Finding things to do or places to go when you don’t have much time in between classes can feel frustrating, especially when you feel like your options are limited by the awkward amount of time available to you. Some campus destinations feel too busy and loud. Ackerman can be overwhelming with the constant hustle and bustle of students coming in and out and its mile-long lines for lunch. Others feel too open and uncomfortable. Laying out to bask in the warmth of a sunny day on the hills bordering Janss Steps is certainly pleasant, but it’s not everybody’s cup of tea. So where are the good campus pit stops to rest at during the in-between? Hopefully, my experience navigating this plight will prove helpful.
Students study and grab a bite to eat in UCLA's renowned Kerckhoff Coffeehouse. Kerckhoff has been a student favorite, serving up a delicious grilled cheese and tomato soup, which pairs perfectly with its cozy vibe and warm ambiance. Photographed by Regan Rhodes/BruinLife.
Romanticizing your life can be fun—productive, even—but finding the right setting to do that in is a need. The perfect place for glamorizing your school day so your wait between classes isn’t so boring is Kerckhoff Coffee House. The interior of the cafe is made up of dark wooden furniture and warm lighting, while the hall itself is built in a gothic architectural style. It reminded me a lot of Harry Potter with its dark academia aesthetic. People inside are always studying or having something to eat or drink, but I find that it’s not distracting. The humdrum of students typing or chatting amongst themselves fades into the background like white noise, and being surrounded by others who are productive invigorates one to match the pace and study too, if that’s your goal. If not, sitting down and having something from the menu is just as nice to pass the time. My favorite is their grilled cheese and tomato soup. Overall, pretending you’re in Hogwarts and studying for potions by doing your assigned readings at one of the cafe’s tables might be pretty beneficial in the long run.
A UCLA student works on homework in Bunche Hall's Palm Court. A secluded garden, Palm Court is located on the A Level of Bunche Hall, and has been many students' go-to study spot. Photographed by Regan Rhodes/BruinLife.
The late-afternoon sun shines through the leaves of the Palm trees, casting shadows over Bunche Hall's Palm Court. This spot is the perfect hidden study spot, offering a quiet, distraction-free space to "lock in" on assignments. Photographed by Regan Rhodes/BruinLife.
If you’re more interested in something quiet and secluded, Palm Court in Bunche Hall is just the place to go. One of my first classes at UCLA was in Bunche Hall, and I was surprised to see that the middle of the building was open air and that palm trees grew from the ground floor all the way up and through the grid ceiling. Other various plants grow alongside the palm trees, and the hollow middle of the hall allows air to circulate in a nice breeze, which makes hot days in the spring and summer bearable. Taking a seat on one of the benches in this courtyard to just relax and take in the atmosphere allows you to recharge after a lecture and get ready for what comes next in your schedule. The natural aspect of the courtyard and the fresh air are suitable for taking a moment to breathe and lower your stress.
If Kerckhoff Coffee House is too busy and Palm Court is too secluded, something just right in the middle is the UCLA Transfer Student Center. Of course, there are other student resource centers that may be of more interest to you, such as the Veteran Resource Center or the Black Bruin Resource Center. Generally, these are spaces that provide services to support students and their needs. As a transfer, I found the Transfer Student Center to be welcoming, and the staff there are open to talk to you and connect you to resources you may not have known about, which I think are lifesavers. Since students there have a commonality, it’s the ideal setting to make friends and find people who are sharing your experience. Even if that’s not your goal in visiting, it’s still a great place to spend time in between lectures. They have complimentary food to snack on, and I always have a fun time reading what people have to say about their favorite professors or places on campus on the Post-it Notes stuck to the walls. Maybe you can find the Post-it I put up about my favorite professor. Hint: They teach a psychology upper-division class! The Transfer Student Center welcomes input on future activities as well, so it’s a good place to be if you find yourself wanting to involve yourself more in student life.
Students study and rest in between classes at the Transfer Center in Kerckhoff Hall. Student resouce centers have served students of all walks of life; from transfer students to veterans to people of all different racial identities. Photographed by Regan Rhodes/BruinLife.
When you have time between classes and want to find your new favorite spot on campus, there’s something for everybody on the vast UCLA campus, whether that be someplace to eat and study, someplace to rest and relax or someplace to meet new people and get involved; it’s just a matter of exploring and seeing what suits you best.
