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{shortcode-cacf497c055abc2205dda8095c085b9fcbeeb1ac} Freshman year at Harvard is full of milestones, and we’re fast approaching an exciting one: Housing Day. Your House (purportedly) determines your social life, career prospects, and self-worth for the next three years, after all. I mean, imagine the horror of not being placed in your Berg crush’s House.

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Before scores of eager freshmen learn which House will be their home for the next three years, though, they must wrestle with the ultimate, college-experience-defining, all-consuming question of blocking.

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Whom do you let into your group? Whom do you exclude, and why? Should you just block with your pset group?

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All around Annenberg tables, freshmen have turned away from their consulting club comps and are instead consulting horoscopes for the secret, magical blocking group that will manifest the House they desperately want. Here are a few of the ways you might be able to rig the Housing system through your blocking group. Ethical? Maybe not. Effective? You bet. Well, maybe.

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Groups of Eight Get River Houses

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One group of enterprising social butterflies in Berg was loudly confident that a block of precisely eight freshmen is guaranteed a River House. If that’s the case, all of you smaller groups need to get moving. Rove through Berg tables looking for lonely souls to enlist in your block and reach this magic number. Shamelessly slide invitations underneath peoples’ doorways. Pub to your dorm mailing lists. We have the utmost faith you’ll manage to find your eighth member.

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Single-Gender Groups Get Quadded

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Sidechat has struck again. Anonymous posters claim that groups of only one gender end up in the Quad, and fearful freshmen are taking this rumor to heart and frantically diversifying their blocking groups as we speak. What to do? Should you find your situationship at Berg and see if they’re down to block? Maybe this is just a sign to shoot your shot. What’s the worst that can happen? Being stuck in a House with someone you never want to see again? Pfft. Worth it for the river.

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Have a Faculty Kid in Your Group

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You can’t exactly fake being the son or daughter of a faculty dean, but if you have someone with those sweet, sweet connections in your group, you’re all set. See, networking really is good for something!

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Donate a Library to Your Favorite House

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Kickstart your expressions of gratitude (attempts to have something named for you at Harvard) and donate! Offer to pay for renovations, buy some Febreze for the Winthrop dhall, or build an aesthetic new library on your parents’ dime for the house of your dreams, and you’re guaranteed to get in. (Don’t cheap out — make sure you budget for double-pane windows.)

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If you accelerate the Eliot renovations, maybe you can live there next year instead of in swing housing! Or, if studying isn’t your thing and you think libraries are overrated, generously fund longer HUDS hours solely for your top-choice House. If you can extend hot breakfast and grant later dinners to the residents of a House, you’ll be their new favorite person. Who said philanthropy had to wait until after graduation?

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So there you have it — some dubious morals aside, these methods could lead to you getting into the greatest House ever. And if you choose not to rig your group and block the old-fashioned way, well, may the Housing lottery be ever in your favor…

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{shortcode-3d37d0551689028bc6f19d2ffb5af4fbdbd72981} When I meet new people at Harvard, I always dread the inevitable exchange of Harvard Intros. Sure, I would love to hear about someone’s dorm (even though it is inferior to my beloved Apley Court), their concentration (that they will end up changing), and the laundry list of clubs they are in. I will admit, the Harvard Intro is not all terrible — it helps me on my quest to meet someone from every freshman dorm! (Somehow I have still never met anyone from Mass Hall or Lionel — does anyone even live there?) However, the one thing I truly despise when meeting new people is telling them what clubs I am in. No, I am not ashamed of the extracurriculars that supersede my classes, but rather, having to explain my favorite — writing for Flyby — is always a laborious task.

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When I tell people I write for Flyby, I am always met with the same response: “You write for…the meal service? Like, do you write the menus out?” Every. Single. Time. I take deep pride in my Flyby work, meaning I will never stop telling people about it. So, consider this my formal request for HUDS to change FlyBy’s name. The only distinction between The Harvard Crimson’s blog and HUDS’ takeaway meal service as it stands now is capitalization: Flyby vs. FlyBy. All of you lovely Flyby readers know who deserves the name, so here are a few ideas HUDS could consider adopting:

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Hurryvard

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This option was the first I thought of, and I think it works perfectly. It's simple, funny, and makes clear what the service offers through the name: a meal for when you are in a hurry. Considering how busy the average Harvard student is — I never see anyone NOT in a hurry — this change in branding might increase to-go meal participation!

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HUDS Express

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HUDS Express is a sleek and simple name for FlyBy, not doing too much but also providing a little pizzazz. Considering how valuable time is here, HUDS advertising their to-go option as an express service would be perfect! Plus, maybe the ridiculously long lines at FlyBy that make me late to class every Wednesday could finally be a thing of the past. (I’m manifesting it.)

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VeriFly

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This is easily the funniest on the list; Harvard has the power to normalize us saying some ludicrous name, like VeriFly, and it should abuse it. This name may sound better as some sort of fashion tech start-up (CS students, get on this). But Harvard loves their motto of truth, so why not combine it with their to-go meals? Plus, VeriFly is just a funny name to say; try it.

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VeriQuick

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VeriQuick is better oriented for a to-go meal service, you get the best of both worlds: advertisement of the intellectual vitality movement and promotion of a quick meal service. How could a Harvard student resist?

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HUDS n’ Go

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A solid play on grab-and-go — staying true to what the service offers — while also using the HUDS name to Harvard-ify it. Not much else to say: it’s catchy!

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Grab & Go

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The antonym to “HUDS n’ Go,” Grab & Go keeps it real, simple, and makes it abundantly clear what the service is. Harvard’s aim should be to rename it to something that makes more sense; it does not need to be complicated.

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These are just a few of the numerous possible names HUDS could change to. One thing is for sure: FlyBy has taken our name for too long. It is time for change, and we here at Flyby all know where the change needs to take place. One service provides daily comedy and useful information to their readers (us) and the other makes you late for class when you just need a snack. Don’t get me wrong; I love tolerate HUDS, but that does not mean they cannot work with us and end the confusion once and for all.

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{shortcode-dace48a46a829e54d771ab31bb21cd13ec59a09f} When I first came to Harvard, I was thrilled at the prospect of exploring the mystical Harvard Square. A whole urban sprawl filled with food, cafés, and more stores than you could ever need, all for Harvard students to plunder…where could you go wrong? As it turns out, now that I am no longer an overjoyed prefrosh, Harvard Square is not as exciting as it first seemed.

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While we do have a lot around campus, stores and restaurants are pricey — with one truly atrocious example being our CVS, which is one of the most expensive CVS stores in the nation. There are impressively few places that actually fit the vibe of Harvard; where are we supposed to relieve our abundant stress through retail therapy and sweet treats?

