As a junior, I’ve learned a few things over the past two years here at UCD, specifically as a College of Biological Sciences student. So, if you’re a BioSci student (or not, these suggestions can still be useful for any collegiette), here are a few tips to make your time here at college a little easier.
1) Don’t: Compare yourself to other students in your class.
This is a really hard thing to do⎯especially when, in lots of science and math classes, your grade depends on the class’s overall performance on exams. As a freshman, I couldn’t help but compare myself to my peers whenever midterm grades were up, and I would feel bad if I didn’t do as well as they did. But I’ve come to realize that comparing yourself to others fosters a competitive dynamic with your peers, instead of a helpful and friendly one. The latter actually is better for making friends and forming study groups, which is definitely something you should do.
2) Do: Study in groups and make friends.
As mentioned previously, it can sometimes feel like we’re all competing against each other when many science and math classes are designed to “weed out” the students who can’t handle the pressure. But honestly, I found that my grades improved once I started studying in groups regularly.
3) Don’t: Calculate what your GPA would have been without your grades in chemistry classes.
Seriously. Don’t do it.
4) Do: Explore and branch out.
When you’re overwhelmed with the workload of STEM classes, it’s easy to forget your hobbies and other interests. Sure, internships and jobs related to your career goals are important for resume-building and networking, but having an outlet for your own interests is a good way to de-stress from the banality of school life. Joining clubs and organizations for your interests outside of science may help you maintain your sanity during college. It’s a good way to maintain your current hobbies and interests and also a great way to find new ones!
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