A self-guided audio tour

UCLA Prospective Undergraduate Student Tour

The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) boasts one of the most vibrant and historically rich campuses in the United States, seamlessly blending stunning architecture with top-tier academics and athletics. Established in 1919 and moved to its current Westwood location in 1929, the campus is characterized by its grand Romanesque Revival and Collegiate Gothic structures—most notably the original buildings orbiting Dickson Court. Surrounded by the rolling foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains, the university grounds exude a classically collegiate atmosphere, augmented by lush landscaping, monumental staircases, and captivating public art. For a prospective undergraduate student, the environment offers an inspiring backdrop for both rigorous intellectual pursuits and dynamic student life. Beyond its academic prestige, UCLA is recognized worldwide for a deeply ingrained culture of sports excellence and a robust, spirited community. Walking along Bruin Walk, the primary pedestrian artery, visitors are immersed in the daily energy of student advocacy, bustling campus stores, and impromptu performances. The sprawling athletic facilities highlight an institution that has secured more than 100 NCAA team championships, a testament to the legacy of figures like legendary basketball coach John Wooden. Whether you are catching the echoes of a rally at Bruin Plaza, feeling the mist of the iconic Inverted Fountain, or envisioning game day in the fabled Pauley Pavilion, the campus is alive with tradition and opportunity. Touring UCLA provides a comprehensive glimpse into what makes the Bruin experience unique. From learning about admissions at Murphy Hall to traversing the same historic Janss Steps that have seen decades of student milestones, prospective students can easily picture their future here. The synthesis of world-class museums, comprehensive recreational centers, and sprawling libraries ensures that every student's passion—be it in the arts, sciences, or athletics—is catered to within a compact, walkable footprint. It is a campus that not only celebrates its rich history but continuously evolves, inviting the next generation to leave their own mark.

Stops 11
Distance 1.0 mi
Time ~1 hr
Tour starts at
Pauley Pavilion
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The route, in pieces

11 stops. All killer, no filler.

Each stop earns its place. Names, dates, the secrets that make you stop mid-stride — all narrated in the app as you walk.

Showing 06 of 11
  1. 01

    Pauley Pavilion

    LANDMARK

    Serving as the beating heart of UCLA Athletics and one of the most hallowed venues in American sports, Pauley Pavilion is an electrifying arena that seats nearly 13,800 fans. Home to the university's men's and women's basketball, gymnastics, and volleyball teams, the building buzzes with collegiate energy. Inside, the famous Nell and John Wooden Court is watched over by a staggering array of blue and gold NCAA National Championship banners hanging from the rafters—a constant reminder of Bruin dominance. Following a massive 2012 renovation, the arena features a modernized glass concourse and upgraded amenities, while preserving its iconic mid-century roof structure to seamlessly blend historic prestige with modern intensity.

  2. 02

    Bruin Bear Statue

    LANDMARK

    Serving as the fierce and photogenic guardian of UCLA's Westwood campus, the Bruin Bear Statue commands the bustling center of Bruin Plaza. This massive, lifelike black bronze sculpture captures the university's beloved mascot mid-stride with a powerful, protective stance. Resting on a prominent pedestal and surrounded by a circular bench, the iconic monument acts as a central meeting spot for students, a mandatory backdrop for graduation photos, and a tangible, daily embodiment of Bruin pride.

  3. 03

    Ackerman Union

    LANDMARK

    Serving as the bustling geographic center of the UCLA campus, Ackerman Union is the ultimate multi-level hub of daily student life. This massive five-story complex is the university's primary student center, humming with the constant energy of Bruins studying, socializing, and grabbing a bite to eat between lectures. Inside, the facility boasts an extensive food court, sprawling lounge spaces, and the flagship UCLA Store—the go-to destination for textbooks, dorm supplies, and Bruin apparel. With additional amenities ranging from the expansive Ackerman Grand Ballroom, which hosts everything from career fairs to student events, to essential campus services, the union acts as a vibrant, self-contained collegiate city.

  4. 04

    UCLA Store

    SHOP

    Situated within the bustling heart of Ackerman Union, the flagship UCLA Store is a sprawling, multi-department collegiate retail paradise. Dressed in the university's signature blue and gold and accented with architectural nods to classic Westwood brickwork, this massive shopping hub is operated entirely by the Associated Students UCLA (ASUCLA). It features an expansive 'BearWear' department offering an endless sea of Bruin apparel, alongside a comprehensive textbook center, the BookZone for leisure reading, and a dedicated Computer Store. Humming with the vibrant energy of students gearing up for game days or grabbing last-minute exam supplies, it is the ultimate starting point for anyone looking to tangibly take a piece of the university home.

  5. 05

    John Wooden Center

    LANDMARK

    Commanding a vibrant spot near Bruin Plaza, the John Wooden Center (affectionately known by students simply as 'Wooden') is UCLA's sprawling, multi-level student recreation hub. Beyond its striking brick facade lies an energetic fitness metropolis featuring expansive weight rooms, multiple hardwood basketball and volleyball courts—including the massive Collins Court—mirrored dance studios, and a spectacular indoor rock-climbing wall. Filled with the rhythmic sounds of bouncing basketballs and thumping workout playlists, the facility serves as a dynamic sanctuary for Bruins seeking a physical release from the demands of their rigorous academic schedules.

  6. 06

    Fowler Museum at UCLA

    MUSEUM

    Serving as a vibrant cultural hub in the northern part of UCLA's Westwood campus, the Fowler Museum explores the diverse global arts and material cultures of Africa, Asia, the Pacific, and the Indigenous Americas. Far from a conventional Western art gallery, this institution houses an astounding collection of over 130,000 artworks and 600,000 archaeological objects. Nestled in a striking brick-and-glass facility near Royce Hall, the Fowler features an airy central courtyard and rotating exhibitions that seamlessly blend ancient traditions with contemporary social issues, offering visitors a profound window into human creativity from across the globe.

  7. + 5 more stops, numbered and waiting.
    Get the app to unlock all 11
How it works

Eyes up. Ears open.

Phone in your pocket. Disco does the rest.

01
Get the app
Free, no account. Pick "UCLA Prospective Undergraduate Student Tour" and save it offline.
02
Walk to Pauley Pavilion
GPS does the cueing. There are no buttons to press.
03
Earbuds in. Walk.
Each stop narrates as you arrive. Phone stays in your pocket.
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