Campus Life

5 Reasons to Live on South Campus

As you transition from living in dorms to apartments, looking for living arrangements can be pretty stressful. To ease that transition, South Campus is a great option for stability, relaxation and access to the University’s services. Read on for five reasons why living on South is a great option for your housing next year!

1. No Need for House Hunting or Subletting

South Campus offers one of the best perks of all: a simple registration process for interested students. Instead of checking endless apartment listings, touring apartments and reviewing leases, students can simply register for the South Campus lottery on the “Housing and Meal Plan” page on MySlice. For students who want to study abroad or on one of the University’s satellite campuses, the cancellation process is just as simple! When I left to study abroad, I simply went to the Housing and Meal Plan page and canceled my apartment plan. No need to find a subletter!

2. Comfortable Apartments

While you won’t be living in a grand penthouse, South Campus apartments are great for students to get their first taste of apartment living with friends or roommates. The apartments are fully furnished and come with a kitchen that has an electric stove. This was a driving factor for me—students who live on South Campus can completely cut out their meal plan! The two-story townhouse apartments are especially popular, as the living room and kitchen are downstairs, and the bedrooms are upstairs. You basically get a taste of living in your own little house!

3. Goldstein Student Center

The Goldstein Student Center is a great place to go for any needs not provided by your apartment. The renovated Goldstein Food Hall now features Otto’s Juice Box, Starbucks, ‘Cuse Scoops, Tomato Wheel and more! There is a laundry room with free-to-use washers and dryers, and there are plenty of study spots and computers available while you wait for your clothes. The University also recently opened the Goldstein Student Fitness Center, so you can even get a workout in without needing to travel all the way to main campus!

4. South Campus Scenery

Living in dorms can be lots of fun—but after a while, many students will be looking for a more relaxing alternative. South Campus is full of grassy hills and large trees, creating a very relaxing vibe. And while needing to take a bus to get back and forth from South Campus to main campus is a drawback for some people, the drive helps you feel like “school” and “home” are separate places, and South is a great retreat from the craziness of classes and on-campus life.

5. Fun Activities

While offering apartments and amenities, South Campus also has a score of fun activities that you may have never known were there! The Tennity Ice Skating Pavilion offers a Late Night Ice program on Friday and Saturday nights that is free for all students. If you like to be outdoors in good weather, South Campus has available basketball and tennis courts, and when it gets colder, the new firepits are a great place to hang out and warm up!

Interested in learning more about living on South Campus? Check out the South Campus Apartments webpage on the Housing, Meal Plan and I.D. Card Services website, or stop by the South Campus Showcase this Saturday, Nov. 2!

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

Eight Eerie On-Campus Halloween Activities

With fall in full swing, one of the most festive times of the year is fast approaching! Soon the streets will be filled with skeletons, pumpkins and other spooky decorations! Celebrate the Halloween festivities at the events below hosted by a variety of on-campus organizations and University centers.

Harvest Festival (Oct. 20)

The Student Association of Syracuse University and SUNY ESF is hosting its annual Harvest Festival at the Women’s Building Field on Friday, Oct. 20, from 4-7 p.m. Join Student Association for pumpkin painting, lawn games, a clothing flea market and more exciting activities!

HalloQueen Ball (Oct. 21)

As part of Syracuse University’s celebration of LGBTQ History Month, the LGBTQ Resource Center is hosting the HalloQueen Ball! Join the party in the Schine Student Center from 10 p.m.-midnight to dance, hang out and wear your best costume. There will also be a costume competition with categories being judged by ballroom community members. You can register for the HalloQueen Ball and other LGBTQ Resource Center events through their Fall 2023 event registration form.

Tough Topic Tuesday: Culture or Costume? A Conversation on Cultural Appropriation (Oct. 24)

The Tough Topic Tuesday discussion series provides the University community with a chance to have constructive conversations about difficult or challenging subjects. With Halloween and its many costumes fast approaching, it’s important to talk about the ways costumes can cross boundaries and become appropriation of others’ cultures and customs. Join the discussion on Tuesday, Oct. 24, from 3-4:30 p.m. at 804 University Ave., Room 115.

