‘What I wish I knew when I came to UCLA’: Recent grads give their best advice to new Bruins

Beginning your first year at UCLA can feel like standing on the edge of a brand-new world - equal parts excitement, nerves and wonder. There's the thrill of freedom, of making your own choices and of meeting folks who might become lifelong friends and mentors. But there are the inevitable butterflies: Am I really ready for this? Will I be able to find my way around? How can I be sure I'm making the most of my experience?

At UCLA, connecting is key, so we asked recent graduates for their take on the challenges, opportunities and surprises of campus life. Their wisdom and advice - on everything from accessing university services and undergraduate research opportunities to finding balance through clubs and self-care - helps bridge the gap between past experiences and new beginnings, giving incoming students a blueprint for settling in, overcoming uncertainty and living their best Bruin lives.

Rachel Fox
Fox graduated in June 2025 with a bachelor's degree in neuroscience and is now in her first year of the USC-Caltech M.D.-Ph.D. program. Learn more about her research experiences as an undergrad.

Advice: One thing I wish I knew was to go find my own opportunities from the beginning, both in academics and socially. My favorite experiences were ones that I sought out, such as joining a research lab very quickly after entering UCLA, being a part of club softball, learning new skills that eventually got me additional research positions and going to organization social events that led to future friends and roommates. Especially as a pre-med student, UCLA is very competitive, and it might seem like there are hundreds of people competing for a single spot at a club. However, the experiences I created for myself that aligned with what I was interested in - including those off campus - formed the best parts of my UCLA experience.

Ryan Horio
Horio, who graduated in June 2025 with a bachelor's degree in Asian American studies and in human biology and society, is currently a UCLA master's student in Asian American studies. Read more about his undergraduate journey.

Advice: Ask your older friends in classes and clubs for advice. There are many upperclassmen who enjoy mentorship and can offer support with invaluable life advice, opportunities or [connecting you to] someone who has already done what you are going to do.

Jimmy Mancilla
Mancilla graduated in June 2025 with bachelor's degree in labor studies and political science in 2025. Learn more about his undergrad research and experiences as a working student.

Advice: One thing I wish I knew when I started at UCLA is how valuable it is to join clubs that speak to both your career goals and your personal passions. For me, being part of a pre-law society gave me a sense of direction professionally, while joining a fashion club let me pursue something I genuinely enjoy, allowing me to ease the stress of academics. Together, these experiences not only made campus life more fun and balanced but also introduced me to some of the most meaningful connections I've carried with me beyond UCLA.

Isabella Yuan
Yuan earned her bachelor's degree in human biology and society in June 2025. Hear more about her undergraduate work in neuroscience and artificial intelligence.

Advice: I wish I knew that all home athletic events - besides men's basketball and football - are free for students!

Guillermo Miranda
Miranda, who earned a bachelor's degree in history in June 2025, became an expert on Mexican cheesemaking through his undergraduate research. Read more about his journey.

Advice: I wish I knew how to identify the "hidden" curriculum in higher ed institutions faster and really take advantage of all the resources UCLA offers. From seemingly simple things like student clubs and office hours to the big things like the UC Student Health Insurance Plan and UCLA Counseling and Psychological Services … Learning when, what and whom to ask can be the blueprint for success.

Victoria Gutierrez
Gutierrez, who graduated with a bachelor's degree in political science in June 2025, researched how Salton Sea residents organize to overcome poverty and environmental challenges. Read more about her undergraduate work.

Advice: The one thing I wish I would have known at UCLA is just how much would happen. My time at UCLA was some of the best years of my life, and I made some of my best friends and explored my passions. Say "yes" to everything and appreciate it every moment. Work hard, play hard - and whenever life gets you down, Venice Beach is only a few miles from campus.

Piper Bailey
Bailey graduated in June 2025 with a bachelor's degree in English.

Advice: I wish I had known to take more advantage of office hours with my wonderful professors! In the English and the education departments, I had so many cherished conversations with professors who showed they cared deeply for their studies but, most importantly, their students. The office hours I attended with Professor Stephen Dickey, Professor Cecilia Rios-Aguilar and Professor Uri McMillan were life-changing and prepared me for life post-UCLA!

Dhanya Charan
Charan, who graduated in June 2025 with bachelor's degree in linguistics and psychology and in cognitive science, won an award for her research on children's speech patterns. Read more about her undergraduate work.

Advice: Make your years at UCLA years of exploration. Being a student at UCLA comes with so many opportunities. Get the U-Pass and explore L.A., kayak at Marina del Rey, read rare books at the William Andrews Clark Memorial Library, and enjoy UCLA Film & Television Archive screenings - all for free!

Katie Cunningham
Cunningham, who graduated in June 2025 with a bachelor's degree in linguistics and English, sang the national anthem at the UCLA College commencement ceremony. Read more about her undergrad experience.

Advice: I wish I'd known to stop comparing myself to others! Some healthy motivation and inspiration is great, but you cannot let comparison steal your joy.