With graduation just around the corner, now is the time to rally together your Bruin family and participate in some of UCLA’s most popular traditions. There is so much more to college than long hours of studying and going to class. So, make sure to get the full experience with your friends and take part in these five fun activities before your undergraduate years are up:
- undie run
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Every Wednesday night of finals week, thousands of Bruins strip down to nearly nothing and gather under the tunnel at Strathmore and Gayley, waiting for midnight to hit and the Undie Run to begin. Everyone’s having a good time, taking pictures with their friends and releasing some of that nervous energy that tends to build up around finals. Join the rest of your graduating class this spring and show up in your sash to celebrate your last Undie Run in style.
- ice blocking
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The idea is simple: sit on a block of ice and slide down the grass by Kuruvunga Steps. The execution? Admittedly harder than it seems. I remember ice-blocking in my freshman year and making friends instantly with the people who were struggling as much as I was. Whether you do it with your roommates, club members or friends, it’s sure to be a fun time.
- meet Powell cat
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Powell Cat is the unofficial mascot of UCLA and bestows a blessing upon everybody that meets him. He tends to reside by Glorya Kaufman Hall, and if you look closely in the shrubbery, you can see little cat-sized imprints where he lays on the grass and takes naps. Petting Powell Cat will give you the last bit of motivation you need to finish out your time at UCLA strong!
- Late-Night In N Out and Diddy Riese Runs
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Are there always impossibly long lines to both of these places? Yes. But is it worth it? For the experience, yes. Sure, you can go to In N Out and Diddy Riese at any time of the day, but there’s something about taking a midnight study break or getting the munchies after a party that makes the occasion so much more memorable. We may be broke college students, but there’s always a couple of dollars to spare for a Diddy’s cookie.
- Westwood village farmer’s market
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Every Thursday, Broxton Avenue closes down and allows vendors of all kinds to set up shop, from clothing retailers to bakeries to produce stands. Whether you want to buy fresh groceries or just look around, the farmer’s market is a great way to destress and enjoy local businesses. Rest assured, there will always be good food, good conversation and good vibes.
UCLA is known not just for its academic prestige, but for its exciting social life and traditions like these that keep our culture alive. Every year, incoming freshmen get a chance to join in on these activities, and departing seniors get to do them for the last time. As you go off into the real world, I hope you cherish the memories you’ve made at UCLA and remember that your participation has perpetuated these traditions for future generations of Bruins to come!