It’s a Thursday afternoon and my friends and I finally dragged us out of our rooms and made time for the gym. We’re excited and pumped for our workout and decide to wear matching outfits for the occasion. We all slip on black shorts and pink Breast Cancer awareness t-shirts that exclaim “FEEL YOUR BOOBIES.” After tying our hair into collective pigtails, we start the journey over to the gym. Once we arrive at the gym however, the lighthearted laughter ceases. We swipe our ID’s and stare out at the exercise floor, not sure of what to do next.

‘Were we supposed to change at the gym?’ ‘Where do we put our stuff?’ ‘Who monitors what machine you have?’’ “Is there a time limit?’

As we stare in silence mulling over these illusive questions we start to become more and more aware of the other gym-goers that are staring at us. Not only did we clearly not have any idea what we were doing, we were also standing in the middle of a walkway; taking up space and wasting people’s time. And of course, our matching outfits didn’t do much to mask our freshman confusion. After fumbling thorough an awkward 30 minutes of stretching on the mats, we finally decided that it would be best if we all just left.

The gym becomes a staple in many college students’ everyday lives. But how do you navigate the gym, get a good workout, and not make a fool of yourself? Here is some gym etiquette.

There are some obvious benefits to going to the gym in college. Of course, hitting the gym every now and then helps to avoid the dreaded freshman fifteen and keep you in shape. And as the Mayoclinic.com states, exercise pumps up your endorphins, improves your mood, and acts as a form of meditation. In addition to the health benefits of the gym, the activity has social implications as well. For a lot of colleges, the gym acts as the Mecca of activity, where people meet up with friends, and spend time together. The social aspect of going to the gym is what helps it maintain such a large influence in college students lives.

So if the gym is so important, how do you go without looking stupid? The first rule of the gym is simple; don’t stare. As much as the gym is a social place, first and foremost it is a place for exercise. Many people get very uncomfortable when they work out (not to mention it’s rude to stare). Pay attention to what you’re doing, and don’t dwell on the people around you. Not only is this more polite, you will also have a much more successful workout.

Don’t be afraid to use the machine you want to use. For me, this meant trying out a bunch of machines, and figuring out which one best suited my needs. Don’t restrict yourself when it comes to what you do at the gym. Whenever you leave a machine, don’t forget to clean it off first. Although the gym at my school does have gym attendants whose job it is to clean machines, I think that it is just nicer when you clean the machine that you used. And when you do leave your machine, never leave anything behind.

Do not hog the equipment. At most gyms there is no set amount of time that you have on each machine, but it is polite to allow other people to use it. Don’t listen to your music too loudly; the people around you don’t need to hear it. If you get tired of working out on the machines, switch it up. Try taking an exercise class or look into getting a personal trainer. This exercise is a lot more social, and can be a lot of fun.

Most importantly, be respectful of the equipment, of the other people there, and of yourself. The gym should be a somewhat enjoyable experience that can only be fun if you follow the rules and never, ever stare!

Yes or No?

My eyes creek open, and I cringe away from the light creeping in my window. My head is pounding, and it feels like I have slept for a mere ten minutes. “What time is it?” I wonder as I bury my head under my pillow. I drift back to sleep, refusing to glance at the clock. My roommate shaking me suddenly wakes me up. “What??” I question, annoyed that she disturbed my slumber. “It’s 3 o’clock. Shouldn’t you be in class?” I shoot up out of my bed, and scramble to my alarm clock. 3 PM?! How could this happen. Apparently, it might not be the best idea to go out on Thursday night.

Everyone has heard about Thirsty Thursday; it’s a college staple. Thursday is the mark of a week almost completed and the beginning of a weekend. At most colleges, people throw parties on Thursdays and want to go out. But is it a positive choice to go out on Thursday, or should you just stay in?

Personally, I found Thirsty Thursday to be fun. There is nothing like going through a long day of school, and then partying the same night. College offers the opportunity to do this in a way that was never possible in high school. Living at home with my parents I had curfew and class at 7 am every morning. Going out on a weeknight was never even a possibility. This idea is a lot more feasible in college. Being out a Thursday night feels like you’re doing something bad, and breaking the rules. That’s what makes it so much fun.

