Everyone always says that your college years are the best years of your life. I fully believe that! I mean, when you go to an amazing school like UCLA, how could that be wrong? There are so many amazing things this school has to offer, you’ll quite literally never get bored. With in person school on the horizon, I can’t stop thinking about all the things I want to do when I get back to campus to make up for lost time. If you’re feeling the same way, check out this ultimate bruin bucket list of things to do as a UCLA student before you graduate!
- Attend Bruin Bash
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Every fall, UCLA invites an artist to come perform for the student body at Pauley Pavilion! DaBaby was the performer my freshman year, and he definitely set the tone for an exciting first year. Definitely make sure to hit up Bruin Bash at least during your UCLA career. Who knows? Maybe you’ll get lucky and get to see of your favorite artists!
- Ice blocking on Janss Steps
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Honestly, doing anything on Janss Steps is necessary for the full UCLA experience. Ice blocking is when you sit a block of ice and slide down Janss’ grassy slopes. Many clubs and other UCLA organizations do this in groups, and it’s such a fun time! I’ve also seen people create massive slip ‘n slides on the grass during Spring Quarter, which is most definitely bucketlist worthy!
- Go to a USC vs. UCLA football game
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Even if we end up getting totally sweeped (like we did the year I went) it’s still a really fun experience. There’s plenty of tailgates and parties if that’s your thing, but it’s also a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the game and the rivalry too! I feel like football games are a great way to get some of that “college experience” you see in the movies.
- Photoshoot at Royce Hall
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Whether it’s for headshots for your LinkedIn account or for good memories with your friend group, Royce is the perfect place to have a photoshoot! The way the sunlight hits the arches is just *chef’s kiss*. It’s a perfect opportunity to add cute pictures to your Insta feed too!
- Go Roofing at night
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UCLA students have a burning passion for trespassing. You didn’t hear it from me, but there are some pretty nice views at the top of some of UCLA’s buildings. Be safe if you choose to check them out!
- Get Late Night Chicken Tenders at De Neve
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This is an integral part of the UCLA experience, in my opinion. There’s quite literally nothing better than stuffing your face with the most delicious chicken tenders and curly fries after a rough midterm with your friends. For all the vegan/vegetarian bruins out there, they have vegan tenders that you can enjoy too!
- Attend Spring Sing
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This is definitely high up on my bucket list. With alumni like Sara Bareilles having performed in this show, it’s definitely a highlight you don’t want to miss. I was lucky enough be involved in Spring Sing with my a capella group in this year’s online show, but I’m sure it doesn’t beat performing in a packed Pauley Pavilion.
- Explore UCLA’s Hidden Gems
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Did you know that we have botanical gardens? How about a planetarium? The insta-worthy spots on campus like Royce and Janss are always fun to visit, but there are so many cool places on campus that people don’t know about! Change up your usual routine and chill at the Sculpture Garden for a day instead of Janss maybe!
- Knock out all of the fun, quirky UCLA traditions
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Even if you think it’s cheesy, you’ll remember just how amazing it felt to feel so connected to this amazing school. Whether it’s screaming out of your apartment/dorm window during finals week or doing the 8-clap an ungodly amount of times, they’ll make the best do it all with your friends! These will make the best memories to look back on long after you leave UCLA.
- Last but not least, take a dip in the inverted fountain at the end of your time as a Bruin!
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We spend most of our UCLA career cautiously avoiding the infamous inverted fountain, but once you finish your last final, grab your swimsuit and jump in!! This is one of those traditions that’s very unique to UCLA, and though it seems simple, I’m sure finally getting to feel the cool water on your skin will feel like a huge accomplishment.
This is not an exhaustive list; there are an infinite number of bucket-list worthy things to complete throughout your time at UCLA! Especially with this past year of online school, we all have to make the most of our time as Bruins! Happy bucket-listing!