<p>I am a new EECS student, about to finish up my first semester here at Cal.
I really like this place, but I would really like to improve upon my college experience in future semesters. This semester, I overloaded on technicals, and ended up having a horrible work-life balance. Learning from this mistake, I plan to take a much more manageable load in the spring.</p>
<p>It is very important to me to meet some interesting people here, but I have not clicked with a lot of people in my major on a very personal level. It is nothing against them, we just don't tend to have a lot in common. I am a very outdoorsy, physically active person, and well... most of them are not. I tried signing up for a P.E. class, but unless I want to do yoga, they are all full and I am currently number twenty-something on the waitlist. </p>
<p>A social life and an engineering degree shouldn't be mutually exclusive, right?</p>
<p>Any suggestions on particular ways to get to meet other physically active people around campus? It would also be really nice to finally be in an environment not overwhelmingly dominated by a purely male population.</p>
<p>Here’s what I found to be a really good strategy for people in CS/EECS. If you want to have a social life (and believe me, plenty don’t), plan your courses ahead. Take two techs required for you to graduate every semester and only two. If you plan correctly you should be able to graduate in 4 years. Also, take at least one class a semester in something completely different from EECS, something you never thought you would take, or something you’ve always had an interest in.</p>
<p>I also recommend clubs, go to Calapalooza and sign up for everything that even remotely interests you and go to their meetings. A lot of them suck, but try hard enough and you’ll find a few really cool ones.</p>
<p>Finally, consider taking Theater 10. By far the most social class I found at Berkeley. There’s a good chance you will get to know every single person in the class. Can’t say that about many other classes at Berk.</p>
<p>Thanks. I’m also thinking of rushing a frat in Spring. Any suggestions? I would like to meet fun people, but also not be forced to abandon my academics. Not looking to get trashed every weekend; I just want to meet some people who like to do things other than playing video games in their free time.</p>
<p>Why not try taking classes at the RSF? Go to their homepage and click on the section titled “Group Exercise.” I hear from my friends that they like the classes there, and it’s definitely not a bad place to meet outdoorsy, active people. Also, I’ve definitely seen some casual, sports-related clubs on campus. At least a snowboarding one.</p>
<p>1) Rush a fraternity. I have heard that there is a prejudice against allowing transfer students into Greek organizations. Anybody know anything about that?</p>
<p>2) Join a club or two. There are a few that I have my eyes on.</p>
<p>3) Take a DeCal. Not sure which one yet. Any recommendations here would be great. Do you guys know which DeCals provide the most social environments?</p>
<p>I haven’t taken this DeCal personally, but I’ve heard the Wheelchair Basketball one is pretty fun, and based on what you’ve told us about what you like, seems like it’s up your alley. Otherwise, just browse through the Spring 2012 listings and see what floats your boat.</p>
<p>I suggest you check out several decals and determine which ones support discussion/group work and have social atmospheres. I’ve taken two and I haven’t made any friends from either. Neither of them (Advanced Scrabble, Chinese Dance) really required any talking.</p>
<p>If you have time, I suggest getting an easy job. Like working at a library. Paid study time! Plus you can interact with the same co-workers on a regular basis, and some campus employers throw their own little department parties and such.</p>
<p>If you want to take PE, there’s a good chance that you can get off the waitlist. You just have to keep showing up to class for a couple of weeks. I’ve gotten into Yoga and Swimming despite being fairly far down on the waitlist. My swimming class this semester, after being packed for the first two weeks or so, has shrunk to an enrollment of about 12. Plus some teachers are willing to expand the class size in order to accommodate enthusiastic people.</p>
<p>I’ve made most of my close friends at Berkeley at the co-ops. They’re admittingly not for everyone, but I think it’s much easier to become friends with people you eat and watch tv and clean the kitchen with everyday. But if you end up living/eating at a frat that you’re comfortable in, then I’m sure you’ll find a social circle.</p>
<p>Do all of the above! It’ll maximize your chances.</p>
<p>1.) In terms of rushing a fraternity: it’s more of a preference for freshmen/sophomore than a prejudice against transfer students. If you’re cool, though, you should not have any problems. Personally, my fraternity has bidded a few transfer students, and even a couple seniors. As an EECS major myself, I have met several friends that I would have never otherwise crossed paths with through my fraternity and Greek Life in general.</p>
<p>2.) Clubs are what really get people with common interests together. Friendships are formed on common interests and values. If you’re looking to expand your social life, this is definitely the way to go. Additionally, if you’re planning on doing (1), many fraternities strongly encourage or even require that members join at least one club.</p>
<p>3.) Don’t have many comments on that since I have never taken a DeCal. It generally goes that the smaller the size of class and the softer it is, the more social it gets.</p>