What's the student population at UCLA like?

Hi everyone! Currently a junior in high school and UCLA's been on my mind recently. I've heard different things about the size of the student population, and I'm wondering if it's as large as people say. If anyone has any current data or thoughts about how population size affects student life there, it'd be much appreciated.

In terms of raw numbers, UCLA has a fairly large student population. As of the 2024-2025 academic year, the undergraduate student population at UCLA was around 31,500 students, with an additional 13,000 or so graduate students.

Now, onto the implications of this population size. Many students actually find the size of UCLA to be one of its strengths. A large community means there's room for a broad range of clubs and organizations, so you can likely find others who share your interests no matter how niche they may be. This translates into a rich campus life with a vibrant social scene, no shortage of campus events, and ample opportunities for networking, both academically and socially.

However, others can find the size a bit overwhelming. It's not uncommon in large schools for some classes, particularly introductory or general education courses, to be quite large, with some lectures populated by hundreds of students. This can make individual attention from professors a little more challenging to obtain, but on the flip side, it can be an excellent practice in independence and self-motivation.

Finally, remember that your experience at UCLA, like at any school, is what you make of it. You can find smaller communities within the larger one by joining clubs, participating in intramural sports, or becoming part of study groups. These smaller communities can become your 'home base' in this big school environment.

In any case, it's crucial to visit campuses (whether virtually or physically), as this can give you a better feel for the atmosphere and the typical student experience.