Kenna L: My Go-To Coffee Shops around Boston University

Whether you’re planning on studying or catching up with a friend, coffee shops serve as a herding ground for all.  As a self-proclaimed coffee connoisseur, I have utilized BU’s easy access to public transportation to visit many of Boston’s esteemed cafes and have curated a list of the most essential spots around campus. 

1.Pavement Coffee

It makes perfect sense that Pavement comes in at first place, considering it is integrated into Central Campus. Located across from the street from the School of Theology, Pavement is a sanctuary for all BU students looking for a pick-me-up. They have everything, ranging from lattes, cold brews, iced teas, and matchas. However, I can’t mention Pavement without bringing up their house-made bagels, which are amazing both on their own and on a sandwich. My personal favorites are the delicious Presto Pesto sandwich and the savory Rosemary Salt Bagel.

2. Blank Street Coffee

Blank Street is my tried and true of all Boston Coffee shops because of its quality customer service and consistently amazing coffee. While It is a bit of a trek from campus, it is well worth the commute. Located on Boylston—across the street from the Boston Public Library—Blank Street hosts a variety of creative drinks and pastries including a sweet strawberries & cream latte and floral rose chai latte. They also have phenomenal quick-service and reasonable prices for their drinks. If you are ever in the Back Bay area, I highly recommend stopping in.

3. Tatte

Tatte is a Boston staple at this point due to its prominent locations in every neighborhood, each of which are always packed with people. fortunately They have a great selection of coffee, including cortados and cold brew, as well as some unique, signature drinks like the black sesame latte and honey halva latte. Tatte also sells a variety of  pastries, which are arguably the best among Boston. I recommend picking up any of their croissants or the chocolate snail.

4. Pressed Cafe

Pressed Cafe is one of the most underrated places among BU students; I was shocked when I discovered many of my friends did not know about  the establishment. Their menu is incredibly extensive, with sandwiches, soups, salads, bowls, burritos, smoothies, juices, and coffee. Whether you are looking for breakfast,  lunch, or dinner, Pressed Cafe can serve all your cravings. They additionally offer George Howell coffee and espresso for their beverages, which makes for a smooth sipping experience. There’s also plenty of seating at Pressed for socializing and studying.

5. Jaho Coffee

Another hidden gem in Boston, Jaho Coffee is an outstanding place to study. They have lots of open seating with outlets, making it the perfect place to get some work done. Out of all of the cafes, they have arguably the most interesting and out of the box drink selection from warm french toast lattes to rich black sugar matchas. Their food menu is just as diverse, too, as Jaho offers  bagels, sandwiches, salads, and soups alongside a full bakery menu with cookies, cakes, pastries, and puddings.

Carly I: Navigating College Life

When I first came to college I was so excited to be on my own for the first time. So much so that when I moved in despite it being 90+ degrees in my dorm I chose to sleep there over an air-conditioned hotel room with my partners. I had been waiting for college the entirety of my junior and senior years in high school, I am from a small town in Maine so as you can imagine I was in need of a change in scenery. You may have a lot of expectations or ideas of what college might be, but I certainly did. The biggest piece of advice I can give you, and one I wish someone gave me, is to let go of any and all expectations. As a freshman I wanted to change everything about myself, it’s easy to get caught up in the idea of what you think you want your experience in college to look like. I would force relationships and put myself in awkward situations for the sole purpose of fulfilling the idea I had in my head. It wasn’t until I let go of everything I thought college should be that I found my place at BU. 

I came to BU as a film and television major. I was so set on that being my future that I didn’t open myself up to other opportunities outside of film. Then one day I decided to try joining a new club. I had already done BUTV10 and loved it but I wanted more control and to experience something outside of COM. I ended up joining a fashion magazine, something way outside my comfort zone. I had no experience in magazine making or anything like that. Needless to say, I was incredibly intimidated. However, because I let go of the expectations I had for myself in regard to my major, I ended up figuring out what I truly wanted to do. After a year of being a part of that club, I switched my major to Advertising, which was so easy I might add, with a minor in Film and Television. It feels like all the pieces of the puzzle have been put in place, I’m no longer living my college life with expectations but rather embracing whatever comes to me. As a first-year student, it’s important to try everything. Although you may be set on your major, try something different just for fun. Don’t close yourself off to opportunities or activities because you may think it doesn’t align with your college plan. Embrace what comes to you and lean into what’s unfamiliar.

Zoe R: Dealing with the Boston Cold

Upon being admitted to Boston University you are guaranteed two things—your acceptance letter and never ending comments on the daunting Boston winters.

