<p>Hi, I'm Jennifer, I got accepted into UCSB, UC Davis and UC Irvine, out of these three I chose UCSB. I think it would be good for me there, I'm very excited and happy and I was just wondering who else is planning to go there and if any past students have any advice for new freshmen attending the campus, I currently live 3 hours away and none of my high school classmates are going to UCSB, everyone is choosing to go to UCI and I thought it would be nice to meet people that are going or to get any advice for a new potentially lonely student. :) </p>
<p>Maybe some students will check in this weekend since it seems to be getting back down to the 60s, but until then, here is a video "What I wish I had known my freshman year’ interviewing UCSB students <a href=“CAMPUS COMMENT: What I Wish I Had Known My Freshman Year - YouTube”>CAMPUS COMMENT: What I Wish I Had Known My Freshman Year - YouTube;
<p>and also a video
Awkward Moments for Freshmen at UCSB (I’m thinking this was maybe a film class project?)
<a href=“Awkward Moments for Freshmen at UCSB - YouTube”>Awkward Moments for Freshmen at UCSB - YouTube;
<p>But I understand it is kind of hard to be lonely there, even if you just leave your dorm room open…</p>
<p>Everyone else is in the same boat, knowing few if any people. Frosh year, esp. the first few months, are a great time to make new friends. If you are interested, I wrote a post a while back at <a href=“Some Tips for Succeeding at UCLA (2007 edition) - University of California - Los Angeles - College Confidential Forums”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-california-los-angeles/384364-some-tips-for-succeeding-at-ucla-2007-edition-p1.html</a> and since UCSB is another large public most of the advice will apply there just as well. </p>
<p>Hi, I currently live in Irvine and I am planning to go to UCSB too. </p>
<p>I’m a current first year here at UCSB and the biggest thing to know is that you really just need to put yourself out there and not be afraid to introduce yourself first. Honestly, the same thing goes for any freshman anywhere!
don’t believe that you’ll be “potentially lonely.” If you have that mind set, you’ll only be limiting yourself.</p>
<p>Your first step is orientation. That was one of the most memorable things for me. I went into summer orientation not knowing a single person. It was nerve-wracking to say the least! But if step out of your comfort zone for a bit and talk to people you’ll find it’s a lot easier than you think. Talk to people the whole time you’re there, literally every chance you get: walking from activity to activity, during meals, during socials and before you go to bed! I remember being so thirsty at the end of each day because I spent my time getting to know people in my orientation group! I made many friends, which only made me more excited to return in the fall. (Tip: don’t forget to stay in touch with orientation friends! When school starts, don’t be afraid to give them a call! You’ll automatically have a familiar face to go to with if you’re feeling overwhelmed.)</p>
<p>Second piece of advice is don’t hesitate to get involved! Be willing to find the things that interest you because sometimes they’re not always out in plain sight. Over time you’ll be able to focus in on the things that you like the best. Some of my recommendations of things to look into are Residence Hall Council, club and intramural sports, and excursion club!</p>
<p>Last piece of advice: stay on top of your commitments. It’s easy to get both be overwhelmed by or underestimate your course load in the first quarter. Try to figure out early on what you’re up against and develop good study habits early. The quarter system is pretty different from most high school calendars, so be prepared to grind it out on the 11-week schedule. A challenge in itself!</p>
<p>Good luck! And feel free to let me know if you have other questions.</p>