One section of the UCUES survey asks about how students spend their time — academics, work, extracurriculars, social life . I'm curious what the results will show, because my schedule is chaos and I want to know if that's normal. 
My typical week (rough estimates):
What the survey asks about:
The university uses this information to understand why students are struggling. If large numbers report working 20+ hours a week, maybe they need more evening classes. If commuters report less engagement, maybe they need more remote options.
A junior told me: "The survey showed that students working high hours had lower GPAs. They expanded online class offerings after that."
What I'm curious about:
The UCUES is given at all nine UC campuses, so you can compare across schools . Does UCLA students study more than UCSD? Do UC Merced students work more hours? The data helps each campus understand its unique challenges .
I'm taking the survey tonight. Gonna be honest about my chaos schedule. If enough of us are honest, maybe they'll actually do something about the cost of living, or the mental health crisis, or the lack of affordable food on campus.
One student's take: "The survey feels like a small thing, but it's the only time anyone asks. Might as well tell the truth."
Anyone else taking it? What do you want them to know about your schedule?
My typical week (rough estimates):
- Class time: 15 hours
- Studying/homework: 20 hours
- Work (part-time job): 15 hours
- Commuting: 5 hours
- Eating/sleeping/basic survival: the rest
- Social life: what social life?
What the survey asks about:
- Time spent on academics (in class and studying)
- Paid work hours (on and off campus)
- Volunteering and community service
- Extracurricular activities and clubs
- Commuting time
- Family care responsibilities
- Social and recreational activities
The university uses this information to understand why students are struggling. If large numbers report working 20+ hours a week, maybe they need more evening classes. If commuters report less engagement, maybe they need more remote options.
A junior told me: "The survey showed that students working high hours had lower GPAs. They expanded online class offerings after that."
What I'm curious about:
- How many hours do STEM majors actually study? (I need to know if my 20 hours is normal)
- How do students afford rent in San Diego? (seriously, how?)
- When do people have time for internships or research?
- Is anyone actually sleeping 8 hours?
The UCUES is given at all nine UC campuses, so you can compare across schools . Does UCLA students study more than UCSD? Do UC Merced students work more hours? The data helps each campus understand its unique challenges .
I'm taking the survey tonight. Gonna be honest about my chaos schedule. If enough of us are honest, maybe they'll actually do something about the cost of living, or the mental health crisis, or the lack of affordable food on campus.
One student's take: "The survey feels like a small thing, but it's the only time anyone asks. Might as well tell the truth."
Anyone else taking it? What do you want them to know about your schedule?