Mindfulness and Meditation: Pumpkin Painting (Oct. 26)

Join the Barnes Center at The Arch for a pumpkin painting activity that cultivates creativity and provides stress relief. Mindfulness and Meditation is a workshop series with various creative sessions that incorporate mindfulness and contemplative practices. You can register for Pumpkin Painting and other Mindfulness and Meditation sessions through the Wellness Portal.

Orange After Dark: Halloween Dance (Oct. 27)

Join Orange After Dark and The Renegade magazine for a SPOOKTACULAR Halloween Dance! The night will feature a costume contest, prizes and lots of dancing! Students are welcome to come in costume or come as they are. No tickets are needed, but a valid Syracuse University I.D. is required to attend. You can RSVP to the event on ‘Cuse Activities.

Late Night Ice: Halloween Party (Oct. 28)

Friday and Saturday nights at the Tennity Ice Skating Pavilion feature skating on both rinks and hit music all night long! The Oct. 28 Late Night Ice theme is Halloween Party – Costumes, Candy and Curling! Admission and skate rental is free for students. You can register for this special, spooky Late Night Ice through the Wellness Portal.

Halloween at Hendricks (Oct. 28)

Join Hendricks Chapel for trick-or-treating and spook-tacular music! The Hendricks Chapel Choir will sign a medley from “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” Setnor School of Music student organists will perform Bach’s famous “Toccata in D Minor” and the night will feature opera, musical theater arias and improvisations on ghostly themes! Costumes are encouraged, so swing by Hendricks on Saturday, Oct. 28, from 9-10 p.m. in your Halloween best to enjoy some spooky tunes.

Orange After Dark: Day of the Dead (Nov. 1)

Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a celebration of life and death originating in Mexico and celebrated all over Latin America with colorful calaveras (skulls) and calacas (skeletons). Join Orange After Dark, Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc. and the Mexican Student Association to learn more about Día de los Muertos! You can RSVP to this event on ‘Cuse Activities.

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

Editorial Note:  At publication, the Orange After Dark: Day of the Dead event was scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 28. The event has since been moved to Wednesday, Nov. 1. 

What to Expect at Juice Jam 2023

Every September, Juice Jam brings together students, music enthusiasts and concertgoers for an exciting afternoon of concerts with famed artists. This year’s lineup will include Flo Rida, Denzel Curry, Ryan Beatty and Rachel Grae.

The Artists

Flo Rida

Tramar Dillard, known by his stage name Flo Rida, was born in Florida on Sept. 16, 1979, and was always encouraged by his musician father to express himself through music. Flo Rida found success in late 2006 after inking a deal with Atlantic Records and broke records with his 2007 breakout single, “Low.” He launched his debut studio album, “Mail on Sunday,” and has experienced massive success in the industry ever since.

Denzel Curry

Denzel Curry was raised in a creative household with a musician mother and quickly grew into an extremely talented 16-year-old prodigy. The now 26-year-old likens his evolution as an artist to that of Luke Skywalker, saying “This is my green lightsaber moment!” when talking about his newest album, “Melt My Eyez See Your Future.”

Ryan Beatty

Ryan Beatty’s third full-length album, “Calico,” signals a new chapter in his music career. To build the luminously detailed sound of “Calico,” Beatty worked with guitarist Dylan Day, drummer Matt Chamberlain and saxophonist Sam Gendel, among other artists. “Calico” truly brings Beatty’s lyricism to life through its poetic ambiance.

Rachel Grae

Rachel Grae blew up in the pop world with a dedicated fan base who she considers to be her “friend base.” Described as “raw and authentic” by Melodic Magazine, Grae has earned tens of millions of streams to date and is a rising star on social media.

