In September, the Greater Princeton Branch of AYLUS (GPA) collaborated with many other branches for the newest edition of newspapers to promote youth volunteerism. Editors across the country worked together to have this newsletter published on a monthly basis. Besides the AYLUS announcement, the two-page newsletter covers unique volunteering activities at nationwide branches. We expect this monthly newsletter to help improve communication among AYLUS members nationwide and advocate for the concept of community service wherever it applies.
Editor-in-Chief: Lana Cheng (9/1, 3 hrs; 9/11, 3 hrs; 9/13, 3 hrs)
Advisor: Cassie Wang (9/1, 3 hrs; 9/11, 3 hrs; 9/14, 3 hrs)
Deputy Editor-in-Chief: Catherine Feng (Art: 9/13, 5 hrs), Kathie Wang (9/6, 3 hrs), Brenna Li (9/6, 3 hrs)
Art Editors: Daniel Feng (9/13, 4 hrs), Danica Xiong (9/13, 4 hrs)
Article Editors (9/1, 2 hrs for all): Alyssa Jin, Amy Wu, Brigitte Shi, Catherine Harman, Claire Tang, Emma Liu, Gina Shen, Jerry Chen, Luna Chen, Megan Wang, Meiqi Tan, Parker Liu, Sophie Liu, Tom Purui Cui.
AYLUS Times Advisor & National Honorary President Cassie Wang (9/4, 3 hrs; 9/18, 3 hrs; 9/22, 3 hrs https://illo2023.columbiaspectator.com/) continues volunteering at the Columbia Daily Spectator as the Senior Illustration Editor.
NSOP ends in a week. What happens next?
While you undoubtedly have heard tales about what the Columbia experience will be like, it’s possible that these next few weeks following orientation still feel like a mystery. Spectrum is here to give you a rundown of what your next few weeks of transitioning into college will look like and what you can expect during the start of your first semester.
By Cassie Wang / Senior Staff Illustrator
As you start Columbia, you may not know what to expect as the New Student Orientation Program rolls to a close and the first day of school nears.
Shopping period:
The first two weeks of school are commonly referred to as the “shopping period,” as you can add and drop classes without consequence. It’s the perfect time to try classes on for size. Now, this is not to say that registering for 22 credits is a good idea—you’ll still be on the hook for early assignments, after all. But this time is perfect if you are trying to decide between a few courses or professors, or if you’re on a waitlist for a class you’re not sure you’ll get into.
Speaking of waitlists, you’re probably on a few. Don’t worry—students often intentionally sign up for more credits than they plan on taking so they can “shop” multiple classes at once, . so even if you are on a waitlist at the beginning of the shopping period, it’s usually not impossible to get off the waitlist by the end of these two weeks. Just be sure to show up to class during those first two weeks and email the professor about taking the course—as others drop the class, the professor may just get you in.
During these two weeks, the workload of most classes will be lighter than the rest of the semester, and you typically won’t have to worry about exams. However, do stay on top of any assignments and readings, which can pile up quickly. Remember, most of the time you devote to your courses will happen outside of class.
The club fair usually happens during shopping week, and you shouldn’t miss it. Joining student organizations is a great way to meet new people and make friends. Put yourself on some mailing lists, even if you never attend a meeting. It’s a great way to stay in the loop about campus events.
These two weeks tend to be some of the most relaxed of the year, this period is an ideal time to get to know the campus and neighborhood while getting a handle on balancing your school, social, and personal lives. Take this time to understand what your lifestyle preferences are and work on creating a path to success in the circles of your life that are important to you. Just because you live with your friends now doesn’t mean you have to spend every moment with them, and just because school has gotten much harder does not mean you have to spend your four years here in a library.
The rest of the semester:
After the shopping period ends, you’ll enter the bulk of the semester. Often this is marked with upcoming midterms in many of your courses. This time is ideal for figuring out how you study best, as well as trying out some of the clubs you may have joined. Pro tip: Try things you never thought you’d try—they might just become your new obsession.
Your first semester can seem overwhelming, difficult, and stressful, especially during midterm and finals seasons. However, make sure to carve out some time for yourself and spend time with friends to try and balance school with life. Not everything is about school.
As the schoolwork ramps up and the whirlwind of NSOP and shopping week comes to an end, you may feel some homesickness kicking in. This is completely normal. You are in a brand new environment with new stimuli and stressors all around you. Just remember you are not alone—your roommate, classmates, and even your resident adviser are likely experiencing the same feeling. Make connections with the people around you and grow your own community at Columbia. Striking up a conversation with a random person in a library, dining hall, or your RA are great ways to stop yourself from feeling lonely and isolated in a big city where, at times, we all feel unseen and lost.
As you navigate your first months at Columbia and the big city, it is natural to feel uncertain about what is to come. And, while there may be many challenges, know that you are not alone in feeling overwhelmed during your transition into college. Take it all one step at a time, check in with yourself as much as possible, and rely on the support networks you have at Columbia and at home.
Anuthmi Waas is a Deputy Editor at Spectrum and can be contacted at anuthmi.waas@columbiaspectator.com. She vividly remembers wishing for school to start during NSOP and then wishing she had never felt this way once she had her first midterm.