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!
Thursday, January 20, 2011
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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