COM Ambassador Blog

Laurel: NYFW Essentials

New York fashion week has come and gone, but its trends will last forever…or at least for the spring season.

Whether you care about staying on top of the trends or not, we are all sucked into the rabbit hole of the aftermath of fashion weeks around the world. You may think you are being original when you buy 90’s wear at the store, but the only reason it is being sold to begin with is because of the influence of these major designers. It’s a never failing and everlasting marketing mastermind that has been constructed and tailored by the fashion industry.

So, since it’s not going anywhere and we are never going to stop buying clothes why not embrace it? Here are the top trends from fashion week and a guide of how to take the runway and make it wearable. We all know, thanks to celebrities like Lady Gaga and Rhianna, sometimes runway outfits can be a little….out there so I’ve given you some ideas on how to transform them into your wardrobe.

First things first, gone are the times of your jeans being the dreaded and uncomfortable wardrobe essential and welcome to the bold statement pant. Otherwise known as “fancy pants” quite literally, these are anything from jeans to embroidery, fringe, flare or even ruffles. On the runway, you may find sheer or even two different colored legs and if that is a little too far out of your comfort zone, stores like Anthropologie and Madewell have you covered with some spiced up basics.

Fashion week 1

Jeans 1 Jeans 2

Moving on we have a personal favorite of mine…pastels. Who doesn’t love a good color scheme and a color coordinated wardrobe? You may laugh now but when you tailor your wardrobe colors to complement each other your outfit possibilities multiply. On the runway, you may find head to toe one solid and baggy pastel ensemble but stores likeAritzia offer a more refined and sleek look for everyday wear.

Fashion Week 2 pastel

Next up we have bright bold and the way to tell when someone over edited their Instagram picture…saturated! This is a fun twist to include in your spring wardrobe and especially as we start itching toward those summer months and beach vacations. What better way to daydream about a tropical oasis then dressing like you’re already on vacation? If all saturated isn’t your thing try bold tops with a basic pant or vice versa. If bright is your enemy but you want to stay #hip then opt for a colorful statement jewelrypiece instead.

FAshion week 3 saturated Saturated 2

Finally, one of my personal favorites—fringe! Fringe is the new black if you ask me. Now this one can be done in many ways. Wear it head to toe like the runway models or get a ~fringe-y~ bag or accessories. Either way you’re going to look like the coolest kid on the block!

Fashion Week 4 Earrings

Now, go forth fashionably.

Sophia R: Scores to Survive Studying

Finding somewhere to buckle down during exam season is important, but what do you listen to once you're there? I love film scores for when I need to focus and do some work. Scores are made to be driving, but not distracting, and sound great! Picking out the perfect study soundtrack can be daunting however, and searching the depths of Spotify for that one score that motivates you out of the hundreds of movies out there is an easy route to procrastination. Never fear, CA Sophia is here! I've found some of my favorite scores to keep you motivated no matter what you're doing.

1.) Thor: Ragnarok:

The score reflects the movie, and with upbeat electric steel-drum vibes, Thor: Ragnarok's score is as much fun as the film itself. This score would be great for when you need a quick energy boost to power through the end of a project.

2.) The Grand Budapest Hotel:

Wes Anderson's scores are as quirky as his movies, and with a mix of yodeling and rhythm the Grand Budapest Hotel is no exception. The score doesn't change much in cadence or volume, so if you thrive in consistency this is a great score for you!

3.) Pacific Rim:

Just as the movie Pacific Rim asks who doesn't love giant robots, the score asks who doesn't love electric guitars? One exciting riff later and you've got the rock-and-roll score to power through any paper.

4.) Whiplash:

Sometimes you just want some jazz. More traditionally musical than the other scores on this list, Whiplash serves up smoother tunes and some bigger band bops to keep you on track.

5.) Speed Racer:

You may remember Speed Racer from its brief partnership with the candy baby bottle pop, but what you should remember is the absolute banger of a score it provides. Big band meets classic rock meets the fast and the furious, Speed Racer will help you close the gap between you and the finish line in no time.

