It is the end of the semester and therefore this will be my last RPS blog entry. I've had a fun writing about my life here at Indiana University and I hope that everyone out there has enjoyed reading it.
As for me, I am on to other things! I will be graduating on May 7th. Later in May I will be moving to Orlando, Florida to participate in an internship at SeaWorld Orlando. Then, in August, I will be moving to Nashville Tennessee to study at Vanderbilt University to get my M.Ed in Higher Education Administration.
I know there is a lot of life ahead of me, but it is still sad to see these good times at IU come to a close. I know that I will miss the campus and the faculty, but I will miss my amazing friends the most.
Bye IU. <3
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Thursday, April 14, 2011
How to Survive Little 5
As everyone on campus knows, the Little 500 is a bike race that annually takes place in the end of April. It is a large, end-of-the-year event that echoes across campus for a full week. Though the bike race takes place on Saturday, the partying for the event begins the Friday of the prior week. Some people enjoy the week of partying, others find it irritating. I won't say which side I take, but will instead provide tips to survive the week whether you choose to party or do your own thing.
For Those Who Party
1. Be Safe: One of the most unfortunate parts of Little 5 is the lack of concern for one's health and welfare. If you want to party, that's fine, but do so safely. Have a designated driver, stay with friends who will watch your back and keep you from going home with a stranger, and know your own drinking limits.
2. Go to Class: Another of the ills of Little 5 is that many students tend to skip class. According to a poll at IDSnews.com, 26% of respondents said that they would not be attending any classes, and 32% stated that they would only attend a few classes. This, of course, irks professors, and they tend to take measures to punish students who do not attend. Giving out extra credit, giving an easy pop quiz, and showing students the answers to upcoming final questions are a few of the methods I have seen professors take.
3. Go to Class Sober: Some people think it's funny to attend class drunk. It's not. If you want to drink vodka out of a water bottle, do it outside of the classroom please.
For Those Who Do Not Party
1. Have fun!: You may not be interested in recreational drinking, but that does not mean that you cannot have any fun during Little 5 week. Get together with a group of friends and do something fun! Attend an on-campus festival like Collins Fest or Huge Fest, play some sports in the sunshine at Woodlawn Field or go get ice cream at the Chocolate Moose. Relax and ENJOY yourself a little bit. It's springtime, time to celebrate!
2. Be Safe: People do stupid things when they've been drinking and are more inclined to do things they would not do while sober. I'm not saying you're going to be attacked by a drunken mob, but you should still be aware of your surroundings. Also be careful when crossing streets, and try not to walk alone late at night.
3. Be Understanding: Partying may not be your favorite way of cutting loose, but for many college students (and maybe some of your friends) it is. While it can be frustrating to hear people screaming at 3 a.m. or watch someone stumble down the street at 4 p.m. on a Tuesday, do not be frustrated by the situation. Take the week to focus on yourself and things that you like to do, do not waste your time being irritated about situations you cannot change.
For Those Who Party
1. Be Safe: One of the most unfortunate parts of Little 5 is the lack of concern for one's health and welfare. If you want to party, that's fine, but do so safely. Have a designated driver, stay with friends who will watch your back and keep you from going home with a stranger, and know your own drinking limits.
2. Go to Class: Another of the ills of Little 5 is that many students tend to skip class. According to a poll at IDSnews.com, 26% of respondents said that they would not be attending any classes, and 32% stated that they would only attend a few classes. This, of course, irks professors, and they tend to take measures to punish students who do not attend. Giving out extra credit, giving an easy pop quiz, and showing students the answers to upcoming final questions are a few of the methods I have seen professors take.
3. Go to Class Sober: Some people think it's funny to attend class drunk. It's not. If you want to drink vodka out of a water bottle, do it outside of the classroom please.
For Those Who Do Not Party
1. Have fun!: You may not be interested in recreational drinking, but that does not mean that you cannot have any fun during Little 5 week. Get together with a group of friends and do something fun! Attend an on-campus festival like Collins Fest or Huge Fest, play some sports in the sunshine at Woodlawn Field or go get ice cream at the Chocolate Moose. Relax and ENJOY yourself a little bit. It's springtime, time to celebrate!
2. Be Safe: People do stupid things when they've been drinking and are more inclined to do things they would not do while sober. I'm not saying you're going to be attacked by a drunken mob, but you should still be aware of your surroundings. Also be careful when crossing streets, and try not to walk alone late at night.
3. Be Understanding: Partying may not be your favorite way of cutting loose, but for many college students (and maybe some of your friends) it is. While it can be frustrating to hear people screaming at 3 a.m. or watch someone stumble down the street at 4 p.m. on a Tuesday, do not be frustrated by the situation. Take the week to focus on yourself and things that you like to do, do not waste your time being irritated about situations you cannot change.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Friday, April 1, 2011
How to Stay Informed in the College "News Bubble"
During my freshman year at IU, I became so wrapped in all of the new things surrounding me that I found myself drifting about in what I called that "news bubble." I could not tell you about one piece of news from the 2007-2008 school year. As the years have progressed I have found following the news to be more enjoyable and convenient, and I eventually broke out of that bubble. Of course, college students are always skilled at wasting time on the computer, so I put together a compilation of my favorite online news resources that you can use to keep up with what has been going on in the world!
1. The Indiana Daily Student
http://idsnews.com/
I love the IDS online site because I can keep up on local Bloomington and IU news even if I forget to grab a copy of the free newspaper. The page also has links to the Weekend, Inside Magazine and Arbutus (all IU student publications).
2. CNN.com
http://www.cnn.com/
A good source for a quick review of U.S. and international news. A great resource for someone who only has the time to skim the headlines!
3. The Huffington Post
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/
This is just MY personal favorite, but online blogs and news outlets are a fantastic source of information. If you have a specific interest, look for a blog that discusses your interests and check it regularly! It is a great way to find unconventional news.
4. Al Jazeera
http://english.aljazeera.net/
As a journalism major, I hear a lot of complaints that even major news outlets like CNN or NBC report stories with a strong U.S. bias behind them. If you want to get international news WITHOUT the "U.S. tie-in," Al Jazeera is a fantastic resource.
5. Twitter
http://twitter.com/
Social media is a surprisingly easy way to keep up with news worldwide. Simply create a Twitter account and follow a few news outlets. Then, when you log in, you will get constant news updates about top headlines! I suggest Bloomberg and Reuters to get you started.
1. The Indiana Daily Student
http://idsnews.com/
I love the IDS online site because I can keep up on local Bloomington and IU news even if I forget to grab a copy of the free newspaper. The page also has links to the Weekend, Inside Magazine and Arbutus (all IU student publications).
2. CNN.com
http://www.cnn.com/
A good source for a quick review of U.S. and international news. A great resource for someone who only has the time to skim the headlines!
3. The Huffington Post
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/
This is just MY personal favorite, but online blogs and news outlets are a fantastic source of information. If you have a specific interest, look for a blog that discusses your interests and check it regularly! It is a great way to find unconventional news.
4. Al Jazeera
http://english.aljazeera.net/
As a journalism major, I hear a lot of complaints that even major news outlets like CNN or NBC report stories with a strong U.S. bias behind them. If you want to get international news WITHOUT the "U.S. tie-in," Al Jazeera is a fantastic resource.
5. Twitter
http://twitter.com/
Social media is a surprisingly easy way to keep up with news worldwide. Simply create a Twitter account and follow a few news outlets. Then, when you log in, you will get constant news updates about top headlines! I suggest Bloomberg and Reuters to get you started.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
How to Beat Post Spring Break Blues
Spring Break is past, but I'm still stuck on it! I had such an amazing trip visiting Orlando, FL, and I want to be back in the Sunshine State. Unfortunately, I'm back at IU attending classes, completing assignments and going to work. Getting back to reality is tough, and sometimes getting back into a routine is even tougher. I've come up with a few quick and handy tips to make you feel less vacation-home sick.
Take Some Time for Y-O-U
The weeks after Spring Break can be busy or hectic, and it is easy to get caught up in the shuffle. If you throw yourself into activities, work or homework, you might look up and realize that summer time has arrived and you haven't spent much time enjoying the last half of your spring semester. So, even though there is a lot of work to be done, be efficient about it and make time in your schedule for YOU. Don't forget to hang out with friends, go out to dinner or even curl up for a movie in your favorite pajamas. I have spent the last couple of days hanging out with my roommate Sarah, because with graduation looming I only have a few more weeks to spend with her. Don't burn yourself out! Taking time for number one will also help you to ease back into your normal schedule without feeling too forlorn about the delight of spring break days gone past.
Smell the Springtime
If your Spring Break is anything like mine, then you will find yourself shocked when you return to school to find that the town has torn away the bitter shackles of winter and stepped into spring. When I left Florida I was in 75 degree temperatures, and when I arrived in Bloomington I was in 77 degree temperatures. After months of holing up indoors, be sure to get outside and get some fresh air! Take that reading assignment outdoors, or plug in your computer into one of the outside plugs on the IMU's outdoor patio. Soak in the sunshine and leave those winter layers in the closet! The warmer weather will make you feel as though you are on a staycation, and will remind you why you loved campus so much... prior to the winter months.
Break Into New Habits
Coming back from a break is great, because it gives you the opportunity to recreate your routine. Do you normally get a $4 coffee in the afternoon at Starbucks? Pick up something cooler (like a cranberry or orange juice) from an RPS Dining location and savor it while sitting in the spring sunshine! Want to exercise more? A walk or jog outside will invigorate you. Want to put more effort into your studies? Set aside some daylight hours and start having group study sessions in Dunn Meadow or the nearest patch of grass!
While the end of Spring Break can seem depressing, don't forget that you only have a few more weeks to enjoy campus before summer arrives. Get your studying done, but remember to socialize, relax and enjoy the spring weather!
Take Some Time for Y-O-U
The weeks after Spring Break can be busy or hectic, and it is easy to get caught up in the shuffle. If you throw yourself into activities, work or homework, you might look up and realize that summer time has arrived and you haven't spent much time enjoying the last half of your spring semester. So, even though there is a lot of work to be done, be efficient about it and make time in your schedule for YOU. Don't forget to hang out with friends, go out to dinner or even curl up for a movie in your favorite pajamas. I have spent the last couple of days hanging out with my roommate Sarah, because with graduation looming I only have a few more weeks to spend with her. Don't burn yourself out! Taking time for number one will also help you to ease back into your normal schedule without feeling too forlorn about the delight of spring break days gone past.
Smell the Springtime
If your Spring Break is anything like mine, then you will find yourself shocked when you return to school to find that the town has torn away the bitter shackles of winter and stepped into spring. When I left Florida I was in 75 degree temperatures, and when I arrived in Bloomington I was in 77 degree temperatures. After months of holing up indoors, be sure to get outside and get some fresh air! Take that reading assignment outdoors, or plug in your computer into one of the outside plugs on the IMU's outdoor patio. Soak in the sunshine and leave those winter layers in the closet! The warmer weather will make you feel as though you are on a staycation, and will remind you why you loved campus so much... prior to the winter months.
Break Into New Habits
Coming back from a break is great, because it gives you the opportunity to recreate your routine. Do you normally get a $4 coffee in the afternoon at Starbucks? Pick up something cooler (like a cranberry or orange juice) from an RPS Dining location and savor it while sitting in the spring sunshine! Want to exercise more? A walk or jog outside will invigorate you. Want to put more effort into your studies? Set aside some daylight hours and start having group study sessions in Dunn Meadow or the nearest patch of grass!
While the end of Spring Break can seem depressing, don't forget that you only have a few more weeks to enjoy campus before summer arrives. Get your studying done, but remember to socialize, relax and enjoy the spring weather!
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Spring Break Travel Tips
Spring Break is swiftly approaching and students are already starting to leave Bloomington to escape to tropical paradises or to get some TLC at home. Luckily for me, my family has a lot of experience with booking travel, so I have managed to put together an awesome Spring Break trip for a fairly low price! I've decided to share these wonderful tips with you so that you'll have more cash to spend on souvenirs.
1. Book Early, Book Early, Book Early!
This is the #1 rule of travel! Start thinking about where you want to go for Spring Break around Thanksgiving. You will likely be unable to purchase plane tickets so early, but start giving the thought some serious consideration. Talk to friends and family, make a plan. That way, when January rolls around, you will have both the money AND the knowledge to book your flight and hotel to wherever you would like to go!
2. Fly Southwest
I have done a lot of flying in the past year, mostly thanks to the fact that I am dating someone who lives 700 miles away. Many students flock south for Spring Break, and if you are heading in that direction I HIGHLY encourage flying Southwest. Their no-nonsense policies (that include Bags Fly Free and No Change Fees) make flying a breeze, and the best thing about flying SW is the complete lack of hierarchy and prioritization of passengers. When I flew Delta, I was always in the last group to board because they called five different passenger classifications (including their Platinum, Gold and Silver SkyMiles members, then First class, etc.) before even getting to the Zones, of which there were four. It was a miserable experience and I always left feeling like I was nothing more than a little lining for the airline's pockets. When I fly Southwest, I NEVER feel less important than the next passenger, and they board according to check-in time. The best part? There are no assigned seats: seating is open, and is on a first-come first-serve basis.
3. Know the Roaming Gnome
Through the years I have used different websites to book flights and hotel rooms, mostly for the convenience of it. However, this Spring Break I discovered an incredible secret: Travelocity's "Top Secret Hotels." Travelocity keeps a list of hotels (ranked by stars and price) available in major destinations that go unnamed until the room is booked for the night. This is because the rates are so low, the hotels cannot be identified in order to maintain their regular rates. To a college student, what could be more fun?! Booking through Travelocity's Top Secret Hotels feels as though you are a spy on a secret mission who will only receive the coordinates of your next assignment when you confirm your purchase. I wound up getting a $300/night room for only $60! I was absolutely delighted and ecstatic. ALL around wonderful reviews for Top Secret Hotels! Give it a try, I do not think you will be disappointed.
4. Invest in AAA
For a low fee, you can become a AAA member and then reap the nearly constant benefits of having a membership card. In the past year alone, I would argue that AAA saved me $200 in discounts at amusement parks, restaurants and hotels. As a member, you will also have access to travel packages designed specifically for AAA. There are other perks as well: you can download an app that will point out all of the locations you can receive discounts in your area, and request trip information from your local branch. This can definitely come in handy for Spring Break, especially if you are traveling to an unknown area!
Enjoy Spring Break, and above all be smart. Be sure to be safe and have lots of fun!
1. Book Early, Book Early, Book Early!
This is the #1 rule of travel! Start thinking about where you want to go for Spring Break around Thanksgiving. You will likely be unable to purchase plane tickets so early, but start giving the thought some serious consideration. Talk to friends and family, make a plan. That way, when January rolls around, you will have both the money AND the knowledge to book your flight and hotel to wherever you would like to go!
2. Fly Southwest
I have done a lot of flying in the past year, mostly thanks to the fact that I am dating someone who lives 700 miles away. Many students flock south for Spring Break, and if you are heading in that direction I HIGHLY encourage flying Southwest. Their no-nonsense policies (that include Bags Fly Free and No Change Fees) make flying a breeze, and the best thing about flying SW is the complete lack of hierarchy and prioritization of passengers. When I flew Delta, I was always in the last group to board because they called five different passenger classifications (including their Platinum, Gold and Silver SkyMiles members, then First class, etc.) before even getting to the Zones, of which there were four. It was a miserable experience and I always left feeling like I was nothing more than a little lining for the airline's pockets. When I fly Southwest, I NEVER feel less important than the next passenger, and they board according to check-in time. The best part? There are no assigned seats: seating is open, and is on a first-come first-serve basis.
