COM Ambassador Blog

Mira D: 5 Lessons I Learned During College

5 Lessons I Learned During College

In just a few months, I will be graduating from BU, so I wanted to take a moment to reflect onwhat these past few years have taught me. Here are some of the most important lessons I’ve learned that I want to share with you!

LESSON #1

Have something that will always remind you of your priorities

Every once in a while, set aside time to reflect on your priorities and ask yourself- are you putting those things first? Or are you forgetting what’s important to you? It can be as simple as writing them out and sticking them on the wall or even finding a time once a month to chat with a
friend about what’s important to you and talking through whether or not you’ve been true to those things.I say this because identifying and honing in on what’s important to me has given me a sense of peace. I still get stressed about things, but if I can immediately think about my priorities, I usually end up reminding myself that whatever I was stressed about in that moment isn’t anything to worry about and I can turn my attention towards what matters to me.I think that when your priorities aren’t clearly outlined in your mind, it’s easy for things to get muddled and for you to feel stressed about not doing the things you want and not focusing on the things that matter to you. If you have something to remind you of your priorities, you will always have that guidance to make sure that you’re staying on track with what’s going to make
you feel the happiest and the most fulfilled 🙂

LESSON #2

People are going to come and go in your life and that’s okay!

There’s so much going on during this time in your life that people are going to need more room to grow than may have needed before. All of us are navigating this strange and confusing new world, and that requires space. We’ve all changed and gone through so much and that energy is going to push some people away and pull some people in. And that’s normal and that’s okay. If I’ve learned anything, it’s that sometimes your relationships are going to stretch and you’re
going to experience distance and you’re going to miss them or you might not. But that doesn’t mean that it’s permanent. Relationships are ever changing. Don’t let your worries about relationships changing take your attention away from the new relationships that you have the potential to discover and welcome into your life too!

LESSON #3

Things are inevitably going to change, so don’t worry about the plan

For as long as I can remember, I was always someone that had to have the perfect plan. I had to know exactly what I was doing, and I had to know exactly what I wanted to do in the future. I wanted my life to be set up in a neat and organized linear map, so that I would know what I had to do and where I had to go to succeed. Almost four years ago now, I came into college my freshman year, having this perfect, prewritten idea of what my life was going to look like by senior year. My life right now looks nothing like that. But that’s okay! Things change and shift everyday! And because of that, there’s no need to worry so much about your plan because things are inevitably going to change! So why fret over every tiny detail about your future when you don’t even know what tomorrow is going to bring you? I think this was a really difficult lesson for me to accept at first. I spent months worrying about what I would do after graduation, where I would go, what I wanted to do with my career, but the second I took a breath and let go of my expectations, I found joy and opportunities in places I
didn’t expect.

LESSON #4

Change up your routine with one big thing

This can be anything! But it should be something that will change up your life in a noticeable way! I’m not entirely sure how to explain this, so I’ll just share what I did this year that really changed up my routine and actually ended up having such a positive impact on my life. So even though I am Japanese, all throughout the first three years of college I never joined JSA, or the Japanese Students Association. I was always so busy with other things and I always had
some excuse for why I couldn’t go. However, since it was my senior year, I promised myself that I would go to at least ONE JSA meeting and meet some people. And I am so glad I did because it totally changed the course of how my semester went for the better. I met so many incredible people and am having so much fun being a part of JSA! Take a chance and just do that ONE thing you’ve always wanted to do or make one big change to your routine! You never know what kind of opportunities it’ll bring you, and it might even help
you discover a whole new path you didn’t even know existed for yourself!

LESSON #5
Cut yourself some slack!

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from this past year, it’s to cut yourself some slack! And offer that same grace to the people around you. Life is hard, and college is hard! There’s a lot going on! I understand how easy it can be to get frustrated at yourself and the people around you. But when those moments happen, take a breath and forgive yourself for not knowing all the answers. Forgive yourself for being confused or mad or upset or whatever you might be feeling. And instead applaud yourself for how far you’ve come and for just doing your best you can at the moment. Your energy is going to flow in different ways in different eras of your life and that’s the way it should be. Recognize that you won’t be on top of things all the time, and that that’s fine! Even if it doesn’t feel like it now, you will eventually find your way. So cut yourself some slack for not
being perfect and not having it figured out 🙂

And with that, those are the 5 most important lessons I’ve learned over the past few years. I hope at least a few of these things resonated with you and that you’ll keep some of these lessons in mind as you embark on your college journey!

