The Boston experience trip exposed all of us to an opportunity to learn about a school based on our career interest. Five students and I decided to attend Boston University, but as soon as we arrived to this university, each of us took different paths. What I found most interesting about Boston University was the campus. There are various colleges within the university; there are sixteen colleges and each college has its specialization. For example, for a criminal justice student, Metropolitan College will be the most convenient school to select.

 

Metropolitan College offers “non-traditional” students with flexible schedules and classes, especially for those students who already have an established job and a family. Also, the payment is accessible for those students that take twelve credits--$5,000 each semester. Unfortunately, the criminal justice department only provides evening classes because the majority of their students work in the morning. Therefore, the opportunity to attend a class was not given.  However, I had the opportunity to meet in person and have a discussion with Dr. Shea Cronin who teaches courses in criminology, criminal justice, and policing for the criminal justice department.

 

Although, Metropolitan College provides accessible class schedules, there is no guarantee for transfer students to dorm.  Before the semester starts, it is important to consider contacting the housing department to find out if there is a possibility to obtain a dormitory, or search in advance for places to rent outside of campus.  One interesting fact is that the university is surrounded by different restaurants, three bus and train stops, and stores to shop. This provides student with accessible places to rest and do their school work within campus. Also, Boston city is nearby, which gives students more options in regard of entertainment.

 

I was also able to attend two campus tours: one for the School of Hospitality and Administration and the other one for the School of Management. Although these schools were 20 minutes apart from each other, we had the chance to walk around the campus and see different sculptures such as one to the memory of Martin Luther King Jr., who studied at the Theology School of Boston University.

 

Another interesting factor about Boston University was the campus atmosphere. While I was walking to Metropolitan College, which is approximately five to ten minutes away from the general admissions office, I felt as I was one of the students.  The Boston University campus has its own community, which provides students with a variety of activities to relax, study, or spend time with their friends. Also, the students on campus were friendly and were more than willing to answer your question and help you to find a class. Boston University in part offers its students a similar environment as New York City, and it also offers a suburban life for those who want the opposite of a city life. This helps students to easily adapt to a new atmosphere without extreme changes.