COM Ambassador Blog

Miya F: Looking for the best Boston eats?

MY FAVORITE PLACES TO EAT ON AND OFF CAMPUS

When I first came to BU, I was overwhelmed with the amount of food option on and around campus. There were so many dining halls, fast food chains, and restaurants all within walking distance and I had no idea what to do or where to go. As a senior (oh wow that hurt to type out), I have definitely tried my fair share of restaurants on and off campus and have strong opinions on what is worth checking out.

GSU

First, I am going to start with my favorite place to eat on campus: The George Sherman Union (aka the GSU). The GSU is where you can find pretty much everyone at BU on a school day. Think of it as BU’s own food court. There are places to grab food from like the Halal Guys, Panda Express, Starbucks, and Rhett’s Diner. Just to name a few. When I come to the GSU, nine times out of ten, I get an impossible burger and french fries from Rhett’s Diner. The GSU is the perfect place to grab a quick bite with friends and run into everyone you have ever met. Seriously though. You will see everyone from your freshman year roommate, to your orientation leader, to your class crush. Warning: Come to the GSU at your own risk.

Nud Pob

Freshman year, Nud Pob was THE spot. They have super delicious and quick Thai dishes that always hit the spot. My favorite dishes are the crab Rangoons, pad Thai, and red curry (extra spicy) with tofu. It is located right across from the GSU in central campus so it is super easy and convenient to pick up from. They also are available on GrubHub so you can order ahead and then pick up!

Pho Viet

I’m half Vietnamese and my grandmother makes the best pho in the entire world. If you don’t know what that is it’s a traditional Vietnamese soup dish with rice noodles, meat, vegetables, and herbs. It is the ultimate comfort food and something I always miss eating when I come to Boston. Luckily, I have been able to find a place nearby school (on Comm Ave near West Campus) that has amazing pho. I order the spicy beef pho but substitute the beef with tofu. I swear that bowl of pho heals my soul every time. It is perfect if you are feeling under the weather or are missing some comfort food.

Buttermilk and Bourbon

When my friends and I want to go to Newbury, this is where you can find us half of the time. Buttermilk and Bourbon is known for New Orleans style dishes and everything on their menu is

AMAZING. I recommend getting their prime burger sliders, Nashville hot alligator fries (I know it sounds weird but it tastes like popcorn chicken), warm honey glazed biscuits, and fresh fried beignets. If you want to get your steps in before this heavy meal it is only about a mile walk from east campus! Otherwise, it is a quick 7 minute uber. Definitely recommend going for the food and funky atmosphere!

Joe’s on Newbury

So where do we go the other half of the time? The answer is always: Joe’s on Newbury. Joe’s is perfect for large parties like birthday dinners. They have a large menu with so many classics you can literally never go wrong. I always order a crock of French onion soup and get a side of loaded mashed potatoes (you can’t go wrong with cheesy mashed potatoes and bacon). I am also giving a special shoutout to their buffalo chicken dip as well. It is the perfect appetizer. I took my family here when they came to visit for parent’s weekend and they were also huge fans. So it is definitely a crowd pleaser.

Jess S: A BU Guide to Late-Night Munchies and After-Party Extravaganzas

Here’s the best part about living in the center of a big city: late-night munchies.
Picture this, it’s 1 am on a Saturday night, your feet are sore from walking across campus, and the only thing on your mind (besides the freezing air) is the sound of your empty stomach. Trudging your way back to your dorm means settling for the frozen microwavable sitting in your tiny micro-fridge, which seems far from a satisfying option. Don’t worry hungry homie, I’ve discovered the best places to get your fix-ins before 2 am in the morning.

