Not to toot my own horn, but I’m a pro at summers. Back in the day, I could lay by the pool or play Frisbee at the beach with the best of them. I grew up near the water and lived the epitome of summer every summer. Transitioning to summer at BU was a bit of a struggle for me last year. I was confused about what to do here. Sure, I worked my 8:30-5 at the lovely ERC Front Desk, but what was summer without water and tanning and laziness? I thought the campus was dead with most of the 18,000 undergrad population heading home.
Over the next few weeks, I’d like to share some of the amazing things going on now at BU that I’ve had the pleasure to learn about and bring me back the same relaxed and engaged feeling I used to have with summer. Whether you’re an incoming freshman getting to go through the experience of orientation (I’m jealous of the 4 years you have ahead of you, 2015) or a rising senior like me, there’s something for everyone here from late May – August.
First, I would like to share what I’ve learned about summer classes at BU. Classes are either broken down into a Summer1 session, a Summer 2 session or a plain and simple Summer session. Sessions 1 and 2 are each 6 week courses while the rest run for the entire 12 week program. Classes meet for a minimum of 2 times a week, 3.5 hours every time. Here are some tips about summer courses:
Take something that genuinely interests you – use this time to take a class that you might not be able to fit into your courseload otherwise. For me, taking classes that keep me engaged and interested help remind me why I’m at BU in the first place- to get an education in something I genuinely care about.
Look at the syllabus carefully and write down all deadlines – sure, 6 weeks sounds like a long time now, but in reality, it’s going to fly by. Keep an eye on due dates and assignments so you’re not surprised when the course is wrapping up and you’ve barely started!
Do all of the reading and be prepared for class– this sounds like a no-brainer and something you should do year round, but it’s extra important during summer courses. Your class sizes are going to be much smaller during the summertime and it’s going to be a lot more noticeable if you slip up and forget one day.
Bond with your professor – take advantage of the smaller class sizes and use this as an opportunity to get to know your professor on a better level. Who knows- maybe you’ll bond over your love of British literature and then you’ve secured yourself a job reccomendation!
Good luck with classes this summer Terriers! Stay tuned for more advice about summer at BU!
OA love,
Kaitlin
