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{shortcode-864a56cf263a022dd5f97ac0fc948e24fade9c98}We’re back again with our weekly advice column! This week, we’ll tackle the beauty of friendship. When the excitement of the first few weeks of a new semester settles, finding time to connect with new people on campus can become hard. You may find yourself wondering, what are some ways to make new friends to wave to and say hi to as you pass them in the Yard, without the time commitment of “grabbing a meal,” which sometimes takes an hour out of a busy day, while still making meaningful connections… So many things to juggle, but that’s what we’re here for!

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Q: Dear Flyby, how do I make new friends when we’re all busy?

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A: Don’t worry, we’ve got you. Become friends with the person you kicked out of a room in Smith because you reserved it. I’m not kidding, I’ve actually made not one, but TWO new friends this way. After you open the door and say, “Hey sorry, I reserved this room,” strike up a conversation with the person who’s hastily gathering up their things (this will also make things less awkward). A simple “How’s your day going?” will do the trick. In Room 4 of the Smith Collab Commons, I met one girl who also lives in Eliot (and now we always say hi to each other!). In Room 2, I met a fellow junior who I’m actually grabbing dinner with soon. Who knew that such a lovely acquaintance could be made while kicking someone out?

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New friends are always around the corner… even when you’re doing laundry. Last week, I talked to a girl in the laundry room for 20 minutes. Granted, she started the conversation with me, but she has inspired me to make more laundry room friends. There’s usually another person down there who also has three minutes left on the washing machine after their timer went off too early — why not strike up a conversation to pass the time?

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One of the easiest ways to make a new friend is to introduce yourself to that one person you see everywhere in your House! I know I know, everyone says to do this, but no one actually does. Everyone has those people that they somehow see everywhere around their house. You see them while crossing the courtyard, in the dhall, on your 2 a.m. water refilling trek… they’re just everywhere. I promise you, knowing their name and waving to them is so much better than awkwardly looking down at your phone as you pass each other for the third time that day. It’s as easy as, “I feel like I see you around the house all the time, what’s your name?”

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Okay, so I highly encourage you to read the room before asking a random person how their day is going. Sometimes people are not in the mood to socialize (myself included), so make sure the target isn’t in a hurry, doesn’t have their AirPods in, or looking like they’re on the verge of bursting into tears.

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Happy friend-making!

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xoxo,

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Flyby Blog

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Sometimes you need something to repeat under your breath on the way to class besides “I’m so tired” and “fml” and the Krebs cycle. Something that says, “I can get through today.” That’s where Flyby comes in.

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Affirmations for before your first class of the day:

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“I am not addicted to caffeine.”

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“Five hours of sleep is enough, because I make it enough.”

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“I did this every day, an hour earlier, in high school.”

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“I will not be cold-called before I drink my cold brew.”

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Affirmations for exams:

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“I am more than my grades.”

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“Well, I think I’m more than my grades.”

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“Yes, I’m more… um… my grades do not define… um…”

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“If I don’t know something, it can’t possibly be that important.”

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Affirmations for while you write a paper:

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“My thoughts make sense because otherwise I probably would not be thinking them.”

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“4,000 words is a state of mind.”

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“This is better than a pset.”

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“I write better than ChatGPT… At least better than ChatGPT 3.”

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Affirmations for the dhall:

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“The fro-yo machine will be working.”

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“There will still be large salad bowls available.”

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“I will find a friend to sit with.”

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Affirmations for every occasion:

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“I am not sick, it’s just allergies.”

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“I will not finish this nap feeling like I have entered an alternate reality.”

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“I will dodge tourists with ease and grace.”

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“I am almost definitely not forgetting to do something I have to be doing.”

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Repeat these as often as needed. You’ve got this… probably.

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Good morning to all who celebrate!

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The beauty of a new-found Harvard day lies in the breadth of possibilities of your first waking hours. For some, mornings are peacefully filled with chirping birds in Lowell courtyard amidst a sky of changing colors. For others, the first few hours of the day are best associated with the sweet sound of the Currier fire alarm or a chorus of concrete construction (hello Adams).

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With a nonexistent bedtime and an alarm that is starting to feel more and more optional, hope for a college circadian rhythm may seem lost. So whether you’re typically chained to the tables of Lamont basement until the wee hours of the morning or are craving the stamina of your former 6-a.m.-rising high school self, this flyby how-to should help increase your chances of making it to hot (or cold) breakfast.

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Leave your shades up and curtains open

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Blackout shades are incredible, but quite literally the antithesis of what you need for an early morning wake up. Following our technique may force you into becoming an early bird as there’s no place to hide from those sun rays… or your neighbors.

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Make your alarm #fun

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Sick of Apple’s By The Seaside or Radar (Default) alarm ringtones? Me too. Make Your Wakeup Fun AgainTM by downloading the Hannah Montana theme song. Blast good ol’ Eminem “Till I Collapse” or “Lose Yourself” to electrify your morning. Stroll to class with “Walking On Sunshine” or “Lovely Day” to romanticize your a.m… (heard it helps quell your persistent RBF).

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Abuse the buddy system and/or befriend an athlete.

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Do you have a friend or a mere acquaintance who is a varsity athlete? Great! Use this to your absolute advantage by creating a morning wakeup ~buddy system~. Do they have a mandatory 7 a.m. conditioning? Great — call me at 6:59! 6:00 a.m. practice? Perfect. Personally, come wake me up at 8:30, please.

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Lure yourself out of bed with the thought of discounted coffee

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Here’s your tentative schedule… Monday: Free Dunkin’ medium hot or iced coffee with any purchase. Tuesday: a free small coffee at Harvard Art Museums Cafe. Wednesday: splurge at Blue Bottle. Thursday: BOGO 50-percent-off Starbucks. Friday: convince yourself dhall coffee will suffice.

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Sign yourself up for a workout class

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What’s the best way to shoot out of bed as soon as your alarm sounds? The dread which comes from possibly missing the absurdly priced workout class you signed yourself up for in a state of overwhelming optimism. Run.

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You, before reading this article: “Every morning is a fight against myself, and I lose every time.”

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You, after indulging in this work of elite journalism: as much of a morning person as the bright-eyed and bushy-tailed freshman in your 9 a.m. section. You're welcome.

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While some guys think of the Roman Empire on a daily basis, the rest of us might have some more… “normal” things that live in our minds rent-free. As Harvard students, we all share one singular brain cell anyway, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that we think about the same things. So what’s the equivalent of a Harvard student’s Roman Empire?

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Red

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What is his best catch? How is it possible that each week he has a new best catch? If all houses have the same menu, which house gets his BEST best catch? What about red spiced chicken? Is this him spicing the chicken? Is it a blend he created? I have been searching for answers for more than three years. One day, I will find Red himself and ask.

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The Quad Shuttle

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With Passio GO! being a little less than 100 percent accurate (although I can finally stop checking online for the schedule), this one hurts a little too much. Let’s be real though, with Cambridge traffic, it is entirely possible to walk faster than the shuttle drives. Try to enjoy that before it gets too freezing to function.

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The Cardamom Chai Latte at the Art Museums

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It’s less than $5! It’s phenomenal! It’s at the Art Museums! What is there not to daydream about?

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*Insert Your Favorite Sidechat Post*

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Some of us keep thinking about certain TFs, and others are just looking to capitalize on a well-timed photo to maximize karma. Every campus event brings us many anonymous users posting Sidechats live, and for the entertainment and breaking news, we are eternally grateful.

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Remy’s Location

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Whether you’ve had one brush with our favorite campus celebrity or see him all the time around Barker, we have all obsessed over finding Remy at some point. With Sidechat constantly on the lookout for any sightings and chronicling about his well-being, everyone will be envious if you snag some time with him.

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Winter Break

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Yes, we might have just started the semester, but I am already envisioning myself lying on my parents’ couch while I binge watch all the “Twilight” movies and eat a pint of ice cream. No thoughts, head empty. If we manifest hard enough, we can get there soon.

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The next time you’re trying to awkwardly connect with somebody over small talk, bring up one of these topics instead of the usual, “So what are you thinking of concentrating in?” Since we all think about the same things all the time anyway, you are 100 percent guaranteed to make a new friend. Or you know, at least successfully pretend that you have social skills.

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Welcome to the October edition of Burst the Harvard Bubble (yes, please ignore the fact that it is 10 days late). Now that we have settled into a rhythm for the semester with midterms and quizzes every other week, club meetings every other night, and skipping 9 a.m. lectures every other day, it’s time to think back to the promise you made yourself at the beginning of the year — no, not that one — GET OUT OF HARVARD!

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Here are some fun events happening off-campus for the rest of October for you to check out!

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The Eras Tour Movie – premiering Oct. 13

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If you’re like me and unfortunately was victimized by TicketMaster last year while trying to get tickets for the Eras Tour 😭and have been dealing with FOMO 😒 all summer watching clips of the concert, our time is here! “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour” movie is coming out on Friday, October 13. Hopefully dressing up in your finest Eras Tour Concert movie outfit and singing along to your favorite songs for 2 hours and 48 minutes will bring you joy and help you forget the pains of your midterm results.