There are tons of other fantastic scores out there, but that's all for me! Good listening folks!

Jon O: Looking to See Movies? I Got You Covered.

I've always considered myself to be a bit of a movie nut, and nothing compares to watching film on the big screen. I frequented my hometown theater back in New Jersey so much that they knew me by name, and as soon as I got to Boston I knew I had to find my spot for the next four years. But what I didn't realize was that there are so many different ways to go see movies in Boston. So if you're like me and are sick and tired of watching movies on your tiny laptop screen, here are some different ways to get out and see films in Boston.

If you enjoy the big multiplexes with huge screens, nice chairs, and tons of food options, then you got some options. AMC Loews Boston Common is the biggest theater in town and is located right in downtown Boston. It pretty much shows every big hit thats in theaters at the time so you can always find something to watch. Its also super easy to get to from campus; you just hop on the green line and get off at the Boylston stop and its right across the street. Regal Cinemas Fenway is very similar to AMC only a little smaller, but its within walking distance from BU's campus so its a great spot to go to as well.

Boston is also full of theaters that show independent, international, classic and films. If you're trying to get away from the big blockbuster flicks, these are the spots for you. Check out the Coolidge Corner Theater in Brookline if you want to feel like you literally walked into an old black and white film. The theater has been around since 1933 and has been maintained to look exactly like it did when it first opened for business. They are always showing really interesting selections and do a ton of special screenings for classic movies (just this past year I've seen midnight specials of Donnie Darko and The Shining) and host a ton of other unique events. They also have some screening in their main theater on 70mm, which is really cool if your a film geek like I am. If you're feeling like adventuring out of the BU area for a cool showing like this, check out the Brattle Theater in Cambridge, which is a one-screen theater that airs classics and independent movies as well.

If you really don't want to go off-campus to catch a movie (or don't want to pay for one), don't worry, BU can always hook you up. The university occasionally does special screenings for in-theaters movies for free, so make sure you keep a look out for those when they come up. If you're ever free on a Friday night, you can also go down to Cinematheque, which is a series of screenings, meetings and talks with film-makers that is open for all BU students and totally free. Cinematheque happens every week at 640 Commonwealth Ave.

With all the screening going on around the city, you'll never have a night where there isn't something you want to watch in theaters. Happy movie-going!

- Jon

Nick: 10 Things I Wish I Knew as a BU Freshman

I only have a little more than two months left on Comm. Ave. as a student, and as exciting as that may seem, it’s also pretty daunting. No less daunting, though, than first arriving on campus as a freshman. The feelings I’m having now as I look for my first job are the same ones I felt in the fall of 2014 – anxious, scared, uneasy, unsure. But not to worry. If you’re new to BU, I’ve got some tips for you. Below are 10 quick tips I’ve picked up along the way that I think would be useful for any BU freshman, or any BU student for that matter.

1. Get a semester T Pass

You may think, “Oh, Comm. Ave. is walkable, I’ll never need to take the T.” Wrong. As unreliable as the MBTA is, it’s indispensable for any BU student. Especially now that I live in West campus, taking the T to COM on a time crunch is the way to go. It’s cheaper than buying a pass every month, and if you plan on doing a lot of traveling around the city, it pays for itself quickly. Be on the lookout early, though. I’ve missed the deadline a few times because it’s just before the semester starts.

2. The “freshman dorms” are your friends

I was unsure about Warren Towers and West campus when I first arrived at BU, but I shouldn’t have been. I spent my first year in a brownstone on Bay State Road, and while I loved that space for its peace and quiet during study time, I made my best friends at Warren and spent a great chunk of my free time there. Being on a floor with so many of your classmates is super valuable – make the most of it. Keep your door open and don’t be afraid to make new friends.

3. Join BU On Broadway

One of my only regrets about my college career is that I didn’t join BU On Broadway sooner. It’s an amazing group with amazing people, and the perfect outlet for any theater geek to continue their high school passion in college. Semesters only get busier when you become an upperclassman, so make the most of your free time as a freshman and get onstage.

