Pablo recaps a strong rebound week for the Hurricanes across the board. Miami Volleyball defended home court with back-to-back wins while Canes Golf captured the White Sands Invitational title behind Ashleen Kaur’s stellar play. Women’s Soccer closed its home season in style with a dramatic upset over UNC, and the Hall of Fame Class of 2026 was revealed, featuring Canes legends like Duke Johnson and Mark Richt. Pablo also breaks down the football team’s 42–7 statement win over Stanford, a look ahead to the SMU matchup, basketball’s season kickoff at Watsco, and the return of the Fall Baseball Classic.
Nude Project brings Puerto Rican artists to Miami’s Design District
Under the fluorescent glow of the Miami Design District, creativity pulsed from the walls of the Paradise Plaza Building. The space — usually reserved for sleek storefronts and tourists with designer bags — had been transformed into something far more human: a pop-up playground of sound, fashion and culture courtesy of the Nude Project.
The pop-up, open from Oct. 11 to 26, featured Puerto Rican artists Pink Pablo, Matt Louis and producer duo Slow Jamz. Sponsored by Nocco, the night buzzed with the taste of lemon-lime and blood orange as people crowded in, ready to see what the new generation of Boricua music could sound like.
Around 8 p.m., Slow Jamz took over the decks, with their set flowing like a warm current through the crowd. Puerto Rican underground hits like “Vitamina C” by VEI HABACHE and their own track “SUERTE” filled the room, weaving effortlessly into Bad Bunny and Rauw Alejandro staples. The energy was electric but intimate — like being let in on a secret that the rest of the world hadn’t caught up to yet.
Next, Pink Pablo took the stage, diving into earlier favorites like “perdimos el control” and “veo luces,” then testing new material like “ME QUEDO AKI” and an unreleased track called “ellos saben” that had fans leaning forward, phones raised and faces glowing.
Lastly came the closer, Matt Louis, who carried himself with the calm confidence of an artist sure of where he’s headed. His set unfolded like a cinematic sequence — lush, rhythmic and sensual. Songs off his latest EP “GAMMA” — including “KONFESSION” and “LUNA” — moved seamlessly into his newest single, “DEMBOi.”
I spoke with Matt the previous day at Billboard Latin Music Week, right after his participation in the “Breaking a New Artist: Building a Career Beyond the Hype” panel presented by SONAR. Still buzzing from the experience, he smiled and said, “Super feliz. Tenía muchas ganas de venir a Miami y conocer la industria como artista emergente.”
For Matt, Miami isn’t just another stop — it’s a full-circle moment. His very first trip here was years ago, at 18, to audition at La Banda, long before he met his first producers, Lara Project or connected with the creative collective LV CIUDVD, which helped him grow into the artist he is today.
Outside of the studio, he draws from photography, film, clothing and reading. “I listen to myself,” he said, “and see what images come to mind that correspond to that.” It’s a process that makes sense the moment you see him perform — each song feels less like a track and more like a still from a film he’s directing in real time.
Next up for Matt is more music, more experimentation and more exploration of his evolving sound. His latest single, “DEMBOi,” is already out, signaling a new phase of growth rooted in the same fearless curiosity that brought him here in the first place.
And that, really, is what Billboard Latin Music Week represents. It’s not just a celebration of the artists who’ve made it, but a meeting point for those still defining themselves — where producers, singers and fans from across the world gather to honor what connects them all: the power of music to bring people together.
Miami Women’s Basketball resets ahead of 2025-26 season
The University of Miami’s women’s basketball program enters the 2025-2026 season with fresh talent and energy. Over the offseason, head coach Tricia Cullop and her staff revamped the roster, bringing in new players and raising expectations for the season ahead.
With 12 out of the 14 players on the roster new to the program, the Hurricanes are in the midst of a rebuild, creating a new team atmosphere. The incoming talent has earned national recognition, with Miami’s freshman and transfer recruiting class ranked among the best in the country.