The Festival

Aside from the artists being the main show, Juice Jam is a true music festival that features carnival games, collaborations with big retailers and other attractions that make it worth the trip. Tickets for Juice Jam are $25 for Syracuse University and SUNY-ESF students with a valid college I.D. Starting Sept. 18, as tickets remain, Syracuse University and SUNY-ESF students are eligible to purchase one additional ticket for a currently enrolled student guest with a valid college I.D. Juice Jam will take place this Sunday, Sept. 24, at Skytop Field. Doors will open at 12:30 p.m.

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

5 Ways to Get Involved on Campus

The start of a new academic year births several opportunities for social engagement, from events to workshops to organizations and more. There’s so much to explore that it can almost be as overwhelming as it is exciting! If you’re super curious about ways to get involved but aren’t sure where to start, look no further! Whether you’re a new student eager to plant your orange seed, or a returning student looking for a new spark, read on for five ways you can get involved.

Visit Student Engagement

Student Engagement is your entry point to social activities, programs and events designed to enhance your education and help you get involved in the campus community. Home to over 250 registered student organizations, Student Engagement can help you connect with campus groups that cater to almost any of your interests! Swing by the Fall Involvement Fair on the Quad on Thursday, Sept. 14, check out the ‘Cuse Activities portal or stop into the Student Engagement office located in 230 Schine Student Center to begin your involvement journey!

Explore the Barnes Center at The Arch

The Barnes Center at The Arch serves as the center for student wellness, offering programs, services and activities that support holistic health and well-being in one easily accessible campus location. Along with housing health care services, counseling services and fitness equipment all students can access, the Wellness Portal is the spot to learn more about and register for Group Fitness classes, Outdoor Adventure Trips, Climbing Wall clinics, Wellness Leadership Institute workshops and more. The Barnes Center is also home to a variety of intramural sports and tournaments open to the entire campus community. If you’re searching for a way to stay healthy and active while spending time with your peers, be sure to explore all the Barnes Center has to offer!

Tap Into Career Services

Are you curious about internships? Need resume assistance? Searching for ways to be a millionaire? Career Services is a resource to support you in realizing your individual professional goals by assisting you with tying your interests to your coursework, applying to internships, finding jobs and creating career goals. The Career Services team is committed to assisting you in achieving long-term professional success in addition to finding employment after graduation through individualized meetings, strategic professional development resources and networking opportunities.

Attend Orange After Dark Events

Orange After Dark (OAD) hosts a variety of fun events and activities on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, both on and off campus, all semester long! These events are a great opportunity to have fun with friends and try something new. OAD activities are typically either free or $3, and transportation is provided for events that take you off campus.

Check Out the Intercultural Collective

The Intercultural Collective is both a physical space in Schine that houses the Disability Cultural Center, LGBTQ Resource Center and Multicultural Affairs, and a coordinated effort to promote and celebrate inclusion and intersectionality. Multicultural Affairs (OMA) places students and their needs for success at Syracuse University and beyond at the center through organizing activities and programs that strengthen and affirm community on campus. The LGBTQ Resource Center aims to be a campus and regional leader in providing support, community and education on marginalized genders and sexualities, as well as the intricate intersections of the many identities. For students, teachers, staff and members of the community with and without disabilities, the Disability Cultural Center (DCC) organizes campuswide social, educational and cultural programs on disability issues. All three groups host a wide variety of events throughout the academic year, both individually and collaboratively with each other and other campus partners, so be sure to check out what’s happening often!

Now that you know five cool ways to get involved, be sure to check out The Peel, the University Events Calendar and Hendricks Chapel for even more opportunities.

Written By Kalaya Sibley G’24, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs

Celebrating Latine Heritage Month 2023

Language has the power to spark knowledge. It has the power to encourage pride. And most, of all, it has the power to revive our roots. Latine Heritage Month (LHM) exists to celebrate Latine students on campus and different identities on the basis of gender, race and ethnicity.

To be Latine means remaining true to our identities and experiences, even through hardship. Latine culture includes every country in Latin America and encourages our community to work collectively to allow our roots to survive and thrive. Food, music, dance, games and sports are some of the best ways for us to come together as a community. Because of these reasons and many more, Latine culture deserves to be preserved and celebrated this month and always.

Starting Friday, Sept. 15, Multicultural Affairs and campus partners have worked together to provide a variety of events and programs for the Syracuse University community to attend as an invitation to celebrate, embrace and learn more about Latine history and culture! Explore Latine History Month’s full calendar of events, and check out these highlights.

Latine Heritage Month Opening Ceremony

Join Multicultural Affairs and campus partners in the Schine Atrium for the official kickoff of LHM on Friday, Sept. 15, from 3-5 p.m. Meet other students, get to know Latine registered student organizations (RSOs) and catch the premiere of this year’s “Celebrating Latine Heritage Month” video, produced by Newhouse student Diana Garcia Varo ’24 (co-author of this article!). The Opening Ceremony is a great way for the campus community to learn about some of the impactful Latine RSOs, and recognize and remember the endless efforts that Latine students have made in the past to open doors for future generations and keep their cultures alive.

Torneo de Fútbol

Grab some friends and join Multicultural Affairs and the Barnes Center at The Arch for the fifth annual Torneo de Fútbol. Battle it out on the field near the Women’s Building in an intense soccer tournament to celebrate Latine Heritage Month! Torneo de Fútbol is on Saturday, Sept. 16 from 1-4 p.m. Please register your team via IMLeagues by 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 13. The first 100 people to show up to the event get a free T-shirt!

Café con Leche: Exploring AfroLatinidad

The Café con Leche Series is an essential part of Latine Heritage Month, as it creates the space to have discussions that are relevant to the Latine community. Cohosted by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, Café con Leche’s Exploring AfroLatinidad event on Sunday, Sept. 24, provides an opportunity for the campus community to learn about and remember the African diaspora and the Black community in Latin America. Blackness and Latinidad are not mutually exclusive, and Latin America does not just have to be associated with only “Spanish.” By having these conversations in a shared space, we take a bigger step at achieving and spreading awareness. Visit 119 Euclid from 1-3 p.m. to discuss what it means to be Afro-Latine!

Fiesta Latina

Look out for impressive performances, great music and good food during Fiesta Latina on Friday, Oct. 6, in Goldstein Auditorium. The performances are
evidence of the talent that students have, passed on through the generations, to preserve Latin dance and represent their heritage. It’s a great event where the campus community can come together and celebrate Latine culture!

Latine Heritage Month and LGBTQ+ History Month Potash Collaborative Keynote

Join Multicultural Affairs and the LGBTQ Resource Center for this joint event featuring drag performer Salina EsTitties! Her original drag shows, “Eloteria” and “Shark Bait Sundays,” have received tremendous acclaim, the former being voted the Best Drag Show of 2022 in Los Angeles Blade. She is also committed to social justice activism, annually partnering with the AIDS Life Cycle x Gay and Lesbian Center of Los Angeles, the Alliance of Housing and Healing through an annual Best in Drag Show, and the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles. After 11 years of sobriety and extensive experiences in the industry, she is committed to sparking joy! The celebration will end in an amazing performance by Estitties revolving around her queer and Latine identities. This acclaimed free performance will be showcased Thursday, Oct. 19, at 7 p.m. in the Schine Underground.

Written By Maximiliano Jimenez G’25, School of Education, and Diana Garcia Varo ’24, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications

5 Must-Haves That Might’ve Missed the Move-In Checklist

With all the hustle and bustle that comes with packing up and moving to college, sticking to a move-in checklist helps make the process a little bit easier. But what about the things that might not be “necessities,” but would definitely make your dorm or apartment experience a little bit better? Whether you’re a first-year experiencing dorm life for the first time, or a senior living in an off-campus apartment, here’s five must-haves that might’ve missed the move-in checklist!

