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{shortcode-d4681099795e7dadd155fb2d2950788542f5fda8}If you haven’t been living under a big rock, then you know that 2020 is an election year, and we’re just a couple of weeks away from the big day. Call it quarantine or call it the increased civic engagement our generation desperately needs, but people are more ready and excited than ever to vote this November. From pledging to vote, to text banking, to voter education, hear all about what students on campus are doing to increase voter awareness and why it’s so important to vote, vote, vote!

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Voter Registration Deadlines

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Since it’s October, voter registration deadlines are starting to roll around. If you’re otherwise eligible to vote and simply have not registered, make sure that the simple and fast approaching deadline isn’t what is stopping you! The Harvard Votes Challenge has a straightforward way to register. If you think you’ve registered but just aren’t sure, this is a great place to check.

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Pledge to Vote

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While voter turnout on Harvard’s campus has been lackluster in the past, student groups, individuals, and athletic teams are committed to making sure that isn’t the case this year! Kevin L. Ballen ’22 from the Harvard Votes Challenge said that “young people vote at the lowest rates across the country, even on our campus. Only 48.6% of students turned out to vote at Harvard in 2018. We go to this institution that prides itself on being a civic leader, but we’re not turning out the ballot box and we have to change that.” Over half of Harvard’s athletic teams and many more student groups have partnered with the Harvard Votes Challenge to achieve a 100 percent voter turnout this year. If you haven’t already, you can individually pledge to vote here, too!

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Voter Awareness and Education

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In addition to the Institute of Politics’s many voter education initiatives, cultural organizations across campus have stepped up to make sure they’re involved in discussions of voting’s importance. Earlier this semester, over 25 affinity organizations including the Harvard-Radcliffe Asian American Association, Harvard Hillel, and the Harvard Caribbean Club hosted “Interconnections & Elections: A Cross-Cultural Voting Kickoff" to encourage civic participation among people of various cultural backgrounds. The event featured a panel discussion with leaders in protecting voting rights among communities of color, as well as student conversations. Trisha N. Prabhu ’22 — the President of Harvard South Asian Americans in Public Service, the student group that organized the event — says they were inspired to put the event together because their goal is to create opportunities for public service, and voting is a perfect way to do that.

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“When we vote, we say that democracy matters, we say that our voices matter, and we help shape the world we live in. We want to speak to the fact that there are huge inequities across groups when it comes to voting and have a serious conversation about how communities of color have been barred from voting both historically and today,” Prabhu said. “We wanted to acknowledge those realities and explore why given that, it’s so important that communities vote.”

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“In just a couple years, we’ll no longer be students,” she added. “It’s important for our generation to vote because it demonstrates that we can step up and take action on important issues. There’s so many circumstances we can’t control, especially this year, but have to take action on what we can.”

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Other Resources

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Of course, there are obstacles to voting, especially during a pandemic. But thankfully, these aren’t too difficult to get around. Ballen said there are more people registered on campus than people who turn out, often because of missed deadlines. Harvard Votes challenge is trying to bridge that gap, and you can reach out for access to stamps, envelopes and printing for students who need to fill out forms to register and request absentee ballots. “We often hear people say their vote doesn’t matter, but they’re referring to presidential elections. [They’re] not focusing on local elections with real consequences from school funding to healthcare to criminal justice reform and we have to pay attention to them,” Ballen said.

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There’s a lot happening this year, and you don’t want to miss out. Make sure you’re ready and excited to vote in the upcoming election! If you’re eligible, whether you’re on campus or remote, there are plenty of resources available to make sure you are ready to be civically engaged by casting your ballot. Happy voting!

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{shortcode-e93b505980313b235effc20c6418a6d0aadf7b7f}Zoom school is in full swing, and by now we’re (hopefully? maybe?) starting to move into the acceptance phase of the five stages of grief. Now that you’ve gotten the chance to hear some upperclassmen words of wisdom (*brief pause to let you go catch up on the rest of this feature*), we can’t forget about the freshmen of Flyby too.

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So how much are we really missing out on? — Alina A. Taratorin

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I know you’re probably tired of hearing this, but of course this year is far from the typical freshman-year experience. Instead of going through and listing every. single. damn. thing. we’re missing out on (Convocation video with all of last year’s pictures, we’re looking at you), I want you to think of it this way: a few days ago, I ran into a sophomore living in the quad, and we had a little conversation during which I asked him, “So how much are we really missing out on?” His answer was something along the lines of, “Honestly, freshman year is that awkward stage anyways and you guys kind of get to forego that.”

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And taking a step back, you realize that’s kind of true. Yes, maybe we don’t get Housing Day or in-person classes, and instead have to deal with the indisputable glamour of “speed-friending” over Zoom. But on the flip side, think of all the wonderful things we do get to experience. Anything from waking up five minutes before lectures and taking class from the comfort of your bed, to having all this extra space in the dorms (for those on-campus), not having to wear pants, full access to the mute and camera buttons when you just feel like *disappearing*… the list goes on and on. And in the future, we will always get the flex of saying we were THE freshman class that started college in the midst of a pandemic. No one else will understand the struggle of remembering our good ol’ friend Crimson Clear, being quadded as a first year, studying outside the library (because being allowed inside is an intangible prospect we can only dream of), or, you know, starting the whole college experience quarantined inside your single room and taping “HeLp” onto your window. If that’s not a bonding experience, I don’t know what is.

