It feels strange to have graduated. Last Saturday, I walked up the stage at convocation to receive my bachelor’s degree. Yet, a part of me does not feel like a fourth-year student, never mind an alumnus.
Perhaps this is because I have, throughout my time here, constantly learned more about life at UChicago and in Hyde Park. Even into my very last year as an undergraduate, I discovered aspects of the University that I had never encountered before. Reflecting retrospectively, it might have been the two years of college I attended through the aberration of COVID-19, where classes were largely remote and interactions were all behind masks.
A chief regret of mine is that I did not do more to reach out to upperclassmen for advice on college life and academics. Consequently, much of my early time at UChicago was spent treading through uncharted waters.
In this spirit, I wanted to offer some reflections on small pointers that I have found valuable to my time at UChicago. Given that I have now spent twelve quarters at UChicago, I thought it neat to arrange twelve points. Take them as you will, whether with a grain of salt or as doctrine.
1. Do your HUM readings—not 75% of them, like that “I did 75% of my HUM readings” sticker tells you. All of it.
One of my regrets in my first two years at UChicago was not taking my readings seriously. Consequently, I found myself making up inflated and simplistic comments in class which contributed little to serious discussion. Moreover, my papers reflected this same shallow knowledge, costing my course grades dearly.
2. Make outlines for your final papers.
I started picking up on this strategy during my third year, and it made my life inexplicably easier. In the process, I realized that the ideological genesis of any given paper represented about 80% of the heavy lifting. The time I spent writing out my ideas was relatively small and lessened over time. As a first-year, eight pages is certainly daunting. But by the time your fourth year rolls around, I promise you will beg for more writing space. For non-writing-intensive courses, composite study guides are your best friend (I handwrote mine).
3. Consistency is far better than spontaneous bursts of effort.
I have found that it is rarely, if ever, a good idea to learn a quarter of class material during the reading period. Most of my classes were thorough, progressive intellectual exercises that did not require one or a few days of thought. Thus, one of the most valuable parts of my learning was attending every lecture (if possible) and taking notes. When studying for my finals, I constantly referred back to them and was immensely thankful for that preparation.
4. Don’t settle for less because of “impostor syndrome.”
I used “impostor syndrome” as an excuse for my poor academic performance in my first year at UChicago. After all, I was now in class with some of the brightest, most engaged students worldwide. How was I ever supposed to keep up? Of course, such a fatalist attitude did not help me. Instead, I think students are much better off employing the attitude of greater agency that no student at UChicago takes their “natural intelligence” for granted and all can achieve great outcomes with hard work.
5. In at least 95% of classes, you won’t get harangued for a conservative opinion.
I promise that most professors and instructors are not dismissive of “conservative” opinions. But they are dismissive of “conservative” opinions that are poorly articulated and supported by inadequate reasoning. In fact, they do not tolerate poorly-argued arguments from the “left,” either.
6. UChicago students are generally averse to politics.
Stemming somewhat from the above, most don’t care. They care more about securing jobs and internships. Surprise.
7. The Metra Electric and the UChicago shuttle bus system are your best friends.
I was foolish enough not to use the UChicago shuttle system until my fourth year. It is an absolute lifesaver in terms of getting around campus and securing free rides into the city (on the weekdays, at least). I also recommend getting a bike with a heavy-duty lock.
8. Target is highly overrated.
If you are looking for a larger array of equally cheap products, Jewel Osco on Cottage Grove is an option, as is Hyde Park Produce. At Hyde Park shopping center on 55th, ACE Hardware offers a 10% student discount and Trader Joe’s has a solid selection of groceries.
9. The worst food truck is better than the best Hutch meal.
Who needs empirical studies about the positive incentives of profit when one can compare the quality of food made by the trucks on Ellis versus the contracted joints at Hutch? Plus, most trucks will set you back far less for more generous portions.
10. It is very unlikely that you’ll be the victim of a crime if you act prudently.
Try to walk in groups and stay within the reasonable boundaries of the University if you’re on foot. The easiest target is the loner walking at night with valuables displayed for all to see.
11. Always pursue quality over quantity in terms of RSOs and extracurriculars.
There is absolutely no need to pack your entire résumé with cushy positions. One of the unspoken crises of UChicago is that students are often too busy to remain committed to a large number of extracurriculars. Find a few good ones you enjoy, and stick with them. It is worth it.
12. Make some good, meaningful connections with a few people.
I can recall the frenzy of orientation week as my class frantically scrambled to befriend virtually the entirety of campus. The unfortunate truth is that most of those connections will largely erode in four years. Instead, I have found it more rewarding to stick with a solid group of friends and develop close bonds with them. This is not an endorsement of completely turning the cold shoulder to the rest of campus. Instead, have many acquaintances but maintain a smaller, tight-knit cohort of buddies.
* The views expressed in this article solely represent the views of the author, not the views of the Chicago Thinker.