{shortcode-836f301746bc27245d69ed2078e4d0b21655e6b4}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!).
\r\n\r\nDay 1 (10/13/2020): How to Frosh
\r\n\r\nDay 2 (10/14/2020): Around Campus...ish
\r\n\r\nDay 3 (10/15/2020): Ok Zoomer
\r\n\r\nDay 4 (10/16/2020): Fly-vice
', [{shortcode-d1c5521ebc60bff79d34a3f3bef14301e2599b6d}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!
\r\n\r\nYou have a fridge for a reason.
\r\n\r\nTake 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.
\r\n\r\nYou also have a microwave.
\r\n\r\nIt’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.
\r\n\r\nJoin our Trader Joe’s cult.
\r\n\r\nUnseasoned 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.
\r\n\r\nOr, if the walk is just too far...
\r\n\r\nDon’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.
\r\n\r\nEverything 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.
', [{shortcode-3c22b4e58f19801387e06e68947b30f00967f331}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.
\r\n\r\nDitch the Lanyard
\r\n\r\nEven 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.
\r\n\r\nSerial Comper
\r\n\r\nUsually 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.
\r\n\r\nHooking Up with an Entrymate/Roommate
\r\n\r\nFirst 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.
\r\n\r\nPeaked in High School
\r\n\r\nWithout 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.
\r\n\r\nSo 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.
', [{shortcode-834473ff2c52ab4f0f802a0456a4557897f2b21c}Dear Freshmen,
\r\n\r\nUnder 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.
\r\n\r\nFreshman 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.
\r\n\r\nWhat 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?
\r\n\r\nInstead 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.
\r\n\r\nSometimes, 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.
\r\n\r\nLove,
\r\n\r\nFlyby
', [{shortcode-164f11f62402476c9afe8e220f969fad8007d3ff}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.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nFirst 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.
\r\n\r\nHot Spot
\r\n\r\nLet’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?
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nCan’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.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nYou’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?
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nBusiness 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)!
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSome 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!
\r\n\r\nRealistically 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.
', [{shortcode-6c4fc4196ad1b2d13cf4dc03d958b4428eeaf176}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:
\r\n\r\nWho is most of your mail from?
\r\n\r\nA. Someone replying to you — bonus points if they’re replying quickly!
\r\n\r\nB. One of your cool professors, student groups, or a subscription you enjoy.
\r\n\r\nC. Canvas, Slack, or Rakesh Khurana sending you a regular update.
\r\n\r\nD. Random so-called humor magazine organizations telling you to “Clomp” them, completely unsolicited.
\r\n\r\nWhat’s the subject line and preview most of the time?
\r\n\r\nA. A clever pun, lots of exclamations, or an image/video preview.
\r\n\r\nB. Something addressed to you personally.
\r\n\r\nC. Marked [URGENT], [ACTION], or something equally dramatic that probably implies a when2meet is in your future.
\r\n\r\nD. Your name misspelled in the first line.
\r\n\r\nWhat do emails usually want from you?
\r\n\r\n\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200bA. Nothing — in fact they usually give me a chance to win a gift card. Or free food.
\r\n\r\nB. Nothing — just sharing or reminding me about cool opportunities, events, and people.
\r\n\r\nC. 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!
\r\n\r\nD. My soul — a.k.a. filling out yet another dreaded Google form, probably to attend another Zoom.
\r\n\r\nWhat’s the content of emails usually look like?
\r\n\r\nA. Gifs, xoxos, smiley faces, & exclamations!
\r\n\r\nB. Dry, but short. Alternatively, lots of text, but a good read.
\r\n\r\nC. Advertisements. Lots and lots of advertisements. Give someone Canva, and suddenly they think they’re a graphic designer.
\r\n\r\nD. Spam, problematic emails, Canvas telling you about a quiz you failed.
\r\n\r\nHow many other people are included in this email thread?
\r\n\r\nA. You’re the one and only ;)
\r\n\r\nB. 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.
\r\n\r\nC. The classic mass advertisement or a pretty large group project so if you flake, someone else will probably eventually get it going.
\r\n\r\nD. Your entire Harvard class is cc’d and everyone keeps “accidentally” hitting reply all.
\r\n\r\nResults:
\r\n\r\nMostly A’s: A fantabulous inbox
\r\n\r\nGood 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.
\r\n\r\nMostly B’s: Mostly fun and fresh vibes
\r\n\r\nNot 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.
