Campus Life

Productivity Tips for Winter Weather

Syracuse University is known for its cold and snowy winters, but sometimes the gloomy weather can get a bit overwhelming, making it difficult to stay productive. Some days it’s hard to find the motivation to leave my apartment, let alone stay focused on my assignments. With the start of the new semester, it is important that you start the year off right! Here are seven tips that keep me motivated and get me out of a slump!

Keep a tidy work environment

I’m sure you have all heard the saying that a clean workspace equals a clear mind. Well, it is 100% true! Especially if you enjoy working in your dorm room or apartment, having a clean environment can really make a difference whether you are able to focus or not. Sometimes I find if my room is messy that my attention is not fully spent on my work, but rather realizing how messy my room is. That being said, before you start your work for the day, spend a few minutes tidying up your space.

 Write a to do list

This is my favorite way to stay productive during the times where I feel unmotivated. I like to list my most important tasks on the top of the list and work my way down. Not to mention, crossing out completed tasks is very satisfying and motivates me to complete as many tasks as I can.

 Reward yourself when work is completed

When I feel swamped with work and lack the motivation to complete it, I like to promise myself some sort of reward once I finish my assignments. Whether it be a few minutes on social media or watching an episode of my favorite show, having something to look forward to always improves my work ethic and motivation to complete my work.

Change your work environment

Switching up where you study can be a great way to find motivation. If you usually study in your room, try going to Bird Library or Schine Student Center! Or, if you usually study with another person, try working alone.

Keep your body and mind healthy

Finding time to workout and practice mindfulness can increase your ability to handle stressful tasks throughout the day. Even if you cannot make it to the gym, keep your body moving by taking walks, stretching or doing yoga. Visit the Barnes Center at The Arch to enroll in free fitness classes such as kickboxing, cycling and even Barre!

Stop multi-tasking

This is something I have a lot of trouble with. Sometimes I am so stressed with multiple assignments coming up that I jump back and forth between them and find myself getting nowhere. I’ve noticed when I spend time on one assignment that I am more focused and determined to complete that specific assignment, then I can move on to the next.

Take breaks

I find that taking breaks every now and then recharges my energy and focus. Instead of getting distracted by social media, I like to set aside a few-minute break every 30 minutes or an hour!

I hope you found these tips helpful and they motivate you to stay productive through the semester!

 Written by Haley Mykytka ’22, College of Visual and Performing Arts

 

Financing Study Abroad Tips and Tricks

With dozens of program offerings and opportunities in every field all over the world, studying abroad with Syracuse Abroad is undeniably for everyone. Financing abroad can seem daunting, but with a combination of financial aid, external scholarships and grants, and budgeting tips and tricks from program alum, studying broad is highly accessible!

Two friends sit on a water fountain while abroad.

The Basics of Study Abroad Finances

To start, the costs associated with studying abroad can be divided into two categories: billable and non-billable costs. Billable fees include tuition, your program fee and course fees. When it comes to tuition, in most cases, your financial aid package for main campus will travel with you, including federal work study in some locations. Program fees cover housing and several meals a week, varying slightly depending on the specific program. Together, this means that your semester abroad is comparable to a semester on campus. It is always a good idea to meet with your financial aid advisor to ensure your aid will travel with you.

Out of pocket (non-billable) costs for studying abroad include airfare, meals not included in the program fee, personal travel, public transportation if you choose, and emergency funds. These vary by location and how much you choose to travel. Cost of living varies around the world so be sure to research your location and prepare a budget. Reaching out to a Global Ambassador is another great way to understand, from first-hand experience, what out of pocket costs to expect. Plus, each Center program has a budget you can reference which outlines the cost of the entire program.

For more tips, view the Financing Study Abroad video series.

An electric blue sky cascades over the Florence city skyline

Study Abroad Scholarships

There are countless scholarship opportunities for students planning on studying abroad. Syracuse Abroad offers several grants and scholarships, varying slightly each year, based on GPA and program of interest. Students are also encouraged to research outside scholarships, which can go a long way!

Gilman Scholarship Logo

The Gilman Scholarship is a prestigious award of up to $5,000 from the US Department of State, or even more if you study a critical language. To qualify, students must be a US citizen and a Pell Grant recipient. Syracuse students have a very high success rate with The Gilman Scholarship especially when consulting with the writing center for essay assistance. One goal, among others, of The Gilman Scholarship is to enhance study abroad experiences for underrepresented student groups.

When applying for scholarships, consider looking into those that are most applicable to you personally. It’s also important to research as early as possible and note important deadlines, which vary greatly among different scholarships and grants. If you do miss a deadline, continue to search and apply for others. There may even be another application cycle for the scholarship you want before your semester abroad!

Financial Suggestions and Recommendations

Balancing and budgeting out of pocket fees when abroad seems like a lot, but with proper preparation, it’s manageable! Follow these tips to ensure stress-free financing for your time abroad:

  1. Compare your current cost of living to the cost of living in your destination. Cost of living varies in all cities across the world, but online calculators are available to help you get a fair comparison.
  2. Determine what activities and experiences are your top priorities. Don’t feel pressure to travel every weekend or participate in every activity your friends choose. There are tons of activities within the local communities, and it can even help to find friends with similar budgets and priorities as yours.
  3. The program fees for most Centers include several school sponsored trips; take advantage of these! They are designed to give you travel opportunities within your host country, furthering your cultural immersion with no additional cost!
  4. Take advantage of your kitchen if you have one. Learn local recipes, enjoy local foods from the grocery store, and save some money for other important experiences.
  5. Seek student discounts, take public transportation, and consult locals (including university staff) for more local, non-touristic recommendations.

A young woman smiles over her shoulder outside of a London Tube stop.

Budgeting for Study Abroad: Tips from the Office of Financial Literacy

The Office of Financial Literacy is a great resource for students to learn about crafting responsible budgets. When considering all the costs associated with studying abroad, creating a comprehensive budget is extremely valuable! At the Office of Financial Literacy, students can meet with a Smart Money Coach to learn budgeting tips and tricks. Some of these include tracking your spending for a month and creating a zero-based budget. Meet with Smart Money Coach to learn more and gain access to the Orange Budget Tool!

It is also important to prepare for potential challenges abroad before leaving the US. Here are a few tips:

  1. Notify your back and credit card company that you’ll be traveling and living internationally.
  2. Research ahead of time how to acquire a replacement card in case you need one.
  3. Always be on alert: watch out for pick-pocketing and stolen information.
  4. Check your accounts regularly to catch and fraudulent activity.
  5. Always use caution at ATMs: never enter your pin twice and always make sure you get your card back!

Above all, the unique experiences you will have abroad are invaluable. While you need to take the time to properly prepare your finances, you will thank yourself for years to come. Although there are many necessary steps and considerations when planning how you will finance your semester abroad, Syracuse Abroad and the Office of Financial Literacy (finlit@syr.edu) are great student resources for any further questions!

A person's silhouette stands out in front of a grassy wetland abroad.

Written by Allyson Greenberg ’22, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Syracuse Florence Center ’20

Fight Finals Season Stress

There comes a time in every college student’s life—a very special time— where everything starts to come together (and by “come together,” I mean everything feels overwhelming and as if you’re constantly on the verge of disaster). Yes indeed, folks, finals season is upon us! Never fret, I’ve compiled a list of Syracuse University’s best stress-busting activities and resources to help you through the last 50 meters of the semester sprint.

Pet a Pet Therapy Dog (cute)!

You’ve just returned to school from Thanksgiving break—you’re stressed about your impending finals, and you’re missing your pets at home. Address both of these concerns by attending a Pet Therapy session at the Barnes Center at The Arch. Beyond the obvious cuteness factor, the Mayo Clinic has found that “animal-assisted therapy can significantly reduce pain, anxiety, depression and fatigue in people with a range of health problems.”

The Deborah A. Barnes Pet Therapy program will operate through the end of finals week, with its last session on Friday, Dec. 17, from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. No sign-up is necessary. Find all remaining Pet Therapy sessions on the Syracuse University Community Calendar.

Bust A Move (and break a sweat)!

You may say “no way am I putting on workout clothes and walking 10 minutes in the snow just to get all hot and sweaty with a mask on in a room full of strangers,” to which I would say fair point. BUT, I have science on my side.

As cited on the Harvard Health website, studies have found that exercise “reduces levels of the body’s stress hormones, like adrenaline and cortisol” while stimulating “the production of endorphins, chemicals in the brain that are the body’s natural painkillers and mood elevators.” Additionally, a study by the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association found that working out in a group, be they friends or strangers, lowers stress levels 26% more than those who exercised alone.

I won’t force your hand, but that’s a pretty convincing argument in favor of signing up for one of the Barnes Center at The Arch’s group fitness classes if I do say so myself. Find the full group fitness class schedule on the Barnes Center at the Arch website.

Take a Break (mindfully)!

I think this suggestion is a bit obvious but reduce your stress with mindfulness practices. Syracuse University offers no shortage of mindfulness resources; heck, the Barnes Center at The Arch has a whole section on its website dedicated to being mindful! Personally, I recommend signing up for one of the Barnes Center’s meditation classes, a 30-minute session at the Crowley Family MindSpa or for a 15-minute massage chair massage, also located at the Crowley Family MindSpa.

