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{shortcode-101c333412629e717c7b278741d8b9c2f132daf5} Zoom crashed on you? No idea when classes officially start? Consider yourself two spaces closer to "bingo."

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{shortcode-fbc2a08edc0041372356d19a98cd2e266b3f7afd}The past few months have taught us lots about gratitude, especially that it’s important to recognize the silver linings of each and every moment. For real. Your local grocery store ran out of toilet paper? Don’t fret. Make a trip to the second closest grocery store and call it an “adventure.” Shopping week is virtual? Don’t worry — we’ve got you covered with some ways to recognize the hidden Zoom ~blessings~ that surround us all.

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You can’t feel guilty about leaving a shopping period class when it’s not in-person. The pang of guilt inside your stomach as you leave the crowded Science Center B during shopping week is no longer a worry when clicking “Leave Meeting” takes approximately 0.5 seconds. No one will notice (?), and even if someone does, you can go right back to finishing that episode of Grey’s Anatomy to distract yourself from worry.

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Find your corona cutie. If those Facebook groups you joined circa March didn’t leave you with your sought-after corona cutie, use Zoom shopping week to finally find your Harvard match. Cuffing season no longer begins when the weather becomes groggy in Cambridge. Cuffing season begins here and now in the preview for the GenEd we know you won’t end up taking. We promise we can’t see you scrolling through the many Zoom screens to finally find the “one” (or maybe someone can, we don’t really know).

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Shop while shopping. Literally. Get yourself in the mood for shopping week by shopping a course while simultaneously going online shopping. Nothing says Zoom college 2020 quite like that new pair of sweatpants you’ll wear every. single. day.

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You’ll actually know what you’re getting yourself into. Course sites have been live for some time now and we’ve had lots of time on our hands to actually read the course syllabi. Unlike those regular shopping periods when shopping = going to the courses that friends go to, shopping period now is a completely personal experience. Read about those courses and shop what you want to shop!

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Though in-person shopping week will be missed, virtual shopping week also comes with its pros. Now, shop ‘til you drop (or until you’re hungry for lunch, your Netflix screen asks if you’re still watching, or you take your 1000000th nap of the day).

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{shortcode-2e2656836381d03594b2e59304fd4563e8c25000}Ah yes, shopping week. Here we are again for the never-ending chaos of popping in and out of classes, dreaming of getting into too many lotteried courses, and frantically searching for that last gem we need to complete our schedules. Now, add the bonus challenge of it being entirely online! Especially with many professors holding vague info sessions and office hours, it’s time to brush up on those ~social skills~ so you can really get all the tea you’ll need on their classes (and even more importantly, make sure that they do actually care about you!).

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If they taught a class last semester: “How did you adapt your course for the new virtual circumstances?”

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Let’s be real — the second half of last semester was a bit of a dumpster fire for all of us, professors included. It’s important to have some patience with your professors, since they were likely adapting to this new situation as well, but it’s also good to know whether they were understanding with students during such a big period of adjustment. Did they adapt assignments? Were they flexible with class attendance? Were they more understanding with grading? If they answer “no” to all of these, it might be the time to go check out another class. Your future self will probably thank you!

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If you’re international or in a distant time zone: “What are your plans for keeping asynchronous students connected to the course material and staff?”

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Straight off the bat, make sure to check out the class’s Canvas site to see if it actually allows asynchronous students (after all, you don’t want to get stuck taking PSY 1015: Psychology of Sleep at 3:00 a.m.). Once you’ve confirmed that you can actually enroll in the class, now’s the time to see if the professor is going the extra mile to make sure you can stay engaged with the course. Maybe they’re creating study groups within each student’s time zone, making a Slack channel with students and TFs, or offering extra flexibility for group projects — no one wants to be teaching themselves right now, and plans like these can make sure you don’t have to.

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If the course is capped: “Is the enrollment process conducted through a lottery, an application, or some other process? Are there certain priorities by grade or concentration?”

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Their Canvas site may not be fully updated quite yet, so this is a great question to ask before you get your hopes up on that class that seems way too good to be true. Knowing what the enrollment process will be like can help give you an idea of your chances for actually taking that class with a 15-person cap, especially if you’re a freshman or are trying to branch out to classes outside your concentration. Don’t forget to put those deadlines in your calendar (and, worse comes to worst, be ready to beg via Zoom for a spot in the class)!

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If you just need a vibe check... “What’s your Hogwarts House?/What’s your star sign?/What kind of bender from Avatar are you?”

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Shopping week is basically a week-long vibe check, but it can be a bit harder to get a feel for what a professor is ~really~ like over a Zoom call. Why not get straight to the point with some of these questions? Even better: Try sending over your favorite Buzzfeed quizzes in the chat and check out their results. After all, do you really want to take a class with a professor who doesn’t know what Disney character they are based on their favorite breakfast foods?

