OTHERWORLDLY CLASSES and clubs to explore

By LUIS CASTAÑEDA the daily northwestern @luiscasta220

The quarter system can be brutal. It can seem like one second you’re registered for your first set of classes during Wildcat Welcome and the next, you’re graduating. Here’s The Daily’s guide to some of Northwestern’s most “cult-classic” courses to take before that happens, along with a few hidden gems.

From the CTECs: “In my (almost) four years of college, the majority of classes I’ve taken here feel like courses I could’ve learned on Coursera for $20 back home in less–terrible weather, as opposed to paying $70k tuition. This is not one of those classes.”

Taught by former President Barack Obama’s speech writer, Prof. Cody Keenan, the class is a “oncein-a-lifetime opportunity,” as one student described it. If you’re lucky enough to get in, you’ll learn “why some speeches endure and most are forgotten” from the “down-to-earth” NU alumnus that worked with one of the most powerful men in the world. Depending on what you’re looking to get out of it, this class might just get you one step closer to the White House.

Prof. David Gatchell is described as “design Gandalf” by some, and his wisdom comes in handy in this course where students learn about design research methods. Many students described this course as fast-paced after the third week and say a good tip is to have a good team. In the end, students are expected to develop a product to the prototype stage.

Students rave about this professor and the class, with one stating “Drop EVERYTHING to take any class you can with (Prof.) Peter Slevin.” Slevin challenges his students with “enthusiastic discussion” about journalism and politics in the classroom and out of it. His previous classes included a 3-day reporting trip to Wisconsin for the midterm elections and an opportunity to see former President Obama speak in Milwaukee.

Prof. Vanessa Valecillos’ guidance makes this class worthwhile for dancers of all levels. Students have said that she is a “rare” type of ballet teacher that “truly cares about her students’ growth and success,” according to the CTECs. Advanced dancers can appreciate the slow pace to improve basic technique, and newcomers will benefit most greatly if they become familiar with basic vocabulary before beginning this class.

Bienen

Alexander Technique (MUSIC 350)

Prof. John Henes teaches this course on body mechanics, breathing and stress management for performance exclusively for Bienen students. Described by some as almost a “yoga class,” one of the only drawbacks is that it only meets once a week.

SESP

Prof. Alexandra Solomon continues teaching this longstanding course, where students can think critically about the role love plays in their lives. From a range of topics including dating, sex and relationships across cultural differences, students are educated on how to “manage conflict and evaluate compatibility.” From family interviews to journaling, papers and quizzes, the workload is worthwhile for many given how “it prepares you to transition out of college,” according to the CTECs.

luiscastaneda2026@u.northwestern.edu

By DAVIS GIANGIULIO daily senior staffer @giangiuliodavis

Clubs are a perfect way to meet friends, take a break from studying and focus on something you’re passionate about, especially when you’re looking for activities beyond your classes. With nearly 500 clubs and organizations at Northwestern, it’s almost a guarantee that you’ll find one that interests you.

What makes NU particularly special is the unique organizations among those 500 that you won’t find in your favorite film about stereotypical college students.

Here are just a few of the clubs you can join when you get to NU:

Based on the hit CBS show with the same name, Survivor NU is a way for fans of the reality show to play their own version, without being shipped off to a remote island.

Participants are divided into two teams that face off in a series of challenges. Every week, one player gets voted off until there’s only one person left, who becomes the sole survivor. Challenges can be anything from physical activities to memory challenges.

Whether you’re a fan of the show and looking to live out your reality TV dreams, or just simply looking to challenge yourself while not being in the library, you may want to become a new contestant on Survivor NU.

Are you an ace at the New York Times’ Sunday Crossword? Or even the Mini? NU’s Crossword Team is the place to put your talents to the test.

Despite being labeled a “team,” all competitions in the club are low stakes. Once a week, members come together to try to complete the Times’ Sunday puzzle. As the club has grown since its founding, they’ve begun to split into two groups and see which group can get it done faster. But don’t worry, the winner only earns “bragging rights.”

Including an application that will test your comedic skills, NUXW is the perfect club to introduce you to NU.

Whether you’re new to knitting or a veteran, Knitwestern is a great way to unwind and do something for a good cause.

Most of the clubs’ work is donated — in the past, they’ve donated their creations to organizations that help the unhoused and campus workers. Members can bring their own yarn or use the club’s, on one condition: the clubs’ materials must be part of something that will be donated. Knitwestern is a place to either hone and perfect your artful craft, or take on a new skill.

