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{shortcode-b32c863007c515a381ae52ec103aa486f94a7172}It’s Monday yet again, so it’s time for another week of Flyby’s wisdom. It’s not just any ordinary Monday though — it’s the Monday before Halloween, aka Hallow’s Eve’s Eve! Talk about spooky. But hey, doesn’t that mean Halloween is on a Tuesday? Where’s the fun in that, you may ask? Well, fear not. We’re here to tell you, Halloween can still be fun, even if it’s on a random Tuesday night.

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Q: What am I supposed to do when Halloween is on a Tuesday?

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A: Don’t worry, you’re not the only one asking this question. I also have been asking myself this question a lot over this past week. Halloween is the best holiday of the year! Whether you do or do not agree with this (un)controversial statement, we can all admit that Halloween on a Tuesday is a tragedy.

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Halloween is an evening for kids (read: college students) hungry for candy and fun. When Halloween rolled around when I was a freshman, I decorated my room. Not only does it make your dorm feel a bit more homey, but it gets your suite-family into the Halloween spirit (extra points if you live in Adams…). That is the most important ingredient to a delectable Halloween experience. So, if you’re burning for a spark of Halloween fun, maybe taking an hour to decorate your room is the perfect plan. Though do you really want to decorate your room and just go back to studying on such a wonderfully haunting night?

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The answer to that should be a no! Get scared the day after Halloween when you have to do your midterm. Nov. 1 should be a day of regrets, Oct. 31 should be a night of treats. So grab some friends, throw on that costume you wore for Halloweekend (I know you have one), and pop into a neighborhood for some candy (yes, Flyby’s done it before). It’s easy to act like a child when you’re still one at heart. Halloween is not just about treats, it’s also about tricks. So going door-to-door pretending to be the kiddo you truly are, satisfies both!

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If you do really have to study for that exam though, maybe staying in with your roommates and friends is the right idea. Turn on your TV, pull out a projector, or even your good ol’ laptop (charged ofc), and throw on something nostalgic like “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!” or “Coraline.” If you really want to dive into the heart of Halloween (aka being frightened out of your wits), then put on “Friday the 13th,” “Halloween,” “The Poltergeist,” or even “Scream.”

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Either way, this is your sign to push off your pset, leave that essay for another day, and forget about that lecture tomorrow! Go out and have some fun. Halloween only happens once a year! Nobody should spend their night studying in their dorm, isolated from society — unless your costume is an overworked, incredibly stressed, and burnt-out student (which, tbh, is pretty terrifying too).

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Boo!

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(did i scare you?)

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xoxo

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Flyby Blog

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{shortcode-cf3dd842f34449775b93bce36ffbed30582646b2}Are you lying awake at night wondering how to make your Halloween costume more Crimson? A little more representative of your transformative experience? Well, we already read your mind and graciously put together a list of the five best Harvard Halloween costumes you can sport for this festive holiday. Follow this ultimate guide to make Harvard even more a part of your personality than it already is, and spotlight it in your 31st festivities.

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Securitas

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Honor the brave men and women who, when we fatally leave our keys inside our dorms, are just one call away to let us back in. The biggest tragedy of writing this article was finding out that Securitas has nothing to do with Harvard. Being the Harvard Student that I am, I thought this name was a play on “veritas.” It is not, and as the Harvard Student I am, I feel as though it is my personal responsibility to deliver this bad news to the public.

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HUDS Staff

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If you want to truly embody the spirit of Harvard this Halloween, you must start at its core: Harvard University Dining Services. If just one of you is able to successfully disguise yourself and bring back General Gao’s chicken, I will personally name my first-born child after you. Yes, they are just chicken nuggets — but they are GOOD chicken nuggets. How one may acquire this costume is a question only few are brave enough to answer. Maybe work your charm at Fly By after they make you put your chips back? How about placing yourself on the conveyor belt and snagging an apron from the backroom? The options are almost as endless as their kindness and love <3. Pay some homage to the heart of Harvard this Halloween.

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Turn it into a group costume: HUDS Team Member + Chicken (of various editions)

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Obama

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Compensate for all the faux Obama sightings this year by giving Cambridge the next best thing: a resemblance, a glimmer of hope, a tribute. Throw on a suit, a diplomatic demeanor, and maybe even a bald cap. Proclaim your existence on Sidechat, and watch as the rumors seep through the student body. Then, leave immediately because Obama, in true character, refrains from making appearances here.

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The Red Line

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Going for a HOT fit this Halloween??? Well look no further than the train that’s always on fire. Just like my psets, it is relatively unreliable, frequently late, and probably not even on track. Despite its flaws, we have a lot of love for this train and the memories it helped us make—at the very least it deserves a spot on this top-tier list. Yes this may be an odd idea, but trust the vision. A red dress, a “T” front and center on your chest, a “Red Line” underneath, and a train conductor hat to top it all off.

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Turn it into a group costume: Red, Green, Orange, and Blue Line.

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Princess Diana

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Channel some vintage energy and replicate one of the most iconic Harvard looks of all time: Princess Diana and her gym fit. Sporting a Harvard crew, sunglasses, and biker shorts: Diana is blessing your All Hallows’ Eve with comfort and style. This means while your friends’ fairy wings are smacking people left and right this weekend, you will be carelessly dancing in your high socks and sneakers. You may need your roommate to give you a haircut, though.

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And that’s our Harvard Halloween roundup! Not only do we hope you found some relieving inspiration for the big day, but also some newfound appreciation for the best Ivy in the league. Some honorable mentions include The Q-Guide, Dean Khurana, The John Harvard Statue, and perhaps even the 12 houses. Get creative, folks, and show out in your Crimson costumes. Happy Halloween!