I joined BU On Broadway sophomore year, but would do anything for more time performing in Tsai.

COM swipe access is a major key
Though COM students now have access to the entire Adobe Suite, if you’re like me, you prefer to do your editing in COM. I bet you’re thinking, “But I thought COM closes at nine, Nick…” And while that’s technically true, with swipe access you’ll be able to get into COM later and finish any work. Just get a professor’s sign-off and go see the tech-guru himself, Brad Fernandes in room 102. You’ll thank me later.
Don’t be afraid to take classes in other colleges
With the BU Hub on its way, taking classes across colleges at BU has never been more attractive for COM students. I only took the necessary classes outside of COM to fulfill my major and minor, but I know there are a few classes in CFA I would have loved to explore. Don’t make the same mistake. And thanks to BU’s pass/fail policy, you really have no excuse not to take that music theory course you’ve been eyeing.

6. 26th floor of Stuvi2 & 6th floor of Mugar are ideal study spots

This one took me awhile to perfect, and while I’m ashamed to admit it, I hadn’t studied in Stuvi2 until junior year. The views of the Charles River and downtown Boston from the 26th floor are truly the best in the entire city. And the sixth floor of Mugar is one of the only places in the library that isn’t constantly packed. I don’t mind the view from up there, either. Hey, it beats studying in your dorm.

The views atop Stuvi2 are stunning, and the location also makes for an ideal study spot.

Take advantage of all the great events BU has to offer
In just the past month, I’ve seen Obama’s White House photographer and took part in a discussion about media in the age of Trump featuring the executive producer of POLITICO podcasts. This is just a sampling of some of the events going on around campus that interest me, and things are happening every day. During my freshman year I generally kept my head down and studied, and while there’s a time for that, be careful not to miss some of the extraordinary opportunities here through COM, the Howard Thurman Center and BU at large.

8. Don’t miss the Power of Narrative Conference

Journalism majors and anyone who loves a good story – this is a must. Every march BU hosts this unique conference featuring some of the finest narrative journalists in the world. It’s an opportunity to meet industry leaders and strengthen your storytelling skills. This year’s guests include ESPN’s Don Van Natta (BU alum), Emily Steel of the New York Times and longtime NYT feature writer Sonny Kleinfield.

9. U-Grill is a Hidden Gem

Though it’s only about a three-minute walk from COM, it took me until sophomore year to discover University Grill & Pizza. It’s one of the best places on campus for a quick bite. The chicken parm is my go-to, but their menu is full of cheap and tasty opstions. The service is fast, the food is always hot and the folks working there are super friendly – always willing to talk some Boston sports. (Sadly, no convenience points accepted.)

10. Apply to be a COM ambassador

The COM ambassador program has been one of my best experiences at BU. It has introduced me to so many incredible people, and I’ve even mentored some incoming freshmen through the program that have become great friends. Being involved with open houses, giving tours to prospective families and writing these blogs has given me a whole new appreciation for my school. APPLY APPLY APPLY! You’ll be glad you did.

The senior COM ambassadors - smiling because in this picture we still had a year left in COM.

Malaika: Advice from My Mentor

At sixteen, I, like most people my age, had no clue what I wanted to do with my life. For a long time I believed I was destined to be a constitutional lawyer. Heck, I even had a concrete plan: read, study, get a history degree, go to law school, then finally make a difference. Yet no matter how much I tried to convince myself otherwise, I couldn’t imagine a future with my nose buried in volumes of case books and legal dictionaries. Nope, not me (a girl who can barely finish a Netflix series).

In all honestly, I only wanted to be a lawyer because Drop Dead Diva made it look cool (yup, that’s right, I chose my career based on a Lifetime Network television show. YIKES!). After some much needed soul searching, I decided I would never pursue a job I didn’t feel passionate about. As it turns out, the thing I was most passionate about was television shows themselves, not just the lawyer characters within them. I love TV. I love consuming it. I LOVE talking about it.

