A weekly meeting is often the easiest way into a faith community. Some groups also offer a small group, prayer gathering or service, and the signup for that activity may be separate. The Faith & Spirituality directory has 66 groups. Use the club page's How to join note to find the current room, form or group chat before you go.
Christian fellowships meet throughout the week
If you want a weekly meeting first, these groups post a regular time and place:
- Asian American Christian Fellowship meets Wednesdays at 7:30 pm in MS 5200. Its small groups have a separate 2026–27 signup.
- Grace on Campus meets Fridays at 7 pm in Broad 2160E for worship, Bible study and fellowship. New students can use its interest form, and Messenger carries announcements.
- Canaan Fellowship welcomes undergraduates and graduate students, including those curious about Christianity. Its Friday Bible study and activities run from 5:30 to 7:50 pm on the first floor of Ackerman Union.
Orthodox Christian Fellowship welcomes students interested in Orthodox Christianity. It meets Thursdays at 6 pm in Haines Hall A76 and has a GroupMe and email list for updates. Cru offers fall men's and women's Bible study forms and a staff connection form. InterVarsity has small groups on the Hill and off campus, along with ethnic-specific and men's and women's ministries. Its welcome form and small-group signup help you find the part that fits your schedule.
For a Sunday gathering, Agape meets at 11 am at University Presbyterian Church and lists a 10:40 am shuttle. Citizens LA meets Sundays at 11:30 am and Fridays at 7:15 pm, provides rides and takes registrations for its small groups. The timing and ride details make these options easier to try if you do not already know someone in the group.
Some fellowships center a particular community
4Corners Christian Fellowship meets weekly for Bible study and activities with international students. Its WhatsApp and WeChat forms connect newcomers to events. ISI at UCLA also holds weekly meetings and activities with international students and scholars, including students from other Los Angeles schools. These are useful starting points if you want a group where being new to the city is a shared experience.
Catholic Student Association, also known as the University Catholic Center, uses a 2026–27 GroupMe for updates and has separate ministry chats. Kawan is a Pilipino Catholic community that welcomes students regardless of ethnicity or religion. Membership takes an annual form, registration at the University Catholic Center and at least one general meeting per quarter. Muoi is a primarily Vietnamese Catholic prayer group open to all; its interest form and Discord carry updates.
Muslim groups offer community, study and outreach
Muslim Student Association offers Islamic, academic and social resources for Muslim students and the wider UCLA community. Its newsletter and 2026–27 WhatsApp group announce events and projects. Bruin Dawah Project focuses on explaining Islam to others on campus and meets on Bruinwalk Fridays at 2:30 pm.
Faces of Afrikan Muslims makes space for Black Muslims and discussions of Black contributions to Islam. It also welcomes people who are not Black or Muslim. The application on its page is for the 2026–27 board, so it should not be read as a general membership requirement. Muslim Indian Student Organization invites all students to learn about and celebrate Muslim communities in India through spiritual and cultural community. Its page describes the purpose of the group without giving a specific signup step.
Jewish communities have several entry points
Hillel describes itself as pluralistic and non-denominational, with educational, religious, cultural and social programming. Its join note suggests visiting the Hillel building and checking the upcoming events page. Chabad welcomes Jews regardless of affiliation or level of observance. New students can fill out its New Bruin form and join its WhatsApp chat for updates.
Olami holds Shabbat dinners, events and trips; its WhatsApp group shares updates. The posted application is for its board. The Sephardic Club focuses on Sephardic Jewish heritage and says its frequent events are open to all. Persian Community at Hillel brings students together around Persian Jewish heritage and welcomes others. Its GroupMe and Facebook group announce events, while its board application is for students who want to help lead.
Other traditions have their own campus groups
Bruin Hindus builds community around Hindu practice and seva, or community service. Its page points students to a mailing list and fall recruitment updates; the application is for a committee role. Hindu Yuva describes a space to celebrate Hindu culture. Its page gives no specific joining step, so use the club page to make contact before counting on a meeting time.
Sikh Student Association describes Kirtan nights, prayer times, Gurbani and Punjabi classes, and community service. SGI-USA Buddhist Club studies Nichiren Buddhism through practice and discussion. Neither page posts a specific signup step. Bahai Club is open to undergraduates and graduate students and centers the Baha'i principles of human unity and eliminating prejudice. Join its GroupMe or message its Instagram account for the WhatsApp chat.
A first visit starts with the schedule
- Choose the gathering you can attend twice. A weekly meeting, small group or service gives you a better picture of the community than a single welcome event.
- Check the club page before leaving. Use its current join note for the room, ride, form or chat. If it lists only a broad description, contact the group for its next meeting.
- Read applications carefully. A board or committee application is a way to help run a group. Look for its ordinary events and updates if you first want to meet people.