Emerson Undergraduate Blog

To All of the Incoming Freshman Out There...

2009-05-20T18:19:41Z

This is my final blog of the semester (I know you're all so terribly torn up about that, too!), so I am going to try and pass along some words of wisdom about how to best get involved and meet people during your freshman year.

The week between move-in and classes is called Freshman Orientation Week. This is where I met most of my freshman year friends and even my first college boyfriend. As cheesy as some of the activities may sound, try to go to as many of them as you can. It's such a great way to meet people. Remember that during this week, you're all in the same boat. No one really knows anyone else aside from roommates or the occasional former high school classmate. Get out there and just ask people the basic questions: "Hi, my name is yadda yadda. Where are you from? What's your major?" Naturally, you aren't going to want to be best friends with everyone that you meet, but as long as you've got a good starting point, you're bound to develop a core group of friends.

People always laugh when I admit to how shy I was during my freshman year. I was that girl in a Smiths t-shirt who sat in her room with her Stratocaster trying to figure out The Queen Is Dead. I was too shy to go out and meet people, and I really regret it. I didn't start developing a real group of friends at Emerson until my junior year. I just have to keep reminding myself that even though all of the kids at my high school thought I was the weirdo in the Elastica-wannabe all-girl punk band, people in college don't give a flying you-know-what about that kind of stuff. Emerson kids are some of the most open, understanding people. If they like you as a person, you're golden. After your freshman year, all of the high school-style drama seems to completely fade away. It's glorious!

I suppose that is what I am trying to say: get out and meet people. I know it's hard as I was once (and still am at times) the shy, shoegazing girl. The friends that I have made through the radio station WECB are some of my closest friends at Emerson. Now that some of them are graduating or moving on to do things like the DC semester, I am positively gutted because I will miss them so much. I also got lucky that I met my fellow Britpop-obsessed soul mates by going to Klaxons and Placebo shows.

I wish all of you the best of luck in your freshman year. Have a great summer!

Welcome to the next four years of your life...

2009-05-20T18:09:16Z

As I sit here in my room in the Little Building one last time for Senior Week, I can't help think about what I would have done differently if I could do Emerson all over again.

Honestly, not much. I am very happy with the time I spent in Boston, LA, and beyond thanks to Emerson. If there is one major piece of advice I can give you, it is to get involved and do it earlier rather than later. I had my resume filled by the end of my freshman year. It's sad to see people who never picked up a camera outside of the classroom or don't even know what The EVVY Awards are. We have so much to offer every major here...and it is a candy shop. Grab handfuls and keep coming back for more.

On a less serious note...off the top of my head...here are some things you should do in Boston/Emerson:

join the Overheard at Emerson facebook group - hilarious

go to the late night buffet during finals

ice skate on frog pond

walk to the north end for dinner and dessert (Mike's Pastry)

bring your bike and ride it around in the fall and spring (i wish i did)

dining hall tray sledding on the commons in the winter!

meet Pete

bring a mattress pad :-)

don't feel the need to buy a two thousand dollar camcorder because you need to...use Emerson's

VMA kids: get a external firewire hard drive

go to a Red Sox game, if you can get tickets

better yet, just go down to kenmore square when there is a game and see how many people can fit onto one street when the game is over

That's all I can think of right now...but there are so many more things. As for me...I'm done. I graduated this Monday...it's crazy. Four year went by so fast.

If anyone has any questions, feel free to contact me. My email is zach@zachschiffman.com. Ask anything, I'd love to answer your questions.

Be well and good luck at Emerson. Make it your own...take advantage of everything this school...and the city...has to offer!

Get Out!

2009-05-20T15:08:53Z

Since so many of us at Emerson are so enthusiastic about the place, precocious prospective students always ask what we don't like about Emerson. My advice to any incoming freshman also answers this question.

At any college, you will invariably find a "bubble" -- a little microsociety, with its own rules and lexicon and boundaries. I think one of the most important things for incoming students to remember is that the bubble -- be it the Emerson bubble, or wherever you wind up at college -- is just that. A bubble. It's something that's worth escaping from time to time, no matter how wonderful it can seem when you're inside.

If you've toured our residence halls here, you know how easy it is get comfy in the bubble. In apartment-style suites, you have small kitchen area, you have your minifridge, you have 62 channels of cable, you have wireless internet, and you have all your friends under one roof (or, if they live in another hall, right down the street). If you get too distracted with all that, you give yourself very few excuses to leave. And that might by okay, if you're going to school in a rural area, where the bubble offers more activity than you'd find outside.

But Emerson is located in Boston, the greatest college town in America. Which brings me to what I don't like about Emerson: it can sometimes be too easy not to leave. It can be too easy to forget all the opportunities and sights that you won't see sitting in your dorm room watching Quentin Tarintino movies with your film-major roommate.

Once you do leave, though -- once you get out and explore the city, with its museums and parks and restaurants and people and (if you're of age) nightlife -- all the life you'll find will make you so very grateful to go to school in such a dynamic place. We've been blogging all semester about the great things to do and see in the city. Don't sell your experience short by sitting inside the bubble -- as pleasant as that may sometimes be.

You Want Some Advice?

2009-05-19T14:57:45Z

Well, I am an international student from India, but I grew up in Peru. I am a film major and to be perfectly honest with you guys, there are many things that I regret not doing my freshmen year.

As a film major, I joined more student groups in order to have more time on set, but I wish I had been involved much sooner. That applies to any major that you are interested in (Musical theater, Journalism, etc.) because you learn while exposing yourself in the field through the different clubs ( Frames Per Second, National Broadcast Society) that Emerson College has to offer. Classes can only give you certain criteria and facts about your field of specialization. For example, when I go to my cinematography class, the teacher obviously teaches me how to use four different types of color and negative 16mm cameras, but the only way I am actually going to use them in a real life context ("everybody quiet on set, camera ready, lights., action!") is if I join student groups, meet people, raise money and shoot a movie. The staff shows you the way, you have to take initiative and start walking it.

To the new incoming freshmen I wish you good luck, and for the prospective students I certainly wish you all the best in your application process. The bottom line is that Emerson College is for students that have the initiative to do what they want. Teachers won't hold your hand and tell you what to do like in high school; it's all on you and your dreams. I know what I am saying sounds pretty cheesy, but the reality is that you should come here if you want to here to learn and network.

The Circle is Round

2009-04-27T14:12:37Z

Let's not alert the press; everyone knows that. But not everybody is aware (yet) how strong the circle of the Emerson Community is.

After three years of my volunteer involvement at Emerson College, right from my daughter's freshman year through the end of her junior year, I have experienced firsthand what it means to be an Emersonian.

While Nicolette '10 has been finishing her last projects this year, I have returned to Boston for the second time this spring. The President Society's Reception and the Parents Leadership Council informal meeting were the main reasons for me to reconnect. Not only with Nicolette, but also with many friends I made during brainstorming sessions between parents and the College administrators.

And while I walked along Boylston Street this week, I was touched to see so many (potential) new students and their families. Rushing from one venue to the other, grabbing their programs and notes, wearing their Emerson name tags -- they were all so animated! For many, it was the final visit cementing their commitment to our school. For others, it was a chance to make the last piece of the Emerson puzzle fit.

Hours later, following these street encounters, I talked with "veteran" PLC (Parents Leadership Council) members about how far we came as a group in the recent years, and about what we aspire to achieve in the future.

We, as parents, have been there for each other. Reaching out, welcoming new members of the Emerson family, launching the PLC Scholars Program to support students in need; we have raised over $340,000, but above all we were never shy to "push" our ideas on to Emerson officials and share our experience with other families.

For those of you reading, and anxiously wondering how your children will do at Emerson, and how you can handle the conflicting emotions of pride and letting go (not to mention the upcoming move-in logistics), let me assure you, we are here for you. And by "we", I mean other parents from the Emerson circle.

Together with hundreds before me, I did get a taste of the energetic and embracing culture here. And so will you - that's a promise! You will be informed, supported, encouraged to speak out and, most importantly, you will be listened to.

You might think that the Emerson journey ends with graduation. Many times before, and again last weekend, I met Emerson alumni and the school's friends still enthusiastic about Emerson, donating money, time and their expertise to our students.

You know, while sharing a glass of wine with an Emerson alum of '68 (who established a very generous scholarship) I could not help but to smile sensing in him the same energy and spark that I see in my daughter when she talks about Emerson. At that moment, I felt it again...

