Campus Life

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

7 Reasons to Get Involved in Boost the ’Cuse

Boost the ’Cuse, Syracuse University’s giving day, will be bigger than ever! Set during Forever Orange Week, on March 23, 2023, Boost the ’Cuse invites the global Orange community to experience the best of Syracuse University. Not sure what it’s all about? Let us share seven reasons not to miss out!

  1. Scott Hanson broadcast LIVE from campus!
    Starting at 8:44 a.m., Scott Hanson ’93 from NFL RedZone will anchor 16 live shows from Newhouse, with David Barbier ’23 hosting several segments live from Schine and Club 44. Live interviews, prerecorded videos and student performances will offer something for everyone all day long. Catch each show at boostcuse.syr.edu.
  2. Free merch
    What’s better than free merch? NOTHING! Become a Boost VIP (Very Influential Person) and we’ll send swag as a thank you! Being a VIP means making a gift of any amount on March 23, sharing #BoostCuse content on your social channels, and recruiting at least 5 friends to join you as a donor! Visit boostcuse.syr.edu/influencer to make it official.
  3. Crafts across campus AND a 360° photobooth
    Get crafty, we’ll be stamping canvas zipper pouches in Barnes and making personalized pins in Schine. While in either location, grab Boost the ’Cuse branded pennants, charging cables, reusable coffee sleeves and MORE. Don’t forget to check out the 360° photo booth in Schine’s lower atrium by the video wall.
  4. Be a Class Act and join the Countdown to Commencement!
    If you made a gift as part of Class Act, the Class of 2023 giving campaign, join us March 23 from 7-9 p.m. at Club 44 inside the JMA Wireless Dome to celebrate the impact YOU made! We’ll have photo stations, heavy appetizers, and drinks for you to enjoy. Class Act gifts of $20.23 can be made at the door the night of 3.23.23 at Club 44.
  5. Hidden Ottos
    Find one of twenty hidden Ottos and win a prize! Check @SyracuseU social for clues on where plush stuffed Ottos are hidden around campus throughout Forever Orange Week. If you find an Otto, follow the instructions, win a prize pack, and designate dollars to a fund of your choice, graciously provided by generous alumni. Oh, did we mention, you get to keep the plush Otto?!
  6. Support the part of campus that’s important to you.
    Boost the ’Cuse takes all of ’cUSe, and we want you to support any area that you’re passionate about. You can donate to the fund that speaks the most to you on 3.23.23 by visiting boostcuse.syr.edu, clicking ‘give now’ and choosing a specific school or program.
  7. Happy Birthday ’Cuse!
    At the end of the 16 live shows, we’ll sign off by singing Happy Birthday to Syracuse University! Founded on March 24, 1870, Syracuse turns 153 this year and doesn’t look a day over 30! Although this officially is the end to Boost the ’Cuse, it’s the beginning of the birthday celebration that will take place in Schine on March 24 at 2 p.m.

Now that you’ve read seven different reasons to be involved on 3.23.23, can we count on YOU to BOOST THE ’CUSE?

Discover Spiritual Wellness at Syracuse University

March is Spiritual Wellness Month, making it a perfect time to nurture this Dimension of Wellness. Between juggling classes, extracurriculars, jobs and a social life, it can be easy for spiritual wellness to take a backseat. With so much to keep track of as a student, checking in on your spiritual health can feel almost impossible, not to mention a bit daunting. What even is spiritual wellness, and how can Syracuse University students practice it?

Defining Spiritual Wellness

Spiritual wellness refers to the art of connecting to yourself and the world around you, and finding a greater sense of purpose. Oftentimes spiritual wellness is seen as a purely religious practice, but anyone can be in tune with their spiritual well-being. Spiritual wellness can look like practicing mindfulness, working towards a cause you find meaningful or practicing your religious belief, but it is truly limitless. What’s great about spiritual wellness is that it helps us establish meaning in our lives, which is something college students often grapple with. Without the identity of a student or the safety of a job, what is our purpose? How can you even find it?

Enter Hendricks Chapel, Syracuse University’s spiritual heart of campus. Led by Hendricks dean Rev. Brian Konkol, the chapel is filled with opportunities to help you find the kindness and spiritual wellness you may be seeking. “As students experience the pressure to succeed despite mass disruptions in the world around them, one can credibly contend that a sustained commitment to spiritual well-being has never been more important. I am encouraged to witness an increasing number of students exploring their spiritual mission and identity,” says Konkol. “By nourishing an awareness and appreciation of the inner-life, learners can explore who they are, embrace where they are and discern how to do good while also being well.”

Hendricks Chapel serves community members of all spiritual practices (and those without any) through weekly programming, events, the Hendricks Chapel Food Pantry, the Student Opportunity Plan and hosting People’s Place. The goal of Hendricks is to support all Syracuse University community members in their own spiritual wellness journey, and for many students, offers solace, positivity and a place to call home. If you find yourself wanting to do a spiritual wellness check-in during Spiritual Wellness Month, read on to find out what spiritual resources campus has to offer.

Matters That Matter

Matters That Matter is an online conversation series that examines critical matters in today’s society. In an increasingly polarized world, Dean Konkol invites thought leaders as guests to discuss what the future holds for students and our community at large. If you’re looking for an empathetic and honest conversation, keep your eyes peeled on the chapel’s Facebook page for upcoming Matters That Matter events, or check out past conversations on Hendricks Chapel’s YouTube channel.

Music and Message

Music and Message is a weekly series that features music and brief reflections from diverse religious and spiritual perspectives. This series is meant to “nurture the soul and ignite the spirit,” and serves as weekly inspiration for those who attend. Catch Music and Message in person on Sundays at 4 p.m. or on the Hendricks Chapel YouTube channel.

People’s Place Cafe

Grab a cup of coffee and a treat at People’s Place Cafe! Located in Hendricks Chapel, People’s Place offers a warm and friendly atmosphere that is sure to lift your spirits. Chat with friends, listen to some music or get homework done, all in an inclusive and welcoming space.

Meet with a Chaplain

The chaplains at Hendricks are always ready to lend an ear. If you have some faith-related questions, are going through some personal struggles or just want to talk, you can schedule an appointment to talk to a chaplain or stop by the Chaplains’ Suite. You don’t need to be religious to meet with a chaplain, you just need to be ready for a good conversation!

Malmgren Concert Series

The Malmgren Concert Series offers the Syracuse community a chance to see some of the most amazing performances for free. With a diverse line-up of performers ranging from jazz to contemporary spirituals, check out the Hendricks Chapel website to see dates and times. Come get inspired!

Faith Communities and Weekly Services

Hendricks Chapel houses nine chaplaincies across five global religions, with the mission to grow the spiritual and ethical lives of students, faculty and staff. The chaplains prioritize inclusive and welcoming conversations, often encouraging community members to learn to listen to those with different beliefs. To learn more about the Hendricks chaplaincies and find out weekly meeting times and programming, visit the Hendricks Chapel website.

Student Religious and Spiritual Groups

Hendricks Chapel also hosts an array of different student religious and spiritual groups! You don’t have to already be religious or spiritual to check out student groups, so if you find one that interests you, feel free to attend a meeting! Many students find their lifelong friends in these groups, and it’s a great way to reconnect with yourself and your beliefs. You can find more information about all of the student religious and spiritual groups on the Hendricks Chapel website.

Wellness Leadership Institute Workshops

The Barnes Center at The Arch’s Wellness Leadership Institute (WLI) hosts over 50 free workshops that explore all facets of the Barnes Center’s Dimensions of Wellness, including spiritual wellness. This semester, WLI workshops that focus on spiritual wellness include Awareness Yoga and Meditation, Habit of Prayer, Meditation and Mindfulness Activities and SoulTalk. Learn more and register for these or other WLI workshops by visiting the Syracuse University Wellness Portal.

A fulfilling spiritual life doesn’t have to look a certain way—it just has to be right for you. Whether you’re feeling a little lost or you know exactly what you’re looking for, stop by Hendricks Chapel. Hendricks staff are more than happy to grab a coffee, take a break and encourage you!

Written By Binaka Norris ’23, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications

3 Resources to Check Out for Sexual Health Awareness Month

It’s Sexual Health Awareness Month—or as our peer educators call it, “Frisky February”—and The Peel’s compiled three resources to check out that promote sexual health, sex positivity, consent and more.

Peer Educators Encouraging Healthy Relationships and Sexuality

Speaking of peer educators, the Barnes Center at The Arch is home to the Peer Educators Encouraging Healthy Relationships and Sexuality (PEEHRS) who promote dialogue and educate the campus community on topics including consent, healthy relationships, prosocial bystander intervention, sexual health and pleasure. Interested in getting involved in peer education? The deadline to apply is February 10!

Safer Sex Express

Safer Sex Express is a sexual health supply ordering service that provides students with access to free supplies spanning condoms, dental dams, lubricants and more. You can order supplies online and pick them up at the Barnes Center, or have them discreetly delivered to your residence hall mailbox.

Workshops

Workshops and educational opportunities offer ways to learn more about sexual health, healthy relationships, consent and bystander intervention strategies. This month, the LGBTQ Resource Center is hosting a Kink 101 workshop on Feb. 11, featuring licensed therapist Cheyenne Taylor and covering communication, safety and consent. On Feb. 21, the Wellness Leadership Institute will host a prevent, support and report workshop to help attendees build a solid understanding of consent, learn bystander intervention strategies, and raise awareness about resources on campus. Look out for a Let’s Get Frisky workshop from the PEEHRS this month that covers all things sexual health, relationships, pleasure and consent. You can also connect with the Barnes Center peer educators, interns and staff during regular pop-up Health Hubs (follow @BeWellSU on Instagram for locations each week), providing fun, interactive activities on different health and wellness topics.

5 Reasons to Participate in the Community Police Academy

This semester, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) is running a community police academy (CPA)! The CPA is a free four-week program designed to give Syracuse University students, faculty and staff an idea of what it’s like to protect and serve the campus community. Each CPA session consists of weekly classes at Lyman Hall, where participants will discuss DPS programs, policies and procedures. CPA students will learn more about how DPS operates, and CPA graduates will be able to share insights into DPS with their friends and colleagues. Read on for five reasons you should apply to participate in the CPA!

Gain an Improved Understanding of DPS

The CPA provides an opportunity to acquire a deeper understanding of the role of law enforcement and the challenges faced by DPS peace officers.

Build Relationships

Attending the four-week CPA program can help strengthen relationships between DPS officers and the campus community. It helps build trust and understanding between the officers and the students, faculty and staff that they serve.

Acquire Hands-On Experience

CPA participants often get hands-on experience with different aspects of policing, including crime scene investigation, fire safety training, traffic control, CPR basics and defensive tactics for self-protection.

Experience Personal Growth

Participation in the CPA can help you build confidence and boldness. It also allows you to better your understanding of the situations of others.

Open Up New Career Possibilities

For those considering a career in law enforcement, attending the CPA can provide valuable insight into the field. The CPA also serves as an opportunity to network with officers and others who share a similar interest in law enforcement.

Overall, the CPA can provide a unique and valuable experience for Syracuse University community members! Applications for the CPA are open now and close Friday, Feb. 10. Applicants must be 18+ years old, a member of the Syracuse University community and be able to pass a background check. The Spring 2023 CPA sessions start on Wednesday, Feb. 15, and will be held each Wednesday through March 8 at 5:30-8:30 p.m. in 126 Lyman Hall. Participants should plan to attend all session meetings. Visit the CPA webpage to learn more and submit your application!

Written By John Sackey ’27 Ph.D., College of Engineering and Computer Science

How to Provide Feedback on DPS Policies

The Community Review Board (CRB), responsible for reviewing and commenting on prospective new Department of Public Safety (DPS) policies, procedures and trainings, is hosting a webinar next week to go over two changes that DPS wants to make to their policies, and they want YOUR feedback!

So what are the changes?

  1. A revision to an existing policy designed to provide DPS guidance for arrests made in academic classrooms and settings.
  2. A new policy to ensure DPS compliance to disclose potential exculpatory and impeachment evidence in criminal cases.

Join the CRB on Wednesday, Feb. 1, from 6-7 p.m., for a webinar titled “Community Review Board (CRB) Public Meeting Regarding Prospective SOPs,” where representatives from DPS and CRB will present the policies and revisions. Attendees will have an opportunity to submit questions during the session. Registration for the webinar is not required; attendees can join via Zoom.

If you can’t attend, you can still review the proposed revisions online [PDF] and send any questions or feedback to CRB@syr.edu.

For more information, visit the CRB webpage or contact the CRB directly by emailing CRB@syr.edu.