The current outbreak, considered the 17th in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), is caused by the Bundibugyo strain. It has been identified as highly contagious, with fatality rates estimated at over 30% of infected cases. While the DRC - for which the WHO has labeled the situation as "very high risk" - is considered the main site of the outbreak, bordering countries remain on high alert, with a brief series of cases in Uganda. The situation remains monitored by countries around the globe, including Europe, where the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control encourages active monitoring and awareness of the potential risk.

Previous notable outbreaks of the Bundibugyo strain had occurred in 2007 and 2012, but the 2026 outbreak has been named the fastest-growing outbreak of Ebola as per recorded statistics. No vaccine specific to the current strain has yet been made public, leading to other stopgap measures such as the use of prior vaccines in the hopes of conferring additional protection. The situation continues to develop rapidly, with thousands of deaths and infections noted despite potential underreporting.

The News-Letter interviewed Andrew Pekosz, a professor of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology at Hopkins, to learn more about the specific details surrounding the response to this outbreak. Regarding challenges with developing a vaccine, Pekosz highlighted some nuances with regard to the Bundibugyo strain.

"[The virus] hasn't infected humans very frequently. So from a research standpoint, we're really, really carefully trying to monitor the sequence of the viruses from patients to see if there are any changes happening that might make the virus better at infecting humans. We've seen this kind of adaption with COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2 when it enters the population... so, right now, this Ebola virus outbreak is in the middle of one of those," Pekosz said.

Difficulties in monitoring the virus across thousands of cases and with discrepancies in reporting make the situation non-ideal, and further concerns were noted by Pekosz as impacting the possible implementation of solutions.

"We know how to make Ebola vaccines, but we kind of have to start from scratch and make new ones specific for this strain, and that's taking a lot of time... to be honest, there are problems that absolutely can be addressed, and we knew about these problems. We just really [don't] have the money in place to be able to drive forward some of these things" Pekosz added

Previous major Ebola crises have included the 2014-2016 outbreak in West Africa, which led to the deaths of 11,325 people, and the 2018-2020 outbreak in the DRC. As a result of the recurring threat posed by the disease, several protocols and methods have been used across the years. To gain further insights into these practices, The News-Letter interviewed Chiara Altare, an associate research professor in the Department of International Health at the School of Public Health and faculty member at the Center for Humanitarian Health.

While Altare is not involved in the response to the current outbreak, she previously worked with the WHO on the 2018-2020 Ebola outbreak. Altare served on the monitoring and evaluation teams, which established clear parameters for the WHO across the board. Regarding her efforts during the previous outbreak, Altare highlighted the creation of thematic pillars around which the complex response to an epidemic could be organized.

"The first pillar is always coordination... You have the two key actors coordinating this outbreak response that are Africa CDC and the WHO [AFRO], but [there is also the] country level, where the Ministry of Health is the key actor in charge of the response..." Altare continued, "Then you have a variety of pillars that look at clinical management..., you have a big component which is the surveillance and contact tracing..., there is a pillar on laboratory capacity... and then you have the overall continuity of care, which is also something that is often forgotten."

Altare further discussed some key differences between the 2018-2020 and the current outbreaks. One key difference she mentioned was the lack of a confirmed vaccine, whereas the vaccine and ring vaccination methods conducted in the previous outbreaks were essential.

"There have been two other outbreaks [of the Bundibugyo virus] in the past, so technically we could have been prepared. We were not for a variety of reasons... so it will require even more resources for contact tracing and surveillance..." Altare added.

Altare went on to highlight another emerging risk in the situation.

"Most of the new cases are actually not coming from contacts, which means we don't know what the sources [are]... This means that we have not understood yet exactly how the pandemic, how this epidemic is spreading, and that's very dangerous."

Current response systems have been working to mitigate the negative impacts under these circumstances. One such measure in place is the use of biocontainment units. Found around the globe, these specialized units seek to prevent the spread of high-risk diseases when treating infected patients. The Hopkins Biocontainment Unit (BCU) is one such example, having previously played a key role in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The News-Letter interviewed Carrie Billman, the director of education and training and lead infection preventionist for the Hopkins Biocontainment Unit, to gain further insight into these systems. Billman highlighted the exact nature of the BCU's role during outbreaks.

"We have citizens coming [back] all the time from having traveled to [high-risk] countries, whether they were visiting family or they were part of aid organizations that are helping with the outbreak. Obviously those types of people are screened when they come back into the country, but you are potentially able to [become infected] up to 21 days after being exposed to any version of Ebola, so we have to be ready at a moment's notice for anyone who has returned and perhaps had high-risk behaviors while they were in those areas to be able to care for those patients," Billman stated.

Due to the international nature of the current outbreak, Billman went on to highlight the global cooperation involved.

"[There are] high level isolation units all over the world, and so we are constantly in contact with our partners in crime in other countries - in Europe, in South America, in parts of Africa to not only make sure that we are all exchanging best practices, but really kind of any lessons learned for caring for these patients that could be coming from abroad..." Billman continued, "Thankfully, there are things like Zoom and Teams that help us a lot, so that we can really make sure that those lines of communication are open."

Despite the current spotlight on the Ebola crisis, Billman further emphasized the importance of remaining aware of other outbreaks around the globe and of broader preparatory measures.

"When you hear about outbreaks, they're interesting, and people should pay attention because there's always something going on. It is not just from Africa. There's Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever that's usually over in the Middle East and in other parts of the world... Ebola is definitely what helped bring this national system together and develop our biocontainment units, but we like to think that we are prepared for Ebola and beyond."

Though such measures might be in place, geopolitical and region-specific factors also play a role in disease management. During her interview with The News-Letter, Altare went on to highlight this point.

"It's not only the outbreak. It's 30-plus, 40-plus years of conflict and repeated humanitarian emergencies, repeated phases of complete disinterest of the international community, more recent funding cuts... It's actually very difficult to describe how challenging everything is - not only to respond, but for the people living there, and to understand what they are going through."

Pekosz also spotlighted similar struggles beyond the basic science issue of developing a new vaccine.

"We're having a hard time getting to people to get them the tests and getting good turnaround time so that people hear those results quickly... The situation in terms of the local region that this is happening in is bringing on additional challenges because of the political strife that's going on in those areas, and the lack of ability to get objective WHO-mediated healthcare into those areas as well. So, even if we could have an Ebola vaccine that's specific to this strain today, it would still be a real challenge to get that rolled out into the population in a very timely manner."

As of September 2026, the situation remains exceedingly complex and continually updating. An appropriate containment approach merits careful and consistent monitoring by all parties involved in the response to best mitigate the impact of the disease's spread.

Pericles: What is it and why is it hardly produced?

It wasn't until I heard that the Merrick Barn would be producing Pericles for the Spring Mainstage that I had even heard of the play. I decided to pick up the book from my local library and read it during winter break. This is when I realized there was one apparent theme that made the play difficult to produce: incest. Though only mentioned during Act I and the choruses, the incestous relationship between Antiochus and his daughter holds an irreparable value to the plot. I was hesitant to see how the Hopkins Theatre Department would handle the theme of incest, and as we moved through Act I, it became incredibly apparent that the cuts of the script were made with impeccable amounts of time and care to properly convey the stakes of shows in a mindful manner while concurrently leaning into the comedy of the script.

The Musical Heart: Tessa Barcelo and Max Hsu

The collaborative genius of Tessa Barcelo and Max Hsu truly brought Pericles to life, transforming the traditional John Gower narrator into a dynamic bluegrass and folk chorus. Hsu, a graduating senior in Writing Seminars and Political Science, brought a deep musical background, starting guitar at 10 years old and expanding to piano, bass, composition and songwriting. Barcelo, also a graduating Writing Seminars senior, started piano at five years old and added voice, drums, guitar, ukulele (which she played in the show) and bass.

The aesthetic direction for the music initially stemmed from the director's specific vision of a bluegrass and folk-inspired chorus - referencing the distinct styles of Nat King Cole and Stubby Kaye (of Cat Ballou fame) - which created a unique framework for Hsu and Barcelo to inhabit. From this foundation, Hsu contributed his own diverse influences - namely the fingerstyle intricacies of Bert Jansch and Lindsey Buckingham, alongside a touch of Hadestown - while Ben Shaver, the music director of Pericles, introduced elements of vaudeville into the mix.

During the workshop phase of these songs, Hsu's improvisation would usually take the lead while Barcelo joined in, with every session being taped so they could revisit those spontaneous moments later. Sometimes these vibes were more generalized - an upbeat and dramatic Chorus 1, for instance - while others were more unique and faceted, drawing inspiration from the epilogue of "Our Lady of the Underground" from Hadestown or the energy of Legally Blonde.

While Hsu noted that he and Shaver worked together quite effectively, the process wasn't without its complications - particularly when it came to the immense pressure of navigating Shakespeare's varied and often inconsistent meters in an email to The News-Letter.

"Some of the earlier choruses are in iambic tetrameter, mimicking the medieval style of John Gower, while others are in typical Shakespearean pentameter, and some aren't consistent at all," wrote Hsu when discussing the challenges of the composition.

Barcelo also brought these choruses to life in her choreography and her interactions with Shaver, who played on stage in tandem with the duo. The trio found the inconsistent meter of Shakespeare's text challenging, especially in the choruses, but their smooth collaboration led to a unique, contemporary musical experience.

A behind-the-scenes look with Director James Glossman

I also had the privilege of being able to have a talkback over zoom with James Glossman, the director of Pericles. I used the interview to gain a further understanding of not only Glossman's background in Shakespeare, but his vision for this production and the experiences that helped shape it.

Glossman studied performance of literature at Northwestern University before pursuing various advanced studies, including prestigious stints at the University of Oxford and the Yale Drama School. Following this training, he chose to pivot his talents away from acting to focus instead on writing and, more specifically, the art of adaptation, which he applied to works such as those of Raymond Chandler. He has primarily centered his work within the Mid-Atlantic area, having recently co-written a play with Tom Hanks titled This World of Tomorrow, that premiered off-Broadway this past October; it was John Astin, a longtime friend of Glossman, who eventually brought him to Hopkins during the 2000-2001 academic year.

Shakespeare has always been the singular playwright that Glossman found himself most passionate about, appearing to him as an "ever-changing and ever-working" entity that seemed to reveal more of its complexity the more he revisited it. Glossman explained that selecting Pericles for the Spring Mainstage felt like a natural choice, largely because the department maintains a specific dynamic of alternating the spring production between a smaller, intimate scale and a much larger, more expansive one. Since he had directed the play nearly 20 years ago, Glossman thought it was finally time to revisit the work to see what level of energy it could generate when student actors took on the roles and collaborated with him to create something new.

Glossman spent a significant amount of time studying the traveling theater cart and enjoyed the concept of having all actors, even Pericles, playing multiple roles. Although most of the casting was based on the actors' abilities, the specific doubling of Antiochus and Lysimachus seemed to embody a clear moral spectrum (the "worst guy (Antiochus) and best guy (Lysimachus)") necessary for the production. Mark Gonzales, a doctoral candidate in robotics, was his dream candidate for this specific doubling because of his kind character and his contribution to a collaborative environment.

Through these various means, most notably the musicalizing of the choruses, the play took on a contemporary dynamic. This is not the first time Glossman has musicalized a Shakespeare production. The last Shakespeare play he directed in the John Astin Theatre, Twelfth Night (not to be confused with the Barnstormers' recent production of Twelfth Night in 2024), featured original music composed by Feste. As Glossman put it, "we showed people that the impact through musicalization in theater was how verse was to theater in Shakespeare's time," suggesting that the more we integrate music, the more engaging the theatrical experience becomes for a modern audience.

Glossman also used this opportunity to show off his world-premiere adaptation of Red Harvest, the Dashiell Hammett novel, being, of course, a lifelong fan of that hard-boiled crime fiction from the late 1920s. He described the story as being a morality tale in that old-school style of the private eye, essentially a question of how one might retain a moral compass when everything in the surrounding world has, quite frankly, "exploded and disappeared." The world premiere play will be produced by the Hopkins Theatre Department as their Spring Mainstage for the 2026-2027 season.

Spotlights: what truly stood out

It's undeniable that Pericles was a phenomenal success - but there were some moments in the show that have resonated with me even this long after the production. The fishermen scene in Act II, where fishermen in Pentapolis provide the shipwrecked Pericles with clothing to help him journey to King Simonides' court, was so incredibly well done. The two fishermen, played by Yona Levine and Sara Pantoja, had an incredible chemistry with one another and had an even greater understanding of physical comedy. From playing with the fish prop to navigating how they moved about the stage, they kicked off Act II in a way that had the audience in the palm of their hand. Speaking of King Simondies, Jason Lafita had the audience in the palm of his hand in the interactions with himself, Pericles and Thaisa. He clearly highlighted the light-hearted, good nature of King Simondies, whilst simultaneously giving him a heightened energy that truly made the character his. He captivated the audience even in the smallest movement, such as his breaking of the fourth wall with incessant winking, capturing the overzealous plot that Shakepeare loves to write. In tandem with King Simondies, the three knights played by Kayla Sinkler, Gemma Watson and Sara Pantoja had an incredible sense of physicality that brought these smaller roles to life. They shuffled about the stage, played with the highly contrasting height dynamic, and used this scene for all it was worth. They didn't need over-the-top movements to bring their roles to life; it was the small, cohesive movements they did that made their roles a powerful unit while still letting each of them shine.

In total, there were some groupings of actors that had impeccable chemistry and connection with one another that truly made the show feel real. One of these was Cleon and Dionyza, played by Cassandra Fan and Yona Levine, respectively. They both handled the text wonderfully, but what stood out was their connection. It was clear to anyone in the audience that they were incredibly connected to both the scene and one another, even when Cleon and Dionyza disagreed with one another. Another duo that were an incredible standout was Audrey Douglas as Pericles and Jewels Seeger as Helicanus. While the duo didn't have the most time on stage together as these roles, every moment showed their connection. Additionally, the scenes where Helicanus was without Pericles and still declared their loyalty to the Prince showed the connection Douglas and Seeger had, both on and off the stage.

Vasilios Van de Verg as Cerimon truly captivated me as he excellently portrayed the older, over-the-top wiseman that keeps the plot going in circles. His interactions with Barcelo as she was in the box that was thrown out to sea was so excellently done. He truly kept us on our toes every time we traveled back to Ephesus, playing with the language of the script to bring his role to life. Watson was also a warrior when it came to wielding the text of Shakespeare. Each throwaway line was done with a calculated precision, and the lines that were meant to stick did just that.

Finally, I would like to highlight the title role of Pericles, played by Douglas. Pericles is an absolute beast of a role. From the amount of lines to the sheer intensity of transformation the character goes through as they age, Douglas knew the stakes for her character and truly showed it throughout the show. Even in the moments where her character was in his lowest parts, she never lost his intensity, leading us through this emotional journey in a way that was both incredibly riveting and convincing.

Concluding thoughts

Looking back, Glossman's deep understanding of Shakespeare really shaped the whole experience into something phenomenal. You could feel how much freedom the actors had to bring their own vision to the stage. Every single person got their moment to shine before melting seamlessly back into the ensemble. The musical choruses gave the show such a fun, unique edge. The only con I had about the entire production was that the lyrics of the choruses were difficult to hear. Since I had the privilege of reading the text beforehand, I knew what was being explained, but to audience members that came in blind, it was difficult to follow along.

I remember laughing so hard at the blocking and choreographed scene changes. As soon as I'd caught my breath, something else would set me off again. Visually, it was stunning without trying too hard. The minimalist set and beautifully painted backdrop kept things clear, letting the breathtaking costumes stand out. Even with all the chaotic quick changes from actors playing multiple parts, every single look was impeccable. The cast and crew somehow managed to bring a traveling caravan right into Merrick Barn, making Pericles come to life.

On Monday, July 27 I watched the new stage film Hadestown (2026) at my local AMC. Written by Anaïs Mitchell and directed by Rachel Chavkin, the live musical Hadestown debuted on Broadway in 2019, starring Reeve Carney (Orpheus), Eva Noblezada (Eurydice), André De Shields (Hermes), Amber Gray (Persephone) and Patrick Page (Hades). The musical won eight Tony Awards and a Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album, and the stage film continued the success. In the opening weekend, Hadestown (2026) earned $10.2 million, breaking records for the highest-grossing live stage capture film. The film was slated to release for a limited five-day run from July 24-28, but the unexpected success prompted an extended theatrical release.

As one of those many theatergoers, I completely understand the excitement. When I saw Hadestown on Broadway, I didn't catch the original cast, so their performances in the stage film blew me away. My sister joined me for both the Broadway show and the stage film, and we found Gray to be a real standout. Her acting and delivery, especially during the entr'acte "Our Lady of the Underground," balances an endearing cleverness with a tragic desperation. De Shields, another one of my favorites, couldn't have been a better narrator; his every gesture lands with authoritative gravity. We also loved the Fates, played by Bella Brown, Madeline Charlemagne and Allie Daniel. Their harmonization contributes to some of my favorite parts of the soundtrack in songs like "When the Chips are Down" and "Word to the Wise."

Regarding the music, I've always appreciated how much attention Hadestown gives to its pit musicians, who are no less passionate than the musical actors and actresses. In the stage film, various angles shine a spotlight on those we don't see as clearly, such as the drummer, Brad Webb, near the back of the stage.

In general, the stage film fully utilizes the switching of angles to compose really interesting shots. The look between Hades and Eurydice near the middle of the musical is breathtakingly tense, dramatically framed to make the confrontation more striking than if you saw it live on Broadway. More than any other scene, the shot of Orpheus in the dark during "Doubt Comes In" really highlights the advantages of the stage film format. Seeing the show live, you watch Orpheus walk in circles along the spinning stage, pretending to travel along the dark road out of Hadestown. In the film, space expands with the camera angles. Orpheus looks as though he is genuinely wandering in an endless dark expanse, with his face singularly illuminated and alone. Where, during the live show, I know that Eurydice and the other workers are following behind in the dark, the framing of the stage film excludes them and puts me into Orpheus' unique perspective. There is an undeniable magic to live theater, but Hadestown (2026) takes full advantage of its form as a stage film to deliver a wholly new experience.

