UCLA History: What Every New Student Should Know

Few institutions can match the University of California, Los Angeles in culture, research, and education. Located in the heart of Los Angeles, this prestigious university boasts a rich history and a vibrant community. The warm climate of Southern California and its excellent academic programs make UCLA a popular choice for students looking to study abroad.

School History

The Los Angeles State Normal School, established in 1882, was designed to train educators to meet the growing educational needs of Southern California. It made a significant contribution to the development of the teaching profession in the region. Over time, the institution evolved into the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), now a prominent public research university, reflecting its enduring legacy in California's educational landscape.

In 1916, a new site on Vermont Avenue in Hollywood was selected for the school. By 1919, it was renamed SBUC and expanded to include a comprehensive undergraduate curriculum called the College of Letters and Science.

The institution rapidly expanded to include third- and fourth-year programs. In 1925, the inaugural class graduated with 300 students, and in 1926, the Southern Branch was officially renamed the University of California, Los Angeles. In 1958, a comma was added, formally changing the name to the University of California, Los Angeles.

Academics

UCLA is consistently ranked among the best public colleges in the USA. The university offers over 125 majors and 90 minors for students to choose from. The inaugural graduating class, which consisted of 28 students, received their Bachelor of Education degrees on June 1, 1923, when UCLA was still known as the Southern Branch of the University of California. Today, the university has over 33,000 undergraduates and approximately 13,000 graduate students enrolled yearly.

UCLA invests over $1 billion annually in research, enabling the financing of innovative studies. Its library system is one of the largest in the nation, housing well over 12 million books. The faculty at UCLA includes Nobel Laureates, MacArthur Fellows, and National Medal of Science recipients.

Notable Alums Who Have Graduated

UCLA has been home to many iconic figures in sports history, including John Wooden, Arthur Ashe, Gary Beban, Rafer Johnson, Tiger Woods, Bill Walton, Ronda Rousey, and Kenny Washington. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, played for the UCLA Bruins before achieving success in the NBA. Additionally, Jackie Robinson, the first African American to play in Major League Baseball, is another notable alum from UCLA.

Many well-known figures from the entertainment industry graduated from UCLA's School of Theater, Film, and Television. Notable alumni include the legendary actor James Dean, actor and filmmaker Ben Stiller, esteemed director James Cameron, and Francis Ford Coppola. Additionally, Ralph Bunche, another UCLA graduate, was the first African American to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.

Southern California is known for its beautiful, sunny beaches, vibrant and diverse culture, and pleasant climate that many people find appealing. These remarkable surroundings, combined with a top-tier education, offer an exceptional experience for students. If you want to explore whether UCLA's prestigious programs align with your academic and personal goals, schedule a consultation with an SAF counselor today.