Moving to college is a huge milestone for both students and their families. For those heading to a large, urban campus like University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), the experience can be exciting but also a bit overwhelming. From navigating move-in day logistics to figuring out how to pack all your essentials, planning is key.
Luckily, there are ways to make the process smoother — like using Collegeboxes by U-Haul, a convenient solution designed to reduce the stress of moving and storing belongings. In this article, we’ll explore some helpful tips to ensure your transition to UCLA is as seamless as possible. We’ll also provide tips for getting to know your new living arrangement and enjoying life as a Bruin!
1. Plan Your Move to UCLA Like a Pro
Researching UCLA’s Housing Options
Before packing a single box, it’s important to familiarize yourself with UCLA’s housing setup. Will you be living in a dorm on campus, or have you opted for off-campus housing? UCLA is one of the only major universities that doesn’t require freshmen to live in the dorms, so you’ll certainly have options. Each option has its own set of logistics:
Off-campus living: If you’re moving into an apartment, you’ll need to figure out your parking situation, building access, and consider hiring movers. You may also want to think about your commute ahead of time.
On-campus living: UCLA’s residence halls have specific move-in dates and times to avoid congestion. Be sure to check your assigned schedule. The school should provide instructions prior to move in day, so keep your eyes peeled.
Creating a Moving Checklist
A well-organized checklist can be your best friend. Make sure to include:
- Important documents: Housing contracts, student ID, health forms, and financial aid information should be easily accessible.
- Essentials: Consider items you’ll need for both your academic and personal life, like bedding, toiletries, and school supplies. Keep in mind that dorm rooms have limited space, so pack strategically. Use our ultimate list of dorm room essentials to make you don’t miss anything.
- UCLA-specific needs: Since the UCLA campus is large, having gear like a bike, skateboard, or good walking shoes is helpful. Also, pack for the weather — Los Angeles can get hot, but evenings may be cool.
Budgeting for Your Move
Moving to college can get expensive, especially if you’re traveling from out of state or even overseas. Between flights, hotels, and transportation, the costs add up. Using Collegeboxes by U-Haul is a great way to save money. You can ship your belongings ahead of time, eliminating the need for renting a truck, checking bags, or making multiple trips back and forth.
2. Pack Smart for a Seamless Transition
Packing Strategies for Limited Dorm Space
Dorm rooms are notorious for being small, so you’ll need to pack smart. Bring only what’s necessary and think about items that can serve multiple purposes, like storage containers that double as seating or organizers that hang over the door. Check out some of other dorm room storage hacks to maximize your available space.
Labeling and Organizing for Efficiency
Organization is crucial when you’re moving into a large campus like UCLA, where boxes may get shuffled around. Make sure to clearly label everything with your name, dorm address, and a description of the contents.
3. Make Move-In Day a Breeze
Coordinating Move-In Day at UCLA
UCLA’s move-in days are busy, with hundreds of students arriving at the same time. To make the process easier, plan ahead:
- Parking: Spaces are limited, so arrive early and follow the designated parking instructions for move-in day. Luckily, at UCLA, they often have assigned parking spots on move-in day to make things easier.
- Traffic: Be prepared for campus traffic, as move-in day draws a large crowd. That includes foot traffic!
- Building access: Know which entrance you’ll be using and whether you’ll need a cart or dolly to move heavy items. Again, UCLA streamlines their campus moves by providing carts to help keep everyone moving.
By using Collegeboxes, you can skip a lot of this hassle. We’ll deliver your items right to your dorm, so all you need to do is show up and unpack.
4. Familiarize Yourself with UCLA’s Campus
Familiarizing yourself with UCLA’s campus layout is crucial for a smooth transition. With its expansive grounds and numerous buildings, getting to know the campus will help you navigate more easily. Here are some tips to get you started:
Getting Around
UCLA, like Los Angeles itself, is a big, sprawling campus. As we mentioned earlier, bikes and skateboards are must-haves for quickly getting round. But for larger commutes, we recommend acquiring a Transit Pass. This is available to students without a vehicle, and gives access to all the bus a rail lines that go through L.A. You can also sign up for the Bruin Commuter Transit Benefit program, which offers a free transit pass every quarter.
Grabbing a Bite to Eat
UCLA is home to a variety of dining halls and on-campus restaurants. Many of which are highly rated. For example, the Hill is home to a handful of options for a quick bite to eat, such as Epicuria, Bruin Café, the Spice Kitchen at Feast, and more. There are also dining options at De Neve Plaza, LuValle Commons, and Hendrick Hall. Take some time to explore these areas and grab a bite to eat after you’re settled!
Things to Do
One of the best ways to get acquainted with life at UCLA is to take part in the numerous events taking place after move-in day. “True Bruin Welcome” in particular hosts dozens of events specifically geared toward helping new Bruins get familiar with UCLA and help make friends. Bruin Bash, the Westwood Block Party, and, of course, Bruins athletic events are all simple things you can do once you’re settled to help connect with your fellow Bruins and enjoy your college experience.
5. Store Belongings During Breaks
What to Do with Your Stuff During UCLA Breaks
If you’re from out of town, you might not want to lug all your belongings home during summer or winter break. Collegeboxes provides secure summer storage solutions, so you can store your items close to campus.
This is especially helpful for international students or those living in tight dorm spaces who may not have room to store everything at home during breaks.
Collegeboxes makes accessing your belongings easy. You can retrieve items from storage or have them delivered directly to your dorm when the school year resumes, saving you the hassle of moving everything back and forth.
Moving to UCLA is a big step, but with the right preparation, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By planning ahead, packing strategically, and using solutions like the Collegeboxes Ship to School service, you can ensure a smooth transition. Collegeboxes takes the stress out of moving by offering packing kits, shipping services, and convenient storage options, making the entire process easier for both students and families. So, if you’re gearing up for your big move to UCLA, consider Collegeboxes to help lighten the load — literally!