Dear Baby Bulldogs,
Congratulations on being accepted to Yale! As you embark on this exciting new journey, I wanted to share some advice with you that I wish I had received when I was a prefrosh.
First and foremost, don’t worry about your major or the classes you will take. Believe me, it is completely normal to feel unsure about what you want to major in or the classes you will take. However, before you decide to pigeonhole yourself into taking only courses in a specific discipline, don’t forget to take advantage of the wide range of courses offered at Yale and venture outside of your comfort zone. Some of my favorite classes that I have taken at Yale have been on a whim and are completely unrelated to my major.
My next piece of advice is to not worry about which residential college you will be assigned to. In fact, try not to think of them at all. While residential colleges make up an integral part of our time at Yale, no matter your placement, things will always work out. All the residential colleges at Yale have their unique traditions and quirks. Regardless of your residential college placement, you will still have access to all the amenities and dining halls at Yale and be surrounded by brilliant and inspiring individuals.
As you prepare for your transition to Yale, remember to take some time to relax and enjoy the end of your senior year. Since Yale’s campus is getting significantly livelier as New Haven eases into springtime, I highly recommend visiting campus during Bulldog Days. Although some of you may have already visited Yale, whether it is for a campus tour, debate tournament, or even through a summer program, there is nothing like visiting Yale as a prefrosh. The once-intimidating gothic buildings may seem just as intimidating, but there is nothing like visiting campus and finally being able to see these places as your own. In a few short months, you will be granted access to nearly all the libraries, lecture halls, and butteries that Yale has to offer.
While the warmth and sense of belonging at Yale stuck out to me after a visit to campus as a prospective student, it wasn’t until I visited campus again as a prefrosh that I truly appreciated the value of Yale’s community. Bulldog Days is a great opportunity to familiarize yourself with the campus while meeting incoming students. Don’t be afraid of striking up a conversation with a fellow incoming student or reaching out to current students for advice. We have all been in your shoes before and are more than happy to show you the ropes at Yale.
In short, don’t worry about your major or your residential college placement. Instead, focus on enjoying the rest of your senior year because the break is well deserved. I am confident you won’t regret attending Bulldog Days and that Yale is where you belong. Once again, congrats, and welcome to Yale!
Sincerely,
Bernice :)
