<p>From Academic Orinteering</p>
<p>"Take it easy your first semester.
Each semester you must take a minimum of 13 units. During your first semester, it is recommended that you consider taking only this minimum number of units in order to give yourself time to adjust to the new academic and social environment. "</p>
<p>If I take like 15 units first semester, will I be completely screwed?</p>
<p>Probably not. most students could probably handle more than 13 units. The thing is, the counselors advise people to take it for many reasons. Some of the are that they want students to have some time to do non-school things. They don't want students to feel overwhelmed by classes. They don't want students to take a lot of courses and end up with poor grades they are unhappy with, possibly ending up on academic probabtion. They want to allow you to transition.</p>
<p>13 units during the first semester has been heavily recommended for transfer students as well.</p>