COM Ambassador Blog

Meryl B: Advice for Living Off-Campus

Advice for Living Off-Campus

After my freshman year living in a dorm in west campus, I felt it was time for a change and decided to move off-campus. I wanted to switch it up from having dining hall food to having my own place where I could cook. My sister told me that south campus offers a nice way to get out of the “BU bubble,” but still be close to classes. I found a great apartment and could not be happier about my decision. There is not only a Tatte five minutes from my new place, but
Timeout Market, Whole Foods, and more!

Moving from a dorm meant having more responsibilities. I had to set up an Eversource account, budget my spending on dining out and groceries, and file maintenance requests when needed (which can take weeks to be completed).

Here are my tips for living off-campus:

1. Research each apartment you visit

Even if you like it, you do not want to sign a lease on the first apartment you see. Make sure you ask current tenants about their experience, and why they are moving out. Also, be sure to inquire about whether the building or appliances have any problems and, if so, how quickly the
landlord responds and fixes the issues.

2. Create a budget

Living in Boston can be expensive. Takeout, groceries, and household items can add up. In addition, off-campus housing requires utilities and internet among other incidentals. I write down my weekly spending on the notes app, or you can use a journal to track expenses to ensure you are not overspending.

3. Buy basic items in bulk

Going to Target or Star Market is not only time-consuming if you run out of necessities, like toilet paper or hand soap, but it can also be expensive. Buying in bulk helps you to save money, but you should also be careful not to over purchase as space is limited, and to monitor your inventory so that you have everything when you need it.

4. Introduce yourself to your neighbor(s)

I introduced myself to my neighbor across the hall on move-in day. You do not necessarily need to be close to them, but knowing who they are and getting their contact information can help you in the future. What if the power goes out and you need to borrow a flashlight, or use their cell phone because you accidentally locked yourself out? It has happened to me. An emergency can
come up, and it is a relief to know that your neighbor is near and can lend a hand.

5. Clean your apartment

Cleaning is essential. Boston is riddled with rats, mice and roaches. Consistently vacuum your floors, do your dishes, take out the trash, and clean your counters and bathroom.

6. Set up auto payment for rent

Apartment owners and landlords are very rigid about when your rent is due and you want to avoid a late fee. Set up auto-payment, if possible, and if it isn’t an option, put a reminder in your calendar for when to send the payment each month.

Helena B: Less is More – Tips from a High School Overachiever

Less is More – Tips from a High School Overachiever

Arriving at such a huge school with so many awesome clubs, events, and opportunities, can be overwhelming. Trust me, I know.

I spent the first few weeks going to every event, joining every club, and trying to meet everyone I possibly could.

I’m now halfway through my second semester of college and have realized that in some cases it can be a lot easier to approach such a huge change in life by narrowing down the possibilities into just what’s necessary.

I saw everyone around me joining a myriad of clubs of all different types, and so I thought of doing the same. I joined about 10 to 15, and then started receiving a thousand overwhelming emails about club meetings and I realized that maybe that wasn’t needed ( especially considering I couldn’t make it to all of them and was then left feeling bad about my ability to commit).

So I tried something different… the one thing I knew for a fact was that I wanted to take any occasion to gain knowledge in Film and TV ( my major), so I joined the one club I knew I could dedicate genuine time and effort to: BUTV10.

Whether you choose to join BUTV10 or any of the other clubs COM has to offer, sticking to fully investing my time into one allowed me to be more active in what I love and gave me the opportunity to gain confidence in my major while adding something concrete and major-related in my CV.

After a few months of only participating in BUTV10, I stumbled across the opportunity to become a COM Ambassador. Since I took the time to adjust without overloading in activities, now that I had found something else I was genuinely excited to participate in I was able to go through the whole hiring process calmly and without feeling overwhelmed!

I now find myself at the end of my second semester with only two things I am part of, and although sometimes I feel lesser than for it, I like to remind myself that there is no rush and frankly no reason why I should do more than I feel is healthy for me.

Focusing on a few things at once also allowed me to gain meaningful friendships and relationships, to have time every week to network, and to go well academically!

And I promise, if you think this will make you less amusing for employers in the future, it won't! You bring worth to everything you do. As long as you apply yourself to the few things you feel are genuine reflections of your character, you will gain recognition for it!

Best of luck, and remember, sometimes less is more!

Mia C: A Guide to BU Dining

Yes, the dining halls at college are as mundane as the myths say but there are ways to make it more bearable.

