Campus Life

Coffee Around Campus

If you’re like me and most of the population, you probably start your mornings off with a cup of coffee. Luckily, Syracuse is home to many great coffee shops that each have something unique and fun about them!

Salt City Coffee

Salt City Coffee is one of the more well-known coffee shops on campus, located around the corner off of Marshall Street. The coffee shop is a popular spot for studying with its cozy vibes inside and lots of seating. Thrift store 3fifteen is also connected to the shop, so during one of your homework breaks, you can just walk over and browse through clothes and other items!

My go-to coffee here is one of their specialty drinks, the lavender berry latte with oat milk. They also have seasonal drinks to shake up your order. If you’re a fall drink lover, don’t walk, run to give their pumpkin spice latte a try!

Recess Coffee

The Recess Coffee location closest to campus is in a historic-looking house, only five minutes from the University. My favorite things about Recess is their outdoor seating that allows you to take in some sun and fresh air. They even have outlets outside, so you don’t need to worry about ruining the vibe when your laptop or phone battery is running low! The patio has a view of Westcott Street, a busy and artistic street with shops and restaurants. If the weather isn’t ideal for sitting outside, no big deal! There are many places to sit inside the cafe as well.

If you need a break from straight-up coffee, try their dirty chai. It mixes a chai tea latte with espresso shots, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.

Collegetown Bagels

Collegetown Bagels, newly opened this month, offers coffee, bagels, bowls, smoothies and sandwiches. On the corner of Marshall Street and University Avenue, this shop is a convenient stop for coffee on your way to class, and you can add one of their famous bagels to your order.

It has already attracted flocks of people and has a small business feel that fits perfectly into the college town scene. There’s indoor and outdoor seating available, but just know that it’s been a very popular spot since it opened, so a table may be hard to snag.

Peaks Coffee Company

You can see right into Peaks Coffee Co. from the street thanks to its all-glass walls. Taking breaks to people-watch through the walls really helps keep my energy up! The shop has a green vibe, and there are seats outside so you can enjoy the weather on nice days.

On Peaks’ “Back to School” specialty menu is the coconut head, a toasty vanilla latte mixed with coconut syrup and matcha. Coconut lover or not, the coffee surprised me and has my stamp of approval!

People’s Place

We love a student-run anything, and a student-run cafe is no different! Staffed exclusively by Syracuse University students, People’s Place is a hidden gem located on the bottom floor of Hendricks Chapel. The bright shop is tucked away in a corner, making you feel welcome as soon as you walk in. The students give the coffee shop a fun personality!

A fan favorite drink is the Austin Powers, a signature drink of coffee, hot chocolate and chocolate milk. Hot or cold, it stays frequently ordered all year long!

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

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

Start Running Around Syracuse

I grew up playing soccer, and running was our punishment, so running for fun never felt like a sane thing to do. But then I joined the track team in high school and slowly fell in love with running, and I’ve never looked back! When I run, I feel better overall. It might take a little push to get me out the door, but I never regret a run once I’m done.

There are no guidelines for what makes someone a runner. Whether you run three or 20 miles weekly, you’re still a runner. And even though Syracuse’s rolling hills might seem intimidating, the uphill battle is worth the view.

Why Run?

It’s Quick

With most students contending with busy schedules, running is a great way to squeeze in some exercise since it provides a relatively short, high-quality workout. Walk out your door and return in 30 minutes, possibly with three miles on your legs!

It Can Help Clear Your Mind

As students, we are constantly being asked to focus in class or on the homework due. But when you are on a run, your mind can wander freely, and you have time to think through an upcoming class, project or assignment, or you can just let your mind go completely blank. It’s like a breath of fresh air stepping away from all the noise surrounding you all day!

It Can Relieve Stress

According to ASICS, a famous running brand, running can help you refocus and improve mental health. Running has taught me to better deal with stress. Often, when I finish a run, the thing stressing me out before my run doesn’t seem that big of a deal after all. You start to feel invincible and gain confidence in yourself. Running builds up your mental resilience when you push yourself to go on the run and then push through the run until the end. You gain perspective, and it helps you slow down to be more in the moment. So, when life picks up, you are more likely to have a lower stress response!

It Can Help You Sleep Better

Let’s be honest: between homework, projects, studying and socializing, we don’t always get enough sleep when we’re in college. But sleep is critical for mental health, and running helps you sleep better! According to ASICS, a higher activity level is one of the best ways to improve your sleep. Your body will sense you did a strenuous workout, and suddenly, a 10:30 p.m. bedtime doesn’t sound so bad.

Run With a Crew

If learning about the benefits of running has you wanting to tie on your sneakers and hit the streets, consider checking out the Club Running team this semester! The Syracuse University Running Club welcomes students at all levels. The club meets Monday through Thursday for the majority of the school year. This relaxed atmosphere does not require you to attend all practices, although running is about consistency!

It won’t take long to learn an entirely new version of Syracuse; running gets you exploring areas in town you might have never wondered about. The club usually meets at Skytop Track and runs different routes throughout the city.

Last school year, Running Club members attended cross country and indoor/outdoor track meets. The club offers both, whether you want to run cross country in the fall or track in the spring. Club members participated in a variety of track events, including hurdles, mid-distance and long-distance.

Running with a group comes with so many benefits. You get a built-in cheering squad that helps motivate you. Your limits are pushed that you might not feel you could do alone. You will also be motivated to focus on running when surrounded by people with similar interests who will help you stay accountable.

Interested students are encouraged to email syracuserunclub@gmail.com or fill out the contact information form to get involved, as well as follow the Running Club on Instagram! You can join whenever you want throughout the academic year, but you could kick off the school year on the right foot by getting involved ASAP!

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

Syracuse University Welcomes OrangeNow to Campus

All the tools you need to succeed as a Syracuse University student are available in one convenient location: OrangeNow. You can now access the websites of Syracuse University, Blackboard, MySlice and the Barnes Center at The Arch without having to keep multiple tabs open on your browser. Effortlessly navigate campus life with OrangeNow, the latest mobile app from Syracuse University!

Day-to-Day Use

On the first day of school, I was pleasantly surprised to see my class schedule written out on the top screen of my OrangeNow app. I could see all my classes’ names, times and locations, making it faster and easier than ever to navigate between classes.

With only ten minutes to spare between my two morning classes, I wanted to try and grab a quick coffee before class. Thanks to the “Campus Dining Options” section of the app, I was able to check how busy Dunkin’ was before going out of my way to get there, and saw that Dunkin’ was “extremely busy.” Not surprising for mid-morning, but great to know ahead of time so I could just skip the temptation and get to class on time!

Thankfully, by double-checking my app that day, I remembered to turn in my Blackboard assignment before class. I completed the “get-to-know-you” survey I had due in record time and avoided submitting an assignment late before classes began.

OrangeNow passed the test on the first day of school, saving me from pulling out my computer multiple times!

Academics, Campus Life and Resources

The dropdown menu in the app includes three tabs: Academics, Campus Life and Resources.

You can contact your academic advisors, Degree Works, MySlice, financial aid and more in the “Academics” section. Students can also class-search and look through the course catalog to help them plan for their semester.

“Campus Life” includes campus events, an athletic game schedule and campus dining, which lets you know where to eat and how long the lines will be. The Wellness Portal can also be accessed through the app to quickly direct you to facility hours, intramural sports and all other health and wellness needs at the Barnes Center.

“Resources” include a bus tracker, campus map, directions to a printer and parking locations, making campus navigation easier than ever. The campus map came in handy when my professor held class in a different location; being a transfer student unfamiliar with the campus, I could locate the building quickly and take the fastest route to it!

Customizable Features

Since students have different schedules, OrangeNow can be adjusted to accommodate their needs as their day unfolds. In the “My Menu” section, you can personalize your experience by adding any of the quick links from the “Academics,” “Campus Life” or “Resources” sections.

Saving the bus tracker to my favorites makes going to practice on time easier. I can see all the bus stops near my destination to get off. I checked again after practice to see when it would arrive and shortened my bus stop wait!

Overall, OrangeNow is a great new resource for helping campus community members smoothly navigate their days. It even warns us about what tomorrow’s weather may bring, a super helpful feature once winter weather begins to strike! So make sure to download the OrangeNow app in the App Store or Google Play!

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

5 Ways to Get Involved on Campus

With the academic year just kicking off, what better time than now to discover your new favorite club or fun event to meet new friends? This campus has a community for everyone, and getting involved is sure to enhance your student experience! Keep reading to learn about opportunities, new and old, that might just pique your interest.

Log in to the ‘Cuse Activities Portal

Your one-stop shop for all things Syracuse University organizations and their events, the ‘Cuse Activities Portal is a resource for discovering clubs, organizations and events to attend, both on campus and in the surrounding area. All you need is your Syracuse University NetID and password to log in, and a world of University possibilities becomes readily available at your fingertips! For on-the-go information, download the ‘Cuse Activities mobile app—Corq—which provides a chronological list of fun opportunities to get involved.

Download the New OrangeNow App

The brand new OrangeNow mobile app is the perfect online destination that encompasses all of the information you will need for a flourishing Syracuse student experience! Available on the App Store and Google Play, features of the app include dining hall menus, campus maps and transportation information, student activities calendars, important Syracuse University news and much more. Getting involved on campus, academically and socially, is made easy with OrangeNow and can be an important resource to maintain a healthy work-life balance at Syracuse. Type “Syracuse University OrangeNow” into your preferred app store and experience all that Syracuse has to offer!

Check out the Fall Involvement Fair

If you’re looking to get involved on campus and find a community that aligns with your interests, the Involvement Fair is a must-attend event! Spread over three days, Recognized Student Organizations (RSOs) will set up tables on the Quad, highlighting their organizations and allowing prospective members to ask questions and sign up for clubs. The fair will take place from Monday, Sept. 9, to Wednesday, Sept. 11, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Each day will include different RSO categories, with Cultural, Performing and Special Interest on Monday, Public Service, Publications, Club Sports, Sports Interest and Esports on Tuesday, and Honors, Religious and Fraternity and Sorority Affairs on Wednesday. There are over 300 RSOs at Syracuse University, so you are bound to find an organization and a community that works for you!

Connect With Community Engagement

For those looking to contribute to the surrounding Syracuse and Central New York community, the Office of Community Engagement is a fantastic resource to make a difference. Community Engagement partners with organizations on and off campus to provide resources and create programs that aid in educational, economic and civic development. For more information on volunteering and mentorship opportunities, contact Community Engagement.

Visit the Intercultural Collective

Located in the Schine Student Center, the Intercultural Collective is a network of services for students to find community and promote inclusion and diversity on campus. Four offices joined to create the Collective: BIPOC Student Success Programs and Services, the Center for International Services, the Disability Cultural Center (DCC) and the LBGTQ+ Resource Center. Each of these offices hosts countless events throughout the year, and they are a great opportunity to find community and engage with and learn from others who live differently than yourself.

These five suggestions are just a few of the many ways you can get involved at Syracuse University; there is so much that this campus has to offer! Check out the Community Calendar and stay up to date with The Peel for even more involvement opportunities. Remember to pursue what you’re interested in, and your experience at Syracuse University and the community will be better for it!

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

End-of-Semester Fun to De-Stress From Finals

The most challenging stretch of the semester has arrived, and with it the need to focus and grind to complete the remaining tests, assignments and projects. Amidst this chaos, it’s essential to take a breather. Here are some events to help you de-stress, take your mind off finals and enjoy the last moments of the semester with friends!

Block Party

This Friday, April 26, University Union’s Block Party will feature artists Lil Yachty, Teezo Touchdown, ISOxo, KARRAHBOOO and student group FEEM! Show out for the biggest spring concert, taking place in the JMA Wireless Dome. Students can choose between sitting in the seated section or floor tickets, and tickets are available for purchase by your friends at other universities as well! For more information, visit University Union’s Instagram.

Block Darty

Get hyped up and ready for Block Party at University Union’s pre-show on the Quad, Block Darty! There will be free food trucks, brand collaborations, giveaways and a free concert. The Block Darty lineup will include artists Dreamer Isioma, renforshort and DWLLRS. Block Darty will take place from 1-5 p.m. on Friday, April 26.

Pet Therapy

Pet Therapy is always an exciting offer to try out at the Barnes Center at The Arch! Decompress with furry friends in the Walters Pet Therapy Room, which offers time with the dogs Tuesdays through Fridays. Check out the University Events Calendar to see when you can spend some time with the dogs before their last session of the school year on Friday, May 3!

Late Night Ice

Head over to the Tennity Ice Skating Pavilion on weekend nights for skating on both rinks, a fun, moody atmosphere and hit music! Admission and skate rental is always free for students. Late Night Ice is hosted Thursdays through Sundays at Tennity during the academic year.

