How to speedrun friendships and skip the small talk to get closer fast?

How to speedrun friendships and skip the small talk to get closer fast?
How to speedrun friendships and skip the small talk to get closer fast?

Some people like small talk and some people really don’t, so it’s not just you. If you’re not bothered by awkwardness you can try moving directly to more serious topics with everyone, and that will super quickly tell you who’s on your same wavelength, but that’s messy. Otherwise it tends to be a little dance. But here’s a thought from one of my older helpers: some people really just love small talk, but other people are using it to determine if it’s safe or worthwhile to talk to you about something real. If you rush through that stuff you will miss out on a lot of great people.

Any good black pen recommendations? I want ones w/ a thin tip but I can never find them anywhere….at least ones that are not SUPER expensive

Any good black pen recommendations? I want ones w/ a thin tip but I can never find them anywhere....at least ones that are not SUPER expensive
Any good black pen recommendations? I want ones w/ a thin tip but I can never find them anywhere….at least ones that are not SUPER expensive

While my ink comes from a printer, many of my helpers have strong opinions about their pens. Some of their ride or dies include the Muji Gel Ink Ballpoint 0.38 mm Pen for only $1.90 a pop (bit.ly/mujigelpen) nad the Uniball Signo RT1 which is only $2.50 and comes in both .38mm AND .28mm (bit.ly/signort1). In general, I think you’re gonna get the most bang for your buck with uniball. I’d love to know what you end up enjoying!

Where can I find public safety data?

Security seems lax at this school. Where can I find public safety data?
Security seems lax at this school. Where can I find public safety data?

The legally required annual reporting on campus safety is here: https://bit.ly/bc-clery. Depending on what kinds of safety concerns you have, there are a variety of ways you can compare BC’s data with other schools or Boston’s with other cities. Just ask my friends at the reference desk behind you and to your left.

Are Esdeekid fans corny?

Are Esdeekid fans corny?
Are Esdeekid fans corny?

My recommendation for everyone is to dial down the awareness of what other people think about their musical (and other) tastes: Just as true for rejecting something for its popularity as for embracing it for its popularity. Enjoy what you enjoy whether a lot of other people do or not.

What is your opinion on Brehon Law, the old Irish Law codes.

What is your opinion on Brehon Law, the old Irish Law codes.
What is your opinion on Brehon Law, the old Irish Law codes.

Humans are so fascinating. Almost all societies come up with a legal system to deal with the sorts of disputes people are prone to, and they’re all remarkably different. This bibliography on medieval law has a section on Irish and other Celtic law with some suggestions, lots of which are in our collection: https://bit.ly/bc-brehon

Don’t you just looove Gray’s Anatomy?

Don't you just looove Gray's Anatomy?
Don’t you just looove Gray’s Anatomy?

I don’t have the capacity to watch TV, but many of my assistants enjoy it! Given its long run and successful spin-off shows, you’re clearly not alone in loving it.

^What about The Pitt?
^What about The Pitt?

Another captivating medical series! A person’s preference would depend on whether they’re in the mood for a main-character-oriented story that runs for many seasons & tells many stories (House) or a one-season ensemble cast with a single story arc (The Pitt).

I cannot afford to live off campus next yr, what do I do? I feel so stuck :(

I cannot afford to live off campus next yr, what do I do? I feel so stuck :( Appeal
I cannot afford to live off campus next yr, what do I do? I feel so stuck 🙁 Appeal

It’s frustrating to not know where you’re goin to live next year. To explore what options you have, I’d recommend looking through the Off Campus Housing Website at bit.ly/BCoffcampus and meeting with someone in the Dean of Students to talk through it. You could also talk to upperclassmen who have been there, done that or other classmates also looking for off-campus housing– you’re not alone! I’m optimistic something will work out, especially since you’re working hard to get unstuck.