Get Involved

Should I go to Splash!?

Transfer students tell us over and over again that making the effort to forge new connections at BU pays off in the end. It’s easy to say “get involved,” but what does that really look like?

Here are some tips from recent transfer students:

“It truly is all about how much effort you put into this process of getting involved. This is a chance for you to be someone new, to find a new hobby, to explore new talents that we know you possess. To all my fellow introverts, this is an opportunity to grow. Don’t be afraid to approach someone and ask questions about their hobbies, the clubs that they’re involved in, and the activities that they enjoy doing because you never know where you’ll find your community for life.

Splash is a great place to do this and to interact with various groups (and there are a lot to choose from!) And after Splash, I encourage you to go to every group’s interest meeting that you find interesting. You never know what you’ll learn and who you’ll meet. I also recommend dragging encouraging your roommate or anyone that you want to get to know better to come with you. It’s easier to step into a new space with someone by your side, even if you’re still getting to know each other.

Once you’ve narrowed it down to a couple of organizations that you want to get involved in, get involved! I mean more than passively attending meetings and listening. Contribute ideas, help plan workshops, make conversations with everyone from the executive board (they’re not as intimidating as you think!) to the stranger sitting next to you at the meeting. Make sure your new community is a place where you feel welcomed, included, and comfortable. Having fun is also great too.

Lastly, the hardest part is keeping up with it. BU is a rigorous school and sometimes our studies, jobs, etc. will get in the way of our club obligations, whether small or large. It’s important to make time for yourself to be involved and surrounded by those that you have chosen to be your people. Academics are important, but so is your social life. Be involved and stay involved in order to make the most of your time because I promise you that it will go by quickly. I hope you’ve found this helpful. Congratulations on transferring and good luck! Go Terriers!”

-Nhi Do, SHA’20

“Coming to BU as a transfer student in my sophomore year was an unfamiliar experience. I felt as though I did not fit into the freshmen category because I was already a year done with college. On the other hand, I definitely was not a typical sophomore that is familiar with the campus and already actively involved. I really did not know many people at BU except for my roommate and the people I had met in my classes. The best way I found to make friends and begin enjoying my time at BU was at Splash! I was able to join a few clubs, like my acapella group Kol Echad, that I was interested in and actively became apart of them. I also joined my sorority, Gamma Phi Beta, second semester which helped make me feel like I have girls that will always have my back. I think the best advice you can get is to get involved in clubs or organizations you are interested in. Don’t just sign up for anything, focus on a few key clubs that you are passionate about and make connections that will lead to life long friendships.”

-Gabi Dube, Questrom’21

“Transferring is scary. Starting ‘over’ is scary… but as transfer students, that’s the challenge we embark on–we have a unique experience like no other. And it’s crucial to remember that we do add so much to the BU community.

It’s also important to find that small community/group in a large university like BU. Getting involved on campus is what helped me feel welcomed at Boston University. I’ve even found some of my closest friends through the organizations that I’m involved in. And it all started with joining a club, signing up for email newsletters, attending meetings, and seeking opportunities to get involved (like applying for E-Board)!

For me, college was all about exploring new things and meeting new people. Once I transferred to BU, I had a goal of pushing myself outside my comfort zone by trying things I never thought I would–like dance! You never know how much you’ll actually enjoy doing something until you try it.

Another tip: remember to connect with the people in your classes! It’s an instant connection because you’ll be in class for a whole semester together, if not more. You never know who your new close friend will be until you say hello!”

-Anna Pham, COM’21

“Join a specialized living community, such as music house or Women in Engineering house, or volunteer through the BU Community Service Center.”

-Cas Berta, COM’21

“Apply to a club/org e-board. For example, class gift is always looking for board members and there are great perks to being a part of this particular philanthropy community.”

-Tali Costopoulos, Wheelock’20

“Don’t let the fact that you have less time at the university stop you from trying things or doing things you want to do! Transfer students can fit much more into their schedules than they originally think they can, so utilize all the different resources at BU and make your time here count!

Also say yes to everything because you never know what you will end up really enjoying.”

-Kim Cahill, CAS’20