Welcome #BerkeleyBound transfer class of 2018

CONGRATULATIONS, #BerkeleyBound juniors! You’ve made the decision to attend the #1 public school in the world. You won’t regret it.

As a fellow transfer, I can honestly say that choosing Berkeley was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The professors are interesting and knowledgeable, my classmates have been friendly and welcoming, and I am having the time of my life.

Meet some of the incoming transfers

Wasay Shahid 

“I’m an incoming transfer from Torrance, CA and a political science major. My mothers dream was for one of her sons to attend Berkeley. Berkeley is one of the most popular U.S schools in my home country of Pakistan due to Zulfikar Ali Bhutto (ex Prime Minister) being an alumni of Berkeley.

“The amount of happiness I brought to people because of my acceptance, was far more rewarding than any personal accomplishment in my entire life. I never thought my parents would be in tears due to one of my achievements, it was truly a surreal feeling.

“I’ve made my family, friends and loved ones proud, but now my focus is directed on making the world proud and I believe Berkeley will give me best opportunity to do that. ”

Megan McRae 

“I’m most excited about being able to join clubs with other individuals who are passionate about shaping the world, and also about being able to take classes that are taught by world class professors!

“I’m nervous about being challenged, but that’s a part of the thrill.”

That said, it can be tough trying to figure out how to get the most out of the Berkeley experience in only two years. Here are a few tips and tricks I’ve learned this past year:

Join a club or two

There are so many clubs on campus. So, so many. Whether you’re interested in environmental activism, Greek societies, or even Quidditch, there is a club on campus to fit your interests. Not only are these a great way to meet new friends and make connections, they also often offer resume-building volunteer opportunities. It’s a win-win!

Quick tip: Try to limit club activity to one, maybe two during your first semester as you adjust to all of the other transitions going on in your life.

Try Berkeley Connect

Need a one-unit class to meet minimum unit requirements? Want to connect with other students in your major while learning about career opportunities, attending special events, and receiving individual advising from grad students?

Berkeley Connect is a fantastic, stress-free way to do all of the above. Best of all—there’s no homework or exams! All Berkeley Connect sessions are open to all students, assuming there’s room in the class, but look for special sessions geared just for transfers.

Sign up for a DeCal course

If Berkeley Connect sounds unappealing, or all of the sessions are full, sign up for a DeCal course. These are student-run one or two unit courses on a variety of topics.

Classes typically range from the serious, such as Cancer 101 and Intro to Organic Gardening and Food Justice, to the more light-hearted, including Aliens! or Intro to Guitar.

Visit the Transfer Center

Did you know that Berkeley has an abundance of resources available only to transfer students? Now you do! Visit the Transfer Center for special workshops, free blue books and scantrons, and helpful staff who will be happy to answer all 976294 questions you have about the Cal experience.

This multi-purpose space is also a great place to finish your homework, rest between classes on one of the big, comfy couches, or charge your devices when you forget your charger at home.

Find out more about what they do in their video.

Look out for famous professors

Have you ever heard of Pulitzer Prize nominee Joyce Carol Oates? She taught a creative writing class last semester. How about the former Secretary of Labor from the Clinton administration, Robert Reich? He teaches a public policy course every spring. Author and activist, Michael Pollan?

He’s lectured at Cal in the past. Keep your eyes open when planning your schedules, and who knows whose class you might find yourself in!

Take advantage of the free perks

Did you know that as a Berkeley student, you have free access to the Lawrence Hall of Science and the Berkeley Art Museum? Now you do! Need a new computer? Berkeley can adjust your financial aid to cover a new one once every three years. Are you a student parent?

You can fill up a free bag of food weekly at the University Village. Cash in on these perks while you can!

Once again, I congratulate you on your acceptance to what is, in my opinion, the best school in the world. I look forward to seeing you on campus this fall. GO BEARS!