Delia: A BU Student’s Guide to Coolidge Corner

By: Delia Rune

It took most of my first semester at BU for me to really start exploring Coolidge Corner, but, once I did, I was so excited to discover the vibrant hub of activity that rests just a short 15-minute walk from West Campus. To me, Coolidge Corner is BU’s version of a “college town.” Everything you could need rests on a bustling strip of Harvard Street, and you are guaranteed to see both BU students and local families. If you’ve never visited Coolidge Corner, here are a few of my favorite spots to get you started:

 

1. Brookline Booksmith

Brookline Booksmith is a local bookstore in Coolidge Corner. In addition to new and signed copies of books, they also sell used books, stationery supplies, tableware, and children’s toys. It is a great place to grab a gift, a book, or to just sit and flip through magazines. Purchasing from the Brookline Booksmith also supports the independent bookstore and helps the store put on fun events such as author talks, book signings, and family storytimes.

 

2. Tiny Hanger

Tiny Hanger is another family-friendly stop on the list – it’s a small store devoted to children’s clothing and toys. Although baby clothes are not usually on the top of a BU student’s shopping list, the store attracts college students because of its wide selection of Jellycats. The store features dozens of stuffed animals across almost every surface, and is heaven for Jellycat collectors or enthusiasts.

 

3. Coolidge Corner Theater

The Coolidge Corner Theater is one of Brookline’s most well-known establishments. The theater was built in 1933 and features a wide variety of movies – from blockbuster hits to arthouse films, Coolidge Corner Theater has something for everyone. The theater was recently renovated and now features two concession areas and six screens. The theater shows movies as late as midnight and offers discounted tickets for students – making this theater a popular spot for BU students on weekend nights. 

 

4. The Clayroom

The Clayroom in Brookline is a cozy studio where artists of all ages and walks of life can choose a piece of pottery to paint and make their own. There are a wide variety of clay pieces and colors to decorate, and the studio allows you to bring your own drinks and food while you craft. This spot is perfect for a fun outing, date night, or personalized gift! 

 

5. Maruichi

Maruichi is a Japanese deli located in Coolidge Corner. They sell teas and snacks, as well as fresh food and drinks. They are known for their high-quality matchas, delicious handrolls, and donburi bowls, this spot is perfect for a snack or full meal!



Derek: Spring in Boston

By: Derek Olson

The frost of winter snow is melting away, and with it the opportunities to enjoy the open air of Boston are increasing by the day.  Even though it is easy to get lost in the seemingly endless pages of school work, do not forget to set down the books, get off-campus, and enjoy the gorgeous weather of a New England spring.

Travel over to the Boston Public Garden and enjoy the horticulture and spring weather.  The Boston Public Garden is the filming site of Robin William’s iconic bench monologue from Good Will Hunting (1997.)  I will not tell where the exact location is, but if you are up for it, find it and recreate the scene.  Beginning April 19, the Boston Public Garden also offers $4.75 rides on the iconic Swan Boats from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. until June 20, extending hours until 5:00 p.m. after June 20 until September 1.  

Another spring destination is the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.  Enjoy the beautiful gallery of this famed art collector at no cost with a student discount, for BU students, that can be found on the CFA website.  My favorite part of the museum is the courtyard, filled with flowers that are in bloom for the spring and basking in the spring sun.

For all sports lovers who miss the energy of Agganis Arena, enjoy a Boston Red Sox game for $9.  Only about a 10-minute walk from central campus, Fenway Park is the oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball (MLB) history and still hosts one of the most iconic teams in the sport.  Delight in a Fenway Frank, the open air, and nine energetic innings of professional baseball with tickets only costing $9 as a part of their student-nines program.  Be sure to register for the program on their website so that you can receive alerts of when tickets are available, since it is subject to change from game to game.

If you do not have time, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy spring while on campus.  Doing your homework on BU beach, going for your run or riding your bike along the Charles River, or simply going for a walk down Commonwealth Avenue are all just as healthy ways to happily enjoy the spring weather.  

No matter how you do it, make sure to get outside and enjoy some fresh air as the weather gets warmer and summer rolls around.  Thank you for your time and have an amazing rest of your semester, fellow Terriers! - Derek



Teagan: How to Get Around BU’s Campus Without Losing Your Mind

By: Teagan Keane

Boston University’s Charles River Campus is big—like, really big. If you’ve ever found yourself speed-walking down Comm Ave, trying to make it to class on time, you’re not alone. Whether you’re a freshman still figuring out the BU Bus or a senior who somehow still gets lost in CAS, here are some tips to make getting around campus a little easier.

