the

(UNOFFICIAL)

FRESHMAN

GUIDE TO YALE
20162017

Vicky Liu, editor

Mimi Pham, editor

Hey, there, CLASS OF 2020!

Welcome to Yale and to the best four years of your life! Were the Peer Liaisons (PLs) of the
Asian American Cultural Center (AACC), and were here to answer any questions you might have.
Although were affiliated with the AACC, were here to help anyone and everyone feel free to ask
whatever you want!
Composed of seven different centers, including the AACC, the PL program is designed to help
freshmen transition to their first year at Yale. As upperclassmen, were here to guide you through the
various facets of Yale academic, extracurricular, social, and more.
We were chosen for our academic record, understanding of the campus, civic engagement, and
relationships with deans and faculty. Our role is to answer questions about finding academic
assistance, acclimating to college social life, getting involved at Yale and in the New Haven
community, and anything else you ask! We work closely with your FroCo and college dean to connect
you with various campus resources. As PLs for the Asian American Cultural Center (AACC) at
Yale, we can also connect you with the AACC, cultural groups on campus, and Dean Saveena Dhall,
Assistant Dean and Director of the AACC.
You can think of us as upperclassmen friends who are seasoned at navigating Yales academic,
social, and extracurricular circles. As PLs, we are here as mentors and confidants who can offer you
advice or listen when you need someone to talk to. We recognize that everyone comes from various
backgrounds carrying different experiences; we too come from a variety of backgrounds, and within
our team, we represent a diversity of cultures, majors, and activities. As we approach the start of
the fall term, remember that your PLs are at your side to help you find your way through Yale. Rest
assured that you will have ample resources and support to overcome any challenges you face!
Were so excited to be meeting many of you in the fall, but if you have any questions in the
meantime, or you just want to reach out to a new upperclassman friend, please feel free to email or
Facebook any of us! (We love hearing from freshmen!)
See you soon,
Irene Chung (BR 17), irene.chung@yale.edu
Edward Dong (JE 17), edward.dong@yale.edu
Jessica Liang (TD 17), jessica.liang@yale.edu
Vicky Liu (PC 19), vicky.liu@yale.edu
Rohan Naik (ES 18), rohan.naik@yale.edu
Claire Ong (SY 19), clairevictoria.ong@yale.edu

Andi Peng (BK 18), andi.peng@yale.edu

Mimi Pham (MC 17), mimi.pham@yale.edu
Nitya Rayapati (TC 19), nitya.rayapati@yale.edu
Shireen Roy (DC 19), shireen.roy@yale.edu
Alice Zhang (CC 17), alice.zhang@yale.edu
Anne Zlatow (SM 18), anne.zlatow@yale.edu

About this Guide

This guide originated in the summer of 2012 as a simple Q&A document typed up on GoogleDocs and reposted on Facebook. Freshmen (and anyone else who was curious) could submit questions anonymously via a
Google Form, and the team of AACC PLs (plus several friends they enlisted) would write up the answers for
everyone to see.
What began as a small project soon became a hefty undertaking as dozens of questions started pouring in
each week. The Facebook document was updated almost daily and constantly shuffled and reshuffled around
as new categories of questions popped up and previous answers were revised. When the Facebook document
grew too long to be easily navigable, a second one was created... only to be filled with just as many questions
in half as much time. By the end of August, the Q&A submission form was officially closed and the
hundreds of questions collected over the weeks saved as a text document and tucked away on the Internet.
This year, were proud to bring to you the (Unofficial) Freshman Guide to Yale, 20162017!
This guide is organized into seven major topic areas: #ACADEMICS, #EXTRACURRICULARS, #FOOD,
#MOVE- IN/MOVE-OUT, #RESIDENTIAL LIFE, #SOCIAL LIFE, and #OTHER. Within each topic
area (besides #OTHER), youll find several sub-topics as well. A question index has also been compiled that
lists all the questions without the answers, so you can quickly browse through what previous freshmen have
asked.
If youre really curious about your future dorm room and want to read as much about it as possible, you can
jump straight to that section. Alternatively, if you have a really specific question about the feasibility of using
a Kindle for your DS books, you can look it up in the question index to see if its been asked. (Hint: it has!)
Remember that the search function (Ctrl+F on PCs, Command+F on Macs) is your friend!
Some disclaimers: Most of the questions on the following pages were questions we originally answered
in the summer of 2012. Although weve done our best to correct all the dates and check the hyperlinks to
ensure their accuracy, some errors may still be present. Similarly, course titles and numbers may vary slightly
from year to year. When in doubt, check Yales official publications for the most accurate information.
One last thing: did you read through the document and still have an unanswered question? Well be posting
a link on your class Facebook page where you can submit your questions and have them answered. Youll be
hearing from a whole host of PLs, some returning and some new! At the end of the summer, well compile
the questions to make an updated (Unofficial) Freshman Guide to Yale and continue the cycle again!
Enjoy!

Table of Contents
This list shows the major topic areas into which weve divided the questions. If you want
to see a complete list of the questions (without the answers), check the Question Index
immediately after this section.
#ACADEMICS
1. Freshman Programs
....a. Perspectives on Science and Engineering
....b. Directed Studies
....c. Freshman Seminars
2. Majors
3. Schedules
4. Professors
5. Grading
6. Languages
7. Placement
8. Other
#EXTRACURRICULARS
1. Club Sports
2. IMs
3. Jobs
4. Research
5. A Cappella
6. Music
7. Other
#FOOD
1. Yale Dining
2. Outside Options
#MOVE-IN/MOVE-OUT
1. Pre-orientation Programs
2. What to Buy/Bring
....a. Laptops
....b. Other Items
3. Other

5
#RESIDENTIAL LIFE
1. Internet
2. Facilities
....a. Dorm Rooms
....b. Other Facilities
3. Dress
4. Roommates and Suitemates
5. Safety
6. Money
7. Other
#SOCIAL LIFE
1. Parties
2. Greek Life
3. Personal Relationships
4. LGBTQ
5. Alcohol and Drugs
6. Other
#OTHER

Question Index
#ACADEMICS
1. Freshman Programs
a. Perspectives on Science and Engineering
Q: I heard about PSE on my tour. Where can I find more information and apply?
b. Directed Studies
Q: Whats Directed Studies like?
Q: Is DS three classes over two semesters or six classes over two semesters? If its six classes over two semesters, are we
with the same group of people in all six classes?
Q: Is it possible to do DS and be pre-med, take math or science classes, or take quantitative reasoning classes?
Q: If youre doing DS and pre-med can you take any chemistry class?
Q: It sounds like DS plus an intensive introductory language (2 credits) would be utterly insane for a first semester.
Would DS plus a regular introductory course (1.5 credits) also be insane?
Q: How does switching sections/professors at the beginning of the semester work in DS?
Q: Is it possible to get into DS only in the spring?
Q: Im considering buying all my books (for DS in particular) on a Kindle. Any thoughts?
c. Freshman Seminars
Q: When and how do we find out about Freshman Seminars? Are they worth 1 credit?
Q: What are the workloads of Freshman Seminars?
Q: Can freshmen take 1 seminar in the fall and 1 in the spring?
Q: How do I look at the Freshmen Seminars being offered in the fall, and how do I try to register?
2. Majors
Q: How common is it to study engineering while doing pre-med, and what is the engineering workload like?
Q: Whats the Cognitive Science major like?
Q: What does it mean for a class to be a prerequisite in the major?
Q: How do double majors work at Yale?
Q: How many people double major?
Q: What are some of the hardest/easiest majors at Yale?
Q: Is it possible to pursue a rigorous subject with little previous knowledge on the subject, while also giving myself time
beforehand to explore other things so that I know Im choosing the right one for me?
Q: What are the differences between the MCDB and MB&B majors, and do we need to decide early which major we
would like to take?
3. Schedules
Q: How do you manage creating a class schedule, given the overwhelming amount of courses to choose from?
Q: When is the latest that you can drop a class and not have it appear on your transcript?
Q: Can we only take 4 classes? Or can we take five a semester?

7
Q: You recommend taking 4.5 credits per semester, but how does someone take a half-credit course? Is there a list somewhere that shows how many credits each course is worth?
Q: How do you recommend getting 36 credits by the time we graduate if we take fewer than 5 credits per semester
freshman year?
Q: Will there be time for us to meet with our advisers on campus in the fall before committing to classes?
Q: When is course registration?
Q: Could you list all of the requirements for Yale, like what numbers of semesters you must take of what types of classes, etc.?
4. Professors
Q: Is there some way to know which professors are better than others?
Q: Do you seek out a lot of your professors after class?
Q: If we have particular concerns/questions about a course of study, would it be all right to contact a departments DUS
by email over the summer or should we wait until we get to campus?
5. Grading
Q: How are classes graded? Are you competing against fellow students or is there a raw score cutoff ?
Q: Is it reasonable to expect a 3.6+ GPA at Yale? What is the grading distribution like?
Q: What does Cr/D stand for?
Q: What are some gut classes/easy As which can be used to balance a hard schedule or used as a 5th class?
Q: What are some good Sc guts?
6. Languages
Q: Whats considered an intensive language?
Q: What if you want to take an entirely new language?
Q: Is it possible to take two foreign languages in one semester? If not, can you offer some advice on how to schedule
my coursework so that I can learn and keep up with both languages?
Q: Whats DILS and how do you apply?
Q: How many credits are language courses worth?
Q: Is it feasible to study a new language for the first two years and then study a different language for the last two years?
Q: Id like to ballpark what language level I am at. Is there any way to find out more about a language course?
Q: How are the Mandarin and Japanese language programs at Yale?
7. Placement
Q: If you pre-register for a seminar and get it, are you still allowed to drop the class if you find you dont like it? (ie.
ECON 110)
Q: When exactly do you take the placement exams?
Q: Where are the placement exams online, when do we take them, and how does that work (results, etc)?
Q: If I got a 5 in AP Bio, should I skip the introductory bio classes?
Q: If you dont intend to take a math class first semester, should you still take the placement test?
Q: If I made a 5 on the BC Calculus exam and my major only requires up to Math 115 as a prerequisite, do I still have to
take the math placement test if I dont want to take any math above 115?
Q: I have already taken classes corresponding to Math 112, 115, and 120. I would like to take a higher level math class
my first semester at Yale. Do I have to or would it be a good idea to take the math placement exam?

8
Q: If I got a 5 on the BC exam and want to take MATH 116/118, do I have to take the placement exam?
Q: Regardless of my AP BC Calculus score, do I have to take a math placement test to place into math classes that will
fulfill the 2-credit QR distribution requirement?
Q: How is the difficulty of the math placement test compared to the AP BC Calculus exam? Do you have to complete it
all in one sitting?
Q: How much are we expected to study/review for placement exams?!
Q: Can you explain the advantages and disadvantages of the different chemistry options for freshmen?
Q: Which chemistry class would be recommended for pre-meds who do not have an extensive background in Chemistry?
Q: My chemistry program was strong but did not follow the AP curriculum, so I feel like I am well prepared for many
concepts in general chemistry, but not very well for others. Would it be better to learn the things I missed over the summer and try to test out of general chemistry, or just retake it?
Q: How can we tell which classes are available to freshmen? Can we only take 100- level intro classes? Or can we take
seminars and higher (200-, 300-, 400-) level classes if they dont specify otherwise?
Q: Are PHYS 260 and MATH 230 good course choices for the fall term of freshman year, or will they be too difficult?
Q: How important is multivariable calculus background for MATH 230 as a freshman?
Q: Are there any courses that you would recommend not skipping even if you have the AP test credit?
Q: How can I find out which AP scores can be used to advance past prerequisite classes?
Q: If we feel that we were placed too high from our language placement test, can we move down?
Q: I see on Yales AP credit site that no credit is given for a 5 on AP Psych, but the psych departments site says Psych
110 is optional for 5-scorers. Whats the situation here if we scored a 5, do we have to take 110 or no?
Q: If we have the AP credit to do so, is it generally it a good idea to skip out of introductory microeconomics?
8. Other
Q: Is most studying done in the room or the library?
Q: Is it possible to take a gap semester to do independent work during my four years at Yale?
Q: Is it possible to be an Econ major that is taking DS while on the pre-med track and still maintain a social/extracurricular life? (AKA balancing intense academic commitments with everything else)
Q: Does Yale offer physical education classes?
Q: Are there any instructions for filling out the Maths/Physics/Chemistry/Economics survey? I come from a French
school and have not taken, per se, any of the courses. Should I detail the French curriculum in the box?
Q: Do we have midterms? If our parents come to visit before or after October break will they be getting in the way of
studying for midterms/midterms themselves?
Q: How strict is the rule about wearing pants in lab? Is it just for safety purposes/should a long skirt also be okay?
Q: What is the best way to organize your materials for courses?
Q: Do we pre-register for classes?
Q: How does getting books and course materials work with shopping period? Is it still possible to buy books the cheap
way (i.e. Amazon) and keep up in the course until the books arrive?
Q: When should you start studying for the MCAT if youre pre-med, and when is the optimal time to take the test? And
do you have to pay for the applications if youre on financial aid?
Q: I am a bit concerned that my high school has not prepared me for college-level writing. What are the writing classes
like freshman year and do the professors do actual teaching or just expect you to know?
Q: What does it mean if a class is typed in red text (as opposed to black) on the Yale OCI?
Q: Whats the minimum amount of time we should leave in between classes?
Q: How long does it take to walk from Old Campus to the top of Science Hill?
Q: For classes that have multiple sections with different professors (like calculus), how easy is it to switch sections to get
the professor you want?
Q: What does it mean when the OCI lists Staff as the professor of a section?

9
Q: How hard is it as a freshman to get into classes, especially popular ones? Are lecture classes often capped?
Q: How do you go about pre-registering for things like intro chemistry?
Q: Are residential college seminars only offered once? How hard are they to get into?
Q: I dont quite understand acceleration credits. Could you explain what they are?
Q: Is it possible/manageable to fulfill pre-med requirements while double majoring in something other than biology/
chemistry?
Q: Can classes required for a major (including prerequisites) be used to fulfill the distributional requirements?
Q: Is it possible to change which distributional requirement a course fulfills?
Q: Will we get a hard copy of the BlueBook and when?
Q: Is it a good idea to arrive on campus with a narrowed down list of classes we want to shop (like 8 or so), or is it okay
to arrive with just a preliminary list of like 20+? Will we have some guidance in class selection before shopping?
Q: Is there a difference between ENAS 151 and MATH 120?
Q: The blue book says ENAS 194 requires a knowledge of matrix-based operations (no course number). Does this
mean I should take a linear course like MATH 222 or 225?
Q: I think that I want to major in Economics, but I want to keep my pre-med options open. What science course would
be best to take first semester?
Q: If I missed the Biology placement exam, will I have another chance to place out of parts of BIOL 101104?

#EXTRACURRICULARS
1. Club Sports
Q: Whats the difference between intramural sports and club sports?
Q: Are most club sports try-out only? What if we want to learn a completely new one?
2. IMs
Q: What are IMs like?
Q: Do IM sports supply gear like lacrosse sticks and tennis rackets?
3. Jobs
Q: What do the levels for jobs means?
Q: What is the hiring process like for student jobs on campus? How does one qualify for certain jobs?
Q: How can you get a job at the admissions office? When do you apply and how difficult is it to actually get the job?
Q: So, rumor has it that Yale has an underground particle accelerator. Whats the process like for getting a work-study
job there?
Q: What does the 50/50 Split on the student employment calendar mean?
Q: When do people start looking for jobs for the fall semester (when are the new jobs posted on the site)?
4. Research
Q: Is it possible to get a campus job such as a (hard science) research assistant or grader in a science subject in your
freshman year?
Q: Im an undeclared major with zero experience in research. Is there hope for research in a lab in my freshman year?
5. A Cappella

10
Q: To join the Whiffenpoofs, do you need to have joined another a cappella group?
Q: Can you only audition for a cappella groups your freshman year, or do the groups take sophomores and juniors as
well?
6. Music
Q: How difficult is it to get into the Yale Symphony Orchestra? Is it mostly all-state level players, below that, or even
higher?
Q: Can I audition on more than one instrument for the YSO to increase my chances of getting in?
Q: Is there an orchestra for non-music majors and another for music majors, or is there just one (Yale Symphony Orchestra) that includes both groups?
Q: Are non-music majors allowed to take private lessons from Yales music professors? If so, how?
Q: Do the graduate students in the School of Music give lessons only to advanced players, or is it possible to take lessons as a beginner?
Q: Is there a music store near campus?
Q: Is getting into the Yale Jazz Ensemble difficult? Are there ways of getting involved in jazz other than through that
group?
7. Other
Q: What is the most effective way to navigate the website that lists all of (vast) Yales extracurricular offerings? Its a bit
intimidating.
Q: What volunteer opportunities are available on/around campus, and where/how do we find out about them?
Q: How difficult is it to get into an improv group?
Q: How difficult is it to fill up every single summer and every vacation/break during your Yale tenure with some sort of
internship, research opportunity, or study abroad?
Q: How does one become a Peer Liaison or a Freshman Counselor? How rigorous/competitive is it?
Q: Whats MUNTY like? How competitive is it? How much of a time commitment is it?

#FOOD
1. Yale Dining
Q: How easy is it to adhere to a pretty strict and very healthy nutrition plan?
Q: How easy is it to access a kitchen for cooking purposes during freshman year?
Q: When do we choose a meal plan?
Q: What do you do when you have a class that overlaps almost completely with the time dining halls are open for lunch?
Q: What do people generally think of the taste or quality of the water? Do many people have water filter pitchers?
Q: If youre a big water drinker, do you think it would be more cost efficient and convenient to buy a Brita water pitcher
or a Brita water bottle?
2. Outside Food
Q: Where can you buy bubble tea around Yale?
Q: Do local restaurants/shops give discounts to Yale students?
Q: What in the world is a Wenzel?

11
#MOVE-IN/MOVE-OUT
1. Pre-orientation Programs
Q: What are some pros and cons for each of the pre-orientation programs?
Q: Is there a place to store our stuff during OIS?
Q: Will I feel out of the loop at the beginning of the year if Im not able to attend a pre-orientation program?
Q: If you go on FOOT, where do you shower/use the restroom?
Q: Where do you change clothes if you go on FOOT?
Q: In a 6-week FOOT program, will we be sleeping in tents or will we use just our sleeping bags?
Q: I know there are no showers at Harvest, but are there toilets we can use?
Q: Is there a cost for Harvest?
Q: Can we get financial assistance to purchase the required supplies for Harvest/FOOT (provided that we show substantial need)?
2. What to Buy/Bring
a. Laptops
Q: What kind of laptop is best for Yale life?
Q: Is there a large majority of MacBook Pro users that lean towards the 13 or 15 screen? Is a 15 too cumbersome for
college life?
Q: Yale doesnt seem to have updated its technology recommendations yet this year. Should I go out and buy a laptop
now, or wait for the new version?
Q: Is a laptop lock recommended?
Q: What is normally done in terms of laptop cases?
b. Other Items
Q: Is printing free anywhere on campus? Is it worth it to bring a printer from home?
Q: What printer features would you recommend (wireless, laser, color, etc.)?
Q: Ive never experienced snow before! What winter clothes do you recommend that we buy?
Q: Is having a bike useful?
Q: Does anyone actually buy the official linens packs with shower stuff and towels?
Q: Do people use the bulk laundry plans?
Q: What types of laundry plans does Yale offer?
Q: I plan to major in mathematics/a math-related field. Any suggestions on what type of laptop or calculator I should
bring?
Q: What phones/phone services/phone plans are good for college life at Yale?
3. Other
Q: Which breaks require students to leave campus? Do most students choose to leave, even when not required?
Q: Where do we move our things when the residences close (for international/cross-country students)?
Q: Where do international students go when residences close and they cant go home?
Q: How do students usually get from Bradley airport in Hartford to Yale?

