Unlocking Uclas Hidden Treasures A Complete Guide To Student Freebies And Benefits

UCLA students have access to a wealth of free resources and benefits that can significantly enhance their college experience while reducing financial burdens. From academic support and transportation perks to entertainment options and product samples, the university and its affiliated organizations provide numerous opportunities for students to maximize value without spending additional money. This comprehensive guide explores the various freebies and benefits available to UCLA students, detailing how to access them and what to expect.

Academic Resources and Support

UCLA offers several valuable academic resources at no additional cost to students, supporting learning and academic success. These resources are designed to help students navigate their coursework more effectively while saving money on educational materials and services.

Free Online Learning Opportunities

Students gain complimentary access to Lynda.com, an extensive online learning platform offering courses ranging from HTML coding to Final Cut Pro and basic business skills. To access this resource, students simply need to visit learnit.ucla.edu and click on the Lynda.com link on the right side of the page, then log in using their myUCLA account. This free access provides students with opportunities to develop new skills and enhance their academic and professional qualifications without incurring additional costs.

The Exam Database

One of UCLA's best-kept academic secrets is the Exam Database, which provides all students with equal access to past midterms, finals, and papers—resources that were previously available only to exclusive groups. The system works as follows: students bring in a previously graded exam, essay, or assignment from a past course, and receive a test bank sticker on their BruinCard. This sticker grants access to a five-minute browsing period of five exams or papers per session throughout the quarter. This resource helps students prepare for upcoming assessments by familiarizing themselves with the format and expectations of previous courses.

Free Printing Services

The Student Activities Center (SAC) houses the Community Programs Office (CPO) Computer Lab, which offers every student 75 free pages of black-and-white printing per quarter. This allocation includes double-sided prints, providing students with substantial printing capabilities for academic assignments. Students can print directly from the lab computers or upload files online and pick them up later, which proves particularly valuable when personal printers are unavailable or malfunctioning. This service helps students save money on printing costs, which can add up significantly throughout the academic year.

Transportation Benefits

Navigating the expansive UCLA campus and the greater Los Angeles area can be challenging, especially for students without personal vehicles. The university provides several transportation benefits to help students move around efficiently and affordably.

Bruin U-Pass

The Bruin U-Pass represents a significant transportation benefit, offering unlimited rides on LA Metro, Big Blue Bus, Culver CityBus, and other participating transit systems. This comprehensive pass is included in students' quarterly fees, eliminating the need to purchase individual transportation passes or tickets. The U-Pass enables students to explore Los Angeles, commute to internships or jobs, and attend events across the city without worrying about transportation costs, making urban navigation accessible to all UCLA students regardless of their financial situation.

Late Night Shuttle Service

UCLA recognizes that academic and extracurricular activities often extend into evening hours. To ensure student safety and provide reliable transportation, the university offers a free late night shuttle service. This shuttle operates during evening hours, with multiple pick-up and drop-off locations across campus and surrounding areas. The service provides students with a safe, convenient option for returning to their residences late at night, addressing concerns about personal safety and eliminating the need for expensive taxi or rideshare services after regular campus transportation hours cease operation.

Entertainment and Cultural Events

UCLA's vibrant campus culture includes numerous entertainment options and cultural events that are available to students at no cost. These opportunities enhance the college experience by providing access to diverse performances, sporting events, and cultural activities.

Sporting Events

UCLA students enjoy exceptional access to athletic events through their BruinCard. Most sporting events are completely free with student identification, allowing students to cheer for their fellow Bruins across various sports including water polo, baseball, soccer, and volleyball. The only exceptions are men's basketball and football games, which typically require separate ticket purchases. This access encourages school spirit and provides entertainment options that would otherwise be prohibitively expensive for many students.

Movies, Concerts, and Speakers

The Campus Events Commission manages an impressive lineup of free entertainment options for students. The commission's website (www.campuseventsblog.com) lists upcoming sneak movie screenings (often occurring weeks before theatrical releases or shortly after DVD debuts), concerts featuring notable performers, and speakers including distinguished guests and celebrities. Students can reserve their spots for these events through MyUCLA two business days in advance, ensuring fair access to popular attractions that might otherwise sell out quickly.

Cultural Activities and Performances

UCLA Live offers community-focused events that provide hands-on activities and performances completely free of charge. Unlike many of UCLA Live's main programs that offer discounted student tickets, these community events are accessible at no cost. Students can visit http://www.uclalive.org/community/action.asp to find a list of upcoming cultural events and performances, providing opportunities to engage with the arts and expand cultural horizons without financial barriers.

Salsa Dancing

For students interested in dance and social activities, the Salsa Society at UCLA offers free street salsa every Thursday night near the Bruin Bear. The evening begins with a free beginners' lesson from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., followed by an open floor for social dancing from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. This activity combines physical activity, social interaction, and cultural appreciation, all at no cost to participants.

