A warm welcome from Letters and Science (L&S) Advising! After a summer of preparation, it's exciting to have you joining our campus community this Fall. During Golden Bear Orientation, L&S Advising has a number of programs to help you prepare for your first semester at Cal and get excited (and informed) about some bigger picture questions you might be curious about.
L&S Advising Welcome
9:00am - 10:00pm
Welcome to L&S College Advising! Join one of our concurrent sessions, led by L&S College Advisers, to get essential information. Simply attend the session that aligns with your intended major and/or class standing. It is ok if you are considering multiple majors at this point - just go with whichever most aligns at this point! We'll cover key academic deadlines, expectations, and the many ways advisers can support you throughout your undergraduate journey.
First-Years: Welcome to L&S Advising - Arts & Humanities (VLSB 2050)
Majors: Ancient Greek and Roman Studies, Art Practice, Celtic Studies, Chinese Language, Comparative Literature, Dance and Performance Studies, Dutch Studies, East Asian Humanities, East Asian Religion, Thought and Culture, English, Film and Media, French, German, Greek, Greek and Latin, History of Art, Italian Studies, Japanese Language, Latin, Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures, Music, Philosophy, Rhetoric, Scandinavian, Slavic Languages and Literatures, South and Southeast Asian Studies, Spanish and Portuguese, Theater and Performance Studies
First-Years: Welcome to L&S Advising - Biological Sciences Majors (WHLR 150)
Majors: Integrative Biology, Molecular and Cell Biology, Neuroscience, Public Health, Robinson Life Science, Business, and Entrepreneurship (LSBE)
Presentation Slides - Biological Sciences Neighborhood Welcome - GBO 2025
First-Years: Welcome to L&S Advising - Math & Physical Sciences Majors (DWIN 155)
Majors: Applied Mathematics, Astrophysics, Atmospheric Science, Chemistry, Environmental Earth Science, Geology, Geophysics, Marine Science, Mathematics, Physics, Planetary Science
First-Years: Welcome to L&S Advising - Social Sciences Majors (Pauley Ballroom)
Majors: African American Studies, American Studies, Analytics, Anthropology, Asian American and Asian Diaspora Studies, Chicanx Latinx Studies, Cognitive Science, Economics, Ethnic Studies, Gender and Women's Studies, Geography, Global Studies, History, Interdisciplinary Studies Field, Legal Studies, Linguistics, Media Studies, Native American Studies, Political Economy, Political Science, Psychology, Social Welfare, Sociology
Presentation Slides - Social Sciences Neighborhood Welcome - GBO 2025
First-Years: Welcome to L&S Advising - Undecided Majors (STAN 105)
If you have many different ideas about what you might like to study in L&S, our Undecided Majors welcome is a great place to hear about major exploration.
Transfer Students: Welcome to L&S Advising - Transfer Student Webinar (Zoom)
Attend our Welcome to L&S Advising Webinar for Transfer students on Monday, August 25th from 9am-10am. Register Here for the Transfer Student Webinar!
Presentation Slides - Transfer Students Welcome Webinar - GBO 2025
Workshops for L&S Students
1:30pm - 2:30pm
Thriving at Cal: Academic Success Strategies (DWIN 155)
Ready to thrive at Cal? This workshop equips you with practical strategies for time management, effective study habits, leveraging campus resources, and maintaining well-being to ensure a successful college experience.
Presentation Slides - Thriving at Cal: Academic Success Strategies - GBO 2025
Introduction to Pre-med/Pre-Health, Pre-Law, and Pre-Masters/PhD Preparation and Planning (WHLR 150)
Thinking about continuing your education beyond your undergraduate degree? Learn how to incorporate planning for medical school, health professions programs, law school, or graduate school into your time at Cal. This session will include information about requirements and campus resources, and also leave time for your questions!
Presentation Slides - Introduction to Pre-Professional Graduate Advising - GBO 2025
Finding Your Place at Cal: A Panel on Identity, Transitions, & Belonging (DWIN 145)
Hear from a diverse panel of Cal professionals who will share their experiences addressing imposter syndroms, navigating life transitions through self-advocacy, and finding belonging as students from various identities and backgrounds.
Pursuing Undergraduate Research Opportunities at Cal (VLSB 2050)
This session will provide an introduction for new students to undergraduate research opportunities here at Cal, and how to make the most of the research experience. This presentation lays the foundation for understanding how research extends learning beyond the classroom and can help students connect their personal experiences more meaningfully to their coursework, providing an overview of some select programs that support undergraduate research at UC Berkeley. This session will also feature students from across the College of Letters & Science, all of whom have received funding to bring substantial research projects to fruition.
Presentation Slides - Pursuing Undergraduate Research Opportunities - GBO 2025
3:00pm - 4:00pm
Exploring Double Majors and Minors in L&S (WHLR 150)
Learn about double majors and minors: including evaluating whether to pursue one, understanding whether they impact career opportunities, and getting tips on planning.
Presentation Slides - Exploring Double Majors & Minors - GBO 2025
The First-Year Experience: Everything You've Ever Been Afraid to Ask (DWIN 145)
Curious about UC Berkeley's culture? Nervous about "adulting" for the first time? A panel of L&S Peer Advisers share their personal and professional insights about the first year student experience.
Transfer Student Success Panel: Insights & Advice (DWIN 155) [for Transfer students only]
Join current UC Berkeley transfer students for an insightful panel on navigating your journel at Cal. They'll share their experiences, practical advice, and key resources for success, helping you feel excited and prepared for your first semester.
Presentation Slides - Transfer Student Success Panel - GBO 2025