Spectrum

11/10/2022

As we begin spending more time in the libraries than on the lawns, the fast-paced nature of the semester becomes overwhelming. When everything feels uncertain and unfinished, cold and dull, Spectrum is here to catch you before you’re swept into the whirlwind of the semester.

To those who need to hear it: Just because the leaves are shriveling up doesn’t mean you need to be too.

09/10/2022

The arts and culture scene in New York is unlike any other in the world. While this city can be expensive, your Columbia or Barnard ID can get you into many places for free or at a discount. Here’s how you can explore New York for less—just don’t forget to bring your ID!

07/10/2022

For many, part of the appeal of attending Columbia is access to New York City’s famous performing arts scene. If you’re interested in attending a show, Spectrum has you covered with some great ways to save on ticket prices.

https://www.columbiaspectator.com/spectrum/2022/10/03/open-when-you-want-to-explore-new-york-citys-performing-arts-scene/

07/10/2022

Columbia is home to the oldest LGBTQ college student organization in the country. Since its founding, many more q***r clubs and organizations have come to exist on our campus, and Spectrum is highlighting some of them in honor of LGBTQ History Month.

https://www.columbiaspectator.com/spectrum/2022/10/03/lgbtq-clubs-on-campus/

06/10/2022

Looking to explore LGBTQ nightlife in the Big Apple but not sure where to start? Spectrum’s laid it all out with the best places to get your groove on or grab a drink with friends this year!

https://www.columbiaspectator.com/spectrum/2022/10/03/13-lgbtq-bars-and-clubs-in-new-york-city/

06/10/2022

From Elton John to Tyler, The Creator, Spectrum has compiled a playlist with music by LGBTQ artists for walks through campus and dorm-room dance sessions.

https://www.columbiaspectator.com/spectrum/2022/10/03/vibe-with-spectrum-music-by-lgbtq-artists/

26/09/2022

Have you or a loved one been hurt by Columbia’s No. 18 ranking? Cozy up and read Spectrum’s conspiracy theories about the real story behind the numbers.

Here’s to chilly autumn mornings, pumpkin spice lattes, Gilmore Girls marathons, and so on. Everything seems to be falling: multicolored leaves to the ground, temperatures into the 50s, and Columbia’s U.S. News ranking down to No. 18. Talk about spooky season! It’s a nightmare come true for Co...

08/05/2022

Graduation is right around the corner, and you may be preparing to say goodbye to campus in just a few days. But have you thought about how you can stay close to the Columbia community after you leave? Spectrum has five ways to help you stay connected.

Graduation always brings a rush of mixed emotion—it can feel like an official end to a chapter of your life and at the same time a brand-new start to the rest of your life. Regardless of which category you fall into at the present moment, graduating doesn’t mean you need to be ready to leave the...

07/05/2022

Do you love browsing bookstores and being surrounded by the scent of printed pages? From quaint, cozy options to bustling, vibrant stores, we’ve got you covered with eco-friendly secondhand bookstores that will provide you a fun day out in the city!

Every bookworm knows the appeal of wandering through a bookstore, surrounded by the fresh scent of printed pages that tell stories you simply can’t wait to absorb. However, frequent purchases of brand new volumes can be quite damaging for our environment. With some strategic planning, though, you ...

06/05/2022

An organic garden in the middle of the city? I beg your garden? Learn more about Columbia’s gardening club here as the plot thickens…

For members of the Columbia University Gardening Club, every day is Earth Day.

06/05/2022

What’s more exciting and fun than boating in New York City while enjoying the beautiful scenery and weather? Go grab your sunglasses and call a friend to go on a boat now.

After a long, cold winter in New York City, spring is the best time to refresh by going out and enjoying some sunbathing! Boating, a fun pastime for many New Yorkers, is a must-have experience for the spring season. Spectrum has found the following boathouses for you to help you start navigating the...

05/05/2022

This year, two sisters—Nabihah, SEAS ’25, and Nanzeeba Ahmad, VP&S ’23—took the initiative to co-found a fashion brand based on sustainable and modest clothing. Together, they are working toward a world of greater ecological integrity and social justice.

While fashion is a form of self-expression and autonomy, the industry itself is more than just a creative outlet. Today, questions of ethics, working conditions, animal rights, and sustainability permeate the field. According to an article by the VOU, “

05/05/2022

While coeducational classes at Columbia are now a vital part of our education, for years women weren’t allowed to study with men at this institute. Keep reading to learn more about women’s role in the history of Columbia and Barnard.

Scrolling through my Instagram feed on International Women’s Day, I stumbled across a black and white photograph posted on Columbia College’s official Instagram page featuring seven women dressed in Columbia gowns. The caption read “Columb...

04/05/2022

Staying in the city this summer? From scouring online listings to reaching out to various friends of friends, finding summer housing can feel like a full-time job. Don’t worry though, because Spectrum’s got you covered with six housing resources.

Staying in the city this summer? Whether you are taking summer classes, doing a research program, or pursuing an internship, locating affordable and convenient summer housing is no easy feat. From scouring online listings to reaching out to various friends of friends, finding summer housing can feel...

04/05/2022

Spring is a major transition period, both weather-wise and fashion-wise. How can you dress for this unpredictable season? If you’re unsure, look no further. Spectrum’s got you covered with some essential pieces of clothing for the spring season.

03/05/2022

Sometimes it’s good to take a step back from studying and go outside to enjoy the fresh spring air. From street markets to gardens, New York City has no shortage of outdoor activities to offer, so check out Spectrum’s list of ideas.

