Day in the Life at UCLA

Personal Academic Introduction

Hey there, I'm Nick! In high school, I earned a 4.8049 weighted academic GPA, a 4.7174 total GPA, and a 4.0 unweighted GPA. My SAT score was 1560 with a perfect score on the math section, and I received a 33 on the ACT. I also received an 800 on the SAT Mathematics Subject Test and a 780 on the SAT Biology E Subject Test. I completed 13 AP classes and took 12 AP tests. My AP scores included five 5s, six 4s and one 3. These scores earned me the AP Scholar With Distinction Award in 2019 and 2020, as well as the National AP Scholar Award in 2020. Other than classes, in high school, I was Co-Captain of the Debate Team, Vice President of the National Honor Society (NHS), President of Global Aid, and Treasurer for the Thirst Project. I was also a 4-year Varsity Athlete for the Men's Volleyball Team and earned All-League honors as well as Offensive MVP my junior season (unfortunately, my senior season was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic). Furthermore, I was an Eagle Scout and completed over 200 hours of community service through Boy Scouts and other school organizations. 

University Introduction

UCLA was founded on May 23, 1919, signed into Bill by Governor George C. Perkins. With the motto “Let there be light”, UCLA has emphasized their pursuit of knowledge since its origin. It has amazing opportunities for people in STEM and humanities majors alike. UCLA is a public research university that prioritizes undergraduate research. With enough initiative and discipline, conducting research as an undergraduate is quite likely. Furthermore, UCLA is right next door to the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center and the David Geffen School of Medicine, providing students with many opportunities to get directly involved in the medical field and build relationships with people in our potential field of work. The humanities at UCLA offers a diverse array of classes that allow students to explore unique perspectives and culture from renowned professors and faculty. Apart from the professional opportunities UCLA offers, the campus is beautiful and robust. The UCLA community is welcoming to people of all backgrounds and organizations are constantly engaging the student body by handing out flyers, visiting classrooms, and hosting events in the central Bruin Plaza. With Westwood within walking distance, students do not feel confined to the campus and are able to explore as much as they are willing to walk. To top it all off, UCLA has the number 1 best dining halls in the country, with 3 main dining halls and 4-5 take out places (depending on availability of staff). 

The Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology major, my current major, is a specialized field of biology that focuses on life processes through a molecular lens. The major encourages students to get involved with research to fully delve into the complexities of molecular biology and learn in a hands-on environment. The requirements for this major are flexible and allow students to focus on specific topics of molecular biology that they find more interesting and are even welcome to take elective upper division classes in other majors. 

The most popular majors at UCLA include Biology, Business Economics, Film and Television, Political Science, and Psychology. I think this list of majors perfectly encapsulates how diverse the student body at UCLA is and how many opportunities there are for people of varying interests and passions.

Typical Morning Routine

My morning typically consists of me waking up around 8:00 am - 9:00 am, depending on when my first class is. If I am up early enough, I will head to a dining hall for a quick breakfast; if not, I will grab a granola bar, fill up my water bottle, and head to class. Walking to class takes around 15-20 minutes and is a great time to catch up with a friend or listen to music. Class is normally 50 or 75 minutes. Lectures do not often require active participation whereas discussions and labs often do. If I do not have a class scheduled, I may grab coffee with a friend from Kerckhoff or Pete’s Coffee from the Bomb Shelter if I’m feeling adventurous. 

Typical Afternoon Routine

My typical afternoon normally starts off with lunch. If I am near the dorms, I will go to a dining hall or a take-out place if I am busy or studying for a test. If I am on campus, which I frequently am, I will make sure to grab a meal voucher in the morning, which is redeemable for $9 at any on-campus restaurant, and wait in the long-line to get food from a variety of fast food establishments that includes Panda Express, Subway, Yoshinoya, or Blaze. If I am not in class, I will be studying in Pritzker Hall, Powell Library, or somewhere outside if I can (like the Tongva Steps). I often study with my friends who keep me accountable and help me stay awake on long days. It is a common occurrence to spontaneously have a chat with a friend I see as I’m walking through campus, particularly on BruinWalk. As a study break, I’ll often just put in my headphones, play my favorite songs, and take a walk. 

On days when I have research, I am in the laboratory for 4-5 hours conducting wet-lab procedures and learning the ins and outs of HIV mechanisms. 

Typical Evening Routine

In the evening, I usually have dinner at a dining hall. I like to schedule dinners with friends as a way to unwind after a long day studying or being in class. On IM sports game days, I will either head to the Sunset Beach Volleyball Courts or the Wooden Center for basketball games. On other days, I have club meetings in the apartments or in the Center for Health Sciences building near the Botanical Gardens. On the days when my evenings are free, I will go to Wooden or Bruin Fit to workout. Every so often, my RA will plan floor events that help build a community on the floor, which is much appreciated. Oftentimes, on weekends, I will be at a Health Fair with APA Health C.A.R.E., at a Grace on Campus event, or catching up on my studies. 

Weekend Fun

Life at UCLA, in the heart of Westwood, is very exciting and offers a ton of opportunities. There is a historic movie theater, boba shops, all different cuisines, and shops within walking distance. If you have a car or access to transportation, the beach is a 15-20 minute drive, making spontaneous beach adventures a highly plausible idea. Furthermore, there are places to rock climb and hike within Los Angeles. If you do not have a car but want to escape the UCLA bubble, there is a bus system that can take you and all your friends to Sawtelle, which has amazing food in case you get tired of the dining halls. There are always new ways to create unique memories with your new university friends. 

Conclusion

Life at UCLA will not be boring if you have the will to explore. There are a ton of opportunities outside of academics to follow your passions and have adventures with your new-found friends. It is hard to not be intimidated by the sheer size of the university, but trust me, you will learn to love it!

Written by Nicholas Tien, PathIvy UCLA Ambassador