#CaylinYr

[lifeatucr]

Answers 9.18.17

So do classes start on September 25 “The first day of the quarter” or on September 28 “the first day of instruction”???

Classes start on the first day of instruction, September 28.

How do we load bearbucks onto our card? And how much do you think we should start out with?

You go on My Card Account, and you can add money from there (: I keep this page as a Favorite on my phone, and I normally keep it empty unless I forget my debit card and I need a snack. I used to be able to use them for laundry, but I heard that is changing. I’ll keep you updated!

hi so I’m a freshman moving into the dorms soon, and I’ve tried to contact my roommate but they haven’t really responded much. I was wondering if that happens often where people move in not knowing much about their roommate and how to ease the transition of living with someone you barely know

You just kind of ease into it. I remember it being really quiet and awkward the day of move in, and you just kind of start little by asking, “hey wanna go check out the dining hall with me?” or “wanna go explore the campus?” Ask if they want to walk to UV or if they want to watch a movie in the lounge. You’ll be spending all year with them so you’ll have time to ease into it, but just try to be warm and welcoming (:

Hi! I was wondering what clicker questions are? I heard some professors use those

Classes that have clickers require you to purchase or rent this remote thing, and they’ll have clicker questions throughout lecture, where you use your remote to answer. It’s also another way to track attendance. 

Is there a place on campus to get things like shampoo, laundry detergent, household items or do we need to go to a store off campus?

You can get the basics at Glen Mor Market, but it might be cheaper to find a friend who drives and to go off campus for things like that! 

Do I need to complete Foreign language requirements to get into SOBA? Or can I complete foreign language requirements while I am in SOBA?

I wouldn’t be able to answer that directly because every person’s situation is different, but I would talk to your advisor by either sending them an email or going to walk-ins! 

any advice for someone going into their third year who’s friendless and miserable?

Hello! My advice would be to try and use some of the resources on campus. My favorite is Costo Hall, I really found a home in the Women’s Resource Center. It’s a safe and inclusive space for me, and it’s been my go-to since my first year. After hanging out a resource center, you’ll begin to see some familiar faces and feel at home. I’m going into my third year too! Always feel free to reach out to us via anonymous questions or message us! We’re always here and really don’t want you to feel miserable! Our campus is so great once you find a place that makes you feel at your best. If you’re more interested in some of the programs offered to help make your stay here more enjoyable, direct message us and ask to talk to Caylin! Thanks and I’m sending good vibes your way! <3

What’s the difference between first day of the quarter and first day of instruction? Now I’m confused on when to show up to class

First day of instruction is September 28, and that’s the first day you go to class. The first day of the quarter is when student workers begin working 19 hours a week, and when the term officially starts, but classes officially start the 28.

Can you post pictures or describe what each room in the residential halls looks like?

We have YouTube videos on A-I and Pentland (: Unfortunately we couldn’t get anything for Lothian because they were under construction! But subscribe and hopefully we can get a Lothian tour up one day! 

How do I join the UCR newspaper team?

Here is the contact info for The Highlander, our school newspaper. I would send an email or call the office letting them know you’re interested in contributing by becoming a part of the team. Good luck and let us know how it goes! (:

Hi, is the deferment plan available to students that are receiving financial aid? Thank you in advance!

Hello! If you still have fees due after aid, the deferment plan should be available. Please contact financial aid at  (951) 827-3878 as soon as possible, as fees were due last Friday! 

Hello! I'm an incoming freshman and I wanted to know how Math 004 by Robert Lam is? Thanks! 

None of the team has had Math 004 with Robert Lam, but you can always check out Rate My Professor (:

[lifeatucr]

Answers 9.11.17

If we are living in the plaza what furniture maker should we bring

It’s unfurnished, so you’ll need to bring a bed for sure. All the other stuff is up to you. You can bring a desk, a TV, a couch, a chair, a kitchen table, things like that. 

when does ucr usually drop concert line ups? I'm so excited for block party!

