<p>Hey there Anthroflo 
Just wanted to put my two cents in:
Only speaking to the UCLA Political Science side of things</p>
<p>-Academics
This is really going to depend on your department. Overall the academics at UCLA are top notch, but the quality will really differ from department to department. For instance I have a friend who is minoring in Afro Am (which they are about to turn into its own department) and she says is is depressingly easy. </p>
<p>-Getting to know professors
Some professors are very open to engaging with undergraduate students while others are very hands off. In larger classes, most professors will route you to your TA with any questions or concerns. Use office hours as an opportunity to pick their brain about topics from the class. As an older student I have forged some great relationships and even friendships with my professors here at UCLA, it is really about finding the professors who are open to getting to know you :)</p>
<p>-Maintaining a decent GPA
I transferred from SMC and had a 3.8 during my time there. Here at UCLA I am graduating with a 3.985, yes one A- :. Again that is speaking just to the Political Science department, my husband is in the philosophy department and his GPA is similar to what he had at SMC. </p>
<p>-Exploring interests outside of academia
Yes, there is lots to do especially in LA and there is definitely time</p>
<p>-Finishing within 2 years
I came in with 105 units from CC and I am graduating on time. I have personally never taken more than 3 classes per quarter, but I know plenty of people who take 4 or 5. The only reason I didn’t is because there wasn’t really a need to and I wanted to shield my GPA for grad school. In any event, though not a cheap option, you can always take summer classes if you are falling behind.</p>
<p>-Housing
Depends on your budget. If you live on campus you will get the full college experience and everyone that I have spoken to says they really enjoyed it. If you are older, you may want your privacy. My husband and I opted for something in Santa Monica, which isn’t too far from campus (about 3 miles) but with traffic it can sometimes take 30 minutes just to get to school. If you are looking off campus take traffic into account! You will spend such a ridiculous amount of time sitting in traffic if you aren’t careful. </p>
<p>In any event, I got into both Cal and UCLA and I don’t regret my choice in any way. I have cherished my time here and am proud to be a bruin </p>