Ins:

Working out in Reily

One major New Year’s resolution at the start of every year is fitness. The combination of Tulane rearranging Reily Student Recreation Center and the start of the new year led to a packed rec center. Fitness helps improve both one’s physical and mental health and is a major “in” for Tulanians in the year of 2024. Workout classes like hot yoga are also in, especially with the freezing temperatures outside.

Sweats

Comfy clothes are in. Many would describe the first semester at Tulane to be like a fashion show, compared with the second semester, where comfort supersedes looks. With NOLA’s chilly temperatures, sweats and lounge clothes are a huge “in” right now. For the wild nights out, fur coats and puffers are mega IN this semester. 

Studying 

Studying is an “in” this semester. Students pulled too many all-nighters last semester, and procrastinating one’s studying was all too common. Not this semester, though. Studying on time is in, and so is schoolwork, though I hate to say it. This entails the process of finding the perfect spot in Howard Tilton Memorial Library, The Small Family Collaboration Hub or common areas. 

Movie Theater Dates

Movie theater dates are in. With all the new movies coming out like “Anyone But You,” “Mean Girls” and new Netflix specials among others, movie-watching with friends or a significant other at the theater is in. Bringing blankets to the movies is also in; it is a great way to cuddle up in this wintery weather and get toasty while your imagination delights from the big screen. 

Outs:

The Malkin Sacks Commons 

Controversy around the Commons is not new. However, the popularity of this student dining hall has decreased in recent times, making this a major “out” for Tulanians in 2024. Since the Commons’s dismissal of the sandwich-making bar and soda renovations, the hype around the Commons has dwindled. What was once everyone’s go-to dinner spot first semester is now a definite “out.”

Three-Hour Naps

Three-hour naps are out this semester. Yes, while cuddling up in bed is still in, those naps where you feel like you’re in a whole different world when you wake up are out. With many students refraining from 8 a.m.s this semester, sleeping well is an “in” that will replace the need for long, otherworldly, discombobulating naps that somehow make you feel more tired afterwards. Efficient napping, on the other hand, is in. Also, better sleep schedules are in.

“Chasing”

The catchphrase “I don’t chase, I attract, what belongs to me will simply find me” was immensely popular in 2023. 2024 begins the era of self-love, making the era of having low self-worth a major “out” for this semester. Rather than constantly “chasing” negative energy, popular podcasts like “Date Yourself Instead” reflect prioritizing self-love over self-depreciation. 

Fast Fashion

Fast fashion is “out” this semester. As Mardi Gras approaches, many are buying outfits from upperclassmen or from popular thrift stores around NOLA’s Magazine Street, including Buffalo Exchange. New and recycled fashion is “in” this semester, as well. Many clubs and organizations are also having garage sales of old Mardi Gras outfits, and college students are re-selling previous years’ Mardi Gras looks on popular apps like Poshmark and Depop. 

Procrastinating

Procrastinating is out, and “pre-crastinating” is in for Tulanians as we roll into the spring semester of 2024. First semester is an adjustment for incoming freshmen and in the second semester, Tulanians can prepare better. Getting ahead in classes or doing assignments more promptly is “in” this semester. Because students are more adjusted, better study methods and support systems are in place: using planners or calendars more efficiently, checking emails more frequently and using tutoring resources on campus.