Written by Angelina Boudy, UF/IFAS Animal Sciences class of 2025. 

Throughout my four years at UF, I learned so many lessons and pieces of advice that helped improve my undergraduate experience and prepared me for future success. I wanted to provide other students with some words of encouragement and guidance. So, here are some of the most important things I think other students should know to help them on their own journey at UF:

1. Diversify your undergraduate experience
   While prioritizing your grades in the classes for your major is important, I still encourage you to explore other areas of interest you might have through different extracurricular activities. Whether it’s pursuing a minor or certificate, participating in a study abroad program, completing undergraduate research, or joining student organizations, there are so many opportunities to meet new people and try new things. Although I don’t recommend being involved in a million things, I do encourage you to find opportunities that you are passionate about and that you enjoy.

   

   

2. Prepare for your advising appointments
   Once you are in college, you truly are the one in charge of your own future, so I recommend you plan accordingly. Book advising appointments far in advance and try your best to create a semester plan so your advisor has something to refer to during your meeting. Based on your degree audit, which you can access through your One.UF account, determine what classes you need to take for the semester, and write down any questions you might have so that your advisor can provide you with the best support possible.
3. Connect with your professors
   UF has some of the best professors teaching your classes, and they want nothing more than to see their students succeed. So, whether it’s introducing yourself on the first day of class or attending office hours, I encourage you to regularly connect with your professors. When it comes time to ask for letters of recommendation or find opportunities for research, internships, or teaching assistant positions, your professors can serve as a great resource if they know who you are.
4. Take advantage of school resources
   UF has so many great resources for you (many of which are free!), so take advantage of them while you are a student here! From mental health services, tutoring, rec sports, and more, here are some links that you might want to look into:
   CWC: https://counseling.ufl.edu/
   GatorWell: https://gatorwell.ufsa.ufl.edu/
   Tutoring: https://academicresources.clas.ufl.edu/tutoring/
   RecSports: https://recsports.ufl.edu/
5. Prioritize a healthy work/life balance
   One of the best things you can do for yourself is create a realistic study/work schedule. Although busy times of the semester are inevitable, it is still necessary to take care of yourself and make time for hobbies, rest, time to spend with friends/family, and some fun. Learning how to balance school, work, and life now will not only help you succeed in the classroom, but you will be creating healthy habits that will carry over into your future so you can prevent burnout.
6. Remember it’s ok to make mistakes!
   There are going to be situations you don’t handle perfectly, classes that don’t come easily to you, and other challenges you will face throughout your time as an undergraduate. However, instead of being hard on yourself when you don’t immediately succeed at something, take any moment of failure as an opportunity to learn and grow for the future. Most importantly, don’t compare your journey at UF to others. I know it might be tempting, but make your own path and keep an open mind because you never know what new interests or experiences you might find if you focus on what’s best for you, rather than what everyone else is doing.

Find more information about the UF/IFAS Department of Animal Sciences on our website. Stay in touch with us on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Read more on UF/IFAS ANS here: http://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/animalsciencesdept/.

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