<p>So I know three students entering Berkeley this year, one in Econ., one in Poli Sci., and one in English (or so they say now). In their own ways, they've asked for advice, though I don't want to load it on too thick 'cause most people need to learn their own lessons and make their own mistakes, no matter what they tell you. But I figured a CCer or two already has a brilliant top 10 (or at least a few or maybe more) they would share. I looked around the Berkeley forum for this, and probably didn't look hard enough, 'cause I'm sure it must be there..</p>
<p>Thanks in advance for your top 10. Academic, Social, Housing etc. topics all welcome</p>
<p>Don't be afraid to tackle a lot of stuff at the beginning. You can always scale back your responsibilities later. For example, first semester at Cal I didn't get really involved with clubs and I only took 13 units. Now, going into my third year, I am on commitees for two of my clubs and average 18-20 units of class per semester. I definately have a lot more stuff going on, but I feel I get a lot more fulfillment out of it, even if I do feel dead exhausted during parts of the semester. It makes me wonder what the heck I was doing first year...</p>
<p>Get out and meet all the new people and make an effort to learn your surroundings. If you're living in the dorms, keep your door open (when you're in the room) and pop into floormates' rooms to hang out. You don't have to be everyone's best friend, but you're going to be around these people for a year and are likely to keep in touch with them after moving out.</p>
<p>Don't take certain subjects for granted because you think you rule at one. I know too many people who came in with big heads thinking they owned math and didn't study for or even attend those classes to find out everyone else in their class was just as good - and studied. </p>
<p>If you like to go out and party, rush a fraternity or five. You don't have to have an 'in' beforehand, just show up to events (they'll pass out flyers and stuff on Sproul) and you'll be greeted and welcomed. Its free food, you'll meet a lot of new people, you'll usually be doing cool stuff (like broomball), and you're not obligated to join afterwards (though they may ask!).</p>
<p>Basically, realize that you're finally in college and explore the lifestyle. Its going to be some of the best times of your life so make the most of it. Don't stress out too much about school, theres a lot more to college than classes and exams. Pay attention your first semester and get into a groove of how to do things (both academic and non-academic). Its different from high school, but once you get used to how the work is its really not too hard at all.</p>
<p>College welcomes an exciting four years where we are held accountable for our every action. We cannot blame our rash and infantile nature because we are not children anymore. We enter a world where not only do we need to prove our worthiness by creating or maintaining an impressive resume, but where we are also held responsible for our disdain, condescension, and egotistical outbursts. </p>
<p>We learned that we are no longer the academic predators in our tiny pond. We no longer pwned. We realized that it is okay to be in the middle of the bell curve, to be average and ordinary. I don’t know about you, but I am quite happy with this revelation. College will also bring many new strangers into our lives who will continue to surprise us with their honesty, altruism, and consideration, question our ingrained beliefs of how the world works, and let’s face it, will also hurt us, too.</p>