Recommendations – Page 3 – Kilachand Ambassadors Blog

How Making Your Own Time Keeps You Balanced

By Morgan Donohue (CAS’22)

It is easy to get caught up in school assignments, work tasks, club responsibilities, and general life commitments. Once the semester really kicks into gear and your to-do list gets longer, the urge to just work can get really strong. For me, little daily rituals and personal to-do lists help me make myself as much of a priority as my school work, and help me stay refreshed and ready for the day ahead.

In terms of daily rituals, I like to find parts of my day when I can be quiet, sit back, and take some deep breaths. I like to make sure that I drink water and do some stretching before I check my phone in the morning, and even then I only download a podcast to listen to during my run. When I make breakfast, I take it over to my comfy chair by the window and sit in a warm sunny spot to eat. I like to plan my day out while I drink coffee. At night, after dinner and dishes, I make a pot of tea and sit down to do the last of my work for the day. One of my favorite parts of the day is right before bed when I like to journal and then read before I turn out the light. I am currently working my way through Anna Karenina, a couple of chapters every night.

The great thing about little rituals like these is that they are built-in checkpoints in the day that, once you start, become routine. I do not have to carve out time in my day to sit down for this because it is infused into my routine. Even short moments let you relax, take stock, and prepare for the next thing you have to do.

I have also become a huge fan of personal to-do lists. Over the past couple of years, I started writing down a few things that I wanted to do each day, whether it was to do the crossword in the newspaper or to go out for lunch with friends. I do this every morning while I plan my day out over my coffee, and while the rituals I have let me slow down and check in with myself, my personal list makes having fun and enjoying non-academic and non-work activities a priority for me as well.

When life gets busy, it is easy to slip in to the habit of class, work, sleep, repeat. By making sure that you have your own time and priorities, you are more likely to be excited for each day and enjoy your classes and work even more than you would already. I believe that college is a great opportunity to find what balance means for you. I cannot recommend enough finding times to wind down during your day and finding a way to make your wellbeing as important as your assignments.

Things to Do Around Boston

By Jackson Wallace (CAS'22)

One of the greatest advantages of going to school in a large city is that there are so many activities to do and places to go. Whether you are looking for something to do close to Boston University, something that’s a little further into the city, or something in the surrounding area of Boston, there is somewhere to go.

For places that are within close walking distance of BU, the closest would be Fenway Park, which is about five minutes from East Campus. Periodically, there are student tickets to the games available for $9, which are a great experience for a group of friends. The more popular games are usually harder to get tickets for, but if you are a big fan of baseball it can be quite thrilling to watch the Sox play in important games. Another place that is a small walk from East Campus is Trident. Located on Newbury Street in the Back Bay neighborhood, Trident is a bookstore that also doubles as a cafe. They also host fun events such as a trivia night. One final location that is not too far from BU is the Museum of Fine Arts. BU students have free access to the museum with their student IDs. There is a lot of art at the museum and most people will tell you that you’ll want to go multiple times to get a full experience, plus there are frequent temporary exhibitions.

A little further away (i.e. requiring serious dedication to walking or public transit) is the North End neighborhood of Boston. This area of Boston is famed for its Italian heritage with numerous Italian restaurants and pastry shops. To get there, you’ll likely want to take the Green Line down to the Haymarket stop. If that makes no sense to you, don’t worry; you’ll pick up the subway lingo in no time at BU. A location out further still is the Harbor Islands. These require a ferry to get to but are beautiful to hike around on.

A final location that, while not located in Boston, is possible to get to by public transit is Salem, Massachusetts. Getting to Salem requires taking the commuter rail. Once there, there is plenty to do in Salem, from walking around the historic town to shopping. However, be warned that it gets quite crowded (and spooky) in Salem the closer it gets to Halloween.

10 Free (or Under $5) Things You Must Do When You Go to School in Boston

By Jamie Greene (CAS’23)

1. Boston Common Founded in 1634, Boston Common is the oldest public park in the United States. Today, its 50 acres provides a meeting ground for gatherings such as picnics, softball, tennis, protests, and celebrations. A cornerstone of the Boston Common is the Frog Pond, which holds a carousel and splash pond in the summer and ice skating rink in the winter.

