{shortcode-10712b6f0de9900ef210f06b69c7d50b2912c98f}
\r\n\r\nThis Valentine’s Day, whatever you’re in the mood for, we’ve got you covered. Whether it be chilling with friends (#galentine’s), figuring out how to ask out your crush, or planning a special date night, check out Flyby’s Valentine’s Day 2023 Playlist for the inspiration, vibes, and feels to set the mood.
\r\n\r\n{shortcode-c669b82df2e7576bb7bf1385a04751bfdb958a3f}
', [{shortcode-80c610ee6610a584df2a9685bd36865762b70d1c}The whole thing about being gay is, you can’t really do it alone. I can say I’m a lesbian until the day I die, but as long as I’m single, I’m just a girl with a questionable haircut and a carabiner on my (left) belt loop. And no day adds insult to this injury quite like Valentine’s Day.
\r\n\r\nFirst of all, who decided that Valentine’s Day merch would share half of its colors with the lesbian flag? Yes, we do own the color pink, thank you very much. Plus, teddy bears holding hearts are inherently sapphic. The masculine bear in a softer, plusher form, holding a classic feminine symbol of love? That’s a masc lesbian.
\r\n\r\nAdditionally, Valentine’s Day removes an advantage lesbians usually have over straight men. Normally, lesbians are much better at being romantic, because we have a better idea of what women enjoy and less toxic masculinity. But on Valentine’s Day, men remember that they’re supposed to bring chocolates to their Valentine, whereas if I do it, it just seems to her like any other Tuesday!
\r\n\r\nWorst of all, on Valentine’s Day I have to look at straight people more than usual, because they’re all out and about. Ew. Remind me to stay in my dorm on the fateful day.
\r\n\r\nI’ll stop now, because my dad reads these, and also because if the people on the other side of my internship applications find this by googling my name, I don’t want them to think I’m weird. People are obviously not obligated to date me. But that does not mean that I am not bitter. I am bitter. I’m just saying, I have a lot to offer. Yes, I may have some commitment issues. But clearly I don’t have commitment issues when it comes to THE BIT.
\r\n\r\nAnd now, to connect this all to Harvard so that Hana and Tina will put my rant in the feature, which I acknowledge that they have no real reason to do, I will say that I will be doing Datamatch. If you can relate to this article, my DM’s are open, ladies.
\r\n\r\n(To avoid the predatory lesbian stereotype, I will also say that this is all a joke. Don’t come for me!)
', [{shortcode-87501974ae4a61c5d430fe303c427f8aaf9ea333}If you’re single this Valentine’s Day, a) you’re not alone, and b) you don’t have to feel alone, because Flyby is here with some handy tips for single people to survive Valentine’s Day, also known as Singles Awareness Day (S.A.D.). There is no need to turn into the Grinch (Valentine’s Day Version) because love is all around, so here’s how to embrace self-love, friend love, family love, food love, pset love and so on.
\r\n\r\nTreat Yourself!
\r\n\r\nValentine’s Day is supposed to be about treating that special someone in your life, and the person who you should love the most, the real BAE, is yourself. Self-love is the best love, so take this as your sign to spoil yourself. Retail therapy always works, so you might as well buy yourself that Keurig or those headphones that you have had your eye on. You know what else is perfect for filling your Valentine’s Day void? A decadent dessert. The Square has plenty of options, like Amorino Gelato, Mike’s Pastries, Milk Bar, and Zinneken’s (but beware of the couples). Look on the bright side: instead of spending money on someone else, you can splurge on yourself.
\r\n\r\nRemember the good things about being single.
\r\n\r\nBeing single has its perks. You may be single on Valentine’s this year, but at least you’re not chasing a red flag. You have more time for your friends, family, and hobbies. You don’t have to share your food, ever. Your phone battery isn’t getting drained from calls and texts. You can watch whatever movie you want. You can literally do whatever you want with whoever you want. There’s no drama, no judgment, and no worries. You have so much freedom, so make the most out of being single now.
\r\n\r\nOn the other hand, you can also wallow.
\r\n\r\nIf trying to ignore the fact that you’re single, lonely, and sad doesn’t work, then embrace the misery. Hide away from heart decorations and lovey-dovey couples by staying in, ordering some unhealthy food, and watching something. All Netflix, no chill. Surprisingly, there are a lot of Valentine’s horror movies out there, like “My Bloody Valentine,” and romcoms like “How to Be Single” can be a great escape. Give yourself some time to feel your feelings because as soon as Feb. 15 comes around, the pity party is over, and you’re back to the reality of being a busy academic weapon.
\r\n\r\nDo what YOU love!
\r\n\r\nWhat’s a better day to practice the self-love first philosophy than the most loving day of the year? You get to be selfish on this day. You can dress to impress yourself. You can revisit some of the hobbies you love but never seem to have time for these days. You can hang out with your friends and throw a Galentine’s/Palentine’s party. Make it a happy day by ending it with some well-deserved me time. Put on your favorite pajamas and have a scrumptious meal in the comfort of your own dorm. Food will always be your Valentine. Food will never leave you.
