I am from Chicago and am looking at possibly attending UCLA next year. I am wondering if anyone from the midwest can describe any aspects of UCLA other than the weather that are different from midwest schools like Wisconsin or Michigan?
The beach is nearby. UCLA has a large commuter population. UCLA gives no financial aid to out of state students.
@TomSrOfBoston I’d like to differ from the commuter population. 98% of freshman live on campus in dorms and we have a 3 year housing guranteee. Most don’t live in apartments around campus until 3rd year. The actual commuter population is quite small.
Largely due to the beautiful weather students are quite active & attractive at UCLA.
UCLA lacks four seasons, unlike its Midwestern peers. (sunshine is nice, but i would miss the crisp snow of winter, thunder and lightning, fall colors, etc. I like the variety of weather in the Midwest.)
Hollywood! At UCLA there are frequently opportunities to be an extra in a commercial or television show. Or to be a paid seat-filler at the Grammy’s or Oscar’s as a fundraiser for groups/clubs. It’s also pretty common to spot a famous person at a bar/restaurant, walking around town, or at a movie premiere which often happen in Westwood just outside campus.
The other thing to consider is where do you want to live/work after you finish college? If California, then your network will be stronger if you attend UCLA. The opposite is true if you see yourself living in the Midwest after graduation.
Good luck!
Commuter life at UCLA was extremely hectic and busy, IMO. I would remember some quarters they would not even provide me with a parking permit. Thus, I had to wake up at very early, commute to school and buy myself a daily pass, which was 12 dollars a day. Heck, I even remember one quarter where they gave out more parking permits than they had designated spots. So, even after you were granted a parking permit, you did not have a spot to park. It was truly terrible. This was the only real flaw I saw UCLA had, not enough parking spots. As they went to the faculty and graduate students. The rest? Good luck.