<p>Q: Where did you live your freshman year and how did you chooses your room mate?
A: I lived in Gonzaga on Upper Campus. Most of you probably know that freshmen live on Upper and on Newton. The housing selection process in regards to who lives on which campus is completely random unless you volunteer to live on Newton Campus. A lot of people always ask whether Newton is better than Upper. In my opinion, the only thing that completely sucks about Newton is having to take the bus which can be a real pain on game days in the fall, in the rain/snow, or if you have an early class because it means that you have to wake up earlier, always check transloc to catch the bus on time, etc. But the upside is that you get to meet a lot of people that way. People on Newton are also A LOT (x 10) closer. So if you get selected to live on Newton, it’s definitely not a bad thing. —In regards to roommates, when I applied for housing I selected the ‘random’ roommate option. Some people met their roommates at orientation and decided to room together, however, I wouldn’t advise that. Everyone I know who did decide to do that now despises their roommate. But, you also never know. </p>
<p>Q:Did you find that your honors program classes had a lot of the same kids?
A: “Same” meaning work ethic wise, yes. They’re all incredibly intelligent, top of their class, put schoolwork before all else, and are very ambitious. But, that’s not to say that we’re not different. We’re so different! That’s what makes the honors program so unique because every person in it has their own story and it’s because of that story that got them into the honors program! Obviously, personalities will range, but you’ll find most hp students outgoing and just…interesting to talk to. I think if we were all the same kids, that would defeat the purpose of a seminar. Think about it. In a seminar, you’re discussing for two hours, so everyone puts gives their input from past experiences, upbringing, or just what they think. Then you add on to what they say and let the discussion go wherever it takes you. That’s the beauty of the honors program.</p>
<p>Q: What clubs or extra curricular activities did you join?
A: If there’s one piece of advice that I would give to incoming freshmen, it would be to get involved as much as you can in the beginning and then throughout the semester you can pick on one or two extracurriculars you really want to run with. I joined Model UN, the Heights (newspaper), SAP (Student Admission Program), Cura, Undergraduate Government of Boston College, and Project Sunshine. As the school year progressed and the work load became increasingly bigger, I concentrated on two of the above, but still am involved in all activities. *One thing I found good and bad about extracurriculars at BC was that in the beginning there’s an application for nearly every club. Thought it was a good idea to have apps because it weeds out who really wants to join and who didnt. Thought it was bad because it prevented a lot of freshmen from joining the clubs. Don’t let it dissuade you from joining! Clubs are a great way to meet awesome people! </p>
<p>Q: Drama.
A: Ah, you know. My roommates and I had a difficult time at the beginning adjusting to living with two other people 24/7. It took us a while to fine tune our schedules so that no one person was in the room all the time, and that everyone got to have the room to themselves for a certain amount of time, deciding when the TV can be on/off, adjusting to lamp lights still on at 3am, figuring out how to quarantine our room because one of us was sick (haha, I kid). Basically-learning how to live with random strangers. But we worked it out and we’re all good friends. And you’ll work it out too. (When in doubt, spend as much time in the library as possible. It’s a win-win situation. Get more studying done and avoid roommate…but hopefully it won’t come to that…) Then there’s sophomore year housing drama which is nuts. But don’t worry about that for now. :)</p>
<p>Q: What’s the party scene like? I’ve heard they’re super strict about parties. Is this true?
A: Uhm, it’s interesting. I came from a place where my friends and I just hung out on a Friday/Saturday night and watched a movie so coming to BC was a HUGE “social” change for me. I think the party scene’s pretty good. Most people do go out on Friday/Saturday nights. If you’ve taken a tour of campus, you’ve probably heard of the Mods, which are senior housing. Party central. Basically, our frats. There’s always something to do on a weekend night, but the trick is you have to know where the party is or someone who knows where the party is. This can be tricky as a freshman because you dont know as many people. I think most upperclassmen also go to off-campus parties because a lot of juniors live off campus. Again, it’s easier if you know someone who knows someone at/hosting a party (from a freshman perspective) and thus—try and meet as many people as you can the first couple of weeks of school. Strictness, eh, I’d say they are strict when they need to be. I know on game days/football weekends, you cannot enter the Mods unless you’re over 21. Need ID. Otherwise, no, not really strict? RULE OF THUMB: if you’re going to party, be safe and be smart. If you do, you wont attract BCPD. </p>
<p>Hope this helps! keep the questions coming :)</p>
I found having extracurriculars a real plus. It gave me a legitimate study break to walk outside, get some fresh air, attend a meeting, and then be recharged to get back to work. You’d be surprised at how much free time you have in college compared to high school. You just need to learn to manage your time. </p>
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