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#RESIDENTIAL LIFE
1. Internet
Q: Is there wireless internet in the suites?
Q: How fast is internet at Yale?
Q: Does Yale block gaming/torrenting connections?
2. Facilities
a. Dorm Rooms
Q: What is the layout of the room freshmen are housed in?
Q: How high is the bed above the ground? Is there space for storage boxes under the beds?
Q: What are the mattresses like?
Q: Are mattress toppers necessary?
Q: Do people actually use the landlines that Yale provides in the dorm?
Q: Is there any way we can find out about the dimensions of our suites or what furnishings are already there?
Q: What things do we need to buy for the suites common room?
Q: I dont understand what L-Dub is and why it has a bad reputation. Could you explain?
Q: So freshmen dont live in residential college suites they live in dorms? Why dont freshmen live with upperclassmen and such?
Q: Are we allowed to nail shelves to the walls in the dorms?
Q: Are there screens on the windows of the dorms on Old Campus?
b. Other Facilities
Q: Can students stay on campus during the shorter breaks? If so, what facilities remain open?
Q: Where can I hand-wash and hang-dry my clothes? What about dry cleaning?
Q: Are the small gyms, libraries, and other facilities in the residential colleges open 24/7?
Q: What is the nearest weight lifting gym to L-Dub? And how close is Payne Whitney?
Q: Is there a rock climbing wall/gym on or near campus?
Q: Can non-art majors use the art rooms and supplies (for free or for a low fee)?
Q: What specific features of each of the residential colleges are exclusive or open to the rest of the colleges (e.g., parties,
events, gyms, libraries, etc.)?
Q: For doing laundry on Old Campus: if were living in a building without laundry facilities, how do we get access to the
laundry rooms in the Bingham/Farnham basements?
Q: What are the bathrooms like? Are they cleaned by the custodial staff ?
3. Dress
Q: How big are your wardrobes?
Q: What kind of clothes do girls (and guys) usually wear? (AKA style advice?)
Q: Best place to get a cheap haircut?
Q: Are there any good hair salons in New Haven where I can chemically straighten my hair?
Q: Do most people carry backpacks around campus, or are bags more popular?
4. Roommates and Suitemates

13
Q: Do you change in front of your roomies?
Q: Where do you sleep when youre sexiled? Does it even happen?
Q: Is there any way to move out if you have major problems with your roommate?
5. Safety
Q: How is safety at Yale and in New Haven?
Q: What time does it normally get dark up in New England?
Q: Does the nighttime shuttle only operate within the Yale campus?
6. Money
Q: How much money did you spend your freshman year on stuff around campus?
Q: Do any students open their own bank accounts with local banks in New Haven in order to have more ready access to
their money and/or avoid ATM surcharges? If so, how does that process generally work?
Q: Does it make sense to enroll in the Yale Payment Plan if youre paying very little to go to Yale? Do most people use
it?
Q: According to Yales website, we are allowed to use up to $2,500 in outside scholarship money for buying a new
laptop. How exactly does this process work? Are we notified of how much our scholarships exceed unmet need/work
study/summer contribution?
7. Other
Q: What is the policy on overnight guests in the dorms?
Q: Are there any mnemonic devices or shortcuts for learning all the building abbreviations (particularly for the 12 residential colleges)?
Q: Im covered by my parents healthcare coverage, and Im considering whether to waive Yales coverage or not. Do
plenty of students who already have coverage submit a waiver?
Q: Can students of one residential college attend the Masters Tea of another residential college? And how do we get
notice that a Masters Tea is going on / taking place at a specific time and date?
Q: How easy is it to switch residential colleges? How many students typically do this, and are there any negative social
repercussions for doing so?
Q: How often do freshmen meet with their FroCos?

#SOCIAL LIFE
1. Parties
Q: Whats the party scene like at Yale?
Q: Do people get really dressed up for parties?
Q: When is Freshman Screw?
2. Greek Life
Q: Whats Greek life like at Yale? Is it necessary to join a fraternity/sorority to enjoy the party scene?
Q: What are the reputations of/stereotypes associated with each of the frats/sororities?

14
3. Personal Relationships
Q: Relationships or random hookups?
Q: What do people in a relationship do for Freshman Screw?
Q: Any advice for extremely long-distance relationships?
Q: Generally speaking, do you think you become closer friends with classmates or suitemates?
4. LGBTQ
Q: Whats the LGBTQ scene like at Yale?
5. Alcohol and Drugs
Q: How much is drinking part of the social scene?
Q: How strict are places such as Toads and Bar about drinking age?
Q: Ive heard the Ivies can be really intense with study-drugs, and things like cocaine. Is this true? What about things like
marijuana?
Q: How lenient (or strict) is Yale when it comes to underage drinking? Does campus security actively seek to bust students for drinking?
6. Other
Q: Is it true there are almost no fat people at Yale?
Q: How does the Harvard rivalry play out?
Q: What are some of Yales most notable traditions?
Q: What sorts of things do Yale students do for fun off campus around New Haven?
Q: Do you ever find it necessary to travel to a big nearby city like Boston or New York once in a while to do something
different?
Q: Can you tell us more about secret societies?
Q: Do most incoming freshman fill out the optional form to request a peer liaison? Whats the difference between being
paired with a PL and not will you still be able to have access to them/request one once you get on campus?
Q: Do most people get fake IDs?
Q: Could you explain what Sex Week, naked parties, and Freshman Screw are?
Q: Along with Freshman Screw, etc., what other Yale-sanctioned events/celebrations are held annually or biannually?
Q: When the annual Harvard-Yale football game is at Harvard, what do Yalies who want to attend do?
Q: What are the major social events at Yale and what are they like?
Q: Are Yalies promiscuous?

#OTHER
Q: I noticed on the SIS that we can choose to opt out of the Student Activities Fee. Are there any repercussions for
doing so?
Q: What is the easiest way to get from Yale to Cornell (my partner goes to school there)?
Q: Why are the tiles in the plaza surrounding the Beinecke Library whiter in the center than around the edges?
Q: Is there a campus-wide used-goods sale before the school year starts?
Q: Is it normal to feel overwhelmed/anxious at all the things we have to think about for college?

15

#ACADEMICS

1. Freshman Programs
a. Perspectives on Science and Engineering
Q: I heard about PSE on my tour. Where can I find more information and apply?
Unfortunately, PSE is no longer being offered. However, if you are looking for a seminar-style
science class, there are often many options offered through the Freshman Seminar program. Last
year, science seminars included Topics in Cancer Biology, Immunology and Microbes, Science of
Modern Technology, Expanding Ideas of Time & Space, and Science and Politics of Cancer. Some
of these seminars will be offered again this year, while others will be replaced by new topics. One
seminar, Current Topics in Science, is a year-long survey of recent scientific discoveries and offers a
similar approach as PSE did.
b. Directed Studies
Q: Whats Directed Studies like?
A: Heres Yales official word on Directed Studies:
http://directedstudies.yale.edu/
http://yalecollege.yale.edu/content/directed-studies-ds
Heres our two cents:
It is what it is: you try to read the entire Western Canon in one year. Obviously, not literally the
entire Canon, which has enough material for centuries of study, but the program does a pretty
good job of selecting its major works. Its not for everyone, but if its something you want to
push yourself through and you put in all youve got, you will come out with an idea of how the
tradition is formed from the beginning and how it continues to shape todays thoughts. Past DSers
appreciated the strong community and the caliber of the professors.
Having said that, most people in DS would have chosen DS-related courses to begin with, so make
sure its the right choice for you before you begin. Go with your gut instinct. Most people find
out during shopping week whether its right or not for them (youll have your first paper during
shopping period, if thats anything of an indicator).
Some people that would use those credits to explore academics OUTSIDE of the great books may

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regret spending 6 credits on things that dont help you decide your major. This is really up to
every individual. A lot of people have no idea going into DS and welcomed the extra time to figure
out what really got their interest within the humanities, reading things they would have liked to
eventually read anyway. Others have said that they wish they hadnt done DS and instead tried other
courses to see what they want to major in (outside of the humanities.)
**Science majors who are interested in DS: there are those whove done it. Its tough but if theres a
will, theres a way. Get in touch with those scientifically-inclined DSers whove survived it and loved
it and get their take on it.
DS is great for requirements you get pretty much all of your So, Hu, and Wr out of the way, so
you dont have to worry about those.
If you end up making the choice that its right for you or like a portion of DSers, you feel
like you missed out on a great books course through high school and want a foundation for
college youll get a LOT out of it. Its probably the most immersive intellectual experience
most students have had yet. If youre interested in discussing big ideas and tracing it through the
entire tradition, youll find 124 other self-selecting students who want to do the same. However,
two common concerns with DS that we share are 1) the homogeneity of the authors (mostly male
and white, which some exceptions such The Souls of Black People by W.E.B. DuBois, Origins
of Totalitarianism by Hannah Arendt, and To the Lighthouse by Virginia Wolfe). This might
be a result of flaws in the concept of the western canon, but it results in a very skewed set of
perspectives; 2) you get a whole lot of breadth with little depth because of the speed you go
through the books. And thats a given for the program. Its designed to be a road map to figure
out what youre interested in, in order for you to take more time later to delve into specific thinkers
youre passionate about. Its really useful in that sense. You come out a much faster reader, a better
reader, and you have a better idea of the tradition. If you choose to commit to it fully, it can be
intense, but it will definitely be worth it.
P.S. Sections really determine what your experience is like. Find a section professor that you feel
comfortable around or a section that you feel right with. The section prof trading game at the
beginning of the year is really hectic but you can survive it! If you have any problems, talk to Prof.
Slanski, the director of DS shes extremely friendly and helpful and will help sort anything out.
Q: Is DS three classes over two semesters or six classes over two semesters? If its six classes
over two semesters, are we with the same group of people in all six classes?
A: DS is three classes per semester, for two semesters (your entire freshman year). Yes, youll be with
the same group of people in lectures thats why youll become really close with many of your
peers in the DS program! There are 90-125 people in the program. You will have lecture with all of
those people. Sections are broken up into groups of 1018 people. Sections are randomly assigned

15
so you may have section with the same people both semesters (if you have similar schedules) but
you may not.
Q: Is it possible to do DS and be pre-med, take math or science classes, or take quantitative
reasoning classes?
A: Yes, and it is often necessary in order to fulfill all of your distribution requirements for freshman
year.
By the end of your freshman year, you must take one class in two out of the following three
distributional requirement areas: Quantitative Reasoning (Qr), Writing (Wr), and/or Language (L). A
full year of DS fulfills all of your distributional requirements for Writing (Wr), Social sciences (So),
and Humanities (Hu): one semester of DS Lit counts as a Hu or Wr, one semester of DS History &
Political Thought counts as a So, and one semester of DS Philosophy counts as a Hu or Wr.
So that means with DS you must take either a QR or L course as your fourth course during one of
your two semesters freshman year. The only exception is taking DS and organic chemistry. You can
take DS and orgo and not take a QR or L credit class freshman year (because of all the work you
will have for orgo and DS).
Students interested in engineering, applied math, or physics also can do DS. We would not
recommend taking both a math and a physics class with DS. But taking DS with a math class or
taking DS with a physics class is doable.
If you are interested in pursuing a double major in the sciences and in the humanities (ex. political
science and chemistry) that is possible. There are people in the pre-med track who take DS
and organic chemistry. If you are considering pursuing a double major in two sciences or science/
econ/math, you should speak with your academic advisor and dean at the beginning of the year to
plan out your route. That being said, there are people who did DS who are now math majors, econ
majors, physics majors, and even Physics and Philosophy majors (an interdisciplinary major at Yale).
Some students choose to take DS with computer science, statistics, or econ. All of these courses
count as QR credits, so by taking DS and one of these classes you can fulfill your distributional
requirements for freshman year.
Students who wish to apply for the Global Affairs major and/or the Ethics, Politics, and Economics
major often consider taking econ classes (prerequisites for the major) during their freshman and
sophomore years. For those students who wish to take an econ class and DS, your fourth class first
semester semester can be intro micro (the first econ class you can take at Yale). Your fourth class
second semester can be intro macro. So pursuing econ with DS is totally feasible.

16
Q: If youre doing DS and pre-med can you take any chemistry class?
A: Yes!
Q: It sounds like DS plus an intensive introductory language (2 credits) would be utterly
insane for a first semester. Would DS plus a regular introductory course (1.5 credits) also be
insane?
A: To the first option, yes, definitely. Please dont do it. To the second, thats more manageable (and
a very popular option), but will still be challenging. In essence, you will have daily readings and
language practice (which often entails more reading), and you might find the workload to be too
text-heavy at times. Some DS veterans recommend taking a QR as your other course besides DS;
that way youll be able to break up the monotony of reading and exercise a different part of your
brain. You certainly dont need to take a language first semester freshman year if youre not sure, so
dont feel pressured to.
Q: How does switching sections/professors at the beginning of the semester work in DS?
A: At the beginning of every semester during shopping period, you email out to the panlist/post
in the Facebook group with the sections youre placed in and the section/times you want/need (in
order for your schedule to work out.) Its sort of like trading baseball cards, only with professors/
section times. If someone is interested, he or she will email you proposing the switch, and once you
agree, you will both email the secretary, who will then acknowledge the section switch. This will all
be re-explained at the beginning of the semester. It does get a little bit tiring when you end up with
what seems like 20 emails/day about section switches and theyre often repeats.
Note: in order for this to happen, you NEED to be on the panlist the secretary sets up. Make sure
you let her know if youre not getting emails. If you have any questions, you can talk to Professor
Slanski (or whoever is the current director) shes super helpful and if you have a genuine
scheduling concern, she will help you out.
Q: Is it possible to get into DS only in the spring?
A: No, sorry. Besides, spring semester the lecturers often refer to fall semester texts so that students
can see connections.
Q: Im considering buying all my books (for DS in particular) on a Kindle. Any thoughts?
A: Thats a bad idea. Youll want to have physical books to scribble in, mark up, flip through quickly,
etc. Plus, you might want to sell your books to incoming freshman when youre done with DS, which

17
isnt as easily done with a Kindle, to say the least.
c. Seminars
Q: When and how do we find out about Freshman Seminars? Are they worth 1 credit?
A: Freshman Seminars are designed to offer freshmen the opportunity to participate in seminars
of roughly 15 or 18 students with faculty from various departments. They can be a good way to
meet and establish a relationship with a professor early on. Freshman Seminars do not presuppose
any sort of experience in the field, so feel free to sign up for a seminar in a discipline youve never
explored before!
Unless otherwise specified, Freshman Seminars are worth 1 credit. Note that you are ineligible for
any seminars if you participate in Directed Studies or Perspectives on Science and Engineering.
The list of Freshman Seminars changes from year to year. You can find more information here:
http://catalog.yale.edu/freshman-handbook/academic-information/special-programs-placementpreregistration/freshman-seminar/. The list of seminars to be offered in 20162017 will be
uploaded over the summer, around the same time the Blue Book is released.
Applications for Freshman Seminars open just before the term begins (both fall and spring).
Students are chosen on a lottery system. More information will be released closer to the start of the
term, as the list of Freshman Seminars is finalized.
Q: What are the workloads of Freshman Seminars?
A: In our experience, most seminars (and not just Freshman Seminars) are run as discussion classes;
youre assigned some reading and expected to talk about it next class. Homework can consist of
weekly short reading responses as well as lengthier final papers and other assignments.
Freshman Seminars in particular tend to attract an assortment of student types (since there are no
prerequisites and many freshmen want to try something new), so discussions can be engaging and
unexpected every class, depending on what background knowledge your classmates call upon that
day. The atmosphere, like the homework, tends to be pretty laid back.
Q: Can freshmen take 1 seminar in the fall and 1 in the spring?
A: Yes, definitely, and its done by many, especially with English seminars!
Q: How do I look at the Freshmen Seminars being offered in the fall, and how do I try to

18
register?
A: The seminars (with links to descriptions) are listed here: http://catalog.yale.edu/freshmanhandbook/academic-information/special-programs-placement-preregistration/freshman-seminar/.
Registration occurs at the end of August; youll receive an email with a link that allows you to rank
Freshman Seminars by preference, and youll be entered into a lottery for a spot in the class. You can
rank up to five seminars, but the number of seminars you rank shouldnt affect whether or not you
get in. Be wary, though, of signing up for seminars youre not that invested in because if youre given
a spot in one but choose to drop the class, it may affect your chances come spring.

2. Majors
Q: How common is it to study engineering while doing pre-med, and what is the
engineering workload like?
A: Most pre-med engineers study BME, since the course requirements tend to have more overlap.
In any case, its definitely not a rare combination, though many engineering majors naturally end up
pursuing engineering as a career. A statistic that the BME department often uses is that one-third of
graduates go into industry, one-third go to engineering graduate school, and the remaining third go
to professional school (including medical and law, two popular options).
Keep in mind that its possible to be pre-med in any major so long as you fit the requirements in; so
as long as you budget your time efficiently, you should feel free to pursue any major that interests
you. The engineering workload is challenging, but thats pretty much the same for any science major
at any university, and medical schools are aware of that. Just do your best in your classes!
Q: Whats the Cognitive Science major like?
A: CogSci is generally defined as the study of the mind, which sounds incredibly vague but in
practice is a lot more focused, since you define a course plan for yourself that revolves around a
central theme. Its one of the few majors at Yale that have selective admissions (you apply at the
end of first semester sophomore year), but the pool of applicants is somewhat self-selecting, and if
youre able to articulate a central theme pretty well, you shouldnt have a problem getting in.
The central theme can be anything from memory to visual perception to mind-body duality really,
anything that has to do with the mind. There are those who have studied neuroscience and language,
music cognition, autism, and the cognitive science of poker, to name a few. The only restraint is
that the theme has to be interdisciplinary; the point of the major is to integrate classes from various
departments (e.g., MCDB, Linguistics, Psychology) into a cohesive, multi-perspective study.

19

The benefit of the major is that youre able to pick and choose the classes you want to take without
having to go through unwanted classes that are requirements of other majors. Theres also a bunch
of really interesting seminars (regarding ignorance, morality, babies, etc.) that are pretty much
exclusive to those in the major.
CogSci majors are also notorious for changing their themes on a whim (most people switch several
times before they graduate), and thats a reflection of the great range of classes and seminars that
are offered each year. The selection changes annually, and sometimes a seminar that really piques
your interest will pop up, so youll find a way to work it into your course plan. In truth, theres quite
a bit of flexibility in the major that allows you to take almost any CogSci-related class you want. You
just have to be able to tweak your theme accordingly.
You can find the departments pretty comprehensive description of the major here: http://www.yale.
edu/perception/cogsci/. Sample senior essay topics are listed here: http://www.yale.edu/cogsci/
alumni.htm.
Q: What does it mean for a class to be a prerequisite in the major?
A: Completing a prerequisite class is often a requirement for enrollment in more advanced courses
in a major. These prerequisites can sometimes be satisfied by a score of 5 on an appropriate AP test;
the details are listed for each major.
In some instances, a prerequisite may not be required for enrollment in any particular class in the
major but is necessary to complete before graduation.
In most cases, its best to finish the prerequisites as early as possible, since that allows for more
freedom in exploring electives later on.
Q: How do double majors work at Yale?
A: To double major, you must meet or exceed the minimum requirements of two distinct majors,
with at most two classes overlapping (the exception being prerequisite classes). This means, for
example, that you cannot take several classes cross-listed in two majors and expect to use them for
both majors. You must also complete two separate senior requirements, unless a single senior project
is of such breadth that it equals the work of two separate projects (this is rare). Combined majors
(e.g., Economics and Mathematics) cannot be doubled with one of their constituent majors, nor can
majors with a concentration in another major (e.g., Sociology with Psychology).
Note that you will only receive one degree upon graduation and that only one major will be
displayed on your diploma.

20
Q: How many people double major?
A: Usually around 13-15% of undergraduates double major.
Q: What are some of the hardest/easiest majors at Yale?
A: The hardest might be Chemical Engineering, because it has among the greatest number of
requirements for the major and because the requirements include some of the most difficult classes
at Yale, many of which are required for the Chemistry major as well. As for easiest, there are always
easy classes in almost any department, so any major in which theres lots of leeway to choose
courses, you could construct an easy major if you wanted to by taking only easy classes.
Q: Is it possible to pursue a rigorous subject with little previous knowledge on the subject,
while also giving myself time beforehand to explore other things so that I know Im
choosing the right one for me?
A: Thats going to depend on how little experience you have, how much the major demands of you,
and how much you want to explore. If you have a tentative major in mind, its wise to take at least
one or two relevant courses your freshman year so that you can make sure that the subject interests
you and start preparing for advanced courses. For prospective science majors especially, you should
plan on taking a couple of science classes early on, since many science majors rely on more or less
the same core set of classes and the knowledge builds up.
Majors are designed to be appropriate for all students, regardless of previous experience, but you
may find yourself taking more prerequisite courses than your classmates if youre less prepared. Its
unfortunate, but it is what it is, and if youre determined to pursue the major, youll do just fine.
Dont worry, since freshman year is intended for exploration. There are so many classes and subjects
to explore that you couldnt possibly have taken in high school, so feel free to take a variety of
courses if you want. Just be prepared to buckle down sophomore year and beyond once you have a
clearer idea of what major youd like to pursue.
Q: What are the differences between the MCDB and MB&B majors, and do we need to
decide early which major we would like to take?
A: MCDB is Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology. MB&B is Molecular Biophysics
& Biochemistry. For the most thorough breakdown of the differences, check the departmental
descriptions under Subjects of Instruction in the Bluebook: http://catalog.yale.edu/ycps/. Briefly,
the prerequisites for both majors are similar, but the more advanced classes start to diverge (for
MCDB, youll be taking classes like Genetics and Cell Biology, whereas for MB&B, youll be taking

21
the two-semester Biochemistry sequence and Biophysics). There is still a fair amount of overlap
between the two majors (as an example, several courses are cross-listed), so certainly for freshman
year, when youll likely be taking courses in biology or chemistry that satisfy the prerequisites for
both major, theres no need to decide at all.

3. Schedules
How do you manage creating a class schedule, given the overwhelming amount of courses
to choose from?
If you have academic areas that you are interested in studying, it would be a good idea to take a class
(a prerequisite or an introductory class) in these areas to be on track but also to help you figure out
if the subject is something you want to continue pursuing as a major. That said, freshman year is a
time to branch out, be open-minded, and try out new things - you will have credits left over after
those introductory and prerequisite classes to take classes in interesting areas youve never touched
on before. Dont worry about trying to get ahead; you have plenty of time ahead of you! Most
majors only require about a third of the total number of credits you will take at Yale, so you have
plenty of space and time freshman year to explore.
If you have no idea what you want to study, thats totally alright! Start looking at classes early and
take advantage of shopping period. It might be overwhelming at first going to a bunch of classes
and trying to do the work for all of these classes, but you will be able to narrow them down quickly.
If you are taking a class for fun, the atmosphere of the class and the engagement of the professor
will be just as important to your enjoyment of the class as the subject material - shopping period
then is a good time for you to test out those aspects of classes you might potentially take.
Q: When is the latest that you can drop a class and not have it appear on your transcript?
A: The last day to withdraw from a class without having it appear on your transcript is during the
week of the first midterms, which is a little less than halfway through the semester. Afterwards,
youre still allowed to drop a class (up until the week of finals), but it will show up on your transcript
as W (withdrawn).
If youre worried about not knowing which classes to take, definitely take advantage of Shopping
Period during the first two weeks of class. Theyre a good way to get a little taste of what a class will
be like without committing yourself to anything; shop as many classes as you want, and at the end
of Shopping Period, just sign up for the classes you want to take for the rest of the semester.
Q: Can we only take 4 classes? Or can we take five a semester?

22
A: Yes, most people take 4, 4.5, 5, or 5.5 credits a semester. A schedule with as few as 3 or 3.5 credit
hours, or as many as 6 or 6.5 credits is acceptable, but requires the approval of your Dean.
The intensity of your schedule will depend not only on the number of credits that you take, but also
the intensity of the classes. Be aware of some classes appear to be half-credit classes, but are a lot of
work (e.g. lab classes half the credit, twice the work is a mantra that you will commonly hear).
That said, however, as your Dean, FroCos, and we will tell you, we strongly recommend that you
take no more than 4.5 credits both semesters. This is for your own benefit you dont want to be
so bogged down by classes that you neglect your social life or other aspects of Yale as you adjust.
There have been freshmen who took 5 credits during the fall semester, and, not having done as well
as they had hoped, took 5 credits again during the spring semester to try to make up. Dont! This is a
mistake it hardly ever works, and most likely, you wont do any better. Its better if you take fewer
courses in do better in those.
Q: You recommend taking 4.5 credits per semester, but how does someone take a half-credit
course? Is there a list somewhere that shows how many credits each course is worth?
A: Introductory language courses that meet every day are 1.5 credits, and many labs are 0.5 credits.
Be careful though! The mantra about labs is that theyre half the credit, twice the work. While
this may be an exaggeration, it feels often that labs (though a half credit) have as much work as a
full-credit class not to mention that they take up a large chunk of the afternoon for one day in the
week. Lab reports can also take up a significant amount of time! On the Yale College Program of
Studies, if nothing is noted, the class is worth one credit. Variations are noted.
Q: How do you recommend getting 36 credits by the time we graduate if we take fewer than
5 credits per semester freshman year?
A: If you take 4.5 credits both semesters (the .5 can come from a lab or a language class that meets
daily), youll end up with 9 credits total, which is more than you need to advance to sophomore year
standing (you only need 8 credits total, so even 4 and 4 credits would be fine).
By the time youre a junior (or even as a sophomore), youll have a better grasp of what workload
youre able to handle and can likely take on more classes. Juniors and seniors also take more
specialized, higher-level seminars and small lectures, which often meet fewer times a week, so theyre
able to take more classes at a time.
To clarify, while we recommend limiting yourself to 4.5 credits per semester, in the end, thats only a
recommendation, and if you are especially confident in your skills, 5 (or even 5.5) credits is possible.

23
Experience has shown, though, that lots of freshmen bite off more than they can chew, so really
evaluate your abilities before committing yourself to more than you can handle.
Q: Will there be time for us to meet with our advisers on campus in the fall before
committing to classes?
A: Yes; you are in fact required to have the approval of your freshman faculty adviser as well as your
FroCo before you can finalize your schedule.
If you want to meet with a career/professional school counselor (pre-med, pre-law, graduate school,
etc.), you should be aware that sign-up slots for appointments fill up very quickly. Information is
available on the website for OCS (Office of Career Services).
Q: When is course registration?
A: The schedule hasnt been published yet, but the deadline for submitting schedules occurs about
a week and a half after classes start. During that time frame, youre able to add and drop courses at
will until you finalize your decision, at which point you acquire signatures from your faculty adviser,
dean, and FroCo and submit your schedule for approval.
Q: Could you list all of the requirements for Yale, like what numbers of semesters you must
take of what types of classes, etc.?
A: All the distributional requirements (by year) are presented in a nicely formatted chart: http://
yalecollege.yale.edu/academics/academic-requirements/distributional-requirements-chart.

4. Professors
Q: Is there some way to know which professors are better than others?
A: All classes that have been taught before have evaluations posted on the Online Course Selection
page, so youll be able to read through those and find out what past students have said about the
professor and about the class. Yale Blue Book (ybb.yale.edu) and CourseTable (www.coursetable.
com) also provide useful visualizations of course ratings.
Q: Do you seek out a lot of your professors after class?
A: In large lecture classes, there are usually a handful of students who stay after class to ask
questions. The majority of students who seek out their professors do so during their office hours.

24
Not everyone does, but its never a bad idea to try to meet some professors early on.
Q: If we have particular concerns/questions about a course of study, would it be all right
to contact a departments DUS by email over the summer or should we wait until we get to
campus?
A: Absolutely! Thats the job of the DUS, after all. Most are very happy to answer your questions,
although some may be busy/behind on emails, so you may not get an immediate reply. If you dont
hear back within a week, you can always try emailing again.

5. Grading
Q: How are classes graded? Are you competing against fellow students or is there a raw
score cutoff ?
A: It varies from class to class, but you should never think of it as competing against your peers.
Some classes are graded on a raw score cutoff (e.g., 90% and above is an A), and yes, some classes
are curved so that a certain percentage receive As, A-s, etc., but even then, curves are usually pretty
generous (a lot of them average A-/B+).
In any case, most people at Yale are really collaborative and open to working together, so make
friends with people in your class, and youll all do well!
Q: Is it reasonable to expect a 3.6+ GPA at Yale? What is the grading distribution like?
A: Like the answer above states, it varies on a number of factors, including your schedule. You could
definitely fill up your schedule with purported easy (gut) classes. Some majors are also said to be
more difficult than others particularly engineering classes and the sciences.
In the majority of classes, if you diligently do all the work assigned and study well that is, not
try to study only the night before, go to section, etc. you can do well. There are a myriad of
resources out there (peer tutors, science and QR tutors, your TAs, office hours, etc.).
The upshot is that it isnt impossible to do well if you put in the time and effort. The people who
do the best in terms of grades at Yale are not necessarily the most brilliant and naturally talented
people, but simply those who have the most self-control.
With regards to the grade distribution, it depends on the class. Some professors state their grade
distributions on their syllabuses; others dont. Most classes dont curve downward (deflate) grades
either.

25
Q: What does Cr/D stand for?
A: Credit/D/Fail or, colloquially, Pass/Fail. Any grade of a C or higher appears on your transcript
as a Pass. The specifications are here: http://yalecollege.yale.edu/content/grades#crdf.
Q: What are some gut classes/easy As which can be used to balance a hard schedule or
used as a 5th class?
A: Itd be difficult to point them out specifically, but some introductory courses are fairly
straightforward and are easy to do well in if you put in the work. Another good resource to check is
the evaluations on OCI/YBB/CourseTable! They should tell you how challenging the course is.
Q: What are some good Sc guts?
A: Some Sc/QR classes are labeled as intended for non-science majors since they dont have
prerequisites (http://science.yalecollege.yale.edu/academics/faculty-resources/science-courseswithout-prerequisite). Those may be more approachable for students without a strong science/
math background, although (for a variety of other reasons) they may not necessarily be easier.
Introductory classes might also be something to look into if youre looking for a laidback Sc/QR
credit.

6. Languages
Q: Whats considered an intensive language?
A: An intensive language course fits two semesters worth of foreign language study into one
semester and is worth two credits.
Q: What if you want to take an entirely new language?
A: Do it! Plenty of students choose to take a new language, especially since Yale offers a whole
range of languages that probably werent offered in your high school. Be aware, though, that
introductory language courses at Yale are particularly intense; you will have to put in extra effort,
especially since classes meet five times a week, but you can learn an immense amount in a year.
If youre interested in studying a language that isnt offered under the normal course offerings, you
can also apply to the Directed Independent Language Study program. It wont give you credit, but
it will allow you to study a language under a structured curriculum with a native speaker. There are
people who have taken languages as diverse as Cantonese, Taiwanese, Sri Lankan, American Sign

26
Language, Navajo, and Swedish. The program offers you quite a bit of flexibility to study at a level
appropriate to you, and all for free; you likely wont have such an opportunity later on in your life, so
take advantage of it if you can!
Q: Is it possible to take two foreign languages in one semester? If not, can you offer some
advice on how to schedule my coursework so that I can learn and keep up with both
languages?
A: Its possible but not recommended, especially if youre just starting out in both languages.
Foreign language study at Yale tends to be particularly intense, and taking two L1L4 classes will
automatically take up 3 of your 45.5 credits per semester, leaving you almost no room to fulfill your
other requirements and take other classes that interest you. If you have a strong command of two
foreign languages (L5 level), you could theoretically take classes in both and have 2 to 3 credits left
over, but it will be rather difficult and time-consuming.
Spreading out foreign language study over your four years at Yale is certainly an option if you
want to learn a new language. Lots of students spend the summer abroad studying a language, and
oftentimes living in a foreign country for a few weeks will help your proficiency improve much more
than it would if you studied in the US.
In terms of maintaining languages youve already studied, you can try attending the weekly drop-in
tutoring sessions offered for Chinese, French, and Spanish (see here: http://cls.yale.edu/foreignlanguage-tutoring). These are informal, first-come, first-serve meetings, so they will not be as
consistent or structured as a formal class, but it can help if you just want to practice speaking and
listening to the language. Certain student groups also meet somewhat regularly to practice language
use, so you can look into whether those options exist as well.
And of course, if language is one of your lifes passions, you can consider majoring in Linguistics or
one of the foreign language departments, which will allow you to take foreign language classes both
to satisfy your interest and to satisfy the requirements of the major, giving you a little more freedom
to take more language classes if you desire.
Q: Whats DILS and how do you apply?
A: The website for Directed Independent Language Study (DILS) is here: http://cls.yale.edu/dils.
Applications are released about halfway through each semester (check the website for exact dates).
Briefly, DILS allows you to study a language that is not offered through any of Yales regular courses
for up to three semesters. It is a competitive application process, but you are more likely to be
accepted to the program if there is someone else applying to study the same language. If you are

27
accepted, the DILS Coordinator will find a native speaker of the language who lives in the area to
serve as your tutor; since it is sometimes difficult to find speakers of rarer languages, you may be
accepted to DILS but not be able to start lessons right away.
You will arrange with your DILS tutor to hold lessons regularly, generally twice a week. Textbooks
will be furnished by the DILS program, but your tutor may also bring in external materials
(newspaper articles, Youtube clips, etc.). Your course of study is determined by your ability level
and your interests; you may, for example, focus on learning basic conversational skills if you are
a beginner, or you may study technical jargon or idiomatic expressions if you are advanced in the
language. At the end of the program, you will be evaluated on your language proficiency via a
telephone interview and you will be able to receive feedback on your current ability level.
Q: How many credits are language courses worth?
A: Lower-level language classes (generally L13) are 1.5 credits, as they meet every day Monday
through Friday. Higher-level language classes (L45) are 1 credit, and meet on regular MWF or TTh
schedules.
Q: Is it feasible to study a new language for the first two years and then study a different
language for the last two years?
A: So long as you meet Yales minimum language requirements, it can be done, although youll find
that introductory foreign language classes, with their 1.5 credits, will take up a sizable chunk of your
schedule. If youre seriously interested in language (as a Linguistics major or as a major in one of the
languages, for example), you can certainly go for it, but if you only want to dabble a little, it may be
wise to consider sticking with one language and leaving yourself more room to explore other classes.
Q: Id like to ballpark what language level I am at. Is there any way to find out more about a
language course?
A: If you scored a 5 on AP French, German, or Spanish, or a 4 or 5 on AP Latin, youre at L5 level
in that language. For every other language, you should just wait to take the placement exam during
Orientation; its the most effective way to gauge your level, and youll need to do it anyway if youre
planning on taking the language.
Q: How are the Mandarin and Japanese language programs at Yale?
A: East Asian Languages (including Mandarin and Japanese) are some of Yales strongest
departments. Mandarin especially tends to be very intense for beginning learners, so dont expect
to take it as an easy class. Yale students also benefit from the incredible Light Fellowship Program

28
(http://www.yale.edu/iefp/light/), which covers all expenses for a summer, semester, or year
studying in China, Taiwan, Japan, or South Korea studying Mandarin, Japanese, or Korean; it can be
competitive to get the fellowship, but the experience of studying abroad is unparalleled.

7. Placement
Q: If you pre-register for a seminar and get it, are you still allowed to drop the class if you
find you dont like it? (ie. ECON 110)
A: Yes, definitely! The people who didnt get a spot would be more than happy to take yours.
However, for certain seminars (ex: freshman seminars), dropping the class after youre accepted into
it will give you reduced priority the next time you apply.
Q: When exactly do you take the placement exams?
A: Some placement exams (most foreign languages, chemistry, and music theory) occur during Camp
Yale, but certain ones (math, Chinese, and Japanese) should be completed online during the summer.
Keep in mind that for several foreign languages, a 5 on the corresponding AP test will exempt you
from taking a placement test and youll be able to enroll in an L5 class automatically.
One note: with the exception of foreign language, the results of placement exams are just
recommendations, though highly recommended; you can take a class at a level higher or lower
than whats suggested if you feel that it is a better match for you. If youre considering taking a
class other than what is recommended for you, its best to discuss with a faculty member in the
department first.
Q: Where are the placement exams online, when do we take them, and how does that work
(results, etc)?
A: The timing and method of taking the placement exam varies depending on the subject. You
can find more information online: http://yalecollege.yale.edu/new-students/class-2019/academicinformation/special-programs-placement-and-preregistration.
Q: If I got a 5 in AP Bio, should I skip the introductory bio classes?
A: There is a placement test for each module that will determine whether you can skip the module.
They tend to be pretty challenging, so see how you fare with the material and talk to a professor if
you have any more questions about whether you have enough experience with the topics to skip
them. Keep in mind that bio modules are only half a semester, so, for example, if you had to take

29
BIOL 101 but placed out of BIOL 102, you would have a free half-semester. Read the reviews to get
a better sense of students opinions, which vary from module to module.
Q: If you dont intend to take a math class first semester, should you still take the placement
test?
A: The placement test is intended to gauge your ability in math and is used as a placement tool for
both fall and spring semesters, so you should take it regardless of whether or not you intend to take
math first semester. The math department is rather flexible in terms of it placement test, though, so
how well you do isnt a final answer on what class youre allowed to take. If you dont register for a
math class at all first semester, you naturally wont be taking math first semester. There are certain
math classes outside of the calculus sequence that you can take first semester without needing a
placement test (Fractals, for example).
Q: If I made a 5 on the BC Calculus exam and my major only requires up to Math 115 as a
prerequisite, do I still have to take the math placement test if I dont want to take any math
above 115?
A: First, check to see if your major requires you to take Math 115 or above or if it only requires
you to have the equivalent of a Math 115 background. In the latter case, you may not be required to
take a math class at all if BC Calculus credit is accepted (if its not explicitly stated, you may want to
check with the DUS of your major).
If you are required to take at least Math 115, you will still need to take the math placement test,
regardless of your BC Calculus score.
Q: I have already taken classes corresponding to Math 112, 115, and 120. I would like to take
a higher level math class my first semester at Yale. Do I have to or would it be a good idea to
take the math placement exam?
A: You dont have to take the placement exam if you intend on taking a higher-level math class, but
it doesnt hurt to take the math placement exam! The test only covers up to Calculus BC material, so
its not too hard!
Q: If I got a 5 on the BC exam and want to take MATH 116/118, do I have to take the
placement exam?
A: No.
Q: Regardless of my AP BC Calculus score, do I have to take a math placement test to place

30
into math classes that will fulfill the 2-credit QR distribution requirement?
A: You only need to take the math placement test if youre interested in enrolling in Math 112, 115,
or 120. No other math class (or non-math QR class) will require the placement test, though you may
be highly encouraged to have a certain level of math background before you enroll.
Q: How is the difficulty of the math placement test compared to the AP BC Calculus exam?
Do you have to complete it all in one sitting?
A: The difficulty is probably comparable to the Calc BC exam but much shorter, so you should be
able to complete it in one sitting. But since its self-administered, you can always write down the
answers on a sheet of paper and come back to the test whenever you have time.
Q: How much are we expected to study/review for placement exams?!
A: It might help to refresh yourself on material that you havent seen in a while (for example,
the math placement exam only goes up to Calculus BC topics (including topics about series not
covered in AB), so if you make sure you know AP Calculus BC topics, you should be okay), but the
purpose of the placement exams is to test what you already know and have a strong grasp of, so you
shouldnt be doing any sort of intense cramming or preparation. Youll find that at Yale, placement
is often a matter of self-evaluation (with foreign language as one notable exception), so if youre
adamant about taking a course, you usually wont have too much trouble getting in, regardless of
your performance on the placement exams. Dont stress too much about it!
Q: Can you explain the advantages and disadvantages of the different chemistry options for
freshmen?
A: There are a couple advantages of taking Freshman Organic Chemistry. The biggest advantage
is that you get to skip General Chemistry, which is a prerequisite for some biology majors and the
Chemistry major. That means that youll be ahead in the major, which may give you more freedom
to choose courses in later years.
If youre premed, however, theres the disadvantage that you cant take general chemistry to satisfy
your required year of non-organic chemistry if you start off with Freshman Organic Chemistry.
Since premed requirements must be taken in college (and cant be placed out of), that means that
youll have to find some other way to satisfy the year of non-organic chemistry requirement through
a higher-level chemistry course. Some premed students who take Freshman Organic Chemistry
do so by taking Inorganic Chemistry or Biochemistry, or, for Chemistry major premed students,
Physical Chemistry.