Sign-ups for meditation classes and the Crowley Family MindSpa are available on the Wellness Portal.

Pour Some Sugar On Cake (free pancakes)!

When all else fails and nobody else got me, I know sugar got me. Or rather, comfort food has got me, and pancakes are quintessential comfort food. For me, they conjure up memories of Saturday morning breakfasts in the fall before my rec league soccer games. Honestly, nothing sounds more appealing or relaxing than a short stack of warm, fluffy pancakes drenched in REAL maple syrup. If this sounds good to you too, I have just the event for you to attend this finals week.

Orange After Dark is pulling through for all us pancake lovers with their OAD Pancake Stress Buster event Sunday, Dec. 12, 10 p.m.-1 a.m. Monday, Dec. 13. Breakfast for dinner? More like breakfast for a midnight snack. I hope to see you all there, as I will definitely be attending.

So, there you have it—a shortlist of things you can do on campus to make this finals season more tolerable. You’re almost there, everybody, hang tight!

Written by Cecelia Kersten ’23, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications

Brr! 8 Ways to Survive the Syracuse Winter

If there’s one thing we Orange can brag about, it’s our ability to weather some serious weather.

As the days get shorter and our pants get longer, we begin to wonder if we’ll ever feel warm again. Cry no more, Syracuse University community—seriously, tears and snot can both freeze if it’s cold enough. I have compiled a comprehensive, albeit non-exhaustive, list of ways to survive the brutal Syracuse winters.

Two students walking in front of Hendricks Chapel in a snowstorm.

My qualifications? I’ve made it through three winters here with all my toes intact, and I’m from Vermont, which I’d argue is even colder than ’Cuse. So, strap on your rubber-soled boots, put on your fleece-lined hats and follow me into the snow.

1. Warm beverages

Cocoa, coffee, tea, cider, golden lattes, the list goes on! If you’re able, dedicate some time and/or money to discovering which of these beverages is your favorite because it will save you on those days where the wind chill dips into the negative double-digits. Bonus: if your preferred drink happens to be coffee, many of the on-campus cafés offer “coffee club cards” that earn you a free “cup a joe” after you purchase five coffees. They don’t advertise this service, so be sure to ask for a “coffee card” at the cash register next time you’re getting your morning cup!

2. Proper attire

Take notes, there will be a test:

  • Wool socks.
  • Hats that cover your ears.
  • Waterproof boots.
  • Fleece-lined pants.
  • Jackets that cover your derrière.
  • Layers, layers, layers!

That’ll be all.

Two students on a bright orange sled sledding down the hill in front of Crouse College on a snowy winter day.

3. Friends with cars

Now, I am not suggesting you befriend someone just to gain access to their car, that would be morally wrong. But, it wouldn’t be a terrible idea to try and make some upperclassmen friends if you’re a freshman or sophomore living in a dorm sans heated vehicle. Uber bills add up quickly, my friends. Don’t be afraid to chat with some of the more senior members in your clubs or classes—trust me, we’re just as clueless as you are, and we’re usually pretty excited to meet the “next generation,” so to speak.

4. Nights in

I know, I know—Syracuse University students are known for being socially active. But, the value of nights spent alone or with close friends cannot be overstated, in my opinion. When the roads have iced over, and there’s a foot of snow outside, the last thing I want is to put on a tiny top and walk miles with unstable footing. Try swapping your warm-weather weekend staples for movie nights, dinner parties, charcuterie boards and early bedtimes. That last point is especially important to help you fend off the requisite college flu. Some of my favorite nights in college have been in chill group settings, eating good food and getting to know my friends better.

5. Self-care

Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD is no joke. Winters in Syracuse are dark and long, and self-care nights become necessary with the lack of sunshine and vitamin D. Self-care looks different for everyone. For you, it could be the traditional face masks and bubble baths, or you may prefer reading, creating or attending one of the university’s sponsored self-care events.

Remaining University-sponsored self-care events this semester include:

6. Community

In the same vein as self-care, community is necessary for thriving during the short, cold winter days. Strength in numbers is the central message of one of my all-time favorite New York Times articles, “How We Survive Winter.” Though written almost a year ago, its message is just as relevant today as it was mid-pandemic—as a community, there’s nothing we can’t power through. Lean on your friends, call your loved ones and make time for social activities amongst the final exam hecticness.

7. Lip balm and lotion

Find your favorite moisturizing lip balms and hand lotions and carry them with you at all times; the wind in Syracuse is not kind to delicate skin.