It usually comes out the week before! 

how do i get ahold of financial aid? everytime i call it says all the employees are occupied and then hangs up on me. ive sent emails too and nothing

I’m so sorry about that. They’ve been so busy, the best way to get ahold of them is probably by coming on campus. 

How do you link your class schedule on R'Web to Google Calendar? I think it was mentioned in one of the previous posts, but I couldn't figure it out.

If you log into your R’Web and go to your term schedule, there is a little icon in the top right corner that looks like a calendar. From there you email your schedule to your email, and you can drag and drop the .ics file to your google calendar. 

Hi! I was wondering what to do about clickers. I googled my chemistry professor and people say we use them a lot in class. Should I buy a clicker during 0 week before classes start, or would it be better to buy one beforehand? Also, does it matter what brand of lab coat I buy?

I would wait to buy or rent a clicker until after the first day of class. There’s also groups on Facebook where people sell used clickers for a cheaper price. And not that I know of, I know people usually order them from the bookstore or from amazon.. 

Is there any way to know if a triple in Pentland is a bunk style or loft style before move-in day? (3 other people asked the same question, but the answer is here!)

Not that I know of, I’m sorry! :(

Do you know if the lockers outside the dining halls tend to be all full often/at all? and do we need to bring an actual lock or are they unlocked with our ID card?

They’re so/so. During busy times, it might be hard to find a locker but for the most part, you can always find a free locker. The lockers come with a key so you don’t have to worry about a lock! 

When would I get my financial aid award money? Does it go directly to my tuition for the quarter? Does it come in check or would I have to enter a credit card so it can be deposited?

If you’re getting a refund, it should cover what ever is needed for tuition and then the remainder will be sent to you. If you haven’t signed up for direct deposit yet (which I highly recommend), then it’ll be mailed to you in the form of a check! 

How do I use the deferred payment plan? After I signed up, my account still says to pay 10k. I'm really confused so how much do I have to pay for tuition by September 15th?

You have to wait a couple days to hear if you got approved for the deferred payment plan. When signing up, it should have also had a breakdown of the costs and the dates. Please contact financial aid at (951) 827-3204 for any more questions regarding financial aid!

If I'm still on the waitlist for a class (only discussion, not lecture), should I still show up in case the professor calls my name while taking roll?

While most Professor’s don’t take roll in college, you should still go to class if you’re on a waitlist just in case a student doesn’t show up and you can take their spot! Speak with the professor after class and let them know you’re on the waitlist. Good luck! 

Hello, it's been a tough week for undocumented students... and I was wondering if after the DACA removal will we be able to still have financial aid? I've called the financial aid office but they don't answer or just cut the call.

Please click here to see UC President Napolitano’s statement on DACA. “The University of California will continue to stand with Dreamers and their supporters as we fight to keep the program alive,” and the same goes for UCR. Financial Aid shouldn’t be affected by this in the meantime! Please let us know if you have any other questions or just need to talk <3 

Do dorms at Aberdeen have dressers under the beds like Lothian?

Yes! Please check out our tour of Aberdeen on our Youtube channel, like, and subscribe! 

Are we allowed to bring someone who doesn't go to ucr to block party?

Block Party is exclusively for UCR students, but all of the other concerts sell tickets for people that aren’t UCR students. 

I know we get like a parking permit for move in day (residence halls) but are we supposed to pre print it or something or do we get it on the move in day itself at campus?

Your personalized assignment brochure that you received in the mail has a one time parking pass for move in. Good luck and we’re glad to have you! 

Where did you find housing in salt lake?

I’m not quite sure I get your question, sorry! :(

What are the dimensions for the bedrooms in the UCR campus apartments, specifically the ones for the Falkirk one bedroom, one bathroom apartments? Do you think a queen sized bed would fit (I don't know the size of my roommate's bed)

I don’t have the exact dimensions, but I think a queen should fit. Your half of the room might not have as much space for anything else though :/ Make sure you don’t take any of your roommates space!

When is the last day to register/change classes? I will be taking the MAE on the 15th, would it be too late then? How long until I get my results back, in order to know which math I need to be placed in?

That won’t be too late! You can adjust your class schedule up until the second week of class. The only problem is there might not be a lot of seats left! 

when do classes start?

