Grace: Going Greek – Thoughts on Greek Life and How to Decide it’s Right for You

Hey guys!! Grace here for my first COM blog post. As formal sorority recruitment is right around the corner, greek life at BU has been on my mind a lot. As a sophomore looking back on my freshman year at BU, I remember wondering if going Greek was something I would enjoy. Would I find real friends? Would I be too busy to join other clubs? Would it be worth the money? Hopefully, this post will help you decide if rushing a fraternity or sorority is right for you.

Freshman Grace didn’t realize that leaving all her childhood friends behind and moving to a big campus would be a hard transition. Before coming to BU, I never really thought I’d go Greek. While I made some amazing friends through my dorm and classes, I yearned for the type of supportive community I had back in high school. It wasn’t until after going through recruitment that I found my family away from home: Kappa Delta.

Going through recruitment is a scary and exciting process: everyone is equally nervous about meeting new people, and everyone walks away from the weekend with new friends. My biggest piece of advice for recruitment is to go in with an open mind. For both guys and girls, this means giving every wonderfully unique chapter at BU a fair chance – you just might be surprised with who you click with.

For those of you who do decide to join Greek life, congratulations! Your choice will impact you not only during your college years, but also for the rest of your life (and that isn’t scary!!!). Becoming a Kappa Delta has helped me grow as a student, a friend, and an individual. Through KD, I’ve learned a lot about friendship, time commitment, and opportunity. The girls who I now call my sisters are the kind of people who will study with you in Mugar until 3 am (although this isn’t advised…) and spontaneously take a trip to New York City with me on a whim.

It’s also important to note that Greek life is a lifestyle choice and that it isn’t for everyone. Some of my best friends on campus are girls and guys who got involved on campus in other ways. Joining a chapter carries responsibilities and obligations, and you have to be dedicated to your chapter once you join. If you decide Greek life isn’t right for you, get involved with clubs or sports teams on campus – try joining Model UN, the Quidditch team, or the Daily Free Press. There are plenty of ways to get involved on campus and make friends, so don’t feel like going Greek is the only way to stay social in college.

BU is home to a plethora of people who come from a diversity of backgrounds and interests; there are so many ways to make BU your home away from home. Best of luck you social butterflies!

Sophia: Valentine’s Day deals for the cheap, single folk at BU

The best part of Valentine’s Day is the obnoxious (and amazing) amount of discounted food and crazy, silly events available for the young and in love.

Except this year, you can get all these amazing perks by having a healthy sense of humor and love for yourself, your friends, and free food.

Here are some super cool (and cheap) things for you and your gals to do on V-Day this year in Boston. Love yourself, ladies.

1) Want free Mexican food? Buy a burrito and then share a totally platonic kiss in Qdoba to get a second one for free. Sounds like a sweet deal to me.

2) Grab a friend and head over to Faneuil Hall for some churros and chocolate. For just $10, Taza will give you and your gal pal a hot coco and churro each. LITERALLY what more could you want?!

3) MODERN LOVE! Okay, this event is already sold out so I feel bad mentioning it here, but this event is going to be BANGING. Us COM people can appreciate New York Times “Modern Love” editor Daniel Jones orchestrating a night of laughs, storytelling and love right here in Boston. Give me a sec while I geek out.

4) Explore the MFA. Yeah yeah yeah, this one is totally obvious and you might have to endure loving couples interrupting you and your gal pals’ artistic ponderings, but it’s no secret that your BU I.D. gets you a free pass into this great place. Instead of falling in love with someone else, fall in love with the amazing art and history that this beautiful museum holds.

5) Check out some old schools flicks at the Brattle movie theater in Cambridge. Couples get to choose between classics like Casablanca and the Princess Bride to enjoy on the big screen.

6) This one make me so happy, yet also reminds me of my struggles in AP U.S. History junior year of high school. It’s actually a little bit on the pricey side, but for $60 a couple can go to a live read-aloud of all of John and Abigail Adams’ letters sent to each other during their 50 years of marriage. Both Abigail and John were known for their romantic prose, so this event set in their hometown is great for both the literature and history geek in all of us. Usually events put on by the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum cost around $40 a person, so comparatively this Valentine’s day deal is a steal!