Heard of Dillo Day? Mayfest runs that.

Yes, you heard it here first: The largest student-run music festival in the country is in fact run by a student organization. Mayfest typically recruits in the fall and takes on members to help run everything from booking artists to promoting the highly-anticipated Spring Quarter event.

If you want to be behind Dillo and get a sneak peek at who the artists will be, think about applying for Mayfest. But if you’re looking to enjoy the festival on the actual day, maybe reconsider — Mayfest members not only plan the event, but also must work it on the day of.

If you’re looking to escape the concrete of greater Chicago, the NU Outdoors Club is for you.

With activities throughout the school year on the weekends, there’s surely something to interest you. They can range from biking to camping and rock climbing. The best part about it is the low commitment necessary: all you have to do is join their email list and you can attend their planned activities at your own pleasure.

These are just a taste of some of the clubs NU has to offer, so you’re sure to find one, or many, that are perfect for you.

davisgiangiulio2025@u.northwestern.edu

By MADISON BRATLEY daily senior staffer @madisonbratley

The infamous freshman flu — along with illnesses like strep throat, mononucleosis or something as unoriginal as a really bad cold — threaten every incoming freshman class, as well as other undergraduate students. Healthy habits can be a key defense, but no one is invincible. Make the best use of your health care options on campus with the help of this brief guide.

Proper nutrition can create the foundation for keeping you happy and healthy as you transition into Northwestern. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends students understand their nutritional needs before entering college. Age, sex, size and activity levels all influence a person’s needs.

For students with religious or allergy restrictions, NU dining halls offer halal, kosher, non-dairy, glutenfree, nut-free, soy-free, vegetarian and vegan options. Students and parents can also arrange a complimentary meeting with registered dietician Madeline McDonough to develop an individual, inclusive dining plan, including meals made from scratch.

Some dorms, such as 1838 Chicago and Willard Residential College, have their own fitness rooms. However, Henry Crown Sports Pavilion on North campus offers students the widest variety of workout options to keep themselves fit during the year. Between group workout classes, six indoor tennis courts, three basketball courts, a dedicated spin room and a seemingly endless 7000 square foot fitness room on the first floor, students have many opportunities to work new exercises into their routines.

Students can schedule and manage appointments through the MyNM Patient Portal, which can either be virtual or in-person.

Students can select one of three options when scheduling their appointment: sexual and reproductive health, sports medicine and general health. If these options don’t capture your needs, you can call the student health service during business hours, weekdays between 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., to schedule an appointment.

Students needing urgent care for a physical illness or injury after regular business hours should call the After Hours Nurse Call Line. Also, the Northwestern Medicine Immediate Care Centers are open every day, including holidays, from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. There is one location near campus, located at 1630 Sherman Ave.

NU-SHIP

Northwestern requires all undergraduates to have health insurance and defaults most students each year into the Northwestern University Student Health Insurance Plan.

Students with an alternative, comparable health insurance coverage can fill out a health insurance questionnaire through CAESAR during the open enrollment period of July 1 until October 1 to see if they qualify to waive their enrollment in NU-SHIP. Students intending to enroll in NU-SHIP are encouraged to confirm their enrollment as soon as possible.

Students enrolled in NU-SHIP after the open enrollment period will be charged $5,144 for coverage of the plan year, which lasts until August 31, 2024. Students can request financial assistance from the Undergraduate Financial Aid office to help cover the insurance premium.

If you are an international student, you are required to enroll in NU-SHIP regardless of your health insurance status in your home country.

NU’s Counseling and Psychological Services offers full-time students access to mental health services year round. Students can get started with CAPS either through a same-day walk-in appointment or through a scheduled initial assessment. Both options also allow virtual meetings.

CAPS uses a short-term treatment model for individual therapy but provides referral support for students seeking long-term therapy or specialized care.

Three psychiatrists are available through CAPS to students on both the Evanston and Chicago campuses. The psychiatrists offer assessments, evaluations and medication consultation, but students are only eligible for psychiatric services if also enrolled in concurrent therapy through CAPS.

For students enrolled in NU-SHIP, outpatient mental health care from an in-network provider costs up to $20 per visit. For care from an out-of-network provider, students pay a $20 copayment plus 20% of the remaining charge (NU-SHIP covers the other 80%).

If you or anyone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, you can call the National Mental Health Hotline at 866-903-3787.

madisonbratley2025@u.northwestern.edu

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