1. The BU Bus is a Lifesaver… Sometimes 

The BU Shuttle is amazing when it shows up on time, but if you’re cutting it close, don’t rely on it. Download the BU Mobile app to track the shuttle in real-time so you’re not left waiting in the cold (or worse, watching it drive away while you’re still a block away).

2. The T is Faster Than You Think 

If you’re heading from East to West Campus and the BU Bus isn’t an option, the Green Line’s B branch is a solid backup. Sure, it’s not the fastest train in the world, but hopping on for a few stops can save your legs—especially in the winter.

3. Find the Secret Shortcuts 

BU’s campus is full of little pathways and cut-throughs that can save you time. Walking from CAS to COM? Skip the crowds and cut through the GSU. Need to get to FitRec? Take the alley behind Sleeper Hall instead of dodging bikers and skateboards on Comm Ave.

4. Best Study Spots on the Go 

If you’ve got time to kill between classes, knowing where to study makes a huge difference. In East Campus? Head to the top floor of Mugar for quiet study vibes. Central Campus? The COM Lounge is perfect for a quick work session. West Campus? The Kilachand Common Room is a hidden gem.

5. Sometimes, Walking is the Best Option 

During peak hours, Comm Ave traffic is a nightmare. If you’re only going a few stops, walking is often faster than waiting for the BU Bus or the T. Plus, you can grab a coffee at Pavement or Tatte on the way—win-win.

BU’s campus might feel overwhelming at first, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll be moving like a pro.



Christina: The Perfect Spring Day, In My Opinion

By: Christina Chen

Spring break just ended and I need my warm weather asap. Especially having spent my break in the Bahamas, I wasn’t so glad to be greeted with 30-degree weather when I landed at Logan Airport. Boston has been cold, dreary, and dark for too long now. I’ve been planning out my perfect spring day for when the weather is just right, so this is my game plan.

 

1. Head to the Thinking Cup

I love getting up early because it makes my day feel productive and I feel less rushed. So my first stop on my perfect spring day is coffee from the Thinking Cup, specifically the Tremont location. Thankfully my off-campus apartment is close to the T, where I can hop on and ride my way towards Boylston. I’ll order myself a mocha and croissant after I hunt down an empty table. And for the next hour or two, I’ll complete some class work before I get tired out.

2. Walk through the Commons

The best way to shake off the sleepiness of working on a laptop is to go outside. Perfect since the Commons are right next to the Thinking Cup. I like to walk around in hopes of catching Nick Shea AKA the $1 drawing guy. He’s a great conversationalist and I get something to remember my perfect spring day. Otherwise, I like to people-watch and pet dogs. Plus, the Commons always has something going on, one time I went and stumbled upon the Chris Evans Look-alike contest.

3. Picnic in the Public Garden

The commons are right by the Public Garden and I love going here with friends. So it’s only logical that we have a little picnic! We’d meet near the pond and set up under a willow tree because I love whimsy. And since we’re college students our lunch will include chips, fruits, and premade sandwiches from the grocery store. We’ll chat about our days and lay around enjoying the nice weather before one of us mentions a little adventure.

4. A Quick stroll around Beacon Hill

It’s usually me, I am the one that mentions a little adventure. Which is not far from where we’d be! We’d take a quick stroll around Beacon Hill, the houses around there are beautiful. Not to mention the cutest and most aesthetically pleasing stores. If you go inside The Flat of the Hill, which is on Charles St. in Beacon Hill, you’ll find a plethora of Jelly Cats. Here is where I fight the urge to purchase everything. In the end, I will not buy anything. Finally my friends and I head to the T and part ways.

5. Dinner at my apartment

The day isn’t over just yet! When I get home I chat with my roommates while we are all in the kitchen whipping up dinner. This is our first year living off-campus and we love it. It's so nice to go back to a place that’s totally ours. I close out my perfect spring day with dinner in our living room and our slightly janky projector set up watching a silly romcom. 



Morgan: Club Spotlight- WTBU

By: Morgan Oakes

It’s no secret that Boston University is large. As someone who grew up in a small town, starting college in a city can feel intimidating. Clubs are an essential part of making friends and finding community at a school of this size, and there are many to choose from. I remember attending Splash, the school-wide club fair, and being overwhelmed by the amount of clubs that spanned Nickerson field. I decided to join WTBU, Boston University’s radio station, and have been a DJ since then. The broadcasting studio, along with a studio for podcasting and a studio for recording live music, are located on the third floor of the COM. 

