Students share their first-year experiences at Long Beach State

Every semester, new students walk through the halls of Long Beach State that many of us have walked for several years. It can be difficult for some students to transition to a four-year institution because it’s a completely different environment from what they’re used to.

The Daily 49er sat down with students who have recently finished their first semester at LBSU.

Allison Perez, third-year journalism major and transfer student

Allison Perez, third-year journalism major and transfer student

How do you like LBSU so far? I really like the campus and the teachers. The teachers create a really nice learning environment and I appreciate it.

How did your first semester go? My first semester went pretty well I would say, it was hard taking five classes and working part-time on top of that but I’m pretty disciplined with myself so I did everything with the best of my abilities.

How many classes did you take?

I am currently taking five classes: three on-campus and two online. In [community college] I only took one or two classes and it was a lot easier but the main difference is that I’m finally learning what I want to learn so I can focus on my actual educational or career goals.

How different was it from community college? I didn’t find it too difficult to adjust, it was a lot of work but it’s something I’m passionate about so you can’t struggle if you love what you’re doing.

Did you join any clubs? I didn’t join any clubs. I wanted to, but I work if I’m not in school and I don’t have the time to join one but I’d love to try next semester.

Did you find it difficult to adjust to college life or find friends?

As for finding friends, I made some but not many. I just come here and then go home to do my thing, I can make friends but it’s not a goal if that makes sense.

Andrea Flores, first-year criminal justice major

Andrea Flores, first-year criminal justice major

How do you like LBSU so far?

I love it all, the different people and the community as a whole is great, it’s different.

How did your first semester go?

It went really good at the beginning. There were a few things that set me back but after that it was great.

How many classes did you take?

I am taking five class which in total were 15 units. I’ve lived in Long Beach my whole life and going from my high school to LBSU was a big change.

How different was it from high school?

The teachers, the students and the whole atmosphere in general feels different. The teachers go around cussing and let you call them by their first name. Little things like that surprised me.

Did you join any clubs?

I did I join a few clubs but I quit a few and ended up dropping some because of my busy schedule. I joined archery, salsa, Criminal Justice Student Association and Lambda Sigma Gamma Sorority Incorporated. I sadly dropped archery.

Did you find difficult to adjust to college life or find friends?

Honestly, I thought it would be difficult but I felt right at home as if I belonged. I adjusted easily to college and I like it so much better than high school. Making friends was easy especially with my sorority. I made many amazing friends there.

Ronal Alvarado, third-year political science major and transfer student

Ronal Alvarado, third-year political science major and transfer student

How do you like LBSU so far?

I’m really enjoying being a part the Long Beach State University community, it’s a different and fun atmosphere.

How did your first semester go?

My semester went a little difficult … because LBSU is different from a community college but at the end of the day, I still enjoyed it.

How many classes did you take?

I am taking five classes at the moment, I enjoy the challenge each one gives me.

How different was it from community college?

LBSU is completely different from my community college. I feel here they push you to improve yourself and become something greater, at my community college I didn’t really feel that.

Did you join any clubs?

I haven’t joined any clubs yet because I was spreading myself a little thin [because] I work and go to school, but my next semester I will when my schedule clears up a little.

Did you find difficult to adjust to college life or find friends?

I found it very difficult adjusting to LBSU mainly because school and work take up my whole schedule. I study from Monday to Thursday and at night I work so it was difficult.