How to Survive (and thrive) During your First Year of College
Photo by Janice Checchio
How to Survive (and thrive) During your First Year of College
10 tips from a junior on how to survive and thrive during your first year at Boston University.
To all of the first-year students about to start their college careers:
The last two years I’ve had at Boston University have been quite the ride. I’ve learned a lot and even have grown as a person. One of my favorite things to do is to try and take what I’ve learned along the way and share it with others. Here is what I call my “pro list” of tips for those who are just entering college and are in need of some advice.
- On your first week in the dorms, try to be as outgoing as possible. I know it can be scary, but everyone is feeling that way. Leave your door open, introduce yourself to everyone, and try to be as friendly as possible.
- Save, save, and save some more! I’m talking about money—save all of the money you make over the summer—you’re gonna need it.
- Get a Charlie Card before the first day of classes. You’ll thank me later.
- Invest in a solid pair of slides and a comfortable pair of walking shoes. Since you’re in a city, the level of comfort your shoes provide while you walk is important. Don’t skimp out on these.
- Prioritize getting enough sleep. Your body functions better when you’re well-rested.
- When reaching out to a professor via email, try to keep your message short and simple. They receive hundreds of emails a day, so it helps them out when you get right to the point.
- Use all of the amenities that are available to you, especially the gym. FitRec is nice and has a lot to offer. They’ve got everything from a lazy river to a Pilates studio—and the best part? When you’re a full-time student, you’re automatically a member.
- Don’t compare yourself to your peers. Everyone’s sleeping, studying, eating, and class schedules are different. Stay focused on what works best for you.
- It’s okay to eat in the dining hall alone. Everyone eats in the dining hall alone at some point. People are on different schedules; others will understand.
- Explore! Explore the campus, the city, different majors, new professors, different food, and new hobbies. College is a great time to grow and learn about yourself. Take the time to explore new things—you could end up really liking something you would’ve never tried before.
I’m only halfway through my college experience and still have a lot to go, but I feel my first two years were transformational. I learned the importance of a schedule, sleep, quiet time, and not burning both ends of the candle. But it took a while. It was overwhelming in the beginning—that’s completely normal. Hopefully, these tips can help you make your transition into college a bit easier so that way you can also find your groove. Take care of yourself, Terrier.
— Sophia Caffrey (COM’25)
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