\r\n\r\nMostly C’s: Functional, not fun
\r\n\r\nYour 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.
\r\n\r\nMostly D’s: Forget it
\r\n\r\nJust 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.
', [{shortcode-88d7b6502d612e87eac59823187c46bb65749668}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.
\r\n\r\nBusiness in the Front, Party in the Back
\r\n\r\nOr 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.
\r\n\r\nBusiness in the Front, Nothing in the Back…
\r\n\r\nSome 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?
\r\n\r\nPajamas: A Multi-purpose Look
\r\n\r\nThere 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).
\r\n\r\nThe “I Actually Got Dressed Today”
\r\n\r\nOkay, 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.
\r\n\r\nSo, 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).
', [{shortcode-84a9725f0ea009835b54b5e22f0d4428512e2f7b}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?
\r\n\r\nThe Important People™
\r\n\r\nBack 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.
\r\n\r\nThe Spike Ball Bros
\r\n\r\nBeing 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!
\r\n\r\nThe Dorm Escapees
\r\n\r\nWith 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.
\r\n\r\nThe Tourists
\r\n\r\nWhile 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…
\r\n\r\nThe Freshman You Matched with on Tinder
\r\n\r\nWe’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.
\r\n\r\nNext 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.
', [{shortcode-8234c5142df61b24f1e55c6939cb9197348127c0}Like all college students, I am chronically tired. So in the spirit of caffeine that doesn’t remind me of the mandatory Sleep 101 Module’s anti-coffee spiels, I have taken to drinking all the tea available at the dhall. Yes, the dhall staff looked at me weird, and I felt like an incredible nuisance when I asked for one of each tea flavor during lunch. It was all so you could have this objectively correct ranking — don’t say I never did anything for you.
\r\n\r\n8) Constant Comment Black Tea
\r\n\r\nThe only comment I have about this tea is that I don’t get it. Orange rind and sweet spice are unappealing by themselves and worse together. Drinking this tea felt like licking a bunch of orange peels then taking a shot of mystery powder.
\r\n\r\nRating: 0 stars, and I’m being generous.
\r\n\r\n7) Earl Grey Black Tea
\r\n\r\nMaybe I just have Chinese-medicinal-tonic-for-cold-sores trauma, but Earl Grey sucks. My taste buds felt uncharacteristically fuzzy after one cup, and that’s not what I evolved for.
\r\n\r\nRating: 0.1 stars. I’d drink this maybe in a desert where my only other option was dehydration.
\r\n\r\n6) Lipton Green Tea
\r\n\r\nHot take: Green tea is not that good. Y’all just pretend to like it because matcha lattes are trendy now. But this green tea tastes exactly like the iced green tea from Bon Me, so you can save yourself $2.80 by making a hot cup of dhall green tea and waiting for it to go cold.
\r\n\r\nRating: 2.5 stars because I’m pretty sure if I rate this any lower, the green tea/matcha latte fanatics are going to hunt me down.
\r\n\r\n5) Cranberry Apple Herbal Tea
\r\n\r\nThis tea is ~quirky~. She’s not like other girls. All cranberry, no apple, this tea flavor tastes like warm, watered down cranberry juice with a slight rustic aftertaste of the dirt the cranberries grew from.
\r\n\r\nRating: 3 stars. I like the taste of cranberries more than I dislike the taste of dirt, but not by that much.
\r\n\r\n4) English Teatime Black Tea
\r\n\r\nThis is such a neutral flavor of tea that I drank the whole cup without ever registering a taste. Good for when you want a warm mug in your hand to remind yourself you’re conscious, bad if the La Croix of hot water doesn’t sound appealing to you.
\r\n\r\nRating: 3.5 stars because somehow, the La Croix of hot water appeals to me.
\r\n\r\n3) Lipton Black Tea
\r\n\r\nIt’s not called America’s favorite tea for no reason, even if it’s only my third favorite tea from the dhall. This is a solid, respectable black tea, but solid, respectable things are boring.
\r\n\r\nRating: 4 stars, a solid, respectable rating.
\r\n\r\n2) Cinnamon Apple Herbal Tea
\r\n\r\nThis tea is like perfume in that it smells exactly like cinnamon and apples but tastes nothing like either. Still, while it doesn’t taste like what it says it does, it tastes like fall, and I need that temporal reassurance of what season we’re in.
\r\n\r\nRating: 4.9 stars. It would’ve been 5 but I’m still not over the ingredient deception.