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It’s a day out until Halloweekend, and you’ve been prioritizing all the wrong things: midterms, recruiting events for internships you missed the deadline for, and color-coding your GCal. Unfortunately, in your exhaustion, you forgot about Harvard’s favorite three-day bender (or five if you make it to Halloween!). Now, you’re at Party City three hours before your first event. Before swiping your credit card, don’t forget the seven deadly sins of Halloween costumes:

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SLOTH… or too lazy

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Time may be short, and you may not have time to put all the pieces of your intricate idea into your Amazon cart. DIYing is a totally acceptable and an encouraged option, but doing it yourself is NOT an excuse to be lazy. Don’t be one of those Halloweekenders who hastily scotch-tapes a McDonald’s logo to a yellow shirt and calls themselves a Happy Meal. (Or me, last year attempting to staple SideChat onto a pink top… it did not work.)

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LUST… or sexy without substance

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To quote the Hot Girl Bible Mean Girls, “The hardcore girls just wear lingerie and some form of animal ears.” Listen, we’ve all been there: wearing a corset and a mini skirt with cat ears brings out the girlboss (and the cleave) in everyone. But come on, been there and done that. There is absolutely nothing wrong with showing a little skin on Halloween, but all we ask is that you pair more than ambiguous whiskers with your stunning fit.

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PRIDE… or the “best” costume in the group

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We get it — your roommates did not want to help with the group costume. That does not mean that you can make yourself the star of the show. Just because you would kill in a Beyonce costume does not mean your friend needs to be Michelle or Kelly. A better costume exists! Maybe they’re Solange and Jay-Z in the elevator? Taylor and Kanye at the 2009 VMAs?

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ENVY… or the costume that no one gets

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Being creative without entering your manic pixie dream girl era is a fine line to skate. You can be “not like other girls” in the safety and isolation of your dorm. Don’t bring that energy to Halloweekend. No one knows that one character from that one TV show based on that limited edition video game… and frankly, no one could care less to hear you shout-explain it over Monster Mash.

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WRATH… or settling for the worst costume just to be petty

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And, just as bad as leaving your friends out, is letting yourself be left out just so you can be passive aggressive until Harvard-Yale. Even if they assigned the roles while you were out of the room, and you got stuck being the worst (e.g. the Commissioner Gordon to Batman and Robin, the Alan to Barbie and Ken, or Pete Davidson to any celebrity couple), it’s not too late to come up with a better substitute.

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GREED… or trying to be the most relevant in the room

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I appreciate a couple’s costume as much as the next romantic, but I swear that I will gouge my eyes out if I see more than two pairs of Barbie and Ken this weekend. If you try to be the coolest cat at the party, you won’t be. Don’t get me wrong, keeping it relevant means that everyone will get your costume. It also means, however, that you probably have to dish a lot more out to make your fit stand out against the masses. Take my advice, avoid the Barbenheimer or Taylor and Travis cults this weekend. Save it till they become slightly less relevant… so, maybe in three years. (Editor’s Note: This does not apply to Taylor Swift. Mother will always be on top.)

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GLUTTONY… or trying to be the most in the room

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There is such a thing as too much. Wings that weigh you down, plastic swords that bite more than a papercut, and jeweled necklaces that look like they came off the Champs-Élysées should all stay home. People, always avoid the over-the-top costumes at all costs — no one wants to wake up with a cut from your plastic appendage. I’m not insisting that your costume needs to be simple. Just make sure that you aren’t risking public safety on your quest to be best dressed.

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Closing Thoughts:

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Truthfully, after the midterm trenches we have been in, if you make it to Halloween in any form of clothing, you’re doing better than most of us.

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Honestly, this whole piece was just a plug for the Seven Sins Group Costume my blocking group is doing. I’m Greed, and, yes, I’m getting money with my face printed on it. — Kat

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Just please, for the love of all things good, don’t be Kiss, Marry, Kill… like me (yikes). — Laasya

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Good luck this weekend and stay safe <3.

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Parents’ weekend for freshmen and juniors is only a few weeks away! Everyone knows that the best part of having your parents visit is ditching the dhall and dining out. While you may spend much of the meal complaining about how much reading you have and explaining why you aren’t the president of all your clubs, here are five restaurants you should check out in the Harvard area when your loved ones are footing the bill.

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Alden & Harlow

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Starting off our list is Alden & Harlow, a New American restaurant located on Brattle Street across from Wholesome Fresh. Alden & Harlow is family-style, so you’ll never be jealous of what your dad orders. Alden & Harlow has both indoor and outdoor seating, making it perfect for any weather. Pro tip: order the basil pasta and grilled rosemary focaccia — it won’t disappoint. Make sure to make a reservation early for parents’ weekend — everyone and their mother (literally) will be here.

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The Maharaja

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Indian food is rare for HUDS — a tragedy for us all. If you’ve been wanting to satisfy your Indian food craving, look no further — or just above Shake Shack. With a wide menu, The Maharaja has options for everyone, and the keema naan is on a totally different level. You’ll leave full, satisfied, and happy that your parents are paying.

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Sugar & Spice

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One stop on the T to Porter station (or a mile walk if you’re feeling ~athletic~) will take you to Sugar & Spice, a Thai restaurant that covers all the different regions and tastes that Thailand has to offer. Sugar & Spice has great vegan and gluten-free options on their menu of more than a hundred different dishes. Yes, one hundred. Need I say more? Warning: Sugar & Spice’s dim lighting and comfy seating makes it an ideal date spot, so don’t be surprised if your parents ask when they’ll meet your Harvard significant other.

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Source

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Pinocchio’s and Joe’s are great when it’s 1 a.m., but a Neopolitan-style, personal pizza from Source is always a win. The pepperoni pizza with hot honey is incredible, especially when paired with the miso chili brussel sports. Your dad will be excited to go once he finds out that he can watch the Patriots lose yet another game on the bar TVs.

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Harvest

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If there’s one thing parents and college students have in common, it’s their affinity for brunch. Harvest is a prime spot for a hearty New England brunch, from gooey cinnamon rolls to salmon eggs benedict. Also, Harvest is a great excuse for you to grab brunch rather than breakfast with your parents on a Sunday morning (we know you’ll need to sleep in after Halloweekend…).

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Students and parents alike are lucky to have such a thriving and diverse food scene here in Cambridge. Rumor has it that the food in New Haven doesn’t quite measure up (shocker). So, while your parents are in town, check out one of these restaurants. Flyby never disappoints.

