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!



Jess: What Your Major at BU says about You

By: Jess So

For worse or for better, college stereotypes exist for a reason. From the big-time finance athlete that rides a scooter to class to the anti-social physics kid that has an undeniable love for numbers and velocity. Coming from the college of communications, you’ll experience your fair share of COM majors that all fall on a spectrum from the hippie film connoisseur up until the cool sorority girl studying PR. Boston University may seem huge from the outside, but the community is much smaller than you would expect - and the likelihood you will run into one of these characters on campus is extremely high. So if you were wondering what someone’s major says about them, keep reading. 

 

COM - Film and TV 

These kids all have a favorite movie in mind that they’ve prepared to share before even applying to college. It is most likely La La Land, Interstellar, Pulp Fiction, Forrest Gump, or some Orson Welles movie. They know how to rent and use equipment from Film Production Studios (FPS), so if you need advice they are your people. The typical film major will talk about their projects for Prod 1 or Prod 2 and walk around COM with an entire setup. Then you’ll find yourself in the middle of their shoot, walking away awkwardly as their camera points straight to the entrance of the building. Great people, nonetheless. Go-getters, friendly, and proud geeks in their own right. 

 

COM - Advertising 

Consists of around 80% girls. These are the kids that wanted to go to COM but just did not know what major to take up. Film is way too niche for them, Journalism has too much writing, PR feels unfamiliar, and Media Science has the word science in it - Advertising it is. These students also fall on a spectrum. Anything from Adobe God to a studious project manager with a stick up their behind. For context, I fall on the latter end of this spectrum. 

 

COM - Journalism 

These kids know almost everything and anything about reporting and giving interviews. If you get stopped on the street for an interview by a kid with a notebook and a pen, they are a journalism student. The line of students in this major vary - anything from the geeky freshmen passionate about the press with a knack for writing all the way to the second semester journalism senior applying for a job in business. Honestly, real. 

 

CAS - Computer Science 

I have to give homage to my little CS freaks all the way in the College of Arts and Sciences. As someone pursuing a dual degree in advertising and CS, I’ve met my fair share of unique personalities. And CS is no exception. Everything you already know about computer science students is true. Everything. They are extremely introverted, they wear glasses, and they prefer to sit alone during class. Be wary of the ones that look like they live in a cave, because they may smell like they do too. All that said, this is definitely a community built on “shared trauma”. The few friends I have in CS are incredibly helpful and will make an effort to lend a hand if your code is stuck somewhere or your web app doesn’t want to run. The professors here are not BU’s best (unfortunately), so the students really stick together to help each other get through the horrid theoretical math problems that are the stuff of nightmares. They seem antisocial and weird from the get go, but are ultimately really solid people. 

 

CAS - Psychology 

Ah, the psychology majors—BU’s unofficial therapists and overthinkers. These students can and will psychoanalyze you, whether you ask for it or not. They memorize the mbti personality test and are also pretty familiar with the world of astrology. They probably got into the major because they were either obsessed with Criminal Minds in high school or they went through a personal crisis and decided to "figure people out" (spoiler: they’re still working on it).

 

ENG - Engineering (any engineering student)

Engineering students at BU are a special breed. They walk among us, but they do so with their head buried in a math problem or their mind stuck in an overwhelming existential crisis of imposter syndrome. You’ll recognize them by their constant state of exhaustion, their TI-84 calculators permanently attached to their hands, and the distinct atmosphere they carry of having been humbled by physics one too many times. You’ll hear them muttering things like “I should have been a business major” or “Maybe I should switch to COM” while staring blankly at their laptop. 

 

QST - Business 

These are the kids that walk around in full on suits while carrying a black briefcase. You can spot them a mile away: Apple Watch on their wrist, Patagonia vest (or Lululemon quarter-zip) on their back, and a LinkedIn page that’s more polished than their GPA. By freshman year, these kids already have more than 500 connections on LinkedIn and a full blown internship waiting for them. Questrom students love to grind, but they also love to flex. The Questrom spectrum falls anywhere from the Finance bro always talking about how they want to rush the next frat or the ‘I Just Want a Degree’ kid that’s taking business because it’s said to bring a decent salary but isn’t as hard as any of the STEM majors. 

 

At the end of the day, regardless of what major you choose to pursue, your BU experience will be filled with a mix of personalities that can be both chaotic and exciting. Whether you're debating film theories in COM, suffering through problem sets in ENG, or networking your way through Questrom, there’s a place for everyone. Of course, these are all just fun generalizations I’ve learned throughout the years of being at BU, and not everyone fits into their major’s mold so take this with a grain of salt. But if nothing else, this should help you navigate the wonders and quirks of the BU community. So next time you’re walking down Comm Ave, take a look around and you’ll be able to spot these faces in action. 



Emily: Four digital tools for journalism students

The journalism profession is constantly changing these days. How do you harness the power of AI while maintaining journalistic integrity? How do you best showcase your work to potential editors or employers? How do you come up with ideas? 

1. Otter.ai

This is every journalist’s dream application. If you aren’t already familiar, Otter.ai will transcribe any and all of your interviews, allowing you to draw information, find the best quotes, and highlight relevant parts of your transcript. The software has built-in AI that you can ask questions regarding the interview, if that’s your speed. Otter’s base plan is free, and allows you to record 30-minute conversations. You get 300 minutes of transcription for free per month.  

