spectrum: lifestyle

We know that it’s hard to get out of Columbia’s MoHi bubble to begin with, and even when you want to venture up or downtown, it can be tough to find affordable things to do in New York City. That’s why we made a list where you can make the most of your time at Columbia by exploring all the great spots in the city—while saving money along the way.

With finals quickly approaching, most of us are already stressing about the amount of studying and exams we have coming up. However, as human beings, we’re bound to need a break during finals season, even if just for an hour or two each day. To help you think of some easy, fun, and relaxing things to do to get away from the stressful atmosphere that is ever-present on campus during finals seasons, here are eight study break ideas.

Summer break is almost here, and you’re bound to have a bunch of downtime in the next three months. While you might be doing an internship, taking summer courses at Columbia, or just spending time with friends and family, you should also take some time to relax.

Summer is coming and the long semester is almost over. Sadly, this also means that there are only three episodes of Game of Thrones left, but there is still time to root for your favorite character to sit on the Iron Throne. Even if you don’t watch the show but you recognize yourself or your friends in this article—take this as a sign to give in to the hype and watch Game of Thrones. If you do watch the show and are surprised by the house that you align with, maybe it’s time to rethink your alliances and support your real house.

April is officially upon us, which means warm(er) weather, a brief respite from exams and… Smorgasburg! If you haven’t heard of Smorgasburg, here’s the rundown.

FINALLY. It’s Low Beach season, and nothing goes better with sunshine and friends than a frozen treat! If you’ve already checked out our five favorite ice cream spots in NYC, but are still in search of the perfect sweet snack, here is your sequel. These options are either on campus or close by, and can be easily enjoyed while basking on Low Steps or lying on the Butler lawns.

As everyone’s coming out of their wintertime slump, NYC’s entertainment and social scene are also coming back to life. If you haven’t already noticed from the ever-growing numbers of people lounging on Low Steps and Butler lawns, spring is finally upon us, making it the perfect time to finally venture off campus and explore the city. Whether you’re looking for cute, romantic dates or fun outings with friends, here are 10 things to do in NYC this spring.

As the semester winds down and assignments pile up, it’s important to take care of your own mental health. It is pertinent to practice self-care and develop a better understanding of the resources available you can use in order to improve your own well-being.

With the sun beginning to emerge after what felt like a very long winter, and with spring just around the corner, most students are looking forward to those beautiful days when they can sunbathe. Luckily for Columbia and Barnard students, there are some great spots to enjoy the warmth. Just so you can weigh your options, or in case your normal spot is taken, here’s a list of seven great places to soak up the sun on campus.