Advice for New Tritons

Story by:

• Jen Jordan- [email protected]

Published Date

Jay Campbell

Computer Science
Fourth Year
Warren College

Favorite memory from my first year at UC San Diego:
Touring Fallen Star atop Jacobs Hall was a profound experience for me. The exhibit felt like an allegory for what it means to leave home and embark on the unique paths that led us to this common place. And there sits Jacobs Hall, a common place among uncommon things-like every student and faculty member who calls UC San Diego home.

When I want to destress:
I go to Pinpoint Café at Scripps Institution of Oceanography. You can't beat a view of the ocean with Wi-Fi! The café sits atop a hill overlooking the ocean. It is often sparsely populated, offering ocean views and a relaxing atmosphere ideal for studying.

Advice for new Tritons:
Study productively. Get through the material without Googling your way into teaching yourself. Instead, annotate what you don't understand and why-identify the exact pieces you're missing-then move on. Take those questions to office hours, and if the first teaching assistant isn't helpful, go to another, and another, until you find clarity. Always go to the lecture and discussion, even if you fall behind and need to catch up on the podcast.

Mina Nguyen

International Studies: Political Science and Business Economics
Third Year
Eleanor Roosevelt College

Favorite memory from my first year at UC San Diego:
Triton Weeks of Welcome. I went to as many events as possible with my roommates and I still have the photobooth film strips from that time as reminders. Those events were where I met some of my closest friends and they truly shaped my UC San Diego experience.

When I want to destress:
I take the free pilates courses offered by UC San Diego Recreation at RIMAC. If I am looking to relax and take in the beautiful scenery around me, I highly recommend the fifth floor of the Arts and Humanities Building at Sixth College. I love to watch the sun set from there, slow down and take in the moment.

Favorite place to eat on campus:
Fan-Fan. They have the best boba and build-your-own hot pot during school nights! They even take Triton Cash. In terms of dining halls, the sweet potato fries from Roots in Muir College are unbeatable, as well as the quesadillas from Taqueria at 64 Degrees in Revelle College.

Advice for new Tritons:
Don't let loneliness or fear hold you back from getting involved. UC San Diego has so many clubs, organizations and communities where you can find people who share your passions, and sometimes all it takes is showing up once to start building those connections. The moment you push past that hesitation is the moment you open the door to friendships, opportunities and memories that can truly define your college experience.

Nemesis Lopez

Developmental Psychology
Fourth Year
Warren College

Favorite memory from my first year at UC San Diego:
Participating in and experiencing all the Triton Weeks of Welcome events, from events at Warren College, like movie night and mixers, to school-wide events like Fall Y'all and UnOlympics. Getting the chance to come out of my shell and meet so many people in my community was a huge help to the transition.

When I want to destress:
I go to RIMAC. Getting exercise is a good coping method for stress. I also like the hammocks on Library Walk. It's the perfect spot to relax and people-watch. You see so much when you take the time to slow down and enjoy the moment.

Favorite place to eat on campus:
Price Center. There's such a diverse selection, and it's perfect for almost any mood you're in. Plus, there are so many different places to take a seat, outside and inside.

Where I go to hang out with friends:
If we feel like moving, we'll hit RIMAC for a workout or play some open-gym volleyball. If it's a study day, we'll hang out at Geisel Library. You can also find us taking a breather and having a picnic on a field at one of the colleges.

William Maggin

Political Science: International Relations and Media Industries & Communications
Fourth Year
Sixth College

Favorite memory from my first year at UC San Diego:
Getting into the first-year fellowship for Associated Students, UC San Diego's undergraduate student government. The friendships and memories I have made since then have led me to become the association's chief communications and marketing officer, and my experience with Associated Students has made me grow both professionally and personally.

When I want to destress:
There's a terrace in the Arts and Humanities building in Sixth College that allows you to see the ocean and feel the coastal breeze, and after a long midterm or finals week, it is truly one of the best spots to just take everything in and decompress. 10/10 definitely recommend visiting.

Favorite place to eat on campus:
Shoutout Zanzibar Cafe! I love their Angus beef burgers and lemonade. Club Med at the School of Medicine has some of the best dining hall food. I love their pizzas and sandwiches.

Advice for new Tritons:
Get involved! UC San Diego is such a large campus, both geographically and in terms of the number of students, and it may seem daunting. But being able to find your group or a community you can connect with will definitely help you get situated and make UC San Diego feel like a home away from home.

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