Classes start September 28. Are you excited? I am!!!

What exactly is a R course? And what are the pros/cons of taking a R course?

R’Courses are classes taught by fellow students. Pros are that they only meet once a week, there is normally less homework, and the opportunity to be in a student led class allows for insightful conversation. A con would be that they’re only 1 unit, which could also be a con if you want to test out the waters in another field of study! 

I don't want to sound like a downer but I'm an incoming freshman I'm scared I'm really not gonna like it here. There's a huge transfer rate and I hear a lot of people say that there's not a lot of motivation and there is nothing to do without a car. I also tried reaching out to a lot of people and people are nice at first but then won't respond at all after. Being honest what is the worst part of the school in your opinion?

I came in to UCR with the idea of transferring when it was convenient for me (once I learned how to drive and got my gen eds out of the way). By the end of my first year, I was completely in love with UCR, and at the beginning of my third year, I am still just in love and still can’t drive lol. Riverside, without a doubt, is the perfect community for me for what I am studying, and the resources have been so amazing. I’ve had amazing internships, job opportunities, and classes here - I even met my fiance here! And there’s things to do within walking distance, but if not, one of your friends is sure to have a car. Give it a chance, I came into UCR as my back up school after having to decline my dream school for financial reasons, and honestly, there’s no where else I’d rather be. 

[lifeatucr]

Answers 7.25.17

I'm taking 15 units this year. How much is every class? How is it calculated?

Regardless of how many units you are taking, tuition each year is $15,211 to be a full time student. If you break it down per quarter, each quarter comes out to a little over $5,000 (summer is not included). So the price per class really changes depending on how many units you are taking. If you are taking 12 units/3 classes, or 20 units/5 classes, you would divide the quarter cost by how many classes you are taking. Here is the link for tuition costs at UCR. Hope that helps!

I signed up for my classes at orientation, and I realized that my lectures also have a discussion section linked to them. What exactly is the purpose of these discussion classes? Sorry if this is a dumb question, but I'm just not used to these different classes since I was homeschooled in high school

This isn’t a dumb question at all, a lot of incoming students actually have this question! So lectures normally have a lot of students (some classes can have up to 300!), which doesn’t allow a lot of one on one time with the professor to ask any questions you may have. The discussion is a smaller classroom setting, with around 20 students. Your discussion is led by a T.A., who will be able to help you with any questions, since it might be a little harder to ask your professor directly.

I'm planning to dorm in Pentland (double) and I was wondering if we're allowed to get bed risers to lift our beds? I just want to make sure that I can fit all my storage without making my room look cramped.

Here is a copy of UCR’s residence hall handbook. I believe you’re allowed to get bed risers, but the beds at Pentland are already risen really high, enough to fit storage bins and all the things you need under your bed. I even brought a step stool because my bed was so tall I couldn’t get on without help! LOL

Can incoming freshmen already start applying for jobs at UCR? And where?

Take a look at ScotJobs, it’s never too early to start applying!

Does the financial aid office have summer hours? Or is it the regular 9-5?

If you’re visiting campus, you can stop by the Highlander One Stop Shop (HOSS) on the first floor of the Student Services Building anytime between 9am to 5pm, Monday through Friday. If you can’t make it in, go ahead and give them a call at (951)827-1012. 

I'm really nervous about living on campus. I got guaranteed housing, but I chose Pentland as my top choice. I just got back from orientation, so I kind of got to see how the showers/bathrooms work. Is there ever an issue with the showers filling up fast and having to wait until someone gets out? What should I do to make myself feel more at home once I move-in?

Don’t be worried about living on campus! Living on campus will help you make friends and adapt to college life. When I lived at Pentland, there were never problems with the showers filling up because we all had different time schedules. To make yourself feel more at home, I would bring photos of family and friends and make sure you decorate your space so it feels comfortable to you. What worked well for me was bringing blankets from home because it didn’t feel like I was in some foreign, new space with all new furniture and decorations. 

If I apply for fall 2018, when do I need my 60 transferable credits by?

