A Few Things You Should Know About Classes

Hey everyone!

I hope you’re excited for your first year at UCSD! I know the summer before my first year I couldn’t wait to see how it was going to be. This summer, looking back on all that I did last year, I realized that there were a lot of things about class registration that I would have known or had learned earlier that would have really helped me out, so that’s what I’m going to write about. I hope these little bits of information are of good use to you!

Class registration is coming up this summer. That means you’ll be signing up for classes online (on Tritonlink) BEFORE you get on campus. Don’t sweat it though; the process of actually registering online is pretty simple and straightforward, and you will be able to consult E-Advising about what classes you should choose. While different people will have very different schedules, there are some things everyone should know.

One thing, be mindful of where and when you’re classes are on campus. Most standard 4 unit classes are 3 hours a week, that might have a 1 hour discussion section with a TA once a week. This can either be split up as an hour 3 times a week, 1.5 hours twice a week, or a single 3 hour block once a week. However, the last 10 minutes will always be left open for you to move between classes. Usually, this is plenty of time, but UCSD campus is big and hilly, and going from one lecture hall to another might take longer than 10 minutes on foot. When you schedule your classes, I definitely recommend checking where they are using a campus map. The most helpful one I’ve seen is this one, which calculates the shortest route between buildings. (http://campusmap.michaelkelly.org/map.cgi)

Another thing I highly recommend is to start Warren Writing (aka WCWP 10A) in the Fall Quarter. It’s a 2 quarter class sequence that will help you a lot with writing papers, which is great preparation for many other classes. However, it is a very competitive class to get into, and I do not recommend wait listing it, unless the first person on the waitlist, and even that is risky. There are only 15 people in each section, and it’s not likely that many of them will drop it because everyone in Warren needs to take it. Its not a big deal if there are no spots left, there will be plenty of space Winter Quarter. In my opinion, it’s just a good class to start in the fall if you have the option.

The last piece of advice I have for you is only for the non-engineering students (sorry engineers, but your GEs are a bit different). In addition to your writing sequence, Warren GEs require you to take 2 Programs of Concentration (PofCs) in areas unrelated to your major. These are comprised of 6 classes, 4 units each. However, a minor is only 7 classes, 4 units each. It’s easy to just take 1 extra class to turn your PofC into a minor, and still count it for your GEs! If you’re interested, I highly suggest talking to an academic advisor about it. It’s not a decision you have to make soon, but it’s good to think about.

That's it! Thanks for reading! Remember, keep up with your studies, but there is a lot more to college than just classes. It's a great experience, and I hope you live it to it's fullest. See you all in September!

-Matthew Hendricks, Freshman OL

Greek Life at UCSD

The classic debate in almost every college students head pro-Greek or anti-Greek? While there are a million stereotypes and endless reasons that people have for not joining the Greek system, I'm going to shed a little light on why it's a good idea and something that will help you to get the most of your experience here at UCSD.

Before I start trying to sell you on going Greek, I guess I should tell you a little bit about myself. I came to UCSD as a Freshman scared of sorority girls and not wanting to "pay for friends." I got involved with a Christian club on campus and made some of my best friends through an all girls freshman bible study, and I started working at a coffee shop in Warren (Earl's Place). I made a lot of really great friends through both of these worlds but as I was about to enter into my sophomore year, I found myself very curious about Greek life. When school started I decided to go through recruitment with an open mind and wanting to learn a little bit more about the whole system. For ladies formal recruitment is quite the process, it is a week long of "parties" where you basically go into different rooms for the different sororities, see each one and rank your top choices at the end of each day. For gentlemen rushing fraternities, the process is a lot less structured and you can basically choose which fraternities you want to learn more about by going out to their rush events and getting to know the guys.

Since I am a lady, I went through formal recruitment and thought that I would just drop out midway through because I still didn't see myself as a "sorority girl." I ended up continuing to get called back each night and having to choose my top house on the last night, and its been a decision I haven't regretted for one moment.

Being Greek is a lot more than the parties, the money, and the social status that everyone automatically associates it with. First off, I have never felt like I've paid for my friends. Paying your dues is basically the only way for an organization like a fraternity or sorority to function, since they are non-profit organizations. Basically you pay for everything you'll be getting and doing up front. For instance sorority formals, cost thousands of dollars to reserve venues, transportation and catering. In order to have that money to plan such an event the organization needs to have that money in advance. So now that you know you wont actually be paying for friends here's what you are getting when you join the Greek system:

- An automatic support system. When you come to college or any new place where you don't know many people it is nice to have a group of people you know you can count on. Whether that be for a study buddy, someone to explore campus with, or someone to go out with on the weekends. Your sorority sisters and fraternity brothers will always be that for you.

- Alumni networking. Fraternities and sororities have been around for so many years that there are large alumni groups for each organization in San Diego. Being a part of a Greek Chapter gives you a group of people who have graduated and are working in their career fields whom you can ask advice, or seek help in finding internships or jobs.

- A smaller world. UCSD is a huge university, the 6 college system helps to make it feel a bit smaller, but the Greek system can make it feel like a home. At such a large university it is nice to see familiar faces as you walk to class, or know that if you stop by Price Center during lunch you are sure to run into a friend that wants to get lunch at that same time.

- Endless leadership experience. Fraternities and sororities are completely student run organizations, some chapters are over 100 members in size which makes being a part of leadership that much more rewarding and valuable. There are positions that organize events, philanthropies, keep track of chapter finances, assist with academic excellence, educate the chapter on the fraternities history, correspondence with alumni, and the list goes on and on.

These things are only the main points and the tip of the iceberg when it comes to all the positive things the Greek system has to offer. I'm not trying to get you all to join because it isn't for everyone, but I am asking you to give it a try if any of these things have sounded interesting at all. I am the perfect example of someone who never thought she would be a "sorority girl" and now I'm the current President of my chapter, Kappa Kappa Gamma. Looking back on my four years at UCSD and the things I've learned, most of my practical knowledge and leadership skills have come from being a part of a sorority. I couldn't imagine what college would have been without this experience, and I am excited to continue to be involved with my sorority as an alum for the rest of my life.

For more information about going Greek here are the Panhellenic Association and Interfraternity Council websites:

Ladies: http://panhellenicucsd.org/home

Gentlemen: http://www.ifcucsd.org/index.php

I hope this has been helpful to anyone that was curious, and sparked interest in some of you that hadn't thought about it before. I could probably go for days, but I wont for obvious reasons. Feel free to message me on Facebook if you have any questions and I'd be happy to talk with you on an individual basis and direct you to others than can answer any questions I can't. I'll be seeing you all soon in the Fall, but have a great summer until then :)

Stacey Hunsucker
Transfer OL

What's for dinner?

I'm pretty some of you are wondering.. what's the low down on the eating in college?! Students at UCSD are lucky enough to have their own campus' dining hall as well as the opportunity to grub at ANY of the other colleges' dining halls, not to mention the restaurants in PC and all around campus. For FAQs or more in-depth info on dining, you can visit http://hds.ucsd.edu/, but I thought I'd provide a little little little black book.. blog... on where/what to eat at UCSD!

In Warren:
We have the wonderful Canyon Vista, or "CV," which offers everything from pizzas, pastas, a salad bar, a deli, a grill, and new and exciting entrees offered every day, as well as drinks and assorted desserts. (and a great of the canyon, not to mention a roaring fireplace and a starlit ceiling for indoor ambiance^_^) For breakfast (which you should eat! It is truly the most important meal of the day!) CV makes it super convenient to grab a bagel or a hot ready-made breakfast entree. If you're into caffeine or pastries, there is also Earl's Place, located right above CV. I personally LOVEEE Earl's, it's not only theeee most convenient one-stop shop for snacks, Starbucks teas/coffees, signature drinks made by Warren's own awesome baristas, and odd/cute little trinkets, but it's also a great hangout place all day and night (Earl's is open until 1 am!) You can always find people studying, mingling, stocking up on red bull and hummus there :D

ERC:
Cafe Ventanas truly lives up to its name with windows stretching from floor to ceiling, and offers delicious meal options as well. Take the shuttle if you don't want to walk up the hill! It's worth the journey.

