UCLA in the Summer

Summertime brings a slower pace to campus life — shorter lunch lines, more parking spaces, and no crowds on Bruin Walk and Dickson Plaza. But if you think Bruins are hibernating over the summer, think again! From summer camps to youth hostels, botanical garden tours to World Cup watch parties, the campus in summer mode has something going on for all ages and a wide range of interests.

Summer Sessions

Did you know there are a total of eight Summer Sessions offered on campus this year? Ranging from three-week intensive courses to 10-week programs, students can chart their own academic paths, either on campus or via online courses. With more than 800 courses and programs offered, UCLA has something for everyone.

UCLA Extension also offers its summer quarter courses both in-person or online. Browse through more than a hundred courses on topics ranging from creative photography to writing poetry to investment planning.

The UCLA College/Professional Summer Institutes provide participants with a transformative educational experience by combining academics with an array of co-curricular programming rooted in UCLA’s culture of innovation, academic excellence, and global responsibility and all that Los Angeles has to offer.

Museum Happenings

Destinations like the Hammer Museum at UCLA and the Fowler Museum are just a couple of the places that offer visitors a touch of culture and art on or near the campus. In addition to the museums’ summer exhibits and programs, also taking place at the Hammer are World Cup watch parties on the big screen, plus you can explore free exhibitions, shop the store or grab a bite at the restaurant. The Billy Wilder theater also regularly offers free mindful awareness meditations and movie screenings the whole family can enjoy.

UCLA Recreation

UCLA Rec has something for everyone, from youth programs (see below) to classes for students, staff, faculty, retirees, alumni and outside members. Whether it’s Bruin MindFit, a mindful movement and meditation course, or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, or a sunset kayak paddle, summer continues to be a time to stay physically and mentally active indoors and out. Explore Rec’s full offerings of dance, art, music, fitness, martial arts, workshops and more for summer quarter. Pro-tip: kayak rentals are free for current students at the Marina Aquatic Center.

Summer Camps

UCLA Recreation Summer Camps offer a chance for kids to enjoy a variety of experiences from June thru August. Rec Cubs is geared towards supporting young, first-time campers acclimate to summer camp. Voyager is for tweens and teens offering activities including rock climbing, recreational swimming and field games, plus aquatic activities, like sailing and kayaking; and two field trips. Youth Swim lessons are available weekdays and weekends for children ages 3-12 years and the Counselors in Training program helps high-school-age campers build valuable professional and personal skills, while giving them practical experience working with youth. The kids always bring their vivacious energy and enthusiasm to campus every summer.

New Student Orientations

New Student & Transition Programs are an important part of the college experience. New Student Orientations are offered to first-year and transfer students. During an incoming Bruin’s first tour of campus, an alumni staff member welcomes them and invites them to make the most of their Bruin experience, which later becomes a lifelong journey as alumni.

The New Parent & Family Orientation is also a chance to welcome families to the UCLA community and to address any concerns family members may have relative to their student’s upcoming university experience. The one-day sessions look closer at life on campus, strategies for success and what it means to be the family of a thriving college student. Any family member of a first-year or transfer student, a new family to UCLA or alumni are welcome to the sessions which feature presentations from staff, faculty and students.

For incoming students not yet on campus, New Bruin Send-offs are held in regional settings to welcome new families to UCLA. Hosted by the local alumni network, they often take place at parks or rec centers, and provide a first point of contact for new Bruins about to embark on their collegiate journey. Some Send-offs also take place on campus, typically at the James West Alumni Center, just before the start of fall quarter.

Summer Hostel for Students

UCLA Housing isn’t just for full-time UCLA students and conference attendees. Any 18 and over college student or campus event attendee can stay at the UCLA residence halls for as low as $96 per night. These budget-conscious rates are especially appealing to international students studying at UCLA or working in a Los Angeles-based internship for the summer. They offer two-bedroom suites that sleeps two to three per room or singles, with a common living area and shared bathroom. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, housekeeping, a fitness center, pools and onsite laundry.

Mildred Mathias Botanical Garden Tours and Twilight Series

Nestled on the south part of campus, the Mathias Botanical Garden, a 7.5 acre public garden, outdoor classroom and research facility promotes botanical knowledge and inspires environmental and cultural appreciation of plants and their relationship to society through education, research and public outreach. The beautiful setting fosters health and tranquility for the community. The La Kretz Garden Pavilion serves as the meeting spot for free guided tours of the garden on select Saturdays starting at 10 a.m. and their summer series Twilight in the Garden, which includes a wine bar and live music.

UCLA Library Exhibits and Film Screenings

With approximately 18 UCLA libraries on campus, summer is a popular time to attend exhibits, screenings and musical performances that appeal to your academic or personal interests. The summer of 2026 features the Special Collections exhibit, “100 Years of Student History at UCLA” inside the Charles Young Research Library; the “Artists’ Books Recent Acquisitions” exhibit in the Arts Library; and the UCLA Library Film & Television Archive’s screening of “Turning Red” inside the Billy Wilder Theater located in the Hammer Museum.

UCLA’s Center for 17th- and 18th-Century Studies, for which the UCLA William Andrews Clark Memorial Library is a part of, is also hosting the “Henry J. Bruman Summer Chamber Music Festival” inside the Schoenberg Music Building and via livestream.

Graduation and Wedding Photo Shoots

Strolling around campus during the summer and you’re bound to see newly minted alumni posing in cap and gown or their grad sash next to the Bruin Bear or under the arches of Royce Hall for their belated grad photos. If you’re lucky, you may see Bruin alumni couples returning to campus for engagement photo shoots, or perhaps Bruin wedding pictures, as nuptials are frequently booked on campus during the summer months. Check out this album of Bruin weddings held at UCLA.

Conferences and Retreats

During the summer months, UCLA Conferences & Catering welcomes corporate, educational, sports and tour groups to stay on campus housing facilities. They offer a complete menu and chef’s seasonal selections of food, 24-hour front desk services, a business center, access to recreational facilities and more. Activities can be customized to include team-building activities such as tennis matches, golf tournaments and challenge courses; or special excursions into Southern California’s favorite attractions, including amusement parks, museums, restaurants and world-class shopping.

Bruin Woods

Even if this is not located at UCLA, Bruin Woods continues to be a favorite among alumni and friends. From late June through the end of August, the historic UCLA Lake Arrowhead Lodge hosts Bruin Woods, a beautiful summer destination where families have a blast making memories in the fresh mountain air. During the week-long camp experience, many of the same families return year after year to the 50 wooded, mountain acres that make up the UCLA property, where both adults and children have a fun-filled family adventure they can reminisce about for years to come.

UCLA UniCamp

This is another program that doesn’t take place on campus but is just as important. Every summer, UCLA UniCamp inspires children from urban communities to envision brighter futures by sending them, along with student volunteers, to a residential outdoor summer camp. Specialists guide campers ages 10-17 to learn a new skill and encourage them to try something new, like archery, canoeing, karaoke and more. In 2023, Tropical Storm Hilary devasted Camp River Glen, forcing UniCamp to relocate to Camp Pine Mountain. Alumni can join the UCLA UniCamp Woodsey Alumni Network to learn how to stay connected or get involved.

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Do you have a favorite UCLA summertime activity not listed here. Let us know at connectfeedback@alumni.ucla.edu.