UCLA has the smallest campus among the 10 UCs, but unfortunately
(for most people) it is built on hills. Technically it is walkable, but it
involves a lot of slope climbing and walking from one end to another is about
25 to 30 minutes. Biking is not allowed in most pedestrian walkways and
Bruinwalk so walking is your main mode of transportation. Therefore, one
should be ready 30 minutes before your first class.
The dorms are built on a hill hence referred to as ‘the Hill’
and most classes are on another hill unless you live in Hilgard (a handful of
private apartments, no dorms). You will probably appreciate the commute
because that forces you to stay active. This could explain why obesity is rare
in UCLA though it could be that Los Angeles people are generally more health
conscious. Mind you that a quarter Americans are overweight.
Getting around isn’t so bad, because you do have 10 minutes
between classes. Classes end 10 minutes earlier than officially stated, so an 8
am classes will end at 8:50 am with some exceptions (enthusiastic professor
being one of them.)
There is no bus service at the dorm. The free Bruin shuttle is
basically useless since the stations it covers are the Hospital and some
buildings far north.
