Students

Advice to First-Years From an Upperclassman

Lessons learned in my first two years of college

Last semester, I wrapped up my second year of college, and I’m officially halfway through my time at Boston University! As exciting and frightening as that may sound, the time has gone by so quickly, and I can’t believe I only have four semesters left as a Terrier. Looking back, there are so many things I wish I knew when I first set foot on campus as a first-year student. Whether it was navigating life in a new city, choosing classes, or figuring out the ideal time to do my laundry, those first few months were full of life lessons and experiences that have made my time here so amazing. If you’re reading this and you’re about to embark on your BU journey, here is some advice I would’ve loved to have had when I was in your shoes.

Make friends in class and talk to your professors.

Don’t be afraid to turn to the person next to you and start a conversation. I can almost guarantee that at some point, either the first day of class or later on in the semester, your professor will initiate a “turn and talk” moment or prompt an icebreaker at the start of class. So you might as well start getting comfortable talking to your seat neighbors. The connections you make in class often turn into study buddies, group project partners, or even some of your closest friends. 

As for your professors, most of them genuinely want to help you succeed, and they’re usually more approachable than you think. Don’t be shy about going to office hours or staying after class, even if it’s just to introduce yourself. Building those relationships early on can make a big difference. The network that you make here will stay with you well beyond your time at BU, so be kind and don’t be afraid to start up a conversation!

Get out and explore the city

One of the best parts about BU is that Boston is your campus, so take advantage of going to school in a city. There’s always something to do, whether it’s checking out a new restaurant or café, visiting a museum, catching a concert or game, or just exploring the different neighborhoods. Hop on the T without a destination in mind or take a long walk to discover a new part of the city. One thing I’ve really enjoyed is using Blue Bikes to get around. Instead of taking the T, I’ll bike just to take in the sights of Boston along the way. With that said, please be safe, and if you’re biking, follow traffic rules, stay alert, use bike lanes when they’re available, and wear a helmet!

Psst…your BU ID gets you discounts and free admission at lots of places like the City’s museums. Always be sure to ask about student perks.

Take care of yourself 

It’s easy to get caught up in trying to do everything once you get to campus, but prioritize your well-being! Be sure you’re getting enough sleep, drinking lots of water, and maybe eating a vegetable every now and then. Trust me, your body will thank you later. I also recommend loading up on Vitamin C either before you get to campus or right at the start of the semester. Get ahead of all the seasonal colds and illnesses that will only ramp up as the year goes on. Emergen-C has been one of my best friends since starting college. Take care of yourself so you can enjoy your time here!

It’s okay to show up to events solo

Want to go to a campus event or explore a part of Boston, but don’t have anyone to go with? Go anyway. You don’t always need to have someone with you to have a good time, and you might meet someone new or run into someone that you’ve seen on campus, or even discover that you really enjoy your own company. 

College is one of the best times to start building independence and confidence. It might feel awkward at first, but pushing past that discomfort can be so rewarding. Plus, half the people at those events are probably just as nervous as you are. You never know who you’ll end up sitting next to or what opportunity might come from simply showing up, so don’t let the idea of being solo hold you back.

Pay it forward and reach out to incoming Terriers 

Once you find your rhythm at BU, don’t forget to pay it forward. When decision results begin to roll out halfway through your first year and you hear someone from your hometown got in, shoot them a message! A simple “Congrats!” can go a long way in making someone feel seen and welcomed, and it’s a great reminder of the supportive BU community we have.

I came from a town where not many people chose BU, which was both daunting and exciting at the same time. During my first year, after Early Decision results came out, I reached out to someone from home who got in, and I’m so glad I did. Not only did it help her feel more connected to BU before she set foot on campus, but it reminded me just how far I’d come since I had received my acceptance letter. It also made me really happy to hear she did the same a year later. Being able to offer advice and encouragement made me realize how special it is to be part of this community and how important it is to lift up the people coming after you.

At the end of the day, no one comes into college having it all figured out, and that’s completely okay! Don’t compare your experience to those around you. This is a time for discovering what matters to you, who you want to be, and how you handle the unknown. Boston University has so much to offer, and your experience will be uniquely yours. I hope these little lessons help you feel a bit more ready to take it on. Good luck, new Terriers– you’ve got this! ❤️🐾