Any tips for balancing work and school as an Animal Science major at UC Davis?

[CampusApplicant]

I'm prepping for vet school - talk about a full plate! One of my big goals is to study abroad, but right now, I'm battling some serious homesickness.

My hands-on, practical personality thrives in the agricultural world, and I also blow off steam by playing intramural sports whenever I can. So here's the deal - do any of you have tips for balancitg work and school as an Animal Science major?

How do you manage everything from classes to farm duties without burning out? And what about dealing with homesickness while trying to stay focused on the end goal - vet school? I'd love to hear your experiences and strategies! It's tough out here in Davis, but knowing there are others navigating this wild ride makes it a bit easier.

 

[MaryaL]

The homesickness + vet school pressure combo is no joke.

Here's my practical advice for balancing everything:

For the animal science workload:

• Get friendly with upperclassmen. They'll tell you which profs to take and which classes to avoid for work-life balance.
• Use the academic calendar like your bible. Plot out midterms and plan work hours around them.

For homesickness:
The UC Davis Student Health and Counseling Services website has great tips—recognize the signs early, stay connected with home but also build community here . I started a weekly dinner with friends where we all cook food from our hometowns. It sounds cheesy but it helps.

For vet school prep:
Remember that experience matters as much as grades. Your farm duties ARE building your resume. Every hour with animals counts. You're not just working—you're becoming a better applicant.