November 2025

November at BU always strikes a chord— that mix of chilly mornings, late-afternoon sunsets, and the quiet buzz of the holiday spirit. It’s a month that reminds us to slow down a little, look around, and appreciate the smaller things; the study-break coffee runs, the friends who feel like family, and the moments that make Boston feel like home.

In Announcements, stay up to date on all the exciting happenings across campus this month! Whether you’re roasting marshmallows under the stars with BU Outdoors, getting creative with Mini Magazine Making and Art Nights, celebrating linguistic differences during IEW, or hitting the ice and learning to skate, there’s something for everyone to enjoy before finals season kicks in.

From Bahrain to the bustling streets of Boston, Rashida Saherwala (COM ’26) has learned that finding your place isn’t about where you are—it’s about what you create along the way. In this candid conversation in the Student Experiences section, she opens up about switching majors, chasing creative dreams, and redefining what home means as an international student at BU.

And in Culture Corner, we dive into all things November in the U.S.– from Thanksgiving and Native American Heritage Month to what Friendsgiving and Black Friday really means. Whether you’re travelling, volunteering, or staying on campus, we’ve got tips on how to stay social, warm, and connected this season.

Here’s to a November filled with gratitude, good company, and the small moments that make Boston feel like home. If you have any feedback for future newsletters, please contact Sheila Hernandez at sheilahz@bu.edu

Announcements

 

 

Upcoming Events

 

 

International Dance Pop-Up

Day: Monday Nov 10th Time: 4:30pm - 6:00pm Howard Thurman Center, 808 Commonwealth Avenue
Details

Multilingual Thank You Card Making

Day: Wednesday Nov 12th Time: 5:30pm - 6:30pm ISSO/Study Abroad Office: 888 Commonwealth Avenue, Room 240, Boston, MA 02215
Details

Thanksgiving Meal for BU Students

Day: Thursday Nov 27th Time: 11:00am - 8:00pm Marciano Commons
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Student Experiences

A Word from Students:

Rashida Saherwala (COM’26), shares her insights on life as an international student at BU.

 

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ISSO Insights

As we get closer to Thanksgiving and the winter break, we understand that international travel can feel especially challenging right now. Have you had a chance to look at the ISSO Travel Decision Guide? Along with our Travel Advisory, this guide can help you think through your personal situation and any potential risks involved with returning to the U.S. after traveling abroad. And remember, your ISSO advisor is always here to talk through your plans and help you make the best decision for you. During these uncertain times, please know that ISSO is here to support you!

Culture Corner

Making Sense of November

Written by Ahaan Vaknalli, International Student Peer Mentor 2025 Fall

November feels like an overpacked suitcase you can’t quite get closed– stuffed with holidays and tangled traditions wrapped in the burnt-orange glow of falling leaves and Christmas fireplaces. One minute you’re taking down Halloween decorations, the next, you’re lining up for discounted TVs. Between Thanksgiving feasts, Black Friday frenzies, and the slow creep of holiday music taking over cafe playlists, it’s a month that refuses to sit still.

The history books say in 1621, the Wampanoag tribe helped English settlers survive the first winter; the settlers invited them for a harvest feast; they gave thanks; and that was the first Thanksgiving. Today families gather around a table laden with turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, sweet potato pie, and more. There’s laughter, football on TV, hugs at the door, leftovers for days, and that warm-fuzzy feeling of being home.

To acknowledge the contributions and sacrifices made by generations of Native Americans who have lived in New England for more than 11,000 years, November is also Native American Heritage Month. The Boston Public Library, Museum of Science, and more have events, exhibits, and even tours dedicated to Indigenous art and history.

Right after Thanksgiving comes Black Friday, which is when stores open early and offer crazy deals, and is followed swiftly by Cyber Monday, where online retailers do the same. These started decades ago and now mark the official start of the U.S. holiday-shopping season. These days, it’s evolved into a full weekend of sales. For students, it’s a great chance to get a steal on some winterwear.

If you didn’t grow up here, it’s fair to see Thanksgiving as a difficult holiday to celebrate. With no family or nearby home to visit during the holidays, college students often remix the holiday into Friendsgiving: potlucks of mismatched dishes, board games, and movies. It’s just an occasion to get your friends together and practice gratitude in the way that feels most natural to you. Because the weather’s getting colder and daylight’s shorter, staying social matters more than ever. It’s easy to feel isolated, which is why it’s important to find anchors– things that ground you– within your life.

If you’re staying on campus this break, there’s still plenty for you to try out. Some students volunteer at local soup kitchens or food drives, like those run by the Greater Boston Food Bank or Rosie’s Place, while others explore the city without the usual crowds. The Boston Commons, Snowport, and museums like the MFA and ICA are perfect for a low-key, local Thanksgiving experience. Keep an eye on BU’s community bulletins, too. The Howard Thurman Centre and others often host gatherings and dinners for students spending the break here.

What has drawn people to America for generations is the promise of a place to belong, where your beliefs and your story can weave a new chapter into its rich tapestry. This holiday season, remember to make it your own. Start new traditions or translate old ones from home. Your BU experience is yours to make of it.

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