Hadestown (2026) joins the list of Orpheus and Eurydice film adaptations, alongside Orpheus (1950), Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019) and La Chimera (2023). Like Alice Rohrwacher's La Chimera, Hadestown blows the myth to massive, political proportions, using it to metaphorize alienation under capitalism and the disastrous effects of irresponsible energy production on the climate. While poignant, the use of ancient myth places the musical in a double bind.

Adaptations are tricky. While there's a moving story to be found, the musical runs the risk of portraying systemic problems as interpersonal ones. In Hadestown, political action reduces to reminding Hades of his humanity and repairing Hades and Persephone's love, which "made the world go 'round." All this takes is a special song, one which "brings the world back into tune," by retelling the story of Hades and Persephone's romance. It's as if all the citizens and birds and critters in the kingdom live in harmony when the king and queen are in love. But is love enough?

Of course, Hadestown doesn't hope to propose a guide to political action. Musicals, especially those with Greek gods, are not and do not claim to be real life. There's importance in simplification, in abstraction and in fantasy. What Hadestown does hope for is for more hope. It's not wrong to look at the past, at ancient myth, for hope in the future. Even if it's a sad song, there's value in singing it again.

In the lead up to the event, Sydney Carroll, a senior at Georgetown University, informed The News-Letter that the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg Center at 555 Pennsylvania Avenue was being used to facilitate the race. In a photo taken by Carroll and shared with The News-Letter, the entrance of the Hopkins Bloomberg Center had been branded as the "Media Center" for the event. Signage bearing the Freedom 250 Grand Prix's insignia was present as well as the logo of technology conglomerate Cisco, which was listed as one of the event's official partners. Additionally, certain University guests were given lanyards designating "Special Guest" status, allowing them to watch the event.

In an email to The News-Letter, a University spokesperson confirmed that the Hopkins Bloomberg Center had, in fact, been used to function as the media center for the event.

"The university was approached by the non-profit organization planning the race to host the media filing center, and we agreed to open several of our conference rooms and meeting spaces for journalists covering the event. The race organizers managed the media center independently," the spokesperson wrote.

Notably, the University does not appear on the official event partner list. When inquired about the finances involved surrounding the Hopkins Bloomberg Center's usage, the spokesperson confirmed that the University's DC facilities cannot be rented and denied any sponsorship of the race.

Regarding University guests receiving special status, the spokesperson explained that some affiliates were able to participate in educational activities in the building.

"For example, on Friday, a group of Hopkins engineering and medical students were able to go behind the scenes of the race to meet with IndyCar engineering teams and the emergency medical professionals who supported the event. Those students and others also were invited to view the race activities on Saturday and Sunday," said the spokesperson.

The special guests were selected by University departments, who were offered to nominate attendees through a lottery system, over 600 of which were selected.

"A group of Hopkins engineering and medical students were able to go behind the scenes of the race to meet with IndyCar engineering teams and the emergency medical professionals who supported the event. Those students and others also were invited to view the race activities on Saturday and Sunday," the spokesperson shared, highlighting the educational benefits of inviting University guests.

While much of the criticism of the event has been political in nature, due to Trump's involvement not just in the organization but the event itself, some local attendees also highlighted disorganization and poor viewing experiences. However, event organizers are also purported to be advocating for the initially one-off event to make a return in the future.

Look, freshman year is the first time your calendar doesn't look like a game of Tetris and your excuses haven't caught up yet. Someone on your floor asks if anyone wants boba? As long as it's before 10 p.m., just say yes and head to one of the many spots flocked around campus. A club you're only kind of interested in is having a meeting with free pizza? Save the meal swipe and go. You don't know these people well enough yet to know if you'll click, but the best (and only) way to find out is to just show up.

By sophomore year or even freshman spring, everyone (plus you) has a routine, a friend group and some reasonable excuse for why they aren't able to come hang out. Freshman fall is the one time saying yes is the easiest.

Tip #2: The friend of your friend is also your friend.

I feel like Captain Obvious writing this article so far, but I find myself forgetting this one all the time. On a campus of 5,000-something undergrads, you will find that everyone knows everyone. It's just your luck that the person in front of you in lecture is actually your roommate's teammate's ex's lab partner. This is a blessing and a curse, but as a freshman, it leans toward the former. If you see a familiar-ish face - maybe someone from your friend's hall or a person tagged in a mutual's story - go ahead and say hi. Ask to sit with them. Worst case, it's a little awkward for 30 seconds. Best case, you just skipped the "how can I even talk to this person" part because you already have something in common: you both know someone. Just please don't sound like you're trying to make connections for the sake of it; this isn't LinkedIn.

Tip #3: Give a little, get a little lot!

When doing "research" for this article, I messaged my closest friends: "When did you guys 'officially' think of us as real friends?"

"when u would keep txting us to cometo ffc for dinner since there was mac and cheese"

"I would always look for you guys in lecture?"

"your liked reels kept popping up on my instagdam"

"i talk to my mom abt u gys all the time!!"

A lot of varying answers here, but something stands out immediately (other than the fact we all should use spellcheck more): repetition.

What makes a friendship isn't brief hallway nods or one good conversation at the orientation event boring you to tears. What turns an acquaintance into a friendship are repeated, low-stakes interactions. It's the FFC dinner text you send even though you're not sure they'll say yes. It's saving the seat next to you in lecture. It's a cute Pomeranian photo you send at 11 p.m. because your friend has her Pomeranian as her phone background. You're putting effort into initiating each interaction until it stops feeling intentional and starts feeling effortless.

It's one thing to have a familiar face during orientation or that one person you always sit by in class. But unfortunately, any non-first-year student will tell you this: the friends you make the first couple of weeks aren't always your friends by winter break, and that's okay.

What separates the people who stick around from the people who fade into "we had a class together freshman year" is whether someone (which could be you!) keeps initiating. Be the one who texts first or who asks if they're free: I promise it stops feeling vulnerable a lot faster than you would think.

The keeping part

Finding friends at Hopkins is very much the easier half of this article.

Everyone's looking for that fabled college friend group in freshman fall, which means everyone's a little more open than they'll be later. Keeping them is the part nobody really prepares you for because it's less about grand moments and more about maintenance.

Schedules don't magically line up, majors change and club enrollment happens. Maybe your friend decides on a major that eats their whole week, and you join a club that eats yours. Maybe breakfast gets harder to coordinate, especially when one friend has lab at 9 a.m., one friend has decided to swear off breakfast (something about cereal industry propaganda), and one friend wakes up bright and early at 12:30 p.m.

This is normal, and it doesn't mean the friendship is fading. But what it does mean is that it needs a little more intention than it did in September, when you both lived thirty feet apart and had nothing but time. So keep doing the small, repeatable things: the check-in text, the "I saw this and thought of you," the standing plan (even a boring one, like laundry at the same time every week) that doesn't require a whole conversation to schedule. And please be flexible and understanding! Plans may not knit together as organically as they did before, but that's okay. At the end of the day, the strong friendships that make it past freshman year aren't the ones with the most dramatic origin story. Your best friends will probably be the ones who keep showing up.

Thansi Garikipati is a sophomore majoring in Biophysics from Edmond, Okla. She is the Public Editor for The News-Letter.

Thus, after transferring to Hopkins last fall, I quickly set out to find my new go-to study spots. Through these explorations, I got to try and learn more about various nearby cafes throughout Baltimore. Here are some of my top finds, all of which feature Wi-Fi, outlets (a necessity for my laptop, whose battery pretty much requires life support) and a wide variety of caffeinated beverages.

KANOM Cafe

Starting off north of campus, there's KANOM Cafe. This cozy study space has lots of pastries and brunch food options, such as the Lox Toast, a slice of sourdough topped with cream cheese, smoked salmon, dill and capers, or the Fresh Tomato Toast, topped with ricotta, tomato, salt and pepper. The smell of fresh, buttery baked goods while you study is an added plus.

Blueprint Cafe

Blueprint Cafe is another convenient option, as it's right next to campus on St. Paul Street. This popular spot is great for studying around meal time, as it has lots of creative pastries, focaccia sandwiches and bowls. The menu frequently features new specials to try if you're feeling adventurous, as well as staples ready to become your go-to orders. In my opinion, Blueprint also has a really good iced americano. The cafe has both indoor seating and a small outdoor area with tables and chairs.

Red Emma's Bookstore Coffeehouse

Another option that's quite close to campus is Red Emma's, located about a 10-minute walk away. This combined coffeehouse and bookstore has lots of flexibility schedule-wise - it's open 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sundays, and there's almost always plenty of seating. The menu is completely plant-based and includes some great curly fries.

Coffee Olivia

While this spot is a little farther from campus, it's easily accessible. To get there, just take the JHMI to Penn Station, where Coffee Olivia is just a few minutes away by walking. The menu offers a variety of different coffees and hand-crafted teas, and this aesthetic space has lots of natural light and seating by the windows.

The Bun Shop

Another cafe that's easily accessible by the JHMI, The Bun Shop is about a 10-minute walk from the Peabody stop, though you can also take the Blue Jay Shuttle to or from the cafe after 6 p.m. This is a great spot for late-night studying, as it's open every day until 3 a.m. There's ample seating, including well-lit spaces by the windows toward the back of the cafe.

