Tag: Boston

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!

Hannah C: Wicked Proud To Be A Terrier

I’ll just go ahead and let you know—being a student in Boston is wicked pissah. (Translation: really awesome.) Any Bostonian will tell you that, and I surely won’t be the last. If you’re exploring the COM website as I did a year ago, looking for more insight into BU, there’s a few things you should know about what sets BU apart from the rest. First and foremost, BU is located in the heart of the city known not only for its latest World Series win, but also for its reputation as a hub for higher education.

Earning a degree in Bean Town means being in the company of more than two hundred fifty thousand other students.  That’s something only Boston students can say about the city we call our second home. Boston is so widely populated with college students that it has been aptly dubbed America’s College Town.

Living and learning in a college town makes it possible to meet people from a variety of backgrounds. As a freshman new to college and to the city of Boston, I feel so lucky to spend time discovering what makes the city so unique while also finding common interests with students from all over the country and the world.

So far, during my first year, I’ve learned the meanings of New England phrases such as “wicked pissah” and the correct pronunciation of “clam chowder.” (It’s chow-dah). I’ve had the chance to get to know Boston and its residents when I interviewed them for articles for The Daily Free Press, BU’s student independent newspaper.

And at BU, I’ve met people from as close as my own hometown in New Jersey to as far as China, where my roommate calls home. My experiences meeting people at BU and throughout Boston have allowed me meaningful conversations with people I’d never had the opportunity to know otherwise.

Although I’m only one eighth of the way through college, I’ve had countless new encounters with people throughout the city, at BU, and from a dozen neighboring schools. And after countless introductions, I can sincerely attest to the unique pride that comes with the privilege of saying, “I go to Boston University.”

Kate: How To Dress for the Boston Winter

I have a morning ritual that includes checking my Weather Channel app from the warmth and coziness of my bed.  After a morning delay on campus because of Winter Storm Janis and a few texts from family members reminding me to wear a hat, I was a little nervous to see what today would bring.  High of 8 degrees with the windchill in the double digit negatives.  Woof.  While I love Boston, my answer for the tried and true question "What's your least favorite thing about BU?" is the cold.

In the past, I always traded practicality for dressing cute (i.e. the time I wore cropped pants and loafers when the high was 3 degrees).  However, now that I'm a senior, I've accepted that dressing warm is only thing to get me through the below freezing, snowy, blistery, icy weather that comes with a Northeast winter.  And here are my four rules for survival.

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Rule #1: Invest in a long coat.  I came to college with one of those michelin man, short North Face down coats without a hood and that was potentially the biggest mistake of my young college career.  Not only did I often come home with snow-soaked hair but the wind always found a way to blow up my back which was just not appealing.  Christmas of my sophomore year, I invested in the longer version above and have never looked back.  Pick one with a detachable hood and maybe even a fashionable little waist tie and you'll be happy as a clam.

Rule #2: You can never have enough scarves.  I'm a scarf horder. You can't really see it in this picture but I am currently wearing a massive, knit infinity scarf that has been my life saver in Boston.  Sometimes I walk around with it wrapped over my head and around my face and let me tell you, it is very warm.

Rule #3: Wool socks are back in style.  Freshman year, my dad bought me wool socks and I scoffed.  Three years later, I'm biting my tongue.  I even purchased these J.Crew Camp Socks in every color during an after Christmas sale.  Warmth is always stylish.

Rule: #4: Snow boots are a must.  After three years of pretending that my leather riding boots would get me through winter (shocker...they don't), I finally bought a Northeastern favorite, L.L. Bean Duck Boots, seen here.  I am in love. They are great for snow, rain, and ice and keep me from wiping out on slick spots down Comm Ave.

And there you have it folks. Don't end up like me, spending your first time three years as an icicle.  Practical is always fashionable.

Tiffany: ‘Tis the Season

As the semester winds down, most students are preoccupied with final exams, projects, and papers and often forget how beautiful the city of Boston is during this time of year. Although academic assignments are of the utmost importance, take some time to explore and cherish the city during the holiday season. Here are some of my favorite places to visit and activities to do in Boston during the month of December:

Ice Skate on Frog Pond

When the air gets cold enough, Frog Pond in Boston Common freezes over and is open to the public for free skate. For $5 you can spend the afternoon skating around with your friends in the middle of the Commons and experience the park in a whole new way.

Faneuil Hall

This historical landmark is beautiful at this time of year as it’s lit up with lights and holiday decorations. Enjoy the festive scenery and grab a bite to eat at Quincy Market.

Boston Ballet Nutcracker

Performed at the Boston Opera House, the Boston Ballet’s annual production of the Nutcracker is always a treat!

Downtown Crossing Holiday Market

Explore the Downtown Crossing Holiday Market and you’ll find local artists and designers selling everything from crafts, jewelry, to holiday decorations and treats. You might also find Santa Claus roaming around the market as well!

Best of luck wrapping up the academic semester and happy holidays, everyone!

