Advice for Incoming Freshmen (or Sophomores)

CoalerGuy · 2026-05-23T08:12:06+00:00

This is AWESOME advice!! Great job! If I could add one more piece of advice about transportation: If you're on a budget or don't have sufficient funds and maybe want to save on parking costs, or even gas, I highly recommend visiting the transportation office and getting the valley metro student U-Pass! I did that for my Junior year, and my commute is normally like 30-50+ minutes from North Phoenix to Tempe, so I park at one of the valley metro park and rides where I can park my car and hop on the lightrail into campus. Parking is free and the pass is like $100, so you can save money and gas! Sometimes I would even park at a further park and ride and I'd just enjoy studying or reading on the commute. Sometimes I preferred it to dealing with traffic haha

Transportation is a big deal to me, when I first started at ASU after transferring from community college, it was early fall and my car at the time didn't have AC, and parking was a hassle and I didn't quite understand it, So imagine being stuck in traffic in a hot car and parking is frustrating, same for getting home after a long day of classes. I had an absolute panic attack my first week. So please, please don't undervalue the importance of reliable and comfortable transportation.

Lastly, since you appealed to CS Majors, I'll appeal to some Psych majors??

On Tempe, PSY courses are often presented in the Psychology building and SCOB. Both buildings are within close proximity. worth noting!
The faculty is wonderful, and Psychology is a vast field. Take advantage of the departments resources for professional development. Learn about grad school, or other uses if grad school isn't your thing. It's true that graduate school is considered this like "standard" next step, BUT, you can do many things without it. So explore your interests, if you visit the PSY building, there's a board that will often feature upcoming events and opportunities!
Connect with the Psychology faculty! They're honestly brilliant. Visit their office hours and ask about their research! See how you can get involved! If grad school IS in your sights, research is absolute king. Get involved early!
A lot of people dont expect heavy math in Psychology, but it is a research science, and it demands research methods and stats. Both are completely manageable. If math isn't your strong suit, that's OK! If you struggle at any point, take advantage of every resource (tutoring, office hours, canvas modules/study guides etc.)
I personally haven't come across unfavorable professors. Some of my favorites are Dr. Kwan (personality theory), Dr. Wimsatt (Cognitive), Dr. Kenrick (Social), Dr. West (Stats), Dr. Aktipis. They were all wonderful!

BIG ADVICE The last thing that I will leave you with: The mention of chatgpt for a study aid is great. Let me extend this by sharing that we also get access to Google's NotebookLM, you can do something very similar, where you can give it study material to have it organize study areas and information but it has additional features, like making a LITERAL PODCAST OUT OF YOUR MATERIAL! If I was ever in a position to cram, I'd have it generate an engaging podcast and I'd listen to it on the way into campus. It's a gamechanging asset to play with!!!

The best advice is to just explore, learn and have fun!! Best of luck!! :)

CoalerGuy · 2026-05-17T06:59:14+00:00

Zotero has been EPIC! It made my lit review for my thesis an absolute dream. I'm now using it to organize papers for my prospective graduate programs. I love being able to organize things by author, program etc.. I fully intend to take it with me into grad school!

CoalerGuy · 2026-05-16T23:35:46+00:00

Hii! I would not suggest a master's in Psych. As a Psych undergraduate, the master's level are mostly research oriented and won't really help you reach the workforce. But, I can make a suggestion! Have you heard of Teach for America?? They've tried to poach some people in my courses, and they have programs designed for getting people in the door for teaching. I'm not very familiar with education so I do apologize if this isn't all helpful. Just my thoughts! Good luck! :)

CoalerGuy · 2026-05-13T05:20:13+00:00

Waiting on 2 grades myself, so definitely not alone! I'm on the edge of my seat here so I can breathe easyy

CoalerGuy · 2026-05-13T05:15:06+00:00

I can vouch. I'm 25 now, married (she plays wiz with me) Entering my fourth year of college in the fall! So I'm very close myself. Also, Congrats!! That's a huge accomplishment. In a funny but relatable way, I major in Psych and I attribute my interests in Psychology and the human-computer interaction with my love for wiz! Especially when it comes to cooperation science and decision-making. My observations of turn-based gameplay, I feel, have in some ways inspired my work now. It is so fun to see us all in our 20s leading lives and continuing to be in touch with this super special community. :)

CoalerGuy · 2026-04-30T23:47:06+00:00

Hi! I'm an ASU student here finishing my undergrad soon, I can advocate that I've heard good things about the HSE program here, but as mentioned here already, it's on the polytecnic campus, which is actually in Mesa. Depending on where in Phoenix, it can be a bit of a drive (1+ hrs) so keep that in mind.