Ceremony Coffee Roasters at Mt. Vernon

Last but not least, there's Ceremony Coffee Roasters, whose Mount Vernon location is also just a 10-minute walk from the Peabody JHMI stop. The menu includes breakfast items and lots of unique seasonal drinks, such as a matcha with oat milk and coconut pandan foam as well as an iced espresso with passion fruit tonic and vegan cold foam. This is another aesthetic space, with lots of seating by the windows, at tables or at high top tables with boxes of puzzles. Outside, there's also a patio with plenty of seating.

By exploring Baltimore's cafe scene, I've gotten to get off campus and learn more about what there is outside of Hopkins. Moreover, I've found that discovering a new go-to study spot is a great way to make a new environment feel more like home. Hopefully, this guide can be a good starting point to kick off your exploration of what the surrounding Baltimore area has to offer.

Annabelle Huang is a senior majoring in Molecular and Cellular Biology from Lexington, Mass. She is a Copy Editor for The News-Letter.

Section breakdown:

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• Opinion: Got a hot take? Send it over to our Opinion Editor. This section has a wide range of topics meant to stir up conversation, whether it's about the state of Homewood Campus' avian biodiversity or the modern-day situationship. Writing for this section means developing your skills in putting together a strong argument, which goes for expressing any new perspective surrounding things like the politics in current events or construction projects on campus.
• Sports: If you want to know how our Blue Jays measure up in the epic highs and lows of college sports, you'll find some great commentary here. Maybe a streak for the Super Bowl predictions roundtable is in the cards for the future? Freddy, one of our Sports Editors, was quite close last year. You don't need to know every single rule of a sport or player of a team to contribute as long as you have an interest in whatever sport you're writing about.
• Science & Technology (SciTech): Curious about the scientific innovation happening around you? At a school as STEM-heavy as Hopkins, there are practically hundreds of opportunities to learn about new developments in research from the undergraduate to Nobel Prize level, science policy, fellowships and more! Writers get ample opportunities to attend scientific seminars, interview professors, and explore the state of science in our local and national communities.
• Voices: If you've ever imagined yourself publishing a piece in a column with a catchy title reminiscent of '90s romcoms, this section is for you. From heartwarming childhood stories to relatable college experiences, this flexible section welcomes your own unapologetic, unique anecdotes. Whether it's a song you really like that carried you through high school or your recent reflections on your hometown, as long as it can be somehow expressed in writing, you can showcase it all here.
• Arts & Entertainment: That album/book/movie/play/exhibit/concert that's been stuck in your head? The Arts section gives you a chance to showcase your opinions and hot takes! The section also gives writers access to free concert tickets in the vibrant local Baltimore arts scene.
• Leisure: Take a break with the Leisure section and learn about shops, restaurants and things to do in Baltimore. You get to connect with local business owners too! The section is also ripe with fun hobbies, dorm decor, personal recipes and weekend plans.
• Public: If a fourth-wall break was a section, this would be it. Our Public Editor acts as the bridge between The News-Letter and the student body, keeping a good balance between the two. After a (short) break in the cycle, the Public Editor role is back! This means that students (you) can share your thoughts to our Public Editor about how The News-Letter is doing.
• Magazine: What you're reading right now! The News-Letter publishes four magazines a year covering unique themes like personal growth, social media and politics, and the gamification of life.
• Copy: Our last line of defense before an article reaches your hands. Changing "3" to "three," when to use en dashes over hyphens, and how to refer to specific buildings on campus are all part of the proofreading job. If you've got an eye for detail, our copy staff is always looking for people to train in the Associated Press style. This is one of our most important sections, but at the same time, it is also one of the more low-commitment roles because of its flexibility. If you have a particularly busy schedule but still want to get involved with the paper, this could be where to start.
• Social Media: We are actively recruiting social media managers! As one of the most common platforms that college students use, Instagram serves as one of our major spaces to release breaking news and other pressing information. Follow our Instagram @jhunewsletter to be some of the first to know about Hopkins-specific news, such as campus protests and the annual commencement speaker.
• Design & Layout: This wonderful team makes our paper look fresh and aesthetic. Thank them for the graphs as well! Any and all visually creative people that want to put their portfolio skills out into the world: we are sending out a call for your talents. If authors for articles need eye-catching visuals to sit at the top of their pieces, our Design & Layout editors are who we need to make their visions a reality.
• Video: The video section is our newest section! Expanding into video journalism, we produce three minute long documentaries focusing on events happening not only on Homewood Campus but also in Baltimore. If you're interested in the art of visual storytelling, the section would love to have you! While we'd love any previous experience, none is required to get invlved. We also have our own video and sound equipment that you can use.
• Puzzles: Ever since The New York Times crossword got put behind a paywall, our Puzzles section has been quite the boredom killer in long lectures (and it's free!). Our Puzzles editors are constantly cooking up new ways to challenge your intellect.

Our hopes is that at least one, if not a few, of these sections have piqued your interest. As a completely student-run newspaper, we are always looking for eager and creative minds in any and all aspects, so if you've taken a particular liking to any of these sections, don't hold back and contact us! We hope to see you (and your work) in the very near future!

Our first interactions with The News-Letter:

As freshmen, you will often hear that first impressions are important. And although this is true to a certain extent, The News-Letter is a place of development and change, where both writers and editors learn new things and hone different skills throughout their time with the paper. So in honor of this principle, we would like to speak on our own first impressions of the newspaper and how they've changed over time in hopes that you readers might see yourselves in similar journeys.

Ayden:

My first days with The News-Letter were when I started out as a copyreader in my freshman year as an assistant to the copy editors. At the time, my role felt so minor and almost marginal to what I would eventually see in the print editions weeks later, but as I continued to read more and more pieces, I gradually started to see that the paper was a much more tight-knit community than I had initially thought. Over time, I became familiar with all the section editors and learned how extensive the publishing process actually was. This didn't mean that it made the staff more distant; rather, it brought them closer together in order to deliver the best version of the paper that they could.

During my entire time with the paper thus far, I've continued to learn new things with every new staff member that I meet and every new piece that I read. At first, I was a little worried about all the deadlines and structure that come with the nature of publishing, but the work that goes into bringing content and information to our readers is some of the most fulfilling that I've done during my time in college thus far. Now, each piece that I come across is an opportunity to learn not just about the subject matter of the writing itself, but about the writer, and in a greater sense, what is important to the Hopkins student body and communities. This has made each of my experiences at Hopkins feel all the more real, which I imagine is important to all the freshmen readers just about to start this journey.

Ayden Min is a senior majoring in International Studies from Los Angeles, Calif. She is a Managing Editor for The News-Letter.

Alex:

I was visiting Hopkins before admissions decisions came out in the spring of my senior year, aimlessly roaming around campus and exploring the buildings. When I found myself in the Gilman Atrium, I saw a copy of The News-Letter on one of the tables. I picked it up, flipped through it and started the crossword on the back page. I was so enthralled that I carried the paper through the rain back to my friend's house just to finish the puzzle. Evidently, it was a very good crossword. And I decided that, if I had the chance to go to Hopkins, I wanted to join The News-Letter.

What I remember most from my first SciTech article (on the effects of a Category 4 hurricane) was the willingness of professors to engage with undergraduates at Hopkins. As I've continued writing and editing with The News-Letter, I've gotten the chance to learn so much from professors, students and researchers at the University. If there's anything new writers want to learn about work being done at Hopkins, a quick email to an expert in that field is sure to satisfy their curiosities.

Alex Pan is a junior majoring in Molecular and Cellular Biology from Dallas, Texas. He is a Managing Editor for The News-Letter.

Finding research groups

The University has many resources for finding research groups, many of which accept undergraduates. ForagerOne is a commonly used database to find which professors in your interests are taking students (however, the website is not always updated with the most current information on a given research group).

In my experience, going through a specific department and reading the biographies of individual faculty was most helpful in finding a research group. Remember that Homewood is just one part of university infrastructure that you can do research in - med campus, Applied Physics Lab, Data Science and AI institute and more all have research opportunities for undergraduates.

The cold email

The most obvious yet dreaded part of finding a research lab is certainly the cold email. Each year, first and second year undergraduates send dozens of emails to principal investigators (PIs) at Hopkins looking for research groups. This is a great way to put your best foot forward, but it must be done carefully.

In your email, you should describe your interests, your availability and predicted commitment, and a growth mindset. You should show professors that you will increasingly contribute to their lab's work and take an active effort to learn and be mentored. My first emails spent too much page space focusing on my strengths and why I could contribute right away. The truth is you won't be able to contribute right away. There is so much I didn't know before stepping foot in the lab and it takes a couple months to learn enough to even begin making any sort of contribution to real discovery.

I would avoid mentioning goals such as publications or authorship. I made this mistake in many of my initial cold emails and it's hard to know whether or not that was the reason I didn't receive a response, but I feel confident in saying it didn't help. Professors know that these are valuable CV lines. Rather, goals should be directed around discovery, growth as a scientist and improved critical thinking.

Introduce yourself, show that you've done your homework on the professor's research and previous work, and how the two visions align.

First few months in the lab

Once you've found a lab, you might feel as if you've pushed the boulder up the hill. But, for students who seek optimal professional enrichment from their research experiences, finding a lab is the same as finding the boulder. The hard part remains to push it up the hill.