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Class of 2024, a.k.a. the class of future Zoom legends — Kate N. Guerin

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Even one year ago, nobody could have anticipated how this year would unfold. But, we have moved past the initial awkwardness of meeting friends virtually and learned to navigate this semester, which includes everything from trying to conduct a successful Zoom breakout room, to filling in the most elaborate and detailed GCal. I suspect the novelty of the semester will continue throughout this year, as we match this year to our clashing expectations of college; this novelty has become a source of never-ending small talk, a shared experience that our entire class can remember. It’s too easy to procrastinate starting that pset in favor of complaining about how that one class would be SO much better if it was in-person; however, we need to be grateful that the Harvard community is still alive, so reach out to your fellow incredible and talented peers! Many of the members of the freshman class are living on campus and (knock on wood) are healthy, a feat for which we should be thankful — even if it means foregoing that idealized college experience we have on replay in our minds. So say good morning to your favorite HUDS worker, go eat a socially-distanced lunch with that person that you think might be in your Tuesday 9 a.m., and sanitize your hands folks!

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We’re in a pandemic, so breathe — Alexandria T.Q. Ho

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Maybe you haven’t slept for the past two weeks. Maybe you are crying and wishing that you had taken a gap year when you had the chance. Maybe you keep falling asleep in class or feeling like you have nothing to contribute during discussions. Maybe you feel very socially inept seeing people posting pictures of Boston hangouts every weekend while you are stuck inside working on psets. Maybe, this is the first time you ever feel like you are not in control of things and this is driving you mad. Maybe, reading this long paragraph full of the word “maybe” is stressing you out and giving you a headache (sorry btw!).

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So, take a moment and breathe. Starting college is scary. Starting college online is freaking horrifying. For the past month, I have cried countless times as I struggled with schoolwork, homesickness, and making friends. Being Harvard students, we are used to staying on top of things, to setting the curves on exams. We are used to things coming to us so easily and maybe even effortlessly. And it is very scary to be confronted with the reality that things are not going as planned. However, be kind to yourself. We are in a global pandemic that has turned the world upside down. Everyone is coping right now in their own way. It is okay to feel overwhelmed. It is okay to feel scared. You are not any less of a Harvard student to feel these emotions. In fact, if anything, you just passed the “I am not a robot” test. So congratulations! Don’t feel the pressure to be in control of everything. We’re in a pandemic. So take a second to breathe and remind yourself that “Wow! I’m alive! Everything will be okay!”

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So just remember: things could be so much worse. At least we’re in it together! Think of the upperclassmen who don’t even get to be on campus this semester, after already having experienced everything Harvard has to offer. Our time will come, and we have three more years to go crazy. So take a deep breath, study for those Zoom midterms, and have a fantastic rest of the semester!

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{shortcode-92158135a336959480091f49010132fb3ac64013}Dear Freshmen,

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This semester’s been a lot, and who better to hear from than the PAFs in Flyby! Without further ado, some words from the wise...

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Give yourself time. — Sarah M. Lightbody

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By now you’ve probably turned in your first midterm, had your first HUDS cookie bar, and had someone ask you what you planned to do after graduation as if you didn’t just get to college. Maybe you’ve also taken a ton of COVID-19 tests, had takeout HUDS food, and probably experienced some type of weird social distancing interaction. Or maybe you’re experiencing all of these “firsts” and more from home right now. College might be feeling more like home, or it might not. Give yourself time to get used to everything, the college parts, the coronavirus parts, the weird social parts that make Harvard sometimes lonely and sometimes the absolute best. It takes time to be about time, to make truly meaningful connections, but when you look back on this semester, there will be a million little memories that might not have felt special in the moment but will probably make you just a touch nostalgic. So if you can, savor the good moments, let everything not be totally okay if it’s not, and give yourself time.

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It’s okay! — Kiana Ziadkhanpour

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It’s easy to feel like you’re missing out on the “normal” Harvard first-year experience… but normal (whatever even that is) is out the window. This is a whole new adventure and no one really knows what to do. So it’s fine that you aren’t experiencing a party in the Igloo or LamCaf (and if you don’t know what those are or where they are — that’s OK!) because now you’re on a new adventure experiencing the inner workings of Zoom rather than the underground tunnels of Pfoho. But, it’s easy to say that we’re all in the same boat. Sure, we’re all missing out on new experiences, but this is all the more difficult for the newest Harvard students, and we all understand that. Stop sweating the small stuff and just take in what this semester offers you. If you’re on campus or off, embrace your situation and remember that this is temporary.

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Take off that ~emotional~ mask. — Rachel L. Reynolds

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“Help will always be given at Hogwarts to those who ask for it.” We may not *actually* be at Hogwarts (though the Berg can definitely feel like it), but Dumbledore had the right idea here. While at Harvard, it can feel like there’s this constant pressure to put on a brave face and get through any struggles you may face completely on your own. After all (you think), you’re here, so you’ve already been through the worst of it… right? Surprise! College brings with it all kinds of new situations — the good, the bad, and the ugly.

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At the same time that you’re finally meeting the incredible people you’ll be learning alongside for the next four years, you’re also stressing over finding your “group,” crying over a pset at 1 a.m., and wondering if you’ll actually make it through comping that club. And that’s just the school struggles! Especially in all the current covid chaos (say that three times fast), it can feel like the hits just won’t stop coming. But, there is 100 percent a bright side to what can feel like a never-ending shitshow — even though we’re all dealing with so many different circumstances right now, there are also so many people who want to support you. We might not always have that perfect advice to offer (honestly, do any of us actually know what we’re doing right now?), but we’ll be there to do the best we can to listen, support, and encourage you along the way.