To get a feel for the entertainment industry, I flew out to New York to participate in a film, journalism, and digital media program. Although I was nervous to travel across the country for this, it ended up being one of the best and most life-changing experiences. Why? Because I met Mariana, a BU COM alumni.

Mariana is not your run-of-the-mill person. She’s all encompassing with a magnet personality. Anyone who speaks to her for even one second would walk away with a giant smile on her face. She convinced me that life is best lived when you can say you have no regrets. At a time when I needed guidance, she was there to support me in every way possible. After leaving New York, her and I kept in touch. When my college application process began, I reached out to her for advice. Her response to me is ultimately what solidified my decision to apply and enroll at BU. She convinced me to come to this great school and pursue a degree in Film and Television instead of History.

Now, with one semester in my pocket, I couldn’t be more grateful for her influence. It’s crazy how a few nuggets of wisdom from a mentor can alter your goals. For anyone reading this in need of some sound advice, here are some thoughts from Mariana on her experience at COM:

College is over before you know it. Your grades will (likely) not matter. Your work ethic is what lasts. How you do one thing is how you do everything. You need to work hard to make things happen. If you're proactive, you'll be fine. If you're not, you better start. That was such a big thing everyone at COM said, if you want something, you're going to need to work for it and achieve it, handouts are slim and the industry is tough. Best believe I was the first one grabbing those c-stands and kino flos. I also thought that because I didn't "know" anyone in film or because my parents weren't in "the biz," I'd have a disadvantage. But the best connections are those around you, your classmates. I am still helping out BU peers and friends on sets and projects, have gotten job interviews because of them, and know I can turn to them for any advice.

I meet BU alum EVERYWHERE. You're coming up together, you're going to be each other's' best support system and encyclopedia. Concerning internships, I got my first two internships by compiling a list of production companies in my area (NYC at the time) and emailing them all asking if they needed an intern for the summer. This may not seem feasible to all depending on your financial situation or your proximity to a city, but I negotiated a travel stipend, worked the rest of my days, and gained invaluable experience from doing so.

My cinematography professor left me with this parting advice before I went off to Los Angeles: "Tenacity Trumps Talent." Stick it out because odds are, you'll make it longer and further than those that had more talent than you but got unmotivated or defeated. A tried and true way to life as well: "FAKE IT 'TIL YOU MAKE IT." Most first jobs and internships will be more impressed by a hard worker with an eagerness to learn than someone who has all the "right" credentials. Do you have a vague idea of how to do a job? Then go for it! If you can make an employer feel confident in your abilities when they give you a task, they will be more likely to give you interesting work. As long as you put in the time and keep on learning, one day you'll know enough to teach others!

I hope her advice will appeal to you, as much as it does to me.

Best,

CA Malaika

Jamey: Five Escapes from Busy, Bustling Boston

Hello COM! Hope you’ve all been enjoying this beautiful (yet unexpected) February weather. I’ve lived in Massachusetts my whole life and I’ve never seen weather like this in February, so I’m soaking in as much of the sunshine as humanly possible. I grew up in Framingham, MA which is about 30 minutes west of Boston. Since I’ve lived in the area my whole life, I often try to bring my friends (who are new to Boston) to my favorite parts of Massachusetts. Here are some MUST-SEE places if you’re new to Massachusetts.

Salem, MA:

Salem, MA

Salem is accessibly by the Commuter Rail straight from Boston, and it’s home to some of Massachusetts most interesting history. Take a tour of the historical Salem Witch Trials site, or go and see some of the mystical psychics who have settled down in the area. Also, make sure to get a bagel at BAGEL WORLD, a small little joint that I happen to know serves the best bagels on the North Shore.

