How does UCLA's student population impact campus life?

I'm curious about how having a large student population at UCLA affects the overall campus life and student experience. Does it make it difficult to form close connections or are there plenty of opportunities to meet new people?

At UCLA, as with any large university, there may initially seem to be a lot of students you're surrounded with, but various aspects of campus life are designed to create smaller, more intimate communities within the larger student body.

For instance, the university offers a wide array of clubs, organizations, and student groups—over 1,200 on record. These groups provide smaller social settings and opportunities to forge connections based on shared interests. Whether you're passionate about film, political activism, chess, or dance, there's likely a club where you can meet like-minded individuals. Moreover, these organizations often host events where you can get to know your peers better.

The university's housing system also fosters a smaller community feel within the larger university. Freshmen are required to live on-campus, with many buildings organized into "Living Learning Communities" (LLCs). These LLCs are residence halls where students with similar interests or in similar fields of study reside, leading to closer connections among inhabitants.

In terms of academics, while some of the introductory courses can be large, as you get into your major, you'll typically find your class size decreases significantly. This provides opportunities to get to know your classmates and faculty on a more personal level.

However, it is important to remember that in a large university setting, you'll often need to be proactive in seeking out these opportunities and forging connections. But with the myriad of resources and communities available, you should find it entirely possible to create a close-knit social network within the larger campus community.