There is plenty of college advice out there; you don’t have to pick up the Daily Bruin to find it. Nonetheless, as this year ““ my senior year ““ commences, I would like to impart some knowledge of things I think are crucial to the UCLA experience. Here is my expert knowledge of the top 10 things to do before you graduate:
1. Sit in the Den at a basketball game ““ even the least-spirited, highly academic Bruin will get chills reflecting on the long tradition of UCLA basketball. There is nothing like the rush of sitting courtside as the fight song sounds and players rush the court. I love shouting, “Who cares?” at the opposing team’s player introductions, and seeing which of our own players wait the longest to acknowledge chants from the crowd. Camping out for courtside tickets shouldn’t be seen as a drawback, but as half the fun. Roll call ““ totally worth it.
2. Attend office hours ““ no students like to hear that they are going to have to exert extra effort to meet professors, but let’s face reality ““ we go to a large university. Office hours can be intimidating and sometimes a complete disaster (a friend spilled Pepsi all over Michael Dukakis’ desk), but there is a chance you’ll bond over matrilineal culture in Oaxaca, Mexico or the latest in stem cell research. If not for kicks, think of your graduate school application.
3. Solicit free dining hall swipes ““ yes, it is easy to get sick of mystery meat over rice and some plain variation of pasta, but once it is taken away you immediately miss dorm food. Take advantage of those personalized omelets, Rendezvous nachos and Bruin Café mocha muffins, because as soon as you move off campus you will have to harass your on-campus friends for swipes. Seems like a hassle, but believe me, it’s well worth it.
4. Thursday-night quarterly frat party ““ attending one is cringe-worthy in retrospect, but in some ways going to a huge frat party is a basic college right of passage. You’ll end up regretting the strange substance that stained your shoe, but then again, who doesn’t like hanging out with a bunch of toasted, scantily clad college girls and guys who take themselves super seriously? Probably no one. Even if you think you aren’t ever going to go, chances are you will.
5. Dance Marathon ““ ironically I’ve never participated, but it looks fun, is for a great cause and gives you a chance to wear a highlighter-colored shirt. If you’re going to stay up 26 hours for anything, this should be it.
6. Fair Trade on-campus coffee ““ intellectuals just aren’t the same without their morning cups of joe. Buying Fair Trade coffee from Kerckhoff, Northern Lights or Jimmy’s is a good way to stay alert after an academic or non-academic all-nighter, and they are an ideal way to show that you are socially conscious. Double win.
7. Witness a protest ““ some of my favorite memories from UCLA include the taser-protest rally of ’07 and the regular Bruins for Animals demonstrations. Westwood is such a small place yet has so many passionate opinions. Take part in free speech, or at least witness the drama unfold.
8. Westwood eats ““ anyone can find something good to eat in Westwood, with the choices ranging from Enzo’s to Gushi to Chipotle and Novel Cafe. The Village is a good break from dorm food or attempting to cook in your apartment.
9. Go to a culture show ““ preferably go to one that represents a culture you’ve never experienced. If Bruins are going to brag about the diversity at UCLA, we might as well take advantage of it. The shows come from all cultures and in all varieties. They are usually free, really entertaining, and UCLA has some of the best.
10. Attend campus events ““ it’s not at every university campus you can shake hands with Bill Clinton, attend a Q&A with Ron Howard and see your favorite band for free. They may take a little effort to find, but these events are an amazing perk of attending UCLA. Don’t miss out.
E-mail Mier at smier@media.ucla.edu. Send general comments to viewpoint@media.ucla.edu.