University of California--Los Angeles User Reviews and Ratings
Great academics in a country club-like setting
By BruinDad, From Far Away
My two children attended (and graduated) from UCLA. Its location within Los Angeles is unbeatable. If you wander south you end up in Beverly Hills. If you wander north you end up in Bel Air. If you wander west you end in Santa Monica and stumble through Brentwood. What is not to like? On top of this the Campus is impeccable and the facilities are top notch. The quality of the faculty and the students is also great.
What best describes you? Parent
Activities & Social Life
Score：5
City & Setting
Score：5
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：5
Dorms & Housing
Score：5
Health & Safety
Score：5
Great Top university with amazing campus life
By George KC, From LA Ca
Super and excellent performance in overall many aspects
What best describes you? Alumni
Activities & Social Life
Score：5
City & Setting
Score：5
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：5
Dorms & Housing
Score：5
Health & Safety
Score：5
World-class in every way
By Natalie S, Class of 2015, From Los Angeles, CA
UCLA is the best of all worlds - cultural, academic, research, and athletic. The resources, soft skills, and opportunity to try any range of disciplines of interest are world-class. I minored in something I didn't even know was a field before going to UCLA, and found their academic counseling to be top of the line.
What best describes you? Alumni
Activities & Social Life
Score：5
City & Setting
Score：5
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：5
Dorms & Housing
Score：5
Health & Safety
Score：5
UCLA IS THE BEST IN THE UNIVERSE
By UCLA Bruins, From La Canada
Obtaining a highly valuable education at UCLA is an outstanding accomplishment!!!
What best describes you? Alumni
Activities & Social Life
Score：5
City & Setting
Score：5
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：5
Dorms & Housing
Score：5
Health & Safety
Score：5
Literally saved me from a life of poverty
By Michael, From Bangkok
I was born into an extremely abusive and uneducated family from the bottom 20% of income earners. Mental illness, visits from police, and a lack of support from a very bad school system in a very poor part of the country would have doomed almost anyone to a life of poverty and bereft them of a high-quality university education. Since I went to UCLA in the 1990s, when out-of-state tuition was considerably more affordable than today, it was possible for me to use loans and go to school, get my degree, and then use that degree to better my life. Long story short, after my degree, I got a scholarship to do a master's and then did a PhD, and after working in higher education for a few years I ended up working for private industry. After that, I built my business and have had a very successful life so far. None of this would have been possible if I had not gotten into UCLA, and I am grateful every day for what that institution was able to do for me. It is a shame to see UCLA tuition go up so very much, and I do worry that my story is no longer possible, but I am glad to see that a high-quality public institution can help at least some people from poor families escape that poverty.
What best describes you? Alumni
Activities & Social Life
Score：4
City & Setting
Score：5
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：5
Dorms & Housing
Score：5
Health & Safety
Score：5
A college dream
By Jon H., Class of 2020, From CA
It has been such a great experience being here at UCLA. From the amazing dorm system (guaranteed 3 years housing bb), amazing dorm food (unlimited lamb chops omg), seeing celebrities on the regular, the idyllic walks and skateboarding through the campus, the amazing college town of Westwood, the proximity to everything in LA, the challenging yet not toxic academic environment...there's just something for everyone at UCLA. I am so happy to call this place my home and soon to be alma mater. Not everything has been sunshine and rainbows, but it really has been a college experience that I will look back at with a smile :)
What best describes you? Current Student
Activities & Social Life
Score：5
City & Setting
Score：5
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：5
Dorms & Housing
Score：5
Health & Safety
Score：5
What's not to like?
By Jill, From Granite Bay, CA
It is top-notch in pretty much every major. It is world renown for its facilities. It looks like a movie set. It is a rah-rah sports school. It's in the best part of Los Angeles and near a beach. And if you live in California, the tuition is very reasonable. I went to UCLA and I have not one thing bad to say about it. (Except that they need to admit more California students). Go Bruins!!
What best describes you? Alumni
Activities & Social Life
Score：5
City & Setting
Score：5
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：5
Dorms & Housing
Score：4
Health & Safety
Score：5
Amazing School Best Years of My Life
By Ben C 2012, From CA
Facilities are world class and the faculty really care about your education. Located in the heart of Los Angeles with plenty of options for food and entertainment. Tuition is a great value for California residents and the degree as prestigious as they come.
What best describes you? Alumni
Activities & Social Life
Score：5
City & Setting
Score：5
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：5
Dorms & Housing
Score：5
Health & Safety
Score：5
Top Notch
By 2X Bruin Dad, From Abroad
Amazing Campus. Great academics and top Faculty. For the brainy yet social student. Excellent facilities and school spirit. Go Bruins! I am a double Bruin Dad (out of state).
