Campus Life

4 Ways to Stay Safe on Campus

Knowing how to stay safe on campus as a student is non-negotiable. While the Syracuse University campus is generally very safe for its students, knowing what to do in a situation where you might feel uncomfortable or unsafe while on campus is crucial. Here are some ways you can ensure you are always safe and protected while on campus!

Know How to Contact DPS

In an emergency, you could very well forget the majority of the information in this article. In the event you do forget, the most important thing to try and remember is how to contact the Department of Public Safety (DPS). Of course, you can always call 911, and the dispatcher can connect you with the necessary emergency services. However, knowing how to contact DPS directly can speed up the process of getting you connected with the help you need.

You can contact DPS 24/7 at 315.443.2224 throughout the year. (This number can also be found on the back of your Syracuse University I.D.!). You can also contact DPS by dialing 711 on any campus landline, calling #78 on your cell phone or by using the Orange Safe app.

Download the Orange Safe Mobile App

The Orange Safe app is your one-stop shop for all things safety on campus. To begin with, you can contact DPS or call 911 with the press of a button. There is also a safety feature called Mobile BlueLight. When you press this button anywhere on campus, you will call and have your real-time location sent to the DPS Emergency Communications Center (ECC). They can then talk to you on the phone and get you connected with the help you need.

In terms of safety precautions, Orange Safe has a feature entitled Safe Walk. You can send your friend your location via a link, which allows that friend to follow your location and make sure you get to your destination. In the event that you go off track, they are able to notify emergency services. Once you no longer want to share your location with them, you can disconnect your location with them in the app.

Get comfortable with the layout of the app and explore all its features to ensure you know how to use it in the event of an emergency!

Familiarize Yourself With the Blue Light System

The Blue Light System is a series of alarm emergency systems that can be used to contact DPS. There are over 25 Blue Light Alarms on campus and additional systems in the areas surrounding campus. The systems are tall, skinny and square black poles which have a blue light shining through the top. Attached to the system is an alarm button that you can press to alert DPS and connect you with a dispatcher. Familiarizing yourself with the locations of these systems and which ones are closest to you and your dorm or apartment is an important part of ensuring your safety in the event of an emergency. The DPS website has a map of all the Blue Light Systems both on and off campus.

Request a Safety Escort When Needed

Getting home safely is an important part of ensuring your safety. In the Orange Safe app, you can request a safety escort be sent to your location via the “Getting Around SU” button. It’s important to note that either your pick-up or drop-off location must be an open University-owned property to utilize this safety feature. During busy times, safety escorts may have longer wait times. Safety escorts are available from 8 p.m.-6 a.m. during the academic year. If you need transportation outside of this time frame, it’s recommended that you utilize the ’Cuse Trolley system instead.

Staying safe on campus can be easier if you familiarize yourself with the number of resources available to you here. Don’t wait to make yourself aware of safety resources when you’re already in a dangerous situation! Make sure to be prepared and knowledgeable ahead of time—you never know when an incident may occur. Stay safe, Syracuse!

Written By Mirren Grimason ’29, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs

7 Adventures to Have While the Weather Is Nice

If you’ve survived a Syracuse winter before, you know that the weather doesn’t stay sunny for long. Lake effect snow typically arrives by early November, and temperatures can start dropping at any time, so take advantage of the nice weather while you still can! Whether you’re into being active or tailgating, Syracuse has plenty to offer. Here’s a list of things to explore.

Hiking Trails

If you haven’t been hiking in Upstate New York, you’re missing out! There are many state parks within driving distance of campus, including Green Lakes, Clark Reservation and Chittenango Falls. Green Lakes also has a beach where you can tan, bring food for a picnic or go swimming – perfect for a hot day! Some flatter trails, more accessible for walking and running, can also be found close by at the Erie Canal Park and Onondaga Lake Park, where you can hop over to the pickleball courts afterward for some fun competition.

The Barnes Center at The Arch offers Outdoor Adventure trips to several parks, with beginner, intermediate and advanced day hikes. For experienced hikers, the University also organizes several overnight backpacking trips at James Kennedy State Forest and Mariposa State Forest.