Wishing you the best of luck!
Mira

Brady G: 22 Opinions from a ‘22 Graduate

22 Opinions from a ‘22 Graduate

I feel old.

I’m graduating in three months, so I’ve been around BU for a long time. This campus has been my neighborhood for four years, and I’ve covered every inch of it. I’m like a Terrier textbook. A BU buff. A Comm. Ave. connoisseur. I know a thing or two because I’ve seen a thing or two.

In my advanced age, my final wish is to share my wisdom so future generations can benefit from it. Upon my graduation, here are my takes on several of the most important debates at BU.

Best Residential Area:

Winner: South Campus

I can’t pretend to know what every building is like, so instead, I’ll evaluate the neighborhoods as a whole, and South Campus is my favorite. It’s a 20-minute walk away from anything, but still feels like it’s outside the “BU Bubble.” Plus, it’s close to three different Green Line branches.

Runner-Up: Bay State Road

On the border of BU, Back Bay, and the Charles River, Bay State Road is like South Campus; always within walking distance, but a quiet alternative to the main stretch of campus.

Honorable Mention: West Campus

West isn’t best, but it cracks the top three thanks to its proximity to the athletic facilities and its “classic campus feel”. If it wasn’t so far away, the Fenway Campus would be here instead.

Best Dining Hall:

Winner: The Fenway Campus

I have to give some love to the Fenway Campus, and the dining hall is its best feature. In my year at the Campus Center and Student Residence, I went to this dining hall so many times and never got tired of it. The food is good, it’s rarely busy, and it’s still very new. It’s worth the walk.

Runner-Up: Warren Towers

I will always have fond memories of the Warren Towers dining hall, where I spent many meals as a freshman. It has a good variety of food and seating, and great views down Comm. Ave.

Honorable Mention: West Campus

Once again, West earns a spot on the podium. It’s a slightly worse replica of its counterpart at Warren, but it’s still better than Marciano Commons. Who wants a dining hall with two floors?

Best Study Spot:

Winner: 100 Bay State Road

After dissing the dining hall downstairs, I’ll make up for it here, because the Yawkey Center for Student Services is a perfect place to study. There are individual rooms for use throughout the upper floors, and they all look out on the Charles River, Kenmore Square, and Fenway Park.

Runner-Up: The StuVi 2 Study Lounge

On the top floor of a high-rise, this might be one of the coolest study spaces across the country. Any seat near a window is valuable real estate — Just don’t let the views of Boston distract you.

Honorable Mention: Top Floor of the Photonics Center

This place is a bit of a hidden gem, so let’s try to keep it that way. That being said, if you can get a seat here, you’ll be treated to a quiet study experience with views that rival those at StuVi 2.

Best Non-Dining Hall BU Restaurant:

Winner: George Sherman Union

It’s an easy decision. Especially after the recent renovation, the GSU is new-and-improved and offers so much variety, whether you want a fresh salad from Greens and Grains, a filling sandwich from the Charles River Bread Company, or whatever you call Panda Express.

Runner-Up: Fuller’s BU Pub

If you’re 21 or older, the BU Pub is a fun place to go that makes you forget you’re on a college campus. I don’t even drink and I like it there, which should tell you everything you need to know.

Honorable Mention: Raising Cane’s

I’ve heard whispers that Cane’s is overrated, and fine, maybe the simple menu can get tiring sometimes. But, when you have a craving for chicken, fries and toast, Cane’s never misses.

Best Non-BU, On-Campus Restaurant:

Winner: T Anthony’s

We’re running out of iconic BU restaurants, with the closing of T’s Pub a couple years ago. Thankfully, T Anthony’s still delivers a classic on-campus experience with good food at any hour of the day (or night). Check out all the photos on their walls while you’re waiting for your order.

Runner-Up: University Grill

Maybe I’m riding the high of finally discovering this place after years of walking past it, but UGrill has impressed me with its efficiency, prices, and quality. It’s a go-to stop for a snack or a meal.

Honorable Mention: Zinneken’s Waffle Truck

In an unprecedented move that is sure to raise eyebrows everywhere, I am including the waffle truck on this list. When the Zinneken’s truck pulls up in front of COM, you absolutely have to go.

Best Place to Watch a Game

Winner: Agganis Arena

I came in with my doubts about Agganis, but after spending a few years around college hockey, I have been converted. Even if it lacks the character of older arenas around the region, you can’t take for granted the amenities, the presentation, and that precious reliable arena Wi-Fi.

Runner-Up: Walter Brown Arena

Even if I’ve grown to prefer the younger hockey venue a block away, Walter Brown Arena is the quintessential college hockey experience, which I love. It’s outdated, it’s cold, and it’s awesome.

Honorable Mention: Fenway Park

Can we claim Fenway Park to be on BU’s campus? I didn’t realize how close Fenway is to BU when I first got here, but as I’ve learned, you can’t beat the ten-minute walk to a Red Sox game.

Best Historical Location:

Winner: Nickerson Field

To a sports nerd like me, there’s something so cool about the Nickerson Field bleachers being a part of Braves Field, built for professional baseball more than a century ago. I’ve spent a lot of time learning about the ballpark, and I love having a piece of baseball history right here at BU.

Runner-Up: “Automobile Row”

Many of the buildings down Commonwealth Avenue, including the College of Communication, were once car dealerships. You would never notice it, and I think that makes it more interesting.

Honorable Mention: Kenmore Square

I’m pushing the boundaries of BU’s campus again, but I think Kenmore Square counts. As a popular spot to photograph, it’s evolved so much over the years, and only continues to grow.

Best School:

Winner: COM

It’s COM, and there’s no competition. You didn’t think I could finish my last COM Ambassador blog without getting a little sentimental, did you? COM is where I found my best friends, learned what I want to do for a career, and made countless incredible memories. From the moment I arrived, I never doubted my choice of school or University, and I think that sums it up best.

Nick M: Ranking My Previous Blog Posts (Most of which Have Been Rankings)

RANKING MY PREVIOUS BLOG POSTS

(most of which have been rankings)

Going into my eighth and final semester at BU also means entering my fifth semester as a COM Ambassador. While I won’t miss being shocked that my blog deadline has suddenly approached, I will miss the small creative outlet the blogs provided me.

That being said, let’s do the least creative thing possible to wrap up my blogging experience: repurpose old content! I hope this nostalgia blast brings me some emotional catharsis and some entertainment.

Here is my ranking of my old COM blog posts.

Three BU Related Movies to Watch In Quarantine.

This one gives me bad vibes for many reasons, the first is in the name: “quarantine”. I made this list sitting on the floor of my living room, deep in my feels… because I was in quarantine. I don’t want to dwell on this part of my life anymore, so let’s move on.

THE DINING HALLS: RANKED BY A SENIOR WHO LOVES FOOD & LACKS A DINING PLAN.

I wrote this one last semester. As a first semester senior, I think I was projecting a distinct longing for caretaking onto my blog. Cooking for oneself can be fun and delicious, but it’s an adult activity, and adulthood is scary. My main takeaway is: I wish I still had access to prepared food.

The Best Places Near BU To Escape Your Room

I like this one because it offered some physical escape from the trappings of going hybrid, as well as mental escape. Walking still helps me refocus and destress and there are plenty of great places to walk around campus.

What I Gained From Being On-Campus This Semester

This blog was a means for me to share one of the most positive experiences I had in the midst of a pandemic and presidential election: covering said election. BUTV10’s The Vote went on to win an Emmy, but that award indicates the passion that I experienced being part of the project. It was a fulfilling experience that reminds me of the multitude of reasons why I love this school.

HONORABLE MENTION: THIS ONE!

You’re probably thinking “Huh? This is too meta for a student ambassador blog.” You’re right. However, this is a list of ALL my blogs, so it’s gotta be here. It only receives an honorable mention because it doesn’t offer anything new, just nostalgia and graduation goggles.

Thank you to anyone who ever read these posts, and to anyone I may have crossed paths with while at COM. I am truly grateful for this wholesome experience.

Will A: Guide to My Final Semester

GUIDE TO MY FINAL SEMESTER

This is my final (that’s right, FINAL) semester here at Boston University, and to be honest it is bittersweet. While I am sad to leave the place I called home for four years, I am also excited to begin life in the “real world!”