\r\n\r\nIt’s normal to struggle with Valentine’s Day if you’re single. If you have been dreading Feb. 14 approaching, hopefully these tips can help you out. If all else fails, you can always use Taylor Swift’s “How You Get The Girl” as a last resort to win the affection of your class crush.
', [{shortcode-c4b7b42bd1524ae042496fe3246cc7310403d344}It’s been a while, but Flyby is back with our first feature of the year! With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, we’re here to guide you through this holiday season, whether it be by yourself, a potential boo, or your closest friends. Make this day yours!
\r\n\r\nRead our Will They, Won't They here!
\r\n\r\nRead our Single & Vibing here!
', [{shortcode-08574c75399f54a5f9066d0bcf4d50e2baaea2ab}As hard as it may be to believe, it is already February, and that means that it is the perfect time of year to express your love and admiration for those around you! The only thing is… since we’re at Harvard, we do things a little differently. Manifestations of the five love languages are present all around campus, and even if you don’t know it yet, you’ve definitely experienced them all.
\r\n\r\nPHYSICAL TOUCH — Touching knees on the 9:25 am shuttle to the SEC
\r\n\r\nPhysical touch, out of all of the different love languages, is for sure the most bold. Come on, you’re literally IN CONTACT with someone — they’re going to know what's going on. Fret not! Harvard students have found a way around this issue through ~knee contact~. Hear me out. You’ve all been there in lecture, on the shuttle, or even in the dhall when someone else's knee just *happens* to brush against yours. And neither of you move. Yeah, that's what I’m talking about. Discreet but effective. Just a little reassurance that someone is there with you. Bonus points if you’re on the morning shuttle to the SEC, just because it's a little more spicy of an adventure.
\r\n\r\nWORDS OF AFFIRMATION — Gradescope CA Comments
\r\n\r\nWe see some of you ramping up your workload with three (or even four!) pset classes this semester, and I have to tell you: I totally get it. Well, not in the sense of wanting to torture myself with that type of workload (even though I’m currently in three pset classes…), but for the extra sense of validation through Gradescope. CAs keep it real. They’ll tell you the good and be brutally honest about the bad. On my math midterm I got a comment that said, “This is not how fractions work,” and to be honest, I totally needed that. But when they tell you the good, it is so good. I feel so loved by the quirky little reassuring phrases left on a PDF during ungodly hours of the night. Seeing “ACADEMIC WEAPON” in the comments bar truly makes me feel warm inside.
\r\n\r\nQUALITY TIME — Sitting in the Math Question Center (MQC) until ungodly hours of the night
\r\n\r\nLook, being in any sort of office hours that start after the dhalls close is definitely less than ideal, do not get me wrong. But the thing is, trauma bonding is unmatched. You know that you’re going to be in that room until you’re kicked out, only to have to relocate to one of the 24-hour libraries, where you’re going to end up in conversation about how late it is and how you all should have started working earlier, just to end up further behind on the questions that you originally were looking to get help with. Not the best situation, but one that makes you feel heard, that you are not alone in your nightly struggle of making the 8:30 a.m. deadline. Grinding in general has the same effect, whether it be in a library, someone’s dorm, or even one of those remote tables on the side of the third and fourth floor of the Science Center (a personal fav, especially the one by the meat freezer). Kinda cute, idk.
\r\n\r\nACTS OF SERVICE — Saving a seat for someone in the crowded dhall or lecture hall (no seriously, why are they so crowded right now…)
\r\n\r\nHonestly, meals are an extremely vulnerable time. The same is true with the moments right before a packed lecture. You’re tired, you’re hungry, you’re cold, and your social battery is running low. The fact of the matter is, you’re not at your best. The last thing you want to do is to actively search for people that you know and see if there is an open seat near them (knowing that there probably isn’t and you’re going to have to figure out an entirely new plan). If someone saves you a seat, you know that they truly care about you. Honestly, just marry them on the spot.
\r\n\r\nGIFT GIVING – Sharing extra free merch from campus
\r\n\r\nLet’s be real, everybody loves free stuff. There’s just something so wonderful about not having to pay for things (in a non-klepto way, obviously). Luckily for us on campus, there are many opportunities for free grabs, both in class and around campus. We see you with the “I Took CS50” shirts, the CEB sweatshirts, and now the “Let’s Talk LS1B Hats” (I actually don’t know if these are open to the general public yet, but I think I need one). Next time you come across free merch, grab extra for someone you care about. That’s true love — sharing the excitement of free goodies is an unmatched feeling. Extra points if the goodies are Harvard themed, because who would we be if we weren’t constantly advertising our school? Make that tuition do its work.
\r\n\r\nThere you have it, the five love languages as they are represented across campus in their silly little ways. Next time you see someone grabbing an extra Insomnia Cookie from a club fair, or putting their jacket on the chair next to them rather than their own, you’ll be able to recognize what is really going on. Harvard does it better, even at love (don’t fact check me on this).
