A caring and vibrant community
The scariest time for many is when you realize you're in a whole new group of people and you don't know anyone.
At Bloomsburg, it only lasts a moment. Take a poll around campus and most students will tell you that it took three days or less to have more friends than the social calendar can handle. Here's what students say:
Carrie Krohn, a senior Art History major from Carlisle and graduate of Carlisle High School, recently presented "Camille Claudel: The Struggle for a Voice" to the 11th annual Student Symposium in the History of Art. Her research investigated the life and work of the sculptor and the how a relationship with Auguste Rodin influenced her work. Krohn transferred to Bloomsburg as a freshman because of BU's reputation in the field. "I always had an interest in art history," she says, "and realized it's what I have to do with life." She plans to enroll in graduate school and pursue a career in museum work.
No matter who you are, you'll find a bunch of people just like you -- same interests, same style.
You're accepted for who you are. There are no cliques or social castes.
Everyone's learning how to mature and handle independence. Everyone helps.
Most are eager to meet new people and expand their horizons. Tolerance levels are very high.
Bloomsburg recognizes the challenges of change, so it starts with a mid-summer orientation to help you recognize you're not alone. And just before fall semester begins, three days of orientation helps you get acquainted, form initial friendships, find peer support.
The beginning of the school year finds students expanding relationships beyond residence halls and social encounters into those who share academic interests. Many study in groups at Andruss Library.
After class, the social whirl of Bloomsburg quickly draws you into organizations, activities, sports and recreation. Newcomers are welcomed into the sustaining efforts of clubs of every kind imaginable, and then there's always those things you've always wanted to explore -- just like everyone else.
BU students are especially fond of social causes, centered on campus and in town, and are quick to volunteer for everything from Red Cross blood drives to Habitat for Humanity and helping community children to raising money for a number of charities. Many participate in programs directly related to their majors, gaining valuable experience. They are passionate about the entire spectrum of politics and are involved in all religious denominations.
Hundreds participate in intramural, club and just pickup sports for recreation, fitness and stress relief, while just as many become involved in performing arts, academic societies, or just hanging in favorite haunts, talking.
One thing's for sure: the person you meet ten minutes after you move in could easily become a life-long best friend.