Over-the-Door Shoe Organizer

Living in a dorm or apartment often means you’ve got to get creative about maximizing space, and a great way to do that is an over-the-door shoe organizer! Whether you’re trying to make more space in your closet, keep pairs of shoes from cluttering your floor or simply organize odds and ends, an over-the-door shoe organizer is the perfect solution. It automatically makes your room feel less cluttered and messy, and it eliminates the need for taking up your floor or precious under-the-bed storage space.

Tower Power Strip

No matter where you call home during the academic year, we can all agree on one thing: there are never enough eletrical outlets. A tower power strip multiplies the electrical outlets at your disposal, takes up less floor space than a regular power strip and provides some added height for when you’re trying to charge your phone or your laptop from your raised dorm bed. However, something to keep in mind as you’re shopping around for power strips is that only UL-listed grounded power strips with built-in fuse circuit breakers are permitted in University dorms, so be sure you’re reading the item descriptions closely!

String Lights/Lamps

Regardless of where you’re calling home this academic year, most bedrooms and common areas will have ceiling lights. But let’s be honest, ceiling lights are rarely (if ever) the vibe. Ceiling lights often cast the entire space in an unflattering light, plus it’s so bright. If you’re up late studying but your roommate wants to get some sleep, you need something dimmer that lights up just your side of the room. Lamps or string lights are the perfect solution! They’re not as bright as ceiling lights, they help make the space feel more cozy and you can easily find lighting that matches your aesthetic! (No halogen or multi-head floor lamps, though; they aren’t allowed in dorm rooms!)

Noise-Canceling Headphones

We’ll be real with you: campus life can get loud. Whether you’re chilling out in a dorm or hanging at an off-campus apartment, there’s always something going on nearby, and neighbors can be noisy! Noise-canceling headphones are a great way to help you tune out the noise, whether you’re trying to focus on schoolwork, watch your favorite TV show or just get some much-needed sleep.

Batteries

When you’re busy making sure you have things like sheets, towels, clothes and school supplies, it’s super easy to overlook something that’s not as top-of-mind as batteries, but you’ll need them more often than you think! Having a box of AA or AAA batteries tucked away in a desk drawer may be the difference between watching your favorite sports team or movie on TV and being forced to watch it on your laptop.

Making your on-campus home organized, comfortable and convenient is super important for keeping you happy and at ease during the academic year, so we hope this short list of items can help you accomplish just that!

3 Tips for Cultivating Comfy Cohabitation

Whether you’re a first-year student or a senior, living with roommates usually comes with a unique set of challenges. It’s incredibly rare to find someone with the exact same living style as you, so you will often have to make compromises so everyone can live together comfortably. Good relationships between roommates can lead to amazing friendships, so don’t hesitate to read our tips for cultivating comfy cohabitation!

Set Boundaries Early

A great way to create a respectful living space is to be clear about your boundaries right away. Be proactive in your communication to avoid surprises later on. Also, telling your roommate(s) what you are and aren’t okay with gives them the opportunity to do the same, leading to a pathway of open and honest communication.

Deal With Confrontation Respectfully

People feel varying levels of comfort when it comes to confrontation, but sometimes it’s a necessary part of creating a positive living environment. Your roommate(s) may be unaware that they did something to upset you, or they may have crossed a boundary you did not tell them about initially. Either way, you should go into confrontation with both assertiveness and understanding. Most situations are probably a case of misunderstanding, so it’s better to confront and move on than to let negative feelings fester.

Take Advantage of Campus Resources

If you’re an underclassman, resident advisors (RAs) and resident directors (RDs) are a great resource if you’re having issues with your roommate(s). They can help mediate conflict and provide you with a living agreement, which you and your roommate(s) have to sign at the beginning of the year. If you’re an upperclassman, or living somewhere without RAs and RDs, the Barnes Center at The Arch offers Roommate Mediation, which aims to help with both boundary negotiation and conflict navigation.

