How can I use the trains more easily?
Dear Auntie,
Boston’s transit system is a little confusing. I am not sure how to pay for the train, and sometimes the train breaks down and I didn’t know about it. How can I use the trains more easily?
Sincerely,
Lost Traveler
Dear Traveler,
The MBTA is indeed very confusing and knowing how much money you have on your Charlie card can be very challenging. A Charlie card is a plastic reusable ticket. We have some at the INTO Suffolk front desk, just come by and ask for one. You can use the Charlie similar to your ID card and just keep adding money to it.
Usually, I advise students who take the train or bus every day to purchase a monthly or weekly pass for their Charlie card. This will allow you to use the subway and bus systems as many times as you’d like. For instance, you pay approximately $20 for a week pass and can ride on the main train and bus lines as many times as you need to for those seven days.
A monthly pass does the same thing for more money (approximately $70) from the day you bought it until the last day of the month. The monthly pass is only useful if you purchase it at the beginning of the month and use the pass just about every day. Don’t buy it the second week of the month, the price will not change.
Sometimes the MBTA breaks down or there are delays, so it is good to follow their social media pages. The @MBTA account on Twitter is very reliable as a method of knowing what is going on in the city’s transit system.
Best,
Auntie
What can I do to stay comfortable in Boston this winter?
Dear Auntie,
It is my first winter ever. I am from a very tropical country in Asia and have never even seen snow before. These last couple of weeks have been very cold. My roommates told me that it will get even colder. I cannot imagine this. What can I do to stay comfortable in Boston this winter?
Sincerely,
Cold in Boston
Dear Cold,
Winter is my favorite season! I am happy to help you best prepare for this truly wonderful time of year. First and foremost, make sure you have warm socks! Keeping your feet warm and dry is very important. The fall will continue to become cooler and cooler until January, so keeping your feet warm will require thick socks. I prefer socks that go up mid-calf, so that they keep my feet and ankles warm. Also, having a good sturdy pair of boots is necessary so that you can walk in the rain and snow.
Second, please make sure you have a good winter jacket. Bostonians prefer winter coats that are long enough to cover their upper thighs. This is because Boston is close to the ocean and can have cold windy days. A longer winter jacket will help keep these winds from making you cold. Along with a winter jacket, make sure to have a pair of mittens and gloves. Yes, both. Mittens are necessary when it’s snowing, but gloves are good for everyday wear–not to mention a good warm hat or winter headband to keep your ears warm. A warm scarf can also help on especially frigid days. Boston typically gets snow from December to March (but it has been known to snow from October to May). It is very important to dress warmly here. Luckily, these items are easily purchased at several shops on Washington Street right near campus, such as Marshall’s.
Last, but definitely not least, make sure you have a thermos to fill with hot beverages. This can be a fancy Starbucks cup or a simple hot cup from Primark–something you can carry with you and drink warm beverages from. Drinking warm beverages in winter is very important for keeping warm and helping your immune system stay strong. I love drinking honey and tea all winter. If you need a hot drink, please come visit the INTO office, we’d be happy to help you fill your thermos with hot water!
Best,
Auntie