Category: Student’s Blog
Justin Soto
Shopping Hot Spots in the Capitol
Justin Soto
Fall 2015
While DC isn’t exactly the most fashion forward city in the world, there are still plenty of opportunities to find that special piece for your closet. DC offers it all, from malls like Tyson’s Corner that offer the conventional stores like H&M for thrifty college students to stores that can break the bank like Prada & Chanel all the way to urban lofts converted to storefronts like Zara and Banana Republic in the Metro Center area of Downtown DC. I’m going to rank my top three shopping locations in DC giving you the pros, cons and staple stores that attract hundreds of thousands of shoppers every year. More
Julia Cohen
It's not about what you’re doing, it's who you’re with
Julia Cohen
Fall 2015
I chose to come to DC for my career. If I had wanted the parties, or the views, or the lifelong friendships, I told myself, I would have gone to Europe. Instead I followed a path less known in experiences but which I knew would pay off in the long run. When I arrived on my floor in late August, I only prepared to give my internship and my classes my all, friends, I said, could fall a distant third. Looking back on it that’s how we all started, unsure of what the social situation would bring, I sat in the common room by myself on the first night skyping my friends from home and wistfully wondering if I would have been better off staying in Boston.
At the end of orientation week I knew I had made the right choice. And now, three months into my stay in Washington, and four weeks before the end of the program, I stand by that feeling. I came to DC expecting to gain professional experience but not expecting to gain friends. Although I love this city and the thrill of being a part of something big, I can honestly say that when it comes time for me to board a plane in a few weeks, what I will miss most about my study abroad experience will be the friends I have made here. More
Ava Mack
It’s the Metro, not the T
Ava Mack
Fall 2015
Here are some quick differences between the Metro and the T to help you navigate DC:
1. The Metro runs deep underground, so expect a long escalator ride. Speaking of which, there is simple escalator etiquette in DC that is strictly enforced: if you’re standing, stay to the right. People walk up and down on the left, and will tell you to get out of the way. More
Michaela Cushing-Daniels
Finding Your People: Joining a Sports Team in DC
Michaela Cushing-Daniels
Fall 2015
When I was going through the application process for college, there was one requirement regardless of which school I chose: there had to be an Ultimate team. I had played Ultimate Frisbee throughout high school, and knew that I wanted to continue when I went to college. So, naturally, when I was preparing for my semester in DC, I knew leaving the BU women’s ultimate team for the semester would be the hardest part. I didn’t know anyone who was going to be in the program, and I was nervous about what I was going to do without the people that had made my first year in college so awesome, the people I most looked forward to seeing throughout the week, the people who would stay up until midnight just to play Frisbee… my people.
Kyle Plantz
6 Political Newsletters You Should Sign Up For Immediately
Kyle Plantz
Fall 2015
So now you’re in Washington, when all of a sudden you realize you have no idea what’s going on in the world of politics. Well, have no fear because I am here...to rhyme...and tell you what online newsletters you should get in your inbox and read every day. You’ll become a politico in no time.
The New York Times- First Draft on Politics
If you’re looking for an easy-to-read newsletter that will give you the basic political rundown of the day, then look no further than the NYT. Their political morning newsletter explains in layman’s terms everything you need to know that’s happening in Washington and on the campaign trail. Sign up here.
Politico Playbook
If you need to know what’s happening inside the Beltway — like waaaay inside — then there’s Playbook, a daily email from Politico’s Mike Allen. It’s a lengthy read, and pretty wonky, but it’s the place where all DC insiders go each morning. Sign up here.
Heather Goldin
4 Reasons I chose to study “abroad” in Washington
Heather Goldin
Fall 2015
Entering Boston University, I knew I wanted to study abroad. Last Spring, I was deciding between leaving the country completely -- a choice that 40 percent of students make -- and interning in Washington, D.C. Here are the reasons I chose to be in the Nation’s capital.
1. Networking with professionals, and other students
Boston University’s Washington, DC program is typically smaller than other abroad destinations, which is a great way to get to know other students in the program. Many of my peers are also interested in coming back to DC after graduation, so I know that they will be great connections down the road. More
Tyler Grove
Where to Eat From Sunrise to Sunset in DC
By Tyler Grove
Fall 2015
Washington DC can be overwhelming with all of the different options for food. From local favorites such as Ben’s Chili Bowl to fine dining such as Le Diplomate, it can be hard to settle on just one restaurant. To make your decisions easier, here are a few of my favorite restaurants to eat at for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Enjoy!
Breakfast: Ted’s Bulletin
My favorite meal is breakfast, so it is hard for me to ever pass up the chance to go to Ted’s Bulletin. With a lively atmosphere, incredible wait staff and mouth watering breakfast options, I can promise you will never leave hungry. Ted’s is most known for its homemade pop tarts. The pop tart flavors range from blueberry cheesecake to salted caramel, so you do not want to miss the opportunity to try one of these delectable treats!
Angela Zhang
How to Deal with Your Busy Schedule
Angela Zhang
Summer 2015
Since you are reading this blog, you probably are thinking about applying to the BUDC program, which I strongly encourage you to do so. However, you should get ready to be busy, very busy, especially if you are here for the summer. If you only take two classes, or an internship, it is fine. But if you are like me, taking two mandatory classes and two internships your schedule is more intense, or say, crazier. Besides the academic and career aspects, you also want to have fun and enjoy the city. How to balance these things is a big challenge.
As a person who keeps busy for quite a long time, I figured out some tips that can help deal with a busy schedule:
Tyler Fields
10 Do’s and Don’ts for you Summer DC Internship Attire
Tyler Fields
Summer 2015
DO:
- DO wear a suit on the first day. Just do it. You absolutely cannot go wrong with a suit on the first day unless you are specifically instructed to wear something else and even then, dress it up a level. Dress for the job you want at the end, not the job you’re starting at.
Credit: Some-ecards.com
- DO dress one notch above your fellow interns. In most other professional parts of the country, the intern that wears a suit and tie every day might be seen as ‘trying too hard.’ Not here. Here is where they are looking for you to be working as hard as you can and dressing to impress is certainly included in that. For example, if the look is business casual, throw a jacket or tie on. One or the other, but the extra piece moves you just a bit above the competition.
More
Caroline Zody
The Best (and Worst) Things About a Telecommuting Internship
Caroline Zody
Summer 2015
I was surprised at the beginning of my summer when I learned that I would be telecommuting for nearly all of my internship. It wasn’t what I expected or wanted at the beginning, but it’s certainly been a great learning experience for me. Here are some of the pros and cons of what telecommuting has to offer:
