“Ask the Gav” is a series geared towards new students and underclassmen here on the Heights, declassifying everything from BC-specific lingo to course recommendations. We hope to be a warm, helping hand as you adjust to a new environment and a new school year. If you have any topics or questions you’d like to be answered, feel free to reach out to us on our Instagram @bcgavel or email us bcgavel@gmail.com.
Dear Incoming Eagles,
August is here, and we at The Gavel are counting down the days until we’re reunited here at Boston College. Whether you’re ecstatic to embark on this new journey, anxious about the dining hall food (which really isn’t as bad as you think), or all of the above, we are so excited for you to join us!
Something you’ll notice as soon as you step foot onto campus is the lingo that BC students use to refer to things: academic buildings, schools, dining halls, and more. There won’t be a vocab test, but you will seem like a seasoned Eagle using these terms!
If you hear people talking about “The Rat,” it’s not referring to an actual rodent (though you will see some at night). The Rat is a beloved term for the dining hall in the basement of Lyons Hall, which is open for breakfast, lunch, and “Late Night” in the evenings through midnight. Similarly, students flock to Eagle’s Nest in McElroy Commons, or more colloquially known as “Eagle’s,” for a bite in between classes on weekdays. Students also refer to the Upper Campus dining hall as “Mac,” the Corcoran Commons dining hall as “Lower,” and the Newton Campus dining hall Stuart Hall as “Stu.”
“The Plex” is where you’ll hit a quick workout, although its full government name is the Margot Connell Recreation Center. Looking for a less intense way to workout? Students love taking walks around “The Res,” which is the Reservoir next to Fish Field House.
Some acronyms used on campus include “AHANA” students which refers to students of color. MCAS is shortened for the Morrissey College of Arts & Sciences, CSOM which stands for the Carroll School of Management, and CSON which stands for the Connell School of Nursing. UHS stands for University Health Services, which is essential for when you come across the inevitable “BC Throat Tickle,” which is the equivalent of the “frat flu” on other campuses except for the fact that of course, we don’t have Greek life. Be sure to pack some Nyquil in your suitcase once you inevitably catch it.
As for the residence halls, here’s a breakdown of some of the most commonly heard buildings. For a breakdown of BC’s Freshman dorms, check out this article written by a former Gaveler!
“CLXF” refers to Claver, Loyola, Xavier, & Fenwick, all located on Upper Campus. “Chevy” refers to Cheverus Hall, also on Upper Campus. “CoRo” is shortened for College Road, and this is where Welch, Williams, and Roncalli Halls are located.
“Vandy” is Vanderslice Hall and “90” is Ninety St. Thomas More, both located on Lower Campus where mostly sophomores reside. “2K” refers to the Reservoir Apartments, which are located a short bus ride or walk away from Lower Campus as the address for the building is 2000 Commonwealth Avenue. Ignacio and Rubenstein Halls, also known as “Iggy” and “Ruby” respectively, are two senior year residences located across the street from Robsham Theater. And of course, “the Mods” are the fan-favorite red houses located on Lower Campus where a handful of seniors reside.
Finally, there’s “MarMon,” or “Marathon Monday,” the beloved BC tradition that celebrates the runners of the Boston Marathon. On this particular day, students have no classes, and the school hosts food trucks and a renowned singer to perform early in the morning for students eager to cheer on the runners. Another major event during the spring semester is the annual “Showdown” when all of the dance groups on campus go head-to-head.
We hope you had fun reading through this compilation of must-know words and acronyms, and hopefully this guide will help reduce some confusion as you get accustomed to life at BC! If you see us at the involvement fair, come say hi and don’t “BC lookaway” us!
Strawberry fanatic. Loves New Girl, Laufey, and making coffee.
Aspiring high school history teacher. Some of my opinions are OK
Transformative education and applied psychology major… interested in all things, but especially trees.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.