We’ve all heard it: the STEM versus humanities arguments, the endless debates on “real” versus “fake” majors, and the constant assertion that studying some majors makes students smarter, better or more moral than others. Instead, what if we reached across aisles and took steps to learn from one another? You picked your major for a reason, and you probably love it. But outside your field of study is a world of opportunities and interesting activities. A well-rounded person is one who can study biology but devour a philosophy textbook, who can solve a derivative and perform in a theater production. Here are some ways that you can — and reasons why you should — try out something different on campus this upcoming semester.
Why should you?
To put it simply, well rounded people are interesting! Hobbies and activities outside of your career or field of study are beneficial for personal growth and the development of soft skills such as adaptability, problem-solving and creativity. Trying new things helps with neuroplasticity and the formation of neural connections, keeping your brain sharp and healthy. Humans are inherently creative and curious animals, and you shouldn’t deprive yourself of that by focusing entirely on one area of study. This semester, follow your curiosity and engage in a discipline outside of your formal education. Your brain will reward you for it!
How can you?
Lucky for you, UC Berkeley offers a wealth of opportunities to explore new waters for students in all majors.
As a STEM major, your classes are probably full of technical jargon and scientific concepts, which doesn’t leave much opportunity for you to engage in creative analysis. This fall, make a point to attend dance performances, go to art galleries and see theater productions — which regularly happen for free or cheap on campus — to get that much-needed dose of the arts. Take it a step further by enrolling in on-campus art classes at the Berkeley Art Studio at a reduced cost for students!
Arts and humanities majors may miss the exploratory nature of science courses and want to practice the analytical thinking of math. Go to free astronomy nights at Campbell Hall on the first Thursdays of the month, or take a scenic bus ride up to the Lawrence Hall of Science, our very own on-campus science museum. If your schedule permits, audit a math class outside of your comfort zone to exercise your brain and expand your horizons.
If your major involves a lot of holing up in the library and pouring over textbooks, it’s time to get outside! Take advantage of Tilden Park’s numerous hiking trails, or enroll in discounted boating lessons on the Berkeley Marina through UC Berkeley Recreation and Wellbeing. If you’re athletically inclined, grab some friends and try out some pickup sports at the RSF or Hearst North Field — there’s always a game going on there!
If your major has you constantly networking, giving presentations, and running around campus (I’m looking at you, business majors), it’s time to find a hobby that helps you stay present, introspective and allows you a moment to catch your breath. The Cal Philosophy Forum holds public, drop-in seminars with guest speakers every week, exposing you to ideas outside of profit margins and spreadsheets. In addition, check out the UC Berkeley Public Service Center at 218 Eshleman Hall to spend some time giving back to your community, a fulfilling way to build skills and make connections.
Ready to take it a step further? If you’ve tried out something new and find yourself enjoying it, it’s time to try permanently implementing your new hobby into your life. Join a club, intramural sports team or enroll in a DeCal to keep yourself consistently engaged with something outside of your major. Follow your curiosity and incorporate an activity outside of your field of study into your life. In fact, a number of Daily Cal writers are STEM majors looking to keep themselves creative! Your major is still important, but so is taking advantage of the wealth of opportunities available to you as a UC Berkeley student.