31
Your placement will depend primarily on how you do on the placement test, which is held during the
Opening Days of Yale. Generally however, those who have received a 5 on the AP Chemistry test
and have a reasonably strong chem background are able to place into Freshman Organic Chemistry.
The material that you learn in general chemistry is approximately equivalent to the material you
learned in AP Chemistry. Many skip general chemistry having taken only AP Chemistry, but did
well in Freshman Organic Chemistry and have been continuing to do so in other higher-level Chem
classes such as physical chemistry, so they probably didnt miss out on too much by not taking
General Chemistry. Likewise, your experience should be similar should you decide to place out of
General Chemistry.
For those without a strong AP Chem background but interested in taking chemistry, a year of
General Chemistry is a good idea; for pre-meds and bio majors without an AP Chem background,
its a necessity. Either the 161 or 163 sequence should be fine, although if youve had any chemistry
background at all, you may find the 161 sequence to be a little slow. If in doubt, check the syllabi for
both and plan on shopping one or two classes of each.
134L and 135L are the accompanying labs for the 161 and 163 sequences. While not obligatory, you
should plan on taking them currently with your lecture classes since the overlap between the classes
is helpful.
Q: Which chemistry class would be recommended for pre-meds who do not have an
extensive background in Chemistry?
A: We recommend Chemistry 163 and 167 with their lab counterparts. 163/167 is a full year
sequence that will give you a background that covers the MCAT general chemistry topics. Be sure
to take the placement exam too, because the chemistry department will also place you into an
appropriate level based off of its results.
Q: My chemistry program was strong but did not follow the AP curriculum, so I feel like
I am well prepared for many concepts in general chemistry, but not very well for others.
Would it be better to learn the things I missed over the summer and try to test out of general
chemistry, or just retake it?
A: You can check the course syllabi of the various chem classes to get a feel for how much you
know and how much you dont. As a rule of thumb, its better to underestimate your abilities and
take an easier class.
Q: How can we tell which classes are available to freshmen? Can we only take 100- level
intro classes? Or can we take seminars and higher (200-, 300-, 400-) level classes if they

32
dont specify otherwise?
A: All students including freshmen can take any level class as long as the prerequisites (or
equivalent coursework) have been satisfied. The other exception if the class is reserved for Yalies in
certain years (such as Junior Seminars). Especially in the humanities, the numbers sometimes dont
mean much in terms of introductory or advanced classes, so a freshman might take 200 or 300 level
classes. In the sciences where classes are more sequential however, people generally take 100 level
courses before 200 and 300 level courses, which means freshmen generally take 100 level courses.
Q: Are PHYS 260 and MATH 230 good course choices for the fall term of freshman year, or
will they be too difficult?
A: The courses themselves are great, and the professors are good as well. They also give you a strong
background for higher level math courses. (The advisors at the math placement session can help
you too!) Another thing to note is that you can always shop the courses and change later if you find
it too difficult.
Q: How important is multivariable calculus background for MATH 230 as a freshman?
A: Its not needed, as Math 230 also covers topics of Math 120, but it would definitely help. You
should shop the two classes, or ask a Math Department advisor.
Q: Are there any courses that you would recommend not skipping even if you have the AP
test credit?
A: If youre confident in the material you learned and would not enjoy learning similar (though
somewhat different) material again, then skip the introductory class. Otherwise, definitely consider
taking the introductory class, as what you learn in college can vary dramatically from what you
learned in high school.
Q: How can I find out which AP scores can be used to advance past prerequisite classes?
A: That will depend on the major (since each has different prerequisites), so read the departmental
descriptions in the Bluebook. Note that if youre planning on taking Math 120 (or Math 112 or Math
115), youll need to take the placement exam regardless of your AP score.
Q: If we feel that we were placed too high from our language placement test, can we move
down?
A: You can try talking to a member of the faculty, but generally the foreign language departments

33
try to stick with the results of the placement exam. Moving down is especially difficult if youre
a heritage speaker of the language (e.g., if your parents speak Spanish or Mandarin at home). In
general, though, moving down is easier than moving up, so you can always give it a shot.
Q: I see on Yales AP credit site that no credit is given for a 5 on AP Psych, but the psych
departments site says Psych 110 is optional for 5-scorers. Whats the situation here if
we scored a 5, do we have to take 110 or no?
A: To clarify, the credit site is for Acceleration Credits, which only matter if youre planning to
graduate from Yale a semester or a year early. In no other case are Acceleration Credits used; you
cant get credit for AP scores unless youre intending on graduating early.
PSYC 110 is normally a prerequisite for other courses in the psych department, but if you received a
5 on AP Psych, you can simply jump into the advanced courses without taking PSYC 110.
Q: If we have the AP credit to do so, is it generally it a good idea to skip out of introductory
microeconomics?
A: Considering that the regular econ major can be completed in 2 years, theres not that much of a
rush to skip the intros.
If youd like to skip some intros, the deciding factors should be the following:
1) What does the rest of your schedule look like? Intermediate micro is infamously the most difficult
class in the major.
2) Who is teaching the courses in the fall vs spring? Read the professor reviews in OCI/Bluebook/
CourseTable.
3) Are you considering the econ major, EP&E, or Global Affairs? If not, youre just punishing
yourself with intermediate micro.
For some people, there is another deciding factor:
4) Did you get into Econ 110?
As a freshman, you have two options for the intro econ sequence: seminar (110 for micro, 111 for
macro) or lecture (115 for micro, 116 for macro). You can mix and match according to what youre
looking for.
Seminar is taught by a professor to classes of 2535 students. There is no teaching assistant (TA),
and its a lot more engaging. Problem sets, exams, and curves are tougher. Theres also more math
and theory, so if you want to study econ-math you should take the seminars. Freshmen may enter an
online lottery for a seat.
Lecture is taught by a professor to classes of 100200 students. If you are enrolled in lecture, then

34
you have mandatory sections led by a TA. Its less interesting and you definitely get less attention.
On the other hand, problem sets, exams and curves are easier.

8. Other
Q: Is most studying done in the room or the library?
A: It depends on your personal preference, honestly. Bass Library is a popular place to study,
although some people find it a bit too social since there are people there all the time. Sterling Library
has some incredibly large rooms to work in, if that suits your tastes. Additionally, each residential
college has its own library, and theyre all different. There are a bunch of other libraries to explore,
and you should make the effort to go to all of them, if only to admire the architecture; the Haas Art
& Architecture Library is a personal favorite.
Many people study in coffee shops, and New Haven has plenty: Blue State, Jojos, Starbucks,
Booktrader, Willoughbys, or Koffee (if you are willing to invest time into the walk there). They
cover a wide range of vibes and levels of crowdedness, but coffee shops are a good place to study
if you like having people and activity (and food/coffee) around you. During reading period, coffee
shops can get as crowded as libraries.
And, of course, if youre able to be productive in your room and/or are too lazy to walk outside,
your suite is always an option. Its often more fun (and easier) to just work there and interact with
your suitemates from time to time. Plus, theres easy access to food, which is a big part of getting
through the night!
Q: Is it possible to take a gap semester to do independent work during my four years at
Yale?
A: Absolutely! Its not the most common thing, but many people have taken a semester or two
off to do other things. Pretty much everyone who takes time off ends up doing it some time after
freshman year and before senior year; its important to be at Yale during those first and last years
since youll want to meet your classmates as a freshman and youll want to spend some time with
them as a senior before they graduate.
One important thing to keep in mind if youre considering a gap semester or year is that all of your
classmates from freshman year will graduate before you. Youll still be able to room with them while
youre at Yale and walk on stage with them when they graduate, but youll definitely want to make
friends with some of the classes below yours, since youll be spending some extra time with them.

35
If you just want to go abroad for a semester or a year but still want to graduate after four years,
there are lots of study abroad programs you can do that will give credit. Language study in foreign
countries is of course an option, but popular foreign destinations for non-language classes include
London and Beijing. The Light Fellowship in particular can be your ticket to a semester or a year of
study in East Asia (China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea) thats completely funded by the program.
Q: Is it possible to be an Econ major that is taking DS while on the pre-med track and still
maintain a social/extracurricular life? (AKA balancing intense academic commitments with
everything else)
A: Given that this is Yale, there have probably been some incredibly bright and motivated people
who have done it in the past, but it certainly wont be easy. The Econ major requires 12 credits; premed requires 15, with little overlap. If you take DS as a freshman, youll be fitting almost all of these
credits into your last three years, in addition to fulfilling your language requirement.
You can try out all three, but we would recommend that you ultimately try to stick to only one or
two. Chances are there will be some classes unrelated to pre-med or to your major that youd love
to take but wont be able to do if your course of study is too restricted. Many freshmen come in
with very well-defined academic plans in mind, but many of them end up changing their minds; give
yourself a little freedom to explore.
Remember also that the college experience is more than just academics alone, and you dont want
academics to overwhelm your life at the cost of your social or extracurricular experience. There are
hundreds of interesting people to meet and things to do outside the classroom, and no matter what
career path you end up taking, employers and admissions committees are eager to hear about what
youve learned and accomplished beyond a strictly academic setting.
Q: Does Yale offer physical education classes?
A: Not for credit, but for a fee, Payne Whitney Gym offers a lot of physical education classes
(from martial arts to ballet to yoga) for those looking to get some exercise or learn with a trained
instructor. You can read the course descriptions here: http://sportsandrecreation.yale.edu/
recreation-options/phys-ed.
Q: Are there any instructions for filling out the Maths/Physics/Chemistry/Economics
survey? I come from a French school and have not taken, per se, any of the courses. Should
I detail the French curriculum in the box?
A: Yes, you should definitely detail what information you can in the surveys the more
information, the better. It might also be helpful to look at the syllabi on this site: http://students.

36
yale.edu/oci/ and see what level equivalent material youre familiar with, and list that. For example,
if you have a math background covering most of single-variable calculus, that would correspond to
a familiarity up to MATH 115 at Yale, which you could write down in the survey.
Q: Do we have midterms? If our parents come to visit before or after October break will
they be getting in the way of studying for midterms/midterms themselves?
A: Yes, and midterms tend to extend for a large portion of the semester. Youll find that midterm
season starts ~5 weeks into the semester and doesnt really end until finals. That doesnt mean youll
have a midterm every week during that period, but youll likely have several, and on weeks when you
dont have a midterm, several of your friends will.
Its hard to say whether or not having your parents visit on a certain weekend will interfere with your
studies without knowing your schedule, but you really shouldnt thinking of them as a burden, per
se (they may bear gifts of free food!) If youre looking for a particularly good weekend for parents to
visit, try Family Weekend in mid-October. A lot of performing groups hold special concerts during
that weekend, and certain of your professors will even invite your parents to attend lecture. Local
business establishments also coordinate their sales to coincide with Family Weekend.
Q: How strict is the rule about wearing pants in lab? Is it just for safety purposes/should a
long skirt also be okay?
A: Rather strictly, for the most part. Many people who were sent down all the way down Science Hill
to change not a pleasant experience. The point of pants is that it minimizes bare skin, so wearing
a long skirt should be alright, as long as it covers as much skin as pants do (check with your lab TA
to be sure).
Remember too that sandals arent allowed! (Again, because it exposes more skin and it would be bad
if you stepped on glass.)
Q: What is the best way to organize your materials for courses?
A: Do whatever youre accustomed to! One note, though: if you used to have to carry a lot of
materials around with you because your high school schedule didnt allow you time to drop off/
pick up things, youll find that you have much more time to do that now, since your classes wont
be spaced so closely together. That means that you often only need to carry one or two notebooks
and folders at a time (and occasionally books/course packets, though rarely textbooks). Even that
can be excessive sometimes, since youll be doing much (if not all) of your work/note-taking on
your laptop. Keeping your laptop organized is probably just as important as organizing your physical
materials.

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Q: Do we pre-register for classes?

A: Most classes dont require preregistration, although a certain few do. English, math, biology
modules, and Freshman Seminar classes are the most likely ones youll run into that require
preregistration (all of it should be online now), but certain classes that are capped (small seminars
or labs, for example) may require preregistration, too. More information will be available later in
the summer, but you can try checking here: http://yalecollege.yale.edu/preference-selection. Check
the Blue Book description for classes youre interested in to be safe, and if youre positive you want
to take the class, email the professor as soon as possible to reserve your spot. Sometimes, even just
stating your interest to a professor can help you get a spot in a seminar.
Q: How does getting books and course materials work with shopping period? Is it still
possible to buy books the cheap way (i.e. Amazon) and keep up in the course until the
books arrive?
A: If you buy from the Yale Bookstore, theyll allow you to return your books for a full refund (as
long as theyre in the same condition) up until the end of shopping period. One way to save money
is to buy your books there initially but sell them back once youve finalized your schedule and have
found somewhere else to get your books. Note also that Amazon is not always the cheapest option;
try your luck at the YHHAP Book Exchange (http://yhhap.org/service-projects/bookexchange-2/)
and keep a close eye on the Free and For Sale and Textbook Exchange Facebook pages to see if
you can buy used versions of the books you need from other Yalies!
Q: When should you start studying for the MCAT if youre pre-med, and when is the
optimal time to take the test? And do you have to pay for the applications if youre on
financial aid?
A: Most people take the MCAT some time after sophomore year but before senior year. If you take
the MCAT after only freshman year, a lot of the material may be unfamiliar to you. You can also, of
course, take the MCAT during senior year or beyond (this is an especially feasible option for those
who dont want to enter medical school immediately after college); just keep in mind that you should
take the MCAT during the calendar year before you plan to enter medical school.
Information about fee assistance is available on the AAMC website here: https://www.aamc.org/
students/applying/fap/.
Q: I am a bit concerned that my high school has not prepared me for college-level writing.
What are the writing classes like freshman year and do the professors do actual teaching or
just expect you to know?

38

A: Writing/literature seminars (ENGL 114 and 115) are designed specifically for the purpose
of introducing you to college-level writing. Many of them will guide you through the process
of researching, drafting, etc. that is expected of you in other college courses. Theyre a kind of
Swiss army knife course in this sense, so we highly recommend that you take one (many sections
are offered each semester, each with its own theme). Many professors in other classes (such as
history) expect you to just know how to write, mainly because classes are often a mix of under
and upperclassmen. That aside, make sure that you fully utilize the writing resources on campus
residential college writing tutors, Yale College Writing Centers writing partners, etc. as well, and
make sure to edit drafts!
Q: What does it mean if a class is typed in red text (as opposed to black) on the Yale OCI?
A: Classes in red are graduate courses (hence they usually have high numbers). Many of these classes
are cross-listed as well or have a lower number undergraduate counterpart, so make sure you check!
Q: Whats the minimum amount of time we should leave in between classes?
A: Theres no set minimum amount of time, but of course it would be advisable to make sure that
you have enough time to get between classes or time to eat lunch. It can take 15 minutes walking to
go up (or down) Science Hill, so if you only have a 15 minute interval between a science and nonscience class, you may find that you need to dash between classes (especially when the professor
goes overtime, which happens occasionally).
Q: How long does it take to walk from Old Campus to the top of Science Hill?
A: Generally about 1015 minutes. The number can vary depending on the weather as well. Also
note that there are shuttles that can take you up Science Hill if youre lucky enough to catch one.
The unfortunate thing is that they run on what seems to be a random time schedule. Theyre usually
pretty conveniently timed in the morning, although they get crowded during the peak times before
common classes (biology, chemistry, physics).
Q: For classes that have multiple sections with different professors (like calculus), how easy
is it to switch sections to get the professor you want?
A: It can be difficult depending on how popular the professor is, but it really depends on the class.
Your best bet is to wait until the end of shopping period to see if anyone moves out of the section,
or email the professor. In many classes, the over-subscribed sections will have waitlists. If you want
to get on the waitlist for a different section, you usually need to attend at least the first class of that
section, and often need to continue regularly attending that section in addition to your assigned
section.

39

Q: What does it mean when the OCI lists Staff as the professor of a section?
A: It usually means that various professors teach the same section.
Q: How hard is it as a freshman to get into classes, especially popular ones? Are lecture
classes often capped?
A: Lecture classes are rarely capped, as opposed to seminars (and some lab classes), so dont worry!
Freshmen generally have the same chance of getting into a capped class, unless the class is one that
is required for a major (in which case priority often goes to upperclassmen declared in that major),
or unless otherwise stated.
Q: How do you go about pre-registering for things like intro chemistry?
A: Preregistration information should be updated pretty regularly here: http://catalog.yale.edu/
freshman-handbook/academic-information/special-programs-placement-preregistration/.
Q: Are residential college seminars only offered once? How hard are they to get into?
A: Most are, so if youre interested in one, dont hesitate to apply. Youll often be asked to write a
short explanation of why youre interested in the class and preference may be given to members of
the given residential college, but other than that, people are basically randomly selected.
Q: I dont quite understand acceleration credits. Could you explain what they are?
A: Acceleration credits only matter if you plan to graduate from Yale one or two semesters early. As
you might imagine, very few people choose to take this option, even if they qualify, since the college
experience is much better with four full years than three.
Q: Is it possible/manageable to fulfill pre-med requirements while double majoring in
something other than biology/chemistry?
A: Its definitely possible to fulfill pre-med requirements while majoring in something other than
biology, and even to double major in biology and something else. Pre-med requirements themselves
take up a large chunk of your academic career (even if youre a bio major), so if youre planning
to major in something else, youll likely find that between pre-med requirements and your major
requirements, youll only have a couple spots left to take other classes that interest you. Its a sacrifice
youll have to make, but if youre committed to both pre-med and another major, it may well be
worth it.

