Resources
The Bruin Guardian Scholars Program is dedicated to providing current and former foster youth with resources to help support students throughout their academic endeavors. Aside from having access to our program specific resources, BGS has numerous partners and liaisons to help make your time at UCLA as stress-free as possible. Access campus resources, where you can get you in contact with liaisons that can assist with academic, financial, or even mental wellness; to community resources, where you can connect with individuals who can help you with transitional housing, and other basic needs.
Foster Youth Specific
Below are a list of resources and organizations for current/former foster youth to access.
Journey House provides emotional support and guidance, as well as financial aid to help them with the cost of attending college and vocational schools.
Alliance for Children's RightsFor young adults who age out of foster care without a stable connection to a supportive adult, our programs and advocacy guide them in their journey to independence through legal services, mentorship, referrals, etc..
Foster NationWe provide resources and connections that support and meet their basic needs.
Transitional Housing ProgramsFor qualifying youth, there is access to transitional housing after emancipation as well as access to the supplemental living program.
Youth On the MoveOur Youth On the Move Program may be able to get you a MTA annual transit pass (TAP card) for free.
A Sense of HomeA Sense of Home strives to prevent homelessness by creating first-ever homes for youth aging out of foster care with donated furniture and home goods.
Academic Resources
As a Guardian Scholar you should know your College Academic Counselor and your Departmental Advisor. We recommend you meet with them at least once a quarter to make sure you're on track!
Academic Advancement Program Counseling (AAP)AAP addresses the specific needs of students who come from historically disadvantage backgrounds, as a scholar you automatically qualify for AAP. They offer petitions, academic advising, tutoring, and more.
Campus Library Instructional Computing Commons (CLICC)The Campus Library Instructional Computing Commons (CLICC) offers technology and support for UCLA students, faculty, and staff. Services include free laptop lending, printing, study room reservations, projector loans, computer stations, and a wide variety of instructional software.
Center for Accessible (CAE)Center for Accessible Education (CAE) provides accommodations to students with permanent or temporary disabilities and chronic medical conditions. Services include: research assistance, in class note taking, adaptive equipment for the classroom, mobility assistance, and much more.
College Academic Counseling (CAC)CAC is the place to go for general questions regarding requirements for graduation, any academic difficulty you may be experiencing, and program planning such as double majoring or taking on a minor. The CAC website offers FAQs regarding academic regulations, online advising, and other online resources.
Community Programs Office Writing Success ProgramAs part of the Student Retention Center, the Writing Success Program offers quarterly workshops, one-on-one writing support, and daily drop-in hours. Their goal is to help ease students’ anxiety about writing and increase student confidence in their analytic and communication skills. Location: Student Activities Center, Room 106.
First Year ExperienceThe UCLA First Year Experience (FYE) Office helps students in navigating campus resources and provides programming, research, and information supportive of First Year Bruins’ success in the areas of academic success, personal identity development, building community, and health and well-being.
Graduate Student Writing CenterThe Grad Writing Center offers a variety of workshops and programs throughout the year including dissertation "boot camps" for graduate students, master's thesis writing program, and writing groups, primarily for doctoral students.
Honors CounselorsOne of the advantages of being in the UCLA Honors Program is that you are assigned an individual honors counselor to help you plan your time, and find courses that best meet your academic needs and graduation goals.
International Education Office (IEO)- Study AbroadThere are many ways to participate in study abroad as a student. Be sure to check out the UCLA International Education Office website to learn about all the options and to find out more information.
Student Athletics CounselorsThe S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Program provides an interactive learning environment that emphasizes life-long learning habits, goal setting, teamwork, leadership and character. Student athletes can receive free tutoring services for their classes, mentors, and a leadership council.
The Test Bank at the CPOPrint out graded past exams that were given by your current professors through the process at the CPO Test Bank. The service is free to students, simply go to Room 105 in the Student Activities Center and sign up. To continue using the resource after your first quarter you must bring a graded exam in exchange for more past tests.
TutoringEveryone needs tutoring: not just those struggling academically, but also those who want to succeed in the quarter system! A complete list of tutoring resources available for a variety of subjects can be found through UCLA College of Letters and Sciences. For more tutoring options, contact your Departmental Advisor.
UCLA Departmental CounselorsEach department at UCLA has its very own counselor to help students with their upper division requirements working towards a degree. If you have questions regarding your major/minor requirements, courses for your major/minor, professors in your major/minor, or anything having to do with your major/minor you would go see your departmental advisor.
