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Department of Political Science Poli Sci
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First Year Students

Welcome to the Department of Political Science and to UC San Diego!

We are excited for you to be part of our growing Department and the university, and want to make sure you make the most out of your time as a college student. 

Review the sections below to see how you can have a successful first year and beyond!

Now

This Summer (July/August/Early September)

  • Set up your New Triton Advising (NTA) site, review enrollment recommendations, and ask clarifying questions
  • Register for any Placement Exams that you may need to complete. 
  • Register for your College Orientation
  • Register for the Department of Political Science Freshman Orientation. Invites are sent via email in early August; the Orientation is almost always held early in Week 0. 
  • Enroll in Fall classes; this usually occurs beginning late August through early September.

Fall Quarter

  • Attend the Department of Political Science Freshman Orientation. Date and Time TBD.
  • Attend Fall classes and Office Hours for your faculty and TAs. 
  • Get involved on campus (Political Science Student Association meetings are a great place to start!)
  • Meet with your advising team (Department and college)
  • Attend and Department Undergraduate Professional Development Workshops you may find interesting
  • Think about your next steps as a Political Science student
    • What internships opportunities do you want to partake in?
    • Are you interested in research?
    • Do you want to partake in opportunities on campus, off-campus, or both?
    • Is Study Abroad, UCDC, UCCS, and other programs on your to-do list as a student?

Winter & Spring Quarter

  • Work toward completing the lower division coursework for your major.
  • Consider study abroad, research, internships, and other opportunities for the upcoming academic years.
  • Keep your eye out for Department and campus workshops you might find value in attending
  • Explore minoring or double majoring in an area of interest to you
  • Start visiting the Career Services Center to begin your college-to-career exploration and journey. 

Second Year & Beyond