By: Morgan Oakes
It’s no secret that Boston University is large. As someone who grew up in a small town, starting college in a city can feel intimidating. Clubs are an essential part of making friends and finding community at a school of this size, and there are many to choose from. I remember attending Splash, the school-wide club fair, and being overwhelmed by the amount of clubs that spanned Nickerson field. I decided to join WTBU, Boston University’s radio station, and have been a DJ since then. The broadcasting studio, along with a studio for podcasting and a studio for recording live music, are located on the third floor of the COM.
The club draws a wide variety of people. I DJ on an emo show and a pop culture show, while I have friends who DJ on shows that cover genres ranging from jazz to hyperpop to British music. In addition to this we have multiple flagship shows, such as WTBU news and WTBU sports. In the fall semester, the team at WTBU news did live coverage of the Presidential election. A group from WTBU sports attended and gave coverage of this year’s Beanpot, which Boston University won. WTBU also has a promotions team, which photographs and reports on concerts in the area.
When a new student begins on WTBU, they are assigned to be on a show as a DJ in training (DJiT). They spend the semester being taught how to use the studio equipment by the DJs on the show. The student then takes a test at the end of the semester, and if they pass they have the option to start their own show.
WTBU has a vibrant community who are brought together by a love for music. I strongly recommend that anyone looking to try something new gives the radio station a shot.