But as my “morning after Thirsty Thursday” story demonstrated there are some consequences to going out on a weeknight. It’s very difficult to get up the next morning after a night of partying. And by going out, you risk not going to class the next day. Know your schedule, and know your limits. If you have an 8 am on Friday’s, its probably not a good idea to go out. If you do decide to go out, don’t make it a regular habit. You’re in college to get an education, and if going out on weeknights compromises your grades, it’s not worth it.

The temptation to go out and party will be there, no matter what college you go to. Make the best decision for yourself, and don’t let other people influence you. After my Thirsty Thursday fiasco, I decided that I could only handle going out some Thursdays, but definitely not all of them.

Dont Let this Happen to You!

I don’t remember the class ending. I remember walking into the classroom, and taking my seat next to the cute boy that I always sit next to. I remember pulling out my notebook, and pen and settling in for the lecture. I remember the professor turning off the lights, and the movie starting. So why is someone shaking my shoulder? I look to my right, and the cute boy is staring at me with a look of concern on his face. Wait a minute, that’s not concern. He’s trying not to laugh. At me. “Who is shaking me?” I wonder as I look to my left and am shocked to find my professor staring at me with a look in concern in her eyes. Wait a minute, that’s not concern. She is angry. I glance around the room and see that the entire class is staring at me suppressing laughter, and giggles.  I finally begin to realize where I am, and what has happened. I slept through the entire lecture. And apparently, I talk while I sleep.

So embarrassing.

Falling asleep in class is something that you want to avoid at all costs. But it’s hard to get a good night sleep in college. During my freshman year I found myself up until 4 am most nights. I learned (the hard way) that there’s a direct correlation between the amount of time you sleep at night, and your ability to pay attention in class. Here are some tips on how to make sure you stay awake in class, and get the sleep that you need.

A study that appears in the Journal of Adolescent Health found that “On weeknights, 20 percent of students stay up all night at least once a month and 35 percent stay up until 3 a.m. at least once a week.” This information isn’t surprising. After a long day of classes and activities, nighttime is the only time that most college students can get their work done. Once you factor in time spent going to dinner and time procrastinating, homework time probably doesn’t start until midnight. The same study found that “twelve percent of poor sleepers miss class three or more times a month or fall asleep in class.” This data is the most telling of all. Just because you pull an all nighter to get your work done, doesn’t mean you’re going to wake up in time for your class the next morning. College students find themselves in never-ending cycles of staying up to do work, going to sleep late, and going to class completely exhausted. So how do you break the cycle?

Stop Procrastinating. One of the main reasons college students find themselves up so late at night is because they wait to the last minute to do their work. If you know you have a paper due on Tuesday, don’t wait until Monday night to start it. Hold yourself responsible for your work, and spread out your workload so you aren’t overwhelmed.

Take naps. This aspect is of college is very similar to preschool. Naps are a glorious thing, and they’re the salvation of college students all over the country. A simple 15-minute nap can rejuvenate the system, and get you ready for class. Try and squeeze in a nap whenever you have the time to do it. Some sleep is better than no sleep. But beware, set an alarm or you’ll oversleep.

Go to bed. For me, this is the most difficult of all the tips. When I have work that needs to get done, I can’t go to sleep. It’s like I cant get my brain to stop working, and all I can thing about is the work that I have to do. But sometimes the best thing you can do is to go to bed, and wake up early in the morning to get your work done.

Lack of sleep triggers numerous other problems that are sure to ruin your week. Students that don’t sleep are more susceptible to ‘sabotaging their physical and mental health’ and making “impairments in the immune and cardiovascular systems”. Your best bet is to avoid all these issues, and go to bed!

Find your special someone

I’m sitting in the dining hall with my girls, discussing our plans for the weekend. Out of the corner of my eye I spot quite possibly the cutest boy I’ve ever seen. He’s sitting about three tables away with his friends, wearing a J. Crew blazer and dark denim jeans. He has creamy light brown skin, and a gorgeous smile. As soon as I see his pearly whites I spot another feature that makes me go weak at the knees: dimples! At this point I’m blatantly staring at this boy, which causes all of my friends to focus their attention on my object of affection. Now we’re all starting, and it’s pretty obvious whom we’re staring at. Time stops as the boy catches me staring and does the impossible… he winks.