7) Salem’s Anti-Valentine Tour is always a huge hit, and it's also where you’ll be finding me and my gal pals this Valentine’s day. Take a train outside of Boston to enjoy a spooky retelling of all the love stories of Massachusetts gone wrongs. Hear about the horrific doings of murderous husbands, scorned wives and dark, dreadful relationships. Definitely a funky twist on this loving holiday.

Jen: Heartwarming Movies for Valentine’s Day

February 14th is right around the corner! This day may either bring your joy or dread. Now, if you’re going to be celebrating this day with someone you love, there is nothing better to do than get in your comfiest clothing, order take-out from your favorite restaurant (or Dominos, because hello, dining points!), and stay inside and watch a movie! I am here to help you pick the best movie to watch with whomever you’re spending Valentine’s Day with, so you don’t have to spend thirty minutes scrolling through your Netflix account trying to find the right movie for that special Tuesday night. Here is my what-to-watch guide!

What to watch with…

  • Your significant other: Brooklyn (2015)

I saw Brooklyn last year and let me tell you, I’ve never “awwww’d” as much  during one movie as I did in this one. Saoirse Ronan plays Ellis, a young woman travelling from a small village in Ireland, to New York in search of a better life and opportunity during the 1950s. In New York, she meets Tony (Emory Cohen) at a dance hall. The moment that the camera first meets Tony, scanning Ellis from across the room with a smile that can grow The Grinch’s heart two sizes too big, I knew that I wasn’t leaving the theater without a dry eye and warm heart (and a clean shirt, as it was at  this point in the night that I dropped my taco on my white t-shirt).

Other Suggestions: Notting Hill (1999), About Time (2015), An American in Paris (1951)

  • Your friends: Troop Beverly Hills (1989)

There are many movies that I will fight and root for, Troop Beverly Hills is one of them. Shelley Long plays Phyllis Neffler, a Beverly Hills housewife, who becomes the troop leader of her daughter’s Wilderness Girls’ troop. Phyllis teaches her daughter, the other wilderness girls and everyone who had doubted her that being different will always do you better in the long run than conforming to other people’s ideas of what you should be. This movie has heart, girl power, comedy and the best song about cookies that I have ever heard.

Other Suggestions: Heavyweights (1995), Daisies (1966), The First Wives Club (1996)

  • Your Parents: 20th Century Women (2016)

Mike Mills wants you to appreciate your parents. Coming off of Beginners, he released 20th Century Women, which is about the life of Dorothea Fields, played expertly by Annette Bening, and the women she surrounded herself with to help her navigate life in 1979 Santa Barbara. Mills also shows Dorothea trying to raise her son Jamie, in a new era of America. This film is Mills’ love letter to his mother, giving appreciation to how hard it is for a single mother to raise and understand her teenage son. Watching this movie will make anyone want to call their parents (and then listen to Talking Heads’ “The Big Country” over and over again).

Other Suggestions: Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016), Life Animated (2016), Lion (2016)

Now, I understand some people don’t like Valentine's Day and may not want to watch any movie about love, romance, etc., so do not fret! I have some suggestions for you too!

  • What to watch for people who don’t want to watch something about love on Valentine's Day: In The Loop (2009)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VDc7-YH1LA

From the creator of Veep, Armando Iannucci’s film shows the behind the scenes action of government offices in the United States and the United Kingdom when the two countries are deciding whether to go to war in the Middle East, or not. In The Loop is a cleverly written comedy that seems almost too real to be true. The best performance comes from the vulgar Peter Capaldi. This film is equal parts ridiculous and relevant. There is no doubt you will be using Capalidi’s catchphrases in your daily speak after watching this.

Other Suggestions: Picnic at Hanging Rock (1972), What Ever Happened to Baby Jane (1962), Hot Fuzz (2007)

Hali: Official Brunch List

After a long week of West Burgers and Loose Leafs salads, there’s nothing better than splurging on some weekend eats. That’s why Saturday morning means one thing to me: brunch. My obsession with brunch is a fundamental part of my life. It’s about so much more than just the food; it’s about gathering with friends, traveling into the city, and enjoying a meal together. After surviving a long, hard week, there's nothing better than treating myself to some stuffed french toast with a side of bacon. Here’s my official list of brunch recommendations for every occasion, every neighborhood, and every budget.

