A Guide for CGS Students: How to Kick-Start Your BU Experience
Making your transition to campus a smooth one.
A Guide for CGS Students: How to Kick-Start Your BU Experience
From working with advisors to finding a student club that’s right for you, these tips will help make your transition to campus a smooth one
Welcome to campus, College of General Studies (CGS) students! Whether you’re excited, nervous, or somewhere in between, we have your back. Coming to BU after a gap semester of working, traveling, volunteering, or taking a class or two can be quite the adjustment. To help with this transition, here’s a rundown on what you need to know to hit the ground running and acclimate to campus with ease.
Lean on the Academic Advisors Available to You at CGS
Academic Advisors are going to be your most valuable resource in CGS. There are nine full-time advisors here to support you throughout your transition to BU.
They help with:
- Navigating the BU Hub
- Setting up your course schedule
- Exploring and declaring majors
- Familiarizing/connecting you with campus resources
In case you’re ever overwhelmed, confused, or unsure of what to do, your advisor is your North Star.
Finding Community
With around 600 incoming students in CGS, there are plenty of chances to find your people. With small class sizes and team projects, expect to be working and bonding with your peers from day one. You’ll also meet and interact with non-CGS students in the dorms, clubs, and elective classes.
Outside of what’s available to you at CGS, BU also hosts numerous activities weekly, from academic department lectures to kayaking on the Charles with FitRec. Be sure to check the BU Today Calendar for all campus events, which are designed to give students the chance to explore offerings and events and get involved.
Last, be sure to check out the University’s Student Leadership & Impact Center to learn about the hundreds of student organizations you have access to. With 450+ student organizations, it’s easy to pursue a favorite hobby or try something new. We’ll help you find students who share your interests—or help you get the ball rolling to create a new group.
Academic Involvement
Even before you step onto campus, CGS offers academic support and growth opportunities. To encourage collaboration, you will work as part of a team that includes three professors, an academic advisor, and approximately 80 fellow students. The faculty team will meet weekly to collaborate and put together a cohesive interdisciplinary experience. Additionally, students also have access to the CGS Writing Center, where they can receive one-on-one support for their writing assignments.
Research & Internship Opportunities (Yes, Already!)
You don’t need to wait until junior year to start building experience for your résumé. As a CGS student, you’ll have access to the Center for Interdisciplinary Teaching & Learning. The center provides funding for students participating in unpaid external internships and pairs them with alumni for these placements. They also offer the opportunity to partner with a faculty member on research projects, even as a first-year student.
Another great resource at BU is the Center for Career Development, which is open to all students. Whether you’re polishing your résumé or looking for internship advice, the center is there to help you feel confident and ready to take on the real world.
Starting your first semester of college and making new connections can be nerve-wracking and overwhelming, but CGS is here to ensure students feel at ease during this transition. With advisors, events, team-building activities, and research opportunities, you’ll be ready to start the semester by hitting the ground running.
Show up. Ask questions. Reach out. Say yes to everything!
We hope these resources help make your transition to BU smoother and help you start the semester feeling confident. You’ve got this. BU is here for you with open arms!