Noise isn't always just measured by volume. By living and learning in New York City, we’re constantly in sensory overload as we encounter different sights, smells, and sounds that surround us. This is all noise, and it’s hard to tune it out. On the other hand, being stuck inside during the pandemic has also created a lot of noise inside our heads. Sometimes it's a whisper, a beautiful tune, or maybe even a deafening dissonance. But one thing that’s certain is that this noise, whether we like it or not, does exist.

The sun has started setting earlier and earlier, a sure sign that fall is here. For those who live farther from campus, the sunset is often a consideration for when one commutes from campus or plans meetings. It can often mean choosing between getting home early to save money or taking a costly Uber back. Even if you live closer to campus, early nightfall might stir up uneasy feelings if you’re near a park or on a darker street. This fall, Spectrum has some tips for staying safe around campus and in the city.

Weeks after Columbia’s restrictions on indoor and outdoor gatherings were announced—and later rolled back in part—many students are confused about what restrictions are still in place and how to abide by them. Requirements regarding masking, testing, housing, dining and gathering are all concerns that students must be aware of. To help our readers with the differing policies between the Barnard and Columbia campuses, here is a breakdown of what rules may apply to you.

Life in quarantine meant that we could do everything from one place: wake up, join lectures, call friends, and go to sleep. But, with restrictions loosened and life at Columbia having regained a semblance of normalcy, it might be difficult to re-adjust schedules to compensate for activities such as getting ready for the day or traveling to lectures. Luckily, Spectrum has you covered with our updated guide on managing your time in a closer-to-post-COVID-19 world.

With a full year of online learning under our belts, students new to Columbia have missed out on learning about tales and traditions that are usually passed down from year to year. Here are some of the traditions and lore that every Columbia student must know about:

With the semester coming to a close, there are a number of University-sponsored events that you might want to attend. . These include a discussion of the injustices related to the pandemic, a lecture on the foundations of ethical decision-making, or a conversation about queer liberalism and marginal mobility. With these options, you are likely to find something in line with your personal interests that would enrich your understanding of civic responsibility. Take a look at the event descriptions below, and consider transforming your study break into an educational experience.

This year, Columbia’s summer semester will look different from past years. Due to the pandemic, the University decided to shift the academic calendar so that students could make use of up to three semesters.

COVID-19 hasn’t made dating any easier. As people adjusted to a new lifestyle, relationships and in-person dates around the world have been put on pause. Though Valentine’s day will be different this year, many virtual opportunities have arisen to help couples spend time together. A perk of virtual dating is that it is designed to fit a college student’s budget and schedule, since they rarely involve additional costs or travel time.

Finding and creating lasting memories with your roommate(s) is one of the most exciting parts of college. During a pandemic, it is especially important to be cautious about whom you decide to cohabit with. Roommates can make or break your experience. Murky boundaries can lead to unpleasant exchanges. Based on our own highs and lows, here are tips for choosing a roommate or getting along better with current ones, and a sample roommate contract for you both to talk through!