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Boston Veg FoodFest 2023 – Oct. 14 & 15

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Did the HUDS grilled chicken traumatize you away from eating meat for the time being? Interested in learning more about plant-based food and lifestyle products? Ever been to Roxbury or simply want to explore the area? Then the Boston Veg Foodfest 2023 is here for you! Feel free to shop at the marketplace, taste samples, and learn from experts in the fields of plant-based nutrition, culinary arts, athletics, climate, and sustainability.

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The final Open Newbury Street of the year – Oct. 15

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If you haven’t had the chance to go to Newbury Street yet this semester, this upcoming Sunday, Oct. 15 is the perfect opportunity to do so. Sunday sees the final Open Newbury Street of the year – a time where the shopping and restaurant district is fully open to pedestrians to peruse the length of Newbury Street. Of course, Newbury Street isn’t going anywhere. But, there’s just something special about the pedestrian-only version of Newbury (perhaps it’s the freedom of not worrying that you’ll accidentally get hit by incoming traffic) that makes Open Newbury Street just a tad more special than usual. Besides, it’s the last one until next July and especially for the seniors among us, it’s our very last Open Newbury Street as a Harvard student 🥺.

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The Broadway Rave – Oct. 21

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Musicals fans, this is our time to shine. The musical-theme dance party is coming to Brighton Music Hall on Oct. 21 for just one night only. If you’ve ever lamented the lack of Hamilton or Les Mis soundtrack at the club, this event is the one for you.

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Fenway Flea - Oct. 22

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Ah yes, the classic Fenway Flea market and a Boston staple. The weekly flea market just across the river is the perfect opportunity to check out some fantastic small businesses, ranging from vintage clothing, jewelry, records, and more while also enjoying some nice music from the lineup of artists. Not to mention all the snacks and beverages presented by The Wine Press Fenway. It’s an event not to be missed!

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Boston Lights: A Lantern Experience - Until Oct. 29

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Do you like animals? Do you like lanterns? Then make sure to come out to Franklin Park Zoo before Oct. 29 to experience the 55 magnificent displays comprising hundreds of beautifully crafted lanterns spanning Franklin Park Zoo’s 72 acres. From real animals to mythical creatures, the Boston Lights experience will reawaken your inner child in a delightful and dazzling display of lights.

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Visiting Salem

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And of course, the witching month of October will not be complete without a trip to Salem! Located just over an hour train drive away, the infamous town is a must-see Halloween destination for everyone in the New England area. Come for a day of spooky fun, overpriced food, and witchy merchandise. If the Salem Witch Trial is your Roman Empire, then this event is a can’t miss on your Harvard bucket list!

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Between all the midterms and exciting events on campus, it can be quite easy to forget that there’s a world beyond Harvard Square. Before winter comes and finals have us all trapped inside Lamont, we hope you can have some time exploring the events that Boston has to offer!

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Have you ever heard someone say that what unites us is stronger than what divides us? Leave that energy at the door because instead we are categorizing and then judging Harvard students by their screen time breakdowns!

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Exhibit A: The Panicked STEM Major

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{shortcode-67af3617d9d26c0b85a6cae48fdb6f8fcead677f}

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8h: Goodnotes

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2h: FaceTime

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30m: Google

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30m: ChatGPT

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1h: Hinge

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The Panicked STEM Major uses Goodnotes (or Notability) for lecture notes, psets and any other studying/notes, so they end up having spent the entire day on one app. I guess the $7 they spent on the app was worthwhile. The Panicked STEM Major also spends at least two hours on FaceTime, either crying to someone or frantically finishing up a pset with a friend. They spend some time Googling and ChatGPTing, too — mostly trying to ask Google and ChatGPT for answers to their problem sets only to find that the words and numbers are so long and convoluted that even AI can’t save them now. When the psets and midterms occasionally quiet down, the Panicked STEM Major realizes that they might not want to be alone forever, so they answer all the fun Hinge questions only to ignore all their Hinge messages. Panicked STEM Majors, after all, just downloaded Hinge for the delusion fuel.

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Exhibit B: The Future Gen Ed Professor

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1h: Libby

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2h: X or Twitter or Whatever

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30m: Duolingo

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2h: Uber Eats

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2h: Messages

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The Future Gen Ed Professor actually reads books for fun. Somehow, the joy of reading has not been forcefully sucked from their bodies by the 900 pages of weird philosophical thought experiments they had to read for class, or whatever humanities majors do at school. They spend a few hours scrolling through the Former Bird App, and their feed is probably full of poetry bots that spit out pretty book quotes every few hours. The Future Gen Ed Professor has great fear and reverence for the great and mighty Duolingo Owl and makes sure to do their daily rituals — sorry, lessons. They spend lots of time choosing their meals through Uber Eats, because you will never catch a Future Gen Ed Professor in a Harvard dining hall. They also have several close friends to regularly communicate with, hence the two hours in Messages. Perhaps they even have a “group chat,” or whatever people do with several close friends. Not that Exhibit A would know.

