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@Lola_1, Did you complete the online application for your I-20 form? I received an email from my department, informing me that they have received my I-20 from the DCISS, 9 days after I completed the online application. I was also required to provide my mailing address to my department, so that they could send me the I-20 form, which they did through FeDex and it's scheduled to arrive at my place tomorrow. @Erpnope, I'm not entirely certain, but I guess graduate orientation dates/procedures would vary according to different departments. I am supposed to report to my department on September 16th for orientation and TA training, and it's supposed to continue till September 25th, with September 26th being the first day of instruction! I was emailed an information brochure a few days back, for the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry 2013 Cohort, which contained all these info. As for housing, I have more or less made up my mind, to stay at Weyburn Terrace for the first quarter at least. I've already completed the online application for an apartment at Weyburn. I do admit, it would be pretty expensive though...and I would try looking for a suitable place off campus, once I get there, so that I can move in there from the subsequent quarters. I am a bit apprehensive about living off campus, without getting to personally judge the place...so I guess staying at Weyburn initially, would be a better idea...

I received an email from the DCISS, informing me of the subsequent steps required to be taken, to apply for my I-20 form and F-1 visa and I got an auto-generated confirmation from them, after I had applied for my I-20.

Yes, I heard from several places that UCLA's got one of the most beautiful campuses in the US, nestled right in between Beverly Hills and the Pacific! And the climate's pretty awesome as well, one of the primary factors which influenced by decision to go there for graduate studies. I was stuck at a choice between UIUC and UCLA, and even though I'm from the tropics and would love a change of climate for something colder, I did not quite like the idea of being stuck in the snows of Illinois for half a year lol! I'm still at a total loss when it comes to housing though!! Since I am an international student, I am eligible to apply for housing through the Dashew Center...and they have some really nice apartments at pretty affordable rates! However, I don't really want to live in a shared bedroom and would like a private one, in a shared apartment and the Dashew Center has very limited options for that. Besides, I guess it's insanely difficult if not impossible, to get a private bedroom, at anything below $1000, so I might as well bite the bullet and apply for housing at Weyburn Terrace. Please don't hesitate to contact me though, if any of you are looking to share an apartment, with a private bedroom!

Hi everyone! Kinda surprised by the fact that nobody has started a thread this year for UCLA yet...so I just thought I would get one going. I am keen on accepting my offer of admission, to pursue graduate studies in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at UCLA, for the coming Fall 2013 term. Anyone else interested in joining any of the programs there this fall? Feel free to pop in and discuss your plans! I am, at the moment, kinda anxious about getting a suitable place to stay at. Needless to say, that it's Westwood and LA, and things could be pretty expensive ...and I heard from multiple sources, that it could be a real pinch on the graduate stipend amounts. Anyway, hope to have a flourishing thread here. Best regards and congrats to the rest of you!

Hi... it was interesting reading about your experience and that was pretty sound advice! Could you share how much you scored on your Chemistry sub GRE?