As I’m well in to my last semester of my senior year, I’ve started to reflect on my entire college experience. Being a transfer student, my experience might be somewhat a-typical. Two schools, two orientations, two different cities to explore, and two great groups of friends and tons of awesome professors who have helped shaped my life to what it is today. But the one thing that, when I look back I wish I did more of, was to document this entire experience.
Don’t get me wrong I have just as many Instagram pics of the Pru at sunset, Fenway Park in the summer, or the Common in the Fall as you do – but those aren’t the things you’ll need help remembering. What about the night before that snow day when you and your roommates decided to dance around in your PJ’s to pop hits circa 2002 while baking cookies and drinking hot chocolate until approximately 4am? Or the time the Red Sox won the World Series and you ran down to Kenmore Square to scream and celebrate with the rest of this awesome city? Or that time your club did something super cool like a big performance or created something cool or WHATEVER. The point is, these are the experience that you can only ever have in college – right now where you are.
As we’re getting all caught up in this exam and that class and that project and whatever roommate who you’re fighting with this week, we forget to appreciate this time and this experience.
So basically what I’m getting at is, take more pictures, videos, and even screenshot those hilarious Tweets you may want to look back on someday. 30 years from now you’re not going to want to remember the exam you took on February 12th for the psychology class you needed to graduate, but you’ll probably want to remember how you celebrated after.
Tom: The Power of iCloud Calendars
Hi all!
Hope your semester and winter has been off to a great start (don’t let the snow get you down!). My semester has been off to a racing start following my auditions at the start of this semester, and I’ve already felt the excitement setting in. However, although exciting, a busy schedule can sometimes cause your stress levels to rise.
I’ve been living relatively stress free at the start of this semester by making use of my iCloud Calendar. If you are someone who has a plethora of Mac products, such as a Macbook and an iPhone, I strongly recommend calibrating your iCloud Calendar.
iCloud allows you to link your computer and phone calendars so that you have a consistent calendar on the go. Sitting with your MacBook answering emails and need to add in an appointment for next week? Just pop it in your MacBook iCal and it also pops up instantly on your phone. Want to add an appointment on-the-go? Pop it in your phone calendar and it will show up on your iCal.
I have found this technique of scheduling and managing deadlines key to living this busy semester stressfree. I am happily getting the opportunity to act in three shows in my last semester, which has been overwhelming, but I am so glad to be able to manage it all. Huzzah for technology!
Alexa: Why You Should Live On Campus
It’s February, meaning it’s wicked cold in Boston and if you live on campus it’s time to pay your housing deposit! I’ve chosen to live on campus all four years and while there are benefits to living off-campus, here are five reasons I’ve chosen to stay on.
1. Easy transition coming back from abroad
It was nice being abroad and not having to worry about subletting an apartment or finding a place to live for the semester that I got back. All I had to do was pay my housing deposit at the end of the semester and I got my first choice when I came back in the Spring, (hello Stuvi 1).
2. Convenient Location
Even though I’ve chosen to live in West, which is about a 15 minute walk to COM, it’s nice living on campus and still having that close proximity to the gym and Agganis Arena.
3. No-Stress
If our sink breaks, Boston University maintenance will come and fix it. It’s nice not having to worry about calling a plumber or having to pay out of pocket for any type of maintenance.
4. Safety
While sometimes living on campus can be more expensive then living off, it gives my parents peace of mind knowing I have security at my doorstep.
5. The View
The view from my window is of the Charles River and the Boston Skyline, it literally could not get any better than that. I actually have to control myself to not Instagram a photo of it everyday, you’re welcome everyone. I don’t know when I’ll be able to live in a high-rise apartment overlooking the Charles river again, so I figure I might as well take advantage of it now.
Tyler: I Swear It Wasn’t Like This Before
When I got off the plane from London at Logan Airport two months ago, I gleefully welcomed the frigid weather. It was unbearable and exposure to the wind caused concerning pain to my face and hands, but it confirmed that I was home.
