Concerts at Hancher – The Minnesota Orchestra

Posted on November 17, 2025

This week, I went to Hancher again to watch the Minnesota Orchestra!

On November 15, 2025, the Minnesota Orchestra performed Tōru TAKEMITSU: Night Signal (from Signals from Heaven), Karol SZYMANOWSKI: Violin Concerto No. 1 , and Hector BERLIOZ: Symphonie fantastique. As someone who grew up in the orchestra world, it was a phenomenal performance. The music itself was radiating in the hall, and the auditorium was doing its magic of resonating sound.

My roommate and I got tickets through Hawkeyes for Hancher, which is offered to students at the beginning of the year for about two days. Through the program, we got our tickets for $5, and sat in the student section (which was very obvious when we sat down, tons of students haha). In total, we got four tickets for four different events, so we’re looking forward to more concerts.

The Minnesota Orchestra has performed in Iowa City since 1909, making the connection between the city and orchestra very strong, which was obvious when the conductors/speakers were speaking, and while the musicians were performing. This was their first performance back in Iowa City in 43 years, so it was also amazing to be there for the first performance in a while. It was super easy to get to our seats and navigate as well. At each entrance, there’s a student usher to help you find your seat, and once you’re there, it’s super easy to navigate. Hancher itself is amazing to be in, and being in the main auditorium is always breathtaking. I will always recommend a concert at Hancher for its easy atmosphere, amazing views, and breathtaking events.

Till next time!

Harper

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The Before-Break Scaries

Posted on November 17, 2025

As we near Thanksgiving Break, the general consensus on campus is one thing: we’re all stressed, and we’re all ready to be done with classes. Midterms seem like a lifetime of tests, with a new one appearing every week, and with the weather changing, the sickness of the seasons takes over. Here are some things I’ve done to maintain some sort of normal human function during high-stress season.

Firstly, I treat myself. Granted, I’ve probably hit my quota by now. Over the past few weeks, I’ve let myself spend a few extra dollars on things that can keep me going throughout the day. I’ve gotten coffee a bit more often, got a new shirt that I’ve been eyeballing for a while, or just splurged on new things like highlighters or pens. Each time I do that, the sense of doom goes away, and the need to study or focus before break comes back stronger, because you know you’ve got it.

Secondly, I tell myself that it’s okay. I think when you get into the spiral of negativity, everything looks worse than it is. I caught myself doing that this semester, and noticed I wasn’t focusing on the happy parts of my day (even if it was small), and the good parts were being swallowed by negativity. I know it’s harder said than done, but if you frame your mindset into positivity, and always go into something with a positive mindset, you’ll feel less drained, see better results, and have the ability to keep walking. I always say to my friends, “I know this sucks, but if I keep walking, it’ll go into the horizon soon.”

Thirdly, I let myself breathe. Sometimes when we’re idle, we feel like we’re being lazy or unproductive, but you NEED to have those feelings in order to be productive later. Sit and breathe for a bit; your entire day doesn’t have to be busy all the time. Your type of relaxing can be different from mine, but I personally love to read a book, or color in a coloring book, or even just watch the sunset and breathe. I never pick up my phone during lazy/unproductive times. Your brain needs a moment to take in one source of information, and if you doomscroll, then your brain will never shut off from the large input of information being fed.

This season is scary, stressful, and for a Texan like me, cold. Everything is happening all at once, but I promise the clouds will fade and the sun will come out. Everything happens for a reason, even if we can’t figure out why in the moment. Take the time for yourself; breathe, relax, focus, and enjoy the experience. After all, we’re all living our own lives, and each day is a new one to take on.

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How to Stay Afloat during Midterms

Posted on October 17, 2025

Midterm season is upon us. It came way too quickly and seems never-ending. I didn’t feel ready at the beginning of midterms, but now, as I get into the swing of things, I’ve learned a lot of techniques and the best ways to study/remember things to do. Everyone is different in how they study or focus on productivity, but I thought I could share some of my habits to see if they could work for you.

Writing Down Everything to Do

This was something I had a hard time figuring out: which method works best for me. You can use task apps like Google Tasks, write them in your notes app, etc. However, every time I tried to go digital in writing my to-do lists or homework lists, I’d forget about it and soon would rush to finish homework. I finally found what was best for me through a physical list. I have a small notebook-shaped list that allows you to add tasks on specific days. It’s completely undated and small enough to take around with you without taking up too much room. With my list being physical, it reminded me, since I’d see it and it took up space, allowing me to remember it easier.

Study Spot vs. Relaxing Spot

I found myself doing homework in the dorm, which made my studying less productive and my sleep more stressful. When your wind-down area and studying area are so close, I was in constant “I need to be doing something” when I was trying to go to sleep. In the same sitting, when I’d be doing homework, I’d rather sleep than focus.

