comblog – COM Ambassador Blog

Kelly T: The Many “Mistakes” You Make in College

I know it sounds hard, and it is hard indeed. But it is possible. People said that I was an introvert before coming to college. Looking back on my college experience so far, I truly changed. I gradually started to realize that one of the biggest advantages of being in such a big school is that you meet tons of people every single day. I always felt embarrassed back in high school since there were only 30 people in the entire grade, and if I made some mistakes, everyone would remember it for a really long time.

College is unlike that. If you are not making mistakes, that means you are not growing. I still remember the first time I awkwardly raised my hands in a hundred-people lecture and gave a wrong answer; the first time requesting for an office hour with a professor (it still feels surreal thinking about that now); the first attempt to talk to a random person in a social event, etc. Looking back, I feel like everything happened for a reason. Knowing that making “mistakes” or having seemingly awkward moments in college is inevitable – is a sign that you are growing. It was because of that random talk to professors that I got my first on-campus internship; it was because of that random ‘hello’ to a random girl on my floor that I knew my best friend.

Knowing that no one really remembers your mistakes, sometimes those are things that people do every day. Do what makes you happy and feel right; if it doesn’t seem like the right path, change to another one; if not, keep changing. College is about learning about yourself, if you never do something new, that’s not learning.

If you are shy in high school, don’t worry! Sometimes, it’s always the quiet person who brings the room a lot of fun. Don’t force yourself to change, but challenge yourself to be a bit “different” every day! You will thank yourself when you graduate college!

Jess S: 5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Coming to BU

1. EXPLORE THE CITY!!!

As a freshman or incoming student, it’s easy to get lost in the busy culture of college. Going back and forth between classes and clubs, it can seem overwhelming and sometimes challenging to find time outside of the university. Nonetheless, I strongly urge you to appreciate the city for what it is! Boston is such a rich place filled with tons of cute coffee shops, museums, nature parks, and great restaurants. In the fall, go on a walk by the esplanade (the road by Charles River) and take cute pictures next to the trees. When it starts to get chilly out, head to Time Out Market and go ice skating with friends. There are hundreds of activities around the city, so take advantage of them as much as possible! Who knows when the next time it’ll be before you can spend 4 straight years in the city of Boston?

2. Windproof is the way to go

Boston is known for its weather. BU is known for its wind tunnels. You’re going to be walking around campus from building to building during the school year, and the last thing you need is your umbrella inverting on you in the middle of comm ave on a busy afternoon. Go look up ‘Windproof umbrella with button’ on Amazon and thank me later. 🙂

3. Go to office-hours

Office hours are a great opportunity for students to connect with their professors outside of the classroom. It’s a time during the week that professors keep open so students can hop into their office and ask them questions about the course or even just say a quick ‘hello’. A bunch of students also use this time to ask their professors for career advice. Most of the Professors in COM are still in the industry so they have all the inside scoop on what’s currently

going on in the market. Professors are also always open to talk about their journey and answer any questions you may have career wise. They genuinely want their students to succeed!

4. You don’t need all the textbooks!

BU, like many other universities, will give you a heads up on all the required textbooks for your classes. Believe me when I say, 70 percent of the time, you won’t need it for the class. Most students even end up switching classes, and waste a good amount of money on a book they’ll never use. Wait until the second or third week of the semester before you make the purchase! Textbooks are A LOT of money, and if you can save a little bit by grabbing a copy online (*wink) or just not buying it at all, it’s better than wasting a hundred dollars.

5. Don’t get the UNLIMITED

Every single dining plan is different. Some give you dining points, which are basically “campus dollars” you can use on different food stalls like Panda Express, Starbucks, and Halal Shack. The Unlimited option gives you unlimited swipes to the dining halls, but they are usually the most expensive. Let’s be honest, you’re not going to be in the dining halls 3 times a day 7 times a week. Most people end up eating at the George Sherman Union, where students can use their dining points to buy from those food stalls. Don’t get the Unlimited and save yourself a few thousand dollars!

