I understand most of us have a busy schedule at Cal. You feel like not having enough rest? not enough time to study? I felt the same way! It is not easy to handle a lot of things, at the same time having a life! I feel the same way when people are saying "You can't have a life at Berkeley!". After years being at Cal, I found it is not impossible to enjoy your college years. If you can well manage your time, you will get the best out of it!

For choosing classes, I would talk with advisors on my schdeule each semester. I would group heavy loaded class with lighter class. I would try planning my schedule so that I can best utilize my time. Talking with the peers in your major for their opinion and find out how the classes are about. It is easier to figure out what combination of classes is the best for you.

Always being at top of things would never let you down! Try to spare enough time before the due dates for assignments or projects. It is always better than catching up in case of anything happens suddenly. I would mark down the due dates for every homework assignment and make sure I finish it days before the deadline.

Learn to say "No" to unnecessary duties. Never overload yourself. This is the hardest thing for me to learn. I used to say "Yes" to every thing other command me. I thought I would be able to finish all the things at one time. I remember one time I cried because I was just too busy to cope with every thing at the same time. It was not because I cannot do it, but there was not enough time and energy to do it. It also made me feel really bad. I would rather not do it, or I will do the best!

At last, not to forget yourself to take rest. Doing one thing in hours straight is not going to work well. So it is all about striking a balance!