Navigating UCI can be a daunting task for any new student, let alone one who only recently arrived in the state, let alone on campus. Below is a small list of some of the most useful resources I found during my first year on campus and a little bit of information about them. The hyperlinks will take you to the respective sites where you can browse for more specific information and find contact information for anyplace you want more information.
The first resource that will be of use to you as you begin your new adventure here at UCI is maybe one of the most obvious. The Associated Graduate Students of UCI is an organization specifically geared toward graduate students. There are ways to get involved in professional development such as, AGS Social Events, lobbying in Sacramento and Washington DC, as well as applications for travel funding and project funding. If you have a car, it is also essential to know about the parking available for graduate students. Be sure to sign up for the Anytime passes because that will generate the number you need to enter for the evening and weekend grad passes. If you have a quarter that has a more-than-average requirement that you be on campus, talk with AGS about how to get an increase to your evening passes. This is a deal worked out with transportation on behalf of graduate students.
Finding culture and community can sometimes be difficult as you are beginning life in a new place. If somewhere like AGS does not have everything you are looking for in cultural experiences, it is also helpful to know about resources such as Cross-Cultural Center and LGBT Resource Center. Both centers offer many programs and resources throughout the year and are great places to find community and specific programing.
Another major area of concern for graduate students is health and wellness. Grad school is an amazing experience, but it takes a toll on body and mind pretty thoroughly. One of the first resources I found that I wished I’d know about sooner was the Student Health Specialty Care. With GSHIP, you can be referred to all kinds of specialists to assure you are getting the kind of focused care you need. One of the best resources I’ve found is the chiropractic care. Not only is an adjustment a nice way to give yourself some relief from all the reading and lecturing, the chiropractors also provide two pairs of orthotics a year that are completely covered under our current plan. The have insole inserts and orthotic flip-flops. I get a new pair of each at the beginning of each school year.
The Counseling Center provides short-term counseling services to students who have an acute issue and need someone to talk with. If it is an important, time-sensitive situation, they have walk-in services available and can help refer you to longer-term counseling if appropriate. They also have a handy guide for dealing with stress and some great programs one may be interested in.
Student Wellness provides free prophylactics and lubricants to any student who comes by. They offer a variety of male and female condoms and lubricants, and you can grab up to ten a day. It’s as easy as walking to the front desk and choosing your products. They also provide nursing mothers with a Lactation Station in the center, and the link provided lists the other stations around campus.
This is by no means a comprehensive list of the resources and opportunities available to students, but will hopefully be helpful to you in navigating some of your first experiences here on campus. Each resource can also be asked about other resources that they specialize in, so you can continue to learn the ever-growing list of help provided to us on this campus. I hope you have a happy and healthy first year here!
 |
Shane WoodHome Country: U.S.Claire Trevor School of the Arts
|