The club draws a wide variety of people. I DJ on an emo show and a pop culture show, while I have friends who DJ on shows that cover genres ranging from jazz to hyperpop to British music. In addition to this we have multiple flagship shows, such as WTBU news and WTBU sports. In the fall semester, the team at WTBU news did live coverage of the Presidential election. A group from WTBU sports attended and gave coverage of this year’s Beanpot, which Boston University won. WTBU also has a promotions team, which photographs and reports on concerts in the area. 

When a new student begins on WTBU, they are assigned to be on a show as a DJ in training (DJiT). They spend the semester being taught how to use the studio equipment by the DJs on the show. The student then takes a test at the end of the semester, and if they pass they have the option to start their own show. 

WTBU has a vibrant community who are brought together by a love for music. I strongly recommend that anyone looking to try something new gives the radio station a shot. 



Kyla: A Southerner’s Guide to Boston Life

By: Kyla Foreman-Andrade

Before coming to Boston, I had spent my entire life in the South. I had only been to Boston once before attending BU. I was so lost my first year, getting used to the culture shock. If you’re like me, a Southerner through and through, here’s a guide to New England life.

1. Saxby’s IS NOT Zaxby’s

If you’re like me and come from the Southeast, you may know of a restaurant chain called Zaxby’s. If you’re also like me, you may have been excited to hear about Zaxby’s being on campus and you were excited to get your fill of fried chicken. Sadly, BU does not have a Zaxby’s, but rather a Saxby’s, a coffee shop. Although you can’t get buttery Texas toast and fried white cheddar bites, you can get a delicious breakfast burrito and a killer honey cold brew. If you’re in search of good fried chicken, try the Raising Canes in West; it’s almost like tasting home.

2. You Need a Jacket

Southern winters mean 30s in the morning and a lovely 50-60s in the afternoon. That is not the case for Boston. I would consider myself very tolerant of the cold, but as soon as mid-October hit, I knew I needed a good jacket. For a mild winter jacket, you can get away with a puffer. The pick on campus is the black North Face puffer. My mild winter jacket of choice is a heavy-weight jacket from Uniqlo. It’s nice and fuzzy and easy to carry around. Uniqlo always has sales, so I suggest hitting up the one on Newbury as soon as you feel a cold breeze.

For the harsher winter, you need a parka. The only way to truly stay warm is to have your jacket cover you from head to toe. I have a North Face parka that I got for really cheap at an outlet. Throw on a scarf and a pair of gloves and you’re ready to face the CDS wind tunnel.

3. Find Your New England Style

You don’t have to throw out your entire closet, but you’re in college now in a new city, it’s time to take some fashion risks. You also have to learn how to dress for the ever-changing New England weather. If you’re looking for places to spruce up your wardrobe, look no further than Newbury Street. They have tons of big-name stores such as Urban Outfitters, Nike, and Lululemon, but they have a bunch of small boutiques. Boston also has a fantastic thrift scene. The Garment District is a great place to start if you get tired of the campus Goodwill. There is also a pop-up thrift market called Select Markets that brings together lots of thrift vendors, so you can do your shopping all in one place.

4. Get to Know You’re New Regional Grocery Stores

The days of Publix, HEB, and Food Lion are over. You’re in the North now, it’s time to get familiar with your new grocery stores. This was one of the biggest shocks to me. When I finally wanted to go food shopping, I had no clue where the best spots were. Something close to campus and cheaper than you may think is Trader Joe’s. There is one off of Newbury Street and one in Brookline. Star Market in West Campus or Fenway is always full of deals and easily accessible. If you want more grocery store names to throw around with your New England friends, mention Stop and Shop, Market Basket, and Shaw’s.

5. Keep That Southern Hospitality

Bostonians have a reputation for being some of the rudest people, while the South is known for great manners and charm. The real truth is: Bostonians aren’t as rude as people make them out to be. Don’t feel pressured to change who you are or lie about where you come from. Keep that Southern Charm. Smile at the people you meet. Don’t be afraid to talk to someone new. Be proud of your Southern accent. You can also learn a few things from Bostonians like knowing when to jaywalk and how to take the T without paying, but that’s a topic for another day.



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.