Campus Life

How to Host the Perfect Friendsgiving

The holiday season is gearing up, so it’s time to start thinking about how you’re going to celebrate. As we all know, Thanksgiving is the perfect opportunity to share your gratitude for your loved ones and spend quality time with those closest to you. Whether you’re hosting or striving to be a gracious houseguest, keep reading for tips to create the perfect Friendsgiving celebration.

Make It Official

There’s nothing like sending back an RSVP to an event—it ups the anticipation and gets you in the party mood! Mess around on Canva or Adobe Illustrator (if you’re a design person) and send out e-invites. You can do a classic text message, official email or even use a platform like Partiful, which will tell your guests all they need to know and send them reminders closer to the main event. Or, if you want to uphold a traditional Thanksgiving atmosphere, make your own invitations on physical paper and send them or drop them in your guests’ mailboxes (archaic, I know).

The Ambience

Thanksgiving table centerpieces can run upwards of $100, so save yourself the money and find some fun, inexpensive table decorations. For example, colorful candlesticks are a surefire cheap add-on to make the vibe both pretty and cozy. If you want to add some fun florals, stop by a Michael’s or other craft store to pick up some faux greenery and make your own little centerpiece.

You may be surprised how far a tablecloth can go in transforming your thrifted, chipped wood table into an elegant dining table. While you will probably be chattering away over dinner, you can also curate a chill playlist that won’t distract your conversation (think songs by Norah Jones or Leon Bridges) or choose one from a streaming platform to pop on.

Activities

Before the feast, gather your group together for some interactive games or entertainment. Some fan-favorites include Taboo, Cards Against Humanity, and karaoke (even better if it’s blind!). If you’re able, Jackbox Games are also a fun alternative to traditional board games. If you want to channel your inner “Friends,” head outside for some touch football, too!

For friend groups with an artsy side, buy some mini canvases and a paint set. Follow along with a Bob Ross tutorial or let your creative juices flow and your brush guide you.

The Food

While cooking a perfect turkey would be deeply impressive, odds are you might not have the access or the time to spend nursing a bird to golden brown perfection. An easy solution to take the burden off the Friendsgiving host is to go for a potluck. Each guest can bring a home-cooked or premade dish for everyone to enjoy! Here are some easy recipes to try if you’re interested in making something for the big event. To make sure you have enough food to go around, coordinate with your guests about the food they’re planning to bring.

Give Thanks

What’s a Friendsgiving without gratitude? If you’re a traditionalist, stick to the classics and go around the table and say what you’re thankful for. But if you want to shake things up, try writing kind notes to your guests, or make a gratitude tree at the table. Cut out little leaves of construction paper and have your guests write something they’re thankful for on them. Then, you can attach your “leaves” to faux branches. Not only will this foster connection between your guests, but you’ll end up with a physical reminder of your celebration.

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

Top 5 Reasons to Study Abroad in Fall 2025

Are you considering studying abroad but unsure of when to go? Look no further! Here are five exciting reasons why the Fall 2025 semester is the perfect time for your international adventure.

1. Exclusive Fall-Only Programs

Fall offers unique study abroad opportunities that you won’t want to miss. Programs like Exploring Central Europe, Engineering in Strasbourg and Spanish Immersion in Santiago are specifically designed for the fall semester. Drama majors can thrive in the Acting at Shakespeare’s Globe program, while computer science students can enhance their skills in London with courses that align with their major. These exclusive options provide a chance to delve deeply into your field of study!

2. Higher Acceptance Rate for Programs and Housing

Studying abroad in the fall means you’re more likely to be accepted into your preferred program and housing arrangements. With a variety of fall-exclusive options available, students have greater chances of securing spots in programs that align with their academic and personal interests. Plus, you’ll have a variety of housing choices, making it easier to find accommodations that suit your needs and preferences.

3. Financial Aid and Program Grants

Worried about the cost of studying abroad? Syracuse Abroad makes it easier! You can retain your institutional aid while studying on a Syracuse Abroad program, ensuring the financial costs are similar to studying on campus. Plus, there are numerous grants and scholarships specifically available for fall programs. Don’t miss out on exclusive funding opportunities designed to support your international education!

4. Celebrate Unique Holiday Traditions

Fall is a vibrant time for holiday celebrations, especially in Europe! Experience the magical Strasbourg Christmas markets, known as the oldest in Europe, where you can enjoy festive lights, local crafts and delicious treats. Participate in the Strasbourg World Forum on Democracy, and immerse yourself in cultural events like Oktoberfest in Germany. These celebrations offer a unique glimpse into local traditions and create unforgettable memories while you study abroad.

5. Extra Time for Personal and Academic Growth

Studying abroad in the fall gives you additional time to explore your interests and make any necessary adjustments to your academic path upon returning to campus. Whether you’re considering a new major, exploring internship opportunities or joining clubs, the fall semester provides a unique opportunity to reflect and grow in a new environment. You can return with fresh perspectives and newfound passions!

With exclusive programs, financial support, exciting holiday celebrations and the opportunity for personal growth, Fall 2025 is the perfect time to study abroad. Don’t wait! Visit the Syracuse Abroad website for more information on available programs and to apply early—applications for Fall 2025 open on Nov. 15, 2024, and close on March 15, 2025. Embrace the adventure of a lifetime!

Written By Alexandra Csemez ’25, College of Visual and Performing Arts, Syracuse Strasbourg ’24

Course Tagging for Spring 2025 Opening Soon

Class registration for the Spring 2025 semester opens on Nov. 4, so, as always, be sure to look out for course tags! Course tagging allows students to filter class selection 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 tagging benefits students in many ways. Course tags highlight the skills and knowledge you can expect to learn in a course. You will be able to select classes based on the Shared Competencies you wish to develop, gain or improve. By doing so, you can enrich your undergraduate experience by creating a personalized skill set that employers and graduate schools value. For example, if your major requires an abundance of classes in Critical and Creative Thinking, but not Information Literacy and Technological Agility, you can use course tags to enroll in classes that allow you to develop Information Literacy and Technological Agility while still meeting your graduation requirements!

As you complete assignments in tagged courses, you can practice competencies and get feedback from faculty to develop a well-rounded skill set.
The skills learned through the six Shared Competencies set Syracuse University apart from other universities because course tagging illustrates the transferable skills students will gain to prepare for postgraduate opportunities.

Check out the Institutional Effectiveness website to learn more about using the course tagging feature in MySlice and Schedule Builder!

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

No Boredom November

We’re nearing that part of the semester when the days blend together and it feels like no time is passing, when the end is in sight but still seems so far out of reach. In the midst of the mid-fall slump, I’ve compiled a list of activities to brighten your days just a tad and help you get unstuck.

Glow in the Dark

As the days grow colder and darker, the crave for light and warmth intensifies. If you’re a holiday season fanatic, I’ve got a dazzling proposal for you. Starting on Nov. 18, Central New York’s annual Lights on the Lake tradition officially begins! This sparkling sensation at the Onondaga Lake Park features over 600,000 lights that encapsulate the holiday spirit. The best part? You can enjoy them from the comfort of your own car, where you can sing along with the event’s own official radio station. Most importantly, tickets are exclusively sold online, so make sure to secure your spot now!

Seasonal Art

With winter coming up fast, it’s increasingly crucial to mark the calendar with some indoor activities. I guarantee this to be an entertaining experience for anyone, but especially for those dedicated museum-lovers. Mark your calendars: on Friday, Nov. 22, the Erie Canal Museum launches its annual Gingerbread Gallery! The gallery is up until Jan. 12 and features a number of intricate creations. General admission to the museum is $10 for adults and includes access to this festive exhibit. If you’ve got some time on your hands, you could even enter the competition for a chance to win a cash prize (visit the Erie Canal Museum website for more details on entering). However you want to get involved, this is the perfect opportunity to lift up the holiday spirits and put you in the mood for wintertime.