Don’t get me wrong — spending the fall semester studying abroad in England was the greatest thing I’ve ever done. And that was exactly the problem. I didn’t want to leave at all, but I’d accomplished my academic and research goals and completely run out of money. So, I had come to accept that it was time to get back to campus where I can focus more directly on working toward a career without being distracted by travel, a different social dynamic, and the whimsy of simply being elsewhere.
I take it back. I’d become accustomed to such a routine lifestyle of extremes in London. My time was spent in lengthy periods of either sitting quietly and nervously in a massive historical library or taking taxis, buses, trains, and planes to the new coolest place I’d ever been in my life. Classes ran once or twice a week. The weather was a comfortable, albeit often rainy, 50 degrees every single day. Plane tickets cost $40. I could drink legally!
Nothing feels right in Boston — the city in which I’ve lived practically all my life. I’m no longer on a cultural crash course disguised as a vacation. It’s not easy realizing that what I learn and accomplish in the next year very much decides how I spend the rest of my life. It’s not easy reverting to prudent financial habits. Fortunately, friends and family remain constant regardless of where I spend my time, and returning to those at home has certainly helped me realize what, or who, truly drives me to achieve my goals.
Jason: Countdown to the Finish!
It may be snowy here in Boston, but things are heating up for me at BU! As I mentioned in previous post this is my last semester-- so anyone who knows of any job openings... Just kidding. But I've started to solidify my post college plans and so far things are looking pretty good.
Right now the most exciting thing in the way of what I'll be doing after BU is my recent acceptance for an internship at CBS News! I still don't know my placement in the big world of CBS but it's still very exciting to have been offered this opportunity.
This semester I'm going a little out of my comfort zone and taking a couple business classes. One class, TV to Tablets, focuses on how the television and film industries are using new media to promote their products. The second class, Media Entrepreneurship is very unique class. I'll actually be creating a business plan and a pitch that could turn into a real business!
For now I'll end with a little self promotion. If you're interested in some of the work I've been doing check out my new website, jasonkashdan.com. Comment at the end of this post if you guys have any feedback. I'd love to hear it!
Thanks and stay tuned for more later in the semester! And as always make sure you're checking up for the newest episode of COMlife.
Hannah H: The Boston Bucket List
Over the past few weeks I’ve received some great news that is really going to impact my time at BU next year. My best friend (and sometimes my greatest nemesis) is moving to Boston this summer. My older sister, Madison, is graduating from college this June and then she’ll be headed my way to take on Boston with me.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from her impending arrival, it’s how much I still have to do here in Boston. She’s constantly rattling off ‘we should try this’ or ‘let’s do that when I get there.’ It’s like she’s more familiar with the city than I am lately. For this reason, I’m really making an effort to get out into the city this semester, take the time to familiarize myself with the areas I don’t spend as much time in, and branch out.
An aide to this exploration is actually my Production 1 class. All Film and TV students have 4 required courses: Production 1, Understanding TV, Understanding Film and Screenwriting. Production 1 familiarizes students with different equipment and editing software. Another aspect of the class is filming 3 different ‘short film’ projects over the semester. While it’s a lot of work outside the classroom, it’s also a great excuse to get off campus and into Boston. I’m only three weeks in and I’ve already had so much fun going into the north end and over to the financial district to scout locations for my projects. It’s also helping me find a few things I’m excited to try with Maddie when she arrives too.
While she still doesn’t understand that an apartment in the north end isn’t in walking distance to my classes on campus or that the t is our public transportation system not just a letter in the alphabet, she’s still teaching me a lesson or two. It’s going to be hard to sacrifice some of my binge-TV time (which I’m sure she indulges in just as much as I do) but I’m excited to dive into our little, (or not so little) Boston Bucket List together.
Lauren: Confessions of an A Cappella Girl
Remember that scene in the movie "Pitch Perfect" when the a cappella groups were performing in a huge competition on a national stage with awesome choreography and exciting songs?
That's going to happen this Saturday at BU. I repeat THIS SATURDAY.
And I'll be there. But I won't just be attending. I'll actually be singing and dancing on stage with the 13 other amazingly talented girls in my a cappella group. We've spent the last few weeks practicing our set list and we're beyond excited to be competing against some of the best a cappella group in the New England area.