Union

(174 Harvard Avenue, Allston) 

Union is the most convenient and most affordable brunch option I’ve found around BU. Located on Harvard Avenue in Allston, this is the best option for anyone who lives in West Campus. I live in 1047, and it takes me less than ten minutes to get there. My favorite part of the menu is the impressive selection of flavored iced coffees.

The Friendly Toast

(1 Kendall Square, Cambridge; 35 Stanhope Street, Back Bay)

A wonderful thing about The Friendly Toast is that they have two locations. The best perk, however, is their late night hours. The Back Bay location is open until 3 AM! Ever find yourself craving french toast in the middle of the night? Your wishes will soon be fulfilled.

Cafeteria

(279 Newbury Street, Back Bay)

A brunch list wouldn’t be complete without at least one Newbury Street location. Cafeteria is my favorite. Located about a block away from the Hynes Convention Center T stop, this place is super easy to find. I can also say from experience that I’ve never had more than a ten minute wait at Cafeteria, so it’s a perfect option if you’re feeling spontaneous! It’s also great if you want to spend the rest of your afternoon shopping on Newbury Street.

Cafe Luna

(403 Massachusetts Avenue, Central Square)

Cafe Luna is, without a doubt, my FAVORITE PLACE IN THE CITY OF BOSTON. You have to see their menu to believe it. Their dessert-like waffles take brunch to a whole new level (the strawberry and Nutella option changed my life for the better). Pro tip: make reservations! If you show up to Cafe Luna at noon on a Saturday, you’ll surely have to wait at least two hours. Plan ahead.

Tatte

(1003 Beacon Street, Brookline) 

Last but not least, an honorable mention is awarded to Tatte. Tatte will always have a special place in my heart thanks to the summer I spent living in South Campus. It feels like a two-minute walk from campus, which is how I ended up eating practically every meal at this cozy spot. The best part is that they serve brunch ALL DAY Friday through Sunday. Perfect for when you’re craving brunch food but still want to sleep in until the afternoon.

My personal brunch list goes on forever. If for some reason this intricate guide does not suit your needs, feel free to reach out to me for more options! May the comforting thought of Saturday’s brunch reservations help you survive the hectic week ahead.

Sam: On-campus vs. Off: A Housing Battle

Living on campus certainly has its perks—you’re closer to classes, have easy access to the dining halls and you’re surrounded by your peers aka potential new friends. But moving off campus provides you with something we all came to college looking for…freedom!! Freedom to blast your music without the fear of getting written up, to cook whatever you're craving for dinner and to have as many guests as you want without having to fill out a three day pass. But there’s more to it than just food and friends, so which housing option is superior?

Being that it is the time of the year when you must decide whether you want to take your chances with the BU housing lottery or hunt down a realtor to help you find your perfect apartment, I put on and off-campus living in a head to head battle to see which one is better.

FOOD:
Cooking off-campus is fun because you’re free to exercise your inner Ina Garten and make whichever delicious creations you crave. That is, fun until you run out of food and have to make a meal out of bell peppers, peanut butter and flavor blasted gold fish. Being sans dining hall means sometimes you’ll eat anything to avoid going back outside to Star Market.

When you live on campus (and have a dining plan), all the prepping, cooking and cleaning up is done for you. That sounds like a dream come true, except, how many days a week can you eat dining hall rotisserie chicken before wishing you could cook your own meal?

RA’s:
Resident Assistants are a great resource to reach out to if you need help with something, and they can definitely make you feel more secure when living on campus. Also, when else in your adult life will you be able to borrow a key when you lock yourself out, get a leak fixed or have someone change your lightbulb with such ease? 

However, life without an RA means you don’t have to be quiet after a designated hour (except if you have moody neighbors, then you should be quiet) and allows you to live out your adult life with all of the freedom you desire. That means coffee makers, toasters and candles galore! 

BATHROOMS:
There is really no way to sugar coat sharing a bathroom with a floor full of girls and boys. People are gross, you can’t deny it. The only good things that come out of a shared bathroom experience are the pleasantries you exchange with someone who has the same bathroom schedule as you (potential new friend!) and the blessing that you never have to clean it yourself.

