Your Life at UCSB – Fifteen Tips for Success
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1. Go to class.
This seems obvious, but it can't be stressed enough. Professors tend to test on what they discuss in class. Don't abuse your new freedom. Being there is your responsibility. Simply being in class every day (unless you're sick) will help you graduate.
2. Get to know your professors and TAs.
Most instructors sincerely welcome students and want them to understand course material; many are happy to talk with you about things unrelated to class. By getting to know your instructors you make it easier to ask for help, become engaged in your studies and better integrated into life at UCSB. This rapport can also establish a foundation for getting involved in research and for requesting letters of recommendation for graduate school or employment. Should you be fortunate to develop a bond of friendship, you will find professors and TAs to be invaluable mentors.
3. Attend to academics from the start.
Identify specific goals you wish to accomplish while you are here and reevaluate them periodically. Make sure you are working toward them. Even if you're not thinking about graduate school now, you may decide to pursue it later. Many majors require a GPA higher than a 2.0 in a certain group of courses. Graduate schools look for GPAs well above 3.0. If you do your best from your first quarter at UCSB, you will keep all of your options open and will most likely meet your goals.
4. Don't be afraid to ask for help, but be selective about your sources of assistance.
Even expert economists turn to tax accountants for assistance with their income taxes-they don't ask their friends and neighbors! If you don't know something, get advice from an expert on campus. For help understanding class material, consult your professor or TA; when trying to understand the requirements of your major, see your department advisor; if unsure about degree requirements or General Education, see the advisors in your college.
5. Plan ahead.
Many special programs are offered at UCSB, but you must investigate your opportunities early in your college career so that you will be prepared for the application process. If you want to study abroad, visit the Education Abroad Program in your first year here; if you want to spend a quarter in Washington DC, find out how by visiting the Washington Center peer advisors; if graduate or professional school interests you, attend workshops to learn about the prerequisites or see the professional advisors in pre-law, pre-health, or education; if you are interested in conducting faculty sponsored research, speak with faculty members doing research in areas that interest you or visit the Special Programs Office in the College of Letters & Science.
6. Use your time wisely.
This means you can't wait until the night before a test to study for it, or start writing a paper the day before it's due. Now that no one is around to tell you when to study or when to sleep, you need to do this for yourself. If you could use improvement in this area, get help from Campus Learning Assistance Services by attending one of their time management workshops.
7. Learn how to study.
An integral part of your success in college involves assessing your own learning style, taking better notes in class, reading more efficiently, and doing better on tests. Visit CLAS (Campus Learning Assistance Services) for help in all of these areas.
8. Take care of your health.
Sleep. Eat well. Exercise regularly. Make smart decisions about alcohol, other drugs, and sex. Take advantage of all the services offered by Student Health. See them right away when you feel sick, and when you're feeling well, check out their health education programs.
9. Being a student is a full-time job.
If you're taking a full load of classes (12-16 units per quarter), don't work more than 20 hours a week. Most people begin a downhill slide in the quality of learning beyond 20 hours. If you need more money, see Financial Aid about a loan. Try to work on campus if possible. Students who work on campus tend to do better in classes and are more likely to stay enrolled than those working off campus.
10. Improve your writing.
Discuss your writing with professors and TAs; use the drop-in Writing Lab at Campus Learning Assistance Services; check out the writing minor offered by the Writing Program.
11. Know how to use the Davidson Library.
Take a Library Skills course (Interdisciplinary Studies 1 or 100) or attend a Library Orientation at the beginning of any quarter. Use the services of the reference librarians who are here to assist you while you use the library.
12. Be a consumer of your education.
Shop around for professors whose approach to education you like by sitting in on classes to "test drive" them this quarter, before you register for the courses they are teaching next quarter. Do the math! You and/or your parents are paying about $1,300 per quarter in registration fees. That translates to $81 per unit, $325 per course, or $8 per hour of instruction (lecture, lab, discussion, etc.). Make sure you're getting your money's worth by getting the most from your education.
13. Find a great academic advisor and keep seeing him or her throughout your time at UCSB.
There are many outstanding and caring advisors (professional staff, faculty and student peers) in your major department and your college. Make regular appointments and consult them when you are making decisions about your major(s), pursuing a minor, career pursuits, and graduate or professional school.
14. Visit Career Services early in your UCSB career
Even if you think you have chosen your academic major, Career Services may offer valuable information about careers and about yourself. They can help you find an internship, a part-time job, prepare for interviews, and identify your strengths and interests.
15. Get involved in campus activities.
Work for the Daily Nexus or join one of the 250+ clubs on campus. Play Intramural Sports, become a peer health educator at Student Health, volunteer through Community Affairs Board or join Associated Students. All campus organizations welcome freshmen and new transfer students.
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