The first year of college can be hard at times. You’re away from home for the first time, taking hard classes, and trying to make friends. It can sometimes be discouraging — but take it from this senior — it gets better. Here are some pieces of advice I would give to my freshman-year self that, hopefully, you will benefit from too.
Get Involved
Getting involved in extracurriculars is one of the best ways to make friends and make the most out of your time at BU. One of my favorite things about BU is they have a club or group for almost everything — so if you haven’t already, take advantage of this! I am now involved in six extracurriculars (I did not join them all at the same time), and I can honestly say my BU experience would not be the same without them. I also think it’s important to join clubs because you’re interested in them, not because you think they’ll look good on your resume. If you’re involved in things you’re interested in, you’ll enjoy them more, and they’ll probably end up looking good on your resume anyway.
It’s Okay To Be Homesick
It’s 100% normal to be homesick during your first year of college. And probably almost everyone is, whether they say it or not. It’s not easy to be away from your family, home friends, and hometown for the first time. But it does get better. I’m not going to promise it will completely go away because, as a senior, I still get homesick occasionally, but you will start feeling homesick less and less. If you don’t already, make a habit of calling your family. It will make you feel closer to home, and I’m sure they would love to hear from you.
School Is Hard
BU is very academically hard. When I first got here, I was blown away by how much harder it was than my high school. I got a couple of ugly scores on the first midterms I took, and there were moments when I really doubted myself. However, I was quickly able to adapt and even excel in school here, and if you’re feeling the same way, you will too. Keep working hard, and it will pay off!
Enjoy It
I know everyone says this, but college really does go by so fast — so try to enjoy it while it lasts! You also never know when something like a pandemic could send you home from college and put you on Zoom. But seriously, the pandemic made me more grateful for things I took for granted before — in-person classes, being able to hang out with friends, and in-person extracurriculars. So, enjoy all of these things! Because before you know it, you’ll be a senior too.