40

Q: Can classes required for a major (including prerequisites) be used to fulfill the
distributional requirements?
A: Unless explicitly stated otherwise, yes.
Q: Is it possible to change which distributional requirement a course fulfills?
A: Yes, that should be fine. Distributional requirements are just totaled up at the end of the
semester/year (for the sake of advancement to sophomore year and the like), so if you use a QR/Sc
class as a QR credit initially, you can use it as an Sc class later if you need to.
Q: Will we get a hard copy of the BlueBook and when?
A: Beginning with the 2016-2017 academic year, the Yale College Programs of Study (YCPS),
known to us all as the Blue Book, will become an exclusively digital resource, without a printed
edition. The Yale community has grown more comfortable with and reliant on digital resources, and
faculty, students, staff, and advisers recognize that hard copies of the Blue Book are often out of
date soon after they are printed.
Q: Is it a good idea to arrive on campus with a narrowed down list of classes we want to
shop (like 8 or so), or is it okay to arrive with just a preliminary list of like 20+? Will we have
some guidance in class selection before shopping?
A: Its perfectly fine to come to campus with a shopping list of 20+ classes (even upperclassmen
do that all the time). You probably wont have time to shop all of them, but you will get to shop a
good dozen if youre efficient, so that may be a good way to winnow down the list. Youll also have
the opportunity to attend a number of bluebooking events hosted by various student groups
(including the AACC PLs!), and your FroCo group will definitely have a meeting where you talk
about classes youre thinking about shopping. Your FroCo and other upperclassmen are invaluable
sources of advice on classes and shopping period in general.
There are plenty of resources the first couple days that are specifically there to help you shop classes.
FroCos and faculty advisers (both of whom are required to sign off on your schedule before you
submit it) can give you suggestions. Your dean and any of the Peer Liaisons are also a great help.
The AACC Peer Liaisons host a Bluebooking party open to all freshmen just before classes start, so
feel free to drop by and ask any questions you have! If youve already been assigned an AACC PL,
youll get an email about it; if not, feel free to contact any of us and we can add you to our list.
Q: Is there a difference between ENAS 151 and MATH 120?

41
A: ENAS 151 goes into more physics and applications of multivariable calculus. Some of us have
heard consistently that ENAS 151 is the better course.
Q: The blue book says ENAS 194 requires a knowledge of matrix-based operations (no
course number). Does this mean I should take a linear course like MATH 222 or 225?
A: No, we think it means an Algebra II level knowledge of matrices. More likely, theyll just teach
usage of eigenvalues/eigenvectors, which require manipulation of matrices (again, Algebra II level
though).
Q: I think that I want to major in Economics, but I want to keep my pre-med options open.
What science course would be best to take first semester?
A: You should probably plan on taking some chemistry course and lab freshman year (whichever
one you place into). If you really want to, you can try to squeeze in physics or bio as well, but its
really not necessary and may be a rather heavy workload for first semester.
Q: If I missed the Biology placement exam, will I have another chance to place out of parts
of BIOL 101104?
A: Just email the DUS of MCDB/E&EB/MB&B to see what they suggest, since it may be possible
to have the placement exam reopened for you to take.

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#EXTRACURRICULARS
1. Club Sports
Q: Whats the difference between intramural sports and club sports?
A: The two main non-varsity athletic organizations are club and IM sports. Club sports is the more
competitive of the two. In some sports that do not have varsity teams, such as water polo or ultimate Frisbee, this is the highest level of competition at Yale. Commitment varies by sport; most
have around 3 practices per week, but some practice once a week and some practice every day. Missing a practice is usually okay, but in some sports there is pressure from teammates to attend. Club
teams are coached by varsity athletes, volunteers, or senior members of the team. Club teams travel,
scrimmaging against other teams in the area or competing against other college teams to advance
to national club championships. In popular sports such as soccer there may be tryouts and different
levels even within the club designation, but lesser-known sports welcome new members and beginners. There are some fees involved for equipment and tournament costs.
IM sports are organized competitions between teams representing residential colleges. They are
less competitive than club sports, and usually there are no practices involved; you just show up for
scheduled games. There may not be not as much of a team community experience because attendance can vary drastically from game to game, but there is usually a core group of IM athletes that
attend regularly. IMs are a good way to meet upperclassmen and other students in your college you
would not have known otherwise. IM sports are considered less intense because the people who
show up may not be particularly experienced or skilled in that sport, but the desire to represent your
college honorably can inspire considerable competitive spirit. There are no fees, and usually equipment beyond basic athletic clothes will be provided. Some sports have no counterpart at the club or
varsity level. There are no tryouts; beginners are always welcome.
Q: Are most club sports try-out only? What if we want to learn a completely new one?
A: You can DEFINITELY try sports youve never tried before. Some of them are kind of intense
and have try-outs for the A team (soccer and frisbee are among those), but you can play no matter
what, even if youve never played before (you just might not be on the best team). They have more
of a team atmosphere than IMs, but they can still be as big of a commitment as you want them to
be. Club sports have practices and coaches, the teams hang out more, and theyre independent of
the colleges. Some of them travel to other universities to play, so its an intercollegiate thing (and not
just limited to Yale).

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2. IMs
Q: What are IMs like?
A: IMs include a bunch of sports that are played between the different residential colleges. The
atmosphere is super informal, though the residential college with the most points at the end of
the year wins the Tyng Cup! There are three seasons fall, winter, and spring with many different
sports (fall: soccer, football, cross country, golf, ping pong, tennis, volleyball; winter: basketball,
volleyball, squash, bowling, inner tube water polo, swimming, ice hockey; spring: softball, ultimate
frisbee, golf, billiards, volleyball, badminton, soccer, dodgeball). Theyre super fun because you
meet people in all 4 years of your college and theyre really laid-back. Theres no commitment
you come when you can/want to, but you dont have to at all. Theyre usually in the afternoons in
the fall/spring (like after classes, but before dinner) and at night in the winter and THEYRE SO
MUCH FUN!
Q: Do IM sports supply gear like lacrosse sticks and tennis rackets?
A: They do, but its generally better to bring your own if you can, since the equipment isnt the best
quality.

3. Jobs
Q: What do the levels for jobs means?
A: Levels just dictate what the hourly wage is (level 1 is 12.00, and it increases .50 per level from
there). They dont really have any indication of required skill sets or anything like that; some level 4
jobs are just clerical jobs that require minimal computer knowledge, for example. You can go straight
into a higher-level job without having had a lower-level job.
Q: What is the hiring process like for student jobs on campus? How does one qualify for
certain jobs?
A: You apply for on-campus jobs on yalestudentjobs.org. Most new postings occur at the beginning
of the school year but there are always new jobs available. There are a huge range of jobs, requiring
different skills. Some are as simple as sitting at a desk in a library (doing your homework). Others
require more skill and are more involved, such as Student Tech. Each position requires a different set
of qualifications, and some are more competitive than others to get, but in general, everyone who
wants a job is able to find one, it just might require applying to multiple jobs.

44
Q: How can you get a job at the admissions office? When do you apply and how difficult is
it to actually get the job?
A: Working in the Admissions Office is a great job, but is a very popular position and so is competitive to get. Undergraduates do not, however, evaluate applications.
There are two main jobs for undergraduates in the admissions office Tour Guides and Recruitment Coordinators. The role of a Tour Guide is fairly self-explanatory. You will get an email in
February, when new guides are hired, with information on how to apply. There is a separate process
to apply to be a Science and Engineering Tour Guide, but freshmen are typically not hired.
Recruitment Coordinators run outreach efforts to get more students interested in Yale (e.g. organize
programs for Yale students to visit high schools over breaks, do video chats with prospective applicants, run multicultural open-houses, etc) and recruitment efforts targeted at admitted students (e.g.
running the admitted students website, planning Bulldog Days, etc). New Recruitment Coordinators
are hired every September and you can apply as a freshman. The position will be listed on yalestudentjobs.org.
In addition to working as a tour guide or recruitment coordinator, students can apply to work for
the Yale Ambassador Program. Applications are sent out via email towards the end of first semester. This job entails visiting schools in your home state during breaks and speaking to high school
students about Yale.
Q: So, rumor has it that Yale has an underground particle accelerator. Whats the process
like for getting a work-study job there?
A: There used to be a big research accelerator used for Nuclear Physics over in the Wright Nuclear
Structure Laboratory, but they closed that down. We do have a 1 MeV Van de Graaff accelerator in
the basement of Sloane Physics Laboratory. It isnt used much for research, though it was mainly
used in lab courses (may still be). If you really have your heart set on playing with it, the person to
talk to is Larry Cerrito, who is the engineer in charge of it (but we dont know anybody whos ever
worked for him).
If youre really into particle physics or accelerators, you probably should talk to some of the people
who work with CERN. Not sure if you can make a job out of that, but many students do research at
CERN over the summer its a great way to go abroad and get research experience.
Q: What does the 50/50 Split on the student employment calendar mean?
A: That just refers to where your moneys coming from; during the school year, 50% comes from the

45
Office of the Provost and 50% comes from the department that hired you. It really has no impact
on your life, so dont worry about it.
Q: When do people start looking for jobs for the fall semester (when are the new jobs posted
on the site)?
A: Toward the end of summer and at the beginning of fall semester, a lot of new jobs will be posted. You can subscribe to receive email notifications whenever a new job is posted so you dont miss
any that might interest you.

4. Research
Q: Is it possible to get a campus job such as a (hard science) research assistant or grader in
a science subject in your freshman year?
A: Paid research assistant positions are generally given to those who have prior research experience
or who have taken significant coursework in the subject, so if you have either of those, you have a
pretty good shot at getting the job. (Even if you dont, if youre able to communicate your interest
in the subject effectively, you still stand a chance!) You can also do research without pay students
have taken part in on-campus research as early as first semester freshman year, based on experience.
Grader positions (as well as tutoring positions) tend to be given to those who have taken the class
(or a higher-level equivalent) before and exceled at it, so you might have to wait until second semester before applying.
Either way, feel free to apply to as many positions as you want! Job openings are posted here:
https://www.yalestudentjobs.org/. Theres always a flood of new jobs at the beginning and end of
each semester, so check frequently (you can also subscribe to receive email notifications whenever a
new job is listed).
Q: Im an undeclared major with zero experience in research. Is there hope for research in a
lab in my freshman year?
A: If you have the determination and the interest, you shouldnt have trouble finding research at all.
Not only do you have the opportunity to do research with professors who teach in Yale College, but
you also can work with professors at the School of Medicine and the School of Forestry and Environmental Science. Think of it this way: if youre committed to working in a lab and youre willing
to do it for free, youre providing extra manpower to a professor who doesnt need to pay you, and
theres certainly a benefit to that.

46
That being said, dont commit yourself to a lab too early on. Take some time to ease into your
classes and extracurriculars to figure out what your workload is like. Working in a lab is often a large
time commitment (typically at least 10 hrs a week), and you dont want to leave a bad impression by
promising to work in a lab and not being able to follow through.

5. A Cappella
Q: To join the Whiffenpoofs, do you need to have joined another a cappella group?
A: Not officially, but if you look at the past rosters, pretty much every Whiff has been part of an a
cappella group.
Q: Can you only audition for a cappella groups your freshman year, or do the groups take
sophomores and juniors as well?
A: The majority of those who audition for a cappella groups are freshmen, but some sophomores
do audition (and are tapped as well). The only exceptions are the Whiffenpoofs and Whim n
Rhythm, which only accept rising seniors.

6. Music
Q: How difficult is it to get into the Yale Symphony Orchestra? Is it mostly all-state level
players, below that, or even higher?
A: Wed say that pretty much all of the musicians would be able to qualify at the state level. Most
of them have played in a youth orchestra or have some sort of musical award. We do have transfer
students from Julliard and New England Conservatory, to give you a sense of the more advanced
end of the spectrum.
There are plenty of other orchestras at Yale that cover a full range of ability levels, so even if youre
not accepted to YSO, you can still join other groups.
Q: Can I audition on more than one instrument for the YSO to increase my chances of getting in?
A: You can audition on multiple instruments if you feel truly capable on all of them, but it will not
help to have multiple auditions simply for the sake of having multiple auditions.
Q: Is there an orchestra for non-music majors and another for music majors, or is there just

47
one (Yale Symphony Orchestra) that includes both groups?
A: There are many, many orchestras at Yale (including Yale Symphony Orchestra, Berkeley College
Orchestra, Davenport Pops Orchestra, Jonathan Edwards College Philharmonic, and Saybrook College Orchestra), and none of them are restricted to music majors. Even the orchestras associated
with residential colleges are not exclusive to students in those residential colleges. There isnt a music
major thats strictly a music performance major offered to undergraduates at Yale, so youll find that
many students in these orchestras major in something besides Music and simply play an instrument
or two (frequently at very high levels) as well.
Q: Are non-music majors allowed to take private lessons from Yales music professors? If so,
how?
A: Yes, definitely. In fact, most of the people I know who are taking private lessons are non-music
majors. You can read more about auditioning, taking lessons for credit or for a fee, etc. here: http://
music.yale.edu/study/music-lessons/.
Be aware, though, that most students study with a graduate student in the School of Music, not with
a faculty member. It is possible to study with a faculty member, but auditions are competitive, and an
advanced degree of performance ability is necessary.
Q: Do the graduate students in the School of Music give lessons only to advanced players,
or is it possible to take lessons as a beginner?
A: The graduate students are intended to teach students of all levels (very advanced players usually
audition to study with a faculty member instead), so its certainly possible to start learning a new
instrument as a beginner. Lessons are usually pretty low-key, but if youre still uncertain about trying
out a new instrument, you might even find a classmate whos willing to teach you a thing or two!
Q: Is there a music store near campus?
A: There are two music stores on Audubon St.: Audubon Strings (a full-service store for string instruments, naturally) and Foundry Music (which is a more general music store carrying sheet music,
music stands, metronomes, etc.). You can get reeds and other supplies at Foundry Music, but we
dont think they do instrumental repairs if you need them.
Q: Is getting into the Yale Jazz Ensemble difficult? Are there ways of getting involved in
jazz other than through that group?
A: I (Hanoi Hantrakul, MC 15) was the pianist for the Yale Jazz Ensemble for 20112012! You have

48
to audition to get into the YJE at the start of the school year. They have set music you need to learn
that is posted on the Yale Jazz Ensemble website and they will also test some of your ability to play
music on the spot. The ability to voice chords given only chord symbols (i.e., no notation) is very
important, even more important than your sight reading ability. Ability to improvise well is also a
plus. Outside of the YJE, there is also the Yale Undergraduate Jazz Collective, composed of musicians at Yale who play jazz seriously and jam together, and other smaller groups of jazz musicians.

7. Other
Q: What is the most effective way to navigate the website that lists all of (vast) Yales extracurricular offerings? Its a bit intimidating.
During Camp Yale, there is an extracurricular bazaar where all participating extracurricular groups
gather in Payne Whitney Gyms basketball court to talk to freshmen about their groups. Thats a
great way to meet with people from activities youre interested in doing and sign up for their newsletters or information emails.
Q: What volunteer opportunities are available on/around campus, and where/how do we
find out about them?
A: To avoid sounding like were favoring some groups by listing them and not others, well go ahead
and say that there are way too many volunteer clubs and activities out there for us to list. There are
many types of volunteer groups, from those related to teaching/mentoring to those dealing with
social justice. Some of them (but definitely not even close to all) are listed here: http://livingnh.yale.
edu/volunteer.
Many volunteer groups are also affiliated with Dwight Hall: http://dwighthall.org/. At the beginning of the school year, many groups will advertise themselves at the extracurricular bazaar and the
Dwight Hall bazaar. There, you can personally interact with the people in the club and get a better
sense of what the club is all about, so thats probably the best place to learn about the many volunteer organizations that exist at Yale.
Q: How difficult is it to get into an improv group?
A: As you might imagine, plenty of extracurriculars at Yale can be competitive, and improv tends
to be one of them. Obviously, being funny is key, but groups like improv are also looking to find
people who they think would get along well with the rest of the group. We dont know any statistics,
but there are definitely people who audition and unfortunately dont get in. However, there are also
people who get in with no prior improv/acting experience. Youll never know unless you try, try out

49
and do your best you might be surprised!
Q: How difficult is it to fill up every single summer and every vacation/break during your
Yale tenure with some sort of internship, research opportunity, or study abroad?
A: Not too difficult at all. If youre interested in research, you can almost certainly find a faculty member on campus who will take you on. Study abroad usually isnt a competitive thing unless
youre applying to a fellowship (e.g., Richard U. Light), and even then, the programs themselves
arent too difficult to get into (there are also quite a few to go around).
Internships can be a little more difficult and you may have to apply to a few before you find one, but
unless youre gunning specifically for a high-profile gig at Goldman Sachs or the like, you should be
able to find something. The Yale name, after all, does serve as a networking tool to get you places.
As a side note, you shouldnt be too concerned about doing an internship/research/study abroad
during any break besides summer break. Yes, there are people who do some research over winter
break or go on service trips during spring break, but you wont be at a disadvantage if you dont do
any of those things. Remember to relax once in a while and enjoy your life; college is too short and
too sweet to spend all your time working.
Q: How does one become a Peer Liaison or a Freshman Counselor? How rigorous/competitive is it?
A: The Peer Liaison position is open to rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Candidates can
apply to be PL in only one center. PLs are chosen for their leadership and involvement on campus,
their connections to people and resources, their academic record, and most importantly their
ability to counsel and support incoming freshmen. Consideration is also given to how an individual
candidate can work collaboratively as part of a team and how well the entire team reflects the diversity of interests and personalities represented in the Yale freshmen class. The application process
consists of a written application followed by an interview.
The Freshman Counselor position is only open to rising seniors within their residential college. The
qualifications and application process are more or less the same as those for PLs. In particular, special consideration is given to how much time a candidate can spend being a reliable physical presence
for freshmen, since unlike PLs, FroCos live with the freshmen they counsel. Previous experience as
a PL (or another position working extensively with students or a student-resource center) is helpful,
though by no means necessary. Roughly 300 students apply for 100 spots.
Q: Whats MUNTY like? How competitive is it? How much of a time commitment is it?
A: The team is pretty hard to get into, as they have a try-out process, but being a member of the

50
team itself is highly rewarding. The people in MUNTY who can be intimidating at first sight arent
all fire-churning dragons at the end of the day. In fact, most of them are quite laid back and some
of the coolest people we know on campus. Its a great group of friends once you settle down in
the team. As for competitiveness, weve won many very competitive conferences in the American
college circuit. However, the time commitment is really low. They practice for about an hour every
week (freshman members in the team usually have a freshman practice which is an additional 30-45
minutes per week). When it comes to conferences, as a team they attended 3 main conferences last
year. Conferences usually take up a whole weekend. Preparation for the conference is up to the individual once he or she knows which committee he or she will be in, and the time commitment there
could be as high or low as the individual desires.

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#FOOD
1. Yale Dining
Q: How easy is it to adhere to a pretty strict and very healthy nutrition plan?
A: Yale Dining does its best to support healthy eating by including a salad bar in every dining hall
and posting basic nutritional information about the dishes on little cards above the food and online
(you can check whats being offered in the dining halls here: http://hospitality.yale.edu/menu-selector).
There are also vegetarian, vegan, and halal options available. The dining halls also try to stock fresh
fruit, soy milk, almond milk, rice milk, Lactaid, and gluten-free options. Slifka serves kosher food
every day.
Yale Dining options are far better than what many colleges across the nation offer, but theyre
obviously no three-star restaurant. If youre a picky eater, you might find the food to be bland or
over-seasoned; food is sometimes drenched in oil, and sometimes its too dry to swallow. If youre
able to live off paninis, salad, and yogurt every day, that might be the healthiest (and tastiest) option
you can get. Theres also the constant, tempting presence of ice cream and desserts this is where
self-control may need to come into play.
The healthiest eating option is of course to cook your own food yourself, but thats not really possible until junior year at the earliest, when you have the choice to move off campus. In the meantime, you learn to make do with what you have; its not amazing, by any means, but it still gives you
enough options that you can watch your diet.
Q: How easy is it to access a kitchen for cooking purposes during freshman year?
A: Fairly easy. All residential colleges have a communal kitchen open for student use. Usually there is
a designated Kitchen Manager by the Masters office or a regular Masters Aide who has the keys
and keeps a record of reservations and dates the kitchen is available. All kitchens are well-equipped
and in working condition, though some kitchens are better equipped (and cleaner) than others.
Q: When do we choose a meal plan?
A: You can read about the meal plans in detail here: http://hospitality.yale.edu/undergraduate-meal-plan-options.