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To lift the Square out of its tourist-centric hole and transform it into a more college-oriented place, especially now that Anthropologie has closed, we’ve composed a list of locations that would make great additions to the Square.

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A CHEAP Convenience Store

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The Square desperately needs a cheap convenience store that is open 24/7 and has a variety of food options. Sometimes a quick snack between classes is necessary, but all of the current convenience stores expect you to pay an arm and a leg for a subpar option. With atrocious dining hall hours and an insufficient to-go meal service that everyone somehow thinks I write for — seriously, FlyBy needs to change its name — students are forced to go elsewhere for quick, on-the-go options. A store with more snacks and sweet treats than a person could (or maybe should) ever need would be a valuable addition to the Square.

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A Versatile Department Store

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I know what you’re thinking: why do we need another department store if we have Target in Central and Porter? Don’t we already have CVS? You just don’t see the vision. I’m not talking about a small, limited store or something that primarily sells groceries. What we need is a full-scale emporium within five minutes of campus. It is way too cold to venture far in the winter, and there are no stores that truly offer the needed versatility. Whether it be clothes, decor, fresh fruit, or beauty products, a department store would have it all, making it a desperately needed addition to campus.

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Fast Food

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Another insufficiency in the Square is traditional fast food. Don’t get me wrong, I love all of the healthy options around, but sometimes, I am unwilling to fork over $15-20 for a singular lettuce leaf topped with quinoa. After a late night out, our only options should not be Mexican food, pizza, or an overpriced tiny burger. We need another speedy choice – one that I may regret eating later. Plus, there is nowhere in the Square where I can get an ice-cold, refreshing Diet Coke (something I crave on the daily — dhall DC is subpar at best).

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More Clothing Stores

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The Square is also lacking in the clothing department. I mean, are you seriously expecting me to pay 300 bucks for a GAP sweater? I, personally, cannot claim to truly understand the impact a good clothing store would have on the Square (my wardrobe consists of the same five shirts and a single sweater on rotation). But multiple people I surveyed for this piece said another clothing store would be a perfect — and much needed — addition! Going shopping to the tune of house music worthy of a shameful Shazam? Who could pass that up?

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A off-price department/clothing store

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The last store we need to round out our new Square is another good department store, especially one that’s cheap. With this addition, we would simultaneously get the wonders of a department store, like cheap finds for any occasion/event, and a home goods store, making it a deal nobody can resist. Everyone’s interior design would be elevated, transforming the shoebox rooms of Wigg into spaces worthy of an Architectural Digest feature.

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One thing I have come to love about Harvard Square is that it is ever-changing — for better or for worse. With Anthropologie sadly gone, who knows what will come to the Square next? One can only hope it will be oriented towards the students that make the Square so vibrant. It is Harvard Square after all. We need to cater to Harvard students. Maybe then, we could proudly claim that Harvard Square is ours and not a center for the thousands of tourists who we watch touch the foot.

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{shortcode-99201c8226897ef2e567c584e914b866754bb6c9}

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Has another lonely cuffing season passed you by? Are you worried that you’re doomed to spend eternity alone? Does the sight of a happy couple holding hands in the Yard make you sigh wistfully and cry yourself to sleep?

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If so, you might be suffering from depression singledom. But you don’t have to suffer alone. In our infinite wisdom, Flyby has concocted the perfect prescription for you: let us set you up on a blind date.

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How can you participate in this once-in-a-lifetime scam opportunity, you ask? It’s simple. First, fill out this easy-breezy questionnaire. We’ll review your answers — we listen and we don’t judge — and if the stars align, we’ll set you up on a blind date.

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Perhaps you’ll discover the love of your life, or maybe you’ll end up traumatized; either way, you’ll get to gossip share your story with your favorite blog writers.

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Our goal is to help you find love. Ambitious? We know. You might be skeptical of our as-of-yet untested matchmaking capabilities, but if we can find humor on this campus, who’s to say that we can’t find you a significant other? And, besides, what do you have to lose? Whether you meet your soulmate or yet another person to blankly stare at when you pass them on the street, at least you’ll have tried.

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We can’t guarantee love, but we feel pretty solid guaranteeing that you’ll have fun.

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Not sold yet? We’ll pay for your date. (A reasonably priced date.) Just fill out the form!

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XOXO,

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Flyby Matchmaker

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You must be an undergraduate student at Harvard College and at least 18 years old to participate in Flyby Matchmaker. You must follow all Harvard College codes of conduct, as well as all pertinent laws and regulations, during your participation in Flyby Matchmaker, and you are responsible for any costs associated with your date not previously approved by the organizers.

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{shortcode-26705497db8b8a66d74e82b9933e4bea370154f8} Now that Datamatch isn’t asking for Rice Purity Test scores anymore (boo), we had to find something else to expose to the public. Since Flyby is not composed of very competent CS prodigies — we run an online blog, after all — we managed to guess scrape your Datamatch matches! Of course, we are super duper ethical, so we’re not going to release the names (totally not because we don’t actually have them), and we’ve instead anonymized them so you can be privately and not publicly embarrassed.

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The Friend of a Friend of a Friend

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I’m just saying, never have I ever scrolled through my Datamatch matches and not had at least three of my friends claim to know a person that I have never seen in my life. You’d think this would be a source of reassurance — who wouldn’t want more info about their potential bestie (or love of their life) before clicking on that match button? But unfortunately, dear reader, any follow-up questions about this stranger your friends supposedly know are doomed to be met with blank faces and the sheepish admission that they’ve had like one conversation with them during class. You’ll be happy to hear that the Datamatch Cupids have blessed you with the chance to meet a living, breathing person that sometimes wears blue. At least they aren’t a scooter person (you think)?

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The Academic

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Apparently the universe was listening when you gushed to your roommate about the butterflies you felt in your stomach when your not-really-that-attractive TF started ranting about Immanuel Kant: one of your matches is an intellectual (cue jazz hands…). My advice? Log into HOLLIS and check out more books than you’ve rented in your entire college career (i.e., two books); your date will expect you to study prior to your Berryline meet-up, and this quiz is not multiple-choice.

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The Extraterrestrial

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You’d think that the requirement for a college email address would ensure that everyone on Datamatch would be a verified student, but a quick glance at your matches’ profiles reveals that at least one person (entity??) on your Datamatch-assigned roster definitely does not exist. If there were actually people with hobbies as… interesting as your supposed match, you would know — their existence itself would probably cause the earth to split open. (If falling in love is meant to involve finding someone who gives you an existential crisis, I did not get the memo.) You’ve already written this profile off as an elaborate (and not effective) attempt at catfishing, so we’ll never know if they’re of this planet or not.