Despite New York’s turbulent ups and downs in degrees, the weather is definitely trending warmer as we approach the end of the semester. With the refreshing spring air and blooming flowers, now is the time to enjoy the spring weather by indulging in outdoor activities. Read on to gain some informa...

03/05/2022

Homesickness is something that nearly everyone has to face at one point or another while at college. If this is something you’re struggling with, here is a letter for you.

To anyone who needs to hear it: This feeling is normal.

23/04/2022

Thirsty in the library? If you’re looking to stay hydrated, Spectrum has mapped out the water bottle refill stations at four of the most popular libraries on campus.

Long library sessions are bad enough without a dry mouth and chapped lips. When you're focusing on studying, the last thing you want to do is spend your time searching for a water fountain. Luckily, Columbia has a pretty good selection of refill stations in their buildings around campus. If you find...

22/04/2022

Earth Day is right around the corner, and it has us all thinking about those few residents who have no respect for the environment. Read about their heinous crimes against the Earth as their actions are reported to the ultimate environmental authority by their floormates.

To the acting Lorax of Columbia EcoReps,

21/04/2022

Looking to take a sustainability or environmental science course but not sure where to start? No worries, Spectrum’s got you covered with some introductory courses that have no prerequisites.

Course registration gives us the chance to try out new subjects and explore possible areas of interest. When you make your tentative schedule for the fall, consider trying out a class on sustainability or environmental science. Not sure where to start? No worries, Spectrum’s got you covered with s...

21/04/2022

Fashion does not need to break the bank, and it certainly does not need to pollute the Earth. While you may be influenced to buy trending styles or high-end brands, neither are necessary for you to get your desired look. The solution is simple: thrifting! Spectrum has curated a list of thrift stores and vintage stores around New York City where you’re bound to find something stylish and sustainable.

20/04/2022

Remember the time when you followed the rush of people down the subway stairs and sprinted across the platform only to find that you missed the train by a second? Here’s Spectrum’s letter for what to do the next time you find yourself with an extra few minutes you never asked for.

To anyone who needs to hear it: It’s not you, it’s the New York City subway.

19/04/2022

For many Muslims, Ramadan is a time to get closer to God, connect with their religious heritage, and grow spiritually. But as students, it can be difficult to balance academics and work with religious obligations. Read on for tips to navigate Ramadan at Columbia this year.

Ramadan may symbolize and represent many things in a Muslim’s life, spanning from the deeply personal to the expansively communal. It may represent family-wide dinners and endless glasses of Vimto, or staying up until sunrise embracing the gentle slowness of navigating your day through the night. ...

16/04/2022

Considering dropping a class? Don’t know if you should stick it out or throw in the towel? While there’s no perfect formula for deciding whether or not to drop a class, there are steps you can take to figure it out. Spectrum’s got you covered with the perfect list of questions to ask yourself before deciding.

The first few weeks of classes always fly by, and then just like that, the drop period is almost over. How are you supposed to know whether you want to take a course after just a few class sessions? Though there’s no universal answer, there are questions you can ask yourself to figure out whether ...

15/04/2022

The weather is finally getting better and the sun feels like it’s shining brighter. But what’s the use when you can feel the oncoming sneezes every time you step outside? Here’s a letter from Spectrum for when your allergies are flaring up.

To anyone who needs to hear it: Allergies are awful.

13/04/2022

During the idyllic summer before my trek through Columbia started, my expectations were concrete and romantic. The one thing I really hadn’t been expecting at all was physically shaking in class when speaking. Anxiousness and social interactions go hand in hand for many of us. Here are a few important steps and reminders that have helped me navigate speaking in academic spaces slowly and intentionally this past semester.

During the idyllic summer before my trek through Columbia started, my expectations for the year were concrete: late nights walking in Manhattan, rides on the intricate subway system, and picnics at Central Park among the cherry blossoms. The one thing I hadn’t been expecting at all was physically ...

12/04/2022

If you’re feeling lost choosing courses for next semester or just working on your four-year plan, Spectrum has listed our favorite courses, ranging from sustainability engineering to art history. Take a look, and you may find your next class on this list!

With course registration opening next week, many of you are wondering what courses you should take within or outside of your major. If you’re not sure what kind of classes you’d like, take a look at our staff’s favorite courses. Use this opportunity to try out new classes and subjects, especia...

12/04/2022

You may be picking classes to fulfill the last of your Core Curriculum or Foundations requirements, or perhaps you’re finishing that last course credit in May. Either way, Spectrum has a letter to remind you that you’re ready for what comes next.

To anyone who needs to hear it: You’re almost there!

12/04/2022

Striving for the last few available seats in your most-wanted class can be stressful. But, at the end of the day, your professors or advisor can help you deal with the shortcomings of the class registration system. Spectrum has some tips and tricks on how to better communicate with them to help you ease this process!

Life at Columbia often feels competitive, with course registration being no exception. Enrolling in a class that you’ve been interested in for a long time can feel like a crowning achievement, one that will make for a rewarding semester. Although the class registration system may seem intimidating...

11/04/2022

Registration is often stressful and overwhelming. Each college has its own requirements and Barnard students need to select courses that cover the Distributional and Modes of Thinking requirements. Spectrum has compiled a guide of tips, tricks, and recommendations to guide you on your path to fulfill your Barnard Foundations requirements.

Course registration, in all its frantic glory, is upon us once again. For Barnard students, crafting a schedule that both makes progress on your course requirements and includes classes pertinent to your major or prospective major can be a tricky balancing act. Students have to keep Barnard’s Foun...