As the fall semester comes to a close, Thanksgiving break has just concluded and finals loom. When reflecting on my freshman year as a current sophomore, I realize I really enjoyed my first year of school. However, to get a jump start both socially and academically there are some things I would’ve done differently.
This one may be obvious, but I really wish I would’ve joined clubs my freshman year of school. I think all UC Berkeley students are aware of how competitive clubs are here. I applied to multiple clubs my first year, and rejections by them all put a stop to my pursuit. In my sophomore year, I joined four clubs, and I felt so much better knowing I was getting involved on campus. I met more people and was able to find communities that shared my interests for the first time. As someone who was unsure of their career path, these clubs made me realize I had an interest and skills in marketing. So if you want to diversify your friend group and develop and/or discover niche interests, try joining a multitude of clubs!
Something academic related I wish I would’ve done is hone my studying skills more and avoid procrastinating. The shift from high school to college is a major and scary change. Coming from a high school that wasn’t very rigorous made starting at Berkeley quite daunting. I’ve managed to obtain pretty solid grades so far, but I wish I would’ve worked on shaping my studying skills from the start. Everyone has different preferences when it comes to studying, so it’s really specific to each individual.
In my freshman year, I’ll admit, I would write out on paper individual flashcards for every term or theory I needed to study which was more overwhelming than helpful. However, I found that using tools like Quizlet and writing out my study material on notebooks helped it stick significantly more. I also wish that I would’ve gotten a head start on studying for exams. Even though this seems like a lot of time, I found this year that I like to start my studying at least a week in advance to really make sure I grasp the material.
Now there’s one thing I got right my freshman year, and that was always being down for anything. If there is some pressing work you need to do, don’t feel bad saying no. However, take every opportunity you can to go out and party or head into SF for the day to explore the city. College isn’t just about building the perfect resume, it’s about being able to experience things while still young. Not that you should stress yourself out, but don’t be afraid to stay busy in college and take advantage of all social experiences you can. The one way to never regret anything in college is by always saying “yes” when you can.
College is about doing anything and everything. Get involved in clubs, refine your studying skills to maximize academic performance, and say “yes”! College is only four years out of our very long lives. Now is the chance to find your lifelong passion and friends so that your future can be as bright as it can be.