After three and a half years at BU, the time is near for me to graduate. There are many things I wish I had done differently, and many things I would do all over again if I could. Now that my time here is coming to an end, let me share these five recommendations on how you can make the most of your college experience.
1. Take Advantage of What BU Offers
Boston University has many resources that can often go unappreciated by students. One of my favorite resources is the Peer Tutoring Program, through the Educational Resource Center (ERC). You can sign up for individual or group tutoring sessions in a wide array of subjects. Additionally, the ERC offers presentation practice, writing support, and academic coaching.
Beyond academics, BU has a plethora of resources to help you succeed. Whether that’s ensuring access to a quality meal (via the BU Food Pantry) or providing professional clothes to help you ace that job interview (through the BU Professional Closet), there are so many ways that BU supports its students. You can find more resources through BU’s Wellbeing website.
2. Say Yes to Everything
As an introvert, I often found myself choosing to stay in bed instead of going out with friends because I felt too lazy or too tired from school. If I could go back, I would say yes to everything. After all, there will likely never be another time when I live within walking distance of my friends.
College is the time to go out, explore, and try new things. While resting and recharging are important, they shouldn’t hinder you from spending time with your friends every weekend. You have your whole life to be tired, but college is an experience that you only get once. Make the most of it, and catch up on sleep once you graduate.
3. Get Involved
Everyone knows about BU Splash — the club fair held at the beginning of the fall semester. But how many times have you gone to Splash and actually involved yourself with some of the clubs you saw there? I went to Splash in my freshman year (just like almost every other freshman), and I wrote my email address on about five interest forms. Of those five clubs, I only attended one club meeting. After that meeting, I never attended again.
In my sophomore year, I decided to try again. This time, I signed up for three clubs, and stayed involved with two for the rest of the year. Once I found the right clubs, I felt like a part of BU more than ever. I met so many new people and formed new friendships, all while pursuing my passions.
Whether it’s a career group, sports , or a “just for fun” club, it’s never too late to join and get involved. You never know – you just might meet your new best friend.
4. Don’t Compare Yourself to Others
What’s meant for you will come when it’s supposed to—and it often arrives when you least expect it.
BU can be a very competitive school. I’ve had my share of days when I opened LinkedIn, saw all my peers landing amazing internships, and closed my laptop feeling like I’m wasn’t doing enough.
As easy as it can be, don’t fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others. We’re all on different paths and gaining different experiences that shape our future selves. What’s meant for you will come when it’s supposed to—and it will often arrive when you least expect it.
After channeling my frustration into motivation, I landed the internship of my dreams in the summer after my junior year. And the timing gave me the chance to hone my skills and walk into the role fully prepared.
5. Enjoy Every Moment
One of the biggest cliches of all time is “time flies.” But truly, it does. I feel like I was a freshman only last week. Try to find joy in every moment — even in the small things that can feel ordinary now. College goes by faster than you think. Someday, you’ll look back and realize that study sessions with friends in the library, spontaneous late nights out, and even that one class you hated, were some of the best parts. Be present in every moment and try not to rush through them. In the blink of an eye, you’ll be in my shoes, ready to walk the stage in your graduation gown.
We’d love to hear about your most treasured moments from your time at Boston University. Share them in the comments section below.
Leave a Reply