Boston University Top Questions

What should every freshman at Boston University know before they start?

Helen

Don't underestimate how much more work college requires for the same grades you got in highschool with less effort. Don't get lazy or discouraged, reach out to all of the resources BU provides and to your classmates- they all want to help you. Get involved with all the different school activities but don't let them take over your time to study. Also, go to your professor's office hours! They may seem scary when they're lecturing, but they're thrilled when you come to see them and ask questions, so don't hesitate! They'll end up being such a good resource for doing well in classes. Don't be nervous about the size of BU, it really is pretty small once you get there, especially with everyone willing to point you in the right direction if you get confused. Take advantage of living in the city- there's so much to do in Boston, so don't get stuck on campus!

Mankian

Well, If I went back to high school, I would change my department to be linguistic to make me life happy because I love english language. I will try my best. I would like to tell myself that ....If you think that thing is right, do it and don't worry about anything and be strong to complaint of someone. Do the thing that you like..do not follow other people. Don't be afraid the way that you never have been to. Don't be angry with people who always insult you...try to prove yourself that you can do it. If you do the thing that has a lot of friction or just follow other people, you will never reach to your goal because it's not yourself. The last thing, don't forget to take care your heart too.

Allison

College is not what you're expecting. Your roommate will not be your best friend and you won't have time to go out every night. Yet Boston is so much more than you imagine. The city is beautiful, yes, but it's breathtaking at moments, and the transformation through seasons is spectcular. Don't forget to visit your professors during office hours, they appreciate it when their students take initiative. Plus, get rid of the shyness! You will meet someone new every day and you will answer the same questions many times, but you will also make great friends who will always stand beside you. There will be times when you will feel like you chose the wrong major or the wrong school, but it is only because great things don't come easy. Sometimes you won't do as well as you expected, and at other times you'll be pleasantly surprised, but through it all, stay true to your work ethic and never, ever give up. There are hundreds of great clubs at BU. Don't forget to check the events calendar, because there are amazing events almost every night that you don't want to miss!

Jessica

I would advise my high school self to not worry as much. I focused a lot of attention on doing everything I possibly could, academicly and in my extra activities. I wish I would have realized that I did not need to do everything, but only the things that I was passionate about. I also wish that I would not have put so much emphasis on the application process. I applied to a lot of schools, and it would have been better to narrow my search before applying, instead of applying to all the schools that seemed interesting to me. It would have been less pressure and I would still have ended up in the same place, equally as happy.

Casey

Dont be afraid to open up when you first move into college, as that is the key to making friends and getting established within the school.

Stacey

Try to pick a school that you like, and not just one your parents will approve of. Also try to think beyond college. While it might be fun to go to one school, it might be better for job placement after school to go to a different place. You're going to enjoy yourself wherever you go, so choose with academics in mind.

Christopher

Get ready to work harder than you ever have and don't overwhelm yourself with work. Take the easiest classes, not the most interesting, as the A is important. Anything really interesting or useful will not be found in a class under a 300 level.

Scott

If I had the chance to go back in time, and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to relax. The application process was the most stressful time of my entire high school career. I found myself doubting my academic performance and extracurriculars, wondering if I was good enough for any of these schools I was applying to. I know that this happens to many high school seniors, and it detracts from arguably the most fun year of high school. If I could turn back time, I would sit myself down, offer myself a glass of lemonade, turn on a little soft rock in the background, and calmly explain to myself that no matter what school I get into, my options are still open. I was under the impression that the school and program I get into would determine the next four years of my life. I know now that most schools have a diverse enough curriculum, that I could end up content no matter where I went. This information, offered to me, by myself, would have proved invaluable during the application process.

Allyson

Follow your gut instinct, and don't enter college declared as anything. Apply to more than just big-city schools.

Sean

to make sure you start work and do the reading from day 1, as a first bad semester is not a good way to start. and also to learn from other peoples mistakes in your freshmen year as everyone makes them and take the range of what people do wrong like late assingments and getting caught drunk by BU or worse. and try to have as much fun but remember when alcohol or when you are doing something you shouldnt you need to realise the consequences if you get caught. You need to deciede if the 10 minutes of fun would be worth it for the trouble after.