3. Know the Roaming Gnome
Through the years I have used different websites to book flights and hotel rooms, mostly for the convenience of it. However, this Spring Break I discovered an incredible secret: Travelocity's "Top Secret Hotels." Travelocity keeps a list of hotels (ranked by stars and price) available in major destinations that go unnamed until the room is booked for the night. This is because the rates are so low, the hotels cannot be identified in order to maintain their regular rates. To a college student, what could be more fun?! Booking through Travelocity's Top Secret Hotels feels as though you are a spy on a secret mission who will only receive the coordinates of your next assignment when you confirm your purchase. I wound up getting a $300/night room for only $60! I was absolutely delighted and ecstatic. ALL around wonderful reviews for Top Secret Hotels! Give it a try, I do not think you will be disappointed.
4. Invest in AAA
For a low fee, you can become a AAA member and then reap the nearly constant benefits of having a membership card. In the past year alone, I would argue that AAA saved me $200 in discounts at amusement parks, restaurants and hotels. As a member, you will also have access to travel packages designed specifically for AAA. There are other perks as well: you can download an app that will point out all of the locations you can receive discounts in your area, and request trip information from your local branch. This can definitely come in handy for Spring Break, especially if you are traveling to an unknown area!
Enjoy Spring Break, and above all be smart. Be sure to be safe and have lots of fun!
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Fun with Animals
Coming to college can be so difficult for those of us who leave pets behind at home. For people like me who have grown up with animals in their home, life in the residence halls definitely feels as though something is missing. Unfortunately, fish are the only types of pets that are permitted when living on campus.
After three years of feeling that something was missing in my life, I finally decided to do something about it. Since January I have been volunteering at the City of Bloomington Animal Shelter photographing the animals.
While they have multiple positions available for volunteers, every volunteer starts out as a dog walker or cat volunteer. Dog walkers take dogs out of their kennels and play with them, and cat volunteers work in the mornings pampering the cats and cleaning the cat colonies.
I HIGHLY encourage you to volunteer at the City of Bloomington Animal Shelter if you are worried you'll be missing your furry friends. I know it made all the difference for me!
After three years of feeling that something was missing in my life, I finally decided to do something about it. Since January I have been volunteering at the City of Bloomington Animal Shelter photographing the animals.
While they have multiple positions available for volunteers, every volunteer starts out as a dog walker or cat volunteer. Dog walkers take dogs out of their kennels and play with them, and cat volunteers work in the mornings pampering the cats and cleaning the cat colonies.
I HIGHLY encourage you to volunteer at the City of Bloomington Animal Shelter if you are worried you'll be missing your furry friends. I know it made all the difference for me!
Thursday, February 24, 2011
An Evening at the Auditorium
One of my favorite places on campus is and always has been the IU Auditorium. Imposing both inside and out, you can't help but to feel like royalty when you step onto its marbled floors or rest into one of its red cushion chairs. Everything about the place seems to scream luxury and grandeur, and that's just the building.
Last night I went to see the hit Broadway musical, Spring Awakening. I had heard of it in passing and thought it might be decent, so I spent the $20 for a balcony seat. Yes, for IU students it is outrageously cheap to go and see shows at the auditorium! Over the years I've seen a number of musicals and performances including Avenue Q and Beauty and the Beast! This coming Friday, I even have a front row seat to Kodo, a performance of Japanese drums. I'm so excited!
In any case, the Auditorium was PACKED. People were everywhere purchasing merchandise, talking to friends, buying last minute tickets and getting excited for the show. A few people were even attending the show for free, courtesy of Residential Programs and Services. For nearly every show, the office holds a contest for residence hall residents where the winners receive free tickets.
Although it was strange to be seeing the musical by myself, I still felt right at home. The show was not quite what I expected, but it was riveting and the musical performances were spectacular! I highly recommend it for audiences 18 and older.
Last night I went to see the hit Broadway musical, Spring Awakening. I had heard of it in passing and thought it might be decent, so I spent the $20 for a balcony seat. Yes, for IU students it is outrageously cheap to go and see shows at the auditorium! Over the years I've seen a number of musicals and performances including Avenue Q and Beauty and the Beast! This coming Friday, I even have a front row seat to Kodo, a performance of Japanese drums. I'm so excited!
In any case, the Auditorium was PACKED. People were everywhere purchasing merchandise, talking to friends, buying last minute tickets and getting excited for the show. A few people were even attending the show for free, courtesy of Residential Programs and Services. For nearly every show, the office holds a contest for residence hall residents where the winners receive free tickets.
Although it was strange to be seeing the musical by myself, I still felt right at home. The show was not quite what I expected, but it was riveting and the musical performances were spectacular! I highly recommend it for audiences 18 and older.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
IU By Nightfall
Because I recently realized that I've been stingy with photographs lately, this is a photo post! All of these photos were taken this past week after sunset on the Indiana Bloomington campus. I love campus at night, especially when the weather is cooperating!
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Top Five Reasons I'll Miss RPS
This past week I went on a college visit at Vanderbilt University in Nashville to attend a "visitation weekend" for graduate school. To be honest, I absolutely loved it. The campus was beautiful, I loved the city and all of the people I spoke to made me feel very excited about my Master's program. There is, however, one very tiny drawback that's making me nervous.
They do not offer housing for graduate students.
For many people, this would not even be seen as a drawback. A lot of students choose to move off campus after their freshman year, so this is no surprise. However, for me, this is nerve-wracking! Here are a couple of reasons why I will miss RPS (and why I've been lucky to live here).
1. Furniture
Move in day is hectic enough without worrying about moving in a bed, dresser, desk or bookshelf. For the past four years, RPS has provided me with all of the furniture I need for work and comfort (including couches and lamps in my new apartment). For a student like me who has plans to work overseas in the coming years, this has been a wonderful solution: I did not need to spend money on furniture then have to worry about selling or storing it when I was away. Unfortunately, Nashville does not seem to offer many "furnished" apartment opportunities. I'm going to miss my RPS couch, dining table and bed when I'm using a futon for all my furniture needs come next year.
2. Maintenance
There was this wonderful episode at the beginning of the semester when, while cleaning my fishbowl, I dropped six big marble glass beads into the garbage disposal. When Sarah asked me what had possessed me to take out the drainer, I could only reply that "I didn't want to get it dirty." Needless to say, our sink was out of commission, if only because we did not want to accidentally flip on the garbage disposal and witness the catastrophic event that would be sure to follow. I called down to the Center Desk and let them know, and the next morning my sink had been fixed by a maintenance worker while I slept in. No charge, no fee from a landlord, nothing. RPS provided the repair quickly and without hassle, and THAT is something I'm going to miss when dealing with a landlord in the future.
3. Payment
RPS takes all of the trauma out of paying for housing accommodations: they simply charge the cost to your Bursar bill in two installments (one for fall, one for spring). This system eliminates the need for students to pay rent on a monthly basis, and while that might not seem like it's a big plus, it is. I cannot count the number of times a classmate or friend has had to cut a group meeting short because they had to go back to their apartment and make sure that they turned in a check before the office closed at 5 p.m.
4. Convenience
I have grown accustomed to being able to walk to all of my classes and only take a bus when I'm feeling especially lazy. Unfortunately, any apartment within a mile of the Vanderbilt campus comes with the hefty price of over $1000 a month for a studio, and I would likely have to pay utilities on top of that. So, my options are to either go for broke and continue spoiling myself or live five miles away and learn to drive in city traffic. I haven't quite decided what I'm going to do yet, but I know that no matter where I live it won't be quite as close or convenient as my current apartment.
