I’m from the west coast and have lived here all my life. I applied and was accepted into BC a little while ago and I was hoping someone could inform me on a couple things:
Is it easy to make friends on campus? Or do people tend to be more cliquey?
Is the student body more liberal or conservative?
I’m not much of a party-er, so is there a lot of pressure to party like at some colleges? I’m very extroverted and social, but I prefer to go out and do things/eat/chill rather than be at parties.
Because I’m not from the east coast, most of what I’ve learned about BC is from these forums, so I’ve inevitably run into conversations stereotyping students as “rich, white, and preppy”; however, I am by no means rich and am a minority. Is there any truth to the stereotypes? Or am I just spending too much time on the wrong forums?
Any other insight into student life and culture around campus is much appreciated!
@hemingways:
There are several recent AMA (*Ask Me Anything") threads from current BC students. I encourage you to get their attention to your questions. As a recent BC parent, I’ll share some thoughts.
[QUOTE=""]
Is it easy to make friends on campus? Or do people tend to be more cliquey?
This question comes up often with many schools. The real answer is 100% dependent on you. There is nothing about the student body at BC that will inhibit your ability to make friends.
Is the student body more liberal or conservative?
The former.
I’m not much of a party-er, so is there a lot of pressure to party like at some colleges?
I’m very extroverted and social, but I prefer to go out and do things/eat/chill rather than be at parties.
I’m sure you shouldn’t need to be concerned. Our son and his large group of friends were not.
But I’ll defer to current students.
Because I’m not from the east coast, most of what I’ve learned about BC is from these forums,
so I’ve inevitably run into conversations stereotyping students as “rich, white, and preppy”;
however, I am by no means rich and am a minority. Is there any truth to the stereotypes?
Or am I just spending too much time on the wrong forums?
Yes, it’s easy to pick up misleading information from the net.
If you’re not rich and are a minority, you’ll find ample company.
[/QUOTE]
A few more thoughts.
Every freshman arrives with his/her set of questions and uncertainties. They may be a different set
than yours, and few wear them on their sleeves, but all have them. You’re in great company.
When you’re thinking about making friends, remember college is when “Everyone is a new kid”. It’s an
opportunity to meet people from all walks of life. Doing so becomes a truly rewarding growth experience.
So many graduates look back at their 4 years at BC as the best 4 years of their lives. I hope some current
or recent BC students reply with their personal experiences.
@hemingways have you decided on BC?
I’m a parent of a freshman girl. She is a minority. She has loved her first year. There is s lot to do and you don’t have to ‘party’. She seems to do a variety of things from parties (I’m not up on details
Is it easy to make friends on campus? Or do people tend to be more cliquey?
It’s definitely what you make of it. However, the student body at BC is extremely accepting and if you put yourself out there (which is hard, I know) you’ll make some great friends. I met a great group of friends the first week have been with them since. There is a friend for everyone here. Also, if you choose to come to BC, take advantage of the upperclassmen. They will take you under their wing, show you around, give you advice, etc.
Is the student body more liberal or conservative?
Much more liberal than conservative (google the BC BLM protests this past fall).
I’m not much of a party-er, so is there a lot of pressure to party like at some colleges? I’m very extroverted and social, but I prefer to go out and do things/eat/chill rather than be at parties.
I don’t like to party either and there is absolutely no pressure to party. Having a school without fraternities/sororities is great because it doesn’t draw everyone off campus to partake in raging house parties. Partying at BC ranges from off-campus upperclassmen apartment parties, low-key dorm parties, or just hanging out (not necessarily with alcohol). Although there will always be a percentage of crazy partiers at any school, I have been pleasantly surprised with the student body here. Students, regardless of how much they party, go to sports games, explore Boston, attend a-cappella and dance performances instead of going out every night of the week. I don’t go to parties and neither do my friends. Take advantage of Boston as well as the activities and events the university puts on and you’ll never be bored. BC is just big enough to find friends who are just like you and I wouldn’t worry at all about being pressured to party.
Because I’m not from the east coast, most of what I’ve learned about BC is from these forums, so I’ve inevitably run into conversations stereotyping students as “rich, white, and preppy”; however, I am by no means rich and am a minority. Is there any truth to the stereotypes? Or am I just spending too much time on the wrong forums?
I too came to BC expecting to be surrounded by rich, snobby kids. I couldn’t have been more wrong, and the BC student body would agree with me. There is a huge mix of backgrounds and financial classes so if you’re not rich or are a minority you’re in good company. As a student here, I can say the stereotypes are not true.