Fresh out of high school, but straight into a ditch. Solutions?

If you're 18 or over mark yourself as an independent. You should have a better shot at getting financial aid. I wouldn't do it until I talk to the financial aid department at UCLA and your parents. If that doesn't work you might have to take a year off to make some money some how. I would never suggest taking a year off but if there's no way you can pay then that might be the only course. Good luck.