Feeling stuck on campus? Gotcha!

As if you hadn’t noticed yet, I’ll remind you again: the weather is cold and is getting colder. The exteriors that we once threw ourselves to get away from the cramped buildings are now testing our limits, granting us only the time to cover the distance from our station A’s to B’s. In this situation, it is only natural to feel stuck in the buildings that we are used to visiting every other day. If you are also like me, trying to minimize your time spent outside, it may be difficult to plan what to do in between your classes. You can go back to your room/apartment, but you only have an hour and a half. Is it worth it to walk all the way back there? Should you visit one of the libraries? But, until you find the motivation to start your work, the clock will already be showing the class time. Here, I’ll try to give you my suggestions that may be a better option than scrolling mindlessly on your phone. Or, maybe fresh places to scroll? You may or may not have heard all these things. Yet, here is your concise and compact list of activities that will enlarge your space perception of the campus, offering you new domains to spend time.

Create an on-campus coffee shop checklist

This one is obvious, but there are many coffee shops on campus. If you are a regular customer of that cafe that’s right next to your class, maybe it could be a good idea to break that habit and visit another one. You can either determine your go-to coffee and try that item in each and every one of the cafes on campus, creating your own caffein ranking, or can learn about the best selling offerings of the cafes and agree or disagree with those accepted campus truths. Ex Libris, Pret, and Harper Cafe may be few of the cafes that are well visited. However, you may add the Harris Cafe in the School of Public policy or Gordon Cafe in the Integrative Sciences Building to your list. If you need a more extensive list of cafes to add your to-go list, you may want to visit this link to see your options. 

Although this is an old list with lots of permanently closed cafes, this may serve as a starting point for your discoveries.


Logan Center

I know that Logan Center may not be on you road to classes; however, it offers a wide range of cultural activities that are close to home. Without getting too far from the campus, you can listen to the University Chamber Orchestra’s concert and spend a quality time looking at the responses of various artists who “‘draw’ on each other’s minds, creating new genres of art and scholarship” through “drawings, sketches, diagrams, scores, texts, and ephemera”s in the On Drawing Drawing On exhibition. I know that we are all aware of the existence of Logan Center and their great arts experience offerings. Yet, it is always so easy to forget these kinds of opportunities when busy with writing a seven-page history paper. 


Visit Oriental Institute

Oriental Institute is right under our nose, next to quad, yet many of us haven’t even been there once. You may want to pay a visit to this well curated institute when you are not sure what to do in that 50 minutes break in between your two classes. Not leaving the territories of the Quad, I am pretty sure that that 50 minutes will not be enough. Now hosting the Joseph Lindon Smith: The Persepolis Paintings exhibition, Oriental Institute can easily help you fill that gap in your schedule for a couple of days. 

“Landscape scene of the monumental terrace including the Gate of All Lands, Persepolis, Iran (oil on canvas, 318 x 201 cm, OIM G4).” Image via


Travel around the quad – but without leaving the buildings

Some of us are aware of the hard-to-find passageways between the buildings. However, did you know that you can travel around the Quad without even stepping outside once? The legend says that every building on the Quad is connected to one another in one way or another. However, it is not always as easy as passing from Harper to the Wieboldt building. You may have to take the stairs a couple of times, just to see that the passageway is on the third floor of one building and the basement of the other. If you have the patience to complete the track, you may want to add this item to your pre-graduation to-do list. 

Discover new study spots

You don’t always have to do something actively, You may have lots of readings to do or internship meetings to attend in the middle of the day. So, instead of an institute, a study spot is better for you. Yet, the good, old Reg may have made you have enough of it. Why don’t you try to discover new study spots on campus then? Did you know that there are comfortable chairs and two large study tables right in front of the study abroad office? Or, have you visited the library on Eckhart’s second floor? There are many departments and offices on campus that have their own study spaces and/or libraries available for student use. So, instead of sitting in the same cubicle on the third floor of Reg every time, you may just want to visit one of these secret jams on campus.

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Support the Seminary Co-op (Plus 3 Book Recs for Troubling Times)

I visited UChicago for the first time in June—it was the summer before my senior year of high school and I was nervous. I had no idea where I would be spending my college years.

However, when I entered the Seminary Co-op, I knew that I needed to attend UChicago—if given the opportunity. I’d been strongly considering the school for a long time, but the bookstore was a physical representation of all that I wanted from my university experience. I wanted to inhabit a community that truly cared about books; more importantly, I wanted to join a community that loved, respected, and defended the free exchange of ideas. And I wanted a place to converse about those ideas frequently.