52
According to the website, You will be able to Update/Change your Meal Plan Option (in accordance with meal plan regulations) beginning August 20th at 8:00am and will be able to do so on-line
one time only through September 14th at 11:59pm.
Note that as a freshmen, you are required to have the Full Meal Plan; your only other option is to
upgrade to the Anytime Meal Plan. We feel that most freshmen use the Full Meal Plan, which
really should be enough to cover your eating needs.
Q: What do you do when you have a class that overlaps almost completely with the time
dining halls are open for lunch?
A: You can always use your lunch swipe to buy food at Durfees (available until 5 pm), at the Kline
Biology Tower Caf (from 11:00 am to 2:30 pm), or Marigolds (at the School of Medicine, available
until 5pm). You can also use your breakfast swipe at KBT and Marigolds, and you can use your dinner swipe at Marigolds (available until 7pm). The Commons at the Schwarzman Center dining hall,
which had extended lunch hours, closed after the 2015-16 school year and will reopen in 2020 after
renovations; rumor has it that some residential colleges will have longer hours in 2016-17 to make
up for our loss of Commons.
Q: What do people generally think of the taste or quality of the water? Do many people have
water filter pitchers?
A: Water is potable straight from the tap, although many people do choose to purchase water filters.
Whether or not it actually tastes better when filtered is probably largely a placebo effect, but it certainly cant hurt.
Q: If youre a big water drinker, do you think it would be more cost efficient and convenient
to buy a Brita water pitcher or a Brita water bottle?
A: We suggest the water pitcher; water bottles are easier to lose/misplace, while water pitchers arent,
and you can always fill a regular water bottle with filtered water from your water pitcher if you need
to carry water around with you. You can also share the cost of a water pitcher with your suitemates.

2. Outside Food
Q: Where can you buy bubble tea around Yale?
A: Off the top of our heads: Vivis Bubble Tea (just opened this year!), York Street Noodle, Jojos,
Go Greenly, Flavors, Bangkok Gardens, Basil. All within walking distance! Some of the food carts

53
on Science Hill or at the Medical School also have bubble tea. Ask us well take you there!
Q: Do local restaurants/shops give discounts to Yale students?
A: The quick answer is yes! Some shops will give around a 10% discount, but many of the restaurants that give discounts are dine-in type restaurants and not shops where you can grab something
quick. A popular example is Bangkok Gardens. Also, events like College Night on Broadway, in
which various stores on Broadway hold sales, happen every few months.
New Haven also runs a Restaurant Week twice a year, during which roughly 30 participating restaurants offer a prix fixe menu for lunch and dinner. It can be a good way to try some of the pricier
culinary offerings around campus at a lower cost.
Q: What in the world is a Wenzel?
A: A somewhat overpriced buffalo chicken sub with lettuce, tomato, cheese, and mayo offered at
Alpha Delta Pizza for $8.46. Customizable, with options including a garlic bread bun and a vegetarian eggplant alternative. Opinions vary, but large swaths of the student population at Yale swear by
it for late-night, post-party cravings. Order via crunchbutton.com, and theyll even deliver it to your
door!

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#MOVE-IN/MOVE-OUT
1. Pre-orientation Programs
Q: What are some pros and cons for each of the pre-orientation programs?
A: All of the pre-orientation programs will provide you the opportunity to meet other freshmen
prior to Camp Yale, and many freshmen find that the programs offer lots of bonding moments to
foster close friendships.
Its difficult to list pros and cons for each of the programs, since thats largely based on individual
preference. You can read more about the individual programs here: http://catalog.yale.edu/
freshman-handbook/getting-started/preorientation-programs/. Some programs will appeal to you
and others wont if youre an outdoorsy person, you might particularly enjoy FOOT or Harvest;
if youre scared of dirt, you probably wont and might prefer CC instead. Most international students
do OIS, but some choose to do other pre-orientation programs instead. Whatever you choose,
youre bound to meet other people who are just as excited about Yale as you are, so dont worry
youll have a good time!
Q: Is there a place to store our stuff during OIS?
A: You wont be moving straight into your permanent rooms, so dont plan on having absolutely
everything unpacked when you first arrive on campus, since youll be moving it all after a couple of
days. However, there should be counselors on hand to help you transport stuff.
If youre having items shipped to you or if you have parents bringing them, it may be better to wait
until August 28, when youll have more time to get settled in and when there will be move-in crews
for each of the residential colleges assigned to help you carry your stuff.
Q: Will I feel out of the loop at the beginning of the year if Im not able to attend a preorientation program?
A: Not at all. Everyone is eager to make new friends at the beginning of the year, and since even the
largest pre-orientation programs represent only a fraction of the student population, everyone will
be seeing a lot of new faces.
The first few days of your arrival on campus will be Freshman Orientation, affectionately referred
to as Camp Yale. Its literally the most laid-back time of the year, when everyone is still settling in
before academic and extracurricular commitments start up, so youll have plenty of time to meet and

55
hang out with other freshmen. Anything from moving furniture to grabbing a meal with a FroCo
or PL to going to a party with suitemates can be a great way to get to know more people, so take
advantage of all those opportunities!
Q: If you go on FOOT, where do you shower/use the restroom?
A: Its the wilderness at its best! (i.e., no showers or restrooms) When you need to use the restroom,
youll have to go behind some bushes.
Q: Where do you change clothes if you go on FOOT?
A: Behind a tree/some bushes ... again, its meant to be the wilderness!
Q: In a 6-week FOOT program, will we be sleeping in tents or will we use just our sleeping
bags?
A: Im assuming you mean the 6-day FOOT program, which should still be sleeping bag-only.
Q: I know there are no showers at Harvest, but are there toilets we can use?
A: Yep!
Q: Is there a cost for Harvest?
A: Its around $400 (plus the supplies you need to buy), but you can request financial aid (no separate
application, just check a box) proportional to your Yale aid package.
Q: Can we get financial assistance to purchase the required supplies for Harvest/FOOT
(provided that we show substantial need)?
A: Financial assistance is available for all the pre-orientation programs, so my guess is that required
supplies (gear, camping needs, etc.) would be covered. I know that Harvesters can rent a sleeping
bag and pad. You should probably contact the program directors (Bella Napier, isabelle.napier@
yale.edu, for Harvest; Cilla Kellert, priscilla.kellert@yale.edu, for FOOT) to clarify.

2. What to Buy/Bring
a. Laptops

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Q: What kind of laptop is best for Yale life?
A: Pretty much any laptop currently on the market should be fine. Yale has discounted pricing
arrangements with some companies, such as Lenovo, and ITS is able to repair laptops from certain
brands under warranty (you can read ITSs basic recommendations here: http://its.yale.edu/
software-technology/buying-guide/buying-laptops-and-desktops/student-recommendations/wherebuy-stude).
Both PCs and Macs are used, although youll find that many students at Yale have Macs. Were not
sure if theres an actual statistic, but it seems that more than half of the student population has a
Mac. Most Mac users have a MacBook Pro, although were seeing more MacBook Airs as of late.
Q: Is there a large majority of MacBook Pro users that lean towards the 13 or 15 screen? Is
a 15 too cumbersome for college life?
A: We see plenty of both, so either should be fine. Obviously, the larger the screen, the bigger and
heavier the laptop that youll have to transport, but its really a matter of personal preference.
Q: Yale doesnt seem to have updated its technology recommendations yet this year. Should
I go out and buy a laptop now, or wait for the new version?
A: If you dont need a laptop until you get to Yale, I would wait as long as possible so that I could
get the newest version (or so that the price of the older version goes down)!
Q: Is a laptop lock recommended?
A: Yales ITS department recommends laptop locks, but in practice, laptop locks are rarely used. You
always run a risk, of course, but you might be surprised to see just how many students leave their
laptops unwatched in the library or in the suite common room while they go to do something else
(although this is not recommended). You can still buy a laptop lock to be extra safe, though.
Q: What is normally done in terms of laptop cases?
A: You see a bit of everything on campus; some people use hard-shell cases that clamp directly onto
the laptop, others use laptop sleeves, still others use a separate compartment in their backpacks,
and then there are those who leave their laptops naked and just chuck them in their bags. Choose
whatever floats your boat!

b. Other Items

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Q: Is printing free anywhere on campus? Is it worth it to bring a printer from home?
A: Printing in the computer clusters isnt free, but its pretty cheap ($.10 for one side, $.12 for
double-sided, $.20 for color). However, wed definitely recommend having a printer in your suite;
youll need it for last-minute papers and for times when walking all the way to a library just doesnt
seem like a viable option (see the question about snow!). Since you only need one printer per suite,
coordinate with your suitemates to split costs!
Q: What printer features would you recommend (wireless, laser, color, etc.)?
A: As long as your printer can print, 99% of your printing needs will be covered. Its an added perk
if its wireless/laser (easier, faster printing) and youll perhaps need color printing once a semester,
but if the price difference is substantial, its really not worth it to get those added features. Also keep
ink prices in mind.
Q: Ive never experienced snow before! What winter clothes do you recommend that we
buy?
A: SNOW the most loved and dreaded of weather conditions. Youll definitely need a thick coat
and a good pair of snowshoes/boots to walk around in all the slush. Smaller accessories like scarves,
hats, and gloves also make a huge difference, especially on colder, windier days. New Haven is
notorious for rapidly changing temperatures. Snowy days are often followed by significantly warmer
days, causing the snow to quickly melt and form deceptively deep puddles at street corners
waterproof boots will be lifesavers on these days.
Dont worry if youre not sure what to buy or when to buy it! Every fall, the Peer Liaisons host a trip
to the mall for anyone who needs clothes for the colder months, so youre welcome to come with us
when we go. (Costume shopping for Halloween is also a popular option!)
Q: Is having a bike useful?
A: Most of campus is pretty centralized, so youll be just fine without one, but it is pretty common
to see people biking around on nice days. The farthest parts that most students visit are Science Hill
up north and the medical school down south, but those are still within walking distance (roughly 10
to 15 minutes). There are also several shuttles that run regularly on weekdays, and those are traceable
with a somewhat-flaky smartphone application. Bikes are effectively rendered useless during the
winter because of the snow, but most colleges have places where you can store bikes during the
winter.
Q: Does anyone actually buy the official linens packs with shower stuff and towels?

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A: We know people who have. Its convenient in that its pre-packaged and ready for you to pick up.
Honestly, though, you could probably get higher-quality materials at a lower price, so if you have the
time and capability to drive off campus, you can pick up some nicer things from elsewhere (IKEA,
Bed Bath & Beyond, and Target are all within range, for example). The Yale Bookstore also sells
linens, towels, and other shower stuff.
Q: Do people use the bulk laundry plans?
A: Yes, but not that many. Its cheaper to do your laundry yourself (and not all that time-consuming),
and if youre at all particular about how you want your clothes to be washed, its safer as well.
Q: What types of laundry plans does Yale offer?
A: There are laundry plans at Yale offered through the ASA: http://www.yale.edu/tuba/agencies/
laundry.html. But for the large part, most people do their own laundry.
Q: I plan to major in mathematics/a math-related field. Any suggestions on what type of
laptop or calculator I should bring?
A: Any laptop should be fine. For calculators, a graphing calculator would be very helpful (if not
absolutely necessary), but what sort of graphing calculator you have shouldnt matter. This will be
useful for some science classes, such as physics, as well. Other science classes, including chemistry,
require scientific calculators.
Q: What phones/phone services/phone plans are good for college life at Yale?
A: Smartphones (especially iPhones) are pretty popular, but of course by no means essential. Most
carriers are pretty decent. In terms of phone plans, especially if youre considering a smartphone,
data plans are not entirely necessary, since there is Wi-Fi everywhere on campus. Often, the Office
of International Students and Scholars will recommend incoming freshmen to use the carrier US
Mobile (http://www.usmobile.com), which has fully customizable plans.

3. Other
Q: Which breaks require students to leave campus? Do most students choose to leave, even
when not required?
A: Youre only required to leave for summer and winter break (although many students stick around
Yale in off-campus housing during summer break to do research, work, or take classes). We would

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say that most students leave campus during Thanksgiving break and spring break, but there are
certainly students who stay, especially if they live farther away. There are often Thanksgiving dinners
hosted by residential colleges for students who remain on campus. Many people stay on campus
during fall break in October since its a fairly short break to travel home, and there are many other
breaks in rapid succession in the fall semester. Fall break is also a good time to head down to NYC
or other close cities for tourism, shopping, or visiting friends.
Q: Where do we move our things when the residences close (for international/cross-country
students)?
A: Youre allowed to leave everything in your rooms over winter break, so you only need to worry
about summer break. Most residential colleges set aside room to store stuff for the summer, but
its not much (on average, 2 or 3 moving boxes). Some of your classmates will be in New Haven
doing research/taking classes over the summer, so you may be able to store stuff with them. Other
students live close enough to campus that their parents are able to drive up and haul stuff back to
their permanent residences, so you may be able to leave communal use items (e.g., a suite couch or
bookshelf) with them. Finally, for a fee, there are off-site storage facilities of YCCs summer storage
program where you can keep your stuff safely locked away for the summer; if you share the space
with a few other people, it can be an affordable option. Colleges will share information about offcampus storage facilities as the end of the year nears.
Q: Where do international students go when residences close and they cant go home?
A: First, keep in mind that the only times when the residences close are winter break and summer
break. Many international students do choose to go home during those times (especially during
summer break) since they dont really have any other time throughout the rest of the year. Lots
of students (both international and domestic) do internships, research, or study abroad during the
summer, so theres a good chance youll be at Yale or abroad (and not at home) anyways. Fellowships
are available to fund summer housing, travel, and other costs. If for any reason you cant go home
during the summer, there are plenty of opportunities at Yale that youll probably want to take
advantage of regardless, and theres money to support it. Since winter break is shorter, fewer
international students go home (though, again, some still do). Some stay in the Omni Hotel (paid
for by Yale). Some stay with suitemates or other friends in America; youre bound to know someone
who lives in the New England area and is willing to house you for a couple weeks.
Q: How do students usually get from Bradley airport in Hartford to Yale?
A: Connecticut Limo is a popular choice (though not always the most reliable) for Yale students,
and they offer discounts for Yale students. Shuttles usually come around once an hour from Bradley
Airport to Phelps Gate.

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#RESIDENTIAL LIFE
1. Internet
Q: Is there wireless internet in the suites?
A: Yes. We actually dont know anyone who uses ethernet (or even if the suites are equipped for
that).
Q: How fast is internet at Yale?
A: Internet at Yale is incredibly fast; you can download files at 1 MB/sec, and you shouldnt have
problems video-chatting or running programs that require consistent high-speed connection. On
occasion, your Wi-Fi connection might be a little spotty, but those are rare cases.
Q: Does Yale block gaming/torrenting connections?
A: Not unless you exploit the system. Keep in mind that torrenting copyrighted files is illegal, and if
youre caught doing it (generally if you torrent a movie or TV show thats recently come out), youll
receive a warning from ITS before they shut your internet down. If you manage to hog up all the
bandwidth, ITS may have a problem with that as well. Generally, though, the internet is pretty much
left up to you to determine what you want to do with it; there arent any blocks or filters that we
know of.

2. Facilities
a. Dorm Rooms
Q: What is the layout of the room freshmen are housed in?
A: That is, unfortunately, completely dependent on where the Yale sorting hat magically places you.
You may share a small room with a roommate and be forced to bunk beds...or you may have a single
completely to yourself. You may have a gargantuan common room with room for multiple couches...
etc., etc. Your room may have a fireplace, in-suite bathroom, elevator access, walk-in closet... or it
may have none of those.
Its probably best to wait until you find out what room youve been assigned before trying to figure
out more about the room layout. Regardless of what room youve been assigned, though, you will
have room for a bed, wardrobe, drawers, and desk (all of which are provided by Yale).

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Q: How high is the bed above the ground? Is there space for storage boxes under the beds?
A: All of the bed frames are adjustable, meaning you should be able to raise your bed high enough
to put storage boxes underneath. You can also purchase bed spacers to raise your bed even higher, if
necessary.
Q: Can you raise your bed up like its a top bunk but then put your desk underneath it?
A: The individual bed frames dont go high enough for you to fit a desk underneath, but sometimes
they will let you use the top bunk of a bunk bed and remove the mattress and metal frame from
the lower bunk so that you can put a desk underneath. Again, it might be best to wait until youve
seen your room before you try to figure out all the details of your room arrangement. (We know its
frustrating, but its a lot of mere speculation if you dont wait!)
Q: What are the mattresses like?
A: Theyre pretty standard spring mattresses nothing special. If you like your mattress particularly
soft, you might want to consider buying a mattress pad. Also, the mattresses are extra-long twinsize mattresses (80 by 36), so if youre buying linens, just make sure they can fit that size.
Q: Are mattress toppers necessary?
A: If youre used to sleeping on super-comfy beds, then maybe, but most people do just fine without
one.
Q: Do people actually use the landlines that Yale provides in the dorm?
A: We have never seen anyone use a landline phone. Cell phones are practically essential.
Q: Is there any way we can find out about the dimensions of our suites or what furnishings
are already there?
A: Since dorm rooms vary dramatically in size, its difficult to make generalizations. The dimensions
may be listed in the letter you received about your residential college; if not, you can try contacting
one of your FroCos, who will probably have a better idea. There are a couple floor plans floating
around this Facebook group (theres definitely one for the first four floors of Bingham), so
those might help give you a sense of the layout of your building, though not necessarily the size
specifications of your room.
In terms of furnishings, each person in the suite is provided with a bed (with mattress), a desk, a

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chair, and a wardrobe. There are also overhead lights in most rooms (but not all), although most
people choose to buy separate lamps. Everything else is up to you to buy, but definitely coordinate
with your suitemates so that youre not buying multiple versions of the same thing.
Q: What things do we need to buy for the suites common room?
A: Youll probably want a sofa/futon/large comfy chair, a fridge, and a microwave at the minimum.
You can rent fridges from the university (http://www.yale.edu/sfas/agencies/refrigerators.html),
either by pre-order before school starts or during move-in, or your suitemates can split the cost of
one from a store. Though not absolutely necessary, a suite printer could be very useful, although
residential colleges, libraries, and Connecticut Hall on Old Campus are equipped with printers/
scanners, etc. that cost about $.10 per sheet in black and white ($.12 if double-sided, $.20 if color).
Many suites also have a coffee table and a couple bookshelves. In terms of other common-use
items, you should consider getting a vacuum cleaner, Swiffer, trash can, and ironing board (and iron).
Wait to see what lighting is like in your rooms before purchasing lamps for your common room.
Q: I dont understand what L-Dub is and why it has a bad reputation. Could you explain?
A: L-Dub is short for Lanman-Wright, one of the residential buildings on Old Campus. Its situated
in the corner just next to the gate on Elm Street and currently houses freshmen in Pierson and
Berkeley (the colleges sometimes change, though). Its bad reputation comes primarily from
the fact that the suites are among the smallest on Old Campus. If youre in L-Dub, though, dont
despair: the rooms are all habitable, the utilities work, the location is central, nice courtyard, and
its definitely a bonding experience for everyone who lives through it. Also, all of L-Dub has been
renovated within the past two years, so its a lot nicer than upperclassmen may say it is.
Q: So freshmen dont live in residential college suites they live in dorms? Why dont
freshmen live with upperclassmen and such?
A: To clarify, any time the word dorm has been used in this Facebook doc (or really in any other
Yale-related context), its still referring to the residential buildings on Yales campus, not the dull,
ugly, fifteen-rooms-lining-a-narrow-hallway typical college dorm you might be imagining. Dorm
is just more convenient to type than residential college suite.
Although youre assigned a residential college in the summer, all freshmen except those in Silliman
and Timothy Dwight live in housing on Old Campus, separate from the residential colleges
themselves (which are for upperclassmen). The reason is largely logistical; the residential colleges
simply dont have enough space to house all of the freshmen. Another benefit is that living on Old
Campus means that youre surrounded by other people in your class, so you have an easier time
meeting people outside of your college. For those in Silliman and TD, the flip side is that living

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in your residential college all four years means that you meet a lot of upperclassmen a lot sooner
and feel truly integrated in your residential college from day one. Both Old Campus housing and
Silliman/TD housing have their advantages, but pretty much everyone is happy with their living
situation in the end.
Q: Are we allowed to nail shelves to the walls in the dorms?
A: Unfortunately not. There are many restrictions on what you can do to the walls. For example, be
careful about what kind of sticky putty you put on the walls, because some types will cause damage
to the walls, and youll have to pay for damages!
Q: Are there screens on the windows of the dorms on Old Campus?
A: Yes, there should be. They might be removable, if you need to remove them for whatever reason
(though you probably shouldnt).

b. Other Facilities
Q: Can students stay on campus during the shorter breaks? If so, what facilities remain
open?
A: The only breaks that students cannot stay on campus (unless through a sanctioned program) are
winter break and summer break. The dorms remain open during all other breaks (fall, Thanksgiving,
spring). However, the dining halls are closed during most of the breaks, so youll be responsible for
your own meals.
Your ID cards do not shut off during the smaller breaks, so youll still be able to access all the
facilities within your residential college. Payne Whitney Gym (which is open to the public) generally
remains open throughout break, except for during an actual holiday (e.g., Thanksgiving).
Q: Where can I hand-wash and hang-dry my clothes? What about dry cleaning?
A: Hand-washing is a little tricky since the laundry rooms are pretty much intended for washing
machines/dryers, but its still possible; we think theres a sink in Farnham (one of the two laundry
rooms on Old Campus, where freshmen live), so we assume theres one in Bingham (the other
laundry room on Old Campus). We suppose you can always wash your clothes in the bathroom sink.
Hang-drying is also difficult because there isnt much space to do it. Youll have to try to make space
in your room for drying racks/hangers, etc.

