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Are any new students not having a good time at CAL and aren't buying into it being the greatest thing since slice bread?
I got all excited about starting college, now with the first day of classes, I am kind of on a low.
Maybe its just me...

By Kryptic (Kryptic) on Tuesday, August 31, 2004 - 12:05 am: Edit

If the welcome week activities, and all the excitement building up to your first day, somehow convinced you that college would be a non-stop thrill ride of laughter and joy - you will be sadly disappointed. Although most of us love learning, and most of us love many of the subjects we're taking, the nitty-gritty reality of it is that the actual 'process' of going to class, sitting through lectures, doing homework, etc. isn't really that much fun. In fact, most of the time, it's amazingly boring. Welcome to college. On the plus side, this is largely a universal aspect that is not college dependant.

By Ulaia (Ulaia) on Tuesday, August 31, 2004 - 12:18 am: Edit

Lilpopers, I had the same experience as you. But, whatever...I'm willing to accept it. It's also so competitive, and I guess I was surprised when I walked in 20 min. early on an 8am lecture to find that there were only about 5 seats left in the entire huge lecture hall.

By Aim78 (Aim78) on Tuesday, August 31, 2004 - 12:21 am: Edit

Join a frat, man. You'll have hours of sweaty, naked, painful fun.

By Foreignboy (Foreignboy) on Tuesday, August 31, 2004 - 02:34 pm: Edit

It's like sex. At first you may be disappointed, but after a while it will become fun.

By Lilpopers (Lilpopers) on Tuesday, August 31, 2004 - 03:17 pm: Edit

I understand that the actual "school" aspect of college is not a non-stop party, however what I am talking about is more people being into there selves. Like you say hi or smile and they don't even respond. Its like "acknowledge me" "I am a human being". But maybe they are all just too smart to be friendly. Maybe that part of the brain has worn away.
I have just accepted it and moved on with my life. Thank god I have excitment out side of school and whenever I am sad I can just read that story about the crazy day at Berk and be happy that my life is not that bad.

By Kryptic (Kryptic) on Tuesday, August 31, 2004 - 04:23 pm: Edit

As a transfer student, I've actually been amazed at how friendly people at Berkeley have been. People in class are constantly saying 'hi' and introducing themselves to me. Being rather shy, it's actually a bit odd. You never see this sort of friendliness outside of school (I've spent several years in the 'real world', and almost every complains that they can never make friends, anymore), and you don't even see it at many other colleges (I've attended over four other colleges).

I'm not sure what experience you've had, and perhaps it's been far worse than what I've experienced, but I'd say your chances of being 'acknowledged' at Berkeley are far better than you'll ever find after you graduate. Have hope, you'll find your clique. Check out some of the student groups, perhaps? I'm sure your experiences will improve... =)

By Foreignboy (Foreignboy) on Thursday, September 02, 2004 - 07:28 am: Edit

Why has no one commented on the brilliance of my analogy?

By Twojaw (Twojaw) on Thursday, September 02, 2004 - 12:02 pm: Edit

because it was a focked up metaphor.

By Amagetdon01 (Amagetdon01) on Friday, September 03, 2004 - 12:23 pm: Edit

because we know ur a virgin

By Foreignboy (Foreignboy) on Friday, September 03, 2004 - 12:27 pm: Edit

What the... Mean people!!

By Behnood15 (Behnood15) on Friday, September 03, 2004 - 04:04 pm: Edit

What were your scores, Berkeley admits?

By Polka (Polka) on Friday, September 03, 2004 - 08:18 pm: Edit

i am having a fabulous time at berkeley. i don't live on campus so i walk through the mlk student union and the shops on telegraph everyday when i am going to school or going home. it's so lively there and there is so much to do. how could you not have a blast? luckly my teachers are okay and my gsi are pretty good so the studying aspect is good too. i did wake up this morning after my first class was over though, so that wasn't too great...

By Invisible (Invisible) on Sunday, September 05, 2004 - 10:38 pm: Edit

I was actually not too excited to come to Berkeley. But after I met my floorfamily (yes, people floorFAMILY because in only 2 weeks we've all become so close) and went to a few of my classes, I got really psyched. So far, college for me is great. And yea, random people say "hi" to me all the time. I don't know, but I think people in Berkeley are a hundred times friendlier than where I live. I guess you just haven't met the right ones yet.

By Lilpopers (Lilpopers) on Monday, September 06, 2004 - 04:32 am: Edit

Yeah, maybe its just because I haven't met the right people. I am happy that everyone is having a good time.
I am actually having a good time, I just think that it is a lot diff. from how I pictured it, but diff. doesn't always have to be a bad thing.
Oh yeah, plus I am off campus so I don't have that whole floor family thing to fall back on.

By Theman002 (Theman002) on Monday, September 06, 2004 - 05:13 am: Edit

rush a good house and your social life will be the bomb