My Exchange at The University of California
My exchange quarter at UCLA was truly incredible—one of the most fun and rewarding experiences I’ve ever had. Studying and living on campus was amazing, as the campus is not only stunning, but Westwood and the surrounding neighborhoods are also vibrant and full of life.
I lived on-campus, and I wholeheartedly recommend it. Being on-campus provides the unique opportunity to have a meal plan, with the ability to choose which meal plan you would like, giving you access to the #1 dining halls in the nation. I enjoyed everything from acai bowls to Asian, Mexican, and Italian cuisine, and much more! Plus, living on-campus means you’re just a short walk from your classes and right in the heart of any events or activities hosted by clubs and organizations. My building, Holly, was home to a mix of transfer and exchange students, which made it easy to connect with others who were also experiencing their first quarter at UCLA—many of whom were international students like me.
While the cost of living is higher than in Auckland, I believe the experiences and memories you gain make it well worth it. I took part in several clubs, went on multiple road trips, and explored LA to the fullest. Connecting with other UCLA students and exchange students, and sharing experiences in lectures, over meals, or during trips, made the entire experience even more enjoyable.
The quarter system at UCLA makes time fly by, but the professors are incredibly supportive, and I actually enjoyed the intensity and pace of the learning. I recommend taking only three papers, which is a full-time and typical load for a quarter. This way, you’ll have enough time to truly make the most of your exchange without spending all your time buried in studying and assignments.
The most challenging part of my exchange was actually the process of securing it and ensuring that my courses were approved to meet the requirements for my degree back at Auckland. I recommend having a wide range of paper options, particularly if you are an Economics major as Economics is a very popular major at UCLA. You’re limited to only two papers in the Economics department, and those classes fill up quickly, often by the time you’re able to enroll.
If you’re unsure, I highly recommend you apply. I applied at the last minute and wasn’t certain I’d be able to go on exchange, but I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who made my exchange quarter at UCLA possible.
Q&A
What were some of the highlights of the academic experience at your host university?
One of the highlights of my exchange was taking a real estate class, where I had the chance to hear fascinating anecdotes and insights from the experienced professor. His stories, drawn from years in the industry, really brought the material to life and gave me a deeper understanding of the field. The class wasn’t just about theory—it was an opportunity to learn from someone who had firsthand experience, which made the lessons all the more valuable and engaging.
Would you recommend any particular activity/activities unique to your host country or university?
There are countless options to choose from! Studying at UCLA offers so much more than just academics—there’s an incredible variety of clubs, events, sports games and activities both on campus and around LA. Take full advantage of everything available, and don’t hesitate to step outside your comfort zone.
One thing I highly recommend is attending a UCLA American football game. It’s a truly unique experience at American universities and offers an incredibly fun, lively atmosphere.
What are your top 3 tips for future students attending your host university or going on exchange to your host country?
- Make sure to complete your visa, insurance, and paper approval process as early as possible. It’s a lengthy and complex procedure, and the sooner you get it done, the less stress you’ll have as the deadline approaches!
- Opt for on-campus accommodation—it eliminates the hassle of finding your own place, offers a social atmosphere, and gives you the chance to meet plenty of new friends. Plus, it’s much easier to attend events and lectures when you’re already on campus!
- Say yes to every opportunity—time flies with the quarter system, and it’s not every day you get to live at UCLA in sunny Los Angeles, California!
How much did you budget for your exchange? Was this enough? Were there any lessons learned that would help future students budget for their own exchange?
I divided my budget into various categories: on-campus accommodation (including the meal plan), transportation (like Ubers), extra meals and snacks, travel, spending money, incidentals, and insurance. I estimated rough amounts for each category, which helped me figure out how much money I needed to exchange into USD. I tried to exchange it when the currency conversion rate was favorable. Studying in the U.S. is costly, with my biggest expenses being on-campus accommodation (with the meal plan included) and the flights.
What are your most significant takeaways from your experience abroad?
The connections you make play a big role in making your experience enjoyable and unforgettable. Whether it’s through friends in lectures, clubs, or on your floor, take the time to connect and build relationships. These were the people I would go on road trips with, grab meals, explore LA, let me stay with them, or even drop me off at the airport.
Do you want to share anything about travels you did outside your host city/country?
I wanted to make the most of my time in the U.S. by exploring as many new places as possible, especially since many destinations were just a short flight or drive away! Before my exchange, I visited several states, and during my time at UCLA, I took some road trips to different cities in California. I highly recommend teaming up with other University of Auckland or UCLA exchange students for road trips—this was definitely one of the highlights of my experience! If you’re studying in the fall quarter, I highly recommend taking advantage of the long Thanksgiving break to go on a longer road trip or visit a more distant city or state.
Is there any advice you could share about accommodation options at your host university and/or in the local area?
I lived on-campus in a triple deluxe dorm at De Neve Holly, which I secured through the UCLA housing application. Initially, I was assigned to an off-campus apartment, but I requested to switch to on-campus housing for its proximity to campus and the more comprehensive meal plan it offered. This was one of the best decisions I made!
Do you have any advice on what mobile phone apps and/or phone plans that were useful in your host country?
The apps I used at UCLA are Slack (for clubs), PayPal (to transfer money to others), UCLA Housing (to check my meal plan amount), BruinDine (for opening hours and menus for dining halls) and Transact Mobile Ordering (to order food at the quick-service restaurants on-campus).
I used Mint Mobile and purchased a 3-month plan with unlimited texts, calls, and data for a total of $45, which covered my entire quarter abroad. I used an eSIM for convenience.