Apple Picking

Apples are a Syracuse staple, and whether you’re on the hunt for the best apple cider donut or you’re looking for apples to bake into a pie, there’s plenty of orchards to visit! Abbott Farms is the closest, and for just a few dollars, you can go and pick a small basket of apples through the Barnes Center. Other local orchards you can visit with your friends on the weekend include Beak and Skiff, Navarino Orchard and Woznica Orchards, but the fun doesn’t stop at apple picking. Most orchards also offer cider, donuts and other festivities, so have fun exploring!

Syracuse Athletics Games

Don’t have a car to easily venture off campus? No problem, you can take a campus shuttle to the SU Soccer Stadium for Women’s and Men’s Soccer games! The Men’s Soccer team won the national title three years ago and hopes to replicate that success this year.

If you’re not a soccer fan, field hockey games are also held ​​on South Campus at J.S. Coyne Field. Football, volleyball and basketball games are also great indoor options! If the weather cooperates, you can join the herd of Syracuse fans and enjoy some tailgating before the game.

Unfortunately, the Syracuse Mets, the city’s Minor League Baseball team, will close out their 2025 season next week, but they’ll return next semester, in late March. The team will announce a new name next year, so keep an eye out for the opportunity to vote on potential choices!

Recreational Sports

For those who enjoy playing sports more than watching them, there are many opportunities to join a club sport or form an intramural team with a few friends. The Barnes Center organizes a number of intramural sports teams that compete in tournaments across different leagues each semester. With everything from 3 vs. 3 basketball to Canoe Battleship, there’s something for everyone to try!

The Local Zoo

Not everyone knows about the Rosamond Gifford Zoo, but it’s a must-see during your time at Syracuse. From reptiles to jungle cats, this conservation-focused zoo hosts over 300 species in both indoor and outdoor habitats. While the outdoor animals can handle Central New York winters, exploring the zoo and all the exhibits is much more enjoyable in pleasant fall weather.

Whitewater Rafting

Another fall activity offered by the Barnes Center is whitewater rafting. The program includes transportation to the Black River, which empties into Lake Ontario, and a professional guide for your rafting adventure. Get your wetsuits and hop on a raft for a thrilling, fun ride you won’t want to miss!

Horseback Riding

Last but certainly not least, horseback riding is also offered through the Barnes Center in the fall. The trip takes you to Highland Forest, where you’ll experience some of Upstate New York’s natural beauty on a one-hour guided horseback trek.

Check out more Outdoor Adventure trips on the Barnes Center website and have fun exploring!

Written By Kate Jackson ’26, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs

This article is for reference purposes only and is not deemed an endorsement by Syracuse University.

Tips From Recently Graduated Oranges

Whether this is your first week at college or your 60th, it never hurts to hear some advice from those who have come before you in your Orange journey! Before they graduated in May, three Class of 2025 alumni shared some words of wisdom to take with you into the 2025-26 academic year.

Tips from Chloe Langerman ’25

Majors: Magazine Journalism and English and Textual Studies

I am so grateful for my four years at Syracuse University! It would be impossible to articulate everything I’ve learned throughout my time here. Here are a few tips, though, that I wish I could share with my first-year self.

1. Don’t Compare Your Experience With Others

Your college experience is yours, not anyone else’s. Comparing your grades or your friends or your involvement on campus to the people around you is a trap. One of the most exciting things about being on a college campus is the freedom to make your own decisions and figure out what you like. Be confident in what you enjoy and the things you’re interested in because they make you who you are! Just because your college experience might be different from somebody else’s does not make it any less valuable; it’s simply different, and that is OK!

2. Focus on Perspective

Everybody has moments at college that are, honestly, not fun. Whether it’s an issue with school or friends or a club you’re involved in, you are bound to have experiences that aren’t what you anticipated. When going through these moments, remember that whatever you are dealing with will pass. It’s OK to feel disillusioned with college. It’s OK if your four years here aren’t the best four years of your life. Sometimes, that can be a tough pill to swallow. But if you enter your time at Syracuse with a positive perspective, everything will work out. You will end up exactly where you are meant to be!

Focus on the good during your time at Syracuse. There is so much opportunity in store for you here! Try new things. Talk to new people. Do things that scare you. Embrace the fact that you don’t know everything. You’re here to learn! Prioritize the people and the activities that bring you joy, and the rest will follow.