As a transfer student, plan to complete 60 transferable semester units (90 quarter units) by the end of the next spring term, or the spring of 2018. Here is a transfer admission checklist for UCR! 

I have just finished my first year here at UCR. I have to admit this past year was tough. Between family issues and getting in trouble with the school for plagiarism, I am determined to make my second year better than the last year. However, I have been talking to a friend who goes to another UC . Lately, Iv'e been thinking that maybe I should transfer there. It would be a great opportunity for me but Riverside is all I have known. What should I do ?

I advise doing what is best for you! Please don’t forget that UCR has a lot of resources available on campus such as case managers, counseling and psychological services, or the academic resource center. There are also opportunities to retake classes if need be, just don’t give up! Everyone goes through a barrier during their time here, it’s how we overcome it that matters!

[lifeatucr]

Choosing Your Major

If you are undeclared or still unsure about your major, don’t stress! You can still be a successful student without coming into your first year set on what you want to study.

It can be really stressful coming into your first or second year and not knowing if your major is right for you. My advice: take some time within your first couple years to explore your options through your breadth courses. I’ve known people who are set on going into the sciences or the humanities, but once they take classes in other areas of study they switch, double major, or minor in something completely different.

  Switching Majors

My freshman roommate (still one of my closest friends) came in as a Psychology major, switched to Pre-Business towards the middle of her first year, and switched over to a Sociology major at the end of her second year (AND she’s graduating a year early. My boyfriend came in as a Pre-Business major, switched to Philosophy in his first year, finished his degree requirements early and is now studying Pre-Med while also being able to have a Philosophy degree by the time he graduates from UCR. Depending on the classes you take and the people you meet, you’ll be exposed to so many different areas of study that you can be interested in. And as you spend more time at UCR, don’t worry if your area of interest or direction changes, as long as you’re using the first couple years to really explore your breadth classes, no matter how many times you explore other majors, you should have time within your couple years to finish all of your major classes and #FinishIn4 

Double Majors and Minors

Even though I came into my freshman orientation, convinced on graduating in four years as a Studio Art major and a business minor, I am now entering my third year as a double major in Studio Art AND Media & Cultural Studies. I had heard of Media & Cultural Studies as a major but had no idea how much I would love my major until after I took two or three classes in that department. I didn't begin to understand my love for the major, its diversity, its professors, and its teachings until I let myself get out of my set mindset. Don’t forget, if you find a subject you really love, you can also declare a minor; this option requires a lot less classes but you still have an opportunity to learn within that department. Although there is overwhelming pressure to know exactly what you want to do, college is a time to for you to learn, grow, and enjoy. Once you start coming here and choosing your classes, you'll find what sticks out to you most and what makes you most excited to start your future.

Finish in 4 

I strongly advise, starting with your breadth courses (our name for gen. ed) or foreign language courses to start you off in your first year or so if you are unsure about your major. If you are worried about finishing within four years, make sure you are taking at least 15 units a quarter, or 45 units a year. Although 12 units a quarter is considered full time, 15 units a quarter will insure that you will finish with the minimum of 180 units by the end of your fourth year. If you fall behind, summer school is always an option as well! So knowing you have that flexibility within your first few terms, take time to explore major, double major, or minor options while making sure you are meeting your breadth requirements. Also keep in mind, breadth requirements are different for each school of study (Pre-Business, CHASS, CNAS, BCOE), so you may have to take different breadth classes than some of your friends. You will find out more about this at your orientation, or you can click on the college above to see an updated list of courses for Fall 2017.  

Take Your Time!

So don't worry if you're coming into your first or second year and are still unsure about choosing your major. You are investing time, energy, and money into your education, and you want to make sure you are learning something you are truly passionate about (and a plus, you'll probably do MUCH better in classes you actually enjoy)!

[lifeatucr]

ATTENTION Current Highlanders

Happy Thursday to our amazing followers! We’re looking for current students to contribute to one of our upcoming Life At UCR YouTube videos, so message us your Highlander survival hacks and tips for incoming Freshman. Thanks and we look forward to seeing all you have to say!!!!!