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Theres a dry cleaning place on Broadway thats close to Old Campus, so you can always get your dry
cleaning done there.
Personally, we just separate our clothes into whites and non-whites and use the laundry room
facilities. For clothes that youre particularly careful about, you can hang-dry them in your room by
draping them over some hangers and hanging them in your wardrobe.
Q: Are the small gyms, libraries, and other facilities in the residential colleges open 24/7?
A: Facilities like gyms, libraries, and small music rooms are open 24/7, so indulge in all the latenight workout/study/practice sessions you want. Certain larger spaces like dance studios, recording
studios, art studios, pottery studios, kitchens, and galleries may require you to have a reservation
before you can use the space. The butteries of residential colleges (places to get burgers, eggs,
quesadillas, and other quick fixings) are open most weeknights from roughly 11 to 1 (it varies from
college to college).
Q: What is the nearest weight lifting gym to L-Dub? And how close is Payne Whitney?
A: You should be able to do weight lifting in any of the residential colleges, but youll need a friend
to swipe you into facilities in a college thats not your own. If youre particularly intense about
weight lifting, you might want to go ahead and just go to Payne Whitney, since the facilities are
more extensive; its only a couple blocks away from Old Campus (near Morse and Stiles residential
colleges).
Q: Is there a rock climbing wall/gym on or near campus?
A: There isnt one on campus. Rock climbers go to a private gym called City Climb which is about
a mile away, to which it is easy to walk or bike. Since its private, you have to pay a $45 membership
fee per month. There is a nicer, larger gym called Carabiners in Farfield, CT, and people from the
climbing team occasionally take a train there.
Q: Can non-art majors use the art rooms and supplies (for free or for a low fee)?
A: Many (if not all) of the residential colleges have art rooms that are free to use; at most, you just
have to sign up for a time slot to use them.
Supplies, though, are pretty much up to you. Hulls Art Supply store is very close to campus, if
youre in need of anything.
Q: What specific features of each of the residential colleges are exclusive or open to the rest

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of the colleges (e.g., parties, events, gyms, libraries, etc.)?
A: Most facilities are open to all students, but you wont have key card access to anything that is not
within your residential college. If youre in Berkeley but want to use the library or gym in Davenport,
youre certainly allowed to do so, but youll need someone else to let you in. Some facilities (kitchens,
art studios, recording studios, dance studios, etc.) require a reservation time; in these cases, you will
probably have to stop by the Masters office of the respective residential college and make sure the
time you would like to reserve is available.
Most parties and events sponsored by a college are open to the entire undergraduate community (e.g.
Piersons Inferno, Branfords Crushes and Chaperones), although certain ones are limited to students
in the residential college and their guests (e.g., any colleges Screw, JEs Spiderball, Calhouns Trolley
Night). Study breaks (i.e. evening catered food events) are often residential college-only, although if
youre stealthy and sneak in with a friend, usually no one will notice.
Q: For doing laundry on Old Campus: if were living in a building without laundry facilities,
how do we get access to the laundry rooms in the Bingham/Farnham basements?
A: Everyone has access to the basements of Bingham and Farnam where the laundry machines are
located, and your cards should let you in.
Q: What are the bathrooms like? Are they cleaned by the custodial staff ?
A: Generally, bathrooms are either shared by one suite, or shared by a floor of an entryway.
Bathrooms shared by just one suite generally have one toilet and one shower, while those shared by
multiple suites have two showers and two toilets.
Out-of-suite bathrooms (bathrooms that open into the entryway) are cleaned by custodial staff.
In-suite bathrooms (bathrooms that are accessible only through your suite) are not cleaned by
custodial staff, so youll have to divide up the work in cleaning it!

3. Dress
Q: How big are your wardrobes?
A: Wardrobes vary from college to college, so its difficult to say, but theyre usually enough to fit
most of your clothes as long as you keep your hefty winter gear packed away and make use of
available additional bureaus and possibly invest in bins that you can keep in the space under your

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bed. Some rooms have closets as well, and those vary in size tremendously.
Q: What kind of clothes do girls (and guys) usually wear? (AKA style advice?)
A1: There isnt typically a lot of storage room, so if you live far from campus (AKA cross-country
or international), make sure to buy durable clothes that you can LAYER. Cute, solid colored basic
cardigans, tees, tights, and skirts can be mixed and matched in different ways for any season.
You really only need 12 formal outfits for the annual freshman dinner and any formal parties. The
streets of New Haven are often cobblestone, so wear heels at your own risk. Most girls wear cute
flats during the spring/fall and transition to stylish boots in the winter. If youre in the science/
premed realm, the walk up Science Hill can be brutal if you dont wear comfortable shoes. Also,
in lab you are required to wear pants and advised to wear clothes that you dont particularly care
about (just in case theres a chemical spill, etc.). As a freshman, you get a LOT of free t-shirts from
random events on campus. Wear your Yale gear with pride! If youre international and cant bring
too many clothes, make sure you sign up or share a PO mailbox with a suitemate... ordering clothes/
schoolbooks/random supplies online is quick and easy (Amazon.com, Forever21.com, Target.com,
are frequently visited sites by most students, etc.) The peer liaisons also sponsor mall trips for your
shopping needs, including one in the fall when it starts to get cold and you need to buy warmer
clothing. :)
- Ysabel, Stiles/Silliman AACC PL 2013-2014
A2: On campus, we have stores like J. Crew, Jack Wills, Gant, Urban Outfitters, and American
Apparel. There is also a mall that is a 30 minute1 hour bus ride away. Yalies dont like to be limited
to any one style, so feel free to mix and match!
A3: Sweaters! Lots of sweaters. Especially during the fall and the winter.
Q: Best place to get a cheap haircut?
A: The names of these establishments are somewhat confusing (three of them are called some
variation of Phils Barber Shop), so its easiest to describe them by location. These places generally
run $17, plus tip, for a mens haircut.
The one on Wall Street by Blue State Caf has a couple of Italian barbers. English is not their
greatest strength; be careful in specifying how short you want your hair cut. The place has the feel
of a traditional barbershop. Reviews on Google and Yelp indicate that the haircuts are mediocre to
decent.
The one on Broadway above Gourmet Heaven has one middle-aged Taiwanese lady named Julie

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(who I think does the majority of the haircuts) as well as some American staff. Again, English is not
a forte (at least for Julie), but the reviews indicate a good to great deal for the price. Color treatments
are apparently quite good here.
Another place on Orange is owned by the same people who own the Broadway shop mentioned
above (incidentally, theyre relatives of Julie), but the quality is supposed to be better. It seems to
be less well known to Yale students, probably because its farther from the center of campus. Were
under the impression that the clientele is predominantly Taiwanese and Chinese, so Asians might
fare particularly well here.
Q: Are there any good hair salons in New Haven where I can chemically straighten my hair?
A: Some of the nicer hair salons around Yale are Jo Bruno (on Whitney), Rimage (on Chapel), and
Details (also on Chapel).
Q: Do most people carry backpacks around campus, or are bags more popular?
A1: From personal experience, Id say backpacks are the most common type of luggage that people
carry around, although bags arent uncommon either.
A2: Large totes are also not uncommon, especially for girls.

4. Roommates and Suitemates

Q: Do you change in front of your roomies?
A: Everyone has a different comfort level, so make sure to talk these habits through with your
suitemates! If you do happen to have a roommate and are uncomfortable changing around them,
bathroom stalls are private spaces you can use!
Q: Where do you sleep when youre sexiled? Does it even happen?
A1: This will depend on a number of things.
First, it will depend on whether youre in a double or not. If youre in a single, you should have no
problem. If youre in a double, chances are, youll get sexiled depending on how sexually active your
roommate is.
If youre ever sexiled, most people sleep on a futon in the common room, or go to someone elses

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suite for the night.
More important is how you communicate this with your roommate. Make sure you have a system
of letting each other know when you need to use the bedroom (walking in on your roommate while
he or she is busy is not a good idea), whether its by text or some code something hung on the
door, for example. Make sure youre open about this.
Also, if your roommate is constantly sexiling you, make sure to speak up, even if you may be a bit
embarrassed about bringing up these topics. Its your bedroom, too.
Above all, the important thing is this be open about these things with your roommate to facilitate
understanding from the beginning.
A2: Being sexiled is one of the many experiences you might encounter while living with a roommate;
it doesnt happen to everyone, but it happens to enough people that you shouldnt feel your situation
is unique or out of the ordinary, should it happen to you.
Communication is key, and you may not want to wait until your first night sleeping on the couch
before bringing the issue up with your roommate. Talk to your roommate as soon as you feel
comfortable bringing it up, and dont worry lots of people feel a little awkward talking about
sexiling, but its a completely understandable concern, so your roommate should be fine with it.
On the flip side, if youre the one sexiling your roommate, please be mindful of his or her situation.
Often, its easier for you to broach the topic in the first place, so take the initiative; youll make
everyone feel more comfortable with the situation. And, of course, if you know that youll be
bringing someone home for the night, try to let your roommate know as early as possible.
Youll have several resources (PLs, FroCos, etc.) to talk to about more private concerns like this, so
if youve tried to work things out with your roommate but cant, were always here to help you sort
things out!
Q: Is there any way to move out if you have major problems with your roommate?
A: The residential college system strongly, strongly discourages people from switching roommates.
Part of the premise of randomly assigning you to a college with suitemates from all over the world is
to encourage diversity, and youre bound to (and indeed expected to) meet and live with people who
come from very different backgrounds and lifestyles. Sometimes, that trickles down to differences
in the somewhat more mundane aspects of living habits (preferred bedtimes, levels of cleanliness,
noise levels, etc.). For the most part, youre expected to work through those problems yourselves,
though your FroCos, PLs, and academic deans are certainly there to help make the process easier.

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If it really is impossible to work through those problems (again, were talking about major problems
only), you can talk to your dean, who might be able to work out an alternative living arrangement.

5. Safety
Q: How is safety at Yale and in New Haven?
A: Theres a door-to-door shuttle that operates at night; you just call it up and it will come pick you
up and drop you off wherever you are. Honestly, though, weve never felt unsafe while at Yale. If
you walk with a friend and use common sense, youll almost definitely be fine.
Q: What time does it normally get dark up in New England?
A: That varies widely, depending on the time of year. Today, the sun set at 8:10 pm; in January, it will
set at around 4:45 pm. In any case, if youre concerned about walking outside when its dark, you
can always walk with a friend or call the nighttime door-to-door shuttle service, which operates from
6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. every day.
Q: Does the nighttime shuttle only operate within the Yale campus?
A: The door-to-door nighttime shuttle operates within campus boundaries. Separate nighttime
shuttles that operate on designated routes go slightly beyond campus boundaries, including to Union
Station, New Havens train station. If you need to, you can request an off-route pick-up/drop-off, or
you can call for a walking escort (both of these, of course, are limited to a reasonable distance).

6. Money
Q: How much money did you spend your freshman year on stuff around campus?
A: Textbooks alone can cost you a good few hundred bucks (theyre roughly $100 each, but not
every class requires textbooks). If you dont want to pay sticker price at the bookstore, you can
usually find better deals on the Textbook Exchange or Free and For Sale Facebook pages, or
through Amazon.
If your suite decides to pitch in and split the costs for furniture (sofa, coffee table, bookshelf, etc.)
and other items (fridge, microwave, printer, etc.), youll be spending a couple hundred bucks there.
If you choose to eat out from time to time or to order pizza/Wenzels/Ivy Noodle/etc., expect to
spend another couple hundred bucks; how much exactly of course depends on your eating habits.

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Most events on campus that charge admissions fees (dances, YSO concerts, Toads, etc.) are $5 or
less. $1000 should be more than enough to cover everything I mentioned above (youll likely spend
$200$400 less). If you choose to go on a major shopping spree in New York, of course, that will
be a different story.
Q: Do any students open their own bank accounts with local banks in New Haven in order
to have more ready access to their money and/or avoid ATM surcharges? If so, how does
that process generally work?
A: There are a couple major banks with ATMs on or near campus (Chase, Bank of America, TD),
so it may not be necessary to open a new account. If you arent currently with one of those banks
and would like to avoid ATM surcharges and facilitate other banking transactions, you may consider
starting an account with one of them. Bank of America, in particular, has ATMs in convenient
locations around campus, including Bass Library and Durfees. For international students, your OIS
counselors will help you set up a bank account. But even if you dont do OIS, there will definitely
be down time during Camp Yale for you to set things up.
Q: Does it make sense to enroll in the Yale Payment Plan if youre paying very little to go to
Yale? Do most people use it?
A: Frankly, you know your financial situation best, so youll have to decide for yourself whether or
not its necessary. YPP is intended to help out families that may not be able to pay each semesters
worth of expected family contribution at one time (think of down payments on a car, or mortgage
on a house, for example). If it would help your family out a lot, go for it; on the other hand, if your
financial aid package has been very generous and your family is confident in being able to pay the
term bills in full, dont sign up for YPP and save yourself the $100 enrollment fee.
Q: According to Yales website, we are allowed to use up to $2,500 in outside scholarship
money for buying a new laptop. How exactly does this process work? Are we notified of
how much our scholarships exceed unmet need/work study/summer contribution?
A: Outside merit scholarships normally are used to cover the self-help (i.e., term-time job) and
student income contribution (i.e., summer savings) portions of your financial aid package. My
understanding is that if the outside scholarship specifically allows you to use part of the money to
buy a new laptop, you can choose that option and then use any remaining money to cover self-help
and SIC. To be sure, you should verify both with the outside scholarship and with Yales Financial
Services office. This coming year, the self-help component for freshmen is $2,850 and the SIC is
$1,625, so if you know the total amount of your outside scholarship, you should be able to calculate
the difference.

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7. Other
Q: What is the policy on overnight guests in the dorms?
A: This is taken from the housing section of the Undergraduate Regulations (http://yalecollege.yale.
edu/campus-life/undergraduate-regulations): Students living in the dormitories may have guests for
brief visits, but not for more than a few days. Roommates who feel inconvenienced by the presence
of others guests should discuss the matter with their master or dean. No guest may be in residence
during vacation periods or at any other time if a host is not present. Students are responsible for
the behavior of their guests at all times; guests may not use common areas of a college unless their
hosts are present.
Brief visits is somewhat vaguely defined, but as a ballpark figure, about a week should be fine as
long as your guest isnt inconveniencing your suitemates. As a courtesy, be sure to let your suitemates
know as soon as possible. Also keep in mind that your guest will have trouble getting around campus
without an ID card, so youll need to accompany him or her most of the time.
Q: Are there any mnemonic devices or shortcuts for learning all the building abbreviations
(particularly for the 12 residential colleges)?
A: Not that we know of, but youd be surprised how quickly you pick them up. The residential
college abbreviations are:
BK (Berkeley); BR (Branford); CC (Calhoun); DC (Davenport); ES (Ezra Stiles); JE (Jonathan
Edwards); MC (Morse); PC (Pierson); SM (Silliman); SY (Saybrook); TC (Trumbull); TD (Timothy
Dwight)
Some buildings that are almost exclusively referred to by their abbreviations include
LC (Linsly-Chittenden Hall), WLH (William L. Harkness Hall), SSS (Sheffield Sterling Strathcona),
KBT (Kline Biology Tower), HGS (Hall of Graduate Studies)
You will inevitably run into more building abbreviations during your time at Yale, but you can always
check the full list (http://www.yale.edu/sis/building.codes.html) if youre ever unsure.
Q: Im covered by my parents healthcare coverage, and Im considering whether to waive
Yales coverage or not. Do plenty of students who already have coverage submit a waiver?
A: As a Yale student, you are automatically enrolled in the basic healthcare plan, which provides

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services like acute care, mental health counseling, laboratory services (testing), and physical exams at
no cost. If your parents healthcare plan covers hospitalization and specialty care, you can certainly
waive Yales Hospitalization/Specialty Care plan (I imagine that most eligible students do, as I see no
reason not to). If your family does not have an external healthcare plan, however, you are required
by the University to obtain hospitalization/specialty care coverage, generally through Yales plan.
Note that if you do not waive hospitalization/specialty care coverage by the appropriate deadline
(September 15 for fall/full year), you will automatically be enrolled.
Q: Can students of one residential college attend the College Tea of another residential
college? And how do we get notice that a College Tea is going on / taking place at a
specific time and date?
A: Yes, generally, College Teas (formerly Masters Teas) are open to all Yale students, although space
is sometimes limited, so make sure you RSVP if requested! Preference may be given to certain
groups, however, especially for events such as post-Tea dinners with the speaker. Generally, most
people find out about Teas by word of mouth, Facebook, through the numerous flyers on campus,
and through Yale College Council (YCC) newsletters, which list all College Teas. Usually Teas are
well-advertised, so make sure to check on the boards on campus (there are a couple on Old Campus,
for example) for the latest news!
Q: How easy is it to switch residential colleges? How many students typically do this, and
are there any negative social repercussions for doing so?
A: The process to switch residential colleges isnt too difficult, but you have to first find a group
of people in the desired college who agree to be your suitemates. This is by contract; you cant
change your suitemates later on. Youll have to meet a couple times with the dean (and head of
college, I believe) of the college youre switching into and the college you were originally assigned
to, and theres some paperwork to fill out, but thats about it. If there are enough spots open in the
residential college (by students moving off campus or switching into other residential colleges),
you should be able to switch. Note also that switching residential colleges only happens between
academic years, though starting the process of meeting with deans and doing the paperwork
happens some time during spring semester.
There arent many people who choose to switch residential colleges, since the system works out
really well and most students find other people in their college who theyd be happy to live with;
per college, maybe five people will transfer in or out. Presumably youre switching colleges because
you connect a lot better with several people in a different college, so you wont really face any social
repercussions; the people youre moving in with will be glad to have you, and your classmates from
your original college will understand.

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Q: How often do freshmen meet with their FroCos?