Whenever I wanted to study in the dorm and didn’t want to move, I started studying in the lounges, which provided me the difference of cozy vs. productive while still being “at home.” Once I started doing my productivity in the lounge, it was easier to do things faster and go to sleep with no anxiety.

Rewarding Yourself

A lot of times, I want to do something fun rather than do microeconomics homework. Who doesn’t? I’d find myself procrastinating homework and playing my instrument or reading without finishing my work.

So to stop that, I would purposely put a Post-it note or a reminder that I can do this after I finish assignments. For example, I would put a Post-it note on my desk saying, “Finish these two assignments to play your bass!” By having something that reminded me of my fun thing to do, I would focus more on my assignments rather than have the urge to go play bass. When someone (or something) points it out in front of you, it takes up less room in your mind if you don’t.

Those are some of my new habits that seem a little silly, or aren’t usually recommended, but have worked wonders. See if it would help you, or see if you have the same issues I did, and figure out how to adapt and change habits. Thanks for reading!

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Concerts at Hancher – Kurt Elling and Christian Sands

Posted on October 17, 2025

Hi everyone!

Being a student at the University of Iowa comes with a lot of perks- entertainment included. Hancher Auditorium is on the west side of campus and hosts many different types of performances, from mainstream artists to local musicians.

Recently, on October 3rd, I went to see Christian Sands and Kurt Elling at Club Hancher. Club Hancher is a smaller room and stage, and is built more for entertainment with food and drinks. I personally love seeing performances here, as it’s a lot more intimate and cozy. We got the tickets through a friend, who got them due to his being in the University Jazz Band, which got free tickets to this concert.

I came in knowing about Kurt Elling. He’s a jazz vocalist, and a very talented one at that. His knowledge of how to use his voice as an instrument and overall technique is mind-blowing. I knew of him through his covers of classic jazz songs, and his recent Broadway Debut as Hermes in Hadestown (that’s crazy, right?). Throughout the hour set, he was phenomenal, and I was in a constant state of shock and mesmerization by his talent. If he is ever performing at a place near you, get tickets immediately. His performance was amazing, and I can’t believe I got to see it for free.

However, I didn’t know who Christian Sands was. I knew he was a more recent and up-and-coming jazz pianist, but I didn’t know how he played. After two seconds of hearing him, I knew he knew what he was doing. His sound and overall performance were breathtaking. I don’t know much about piano, but he can move so quickly, and play chords and notes like he has five hands. I was in awe of his ability to play and was more interested in what he was doing than watching Elling.

This was all super accessible as well. The walk to Hancher was about three minutes in total, as it has a pedestrian bridge that runs right to it from the east side. It’s so close to the east side residence halls that you can see it in my view in my dorm room at Stanley Hall. Overall, this experience was way more entertaining and easily available than I was expecting. I had no trouble going into the venue or leaving. Ten out of ten, would recommend going to a show in Hancher when you get the chance.

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Studying on Campus – The Right Spots

Posted on September 30, 2025

As the first month of classes comes to a close, I’ve started to settle into campus life and found new spots to frequent. College work versus high school work is vastly different, causing me to make a new study routine. As I’ve been exploring campus in order to find the perfect spot, I thought I’d share some of the favorites.

The Busy Spot: Burge Lounge

Each residence hall has a main lounge on the main floor. I live in Stanley Hall, where we have our own lounge; however, I find that Burge is a great place to study.

When you walk into Burge, you’re greeted with the main lobby, which includes Burge Dining Hall, Clinton Market, and the Burge front desk. Right in the middle of the room is a stairway leading downstairs to where you’ll find study spaces, a maker space, and more. There are comfy couches, chairs, tables, and collaboration spaces for all to enjoy. I personally enjoy using the space with friends and taking up a nook of the booths.

I will say, the downside to Burge Lounge is how busy it gets. Usually, it’s difficult to find a spot to sit, especially when you’re with a group. Most often, I go during slow hours, like early morning or late evening, and there’s not too much trouble to find a space. During lunch and dinner hours, all I can say is good luck.

The Casual Spots: Currier and Stanley Lounge

As I’ve said before, each residence hall has a lounge, and I live in Stanley Hall. Stanley and Currier Hall are connected, so every resident gets to enjoy the amenities of the other. Both Currier and Stanley have recently renovated lounges, and are perfect for late-night studying when you don’t want to bother your sleeping roommates. Each is decorated with comfortable chairs, tables, and whiteboards- perfect for studying. It’s also great when you don’t want to leave your residential building. A lot of times, I find myself needing a different place other than my dorm to study, but I don’t want to make the walk to any other spot, so the lounges are perfect.

Each floor in Stanley Hall has their own individual small lounges as well. I LOVE staying in mine due to the amazing view of the river and Hancher Auditorium, along with studying with your floor-mates. I’ve met a lot of my neighbors through studying in the lounge.

