Hopkins Survival Guide
A guide to the arts at Hopkins
It’s no secret that Hopkins is well-known to most for its STEM fields: How often have you heard Hopkins and the humanities discussed in the same conversation off-campus? And yet, back in 1966, preluding the height of literary theory which would explode in the 70s and 80s, Johns Hopkins University hosted prominent thinkers like Claude Lévi-Strauss, Jacques Derrida, Paul de Man, Roland Barthes and Jacques Lacan for an international symposium.
Making Homewood Campus your home
I had a pretty fixed routine as a freshman: class, lunch at Hopkins Cafe (then FFC), more class, dinner (also at FFC) and hanging out with my friends in McCoy. Although I credit this routine with helping me settle in at Hopkins, sticking to the same thing day in and day out could get mundane. From picnics on the quad to student plays to a bouldering cave, the Homewood Campus has so much to offer!
Hopkins lingo: A handbook
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.
How to make the best out of having a roommate freshman year
As you're approaching the start of your freshman year, you might feel anxious thinking about your future roommate(s). I’ve been in your shoes — growing anxious whenever I came across a freshman roommate horror story and praying I’d secure a single. Instead, I’ve been blessed with a best friend that made me thank the universe for not answering my prayers. To make this your reality, here are a few things that will help you build a relationship with your roommate.
Hidden resources at Hopkins
Despite our cutthroat reputation, our school offers a seemingly endless number of resource to ensure the success of every student — academically and personally. While a comprehensive guide would take ages to comb through, below are a few of my favorite “hidden” or lesser-known resources.
Juggling academics, extracurriculars and a social life
Like many Hopkins students, I am one of those people whose interests are diverse and unrelated. And, like many Hopkins students, I tend to participate in way too many activities to keep all these passions engaged (I also have a difficult time saying no to people, which probably doesn’t help). When the fall semester began, I was full of energy, determination and naïveté. These three things mostly carried me through the first semester without any major hiccups. But when the second semester started, I found that my plan failed to take into account several factors, the biggest of which was burnout.
What I wish I knew freshman year
If there’s one message I really wish someone would’ve told me before I started college, it’s that whatever path I picked was the right path. If there’s one thing for freshmen to take away from this letter, it’s that your judgment is sound, and you’re doing the right things even if other people choose to approach this year differently.