WOOF ISSUE 6

Best of Northeastern The best food, fun and fitness on and around campus

The Off-Campus Housing Myth Why are so many students moving off campus?

How to stock your fridge The must-have foods to keep in your kitchen

WHat I wish I knew as a freshman Four students’ tips for new Huskies

WOOF | fall 2013

16 PRESIDENT Kristen McCleary

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jamie Ducharme

CREATIVE DIRECTORS

Cara McGrath & Erinn Scammon

MARKETING DIRECTOR Marcy Teixeira

ONLINE editor Hannah DeYoung

treasurer

Chris Benevento

Social media director Sofia Rojo del Busto

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EDITORS

Front: Emily Huizenga; Bon Appetit: Kelsey Zimmerer; Campus Crawl: Monica Vallejo; Focus: Shelby Sih

Copy editors

Alexandra Forzato, Hanna Gibeau, Brianna Hollis

WRITERS

Chris Benevento, Bridget Bunda, Sarah Darrow, Connor Doherty, Alexandra Forzato, Charlotte Gray, Ben Holler, Delaney Lanker, Kristen Lobo, Mackenzie Nichols, Jake Orlando, Andrea Scibetta, Corlyn Vorhees

DESIGNERS

Michelle Balaban, Sami Bartlett, Jack Dombrowski, Lautaro Grinspan, Kathleen Mullins, Roya Rakhshan, Kelley Schneider

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Alli Anastas, Leah Corbett, Grace Di Cecco, Seb Herforth, Jackie Keffas, Carolina Rodriguez, Lena Smart, Katie Williams

CREATIVE Rachael Bentley, Ciara Celestin, McKenna Curtis, Jennifer Mulroy

MARKETING

Molly Hair, Kristen Killeen, Alexa Overington, Alexis Spadea, Andrea Zazzarino

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11

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CONTENTS

05

front

Bon Appetit

04 What I Wish I Knew As a Freshman 05 Fashion Trends for Guys 07 The Art of Rolling Up

13 How To Stock Your Fridge 15 Chicken Lou’s: Under Their Wing

Campus Crawl 09 Confidence Is Key: Men’s Soccer Rebuilds

Centerfold 11 Best of Northeastern

Focus 16 The Off-Campus Housing Myth 19 Separated by a Common Language

Interested in Joining our staff?

EMAIL US nuwoof@gmail.com

Visit our site woof-mag.com

4 // Front

By Connor Doherty

The first year of college can be a struggle. Think awkward outings with people you don’t know you don’t want to be friends with yet, uninformed dining hall choices, aimless wanderings on campus and that first party on the Hill that is never as cool as you’d imagined it would be. But have no fear; these Northeastern students who have somehow managed to survive college thus far are here to offer the things they wish they’d known freshman year.

Kevin Parker, Junior, Industrial Engineering Major 1. Take advantage of the Curry roofdeck.

Curry roofdeck is the best place to eat Rebecca’s. No one is ever there. It also has lounge chairs for tanning your pastiness in the early springtime.

2. Get peer tutoring if you need it.

Free peer tutoring exists for basically every subject in Lake Hall. The tutors get paid, but you don’t pay them. Knowing about this would have saved my chemistry grade.

3. Be aware of deadlines.

Deadlines for Alternative Spring Break and Dialogues come up really quickly. Think about them early and keep track, or else you’re going to miss out.

Luke Brewer, Middler, Finance Major

Sarah Schwarz, Sophomore, Journalism Major 1. Never wear heels going out.

You may feel sassy and sexy now, but stumbling across the bridge home from MIT, unable to feel your feet, is simply not worth it. And when your night involves a few drinks, you’re suddenly that girl who either needs to be carried or risks stepping on any number of disgusting and dangerous things barefoot.

2. Always walk through the Fens at night.

It’s a delightful place to be, especially for some nice, quiet alone time.

Just kidding! Don’t go there at night, especially alone. It’s not only sketchy, but also filled with goose poop.

3. Don’t throw parties in your freshman dorms.

Even if your RA seems chill, he or she can still have a bad night and decide to write you up. Academic probation is a treat you should try to avoid as long as you can.

Shannon Clark, Junior, Marketing Major

1. Take advantage of everything Boston has to offer.

Get a CharlieCard and get your parents to put mad money on it. That way you have no reason not to explore the awesome city you live in. Go places. See Harvard. Don’t just run on the treadmill in Marino — go run by the Charles. Spend as much time outside as you can before the cold keeps you from wanting to hibernate.

1. Get to know your professors.

Actually go to your professors’ office hours and get to know them.

They can be great resources for future classes and jobs, and it is helpful for staying on top of the class material. Finding a professor that you can become close with is great because they will serve as a mentor throughout your college years.

2. Don’t get a fake ID. Using a fake ID is never worth it. It’ll most likely be taken and you will waste $100 and potentially get in trouble with university police.