2. Public Garden Located just off of the Boston Common lies the Boston Public Garden. In addition to the manicured gardens and unique botany, the Public Garden is the home of several works of art, including the “Make Way for Ducklings” statues and Equestrian Statue of George Washington.

3. Boston Public Library Straight out of Hogwarts, the Boston Public Library is a must-visit workspace. With free wifi, computer access, and even a cafe, the BPL is a haven for inspiration, serving as the location for several of my own final essays and research papers. Once work has been completed, I would highly recommend simply walking around the Library which houses a collection of over 23.7 million works, including 1.7 million rare books and manuscripts from medieval authors, to William Shakespeare and John Adams.

4. Bunker Hill I know it’s technically in Charlestown, but you simply cannot go to school in Boston without visiting Bunker Hill. The site of the famous command, “don’t fire ‘til you see the whites of their eyes,” the Bunker Hill monument atop Breeds Hill marks a turning point in the Revolutionary War where the Yankees demonstrated their strength and tenacity to the British troops. Feeling a quick workout with a view? You can even climb the 294 steps to the top for unobstructed views of the city. If you have extra time during your visit there is a museum across the street as well as several restaurants and shops to explore.

5. Freedom Trail For a comprehensive history lesson as well as a chance to get out and explore the city of Boston, it's hard to beat the Freedom Trail. Spanning 2.5 miles, the Freedom Trail takes you to key landmarks across downtown Boston. Historic sites include the Massachusetts State House, Granary Burying Ground (the final resting place of John Hancock, Paul Revere, and Samuel Adams), Boston Massacre Site, Paul Revere House, the Old North Church, and USS Constitution.

6. Faneuil Hall If you have extra time, spend it at Faneuil Hall, a stop along the Freedom Trail. Created in 1742 and deemed by the Founding Fathers as “the Cradle of Liberty,” Faneuil Hall Marketplace along with Quincy Market currently houses over 70 retailers serving up indulgent world cuisine. In addition to delicious food and snacks, several retailers and vendors sell Boston apparel and goods. If you want more, step outside to be immediately entertained by street performers!

7. Aquarium Penguins! Sharks! Fish! Fun!

8. Gardner/MFA/ICA If you’re craving an afternoon of arts and culture, I cannot recommend any more highly any of the preceding museums, all of which are free with your BU ID. Inspired by her global travels, Isabella Stewart Gardner transformed her home into an intimate museum boasting an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, and tapestries from around the world. Art from Rembrandt, Monet, and Degas are scattered along the walls, the backdrop of a stunning courtyard and beacon of light particularly in the winter months. The history of the Gardner museum is just as interesting as the art, the site of the largest (and still unsolved) private property theft amounting to an estimated $500 million. The Museum of Fine Arts and Institute of Contemporary Art are incredible art museums which host an overwhelming collection of priceless art and artifacts. A must see at the MFA is its extensive Monet collection, one of the largest outside of Paris. For newer appreciators of the arts, the MFA also is home to Egyptian masterpiece statues and busts.

9. Landwer Cafe Like coffee? Need to study? Look no further than Cafe Landwer on Beacon Street in South Campus. Rumor has it that if you show your BU student ID and plan to study, the cafe will reward you with free coffee. Or, if you want to upgrade this experience, they apparently have a nutella latte worth its weight in gold (but only priced at $5).

10. Apartment Hours. Look no further than the halls of KHC for this one. My freshman year, I lived across from the Kilachand Faculty in Residence and Professor in the Pardee School of International Relations, Professor Woodward. Every Tuesday night, Professor Woodward hosted apartment hours which quickly became a staple in my roommates’ and my weekly routine. These apartment hours were a place for meaningful dialogue with our peers, Professor Woodward, and even scholars and professionals. Among these academics, we had the opportunity to converse with fellow professors, chief of BUPD, a public health expert working for the City of Boston, and more! Professor Woodward’s apartment hours quickly became a staple for my freshman year not only for these critical discussions, but also for the snacks. As a gal who was not one to frequent the dining hall, I could always count on Professor Woodward to offer nachos, curry, or some other delicacy. A great opportunity to bond with your peers as well as renowned professors, apartment hours are a must!

(Some of) The Amazing Places to Study on Campus

By Anna Natrakul (CAS’22)

Although BU students have varying preferences when it comes to study spots, these are just a few of my favorites! I hope that this list will be helpful in finding your own favorite places to sit down and have a productive study session, whether when studying with friends or by yourself! They have been numbered in no particular order (although perhaps it is no coincidence that the 9^th floor of Kilachand ended up as #1).

1. 9^th floor of Kilachand Hall

Anna N 1 - 9th floor Anna N 2 - 9th floor view

Ever since living in Kilachand Hall for my first two years at BU, this has been one of my favorite places to study (at any hour, because it is open 24/7)! The 9^th floor is divided into two major sections: a quiet study lounge (perfect for getting in the right headspace for exams) and a spacious common area with additional couches (great for hanging out with friends in study groups). It has stunning panoramic views that include the Boston skyline and the Charles River! The photo on the right is the view from the 9^th floor of a gorgeous sunset sky, snapped during my first semester.

2. BU School of Law Café

Anna N 3 BU Law 1 Anna N 3 BU law cafe 2 Anna N 5 BU law cafe 3

The BU School of Law Complex is beautiful in its entirety (photo on left), with tons of study nooks on its multiple floors. I especially love the spacious and bright School of Law Café on the second floor (middle and right photos), which feels like a breath of fresh air. The floor-to-ceiling windows let in tons of natural light!

3. Kilachand Common Room

Anna N 6 KHC Anna N 7 KHC 2 Anna N 8 KHC 3

When walking into Kilachand Hall, you are greeted by the beautiful Common Room, a warm and inviting space with a piano and tons of comfortable seating. It feels like a huge living room, and this is where students often mingle, study, or attend Kilachand’s co-curricular events. I took the middle photo while taking a study break to watch a Super Smash Bros. match happening in the background, which just goes to show how versatile and well-loved this room is!

4. Yawkey Center for Student Services

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This building offers amazingly bright views and is part of a building complex that includes the Educational Resource Center and Marciano Commons Dining Hall (both of which are great things to have nearby when studying)!

5. Mugar Memorial Library

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This is one of the largest libraries on campus, so not only does it include lots of resources for doing research, writing papers, and finding books, but every floor has a different noise level, which means that you can choose to work anywhere from the bustling first floor to the silent upper floors! Work areas range from individual cubicles to common tables and lounge chairs. Most BU students would attest to Mugar being a place of intense productivity that has seen us through countless projects, papers, and exams.

Again, this list only scratches the surface of all the great BU study spots. Given this starting point, some additional places to explore include the new Howard Thurman Center, the tiny Pickering Educational Resources Library tucked in the basement of Wheelock College, and the College of Arts & Sciences (CAS) Think Tank!

All photos credit Anna N.

Fun Ways to Get Out and Explore Boston, Your New Home

By Charlie McMahon (SAR'23)

Imagine this: it is a BEAUTIFUL blue-sky Saturday in September here in Boston. You have just moved into your dorm at Kilachand Hall and cannot get over those stunning Charles River or skyline views. You want to get out and see what Boston has to offer, but you don’t know exactly where to start. That’s where I come in! I have compiled a fun list of must-dos in Boston. As a lifelong Boston resident I know what’s good and what to avoid. So if you’re looking for some fun ways to make the most of those low key weekends in the city, keep reading!

First things first, after arriving in Boston, you are going to want to get a Charlie Card. These refillable cards are the best way to access public transportation (which we call the T) in and around the city. You can get Charlie Cards from T workers in many of the bigger train stations in the area (Back Bay, Park Street or even Kenmore) as well as the service desk at the Star Market in Fenway, the 7-11 on Jersey Street or the 7-11 on Massachusetts Avenue (we call it Mass Ave). After getting your Charlie Card loaded up, you’re ready to go exploring throughout the city!

