Admissions Blog :: UCLA Undergraduate Admissions

Welcome New Students! Welcome Back Returning Students!

It's the first week of school and the UCLA campus is a completely different place than it was even a week ago! Summertime on a college campus is an interesting thing. On one hand it's nice because I  almost never have to wait in line for anything (a slice of pizza from Ackerman, a cardio machine at the Wooden Center to work off that pizza from Ackerman...), but it's impossible to shake the feeling that something's missing.

That something is you, of course! The students: new and returning, first-years and transfers, it's great to have you here on campus again (or for the first time). Yesterday I went to the UCLA Store and saw so many excited students purchasing academic planners (an excellent tool for succeeding in the fast-paced quarter system!) and UCLA sweatshirts, catching up with old friends and meeting new ones, I got a little teary, I'm not going to lie. I'm so envious of all of you who are just beginning your college experience this week; this is such an exciting time in your lives. Study hard and enjoy every minute of it!

                                                

UARS student workers Deborah Wong, Edward Truong, and Sarah Keo compare course schedules.

Check out the Daily Bruin!

Hi there, my name is Edward Truong and I'm a student worker in Public Response. I work in the front desk, where I interact with prospective students, as well as current students, faculty and anyone else who drops by.

When I'm not handing out maps, I have a second life as a reporter. I'm a bit like Clark Kent, but people don't mistake me for a bird or plane. I write for the Daily Bruin, UCLA's student newspaper. Also known as “The Bruin”, we publish Monday through Friday during the school year and this year, we were named "Best All-Around Daily Student Newspaper" by the Society of Professional Journalists.

Aside from being an award-winning publication, The Bruin serves an important role on campus. The journalism department at UCLA was closed in the 1970s and Student Media (which also includes seven newsmagazines, UCLA Radio and Bruinlife, the yearbook) is unrelated to the Communications department. Thus, we are the only avenue for students to pursue their interest for journalism. Participating in the Daily Bruin prepares students for careers and we've had many alumni go on to work for professional publications including The New York Times, Entertainment Weekly and The Los Angeles Times

Even though I'm just starting my second year this fall, I'm on the Bruin senior staff as an Assistant News Editor. My position on staff allows me to really have a deep understanding of the complex issues that face the university and the surrounding community.

I was able to get involved right away, and you can too. We offer internships every quarter, including Fall and applications are available now on the Student Media web site. We have internships in various departments, including writing, design and photography. Interns complete four weeks of training on Saturdays during the quarter. Don't worry if you don't have experience, we're looking for enthusiastic and dedicated writers, even if you haven't ever written for a publication. During first week, we will have an Open House in Kerckhoff Grand Salon. Keep a look out for the day and time, and see you there!

Hannah Carter Japanese Garden

Life without Justine is pretty rough so far. In addition to being a great writer and amazing resource in the office, she also became a good friend, and, more importantly, my lunch buddy. Justine and I would spend our lunch walking around campus, taking Pilates at Wooden, or checking out new exhibits at the Fowler Musuem. With her gone, my lunch hours have been very lonely and I have been seeking out various activities to make the time more bearable.

Next on my list? The Hannah Carter Japanese Garden. Located about a mile north of campus in Bel Air, this garden was inspired by the gardens of Kyoto, Japan. In addition to a beautiful trees and flowers, the garden boasts pagodas, a sunken bath, a moon-viewing deck, and a koi pond. The garden is not only peaceful and lovely, but also steeped in symbolism.The key elements of the garden are: water, stones, and plants. Water symbolizes the ocean, groups of stones can represent the shore or islands, and plants are supposed to embody a more human spirit. It's a great place to relax and unwind, either with a friend or (sob) by yourself.

The Hannah Carter Japanese Garden is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10:00am-3:00pm. Reservations are required, and guided tours are available for groups of 10 or more. To schedule a tour or learn more about the garden, please visit: http://www.japanesegarden.ucla.edu/.

Welcome Chancellor Gene Block!

UCLA is excited to welcome our new Chancellor, Dr. Gene Block, to the Bruin family!

Before I share more about our new Chancellor, I'd like to thank Former Chancellor Norman Abrams for being such an outstanding leader this past year. Chancellor Abrams, our heartfelt thanks for a job very well done.

Back to Chancellor Block: Dr. Block comes to UCLA with extensive experience at another large, public university, the University of Virginia. While at UVA, Dr. Block served as vice president and provost, and was recognized for his dedication to staff diversity, interdisciplinary education, and establishing UVA as a leader in public service.

In addition to being a highly dedicated administrator, Dr. Block is also an accomplished scientist. Dr. Block directed the National Science Foundation’s Science and Technology Center for Biological Timing from 1991 to 2002 and held the Alumni Council Thomas Jefferson Professorship in Biology at UVA. UCLA is fortunate that Dr. Block will also be sharing his academic gifts with us as a faculty member.

Things are never dull here at UCLA. Keep checking back to stay updated!

PS: Despite what you might read below, this is Stacy posting. We're still in the process of transitioning this blog over to my name, but feel free to comment and I'll get back to you.