The best advice I can give to undergraduates in new labs is to read, read and read. Reading papers is one of the best ways you can learn about the specific field your lab works in and expand your understanding of methods and scientific directions. Further, communicate with your mentor to share where you're feeling lost and what knowledge gaps you want to close. Your first few months in the lab will be a steep learning curve, but they are critical in ensuring you are able to pursue independence later.

Independent projects

If you stay in a lab long enough, you might have the opportunity to pursue your own project. There are many funding opportunities for independent undergraduate research projects through URSCA. There are also other foundations in Maryland that fund science research, such as The Maryland Stem Cell Foundation and Abell Foundation. For technical projects that require significant amounts of external funding, I would work with your PI to find grant opportunities or utilize lab resources.

The hardest part of independent projects is knowing what to do everyday. My suggestion is to create tentative plans, share them with your PI and ask for feedback. This keeps your PI in the loop of your contributions and keeps your science focused and grounded. It is very important to plan ahead and ask for help, from your PI, grad students or other professors, when you are pursuing independent investigations.

Summer internships

Not all labs at Hopkins can fund summer stays and not all students are able to achieve summer stay funding through programs like Summer PURA. That is absolutely okay: I myself have been rejected from PURA and other JHU URSCA awards multiple times but it hasn't stopped me. Persistence will be one of your greatest attributes in pursuing research and at times, that is going to feel difficult. Finding a lab that you are passionate about and has a supportive mentorship environment can help ease that stress.

Perhaps, you are able to fund your own living expenses with an outside job, in which case, you should talk to your PI about your summer schedule honestly and maybe even inquire about doing research for credit. If you are not able to pursue summer research due to financial limitations, I would communicate this with your PI. If there are no viable solutions and you want to continue participating in research over the summer, internships are a great opportunity.

The National Institutes of Health Summer Internship Program, AMGEN Scholars and NSF REU programs are highly competitive, paid summer research experiences for undergraduates. Successful applicants typically already have high levels of research contribution. Other opportunities include but are not limited to Johns Hopkins Bloomberg Distinguished Professorship Summer Program, Stanford Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship and U.S. Department of Energy Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internships. If you are someone who prefers to work in industry in the future, opportunities like Google Student Research internship for software, pharma company programs like Novartis' Summer Biomedical Research Internship, and a summer at CERN for students interested in physics are better suited for your goals. I myself have no experience working in industry so I would recommend students do research on the differences between academic and industry research environments as they are significant. For industries and fields I wasn't able to cover, I would recommend speaking with the JHU Life Design Lab about what opportunities are available for you.

You might get a co-author publication and poster presentation out of these short experiences, but the real value will come in the connections you build and experience working in a research environment.

Publications

Many Hopkins undergraduates come to campus or to undergraduate research with the goal of getting publications. Papers are certainly a valuable aspect of a student's research record. However, as an undergraduate, publications should not and are not the end all be all of your future prospects.

Publications are merely a way to demonstrate that you have contributed to and independently performed scientific research as an undergraduate. There is no expectation by even the top graduate programs to have a first-author publication in Science Magazine. Your focus should be on learning the scientific process, collaborating with others and taking more initiative throughout your time in the lab.

Publications can come as a result of consistent commitment and contribution to a research group's work. However, they are not the only way to demonstrate scientific impact and most students at even the top programs do not have first-author publications if any in peer-reviewed journals. These students, however, most likely did push themselves in research and go above and beyond their responsibilities in the lab. If you are committed, your contributions and effort will pay off when you apply to and interview for graduate programs or industry positions as your research experiences will supplement your resume, recommendation letters and demonstrated skills.

Conclusion

I remember when I first started this process, it felt like I was chasing the end of a rainbow. I can assure you that with enough patience and persistence, you will find a research position as a Hopkins student regardless of your previous experience or starting point. Finding the best one for you and putting your best foot forward will maximize your experience and the benefits you reap from it. Good luck!

(For students interested in biomedical research and wanting any more specific advice, feel free to reach me at nmahto1@jh.edu. For other student interests, I am also happy to connect you with peers in those fields.)

Neil Mahto is a junior from Albuquerque, N.M. He is a News and Features Editor for The News-Letter.

Ironically, the closure of MSE ended up being one of the best things for me. Instead of settling into one study spot, I ended up branching out and exploring campus. I discovered hidden corners, favorite coffee spots and cozy lounges. Some of my favorite memories came from camping out in these spaces with friends during reading week or doing a "study crawl" across campus.

So here are all the places that I have conquered at some point or another during my time at Hopkins so far.

The Annex

I lived in AMR I my freshman year and AMR II during sophomore fall, so the Annex became the place for me when I needed to lock in. I would describe the atmosphere as quiet, focused and somehow always motivating me to be productive. Some of the longest study sessions took place here, especially during reading week when the libraries stayed open 24/7. And if you stay late enough, you might even get lucky and spot a few tiny campus critters, or as I long to call them furry friends, to join your study session.

Hodson Hall

For the longest time, I avoided Hodson. I think every difficult exam and every class that gave me a minor existential crisis seemed to take place in Hodson 110, so I associated the building with stress and avoided it like the plague. Eventually, though, I started studying there before class with a friend on the third floor. Then I discovered the first-floor cubicles. Before I knew it, I was spending entire afternoons there and even studying in the open classrooms during reading week. What I love about Hodson is that it combines the best of both worlds. You can work quietly by yourself in a cubicle, or you can spread out with friends in a classroom, use the chalkboards, project problems onto the screen and work through material together.

Hutzler Reading Room in Gilman Hall

This was never my favorite study spot, but it was absolutely my emergency study spot. I can't tell you how many papers were written here within days, maybe even hours, of their deadlines. That being said, there's a reason why so many of my classmates love Hutzler. The architecture is so beautiful, the space is quiet without feeling intimidating, and the couches are so comfortable that I occasionally had to fight the urge to take a nap next to the stained glass windows instead of finishing my work.

Brody Learning Commons (BLC)

There are layers to BLC. No, seriously, there are so many levels. The moment you walk in, you're greeted by one of the greatest inventions known to Hopkins students, Daily Grind. BLC is one of the most versatile places to study on campus because every floor feels a little different. If you're looking for a spot that's productive but not completely silent, the main levels are perfect. There are always people around, conversations happening and just enough background noise to keep you awake. The reservable study rooms are some of my favorite spaces. They're equipped with whiteboards and plenty of room for group work, making them perfect for working through difficult problem sets, holding meetings, collaborating on projects, or - let's be honest - occasionally pretending to work while catching up with friends.

Then there's the Brody Atrium. The Atrium is my ideal Saturday afternoon study spot. It's lively, full of students and somehow makes studying feel less lonely. There are plenty of tables, lots of seating and enough activity around you to keep you sane during long hours of work. One floor below is the Brody Tech Room. It has a similar collaborative atmosphere with large tables, whiteboards everywhere and plenty of space for group studying. To me, BLC represents one of my favorite parts of Hopkins: learning alongside other people. Some of my best memories involve crowding around a whiteboard with friends, trying to solve a problem together or collectively deciding we'd rather just sit there and pretend to study. And at the very top sits the famous Brody Reading Room. I should probably have more to say about it, but if I'm being completely honest, I've never actually stepped foot inside.

AMR II Blue Jay Lounge

This might seem like an unconventional study spot, but it became the place for some of my favorite memories at Hopkins. Because it was so close to my dorm and open 24/7, it was incredibly convenient. During busy weeks, I practically lived there. My friends and I spent countless nights studying together in the lounge. What I loved most was that it made it easy to be productive while still being social. We held review sessions the night before exams some days; other days, we would be working independently and still take breaks to chat but then jump right back into studying.

Mudd Hall

Mudd is one of my favorite cozy spots on campus. For a while, I had a somewhat religious routine: leave class, stop by Daily Grind's second location for some coffee and park myself into one of the giant red chairs before my next lab or commitment. The space is warm, welcoming and filled with lots of natural light from the huge windows. Between the comfortable seating, the cute decorations and the friendliest baristas, Mudd always felt like a place where I could slow down for a moment before diving back into work.

Student Center

One of the newest additions to campus, the Bloomberg Student Center (or Stuce as everyone likes to call it) opened at the start of the 2025-2026 school year and quickly became one of my favorite places to study. If you're looking for a cafe-style atmosphere with lots of energy, then the lower level is perfect, with lots of food options and just the right amount of background chatter. But if you need something quieter, I loved studying in the Multipurpose Rooms (MPRs). And don't even get me started on the furniture - it might honestly be the comfiest on campus. I have definitely taken a nap on the blue couches by the entrance. Beyond studying, it's also one of the best places to have meetings, catch up with friends, get work done before practice, squeeze in a low-pressure study session or simply take a break and recharge.

Overall, did I spend a lot of my time at Hopkins studying?

Absolutely. But when I look back on those hours, I don't just remember the assignments, exams or deadlines that I had. I remember the friends cramming around a table during reading week, running to Brody for coffee and having life-altering debriefs at 3 a.m. The truth is that the places where we study are an essential part of our college experience, and the spaces at Hopkins made campus feel a little more like home and the hard work a lot more enjoyable along the way.

Eesha Bellad is a junior majoring in Neuroscience from Orange County, Calif. She is a Leisure Editor for The News-Letter.

Tip #1: Don't be arrogant early on

Many of you are going to be tempted to take as many credits and STEM courses as possible during your freshman year. I would highly advise against that.