Tips From Santiago Noblin ’25

Major: Communications Design

When I first got to Syracuse, I didn’t know where to start. It’s been a wild ride, and honestly, I’m a very different person now because of this place—the people I met, the experiences I had and everything I stumbled into along the way. If I had to break it down, here’s what sticks out the most.

1. Be OK With Being Wrong

You’re going to make mistakes. You’re going to have moments where you realize you didn’t know as much as you thought you did. That’s a good thing! Some of the best lessons you’ll learn won’t come from a lecture hall—they’ll come from late-night conversations, club meetings, even just sitting around in your dorm talking with friends. Stay curious. Listen more than you talk. Be open to learning from everyone around you. College isn’t just about getting a degree; it’s about expanding how you see the world.

2. Stay Grounded

It’s easy to feel like you have to do it all—join every club, go to every party, add a minor, stack your resume sky-high. But honestly? You don’t need to. Focus on a few things that really matter to you and put your energy there. Protect your time and your mental health. And seriously, take care of yourself during those brutal winters. Seasonal depression is a real thing. During the fall semester of my first year, a professor told our class to buy vitamin D for the winter (I didn’t, and am not saying you should, but it’s real, y’all). Find small routines that make you feel human, whether that’s hitting the gym at the Barnes Center at The Arch, grabbing coffee on Marshall Street, or even just calling someone from home. Little things add up.

3. Appreciate the Little Things

Go watch the leaves change on the Quad in the fall (and enjoy that grass while you can see it!). Slide down the hill in front of Crouse College. Stay up late talking about ridiculous things with your friends. Go to a football game at the Dome, even if you don’t know anything about sports, then post on Instagram how you’re Sean Tuckers’ biggest fan (he used to play here). It’s these small, random moments that are going to stick with you the most when you look back, believe me!

Four years sounds like forever when you’re starting out. But take it from me—it flies by faster than you can imagine. Some days will be amazing. Some days will be hard. Both are part of it. Be kind to yourself, trust the process and stay open to where this journey takes you. Syracuse is messy, beautiful, freezing, exciting—and if you let it, it’ll shape you into exactly who you’re supposed to become.

Good luck—and enjoy every minute.

Tips From Isabella Bertrán ’25

Major: Communications Design

When I first got to Syracuse, I had no idea what I was doing. Everyone seemed to have it together, but trust me, we were all figuring it out as we went. Looking back after graduation, there are a few things I wish I’d known earlier. So, here’s some advice from someone who’s been through it.

1. Talk to Everyone

Literally. Make conversation with the person next to you in class. Go to that event you’re invited to, even if you’re not sure it’s your thing. Try to go to most, if not all, of the things you’re invited to. You never know who might end up becoming your best friend!

On that note: it’s OK to have friends come and go. The college experience is all about finding yourself and figuring out where you truly belong. Sometimes that means outgrowing people, shifting priorities or just naturally drifting apart. Although it can hurt, I promise your years at Syracuse University will steer you in the right direction, even if the path seems unclear at times. Trust the process. It will all work out in the end.

2. Get Involved

There are over 300 Recognized Student Organizations (RSOs) and it feels so good to be part of something. No matter how niche your passion might be, you’re bound to find someone who shares it! And if you can’t find a club that clicks, you have the option to create your own organization, which is honestly so awesome.

3. Step Outside the Syracuse University Bubble

Sometimes it feels like Syracuse University is the only place you can be or do anything at, but I really encourage you to explore outside of it. There’s so much more in the area that’s worth checking out.
In the fall, I highly recommend going to Beak and Skiff for apple picking with your friends and grabbing some of their delicious apple cider donuts. It’s also a super cute photo opportunity! While the weather’s still warm, spend an afternoon at Green Lakes State Park, which is easily one of the most beautiful and serene places I’ve ever visited. Whether you want to swim, hike or just relax, it’s the perfect escape. Even if the weather starts getting chilly, it’s still worth going just for the sights!

When winter hits (and trust me, it hits fast), my favorite place to escape to was New York City. I probably went every 2–3 weeks while I was a student. The energy, the food, the museums and the friends I went with or visited made me forget all about the cold. I used Wanderu to compare bus ticket prices across different companies, and then bought directly from the bus line websites to avoid third-party fees. It’s affordable, doable and always refreshing to get out for a bit!

4. Get a Good Winter Coat (!!!)

I’m not being dramatic! In early February of my sophomore year, the “Feels Like” section of my phone’s weather app said -28°F. Don’t wait until you’re miserable to invest in a proper coat, gloves and boots. It’s better to be safe (and warm) than sorry.

5. Have Fun

Like, actual fun. Laugh hard. Go to things you’re unsure about (as long as it’s safe!). Say yes more often than you say no. These years go by so fast and you won’t get them back, so make the most of every moment.

5 Ways To Get Involved on Campus

There are so many student organizations, events and activities on campus that getting involved can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re a first-year student! However, getting involved on campus early in the semester is one of the best ways to meet like-minded people and enjoy the things you love. That’s why we broke down the easiest ways you can get involved on campus—who knows, you might just discover your new favorite club!

1. Check Out the Involvement Fair

The Fall 2025 Involvement Fair will be held on the Quad from Sept. 9-11 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. each day. With hundreds of Recognized Student Organizations (RSOs) in attendance, the Involvement Fair is the perfect way to find a club or organization that interests you. There will be a myriad of different organizations in attendance such as Greek Life, Club Sports, service organizations, publications, cultural clubs, religious groups and more! Visit the University Events Calendar for more information.

2. Visit the Barnes Center at The Arch

The Barnes Center at The Arch is so much more than a gym and medical center on campus–they host a plethora of different events, activities and fitness classes for all University students! Consider attending pet therapy, offered on the first floor of the Barnes Center in the Walters Pet Therapy Room Tuesday-Friday every week. If you’re looking to stay active with friends, you can take a Group Fitness class such as yoga, cycling, boxing and more! Fitness classes are offered weekly Monday-Friday and on Sundays. And if you’re interested in exploring what Central New York has to offer in the way of outdoor excursions, be sure to check out the Outdoor Adventure trips that the Barnes Center organizes most weekends throughout the semester! To see the exact dates and times for the activities above, or to explore more of what the Barnes Center has to offer, visit the Barnes Center’s website.

3. Attend a Student Engagement Event

Student Engagement hosts a variety of events and activities every weekend, aimed at providing students the opportunity to engage in safe, late-night fun. All events are either free or at a low cost to students, making them accessible to everyone on campus. Some events include pumpkin painting in the fall, a variety of game nights and cosmic bowling! Be sure to check out the Events and Activities webpage to see all the events Student Engagement is hosting throughout the fall semester.

4. Explore the Schine Student Center

Situated in the heart of campus, the Schine Student Center offers a place for students to connect, relax and have fun in a safe, welcoming environment. With 13 different eateries and a variety of comfortable seating, students can eat and relax with their friends, or get some homework done in a lively environment. Personally, getting a Dunkin’ iced coffee and chilling with my friends in Schine is one of my favorite ways to decompress and meet new people! Schine Student Center also houses the Intercultural Collective—a place where students of all identities and backgrounds can get resources and information on the ways they are supported here on campus.

If you are looking for a way to meet new people and get involved on campus without the commitment of joining a new club or activity, exploring Schine is for you! Dig deeper into the myriad of offices housed in Schine or explore what may interest you there.

5. Download the OrangeNow Mobile App

More than just a place to check your class schedule, the OrangeNow app is the easiest place to check out what events—social or athletic—are happening on campus now. Upon opening the app, click on the Menu icon on the bottom right-hand corner and then scroll down to Campus Life; here you’ll find all the information for campus clubs, activities and events that you could ever need! The Activities Hub houses tons of information regarding RSOs and upcoming events. Under the Activities Hub, you will also find the ‘Cuse Activities website, another great resource that houses information for every single RSO here on campus. I have found this resource super helpful in exposing me to the hundreds of unique clubs Syracuse has to offer!

Written By Mirren Grimason ’29, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs

4 Tips for Decorating Your Dorm or Apartment

Students have finished the stressful process of moving in, lugging countless bags and boxes up stairs or—if you’re lucky enough—elevators, so now it’s finally time to decorate! Whether you’re in a dorm or apartment, it can be challenging to find affordable and functional decor that fills your space. To make that process easier, here are some tips I’ve learned over the years as a senior and veteran decorator.

