Tips for First-Year Students
Welcome to Caltech! Below are some tips to consider as you successfully launch your first year of graduate studies at Caltech.
There are multiple ways of getting involved at Caltech and it can significantly benefit your overall college experience and enhance your personal and professional development, leadership skills, community engagement, as well as cultural and diversity exposure.
On campus:
- Learn about Student Leadership Opportunities, including the Graduate Student Council (GSC) and Student Clubs.
- Participate in Caltech Community Associates (CCA) events. Started in 2010, the CCA program enhances community building and social engagement among graduate students. CCAs are graduate student volunteers and they plan and implement community-wide events for their graduate student peers. Past events include ice-skating, board game nights, dessert and boba in the Cats, movie screenings, trips to museums and art galleries, comedy shows, and more. Interested in becoming a CCA? Email gradras@caltech.edu
- Clubs and Organizations: Caltech has over 140 student clubs and organizations! We hold an annual club fair and encourage all students to find a club that piques their interest. If you don't find what you are looking for, consider starting a new club or organization!
- Help make a difference! Founded by students in 1916, the Caltech Y offers leadership, service and civic engagement opportunities as well as a number of student events, trips, activities and resources (including equipment rentals).
- Become a Resident Associate. At Caltech, Resident Associates are full-time graduate students who live in assigned Caltech housing and provide leadership to the community. Resident Associates are responsible for providing educational and social programming, connecting students with campus resources, and enforcing Institute policies.
- Participate in our theater, musical, or art programs – no experience necessary! Get involved with Performance & Visual Arts! Caltech offers excellent opportunities for the study and performance of music, theater, and the visual arts.
Off campus:
- Participate in the off-campus event series, which includes sporting events (past trips include LA Kings Hockey Game and LA Football Club Match), musicals (Hadestown), food-oriented activities, and more!
- Pasadena City Offerings – Pasadena is a vibrant city with many local businesses, restaurants, museums, stores, etc. Explore Events in Pasadena to learn about upcoming events, view directories & sign up for the newsletter!
- Free Metro Pass – Explore Southern California with the Free Metro Pass! Members of the Caltech community can receive a Free Metro Pass that is valid for unlimited rides on all Metro bus and rail lines, as well as many local bus systems including Pasadena Transit. Visit the Parking Services Website for info on how to obtain a pass.
Academic success is integral to graduate students' personal and professional development. Across the six academic divisions and student-centered support offices at Caltech, graduate students are provided with resources that focus on personal well-being, networking, research opportunities, and developing communication skills alongside their academic and research pursuits.
- The Hixon Writing Center offers Caltech writers individualized support and feedback on their works in progress at any stage of the writing process.
- Explore resources offered by the Graduate Studies Office and various academic affairs staff, such as option representatives. Staff in the Graduate Studies Office helps promote the personal and academic development of all graduate students and supports students in monitoring academic progress, advising students with diverse needs, and provides a wide range of financial support for graduate students including emergency funds, parent support funds, dependent health care reimbursements, and external and internal fellowships.
- Connect with Faculty outside of the classroom! Join us for our Conversations with Caltech Faculty series throughout the academic year.
Personal success contributes to your holistic development during your graduate career, as well as beyond your time as a student.
- Need help with time management? Want to focus on getting better sleep? Having trouble with procrastination? Occupational Therapy at Student Wellness Services can help with that! Occupational Therapy Services teaches students skills and strategies to improve their routines and habits. You can schedule an appointment and/or click here to access time management resources, on-demand workshops, recommended readings and even useful apps to download!
- The Career Advising and Experiential Learning (CAEL) Office assists Caltech students with career planning, including career exploration, graduate and professional school advising, and job search strategies
Through the Center for Student Services, you can engage with individuals of similar background or connect with identities other than your own on topics ranging from affinity groups to international education.
At Caltech, we value in investing in the health and wellness of our students. The academic curriculum can be rigorous, so it can be helpful to participate in regular physical activity to stay active. At the Department of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation and Student Wellness Services, we recognize that active bodies support active minds.