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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!

Whenever I find myself stressed out, pondering over the same thing over and over again, or just simply need time to myself for reflection, I take a walk.  It’s something I’ve been doing since before I can even remember, and I try to make time for a walk everyday no matter how early or late it is. Back home in California, I had established my favorite walking spots, so when I arrived in Boston at the end of August last year, I knew I had some catching up to do. Here I have listed my favorite places I have found to walk for every occasion.

Hall’s Pond Sanctuary

 The perfect place to sit on a bench and observe life at ease. I recall stumbling upon this place one of my first weeks at BU, and it really helped me have a moment of peace to myself amidst all the change.

The Esplanade

 Creativity sparks here as people watching is at its peak.  Perfect place to stroll and think about anything you want.

Coolidge Corner

 All the shops and scenery here feel like a place out of a movie. Walk here for the opportunity to feel like you’re in a made up land and let your mind wander.

Park Drive

 A street lined with apartment buildings and an open grass area. On one of my first walks around Boston I got lost on this street, but for the first time I didn’t panic.  I felt lost in a refreshing way being able to see all the other college signs around such as Berklee and Emmanuel College, really making me feel like I was in “America’s College Town.”

Winchester Street

 The street that gets you away from city life. Walking through and looking at all the gorgeous homes has led me to come up with many stories on who may live inside.

Longwood

 After accidentally getting off on the wrong T stop, I stumbled upon the Longwood area.  It’s one of those places, for me at least, that is surrounded by so many little stores and new sights that it helps you truly think about all the things you haven’t seen yet as a young mind in a big city.

BU Bridge

Gazing across the Charles River from the BU Bridge at night and seeing the illuminated lights from the tall skyscraper was my, “We’re not in Kansas anymore,” moment. As I kept walking across the bridge, I thought of all my accomplishments that led me to this moment, and all the dreams I want to pursue at Boston University.

There are so many clubs at Boston University, but only one has a title that is known throughout the college athletics world. I am of course talking about “The Hardest Working Pep Band in All of College Athletics”, or the BU Pep Band.

I never planned on joining any form of band when I came to Boston University. I was convinced that my senior year in high school would be my last time playing my clarinet. That was until I heard the Scarlet Band at summer orientation. I was so impressed by their song collection, no folk songs or classical compositions were being played, and I loved that. They were playing contemporary tunes, I distinctly remember hearing Good 4 U by Olivia Rodrigo and Holiday by Green Day. Those first few notes convinced me that I had to join the band in some capacity. I also thought it was neat that when representatives went around recruiting at orientation they made it clear that the Pep Band was open to any level of skill. Pep Band is one of the most diverse clubs you can be a part of, with all the colleges being included, with students from around the country and world, but somehow we can all come together to celebrate music and BU athletics.

There are so many other positives associated with being in the Pep Band. The first one is access to sporting events like the Bean Pot (a hockey tournament between all the Boston Schools), which is free and so are the Championship hockey games at TD Garden. The band also puts you in the middle of the game, we are the backing track to every sporting event. It allows us to create an amazing atmosphere to show our terrier pride. There are also so many connections that are made through the band. I have made so many close friendships and everyone becomes a family by the end of the school year. 

I hope more people consider joining the hardest-working pep band in all of college athletics. I think signing up was one of the best choices I made as a first year. Even if you don’t play an instrument, I suggest watching a pep band performance. Everyone involved in the program puts in much effort and strives to keep BU sporting events lively. The gameday atmosphere would change so much without the band. I hope you learn to love their quirky dances, wild chants, and amazing songs during your time at BU.

Hi! I’m CA Diya Shah and I want to give some advice to any first years reading! Starting your journey as a first-year student at Boston University is an exciting and transformative experience. As you embark on this new chapter, make the most of your time at BU.

First and foremost, make it a priority to actively engage in the vibrant academic and social community at BU. Immerse yourself in campus life by joining student organizations, clubs, or sports teams that align with your interests and values. These extracurricular activities can foster meaningful connections, help you discover new passions, and provide opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Additionally, establish a healthy and balanced routine that prioritizes both academic excellence and personal well-being. Create a well-structured study plan that allows you to effectively manage your coursework while also making time for self-care, exercise, and social interactions. Remember that maintaining a healthy work-life balance is essential for long-term success and overall well-being.

Take advantage of the vast array of academic resources and support services offered by BU. Make use of the libraries, tutoring centers, writing labs, and academic advisors to enhance your learning experience and academic performance. Seek guidance from professors and mentors, as they can provide valuable insights and advice to help you navigate your academic and career goals.

Embrace diversity and actively engage with the rich cultural and intellectual tapestry that BU offers. Explore various perspectives, cultures, and communities through campus events, seminars, and guest lectures. Cultivate an open-minded and inclusive approach to learning, fostering a deeper understanding of global issues and promoting a sense of empathy and interconnectedness.

Furthermore, prioritize building a strong professional network by attending career fairs, networking events, and alumni gatherings. Explore internship opportunities and seek practical experiences that align with your academic interests and career aspirations. These experiences will not only enhance your resume but also provide valuable insights into your chosen field of study.