1. Add Lighting and Lamps

To make a space feel more homey, lighting is especially important. If you’re living in a dorm with bright fluorescent overhead lights, you may want to look into getting a floor or table lamp. A great place to look for reused lamps is local thrift stores or street sales, such as The Thrifty Shopper in East Syracuse. There are tons of options that don’t require nailing things to the wall, which is not permitted in University housing.

If space is tight, another great option is fairy lights or string lights, which are always easy to find and set up. Similarly, LED lights are also easy to use and add a pop of color. This way, when you’re up late studying or socializing, you can avoid the unflattering overhead lights.

2. Find Cozy Rugs, Bedding and Pillows

An easy way to add color to the bedroom is with a decorative rug! Rugs, along with floor pillows, add a sense of comfort and somewhere to sit in a room with limited space. Beanbags are another easy solution to fill the space and provide a functional seat for guests.

In addition to floor decor, the pillows and blankets on your bed are great ways to decorate, and also make your bed more comfortable for sleeping. It may seem hot outside now, but soon enough, Syracuse winters will make you wish you invested in some warm bedding to nest in!

3. Maximize Storage Space

Part of decorating involves organizing all your clothes—a problem I consistently struggle with. To prevent clothes from building up on your floor, there are several organizational hacks for maximizing limited space. These include bed risers, storage bins, closet doublers and cascading hooks. When I was living in a dorm, bed risers provided additional space for extra food, clothes, toiletries and anything else that wouldn’t have fit under my bed otherwise!

Additionally, storage bins are great for arranging all your belongings. Closet doublers provide an additional hanging clothing rack in your closet, essentially doubling clothing space. (For those with small closets, this is a lifesaver!) Lastly, cascading hooks are great for sweatshirts or jeans, which take up a lot of space. The hooks cascade downward so you can stack your clothes on top of one another, providing more room for other things to hang on the same rack.

4. Hang Wall Decor

Wall decor can include anything from mirrors to posters to hanging plants, and it’s an easy way to add personality to your living space! There are lots of thrift stores around Syracuse where you can browse for cool antique pieces or decorations. Most stores also have student discounts or back-to-school deals, including the Syracuse University Campus Store, which often has seasonal sales throughout the year.

If you want a specific print, I recommend looking on Pinterest or Etsy, and Bird Library on campus offers poster printing for black-and-white and color posters as large as 11×17 inches. Staples and other off-campus stores are also a great resource. I used to hang up pictures and little notes as well, in addition to a collage I made from old postcards. Give it a try if you’re feeling artistic!

There are endless ways to make your room feel like home. Coming from someone who had trouble adjusting to college my first year, having a safe, comfortable space that you can come back to after a long day of classes or socializing makes a huge difference. If you’ve switched to off-campus housing with communal rooms, decorating can seem like even more of a chore, but cozying up your apartment can really make it feel like your home away from home! Hopefully, these tips provided some guidance, but be sure to experiment with what you like and what works for you. Happy decorating!

Written By Kate Jackson ’26, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs

This article is for reference purposes only and is not deemed an endorsement by Syracuse University.

5 Things to Do With Your Friends Before the End of the Semester

It is with a heavy heart that I remind you that we are just days away from the end of the semester. Though the responsibilities of final projects and tests may be racking up, remember to enjoy the last few (hopefully warm!) days that we have left. If you’re looking for some activities to fill your brain breaks or to distract from the fact that you or a friend is graduating, check out these must-attend events.

Brush and Bloom Workshop

In the midst of finals season, some mindless crafting can be a great form of stress relief! Join Orange After Dark tonight, April 24, at 10 p.m. for a plant pot-painting session and let your creativity fly free. Invite your friends, chat away and prioritize some good old rest and relaxation!

Block Party

It’s time to have our “High School Musical” moment and dance away the end of school and the start of summer at tomorrow’s Block Party! If you haven’t already bought your ticket, there may still be some left. So grab a ticket, meet up with some friends and come jam to Role Model and Latto. Doors open at 7 p.m. See you there!

Barnes Center Spring Fest

On Sunday, April 27, the Barnes Center at The Arch is hosting Spring Fest at Green Lakes State Park. The day-long extravaganza will include a variety of outdoor activities, from hiking, to disc golf, to yoga and more! Plus, shuttles from College Place are provided for all attendees. Register now to spend the day out in the sun and get some much needed vitamin D!

Pet Therapy

If you’ve been missing your pets and need a fluffy friend fix to get you through the last few days of the semester, check out pet therapy at the Barnes Center. There are quite a few sessions left that you can attend, but the one on Thursday, May 1, holds a special surprise: this is the first time the Barnes Center is bringing dogs and cats together for the ultimate de-stressing! So stop by to meet Phoebe the cat and Holly the dog and watch your worries fly away (at least for the hour you’re snuggled up to some furry friends)!

Senior Celebration

This one’s for the class of ’25, their friends and their family! A warm congratulations to my fellow graduates, kudos to you—we did it! So come on down to the Quad on Thursday, May 8, from 1-4 p.m. to celebrate the Class of 2025 with lawn games, a DJ and a chance to make some final memories on campus.

Nearing the end of this semester has been quite bittersweet for me, as I’m sure has been true for many seniors. All we can do is try to live in the moment and make the very best of the remaining time we have as “college kids.” And to those of you who still have more time to spend at Syracuse University, please be sure to take advantage of every opportunity and embrace the college experience.

One more note for my fellow graduates: wherever we end up, remember we’re all in this together!

Written By Maggie Anderson ’25, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications

Using the Esports Center as an Esports Newbie

I took a trip down to the new Gaming and Esports Center in Schine Student Center to see what all the hype was about. I am far from qualifying myself as a “gamer” and rarely played video games growing up unless it was at Dave & Busters. (Although at home, I was an outstanding athlete in Wii Sports and often found myself beating my brother in baseball, then celebrating with a “home run celly” dance in our living room.)

The Gaming and Esports Center has console, computer (PC) and virtual reality games. As a Syracuse University student interested in using the Center, all you need is your University I.D., and you’re good to go! When I walked in, the student staff were ready to help and offered some game suggestions that they enjoy playing solo. The Gaming and Esports Center has games for all skill levels, and as a novice myself, I did not feel overwhelmed or confused when trying out new games for the first time.

I started my journey with console games and decided to play FIFA. I played soccer growing up, so I know the basics of the game. I put on the headphones, picked my team and began the match. I quickly learned that soccer on the computer is way more complicated than soccer in real life. I could not score a goal, so I rage quit. I looked to the right and left of me; others concentrated on games like Madden NFL and Mario Kart. After some observation, Mario Kart may be more up my alley, and it was more enjoyable.

A group of friends huddled around a console, competing against each other. It was a good atmosphere where multiple students could bond, even on a Monday afternoon. After a previous visit, it seemed that Friday afternoons were the busiest, so if you want to go during a quiet time, try the weekdays and avoid lunchtime!

With many games offered, you can easily switch to something else if you feel like you’re not having fun with what you’re playing. I easily navigated the console and could play 3-4 games in 20-30 minutes. So if you’re studying in Schine and want a quick study break, you don’t have to commit much time to whatever game you start. You can come and go as you please, but be warned, once you start playing, you can lose track of time quickly!

The Gaming and Esports Center was dimmed, but the rainbow of colors coming off of various light fixtures and the gaming screens illuminated the room. Even though I am not a professional gamer, I certainly felt like one in the space. As I was leaving, the friendly student staff reminded me that there are frequent gaming nights I can attend and “Peer2Peer” opportunities if I ever want to learn more about how the systems work.

All in all, the new Gaming and Esports Center is definitely worth checking out, even if you don’t consider yourself a gamer! It can be a great space to hang with friends or a place where you can give yourself a break from studying and homework to do something fun.

Written By Emily Rutkowski G’25, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications

House Hunters: Syracuse Edition – Off-Campus Housing Tips

Trigger warning: we’ve only got three weeks left of the semester! Shocking, I know. And though I’m sure your schedule’s stacked with projects, finals, packing and hopefully some fun, there’s one more thing you might want to add to the list if you’re planning on living off-campus: the dreaded apartment search. As a seasoned house hunter, I’ve got some tips to make the search for off-campus housing a little less stressful.

General Tips and Tricks

  1. Start the search EARLY! If you haven’t already started looking, now is the time. Off-campus housing fills up quickly, so the earlier you start the better. It’s good practice to sign a lease for the following school year nearly an entire year prior to move-in (i.e., sign a lease in Fall 2025 for the 2026-27 school year!) so you have the most options.
  2. Take tours. It’s always in your best interest to see a potential living space in person, meet the landlord and get a feel for the location.
  3. Talk with your future roommates ahead of time. Figure out everyone’s price range and amenity must-haves.
  4. Read your lease in full before you sign! If you need some assistance, Student Legal Services (available to all undergraduate students and included in our Student Fee) offers lease reviews.
  5. When you’re living with other people, house rules will need to be set, and it might not always be smooth sailing. Learning how to communicate calmly and effectively can help ease some of those tensions. If you’re looking for guidance on how to navigate these conversations and resolve roommate disputes, Student Living provides various housemate/roommate discussion guides.

Off-Campus Housing Options

The transition from searching for on-campus to off-campus housing can be a little tricky, as the burden of finding a place to live really falls on you. To help make the hunt a bit easier, Student Living has a partnership with the popular housing search website Rent College Pads to provide a comprehensive off-campus housing search website specifically for Syracuse University students. At the time of their listing on the site, properties are checked to ensure they have not received City of Syracuse code violations, that the properties have received inspections by the City of Syracuse Code Enforcement within the last three years and more!

Before you explore the Off-Campus Housing Marketplace to see what’s available and find what fulfills your needs best, read on for a peek at some of the more popular apartment buildings amongst upperclassmen.

  1. University Village: I lived at University Village during my junior year. The apartments are beautiful, complete with in-unit laundry, personal bathrooms, a living room and a giant kitchen (it even has a dishwasher!). You do have to take the bus to campus (or drive), but there are two bus stops right by the apartment complex.
  2. The 505: The 505, seated atop Kelsey’s Coffee and Friends (formerly Peaks Coffee), offers a variety of floorplans and amenities, but the real star of the show is the Sky Lounge, the apartment building’s shared outdoor space. Plus, The 505 is pet-friendly and offers a private shuttle service!
  3. Copper Beech Commons: This is my senior year apartment complex. I ended up finding it last minute and it’s been one of the best spontaneous decisions I’ve made! It’s a short 15-minute walk to campus, but they also offer a private shuttle. Other amenities include in-unit laundry, a gym and a screening room!
  4. U Point: One block closer to campus from Copper Beech Commons is U Point. U Point offers a series of different floor plans, an on-site gym and garage parking (included with rent!). Plus there’s an abundance of study spots around the building.
  5. 614 S. Crouse Ave.: This apartment building is in a great location, just a block away from Marshall Street. They’ve got suites for up to five people, personal bathrooms and in-unit laundry. Some of the apartments even have attached balconies!

If sharing an off-campus house with friends is more your thing, some of the more popular rental offices include Rent From Ben and OPR Developers. But no matter what your off-campus living choice may be, I’d suggest looking through the Off-Campus Housing Marketplace as well as getting recommendations from upperclassmen friends before finalizing who to rent from.

Housing Tips for When You’re Planning to Study Abroad

As a Syracuse Abroad alum myself, I’ve got a few tips for sorting out your housing situation when you have a semester abroad in your academic plans.

  1. Not to be too repetitive, but start figuring out your housing plan early! You don’t want to be stressing about what you’re living situation will be once you’re back in Syracuse while you should be enjoying your time abroad.
  2. Know ahead of time that most people go abroad during the spring semester, which can make it harder to find a sublet for the fall semester. If you don’t have your abroad plans fully made, consider doing a fall semester abroad instead of spring. It may be easier for you to find a sublet that way!
  3. I’d recommend finding people to swap housing with who are going abroad during the opposite semester. Check out Facebook groups (there are many people looking for housing, and there’s a Facebook group for each class!) and ask around.
  4. Make sure your apartment of choice allows sublets or offers shorter leases.
  5. Consider lowering your standards. Since you’ll be spending half of the school year abroad, you’ll only be living in Syracuse for a few months. As a result, this apartment doesn’t have to be your absolute favorite; you won’t be there too long!
  6. Check out Student Living’s tips for housing when studying abroad for more good insight on what to plan for and what actions to take.

Finding the right off-campus housing accommodations can be tricky. If there’s anything you take away from this, the search process can never start too early. So, get searching and good luck!

Written By Maggie Anderson ’25, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications

This article is for reference purposes only and is not deemed an endorsement by Syracuse University.

New Tools Make Shared Competencies Searches Easier

You may be familiar with course tagging from past semesters, but now there are even more tools to make building your class schedule with Shared Competencies in mind as easy as possible!

Course tagging allows students to identify courses they can enroll in based on the six Shared Competencies. The Shared Competencies are:

  1. Ethics, Integrity, and Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
  2. Critical and Creative Thinking
  3. Scientific Inquiry and Research Skills
  4. Civic and Global Responsibility
  5. Communication Skills
  6. Information Literacy and Technological Agility

Course tags highlight the knowledge and skills you can expect to gain in specific courses. This allows you to schedule classes based on the skills you want to develop instead of just what fits into your schedule.

For example, as a broadcast and digital journalism student, I take an abundance of classes with the Competencies of Communication Skills, Critical and Creative Thinking, and Ethics, Integrity, and Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion. In the field of journalism, these skills are crucial to being an effective communicator, and I get to develop these skills inside the classroom to help me be a great candidate for communications opportunities after graduation. When I schedule my Fall 2025 classes, these are the Competencies I am looking out for in the course tags.

The search tools for the Shared Competencies make this process easy. Searching for Competencies is now possible within Schedule Builder, MySlice Course Search and the Course Catalog. For more information on how to use these tools and search for specific tags, check out a video on selecting classes with the Shared Competencies in mind on Kaltura!

Written By Naimah Rahman ’25, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications

6 Unique On-Campus Dining Options

The Syracuse University campus has no shortage of unique and tasty dining options. From on-campus cafés to the Schine Student Center, finding a bite to eat is rather simple. New dining options are always cropping up on campus, and this list will highlight some of the newest (and tastiest!) choices that you may not have tried before.

Choolaah Indian BBQ

The newest addition to campus dining had its grand opening on March 5 in food.com in Newhouse III. Choolaah has been a hit among students because of its selection of tasty Indian cuisine. Some popular dishes include rice bowls, naan wraps and mango drinks. Choolaah has some locations around the Northeast, but the new locations at food.com and Goldstein Food Hall on South Campus are the first in New York State! You can try the cuisine Mondays through Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Yella’s

Another new addition to food.com, Yella’s opened on campus in Fall 2024. The New Jersey-based dining establishment boasts “food worth screaming about.” Students can buy burgers, cheesesteaks, breakfast sandwiches and more. To get your sweet treat fix, Yella’s also offers delicious milkshakes in a variety of flavors.

Tavola 44

Tavola 44 is the newest addition to the Schine Student Center food court (it opened in Fall 2024!) and features a small but yummy menu of made-to-order pizzas. Some of the classic menu items include Margherita, Buffalo Chicken and Spicy Pepperoni pizzas. You can also make your own, with tons of topping selections and cauliflower crust and vegan cheese available for vegan and gluten-free options. Check out the menu and hours on the Campus Dining website.

The Inn Complete

Over the past two years, The Inn Complete restaurant on South Campus and its menu have been revamped for a fun and cozy dining experience. The menu features an assortment of handhelds, appetizers and flatbreads. Also, remember to stop by for Fish Fry Fridays! You can even order your fish fry ahead of time online. Learn more about the restaurant on the Inn Complete webpage or head down to South Campus to check out the Inn Complete yourself at 610 Skytop Road.

Bistro 1926

Bistro 1926—located at Drumlins Country Club—is the place to be for a fancy near-campus dinner. Their menu offers a wide variety of entrées (including steaks and pastas), burgers and a wide selection of chicken sandwiches. The Bistro 1926 also offers trivia nights on Thursdays, Saturday and Sunday brunch, and theme nights throughout the week. Plus, you can use your CuseCash here!

The Canteen

For those who prefer Starbucks over Dunkin’, check out The Canteen, located in the National Veterans Resource Center. Along with Starbucks products, The Canteen also offers a classic selection of bagels and breakfast sandwiches, but they are set apart from other cafés with a rotating weekly menu of deli sandwiches and soups. You can check out their full menu online.

If you’re in the mood to venture outside of your usual dining hall or campus cafe haunts, be sure to give these a try! Remember that all Campus Dining locations are cashless, so make sure to bring a credit/debit card with you or have your Syracuse University I.D. on-hand to pay with Meal Plan Dining Dollars or ’CUSE Cash. Happy eating!

Written By Chloe Langerman ’25, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications