1. Set up your BU Google Mail account – starting in the Fall, all of Boston University will be using this new system. It’s going to be amazing to have everyone synchronized not only on a new mailing system, but on all of Google and their resources (aka I’m excited for the day when we leave the world of Facebook behind and starting Google+ -ing every day!) Speaking of Google’s different apps..

2. Set up your gCal, iCal or planner - I am a firm believer in organization as a means of getting things done. There are lots of different organizational methods; I prefer having my digital ones synced, but always have my hard copy on me. BY putting certain important dates in your calendars before the school year starts, it’s a great way to have a head start and feel good about coming back to school with a plan.

3. Update your LinkedIn - First of all, I’m giving you the benefit of the doubt that everyone is on LinkedIn because it is quickly becoming a necessity in the job market. If not, sign up immediately and start networking! It will give you the sense of being proactive about your future career prospects

4. Visit the CCD - The Center for Career Development, at 19 Deerfield Street in Kenmore Square, offers a plethora of resources to help you land a job or an internship. While many of us already have summer employment, it’s great to look ahead to fall internships. It’s also great to sit down and have a practice interview where you get to walk away with a handy DVD of yourself, learning from your mistakes and the nervous habits you might do while in an interview. Sharpen your resume and get yourself hired!

5. Relax – So this might be my mom’s advice more than my own, as she’s always telling me to slow down and smell the roses. Summertime, as busy as it may be for a college student, is still less hectic than having to balance the school year and everything that comes along with it. Enjoy Boston’s weather while we still have it because even though it might be raining on occasion, it’s still better than the snow we’ll inevitably get this winter.

Keep on truckin’ terrier fam
OA Love

Kaitlin

 Over the next few weeks, I’d like to share some of the amazing things going on now at BU that I’ve had the pleasure to learn about and bring me back the same relaxed and engaged feeling I used to have with summer. Whether you’re an incoming freshman getting to go through the experience of orientation (I’m jealous of the 4 years you have ahead of you, 2015) or a rising senior like me, there’s something for everyone here from late May – August.

First, I would like to share what I’ve learned about summer classes at BU. Classes are either broken down into a Summer1 session, a Summer 2 session or a plain and simple Summer session. Sessions 1 and 2 are each 6 week courses while the rest run for the entire 12 week program. Classes meet for a minimum of 2 times a week, 3.5 hours every time. Here are some tips about summer courses:
   Take something that genuinely interests you – use this time to take a class that you might not be able to fit into your courseload otherwise.  For me, taking classes that keep me engaged and interested help remind me why I’m at BU in the first place- to get an education in something I genuinely care about.
    Look at the syllabus carefully and write down all deadlines – sure, 6 weeks sounds like a long time now, but in reality, it’s going to fly by. Keep an eye on due dates and assignments so you’re not surprised when the course is wrapping up and you’ve barely started!
   Do all of the reading and be prepared for class- this sounds like a no-brainer and something you should do year round, but it’s extra important during summer courses. Your class sizes are going to be much smaller during the summertime and it’s going to be a lot more noticeable if you slip up and forget one day.
   Bond with your professor – take advantage of the smaller class sizes and use this as an opportunity to get to know your professor on a better level. Who knows- maybe you’ll bond over your love of British literature and then you’ve secured yourself a job reccomendation!

 Good luck with classes this summer Terriers! Stay tuned for more advice about summer at BU!
OA love,
 Kaitlin