Unless your roommates are truly foul, which you can avoid by a) living with people who are not foul or b) having a discussion about being less foul, sharing a bathroom with a handful of roommates is a breeze. Nothing is better than throwing away your shower shoes from Warren Towers and never turning back.

It’s pretty hard to choose which housing option comes out on top, but in the end it depends on what matters to you most and what you’re willing to sacrifice when staying on, or moving off campus (I miss you dining hall apple crisp). I call this one a tie.

Laura: My Favorite Eating Experiences So Far in Boston

Hello fellow foodies! One of my favorite things to do when settling in to a new place is to seek out all the best food places. In the beginning of my first semester I did the traditional freshman thing and stuck to my meal plan, making trips to the dining hall three times a day. Though, towards the end I could not deny that one of the best things about being in the heart of Boston is the food! These are some of my favorite food experiences in Boston so far:

 

Pure Cold Press: Living in West Campus makes a walk to the adorable town of Brookline extremely convenient. Brookline has a nice hometown feel with a lot of families always walking around. Pure Cold Press is home of the best Açaí bowls in Boston and the customer service is exceptional. “Cold press” as it is commonly known, is also a great spot to hangout and get homework done. My personal favorite thing to order is an egg and cheese sandwich with avocado.

Bay State Dining Hall: The most beautiful dining hall in all of the land. Can I one day be as pretty as this dining hall? Thanks. It is also known as Yawkey or Marciano Commons and is located on East Campus and undeniably has the best food and layout. The omelet bar is worth the long line and you have to check out the vegan chicken nuggets. My favorite thing about “Bae” State is the cookies and I always have to grab a few on my way out.

Mamaleh’s: Located in Cambridge by MIT’s campus, Mamaleh’s is a retro spin on your favorite Jewish deli. If you’re in need of comfort food and missing your Grandma, Mamaleh’s is the place for you. I am often on the hunt for the best chocolate milkshake in the world and Mamaleh’s milkshake is definitely a contender. I recommend ordering “The Rachel” a spin on the classic pastrami sandwich that I was raised on.

Angora: Angora forever has my heart. It often goes unnoticed because it is placed next to one of the hottest spots on West Campus, T. Anthony’s Pizzeria. I constantly crave an Angora salad that contains all the toppings I could imagine. If you don’t want a salad or Panini you can stop by to eat the delicious froyo that has MIXED IN toppings! I always make sure to order the chocolate froyo with oreos mixed in.

Dig Inn: If you love Sweet Green you must try Dig Inn! I love stopping here after a day well spent studying at the Boston Public Library in Copley Square. When it is warmer it is a great spot to sit outside and enjoy a healthy meal with your friends. Here, you can create a warm bowl including a base, two vegetables and a protein. The brussel sprouts and sweet potato vegetable combination is the bomb.

Some definite honorable mentions are Loose Leafs in the George Sherman Union, Stephanie’s on Newbury, Emack and Bolio’s ice cream, Nud Pob for pad thai and Pavement or Blue State for coffee.


Food is a great way to come together with your friends and explore the city of Boston! I can't wait for all the meals these next four years.

Frank: This Isn’t How I Remember It…: Video Game, Mashups, and I

Oh gee, oh my, it’s time for my first blog post! Hello my dudes, I’m Frank Hernandez—WTBU DJ, COM Ambassador, and a guy just trying his best! Today I’d like to share with you guys a story about one of my favorite hobbies: video games. Man, how I love my video games! They’ve been with me ever since I was a little kid. As a matter of fact, my earliest memory is me sitting in the living room playing GameCube with my dad! Ah… Now those were the good times…

But, here’s the thing. Ever since I came to BU, video games and I have taken a long and uncertain break. We felt like the long distance thing wasn’t going to work out... They’re back home, I’m in Boston, we just thought a break would be beneficial to both of us. However, that doesn’t mean I don’t think about them every single day. I always find myself humming the songs to my favorite games, especially between classes.

One day while walking down Commonwealth Avenue, I remembered this one song from my favorite game growing up: Super Mario Sunshine. I was immediately filled with nostalgia, so I searched the song on YouTube, put on my headphones, and tapped on the first result. The childhood memories came rushing in as the classic Mario tune began ringing in my ears. But suddenly, the song changed on me. What was once a classic Mario song turned into something completely different. It wasn’t Mario anymore… It was All-Star by Smash Mouth. Now, to be completely honest, I unironically love All-Star so the music change wasn’t unwelcome. However, I know for a fact that All-Star definitely wasn’t in Super Mario Sunshine, so what was I listening to?

