Returning home for spring break is a great way to unwind and have fun after the busy first half of the semester. For many, it can be a chance to reconnect with family and friends. So, here are some things you can do to relax during your spring break back home:

Exploring and navigating different career paths can be an extremely stressful part of college—especially while balancing your coursework and social life. Luckily, Columbia and Barnard have many resources and opportunities for all the pre-professional fields you could choose! These clubs and societies can help you prepare for your future career while gaining a community of friends and mentors in similar positions and with shared goals. Here is your breakdown of some of the most popular pre-professional tracks.

Every bookworm knows the appeal of wandering through a bookstore, surrounded by the fresh scent of printed pages that tell stories you simply can’t wait to absorb. However, frequent purchases of brand new volumes can be quite damaging for our environment. With some strategic planning, though, you can stay eco-friendly while exploring the city and finding all the books that you were hoping to add to your collection anyway. So, if you’re willing to venture a little further away from campus now that the sun is shining more warmly, make it a day and explore some of our favorite secondhand bookstores!

To anyone who needs to hear it: You’re not alone.

Winter can be one of the best seasons of the year. The holidays are a great time to reunite with family and friends, snack on holiday treats, and take a well-deserved break from the fast pace of college life. However, winter also means less sunlight, gloomier weather, and snow. When dealing with such drastic changes, it’s easy to catch a cold or forget to check in on your mental health. Here are some ways to keep your body and mind healthy and happy this winter!

When you travel to a different country for your education—whether it’s across the pond or the globe—you probably have certain expectations about what your international education will look like. Perhaps shaped by Hollywood films or by a wild imagination, the idea of a fresh start in a new place and community, as a new person, sounds exciting. Romantic. Exhilarating. But the reality that follows these colorful expectations can’t always be anticipated.

With fall now in full swing, festive fun is right around the corner: Halloween and Thanksgiving are almost here, and it’s time to get into the fall spirit! The golden leaves and chilly weather make fall the coziest season of the year, and with cold weather on the way, you may need some cheer close to home. If so, here are some dorm decoration ideas that can spice up your room and ensure a great start to the new season.

Finals season is around the corner! It is important to approach this part of the semester with a good mindset and a pocketful of tips and tricks to help you put your best foot forward. Below are some tips to ensure a happier and more successful experience with finals.

Happy International Women’s Day! March 8 is a day to celebrate the global achievements of women and work toward a more gender-equitable future. So if you want to learn more about female empowerment or contribute to the cause but aren’t sure where to start, check out the resources we have listed below.