Almost three years later, the Seminary Co-op has become just that. It’s the place I go to meet friends, to study, and to wander through the book stacks after completing particularly stressful physical science exams. I often find myself sitting in one of the store’s many chairs, with music blasting through my earbuds as I skim the titles. And I frequently find myself struggling to limit my purchases (as I discovered when I confronted the imposing task of boxing all of my recent Sem-Co acquisitions in order to move off campus).

As such, when I think of the university, I also think of the Seminary Co-op; while the bookstore is independent of the university, it is a critical component of our community. And I want to support the store as much as possible—especially during these difficult times. The Seminary Co-op bookstores are not-for-profit and independent. But in order to stay independent, and in order to continue providing a work space and invaluable resource to Hyde Park, these stores need the support of our community.

For this reason, there is a current campaign to provide Covid-19 relief to the Seminary Co-op Bookstores. The goal of the campaign is to reach $250,000 and the fundraiser is already halfway past its goal. Any donation—no matter the size—will be invaluable to the continued work of the bookstores.

And even in these difficult times, the bookstores continue to provide support to the university community. Individuals may still order books from the Seminary Co-op. The bookstores continue to publish new Open Stacks Podcast Episodes. And the stores just launched a Children’s book recommendation series (simply contact kidsbooks@semcoop.com for recommendations!). The stores themselves have also physically transformed, as their workers fulfill web orders safely. And it is my hope that we, as a community, can continue to support the Seminary Co-op during the Covid-19 pandemic, and beyond.

And in case one is in need of book recommendations, included below is a list of three of my favorite books, whose subjects are particularly relevant to these troubling times.

#3: Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s One Hundred Years of Solitude

“Many years later, as he faced the firing squad, Colonel Aureliano Buendía was to remember that distant afternoon when his father took him to discover ice.” And so begins the story of Macondo: a small, magical town in the jungle, where the Buendía family resides for generations. I read this book while camping, last summer, and many of its descriptions have resided with me, ever since. Marquez’s magic realism is beautiful and this novel is his magnum opus.

One Hundred Years of Solitude is the type of book that sucks you in and doesn’t let go, as Marquez depicts everything from ghosts to levitating priests and seemingly endless rain. And the novel offers a much-needed escape into a magical world, though it is nonetheless shockingly like our own.

#2: Viktor E. Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning

The New York Times classifies this book as “survival literature,” and the classification is apt. After surviving Nazi concentration camps, psychiatrist Viktor E. Frankl carefully chronicled his experience. More than that, he depicted how he survived. And while this book’s narrative is hauntingly somber, it is also hopeful. By describing his own life story and the stories of his patients, Frankl argues that man can survive—even when confronted with atrocities. Thus, while Frankl writes that man cannot avoid his suffering, Frankl also writes that man’s existence is not a lost cause. Instead, Frankl encourages his readers to find meaning in their suffering, so that they may move forward and ultimately thrive.

#1: Amor Towles’ A Gentleman in Moscow

‘“Who would have imagined,’ he said, ‘when you were sentenced to life in the Metropol all those years ago, that you had just become the luckiest man in all of Russia.’” (Towles 292).

When Mishka remarks upon the Count’s luck, he’s right. Despite being placed under house arrest in the grande Metropol Hotel, Count Alexander Rostov builds a full life for himself. He is confined to a hotel during one of the most chaotic periods of Russian history, and yet he finds a way to make the best of his circumstances. He makes great friends, falls in love, and raises a young girl. And through it all, the Count never loses his composure or his sense of wonder. This is one of my favorite books of all time. And it a testament to the way in which a single individual can choose to be happy—even while living in a hotel attic, in Soviet Russia.

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Double Takes at Double Shot

With its cozy couches and muted atmosphere, I was hesitant when I’d first heard from my friend—a newly hired barista—that beloved coffee shop Hallowed Grounds would be hosting a concert and open mic night, inspired by NPR’s Tiny Desk concert series. But I arrived on Friday night to a pleasant surprise: Hallowed’s normally slow vibe was clearly more amped than usual. In fact, it took quite a while for the emcee to quiet the room bustling with artsy music-enthusiasts and musicians alike, and finally begin the open mic.

Donning a Harry Styles-esque black suit with a floral collared shirt, the first impromptu performer began with a curiously named acoustic number titled "Ketamine.” "You only do coke when it's free,” Kevin crooned to an enraptured audience, black painted nails strumming a guitar to a song that remind me of Elliot Smith—both in drug-laden content and in its ending crescendo.

Next up was pink-haired Katie, donning a forest-green velvet longsleeved shirt, light denim mom jeans, and statement faux tangerine earrings. Before the open mic, I’d complimented her on the earrings and (half-jokingly) asked if they were real. “Unfortunately, no,” she responded. “But I wouldn’t it be cool if they were?"

