Let’s be honest, life at BU moves fast. Between sprinting to make your 8 a.m., surviving Comm. Ave traffic, and pretending you totally understood that last lecture, it’s easy to forget to just… breathe.
Self-care doesn’t have to mean an expensive spa day or an all-day digital detox. Sometimes, it’s just grabbing a latte, watching the sunset by the Charles River, or curling up in your dorm with a face mask and your favorite playlist. So, if you’re in desperate need of a little “me time,” here are the best self-care spots around BU that’ll help you unwind, recharge, and romanticize your student life again.
1. Tatte Bakery and Café
Tatte is basically BU’s unofficial therapy office, and yes, that almond croissant is part of the treatment plan. With its cozy vibe, bright interiors, and perfectly aesthetic lattes, it’s the ultimate comfort zone. Whether you’re people-watching, journaling, or catching up with your bestie, there’s something so grounding about being surrounded by the smell of espresso and baked goods.
Pro tip: The Tatte on Beacon Street tends to be quieter than the one near Kenmore, perfect for solo self-care moments or study dates that don’t actually involve studying.
2. The Charles River Esplanade
There’s a reason the Charles is the escape for BU students. The Esplanade is that rare Boston spot that makes you forget you’re in the middle of a city. Take a walk, listen to your favorite “feel-good” playlist, or sit by the water and watch the rowers glide by. Whether you’re de-stressing after a long week or manifesting your next chapter, the Esplanade is pure mental clarity in motion.
Golden hour here? Unreal. Bring your film camera or just your iced coffee. Either way, it’s a whole vibe.
3. Barnes & Noble at BU
Sometimes, self-care means pretending to be productive while secretly browsing for cute notebooks and aesthetic pens. The BU Barnes & Noble is that perfect middle ground between “I’m totally studying” and “I’m absolutely avoiding work.” Grab a drink from the Starbucks inside, wander through the aisles, maybe pick up that book you’ve been “meaning to read” since freshman year, or pick up some LEGOs to build. It’s calm, it smells like coffee and books, and it’s the perfect excuse to take yourself on a mini, solo date.
4. FitRec PooL
Stepping into FitRec can feel intimidating, but hear me out: you don’t have to run a 5K to feel good. Sometimes, self-care is a chill swim or even just stretching in one of the yoga rooms. The warmth, the quiet, and the satisfaction of doing something good for your body is the reset button you didn’t know you needed.
5. Amory Park
Just a short walk from West Campus, Amory Park feels like it belongs in a completely different world. With open lawns, quiet corners, and the occasional cute dog passing by, it’s the ideal morning escape. Bring your journal, a matcha, and your headphones, and give yourself a few moments of peace before the day starts. Whether you’re reflecting, reading, or just soaking up some sun, Amory Park gives main character energy in the best way.
6. Pavement Coffeehouse
When Boston decides to rain (basically every week), Pavement is the move. The cozy lighting, indie playlists, and constant coffee aroma make it the perfect spot to curl up with your laptop or have a heart-to-heart with a friend.
7. Your Dorm Or Apartment
Sometimes, the best self-care spot is the one that’s literally a few steps away. Self-care doesn’t always mean going out; it can mean staying in and setting the vibe. Dim the lights, light a candle, put on your favorite comfort show or movie, and just exist. Do a face mask, scroll on Pinterest guilt-free, or call your family and friends back home. The key? No multitasking.Â
Self-care doesn’t have to be complicated; it’s about small, intentional moments that make you feel like you again. Between the deadlines, group projects, and chaos of city life, remember that slowing down isn’t lazy; it’s necessary.Â
So next time you feel drained, grab your coffee, take that walk by the river, or have your cozy night in.
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