Kyla: Being a Boston Tourist (The Correct Way)

By Kyla Foreman-Andrade

I spent this past summer in Boston. Without school and film shoots, I had a lot of free time and I realized that I have never done a lot of touristy things. I made it my personal mission to explore as much of Boston as possible. Here are the places that I think you should find to be the ultimate Boston tourist.

  1.  Harvard Square

Although Harvard Square is not in Boston, it is only a bus or T ride away. Obviously, you can see the amazing Harvard, but if you stop for a second and actually soak in the square, you can see some amazing historic buildings as well as eat some amazing food (I would personally recommend the new Popup Bagels). The area is pretty walkable and is the perfect place to people watch.

2. North End

I have to admit, I had been to the North End before. But after talking to my friend from Charleston, I realized that I had never truly taken in the sites. This is the most historical place in Boston; it truly feels like a different world as soon as you enter the neighborhood.. You can walk the freedom trail and see where Paul Revere took his historic ride. All the buildings still have their historic charm. Some of the oldest bakeries and Italian restaurants are in the North End. While you’re there, you need to stop by Bova’s, a 24 hour Italian bakery. Their pastries are actually to die for and they are my pick in the cannoli war over Mike’s Pastry and Modern Bakery.

3. Esplanade

As a BU student, I am very familiar with the esplanade and it wasn’t a summer discovery. However, I still think it reigns as a top tier place to visit as a tourist. There is something so calming and beautiful about walking along the Charles River. It’s the perfect mix between city and nature. Whether you’re taking a midday stroll or a late night walk, your mind is guaranteed to be calmed and you will feel revived. Bonus points if you go at night, sit on the dock, and look at the stars plus the lights from Cambridge.

4. Take the T

I’ll admit, this doesn’t sound touristy at all. What is there to see by taking an underground train? I’d argue that is where you see the city’s real charm. Yes, it’s hot, crowded, and somehow always delayed, but the view you get of the Charles River when you take the red line is unbeatable. The feeling of listening to music while you people watch on a long T ride is fantastic. The history showcased at Park Street station is unmatched. It may not be the most luxurious, but it is technically a historic landmark as it’s the first subway system in the United States. Bonus: If you can balance on a moving T, you know that you were truly built for the city.

Ian: Four Ways to Get Around Boston

Boston University’s stretch of Commonwealth Avenue is a great place to live, study, and hang out, but there’s more to Boston than just our campus. To get out and explore the city, the T is a great start, but what other ways exist to get around?

Commuter Rail

Everyone’s familiar with the T that runs down Comm Ave and takes you all over the city, but what if you want to go a little further from Boston? The Commuter Rail is the T’s big sibling, and has 12 lines that radiate out from downtown and across Eastern Massachusetts. In just over an hour on the train, you can spend the day in Providence, visit the coast in Rockport, or take a hike at the Blue Hills Reservation outside of Readville. Even better is the fact that the Commuter Rail offers unlimited rides with $10 weekend passes. 

Bluebikes

With more than 550 stations around the city and surrounding neighborhoods, the Bluebikes network is an extensive collection of bikes and e-bikes that makes short trips and exploratory rides a breeze. The Bluebikes app offers everything from single-rides to annual memberships, and BU students can get discounted annual memberships through BU Transportation Services. 

Car Rentals

Though more expensive than other choices, car rentals are a good option to keep in mind if you need to carry a lot of items or want to go further than train lines will take you. Zipcar is a service that allows you to rent cars around the clock and has vehicles available throughout Boston, including at a number of on-campus stations. Enterprise also has an office near West Campus, and especially when split with a number of friends, these car rental services make day trips around New England easy.

Walking

If the weather allows or all else fails, don’t overlook walking as a great way to cover ground and see the area up close. For a major city, Boston is incredibly walkable and small enough that you can cover big distances in a short time. Going from campus to Boston Common downtown only takes about 40 minutes, and there are beautiful areas in Cambridge and Brookline within easy walking distance. 

No matter how you do it, get out there to explore and enjoy Boston!

Anaya: Five Simple Joys that Helped Me Slow Down

As high achieving college students, we often put a lot of pressure on ourselves. To be brilliant at everything we try, be a caring friend, a well rounded student, and have interesting hobbies as well. For a long time, I dreaded the question, “So, what are your hobbies?” because honestly, I didn’t know what to say. Between classes, internships, and everything in between, I barely had time, let alone pursue something “fun.” But here’s what I’ve learned: hobbies don’t have to be impressive or productive. They don’t have to turn into side hustles or perfectly curated Instagram posts. They can be small things that make you feel a little lighter, calmer, or more like yourself.

