I like to write fictional stories and the one that I am working on now takes place at a California College (UCLA). I don't know anything about California anyway so any information, even if it seems insignificant to you, will help me. Thanks. QUESTIONS 2 GET U STARTED 1.)Dorm Life 2.)Things to do at college 3.)Things to do around the city 4.)The people 5.)Trends 6.)Some things that you like to do 7.)The environment 8.)The Weather (sunny, of course) but is there something else I should know about it? 9.)Everyday Life
Higher Education (University +) - 4 Answers
People's Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
Answer 1 :
I am at UCLA..not a student so i dont know the answer to ur first question... but theres so many things to do around UCLA. u will be exploring socal for next few years. College life is good here, liberal and lots of intellectuals. Lots of good food on campus, lots of hangout places, coffee shops, restuarants in campus. I have seen a lot of campuses in US and UCLA is my favorite...its just so pleasant to walk around anytime day or night, very safe very friendly atmoshere. u may also spot celebrities at premeire shows at the campus theatres. There r about 8-10 campus independent theatres with old-time charm of 1 movie at atime (unlike AMC). The campus is located in Westwood, bel air and beverly hills area...and is one of the nicest and biggest. The city is diverse and friendly. people r active, helpful and the motto is work hard, play hard! life is laid back and the beaches are just fab! (about 2 miles from campus, good bus system). my fav hangout places are santa monica beach, third street promenade, hollywood, rodeo dr., malibu, universal studios.........................etc. etc. be sure to use ur college ID everyhere in westwood (grocery stores, buses, restaurants, theatres, u get good discounts). the weather is perfect all throughout the year, no snow, no rains, no cold, no humidity. The average temp. is in mid 70's all year long. u could go to the beach even in jan wearing shorts! unlike the general impression that LA life is superficial and all abt fashion, i think LA life is really good esp arouund westside and u can dress/be however u want (when i was on east coast, i felt constant pressure to be in suits and matching shoes...but here, u wear shorts, sneakers, take a bike and u r ready to go...whichever profession u belong). some things that r negative about LA: do not go to downtown LA in after hours. traffic: it can be rough...so try to live close to work/school. Housing: is EXPENSIVE!
Answer 2 :
I go to SDSU, but have gone to UCSD and have heard lots about UCLA. First and foremost it depends on the person and with who they get along with. 1) dorm life? party party party..good luck studying with everyone drinking and having sex. Don't get me wrong there are plenty of quiet places but most of them have this kind of behavior (especially freshmen ..the little teenagers). There are other dorms where only seniors and juniors live, but that doesn't change anything you might have noisy neighbors. Anyway, depends what the person is like. I lived in the dorms and getting along with roommates who are not like you is tough. If you are serious about studying I don't recommend dorms. Unless of course, you get lucky and get roommates of your type. 2) Lots to do at college!! They sponsor several events, there is the entertaining center (bowling, pool tables, arcade, etc) and then the gym. Lots of places to eat whether you are in campus or out. 3)around the city? Going to the beach is a plus! At night people have bonfires and the like. Travel to Anaheim and go to Disneyland (not far at all). The rest of the places are usually like every other city in U.S...same old stuff..malls, places to eat, movies, etc. 4)all kinds of people of different colors and attitudes 5)trends? Usually shorts with Hawaiian type shirts and flipflops. Very casual, students are not very dressy unless going to some interview or something like that. 6) All the stuff i said on 1 and 2 7) Very friendly environment. Some teachers are great others are not. People get along very well 8) weather is very stable, it is always sunny. Hardly have to wear long sleeves or sweaters unless it is winter, which even then does not get too cold. Summers are not really hot either. The only time when it gets really hot is during the Santa Ana winds season. (lasts a week or so). 9)everyday life involve all things mentioned on 1,2, and 3 --good luck on your story
Answer 3 :
One of my best friends and an ex graduated from UCLA so I'll give you any information I have, being a southern californian born and raised. Your Questions: 1) Dorm life is crazy. Parties, all the time, especially if your pledging a sorority or fraternity. My friend moved into a neighboring apartment with her sorority sisters their sophmore year, and although they all had boyfriends already so they weren't as crazy, the parties and functions still happened. There was studying but mostly during the cruinch of finals week. 2) There are lots of things to do like pledging for sorority, fraternities, joining clubs like the drama, writing and there are also plenty of cultural clubs ect. You can also join the sports clubs. UCLA has one of the best women's and Men's teams nationally. 3) There are lots of things do around Westwood. There's a place called Westwood Village, and there are movie theatres that always have premiers and late night showings. Also plently of shops and dining. 4) Because of the University there is a large varity of people living over in that area. However Westwood has a lot of Armenian and Middle Eastern people in that area. 5) Most LA trends include wholistic healing, alternative medication, yoga, excersize, organic everything etc. Outward beauty etc. There is also a great multicultural trend push out here especially bringing awareness to Latino art and artists. Very cool. 6) I love to go to the theatre (not movies) the beach, shopping, and because LA is so central I love to take road teips to San Diego, Vegas, San Francisco and Rosarito (Mexico) but my favorite is Disneyland!!! Yes, I'm a big kid at heart. 7) The environment varies quite a bit depending on the neighborhood. You have areas that are posh like Beverly Hills and Brent wood, you have the suburbs, the Valley the San Gabriel Vally etc. You have areas like chinatown that are predominantly asian, litttle armenia, east LA which is mostly latino, etc. Hollywood is crazy and nastolgic but I wouldn't be there late at night, by myself anyway. You also have areas that have become srtists hubs, not because they are wealthy neighborhoods but because of the beautiful architexture and the craftsman homes. 8) The weather is muld most of the time, hotter in the valleys and cooler by the beaches. It stays mostly between 75-89. It's been increasingly muggly lately, and boy do we need the rain!!! 9) Everyday life can vary depending on your occupation. Angelinos do not depend much on Public transportatrion as NYers do. You know that son "nobody wals in LA" well it's true. That's why the freeways are so crowded. And because the homes are so expensive over here a great number of people have purchased their homes far way from the city and commute in. I have a friend who works at a television studio and commutes 2 1/2 hours everyday to work, both ways so a total of 5 hours on the road a day. I live in a small cottage which I rent and I also commutte to work. I am an actress but I also have a 7-5pm job in Downtown LA. My commute is not as harowing as my friends. It's only about 30 min. I work, rehearse my lines at lunch and break times (when I'm not on yahoo answers) and go to rehearsal afterward. Were doing a show right now so my time is pretty tied up but on my free days I do slow down and take the time to spend some quality time with family and friends, and of course boyfriend (they are soo needy (hee) anyhow life can get crazy down here but LA still sleeps at night unlike Vegas and NY. I hope this helps you. Good luck on your writing endeavours.
Answer 4 :
1.) Varies greatly. The dorm I was at was pretty quiet. Others like Hedrick, the suites, and others are pretty noisy and active. It's really just like most dorms in the US. 2.)There are a lot of things to do at college. So much that I can't even list em all. Anything you can think of, it's happening. 3.)See above. Plus, there are a lot of celebs on campus so you might even meet one. 4.)Varies greatly. Some are antisocial and some aren't. Generally though, most people are pretty friendly and open. 5.)Trends probably lean towards sports-ish. But again, there's great variety. 6.)I like attending the red carpet premieres at the local theaters, going to football/b-ball games, volunteering, and any special events like the Dance Marathon (a must go for most). 7.)Kinda over-crowded but overall it's ok 8.)It's as perfect as you can imagine. 9.) It's real hectic, mixed in with happy moments and then unhappy moments. It's a real rat race sometimes yet other times it's bliss.
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