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Exhibit C: The Chill STEM Major

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{shortcode-44e312c09e56b061266776208bb7697793301b10}

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4h: Zoom

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15m: TransLoc

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3h: TikTok

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2h: WhatsApp

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1h: Goodnotes

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The Chill STEM Major does not need to cry or panic or scream about their classes. They simply go to every single office hours available and end up with straight As, leaving all their classmates baffled and extremely jealous. Most of their instructors have in-person office hours, but for the ones that don’t, the Chill STEM Major spends four hours on Zoom. The rest of the Chill STEM Major’s time is spent aggressively pipetting in the lab, which always begins with opening the TransLoc app and wondering why the M2 shuttle is late yet again. The Chill STEM Major is up to date on all the latest TikTok trends and distributes the TikToks to all their friends through WhatsApp, because for some reason their friends exclusively use WhatsApp. The Chill STEM major only needs one hour on Goodnotes and their notes are just illegible chicken scratch meant to keep them awake in lecture. They just go to lecture for the attendance points, and they could honestly teach the class.

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Exhibit D: The Finance Kid

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{shortcode-43641e4be96eb1be690a93310da929a036bd05b5}

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5h: Stocks app

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1h: Crypto.com

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2h: Sidechat

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1h: Snapchat

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1h: Safari

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I am not sure what Finance Kids do, but I once was in the HSA building elevator and heard two guys discussing how they regretted not investing in the S and Pee 500. So, I assume the Finance Kid spends several hours looking at Stonks. The Finance Kid also spends time on Crypto.com doing secretive crypto things. I presume the Finance Kid also spends lots of time on Sidechat to read all the deeply-thought out roasts of Finance Kids. I must also point out that 100 percent of Snapchat users in the Harvard Square area belong to Exhibit D. Finance Kids can always be seen doing the New York Times crossword puzzles in their lectures, because they enjoy channeling their inner grandparents.

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Note: If you feel that you don’t identify with any of these categories, it means you belong in Exhibit E: The Normal, Well-Adjusted Adult. Congratulations.

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\r\n(Or, you’re Exhibit F: The Addicted to Instagram Reels.)

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The sun is officially setting before 7 p.m., so you know what that means… seasonal depression Gilmore Girls season! Even though Rory ended up choosing Yale (which arguably may have led to her character’s downfall), her first love will undeniably always be Harvard <3. This fall season, here are a few ways to channel your inner Gilmore girl and appreciate this time of year to the fullest.

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Explore a new coffee shop

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One amazing thing about Cambridge that cannot be overemphasized is its abundance of coffee shops. What’s more Gilmore-core than a cup of coffee on a fall day? A maple latte from Pavement or a pumpkin latte from Peet’s will warm you up from the inside out. If you’re like me and cannot bring yourself to drink coffee unless it’s 2 a.m. and you have a paper due the next day, I recommend a chai latte with oat milk. Trust me — it’s the best combo, and the fall flavors will transport you straight to Stars Hollow.

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Dress in layers

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While you sip on your chai latte, think about all of the fashion opportunities that have emerged now that fall has come. Rory and Lorelai are perhaps most known for their early 2000s outfits that transcend all the trends. It’s time to pull out the cable knit sweaters, leather jackets, and jeans — cozy and classic.

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Have a movie night with your roommates

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Friday nights are best spent nustled up on the couch watching your favorite comfort movies. Yes, it’s even better than standing outside of MIT frats. Take a page out of the Gilmores’ book and organize a movie night with your roommates; “When Harry Met Sally,” “Hocus Pocus,” and “Knives Out” are some of our favorite fall comfort movies. It may take some convincing to get your roommates to ditch their psets, but a delicious spread of Trader Joe’s pumpkin Joe-Joe’s, caramel apple granola, and salted maple ice cream should do the trick. ;)

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Read like Rory

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Now that classes are in full swing, it seems like there’s no time for pleasure reading. Yet, nothing screams Gilmore Girls fall more than reading a book as you watch the leaves change color. Not sure what to read? Some of Rory’s favorites that give ~all~ the fall vibes include “Little Women” and “The Shining.” Find a few moments in your day to start a new book (note: assigned readings do NOT count). You’ll forget why you ever stopped.

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I hope you try these tips and live out your own “Gilmore Girls” fall! Remember: romanticizing your environment can work wonders. If you ever feel bogged down by school or extracurricular work, just pretend you’re Rory Gilmore, and it’ll all seem a little more pleasant. And, hey, when worse comes to worst, an apple cider donut always helps. Happy fall!