We are a community! United not only by a common experience, legacy, and sentimental memories, we simply care for each other. Experienced parents care for the new coming families; older students support the freshmen, alumni mentor our students and open doors for them.

Whether you begin your Emerson journey now, or formally completed it decades ago, we are all within one circle of support.

It keeps on flowing like perpetual motion. There is a formal beginning, but there seems to be no end. Our bond is strong and genuine, so you will not experience it alone.

What happens now?

2009-04-22T00:49:46Z

What are your plans after graduation? What are you doing this summer? What do you want to be when you grow up? I have answered a variation of these questions for the past three weeks. I am thinking of printing out stock business cards to people and handing them out. It is an appropriate question to ask. But I am not sure how to answer it. I mean in this economy who knows what is in store.

When people usually ask me that question I usually say I am comfortable enough in my degree that I am not concerned with my plans after graduation. That is actually very true. I guess I am not freaking out because I know at the end of the day the cards will fall where they may. I have worked very hard over the past four years and prepared myself to the best of my ability these past few weeks. I have gone on informational interviews, applied for positions, reached out to my networks. I have done all the things you are supposed to. But I can't account for this economic climate.

Right now my plans are still up in the air. I am meeting with Career Services and exploring many different options including graduate school. Ultimately, I plan on staying in Boston though. I am eager to see what the city is like on a 9-5 schedule. I really enjoy working in the admissions office so hopefully I will be able to pursue something in higher ed. For now I am just enjoying the last remaining weeks of college and getting ready to celebrate my 22nd birthday this week!

After College? What? Real life?

2009-04-21T20:09:33Z

Well, like I told you guys I will be a senior this upcoming fall '09 and leaving to LA spring '10. What some Visual and Media Art students at Emerson do is look for an internship while in the LA program and try to find a job once one is settled in LA. Well - guess what - that's my plan.

I have been in Emerson for three years now, and my older brother also went here. A little background story - I am from India but I grew up in Peru. My future plan is to learn everything I can about the business in LA and move back to India and make it in Bollywood (the Indian version of Hollywood), and the who knows, maybe I can make the new "Slumdog Millionaire" in Bollywood.

The simple truth is that I don't have many plans for the future, but there is one thing I know - I have connections. Emerson opened many doors socially and I strongly believe that's really important to make it in the movie business. I know people from all over the USA, France, Italy, India, Spain, Central America, and I know that someday I will be making movies with them. After I graduate its surfing waves in LA and working in an internship in a studio.

End of the Semester Insanity!

2009-04-20T19:36:07Z

There are officially three weeks left in the 2008-2009 school year, but who's counting?

Just like in high school, the end of the semester can be a very stressful time. Final papers, projects, test, etc. - it's enough to drive a person mad! Still, we Emersonians know how to mix the excessive studying and paper writing with fun.

As today is the Boston Marathon, we don't have class. So, to take advantage of this 3-day weekend, those of us over WECB (the Underground Sound of Emerson College!) decided that last night would be the perfect time to host our live music showcase at Tommy Doyle's in Harvard Square.

The night featured two Emerson bands, Ferris Wheel and State Your Mind, as well as Emerson's own Girl Talk-in-training, DJ Symond Said. We catered the event with all sorts of tasty food: burgers, quesadillas, chicken tenders, buffalo wings, even fried calamari! There was a great turn out of Emerson students.

The bands were great, but I think the other attendees will agree with me that the most fun was to be had during DJ Symond Said's sets. Everyone was dancing as he mashed up cheesy 90's hits like "All Star" with bands like Ratatat. At one point, we got in a circle and let those brave enough to hop in the middle show off their mad dance skills.

Last night was a blast, but now I need to buckle down and get all of my papers and projects finished. I should really be reading a book for my Arts Reviewing class right now...

DJ Symond Said

Emerson students getting their dance on

What Am I Doing Now?

2009-04-20T13:45:32Z

Around this time of year, the end of the semester typically makes everyone a little hypertensive. It's that time when all your final projects and final exams and student events are at their busiest. Mostly it's only overwhelming if you haven't budgeted your time well throughout the semester -- if you've put off work or assigned reading -- and of course I know NOTHING about that sort of thing. Ahem.

What I'm doing now is enjoying the steady evaporation of duties and responsibilities as the semester comes to a close and gearing up for my internship this summer. On my busiest days during the semester, I'm up at 5:00 AM for a news shift on our FM radio station, WERS. Then I'll head to class for a few hours, after which I'll hole up in the library or study lounge to work on homework, or maybe do some writing for my column in our school paper, the Berkeley Beacon. Then, depending on the evening, I may head to pre-production or a taping for EIV News, our campus TV newscast, which I co-anchor at six o'clock.

It's a lot of work, but it's all fun, it's all valuable career experience, and I love the people who work with me. That's not to say it won't be relieving to have a little downtime before my internship this summer, which will be with National Public Radio in Washington, DC. I'm especially excited to be working for NPR right now -- at a time when most news organizations are bleeding out, NPR has never been stronger or had more listeners. Just an example: their news quiz show, "Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me," has a bigger audience than The Daily Show and The Colbert Report combined. It's going to be great work and great experience before my final year of college, when my biggest responsibility will be staving off senioritis.

Living in Boston - Piano Row

2009-04-20T13:29:45Z

My freshman year I was placed in a learning community in Piano Row, one of the newer residence halls on campus. A learning community is sort of Emerson's version of themed living -- they're specific floors where students live who share not necessarily a common major, but a common area of interest. I lived on the 'Writer's Block,' an admittedly awful name, but truly a nice place to live. We held workshops on our floor a few times a week to critique each others' writing, and went out into Boston to see writers like Chuck Klosterman give readings.

I lived there for only one year, back when sophomores had the option of moving off campus. I got an apartment with a few friends in Beacon Hill, a 10 minute walk from school. I wasn't in any hurry to move off campus, but my friends were set to go and asked if I'd care to join them. I also thought it would be cool to spend some of the summer in Boston, and their lease started in June. So I jumped on board.

Back on campus: Piano Row itself pretty swank. The rooms are basically mini-apartments with small sinks, space for microwaves and mini-fridges; 60 channels of cable, wireless Internet, yadda yadda yadda. The danger, in fact, is that you have all your basic needs so well met you could actually never leave. So make sure you shut down the electronics a few days each week and see a little of Boston outside your dorm room.

Emerson and the Mafia

2009-04-16T03:02:21Z

In my first blog entry, I noted before my daughter Anna started her journey to college, I never heard of Emerson College. It just wasn't on my radar. Recently, driving home listening to Sirius Radio, I was tuned to The Howard Stern Show. One of the show interns was being interviewed. It seems this intern commutes from Boston to New York each week. When he told Howard where he went to school, without missing a beat, Howard said,"If your in studying to be in this industry in Boston, why aren't you at Emerson (or another school in Boston that Howard attended)?"

This is not an uncommon sort of occurrence. If you've never before heard of Emerson, it's only because you never paid attention to it. Late night talk shows, variety shows, sitcoms, you never know when there will be a reference to Emerson. Maybe an alumni reference, maybe an industry reference like Howard Stern made Tuesday, or maybe someone wearing Emerson apparel, but it happens. I fully expect sometime to see an Evvy award show up as a talk show set dressing at some point. Welcome to the Emerson "Mafia". You will find that this brand of the "Mafia" will extend beyond your kids. Since Emerson did hit my family's radar, let me tell you about the tendrils of the Emerson "Mafia"...

I discovered that a friend I commuted with to NYC with for years was once a Marketing Major at Emerson. Another acquaintance, who, with her husband, owns a production company, also went to Emerson. On a cruise last summer, the art auction assistant manager, was also an Emerson graduate, spending her time on this job researching the cruise industry as part of a travel related show she was putting together. Finally, I was on my way back from a business meeting in Vegas recently. It was the same week as the NAPTE (National Association of Producers and Television Executives) convention. While waiting for a delayed plane (nothing new these days) I started chatting with another delayed traveler. Before long we were talking first about business (she is partner in a Television Production Services Company), then about kids. It ends up, when we get to colleges, she also went to Emerson.

