Mia: Tips for Navigating the Job Market from a College Senior

By: Mia Chai

As a senior nearing graduation and having completed my job search, I’ve been through multiple internship cycles and learned a lot along the way. With application season in full swing, here are some tips that might help you in your own job search.

Quality Over Quantity in Networking

When it comes to networking, I cannot stress enough the importance of quality over quantity. While it may be tempting (and time saving) to copy and paste the same message to LinkedIn connections, it’s actually more effective to personalize each message. Find a unique angle, and reach out to people you’re genuinely interested in speaking with. Networking can often feel transactional or like a chore, but I’ve learned that if you truly want to connect with the person, not just get a referral to their company it becomes a more enjoyable and natural process. With practice, it gets easier.

Find Your Passion and Niche

This is much easier said than done. I didn’t realize I was interested in financial and crisis communications until my junior year of college. But once I did, I wasn’t afraid to share my interests with my peers and professors. This made a huge difference when contacts came across financial or crisis communications opportunities that didn’t align with their interests, they would send them my way.

Applying for Jobs: Start Early & Cast a Wide Net

When applying for internships and full-time positions, two things matter most: apply early and cast a wide net. Many applications are rolling, meaning recruiters review submissions as they come in and schedule interviews accordingly. Help yourself by getting your application in before thousands of others flood in.

Additionally, different industries have different recruiting cycles. In public relations for example, I’ve noticed that applications are opening and closing earlier each year. Be proactive!

Now is also the time to apply based on job descriptions, not just company prestige. Everyone has to start somewhere. It’s completely okay to apply for positions in locations outside of your dream city. For example, in the past I’ve interned in Washington, D.C. because that’s where I’m from but I knew I wanted to move to NYC after graduation. Consider applying to jobs in different industries or locations to keep your options open and I’m still moving to NYC after graduation!

Stay Organized

One of the best things you can do for yourself throughout this process is to stay organized. Keeping track of your applications will help you research similar companies and follow up effectively. I highly recommend using a spreadsheet to track: position title, industry, location, salary (if listed), date submitted, and application status (submitted, interviewing, rejected, etc.).

Setting small, attainable goals can also make this process feel less overwhelming. I know firsthand how difficult it can be to juggle job applications, networking, extracurriculars, and coursework. One method that worked for me was committing to applying for one job per day. If I missed a day, I’d make up for it by applying to two the next day.

Leverage Your Network

Once you’ve built your network, don’t be afraid to use it! Pay attention to what’s happening around you. Where do your former classmates work? What about your previous fellow interns? That guest speaker from your class? Spend a little extra time on LinkedIn and stay engaged with your connections.

I know this process can feel overwhelming, but I hope these tips help make it more manageable. Even if you start by applying to just a handful of jobs, putting yourself out there is always better than not trying at all. You’ve got this and good luck!



Anaya: Finding passions outside your major

By: Anaya Williams

As college students, there can be an urge to spend our extra studying, or engaging in professional experiences that may further our career. I have always engaged in primarily professional clubs and organizations on campus. There can be a pressure to find your niche, hone in on your skills and build towards a career. However, a lot of the core experiences I have had and lessons I have learned have been a result of extracurriculars and pursuing hobbies and interests. 

In my freshman year, I went to the COM lawn for the COM club fair and stumbled upon BUTV. I had always been exposed to news, media and production from my mother, but had never even considered it would be something I would be interested in. I joined the team as a writer just to try out something new. I approached it as a hobby and it grew to be so much more than that. Two years later, I am an associate producer on our live TV show, Good Morning BU as well as our election special United We Vote. This simple passion for writing led to social media work for the show, and then to prompting, field producing and associate producing. I have been so lucky to be surrounded by a team of passionate leaders who have taught me so much and invigorated a love for journalism. It is through this role I became more passionate about political advocacy. It is through this role I learnt how to write on the clock. It is through this role I became a better leader and manager. It is through this role I learnt about camaraderie and teamwork. None of this was part of my plan, but have become some of the most impactful aspects of my college career. 

