Hey COM students!
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.

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

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

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...








Hali: Hali’s Favorite Coffee Shops
Hello, fellow COM student!
True fans will remember that one year ago, I posted my list of favorite brunch spots in Boston. While I don’t have time to eat as much brunch these days, I still make time for coffee. As a self-proclaimed coffee connoisseur, I’ve been to my fair share of Boston coffee shops. The best thing about going out for coffee is that it can be as productive (or not) as you want it to be. In typically Hali fashion, here is a list of the best coffeeshops to spend an entire Sunday afternoon writing that WR150 paper that’s due next week!
Tatte
Don’t fool yourself and assume that my list is in no particular order. Well, after this one, it is in no particular order. But Tatte belongs at the top. Why, you ask? It’s because, in short, Tatte Cafe and Bakery is my happy place. Where else can you get the most caffeinated cold brew you’ve ever had and pair it with a pastry, a sandwich, or - if you’re feeling crazy - CHEESECAKE? I would like to point out a few things that make Tatte the best coffee shop around. First, you have a million options. Tatte just opened brand new locations in Back Bay and Fenway, and they’re located in just about every other neighborhood of Boston and Cambridge as well. Second, there is nothing in the world that’s better than Tatte’s almond croissant. Trust.

Barrington Coffee Roasting Company
Talk about a cool, calm, collected aesthetic, am I right? This one’s a little out of the way, but hey! If it’s the weekend, you were probably going to Newbury Street anyway, right? Make a quick stop here between all the shopping to get a little work done. Barrington makes my list because while all of these coffee shops have great vibes, Barrington probably has the best actual coffee. Drink up, and study up.

Pavement
I’ll be completely honest, I am listing Pavement out of sheer obligation! Just kidding, kind of. I am actually listing Pavement because if I go one week without a Sunrise on a multigrain everything bagel, I suffer from serious withdrawal symptoms! All jokes aside, Pavement is one of the best coffee shops in Boston, and their location is so convenient for BU students. PRO-TIP: the Fenway location (located on Boylston) is 100% the superior Pavement! It’s only a five minute walk from the one on campus, and it’s worth the extra steps to have a better chance of finding a table.

Blue State
Blue State will always have a place in my heart. I will always associate remember it as the closest place to my freshman year dorm in Claflin Hall where I could actually get good coffee. Blue State makes my list because of their expansive menu. From cold brew to tea to smoothies, they’ve got it all. They're also open until 10 PM, so stay as late as you'd like.

I’ll keep my list short to make your coffee-shop decision easier. If you’d like a more extensive selection, feel free to give me a call. Next time you’re craving something a little more chic than your caramel iced coffee from Dunkin, give one of these spots a try!
Morgan L: A Love Letter to the Dining Hall