You are much better off spacing out your difficult classes while using your other course requirements to fill your credits. I have tried throughout my time here to only take two difficult STEM courses per semester. The only semester when I took three, I ended up having a subpar grade in one of them. If you finish your freshman year having done well, you will have a better idea of the course load you can handle and then be ready to take more classes.

Tip #2: Research your classes

I cannot stress how important researching your classes is. Classes that fulfill the same requirements can be widely different in terms of difficulty. I recommend using the Hopkins course evaluations for every course you are thinking about taking and seeing how previous students have viewed the course. These evaluations can tell you so much about the style of the course, the professor, the TAs and how interesting previous students found the course.

Tip #3: Be social

The importance of getting to know your professors, TAs and peers in your classes can't be overstated. It can make a world of difference. If a professor in a large class knows your name because you are asking questions and being attentive, you are on the right track to learning more and succeeding within the course. You'll also really value these relationships as you become an upperclassman, because you will likely need letters of recommendation for whatever career or future schooling you choose to pursue.

Finally, having peers, especially ones you can study with, can make hard classes much more enjoyable. You are going to run into classes and stretches where you simply don't want to study, and having a group to push you makes it so much easier to learn.

Tip #4: Use your drop dates

Hopkins has extraordinarily generous drop dates for your classes every semester. You can 100% use this to your advantage. If you are unsure between two classes, simply take both and see which one fits you better after seeing the professors' teaching styles and the course materials.

Also, if you are struggling in a course, the drop date is almost always after at least one midterm has been graded. So, be pragmatic. If a course where you underperformed on the first midterm is one that you need for your major, and you think a bad grade would reflect badly on you, talk to an advisor or the professor about whether dropping the class is the best course of action.

Tip #5: Consistency and sacrifices

This is the most difficult tip I have for you, but it will probably make the biggest difference. If your goal is to have great grades, you will probably have to make sacrifices. You should not be locked in your room studying. If that's the case, you're doing something wrong, but there are going to be times when you have to work harder than you want to.

However, the frequency of these times can be avoided if you have consistent habits. This includes things like going to class, studying several days before a test and reaching out for help when you feel yourself falling behind. They may seem small, but by being consistent, you will drastically decrease the number of panic study sessions and essay all-nighters you need.

Well, new Blue Jays, that is all I have for you. I wish you the very best of luck, and although I know it is scary, I want you to know that people here are on your side. Professors, students, administrators and everyone in between are rooting for you. So, do not be afraid to ask questions, seek help and take risks. Congratulations on being accepted to such a fine institution - now go out there and be amazing!

Joseph Rainbolt is a senior majoring in Public Health from Atlanta, Ga. He is a Sports Editor for The News-Letter.

Instead, if you really want to make your college life more interesting, let yourself develop into the new environment around you.

The beautiful thing about Hopkins is that not only do you have an incredible assortment of resources around you, but those resources are designed specifically for you to use. Nearly every time, the people working desks where the bureaucratic gatekeepers normally sit are actually extremely enthusiastic facilitators who would be more than happy to show you the ropes.

Whether you're dipping your toes into photography by renting from the Creative Media Center, trying out your first 5.10 at the climbing wall or picking up fire spinning with the Entertainers Club, you will always find yourself immersed in a community of growth. That's the beautiful thing about college: you get to pick anything your heart desires and take it as far as you want to (and importantly for me, at little to no financial cost)!

As an exercise in advice-giving, I want to share the story of how my hobbies evolved during my own freshman year - not just to talk about myself out of vanity, but to give you a sense of where my two cents lie.

At the beginning of fall semester, I let myself try anything: that meant signing up for any and everything at the Student Involvement Fair. While some of these organizations I am still in, like The News-Letter, most have been comfortably left to the wayside. I picked up photography and joined the Photography Club before realizing my relationship with the hobby was much more casual than I initially thought it was. On top of that, I continued my high school theater kid antics by auditioning to be in the Hopkins Theatre Arts and Studies' "Gross Indecency" before quickly realizing that the rehearsal schedule on top of going in to do research at the med campus was sapping my supply of life force dry.

After an unfortunate phase of Texas Hold'em fanaticism, I settled into joining a band (we're called Monkfish!), and music has become a much larger part of my life than I ever would have imagined it being.

What this experience told me is that nothing I could have predicted happened, and nothing that happened to me I could have predicted. If I sat down during orientation week and wrote down the person I would have wanted to be 12 months later, I would not have written anything close to where I am right now. Actually, I'm much happier right exactly where I am than I would be as this hypothetical ideal Steve because I know now that I gave everything I wanted a good shot, and whatever I do now can have the full force of my heart and passion behind it.

This is all to say, it is okay to not feel like you're hitting the ground running. You don't have to immediately join the student organization that will carry your volunteering hours straight into medical school applications. You don't even have to be all that good at the things you choose to do for fun. You just have to take it one day at a time by doing what calls to you, and the best version of yourself will emerge from that process.

Happy discovering!

Steve Wang is a sophomore from Missouri City, Texas majoring in Biomedical Engineering. He is an Arts and Entertainment Editor for The News-Letter.

The notion of change also intimidated me. I liked staying grounded in my comfort zone. I could only make progress step-by-step, with one thing naturally leading to the other, rather than wondering why I would even make the next step. I tried volunteering in the hospital, as the next "natural" thing I would do to achieve my "natural" goal of being a doctor. I counted my time minute by minute, wandered around the same hallway dozens of times and tried to do anything to fill up my two hours there. The nurse didn't know what I was doing. Neither did I. I felt like a puppet hanging lifelessly by its strings. I dreaded the commute, the hours, the environment. So I thought to myself: Is this what you really want to do? To check off a box using hundreds of hours of your time that turns into a few lines of black ink on an application? Not really.

The environment I grew up in had made me hesitant and indecisive about the trajectory of my own life. I knew I didn't like the menial work I was doing, but I kept going back again and again. Besides volunteering, I was constantly trying to plug myself into the latest Hopkins pre-med news, the tricks and strategies and the examples of what to do or what not to do. I became paranoid about my grades, overwhelmed by floods of emotions whenever I compared myself with the class average. These bad habits I had developed in high school persisted, and I didn't know how to break from the negative cycles I was going through.

I was afraid of change. I was afraid of failing to become the successful prototype I was naturally meant to be. I was afraid to leave a path that so many of my friends and classmates seemed to be following. But what I really was afraid of was looking myself in the eye and confronting my feelings and emotions.

I needed to stop allowing this fixation to take away my sense of self, little by little. I didn't know what I actually liked doing, so I started exploring. The explorations seemed aimless, but what they really did was allow me to learn what I value and what I do not. I went on a trip to New York City and visited investment banks and tech firms. Then I realized I really didn't enjoy finance, but that's okay! I dived deeper into research, and I enjoy research. I'm still doing community service in Baltimore because I love it and it means a lot to me, but I'm not doing anything that seems like I'm just loading up hours and wasting my time. I tried joining dance groups, even though I didn't have any foundation. I joined a design team as an engineering novice, stumbling my way through the equipment and technical skills we used while learning how to listen to what people really need. While I'm still not entirely sure of what I want to be doing in five, 10, or 20 years, each of these experiences taught me something about myself.

An extraordinarily amazing, generous and kind mentor, Kareen from the First Generation, Limited-Income Network at the Center for Student Success, once led my group through a simple exercise. She asked us to write down in any format, even in your Notes app, what values you have relating to anything in this world. What environment do you want to work in? What parts of a location speak the most to you? What qualities do you want your friends to have, or how do you want to be treated and treat others? What do you not like when interacting with others? What type of work feels meaningful to you? What work does not? For 10 minutes, I thought deeply about my core values that should not be replaced by fame or prestige. And I encourage you to try this exercise too.

As you begin college, you might feel pressure to choose a major, career, friend group or version of yourself before you take the time to understand who you are. You might look around and assume that everyone else is so certain about their paths and directions. But you are allowed to pause and explore without knowing exactly what you want to do. You are allowed to think that something you once wanted no longer fits you. You are allowed to change directions. Be the owner of your life, because you're the main character and the director.

Linda Huang is a junior from Rockville, Md. majoring in Biomedical Engineering. She is a Magazine Editor for The News-Letter.

Of course, it's no surprise that humanities classes have the reputation of being fun and accessible. Unlike with STEM majors, which typically follow a sequence of classes of increasing difficulty, humanities classes connect with each other in a less hierarchical web. With the lack of prerequisite classes, there's a lot of room to choose, and you can more or less take courses of any difficulty in any order.

This isn't to say that humanities course subjects are randomly scattered; rather than a vertical, sequential accumulation of knowledge in one direction, humanities courses offer an accumulation of knowledge in many directions, forming creative, horizontal connections.

Non-hierarchical structure also drives the seminar format common to humanities classes. Seminars put you in conversation with people from various majors and class years - my graduate student TA for a course this past fall became my classmate in the spring. This free, fluid structure makes the humanities really welcoming to anyone, from committed majors to people who haven't picked up a book in a while.