It's been a long road to the quarterfinals. We first had to submit a 10-minute video to show off our group's performance style and musically ability. Once we were accepted, we were beyond excited. After hours of arranging songs, teaching music and learning choreography, we finally feel ready to show the crowd, and the judge, what we're made of.
To be honest, this journey to the ICCAs has taught me a few important lesson:
1. Leader by Example
As music director, I've found that the best way to motivate the members of my group and get them excited is to be excited. I always try to have a positive attitude because it rubs off on people. If you're respectful toward others and work together with your group, they will emulate your behavior! Nothing speaks louder than how you act, what you do and how your treat other people.
2. Be Realistic, But Never Lower Your Expectations
Everyone needs a break sometimes. I can't have my group rehearse for 7 hours straight, so I try to think realistically about what we can accomplish with the time we have together. But that doesn't mean I lower my expectations. I still expect the girls to work hard and take rehearsal seriously. I still expect us to sound fantastic and look like we're having fun. I know that a cappella is not our entire life, but I still want us to be proud of what we look and sound like when we sing on stage. I try to push the members of my group to be better, and I'm always pleasantly surprised by how they rise to the occasion.
3. Never Shy Away from a Challenge
The ICCAs are in no way "mandatory" for any group, and it requires a lot of time and effort. Many groups choose not to participate because of the stress and pressure. But sometimes, the most difficult and time-consuming challenges can be the most rewarding. Having this opportunity has not only brought our group together and made us closer, but it has also helped myself, and the other members of my a cappella group, grow as leaders. Plus, we can say we performed at the ICCAs. How cool is that?
Personally, what I'm the most excited about is getting the chance to watch several groups rock it on stage. While the road to ICCAs has been anything but easy, I'm proud to have the opportunity to work hard alongside my best friends.
Maria: Eat Your Way Through Boston
If you know me well, you know that I love food. I love making food, I love reading about food, but most importantly, I love eating food. Good thing for all foodies in Beantown, Boston has amazing places to eat, making it impossible to go hungry here. Whether you’re visiting BU and COM on a perspective student tour or you’re moving here, it’s good to know of some food options, because let’s face it – meals are the most important part of any day.
Eating out at restaurants can add up quickly, especially for a broke college student like myself. But when it’s a birthday, family or friends to come to visit, or you feel like splurging, it’s nice to explore new restaurants that may be on the more pricey side. Here are my favorite restaurants in Boston that are on both sides of the price spectrum (don’t worry, it’s nothing too expensive!).
Breakfast (a.k.a. my favorite meal of the day)
On the less expensive side: @Union, 174 Harvard Ave.
@Union is a small restaurant a few blocks west from BU’s West Campus. They serve breakfast all day, which is a plus for those who sleep until really late in the day, as well as lunch and dinner. All of the prices are extremely reasonable especially for the quality and quantity of the food of your meal. My suggestion: build-your-own omelet.
On the more expensive side: Stephanie’s, Newbury St.
Unfortunately Stephanie’s only serves brunch on the weekends, but it’s worth a trip. With its delicious food and decadent drinks, the menu goes beyond the typical scrambled eggs or plain French toast, also offering lunch options. And for those of you 21+, they have a huge check-list of what you’d like in a bloody Mary, with anything from shrimp to expensive vodka. My suggestion: pulled pork scramble.
Lunch
On the less expensive side: Scoozi Boston (580 Commonwealth Ave.) or Scoozi Newbury (237 Newbury St.)
Scoozi is a great option for lunch, offering anything from paninis and pizza to steak and seafood – and it’s not too pricey. Choose from either its location on Newbury Street if you’re out shopping for the day of its Kenmore location if you’re on campus looking for a change in pace from the dining hall. My suggestion: steak tips panini.
On the more expensive side: Union Oyster House, 41 Union St.
The longest continuing-running restaurant in the country, Union Oyster House is a quaint oyster house located along the Freedom Trail, making it a perfect pitstop if you’re walking along the trail. You can sense how fresh the food is there by the jumbo lobster tank placed right in the front of the restaurant. Try to sit in the famous booth, where President JFK’s booth “The Kennedy Booth” sits on the top level of the old oyster house. My suggestion: any of the oysters or lobster salad roll.