5. Fun
One of my favorite things about residence hall life is the social aspect. There are always free events and programs going on for residence hall, er, residents. At Union Street there was a Super Bowl Party this past Sunday, and the weekend before Spring Break there is going to be a video game war (which promises to be a day full of excitement and poor health choices). There are some apartment complexes off-campus that have social events, but for the most part people keep to themselves.
In summary, I know that I have to grow up at some point, but RPS has definitely been a helpful transition from living with my parents to living in the real world. Before moving off campus, think twice about all of the extra hassles that come along with it.
They do not offer housing for graduate students.
For many people, this would not even be seen as a drawback. A lot of students choose to move off campus after their freshman year, so this is no surprise. However, for me, this is nerve-wracking! Here are a couple of reasons why I will miss RPS (and why I've been lucky to live here).
1. Furniture
Move in day is hectic enough without worrying about moving in a bed, dresser, desk or bookshelf. For the past four years, RPS has provided me with all of the furniture I need for work and comfort (including couches and lamps in my new apartment). For a student like me who has plans to work overseas in the coming years, this has been a wonderful solution: I did not need to spend money on furniture then have to worry about selling or storing it when I was away. Unfortunately, Nashville does not seem to offer many "furnished" apartment opportunities. I'm going to miss my RPS couch, dining table and bed when I'm using a futon for all my furniture needs come next year.
2. Maintenance
There was this wonderful episode at the beginning of the semester when, while cleaning my fishbowl, I dropped six big marble glass beads into the garbage disposal. When Sarah asked me what had possessed me to take out the drainer, I could only reply that "I didn't want to get it dirty." Needless to say, our sink was out of commission, if only because we did not want to accidentally flip on the garbage disposal and witness the catastrophic event that would be sure to follow. I called down to the Center Desk and let them know, and the next morning my sink had been fixed by a maintenance worker while I slept in. No charge, no fee from a landlord, nothing. RPS provided the repair quickly and without hassle, and THAT is something I'm going to miss when dealing with a landlord in the future.
3. Payment
RPS takes all of the trauma out of paying for housing accommodations: they simply charge the cost to your Bursar bill in two installments (one for fall, one for spring). This system eliminates the need for students to pay rent on a monthly basis, and while that might not seem like it's a big plus, it is. I cannot count the number of times a classmate or friend has had to cut a group meeting short because they had to go back to their apartment and make sure that they turned in a check before the office closed at 5 p.m.
4. Convenience
I have grown accustomed to being able to walk to all of my classes and only take a bus when I'm feeling especially lazy. Unfortunately, any apartment within a mile of the Vanderbilt campus comes with the hefty price of over $1000 a month for a studio, and I would likely have to pay utilities on top of that. So, my options are to either go for broke and continue spoiling myself or live five miles away and learn to drive in city traffic. I haven't quite decided what I'm going to do yet, but I know that no matter where I live it won't be quite as close or convenient as my current apartment.
5. Fun
One of my favorite things about residence hall life is the social aspect. There are always free events and programs going on for residence hall, er, residents. At Union Street there was a Super Bowl Party this past Sunday, and the weekend before Spring Break there is going to be a video game war (which promises to be a day full of excitement and poor health choices). There are some apartment complexes off-campus that have social events, but for the most part people keep to themselves.
In summary, I know that I have to grow up at some point, but RPS has definitely been a helpful transition from living with my parents to living in the real world. Before moving off campus, think twice about all of the extra hassles that come along with it.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Bloomington Dining Guide
This week, Brian came back to Bloomington to visit me again. This time, we only had a few days and I wanted to show him the best that B-Town had to offer including food! I sat down a week beforehand to try and decide which restaurants were a good representation of the town as a whole, and in the end we wound up having a delicious few days! Here is a list of the restaurants we went to, what we had, and why we loved it!
Casa Brava
My favorite Mexican restaurant in Bloomington (or anywhere!), Casa Brava offers a large menu selection and a friendly and fun atmosphere. I've been going to this restaurant for years, and I have never had a dish I didn't like! The wait staff is very friendly, and often the food is out onto the table within 10 minutes! This visit, I had a beef quesadilla and Brian had a shrimp and rice dish, both of which were delicious! This restaurant is a MUST for people who want great food, fast.
Ami Japanese Restaurant
After Indiana was hit with a very ferocious ice storm, Brian and I decided to walk to Mother Bear's Pizza to get some dinner. Unfortunately, we walked a half hour on the ice to find that it was closed! On the bright side, Ami Japanese Restaurant was open, so we decided to try some Japanese cuisine. I have to confess, I have had a lot of Japanese food and Ami stands up to the challenge. Everything we had, from sushi to miso soup to udon to teriyaki was fantastic. I highly, highly recommend a stop to Ami next time you want something delicious!
Mother Bear's Pizza
This delicious pizza restaurant has always been a favorite of mine, and for a good reason. Voted "Best Pizza in Bloomington" since 2005, it is the best type of "pie" that I have ever had! My favorite order is sausage and mushroom pizza, but I've been told that their vegetarian pizza is delicious. Not only that, but the restaurant atmosphere is wonderful! It's warm, homey and very relaxed. I highly recommend it!
Home Sweet Home
It's great to go out to eat, but sometimes the best food is the kind you make at home with friends! Brian and I spent an hour at home making heart-shaped pancakes, and we had a fantastic time spending time together!
Casa Brava
My favorite Mexican restaurant in Bloomington (or anywhere!), Casa Brava offers a large menu selection and a friendly and fun atmosphere. I've been going to this restaurant for years, and I have never had a dish I didn't like! The wait staff is very friendly, and often the food is out onto the table within 10 minutes! This visit, I had a beef quesadilla and Brian had a shrimp and rice dish, both of which were delicious! This restaurant is a MUST for people who want great food, fast.
Ami Japanese Restaurant
After Indiana was hit with a very ferocious ice storm, Brian and I decided to walk to Mother Bear's Pizza to get some dinner. Unfortunately, we walked a half hour on the ice to find that it was closed! On the bright side, Ami Japanese Restaurant was open, so we decided to try some Japanese cuisine. I have to confess, I have had a lot of Japanese food and Ami stands up to the challenge. Everything we had, from sushi to miso soup to udon to teriyaki was fantastic. I highly, highly recommend a stop to Ami next time you want something delicious!
Mother Bear's Pizza
This delicious pizza restaurant has always been a favorite of mine, and for a good reason. Voted "Best Pizza in Bloomington" since 2005, it is the best type of "pie" that I have ever had! My favorite order is sausage and mushroom pizza, but I've been told that their vegetarian pizza is delicious. Not only that, but the restaurant atmosphere is wonderful! It's warm, homey and very relaxed. I highly recommend it!
Home Sweet Home
It's great to go out to eat, but sometimes the best food is the kind you make at home with friends! Brian and I spent an hour at home making heart-shaped pancakes, and we had a fantastic time spending time together!
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Get Kinected
As I was sitting about, pondering what I should write about in my blog this week, my darling roommate walked into the apartment with a new XBox Kinect. Let's just say that this made the decision an easy one! After my recent post about New Years Resolution, I had been thinking about fun ways to start being more active. Luckily for me, Sarah's new toy made that all too easy!
Unlike days of the past, when playing video games meant sinking deeper and deeper into a human-shaped hole on the couch, getting into the game is now a physical activity. Unlike other movement based game consoles that require a controller, the Kinect uses your body's movements for game play. This innovation has led to fun (and exhausting) games including Dance Central, Zumba, Kinect Sports and even various "personal fitness" games.
You're probably wondering what this might have to do with living in the residence halls. This is, surprisingly, an easy answer! While I know not everyone is into video games, playing the Kinect made me realize just how much of a routine college students fall into. We go to class, we work out, we go to meetings, and then we go home and stare at our computer screens for hours. Even when I'm hanging out with my friends in the residence halls, I find that we often just put on a movie and play on our computers. Over the last few weeks, I've come to feel dissatisfied with this system of same old same old, and it made me start to think about new ways to have fun with friends, even when the chilly weather keeps you indoors!
