Story by JaKayla Brown
Photos by Izzy Young
Illustrations by Sydney Higdon
2026 is already moving fast. New technology, trends and ways of living make it difficult to stay ahead. To keep up, we have to know what we are leaving in 2025 and the new rules we are writing in 2026. Keep reading for a quick breakdown of the ins and outs of 2026.
IN: 2016 Vibes
Alexa, play “Cheap Thrills” by Sia.
The clocks struck 12 on New Year’s Eve just as the ball dropped. We didn’t step into a new era; we teleported back to 2016, truly one of the most iconic eras of the modern day. That year wasn’t just a moment in time; it was a vibe and social media gold. In a world where 2025 kept piling on stress, anxiety and constant digital noise, it felt like we all needed something bright, familiar and genuinely fun. That’s exactly what 2016 gave us, and what we’re craving now.
Life was simpler. I was in sixth grade, skipping class to make Dubsmashes in the halls with my friends. I spent way too much time failing at winged liner and making playlists that I swore defined my identity.
There was something electric about the 2016 era. Now, 10 years later, that energy is back. Skinny jeans and bomber jackets are resurfacing in wardrobes. Bold makeup is trending again. Playlists stacked with Drake, Zara Larsson, Justin Bieber and Rae Sremmurd are also climbing back into our rotations. Even celebrities are hopping in on the nostalgia, sharing throwback photos and reminding us why we loved those days so much.
Whatever it is, 2016 vibes remind us that sometimes joy can be found in the smallest, silliest corners of our digital memory. To be honest, I’m so here for it.
Out: The Weather
If there’s one thing that can instantly shift everyone’s mood on campus, it’s the weather. Lately, it’s been doing the absolute most. All things weather-related are out: the snow, the freezing rain and the random warm days that give false hope. This constant back-and-forth has made getting through the day feel harder than it needs to be, especially when it’s supposed to be a new year.
Students are bundling up in the morning just to peel off layers. Classes have stopped, but responsibilities don’t pause. At this point, even checking the forecast feels like a gamble.
“Out is this weather right now, geez,” Leah Bratcher, a senior marketing major said.
What makes it worse is the lack of consistency. Winter doesn’t need to be enjoyable, but it does need to make up its mind. Whether it’s snow, rain or sunshine, students are simply asking for one thing, stability. Until then, the weather remains firmly out, and my patience is running just as thin as the ice on the sidewalks.
IN: Friends and Community
In a time when everything feels fast, digital and isolating, friends and community are becoming more important than ever. After years of social plans being reduced to group chats and half-hearted check-ins, people are finally craving real connection again. Not just showing up for events, but actually spending time together, sitting around, talking and existing without an agenda.
Something is refreshing about the shift. Hanging out doesn’t have to mean spending money or planning weeks in advance. It can be grabbing coffee, studying together, walking around campus or just being present with people who make everyday life feel lighter. Community doesn’t always look loud or flashy; sometimes it’s just consistency.
Freshman Bria Henderson, a pre-vet major, said that she and her friends like to hang out.
“I want to try to get out more,” Henderson said.
That mindset is becoming more common. Students are choosing face-to-face moments over scrolling and are prioritizing friendships that feel grounding rather than transactional. In a world that constantly pulls attention in every direction, choosing community feels intentional and necessary.
Right now, connection is in. Honestly, it’s a trend worth keeping.
OUT: Being Lazy
Staying in, skipping plans and letting days blur together is officially out. While rest is important, there’s a difference between recharging and letting laziness take over. Lately, too many people have been stuck in the second category. Staying in the dorm all day might feel comfortable in the moment, but it often leaves students feeling more drained and disconnected than before.
College life moves fast, and it’s easy to fall into routines that revolve around classes, beds and screens. That includes relying on shortcuts, especially technology, to get through everything. Using artificial intelligence to do all our work, think for us and hand us life’s answers is just another form of staying in. It removes effort, creativity and the authenticity that makes learning and growing actually meaningful.
“Being lazy, staying in the dorm [is out],” Kayleigh Huffines, a freshman nursing major, said.
There’s nothing wrong with using tools to help, but letting them replace curiosity, connection and real experience is where things go too far. This semester is about showing up to class, to conversations and to life. Laziness is out. Authenticity is back in.
IN: Scent Stacking
One fragrance is no longer enough. Scent stacking, the practice of layering perfumes, lotions and oils, is officially in. It is creative, customizable and makes getting ready feel intentional instead of routine.
As a trendy hygiene girlie, I love this one. There is something so satisfying about finding the perfect combination that feels uniquely you. Smelling good is no longer just an accessory. It is part of the vibe.
For Vanilla girls, try: Ellish, Eos Vanilla, and Victoria’s Secret Bare Vanilla. Thank me later.
OUT: Labubus
Let’s be real, y’all. These little things were never it. I know, it’s a hot take. Labubu toys were supposed to be cute and collectible, but their tiny, twitchy movements and exaggerated faces are more creepy than charming. What was meant to be fun often just leaves people feeling unsettled.
Even watching videos of them online is enough to make you do a doubletake. For something that was meant to be for stress relief or a novelty item, Labubus has quickly crossed into the “too weird to enjoy” category. Sometimes, less really is more.
IN: Side Quests
Exploring new hobbies and trying different activities is officially in. Side quests are all about stepping outside your usual routine, picking up a new skill or hobby and saying yes to experiences you might normally skip. It is less about obligation and more about curiosity, adventure and personal growth.
“If someone asks me to hang out, I’m hanging out. I’m putting myself out there,” Avery Summers, a freshman criminology major, said.
Whether it is painting, gaming, learning an instrument, joining a club or trying new foods, side quests give students a chance to discover new passions and meet people outside their usual circles. Taking small detours can make everyday life more exciting and unpredictable.