Canobie Lake Park:

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Canobie Lake Park is technically in New Hampshire, but it is a Massachusetts staple nonetheless! The amusement park is home to the Corkscrew Coaster and Untamed for thrill rides, but it also has a water park that is open all summer long. And if you’re in the mood for a heart attack, you can go to the haunted houses that open in October!

Honeypot Hill Orchard:

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If you’re going to live in New England, you NEED to go apple picking at least once. Honeypot is in Stow, MA and is open all fall for Apple picking. BU Student Activities usually leads a trip to Honeypot for some time in the fall, so like their Facebook page if you want more information on that!

Provincetown, MA

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If you’re in Boston for the warmer months, you have to make your way to this town that is the very tip of Cape Cod. PTown is accessible by ferry from Boston and is home to beautiful beaches, delicious seafood, funny drag shows, and crazy joke shops. It’s Massachusetts’ best summer spot. Stop by the Lobster Pot for the best seafood dinner of all time.

Garden in the Woods:

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If you are ever craving some peace and quiet in nature, Garden in the Woods is the place to go. Located in Framingham, MA (accessible by Commuter Rail), this reservation is home to all of Massachusetts’ local flowers and greenery. It’s a great place to meditate or take photographs, or just take a break from the hustle and bustle of Boston.

That’s it for me! I hope you get a chance to explore these niche areas of the USA’s BEST state!

Rachel: Why Industry Conferences Are Important For College Students

If you have spent any time with me in the past two months, you have probably heard me talk about "The Conference." "The Conference" is PR Advanced: It Starts Now, a regional conference for communication students that I was not originally involved in planning, but took on at the end of last semester. It has been looming over me the past few months especially, and I have been working my butt off to make it successful because I whole heartedly believe that conferences are so important for students, both undergrad and grad.

Here is why I think it is important to attend industry focused conferences while you are still in school:

1. Adding to Your Education

Most industry conferences include speaker sessions where an "expert" or "influencer" will talk about what they have done to be successful in their career. This is super beneficial for students because you can use speakers' tips to help you.

2. Networking Networking Networking

Not only are you meeting new people at conferences, both peers and professionals, and broadening your personal and professional network, but you are also improving your networking skills. "Networking" sometimes feels undefinable, but all it is is forming relationships with people and leaving a good impression. That does not always come naturally or happen with every interaction, so conferences are the perfect environment for you to try out different approaches to networking.

3. Jobs and Internships

Conferences usually include some kind of exhibition or career fair. If you attend a conference specifically aimed at students, like the one I am planning for this Saturday (EEP!), there will usually be a career fair with company actively recruiting interns and entry level employees. If you go to a conference that is more aimed at professionals already in the industry, there is usually still an exhibition where you can make connections and tell people you are student looking for opportunities to learn more about working in the field.

4. Free Swag

This is not super important, but a fun part of conferences is getting free stuff! Most conferences will give little keepsakes to attendees that are both useful and a way for you to remember your experience. For example, we are giving out pens, folders, candy, granola bars and more fun stuff at our conference.

5. Making Yourself a More Desirable Job Candidate

Most of us are at school to eventually get a job, and we are constantly looking for ways to set ourselves apart from other candidates. Attending a conference gives you a whole set of skills you wouldn't have otherwise, and it is something you can talk about during interviews to show that you have those skills and are invested in your career enough to take those extra steps to become a better professional.

Zach M: Boston’s Thriving Underground Music Scene

Hey COM students!

Many students struggle with what they are going to do with their Friday and Saturday nights. I have a great way for students to diversify their weekends and gain new experiences which they can carry out through their four years at BU!

As a music journalist in COM, I am constantly finding myself connecting all of my work back to the music scene. The best way I know how to get young COM students acclimated to Boston and college life is to introduce them to the city's rich musical culture.

When most people think about Boston's music scene, they immediately point to Berklee College of Music. Obviously, a lot of musicians come out of Berklee and do great things, but Berklee is not at the heart of Boston's music scene.

In fact, most Boston band's get their start in the basements of Allston. Allston, Rat City, baby! A place which many students think of as a frat hub, a place to party. That may be the case for a lot of students, but I see Allston as a cultural melting pot, a city within a city where subcultures collide.