Tree Planting Event

Student Association is collaborating with the ESF Earth Week Committee to plant trees on South Campus! On Saturday, April 27, at 10 a.m., a trolley will pick up participating students from College Place and Centennial Hall before heading to 640 Skytop Road, the site of the tree planting. This event will conclude at 3 p.m.

Orange After Dark: Adults and Crafts Night

Unwind and de-stress with Orange After Dark at Adults and Crafts Night on Saturday, April 27. Art supplies and refreshments will be provided! No ticket is required, but a valid Syracuse University I.D. is needed, and you need to RSVP for the event on ’Cuse Activities.

Target Grocery Run

Stock up on needed groceries or your favorite snacks as you study and complete your final assignments and exams. On Sunday, April 28, from 11 a.m.–5 p.m., a trolley sponsored by Student Association will continuously shuttle students back and forth from College Place to Target.

Orange After Dark: Syrup-Cuse Midnight Pancake Breakfast

Forget breakfast for dinner, how about breakfast as a midnight snack? Bust your finals stress at the last Orange After Dark event of the school year. Taking place in the Goldstein Auditorium at Schine Student Center, there will be live pancake artists, entertainment and tabletop games. The event is Monday, April 29, 9 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Be sure to RSVP on ’Cuse Activities!

Written By Esteban Quiñones ’24, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications

Four Esports Sneak Peeks for 2024-25

Get your game on and join the Syracuse University Esports team! The organization has a ton of cool things in store for the 2024-25 school year, and, in the meantime, we have the inside scoop on some sneak peeks you can start looking forward to.

Gaming and Esports Center to Open at Schine

Starting this fall, the Gaming and Esports Center at the Schine Student Center will offer all students and the broader Syracuse community a state-of-the-art space to engage in all things gaming, from casual and recreational sessions to competitive tournaments.

This space will serve as a center of student engagement as well as a space to see official Syracuse Esports matches for our varsity and club teams on campus throughout the year. There will be opportunities to play familiar games you love with console and PC areas, as well as chances to try out new experiences through virtual reality, sim-racing and an expanded tabletop gaming area.

Join the Varsity Team

Heading into fall 2024, Syracuse Esports is planning on fielding varsity teams across a variety of multiplayer and battle royale games, including Call of Duty, Counter-Strike 2, Overwatch 2, Rocket League, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Valorant. Students interested in either competition or staff roles can apply through the respective forms found at the Syracuse Esports Linktree. Additionally, Esports plans to host open campus tryouts for walk-ons at the beginning of the fall semester.

Counter-Strike 2 Championship Watch Party

Get a taste of the excitement you can look forward to in the fall by cheering on the Varsity Esports team this Sunday, April 28, from 1:30-5 p.m. in the Barnes Center at The Arch’s esports gaming room! The team is competing in the national championship for Counter-Strike 2, a multiplayer tactical first-person shooter game. The watch party is totally free to attend, so stop by and see some pro gamers in action!

Stay Updated Through Social Media

Follow the action and stay up to date on everything Syracuse University Esports by following them on Instagram, Twitter and YouTube!

We hope you enjoyed these sneak peeks into Syracuse University Esports. If you’re interested in gaming at any level, we recommend you check out all the cool amenities the Barnes Center’s gaming room has to offer, and be sure to check out the new esports center next academic year!

Written By Madison Manczko ’24, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications

5 Realistic Ways to Manage Stress

April is Stress Awareness Month! With finals right around the corner, this is the perfect time to reflect on our mental health. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), stress is a state of worry and mental tension caused by a difficult situation.

While stress is completely natural and prompts us to deal with challenges, too much stress can cause a variety of issues, such as concentration issues, stomach pains, difficulty sleeping and more. Check out our tips to manage stress, and finish up the semester feeling confident and at ease!

Keep to a Regular Routine

Some of us love change, while others hate it. However, during stressful times, sticking to a daily routine can help you feel more in control. Build your routine around your sleep schedule to ensure you’re rested before starting other tasks. Then, schedule homework, chores, social activities and any other responsibilities you have. Sticking to your schedule will make you feel accomplished and disciplined while also helping with time management.

Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Body

Stress is often perpetuated by our own overthinking. We can often think ourselves into a negative spiral, turning a stressful situation into an unbearable one. If you notice your mind and heart racing, take as much time as you need to reconnect yourself to the present moment. Take a few deep breaths, do a quick body scan or engage in some low-intensity yoga. Simply moving your body a small amount can break you out of a negative thought pattern.

Resist the Urge to Isolate

If we’re feeling stressed out due to work or school obligations, we may feel guilty if we take a break from work to hang out with our friends and loved ones. However, improving our personal relationships and spending time with those close to us is a common stress management technique. According to WHO, “Connecting with others can lift our mood and help us feel less stressed.”

Be Mindful of Eating Habits

Stress can cause a variety of body issues, such as stomach issues and loss of appetite. This often results in eating too much or not eating enough. When we don’t feel well physically, it makes it even more difficult to take care of ourselves mentally. So, while it might feel difficult, it’s incredibly important to stick to a consistent eating schedule in times of stress. If possible, also try to include more fruits and vegetables in your diet during periods of stress.

Check Out Campus Resources

If you are having trouble managing stress on your own or just wish to practice stress management in a comfortable group environment, check out the many activities and classes offered by the Barnes Center at The Arch. Classes and activities great for stress management are meditation and mindfulness events, Pet Therapy and the Crowley Family MindSpa.

We hope these tips will help you handle stress during finals week and beyond. The Peel wishes you the best of luck on your finals and any other future endeavors!

Written By Madison Manczko ’24, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications

5 Ways to Live Sustainably as a College Student

April is Earth Month! This is the perfect opportunity to consider our relationship with the environment and what we can do as individuals to make the world a greener place. We may sometimes think, “I’m only one person—I can’t make a difference.” However, there are simple things every student can do to improve our campus, city and world.

Take Advantage of Public Transportation

Those of us who don’t have cars on campus may already be relying on public transportation or rideshare apps to get us where we need to go. However, as the weather gets warmer, there are even more sustainable ways to travel than hopping in an Uber. The Centro buses can take you almost anywhere you need to go around Syracuse, and if your destination is close enough, consider taking a Veo or walking.

Keep a Reusable Tote Bag With You

Many students around campus can be seen sporting tote bags, and for good reason. Not only are they stylish, but they’re also a great way to reduce plastic use. When you’re out shopping, especially grocery shopping, always carry a reusable bag with you to avoid having to receive plastic bags.

Go Thrifting When You Need New Clothes

Don’t rely on sketchy, unsustainable online stores when you need new, cheap clothes! There are great thrift and consignment stores around Syracuse where you can get great clothes at very affordable prices. My personal favorites are Cluttered Closet in Westcott and 3fifteen in Marshall Square Mall.

Dispose of Waste Responsibly

Did you know that a variety of organizations and services will take your furniture and food items at the end of the academic year? If you have food items, clothing or furniture that can be reused, it’s important to be mindful and donate them instead of contributing to landfill waste. Learn more about ways to donate on the Student Living website.

Be Mindful of Water Usage

An easy way to live more sustainably is to be mindful when using water. Simple things like turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth and only running the washer and dishwasher when they’re full can make a big difference. Also, be aware of the times when you can use cold water instead of hot. Now that the weather is warming up, your showers don’t have to be scolding hot!

Written By Madison Manczko ’24, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications

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

5 Ways to Celebrate the Total Eclipse

On Monday, April 8, the moon will completely block the sun, and Syracuse will experience a solar eclipse, falling into a narrow strip of North America called the path of totality. According to NASA’s Eclipse Explorer, Syracuse will experience a total solar eclipse for one minute and 26 seconds at 3:23 p.m.! You won’t want to miss this one, because the next time a total eclipse hits New York State will be in 2079. Here are some fun local activities to celebrate this rare occasion!

College of Arts and Sciences Eclipse Celebration

Since our campus will be squarely in the path of totality for the eclipse, the Department of Physics will host eclipse activities on the Quad from 2:30–4:30 p.m. Physics lab manager Sam Sempere and others will host educational stations and talk about the event! Some eclipse glasses will be available. A&S has also compiled an eclipse webpage full of helpful and interesting information to help you plan your eclipse experience.

Solar Eclipse Sound Bathing and Drumming

Join the Barnes Center at The Arch and Hendricks Chapel on the Quad from 2:30-4 p.m. for an immersive solar eclipse viewing event! The event will start with a unique sound bathing experience and short guided meditation led by Jimbo Talbot of DrumQuest and members of the Hendricks Chapel community, and will end with celebratory drumming. The event will pause to allow participants to give their full attention to viewing the total solar eclipse. Viewing glasses will be provided. In addition to sound bathing and drumming, the Buddhist chaplaincy will offer an opportunity to participate in an April 8 Buddha’s Birthday ritual. All are welcome to participate or just take it in and add to the positive vibrations!

