Undergrad Survival 101

Now that I am about to graduate, I have been able to take some time to reminisce about my time at UCSB and contemplate the things (good and bad) that made my experience one that I will truly never forget. I am not claiming to know all the answers because, at the end of the day, nobody really does, but I think that I have amassed enough experience to be able to give some tips.

Tip #1: Pick the right major.

This one may seem like a no-brainer, but you would be surprised at the number of people that I have met who are graduating or are close to graduating with a major that they do not care about. When I got admitted into UCSB, my major was of secondary importance. I was just happy I got accepted, and I decided that I will attend first and then decide what to do after. Thankfully, I got in with a major that not only allowed me to communicate more clearly, but also prepared me for the intricacies of writing. Though it may be daunting to make such a decision, it is essential to do your own due diligence and pick a major that will see you bloom as a person.

Tip #2: Pick the right people.

Your time in undergrad is precious, so it is important to surround yourself with people who want you to succeed and will help you reach your goals. It may be comforting to hang out with the same people that you have been hanging out with for a long time. Still, sometimes it can be helpful to look at your friendships (and relationships in general) from an outside perspective and evaluate whether the people around you are hindering facilitating your growth as a college student and as a person.

Tip #3: Reach out to your professors.

Believe it or not, most professors are really damn cool. Not only are they experts in their area of study, but most of them are passionate about their work and are more than happy to talk about it with interested students. This can also come in handy when you need a letter of recommendation, or advice in general, from somebody you respect and admire. Trust me, I know, it may seem daunting, and for sure, there will be times where it is intimidating, but the benefits will outweigh the costs.

Tip #4: Take care of yourself.

College can be a very stressful time. Basically right after high school, young adults have to make huge decisions that will shape the rest of their lives; that is no easy task. Though it will also be some of the best years of your life, the stresses of college are undeniable and should not be taken lightly. There is no one-size-fits-all answer that will instantly and effectively eviscerate your stressors, but that is okay. That is okay because that’s the fun part: you can experiment with different pastimes and hobbies to find the ones that you enjoy and the ones that will make your college experience better.

Tip #5: Do all the reading.

This may be easier said than done, and I am not going to lie and say that I have read every single reading that has ever been assigned to me since my time in college because I haven’t. I can tell you one thing though, being unprepared for class can make for embarrassing moments. It is definitely not a good time. I remember one time in particular, for a history class, I did not read the assigned chapter and the professor just so decided to ask me what I thought of the chapter. Though I bs’d my answer entirely, this moment made me realize the importance of reading for class. Trust me; you do not want to be that person who completely blanks after a question from the professor. Even skimming is better than not reading at all!

Tip #6: Get involved.

Again, this is one aspect of college life that I could have done a better job in, but even I realized the importance of getting involved with clubs and organizations on campus. There is literally something for everybody. Whether it be juggling or psychedelics, universities are jam-packed with clubs and organizations that are constantly looking for new members. Not only will this allow you to make friends and socialize, but it may also open doors for you in the future. We are social animals, and the university is a time where everybody is looking for their niche, so go out and get involved!

Tip #7: Enjoy!

College is a chapter in your life that you will never, ever get back. Yes, grades are important. Yes, you will lose sleep to study. Yes, you will be stressed. Yes, you will go through one or more existential crises. Oh, wait, just me? Oops. In all seriousness, don’t forget to appreciate the time you have in college because it will be over sooner than you think, trust me.