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While this Shopping week may look different, it’s still a great chance to check out some new courses, meet professors, and hopefully find those next Zoom crushes to pin on your screen during class. Online office hours might be a bit intimidating at first — especially if you’re just looking to learn more about a professor’s teaching style or see who else will be taking the class — but this can also be a great opportunity to ask whatever questions you have without the pressure of 100 other people in the lecture hall listening to you too.

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{shortcode-8f5fe5be785dee949ca496b6730e21369a521c21}Shopping week usually instills a sense of chaos reminding us that school is back, and there’s no reason that can’t be true this year. During this pandemic, we’re all craving a sense of normalcy. Use this guide to help continue your shopping week traditions from years past.

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Forget to choose your classes

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Let’s be honest — we all say that we will pick out our classes during the break, but it will never happen. While you can’t recreate running to a class you just found out is necessary for your concentration, you can run to your computer frantically when you realize that your Zoom was supposed to start 15 minutes ago.

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Shop even more classes than usual

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Shopping week is always filled with more classes than anyone should rationally try to attend. And now that you don’t even have commute time, why not add more classes on to your packed schedule? We all missed the stress.

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Get in contact with old friends

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At this time during the pre-COVID era, we would be making plans to “grab a meal” with people we haven’t seen in the past few months. Even in a socially distanced semester, you can still make those plans to catch up with friends. And hey, you probably still have the same chance of actually following through and getting a meal with any of those people.

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Back to School Party at Home

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Shopping week is traditionally the time to celebrate being back in your favorite place, Harvard Square. While we may not be back, we can celebrate having something to do other than use sourdough starters. Call up your friends on Zoom and get your favorite beverage (legally allowed in your current place of residence).

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Cheers to making this shopping experience as chaotic as it usually is!

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{shortcode-5b30c0713929c174c375767f61fc00be11cc075f}Shopping week is upon us, and the lovely Harvard faculty have spent the entire summer preparing, editing syllabi, and learning how to screen-share. It’s too bad, then, that the classes you’re looking at still have weekly p-sets and a one-mile-long reading list. Here is a quick test to see if the class you’re looking at reflects a caring, supportive professor who can soothe your soul during the trials and tribulations presented by an online Fall 2020.

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What does the canvas site look like?

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A. There’s a list of changes the course staff has made to adjust to online learning

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B. A reassuring video and the professor says they’re open to suggestions

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C. Literally the same as last year (it says Fall 2018 in some places)

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Are there office hours throughout the day to account for other time zones?

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A. Yes, thank goodness I won’t have to stay up till 3 a.m. for section!

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B. No, but the professor/TFs are available by email

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C. Not too many office hours, but at least the lectures are recorded

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Can you easily find shopping material and the syllabus?

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A. Yes, it’s compiled right on the home page!

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B. I dug through the Files tab, so no worries

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C. The site isn’t up yet

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What do the assignments look like?

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A. The professor seems to have made some readings optional/the p-sets shorter

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B. There are now projects, which could be fun if I get a good group

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C. Honestly, this workload will burn me out by the end of week 2

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Let’s talk about finals week.

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A. I have one last short assignment or midterm, since they were evenly spaced during the term

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B. The professor hasn’t taken a call on that yet, but everything will be fine

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C. I will have a 3-hour final which is 80 percent of my grade but we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it

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Results:

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Mostly As: Congratulations! You have stumbled upon a guardian angel who has your best interests, learning and otherwise, at heart. Go register for that lottery if enrollment is limited, otherwise sit back and enjoy the rest of your summer vacation!

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Mostly Bs: I’m not completely sure this class will not be the bane of your existence. Your professor is probably a good person deep down, and who knows, maybe the class may not be as demanding as it sounds once you get into the rhythm. Proceed with caution and note down the add/drop date (October 5!).

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Mostly Cs: My regrets and condolences, but you might be teaching yourself this semester. If this class is a requirement then there is nothing to be done, but try to reach out for help (ARC, TFs, p-set buddies) if you will think you will need it and buffer your schedule with courses that might not be as demanding. Good luck!

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{shortcode-c4e0aea12010d68036aa1ea9d56e67052c86df02}As Fall semester approaches and the search for courses begins, you may notice how different each professor’s canvas site is. Do not underestimate how much a Canvas site can reveal. Take this quiz to find out which Canvas site you are.

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Are you ready for the school year to start?

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A. Absolutely!

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B. Ugh.

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C. I’ve been ready.

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D. The school year is starting?

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Do you know what classes you’ll be shopping during virtual shopping week?

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A. I’m not entirely sure yet, but I know all the course requirements for my concentration, secondary, and citation. So, yeah, I guess I do have a general idea of what I’m shopping.

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B. HAHHAH. I’m sorry, but who do you think I am?

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C. Oh, yes I’ve known for months now.

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D. Maybe, maybe not? We will find out.