', [{shortcode-636985bf6c67141ff9a72d1e27fb8f4ce924dbd6}Having trouble navigating Valentine’s Day in the modern dating world? Don’t know whether to send your class crush a Valentine’s Day Card Meme or a heart-shaped Jefe’s Gift Card? Consult Flyby’s flowchart!
', [{shortcode-4092e9e1505f1372fd90b49517667470adb91c0b}You asked — we answered. Okay no one really asked, except for my roommate and maybe me, asking myself. Do you find yourself sitting in the dhall for the entirety of the time it’s open for dinner so that you can authentically meet that one person you’re thinking of even right now? Perhaps it’s the person you really just want to call and blurt out that you’re in love with them…but that would be an issue considering you only met last week. Whatever the case may be, your roommates and the entire world want to talk to you without you glancing left and right to catch a glimpse of that special someone.
DON’T: wait for them to come join you in the dhall.
\r\n\r\nDon’t pretend to do homework in the dhall from the second it opens until they walk in, only to then ask them to grab that meal with you. You have better things to do than sit there and think about them while everyone else is getting the new HUDS grill specials.
\r\n\r\nDO: travel all the way to the SEC — out of sight, out of mind this person.
\r\n\r\nUnless they’re taking all of their classes in the SEC, it’s pretty safe to say that spending a day here means you have limited chances of running in with them. Avoid the Yard at all costs and any of the River houses. Maybe you’ll get the chance to think about something that isn’t them (like all the new Trader Joe’s snacks).
\r\n\r\nDON’T: stalk them on social media.
\r\n\r\nIf you want to stop thinking about them, it definitely isn’t the best idea to find their last 10 exes or their mom’s coworker’s aunt’s neighbor’s address. It also would not be the most advisable to find out their star sign and start calculating how compatible the two of you may or may not be.
\r\n\r\nDO: set up your Datamatch account.
\r\n\r\nIt may be time to meet new people. Whether friends or lovers, Datamatch can help you find the one for you — let the algorithm do its thing and find you the next person you may be reading advice for hanging out with for a super platonic walk around the Square.
DON’T: call them… or text them… and definitely not at 2 a.m.
\r\n\r\nThe best trick I ever learned was changing their contact number to your own phone number. That’s right, go ahead and call them. It won’t lead to anyone but you. No more texting that ex at 2 a.m. or the potential person that you could kinda see yourself dating down the hall.
\r\n\r\nDO: call your parents.
\r\n\r\nYou know what’s a great thing to do? Call home. Call your parents or your siblings. Let them ask you how you’re doing and maybe, you can even let them nag you. If you’re completely showered by love (or complaints), you hopefully won’t have the mental capacity to think about your crush/the one that got away/the situationship you need answers to.
\r\n\r\nDON’T: watch that one clip of you two.
\r\n\r\nDo not rewatch that one clip your friend took of you and them at that one party last week. They weren’t looking at you with puppy dog eyes, they were making sure you wouldn’t step on their new shoes as you tripped down the hall.
\r\n\r\nDO: watch a rom com.
\r\n\r\nConsider watching He’s Just Not That Into You, Valentine’s Day, or When Harry Met Sally. Pop some popcorn, call your roomies down to the common room, huddle around that one 13” laptop screen and immerse yourself in the movie completely.
\r\n\r\nDON’T: apply to the research village just because they’re applying to it.
\r\n\r\nThe entire time you’re applying to PRIMO, SHARP, or [insert one of the many other research programs], you’ll be thinking about how nice it would be to grab a meal together by the river after a long day of doing…research? With that said, don’t apply to any of your internships based on the location you think they may be this summer. That will not get them out of your head.
\r\n\r\nDO: your pset.
\r\n\r\nIf you’re crying about Chem 27, you can’t be thinking about them. At least, you really shouldn’t be. Go to office hours, re-watch the lecture, and call someone who can help you understand arrow pushing (no, not cupid arrows). You don’t need them — you need to submit this pset by 8:59 a.m.
\r\n\r\nDO: get out of the situationship.
\r\n\r\nThe way to get out of the situationship is painfully simple. Have a conversation with them, talk about what they’re looking for and what you’re thinking about. On second thought…yeah…maybe don’t do this one.
\r\n\r\nIf you make sure to follow all of these Do’s and Don’ts, you’ll probably still be thinking about them surely get them out of your head. While it isn’t always easy to snap out of it, we promise there are better things to think about at 4 a.m. (and 4 p.m.) than what that person may be doing right now. For example, you could…you could…you could?
{shortcode-4fc835356226aeedb5a6b0ece0c79ed0682f815c}Are you feeling lonely? Are you looking for a new friend or something more *wink wink*? Well have no fear, Datamatch is here!
\r\n\r\nDatamatch is a matchmaking app that was founded at Harvard in 1994 where students can opt to fill out a survey to find love or even maybe a ~friend~. Every year, the Algorithm manages to “match” 50,000 students, spread over 40 campuses, to someone they can hopefully tolerate. Also, you have a pretty good chance of matching with your crush, seeing that 80 percent of Harvard undergraduates participate in this opportunity to shoot their shot.
\r\n\r\nWe sat down with this year’s cupids, Chelsea E. Guo ’24 and Alex V. Cheng ’24 to get the inside scoop on the survey most Harvard students are guaranteed to fill out.
\r\n\r\nThe Breakdown:
\r\n\r\nMaybe you’ve been living under a rock (or a pile of chocolate), but if you’re not really sure how Datamatch works, we’ve got you covered ;)
\r\n\r\nCEG: What happens is on Feb. 7, which is coming up very soon, we send out this really funny survey that has a bunch of inside jokes and cultural references. People take it, they fill it out throughout the week, they play with our website, and then on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, they get a list of 10 algorithmically selected matches, and they get little coupons and they get to go on free dates with people in Harvard Square.
\r\n\r\nAVC: For those people that are already cuffed, they also have a friendship option as well. So, if they want to just look for a Datamatch and get algorithmically matched for platonic friendship, that’s definitely an option for them to sign up as well.
\r\n\r\nWhat You Need to Know:
\r\n\r\nSo maybe you’re thinking, ‘Huh, how can I take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to finally not be lonely anymore?’ Here are two features the Cupids recommend:
\r\n\r\nCEG: One of them is Crush Roulette. So that’s the thing where if you put in two people’s emails — it could be your own email, or it could be your friend's email, and their crush too — you get a slightly higher chance of getting matched by the algorithm. So yeah, it’s super fun. Like, people have been making jokes about it. We always get asked, can you just hardcode my match for me — which we can’t, but that’s the closest option: to use Crush Roulette.
\r\n\r\nCEG: The other thing is our block list. So sometimes people are like, “I don’t want to be with my toxic ex,” or “I’m so afraid I’m going to run into so-and-so,” you know, a sneaky link or whatever. So yeah, you can put in somebody’s email on the block list as well. And then we’ll make sure that you don't get matched with them — so, safety precaution.
\r\n\r\nWhat You Have Been Waiting For:
\r\n\r\nIf you’ve been at Harvard and single for a while, you probably knew all that already, so here’s what you’ve actually clicked on this article for:
\r\n\r\nHEK: Do you have any dating advice for the people?
\r\n\r\nCEG: Alex is actually dating one of his Datamatch matches.
\r\n\r\nAVC: I feel like Datamatch isn’t like a super serious thing, and that kind of helps with dating.
\r\n\r\nAVC: At Harvard, people are always like, “Oh, dating takes up too much time. I don’t want to commit to one person because it just takes too much time and I don’t want to put that investment in.” But I feel like dating should be viewed as more of a fun thing. It's not necessarily some super serious thing. Like my current girlfriend, I matched with her and she was, I think she was like my last match. But I decided to reach out anyway. And we’d known each other beforehand. But yeah, just shoot your shot, like it doesn’t really matter. And like, no one really cares so you might as well just try — it never hurts to try.
\r\n\r\nCEG: Yeah, I think that’s one of the most important takeaways. You never know what’s going to happen. So don’t be afraid to shoot your shot.
\r\n\r\nAK: What does love mean to you?
\r\n\r\nCEG: I have been very happy to have been surrounded by so much love in Datamatch, to be completely honest. As leads, Alex and I have been working really hard to try to make sure that our team dynamic and that our members and our leads really enjoy the work that they’re doing. And honestly, I’m feeling a lot of love in Datamatch. I feel like we all take care of each other very well. We work very hard together. I feel love in the not romantic sense, right, in a more platonic sense, or taking care of each other and really supporting each other with everything that we’re doing. That is a definition of love that I’ve been feeling a lot this year.
\r\n\r\nAVC: Yeah, I think that's a pretty great definition.
\r\n\r\nHEK: If you could describe your type with a Harvard house, which house would it be?
\r\n\r\nCEG: Oh. Mine is gonna be a hot take. I love Currier and I love Currier dining hall. Everybody gives it so much hate because they say it looks old. But I think it looks very warm. It looks very inviting. I love the green. So I would say my type is totally Currier, specifically Currier dining hall.
\r\n\r\nAVC: I think I'm gonna go with Adams because I'm in Adams and my girlfriend also got lotteried into Adams after we started dating. So I think I have to go with Adams, or else it would not be right.
\r\n\r\nSo that’s a wrap on our Datamatch coverage this year featuring the lovely Cupids. Be bold, make the first move, and stay safe out there. May the algorithm treat you well and the odds be ever in your favor.
', [{shortcode-1eba471406eff7070d38cd9df3fd1ea1c18d9d6a}You promised yourself you would save money this semester. But the constant self affirmations of “I am an academic weapon” and “they’re just busy, they’ll text me back later” weren’t enough. And here you are now, holding an overpriced cuppa Joe, wondering how it has only been two weeks. Read on to find out what your analgesic of choice says about you <3
', [{shortcode-7275f463bef79a94594299de4cf753f7205b4125} If you have ever met me, you know I am a rather archetypal English student. So much so, in fact, that I am in my fourth semester at this university, and the largest lecture I have ever attended was 80 students. Recently, it was brought to my attention that this is not the experience of a typical Harvard student. So, I decided to check out a big lecture just to see what I was missing.