However, you shouldn't mistake the accessibility of the humanities for low-stakes ease. The amount of reading per week and the number of essays per semester are no joke, and, contrary to some expectations, an easy A isn't guaranteed. I've had professors who give everyone an A and believe grades can't measure how well you learn, but I've also had professors whip the class into a frenzy over a time-crunch blue-book final. I can't speak to whether there's grade inflation or deflation - that terminology seems to fit worse in the humanities, where grading is less a list of checked boxes and more in the subtle details. All I know is that it varies from professor to professor, and that a constant standard can only be set by you.

If you're looking to raise that standard and really embrace the depths of the humanities, one of the best ways to dive deeper is with research. Humanities research is less standardized than a typical STEM experience with a lab and PIs. If you're looking for a more collaborative research environment, many professors are open to taking research assistants during the summer, and some run lab-like projects where you can work with other students. For the most part, however, humanities opportunities are centered around individual research where you generate the topic, methodology and research timeline almost all by yourself. These include the Dean's Undergraduate Research Awards (DURA), which allow students to work with primary resources from the Sheridan Library; the Women, Gender, and Sexuality department summer research grant; the annual Richard Macksey National Undergraduate Humanities Research Symposium, hosted by Hopkins; and the Pinkard Bolton summer internship, where students research the history of the Homewood Museum, among many more.

Hopkins is a research university, and our research culture of pursuing knowledge extends into the humanities as well. Are you ready to dive in? Maybe excited, maybe nervous? The ocean of the humanities is deeper than it might first appear, but you can't learn how to swim without getting in the water.

Estelle Chen is a sophomore majoring in English and Philosophy from Columbia, Md. She is an Arts and Entertainment Editor for The News-Letter.

If you're unsure of whether to declare a major in History, the best thing to do, as with most things, is give it a try. When selecting an FYS or Reintroduction to Writing class, see what courses the History department is offering and consider taking one that piques your interest. These opportunities can help you determine whether the foundational elements of academic historical studies, such as archival research or historiography, are stimulating for you.

It can also help to identify a more specific interest area and whether a History major will help you explore it. The Hopkins History department is a rigorous and well-respected program, especially given the research opportunities available. Incoming students who know they are interested in, for example, early modern European history, the ancient Near East or the pre-colonial Americas should search the History department database for faculty and courses who might have relevant ongoing projects or coursework. Opportunities to connect with the professors in the History department outside of formal studies are plentiful - in my experience, every member of the faculty has been welcoming and encouraged me to meet with them or a colleague one-on-one about my curiosities and questions. Once in the department, undergraduate students have the opportunity to attend lunches with department heads and weekly research presentations, among many other events.

When I was debating whether to declare a History major, I became engaged in historical research through the International Studies department and identified that intersection as a place where unique opportunities were available that related to my interests. If you're already set on another major, check whether its requirements overlap with the History major requirements - the likelihood is that you're able to apply courses to multiple majors, cover a wider range of Foundational Ability credits and establish a unique focus area for research.

The History major should not be considered solely by pre-law students or hopeful academics. Its practical purposes exist in the ability to analyze contradictory sources, recognize areas where academic study is currently incomplete and identify the successes and failures of existing interpretations of our common history.

Julia Schager is a junior majoring in International Studies and History from Stamford, Conn. She is a Copy Editor for The News-Letter.

For your first meal off campus: Ekiben

Cuisine: Asian Fusion

Recommended dishes: neighborhood bird, tempura broccoli

Ekiben is a Baltimore staple for a reason, and was ranked #30 on Yelp's Top 100 U.S. Restaurants list in 2026. During your first few weeks at Hopkins, when you're still adjusting to living away from home, Ekiben is the perfect place to go when you inevitably get tired of Hopkins Cafe and want to understand why everyone says Baltimore's food scene is so good.

Ekiben serves bao and rice bowls with fried chicken, pork or shrimp topped with fresh vegetables. While it may seem like just another fast food place, the unique flavor of the food truly makes it stand out. However, Ekiben's indoor seating area is extremely small, so I'd recommend taking your food somewhere else to eat.

For an early morning cafe study session: La Maison by Café Dear Leon

Cuisine: bakery, cafe, sandwiches

Recommended dishes: crab dip bagel

Open 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., La Maison is the Remington location of Cafe Dear Leon in Canton. If you're studying for finals or simply want to go somewhere that's not Brody, La Maison is a great place to study off campus. It has plenty of seating, large tables, natural light and is within walking distance of Hopkins, although it can get very busy on the weekends.

While La Maison is a wonderful study spot, the real reason you should go here is the food. La Maison's pastries are baked fresh daily, and they even have a bake schedule on their website that outlines the exact times that menu items will drop. Although the croissants and sandwiches are all delicious, their stand-out pastry is the crab dip bagel. Crab and bagel may seem like an odd combination, but they complement each other surprisingly well (and are a fun tribute to Baltimore's seafood roots).

For a nice dinner with friends: Grano Pasta Bar

Cuisine: Italian

Recommended dishes: cacio e pepe, mushroom ravioli

Grano Pasta Bar in Hampden is a cozy and inviting spot for a nice dinner with friends. Whether you're going out for a birthday, celebrating a special occasion or just looking to have a nice dinner off campus, Grano is the place to go.

The menu has a wide selection of pastas, salads and other classic Italian dishes. You really can't go wrong with any of the pastas, but my personal favorite is the cacio e pepe, which I ordered when I visited my freshman year with a group of friends. Between the comforting food and the warm, ambient atmosphere, Grano is the kind of restaurant where you'll remember both the experience and the pasta.

For a friend (or first) date: Clavel

Cuisine: Mexican

Recommended dishes: any of the tacos, tostada de jaiba (crab cake)

Whenever anyone asks me for a restaurant recommendation, my answer is always Clavel. Located in Remington, Clavel has a charming, intimate atmosphere with fairy lights and warm lighting that makes it the perfect taquería for a dinner date.

While Clavel's tacos are delicious, they offer a much wider variety of Mexican dishes, such as ceviche (citrus-marinated seafood), tostadas (crispy tortillas with toppings) and al sartén (hot skillet dishes). The food feels like an elevated dining experience while still being affordable, making it the perfect place to try something new and spend quality time with someone.

For when your family comes to visit: Hana

Cuisine: Japanese

Recommended dishes: Sake tacos, volcano roll

This past year, I visited Hana with my parents when they came to help me move out at the end of the school year. Whether it's move-in, move-out or Family Weekend, Hana is a relaxed yet elegant restaurant with a beautiful interior that you'll be excited to share with your family. Its location in Hampden also makes it easy to explore nearby shops and boutiques after your meal.

My parents and I especially loved Hana's sushi (we ordered the volcano roll and Baltimore roll), but Hana also offers more creative dishes that you might not find at just any Japanese restaurant. For instance, the sake tacos stood out for incorporating fresh sushi flavors into a unique presentation, making them another example of the creative dishes you'll find throughout Baltimore.

Overall, dining out is about more than the food; it's about the experience and the people you're with. These are just a few of the restaurants that made my freshman year memorable, and I hope you'll enjoy them as much as I did.

Katherine Zhu is a sophomore majoring in Political Science and Economics from Princeton, N.J. She is a News & Features Editor for The News-Letter.

If you're in the second group, I understand exactly how you feel.

When I opened my housing assignment and saw AMR I, I was upset. I had heard all the jokes, all the comparisons and all the reasons why other dorms were supposedly "better." Before I had even stepped inside the building, I had already convinced myself that I was going to have a worse freshman experience.

Looking back now, I couldn't have been more wrong.

Some of my favorite memories from freshman year happened in AMR I. I met incredible friends, became part of a close-knit community and had amazing Resident Advisors (RAs) who organized events so fun that students from other dorms came to join us. Was the building perfect? Of course not. There were inconveniences, just like there are in every residence hall. But when I think back on freshman year, I don't remember the inconveniences - I remember the people.

At one point I remember telling myself, your dorm is just a building. It's you and the people around you who make it feel like home.

So if you didn't get your first choice, don't let that define your expectations before you even move in. Stay open to new experiences. You might be surprised by how quickly a place you never wanted becomes the place you'll always remember.

Making your room feel like home

Whether you have a roommate or a single, your room is more than just a place to sleep.

Keep it clean. Even if you're living alone, having an organized space genuinely makes you feel better. College can get stressful, and coming back to a clean room can make a bigger difference than you think.

Bring something that reminds you of home. For me, it was a plant. Plenty of people told me it would die before the semester ended, but it's still growing. Whether it's photos, a favorite blanket, decorations, or something meaningful from home, make your space feel personal.

Here's one piece of practical advice you'll thank me for later: Don't wait until the weekend to do laundry.

The laundry rooms are usually packed on Saturdays and Sundays. I used to do mine on Thursday mornings around 9 a.m., and it was much easier to find an open machine.

Most importantly, set a timer.

Seriously.

People are waiting to use the machines, and if your clothes sit there too long, someone will probably take them out. Sometimes they'll leave them on a table, but sometimes they'll end up on top of the machine or even on the floor. Save yourself the frustration and pick them up as soon as they're done.

One of the easiest ways to make Hopkins feel smaller is simply to say hello.

Introduce yourself to your neighbors. Keep your door open while you're moving in. Attend your RA's events, even if you only stay for a little while. Some of the people who end up becoming your closest friends are the ones living just a few doors away.

Those small conversations make campus feel much less unfamiliar.

Living with a roommate

Unlike many colleges, most first-year students at Hopkins don't choose their roommate. Housing does its best to match people based on the questionnaire you fill out.

