Dear Boston College Students,
I’ve been watching, and I’m writing to save you. I’m writing to save you from looking like, well… fools. I’m writing to inspire a better campus experience for all of us. There are just a few things that you’re forgetting as you walk around campus, sit in Hillside, study in Bapst, or pump some iron at the Plex. You’re overlooking crucial things that really drive many of us insane. And you don’t want to be that person… do you? So listen. I get that we’re busy. But I have taken the time to provide a short list of do’s and don’ts around campus, so please read them, study them carefully, take note, and apply these in your own BC lives. The Heights will be a better place for all of us, I guarantee it!
There are four main areas in which you are all slipping up, so I will categorize my do’s and don’ts into the following categories: A Better Bapst, A Pleasant Plex, Campus Traffic, and Hang Out Hillside.
A Better Bapst
Now I must admit: I am not a library girl. My study place of choice is in a dining hall or my kitchenette table (maybe I like studying around food?). Because of this, I enlisted the help from junior and Bapst aficionado Justin Mann. Mann, who recently achieved his goal of being the only person left in Bapst, was kind enough to list these as the following do’s and don’ts of one of the most beautiful libraries in the country.
1. Do Whisper. Don’t speak loudly.
“Everyone says Bapst is so silent, but you can talk, just whisper and don’t be an idiot about it. Oh, and don’t laugh. Don’t just go and sit down at someone’s table when they’re doing work and then start talking. I don’t tolerate that,” says Mann.
2. Do study diligently. Don’t pick your study spot at someone else’s table if there are plenty of empty ones around.
Ok I understand, there may not be any empty tables around. So if this happens, there is a science to picking your seat, says Mann. The ideal situation is to have one chair between you and the next person. Mann understands, however, that at times this is not possible, at which point… that’s just life.
3. Do enjoy study snacks. Don’t leave wrappers everywhere.
On the bright side, you’re doing a good job! “Overall I think people are good about it,” says Mann. “I think the people who eat their dinner in Bapst love it and keep it clean.”
4. Do study for finals. Don’t lose your Bapst virginity during finals week.
That’s right. Pick a study lounge instead, BC. Bapst during finals is for the regulars only. These regulars are prepared for the possible streakers that may pass through, random burstings into songs by the more outgoing individuals, or the occasional bottles of wine chilling on the tables. Shoot, now you Bapst virgins want to go during finals… don’t you? My bad.
A Pleasant Plex
Oh, the Plex. A place many of us live for an hour or two each day. For this one, I didn’t have to go to outside sources for help. I’ve worked as a fitness attendant for the past year and spend hours each week standing at the little desk, watching you all work out, quite sloppily, I must admit. Honestly BC, I thought gym etiquette was common sense. Turns out, it really, really isn’t. So here we go… Plex do’s and don’ts.
1. Do RE-RACK your weights. Don’t do so carelessly!
Truth be told, most of you don’t re-rack. So please, take the extra 30 seconds and put the weights back where they belong! Using a bench? You might notice that the various rungs are labeled… the Plex tries to help you out! See that 10-pound label? That means the 10 pound weights go there! Really, BC, it’s color by number. Using free weights? RE-RACK THEM! Now, I can lift the 80-pound dumbbells… but please? I already worked out, I’d prefer not carrying them across “boyland,” when you easily could have placed them back on the rack yourself. The fitness attendants shouldn’t have to clean up after you.
2. Do use medicine balls, stability balls, foam rollers, jump ropes, and other equipment. Don’t leave them laying around when you’re finished!
It’s the same concept as number one… just clean up after yourself! You got that medicine ball from a rack right? So why do you think it belongs on the mat instead? People don’t know if the equipment is being used or not if you just leave it laying around.
3. Do enjoy the magazines. Don’t leave them at the machines! (Or steal them! Gosh!)
If you get the magazine from that little basket by the fitness desk, just put it back! It’s that simple, I swear!
4. Do keep hydrated! Don’t leave your water bottles laying around.
After you finish your water bottle, recycle it! After all “BConserves.”
5. Do challenge yourselves and lift ridiculous amounts of weight. Don’t grunt too loudly while doing so.
You just sound stupid. And yes, people laugh.
6. Do work out with friends. Don’t stand around talking with your friends instead of working out.
Want to hang out? Talk about your weekend? Gush about that cute guy/girl in Gen Chem? Do it in Lower. If you’re at the Plex, exercise!
7. Do work out late at night. Don’t stay past closing!
We give you 15 minute warnings, even 5 minute warnings. So when time is up… leave! Believe it or not, the Plex staff wants to go home at a reasonable hour.
Campus Traffic
1. Do walk to class (duh). Don’t walk on the wrong side of the road!
That’s right BC, traffic road rules apply to us pedestrians too! This means walking on the right side of the path or staircase, not the left. This also means entering buildings using the right-hand door… not the left. It just messes everyone up!
2. Do walk through doors. Don’t let them hit people in the face behind you.
Please, BC, it’s an easy thing: HOLD THE DOORS! You’re pretty good about it, but I feel we always need a friendly reminder.
3. Do look where you are going. Don’t look away to avoid saying hi to a friend, classmate, or person you met at a party last night.
It’s the BC Blow-Off, or the BC Look-Away and it is time to put it to an end! It’s simple, if you know a person… and they know you… say hi! Lost your voice? Too lazy to open your mouth? There are other options for you, like smiling, waving, or even nodding your head. Looking away makes things awkward and… it kind of makes you look like a jerk.
4. Do keep yourself dry using an umbrella. Don’t run into people with it.
You can do it, be conscious of that massive device you’re carrying! People are walking all around you, and believe it or not, they don’t appreciate getting bonked in the face.
Hang out Hillside
1. Do enjoy the New England Classic for lunch. Don’t take a table for yourself.
In case you haven’t noticed, tables in Hillside are hard to come by. So don’t take one all to yourself! If you want to study, go up to O’Neill, Lower, or your room! But you want a Baja Chicken panini, you say? Ok…get one…bring it somewhere else! People are craving tables, people who will sit up to six people at one table – now that’s good use of a table! Don’t be selfish. Please share.
2. Do enjoy a Latte. Don’t take somebody else’s.
We’ve all had it happen to us. You’re waiting for your coffee and someone with the same order steals your drink! It may be an accident, so all I will say is: pay attention, BC!
3. Do order scramlettes and burgers. Don’t leave the kind chefs calling your name over and over and over again.
Like number 2, just pay attention BC. This one is really for you. Don’t let your food get cold, be prompt when you receive your orders.
Alright Eagles: I’ve called you out. Now please, examine your day, note your habits, and adjust accordingly.
Happy Bapsting, Plexing, Walking, and Hillsiding!