The days of finally moving in and becoming a full-fledged UCLA student are some of the most anticipated moments for a new Bruin. Move-in day and the half-week before classes start is sure to be full of new friends, new memories and new experiences that give you a feel for what life might be like for you on campus!
As exciting as week zero, the half-week before fall classes officially start, can be, it is also easily overwhelming. Knowing what to expect can help eliminate some of the nerves that are sure to come with starting college life, so here are some need-to-know pieces of advice to maximize your first week zero.
Move-in day
Move-in day is usually the first source of stress. Although university emails and housing reminders are comprehensive, it is easy to forget that you need to activate your BruinCard and set a door code before you can access your room. Some students who forget might luck out and their roommate can open the door for them, but activating your card saves another trip downstairs in the summer heat.
Students should use the days after move-in to unpack, get to know their roommates, walk around campus and explore the Los Angeles area. Official week zero activities start up the following Monday, so right after move-in is the perfect time to map your walks between classes and understand the campus layout better.
Monday
On Monday, Bruin Bash, an annual free concert held in the LA Tennis Center where performers are kept a secret until close to the show, usually marks an exciting start to week zero. Past years have had performers such as Charlie XCX, Kendrick Lamar and Young Nudy. Students hoping to attend should look out for information on the Instagram account, @bruinbash, to find when tickets become available. Often, floor seats are released even before students move in. Be sure to find a location with good service and be prepared to wait in a long queue. If you can’t get tickets when they drop, many students re-sell tickets, although sometimes at quite a mark-up.
Additionally, the lines for Bruin Bash can be their own beast. It helps to arrive as early as possible to secure seats with friends and avoid an unmoving mass of students arriving last minute. Bruin Bash can be an amazing, early college memory as you enjoy the concert and hang out after it’s over.
Earlier in day, there is also the Bruin Bash RecFest. This is where students pick up wristbands for the concert and can enjoy a variety of activities and classes put on by Recreation, College Academic Counseling and the Campus Events Commission. Students interested in club sports should check out this event as well to meet club teams.
Tuesday
Another major week zero event is the Enormous Activities Fair, or EAF. Be warned, EAF features a daunting number of club tables and will very likely fall on a hot, sunny day. Try visiting in the morning with a friend to avoid the heat, as EAF runs from around 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and don’t be afraid to take any flyer that interests you!
An important thing to know is that most clubs and organizations open applications as soon as EAF happens, so you should check the dates on flyers carefully and apply to anything that interests you. You never know what the right fit might be!
Throughout the week, there will also be a few activities related to dorm life and dorm policies. It may look different for each building and floor, so putting these meetings, along with the rest of the events, in your calendar helps create a schedule for each of your days. Don’t worry if you can’t make it to every single event; there will be many opportunities during the year to become an involved Bruin. However, EAF is a highly suggested “must-go.”
Transfer students should look out for Transfer Palooza to connect with other transfer students and become familiar with transfer student resources. The ASUCLA Job Fair and Library Ask Me table are also good stops for students seeking employment this year.
Students interested in Greek life should also be prepared to start engaging with the recruiters around Tuesday of week zero, as rushing takes place as soon as school starts.
Wednesday
Wednesday is when most academic open houses occur. Check your email to know where and what time the open house for your college or major is occurring and look out for open houses of other programs you might be considering. Open houses are a great way to connect with faculty members and other students in your major to get more information on what the year has in store. By Wednesday, it can start to get tiring, making so many beginning-of-the-year introductions, but open houses are also considered “must-go” events. Some departments hold open houses earlier in the week, so be sure to stay on top of your emails. In general, most event reminders and timelines will be available via email.
While Wednesday is also the official Meet the Hill event, the Hill organizations hold smaller events every day and will continue to host events throughout the year if you happen to miss some in the beginning.
Thursday
Finally, Thursday of week zero marks the first day of classes. The first day is always nerve-wracking, especially the first day at the number one public university in the country. Know that you are not alone in your anxiousness and that each student at UCLA has felt that same pressure. No one’s first day will be perfect, but enjoy the excitement and enjoy the ride—UCLA welcomes you with open arms!
Friday and Saturday
Activities begin to wind down after Thursday, but try to wear UCLA gear for Sprit Day on Friday and sign up to volunteer for Volunteer Day on Saturday on the Volunteer Center website.
All-in-all, week zero is a tall challenge for new and returning students alike, and attending every event is impossible for anybody. Students may find that, more than anything, they enjoy making memories settling down in a dining hall or hanging out with friends on their dorm floor lounge. Whatever ends up happening, remember that week zero is designed to welcome students and showcase everything UCLA has to offer you, so make it your own!
For an even more comprehensive look at events, search “UCLA Week 0 calendar” closer to the start of fall quarter.
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Featured Image Photographed by Caleb Velasquez/BruinLife