8. Boots with tread

Last but certainly not least, find boots with traction. We’ve all seen someone eat dirt on the Einhorn Family Walk—don’t let that be you. If you’re in the market for a new pair, NBCNews put out an article about the “best snow boots and snow shoes for 2021, according to experts,” with some college-budget-friendly options.

A closeup of snow and sidewalk slush outside the Hall of Languages with Crouse college reflected in the slush puddle.

In closing: winter is tough, but we’re tougher.

Written by Cecelia Kersten ’23, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications

Transition from Dorm Life to Independent Living

When looking on to the next year, the housing choices at Syracuse are endless. It’s time to decide if you want to stay in a residence hall again or branch off into more independent living. As Community Ambassadors for South Campus and Off-Campus, we are here to give you all the pros to living more independently.

South Campus is located about a mile south of main campus and has many perks. For starters, Goldstein Student Center houses a small grocery store, laundry, and a food court, including Dunkin’s Donuts, Burger King, and more! Also located on South Campus is Skybarn, Tennity Ice Pavilion, the Inn Complete restaurant, Outdoor Challenge Course, tennis and basketball courts, a track and multiple turf soccer fields. It is also in close proximity to the soccer and field hockey stadiums, athletic buildings, as well as Tops Friendly Markets, a local grocery store. South Campus is a step towards more independent living but with many resources to rely on provided by the University.

In terms of the actual apartments, South provides single, double and triple apartments for students. Within each individual apartment, students will get their own kitchen, bathroom and bedrooms. These fully furnished apartments are a step to independence. Each bedroom comes with a desk, full closet, dresser and full-size bed. Another perk is that if anything goes wrong in the apartment, Syracuse’s Facilities team will be there shortly to fix the problem for free. Similarly, utilities are included within the housing payment. In terms of transportation, buses and trolleys run to campus every 15 minutes. Students may be hesitant about the bus at first, but once you figure out the schedule, getting to campus is a breeze. Other resources surrounding South Campus can be found on the Student Living website.

If South Campus doesn’t seem to be for you, consider living off-campus.

The major streets students live in off-campus locations include Euclid, Westcott, Ackerman, Lancaster, Comstock, Maryland, Dell and others. Students who want to shift to these off-campus locations can access the Off-Campus Housing Portal which helps provide trusted landlords and a filter to search for different types of apartments. A big difference between off-campus and South Campus are payments. A few things to consider with off-campus housing are rent per month, if utilities are included, parking and coin laundry. For tips and tricks on budgeting, Student Living has a helpful budgeting resource page.

Living off-campus provides students with more independence and a great learning opportunity. Eventually, everyone will have to deal with developers or landlords. By choosing to live off-campus during college, you get University-provided support to guide you in this first step. So, when you graduate, it is easier to rent a place in an unknown city because you are already familiar with the process. Students have the flexibility to choose their homes, live with friends or go solo in a 1-bedroom apartment. Sometimes you’re lucky enough to choose whether a balcony or a backyard.

Student Living provides full support to all students, living on- or off-campus, with various resources that can guide you in your decision. Some resources involving off-campus living can be found in our Off-Campus Living Guide. In addition, please visit our office in 206 Goldstein Student Center. We have reviews on landlords in the area and their apartments from previous tennants.

For any additional questions regarding South Campus or Off-Campus living, feel free to reach out to any Community Ambassador, as well as Student Living located in 206 Goldstein Student Center.

Written by Avery Gunderson ’23, College of Engineering and Computer Science; Pranav Sharma ’23, School of Information Studies; Allie Galis ’24, School of Architecture

Halloween Tune Suggestions

Without a doubt, scary movies are the staple of the spooky season, but underrated and unappreciated are the songs that act as a soundtrack to our Halloween activities. Let’s explore some of the best events, tracks, playlists and songs that aren’t supposed to be spooky, but bring that fright night energy.

To start, we must highlight the spectacular auditory experience  that graces our very own campus, Halloween at Hendricks. This Hendricks Chapel concert is sure to get you in the Halloween mood. This interactive concert will feature students and faculty, as well as costumes and candy! The Hendricks Chapel Choir and University Organist will perform songs from Phantom of the Opera and other classic stories—come dressed as your favorite characters from theater, horror and beyond!

PLAYLISTS…

There is one place we must begin in the discussion of spooky playlists and that is the “Halloween 2021” compilation from Filtr US currently on Spotify. This playlist includes smash hits like “Thriller” from Michael Jackson, to deep cuts like “Weird Science” by Oingo Boingo. What I like best is the curation of non-Halloween tracks that most certainly fit the mood, a theme we’ll explore more in-depth later.

