Celebrating Senior Week 2015

From Saturday, May 9, through Friday, May 15, the BU Student Activities Office has planned a host of events, with something for everyone, no matter their interest or budget. Photo courtesy of BU Senior Week

We did it. Four years have come and gone since the Class of 2015 first dragged orange carts along Comm Ave during Move-in. We’ve survived midterms and finals, pumped out last-minute papers at Mugar, persevered through late nights of a different, more pleasant sort, and lived through the worst winter in Boston’s history. Now it’s time to celebrate all we’ve accomplished.

From a brewery tour to a Boston Harbor cruise, this year’s Senior Week events are guaranteed to add some fun to the week leading up to BU’s 142nd Commencement. Below you’ll find a guide to the scheduled festivities. Tickets can be purchased online at Eventbrite. Some events, like the Senior Arts Reception at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, are already sold out, and some others are nearly sold out, so buy your tickets soon.

Check the BU Senior Week Facebook page or the University’s official senior class website for announcements about extra ticket availability, weather-related cancellations, or possible changes in venue.

And congratulations, everyone.

Sunday, May 10

Foxwoods

If you’ve made a date to hook up with Lady Luck at Foxwoods Casino, you may have already started your lucky streak. Those who haven’t and want to go will be placed on a waiting list. If enough people purchase tickets to open up another bus, you’re in. If not, you’ll receive a refund. The largest resort casino in North America, Foxwoods offers more than just slots, dice, and cards. Those not feeling lucky can hit the dance floor at the 21,000-square-foot Shrine Nightclub; enjoy a gourmet meal at any one of the venue’s top-notch restaurants; or play a free game at High Rollers, a retro-glamorous bowling alley.

Buses to Foxwoods depart from the GSU at 4 p.m. and return to campus at 3 a.m. Tickets are $25 and include round-trip bus transportation, admission to Shrine Nightclub, and a game of bowling at High Rollers. You must be 21 or over to enter the gaming floor and Shrine Nightclub. Foxwoods Resort and Casino is at 350 Trolley Line Blvd., Mashantucket, Conn.

Harpoon Brewery Takeover

One of last year’s most popular events is back. Lovers of craft beer won’t want to miss this exclusive event at Harpoon Beer Hall. With admission to the event, you’ll get to sip on two beers of your choice (a difficult decision considering there are nearly 20 beers on tap), munch on the brewery’s famous fresh baked soft pretzels, and get an inside look at the production process with a guided catwalk tour. Tickets to the takeover are nearly gone, so book now.

The Harpoon Brewery Takeover is Sunday from 8 to 11 p.m. at Harpoon Beer Hall, 306 Northern Ave., Boston. Tickets are $20. The event is open only to those 21 and older. Take any MBTA Green Line trolley to Park Street, transfer to a Red Line inbound train to South Station, transfer to the Silver Line, and get off at Harbor Street.

Monday, May 11

Royale Nightclub Takeover

Dance the night away with your friends and classmates at one of Boston’s trendiest nightlife haunts. The entire Royale Nightclub is BU’s for the night, and there’s no cover charge. The grand ballroom—featuring  spiral staircases and shimmering chandeliers—calls for trendy, upscale attire. Shuttle buses will ferry guests back to the GSU at the end of the evening.

The Royale Nightclub is at 279 Tremont St., Boston. The takeover runs from 9 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. There is no cover fee, but students are responsible for purchasing their drinks. Free shuttle buses will run from the Royale to the GSU from midnight to 1:30 a.m.

Tuesday, May 12

Boston Harbor Cruise

What better way to spend a spring evening than touring Boston Harbor aboard the Provincetown II. Guests will enjoy unforgettable panoramic views of the harbor and city at sunset, boogie to tunes spun by a live DJ, and munch on complimentary food. A cash bar will be available.

The Provincetown II is docked at 200 Seaport Blvd., Boston. Tickets are $30. The event is 21+. Dress is casual. Boarding begins at 6:45 p.m. The boat departs at 7:30 and returns at 11 p.m. Take any MBTA Green Line trolley to Park Street, switch to a Red Line inbound train to South Station, and take the Silver Line to the World Trade Center stop.

Wednesday, May 13

Six Flags

Thrill seekers and adrenaline junkies, this is the event for you. With over 20 gravity-defying, stomach-churning rides as well as a water park, Six Flags New England offers all kinds of thrills and amusements. BU students will have the park to themselves from noon to 3 p.m. (meaning no long lines), when the park opens up to other colleges as well. Because the bus company needs to know in advance how many are planning to attend, you must purchase a ticket by noon on Sunday, May 8. After the deadline, new ticket orders will be placed on a waiting list and accepted only if there are enough ticket buyers to merit an additional bus.

Tickets to Six Flags are $55 and include mandatory round-trip bus transportation (parking for individual cars is not available) and admission to the park and all the rides. Buses begin boarding at the  GSU  at 10 a.m. and will load to return to Boston starting at 5:30 p.m. Six Flags New England is at 1623 Main St., Agawam, Mass. Dress is casual, and BU seniors can bring one guest for an additional $55.

Thursday, May 14

Senior Bash

Ring in the unofficial kickoff to Commencement weekend with food, cocktails, and live music at this cocktail party at the 808 Gallery. Begin your final Thursday night on the town by partying with fellow graduates.

The Senior Bash is at the 808 Gallery, 808 Commonwealth Ave., from 8 to 11 p.m. Tickets are $20 and include entry, snacks, and two drink tickets valid for beer or wine (cash bar available).

To stay up-to-date on graduation festivities, follow BU Senior Week on Facebook or @buseniorweek on Twitter and Instagram. And don’t forget to tag #BU2015. 

Be sure to check back here next Thursday, May 14, when we’ll have a complete roundup of Commencement weekend activities.

Paula Sokolska can be reached at ps5642@bu.edu.