What I was listening to at that moment was a SiIvaGunner rip. SiIvaGunner is a YouTube channel that uploads video game mashups with the pretense of being the actual song that plays in the game. He does this so that unassuming people that want to hear the actual song get a pleasant (and sometimes not so pleasant) surprise. His work is amazing and I recommend that everybody that likes video game music (or just music in general!) give his channel a quick listen!

To get you started, I’ll leave you with 5 of my favorite SiIvaGunner tracks! Hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

1. A Secret Course – Super Mario Sunshine

2. Gerudo Valley – The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

3. Yogurt Yard – Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land

4. Main Theme – Wii Shop Channel

5. Dire, Dire Docks (OST Version) – Super Mario 64

Laurel: A Guide to Navigating the Historic, Ever Trendy, Beacon Hill

Beacon Hill is perhaps the most history entangled one-stop-shop Boston has to offer. With its prime location surrounded by the Boston Common, Massachusetts State House, and the Charles River Esplanade, there is no better place to spend your day.

One of Boston’s most historic neighborhoods, Beacon Hill houses about 10,000 of Boston’s finest among the luxurious, aesthetically pleasing, quaint brownstone setting. Filled with rich history and just steps away from the heart of the bustling downtown, Beacon Hill has become an oasis for the local, the tourist, and the resident.

You don’t need to study the history books to learn the context behind the cobblestone alleyways or who designed the English style brick buildings. Rather, take a stroll up and down the streets to read the history plaques for yourself. When you’re there, you may come across anything from Mount Vernon housing six of Boston’s most prominent citizens way back in 1795 to a few of the first free-standing mansions that housed some of the most famous revolutionaries throughout the century.

Tour the State House, walk the streets, or play in the park. Afterward, meander along Charles Street to fully experience the charm and delight for yourself.

First, take a stroll through the tiny yet charming Deluca’s Market. Go in the summer months to find cute flowers lining the sidewalk or pop in during the winter to browse the character-rich aisles.

Keep your head on a swivel as you continue walking through the blocks. On your way, you will find some of Boston’s best cuisine. Try The Paramount for the best comfort and breakfast food all day long. If you are looking for some pizza, try Figs or pop in three doors down to The Upper Crust. (Maybe you have a pizza showdown with all your COM friends!) If you are in need of a classy brunch stop or a romantic dinner, try Beacon Hill Bristo or wander into one of the endless amounts of Italian restaurants ranging from casual to gourmet.

Whatever you do, do not forget to stop by Tatte Bakery for the best vanilla latte, pastries and brunch to propel you into a life of bliss. The owner designs each Boston location down to the tile on the floor. When it comes to Tatte, the line is indicative of the quality—worth the wait.

When your tummy is full, Beacon Hill still entertains. Walk around and find alleyways such as Acorn Street for the perfect photo opt to capture your aesthetic. Explore the beauty and get lost in the cobblestone.

Don’t be afraid to stop into the shops. The boutiques carry anything from home decor to casual clothing, even pure cashmere! There will always be something for everyone. Find your dog a cute new leash or leave with a pair of skis from the local ski shop. Keep walking to find the classic J.P. Licks for some ice cream and cross on over to the esplanade or work your way back to the park. Either way, Beacon Hill is a great way to spend a day. Relax, walk around, read through the history and discover the best qualities (both touristy and not) that Beacon Hill has to offer.

Lauren F: Music and Journalism Are Not Mutually Exclusive, and I’m Living Proof

Welcome to my first blog post of the semester! My name is Lauren Frias, and I'm a freshman in the College of Communication at BU studying journalism. I'm currently serving as the Catalyst associate features editor for the Daily Free Press, the independent newspaper on campus. I'm also a production assistant and reporter for BUTV10's On That Point, an award-winning news station at BU.

Because of my pretty heavy involvement in the world of journalism, I always get a shocked glance from others when I tell them I'm a part of the marching band, as if it's something that they never would peg me to do. Granted, it could also be due to a lack of familiarity, but, to me, I feel like I identify as much of a musician as I do a journalist. While I may not be a music major/minor or have vast musical knowledge, a bar of music is just as important to me as a byline.

