Aly: A Student Guide to Boston’s Art Museums

By Aly Yam

There are many perks we get as Boston students. From Student 9’s to extra 10% off discounts, students can adventure out into the city and find something fun to do on their weekends. One perk I took advantage of during my first semester in Boston was free student admission to museums, specifically art museums. My friends and I would go to one art museum and love it so much that we would find another. It even inspired me to visit one in Manhattan when I got home. Here’s a basic guide on a few Boston art museums that can help you get started, too. 

1. Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

As Boston University students, we get university member perks at this beautiful Venetian-style art museum. The walls are adorned with collections of European, American, and Asian art, as well as antique mirrors and tapestries. Have a non-Boston visitor that you’d like to take too? The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum also has free admission on every first Thursday of every month. The biggest eyecatcher lies in the middle of the space, featuring an intimate garden experience with florals and statues. 

2. Harvard Art Museums

The Harvard Art Museums offer free admission for all, so you and any other friends and family can visit at any convenient time you want. They have a wide variety of drawings, photographs, and porcelain that can capture your attention for hours. Sometimes, they even have Spotlight Tours and Gallery Talks where you can learn more about specific paintings! 

3. Museum of Fine Arts

Anyone in Boston can easily visit this popular art museum by hopping on the Green-Line and getting off at the stop that is quite literally designated for the MFA. With floors and floors of ancient art exhibits, pavilions, and courtyards, you’d have to visit the museum for multiple days to reach every corner of it. They also have several spots to sit down and take a break with a full meal for the whole group. Don’t forget to visit their huge gift shop for postcards, books, puzzles, and more!

The many Boston museums are a great way to explore the city by appreciating artwork, science, and history. Whether you go with a group or alone, any visitor is sure to leave with gorgeous photos (taken respectfully) and constant curiosity to learn more and more. 

Jack: 5 Interesting COM Classes You Can Take With Little To No Prerequisites

By Jack Schwed

  1. Disinformation and the Press (COM JO 531): Curious how undercover operations weaponize misinformation to manipulate the adversary’s public opinion and decision-making elite domestically and internationally? This journalism class, taught by Joan Donovan, assistant professor of Journalism and Emerging Media Studies, analyzes just that. The course specifically focuses on international disinformation campaigns and how the media can defend itself. There are no prerequisites for this course.
  2. Managing Corporate Crises (COM CM 522): Want to learn how organizations prevent, prepare for, and manage crisis scenarios? This public relations class, most recently taught by Professor of the Practice Amy Shanler and Associate Professor Edward Downes, teaches students how to do just that. In addition to lectures and in-class discussions, the course features guest speakers, case examples, and crisis simulations. The only prerequisite for this class is Principles and Practices of Public Relations (COM CM 215).
  3. Interactive Marketing Strategy (COM CM 519): Curious how organizations use social, digital and experiential media for branding and engagement? This advertising class, most recently taught by Assistant Professor Susanna Lee and Visiting Assistant Professor Joan DiMicco, examines exactly that. There is one undergraduate prerequisite for this course, with the option to choose from either COM CM 215 or COM CM 217, which is Introduction to Advertising.
  4. Children and Media (COM CM 551): Have you ever wondered whether media are good or bad for kids? This media science class, taught by Assistant Professor AnneMarie McClain, delves into contemporary conversations on this topic. The course focuses on four angles: developmental considerations, media and education, media for wellbeing and connection and the navigation and creation of media landscapes. This course has no prerequisites.
  5. Understanding Film (COM FT 250): Are you interested in learning about the expressive possibilities of image and sound? This film class, taught most recently by Master Lecturer Bruno Guaraná, studies a variety of historical and contemporary films that use these aesthetic elements masterfully. This course has no prerequisites.

Morgan: Don’t Be Afraid of FitRec

By Morgan Oakes

“I can’t go to Fitrec, it’s too scary.” is a sentence I’ve heard too many times to count. When I counter this by saying that I work out there all the time and feel completely confident, I am often met with confusion. Adding the fact that I am a woman claiming to be unintimidated by FitRec confuses some of my friends even more. I believe this confusion is misplaced. 

Before I came to college, I never worked out, mainly because my high school schedule didn’t allow me to. A secondary reason, though, was that I was scared to step foot in a gym and unsure how to use any of the equipment. I was afraid of even trying, out of concern that people working out around me would judge me for my inability.

However, when I arrived at BU and stepped into the multi-floor, ginormous gym for the first time, I immediately decided I had to at least give working out a shot. At first, I felt overwhelmed by FitRec, but during the fall of my sophomore year I took a PDP class on the foundations of weightlifting, where I gradually became more familiar with all that the gym had to offer. Now, I work out multiple times a week, and can’t remember the last time I felt uncomfortable. Additionally, I have never felt at all judged by anyone around me, and I find the environment to be warm and welcoming. I advise any student at BU, new or old, to give working out at FitRec a chance. 

Peyton: Describing Boston With Some Of My Favorite Movies

By Peyton Bliley

As a film and television major, I love giving movie or TV series recommendations to my friends and family. I figured there's no better way to introduce myself as a new COM Ambassador and share my love for Boston and this school than to share a list of films that fit the city's vibe!

B: Big Fish (2003)

I’m a little biased because I was recently in a theater production of this, but it is a very sweet story about grand adventures and magic. What makes this feel like Boston is that I’ve really come to view Boston as home and the people I hang out with here as family. I’ve met so many wonderful and fascinating people here, and I will remember them and the memories I share with them for the rest of my life.

O: O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000)

An adaptation of Homer’s Odyssey feels like an accurate pick for this list! Every year I’ve been at Boston University, I have experienced many major changes in my life, whether they be physically, emotionally, or involving those around me. It all feels like one big adventure, and going through it all in Boston makes it feel all the more magical!

S: Spotlight (2015)

An actual Boston-located movie, Spotlight is an incredible true story based on Boston Globe news reporters uncovering a story regarding the Catholic Church dating farther back than any of them realized. Boston is a very exciting city with a lot happening all the time and many great news outlets to release that information; you’ll always hear about “the talk of the town” one way or another. 

T: The Town (2010)

Another Boston-related film, this shows the rough life of bank robbers from Charlestown. This is really only here for the strong accents featured; my dad likes to quote this movie with an accent, and it was my first exposure to Boston accents. I’ve encountered a fair share of strangers on public transportation with accents like the ones from this movie, and I highly recommend watching any movie to get acclimated with the vernacular!

O: Over the Garden Wall (2014)

Boston is a BIG city, with many different areas and aesthetics. Cambridge has a different vibe from Back Bay, which has a different vibe from Fenway, and so on and so forth. Over the Garden Wall is another Odyssey of sorts, with the two main characters exploring different parts of a fantasy world. Honestly, I feel as delighted and curious as they do whenever I venture to a corner of Boston that I haven’t been to yet.

N: Night At The Museum (2006)

How can you talk about Boston without mentioning the historic sites? From the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum to the Paul Revere House, there are so many cool places to visit and things to learn about American history that you may not have read in textbooks. 

In summary, Boston is a big, diverse city with many facets and places to explore, and I hope these movies help give you a better idea of this place I love so dearly!

Elena: Why you shouldn’t be scared going into a major you know basically nothing about

By: Elena Pejic

When I was applying to BU, I selected Journalism as my major, but I had never done an interview. I had never given a pitch. I never even wrote an article. I applied out of respect for the profession and a passion for learning the truth.

So, unsurprisingly, when I started writing for The Daily Free Press and took COM 101, I was overwhelmed to say the least. However, looking back, I am beyond thankful for that experience, as there is truly no better way to learn than to do.

As I approach the end of my freshman year, I want to offer some advice to anyone considering or transferring into a major they are passionate about but not very knowledgeable about.

1. Don’t compare yourself.

When I went to my first pitch meeting for The Daily Free Press I began to doubt my abilities not based on what I knew, but what others did. I sat next to girls who were Editor-in-Cheifs at their high school and who had already conducted countless interviews and pitch meetings before stepping foot on campus. Now, I work alongside these girls as we write articles together and they have even become some of my great friends here.

2. Don’t fear criticism (too much).

As I got the edits back on my first article, the whole thing was rearranged and rewritten. I was shocked when I opened the document, but as I began reading the final version, I realized I could have done at least five things better immediately. This is to say that in any academic field, you will fail, yet it is what you do with that failure that matters. Now, I get slightly fewer edits on my article, and while I am no expert yet, I feel much more confident in my abilities only because there were people to tell me how I messed up.

3. Ask for help.

While writing my first article, I was so overwhelmed by the deadline and the pressure to “get it right” that I forgot about all the resources out there to help. It wasn’t until after that that I thought to go look at other articles on The Daily Free Press’s website or text my editor for a guide on how to write a title. It is never embarrassing to ask for help, especially when you are new to something, because it often makes it easier for both parties. You will understand the task at hand much more quickly if it is straight from the source, and the person you are asking will save time later by cleaning up your mistakes.

All in all, if you are passionate about something, pursue it. It doesn’t matter if someone else has more experience or more connections. What will really matter is who works harder, and passion is arguably one of the most important factors in motivating that success.

Elaine: 5 Reasons Why You Should Apply to Become a Part of the Kilachand Honors College(Coming from a Current KHC Freshman!)

By Elaine Liu

Boston University’s Kilachand Honors College allows students to pursue their academic majors and minors while providing the opportunity to discover or further additional STEM and humanities interests. However, there are many more perks to KHC than you may realize. Here are my top 5 reasons why you should apply!

1. Small Community within a Big Campus

KHC is a living-learning community, meaning all freshmen live in the same dorm hall and attend shared KHC classes together. Transitioning to college can definitely be daunting, but KHC sets you up with a group of familiar faces you’ll see around campus!

2. Amazing Study Spaces

KHC features a newly renovated 9th-floor study lounge open to all students, complete with an expansive window overlooking the Charles River. While it is usually packed throughout the weekdays and on Sundays, take advantage of the mornings as a KHC student and get some work done early for an incredible view and a quiet environment!

3. Unique Electives and Helpful Professors

As freshmen, all KHC students are required to take two KHC-specific electives—one per semester. Not only is this a great way to knock off some of BU’s general hub requirements, but it also gives you the opportunity to explore intriguing topics outside your major! For example, I took Conspiracy Theories in the Modern World last semester and am taking The Romance Novel this semester. Because class sizes are around 15-20 students, you get to interact with your classmates and professors much more intensively than in a typical lecture. All the professors are incredibly helpful and knowledgeable in their fields, so don’t be afraid to reach out if you have any questions or simply want to chat.

4. Priority Class Registration

KHC students receive priority registration, and course selections open about 30 minutes earlier than it does for the earliest group of general students. This eliminates the stress of panic registration and helps ensure that you get a seat in every class you intend to take. However, note that KHC electives are still very selective, so you should still plan to register right when it opens to secure your first-choice elective.

5. Washers and Dryers

Let’s all face it: The ratio of washers and dryers to students at any college, Boston University included, is usually far from ideal. The constant fear of having your laundry removed from the machine should not be one of your main stressors in college. Luckily, KHC has its own laundry room equipped with dozens of machines and ample time for you to do your laundry (but not too long, please be considerate of other residents as well!)

Arriving as a student at Boston University can be intimidating, but being a part of the Kilachand Honors College makes things just a little easier. Whether you are interested in exploring your interdisciplinary interests or simply concerned about getting your laundry back in one piece, consider applying to KHC for an unforgettable college experience!

Jess: What I Wish I Knew Before BU

By Jess So

1. How to get on the T 

The first time I witnessed the T moving across Comm Ave was an incredibly jarring experience. The four-car vehicle, at a speed of probably 10 miles per hour, makes its way all around campus right on the streets. Before my sophomore year, I trudged through the chaos of the snow and wind instead of learning how to get on the T above ground. Big mistake. This takes you well across campus in a span of 5 minutes, so if you’re making your way to CGS or FitRec all the way from Questrom, this is a lifesaver.

 Remember: follow the direction of the cars. If it’s going one way on one side of the road, the T is going that way as well. To get on it, all you have to do is wait by the massive “Blandford” or “BU East” sign, let the T come to you, and just follow along with the students as they hop into one of the cars. Keep in mind, there is some T etiquette that would save you from getting frowned upon. If the T is extra full, try to remove your backpack to save people from bumping into you or deterring others from squishing past you. When you get on, try to go as far in as possible. Nobody appreciates it when you’re blocking the front of the doors. Use the T to your advantage, it will save you a lot of time and discomfort.

2. Terrier App!!!

The BU Terrier App is a cheat code to all the live arrival times of the T, the BU bus, and the 54 bus. I will be using this for the remainder of my time in Boston - even after I graduate. The interface is straight forward, and it is accurate (90% of the time). Keep in mind, the BU bus is always delayed by at least 2 to 3 minutes. 

3. GOATed Study Spots

You’re welcome. 

  • COM Edit Bays 
    • Reservations for COM students only 
    • Can reserve for up to 6 hours or so 
    • Private room with a full monitor available 
  • Yawkee Center 5th Floor 
    • Reservations first come first serve 
    • Private room with a great view 
    • Bring your ID 
  • Metcalf Ballroom (GSU 2nd floor)
    • Public space, but not as noisy as the 1st floor 
    • Beautiful space 
    • Couches and comfy seats available 
  • Theology Building 
    • Slept on, seriously
    • Top floor 
    • Overlooks comm ave

    4.  Get outside of the city!!

    For four years, you’ll walk the same street. Comm Ave. Same direction. Same buildings. For four years. Boston is small, but it feels massive once you actually explore it. Take the Orange Line to Chinatown and go to Happy Lamb with friends. Walk around downtown. Hop on the Red Line to Porter Square and try the famous udon at Yume Ga Arukara. Explore Assembly Row and treat yourself to a little shopping spree. Boston has things people travel hours to experience. You already live here, so take advantage of that. 

    5. Winter Blues Ain’t got Nothing on you

    Stock up on hobbies you can do from the comfort of your dorm. Seasonal depression is very real. The sun sets at 4pm, and it’s way too cold to justify being outside sometimes. Instead of dreading it, romanticize it. Pick up knitting. Start the book you’ve been putting off. Get a sunset lamp, a humidifier, or a weighted blanket. Make your space cozy. Treasure quiet nights with yourself, your roommate, or someone you care about. Take your sweet time to mentally prepare yourself for the hot social summers of New England. 

    Diya K: My First Winter On the Other Coast

    By Diya Kapoor

    Winters with snow, heavy parkas, and packed ice have been only something I’ve seen in movies. Coming from California, my Novembers to Februaries have been full of 60-something degree weather, a light jacket, and maybe some rain on occasion. So when I chose to go to Boston, I wasn't sure I would be able to survive the nail-biting sub-20-degree weather.

    Boston winters are rough, but I don’t want that to scare you off from considering BU or from being in Boston already. As the ice begins to melt and the weather changes, I have a lot of thoughts about my first winter in Boston, especially if you’re considering BU and you’re from a place that doesn’t get snow.

    1. Get the gear early. 

    In this case, I got a puffer jacket from REI and ordered gloves and a beanie from Amazon around October, knowing that the fall crisp was going to turn into something else completely. Starting mid-November, it will get cold. 40-degree days will start turning into 20-degree ones fast. It’s good to have all your gear so you can stay warm while walking down to your next class on Comm. Ave. I’d recommend wool, fleece, or down for your clothes and layers!

    1. Bundle up, regardless of what the weather app says.

    You may run really hot, or find putting on layers a drag, but trust me, it helps. There was an instance during my fall semester when I woke up ready for the new day, checked the weather app, and saw it was 36 degrees. Perfect! I’ll go without my gloves. Little did I know that later in the afternoon, the weather would decline rapidly, and by the time dinner time hit, I had to walk back to my dorm feeling like my fingers were going to fall off. I was about to call myself a victim of frostbite! I also recommend covering your ears when you’re cold, as that can increase your risk of getting sick.

    1. Take in the sight!

    We recently had a snowstorm that led to BU’s first snow day, so I put on my boots, bundled up, and walked around campus while it was snowing. I found myself at the Riverway Park, slowly going through Beacon Street, and then the campus! There are also many places that offer cool snow experiences, like sledding at Boston Common. Even then, it was an awesome break, and I felt the snow falling on my face. As someone who doesn’t ski or really hasn't been around snow, it was such a cool thing to experience!

    It may be scary, but winter is fun if you look at it with a positive light. Have fun!

    Siena: How to Email a Professor in a Crunch

    By Siena Vitucci

    I like to think my writing skills are pretty solid. I can finish an essay in a few hours without using AI, and I can write a research paper and manually cite every source if I need to. In fact, send just about any style of writing my way: academic paper, poetry, press release, and I’ll have it done in proper formatting and tone without a problem. However, my proudest skill set as a writer is my ability to write an email.

    It sounds so silly– typing a few sentences in the form of a glorified text message should be simple, yet I’ve watched my friends procrastinate, fear, and dread even opening their inbox for fear of having to respond to an email. To be honest, I really can't blame them. The underlying expectation to sound polite and professional while also conveying your urgent, exhausted need for an extension on a paper is daunting.

    I thought I would make a list of some tips on how to make emailing a professor as painless as possible:

    1. Know who to email

    Before you email a professor, make sure there is not a TA you can reach out to first. Sometimes in larger lectures TA’s are more likely to respond to emails about assignment conflicts. Most syllabi will explain who to email for specific circumstances.

    2. Be sure to research their title

    When addressing an email to a professor, always be overly cautious–nothing feels worse than realizing your professor is a “Dr.” after you addressed them as “Ms./Mr.” 

    3. Start off with a welcoming sentence

    It can be as simple as “I hope you have been doing well this semester!” – It's a good way to get the ball rolling, so your email doesn’t come off as too blunt.

    4. You may need to introduce yourself

    When contacting a professor you have not talked to in person, it is a good practice to mention your name and the class you are enrolled in, so they know what assignment you are referring to.

    5. Keep your request/question to 1-2 sentences

    Sometimes, when it's late at night and a deadline is fast approaching, it’s tempting to word dump your dire situation, hoping that your professor might take pity on you. However, it's best to keep the details to a minimum. Professors understand that you are a student and that things happen, and they are usually happy to accommodate your requests if they are timely and reasonable. You can always explain your situation in more detail if they ask.

    6. End the email on a positive note

    Try something like “I look forward to hearing from you” or “Thank you for considering”. It makes the email feel more complete and shows that you respect the professor’s time. 

    7. Sign with your full name

    This may seem obvious, but be sure to sign with your first and last name to remain professional! 

    Example: 

    Dear Dr. Smith

    I hope you are doing well! My name is Siena Vitucci, and I’m in your WR120 class on Tuesdays at 11:00. Would it be possible to get a three-day extension on my midterm paper? I have several tests this week, and I want to make sure I can turn in my best work. Thank you so much for considering!

    Best,

    Siena Vitucci

    Best of luck this semester, and happy email writing!

    Kenna: Why I Chose BU

    By Kenna LaFitte

    As I enter my last semester at Boston University, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on why I chose BU in the first place. At the end of every campus tour, we’re often asked to share why we chose our school, so it felt fitting to use that question as a way to commemorate my final article as a CA.

    Choosing BU was no easy feat for me. It required stepping outside of my comfort zone in more ways than one, from academics and extracurriculars to acclimating to Boston weather after growing up in California. But looking back, that challenge was exactly what I needed.

    Location

    I went to high school with a strict closed-campus policy and limited access to nearby activities, so I knew I wanted a college experience that felt connected to a city. I'm a firm believer that BU has one of the best locations of any school in Boston. From the proximity to Back Bay to the charming streets of Brookline, you never run out of things to do. Being in a city that constantly offers events and opportunities has shaped my college experience in ways I couldn’t have imagined.

    College of Communication (Obviously)

    I was immediately drawn to the College of Communication from the start of my application process, and I’m proud to say I’ve had the same major since my first day at BU. The opportunities within COM, especially within the advertising program, stood out to me early on. From my very first COM classes, I felt encouraged to think creatively and explore ideas beyond the classroom. That environment influenced how I think and work today.

    Culture

    I vividly remember my admitted students day and noticing that even on a Saturday, the campus felt lively. There were students hanging out, heading to club meetings, or just enjoying the city. I was excited by the energy and the endless opportunities to get involved. What also really stood out to me was how BU felt both competitive and collaborative. People are driven here, but they’re also willing to help each other succeed, which I appreciate.

    Student Organizations

    I was also drawn to the number of student organizations at BU, and I think that number has only grown since I started. No matter your interests, there truly is a space for everyone. Getting involved on campus helped me find community, explore new hobbies, and make BU feel like home.

    Overall, the reasons I chose BU have truly stood the test of time. As I reflect on my experience and prepare for what’s next, I’m grateful that the decision I made years ago continues to feel like the right one.