On one hand, Allston has all of this incredible food from all different walks of life. You can thrift in Allston, explore its many interesting shops, and immerse yourself in one of America's most hard-working music scenes. At Allston house shows, you will meet all different types of people who just want to watch some awesome bands and have a good time. Rap shows, indie rock shows, punk shows, and even funk shows go on in Allston on a given night.

A vast majority of these events can be found through the Facebook group BOSTON ALL AGES DIY GIGS and are often sited in some of Boston's most renowned underground publications such as Allston Pudding and BU's very own The Beat. Students make up a good portion of the music scene and it's never too late to get involved! So get out there and diversify your weekend night and make sure to tell your friends, so we can keep Boston's incredible music scene afloat.

Josee: Living in the City of Champions

When I was three or four, I wore full Red Sox gear to a game at Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia. My high-pitched preschooler voice sent cheers for the Sox into the ballpark buzz. Donning a tee, a cap, and red sunglasses, I was the poster child for the perfect fan. Only problem was, the Red Sox weren't even playing that night.

Me n' my buddy keith — My cousin Keith and I as small nuggets

Boston is a sports town. Home to the Sox, Celtics, Bruins, Pats, and even the Revolution, one thing you notice is how much the community loves their teams. While the grandeur of parades and victory has its own pulses of energy, it's really about how sports bring us all together, both in loving our teams and hating the Yankees.

Boston Red Sox

How did a girl from South Jersey become a Red Sox fan? Guess you could say it's in my blood. My uncle hails from Watertown, Mass and my aunt is a BU alum. When I was younger, I would run up and down the stairs reporting to them the latest stats from the game on the T.V. downstairs.

Since Fenway Park is basically on BU's campus, making your way over for $9 tickets couldn't be easier. Just so you know, it's basically a graduation requirement to visit the oldest ballpark and sing "Sweet Caroline" at the top of your lungs. Honorable Mention to Fever Pitch (2005) for being the greatest movie of all time.

If you have any free time on your hands, one of the best experiences I've had here at BU has been working with the Jimmy Fund. It allowed me to meet some incredible everyday heroes and support their work for the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, a cause that hits close to home.

Boston Celtics

luck o' the irish — Last year's playoff game against the Cleveland Cavaliers

TD Garden comes alive when the C's hit the court. There isn't a bad seat in the house. Last year, I was lucky enough to watch the Celts in the playoffs (mind you, only for a few bucks. Thanks SAO!) and it was such an incredible experience. Whether you're coming to see Kyrie Irving, pay your respects to Robert Parish's 00 in the rafters, or just to see some really tall, talented people, hop on the Green line to see the magic.

New England Patriots

Boston loves Tom Brady so much that we made an ice sculpture for him before this past Super Bowl. Sure, this past month didn't go as we planned but please never forget that the Atlanta Falcons blew a 28-3 lead. Pats tickets are a little harder to come by, but since heading to the Super Bowl is a annual thing now, you'll have more than enough chances to watch the GOAT.

Going back home for Thanksgiving this year will be a bit tense, with a split between the Eagles and the Pats, I guess we're all in for some wholesome conversations.

New England Revolution

For my lack of Revs knowledge, here's a picture of our dog, Fenway Bark

If I'm being completely honest, I have never been to a Revs game but they seem nice.

Boston Bruins

The Bruins have my heart. If you're iffy about hockey, I strongly suggest you make your way to TD Garden, or even BU's Agganis Arena, to see what all the fuss is about. The energy is infectious, the game will have you at the edge of your seat, and when the goal horn sounds, you'll be up on your feet.

With a stacked team (featuring former Terriers Charlie McAvoy and Matt Grzelcyk), the Bruins are looking for a strong playoff run this year. Wouldn't hurt to have another parade to go to.

