Life at BU
No matter who you are, you'll quickly fit in
Ask just about anyone on campus how long it took to have more friends than they could have imagined and the answer will inevitably be "a couple of days."
The social dynamic of college is very different than high school. BU students agree:
- There are no cliques
- You are accepted for who you are
- There are probably a lot of people with the same interests as you
- There is no shortage of things to do
- Students care about each other and will help each other
- If you feel you are shy or not socially adroit, relax. You'll be accepted, and grow.
Breaking the ice
It may take a bit of courage for many, but on the day you move into campus, say "hello" and introduce yourself to the many new faces you'll see. Where are you from, what's your major, what kind of music do you like, want to get something to eat - all valid questions to get a conversation started.
Be genuinely interested in and open-minded about the people you meet. You're about to create life-long friendships.
Don't worry; everyone's as nervous as you are.
Attitudes that will definitely work against you:
- Racism, anti-semitism
- Homophobia, sexism
- Superiority, know-it-all
- Party animal, Joe Cool
Settling in
The three-day freshmen orientation program at the beginning of the semester is designed to:
- Help you adjust to campus living
- Introduce you to how college, and specifically BU, works
- Resolve any last-minute problems before classes begin
- Introduce you to a lot of people through organized programs and social activities
Most students say the pool of friendships grows in about this order:
- People who live nearby in your residence hall
- People you meet during orientation
- People you meet in classroom settings
- People you meet in campus activities you join
And those who say they've had a great experience at BU all say the best way to get started is to be open to meeting new people and become involved in things you enjoy and care about.
Starting points
In addition to concerts, dances, trips and movies, Student Activities at Bloomsburg offers more than 160 campus organizations. Through the Community Government Association (CGA), BU students actively participate in university governance, operate the bookstore and student recreation center and own the Honeysuckle Apartments complex near campus. Through Greek Life, there are a number of social fraternities and sororities, and there is an enormously active intramural and club sports program.
The campus-based SOLVE office can connect you with community service projects in the region. Many area churches welcome BU students and even provide transportation to services and social events. You can join performing arts groups even if you're not a major in one of them. And Quest offers high-adventure outdoor activities nearby and in remote corners of the world.
Campus hubs
Students gather for many purposes in many places but traditional hubs include:
- Student Recreation Center ("The Rec") for personal fitness, pickup sports, intramurals
- Andruss Library for group study
- Kehr Union for meetings, snacks, socializing, especially in Husky Lounge and the game room.
Getting around
Almost everything at BU is within a short walk, including downtown Bloomsburg. There is frequent shuttle bus service from near Centennial Hall to upper campus, downtown and apartment complexes near BU. Learn more.
Those bringing cars to campus will store them in a lot on upper campus ("the blue lot"), which is serviced by regular shuttle service. Students with more than 60 credits or who live in apartment complexes will park in other assigned areas. Commuters will find a huge new lot available to them opposite the Student Recreation Center. More on cars and parking.