The past few months leading up to my first day of college has been a toss-up of many different emotions such as excitement, anticipation, and anxiety. The transition is intimidating to say the least, going from your home to a brand new place–a huge city! I believe that I’m most likely not the only one to feel this way. Going into a city like Boston will be a whole new experience for many students; it is such an immense, active city that is just waiting to be explored. 
I believe one of the ways to combat some initial feelings of anxiety and even homesickness for some is going out to explore the many different places that Boston has to offer. Becoming familiar with the city as soon as possible will help ease and tame the various feelings and effects that may come with this new change. Then, Boston will start to feel like home soon enough. 
So, a big city with a seemingly endless list of things to do, where do you even start? With its large range of activities, I am positive that everyone will be able to find something that they are interested in. 
For people who love the ocean and everything in it, you can take a trip down to the New England Aquarium. This four-level facility is home to thousands of different aquatic animals and plant life. It gives you an up-close and personal experience, along with the opportunity to attend lectures or even watch scientific films. Make sure bring your student ID for a possible student discount. 
Huge sports fan? TD Garden, home of the Boston Celtics and Boston Bruins, is a five- to six-mile drive from our campus. Fenway Park, home of the BostonRed Sox, is about a seven-mile drive. Students can also take a bus or train into the city towards these arenas. Be sure to check on the Student Arts and Events Council’s (SAEC) social media accounts for discounted tickets throughout the year!
If you are more interested in the arts, Boston has different galleries, performing arts centers, and much more. The Boch Center plays different kinds of shows for everyone to enjoy. There are also many museums like Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts where you will be able to observe artwork from John Singer Sargent to Claude Monet andVincent Van Gogh. 
With all of this being said, you do not necessarily have to go into the city to pass the time. The University of Massachusetts Bostonnot only has a ton of clubs and organizations for students to join, the campus also contains things like a swimming pool, an ice rink, and lobbies for you and your friends to relax in. And with the harbor right in front of us, UMass Bostoneven offers free sailing sessions. 
Overall, both the city and the campus offer the means for students to explore and have fun. It is so important to make sure you are following and keeping up with the different social media accounts for UMass Bostonand its many clubs and organizations. Alternatively, you can also visit their offices for more information throughout the school year. SAEC isalways planning fun activities for the student body. If you’re ever unsure of what there is to do, they are the ones to ask!