Learning how to live together peacefully is a necessary skill that will help you throughout the rest of your adult life. We hope these tips are helpful for you and your roommates as you navigate living together this semester. Welcome back to campus!

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

Events To Attend Before the Semester Ends

Do you need to blow off some steam before finals, or are you and your friends looking for something fun to do before going your separate ways? Look no further! There are still plenty of fun activities and events to participate in before the semester ends, so go out with a bang!

ACCSU’s After Hours (April 27)

Do you wish to have a real-life “Pitch Perfect” experience? Attend an a cappella concert! The A Cappella Council of Syracuse University (ACCSU) is hosting After Hours, the final a cappella concert of the semester. All six University a cappella groups will perform, so don’t miss out on an electric night!

OAD: End-of-Year Gala (April 27)

Orange After Dark’s End-of-Year Gala is the perfect way to end your semester. Grab some friends and let loose before finals! Dancing, food and photo opportunities will be offered. There may even be some giveaways where you can win cool prizes!

Block Party and Block Darty (April 28)

Thanks to University Union (UU), this year’s Block Party will host rapper Aminé and singer-songwriter Faye Webster! For the first time ever, UU’s also hosting a Block Darty on the Quad before the main show with live music, food trucks and more. Enjoy a day full of music, food and fun with your peers! You can buy tickets for Block Party on Ticketmaster.

Late Night Ice (April 28-29)

Every Friday and Saturday night from 8-11 p.m., the Tennity Ice Skating Pavilion hosts Late Night Ice, open skate nights on both of their ice rinks. Jam out to your favorite music and skate the night away with a date or some friends! Admission and skate rentals are both free, making Late Night Ice a perfect way to have fun without breaking the bank.

Rom Con 2023 (April 29)

Orange Television Network presents Rom Con 2023! This convention seeks to unite all romantic comedy lovers and celebrate all the amazing things about the genre. The event will offer local vendors, film screenings, book signings and speakers. If you’re an enjoyer of romance, comedy and film, this is the perfect event for you!

OAD: Pancake Breakfast (May 1)

Don’t miss out on Orange After Dark’s last event of the semester! This event is designed to ease stress before going into finals, and it’s a great way to reward yourself for all the hard work you’ve been doing. You only need your Syracuse University I.D. for entry; no ticket required!

Final Exams Drum Jams (May 3)

Head to the Quad for an afternoon of drumming to de-stress! Stop by for five minutes or 25 minutes to play or just listen and feel the good vibes. No registration is required and no drumming experience necessary; grab a drum and have a good time!

Star Wars Day Celebration (May 4)

Attention all “Star Wars” fans, this one’s for you! The Barnes Center at The Arch’s Esports Room will be themed for a Star Wars Day celebration and will offer a number of Star Wars-themed experiences to try out. No reservations are required for the special event. All games and experiences offered are handled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Class of 2023 Launch Party (May 5)

If you’re a senior looking for the perfect way to say goodbye to the campus community, run, don’t walk, to the Class of 2023 Launch Party! There are a variety of unique opportunities offered at this event, including the chance to take a professional headshot, find classmates heading to the same place as you after graduation and enjoy your favorite ’Cuse food and drinks. The Forever Orange Student Alumni Council, Career Services and Alumni Engagement hope to see you there!

We hope you will go to at least one (preferably more!) of these fun end-of-year events offered on campus. Whether you’re a first-year or a senior, leaving campus for the summer is always difficult, so make the most of the time you have left. The Peel wishes you a low-stress finals week and a rejuvenating summer break!

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

4 Tips to Help You Stay Focused During Finals Week

Have you noticed all the people lying on the grass, basking in the sunshine and enjoying the fresh air on campus lately? It definitely feels like summer is coming! However, along with the sunny weather comes finals week. Read on for some tips to help you stay focused on your final assignments, projects and exams before we can all properly enjoy summer break!

