Finding connection can be really challenging, and COVID-19 hasn’t made it much easier. Even though our world is becoming more virtual, there are still a lot of ways to connect in person and on campus, especially right now! Here’s what we’re excited for this semester:

The Stadium Open Quad

We might not be able to experience the Stadium with 30 thousand Orange fans this year,

but we’re going to be able to experience it on the field this semester! We’ll have access to an indoor ‘Quad’ to safely gather, study, relax and play. Starting next week, the Open ‘Quad’ will be available on Tuesdays and select Wednesdays, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. To get to the Open ‘Quad,’ be sure to bring your Syracuse University I.D. and enter through either Gate A or Gate N.  If you need an accessible entrance, be sure to use Gate A.

Intramural Sports

Intramural Sports are a great way to connect with friends, meet new people and experience friendly competition. While there are a bunch of virtual intramural sports opportunities this semester, there’s also in-person sports that will be in the Stadium. Be sure to sign up for 3 vs. 3 soccer, kickball, wiffleball and more! Learn more about Intramural Sports on the Barnes Center website, and sign up on IMLeagues!

Team sports not your vibe? Consider taking a group fitness class to connect with others and focus on your own workout!

Orange After Dark

Orange After Dark is always one of our favorites! With late night events every weekend, it’s a great way to be with friends and try something new. You’re not going to want to miss out on this week’s Lunar New Year Celebration and Palentine’s Day! There’ll be calligraphy workshops, Kahoot trivia, selfie stations, crafts and more! Learn more about

Outdoor Adventure Trips

Getting out in nature with friends has so many benefits! Outdoor Adventure Trips are a great way to experience Central New York, meet people with similar interests and get off campus for a while. Just like last semester, there are a ton of trips, including skiing, snowshoeing, hiking and snow tubing! If you’re not too fond of Syracuse winters, no worries. Hiking trips will be available later in the semester when the weather starts warming up. Save your spot in the Wellness Portal soon! These fill up fast.

Soul Series

We can’t say enough about the Barnes Center’s Soul Series! We love connecting with others and really diving into great conversation about life, meaning and purpose. The Soul Series is open to any Syracuse Student looking to find connection, and honestly, it’s so helpful. We definitely recommend applying to SoulSearch this semester. SoulSearch is a free, one-day retreat that helps you build mindfulness skills and balance. Apply today!

Finding Events

There’s always something going on! You just have to know where to look. Luckily, the University Community Calendar and ’Cuse Activities make it easy. The Community Calendar is home to all University-sponsored events, including lectures, workshops, and more. ’Cuse Activities is home to all registered student organizations and their amazing events! You can browse through all the different orgs on campus, see what they have going on and get involved. With the Community Calendar and ’Cuse Activities, you can learn or try something new and find your community!