The “Lock-In” Spot: Tippie BizHub

In the Pappajohn Business Building, Tippie has their BizHub, a spot to study, grab a snack or drink, and lock in. They have the third floor dedicated to their cafe and louder environments, while if you go up to the fourth floor, you’ll get a quiet place to study.

I personally love this location because of the environment and comfort of BizHub. The chairs, tables, and spots to study are comfortable and ergonomic, making studying a lot better. You don’t have to be a business major either- they won’t check. Any major is welcome into Tippie to study, regardless of what you’re doing. I always head up to the 4th floor because I personally like quiet and less busy areas to study, but I know some people love the third floor because of the cafe-like feel to it. Overall, this is a really popular study spot, but a really good one nonetheless.

The Pretty Spot: Art Building West

This one is my personal favorite. With my art major, I’m at the art buildings on the west side quite often, and I always go to ABW to study.

Inside ABW is the art library, where you’ll be surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows and books galore. I love studying there because it’s insanely gorgeous, has amazing seating for studying, and overall, it’s just amazing to be at. It’s really convenient when I have classes on the west side. Outside also has gorgeous seating near the pond, along with shade. I love studying there as well. It’s also less talked about and busier, so you’re likely to find a place to study.

 

And there are still so many more to explore! Each building on campus has a designated study spot, regardless of major, so you’ll always find a place to study wherever you go. Each place you study at will be worth your while. Thanks for reading!

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Meeting New People: What to Expect

Posted on September 9, 2025

One of my biggest fears going into college was how I’d make friends. I was terrified of being out of state, thinking I wouldn’t be able to meet anyone without disturbing a group. Going to a state school, I assumed everyone was from Iowa. To be fair, the majority of my class is, but I learned that means virtually nothing.

Yes, you see high school groups transfer straight to college together without a chance to meet anyone new. The fears I had were real; don’t fool yourself about that. For a day, it felt like everyone knew everyone. Yet, here’s one thing I learned:

We’re all new to this.

No one, as an incoming freshman, has taken on college before. How cool is that? You may see people and think they have everything figured out, but I guarantee they don’t. For example, after three weeks, my roommates and I just got a trash can. New ways of living take time. Trust the process. I did a lot during my first week on campus to meet new people, as does everyone else. Everyone has the same fear you do: “Who will I meet? Will I make new friends?”

Here are some things I did:

I became friends with my roommates. 

I have two roommates: one I’ve known since November, and the other I met on move-in day. We had no idea who the other was, yet I was determined to get to know this girl. Slowly but surely, we began to share stories from our hometowns, and soon I started to call her a friend, not just because we were roommates, but because I genuinely enjoyed talking to her. Through the start of a friendship, I began to meet her friends. She first invited me to join a game of Mario Kart, and now, through that one night, I’ve met people I’ll cherish forever. 

I did things alone.

If you don’t like your roommate, that’s okay, too! Sometimes all you have to do is share a space and respect the room, you don’t need to be their friend (although you should try at least once). I did things alone, a LOT. I did the On Iowa! (welcome week) events alone. I went to tote bag painting alone, made friendship bracelets for one, and ate alone. Yet out of all of that, I never walked away alone. Soon enough, I was talking to the person next to me, all the way to my next stop. Do not be afraid of conversation. Even just complimenting someone can create a conversation you’ll be so glad you made. Sometimes, taking the step to do the “get-to-know-each other” activities can create amazing friendships.

I went to class.

This is the best type of relationship. Meeting people in your class. If you talk at least once to the person next to you, I guarantee you have a new study buddy. If people have groups and it seems daunting to meet new people, your classes are the place where people can’t group up immediately, because this is all new. Just saying “can I sit here?” is a big stepping stone into “can we study together?” Meet the people who have the same interests as you; interests and academics can connect people together. 

I explored my dorm floor.

On every floor of Stanley Hall, there’s a lounge area. For the first couple of days, I was terrified of it and constantly avoiding it. One day, I sat there with my notebook and book and read. After a while by myself, someone sat down across from me and we started talking rather than reading. I still talk to this person to this day, and live right next to her across the hallway. My RAs also threw an ice cream party during the first week of school. I went alone, and met people who live on the same floor, above me, and below me. Do all the events in your dorm, even if it’s scary. Stay in the communal areas, even if your dorm feels safer. Your comfort zone shouldn’t just become your room, but the floor you’ll be living on for the next nine months. Enjoy every new opportunity.

Regardless, you will be okay. You’ll find your people in time. There’s no time limit on meeting new people, and there’s no expectation of relationships you’ll create. It could take two days, it could take two weeks to meet new people. You could meet someone and never speak to them again. And that’s okay. You are a person someone wants to know. Your value is who you are as a person, not the number of friends you have or the person you think people see. This is a time for new opportunities; grab them and find them as you grow. 

Much love,
Harper

 

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