As students we can often fill the pressure to get involved in as much as we can. As overwhelming as that can be, I believe that that pressure encouraged me to try new things and led to me finding a new passion. It has helped me build skills that complement my major, introducing me to new career opportunities and passions I discovered by choosing to be curious. So to the freshmen that don’t know where to start – just start. Take the leap and walk into the rooms that pique your interest. You may find a whole community waiting for you!



Sana: Finding a home within student journalism

By: Sana Muneer

When I graduated high school, I was devastated. 

Don’t get me wrong, I was extremely excited — I was committed to one of my top schools, would be moving to my dream city in a few months, and would finally begin making an impact on a community bigger than my small, midwest hometown. 

However, beyond the excitement, there was something tugging at my heart. I couldn’t believe that I would be moving over a thousand miles away from my family and friends — and my pride and joy: my high school newspaper (as embarrassing as it is).

I served as co-editor-in-chief of The Independent, my high school’s newspaper, during my junior and senior years of high school. While the role came with its hardships and stressors, it was the highlight of my high school experience, and one of the things I am still most proud of. Beyond my role in the paper’s performance itself, I worked alongside my best friends — which was the real reason I didn’t want to leave.

I fondly remember ordering bagels for our entire newspaper staff before our 7 a.m. morning meetings, traveling to St. Louis for the JEA/NSPA National High School Journalism Convention and crying at my last ever editor meeting after reading a profile written about my time as EIC. 

How could The Daily Free Press, BU’s independent student newspaper, compare to The Independent, something I spent my entire high school experience contributing to and building up?

Safe to say, I was skeptical. 

Regardless, in September 2023 I made the move to Boston, leaving behind my hometown friends and family and my beloved cat, Coco. 

I remember the moment I walked into my first Features pitch meeting at The Daily Free Press office — a cramped but beloved newsroom tucked under Insomnia Cookies — and seeing the walls covered in old front pages and wholesome digital camera photos. The cozy office hummed with the sounds of clicking keyboards, conversations and laughter. 

It felt familiar — but I was still hesitant. At the FreeP, I was just another new writer, surrounded by students who had already made names for themselves in the newsroom. I had to start over.

That day, I pitched my first story, a review of one of my favorite indie bands, boygenius. Reviews were a piece of cake, but when I saw my first byline on the website, I felt a rush. I was even more thrilled when my editor told me it would be put in the semester’s first print edition. 

One story turned into another, then another, and before I knew it, I was spending more time in the office than in my dorm. 

It wasn’t an immediate transition, but at some point, I stopped comparing The Daily Free Press to The Independent. The two weren’t in competition. They were just different chapters of the same story— the story of how I fell in love with reporting, storytelling and the messy, exhilarating world of student journalism.

And in fact, I did find a community — among the editors who pushed me to work harder, the associates who became my best friends, through the unspoken bond between caffeine-fueled editors running on sheer determination, and in the late nights in that beloved office — and it reminded me why I fell in love with journalism in the first place.

Now, as Managing Co-Editor of The Daily Free Press, I realize that leaving The Independent wasn’t an ending. It was just the beginning.



Abby: Meal Prepping for Long Days of Classes

By: Abby Kleiner

If you’re someone like me who always needs a snack on hand (or two or three) and spends all day going from class to class, it can sometimes take preparation and planning to not get hungry or be rushing to CityCo in between classes, especially if you live in the dorms. As someone who spends many hours a day in the Com Building, I usually need to plan what I’m going to bring for lunch in addition to snacks. This semester that means lots of meal prepping and eating leftovers that I microwave in the Com Lounge (if you didn’t know there were microwaves in the Com Lounge now you know). Here are my best tips for dorm and apartment snacks alike.

