10 Flyby Articles To Help You Get Through Freshman Year

Dear freshly hatched future Flyby writers freshmen,

Welcome to Harvard — where people form seven separate Google Calendars just to schedule their own emotional breakdowns, the turkeys have vendettas, and your confidence will go from “I got in!” to “Do I need a LinkedIn?” in about three days.

But fear not! I, a fellow human who has survived (and even thrived through) the ritual sacrifice known as first semester, come bearing knowledge – not in scrolls or stone tablets, but in the form of 10 articles of superb investigative journalism that could save your life. Or at least save you from crying in the Holworthy Basement bathroom (again).

To save you from a path of darkness, here are 10 essential Flyby articles that will make your life easier, your decisions slightly smarter, and your vibe significantly less panicked. Read them. Bookmark them. Maybe even pretend you found them on your own and impress your friends.

1. Your Dictionary (If You Don’t Already Have These Words Down, You’re Screwed)

Harvard has its own language. And if you don’t speak it, you’re going to get lost fast. This article will help you decode terms that all sound like BS but unfortunately are not. Read this before someone casually says they’re going to “the MAC after section then to Brain Break” and you pretend to understand.

2. To Fuel Your Caffeine Addiction (if you don’t have one, you will)

Harvard is powered by coffee and denial. This guide shows you where to get the former for free. The sooner you figure out how to secure caffeine without spending half your bank account, the better. Bonus: you'll look put together and cool holding an iced coffee in section, even if you’re crying inside.

3. For your first real study sesh!

Lamont: the place where time stops, your productivity dies, and someone is always coughing aggressively on the quiet floor. This article has everything you need for your first academic all-nighter: where to sit, how to snack, and how to make peace with your past decisions (like taking 5 classes “for fun”).

4. How to Choose Which Clubs to Comp

Picking clubs at Harvard is basically speed-dating with spreadsheets. Some are intense, some are chill, some will ask you to submit a résumé, and some your Social Security number. This article will help you figure out which ones are worth the effort and which ones might accidentally take over your life (literally).

5. How to Not Stress About Lunch

Lunch shouldn’t be a high-stress event, but somehow, it always is. This article breaks down how to get in, get food, and get out — especially when your next class starts in five minutes and you still need to pretend you’re not living off Annenberg Powerade and vibes.

6. Harvard Traditions

Think Harvard traditions are all about secret societies and the stacks? Think again. This senior reflection gets real about the actual “traditions” you’ll experience: panic-comping, finding your place, and navigating the weird mix of ambition and identity that defines your college years. Surprisingly heartfelt. Soon-to-be relatable.

7. For the Homesick Freshies

You may be tough, smart, and independent — but nothing hits like missing your bed, your dog, or a home-cooked meal. This piece is for the nights when you’re quietly losing it over FaceTime. Read it when you need a hug in article form.

8. How to Reconnect with Nature

Yes, this is real. Yes, we’re suggesting you go jump into a bush. This piece is a spiritual guide, and 100% proof that Harvard students still care about nature and not only the library. Go outside. Touch a leaf. Yeet yourself into the greenery.

9. How to do your first away Harvard-Yale

Harvard-Yale is like college spring break meets academic rivalry meets everyone pretending they care about football. This article will teach you how to survive the weekend, talk trash with class, and maybe (just maybe) make it to The Game.

10. Take this now, then again in December

The Flyby Purity Test: a time-honored tradition where you track your personal descent from wide-eyed freshman to slightly unhinged upperclassman. Take it now, then again at the end of the semester or year. If your score drops significantly, congrats — you’re doing college right.

College is weird and Harvard is weirder, but you’ve got this. These 10 articles won’t solve everything, but they’ll help you avoid rookie mistakes, navigate the chaos, and maybe even enjoy yourself along the way. Read them, send them to your entryway GroupMe, bring them up when you comp Flyby this fall, or even quote them in the dhall like you wrote them yourself. I won’t tell.

Welcome to Harvard. You’re gonna be fine.