As quarantining and self-isolation have drastically shifted where and how we live our lives, some of us may also be experiencing milestones away from those we care about most. If you have a friend who might be spending a special occasion alone, check out these tips on how to show your appreciation from afar, as opposed to physically going out to a store to buy a present.

Apart from the tearful goodbyes and frustrating moving logistics, many students were hit by a financial burden during the emergency move-out procedure as they were asked to leave campus if possible in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether it be for paid labor, storage, or repeated trips to and from a dorm, Columbia provided up to $500 in emergency funding per student. However, for many, this was not enough to cover steep Manhattan prices throughout this process. Below is a list of Columbia—and Barnard—sponsored refunds, student-led drives, and outside funds available for those hit hardest by the COVID-19 emergency move-out.

Seemingly overnight, Zoom went from a relatively unfamiliar video conferencing platform to one of the most popular tools used by universities and workplaces throughout the country. Due to the rapid progression of the coronavirus pandemic, students and professors alike were given little time to transition smoothly into a completely-online class structure; some adapted more quickly than others.

Interviews are undoubtedly an essential part of any application process; and with summer right around the corner, many students are looking for opportunities to work or intern in the city. While bringing up attendance at Columbia or Barnard might be a given in an interview, what exactly sets a student here apart from others at similarly distinguished institutions? What about Columbia is unique to making better future employees? Below are some pointers to help convey exactly that to those interviewers.

Columbia and Barnard are both known for being politically active campuses. With the primaries in full swing and the presidential election right around the corner, you might be looking for how to get involved with political organizations on campus. Let Spectrum’s list guide you!

At nearly $80,000 a year, Columbia’s tuition is one of the highest in the country. How can we, as college students, navigate the big city where tourism inflates the price of a sandwich? Read on for these top tips on how to lead a New York life while keeping your wallet happy.