Break Out the Board Games
If you're hanging out on a Sunday evening with nothing to do, break out a board game! Monopoly can be a bit slow, but some quick moving games can be a riot. Telephone pictionary (which can be played without a physical game!) and Catchphrase are two of my absolute favorites.
Ask A Couple Questions
With a quick internet search or for a few dollars at your local bookstore, you can find a list (or book) of funny questions to get conversations rolling.
Make A Feast
Maybe not a feast, but try making food with friends! The residence halls have kitchens that you can use to cook, and while it's impractical to try and make meals on a daily basis, they're great to use every now and then. One Christmas I made twelve batches of Christmas cookies to give to friends and family! If you get together with your friends, you can make a dessert or even a full meal to share.
These are only a few ideas of how to break the bad college student habit of sinking into the couch, but I am sure that you can come up with some of your own! Get creative, do something everyone will enjoy and put the computer away!
Unlike days of the past, when playing video games meant sinking deeper and deeper into a human-shaped hole on the couch, getting into the game is now a physical activity. Unlike other movement based game consoles that require a controller, the Kinect uses your body's movements for game play. This innovation has led to fun (and exhausting) games including Dance Central, Zumba, Kinect Sports and even various "personal fitness" games.
You're probably wondering what this might have to do with living in the residence halls. This is, surprisingly, an easy answer! While I know not everyone is into video games, playing the Kinect made me realize just how much of a routine college students fall into. We go to class, we work out, we go to meetings, and then we go home and stare at our computer screens for hours. Even when I'm hanging out with my friends in the residence halls, I find that we often just put on a movie and play on our computers. Over the last few weeks, I've come to feel dissatisfied with this system of same old same old, and it made me start to think about new ways to have fun with friends, even when the chilly weather keeps you indoors!
Break Out the Board Games
If you're hanging out on a Sunday evening with nothing to do, break out a board game! Monopoly can be a bit slow, but some quick moving games can be a riot. Telephone pictionary (which can be played without a physical game!) and Catchphrase are two of my absolute favorites.
Ask A Couple Questions
With a quick internet search or for a few dollars at your local bookstore, you can find a list (or book) of funny questions to get conversations rolling.
Make A Feast
Maybe not a feast, but try making food with friends! The residence halls have kitchens that you can use to cook, and while it's impractical to try and make meals on a daily basis, they're great to use every now and then. One Christmas I made twelve batches of Christmas cookies to give to friends and family! If you get together with your friends, you can make a dessert or even a full meal to share.
These are only a few ideas of how to break the bad college student habit of sinking into the couch, but I am sure that you can come up with some of your own! Get creative, do something everyone will enjoy and put the computer away!
Thursday, January 20, 2011
New Year's Resolutions with RPS
It's a new year, and with it comes the gaggle of New Year's Resolutions. "I want to get out more," "I want to lose weight," and "I want to get in shape" are the ones I most commonly hear. Luckily, Residential Programs and Services can help!
"I want to get out more!"
Good for you! College won't be any fun if you sit in your dorm room all day. Luckily, there are a lot of programs offered through RPS in your residence hall on a weekly basis. I've gone to formal dances, root beer keg parties, movie screenings, ceramics painting workshops... the list goes on and on. When you move into your residence hall, you'll be bombarded with opportunities to socialize, so take advantage of them!
"I want to lose weight."
This one can be a toughie... I know from experience. The dining halls claim to have healthy options, but you can only eat salad bar and sandwiches so many times and if you're not careful you'll wind up eating poorly simply out of a desire to try something else! Luckily, if you plan well, you can have flexible dining options! The best tool to use when deciding what to eat is the NetNutrition system RPS offers to students. It helps you track the calories in the food you eat on campus. You can find it here!
"I want to get in shape."
This one is a personal favorite for me. There are two gyms on campus, the HPER and the SRSC, where students can go to work out or to take exercise classes. However, it can sometimes be difficult to get there when it's cold outside or when you're in a rush. Luckily, RPS offers fitness rooms and equipment in a few of the residence halls on campus. These are a great resource to use for a quick workout in between classes or before bed!
"I want to get out more!"
Good for you! College won't be any fun if you sit in your dorm room all day. Luckily, there are a lot of programs offered through RPS in your residence hall on a weekly basis. I've gone to formal dances, root beer keg parties, movie screenings, ceramics painting workshops... the list goes on and on. When you move into your residence hall, you'll be bombarded with opportunities to socialize, so take advantage of them!
"I want to lose weight."
This one can be a toughie... I know from experience. The dining halls claim to have healthy options, but you can only eat salad bar and sandwiches so many times and if you're not careful you'll wind up eating poorly simply out of a desire to try something else! Luckily, if you plan well, you can have flexible dining options! The best tool to use when deciding what to eat is the NetNutrition system RPS offers to students. It helps you track the calories in the food you eat on campus. You can find it here!
"I want to get in shape."
This one is a personal favorite for me. There are two gyms on campus, the HPER and the SRSC, where students can go to work out or to take exercise classes. However, it can sometimes be difficult to get there when it's cold outside or when you're in a rush. Luckily, RPS offers fitness rooms and equipment in a few of the residence halls on campus. These are a great resource to use for a quick workout in between classes or before bed!
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Playing the Textbook Game
Hello again! It's a new year and a new semester here at IU in Bloomington, and as usual everyone has been busy busy busy! As usual, people are rushing around trying to find their classes, reorganizing their schedules and (much to their dismay) buying textbooks.
Let me make one thing perfectly clear before I begin this blog post: buying textbooks will very likely be one of the most painful experiences of your college career. When I came to college, I was convinced that the complaints I had heard were overblown and that there was no way textbooks could be as expensive as I had heard. When I got to the checkout counter at a local bookstore and shelled out $490 for my first semester's books I discovered that I WAS WRONG. I'm writing this blog post because I don't want you to make the same mistakes I did! Over time I learned the tricks of the textbook game, and I'm going to share them here with you to save you some time, money and heartache.
Very quickly, I want to give a brief overview of the two bookstores in Bloomington in case you ever decide you would like to purchase your books in person. The first is the IU Bookstore, located in the Indiana Memorial Union. I've been told that purchasing your books there is beneficial to the university, but I also have found that they tend to be a little more expensive than the other option in town.
T.I.S. is located on 3rd Street and can be reached by IU bus. In comparison to the IU Bookstore it is cheaper, more relaxed and I find that their organizational system for finding books is far better. They also offer a fantastic rewards program.
When I arrived for my first semester at IU, I had heard from a few sources that I could save money buying my textbooks online. Nonetheless, I was afraid that the books I needed wouldn't arrive in time for my first day of class or that I would make a purchase online that I would later regret (ex. a book in poor condition). Up until the second semester of my junior year I purchased my books at T.I.S., convinced that the extra money I was paying was worth the peace of mind. Once again, I was wrong! Since switching to online textbook buying/renting I have saved HUNDREDS of dollars, have yet to receive a torn up book and have never received a book late in the mail.
Just a side note here for incoming students. If you don't have a textbook for the first day of class, don't worry! Some students don't even purchase their books until after they've seen the syllabus to ensure that they'll actually use them. I don't recommend that practice, but if you've ordered your books and they haven't arrived in time for your first class, don't panic! Your professor will not be upset. In fact, I don't think I've ever had a class where we used the book on the first day.
When I finally got tired of spending hundreds of dollars on textbooks and not being able to sell them back because new editions had been released, I decided to give online textbook shopping a try. A friend of mine had used Chegg, an online rental service, and swore by it. I decided to check it out and found that I could rent a book for the fraction of the price of purchasing it at the bookstore. You would simply rent the book online and send it back at the end of the semester. Even better, the return shipping was free! I have used Chegg EVER SINCE for nearly all of my textbook needs! When you get ready to purchase your textbooks, be sure to look into the resource. It's a great way to save money, and they even plant a tree for every book you purchase.