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The Cheater

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Eww, I know. When you told Datamatch that you were looking for love — how disgustingly vulnerable of you — you meant it, but clearly not everyone takes this matchmaking system based on fifteen not-at-all-serious questions as seriously as you do. Some of them are “looking for love” while already in a committed relationship (which you confirmed with five separate people after seeing them in your matches because you were a little tempted). While you wish you could send them a passionate ten-page monologue on the sanctity of Datamatch and the fact that signing up constitutes a solemn vow that you are emotionally available, you can’t. That would make you a hypocrite; the only thing you’re emotionally available for is your pset.

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Your Ex-Situationship

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Great, now your thirteen-step plan to convince them that you have moved on has been foiled. And Datamatch has the nerve to tell you that you’re (quasi) soulmates?? Crazy. Deplorable. Please move your thumb away from the match button before I have to stop you myself.

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The Zoom Fanatic

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Okay, this one is more on Datamatch than your match themselves. Why are Zoom dates still an option? The entire allure of Datamatch is the promise of free food, so why would you meet a match for free? I know myself really well, and I wouldn’t recommend getting to know me without some form of compensation involved.

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Look, I know you might be shocked that we actually did manage to decode your Datamatch matches. But I wouldn’t worry about it too much. After all — let’s be real — you’re not going to meet any of your matches anyway.

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{shortcode-755329efb5821242e82e1904fe09fb5bb632dd00} Super Bowl LIX brought big-budget ads packed with humor, excitement, and star power — but did they hit the mark? Let’s break down the biggest successes and fumbles from this year’s commercial lineup.

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My Top Three

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Mountain Dew

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This ad immediately captured the top spot on my list when I came face-to-face with Seal the seal (however disconcerting he may be). Truly a masterpiece in low-brow humor, only bettered by the fact that the Seal seal was singing a lime-centric rendition of his single “Kiss From a Rose.” This ad had the same energy as hearing a Harvard professor casually mention they “used to advise a president” — unexpected, absurd, and kind of iconic.

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Instacart

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Instacart brought out the all-star lineup for this commercial. Truly the crossover of the century: Mr. Clean, the Kool-Aid Man, the Pillsbury Doughboy, a pack of Heinz weiner dogs, and the Old Spice Man on a white horse all racing to the door of an unsuspecting Instacart user? It reminded me of the chaotic post-Justice-lecture dash to get a selfie with Sandel. I was enthralled by the cinematics of it all. This was a spectacle of organized chaos that also related extremely well to the product being advertised, therefore landing it in my top three.

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Heinz Mustard

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The definition of simple but effective, this ad left zero room for confusion, and I knew exactly what they were selling: MUSTAAAAAAAAAARD. This level of clarity is something Harvard course syllabi could learn from: no scavenger hunt for readings, no vague assignment descriptions — just straight to the point. On a deeper level, this ad actually marks the pinnacle of Heinz’s collaboration between their mustard (aka the yellow condiment) and Kendrick Lamar’s music producer Mustard (aka Dijon Isaiah McFarlane). I'm a big fan of this new partnership and hope to see great things in the future!

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My Worst Three

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Coffee Mate

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If you thought the Harvard housing lottery was unsettling, this commercial takes discomfort to a whole new level. For those who wisely looked away, just know that Coffee Mate now sells their creamer in a whipped cream can. For those of you that watched it, I apologize. The dancing tongue was even more off-putting than the HUDS seafood offerings, honestly deterring me from the product entirely. The face an onlooking man was making throughout the whole thing mimicked my reaction to the ad. I think it’s safe to say that we both probably felt an extreme sense of relief when it ended.

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Tubi

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The message here was almost heartwarming, like the idea of shopping at the COOP until you see the prices. But the execution? A disaster — one minute and 17 seconds of pure unease. The flesh cowboy and wizard hats were an unnecessary way to represent a person's favorite television genre. Rather than leaving me with a desire to download Tubi, the only thought that comes to mind when I remember this ad is wondering what that flesh hat is gonna look like after four years in Lamont’s climate control…I'll leave that image with you.

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The Doritos Commercials

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Each ad was more confusing than the last. There was the alien one where the Doritos bag blew up their ship (seems like the opposite of a promotion?). Then, there was the Trojan horse one, where the crunch of the chips thwarted their operation. These were both quite similar to the horror-movie-esque one where the characters were… running from an octopus? All three just reminded me of the moment when your TF asks someone who hasn’t spoken yet to contribute to the discussion, and suddenly even your breathing seems too loud. All in all, Doritos presented us with a hodgepodge group that was trying even harder than the history fanatics in my lecture.

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Best Celebrity Appearance

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Goldilocks and the Three Trucks feat. Glen Powell

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Glen Powell’s performance alone made this ad for Ram a cinematic masterpiece; dressed in “rugged woodsy dude” clothes, he punches dragons, drives the truck over a volcano, and drag races with bears in true Goldilocks style as he tries to find the perfect Ram vehicle for him. Glen answers essential consumer questions such as: Can this car jump over a volcano? Or can the truck outrun a family of bears also driving Ram cars? The answer to both of these questions is apparently yes. The plot was about as realistic as thinking you’ll finish (or in my case start) an Ec10 problem set earlier than the night it’s due, yet Glen’s dedicated acting was persuasive. Something tells me we will be seeing a lot of Ram cars on move-in day next year (if it can fit a bear, it can definitely fit your headboard and mini fridge).

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Best Song and Dance

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Martha Stewart for Skechers

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I honestly cannot believe that Martha agreed to do this. This ad started off quaint, boring, and mildly informative — vaguely reminiscent of my orientation week entryway meetings. Then, out of nowhere, it took an unexpected turn and suddenly Martha was singing about Skechers Slip-Ins and doing the TikTok floaty walk dance. (Why did the entryway meetings never have this kind of excitement?) This repetitive yet catchy tune and Martha’s trendy dancing are fortunately (or maybe unfortunately) cemented in my mind and have been showing face whenever I'm trying to study in Widener’s main reading room. While detrimental to my “locking in” abilities, this performance was entertaining and memorable, leading to this ad’s crowning as having the “Best Song and Dance.”

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Most Confusing

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Little Caesars Crazy Puffs

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No, because this was so strange. I think the idea was that the eyebrows were flying away like the ones on the Little Caesars mascot, however, when the brows actually have hair, the entire concept becomes a lot more concerning. Like, I know the eyebrows have nothing to do with pizza bites…but then why were they so prominent? It was giving when a professor says, “this won’t be on the exam,” and you don’t know if you can believe them or not. I spent the rest of the commercial on edge and confused, and by the time a group of caterpillars began bowing to the rogue eyebrows and chanting, “we are not worthy,” I had completely forgotten what Little Caesars was even trying to sell me. I was left with a lingering feeling of unease and a general concern that maybe this will be on the exam...

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\r\nA good commercial is innovative but not TOO innovative. I need to know what you are selling, a jingle and or song is always a good idea (if you heard me humming the Martha Stewart jingle in Lamont, no you didn’t), and if you are going to pay up for celebrities or many ad spaces you have to commit; think final exam levels of effort, not P/F Gen Ed energy. All in all, the ads of Super Bowl LIX were extremely entertaining, and I look forward to another year of watching more commercials than football in 2026!

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{shortcode-35bc1a6024941dd5fa0dae8cdb75d813420943c0} Have you ever imagined what it would be like to date a former U.S. president? No? Well, we did it for you anyway. This year, Valentine’s Day just so happens to fall on Presidents’ Day weekend, so why not combine love with a little bit of history? It’s like dating an IOP kid who swears they’re going to be president — except these guys actually made it.

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John Adams

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Going on a date with John Adams feels like sitting in a history class you can’t escape from. While you brainstorm all possible escape routes quietly eat your meal, Adams monopolizes the conversation, ranting about liberty, government, and his never-ending beef with Thomas Jefferson (talk about a vibe killer). The night ends with a firm handshake and a 45-minute one-sided debate on the Constitution. Unless you need a refresher on the Treaty of Paris for your upcoming paper, a second date is out of the question.

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John Quincy Adams

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Hope you’re an early riser! John Quincy Adams invites you for a 5 a.m. skinny dip in the Potomac River (because, duh, that’s super normal). After the invigorating (read: horrifically cold) swim, he introduces you to his pet alligator (again, super normal). You can’t tell if he’s trying to impress you or if this is just how he spends every morning. Either way, it’s an unforgettable date.

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Rutherford B. Hayes

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Rutherford B. Hayes sends a politely-worded letter confirming your dinner plans. You fully intend to go, but, somehow, you just… forget.

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Days later, you find his neatly folded note on your desk and realize, with a sinking feeling, that you completely ghosted the 19th president of the United States. You consider writing back — maybe blaming a scheduling mix-up or a family emergency — but, deep down, you know the truth: you simply forgot President Hayes existed.

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Theodore Roosevelt

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Teddy Roosevelt shows up on horseback, hands you a hunting rifle, and announces, “We’re going on an adventure!” Forget a romantic dinner; your date turns into a wild trek through the Badlands, where you’ll wrestle a bear (naturally) and probably have to build a shelter out of sticks. By the end of the night, you’ve earned his respect, a high-five, and the possibility of someday meeting his son Kermit (not the frog).

\r\n\r\n

Franklin Delano Roosevelt

\r\n\r\n

Over dinner at an intimate restaurant in Hyde Park, FDR talks about his New Deal plans, World War II strategy, and the fact that his greatest regret in life is not getting into the Porcellian Club. But, when you fail to show the appropriate enthusiasm for his policy innovations or, worse, suggest that the Fly is basically the same thing, his expression falters. When you mention that you loved his role in the musical Annie… it’s over.

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John F. Kennedy

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You meet JFK at an exclusive Georgetown club, where he dazzles you with his wit and wealth. He orders the best champagne and flashes that legendary smile, making you feel like the only person in the room. He’s ridiculously charming, but something tells you he’s not looking for commitment. The date ends when he gets whisked away by the Secret Service, and you’re left wondering if it was all a fever dream. You later find out he took Marilyn Monroe to the same place last week.

\r\n\r\n

George W. Bush

\r\n\r\n

Your date with George W. Bush starts at a casual barbecue joint, where he educates you on why Texas barbecue is the only acceptable barbecue. A few beers deep, George opens up about his childhood and offhandedly drops that he went to Y*le for undergrad. He eventually pivots to describing his love for the Rangers, and you smile and nod along, but you know that a Yalie, even one with a Harvard MBA, is ultimately just not the one for you.

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Barack Obama

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Obama suggests a casual basketball game for your first date. You spend more time picking teams than actually playing, as he insists on a bipartisan approach. Post-game, you retire to a cozy Chicago bookstore where he reads you excerpts from his latest memoir and scrolls through the Spotify playlist he created just for this occasion. The evening ends with a heartfelt speech about hope and change that leaves you feeling inspired and slightly overwhelmed.

\r\n\r\n

At the end of the day, dating a Harvard alum U.S. president might just teach you more about history, politics, and yourself than you ever bargained for. They might not all be heartthrobs, but they sure know how to leave an impression. So, here’s to finding love in unexpected places — Harvard!

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('

{shortcode-c03a885fb87819a266541b7eb4de86dd80c6394b} Last semester, following rumors of a new coffee shop under the Anthropologie, I forced four of my closest friends to come with me to try it out. After walking for about 10 minutes in the cold, excitedly talking about what we would order and mildly questioning why we couldn’t find any information about it online, we arrived at the shop!

\r\n\r\n

The shop was a construction site.

\r\n\r\n

This semester, believing that I had lived down that debacle, I retried my luck (with a different group of friends) and was rewarded with a fully finished bookstore/coffee shop/wine bar called Lovestruck Books. Exploring the store revealed that the right half was a fully furnished bookstore (containing more than just romance books!), and the left half was a coffee bar area that doubled as a wine bar at night. While the space itself is listed as Lovestruck Books, the coffee bar is separately run as a George Howell Coffee cafe.

\r\n\r\n

If you’re me, you instantly wonder who exactly G.H. is. A quick glance at Wikipedia told me that 1. He studied at Yale (BOOO!), 2. He was a pioneer of something called third-wave coffee (when did the first wave happen?) and 3. He INVENTED the FRAPPUCCINO. This instantly gave him the greatest amount of coffee credibility possible, and I was extremely excited to try the menu.

\r\n\r\n

On first perusal, I was immediately impressed by the range of syrups provided. There was a La Minta, Costa Rica flavor, a Las Palomas, Guatemala flavor, and even a Kenya flavor!

\r\n\r\n

Wait… just kidding, those are the coffee origins!

\r\n\r\n

But don’t worry, the initial confusion subsides and you learn that you can get Costa Rica-sourced coffee and flavor it with your choice of orange, maple, or milk chocolate syrup.

\r\n\r\n

Wait… just kidding again, those are the coffee notes!

\r\n\r\n

Yes, my friends laughed at me.

\r\n\r\n

But, after eventually figuring out the menu, I was rewarded with the most delightful iced caramel latte I have ever tried. I would describe it as having the creaminess of a Faro latte and the flavor depth of a Pavement coffee on a good day (plus no sourness!).

\r\n\r\n

Therefore, I can definitively say that George Howell’s coffee will be worth any amount of embarrassment you might go through to get to it. It has the capacity to be the highlight of any bad day, especially when paired with a good book and a cute, comfy setup.

