<p>Have any of y'all been in a FIG? I've heard some people having bad experiences, but others having great ones. Just trying to get some perspective on it!</p>
<p>I did an EE FIG two years ago. The only reason I signed up for it was because it guaranteed me two classes. Everyone in my FIG was, of course, in both of those classes as well up until about 5 weeks later where 70% of them dropped one of the two courses (bad professor). No one in my FIG talked to each other or tried to make friends. The meetings were once a week for one hour and were not mandatory so I and many others stopped showing up. The meetings can be potentially helpful with showing people around the school. If a FIG will help you get the classes you need then go for it.</p>
<p>It depends on the student.
If student is anti-sociable and doesn’t even go to meetings and try to make friends, FIG will be no fun.
The whole idea of FIG is about socializing and feeling more at home among 50000 strangers.</p>
<p>Joining a FIG was the best decision I made freshman year. I’m very good friends with several members. It’s really helpful because you know a bunch of people who are taking the same classes as you are, and you can form good study groups. I highly encourage you to join a fig</p>
<p>I was in the Mech Engineering Fig my freshman year, and I hated it. They say the whole point of a Fig is to make friends but you can do that on your own time. My Fig lasted the whole year, but I got out after the first semester because I was sick of fake laughing with the same 30 ppl for an hour every wednesday…but that’s just me. You might like it.</p>
<p>Business FIG for me (last year)!</p>
<p>I’m sure it varies from experience to experience, but I had a great time! Some of the people from my FIG are still my good friends/acquaintances, and it connected me with some upperclassmen that gave some great advice. Also insta-signed me up for classes I would’ve needed to claw for during registration. Not to mention, free food.</p>
<p>My FIG was kind of cliquey though (I also contributed to this… unfortunately); I stuck to the same group of people within the FIG, but I’m sure there are FIGs where everyone is socialable and great with each other.</p>
<p>Either way, attendance is pretty much optional you don’t have much to lose. In fact, most FIG spaces go fast so tell your advisor ASAP if you want in. Just do it - throw yourself out there! Freshman year whoop whoop</p>
<p>I had pretty much the same experience as acoulatte. I loved my FIG members and mentor, and would highly recommend it.</p>