Filled with excitement, the beginning of college marks a life-changing moment in students’ academic and personal journeys. A large concern is how to make an impact outside of the classroom. Luckily, UCLA offers over 1,200 clubs and student organizations, giving new Bruins plentiful opportunities to discover their passions and connect with others. Let’s explore how you can become involved in campus life.
Finding and Joining Organizations
One of the best methods to learn about clubs is through Student Organizations, Leadership and Engagement, otherwise known as SOLE. Its website allows users to select from categories like career planning, recreation and service to filter their searches according to their interests. It provides helpful descriptions of each organization, along with relevant email addresses, websites and social media accounts for further communication.
The SOLE office is located in Kerckhoff Hall. Its mission is to improve co-curricular engagements that enhance students’ growth. It is a valuable resource to remember and also assists Bruins in founding their own organizations.
The Enormous Activities Fair occurs during week zero of every fall quarter. Hundreds of registered clubs set up booths in Dickson and Wilson Plazas, showcasing eye-catching signs to recruit members. Students can converse with current participants to uncover which groups suit their preferences.
Organizations distribute flyers on Bruin Walk throughout the school year. This is another easy way to meet members and obtain information about the goals, duties and schedules of their clubs. Handouts are often displayed in buildings across campus.
Admissions processes vary by organization. Some accept any and all Bruins who wish to join. Others require written applications and subsequent interviews. These details can be found on their websites and messaging platforms. It is important to keep in mind that there is a student group for everyone, no matter how daunting the search may seem. Continue reading to gain a deeper understanding of the wide range of clubs.
Arts
UCLA fosters Bruins’ creativity through numerous artistic organizations. The club Medicine and Art holds painting socials, leads museum visits and designs a yearly gallery of members’ work. Students share the advantages of art therapy while volunteering at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center and utilizing their imaginative talents to uplift patients. The Film & Photography Society is another popular organization. It equips students with hands-on experience in filmmaking, even if they have never picked up a camera. Bruins hold professional set positions in its short films.
There are many fulfilling organizations in the performing arts. A cappella groups like Deviant Voices and On That Note establish community through musical expression. They sing at unforgettable concerts and form lasting friendships along the way. In addition, Synthesis Dance Theater is committed to building a positive environment for student dancers. It develops a fresh, contemporary style through enjoyable choreography.
Career Planning
Several clubs help Bruins select, plan and navigate their career paths. For example, Public Health Initiative: Leaders of Tomorrow supports members’ success in the public health and health administration areas. It hosts networking events, workshops and seminars. It offers access to research and internships, as well as opportunities to collaborate with staff at the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health.
Bruin Women in Business inspires the next generation of female leaders in business-related endeavors. It emphasizes career development in finance, consulting, marketing and technology, educating students about how to enter the workforce after graduation. It also facilitates speaker events, firm tours and an alumni mentorship system to strengthen Bruins’ professional connections.
Culture
UCLA is home to an array of clubs that celebrate students’ diverse cultures and identities. These organizations include the Afrikan Student Union, American Indian Student Association, Association of Chinese Americans, Hermanas Unidas and Mixed Student Union. They aim to create inclusive communities that encourage learning and cultural awareness. Some implement social and political projects that promote interpersonal explorations of heritage.
On-campus cultural organizations also foster academic advancement, networking and volunteerism. Hermanas Unidas, which seeks to unite Latinas in higher education, holds group study halls, conferences and fundraisers to support children diagnosed with cancer.
Service
Many service-oriented organizations seek to give back to the school and the larger Los Angeles region. The American Red Cross at UCLA prepares students to effectively react during emergencies. Its five lines of service are Disaster Response, Health and Safety, Blood Services, Services to the Armed Forces and International Services. Free Community Emergency Response Team classes teach Bruins about search and rescue techniques, team coordination and fire safety.
Furthermore, Swipe Out Hunger is dedicated to alleviating food insecurity among the student body. It organizes a Swipes Drive at the end of every quarter, which allows Bruins to donate unused meal swipes. It collects food from farmers’ markets, delivers meals to veterans’ shelters and champions access to nutritious food. Swipe Out Hunger has collegiate partners throughout the nation.
Sports and Recreation
Various organizations promote physical activity, ranging from competitive sports to casual fun. UCLA Recreation offers instructional courses in aquatics, dance, martial arts, tennis and weightlifting. UCLA Club Sports compete against other colleges and are managed by student officers. There are over 50 teams and 2,700 participants. In comparison, UCLA Intramural Sports present more friendly athletic leagues, including spikeball, softball and volleyball. The program encompasses 15 sports and over 5,000 members annually.
The Den Operations Club leads the student section in official UCLA sports matches. It boosts school spirit, raises attendance and improves the game-day experience. Its impact is especially felt during football and basketball games. The organization collaborates with UCLA Athletics to cheer on Bruins throughout the school year.
Final Thoughts
Enjoyable and rewarding, student organizations help incoming Bruins find a home away from home. They provide excellent opportunities to build leadership skills, form friendships and make a difference in university life. With a variety of groups, you’re sure to discover one that resonates with you. It’s never too early to search for clubs. Start now to uncover unique experiences and positively shape your college career!
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Featured Image via UCLA Admissions
