Katrina Eiland  Eiland is a second
year political science student. Send comments to [email protected]. Â Â
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Whether you’re the student who enjoys listening to the
repetitious droning of dance music blaring through the dorm windows
on any given Thursday night while trying to study, or you’re
the one “getting down” in the center of the grimy dance
floor, there really is something fun for you to do on the UCLA
campus.
There is almost always a good time to be had. It might require a
little effort, or it may be as simple as following the parade of
scantily clad, often costumed, girls toward the familiar sounds
coming from Strathmore and Gayley, right into the party of your
choice.
All of the girls of course look as if they have spent hours and
used gallons of glitter and gloss preparing for their evening out,
sporting their fresh-off-the-runway attire. They are ready to meet
the charming men of UCLA, so dapper, dressed in flip flops and
cargo shorts, already a few beers under. The girls wonder,
“This is what I got dressed up for?” C’mon, I
know you know what I’m saying.
Despite that, I have enjoyed many nights of fun out dancing on
those grimy floors. I have often been one of those costumed girls
sauntering down the hill from the dorms, ready to leave
Rousseau’s dissertations and “x” and
“y” behind for a night.
AMY HABER/Daily Bruin But, I have also been the frustrated
scholar attempting to write the best paper of my life while one of
my roommates threw all three of our wardrobes into a heap on the
floor of our already cramped shoebox of a room, trying to find
something suitable to wear out to the parties of the night. The
final choice is usually something along the lines of black pants
and a brightly colored halter-top, which seems to have become a
uniform of sorts.
I for one, really enjoy getting dressed up. It enables students
to escape their realities for a night, maybe even the next morning
too, if they are one of the “incognito class” who enjoy
participating in the “walk of shame,” trying to return
to his or her place of residence, still dressed in their rumpled
evening wear without being detected. I hear it’s becoming an
art form.
Now that I have gone and made the whole thing sound somewhat
unappealing, I must admit that the parties do have their charm.
Finding the inexplicable gray goo caked on your shoes the next
morning after a night of dancing (and sliding around) is always a
joy. Many people wonder what the delightfully mysterious mixture is
composed of. I’d wager that it’s a little beer, sweat,
maybe some “alternative food and beverage” and who
knows what else!
The parties also have a great location, just the perfect
distance so that you can always somehow find your way home.
(Disclaimer ““ always make sure to have a buddy when returning
home at night.)
At UCLA, there are so many things to do. The list is practically
endless. The Greek system and parties around campus are an integral
part of the social scene that many people enjoy. But being a part
of the Greek system is not just about parties, and the
opportunities for entertainment are by no means limited to
them.
I have also enjoyed nights staying in and watching a good
Blockbuster movie, going to a movie premiere, or going out to
dinner with my friends at the many choice Westwood restaurants. I
have attended numerous cultural events and plays (we have an
awesome theater department) and lectures held by famous authors and
have sat outside of Starbucks, enjoying a warm Sunday
afternoon.
I have even had a great time hanging out in the study lounge
with my floormates (Nobody really thinks the study lounge is for
studying, do they?). Those rooms become the site for almost
anything but studying. They feature political debates of all kinds,
male exotic dances, deep conversations, talent shows or just simply
a place to eat the pizza you ordered. Some poor students attempt to
get work done amidst the clamor. That is where a lot of my real
education occurred. Luckily, no additional books were required.
The other unique thing about UCLA is that we’ve got
excellent sports. What other school can say they combine great
academics, social activities, and athletics into one university?
Sporting events are one of the most popular forms of amusement
among all kinds of students. Many people dislike the fact that our
football games are held at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. Though it is
quite a drive, the trek over can become part of the fun while the
excitement and spirit builds as the minutes spent in gridlock
traffic pass.
It also serves as a way for freshmen, stranded without a mode of
transportation, (a.k.a. no parking permit) to explore the world
outside of campus. Students can take their own cars or the UCLA
transit buses. Many sororities and fraternities even choose to take
chartered buses together. The basketball games held at our very own
Pauley Pavilion are a little more convenient, especially for
freshmen living in the dorms and they’re just as
enjoyable.
Finally, there are the dining halls, which serve as great places
to eat and socialize with people you don’t otherwise get to
see. Where else can you experience experimental dining options that
you can create yourself with various dining hall ingredients? Some
favorites include microwave Rice Krispie treats and milk shakes.
I’ve heard it’s very easy to lose track of time while
eating in the dining halls, especially when there is an impending
midterm or paper that needs to be studied for or completed.
There are endless possibilities to divert one’s attention,
have fun, party, relax, study, satisfy or procrastinate. Whatever
you enjoy doing and whatever you want to call it, you’re sure
to find it at UCLA.