We asked some students to include their tips on test prep here. If you have any tips that work for you, email us or comment on this post.

If you get inspired, check out some other ERC and related videos on BUniverse and check back here later this week for an online workshop on time management.

See you in September! (It’s closer than you think…)

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

For all of us, the Class of 2015 means something different. The class of 2014 now knows their way around BU and will feel cool being able to point out where exactly the Howard Thurman Center is or be able to explain the difference between the salad themes at Loose Leafs (not Leaves, don’t worry, I just noticed the grammar fail for the first time in 3 years at BU). For my class, 2012, it’s the beginning of the culture shock of Senior year (honestly, 2015?! I feel like a nana). For 2015, however, it’s the beginning of this amazing college experience- don’t mind me, this posts will get more and more nostalgic as the year goes on- and it begins with a bang. Welcome to #otation11.

Now, as a rising senior (we should keep a tally of how many times I’ll say that in this post), I’d like to offer 2015 some wisdom about how to survive orientation at BU.

1. Bring a fan- My orientation session hit the 90′s and, being a local girl, I had the common sense to bring a fan with me to orientation. Come midnight in Rich Hall, I was the most popular girl on the floor and everyone wanted to hang out in my room.
2. Read about your classes beforehand- Registration can be a little tricky to handle the first time around. While you most likely will be taking 100 levels and it may be harder to get the exact classes you want as a freshman, it feels better going into the process.
3. Use your SA’s- Your orientation leaders the SA’s (the Student Advisers for the 2015ers who aren’t used to BU’s affinity for acronyms yet) are all amazing members of the BU community. They’re just as excited about orientation as you are so participate with them and ask them anything and everything. Shameless plug- COM students in Group 31, you have the BEST SA an incoming freshman could ask for- our very own OA Corner superstar, Mike! I already miss my partner in crime.
4. Take a picture with Dean Elmore- I have one from my freshman orientation and somehow someone from the DOS Office hunted me down, professionally printed the picture out for me and left it in my West Campus mailbox. SO COOL. Since Dean Elmore is our own celebrity, I’ll cherish it forever and plan on getting a matching one at Senior Breakfast (Side note- If you read this Dean Elmore, I apologize for making plans for you).
5. Keep in touch with your Orientation friends- While you might not meet your best friend at orientation, you will make lasting friends. It’s so nice to be able to run into them on Comm Ave and be able to catch up or see how many mutual friends you’ve made by the end of the school year. At the end of the day, it feels good to say “This is my first BU friend”.
6. Don’t worry about your Terrier card picture- Let’s be honest. You will lose it. Plus it’s funny to see how much you’ve changed over the years.

So that’s all the wisdom I’ve accumulated in the past 3 years. I hope that you use it wisely. I’ll see you all at the orientation presentations and, as always, feel free to stop by the 4th floor of the GSU to learn more about the ERC. I’m here and eager to hear from you Class of 2015.

OA Corner love,
Kaitlin