Navigating the housing process in college, especially at Columbia, can feel overwhelming. With so many dorm options, it can be tough figuring out which one suits you best. Whether you’re a newly admitted student deciding on your first-choice dorm, or a senior looking for your final spot, we’ve matched Barnard and Columbia dorms with zodiac signs to give you a better sense of their unique vibes. Here’s what you need to know!

With the sun setting before you finish your last class of the day, the wind brisker as you walk back to your dorm, and the increasing difficulty of leaving the comfort of your bed in the mornings, the first signs of winter are upon us. As we leave behind the falling leaves of autumn for a season of bleary eyes and chapped lips, Spectrum is here to help you through the home stretch of the semester.

As you roll out of bed with increasing difficulty, spend longer hours in your room, and sequester yourself in Butler Library late into the night, autumn fatigue may be setting in. Balancing demanding academics and packed social events, like Halloweekend parties, might leave you feeling extra tired and overwhelmed. Don’t worry—Spectrum staff has put together a list of our favorite drinks to keep you energized throughout this busy fall season.

When the struggle to find a seat in Butler Library begins, you know midterm season has arrived. Although it can be intense and stressful, sometimes all you need is a quick, refreshing break to reset your mind.

Is your throat feeling scratchy when you wake up? Have you noticed a chorus of coughs in your crowded calculus lecture? Made your first trip to Columbia Health? From Barnard’s confirmed whooping cough case to the rise in COVID-19, Columbia’s sick season has arrived. But don’t worry—Spectrum has compiled some tips on how to stay healthy on campus and avoid getting sick.

Interested in joining a preprofessional club but not sure where to begin? Don’t be intimidated by the suit-clad students bustling around campus after NSOP. Spectrum breaks down some of the finance, consulting, pre-law, and pre-med clubs on campus, helping you discover the right fit for your interests and goals.

Welcome to Columbia! As you navigate the hustle and bustle of Morningside Heights during NSOP, you might feel a little bit lost and overwhelmed in the new neighborhood. Don’t worry, Spectrum will take you through the different resources that this neighborhood has to offer— from beautiful parks to the best Hungarian bakery in the city.

As finals week inches closer, it seems like an endless path to the finish with a load of exams, semester projects, and papers. Congratulations to all the Columbia seniors on making it to the finish line! If you’re still scouting for spots to capture these last college moments, Spectrum has got you covered with some classic campus and New York City backdrops. Stay tuned, and we’ll share the top spots for those frame-worthy snapshots that shout “college life complete.”

While finals season is undoubtedly stressful and tiring, it’s important to remember that it’s a marathon—not a sprint. Whether you are staring at a half-finished paper on your laptop, battling through a calculus problem set, or just stepping out of your latest exam, it is important to take small, revitalizing breaks. Take this quiz to discover the ideal way to recharge during finals week. And, remember, you’ve got this!

As the school year comes to an end, it’s time to register for classes again. If you are a Columbia College or School of General Studies non-STEM major still needing to fulfill the science requirement or a STEM major looking to explore a less familiar field, Spectrum has you covered with a list of highly-rated classes. Be sure to check these out once the Columbia Core office finalizes appropriate science electives for the upcoming semester.