Make a Plan

Overwhelmed by the seemingly endless amount of things you need to get done before the semester ends? You should sit down and make a plan to keep yourself organized and focused on the most important tasks at hand. First, check your Blackboard and class syllabuses and write down any assignments that you still need to complete before classes end; this will give you a clear plan for the short term. Then, visit MySlice and mark down your final exam schedule on your calendar. Don’t forget to make time to study for your exams while you do your best to finish your last few assignments of the semester!

Create a Quiet Study Environment

If you find it difficult to stay focused in a crowded space, individual study rooms in the Bird Library are available for Syracuse University and SUNY-ESF affiliated students to have a personal spot to study. Students can ask about availability, make a reservation and obtain study room keys at the Check Out desk located on the first floor. If you’re working on a group project or studying with a few friends, small group study rooms and team rooms with whiteboard and large screen monitors are also available!

Attend a Tutoring Session

Not feeling confident about a final exam? Do you study better with someone to help guide you? Maybe you just need to properly dedicate time to a specific subject? It might be helpful to get some tutoring from the Center for Learning and Student Success (CLASS)! This semester, CLASS provides group tutoring sessions for 25+ courses, and sessions are held on the Lower Level of Bird Library. Students can learn more and sign up for sessions on the Group Tutoring webpage.

If a final paper is giving you some trouble, the Writing Center offers face-to-face or online appointments for students from various academic and cultural backgrounds to provide assistance for their writing projects. Make an appointment early to save time and minimize stress about your final essay!

Try Out Headspace Meditations

Meditation is a great way to help you maintain or regain your focus. Headspace is a meditation and mindfulness tool available through a mobile app and online. Headspace’s Focus content helps improve focus and minimize distractions through concentration-boosting music, breathing exercises, meditations and more. Free Headspace premium memberships are available to Syracuse University students on a first-come, first-served basis. You can learn more and claim your membership by visiting the Barnes Center at The Arch website.

Stay focused first, and then you can embrace your summer break! If you are feeling anxious or stressed, please visit the Barnes Center’s website or call 315.443.8000 for resources.

Written By Wanshi Zhang ’23, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications

Intramural Sports to Join This Spring

Are you looking for a fun way to get active and connect with your peers this spring? Look no further than the Barnes Center at The Arch’s intramural sports opportunities! Register for a sport by March 17 through the Wellness Portal IMLeagues Platform and reconnect to your childhood, where you played sports solely for the fun of it!

Futsal

Futsal (or indoor soccer) is a great way to exercise and build teamwork with your friends! League options include competitive, recreational and women’s, and you need four people minimum to be recognized as a team. There is no limit to how many people can join. Now go practice your dribble!

Kickball

Reminisce on the days of middle school gym class by joining a kickball league! Kickball offers a competitive and recreational league, and you need at least seven people on a team. Games are played in the Women’s Building Field on Friday evenings or Sunday afternoons. There are still plenty of team slots available, so what are you waiting for?

Tennis

Unleash your inner Serena Williams by joining an intramural tennis league! Tennis offers both doubles and singles matches, so you can compete solo or with a friend. You will be sent an opponent weekly, and both parties will communicate to pick a time and location for the match that works for everyone.

Ultimate Tournament

The intramural ultimate frisbee tournament takes place on Saturday, April 15, from 1-4 p.m. Unlike the other sports on this list, the ultimate tournament’s registration deadline is later on in the semester; just make sure you register by April 12. To participate, simply round up a team of at least five people and show up to the Women’s Building field on the day of the tourney. It’s a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon outside!

Wiffleball

Wiffleball is a scaled-down version of baseball meant to be played in a contained space. Similar to many of the intramurals on the list, this league also offers both a competitive and recreational division. Eight people are required to form a team, and games are played in the Flanagan Gym courts. We know you won’t strike out!

We hope you are interested in at least one of these sports, as intramurals are a perfect way to get active and engage in some friendly competition this spring!

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