Besides the mandatory FroCo meetings, the amount of time you want to spend with your FroCo
really depends on you - some freshmen befriend their FroCo and hang out with them on a regular
basis, some prefer to keep their FroCo only as a source for advice, and some rarely talk to their
FroCos outside of the mandatory meetings.

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#SOCIAL LIFE
1. Parties
Q: Whats the party scene like at Yale?
A1: Theres a lot available, depending on what youre into. On weekends, frats and sororities hold
parties pretty regularly, as do party suites like God Quad in Branford and 12-Pack in Saybrook.
Many of the residential colleges hold large, campus-wide dance parties every year (Piersons
Inferno, Branfords Crushes and Chaperones) that regularly attract hundreds of people. Lots of
undergraduate organizations host their own parties, and students often hold birthday parties or pregames in their own suites.
Many people drink, but not everyone does, so dont feel pressured to if youre not comfortable.
Parties can range from low-key gatherings to hardcore ragers, so stick with friends throughout the
night and know your limits.
A2: Dont forget about Toads Yales notorious neighboring dance club! Its a little grimy, but
sometimes its the only place to go for loud dance music to end your night; they say that all
roads lead to Toads. Its open on Wednesdays exclusively to Yale students and on Saturdays for
Yalies as well as students from Quinnipiac, whom youll learn to love to hate. Toads also throws
special parties (foam party, highlighter party) throughout the year, sometimes in conjunction with
undergraduate groups as a fundraiser.
Q: Do people get really dressed up for parties?
A: A couple major events throughout the year (Freshman Screw, for example) are semi-formal, so
most people wear suits (or at least dress shirts/slacks) and dresses. Frat and sorority events may also
require you to dress up nicely. Most other parties are pretty casual, so you can wear whatever you
want, but a lot of people still make an effort to look nice and so will wear a nice shirt or dress.
Costume parties (especially around Halloween) are also a big thing, but most people improvise with
things they already own or go costume-hunting at local thrift shops (youll be impressed with how
creative some people can get). If youre interested in highlighter or foam parties, keep a couple white
undershirts handy!
Q: When is Freshman Screw?

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A: Typically sometime in late January or early February. Youll definitely hear more about it as the
date approaches!

2. Greek Life
Q: Whats Greek life like at Yale? Is it necessary to join a fraternity/sorority to enjoy the
party scene?
A1: The Greek scene at Yale is, for the most part, smaller and tamer than what one would find at
most large state schools. However, it still plays a significant role in the campus community and the
lives of the many people who actively participate in Greek life. There are (sorry if I forget any)
7 frats and 4 sororities. Some of the frats tend to attract the same kind of people (for example,
lacrosse bros at ADPhi and Jewish students at AEPi), but all of them welcome anyone who wants
to rush. The frats and sororities also differ to some degree regarding the level of commitment/
participation expected. If you are interested in joining a Greek organization, I recommend talking
to people in each frat/sorority and attending rush events to get a feel for each organization before
deciding which one fits well with you and what kind of experience you want.
A2: Im not part of Greek life at Yale, and to me, it doesnt make much of a difference. Greek life
is still a visible presence on campus, and I go to their events from time to time, but Ive never felt
compelled to join in order to have a good time at parties. There are certainly stereotypes associated
with the different frats/sororities, but I do think theres a good amount of diversity, so take the time
to feel them out if youre interested.
Q: What are the reputations of/stereotypes associated with each of the frats/sororities?
A: As the above answer alludes to, some frats/sororities tend to attract specific types of students,
and the reputations/stereotypes develop from there. Its probably best for you to wait and see for
yourself what theyre like to form your own opinions; remember, of course, that Greek life at Yale is
open to diversity, so rushing is open to all.

3. Personal Relationships
Q: Relationships or random hookups?
A: Theres definitely both. Some people think that Yales culture of always being active and never
wanting to be tied down is more conducive to one-night stands than to committed relationships, but
we know quite a few couples who have stayed together for a while.

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Long-distance relationships in particular are often prone to fall apart quickly, and thats largely
because people grow and mature in unexpected ways when theyre separated for a while. But we all
have at least one friend whos stayed with their partner from home for a long period of time, so if
youre determined to do it, its definitely possible (and kudos to you!).
Ultimately, just be aware that people are looking for different things in terms of their romantic lives
and that people are liable to change their attitudes toward relationships and hookups over time.
Some people start off excited about the prospect of going home with someone new every weekend
and eventually lose interest or settle down; others coming out of a long-term relationship may be
reluctant at first but gradually become more open to the idea of meeting other people. You may
stumble a few times (or a lot) before you find out what feels right to you, but youll get there in the
end.
Q: What do people in a relationship do for Freshman Screw?
A: Some people are fortunate enough to have their significant other attend Yale or live close enough
nearby to drop in for Freshman Screw; in those cases, they often go together. If youre in a longdistance relationship but would still like to go to the dance, you can ask your suitemates to set you
up with a friend. You can also just go stag and hang out with friends who are going with friends as
well.
Remember that communication is really helpful, so whether or not you plan to attend Screw, let your
suitemates know ahead of time so there are no surprises and they can look for a date if you need
one.
Q: Any advice for extremely long-distance relationships?
A: Skype when you can, and Skype often, but never so much that it interferes with your life at Yale.
Some time after youve settled in, take a moment to count the number of hours per week youve
spent talking with your significant other instead of doing something else at Yale. If youve forgone
too many opportunities because youre constantly video-chatting (or, conversely, if you never feel
satisfied with the amount of time you spend together), fix it.
If you cant Skype, make a phone call. If you cant make a phone call, send emails or texts or oldfashioned letters. If you cant do any of that, your relationship may be short-lived. Communication
is key.
Understand that everyone is different when it comes to relationships, and that there will be just as
many people who think your relationship will end before the months over as there will be people
who swear it will last throughout college and beyond. Stick to your guts, but keep in mind what your

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closest friends say; sometimes they see things that you dont.
Finally, realize that people (including yourself) can and will change. You cant always cling to things
of the past, but you can adjust accordingly to the present. If your relationship takes unexpected
turns, persevere but be prepared to let go. Life consists of more than one path.
Q: Generally speaking, do you think you become closer friends with classmates or
suitemates?
A: A lot of it depends on luck sometimes youll be incredibly fortunate and be assigned to
suitemates you get along really well with, and sometimes you wont but since youll likely see
your suitemates a lot more often than you see your classmates, a lot of social interaction happens
within the suite. Even if you arent particularly close to your suitemates, youre sure to make friends
within your residential college. Living, eating, and working in the same place together fosters a lot of
friendships, some with people you wouldnt necessarily be friends with otherwise.
Unlike in high school, it may be difficult to get to know people in large lecture classes simply
because the class size is so big; you certainly wont know the names of everyone in your class, for
example. However, sections and seminars, which are generally much smaller, can be a good way to
meet people who likely share your interests. If you work in study groups, youre also bound to meet
some people who will later become good friends.

4. LGBTQ
Q: Whats the LGBTQ scene like at Yale?
A1: Hi! Im Winnie, a Yale graduate from 2014 in Pierson College and was an AACC Peer Liaison
for the 20132014 school year! The LGBTQ scene at Yale is freaking awesome. Ill try my best
to be somewhat comprehensive but for more detailed information shoot any of the current PLs
a message or email and they can hook you up with one of the LGBTQ Peer Liaisons. Theres a
reason why sayings like one in four maybe more exist at our school. (In fact most of Yale women,
including myself, have resigned themselves to the fact that at some point during your four years
youll be crushing on a gay guy and youll be sad.) The LGBTQ community is extremely warm and
welcoming and most of the student body is very open minded and accepting so you dont have to
worry about being discriminated against or treated unfairly. There is an LGBTQ center which is very
active all year round and during times of school wide formals (Screws) they do a lot to help set
blind dates for those who identify as LGBTQ. Lots of mixers, lots of club activities. This may sound
like Im stereotyping but in general, the gay men are more visible and active on campus whereas the
gay women are more underground and harder to spot. Like I said, I may be stereotyping but Ive

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found this to be true in most cities, even in Beijing.
Additionally, the LGBTQ center has their own PLs, who provide guidance regarding these issues.
A2: If you have more specific questions about the LGBTQ scene, feel free to message any of the
PLs! Not only can we connect you to helpful resources like the LGBTQ center, but some of us (not
just the ones affiliated with the LGBTQ center) are queer as well, and wed be happy to talk to you.
Everything is kept confidential, so feel comfortable asking whatever you want!

5. Alcohol and Drugs

Q: How much is drinking part of the social scene?
A: Many people do drink, but its not universal, and we do have friends who dont drink but still
have an incredible time at parties (and not just the tamer ones, either). Do what makes you feel
comfortable and never feel pressured to do something youre not at all willing to do. Most Yalies are
really respectful of your personal choices. Whether or not you choose to drink, you should still be
prepared to run into some people who are pretty drunk; it is college, after all.
Q: How strict are places such as Toads and Bar about drinking age?
A: Toads and Bar will both card you. If youre under 21, you wont be allowed to drink and will have
to pay $5 cover at Toads; you wont be allowed to enter Bar at all. Parties at other venues (Elevate,
Thali Too, etc.) will allow you to enter if youre over 18 but wont allow you to access their bars.
Q: Ive heard the Ivies can be really intense with study-drugs, and things like cocaine. Is
this true? What about things like marijuana?
A: There are students who use marijuana and a significantly smaller population that uses studydrugs (were assuming you mean something like Adderall) and harder drugs like cocaine, but
intense drug use certainly is not a defining characteristic of Yale. Most drug use that does happen
is infrequent and recreational, and many students have never used any drugs at all. As you can
probably imagine, drug use is largely dependent on the people you associate with, so you have
control over whether or not it affects your life.
Q: How lenient (or strict) is Yale when it comes to underage drinking? Does campus
security actively seek to bust students for drinking?
A: Campus security (affiliated with Yale) is pretty lenient, whereas the police (affiliated with New
Haven) are not so much. Its an important distinction.

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If campus security sees you walking outside with a red Solo cup, youll be asked to pour the contents
of your cup out and may also be escorted home. You will not, however, automatically be arrested or
anything like that; Yale Security doesnt have the authority to do that. Campus security also normally
wont break up a party (especially on campus) unless its exceptionally loud or theres a complaint.
The objective of campus security is to ensure student safety, not to scope out instances of underage
drinking.
When New Haven Police gets involved (in instances such as breaking up a fight or breaking up a
party when the neighbors have called), legal action will be taken, and arrests can be (and have been)
issued. The police, operating on behalf of the law, are much less forgiving to Yale students.
Run-ins with campus security may get you a talk with your residential college dean (especially if
theyre frequent), and run-ins with New Haven Police certainly will. You may be issued a warning
or be asked to attend some counseling sessions, but in severe cases, you may face the Executive
Committee and be up for suspension or expulsion.
Every official that is associated with Yale (security, police, deans, masters, etc.) is wholly cognizant
of the fact that underage drinking does and will occur on campus, and for the most part, stuff that
happens rather discreetly is tolerated. However, if you give reason for external involvement to be
necessary, it will happen, and you should be prepared for the consequences. As a rule of thumb,
however, the university treats health issues as a consequence of alcohol as a medical issue rather than
a disciplinary one. That means that if you or your friends ever need immediate medical attention, do
not hesitate to tell a FroCo or someone else who can help you get the help you need. There will be
no punitive consequences to your reporting such an incident, because the university cares for your
health more so than getting you busted.

6. Other
Q: Is it true there are almost no fat people at Yale?
A: Of course not! We are a campus that embraces all body types, just as we embrace a full spectrum
of races, religions, and sexual orientations. Diversity is something that Yale really strives to bring to
its community, and that translates into physical appearances as well.
Q: How does the Harvard rivalry play out?
A: The rivalry is definitely most prominent during the annual Yale-Harvard football game, known
more commonly as The Game; the day before and the day of, students are overflowing with school
spirit. If you havent seen the classic Yale-Harvard prank (http://www.harvardsucks.org), you should

80
definitely check it out just one more reason to be proud of our school!
In practice, the Yale-Harvard rivalry doesnt play out much from day to day. Unless youre involved
in athletics or other organizations that regularly compete within the Ivy League, there really isnt
much contact with Harvard, so its not at the forefront of anyones mind. People may make passing
comments about something being typically Harvard or the like, but again, theyre pretty rare. Its
more of tradition than anything else that we maintain a rivalry with Harvard, and for the most
part, we get along just fine.
Q: What are some of Yales most notable traditions?
A: Naked runs through Bass Cafe, The Game, a cappella tap night, Morys, Spring Fling, Woads
(Wednesdsay night Toads)... its probably best for you to experience them yourself! A lot of
residential colleges have their own traditions, too those are for you to discover as well!
Q: What sorts of things do Yale students do for fun off campus around New Haven?
A: There are quite a few restaurants at various price points just off campus, as well as a movie
theater. Toads is a notoriously famous Saturday night destination, although thats practically a part
of campus. Older students sometimes go to bars in the city. In truth, Yale students tend to stay
around campus since theres always something going on, although there are all sorts of quirky places
to go around New Haven.
Q: Do you ever find it necessary to travel to a big nearby city like Boston or New York once
in a while to do something different?
A: New York is a popular destination for a weekend, especially for people whove never been. We
dont usually hear of people going on trips to Boston unless they happen to live there.
In spite of everything Yale has to offer, it can be nice to get away once in a while. Some people take
weekend trips to the coast or to go skiing, etc. Depending on how adventurous you are, youll find
a good balance between having fun on campus and occasionally breaking outside the New Haven
bubble.
Q: Can you tell us more about secret societies?
A: The Big Three secret societies (Skull and Bones, Scroll and Key, and Wolf s Head) are still
around, but plenty of other secret societies have sprouted within the last few decades. Most societies
have between 12 to 15 seniors, and they meet on Thursday and Sunday nights. Generally, societies
just offer an opportunity to meet a small group of other seniors; its another facet of social life at
Yale.

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The societies themselves have become somewhat less secretive; in recent years, the Rumpus, a
Yale student-run tabloid, has published lists of the new taps for the Big Three. There are a number
of op-ed pieces available online (on the Yale Daily News and the Yale Herald, for example) if youre
curious.
Q: Do most incoming freshman fill out the optional form to request a peer liaison? Whats
the difference between being paired with a PL and not will you still be able to have access
to them/request one once you get on campus?
A: Some cultural centers (like the AACC) will automatically assign PLs to anyone who has marked
affiliation with them on their admissions applications forms. Besides that, while many incoming
freshmen fill out the optional form to request a peer liaison, some dont (or simply forget!) as well.
In fact, some freshmen who have never formally requested a peer liaison come to us for support,
and were always more than happy to help everyone, regardless of whether theyve signed up or
not. Filling out the form just allows us to get in touch early with you in case you have any questions
over the summer, and allows us to keep in touch with you throughout the school year as well. It
also automatically puts you on our email list, which we use to send out emails about upcoming
events and opportunities at Yale. Its never too late to sign up for a PL, and many even do so once
the school year starts. We hold many events and activities over the school year, but theyre never
exclusive again, even someone who hasnt signed up for a PL is welcome to join these events!
Q: Do most people get fake IDs?
A: We cant say whether its most people, but yes, some people have them. Yale has recently been
more outspoken in its intolerance for fake IDs (possession and use of one will result in a hearing
with the Executive Committee, with the possible consequence of suspension or expulsion), so
please do keep that in mind.
Q: Could you explain what Sex Week, naked parties, and Freshman Screw are?
A: Sex Week used to occur bi-annually (there hasnt been one for a few years) and entails a weeks
worth of events (guest speakers, discussions, performances, etc.). The nature of these events varies
widely, from educational (e.g. a discussion on body image or sexuality) to creative (e.g. a workshop
on erotic poetry) to performance (e.g. a stand-up comics routine). Attendance at these events is, of
course, completely optional, so while some events have substantial mass appeal, others cater to a
more specific niche.
Naked parties are usually hosted by the Pundits (who also organize the naked runs in Bass Library
during Reading Week). Many are invite-only, with roughly 50 people in attendance. As the name
implies, attendees are expected to be naked, though in many other aspects, naked parties are much

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the same as more typical parties in terms of socializing and drinking.
Freshman Screw is the annual freshman dance. Its semi-formal and held in Commons. Freshmen
set their suitemates up with dates for the night; sometimes the suitemate will have specific people in
mind, and other times, he or she will be paired with someone random, potentially screwing him or
her over (hence the name). The dance is attended by the majority of the freshman class, and most
people go with dates, but you of course can choose to go stag, with friends, or not at all. Theres
generally quite a bit of excitement leading up to the dance (especially with the frenzy of finding lastminute dates), but the event itself tends to be a pretty casual affair for most people.
Q: Along with Freshman Screw, etc., what other Yale-sanctioned events/celebrations are
held annually or biannually?
A: Some major ones include Harvard-Yale football game, Spring Fling, Inferno (Halloween dance),
Crushes & Chaperones (90s-themed dance), Trolley Night (wear red if youre taken, green if youre
available and ready to mingle, and yellow if youre somewhere in between). Individual colleges also
host their own screws, which also involve blind dates and are open to people outside the college.
Most of these are sponsored by Yale College Council or a residential college.
Q: When the annual Harvard-Yale football game is at Harvard, what do Yalies who want to
attend do?
A: We invade Cambridge, of course! We go to Cambridge by bus (transportation is organized) the
day before the game and teach Harvardians how to have a good time. Each colleges at Yale has a
sister house at Harvard, so each of the houses at Harvard offers a place to stay for students in each
of the colleges. Other Yalies crash at dorms of their own Harvard friends.
Q: What are the major social events at Yale and what are they like?
A: There are many different social events at Yale, so its hard to generalize. Some of the social events
at Yale include dances (Freshman Screw, etc.), but there are others, such as the Harvard-Yale football
game, so theres something for everyone. Yalies typically dont rely on large, organized social events
to have fun, though. Many people choose to go to smaller parties in friends suites or hosted by
student organizations on the weekends.
Q: Are Yalies promiscuous?
A: Again, like many questions, it really depends on the person. Its easy to think that all Yalies are
heavy partiers or that theyre all promiscuous, since these are the types of people are the most social
and visible on campus. But remember that there are people of every type on campus!

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#OTHER
Q: I noticed on the SIS that we can choose to opt out of the Student Activities Fee. Are there
any repercussions for doing so?
A: Nope, but that money does go to funding activities. Keep in mind, this year will actually be the
first year that the Student Activities Fee is covered by financial aid!
Q: What is the easiest way to get from Yale to Cornell (my partner goes to school there)?
A: The easiest way would be to go from New Haven (Union Station) to New York City (Penn Station) by train. From there, you can take another train such as Amtrak from Penn Station to Syracuse. Note that its a trip that will take the whole day if you leave in the morning, youll get there
around the evening!
Q: Why are the tiles in the plaza surrounding the Beinecke Library whiter in the center than
around the edges?
Ive heard that its because the tiles are heated to maintain a certain temperature, and the difference
in temperature fluctuations (in conjunction with the different evaporation rates of rain and snow on
the tiles) causes discoloration over time.
Q: Is there a campus-wide used-goods sale before the school year starts?
A: Not really as would be expected, they happen towards the end of the school year. The people
who are willing to sell goods are usually those who stayed in New Haven over the summer and need
to get rid of furniture and stuff. Even so, I dont think theres anything organized. If youre looking
to buy used furniture or textbooks at the beginning of the year, check out the Free and For Sale
and Textbook Exchange Facebook groups theyll be flooded with people looking to sell their
things.
Q: Is it normal to feel overwhelmed/anxious at all the things we have to think about for
college?
A: Of course! The first year of college is completely new to everyone, and Id be skeptical if you
werent at least a little overwhelmed/anxious. Thats also why there are so many great resources available to freshmen: FroCos, PLs, deans, faculty advisers, etc. Take advantage of them and ask for help
whenever you need it!

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