I always say that my favorite place to be in Massachusetts is in Boston University’s dining halls. Most people are convinced that I am kidding, or maybe have never tasted food at an authentic dining establishment, but the truth is, I genuinely love the dining hall.
My question is: What’s not to like? The dining hall is essentially a buffet offered to you every meal of the day, and every single day of the week. Sounds like a dream come true to me!
In my mind, all three dining halls possess distinctly different personalities with my favorite being Marciano Commons. Although Warren and West also check off everything on my list for things I desire from a dining hall, including good food and a kind staff, Bay State does it all with a little extra charm.
Let me start off with the food. Yes, I admit, I have not had the best meal of my life while on Commonwealth Avenue, but I do admire the dining hall’s consistency. I can always find a dish that catches my interest, and if not, I make a stop at the trusty sandwich station. To make things even better, the dining hall’s special events are something to look forward to. I’m that girl that puts the Visiting Chef Series and Lobster Night in their planner. It would also be a fairly good guess to assume that I would celebrate National Chocolate Cake Day or National Clam Chowder Day at the two-story cafeteria. Food is what makes events special, and BU Dining Services understands that.
The dining hall isn’t only a place to get food, it is the ideal study place. There are a variety of comfortable seating options, many of which have easily accessible outlets. Food is always readily available, and if you’re a snacker like me, you can pick at some cereal of goldfish throughout your stay. A small tip is that you can stay there all day, and eat all three meals for the cost of one swipe. It is not rare to catch me working on my COM papers at a booth in Bay State with a stack of plates piling up beside me.
Sure, the dining hall could get better noodles, a wider variety of fruits, or cook their rice so that it’s not still hard, (and if your reading this BU Dining Services, please do!) but overall, I have never walked out of 100 Bay State Road unsatisfied. If it wasn’t clear, I love the dining hall—why wouldn’t you?
Geneve: 5 Signs You’re a True Bostonian
I feel like I can adequately call myself a “city girl now” I’ll be honest; when I first moved to Boston from my hometown of Boise, Idaho (which is tiny, mind you), I had no idea if I would adjust to the city life. I definitely had a bit of culture shock initially. But, as my first semester unfolded, I checked off places on my “Places to See” list, I slowly gained the Bostonian status. Here are 5 signs that you have, too.
- You no longer have to check the T maps to know what stop is next on the Green Line Inbound.
Kenmore, Hynes, Copley, Arlington, Boylston, then Park Street. After you take the T enough times, you’ll start to know exactly what stop you’re getting off at and not have to consistently stand next to the map or check the LED sign religiously. An extra bonus: you can give people directions if they look lost! (Also, @MBTA, when are you going to fix the fact that you can’t change directions at Copley and have to go all the way to Arlington?)
Next stop: Boylston. No smoking, please.
2) City Target becomes more impractical than fun.
Now, no hate, because the City Target is the bomb.com, but it’s the worst feeling when you realize you forgot to grab something on the third floor and are heading to the checkout on the second floor. Tip: section off your shopping list by floor so you don’t have to go back to the third floor a second time!
Moment of appreciation for the beautiful lights and luxurious apartment buildings on the way from the BU Campus to Target, though.
3) Jaywalking at Kenmore Square does not phase you.
Crossing the street when the light is actually green? What’s that? Besides mumbling “hit me, I dare you” under your breath half-jokingly, you’ll start to realize that it’s completely irrational to wait to cross because there can either be so much traffic that it is standstill, or no cars at all.
STILL LOOK BEFORE YOU CROSS THOUGH. Both ways, twice! Safety is #1.
4) You begin to venture outside of the city during the weekend.
Obviously, living in Boston is amazing. But eventually, you’ll branch out and explore places outside of Boston– in close proximity like Cambridge or Somerville, and a bit further, like Salem or the Cape. And lucky for us, MBTA offer direct transportation to places like Newburyport and Salem, so there’s almost no excuse to get out of the immediate Boston area.
Make sure you book bus or train tickets in advance if you are planning on going somewhere during three day weekends! Prices may skyrocket.
5) You never leave for the day without packing an umbrella or rain jacket.
Boston can always be unexpectedly hit with downpours, and you don’t want to be left unprepared and drenched on your walk from class to class. Rain jackets are awesome if you don’t want the bulk of an umbrella and take up barely any space in your bag when folded up. However, if you want more full coverage from the rain without wearing a hood, an umbrella is your best option! Lots of stores sell smaller, compact umbrellas perfect for college students!
So, do you think you’ve met the criteria for being a true Bostonian?
If so, congrats! And hey, if not quite yet, no worries. You still got a few years to go, so what’s the rush?
Laura: Balancing Act
A month into my New Year’s Resolution and I can say I am not doing too hot.
What is this 2018 Resolution you ask? Not the basic ideas like drink more water, exercise frequently, or be better at saving money, but rather…
To stop getting stressed out.
If you are anything like me (neat freak, planner obsessed, calendar is color coded, etc) you might think this is an impossible goal. I just can’t help it! When I have an overwhelming schedule I immediately result to blurting out “I’M SO STRESSED!"
I think getting caught up in the college moment is almost too easy. With class all day, an internship, trying to hangout with friends, catching up on This is Us and getting sleep it can be impossible to find time to breathe.
Here is my pledge that I will actually try to be less stressed so here are some ideas on how we can all prevent and reduce stress:
- Meditating in the morning
This doesn’t need to take too much time it can just be taking some nice deep breaths before leaving your room for the day and giving yourself positive thoughts.
- Drinking tea before bed
My favorite is the honey lavender “Stress Relief” tea from the brand Yogi.
- Getting the proper amount of sleep
I try and get 8 hours of sleep every night by using the bedtime section on the clock app on my phone. I can set when I want to go to bed and wake up and it will remind me 15 minutes before to go to bed. I can also track my sleep to make sure I am staying well rested to avoid feeling run down and sick.
- Acknowledging that you’re stressed and taking a break
If you take a minute to realize you’re stressed, what needs to get done and then take a small break before you do it, it might be more effective. Sometimes I need a quick break before I can sit down to do all my work.
We’re all in stress together! Get those deep breaths going with me and we can definitely make it through this semester.
Stephen: Lesser Known Gems Throughout Boston
When I arrived on campus for orientation this past summer, it was the first time in many years that I had spent more than a day in Boston. Now, as a second semester freshman, I’ve been in the city for months enjoying what it has to offer. From great food to exciting activities, there are endless numbers of things that can be done here. For me, however, one of my favorite activities is finding new places to take photos.
Maddie: The Beauty of Your Typical COM Schedule

