Go outside my comfort zone

When you get stuck in your comfort zone, you limit your possibilities and yourself. Going outside that zone pushes you to develop new interests, ideas, and relationships. Some people will jump right in and make a big splash while others will cautiously dip their toes in the water first; the goal is the same: discovery.

Try new things.

Berkeley has over 1200 clubs, as well as museums, exhibits, performing arts, and botanical gardens. Don't just stick to what you did at your previous institution; look for leadership experiences and explore untapped areas of interest. You'll either discover something you love, or have something else to check off your list.

Meet new people.

Talk to the person sitting next to you in class even if you think you have nothing in common. Meeting someone whose background and personality differ from yours can give you perspective on your own life. You never know where you'll meet your next friend-for-life, and a core group of friends is a great start for a support network here at Cal.

Take classes to stretch your mind and values.

Major requirements will dictate most of your course schedule; nonetheless, it's important to make space for courses that stretch your mind and values in new ways.


Look for classes that sound like fun, like a DeCal class or a lecture symposium that allows you to attend and learn without demanding a lot of additional reading or writing assignments.

Explore your values and identity.

College is an opportunity to clarify who you are and what you believe in. You may discover ideas that differ from what your family or community taught you, and it might offer you a perspective that expands your way of thinking. Anticipate that you will change from the time you applied to Cal, and throughout your college years.


  • What's something new you've tried since coming to Cal? (Spring 2012, 3:27)