\r\n\r\nOn Friday, Feb. 3, in the record-breaking cold, I trekked to the Science Center to attend Life Sciences 1B, a class that I understood to be full of hundreds of depressed premeds. I walked into Science Center B, where I encountered truly every freshman I know.
\r\n\r\nImmediately, I was impressed with the production value — a GIF fire was roaring on the projector screen and some fun music was playing. The professor was dancing around in the front. Maybe this wouldn’t be so bad. But then, I saw the lecture topic was gene editing.
\r\n\r\nI sat down near the back so as to remain inconspicuous. Suddenly, I panicked: I haven’t done the reading! But the lecture was about to begin. Here are my thoughts throughout the lecture, in real time:
\r\n\r\n1:31 p.m.
\r\n\r\n“You could have gone to a different school.” — The professor. Yikes. I mean, true. Also, this is a truly crazy number of people all in one class.
\r\n\r\n1:33 p.m.
\r\n\r\nWhy is everyone talking? Why is everyone on their phones? This does not happen in seminars. I’m scared.
\r\n\r\n1:35 p.m.
\r\n\r\nThe professor keeps walking up into the aisles and it seems ominous. Is he going to cold call? I, again, am not actually in this class.
\r\n\r\n1:40 p.m.
\r\n\r\nSomeone in my row is raising her hand. The professor either hasn’t seen her, or he did and didn’t call on her. She’s been raising her hand for several minutes. I feel bad for her.
\r\n\r\n1:43 p.m.
\r\n\r\nHE SAW HER! Why is he running away…. WHY IS HE THROWING A YELLOW CUBE AT HER?!
\r\n\r\n1:44 p.m.
\r\n\r\nOh. It’s a microphone. And she caught it! Go her. I would never catch it. I would never ask a question in this class, because I’d be scared about not catching the cube.
\r\n\r\n1:53 p.m.
\r\n\r\nApparently we are not messing with heritable genome editing, which I think means no eugenics. Good.
\r\n\r\n1:54 p.m.
\r\n\r\n“Maybe down the road, but not now,” was the final word on heritable gene editing. Uh oh.
\r\n\r\n2:01 p.m.
\r\n\r\nI’ve finally pinpointed what this experience is reminding me of. This lecture has Ted Talk energy.
\r\n\r\n2:02 p.m.
\r\n\r\nWe’re talking about antibodies. Ooof. Wait — the professor just did a little voice pretending to be the coronavirus. I appreciate the theatrics. It did not get nearly enough of a laugh. To be fair, I didn’t laugh.
\r\n\r\n2:04 p.m.
\r\n\r\nThe Wi-Fi in this room is so bad, because several hundred people are on their laptops and iPads and phones all at the same time. I’m just trying to load my little magazine to read because this class is so boring.
\r\n\r\n2:06 p.m.
\r\n\r\nThe professor asked for an example of a palindrome and about a hundred people yelled “RACE CAR!” at him.
\r\n\r\n2:10 p.m.
\r\n\r\nHe asked for a drum roll and nobody gave him one. :(
\r\n\r\n2:16 p.m.
\r\n\r\nOh my god. He said there would be a question and everybody pulled out their phones. Does this question count for points? This seems kind of high stakes. A bunch of people are wearing white hats right now and walking around, asking people what they think the answer is. Cult vibes, for sure.
\r\n\r\n2:18 p.m.
\r\n\r\nIt’s over. That was harrowing.
\r\n\r\n2:27 p.m.
\r\n\r\n“What’s the point of bringing back [d0d0s] if their habitat is gone? Probably good eating.” — The professor.
\r\n\r\n2:30 p.m.
\r\n\r\nIt has taken an hour for the novelty to wear off. I’m ready to leave. I think the people behind me are also ready to leave. They’re passing TikToks back and forth.
\r\n\r\n2:34 p.m.
\r\n\r\nI just saw the craziest GCal of all time on the girl in front of me’s computer. There’s a whole day where I only see one tiny sliver of white space. It’s color-coded in extremely bright primary colors. I’m scared.
\r\n\r\n2:35 p.m.
\r\n\r\nAnother question, but it’s an all-of-the-above situation. Even I know this one.
\r\n\r\n2:41 p.m.
\r\n\r\nBasically everybody is talking even though the lecture is still going. Am I going insane? I want this freedom! But also I think I’d die if everybody talked through all my classes.
\r\n\r\n2:44 p.m.
\r\n\r\nOMG he just mentioned a book! “Brave New World.” Maybe we all aren’t so different after all <3.
\r\n\r\n2:45 p.m.
\r\n\r\nEverybody just started to leave and then he told them to stay. Yeah. Maybe classes aren’t all so different.
\r\n\r\nWell, I can only say that this has been an… enlightening experience. I’m happy I chose peace and don’t have to take giant classes like this. If you can’t avoid them, my heart goes out to you. Time to go back to the lovely Barker Center where the vibes are good and I get to discuss fun little books with my fifteen closest friends!
', [{shortcode-8a615bd7765824805437a2cdfd8ba4c7df103af8} While America runs on Dunkin’, Harvard runs on Peet’s. You are what you drink, and sometimes, overhearing someone’s Peet’s order tells you all that you need to know about them. Everyone has a go-to drink, and here’s what some of them say about you. Take this with a grain of salt, or sugar. ;)
\r\n\r\nCold Brew Coffee
\r\n\r\nYou have progressed past the need for sleep. Who needs sleep when you have a cold brew? You are unstoppable when the cold brew hits, and dare I say that even Math 55 is no match for you. You are getting that degree, no matter what! C’s get degrees, but only A’s get praise. You’re getting that homework done, even if it means studying at Lamont 24/7/365! That being said, if you really are a cold brew regular, you might be dead inside. In that case, please seek some help. You could also get a stronger cold brew, but in that case, you might need to seek some professional help for that self-destructive behavior.
\r\n\r\nChai Latte
\r\n\r\nSo you’re mentally stable? What’s that like? The polar opposite of your cold brew peers, you get this drink not for a caffeine fix but for its sweet, spicy taste and creamy texture. You are laid-back and chill and always down for a late-night Jefe’s run after the pset grind at MQC because you enjoy the little things in life. You recognize that life is about more than just scrambling to get assignments in on time. You happily take on the role of being the friend group’s personal therapist, when needed. You’re just as sweet as your drink!
\r\n\r\nCaramel Macchiato
\r\n\r\nYou know that you can’t go wrong with a caramel macchiato because it tastes like a yummy dessert, and the iced edition looks cool and totally Instagram-worthy. You know just how to romanticize life, and you inspire all of us. You love your color-coded Google Calendar and elaborate Notion layouts and the feeling of checking things off your to-do list. You choose quality over quantity in friendship, and you enjoy going on adventures with your friends, whether it be renting the Harvard Outing Club cabin for a weekend or getting out of the Harvard bubble to visit Boston and blow some money at Newbury Street just to feel something. Good for you for living life to the fullest while getting your laundry done before the crowds on the weekends. Doing laundry at Harvard is survival of the fittest, and you’re definitely making the cut.
\r\n\r\nTea
\r\n\r\nYou are as wholesome as the iconic Dean Rakesh Khurana himself. You are calm and composed and always try to be nice to others, like a ray of sunshine. It’s very likely that you have your life together in the “in bed by 9 p.m. and up by 6 a.m.” way, and you purposefully enrolled in 9 a.m. classes five days a week. Maybe, you’re an international student staying strong against the major American coffee culture. Don’t let the accessibility of coffee anywhere and everywhere defeat you.
\r\n\r\nOn the other hand, if you are as bitter as your unsweetened tea and always have to make it known that you hate coffee and constantly proclaim that it is unhealthy, then you are a disgrace to the wholesome tea drinkers out there. We don’t need that negative energy, Karen.
\r\n\r\nAny seasonal drink
\r\n\r\nYou are a creature of habit, and you sure are dedicated. You eagerly wait all year for your time to indulge in a pumpkin spice, caramel apple, or sweet cinnamon drink, and it sure spruces up the otherwise bland routine of going to Sleep Gen Ed lecture, going to IOP meetings, and working at The Harvard Shop. You are a child at heart and adore traditions that make you feel warm and fuzzy, so you might find yourself bringing out the Harvard spirit and going all out for the traditions of The Game, Housing Day, and getting up close and personal with the John Harvard statue. Your enthusiasm is contagious, and although you can sometimes be overzealous, your optimism rubs off on the rest of us. In other words, you embody Kirkland. Go big or go home, am I right?
\r\n\r\nThe extensive lines that form at Peet’s at 8:45 a.m., 10:15 a.m., 11:45 a.m., and 1:15 p.m. (the worst times to go, don’t even think about it) make it clear that Harvard students really, really love Peet’s and look forward to securing their special drink. After all, more espresso = less depresso. I hope that your drink of choice gave you some insight into your soul, or at least your personality. If not, only taking Flyby quizzes can solve your existential crisis.
', [{shortcode-63f85c747a7dea6e2802eedf4a7637ad51206d5c} Maybe you designed your own shopping week. Maybe you thought you really could handle six classes this semester. Or maybe you just can’t pick between those two classes (neither of which count towards your concentration, but hey, intellectual exploration is very integral to our liberal arts education — Dean Khurana’s words, not mine). Whatever the case may be, you’re now stuck spending one too many hours in class and not enough time doing homework for said class. Your roommates are saying it, your mom is saying it, and even you know it deep down: it’s time to drop that class. Not sure if you’re in that position yet? Read on to find out. Here are the five signs it’s time you lighten that schedule of yours.
\r\n\r\n1. You Have To Drag Yourself There
\r\n\r\nIs it your only class at the SEC? Is it at 9:45 a.m., meaning you have to be up at the ungodly hour of 9 a.m. to make it on time? Is it a reading heavy class but you hate doing any of the readings and will end up dreading the section? If you have to give yourself a pep talk every time you go to this class and it’s only the second week of the semester, it may be time to drop the class.