College is really just a bunch of kids “playing adults” in a big city. A lot of these things I’ve learned on the fly, and there are a bunch more hacks you’ll find out for yourself! Remember, it's okay to not have all the answers right away. Ultimately, your college years are about more than just academics—they're about self-discovery, friendships, and exploring your passions. So, while it's important to stay informed and prepared, don't get too caught up in the details. Trust yourself, and enjoy the ride!

Chloe P: My love letter to COM

Four years ago, I was gearing up to graduate high school — and was primed to attend Boston University in the Fall. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I ultimately decided to take a gap year to wait out remote classes and other needed restrictions.

Then, a year later, I re-prepared to start school. Coming onto campus was exciting, and I was eager to get involved. I immediately applied to be a sports writer for The Daily Free Press. I also heard about AdClub, BU’s pre-professional advertising agency, and applied to the club’s varsity team, which does real work for local and nonprofit organizations. I became an account executive for Follain, a Boston-based skincare company.

A semester later, I became an office assistant at COM Undergraduate Affairs — COM’s academic advising office — and a year after that, I joined the COM Ambassador program.

Each opportunity presented a new challenge, a new networking chance, a new place to learn what I wanted to do with the rest of my life.

Three years — and four summer courses — later, I am getting ready to graduate from COM in August. I’m so grateful to have taken on major leadership roles in both of those inital organizations that I joined when I came to BU — Editor-in-Chief of the FreeP and President of AdClub.

Through these leadership roles, I developed immensely helpful skills for a career in communication: how to lead 150-person organizations, how to communicate effectively, how to be empathetic but assertive when needed. But most importantly, I learned a true passion for mentoring my peers. Helping students learn about the possibilities of COM, and learn about what they’re interested in has been at the forefront of my BU experience.

I’ll leave BU better than I was when I arrived from the faculty, the staff and the students constantly pushing me to be my best. But I hope I leave BU knowing I improved the experience of other students, whether personally or professionally.

Vanessa L: How I Manage my Time as a Junior in College

This semester as a junior, I had to balance my life wisely with school work, personal life and my internship. All three of these were important for me to maintain throughout the semester. The most important thing I did to manage my time every day was writing my day’s schedule every night.

Just using the notes app on my phone, I allocated specific time blocks for studying, attending classes, working on internship tasks, relaxation, and social activities.When you don't have a schedule, it's simple to get overwhelmed or focus too much on one thing at the expense of other things. A well-planned schedule can improve concentration and productivity. You're more likely to stay on schedule and prevent procrastination when you have designated times for studying or working on internship assignments. You can accomplish more in less time by doing this and making the most of your time. I've also discovered that having a well-planned schedule aids in lowering tension and anxiety. I've discovered that I can better manage my workload and prevent last-minute rushes or missed deadlines by planning ahead and knowing precisely when I'll be working on various tasks and when I'll have time for relaxation or social activities.

I also discovered how important it is to effectively communicate your schedule and commitments to your professors, internship supervisors, friends, and family. It aids in controlling expectations. They'll be more aware of when I'm free for social events, meetings, and assignments if I keep them updated on my schedule. This lessens the possibility that schedule conflicts will lead to miscommunications or confrontations.

Last but not least, it's critical to maintain self-care, which includes giving my physical and mental health top priority by engaging in activities like relaxation, getting enough sleep, and making time for things I enjoy. Taking care of yourself is essential for controlling stress and avoiding burnout. It can be difficult to balance job, school, and personal obligations, and stress is inevitable at times. I did, however, make an effort to balance spending time with friends with taking time for myself.

James M: Hey BU Nation

Hey BU Nation! Today I wanted to talk about why I think finding classes that interest you is so important in college life!

Hopefully, most of us choose a major that is one that excites us. However (and totally fair), some of us focus on majors for a variety of reasons that may not come from an interest in that subject. Because of BU’s form of studying, ALL students have the ability and likely will come across classes that are unconnected to their main course of study.

This opens up a gateway to hundreds upon hundreds of courses that students have the ability to take. With that in mind, I implore you all to not always look for the “easiest” class to dismiss over the course of a semester. Instead, I say take a leap of faith. How often will you have the ability to have an astounding Professor from Arkansas tell you about the history of Greece? What’s the price of studying a little more in order to fully understand all forms of natural disasters?

I will also add that in cases where some students aren’t afforded the chance to have as much flexibility with what classes to take, reach out to professors! If something sparks your attention in a field, the chance that someone at BU doesn’t have a higher level of knowledge and love for that subject is very rare. The worst thing that could happen is your email fails to get a response, take that chance.

BU and colleges in general are the highest levels of learning centers available to us. Having the internet and AI is exciting and can be used to help boost learning in so many ways, but nothing beats a class with good professors. You will always be able to use Wikipedia, watch a YouTube documentary, or ask Chapt GPT something. For most of us, four years is all we have in college. Use those years!!

Amanda W: One of My Favorite College Experience: Hosting the PRSSA Northeast District Conference

Hosting the 17th annual 2024 Northeast District Conference PR Advanced: See Through Boundaries and Unlock Potential, I had the privilege of being part of an incredible journey that pushed me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to grow both professionally and personally. This experience was one of the most rewarding and memorable moments of my entire college life.

When we first started planning the conference, we faced a significant challenge: a lack of funding. Panic set in as we realized the magnitude of the task ahead of us. However, with the support of our faculty advisor, we explored various fundraising avenues, including reaching out to regional companies, PR agencies, and the College of Communications. Through our determination and collective effort, we secured 14 sponsors and raised an impressive amount of $12,900. This experience taught me the importance of resilience in the face of adversity.

One of the core values we prioritized throughout the conference was Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging. We made an effort to embed DEIB into every aspect of the conference, from speaker acquisition to partnership programs. We brought together professionals from diverse industrial, gender, and cultural backgrounds to foster an inclusive environment. The DEI & Social Impact Panel, in particular, sparked meaningful conversations about the significance of DEIB in the PR industry and the workplace. By collaborating with nonprofit organizations that empower youth and underrepresented communities, we demonstrated our commitment to giving back to the community.

Connecting with speakers and attendees was also an enriching experience. I had the opportunity to interact with industry leaders from renowned companies and agencies. Their insights and experiences broadened my perspective on the ever-evolving communications landscape. The breakout sessions and Q&A sessions allowed for engaging discussions and the exchange of ideas. Additionally, networking opportunities, such as the networking bingo game and the career fair, facilitated meaningful connections among attendees and professionals.

Looking back, I am filled with pride and gratitude for being part of such a transformative event. As I embark on the next chapter of my life, I am confident that the skills, relationships, and perspectives gained from this experience will serve as a strong foundation for my professional journey.

Miranda W: Best Off Campus Cafe’s

BU has a lot of great coffee and brunch options on campus, but sometimes it’s great to try something new. While places can sometimes be expensive, if you can, try to make the most of the amazing café options in the Boston area. I have spent too much money trying out cafes with my friends so here are my top three favorite places that we have tried so far.

1. Tatte

Tatte is definitely my favorite and most visited cafe. There are many locations across Boston so it’s easily accessible to everyone. I usually go to the Tatte in Brookline because it’s one i’ve the closest locations and has a nice neighborhood vibe. My first recommendation has to be the iced vanilla latte (you need to get that no matter what)! For food, I recommend their avocado toast, or their croissant breakfast sandwich but all of their food is good so you really can’t go wrong. The one downside about Tatte is that it is regularly pretty crowded so it can take some time to find a place to sit.

2. Flour

Flour has a similar vibe to Tatte. While the coffee is slightly less good than Tatte’s, I would still recommend getting it. The food at Flour is arguably better than Tatte despite there being less options. Some of my favorite food that I've had is their veggie quiche and their avocado toast. Their baked goods are also very good, especially their banana bread. Another reason I love

Flour is that it is usually less crowded than Tatte so it's easier to find somewhere to sit. The one downside is that the locations closest to BU aren't very close. There is one location south of Newbury and another location near MIT which is my favorite because of the spacious environment inside.

3. Cafe Sauvage

Unlike Flour and Tatte, Cafe Sauvage has only one location on the cross street of Beacon and Mass Ave. Cafe Sauvage is on the pricier side so I have not gone here as much. What puts it on the list of must go places is how amazing its coffee is. I got their ice vanilla latte and it definitely tops the list of best coffee. If you are interested in getting food while you are there, all the options are extremely good but I really enjoyed their avocado toast (clearly I like avocado toast). Make sure you plan ahead to go here though because it can get pretty crowded.

Abigail K: Time Management Tips from a Procrastinator

As a student athlete, with limited time to get work done, I’ve had to develop my time management skills. Unfortunately, I’m also by nature a procrastinator. Nevertheless, I’ve picked up a few tips on how to best manage my time and productivity (most of the time).

#1: Use A Planner

At the beginning of the semester, I put all of my assignment dates from the syllabus on a calendar which I make in Sheets. This makes it easy for me to see my deadlines and edit them if necessary. As a procrastinator, being able to visualize my workload is vital so that I know how to best budget my time on assignments.

#2: Stay Active

Being “active” can take many forms, but whatever it is, get involved with something that isn’t directly related to schoolwork. As a transfer, I tried to get involved in as many clubs as possible, because it's an easy way to get out of my dorm and meet new people. Spending productive time away from work is key to maximizing productivity when it’s time to hit a deadline.

#3: Find Study Spot Clusters

I can’t sit for too long in one place, especially when I’m studying. I like to study in areas that have many study spots, so I can easily switch it up without taking too much time. Some of my favorite study spots are clustered in Central Campus, including the Beach, Law Cafe, and CDS. These spaces also offer varying levels of noise depending on what I need to get done. Plus, as a major snacker, being near so many great food options is a must.

#4: Get Off Campus

Sometimes, peak productivity means changing up my study spots. I live on East Campus, so Newbury Street is a quick scenic walk. My favorite spot on Newbury Street is Trident Booksellers and Cafe. It’s usually pretty quiet on weekdays and offers a variety of food and drinks, and lots of seating. Plus there’s many fun trinkets to look at when you’re done. On Campus, Life Alive is a great change of pace with good study vibes and good food. I highly recommend their Vanilla Honey Oat Cold Brew and Teriyaki Tofu bowl… just maybe not together.

#5: Sometimes You Just Need to Sleep

As someone who no one wants to be near if I’m low on sleep, I’ve learned that there comes a time when it's no longer productive to keep working. This may mean submitting an assignment that you are not entirely pleased with or letting an assignment continue to dangle over your

head for another day. It’s critical to understand when you’re most productive, and maximize that time in order to get the most done. As a perfectionist, I’m the first to admit I struggle with this advice; however, it’s super important to put assignments and grades in perspective, so that each and every assignment doesn’t feel quite so daunting.

Alison C: 10 Things You Actually Need In Your Freshman Dorm Room

1. A Rug

Chances are, freshman year you will be in an average double with two beds along the walls and minimal floor space. Rugs can completely transform that space, making the room feel bigger and brighter. You can pick a light color or fun pattern and add as many matching decorations you want until your room feels homey and your own.

2. Fans (and a lot of them)

To be frank, when you first move into the antique BU dorm buildings at the end of August, it’s hot, and even warmer if you are on one of the top floors of a dorm (heat rises or whatever). I recommend getting multiple fans for your room. A rotating floor fan in addition to desk fans will keep air cycling through the whole room. These also come in handy if the heating system gets too warm in the winter, or if there is an unusually warm day at an unexpected time.

3. Power strip + lots of chords

You will have more things to charge than you even expect. If you have ample outlets and extra chords they will definitely come in handy. I recommend keeping extra chords for all of your tech in your backpack as well for days when you’re on the go.

4. Cart

Freshman year, I used a white rolling cart as both a nightstand and snack storage. It was the perfect place to keep my phone nearby during the night as well as little things like chapstick and lotion. The cart has open layers so when my friends came over they were free to grab snacks from the inside. If we wanted more floor space, I could also easily roll it into the corner.

5. Speaker

A speaker is obviously a dorm essential. My roommate and I like to listen to music while we do homework and we also love an occasional dance party (especially right before an exam). If you get a waterproof speaker, you can also liven up your showers with some music.

6. A Diffuser

This was a last minute purchase for my room, but ended up being one of my most used dorm pieces. If you take anything from this list, it should be this. I was terrified of my dorm room developing the classic dorm stench, especially when I was first making friends and inviting new people over to my room. With a diffuser, you can add any scent you want and make your room smell amazing.

7. A Mini Vacuum

Avoid the constant hassle of renting a vacuum from the dorm, and bring a small vacuum of your own. You can easily take care of little messes like crumbs and lint and easily improve the look of your room.

8. Dish drying rack

When you come back from the shower, your shower caddy and shower shoes are still soaking wet. To avoid mold growing and wet messes, I have a dish drying rack to set my stuff on after I get out of the shower. The more places in your room that are dedicated to specific things, the easier it is to put everything away and keep your room tidy.

9. Laundry bag with straps

Carrying your laundry bag to the laundry room is a humbling experience. I have a laundry bag that cinches at the top and has straps on the back so I can easily carry it down to the laundry room.

10. Dorm Shoes

I was always a barefoot indoors kind of person, but in college that is out of the question. I recommend having a pair of slip-on shoes that you can easily wear around your room and building (to the bathroom, mail room, dining hall, etc.). A pair of slippers, Crocs, Birkenstocks or clogs work super well.

Anaya W: What to Bring to College as an International First-Year Student

Dear college freshmen,

Your first big realization will be that home is far. Whether it’s a 30 minute drive, a 4 hours train ride for a 14 hour flight- home is far, because your new life is close. While for some, that’s exciting, for others it’s a looming dread. I am an international student from Singapore, and I too, like many of you, had to pack my bags and move continents to try and figure out how to make a strange new place a home. Given that it takes me give or take 24 hours to get home, I packed wisely- and I will help you pack even better.

1. Pictures

I know we have phones and iCloud accounts and memories in our hearts, but my favorite part of my room is my wall, stacked with pictures of the places I love, the food I miss and the people I care about. While you build something new, don’t forget to cherish the old, and pictures, postcards and mementos are a perfect way to do that.

2. Your favorite snacks, obviously

When I first moved to college, I was inundated with all the options of food and snacks I had never tried and went crazy trying it all! But then, one day I was sick and I wanted nothing more than my mum’s tomato soup. Another day I was craving the spicy indian food made by my grandmother and the granola we always had at home or the pineapple tarts I ate around Chinese New Year. Now some things CANNOT be brought across continents, but this semester, I brought with me a few of my favorite flavors that reminded me of home, and urge you to do the same.

3. Knick knacks and trinkets

Decorating a new room can be very exciting, but it can also be a weird feeling to be sleeping on unfamiliar sheets and waking up seeing the typical college dorm furniture. I would recommend bringing a few small things that serve to make your room feel more like it did at home. Whether that’s an object from your travels or a token you received at graduation, bring the little things that make you, you. And, when people come to your room, they make for great stories!

4. Cozy things that make you comfortable

This piece of advice may seem a little silly, because you can easily buy whatever you may need here, but I definitely don’t regret bringing my favorite blanket, the pillow case I have used for years and more than one stuffed animal (they’re sentimental!). If, like me, it’s your first time adjusting to the cold, you may want to feel cozy and protected with items that feel familiar to you. And like everything else in this list, they will always remind you of home.

5. Medications

This may differ based on where you call home, but personally, I grew up on homeopathy and herbal medicine, and bringing it with me made me feel far more secure when I felt sick. There are so many minor adjustments people don’t talk about like how the names of medications in different countries vary– and when you’re sick you will not want to figure out the difference between Advil, Tylenol, Crocin and Panadol (trust me, I’ve done it).

This list is absolutely not comprehensive, coming from someone who packed about three suitcases. But, it’s a starting point to get you comfortable enough to begin packing, and I hope it reminds you that you are not alone. BU is special for how much it celebrates international students, and throughout your time here I hope you find communities and people who remind you that your voice and experience is important like I have.

Feel free to reach out, if you need someone to talk to! anayaw@bu.edu