my very first classes at berkeley were the typical premed required class such as Chem 1A and Math 16A along with Music 26AC and NST 10. I was still undeclared then but already had in mind Nutritional Sciences as my major. Initially, I had no idea how college will be like or how the work load will be like. I still had senioritis from high school and since i was taking chem and calculus, i did not feel any pressure to study much since i took them before in high school. That was a big mistake since college chem, for some reason, differed from the chem class i took in high school. One thing i really liked about my first semester was that i got rid of my AC requirement so that i did not have to worry or think about it throughout the year. It is a good thing to finish the AC and english requirements early then to postpone them for later college years. Because my first semester load was not too intense, i was able to try out new things, meet new people, and join a variety of clubs. One of the clubs i remembered participating in was AMSA, which is a premedical club at berkeley. I was able to meet a lot of other premed students whom i can talk to about various things and ask for advice.
One thing i remembered enjoying most during my first year at berkeley was having meal points and living in the dorms. I lived in Foothill, which was more suitelike than dormlike. It was very quiet and i only had 7 other housemates. We all got together very well and had a lot of fun. Meal points were very very convenient because whenever i wanted something, all i had to do was swipe from my id card =). I also enjoyed DC hopping with friends to try and experience different DC's food and atmosphere. Too bad they didnt have as many choices to swipe with than now..
Anyways, things that i might change during my first berkeley encounters....I think i would have explored more clubs since i had a lot of free time. I would have also like to meet more people. Living in a suite in Foothill did not really allow me to meet a lot of people since it was small and compact. I felt that if i had lived in the regular dorms like Unit 1 or 2, i would have meet more people on my floor and in the entire building. It is great knowing more people and having more people to talk to and hang out with.
but overall, my first year at berkeley was quite alright. It did not make me love berkeley yet....i didnt start to love berkeley until my 3rd year here....WHY?? hmmm i guess berkeley just grows on you. I guess the environment and atmosphere eventually hits you and make you fall in love with it. One major pro is the ethnicity and different restaurants berkeley has to offer! =)