Suzanne C: 4 Pieces Of Advice To My Freshman Self (And Current Freshmen)

The first year of college can be hard at times. You’re away from home for the first time, taking hard classes, and trying to make friends. It can sometimes be discouraging — but take it from this senior — it gets better. Here are some pieces of advice I would give to my freshman-year self that, hopefully, you will benefit from too.

Get Involved

Getting involved in extracurriculars is one of the best ways to make friends and make the most out of your time at BU. One of my favorite things about BU is they have a club or group for almost everything — so if you haven’t already, take advantage of this! I am now involved in six extracurriculars (I did not join them all at the same time), and I can honestly say my BU experience would not be the same without them. I also think it’s important to join clubs because you’re interested in them, not because you think they’ll look good on your resume. If you’re involved in things you’re interested in, you’ll enjoy them more, and they’ll probably end up looking good on your resume anyway.

It’s Okay To Be Homesick

It’s 100% normal to be homesick during your first year of college. And probably almost everyone is, whether they say it or not. It’s not easy to be away from your family, home friends, and hometown for the first time. But it does get better. I’m not going to promise it will completely go away because, as a senior, I still get homesick occasionally, but you will start feeling homesick less and less. If you don’t already, make a habit of calling your family. It will make you feel closer to home, and I’m sure they would love to hear from you.

School Is Hard

BU is very academically hard. When I first got here, I was blown away by how much harder it was than my high school. I got a couple of ugly scores on the first midterms I took, and there were moments when I really doubted myself. However, I was quickly able to adapt and even excel in school here, and if you’re feeling the same way, you will too. Keep working hard, and it will pay off!

Enjoy It

I know everyone says this, but college really does go by so fast — so try to enjoy it while it lasts! You also never know when something like a pandemic could send you home from college and put you on Zoom. But seriously, the pandemic made me more grateful for things I took for granted before — in-person classes, being able to hang out with friends, and in-person extracurriculars. So, enjoy all of these things! Because before you know it, you’ll be a senior too.

GT: You are right where you are supposed to be.

I am here to validate your feelings and remind you everything will be okay.

College is a beautiful place and time for us to learn and become the best version of ourselves. I must admit, however, it can be intimidating and overwhelming especially when everyone around you is moving at a different pace. 

I left the suburbs of southern California to experience the pace of the city and east coast culture. The transition and adjustment for my first semester was beyond difficult because I felt so lost and lonely. I was the only one to go far from my high school, and it felt like everyone else knew what they were doing and were able to make friends and enjoy BU just fine. This caused me to go into an emotional spiral because I kept asking myself: what am I doing wrong?

Well, the answer is nothing. I am right where I’m supposed to be. I’d like to share some quotes and sayings that helped keep me grounded in my college journey, and hopefully they will help you too. Wherever you are on your college journey whether it be your freshman year, last semester and job searching, or somewhere in between, I would like to offer some wise words and reassurance. 

“Comparison is the thief of joy.”: Whenever I see someone the same age with me partying a little harder or doing a little better, I begin to feel sad for myself and wonder why my life isn’t as great. However, I have to remember that everyone has a life of their own and there is a lot going on behind the scenes. Comparing my experiences with others will not make my life any better. As a COM major, there’s no way to exile social media from our lives, but rather learn how to live with it in a healthy way.

“Everything is temporary.”: This is very bittersweet. Time will pass and you will finish that class you dreaded so much or that fun event will come to an end. Nothing lasts forever except the constant changes, so appreciate the good times and endure the bad. Great things are ahead of you.

“Find out what you like, figure out why you like it, and just be bold after that.”: Our student body is such a diverse group and there are many influences around us that can be overwhelming. Trends go in and out and what’s socially acceptable can change overnight. It is important to not get lost in the sauce, and remember you are your own person and you are in control of your life. Stay true to yourself, always.

In the end, we are very small specks on a spinning rock. Nothing really matters except how you choose to go about your life. You will go through some valleys physically, mentally, emotionally, and that is completely okay. You will make it. You will be okay. Trust the process, and more importantly trust in yourself.

Evan B: A Love Letter To My Office Job

When the Office Manager at COM Undergraduate Affairs first reached out to me at the end of my Sophomore year asking if I would be interested in working as an office assistant, I had no clue what to expect. I never exactly thought an office job would be my thing. For starters, copy machines can get really confusing, really quick. But, since I first took a seat in our super tall rolly chair at the front desk of Undergraduate Affairs, I’ve never looked back!

I quickly mastered the copy machine– the office is passionate about a good coloring page– but have also found that there’s so much more to do when I’m working in the office. Picking up the phone is always a fun surprise, and there is definitely no shortage of emails to answer, especially during registration season 😉

At Undergraduate Affairs, we take our snacks super seriously, too. Any day can be made better with a little help from our candy drawer, and all of the other Office Assistants and Advisors are super passionate about trying all of the Pringle flavors that exist around the world (and yes, there is a running ranking sheet of all the flavors we’ve tried). There is no shortage of baked goods in the office– with gluten- and dairy-free options too– and sometimes we even get lucky if there are extra snacks from an event around COM, too.

Most importantly, though, working in the office has meant so much more to me than all of the fun we have every day, like when our WB Mason office supply deliveries arrive or we decorate to celebrate the next upcoming holiday. Not only have I been able to learn super important skills that will help me in any role I take on in the future, like how to reply to emails, help a student at the front desk, or what to do when I don’t know the answer to a question, but I’ve also found a diverse support system through working in the office, too. Many of the other office assistants are in the same classes as I am, and we always help each other with coursework and networking, too. Getting to know each of the advisors has shown me that there is always someone there to support you in your academic, professional, and personal life; so much can happen in your four years of undergraduate school, and each and every one of our advisors is so knowledgeable and is there to support you at every moment along the way. Additionally, I’ve gotten to know the faculty and staff of the different COM departments, Dean’s Office, and Career Services, which has helped me feel more confident in myself as a student and my ability to get a full-time job once I graduate.

COM Undergraduate Affairs is just one more example of the COMmunity I’ve found here at BU, and I know for a fact that my time in Boston would not have been the same if I had let my fears of the copy machine stop me from taking on this position 🙂

Joe P: Boston-Area Sporting Events To Watch For November

They say Boston is the City of Champions, and while the days of Tom Brady winning Super Bowls for the New England Patriots is over, Boston sports are still synonymous with success. Aside from the professional teams, the countless college sports teams competing in the area mean exciting sporting events are happening every day.

Here are some events you should look to check out in November, whether you’re a die-hard sports fan or just like the atmosphere of big games:

Monday, November 7 - BU Men’s/Women’s Basketball vs. Northeastern - Case Gym

Basketball season is right around the corner, and both the men’s and women’s teams at BU will be tipping off their slate during a Monday doubleheader at Case Gym.

Both teams should be competitive in the Patriot League, and starting the year against a local non-conference rival will make things all the more exciting.

The women play at 4:30 p.m. followed by the men at 7. 

Monday, November 7 - Boston Bruins vs. St. Louis Blues - TD Garden

In a rematch of the 2019 Stanley Cup Final, where the Blues beat the Bruins 4-3 in the best-of-seven series, emotions still run high in the city of Boston when St. Louis comes to town.

Several key players from both sides of that championship matchup are no longer with their team, but a lot of good players remain, and the Bruins currently have the best record in the entire NHL (5-1-0).

Not to mention, former BU Terriers Matt Grzelcyk, Charlie Coyle and A.J. Greer all play for the Bruins, and injured Charlie McAvoy will be returning soon. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Friday, November 11 - Boston Celtics vs. Denver Nuggets - TD Garden

The Celtics fell just short of the 2022 NBA Championship, but return what should be a competitive team in the Eastern Conference. Coming from the West is Denver and the two-time reigning league MVP, Nikola Jokic.

With Jokic going against Boston’s Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, there’s no shortage of star power in this matchup that will be fun to watch for even the casual fan. Tip off is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Saturday, November 19 - Harvard Football vs. Yale - Harvard Stadium

While Cambridge is not Boston, the Harvard football stadium is located in the Allston neighborhood of Boston, and with no football team at BU, this historic matchup must be circled on the calendar.

The first meeting between the two Ivy League rivals took place in 1875, and “The Game” is among the longest-standing and most-respected college football matchups in the country.

With “The Game” alternating host sites each year, and with the pandemic canceling Ivy League sports in 2020, Harvard has not hosted “The Game” since 2018 when the two sides played at Fenway Park. With this year being the first time back at Harvard Stadium since 2016, it’s hard to resist going out to witness the latest chapter of a historic sporting tradition. Kick-off time is yet to be determined.

Wednesday, November 23 - BU Men’s Hockey vs. Notre Dame - Agganis Arena

The BU men’s hockey team is currently ranked top 10 in the country, and with renewed hopes under first-year head coach Jay Pandolfo, the Terriers will be welcoming a high-profile opponent to Agganis Arena before Thanksgiving.

The Fighting Irish are currently ranked 13th in the country, and are one of the best teams on the Terriers’ schedule. Kick off Thanksgiving weekend watching two iconic programs face off. Puck drop is at 5 p.m.

Saturday-Sunday, November 26 & 27 - Boston Pride vs. Toronto Six - Warrior Ice Arena

Finally, make sure to check out the weekend series of the two-time reigning Premier Hockey Federation champions face off against Toronto. Boston’s professional women’s ice hockey team is by far the most accomplished in the PHF’s short history.

Playing in nearby Brighton, the Pride boast former Terriers Sammy Davis, the 2020 First Overall Pick, and Kaleigh Fratkin. The Saturday game starts at 7 p.m., and the Sunday puck drop is 2 p.m.

 

Meryl B: How to Get an Internship

Internships provide a great way to gain exposure to a variety of industries, open doors to future opportunities, and also show future employers you are serious about gaining experience and increasing your professional skills. Wondering where to begin? Here is a list of platforms to help you look for internships, as well as providing a great way to network with people across different fields to learn more about career paths. 

  1. LinkedIn 

LinkedIn not only connects you with recruiters and future employers, but with friends, former employers, professors and business figures, thereby broadening your reach and exposure. Based on your search criteria, it will send relevant job/internship postings. You can also link in with friends who will appear in your notifications so you can see their updates. Therefore, you are kept informed of changes in their roles and recent accomplishments. You can also let recruiters know that you are open to new positions. Additionally, if you choose to purchase the premium subscription, you can see who has viewed your profile. 

  1. Handshake 

Discovering all types of work opportunities, including paid internships, is made simple through Handshake. To ensure your application is competitive, the platform frequently collaborates with career services at Boston University. One of the numerous advantages Handshake offers is the ability to submit a resume and cover letter for evaluation before applying. Additionally, employers post on Handshake their events/career fairs, so you can shake hands and network. 

  1. MonsterCollege 

Finding employment and internships might be as terrifying as the monster you once believed lurked in the shadows as a child. However, MonsterCollege offers an easier alternative, improving your experience through its customized approach. Specifically created for college students and recent graduates, the site enables you to learn about a variety of occupations, get interview tips, speak with other job seekers, and even find a job. Therefore, taking the fear out of job hunting, creating a positive experience and bringing opportunities to light. 

  1. Creatively 

Creatively connects creative artists of all stripes — animators, fashion designers, web designers, fine artists, writers and producers — with companies and individuals who need their services. The website was launched by Stacey Bendet, the founder of the clothing line Alice + Olivia, and assists jobseekers when applying for positions with national and international firms. Signing up and creating a profile is free for artists, and the platform makes it easy to showcase your portfolio. Employers and brands subscribe to the platform to interact with creatives and find interested candidates.

 

Melina N: Take care of yourself, from someone who also needs that reminder

Congratulations on making it to BU campus – and to university in general! Every single student has worked extremely hard to get here. I can only imagine the countless nights of studying, cramming and stress combined among all of us. Not only did you have to complete college applications, but that came with hours of schoolwork, extracurriculars, sports, performance arts or part-time work. 

Once you get here, there are a variety of pathways you could take. Some decide to take it easy and focus on their social life or explore the city. Some decide to stay indoors and live an independent adult life for the first time by grocery shopping and adulting. 

For many others (including me), I’ve kept trucking along into college. I am involved in several clubs, try to make time for friends and fit in grocery shopping and eating out when I can. I feel like I can overextend sometimes; my friends are always lecturing me about sleeping more or eating well. 

So, as someone who understands the hustle and bustle of daily life as a BU student, here are some tips and reminders for any of you that feel like you need a mental health check. 

  1. Drink your water! 

I definitely forget to drink enough water (don’t blame me … it makes my stomach feel too full). However, it is definitely a habit that needs to be a conscious effort. Healthy water intake helps wake your brain up and reduce headaches. And as someone who has had a couple of dehydration spells, that should not be a possible event in your already packed schedule. There are many water bottle refill stations around campus and even fun water flavoring mixes if you hate drinking plain water. 

  1. Take breaks. 

The clock strikes midnight. It’s down to the wire, and you have a project or midterm due the next day. You’re wavering between cramming in a bit more work or just calling it a night. Sometimes, when your brain is already fatigued, it’s best to just take a five minute break. I find the pomodoro method to be helpful – 25-minute chunks separated by five-minute breaks. This way, you can 

pace yourself and reset your train of thought before you burnout. And in the off-chance you find yourself in that “I need to study more before tomorrow’s test” loop, it’s best to put yourself first and go to bed. 

  1. Sleep enough.

This brings me to my last point. Sleep is essential! Nothing makes me happier than climbing into my cozy twin XL bed every night. Although I get six hours of sleep some nights, aiming for eight is optimal. Be realistic and prepare yourself for the days when you can’t take care of yourself fully, but your mental health (and physical health) are the most crucial aspects of college life. If you aren’t healthy, you can’t be the best student you can be!

 

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.  

  1. 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. 

  1. 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! 

  1. 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.  

  1. 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! 

  1. 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.