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Happy Concentration Declaration Day! Our dear sophomores, whether it was hard or easy for you to pick your field of specialty, just know that you did it and you made the right choice, even if it doesn’t feel like it in the moment. And if you’re wondering what comes next, check out our advice column on concentration declaration. Here at Flyby, our lovely sophomore writers have declared a wide variety of concentrations across all areas. We’re so proud to present “Why I Declared: 2023 Edition!”

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Kat A. Ravichandran ’25 – Computer Science & Statistics… and a Secondary?

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I declared a joint in Computer Science and Statistics because all I want to be in life is the person in the Disney movie saying, “I’m hacking into the mainframe!” as they click-clack away at the computer. I am yet to learn how to hack into said mainframe, but I do love data science: predicting future outcomes through quantitative modeling or justifying spending egregious amounts of money because of a pretty graph. Maybe my secondary will be an application of said data science, like Economics or Environmental Science; maybe it will be a break from my psets, like Philosophy or History of Art and Architecture; or maybe, just maybe, it will be the friends I made along the way.

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Sneha M. Yelamanchili ’25 — Chemical & Physical Biology and Anthropology

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Back in freshman spring, I used to preface any mention of my concentration plans with a confession that my concentration changes once a month. While that’s a slight exaggeration, I did change my concentration (in my heart, not on my.harvard, because I never trusted my decisions that much) at least four times in the year after I committed, switching from Molecular & Cellular Biology to Physics to MCB plus Physics to Applied Math to Applied Math plus Anthropology. AM plus Anthro reigned for the entirety of the past summer, right up until I got back on campus and actually had to take a math class. Even after Stat 110 forced me to confront that math homework does not spark joy for me, I knew I was still interested in Anthropology — despite still not really knowing what exactly it is — but wanted something STEM-related to balance it. That desire drew me to CPB, a concentration that based on my earlier preoccupation with Physics and prior MCB concentrator dreams, I really should have explored sooner. I am now happily walking the line between the natural and social sciences, although at some point I will have to realize that I’m much better at finishing psets than at writing essays. But that is a truth I will confront when it’s reading period and I have to write 20-page papers while studying for four exams… Oops?

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Laasya N. Chiduruppa ’25 — History & Sociology… (and Government)

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My History declaration, if I am being completely transparent, began with John Green’s “Crash Course World History” lulling me to sleep at the end of every painstaking middle school day. The gossip in me thrives on throwing shade on past actors and intellectual movements. Now, I can sneak into the marbled halls of Robinson and look like I belong. Sociology was my dark horse: while yes, William James may be the ugliest building in creation, the study of human interaction is something my people-watching, melancholic self does on the regular anyway. We don’t need to talk about Government…

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Megan Y. Huo ’25 – Economics

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I declared Econ because there’s like 500 other people who also did Littauer is fancy and I feel important every time I’m there. With that being 95 percent of the reason for my concentration choice, I am also intrigued by how Economics probes into the seemingly subtle ways through which different quantitative processes shape our world. Now, I can proudly say that I am a member of one of the largest academic communities at Harvard that’s characterized by a cohort of passionate, engaged, and vocal concentrators who never fail to make the whole school aware of our opinion on last week’s Ec 1010A pset (which we believe is a complementary good of Sidechat).

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Arezoo Ghazagh ’25 – Neuroscience MBB and Statistics

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I declared Neuro because come on, who wouldn’t love to learn more about that kinda-sorta important organ at the tip top of their head? We literally just think about doing things… and then they happen??? I can’t possibly just leave the explanation at that! In all seriousness, though, growing up with an autistic twin sister caused younger me to have many questions about the brain and its influences on our behaviors. Now, lucky enough for my younger self, older (and pre-med) me has the opportunity through Neuro to explore this fascination further and maybe work towards answering those life long questions! Or, maybe it’ll just offer the opportunity to spend even more time in office hours and rewatching lectures — we’ll see! Stats is just the cherry on top — it might be beneficial to learn how to actually draw conclusions (in real life or from data) instead of just jumping to them!

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J.J. Moore ’25 — Arts, Film, and Visual Studies (AFVS)

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Growing up, my dad would sit me in front of a TV screen and put on his favorite classics. If I’m honest, every movie he put on helped me escape reality. I love to imagine little stories in my mind and listen in on people’s conversations (if anything, making films is about listening in on people). After nearly 19 years of nonstop film watching, I have yet to get bored — it’s hard to! There’s always so much out there to see, to analyze, to experience. Anyway, I declared myself a film student because I want to go out, experience the world, and share it with everyone else. And as said in the “Blair Witch Project,” “We’re gonna die out here—” oh wait that’s not the right line… Sorry, they said: “I’d rather stand here and record.” I couldn’t agree more — I love a good story and I want to wow audiences on the other side.

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Maya R. Ganesh ’25 – Economics

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Being 100 percent real here, the guy I liked freshman year was in Econ so I signed up for Ec 10a. But Maya, you may say, didn’t he wear Patagonia vests unironically and text you exclusively about stocks? Yes, yes he did. Now, he’s an Applied Math concentrator, and I’m fully committed to the Econ life — I joined the finance clubs, watched “The Wolf of Wall Street,” dabbled in day trading, the whole nine yards. All jokes aside — Economics is a great framework for how to view almost every type of situation in the world. My other interests, be it music or government or lacrosse, all have an economic angle to it, and I love that I can explore everything at once. Even though I catch myself reaching for a quarter-zip to wear, I wouldn’t trade the Econ life for anything!

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Jessie Wang ’25 - Economics(-ish)

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I declared Economics because, just like this, it’s a filler. If we’re being honest, I haven’t actually declared yet, but I’m just saying I declared to get people off my back. Given the Ec 1010a exam last week, I don’t know if I can even keep it as a filler anymore. I think I’ll redeclare by the time this piece is published or by the time I get my grade back (whichever comes first) — gotta keep my advisers on their toes!

