Some of our International Orientation Leaders (IOLs) have been here for one year, while others have been here for almost three! But despite the length of time they’ve spent at Emerson College, they’ve acquired wisdom for you, the new students. Some are deep, others are silly, while a few are just downright inspirational. So here it is, folks. The top 50 Things IOL’s Wished They Knew Before Coming to Emerson: (In random order)

1. I wish I attended International Orientation! Though Domestic Orientation was oodles of fun, I was a little overwhelmed and wish I got to know a few people before diving into numerous fun activities. (Aakruti)
2. I wish I knew that apart from the many moments of rapture and hilarity, I would also feel doubt and sadness and that is a completely normal part of the experience. (Pablo)
3. Dining Hall swipes stay, Board Bucks go…FAST! (Mahesh) + Your meals go to waste if you don’t finish it by the end of the semester, and so do your board bucks! However if you do have more than 50 Board Bucks left, you can get half of it back by applying for it online through E-Common. (Aakruti)
4. The basketball gym in Piano Row is open a lot of the time and is a great place to exercise. Quiet, open and they have basketballs there too, so you don’t have to bring your own. (Cameron)
5. If you want to a small little escape from the city life, the perfect place to hang out with friends is Revere Beach. (Ceddy)
6. Do your best to get along with your suitemates. Those you become friends with early on will more likely be lifelong friends. (Charles)
7. Getting involved and making connections as soon as you step in Emerson is crucial! (Valeria)
8. Emerson is one beautiful society which supports the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ) community with all our heart. There are so many schools around Emerson where you can meet diverse groups too! (Aakruti)
9. College doesn’t necessarily have all the crazy social experiences depicted in movies but it’s not solely studying all the time either. Make time for self-reflection and discovery! (Pablo)
10. As International Students you will need a domestic cell-phone plan…some companies tend to be unfair because of this. Do your homework and research which plan is the best for you. (Mahesh)
11. There are computer labs on the bottom floor of Ansin Building and on the 6th and 4th floor of Walker Building. They are usually open for students for extended periods of time. (Cameron)
12. If you go to Copley Place, there is a second floor! They have similar stores as Fanueil Hall - this makes shopping on rainy days more enjoyable as Fanueil Hall is outside. (Ceddy)
13. Need a quiet space but the library is full? There is a quiet lounge in the 2nd floor of Piano Row and are usually available along with residence hall common rooms - especially during finals week! (Valeria)
14. There are homeless and other non-Emerson people who will approach you in Boston. You may be afraid of them in the beginning, but don’t worry, just be alert of your surroundings, be safe, and confident. (Aakruti)
15. More than ever before, College - especially Emerson - is only as good as how much time, effort, initiative, commitment, and discipline I put into the things I love. (Pablo)
16. Be careful and aware that on Thursday, Friday, Saturday nights, Emerson will be filled with young adults out for a night in Boston because of the various clubs on our street. (Mahesh)
17. The Thinking Cup (located on Tremont Street) is a great coffee shop and is a solid place to sit down, relax, whatever. (Cameron)
18. Remember, there are ALWAYS discounts for students in Boston. So ask everyone from  your dry cleaner, photography stores, and even dance lessons! (Ex: 10% discount at J.Crew for students with their College I.D.) (Ceddy)
19. The Walker and Tufte Buildings are connected at the 5th floor! You can get from one building to another if you use this route! (Valeria)
20. If you are hungry after dinner, Boloco is open until around 10:55pm and they accept ECCash! (Aakruti) + Jade Garden in Chinatown is a great place that is open later in the night, as well as Maria’s Tacqueria (Tremont St) and New York Pizza (Tremont St.)…and the food is very affordable! (Mahesh)
21. Boston is as cold as everyone says. It is livable, but still very cold - particularly after living my entire life on a tropical island! (Pablo)
22. If you are a freshman Honors Program Student, there is only one semester that you can plausibly participate in the Kasteel Well Program. It is the fall semester of your sophomore year - it’s the only semester they offer Honors classes in the Netherlands. If you don’t want to miss out on this amazing experience, apply as soon as you can when you arrive. (Charles)
23. Always make sure that any guests that you invite to stay over or hang out have some form of ID on them so that you can sign them in. (Mahesh)
24. There are facilities in the Paramount that allow you to book piano and dance practice rooms as far as 3 days in advance.  The same goes for the Campus Center in the lower level of Piano Row which do not need advanced reserving (you can though!). (Cameron)
25. Explore the Esplanade (but not when it’s dark!) Make sure to stop off at the Paramount Cafe (in Beacon Hill) before you go though! (Ceddy) + Paramount Cafe has cheese fries! (Cameron)
