<p>Hello wonderful people of CC! So I am an entering freshman here at UC Berkeley and lately I've been contemplating whether or not I should graduate early. I've been feeling really homesick and stressed out trying to figure out how I'll do in classes, finding a work study job, as well as suffering with depression and anxiety as I try to face this new world away from home. I know that most, if not all, new college students face this homesickness at some point in their lives but this has just hit me really hard and got me thinking of ways in which I could get back to my family quicker. </p>
<p>Anyways, I am an intended CompSci major in the College of Letters & Sciences and was wondering if anyone has ever finished early with a Bachelors' Degree in CompSci from Berkeley (or any other school, I'd like to know everyone's experiences). If you have, or have ever considered it, I would greatly appreciate it if you could share your decisions, experiences and all that jazz. Also, how hard would it be for me to juggle classes and a work study? I need lots of help paying for college... (Also, does anyone know if Berkeley gives out less aid and scholarships as the years go by?) I would just like to finish school early so that I can go back home and start working rather than remain so far away from home for another year and have to pay for another year of tuition.</p>
<p>I am currently taking Math1A, CS61A, and maybe Korean10AX, Sociology 3AC, or a decal, still deciding.</p>
<p>And I know many people will say that I should really enjoy my college experience but I've just been feeling like maybe college just isn't my thing. I'm very introverted so it's hard for me to be outgoing or make a lot of friends. I just get these ideas where I think I would have been happier taking a gap year to work or to attend a school which would have been closer to home. I get excited when I see all the course options I have to take in my later years but at the same time I do miss my family a LOT and fear I will not be happy here. Please give me some advice as I'm just feeling very alone right now and would love to just hear other people's thoughts. Thanks and have a good day!</p>
<p>I’m a freshman too and a bit introverted as well. Just take it easy bro, there are so many opportunities you can take advantage of here at Berkeley. Just introduce yourself to new people and make friends - there are so many to choose from! I’ve noticed everyone here is friendly and don’t judge, as long as you’re kind and respectful (which I have no doubt you are). </p>
<p>Once college really gets going (it’s only been a few days since the start lol), you won’t even have time to think about your family or anyone - of course there’ll be time to talk and all but you’ll be studying, attending meetings, eating, working out, and most of all, having a fantastic time. </p>
<p>It’s okay if you’re feeling nervous, that’s completely normal. It may not seem like it when you see other freshman, but it’s the inherent truth. The thing to remember is that you only have one brain, two hands, two legs, and so you can do only so much at one time. Therefore, forget about everything and live in the present - just think about what you can do now, and how you can do it. For example, maybe just go to the work-study website, look over a few jobs and make a list. Apply to one. That’s it. Then get started on actual work, like reading/writing, I recommend the library since it’s quiet. After you’re satisfied with how much work you’ve done, go out to eat. Find a table you see people at and join and start a conversation - as I earlier said, everyone’s very welcoming. Just go on like this and you’ll notice how time flies! Let me know how it’s going later on :)</p>
<p>@elitepwnage thank you so much for those kind and encouraging words. After having gone home for the weekend and spending some quality time with my family, I feel a lot better than I used to. My panic attacks and anxiety are not as harsh and my parents (and you!) made me realize how great of an opportunity I have here. My friend also had a talk with me and we agreed to keep in touch for whenever things get rough. I’ll be keeping myself busy with school work, readings, trying to relearn the piano, as well as finding a work study. Although I am still counting down the days til thanksgiving, I feel like I have a better outlook on my time here at Berkeley. Thanks again and I’ll try to keep you posted! (Only if you are still curious later though haha :))</p>
<p>It is certainly possible for many students, particularly those who have AP, IB, or college credit on entry, to finish a CS (L&S CS or EECS) degree in 7 or fewer semesters. Those without such credit may find that work loads are rather high when taking the higher number of units per semester to graduate in 7 or fewer semesters, particularly when taking CS courses with programming assignments and projects.</p>