Being a UCLA student has its many perks. Try to enjoy it while you can. Here are a few of the best things to do to romanticize your time at UCLA.
- Golden Hour Walks: Stroll through campus during golden hour when the sunlight makes Powell Library and Royce Hall glow; don’t forget to take a picture!
- Unique Views: Head to Janss Steps for breathtaking views of Los Angeles or take in the serene beauty of some of UCLA’s gardens. Bring a journal and memorize these moments.
- Places to Reflect: Relax on the grass or find a quiet corner in one of the gardens for moments of peace and reflection amidst lush greenery; you might be able to get some work done as well.
- Active Wellness: Take advantage of the John Wooden Center for yoga, weightlifting and fitness classes, or go for a jog around Drake Stadium to clear your mind and stay physically active. These facilities are world-renowned, so take advantage of them.
- Community Energy: Absorb the dynamic energy on Bruin Walk, where student groups, performances and laughter create a vibrant atmosphere that creates entertainment and connection.
- Dining and Tanning: Grab lunch from a campus café and eat on Kerckhoff Patio or under the shade of Royce Quad while soaking in the warm California sunshine. You may even be able to enjoy your lunch outside on Janss or at Sunset Recreation Center.
- Sunset: Watch the sunset over Westwood from a campus rooftop or the top of Janss. The orange and pink hues remind you to pause and appreciate the beauty of the moment.
- Inspirational Study Spots: Study in Powell Library’s reading room or in Ackerman Union’s modern spaces, where historic charm meets contemporary convenience, perfect for productivity.

Light illuminates Wilson Plaza on a slow Sunday evening. The top of Tongva Steps is a place to pause and soak in the last rays of sun after a long day of class. Photographed by Julia Gu/BruinLife.
UCLA offers endless opportunities to create a balanced, fulfilling daily routine filled with natural beauty, vibrant energy and moments of mindfulness.
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Featured Image: Two individuals sit overlooking Wilson Plaza at golden hour. The slopes by Tongva Steps are a prime location to enjoy a peaceful sunset over UCLA. Photographed by Julia Gu/BruinLife.