Columbia students have their tried and true favorite on-campus spots in Morningside Heights. From a Diana bowl to a Blue Java latte, students know what they like and tend to stay loyal to it. Beyond the classics, Columbia’s campus has so many options at our disposal that don’t get the same love—sometimes, for good reason. In order to shed light on some niche spots at Columbia, here are five underground spots that you might consider for your next on-campus adventure.

The anticipated—and for some people, dreaded—time is finally here: Homecoming. What’s supposed to be the most lively and enjoyable day of the year, can often leave Columbia students feeling major fear of missing out.

After months of hard work, Handshake doomscrolling, and awkward coffee chats, you’ve finally secured that coveted academic-year internship. While it may feel like you’re just starting out, you’re beginning to wonder, how long can I keep this up? The last few weeks might’ve looked like waking up at the crack of dawn, going through each day feeling like a zombie, and barely keeping up with your classes. The reality is, working an internship during the school year isn’t as glamorous as it may appear on LinkedIn. You might be struggling with this balance just as much as we are, or you’re weighing the pros and cons of accepting that offer for next semester. However you’re approaching your internship, here are the biggest challenges we’ve faced and a couple of ways you can work toward a balance that suits you.

Every semester, students go through the same cycle: they return to campus, settle into a false sense of security, and then all of a sudden are struck by five midterms and two essays within the same week. Academically, Columbia is challenging, with difficult classes, overwhelming workloads, and neverending competition. As we close out the third week of classes, here are some tips to set yourself up for success this semester. Take advantage of the (relative) calm before the storm, and do all you can to avoid the classic reading week crashout in Butler.

There is no such thing as a universal first-year experience, but there is one thing that’s true for everyone: Things change.

West Harlem residents cast their votes in a series of contentious races on Election Day on Tuesday.

Through a summer initiative from Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s administration, New York City residents can find free and low-cost summer programs in the city. Several of Mamdani’s suggested programs highlight activities West Harlem has to offer, from tennis classes to board game nights.

As yet another school year comes to an end, a mix of emotions lingers in the air: seniors preparing to embark on an entirely new journey, first-years celebrating the completion of their inaugural year, and us, the class of 2028, feeling both the weight and excitement of being halfway done.

It’s almost time. 2:59 p.m. One minute until the death slot of registration. As I login into Vergil for what seems like the most important day in my life, I take a deep breath to gather my thoughts: