January often marks a fresh start for college and graduate students returning from winter break: a chance to recharge, clear your mind, and prepare for another semester of learning. But “returning to the classroom” looks very different today. With the rapid growth of online education, students are logging in from bedrooms, home offices, coffee shops, and even poolside lounge chairs. This flexibility is empowering, yet it also introduces new challenges: How do you stay focused in a busy café? How do you build structure when your classroom is wherever you happen to be?

New York

 Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as New York City’s 110th mayor, becoming the first Muslim and youngest leader at age 34, amid celebrations and protests outside City Hall.