 

  1. There are so many great snacks that you can easily pack with little prep
    1. Yogurt and granola (I’m a big fan of putting it in a mason jar or leftover Talenti container if you need motivation to get some gelato).
    2. Apple and peanut butter (or any nut butter) - Fact. I have been known to bring a jar of peanut butter and a knife to class because it saves me some dishes.
    3. Cheese and crackers - buy a box of Wheat Thins and a block of cheddar and you’re good to go. I’m also a big fan of Trader Joe's seasonal fun crackers like their pumpkin and cranberry ones to make me feel fancy. 
    4. Carrots and hummus - there’s something about Trader Joe's baby carrots that are just shockingly addictive
    5. Any baked good - I also love literally anything sweet as a mid study pick me up. If you’re lucky enough to have an apartment or kitchen access I like whipping something up like banana bread or scones that last me a while. 
  2. Overnight oats are a great breakfast option if you don’t have time to go to the dining hall in the morning - I like to add oats, yogurt, milk, mashed banana, chia seeds, cinnamon, and frozen fruit to mine. You can make them the night before and eat them for a quick breakfast in the dorm or class.
  3. I’ve started making spinach and feta wraps that I make in bulk using a bag of spinach, flatbread, a bunch of eggs and feta, and then freeze them. I put them in the fridge the night before and pop them in the toaster (microwave works too) while I get ready, and usually can be found eating them on the bus on my way to my 10:10 on a Monday or Wednesday.

 

At the end of the day it's about figuring out what works for you. I’ve used a lot of trial and error this semester to see what works for me and for my schedule. For example, I’ve realized that I like pasta leftovers with some sort of frozen meatball or sausage that I can just pop out of the freezer better than rice because I find it tastes better when microwaved. But hey! That’s just me. So much of planning our days as college students can be super hectic, so I’ve found that while initially meal prep might cause some planning and stress, it gives me a lot more time built into my day to get work done.



Carly: Study Spots Recommendations

By: Carly Intraversato

Sometimes locking yourself in Mugar Library is not the vibe. Personally, I’ve never been a fan of Mugar as a study spot. Too crowded, sometimes too quiet, and sometimes too loud. There are a lot of good study spots in and around BU that outdo good old Mugar. Since I’m a senior I’ll share my secrets with you. 

Number One: Tour Les Jours in Allston. This is a Korean bakery with lots of good sweet or savory treats, perfect for a little study snack. There are many seating options in there as well, so you can sit by the window or at your own table. They also have the most perfect matcha latte for a little pick-me-up if you need it. 

Number Two: Limered Tea House near the Packards Corner T stop. Limered Tea House has the cutest interior. It makes studying enjoyable. Everyone that sits in there is most likely also studying so it’s good motivation. They also sell a range of sweet treats, boba, coffee, and tea. I recommend the iced caramel latte. 

Number Three: Buick Street Market in Stuvi 1. This one is a bit more known but still a good one. There’s a little market in Stuvi 1 with tons of seating and tables. It is the perfect place to go if you're looking for motivation to study because everyone there is. An awesome perk to this place is there’s a Dunkin Donuts attached where you can use your BU terrier card to buy food or drinks. 

Number Four: Trident Bookstore on Newbury Street (specifically the second floor). This is the perfect place to romanticize your life while studying and getting a bite to eat. During the week it’s relatively calm so it makes for a great place to study if you’re looking to get off campus. I also had a friend see Zendaya and Tom Holland there so there are also possible celebrity sightings. 

Number Five: Last but not least the Law Cafe in the BU Law Building. The Law Cafe has building views of the Charles since it’s entirely windows. There’s also a bunch of seating options so you can go solo or with friends. Plus it's right by the GSU so when you need a quick break you can walk to get something to eat. 

That’s all for my study spot recommendations! Keep studying and working hard.



Isabelle: Handling Homesickness Your First Semester

By: Isabelle Zhang

When I first arrived at BU, I didn’t experience much homesickness. Despite having moved a thousand miles away from home and not knowing a single person here, I was fine; orientation week and the whirlwind of new college experiences left me far too mentally and physically occupied each day to even think about what I had left. Yet, as the back-to-school activities quieted and my life in Boston fell into a routine, I found myself beginning to feel homesick. 

Maybe it was the shifting seasons and shortening days, or maybe it was because I had gone home for a weekend and saw what I was missing. Regardless of the reason, my sudden homesickness rendered me incapable of doing anything except the bare minimum: eating, sleeping, and studying. It took several weeks of moping and some reluctant introspection to finally get me out of my funk and become a contributing member of society once more. 