Now if you’re a Halloween enthusiast, then the “Spooky Ooky Kooky” playlist on Spotify will be your jam, literally. This two-hour playlist is full of all the classics from the scariest, legendary horrifying films in history. If you absolutely love the scare season, this playlist is to die for.

SONGS…

“CANOPIC JAR” by Hiatus Kaiyote

This new EP from the collection of souls Hiatus Kiaoyte was made with the intent just to get you in the creepy, crawly headspace. The title taken from the ancient jars made to contain the organs that were removed from the body in the process of mummification. The two tracks, “Journey to The Crystal Tomb” and “Canopic Jar” masterfully bring you along a mysterious and haunting sonic journey as it descends into the darker corners of the mind. These new songs from Hiatus Kaiyote are a great addition to any Halloween household or playlist.

“SUPERSTITION” by Stevie Wonder

Certainly not a deep cut, but an essential for any Halloween vibe, is one of Stevie’s multiples of hits, “Superstition.” The fast-driving pace, but dark thumping bass throughout will turn any house from quiet, warm and pleasant to spirited, dark, and spooky.

“THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, OVERTURE” by Andrew Lloyd Webber

While we’re on the topic of essentials, it would be criminal not to include the song that is a must-play for all musical theater fans. But for all Halloween fans this is a magically spooky epic that many have probably heard before and never even realized it, creepy right?

SPOOKY by accident…

To close us out, as promised, let’s dive into some songs that when made probably weren’t intended to end up on a list of Halloween-themed songs, but they sure get you in the Halloween spirit.

“BURY A FRIEND” by Billie Eilish

Billie’s music generally comes with an element of cold and creeping sonic tones so having this track kick us off is no shock. This smash hit from Billie Eilish is the perfect dark pop track that’s simultaneously catchy and bone-chilling.

“MONSTER” by Kanye West

Aside from the Halloween-esqe masks Kanye has been wearing the past few months, there is more Halloween vibe to Ye than that. The track Monster from his critically acclaimed album “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy” is an example of what happens when you bring hip-hop and Halloween together, unintentionally. Not only does this track feature the ultimate collab of legendary artists, it also features a horror-filled theme perfect for Halloween.

“THROUGH THE LATE NIGHT” by Travis Scott (feat. Kid Cudi)

This track from Travis Scott from second one is an upbeat terror. The haunting piano floating lightly in the background is a symphony of spookiness. The infamous Kid Cudi humming and general groaning are what really bring the darkness to this track and truly make it a great addition to any Halloween playlist.

Hopefully we gave you some new Halloween-friendly tracks to add to your weekend playlist, or at least some inspiration for your personally-curated jams for your scary season.

Happy Halloween from The Peel!

Written by Patrick Hardy G’22 , S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications

AlcoHalloweekend Safety

Yes, the time of jump scares, spiders, ghouls and ghosts is almost upon us. The very idea of Halloween may cover your skin with goosebumps or may send your mind spinning with thoughts of Halloweekend! Or maybe neither. That’s ok, too. Has anyone else noticed that the weather seems to be all over the place as of late? Raining all weekend. High 70s the next few days, then freezing, then pouring rain. Kind of spooky, don’t you think? Maybe even superstitious…

But in all seriousness, as Halloween weekend approaches and the occasional thought of partying in various costumes arrives, allow me to shed some light on some harm reduction strategies and resources we have on campus. Halloweekend may be fun, and you may or may not plan to party, but here are some tips to help you do that carefully.

Four Signs

Not 6. Not 13. No superstition here. However, four signs of what exactly? Well, alcohol poisoning.  If you’ve ever used or heard of the acronym C.U.P.S., let’s talk about that in terms of Halloween.

Let’s start with the first letter: C.

Scary skeletons may send shivers down your spine, but so can the weather and as it continues to drop it can often be hard to tell if you are suffering from cold or clammy skin from too much alcohol consumption, or if you are just cold. Alcohol gives off this feeling of being warm since the liver is metabolizing it; however, as it does this, your core body temperature is actually lowering! So while you may feel warm on the inside, your body temperature is anything but. And again, this can be hard to tell especially if the temperature outdoors matches your body temperature, so be sure to keep track of how much you’ve drank.

Now for the second letter: U.

There’s all sorts of fake decorations and costumes that look wildly real around this time of year. Sometimes you may fall for it and be quite shocked when they are unresponsive to your questions or advances until they scare you! However, this can also apply to alcohol poisoning! Being unresponsive could mean anything from unconsciousness, inability for you to respond to someone or for someone to respond to you. So instead of assuming that the person is pulling a cruel prank on you, just be cautious and be aware.

