UCLA welcomes 8,600 new Bruins to campus

File photo of new students in Drake Stadium last year. UCLA/Reed Hutchinson.

Coming to college is a time of excitement, independence and new beginnings for first-time students.

From Sept. 19 to Oct. 2, roughly 5,700 freshmen and 2,900 transfer students will learn what university life at UCLA is all about and make lifelong memories as they meet new friends, join clubs, find out about campus job opportunities and become part of a vibrant and diverse community of thinkers and leaders.

It all starts with the arrival on "The Hill" of 11,000 undergraduate students who will be unloading their belongings and moving into residence halls from Sept. 19 to 22. Chancellor Gene Block and Mrs. Carol Block will be lending a helping hand on the morning of Sept. 22.

Classes begin Thursday, Sept. 26, for all of UCLA's 28,000 undergrads and 13,400 graduate students.

During the move-in week, welcome areas will be set up in DeNeve Plaza, Sunset Village and Hedrick Court for parents and family members to ask questions, enjoy refreshments and learn more about campus life. After putting away their clothes and setting up their rooms, students will prepare themselves for more than a week of fun activities and social gatherings.

The Bruins take on New Mexico State's Aggies at 7:30 p.m. at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. Rooter buses will take students to the Rose Bowl from campus. For those Bruins sticking closer to campus, UCLA's On-Campus Housing Council will host a football viewing party for students in the Palisades Balloom at Sproul Commons from 7:30 to 11 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 22

This year's much anticipated Bruin Bash returns to Pauley Pavilion with a concert by California rappers Tyga ("Faded," "Make It Nasty," "Rack City) and E-40 ("Tell Me When to Go") and a dance to follow. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the concert begins at 8 p.m. The dance, featuring student DJs DJ Sars and Bentley Montes will begin at 11 p.m. There will also be a free sneak peek of the film "Don Jon," starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Scarlett Johansson and Julianne Moore, in the Ackerman Grand Ballroom starting at 11 p.m. A lounge area, complete with refreshments, free snacks, a photo booth and a DJ set, will be set up on Bruin Plaza beginning at 9:30 p.m.

Monday, Sept. 23

This high-energy fair runs 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Royce Quad and Wilson Plaza. More than 500 registered student groups and teams will be represented, including those dedicated to sports, culture, art, community service and Greek life. Attendees will enjoy free food and entertainment as they browse the options and speak with current club members.

T-Shirt Swap

Monday, Sept. 23 | Wednesday, Sept. 25

In the spirit of creating new and inclusive traditions, transfer students will be trading in T-shirts from their former community colleges for free UCLA T-shirts in a symbolic gesture that signifies their move to campus. Swaps will be held Sept. 23 and 25 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the Bruin statue in Bruin Plaza. Shirts from the various community colleges will be donated to a shelter. After the swap, participants are invited to take a campus tour and learn about many of UCLA's urban legends.

New Student Welcome and Dinner

Monday, Sept. 23

New students get an official True Bruin Welcome as student leaders and UCLA executives, including Chancellor Gene Block, get together to formally welcome incoming freshmen and transfer students to campus at the New Student Welcome and Dinner, to be held at Pauley Pavilion and the Intramural Field from 4 to 6 p.m. This event, which also features student performances, is another excellent opportunity to meet new friends and connect with their new environment.

Tuesday, Sept. 24

For UCLA's fifth annual Volunteer Day, wich runs from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., an estimated 7,000 students, staff, faculty and alumni will fan out across Los Angeles for a day of community service. This year, more than 50 organizations, including schools, senior centers, public parks, food banks, community gardens, shelters and Veterans Affairs sites will host UCLA volunteers and reap the benefits of their work. This day further solidifies UCLA's commitment to service and gives participants a unique look at some of the ways Bruins can help enhance life in Los Angeles.

Job and Resource Fair

Wednesday, Sept. 25

Students seeking employment with the Associated Students UCLA (ASUCLA), UCLA's largest employer, are invited to a job and resource fair in Bruin Plaza from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Job-seekers will learn about job opportunities and meet hiring managers.

Wednesday, Sept. 25 | Thursday, Sept. 26

This year’s Common Book discussions will be held on Sept. 25 from 6 to 7 p.m. at various locations on The Hill and on Sept. 26 at 3:30 p.m. in the Bruin Resource Center. This year's selected title, Judd Winick's "Pedro and Me," will be discussed in sessions facilitated by residence assistants and attended by campus ambassadors (faculty, staff and alumni) to the program.

Friday, Sept. 27

A Friday night of fun is in store for students at this year's BruinFest, which takes place from 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. at the Intramural Field. This festival–style event, which is open to all students, features carnival games and inflatables, food, arts and crafts, massages, and more.

Saturday, Sept. 28

The festival feel continues with a day at the fair. All current UCLA students, faculty and staff are invited to attend for free (with a current campus ID and a downloadable coupon). Family members can also come along at a discounted rate. Enjoy some True Bruin talent at the Coke stage, where UCLA students and alumni will be performing between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 29

Root on the playoff-bound Dodgers as they take on the Colorado Rockies from 1 to 4 p.m. Enjoy an afternoon at the Dodger Stadium with friends and family, with discounted tickets that can be purchased online (discount code 'UCLA').

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UCLA welcomes 8,600 new Bruins to campus

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