Advice for Incoming MCRPers

Hi Class of 2021! Read on for some helpful tips and advice from the Class of 2020 to help you navigate MCRP and San Luis Obispo.

Q: What helped you survive your first year in MCRP?

- "Learn how to read again: you will be reading a large number of articles and book chapters, so learn how to skim articles for the important and relevant information."

- "Front Porch's free coffee on campus! Also, the grad lab is a very collaborative environment and I felt that I could always ask my peers working there for help if I was struggling with something."

- "Connect early on with your graduate coordinator and with professors working in areas you are interested in. Professors are busy, but they want to talk with you."

Q: What helps you maintain a balance while in school?

- "Eating healthy and cooking."

- "I like finding free meditations on YouTube to help me relax."

- "Schedule time off for activities, go for a walk/hike/bike ride to move around and clear your head."

Q: How and where have you met new friends in SLO?

- "Downtown, in the lab, at various lunch spots around campus, through campus research projects, and just by being a part of campus life."

- "Getting involved in a club on campus and through my roommates."

- "Being in grad school is more than a full-time job, so it's hard. But SLO is large enough that you can probably find a group in at least some of your interest areas."

Q: Where are your favorite places in SLO?

- "Downtown - Old SLO BBQ, Firestone, Woodstock's."

- "Eureka Burger, Syvester's Burgers, Batch Ice Cream, Avila Dog Beach, Montana de Oro State Park."

- "Grover Beach/Pismo Dunes state vehicle recreation area, Butterfly Grove, See Canyon Winery."

Q: What is your favorite road/bike trip from SLO?

- "Down to Pismo Beach on 101 - 20 minutes."

- "Bike down Los Osos Valley Road towards Los Osos. Wind into Morro Bay via South Bay Boulevard and Main Street. Head farther north or return the way you came, climbing the hill on windy Turri Road for a fun and speedy descent."

- "I've fallen in love with the small coastal town of Cayucos. The beach, cafes, and brown butter cookies are a must!"

Q: Other advice?

- "Be bold, put yourself out there, listen, and have fun!"

- "School is important but it's not everything. Make sure you still get enough sleep, eat well, and exercise."

- "Make sure you get enough sleep. Find a way to manage time and balance work and recreation. Do not take too many units. Thank the bus driver. Call your mom."

Q: Lastly, why should the Class of 2021 be excited about the upcoming year?

- "New friends and professional connections!"

- "There's a lot to learn! The students and professors are here to study and learn about the topics you're interested in. Odds are good that you will have productive conversations and have a lot of fun."

- "SLO and the region is at the crux of many issues that affect other parts of California. You are in a locale where there is potential for important change that will influence other communities at a time when it is becoming more critical, and you should be excited that you are in a field that has the opportunity to be at the forefront of what can be done and implemented to make a difference."