AllDorms AllDorms
← All schools Los Angeles, CA · Move-in guide

UCLA

UCLA puts a huge, sun-drenched campus in LA's Westwood, minutes from the beach and the hills. There's no winter to pack for — it's sunshine, layers for cool nights, and clothes for buildings that lean hard on the A/C.

Move-inLate September
BedsTwin XL
A/CVaries by hall
Jump to the checklist ↓
U UCLA
01
The one thing generic lists get wrong

What to wear in Los Angeles, month by month

The national lists assume everyone needs a winter coat. Here the real questions are heat, sun, and rain — plus clothes for buildings kept ice-cold against it.

Move-in (Sept)70–85°FWarm, dry days, cool evenings. Tees, shorts, one light layer.
Oct–Nov60s–70sMild and sunny. Light layers, a jacket for nights.
Dec–Feb50s–60sCooler, the rainy stretch. A real jacket and an umbrella.
Mar–May60s–70sWarming, sunny. Back to tees and light layers.
June–Aug75–85°FWarm and dry. Summer wardrobe, sun protection.
The move: there's no winter here — prioritize sun protection, layers for cool nights and chilly lecture halls, and a light rain jacket for the Dec–Feb showers.
02
Straight from the housing office

What UCLA lets you bring

✓ Bring it
  • Twin XL bedding (confirm your specific hall)
  • UL/ETL power strip with a built-in circuit breaker — not a bare extension cord
  • Damage-free wall hangings like Command strips — no nails or screws
  • Low-draw LED desk and task lamps
  • A fan, a reusable water bottle, and UL-listed electronics
✕ Leave it home
  • Open-coil / open-flame cooking: toasters, toaster ovens, air fryers, hot plates, electric grills, sandwich makers
  • Candles, incense, wax warmers, and anything with an open flame
  • Halogen lamps
  • Extension cords without a breaker; outlet splitters and multi-plug adapters
  • Space heaters and personal A/C units (unless your school provides/approves them)
  • Hoverboards, e-scooters, e-bikes, and other e-mobility devices
  • Weapons of any kind — including decorative — and fireworks

These come from UCLA's official housing pages and cover the essentials plus the genuinely local rules. Double-check the current official guidance before you buy — policies and renovations change every year.

03
Before you can move in

Getting your room at UCLA

  1. 01
    By the housing deadline

    Submit your housing contract + preferences

    Apply by the deadline and rank your building/room-type preferences and meal plan. UCLA assigns first-years to the Hill; applying early helps your odds on top choices.

  2. 02
    Summer

    Get your assignment + roommate

    Your building, room, and roommate(s) post over the summer. Don't ship anything until about a week before your move-in day.

  3. 03
    Late September

    Move in for the quarter

    UCLA is on the quarter system, so move-in lands in late September. It's warm — a fan helps in buildings without A/C.

04
The actual buildings

Where you'll live at UCLA

The Hill — UCLA's residential village

Nearly all first-years live on "the Hill," the cluster of residence halls just west of campus. You rank room types and submit preferences — the classic high-rise halls, plaza buildings, or roomier suites. A/C is hit-or-miss by building, so a fan is smart for the warm fall.

Residence Halls (the towers)Most social · value

Dykstra, Hedrick, Sproul, Rieber, and De Neve — the classic high-rises with hall baths and a buzzy feel. Closest to dining and the most affordable on the Hill.

Plazas & SuitesMore space

Plaza buildings and suite-style options (Sunset Village, Holly & Gardenia, Olympic & Centennial) trade some social density for private baths and more room, at a higher rate.

05
Tick as you pack

The UCLA move-in checklist

0 / 57 packedSaved on this device as you go.

The “Shop” links are Amazon affiliate links — a purchase may earn AllDorms a small commission, at no extra cost to you.

Bedding6

Bath5

Laundry4

Storage & organization6

Desk & study4

Electronics6

Cleaning5

Kitchen — within the rules5

Health & meds4

Clothing — see the seasonal guide7

Move-in day go-bag5

06
The stuff nobody puts in one place

Los Angeles logistics, sorted

How to send a package to a UCLA student

[Student Full Name — as registered with Housing]
330 De Neve Drive – [Room #]
Los Angeles, CA 90024
All on-campus mail and packages go to the Housing Mail Center (Sunset Village), addressed with your full name and room number. Don't send anything more than about a week before your move-in day, or it may be returned.

A/C varies on the Hill

Some Hill buildings are air-conditioned and some aren't, and L.A.'s September can be warm. A fan is a safe pack regardless.
07
Beyond the campus gates

Los Angeles & around

Right there

Westwood Village

The walkable village at the edge of campus — restaurants, the historic movie theaters, coffee, and everyday shopping.

Classic LA

Beaches & the Westside

Santa Monica and the beach are a short drive or bus ride; the whole Westside is at your doorstep.

Supplies

Westside shopping

Westwood and nearby Target/Westside stores cover anything you forgot for the room.

08
For move-in, family weekend & graduation

Where to stay near UCLA

On campus

UCLA Luskin Conference Center

On campus

A full hotel right on campus — the most convenient (and fastest-booking) option for move-in and family visits.

Westwood · upscale

Kimpton Hotel Palomar

~10-min walk

A stylish hotel in Westwood, walkable to campus and the village.

Value

Hilgard House Hotel

Westwood

A small, well-located hotel near campus — a more affordable Westwood base.

Book the on-campus Luskin first — it goes fast. Westwood hotels fill and spike for move-in and family weekends, and L.A. parking is its own adventure. Reserve as early as you have dates.
09
Gear up

UCLA gear & gifts

UCLA Store (Ackerman Union)The official campus store — Bruin apparel, gifts, dorm supplies, and gear.↗