\r\n\r\n2. It’s Your Sixth Class
\r\n\r\nUnless you’re a senior who has to take a sixth class for some unknown reason (potentially a last minute secondary declaration), don’t do this to yourself. Unless (maybe, just maybe) you take one of them pass-fail. The beginning of the semester may have been chill so far, but there is a long, treacherous battle up ahead filled with midterms, finals, and assignments. If you end up sticking with a sixth class, make sure it’s worth it. Otherwise drop it and focus on what you absolutely need to take this semester.
\r\n\r\n3. You Thought It Was A Requirement, But It’s Not
\r\n\r\nElectives are important. They’re your one chance to make yourself sound cool and interesting. You are no longer just a government concentrator with an economics secondary. You also just happen to be interested in folklore and mythology and would like to keep taking that gem super interesting class. All this until you realize you still have three Gen Eds to take and you’re a junior… maybe it’s time to drop this class.
4. It Requires Too Much Time That You Don’t Have
\r\n\r\nYou actually don’t have to always take the most time-consuming classes, even if they seem to be in line with the academic rigor that you’re looking for. If the class is asking you for twenty hours of reading a week — even if you think you can handle it — remember that you need to account for your other classes too. Maybe fill out your GCal with all of the time you would need to spend on all of your classes. This way you’ll figure out if you should drop that class, or if it’s worth it.
\r\n\r\n5. You Just Don’t Vibe With It
\r\n\r\nWe don’t blame you. Sometimes, classes just suck. It may be your relationship with the professor, the teaching fellow, the content or your peers. Whatever the case may be, go with your gut! Your time at Havard is limited. Spend it doing what you really want to be doing. Don’t vibe with the course? Drop it. Unless, of course, you need it for your concentration, or your secondary, or your citation, or your joint… in that case, power through. We’ll always be manifesting an A for you.
\r\n\r\nBONUS: Your Ex-Situationship is in said course.
\r\n\r\nValentine’s Day is coming up soon — do you really want to be haunted by the reminders of your past? Are you strong enough to resist the temptation to reignite the flame? If you can be friends, friendly, or even just civil with your ex-situationship, we respect you and maybe you can stay in this course. But if you’re feeling a little tempted, maybe you should drop it. It’s not worth it, we promise.
\r\n\r\n
\r\nDISCLAIMER: flyby blog does not provide accurate academic advising. If this decision seems really important and complicated, make sure to talk to your academic advisor by logging into my.harvard.edu and sending them an email. We hope this helps support you in your dreams of becoming an academic weapon this semester.
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\r\n\r\nWondering what your favorite study space says about you? Looking for a new place to study? Tag yourself to find out the study space where you truly belong.
', [{shortcode-e21caa72382c03fd7f3309c1af8d286881bd110a} It’s 1:30 a.m. You open up Canvas only to find you have 300 pages of reading due tomorrow. Maybe the Q Guide lied to you about that “gem” Gen Ed. Maybe you decided to tempt fate and take Humanities 10. Or maybe you went to the Pfoho Igloo yesterday (sorry) and figured you could get through it in one night. Don’t stress! As the readings start to pile up, here are some strategies to deal with those Sunday scaries.
\r\n\r\nStart early
\r\n\r\nThis may seem like wishful thinking, but it’s much better to read a manageable amount everyday than cram last-minute. It’s simply not fun to read about Kantian ethics for three hours straight. Who knows? Maybe you can even make it fun and rewarding. Read 40 pages, eat a cookie! Read 20 more pages, go to Trader Joe’s, replenish the cookie stash, and then finish it again.
\r\n\r\nRead smarter aka advanced skimming
\r\n\r\nMore realistically, we don’t have time for all those readings. So, get out those highlighters and start advanced skimming. Take notes on the most important information and focus on what you don’t already understand. If you’re really in a bind, stick to the topic and conclusion sentences and the bolded words your textbook conveniently provides (they’re basically encouraging skimming, no?).
\r\n\r\nLook at the ARC’s offerings
\r\n\r\nHarvard’s Academic Resource Center offers strategic reading workshops, academic coaching, and peer tutoring for help with specific courses. Their website also has information on efficient note-taking, reading well, and honoring priorities (this one’s for you, Igloo-ers).
\r\n\r\nHave a mini existential crisis, if needed
\r\n\r\nSometimes you just can’t avoid the panic and dread. Lean into it. Question why you took the course and complain to anyone who is willing to listen, tell yourself you’ll start earlier next time even though you know you won’t, dye your hair a horrendous color only to reverse the job in a week, leave your responsibilities behind and move to Hawaii, or do all of the above. It’s healthy to get it all out and breakdowns are a great excuse to practice some definitely solid coping mechanisms.
\r\n\r\nTake a break
\r\n\r\nIf it’s daytime: Stand up! Stretch! Focus on a faraway object for a bit. Maybe even leave the sad, dark, corner of Lamont you’ve been sitting in all night and see what the weather’s like today. If it’s nighttime: Sleep! (seriously). Getting some sleep will help you concentrate when you wake up in three hours. And, who doesn’t like putting off their problems until the morning?