What best describes you? Parent
Activities & Social Life
Score：5
City & Setting
Score：5
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：5
Dorms & Housing
Score：5
Health & Safety
Score：5
Congratulations to UCLA 100 years old!!!
By UCLA Alum, From Pomona, CA
Proud to be a Bruin!!! UCLA has many successful alumni who have done lots of good deeds to the society and universe!!!
What best describes you? Alumni
Activities & Social Life
Score：5
City & Setting
Score：5
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：5
Dorms & Housing
Score：5
Health & Safety
Score：5
Best value for money in the U.S.
By Kim W., Class of '82, From CA
UCLA is an internationally-renowned institution offering a world class education at a reasonable cost, unlike its private-school competition, in-state and out. It offers something for everyone and is not only an outstanding research university, it is recognized for producing more first-generation college graduates than virtually any of its competitors. It has an inclusive and diverse student body and excels in all fields of study, whether in the arts or sciences and leads the nation in NCAA championships for men's and women's sports. Volunteer Day, Spring Sing, Bruin Day, Dinners For Twelve Strangers and Spirit Week, are just a few of the annual programs which contribute to a vibrant co-ed campus with an active social life and high scholastic expectations. The program for my major was so well-recognized that the State of California didn't require me to take and pass the exam in my subject matter (Spanish) to receive my teacher's credential (and California is notoriously the most stringent)! I was so inspired by my professors that I studied several languages beyond those required. At Alumni Day 2019 I was thrilled to see how many alumni participated and really impressed by the entire program celebrating our centennial. There's a strong sorority and fraternity system, a center which welcomes veterans and an atmosphere which encourages community envolvement and strengthens alumni connections. In addition, there's no finer location anywhere in the country than Westwood. Simply put, there is no better education to be had, regardless of cost. Here, you'll get far more than you paid for!
What best describes you? Alumni
Activities & Social Life
Score：5
City & Setting
Score：5
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：5
Dorms & Housing
Score：5
Health & Safety
Score：5
UCLA is the best of the best!!!
By Love my Bruins, From Westwood, CA
Love, love, love UCLA!!!
What best describes you? Current Student
Activities & Social Life
Score：5
City & Setting
Score：5
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：5
Dorms & Housing
Score：5
Health & Safety
Score：5
UCLA is the best
By Oo, Class of 2019, From California
I'm currently pursuing MS here. From the courses to the research works done here are pretty commendable. Although Quarter system makes schedule hectic but the faculties are very understanding and supportive. Field trips, Seminars are the part of curriculum. Talking about extra curricular, John Wooden Center will always be my favorite place.
What best describes you? Current Student
Activities & Social Life
Score：5
City & Setting
Score：5
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：4
Dorms & Housing
Score：5
Health & Safety
Score：5
Proud Bruin Alumni
By Japan CEO, From Tokyo
UCLA was a great experience with a lot of challenges. It prepared me well for my first job and gave me skills and friends that have served me well over 20 years.
What best describes you? Alumni
Activities & Social Life
Score：5
City & Setting
Score：5
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：5
Health & Safety
Score：5
Best university in the world!!!!
By Carl 2008, From Hong Kong
While it may not have the academic reputation of Harvard or Princeton,it's hard, if not impossible, to find another top university where your quality of life will match UCLAs. The weather is great, beach is nearby, dorm food is excellent, classmates are well rounded (not just book worms), and you're located in a great city with tons of things to do so you'll never be bored.
What best describes you? Alumni
Activities & Social Life
Score：5
City & Setting
Score：5
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：5
Dorms & Housing
Score：5
Health & Safety
Score：5
Alumni
By Class 2016, From Hanford,CA
Amazing alumni network Vast amounts of internship opportunities for students Having a UCLA degree made finding full time employment a breeze
What best describes you? Alumni
Activities & Social Life
Score：5
City & Setting
Score：5
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：5
Dorms & Housing
Score：5
Health & Safety
Score：5
The best college I was a student at
By yoma, From LA
I love UCLA with my whole bruin HEARt.
What best describes you? Current Student
Activities & Social Life
Score：5
City & Setting
Score：5
Classes & Teachers
Score：4
Dining & Food
Score：5
Dorms & Housing
Score：5
Health & Safety
Score：5
One of the happiest college campuses
By Annie, From CA
I choose this school over other top schools because when you come here, everyone is smiling, optimistic, and driven. While the environment is certainly driven by high performance in academics and extracurriculars, people are focused on pursuing what they enjoy, not just what is needed of them to "get ahead in life".
What best describes you? Current Student
Activities & Social Life
Score：5
City & Setting
Score：5
Classes & Teachers
Score：4
Dining & Food
Score：5
Dorms & Housing
Score：5
Health & Safety
Score：5
It's the best!