Music to Your Ears

During your time at Syracuse University, you must check out the Landmark Theatre at least once. A historical piece of Syracuse, the theater showcases beautifully designed architecture. In the gloominess of this time of year, getting dressed up and having an elegant night out makes for the perfect medicine. This month, “The Nutcracker” will be playing on Sunday, Nov. 10. The theater is located on South Salina Street, in the hub of fun restaurants, so grab some friends and head downtown! Warning—restaurants book up like crazy on show days, so be sure to make a dinner (or pre-show lunch) reservation weeks in advance.

While I personally prefer the Landmark, a closer and equally as entertaining choice is Syracuse Stage. Bonus points for this theater being within walking distance from campus! The shows also sometimes feature fellow Syracuse University students, making your attendance even more worthwhile. Check out their upcoming shows and book your tickets for a lively night out.

Farewell Football

As we near the end of the semester, football season is sadly coming to an end. November brings the last few Syracuse games of this year. If you haven’t already, make sure to attend at least one game this season. Your absolute last chance is on Nov. 30, which will bring you a matchup of Syracuse Orange vs. the Miami Hurricanes. So, stop by the Syracuse University Campus Store to pick up some merch, buy your tickets and bleed orange alongside the Syracuse University football team!

Not to worry, if you aren’t able to make it to a football game, you have plenty of time to attend a basketball game. The season started Oct. 26 and carries into the spring semester (obviously with the peak being March Madness), creating countless opportunities for you to go and show your Syracuse University spirit.

Good luck to you all in the remainder of the semester, and remember to embrace all of Syracuse’s fall-time festivities.

P.S., Happy Halloween!

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.

Dorm-Friendly Fall Treats

With Thanksgiving Break around the corner and fall coming to an end within the next month, here are some quick and easy dorm-friendly sweet treats to try out—no special equipment required except for a microwave!

Pumpkin Spice Overnight Oats

As college students, I know a lot of us prioritize those five minutes of extra sleep in the morning instead of grabbing breakfast on the go! This pumpkin spice oats recipe is sure to keep you satisfied and energized during 8 a.m. lectures while maintaining a delicious autumnal twist. Feel free to substitute the oats with granola or cereal, and the milk with Greek yogurt if you have enough time to make this meal fresh in the morning.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup of oats
  • 1/2 cup of milk
  • 1/4 cup of (canned) pumpkin puree
  • 1 tablespoon of maple syrup or honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon of assorted spices (cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon)
  • A pinch of salt
  • Toppings: raisins, dried cranberries, chocolate chips, chopped nuts, chia seeds

Instructions

  1. In a container, combine the oats, milk, pumpkin puree, syrup or honey of choice, spice mix and salt.
  2. Stir everything together.
  3. Refrigerate overnight.
  4. Add your toppings in the morning!

Cinnamon Mug Cake

A classic dorm room favorite, this warm cinnamon mug cake is the ultimate comfort food for late-night cravings. With its warm spiced aroma and soft, fluffy texture, this single-serving treat is ideal for those cozy moments when you need a little something sweet. Whether you’re pulling an all-nighter, winding down with a movie or just looking for a quick dessert fix, this cinnamon mug cake is sure to hit the spot.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons of melted butter
  • 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tablespoons of milk
  • 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon
  • 3 tablespoons of sugar
  • 1/4 cup of self-rising flour

Instructions

  1. Add all ingredients except the flour to a large, microwave-safe mug.
  2. Whisk with a fork until combined.
  3. Add the flour and mix again, making sure everything is incorporated.
  4. Microwave for 90 seconds.
  5. Add chocolate chips and/or icing as toppings, if desired, and enjoy!

Apple Crisp

This microwave apple crisp is a twist on the classic dessert, and a quick treat for when you’re craving a taste of fall. Made with tender, cinnamon-spiced apple slices and topped with a buttery oat crumble, the dish comes together in minutes, and can be served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Ingredients

  • 4 large Granny Smith apples—make sure these are cored, peeled and sliced!
  • 3/4 cup of quick-cooking oats
  • 3/4 cup of brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup of melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon of allspice

Instructions

  1. In a microwave-safe dish, lay out the apple slices, ensuring they do not overlap.
  2. Mix together the oats, brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, allspice and flour in a bowl until well combined.
  3. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the apple slices.
  4. Cook in the microwave for 10-12 minutes, checking in periodically—once the apples are easily pierced with a knife, they’re ready to eat!

Apple Cinnamon Energy Bites

The ultimate on-the-go snack to fuel your day, these apple cinnamon bites are packed with fiber, healthy fats and natural sweetness. Whether you need a quick breakfast, a post-workout boost or a midday pick-me-up, this snack delivers a burst of flavor and lasting energy. Make a batch ahead of time and keep them in the fridge for whenever hunger strikes!

Ingredients

  • 1 grated apple
  • 2 cups of oats
  • 1/4 cup of ground flaxseed
  • 3/4 teaspoon of cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup of almond butter
  • 1/4 cup and 1 tablespoon of honey
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • A pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the oats, flaxseed and cinnamon.
  2. In a separate bowl, stir together the almond butter, honey, vanilla extract and salt.
  3. Add this mixture to the large bowl of dry ingredients and combine.
  4. Add in the grated apple, integrating it into the batter.
  5. Scoop the mixture into small bite-sized portions and form them into balls.
  6. Place these into an airtight container and refrigerate.
  7. Chill overnight and eat in the morning!

Written By Ariya Kukreja ’28, School of Architecture

6 Eerie On-Campus Halloween Activities

One of the most exciting times of the year on campus is approaching—Halloween! There are countless ways to spread the spooky cheer this season, both on and off campus, but here are a few standout eerie activities that are easily accessible for all Syracuse University students.

“Rocky Horror Picture Show” Screening

The Black Box Players will host their annual “Rocky Horror Picture Show” production on Thursday, Oct. 24, in the Skybarn. Attendees will receive a bag of items that correspond with the cult film’s traditions (like throwing things in the air!). Get ready to laugh, sing and scream at this exciting event!

Pride Pumpkin Carving

Nothing screams Halloween like a jack-o’-lantern, and what better time to create your own than just a few days before Oct. 31? On Oct. 29, the Barnes Center at The Arch and the LGBTQ+ Resource Center will join forces for you to try your hand at pumpkin decorating. The event will be a fun way to cap off LGBTQ+ History Month and take a much-needed break from midterm stress. The LGBTQ+ Resource Center is sponsoring some other Halloween events this year, so be sure to check them out!

Tricks and Treats From Special Collections Research Center

On Oct. 30, head to the 6th floor of Bird Library to check out a Halloween-themed pop-up display. Candy will be provided, but this display is also an opportunity to see and learn fabout rare artifacts and discover remnants from past Syracuse traditions.

Haunted Crouse Concert

On the eve of Halloween, attend a spooky musical performance in Crouse College filled with some of your favorite eerie songs! Feel free to wear a costume and embrace the spine-chilling spirit as you enjoy a diverse lineup of talented artists.

Orange After Dark: Halloween Dance Party

Located in Schine Underground on Halloween night, get ready to bust out your best costume and dance along to your favorite spooky tunes at OAD’s Halloween Dance Party! Costumes are encouraged, and there will be a contest for the best one at the event, as well as prizes and good food.

Festival of Frights

Until Nov. 1, you can participate in the Festival of Frights challenge at the Barnes Center for a chance to win prizes! To complete the challenge you must attend three Group Fitness classes, participate in one “Ask a Trainer” session and participate in one Fitness Center Orientation. Or, you can attend five Group Fitness classes. Pick up your punch card at any Barnes Center Group Fitness class and turn it in to 125H Barnes Center once completed for a free T-shirt and entry into the Yoga Prize Pack prize drawing.

For more information on Syracuse community events, check out the Community Calendar. You can also peruse the Syracuse Events Calendar if you’re curious about what else is going on this Halloween off campus! Remember to stay safe and have fun this holiday season!

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

6 Last-Minute Halloween Costumes to Build From Your Closet

With midterms, deadlines and fall fun in full swing in Central New York, who has the time to craft the most perfect, well-thought-out Halloween costume? Don’t freak out though—I’ve got your back with six easy, last-minute costume ideas using items you’ve (probably) already got chilling in your wardrobe.

Lumberjack

There’s nothing that screams fall more than a flannel, which also happens to be the quintessential lumberjack clothing item. Pair an oversized red, brown, green or orange shirt with some baggy jeans, chunky boots and a beanie, and you’re pretty much good to go! Feel free to carry around a (prop) ax or a log of wood (if you happen to have one laying around for some reason). If you want to take it one step further, you can always scribble on a fake beard and mustache using some face paint or makeup!

Mr. and Mrs. Smith

This is a classic costume, and all you need for it is a sleek black dress and pointy stilettos (Mrs. Smith), or a white shirt and black slacks (Mr. Smith). Along with a prop revolver—which you can easily craft using scrap paper or cardboard—this costume is sure to be a hit at any party.

Mummy

A simple white T-shirt or blouse, a pair of white pants and a roll of toilet paper you can steal from your dorm or apartment bathroom are all you need to pull off this mummy costume! Layer, roll and weave the toilet paper around your body, and secure it in place with safety pins or tape. You can also apply some messy mauve eyeshadow under your eyes to make them appear bruised, sunken and hollow, adding to that “I’ve been dead since 3150 B.C.” look.

Tate Langdon (“American Horror Story”)

For those of you who are particularly artsy, grab some black and white paint and get to work drawing Evan Peters’ iconic skull makeup on your face! Throw on a comfortable, all-black outfit, and add copious amounts of gel to your hair to really imitate his signature look.

DJ

Grab a pair of over-ear headphones and throw on some sleek black sunglasses, and you’re instantly channeling that effortlessly cool DJ look! The best part? You have total freedom to wear whatever you like on the bottom—whether that’s joggers, jeans or something a little more laid-back. This makes it an ideal costume choice if you’re really stuck for time! With some confidence and head-bopping to imaginary beats, you are officially ready to spin the night away—no turntables necessary!

Ladybug

By far the cutest costume idea on the list, a ladybug costume is still very simple to achieve! All you need is a plain red T-shirt, some black construction paper (or paint, if you’re feeling crafty) to create the signature spots and a pair of black pants. Fashion some antennas using a headband and strips of paper, and you’re ready to flutter into Halloween with style.

Written By Ariya Kukreja ’28, School of Architecture

Halloween Hosting 101

Hello, Spooky Season! Bring on the tricks and treats. If you’re throwing a ghoulish gathering, here’s a guide to ensure your guests have the most spooktacular time!

Dreadful Decor

Let’s be real—unless you’re a die-hard Halloween fan, you probably don’t want to be spending your limited funds on a whole new set of accessories for your place. Here’s some creative, but minimal effort, decoration ideas using items that are likely lying around your home.

Bringing it back to the good old days, instead of snowflakes, try making some paper spiderwebs! Throw on one of your favorite shows or podcasts and craft away.

I know a fair amount of you likely have some fairy lights hanging around. To spook-ify them, try using Command hooks or tape to arrange them into Halloween-themed shapes or words, such as a ghost or “BOO.” A more crafty idea is to grab a couple of spools of yarn and make an orange and black pompom garland. If you’re feeling daring, you could even try shaping them into some pumpkins or ghosts.

Lastly, bring out the orange! As Syracuse University students, I’m sure you have an excess of orange accessories in your closet or under your bed–you’re practically set. It’s like Halloween was made for us. While you could always just buy your decor, these are great options for jazzing up on a budget.

Spooky Snacks

Hosting Priority #1 should almost always be the food. While I’d consider myself a foodie, I don’t think many people would disagree with me! My favorite place to look for inspo for just about everything, especially recipes, is Pinterest. Lucky for you, I’ve already scoped out a couple of Halloween-themed winners. First on the menu is mini peanut butter cup and pretzel stick witches’ brooms, making the perfect mix of sweet and salty. For those big sweet tooths, try white chocolate-dipped strawberry ghosts. Another fan-favorite is crescent mummy dogs. They’re super easy to make and very festive! Personally, I’d suggest a caramel apple charcuterie that you can load up with all sorts of toppings—M&Ms, chopped peanuts, sprinkles—the sky’s the limit! Pro tip: the key to a killer party starts with the menu.

Frightening Festivities

Depending on your crowd, it might be necessary to plan some fright-tastic activities. If crafts or games sound like your kind of night, I’ve got some suggestions for you! A simple paint-and-sip night using pumpkins as your canvas and a mug of cocoa is the perfect cozy night in with friends. If you’re looking for something more adventurous, try planning a murder mystery night. Instead of framing the plot points around “Clue,” create a storyline that involves your favorite Halloween figures (witches, goblins, you know the drill). For competitive folks, or anyone who is in need of a good laugh, spend the night playing Halloween charades. Compile a list of Halloween-related characters and topics, turn on your acting skills and bring on the competition!

Murderous Mocktails

To pair with your tasty goodies, serve some sweater weather drinks. Starting out with a classic: good old apple cider. To spice things up a bit, try it mulled. All you have to do is add some cinnamon and citrus fruits, then simmer. It’s completely customizable and guaranteed to be delicious!

A cherished childhood beverage that never fails to satisfy those sweet cravings is hot chocolate. Set up a hot chocolate bar with loads of toppings–marshmallows, sprinkles, crushed Oreos, whipped cream—the works. For a more elevated approach, gather different kinds of chocolate and milk and make the base from scratch on the stove.

If you’re trying to soak up all the pumpkin you can before winter hits, try making warm pumpkin chais. You’ll need chai tea bags, milk, honey and some pumpkin puree. To boost this already lovely latte, froth some milk and top it off with a garnish of cinnamon.

Wicked Watches

Sometimes a simple movie night is the way to go, especially if you’re feeling wiped out from the week and just want a cozy night in with friends. While you could always throw on a Halloween classic, here’s some atypical suggestions to add a twist: “Knives Out,” the “Twilight” series and “Saturday Night.”

“Knives Out” is your run-of-the-mill murder mystery (think “Clue”). With a storyline that will keep you second-guessing the whole way through and a spotlight on Chris Evans, this movie is a great choice.

Next up, “Twilight.” Throwing it back to middle school, Halloween is the perfect occasion to rewatch this guilty pleasure. Vampires, Taylor Lautner and a steamy romance—talk about trick-or-treat!

Last but not least is “Saturday Night.” This newly released film features the chaos that was the 90 minutes before the first-ever “SNL” episode went live in 1975. Starring celebrities like Dylan O’Brien and Willem Dafoe, this movie is likely to be a hit amongst any crowd!

Congratulations, you’ve successfully passed “How to Host Halloween for Mummies.” May all of you have a witchin’ Halloween!

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

Midterm Madness

We are officially approaching midterm season! The good news? Now is the prime time to set yourself up for success.

Starting Small

It can be hard to balance multiple classes’ worth of projects and midterms, let alone just regular coursework. The best place to start is going through all of your syllabi and writing down when all of your bigger assignments are due. Getting these tasks on your radar sooner than later will help you stay organized and plan accordingly.

When it comes to methodology, it’s completely up to you; whether you’re a chronic Quizlet-maker or a flash card stan, everybody learns differently. If you want to spice up your old study habits, you could try making a Kahoot and inviting some friends over for a study night. Another major tip I have: schedule study dates. Regardless of whether you’re studying together or doing individual work, marking down some dedicated study times with a friend helps keep you accountable. You’ll thank yourself later for setting aside some time!

Conversely, if the problem seems to be content-based, seek help. Take advantage of your professors’ office hours, your teaching assistants and Syracuse University’s tutoring services. All of this is to say that gradual preparation is key to dominating midterm season!

Study Spots

A change of scenery can sometimes set you free when you’re feeling stuck. Getting yourself into a productive and focused mindset starts with your environment. One of my favorite study spots on campus is Food.com in Newhouse. I highly recommend you check out your home college’s cafe; it’s the perfect place to grab a coffee or a snack and hone in.

If you’d rather head to the library, Bird is an excellent candidate. The noise level decreases as you go higher up in the building, with some floors being open 24 hours a day. Bird also has study rooms you can rent, and its own cafe, Pages. For those of you who need silence to get in the zone, check out Carnegie. Being surrounded by other working students can give you that extra push of positive pressure to get to it.

On the other hand, if you’re craving a break from campus, some of my favorite close-by coffee shop study spots include Recess, Salt City, Starbucks and Peaks.

R and R

Know your limits and recognize when you need to take a step back. Midterm season can be a demanding time and it’s very easy to overexert yourself. Prioritizing your self-care is pertinent to being at your best during midterms. Be sure to take breaks between study sessions—take a walk down Marshall Street and pick up a snack, throw on some Netflix or run an errand with a friend—anything to give your mind a break. You’ll be surprised at how refreshed and refocused your brain will be when you get back to work. It’s easy to forget the necessity of breaks when you’re overloaded with work—that’s where scheduling can be quite handy. Plan out time for yourself, whether it’s a night out with friends, a relaxing evening in or a lazy Sunday morning. Squeezing in some time for a workout can also be a great way to relieve stress. Take a trip to the Barnes Center at The Arch and schedule a workout class, go for a run around Thornden Park or go on a hike at Green Lakes. Getting your body moving and breathing in some fresh air will help put you in a better mood and ready to tackle your assignments.

Accepting Defeat

Midterm season is one of the biggest hubs for germs; a bunch of sleep-deprived people living in the library for days and days. One person gets sick and before you know it, you likely do, too. Quality sleep and constant hydration can help reduce your chances of getting super sick, but to be frank, it’s almost inevitable. If you’re feeling under the weather, grab a warm tea from People’s Place, make an appointment at the Barnes Center, and then go home and get some rest. In the long run, accepting defeat and prioritizing your health and wellness will ultimately help you be at your best for the remainder of midterms.

In a few weeks, you’ll look back and smile: midterm season isn’t so bad.

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.

5 Things to Brag to Your Parents About During Family Weekend

Family Weekend is fast approaching (Sept. 27-29!), and with parents and family members arriving in Syracuse, what better time to brag about your college experience? While you’re strolling around on the Quad or taking your family on a tour of Marshall Street, use some of these phrases to impress those closest to you.

“Every day, I climb hills the equivalent of Mount Everest.”

OK, maybe it’s a little dramatic to compare Syracuse University to the tallest mountain in the world, but our campus is called University Hill for a reason! So, while your family is huffing and puffing as they trek up the many hills on campus, use this phrase to demonstrate your resilience.

“Whenever I get food at Schine, the lines are perfectly reasonable.”

It’s fair to assume that the influx of people on campus during Family Weekend means lines at Schine and other campus cafes and dining halls might be longer than usual. While you’re waiting for food at Panda Express or CoreLife, be sure to let your family know that although Schine is busy, your hunger will always be satiated.

“I love standing up for the entirety of a football game.”

Syracuse is known for its lively school spirit, and that includes standing and cheering for all four quarters of a football game. As you and your family watch the Orange (hopefully) beat the Holy Cross Crusaders on Sept. 28, your persistent enthusiasm (despite tired legs) will dazzle your relatives.

“I’ve never encountered a blizzard I couldn’t conquer.”

Although Family Weekend is a fall event, our campus will soon become a winter wonderland. Use this opportunity to demonstrate how you successfully navigate the bricks of the Einhorn Family Walk or the innovative tools you use to glide down the Crouse College sledding hill.

“Otto definitely knows me by name.”

Although Otto can’t technically speak, our Hall of Fame mascot makes up for it in terms of energy and school spirit. If you’ve met Otto, you know that every time they come around, a high five or hug is in order. This sacred connection between students and our favorite Orange is representative of Syracuse’s values of community and engagement.

In all seriousness, Family Weekend is an exciting time for students to reconnect with their relatives and show them the places and people that make Syracuse University so beloved. If your family is visiting, check out some Family Weekend events! Head over to the Dome on Sept. 28 for an energetic football game, and journey to South Campus that night for a drive-in movie showing of “Inside Out 2.” There are also many other events available for parents and students to attend, including open houses, information fairs and speaker sessions. Plus, if you and your family want to head off on an off-campus adventure, there are tons of options!

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