When I was looking around colleges I rarely factored weather into my searching, mainly because I’m from Delaware where you get all four seasons. I knew the basics, winter was cold and gross wherever you went. Yet these unrelenting comments on needing to “gear up for those Boston winters” left me worried Boston would tear me a new one.

Thankfully, my first experience with a Boston winter as a freshman was not a big leap from winters at home. However, those from warmer climates might not be able to relate. A friend of mine, Bella Jones, has her own set of tips as a Floridian dealing with the cold.

You’ll need your basics: a good coat (Canada Goose is not necessary, it’s Boston not an arctic expedition), a pair of gloves, and a nice hat. However, one thing no one wants to warn you about with Boston winters is the wind. It can make any average winter day frigid in minutes and your walk to class unbearable when wind speeds are whipping around you.

If you want to feel extra prepared for the winter the best you can do is get a scarf.  Make sure it’s on the larger side and you can wrap it around your neck. Having a scarf to hide in while walking around BU’s windy campus is the best way to deal with winter weather.

Bella’s two biggest takeaways for Boston winters were layering and choosing the right socks.

Layering clothes—for example, an extra long sleeve under your sweater—can make a frigid day in Boston leagues better. For best possible results, thin layers are the best way to go according to Bella. Additionally, wearing thick socks can go a long way—while you might not need snow boots everyday in a Boston winter you can comfortably wear any shoe of your choice so long as you have good socks to keep your feet warm.

Long story short, it’s more than manageable as long as you have the right clothes and don’t underestimate the Boston wind.

George L: Advice for Incoming First-Year Students, From a First-Year Student

Throughout my first year at Boston University, I realized how many opportunities BU offers for first year students to get hands-on experience right from the start. 

As a student pursuing a Dual Degree in Journalism and Political Science, I have seen how the College of Communication (COM)’s curriculum structure gives students the chance to preview the various fields of communications, including journalism, media science, advertising, public relations, and film and television. The introductory COM 101 class I took last semester gave me a brief preview of these fields and incorporated guest lectures from professionals of different industries. Alongside gaining exposure to the different career paths that a degree in communications offers, many of my classes that are part of the journalism curriculum carry BU Hub Credits. As a first-year student, I’m able to take classes that are directly related to my field of study that also encompass various skills that also apply to different professions. 

Alongside my classes, I’ve also had the chance to join different extracurriculars. I’ve had the opportunity to write for The Daily Free Press, create packages for Good Morning BU, and most recently begin writing and filming broadcast clips for The Wire. Even as a first-year student, I’ve had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in journalism and broadcasting even though I am currently still taking introductory journalism classes. 

Whether it be through the curriculum or extracurriculars, BU offers first year students so many opportunities to gain exposure to their field of interest. As advice to incoming first year students at BU, I would say don’t be afraid to get involved in extracurriculars. BU has a great community of students that are passionate about their work and are great resources to help learn and engage more with your field of interest. Even in COM, I’ve met so many people across majors who are willing to help others out and pass on advice from their experience at BU, so don’t be afraid to reach out and talk to your peers!

Kerlin C: Advice for First-Generation Students

As a first-generation latina student, I would like to share with you a little bit about my journey thus far. 

I want to start off by saying that I am so proud of you and how far you have come! Applying to college is not easy, especially when you are the first in your family to begin this journey. I am proud of you for not giving up even when doubt embraced your mind and made you wonder if you were making the right decision. Or when there were times that you felt alone and did not know who to turn to to ask for help. Despite every doubt, every fear, you made the decision to keep going and are closer to achieving your dream. And to many of us, this dream is not just for ourselves but for our families as well. 

 

I know many feelings may be encountered at the beginning of this journey and I ask that you take into account every single one of them. If I were to tell you that everything would get easier from here on, I would be lying. It does not get any less challenging but now you have so many resources available to you. Take every opportunity that presents itself and be grateful for the opportunities you are given. 

 

My first semester was hard. As I arrived on campus, everything felt surreal. I thought I wouldn’t miss home and felt like I was ready to conquer the world. I was wrong. I missed home, my family, and felt like I had no one to turn to to ask for help and worst of all I felt very lonely and like an imposter. It was hard trying not to compare myself to others. To this day I am still learning and growing. I am not sharing this to discourage you but to be honest and open. If things are not how you imagine them to be, that is ok. Good things take time and if something is meant for you, no matter how long it takes, it will get to you one way or another. 

You are capable of creating and achieving your dreams. What you get out of this life is the work you put into every little thing you do. You are creating and working for a life that will be your future. If there is something I would like you all to take away from this is to not take time for granted, to never limit yourself and that it is ok to ask for help. For the longest time, I was determined and stubborn that I did not need anyone's help. But I did need someone to guide me and go to to ask questions. It is ok to ask for help but in order to receive this help you have to allow yourself to receive it. A whole community awaits you here at BU!

 Please don’t hesitate to reach out khcampos@bu.edu.

Elaina F: Things to Do in Boston

Throughout the semester, I often find myself wanting to take a break from school and get off campus to explore the amazing city of Boston with my friends. As a college kid with limited money, I like to save money where I can, so here are some fun things to do that are free or have discounted prices. 

Free Things

BU students have free access to the Museum of Fine Arts and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum located by the Back Bay Fens near Fenway Park. All you have to do is show your student ID. It’s about 30 minutes from central campus on foot or about 20 minutes on public transportation. 

Places that are free to the public I would recommend visiting are the Boston Public Library, the Boston Public Garden, and the Boston Common. The Boston Common and Boston Public Garden are public parks located right next to each other near the downtown area of Boston, and they’re great places to hang out with your friends, do homework, or read a book when the weather is nice. It takes about 40-45 minutes of walking or about 15 minutes on public transportation from central campus. The Boston Public Library is a cool place to visit because of its beautiful architecture. One side of the building is more historic and museum-esque while the other side is more contemporary, like a typical public library with a cute café as well. In the center, there is a scenic courtyard, which is another great study spot. 

While I have never visited the New England Aquarium, I have heard you and four others can get free admission if you register for a pass on the Boston Public Library’s website using your library card. You can get a library card for the BPL by going in person and showing your ID and proof that you live in Boston (such as your BU housing agreement page). The New England Aquarium is located near the Waterfront and takes about 30 minutes on public transportation from central campus. 

Discounted Things

You can get a student discount on AMC Theatre movie tickets for $14, and there’s an AMC Theatre right outside the Boston Common. Full-time BU students can get discounted $12 tickets for theatrical productions such as The Addams Family at the Wheelock Family Theatre, which is located about 18 minutes away on foot from central campus. 

Students can get $9 Red Sox tickets the day of a game about 5 hours in advance. Students can get these offers by signing up for email/text alerts on the Red Sox website. Additionally, students can get $30 rush tickets at the Boston Ballet, which are up for purchase 2 hours before a performance. The Opera House is located in the Theatre District about 20 minutes from central campus on public transportation. 

College students can purchase a $30 Boston Symphony Orchestra College Card, which allows students to attend BSO performances at no further costs after the initial card purchase. The BSO Hall is located about 30 minutes from campus on foot and about 20 minutes on public transportation from central campus.

Emily W: Arts at BU and the Boston Theatre Scene

Growing up right outside New York City, I became obsessed with theatre. I’m not sure when I got bit by the bug: whether it was when my parents took me to see my first Broadway show, when I became obsessed with “Wicked,” or when I auditioned for my first musical in freshman year of high school. 

Regardless, at some point I started buying into the old saying that when you’re inside a theatre, everyone’s heart beats in rhythm. A huge part of the reason I chose BU over other schools was because of the strong presence of the arts on campus — and in the city. I wanted to be somewhere where I could keep the arts as a part of my life. 

My second semester, I got involved with BU on Broadway as part of the lighting team on “Heathers: The Musical.” I met two of my dearest friends in the process — they keep me grounded and remind me what’s really important. 

From that point on, I made an effort to get more involved with the Boston theatre scene. BU has four main theatre groups: BU on Broadway, which focuses mainly on musicals, Stage Troupe, which puts up straight plays and musicals, Wandering Minds, which produces indie straight play works, and Shakespeare Society, which I hope is self explanatory. 

Right on West Campus is the Boston Playwrights’ theatre. The theatre produces lots of new indie works each season, and student tickets run as low as $10. The school of theatre’s productions, which often run at The Booth, are consistently impressive as well. 

There are also loads of national tours that come through Boston, and professional theatres like Moonbox Productions in Cambridge. Lots of my friends caught “Six” at the Emerson Colonial downtown; I saw “Into the Woods” on press night for The Daily Free Press. 

My point being: if you want to get involved in the theater scene in Boston, it will welcome you with open arms, and even if you didn’t grow up a Broadway baby, it’s a great way to get out into the city and involved on campus in a really strong community.

Ellie S: Giving Back at BU

When I first came to Boston University I found it hard to find an outlet to give back to the community. I was lucky enough to be a part of FYSOP my first semester. FYSOP is the first-year student outreach program. It’s a great opportunity to find different organizations around campus that strive to help different aspects of the community. I also found that FYSOP helped me and other first-years learn more about Boston and integrate with the city. When I was in FYSOP I was part of the food justice initiative. Food justice was interesting because it was one of the programs that had the most physical labor. I cooked food in a kitchen, worked on a farm, and managed a food pantry in Cambridge. It was all a lot of fun and I made a lot of friends through this program. It also got me back into finding opportunities to give back to the community, because the best part of FYSOP was the warm feeling you get when you help others.

I am currently a member of LIME. LIME or Learn, Inspire, Mento, & Empower is a student-run organization at Boston University. This is one of BU’s many mentoring programs. In LIME I mentor a local high school girl. What I like about mentoring is it allows me to look at my past and analyze what I should have done differently in high school. But it also allows me to move forward and help someone younger learn from my mistakes. The best part of LIME and mentoring is similar to what made FYSOP so special. It provides me with a great opportunity to give back. There are many ways to give back at BU these are just a few examples, but the community is a core value at Boston University.

Irene J: Double Major! My Journey Through COM’s Rich Academic Landscape

As I approach my final semester at BU, I'm struck by how swiftly the time has passed. Soon, I'll don the regalia and mark the culmination of an incredible journey. Yet, this semester, I made another significant decision for my academic career—I chose to double major within the College of Communication (COM), transitioning my minor in Film and TV into a double major alongside Media Science.

Why this eleventh-hour shift, you might wonder? I'm eager to share the unique opportunities available at COM and illustrate my journey, hoping to inspire and guide future students passionate about deepening their academic exploration.

My studies have always been driven by a fascination with the intersection of the entertainment industry—particularly film—and the transformative role of media and consumer experience. Media Science laid the foundational understanding of media strategy and the creative aspects of branding. Over time, I broadened my scope to include insights into the film industry and its business dynamics, enriching my upper-classman years' learning experience.

However, as my undergraduate path neared its end, I felt a lingering sense of incompletion—a feeling that I hadn't fully pursued my interests. This realization propelled me to delve deeper into the film, exploring its persuasive power and impact on audiences.

Embarking on this path so late in my undergraduate career might seem daunting but thrilling at the same time. It's a reminder that the pursuit of passion knows no timetable and that it's the fervor and dedication we bring to our endeavors that define our academic and professional journeys.

I share this story not just as a personal narrative but as an invitation to future students of COM! To those who stand where I once did, teetering on the edge of decision, I say: Dive deep into your passions. The journey may be fraught with challenges, but it is also replete with unparalleled opportunities for growth, discovery, and fulfillment.

Emily F: My Favorite Springtime Activities in Boston

As spring semester is starting, I find myself excited for the warmer weather. Some of my favorite activities to do in Boston are somewhat dependent on the nice weather, so I’m waiting until I am finally able to spend more time outside, and not be rushing down the street in the cold temperatures. I figured that I would write about some of these activities and share them with you! 

The Esplanade 

First off, the Esplanade- the path that runs along the Charles River, where people can be found walking, biking, or just enjoying the weather. It’s one of my favorite places when the weather is nice, and I enjoy just walking down it, listening to music or an audiobook, or walking and chatting with my friends. If you want to do something more active, you can always rent a Blue Bike and go for a bike ride down the Esplanade. It does cost money to rent, but it can be a fun way to spend some time with your friends. My friend and I rented the bikes for 30 minutes and we’re able to bike from campus down to the North End. 

The Public Gardens 

One of my favorite days from last semester was when my friends and I went to the Boston Public Gardens and spent some time reading and relaxing. It was during reading period last spring, and I needed to get out of my dorm and away from studying. My friends and I had spent the past few days studying and preparing for group projects, and we all needed to take a break. So, we made our way to the Public Gardens. We stopped at the Dunkin nearby, laid out our blanket, and all started reading. We stayed in that spot for a while, just enjoying the weather, reading, and catching up. 

Exploring the City 

Last year, my class got canceled on a Friday, and I had absolutely nothing to do. I had no assignments due to catch up on, and no club meetings to plan for. Normally, I would’ve taken this day to spend some time reading and catching up on sleep, but since it was a beautiful day out, I knew I wanted to spend some time outside. So, I took my camera, and made my way down to the North End. I spent my day looking at the city through my camera lens. I got a ton of great pictures that day, in the Boston Common, the Public Gardens, the North End, and the Boston Harbour area. I was able to take pictures for fun, and not worry about them being perfect for a class project, and for me, it was the perfect way to spend the day. 

These were some of my favorite experiences in Boston, and the best part is that they didn’t require any planning, and weren’t too expensive to achieve. It allowed me to spend some ‘quiet time’ in the city, which I think really emphasized the beauty of Boston.