UCLA LibrariesThere are eleven libraries available for students and each offer a variety of resources and services. Tools include research tutorials, book reserves from other campuses, reserved study spaces, 24-hour study space, database searches, techniques of research writing, proper citing, and more
UCLA Undergraduate Writing CenterThe Writing Center provides individualized consultations on writing. They offer support at any point in the writing process: when students are starting a writing assignment; after they have written a draft or part of a draft; after they have gotten feedback; as they are polishing a paper and want help in learning how to proofread and edit their own writing.
The Undergraduate Research Center (URC)The URC assists students in research. The centers support scholarly, critical, and creative research, provides mentoring and tutorials, and administers research stipends and scholarships.
Commuter & Transportation Resources
UCLA Transportation offers a variety of options for students who need to commute every day, weekends or holidays, or just want to get around the city. There are options for walking, biking, public transit, carpool, and vanpool. If you will be driving to campus most days sign up for a parking pass.
Commuter OptionsThere are many options as a commuter at UCLA, especially if you use public transportation. There are the Bruin Commuter Club, BruinGo! Transit, and the UCLA Vanpool (vanpool@ts.ucla.edu) that offer less expensive travel options.
Go MetroYou can save up to $10 on your transit pass if your income qualifies you for Metro's Rider Relief Program (RRTP). If eligible, you’ll get fare subsidy coupons to use each month when buying your transit pass from participating providers and pass sales outlets.
Financial Resources
580 Café is a place to grab some food, study, or simply chill. No costs, no questions, no kidding. Location: 580 Hilgard Ave. 580 Cafe offers struggling students free food, develops community
CPO Food ClosetThe purpose of the food closet is to provide food and sustenance for any UCLA students who might be experiencing hunger and/or struggling to attain food due to financial hardships. This wonderful resource is overseen by the Community Programs Office. They also take donations. Location: 1st Floor of the Student Activities Center
Career ClosetThe Career Closet at UCLA serves as a resource of gently-used professional attire for all currently enrolled UCLA students to use for upcoming graduate school/job interviews as well as career fairs. All currently enrolled UCLA students must bring their Bruin Card to receive items. Located at the University Religious Conference Building, Room #308 (900 Hilgard Ave). Please contact them via email (careerclosetatucla@gmail.com) if you have any questions.
Economic Crisis Response TeamThe ECR Team is an online resource that offers options for on-campus financial assistance at UCLA for students who have been impacted by a current economic crisis. If you are in financial distress please e-mai ECRT@saonet.ucla.edu
Financial AidThe Financial Aid Office provides students information regarding their financial aid award and how to maintain eligibility. The Financial Aid Office staff is available on the phone at (310) 206-0400 and by e-mail at finaid@saonet.ucla.edu. Location: Murphy Hall, Suite A-129J
Financial Wellness Program (FWP)It is the mission of the FWP to help empower students to confidently navigate their finances to support their overall wellness and help them to be self-sustaining. They provide one-on-one problem-solving, workshops, and other financial education experiences.
Student Loan ServicesFor information relating to your student loans, debt management, and loan consolidation Student Loan Services is the place to go. In a bind the loan service can also offer a short term loan that is interest-free to help out with unforeseen expenses. Location: Murphy Hall, Suite A227
Scholarship Resource Center (SRC)The SRC helps students find scholarships they are eligible for and also provides workshops on how to go about applying for scholarships. SRC offers drop-in scholarship counseling, proofreading of essays, workshops, and more. Location: Covel Commons, Suite 233.
Work Study OfficeWork-Study is a need-based form of Financial Aid that you earn through on or off-campus employment and receive in the form of a paycheck. The intent of the Work-Study Program is to encourage part-time employment and reduce the amount of loan debt incurred while attending college.
Student Services
VIP Scholars was established in 2006 and was designed to prepare high school students from underrepresented backgrounds for admissions to competitive four-year universities such as UCLA, through counseling, mentoring, student leadership, academic advising, and summer residential programs.
Undergraduate Admissions and Relations with Schools (UARS)You should be proud of your accomplishments. The combination of your personal and academic achievements makes you an ideal addition to the UCLA community. Now, what do you need to know to make your transition to the university as smooth as possible? This site contains all the information you need to take you from the moment you were admitted to the first day of class.
Campus SafetyUCLA has established a comprehensive safety and security program including police, fire, and medical units; a campus escort service available from dusk until 1:00 a.m.; and an evening van service free of charge and available to all UCLA students, staff, faculty and visitors.
Center for Community LearningThe Center for Community Learning offers UCLA undergraduates the opportunity to participate in civic engagement through a variety of structured, rigorous academic courses that link theory with practice. They offer internship courses, a Civic Engagement and a Disabilities Minor, as well as a number of other learning courses and programs.
