Your Comprehensive Guide to Moving into UCLA

Moving to college is a significant milestone, filled with excitement and perhaps a touch of apprehension. For students heading to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), a large and vibrant urban campus, the experience can be particularly overwhelming. This comprehensive guide aims to alleviate that stress, providing a structured approach to ensure a smooth transition into Bruin life.

Key Dates and Deadlines

Staying organized is crucial. Here are some important dates and deadlines for incoming first-year students:

UCLA Move-In Day for Fall 2025: Scheduled from Wednesday, September 17, to Saturday, September 20, 2025. Contact UCLA Housing as early as possible if you need to change your move-in time, as popular slots fill quickly.
Entry Level Writing Requirement (ELWR): All incoming first-year students must demonstrate proficiency in critical reading and analytical writing in English.
Math Placement Test (MPT): Determine if you need to take the online MPT if you plan to enroll in Math 1, Math 3A, Math 31A, or Math 31AL. The MDT should be completed by July 1 if any of the specified conditions apply.
Chemistry Diagnostic Exam: Required if you plan to enroll in Chemistry 14A, Chemistry 14AE, Chemistry 17, Chemistry 20A, or Chemistry 20AH. The exam must be completed before July 1.
New Student Orientation: Mandatory for all new undergraduate students.

Pre-Arrival Preparations

Housing: On-Campus vs. Off-Campus

One of the first decisions you'll make is where to live. UCLA uniquely doesn't require freshmen to live in dorms, offering both on-campus and off-campus options.

On-Campus Living: UCLA's residence halls have specific move-in dates and times to avoid congestion. Check your assigned schedule in the UCLA Housing portal.
Off-Campus Living: Consider parking, building access, and movers if you're moving into an apartment. Options range from Westwood apartments to Sawtelle townhouses, each with varying costs.

Packing Essentials

Create a well-organized checklist. Consider both academic and personal needs, such as bedding (UCLA dorm beds require Twin XL sheets - 36″ x 80″), toiletries, and school supplies. Remember that dorm rooms have limited space, so pack strategically. UCLA-specific needs include a bike, skateboard, or good walking shoes due to the large campus.

Transportation and Logistics

Driving to UCLA: Plan extra time for Westwood traffic during move-in week. Use UCLA campus maps to locate your residence hall and unloading zone. Arrive within your assigned time window. Free unloading parking typically lasts 3 hours.
Transit Pass: If you don't have a vehicle, consider a university-subsidized transit pass for access to LA's bus and rail lines. If you have a car, sign up for the Bruin Commuter Transit Benefit program for a free quarterly transit pass.

Move-In Day Strategies

Move-in days are busy. Here's how to navigate them:

Arrival: Arrive within your assigned time window as specified in the UCLA Housing portal. Spaces are limited, so arrive early and follow the designated parking instructions.
Traffic: Be prepared for campus traffic, as move-in day draws a large crowd.
Building Access: Know which entrance you’ll be using and whether you’ll need a cart or dolly to move heavy items.
Unloading Zones: Popular unloading zones include areas near major residence halls, such as De Neve, Rieber, and Hedrick.

Budgeting for UCLA Student Housing

Moving into off-campus housing near UCLA offers freedom but also financial responsibility. A strong UCLA student housing budgeting plan is crucial for balancing comfort and affordability.

Rent and Living Costs: Compare alternatives like Palms or Brentwood, where rent is lower than in Westwood apartments.
Transportation Expenses: Include $50-$100 in your budget for Metro passes or bikes, as parking near UCLA is limited.
Food and Groceries: Budget $250-$350 monthly for groceries, while still enjoying occasional meals at Sawtelle Japantown.
Books and Supplies: Allocate money for rentals or used books, as Bruins spend an average of $800-$1,200 yearly on academic materials.
Social Life and Fun: Budget $100-$200 monthly for activities like UCLA games, outings in Santa Monica, or concerts.
Safety Net: Set aside an emergency fund for unexpected costs.

Campus Familiarization and Resources

Campus Layout

Familiarizing yourself with UCLA’s campus layout is crucial for a smooth transition. Bikes and skateboards are must-haves for quickly getting around.

Dining Options

UCLA offers a variety of dining halls and on-campus restaurants:

The Hill: Epicuria, Bruin Café, the Spice Kitchen at Feast, and more.
De Neve Plaza: Dining options inspired by North, Central, and South America.
LuValle Commons: Burger’s Assembly.
Court of Sciences: Blaze Pizza.
Across from Ronald Reagan Hospital: Cafe Synapse.