I die.

College is full of new people, and luckily some of those new people include new boys. Here’s how to meet that guy (or girl) that caught your eye without making a complete fool of yourself.

Although I’m not an expert when it comes to boys, I have had my fair share of crushes. In college, crushes are just as difficult to deal with as they are in high school. It is inevitable that in college you will want to date and try out different people. College offers a wide array of fresh faces and opportunities for romance, so take advantage of it! First, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there, and introduce yourself to the boy that you like. It has been my experience that guys like girls that are straightforward and honest about their feelings, so take the risk and make the first move.

Second, know that everyone in college wants what you want; a relationship. The truth is, just because you’re in college now doesn’t mean the opposite sex (or the same sex) isn’t a big deal. Everyone is uncomfortable and nervous when around the person that they like, so take comfort in knowing that you aren’t alone.

There are some things to consider. Chances are, you aren’t going to meet your soul mate at a frat party on Saturday night, and the guy that you hook up with probably wont want to go out on a date afterwards. Parties generally aren’t the place to meet that special someone; you’re more likely to meet that “special someone” for one night. But don’t be discouraged, most people find the perfect guy (or girl) when they aren’t looking. Beware of the hook up situation if you go to a small school; chances are you’ll run into the guy you made out with Friday night in the library on Sunday and it will be awkward. Be selective with who you do hook up with, your time is valuable and one perfect guy beats a million okay guys any day.

Lastly, don’t make finding someone to date your top priority. Boyfriends and girlfriends are fun, but you can absolutely have a good time without one. As Sam Adams says in his brilliant “I Hate College Remix”, “Single doesn’t mean I’m looking for somebody!” Have a good time with or without a relationship, and don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to the cute boy in the dining hall. You never know where it could lead.

Spring Break 2010

When Spring Break finally rolls around, what are your plans? Keep your options open and utilize your time to the fullest!

By the time it was Spring Break of my freshman year of college I was more than ready to go home. Spring Break at most college only lasts one short week, but ends up being a much-needed vacation. It was also a symbol that I had made it more than halfway thorough my first year of college. But once it was Spring Break I had no idea what I wanted to do, or how to spend my time.

Going back home for Spring Break is somewhat bittersweet. It’s great to be home, but there is an overwhelming sense of not belonging. For me, Spring Break made me realize how much I missed my home, but also how much I no longer fit in here. Going away to college is like living a double life. Being home, I was expected to abide by my parents’ rules. For me it was hard to adjust, and I think it’s important to find something meaningful to fill your time with during your break.

One option is to get a job, or go back to your old one. Although this isn’t the most glamorous of options, a job offers a reward that any college student can appreciate: money. Work as hard as you can over break, and save the money so you can use it for the rest of the semester. Try to pick a job that is somewhat related to your chose field of study in college. Though it doesn’t have to be an internship or anything too official, any little bit of experience can be helpful.

Another option is to spend your break making a difference. Alternative Spring Breaks, where college students opt to do community service during their breaks. Check out studentuniverse.com for more information about where you can go, and what you can do. Go to Romania and volunteer at an orphanage, or travel to Costa Rica and help out with their environmental initiative. No matter where you go, your presence will make a difference.

Spring Break ends up being a much-needed vacation for college students that are overstressed and overworked from the day-to-day responsibilities of college. For even more information on making your Spring Break count, read Studentstuff blogger Megan’s recent post entitled “Staying Home for Spring Break? Use Your Time to make an Impact!” In the article, Megan explores Kiwanis International, a community service based group , and suggests that volunteering can be a great way to spend your break.

Make sure that you make the most of your time during Spring Break, see your friends, hang out with your parents, and cherish every minute. Before you know it, your break will be over and it will be time for classes again!

Do you drink?