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What are you looking forward to this semester?

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A. Being able to use my school supplies again, going to class, psetting with friends, and so much more.

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B. The end.

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C. All the sleep I’ll be getting because of how strategically I’ve curated my schedule

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D. To finally figure out what is going on right now.

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What will you miss the most about being on campus?

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A. Late night study session in Lamont, in-person office hours, and basically everything.

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B. Getting Insomnia cookies at 3 a.m.

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C. Getting my morning coffee at Tatte.

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D. Running along the Charles River and being able to see the leaves change colors are an extremely close tie.

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What is your favorite spot on campus?

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A. Widener Library.

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B. Berg.

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C. Barker Center.

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D. One of the $700 chairs in the Yard.

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Results:

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Mostly A’s: The fully organized Canvas site with one too many informational videos and a detailed calendar laying out the entire semester.

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You are more than ready to get back on that school grind. You’ve started browsing for courses the minute the 2020-2021 course catalog was published and know that 3,592 page doc from beginning to end. There are probably seven or eight courses in your Crimson Cart, even though you’re fairly certain of the four courses you will be taking. This is secretly your favorite time of the year and you will not let online courses ruin it.

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Mostly B’s: “Warning! This Canvas Course has not been published yet.”

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This Canvas site probably describes your life better than you can describe it yourself. You either have absolutely no clue on what courses to take or have at least 10 courses you’re planning to shop and have absolutely no idea which of the 10 to take. Regardless, you have no idea what to do and all your decision-making seems to go in a never-ending spiral. The HarvardKey site going under maintenance isn’t the only difficulty you’re running into.

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Mostly C’s: Old syllabus, old lecture slides, old course calendar…

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You’ve been looking at courses to take this fall since Fall 2017. You know exactly which courses are gems, and which courses secretly fulfill the distribution and GenEd requirements. You’ve gone so far back that some of the courses you’ve looked at aren’t even offered anymore. However, you will not put your years of hard work to waste and are determined to construct the chillest schedule. You will not be taking any risks with new classes. Low risk, high reward is the way to go.

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Mostly D’s: The Canvas site with only one tab that’s labeled, “Home.”

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Can’t find the syllabus for this course? Can’t find the times of this course’s informational sessions during shopping week? Can’t find the zoom link for lectures? You tell yourself that you’re ~slowly~ getting ready for the semester, but you still can’t find the course catalog for this school year. Completely clueless, yet, surprisingly, not worried. Maybe you’re just going with the flow.

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{shortcode-77874bfe3c126aaebc667258e6feb05fc90d303e}Shopping week — five days of excitement for new classes, vigor from a restful summer break, and nervousness from the overwhelming course catalog. This is the first time that shopping week will be held online before the start of the semester, so here are a few tips from Flyby to make the most out of it. Extra points if you proudly wear your pajamas and eat breakfast in front of the entire class!

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Set up your shopping week schedule on Harvard’s Coursicle website.

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During a typical semester, shopping for more than six or seven classes may have been challenging and stressful to get from place to place (not to mention entering several lotteries, finalizing your four choices, starting your psets, etc). However, now you can dip in and out of different Zoom links without ever getting up from your chair (or your bed). Oh, the joy of not sitting on the floor at the back of an overcrowded lecture hall!

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Coursicle is incredibly convenient to use. All you have to do is enter the classes you’re interested in and your schedule is automatically created. Take advantage of the opportunity to be able to move from one class to another without having a hundred students, six TFs, and a vaguely disgruntled professor looking back at you as you walk into lecture 20 minutes late. Add 10, 12, 14 classes to your list! Coursicle is your oyster.

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Check which requirements you need to fulfill on my.harvard.

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If you’re an incoming freshman, you don’t need to worry too much about fulfilling GenEds with the many semesters ahead of you, but if you’re an upperclassman, you may be interested in crossing one or two off of your list. Although requirements may be getting stricter each year, there’s no denying that many GenEd classes offered are still fascinating and world-class. Looking for an Ethics and Civics class? Consider shopping “GENED 1150: Medicine and Conflict: The History and Ethics of Healing in Political Turmoil.” Need to fulfill your foreign language requirement? Brush up on the one you learned in high school or start a completely new one. American Sign Language has been gaining popularity, so give it a shot!

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Email your concentration advisor asking what classes they recommend.

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Not only have professors been working hard to make classes more adaptable, but a few concentration departments have also created brand new courses that are meant to be taught virtually. For instance, before your arachnophobia stops you from taking the new OEB 112: Arthropod Biology: “Arachnids and Myriapods, Their Biology and Evolution,” think of it this way — this is actually the best semester to take a class like this because you won’t ever have to see one of their gangly creatures in person. At the very least, reach out to your advisor and hear the advice they have to offer. Chances are, they’re nowhere near as scary as a spider.