Finally, remember to maintain a positive attitude, stay resilient in the face of challenges, and remain adaptable to change. Your time at BU is only so long, so approach each day with a sense of curiosity, enthusiasm, and a willingness to embrace new experiences. Most importantly Have Fun!

It’s finally midterm season. Boston’s hot summer days are beginning to trickle behind us, and the dry leaves of autumn are starting to make their way up the trees. The fresh school year rolls around and as people’s routines settle in, the dreaded weeks of exams and presentations become the prominent event in almost everyone’s schedules. Right before the week of Halloween costume parties and the annual spring of frat flu, we must first overcome the dreaded midterm season. College is finally collegeing, so here are a few tips to get through the first patch of the school year grind.

1. Don’t Panic

Tests, readings, and stress are all part of the College experience. Believe me, if you think you have a lot of assignments to do, there will always be someone on campus with double the work you have. In other words, look at the bright side – you don’t have it the worst. Almost everyone around you will be feeling the weight of this time of the year, so don’t be afraid to vent about it to your friends.

2. Resources, resources, resources

If you’re struggling with a class, you need to take advantage of the resources at BU. All professors hold office hours, which is a great way to get yourself settled into a topic you’re unsure about. Office hours are a time when you can sit with your professor (or a teaching assistant) and discuss ANYTHING you need help with in class. If office hours aren’t your vibe, reach out to your friends in class. The educational resource center at BU offers free tutoring for certain classes, and booking an appointment would only take 5 minutes of your time. There are so many places you can get help in the weeks leading up to it. Don’t feel embarrassed to ask for help, because at the end of the day, your grade is on the line.

3. Take breaks

The days leading up to midterm season can seem overwhelming, and at times the built-up pressure will compel you to study for hours on end. It’s never a good idea to pull an all-nighter, regardless of how difficult the class may be. If you don’t procrastinate, you won’t have to cram a large chunk of information into a full day of revising. Doing up to an hour of studying every day a week or two before a midterm will help you immensely. I’ve tried both routes and the latter has always proved more successful.

4. Balance your social life

It’s never a good idea to completely cut out any form of human interaction during a stressful week. Your friends will be your support system, so don’t forget to take study breaks and
actually TALK to people during the week. Your emotional and mental health are just as important as a good grade. That being said, try to skimp out on the frat parties and late-night
rendezvous. Instead, go on study dates or lunch breaks to stay in full study mode.

5. After…

Skipping class the next day may seem like the way to go the night after a big test. However, believe me when I say once you start skipping lectures you cannot, and may never, stop. We’re not halfway through the semester yet, so the grind is far from over. A few weeks will go by before it gets to THAT point again. The best thing to do would be to reward yourself a bit outside of class. Go to a nice dinner place, spend the weekend sleeping in, or explore the city with some friends.

The college experience wouldn’t be complete without the haunting weeks of deadlines, exams, and endless assignments. This time of the year may seem like the worst part of being in university, but at the end of the day, everyone comes here to learn. Regardless of what grade you get, or how difficult your classes are, there will always be something to learn out of every experience. That being said, the ideal outcome would be for you to succeed while doing so. Post midterm season, you’ll finally have time again to live a little outside of those textbooks and office hours, so take advantage of that. Before you know it, the second set of midterms will show itself without warning. Except this time, you’ll know how to handle it.

With the school year starting up, I think it’s important to share some different ways students can get involved on campus!

Clubs

There are over 450+ clubs that students are able to join on campus. These clubs range from Student Government, Community Service, Greek Life, Cultural Clubs, and more! To learn more about the clubs offered on campus and how to get involved, you can either check them out at Splash on Saturday, September 9 starting at 12 at Nickerson Field, or visit the Student Activities Office Website at https://www.bu.edu/studentactivities/. If there is a specific club you’re interested in, clubs sometimes table at the GSU and check out their social media and see when their events are!

Attend Campus Events

BU hosts a number of events throughout the year that are usually promoted through BU Today or will have flyers put up around campus (including residential buildings). You can also check out what events BU is hosting and when at their website, which is https://www.bu.edu/parentsprogram/events/calendar/. Attending these events will not only give you something to do during your free time, but will also allow you to meet different people on campus!

Office Hours

Attend your professors’ office hours! Not only will this help you with your classes, but it also allows you to get to know your professors better, and for your professors to get to know you better! You can see when your professors have their office hours by checking the class syllabus, or by simply asking them.

Jobs on Campus

BU offers many opportunities for students to get a job on campus, from being a tour guide, working in food service, or becoming a Learning Assistant. To see all the jobs being offered on campus at the moment, go to the Student Link, go to My Job & Career, then press part time jobs (you can decide if you want an on campus job, or something else that is off campus). Having a job will not only allow you to become more independent by having some sort of an income, but will also cause you to meet new people and gain new and different skills.

Intramural Sports

Did you play a sport in high school and want to continue in college? Join an intramural sports team at BU! For the fall, outdoor soccer, flag football, basketball, ice hockey, volleyball, and tennis will be offered. To learn more about how to register to join an intramural sports team, go to this Fitness and Recreation Center website at https://www.bu.edu/fitrec/recreation/clubs ims/intramural-sports/.