UCLA Transfer Orientation Question

sld122 · 07-19-2012, 01:13 AM

I've seen a few people talking about bringing their laptops to their transfer orientation sessions to look up classes and plan their schedule in any down time they have throughout the day.

So I was curious what people that have already gone to their orientation think about bringing a laptop. And do you have to carry it around in a backpack all day?

LAforlife · 07-19-2012, 02:03 AM

I just got back from orientation at UCLA. It's not necessary to bring your laptop, and it is a pain to carry it around all day, as you will always be on the move. You can bring it, but all it will really help you do is look through what classes you want to enroll in and what is still available. I believe that only 2 people at a time are allowed to enroll in your group, so an extra laptop may help in having that second computer for people to enroll on if no one else brings one. My advice is to bring a prospective schedule of classes that you want enroll in (that still have available spaces of course) and a list of backups. Lots, and lots of backups.

Citiz3nerased · 07-19-2012, 02:26 AM

There's a computer lab you can go into if you decide not to bring one. I brought an iPad and found it very convenient and helpful.

sld122 · 07-19-2012, 05:38 PM

Is the computer lab open until we choose classes and easy to get a seat at?

I would bring a prospective schedule of classes but I've always had a much easier time making class schedules on computers for some reason haha

LAforlife · 07-19-2012, 06:17 PM

Ok, but you won't have time to pick your classes while you are registering. You will need to have your choices and backups filled out on a sheet beforehand (they require you to). You can go to myUCLA and make a class schedule on the computer by clicking the "class planner" option, and you can save it when you are done. Do this before you get to UCLA, not afterwards.

Philosoup · 07-19-2012, 06:40 PM

I used my own laptop to enroll yesterday. At 8 pm sharp everyone at orientation were allowed to enroll. while 5 of my other group mates were sharing a computer, I popped mine out and added asap.

TedBell · 07-19-2012, 08:39 PM

What else happened at orientation? Were you guys able to enroll in the classes you wanted? I think the classes I wanted are full or close to being full.

sld122 · 07-19-2012, 09:33 PM

@LAforlife ohh really? I was under the impression that we basically talk to someone from our department to figure out what classes we need to take to fulfill our major requirement and how to set up our schedules, then we get some time to make our schedules, then we go to our orientation counselor to sign up for the classes. Honestly I wouldn't even know where to start right now in terms of making a schedule.

@Philosoup alright cool, was it a pain to carry around all day or did you not mind it?

sld122 · 07-19-2012, 09:34 PM

@TedBell Here's a thread that gives a pretty detailed account of what happens throughout the day

UCLA Orientation Exposed!

LAforlife · 07-19-2012, 09:47 PM

That's true. You do meet with your adviser and plan out classes. But it goes much smoother if you have some ideas of what classes you want to take and which sections.

sld122 · 07-19-2012, 11:10 PM

@LAforlife ok cool, thanks for all the info!

Philosoup · 07-19-2012, 11:27 PM

Be prepared to only take 3 classes. They don't let you add anymore than 3 to conserve enough space for other transfers I'm betting. And the laptop was a good idea for me atleast..I just sat down at covel commons and just searched for classes all day. And don't try to rely too much on the advisor that will be guiding you through the day...they're students just like us.

7:30 line up for bruincard if you haven't received one yet...

around 10 minutes later, people lined up in alphabetical order and received the goodies...a bag, some booklets, and a pen and pin.

after 30 minutes, your advisor will hold a sign with their name and meet up with your group of 6. Some of them might be the same major as you. you also sign up for an indiviudal session with the advisor..I was 4:30 pm. take a little tour and go into the auditorium to see some boring/long presentation.

Go to lunch with advisor and she hands you your DPR..you can just pop one out on ursa by yourself.

Go to the dept. meeting with people with the same major. discuss petitioning etc.

Meet with your advisor at whatever time you chose.

Pick up dinner coupon and head over to the dining area to eat at a buffet-like place.

Meet your advisor at his or her dorm room to add classes. You can add your class in the restroom if you'd like though. you have from 8 pm till 12 am to add classes anywhere. It's nice to bring a laptop so you don't need to wait for your group members.

Citiz3nerased · 07-20-2012, 03:32 AM

^ your NSA must've bent the rules a little because I heard only 2 can register at a time. In our room we had 2 laptops and 2 iPads, but we could still only have 2 people at a time. What he had us do, and what I heard others do, is we draw numbers. So 1 and 2 would go first to register.

MrxRudyxR · 07-20-2012, 04:10 AM

is it easy to make friends? I'm kind of nervous since I'm going on my own :/

LAforlife · 07-20-2012, 04:19 AM

^You'll be in a small group, so you'll get to know people if you want.