A crucial step in your journey as a Blue Jay is becoming familiar with the wide range of lingo used by students at Hopkins. Here is your guide to some of the most frequently used abbreviations and acronyms on campus.
FYM
By now, you have all met your First-Year Mentors — seasoned Hopkins students who help guide you through your freshman experience. With each FYM cohort consisting of approximately 16 students, FYMs are here to help first-year students successfully transition to collegiate life through various orientation activities. Aside from orientation, your FYM is an excellent resource for academic and emotional support during New Student Orientation and beyond. Don’t be shy to ask them questions.
The Rec
Whether you need to relax after a busy day or need to hit a quick pump, look no further than the Ralph S. O’Connor Recreation Center. Renovated in 2021, the Rec is a thriving hub for student fitness and well-being. From yoga classes to intramural sports to rock-climbing lessons, the Rec has various opportunities to meet other students and develop important life skills. You can also find fitness programs with personal and group training options.
Levering
As a dining hall that prioritizes quality and comfort (and my personal favorite), Levering Kitchens is a testament to college-dining excellence. Levering has recently undergone renovations that have replaced its staple Wok, Toastee and Grill options with Red Lantern Kitchen, Tossed Kitchen and Mosaic Global Kitchen, respectively. Red Lantern Kitchen features a Southeast Asian stir-fry concept with options ranging from steamed dumplings to Singapore street noodles. At Tossed Kitchen, students can choose from a wide array of signature salads and bowls, toppings and dressings all made from scratch. Mosaic Global Kitchen offers a new take on Mediterranean cuisine with a variety of healthy and flavorful options with halal proteins. The cherry on top: Online orders can be placed on the Transact Mobile app.
Regardless of which option you choose, rest assured that neither the food nor the ambiance will disappoint. While Levering only accepts Dining Dollars, J-Cash or actual money for lunch, dinner can be purchased with a meal swipe between the hours of 4–9 p.m. The kitchens are also only open on weekdays.
CharMar
More formally known as the Charles Street Market, this store serves as both a grab-and-go restaurant and grocery store for students. If you’re looking for a quick meal or a snack, there are a variety of options to choose from, including Meals-in-a-Minute. Bento Sushi is another great option known for its handmade, in-house sushi rolls, nigiri and poke bowls. Toward the back sits the popular Bun Shop for all your pastry cravings (the Granny Turnover is definitely worth a try). You can pick up fresh produce, as well, and, if you’re looking for ramen at 11:50 p.m., they have that, too.
Brody
Connected to the (now closed) Milton S. Eisenhower Library is Brody Learning Commons. With a vast array of study rooms and workspace areas, Brody is a hotspot for Hopkins students. Here you’ll find students preparing for midterms, chatting with friends and grabbing coffee from the Daily Grind. Brody is also home to the rare book collection and the Department of Conservation and Preservation.
PILOT
Looking for help with your classes? PILOT may be for you. PILOT is our word for peer-led team learning. Ever since its establishment in 2008, PILOT has served as a cornerstone for tutoring on campus. Students are divided into teams of six to ten, with a PILOT Leader acting as a group facilitator. Each week, the group works through a problem set that incorporates relevant course material from the weekly lecture. You’ll find that working together with your peers will not only enhance your understanding of course content but also help you meet new people.
The Breezeway
The two gateways on either side of Keyser Quad, commonly referred to as the Breezeway, are comprised of towering, white, marble columns. The south side walkway holds a breathtaking view of Shriver Hall below. Not only a popular spot to take a picture, the Breezeway is the center of fundraising, as well. You will often see student clubs there promoting various events throughout the year.
These are just some of the phrases in the lexicon of an average Blue Jay. Don’t worry: You will learn more as you go. We hope this introduction to Hopkins slang has been helpful. Welcome to the Nest!
This article has been abridged and the complete version can be found on The News-Letter website. Ritwik Raj is a senior from Glenville, N.Y. majoring in Molecular & Cellular Biology and Psychology. He is a Science & Technology Staff Writer for The News-Letter.