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If you’re an anxious sophomore reading this, second-guessing your concentration, remember: it’s not that deep, you can still take whatever classes interest you, and the numbers have shown that at least half of the student body changes their concentration at least once. Repeat after me: you will be fine.

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Midterm season makes October one of the most stressful months for Harvard students. Sophomores are, arguably, hit hardest during this time with the pressure of having to declare a concentration. This year the deadline for sophomores to declare their concentration is Oct. 25. That said, even if you’re in the trenches and hastily scheduling a last-minute meeting with your concentration advisor, remember that things could be worse! From a fellow stressed sophomore, here’s a rundown of five things more stressful than declaring your concentration.

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Trying to Use Passio GO!

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Passio GO! is more unreliable than that one classmate that says they’ll send you the Poll Everywhere. With a system that takes forever to load, showing shuttles that come earlier than expected or that never come, Passio GO! takes the cake for one of the worst-designed apps and one of the most stressful aspects of Harvard.

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Figuring Out Your Halloween Costume

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Will you be a Playboy bunny, Barbie, or Oppenheimer? The options are endless and the crippling fear of being too basic or too niche is real. The clock is ticking and your Amazon order can only wait for so long!

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Getting Lost During Visitas

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Each year, a few prefrosh get lost during Visitas. Didn’t one prefrosh end up in lower Allston when their destination was the SOCH?! Well, at least this experience prepares these poor unfortunate souls for the panic they’ll experience during reading period!

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Zayn Leaving One Direction

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I hate to bring up this traumatic event, but I think we can all agree this was the lowest point of middle school. Even if you were not a Directioner, I believe everyone witnessed at least one classmate crying after learning that Zayn left the band. I, myself, encountered several middle school girls crying on the bathroom floor. Relatable.

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The Downfall of Your Blocking Group

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Speaking of disbandment, no one warns you about the drama that comes with blocking. Blocking is possibly even more stressful than breaking things off with your first Harvard situationship. Some blocking groups broke up a few weeks after housing day while others stayed strong up until the summer, when truths were revealed with the receipts to back them up.

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In the end, declaring a concentration is not THE be-all and end-all decision. You can switch your concentration as many times as you need to until you find the right fit. I hope this has given you some motivation and peace of mind about declaring. This is a tough time of the semester, but we will get through it!

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It’s everybody’s favorite time of the week again: Dear Flyby! With the deadline for concentration declaration coming up fast (Oct. 25, if you were unaware), our topic this week is about what happens after you declare. You might have already taken cute photos in the yard with blackboards and banners and attended every single information session you could to snag all the free food, but there's so much left to do, and we’re here to tell you all about it!

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Q: What am I supposed to do after I declare my concentration?

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A: First thing’s first, congratulations! Whether you’re a sophomore who just declared or an upperclassman who just came out of a concentration-related existential crisis, you deserve to celebrate. You can throw a post-declaration party with your friends or attend concentration mixers to meet some of the people you’ll be taking classes with for the next three years. Maybe you can even coordinate a group Halloween costume with your friends where everyone dresses up as their concentration. (I can already see the Patagonia vests of the Econ concentrators.)

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But amid all the fun activities, do keep in mind that course registration for the spring semester is starting much earlier this year, from Nov. 1 to Nov. 15. If you’re a Sophomore who just declared, you’ll probably have a lot of concentration requirements to crank out over the next few semesters, but there’s also so many cool concentration electives to look forward to as you start finishing prereqs! Sometimes when my semester is getting a little bit too rough, I like scouring my.harvard for interesting classes I want to take, both inside and outside of my concentration, as a way to motivate myself to keep going.

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Okay, now for the serious stuff. The number one most important thing you need to do after declaring your concentration: practicing your Harvard introduction. No longer are you just “thinking” about your concentration or just another undecided math/CS/philosophy/English/MCB on the pre-med track student. You now have the credentials to be assertive in your speech. Say it with me. I am a CS concentrator. I do study Sociology. Feels good, doesn’t it?

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In all seriousness, and I mean it this time, declaring your concentration might seem like the biggest decision of your life now, but in the grand scheme of things, it doesn’t matter much. You don’t have to pursue a career in the field you’re studying. You don’t even have to stay in your concentration! There are so many people every year who change their concentrations or who add joints or doubles or secondaries. What matters is that you made a decision, and if you end up regretting it, you have plenty of time to change your mind. And there’s always graduate school, right?

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xoxo,

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Flyby Blog

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{shortcode-3bd042ef3d50333a5ed835ec92848c10c7e89495}It’s officially time to start bundling up in scarves and walking briskly to class. With midterms taking their toll, staying caffeinated and maintaining normal levels of body heat has never been more important. Here are a couple of places to waste your most recent paycheck in order to stay awake and optimistic as winter makes its quick approach.

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Cardamom Latte at the Art Museum

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I could write an ode to the powers of cardamom. From its floral scent to its earthy undertones, the spice’s deep flavors truly encapsulate the spicy warmth of early autumn. Sipping this surprisingly bodacious beverage in the Art Museums Atrium reaffirmed my love for the cafes carved into nooks of my alma mater. Mild enough to celebrate the rustic charm of the latte but strong enough to evoke smells of bakeries in the early morning, this latte may be the very best Harvard-sponsored beverage on campus.

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Peppermint Tea at Bluestone

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I only dare to enter Bluestone in my sharpest peacoat and chunkiest scarf, but if you are up to the challenge, the eclectic coffee shop serves caffeinated beverages of every variety for every taste. As a dairy-free darling, I have recently found myself drawn to the electric blue kettles and tea cups. You can easily spend two hours evading November chills on the cafe’s second floor as you refill your teacup with the freshly steeped, revitalizing tonic. Made from organic Egyptian peppermint picked at peak season, this aromatic cup of tea is sure to settle your nerves and warm your heart.

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Turmeric & Honey Latte at Tatte

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I know that turmeric as a concept is a polarizing take, but the health benefits of consuming the plant have become institutionalized. Having grown up taking turmeric baths and mixing the pigmented powder into hot water at the behest of my Ayurvedic grandmother, I can speak firsthand to the antioxidant’s legendary ability to reduce inflammation, soften cramps, and heal joints. The obvious caveat of ingesting a turmeric anything is its taste: I can’t argue with the fact that the substance on its own can go down like a mouthful of quicksand. Tatte, however, has managed to master balancing the perfect amount of turmeric and honey with dairy, concocting the perfect drinkable dessert to keep the doctor away during flu season. From the yellow froth to the hint of honeyed sweet, this drink will keep you fiending for more.

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Dirty Oat Chai at Faro Café

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My life changed after I stepped in Faro for the first time. No cafe I have ever entered — and I make a habit out of entering many — has quite grasped the concept of elegant quirkiness in the same way. Taken away by the beauty, I feared that the beverages wouldn’t be able to maintain my awe — boy was I wrong. My dairy-free, caffeinated tea perfectly combined the rustic savory of cinnamon with the mild sweet of chai. Layered on top of nutty oat milk, the caffeine and the spice ascended me to latte heaven. The chai, while not nearly as layered as my family recipe, conveyed its New England Pinterest charm leagues above Starbucks or Peet’s.

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There you have it, four drinks that’ll help you gaslight yourself into thinking cold weather is actually kind of slay as you seek caffeine and the leaves change color. Cute beverages solve a lot of problems in college, so let these fall beverages scare the midterm heebie-jeebies away.

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{shortcode-81254b0b75ff652c912aff0ee075c4714bf25db0}As I have now fully embraced the dread and reality of the situation that I am indeed a senior, I’ve reached the stage of appreciating all the things about Harvard that I’ll miss after I graduate. And there’s no doubt about it: I’m going to miss taking my silly little hot-girl-mental-health walks by the river, especially during golden hour, aka peak sunset watching. Especially now that the fall season is in full swing, take some time out of your evening and enjoy the sunset at these locations!

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John W. Weeks Bridge

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Classic. Iconic. What screams sunset more than Weeks Bridge? Especially if you’re a River House resident, the Weeks Bridge is the go-to place to watch the sunset. I usually venture here after dinner, sometimes alone, sometimes with friends. It’s the perfect spot to take some beautiful sunset photos (because if you don’t post them, how will people know you went sunset watching?), and, if you’re brave enough, you can hop onto the railing for some even better views. And hey, sometimes you’ll even catch a rower or two, making your sunset snapshot even more picturesque.

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Mather Towers (subtle flex)

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Say what you will about Mather, but my house definitely has its perks. One of many: the beautiful sunset view from the comfort of my own room. And the higher you go, the better the view. From one window, I can see Prudential Center in Boston; from another, I get a beautiful river view. Mather Tower >>>>

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Anderson Memorial Bridge (aka the other bridge by the stadium)

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My post-dinner walks usually start from Mather, cross over Weeks bridge, and the walk towards the Harvard Stadium before looping back around across the Anderson Memorial Bridge. Something about bridges and sunsets just ✨makes sense ✨. I will say, though, the experience isn’t as satisfying on this bridge due to the cars/buses/shuttles on this road. The street noise takes you out of the sunset immersion mood, but the view is definitely still comparable.

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Science Center Math Lounge Balcony

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For all the STEM people out there, if you’re stuck in the Science Center during the late afternoon/early evening hours due to whichever pset is the bane of your existence that week, take a quick break to head to the Math Lounge on the fourth floor. There’s a balcony there where you can get some fresh air and catch a glimpse of the color-changing sky. And hey — the Math Lounge has Nespresso machines for anyone to use… 👀

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Longfellow Bridge

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A little far of a trek, so not really a go-to spot for me, but if you find yourself around the MIT area (or if you’re taking the T during sunset hour), here’s yet another bridge from which you can enjoy the sunset! I happened to be in a car crossing into Boston and caught the view. Personally, not enticing enough to make the journey down Mass. Ave. for fun, but a pleasant surprise nonetheless.

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10th Floor of Smith

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To be honest, I’ve been to the 10th floor of Smith only once throughout my time here at Harvard, and I wasn’t particularly compelled to go there a second time just to catch a quick sunset. That said though, I’m willing to bet that there’s potential for a beautiful view. Maybe I’ll make my second visit sometime before the end of my senior year…

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A Literal Helicopter

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Apparently you can go on a sunset tour of Boston in a helicopter. This one’s not really on campus per se, but hey — go big or go home right?

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I will admit my bias: Weeks Bridge is and always will be my favorite sunset watching location. Something about watching the sky change color at the end of a long day makes the Harvard experience just a little less terrible. Here’s to more photos to add to the photo album on my phone titled “Sunsets 🌇.” Happy sunset watching!

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{shortcode-e1a7269803bfde7f406b4f649ed0aa9b63c47315}Every fall, despite our commitment to being ~quirky~, ~avant-garde~, and never mainstream, Flyby gives in to our primal craving for everything pumpkin-spiced. And can you blame us when Trader Joe’s is just across the river begging us to try their newest fall items? It’s just impossible to look a pumpkin pretzel in the eye and say, “Like meh. I’d rather not.”

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So here’s the roundup you all have been waiting for. Enjoy.

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Vanilla Pumpkin Candle

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If you’re a candle person, we cannot stress how yummy this candle smells. It’s like inhaling Starbucks syrup. But don’t actually inhale syrup. Or eat your candle. Our main critique about this item is that it smells more like vanilla than like pumpkin. Then again, what exactly does a squash smell like?

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Rating: 8/10 (points docked for vanilla/pumpkin imbalance).

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Pumpkin Spiced Joe-Joe’s

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Call us turkeys because we gobble, gobble, gobbled these down. If you like pumpkin spice, then this is the cookie for you: a pumpkin Joe-Joe covered in a spiced yogurt coating. A touch of sea salt cuts through the sugary sweetness so you can convince yourself that you’re definitely not giving yourself cavities. And if you don’t love pumpkin spice, well… wyd?

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Rating: 10/10 because sugar and spice and everything nice.

