Welcome! Below is a list of activities, electives, things to see around Boston, and tips for college students. It has been compiled by Sargent College peer counselors who range from sophomores to seniors. This is a great resource, and you should take advantage of it. The e-mail for each PC can be found below their name, and you are encouraged to contact them with any questions that you may have. Enjoy!
Tip: If you are looking for a particular topic, such as studying abroad, simply use the computer to search (hit ctrl + F) for “abroad” and it will bring you to the different people who have studied abroad.
Name: Matt DeWolf
E-mail:
Major: Exercise Science
Year: 2009
Activities (briefly explain each activity):
-Dean’s Host: provide individual tours for prospective students and tours to large groups of students and parents during open house
-Peer Counseling- Co-President
-Student Alumni Council- Vice President. This group focuses on bridging the gap between alumni and students as well as getting more involvement in the university from both students and alumni
-Language and Learning Lab- I work as a research assistant exploring the ways in which children learn and develop language
-Working at Berkshire Medical Center- I work as an orderly where I transport patients, respond to level 1 trauma’s, and respond to patients in need of immediate resuscitation. Really cool job.
Electives (Please list course #, name, and describe in detail):
· CAS EN121- World Literature. Lots of reading and a few essays, but it was a pretty interesting class and allows you to break out of all the science courses
· UNI HU311- Stalking the Wild Mind. Professor Barrand is amazing! You will learn a lot of very interesting things about perceptual psychology and using extrasensory perception.
· CAS CS101- Introduction to Computers. Learned the theory, history, and basic workings of a computer, as well as did simple programming in python. It was interesting, but you definitely need to have an interest in computers to enjoy it.
· CAS PS241- Developmental Psychology. I took this with Professor Grant and he was amazing. His lectures are very interesting, and he makes you want to go to class. You learn about cognitive, socioemotional, and physical development.
· CAS PS441- Independent Study. I worked in a lab and got credit for it. Pick what you want to do, it’s a great opportunity
Activities that shouldn’t be missed in and around Boston:
· Go to at least one Red Sox and Celtics game
· The North End is a blast
· Take a walk/run on the esplanade
· Marathon Monday
· Top of the Hub- the food isn’t that great, but the view is amazing. Great place to grab dessert and enjoy looking at Boston
First Semester Tips for Freshmen and Transfers (List top 5):
1. Everything you want is at this school- but you have to go get it because nothing will come to you.
2. Go to office hours and talk to people who have already taken the class (they usually have the best insight on how to approach the course)
3. Sit in the first few rows for class- it sounds basic but it makes all the difference in the world
4. Get a tutor- even if it’s to bring you up from a B to an A
5. Time management is very important. Make sure to HAVE FUN and SMILE everyday- you only get to go to college once
Name: Larry Istrail
E-mail:
Major: Pre-Med Exercise Science
Year: 2009
Activities (briefly explain each activity):
Intramural basketball – play other intramural teams in a basketball tournament
Gymnastics class - Learn all aspects of gymnastics
Electives (Please list course #, name, and describe in detail):
· SED PE 375 – Psychology of Sport: Fun class if you like learning about sport psychology. It has 3 tests and a final research paper. We learned about things like goal setting, mental imagery, relaxing during stressful parts of a sport. We also would analyze athlete’s quotes in newspapers
· CAS AR100 – Archeology: Straightforward class that has a very fair course load. Learn about many of the great discoveries of the world. Interesting and a change of pace from your typical science classes.
· CAS RN100 – Religion: Took it with Dr. Lobel. She was somewhat unorganized and I felt like the class had no structure. However if you like religion, it would not be too difficult of a class. Learn about all the main religions in the world.
Activities that shouldn’t be missed in and around Boston:
A red sox game and Celtics game is a must.
In the summer, going to Faniuel Hall is a great experience. There are a lot of street performers and good food. Then just a cross the street is the pier with boats and waterside restaurants.
In the Winter, I love going to the Frog pond to ice skate. It is pretty cheap, and lots of people and good music.
First Semester Tips for Freshmen and Transfers (List top 5):
1. Cramming for tests the night before is not possible in college
2. Getting grades a lot worse than you are used to from high school on your first few tests is perfectly normal
3. Find a nice quiet, comfortable place to study with few distractions. It will really save you time. Studying in your room may be convenient but it will probably be very distracting.