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Talk to your friends about the classes they’re shopping.

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Don’t enroll in a class just because your roommates want you to (we’ve learned the hard way), but listen to what interesting classes they’ve taken note of from Harvard’s enormous course catalog. Maybe you’re a STEM concentrator and haven’t considered a humanities course yet, but now that your friend mentioned adding English 90RJ: “Race and Jurisprudence” to their schedule, you’re willing to check it out too. While you’re putting together a list of courses to shop, ask around for recommendations on what classes people have enjoyed in the past as well.

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Take a deep breath!

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This year’s shopping week is completely new for every student and every teaching team. It can be overwhelming, but remember that we’re all in the same boat and plus, you have a few weeks before finalizing your schedule. Lend a helping hand to a professor figuring out breakout rooms and participate when you can to make a class conducive to discussion. We're all still figuring it out!

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Though an online shopping week may not be what you had hoped for, there are many advantages of exploring new classes from the comfort of your room. Shop ’til you drop has taken on a whole new meaning.

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{shortcode-5567e86b5a138c779d0f947482bc80ccc89f1b63}For most (if not all) of us, COVID-19 has thrown summer plans out the window. Instead of conducting research or eating pastries in Paris, maybe you’ve been scrolling through Tiktok for three hours at a time. Here are some ways to stay busy this summer!

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Call, Email, Petition, Protest

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Everyone should be doing this, regardless of how busy they are. Call and email your local representatives to support criminal justice reform and anti-racist legislation. Sign petitions and attend webinars and events hosted by organizations like Black Lives Matter and the ACLU. A list of events hosted by the ACLU can be found here.

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Train for a Half-Marathon

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Even though races may be indefinitely postponed, picking a goal and working toward it is a great way to keep up your motivation during these uncertain times. With the sun out and temperatures high, running is a great way to boost endorphins and soak up some Vitamin D, because — let’s be real — you haven’t gone outside in the past two days.

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Start a Youtube Channel

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If running isn’t your thing or it’s too hot to step outside, follow the lead of other Harvard students and start your very own vlogging channel! Leverage that sweet Harvard name, and if you’re lucky, you’ll make enough money to offset your internship that was cancelled because of coronavirus.

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Tutor

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Love children? Love money? Again, here’s another way you can use the Harvard name to get you some shmoney and keep your brain from atrophying over the summer. It can also be a great volunteering opportunity and will distract you from the ever-vague emails about plans for the fall.

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Stay Class-y

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We’ve recommended Duolingo in the past, but if you’re looking for something a little more formal, both Yale and MIT have free courses and materials online, and mastering a new software is bound to be useful for padding your resume. You can even relive your freshman fall by taking CS50 this summer. Just be warned: There isn’t a free shirt when you’re done.

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You may not be in Italy, but we hope you have found ways to stay busy this summer. And if all else fails, staying socially distanced is always a safe bet!

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{shortcode-abb42ab23e9f62afe8843088201eeb650e22f1c6}Besides the John Harvard Statue, the colorful chairs in the Yard are its most iconic decorations. These chairs have been the star of several articles, Quora queries, and even Tiktoks wondering why they’re there, how they got there, and why Harvard is spending our tuition money on $700 chairs.

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First added to Harvard Yard in 2009, these chairs come from Fermob’s Luxembourg Collection. They are a reinterpretation of the Luxembourg Garden’s armchairs by designer Frédéric Sofia.

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The chair’s stackable nature, curved sides, and aluminum form draw inspiration from a rustic garden chair. They’re intended for “coastal climates,” which may be why the chairs are removed and placed in storage for the winter — it’s not just a signal to tell students it's spring and time to crawl out of hibernation.

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In response to a query asking, “Why are there a bunch of chairs in Harvard Yard?” Quora user and former Harvard student Marc A. Bodnick ’90 wrote that he was told that “the city of Cambridge pressured Harvard into adding these chairs.” Whether this is true or not, these chairs were added as part of the Harvard Common Spaces initiative in 2009. Since then, the chairs have been tools to share poetry or props for outdoor performances. By providing contrast to the Harvard aesthetic (and being... not crimson), they aim to make the Yard a more accessible space while creating a waiting room of sorts for tourists trying to pose with the John Harvard statue.

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Many sources have incorrectly claimed that these chairs cost $762.00 each. On Fermob USA’s website, they are listed as costing $381.00 per chair. However, a minimum quantity of two chairs is required for purchase. Other sites including Wayfair and Perigold have listed the item at $762 for a set of two. Nonetheless, $381 is still an exorbitant amount to pay for a chair — especially since Harvard purchased 500 of them (grand total of $190,500). After all, Ikea’s Roxö Chair looks pretty similar and only costs $20.