1. Victoria’s Seafood Restaurant
This classic Chinese restaurant has a menu that runs almost the same length as a novel. To all my fellow Chinese students who miss the taste of home-cooked restaurant quality food, Vicky’s is the place to go. Open until 1 am, this restaurant will definitely satisfy your salty cravings with their famous fried rice, mapo tofu, and my personal favorite – salt and pepper squid deep fried in crunchy batter. Oozing with traces of savory deliciousness, this place will bring the comfort of
authentic Chinese food directly to your taste buds in only a matter of minutes. And believe me when I say you know it’s good food when the servers don’t need to coddle their customers because they are confident people will come back for the mere smell of their chef’s cooking.

2. El Jefe’s
An excellent place for my burrito-loving students. I like to call this restaurant Chipotle on steroids. El Jefe’s just screams authentic, not only because their ingredients are top-quality, but because the workers definitely know what’s good. Just from the look of their array of toppings, you can immediately tell how fresh everything is – from the hefty servings of hot pulled pork to
the bright and colorful pico de gallo. For the price, which rounds out to about $10-$13 dollars each, you can easily split a bowl into two meals and still feel full from the large serving of pinto beans. If you’re looking for a hearty bowl of Mexican flavors catered to your taste, El Jefe’s is one to try.

3. BBQ Chicken
I believe the trend of restaurants in the west is an unfair advantage to those who live all the way across the bridge. But worry no more my fellow easters, because Kenmore has got your back. BBQ chicken is THE place to get your chicken fix-in. I would strongly suggest you take a good number of people here so you get to try each and every chicken flavor. This Korean restaurant serves flavors like cheesy snow, honey garlic, and my personal favorite – “secret sauce”. The tangy, sweet, and spicy combination leaves you craving more and each morsel of crunch is
perfectly coated in their signature sauce. A good serving of 20 pieces can definitely last you a few days if you’re planning on ordering in on a Saturday night. But asides from their star dish, I would not pass up on the Korean sides like their Rose Tteokboki, a creamy and spicy base littered with pieces of rice cakes, fish cakes, and topped with cheese.

4. Insomnia Cookies
It would be a crime to college culture if we were to end the night without something sweet. Insomnia Cookies are a staple at Boston University. This late-night dessert place brings students from both ends of campus given its prime location. Located right by the central campus, Insomnia Cookies serves one of the best sweet treats in a wide variety of flavors. From the classic chocolate chip to HERSHEY’S Reeses pieces, you’ll find yourself craving these gooey pieces of baked sugar even as you walk by campus and unintentionally steal a whiff of
their fresh batch. Insomnia welcomes customers until 1 am on weekdays and 3 am on the weekends. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, grab a bite of their ice cream sandwhiches or limited edition flavors. Just don’t forget to wash it down with a cold glass of fresh milk – the perfect end to a night out.

This only touches the surface to what Boston has to offer those searching for a treat amidst the bustling lights of college nightlife. These top tier restaurants will definitely leave a mark on your time at BU, but the adventure doensn’t end here. This city is all about good food and even better people, so take my advice and make these food trips a group activity – a shared experience you will never forget.

Hannah Y: Where to Find the Best Bagels Around BU

As a self-proclaimed bagel aficionado, I’ve spent my fair share of time (and dollars) trying to find the best bagel on and around the BU campus.

There are so many factors that can make or break a bagel — chewiness, crispiness, pillowy-ness, you name it. After taking into account those criteria, here’s my take on the world of BU bagels:

Rhett’s

Rhett’s is located in the GSU, making it one of the more accessible bagel stops for BU students. It offers a few basic choices (plain, onion, etc.) as well as cream cheese and some breakfast bagel options. While the bagels are serviceable in a pinch, they tend to be fairly chewy and there isn’t great variety — especially considering that Rhett’s frequently sells out of the most popular flavors.

Best Bagel: Egg and cheese sandwich on Onion

Einstein’s

Located in the CAS Basement, Einstein’s is another easy one for BU students to pick up on the way to class. Einstein’s has a much greater variety of flavors, cream cheeses and sandwiches, plus an array of cold and hot drinks. The bagels are soft with just the right amount of chewiness, and they’re always warm when you arrive to pick them up. The only con I’d give is that the wait tends to take the longest out of all the shops on campus, so be prepared to order at least 25-30 minutes ahead.

