Knowing all there is to know about UCLA life is like knowing all the names of streets and alleys in the world ““ a seemingly impossible act.
Much of the growth that occurs in college stems from experiencing things on your own.
But, in an attempt to ease the tension that some newcomers may feel, the following list of dos and don’ts is a basic guide to avoid trouble and potentially awkward situations at UCLA, all while having plenty of fun.
Do:
“¢bull; Go to fraternity parties. Many stories and rumors make the infamous parties more glamorous in a mischievous sort of way, but in reality, most of them are just a good house party. When you get tired of them, you’ll know you’re no longer the newcomer.
“¢bull; Visit cool places on campus like the botanical gardens and the sculpture garden. When you’re stressed, these places might offer more serenity than the library or your dorm.
“¢bull; Wear comfortable clothing. A good pair of flip flops in sunny Los Angeles is a necessity, but don’t make the mistake of wearing your pajamas on campus ““ this is still your career, not the backyard to your dorm room.
“¢bull; Meet and date as many people as possible. College, in addition to being an academic haven, is the time to educate yourself outside the sphere of the classroom. The more people you meet, the more you can strengthen and develop your communication skills and ability to understand others ““ even if their viewpoint differs from yours.
“¢bull; Visit interesting sites nearby UCLA like the Getty Center, Santa Monica, Venice, Melrose, Hollywood and Beverly Hills.
“¢bull; Take a lot of pictures during your orientation. Those who take pictures at all the major UCLA landmarks during orientation actually end up with photos. Those who say they will take them later never end up doing so until graduation. (Not to mention posing in front of the Bruin Bear on your way to class looks silly.)
“¢bull; Participate in UCLA traditions like the Undie Run and Blue and Gold Week activities. Moments like running head long into a naked person wearing full body paint are when you will bond with other members of the Bruin family ““ even with those whom you don’t know and never will.
Don’t:
“¢bull; Eat too much. The freshman 15 is a reality for most people when they first move into the residence halls. The food in the dining halls will always be there, so don’t feel pressured to finish all five of your plates; give your word to stop at the third.
“¢bull; Bring your car. Parking at UCLA and in Westwood is a very hard task. Take advantage of public transportation as much as you can because a car will complicate things more than make your travels more convenient.
“¢bull; Wear shirts with a red and gold color combination. You don’t want to be walking through Westwood one night only to be mistaken as one of our crosstown rivals.
“¢bull; Complain about your crazy roommate. A lot of other people have crazy roommates to live with, so you are not the only one . Inversely, if you are lucky and have an ideal roommate, don’t rub it in the face if others because you will most likely get slapped or snubbed.
“¢bull; Go through your UCLA career with your head in the sand. Try to be as active and involved as you have time for. Some groups and clubs will define your college career.
“¢bull; Hook up with anyone on your floor. Ever. Trust us, the risks outweigh the benefits, and far too many ex-couples have run into each other in the elevator, hallway or lounge.
“¢bull; Rely on online lecture slides. Though technology has made following lectures much easier, slides or online notes can never offer the same value that a real, live professor can.