By Bruin For Life, From Boston, Massachusetts
I attended UCLA for my undergraduate and graduate degrees. It's an amazing place to learn, and there are ample opportunities to participate in meaningful research, even as an undergraduate. The campus is in the heart of West Los Angeles, providing close access to the beaches, as well as internships with local firms. When you are on campus, it is easy to forget you are in the middle of the city. The energy on campus is very positive and the weather is great. So many options to prepare for grad school and future careers, whether you want to pursue medicine, law, business, entertainment, academia, etc. I have nothing but good things to say about this school.
What best describes you? Alumni
Activities & Social Life
Score：5
City & Setting
Score：5
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：5
Dorms & Housing
Score：5
Health & Safety
Score：5
Love my BRUINS!
By UCLA Fanatic, From Westwood, CA
UCLA is THE BEST! The universe highly recognizes and respects UCLA!
What best describes you? Prospective Student
Activities & Social Life
Score：5
City & Setting
Score：5
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：5
Dorms & Housing
Score：5
Health & Safety
Score：5
Great school for undergraduate research program
By K.P., Class of 2004, From Fremont, California
Coming from a low income family, this school was very supportive of low income students. I was qualified for grants that paid for my tuition, room, and board. They provided tutors for low income students - not sure now though. There were lots research opportunities programs - just need to search or just ask. Cons - huge school with over 20K undergraduates.
What best describes you? Alumni
Activities & Social Life
Score：5
City & Setting
Score：5
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：5
Dorms & Housing
Score：2
Health & Safety
Score：5
Magical Place of Public Education
By J.B, UCLA Fellow, From Los Angeles, California
Set aside my personal attachment towards this school, I can honestly tell you that there is no school like UCLA. With an undergraduate population of 30k comes an incredibly diverse student body, even though most students are CA residents - more than 100 foreign countries are represented. So much activities going around here, social life is at its pinnacle. Dining here is amazing, definitely lives up to its reputation of being consistently ranked as 1st / 2nd in the nation for college dining. The fact that the school is located in LA is a huge bonus, with Hollywood located close to the campus and Pacific Ocean about 5 miles away. No need to worry about safety, as the campus is located at the safest district of Los Angeles. A few drawbacks though, notably high student - faculty ratio & less individual attention, bureaucracy, etc. Overall an amazing institution with top-notch academics with diverse student body and unique experience.
What best describes you? Other
Activities & Social Life
Score：5
City & Setting
Score：5
Classes & Teachers
Score：4
Dining & Food
Score：5
Dorms & Housing
Score：4
Health & Safety
Score：5
Great Value + beautiful campus
By E.B. Class of 2009, From San Francisco, CA
I'm an alumni who enrolled as a non-traditional student and a Veteran. My experience was very positive. From the administrative staff who aided me with my deferred enrollment due to deployment and administered my grants & scholarships, to the interactions with the talented staff and students, the experience was very wholesome. It is a very large university, that's the biggest tradeoff with enrolling in a public university. Therefore, it lacks the individualized attention and community you might find in a more intimate college. Nonetheless, I believe there are infinite opportunities for students to make their experiences truly one-of-a-kind.
What best describes you? Alumni
Activities & Social Life
Score：5
City & Setting
Score：5
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：5
Dorms & Housing
Score：4
Health & Safety
Score：5
Welcome to Westwood
By Peter D., Class of 2016, From Glendora, California
There is simply no place like UCLA, and my years as a UCLA student were the best 4 years of my life thus far. UCLA afforded me with phenomenal and substantive academic and professional services and experiences. The academic courses that I took with esteemed and bright professors challenged my viewpoints and filled me with newfound and applicable knowledge, and UCLA also played a key role in helping me land internships in my professional field of desire. Through UCLA, I was also able to study away from campus for two quarters, one in Western Europe and the other in Washington, D.C. Additionally, with over 1,000 student groups at UCLA, there is a plethora of ways for you to get involved on campus and to meet new people of various backgrounds. Getting involved in a couple student groups that interested me enabled me to meet some of my best friends for life. Moreover, being able to support top-tier UCLA Athletics teams adds to the comprehensive collegiate experience, and school spirit abounds at these sporting events, especially football and basketball. And of course, UCLA's campus in Westwood is absolutely stunning, especially North Campus where the original buildings are.
What best describes you? Alumni
Activities & Social Life
Score：5
City & Setting
Score：5
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：5
Dorms & Housing
Score：5
Health & Safety
Score：4
UCLA is the best university in the USA & universe.
By La maman d'Aline, From Los Angeles
UCLA has the best reputation and rankings not only nationwide but globally. As a Bruin mother, I am thankful for UCLA. GO BRUINS!!!
What best describes you? Parent
Activities & Social Life
Score：5
City & Setting
Score：5
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：5
Dorms & Housing
Score：5
Health & Safety
Score：5
