<p>I was in Austin, Texas and wasn’t able to go to the summer orientation. I have a few questions and I was wondering if someone could answer for me.</p>
<li><p>Do freshman usually have only 3 classes for the first semester? (Core course, math course, and major course)</p></li>
<li><p>I applied as engineering major, but I don’t think I want to be an engineer anymore. Is it possible to be undecided when school starts in fall?</p></li>
<li><p>I applied for Oakes college small triple room. I was wondering if the room is big enough for each person to have their own desk and bed.</p></li>
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<li><p>aside from the core course (maybe not even that), i don't think you're required to take certain classes every quarter. it's possible to go over the 19 unit maximum if you petition to do so, but from what i read...it's rare for new students to do so.
<a href="http://advising.ucsc.edu/student/advising_handbook.pdf%5B/url%5D">http://advising.ucsc.edu/student/advising_handbook.pdf</a> (page 20)</p></li>
<li><p>what you put on you application is a "proposed" major anyhow. it's not your offical major till you fill out the paperwork to declare it. i'm sure it's easier for you to switch as a engineering student regardless. engineering and some arts (talent based) students are admitted under different circumstances. it's easier for those students to switch to the arts, humanities, or social sciences. switching from those to engineering/arts is a different story. </p></li>
<li><p>a desk and bed are provided to each student regardless of room size. try not to bring too much stuff though, i'm pretty sure triples at any of the colleges are tight enough as it is. we get our room/roommate info pretty soon anyways (mid august). that info should tell you what to bring. just coordinate with your roommates on who's bringing what so that all 3 of you don't end up bringing a microwave, mini fridge, etc.</p></li>
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<p>UC uses a three "quarter" per undergraduate academic year system, with about ten weeks per quarter, not two semesters per year, so class units and numbers of classes are not directly comparable between the two. UC classes tend to have more units, and meet more frequently per week, than classes in colleges using a semester system. Three classes in the fall quarter is normal for entering freshmen. The core course is required, but nothing beyond that, though science, math and pre-med majors usually dive right into their heavy major requirements.</p>
<p>It is normal for entering freshmen to start out as undecided majors. I don't know what the policy or practice is for transfer students.</p>
<p>You are guaranteed your own desk, bed and tiny closet, but nothing more than that in a triple. porcupyne is absolutely correct on the need to coordinate with your roommates as to who is bringing what.</p>