Best Bagel: Asiago bagel with cream cheese or as any sandwich

Pavement

While Pavement isn’t technically an on-campus location (meaning that dining points don’t apply), it’s right across from the GSU. It offers a smaller selection of bagels but has a few unique flavors and sandwiches that make it stand out, such as the ever-popular Rosemary Salt. If you can find a seat inside, Pavement is a great place to study, grab a bagel, and also order one of their coffee and tea drinks. The con? Pavement is on the pricier side, especially considering that college students comprise the vast majority of its customer base.

Best Bagel: Sunrise sandwich on Rosemary Salt

Kupel’s

If you’re willing to travel farther off campus, Kupel’s is a cute, stop-in bagel shop off of Harvard Avenue in Brookline. A traditional Jewish bagel shop, Kupel’s offers Kosher options and a variety of bagel flavors and Jewish pastries, such as hamantaschen. While the only disadvantage of the place that I’ve experienced is the farther commute time, it’s more than worth the wait and you can save time by ordering ahead on the Kupel’s website.

Best Bagel: Honestly, you can’t really go wrong with anything

Finally, if you’re looking for a sit-down option, Zaftigs (also off of Harvard Avenue in Brookline) is the way to go.

Good luck, bagel adventurers!

Mia C: Top 5 Overlooked Must Have Items for a College Wardrobe

One of the most daunting tasks for incoming college freshmen every year happens before classes even start. Packing your entire life to move to a new environment is challenging, especially when it comes to your closet. With limited closet space, every item should be purposeful and functional. As a college sophomore that has mastered the ability to pack light, I have compiled
my top five often forgotten but helpful items that are essential to any college closet.

1. A zip up jacket
Regardless of where you go to college, a zip up jacket that you can throw over anything is a must. For class, it is always best to dress in layers because while it may be hot outside, most buildings are often freezing cold inside. A zip up allows you to be prepared and dress for both climates.

2. A baseball cap.
One of the best perks about being in college is that you can finally wear a hat in class! This is a lifesaver in your eight am lecture or if you need to hide your dirty, unwashed hair. It can also serve as an accessory to your outfit or just something to shield your face from the sun.

3. A pair of professional pants.
Something that people do not think about when packing clothes for college is professional events. Paired with a sweater, you can wear these pants to a networking event, presentation or a job interview. The possibilities are endless. This will also save you time and money compared to the scramble of buying these last minute.

4. A raincoat
A shocking fact that I learned is that not everyone thinks to bring a raincoat to college. When needed, a raincoat is incredibly useful to not only keep yourself dry but to also protect your laptop and books while walking around campus. It can also double as a thin jacket for layering
when needed.

5. A dress or some formal clothes
Many Greek life organizations, professional clubs, and student groups may host a formal during the semester. A formal is a party hosted and thrown by the group where attendees typically wear a dress similar to a homecoming dress or suit. Packing clothes you know you are comfortable and confident in will make your life easier down the road.

Colbi E: Reflecting on My College Career

I’m now a senior in college, and everyday I wake up shocked that the past four years have flown by so quickly. My experience at Boston University has been incredible — I’ve met the most amazing friends, traveled the world during study abroad, ran my college newspaper and am now interning with a national outlet.

But when I first got to BU I was not living the fantasy I had imagined. I’m an out of state student, and I didn’t know anyone else coming to Boston for school. I quickly grew homesick and worried I had made a mistake. I didn’t immediately have a group of friends to call my own or have plans every day of the week, which made me feel like I was missing out on the college experience.

I felt like an outsider at times, and I was truly worried I would never adjust to college. At one point I wanted to transfer to a school back in my home state of Texas to be closer to friends and family.

But, I stuck it out at BU because I wanted to challenge myself. Ever since I was 15 years old I knew I wanted to go to school out of state, and I knew BU had so many opporutntieis for me — I just needed to take them.