 

Tiffany: Fusion Practice Makes Perfect

Although midterm season was full of hectic and busy days, the hard work does not stop at the end of midterms. Right as my midterms wrapped up, my dance team, Fusion Hip Hop Dance Troupe, kicked it into high gear to prepare to debut our new set. Each semester, my dance team produces a new set that includes 5 to 6 pieces, which typically takes us nearly the first 2 months of the semester to prepare and to become stage ready.

But despite the craziness and stress that comes along with putting our new set together, it is always so rewarding to finally perform the final product on stage. This week is our final week of preparation before we debut on Friday night and will be full of long nights of rehearsal. I actually, strangely enough, look forward to this ‘hell week’ because it usually brings our team closer together. The endless nights of rehearsal all throughout the week force our team to collectively work together as a team to push each other to our own personal best that allows for us to be the best possible team we can be. Looking back to my freshman year, ‘hell week’ was what truly made me realize that I had joined the right student organization on campus that gave me a sense of family here at BU. At rather large universities like BU, student organizations are the perfect way to make a big ocean seem like a small pond where the water is shallow and safe. Each semester’s Fusion ‘hell week’ takes me back to my freshman year where after much adjustment, I truly felt at home in Boston and at BU.

Wish me luck at Fusion’s first big performance of the semester and more updates about Fusion and other happenings of my final year here at BU soon!

 

Alexa: Five Reasons Why I Love Fall

Coming from California, I have become accustomed to two seasons…

1. Summer

2. Not summer.

Luckily, moving to Boston, I have been able to experience the four wonderful seasons, fall being one of my favorites. Here are five reasons why I adore the fall season.

  1. Pumpkins. From carving pumpkins to drinking pumpkin spice lattes, I love that fall gives me a legitimate reason to want to go to the pumpkin patch and order pumpkin infused drinks even though I just had coffee two hours before.
  2. Foliage. For parent’s weekend my dad flew out and we drove out to Vermont and Maine where we were able to catch the last of the fall foliage. Seeing the changing colors of the leaves may sound boring but it is actually breathtaking.
  3. Changing Colors at BU. BU in the fall time is a magical thing. Actually, I’m pretty sure if I visited BU during the fall during my senior year I would have applied early decision instead of regular. The warm weather, plus seeing the leaves fall is too lovely for words.
  4. End of baseball. Beginning of football. While I love baseball, as a Dodger fan, I am always ready to put the mediocre season behind me and look forward to the boys of fall. Disclaimer: I am a Raiders fan, so there’s not that much to look forward to, but still the thought is nice.
  5. Weather. I have to say that the weather during the fall is probably the best out of the year. While it might rain once or twice the weather usually stays in the mid 60-degree range and it’s the perfect time to explore the beautiful city of Boston.

I love fall, but the good news is that when the leaves fall and the weather gets cooler and the Raiders start losing more games that means Winter is coming, and the holiday season in Boston is not one to miss.

 

Dany: Music, Concerts, and Shows, Oh My!

Hey guys! Hope your semester is going well. I know we’re reaching that midway point where everything starts to pile on and get really stressful. So what’s keeping me going these days? Well I’ll tell you. One of my favorite things about Boston is the incredible music scene. So many fantastic bands and artists come through here and I love going to shows and checking out new venues. The promise of seeing my favorite band is an incredible motivation to keep going during this time of the year. Here a few upcoming concerts in the Boston area that I’m looking forward to.

Freelance Whales - November 3 @ Paradise Rock Club

This is literally one of my favorite bands. They’re not too well-known but I highly recommend checking them out. Anyone heard of Darren Criss? His brother Chuck is in this band! They were here last November too and I met him after the show. Cool guy. They just released their second album a few weeks back which I was able to download for free when I bought my ticket to this show. Listen to “Hannah” and “Starring” and “Generator (Second Floor)” to get you started. You’ll love them.

The Script - November 9 @ Agganis Arena

A little more mainstream and right at home! I work at Agganis as a Guest Services Representative so I’ll actually be getting paid to watch this concert. Gotta love those perks. The couple songs I have from them I absolutely love and I hear they are fantastic live. So if any of you guys are going, I’ll be working the floor and you should definitely come say hi!

Motion City Soundtrack - November 9 @ Paradise Rock Club

Oh this band reminds me of high school. Their album “Even If It Kills Me” was played nonstop for a good four months during junior year. It drove everyone crazy but this is one of those throwback bands that I still love to go see. They just have a very distinct style. I’m not as crazy about their newer stuff than their old albums but I love them just the same. Unfortunately, it’s the same night as The Script (and right next door too!). I’ve seen them before though so no harm done. So if you guys are looking for something to do that weekend, look no further than West Campus!

Of Monsters and Men - November 19 @ Orpheum Theater

I fell in love with this band over the summer. Just so refreshingly different from the indie/rock genre. This band is really picking up speed. Orpheum is a really nice theater right next to Boston Common. I saw Snow Patrol (with Ed Sheeran opening!) there back in April. When I heard that’s where they would be playing, I got really excited cause they definitely have the talent to sell it out. I still haven’t bought my tickets yet for this but I’m dying to go. Check out “Little Talks” and “King and Lionheart”. My personal favorites.

