As a college student, I’m always looking for ways to save money. One thing I almost never did in high school that has become a staple for me at BU is thrifting! Thrifting is awesome because it’s cheap and you can get some really awesome, one-of-a-kind pieces from thrift stores. There are some super cool and trendy thrift stores close to the BU campus, so I thought I’d share some of my favorites with you.
1. Urban Renewals: This place is awesome!! They have anything you could ever want, with endless rows of every single article of clothing possible. It’s organized by color, which is super helpful and makes the process a lot easier! Located at 122 Brighton Ave, Boston, MA.
2. Buffalo Exchange: Buffalo Exchange is a bit more pricey than Urban Renewals, but it still has some great options. The choices here are very trendy, and they have everything from clothing to jewelry to shoes to random stuff like pins and notebooks! Located at 180 Harvard Ave, Boston, MA.
3. Goodwill: Goodwill is a great option as it is right here, near the west side of BU’s campus. The store itself is massive, with options ranging from 80s prom gowns to Hawaiian shirts. If you ever need a very specific piece of clothing for an event, this is the place to go to! Located at 965 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA.
4. The Garment District: Ah, the Garment District. This store is a bit farther from campus, in Cambridge, but it has EVERYTHING you could ever want. Literally. This store becomes very popular around the time of Halloween, as they sell a lot of costumes in addition to regular vintage clothing. Located at 200 Broadway, Cambridge, MA.
"I woke up this morning and was immediately greeted with a true rarity: sunshine. Sometimes, Boston winters seem to last forever (shoutout to last week's April snowfall). But there are brighter days ahead, and it’s almost time to trade my vitamin D supplements for some fun in the sun! This upcoming weekend's 60 degree forecasts inspired me to list the things I'm most excited to do when Spring has finally sprung.
1. Check out the art (and food) at SoWa Open Market
When I spent my first summer living in Boston, I went to SoWa nearly every weekend. Located in the gorgeous South End, it’s filled with various artists, vendors, and most importantly, food trucks. Roxy’s Grilled Cheese, anyone?
2. Go for a stroll (and spend a bit too much money) on Newbury Street
This one is an absolute classic. Newbury Street may look beautiful when those trees are covered in snow and Christmas lights, but subzero temperatures don’t make for an ideal shopping experience. When it finally warms up, I can spend hours strolling along Newbury Street with my friends. Don’t forget to take a snack break at Georgetown Cupcake (you deserve it).
3. Visit The Seaport District!
I’ve noticed that this area is severely underappreciated by BU student. I’ll admit that I’m part of the problem! The seaport is a little difficult to get to, but on a nice day you can walk here from Park Street or South Station, and it’s even accessible by the Silver Line if you’re not feeling it. The seaport is beautiful on a summer day, and you can stop by the I.C.A., or even go beyond this district and walk to the Lawn on D!
4. Enjoy a run (or walk, or bike ride, or picnic, etc.) on the Esplanade
Ah yes, save the simplest for last. There isn’t a single excuse to not enjoy the Esplanade. It’s about a thirty second walk from campus, and it’s a great place to exercise, do homework, or just spend time with friends.
The next several Saturdays should be beautiful, so be sure to add a few of these ideas to your weekend to-do list!
As Spring Break comes to a close, and the crippling weight of your postponed responsibilities comes crashing down on your shoulders once again, it’s helpful to pinpoint some things to look forward to for the rest of your semester! So close your eyes, take a deep breath, put your sweatshirt on because this bus is colder than a freakin’ Boston winter and your overhead air conditioning is stuck on full blast, put your earbuds in because you bet that baby will be screaming for the entire ride, and imagine these beautiful BU treasures that await you.
The Friendliest GSU Employee Ever To Exist
Source: Adrianna Diaz/Daily Free Press Staff
The main thing to look forward to upon your return to BU is a smile and a “how are you, my friend?” from the nicest woman alive, who just happens to work as a cashier at the GSU. You can be sure that she will make a friendly joke about whatever food you’re buying, which you will only catch the tail end of because you were struggling to put your ID back in your pocket, you clumsy fool. Then you will bid her a great day because she truly deserves one and you will have seven years’ good luck.
Pavement Coffee House
Source: The Odyssey
Another thing you’ve surely missed over spring break is Pavement Coffee House, the best study spot known to man. Though you haven’t missed doing homework, you know it’ll be so nice to sip your Cinnamon Fig latte and listen to cool alternative playlists while you slave over your reading assignments.
