<aside> 📌 Please view the "pre-major advice and resources" webpage if you haven't already. This webpage includes a helpful checklist with resources to explore in order to find the community and support that you need. Additional tips and resources are included below based on students' and advisors' wisdom and student feedback shared with advisors.
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UC Berkeley is a massive, prestigious institution, and, unfortunately, it can be easy to get lost in its bureaucracy and to feel inadequate and/or anonymous. It's important to keep in mind that there are also countless caring mentors and peers at Cal, supportive staff and resources, and many personal and intellectual opportunities for growth. Strive to be a self-advocate here so you are always in arm's reach of the resources, encouragement, and community that you need.
To be a self-advocate means to speak up for yourself, look and ask for what you need, share feedback, and know that you belong here. Our hope is that this website will be a good starting point for you to find answers to your questions and resources in the Physics Department. Physics major advisors can also help you find what you need in the Physics Department, and we can connect you to resources outside of the Physics Department as needed, too. We are here to advise, connect, and empower, and we are happy to help. Below are some examples of questions that (self-advocating) students have asked us, and sample responses. (Toggle to view responses.)
Unfortunately, and as a result of systemic inequities, many students at Cal experience "impostor syndrome," that is, the feeling that they don't belong at Cal. We in the Physics Department affirm that all students belong here, and we work to create an inclusive environment. In terms of impostor syndrome, it's important to acknowledge these feelings and address them personally so that you can reach your full potential at Cal. To this end, the following articles might be helpful:
Random additional tip: Be mindful of all L&S deadlines so you know by when you need to add/drop classes, change units or grading option, withdraw without fee, etc. if necessary. These deadlines are usually listed on the L&S Advising website.