Hi! I’m Julia, a Brazilian student at UC San Diego studying Psychology and Communication. I know how overwhelming the college process can feel, especially for international students, and I love helping others understand what campus life is really like. I can share honest insights about UCSD academics, student life, housing, social life, clubs, and what it’s like to study in the U.S. as an international student. I’m friendly, open, and happy to answer questions to help you feel more confident about your college journey.

Hometown

Curitiba, Brazil

Major(s)

Communications & Media Industries and Psychology

Clubs, organizations & involvement

BRASA

Describe your college experience

My transition to college was exciting, but also a big adjustment. As a Brazilian student studying in the U.S., I had to adapt to a new academic system, a new culture, and a much more independent lifestyle. UC San Diego has challenged me academically while also giving me space to grow personally. So far, my experience has been a mix of hard work, self-discovery, amazing friendships, and learning how to balance academics, social life, and taking care of myself.

Tip for future students

My biggest tip is to be proactive and stay open to new opportunities whenever you can. UCSD has so much to offer, but you often have to take the initiative and put yourself out there. At the same time, be willing to say yes when people invite you to things. A lot of the best experiences and friendships come from simply showing up and giving something new a chance, even if you are not completely sure about it at first. I also wish I had known that it is totally normal to feel overwhelmed in the beginning. College is a big transition, and you do not need to have everything figured out right away.

Favorite class

Two of my favorite classes at UCSD have been PSYC 100, Developmental Psychology, and COMM 101K. PSYC 100 helped me understand how people grow and change throughout different stages of life, while COMM 101K deepened my understanding of media, communication, and culture. Together, these courses strengthened my interest in understanding human behavior, communication, and the ways media influences society.

Career goals

After college, I hope to work in media, film, entertainment, or social media something that lets me be creative, tell stories, and connect with people. I’m really interested in the way media can make people feel seen, think differently, or understand a culture in a new way. I also want to keep working on my own creative projects and continue helping Brazilian students understand how studying in the U.S. actually works, because I know how confusing the process can feel from the outside.

Ideal way to spend a free night

My ideal free night is honestly a mix of something cozy and something fun. I love spending time with my friends, going out to eat, watching a movie, exploring San Diego, or just having a chill night where we talk for hours. I also love anything that feels spontaneous, like saying yes to a last-minute plan and ending up with a really good memory.

High school or secondary school

First half was in a school called Bom Jesus, and the sencond half was in International School of Curitiba, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil. I completed the International Baccalaureate program there before coming to UC San Diego.

Previous college

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