Frequently Asked Qusetions


  1. I don’t have health insurance; does that mean I cannot participate in SMDEP?
    UCLA housing requires that people who use the dorms have access to health insurance just in case something happens to them when they are at the dorms. As a result, scholars are required to provide proof of health insurance.

  2. Can I bring my own car to the dorms?
    It is probably not a good idea for those of you thinking about bringing a car. Parking on campus is expensive; parking will cost you about $75/month which will amount to $150 for the duration of your time at UCLA. There are good bus connections to downtown L.A. and to Santa Monica and the beach.

  3. What kinds of books should I bring to SMDEP?
    We strongly promote reading as part of our curriculum, and will give you books for the reading required in the classroom, but any books that you have wanted to read would be a great thing to start with before even coming on board.

  4. Do I have to bring the information packet you sent me to UCLA?
    Yes, you may bring all other materials sent to you that you did not have to fill out and mail back to us. You should have read and contemplated the information in the packets for you and your parents’ peace of mind and familiarity with the program. However, remember that you are to FILL OUT THE HOUSING CONTRACT AND MEDICAL EMERGENCY INFORMATION FORMS and passport photo and MAIL them back to us no later than May 31, 2008:

    UCLA SMDEP
    David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA
    Dean's Office CHS 12-159
    10833 Le Conte Avenue
    Los Angeles, CA 90095-1720

  5. Are you going to send us a shuttle at the airport to pick us up?
    There is NO SMDEP shuttle. There is an Airport Flyer bus for those of you traveling from out of state, flights into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) that will take you directly from LAX to UCLA for $4.00 (http://www.lawa.org/lax/LAXflyAway.cfm). Another alternative from LAX or any other airport would be to take the Super shuttle. If you are coming up from the LAX, it should cost you about $15 dollars one way. You can either pay or get on a shuttle at the airport, without reservation or you can prepay online with a major credit card. If you wish to make an online shuttle reservation, go to: http://www.supershuttle.com

    From the website, when you are to select a destination, type in the UCLA Reiber Hall, 310 De Neve Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90095. This is where you will be checking in.

  6. Do we have access to the Gym?
    Yes. The John Wooden Center is a multi-faceted facility. It features 3 gymnasia, basketball courts, indoor & outdoor weight training, stretching mats, stationary bicycles, stair climbers, treadmills, rowing machines, and a Rock Wall.

  7. Can we have visitors at UCLA?
    Yes, assuming we are talking about friends and family, in other words appropriate social visits, and that is anywhere but the DORMS. And that is strictly enforced out of concerns for your safety and the safety of others. And that applies to your parents and family as well. Absolutely NO ONE other than SMDEP students can ever enter or stay at the dorm rooms. However, on MOVE-IN and MOVE-OUT days, your parents are welcome to help you and enter the dorms, as we welcome their assistance!!