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{shortcode-9749886ca7be94e5b6781be5815bd8d7cdb01356}Being a college student means enduring some of life’s greatest challenges (like a hard pset or walking 10 minutes to class), but it also entails celebrating some of life’s most wonderful gifts (i.e. complaining about said hard pset with friends). But, some days are just naturally harder to get through than others, so here’s a look at an average week in the life of a Harvard student.

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Sunday Scaries

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The classic. Everyone’s heard of them, everyone hates them, but no one can escape them. It’s the feeling you get when it’s 11 p.m. and you still have 200 pages of reading to do by 9 a.m. It’s the dread that pools up in your stomach as you doom scroll on your bed at 2 a.m., willing the sun to never come up. At least you have Sunday Sundaes.

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Monday Melancholies

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Okay, maybe willing the sun to never come up was a tad bit dramatic. No matter how hard we try, we can’t escape the return of classes (unless you don’t have class on Monday, in which case, who asked?) The Monday Melancholies are best represented by the 15 minutes spent in between each class staring at your GCal dissociating. I’m sure you can sneak in a nap… somewhere.

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Tuesday Terrors

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So you got past Monday. Congrats! Now you finally have something to write in that gratitude journal of yours. Wait… do you feel that? That sudden chill in the air? The Tuesday Terrors creep up on you when you least expect it, waiting to pounce during your most optimistic moments. It’s only Tuesday? As in the day after Monday? As in, there’s still most of the week left to get through? Maybe your gratitude journal will have to wait another day.

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Wednesday Wearies

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By Wednesday you’ve aged 80 years. There’s no denying it: the bags under your eyes are so prominent that strangers glance at you worryingly on the street, and you have a far-away look in your eyes as you reminisce on happier times (read: three days ago). On the bright side, you’re almost over the hump. It’s only going to get easier from here.

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Thursday Delusions

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You can almost taste it, crawling on your hands and knees, the sun beating down on you, sand gritty underneath your fingernails. Finally you reach your destination, tongue darting out for a quick taste, the first you’ve had in what feels like a century. Ah, alcohol. Maybe it’s not the smartest decision, but if you think about it, Thursday rounded-up is Friday and Friday rounded-up is Saturday, so why not go out and have fun on Thursday? Close enough, right?

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Friday Freedom

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Finally, the weekend! Well, basically. There might be a few meetings to attend, a few lectures to answer emails in, but at this point in the week you’re buzzing with so much excitement everything seems 10x more interesting than normal. You keep thinking about all the fun you’re going to have on the weekend. You’re going to try out new restaurants, hang out with friends, and really seize the day to finally burst that wretched Harvard Bubble.

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Saturday Slump

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Or maybe not because it’s 2 p.m. and you just woke up. Who knew that being so exhausted during the week would have repercussions for the weekend? There’s nothing you’d like more than to just laze around in bed all day, but alas, there be psets and assignments galore. Your grand weekend plans will just need to be postponed. There’s always Sunday, right?

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And…*repeat*

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We’re trusting our guts that this is necessary to maintain the balance of the universe, now that “GUTS” is out. 12 Harvard houses. 12 tracks on Olivia Rodrigo’s “GUTS” album. Can it get any more logical?

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Monday brings back Flyby’s weekly advice column! But that’s not the only thing coming around this week…Word around the block is that midterm season is upon us. Soon, midterms will be here to stay, whether you have one exam every week of October or you have “midterms” that spill into finals week. They make the Sunday Scaries worse than usual, break your sleep schedule, and perhaps even make you question why you even chose your concentration in the first place. That said, we have some advice for you to avoid burning out while still being an academic weapon.

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Q: How do I stay productive when studying for my midterms?

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A: The most important bit of wisdom we can share is: plan, plan, plan. Midterms hit harder when you forget they’re coming. Get a physical calendar (yes, the old-fashioned ones with the little pictures of cats or nature scenes) and plan out your midterm season. You want to know you have two midterms back-to-back one week before that week actually comes around. Also, you can plan your study schedule and pretend you're *the main character* if you need motivation to actually start studying.

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But, when planning, it’s also important to incorporate breaks into your schedule! Midterm season doesn’t mean you can’t take breaks; you just have to be strategic and disciplined when taking them. Spending 12 hours at Lamont will probably turn you into a Lamonster rather than help you study productively. Plan out blocks where you don’t have to study so you can give your brain a well-deserved rest. Go watch Netflix, talk to George (the free advice guy in Harvard Square), or, if you’re feeling ambitious, you can even take the T into Boston. :)

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And of course, remember to be kind to yourself. Harvard students tend to be overachievers, but remember: no pset or midterm is worth pulling multiple all-nighters, or even one all-nighter. Grades will work themselves out, and those three hours of sleep you lost every day for a week over one exam aren’t worth it. You’re human, and you won’t just magically get superpowers because it’s midterm season.