The College Comedy Scene
Source: ME!Source: Danya Trommer
BU’s comedy scene is always something to look forward to! Pictured above are two of the funniest people I have ever met: Fellow CA Hannah Schweitzer (COM ‘21), who performs with BU’s premiere improv troupe Liquid Fun; and Danya Trommer (COM ‘21) who kills at Stand-Up Club! In fact, Hannah will be making her Liquid Fun debut in their show on March 16th, and Danya and I are competing in BU’s Funniest, a stand-up comedy competition that will determine which student will open for the famous comedian who comes to perform at BU! So many things to look forward to!
President Brown’s Rolling Briefcase and Whatever Secrets It May Contain Source: Jessica Rinaldi/Globe Staff
Dolla bills? Spare mustaches? An L.L. Bean Pop Up Shop? The possibilities are endless.
Butv10 Servin’ Up Industry-Standard Realness Source: Cydney Scott
COM is known for providing top-notch resources to its students, including industry standard equipment for students to rent out or use to FILM THEIR OWN TV SHOWS. (I know.) Butv10 is BU’s TV station, and we write and film actual episodes of shows like Bay State, the longest-running college soap opera; Pals & Friends, a sketch comedy show that I write for; and Co-Ed, a mockumentary (comedy) show that I also write for! Hooray!
Squeezing In Time For Einstein’s Bagels Between Classes Source: Unknown but I got it off of the BU Dining page
No line is more worth the wait than the one for Einstein’s Bagels in the CAS basement, which often extends down the entire hallway. But do you know who’s going to wait as long as it takes for a hot bagel and coffee even if it means being 5 minutes late to class? You are. Why? Because you DESERVE that shmear of honey almond cream cheese on a toasted asiago bagel.
Rhett’s Weary But Smiling Face As He Waddles Through The GSU
Source: Kristyn Ulanday
The fabled terrier Rhett is reclusive, but on occasion a few lucky BU students with a keen eye will be able to spot the creature as he is essentially dragged through the GSU link. He’s so tired but so adorable. Will you be the one to offer a nice warm lap for him to nap on? Maybe. Rumor has it that if you let Rhett nap on your lap he will grant you 3 wishes and 40 convenience points. That’s enough for two whole loads of laundry.
New York fashion week has come and gone, but its trends will last forever...or at least for the spring season.
Whether you care about staying on top of the trends or not, we are all sucked into the rabbit hole of the aftermath of fashion weeks around the world. You may think you are being original when you buy 90’s wear at the store, but the only reason it is being sold to begin with is because of the influence of these major designers. It’s a never failing and everlasting marketing mastermind that has been constructed and tailored by the fashion industry.
So, since it’s not going anywhere and we are never going to stop buying clothes why not embrace it? Here are the top trends from fashion week and a guide of how to take the runway and make it wearable. We all know, thanks to celebrities like Lady Gaga and Rhianna, sometimes runway outfits can be a little....out there so I've given you some ideas on how to transform them into your wardrobe.
First things first, gone are the times of your jeans being the dreaded and uncomfortable wardrobe essential and welcome to the bold statement pant. Otherwise known as “fancy pants” quite literally, these are anything from jeans to embroidery, fringe, flare or even ruffles. On the runway, you may find sheer or even two different colored legs and if that is a little too far out of your comfort zone, stores likeAnthropologieandMadewellhave you covered with some spiced up basics.
Moving on we have a personal favorite of mine...pastels. Who doesn’t love a good color scheme and a color coordinated wardrobe? You may laugh now but when you tailor your wardrobe colors to complement each other your outfit possibilities multiply. On the runway, you may find head to toe one solid and baggy pastel ensemble but stores likeAritziaoffer a more refined and sleek look for everyday wear.
Next up we have bright bold and the way to tell when someone over edited their Instagram picture...saturated! This is a fun twist to include in your spring wardrobe and especially as we start itching toward those summer months and beach vacations. What better way to daydream about a tropical oasis then dressing like you’re already on vacation? If allsaturatedisn’t your thing try bold tops with a basic pant or vice versa. If bright is your enemy but you want to stay #hip then opt for a colorful statementjewelrypiece instead.
Finally, one of my personal favorites—fringe! Fringe is the new black if you ask me. Now this one can be done in many ways. Wear it head to toe like the runway models or get a ~fringe-y~ bag or accessories. Either way you’re going to look like the coolest kid on the block!
I've always considered myself to be a bit of a movie nut, and nothing compares to watching film on the big screen. I frequented my hometown theater back in New Jersey so much that they knew me by name, and as soon as I got to Boston I knew I had to find my spot for the next four years. But what I didn't realize was that there are so many different ways to go see movies in Boston. So if you're like me and are sick and tired of watching movies on your tiny laptop screen, here are some different ways to get out and see films in Boston.