Japanese Garden Access

The UCLA Hannah Carter Japanese Garden provides a serene escape from the stresses of academic life. Located less than a mile away in Bel-Air, this zen-like garden features authentic Japanese antique stone carvings, water basins, lanterns, a 5-tiered pagoda, symbolic rocks, bridges, and shrines. The garden is open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday by reservation only (10am-2pm), offering students a peaceful environment for relaxation, reflection, or study amidst beautiful surroundings.

Food and Retail Perks

Beyond academic and entertainment benefits, UCLA students can access various food and retail perks through the ASUCLA (Associated Students UCLA) organization, which operates numerous campus enterprises and provides special programs for students.

ASUCLA BenefitsU Program

All full-time regularly-enrolled UCLA students are automatically members of ASUCLA BenefitsU, a free program designed to provide additional value to the campus community. Through this program, students receive monthly coupons offering deals and discounts at UCLA Restaurants. Members also gain advance notice about upcoming events before they are widely announced, including UCLA Store sales, job fairs, and other special happenings. Additionally, students enjoy exclusive ASUCLA BenefitsU discounts at the UCLA Store, making textbooks, school supplies, and Bruin merchandise more affordable.

Follow for Freebies Events

A highlight of the ASUCLA BenefitsU program is the Follow for Freebies monthly activation series. These events offer students complimentary products and treats simply by following @asucla on Instagram. The inaugural event, held on April 3, 2024, featured free Chocolate Vanilla Twist (CVT) ice cream pouches distributed outside the UCLA Store in Ackerman Union, adjacent to Bruin Walk, beginning at 11:30 a.m. until supplies lasted. This activation exemplifies ASUCLA's commitment to "BenefitU" by providing simple, enjoyable in-person experiences that connect students with the Bruin community while promoting ASUCLA's products and services.

Future Follow for Freebies events will feature different products and services offered by ASUCLA, giving students opportunities to sample and engage with various offerings. These activations serve as both marketing initiatives and genuine value propositions, allowing students to experience products they might otherwise purchase while building community connections through shared positive experiences.

UCLA Store Market

Students interested in supporting local businesses can find CVT products on campus at the UCLA Store Market, which operates as a student-run enterprise of ASUCLA. This market provides convenient access to local and campus-specific products while supporting student entrepreneurship and campus commerce. The store offers various items beyond CVT products, with many items available at discounted prices through the ASUCLA BenefitsU program.

Campus Resources and Facilities

In addition to specialized programs and events, UCLA provides numerous campus resources and facilities that enhance student life without additional cost.

Computer Lab Resources

Beyond the free printing services, the CPO Computer Lab in the SAC offers students access to computers and software necessary for academic work. These facilities provide an alternative to personal computing resources, ensuring all students have the technological tools needed for coursework regardless of their personal financial situation or equipment access.

Student Support Services

While not explicitly detailed in the provided sources, UCLA's commitment to student welfare is evident through the comprehensive support services integrated into the campus experience. These resources contribute to student success and well-being, indirectly reducing financial burdens by providing professional guidance and support that students might otherwise need to seek from expensive external services.

Maximizing Your Benefits as a UCLA Student

To fully capitalize on the free resources and benefits available, students should take several proactive steps:

1. Follow ASUCLA on Instagram: Staying connected through @asucla ensures students receive timely information about Follow for Freebies events and other promotions.
2. Regularly Check Campus Event Listings: Visit the Campus Events Commission website and UCLA Live's community page to stay informed about free entertainment options.
3. Utilize Quarterly Resources: Plan academic printing needs within the 75-page quarterly limit and take advantage of the Exam Database before major assessments.
4. Explore Transportation Options: Familiarize yourself with the Bruin U-Pass coverage area and late night shuttle routes to maximize these transportation benefits.
5. Engage with Campus Community: Participate in free cultural events, activities like salsa dancing, and explore campus resources like the Japanese Garden to enhance your college experience beyond academics.

Conclusion

UCLA students have access to an impressive array of free resources and benefits that can significantly enhance their college experience while reducing financial burdens. From academic support services like the Exam Database and free printing to transportation perks such as the Bruin U-Pass and late night shuttle, the university provides numerous tools to support student success. Entertainment options including free sporting events, movie screenings, concerts, and cultural activities enrich campus life without additional cost. The ASUCLA BenefitsU program and Follow for Freebies events offer direct product samples and discounts, while campus resources like the Japanese Garden provide spaces for relaxation and reflection.

By taking advantage of these opportunities, students can make their time at UCLA more affordable and enjoyable, stretching their budgets further while accessing experiences and resources that might otherwise be financially prohibitive. The combination of academic support, practical benefits, and entertainment options creates a comprehensive support system that addresses various aspects of student life, contributing to both academic success and personal well-being.

Sources

1. ASUCLA BenefitsU with Follow for Freebies monthly activations
2. Free Stuff Every UCLA Student Should Have
3. Free Stuff at UCLA You Will Actually Want to Use
4. Top 8 Freebies at UCLA for US Cheap Bruins
5. ASUCLA Benefits U Program