2. Avoid awkward party situations.

A lot of Northeastern parties are smaller get-togethers at a friend’s apartment. Don’t go to those if you aren’t friends with the host. It’s always awkward when you drunkenly stumble into those parties after hearing someone mention it and know no one. As you get older and more of your friends live off campus, those kind of parties will become more acceptable.

3. Take your classes seriously.

School should always come first, so make sure you actually do your homework and study.

3. Accept that every grocery store is overpriced.

Every grocery store and liquor store around campus is overpriced; you kind of have to deal with it. Don’t go out of your way to go to the furthest store just because they have cheaper bread. Living in a city can get expensive, but you can figure out how to make it work.

WOOF | fall 2013

Front // 5

FASHION TRENDS FOR GUYS

Written by Sarah Darrow Photos by Jackie Keffas

Certain fashion trends seem limited to women, but some feminine fads have plenty of room for a masculine influence. Instead of limiting these runway-inspired trends to the ladies, it’s time to show the guys on campus how to make them work

Animal Print

Unlike the beasts by which these patterns are inspired, animal print should not be feared. While typically spotted on blazers, tops and occasionally shoes, guys don’t have to take the patterns that far (but if you want to, more power to ya). A simple leopard print can be worn on the letters of a t-shirt, a casual hat or something as unassuming as a pair of socks. Animal print is a great way to bring playfulness and confidence to any outfit.

Monochromatic

Monochromatic looks are not as popular as they could and should be. When putting together a monochromatic outfit, play with different textures and avoid wearing shades that are too similar. If you’re going to go for this look, make it appear intentional. You don’t want any shades that are close but not exactly the same, so either go for major contrast within one hue or find the same shade in different textures. You can rock this trend with an all denim approach (fondly known as the Canadian tuxedo), keep it sleek with an all black look or go incredibly bold with a red ensemble.

Pattern Mixing

Playing with different patterns in one outfit is far simpler than it seems.

If you’re a guy who truly appreciates fashion, mixing patterns is a great way to show off your sense of style in a simple but bold way.

Since men are typically limited to shorts or pants for bottoms, look for a patterned pair. A pair of well-fitting green camo pants can be paired with a simple striped tee. Or, you could clash patterns with a printed sneaker and polka-dot tee with a neutral pant.

WOOF | fall 2013

6 // Front

the art of WOOF | fall 2013

As most guys will agree, there is nothing quite as demoralizing as being turned away from a party. The thought that you didn’t make the cut stings; you feel left out, self-conscious.

Usually it seems like the only solution is to improve the infamous “p” to “v” ratio of your crew.

But what if there were other ways? If only there was a list of easy things you could do to make yourself instantly more interesting and appealing on that off-campus doorstep.

Well, now there is.

Written by Chris Benevento // Photos by Leah Corbett Give the people what they want.

In a world guided by price, the variety and choice of your beer often give way to ease and cost-effectiveness. With everyone on the same meager budget, you can guarantee that any party you happen to attend will have Busch, Pabst, Keystone or a combination of the three. In short, the market is flooded with swill.

College partygoers are yearning for something different – for someone to step in and rescue them from the stagnant, mundane world of cheap beer. Why not be that savior?

One of the best things you can do for yourself when rolling up to an informal gathering of peers is to bring a case of tasty brews.

However, you can’t just bring any mediumpriced beer. No – you need to bring a talking point. Take Bud Light Lime, for example.

Limes floating among the normal assortment of budget beers are going to raise some eyebrows. Limes are going to tell stories. It won’t be long before you hear things like, “Oh my gosh, I haven’t had a Bud Light Lime since Tammy Morgan’s boat party two summers ago!” Now you’ve not only improved the beer selection, but you’ve also brought your peers together. You’ve created a bond through beverage. It’s more than just appealing to the palate – you’ve got to appeal to the heart.

Become a more interesting and appealing person.

This tip seems harsh at first, but in actuality, it requires no change in personality or character.

When parties get too big or the word spreads too fast, every square foot counts. Only the people who bring something special to the table are going to get in.

It’s important to note that party culture is superficial. In a scenario where no one really knows each other, it’s what’s on the surface that counts. Cater to that. Paint your shoes gold.

It sounds ridiculous, yes, but think about it: Gold. Shoes. The Bud Light Limes of the footwear world, gold shoes are a talking point. Nobody in their right mind is going to turn someone wearing gold shoes away.

Gold shoes emit confidence. You may hear comments like, “Kid’s got stones coming in here with 24-karat kicks.” You will instantly be elevated to “man of the party.” Own it.

Be wary of wild cards.

It’s important to make sure that both you and your friends understand proper party etiquette.

You are in someone’s home. That person was nice enough to host a party and let you and your friends attend.

So while it may be hilarious when your pal Teddy does that thing he always does, whether it’s wearing the host’s bathrobe or unplugging the router, that type of behavior not only looks bad but will most likely result in you being asked to leave.

Solution? Squash those incidents early on.

Simply make sure that everyone’s on the same page and respects the host’s belongings.

In conclusion: If you follow these tips you will find yourself crossing through that black-lit threshold more often than not. After all, who cares about ratio when you’ve got gold shoes on your feet and a 30-rack of memories under your arm?

rolling up WOOF | fall 2013

8 // Front

Confidence is Key Written by Andrea Scibetta and Delany Lanker // Photos by Seb Herforth

I

n the high intensity sport of soccer, everything little thing counts; every kick, pass and goal matters. And those little things have never mattered more than they do this season for Northeastern men’s soccer.

After last year’s record-breaking 13-win season — which won the team the Colonial Athletic Association title and its first berth in the NCAA tournament in 10 years, in addition to breaking Northeastern records for fewest losses (three) and longest win streak (six) — the team is still running on that high.

“We definitely have confidence because of last year,” said head coach Brian Ainscough. “There was a preseason poll that ranked us to be first this season as well, which just gave the team more confidence.”

Junior-eligible keeper Jacob Aduama said the poll, released on Aug. 9, gave the team a boost but didn’t derail its focus.

“It felt good in some extent, because we hadn’t been looked at in that way, but at the same time we were all kind of like, ‘we wish we were thought of as fifth or sixth place, just because we don’t want ourselves to get too far ahead,’” he said. “We want to focus on the game and the task at hand, and not the whole thing, because that’s how teams get derailed.”

Despite the pressure of the team’s success last season, senior midfielder Dante Marini understands that as a team they are still moving forward. “It’s a new season for us. It’s completely different than last year. It’s new guys and new games,” he said. “We are trying to do the same things we did last year and hopefully do it better.”

WOOF | fall 2013

Though the team has a positive outlook, the loss of several star players is undeniable. Former forward Don Anding, who graduated last year and is currently playing for the Harrisburg City Islanders, holds many records and will be a hard loss for the team. But with Anding’s departure comes the arrival of a talented crop of freshmen, said senior midfielder and defender Nikko Lara. “A good amount of them have found their spots on the starting lineup,” he noted. “It really says a lot about the program when you have young freshmen come in […] and quickly adjust to everything that’s going on, and do really well and find starting positions and contribute to what we’re doing.”

“sometimes allcomes comes Sometimes ititall down you can downto tohow how much much you can fight much fight andand howhow much you you really want in end.” the really want it initthe end.”

Lara said this year is hardly about rebuilding. “We all expect the same thing this year that we had last year, and we expect to go further,” he said. “I think it’s difficult to explain to [the freshmen] what it feels like to experience what we did last year. It’s something that you have to be there for to understand how hard we worked, and the games that we really had to fight through.”

Front // 9

Indeed, with an impressive incoming class of 10 new players — three forwards, three midfielders and four defenders, more than any other team in the conference — the team is filling the gaps quickly.

Ainscough said Christian McKenna, a forward from Scotland, is a player to watch in particular. “Christian is a center forward and he has a lot of potential and is very good,” he said. “Once we get him up and going, he will do very well.” “[The team dynamic] has been different, but I think in a good way, because when I came in we were 10 freshmen, and the culture was a lot more split,” said Aduama. “Over the years we’ve always worked to kind of incorporate the young guys into the team, and to get the older guys together, and now that there’s 10 new freshmen it’s like they’re a bigger part of our team then when we came in as freshmen so it’s been kind of a good transition, and I think they’re fitting in well.”

Lara said a big part of that success comes from team bonding and chemistry, an area the team worked hard to hone in preseason activities and team building. “I think that this year it was actually a lot more impressive in terms of team chemistry when we all first met,” he said. “The connection between the freshman and all the juniors and seniors was really interesting because it picked up really quickly. I think we just had more in common.”

Marini agrees. “The freshmen are all good guys, a lot of funny guys which is always important to bring into the team,” he said, “And they are all good soccer players and they come to work every day. They definitely put in the effort every practice even if they aren’t playing; they work just as hard as the guys that are playing.”

Losses and challenges aside, Ainscough said his team is ready to compete. “Last year will be hard to duplicate — we hadn’t made it to NCAAs in 10 years,” he said. “We hope it’s not another 10 years before we make it back, so this year we would love to come back to NCAAs and play.”

Lara, too, said his team is ready to defend its reputation. “We can be a talented team, we can be a hard working team,” he said, “but sometimes it all comes down to how much you can fight and how much you really want it in the end.”

Aduama, who is recovering from a broken wrist, said he counts playing for the men’s soccer team as one of the most important parts of his college experience. “I was sitting in the locker room today and I was thinking like, wow, I really love being a part of the team. It’s so cool to play for your school.”

On coming back, Aduama said his goal this season is not focused on playing more, but on “supporting my team and winning another championship.”

“I’d rather be a part of a winning team than play on a losing one,” he said.

For this team, there’s no doubt that success will not come for lack of trying. They are a unified force, ever conscious of representing the Huskies, and the emulation of “work hard, play hard.”

“Our goal every day is just to get out there and work as hard as we can, support each other, and also pull each other up when we’re slacking... You have a lot, you have school, you have a social life, all those other things. And I think we hold each other accountable,” Aduama added. “We want to make sure that who we are last year doesn’t shape who we are this year. We don’t want to be that team that just won once and that was it. We want to be consistently at that level.”

Additional reporting by: Brianna Hollis and Kristen McCleary

WOOF | fall 2013

10 // Centerfold

Symphony Sushi

Best of

Northeastern

Written by Bridget Bunda, Charlotte Gray, Kristen Lobo, & Corlyn Voorhees Photos by Ali Anastas & Grace Di Cecco Cover Photo by Leah Corbett

At a school as large and diverse as Northeastern, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by choice. Rebecca’s or West End for lunch? Starbucks or Dunkin’ in the morning? Snell or Curry to study? So that you may never make the wrong choice again, we present the Best of Northeastern awards. You can thank us later.

Food truck – Roxy’s Grilled Cheese

Roxy’s puts a unique spin on a classic sandwich with items such as the Green Muenster Melt, a delicious mixture of Muenster cheese, homemade guacamole and Applewood bacon. Making the bold claim of serving “Boston’s best grilled cheese,” Roxy’s is a lunchtime staple that can frequently be found near Northeastern’s campus.

Coffee – Starbucks

Breakfast – Pavement Coffeehouse

Pavement is a go-to spot for a fun and affordable breakfast with friends or a slightly off-campus study cove that will make you feel hipper than Club Snell. Pavement’s menu is sweet and simple, with basic teas and coffees as well as an assortment of breakfast pastries and other items.

Late Night Grub – New York Pizza

Conveniently located in afterHOURS, Starbucks is there for any student who needs a caffeine fix after a late night of studying. Pro tip: Be sure to try the seasonal pumpkin spice latte.

This neighborhood pizza place is a staple for Northeastern students who have made the transition to the “other” side of campus. With slices the size of your face, reasonable prices and doors open until 2 a.m. on weekends, it’s got all the ingredients of a college favorite.

Asian Food – Symphony Sushi

Burger – Five Guys Burgers and Fries

Got a craving for some sushi? Located on Gainsborough Street, Symphony Sushi is your place. And if raw fish isn’t really your thing, you can also get entrees from the grill, tempura dishes, soups, salads, rice, noodles and a variety of appetizers. Whatever you’re craving, Symphony Sushi has it.

WOOF | fall 2013

Five Guys is a favorite of college students everywhere. With its simple and cheap but oh-so-good take on the classic hamburger, Five Guys offers a tantalizingly delicious option for students on a budget.

Dessert – J.P. Licks

The bold, Broadway-style lights draw you into this Boylston Street scoop shop, and the ice cream keeps you coming back. The shop has a wide selection of ice cream, frozen yogurt, pastries and coffee, and if you’re on the run, it has “Licks to Go!” for your convenience.

Mexican Food – Qdoba

Maybe it’s the convenient on-campus location.

Maybe it’s the handy acceptance of Husky Dollars. Maybe it’s the pico de gallo. Whatever it is, Qdoba offers a variety of simple yet delicious Mexican food options that are sure to satisfy.

Groceries – Trader Joe’s

Just a short walk away on Boylston Street, Trader Joe’s is a great place to stock your apartment fridge or take a break from Northeastern’s dining halls. Trader Joe’s is known for its creative and delicious specialty foods (apple cinnamon goat cheese, anyone?), and the store guarantees friendly customer service.

Centerfold // 11

Sandwich – Rebecca’s

The students standing in the long, winding line in the basement of Churchill might seem a bit crazy at first — there are a ton of sandwich joints on campus, so why wait 15 minutes just to place your order? And then you bite off a chunk of a Rebecca’s sandwich and suddenly it all makes sense. Happiness in one meal swipe.

Place to use up dining dollars – Rebecca’s Cafe

Aside from the delicious sandwiches, soups and meals from the grill that make this everyone’s favorite lunch spot, Rebecca’s also serves up gluten-free and vegetarian entrees.

And since the eatery takes Dining and Husky Dollars, it’s perfect for the end-of-semester scramble to make the most of your meal plan.

Best use of a meal swipe – West End Sizzling Salad

For those looking for a quiet break during a busy day, the Sacred Space in Ell Hall is available as a refuge for quiet thought and meditation. The center also offers yoga and guided meditation classes, as well as other workshops.

Group Fitness Class – Yoga

Students looking for an educational and cultural experience can take advantage of the Museum of Fine Arts, located just across the street on Huntington Avenue.

In addition to its permanent collection, the museum has a packed schedule of temporary exhibitions. Bonus: Admission is free for all Northeastern students.

Yoga class in Marino is one the most peaceful places on campus. Escape your term paper, your co-op stress or your annoying roommate in child’s pose while listening to soothing music and calm coaching by the instructor.