26. I really didn’t need to bring so many things from home or buy so many things, just keep the essential stuff with you because when you have to mout out at the end of the year, it’s such a hassle! (Valeria)
27. College is the place where you get to explore your interests. A place like Emerson offers you so many things to do! There is probably an organization for every interest and passion - NOT EVEN KIDDING! I explored that after I was forced to visit the Organization Fair, SO DON’T EVEN THINK ABOUT MISSING IT! Afraid to go alone? Well, all of us OL’s (especially me!) are right there with you! (Aakruti)
28. It would be incredibly beneficial - and wildly enjoyable - to explore by myself, with a camera as often as possible. Explore everything: the city, the college, anything that would pique your interest. (Pablo)
29. It is possible that you will not get your desired classes your first few semesters, but don’t worry…things often work out for the best. (Mahesh)
30. Organizations are very important to being involved, and you MUST attend Organization Fair to really feel like you are a part of it. (Cameron) + Take the initiative and join organizations, raise your voice and express your ideas. Emerson is a place where different perspectives and opinions come together to form an eclectic and unique place. (Valeria)
31. You can take the bus almost anywhere! Even to New York City or the Cape (the coast of Massachusetts) - just be sure to look online! (Ceddy)
32. Try to attend every event during Orientation Week because the friends you’ll make there might just become your friends for the rest of your stay at Emerson. (Valeria)
33. Emerson slang is something you have to learn! Sometimes, us Emersonians use short names for everything. Right from the DH, Max, EmCaf, LB, so on and so forth! Here is a page our wonderful Lions have created: http://press.emerson.edu/undergraduateadmission/2012/04/30/emerson-slang/
34. I solemnly miss food from home, even more than I would have imagined! Yet, I would have to be grateful for the bountiful options that so many people around the world lack. (Pablo)
35. It is more than likely that you will get busy during the semester - and yes, you can do it all! If you ever need a self-esteem boost, remind yourself that other students in other colleges and universities probably don’t have the opportunity to be as involved in your career path as you are. Just remember to have time to relax and recuperate. (Charles)
36. Books are much cheaper through external services, also wait a week or two to decide whether or not the professor really uses the book. (Mahesh)
37. The Emerson Fitness Center is open every day of the week during the school year and it’s even open on the weekdays during summer. It’s free to use for any Emerson student. (Cameron)
38. Best desserts in Boston are right next to Emerson - La Troquet (with a slight price attached though)! (Ceddy)
39. If 8 am classes are tough for you, try to avoid them. (Valeria)
40. Make sure to take a tour of Emerson’s awesome campus! I didn’t get a chance to do so; hence, I keep discovering new places as I spend time in Emerson. Theaters, practice rooms, office, etc. The list is endless! (Aakruti)
41. It is regrettably easy to focus on the imperfections of your Emerson career and lose sight of what makes you happy about Emerson. (Pablo)
42. Make some friends in all your classes, they come in handy during exam times! (Mahesh)
43. Take the stairs in the Walker Building when going to any floor below the 5th floor - learn elevator etiquette as soon as you can and you’ll be just fine! (Cameron)
44. There is a second and third floor of the Asian/Middle Eastern Art Exhibit at the MFA - don’t miss out on these! By the way, Emersonians have free entrance to the MFA. (Ceddy)
45. Professionality and Dependability are two of the best traits to have when working in groups with other Emersonians. Keep in mind that they too will be professionals - and if they’re in the same industry as you, you will want to stay on their good side. Better yet, stay in their list of people they love to work with! (Charles)
46. The Lacerte Family Writing and Academic Resource Center (WARC), located in the Union Bank Building, 5th floor, is there to help you! Ask for their help for whatever you need - including writing/drafting essays. (Valeria)
47. Fun facts: The Little Building used to be a train station and an office building. The Colonial and Paramount both have theaters attached to them. Piano Row is named after the area where it sits due to the number of piano stores that lined Boylston Street.  (Aakruti)
48. Be nice to office staff and faculty workers from whom you are asking for help (in all the offices and departments) . They are more than willing to help you, but they’ll enjoy helping you when you have a thankful and patient attitude - and trust me, it will go by faster and more efficiently for you  A little patience and appreciation goes far! (Charles)
49. Connecting with Orientation Leaders and going to events during Orientation Week will open doors and get you friends! (Cameron)
50. Get to really know your professors and advisors! Stay in contact with those that you get along with - they are invaluable resources. Not only can they help you with the academic work, but they have helped me get internships as well as give me honest career and life advice. (Charles)