First Year Challenges

"You come in with a preexisting set of strategies or study habits, and you find that you have to adapt relatively quickly."  

- Luis Bernabe, '17 

What did you find challenging about your first year at Stanford?

"Freshman year was difficult in that it took time to figure out what to expect from different classes and how things worked. This is really general, but it’s so true! You come in with a preexisting set of strategies or study habits, and you find that you have to adapt relatively quickly. Sometimes what you used to do simply won’t cut it or maybe it’s great but you need to amp it up. You learn a lot about yourself because you realize what you personally need to do to complete that weekly problem set without stressing or realize that you should probably start the CS assignment right away because you have no idea how long it will take or the fact that there are certain readings you really don’t have to do, even if, like me, you first couldn’t stand the idea of not doing everything a class required. The quarter system and the class types all push you in different ways, and freshman year really forces you to rethink and adapt. You learn what to prioritize and how to schedule your life in a way that works for you. But you need to start this early. Fighting change will only get you in trouble, and using your resources will only help you make a smoother transition. I asked teachers, upperclassmen and friends who had taken the classes I was considering, and mentors and faculty when I felt I needed advice. If you’re quick to realize what you have to do, and aren’t afraid of putting yourself out there and seeking help, you’ll make your success at Stanford that much more tangible."

Luis Bernabe

Linguistics
Class of 2017

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