Frank: Four of the Worst Tracks of 2017
2017 was... a time. A lot of things happened. We made some friends. We learned a couple of new things. We had some fun. We also listened to a lot of songs— many of them so overplayed, and so downright terrible they deserve to be buried for eternity and never brought back. Here’s some songs that should definitely stay in 2017.
Imagine Dragons: Believer
I’ll be the first to admit it: Imagine Dragons has some legit bangers. Demons and Radioactive are mighty good tracks. But Believer is not a banger; it’s absolutely not a banger at all. This song is bottom of the barrel, generic trash. I honestly cannot stand this song— it’s grating, it’s annoying, and it’s still being played in Jeep car commercials 10 months after its release.
Lil Pump: Gucci Gang
A chorus can make or break a song. But sometimes, like in the case of Gucci Gang, it can utterly and fundamentally destroy it. Pump says ‘Gucci Gang’ a total of 53 times in this song. 53. Let that sink in. That’s 52 more times anybody should say the words “Gucci” and “Gang” together in a sentence. Yet, everybody went with it. Everywhere you’d go those two words would follow. Gucci. Gang. Gucci. Gang. Make it stop.
Ed Sheeran: Shape of You
Genius describes this song as an island-tinged smash. I say it’s more of an island-tinged limp, a stagger from beginning to end. Sheeran’s unmotivated singing makes for an uninteresting listening. Pair that with an irritating and incessant marimba and you’ve got yourself an incredibly annoying song. If just hearing the song doesn’t make you wanna hate it, listen to one of the millions of parodies it got. Oh, you’ll hate it then. You’ll despise it.
Katy Perry: Bon appétit
Bon appétit is probably one of the most monotonous and boring songs I’ve heard all year. It’s filled to the brim with innuendos that only immature middle school students can appreciate. The chorus is grating, the beat is wack, everything is wrong. Not even Migos could save this one. More like Bon no thank you pls.
Now this list, sure isn’t comprehensive. I’m pretty sure some even more terrible tracks flew under my radar. But you know what? Some pretty good music also got released in 2017! And if you’re one of those people that like good music, why not tune into WTBU Radio? WTBU is BU’s very own college radio station, broadcasting from 6am to 2am! WTBU’s got a show for every genre out there, from alternative and indie to jazz and ska. Tune in at wtburadio.org or download the WTBU app!