At Boston University, if a student lives in a dormitory residence they are required to be on a meal plan. There are five meal plans ranging from the 14-Plus, Unlimited, Kosher, 330, to 250 Plans.

Each dining plan contains a combination of meal swipes and dining points. Meal swipes are used to get into five dining halls located around campus. Each time you leave a dining hall, you will need to use another swipe to get back in. Dining points can be used at on-campus restaurants, cafes, or campus convenience stores and include Starbucks, Panda Express, and Raising Canes.

The BU website explains each meal plan in-depth. Now, I am going to delve more deeply into how you can make the most out of your meal plan.

As a freshman, I am currently on the 250 meal plan. On this meal plan, I eat at the dining hall once per day and I get more dining points than any other meal plan. Typically, I eat breakfast in my dorm, lunch at the on-campus restaurants, and dinner with my friends in the dining hall.

A tip I learned from personal experience is to begin the first semester with the 330 meal plan. Then at the beginning of the second semester, you change to the 250 meal plan. I did this myself at the beginning of my second semester and received a much greater amount of dining points than I would have if I started the year on the 250 meal plan.

Another function of Boston University dining that gets underutilized is the ordering ahead system. At BU, most restaurants and cafes that take dining points are on the Grubhub app. The Grubhub app has grouped restaurants based on location and allows you to order online using dining points.

This is my personal favorite feature of the BU dining system. It is a lifesaver to order coffee ahead of time so I can pick it up when I am running between classes. Each restaurant also displays wait times and in-person line wait times. Also as a BU student, you get a free Grubhub+ membership giving you access to unlimited free delivery for off-campus restaurants and other member perks.

Overall, dining at Boston University is fairly convenient and customizable to fit your needs, you just need to know where to look!

Ali A: Four things to do (and one not to do) during your senior year

Take as many pictures as you possibly can! Use your phone or a camera (I personally love using my Polaroid!) and take photos of people, places, and events you want to remember. I have so many amazing memories from my time at BU, and I wish I had taken more pictures to remember them by. It’s not like you’ll forget those experiences, but having a physical reminder of them makes them even more vivid and lets you hold onto them forever.
Say yes to everything. Okay, maybe that’s a bit of an exaggeration, but there’s a good chance you won’t be seeing a lot of your college friends on a daily basis anymore after you graduate, so take advantage of the time you have together now! Go to movie nights and coffee dates and soak up as much of it as you can, because you’ll be surprised at how quickly it flies by.
Don’t be afraid to say no. Senior year is stressful for everyone, between classes and extracurriculars and trying to figure out what you’re going to do after graduation. It can be exhausting, and it’s important to take time for yourself. Make time to relax and unwind so you don’t fall victim to burnout. This also gives you time to catch up on classwork and make sure you don’t fall behind in any classes — especially if you need the credits to graduate!
Start figuring out how to be an adult. I personally think the phrase “adulting” is cringey and overused, but there’s some truth to it. Learning some basic cooking techniques beyond making buttered noodles and maintaining a budget are just a few of the skills you can work on while you’re still in college that will make all the difference when you graduate. The transition from college to being a full-time adult is already challenging, but if you can mitigate some of that by being prepared to live on your own and take care of yourself, you’re already halfway there.
Don’t compare yourself to your friends and classmates. It’s hard to not scroll through Twitter or Instagram and see everyone you’ve ever met posting about the amazing, exciting, once-in-a-lifetime opportunities they’re pursuing after graduation. It’s even easier to start doubting yourself — Am I behind? Why does everyone else seem like they know what they’re doing, but I don’t? It’s cliche but it’s true: you can’t measure your own success by comparing yourself to others. It’s a toxic way to think and will make you miserable if you let it. You’ll figure it out at your own pace, and that’s okay! Try to live in the moment and not dwell too much on the future when you have so much left to experience and enjoy before you graduate.

Jess S: My Journey to COM

JESS S: My Journey to COM

When a glitch in my high school’s registration system accidentally landed me in a journalism elective freshman year, I would discover a passion for the field of communications that has grown ever since. And ever since I went on my first tour of Boston University's College of Communication five years ago, I knew that COM was the right place for me and that I wanted to become involved in a meaningful way. COM has provided me with so many incredible experiences; from dynamic classes, internship leads from professors to writing for The Boston Globe. As a COM ambassador, I have been able to give back by helping other students navigate and make the most of their COM experience.