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('

{shortcode-0dbfe77f95ab9f38d6cc912ea2577d5e0b0249e1} Are you thinking about wearing your Harvard gear to Boston Logan this weekend? If so, prepare yourself for some major whiplash. One moment, you’re getting side-eyed by your classmates who opted for a more subtle look (a CBE Patagonia). The next, an eager mom is asking for your SAT score, high school GPA, and the exact metaphor you used in your Common App essay (they don’t know that you were a personality hire and were barely squeaking by grade-wise).

\r\n\r\n

So, why do we, as Harvard students, even bother? Today, we are setting the record straight. Here’s a deep dive into the entirely factual, highly psychological, and utterly economic reasons why you might deck out in Crimson for your next flight.

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To impress the airport crush you’ll never see again

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This just in: Southwest Airlines offers free in-flight entertainment, and it is the fleeting eye contact you make with the hottest person you have ever seen.

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How do the most attractive people sit near you on a flight but never in your 9 a.m. lecture? Who are these people? Where do they come from? Do they only exist 30,000 ft above sea level?

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Science says that there is no better icebreaker than telling someone your greatest achievement. Being a nerd is hot. I think. Please tell me I’m right.

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Because you need a job

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Have you been rejected from 50 unpaid internships this year? Have resume drops let you down? Have you realized that those “optional” cover letters were in fact not? Flyby hears you, and we have a solution.

\r\n\r\n

Ladies and gentlemen, networking does not end at the McKinsey Open House. It crosses lines… state lines.

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A rich alum could be anywhere: getting patted down at TSA, buying a $13 bottle of water, or snoring next to you on flight. This is your chance. How do you tell them without telling them?

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Your sweatshirt, of course. It’s your resume. Your silent LinkedIn request. Your gateway to financial freedom. If you’re lucky, you’ll walk away with a business card. If you’re prosperous, you’ll hear a “Well…my firm happens to be hiring…” pleasantly ring through your popped ears during takeoff.

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Because it’s all you have in your closet

\r\n\r\n

When you admit a bunch of student council kids into one school, it’s no surprise when they show a little extra school spirit. Chances are, your closet looks like The Harvard Shop exploded in it — you can’t help it, it’s in your blood.

\r\n\r\n

From your CS50 shirt to the NPC athletic shield crew you got freshman year, the laundry piling up in the corner of your room tells the story of every fair you’ve attended, every club you comped, and every free t-shirt you couldn’t say no to.

\r\n\r\n

Let’s not forget the $99 you dropped on a sweatshirt for Harvard-Yale. It has to be put to use somehow, right? You didn’t spend that much to use it as a pajama top, right?

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To save money

\r\n\r\n

$75 Ubers for a 20-minute ride? I believe Jason Furman calls this “price gouging.”

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Your only guaranteed way to get a 50% discount is by cleverly finding someone who shares your destination in Harvard Square.

\r\n\r\n

Asking strangers at Boston Logan where they live is a fast track to getting weird looks, or worse, a restraining order. The next best alternative is by, literally, wearing it on your chest. With the letters H-A-R-V-A-R-D pasted across your sweatshirt, you can watch as floods of students approach you at Terminal B with a grateful “You go to Harvard?”

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Congrats! You just hopped in an Uber with a freshman and saved $37.50!

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Now, enjoy the awkward small talk, the silence mid-ride, and the unspoken agreement to never acknowledge each other on campus again.

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To clout farm

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We get it. You just like the attention, and that’s okay.

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Whatever your reasons may be, you may find comfort (or disappointment) in knowing that the chances of people actually believing you go to Harvard are extremely low. At the end of the day, everyone just thinks you bought it at H&M or off a street vendor in Times Square anyway.

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('

{shortcode-ad1aded3e51f68df0efbeec02d70b3ad6944988d} Say what you want about Annenberg — but one thing they always get right is their music. Timbaland for lunch? TLC for dinner? Mariah Carey for Brain Break? No matter the meal, I feel fed. I feel alive. I feel seen. Whenever I look around while waiting for my slice of grape pizza, I think to myself: Who’s the diva on aux right now? Where in Berg are they?? Can they please share their playlist with me???

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And I know I’m not the only one who wonders daily about these mysterious DJs! Every day, I catch many of you Annenberg-goers tapping your foot, humming quietly, or outright singing along. After fanboying from the sidelines for far too long, I had to know more about the people responsible for bringing this amazing energy into Berg.

\r\n\r\n

With “No Scrubs” playing in the background, my investigation brought me all around the food pick-up area, asking both staff and management if there’s someone who usually plays Berg’s immaculate selection of music. Soon enough, I was introduced to one of these icons — and her name is Dolma! Fortunately, she was more than willing to walk me through the art of music curation in Annenberg.

\r\n\r\n

Like any good DJ, Dolma accepts recommendations from the crowd, but don’t be fooled: she herself has immaculate taste, one that has developed after years of listening to every genre under the sun (and not just a certain artist that’s dating someone on the Kansas City Chiefs like some of us…). Her favorite genre is Bollywood music because it reminds her of road trips with its romantic and soothing melodies. (Her favorite Bollywood artist is Arijit Singh!) She also enjoys Korean music, citing artists like BIGBANG, 2NE1, and Blackpink’s Rosé. And as a millennial, she makes sure her mixes include 90s and 2000s music. Lastly, she listens to Tibetan and Nepalian music too, as she was born in Tibet, raised in Nepal, and moved to the Boston area around 15 years ago.

\r\n\r\n

Of course, I had to ask the burning question: Spotify or Apple Music? It turns out that Dolma uses neither! Although she does draw inspiration from Instagram Reels and “the kids,” YouTube is her go-to for creating mixes; her “YouTube is always on,” whether it’s in her car leaving from work or right before bedtime.

\r\n\r\n

Dolma also said music can be important for everyday life at Harvard. Dolma knows how overwhelmed and stressed students can get (especially after we’ve walked into Berg in the same clothes as yesterday after a long night in Lamont) and loves to see students energized by her song choices. It’s especially exciting when students come up to her saying, “I like this music! Who’s playing this music?” She told me, “I personally play music for you guys to cheer up — not only for you guys, but for everybody. I don’t play only one kind of music, like American music. I play Indian, Nepalian, everything, so that way, everybody can enjoy it.”

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Just as music brings joy to the student body, Dolma says that it brings joy to the HUDS staff too: “Music brings us all together. Even if we have busy days, music makes them happy; at least, they forget how hard the day is going.” Dolma continued, saying, “I don’t want to stress when I come to work…I wanna enjoy and sometimes have fun at work, not just work!” (Me too, Dolma, me too.)