I started learning how to play piano when I was seven years old, taking lessons with a nun who played the organ at my local church. From then on, I was the opening performer in our annual recitals, as well as various school performances. I even performed with a jazz ensemble playing jazz piano (which, in my opinion, was more difficult than any original classical pieces I learned to play). Apart from being a pianist, I also played percussion since I was in the fifth grade, participating in symphonic band, orchestra, and--my favorite of the three--marching band, which I still do here at BU.

My appreciation for the arts gave me some perspective on what kind of stories I had a preference for covering. For the FreeP specifically, I covered events such as the pirate (yes, pirate) ballet, Le Corsaire, and Ace Plays Orchestra, a concert featuring an electric guitar at the forefront of a traditional orchestra (I linked my stories because self-promotion is a shameless activity).

Because BU offered me opportunities such as FreeP and the BU Marching Band, I'm able to simultaneously explore my passions, just as I did in high school. Obviously not to the same extent because of the more strenuous school and work schedule, but still existent nonetheless. And I hope other students follow suit--continue to pursue your side passions apart from your actual major! Even if it doesn't do anything to aid you academically or professionally, it's all about making the most of your college experience while you're still here. While I will continue to despise the constant rush to get from band rehearsal to an event that I'm covering, I wouldn't have it any other way.

 

Emily: Animals Make Everything Better

As a new semester rolls around, there are so many things to look forward to. A new set of classes, opportunities to meet new people, and another chance to have an amazing time at BU with your friends! However, there is the homework issue. If you’re anything like me, the second I see my blackboard fill up with assignments, an instant feeling of dread fills my body. The only thing that can pull me out of a homework induced funk? Animal Instagrams. Some may call it procrastination, but I could spend hours fawning over adorable animal pictures and videos. So without further ado, here are my all time favorite animal instagrams that cheer me up when I’m drowning in work (or on any day, really).

1. @pleasantcats

Featuring a variety of different breeds, pleasant cats is the purrrfect instagram for a cat lover! As the handle suggests, the account features the cutest cats (and sometimes dogs) on insta, and they always give picture creds, which helps you find more furry friends! As my friends will attest, I have spent an inordinate amount of time squealing over these pictures.

2. @juniperfoxx

If you are looking to tap into your ~wild~ side, then juniper the fox is just for you! This account follows juniper, a domestic fox, and all of her adventures. This account is all adventures- whether it is a walk through the woods, curling up to her owner in bed, or flirting with the other animals in the house, Juniper is always up to something. Lucky for us, her antics are caught on camera!

3. @mensweardog

As its bio claims, menswear dog is the “most stylish dog in the world”, and I could not agree more. Not only is menswear dog a shiba inu (my fav breed), but he is impossibly stylish. Menswear dog would never be caught dead wearing out of season fashion, and I’m always eager to see his next ensemble. I’d especially recommend this to all of my fashionistas and dog lovers out there.

4. @pitterpatterfurryfeet

If you love animals and beautiful photography, @pitterpatterfurryfeet is the account for you. Run by two professional photographers, the account always manages to capture its subjects, Alice, Finnegan, and Oliver, in adorable poses (and with beautiful lighting). This is also the account for someone that likes both cats and dogs, as Alice and Finnegan are Siberian Lynx and Oliver is a Havanese. This honestly is the most aesthetically pleasing animal account that I have found, which makes it easy (almost too easy) to scroll down the feed for hours.

5. @lordhamiltonofficial

For anyone looking to branch out beyond cats and dogs, @lordhamiltonoffical is a great introduction into the farm life. Lord Hamilton is an adorable pig that dedicates his time to make others smile while working as a therapy animal.  Every picture features Lord Hamilton’s signature snout and smile, and it never fails to put me in a good mood.

6. @nevillejacobs

For those of you who keep up with celebrities, you may recognize this famous pet’s last name. Neville Jacobs, pet of Marc Jacobs, lives a more luxurious life than the average dog… or person. When he’s not cuddling with his fashion icon father, Neville can be seen by the pool, taking a glamorous headshot, or hanging with his crew of famous pups (and even sometimes a Kardashian). If you’re like me and like to live vicariously through celebrities, this account is too tempting not to follow!