This fall quarter, I will be a fourth-year. Yet oddly, I would classify this past school year as my freshman experience – an experience unique to transfer students.

I entered UCLA as a third-year transfer student. While it seemed everyone around me was hitting the unpause button on their college experiences that had halted over the summer, I was pressing fast forward to see if I could possibly catch up.

I wanted to immerse myself into the college environment, but as a third-year who felt like a first-year, I felt lost on campus.

Inevitably I experienced the trials and tribulations of finding friends, joining numerous clubs only to find none fit me and questioning whether I was good enough to attend this school.

Let’s just say this was all on top of a lack of sleep and a full course load that at times kicked my butt.

Looking back, I can’t help but cringe at the amount of pessimism I use to describe my transfer experience.

By all means, this year wasn’t easy. It was a steep learning curve – socially, emotionally and academically – but although I may sound like a cynic at times, much of this experience has been wonderful.

I initially planned to reflect on my past year as a transfer student in this article, but I changed my mind.

Whether you’re an incoming first-year or a third-year transfer, you’re going to have your own unique, individual experience.

Maybe you’d relate to some parts of my story, but yours will still likely look different in other ways. Instead, I thought I’d share a few lessons, dare I say wisdom, that I gained from my first year at UCLA.

1) Be prepared to sweat: Even when it’s cold, moving from class to class, dining hall to club meeting, the workout is inevitable. Especially if you’re running late – which I always am.

2) Expect the unexpected: A cockroach infestation revealed itself in my apartment week three of fall quarter. Did the exterminators have to come multiple times? Yes. Were there still signs of cockroaches months later? Yes. Did I survive the debacle to relay this lesson to you? Also, yes. Although situations like this are not ideal, they are funny to look back upon, and in the end, all a part of the “adulting” experience that going to college consists of.

3) Appreciate the beauty of our campus: With only two years to spend here, make the most of it! Even on the busiest days, you can find yourself a peaceful space surrounded by gorgeous trees and brave squirrels.

4) Embrace the Los Angeles noise: The city can be loud during the day and night. If you’re a light sleeper, get some earplugs. And if you ever need an escape from the hustle and bustle of LA, I found that certain areas on campus can even feel like their own sanctuaries. For example, Saturdays at the sculpture garden are magical.

5) Map out your class locations: Do a practice walk before the quarter starts. If you struggle with time management, tend to run late and get lost easily, like I do, this is essential.

6) If you’re from out of state, welcome to sunny LA. However, despite common misconceptions that LA has perfect weather year-round, you can expect some cloudy days on the horizon: What I learned this year during one of LA’s deluges was to always carry an umbrella if rain is in the forecast. When you walk from campus to wherever your housing is on a rainy day, without an umbrella, you’ll look like you voluntarily jumped into a pool with your clothes on. But on the bright side, rain can bring people together. You might even find a friend in someone who forgets their umbrella and needs a little covering.

7) Have faith in the meet cute: I met one of my closest friends this past year at a Hilgard crosswalk after we had both jogged up part of it. From then on, we jogged many more Westwood hills together.

8) Week zero is somehow both an overwhelming and underwhelming start to the school year: Classes have not yet started, but excitement is in the air and everything feels new. I went from being bored because school had yet to commence, to emotionally exhausted. But every week after, you’ll begin to feel more and more comfortable in your new space. Be patient.

9) Homesickness is real: Don’t be surprised if you get homesick. It’s completely normal. Chances are many of those around you are feeling it too.

10) Stay curious: Let these next few years be a time of discovery and exploration. I’m going into my fourth year, and I still haven’t narrowed down what I want to do after graduation. Is that scary? Yes. Is it okay? Yes. If you’re still figuring it out, cheers because I’m right there with you.

And my last piece of advice is to let yourself grow. If you keep an open mind and an open heart, you’ll flourish here. With all that being said, welcome to UCLA!

11) Just kidding, I have one more recommendation: If you’re a coffee addict like me, to save some money, invest in a $27.99 Mr. Coffee 12-Cup Switch Coffee Maker. This kept me from breaking the bank at Starbucks and falling asleep during long lectures.