2024 Solar Eclipse Festival at the MOST

The Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science and Technology (MOST) is hosting a free outdoor festival on its east lawn in downtown Syracuse. There will be tabling activities, food trucks and free glasses (you’ll need those to keep your eyes safe!). Bring a blanket or towel and enjoy the eclipse at this museum-hosted festival!

Total Eclipse of the Park

The Syracuse Mets and Visit Syracuse are hosting the first-ever Total Eclipse of the Park at NBT Bank Stadium. Gates will open at 2 p.m. for fans to view the total solar eclipse, and the first 10,000 fans through the gates will receive commemorative eclipse glasses! Physicist Dr. Meredith Wills will be in attendance to educate about the event and eclipses. After the eclipse, stick around to watch the Syracuse Mets face the Worcester Red Sox for NBT Bank Stadium’s first ever Dollar Monday game! First pitch is at 5:05 p.m.

Solar Party on Solar Street

From 11 a.m.–6 p.m., there will be an outdoor party at the Syracuse Inner Harbor, 425 Solar Street. There will be drinks, food trucks, music and free eclipse glasses! The event offers free parking and free admission.

Where to Find Eclipse Glasses

No matter where you go or what you decide to do to view the solar eclipse, remember that you’ll be staring directly at the sun, and regular sunglasses aren’t going to cut it! The above events are offering specialized eclipse glasses for free while supplies last, but here are some places where you can guarantee yourself a pair:

  • Amazon
  • Wegmans
  • Warby Parker
  • Student Living will be distributing solar eclipse glasses through the campus residence halls with instructions on how to view the eclipse safely.

Stay safe and enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime event!

Written By Esteban Quiñones ’24, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications

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

4 Crafty Ways to Transform Your Living Space

Did you know that March is National Craft Month? Whether or not you consider yourself a crafty person, dedicating some time to a creative project can relieve depression and stress and improve self-esteem. Making some DIY home decor is also a great way to add some flair to your living space without breaking the bank. Celebrate National Craft Month by trying out some of these home decor crafts!

Crystal Suncatchers

DIY suncatchers are a fun and artsy way to add some brightness to your room, as they capture the sunlight and reflect it back onto your walls in beautiful patterns. You can make your suncatcher as simple or as involved as you want, depending on your confidence in your crafting abilities. If you believe in the healing power of crystals, you can use ones with specific properties, or you can just choose ones you think will look pretty! You won’t need many materials for a basic suncatcher—scissors, small pliers, super glue and a string or chain for hanging. Check out this suncatcher-making guide from AllCrystal for detailed instructions and more information.

Upcycled Painted Vases

Do you have a ton of glass bottles you don’t know what to do with? Upcycled painted vases are super easy, environmentally friendly and a creative way to display your plants! To prep your bottles, remove any stickers by using hot soapy water, white vinegar, rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover. When choosing paint, opt for acrylic enamel paint or regular acrylic paint, as these will stick to glass the best. There are also paint products specifically labeled for glass painting. Once you have a clean bottle and acrylic paint, let your imagination soar!

Crochet Accessory Holders

This craft, while incredibly versatile and creative, does require some prior crocheting knowledge. However, as far as difficulty level goes, this is a great way for beginners to practice their skills, as it only requires being able to crochet in the shape of a rectangle. Crochet accessory holders can hold anything from earrings to necklaces to sunglasses, and they add a touch of bohemian style to any room. Check out a beginner’s guide on how to crochet if you’d like to make some for your dorm or apartment!

Punch Needle Coasters

Punch needling is embroidery’s less complicated cousin, and is beloved by both  beginner crafters and experts alike. By learning just the basics, you can make anything from pillows to rugs. For punch needle coasters, or “mug rugs” as they’re creatively called, you’ll need fabric, a no-slip embroidery hoop, a punch needle tool, yarn and a template. From there, you can make coasters of any color and pattern. Be prepared to wow your guests whenever they want to set down their drinks! If you’d like to learn how to punch needle, check out a complete guide online.

We hope these ideas gave you some DIY home decor inspiration. Taking time out of your week to focus on a creative project is amazing for your mental health, and that’s why The Peel loves National Craft Month. Happy crafting!

Written By Madison Manczko ’24, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications