[ilovechu]

I don't know if it's just me, or other people, but I am completely lost T.T

LOL, I'm attending UCSD in the fall at John Muir College with an Undeclared Major in sciences (probably leaning towards Biology for pre-med.) but I feel like I don't know anything. Such as what classes to take, which major to be in, how to do my own laundry, how to avoid losing freshmen 15, whether to join a fraternity, how I'm going to balance studying&partying etc.

I guess this is just a thread about ranting but if YOU GUYS have any advice on any information for a young, fresh, little Freshmen , it would help a lot! Thank you guys so much, in advance!

[SouthernBelle82]

First thing is to see your adviser. He/she will help you from there. Don't worry about declaring yet. I'm on my third major right now lol but I really like it and am sticking to it this time. It does help if you do have a major declared because you can map out what classes you need, how long you think it'll take you to do everything etc. Don't feel so lost because you aren't the only one. But definitely see your adviser before you do anything! If you're not sure where to find your adviser just call the main office and tell them you're new and not sure how to find yours and they'll help as best they can. I also suggest going to orientation. That can help you out a lot since you're going to a university school. They will have lots of info and probably do a campus tour.

[ilovechu]

First thing is to see your adviser. He/she will help you from there. Don't worry about declaring yet. I'm on my third major right now lol but I really like it and am sticking to it this time. It does help if you do have a major declared because you can map out what classes you need, how long you think it'll take you to do everything etc. Don't feel so lost because you aren't the only one. But definitely see your adviser before you do anything! If you're not sure where to find your adviser just call the main office and tell them you're new and not sure how to find yours and they'll help as best they can. I also suggest going to orientation. That can help you out a lot since you're going to a university school. They will have lots of info and probably do a campus tour.

Thank you so much! I feel more calm after I read your post! And I plan on attending my orientation but it's in september and I enroll in classes on August 25th, 2008 at 10:00 am! So yeah, thank you so much!

[xWindwalkerx]

I don't know if it's just me, or other people, but I am completely lost T.T

LOL, I'm attending UCSD in the fall at John Muir College with an Undeclared Major in sciences (probably leaning towards Biology for pre-med.) but I feel like I don't know anything. Such as what classes to take, which major to be in, how to do my own laundry, how to avoid losing freshmen 15, whether to join a fraternity, how I'm going to balance studying&partying etc.

I guess this is just a thread about ranting but if YOU GUYS have any advice on any information for a young, fresh, little Freshmen , it would help a lot! Thank you guys so much, in advance!

First, Congratulations.

I'm sure the guy above mention some great points, but, its tl'dr. So I might overlay some of his points.

Undeclared Major. You'll have plenty of chances to declare your major, the first and second year of college are usually geared toward finishing your general education requirements. Basically, general sciences and liberal art mumbo-jumbo. Secondly, talk your academic counselors.

Laundry is easy. Washing machine, when in doubt go cold. ^^ . Try not to overload the dryers, one load in the washer = one load in the dryer. Umm, you have softener and detergent, just put in the right slots. Lastly, if you don't know, ask your dormmates/neighbors/parents.

To avoid the freshmen 15, umm, eat as you normally do, don't over eat. Avoid soda and junk foods and CUP OF NOODLES.

Fraternity is alot of dedication, well if you pledge. But, I'd say just take a look at the frats by talking to them, see if you click and stuff like that.

Partying and Studying, not exactly the greatest combo. I don't think I can do this well, but I'll give you some advice. Studying comes first. If you are going to party, make sure what you want to get is done. Basically, all the homework and and necessary prep work is done before you go to class the next day. Next, if you drink Alcoholic drinks, know your limit, try not to get wasted. It's not fun to have a hangover and going to class :/ . And umm, thats it.

Other stuff, sleep is important, don't forgot sleep. Study hard. Join clubs if you aren't doing fraternities. Go work and first week meet people, say hi and mini cooper. Other than that....stop panicking, everybody's lost to a certain degree.

Enjoy and uh yah pie.

[ilovechu]

First, Congratulations.

I'm sure the guy above mention some great points, but, its tl'dr. So I might overlay some of his points.