She sang a cover of Leonard Cohen’s “One of Us Cannot Be Wrong,” in a vocal style that took on Cat Power’s raspy affect. The audience met her with scattered applause; it seemed not many in the room were fans of Leonard Cohen.

Easily the most memorable performance of the night, if one can even call it that, was the following act: a group of students put on an ambitious show, fusing performance art, music, and, one can only assume, improv. All using pseudonyms that facetiously challenged stereotypes of their own race, the group was led by a black student named Pure African, half-rapping and half-dancing to discordant background music composed of a cello, drums, and stone balls used as percussion. “What if instead of fighting our demons, our demons fought us,” Pure African announced, before (I kid you not) doing a no-hands back-flip. After ten minutes of disorienting music, nonsensical back-and-forth between Wai-Ling (the girl on cello) and Pure African, and uncomfortable laughter from the crowd, the group took their seats.

I’d thought that after the improv fiasco, the Hallowed Grounds team would end the open mic then and there. Still, they persisted with one last sign-up. Singer Miles performed a Mac Demarco-esque acoustic song “On My Knees,” in a black and white stoner poncho, green track jacket, and vans. Then, came the real performers of the night.

Black Sam, a fourth-year up-and-coming rapper truly elevated the vibe of the night. While he’d started off in a more hushed tone, by his last song, “Woke Up With A Chain”, the entire room was on its feet and echoing the chorus. Dressed in a fashionable black and white outfit complete with basketball shoes, his flow was almost as smooth as his outfit. I mean, he used “seitan” in a cypher, which I think is a feat of talent in itself.

The second scheduled performance of the night came from the well-dressed trio “White Ppl,” who, much to my relief, were not white. “It’s funny, we think it’s a funny name. You can laugh,” the apparent lead singer said in an attempt to assuage the discomfort of the gathered crowd, who met the band with scattered applause when they were first announced. Dressed in a semi-coordinating uniform of cuffed pants, hoodies, and dad caps, the band started off with an original titled "I Like The Way You Move,” which sounded much like Cosmo Pyke’s brand of nü indie and groovy RnB fusion.

From indie acoustic to rap, at a school known for its intense and competitive atmosphere, Double Shot served as a great reminder that artistic freedom, whether it be in reference to personal style, musicianship, or performance improv exercises, is alive and well at UChicago.

Be sure to show out to Hallowed Grounds’ Double Shot concert next month!


Cool, Cultural & On Campus Fall Events

Having referred to myself as a “washed up fourth year” on five, no wait six, separate occasions this past week, I have officially committed myself to three new goals: 1. getting over the flu, 2. making and following through with plans to hang out with people, and 3. taking advantage of my first ever three-course quarter and exploring all the neat things going on on campus. To aid with that anti-UChicago “good in theory, but bad in practice” third goal, I’ve rounded up some on (or near) campus upcoming events that peaked my interest for the quarter.

Be sure to check out the UChicago Arts Calendar of Events to see if anything else catches your own eye!

Read More

Quad Style: Alexis Kim

Meet Alexis Kim, a third year Public Policy major from Watchung, New Jersey. She's the Marketing Head of Women in Business and is currently interning downtown at a tech incubator. In her free time, she likes to cook Korean food, watch French movies, and eat Jeni's ice cream with her friends!

How would you describe your style?

Clean-cut, comfortable, and feminine. My closet is filled mostly with basic pieces that I can wear in many different combinations.

What's your go-to outfit?

Right now, a t-shirt, flared jeans, sneakers, and my black duster coat.

What does fashion mean to you?

Whatever you'd like it to! For me, it's always been about authenticity and feeling good in my own skin.

Who or what are your style inspirations?

Liu Wen and Jeanne Damas. They're both very natural but elegant at the same time. My mom has also always been an inspiration. She taught me that my style is for myself, not to impress others.

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What is your favorite current trend?

Slip dresses. They're loose fitting but still flattering. I wear mine with a white t-shirt underneath.

What are your favorite places to shop?

I really like Rag & Bone and Zadig & Voltaire. My favorite jeans right now are from Paige. I also have a handful of my mom's old sweaters and dresses that I love!

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“[my mom] taught me that my style is for myself, not to impress others.”

And lastly, what's the most important part of any look?

The way you carry yourself. And your smile!

Photos courtesy of Rebecca Cho. To see more of Rebecca's work, click here!

Quad Style: Kira Ke

Can you introduce yourself to our readers? (e.g. name, year, majors + minors, RSOs + hobbies)
Hello! My name is Kira. I come from Canada and study Political Science at the College - now in my fourth year. I love reading, drawing, and being outdoors. This quarter I’m helping produce a book evaluating the effectiveness of U.S. counterterrorism strategies abroad. On campus I help run a foreign-policy RSO called MPOST.

