Red light: Red flags to look for at Barnard and beyond

While red flags may be tempting to ignore, being able to spot and evade them is a crucial part of college life. Hear about what fellow Barnard students look to avoid in the streets of New York, classrooms, and relationships. 

Photo by Vernon Demir/The Barnard Bulletin

By Bryn Huber 

January 28, 2025

While red nails and sweaters are cute, red flags are not. The term “red flag” has been in the Gen Z vocabulary for some time now, but what are actual “red flags”? How can we differentiate between experiences that are harmless and ones that are potentially harmful, physically or mentally? 

Well, a handful of Barnard students agreed to share their red flag wisdom with The Bulletin, giving us insight into what to look out for when navigating through life on and around Barnard’s campus. We are going to talk about red flags in the context of everyday college life — from personal relationships and academic settings, to social settings and more. Rosie Scott (BC ’28) provides a clear definition, declaring, “A red flag is a sign to stay away.” A short and sweet definition for something that rarely is. 

Red flags on Barnard’s campus 

According to Scott and a handful of other Barnard students, our lovely campus has some red flags of its own that should be avoided. To no college student’s surprise, the red flags begin with the dining halls. “When the eggs aren’t real eggs and they’re already a mixture,” said Scott when asked what red flags she’s encountered thus far on Barnard’s campus. 

Seconding Scott’s anti-powdered egg sentiment is Charlotte Condacci Reis (BC ’28), as she cited “the powdered eggs” as “definitely” being Barnard’s biggest red flag. 

But is there a nutritional difference between powdered and fresh eggs? According to Columbia Health’s Go Ask Alice!, powdered eggs are a solid supplement for fresh eggs, as they “can help you meet your protein needs.”

Buildings at Barnard — or lack thereof — are also on students’ red flag list, as “the science center not being finished yet” was another one of Condacci Reis’ Barnard red flags. 

However, Columbia does not escape the red flag accusations from Barnard students, as a Columbia campus red flag is “when men smoke outside of Butler,” said Abby Sun (BC ’28). I, myself, rarely step foot in Butler, but can attest that this red flag is extremely accurate. It doesn’t matter the day or time, nine out of ten times, if one walks in front of Butler Library, there will be a man smoking a cigarette. 

Regardless of the location, smoking is a red flag in itself, with numerous health risks associated with it; according to the American Lung Association, “Cigarette smoke contains more than 7,000 chemicals, at least 69 of which are known to cause cancer.” 

That being said, red flags don’t need to be associated with specific locations like dining halls or Butler, as red flags can be as simple as lack of courteous actions. “I think people not holding the door,” declared Anny Sarkar (BC ’28). Ladies, let’s hold the door for each other — chivalry isn’t male-exclusive. 

Red flags in relationships 

There are countless red flags to look out for in relationships. Citing some typical warning signs for toxic relationships is House of Ruth, which stated it can be a red flag when partners “ want to move too quickly into the relationship,” or “they criticize or put you down.” 

Strangers on social media have been putting in their ten cents on the biggest relationship red flags for years, but Barnard students know best: “I think lying. I don’t mess with liars,” said Sun, while Sarkar stated “commitment issues” as her number one red flag. Both are solid examples of dishonesty not being a solid foundation for a strong relationship; hence, they’re deemed red flags. 

However, a more niche relationship red flag was pointed out by Scott, as she found that, “It’s a red flag when a guy doesn’t have any sisters.” People tend to judge others for the position they hold in their family — if they are an only child versus oldest, middle, or youngest child. Therefore, it seems to be sound logic to judge potential relationship partners based on their family dynamics as well. 

As someone who has an older sister, I know that older sisters can serve as role models for how to act in general but especially with how to act with women. According to Greater Good Magazine, specifically within heterosexual relationships, having a sibling of the opposite sex can prove to be an advantage, as “‘kids with other-sex siblings are more romantically competent.’” 

But can there be too much female influence in a man’s life? According to Condacci Reis, there can be, as she deemed “having a girl best friend” as something to be on the lookout for in entering a relationship. 

NYC: The big apple or the big red flag?

Where to start with New York City? Most have a love-hate relationship with the city, and Barnard students are no exception. Some call it the hustle and bustle, but Scott calls it “individualistic culture” and a red flag. In a big city, it would be exhausting to get wrapped up in everything around you — so people just tune everything out. This is great for getting from point A to point B undisturbed but bad for fostering a sense of community and belonging. 

However, even getting from point A to point B can be difficult, as Condacci Reis points out that “the 1 train being always delayed” is something Barnard and Columbia students are all too aware of being an issue. This delay can throw a damper on one’s day, especially if you’re scouting out good food, as “all the good food spots are on the Lower East Side,” as noted by Condacci Reis. This is true. Anytime you see a food recommendation on TikTok, Instagram, or a friend’s Beli account, nine out of ten times it will be located at the furthest place in Manhattan from Barnard — aka the Lower East Side. 

“The smell of pee everywhere,” was Sun’s first thought when asked about New York’s biggest red flag, and I can’t say I disagree. One minute you’re walking down Broadway carefree, the next your face contorting in disgust after getting a hint of a mysterious scent. New York definitely keeps you on your toes. 

At the end of the day, being perfect isn’t important, but being mindful of your surroundings and relationships is an essential part of learning how to live life. Enjoy Barnard dining, get to know new people romantically or platonically, and live in New York City — but make sure to keep an eye out for red flags.