4. If you are confused or lost in a class do not be afraid to talk to the teacher. That’s what they are there for. They are usually nice.
5. Don’t forget to have fun. This is the best 4 years of your life . Work extremely hard but don’t waste it spending 24 hours a day in the library and not meeting new people and hanging out with your friends.
Name: Joanna DiLoreto
E-mail:
Major: Human Physiology (Pre-medicine)
Year: 2010
Activities (briefly explain each activity):
Sargent Peer Counselor
Volunteer at Beth Israel Hospital
Work-study in the Health Science Department at Sargent
Electives (Please list course #, name, and describe in detail):
· CAS LI 111 – First Semester Italian with Professor Marino
· Professor Marino is hilarious, I definitely recommend the class if you want to learn Italian.
· SPH PH 510 – Introduction to Public Health with Dr. LaMorte
· Great class and introduction to the field of public health – caused me to apply for the BS/MPH program. Professor LaMorte is a great professor – he really wants his students to understand and do well.
· CAS PS 231 – Physiological Psychology with Dr. Lipton
· This course was interesting if you want to learn about the brain and the biological basis of behavior. Professor was very knowledgeable about the subject and an entertaining lecturer. Tests were difficult though since the material is very in depth.
· SPH EP 711 – Introduction to Epidemiology with Dr. LaMorte
· I really enjoyed this class – it teaches the basics of epidemiology, which is the study of disease in populations. Concepts were easy to grasp if you’ve taken statistics, and even if you haven’t Dr. LaMorte will make sure you understand.
Activities that shouldn’t be missed in and around Boston:
Watching a Red Sox game – you can get standing only tickets the day of
Shopping (or window-shopping) on Newbury Street
Eating at the Cheesecake Factory or a restaurant in the North end
First Semester Tips for Freshmen and Transfers:
1.) Read the assigned material before going to lecture – it really helps you understand what the professor is talking about
2.) Don’t wait until the last minute to start your lab reports!
3.) Get plenty of sleep
4.) Go to the gym or do something else you enjoy during the week to help relieve stress
5.) Do at least one fun thing on the weekend so that you have something to look forward to during the week
Name: Carolyn Kirkup
E-mail:
Major: Athletic Training
Year: 2009
Activities (briefly explain each activity):
BUSATS- President of BU’s Athletic Training club
Peer counseling
Marsh Chapel church member
Electives (Please list course #, name, and describe in detail):
MU118- introduction to music, we learned about different styles of music. The class was fairly easy, several quizzes were involved and one paper.
GE100- geology course. Discussed sustainability and how weather patterns work. 2 tests and a final.
Activities that shouldn’t be missed in and around Boston:
· Sargent Boat Cruise
· Splash for freshmen
· Red Sox games
· Newbury St
First Semester Tips for Freshmen and Transfers:
1. Make as many friends as possible.
2. Bring a fan it gets really hot in the fall
3. Stay ahead with readings
4. Get a tutor even if you aren’t doing poorly in a class
5. Call home every once in a while!
Name: Samantha Block
E-mail:
Major: physical therapy
Year: Senior
Activities (briefly explain each activity):
Senior class treasurer: Sargent Student Council: Plan events within Sargent as well as University wide events. Events can be community service oriented as well as social events.
Sargent Honors Society Member
Electives (Please list course #, name, and describe in detail):
· AN101: Intro to Anthropology: Course required a lot of reading and assignments outside of class; very comprehensive exams
· PH251: Medical Ethics: Interesting course for Sargent students, assigned readings were relevant and manageable.
· HI151: US History to 1850: Professor in the fall is an amazing and engaging lecturer. If you enjoy history the class is great…few assignments and exams.
· Social Psychology: Very interesting class, and Belle was a great professor, interesting and easy to keep up with as an elective.
· DE570: Sign Language: Great class! Fun and interactive, a nice break from science classes.
· RN106: Death and Immortality: Professor Prothero is a great lecturer but his assignments were somewhat vague and his exams even more so. I only recommend it if you are very interested in the subject.
