We’re just around the corner from Winter Break… which means we’re SUPER close to the second half of the year #scary. For some, it may be a reaffirmation of the status quo. But for others, it may be the time to fine tune the image you spent 3 months creating. And for some, it may be time to 180 and reinvent yourself. Nevertheless, here are some tips to make the best of your second semester experience!
Bring back cold winter clothes!
Duh, Jimmy, of course. This one should be a no brainer. But in all seriousness, January and February do get pretty cold and when you’re home, it’s a good idea to bring those extra pairs of gloves and wool socks just in case. Duck boots are a must for trudging through slush.
Don’t be afraid to try new clubs!
Between first and second semester, people come and go and clubs hit a reset button. If you felt like you were uninvolved first semester, this is the perfect time to try something new! For example, both BU On Broadway and Stage Troupe have totally different fall and spring seasons for their shows, which make it easy for any newcomer to hop right on. Explore all the different opportunities and sign up for something you may not have had the time for.
Register for a PDP!
If you’re like me and have absolutely no self-determination when it comes to exercise, PDPs are a great way to force yourself to be active and take the (potentially) long walk to fitrec. You can register for “Physical Development Programs” on the student link for 0.5-2 credits and they range from every topic from ashtanga yoga to fencing to rock climbing to sailing on the Charles and more! My second semester freshman year, I took a “Latin Ballroom Dancing” PDP and learned how to tango. It was one hour a week and super fun! It was low enough of a commitment that I could keep and the pass/fail requirement forced me to keep going.
Meet with COM Undergraduate Affairs!
It’s never a bad idea to check in with the lovely Undergraduate Affairs faculty–they’re honestly the best. But towards the end of second semester, you might be close to completion on your Foundational Requirements. Check in to make sure you’re on the right path with your major and explore the different paths your academic career can take.
Explore the city of Boston!
If you haven’t deviated from the long strip of Commonwealth Avenue, now’s the time. No excuses. There are tons of cool things to do. Catch a midnight showing of a cult movie at Coolidge Corner Theatre! Go ice skating at the Frog Pong in the Boston Common! Laugh at a comedy show at Improv Asylum in the North End! Pretend like you’re a critic at the Museum of Fine Arts or Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum (which BU students can get FREE admission)! There’s always something to do, so check the Boston Calendar to see what’s in town for the week.