Campus Resources

Degree Progress/Audit Report: A critical tool for selecting classes and plotting your academic course.
College Scholars Program (College Honors): Offered through the UCLA College.
UC Immunization Policy: Requires all incoming students to provide proof of vaccination.

Getting Involved and Making Connections

"True Bruin Welcome"

Take part in the numerous events taking place after move-in day, especially "True Bruin Welcome," which hosts dozens of events specifically geared toward helping new Bruins get familiar with UCLA and make friends.

Residential Life Events

Residential Life (ResLife) hosts thousands of programs and events a year, including TEDx and Geek Week. Student-run committees and organizations lead health and wellness workshops, hackathons, and open mic nights.

Read also: Moving to College: Packing Tips

Bruin Athletics

Purchase a "Den Pass" for access to all football and basketball games, in addition to priority playoff tickets.

Exploring Los Angeles

Cultural Attractions

The Fowler Museum: Explores global arts and cultures.
Mildred E Mathias Botanical Garden: Features a beautiful assortment of tropical and subtropical plants.
The Hammer: A gallery with a permanent collection of historical works and special exhibits that feature contemporary art.
Geffen Playhouse: A historical 1920s theater that showcases plays.
Koreatown: A vibrant 24/7 cultural marker of Los Angeles with Korean BBQs, speakeasies, clubs, and more.
The Getty: Features art from the Middle Ages to today.
Santa Monica Pier: One of the most photographed locations in the world.

Recreation

Sunset Canyon Recreation Center: Features a park-like facility with an outdoor lounge space and community gardens.

Housing Options: Residence Halls and Coliving

UCLA offers 17 residence halls with various living arrangements, including double or triple occupancy rooms, Plazas, or Suites. The school guarantees that all undergraduates will have access to a dorm for the duration of their studies. Coliving companies offer alternatives with more space and amenities.

Residence Hall Considerations

Triple Rooms: Typically consist of a bunk bed and one lofted bed with a desk and closet underneath.
Double Rooms: Have two beds on the floor that can be moved, and each bed has a desk.
Storage: Can be tight, as dorm-style rooms are small and will typically only have a single dresser or cabinet for each student.

Coliving Benefits

More Space: Allows for storage and hosting study groups.
Fully Furnished: Just bring yourself and your books.
Private Room Options: Available for those who desire more privacy.
Amenities: Some coliving spaces offer weekly maid service and handle utility bills.

Entry Level Writing Requirement (ELWR)

All incoming first-year students must demonstrate their proficiency with critical reading and analytical writing in English by fulfilling the Entry Level Writing Requirement (ELWR).

Satisfying ELWR

The following scores on standardized tests satisfy ELWR:

30 or better on ACT English Language Arts
63 or better on ACT English + Reading
680 or higher on the College Board SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section
3 or higher on the College Board Advanced Placement Examination in English Language or English Literature or Advance Placement Seminar examination
5 or higher on the International Baccalaureate Higher Level Examination in English (Language A or A1 only)
6 or higher on the International Standard Level Examination in English (Language A or A1 only)
Complete a UC transferable college course in English composition with a grade of C or better before enrolling at UCLA.

Informed Placement Process (IPP)

Admitted students who have not satisfied ELWR by June 1 are required to complete the Informed Placement Process (IPP) at UCLA.

During Summer 2025, the IPP test dates are: June 20, June 27, July 18, August 8 and August 22.
About 2-3 weeks after you complete the IPP, you can log in to MyUCLA to see if you satisfied the ELWR using your UCLA Logon ID.

Math and Chemistry Placement

Math Placement Test (MPT)

You should determine if you need to take the online Math Placement Test (MPT) if you plan to enroll in one of the following classes:

Math 1 Pre-Calculus
Math 3A Calculus (for Life Science Students)
Math 31A Differential and Integral Calculus (for Physical Sciences Students)
Math 31AL Differential and Integral Calculus Laboratory (for Physical Sciences Students)

Chemistry Diagnostic Exam

If you plan to enroll in Chemistry 14A, Chemistry 14AE, Chemistry 17, Chemistry 20A or Chemistry 20AH, you are required to take the Chemistry Diagnostic Exam prior to enrolling in the course itself.

Additional Tips for International Students

International students typically live in university-sponsored off-campus living options, which include privately-owned residence halls, homestays, and furnished apartments. If your international student housing application does not pan out, consider working with a coliving company like Tripalink.

tags: #moving #into #ucla #guide