academic support

5 Tips for Getting Advising during Busy Times

August 1, 2023

Students walking in front of L&S Advising office in Dwinelle Hall

At the L&S Advising Office, we love meeting with students and see hundreds each week. Still, we know it can be difficult to get an appointment, especially at particular times during the semester. This article aims to give you a little guidance in getting the support you're looking for.

Tip 1: Understand the...

What's the deal with DeCals?

August 3, 2022

Group of students swing dancing in front of the student book storeHave you heard the term "DeCal" but feel fuzzy on what they actually are? Today, we'll cover these fantastic add-ons to your semester schedule.

What are DeCals?

DeCal stands for "Democratic Education at Cal" and refers to student-run courses at UC Berkeley. Students create and run their own courses on a huge array of subjects, from the broadly...

How to "fit everything in" as a transfer student

January 24, 2022

Line of tables with students and signs advertising student organizationsBeing a transfer student means trying to get the most out of UC Berkeley in a shorter period of time, but you might be surprised how much you can fit in!

L&S College Adviser and liaison to the Transfer Student Center, Torey Bookstein had some advice for transfers who want to do it all.

Prioritize and Plan

...

What to do with your summer as an L&S student

March 13, 2023

Three students on Memorial Glade, reading and playing guitarWhen it comes to mapping out your time at Cal, those summers offer a lot of possibility! We're here to offer some ideas on what you might do with your summers.

Also, keep an eye out for the annual Summer Opportunities Fair to further explore these opportunities!

Summer...

Tackling your Incomplete grades in 4 steps

March 21, 2022

 Mentoring Sequence, Tackling IncompletesFeeling unsure how to manage completing your incomplete(s), especially on top of your current course-load? We talked with Lesdi C. Goussen Robleto, former L&S Mentor. Lesdi offered four steps you can take to get your incompletes to completion!

Step 1: Map Your Incomplete(s)

Before getting a plan underway, it’s important to...

Imposter Syndrome at UC Berkeley: What is it and what can you do?

April 18, 2022

Group of people in a line holding each other upAs a former L&S Mentor, Eliotte Garling engaged with many undergrads about their experiences at Cal, both the good parts and the tough parts. Many experience feelings or thoughts related to a common phenomenon called "imposter syndrome," so having conversations on this topic has become a significant part of Eliotte's mentorship...

Icebreakers for Office Hours

February 7, 2022

Smiling female college student smiles as she shakes hands with a female professor.It is common to feel nervous about using office hours, either for support in a course or when you're trying to get to know faculty or GSIs. Today, we're sharing tips and suggestions for how to get your conversation started!

Tips If you introduce yourself by email, don't be discouraged if you don't hear back or if the response...

3 tips to improve your reading comprehension

December 22, 2021

Student making notes in margins of textbookDo you ever feel like you spend a lot of time with your text books, but aren't sure what you're taking away?

Former L&S Mentor Patrícia de Nobrega Gomes, PhD student and GSI, mentored L&S undergrads through this challenge often. Patrícia offers her strategies for getting more out of your study time.

Get a roadmap

Doing some prep work can...

4 steps to study plan like a pro

January 3, 2022

Student sitting on chair in library, looking over a bookCould your study planning use an upgrade? If you often zone out in front of your text books or procrastinate homework you really have to get done, examining how you approach your study time could be a huge help.

Former L&S Mentor Patrícia de Nobrega Gomes, PhD student and GSI, frequently mentored L&S undergrads on their...

Tutoring Resources for Specific Classes

December 8, 2021

Tutor leading a small-group discussionWhile resources like SLC's Strategic Learning Program can support you with overall study skills and strategies, you may be looking for directed support. While campus tutoring isn't available for all L&S classes, there may be more opportunities than you know. This article highlights tutoring resources...