From Convocation, to orientation, to house rotation, the first two weeks of the Caltech undergraduate experience are jam-packed with activities. But the term—and the fun, according to some students—doesn't really begin until the first day of classes.
This year, 267 new first years make up the class of 2027, bringing the total undergraduate population to just over 1,000 students. Classes began on September 26 and the Office of Student Experience (formerly the Office of Residential Experience) set up a coffee bar and photo opportunity for students to commemorate the moment.
Both first years and returning students stopped by to say hi and share what they're most excited about for the academic year.
Ling Yi Wu
First year
How does it feel to be at Caltech?
"I always knew I wanted the best STEM education, and when I learned that I loved computer science, Caltech felt like a natural fit. I used to do robotics and be obsessed with building the robots, but it turns out I like programming even more, so I'm looking forward to studying computer science. I've been on campus a little while already because I am an international student from Taiwan. We had an on-campus scavenger hunt, which really helped me get to know the campus."
Lily Randall, Isabela Ceniceros, and Ginger the Cat
Third years
What are you most looking forward to this year?
Lily:
"I think junior year is really exciting because I get to dive into my major a lot more. I'm in geochemistry, and I'm really looking forward to a few classes later on. I'm in a mineralogy lab first term, and I'm excited for that."
Isabela:
"I'm a mechanical engineer, so I'm really excited for the project classes, specifically ME [Mechanical Engineering] 72."
What is your biggest goal for the year?
Lily:
"One of my goals is to talk to one of my professors about working in her lab this year during the school year. I don't have any prior research experience, so I think it's exciting to have the opportunity to do that at the same time as taking classes."
Isabela:
"A goal of mine is to explore more motorsports, so I really want to get a motorsports internship."
Ginger the cat:
"Ginger's goal is to eat all the grass at Caltech and try to escape our room as many times as possible."
Gautham Kappaganthula
First year
How do you feel about your first day of classes?
"I'm excited. I've been wanting to see what class is like. I'm sure a week into it I'll want to go back to rotation, but now it's just no pressure, low stakes, pass/fail [Caltech first years take classes on a pass/fail grading system]. So, I'm just trying to enjoy it."
Is there anything you're interested in learning more about this year?
"I want to be open to trying something I wouldn't have tried earlier. To me, that's economics. In high school, I was the dude who hated econ, but I went to a lecture at Discotech that really sparked my interest in it. It showed me that economics could be something completely different than what you learned in high school."
Christine Chang and Elise Chu
First years
What are your goals for this year?
Elise:
"I'm trying to go by a ‘work hard, play hard' kind of mentality. My goal is to make sure I'm getting all my assignments in and staying on top of it academically but also still having a good time. I love the community here. It's super, super fun."
Christine:
"A goal of mine is to hold myself accountable, get into good habits, and hopefully not stay up too late. I want to make sure I'm taking care of myself but also keeping up with my academics."
George Ore
Third year
How do you feel about the beginning of your third year at Caltech?
"I'm feeling really amazing about my third year at Caltech. I feel like I have not just grown as a scientist but also as a researcher, as someone in the electrical engineering industry. Caltech has been able to provide so much for me through SURF research experience, through some of the professors, and connections with internships and stuff like that. So, starting this year, I think I'm trying to incorporate more of myself as an individual and start making an impact on Caltech. Caltech has made an impact on me, so I want to make an impact on Caltech, and especially since I've already been here—half my time's already done—I feel the urge. It's stronger now more than ever."
Maya Keys
First year
What are you most looking forward to this year?
"There's a difference between high school and college, where you're taking classes that you actually want to take in college. I'm looking forward to taking classes! I'm interested in learning more about my option, electrical engineering."
Joe Afful
First year
How do you feel about your first day of classes at Caltech?
"I am excited because I really don't know what to expect! Rotation has been really great. I have three top choices for houses, and I don't know which to choose."
Susanna Cao
First year
What are your goals for this year?
"I just want to be able to find my place here and then find good study habits. I've been looking at internships because I want to go into industry, so I'm thinking about joining the Entrepreneurship Club."
Justin Lee
First year
How do you feel about your first day of classes at Caltech?
"I feel a mix of a bit of anxiety in terms of not knowing what to expect, but also, I'm looking forward to most of my classes, especially my Math 2 class, Differential Equations. I'm in the analytical track, which I think is a lot smaller than the practical track, and the material looks quite interesting."
What are your goals for this year?
"I want to get acclimatized here, because anytime you move to a different school, a different environment, I feel like there's a transition period. So, it's really nice that classes are pass/fail for my first two quarters. Overall, my goal is that I want to challenge myself throughout college, and I hope my first year will be a good start to that."
Written by Julia Ehlert