Let's be honest, some people aren't completely truthful on that form.

Your roommate may become one of your best friends, or you may simply coexist. Both outcomes are completely normal.

As soon as you receive your roommate assignment, send them an email. Introduce yourself before move-in day. It makes that first meeting much less awkward and helps you start on the right foot.

Once you move in, talk about expectations early. Discuss things like guests, bedtime, noise, cleaning, sharing belongings and study habits. Setting boundaries isn't uncomfortable, it's respectful. Having clear expectations from the beginning prevents misunderstandings later.

You and your roommate don't have to become best friends. What matters most is creating a respectful and comfortable living environment where both of you feel heard.

One lesson I learned during freshman year is simple: When people show you who they are, believe them. Respect goes both ways. Be kind, communicate openly and don't ignore problems, hoping they'll disappear. Honest conversations early on are much easier than fixing months of built-up frustration.

Your freshman year is bigger than your dorm

It's easy to think that your housing assignment will determine your freshman year. I certainly did.

Now, when I look back, I don't remember the number on my building. I remember laughing in the hallway with friends, late-night conversations, RA events, studying together before exams and all the little moments that made Hopkins feel like home.

Your dorm is where your freshman year begins, but it won't define it.

You will.

Be open to meeting new people, give your residence hall a chance, and remember that home isn't created by the building itself. It's created by the community you build inside it.

Alexandra Garcia Herrera is a sophomore majoring in Chemistry from Laurel, Md. She is a Social Media Manager for The News-Letter.

Honorable mention: JHMI and Blue Jay Shuttles

Most likely, this will be the first form of transportation that you'll be exposed to during your orientation. The Johns Hopkins Medical Institute (JHMI) shuttle runs from Homewood Campus to the Hopkins Hospital while stopping by important landmarks such as the Peabody Institute, Penn Station and the JHU-MICA Film Center. This bus route is run by the University and is free for students, making it an excellent and reliable way to commute, especially if you work on the med campus or are a Peabody student. My favorite part about using the JHMI shuttle is that it's much easier to know when your bus is coming compared to city buses, since you can track their location on the TransLoc app.

Speaking of the TransLoc app, from 6:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m., you can request a Blue Jay Shuttle, which functions as the University's rideshare service, for free. If you are within the zone indicated on TransLoc, you'll be able to request a free ride to anywhere else within the zone. If the University-owned shuttle doesn't come within fifteen minutes, the University will send a Lyft free of charge instead--in my experience, the shuttles are often running late, so you'll be sent the Lyft more often than not. Still, no matter how long it takes, it beats paying for an Uber any day.

Method 1: City buses

Since there is no direct rail access to Homewood Campus, you'll most likely be relying on city buses when taking public transit. When taking the buses in Baltimore, you need to be aware that there are two distinct bus services: the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) BaltimoreLink and the Charm City Circulator. The BaltimoreLink is run by the MTA, owned by the Maryland state government, and is a public expansive service throughout the entire Baltimore area, whereas the Charm City Circulator is run by Baltimore's municipal government, and its service area is more limited. However, the Charm City Circulator is free of charge, while the MTA's buses cost two dollars per ride as of 2026.

You can catch the Charm City Circulator Purple Route on 33rd Street, just outside of the Kajiken restaurant, across from the campus bookstore. The Purple Route runs in a clockwise loop and can take you to the Waverly neighborhood, Penn Station and Inner Harbor. You can catch the MTA's CityLink Silver bus line on the corner of Saint Paul Street and 31st Street, which will take you directly down Saint Paul Street to Penn Station, Inner Harbor and the Federal Hill neighborhood, which is not covered by the Circulator's Purple Route. Note that, unlike the Circulator which only runs in one direction, the CityLink Silver runs along different streets depending on if the bus is northbound or southbound. The southbound service runs on Saint Paul Street while the northbound service runs on Charles Street.

Method 2: Subway and light rail

Baltimore isn't completely devoid of rail transit - many Baltimoreans rely on the city's subway system and light rail network to commute. The Baltimore Light RailLink is a light rail system (a smaller, more condensed subway system that often runs on the street) that carries users to Hunt Valley, Glen Burnie, north Baltimore City or the Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (Pro tip: taking the light rail to the airport is much easier and cheaper than taking an Uber or a commuter train). However, the closest stop to Homewood Campus is the North Avenue station, which is over a mile away, so it isn't the best option for most Hopkins students. For Peabody students, the light rail is much more convenient, since the Mount Vernon station on the light rail is very close to Peabody. I have only needed to use the light rail once, when I needed to get from the convention center in the Inner Harbor to Hampden. Even so, from my experience, it was a pleasant ride, and the train came on time.

The Baltimore Metro SubwayLink is the city's sole subway route, running underground through most of downtown Baltimore. The line's terminus is at the Hopkins Hospital, which is convenient for those who frequent the Medical Campus; however, it runs even further away from Homewood campus. Unfortunately, I have never had the pleasure of using it, though I hope to in the future.

Method 3: Commuter rail and Washington Metro

With Washington D.C. only around 40 miles away from Baltimore, you would be remiss not to check out our nation's capital as you're getting adjusted to campus life. The Maryland Area Regional Commuter (MARC) Train is the Baltimore-Washington area's commuter rail system. You can catch the MARC train from Baltimore's Penn Station, which is easily accessed by Baltimore's transit (or the JHMI), and ride the MARC train for about an hour to get to Washington D.C. Union Station, the last stop on the line. From there, you can transfer to the Washington Metro, which is a very reliable way to get around the city. At Union Station, you can transfer to the Red Line which can take you to attractions such as the White House and the National Mall.

Overall, Baltimore is not as daunting as it seems to get around by public transit. Whether you're like me and refuse to get your license, or if you have to navigate life without a car for the first time ever, the city's public transit options are always available, even if they're not the most punctual. Getting outside of the 'Hopkins bubble' is very important for your enjoyment of the city. Whether you want to visit the National Aquarium, check out restaurants in Federal Hill or see our nation's capital, know you don't always have to get behind the wheel to do it.

Henry Serringer is a sophomore majoring in Writing Seminars from New York, N.Y. He is a News and Features Editor for The News-Letter.

Yet it wasn't just the yearning of a warm embrace, familiar voice or home cooked meal I found myself yearning for. It was simply home.

Upon my curious search of "define home," Google instead automatically outputted "define homeostasis." Oddly enough, that felt like the more fitting option. "Home" is difficult to define when it is more than the physical. While "What is your hometown?" can be a straightforward answer, "What is home for you?" draws a plethora of others like belonging, vision, community, love, security or sanctuary. The unexpected suggestion of "homeostasis" made me realize how much internal stability built through familiarity grounded me in times of homesickness, especially the things I could control and surround myself with, like watching sunsets, attending Bible studies, immersing myself in a solid read or shooting hoops. I realized the interests, and especially, routines I had established in New York, could be continued in Baltimore, comforting me as if not everything had changed. Breaking larger tasks into smaller, approachable wins brought a sense of satisfying consistency and familiarity, alleviating both my mind and heart.

To this end, I learned the difference between comforting myself and distracting myself. Calling my mom helped. Subconsciously pushing those feelings deeper and replacing them for temporary adrenaline rushes didn't. Neither did romanticizing home, my head space stubbornly stuck in New York, contemplating the things I could and should be doing. Sometimes hanging up calls felt like blowing out a dying candlelight. But this cycle of expectation and unhealthy idealization only deepened my homesickness because when the phrase "There's no place like home" became my measuring stick, I wasn't just missing home. I was waiting for college to end so I could return to it. Homesickness thus called me to be honest with my feelings and the ways I could face it proactively rather than suppress. I am still working on being more present and open-minded on campus, to find gratitude in the learning and exploring that comes from moving away.

What had personally made homesickness even harder was seeing those around me adjust so smoothly. The ways they were exploring and embracing Baltimore, constantly out with friends while staying on top of their schedules and seemingly piling more commitments by the week brought shame to my internal distractions.

Then, one afternoon shuttling back from Baltimore Penn, I remember noticing a fellow student, suitcase in hand, visibly sighing before stepping off towards the steps of Commons. Maybe they were exhausted from traveling. Maybe they were dreading the incoming workload post spring break. Or maybe they, too, were leaving the home they loved. Homesickness isn't rare. It is often just not openly shared.

Moving away from home, to me, used to be a period at the end of a sentence with an indented next paragraph: a clean, abrupt break, leaving the writer grasping for some suitable next word. Reflecting now, I see it as an ellipsis. It was never about diminishing or replacing a home full of what I had already created and experienced for another. It was about having the courage to let home expand. A blinking last dot of the ellipsis waiting patiently for me to move at my own pace to discover home-building as my own architect.

My end of first year was repeatedly met with the question "How was it?" Surprisingly, my answer often landed on "I haven't gotten to explore Baltimore as much as I would like to." This underlying reflection that Baltimore has the potential to B-more in my life proves a new seed planted. I am reminded that homesickness eases and resilience is built.

I still call home often, and whether they last 43 minutes or not, I am now comfortable being the one to say, "Got to go, bye mom."

Katie Park is a sophomore majoring in Molecular and Cellular Biology from Poughkeepsie, N.Y. She is a Sports Editor for The News-Letter.