Lindsey: Public Transportation for Dummies

Living in a fast-paced city like Boston, there are countless places to go and multiple ways to get there. Coming from Los Angeles, a city plagued with 24/7 freeway traffic and a poor public transportation system, the last thing I knew was how to get on a subway. Boston’s subway system, the MBTA Commuter Rail (we say “the T”), runs straight through BU’s campus. This looks very convenient, but being train illiterate, it was one of the most intimidating aspects about BU for me during my first month at school.

Uber is efficient and requires no effort, but your bank account will be going into an extreme decline if you fail to learn the cheaper ways of getting around Boston. Here are the main things you need to know:

  • The Boston University Bus

The bus is convenient if you know when it’s arriving. Get the BU app, and you can see the buses’ active locations and an estimated arrival time for each stop. The bus goes from Stuvi 2 (in West Campus) all the way through Kenmore Square. And the best part is: it’s free!

  • The T

What it is: The T is broken down into 4 subway lines: Red, Orange, Blue, and Green. The Green line is the largest and is broken down into the A- E train. The Green line, is what runs through BU and is called the B train (for Boston College).

  • Pro-Tip: When the train says it is going toward BC, that is toward West Campus, and if you want to go toward Kenmore Square, the destination will say Lechmere

Where it goes: All around Boston! You can get to most parts of Boston on the T, BUT it does require you to switch trains, for example, going to Cambridge. That is intermediate level navigating (which I am still working on), but I’ve done it and it’s a great, cheap way to explore Boston. My favorite place to go is Newbury St (Hynes Convention Center Stop) because it’s about two stops away from BU!

How to get on it: Buy a Charlie Card, which you can get at Star Market on-campus or at any train station– Kenmore Square is closest. Each trip you take costs $2.25, and you can easily reload the card at any station or buy a one-time ticket.

When do you know it’s coming: You could walk outside and look, but save yourself from frost bite. I suggest getting an app like ProximiT which gives you a live ETA for each train and which stop it will be at.

The T also offers a bus system and a train system, but I’m only a sophomore…. I haven’t mastered that yet. Once you buy a Charlie Card and study the train map, you’re ready to venture into Boston—take advantage!

Sabrina: How to Keep Your Favorite Extracurriculars in Your Life After High School

Heading off to college after graduating high school made me nervous for a number of reasons, one of which centered around the idea of continuing my extracurriculars in a new setting. I was anxious that my new school would not be able to supply me with the opportunities to continue pursuing my passions. However, I was pleasantly surprised when I arrived at Boston University to find that my anxiety was unnecessary. No matter what extracurriculars you miss from high school, BU will be able provide you with options to continue participating in your favorite fields! Here are my top three examples of how the plethora of BU student activities can fulfill your desires to continue your extracurriculars after high school!

  1. Staying on the stage!

When I left high school my biggest fear was that I wouldn’t be able to keep theatre in my life. I had been performing since I was seven years old, and with graduation, I was leaving the security of high school theatre behind me. Lucky for me, BU has plenty of opportunities for students to be involved with theatre whether through acting, directing, or even tech!

Some examples of BU theatre clubs:

high school musical GIF

  1. Not putting down my pencil.

I wrote for my high school’s newspaper, The Paw Print (shoutout to Norwalk High School), and wanted to make sure that wherever I attended college, I’d have opportunities to write again. BU has an endless list of student-run publications that can be anyone's outlet for writing on campus!

Some examples of student publications:

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  1. Don’t stop moving your feet!

When I was younger I was very into dancing. I tapped for about four years and was incredibly passionate about it. While in high school my dancing career fizzled out, but I still remained a fan of the art form. On top of that, many of my friends were big dancers who wanted to make sure that they could continue dancing after high school. Luckily, BU offers a wide range of opportunities for students to dance! Even beginners can enjoy dancing at BU in any style!

Some examples of BU dance clubs:

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No matter what your passions are, you won’t have to give them up when you leave for college! BU is home to an incredibly large selection of clubs that would be more than happy to have you. The question is, which ones will you join?

Angeli: Life Lessons from Hell’s Kitchen

Up until recently, Hell's Kitchen to me had always seemed like a distant, floating pop cultural concept. You know, the kind of thing you've seen turned into gifs and referenced on Twitter. You think you know what the general idea is, but you've never actually explored it firsthand. If you relate to that at all, I only have one thing to say: what are you doing in your spare time? Thanks to a good, nay great, friend I have been exposed to what is quite frankly reality show gold–as a soon-to-be Viacom employee, I think I know a thing or two about this subject. Now I'm not talking about the kind of trash TV you watch when you feel like not taking life too seriously (though HK can have that cathartic entertainment effect as well.) Gordon Ramsey can actually teach you a thing or two about life itself. Here are some of the tidbits I've picked up on so far in my binging:

1) Sometimes people need a little tough love.

I'd say most people know Chef Ramsay for his devilish insults. Yes, he can be harsh. But hey, the man is looking for his restaurant's next best chef and he knows talent when he sees it! Think of him as that one professor who seems to expect more from you than any other pupil. It's (hopefully) because she knows your potential and wants you to get there, so you have to keep fighting.

2) Good leaders have to make difficult decisions and own them. 

(Spoiler alert) I'll never forget watching Gordon–can I call you Gordon?–sent someone home who wasn't in the bottom two. She was definitely a struggling chef but hadn't been put on the chopping block by her team because she was a good friend. Sounds like having a group project with a close buddy who's just not holding his/her weight. It's so hard to do, but you know that confrontation is needed for the betterment of the team. 

3) Believe in yourself or nobody will. 
I have to hand it to Chef R. I've never seen someone say such absurd statements with such self-assurance. He knows who is and what he's capable of. Some may say he tears people down to lift himself up, but I would say the contrary. Gordon already has all the confidence he needs and is challenging other people to find their own.

...or he just knows the type of persona people enjoy watching and producers are willing to pay for. Either way, confidence!

Not buying what I'm selling? Critically analyze HK for yourself, with all seasons on Hulu.

Anna: A Letter to First-Semester Transfer Me.

As a new student, there are a few things I wish someone had told me before entering BU as a transfer student. This is a letter written to my younger self.

Dear first-semester me,

Welcome to BU and COM! You must be so excited for your new adventure as a terrier and I’m so excited for you to embark on this journey. Before you start, I want to remind you to stay true to yourself and though the journey in college may change and challenge you, remember to stay true to your values! I’m going to preface by saying that the journey of a transfer student is hard, but it is going to be worth it.

  1. It’ll take a while to feel adjusted to the BU life—give yourself time!

Older you went into BU expecting that she’d find her new BFF right away. That’s not the reality. Remember to give yourself space and time to adjust. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there! Do one thing that challenges you every day and pushes you outside of your comfort zone. That’s what college is all about!

  1. Don’t be afraid to reach out and make some connections!

A BU professor once told me to think about it like this—in a few years, these people in your class will be your colleagues! Remember that everyone has to eat sometime, so why not reach out and ask them if they’d like to grab a meal? Connections are key. Don’t be afraid to reach out to professors for help either! Also in doing so, remember to be vulnerable because it’ll allow you to get more connected

  1. Be YOU!

I know that sounds cheesy and you’ve probably heard it a lot since entering BU...but the best way to find yourself in a new place is not by changing who you are, it’s by finding the right people who bring out the best in you! You are the best version of yourself. Remember, that joining a club or an organization, or taking a class is not going to change who you are because you are already perfectly you! You are going to find your community here by BEING yourself!

Younger me, take a deep breath! Everything will be okay. The transition to BU as a transfer student can be rough at times and tears are okay! In fact, they’re like battle wounds and stories that you can tell your future friends. When in doubt, take a deep breath. I am so happy that you are here and that you chose to spend the second half of your undergraduate years at BU! Remember to enjoy the moment too because you worked so hard to get here—make the most of it!

From,

Second-semester you

 

P.S. Everything they say about Boston winter is also true. Invest in a good winter coat!!!!!

Natalie: How to make your dinky dorm feel like home

Whether you like it or not living in a dorm is a part of freshman year, and is not always comfortable to stylish.  However, there are simple and effective ways to add life and comfort to the brick box that is a Warren dorm.

Pictures, Please

Sometimes, you will get homesick. A great way to make the transition away from your friends and family easier is to keep their smiling faces in your day to day life by hanging pictures on your bulletin board or wall.  Using Target, Walgreens or CVS, pring some of your favorite pictures that remind you of home, and use sticky tack to create a collage on your wall above your bed. Not only is it a great way to remind you of fun memories from home, but it makes your walls much more exciting

Pops of Color

White brick walls aren’t cute.  Adding color to your walls will warm the space and add personality to your room, so you don’t feel like you are in a prison.  In addition to photos, posters, tapestries, and other wall art do a great job of making your room more dynamic. You can even hang up lights to brighten your room, or get colored lights for some extra excitement.

Little Library

I have loved reading since I was little, and find it is a great way to relax and escape the stress of school.  With a couple of bookends, you can keep some of your favorite books from home on your shelves for easy access. I only keep three or four in my room at a time, since dorms can get cramped, and change them out when I go home for breaks.

Stash Some Snacks

The dining hall get boring, and Uber Eats is expensive, so it is important to have some go-to snacks in your room.  Personally, I am always in the mood for Cinnamon Toast Crunch or Strawberry popsicles, so I always have a box (or four) of each in my room.  Don’t want to share with your roommate? Get a basket that fits on your selves to hide you treats, and keep things organized.

Flora & Fauna

To break up the dry white and beige color scheme in your dorm, add small plants to your window sill or desk.  Grocery stores such as Trader Joe’s often sell small potted flowers or succulents that are cheap and easy to maintain.  Can’t keep real plants alive? No cause to fret, craft stores sell fake plants that come in a variety of colors, and won’t die on you.

Malaika: Riddle Me This

Be honest, how many times have you been stuck in a car playing the alphabet game with your family or friends?

Sure, it’s fun the first few rounds, but once you pass “m,” the game becomes a vicious race to the finish line. Who saw what word first? Who’s going to call out the cheater? What do you do when everyone gets pouty over losing?

See, the alphabet game was my favorite as a kid. Long car rides became a vocabulary “I spy” competition (my apologies to those who left their glasses back at home), but over time the game started to lose its appeal. That’s when my mom decided to bring out her riddle book:

Grandma likes cookies, but she doesn’t like milk. She likes puppies, but she doesn’t like dogs. She likes kittens, but she doesn’t like cats. What does Grandma like?

Riddles stump us. They challenge us. They make us giddy when we finally figure out the answer. I thought I would leave my riddles behind when I left for college, but the truth is riddles have been my best ice-breaker since arriving at Boston University. Whenever I’m sitting in a group of strangers or waiting with my friends, I bust out a riddle.

Jack and Judy were lying on the floor dead. There was a puddle of water and broken glass on the floor. How did they die?

This year, my New Year’s resolution is to challenge myself intellectually; I want to sharpen my brain in a new and exciting way. As you can probably guess, I do so by figuring out the answer to a riddle everyday. Do I always guess correctly? No, but I have a ton of fun trying.

I wanted to share this because riddles are often overlooked. Don’t underestimate the power of a good brain-teaser. It’s the crowd pleaser that keeps on giving. Here’s a little riddle relevant to BU. See if you can figure it out; the answers to all three are below. No peeking!

BToEsRtRoInE!R

Happy riddling,

CA Malaika

(from top to bottom) Grandma likes things with double letters, Jack and Judy were goldfish; they dies because their bowl broke, Terrier in Boston!

MK: The Wonders of LinkedIn: The Hunt for an Internship

In high school I had a teacher who always told students, “It’s not the grades you make, it’s the hands you shake.” When it comes to the internship hunt, I’d have to say they’re right. For me though, it’s been the LinkedIn connections I make. In a meeting with a COM Career Advisor this fall, I was encouraged to reach out to alumni who work in the field I’m interested in.

At first, I thought this may seem odd or too forward, but I thought about how I would personally feel if I were an alumni and a student seeking career advice reached out. Even now, when high schoolers ask to talk to me about my experience in college I love speaking with them and giving any tips I can.

With this, I took to the streets of the most productive social media site and did some searching. In my searches, I found people with mutual connections and alumni that had my dream job. I reached out, to a few people and made the most helpful connections. I can’t overstate how much I appreciate the advice they gave and how much I think they have guided me in the right direction during the internship application process.

LinkedIn’s an easy and accessible resource that has given me the opportunity to connect with people who gave me invaluable advice. You can’t expect a response from everyone, and you can’t expect a job offer -- nor should you ask for one. If someone is willing to share their experience and guidance with you, it could help you more than you know -- plus, down the road you’ll always have that relationship if you put yourself out there.

Jamey: 4 BU London Pro-Tips from a Self-Proclaimed Expert

1. Pret A Manger is the new Starbucks.

Anyone who resides on Commonwealth Avenue knows how much Starbucks we Terriers like to go through. This summer, I had Cold Foam Cascara Cold Brew coursing through my veins in place of blood. However, Starbucks are few and far between in London! While there is a Starbucks on Gloucester Road (right by Courtfield Gardens), the prices in pounds end up converting to about 1.5x the cost of American Starbucks! So we, the BU Londoners, learned quickly that Pret A Manger is far superior to Starbucks. While the coffee isn’t incredible, they have wonderful teas and lattes. The main highlight of Pret A Manger is the ￡3 sandwich section with some really incredible food for very reasonable prices

2. 43 Harrington Gardens (The Academic Building) is your friend!

I totally get it. You’re in London! You don’t want to spend all of your time in the academic building. You’d rather go out and see the London Eye, take a walk through the Tate Modern, or see a show on the West End. But for those days when you’re tired or need to catch up on schoolwork, you should take advantage of the academic building! The staff of the BU London program are so friendly, and they really want to get to know you. (Shoutout to my two best friends in the student accounting office on the fifth floor!) The BU Academic building has a wonderful common room complete with a tea station. Additionally, the library basement is so cute and quiet. While it’s small in size, it’s aesthetic could beat Mugar any day!

3. Don’t expect to get off the plane and experience immediate Harry Potter magic.

My first day in London was full of jet lag, homesickness, and anxiety. I was hoping to get off that plane and jump right into my European adventure, but I realized quickly that that would not be possible. Listen to your body and listen to your mind! You will have so many days to go out on adventures and explore. I am so proud of myself for using self-care to get through my first day at BU London. If it’s not the best 24 hours of your life, that means you’re experiencing something completely normal! And if you continue to struggle, BU London has a certified counselor on staff who can meet with you to help you make your abroad experience more easy and enjoyable!

4. Reserve your BU London Social Catalogue programs early.

The BU London Program runs all sorts of cool expeditions and events to get you acquainted with London, the UK, and Europe as a whole! A couple of weeks before your departure, they will send you a catalogue with all of these events. Once you get the catalogue, you should reserve your spots IMMEDIATELY! There are limited spaces, and every single one of the events I went on was worthwhile. Attached is a picture from the BU London trip to the Scottish Highlands and Loch Ness!

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Sophia: 3 Easy breakfast recipes for college students on-the-go

Breakfast is, like, really important.

You already know this. I know that you already know this. You've been told this every year from kindergarten to 12th grade. So tell me, besides your latest Saturday brunch at Union Cafe, what has your most recent, ACTUAL breakfast meal been? A protein bar? Cereal? Scrambled eggs?

Let me tell you something: you deserve better than that. Your body and mind deserve better than that. As college students, we neglect proper, nutritious breakfasts every day in favor of 20 more minutes of sleep or a longer shower. But you shouldn't have to choose! There is an overwhelming amount of scientific research that proves eating breakfast in the morning improves your cognitive functions, supports a healthy metabolism, increases your daily energy levels and improves your overall mood. So if time is a factor in your decision to deprive your body of its most important daily meal, fear not! Here are some of my favorite, wonderfully easy breakfast recipes that are healthy, delicious, and super quick.

Protein Oats (with coffee!)

image

Time: 3 minutes (plus overnight soaking)

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup of oats
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk (feel free to add more or less depending on how wet you like your oats)
  • 1/4 cup coffee
  • 1/2 cup protein powder (again, I opt for vanilla, but peanut butter, chocolate and banana are also great options)
  • 1 tablespoon of chia seeds

Directions: combine all the ingredients in a mason jar or container. Shake well and refrigerate overnight. Pro tip: if you're a caffeine addict like me, don't be afraid to add more coffee into this. More coffee is never a bad choice.

Banana Oat muffins

image (1)

Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 1 banana, mushed
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon of vanilla
  • 1/4 cup of maple syrup
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
  • 1 cup of greek yogurt
  • 1 1/2 cups of oats
  • 1 teaspoon of baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
  • 1 pinch of salt
  • Toppings of choice (I usually alternate every time I make these with semi-sweet dark chocolate chips, blueberries, walnuts and strawberries)

Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray muffin ban with non-stick spray. Combine all ingredients. Bake for 30 minutes or until sides are golden. Enjoy or refrigerate for healthy breakfast muffins! I also sometimes eat these for dessert when I'm having a sweet craving at night. Yum!

Veggie Egg Cups

image (2)

Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 4-5 eggs
  • Salt and pepper
  • Veggies of choice! Think: spinach, mushroom, tomato, cheese, onion, etc.

Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray muffin pan with non-stick spray. Fill with ingredients of choice. Whisk 4-5 eggs with salt and pepper. Pour whisked eggs into each muffin mold with until full and the majority of the veggies are covered. Cook for 30 minutes. Enjoy hot or refrigerate for breakfast on-the-go!

Grace: Simple Ways to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

Climate change is the single largest threat to our nation. Global warming due to greenhouse gas emissions is impacting our public health, economy, and national security. Studies show that the incidence of extreme weather events, which inflict a huge loss of life and property damage, will only increase due to climate change. The World Health Organization estimates that air pollution is estimated to cause 29% of lung cancer deaths globally.

However, there is hope: the Yale program on climate communication released a report in December showing that 72% of Americans view climate change as something important to them. Better yet, taking action on climate will improve other issues in America, such as malnutrition and obesity. According to the Lancet Medical Journal, transitioning to a plant-based diet will help both solve food insecurity, reduce obesity, and fight climate change. I believe in American entrepreneurship and resiliency, and I want to work to push climate change solutions to the forefront of policy making.

One of the best ways that we, as individuals, can take climate action is by reducing our personal carbon footprints. Here are some useful ideas for how to get started:

  1. Eat a plant-based diet. The meat industry is one of the most polluting industries in the world, so try cutting out meat at least once a week. #MeatlessMonday
  2. Walk to class. BU’s campus is walkable, so save your wallet and our planet by skipping the Uber.
  3. Wash your laundry with cold water. Save energy and prevent the possibility of color leaching by opting for a cold rinse.
  4. Buy second-hand clothing. The fashion industry is one of the most energy-inefficient industries. Consider hosting a clothing swap with your friends or selling your clothing to consignment shops.
  5. Vote for elected politicians. Stay on top of the news and vote for the elected official whose policies you believe in.

Every person matters in the fight against climate change, so you can make a real difference in the sustainability of our world.