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Hopefully, these tips will help you have a successful final season, but remember the key to avoiding burnout has to do with the boundaries you set for yourself. Also, remember ~winter break~ is just around the corner!

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xoxo,

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Flyby Blog

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{shortcode-03db91408c45edbb52709dcfe0a46883de697bae}Buildings… they’re everywhere. We pass by them at all times. We appreciate them for what they are. They provide us with shelter, they provide us with warmth (especially in the summer with no AC). Most of all, we call them home. But what do your favorite buildings say about you? Find out in this foundational quiz!

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{shortcode-bb7dc7bc97472ea34bb944ee8f503a80d3d7cc72}While the world is reckoning with “It’s Joever,” for Harvard Square, it’s the opposite. This fall, Harvard Square welcomed New York-chained Joe’s Pizza at 3 Brattle Street, where &Pizza and the Milk Bar (rip) used to stand valiantly. With its central location and late opening hours (past midnight!), Joe’s Pizza has all the ingredients of a new campus favorite. However, let’s see if it can pass the most difficult test of all — Flyby’s vibe check.

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Pre-Visit Impression

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I must admit, as a non-New Yorker, I have no opinion or knowledge of Joe’s Pizza prior to its arrival at Harvard Square. While personally, I will forever long for a day when we have a true fast food restaurant in the Square (McDonald’s, if you’re reading this, please, I’m begging), I also don’t object to more pizza places on campus at the moment.

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Vibe checker’s neutrality: solid

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Vibes

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Joe’s Pizza definitely gives off a busy urban city vibe, with its small and compact size, fast-paced services, and pop music that I couldn’t really hear given the amount of people talking and enjoying themselves. Thankfully, it has indoor seating and I was able to grab a seat on the counter with a direct view of the busy intersection in front of CVS and the new Starbucks (yes, it will always be the NEW Starbucks to me). The actual view is okay, but the feeling of sitting there makes it immaculate. There is something very cathartic about having a direct view of the Square’s busyness while contently savoring a cheese pizza slice.

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The Wall of Celebrities

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Like that one annoying tryhard, Final Club member wannabe in your Econ section, Joe’s Pizza does not hesitate to namedrop its various famous patrons, such as Bill Murray, Kim K., and “Joever” club member Joe Jonas. Of course, they do it in a more low-key way with just a wall of photos of all the celebrities that have visited the various Joe’s Pizza locations around the country. This, I realize, is a fun game to play while waiting for the long line of customers to move forward before you can place your order.

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Speed

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I was intimidated by the line inside Joe’s Pizza the first time I visited it. As a new establishment with a well-known brand name, it is no surprise that its opening brings forth a long line of customers, eager to check it out even on a school night. However, despite the amount of waiting customers, ordering, paying, and getting my pizza slices took less than a minute. Yay!

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The Pizza

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Of course, my visit to Joe’s Pizza isn’t solely about the vibe. I was also dying to taste the pizza. I got two slices: a classic cheese pizza and a supreme pizza. The portion was big which made the price a little less painful and the taste was amazing. While I definitely preferred the cheese pizza, I gotta admit that the mushroom and pepperoni on the supreme slice were super well-done. Even a certified mushroom hater like myself enjoys it! And for all your crust lovers out there, you’re gonna have a wonderful time with the thin crispy crust that Joe’s offers.

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Cons

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Like all Harvard Square establishments, however, Joe’s Pizza lacks the one thing that Harvard students desperately need: cheaper price. For two slices of pizza (though, admittedly, they were huge slices of pizza), it cost $10. While I did enjoy my brief visit to Joe’s Pizza, for the sake of my wallet, I regrettably will not make this a regular thing.

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Overall Rating

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Joe’s Pizza is a welcoming addition to Harvard Square, and I definitely recommend checking it out (especially if you do not personally have to pay for it *cough* get Harvard to pay for it *cough*!) Only time will tell if this can become a new hub for students, for now, I’ll enjoy some overpriced but delish pizza with friends before midterms have us all locked in the library in just a few weeks.

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{shortcode-90306c3fa53eca7fee9970905e1682150a2ae6a0}HUDS must be putting something in the food — because why is everyone getting to class 20 minutes early this semester?! If you are showing up at 8:55 a.m. to your 9 a.m., I can guarantee that you are doing something wrong. Answer a few questions to learn what time you actually should be getting to class.