\r\n\r\n1) Raspberry Royale Black Tea
\r\n\r\nThe indisputable king of dhall teas; it’s not lying when it calls itself a Royale. If you don’t like this tea, you don’t deserve taste buds. I went to the dhall this morning and just asked for two of this flavor (dhall staff, please reaffirm my sanity).
\r\n\r\nRating: 5 stars. Hell, 6 stars. 7. 10.
\r\n\r\nIf you disagreed with any of these rankings, just remember that you’re wrong! For the rest of us with good taste: Enjoy your Raspberry Royale!
', [{shortcode-dccab0fb516c095f1bc05d03bf6f641326be3c3e}Who knew six months ago we would need this quiz? Forget about the traditional Harvard greeting (name, year, concentration, then networking). Instead, hand someone this quiz or study it intently to size up people on your own with a glance. Your classmates probably don’t wear masks on Zoom, but you can practice near Widener steps or in your hometown where there are bound to be remote learners.
\r\n\r\n1. What level of protection is adequate for a walk?
\r\n\r\nA) Hazmat suit
\r\n\r\nB) Bougie Reebok masks
\r\n\r\nC) Mask in my pocket
\r\n\r\nD) Mask with nose clip so my glasses don’t fog up
\r\n\r\nE) No mask, baby! (btw, we are judging you if this is your answer)
\r\n\r\n2. How do you feel about going to the grocery store?
\r\n\r\nA) I refuse to leave my house
\r\n\r\nB) I get delivery
\r\n\r\nC) I can people-watch, yay!
\r\n\r\nD) I can mask-watch (so many kewl designs)
\r\n\r\nE) It is a necessary evil
\r\n\r\n3. Describe your mask style.
\r\n\r\nA) A safety device that covers my nose and mouth
\r\n\r\nB) Barely there
\r\n\r\nC) An extension of my personality
\r\n\r\nD) A cry for attention
\r\n\r\nE) A mask? What? (again, judging you...)
\r\n\r\n4. Other than protection from COVID, what benefit of wearing masks do you appreciate the most?
\r\n\r\nA) That’s a big “other”
\r\n\r\nB) No one knows what I look like underneath
\r\n\r\nC) Warmth
\r\n\r\nD) An excuse to craft
\r\n\r\nE) Style
\r\n\r\n5. Choose a mask to wear on a socially distanced picnic:
\r\n\r\nA) N-95
\r\n\r\nB) Disposable blue paper mask
\r\n\r\nC) Bandana
\r\n\r\nD) Homemade mask
\r\n\r\nE) Scarf (I haven’t purchased/made masks yet!)
\r\n\r\nThe Results
\r\n\r\nMostly A’s:
\r\n\r\nCongratulations, you’re premed (I mean, this probably means you're an MCB or Hist Sci concentrator with a Global Health secondary)! N-95 Masks are your go-to, and while they should be saved for doctors, well, you will be one one day! They filter out 95 percent of the particles breathed in (sounds just like your grade on that last midterm).
\r\n\r\nMostly B’s:
\r\n\r\nYou are an Economics or Government concentrator! You use and dispose of masks akin to how humans are treated under capitalism (snake!). Maybe try wearing a reusable mask occasionally (or you know, every day) to do your part for the environment.
\r\n\r\nMostly C’s:
\r\n\r\nYou must be a Social Studies concentrator! It is all you can do to not explain to everyone you meet how your protective bandana reminds you of the cowboys protecting themselves from dust or linking public health rules to Foucault’s panopticon theory.
\r\n\r\nMostly D’s:
\r\n\r\nYou’re an Engineering major! I mean, you must be, since you likely whipped out your sewing machine in early March and made masks for your extended family. Maybe you bioengineers can invent a mask as effective as N-95 for the common folk, or at least one that reduces maskne.
\r\n\r\nMostly E’s:
\r\n\r\nYou must be a Humanities student! Please put down that book about the 1918 flu pandemic, leave your ivory tower and go purchase a real mask so that you are alive to save humanity one day.
', [{shortcode-dcc14662392b5d1d41b396703c8d97665bd810e8}So… here we are. Back to a semester of remote learning. Only this time, it’s revamped with new lecture formats, take-home tests, and Zoom extensions! Which extension do you relate most to? Which ones make you want to log out of absolutely everything? Take this quiz to find out.
\r\n\r\nYour Wi-Fi crashes during a Zoom lecture, what do you do?
\r\n\r\nA. Someone near you is likely sucking it all up, and you will send them a passive aggressive text about it.
\r\n\r\nB. Eh, it is what it is. Time for snack #4325 of the day!
\r\n\r\nC. Text your friend in the class ASAP and ask them to catch you up on what you’re missing.
\r\n\r\nD. Wait until it comes back and hope that your face didn’t freeze on some weird expression.
\r\n\r\nWhat is your social distancing activity of choice?
\r\n\r\nA. A brief walk outside, mask tightly secured and sanitizer clutched in hand.
\r\n\r\nB. It’s just you, some takeout, and Netflix, baby!
\r\n\r\nC. Picnic blankets, social distanced circles, and some Large Outdoor Space™.
\r\n\r\nD. A Zoom catch up session with your blocking group full of laughs and Wi-Fi troubles.
\r\n\r\nMethod of choice for keeping track of deadlines and assignments?
\r\n\r\nA. Google Calendar; it never fails. *Chef’s kiss*
\r\n\r\nB. Tons and tons of alarms throughout the day… Yup.
\r\n\r\nC. A beautifully elaborate bullet journal that makes a daily appearance on your IG story.
\r\n\r\nD. An ongoing list in your Notes section that includes everything you need to do.
\r\n\r\nHow do you handle awkward breakout rooms?
\r\n\r\nA. Pretend your computer is glitching and turn off your camera for good measure; now you can cram in some readings!
\r\n\r\nB. Mic off, head down, but ears open listening to the painful conversations.
\r\n\r\nC. Ask everyone for that good ol’ Harvard Introduction to get the conversation started.
\r\n\r\nD. Bare minimum participation until you see that beautiful “Return to Main Session” button; then you’re out.
\r\n\r\nWhat do you do during the 15 minutes between classes now that they aren’t spent running across campus?
\r\n\r\nA. Checking Canvas to make sure you haven’t missed any random deadlines.
\r\n\r\nB. Fixing yourself a snack to eat during your next lecture, duh!
\r\n\r\nC. Catching up on social media feeds for some semblance of human interaction.
\r\n\r\nD. Napping. Zoom just takes it all out of you.
\r\n\r\nResults:
\r\n\r\nMostly A’s: Gradescope
\r\n\r\nYou definitely have a specific, personal method for approaching almost everything, and silently judge others for doing it any other way. Deadlines are your worst nightmare, and you’re always thinking about how much time you have left before your assignments are due. Though you’re constantly in a heightened state of nervousness, it helps you work more efficiently under high pressure situations. Others know you will put in your 100% to whatever you set your mind to!
\r\n\r\nMostly B’s: Panopto
\r\n\r\nWhile you aren’t a social butterfly, per say, people know you well enough to give you that awkward eye smile from under their masks as they pass by. You’re the one who is quite content to chill by themselves each day, but is usually down for a random FaceTime call every now and then. Quarantine has been a pretty good time to brush up on your baking skills, so you have those 15 minute snack breaks down to an art form by this point.
\r\n\r\nMostly C’s: Slack
\r\n\r\nEven with social distancing conditions, you won’t be stopped from trying to [safely] live life to the fullest. It’s an ongoing struggle to be both down-to-business and cool looking, but you’re working on it (read: joining every group chat possible). As a self-proclaimed extrovert, you’re all about those pre-planned outdoor meetups and keeping the conversation going during breakouts rooms. Your LinkedIn is somehow popping off even in these remote circumstances, so go you!
\r\n\r\nMostly D’s: Jamboard
\r\n\r\nLet’s be honest: you’re really just looking to try your best this semester. While you didn’t start off this semester on the best note— how is it possible for my.harvard, Canvas, and Zoom to crash all at the same time?— you still have high hopes for the rest of Fall 2020. You’re spreading yourself a little thin already with all sorts of different clubs and organizations, so remember to take it easy every once in a while. Having already experienced every technical difficulty in the book, it’s only up from here, baby!
', [{shortcode-d5b6dcbb14b66c2528bdad1e96e70522aa4003d7}With the add/drop deadline coming up this Monday, October 5th, Flyby's here to help you think through whether that fifth class is even worth it.