You won’t find anyone screaming at you to pedal faster or squat deeper in this class — although you might have to balance on your head.

Bar – Conor Larkin’s

Men’s sporting event – Hockey

Is it the happy hour specials (a college budgeter’s dream), the mostly college crowd or the prime location on campus that makes this bar a Northeastern favorite? Probably all of them — after all, who isn’t craving a cold beer after a grueling day in Club Snell? Fear not: Conor Larkin’s is only a three-minute walk away.

Campus event – Springfest

Tired of dining hall food, but don’t want to go broke on takeout or restaurant prices? Head over to the Curry Center for a Sizzling Salad from the West End. With a wide variety of toppings and ingredients, students can make a delicious and personalized salad concoction.

Place to find your zen – Sacred Space

Cultural attraction – Museum of Fine Arts

Sponsored by the Council for University Programs, Springfest is an annual weeklong event that features everything from concerts to video game tournaments and graffiti artists.

Last year’s concert brought in artists Kid Cudi, Cage the Elephant and Cults.

Place to Study – Snell Library

Snell is a classic study spot for a reason.

The newly-renovated first floor offers more than 20 by-reservation study rooms, the second floor is perfect for group projects and the quiet or silent third and fourth floors are peaceful places to get your work done with no distractions. As for finding a seat? Good luck with that.

Pavement Coffeehouse

As the weather begins to cool, proud Huskies have only one thing on their minds: hockey season. A long-held tradition at Northeastern, packing the Dog House is the ultimate show of affection for our beloved men’s hockey team.

Women’s sporting event – Volleyball An annual contender in Colonial Athletic Association play, women’s volleyball is definitely a team to watch. The quick-paced scoring and high-speed plays make volleyball the perfect sport for spectators.

Intramural sport – Broomball

If you love ice hockey but can’t skate for your life, Broomball is your chance for glory. Sneakers replace skates and a broom replaces a stick in this toned-down version of ice hockey, making it perfect for the casual athlete. Missed the registration deadline? No worries — the sport is just as fun as a spectator.

Five Guys Burgers and Fries

WOOF | fall 2013

12 // Bon Appetit

Crash Course

How to Stock Your Fridge Written by Mackenzie Nichols // Photos by Lena Smart

Ah, college: The age of “drunchies and munchies,” the freshman 15 and a tight budget. While there’s plenty of dining hall fare and greasy pizza to be had during the college years, stresses really run high when it comes time to stock the apartment fridge. To guide your shopping trips, here are some kitchen essentials that will satisfy the taste buds and the wallet.

1 2 3 4 5 WOOF | fall 2013

Let’s just go ahead and start with the obvious: milk, eggs and butter.

This may seem like a no-brainer, but sometimes remembering the essentials is the hardest part when faced with the pressure of grocery shopping. Land O’Lakes is a good choice for butter because the lady on the package seems like a cool chick.

Juices, soda and chasers. Apple juice, OJ and lemonade are crucial.

Ginger ale is recommended for those inevitable stress-induced tummy aches and rough weekend mornings, but whichever soda you prefer should be good. I’m not going to give advice on chasers because I hope you all have had enough practice to make those decisions on your own.

Breakfast food. Those new Jimmy Dean “Delights” are pretty dank — 240 calories for a sausage, egg and cheese that only takes a minute and a half in the microwave? They’re an obvious choice at around $5.75 for a pack of four delicious sandwiches. Cereal is pretty good if that tickles your fancy, and there’s always yogurt and granola. Also, bacon.

K-Cups for your Keurig. If the kitchen doesn’t have a Keurig it’s borderline impossible to function as a normal human being. For around $100, a Keurig may be the perfect Christmas gift from your loved ones.

A pack of 18 K-Cups runs for about $13 at Target, so you get way more bang for your buck than buying a $3 coffee from Dunkin’ Donuts every morning.

Lunch situations. Sandwich meat like turkey, chicken, roast beef and prosciutto. If there’s money in the bank for Boar’s Head that’d be prime, but if not, no worries. Spinach, ranch and some smoked gouda are a great combo on sandwiches, but mayo or mustard works, too. Mustard is only acceptable if it’s dijon, because why wouldn’t it be dijon? Wheat bread is also recommended because nothing tastes as good as skinny feels, am I right?

Bon Appetitl // 13

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Veggies. Avocados are really delicious on grilled cheeses. Not sure whether an avocado is a fruit or a veggie, but it’s probably a veggie because it’s green. Asparagus is great for pasta dishes and also salads when combined with mixed greens or spinach, some baby tomatoes and a good vinaigrette. If you have the option, check out the farmers market that comes to Centennial Common on Wednesdays and the new Fresh Truck, which is essentially a food truck with healthy food for Northeastern students.

Fruits. Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, avocado if avocado is a fruit, bananas and green apples because red apples aren’t as good.

Smoothies are a delicious concoction with these bad boys, so investing in a blender would be a good decision.