If you’re like me — coming from a far-away state and with few connections in Boston — it can be easy to get homesick. Here are my tips to feel better!  

 

1) Call your friends and family!

It may seem like I’m stating the obvious, but this is something a lot of students neglect to do their first semester. I get it; you’re off to college and experiencing true independence for the first time — that’s great! But once the excitement dies down, you’ll realize that you haven’t had a proper conversation with your parents or friends in months. The best way to avert this is to set aside time every week or so to talk to your loved ones, and try your best to abide by it. I make sure to call my grandparents at least once every two weeks, and hop on a group facetime with my friends while we play Minecraft together every week! 

 

2) Don’t hold yourself back from making new friends! 

My sudden bout of homesickness last fall left me reluctant to do anything, especially socializing. I think I was worried that making new friends would pull me away from my old ones, damaging our bonds irrevocably. But going back for break and seeing my friendgroup interact as we normally did showed me that college hadn’t “distanced” us — rather, making new friends and memories made us more well-rounded, and, in turn, better friends to each other. Definitely don’t hold yourself back from socializing! 

 

3) Bring home to Boston! 

If you have any traditions or customs you always participate in, don’t skip them just because you’re away from home! This was the first year I celebrated the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival without my family, so I made sure to treat myself to a mooncake and have a long chat with my grandparents. Although it wasn’t quite the same, it brought me some much-needed comfort and familiarity. 

 

Dealing with homesickness sucks, but don’t let it hold you back from having a great first semester!



Diya: Embracing Singlehood on Valentine’s Day: Why It’s Okay to Be Solo

By: Diya Shah

Valentine’s Day — a holiday that often gets tangled up with romantic expectations, red roses, and heart-shaped chocolates. For many, it’s a day to celebrate love in all its forms, particularly romantic love. However, for those who are single, the holiday can feel like a reminder of what’s missing. The pressure to conform to societal expectations of “coupledom” can be overwhelming. But here's the truth: it’s absolutely okay to be single on Valentine’s Day — in fact, it can be a wonderful opportunity to celebrate yourself.

 

Society's Pressure to Pair Up

Let’s face it: from the moment the calendar flips to February, we are bombarded with messages about love and romance. Everywhere we turn, there are ads, social media posts, and even well-meaning friends reminding us of the significance of Valentine’s Day for couples. It can make anyone who is single feel like they’re missing out or not living up to the holiday’s expectations.

But here's something important to remember: being single is not a status to be fixed or something to feel ashamed of. It’s simply a part of life that comes and goes. Just because it’s Valentine’s Day doesn’t mean you need a partner to validate your worth or define your happiness.

 

 It’s About Self-Love

Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be about finding someone to love — it can be about remembering the most important person in your life: *you*. Practicing self-love is crucial in building a happy, fulfilling life, and what better time to do that than on a day traditionally centered around affection and care?

Take this opportunity to do something special just for you. Whether it’s indulging in your favorite meal, taking a long walk in nature, watching your favorite movie, or simply treating yourself to something you enjoy, self-care can be just as rewarding as any romantic gesture. After all, how can you truly love someone else if you don’t fully love and care for yourself first?

 

 Relationships Aren’t the Only Source of Fulfillment

It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that being in a relationship is the key to happiness and fulfillment. We’re constantly told that love is the ultimate goal, but the reality is that there are many paths to happiness — and romantic love is just one of them. The love you have for your friends, family, pets, hobbies, and even your community can be just as meaningful and fulfilling.

Single life can offer incredible opportunities for personal growth, independence, and adventure. Use this Valentine’s Day as a chance to reflect on the many ways you’re loved — not just by others, but by yourself. Celebrate the strong bonds you’ve built, whether they’re with loved ones or with yourself.

 

 The Power of Friendship

Valentine’s Day isn’t exclusively about romantic love. It's also a celebration of affection between friends, family, and other important people in your life. Take a moment to reach out to your friends and let them know how much you appreciate them. Whether it’s sending a heartfelt text, planning a fun get-together, or just sharing a laugh, friendship is a beautiful and essential form of love. 

Some of the best Valentine’s Days are spent with close friends, where the focus shifts from romance to the joy of connection. Grab a group of friends, plan a Galentine’s Day or Bro’s Night Out, and celebrate the unique relationships that don’t need to fit into the “couple” mold to be meaningful.

 

 The Freedom of Being Single

When you're single, you have the ultimate freedom. You can focus on your own goals, hobbies, and dreams without needing to compromise. It’s a time to discover who you are without the influence of another person’s expectations or desires. Valentine’s Day can be a reminder of the power of this freedom — the ability to carve your own path, chase your passions, and live life on your own terms.

You’re in charge of your happiness, and there’s something incredibly empowering about that. This Valentine’s Day, allow yourself to embrace the freedom that singlehood brings — whether that means treating yourself, traveling, or simply enjoying a quiet night in.

 

Let Go of Comparison

One of the most important things to remember on Valentine’s Day is to avoid comparing your journey to anyone else’s. Social media, in particular, can make it easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of couples showing off their romantic gifts, dinners, and getaways. But remember, what you see online is often curated and filtered. Everyone’s relationship journey is different, and comparison rarely leads to contentment.

Embrace where you are in your life — single or otherwise. Valentine’s Day is just one day, and it doesn’t define your worth, happiness, or future. Trust that love will come when the time is right, and in the meantime, enjoy all the incredible things that single life has to offer.

 

So, go ahead — enjoy the day in your own special way. Your happiness isn’t dependent on anyone but yourself.



Chloe: Finding Your Fashion Style: College Edition

By: Chloe Huang

Picture this: you’ve made it to college, got a great friend group, classes are going alright… but you have no idea how to dress. Sound familiar? Learning how to find a fashion style that suits you is tough, especially in an environment full of people who can pull off any outfit, but it’s not impossible. So without further ado, let’s get into some fashion advice! 

1. Pinterest is to fashion like what ChatGPT is to your homework assignment: necessary. 

Pinterest boards are literally your best friends. Although it’s often overlooked, inspiration is something so incredibly important in the world of developing your own style. Take some time to dedicate your doom-scrolling on social media to look at outfit inspiration (granted that TikTok doesn’t get banned again). Whether you’re into streetwear, Y2K, or minimalist outfits, social media is a great place to sort it out.

2. Nobody’s looking, don’t be afraid to try something new.

The great thing about college is that everyone is so busy going through their own problems, that no one has time to judge what you wear. Believe me, no one’s thinking about that terrible fashion decision you made in your freshman year (besides you). Be bold and wear what you like, even if you’re afraid someone’s judging you. 

3. Out with the new, in with the old. (oh wait, is that right?)

New fashion trends become viral every single day (like Alix Earle with skinny jeans), but that doesn’t mean you need to replace your entire closet to keep up. Yes, retail therapy can be a comfort at times, but supporting fast fashion isn’t going to last you in the long run. Instead, avoid impulse buying and upgrade your existing wardrobe by learning how to style outfits. Saves you money, reduces waste, forces you to experiment with styling…what’s not to like? P.S. you would not believe the amount of outfits I’ve pulled off with my dad’s old leather jacket.

4. Styling is NOT the same as wearing.

Speaking of styling, trust me when I say there’s a difference between actively styling your clothes and just wearing them. Tuck in that oversized tee, add a belt, or throw on some layered jewelry. Experiment with different silhouettes until you figure out what looks best on you!  

5. Dressing up is just like working out, you gotta have some rest days. 

Even the most fashion-conscious people show up to class in a hoodie and sweatpants. Some days you’ll want to create the most perfect outfit, and other days you’ll want to just throw on the first thing you see in your closet. And especially in the Boston cold, some outfits just don’t go with the snow and wind. 

 

At the end of the day, finding your personal fashion style is reliant on what you love. Don’t be afraid to take risks, and remember that you learn more from your failures than your successes! 