Headlining the Hurricanes roster overhaul are two key transfers, expected to play pivotal roles: Ra Shaya Kyle and Gal Raviv, both projected to be dominant forces on the court.
Kyle, a 6-foot-6 center who previously played at the University of Florida, was the sixth new transfer to the team. Coming off of a career year with the Gators where she started 37 games, Kyle ranked first on the team and sixth overall in the SEC for rebounds per game (8.7 RPG). She also averaged 14.2 points per game, reaching double figures in 32 of 37 games.
Raviv, a 5-foot-9 sophomore point guard from Netanya, Israel, joins the Hurricanes after a standout freshman season at Quinnipiac. She was named the 2025 Mid-American Athletic Conference (MAC) Player of the Year, the 2025 MAC Rookie of the Year, and earned All-MACC First Team and Rookie Team honors. Raviv led Quinnipiac to a 28-5 record, averaging 17.9 points per game while contributing in rebounds, assists, and steals. She also represented Israel in the FIBA U-18 Women’s Eurobasket in Portugal, where she averaged 17.3 points per game and was the fourth-leading scorer in the tournament.
Other significant transfers to Miami include Vittoria Blasigh, Amarachie Kimpson, Candace Kpetikou, Mya Kone and Jessica Peterson, who all bring strength and versatility to the roster.
Miami’s 2025 recruiting class, ranked fifth nationally by ESPNW, adds more potential impact players. Texas guard Camille Williams, averaged 17.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game in her high school senior season. Guard Meredith Tippner, a two-time state champion, was named 2023 Gatorade Player of the Year in Indiana and earned All-State honors three times. Natalie Wetzel, standing at 6-foot-3, averaged 17.4 points per game and led her team to 6A Championship, earning 6A Player of the Year honors.
Guard Danielle Osho is a two-time state champion and 2024 State Championship MVP, earning All-State, All-County honors, and All-Defensive honors. Forward Soma Okolo averaged 21 points, 10 rebounds, and two assists as a junior, leading her team to a district championship and regional final.
The experience and versatility of the players will be tested early, as Miami faces one of the toughest ACC schedules in recent years, including the likes of NC State, Duke, Louisville, and Notre Dame.
With key transfers and a new freshman class, the ’Canes enter the season poised with momentum and high expectations, aiming to turn potential into consistent results. The Hurricanes open the season against Hofstra at home on Nov. 3 at 5:00 p.m.
New leadership, new hope for Miami Men’s basketball
In 2021 and 2022, Miami Hurricanes Men’s basketball reached heights the program had never seen. An Elite Eight appearance in ‘21 followed by a Final Four appearance the next year had fans hopeful for a national title – a trophy that has forever evaded UM basketball.
However, following their two years of glory, the ’Canes crashed back down to Earth, missing the NCAA tournament in ‘23 and ‘24.
Then came the biggest shift of all.
After the ‘24 season, legendary head coach Jim Larrañaga retired, and with key players graduating or transferring, 2025 marks a new chapter for Hurricanes hoops – one filled with lots of questions, but also possibility.
To replace their all-time winningest head coach, Miami brought in former Duke assistant Jai Lucas.
At just 36, Lucas is relatively young for a head coaching role, but he brings a wealth of experience. He spent 12 seasons in assistant roles at Duke, Kentucky and Texas, where he helped guide them to a combined seven NCAA tournament appearances.
With many veterans gone, recruiting will be crucial to Lucas’ success. At Duke, he helped secure the nation’s top recruiting class two years in a row — and he wasted no time getting started in Coral Gables.
Lucas landed multiple key transfers in the portal, who will all be key contributors for the ’Canes this season.
Tre Donaldson, a senior point guard coming from the University of Michigan, brings a true veteran presence to the team. Ernest Udeh Jr., a center out of TCU, is expected to lead the defense as he possesses strong rebounding and shot-blocking skills. Lastly, guard Tru Washington from New Mexico and forward Malik Reneau from Indiana both bring solid scoring and rebounding abilities to the team.
