UC San Diego Materials Science & Engineering Grad Students
Advising
It's of paramount importance to find an advisor that you have a good working relationship with. This will not only provide a more pleasant time at UCSD, but it can have numerous other secondary benefits.
Some general advice on this front is to clarify expectations and goals early in the relationship and maintain open and clear communication.
Situations can vary on this topic so look to the contact/advising page to reach out for more specific advice if necessary.
Switching Advisors (if needed)
If a research placement doesn't work for whatever reason, there are options for switching to a new faculty advisor.
Per the UCSD MATS website, Ph.D. students switching laboratory groups should inform their current advisor/PI and will have one quarter to obtain a new Faculty Advisor/PI.
Additionally, the Jacobs school offers PhD students guaranteed transitional support that can be extended up to two-quarters dependent on a good faith effort to identify a new PI
For more information check the UCSD MATS website: www.matsci.ucsd.edu