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While you do have to keep a physical mask on pretty much everywhere right now, that doesn’t mean you have to keep an ~emotional~ one on too. We’re all cheering you on, and you never have to just trudge through all the stresses that college life throws at you by yourself. Even if we’re just as lost as you are, we’re happy to at least be a listening ear (or maybe just someone to scream with about That One Class™). Whether it’s your PAF, proctor, academic advisor, upperclassmen friends, roommates, literally anyone!, we all have unique perspectives and advice to offer — all you have to do is take that first step.

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Remember your goals for this year, and stay true to yourself. — Linda Lee

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The first year of college is a radical transition, different from anything else you’ve ever experienced. It can be incredibly exciting and fun, but it is also terrifying, which is completely normal. You are now in a completely new environment surrounded by new faces, new responsibilities, and new expectations. While it’s easy to let yourself slip into a daily routine of psetting, grabbing meals, and making it to the next day, take some time to take a step back and reflect on who you are and who you want to be. What are your goals for this year? For all 4-plus years? In what areas do you want to grow, and what steps can you take to get there? Who do you want to surround yourself with, and what do you need from both yourself and others in order to truly succeed and be happy? While the answers to these questions can and will change throughout your time here, reflecting on your goals can ground you amidst all the academic, social, and emotional chaos and remind you to stay true to yourself and your needs. Remember that college isn’t just about your GPA or the number of clubs you’ve joined. It’s also a time to make life-changing connections, explore yourself, and make the most of everything that’s out there. Prioritize yourself. You are the main character.

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Sending love,

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Your PAFs at Flyby

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{shortcode-e95ec9728e7fc11d4e0925b36e04415d3bf4b01c}With only freshmen and a handful of upperclassmen on campus, getting to know the people around you is far harder than usual. One of the best ways to adjust to college is by talking to upperclassmen — people who have gone through the same things you are going through right now. However, there are some good ways to reach out to people in other class years… and some bad ways too. Enjoy some tips from an upperclassman for sending a successful first message over Zoom or GroupMe.

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DO: Ask Questions

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All of the upperclassmen know the campus, have taken online courses, have dealt with professors, and more. For almost anything you are struggling with, there will be other students who struggled with it too and will know what to do. Take advantage of this resource, especially since we upperclassmen have no use for this knowledge once our four years are up. Let us pass the information on!

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DON’T: Complain Nonstop

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Yes, I know college is hard and you’re drowning with work. I don’t need to hear about how many all-nighters you’ve pulled or how it’s so unfair that your classes already have exams. We were all freshmen, and you have the other people in the class to commiserate with if that’s what you really want. If you really are that busy, why are you wasting both of our time? (We mean that in the nicest way possible.)

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DO: Tell Them Why You Reached Out

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Maybe they are in one of your classes and had a great discussion post or said something insightful in lecture. Maybe they seem like a fun person in one of the clubs you joined. Everyone likes a genuine compliment and will be much more receptive to starting a conversation if you let them know why you are here. NOTE: THIS DOES NOT INCLUDE HITTING ON PEOPLE. Please do not try to hit on someone over Zoom (but if you want to, check out our other Ok Zoomer article first!).

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DON’T: Explain How You Want to Get Around the Rules

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Most upperclassmen are stuck off campus with little hope of returning this year if freshmen don’t follow social distancing protocols. Your party stories and questions on how to sneak people into your room aren’t cool — they’re upsetting. We know that you envisioned your first semester of college to be more fun than this, but don’t ruin our chance at having even a semblance of a last semester of college by selfishly flouting the rules.

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DO: Be Yourself

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These are other students, not professors or TFs! You should feel comfortable expressing your personality, whether that’s mentioning interests or cracking jokes. Genuine always reads better than trying to be what you think they will like. Most people want to get to know others, especially after being locked away for 6 months, so they’ll be excited to feel like they’re actually getting to know another person.

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DON’T: Lead With Your Accomplishments

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Sorry, but no one cares. What you did in high school will come up naturally, so don’t be the pushy person who needs to let everyone know about their perfect SAT score the moment you meet. It’s really not going to score you any points here.

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If you’re thinking about reaching out to the people around you, try to follow these tips and remember that people like meeting genuinely interesting and kind people. We all are trying to be there for you, so make our jobs easier by being yourself.

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{shortcode-23a6ae8c45e1d7ee2ea16db8767e467235b73a90}With this virtual semester well underway, you might be feeling pretty desperate over the monotonous nature of this new academic lifestyle, ripe with daily Zoom sessions, lower back pain, and WiFi-dependent social interactions. We also might be projecting. Nonetheless, there is no greater joy these days than holding fun, private Zoom conversations while your professor figures out how to share their screen. If you’re looking to find a reliable lecture or section friend, check out these tips to successfully slide into someone’s Zoom DMs!

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Pset Buddy?

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This is truly a classic, and holds up well even in a virtual setting. Feel free to hit someone up with the ever-reliable, “Want to pset for this class together?” for an easy, painless interaction. After all, everyone is always looking for those juicy, virtual connections during these ~unprecedented times~. There is no greater coping mechanism than lamenting the different Canvas page set-ups across your classes while completing assignments together. Can all the professors just get together and agree on what the “Modules” page actually includes? Just remember to ask people who are likely in the same time zone as you for maximum efficiency and minimal awkwardness in your conversations!

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Foodies Unite

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Are Zoom calls starting to feel like virtual lunch dates with you, the ten random people in your section, and your TF, or is that just me? My steamed dumplings are not going to eat themselves. With class time slowly transforming into snack time, sometimes those novelty Trader Joe’s chips your classmate is munching on might actually be a fun conversation starter. During one of my sections, a girl and I took continuous, unintentionally synchronized bites of our snacks that we “brought” to class. After I sent her a message pointing out our tasteful section habits, the pointed eye contact and shared [muted] laughter that followed was truly a vibe. If they’re really going at that breakfast burrito though, it might be best to let them enjoy their meal in peace.