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Pumpkin-Spiced Teeny Tiny Pretzels

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This is the perfect snack for everyone manifesting a Pinterest Autumn. Somehow, their teeny-tinyness makes them even more tasty. These mini pretzels are the perfect addition to any housewarming, club meeting or HUDS struggle-dinner.

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Corinne was not a fan (too much Trader Joe’s… too much). Ellen is convinced Corinne needs to get her taste buds checked.

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Rating: 11/10 (at least, if your name is Ellen).

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Almond Chipotle Sauce

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Overall, we thought this was a pretty solid non-dairy dip. The chipotle flavor comes through pretty well and the toasty orange color makes this a perfect fall food. Some of us *cough Corinne* thought it was a little spicy, but hey, that didn’t stop all three of us from kind of demolishing the entire container. Our only complaint was that it was a little too runny.

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Rating: 8.5/10 for low viscosity. #science.

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Ghosts & Bats

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These spooky chips, in the words of Ellen S. Deng, “are just a vehicle of crunch.” Given that they are basically just potatoes and salt, this synthesis makes sense. They aren’t claiming to be seasoned. Or flavored. Still, who doesn’t love a good potato chip? Especially when it’s in the shape of a ghost. Or dipped in the almond chipotle sauce mentioned above.

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Rating: 7/10 for being bland but cute.

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Honey Crisp Apple Granola

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Behold the honey crisp. The holy grail of apples, the star of the show, the sunlight on a rainy day. When you cross nature’s most perfect apple specimen with granola, you get this new fall TJs item. We loved it. It was ✨Fall✨ in a bag. It was breakfast revolutionized. There were even real dried apple pieces. Seriously, go get some. Now.

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Rating: 11/10 for simply stealing the show.

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Fall Harvest Salsa

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Think salsa but with … apples? And butternut squash? At what point can you legally still call this stuff salsa? Regardless, whatever this salsa tomato-based sauce was, we enjoyed it. Ellen was unequivocally a fan. Janani didn’t love the texture of the apples but she did like the sweet flavor which balanced fall spices like cinnamon with traditional savory ones like cumin. Corinne applauded this salsa for reallyyyy keeping us on the edge of our seats… we love a good curveball.

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Rating: 8/10 for conflicting flavors that somehow worked.

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Mini Maple Marshmallows

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Not gonna lie, we were a little (a lot) scared of these. The fear was that the maple flavor would overwhelm us. We were very pleasantly surprised. The maple was mild and the marshmallows themselves were not rot-your-teeth-off sweet. We can totally envision a toasty maple s’more with a bunch of these li’l guys in the middle or a maple-y hot chocolate to transition you into the holiday vibes.

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Rating: 9/10 for being yummy, but zero nutrition.

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Apple Cider Hand Soap

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Foaming hand soap is fun. Foaming hand soap that smells like apple cider is even more fun. But this product is maybe a little too fun. It smells well-spiced. But it smells so spicy that it borders on smelling like pine? Or some other intense fall nature-y scent. tl;dr if you wash your hands with this soap in the morning, be prepared to smell it for the rest of your day.

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Rating: 6/10 for being too enthusiastic.

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Pumpkin Spice Batons

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Like most fall snacks, this is just another excuse to consume inordinate amounts of cinnamon, cardamom, and whatever allspice is. However, like most baton-like snacks, it kind of feels like you’re eating rolls of pumpkin-spiced crunchy air, but somehow, we can’t stop.

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Rating: 6/10 for just being a lot of air.

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What are you bringing to your next club meeting? We recommend the Ghosts & Bats, Almond Chipotle sauce, and the Pumpkin Spiced Joe Joe’s for a solid roundup of sweet savory fall flavors. And the mini maple marshmallows if you want to immediately become the center of attention.

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{shortcode-c4559ed37df63231281734f849872463d7ea8ff9}We’ve all been there. It’s been a long day, you’re tired, you’re hangry, you just want to walk in peace with zero interruptions. But alas, you have friends! You run into people everywhere you go, from your freshman year roommate to that kid from last semester’s Gen Ed section who you vaguely nod at.

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Some days, it’s okay to not be in the mood to smile and wave. So, Flyby is here to tell you how to do it with the least feelings hurt! Unless, of course, you’re trying to shake that acquaintance. In that case, proceed to the last option.

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Headphones In, Main Character Moment

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As the Main CharacterTM, you are too busy listening to the soundtrack of your life and pondering the many woeful turns your semester is taking to recognize the extras passing by on the street. So pop in those headphones (maybe tuck that hair back so your AirPods are visible to the audience) and dance your way through life without having to hear anyone shout out an unwelcome hello!

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The Cobblestone Hobble

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Works best where the sidewalk bricks are trashed, so basically anywhere near the upperclassman dorms. Stare at your feet, pretend you’re going to trip if you don’t stare intently at the ground, because you actually might. No one can fault you there!

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Feign Poor Eyesight

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This one is for my glasses-wearing girlies and gentlemen out there. Just take them off! If your friends are used to seeing you with them on, they’ll instantly notice that you don’t have glasses on and thus won’t acknowledge them. Bonus points for this one since you probably actually won’t be able to recognize them. Extra bonus points if people are so used to your glasses that they don’t recognize you.

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Pick Up a ‘Phone Call’

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…or actually make one, if you feel awkward holding a phone to your ear with no one on the other end. If someone recognizes you but sees you’re on an oh-so-important phone call, they’ll leave you well alone. What if it’s a career-changing call? Or your mother? Crisis averted!

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Text Someone (Or type aggressively on your notes app so it seems like you have important conversations to attend to)

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Everyone ever has had a moment where they start texting or scrolling just to seem like they’re doing something. I’m a frequent offender myself, if we’re being honest. Just use this method when you spot someone coming, and then keep walking by without looking up or making eye contact. Works like a charm ;)

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Be Assertive. Make Eye Contact. Then Look Away.

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Okay, this one might make you look like a jerk. But if your day is bad enough to the point where you can look someone you know in the eye, and choose not to acknowledge them, then I’m sure they will find it within themselves to forgive you. Maybe shoot them an apology text later though.

