Campus Life

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

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