Saturday, November 20, 2010

Go to Events!

Thursday evening I went to the SIM Big Show. I had loads of fun, met new people, frolicked with old ones, experiences and saw art, watched performances, danced like a maniac, and went to a party afterward in celebration.
Expose yourselves! Not in the naked way but put yourself out there, experience new things, and get to know the other departments in the school you're in. There are lots of art showings, film openings or screenings, exhibits, meetings, clubs, and get togethers. Just be open to these things and become well versed in the art of observation. The only way I ever know about some events is on Facebook or even just from the posters around the school.
Also, a lot of Boston colleges are connected and also very easy to get to. Try making new friends or meeting new colleagues at other school's events as well.
A note though! Do not participate in things that make you too uncomfortable, things that are dangerous, or do things that are illegal. Trust your gut and be careful - this city isn't always completely safe.

If anyone has any suggestions just comment below!

Have a great weekend!

- Bianca C.

Monday, November 15, 2010

About Resources!

Hey guys!
Don't hesitate to look at the other blogs I follow. A lot of them have great information about Boston and different neighborhoods within it. Enjoy and don't spend too much time browsing!

Can't Sleep! : About Insomnia and Overworking

Yeah, I can't sleep. Mostly because I am worried about doing all my homework for the next two days. Also, I'm on Skype with one of my favorite people who lives far away from me. So, that in itself is a reason to stay awake. But guys, if you want to keep your sanity and your health do not do what I am doing.
School is hard for a freshman... well its hard for anyone for that matter. The workload is difficult and heavy. That also depends on your college and major but most students have a lot to do. My program is one of the most intense programs I've encountered and at the same time I manage myself in a way so that I can eat, have free time, and sleep effectively (not always). I have four days off during each week and most of those days are for homework.
Oftentimes I find my head hurting or falling forward. Here's what you do about that.
To get rid of a headache you can drink water or iced coffee, take aspirin or ibuprofen, relax by meditating or doing yoga, massage yourself or have someone help, but most importantly you should sleep! I tend to nap on some days just to calm myself and boost myself to good shape. If you have short free bursts in your day do not hesitate to take a short well earned nap.
Staying up late can be quite a bother. You won't feel as refreshed for your classes the next day or you'll end up sleeping in too late or missing a class. Be careful to schedule your time effectively. I know I don't as much as I should.
Make your bed comfy, take a shower, read a book (maybe even a required one!), listen to soothing music, or whatever you need to ease yourself into a drowsy state. I have a little rechargeable LED green monster night light which is soft on my eyes and an hourglass which relaxes me too. Whatever helps you is what is best for your body!

- Bianca C.

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Cookies and how they can bring people together!

This may seem totally useless at first but cookies are a godsend for a new student or anyone looking to make new friends and connections! Its a good way to spend your free time and a good source of snacking as opposed to buying expensive candy bars at your school store or through a vending machine (trust me, its become a bad habit DX ). Baking cookies (or cooking anything in general) also can be a great gift or offering. Bring them to a potluck, a meeting, when visiting a friend's apartment, or even on a first date. Baking and cooking shows thought and good intentions, which can definitely impress people. Trust me, chocolate chip cookie bars snagged me a boyfriend once :P
If you're afraid of gaining the Freshman 15 or any kind of weight, don't worry. Sharing these cookies will help you avoid it. I have mine placed on a big communal plate in my dorm suite. There are four of us total and giving them the opportunity to eat them will help me eat less of them. Another alternative is putting sets of cookies in bags or on special plates for the intended recipient. Perhaps add a ribbon or a tag labelled for the person or even something as silly as "Eat me."I know this isn't quite kosher for the boys so maybe a communal bowl or a plastic container labelled as "Free" might be a better alternative.
Also be mindful of your recipient's food allergies or issues. Make sure they can have gluten, nuts, certain fruits, or even chocolate. Also, make sure to make alternatives if someone you know is vegan.
If anyone has any other suggestions about cookies just post them!

- Bianca C.

First Post! *cheers!*

Hello everybody! (who aren't yet reading this)
Welcome to my helpful blog about being Lost in Boston. As a transfer student to MassArt last year I, for one, was completely clueless on how to get on about Boston. I had gone to a school in a suburban atmosphere that was not near any real civilization and the campus was tucked away oh so comfortably in pretty greenness and unthreateningly connected fashion. When I got to Boston I literally had a billion new things to get used to and that was just the school itself. Having only lived near one other "city" (that being Baltimore), I was like a lamb in a lion's den. But through relentless adventuring and exploring I have only just begun getting used to this jungle and I want to impart my knowledge to you - the fellow stranger in this  Wonderland. So come join me and I'll show you the ropes!

- Bianca C.