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{shortcode-c1b26987cfa03de76861c5ae7537fb2c79d2ffda}Dear freshmen: An online housing day doesn’t mean you can’t make fun of the annual housing day videos. Want a better housing day video? Spend quarantine learning how to video edit and songwrite! In all seriousness though, your upperclassmen houses are very excited to host you in your new home. Without further introduction, here are the rankings for the 2020 housing day videos.

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1) Cabot

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Cabot brought the heat this year with larger crowds, a witty rap, and lively video editing. It’s similar to the Adam’s house one from last year — meaning that it’s filled with smooth transitions and colorful illustrations — but there are some notable differences like an energetic dance sequence towards the end. With a cameo featuring Dean Khurana, this Housing Day video is sure to make all the residents proud and freshmen excited!

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Rate: 5/5

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2) Lowell

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Lowell has a fun, energetic, and woman-centric Housing Day video that’s undeniably full of pep and confidence. With an original song and enough blue outfits for a century, Lowell is strong competition with their cool and confident crowds. Plus, let’s face it — most of us miss those Lowell bells that once rung so proudly at school.

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Rate: 4.9/5

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3) Adams

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Adams again makes an impressive video using a flowing and unique rap. With a clever integration of the theme song from “The Addams Family,” the video is nothing short of smooth and confident. There’s even a switch in style towards the end as they feature a Rihanna-esque tune and stylish outfits.

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Rate: 4.8/5

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4) Currier

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Currier started strong with a cute video game intro as they went into proving that they’re a birch, a boss, and that their housing rocks. The song is admirably catchy and sassy and we get to see a variety of locations from all around the house. Filled with BGLTQ+ pride, dancing, clever lines, and a digital Bill Gates, Currier’s video is undeniably full of spirit.

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Rate: 4.7/5

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5) Leverett

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Leverett did an admirable cover of Billie Eilish’s “Bad Guy” and its corresponding music video. Whether the three central bunnies are scooting down a bridge, hanging on a gate, or simply having fun at Stein, it’s easy to agree that Leverett made a light-hearted and silly video. They funnily admitted they were “alright” but also had no problem flexing. Plus, the last scene is a must-see recreation of Eilish's music video.

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Rate: 4.6/5

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6) Pforzheimer

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Pforzheimer shook things up with a mashup of various popular songs, using everything from “Low” by Flo Rida and T-Pain to “Can't Hold Us” by Macklemore. It includes some very aesthetic scenes, which shows off their eccentric and neon arcade. Who wouldn't want to spend a few afternoons there? Extra points for the “Hotline Bling” scene that featured a dramatic montage of everyone’s faces.

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Rate: 4.5/5

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7) Winthrop

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Whether we’re seeing a lion costume emerge from a dollar bill, a saturated sky, or strong neon lights, the video editing is vibrant and memorable. Winthop comes in strong with clever verses and a speaking interlude, and amusingly tells Lowell, “We been renovated man, get with the times.” Plus, that scene with the sun clock and staircase was gorgeous.

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Rate: 4.5/5

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8) Mather

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Mather came in strong with a laid-back but smooth beat. They also feature a switch-up as they go from a slow ballad to an easy but fun tune. The party scenes look genuinely fun and high-spirited, and the blurry/kaleidoscopic effects are funny. Extra points to the person who managed to sit on a basketball hoop, and for that Spongebob cartoon of a roach.

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Rate: 4.4/5

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9) Kirkland

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With a flower-filled and sunny video, Kirkland makes their mark with a Lizzo tune that everyone loves. Their video is energetic and features all the signs of a happy House, like fun photo booth scenes, a classy Senior Common Room, and even a resident dean. It also features the obligatory Kirkland dogs, which makes it all the more cheerful.

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Rate: 4.3/5

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10) Dunster

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Dunster uses elegant lighting, Lizzo’s gym moves, and gorgeous House shots to make their point. We’re supposed to “blame it on their moose” if we ever feel jealous, which is easy to do with all the food shots they have of their grille and dining hall. Extra points for impressive flips and moose selfies.

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Rate: 4.3/5

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11) Eliot

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Eliot brings classy outfits and sunglasses as they rightly sing about a few Eliot commodities like a giant HoCo budget, backdoor swipe, and beautiful river views. Since everyone’s a little jealous of Fête, they even threw in a few pictures of their famous formal for everyone to see. One spacious dining hall and many sunglasses later, Eliot goes to lengths to show off.

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Rate: 4.2/5

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12) Quincy

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Quincy’s video felt a little disorganized, but had a unique idea as they started with a prank and slowly transitioned to a song. You can’t go wrong with “Old Town Road” — or rather, “Old Town Rhodes” — so you know that it’s now stuck in everyone’s head. The Rhodes Scholar headline is definitely a flex, but maybe they could’ve integrated that more in the video? Extra points for unlimited penguin costumes.

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Rate: 4/5

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All in all, every housing day video did a great job of showing off their house and the spirited students within it. We saw more mashups and style switches than before, and everyone’s excited to see what the moves are for next year. “Tiger King” parodies? Zoom the musical? Guess we’ll have to wait and see!

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{shortcode-7d433bd2ca82fed42b489ffc0c3b5372186fe512}Establishing a good morning routine can be a helpful way to combat the languor of our shelter-in-place days. Plus, maybe seeing the sunrise one day instead of waking up past noon will remind you how beautiful the world can be. Getting out of bed is hard, though, so here are a few ways to rip off the band-aid, eat the frog, and leap out of bed:

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Go To Bed Early The Night Before

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We know you’ve been up late solely to look up memes or see if your ex texted you back. It’s not worth it; just go to sleep. Even better if you can stay off your phone late at night — the blue light isn’t good for your Circadian rhythm.

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Or... Don’t Go to Bed at All

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Here’s a philosophical question to keep those eyes open wide: Is it really waking up if you never went to bed? (Hey, at least you’re thinking of this from the comfort of your home instead of Lamont.)

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Use an Annoying, Persistent Alarm

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If we were on campus, this would be the Mem Church Bells letting you know you’re late to your 9 a.m., or the Lowell Bells jolting you awake every Sunday at the early hour of 1 p.m. For an at-home alternative, you could try chasing this alarm clock around your room instead.

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Pretend You Still Have Your 9 a.m.

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Imagine your strictest professor glaring at you, or that your attendance is absolutely crucial. If you can convince yourself that you’re a freshman all excited for their first ever Shopping Week 9 a.m. again, you’ll be able to wake up.

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Shock Your System

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Try going for a run in the morning, even if it’s just around the block. (No one expects you to run the 5k you were capable of pre-quarantine.) Alternatively, check out this Flyby article about the benefits of trying cold showers (#shamelessplug).

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Make a List of Your Goals

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I don’t mean your five-year plan. Literally, try to think about the reasons you signed up for this class. Maybe you actually liked organic chemistry in high school, needed to fulfill that Gen Ed requirement, or just don’t want to hate yourself tomorrow. Life is more complicated that the idealist college essay you wrote to get in here, and that’s okay.

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Take solace in the fact that in a matter of two weeks or less, the semester will be over. It’s the final push, and a hastily written paper or an average final is better than not doing it. Though the trauma of Spring 2020 will probably remain, at least you will have nothing to do soon but think about it while blissfully doing nothing.

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{shortcode-1f6d4ac1cb58d1c16c9f3280c327695a7750fdb8}With quarantine and shelter-in-place orders come lethargy and laziness. Getting out of bed becomes a massive challenge, and the lack of a fully equipped gym-space makes getting exercise even harder than usual. Eating double fudge brownies while swiping through semi-funny Zoom memes on the sofa is nice, but spending every afternoon this way may not be a recipe for long-term health and happiness (at least that’s what the doctors are saying, anyways). Turn over a new leaf and check out some Flyby-approved ways to stay at least a little active at home.

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Interval Fitness

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Interval fitness is perfect for when you’re binging a show or doing class assignments. Set a timer that goes off every 20 minutes or so, and go through a short circuit workout every time the alarm goes off (e.g. 20 pushups, 20 reverse crunches, 20 Supermans). If you’re watching TV with ads, even better: you don’t have to just sit around during the commercial breaks.

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The One Punch Man Workout

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If you are a weeb, then you know what’s up with this workout: complete this challenge and you’ll be looking like an absolute snack with the power to subdue anyone with your knuckles. For everyone else, it’s simple: complete 100 pushups, 100 sit-ups, and 100 squats every day for as long as you can to achieve respectable fitness. You’re also supposed to run 10 km, but you can add that in when it’s safe to go outside again.

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Resistance Bands

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Building muscle doesn’t always have to involve heavy and expensive weights. Use the power of physics to train your body with resistance bands instead! Attach the bands to a doorway or your own body to facilitate pulldowns, extensions, curls, leg lifts, and so on. You can choose bands with varying resistance levels to gradually build up your strength.

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Stair Sequences

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Sick of body-weight exercises, but still hoping to keep your muscles from atrophying any further? Try walking up the stairs — it may sound boring, but it works on all your major lower-body muscles, from your glutes to your hamstrings. Start at the lowest point in your house, and walk yourself up to the top! Don’t forget to repeat many times for real progress.

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So what are you waiting for? Stop reading this, get up, and work in a Flyby-approved home exercise to get the blood flowing and the mind racing!

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{shortcode-b2ecdebc251d4e0eec6ed4ae19533042c6b8b985}Do you stare up at your ceiling at night, in your twin size bed, with your parents across the hall, and wonder if you’re reliving your old high school years, falling into the same habits? Maybe it’s the procrastination hole that you swore you’d never fall into again, the constant squabbles with your family, spending too much time in your room alone, spending all your time scrolling...and the list goes on. But how can you fight against falling into your old lifestyle and retain the growth you’ve gone through during college?

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Rearrange Your Room to Redefine Yourself

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Rid yourself of any potential bad ju-ju by redefining your space. Maybe you want your room to represent your dorm more than your childhood bedroom, or maybe you want to go for a whole different vibe. Are the One Direction posters on the walls glaring down at you, and beckoning you to be a hormonal teen to your parents? While our love for One Direction is still as strong as ever, maybe we want to replace old posters with more updated décor. Before you hop on Amazon to get color-changing lights, look around your house to see if there’s anything you can repurpose, since all of your decorations are stored away in who knows where. If all else fails, move around your desk and give your space a whole new feel.

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A New Schedule for a New Mindset

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Why stop at revamping your room? Redefine your values and your time by creating a new schedule for yourself — one not influenced by your high school habits. Maybe skip the normal two afternoon naps and opt for one instead. Or, make your new schedule align a bit more with your life at college. Even trying different snacks or changing up your sleeping habits (because we don’t need to be awake at 4 a.m.) can help refresh your time at home.

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Limit Time Spent Listening to High School-Era Music

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Sure, listening to Lorde on your floor for nostalgia purposes is nice, but does it put you in the best headspace? If your music is bringing you down, change it up! Same goes for those CW shows we all loved (and still love) to watch. Maybe try watching the new Netflix show, “Never Have I Ever,” for an alternative perspective on high school life.

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Carve out Some Personal Time

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You may not have had a lot of personal time at home during high school, but it might be time to put on your big-kid pants and let your parents and siblings know that you can’t be interrupted during your timed exam. Plus, you need time for yourself. It’s easy to forget that just a few weeks ago you were (for the most part) living an autonomous life. Engage in some ~mature~ conversation with your parents and come to an agreement so that you finally have some time to reflect on this whole situation.

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Now that we’re not living with our pals and spending our nights in our childhood bedrooms instead of at late night food places, it’s hard to remember that we’re all in the same boat. This isolation’s got us all in a bit of a funk, but that doesn’t mean you should revert into your not-as-aware, or as-knowledgeable high school self. Approach old situations with a new mindset and remember that change is always possible.

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{shortcode-c75c82a24d5d8d45b5704e8639b27c9b1b3ace88}Contrary to popular belief, recruiting does not only consist of business suits and networking coffee chats. Elsewhere on campus, perhaps closer to the Maxwell Dworkin building, one can hear the anguished woes of another monster: tech recruiting. Welcome to the realm of Facebook and Google, binary search trees and sorting algorithms, and runtime and edge cases. While you will rarely be seen in business suits, you will always be on the grind for that seemingly unattainable internship or job. Where do you see yourself this/next summer or after graduation? Are you a tech whiz destined for Google? An archaic Microsoft nerd? Take a break from staring at your failed test cases and find out.

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1) What is your favorite course at Harvard?

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A. CS61: Systems Programming and Machine Organization

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B. CS50: Introduction to Computer Science

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C. GENED 1074: The Ancient Greek Hero

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D. Answering this would require going to class.

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2) Where can you be found on a Saturday night?

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A. In your room on your fifth game of League of Legends

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B. Curled up in your covers with a good book and a cup of your favorite tea

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C. Walking out of El Jefe’s after a wild night with your main squad

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D. Passionately debating with your communist roommate about the merits of capitalism

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3) There’s a party going on tonight. Where can you be found?

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A. In your room on your sixth game of League of Legends

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B. Awkwardly dancing at the edge of the circle, feeding off the second hand coolness of the center

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C. Right at the center of the room, hyping up the rest of the crowd

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D. Trying and failing to shoot your shot

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4) What do you like to do for fun?

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A. Who has time for fun? There are psets to do.

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B. Go out to Boston with friends

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C. Tag friends in one of the fifty meme groups you’re a part of

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D. Go down a Wikipedia rabbit hole

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5) How do you approach your psets?

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A. Start them early, and work on them throughout the week.

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B. Go to office hours and work together with friends

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C. Beg friends for help the night before they’re due

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D. Slave away for a night or two until you hear the birds chirping

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Results:

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Mostly A’s: You are Google! You are a hardcore nerd, a by-the-books student. You are married to the grind, and you are methodically attentive to details and perfection. You would thrive working on some complex machine learning project in Google’s intense environment. Who needs a social life when there are still Leetcode problems you haven’t solved yet?

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Mostly B’s: You are Microsoft! You are the wholesome mom of your friends, and you have a soft spot for the old-fashioned way of doing things. You are organized and have probably made or thought of making a bullet journal at one point in your life. Microsoft would love an enthusiastic team player like you.

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Mostly C’s: You are Facebook! You’re a social butterfly, and your Instagram feed is always popping. You’re on the recruiting grind like any other, but you also know when it’s time to stop typing and start letting loose. Social media is a huge factor in your personal life, so why not extend it to professional as well?

