Starting on March 1, the senior editorial staff  from the Quad began contributing weekly posts outlining the activities, places and trips all Boston-area college students should have on their bucket list.  A total of 10 posts makes up what these graduating seniors believe to be the most compelling, noteworthy “must-do’s” for all underclassmen to accomplish before graduation.  Here is the list in its entirety:

Cheat Sheet:

1. Party Favors, a hidden gem 2. Splurge on a great meal 3. Explore local culture in Jamaica Plain 4. Beer me, Boston. 5. Boston’s Alternative Movie Theaters 6. The Skywalk Observatory 7. Urban Biking Adventures 8. Explore music venues for every genre 9. Getting out of Boston 10. South Boston Street Festival

Photo credits:

1. Kara Korab 2. SweetonVeg 3. Mr. Ducke 4. compujeramey 5. D’Arcy Norman 6. whisperwolf 7. joeldinda 8. bradsearles 9. Rice Bear 10. animalvegetable

All photos, except Kara Korab, courtesy Flickr/Creative Commons.

When I look back on my time at Boston University, it seems that there’s very little I did outside of school that didn’t involve spending money.  Lots of it.  See, I have two speeds when it comes to money management: complete saver or complete spender.  And, since only about 0.072% of the cash I’ve earned remains from the umpteen jobs I’ve held while a student, it’s pretty clear that I’ve pretty much been in spending mode for three and a half years.

Now, I’ve had clothes binges and a kicks-fetish phase—my toe game was sick at one point—but there’s one thing on which I’ve spent loads more than all my other foolish/silly/awesome purchases combined.  Food.  If you still have a dining plan, you probably can’t relate to this.  But, once that thing’s gone and you’re living in an apartment and being expected to buy groceries and cook all the time (I know you hear me, juniors and seniors), then going out to eat becomes pretty second nature.  No matter how much you enjoy cooking, sometimes you just need to take the easy way out.

I admit, most of the time I’m spending a few bucks here for a sandwich and a couple more there for some pad thai.  But, if there’s one thing that you should do before graduating, it’s to go out and spend a ton of money on one meal.  That’s right.  One meal.

Before you grab that benjamin that Grandma gave you for Christmas and go to Sunset and get 6 orders of nachos and a table tap, you should know there are some rules. You have to go to a place that you’ve never considered as within the realm of possibility as an undergrad, i.e., expensive and off-campus (more on this later).  You have to dress up.  And, of course, you’ve got to convince a couple of your friends that this is an investment that’s totally worth it.

That last bit may be the hard part.  But, what you have to understand is not only is there amazing food in this city, but the experience of eating somewhere totally decadent is totally surreal.  Getting gussied up, having waiters who are legitimate experts on the courses they’re offering you, and paying for it yourself—not with mommy or daddy’s card—is really something special.  It’s almost impossible to describe.

Where to go?  I’m glad you asked.  Here are a few of my favorites:

1. Any restaurant owned by the Aquitaine Group:  This of course includes Aquitaine, but also the Gaslight Brasserie andMetropolis Café.  All terrific restaurants, all in the South End.  Totally gorgeous and delicious.

2. KO Prime Steakhouse and Bar:  If you’re into steak, this one and the next suggestion are for you.  Located downtown, it has great T access in addition to its edgy, urban, young-professional feel.

3. Mooo…: Another great steakhouse, right next to the State House in Beacon Hill.  A little quieter and more relaxed.

4. Eastern Standard:  A little afraid to leave the BU cocoon?  Check out Eastern Standard.  Great dinner menu, insanely good dessert, and, dare I say it, some of the best mixologists and cocktails in Boston.

Of course, do some of your own research.  And, if you need a little more convincing, just remember that Restaurant Week started yesterday.