If you enjoy the big multiplexes with huge screens, nice chairs, and tons of food options, then you got some options. AMC Loews Boston Common is the biggest theater in town and is located right in downtown Boston. It pretty much shows every big hit thats in theaters at the time so you can always find something to watch. Its also super easy to get to from campus; you just hop on the green line and get off at the Boylston stop and its right across the street. Regal Cinemas Fenway is very similar to AMC only a little smaller, but its within walking distance from BU's campus so its a great spot to go to as well.
Boston is also full of theaters that show independent, international, classic and films. If you're trying to get away from the big blockbuster flicks, these are the spots for you. Check out the Coolidge Corner Theater in Brookline if you want to feel like you literally walked into an old black and white film. The theater has been around since 1933 and has been maintained to look exactly like it did when it first opened for business. They are always showing really interesting selections and do a ton of special screenings for classic movies (just this past year I've seenmidnightspecials of Donnie Darko and The Shining) and host a ton of other unique events. They also have some screening in their main theater on 70mm, which is really cool if your a film geek like I am. If you're feeling like adventuring out of the BU area for a cool showing like this, check out the Brattle Theater in Cambridge, which is a one-screen theater that airs classics and independent movies as well.
If you really don't want to go off-campus to catch a movie (or don't want to pay for one), don't worry, BU can always hook you up. The university occasionally does special screenings for in-theaters movies for free, so make sure you keep a look out for those when they come up. If you're ever free on aFridaynight, you can also go down to Cinematheque, which is a series of screenings, meetings and talks with film-makers that is open for all BU students and totally free. Cinematheque happens every week at640 Commonwealth Ave.
With all the screening going on around the city, you'll never have a night where there isn't something you want to watch in theaters. Happy movie-going!
Hello COM! Hope you’ve all been enjoying this beautiful (yet unexpected) February weather. I’ve lived in Massachusetts my whole life and I’ve never seen weather like this in February, so I’m soaking in as much of the sunshine as humanly possible. I grew up in Framingham, MA which is about 30 minutes west of Boston. Since I’ve lived in the area my whole life, I often try to bring my friends (who are new to Boston) to my favorite parts of Massachusetts. Here are some MUST-SEE places if you’re new to Massachusetts.
Salem, MA:
Salem is accessibly by the Commuter Rail straight from Boston, and it’s home to some of Massachusetts most interesting history. Take a tour of the historical Salem Witch Trials site, or go and see some of the mystical psychics who have settled down in the area. Also, make sure to get a bagel at BAGEL WORLD, a small little joint that I happen to know serves the best bagels on the North Shore.
Canobie Lake Park:
Canobie Lake Park is technically in New Hampshire, but it is a Massachusetts staple nonetheless! The amusement park is home to the Corkscrew Coaster and Untamed for thrill rides, but it also has a water park that is open all summer long. And if you’re in the mood for a heart attack, you can go to the haunted houses that open in October!
Honeypot Hill Orchard:
If you’re going to live in New England, you NEED to go apple picking at least once. Honeypot is in Stow, MA and is open all fall for Apple picking. BU Student Activities usually leads a trip to Honeypot for some time in the fall, so like their Facebook page if you want more information on that!
Provincetown, MA
If you’re in Boston for the warmer months, you have to make your way to this town that is the very tip of Cape Cod. PTown is accessible by ferry from Boston and is home to beautiful beaches, delicious seafood, funny drag shows, and crazy joke shops. It’s Massachusetts’ best summer spot. Stop by the Lobster Pot for the best seafood dinner of all time.
Garden in the Woods:
If you are ever craving some peace and quiet in nature, Garden in the Woods is the place to go. Located in Framingham, MA (accessible by Commuter Rail), this reservation is home to all of Massachusetts’ local flowers and greenery. It’s a great place to meditate or take photographs, or just take a break from the hustle and bustle of Boston.
That’s it for me! I hope you get a chance to explore these niche areas of the USA’s BEST state!
Many students struggle with what they are going to do with theirFridayandSaturdaynights. I have a great way for students to diversify their weekends and gain new experiences which they can carry out through their four years at BU!
As a music journalist in COM, I am constantly finding myself connecting all of my work back to the music scene. The best way I know how to get young COM students acclimated to Boston and college life is to introduce them to the city's rich musical culture.
When most people think about Boston's music scene, they immediately point to Berklee College of Music. Obviously, a lot of musicians come out of Berklee and do great things, but Berklee is not at the heart of Boston's music scene.