\r\n\r\nUnfortunately, long readings are here to stay, but we hope these tips will help you be a bit more strategic in how you approach them. And if not, and you’re procrastinating anyway, check this out before you get back to work!
', [{shortcode-deb527e77e9fb29744f6bcdbd6a9e067574d7448} There are many strange facts that live rent-free in my brain. One of these facts is that mouse droppings very closely resemble black sesame seeds. This information isn’t relevant just yet. Just remember it for later. Onto the story now:
\r\n\r\nLast Saturday, I climbed mountains, crossed the seven seas, swam across the Charles River, and finally returned to Cambridge. I exaggerate. It was a six-hour plane ride from California. I rewatched “Ratatouille.” I thought about my classes and felt ~stress~. I took a nap. I watched the Buzz Lightyear movie for the first time. It was an intense and poignant space odyssey with themes of friendship and self-discovery.
\r\n\r\nAnyway, as the last suitemate to return to Harvard from winter break, I knew my arrival on campus was important. Long-awaited, even. The second I exited the elevator and turned my key in the suite door, all the balance in the world would be restored. I’m not self-absorbed. I’m just secure in my friends’ love for me. And for what it’s worth, I love them too. (Rare wholesome moment, I know).
\r\n\r\nBut little did I know there was another guest waiting to greet me when I walked into my room. I missed my room on campus — the obnoxious fairy lights, many CVS wall photos, and wildly impractical but very soft target shag rug in the middle of the floor.
\r\n\r\nAnd while I was lying down on said rug and trying to feel the joy of returning to campus, I noticed something peeking out from under my heater.
\r\n\r\nNo, fear not, it wasn’t a rat. It was actually a huge ass rat.
\r\n\r\nI’m kidding. It was just a mouse trap.
\r\n\r\nI’m not often at eye level with the floor, so I wondered. How long has this mousetrap been here? It could have been two months, two weeks, or even just two days. Was it precautionary or the aftermath of a visit from an uninvited guest? And if it was the aftermath of a rodent sighting, why does Harvard think a single mousetrap is going to successfully keep a smart mouse away?
\r\n\r\nAnd then I began to spiral. What if this mousetrap really did catch a mouse or rat who was venturing into my room for some warmth? And what if the mouse had a family? Having just watched “Ratatouille,” I was particularly sympathetic to the rodent cause. It’s cold out there. Winter in Cambridge is hard for humans. It’s probably even harder for little animals without homes and Canada Goose coats.
\r\n\r\nYet as my sympathy for the rodents of Cambridge began to manifest in the form of tears, I received confirmation from my suitemates that there had, in fact, been a mouse-sighting in two of their rooms earlier that week.
\r\n\r\nThe tears were immediately sucked back into my eyes. I realized, in that moment, that mice are much cuter in my imagination than they are in real life. I reminded myself that in their barrage of live-action remakes of animated classics, there is a good reason why Disney skipped right over live-action Ratatouille.
\r\n\r\nI felt a compelling need to inspect my room for signs of Stuart Little. My snack drawer, which had been mostly cleaned out before break, was unharmed. The single pack of FlyBy Oreos in the drawer was still whole, wrapper included. And it’s hard to not eat a pack of Oreos when you find one. So with reasonable confidence, I came to the conclusion that Stuart’s exploration of our suite did not include my room.
\r\n\r\nSo I brushed my teeth and changed into my pajamas. I had washed my sheets right before leaving for break, and I would fall asleep comforted by the lingering scent of Tide pod. I peeled my blanket back, ready to climb into my bed, and
\r\n\r\nBLACK SESAME SEEDS. EVERYWHERE.
\r\n\r\nBLACK.
\r\n\r\nSESAME.
\r\n\r\nSEEDS.
\r\n\r\nAnd given that we do not have a kitchen, a spice rack, or any reason for keeping sesame seeds in our suite, it can be reasonably inferred that the sesame seeds were definitely NOT sesame seeds.
\r\n\r\nIf you haven’t put the pieces together yet: Yes, friends. Distressingly enough, Stuart slept peacefully like Goldilocks and then SHIT in my bed.
\r\n\r\nIt’s been a week and a sheet wash since this encounter. And while I appreciate the validation that my bed is comfortable, I continue to feel DEEPLY VIOLATED by the thought of Stuart going potty and then shimmying around under my covers.
\r\n\r\nThere have since been a few sightings of a small brown blurry running through our suite. And while I hope he steers clear of my mouse trap and lives a long and happy life, I will continue to sleep with one eye open, in case Stuart decides to make my bed his toilet again. Especially when I am in it.
\r\n\r\nThe End.
', [{shortcode-b762e28085ff8857c9450ec15da6327dca5305fc}
\r\n\r\nNothing screams back to school more than adding fifty new songs to your Spotify playlist to listen to as you walk (or scooter!) around campus. Flyby Blog presents our Spring 2023 playlist featuring something for everyone. We hope you enjoy this playlist as much as we had making it.
\r\n\r\n{shortcode-d83184c0f4741f2bd26a81d4b18f03ee9146cd8e}
', [