spectrum: lifestyle

Since classes have been moved online and the whole world seems to have gone under lockdown, seniors have had to face the newfound reality of a virtual graduation. There will be no group pictures on Commencement Day; no personal handshake from University President Bollinger, Barnard President Sian Beilock, or college deans; and no last hugs with the people who defined your college experience.

An online college experience has been a hassle for many, whether it be because of one’s inability to concentrate, the quality of lectures, or just general feelings of isolation. Columbia and Barnard students across the globe can—for the most part—agree that education is better when everyone is together. However, in the absence of regular events and heavy courseloads, the University has gifted its students a double-edged sword: more free time. If you, like many others, are looking for productive ways to spend your newly found hours of the day, try picking up a new language. On top of online programs to help you learn, one of the best ways to practice a language is through listening to others speak. Without further ado, here’s a list of popular foreign films to watch during quarantine season.

As we continue to adjust to life in the era of the coronavirus pandemic, many Columbia and Barnard community members are also in quarantine, which can be particularly draining to physical and mental health. If you’re finding it hard to motivate yourself to complete assignments or to go to sleep at a reasonable time, Spectrum has some advice to keep you physically and mentally healthy during quarantine.

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.

To our seniors:

Valentine’s Day is coming up this Friday, Feb. 14. If you have a date or a partner, then you may be eagerly looking towards the end of the week. If you’re single, however, you might be feeling indifferent towards the holiday or even feeling self-conscious if you don’t have plans. Well, not to worry; being single on Valentine’s Day is totally fine. Here are just a few reasons why:

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.

After your first semester at Columbia, you might feel like you have the hang of things on campus: You know to avoid dining halls at all cost during rush hours, you try your best to arrive early to classes in Hamilton before the elevator line starts to form, and you know how hard it is to find a seat in Butler during midterm and finals seasons. However, life at Columbia can still be difficult to navigate, which is why Spectrum has the answers to any lingering questions you might have.

Finals might be frightful, but the holidays in New York are delightful. The few weeks between Thanksgiving and winter break can be a stressful time for students. Between studying for finals, throwing the last events of the year for clubs, and packing up to go home, we tend to forget that December is also a really fun time of the year—especially in New York. So, if you have some time during reading week, or if you are planning to stay in the city over break, don’t miss out on these festive activities!