Here are some things I have taken time to do recently, that have slowed me down and brought me joy.

  1. Painting
    My roommate brought a set of water color paints to school this semester. One afternoon, I joined her while she sketched. I looked to Pinterest for inspiration, and began to draw and paint. I found myself feeling a little calmer after, and the hour without a device seemed to slow time down a little. Now, my wall is slowly filling with pieces of art that symbolise moments in time, each one holding a different memory of a burst of creativity.
  2. Lego
    Recently, I also got gifted a set of Lego flowers. Similarly to the painting, one afternoon I found myself exhausted from a long day, and craving a bit of calmness. So, I put on my Olivia Dean playlist and I built a couple of the lego flowers. I think something about the tactile feeling of doing a task and building one piece at a time is really relaxing.
  3. Reading
    I love to read. But I always find ways to validate the voice in my head that says I don’t have time to read. Recently at the airport, I bought a book before a flight. Not a “classic” or a “bestseller”-- just a book that caught my eye. I read half there, and half on the way back. Now, I have a book on my bedside table, ready to go for when I have just a moment to read a chapter or two.
  4. Walking
    Though the weather is gloomy and grey, getting outside always shifts my mood. In fact, most days I choose to walk down Comm Ave instead of taking transport, even when it’s miserable. On weekends, a long walk on the esplanade, or a stroll after picking up a coffee or even going out of state for a hike, are ways I stay active that are actually enjoyable to me.
  5. Cooking
  6. Living off campus, I thought cooking would slowly but surely turn into a chore. But after two months, I can confidently say that hasn’t been the case for me. As a foodie, I am never satisfied with a cup ramen meal for dinner, and so I’ve actively made time in my schedule to make sure I can cook meals. Wednesdays are my favorite day of the week, because I have a long afternoon break, where I typically make dinner for my roommates that reminds me of home. I take the time to buy ingredients, and make something new each week like my favorite Asian curry or Indian dish. It’s a small ritual that reminds me of home and is made more meaningful because I get to share it with others.

We’re often our own harshest critics. We want to do everything, be everything, and still somehow stay balanced. We can continue to be dedicated, tenacious students, and still find time to build a Lego flower a day. Joining 3 clubs doesn’t mean you wouldn’t have time to read 15 minutes of a book before bed. Having early morning classes doesn’t stop you from walking to them.

Our lives are made up of little pockets of joy. We just have to notice them. And if you don’t have a hobby right now that brings you joy, that’s okay too. Keep exploring, keep trying new things, and remember: hobbies aren’t checkboxes. They’re just small ways of caring for yourself.

Kristin: Best Classes to Take Outside of COM

By Kristin Rosenmund

Being a COM major, it can be hard to find classes that interest you outside of COM, as many of us are used to constantly being creative. However, due to the BU HUB, there are instances where classes outside of COM need to be taken. Below I have listed the three most interesting classes I have taken for HUB outside of COM, but also walked away from having learned a great deal about a new subject.

  1. SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY
    I took Social Psychology to receive my Social Inquiry hub. This class allowed me to learn about the ways people interact with the world, and delve into different subjects of attraction, love, and even narcissism. This class wasn’t just helpful for navigating the world, but also useful to my Film and Television major. Now when I am writing scenes for a screenwriting class, I recall the information I learned about people's behavior in this class when I write a character doing something or acting a certain way. The class was comprised of three exams and homework, so
    it was a nice balance of workload but also appreciating what I was learning.

2. INTRODUCTION TO HOSPITALITY
Introduction to Hospitality is a great way to knock out a few Hubs in a relatively easy class, but also opens you up to a whole new industry. Prior to this class, I had never taken a hospitality class or something even similar to a business class, but I left feeling like I gained a variety of skills that I will be able to use interchangeably. I learned about customer satisfaction, and studied a hotel business introspectively, that gave me a better understanding of how hotels and businesses run in general. For the final activity, you are assigned a group to complete a scavenger hunt of hotels all around Boston. This way you get to bond with new friends as well as see iconic hotels in Boston you may have never seen before or gotten the chance to.

3. ARTS IN AMERICA
For anyone who loves analyzing or knowing more about different kinds of art, I highly recommend taking Arts in America. From this class, I have learned various different techniques in how to analyze artworks, as well as learn about different paintings and pieces I have never heard of before. The professor is also passionate about the subjects, always making the lectures interesting and interactive, as he cares very deeply about students opinions on paintings, and enforces the idea that much of it is interpretation, leaving hardly any room for wrong answers.

Jack: 5 Boston Green Spaces You Should Visit While The Weather’s Still Good

By Jack Schwed

Amid the vast urban landscape of Boston, there is a treasure trove of gorgeous lush plots blanketed with grass and overflowing with colorful flowers and trees. Here are just some of these many green spaces:

  1. Charlesgate Park: In the 1950s, this green space was severely impacted by the construction of Storrow Drive and the Bowker Overpass. However, in recent years, The Charlesgate Alliance and Emerald Necklace Conservancy have come together for an ongoing revitalization project that would improve the natural feel of the park and add several amenities. Last year, a dog-friendly farmer’s market was opened here, welcoming many local vendors and live music every Sunday from June to October.
  2. Fenway Victory Gardens: During WWII, over 20 million “victory gardens” emerged across the country, which served to feed troops overseas. This garden, located in the Back Bay Fens area, is the only one that continues to operate continuously. Today, the 7.5-acre site is home to more than 500 individual garden plots tended by Boston residents, and it is open to the public from dawn to dusk.
  3. Ramler Park: Tucked away in the Fenway neighborhood is a half-acre park with a majestic fountain sitting at the center. Surrounding this centerpiece is a variety of vibrant flora, which are there to attract migrating birds. Over the summer, jazz bands liven up this usually quiet space for small, intimate performances that are open to the public.
  4. Amory Playground: If you want a wide open space to play a recreational game of soccer, tennis, kickball, or a number of other activities, this park is the perfect place, with a full-sized baseball diamond, six clay tennis courts and an open field. The playground also includes an off-leash dog area where you can bring your dog, or just sit, relax and watch others’ dogs run about and play. The park is conveniently located minutes away from west campus, and is also connected to Hall’s Pond Sanctuary, one of the last remaining natural ponds in Brookline.
  5. The Esplanade: If you cross the bridge connected to BU Beach, you will find yourself on a three-mile long path along the Charles River. Here, you can bike, walk, run or take a seat on a bench with a beautiful view of the city skyline. Due to its proximity to BU, many students are familiar with this space, but you may not have walked far enough to find the Hatch Memorial Shell. This half-dome art deco outdoor concert venue hosts performances across a wide range of genres and movie screenings for all to enjoy.

Morgan: My Ranking of Boston University’s Dining Halls

By Morgan Oakes

I believe that all dining halls have their own pros and cons, and all are convenient at different times. Freshmen, if you’re trying to decide which dining hall to go to, let this be your guide. 

4. Warren Towers

Warren has its own charm. When I lived in A Tower my freshman year, Warren was my most frequented. But unfortunately, when choosing where to eat, this dining hall is my last pick. I don’t typically go for their eggs, and I often find the layout of the space to be crowded due to many students going after class. In addition to this, the Warren dining hall simply doesn’t have as many options as the others. That being said, the Warren Towers dining hall is in a convenient location, and the sandwich station never disappoints.

3. Marciano

Some people will disagree with me on this, but I find Marciano to be a bit overhyped. Obviously there’s the benefit of this dining hall having two floors, and many options. I love their grill station, and the Concept Kitchen is fantastic. They tend to have fun desserts. The atmosphere is nice. But compared to the others, Marciano falls short because the next two are simply just better.

2. Fenway Campus

The only reason the Fenway dining hall isn’t at the top is because of the distance it takes to get there. It’s the perfect size. It’s perfectly tucked away. The food is always fantastic. It sounds basic, but my favorite thing to eat in Fenway is their grilled cheese (with fries). Then I like to mix in a few of the many condiments they have. Fenway also has the best salad bar out of all four dining halls.

  1. West Campus

I live in 610 Beacon now, but when I return to this dining hall (typically post-fitrec) I almost miss living in Claflin. The pizza is always fantastic. The vibes are always fantastic. The middle of the dining hall (the fishbowl) is my favorite place to sit. Then I like to go to hockey games. West is best!

Zoe: Choosing BU

By Zoe Rahaim

Picking a college is huge. For most people, it’s not just about majors and classes, but where you’re going to call home for four years. As someone from a small state, Delaware, and an even smaller high school class, 72 kids total, I was fairly scared of moving somewhere new. I knew I wanted to get out of my comfort zone, but a huge change like college looming over me made it extra stressful. 

I weighed my options on what aspect of college life was most important to me beyond academics, and I knew a city that was easy to get around in was my ideal place. If you’re looking at a big-city campus like Boston University, you should see it as an opportunity to live in a real city, not just a college green. My number one pro of going to BU is the opportunity to walk five minutes, hop on any transit heading inbound, and make a day out of exploring somewhere new. Some say BU lacks a campus, but our campus happens to be Boston. Your in-between class and weekend plans can be right in the city, and on a more serious note, it makes those internships a T ride away. When I had the opportunity to visit Boston before making my college decisions, getting to know the city really cemented my decision that a city school like BU was my ideal setting. 

However, city school life comes with some cons. Boston is expensive, and you’ll find that as an incoming freshman, even with a meal plan or dining points, daily expenses can add up fast if you don’t budget yourself a little. That doesn’t mean you don’t deserve to pop into CityCo once in a while for a pick-me-up treat, but going from a sales tax-free state to Massachusetts was an eye-opener! Another major adjustment is the lack of a traditional campus feel. While the BU community is still tight-knit and you’ll find yourself running into people more often than not, BU is large and spread out along Comm Ave. So when it comes to getting around parts of campus, you may spend more time navigating the T. 

When it came down to my decision for BU, being a student also felt like independence. Boston was my opportunity to step out of my comfort zone, but it’s pushed me to pursue faster-paced environments and approach these, sometimes, scary decisions with confidence.



Kerlin: Coffee + Matcha Recommendations Around Boston

By Kerlin Campos

Pavement Coffeehouse - BU 

736 Commonwealth Ave, Brookline, MA 02446

  • Really good bagels and good seasonal drinks. Coffee and matcha are relatively pretty good. Matcha has a bit of grainy consistency, personally, I like it but it can be a hit or miss for people. In terms of price, it is a bit overpriced but is a great place to study on campus. Has several locations around Boston. 

 

Blank Street 

647 Boylston St Boston, MA 02116 

  • I love Blank Street. Highly recommend trying their Strawberry and Cream latte. Such an affordable price. The location in Back Bay is not suitable for studying. Several new locations have opened around Boston. 

 

Greystone 

123 Appleton St Boston, MA 02116 

  • Really good matcha and can get quite packed. Good for a grab and go. 

 

Capital One Cafe 

711 Boylston St Boston, MA 02116

  • Amazing coffee! It tastes pure and fresh. A bit overpriced but has good seating for studying. The staff is really friendly. If you have a Capital One card you get 50% off on drinks. 

 

George Howell Coffee

400 Newbury St Boston, MA 02215 

  • Coffee is pretty good. Matcha is a bit on the bitter side. Prices are a bit overpriced but typical for the Boston area. Great study spot, great sitting inside and outside. 

 

Blue Bottle Cafe

163 Newbury St Boston, MA 02116

  • Very well crafted coffee. One of the best coffees I’ve had. Minimal sitting and always busy. Not really a studying spot but more of a grab and go coffee to sip while walking on Newbury Street. 

 

Thinking Cup 

85 Newbury St Boston, MA 02116

  • Really good coffee and pastries, always super busy. Good spot for studying but always packed. 

BON! Specialty Coffee

22 Beacon St Boston, MA 02108 

  • BEST MATCHA I have ever tried. I got the strawberry matcha and it was just the perfect amount combination. Definitely, more on the expensive side but worth it. Very limited seating. I grabbed my matcha and went on a walk through Boston Commons as it is just around the corner. I highly recommend trying this place!

Chloe: Top Ten Asian Restaurants around Boston

By Chloe Huang

Desperately in need of a comforting Asian meal, but not sure where to start? Navigating college life in a new city can be tough, but finding a restaurant doesn’t have to be. In this blog, we’ll be listing the top 10 Asian restaurants around Boston to satisfy your cravings! 

  1. Naksan Korean BBQ (1414 Commonwealth Avenue) 

Starting this list off with a bang, Naksan is the perfect place for authentic Korean barbecue. They serve an amazing variety of banchan, from perfectly fermented kimchi to marinated celery, and the staff cooks all the meat for you (perfect for any college students whose cooking experience stops at instant ramen). 

  1. Cicada Coffee Bar (106 Prospect Street) 

Vietnamese cafe by day, and aesthetic restaurant by night! From 8am to 3pm, Cicada serves your classic brunch items with a Vietnamese twist. However, starting at 5pm, the beautifully-decorated cafe dims its lights and turns into a reservation-only restaurant serving elegant takes on Vietnamese dishes. 

  1. Mahaniyom (236 Washington Street) 

Mahaniyom is a tapas-style restaurant serving delicious plates of pad thai, crab fried rice, and much more. Located in Brookline, it’s an easy 15 minute T ride from Boston University. Tables fill up quickly, so make sure to reserve in advance! 

  1. Kenzoku Mazesoba (506 Park Drive) 

Continuing with another fan favorite, Kenzoku Mazesoba specializes in brothless ramen noodles with flavorful toppings. Among the most popular dishes, their Tan Tan Mazesoba is my personal favorite! Additionally, this restaurant serves great portions at an affordable price, and it’s located extremely close to Boston University’s South Campus. 

  1. Mala Town (194 Harvard Avenue) 

Located in Allston (an extremely student-populated neighborhood, Mala Town is also a popular destination amongst BU students looking for an affordable and comforting bowl

of mala hot pot. You’re able to select your own variety of ingredients, and for a pro tip, load up on the light food and reduce the amount of heavy food to save money! 

  1. Spring Shabu Shabu (304 Western Avenue) 

As a hot pot connoisseur myself, Spring Shabu Shabu is one of the best places to go for hot pot around the Boston area. They have a massive selection of vegetables and other additions for you to grab yourself (perfect for those who want to try everything without breaking the bank).  

  1. Merai (14 Harvard Street) 

Although Merai is on the more expensive side, it’s a great chic, upscale restaurant perfect for a date night. They have an extremely creative take on Thai-inspired dishes, from their yukhoe to tom yum pasta.  

  1. Tora Japanese Restaurant (20B Tyler Street) 

Although it’s a bit pricier than a quick sushi spot, Tora is known for their beautifully crafted donburi bowls that are a perfect “treat yourself” meal. Located in the heart of Chinatown, their interior cozy vibe offers a much more intimate feel than other sushi restaurants in Boston. 

  1. Mountain House (89 Brighton Avenue) 

With lots of shareable plates, Mountain House is a great casual and lively place to go with friends after a late-night study session. This restaurant is famous for their authentic Sichuan-style dishes, especially spicy dry pot and grilled skewers. 

10.Yume Ga Arukara (70 Pier 4 Boulevard) 

Last but certainly not least, Yume Ga Arakara is my personal favorite to get good quality udon! While there is another chain located in Cambridge, the location in Seaport is a great way to explore more of Boston’s views. I would recommend their Signature Cold Niku Udon for a perfect, refreshing bite.



Kenna: Advice to Freshman at BU from a Senior

By Kenna LaFitte

It feels like just yesterday I packed up four suitcases and moved 3,000 miles away from home into my dorm at Warren Towers. Time has truly flown by. Now, a month into my senior year, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on my time at BU and share a few pieces of advice for incoming freshmen, especially those arriving here without knowing a single person, like I once did.

  1. Join clubs.
    Clubs were a great way for me to get involved and meet people across different majors and backgrounds. I also found it really helpful to have older peers I could turn to for advice about classes, internships, and navigating college life.
  2. Make friends in your classes.
     This one might seem obvious, but having familiar faces in class makes the experience so much better. Studying, sharing notes, and even just having someone to walk to lecture with can go a long way.
  3. Try new things.
    Some of my favorite memories come from stepping outside my comfort zone. As someone from the West Coast, I had never been to a hockey game before but it quickly became one of my favorite ways to spend time with friends.
  4. Invest in good shoes.
    Walking up and down Comm Ave every day is no joke, it’s basically a workout. A solid pair of shoes is an underrated essential.
  5. Stay out of your room.
    One of the best decisions I made was challenging myself to get out of my room every day. It pushed me to be more social and helped me spend more quality time with friends, even during busy weeks.

College is what you make of it, and BU has so much to offer if you’re willing to put yourself out there. So join the club you’re curious about, strike up a conversation with the person sitting next to you in lecture, say yes to something new, and don’t forget those comfy shoes!