What are you wearing (for this shoot)?
Here I’m repping some Canadian brands – coat and beige shirt from Oak + Fort and pants from Aritzia. Earrings and socks are probably from Amazon and dress is from COS. Beanie is from a street vender in Japan.

How would you describe your style?
I like simple clothes that fit well and feel nice. Block colours, muted tones, good material, and some interesting design motif do it for me. But my everyday clothes at UChicago are more just whatever I can throw together before I’m late to class.

What does fashion mean to you?
It’s a fun way for me to change the way I look.

Who or what are your style inspirations?
I’m trying to emulate Beyoncé’s earring game from Don’t Hurt Yourself. Otherwise, I’m inspired by the people I pass by in daily life, my city, my sister, and K-pop.

What is your favorite current trend?
I’m really digging that cropped, fringe jeans look right now but it’s getting too chilly. So I’m going to go with turtlenecks. Is it current? I don’t know. But what I do know is that they shield me from the wind. Haters be hating but my neck is warm and snug.

What are your favorite places to shop?
My sister’s closet but I don’t spend money there

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And lastly, most important part of any look?
Personality

All images courtesy of Angela Liu. Check out her photography portfolio here.

Quad Style: Lexie Holden

Meet Lexie Holden, a second year majoring in Political Science. She's involved with ADD.

How would you describe your style?
It’s hard to determine like one particular definition because I seriously just tend to wear what I like. For example, sometimes I will wear floral embroidered skirts with pussybow blouses and block heels, a decidedly feminine look. On the contrast, I also love this white sweatshirt dress that I just recently bought with corset details on the side. It’s far more streetstyle/athleisure than I tend to opt for, but it’s now one of my favorite pieces. I chose this t-shirt to wear because 1) it’s the title of one of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s books that I loved and 2) because Dior recently featured the book title on a line of limited edition t-shirts during their spring season this year. I love the history of Dior and how his designs were influenced by a desire to break away from the sterility and brutality of WWII. Of course, my college budget doesn’t have a room for a $600 t-shirt, but I got this on Etsy for $24. I don’t typically wear t-shirts, but if I do, I want them to say something about me and what I believe in.

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What does fashion mean to you?
Fashion to me means fast paced and ever changing, but I’ve been rocking some of my favorite pieces since middle school. I prefer to think of my closet as a time capsule across the ages, both from my own life and other generations. The pearl ring I am wearing is one that was owned by my great-grandmother. It’s been passed on every generation when the daughter of the family turns nineteen. My great-grandmother also loved red shoes, so when I told my mom I wanted these block heels, she nearly teared up because they were so reminiscent to the ones her grandmother wore. While those pieces have direct sentimental meaning, I find that some of my thrifted pieces evoke a sentimentality from another time. I like to imagine where the previous owners of some pieces wore them last, whether it was on a first date with their future life partners, or the day they achieved some great milestone in their life.

“Clothing is like a scrapbook with each person who wears it adding their own memories.

”
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Who or what are your style inspirations?
I grew up in Germany, and Germans are by far the most stylishly dressed people in winter. They utilize layers, patterns, and textures in such an effortless way that the same few pieces can become an infinite arrangement of outfits. The colder weather here in Chicago means I can start layering up as well. Multiple jackets like what I wore today means I can stay warm without sacrificing the style of a blazer more suited for autumn temperatures rather than frigid Chicago winds.

What is your favorite current trend?
As someone who typically dresses in lots of skirts and tightfitting pieces that show off my legs, I am really loving the more ‘masculine’ trends like straight leg jeans or oversized blazers. It’s hard for me to find pieces that fit my petite frame well, so everything ends up looking a little oversized on me. Anything that isn’t body con is on trend for me now!

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What are your favorite places to shop?
I really love thrifting and some of my best pieces have been thrifted/purchased secondhand. My cashmere scarf was $1 from a thrift sale fundraiser on campus, and my beret was actually a costume piece from a musical I was in in junior year of high school. The costume designer thought it was too good of a piece not to not let me keep, and she was such a wonderful person that it makes me think of her to wear it. For more basic pieces, I find some staples like these jeans at ASOS. It’s hard to define particular places because I don’t shop based on brand, but rather if I think the piece fits well or suits me.

And lastly, most important part of any look?
Confidence is always important because as long as you feel comfortable and proud in what you are wearing, that will shine through and make even the most basic outfits a one of a king mini fashion show. I also have to make an argument for some basic beauty products that without them, even in one of my favorite outfits, I feel uncomfortable without. For me, it’s perfume, mascara, lip balm, and concealer to hide the dark circles from studying all night. With just these four things, I feel like I can go from half asleep zombie to functioning human every morning.

All images courtesy of Kiran Misra. Check out her photography portfolio here.