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By Jack Brockman, Hiba Fatima, Georgia Lewis & Simi Situ
As current students and recent graduates, we at JCI have compiled the best resources and information we know for prospective students returning to school this fall at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and the University of Southern California (USC). Collectively, with our various experiences, we have been able to reflect on all of the wonderful and impactful services available on both campuses; however, we also encourage those of you returning to school this fall to seek out and utilize your campus resources to their maximum potential - wherever that may be.
A growing concern for undergraduate students and prospective graduate students is the growing number of debt accruing in recent years. In 2024, student debts have gotten as high as $1.77 trillion dollars, outgrowing the collective auto and credit card debt. With this in mind, we hope that the following information of resources is able to help students save on campus where they can, whether that be free or reduced meals or mental health resources for when they are craving the escape. Many of these resources are often overlooked or go by unheard of but make an impact in the long run. With students coming from all around the world to attend USC and UCLA, both prestigious schools, they are putting a lot of their money into being able to complete their education. In an effort to help mitigate the amount of debt students fall into, they should make the most of the helpful resources and networks each school provides.
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) 🐻💙💛
🧑💻 Career Services:
UCLA offers many career services to choose from - all equally helpful and highly recommended to use the most during your academic career.
Links to a few general pages:
→ UCLA Career Services
→ Resources for Pre-Law Students
→ Resources for Pre-Med Students
→ Resources for Pre-MBA Students
💸 Financial:
→ UCLA offers many scholarship opportunities by each college and by department as well. Even if you think you wouldn’t get it, still apply! Scholarships are great opportunities to connect with donors and chances are they also share the same major as you. If you are able to get a scholarship, don’t forget to thank your donor for helping you in a substantial way.
→ Financial Wellness Program: UCLA takes financial well being particularly seriously in light of the growing student debts. With that, they offer many different resources including educational webinars, workshops and working one-on-one that guide through some first time experiences students may go through while navigating their first adult experiences like paying for your own apartment, grocery and other expenses.
🥗 🍽️ Food:
→ Bruin Bites: UCLA offers a text messaging app that is able to notify students of food that is available from on campus events! Great way to see what kind of events are happening on campus as well as all the different food vendors to try out.
→ CPO Food Closet/Online Food Closet: Located inside the Students Activities Center, the CPO food closet offers many non-perishable and perishable food options, hygiene products, toiletries and other basic necessities for no cost and no questions asked. Great way to save a few bucks in between classes or if you need something in an emergency!
📚 Other Resources:
→ Campus Library Instructional Computing Commons (CLICC): The library is a great resource to go to if you need any electronics. They offer short and long term rentals for laptops, video and audio recording equipment and other technology essentials like phone and laptop chargers.
→ Economic Response Team: This UCLA resource supports students who may be experiencing a financial crisis that is affecting their performance in school. Depending on what you need help with, if qualified you can be enrolled in the meal voucher program where they give you 7 free meals to our (amazing!) dining hall each quarter, grants and loans and emergency housing assistance. In addition to the meal vouchers, CalFresh is also a great initiative that allows low income students to receive a monthly stipend towards food needs.
❤️🩹 Health/Counseling/Wellness Services
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS): CAPS offers comprehensive mental health support, including individual counseling, group therapy, and wellness programs, aimed at enhancing student well-being.
The UCLA Behavioral Health Associates (BHA) clinics offer an excellent, long-term alternative for comprehensive mental health care, working closely with UCLA Health’s primary care services. Ranked fifth nationally for psychiatry by U.S. News & World Report, BHA provides accessible care through multiple locations and telemedicine. BHA specializes in solution-focused brief treatment (SFBT) to help patients quickly achieve their mental health goals, offering services like psychiatric stabilization, individual and family therapy, and group therapy. The clinics treat a wide range of conditions, including anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia, with referrals available for ongoing care if needed.
Campus Assault Resources & Education (CARE): CARE provides education, support, and advocacy for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, fostering a safe and healing environment within the UCLA community.
Guidance, Resilience, Integrity, and Transformation (GRIT) Coaching: GRIT offers personalized coaching from trained peers to enhance overall well-being and support academic and personal success.
Resilience In Your Student Experience (RISE): RISE serves as a wellness hub, offering programs, classes, and resources designed to build resilience and foster connection within the UCLA community.
