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FactsSlang
- BUCOP - BU Collaborative Degree Program
- Cam-Co - Campus Convenience
- CAS - College of Arts and Sciences
- CFA - College of Fine Arts
- CGS - College of General Studies
- COM - College of Communications
- ENG - College of Engineering
- EOP - Center for English Language and Orientation Program (CELOP)
- GMS - Graduate Medical Sciences
- GRS - Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
- GSM - Graduate School of Management
- GSU - George Sherman Union
- IT - Office of Information Technology
- LAW - School of Law
- MED - School of Medicine
- MET - Metropolitan College
- PDP - Physical Department Program
- SAR - Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation
- SDM - Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine
- SED - School of Education
- SHA - School of Hospitality Administration
- SMG - School of Management
- SPH - School of Public Health
- SSW - School of Social Work
- STH - School of Theology
- SUM - Summer Term Program
- UNI - University Professors
- XRG - Cross Registration
Things I Wish I Knew Before Coming To School
- BU administration is extremely conservative, especially considering the liberal student body. The former president of the University, John Silber, despite being a Democrat, seems as right-wing as they come regarding policies. When petitioning for more lenient visitation rules, students were surprised to hear this widely published response: “It is not our job to provide a ‘love nest’ for our students.” He also disbanded the homosexual student organization at the BU Academy. This, among many other executive decisions made by those running the University, are often the spark for public controversy in the media.
- It is difficult to take classes in the College of Fine Arts, unless you are a minor or a major in the school, itself. I had really intended on taking some sculpture classes when I came to BU for school, yet was disappointed to learn that I had a limited selection of “classes for non-majors” to choose from, and would have been forced to take several introductory classes (like printmaking) in order to register for sculpture.
- The city closes down at 2 a.m. This is quite a culture shock, even for someone coming from a small town. I went to high school in upstate NY, and there were plenty of 24-hour diners around for late night socializing. Be prepared for early nights out, most after-hours partying takes place at off-campus apartments, or at home.
- The extremely high cost of living—this is especially difficult for your first taste of off-campus living.
Tips to Succeed
- Don't wait until registration day to choose your schedule. For some things, such as studying abroad or double majoring, all the general requirements you are forced to complete (especially in the College of Arts and Sciences) might get in the way of having that semester of travel and adventure in another country.
- Stay off campus. While the University provides plenty of opportunities for meeting other students, most of my best friends, and all of my relationships, have been found during trips away from campus life. There are so many people in Boston; do not make the mistake of limiting yourself to the occasionally homogenous BU crowd.
- Talk to your professors. This is the number-one piece of advice for any student at BU. As I approached my senior year, I regretted the fact that I had allowed my first years at the University to slip by without getting to know my professors. Do not wait until the panic of recommendations to become your professor’s best friend.
- Use the BU Job Board. Quickie Jobs are perfect for making some easy and fast cash. BU offers its students a list of odd jobs (one-time, temporary, permanent, part-time, and full-time options) posted by people and businesses in the Boston area who are looking for help. This is a great way to make enough money to really enjoy city life. Here, money disappears frighteningly fast.
Urban Legends
- It is said that if you walk across the seal on Marsh Chapel Plaza, you won’t graduate.
- The third floor of the Mugar Library at BU has supposedly been rated number two in the country by Playboy magazine for places to pick up good-looking college girls.
- The top floor of the Photonics Building at BU (which is not accessible to students, as it requires a code for entry) is rumored to be guarded by armed security. It is said to be a federally-protected area that engages in the production of “military technology.”
Traditions
- Midnight Madness - This occurs in the hockey rink at Case Athletic Center to celebrate the beginning of the season. Everyone gathers to be introduced to each player on the BU varsity team, often in a drunken frenzy.
- Senior Week - This happens each year during the final days between final exams and graduation. It is basically comprised of a bunch of events to which seniors and their guests may purchase discounted tickets to participate in. These include: trips to Six Flags New England, trips to the Cape, “booze-cruises” at the pier, clambakes, Boston Pops, Red Sox games, formal dances at popular Boston venues, and other events.
- The Beanpot Hockey Event - It occurs in the fall between Boston University and Boston College each year, and is always a party. It’s an event that is attended not only by BU students and faculty, but also by the city at large.
- The Free Concert - It is “partially funded by your undergraduate student fee,” (a phrase often joked about by anyone paying full tuition to attend BU), usually gets a lot of attention by students. One past act was Bob Dylan concert. Tickets were available on a first-come, first-served basis. It was incredible.
School Spirit
BU truly lacks a strong base of students who care about university life. While there are certainly select circles that pursue the betterment of student life, it is really hard to get a good turnout at both on- and off-campus events. Most school spirit is definitely shown at hockey games, where fans proudly walk along Commonwealth Avenue displaying their hockey jerseys during game nights. As for other school events, occasionally the students will surprise you, but, for the most part, apathy is rampant.
Most Recent Contributing Author
Name: Stephanie Santana
Hometown: Queens, NY
Major: Anthropology/Journalism Garnering inspiration from the most famous chocolatier, Willy Wonka, Stephanie has acquired an affinity for making sweet desserts for her friends whenever she throws a party. She's always on the search for the freshest fruit to add to her latest cake creation. Contributing Author Internship  College Prowler is actively seeking talented students to be "Contributing Authors," and assist with updating
the College Prowler guide to their school. This is a great opportunity for a student to gain internship experience, be a part of a nationally
recognized company, gain tremendous exposure, utilize new media techniques, and share advice with high school students about what life is
really like at your college. Read more about the internship.
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