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{shortcode-417664f550c6f77cd84def5a531319942ad6511a}Comping season — or frenzy, since that feels more fitting — is in full swing, with a million clubs begging you to join their mailing list or run for their board or pretty please drop your resume. Amid all these choices, narrowing down your list of extracurriculars can feel daunting, verging on impossible. It’s ever so easy to convince yourself, “Oh, I can do just one more club,” or to let yourself believe that another student, maybe a year older than you (if that), holds the keys to your future. Decision paralysis is real, as is the debilitating (though slightly irrational) fear of “wasting” your Harvard education. There are no right choices, and perhaps that’s the most terrifying thing of all. But deciding your extracurricular future doesn’t have to be as difficult as it feels at first flush (or first rush, if Greek life is more your style); with these tips under your belt, finding your way to a balanced yet fulfilling life outside of class should be as easy as pressing “read all” on your email spam.

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Only comp clubs you think you would enjoy being in. This might seem obvious but think about it: will each and every one of the clubs on your roster actually make you happier? If the answer is no, you might want to reevaluate. Of course, there are some clubs that will provide you with a non-negligible opportunity for skill development, but no process of growth is meant to be painful to the extreme. Clubs are meant to be fun — like Flyby! — not taxes on your mental well-being.

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Make a list of every club you have even a 1 percent interest in joining. Sit down and really consider the possibility of your life in each one of those organizations. Face the reality that you probably don’t have the time to do everything. Cross out as many as you can. And then rank the ones that remain. Cross out some more. Narrow it down until you limit your list to whichever nebulous number of commitments you have determined you can handle, and then maybe narrow it down some more.

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Please, please do not comp a club just because you feel like you should. Don’t comp a club because it is the “done thing,” because everyone is trying it, or because your friends want you to throw your proverbial hat in the ring. Social obligation and pressure, in the right (honestly limited) context, might provide you with valid motivation to join a club, but this should never be the only reason. Your suitemate, your parents, and that one really annoying kid in section (why are you listening to their club advice, again?) aren’t signing up for hours of work when you type your name in that Google Form, so your desires matter many times more than their opinions. Put yourself first.

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Find a fam in your club community. Forming friendships within a club setting can make your club tasks more enjoyable, and the people you meet when comping a club can tell you more about the personality of a student org than you think. (Case in point: the girls in my Flyby comp class are still some of my favorite people on earth = Flyby is the best club on campus. Come on, give me a prize, my logic is flawless.)

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Look into the comp process before you get in line to sell your soul. In the wise, wise words of a previous Blog Chair, comp is “annoying but just something you have to do.” Still, I find that the comp process for a club is often very indicative of your club experience; the tasks you’re asked to perform while comping are often mirror images of those you’ll be required to do as a full-fledged member. In other words, one of the best signs that a club is the right place for you is genuinely enjoying comp.

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You might not recognize this, but you will have more than one chance to comp a club (or to comp clubs, period). Freshman (or sophomore) fall does not have to be a time of crazed application writing and comping, followed by entry into clubs that you will stick with until you graduate. The process of joining clubs is more cyclical than it is linear. You can join clubs even after fifty percent of your undergraduate education has passed, and you might be all the better for it. It’s okay to take things slow.

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Believe in yourself. One common mistake many people make when joining clubs is applying for anything and everything under the assumption of rejection, but not shooting your shot can be just as significant an error. Some comps are competitive. Some clubs will reject you. And that’s okay. But the fear of rejection, that specter of competition, doesn’t have to keep you from trying for a spot in a club that you know you would love. Who knows? You just might make it in. (After all, you made it into Harvard.)

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You know, at the end of the day, there are no right choices. You are uniquely you, and your final list of extracurricular entanglements is likely to be equally as singular. There is no perfect path to success in these hallowed halls, just one undeniable truth: Flyby is the best club on campus. So…COMP FLYBY.

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{shortcode-7812aef584983c9fb07afa3a8972a06e3cf07b98}Our weekly column is here again with our all-knowing and professional mastermind advice. As the semester is getting into full gear of psets, readings, and exams, many of us will start longing for the peacefulness and comfort of home. That said, we’re getting a little sentimental today with some tips on battling homesickness.

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Q: How do I deal with homesickness?

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A: We’ve all been there. Harvard has a diverse student body, with students from all around the world. So many of us (including myself) live so far from home, and really only get to visit maybe 1 to 2 times a year. That’s such a dramatic difference from most of our high school experiences. (Disclaimer: This is, of course, a generalization and does not apply to everyone.) The adjustment is never easy, no matter if you’re a freshman or a senior on your way out.

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Thus, the first thing I’ll say is: you are not alone. Most likely, your roommate, your friend in section, your upperclassman big-sib in some random club feels the same way you do. Lean on them! Harvard, though sometimes daunting, is a home of sorts; and the people here are your community. Most likely, they’ll empathize, give you advice, or cheer you up as you remember that they are family too!