Now, there are rare occasions when I do not use Chegg for a certain book. A lot of professors will assign what I refer to as "regular books" for required reading. These are books you could likely find in a Barnes and Noble, and usually run for around $20. Normally, you can rent a used copy of this type of book for the same cost of purchasing a new copy. In this case, I always go to half.com to see what kind of deals I can dig up. I can normally purchase a $25 book for only $3-5, and I once found a $50 book for $5!
Summary
Don't be afraid to buy OR rent your books online! It is MUCH CHEAPER than buying them in person, and by using reputable companies like Chegg you can ensure that you'll have a positive experience.
Links:
http://www.chegg.com
http://www.half.com
Let me make one thing perfectly clear before I begin this blog post: buying textbooks will very likely be one of the most painful experiences of your college career. When I came to college, I was convinced that the complaints I had heard were overblown and that there was no way textbooks could be as expensive as I had heard. When I got to the checkout counter at a local bookstore and shelled out $490 for my first semester's books I discovered that I WAS WRONG. I'm writing this blog post because I don't want you to make the same mistakes I did! Over time I learned the tricks of the textbook game, and I'm going to share them here with you to save you some time, money and heartache.
Very quickly, I want to give a brief overview of the two bookstores in Bloomington in case you ever decide you would like to purchase your books in person. The first is the IU Bookstore, located in the Indiana Memorial Union. I've been told that purchasing your books there is beneficial to the university, but I also have found that they tend to be a little more expensive than the other option in town.
T.I.S. is located on 3rd Street and can be reached by IU bus. In comparison to the IU Bookstore it is cheaper, more relaxed and I find that their organizational system for finding books is far better. They also offer a fantastic rewards program.
When I arrived for my first semester at IU, I had heard from a few sources that I could save money buying my textbooks online. Nonetheless, I was afraid that the books I needed wouldn't arrive in time for my first day of class or that I would make a purchase online that I would later regret (ex. a book in poor condition). Up until the second semester of my junior year I purchased my books at T.I.S., convinced that the extra money I was paying was worth the peace of mind. Once again, I was wrong! Since switching to online textbook buying/renting I have saved HUNDREDS of dollars, have yet to receive a torn up book and have never received a book late in the mail.
Just a side note here for incoming students. If you don't have a textbook for the first day of class, don't worry! Some students don't even purchase their books until after they've seen the syllabus to ensure that they'll actually use them. I don't recommend that practice, but if you've ordered your books and they haven't arrived in time for your first class, don't panic! Your professor will not be upset. In fact, I don't think I've ever had a class where we used the book on the first day.
When I finally got tired of spending hundreds of dollars on textbooks and not being able to sell them back because new editions had been released, I decided to give online textbook shopping a try. A friend of mine had used Chegg, an online rental service, and swore by it. I decided to check it out and found that I could rent a book for the fraction of the price of purchasing it at the bookstore. You would simply rent the book online and send it back at the end of the semester. Even better, the return shipping was free! I have used Chegg EVER SINCE for nearly all of my textbook needs! When you get ready to purchase your textbooks, be sure to look into the resource. It's a great way to save money, and they even plant a tree for every book you purchase.
Now, there are rare occasions when I do not use Chegg for a certain book. A lot of professors will assign what I refer to as "regular books" for required reading. These are books you could likely find in a Barnes and Noble, and usually run for around $20. Normally, you can rent a used copy of this type of book for the same cost of purchasing a new copy. In this case, I always go to half.com to see what kind of deals I can dig up. I can normally purchase a $25 book for only $3-5, and I once found a $50 book for $5!
Summary
Don't be afraid to buy OR rent your books online! It is MUCH CHEAPER than buying them in person, and by using reputable companies like Chegg you can ensure that you'll have a positive experience.
Links:
http://www.chegg.com
http://www.half.com
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Ashley's Christmas Celebration/Decoration Tips
Christmas is finally upon us, and I couldn't be more excited! However, celebrating in the traditional way proves a *little* difficult when living in the residence halls. You can't decorate the outside of your "house," and trying to fit a Christmas tree into your room would probably displease your roommate. To make matters worse, the holiday spirit always seems to be at its peak during Dead Week and Finals Week.
These two weeks are definitive for IU students. During Dead Week many classes have final projects and papers due and Finals Week keeps many students up for days at a time either from studying and/or stress. However, I've come up with a few fast and easy ideas to help you decorate and celebrate the holiday spirit without wasting precious studying time.
1. Use Your Resources
My roommate and I have a large window that looks out over a courtyard. When deciding how to decorate, I decided that I would focus my efforts on the window because the decorations could be enjoyed from both inside the apartment and from and outsider's perspective. We had a lot of blank glass space so I put up festive window clings and a "Let It Snow" decoration.
2. Keep it Cheap
At a trip to the local dollar store, I found two stockings for a dollar each and suction cup hooks to hang them on the window. Another very cheap, on hand decoration are the presents you plan to give for Christmas. After wrapping all of the gifts, I lined them up against the window instead of hiding them away to bring color and cheer to the room.
Speaking of cheap, when you're looking for gifts be sure to check local stores for holiday deals. The local Borders is going out of business and selling their products for 30-40% off! Needless to say, a lot of my family members received books this year. Also be sure to make a trip to the dollar store! You can find cheap (but quality) wrapping paper, boxes, gift bags, tissue paper, not to mention the plethora of potential gifts. If you're on a budget, a stop at this store is a must!
3. Take A Baking Break
If you're studying for an exam and feeling a little stressed, use the kitchen in your room or the residence hall's kitchen to make a batch of homemade cookies. It does not take too much time to mix together the ingredients, and you can easily scan through a few study points while waiting for your Christmas cookies to bake. You'll be treated to the delicious smell of homemade cookies and will have a snack to munch on while you work.
4. Get A Little Green
While it's true you likely will not be able to keep a full-sized Christmas tree in your residence hall, that shouldn't keep you from getting any kind of holiday greenery! This year I was lucky and found a baby fir tree for only $3 at Kroger. Other options could include poinsettias or cacti with Christmas lights on them.
I know that this time of year is both exciting and stressful, but if you're smart you'll be able to celebrate the holidays and have successful Final and Dead Weeks. Happy Holidays!
These two weeks are definitive for IU students. During Dead Week many classes have final projects and papers due and Finals Week keeps many students up for days at a time either from studying and/or stress. However, I've come up with a few fast and easy ideas to help you decorate and celebrate the holiday spirit without wasting precious studying time.
1. Use Your Resources
My roommate and I have a large window that looks out over a courtyard. When deciding how to decorate, I decided that I would focus my efforts on the window because the decorations could be enjoyed from both inside the apartment and from and outsider's perspective. We had a lot of blank glass space so I put up festive window clings and a "Let It Snow" decoration.
2. Keep it Cheap
At a trip to the local dollar store, I found two stockings for a dollar each and suction cup hooks to hang them on the window. Another very cheap, on hand decoration are the presents you plan to give for Christmas. After wrapping all of the gifts, I lined them up against the window instead of hiding them away to bring color and cheer to the room.
Speaking of cheap, when you're looking for gifts be sure to check local stores for holiday deals. The local Borders is going out of business and selling their products for 30-40% off! Needless to say, a lot of my family members received books this year. Also be sure to make a trip to the dollar store! You can find cheap (but quality) wrapping paper, boxes, gift bags, tissue paper, not to mention the plethora of potential gifts. If you're on a budget, a stop at this store is a must!