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That’s all we have for you today! Keep these tips and tricks up your sleeve for a rainy day, and if you offend someone in the process, well, you didn’t get the idea from us.

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{shortcode-f8fd2cb1bd647872ad54503f4a7be5b87420899b}We’re back again with our weekly advice column! This week, we’ll tackle the beauty of friendship. When the excitement of the first few weeks of a new semester settles, finding time to connect with new people on campus can become hard. You may find yourself wondering, what are some ways to make new friends to wave to and say hi to as you pass them in the Yard, without the time commitment of “grabbing a meal,” which sometimes takes an hour out of a busy day, while still making meaningful connections… So many things to juggle, but that’s what we’re here for!

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Q: Dear Flyby, how do I make new friends when we’re all busy?

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A: Don’t worry, we’ve got you. Become friends with the person you kicked out of a room in Smith because you reserved it. I’m not kidding, I’ve actually made not one, but TWO new friends this way. After you open the door and say, “Hey sorry, I reserved this room,” strike up a conversation with the person who’s hastily gathering up their things (this will also make things less awkward). A simple “How’s your day going?” will do the trick. In Room 4 of the Smith Collab Commons, I met one girl who also lives in Eliot (and now we always say hi to each other!). In Room 2, I met a fellow junior who I’m actually grabbing dinner with soon. Who knew that such a lovely acquaintance could be made while kicking someone out?

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New friends are always around the corner… even when you’re doing laundry. Last week, I talked to a girl in the laundry room for 20 minutes. Granted, she started the conversation with me, but she has inspired me to make more laundry room friends. There’s usually another person down there who also has three minutes left on the washing machine after their timer went off too early — why not strike up a conversation to pass the time?

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One of the easiest ways to make a new friend is to introduce yourself to that one person you see everywhere in your House! I know I know, everyone says to do this, but no one actually does. Everyone has those people that they somehow see everywhere around their house. You see them while crossing the courtyard, in the dhall, on your 2 a.m. water refilling trek… they’re just everywhere. I promise you, knowing their name and waving to them is so much better than awkwardly looking down at your phone as you pass each other for the third time that day. It’s as easy as, “I feel like I see you around the house all the time, what’s your name?”

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Okay, so I highly encourage you to read the room before asking a random person how their day is going. Sometimes people are not in the mood to socialize (myself included), so make sure the target isn’t in a hurry, doesn’t have their AirPods in, or looking like they’re on the verge of bursting into tears.

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Happy friend-making!

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xoxo,

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Flyby Blog

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Sometimes you need something to repeat under your breath on the way to class besides “I’m so tired” and “fml” and the Krebs cycle. Something that says, “I can get through today.” That’s where Flyby comes in.

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Affirmations for before your first class of the day:

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“I am not addicted to caffeine.”

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“Five hours of sleep is enough, because I make it enough.”

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“I did this every day, an hour earlier, in high school.”

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“I will not be cold-called before I drink my cold brew.”

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Affirmations for exams:

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“I am more than my grades.”

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“Well, I think I’m more than my grades.”

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“Yes, I’m more… um… my grades do not define… um…”

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“If I don’t know something, it can’t possibly be that important.”

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Affirmations for while you write a paper:

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“My thoughts make sense because otherwise I probably would not be thinking them.”

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“4,000 words is a state of mind.”

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“This is better than a pset.”

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“I write better than ChatGPT… At least better than ChatGPT 3.”

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Affirmations for the dhall:

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“The fro-yo machine will be working.”

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“There will still be large salad bowls available.”

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“I will find a friend to sit with.”

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Affirmations for every occasion:

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“I am not sick, it’s just allergies.”

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“I will not finish this nap feeling like I have entered an alternate reality.”

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“I will dodge tourists with ease and grace.”

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“I am almost definitely not forgetting to do something I have to be doing.”

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Repeat these as often as needed. You’ve got this… probably.

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Good morning to all who celebrate!

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The beauty of a new-found Harvard day lies in the breadth of possibilities of your first waking hours. For some, mornings are peacefully filled with chirping birds in Lowell courtyard amidst a sky of changing colors. For others, the first few hours of the day are best associated with the sweet sound of the Currier fire alarm or a chorus of concrete construction (hello Adams).

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With a nonexistent bedtime and an alarm that is starting to feel more and more optional, hope for a college circadian rhythm may seem lost. So whether you’re typically chained to the tables of Lamont basement until the wee hours of the morning or are craving the stamina of your former 6-a.m.-rising high school self, this flyby how-to should help increase your chances of making it to hot (or cold) breakfast.

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Leave your shades up and curtains open

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Blackout shades are incredible, but quite literally the antithesis of what you need for an early morning wake up. Following our technique may force you into becoming an early bird as there’s no place to hide from those sun rays… or your neighbors.

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Make your alarm #fun

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Sick of Apple’s By The Seaside or Radar (Default) alarm ringtones? Me too. Make Your Wakeup Fun AgainTM by downloading the Hannah Montana theme song. Blast good ol’ Eminem “Till I Collapse” or “Lose Yourself” to electrify your morning. Stroll to class with “Walking On Sunshine” or “Lovely Day” to romanticize your a.m… (heard it helps quell your persistent RBF).

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Abuse the buddy system and/or befriend an athlete.

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Do you have a friend or a mere acquaintance who is a varsity athlete? Great! Use this to your absolute advantage by creating a morning wakeup ~buddy system~. Do they have a mandatory 7 a.m. conditioning? Great — call me at 6:59! 6:00 a.m. practice? Perfect. Personally, come wake me up at 8:30, please.

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Lure yourself out of bed with the thought of discounted coffee

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Here’s your tentative schedule… Monday: Free Dunkin’ medium hot or iced coffee with any purchase. Tuesday: a free small coffee at Harvard Art Museums Cafe. Wednesday: splurge at Blue Bottle. Thursday: BOGO 50-percent-off Starbucks. Friday: convince yourself dhall coffee will suffice.

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Sign yourself up for a workout class

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What’s the best way to shoot out of bed as soon as your alarm sounds? The dread which comes from possibly missing the absurdly priced workout class you signed yourself up for in a state of overwhelming optimism. Run.

