<p>Hello, I am looking at applying to UCLA.. but.. I live in New Jersey.. lol.. I am trying to arrange a campus visit right now and I've seen pictures of the campus on the website, but I would like the honest opinion of someone who has been there or goes there. I would like to know something about the area outside of campus, as well as the campus itself (security.. etc) I think you folks could imagine what I am looking for. Thanks! You may post this on the Campus visits or respond it on here.. Thanks again.</p>
<p>My opinion of the UCLA campus is high. I think that it's one of the best looking UCs (or the best) and one of the best looking schools in the state of California. And it's very safe. Trust me, I worked in security.</p>
<p>The area outside of UCLA goes a little something like this:
North: Bel-Air
West: Brentwood (another expensive neighborhood)
South: Westwood (fairly nice college town with a lot of amenities
East: Beverly Hills</p>
<p>If you go a bit southwest, you end up in Santa Monica, a great beach town. Opportunities for entertainment around the campus are virtually endless...but it's much easier if you have a car. If not, find friends with cars!</p>
<p>Overall, I'd rate the aesthetics of the campus an 8.
The immediately surrounding areas get a 7, only because of the hills and lack of clubs/bars in Westwood itself
LA gets an 8 because of the car situation.</p>
<p>Overall, however, I'd rate the experience and opportunities a 9. You have TONS right at your fingertips, and the only limiting factor will be yourself and your own ambition (or lack thereof.)</p>
<p>Thank you so much! I'm trying to convince my parents that I'll be fine there,(of course if I get accepted ) i think they are most worried about earthquakes though .. now I'm really excited about seeing it for myself.</p>
<p>Lololol about earthquakes. Seriously not a very big deal. Rare and even when they happen you should be fine. I'd be much more concerned about living somewhere with hurricanes or tornadoes or something. </p>
<p>Westwood is safe if you use common sense. Campus is very safe and gorgeous. I'd second everything Ari said.</p>
<p>mallchick,</p>
<p>I know that common sense rarely wins the day in these sorts of discussions, but have your parents look at how many people have actually died in quakes in Southern California. VERY few. </p>
<p>UCLA was recently retrofitted, as well. Trust us, you'd be very safe.</p>
<p>the campus is nice and huge and safe. two days in a row I was up there as late as 1AM. As for the surrounding area, i.e. Westwood, that is also safe...you can see students walking as late as 2-3AM</p>
<p>UCLA is positioned among the safest and most affluent districts of Los Angeles (Bel-Air, Brentwood, Beverly Hills) and is a short drive from Santa Monica and Koreatown. You have nothing to fear here, except non-authentic Asian "fusion cuisine" and never-ending construction on campus. :rolleyes:</p>
<p>yeah, i love the campus and surroundings. hands down the best UC campus/location. i definitely suggest a campus visit, and drag your parents along, so you all can see how wonderful/safe UCLA and vicinity is. :D</p>
<p>There are rarely earthquakes here.</p>
<p>Wow, way to pour fuel in the fire.</p>
<p>but the big one is due in the next few years... :)</p>
<p>isn't there always...? lol</p>
<p>Its safer down in LA for earthquakes than up in Cal. We'll be having on the Hawyard fault right under the middle of Memorial Stadium during a football game. Great stuff.</p>
<p>I can't wait until the Big One hits, and the moderates are destroyed.
Then the final righteous battle for the destiny of California shall commence. :rolleyes:</p>