Love That Dirty Water

The end of my undergraduate career is winding down...classes ended last Thursday and Senior Week celebrations kicked-off at Senior Breakfast on Friday.


Senior Breakfast is the first senior event where every member of the graduating class comes together for the first time since Matriculation. It takes place the morning after the last day of classes in the Metcalf Ballroom in the GSU. Every senior receives a gift (we got BU portfolio pads oOoOo). And traditionally the Boston University Graduation Commencement speaker is announced - this way the entire class can find out together and before anyone else. Going along with tradition, President Brown officially announced the 2011 Graduation Commencement speaker in unique fashion...

The entire Class of 2011 is looking forward to May 22nd to hear Katie Couric answer our personal questions. 


Katie Couric's bark wasn't the only exciting thing to happen on Friday morning. Dean Elmore announced that because the Class of 2011 had successfully reached the Senior Gift Campaign goal of having at least 2,011 seniors donate to the Gift Campaign he would be jumping in the Charles River as promised earlier in the semester. Definitely one of the highlights of my senior year.

Finding out as an entire graduating class who our Commencement speaker is and breaking the record for most participation in the Senior Gift Campaign reminded me how devoted the BU administration is to making the BU community feel unified and part of something bigger than ourselves. The faculty, administration, and staff are always making sure we feel special and appreciated even if it means jumping into freezing cold water. 


Class of 2015, take time to notice the administration's efforts to make your class feel unified. You've got a lot of memories to make before finding out your own graduation commencement speaker and plenty of time to try and beat our Senior Gift Campaign record. Do you have what it takes? Good luck! 

Words of Wisdom: Part Three

7. Build relationships with your professors.

BU professors are world-renowned in their areas of study. They want to see students succeed. So take advantage of this! Don’t be afraid to participate in class or stay after to ask a question. Every BU professor holds office hours outside of class so students can meet with them to go over paper topics or ask a question about an exam. Take the time to do this and get to know your professor. Your final grade could reflect on this.

8. Be independent.

My favorite thing about going to school in Boston is there is always something going on or somewhere new to explore. I spent many a Friday afternoon during my freshman year in and out of stores at Copley or trying different food at Quincy Market. I realized that I didn’t need to constantly be with a group of people to enjoy my surroundings. Sometimes it’s nice to go out on your own. So don’t be afraid to head to Newbury St. and enjoy a book over a cup of coffee at a café. Take some time for yourself.

9. Make your dorm a home away from home.

You’re going to be living in your dorm for about 9 months so you might as well make it a nice place to spend your time. The first thing people notice in my room is all my pictures – my walls are literally covered in pictures of friends from home, friends from school, and family members. Decorate your room with things that represent your personality. You'll look forward to coming home everyday. 

So that’s it for my words of advice. Hope it gives you a little insight on making the most out of your freshmen year at BU!

Words of Wisdom: Part Two

4. Manage your time.

You’ve probably heard this one a lot too. Sixteen hours of class a week, getting involved in student organizations, studying, eating, showering, sleeping, and having some type of a social life may seem a bit overwhelming. But you really will have time to accomplish all these things and get involved as long as you manage your time. Get yourself a planner and make deadlines for yourself. What’s awesome about a college class schedule is you might only have a couple of classes a day. Instead of going back to your room to watch TV in between class, head to the study lounge and get some reading done. If you’re going to be too tempted to socialize with your floormates in your dorm, head to the library on weeknights so you can go out with them on the weekends.

5. Manage your money.

 I unfortunately learned this lesson the hard way. There are so many wonderful things going on in Boston from trying out the latest appetizer at Charley’s Saloon on Newbury (my favorite restaurant ever), seeing a movie at the Fenway Theatre (Water for Elephants anyone?), or purchasing the latest design from Coach at the Pru. Unfortunately, none of these things agree with a college student’s bank account. I’m not saying you can’t splurge once in a while. But give yourself a weekly budget and stick with it. It’s how I’ve survived the last two years at school. (Yes, it took me two years to figure this out.) If you end up with extra money at the end of the week, tag it on to next week’s allowance. That way you can still enjoy the wonders of Boston without going bankrupt.

6. Explore the city.

Boston is made up of so many diverse areas from Kenmore Square, to Back Bay, to the South End, to Faneuil Hall, and the North End – each have their own personalities and secret gems. Take time to visit each one and explore everything from the restaurants to the shops to the nightlife and figure out your favorite. 

Words of Wisdom Part 1

After speaking with several nervous and curious prospective students for the past month I've decided to express some words of wisdom to incoming students. I've got nine of 'em but here are the first three. Stay tuned for more to come...

1. Get involved.

You’ve probably heard this a million times, and you’ll probably hear it a million more. There are so many resources and opportunities at your fingertips so make sure you take advantage of them! At BU there are countless academic resources, career experiences, and social organizations waiting for you to get involved in. Don’t sit back. Get out there and get involved. A perfect opportunity to do so is during the first week at school at SPLASH - an event that takes place on Nickerson Field for new students to check out all the clubs and activities BU offers, sign up, and get free stuff!

2. Step out of your comfort zone.

 Transitioning from high school to college can be challenging. Every incoming student is in a new place and is trying to get used to new surroundings – everyone’s feeling a little awkward. But the more outgoing you are, the less awkward you’ll feel. So instead of silently sitting beside the kid that lives on your floor in class, introduce yourself! Before you know it you’ll be bonding over how much you both love Warren.

3. Be open-minded.

Your life in college is going to be significantly different than your life at home and it can take a while to get used to the changes and differences. Rather than complain about your small dorm room look at it as an opportunity to get really close with your roommate since you’re going to be sharing such a close space. Intimidated by that 5-page syllabus? Just think of how great you’ll feel once you complete those papers, tests, and presentations by the end of the semester! College is a journey that is going to be much more enjoyable the more positive you are. 

Bruins, Celtics, and Sox. Oh, my!

At the end of April Bostonians can be seen celebrating the end of harsh New England winters by sporting flip-flops with a Dunkin’ Donuts iced coffee in hand. The warm weather is not the only thing to look forward to. The end of April is a sports lover’s dream. Play-off season is underway for the NHL and the NBA and it marks the beginning of the MLB season. And this year the Bruins, Celtics, and Sox are all representing Beantown.

 BU students can find themselves in the middle of the action with Fenway Park practically on campus and the TD Garden, where the Bruins and Celtics call home, just a T ride away. Whether trying to get last minute tickets or just watching the game at a local bar or restaurant, cheering for local teams is a perfect way to get integrated with the Boston community and get a sense what being a Boston sports fan is really about.  

Cheering for the Bruins and the Sox has kept me busy the past few weeks. Although every Red Sox home game since May of 2003 has been sold out, sniping tickets is actually doable.  Last week I had the opportunity to attend a Sox game with my roommates at the last minute. We literally ran down Comm. Ave. to get the tickets from a couple that didn’t want to brave the cold weather on a chilly Friday evening. And sites such as StubHub, TicketZoom, and BargainSeatsOnline offer discounted tickets. Tickets tend to be cheaper in April and the beginning of May when it is still in the beginning of the season. In the past BU has even released standing-room-only tickets to students at the end of the semester. Attending a Sox game is the perfect way to get a sense of the pride and passion Bostonians have for their city.

Even if you aren’t able to snag tickets, local bars and restaurants are a great place to watch games and get into the action. This past weekend Barstool Sports Boston hosted a pub-crawl event before the Bruins beat the Canadians in double overtime. During game time bars and restaurants are crowded with fans that are grabbing a bite while they cheer for Boston and run out any opposing team fans that seem to think they can get away with loitering on home turf.

The end of April is exciting for any sports fan whether you’re into hockey, basketball, or baseball. Becoming part of this hometown loyalty will definitely make you feel connected to the Boston community. After all, there are no fans like Boston fans.

Marathon Monday

This past Monday students across the city of Boston celebrated what can be argued as the best holiday ever. Marathon Monday.

Marathon Monday falls on the third Monday in April each year, also known as Patriots’ Day (a state holiday in Massachusetts). The event began in 1897 and is the world’s oldest annual marathon. Each year over 26,000 runners participate in the 26.2-mile hilly race from Hopkinton, MA to Copley Square in Boston, while over 500,000 spectators line the sides of the course to cheer and encourage the runners. To add to tradition, the Boston Red Sox play a home game at 11a.m. on Marathon Monday each year.

Between the thousands of runners trekking through the streets of Boston, the passionate spectators, and the rowdy crowds from Fenway, Boston is bustling with excitement all day long during this historic holiday. Because of this, local businesses and universities in Boston are closed so that employees and students can enjoy the festivities.

Between the (usually) warm weather, a three-day weekend, and the end of the academic year in sight, there’s no holding back when it comes time to celebrating on campus. Rather than waste the day sleeping in, my friends and I wake up early, like excited kids on Christmas morning, to enjoy a hearty breakfast of pancakes and eggs before traveling to South Campus or Kenmore Square to support individuals running for a cause (we usually don’t make it to see the elite runners break records). Many of the runners have their names on their shirts - one of my favorite parts about the Marathon is personally encouraging people to keep running. Since turning 21, we’ve spent less time watching the actual race and have spent more time visiting local bars that are open by 10a.m. The day usually catches up with us by 4p.m. and we’re ready for an afternoon Marathon Monday nap, much like the popular Thanksgiving Day nap. We’re awake by 7p.m. disoriented and confused as to how this wondrous day went by so quickly and already looking forward to the following third Monday in April.

While other universities celebrate the end of the semester with a “Spring Weekend” BU students look forward to partaking in an elite, historical event each April to mark the beginning of spring and the end of the semester. Although my days of celebrating this great holiday as a student are officially over, regardless of where I am next year I will be up bright and early the third Monday in April excited to celebrate Christmas day. 

Home Sweet Home

After months of applying to several colleges, weeks of waiting for acceptance letters, and hours of debating about which university to attend, thousands of prospective students have made that difficult decision in deciding where to spend the next four years of their lives.

So future BU Terriers you thought the hard part was over, right?  Well this past weekend I interacted with many prospective students who all had the same dilemma – Where should I live on campus? Fear not. BU offers a diversity of housing options to fit the personality and needs of its students. Here’s my advice on choosing the right housing option for you.

West Campus – Claflin, Sleeper, and Rich Hall

- Thirteen-story buildings, large dormitory-style

- Majority of rooms are doubles

- Singles and triples available

- Community style bathrooms

- Coed floors (separated by sides)

- Dining hall located on the first floor of Claflin and Sleeper

Because I lived here my freshman year, I’m a bit partial. West is the best. Because it is a large dormitory it’s a great place for incoming students to meet a lot people and socialize. Students enrolled in the College of General Studies, the College of Fine Arts, and the School of Hospitality often choose to live here because it is so close to their classes. However, West is integrated with students who are part of every school and college. Some of the rooms in Claflin, Sleeper, and Rich overlook Nickerson Field. There are also several grassy areas outside of the buildings making the area feel like a traditional college campus. For outgoing students who love to socialize, eat great food, and enjoy spending time outside during nice weather – West Campus is the home for you.

Warren Towers – 700 Commonwealth Avenue

- Three 18-story towers

- Majority of the rooms are doubles

- Singles and quads available

- Community style bathrooms

- Coed floors (separated by sides)

- Dining hall located inside the building

This is the most popular housing choice for BU freshmen. Like West Campus, it is a large dormitory with community bathrooms and co-ed floors. Students who wish to immediately immerse themselves into an urban lifestyle choose to live in Warren Towers because it is located on Commonwealth Avenue, which is the heart of our busy, urban campus. Some of the rooms in the Fairfield Tower (A Tower) have a view inside of Fenway Park!

Whether you’d like a traditional campus or want to dive right into city life, I would recommend either of these residences to incoming students. Although at least 10% of freshmen live across campus, a majority of incoming students live in West Campus or Warren because students have the opportunity to get to know their classmates in a friendly and welcoming environment. A Resident Assistant lives on each floor of both these dorms and is there to offer guidance and advice when needed and also plans monthly floor events so students have the opportunity to socialize and get to know the people who live on their floor.

Although the Bay State Brownstones are really pretty and it would be really nice to have a bigger room like the ones offered in the 1019 suites, I think it’s important to experience the typical college community living situation in a dorm. If you ask any current student, I’m sure a majority of them will say that most of their friends were their floor mates freshmen year.

And if you’re lucky, junior and senior year you’ll have the opportunity to live with friends you met freshmen year and will have a view like this.     

For more information about other BU Housing options visit the housing website at www.bu.edu/housing

And remember, the sooner you get your housing request in the better your chances of getting your first housing choice! 

Where Everybody Knows Your Name

BU is a big place. This probably isn’t news to anyone. With 18,000 undergraduates BU is the fourth-largest private university in the country. This can be an overwhelming and a scary concept to incoming students – take it from someone who joined the class of 2011 from a high school class of 196. However, if you ask current students many will agree BU gets small pretty fast and it’s easy to find your niche by getting involved in student organizations and campus activities that interest you, which can help shape your BU identity.

Certain individuals have made themselves known to the entire BU community just by being themselves and sharing their passions with the rest of the student body.  Whether they’re students, faculty members, or alumni, bringing up these individuals’ names are sure to result in entertaining dining hall conversation.

Learn more about some of these BU community standouts - 

DEAN ELMORE

Dean of Students Kenn Elmore is by far the coolest dean you’ll ever meet. Dean Elmore is passionate about getting students involved on campus and making BU feel like a second home. He takes the time to develop relationships with students by attending a variety of BU sponsored events. He uses social media such as Twitter - @DeanElmore, his blog - http://www.bu.edu/dos, and even appears in promotional videos to engage with members of the BU community. He’s always open for discussion with students - especially each Friday at weekly Coffee and Conversation in the Howard Thurman Center where students are invited to discuss current issues with him. Once on campus make sure to say hi to the King of Student Life at BU. 

THE HOT DOG AND JESUS 

Sadly, these two Dog Pound members graduated in 2010 but their legacy lives on. Brian Fadem and Ross Lichtenberg showed their BU pride by attending a variety of athletic events from men’s hockey to women’s lacrosse games during their four years in Boston. What’s unique about these two Terriers is that they attended each event dressed as a hot dog and Jesus to show Terrier pride and create a sense of enthusiasm in the student section. Hot Dog and Jesus inadvertently created a following and encouraged other students to share their BU pride in creative and unique ways. Section 118 at Agganis Arena is filled with students sporting anything from masks to capes thanks to the leadership of a yummy snack and one of the world’s most influential figures. 

THE COMM. AVE. RUNNER 

Although not officially affiliated with BU, this feisty warrior is known by all students who travel across Comm Ave. on a daily basis. Through rain, sleet, and sometimes snow, this mysterious man can be seen trekking across Commonwealth Avenue wearing arm and leg weights, a do-rag, a wife beater, and shorts at anytime of day. It is the mystery of this guy that makes him so well known. Why and what is he running for? Students have many theories and speculations about this mysterious figure that can be viewed in the video below.

Like these stand outs, the BU community is made up of diverse figures from sports lovers to theater enthusiasts. And although BU is a big place, there are plenty of characters that stand out from the crowd. Each day these individuals are sharing their interests and passions across campus in unique ways.

How will you shape and share your BU identity?

Welcome Class of 2015!

So acceptance e-mails and envelopes have been sent out and the newest Terriers have been invited to join the BU Family as the Class of 2015! For the insight scoop on all things BU check out my latest posts and newest links including a guide to BU Acronyms, a Directory of offices and resources on campus, and a personal biography. Is there something specific you'd like me to blog about? Just let me know! Congrats Class of 2015! Go Terriers! 

Spring Break

One of the biggest events college students look forward to every year is Spring Break. Though out the month of March thousands of students travel to their hometowns, exotic beaches, and some decide to take part in community service work across the country. Regardless of what you choose to do on spring break you are sure to encounter adventures, excitement, and much needed relaxation. Here’s my guide to choosing the right spring break for you.

Homeward Bound: A majority of students decide to take a week retreat home. Going home for spring break is a chance to spend time with family and friends without having to worry about those three tests and a paper you have due. If you’re looking for an affordable vacation in which you can relax and enjoy the comforts of home, this spring break is right for you.

Spring Break: Spring Break not only refers to the week off from classes, it also refers to an exotic get-a-way to a tropical paradise. Many students decide to travel to locations such as Florida, Mexico, or the Caribbean Islands. Students often find package deals with specific college spring break travel groups such as StudentUniverse, StudentCity, and Student Travel Services. (I found a great deal to Cancun on Expedia during my junior year.) A lot of these packages are all-inclusive and include cost of flight, hotel, food, and drinks. If you are going to go the “Spring Break” route definitely check out all-inclusive deals. This option is appealing in many obvious ways – warm weather, beaches and pools, and partying with your friends. I believe every college student should experience Spring Break at least once. After working hard all semester what better way to reward yourself than by splurging for a spring break trip with your friends?




Alternative Spring Break: We are fortunate enough to attend a university that has an amazing Alternative Spring Break program through the Community Service Center. Last week over 400 BU students and staff members traveled to 36 locations across the country from San Juan to Seattle to serve the less fortunate in diverse ways. This is not only a great volunteer experience but also a unique way to form relationships with BU students you wouldn’t otherwise meet. I met one of my best friends participating in ASB sophomore year. For those students who are looking to spend their break meeting new friends and helping to serve others this is a great opportunity to do so. Check out the ASB 2011 blog to find out more information about this program. 

Whether looking for a week retreat home, a relaxing vacation in the sun, or an opportunity to do service, college students look forward to Spring Break every year as a break from the stress of academics and the harsh New England winters.  What would your ultimate Spring Break be? 

Dancing

(This song has been stuck in my head for the past three days.)

Need I say more? I'm pretty sure these pictures capture it all. 

On Saturday, Coach Chambers and his crew proved it isn't over till it's over. With just 2.4 seconds left in the second half, John Holland sank two free throw shots, giving BU its first lead in the game and a championship win for the Terriers. 

After being crowned the America East Champions, the men's basketball team will travel to Tulsa, OK to face the University of Kansas Jayhawks on Friday, March 18 during the NCAA Tournament. 

After only two seasons as head coach, Pat Chambers is working hard to put BU basketball on the March Madness map. 

I can't wait to see more crowds like the one at Agganis on Saturday afternoon.  Future Terriers, you have a lot to look forward to in BU basketball!

Comm. Ave Craziness

March marks one of the most exciting events in college athletics – March Madness. While ACC, Atlantic 10 and Big East schools battle it out for spots in the NCAA basketball tournament, Boston University will be taking part in its own championship tournaments. With an abundance of athletic events occurring on campus, this weekend will be a Terrier sports-lover’s dream. The BU men’s hockey, men’s basketball and women’s basketball teams will be facing-off and tipping-off at Agganis Arena and at the Case Center for a chance at conference titles.

 

Terrier sports fans will start off the weekend Thursday evening at Agganis Arena to cheer on the #3 Hockey East men’s hockey team during the first quarterfinal game of the Hockey East tournament against the #5 Northeastern Huskies. The second game will be held Friday evening and if necessary, a third game will be played on Sunday.

On Saturday March 12, both basketball programs will host the America East Championship games. After beating #7 New Hampshire and #6 Hartford in the quarterfinals and semifinals, the #2 men’s team will host #5 Stony Brook at noon at Agganis Arena. The #2 women’s team will then host #4 Hartford at Case Gym for a chance at the America East Championship at 7pm.

 

Attending BU Athletic events has been one of my favorite social activities on campus. Although I haven’t witnessed March Madness appearances during my fours years at BU, I have been fortunate enough to be part of some great moments in BU Athletic history. One of these great memories was witnessing the 2009 men’s hockey team win the National Championship. A championship parade complete with duck boats was a great way for the student body to celebrate this victory.

 

While my cheering legacy ends, new Terriers can feel confident to get ready to celebrate future wins. There is strong potential for both the BU hockey and basketball programs. With only one senior graduating, students are sure to see some great hockey victories from the rising seniors and the rest of the squad. The addition of basketball head coach Pat Chambers has put the men’s basketball program on the road to success and sports fans are sure to see great things from this team in the near future.

My spring break will be off to a busy start as I put on my BU gear and cheer for the Terriers throughout the weekend. And hopefully I will get the opportunity to experience a few more title championships before graduating!

New Terriers – what BU athletic events are you most excited to attend? Click this link to see highlights from the 2009 National Championship Parade

Highlights from the 2009-2010 BU Athletic Season

Back Bay Ball

Every year the Boston University Programming Council hosts the Back Bay Ball, BU’s only school-wide formal. Come February, thousands of BU students put on their formal wear and get ready to dance the night away at the Westin Copley Hotel in Back Bay. This year was no different. On Friday a group of my friends and I attended our fourth and final (tear) BBB. An awesome deejay, cash bar (although a bit pricy), and hours of dancing were a great way to celebrate our final year at BU in style.

BBB 2008 with Girls of Sleeper 13

Although individual schools and colleges host their own formal events, Back Bay Ball is a unique opportunity in which the whole student body is invited to show off their sophisticated style together. And for someone like me who was looking at prom dresses as a freshman in high school, BBB is a chance to get dressed up and relive high school memories with college friends. (I even wore my prom dress to Back Bay Ball freshmen and sophomore year.)

BBB 2010 

The only complaint I’ve had about Back Bay Ball is the price. A $25 ticket and $10 drinks do a number on a college bank account. However, if you get a group of at least eight friends to purchase tickets together, the price is reduced to $20. And shuttles are available to ship students back to campus at the end of the night so students don’t have to pay an arm and a leg for cab fare.

Regardless of the price,  I’ve found myself at the Student Information desk purchasing a ticket every year because I’ve had such great memories at this BU event. BBB 2008 was a floor event for the ladies of Sleeper 13. I was able to recruit my best friend from home, who doesn’t go to BU, to come to BBBs 2009 and 2010 because I raved about how much fun it was. And BBB 2011 was a perfect excuse to have a photo shoot with my roommate in my New Year’s Eve dress and mingle with BU Dean of Students, Dean Elmore. Each Back Bay Ball I attended was fun in its own special way.

BBB 2011 with Dean Elmore

So ladies, there’s no need to let out a sigh when you hang up your dress in the back of your closet after prom. You’ll get four more opportunities to dress up and act classy with all your new BU friends at Back Bay Ball!