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Mutual Misery

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Remember the good old days during in-person class when Section Kid would make some questionable comment and you’d make eye contact with that one person you didn’t really know but whose vibes you sincerely appreciated so you could make incredulous yet comedic faces at each other? Yeah, so do we. While this doesn’t quite have the same effect, whipping out a good old “????” during those moments of online class makes for some pretty entertaining interactions. The combined adrenaline rush of trying to not accidentally send your message to everyone while watching the other person struggle not to laugh on-camera is simply unparalleled.

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Compliments!

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Are you intrigued by their Studio Ghibli-inspired virtual background? Jealous of their cute blue-light glasses? Suspect you might be seeing a fellow plant lover based on their windowsill set-up? A genuinely thoughtful compliment is almost always sure to make someone smile, even despite the endless series of Jamboards and Slack channel plugs throughout each lecture. In all honesty, it can even make you feel warm and fuzzy when you see their face light up on-screen in response to your message. When delivered with the purest of intents, the right person is sure to respond with equal enthusiasm, marking the beginning of a wholesome slew of red “private” texts in your Zoom chat window.

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Just because we’re all sitting in front of our laptop cameras certainly doesn’t mean your opportunities for human interaction have disappeared. While you may have to be a little more creative with your socialization strategies, there are plenty of potential friendships waiting for you deep in that Zoom participants list. So, turn on your gallery mode and chat away!

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{shortcode-e872e309300bbacdc3e38991b24cf882d7bc5f0f}Kind of like how nobody remembers hearing “Mr. Brightside” for the first time, Harvard students seem to just somehow know the three unofficial graduation requirements. Unfortunately, all three are kind of (read: definitely) not compatible with current on-campus restrictions/remote learning life. Read on for ways to check off the time-honored bucket list in a coronavirus world.

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The Scream

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Nothing like a twice-yearly nude stampede to liven up Harvard Yard! In the old days, stressed students would sprint the Yard while screaming the anxiety away in a pre-Finals Week cathartic ritual known as Primal Scream. It’s kind of hard to imagine a socially-distant version of the Scream, but the traditions demand completion. It’s time to channel your inner cryptid and streak through the night in the streets of your choice. 2020 is weird enough already, so the chances that you’ll get questioned are probably pretty low, but that being said, stay in line with local policies regarding nudity, and keep everything consensual. And, if you wear a mask, it does double-duty as a coronavirus precaution and disguise!

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The Statue

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John Harvard’s suspiciously shiny foot has been looking pretty lonely since March. Unfortunately, the Statue’s tradition isn’t the most…considerate…of public health, even in non-pandemic conditions. Since we can’t advocate for public urination (it’s illegal in every state), we encourage you to find more sanitary ways to interact with J. Harv’s foot (an offering of hand sanitizer for the still clueless tourists? Mistletoe hung from the foot?). Whatever you do, just try to keep bodily fluids out of it.

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The Stacks

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Not gonna lie, the tradition of getting steamy in the depths of Widener is going to be pretty hard to recreate when the iconic library is closed. Not to mention that there’s really not a way to socially-distance during this tradition — but you can keep your mask on and follow NYC’s advice in “getting creative” with positions (or keeping it a solo act). If you’re determined to ~satisfy~ this requirement, try recreating the crypt-like atmosphere of Widener by spreading a fine layer of dust on every surface, blacking out all sources of light, and putting on an hour of page turning and writing ASMR.

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...Or Just Wait It Out

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Honestly, not many people check every box their first year (if at all!). Consider a global pandemic your permission to procrastinate on the Big Three and wait it out. You’ve got a lot of years for things to calm down and really get a shot at the full experience, and if we’re still living in this reality by your senior year, then you’re in the same spot as before.

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However you choose to tackle (or not tackle) the traditions, be safe! No amount of Harvard pseudo-clout is worth getting or spreading the virus. That said, get creative and go ham.

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{shortcode-958f7aa69d8969e5b0d542cd86618a47ba5200ff}Autumn has arrived in Cambridge, and we’ve got good news and bad news for all you freshmen currently living on campus. The good news: leaves changing color in the Yard! Apple cider donuts! All the pumpkin spiced lattes you could ever hope to drink! The bad news: autumn on campus is more like a soft intro to winter, and it’s about to get cold. Before everyone goes into dorm room hibernation, there’s no better time to (safely) take advantage of some great outdoor spots around campus. Who knows, maybe you’ll even find your new favorite outdoor study spot besides Widener steps!

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For the Foodies: Science Center Plaza

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Located conveniently next to the Yard, the Science Center Plaza is the place to be if you want to mix it up from your regular diet of dhall microwaveable meals. With a rotating cycle of food trucks every day from waffles to curry and everything in between, there are plenty of options to satisfy literally any craving. Check out the schedule here!

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For the Studious: Schwartz Common and Pavilion

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I wish I could accurately express in words my love for this outdoor must-do, but please. Just go. Only a short walk over the river to the Business School, the Schwartz Common and Pavilion is the perfect study spot when you want to “get away” from campus without actually ever leaving. It has tons of seating, and the pavilion fire pit will keep you cozy even as temperatures start dropping the moment the sun sets.

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For the Peaceful: Harvard Divinity School Labyrinth & Contemplative Garden

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Your first semester at college can be a stressful time, even in a normal year…now add in countless hours spent on Zoom, a dash of complete uncertainty about the future, and a pinch of limited social interaction, and it’s enough to leave anyone overwhelmed. For those hoping to find a true hidden gem away from the noise of Harvard Square, the Divinity School’s labyrinth and contemplative garden offers a peaceful setting for your next self-reflection (or quarter-life crisis, we won’t judge either way).