', [{shortcode-e0247720235c14107a5041df44a3c2a36c72a9c9}We used to live in simpler times, when flirting with a new cutie was as easy as forming a study group and making eyes at them over your Stat 110 problem set. But alas, wooing is a little more challenging when you have to stay six feet apart and you can’t really hear what they’re saying under their mask. So what’s a luvah to do? Don’t worry, we’ve got you. Read on for how to (safely) make that COVID-crush turn into a COVID-Connection.
\r\n\r\nPractice Your Smize
\r\n\r\nFlirting is all about the eyes, so if you’re lucky enough to be able to see your crush in real life, make sure you’re ready to be smiling with your eyes (“smizing”) like you’re on America’s Next Top Model. But seriously, let the person know you’re into them by communicating! It can be hard to read someone’s expression when you can’t see most of their face, but giving off other good body language like sustained eye contact, laughter, or generally just paying attention to what they’re saying can go a long way.
\r\n\r\nPicnic Like Your Life Depends On It
\r\n\r\nSeriously — it might. And if not now, when? Outdoor dates are already the cutest dates, so grab your HUDS meal and make for the river with your crush (and your masks!) Nothing says young love like eating cold chickpeas together. Bonus points if you find a spot a little more unusual than the river, because exploring together will make the memories all the stronger.
\r\n\r\nGo Virtual
\r\n\r\nIf you can’t actually see your crush in real life, never fear. Zoom chats are about to be your next best friend. Slide into their ZMs and ask to study, or ask to date, or ask to get married, depending upon how big/requited the crush is. Just make sure it’s a private message! You can play it cool and ask to work on a pset together, or full send and just ask to hang out, in-person or online.
\r\n\r\nOnline Dating
\r\n\r\nIt’s a thing, it was a thing before, and it will continue to be a thing. Get swiping, messaging, and doing whatever makes you happy. Worst comes to worst, you won’t meet the love of your life, but might walk away with lots of pictures of people’s cute dogs. Best case? Let’s talk about that picnic (can you say charcuterie board?) one more time, and maybe you’ll get to meet someone’s puppy.
\r\n\r\nSure, life is weird, everything is weird. The opportunities for a dance floor makeout or a meet cute anywhere but the laundry room have gone down, but dating doesn’t have to be over. So go find some quarantine cuties.
', [{shortcode-8eb377baeaaf969ff081ac43d2a710caaec17c68}Let Flyby take a guess about your Zoom habits using your results to this quiz!
\r\n\r\n1. What is your favorite snack?
\r\n\r\nA) Chips? Crackers? I prefer to just eat a meal
\r\n\r\nB) The banana chips from the dhall
\r\n\r\nC) Fruit — subtle and easy to eat quietly
\r\n\r\nD) Anything I can find to snack on...
\r\n\r\n2. What is your favorite part of a Zoom lecture?
\r\n\r\nA) Clicking the “leave meeting” button
\r\n\r\nB) How do I know what my favorite part of a Zoom lecture is when I don't even know what’s going on?
\r\n\r\nC) Hot-take, but the BREAKOUT ROOMS
\r\n\r\nD) Asking questions because the professor lost me at the third slide
\r\n\r\n3. One word to describe how your semester is currently going.
\r\n\r\nA) There are no words
\r\n\r\nB) Hanging by a thread — I know that’s more than one, but this was the only way to fully describe my semester
\r\n\r\nC) Thriving
\r\n\r\nD) Flustered
\r\n\r\n4. What are your thoughts on making friends through Zoom?
\r\n\r\nA) Absolutely not
\r\n\r\nB) I would prefer for it to be in-person, but understand how that’s not very feasible given the pandemic
\r\n\r\nC) No other way I’d rather make new friends!
\r\n\r\nD) Sure, why not?
\r\n\r\n5. When do you leave lectures?
\r\n\r\nA) Right when class time is up regardless of whether or not the lecture runs overtime
\r\n\r\nB) When the professor finishes lecturing
\r\n\r\nC) I always stay 10 minutes afterwards to ask questions
\r\n\r\nD) I actually leave whenever I want
\r\n\r\nMostly A’s: No Camera, No Mic, No Chat
\r\n\r\nEven though class is now attendable by the click of a button, it was probably still a struggle to find the motivation to go. Your naps in between classes were initially energizing, but have now become dangerously good. 15 minutes no longer seems like enough. Now, you just wake up to hop onto the Zoom call and go back to sleep. Or, you’re hungry and ready to eat. Zoom will certainly not stop you from getting your full lunch experience. The no camera, no mic option on Zoom is currently your biggest life hack.