Dashew CenterUCLA is home for more than 12,000 international students and scholars away from home. The Dashew Center is the place where domestic and international students and scholars meet, provide multicultural programs and services and assist UCLA academic departments with visa services. We serve as a resource and learning center for the entire UCLA community to promote global connection, international understanding and cultural sensitivity.
Dean of StudentsThe Dean of Students Office oversees most Honors societies at UCLA. They are a good point of contact if you should have any concerns or issues as a student at UCLA especially when it comes to campus climate, academic integrity, and other rights and regulations.
LGBTQ CenterThe UCLA Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Campus Resource Center is the crossroads of the LGBTQ community at UCLA, providing a comprehensive range of education and advocacy services supporting intersectional identity development. They foster an open, safe and inclusive environment for LQBTQAI+ faculty, staff, alumni, their families, and the entire campus community.
Registrar: Important Dates and DeadlinesThe Registrar’s Office website offers a number of sources of information. The quarterly Schedule of Classes, General Catalog of course descriptions, and lists all important dates and deadlines can be found here. This is also where you will go for course registration dates, financial aid dates, deadlines to add/drop classes, information on changing grading type, and all other important deadlines to keep in mind for the quarter and for the entire year. Location: 1113 Murphy Hall
Residential LifeResidential Life is responsible for creating safe, supportive, and inclusive living-learning communities for students living on-campus. They offer resources like academic support resources and specialized programming.
Student Legal ServicesStudent Legal Services provides confidential legal counseling and assistance regarding a wide range of legal issues to all currently registered and enrolled UCLA students.Students may make an appointment by telephone or in person, and there is a $10 fee for the initial one-hour consultation with an experienced attorney. Location: Murphy Hall A239. Phone: (310)-825-9894
Student Organizations, Leadership, and Engagement (SOLE)SOLE advises about 1000 campus organizations. Services include registration of new and continuing organizations, programming assistance, organization development, fundraising approval and guidelines, funding proposal consultation, and advisement on rules and regulations. The Main Office also approves time, place, and manner for the campus activities of registered organizations. Location: Kerckhoff Hall 105, Email: uclasole@ucla.edu
UCLA Office of Ombuds Services (Meditation and Dispute Resolution Resources)The Office of Ombuds Services is a place where members of the UCLA community (students, faculty, staff, and administration) can go for assistance in resolving conflicts, disputes, or complaints on an informal basis. Location: Strathmore Building, Suite 105. Phone: (310) 825-7627
Undergraduate Student Association (USAC)USAC is a student governing body made up of fourteen student officers and commissioners that are elected by members of the Undergraduate Students Association. Elections are held every year in the spring. There are many leadership, job, and internship opportunities through USAC.
Health and Wellness
ASHE is your student health center, they provide quality, state-of-the-art healthcare, and education to support the unique development of UCLA students. Health Insurance is mandatory for all UCLA registered students and a condition of enrollment.
Main Line: (310) 825-4073. Nurse Consult: (310) 825-4073, Option 2. 24/7 Nurseline: (877) 351-3457
Location: 221 Westwood Plaza (Bruin Plaza), Los Angeles, CA 90095
UCLA’s Consultation & Response Team is composed of representatives from key campus departments, such as The College, Student Affairs, and the UCLA Police Department.
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)CAPS is the student mental health center on campus that provides a multitude of services including individual counseling, group therapy, wellness programming, urgent care counseling, and more. All currently registered UCLA students are eligible for all services offered by The Counseling Center.
Location: John Wooden Center West, 221 Westwood Plaza. Phone: (310) 825-0768. Crisis counseling available 24-hours a day by phone.
MARC’s mission is to teach and promote mindful awareness and mindfulness mediation. There are many ways to bring mindfulness into your life such as mediation, yoga, nature, etc. Regardless of the method mindfulness has proved to have some very beneficial results.
UCLA RecreationUCLA Recreation offers a wide range of recreational activities and services. Students, through their tuition and fees, have access to recreation facilities and may purchase additional services. Activities available include: full gym, cardio equipment, and a climbing wall, wellness programming, group classes, open recreation, club sports, and outdoor adventures, and more!
UCLA Ties for FamiliesUCLA TIES for Families is an interdisciplinary, university-based program that works in collaboration with the public child welfare and mental health systems. Our innovative model of services significantly reduces barriers to the adoption of these children and supports their successful transition into permanent homes with stable, nurturing families.
UC ShipThe UC Student Health Insurance Plan (UC SHIP) is a comprehensive medical insurance program offered to UCLA students. All registered students are automatically enrolled in UC SHIP, but if you have comparable insurance and you do not want to keep UC SHIP as dual coverage, you must submit a request to waive enrollment by the specified deadline.