International Students

Make sure to start applying for summer internships early on, before the start of the school year (July-August). Don't worry about not having experience in your applications yet, it is important to get applications in (use "Incoming MQE student at UCLA"). Note that there is no "Placement" here like in Indian colleges. Networking plays a big role in the US so you can start connecting with potential employers, school/college alumni in California/US through LinkedIn to build relationships. Learn how to cook (especially food/home remedies for when you fall sick!)

Be prepared for the rigor; because UCLA follows the quarter system, things go super fast. Brush up on the fundamentals; Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, Statistics and Econometrics. Attend the summer boot camps! They were extremely helpful to review old and new topics. Talk to different people in class and even outside! Make friends from different departments and countries; it is always super helpful to get to know different people. Be proactive; since you are on your own path now and have to decide everything for yourself! Make sure you are making the best possible decision for yourself.

I would recommend updating your programming skills, particularly in python, as this will be crucial. Get the most out of bootcamps. Get involved with applied projects from the beginning, since they serve as an approach to the work environment and tasks. Be attentive to the different initiatives offered by the university: there is a wide variety of sports and cultural options.

Be bold and brave. Moving to a new city is scary but exciting. Be wise. UCLA gives many opportunities to enjoy, but also, the teachers are awesome and you can learn a lot if you commit to it.

Actively participate in class discussions, attend office hours, and seek mentorship from faculty members. Attend networking events, join relevant student organizations, and connect with alumni. Develop effective time management skills to balance coursework, internships, and extracurricular activities. Workload here is structured a lot differently than Indian universities, and can seem really hectic at first, but effective strategies can help you stay on top and utilize all resources you have available. Utilize campus resources such as academic advisors, counseling services, and career centers.

Start looking for internships from the beginning of the quarter. Brush up on important subjects like Econometrics, R etc. Explore beyond academics as well i.e. keep an open mind. Try to [get] accustomed [to] the studying style in the US. Network as much as possible.

Chat up seniors. They can share how courses are structured and assessments you'll face. Ask for a packing list to dodge any last-minute scrambles. Participate in the boot camps. Attending these sessions is highly beneficial, particularly for those without prior coding experience. The quarter system moves fast, be ready to hit the ground running. Initiate the I-20 form application process early. For those considering university housing, early application is advisable. Seek guidance from university information sessions on reputable apartment hunting websites. Prioritize acquiring a US phone number and opening a bank account.