Dinner. From frozen pizzas to Trader Joe’s frozen meals, the simpler and quicker the better. Pasta is pretty easy to make, but let’s be real here: Drunching and munching on the late night leaves the attention span and sense of responsibility at a record low, so frozen dishes are recommended. Trader Joe’s, for example, has a frozen Mojito Salmon meal that contains two servings and is only $7. Most of the other frozen meals are around the same price.

Cheese. There are these packs of small-ish square cheeses available at grocery stores that are great to snack on. Cheese sticks are also great. Baby-Bel cheese is also wonderful because you feel like you have to work for your food and you can’t really get that kind of satisfaction anywhere else.

Desserts. On occasion it is vital to treat yo’self to something sweet.

So, go out and splurge some bills on the fave ice cream or candy and call it a day.

So there you have it, folks. With this list of crucial dietary needs you can now conquer the world and also your stomach. Good luck and stay classy.

WOOF | fall 2013

14 // Bon Appetit

Under Their Wing Written by Alexandra Forzato

Every autumn, the Chicken Lou’s family, as they call themselves, welcomes 2,100 new relatives as the freshman class and Northeastern’s returning students drift into the small haven of comfort food.

Dave Ferretti, Chicken Lou’s second-generation owner and a Northeastern graduate, said tough love is what it’s all about in this family. “Yeah, we’ll give them a lot of shit, which is like a home away from home,” he said. “When they skip class, we yell at them.

When they come in hungover, we tell them not to drink.”

Keeping an eye out for students’ well-being has been the restaurant’s creed since its opening 23 years ago.

Ferretti is not shy to admit that his father, Lou himself, brought his business to campus because, as Ferretti said, “I think he wanted to keep an eye on me.”

Chicken Lou’s humbly made its way onto Northeastern’s foodie scene in 1978 when Ferretti began his college career.

“I came home one day and told my dad that I couldn’t find a good place to get coffee, and he decided to have canteen trucks here, food and coffee and stuff, which he had on Huntington Avenue,” he remembered. Since then, Chicken Lou’s has found permanent residence on Forsyth Street, filling the walk through campus with the sweet, sweet smell of fried deliciousness.

As for what the most popular order is, the one that keeps students coming back day after day, Ferretti does not skip a beat.

“Oh TKO, not even close,” he said. “Tom Keady Original. He used to be vice president in charge of government relations at Northeastern.”

And just as Northeastern has adapted and modernized throughout the years, so has Chicken Lou’s.

Ever inventive, Chicken Lou’s is famous not only for the taste of its sandwiches, but the names — from the Lous’ Misteak to the Whitey Bo’lou’ger. “I have nothing to do in the middle of the night, I’m lying in bed and I can’t sleep,” said Ferretti.

“So I come up with a name more often than I come up with a sandwich. Then I fit a sandwich to the name a lot of the time.”

But despite Ferretti’s naming prowess, the eatery’s name comes from an entirely different origin. “My dad’s name was Lou,” he explained. “His grandkids used to ask him to go water skiing and he wouldn’t water ski, so they used to say, ‘You’re chicken, Lou!’” Chicken Lou’s’ legacy of taking Northeastern’s hungry under its wings is what makes it an essential part of campus, and why Chicken Lou’s is now in its second generation of ownership. “To this day I remember my father being very concerned that they weren’t going to renew the lease on that morning that he passed away,” Ferretti said.

“We just decided to keep it. You know, I very much enjoy talking with the kids. Keeps me a little on the young side.

And we wanted to keep the legacy.”

And if you’re one of those Northeastern students who hasn’t made her way over to Lou’s, don’t worry—you’ll find yourself tempted eventually.

“Every once in a while we’ll get the occasional five or 10 students at the end of the year, graduating seniors, who say, “Well I’ve been here five years and I haven’t ever been and I wanna make sure I come here once before I leave,’” Ferretti said.

“Well you know what, I hate to tell ‘em, but if they hadn’t come they wouldn’t have graduated, because it would just show that they aren’t smart enough to graduate.”

Photos by Grace Di Cecco

WOOF | fall 2013

Focus // 15

Written by Kristen McCleary and Jake Orlando Photos by Carolina Rodriguez When it comes to the skyrocketing cost of a college education, there aren’t many expenses students have control over. The daunting tuition, meal plans and groceries, books, computer repairs, class packets and the like all add up, but there’s not much cashstrapped students can do about it. What they can decide, however, is whether to make the leap to living off campus, a choice that can drastically lower monthly expenses — and students’ lifestyles.

Northeastern requires all students to stay on campus during their first two years, after which they must decide whether to stay or go. And while many students agree that moving off campus is an effective way to save money, many upperclassmen are hesitant to take the plunge.

The fact is, realtors and leases are uncharted territory in the lives of most 19-year-olds.

Moving off campus means a real grown-up place of your own — no meal plan requirement and no signing your friends in, but also bills, groceries and major responsibility that some students just aren’t ready to handle.

For those, Northeastern’s on-campus housing is a viable, safe option. Newer, more spacious residences, such as West Village and International Village have earned Northeastern a spot on the “Princeton Review’s” “Best College Dorms” list for 2014. On-campus housing options will be further broadened once the new GrandMarc residences, currently under construction above the YMCA, open next year. According to the 2011 amendment to the university’s Institutional Master Plan, Northeastern has added 4,189 beds to its on-campus housing supply since 1999. The GrandMarc project will add 720 additional beds upon completion.

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WOOF | fall 2013

16 // Focus That being said, university housing varies wildly in terms of price, location and quality.

An on-campus economy triple, the cheapest option, costs each student $3,080 per semester (about $770 a month), while the priciest, an enhanced studio single, is $6,280 (about $1,570 a month). Housing is also assigned based on a lottery system. Students with more completed credits receive first choice, so students who draw low lottery numbers may not have much of a choice when it comes to where and with whom they end up.

In terms of location, many students wind up on the periphery of campus, potentially living anywhere from Fenway to Roxbury. While those who are lucky enough to live in centrallylocated accommodations like West Village may

“For me, [the process] was probably about two-anda-half to three weeks. We talked to about four or five different realtors, because when you have multiple realtors, they work harder to get you the sale; that was our trick.”

feel as though they’ll be getting their money’s worth in terms of convenience, students who are placed in comparatively remote locations such as Douglass Park on Columbus Avenue — which costs about $1,498 per student per month for a two bedroom, two bath split four ways — are essentially paying on-campus prices to live the off-campus lifestyle.

Moving off campus means lower rent, but a different set of expenditures. An average offcampus two bedroom apartment, taken from an average of listings in areas around campus, can cost from $850 to $1,300 a month per person. Wireless internet and cable costs about $85 a month, and an electric and water bill usually comes to about $150 in the winter months, when heat is used frequently. That totals to about $1,169 per person a month — a high sum, but one that is still less than many Northeastern dorms.

WOOF | fall 2013

Numbers aside, there are practical positives to off-campus housing. There’s new freedom, both with whom and where you live and what goes on in your apartment, and often the possibility for better accommodations. But it takes a certain type of independent student to thrive off-campus, and the loss of proximity to classes and campus resources can be cause for hesitation.

Trevor Hennigan, a sophomore business administration major who currently resides in West Village C, admitted that while he is open to the idea of moving off campus as a middler, he would only live within the immediate vicinity of Northeastern’s campus. “I wouldn’t want to be on the [Mission] Hill,” he said. “I wouldn’t want to have a long walk to campus, so I’m leaning towards staying on campus at this point.”

Despite slightly favoring dorm life for its convenience, Hennigan also acknowledged the fact that the bureaucratic nature of the

housing lottery system doesn’t allow students to be in full control of where and with whom they’re living.

“We had four people for a quad, but because of the housing process, we weren’t able to live together,” he said. “We actually thought about going off-campus [with special permission], because we didn’t know what we were going to get. We have friends who live off campus, and the process for them was actually a lot easier. They were able to see a lot of different places and get exactly what they wanted.”

Many upperclassmen vouched for the fact that the process is often relatively easy. “When I started my sophomore year, I knew it’d be my last year on campus, but I didn’t start looking [for an apartment] until January or February,” remembered junior journalism major Maddie Sattler, who made the short leap from Davenport A to an apartment in the same area.

“For me, [the process] was probably about

Focus // 17

Who has the cash?

For those staying on campus, it can be hard to find housing. If you are one of the upperclassmen lucky enough to get a housing ticket, these are how the numbers stack up.

The best way to lighten your purse is going for an apartment just for yourself. While the privacy is nice, it can certainly hurt the bank.

Type of Housing two-and-a-half to three weeks. We talked to about four or five different realtors, because when you have multiple realtors, they work harder to get you the sale; that was our trick.”

From Sattler’s point of view, moving off campus does nothing to negatively impact quality of student life. “I don’t feel disconnected [from Northeastern] at all; I’m on campus all the time,” she said. “You can move off campus and go on co-op and never be on campus, but I’m so involved that I’m still always here.” Sattler also said adult living isn’t the burden it’s often made out to be. “I kind of like having the responsibility of having to pay my own bills,” she said. “We’ll all have to do it eventually anyways.”

The university also continues to support offcampus students. For example, loans that would normally cover on-campus housing can be released from student accounts and used to pay for rent and expenses. There’s also OffCampus Student Services (OCSS), a program designed to assist students with the process of moving off campus, support those who already live on their own and help them stay connected to campus. OCSS can help report landlord problems, hire an inspector, solve roommate problems and coordinate the movein process, in addition to running “Should I Stay or Should I Go” sessions that help students of all grade levels with the decision making process.