The "Mafia" is everywhere. You really don't have to look too hard. But here is where it is different. Most colleges and universities try to help their students start their careers when school is over. At Emerson, the "Mafia" gets involved too. Every single one of these people wanted to know what Anna was studying, where she was doing her internship, when she was doing her internship, what was she getting involved with on campus. Every single one of them offered freely the same thing, their business card, their email, their phone number.

Why, you might ask? Well - to talk about the field, to suggest or assist when it comes time to do internships, to network when it's time to find those first jobs. You see, the Emerson "Mafia" know they fill a unique niche in the marketplace - some of the best, brightest and most talented in the communications and production fields come out of Emerson. And they want to make sure that they can give back what Emerson gave to them.

So, don't be surprised if when your child is an undergrad an Emerson, you find yourself being involved with the Emerson Community, aka the Emerson "Mafia".

Piano Row and the Little Building (pics included)

2009-04-14T07:57:00Z

As a sophomore, I have now lived in three Emerson housing situations and have loved each of them. Freshman year, I had the pleasure of living in a 6-person Piano Row suite. First semester of sophomore year, I lived in a 4-person Little Building Suite. Currently, I'm living in a triple in the tower of Emerson's very own castle in the Netherlands. While I could go on and on about each of these situations, I feel that a pro v. con list would be the most digestible read.

PIANO ROW (also known as P Row)

Pros:
-Suites (Two or three double bedrooms and a common room, kitchenette, bathroom, shower, and two sinks)
-Space is shared with three or five other people rather than an entire floor
-The building is a L.E.E.D. certified Green building
-Piano Row was built recently and is still very new and clean
-Max Cafe (a la carte style cafe) is downstairs
-One of the C-Stores (convenience store with snacks) is downstairs
-Campus Center and a lot of meeting spaces are downstairs

Cons:
-Cleaning is completely up to you, including the bathroom.
-Half a block further away if you have classes in Ansin or Tremont
-Dining hall is in other building
-Gym is in other building

LITTLE BUILDING (also known as the LB)

Pros:
-Singles, doubles, triples, and a few quads off the hall as well as four, five, and six person suites
-Off the hall rooms share floor bathrooms, which are cleaned twice a day by professional cleaning staff
-Suites have their own common room, kitchenette, bathroom, shower, and sinks.
-Dining hall down stairs
-More of a "central" location
-Closer to the T
-Gym downstairs
-C-store (convenience store) downstairs
-More of the traditional college dorm idea

Cons:
-In a suite, cleaning is up to you
-Common room and bathrooms are shared with an entire floor
-Campus Center and a lot of meeting spaces are in the other building

While those are not complete lists, they do answer a lot of the questions I have come across. I have been extremely happy in both Piano Row and the Little Building. In both situations I had amazing views of Boston. In Piano Row, I looked out towards the Public Garden and the Charles River. In the Little Building, I looked out across Boston Common towards the State House. I couldn't choose one over the other since I met wonderful people and lived happily in both. It really just depends on what type of living situation you want because both halls are fun and have their own personality.

The Temporary Bostonians

2009-04-10T17:15:13Z

10 million tourists visit Boston every year. NOT ME! Well, I mean, I do come to Boston a couple of times a year, so I might be pushing the statistics. But for quite some time - although not a resident of Boston - I refuse to be a tourist.

My daughter, Nicolette, an Emerson College junior student, lives here and this qualifies her to be what I call "a temporary Bostonian". And I, a Mom involved in Emerson life and its volunteer work - by extension - I feel like a Bostonian too.

The city appealed to us long before Nicolette applied to Emerson. As a matter of fact, after moving to the US from Europe in the summer of 2000, we spent our first fall get-away weekend in New England. I admit, we did all the touristy things. We observed the cranberry harvest, got seasick on the boat watching the whales and stayed at the grand B&B in Plymouth. There, we looked at the owners scrapbooks and photo albums. Debutantes' balls, equestrian events, sailing competitions, black tie events - good old weekend life of affluent Bostonians in Plymouth and on Cape Cod. Charm and nostalgia of Great Gatsby era came to mind, as if time stood still. The owner's stories and our friends' encouragement led us to our exploration of Boston.

When we first came here, in my enthusiasm (suffered gladly by my husband and Nicolette) I wanted to see it all! Armed with maps, books, Top 10 tips I was ready... for a disaster! If you want to try to get tired of the most European-feeling, magnificent, sophisticated, welcoming cities in the US, go ahead and repeat my mistake! All you will remember are your family members rolling eyes at you, your sore feet and a blur of images.

One way to avoid a self-afflicted overdose of Boston is to take it slow. Before you know it, your child - another temporary Bostonian in making - will become your guide during your next visits. He or she will show you their favorite hangouts, neighborhood cafes, maybe even suggest a outdoor lunch in Boston Common. Let them show you THEIR BOSTON! And "kids", new Emerson students - step up to the challenge. Your parents will sleep peacefully and happily knowing that you found your vibe in Boston.

During the freshmen orientation in August the upperclassmen fellow students will show the newcomers around and give them practical insider tips and let them loose to explore on their own. In a couple of weeks your children will feel like Bostonians, I guarantee. I knew that my daughter reached that "status" when I returned in October of her freshman year for the popular Family Weekend and The Parents Leadership Council (more about those in my next blog entry). When I commented on the heavy traffic and the crowds filling the streets, she sighed and said: "Yeah, all those tourists, they will be gone soon".

We traveled a lot, lived in big cities and the suburbs, but nothing prepared me for this. In a matter of weeks Nicolette's identification with Emerson and Boston was complete! It was her school, and her town! She became a temporary Bostonian.

If you plan to attend the upcoming Picture Yourself event (DON'T MISS IT - IT'S ABSOLUTELY WORTH YOUR TIME! RSVP TODAY!), pick and choose. See a few sights to get an overall feel of Boston. One good way to start is to view the breathtaking panorama of the city from the Prudential Tower observation deck. Another possibility, time allowing, is a relaxing bus tour that will take you through all the neighborhoods. We did take a bus because Nicolette would NOT enter any "lame duck tour". OK, the mission was accomplished and we scratched a surface to get a feel of the city.

Every time I return to attend events at Emerson, see my daughter and visit friends who live here, I just walk around the city. I browse through neighborhood boutiques in up and coming South End, get some pastries in North End, go to a Etant Spa on Tremont Street, sit and read a book at the Common or on the Esplanade. Sometimes I return to the Museum of Fine Arts just to see a fragment of a new exposition, or go back to The Gardner Museum, as quirky and unconventional as it founder. All in a slow pace, as if I lived here and could see it all tomorrow again. And I talk (surprise!) to Nicolette, my (Emerson) friends, her friends, the store owners, waiters, cab drivers. They all give me perspective on Boston which cannot be found in any of the traveler's guidebook.

And if you ask me where I dine? At surprising and very diverse places...Harvard Club in Boston offers food beyond belief, but it's not open to public. Franklin Cafe off Tremont Street (South End) is reasonably priced and the food is to write poems about. On Tremont Street itself there are numerous good eateries, with my favorite "The Butcher Shop" which due to its decor, wine and food selection takes you straight back to France or Spain (a 10 minute walk from Emerson, or a $ 7 cab ride). And talking about Spain, just yesterday Nicolette told me about Tasca Tapas Restaurant on 1612 Commonwealth Ave., in Brighton. Maybe a too far location for now (since you should not skip any of the Picture Yourself events), but would not you like to sample a $15 STIMULUS MENU (all in)?

What else...? When I really, really crave for all sorts of things at the same time, I rush to the Fire and Ice simple restaurant on Berkley Street. One does not go there for ambiance and chic afternoon/evening, but for a healthy bite that you pick and choose, mix and match from an enormous selection of veggies, meats, dressings, sauces, deliver it to the chef who cooks it all in front of your eyes. In addition to traditionally attended little restaurants on Beacon Hill, I recommend a very classy, but not stiff Beacon Hill Hotel & Bistro at 25 Charles Street. The North End, on the other hand, is an easy choice for the Italian food and neighborhood itself is charming and worth a visit.

And back to Back Bay, closer to Emerson, there are so many lovely, stylish places to eat. Quick bites can be found on Newbury Street; off Newbury and Boylston are nice grills, sushi places and bistros where you can actually have a conversation and hear your thoughts.

