Hey New Bruins!  

My name is Kelly, and I am a fourth-year nursing major from the Bay Area. The past four years have been jam-packed with incredible experiences that have taught me so much about myself and the world around me. UCLA is a campus full of endless possibilities, and I can’t wait for you to take advantage of everything that this incredible place has to offer!  

In March of 2020, I was helping my mom paint our downstairs guest bedroom when I opened UCLA’s admission portal and saw “Congratulations…” I immediately turned my phone off and did not say a word because I thought, surely, this was some sort of mistake. I checked the portal every hour for the next two days expecting to see something different. Four years later, here I am, getting ready to graduate from UCLA in ten short weeks.  

My first year was filled with lots of uncertainty because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Were we going to live on campus? How were classes going to be carried out? Will I be able to meet other UCLA students? All of these unknowns made it difficult to get excited about going to college, but once I logged onto my first class (via Zoom), all of my worries were assuaged. Learning from world-renowned faculty among peers who share the same drive as me was an overwhelming feeling, in the best way. I could feel their passion for teaching through the screen. I was infatuated with my professors, as they were all leaders in their respective fields, and clung onto their every word. This adoration for my professors has persisted throughout my time at UCLA. Whether it be a nursing course related to my major, or a random general education course, it has been an incredible privilege to learn from faculty who care so much about their students.  

As I began to get to know my peers through group projects, Zoom office hours, and facetime calls, I became more and more inspired by how well-rounded and unique each individual was. People from all over the world come to UCLA to reap the benefits of being a Bruin, and being immersed in such a diverse, vibrant community has been one of my favorite parts of college. UCLA’s vibrant campus pulsates with diversity, creativity, and a shared commitment to excellence. With students, faculty, and staff from all corners of the globe, the campus thrives as a melting pot of cultures, perspectives, and backgrounds. From spirited discussions in classrooms to cultural celebrations in Royce Hall, there’s a palpable energy that permeates every corner of campus. Whether it’s through academic collaborations, extracurricular activities, or simply sharing stories over a cup of coffee, Bruins embrace the opportunity to learn from one another and forge lifelong connections. This dynamic community fosters an atmosphere of inclusivity and mutual respect, where individuals are encouraged to express themselves authentically and celebrate the richness of human experience. You, as a new Bruin, will have the opportunity to add to this incredible community with your unique interests and life experiences!  

There was one integral part of UCLA that I was not able to experience over Zoom…the food. UCLA’s dining halls are ranked #1 in the nation, and for good reason! All of the dining halls are centralized to “The Hill,” UCLA’s residential community. “The Hill” is home to all of the dorms and on-campus housing, lots of recreational facilities, and most importantly, the dining halls. The food choices range from sushi to pasta to Chipotle-style build your own burrito, and everything in between. Some dining halls are all-you-can-eat, and others are grab-and-go. If you talk to any UCLA student living on campus, they’ll tell you about how awesome the food is. If you talk to any UCLA student living off-campus, they’ll tell you about how much they miss the on-campus food.  

Aside from having coveted access to the mind-blowing food, living on campus at UCLA is the experience of a lifetime. As an incoming freshman, or a first-year transfer student, you’ll likely be placed in a dorm-style living arrangement with one or two roommates. You’ll also have the option of choosing your roommates beforehand or opting for random placement. From the moment you step into your new room, you’re immersed in an exciting community of fellow students, all navigating the exhilarating journey of higher education together. Dorm life fosters deep friendships and lifelong bonds as you share laughter, late-night study sessions, and memorable experiences with roommates and neighbors. The convenience of living on campus provides easy access to classes, campus events, and extracurricular activities, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the college experience. Whether it’s spontaneous hallway conversations, themed floor events, or weekend adventures exploring Westwood, life on-campus offers endless opportunities for socializing and connection. The sense of belonging and community fostered in college dorms creates memories that last a lifetime and lays the foundation for personal and academic success.  

I could write about how amazing UCLA is forever, but I hope that what I have shared thus far gives you a little glimpse into what your future life as a Bruin is going to look like. From now until September, when your UCLA journey begins, please soak in all of your incredible achievements and enjoy this special transitional period of your life. I am SO excited for what’s in store for you. We’re all rooting for you!!  

All the love and Bruin pride in the world,  

Kelly