Since that fortuitous accident in high school, I have been pursuing every avenue to gain experience in communications and hone my skills. When I got to BU, I was that student that put my email down at what felt like every single table at Splash. I wanted to dive in and learn what I loved to do the most. Now as an Advertising & Journalism double major, I am continuing to let communications skills flourish and am learning more every day. I have become involved in many different extracurriculars so I could truly experience everything COM and BU has to offer. More than anything I wanted to figure out my place here and where I fit in, and I have to say - that’s the only way to do it. It’s important to dive right in and immerse yourself in the endless opportunities COM has to offer.

As I am approaching my senior year, I have started to reflect on my past 3 years at BU. Although COVID got in the way at times, I still feel I took advantage of everything COM can provide. Whether you just arrived at BU or you’ve been here a while now, get as involved as you can because it goes by in a blink of an eye. You will never look back on your time at BU and say “I wish I had gotten less involved.” So make the most of your time here, I promise you won’t regret it.

Melina N: What Clubs to Join, From Someone Who Loves Clubs

What Clubs to Join, From Someone Who Loves Clubs

For all of the kids who have been in various clubs throughout high school, BU offers an endless list of on-campus clubs and organizations. I remember walking through dozens of tables and enthusiastic student representatives at my first SPLASH. I must have signed up for at least ten newsletters that day. However, I have compiled a selection of my favorite clubs that I am a part of; hopefully, some of these appeal to you and convince you to explore this school’s bountiful supply of clubs.

Stage Troupe
If you were a former theatre kid pre-college times, Stage Troupe may be the perfect fit for you. I was stage manager in high school, and I was afraid I would be too busy with my classes and work to do theatre in college. However, Stage Troupe, the oldest and largest extracurricular performing arts group at BU, allows us flexibility in our schedules. I never have to worry about
missing important commitments for a rehearsal—as long as I communicate beforehand. During my time at Stage Troupe, I help in the paint department which has a lower time commitment than other departments. Still, I have been able to find friendship and support in this tight-knit community. Consider joining Stage Troupe or a similar extracurricular theatre group if you still crave acting or tech-ing as a hobby.

Boston University International Affairs Association (BUIAA)
I was a major Model United Nations nerd in high school, starting with the General Assembly and transitioning into the Department of Public Affairs. I didn’t want to seriously compete on the Model UN team in university, but I was interested to see if I could still be involved in the process. Luckily for me, BUIAA is one of the largest and most varied organizations on BU's campus, branching out into different sub-organizations. For example, I am a part of the layout
team for the International Relations Review, a student-produced journal of policy-oriented analysis. This spring, I also served as Assistant Crisis Director at BosMUN, the high school conference. Although it is one of my bigger time commitments during the peak season, I gladly make time to work with my friendly members and organization e-board.

COM Student Government (COM StuGov)
And, of course, COM Student Government is an essential part of the COM community (the COMmunity, if you will). I recently accepted the position of Graphic Designer for COMStuGov. The e-board has been nothing but welcome and helpful, and it is heartwarming to see fellow COM students excel within and outside the organization. I hope to help advertise the club’s events, and meet more COM students. COMStuGov is the perfect way to dive into COM and
make COM connections.

My experiences with BU clubs have been overwhelmingly positive. While these are my top choices, there are so many other clubs I probably missed. Be sure to attend SPLASH, contact clubs if you wish to join, and follow their social media. You may just find your next mini-home within this vast campus.

Mia P: BU Study Spots, Ranked

BU STUDY SPOTS: RANKED

BU is definitely a pretty large campus with many spots to study at. Whether you enjoy the lively buzz of a coffee shop or the quiet of a library, there is definitely something for everyone. Over my almost two years here, I’ve studied or done homework in almost every place I can think of (mostly because I get bored of studying somewhere too often.)

So, here are my top five BU study spots!

Mugar Memorial Library

Mugar is great for when you really need to get in the zone. As you go up every floor, it’s supposed to be quieter (although some people on Reddit have complained about the lack of understanding this.)

What’s nice about Mugar is that no spot is exactly the same –– some areas provide more seclusion, while others (like the basement) allow for more interaction. There are also some spots with some really great views!

StuVi 2 26th Floor Study Lounge

As a StuVi 2 resident myself, I definitely do not take advantage of our top floor study lounge enough. With windows around the entire room, it provides a breathtaking view of Boston and the Charles River.

I like this lounge because it isn’t too quiet, but it’s never too rowdy. It’s a great option for people who live in West campus and don’t want to walk all the way to East campus to do work at night.