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You, before reading this article: “Every morning is a fight against myself, and I lose every time.”

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You, after indulging in this work of elite journalism: as much of a morning person as the bright-eyed and bushy-tailed freshman in your 9 a.m. section. You're welcome.

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While some guys think of the Roman Empire on a daily basis, the rest of us might have some more… “normal” things that live in our minds rent-free. As Harvard students, we all share one singular brain cell anyway, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that we think about the same things. So what’s the equivalent of a Harvard student’s Roman Empire?

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Red

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What is his best catch? How is it possible that each week he has a new best catch? If all houses have the same menu, which house gets his BEST best catch? What about red spiced chicken? Is this him spicing the chicken? Is it a blend he created? I have been searching for answers for more than three years. One day, I will find Red himself and ask.

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The Quad Shuttle

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With Passio GO! being a little less than 100 percent accurate (although I can finally stop checking online for the schedule), this one hurts a little too much. Let’s be real though, with Cambridge traffic, it is entirely possible to walk faster than the shuttle drives. Try to enjoy that before it gets too freezing to function.

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The Cardamom Chai Latte at the Art Museums

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It’s less than $5! It’s phenomenal! It’s at the Art Museums! What is there not to daydream about?

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*Insert Your Favorite Sidechat Post*

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Some of us keep thinking about certain TFs, and others are just looking to capitalize on a well-timed photo to maximize karma. Every campus event brings us many anonymous users posting Sidechats live, and for the entertainment and breaking news, we are eternally grateful.

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Remy’s Location

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Whether you’ve had one brush with our favorite campus celebrity or see him all the time around Barker, we have all obsessed over finding Remy at some point. With Sidechat constantly on the lookout for any sightings and chronicling about his well-being, everyone will be envious if you snag some time with him.

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Winter Break

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Yes, we might have just started the semester, but I am already envisioning myself lying on my parents’ couch while I binge watch all the “Twilight” movies and eat a pint of ice cream. No thoughts, head empty. If we manifest hard enough, we can get there soon.

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The next time you’re trying to awkwardly connect with somebody over small talk, bring up one of these topics instead of the usual, “So what are you thinking of concentrating in?” Since we all think about the same things all the time anyway, you are 100 percent guaranteed to make a new friend. Or you know, at least successfully pretend that you have social skills.

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Welcome to the October edition of Burst the Harvard Bubble (yes, please ignore the fact that it is 10 days late). Now that we have settled into a rhythm for the semester with midterms and quizzes every other week, club meetings every other night, and skipping 9 a.m. lectures every other day, it’s time to think back to the promise you made yourself at the beginning of the year — no, not that one — GET OUT OF HARVARD!

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Here are some fun events happening off-campus for the rest of October for you to check out!

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The Eras Tour Movie – premiering Oct. 13

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If you’re like me and unfortunately was victimized by TicketMaster last year while trying to get tickets for the Eras Tour 😭and have been dealing with FOMO 😒 all summer watching clips of the concert, our time is here! “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour” movie is coming out on Friday, October 13. Hopefully dressing up in your finest Eras Tour Concert movie outfit and singing along to your favorite songs for 2 hours and 48 minutes will bring you joy and help you forget the pains of your midterm results.

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Boston Veg FoodFest 2023 – Oct. 14 & 15

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Did the HUDS grilled chicken traumatize you away from eating meat for the time being? Interested in learning more about plant-based food and lifestyle products? Ever been to Roxbury or simply want to explore the area? Then the Boston Veg Foodfest 2023 is here for you! Feel free to shop at the marketplace, taste samples, and learn from experts in the fields of plant-based nutrition, culinary arts, athletics, climate, and sustainability.

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The final Open Newbury Street of the year – Oct. 15

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If you haven’t had the chance to go to Newbury Street yet this semester, this upcoming Sunday, Oct. 15 is the perfect opportunity to do so. Sunday sees the final Open Newbury Street of the year – a time where the shopping and restaurant district is fully open to pedestrians to peruse the length of Newbury Street. Of course, Newbury Street isn’t going anywhere. But, there’s just something special about the pedestrian-only version of Newbury (perhaps it’s the freedom of not worrying that you’ll accidentally get hit by incoming traffic) that makes Open Newbury Street just a tad more special than usual. Besides, it’s the last one until next July and especially for the seniors among us, it’s our very last Open Newbury Street as a Harvard student 🥺.

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The Broadway Rave – Oct. 21

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Musicals fans, this is our time to shine. The musical-theme dance party is coming to Brighton Music Hall on Oct. 21 for just one night only. If you’ve ever lamented the lack of Hamilton or Les Mis soundtrack at the club, this event is the one for you.

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Fenway Flea - Oct. 22

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Ah yes, the classic Fenway Flea market and a Boston staple. The weekly flea market just across the river is the perfect opportunity to check out some fantastic small businesses, ranging from vintage clothing, jewelry, records, and more while also enjoying some nice music from the lineup of artists. Not to mention all the snacks and beverages presented by The Wine Press Fenway. It’s an event not to be missed!

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Boston Lights: A Lantern Experience - Until Oct. 29

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Do you like animals? Do you like lanterns? Then make sure to come out to Franklin Park Zoo before Oct. 29 to experience the 55 magnificent displays comprising hundreds of beautifully crafted lanterns spanning Franklin Park Zoo’s 72 acres. From real animals to mythical creatures, the Boston Lights experience will reawaken your inner child in a delightful and dazzling display of lights.

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Visiting Salem

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And of course, the witching month of October will not be complete without a trip to Salem! Located just over an hour train drive away, the infamous town is a must-see Halloween destination for everyone in the New England area. Come for a day of spooky fun, overpriced food, and witchy merchandise. If the Salem Witch Trial is your Roman Empire, then this event is a can’t miss on your Harvard bucket list!

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Between all the midterms and exciting events on campus, it can be quite easy to forget that there’s a world beyond Harvard Square. Before winter comes and finals have us all trapped inside Lamont, we hope you can have some time exploring the events that Boston has to offer!

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