However, the real world is often stressful, especially in the field of communications where there is not quite a job cycle to follow. It can be incredibly stressful to watch students secure jobs after graduation when you are still searching for leads. That being said, I also think it’s incredibly important to manage that anxiety and try to enjoy the final stretch of college. Thus, I made a goals list to combat my fear of missing out on all the fun and hopefully relax while my job hunt begins! Here are some general ideas around which I’ve made my goals, and you can use them as guides for yourself, too 🙂

Career

This is the biggest stressor on my mind right now: will I have a job when I graduate? Well, we all hope that we have one, but hope needs to be turned into action. As graduation approaches, I am trying to manage my application process to avoid cramming by the end of the semester, and I would recommend you do the same! If you’re applying to a million jobs near the end of the semester, I can almost guarantee the applications will feel too overwhelming and monumental to complete. So create a spreadsheet, keep track of applications and start applying early!

Social Life

As important as it is to apply to jobs and look ahead to life outside of the school routine, it is also important to focus on the now. This is my final semester in my undergraduate career, and I want to savor every single moment that I can! Make plans with your roommates and friends while you still live a block away from each other. Go watch a BU hockey game and experience the chanting, loud and loveable student section right next to the band. Make reservations and explore the city of Boston while you are here, as I promise that the city has more to offer outside of Newbury Street (lol).

Self Care

Self care is the most important thing to focus on when things get stressful, yet it is often (at least for me) the most neglected. If you are anything like myself, you tend to cram as much into your schedule as possible. While I did do this in prior semesters, I plan on taking a break from some activities to focus on myself. Making myself quality food, watching YouTube videos and exercising when I can are major ways that I try to relax. I even signed up for a rock climbing course in FitRec to destress once a week. Find activities that bring you peace and try to include some of them in your weekly routine. You will feel less stressed, I promise 🙂

Anika B: How to Feed Yourself in College Without a Dining Plan

It's Called ~Adulting~

Coming back to college after a year at home, I was nervous to go from having guaranteed home cooked meals everyday to needing to plan my own meals, keep track of ingredients, buy groceries, and, of course, cook. The last time I had been on campus — my freshman year — I had a dining plan and ate most of my meals at Bay State Dining Hall.

Coming back as a junior without a dining plan, I was sure that after a week of trying to cook, I’d be eating instant ramen every day. But here we are, in November, and I am pleasantly surprised with how I’ve been able to pretty consistently make myself food that I enjoy.

Tip 1: Learn basic recipes that you can apply to many different ingredients

This, like most (okay, all) of my cooking knowledge, comes straight from my mom. In my last couple of months at home, I practiced making recipes with her that I’d grown up eating my whole life. The most surprising—and reassuring—thing I learned was that if I could master one recipe, I could almost automatically master two or three others at the same time!

For example, the recipes for the two types of beans pictured below (garbanzo beans and kidney beans) are actually exactly the same! They both contain chopped onions, potatoes, and tomatoes along with all the same spices — the only difference is which beans I added.

This method is a super easy way to mix up your meals without having to learn too many different recipes.

Tip 2: Know what kitchen items you absolutely need stocked

As you learn more recipes and get in the groove of cooking for yourself, you’ll start recognizing which ingredients you use the most consistently and which run out the fastest. These will differ for everyone depending on what type of food you tend to cook, but for me, I’ve noticed that I use olive oil, garlic, and a variety of spices in almost every recipe I make.

For large items, like olive oil, my roommates and I have one big bottle that we share. If everyone in your apartment agrees to it, sharing some big items (either splitting cost or repurchasing on a rotating basis) can help you keep your kitchen free of clutter. And, you don’t have to worry about keeping track of whose is whose if everyone is using the same thing!

Screen Shot 2021-11-08 at 12.45.10 PM

Tip 3: Make last night’s leftovers today’s lunch

I always make at least two servings of food for myself when I cook, sometimes even more if I know my next day or two are super busy. Having a shared refrigerator with limited space makes it impractical to meal prep too many items, so I try to be smart about how I can use the same leftovers in combination with a few distinct ingredients to make different second-day meals.

For example, one way I repurposed the kidney beans (pictured under Tip #1) was to eat them with rice and other vegetables the next day. This way, you’re still getting some variety in your meals, but you don’t have to go through all the effort of cooking an entire new meal each time.

I recommend getting a few light tupperware you can take with you to campus for the day if you won’t be home for lunch, but still want to eat your cooked food instead of spending money. You don’t need anything fancy or even a lunchbox -- I usually put my tupperwares in a plastic bag (in case of spills) that I slip into my backpack, or if I’m bringing a sandwich, I just wrap it in plastic and tin foil and I am good to go! (If you can find more eco-friendly alternatives, that is even better!)

Learning to cook for yourself can be daunting at first, and there is definitely a learning curve that comes with it. The best advice I have is to practice, practice, practice. If you can, ask someone (parents, other family members, older siblings, friends, etc.) to write down recipes for you that you can follow along with as you are learning. It may seem like overkill, but it really helps mitigate the stress of all the multitasking you’ll inevitably do in the kitchen.
Lastly, know that you can do it! No matter how much I practiced at home, I didn’t feel confident in my ability to cook at all until I actually got to school and was fully responsible for my own diet. It may seem like you’re diving off the deep end, but you are probably better equipped to handle it than you think!

Joe P: Upcoming BU Games You Should Mark on Your Calendar

You Won't Want to Miss These Upcoming BU Games

With Thanksgiving on the horizon, it’s hard not to get excited about the fast-approaching holiday season. Before diving headfirst into the festivities, there are a handful of exciting BU sporting events coming up that warrant the strongest possible showing from the Dog Pound.

Hockey season is in full swing already, with high-profile matchups coming soon, while basketball is starting this month. Without further ado, here are four can’t-miss matchups in Terrier athletics:

Women’s Basketball: Nov. 9 vs UMass Lowell (6pm)

First is the women’s basketball home opener against the River Hawks. Although it’s a non-conference matchup, it will be the start of a new era. It will be Head Coach Melissa Graves’ first game at the helm of the program after the previous coach, Marisa Moseley, departed for the University of Wisconsin.

While First Team All-Patriot League guard Katie Nelson, who led the team in points and assists per game last year, joined Moseley at Wisconsin, the rest of the top 10 scorers on the team are returning.

Junior guard Sydney Johnson was second on the team with 11.9 points per game and led the team with 1.8 steals per game. Senior forward Riley Childs also returns after leading the team with 8.0 rebounds per game.

Last year’s team fell just short of a Patriot League championship, and with a similar roster, the Nov. 9 opener will give you a chance to witness the start of what could be a special season.

Men’s Hockey: Nov. 12 vs. UMass (7:30pm)

There are numerous good matchups coming up at Agganis Arena this month, including the first matchup against Northeastern since Mar. 2020, but the one highlighted here is a home date against the reigning national champions.

The Minutemen again look like one of the top teams in Hockey East, and while BU is hovering around .500 so far this year, the Terriers swept UMass in a two-game weekend series last year.

Junior forward Wilmer Skoog leads the team in goals (4) and points (7), while junior defenseman Domenick Fensore leads the team with five assists. Sophomore goaltender Drew Commesso is 3-3-0 on the year with a .901 save percentage and a 3.27 goals-against average.

When the puck drops against the reigning champs, it will be a must-watch.

Men’s Basketball: Nov. 16 @ Northeastern (7pm)

The men’s basketball team opens their season at URI before hosting Division III Gordon College, but if you’re willing to trek into enemy territory, the Terriers will travel to Matthews Arena to face Northeastern.

Despite it being a non-conference matchup, tensions always run high between the two Boston schools. The Terriers have lofty expectations this season, and the early test against Northeastern will require some help from the stands.

The Terriers are led by Preseason Patriot League Player of the Year Javante McCoy. The senior guard led the Terriers in scoring and assisting with 16.1 points and 2.2 assists per game last season.

Like the women’s team, the men retained most of their roster from last season and should be among the top teams in the Patriot League this season.

Women’s Hockey: Nov. 21 vs. BC (3pm)

We couldn’t get through a list like this without including the Battle of Comm Ave.

The Terriers will play the Eagles for the first time this season just days before Thanksgiving at Walter Brown Arena in a Sunday matinee.

Regardless of where each team stands, BU vs. BC promises to be hotly contested any time the two sides face-off.

This year, senior forward Courtney Correia leads the team in scoring with [points], and senior goaltender Kate Stuart is leading the charge in the net with a .926 save percentage and 2.16 goals-against average.

Whether you can make it to all four of these games or just one, make sure you don’t miss out on some of the best games BU has to offer this month.

Sophie J: What You Should Do Now That Midterms Are Over

How to stay on track before finals

It’s finally past the midpoint of the first semester! Midterms happened the last couple of weeks, but there are still so many assignments and probably ANOTHER midterm coming up next month!

With so many upcoming assignments and exams, here are a couple of tips to keep in mind!

Make a planner! It’s great to keep a planner with you everywhere you go! With a planner, you are able to write down the assignment and tasks you have to complete by a certain time. There is also usually a calendar in the planners, and it is great to write down your future plans to think and prepare ahead of time. In case you forget anything, your planner is a good resource to look at for a refresher or reminder. Planners also help you stay organized with what you need to do for the day or complete beforehand. You never know what might come up!
Find your Study Space! Sometimes where you are studying might be a distraction. When you're in your dorm, your bed seems tempting and since you are with your electronic device, it is alluring to use it and forget about the time. Personally, I like to work outside such as the library at BU. The Mugar Library has multiple floors and is a great location to study in your own personalized desk. There are plenty of library spaces to work at and those are great places to complete your assignment and study for exams in a concentrated area.
Go to office hours! If you need aid or elaboration on a problem you are having, attend office hours! Professors are available during their office hours and are happy to answer any questions you have. These times are great to ask away your questions and get them answered before your hand in your assignment or take your exam!
Don’t Procrastinate! This might sound cliche since most people know about this, but really don’t procrastinate. If you cram everything into one night, you might regret it and the outcome might not turn out the way you hoped it would. It’s better to plan out everything beforehand and split the assignment up so that you can have more time to carefully do each section every day. Trust me, procrastination is sometimes not worth it! Sleeping is the best!

Leah H: Favorite Coffee Shops Around BU

For your next study Session

Whether you go for hot or iced, one of these cafes will have everything you’re looking for in a coffee shop and study spot! Plus, great food too? Make sure to stop by one of these adorable places to get your caffeine fix.

Screen Shot 2021-10-20 at 8.46.59 AM

Pavement

Location: 736 Commonwealth Ave
Go-to order: iced almond milk latte with simple syrup and a rosemary salt bagel with plain cream cheese

Pavement is a BU classic. It’s always packed in between class sessions and on the weekends, but sometimes it’s hard to find a spot to sit down and enjoy your food. The coffee is one of my favorites and is always great quality. As a New Jersey native, I’m picky about my bagels and have found Pavement’s to be some of the best in the area. Pro tip: order on the app if you’re in a rush… that line can be a killer!

Cafe Landwer

Location: 900 Beacon Street
Go-to order: iced almond milk latte with simple syrup and an almond croissant

Cafe Landwer, just known as Landwer by my friends, is the perfect place to sit down and study for hours (we would go there multiple times a week last year). You can reserve a table which is especially helpful during the lunch and dinner rushes. Also, the scannable menu and online payment system mean no extra human interaction is needed if you’re on the study grind. Landwer offers a lot of Mediterranean-inspired dishes if you’re looking to expand your palate, and the coffee and pastries are some of my favorite in the area.

Tatte

Location: 1003 Beacon Street
Go-to order: iced almond milk latte with simple syrup (can you tell I like these?) and a pastry (depends on the day!)

Another campus favorite is Tatte, an Israeli-French bakery and cafe. Tatte has the best selection of pastries and baked goods, like morning buns and chocolate mousse cakes. Their coffee is top-notch but is a little bit on the pricier side. The multiple locations around Boston mean you’ll get the same great things no matter where you go, but I typically go to the Fenway or Brookline cafes. The aesthetic inside is also PERFECT for those morning brunch dates.

Phinista

Location: 96 Peterborough Street
Go-to order: Phin Sữa Dừa (vegan Vietnamese coffee latte) and a crepe

If you’re out adventuring in Fenway, stop by Phinista, a Vietnamese crepe cafe! All of the baristas are so friendly and the decor inside is adorable. Phinista’s coffees are strong and rich if you’re in the mood for some quality caffeination. The location is about a 15-minute walk from campus if you need a little break from the bustling Comm Ave. It’s a great little spot to grab a coffee and go, sit down and study, or catch up with friends! Also, who doesn’t love a good crepe for breakfast?

Colbi E: The Disney Channel Halloween Episodes You Have to Watch this Year

China Anne Mclain singing Calling All the Monsters … need WE say more?