It’s Friday night, and it seems as if my entire dorm is drunk. I know that seems like an extreme exaggeration. But everywhere I turn people are stumbling all over the place and slurring their words. My friends want to go out and party, dance the night away. But of course before we go out, they want to pre-game. I feel pressure to drink from my friends, and pressure not to drink from the nagging voice of my mom in my head. What’s a girl to do? Here’s how to avoid drinking in college (if you don’t want to) and how to keep it under control (if you do).

I’m not gonna lie; drinking in college is always an options. College campuses across the United States are filled with 18-year-old kids enjoying their first year away from home and their first glimpse at freedom. And with that freedom comes the ability to make stupid, reckless decisions. That’s where drinking comes in. Once the weekend rolls around, most college students are itching at the chance to let loose and have a good time. Hence, the drinking. But despite the overwhelming availability of alcohol in college, there is no law that says you have to engage in the reckless (and illegal activity).

There are ways to have fun in college that don’t involve drinking. And I’m not talking about staying and playing board games all the time. Just because you aren’t drunk, doesn’t mean you cant have a good time. My advice is, if you’re uncomfortable drinking then don’t drink. But don’t let the lack of alcohol stop you from having a good time. And if you have friends that tell you otherwise, perhaps it’s time to rethink your choice in friends. Go out, dance, and party. You don’t need alcohol to do that.

If you do, however, choose to drink it’s important to be aware of a few things. Campuslife.suite.101.com has some pretty crucial tips about how to be safe when drinking in college. Use the “buddy system”. This means no drinking alone, always have someone with you if you plan on drinking. “Drink in a Safe Environment” with people that you know will take care of you if something were to happen. And always “Know your limit.” Keep track of how much you’ve had to drink and be aware who is giving you alcohol.

Either way, college is the time in your life when you’re supposed to have fun. When it comes down to it, drinking or not drinking is a choice that you have to make for yourself. No matter what you choose, have fun!

Overscheduled Students

College is a balancing act of school, friends, extracurriculars, sports, and family. Needless to say, it can be a little overwhelming. During my freshman year, I found myself stressed out on most days, and I saw my grades take a toll. How can you stay involved in all of your on campus activities, have a social life, and still have time to study? Here are some tips on how to make sure that you can get it all done, and still keep your sanity.

Do you feel like you don’t have time to be reading this? Do your friends have to schedule time to hang out with you? When you finish your shift at work, are you counting the minutes until practice begins? If you answered ‘yes’ to one or more of these questions, you are overscheduled. There is nothing wrong with being involved while in college; in fact it’s looked at as a good thing. I know that I am guilty of over scheduling myself; classes, work, PRSSA meetings, Fashion Show Rehearsal, tutoring… the list goes on and on. So how do you make it all work?

The truth of the matter is, making it work has to be personal. Being overscheduled is a choice that college students make; it’s not something that is forced onto them. My schedule is packed because I want it that way and because I enjoy being active in my campus community. The key is to be aware of your own personal limits, and understanding what you can handle and what your cant.

If just looking at your schedule stresses you out, there are some things you can do to manage your time. Prioritize your schedule. Look at all your activities and rank them in order of importance. Know what things have to get done today, and what things can wait. Once things have been prioritized, you might be able to cut out one of the less important activities. Ask for help. One of the big problems that college students have is there mentality of wanting to do it all. Unfortunately, you cant. Talk to your peers and coaches about your workload, and ask for help when you can get it. Look into talking to your counselor as well. At most universities, students are assigned an advisor to help them throughout their academic career. Don’t be afraid to make an appointment with your advisor to talk about any concerns you have about your schedule.

Check out Harvard Magazine’s article entitled “Nonstop” to read about more students just like you that are overscheduled. While the article focuses on specifically Harvard College students, the implications span to any college student, nationwide. As author Craig Lambert says “today’s superhero undergraduates do 3,000 things at 150 percent.” Just make sure that you can handle all 3,000 things.

Don't forget to study!