The two most notable high-school recruits Lucas was able to land were five-star Shelton Henderson and four-star Dante Allen. Henderson, a physical 6-foot-10 forward with 6-foot-6 wingspan, excels on defense and is a powerful finisher at the rim. With a developing jumper, Henderson could play a key role on the Hurricanes even as a freshman.
Allen, standing at 6-foot-4 and 220-pounds, is a powerful guard with a high basketball IQ. With his size and athleticism, he is able to be a defensive menace while also being a true playmaker on offense.
Lucas has had high praise for Allen, saying, “I’ve watched Dante play the last three years…and I always said if I was somewhere that he would be appreciated and valued, he’d be one of the first people I’d recruit.”
With a strong new core, the Hurricanes have a solid chance at making a run at the NCAA tournament, but it all depends on how these new pieces mesh together and fit into Lucas’ scheme.
Their 2025–26 campaign tips off Nov. 3 at 8 p.m. against Jacksonville in the Watsco Center.
Receiving weapons galore: 5 breakout candidates in the Hurricanes’ passing game
A deep receiver and tight end room has been historically synonymous with University of Miami football, producing college football legends like Michael Irvin in the 1980s and Andre Johnson in the early 2000s.
LSU transfer CJ Daniels and true freshman Malachi Toney have lived up to these high standards, putting up big numbers as the Hurricanes’ top two receivers this season.
However, there is a significant drop in receiving production beyond what Daniels and Toney have done this season.
Toney has exploded into the college football scene from the slot with 562 yards and three touchdowns in his first seven games, while Daniels has been on the receiving end of over 300 yards and six touchdowns.
No other Hurricane has over 200 receiving yards or two touchdown receptions.
For a Miami offense that has struggled at times to move the chains this season, the emergence of a true number three target for quarterback Carson Beck could pay massive dividends later in the year as the Hurricanes look to make a deep playoff run.
Here are just a few of Miami’s talented pass catchers that have the potential to step up for the remainder of this season.
Jojo Trader
A five star recruit out of high school, South Florida native Joshisa “Jojo” Trader was expected to emerge as a tremendous deep ball threat for the Hurricanes in his sophomore season after putting up 91 yards and a score as a freshman.
In last year’s Pop Tarts Bowl, Trader put the college football world on notice where he stiff-armed an Iowa defender on route to a 40 yard touchdown for Miami.
Despite his immense potential, Trader logged just one snap against Louisville and has been a non-factor this entire season.
“What happened to Jojo Trader?. I don’t see him out there for Miami,” posted NFL quarterback Lamar Jackson on X during the Louisville game.
The reason for Trader’s lack of snaps is largely unknown, but the UM coaching staff may consider giving the talented sophomore more snaps in this 2025 Hurricane offense.
Elijah Lofton
After the departure of superstar tight end Elijah Arroyo to the NFL, many Miami fans had hoped for a breakout year from sophomore Elija Lofton going into this season.
Unfortunately, such a breakout is yet to come. The Las Vegas native has put up 111 yards on 14 receptions in what has been a rather disappointing campaign for one of Miami’s promising young talents.
Lofton has even received some criticism from fans for his role in the game-ending interception against Louisville this season, a loss that ended UM’s once perfect season.
Regardless, Lofton is still an immensely talented tight end who could become a security blanket for Beck, providing a sense of stability to this sometimes turbulent offense.
Keelan Marion
BYU transfer Keelan Marion is currently third in receiving for UM with 176 yards on the year, but has averaged just 9.8 yards per reception and is yet to emerge as a true weapon for the Hurricanes.
In his freshman year at UConn, Marion averaged nearly 17 yards per catch on 28 receptions for 474 yards.
If Marion can rediscover his freshman year form as a redshirt senior, Beck could find himself with yet another deep threat receiver to target along with Daniels and Toney.