3. Take A Baking Break
If you're studying for an exam and feeling a little stressed, use the kitchen in your room or the residence hall's kitchen to make a batch of homemade cookies. It does not take too much time to mix together the ingredients, and you can easily scan through a few study points while waiting for your Christmas cookies to bake. You'll be treated to the delicious smell of homemade cookies and will have a snack to munch on while you work.
4. Get A Little Green
While it's true you likely will not be able to keep a full-sized Christmas tree in your residence hall, that shouldn't keep you from getting any kind of holiday greenery! This year I was lucky and found a baby fir tree for only $3 at Kroger. Other options could include poinsettias or cacti with Christmas lights on them.
I know that this time of year is both exciting and stressful, but if you're smart you'll be able to celebrate the holidays and have successful Final and Dead Weeks. Happy Holidays!
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Keeping in Touch
DISCLAIMER: I apologize that this blog post is lacking in photos, but I wasn't quite sure how to link any photos I could have taken with this post! Next week's post will be a photo extravaganza with very little of my babbling. Promise!
As the holidays approach, I find myself thinking more about family and friends than schoolwork. Often, the problem is how much I miss certain people! I'll be walking past the Sample Gates and think about the photo I took of my boyfriend Brian standing awkwardly in front them, or rush by the Tudor Room on my way to class and remember the time my parents took me there for my 20th birthday. Long story short, when you come to college you're often separated from the people that you love, if only for a little while. To help with those home away from home blues, here are a few tips that offer FREE ways to stay in touch and feel closer to the people you're oh so far away from.
1. Skype
This one may seem obvious, but it wasn't to me. When you come to college, invest in a cheap web cam and get ready for some face time! There's a lot to be said to talking over the phone or on instant messenger or even Facebook, but nothing relieves an aching heart better than seeing the person you've been missing smiling at you from miles away. Click here to go to Skype's website and to learn more.
2. StumbleUpon
I discovered this magical web application a few years ago. StumbleUpon is a toolbar that loads into your web browser. When you're bored or you have a few minutes, you press a "Stumble!" button and it brings you to a random website on the internet based upon specifications you select when you register for the toolbar. I, for example, listed interests that included pets, photography, cooking, travel and more. With a random click of the "Stumble!" button I found this photo. It's beautiful, right? If I only I could share it with my mom and boyfriend. Ah! But wait! StumbleUpon's handy "Share" button (also built into the toolbar) will allow you to send friends web pages that you find interesting. The page can either be sent to THEIR Stumble account (so the web page is just a click away whenever they open their web browser) or to their e-mail address. This is a great way to share interests with friends and family! Click here for more info. If you'd like to add me on StumbleUpon, my user name is acn11.
3. Multi-player Online Games
Yahoo!!! There's nothing I love more than kicking Brian's hypothetical butt at Word Racer, a multi-player game on Yahoo! Games. There are literally THOUSANDS of multi-player games that can be found on the internet. All you have to do is search for them! There's nothing like laughing over a game of Monopoly with friends you haven't seen for months. Facebook also has a few game applications that can be used at the site.
4. Movie Nights and Sleepovers
So your best friend just got dumped, but they are in another state! What can you do other than console them over the phone?? Have a movie night, or a sleepover! These are relatively simple once you have Skype. Pick a movie that you both have access to and want to watch, set up your web cam so you can see the other person and enjoy the movie! You can even order a pizza with the same toppings or much on the same snacks to make the shared experience more memorable! You can also do this for TV shows. I highly suggest Glee, ABC's Castle and Family Guy.
5. Care Packages and Letters
Nothing makes my day brighter than when I open my mailbox with a sigh expecting to see the same empty slot and INSTEAD find a mail slip for a package. You have mail! Who doesn't love surprise mail from friends and family? It doesn't take too much effort to send a card with a handwritten note. Care packages are TONS of fun to put together for friends and family. I've sent Brian packages with t-shirts, silly string, homemade cookies, a stuffed rabbit and all kinds of silly trinkets! If you want to take a care package from sub-par to super, take a trip to your local dollar store. You would not believe the fun odds and ends that you can find for a very low price!
These are some of the best ways I have found to stay connected with loved ones, and I hope you'll give them a try! If you would like any additional tips on how to keep in touch with people, feel free to let me know! I have a million of them stored away!
As the holidays approach, I find myself thinking more about family and friends than schoolwork. Often, the problem is how much I miss certain people! I'll be walking past the Sample Gates and think about the photo I took of my boyfriend Brian standing awkwardly in front them, or rush by the Tudor Room on my way to class and remember the time my parents took me there for my 20th birthday. Long story short, when you come to college you're often separated from the people that you love, if only for a little while. To help with those home away from home blues, here are a few tips that offer FREE ways to stay in touch and feel closer to the people you're oh so far away from.
1. Skype
This one may seem obvious, but it wasn't to me. When you come to college, invest in a cheap web cam and get ready for some face time! There's a lot to be said to talking over the phone or on instant messenger or even Facebook, but nothing relieves an aching heart better than seeing the person you've been missing smiling at you from miles away. Click here to go to Skype's website and to learn more.
2. StumbleUpon
I discovered this magical web application a few years ago. StumbleUpon is a toolbar that loads into your web browser. When you're bored or you have a few minutes, you press a "Stumble!" button and it brings you to a random website on the internet based upon specifications you select when you register for the toolbar. I, for example, listed interests that included pets, photography, cooking, travel and more. With a random click of the "Stumble!" button I found this photo. It's beautiful, right? If I only I could share it with my mom and boyfriend. Ah! But wait! StumbleUpon's handy "Share" button (also built into the toolbar) will allow you to send friends web pages that you find interesting. The page can either be sent to THEIR Stumble account (so the web page is just a click away whenever they open their web browser) or to their e-mail address. This is a great way to share interests with friends and family! Click here for more info. If you'd like to add me on StumbleUpon, my user name is acn11.
3. Multi-player Online Games
Yahoo!!! There's nothing I love more than kicking Brian's hypothetical butt at Word Racer, a multi-player game on Yahoo! Games. There are literally THOUSANDS of multi-player games that can be found on the internet. All you have to do is search for them! There's nothing like laughing over a game of Monopoly with friends you haven't seen for months. Facebook also has a few game applications that can be used at the site.
4. Movie Nights and Sleepovers
So your best friend just got dumped, but they are in another state! What can you do other than console them over the phone?? Have a movie night, or a sleepover! These are relatively simple once you have Skype. Pick a movie that you both have access to and want to watch, set up your web cam so you can see the other person and enjoy the movie! You can even order a pizza with the same toppings or much on the same snacks to make the shared experience more memorable! You can also do this for TV shows. I highly suggest Glee, ABC's Castle and Family Guy.
5. Care Packages and Letters
Nothing makes my day brighter than when I open my mailbox with a sigh expecting to see the same empty slot and INSTEAD find a mail slip for a package. You have mail! Who doesn't love surprise mail from friends and family? It doesn't take too much effort to send a card with a handwritten note. Care packages are TONS of fun to put together for friends and family. I've sent Brian packages with t-shirts, silly string, homemade cookies, a stuffed rabbit and all kinds of silly trinkets! If you want to take a care package from sub-par to super, take a trip to your local dollar store. You would not believe the fun odds and ends that you can find for a very low price!
These are some of the best ways I have found to stay connected with loved ones, and I hope you'll give them a try! If you would like any additional tips on how to keep in touch with people, feel free to let me know! I have a million of them stored away!
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Travel Tales
With Thanksgiving Break on the horizon, many IU students are packing up and getting ready to travel home for a long-awaited break. My house is only a few hours from campus, so getting home will be no more hassle than jumping into my car and taking the highway north. However, for the thousands of IU students who live out of state, traveling will not be that simple. For prospective students, the thought of how to travel to and from campus can be a daunting one. But never fear! This Q&A, based upon my recent flight to Atlanta, will tell you everything you need to know about travel to and from IU via the Indianapolis Airport.
I don't have a car. How do I get to campus from the airport and vice versa?