In fact, most Boston band's get their start in the basements of Allston. Allston, Rat City, baby! A place which many students think of as a frat hub, a place to party. That may be the case for a lot of students, but I see Allston as a cultural melting pot, a city within a city where subcultures collide.
On one hand, Allston has all of this incredible food from all different walks of life. You can thrift in Allston, explore its many interesting shops, and immerse yourself in one of America's most hard-working music scenes. At Allston house shows, you will meet all different types of people who just want to watch some awesome bands and have a good time. Rap shows, indie rock shows, punk shows, and even funk shows go on in Allston on a given night.
A vast majority of these events can be found through the Facebook group BOSTON ALL AGES DIY GIGS and are often sited in some of Boston's most renowned underground publications such as Allston Pudding and BU's very own The Beat. Students make up a good portion of the music scene and it's never too late to get involved! So get out there and diversify your weekend night and make sure to tell your friends, so we can keep Boston's incredible music scene afloat.
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.
My cousin Keith and I as small nuggets
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
$9 seats aren't so bad
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
Last year's playoff game against the Cleveland Cavaliers
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
Tom Brady, a "cool" dude
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
For my lack of Revs knowledge, here's a picture of our dog, Fenway Bark
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.
Ice, Ice, Baby
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.
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.
A photo of the Holy Land (1352 Boylston Street).
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.
Barrington Coffee Roasting Company (303 Newbury Street)
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.
Pavement Coffeehouse (1334 Boylston Street)
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.
Blue State Coffee (957 Commonwealth Avenue)
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!
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.
I come from a small town in the middle of Pennsylvania known as Carlisle. Now Carlisle is very nice and all, but it’s not quite as intense as Boston. The photography I did there usually required me to travel long distances to capture a sunset or simply an interesting landscape. Here in Boston, all of that has changed. Now I can just hop on the T, go to the North End and take new photos every time I’m there. However, is continually going to one spot really all that fun? For some perhaps, but for me not so much. That’s why I’m going to share five of my favorite places for photography that I have found in my short time being in the city. Before we get into the list, don’t worry about whether or not you prefer landscapes, portraits, cool insta shots, or whatever really. The list consists of all photography interests so it can apply to anyone.
Longfellow Bridge -
Longfellow Bridge is located right next to the Charles/MGH T station and has one of the best views of the city I have yet to see. The bridge has a pedestrian friendly walkway and you can often find bikers or runners making their way across. From my experience, it is best to come to the bridge during the dusk hours of the day when a lot of the city lights start to come on. Naturally, this spot is ideal for cityscape photos and long exposures such as the one below.
Chris and Ally’s Bench -
If you’re looking for a peaceful place near the river, this is the spot for you. Chris and Ally’s Bench is located along the Charles River Esplanade only a short walk from the BU Campus. It has some gorgeous weeping willow trees and there are great spots to climb around and enjoy nature. This spot is great for portrait work or for getting a nice shot of the river, especially on days where the river is full of boats. It shows up on google maps so you should have no trouble finding it!
Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Bridge -
I have yet to go to this bridge just yet but it has peaked my interest for quite some time. If you don’t already know of this bridge, it is located in the North End and it has a quite iconic cable architecture. There are walkways underneath and around the bridge as well so you can get a view of it from many different angles. I’d personally like to do portraits in this spot and test around with some other shots as well. After you’re done checking it out too you can always walk right on into the North End for some quality food.
Coolidge Corner -
A classic Boston location, Coolidge Corner is in the Brookline neighborhood and is about a 15-20 minute walk from West Campus. There are some great food options in the area in case you get hungry, and the photography is great too. The famous Coolidge Corner Theatre features some great lights for a nighttime shoot, and the rustic buildings on the corner of Beacon and Harvard street (right next to the T stop) are quite the sight. I’ve been here once but I am looking forward to returning at night for some more photography.
Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park -
Another North End location, this waterfront park is quite a nice area to spend some time in. This location is very popular so don’t expect to be alone, but do expect to get some cool pictures. At night when the archways are lit up, things can get quite pretty. Another great aspect of the park is its great view of the water as well as its proximity to Faneuil Hall. Grab some food, do some shopping, and then head down to the park for some pics.
While creating this list I really tried to avoid some of the more popular spots such as Boston Common, the Boston Public Library, or the famous Acorn Street. Those are all great options for photography as well, but the list features some not as popular gems that are still fantastic spots. Grab a friend, grab your camera, and get out there and start shooting! Not into photography? No problem whatsoever, hopefully this list can still add some locations for you to check out in the future.
![Source: Unkown but I got it off of the BU Dining page]](/comblog/files/2018/03/BAGEL-300x200.jpg)