We have officially arrived at my favorite time of year. Fall is here — leaves are turning, the air is crisp and it’s (kind of) socially acceptable for me to solely order pumpkin spice lattes every time I get coffee.

The best part of October is undoubtedly Halloween and all the festivities it brings. So, happy spooky season to all who celebrate. As a child, a key part of my Halloween season was watching Disney Channel movies: Halloween Town, Twitches, Mom’s Got a Date with a Vampire, Hocus Pocus, The Haunted Mansion — must I go on?

Screen Shot 2021-10-05 at 1.21.09 PM

But, a highly underrated aspect of Disney’s Halloween content is the specific Halloween episodes for each Disney Channel show. I’m not a certified Disney adult, but I certainly know my stuff. Here are my Top 5 Disney Channel show Halloween episodes

That’s So Raven — Season 2 Episode 2: Don’t Have A Cow

As a That’s So Raven fan, I think this show is highly underrated, including its Halloween episode. Chelsea and Raven turn into cows after botching a spell, and they have to figure out how to turn themselves back to humans. I love that they were able to incorporate a bit of magic into this Halloween episode, which already aligns well with the main storyline. This is a great, goofy watch.

Jessie — Season 2 Episode 1: The Whining

Will I get some complaints about including Jessie over Wizards of Waverly Place? Probably. But, hear me out: the Jessie Halloween episode has a better plot line and title (the Wizards episode is literally named “Halloween”). The kids think Jessie has turned on them and is trying to kill them. In reality, Jessie is just tired and stressed from trying to get her manuscript to a magazine owner at a Halloween party, and she wanted the kids to be in bed before she left for the party — see, that’s funny.

Good Luck Charlie — Season 2 Episode 25: Scary Had a Little Lamb

Good Luck Charlie always did holiday episodes well, and Halloween was no different. The costumes — notably Bob Duncan’s blonde wig — the decor, the plotline, everything! It’s a 10/10, and it gets bonus points for its Mrs. Dabney feature.

A.N.T. Farm — Season 1 Episode 14: mutANT farm

China Anne Mclain singing Calling All the Monsters … need I say more?

The Suite Life of Zack & Cody — Season 1 Episode 19: Ghost of 613

There is no question of whether or not this episode of Suite Life deserves the top spot. The crew gets stuck in an infamously haunted room, and they try to speak to a ghost. Esteban has a notably spectacular performance. The effects, the eerie music, the wonderful scriptwriting, the acting — it WAS the moment and still is.

Harper W: Fall Must Do’s While at BostonU

FALL-ing for these Autumn Activities

As a Senior and California native, fall definitely has amazing festivities that you must do at least once while living in New England.

Screen Shot 2021-09-28 at 8.41.46 PM — me apple picking lol

Apple picking

This one might be obvious and I promise the fresh produce will be a nice addition to your dining plan. Apple picking my freshman year made me 1. Understand how little variety of apples California has and 2. How amazing the smell of apple orchards is.

Grab a group of friends or find a school-sponsored trip and make your way out to a local orchard. It can be a nice break from the city and a fun day trip.

Dog show at Faneuil hall

Every year around Halloween there is a dog costume event in Faneuil hall. It is fun to go downtown and see some puppies. I know I miss my pets a lot at school so seeing all the furry friends looking cute is nice before thanksgiving break.

Pumpkin drop

Multiple universities around Boston and Cambridge have done a pumpkin drop event in the past in October. Students and whoever else was a part of planning the event will drop pumpkins (sometimes in sync with music) from really high buildings on their campus.

Sounds simple, but is rather pleasing to watch.

Apple cider + Cider donuts

If you can’t make it to an orchard, try to find some hot apple cider and cider donuts and have a little picnic in the park! Your tastebuds will thank you and you’ll find yourself craving these two treats all year round.

They are also nice to accompany you on a stroll as the leaves change along the esplanade.

Leaves changing

Walking around campus might feel like enough sightseeing after a day full of classes, but I promise it isn’t! Try and find time at the beginning of fall to check out Boston neighborhoods and parks as the leaves begin to change color.

It might spike your allergies, but it isn’t anything Zyrtec can't fix.

I know as a freshman juggling all the firsts of college can be overwhelming, but try reminding yourself half of college is immersing yourself in where you are living. Living in New England for the past 4 years has been both very cold but also very colorful. I hope you give yourself the chance to see it for yourself.