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For the ~Vibes~: Winthrop Park

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While not technically “on campus,” Winthrop Park is located close enough to all of our favorite staples (*cough cough* Jefe’s) to be included on this list. It may be small, but it undoubtedly passes the vibe check for an ideal outdoor spot. Live music? Check. Plenty of seating? Check. Adorable multicolored lights? Check! Whether it’s a socially-distanced picnic with friends or doing some solo people-watching, this tiny gem really does have it all.

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For the Adventurous: Quad Lawn

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Okay let’s be real, it’s not actually that far. But if you want to amaze your friends living in the Yard with a heroic journey to a new outdoor space a whole 13-minute walk away, the Quad Lawn is your destination. Featuring plenty of space for social distancing, lots of sun (for now) for those perfect golden hour selfies, and the chance to walk through Cambridge Common (two outdoor spots for the price of one!), you really can’t go wrong with this classic. Maybe you’ll even meet some Quadlings making the trek back home!

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The warm-ish weather might not last forever, but your opportunities for the perfect outdoor spot around campus really are endless. If this isn’t enough to convince you to broaden your horizons beyond the Weeks Bridge (oop), the Harvard Outing Club has compiled their own Cambridge Outdoor Guide to help you find even more outdoor must-do’s to help you explore while staying COVID-free!

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{shortcode-376790426dae173cc0458b6861c610b88527fe7a}Zoom has replaced classrooms and social gatherings, but freshmen can still have many safe and memorable moments in Cambridge. Here are a few tips from Flyby to make the most out of your fall semester!

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Stargaze on the Quad lawn.

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With the weather starting to get chilly, grab one of the last opportunities to be able to stay outside for more than ten minutes at a time. This is a great activity to experience both solo and with a friend. If lying on the grass in the dark in the fall weather is still too unbearable for you, then wait for a sunny afternoon, lay out a jacket, and bask in the sun.

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Catch a sunrise on the Weeks Bridge.

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We’re so lucky to have the Charles River in our backyard, and it’s especially gorgeous when the sun starts to peek out for the day. The Weeks Bridge is a prime spot to not only get the perfect Instagram photo but also to simply enjoy nature. However, if the thought of waking up at 6 a.m. sounds absolutely atrocious, the sunset is just as stunning.

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Get takeout at a Harvard Square restaurant you have never tried before.

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Not only is it good to have non-dhall food every once in a while, but many upperclassmen are also begging you to keep their beloved eating places in business. Order a Hawaiian ahi classic from Pokéworks, taste the crispy salted pepper shrimp from Hong Kong, or devour a Mexican bowl from El Jefe’s. The food scene in Cambridge is pretty diverse, so grab a buddy or two and search for your new favorite restaurant.

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Study at a graduate school.

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Whether it is in the front lawn of the Harvard Law School Library or Harvard Business School, step out of your suite and get some assignments done at a graduate school. They are peaceful, beautiful places to be productive, and maybe they’ll be your new go-to study spot. Another perk is that you’ll have a smaller chance of running into someone you know, because as much as you love catching up with your peers, you gotta turn that pset in.

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Try clam chowder from Quincy Market.

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One of the best things about living in the greater Boston area is that almost every location is accessible by public transportation, and Quincy Market is no exception. Quincy Market is a seemingly endless hallway of palatable options, but of all the different kinds of food they have to offer, there is nothing like a classic New England clam chowder. While you’re there, shop around at the stores and street vendor carts too.

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Take photos.

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A picture is worth a thousand words. Whether your phone captures the changing colors of the leaves in Harvard Yard or your suitemate eating Doritos while laughing at 2 a.m., years from now you will cherish these snapshots. Bonus points if you send them to your family.

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While upperclassmen are not physically on campus to pave the way, we hope that Flyby has provided you with a start. Challenge the people in your entryway to see how many people can complete this checklist!

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{shortcode-68f40e3e8b58a7a4d967474d98b55c780abce155}Check out Flyby’s first-ever “Dear Freshmen” feature — because nothing, not even COVID, should stand in the way of a great freshman year experience. From heartfelt upperclassman advice to practical HUDS hacks, there's something for everyone (even you, upperclassmen!).

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Day 1 (10/13/2020): How to Frosh

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Day 2 (10/14/2020): Around Campus...ish

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Day 3 (10/15/2020): Ok Zoomer

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Day 4 (10/16/2020): Fly-vice

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{shortcode-1b9330a2ae6b437847dae435bc50b183609562fc}Though Harvard’s current dining options are certainly not the worst we’ve seen (looking at you NYU), you don’t want COVID-19 turning mealtime into yet another monotonous routine, so here are some ways to spice up dhall food. By the way, if you’re learning remotely and finding yourself totally inept in the kitchen, these tips are for you too!

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You have a fridge for a reason.

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Take advantage of the MicroFridge Harvard has provided to everyone free of charge for the fall semester. The 15-minute breaks between classes do not leave much time to consume a full meal, unless you want to be the person eating an entire plate of spaghetti with sauce dripping down your chin in lecture. It’s a better idea to keep some fresh fruit, yogurt, vegetables and hummus, lunchables if you want to throw it back to 4th grade (they’re sold at Broadway Market), and other snack items of your choosing on hand in the fridge. If you’re not sick of sandwiches already, stock up on bread, deli meats, and toppings of your choosing.

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You also have a microwave.

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It’s Friday, you’re feeling confident, and you’re ready to finally try your hand at making a microwave mug meal. A quick Google search will give you a ton of ideas, including instant mac and cheese, microwave mug pizza, a burrito in a mug, and even chocolate cake if you’ve fully embraced eating dessert for lunch.

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Join our Trader Joe’s cult.

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Unseasoned food is the enemy. An extra sprinkle of black pepper, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, or salt goes a long way. But if you want to move on from the basics, use your “time to experience sunshine so I don’t get seasonal depression” walk to go to Trader Joe’s. Pick up the Everything But the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend, a cult classic; I’ve yet to find something this doesn’t amp up the flavor of. If Top Ramen isn’t hitting the spot anymore after eating it seven days in a row, try the Mushroom and Company Multipurpose Umami Seasoning Blend or grab some soy sauce. If you’re trying to avoid overdosing on sodium, you can stick to salt-free spice blends that don’t sacrifice taste, like the 21 Seasoning Salute.

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Or, if the walk is just too far...

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Don’t feel like moving your legs after a day of literally sitting? Walgreens has a smaller selection of spices, but they have all the essential hot sauces: Sriracha, Cholula, Tapatio, Frank’s Red Hot, Valentina — and Tabasco too if you lack standards and class. If your favorite isn’t on this list, try HMart just one T stop away.

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Everything on this list has been fairly healthy, but let’s be real: This semester has been rough, or at least more chaotic than usual, to say the least, and sometimes all you want to do is stress-eat your feelings. But instead of just devouring everything in your room, it might be more satisfying to break out of routine and treat yourself. So, worst comes to worst, ditch the bagged meals in your dorm room for some J.P. Licks or L.A. Burdick’s hot chocolate.

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{shortcode-14d6223243d1a5db3e52bd9317a8c84b535b567a}Ah, fall semester of freshman year. Normally this time is characterized by excessive partying and getting lost on campus, but this year’s first years are dealing with another beast entirely. But even without the physical challenges of freshman year, certain traditions persist. With no (okay, not enough) upperclassmen on campus to tell you what is or isn’t okay to do as a freshman, Flyby has got you covered.

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Ditch the Lanyard

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Even though this is pretty standard with most first years, the Lanyard Plague has gotten worse this year with no upperclassmen to make fun of freshmen with the standard crimson necklace dangling around their necks. Do yourself a favor and get a keychain, or put it somewhere inconspicuous.

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Serial Comper

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Usually the geographical challenges of running around from Pfoho to Leverett to the Science Center will stop most freshmen from comping four million clubs. But with Zoom, the potential to overload yourself with clubs is even greater than before. Make sure you only comp clubs you enjoy (*cough* Flyby), and don’t be afraid to drop clubs even if you make it past the comp.

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Hooking Up with an Entrymate/Roommate

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First of all, COVID-19 is still very much real. Second, we know it can get lonely in the dorms, but unless you want something to implode in your face and destroy your entryway dynamic (we’re not speaking from experience or anything), it’s not generally a good idea to engage in dorm-cest.

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Peaked in High School

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Without upperclassmen to glare at you when you bring up your first place win at some competition two years ago, it may be tempting to talk about your high school experiences with your newfound friends. And we get it: You did cool stuff in high school, but college isn’t the place where you try to flex on other people. You have LinkedIn for that.

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So if you find yourself falling for one of these freshman tropes, catch yourself and then move on. You’ll be okay even if you have a lanyard around your neck… at least until the upperclassmen return to campus.

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{shortcode-21b851b54932ca9ef5f80ac462fad3d5df964d1f}Dear Freshmen,

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Under any circumstance, coming to college is daunting, and adding a pandemic to the mix just makes it all the more challenging. So take it to heart that making mistakes and “failing” (whatever that may mean) are a part of the life experience, and certainly part of the Harvard repertoire. When you find yourself feeling less than ideal, know that you’re not alone… even if you may feel lonely quarantining in your room. We guarantee you that any upperclassman you know has experienced a long list of failures, too.

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Freshman fall is a shock to your system. Taking on new classes while trying to make friends and get situated to life away from home (or college life at home) is a lot to balance, and honestly just feels overwhelming. And when it’s so easy to look at your peers posting their job opportunities on LinkedIn and presenting their day in curated Instagram stories and filtered posts, it’s hard not to compare yourself to the outward images that others present. Think beyond the laughter you see on Widener steps, and think about the struggles that are a part of everyone’s lives. Freshman year is hard — college is hard — and it’s time that “failure” becomes normalized.

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What even is failure? Getting a lower grade than you’re used to on your first midterm or not making it to the second round of that comp? Maybe in the immediate term this all seems unthinkable, but remember that you only really grow in discomfort. It’s important to remember that setbacks, minor or major, are valid, but if nothing will change if you keep dwelling on the loss, then what’s the point of agonizing over mistakes?

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Instead of beating yourself up and filling your conscience with negative thoughts, take a deep breath and evaluate your choices. Take some time to be sad (if you need/want to), but then take action. Either use this as motivation to talk to your TF about possible next steps, or go to office hours for more support with classes, or any other steps that may help you learn from this “failure” and move on. If there’s no real “solution” here, try to just take some time to decompress. Reach out to others; being in your room alone may make you feel more isolated, but your friends, family, PAFs, and other members of the first year advising community are here for you.

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Sometimes, failure is just a part of the universe’s plan for you. This isn’t a sign that you’re an imposter — this isn’t a game of Among Us… far from it. Everyone has failed at Harvard, especially in their freshman year. Once you start having these open conversations with your peers, upperclassmen, or faculty, you realize that not always succeeding at something is honestly a norm. Not living up to the expectations that you set for yourself and readjusting expectations are a part of adjusting to college life. The best way to deal with failure is just to get through it, take in any lessons, and try again next time.