The Killers - December 17 @ Agganis Arena

Another concert I will get paid to watch. I’ve been listening and loving them for years, and I’m so stoked to work this event. I’ll still be here for finals so if anyone of you are in the area, don’t miss out. It’s really going to be a fantastic show. If anyone can deliver an unforgettable modern rock concert, it’s The Killers.

So there you have it! A little something to keep you going in these next few weeks. At the very least, you have some awesome new music to check out. If anyone knows any other shows coming up, let me know. I’m always down to check out new artists. And if you ever see me rocking out at any of these, come join me!

 

Sarah: A Boston Halloween

There is no place like New England in the fall. The air becomes a bit cooler, the trees change color and you’ve survived your first round of midterms. But most importantly, Halloween is approaching – and there is no place like Boston for Halloween. Here are some of my picks for the best Halloween activities in the Greater Boston Area.

Coolidge Corner Theatre’s Halloween Line Up

Every Bostonian’s favorite independent movie theater celebrates Halloween by screening old horror movies throughout the month of October. Enjoy the romanticism of an old theater while watching The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2, Poltergeist and The Exorcist, just to name a few. What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? screened on Halloween night will top off the month of horror.

ImprovBoston’s Horror Show

Who says Halloween can’t be funny? This year, ImprovBoston presents their 10th Annual Halloween Horror show. This year’s show is a musical comedy titled “28 Days Latte.” The story follows a group hipsters and senior citizens as they barricade themselves in a coffee shop during the zombie apocalypse. What could be better? There are only ten shows this year, so order your (student-discounted) ticket soon!

Pumpkin Palooza

If you’re feeling both creative and charitable, consider painting and donating pumpkins with BU’s Community Service Center this month. Stop by the BU Beach on Friday, October 19th from 11am-3pm to carve and paint a pumpkin. The CSC will donate the pumpkins to local shelters, hospitals and group homes to decorate for the Halloween season.

Salem, MA

Nothing puts me in the Halloween spirit quite like walking through downtown Salem during the month of October. Note that this is a place, not an event. That is because there are too many ghost walks, haunted tours, festivals and expos to name. Be sure to do some research beforehand – not all haunted houses are created equally. There are enough street performers and people dressed in elaborate costumes to make just walking around an entertaining experience. Salem is just a thirty-minute train ride from North Station – perfect for a day trip. Take a trip with some friends during an upcoming weekend. Or if you’re feeling super adventurous, check it out on Halloween night.

Rocky Horror Picture – AMC Boston Commons

For the past 28 years, the “Full Body Cast” of Boston has performed The Rocky Horror Picture Show every Saturday at midnight in Harvard Square. This year, although the location has changed to AMC Boston Common, the tradition lives on. As you might imagine, Halloween is a pretty big occasion for the cast. In addition to the usual Saturday show, the cast will perform on the Friday before Halloween and on Halloween night. You haven’t experienced The Rocky Horror Picture Show until you’ve seen it live!

 

Kate: 5 Boston Hot Spots to Hit in Your First Week

I know your first week at school is going to be insane so maybe tackle these in your first month but here are some of my favorite Boston places:

1. Shop on Newbury. One of the best shopping strips in the country, Newbury Street is just a 15 minute walk from campus.  With everything from Forever 21 to Burberry, more fro-yo places than I can count and some of Boston’s best restaurants, it’s a great place for a little retail therapy and some delicious food.

2. Hang out in Boston Common. You may have heard that Boston gets a little chilly in the winter so the Common should be one of your first stops.  I’m the kind of person who could spend a whole day on a bench people watching but if you’re not into that, you can also take a Swan Boat tour, wander the Public Garden or walk the Freedom Trail, which begins in the Common (however, that’s a favorite of Mom and Dad so maybe wait until Parent’s Weekend to take that 3 mile trek).

3. Explore Faneuil Hall. A historic marketplace near the waterfront, Faneuil Hall is an outdoor marketplace with tourist-y stores and lots of restaurants.  More shopping and eating, seeing a trend here?  They do have one of my favorite stores in the city though- Christmas in Boston where you can buy cheesy holiday decorations all year round.

4. Hit the Beach at Revere. Who knew there was a beach only a short T ride away? Not this girl until it was too late so I am letting you know now.  Take the Blue Line to the end and its less than a five minute walk to a day of fun in the sun.

5. Dinner in the North End. New York has Little Italy.  Where I’m from in St. Louis, we have The Hill.  In Boston, we have the North End. It even smells like Italian when you walk onto Hanover Street.  One of my favorites is The Daily Catch where they serve your pasta in the pan it was cooked in and you drink your water out of paper Dixie cup.  And of course, a cannoli from Mike’s Pastry is to. die. for.

Since I won’t be in Boston to welcome you all to college, I hope you have a FANTASTIC first semester and I will see y’all in the spring!