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The University of California-Los Angeles is recognized as one of the top schools in the University of California system. UCLA "is the kind of school that pushes you to work hard academically but reminds you that interaction with people outside of the classroom is just as important." One geography and environmental science double major declares, "There's nothing that can't be accomplished at UCLA. The possibilities are endless, and the resources are unparalleled." One of UCLA's biggest draws is its faculty, who are often recognized as prominent "leaders in their field." While most consider it "a privilege to study under them," some undergrads note that at a large research university like UCLA, it's possible to encounter some instructors purely "in it for the research." Nevertheless, other students affirm that "most professors care about their students" and "are willing to work extra hours with students and help us with anything we need." An English major agrees, saying, "I have never had a professor that I did not feel comfortable approaching, which has made my academic experience incredibly more beneficial." In addition to the great faculty, students have many reasons for choosing to become a Bruin. One student enthusiastically explains their reasons: "The people, the weather, the academics, the sports; it has absolutely everything I could ever want."

Undergrads call the Bruin community “vibrant” and claim “there is no ‘typical’ student” here and “the only common denominator is truly an appetite for excellence.” That said, most UCLA students are “very hardworking and ambitious” folks who “strive for success and to do their absolute best.” While they take their academic pursuits seriously, students also describe their peers as “laid-back” and “not outright competitive with other students,” which fosters a more supportive environment. With undergraduates hailing from all over the world, “everyone comes from different backgrounds with varied interests,” which enriches the community. This “unmatched diversity” broadens students’ horizons both culturally and socially. Overall, Bruins are open and inclusive, and most students find that “it is very easy to talk to and meet new people and make new friends.”

Students praise UCLA’s “ideal” location in West Los Angeles, appreciating its close proximity to local attractions. One enthusiastic undergraduate explains, “You can take a fiveminute drive, and you’ll be soaking in the Pacific Ocean, or take an hour drive where you can be hitting the slopes in Big Bear. You can walk down to the theater and run into Jennifer Lopez. The possibilities are endless here.” The campus itself is home to so much “hustle and bustle” that it’s virtually “impossible to [be] bored.” While nearly everyone’s “main focus is on school,” students also find time to embrace the college experience. “Whether it be in Greek life, a club, or [an] organization, everybody has somewhere they can go to relax and have some fun.” Students also like that “the apartments are close to campus, so nearly everybody lives in a small area with close proximity,” which adds to the sense of community. Sports also unify the community and “are extremely popular here, and conversations about the Bruins are common,” The “pride of going to a Division I school with more NCAA championships than (almost) any other college/university” is palpable, adding to the overall spirit of the campus. In addition to sports, students have access to a wide range of recreational options, including “tons of movie showings on campus, recreation centers, pools, activities, [and] events.” There are numerous opportunities for campus involvement; it often “seems like everyone is in at least one club or organization.” The sheer variety of students and the over 1,200 clubs and student organizations on campus make it much easier to find new friends.

“UCLA is about getting a top notch education at a (currently) affordable price that will start your career off on an excellent path,” is a popular sentiment regarding how the school equips students for their future. The Career Center offers standard services like advising and counseling; job fairs; on-campus recruiting; job and internship search tools; resources for those applying to grad school or looking for international opportunities; and “JumpStart” workshops covering professional development topics in a wide variety of fields. Students seem very satisfied with what the school affords them: “Networking and marketing, you’re always told of a ton of activities, internships, resource opportunities—there are constant career fairs and activities. Also, location-wise, L.A. is a huge cosmopolitan city, you’ve got the opportunity to work in anything.” Out of UCLA alumni visiting PayScale.com, 52 percent report that they derive a high level of meaning from their job.