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Mostly D’s: You are Amazon! You like to work by yourself, and you know what it takes to succeed. You probably spend lectures online shopping — if you bother to attend at all. You are a quiet grinder, and just because you’re smart enough to grind doesn’t mean you always have to. You embody the analytical logic and practicality that would fit right in with Amazon.

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{shortcode-c9df199b95aeeb1f07b26629a7a59034feaf108c}Chances are you’re currently stuck in your childhood bedroom, surrounded by the same four walls of your youth. Since we're all reverting back to our teenage selves, let's take some time to re-examine some of our favorite Young Adult storylines in the context of the times!

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Harry Potter

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This one is a classic. After all, everyone says Harvard is basically Hogwarts, right? You come in as an eager first-year, excited to eat in the Great Annenberg Hall and be sorted into the best House. For a modern day twist, though, She-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named comes in the form of Miss Rona: healthcare workers and emergency responders are undoubtedly the Aurors, saving the world. Be sure to learn those important spells like Sanitizium and Stayinside-dumbassicus to keep Miss Rona at bay!

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Divergent

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One world, five factions: Economics is Dauntless (The Brave), Psychology is Amity (The Kind), CS is Erudite (The Intelligent), Pre-Med is Abnegation (The Selfless), and Social Studies is Candor (The Honest). But those who are Divergent are the most fearsome of all — the joint concentrators. As a dystopian Harvard bubble traps you into figuring out your concentration as quickly as possible, a global pandemic suddenly threatens to upend this carefully structured world. With twists and tourists at every turn, will you be able to survive?

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The Hunger Games

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Only a select group of individuals are selected to compete in the Harvard Games each year, a coveted yet dreadful position to fill. Entertained, the Final Clubs of the Capitol sit back and watch the ensuing battle as the Tributes fight to the death over LinkedIn connections and internships. After years of refusing to acknowledge the dirty, treacherous history of the Harvard Games, a tragic uprising led by Miss Rona finally brings the cyclical tradition to a halt. Only time will tell if Panembridge will be able to rise from the ashes…

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The Mortal Instruments

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While you might think you’re a mundane at first, you soon realize your full Shadowhunter potential upon arriving at Harvard Yard. With training in Science Center Hall B, learning runes in the majestic Widener Library, and hunting Yale Downworlders, the Shadowhunter life feels too good to be true. Unfortunately, you soon learn that the evil Shadowhunters of the COVID-19 Circle are determined to destroy the world with their devastating plague. By returning to your Shadowhunter home country of Zoom-Idris, you must work with your Nephilim brethren to figure out how to take COVID-19 down once and for all.

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While TikTok dances and banana bread recipes are valid forms of entertainment, why not embrace this period of mental regression and revisit those old YA favorites from your childhood? Stay safe, stay inside, and read a book or two! With everything going on, these dystopian stories are feeling a lot more relatable than they should…

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{shortcode-ebc7433c24c3af805e655c70f7df755b625b72d6}We’re all going to come out of this socially awkward and in tie dye sweat suits — do you really want to throw bad DIY bangs into the mix? For those moments when scissors become tantalizing, and you keep telling yourself that “hair grows back,” here are a few alternative makeovers to try instead.

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Change Your Linkedin Headshot

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Maybe you don’t actually need to change your style — you just want everyone to think you look like a young professional bound for Goldman. Give your whole resume a makeover while you’re at it, because you probably don’t need the lawn mowing business you started at age 11 to be the first thing all those recruiters see.

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Stop Wearing Your Retainer

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You can’t sneak out to go to parties, can’t wear an outfit that would get you dress coded, and can’t tell your dad that playing basketball is “Your dream, Dad,” so find a new way to rebel: Don’t wear your crusty old retainer for a few days. See what happens. Maybe you’ll get a fabulous new smile, or maybe you’ll just waste all the money you spent on orthodontia and all those years you spent with a mouth full of metal. But at least you’ll be a rebel.

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Draw All Over Your Arms and Legs

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Tattoos are like bangs: best left either to a professional artist or an indie girl with soothing vibes to do. The low-budget version of getting a really cool tattoo is to draw on yourself with a (nontoxic) marker. Bonus if you accidentally stain your entire tub trying to wash your DIY tattoos off. Double bonus if your mom tells you you’ll get a skin condition.

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Shave Your Eyebrows

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Sure, eyebrows are cool, but what’s even cooler is no eyebrows. Shave ‘em off. See what happens. After all, you’re not going to see anybody for the foreseeable future. What do you really have to lose?

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Feel like that dorky girl turned bombshell from every 90’s teen movie yet? You look great. So in order to avoid any America’s-Next-Top-Model-Makeover-Week-level catastrophes, maybe leave the bangs cutting to the professionals. And if you must cut, cut up, not sideways.

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