Blog

Digital Dumpster Diving

Digital Dumpster Diving

A Grad Student’s Guide to Facebook Marketplace

April 23, 2025 | Alexis J.

I’m unreasonably proud of furnishing almost my entire apartment with second-hand finds. I learned the joy of sifting through discarded items on the side of the road early on. It was quite often that on the way home from soccer practice my parents would pull the car over to inspect a piece of furniture or […]

I can see clearly now

I can see clearly now

Getting contact lenses and defining a research vision

March 19, 2025 | Amélie L.

Over the winter break, I got contact lenses for the first time. Putting them in produced an effect like removing a plastic sheet from before my eyes. Every detail, even in the distance, was crisp and clear. When driving, I could read the small print on signs, and in the mirror I saw every pore […]

From chore to creative hobby

From chore to creative hobby

How a busy grad student can find joy in cooking

January 8, 2025 | Felicia R.

We’ve all been there—work drags on longer than expected, protocols need troubleshooting, and by the end of the day, the idea of cooking feels more and more like another chore. Why didn’t I meal prep this Sunday to avoid this current dilemma? Energy levels are low and take-out sounds so good. As a fourth year […]

How to thrift like a pro

How to thrift like a pro

Make the most out of your next thrifting spree, like a pro!

December 18, 2024 | Mollie J.

Thrifting is more than just a trend – it’s a smart way for college students to save money, find unique items, and contribute to sustainability. Whether you’re an experienced thrifter or just starting, here are some tips to help you make the most out of your next thrift store adventure. Take it from a former […]

Discovering the freedom and fun of art without rules

Discovering the freedom and fun of art without rules

Letting go of perfectionism through adventures in glass

December 4, 2024 | Alex B.-M.

When I stepped into my first glass torchwork class at Metropolis, one of MIT’s makerspaces, I expected to learn a new type of art. I did not expect my experiences with glass to change the way I organize my life. In my first class, my attempts to create a marble resulted in an unintentional and […]