There’s something unforgettable about the feeling of crisp air on your face, the company of passionate people and the swelling waves of sound surrounding you.

Some experiences cannot be replicated on a sound stage or transmitted through a screen.

Attending UCLA’s live events is one of the best ways for students to support the campus community while also enriching their lives.

In-person entertainment allows attendees to look around and see real faces talking, laughing and cheering for the same causes. Whether it’s sports, music, plays, improv, open mics or fashion shows, live events are a great place to meet other students while sharing common interests.

Sydney Chen, a second-year comparative literature student, said she sings and plays guitar with MAXED OUT at the Kerckhoff Grand Salon as a part of Music Club at UCLA’s Band Night.

“Since it’s at UCLA, it’s such a small community of music industry kids, and everyone is connected,” Chen said. “You look down at the crowd and see familiar faces, and it’s very heartwarming.”

Since many people are open to making friends and networking, local events facilitate connection with those involved.

Being curious about others’ lives expands your perspectives and increases your social adaptability. A study conducted at the UC Riverside linked higher levels of curiosity to positive emotional expressiveness and more tolerance of anxiety.

Basye Mummert, a first-year theater student, said they appreciated the creativity and camaraderie of UCLA’s theater community. She added that the presence of live theater in their childhood was extremely impactful.

“That was such a huge turning point in my life: getting to see shows from a young age and that being accessible to me because of these local community theaters,” Mummert said.

Local entertainment can be much more accessible than huge concerts or games. Many events are hosted on campus or within walking distance, allowing students to save money on transportation.

Tickets to events are also inexpensive, often costing less than $15 for student entry. Lots of performances are even free. This is a fraction of the price required to see large artists or athletes, whose tickets can sell for hundreds of dollars.

Luke Saum, a first-year geography/environmental studies student, said he enjoyed the experience and accessibility of attending women’s basketball games, which students can attend for free during the regular season by showing their BruinCard.

“You’re given this amazing opportunity, and most of (the games) are free – why would you not go see them?” Saum said.

Many events also support charitable causes.

TunedIn and Refine LA’s jazz night pledged to donate all proceeds to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement relief funds. Similarly, the Cultural Affairs Commission donated $500 of profits from a recent benefit market to the Sudanese Americans Physicians Association, which focuses on increasing health care access during the ongoing Sudanese civil war. In a time when many companies seem increasingly unethical, it’s nice to know your joy can also make the world a a more just place.

Obviously, not everyone is able to go out constantly. UCLA is a rigorous school, and evenings spent studying and working are crucial for success. Time management is difficult.

[Related: UCLA students should optimize time in long lines through studying, socializing]

However, instead of unwinding with a TV show or Instagram Reels, students should enjoy the warm Los Angeles evenings. They can dance to pulsing bass, rally for D1 teams, laugh at on-the-fly jokes or cry watching original plays.

UCLA offers four years of abundant opportunities to get involved in a thriving, diverse student community.

As Bruins, we shouldn’t let that pass them by.