After getting your Charlie Card, I would recommend hopping up on the Green Line at Kenmore and heading to Copley Square, home of the main branch of the Boston Public Library. You can soak in the beautiful paintings in the reading rooms and sit out in the courtyard on a warm afternoon. Importantly, you’re going to want to sign up for a Boston Public Library card. As an on-campus resident at Boston University, you qualify as a resident of the city of Boston, regardless of whether or not you call Massachusetts home. Now you might be asking “with such an amazing library system here at BU, why would I want to get a library card at the BPL?”

Although BU has many partnerships with nearby museums which I will go on to explain later, it is not an exhaustive list. However, having a BPL card offers you access to a database of museum passes for attractions all through the city! Card holders can reserve passes for the Museum of Science, the New England Aquarium and even access to the Boston Harbor Cruises to visit the Boston Harbor Islands!

*The view in Copley Square in the late afternoon.*

After stopping in at the Copley Branch of the BPL, you can get back on the Green Line and head up to Haymarket Station. After a brief walk, you will be in Boston’s North End! Filled with history like the Old North Church where two lanterns were famously hung signaling the British invasion and referenced in Paul Revere’s famous ride. Stop in at Monica’s Mercato for some delicious sandwiches which you can eat along the Rose Kennedy Greenway. After lunch, you can visit Modern Pastry and Mike’s Pastry to get some cannoli. This is a hot rivalry for Bostonians. Everyone has an opinion as to which bakery has the best cannoli (insider tip - check out Bova’s Bakery on Salem Street if the lines are too long. You will not be let down).

Meandering out of the North End, I would recommend you start walking south along the water. You will come to the New England Aquarium which has a bunch of public docks where you can sit and relax watching the airplanes land at Logan Airport or admire the breathtaking views of Boston’s skyline.

*The view from the dock near the aquarium at sunset.*

An alternate cultural experience would be to check out Boston’s Chinatown. There are so many amazing restaurants like the Gourmet Dumpling House, Hei La Moon or China Pearl. Tea-Do and Kung Fu Tea are also great stops for some boba or refreshing smoothies! If you’re going to visit Chinatown, make sure to stop at the iconic Chinatown Gate and walk through Chinatown Park.

Perhaps you don’t want to head so far away from BU. There are some really awesome neighborhoods to explore a bit closer to home!

Take the C-branch of the Green Line to Coolidge Corner to experience another of Boston’s beloved neighborhoods. This is technically in Brookline, but it is close enough to campus that I am still going to talk about it. On a rainy day, catch a movie at the Coolidge Corner Theater, a Boston-area cultural icon (and recently named one of the most beautiful movie theaters in the world!). Stop in at Zaftigs or Rami’s for a quick bite to eat before walking down to Amory Park to throw around a frisbee or just relax and soak up the sun! Check out J.P. Licks, a famous Boston ice cream chain for a sweet treat too!

Fenway is also a really cool neighborhood to check out and visit. Be sure to sign up for the $9 Red Sox Ticket program! Sox tickets can get expensive, so having the $9 program is an awesome college life hack. Whether or not you are a baseball fan, catching a Sox game at Fenway Park is an essential part of being a Bostonian and is not something to be missed.

*You can't call yourself a Boston Resident without going to a Red Sox game at least once!*

Speaking of great student deals, BU has a partnership with many local museums like the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts and the Institute for Contemporary Art. As a BU student with a valid student ID, you have free access to browse amazing collections to your heart’s content. Fun fact: the Isabella Stewart Gardner museum is home to the largest art heist in the world. When Mrs. Gardner established the museum (in what was at the time her home), she made a clause in the charter for the museum saying that staff were not allowed to alter her collections or rearrange any of the pieces. If that contract is broken, all the art must be sold and the profits are specified to be donated to Harvard University. As such, you can see the empty picture frames on the walls where the art thieves cut the paintings from the frames, eerily awaiting the return of the artwork.

This is by no means an exhaustive list. Although Boston may not be a geographically huge city, there is no shortage of things to do or places to check out. The city is incredibly walkable and is becoming more friendly to bikers as well! If you like biking, check out the BU student discount for Boston’s Blue Bike subscription service!

So get out and explore what Boston has to offer! The city is eagerly waiting for you!

All photos credit Charlie M.