All in all, sports are a way of life here in Boston. They're a way to bond with your community, share in the triumphs and the heartbreaks, and honestly, an invaluable way to escape the stresses of college life for a little while.

For me, they've been a way to get closer with so many people I love and are another reason why I call Boston my home.

If you need me, I'll be here in the City of Champions, waiting for another ring.

Peace and love,

Josee

Angeli: Sing to me, Sydney!

I'll spare you the cliché colloquial greeting used by ever-the abroad student, and just start off this post by channeling one of my childhood icons with an ole GOOOOOOOD MORNING, BOSTOOONNNN...ston, ston, ston...

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It is I, CA Angeli, reporting live from the land of Aus, with my signature curly locks a little frizzier and sun-soaked Cuban skin a whole lot tanner to prove it. As I write this, I'm celebrating my one-month anniversary with my current continent of residence, and I frankly cannot believe it. Studying abroad has been a dream of mine since I was in high school, so the fact that it has manifested in Australia of all places feels just too good to be. Stay tuned for the first morning that I wake up in Sydney and it's not surreal!

Until then, I'll just keep living out my Lizzie McGuire Movie fantasy. I haven't quite been mistaken for an international pop star or, to my greater disappointment, been gifted an absurdly large wheel of cheese, but I do find myself deeply relating to Lizzie's awe, bewilderment, and (occasional) public embarrassment. After all, being in a whole new country is a challenging adjustment for even the best of Disney channel characters. Due to a shared language and cultural similarities, I'm sure that many of you are skeptical as to how much that principle might apply to living in Australia. I thought the same before getting here. My 28 days down under, however, have proven my formerly naive self wrong time and time again.

Here are 7 instances and counting that Australia's tested my largely Outback Steakhouse-backed knowledge...and I failed.

1) That first time I opened my apartment's powder room door.

Picture a toilet with a sink coming out of it. The water that comes out of the faucet is used next time you flush. Pretty eco-genius but not the easiest hygienic concept to get used to.

2) That time I tried to drive my own Uber.

I had been warned before my arrival that, like in the UK, driving is done on the opposite side of the road here. No one informed me that steering wheels are also on the opposite side from what I'm used to. What's Aussie for awkward?

3) That time I ordered an iced coffee and got a milkshake.

For whatever reason, Australians have decided that iced coffee does not obviously entail coffee chilled with ice. They have instead deemed it code for coffee chilled with ice cream. I'm not saying this is the worst mistake I've ever made, but my doctor would sadly not be pleased with this new breakfast routine.

4) That time I tried to use public transportation, but no one knew where I was going.

Though incredibly convenient when understood, the train and bus system in city is vastly different from that of the MBTA and thus takes some getting used to. Possibly the hardest part is knowing how to pronounce station names. Let's just say no one will be able to help you get to "Circular Quay," but someone will happily give you directions to Circular Quay (pronounced "Key.")

5) That (very bittersweet) time I saw a koala and couldn't hold it.

So it seems that Google Images is a liar. To my continuous dismay, carrying koalas is not a casual pastime over here and not every zoo will let you do it. Due to (very important) conservation efforts, it is apparently pretty rare to get this photo.

6) That time I thought I was being generous to a cashier.

Though also called dollars, the different kinds of Australian currency are a bit different (and a lot prettier) than ours. For example, there are $1 and $2 coins. There is not, however, an equivalent to the US penny. Paying $30.55 for $30.54-worth of groceries and telling the clerk to "keep the change" will thus get you nothing but a laugh back.

7) That time a local was speaking English, yet I had no idea what he/she was saying.

I'll be honest, this has happened to me on more than one occasion. Aussies have the tendency of speaking really fast, shortening their words, and using a lot of slang. Top all of that off with their often thick accents. Now try to guess what "arvo" or "Macca's" might mean.

So if it isn't obvious by now, studying abroad entails a daily pop quiz of some sort. I might still be getting the hang of it, but trust me when I tell you, the last thing I'm doing is complaining.

AUSSIE! AUSSIE! AUSSIE!