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Secondly, and I cannot emphasize this enough: call your family. Most of the time, we aren’t missing the physical space we call home (though, I totally understand that as well), we’re missing the people that make it so warm. Call the cousin, sister, mom, uncle, friend that reminds you of the place you’re missing. I know we’re super busy, and sometimes, the idea of a phone call seems as terrifying as plopping yet another meeting on the GCal. But I promise, after talking to that person, you’ll feel a little bit more connected to the space you’re missing. I’d also say that it’s a 9/10 chance that person misses you too but doesn't want to bother you in college. It’s a mutual barrier, break it down together!

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Lastly, I’d advise you to explore Boston. Most likely, this is a city you haven’t lived in. Escape the Harvard bubble and explore this huge city you’re living in for 4+ years! It has so much to offer you. The memories you create here are ones you’ll remember the rest of your life. If you need ideas of what to do, read some of our Burst the Bubble pieces (#shamelessplug).

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It’s so human to miss the places and people we’re familiar and comfy with. One day in the future, you’ll look back, and potentially feel the exact sentimental feeling towards your undergrad years. Enjoy them while they last!

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xoxo,

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Flyby Blog

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{shortcode-efe6aab5d1fb4f55e5e5302a48a6eff3e7d244e5}Dear HUDS,

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I would like to start by acknowledging the hard work and dedication that is needed to provide thousands of Harvard students with food every day. My impromptu Spanish chats with the Latine staff always make me grin from ear to ear (btw no shade to them — I get it; they’re just following the recipes given to them). On the other hand, your attempts to serve cultural food…

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As a Mexican-American student who constantly yearns for the comforting flavors of my mother’s kitchen, the mention of a special dinner in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month filled me with anticipation and hope. The menu promised tempting options: Chicken in Mole Verde, Chicharrones, Stuffed Poblano Peppers, Shrimp Ceviche, and churros. I envisioned this meal as a potential highlight of my Harvard dining experience, even worth sharing in the family group chat. Little did I know, pictures would indeed be sent to the family group chat, but for entirely different reasons... {shortcode-f500cc4443eba60cd432510d8574ed8d0625ac2b}

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Let's begin with the presentation. Upon stepping into the dining hall, my initial glimpse of the Chicken Mole Verde was disheartening — enough that my friends and I all turned to look at each other in disbelief. What should have been a rich, complex sauce composed of over a dozen ingredients had been diluted beyond recognition.Next in line was the Stuffed Poblano Peppers, which appeared promising and momentarily reignited my hopes. {shortcode-910d31641e5317787f69f23ebf455cb834b9d9f2}

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However, the evening took a downward spiral when I encountered the most egregious offense of the night: Chicharrones with fries. The shock and denial I was facing was too real; I blinked, shook my head, and blinked some more. I couldn’t believe it: bacon mixed into french fries and you called it a night. Once I had shaken my head a couple of times, I was able to move on to the Shrimp Ceviche, which looked okay. The lettuce threw me off a bit, but I was hopeful. Last but not least, let’s not forget the dessert section, where the churros and tres leche cake looked ready to steal the show. {shortcode-1191c36a3f2e2ca281db002522eeef2fa93a719f}

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As for the taste, the Chicken Mole Verde was okay: it definitely wasn’t Mole Verde, but it wasn’t a crime against taste buds. Perhaps a renaming to Chicken in Green Salsa would be more appropriate. The Stuffed Poblano Peppers were good; that cotija cheese was putting in some serious overtime. Now, let’s address the so-called “Chicharrones” with fries – the “Chicharrones” was bacon, which tasted, well, like bacon. You could have slapped on some cheese and declared them the most American thing since apple pie: loaded bacon and cheese fries. The Shrimp Ceviche, unfortunately, was playing a game of hide-and-seek with the key ingredient, lime. It managed to be passable, but oh, what could have been? {shortcode-f14077125be32ebfe6a6f478b38918013e343c62}

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But now, let’s celebrate the true hero of the night: the churros. Out of this disappointing dinner emerged one shining star. The customization was phenomenal; you could add sugar and cinnamon, chocolate or caramel syrup and pair them with vanilla ice cream scoops (or Lactaid ice cream for us lactose intolerant girlies). I’d even go as far as to say that these churros should be headlining every meal.

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In conclusion, dear HUDS, while your valiant efforts to feed Harvard students deserve a round of applause, there’s room for improvement in the Latinx cuisine department. I can’t believe students left dinner tonight thinking they were eating mole — it just isn’t right. Let’s give these dishes the authenticity and respect they deserve because they’re more than just food – they’re the heartbeat of a vibrant, diverse culture. P.S. To all: Remember to celebrate this month by listening to the voices of the Latine community on campus because “Latindad” is truly diverse and not a monolith. Here’s to hoping that churros stay around and that next year’s dinner can always strive to be better. For now, I’ll have to rely on the conversations with HUDS workers and the Latine community to get a sense of home.

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Yours in taste bud turmoil,

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SG

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