtful and deliberate career choices. The Career Center provides 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.

• Services and Resources
• Hire Bruins for Jobs and/or Internships through Handshake
• Career Guide produced by the UCLA Career Center

Undergraduate Education

Undergraduate Education serves as the focal point for UCLA’s undergraduate education programs, including management of the campus’s major 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 over 125 majors across five academic divisions and over 90 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

There are academic advising offices in each division that provide assistance with program planning, assessment of degree requirements, contact information for departmental or school advisers and counseling for scholastic challenges:

• College Academic Counseling (CAC)
• CAC Peer Counseling
• Academic Advancement Program (AAP)
• 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 the Parent & Family Association Helpline so that we can connect you.

Center for Community Engagement (CCE)

The Center for Community Engagement creates opportunities for UCLA faculty, students, and staff to collaborate with community partners to build an equitable and just society through community-engaged research and teaching and community programs.

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 5,400 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

There are Undergraduate Research Centers available for students in the following fields:

• Undergraduate Research Center - Sciences
• Undergraduate Research Center - Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences

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 170 programs in over 40 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 costs, and a rewarding experience. Financial aid and scholarships are available. Students can spend a summer, semester or year abroad.

UCLA Travel Study

UCLA Exchange

Non-UC Programs