Rachel Shanley, a senior political science and human services double major, is one of 10 community ambassadors for OCSS. All CAs live off campus and are assigned to a team that coordinates with an area heavily populated by Northeastern students like Mission Hill, Fenway or the Columbus Avenue area. They also work in the OCSS office and plan events around campus and in their particular area.

“Here in the office we answer any emails, calls or walk-in questions, so we’re here for [off-campus students],” Shanley said of her responsibilities. “The majority of students live on Mission Hill, but it’s a good mix of all three

economy triple apartment economy double bedroom standard studio double standard double bedroom economy single bedroom standard single bedroom

($ Per Semester) 3080 3555 3800 4115 4465 4860

enhanced studio double

5225

enhanced double bedroom

5380

enhanced double loft

5380

enhanced single bedroom

5995

studio single apartment

6100

enhanced studio single apartment

6260

one bedroom apartment

“Honestly, I felt like the opposite. I felt cut off, being isolated living in IV freshman year, whereas most of my friends live off campus now,” LaBelle remarked.

places, as well as people who are commuting from further places, like Providence and around Massachusetts.”

In Shanley’s opinion, leaving dorm life is the right decision, despite the maturity it forces upon students. “I think [moving off campus] is easier, and there are a lot of benefits. But

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it also takes a lot of independence,” she said. “Being connected to campus is always a big problem. Knowing about events and everything — there’s no room for posters in your [apartment] building.”

Despite the university’s efforts to ease the process, junior civil engineering major Scott LaBelle, who moved to Mission Hill after his sophomore year, says moving off campus is not for everyone. “If you’re more independent, off-campus housing might be a better option,” he said. “But if you’re not ready to give up that 30-second walk to class and a dining hall in your basement, I would stay on campus … obviously being a little further from campus requires some more motivation to get to class in the dead cold of winter.”

The reality is that while living off-campus takes work, it’s not out of reach. With OCSS and fellow students there for support, for students with the independence and the wherewithal, off-campus housing can make all the difference in having the best — and most costeffective — college experience.

WOOF | fall 2013

18 // Focus

SEPARATED BY A COMMON LANGUAGE: coming to college from across the pond

Written by Benedict Höller // Photos by Erinn Scammon

If

I asked you if it is going to be cold enough to wear “jumpers” in a “fortnight,” would you understand me? Would you know I was asking if in two weeks time it would be “sweater weather”?

One would think that as an international student from London I wouldn’t encounter any language issues coming to college in Boston.

But my new friends are confused, captivated and delighted daily by strange ‘Briticisms’ of mine. Your “mail” is my “post.” New England’s “fall,” the “autumn” I am looking forward to experiencing for the first time. Your “sneakers,” my “trainers;” your “sidewalk,” my “pavement;” and of course your “soccer,” my beloved “football.”

While the US’s blasphemous corruption of the word “football” has always outraged me, I was unprepared for the other numerous differences in tongues. For example:

vs aluminium flat chips crisps sweets lift garden curtains petrol bonnet boot queue gobsmacked mad dodgy nappy cheers loo/toilet rubbish to get off (slang) to fancy someone WOOF | fall 2013

aluminum apartment fries (potato) chips candy elevator yard drapes gasoline hood trunk line shocked crazy sketchy diaper thank you bathroom trash to hook up (kiss) to be attracted to someone

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Focus // 19

Whilst I miss the collective British placidity, I have come to revel in the excitement and furor of being a college student in Boston.

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Looking back on the first couple months of my time here at Northeastern, I realize how much I have learned about the American way of life aside from language. No one does “work hard, play hard” quite as well as America does. Everyone I know here is super-involved, studies hard and has a great time doing so. They do so because they are given the opportunity to; anything is possible in college. Part of the reason I decided to study in the U.S. was because at British universities, many of the opportunities we have at Northeastern aren’t available — you can’t take classes in any subject, play competitive sports, write for student publications or play intramural quidditch.

More of the stereotypes associated with American life have shone through for me as well. I ate cheeseburgers and pizza six days in a row at the dining hall during my first week here. Everyone is almost disconcertingly friendly, wonderfully outspoken and passionate about something.

Disparately, sitting on the fence and being indifferent are almost celebrated art forms back home. My American friends note how I always say I am “quite happy” rather than just “happy,” perhaps because straight happiness is far too scary a commitment to an emotion for a Brit like me.

Whilst I miss the collective British placidity, I have come to revel in the excitement and furor of being a college student in Boston. School is school everywhere, but going to school in “the Hub” is a unique and exciting privilege. I’m dying to discover my new city and perhaps even adopt some of the Bostonian English along the way (I’m dying to know what “wicked pissah” means).

It’s funny how both sides of the Atlantic lay claim to the correct way of spelling and pronouncing words. But whether you speak the Queen’s English or have a thick Boston accent, we should all embrace the differences. As George Bernard Shaw once said, “America and Britain are two countries separated by a common language.”

Everyone is almost disconcertingly friendly, wonderfully outspoken and passionate about something.

WOOF | fall 2013