Dinner
On the less expensive side: Al Dente, 109 Salem St.
If you love food and you’re in Boston, you need to visit the North End. On a budget? Al Dente is a great place to stop in for dinner. You can’t go wrong with any of the delicious (and homemade!) pasta dishes. Make sure to bring an appetite, as all of the portions will fill you right up. My suggestion: gnocchi al dente.
On the more expensive side: Eastern Standard, 528 Commonwealth Ave.
Located near Scoozi Boston, Eastern Standard is a favorite steakhouse among BU students and their families. With everything from gourmet grilled cheese (I kid you not) to porterhouse, there’s something for everyone at Eastern Standard. My suggestion: seared Scottish salmon or grilled flat iron steak.
Hopefully my suggestions will serve as a helpful guide of where to eat when you’re eating out in Boston. If none of these restaurants suit your needs, you can look at Boston Magazine’s website with different restaurant suggestions. Enjoy!
Julianna: Venturing Out
Well, it’s happening. I am in the second semester of my senior year. As expected there are a lot of emotions going on at this time –– a sense of “calm before the storm” before job applications and graduation roll in. Then there are serious bouts of nostalgia –– remember that time during sophomore year when we saw Chairlift at Brighton Music Hall or all the fun, bizarre nights we had on 11C? Above all, I am motivated to do and see as much of the Boston area before the semester runs out. Luckily, I have a lot of free time (the first semester ever since coming to BU). Some of my must-do’s are to check out Inman Square in Cambridge, spend a leisurely afternoon at the MFA and go to Howl at the Moon with my friends.
On a recent Sunday my friend and I explored Davis Square in Somerville, which is the second-to-last stop on the Red Line before Alewife. I pretty much adore the Red Line because it runs through my favorite spots in Cambridge: Kendall, Central and Harvard Squares. I have heard a lot buzz about Davis Square (and Somerville overall) for some time in terms of it’s eclectic dining options and growing “hipsterism.” We walked along Elm Street and browsed through racks at Buffalo Exchange and other clothing stores. Then we left the square and strolled along College Avenue to get a look at Tufts University. Since it was a frigid day we decided against going onto Tufts campus, and instead headed back to Davis Square to Diesel Cafe. This is the best cafe that I have been to in a while. First of all, Diesel was packed with people –– local students hovering over books and laptops, young families pushing strollers and groups of friends stuffed into four-person booths. Diesel has pool tables, a photo booth (which seemed to be out-of-order) and two, open-air rooms. We each ordered the "Monkey Wrench," which had turkey, avocado, cheddar cheese, greens and other fixings on a baguette. I also sipped from a mug of perfectly spicy chai tea latte. We ended our afternoon in Davis Square without any knowledge of a Winter Vintage Market that occurred that very day at the Arts Armory. Of course, we can look forward to the springtime for the reappearance of markets (outdoor!) in the Boston area.
Will: Managing Your Priorities
Alright, guys, here’s the thing.
College is all about setting priorities. Some nights, you’re gonna sit down in front of your computer and know that there is absolutely no way you’re going to get everything done. That’s just how it goes. So it comes down to being able to make a responsible decision on the things that are more important on that particular night.
The fact of the matter is, before you do literally anything, it’s crucial that you ask yourself if what you’re doing is important to your progression as a student. For example, choosing to watch Spring Breakers instead of studying for an exam wouldn’t be such a terrible decision on, say, a Saturday morning. However, choosing to watch Spring Breakers instead of studying for an exam the night before the actual exam..... not great. Not. Great.
The same goes with extracurriculars. Sometimes your studies will get in the way of your extracurriculars, and it is up to you to recognize when and how to adapt. Luckily, COM is a very experienceoriented learning atmosphere. Many of your professors and peers will encourage you to get out and get active with your passions and endeavors. And sometimes classes and your extracurriculars may work well together, such as when you need somebody to write a profile about or a subject for a short film.
COM, in short, is a melting pot of passion and education. And the priorities that come along with it usually fall right into place.