1. Get Involved! You hear it all the time, and it sounds like some sort of ploy to get you involved in student groups so there is more participation. But to be honest, the places that I have found some of the most influential people in my college career, have been in activities or jobs on campus that I have gotten involved in. Whether they be University Employees, Professors or other fellow students. Every interaction was 110% worth it. No matter what university you may be attending, there will be something that will suit you. Especially here at Suffolk.
Don't know what groups are offered at Suffolk? Attend the annual
Temple Street Fair and ask questions to the current members
of all the groups that will be available to speak to. Or
check out some of the following groups...
- Up til' Dawn
- Black Student Union
- Seriously Bent
- Suffolk Free Radio
- SOULS
- the list is long.....
2. Make that extra effort. When you're out at a social gathering or in a group in class, and you find yourself hesitant to say "hi" and put yourself out there. Do yourself a favor, stop thinking about it, and DO IT! The worst that happens is that the conversation dies down and you move on. The best case scenario, you could end up making really good friends with that person over time. Not to forget, knowing people and making connections never hurt anyone either.
Looking for Social Gatherings at Suffolk?
Here are a few ideas...
- Annual Suffolk Spring Ball (held at a local Boston Hotel)
- One of the numerous Movie Nights on campus, showing recent
movies just in theaters
- Broadway trip to NYC to see a Broadway Show
- Frank Santos "R rated Hypnotist" that visits campus
Visit http://www.suffolk.edu/campuslife/194.html throughout
the school year to see what's happening on campus or events
to go to off campus too!
3. If you want to take that shortcut on your paper or homework, think twice. The little things, that you do for your classes, ADD UP. Seriously. One bad habit turns into another and before you know it you are fighting procrastination into the wee hours of the morning. Studying for the extra 20 minutes or writing for an extra paragraph or page can be the big difference in a grade when each time you make the decision adds up. Surprisingly, if you really look at it, your homework average for a class, can seriously boost your overall grade. When you really think about it, why turn down the opportunity to use your resources and get the best grade you can on a homework, or paper?
Need Homework Help? Try any of these Offices. I've personally
used them all before, and they are WONDERFUL.
- Ballotti Learning Center
- Math/CS Support Center
- English Writing Center
4. Study Abroad. I never studied abroad. I never had time because of the courses I had to take. It was the unfortunate drawback to me changing my major after freshman year but it was also a decision I made for myself that I knew was the best decision. If you have the time to study abroad. Do it. I have never ever ever met a single person who has studied abroad, and has regretted it. Do it for me, so I can live vicariously through all of you who get to live your lives abroad for a few months. Visit www.suffolk.edu/studyabroad to get more information. It can open so many doors for you.
Study Abroad Options to Consider:
- Madrid, Spain (*Suffolk Campus)
- London, England
- Florence, Italy
- New Zealand
- Greece
5. Don't be afraid to dabble. Try different classes in the different colleges here at Suffolk. In my past five years, I have taken different classes such as a Criminalistics Course, to Foundational Drawing over at the art school. It is a mind opening experience. I am SOOOOO glad I did it. Not only did I get to learn new things that I wouldn't have done before, but it helped me choose and confirm my career path that I was headed down. Changing majors is almost expected of you. It is incredibly rare and not expected of you to come into college knowing exactly what you want to do with the rest of your life. So don't feel like you have to! Take a long look at what's offered. Try something knew, it might open new doors for you....
it's how I found my major/profession. I couldn't be happier.
6. Most importantly, have faith in yourself. What may seem like a week you will not be able to get through, or a paper you can never finish, it will all pass. That I can promise you. It is up to you to make the most of it, and the hard work you put into it, will always pay off. You just need to remember not to be too hard on yourself. If you're struggling in a class, your probably not the only one. If you did poorly on a quiz or test, it happens to the best of us. Use it to learn what you did incorrectly. If you're unhappy with anything, don't be afraid to get help or just want to talk about it. As a person who was a peer mentor in high school, and one who has used the resources myself, I highly encourage anyone who is having trouble, or just needs to vent, check out this site. It can make the world of a difference. College is a challenging time for many people, you find out many things about yourself, and overcome many obstacles you may have thought you'd never even be facing. Utilize all your resources to make the best you. For any other tips, visit college survival guide.
I could keep going on but I feel that I have given enough resources to keep you all busy for a while. I'm going to miss Suffolk. I plan on visiting all the time. A small part of me will be left here. It is incredibly sad and extremely surreal that this is the end of my undergraduate road. I have grown more than I ever thought I could have here. I have never felt more at home than when I was on this campus. The city has been my open book to explore. The most satisfying thing I can take away with me, is that not a single ounce of me, wonders if Suffolk was the right decision, but instead, I wish many of you could see how right of a decision is can be for you. Suffolk is Boston's hidden gem, but in a way, I hope it doesn't stay hidden for long. Because Suffolk deserves it's bragging rights. I boy do I brag.
I refuse to say good bye, so.. until next time.
Sincerely,
Lisa P.
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