Kristin: Best Ways to Break Out of Your Comfort Zone Your First Year at BU

By: Kristin Rosenmund

Leaving everything you know behind and starting fresh can be intimidating. Many first years probably ponder the question of who they are when no one knows them. And how do you even begin getting to know people? Luckily, many students, including me, have experienced this and live to share their experiences. Here are a few ways I would suggest breaking out of your comfort zone at BU!

1. Join a Club Outside of Your Major

While you should definitely join clubs pertaining to your major in order to gain valuable insights and experiences, it is also important and useful to join clubs that still pertain to smaller interests of yours. This will allow you the opportunity to meet new people you may have never crossed paths with! I did this last semester when I decided to join a WTBU radio show, not really knowing anything about hosting and planning content for a show, or the podcast world in general. However, through this, I was able to be introduced to many new people and establish connections I never would have made before. I also learned new skills like how to publicly speak over a microphone and how to use a control board!

2. Talk to the Person Next To You In Class

This one can seem self explanatory, but it is seriously something everyone should learn how to do. While it may be hard to be the one to start the conversation, just a simple question can go a long way, and it may even provide some relief to those who want to make friends but may be too scared to talk to someone new. Whenever I join a new class at the beginning of the semester, I always make an effort to get to know those around me! This has led me to having study groups, and even maintaining friendships outside of class! All it takes is a simple hello to lead you to a friendship you didn’t expect!

 

While there are a multitude of ways to break out of your comfort zone, these are the two that proved to work the most for me! Hopefully trying these out can lead you to new people and experiences, that will eventually propel you into even more ways of learning to break out of your comfort zone on your own terms!

 

Tracy: Best Soup Spots in Boston to Keep You Warm This Winter

By: Tracy Nguyen

As the temperatures drop and the windchill sets in, nothing is more comforting than a steaming bowl of soup. Boston has plenty of amazing spots to grab a warm, hearty bowl that will soothe your soul and fight off the winter blues. Here are some of my favorite places to enjoy soup in Boston when the cold weather hits.

1. Futago Udon

Visit Futago Udon

If you’re in the mood for thick, chewy udon noodles swimming in a rich, umami-packed broth, Futago Udon is the place to go. It’s perfect because it’s close to the Fenway campus! Their house-made udon noodles set them apart, offering a satisfying chew with every bite. Whether you prefer classic kake udon or something heartier like beef udon, this spot delivers comfort in every bowl. The cozy atmosphere makes it an excellent choice for warming up on a chilly day.

2. YGF Malatang

Visit YGF Malatang

For those who love bold and spicy flavors, YGF Malatang offers an incredible build-your-own hot pot experience. You select your ingredients, from fresh veggies to a variety of meats and seafood—before they are cooked in a spicy and numbing Sichuan-style broth. The heat from the broth will not only warm you up but also awaken your taste buds, making it a must-visit for spice lovers in Boston.

3. Kaju Tofu House

Visit Kaju Tofu House

Kaju Tofu House is a Boston favorite when it comes to Korean comfort food, and their soondubu jjigae (soft tofu stew) is the ultimate winter warmer. This bubbling, spicy tofu soup comes in a stone pot and is served with a raw egg to crack in for added richness. With options like seafood, beef, or kimchi tofu stew, this is the perfect place to enjoy a deeply flavorful and warming meal.

4. Soup Shack

Visit Soup Shack

Ramen, pho, and Thai boat noodles all under one roof? That’s exactly what you’ll find at Soup Shack. Their extensive menu makes it a great option for anyone craving a variety of brothy noodle dishes. Whether you go for a classic tonkotsu ramen, a rich beef pho, or a spicy Thai boat noodle soup, you’re sure to leave feeling warm and satisfied.

Final Thoughts

Boston may be known for its cold winters, but thankfully, the city is full of incredible places to enjoy a hot, satisfying bowl of soup. Whether you’re craving Japanese udon, Sichuan hot pot, Korean tofu stew, or Vietnamese and Thai noodle soups, these spots have you covered. Next time you're looking to escape the cold, grab a friend and warm up with a delicious bowl of soup!