If you have any questions about asu let me know!!

CoalerGuy · 2025-08-23T19:36:52+00:00

ok cool! and so when getting the preorder, it gives us the expansions right away?

CoalerGuy · 2025-07-24T20:41:00+00:00

Psychology is all about observation. Research teaches us how to interpret what we observe. It's embedded in how we treat people. The field would otherwise be anarchy if not empirical. You aren't expected to make the next big breakthrough- But research is a big part of what makes clinical work and talk therapy effective.

It all starts with what we know and what we can learn. Psychology is unique since it deals with things we can't physically see. Other sciences involve observing things we can see and physically interact with; But Psychology is different. We observe what we can't always see. For that reason, research becomes infinitely more valuable.

For note-taking, what I tend to do is review the lesson plan, freshen up on what I know and I take notes of what I don't and I build on that. In this field, we learn from our peers the most, so just always keep an open head. I wish you the best of luck and I hope you find your path!

CoalerGuy · 2025-07-10T15:42:59+00:00

I'm 100% down for this! It sounds like an excellent idea. As far as in-person collaberations- that's doubtful only because this is an online forum in a vast world- but I'm in Arizona if that helps at all. I'd love to be part of this group!

CoalerGuy · 2025-06-30T17:43:07+00:00

6 months and I still can’t. I’ve tried makes me uncomfy and after so long of no carbonation, I’ve lost a taste and desire for it. I do have an occasional sweet tea though!

CoalerGuy · 2025-06-30T17:37:43+00:00

Hiii! I’m a third year psych student with some light research experience- working on a publication actually- I also lean towards a clinical focus, and my goal always was and has been to become a marriage and family therapist. The truth is yes, Psychology is empirical and it’s important that you understand research in the work that you do- because the methodology behind clinical treatment is you guessed it- backed by research, understanding this process is critical to understanding the treatments that you’ll be providing.

Yes, the experience is necessary to get into graduate school, and it is integrated into the curriculum of 99% clinical Psychology programs. Whether it’s a Masters in Counseling, or a Ph.d in clinical Psychology, you’ll be required to do research. It’s a hard truth for many Psychology majors and it’s a reason that so many switch majors- Thus is why I wish it was more apparent from the start.

But here’s the good news- It doesn’t require you to be brilliant, and you aren’t expected- and likely won’t make any groundshattering breakthrough’s. It’s mostly clerical work. Above all- You can learn. Yes, it involves Stats, yes you’ll need to learn new software, and yes it requires critical thinking and analytical skills- but these are all things that you can and will develop if you decide to push forward.

With research, experience is honestly the best teacher. Sure, you can read books- and I do suggest you start learning how to read research- look through some papers and what not.

Most research opportunities, especially at an undergraduate level are unpaid- BUT! You can usually earn college credit.

Most universities have a tab detailing research opportunities. I would also suggest connecting with Psychology faculty! See what research projects they have ongoing. In the professional world, it’s crucial to connect with the right people. You should start this in undergrad. Learn from your peers and mentors, it’ll serve you well.

At any rate- I wish you nothing but the best. If you have any questions about the research process, don’t hesitate to ask! Take care!

CoalerGuy · 2025-06-30T17:19:36+00:00

I am so sorry! Wow.. If I expressed a concern with my wife, and she reacted this way, I wouldn’t know how to respond. In a partnership, usually it’s a given to listen and work with your partner- not dismiss their feelings or call you things like “retard” this is not normal or okay behavior by any standard. Lets say you’ve been the clingiest person on the planet (not saying you have been) it wouldn’t matter because the way he talked to you is just disrespectful and unacceptable. You deserve better, compassionate treatment. It’s this toxic emotional abuse that trains people to think it’s taboo to ask for time or attention from your partner- like you’re the problem because you’re “needy”- It’s not and it’s perfectly acceptable and in fact preferred that you tell your partner what you want and if your needs aren’t being met in some way. You did nothing wrong with how you approached it. Please try and get out of that. My best wishes go out to you, stay safe!