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Love,

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Flyby

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{shortcode-dff57497bb01351073800f43de16dd8a6a9f878a}Let’s be honest, Zoom meetings are survival of the fittest. Ever wonder how that one person is always so perky and put together during lecture? We’ve been keeping our eyes out for the most wanted items to help us (probably) make it through that 9 a.m. lecture (or honestly any lecture at this point). Take it from us: stop waiting for life to give you lemons — Amazon yourself some lemons, make some lemonade, and do your pset in style.

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Blue Light Glasses

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First up on the list are the seemingly omnipresent blue light glasses. Do these actually help? No idea. Will they make you look smarter and hide those fresh out of bed eyes? Potentially. Are they in my Amazon cart right now? Absolutely. Take this as your sign to finally satisfy that curiosity wondering if you would look good in glasses.

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Hot Spot

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Let’s be honest, Harvard Secure (and really Zoom connection in general) is pretty much as unreliable as our education right now, and that’s saying something. Take matters into your own hands and invest in a personal hotspot! Perfect to get out of your room and catch that Zoom lecture from the outdoor oasis you’ve been eyeing from your window. Tbh not really sure how to get one of these — call your network provider? Bombard HUIT with emails?

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Laptop Bed Desk

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Can’t drag yourself out of bed to make it to class (a whole five feet away at your desk)? Trust me, we’ve all been there. From now on, bring class to you! This lap desk gives you the professional feel of a desk, within the comfort of your own very warm, very cozy bed. Never suffer the pain of getting out of bed again. While we cannot guarantee increased productivity, better grades, or that you will remain conscious during the lecture, we can guarantee that it is a game changer.

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Warming Coaster

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You’ve lost a lot of good coffee due to the speed of Zoom lectures. You take a sip, put it down to take notes, and your next sip is ice cold. No more. Take your coffee (or other hot beverage) back and keep it warm with these USB connected Mug Warmer Coasters! They’ll heat your drink and make your computer overheat at the same time, so I guess your coffee will be twice as hot?

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The Perfect Zoom Outfit

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Business casual, but make it ~pajamas~. Let everyone at least think you have your life (moderately?) together! Or even get festive and put on your Halloween costume a few weeks early — we linked some of our favorites for inspiration. Honestly, who even knows what reality is anymore, but at least you’ll look fantastic (from the waist up)!

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Horse Head

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Some days you wake up and just don’t feel camera ready, but that 5 percent participation grade isn’t worth the sacrifice. With this, you can roll out of bed ready to go! Yes, we woke up like this. You’ll be all set for lectures, those awkward breakout rooms, and are guaranteed at least one or two private messages. Gotta make friends on Zoom somehow!

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Realistically will any of these make Zoom better? We’d say 60/40 odds. But in times like these, you gotta do what you gotta do and take matters into your own hands. Trust us on this one. Happy studying, and may the odds be ever in your favor in this world of Zoom.

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{shortcode-845f908f742eef2a6a53575b2062b4e955a6a534}You either have a friend with 5000 unread emails, or you are that friend. Nothing in high school really prepares you for the number of emails you receive in college. Do you regularly regret signing up for mailing lists from clubs you will never join? Did you make one online purchase and now Romwe won’t stop sending you emails? Decide what to delete, ignore, open, or respond to by answering these questions about the majority of your mail:

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Who is most of your mail from?

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A. Someone replying to you — bonus points if they’re replying quickly!

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B. One of your cool professors, student groups, or a subscription you enjoy.

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C. Canvas, Slack, or Rakesh Khurana sending you a regular update.

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D. Random so-called humor magazine organizations telling you to “Clomp” them, completely unsolicited.

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What’s the subject line and preview most of the time?

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A. A clever pun, lots of exclamations, or an image/video preview.

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B. Something addressed to you personally.

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C. Marked [URGENT], [ACTION], or something equally dramatic that probably implies a when2meet is in your future.

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D. Your name misspelled in the first line.

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What do emails usually want from you?

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\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200bA. Nothing — in fact they usually give me a chance to win a gift card. Or free food.

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B. Nothing — just sharing or reminding me about cool opportunities, events, and people.

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C. IDK — I have to read more than 3 paragraphs of text to even find out?! I don’t remember signing up for my Gen Ed readings to come straight to my inbox!

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D. My soul — a.k.a. filling out yet another dreaded Google form, probably to attend another Zoom.

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What’s the content of emails usually look like?

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A. Gifs, xoxos, smiley faces, & exclamations!

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B. Dry, but short. Alternatively, lots of text, but a good read.

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C. Advertisements. Lots and lots of advertisements. Give someone Canva, and suddenly they think they’re a graphic designer.

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D. Spam, problematic emails, Canvas telling you about a quiz you failed.

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How many other people are included in this email thread?

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A. You’re the one and only ;)

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B. It’s a small group of people: your entryway, your house, or your organization’s board. Maybe someone spotted a lizard at Lowell and now everyone’s writing poetry about it.

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C. The classic mass advertisement or a pretty large group project so if you flake, someone else will probably eventually get it going.

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D. Your entire Harvard class is cc’d and everyone keeps “accidentally” hitting reply all.

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Results:

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Mostly A’s: A fantabulous inbox

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Good for you, you’ve honestly solved Harvard. You have lots of email clout and your inbox is popping off with personalized, useful, and exciting emails! Read your mail and respond to it — you’re probably receiving a reply to an important conversation with the professor you’ve been dying to know or you’ll win some free food.

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Mostly B’s: Mostly fun and fresh vibes

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Not a bad place to be: you have a decent chance at discovering a cool club or reading something that’ll bring a smile to your face. At least open all your mail… you can always skim and save the good stuff.

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Mostly C’s: Functional, not fun

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Your inbox isn’t your happy place and you should join more fun groups (*not a Flyby plug*) to spice up the emails you receive. Let most of your mail sit until a particularly miserable rainy day or until you receive a couple of bumps.

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Mostly D’s: Forget it

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Just delete it. Maybe even your whole account. But before you go — send some strongly worded emails to different mailing lists to let them know they’re ruining your life. Since this is clearly not sustainable, just tell people to Kik you if they really need something.

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{shortcode-6053facb726de373e8c94448535d6f9f665fdc38}September usually brings about the start of a new school year and with it a new wardrobe; but this year, most of us haven’t really needed to go back-to-school shopping, since, well, we’re not back to school. Seeing as you may have forgotten how to get dressed over quarantine (what are jeans, anyway?), Flyby is here to help you out with all of your Zoom lecture outfit needs.

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Business in the Front, Party in the Back

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Or should we say business on the top party on the bottom? Whatever you want to call it, this has been a quarantine classic since the explosion of “Tiger King” and your banana bread making phase. We’ve all mastered the art of making ourselves presentable from the waist up while wearing those stained and/or ripped sweatpants that you really should have thrown out by now. Ah, the wonders of Zoom.

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Business in the Front, Nothing in the Back…

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Some days, the effort required to just put on pants (even sweats) is just too much. So this is for those days, or those times when you swore you had enough time to get a shower in before your 11:15 a.m. Zoom check in with your math TF but when the time finally came, you just hadn’t made it to putting on pants (admit it, you’ve been there). There is something liberating about taking a call pantless. It’s not like they’ll ever know, right?

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Pajamas: A Multi-purpose Look

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There is no shame in waking up five minutes before your Zoom call — it happens to the best of us. Sometimes, time simply won’t permit going for our previous looks of semi-professional on the top. Luckily for us, oversized vintage t-shirts (which you may or may not have slept in the night before) are in, right? So, maybe consider investing in some high quality PJ sets this year instead of your usual attire (after all, it’s all about the #self-care).

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The “I Actually Got Dressed Today”

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Okay, so we’ve all read the articles about how sticking to a schedule and getting dressed every day during quarantine helps people live as normal of a life as possible and keeps them relatively sane. Long story short, they all include some form of “put on real clothes!!!” (and no, sweatpants don’t count). So, if you want to go the extra mile and budget in enough time for a real outfit before your 9 a.m. Zoom lecture, it might just help increase your productivity. Plus, you have to admire that one guy who shows up to Zoom class everyday wearing a suit.

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So, while Zoom classes may not be ideal, the fashion choices it makes available to us might well be. Try out the “real clothing” look if you want to try and get your virtual life together, or enjoy your last few months (hopefully) of showing up to class pantless and/or in your most comfortable sweatshirt (no judgement here).

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{shortcode-774024bd4f1c762371e5135756a77448f9c30d1f}With a global pandemic trolling all aspects of the college experience, obviously the hustle and bustle of the one and only Harvard Yard has been disrupted. While the obnoxious tour mobs are temporarily out of sight, out of mind, plenty of masked faces continue to pass through the gates — even after 6 p.m., when only two entrances are open, and Securitas patrols them both. Who are the people behind these masks, and what are they up to?

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The Important People™

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Back in the pre-corona days, if you were really paying attention, it was easy to spot President Bacow (or, more accurately, his black vehicle parked outside Mass Hall) or Dean Khurana in the Yard. These days, with masks and social distancing, identifying the higher-ups is a little harder; but if you gaze down Oxford Street, you might peep Dean Khurana rolling up to campus on his blue moped.

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The Spike Ball Bros

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Being a freshman is tough. Before campus became socially distanced and people were actually allowed to hangout together, some underclassmen hoped to connect with lifelong friends through their IM teams. Without this opportunity, our hardcore hobby athletes still need an outlet for their sporty tendencies. Enter the spontaneous, hardcore spikeball tournaments that can pop up anywhere at anytime in the Yard. Watch out, or an aggressively played spikeball might take you down!

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The Dorm Escapees

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With the majority of our favorite spots on campus inaccessible at the moment, freshmen and upperclassmen on campus have to get creative with their study spots and socially distanced hangout locations. Not only might they be struggling to focus on their psets with a bed calling out from across the room, but they also might be flirting with insanity after weeks stuck inside. The only solution: Escape the indoors! Many of these brave individuals can be found in the Yard working, lounging, or simply refreshing their memories on the smell of fresh air.

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The Tourists

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While they might not swarm the Yard in impassable masses at the moment, the tourists are still here, and they’re still walking in our way and getting handsy with the statue. Not even masks can hide their true identities, especially when they start taking pictures of students in their first floor dorm rooms…

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The Freshman You Matched with on Tinder

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We’re all lonely these days. Whether you’re on Tinder or you just haven’t admitted it yet, passing through the Yard could provide the perfect opportunity to spot the freshie you matched with. Did they message you at 2:34 p.m. because they have absolutely nothing to do? Did you message them at 4:50 a.m. because quarantine has completely destroyed your sleep schedule? Who cares! This is the time to make your move but definitely from at least six feet away.

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Next time you hangout in our favorite yard, keep your eyes open, and you might notice some of these interesting characters. And if you’re really lucky, you’re already one of them and now have an article written all about you! To all those meandering through the gates, stay healthy, enjoy the Yard, and look out for misaimed spike balls.

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