Buick Street Market

Honestly, I didn’t even know that Buick existed until well into freshman year. Buick is another great West campus study spot, especially because you have direct access to the Dunkin and snacks whenever you want! People are usually pretty quiet, and there are also lots of outlets around to use.

George Sherman Union

As someone who enjoys a lively buzz surrounding me when I’m studying, I can’t recommend the GSU enough. It’s perfect to sit at in between classes to grab lunch and work on some homework. I also always end up seeing people I know there, so it can always keep things fun socially.

With so many different places to eat inside, it’s super convenient to go there for a meal or even study there all day. Make sure to avoid going during peak rush times though, or it’ll be super hard to get a table!

Questrom Starbucks

The Questrom Starbucks is great for morning or afternoon study sessions. First of all, being in Questrom always makes me feel cool because it’s so nice inside. Second of all, such close proximity to caffeine is always a plus.

Although this spot is a bit smaller, it’s definitely an amazing place to study with friends or do work before/in between classes if you have the time! You might think that this is an odd choice for the number one spot, but there’s something about the vibe and buzz of the place that makes it most appealing!

Jonathan M: The Most Important Thing in College: GUM

The Most Important Thing in College: GUM

After living for 20 years, I have realized something essential for everyone: Gum is the most important thing you can have in college. Yes, you heard that right, gum, more specifically a pack of gum, is the most important thing you can have. Whether you place it in your backpack, pocket, or bottom of the shoe(not recommended) here are three reasons why:

It's a great way to make friends.

Carry around some gum on your first day of classes, and BOOM, instant friends are made. Here is roughly how it goes, "want some gum?" "Yes, let's be friends"... ok, maybe that's not how it goes, but it really is a great conversation starter. You can give someone a piece and ask if they like it, ask what their favorite kind of gum is, and of course, the centuries-old debate of Wintergreen and Spearmint (wintergreen, ftw btw). Gum is also cheap enough where it's ok for someone to accept it without feeling guilty, and since it doesn't make a tri-dent in your wallet, you feel ok giving it out. Finding friends in college is hard enough, and the small 2 dollar pack of gum will make it a lot easier.

It's good for the environment.

Listen, I have no idea if it's actually good for the environment, but I know it is recyclable. Here is the situation, you just got back from seeing BTS at Agganis Arena and have an awesome new tour poster itching to get on the wall. You open your desk drawer, and OH NO…the tape has run out. Now, do you wait until the morning and buy new tape at CVS, or do you want to slap that wad gum, you’ve been chewing on for the past three hours, on the wall and enjoy your new poster… Gum is reusable in senses you could never imagine; have a nail in your bike tire? Stuff it in the whole the nail left, fixed! Do you have an enemy running after you? Throw it on the ground, and they'll be stuck there for hours.

It's a low price for some fun.

Not everything that is fun needs to be expensive. And if you want a cheap 15-minute fix that will help you get through your (always entertaining!!) lecture, it is worth it.

Frankly, I might be overdoing it. Gum has its downsides: it's sticky, it's sugary. Also, chewing gum can potentially cause mercury to be released from mercury amalgam fillings…I just copied that from the internet. But there is something to be said about having little things in life and college that make your day better. Whether it's to make new friends, hang a poster, or just to help you get through your day, buy some gum.

Jess S: Should You Study Abroad? A Traveler’s Guide to Being The International Student

Should You Study Abroad? A Traveler’s Guide to Being The International Student

Let’s be honest — you’ve romanticized yourself living in a single apartment, seeking an independent life, and finding freedom from the clutch of your parents. There’s no doubt that moving to another state or city for college can accomplish that goal, but what if you wanted to deal your cards even further and travel to a different country? I recently spent my first semester in this incredibly odd place called the United States of America, and I want to share what it’s like to build a new persona for yourself while hurdling through the cultural barriers of a new country.

First thing’s first, WEATHER!

The best thing about moving to a place you’ve never been before is the complete wardrobe change. I grew up in the Philippines, a tropical country in Southeast Asia that is approximately 30c degrees (86 in Fahrenheit for my fellow Americans). That being said, I was more than excited to finally switch up the usual shorts and spaghetti strapped shirts I was used to wearing. When moving to a new place, remember to ALWAYS take the weather into account because now that it’s the dead of winter in Massachusetts where snow can come in at any minute I’m beginning to question my decision to study on the east coast (only joking, of course). The weather is a huge factor in your stay since it will determine the activities you end up doing, what you wear, and the difficulty level of your adjustment. The best weather is one you are prepared for and one you can eventually learn to enjoy.

New You?

One of the absolute best parts about moving to a new country is that nobody, and I mean almost nobody will know who you were back in high school. Failed biology in Junior year? Went to school with a terrible haircut that you still have nightmares about? Wore the wrong uniform to gym class? Went to a high school with a bad reputation? Don’t even worry about it. This is one of those few opportunities that allow you to completely rebrand yourself. And in the unfortunate event that you are unable to think of anything else to add to your new personality, you can always pull the international student card.

Culture Shock is REAL

I never realized that when someone asks, “How are you?”, you’re actually supposed to ask how they are after answering. In Manila, people don’t really ask how you are. Random people don’t really even greet one another in general. I thought my limited TikTok and Youtube exposure to American culture prepared me enough to live here, but there are some things that you can only learn by experiencing it. Back in Highschool, we were required to stand up if we wanted to speak in class, and here everyone just seems to sit and talk at the same time. I also want to give a small shoutout to the advancements in payment methods here in America. Everything here is paid through apple pay or card, and whenever I pay with cash, I have trouble checking if my change is correct because American coins still confuse me. Moving to a new country requires a lot of preparation, not just in greetings and currency, but in learning a new language, trying to speak without an accent, and pushing yourself to talk to the locals when it’s pouring hail and you can’t remember where the nearest T is.

Family

The hardest part about studying abroad, on my end at least, was the homesickness. In my opinion, it’s worst after winter break because as soon as I arrived in Boston, I couldn’t even leave my dorm because of the cold and the covid cases around the area. There are days when it feels like my family is so far away, and the time difference only makes it harder to contact them when I need to hear their voice. This is why I strongly suggest that you join clubs, make friends, go out, do your assignments, keep yourself busy, and enjoy the freedom you have in a city you can one day call yours.

It’s not easy to study abroad for an extended period of time. Even if my country offered more opportunities in the education and employment department, I wouldn’t trade my first semester here for anything. If you do decide to study abroad, know that the people you will meet, regardless of a potential language and culture barrier, those people will make all of the harsh winters and endless midterms worth it. Not to mention, when you’re studying abroad you are not only learning something you probably would have never seen or heard of back home but are also discovering the beauty of independence. In 10 years time when life decides to hit me in the face and put me in a position where I need to make decisions for myself while in a single apartment trying to get my 9 to 5 together, I am 70% sure I’ll have already gotten through worse and survived by then.

Evan B: Be Your Valentine: Practicing Self Love in College

Be Your Valentine: Practicing Self Love in College

As college students, it can be incredibly easy to fall into a rhythm of only focusing on classes and homework. Although we’re at school to learn, it is super important to take a break and take the time to put yourself first! So, this Valentine’s Day, make it a goal to prioritize self care in your own daily routine. Here are just a few tips that I’ve used to practice self love:

Treat yourself

Corgi Ice Cream GIF - Corgi Ice Cream Dog GIFs

Anyone who knows me knows that I am most definitely a dessert person! Sometimes all I need is a sweet pick-me-up, whether that’s grabbing a chocolate rose from Tatte before classes or grabbing a sundae at J.P. Licks after a long day of classes. Although days at school can be super busy, it’s really important to remember to reward yourself for your hard work every so often. So, whether your love language is in the form of a home-cooked meal, trip to Starbucks, or a fun treat, you deserve it all!

Watch (all of the) Netflix, like, ever

There’s nothing better than curling up in your fuzziest slipper socks with the latest hit TV series after a busy day at work! Whether I’m fully invested in a drama series or am in need of a good laugh, Netflix always does the trick for me. My recent favorite has been the second season of Cheer, but there’s sure to be a show that’s perfect for you!

Get outside and get moving!

Boston is absolutely beautiful, whether the trees are in full bloom during the spring or covered with a dusting of snow in the winter. Whenever I need some fresh air, I love taking a walk on the Esplanade or along the Fens. It can be way too easy to spend entire days in the BU Bubble. Sometimes, all you need is a bit of fresh air to get your mind off of classes, homework, or anything else. Taking a walk or doing yoga always makes for a perfect study break, too!

Spend time with friends

Friends Dogs GIF - Friends Dogs I Love You GIFs

Let’s face it– long days working are no fun. Whether your best friend is your roommate or you make a plan to hang out with your squad after classes, laughter and catching up is always the best medicine. Even if you can only catch up for a little bit before the next event on your calendar, I always try my best to make time to be with the people who I love most on campus!