Activities that shouldn’t be missed in and around Boston:
Boston Marathon
Duck Tours
Salem for Halloween
Ice skating on frog pond
First Semester Tips for Freshmen and Transfers (List top 5):
1. Go to class!
2. Join a group, club or team to meet people outside of your dorm/classes
3. Study in groups with people in your class
4. Get a tutor from the ERC if you are feeling overwhelmed by class
5. Meet as many different people as you can!
Name: Eddie Chen
E-mail:
Major: Human Physiology
Year: 2011
Activities (briefly explain each activity):
Sargent Executive Board- In charge of how money is handled for Sargent events
Darfur Student Alliance- raise awareness about Darfur around campus, hold fundraisers and events
Electives (Please list course #, name, and describe in detail):
PDP MB103- Zen meditation- Really cool professor, learn how to control breathing, like a nap period, really interesting subject
Activities that shouldn’t be missed in and around Boston:
Red Sox Games
Theater District- any shows
Harvard Square
North End food- MIKE’S PASTRIES
Aquarium
Museum of Fine Arts
First Semester Tips for Freshmen and Transfers (List top 5):
1. Make friends
2. Manage time well
3. If you are unsure about the smallest thing in class, go to office hours
4. Find a good place to do work and study
5. Don’t let academics take over your life
*Find your niche and don’t be afraid or intimidated by everything around; everyone is in the same boat as you
MANAGE YOUR TIME WELL
Name: Christina Trotta
E-mail:
Major: Human Physiology- Pre-Medicine
Year: 2009
Activities (briefly explain each activity): CSC After-school Program ( Community Service Center at BU); tutor young children at after-school programs around Boston; Boston Children’s Hospital- volunteer; Italian Students Association at BU; Pre-Med Society at BU; Socionics Club at BU; Undergraduate Assistant for BI 108 lab sections; Gross Human Anatomy Teaching Fellow, instruct lab portion; Biology 108 Student to Student – conduct review sessions for freshman biology students; Biology 107/108 and Human Physiology Tutor at Educational Resource Center at BU; Peer Counselor at Sargent college!
Electives (Please list course #, name, and describe in detail):
· CAS PS 251- Psychology of personality with Dr. Ely – he was a wonderful professor, down to earth, and approachable! You need the pre-req of PS 101 though before you take this class.
· SED PE 375- Psychology of Sport- this class was a lot of fun and not a big work load. Tests were fair and easy to study for.
· CAS LI 250- Italian Literature. Professor Harrowitz was great. She was so relaxed and fair with grading. This class was not that much of a time commitment either. The workload was fair and you only had to write 2 papers!
· CAS Cl 322- Roman History. DO NOT TAKE THIS CLASS. The workload was too much for science majors. The professor was wonderful and sweet but the workload was a lot!
· CAS SO 215 Sociology of health care- This class’s workload was very little. You only had two short papers and a final!
Activities that shouldn’t be missed in and around Boston:
Hockey games! Take advantage of all the volunteer opportunities we offer here at BU and in Boston in general. There are so many hospitals and clinics to get experience and learn about the field you’re interested in. On a side note, Cambridge mall for shopping should not be missed! The North End is like the Little Italy of Boston, going there is a must, especially for Italians!
First Semester Tips for Freshmen and Transfers (List top 5):
1. BE SOCIAL. Yes, school is the most important thing, but meeting new people and forming friendships is just as important!
2. Don’t stress the little things. Coming to school for the first year and adjusting to the workload of all your science classes is a lot to handle! Stay positive and learn from your mistakes, don’t stress them!
3. Be as open as you can be to new experiences and the people you meet. College is the time to “ break out of your shell” and try new things. Whether it’d be trying new foods for the first time or befriending someone who you never thought you would.
4. Explore Boston. Yes, we are all here to get an education and degree but we live in a great city. If you’re a Red Sox fan, the stadium is literally in walking distance! The North End is a fantastic area to get food with friends/dates. Newbury, Cambridge Side, Downtown Crossing and the Prudential are for the shoppers!
5. Don’t forget about your family and friends from home! Stay in touch with them and make sure you update them when you can. They care about you and want to know how you’re managing college.
Name: Brittany Irshay
E-mail:
Major: Human Physiology
Year: 2011
Activities (briefly explain each activity):
-Red Cross Club—volunteer at different events such as the blood drives, peace concert, food collections; can work in emergency services chapter as well