New year, new you. With winter weather officially settled in on Brandeis campus, there are some things that are simply no longer fashionable, or are now “out,” as you will. That being said, some things have also become more in season, or are now “in.” Here is the official list of what is in and out for spring semester 2023.

In: The Rabb steps

Enough with the Rabb step slander. They are an integral part of Brandeis campus, and I will not stand for the continual complaints against them. They are by your side, day in and day out, always there for you as you go to your classes. The Rabb steps are the underdog I am wholeheartedly rooting for this semester.

Out: Classroom wasps

What’s that noise in your classroom? Is it the buzzing from the projector not working? No. It’s from the wasps flying around and hitting the light fixtures. I’m sorry wasps, but you are simply not in this semester. Please pack up your knives and leave the kitchen. 

In: Cool event posters

There is nothing more satisfying than going about your day and seeing a fun poster. What’s it advertising? You must take a closer look and investigate. For spring 2023, there should be more posters with interesting and intriguing design choices. Bring on the graphic design chaos! I want to see illegible fonts! I want to see PNGs AND JPEGs. I want to see obscure and niche themes. I want it all. 

Out: Acronyms

SCC. SSC. Yawn. I want my friend to tell me that they have class in the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Center for Studies in Jewish Education. I want to know the full name of the location I am going to. Away with the abbreviations. Why are you in a rush? Say the full name of the building.

In: C-Store cheese

This one speaks for itself. There are so many kinds of cheeses to try. Shredded, block, vegan. Perhaps you shall pick up a sleeve of crackers to go with your new purchase. The options are endless. Cheese, of any kind from the C-Store, is definitively in for this semester.

Out: Forced triples

The room is for two people. So, why do I walk into the dorm and see not two but three beds? Solve this.

In: East Quad

This semester, I want East Quad to be romanticized, medievalcore-ified, dark academia-icized. It has winding and aged corridors. It has the vines climbing up the sides of its walls. It is perfect. To all of the current first-years, you will want to live in East Quad as a sophomore.

Out: GET mobile

The app barely even opens. How many meal swipes do you have left this week? Only the void knows. 

In: Snow on pavement

In fact, snow on everything. Everything looks better with snow on it, and your walk to class becomes all the more enjoyable because of it. 

Out: Swiping in at Gosman

Why does Gosman need to know when I’m off to exercise? I already must walk down the stairs, across the bridge, down more stairs, through one door and through another door, all before even arriving at the card reader. It is an unnecessary addition and should only be used when checking out gym equipment. Even more concerning is the big computer screen that shows a large photo of your face once you have swiped in. And who knows who will see that photo next.

In: When2Meet

Oh no! I need to organize a time to meet, but with 10 other people who all have different schedules. What shall I do? Make a disgusting spreadsheet and sink hours into engineering the perfect time to meet? No. I can just make a When2Meet and send them the link. The trouble is now getting everyone to fill it out. But that is beside the point. 

Out: Loud coffee machine in Farber Starbucks

Perhaps you are meeting a teaching assistant (TA) to discuss a problem set. Or you are a TA helping a student. Or you simply want to study in Farber. Think again. The loud, excruciating screech of the Farber Starbucks coffee machine interrupts thoughts and redacts anything you were trying to say. You have to wait until the machine stops before you can once again start. Infuriating. I am so close to saying that coffee is also out, but I will refrain myself, for now…

In: Drawing marathon

In the spring, the Brandeis arts department hosts a drawing marathon. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on a weekend, you can sketch and paint to your heart’s content. The best weekend you will spend on campus. In—for spring 2023 and for always.

Out: Shapiro Campus Center (SCC) second floor

Bland, dull, only acts as the floor you need to walk past in order to reach the SCC third floor.

In: Shapiro Campus Center third floor

Fabulous, showstopping, amazing. Fantastic views and a cool walkway from one side of the building to the other side. (Please note my use of “Shapiro Campus Center” in place of “SCC.” Acronyms are out this semester, after all.)

Out: Upper Usdan

The offerings at Upper Usdan used to be something I would look forward to, seek out even. Now, one can only go to Louis’ Deli and order an egg salad sandwich to see the desolation wrought by Harvest Table. A small scoop of egg salad betwixt two soft squished slices of white bread. Nary an apple available as an option for a side. The soft tacos from La Sabrosa cry out desperately for some lettuce. With a heavy heart, Upper Usdan is out. I have great hopes for it for the future, but this is just not its semester.

In: Funky outfit worn to dining hall

There is nothing better than leaving the harsh winter weather outside, bundled up in your winter coat and winter pants and winter boots, only to enter the dining hall and see someone dressed up in just the most fabulous fit. Everything is immaculate. Nothing makes my day more.

Out: Point expiration dates

Milk expires. Grapes expire. Even Twinkies expire (allegedly). But points should not expire. Why encourage the unnecessary bulk purchasing that occurs at the end of every year and indeed shall once again occur come May?

In: Triple major double minor

I want to see someone majoring in biology, English and business with minors in medieval and Renaissance studies and journalism. I want to see more interdisciplinary major combinations and the like. It is already happening on campus—I can see it. And I am a big fan.

The spring semester is just beginning, and it has so much to offer. I cannot wait to see how it progresses and what becomes more fashionable in the process.