Now, four years later, I have friends I can call family in Boston, and I’m so proud of my achievements. My life would’ve been so different had I gone to school in Texas or transferred after my freshman year. But I am so happy that I’m on this path; I’m proud of myself for moving halfway across the country and starting a new life for myself. It was difficult in the beginning and still is at times, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

To all of the highschool seniors or current college freshmen, if you’re scared about going to school out of state or if your experience isn’t shaping out to be what you wanted that’s completely normal. You’re not alone in that struggle to find your college fairytale. Just trust yourself, be confident and you’ll find a space where you thrive.

Aidan W: How to Stop Being Indecisive (College Edition)

If you know me, you know I have probably asked you a million times, “what do you think I should do?"

From picking a latte or an iced tea, to whether I should study abroad or not...whatever the decision is, I never want to be the one to make it.

But I'm here to share how I’ve started deciding on things recently without harassing my friends and family first.

Now, to preface, advice from others can be so helpful, but they shouldn't be deciding everything for you. You want to know what's best for you.

What is your gut saying?

It may sound cliche– but this can be the quickest solution. Ask yourself again out loud or in your head what you're deciding between, and then don't think; just answer. Usually, the first thing you think of comes from that gut feeling, regardless of the banter that follows, like “well, what if…” or other hypotheticals.

Pros and Cons

But if you want to get into the spiraling banter that comes with being indecisive, at least make a super simple pro and con list. Not a laundry list, but just name what good and what bad will come out of the situation to give it more clarity.

Life is short

So depending on the decision, sometimes it can help to say “life is short.” And unfortunately, college is even shorter.

Sometimes I even pose the question I heard from the Office S4E13, “You can buy new stuff, but you can't buy a new party!

In maybe more relatable terms, if you run into your friend on Comm Ave, it might be nice to get coffee with them instead of studying. You could study for a test anytime, but how often do you see that friend? (But please study for your tests)

Talk it out, but write it down.

It will be you and yourself talking it out…but on paper. Resist the urge to call your friend, your mom, whoever. Instead, grab a pen and paper and get those thoughts out of your brain.

If you don't like journaling...good luck, Charlie. Kidding! Horrible transition to how I mean to say, instead of journaling, video journal! Talk out your life on camera booth. It can be cathartic.

Either video or classic journaling can help clarify what you want to decide on.

Sleep on it.

My best advice yet is to sleep on it. We all need more rest anyway.

However, I recommend completing option four before this one so you can at least sleep without your thoughts running around in your head.

But anyways, sometimes, after a good night's rest, you'll wake up with a fresh set of eyes, a clear head, and ready to make a decision.

So there it is, five ways to be more decisive when facing your next big “what should I do?”

Hopefully, you can decide on which option to use!

Helena B: How to get your first internship — taking advantage of BU platforms.

When I was in high school, one of the things I was most excited about for when I arrived at university was experiencing what it meant to be an intern. Regardless of how much I would get paid, if at all, or what responsibilities I would be given, I loved the idea of gaining my first experiences in the Film industry as soon as possible.

I found that once I was actually in college and handed all these opportunities it was overwhelming to think about. Why would anyone want to hire an 18-year-old with virtually no experience? My biggest revelation was noticing how much better it is to focus on smaller, more achievable goals before getting devastated by the pressures of having to immediately get hired by big-name companies.

So that's exactly what I did, and it made the experience so much more rewarding, and a lot less stressful. I started by using the ‘BU Connects’ platform to contact any people in the film industry who went to my same university. I didn’t ask them for a job, or ask if they could help me get one, but I communicated to them my hopes and dreams for the future and listened to their advice on skills that I might need or experiences and issues they faced when they were in my same situation.

This helped me gain confidence, and also allowed me to concentrate my resumé and cover letter on aspects that I knew would be appreciated by employers in the industry. My next step was to use another of Boston University’s helpful platforms, ‘VMock’ , and work on making my resumé as good as I could. Remember not to get too overwhelmed with making it flawless just yet. It’s a long and tedious process, but instead of striving for perfection I tried to focus on a few main achievements. I created a resumé ( and cover letter) that truly reflects my interests and skills. From here, I started searching for opportunities!

For my first internship I wanted to focus on something a bit more local, smaller, where I could really get to know the community and also have a good first experience without getting super overwhelmed. I strived away from companies I knew too well, and explored parts of the industry and types of companies that really reflected my interests.

I searched on the last BU Platform I will mention, ‘Handshake’, for smaller scale internship opportunities, and also did my independent research in order to find opportunities in greater Boston. I applied to as many as I found.

A helpful reminder for me was to wish for a response without expecting one. Don’t get me wrong, it’s great to strive to achieve great things and it is also important to be confident when applying to these opportunities, but in the end rejection is part of the process, so don’t let it beat you down!

Remember, the right place for you will show up in unexpected ways!

Alice Z: 9 Must DOs and Must Visit Places on long weekends

9 Must DOs and Must Visit Places on long weekends

9: Viewing the BU campus on the 18th floor of the student village
Have you ever recognized the study lounge on the top floor in the student village at BU west campus?
Overlook the magnificent scene of the BU campus and Charles River, you can see people riding boats on
the river and cars crossing the streets.

8: Counting Stars at BU Observatory
What? Does BU have its observatory? Register at the BU Observatory website during opening event
dates, you can explore the secrets of the universe here. Finding the shiniest star from the telescope, you
make a wish under the star.

7: Feel the power of arts at Isabella Steward Gardner Museum
At Isabella Steward Gardner Museum, you will feel the voice of time viewing through Rembrandt’s self-
portrait he painted at his early age. The sunlight goes through the glass ceiling, shining on the growing
green plants in the museum. This museum is not only a place full of classical interior arts but also a
beautiful scene you don’t want to miss in Boston.

6: Feeding the sika deers at Southwick’s Zoo
Driving one hour from downtown Boston, you will go into the wonderland of sika deers. Sitting on the
cable car, you get to overview all the animals in the zoo. Feeding the sika deers with the special fodder
provided by the zoo, you even get the chance to see them super close!

5: Having Italian Cuisine at North End
Taking a 10-minute bus, you can explore the so-called “Little Italian” at North End. Walking through the
streets, you can see Italian restaurants, cafes, and bakeries. Sitting down at St Mary’s Church, enjoying
the foreign vibe, as if you are on a vacation in Europe.

4: Taking a walk at Seaport
One of the most beautiful and vibrant destinations, Seaport is one of the signs of Boston. Along Boston’s
shoreline and blue sky, the seaport connects the Harborwalk and the city’s neighborhoods. Take a walk at
Seaport, with the amazing scenery, you will never find a better place for relaxation.

3: Having a picnic at Boston Common

The weather is always comfortable and warm at the beginning of the fall semester. It’s such a nice time
for a picnic! Grabbing snacks, chocolates, and bubble tea, you can enjoy a lazy afternoon with only food,
friends, music, and green grass.

2: Waking up in a log cabin at Getaway House
Waking up in a wooden cabin in the forest is the most romantic moment I can imagine for a brilliant long
weekend or short holiday plan! Making a cup of fresh coffee, grilling for a barbecue, and taking a walk in
the forest, there is a unique experience you can only have in a getaway house.

1: Watching the sunrise at Revere Beach
What is the good thing about staying up late for a deadline? You can straightly drive to revere beach for a
morning sunset! Waiting for the sunset to rise above the sea wave and white clouds, you can never receive
such a memory in your college life.

Jazzy G: Tips, tricks, and tidbits to help you make the most out of your time at BU

So, it’s finally happening. Last week, I had my last first day of school and was forced to accept the fact that I am a senior in college. It’s true what they tell you: blink, and it’s almost over. Seriously. I can’t tell you where the time has gone or where I will end up next. But that’s okay because this blog isn’t about that. No. Instead, this blog is about the things I can tell you — the things I’ve learned along the way.

Let’s get to it. My tips, tricks, and tidbits for incoming freshmen who want to make the most of their time on COMM Ave.

“No” is a complete sentence. It is always okay to say “no.” Your time is a gift, and you don’t have to share it with everyone who asks. You also don’t owe anyone an explanation or reason. Just a "no" should suffice in almost every situation.
Pay attention to the friends you make along the way. We always hear that networking is one of the most important things you can do to help yourself in your career and internship search. It’s never too early to start building those connections. It can be as easy as sending an email, asking for a coffee chat, or befriending your peers in COM. Check out BU COM Career Services to get more networking tips.
Don’t wait to get out of the BU Bubble. The BU bubble is a real thing! It’s so important that you don’t let it drown you. Whenever you have the chance, go off-campus and explore the city. You can study at a coffee shop in the North End, grab dinner in Seaport, or visit a bookstore in Cambridge. Boston has so much to offer, and it’s important to explore while you still can.
Always shoot your shot. It never actually hurts to just shoot your shot. Send the email; apply for that internship; volunteer even when it’s scary. Some of the best advice I ever got was from a COM professor who shared her motto with me: “If someone has to win, why can’t it be me?” That question now lives rent-free in my mind, and I’d beg you to ask yourself the same thing anytime you’re in doubt.
Do ~all~ the things you can while still taking care of yourself. I cannot emphasize enough how quickly time will go by. I beg you to take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. Obviously, you should prioritize your mental health and schoolwork before anything else. Beyond that, however, I would advise you to try saying “yes” to as many things as you can. College is a time to stretch yourself. So, try new things and take every mistake as a learning opportunity. Everything will be okay.

Evan B: On Starting My Senior Year… Just A Few Things I’ve Learned During My Time In College (So Far)!

Hi everyone! It’s CA Evan, your favorite Media Science to Public Relations major who now wants to pursue… theatre management?!?!?! These past three years in Boston have been quite an adventure, and as my fourth, and sadly, final year is just beginning, I wanted to share just a few of the things I’ve learned so far!

Try new things!
There’s so much to do not only in COM, but around BU and Boston, and the world, too! Some of my favorite memories I’ve made at BU so far have been when I tried something that I never thought I’d be interested in, like joining BUTV10’s Bay State as an actor or the Dance Theatre Group. While I won’t have the time to study abroad before I graduate (I’d need an 8th or 9th
day in the week to make that happen), so many of my friends who have absolutely loved their experience! BU has so much to offer, and you may not even see it until you start looking. Nothing is ever set in stone, and there is so much time to try all of the things you love, or may not think you’ll love at first, either!

Do what you love!
Before I came to BU, I had always thought I’d pursue healthcare communications, and never pictured it any different. Well, after beginning the Media Science curriculum and soon learning that wasn’t quite what I’d wanted, I changed my major to Public Relations one day before my Sophomore spring began! And, after one more year, I changed my career focus again, this time to theatre production management, realizing theatre is really what I love and want to do in my
life. I know I wouldn’t have gotten to where I am today without taking each of those steps, all of which had something to do with what I loved and what my goals are. And, I know all of those experiences have made me so happy– I don’t think I would feel the same if I hadn’t always followed my heart my entire time at BU!

Don’t be afraid to think– and step outside of– the box!
Is there a club you want to join on campus but don’t see? You can make it! Do you want to learn more about something related to your major but don’t see a class about it? You can work with a Faculty Mentor on a Directed Study, research, or even COMLab! One of the best things about going to a big school in a city is that there are always opportunities for you to explore, even if it means having to look a bit harder for them 😉

Have (so much) fun!
College is honestly such a fun experience, and these four years can go by super fast! Whether you’re exploring Boston or revisiting one of your favorite spots, or making new friends or having a movie night with some of your best friends, make the most of everything and have fun!