Next: P.

Now, I don’t know about y’all, but when I was younger Halloween was that one time of year where kids would eat sweets ridiculously until they either vomited or their teeth rotted. So, of course, the most common sign of alcohol poisoning: puking. This is your body’s attempt at exorcising all of that alcohol from your system, by throwing it all backup. Not to mention, repeated puking can also rot your teeth, kind of like candy, except this time it will be corroding your teeth because you’re constantly throwing up. Now, alcohol is like candy: enjoy some on occasion and in moderation, but don’t binge until your body can only projectile to try to slow down it’s absorption into your bloodstream.

Lastly in our main acronym, we have the S’s.

Now, in those horror movies that you may watch during this time of year on your own or with your friends, sometimes the killers breathe super slowly right into the microphone…to signal how close they are to the victim.

Unfortunately, I can’t think of any other Halloween-related ideas to for the other two ‘S’ signs, which are slurred speech and seizures. However, on these late Halloween nights, these could also be signs that someone has indeed consumed more than they are able. (If you ever see someone suffering from a seizure, call 911!)

OH WAIT! Don’t go yet my lovelies, there’s one more. A secret one. A silent one. Our lovely E.

Some people get all into their costumes, they dance and pretend, and you would never guess anything otherwise. However, if this person has consumed too much, their inhibitions have lowered. They may do and say things that when sober they wouldn’t. That’s right my spooky friends, the E is for erratic behavior. This could be aggressive behavior or just uncharacteristically wild behavior. Either way, these are signs that someone may not be doing OK.

Now that you know the signs, if you see someone experiencing alcohol poisoning, call for help:

  • 911
  • 315.443.2224 (Department of Public Safety)

Harm Reduction

Does anyone notice how in scary movies they always make the same silly mistakes? Their phone is dead… they have no way to get home… their friends coerce them into doing things they don’t want to do… etc., etc. Well all of these things are things that you can also avoid to have a safe night. Make sure your phone is charged, so you can call for help or call an Uber or the Safety Escort Shuttles through Parking & Transportation Services (315.443.7433). Plan for a safe way home, so you don’t end up stranded. Don’t let people coerce you into drinking alcohol. This is supposed to be a fun week and weekend, and this will help by making it even more so.

Now as fun as Halloween weekend should and most likely will be, you can keep all of this in mind. If you want to learn more, go visit the Wellness Leadership Institute to register for presentations and acquire some more knowledge before or even after your Halloween celebrations. For those of you Halloween babies, sign up for the 21st Birthday Project to acquire some more harm reduction strategies before or after your especially spooky day. Finally, if you see any suspicious behavior on Halloween weekend, you can call DPS (315.443.2224) to report it as well.

But until then, Happy Halloween, everyone, and remember stay spooky, stay scary, and most importantly stay safe.

Written by Wynter Chaverst ’23, College of Arts & Sciences

Last-minute DIY Halloween: Broke College Student Edition

It’s that time of year again—time to scramble and throw together a last-minute Halloween costume with little-to-no budget. Sound like your current situation? I’ve got you covered. Below, I have included a shortlist of easy-to-DIY, broke-college-student-budget-friendly costumes for you to choose from for this year’s Halloweekend celebrations. Also, if you’re in a major time crunch: you can create most of these costumes in an hour or less!

For your convenience, I’ve separated the costumes into easy-to-navigate categories:

  • Pop Culture/ Tiktok-inspired costumes.
  • Classic costumes.
  • Partner costumes.
  • Group costumes.

The costume ideas listed below cover a range of topics and categories and can all be adapted to best suit your preferences, so make sure to read to the end of the article before choosing your costume— there’s something for everyone!

Pop Culture/ TikTok-inspired Costumes

“Squid Game” contestant

Required items:

  • Green jumpsuit or matching sweat set
  • White undershirt
  • Cutout of a 3-digit number between 001-456
  • Safety pin

Berries and Cream “Little Lad”

Required items:

  • Collared shirt
  • Sweater
  • Leggings/ tight pants
  • Tall socks
  • Memorized “little lad dance” and berries and cream song

Optional items:

  • Bob with bangs wig
  • A bowl of berries and cream
  • Loafers

“Jeffrey Bezos” (from the TikTok audio, “Bezos I” by Bo Burnham)

Required items:

  • Bald cap
  • Jeans
  • Modest button-up

“Good Soup”

Required items:

  • A can of soup

Met Gala

Required items:

  • Vary depending on who you decide to emulate.