\r\n\r\nMostly B’s: Camera, No Mic
\r\n\r\nAh yes, the classic camera on, mic off. Whether you’re willfully turning your camera on, you give off the image that you are engaged. But, in reality, you’re completely checked-out. Whether you’re working on an assignment for another class, watching TikToks, or simply just zoning out, it’s safe to say that you have no clue what is going on in this Zoom call. As long as no one knows that, you’re good. Faking it till you make it has never failed you and you’re not about to stop now.
\r\n\r\nMostly C’s: Camera On, Mic On, CHAT
\r\n\r\nThe Zoomster. You actually look forward to Zoom calls. Whether or not classes and meetings are in-person or online, it doesn’t matter because you know you will be fully engaged. You’re the person who starts the discussion when the professor divides the 200+ person lecture into breakout rooms. No awkward silences for you today!
\r\n\r\nMostly D’s: No Camera, Mic On
\r\n\r\nIf we’re being honest, you probably have no idea that your mic is on. I mean, who turns their camera off, but has their mic on...? The exception is if you’re in a breakout room and actually have something to say. Otherwise, we know that you’re completely unaware of your mic being on.
', [{shortcode-379a025a6b0d7414583725ebed31f8e676cb3363}Let’s be real: quarantine hasn’t been the most exciting. We’ve all been trying to recreate the campus chatter at home, and you or your blockmates have probably discovered the allure of Harvard Confessions. Along with Samyra’s tea times on Instagram, the Harvard Confessions Facebook page has been utilized as a platform to anonymously post hot takes, thirsty propositions, and angry rants. If you’ve ever wondered about the behind-the-scenes details, Flyby has got you covered with an interview from an admin who asked to be anonymous to preserve the nature of the Harvard Confessions page.
\r\n\r\n1. Did you start Harvard Confessions? When did it get started?
\r\n\r\nHCA: Basically I was seeing MIT confessions and I was like, Oh, why doesn’t Harvard have a confessions page? So, I created it in February of 2019.
\r\n\r\n2. For those unfamiliar with the page, what are three words you would use to describe it?
\r\n\r\nHCA: Relatable, diverse, and whack.
\r\n\r\n3. My friends have definitely sent me whacky confessions on the page. Do you guys have a confession hall of fame?
\r\n\r\nHCA: No [laughs], but we definitely should in the future.
\r\n\r\n4. Like print some out and put it on a wall?
\r\n\r\nHCA: Yeah, that would be really fun.
\r\n\r\n5. Do you think professed-love and thirsty confessions have ever led to any relationships? Could it ever replace Datamatch?
\r\n\r\nHCA: I don’t think so…I think what our peers are doing are great but also…Datamatch is sponsored by restaurants and students can actually meet up, whereas for us, we’re a platform where students can profess their love anonymously and just hope for the best.
\r\n\r\n6. Have you ever submitted a confession?
\r\n\r\nHCA: In the beginning, yeah, just because we needed to get stuff off the ground. But nowadays, there’s way too much to go through.
\r\n\r\n7. So the coronavirus happened and it really looks like the page blew up. Any thoughts about why?
\r\n\r\nHCA: People are probably using Confessions as a way to virtually feel like they’re still on campus or connected with fellow students…in March, the page activity definitely ramped up.
\r\n\r\nYes, you can talk to your friends, or DM people, but I think it’s very different than having a common space [like Confessions].
\r\n\r\n8. Has it been more difficult running the page?
\r\n\r\nHCA: Definitely! Along with more submissions, we got more demands. Like if we didn’t post something fast enough, we would get more submissions asking why we didn’t post it. And it’s not a personal vendetta… I mean like, we don’t even know who you are!
\r\n\r\n9. What’s something that people would be surprised to hear about the behind-the-scenes of running the account?
\r\n\r\nHCA: We actually read everything and we discuss everything…And the fact that we get 200-300 submissions per day, so when people complain or say we aren’t approving them fast enough, we really can’t [laughs].
\r\n\r\n10. So how do you decide which ones get posted?
\r\n\r\nHCA: We usually filter for some sort of quality. As in, it should be funny, interesting, relatable. Originally we wanted to remain completely apolitical, but when we don’t post, people accuse us of censoring and agreeing with the opposing side… we try to do a balance of posting both sides. The ones that have too much profanity or are too offensive, or directly call out individuals, we try to steer away from those...Anything that we know for a fact is false, we definitely also won’t post, like a lot of hearsay that tarnishes an organization’s reputation.
