University of California-Irvine Top Questions

What should every freshman at University of California-Irvine know before they start?

Julianne

When you get to college everyone's in the same position as you. You'll feel really alone at first and miss your family and think that this was probably the worst decision you've ever made, but it passes. You'll learn that everyone wants the same thing as you, which is to enjoy college and discover the person they're supposed to be. Put yourself out there, don't be scared that people won't like you or that you'll embarass yourself because you're great and people want to get to know you, just give them the opportunity. Don't assume that people don't like you just because they're not talking to you, everyone is scared and nervous and you never know which person is going to turn into your very best friend.

Nicole

If I could talk to myself last year as a high school senior, I would tell myself to be more self sufficient and less reliable on my academic counselors. Transitioning from a small, private, Catholic high school to a large, public university made me realize how much everything was basically given to me instead of me working for it. What I realized when coming to UC Irvine was that a lot of the things I did as a senior were because I was guided in that path or was told it was the correct or best thing for me to do. Now, being able to experience learning in a larger community, I had to learn that there are many opportunities available that I will not be notified of, but I must find out information about them, by myself. It was hard for me to adjust to not being told where I should go or what I should do, but I quickly found that if I needed or wanted something, I had to put in the effort and figure it out on my own. The advice I would give myself is to be more independent and don't settle for less!

Sona

Being a first generation immigrant, I did not have a lot of choices back in High School. I could not apply to a good university with my little knowledge of the language; however, I would advise myself to have a clear vision of what I want in life. I was not quite sure what to major in which resulted in changing my major twice in community college. Fortunately, I got into a good school with a major a love and appreciate.

Evelina

I was a transfer from community college. I would have definitely started taking college classes throughout my high school summers. I would have taken more AP courses. However, I believe I have always kept myself aware of updates around campus. I immediately joined a sorority my first quarter at UCI and believe I am taking every opportunity I can here. It has been the best decision I have made.

Arthur

Never to procrastinate, it is deadly in college life. Time is always against you, so manage it. Start making friends, or you will be left behind. College students have enough experiences, problems, and values in common that they are capable of becoming friends. Participate in most activites, go to meetings related to your major, read all sorts of soronities and decide which is best for you. Start planning to study abroad, and learn at least 1 another language. You won't get far in life without being able to communicate with different kinds of people. Respect people despite of what they're thinking about you. Acceptance and adaptation is key to success; never let down yourself, and work everything out smoothly.

Candice

College life is very different with high school life. Students are treated like adults in college. If I could go back in time as a high school senior, I would push myself to go to every single class, go to the teachers' office hours, and prepare myself better to overcome what awaits me in college. Taking four classes in college is harder than taking seven classes in high school. If I had known this, I would warn myself to study harder and to learn English more. Lastly, I would push myself to ask the teachers if I do not understand certain materials because in college, we, the students have to choose our decisions to go to the professors' office hours, which is really crucial to succeed in college.

Trisha

I would tell myself to explore new classes during high school, so that I can have a better sense of what I want to major in during college. It would help to take a few classes at a local community college to explore my interests before going to a university. Also, take AP classes, but don't over do it. The extra college credits are very beneficial and prepare you for college classes, but over extending yourself is not worth it. Enjoy college life and get involved right away during your first year. The people you meet during your first year will be your lifelong friends.

Johnny

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a highschool senior I would sit him down and have a very meaningful talk about life . I would tell him about my first quarter of college. My acheivements, my mistakes, and my experiences will all be told over a cup of jasmine milk tea. I would tell myself to uninstall all the games from my computer because playing games hindered my academics. I would then tell myself to start working out because, yes, freshman fifteen does exist and it WILL happen to me. The most important thing I would tell myself is to get active! Don't stay in the dorm all day. Rush for campus clubs or fraternities. Have the guts to go out and show UCI who Johnny Lei is! I would smile after telling myself all this, stand up, give myself a pat on the head and walk out into the future.

Brian

The most important piece of advice I could give myself would be two simple words: do something. I am in my senior year and am coming to terms with what life will be like outside of college. I won't see my friends as regularly, I won't have a common bond with the people I meet, and I will have to make an effort to keep in touch with some friends. My college life was filled with absolutely unforgettable moments that I only wish I had more of, so I can say that I had an amazing time at school. I thought somewhat recently, and concluded that some of my time was spent going online or playing video games, but those are not the experiences I will remember. UCI helped me mature as a person in a way I couldn't comprehend as a high school student, and I know now that the best years of my life can be spent studying aggressively, playing games, or being with friends and doing something. It is only that last option that cements memories for decades to come, and will make me smile in my later years.

Wesley

I would tell myself to take the remaining classes more seriously and actually think about college more. I would also tell myself to work on more scholarships and to be more outgoing. The last thing I would tell myself would be to be sure to be more active in college when I got there.