Joshua Moore
True freshman Joshua Moore has put up 114 yards on ten receptions this season, including an impressive performance against USF where he scored two touchdowns for Miami en route to a 49-12 blowout victory.
Following his breakout performance against the Bulls, however, Moore is yet to log a single reception, begging the question as to why he hasn’t received more snaps since.
The Miami native impressed as a high school senior with over 1000 yards and 11 touchdowns, choosing UM over schools including LSU, Ohio State, and Penn State.
If Moore can get more opportunities in the UM offense, he may be able to prove why he was so highly touted out of high school.
Tony Johnson
A redshirt senior from Ocala, Florida, Tony Johnson is still yet to break 150 yards on the year. Despite this lack of production, the Cincinnati transfer has proven his ability in the past with back to back 400 yard seasons in 2023 and 2024.
Johnson recently logged his best game in a Miami uniform at home against Stanford, catching three balls for 69 yards and finishing as the team’s receiving yards leader for the game.
UM fans will be hoping that Johnson’s recent performance is only the beginning of a second half resurgence for the highly skilled receiver.
While a true number three target for Beck may be yet to materialize, there is clearly a wealth of talent in this Hurricanes wide receiver room. Time will only tell as to who exactly it will be to stamp their mark on Miami’s 2025 college football season.
Miami golf take first place in White Sands Invitational
All eyes were on the Miami Hurricanes golf program on Sunday after taking first place at the White Sands Invitational in Paradise Island, Bahamas.
The team finished with a total score of +35 over three days of play.
Starting with day one, Ashley Kaur led the way, securing second place overall at +6. Kaur’s performance was outstanding — she shot +4 on the first day and added +2 on the second. Behind Kaur, Rebekah Gardner recorded three rounds totaling +8, securing fourth place on the leaderboard.
Cleo Amino Vilarino finished fifth, just behind Kaur and Gardner, with three rounds totaling +10. Vilarino shot +3 in the first round, +2 in the second, and +5 on the final day.
Barbora Bujáková made a strong return after a season-ending injury, tying Miami’s Stella Jelinek for 13th place in the individual rankings. Bujáková shot +5 in round one, +7 in round two, and +2 on the final day to finish at +14 overall.
Jelinek also finished at +14, shooting +5, +5, and +4 across the three rounds.
The Hurricanes also had Katie Carman and Aada Rissanen competing as individuals. Carman placed 40th with a tournament total of +43, followed by Rissanen in 43rd at +65.
Following their successful tournament in the Bahamas, the Hurricanes will return to Miami to prepare for the spring season. Their next tournament will take place on Feb. 1 in Palos Verdes, California, where they will compete in Ohio State’s Regional Challenge.
Here’s a look at the full team results on Sunday compared to other universities:
- Miami (+35)
- USF (+40)
- High Point (+50)
- Middle Tennessee (+56)
- Northern Illinois (+74)
- Ohio (+88)
- Prairie View A&M (+152)
‘That’s so UMiami’: Nikki Pindor
Nikki Pindor, a freshman influencer at the University of Miami, sat down with Jamison and Sophia for an exclusive interview. Pindor shared her raw, unfiltered opinions on sorority recruitment, the influencer industry, cancel culture and the Miami nightlife scene. She’s the girl that you’ve seen and definitely heard of. Listen here for information you can’t find anywhere else.
Four UM students arrested in Key West during Fantasy Fest weekend
Four University of Miami students were arrested in Key West this past weekend at the annual Fantasy Fest halloween festival.
Three of the four students were arrested by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office on Saturday, Oct. 25. One of these students was charged with one felony count of fraud and two misdemeanors for obstructing a criminal investigation and resisting an officer.
Another was charged with a felony for possession of stolen property. According to the police report obtained by The Miami Hurricane, this student was involved in an altercation that led to the police looking at his identification, resulting in the charge.