\r\n\r\n11. Overall, it’s been pretty popular among Harvard students. Why do you think people submit to it? Why do you think people like reading it?
\r\n\r\nHCA: Maybe, for some people it’s seeking validation… For others, seeing if their opinions are a hot take or a cold take. Maybe they feel like this is a good platform to share their thoughts. And for other people, some sort of clout or entertainment?
\r\n\r\n12. Describe the page as a singular HUDS dish.
\r\n\r\nHCA: The Make Your Own omelet stations. I guess metaphorically, Confessions is what the student body puts into it and each omelet comes out differently based on what you put in it.
\r\n\r\n13. So how many of you are there?
\r\n\r\nHCA: It’s half our blocking group, so 4 of us. We’re actually looking to bring in new moderators since we’re all seniors now, so definitely looking for younger moderators to join the team. Take the torch please!
\r\n\r\n14. Going off of that, what do you see as the future of the page once you’re gone?
\r\n\r\nHCA: Just hope that the page continues as long as Facebook is alive.
\r\n\r\nESD: Oh, Zuck.
\r\n\r\nHCA: (laughs) Yeah...it’s a really good community for people to highlight issues that aren’t normally talked about. And hopefully a space where people can relax, chill, talk about funny things, and spread campus gossip.
\r\n\r\nSo if you’re ever bored, whether you’re in quarantine or at school, check out the Harvard Confessions page on Facebook. We promise it’ll (probably) be worth your time.
', [{shortcode-1b8efe5c1aa60adb2b2dc4f7adec34a17ad72552}As technologically well-versed college students, you would think we’ve figured out how to use Zoom by now. But it seems like the summer has made us all forget about the technical issues that can arise when our cameras and microphones are on. If any of these Zoom disasters have happened to you, or you’re nervous that they might, here’s our advice on how to deal with them. Damage control has never been easier!
\r\n\r\nThe speaking while you’re muted
\r\n\r\nThis one’s a little embarrassing but not the worst. Maybe you had a really great question in lecture and now no one will hear you flex because you were muted the whole time. No big deal. Hopefully a friend in your class will point this out so you can fix it. Or maybe you’ll just realize when everyone’s ignoring you. Shake it off. Just unmute yourself and try again!
\r\n\r\nThe speaking while you’re NOT muted but meant to be
\r\n\r\nOkay, this one’s a little more embarrassing and a LOT worse. Here’s to hoping you were only talking to your mom and NOT complaining about your professor and their *incredibly exciting* lecture. And here’s to hoping that Zoom didn’t do you dirty by switching the screen to you while you were speaking. If this is you, check with a friend on the call to see what they heard on the receiving end. And if you think you may have offended someone, just apologize!
\r\n\r\nThe Zoom chat
\r\n\r\nThe Zoom chat is a disaster just waiting to happen. Picture this: you’re telling your friend about your horrible morning, confessing you didn’t do the reading for lecture, or complaining about the annoying kid in your section. Except you’re not just telling your friend — you send it to everyone on the call. Yikes! As embarrassing as this is in the moment, we can assure you that it isn’t so bad. As other messages in the chat come in, everyone will forget about yours!
\r\n\r\nThe Zoom chat, part two
\r\n\r\nHere’s another scenario. Just like the last one, this also starts with you still spilling your deepest sins to your friend. Except this time, instead of chatting the whole class, you message the wrong person. So yes, it’s a little unsettling to know that a stranger knows all your tea, but hey, think about it like this: worst case, you’ve creeped them out a bit, but best case, you’ve made a new friend!
\r\n\r\nThe video fiasco
\r\n\r\nListen to us carefully: if you don’t wear pants to class, don’t leave your video on. The easiest way to prevent video camera disasters is to make sure you don’t do things you wouldn’t do in public while you’re on zoom. This includes but is not limited to: nose-picking, not being fully clothed, and using your camera as a makeup mirror. There’s two ways to solve this problem. Either keep your camera off, or just pay attention for the full lecture.
\r\n\r\nIf you’re still worried about future Zoom disasters or a little scarred from one that happened a few weeks ago, we’ll leave you with this: while we hope this advice will keep you from making Zoom mistakes a habit, accidents are inevitable. If one of these things does happen to you, your friends, classmates, and professors will forgive you. And when Zoom classes become a thing of the past, your Zoom disaster will be too!
', [