Undeclared Major. You'll have plenty of chances to declare your major, the first and second year of college are usually geared toward finishing your general education requirements. Basically, general sciences and liberal art mumbo-jumbo. Secondly, talk your academic counselors.

Laundry is easy. Washing machine, when in doubt go cold. ^^ . Try not to overload the dryers, one load in the washer = one load in the dryer. Umm, you have softener and detergent, just put in the right slots. Lastly, if you don't know, ask your dormmates/neighbors/parents.

To avoid the freshmen 15, umm, eat as you normally do, don't over eat. Avoid soda and junk foods and CUP OF NOODLES.

Fraternity is alot of dedication, well if you pledge. But, I'd say just take a look at the frats by talking to them, see if you click and stuff like that.

Partying and Studying, not exactly the greatest combo. I don't think I can do this well, but I'll give you some advice. Studying comes first. If you are going to party, make sure what you want to get is done. Basically, all the homework and and necessary prep work is done before you go to class the next day. Next, if you drink Alcoholic drinks, know your limit, try not to get wasted. It's not fun to have a hangover and going to class :/ . And umm, thats it.

Other stuff, sleep is important, don't forgot sleep. Study hard. Join clubs if you aren't doing fraternities. Go work and first week meet people, say hi and mini cooper. Other than that....stop panicking, everybody's lost to a certain degree.

Enjoy and uh yah pie.

Thank you so much as well! Both advices have been helping me! Your advice was geared towards all the questions that I had! Yeah I've been debating about joining a sistersorority but I've heard some scare stories about them, Yikes but whatever! I'll just see which clubs to join when I get to UCSD! I'm excited about meeting people but just scared to be by myself! But thank you so much! It helped a lot!

[xWindwalkerx]

God I need some sleep X.X.

Greek Societies pledging system is suppose to arduous I guess. It depends on the Greek group. For example, some pledge hardcore, like do some crazy stuff. Others, like one my friend joined, her's had no pledging process. But, don't use the scary stories as a blanket ban :/, just use as advice.

And gosh, nobodies by themselves. We r the internat. Through the internat we r many. Lol.

Trip to Korea 08 :[ , I haven't been in Korean forever. Anyhow, yar.

[enticing]

I'm in John Muir too. haha

My orientation leader never talked much about Greek Life but it doesn't seem as prominent as in other colleges.

Personally, the food at Muir wasn't that good in my opinion and it isn't buffet style. Our main dining hall is getting demolished in winter quarter, which means walking to other colleges to get food (work off those calories ).

For classes, I think the academic adviser basically recommended trying to enroll in the GE courses first. Also remember to sign up for a freshman seminar since it is a good way to make more friends.

Have fun at Muir. Maybe I'll see you in class or something.

[RedSprouts]

Freshmen year is going to be the most fun you'll ever have during your college career. You finally left high school and enjoying your new found life experience. But like you said it can be quite confusing on what to do and how to get where you want go be in life. The best thing you can do as a freshmen is explore all your options and find what you love to do and everything else will eventually fall into place. If you want further guidance on what you can do with your year even after your freshmen year feel free to read: School Started - Now What?

[tsukemene123]

I entered college undecided/undeclared and I'm still undeclared within a certain school, but I'm not even sure I want to major in that school anymore. You just have to test the waters and see what you like. Take a variety of classes.


There's this weird perception among undeclared students, like they have no direction in life. This is how I felt a lot and how I still feel sometimes. But the really funny thing is that a lot of people I meet are undeclared as well and we just have fun talking about how we have no idea what we want to do with our lives, but rejoice in having the option to choose whatever we want. This is compared to my friends who came in declared in a major and are now doubting themselves and have to go through a tedious process to change their major.

In short, coming in undeclared is awesome! Haha.

[SouthernBelle82]

Thank you so much! I feel more calm after I read your post! And I plan on attending my orientation but it's in september and I enroll in classes on August 25th, 2008 at 10:00 am! So yeah, thank you so much!

You're welcome. Glad I could help some. I go to a community school and I was even a bit nervous at first so it's normal since it's a new thing and all. Just go to the main desk at your school and they can tell you where to go. Also campus police can help too.

First, Congratulations.

I'm sure the guy above mention some great points, but, its tl'dr. So I might overlay some of his points.

Undeclared Major. You'll have plenty of chances to declare your major, the first and second year of college are usually geared toward finishing your general education requirements. Basically, general sciences and liberal art mumbo-jumbo. Secondly, talk your academic counselors.

Laundry is easy. Washing machine, when in doubt go cold. ^^ . Try not to overload the dryers, one load in the washer = one load in the dryer. Umm, you have softener and detergent, just put in the right slots. Lastly, if you don't know, ask your dormmates/neighbors/parents.

To avoid the freshmen 15, umm, eat as you normally do, don't over eat. Avoid soda and junk foods and CUP OF NOODLES.

Fraternity is alot of dedication, well if you pledge. But, I'd say just take a look at the frats by talking to them, see if you click and stuff like that.

Partying and Studying, not exactly the greatest combo. I don't think I can do this well, but I'll give you some advice. Studying comes first. If you are going to party, make sure what you want to get is done. Basically, all the homework and and necessary prep work is done before you go to class the next day. Next, if you drink Alcoholic drinks, know your limit, try not to get wasted. It's not fun to have a hangover and going to class :/ . And umm, thats it.

Other stuff, sleep is important, don't forgot sleep. Study hard. Join clubs if you aren't doing fraternities. Go work and first week meet people, say hi and mini cooper. Other than that....stop panicking, everybody's lost to a certain degree.

Enjoy and uh yah pie.

Just wanted to say I'm actually a female. Yeah you're right about the first two years. Definitely use those to get all your main stuff out of the way like math, science etc. Personally I am saving my foreign language classes till I get closer to the end just so I can have more time to give to the subject(s) properly.

Oh yes those noodle cups will surely get you! There are lots of options usually for healthy and quick meals. I know at the local university they have a Subway bar.

Personally I would avoid fraternities until you're more comfortable in the school. Take your time and see if it's something you really want to do. I would spend at least the first year concentrating on academics and making a good impression in that area. Try not to stress out classes though and don't take a full schedule if you can't handle it. I did that once during the beginning and it was too much for me. Now I do what I think I can handle depending on the subjects I'm taking and what I think will be work in there. Like last term my classes all had lots of papers to write and exams to study for. Thankfully I got everything done on time and passed all my classes with decent colors. What helps me is I make out a schedule for the day and stick to it. I think clubs would be great for a newbie. They aren't quite as time consuming as sororities and fraternities are but still a great place to meet people with common interest's and that helps a lot I think because you can know that you at least have one thing in common with the other people and that's the club interest. One of my professors said that's how he met his wife was by joining a club at the university they went to. Oh I forgot to add a lot of schools will allow you to retake courses. At mine they do and there's no limit to how many times you can retake a course. So if you made like a C in a class and you wanted at least an A- you can see your adviser about retaking the course. Just ask your adviser about that. I think it's nice my school does that because that way you don't have to stress yourself out so much with being totally perfect in academics. I do try to at least do decent on my course work of course the first time so I don't waste time. It's nice for the subjects you do have trouble in though. I also wanted to add if you are at a university and don't have to worry about transferring it's fine but if you're at a community school and are planning on transferring than check with your adviser about where you're going to transfer to and make sure you get all the proper classes. Like the local university doesn't take US History credits but take World History so you want to make sure to take World History and not US History so that's a good reason to see your adviser.

[mysocksmellsalot]

ahh!! omg i cant believe i didnt open this thread sooner! im going to be a freshman in sixth college and i am just as lost as you. okay. so heres the rundown. i failed my writing placement (i know sad... what can i say?), i didnt take the math placement nor the chemistry placement ( for all three i dont have the sat nor act nor ap scores to get out of it). i am totally and utterly UNDECLARED - humanities and arts..i suck i know. i was planning on art school but my parents were against it and god knows i cant pay for art school on my own. im trying my hardest to talk to the virtual advisor but i guess its really busy cause i can NEVER get through to the site... im just LOST. i dont know what else to say... and im really really kicking myself in the butt for it. so from what ive heard/can understand i need to take sdcc1 and math20a but the thing is if i take these classes i dont think i can take alot of my colleges g.e's. i really need help T.T

[SouthernBelle82]

ahh!! omg i cant believe i didnt open this thread sooner! im going to be a freshman in sixth college and i am just as lost as you. okay. so heres the rundown. i failed my writing placement (i know sad... what can i say?), i didnt take the math placement nor the chemistry placement ( for all three i dont have the sat nor act nor ap scores to get out of it). i am totally and utterly UNDECLARED - humanities and arts..i suck i know. i was planning on art school but my parents were against it and god knows i cant pay for art school on my own. im trying my hardest to talk to the virtual advisor but i guess its really busy cause i can NEVER get through to the site... im just LOST. i dont know what else to say... and im really really kicking myself in the butt for it. so from what ive heard/can understand i need to take sdcc1 and math20a but the thing is if i take these classes i dont think i can take alot of my colleges g.e's. i really need help T.T

I had to start out doing pre-college classes with English and math. They're not that bad. All you have to do is just do them and you'll eventually be at the college level. It's not as bad as it sounds and nobody cares in college since the people are into their own thing and in your class everyone is in the same position.

[xWindwalkerx]

ahh!! omg i cant believe i didnt open this thread sooner! im going to be a freshman in sixth college and i am just as lost as you. okay. so heres the rundown. i failed my writing placement (i know sad... what can i say?), i didnt take the math placement nor the chemistry placement ( for all three i dont have the sat nor act nor ap scores to get out of it). i am totally and utterly UNDECLARED - humanities and arts..i suck i know. i was planning on art school but my parents were against it and god knows i cant pay for art school on my own. im trying my hardest to talk to the virtual advisor but i guess its really busy cause i can NEVER get through to the site... im just LOST. i dont know what else to say... and im really really kicking myself in the butt for it. so from what ive heard/can understand i need to take sdcc1 and math20a but the thing is if i take these classes i dont think i can take alot of my colleges g.e's. i really need help T.T

Tl'dr. J/k.

Anyhow, take a chill pill.

Each UC university has there own thing when you fail a writing placement exam. Look at the paper that they sent with your score and see what you are suppose to do. Such as taking a remedial english class. But, don't worry to much. If you haven't taken Chem or Math placement exam don't register for those classes, rather, register for general classes philosophy, psychology, etc. When you do go to school, take the chem and math placement exams.

The general education, excluding sciences and mathematics don't require prerequisite test, so you'll be able to register for it. Otherwise, see if you can change your major to art, the school has policy of privacy. Meaning, your parents can't be told unless you give specific permission. So, anyways, good luck. If your still set on Art school, look for scholarship available to you.

Good luck.

[pockified]

hullooooooooo! i'm going to be a sophomore from revelle college i don't remember really ever being as confused as you guys last year when i entered college (maybe because i'm one of the very few revelle students that's not a science major?), but practically ALL my suitemates are in some sort of science major. biology, physics, chemistry, animal physiology & neuroscience, bioinformatics, branches of science that i never knew existed, what-have-yous... soooooooo depending on how you scored on your chem placement exam (if you took it), it'll tell you which level you should take. chem 4 is like the "prep" class for the chem 6 series. a lot of my friends took chem 4 fall quarter so they can review their chem knowledge and build up some foundation. some of them went right into chem 6a or chem 6b... one friend of mine took chem 6c his first quarter and he was done with chemistry after that! hahaha. i took the chem 11 through 13 series (which is for non-sci majors) and it was very easy. but anyway, don't worry about supposedly being "behind" because everyone has their own pace and what works for someone else doesn't mean it works for you. i knew i wasn't going to go into science at all (don't wanna kill any lives, heh) so the easier chem series was the way to go.

as for math classes... it's split into 2 series: math 10 and math 20 series. math 10a through c is again for non-science/math/engineer/whatever majors, so the 20 series is definitely recommended in your case. i remember there is also a trigonometry course (for those that failed the AP calc exam or simply never took calc before) but if you passed your exam, you should be in the 10 or 20 series depending on your AP score.

i don't really know the GE requirements for muir college from the top of my head, but i know it's the easiest out of all six colleges, with revelle being the most difficult. most of my revellian friends started off by taking chem, math, and 1-2 more other classes that took care of other GE's like foreign language, american culture, or social sciences. oh, and speaking of foreign language, if you know another language already, you should contact the director to get tested so you can pass out of all the language courses. i made the mistake of not attempting to pass out of chinese, but it's been years since i've reviewed it, so i'd probably pass out of some and get stuck in the hardest course. hahahahah :X i'm starting this fall in korean though, so at least i'd pick up a new language and it'll be new and interesting, no biggie. however, even if you don't pass out, that's not too bad, because i remember muir only requires you guys to take 2 or 3 quarters of foreign lang while revelle wants us to take 4 quarters of it :X

[funnyhoney89]

Everything will be fine. There are people at your school whose job it is to help you. You have advisors and can even talk to the head of a certain department in which you are interested in. Feel free to ask current students too! Some people at my school used their first year to test classes out, and see what they liked (we don't declare a major until sophmore year).
As for laundry, it's simple enough- ask your mom, read the label on ur clothing and read the instructions on the washer and dryer. For me: I just separate my clothing into 3 categories : white, pastels, and dark. White uses hot water, darks use cold, pastel use warm. The amount of detergent depends on how big the load. The washing will usually take a 1/2 per load and the dryer will take up to an hour sometimes especially the darks. About the freshman 15: What I have come to find useful was joining a team (this way you get PE credits, stay fit, and make friends. Also, after a while, the food becomes tiresome and you won't stuff your face as much believe me . Do a fraternity if you want to but I think you should wait until sophmore year when you understand how to pace yourself at school and learn how everything works. You will get the hang of things. Congrats and Good luck!

[VOGUEx]

haha, freshman 15..you'll most likely gain..not lose >.< but um, yeah all from junk food and take out!! you should balance partying and schoolwork..do all your school work before the weekend! and pledging into a greek org..well make sure you really want it before you do it..RUSH! and if you think you'll be too stressed you can do it spring semester! though if you pledge in the fall, you can make friends since your pledge class will be your friend.. lol but yeah, school people are definitely willing to help you out with any academic questions so put them to use!

[AzN_cHiC89]

I don't know if it's just me, or other people, but I am completely lost T.T

LOL, I'm attending UCSD in the fall at John Muir College with an Undeclared Major in sciences (probably leaning towards Biology for pre-med.) but I feel like I don't know anything. Such as what classes to take, which major to be in, how to do my own laundry, how to avoid losing freshmen 15, whether to join a fraternity, how I'm going to balance studying&partying etc.

I guess this is just a thread about ranting but if YOU GUYS have any advice on any information for a young, fresh, little Freshmen , it would help a lot! Thank you guys so much, in advance!

hey, i'm currently a sophomore for Revelle College... and i'm also undeclared biological science (leaning towards Human Biology major) I can help you, sortof.

What Classes to Take: Well, since you're leaning towards a Biology major you should look up the majors in Biology (e.g. Human Bio, Micro Bio, and etc.) and see which one of them interest you. Then look up the requirements and 4 year plan for that major (use this: http://www-muir.ucsd.edu/advising/finishinfour/index.htm) click on academic advising and "finish in 4".) The four year plan will basically show you what classes you should take each quarter and it incorporates that college requirements in it. So, you can somewhat get a feeling of what classes you should take. Also, you do not have to be a biology major to get into medical school. You can do anything, just as long as you fulfill the med-school requirements and take the MCAT. But, being a bio major is just an advantage. Furthermore, try to contact the academic advising office, you can use virtual adivising on tritonlink and send them a question. If they do not response, look at your degree audit (click on recommended courses) and then see what requirement you should fullfill and what you have fulfill already.. Most freshmen usually start off fullfilling their college writing requirement, math, chem and etc. Also, you do not have to declare a major until you reach a certain amount of units (i forgot what it is) so take some classes that you're interested in and see what you like.

As for joining a fraternity, there are several types of frats at UCSD. Depending on the frat you join, it will take up part of your time. So you have to think if you can balance your schoolwork and your commitments to the frats. Anyways, frats at UCSD are just a way to party, since isn't a big party scene at SD. But there are other frats that for Biology majors and etc. So it just depends you, if you can handle it or not.

Freshmen 15: Since we do not have a buffet style dining hall like other schools, just watch what you eat.

hopefully that helped somewhat...