2. Journoportfolio

Early in the journalism major, your professors will encourage you to create a digital portfolio that will showcase your work. For journalists, I’ve found the web platform Journoportfolio to be the easiest way to create a website. On the platform, you can input any of your clips, which will show up as clickable widgets on your page. There are plenty of easy ways to embed photography, video, and social media clips, as well. The basic plan is free, but for many, the affordable paid version will allow you to input as many clips as you need.    

3. Social media 

For a long time, journalists turned to Twitter to gain readership. Of course, the social media landscape is changing, but it may be worthwhile to have a professional page where you can reach out to sources and promote your work. Plus, you can often find story ideas from social media — whether checking Reddit pages to see what young people in various communities are talking about, Facebook groups to get to know a new community you’re covering, or the latest TikTok trend. 

4. Turn to your community

Sometimes, the best way to come up with story ideas is to sit down with peers and talk through various topics. If you aren’t sure where to start, check out this digital card deck that my best friend created last semester through a directed study project). Talking with other journalists about what they’re covering or anything they’re noticing can be a great way to consider your own beat. 



Michaela: How to Recreate The Holdovers Winter Boston Trip

“I want to go to Boston. Boston. Why? I want a real christmas. I wanna go ice skating…” 

The Holdovers, the 2023 Academy Award nomination for Best Picture, follows a cranky professor at a New England prep school who stays on campus to watch students who have nowhere to go for winter break. Throughout his time at the desolate school, the professor forms an unlikely bond with a troubled student, and the school’s head cook. The cook and professor decide to celebrate Christmas by bringing the student to Boston, for the climax of the movie. The movie reveals some unseen but beautiful spots in Boston, and here's how to find them.

Brattle Book Shop:

Right in Downtown Crossing, Brattle Book Shop features an indoor selection of three floors full of vintage books, while their outdoor section full of $5-$1 clearance books is what they are most known for. I recently visited Brattle Book Shop, and loved their selection of vintage magazines, and the adorable space outside full of books.

Pleasant Cafe:

Found in Roslindale, Pleasant Cafe is a historical family run cafe most known for their neon signs and leather booth seats. My roommate (who grew up in Boston) has always loved this cafe and was so excited to see it in the movie. She instantly recognized it, and personally recommended their pizza.

Orpheum Theatre:

The Orpheum Theatre (previously the Boston Music Hall) is one of the oldest theaters in the United States, built in 1852. Old taxis were delivered outside the hall just for the movie, attempting to recreate the 1970s. The theater is still actively used today, and open to the public.

 

The Holdovers is just one of many movies set in Massachusetts, which showcases some otherwise unseen beautiful places to visit in Boston. I recommend watching some other Boston based movies and seeing what locations you can pick out!

 

Kenna: First Boston Winter? Look no further than CA Kenna’s tips on how to brave the cold!

When I told friends and family I was heading to Boston University, their first reaction was: “How on earth are you going to survive the cold?” Coming from California, where winters barely require more than a light jacket, I thought, How bad could it be? Spoiler: Boston winters are no joke. California doesn’t even make jackets equipped for East Coast winters.
Now, with two Boston winters under my belt, I’d like to think I’ve mastered the art of surviving (and thriving) in the cold. Here are my go-to tips for braving the winter—and keeping seasonal depression at bay.

Layer Up
Layering is key to surviving the unpredictable weather at BU. Back in California, I’d toss on a jacket and call it a day. But in Boston, you’ll experience everything from freezing outdoor winds to intense indoor heating, sometimes within the same hour.
My personal layering formula? Start with a Uniqlo Heattech shirt, add a cozy sweater, and finish with a puffer jacket. This combo keeps me warm outdoors without overheating once I’m inside. Trust me, layers are your best friend.

Accessorize Smartly
When people warned me about BU’s wind tunnels, I didn’t take them seriously. Big mistake. The wind tunnels—especially near the CDS building and StuVi II—are no joke. To combat the brutal wind chill, invest in winter accessories. A beanie or ear-covering hat and a scarf you can wrap around your neck (or even your whole head) are game-changers. You’ll thank me when your ears and face stay warm walking through those brutal winds.

Keep your hands warm
Cold hands are the worst. If you’re shopping for a winter jacket, make sure it has pockets. If it doesn’t—or even if it does—invest in a solid pair of gloves.
Trust me: by the time you walk to class, your hands will feel frozen and numb if you skip this step. I’m practically begging you—don’t overlook this one.

Don’t let the cold get to you
After three years at BU, I’ve learned that winter is just as much a mental challenge as it is a physical one. Yes, the cold can sap your energy and motivation, but don’t let it stop you.
Find ways to keep yourself active and happy. For me, going to the gym or going for a brisk walk helps beat the winter slump. Whether it’s working out, meeting friends, or finding a cozy coffee shop to study in, do what keeps you energized and happy.

So whether you’re a first-year or a senior, these tips will help you conquer your next Boston winter. With the right mindset and a few essentials, you’ll be ready to face whatever the season throws your way—and maybe even learn to enjoy it.
Bundle up and take on the cold—you’ve got this!