Great question! Never fear, the Bloomington Shuttle is the answer to all of your problems. Well, this one anyway. For $15 one way, you can take the shuttle from the airport to campus and back. To be honest, I use the service even though I DO have a car. It's cheaper than paying to park at the airport ($12 a DAY), and I can relax during the bus ride. Tickets can be purchased at the Indiana Memorial Union or online. You can find out more info about the Bloomington Shuttle here.
What is the Indianapolis Airport like? Is it confusing?
Indianapolis built a new airport a few years ago, and it is one of the easiest and most relaxing airports I have ever had the pleasure to fly from. The openness of the structure keeps that nervous, panicky "something's going to go wrong" feeling at bay while you look out at the planes landing or see the sun shining through the frosted glass roof.
If you're hungry, there are a number of restaurants to choose from before and after security that range in price from $5 per person to $25. My favorite stop is the South Bend Chocolate Company in Terminal A, but I'm sure you'll find your own travel tradition.
Once you enter the airport, you only choose between two terminals (A or B) and it's a straight shot to your gate from there. Getting your luggage on the way to campus is no problem: pick up your bags on the bottom level, cross a pick-up lane, and hop onto the Bloomington shuttle.
Once you've gotten through security, the only thing left to do is relax and get comfortable! I highly suggest a favorite book. Personally, cold weather is always "Harry Potter season" for me. This past weekend, when flying to Atlanta, I read a few pages of "The Princess Bride." After your flight, be sure to enjoy your destination! Here's a photo of my favorite tourist spot in Atlanta, the Georgia Aquarium:
When traveling, just remember to take a deep breath and relax. Remember that even if something does go wrong, it's not the end of the world. Most travel issues have a solution! Best of luck, and happy travels this holiday season!
I don't have a car. How do I get to campus from the airport and vice versa?
Great question! Never fear, the Bloomington Shuttle is the answer to all of your problems. Well, this one anyway. For $15 one way, you can take the shuttle from the airport to campus and back. To be honest, I use the service even though I DO have a car. It's cheaper than paying to park at the airport ($12 a DAY), and I can relax during the bus ride. Tickets can be purchased at the Indiana Memorial Union or online. You can find out more info about the Bloomington Shuttle here.
What is the Indianapolis Airport like? Is it confusing?
Indianapolis built a new airport a few years ago, and it is one of the easiest and most relaxing airports I have ever had the pleasure to fly from. The openness of the structure keeps that nervous, panicky "something's going to go wrong" feeling at bay while you look out at the planes landing or see the sun shining through the frosted glass roof.
If you're hungry, there are a number of restaurants to choose from before and after security that range in price from $5 per person to $25. My favorite stop is the South Bend Chocolate Company in Terminal A, but I'm sure you'll find your own travel tradition.
Once you enter the airport, you only choose between two terminals (A or B) and it's a straight shot to your gate from there. Getting your luggage on the way to campus is no problem: pick up your bags on the bottom level, cross a pick-up lane, and hop onto the Bloomington shuttle.
Once you've gotten through security, the only thing left to do is relax and get comfortable! I highly suggest a favorite book. Personally, cold weather is always "Harry Potter season" for me. This past weekend, when flying to Atlanta, I read a few pages of "The Princess Bride." After your flight, be sure to enjoy your destination! Here's a photo of my favorite tourist spot in Atlanta, the Georgia Aquarium:
When traveling, just remember to take a deep breath and relax. Remember that even if something does go wrong, it's not the end of the world. Most travel issues have a solution! Best of luck, and happy travels this holiday season!
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Foods I Would Never Eat
This week, I decided to do something different and take a look around the Union Street Center for something to feature in my weekly blog post. During my journey I finally wandered in the USC Convenience Store for the first time, despite the fact that I walk past it on a daily basis.
The C-Store opened at the beginning of October and is chock full of goodies... most of them things that I would never consider eating. Don't get me wrong! This C-Store is a great addition to RPS because it is so unique and pushes the boundaries of what is considered normal college student fare. Still, it's not quite to my taste.
I love the fact that they sell fresh fruit, salads and soups late into the evening so that I could grab dinner or a snack during a late night study session. However, if I'm in the mood for something fast, microwaveable and filled with pizza sauce, this isn't the place to look.
Most of the food I found was healthy and organic. Even the candy bars being sold were the fancy kind with pictures of tigers and gorillas on them. The store also sells such staples as soy milk and ingredients for cooking including condiments and organic pasta (which I'm certain will come in handy in the future).
Despite the fact that I'd much rather toss something in the microwave and press the Start button, I'm glad to know that the Union Street Center C-Store is only a moment away. You know, in case I ever decide to eat healthy.
The C-Store opened at the beginning of October and is chock full of goodies... most of them things that I would never consider eating. Don't get me wrong! This C-Store is a great addition to RPS because it is so unique and pushes the boundaries of what is considered normal college student fare. Still, it's not quite to my taste.
I love the fact that they sell fresh fruit, salads and soups late into the evening so that I could grab dinner or a snack during a late night study session. However, if I'm in the mood for something fast, microwaveable and filled with pizza sauce, this isn't the place to look.
Most of the food I found was healthy and organic. Even the candy bars being sold were the fancy kind with pictures of tigers and gorillas on them. The store also sells such staples as soy milk and ingredients for cooking including condiments and organic pasta (which I'm certain will come in handy in the future).
Despite the fact that I'd much rather toss something in the microwave and press the Start button, I'm glad to know that the Union Street Center C-Store is only a moment away. You know, in case I ever decide to eat healthy.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Quarry Diving Adventures
Last Friday, a group of adventurous IU students gathered at a quarry in Mitchell, IN to do something I found incredibly brave: go scuba diving in 40 degree temperatures. I, unfortunately, was not courageous enough to do such a thing. I did, however, rise from my nice warm comfortable bed at six in the morning to join them on their adventure and photograph the event.
The students were there to do what are referred to as "check out dives." The divers have been taking scuba diving courses through the university, and the trip to the quarry was their opportunity to earn their scuba certification. Most of the students were working to earn their "Open Water" certification, which is the basic PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) scuba certification.
Other students were diving to receive their Adventure Diver and Rescue Diver certifications. The Rescue Diver check out dives were especially interesting to watch. Students had to recover an "unresponsive diver" (a dummy) from the quarry and perform rescue procedures.
Although it was a little bit cold during the dives, the quarry trip was a great experience for the students. Through their coursework at IU, they were able to earn certifications that would have been very expensive to get outside of the university. Students certified through IU also have the opportunity to travel with professor Charles Beeker to dive sites, including the 1699 Cara Merchant (Captain Kidd's last ship) that IU Underwater Science discovered in the Dominican Republic.
As a student in the Advanced Scuba course, I highly recommend that any student interested in scuba diving take E270 and E370 during their time at IU! It's been a great experience for me, and for other students as well!
The students were there to do what are referred to as "check out dives." The divers have been taking scuba diving courses through the university, and the trip to the quarry was their opportunity to earn their scuba certification. Most of the students were working to earn their "Open Water" certification, which is the basic PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) scuba certification.
Other students were diving to receive their Adventure Diver and Rescue Diver certifications. The Rescue Diver check out dives were especially interesting to watch. Students had to recover an "unresponsive diver" (a dummy) from the quarry and perform rescue procedures.
Although it was a little bit cold during the dives, the quarry trip was a great experience for the students. Through their coursework at IU, they were able to earn certifications that would have been very expensive to get outside of the university. Students certified through IU also have the opportunity to travel with professor Charles Beeker to dive sites, including the 1699 Cara Merchant (Captain Kidd's last ship) that IU Underwater Science discovered in the Dominican Republic.
As a student in the Advanced Scuba course, I highly recommend that any student interested in scuba diving take E270 and E370 during their time at IU! It's been a great experience for me, and for other students as well!
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