1. EXPLORE THE CITY!!!
As a freshman or incoming student, it’s easy to get lost in the busy culture of college. Going back and forth between classes and clubs, it can seem overwhelming and sometimes challenging to find time outside of the university. Nonetheless, I strongly urge you to appreciate the city for what it is! Boston is such a rich place filled with tons of cute coffee shops, museums, nature parks, and great restaurants. In the fall, go on a walk by the esplanade (the road by Charles River) and take cute pictures next to the trees. When it starts to get chilly out, head to Time Out Market and go ice skating with friends. There are hundreds of activities around the city, so take advantage of them as much as possible! Who knows when the next time it’ll be before you can spend 4 straight years in the city of Boston?
2. Windproof is the way to go
Boston is known for its weather. BU is known for its wind tunnels. You’re going to be walking around campus from building to building during the school year, and the last thing you need is your umbrella inverting on you in the middle of comm ave on a busy afternoon. Go look up ‘Windproof umbrella with button’ on Amazon and thank me later. 🙂
3. Go to office-hours
Office hours are a great opportunity for students to connect with their professors outside of the classroom. It’s a time during the week that professors keep open so students can hop into their office and ask them questions about the course or even just say a quick ‘hello’. A bunch of students also use this time to ask their professors for career advice. Most of the Professors in COM are still in the industry so they have all the inside scoop on what’s currently
going on in the market. Professors are also always open to talk about their journey and answer any questions you may have career wise. They genuinely want their students to succeed!
4. You don’t need all the textbooks!
BU, like many other universities, will give you a heads up on all the required textbooks for your classes. Believe me when I say, 70 percent of the time, you won’t need it for the class. Most students even end up switching classes, and waste a good amount of money on a book they’ll never use. Wait until the second or third week of the semester before you make the purchase! Textbooks are A LOT of money, and if you can save a little bit by grabbing a copy online (*wink) or just not buying it at all, it’s better than wasting a hundred dollars.
5. Don’t get the UNLIMITED
Every single dining plan is different. Some give you dining points, which are basically “campus dollars” you can use on different food stalls like Panda Express, Starbucks, and Halal Shack. The Unlimited option gives you unlimited swipes to the dining halls, but they are usually the most expensive. Let’s be honest, you’re not going to be in the dining halls 3 times a day 7 times a week. Most people end up eating at the George Sherman Union, where students can use their dining points to buy from those food stalls. Don’t get the Unlimited and save yourself a few thousand dollars!
College is really just a bunch of kids “playing adults” in a big city. A lot of these things I’ve learned on the fly, and there are a bunch more hacks you’ll find out for yourself! Remember, it’s okay to not have all the answers right away. Ultimately, your college years are about more than just academics—they’re about self-discovery, friendships, and exploring your passions. So, while it’s important to stay informed and prepared, don’t get too caught up in the details. Trust yourself, and enjoy the ride!