Or you can hang out forever without being "looked out of your seat". Such a lovely, unusual and friendly place is where Nicolette took me to meet her friend recently. It's called Trident Booksellers & Cafe, at the far end of 338 Newbury Street. The name says it all; you can buy magazines, rare books etc., order your food and read for as long you please. We had a delicious brunch and stayed too long!

I could go on forever, but I simply want to encourage you, new students and you, new Emerson parents to go off the beaten touristy path. Make Boston your own kind of town. Explore and have fun! See you around!

Housing Selection

2009-04-09T00:23:54Z

I have been fortunate enough to live on campus all four years here at Emerson. My freshman year I was living in an old brownstone on Arlington Street by Back Bay. I was living in a triple with two other wonderful girls. Living in a triple was great because I had two friends right away and I got to know everyone on my floor really well. My freshman year they sold the buildings in the Back Bay and built the Piano Row campus center
on 150 Boylston Street. This was a great addition to our campus because it allowed us to be centrally located.

After I came back from a semester of studying abroad I moved into Piano Row, Spring 2007. That was a wonderful building to live in. It was brand new and had a completely different feel then the Little Building. I liked Piano Row a lot because it was the next best thing to an apartment. I was living with five other girls I knew really well. What I liked the most about Piano Row was that I had a mini common room that I could hang out in. The suite felt really private and inclusive.

For the past two years I have been living in a single in the little building. My junior year I wasn't ready to live off-campus but I didn't want a roommate so this was a perfect fit. I love the Little Building because the dining hall and the gym are located in my building. Although I don't have my own private common room the floor has a giant one that everyone hangs out in.

It is hard for me to pick which building I like better but I usually offer this piece of advice for people who are unsure. The Little Building is your traditional style dorm building. Half of the floor is made up of suites while everyone else lives in rooms off the hall. The Little Building is a great way to meet people because everyone hangs out in the common room and people just leave their doors open. That is why I personally suggest living in the Little Building first. Piano Row is all suite style so I find that most people just hang out with their other roommates and they gather in their private suite. Another benefit of living in Piano Row your sophomore year is that once you find five friends you want to live with you can all choose to live in a suite together. Although I didn't live in the Little Building first I still believe I still had a great experience not living in a suite. So that is my suggestion! Good luck :)

Piano Row vs. Little Building (with pictures!)

2009-04-07T02:16:21Z

My freshman year, I lived in a six-girl suite in Piano Row. My roommate was a musical theatre major from Minnesota. We got along surprisingly well, considering we had very little in common and ran in polar opposite circles of friends. Our other suite mates were also great (most of the time!). In fact, I now share an apartment with one of my suite mates from my freshman suite.

My sophomore year, I lived in another six-girl suite, except this one was in the Little Building. Instead of three bedrooms for two girls each, we had six individual bedrooms. I was overjoyed to have my own room!

I often tell prospective Emerson students that if I had it to do all over again, I would have chose to live in the Little Building during my freshman year. My friend Gaby lived in a double room right off the hallway in the Little Building. During orientation week, she and her roommate kept their door open while they were home and got to meet nearly everyone on their floor. The Little Building really has a sense of community. In Piano Row, your community is your suite. As my suite mates and I shared a bathroom and common area, we didn't have a need to venture out into the hall and meet our floor mates. By the end of my freshman year, I knew my RA's and the guys who lived in the suite next door.

Then again, I may not be the best one to ask about this. I was rather shy my freshman year. I'm sure it's possible to socialize outside of your suite in Piano Row, but I am the type of person that has to be forced into it, which I feel I would have had to do had I lived in the Little Building.

Both buildings are great. Piano Row has piano practice rooms downstairs, which is a draw for pianists like myself. The Little Building has laundry on every floor, which is a perk.

I now live about fifteen minutes away from campus, which I really enjoy. Living on campus was great, but I'm happy to have my own kitchen where I can attempt to cook! I've also got a piano in my room, which isn't so bad either!

My roommate and I in our Piano Row suite freshman year. My suite mate surprised us by taking this photo, thus why it is such an unflattering picture of both of us. We're normally pretty, I swear.

My friend from Tennessee and I my Little Building single room sophomore year. Yes, this photo shows the entire width of the room. Fun fact: my friend was visiting Boston so that we could attend the Spice Girls reunion concert. You think I'm joking.