When I transferred to UMass Boston, I had a complete 180 in terms of how I saw campus life and understood its contribution to the quality of life for attending students.
When I went to Bunker Hill Community College, their campus was just one building that contained all the classrooms, cafeteria, library and other common student hubs. While attending, I was able to appreciate a lot that BHCC had to offer; however, one thing I really felt like I was missing was that aspect of community. Since Bunker Hill was a commuter school, the entire vibe felt more temporary and fast-paced.
Most people at BHCC were not there to hang out and make friends, and I feel like you could really see that by the way the school was built. Long hallways with few places to sit and talk, a few small tables to work on assignments; nothing that really felt inviting.
It was something I felt mildly aware of, but I wasn’t quite sure why the school felt big and small at the same time. Now that I’m attending UMass Boston, I was finally able to put my finger on it.
While it isn’t fair to compare Bunker Hill Community College and UMass Boston for obvious reasons, I appreciate the atmosphere that envelops this school. The environment feels more permanent, welcoming and honestly, livelier.
On our campus, we see so many students everywhere, but the vibrancy is clearly visible on every floor of the Campus Center. There are friend groups laughing at tables, classmates studying together, people walking to the cafeteria or walking back to their tables with food in their hands.
When looking around our school and reflecting on my past experiences at BHCC, I came to a clear conclusion: The people at a school are the ones who bring it to life, not the funding or even the programs. The people that take part in our campus life, from students to faculty, are what make that school feel more like a community.
When looking back as a transfer student, I feel that, while it was such a big jump from a small one-building school to our giant campus, I gained a huge sense of community. I will, however, say that the building structures can affect the energy of our community.
If you talk to any student, many will agree that McCormack and Wheatley are by far some of the most lackluster buildings on our campus. Even if you don’t hear it, you can just see it for yourself.
The buildings have a colder environment, and when compared to University Hall or the Campus Center, you can see how much natural light brings people a different level of joy. McCormack and Wheatley, and even BHCC, are perfect examples of how the characteristics and structure of certain buildings can really make or break a student’s engagement and excitement for the school day.
Despite some buildings lacking in certain aspects, I see that everyone is proud to be here. Some students are even excited to make friends along the way. Both are, unfortunately, something I didn’t fully experience when attending Bunker Hill. However, I came to UMass Boston excited to enjoy the energy that makes this school feel alive, and this school spirit is the same reason I’ve stayed.
We all add our own touches to this school’s student body, with each individual adding their own personality to make our community better. With every passing week, I see students welcoming each other and embracing each other into this space, and it makes me happy to be a part of it.