UCLA hosted the annual Westwood Village Block Party with games, local food vendors and merchandise on Sept. 22.

The block party included activities such as a ferris wheel and a bounce house, while providing students with discounted food and merchandise from both UCLA and surrounding Westwood businesses. The party immediately followed an address from Interim Chancellor Darnell Hunt to new students in Pauley Pavilion.

Sarina Ortiz-Stock, a third-year geology student, said she was pleased to see how much freedom students were given to walk around, making the event very low pressure.

“It’s a good start to the night,” she said. “I’m just spending time with my friends and meeting new people.”

After being paired with random roommates in her dorm, Ortiz-Stock said she was able to get to know them by attending the block party together. The event helped everyone get comfortable with the community and allowed them to explore the town, she added.

Encouraging everyone to come off campus, students were able to get out of their comfort zone, Ortiz-Stock said. With over 10,000 students attending the event, she said it allowed more introverted people to come hangout.

First-year physiological science student Mia Johnson said the block party provided a space for new students to socialize. At a school with a population of over 33,000 undergraduates, she said it was helpful to have a designated place to break the ice, adding that although the crowds themselves were overwhelming, the music and free souvenirs created a positive experience.

In addition to students, UCLA alumni also worked for the event to show their support.

Luis Lopez, who graduated in 2023 and is the director of the Bruin Flea, a market for students to shop local businesses, said his main goal in tabling at this year’s event was to create more exposure for his brand and introduce students to the opportunities they offer.

Often collaborating with other alumni, Lopez said he hoped to use this event to work alongside other local businesses and make Westwood more successful overall.

The event also highlighted student life through dance and improv performances from the Ballet Company at UCLA and Shenanigans Comedy Club, food samplings from Honey Krush and Sweet Rose Creamery and music by Live Bash entertainment.

Tristan Duncan, events and outreach manager at Sender One, a rock climbing gym in Westwood, said he hoped tabling at the block party would get more people interested in climbing. He added that the company was giving out free day passes to help students discover and connect through a new shared passion.

“Climbing can be such an awesome sport,” Duncan said. “College can be a little bit stressful, with just the way (you need) an outlet to get rid of that stress, and we felt like it’s a really important population to get into and be a part of.”

Cassidy LeClair, a member of Geffen Playhouse’s front of house staff, said she wanted to reach as many students as she could to share with them her joy of theatre. Emphasizing the importance of the arts, she said the theater is a beautiful way for students to connect with one another.

“I think this would be a great thing for students to come to and help them feel a part of the community,” LeClair said. “The Geffen Playhouse is one of the most popular playhouses in not only LA but the United States, … they get to fully be a part of it.”

With a mechanical bull, Mario Kart games and a comedy troupe, third-year mathematics and political science student Winona Xu said the block party helps make Westwood feel like her own. She also said it gives newcomers something to do and helps make them feel less isolated going into their first day.

[Related: Instagram account goodmorningucla spreads humor, positivity across UCLA community]

Charlie Kratus, a second-year business economics student, known for his Instagram account, @goodmorningucla, said the first week can be nerve-wracking for first-year students, but the block party is a way to bring more positive energy going into the school year.

“They’re so passionate about a variety of subjects,” Kratus said. “I think it’s so exciting as they’re all starting a fresh page in their life and there’s no better place to do that than at UCLA.”