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Bruin Compass

bruin compass: navigating your ucla experience, overlaid on a pattern background of a bear paw with a compass graphic

Welcome to UCLA! Let us show you around…

As the #1 public institution in the country, we are home to students, faculty, and staff from varied lived experiences and backgrounds. UCLA is the most applied-to university in the country, made up of over 47,000 current students, interns, and residents. Of those thousands, more than 30% of undergraduates are the first in their family to attend college. Within the entering transfer cohort, 43% are first generation college students. In 2021, 25% of graduate students who matriculated at UCLA came from underrepresented groups in California and the United States. Currently, more than 150 professors (and counting) proudly identify as former first-generation college students.

Recognizing the diversity of lived experiences and educational backgrounds among UCLA students, these Bruin Compass navigation resources include information about campus centers, initiatives, and opportunities specifically geared to meet the needs of students who identify as first-generation, transfer, low-income, historically underrepresented, formerly-incarcerated, foster youth, or students with dependents. Consistent with its mission of inclusive excellence, UCLA is committed to supporting the success of all Bruins.

Click the buttons below to explore the Bruin Compass navigation resources. The Bruin Compass is designed for UCLA undergraduate and graduate/professional school students to facilitate equitable access to campus resources, academic support, and varied educational opportunities. A variety of resources and services are featured, which may particularly benefit students who have had limited exposure to and/or preparation for campus life in higher education.

Student Resources

We have put together the following resources to help incoming students navigate the campus and experience the wealth of support UCLA has to offer.

Here you will find a variety of materials to assist students with navigating life as a Bruin, as well as preparing for life following UCLA. Click the tabs below to explore campus resource centers, student support services, and other helpful information related to basic needs, mental health, career exploration, and post-graduate school options in academia and beyond.

On-Campus Services and Centers
Being a Bruin
Academics
Student Conduct & Community Safety
Mental Health, Wellness & Well-Being
Basic Needs: Clothing
Basic Needs: Food
Basic Needs: Housing & Transportation
Basic Needs: Employment and Finances