The RISE center underneath LuValle Commons, serves as a great pit stop for those who need a little escape. Hiba from JCI spent a lot of time here working on papers, using their meditation space for a little break and a great place to spend time catching up with friends in between classes. They have counseling for those who may need to talk to someone and host great weekly events for mental health check ins. If you ever find yourself hungry, there's a snack or two lying around and a cute tea station with a variety of teas to choose from! The RISE center was a little safe haven during some tough battles for Hiba and we hope that it can help you too.
How to Access the UCLA Alumni Network
UCLA Alumni Association:
UCLA Alumni Association Website: UCLA Alumni Association - The main portal for connecting with fellow Bruins, accessing alumni resources, and staying updated on events.
Bruin Network: Bruin Network - A dedicated platform for UCLA alumni to connect, network, and engage with the UCLA community.
LinkedIn:
LinkedIn Alumni Tool: Utilize LinkedIn’s alumni tool to find and connect with UCLA graduates working in your field of interest. Search for “University of California, Los Angeles” to explore alumni profiles and build your network.
Following Alumni: Follow UCLA alumni who are in the career field you aspire to enter. Engaging with their posts and reaching out can help you gain insights and make professional connections.
UCLA Alumni Network Apps and Tools:
UCLA One: UCLA One - The official app for UCLA alumni to engage with the community, find events, and network with other Bruins.
UCLA Alumni Career Engagement: UCLA Alumni Career Engagement - Explore resources and support for job searching and career development, including access to alumni mentors and career events.
University of Southern California (USC) ✌🏽♥️💛
🧑💻 Career Services: USC provides a range of career services designed to help students with career planning, job search, and professional development.
→ Headshot Services: Professional headshots are available to help with your LinkedIn profile or other job application materials.
→ Handshake: The platform for job listings, internships, and networking opportunities tailored for USC students.
→ Vmock: AI-powered resume review tool offering instant feedback to refine and enhance your resume.
→ The Trojan Network: A valuable network for connecting with alumni and professionals in your field.
→ Interview Prep/Counseling Appointments: Personalized coaching and mock interviews to help you prepare for job interviews.
→ Job Listings & Networking Opportunities: Access to both virtual and on-campus job listings and networking events.
🎓 Annenberg Digital Lounge: USC’s Annenberg School offers numerous digital resources for students.
→ Adobe Subscriptions: Free access to Adobe Creative Cloud for your design and media needs.
→ Adobe/Salesforce Certification Courses: Courses available to enhance your skills and credentials in these industry-standard tools.
→ Newsdesks: Access to news production resources for aspiring journalists.
→ Podcast Studio & Camera Rentals: Facilities and equipment available for media production and content creation.
🏥 Health & Wellness Center: USC prioritizes student health and wellness with a variety of services and facilities.
→ Campus Gyms: Access to top-tier fitness facilities included with enrollment in fall or spring semester.
→ Mental Health Resources: Comprehensive mental health services through the health portal, including counseling and group therapy sessions, available even if you're not on USC insurance.
🌐 Trojan Network:
→ Cutting-Edge Resources: Utilize the latest tools and resources for career development, such as AI resume builders and career advisor meetings.
→ Networking Events: Opportunities to connect with industry professionals and alumni through various networking events.
📚 Other Resources:
→ Libraries: USC boasts incredible libraries with extensive digital and physical archives, providing access to nearly every journal article, including international ones.
→ Free Subscriptions: Complimentary access to major newspapers like the LA Times, NYTimes, and Wall Street Journal.
→ Writing Center & Tutoring Services: Free academic support through writing assistance and tutoring services.
→ U-PASS: Free and unlimited metro rides year-round for USC students, making it easy to explore Los Angeles.
As students and recent graduates from two of the nation’s top institutions, UCLA and USC, we’ve experienced firsthand the wealth of resources that these universities offer. Yet, it’s important to acknowledge that these valuable services often go overlooked. Students from all around the world invest significant time and money to attend prestigious schools like USC and UCLA, often taking on immense debt to do so. With such a substantial investment, it’s crucial to maximize every opportunity these institutions provide, not just academically but through the diverse resources and networks available.
While we’ve highlighted resources specific to UCLA and USC, similar support systems exist at universities across the country. The key is to be proactive in seeking them out. Many of these resources are easily accessible but require students to take the first step—whether it’s visiting a career center, reaching out for financial assistance, or exploring mental health services. By knowing what’s available, you can tailor your university experience to meet your unique needs and goals.
Your education is more than just attending classes; it’s about fully engaging with all that your university has to offer. Don’t hesitate to ask for help, seek out opportunities, and make the most of the networks and resources at your disposal. By doing so, you’re not just investing in your education—you’re investing in your future.
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