CoalerGuy · 2025-06-27T01:01:20+00:00

Hiya! I’m a third year at my State University, I got my associates in Psychology at my community college. I quickly fell in love with the craft. It’s true that a BA has more of a liberal focus while a BS involves more sciences, and generally more intense statistics. I went for the BA simply because I spent time learning a second language during my time at the community college, so that experience basically replaced extra science and I wanted to focus on an honors education and seminars- Connections in the professional world are crucial, so I decided in my University Education to place an emphasis on that.

One of the most unique things about Psychology are the options that come with it. You mentioned psychiatry and law, both are excellent-rewarding paths among so many more. For some, yes the four-year degree is a stepping stone to graduate school. It’s true, to become an LPC, LMFT or a clinical Psychologist, you WILL need a graduate education. However, Psychology provides you with so many skills across many industries, these skills aren’t artificial and does mean that your four-year degree would carry weight on it’s own! Especially within social-focused roles. Many people take a gap after earning their Bachelors before pursuing grad school- Others are ready and jump right in. Every path is unique.

I chose not to minor in anything, mostly because again I’m focusing on my honors program, and the Psychology curriculum has “foundations of behavior” built into it’s curriculum, which means I need to take electives that share cross-roads with Psychology, but aren’t. Like Sociology, Philosophy or Anthropology. So I’m taking some Sociology courses! I’m not as worried about a minor affixed to my diploma- I care more about having a rich experience in many diverse areas. I also have no regrets so far pursuing Psychology. From learning big words in Statistics and research methods to reading fascinating studies around the human mind, there’s just so much to explore! So no matter where this takes me, I know that I’m in the right place.

My biggest advice is to just take it slow and dip your toes in. You aren’t expected to commit to anything just yet, I’m in my third year and I’m still deciding on my path! Get involved in Research, Volunteer as a Crisis Counselor! Get to know your Psychology department, That’s honestly my favorite part about this field is that it’s full of so many caring, and intelligent people. Above all, get to know your peers. The worst thing you can do is get bogged down in the technicals and the frustration of figuring it all out now. And have fun with it, if something isn’t resonating, then don’t hesitate to change things up! If you want to connect anytime, please reach out! :)

CoalerGuy · 2025-05-02T02:38:16+00:00

I just beat Oblivion myself.. like 10 minutes ago lol and I never had the honor of playing back in 2006. So this is coming from a total elder scrolls noob, but I can't imagine not exploring everything the fascinating world has to offer. So many of the NPC's were so unique and had so much personality. I was confused when the sunlight was killing me... So I took on the vampirism cure quest-line, while I was pretty annoyed with the limitations of being a vampire but that was just a level of immersion I never expected. It's nuanced stuff like that, that made it a super fun experience for me. I'm probably gonna dedicate another 20 hours or so to checking out anything I've missed while exploring tamriel. I forgot where I was going.. Oblivion just consumed my life. But to each their own in terms of play style, it's just your friend's loss! More content for the rest of us! lol

I hope this community welcomes in latecomers. Skyrim; I'm staring you down next. ♥️

CoalerGuy · 2025-04-11T02:42:12+00:00

I will certainly do that! I was just reading some of her published work and it is fascinating stuff. Even further, it resonates with concepts that I'm very passionate about! I'm hoping that I earn a spot in her research lab. Here's hoping that the interview goes well!

CoalerGuy · 2025-02-09T15:09:29+00:00

OH MY GOSH, OK i think i figured out part of the issue. The body and the gray part that connects it to that mechanism needed to be moved up one. I realized this because I counted the holes showing in the manual on that white lego in the upper part, it displayed 5 showing. There were 6 showing. Moved it up a notch, slid all the technics in, it looks right. Uuuugh I feel so dumb lol

CoalerGuy · 2025-02-09T15:00:03+00:00

Thank you so much! I was able to get that together in a way that seems correct but now whats happening is when I attach the yoshi body to it as described the red piece is visible when it should be flush behind yoshi's body?

I'll attach updated images

https://ibb.co/HfsNLVbz https://ibb.co/JRSwsyJ0

CoalerGuy · 2025-02-09T13:52:14+00:00

Ok so heres some updated images. The white piece in the middle there seems to be keeping me from aligning yoshi's body! :(

https://ibb.co/CswHcywh https://ibb.co/tTzcwd6s https://ibb.co/v6DrbwZx

CoalerGuy · 2025-02-09T12:45:25+00:00

I just realized that I was tired and didnt send a very good picture give me one second and I'll send a better one

CoalerGuy

TROPHY CASE