I’m sitting in Intro to Mass Media, counting the minutes until the class is over. Today we’re getting back our exams but I’m not too worried; I studied a bit before the test and finished it early. Finally, my professor hands me back my test with a solemn look on his face. “Keep working at it” he bellows with a shake of the head. At the top of my paper is a big C+. My mouth drops open in shock. I got a C+. How could this happen?!

In college, studying becomes the most important thing that you can do. It’s not enough to just show up to class, getting good grades depend on how much effort you put into learning the material. Here are some tips on study habits, and making sure that your next exam grade isn’t a C+.

In high school, I was always a straight A student. I don’t mean to brag, but I’m good at school, and I had pretty much discovered the formula to doing well. In high school, the answers were basically handed to you and as a student my main job was to listen and internalize information. In high school, teachers distributed information in numerous forms; PowerPoint’s, handouts, group discussions, and notes.

Unfortunately, college is nothing like this. Learning in college is a much more active process, and professors aren’t going to spoon-feed you the information you need to know. In college, it’s up to you to take notes during lectures, and then study those notes in order to prepare for the tests. In college your GPA does matter, and it completely depends on the grades that you get.

So, in order to get the grades that you need try and create a study routine. This means that for each class you have, you know the set amount of time that you need to study for it. For harder classes, set aside more time. It also helps to have study partners that will study with you. Study partners not only allow you too meet the people in your class, but also ensure that when you do study you make the most of your time. Be wary of who you choose as a study partner though; don’t allow them to be a distraction.

Study habits have to be personal in order to work out. Know how much time it will take for you to internalize the material and do well on your next exam. I know that I have to study more (and study harder) for my next Mass Media exam if I want to do better than a C+. For more tips on study habits and the best way to study, check out academictips.org. The site gives excellent advice about note taking skills, and time management options that are sure to help you prepare for your next exam.

RA: Friend or Foe?

It’s 4 am and my friends and I are just getting back from a party in town. When you go to school in Ithaca, New York, snow is a regular occurrence so when we get back to the dorm, our first thought is to get warm. We are pretty rowdy as we stomp our way to the second floor; partly shaking the snow off our shoes, partly making noise because it’s fun. My friends and I pile into a centralized dorm, shimmy into pajamas, and turn on the music and the TV. We begin the conversation that comes up after every party; what are we going order? Our favorite song comes on, and we all begin to sing along and dance around the room when… KNOCK KNOCK, KNOCK.

We all freeze in horror, our eyes shifting to the door. The urgency of the knock lets us know exactly who it is, and exactly what she wants. No one dares to breathe, let alone move towards the dreaded sound. KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK. The sounds raps again, louder this time and more insistent. We stare at each other, too afraid to hand out the responsibility of answering it. But we know someone has to. Since I’m the brave one, (or the dumb one depending on who you talk to) I decide that I should just answer the door. I peer through the peephole in the door and realize that my suspicions were correct.

It’s the RA.

At most colleges, resident assistants (or RA’s) are students that are hired to supervise people living in residence halls on campus. For the most part RA’s are older than their residents; they are upperclassmen with experience and knowledge of the college. Despite the fact that RA’s are students too, RA’s can be scary. They are the only people of authority within a dorm and can basically make your life hell. So how do you make your RA happy, make sure you stay out of trouble, and still have fun? Here are some tips on resident assistants.

There is a fine line between an RA and their residents. Although RA’s are students first, fulfilling their RA responsibilities are a close second. Most RA’s are paid for their work and receive extra benefits for the job. RA’s have a responsibility to keep their residents in line, and have to keep a somewhat ‘professional’ relationship with their residents. As a first year student, I found it very weird that I was expected to answer to my RA. On my floor, there are two female RA’s and when I first met them I was able to relate to them on a student level. It wasn’t until the first time I got in trouble for a ‘quiet hours violations’ that I came to recognize the power that an RA has. Rule number one; don’t piss off your RA.

While RA’s do have a lot of responsibility in any residence hall, they are people too. It is possible to befriend your RA as long as you respect their position. Most RA’s don’t enjoy writing people up, or getting them into trouble. I live in an all freshman dorm, so my RA’s are very open to answering questions and helping me get through my first year. For the most part, I’ve been able to get close enough to some of my RA’s, and consider them to be my friends. However there are some RA’s that enjoy the power that they yield, and enjoy being able to enforce the rules and regulations. These are the RA’s that go out of their way to write people up, and stand outside of people’s doors and listen to see if they are doing anything wrong. With this kind of RA, no matter what you do they won’t like you. Rule number two; if your RA isn’t friendly, keep your distance.

If you listen to the rules set by your residence hall, and show a decent amount of respect for your RA, you shouldn’t have a problem. Most RA’s strive to try and form friendships with their residents so that they can make more of a difference in their lives. If you ever do have a major problem with your RA, or a problem that you don’t want to discuss with your RA, talk to your RD (residence director). The RD acts as the RA’s boss, and is typically an adult. RD’s have the authority to stand up for you if you aren’t okay with the actions of your RA. Rule number three; if your RA makes you uncomfortable, talk to the RD.

The bottom line is; all RA’s are different. You can’t predict what your RA will be like, or force your RA to like you. When it comes down to it, whether your RA likes you are not, it is always possible to have a fun time in your dorm without getting in trouble. Rule number four; don’t get caught. ]]> http://www.studentstuff.com/2010/03/03/your-resident-assistant-friend-or-foe/feed/ 0 http://www.studentstuff.com/2010/03/02/mom-im-poor/ http://www.studentstuff.com/2010/03/02/mom-im-poor/#comments Tue, 02 Mar 2010 14:00:23 +0000 Anissa http://www.studentstuff.com/?p=7343

In the poor house!

It’s Friday night and everyone is running to the ATM to take money out. As we approach the building, I run the numbers in my head. “Eight dollars for cab fare, three dollars to get in the frat, ten dollars for food afterward.” We get inside the building and I perform the routine. Dip card into the slot, select savings, select $40, and wait for the money to dispense. But this time, something different happens. The machine makes a dejected sound, and spits out a crisp white receipt. Confused, I wait for my crisp green bills to come out but nothing happens. I peer down at my receipt and read the big, black, bold words in horror: INSUFFICIENT FUNDS. I was broke.

This horrific scene ended up being the embarrassing end to my night. I called my bank and found out that I had a whopping $13. 28 left in my bank account. How was that even possible? ! I called my mom the next day and had to sit through an hour conversation about my lack of money management. It was a nightmare. Budgeting your money in college seems an impossibly daunting task. Here are some tips on how to keep an eye on your funds in college.

There is nothing worse than calling your mother for more money while your at college. It’s something that all mothers expect, the call from their son or daughter begging for an extra $20, or an early allowance. And even though parents expect it, they never like it. When I called my mom she was happy to give me the money that I needed, but she expressed her disappointment in me. And everyone knows that there is nothing worse than disappointing your parents. There are some simple things to do to make sure that you know exactly how much money you have left.

First, try and write down everything you spend. Write it down when you take out money from the ATM, and record the amount as well. Write down what you buy and how much you spent on it. That way there is no chance of being unaware of what you have left. Once you have everything written down, take a good look at the list. When I did this, I realized just how much money I’ve spent on food and stupid stuff. Coffee every morning, sweatshirts from the bookstore, tickets to plays and overpriced milk at the on campus grocery store. The amount of money I spent on unnecessary items was ridiculous. Seeing it all out on paper, I was able to make a conscious effort to make my own coffee in the dorm instead of buying a cup, and save a good amount of money in the process.

If you try all of these tips and you’re still poor, there is only one thing you can do; get a job. Although this may seem like a daunting task, getting a job on campus isn’t that hard to do. Obviously, a job is the perfect way to make more money. I can guarantee your parents will appreciate you trying to contribute to your college expenses.All of the money that you make will go directly to any extras that you want to buy. Once your parents find out that you got a job, they probably wouldn’t mind giving you money after all.

For extra help, go on Collegestudentsarepoor.com for  tips on how to budget your money. There are ideas on how to save money, and how to make more money as a college student. Don’t rely on your parents to take care of you financially, show them that you can handle it on your own. Make sure the next time you go out, you’re positive you have more than enough money for cab fare.