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Needless to say, I walked into Annenberg looking for a DJ — and I left having made a new friend. If you’re like me and enjoy the music at our dining halls, let me remind you to show HUDS some appreciation! They have some of the nicest people on their team — so not only will you get fire music recommendations, but you’ll also have many new faces to say hello to every time you get a meal (maybe it’ll even motivate you to stop spending so much on Felipe’s).

\r\n\r\n

To Dolma and every other undercover DJ that’s part of the HUDS staff, thank you for your tunes! After a long week of psets, readings, lectures, sections, and meetings (the list is endless…), you give our lives a boost of much-needed joy. Maybe you can revive our party scene next.

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('

{shortcode-130893ad720c3f75e07db45226e6c184b2b47cd1} Whether you planned your own Super Bowl watch party or were too distracted by the Sunday Scaries to tune in, yesterday was a time for good-spirited taunting and glaring at your rivals. (Well, it should have been good-spirited, but — let’s face it — Harvard students are competitive.) And the rivalry doesn’t stop there; quite a few intense rivalries can be found right on campus.

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Harvard vs. Yale

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This one is the most obvious example of a Harvard rivalry, but it’s not one to be underestimated. The annual Harvard-Yale football game is one of the only times a year where libraries are left desolate, psets are unfinished, and tailgates are thrown (and attended). On this day it’s Harvard against the world — the world being a safety school in New Haven.

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Oatly vs. Dole Whip

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While the transition from the traditional soft-serve to Oatly in Harvard dining halls caused uproar across campus, the switch from Oatly to Dole Whip might just be more contested. I’ve only ever heard two polarizing opinions about this switch — you either are refreshed by the sweetness of your sorbet, with new exciting flavors every week, may I add, or just miss your classic choco-vanilla swirl.

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Quad vs. River

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Another obvious rivalry is one where allegiances are out of the control of most of the student body (we see you, House transfer students): student housing. River folk notoriously boast about their view of the Charles, proximity to other houses, and relatively shorter walks to class, while Quadlings argue in support of Currier dhall (duh), Cabot Cafe, and their famous Housing Day videos (unbiasedly, as a river resident myself, I think I’m Octo-Bob’s biggest fan). Nonetheless, I don’t think that this rivalry will ever be settled. May the best House win!

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iPad vs. Notebook

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This debate truly is one for the books, or your files app. While functionally both of these options will produce the same end result, we know that students are passionate about their choice of note-taking. There is something special about slowly filling up pages of a notebook that Goodnotes and Notability can’t replace, but there is also something nice about traveling light with a sleek tablet. You must choose a side in this debate, though — I don’t want to hear about any “paper screen protector” nonsense.

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Lamont vs. Widener

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As a library Hobbit myself, I do truly believe that this is the type of rivalry that breaks up friendships. In another age-old pairing of a beauty with a beast, we see Harvard’s two main libraries. Widener, the crown jewel, the flagship library of Harvard’s campus, competes with the homey, 24-hour, comfortable Lamont Library for your time and attention. While Widener lets you lean into the aesthetic of being a Harvard student, Lamont allows you to actually be a Harvard student between the hours of 10 p.m. and 9 a.m., so it’s really your choice. But that choice determines where you’ll spend most of your time, so you better find friends that all follow.

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Flyby vs. FlyBy

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As a Flyby writer, I feel very passionate about this rivalry. As a Flyby reader, you should as well. Unlike the other rivalries, these two sides are not similar in their nature. Instead, the true rivalry lies between who truly owns this name. Which Flyby (FlyBy?) are they referring to? The one that provides you your favorite student pop-culture news, or the one that shove (lame) HUDS prepackaged sandwiches at you? We have beef, and I’m not talking about lunch meat.

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Currier Ten Man vs. Kirkland Beef

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Speaking of meat, this beef is not to be mistaken for your favorite FlyBy sandwich choice. I’m talking about who takes the cake for being THE Harvard dorm on campus. The Currier Ten Man sports its own elevator, bar, and massive common room, perfect for your favorite party needs and game cravings. The Kirkland Beef, on the other hand, brings the true historical charm of Harvard living to life. If you overlook the mice, the crown molding and retired fireplaces in this room remind you exactly which school you are partying at (in the best way possible, shoutout engibeering). Take your pick — or your walk, depending on which part of campus you inhabit.

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All in all, some friendly competition always makes for a good time. Above any rivalry that might divide us on this campus, we will always have one thing in common — our hatred for the Lowell Bells.

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('

{shortcode-a0c8ee6011a3b605e46d1c71a9a8deeeaa2b2dae} As we bundle up for the harsh Boston winter, everyone needs a good coat. But which coat will make you fit in with the right crowd? Winter coats, like concentrations, say a lot about a person. Here’s our semi-comprehensive list so you can get the coat that will best suit your needs (or so you can change your coat if you’re worried about how you’ll be perceived).

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Computer Science: Patagonia Nano-Puffer

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A true CS concentrator in jacket form, it’s all about functionality over fashion. It’s optimized for efficiency, folds down into a tiny pouch, and keeps you warm without feeling bulky. Perfect for the long walks between the Science Center and SEC (the path I assume many CS concentrators take, though personally, I wouldn’t know).

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Economics: Canada Goose

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Just as Econ is one of the most basic concentrations you can choose, donning a Canada Goose is also one of the most basic coat choices you can make. Whether in extreme cold or extreme market conditions, it’s all about maximizing utility, minimizing inefficiency, and making sure you come out ahead in the long run. (And you might need a sweet, sweet Econ concentrator salary to make up for the cost of buying a Canada Goose.)

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English: Thrifted Vintage Peacoat

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Classic, romantic, and always a little dramatic. This coat was probably found in a quirky thrift store next to a dusty copy of Pride and Prejudice. It’s not necessarily the warmest coat out there, but the chill is just another metaphor for existential longing. And, if you’re interested, it pairs perfectly with a strong opinion on Hemingway.

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Environmental Science and Public Policy: Puffer Made from Recycled Water Bottles

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This coat is ethically made and stuffed with vegan insulation, just so everyone around you knows that you don’t use plastic cups or water bottles, and you have a compost bin in your backyard (or maybe even your dorm). It’s not just about keeping you warm; it’s about making a statement. This piece of outerwear is best worn while hiking, protesting climate change, or explaining (entirely unprompted) why fast fashion is ruining the planet.

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Government: Overcoat with a Scarf

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This coat is just as much about presence as it is about warmth. But at the end of the day, you’ll end up getting the Canada Goose when the scarf becomes too much of a hassle to carry everywhere for a little extra warmth — just like how you’ll eventually go into consulting.

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Psychology: North Face Fleece

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This fleece is the human embodiment of a reassuring nod, just like your friends who are Psych concentrators. As you diagnose your friend’s attachment issues, this fleece says, “Tell me more about that.” The big pocket in front is perfect to keep a notebook with your ever-growing catalog of observations of the people around you.

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Philosophy: Cape Coat

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Is it practical? Who’s to say? What is practicality, anyway? This coat is perfect for wandering around the Yard while contemplating these questions (only when you need a break from contemplating the meaning of life). We recommend pairing it with a turtleneck, round glasses (prescription optional), and a performative tote bag full of philosophy books you will even more performatively read at an overpriced cafe.

\r\n\r\n

Like winter coats, concentrations come in all shapes and styles. Whether you’re going for efficiency, prestige, or love of the craft, one thing’s for sure: you’re getting through the cold in a way that’s true to you.

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('

{shortcode-b005bf1d6db6db25954b329cd89860b173944c7b} The best part about spring semester is that you have a chance to not make the same mistakes you did in the fall. After an agonizing finals period and (hopefully) restful break, most people return with delusions of grandeur about their new semester. Whether it’s a personal transformation, academic comeback, or improved relationship status that you seek, there’s a certain expectation that spring will be your time to shine.

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But it’s easy to find yourself a victim of your own unrealistic expectations — a realization that strikes many Harvard students in their first few weeks back on campus.

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Expectation: The workload shouldn’t be bad!

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More than a month away from school has a way of making your memories of all nighters and mental breakdowns a little hazier — and therefore a lot more palatable. The first week of school should really only be syllabus overview and introductions, and anything difficult really won’t start until midterms.

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Reality: It’s worse than you remember!

\r\n\r\n

That same month of healing and restoration will come back to bite you when (somehow) you forget how to lock in for more than twenty minutes without a social media break. Even if you are at peak performance, you can’t fight the fact that your professors have all been told that their classes were too close to being gems and are now going above and beyond to disprove that. I never thought I would wish for more icebreakers, but it feels like we’re on week seven of content on day two of class.

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Expectation: You will manage your time better.

\r\n\r\n

A color coded Gcal makes you basically invincible. With time blocked out for studying, eating, and breathing, there’s no way to lose track of time. Even if you added a fifth class and two new clubs, I think we all learned from last semester, and we’re sure to have a very straightforward week of going to and from our classes without a hitch.

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Reality: You actually have less of it?

\r\n\r\n

Maybe it’s the lack of daylight, but I swear the 24-hour cycle doesn’t apply to Harvard. Even the most meticulous schedulers have managed to double book meetings or to give themselves 15 minutes to get from the Quad to the Science and Engineering Complex. And of course it’s only bound to get better from here, because comp hasn’t started and neither have most sections.

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Expectation: The weather will be fine!

\r\n\r\n

This one is exclusively for those of us who don’t come from cold climates. Of course, I knew it would be colder than when we left, but it’s hard to worry about the chill of winter when you’re getting sunburned in Miami or L.A. I thought that as long as I wore my puffer and scarf, I would be totally fine.

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Reality: Cambridge or Antarctica?

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It turns out that somehow the wind can chill you even through a Canada Goose. If the temperature alone wasn’t bad enough, the ice on the ground is downright hazardous. It’s not simply unpleasant to leave your dorm — it’s treacherous.

\r\n\r\n

Expectation: I’ll be more social this semester.

\r\n\r\n

Whether “being social” means going to MIT from Thursday through Saturday or just leaving your dorm in general, most people hope to find more time for friends, and the first week of spring seems like the perfect time to do just that. With all the free time you (should have) had, and super light workload, this should be the best time to be a social butterfly.

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Reality: Friends??

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The very concept of having friends feels far-fetched. Everyone seems to be on the same page about barely having time for themselves, let alone a packed social calendar. In these first two weeks alone, seeing a moderately full dhall has made me sigh, and I’ve already realized that I’ll have to be in bed by 9 p.m. on Saturdays if I want to have a hope of finishing my 1000 pages of unintelligible readings.

\r\n\r\n

Well, it’s still too soon to write off spring as a disaster. Even if your first two weeks weren’t great, there are still eleven more potential comebacks to make. And if it doesn’t work out — at least you’ll find solidarity with everyone else who thought spring would be so different from fall.

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('

{shortcode-d25ed366f8e8bfde60c1c04fe585077e1140404b}

\r\n\r\n

New England winter is in full swing, bringing with it snowy mornings, a newfound appreciation for the dhall tea selection, and oh…what’s that? You take a step and, suddenly, the soles of your shoes slide out from under you! Before you know it, you’re on the ground — cold, disoriented, and questioning every life choice that got you here.

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That’s right! The winter also signifies the return of Harvard’s most humiliating extreme sport: trying not to slip on ice while getting to class. While we can’t exactly tell you how to avoid being humbled by ice, we can point out the worst best places to face-plant on campus!

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The Science Center Plaza at midday

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There is truly nowhere busier on campus between the hours of 12-2 p.m. on a weekday than the Science Center Plaza. The pressure to keep up a decent walking pace is already intense enough, let alone trying to avoid adding a poorly-timed tumble to it. Bonus points if you happen to slip while trying to get through Meyer Gate, or in front of The Chicken and Rice Guys. Nothing pairs better with their halal chicken bowl than a side of secondhand embarrassment.

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The crosswalk in front of Smith Campus Center

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Regardless of whether or not jaywalking is at play (let’s be real), this is prime territory for slipping while crossing Mass Ave. With hordes of buses, shuttles, cars, other students, and tourists, this can prove to be one of the most public falls imaginable. And, don’t forget the many glass fish-bowl study rooms that will be watching from above. You’ve got eyes on you from all angles, so remember to look both ways (and where you’re stepping)!

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Outside of Sever Hall on a Thursday

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The exodus from Sever after Thursday sections is a force of nature. Tripping here puts you at risk of being trampled by a stampede of history concentrators, first-years in Expos, and los estudiantes de clase de Español. Worst time, worst place.

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In front of a big tour group at the John Harvard Statue

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We’ve all seen the masses that engulf the John Harvard statue on our way to class — large, dense, and unforgiving. For some people, taking a fall at this location can have a silver lining. Maybe it gets you out of being asked to take someone’s picture, or maybe it even helps prevent someone else from touching the toe (for the common good). Also, unlike the other locations, you probably (fingers crossed) never have to see these tourists ever again! See, people, sometimes you just need perspective.

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The steps of Widener

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Saving the best worst for last, this one is a no-brainer. While tumbling down the steps of Widener is a real possibility regardless of the season, it’s especially hazardous during the winter, when the salty, wooden steps tend to already be blocked by people taking pictures (tourists, sigh). Particularly clumsy Flyby readers should consider taking the back entrance instead.

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Even though slipping during your daily commute to class is not something any of us strive to do, at the end of the day it happens to us all. We promise your social image will remain unscathed — well, unless it is a really big fall. Then maybe the site will be memorialized on Google Maps for all to see, just like the Boston Cop Slide.

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And, while we here at Flyby can’t prevent your run-ins with ice, we can warn you of the weather ahead if you subscribe to Harvard Today!

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Waking up at home the day after I finished clawing my way through finals was a relief. The sun was shining, the birds were chirping, the breeze was not frigid cold — and oh, what’s that? I was in a bed that was actually comfortable?! Needless to say, I had no more alarms blaring at 8 a.m., no more readings haunting me, and no need to frantically sprint across campus in the freezing cold for a Gen Ed that was supposed to be a gem but instead was the hardest class I had. Just me, my thoughts, and an empty Canvas To Do page.

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Home smelled like fresh homemade food, specifically my mom’s steak quesadillas. It sounded like my chihuahua barking at absolutely nothing. It felt like the warmth of the holidays — family, holiday decorations, and the temporary bliss of pretending that Harvard doesn’t exist.

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But fear not. Harvard will find you.

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Almost every day of break, the email flood continued.

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“Apply for Summer Funding!” “Exciting Internship Opportunity!” “Are you thinking about your post-grad career?” Why are you reminding me about internship opportunities on January 1st?! Can I not enjoy the new year in peace???

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Plus, the whole “home for the holidays” is relaxing until it isn't. At first, it’s nice to see your old friends, catch up, and maybe even reminisce on high school memories. But then the questions start:

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“So, how’s Harvard? Is it like Legally Blonde?” No. “Have you met anyone yet?” Sort of. But no. “What are you doing with your life?” …That’s actually a great question.

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And with just one simple reunion, the existential dread starts to creep in. The productivity guilt gets to you. Depending on when your final exams are scheduled, you have at least a full four weeks of break. That’s enough time to actually rest and recharge, right? Wrong.

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Attending a school like Harvard means you are never really on break. Subconsciously you’re thinking about what you’re going to do this summer. Maybe your plans include updating your resume, making a list of what summer opportunities you’re going to apply to, or writing your senior thesis. (But if you’re like me, your greatest accomplishment was getting to season six of The Nanny.)

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The thing is, winter break is so long (imo) that, for a while, nothing happens. No deadlines, no club meetings, not even the comforting stress of a last-minute pset. This inevitably leads to me feel that I should be doing something. It feels like Harvard has wired me to thrive in the chaos consisting entirely of due dates and finals and sadness, and without it, I’m just existing. Never actually resting.

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And just when I want to be productive, the semester is already hurtling toward me at full speed. My brain has to go from zero to more than 500 pages of readings in an instant (the joy of a humanities concentration). The transition is so jarring that I almost miss the peaceful nothingness of doing absolutely nothing. Almost.

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So, is winter break a blessing or a curse? A saving grace or a time of unproductive stress? Honestly, it’s a break we desperately need but never truly take. Probably because we don’t know how.

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Now that we’ve been back to school for a week, we are all too familiar with our daily commutes. Or we should be at least — it's too early to skip class just yet. Whether it’s early in the morning for your 9 a.m., or at night as you hike back to the Quad, music is essential to making your daily treks all the less miserable. Here are some of our top musical picks to start your spring semester off right!

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“The Love Club” by Lorde - Ava H. Rem

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I’m looking forward to so much flove this semester and saying yes to more silly outings with friends <3. Also, with spring on the horizon, there will be no possibility of any seasonal sadness!!

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“Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” by Elton John and Keke Dee - Tehle E. Ross

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I have concerningly high expectations for spring semester, so here’s to hoping that my classes live up to them and don’t go breaking my heart!

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“Higher Love” by Kygo and Whitney Houston - Evangeline J. Gilmer

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I had a rather difficult end to 2024, and while that will make this semester challenging, I have high hopes academically and career-wise! No matter what, I think I’m going to be really happy with the person I’ve become by the end of this semester (which is also the end of my college career). :)

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“Greatest Love of All” by Whitney Houston - Victoria Chen

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I definitely need to prioritize self-love and self-care more this semester, making this song a necessary anthem. Also, Whitney Houston’s voice is timeless and amazing!!

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“Messy” by Lola Young - Shawn A. Boehmer

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I really want to be more myself and care less in general this semester. Comparison is truly the thief of joy! I am so excited for the semester and want to do it all…while being a little more messy. Let’s be real — life here is entirely for the plot. Last note: I do NOT want to go through a breakup (as the song depicts). Quite the opposite, actually (TBA!).

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“Wild Ones” by FloRida, featuring Sia - Christian Serrano

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Pop music from the 2010s makes me feel so euphoric, and honestly, it embodies the energy I want to radiate this semester (!!!): confident, unapologetic, genuine, and electric. With cold weather and an academic comeback knocking at my door, I want to focus on my mindset as much as I can in order to make the most of the semester!

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“Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want” by The Smiths - Mirika J. Jambudi

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The title says it all, but I’m hoping for academics, extracurriculars, and internship applications to go positively this semester. I also want to find a better balance between school and taking care of myself!

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“DtMF” by Bad Bunny - Mia N. Rodriguez

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Although I’m really excited for my last semester, it’s hitting me all at once that this is indeed my LAST semester in college. I really want to prioritize simply having a good time with friends and making memories while I still can (in order to not end up like my dear regret-filled Bad Bunny).

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“Put The Money In The Bag” by Yuno Miles - Wyatt G. Croog

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This song really speaks to me as I gear up for a semester marked (rather impressively) by no class on Thursdays and Fridays. I’m determined to make the most of my time by being smart about my finances and exploring alternative revenue streams. Like the song, it’s all about focus and determination—I’m not just securing grades, I’m securing the bag in every sense.

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"Summer 2000 Baby" by TV Girl and George Clanton - Melissa C. Suquisupa

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This song always reminds me to make the most of every moment, and that’s exactly what I’ll be doing this semester. Especially since I’m almost halfway through college… So, here’s to living it up while being an academic weapon (tbd)!!!

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“Money Trees” by Kendrick Lamar - Brooke Decho

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This song just makes me think of sunshine and being outside, as my friends and I would listen to it every summer in high school. I sense that I’ll need those good vibes to carry me through this semester…

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“Time of the Season” by The Zombies - Bianca M. Egan

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It feels like a relatively calm song; I’m hoping that nothing crazy happens, but I’m also trying to reign in good karma — hence the title.

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If you’ve made it this far, we hope we were able to take your mind off of the bitter cold for 48 minutes while you do whatever it is you have to this semester. We wish you good luck with classes, and have a beautiful spring semester!

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