The other party involved in the conflict had a laceration to her head and was sent to the hospital after the UM student appeared to defend himself. When police saw his wallet, they also identified two fake IDs.
The third student arrested on Saturday was charged with a misdemeanor for resisting an officer. According to the police report, the student drew attention because he was yelling at a group of officers, calling one a racist, and refused to step back and deescalate the situation.
The fourth student was arrested on Sunday, Oct. 26 and charged with a felony count of drug possession for 3.3 grams of white powder that field tested positive as cocaine. White powder under the student’s nose also tested positive.
These students have not been found guilty in a court of law. All four of their arraignment dates are scheduled for early Nov.
The arrests took place during a weekend excursion where UM students made the drive to Key West to get decked out in costumes to celebrate Halloween on Duval Street. Fantasy Fest draws in close to 75,000 adults, many of whom dress in risque costumes or simply body paint.
The Hurricane reached out to all four students who were arrested, but none of them wanted to participate in an interview.
A UM student who wished to remain unnamed said that Key West is planned well in advance as a weekend to party, drink and engage in risky behaviors that may cross the line.
“All year Key West is discussed, with everyone saying how they will ‘black out’ and make crazy decisions,” the student said. “Some people took their choices in Key West a bit far, such as getting arrested or going to the hospital.”
The unnamed student said that the student who went to the hospital is a fraternity member who experienced alcohol poisoning.
Another student who wished to remain unnamed emphasized that this is not the first time students have been arrested, and that this type of behavior is characteristic of the weekend.
According to the Key West Police Department, Fantasy Fest deployed hundreds of officers from multiple agencies, including some mounted on horseback, FBI officials and “spotters” positioned on roofs of buildings located on Duvall street.
Public Information Officer at KWPD Alyson Crean says that the goal of the heightened police presence was not to prosecute students, but ensure safety.
“It’s really about deescalating rather than resisting,” Crean said. “Nobody wants to ruin somebody’s life, but they also don’t want it to turn into a barroom brawl.”
Editor’s note: The Hurricane has decided not to name the four students who were arrested. The cases are ongoing and we did not want to cause further harm to our peers. The Hurricane prides itself on being a source of reliable, unbiased, student-centered news dedicated to reporting on and for the UM community.
Fluent futures: Why a second language matters
In today’s inter-connected world, it feels as if knowing one language just isn’t enough. In the United States, only 1 in 5 people speak a second language. Not enough people seem to understand that having the ability to speak another language can open new opportunities for people that they might not otherwise be able to achieve with just a single language.
If we want to succeed in our globalized future, we need to treat bilingualism as a necessity and not a luxury.
Now, as a bilingual individual myself — I understand how difficult it is to learn and maintain my second language.
Growing up, the first language that I ever learned was Russian. I even went into kindergarten not knowing a single word of English. But now with English being my predominant language, it’s tough to maintain my proficiency in Russian.
To keep it fresh, I make it a point to practice everyday with either my family and friends or by practicing a few words on Duolingo. Even these small efforts go a long way in helping me stay connected with my mother tongue.
For UM students who are interested in expanding their language knowledge, the university offers Mango Languages through the school library. Students can sign up with their school email and learn languages that Duolingo or other language learning websites might not otherwise have at no additional cost.
Learning another language comes with many great benefits, with one of the most meaningful being that you can interact with people from across many cultures.
“It allows people to communicate with a broader range of people around the world and promotes a deeper understanding of different cultures” said Eiko Williams, a senior lecturer of Spanish and Japanese at the University of Miami. For many students, that connection is exactly what motivates them to learn a second language.
Communication goes deeper when it’s spoken in someone’s native language. Oftentimes, it shows respect to the person you are talking to and makes the person you are talking to feel at ease.
By speaking in that person’s native language, you show that you are willing to break barriers in order to create a genuine connection.
I experience this first hand, as I am able to connect on a deeper level with my grandparents when I speak to them in their native language of Russian rather than in English.
Through our conversations, I’ve learned stories about their lives in the Soviet Union and gained a deeper understanding of our traditions and customs as a family. Speaking their language not only allows me to strengthen my bond with them but also understand my family’s history and roots.
Learning an additional tongue can open new opportunities for you, including better job prospects. With our world being so inter-connected these days, many people of different ethnicities and cultures are present in the workplace.
Employers understand this, which is why they are increasingly looking for candidates who can bridge language gaps and communicate effectively with clients of different backgrounds.
In fact, being bilingual gave me a real advantage in the job market. I was able to secure a job in the banking industry because I was able to effectively communicate with customers who felt more comfortable speaking in Russian.
That ability helped me build trust and strong relationships with our clients, which set me apart from other equally qualified candidates.
Knowing more than one language can distinguish yourself from your peers. It can potentially lead to higher pay or even greater job security. Understanding another language is a valuable skill that could open new pathways for you in your professional life.
My bilingual ability is an essential part of my identity, and I encourage more people to put in the effort that it takes to learn a second language. Learning a language beyond your native one is more than a skill, it’s a way to open more doors and build more meaningful relationships with people of other backgrounds. It can help you see life through a new, more broader perspective.
So please, take the time to learn a new language and see how it can broaden your horizons, deepen your connections with others and open your eyes to the world in ways you’d never suspect.
We can’t keep ignoring Florida’s freshwater crisis
Florida sells itself as a paradise of crystal blue springs, shimmering lakes and beaches that draw millions of visitors each year. But behind the palm tree postcards, there is a harsher truth. Nearly 900,000 acres of Florida’s lakes are too polluted for safe swimming.
This is not just sad, it’s outrageous. For years, state officials have been completely aware that our waters are collapsing, yet they have continued approving more development, permits and pollution. If Florida leaders keep turning the other way, they are not just ignoring an environmental issue. They are gambling with our health, economy and the very identity of Florida.
Think about why you chose UM. Chances are it’s the clear water beaches, promises of spending weekends on boats or simply the idea of living in a place defined by sunshine and coastline played a role in your decision. And if you are one of the many students who actually grew up here, the stakes are even clearer: this is your home. Either way, the same waters that drew you in, or that you’ve depended on your whole life, are now under threat.
It’s not only the beaches or boat days that are at risk. Your dorm water fountains, dining hall ice machines and communal showers are all part of the same system. When that water is polluted, it is not just an environmental concern, but a health risk.
Contaminated water can carry harmful bacteria and nutrients that fuel toxic algal blooms, which have been linked to respiratory problems, stomach issues and even long-term risks like liver damage. Students might notice everyday effects too, like skin irritation or acne flare-ups from showering in water that is not clean. The health of Florida’s waters directly affects our own health.
Florida faces one of the most severe freshwater crises in the U.S. The state leads the nation in polluted lakes, its springs have lost a third of their historic flows and its aquifers are straining under unchecked growth and climate stress. Unless Floridians — including students, residents and voters — demand accountability, Florida risks losing not just its water, but its future.
The numbers are staggering.
Florida ranks first in the U.S. for acres of lakes impaired for swimming and aquatic life, with 873,340 acres . Lake Okeechobee, the liquid heart of the state, continues to exceed phosphorus limits by wide margins, with nutrient levels remaining three to five times above state targets .When those waters are released, they carry toxic nutrients into estuaries, killing seagrass and fueling algal blooms. This is not background noise. It’s a public health and ecological disaster.
Florida is home to more than 1000 springs, the most of any U.S. state. They’re natural wonders, but they’re collapsing. All but four of Florida’s 30 major springs are now considered polluted. On top of that, average spring flows have declined by over a third of their historic levels, largely due to groundwater pumping. These collapsing springs are warnings that the aquifers beneath us, which provide drinking water for 90% of Floridians, are under serious strain.
The crisis is worsened by explosive growth. Florida gains nearly 900 new residents every single day . In Polk County alone, more than 100,000 acres of farmland were converted into subdivisions between 2002 and 2015. Cities like Tampa have already exceeded their permitted water supply, forcing permanent lawn-watering bans.
Meanwhile, lawmakers keep pushing pro-development agendas, even as a report cited by Grist found that the Florida Office of Demographic Research Estimates that projects needed to meet future demand will cost over $3.3 billion by 2040. Every new subdivision, every golf course, every perfectly green lawn adds pressure to a system that is already buckling.
Whether you came here for four years of school or you plan to stay for life, know this: your health, quality of life and even your drinking water depend on how Florida manages this crisis. Floridians must demand stricter water permits, real enforcement of pollution limits and meaningful conservation reforms. Otherwise the “Sunshine State” risks becoming known for toxic, undrinkable water. We do not lack water knowledge in Florida, we lack the will to protect it. And unless we act, we’ll find out what happens when paradise runs dry.
Fake it ‘til you make it?
Campus feels like a runway. With designer logos at every turn, athleisure-inspired sets and shoes that make zero sense in Miami’s torrential downpours, it is hard not to feel pressured to conform.
Among the most visible symbols of this culture are designer bags. The extremely popular tote Goyard bags are popular among students, but a typical Goyard tote, the Saint Louis PM, costs around $1,700 to $2,000 in the U.S.
A little-known fact is that many, if not most, of these designer goods are inauthentic knockoffs. That being said, the University of Miami student body values designer goods and other luxury items in a more public and apparent way than other universities. UM style shapes students, but students also shape the style that defines campus life, and we don’t have to conform to expensive standards.
Students notice this phenomenon too. Julia Illanes, a UM sophomore, said she feels a stronger societal pressure to dress up at the University of Miami. “I felt that way in high school as well, but at UM there’s a uniform,” Illanes said. “I would never ‘dress down’ for class like I would back home in Boston.”
Others resist the pressure. Ellie Cardelle, a recent transfer student and sophomore at UM, explained that, to her, authenticity means “not looking at what’s trending or how other people will perceive my outfits, it’s about what I feel comfortable in.”
Popular TikTok influencers such as Alix Earle and other social media figures have made UM a well-known university among Gen Z for its unique lifestyle, especially when it comes to the specific type of girl the campus produces. The public perception of the female student body is rich, blonde, Goyard-wearing and party-obsessed.
Students on campus feel that influence directly. Illanes said social media “always has some kind of presence, but on our campus specifically the influence is very strong.”
The virality of this perception, sometimes called the UM effect, is real. TikTok popularized UM, and the term refers to the transformation many students experience while living in Coral Gables and attending a university where a high-end lifestyle shapes campus culture. Influencers give UM national visibility, and their content reinforces stereotypes about the UM type. Still, some students argue that influence only goes so far.
“They definitely attempt to shape perceptions,” Cardelle said, “but I think it’s all about staying true to yourself, and there’s a good amount of people on campus who don’t care what those influencers have to say.”
This effect may be inevitable due to the proximity to a major city with a prominent luxury culture and the online traction the university generates. UM’s environment unavoidably shapes style and sometimes pressures students into conformity, but students should decide whether to embrace it.
UM style culture is impossible to ignore, from Miami’s flashy city life to social media fashion influencers. But every student ultimately decides which parts to embrace and which to leave behind.
Sigma Chi: What UM’s Interim Suspension Means for Greek Life
Sophia breaks down the University of Miami’s interim suspension of Sigma Chi, one of the campus’s largest and most recognizable fraternities. The university’s decision halts all chapter activity pending investigation into a reported incident, raising questions about accountability, safety, and the oversight of Greek life at UM. Sophia explains what an interim suspension actually means, the fraternity’s past disciplinary history, and how UM’s zero-tolerance hazing policy factors into the case. Whether you’re involved in Greek life, considering rush, or just following campus culture, this episode unpacks the implications for students, fraternity members, and the broader university community.