Sixth:
You MUST try the personalized pizzas at Foodworx... deeeliiicious! Sit outside and enjoy the sunlight while devouring your food :)

Marshall:
You can View the Ocean from Oceanview Terrace in Marshall ^_^ I love the dessert options at OVT, I used to grab some cheesecake and study while enjoying the killer view. Not far from OVT is Goody's, our campus' very own Chipotle. Well, it's actually Latin food.. and so so so so yummy. Underneath Goody's is the Goody's Market, if you want to grab a gatorade or quick snack after workin' up a sweat at RIMAC (the gym is right next to it).

Revelle:
Plaza Cafe keeps it fresh with an inventive menu- come here to fill up on comfort foods and lounge on a couch after a long day.

Muir:
Timbers is actually new this year- it will be opening in September. But there has been much buzz about it and I am very excited to try it out this year!

Keep in mind you can use dining dollars for the dining halls, as well as cash and Tritoncash. Check if they accept your card beforehand!

Other restaurants on campus include Burger King, Bombay Coast, Jamba Juice, Rubio's, Subway, Panda Express, Tapioca Express, Round Table Pizza, Shogun, Santorini, Tacone (these are all in PC East), the Loft, Croutons, Home Plate (burgers and sports, anyone?), and sooo many more places. http://blink.ucsd.edu/facilities/services/general/personal/dining.html has most of the restaurants- but you may not be able to use meal points at these places.

I hope this helped anyone who might've been curious about the dining situation at our school. You should ask around for other opinions or even better- try it out for yourself! I'll go eat with you :)

Happy eating,

Jessie (Jessica) Ma, Freshman OL

The Full College Experience: Holding Nothing Back

Heylo!

As I think about the two amazing years that I've had so far at UCSD, I stop myself. Wait, two years? Really? That's what scares me the most, and yet at the same time puts a smile on my face. Have I really been enjoying my time that much that I haven't stopped to realize the TIME? Looking back, there are a few things I wish I had known, and only knew as I continued the journey.

Orientation was honestly the best introduction. Every person experiences Orientation in their own way, and I think that can easily be said about your time at UCSD. You are thrown into a situation where you know no one, and are challenged from the moment your parents leave. This is the beauty of the entire journey: not knowing where each step is going to take you next. Will it be to RIMAC to burn all those free pizookies off? Or to the dining halls to put those meal points to good use?

As cliche as things may sound to you, you start to live them and realize how much you become changed by becoming your own person. Don't think you are a morning person and would rather have afternoon classes? Then don't take a morning class. Don't think you want to continue with chemistry and instead let your passion for dance take over? Then start anew. The significance of college is just that: YOU are responsible for what YOU want to do. You get to decide who you want to be and there are way too many ways to do that at UCSD, especially at Warren.

My first year I thought I was invincible. I was working, taking all my classes, and had joined a dance team on campus that had rehearsals from 8pm-12am. But the beauty of the college experience is that you really do become invincible. You start to push yourself beyond your own set limits, limits that will keep changing as you grow through UCSD.

Whatever you do, just understand where you are. Take pictures of every activity that you and your suitemates do. Go have a bonfire at La Jolla Shores and get sand in your s'mores. Because those are the things you are going to remember; not how many classes you were able to ace, but how many of those classes were a challenge to you. If you're not a theater person, take a theater class and learn to see the campus through that perspective. I encourage you to keep shifting yourself, find the YOU that finally fits.

-Lilith Mansuryan, Freshman Orientation Leader.