I recommend choosing the celebrity whose outfit you can replicate the easiest using your closet.

If you’re stuck, buy a black morph suit, black skirt and cape and go as Kim Kardashian from the Met Gala OR buy a gold jumpsuit and gold accessories and go as Lil Nas X (bonus points if you buy plastic gold armor and a gold cape that you can remove in layers as the night goes on).

Classic Costumes

Vampire

Required items:

  • Red lipstick and/or fake blood
  • Makeup to make your face look lifeless
  • All black outfit
  • Fake vampire teeth

Optional items:

  • Something with frills or lace
  • Red-jeweled accessories

 Lifeguard

Required items:

  • Lifeguard one-piece/ tank top/ t-shirt
  • Sunglasses

Optional items:

  • Whistle
  • Zinc/ white face paint for your nose

Boxer

Required items:

  • Loose athletic shorts
  • Short robe

Optional items:

  • Boxing gloves
  • Mouthguard

Animal of your choosing

Required items:

  • Animal ears

Optional items:

  • Face makeup inspired by your chosen animal
  • Animal print clothing/ fake fur

Partner costumes

Each other

Required items:

  • An outfit from or inspired by your partner’s closet

Gardener and flower

Gardener required items:

  • Watering bucket
  • Sun hat
  • Outdoor work clothes (the more dirt on them, the better)

Optional Gardener items:

  • Gardening apron
  • Gardening gloves

Flower required items:

  • Fake flowers
  • Safety pins

Optional Flower items:

  • Green outfit
  • Flower-themed accessories

The Great British Baking Show (multiple options here)

Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood

  • Prue Leith items:
      • Sliver hair spray or short silver wig
      • Glasses with bright frames or a funky shape
      • Chunky, brightly-colored necklace
      • Brightly-colored or funky-patterned top
    • Paul Hollywood items:
      • Blue contacts
      • Silver hair spray or short silver wig
      • Plain long-sleeve button-up shirt
      • Dark wash jeans

Noel Fielding and Matt Lucas

  • Noel Fielding items:
    • Funky-patterned long-sleeve shirt or sweater
    • Black skinny jeans or leggings
    • Black shag haircut wig
  • Matt Lucas items:
    • Funky-patterned short-sleeve shirt
    • Light wash blue jeans or khakis
    • Bald cap

Flour and Sugar

  • White t-shirts
  • Permanent marker

Write “Flour” on one t-shirt and “Sugar” on the other.

Group Costumes

Twilight cast

Find pieces from your closet that you can style into 2010s Twilight-core realness.

    • Optional items:
      • Face makeup to make you look lifeless
      • Body glitter

Sex Education cast

None! Just whatever clothes in your closet fit your chosen character best.

KISS

Required items:

  • All black outfit (leather or pleather recommended, but not necessary)
  • Face makeup
  • Hair spray or gel

Optional items:

  • Spiky jewelry
  • Fingerless gloves
  • Black shag haircut wigs

“The Birds” by Alfred Hitchcock

Required items:

  • Fake crows or black construction paper cut into bird silhouettes
  • Safety pins
  • A good scared face

Optional items:

  • Vintage clothing and makeup

A Few Final Notes

It goes without saying, but exercise good judgment when designing your costume. If you ask yourself, “Is this likely to offend someone?” and the answer for any part of your costume is “Yes,” don’t wear it.

As always—stay safe, stay warm and celebrate responsibly in accordance with all public health and University guidelines. Happy Halloween!

Written by Cecelia Kersten ’23, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications

What to do this Halloweekend!

With Halloween right around the corner, SU and the Syracuse area have plenty of activities to make sure you have a spooky, fun and safe time this year! From mysterious haunted hay rides to exciting festivals, you are bound to find something for you and your friends this Halloween!

Orange After Dark

Fright Night

When: Friday, Oct. 29, 2021

Time: 10 p.m.-12:30 a.m.

Tickets are on sale for $3 and are available online at the Student Box Office. In order to attend, students are required to bring their ticket and a valid Syracuse University I.D. Transportation to and from the event are included, and buses will leave from College Place at 10:30 p.m.

Terror at Tennity Skate Night

When: Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021

Time: 9 p.m.-Midnight

Location: Tennity Ice Skating Pavilion

Grab your friends and put on your best costume for a night full of spooky skating and Halloween fun! Students are required to bring a valid Syracuse University I.D. and no ticket is required!

Spooky Snacks N’ Crafts

When: Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021

Time: 8-11 p.m.

Location: Goldstein Auditorium and the Underground

Join Orange After Dark on Halloween to enjoy everything from Halloween inspired treats and spooky crafts and activities. There is no ticket needed and in order to attend be sure to bring a valid Syracuse University I.D.

Student Org Events

Don’t forget all the organizations on campus! There are a ton of Halloween-themed events happening for students, by students. Check them out on ‘Cuse Activities!

Bring the Halloween Spirit to Cheer on SU

Not into the spookiness of Halloween? Grab a group of friends, put on your favorite costume and cheer on our field hockey team as they compete against Cornell this Halloween! No tickets are required!

Off-Campus Halloween Activities

Halloween at the Park

Celebrate Halloween this year in a COVID-friendly way! Halloween at the Park is a spooky drive-thru lights show featuring creepy castles and a ghostly barnyard. Tickets are $10 per vehicle Sunday-Thursday and $15 per vehicle Friday-Saturday.

Frightmare Farms Haunted Scream Park

Looking for something spookier? Frightmare Farms has everything from haunted hayrides to a cursed mine trail! This is definitely the place to come with your fellow horror movie friends! Tickets are $17 each and provide access to all four haunted attractions!

I hope you find these ideas helpful and inspire you and your friends to visit one of these exciting attractions this Halloweekend! Be safe and have a Happy Halloween!

Written by Haley Mykytka ’22, College of Visual and Performing Arts

 

Syracuse University Libraries Make Succeeding Simpler!

Even as we move more and more digital, libraries are not losing relevance. There are six major libraries on the Syracuse University and State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY-ESF) campuses available to Syracuse University students and numerous smaller, school-specific library spaces that offer in-person assistance and instruction. However, in keeping with the times, the Syracuse University Libraries department has an extensive online database of resources to help its digitally savvy students succeed.

Summon Search and Databases

Navigating the Syracuse University Libraries homepage, you will come across the search bar: “Summon Searches Almost Everything.” This is not hyperbole. Summon is a search engine for research materials containing (almost) all available academic materials within the University’s databases. With Summon, you can do a basic search or an “advanced search,” where you can narrow down results by content type, area of study, language, etc. Where the “almost” fails you, you can search any of the 719 library databases directly. Databases are also accessible from the Libraries homepage. For a deeper dive into the magic that is Summon, check out the Libraries’ “Summon Help” webpage.

Help and How-To Guides

Under the “Get Help” tab on the Libraries’ website, you will find “Help and How-To Guides,” your one-stop shop for clarification and comprehension. The name is self-explanatory, and the webpage is designed to make finding the answers to your questions as easy as possible. Here, you can find how-to guides on a variety of topics—from Syracuse University’s libraries, as well as helpful tutorials and articles from other institutions. Some examples include “Citation Style Guides,” “Help for Project Advance (SUPA) and Distance Students,” “Searching with Summon” and “Introduction to Research Strategy.”

“Ask Us” and Subject Librarians

Have a burning literary or research question that ABSOLUTELY needs to get answered NOW?! You can calm down; Syracuse University Libraries has you covered. Also, under the “Get Help” tab on the Libraries’ homepage is the “Ask Us” feature, where students can text or LiveChat with a librarian 24/7. If the issue is less urgent, students can email the library staff directly from the “Ask Us” webpage and are guaranteed an answer within one business day.

Similarly, students can speak with specific subject librarians. Every school and college at Syracuse University has a subject librarian who can answer their major- or subject-specific questions and direct students to relevant resources. The list of subject librarians and how to contact them can be found on the Libraries website under the “Get Help” tab on the homepage.

Research Guides and Services

Syracuse University librarians do not mess around when it comes to research. They have curated guides for over 60 topics broken down by subject, many corresponding to student’s major fields of study. Before you even navigate to such a list, however, check out the Libraries’ “Research Services” webpage that breaks down the research process into digestible sections. This handy page outlines and explains the goals and expected outcomes of each step of your research journey.

Borrowing: Books and Tech

Finally, what if you want to continue your research at home, but currently lack a computer or textbook to do so? Not a problem! Syracuse University students can borrow books, computers, accessories and more from the library. Students can check out books for up to a semester and technology for 3 hours at a time, with the option to request long-term electronics rentals, which are 14-day loan periods available at an additional cost. The Check Out Desk, located on the first floor of Bird Library and second floor of Carnegie Library is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday-Friday. More information on borrowing from Syracuse University Libraries can be found on the Libraries’ website.

So, next time you’re sitting in Bird Library with your friends “studying,” “writing” or “doing homework,” take a break from socializing and check out the Syracuse University Libraries’ online and in-person resources! Trust me, they’re actually really cool.

Written by Cecelia Kersten ’23, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications.