Bon Appétit!

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When you come to the University of Iowa, you have a lot of choices to make about your diet: what, when, where, and how. There are three dining halls: Catlett, Burge, and Hillcrest, as well as cafes on campus where you can use dining dollars (that come automatically with a meal plan), like Yella’s and the Food for Thought café at the library. The Food Pantry in the IMU is another resource for students and faculty, where you can get groceries for free. Essentially, when you come to Iowa, you’re gonna eat.

However, you’ve still got to answer those questions above. During my first semester, I didn’t want to worry about getting groceries, but I didn’t need to eat three meals a day, so I chose the Weekly 14 meal plan. This gave me the ability to eat twice a day, every day. The dining halls are also buffet-style, so I wasn’t constrained in terms of how much I ate. If I had time to spare, I’d usually do homework while I had coffee or dessert, but if I was in a hurry, I’d grab a to-go box and be in and out in ten minutes. The dining halls are very flexible. 

The dining halls are also fairly simple to navigate: after swiping your ID, I recommend setting your things down before getting a plate of food, so you have somewhere to return to. Take a turn around the stations and decide what you want to eat, then hop in line. If you have dietary restrictions, there are tags on every station explaining if what is being served is vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, nut-free, etc. I do not have any dietary restrictions, so I can’t speak on the quality of the dining halls for those who do. I do know that there are different types of milk in the fridges, usually half-and-half for coffee, soy, and oat. There is also a gluten-free fridge, where the gluten-free brownies live, and friends, they are so good. Truly the best brownies I’ve ever eaten in my life. I did once take a gluten-free sandwich to go, though, and… just stick with the brownies. Trust me. 

I enjoyed eating in the dining halls a lot; it was finally easy for me to eat a lot of protein every day, and the chopped melon that was served at least two times every week was delightful. I got into a really comfortable routine. Now, I have the Block 50 meal plan. This plan is unique in that it is only available to those who live off campus or in dorms with university-supplied kitchens: Parklawn, Mayflower, and some dorms in Hillcrest. This is because you have to prepare the majority of your meals yourself. Whereas last semester, I barely used the kitchenware I brought to school, I use it at least once daily, now. This may seem like a big switch, but it felt pretty seamless. Here’s how I made it happen:

Primarily, I came in with a lot of prior knowledge. I have watched my mother meal prep and make grocery lists since I was young and grew up in an ingredient household where cooking daily was the norm. As I grew up, I watched and helped my mom make breakfast and dinner, so by the time I left for college, I had a small but effective arsenal of recipes as well as the skills to make and execute grocery lists. If you couldn’t tell, I’m a big fan of lists. They help me focus. Moreover, when the task involves my wallet, focus is of the utmost importance. 

Because of their inherent, immense, and infamous value, I want to share how I plan to make my grocery lists every week. My mother (this article was sponsored by her, actually, which is why I keep talking about her) decided to get me my first week of groceries on Instacart, which I then picked up in Iowa City. It was so practical, so kind, so simple. Thanks, Mom. That first order contained a lot of staples: olive oil, spices, chicken breast, and lots of frozen veggies. It was a lot more expensive than, say, my grocery run this past weekend. I only needed to replace my yogurt, frozen blueberries, fresh vegetables, and cheese. Usually, I’ll sit in my kitchen so I can physically see what I need to get, but it wasn’t difficult to do this list off the top of my head because it was so short. When I think about what I need for the week, I think about what meals I’m going to want to make. Typically, I need enough ingredients for sandwiches, yogurt cups, salads, pasta and pasta sauce, grilled chicken, and roasted veggies. For snacks, I make myself a trail mix or cut up vegetables. These are the bulk of my meals – simple, easily rotated, and relatively nutritionally dense. It’s kind of boring, I know, but I like it, and it keeps me going.

At the end of the day, everyone is different. Some people don’t like to cook, and that’s fine. The dining halls are a great option; straightforward and convenient. If you need to save money, like I did this semester, a plan like Block 50 is an option. At the University of Iowa, it’s all about choice, which is one of my favorite things about going to school here. No matter who you are or what you need, you’ll be set up for success😊

If you’ve gotten this far, thank you! I hope my page can bring some insight and confidence to those considering coming to the U of I for college—I love it here, and I’m confident you will, too. Stay tuned for next month’s blogs and stay warm! See ya!

Kiah<3

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How To: College as a 9-5

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Hello, my dear readers! I am finally back on campus and just wrapped up my first week of classes; I am delighted to report that I am doing well. I think this semester is going to be much better than the last, knock on wood. Here are the reasons why.

Firstly, my schedule is so much more manageable this semester. Instead of taking 18 credits across seven (7!?) classes, I am taking five classes for a total of 16 credits. I was going to take another 18 credits this semester, but my 5-credit Portuguese class got cancelled, so I pivoted and ended up with 2 fewer credits. However, I think the problem was with the volume of classes I was taking rather than the number of credits they totaled. It was simply overwhelming, especially as it was my first semester. It felt like there was always an assignment I had forgotten about and was scrambling to complete on time. My goal is to relax more this semester, and reducing my course load will definitely help me do so. 

In addition to having less work, I intend to treat the work I do have like a 9-5 job. Right now, my full-time job is “student.” I have an actual job, too, but school is my primary occupation. However, I am going to set serious boundaries around the times I do work. Every day, I will clock into school, and at the end of my “work day,” I will very firmly clock back out. I want to avoid doing schoolwork past 5 pm because I need to be able to unwind and turn off my brain before I go to bed. Last semester, academics bled into every aspect of my life, and it badly stressed me out. My goal this semester is to allot myself homework time every day and simply do what I can within that time. One of my professors advised the same thing: to treat school like a job and clock out after doing a solid amount of work. Work hard, but don’t grind yourself into dust. At orientation, too, I was told to expect to do 2-3 hours of coursework outside of class for every hour I spend in class; if I spend that time wisely, what teacher can fault me?

Here’s the kicker, though: I actually have to spend that time wisely, which means limiting distractions, aka, my phone. I don’t know if it was winter break, but recently I have been on my phone to a detrimental degree. In order to get my homework done and waste less time, I have to stay off my phone. For me, this is as easy as leaving it in my dorm room if I go down to the Mayflower lounge to work, or keeping it in my backpack if I’m studying at the library. If it’s out of my sight, it’s out of my mind. I hope this small change helps me be more efficient and save valuable time for doing other things, like my hobbies. I’ll hopefully write, exercise, paint, and crochet a lot more than last semester! 

Between my smaller course load and my stricter timetable to do work, I have high hopes for this semester. As always, I’ll keep you updated; my approach to school this semester is a lot more relaxed, and I will share if it works any better with you all! This was a short one, but I appreciate you guys reading it nonetheless 😊

Stay warm (it feels like –35° in Iowa City currently!), and have a great start to your semesters!

I’ll catch you in the next one,

Kiah<3

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Featuring: Iowa City

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Hello readers! I dearly hope everyone is enjoying their holidays and the time off that comes with it; I know I am! I mentioned that I was in Arizona in my last blog, and while it was a great trip, I am so relieved to be home with my pets, in my own house, and able to catch up with old friends. 

For my last blog of the year (what??), I want to give you all a glimpse into Iowa City itself. It’s a beautiful place; walkable, friendly, always bustling, full of charismatic shops right beside intimidating university buildings. It’s been a pleasure to live there, truly. 

My birthday facilitated most of these excursions; it was the weekend before finals week, so instead of studying or doing homework, I went out with my friends. I finally went to the Kitty Corner Social Club after spending four months looking through the window every time I walked past, and checked out two restaurants: Formosa and Nodo. I hadn’t made a point of frequenting Iowa City’s small businesses throughout the semester, so it was lovely to experience a handful so quickly!

Firstly, the Kitty Corner Social Club is a cat café that also serves as an adoption center. There were about a dozen cats when I visited, and I got lots of photos of them. It was a very calm environment, and the cats were friendly for the most part, though some were more reserved. For cat lovers, hopeful cat parents, or those who cannot adopt their own cats for whatever reason, the Kitty Corner Social Club is a great place to visit to scratch that itch—or some cats, behind their little ears. University students also get a discount, which makes it really affordable, as well! I paid about $10 for a half an hour with the cats. It was a fun way to spend some time on my birthday, especially because I have two cats of my own back in Wisconsin and miss them a lot when I leave for school. I definitely recommend it for anyone who needs to de-stress or simply wants to pet some cats!

That weekend, I also visited Formosa, a sushi restaurant, and let me tell you, it was scrumptious. I got a spicy crab poké bowl, and my friends and I shared the Plaza Tower sushi roll—both were simply divine. It was also the day before my birthday, and so when my friends alerted our waitress to that fact, she brought out a hefty slice of some of the best chocolate cake I’ve ever tasted, adorned with a full-blown sparkler! It was a great experience, and also very affordable! I’ve found Iowa City to be price-friendly toward students, so if you enjoy eating out, going to cafés, or getting involved in the nightlife, Iowa City is a great match for you!Kiah smiles widely at the camera, and on the red tabletop sits a large slice of chocolate cake with a lit sparkler. This third restaurant is more of a café called Nodo. It’s a skinny and tall building—I almost walked past it when trying to find it for the first time! —with two floors of seating, and a shabby chic vibe. The atmosphere was cozy, and I can imagine reading or doing homework there would be quite peaceful. There are lots of nooks and crannies in Iowa City to tuck yourself into and work for a while, but Nodo would be a particularly good place to do so. 

That is the extent of my extremely occupied weekend, but I have some bonus recommendations from little trips I made during the semester. The Bep Teahouse will meet all of your milk tea needs, with delicious mochi donuts to boot. I also enjoy Prairie Lights for the vibes and the coffee; get your books for the semester there and then pop upstairs to grab a drink and work by the window. Midnight Coffee is another good study spot, just get there early in the day if you want to find a seat, there aren’t many, and it’s popular (for good reason)! I’ve also had dinner at Pullman’s and Red Ginger, and both were great! Whatever you’re looking for in Iowa City, there is a restaurant for you, and it more likely than not will be super cute and well-priced. That has been my overall experience, at least. If anyone has any other recommendations, drop them in the comments below, and please let me know if you try out any of the places I’ve mentioned here! I will keep you all updated when I discover new little gems around Iowa City!

As always, thank you for reading. Happy holidays, and get some rest over break!
Kiah<3

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How… I’m feeling

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Hello, dear readers! I hope you are all staying warm in these cold and trying times (trying not to slip on all the slush in the streets!). I want to break for a bit and do an introspective piece this month. This is because I have no words of wisdom right now, but I do have a lot of feelings surrounding the end of the semester.

Firstly, I’m tired. My end-of-semester isn’t even that grueling! I was momentarily in the trenches last week, preparing for dead week, but I’ve evened out. For context, I had one final exam in my Portuguese class, a one-on-one conversation with my professor that lasted all of ten minutes. From there, it’s been projects and presentations as far as the eye can see. I’m also on crunch time for Boundless, the literary magazine for which I translate and am designing the cover. More information about Boundless and the Translate Iowa Project, which is what Boundless functions beneath. Find more information on the Translate Iowa Project website.

So, I’m tired. I’ve been on the grind for too long, and I’m worn out. The end is so close I can taste it, and I can’t wait to go home. Since I don’t have any proper finals during finals week, I’ll be kind of bored, doing nothing (theoretically). I have no idea what it will be like to just live in Iowa City, not as a student, not doing school.

That leads me to another weird feeling I’ve been having, or more accurately, that I had during Thanksgiving break. My family home doesn’t feel like my full-time home anymore. I found myself longing to return to my quiet, cozy dorm room, though some of that definitely had to do with the rambunctious tendencies of my three younger brothers. I loved spending time with my parents, my extended family, and my pets, but I wanted to go back to school, fall back into my daily routine, and be fully independent. School is my home now. I was so sad about moving out of the home I lived in for 18 years, if you all remember my first blog, but no more. I’ll get back to you guys on how my feelings change during a month-long break, though. Part of me was in “waiting mode” during Thanksgiving break, just waiting to get back and finish the semester. Now that I’m done, perhaps I will be able to settle back into a home routine.

With the end of the semester comes some thoughts on classes! I had a rollercoaster of a first semester. I was in the absolute trenches during October and into November, and now, I feel like I’m lounging on the top of the mountain. Thank goodness. Part of the problem was the sheer number of classes I was taking. I had seven classes this semester, eight if you include the mandatory freshman course. It had homework, and I could have failed it, so I think it counts. Beyond that, a lot of my “small” classes (orchestra, Intro to Honors, and a freshman seminar) had a lot of work that came along with them: I practiced my instrument twice a week for an hour or two each session, in addition to a weekly, two-hour orchestra rehearsal. Moreover, my Intro to Honors course required me to attend events that I otherwise would not have gone to. Beyond the hours I “lost” to these activities themselves, I also needed to work around bus schedules, walking, and other responsibilities. That time adds up quickly and can leave you feeling crunched and squeezed when working on homework or looking for time to rest. Moreover, I worked out twice a week, almost religiously, for about a month and a half after classes began, and that was another commitment to myself that I really prioritized keeping. I thought I was doing well, preparing for what was difficult, taking time to care for my body, but at some point, I lost the plot. I was doing too much. Beyond academics, I applied for an exec position for the Translate Iowa Project, in addition to being a translator. I write these blogs. My roommate situation was deteriorating before my eyes. There was a lot on my plate.

I don’t want to scare anyone, and I’m not asking for pity. I simply want to be transparent about the mistakes I made so you, prospective freshmen, who I am writing for, don’t repeat them. College is a lot of fun. I have met so many cool people and done so many cool things. I love living in Iowa City; it’s beautiful, friendly, walkable, and lovely in all seasons. I’ve found my people and am now in that really awesome stage where I get to know them really well. I’ve started dating, and it’s been a ton of fun. My exec position is such a blessing and lets me build creativity into my work in ways I know I wouldn’t prioritize for myself otherwise. I’ve found a church that I think I just might love. I’m learning so many cool things! My classes challenge and tire me, but at the end of the day, that is what I am here for. While my first semester wasn’t completely painless, I am very grateful to be at the University of Iowa, and I can’t wait to keep sharing all of my (mis)adventures with you all!

If you got this far, thank you! This one was a little messy, a little personal, and a lot cathartic. I’ll catch you in the next one, where I’ll be on winter break!

Kiah<3

P.S. – I’m on winter break while editing this! My family and I are on vacation in Arizona. It’s lovely and warm here. 

It’s weird reading this back: I’ve changed my mind on some things, like my finals week being “boring” – so much happened! And remember how I said I really wanted to go home? Granted, I was only ‘home’ for about 12 hours from Wednesday to Thursday and then hopped on a plane out west, but living with my family again has been… an adjustment. There are just so many people in my “personal space” again! It’s weird. However, I am glad to be on break and hope the rest of you have a very happy holiday season!

Bye for now, for real 😊

 

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Finals Season!!

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Hello, my dear readers, it’s finals season! Who’s excited?

I know I’m not. I can’t even complain, really. I have one final. Most of my classes have assigned final projects and presentations, which I prefer. But I’m still on Thanksgiving break as I’m writing this. I don’t want to come back to school either way.  

It sounds like it’s a dreadful time. For some, it is. If you have a lot of finals, my heart goes out to you. Drink lots of water, get lots of sleep. It’s also sickness season, so those steps can help guard you against catching some nasty bug that hastens your spiral into delirium and exhaustion. I, for one, will be approaching this season very meticulously.

For World Literature in Translation, I can do a pretty zany final, and I’ve chosen to paint a scene from a text we read this semester. It’s a goddess with a basilisk wrapped around her shoulders. Now, hear me out, it’s academic. Its imagery is pulled from the hymns of Enheduana, a Sumerian priestess. Cool, right? Maybe I’m just a dork. Regardless, I began this project over Thanksgiving break and am halfway done with it now. I’ve taken some of the stress off of finishing a whole painting, among studying and preparing other projects. 

In the same vein, for Translation and Global Society, I must do a group presentation. We started collecting our information and making slides weeks ago. Now all that needs to happen is some editing and rehearsal, and we’re set! Two finals, basically done.

I do have to lock in on Portuguese, though. That’s my one exam. It might be wise to check the study questions tomorrow… I also have to give a presentation in this class, “About Me.” In Portuguese. Naturally.

Lastly, for my Spanish class, I have a short story to write. After our workshop this Tuesday, I’ll begin drafting. It’s due two weeks after that, so as long as I set myself mini-deadlines for drafting, first edits, and final edits, it will be simply stellar. 

This semester, I’ve learned how to manage my time like never before. I’ve had to; otherwise, I may have drowned beneath the tidal wave of schoolwork that threatened me every week. Now, I’m riding that wave to a relatively quiet and peaceful end of the semester.

Wow. Semester one, done.

But not quite.

I’ll catch you guys in the next one, and good luck on all your finals!

Kiah<3

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How To: Move OUT

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Hello, my dear readers!

It has been a wild month so far (and it’s only been two weeks!). I have much to share.

My first blog was titled How To: Move to College, so why am I now moving out? Don’t worry, I’m not dropping out or anything drastic. I had to change rooms, as some people do, because my living situation was deteriorating. In this installation of How To, I will be sharing why I moved out of my original dorm room, and some tips on how to avoid having to follow in my footsteps.

My ex-roommate has a boyfriend. My current roommate also has one, but in the two weeks I have been living with her, I haven’t seen him. However, it was rare that three days would pass and my ex-roommate’s boyfriend was not in our dorm, hanging out, sleeping over, and using our kitchen and shower. In my effort to avoid fighting with my roommate, I let it all slide. I was terrified of fighting with her, when usually I possess enough sense and confidence to advocate for myself. In this case, I did not want to sour our relationship and make living with her difficult. Ultimately, it didn’t matter; living in that room became unbearable anyway. If my dorm is supposed to be a place I can retreat to and relax in, I was on edge in my room, always worried that the boyfriend would be there when I arrived or show up and shatter the peace. 

My final straw was when he came into our room at 3a.m., against her will, while I was sleeping, and refused to leave for two hours. It’s safe to say that I never wanted to see him again. When she brought him back to the dorm later that week, I told her in no uncertain terms that he was not allowed to spend the night. She didn’t care, and he slept over. 

This was my last straw; a clear instance of disrespect, on top of all the smaller events I had refused to lay at my roommate’s feet. I knew then that I would never have peace because neither of them respected me; perhaps I could have put the pieces together sooner, but again, I wanted to avoid fighting with my roommate so badly that I refused to assign blame to her, even though she is an adult and fully responsible for her actions. Luckily, by this point, I had already put in a room change request. I waited two weeks before receiving an offer, and a week after he stayed over that last time, I was gone.

All of this is to say that living with people is hard, and living with a perfect stranger is harder! While it’s important to respect your roommate, you also must prioritize your peace. It is ok to take up space in your room! I was afraid to do that, and my situation worsened for it. 

If I could do it all again, here’s what I would do:

  • Set firm and specific boundaries during my roommate agreement. I knew I was uncomfortable with the boyfriend in the room all the time, so instead of hedging around the issue, I wish I had simply stated my feelings. If my roommate wanted to discuss, we could compromise. Once something is in writing, a person can be held to it. Use that space to discuss everything: policies on spending the night, activities that are allowed in the dorm, notice periods if someone is going to come over, bedtimes, cleaning schedules; anything and everything you can think of. Be firm and be confident, but remember to be kind. Mutual respect is the building block of a healthy roommate relationship, not fear or appeasement. Set boundaries early and nip problems in the bud. If something bothers you, say so! There’s nothing worse than letting a problem fester.
  • Communicate more firmly. If, like me, you beat around the bush during your roommate agreement, that is ok! Boundaries are flexible, so communicate if they change. When I tried to do so, I was gentle, accommodating, and nervous. I needed to be assertive because problems will persist if you don’t address them properly. Be confident and speak your mind. If you need support, a trusted friend or RA can mediate the conversation. 
  • Speaking of, go to your RA. This is one thing I would not change about my approach because my RA was AMAZING throughout this whole situation. He was nonjudgmental and gave me a lot of the advice I am now sharing with you. RAs also have bosses, so if the situation gets really out of control and they can’t handle it, someone else can. 

Moving out was the best decision for me. Lots of the time, though, roommates don’t have conflicts or can resolve them quickly by having a conversation. The moral of the story is: The University of Iowa wants to help its students live and learn to the best of their ability. One of the perks of attending such a big university is that you have a huge support system available, and I highly recommend utilizing it. While I had a pretty bad time with my first roommate, with the help of my RA and University Housing and Dining, I was able to change that situation. My new roommate is really sweet and even helped me move in with her! I could go on and on about the resources available here; it really amazes me how much the university supports its students and faculty. Maybe my next blog will be about everything I’ve discovered during my first semester 🙂 

Well, thank you, dear readers, for sticking this one out with me. Hopefully, your November has been more peaceful than mine, and happy Thanksgiving! I hope everyone gets a well-deserved break. 

I’ll catch you in the next one! 
Kiah<3

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October: Survival Guide

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It is my favorite time of year, dear readers—spooky season—and with it comes cold weather, not enough sweaters, and a certain longing for home. We’re coming down to the wire, and honestly, I’m stressed. It’s harder to get sleep, exercise, and social time between the mountains of homework sitting on my desk (aka my Canvas dashboard). What’s more, intramurals have begun; sickness is running rife around campus… Let’s get into how to survive October in your freshman year.

Firstly, fall is gorgeous in Iowa City. Between the river, the plentiful trees turning their many shades of gold, orange, and red, and the crisp, clean breeze that only comes with autumn, Iowa City is a good place to be this time of year. Just don’t do what I did and think you won’t need a coat until Thanksgiving! Bring at least one with you when you first move.

I have really been enjoying biking and walking, even as the weather grows colder. The weather has been sunny and clear, so the days heat up to a comfortable temperature if you’re wearing a sweater and jeans. On windy or rainy days, an extra layer is necessary, but overall, fall has been very pleasant so far.

 

With the changing of the seasons, however, comes sickness. Two of my roommates have caught nasty coughs, so I don’t know how I’ve dodged that bug for so long. Part of it, I know, is staying active. It’s tempting, as work piles up and the weather gets worse, to stay inside all day, but fresh air is your best friend for both mental and physical health! Whether you run, bike, or walk, it is important to keep doing those things for as long as possible. If you photosynthesize like me, take advantage of the sun while it’s still around! Season slumps come for the healthiest of us, so build breaks into the long homework sessions and study hours. Your brain and body will thank you.

Speaking of homework, you’re going to have a lot of it. Midterms have just finished, and the end of the semester is in sight. This means projects, presentations, and exams. These all require a lot more effort than routine homework, as you all know, and so being smart with your time is of the utmost importance. My tendency to procrastinate has been dying a slow, painful death by the sword of my looming coursework, so I suggest you learn from me and strive to be proactive! Tackle assignments early, work ahead if you can, and chunk heavier work into pieces to avoid getting overwhelmed. Homework is a whole new world in college, and it takes time to adjust. My biggest tip is to Put. Away. Your. Phone. Even placing it facedown beside me works wonders. When I am doing homework, my mind wants to go just about anywhere else, and so cutting off those wandering pathways is a great way to force myself to dial in and work.

It’s not all work, though. I have been playing intramural soccer! Technically, we have only had one game so far, but it is so good to be back on the field. We lost… but still managed to have fun. Intramurals are a low-commitment, strictly for-fun way to play sports you love, and I highly recommend joining. You also meet lots of new people! None of our team knew each other beforehand, and we’ll only become better friends and teammates the longer we play. Here we come, playoffs!

Lastly, happy Halloween! Whether you are going out or staying in, be safe and have fun! Tonight, I am carving pumpkins with friends and watching Monsters Inc., while tomorrow I will participate in my first-ever haunted house as a scare actor! I’ll be acting as a mannequin who gets closer every time the lights go out… watch out! I think it’ll be a blast. I haven’t acted much since I’ve come to college, so I’m very excited!

Thanks for reading, and I’ll catch you in the next one!

Kiah<3

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How To: Build Your First-Semester Schedule

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We are officially two months into the semester and it’s midterm time! I don’t personally have any midterm tests, but my workload is steadily getting heavier regardless. In this month’s How To, I am going to offer some tips on how to build your first semester schedule, what to avoid, additional details to consider if you’re an Honors student (as I am), and what the heck to do with the rest of your time!

To begin, you get to build your first semester schedule over the summer, during your SOAR appointment. Use your Degree Audit in MyUI to look at the classes you need for your degree, including gen eds. After you make a list, take it over to the Courses and Registration tab, also in MyUI, and have a browse. There are lots of gen eds you can take to fulfill the categories outlined in your Degree Audit, so experiment a little! Take the opportunity to take a class that just sounds fun; it’s going to count towards your degree if it fulfills a requirement.

The maximum number of credits you can take in your first semester is 18 credits. Do. Not. Take. All. Eighteen. Don’t do it! I’m taking the full eighteen right now, and even though several of my courses are 1 semester hour, they pile up fast. I’m afraid I am simply swimming in coursework. I’m in the Campus Symphony Orchestra; I did not account for the time I’d need to practice my music. College music is no joke, even for non-music majors. Now, factor in time to do homework and study time when exams and quizzes roll around. You’re probably also going to want to socialize and maybe join some clubs? I highly recommend it—they are great breaks from all the schoolwork you’re drowning in. Oh, and if you want to exercise? Go to church? Sleep? Good luck. Just… don’t take the full semester. You’ll thank yourself later.

If you read all that and decided to be to take a diabolical semester anyway, here are some tips to manage your life. It is an essential skill regardless of your work load, but becomes even more important when life gets hectic. I was not a planner before college, but I live and die by my Outlook calendar now. If it is not on the calendar, it will not be done! In your first week, as your syllabi get published, sit down and enter all your due dates into your calendar. It will take a while, but it’s so worth it. All of your to-do’s will be compiled in one place instead of scattered across four or five syllabi. Furthermore, plan out each week in detail. As part of an Honors assignment, I had to make a detailed two-week schedule and am so glad. I input every single thing I needed to do that week, including meals, workouts, and homework sessions. When I blocked out time for homework, I also set goals for what I would complete during the block vs assignments I only needed to make progress on. I encourage you, dear reader, to do the same. Start intensely detailed and scale back as you get into a feel for how you need to manage your time—or stay detailed if that’s what keeps you in check! Scheduling is so important even if you’re not taking a crazy semester. You’ll be less likely to miss deadlines, meetings, and work. I have been saved by my calendar notifications more than once. It only takes about a half hour every weekend to set the rest of your week up for success, so invest that time in your peace of mind. 

A suggestion for my prospective Honors readers: take Honors gen eds! You have to take 12 semester hours of Honors coursework by the end of your second year, and that can manifest as one Honors course per semester, since most courses are 3 semester hours. All gen eds also have an Honors option, so try fulfilling both requirements at once!

For all my lovely readers, if you are double majoring, or taking any minors or certificates, also look for overlapping classes. Most of the time, if a course says it can count toward two different requirements, it will count for both. For example, I need to fulfill my Sustainability and Natural Sciences (with Lab) requirements and plan on taking Introduction to Environmental Sciences to do so because it counts toward both categories. Be smart and work with your advisor during your SOAR appointment to get a grasp on the function of your Degree Audit and and the other resources available to help plan your time at the university. Your advisor is also aware that you’re most likely brand-new to this process and will heavily guide you for your first semester, so you don’t have to stress a lot. Just have fun browsing classes and get familiar with your resources.

Lastly, rest. This means taking naps and getting good nights of sleep. Take breaks when studying for long periods to walk around and disengage. Eat fulfilling, healthy meals. Prioritize your heath and everything else will follow. Making myself a schedule and sticking to it when life gets crazy has helped me so much; even when I feel like I am drowning in coursework, I still go to the gym instead of skipping to study. I practice my instrument even though I’m stressed about a deadline. I go to church on Thursdays even when I’m worried about having too late a night. I do this because my mental state is remarkably improved after focusing on something that isn’t school for an hour or two, and I become that much more productive. You come to college to learn, and part of that learning is developing skills to be a functioning adult. Manage your time wisely, do your homework, but also set aside time for friends, hobbies, and rest. You will be so much happier for it.

Thanks for reading this month’s How To! Let me know in the comments if you find this helpful or share some strategies you use to stay healthy and productive!

Until next time, 

Kiah<3

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Check In! My First Month (or so) At College

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It has been just over a month since I began classes, and nobody is pulling any punches. Let’s get into it.

I’ve been on the academic struggle bus basically the whole time I’ve been here. My classes require a lot of reading, and as part of the Campus Symphony Orchestra, I am playing the hardest music I have ever played, so I must practice a lot. Beyond preparing for class, I also have homework. Duh. This ranges from one–page papers to chatbot-generated theses to class discussion posts. Here’s my secret: this is my fault for taking an 18-credit semester, the maximum amount of credits I am allowed to take. Take it from me, try to ease into your college experience. You may have been an academic weapon in high school, and you still are! But you’re also dealing with a massive life-change! Give yourself grace and time to breathe, and don’t overburden yourself, unlike me.

Luckily, I enjoy most of my classes. My professors are all wonderful and extremely intelligent people, and I’m learning a ton. My only truly grueling class is my Spanish class. Here’s a breakdown: I am taking a 3000-level creative writing Spanish course, which means a lot of reading in Spanish. Personally, reading and writing are my weakest skills, versus listening and speaking, and so I took this class to help correct that. I had no idea what I was getting into. It’s that class of the semester. You know, the one that beats you up every time you walk in? Yeah. It’s one of those.

However, I know that it’ll pay off. I didn’t come to school to stay stagnant; I came to be challenged, and the skills I learn in this class will directly transfer to my career as a translator once I leave school. When I struggle, I try to look at the bigger picture. This is only one class, for one semester, and I am being challenged and therefore growing. That’s the whole point, isn’t it?

Beyond academics, I have had a fabulous time getting involved in student orgs! I’m loosely part of a gardening club and an outdoorsy club that takes day trips on the weekends sometimes, shoutout DIRT; The Gardening Club and Strength in Numbers. I’m actually going on a day trip with Strength in Numbers tomorrow, so maybe I’ll do a little write-up on that!

More formally, I am on the Experience Iowa Ambassadors team, which is why I am writing this blog 😉 and the Translate Iowa Project, a translation magazine, which ties directly into my Translation major. I tried out for the club soccer team here, but it is very competitive, and I didn’t make it, so I’ll be checking out the intramural scene, which is also very big here.

This is a tiny glimpse into the world of student orgs at the university. Whatever you’re into, they have it. From Greek life to sports clubs to major-oriented groups to tap dance, you can get involved, and I highly encourage it! It’s a great way to make friends, get out of the dorm, and take a break from academics. Student involvement, especially in leadership positions, also looks great on resumes.

Speaking of resumes, I got a job! I am now working at the Stanley Museum of Art, auditing classes and providing feedback on them from a student perspective. Getting a job is another way to get involved on campus or in Iowa City. It was strange to not have to work for the first month I was here, coming straight out of my summer job, but it was a relief not to have to worry about a job along with everything else for a little bit. Now, I will simply have to factor this commitment into the rest. College is like a puzzle that way—a time puzzle—and I still haven’t quite put the pieces together correctly yet. I’ll for sure let you all know when I do.

Most recently, my mom came to visit for the first time! I am originally from Milwaukee, so she drove the four hours with my little brother and stayed in Coralville last weekend. We visited the Devonian Fossil Gorge, which is full of fossils, if you couldn’t guess, from the shallow sea that used to be there. Then, I showed her around Iowa City, and the next day, we saw a volleyball game. She coaches high school volleyball and played in college, so watching the game with her really heightened the experience.

Honestly, it was just nice to spend time with my family after not seeing them for so long. It had only been a month and a half, but that is definitely the longest period I’ve ever gone without seeing them! I call my parents about once a week, though, and text them throughout the week, so that also helps with any homesickness.

I was really worried about homesickness when I moved in. I am a sentimental person, and am deeply attached to my family, so leaving them for several months at a time was a scary prospect. I alluded to it in my last blog, but I was really sad on move-in day. I anticipated saying goodbye from the moment we pulled into the Mayflower dorm parking lot, and it weighed on me until they drove away. There were lots of tears from both my mother and me, even though I told myself I wouldn’t cry. (She started it). Whatever your reaction is to being dropped off by your guardians, it’s okay. It could be a relief to be starting your own life and maybe escaping a rough one back home. It could be sadness, similar to my experience. It could be panic at starting over somewhere completely new. It could be fear, anxiety, joy, excitement, but whatever it is, sit in that feeling for a little bit. Give yourself time to process your emotions as you come into this new chapter of life. Talk to a friend back home or one you make on campus. Call your parents. Speak to a campus counselor if you’re really struggling to settle in. There are resources available to help with the college transition, so take advantage.

One way I take care of myself and restore some mental clarity when I’m upset, homesick, or stressed is by working out. I run and weight lift, but also enjoy yoga occasionally. Like I mentioned earlier, there are a plethora of sports clubs ranging in competitiveness if organized sports are more your speed, but the individual training facilities on campus are also excellent. The Campus Recreation and Wellness Center is my favorite place to lift weights, but it also has a floor of cardio machines, many sports courts, a climbing wall, and a pool. If you’re a runner or biker, there are lovely, paved trails all along the Iowa River. I use those almost daily. Lastly, most residence halls have a small fitness center if you need a quick workout or even a mat to do an at-home workout. One of my goals for the school year was to lift more weights and pack on some muscle, so I have been making frequent use of the athletic facilities here on campus.

Thanks for checking in with me. If you’ve made it this far, leave a comment about how your school year has been going. While I highlighted some of my rougher patches, it has been an overwhelmingly positive experience this first month or so at the university. I simply wanted to reflect a little on what is hard right now and how I’m trying to make it better. Stick with me the rest of the year to find out if I get my life together, and maybe, you’ll pick up some useful tips and tricks, especially you incoming freshmen.

Again, thanks for reading, and I’ll see you next time!
Kiah<3

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How To: Move to college

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Hello, my dear readers! This is my first Experience Iowa! blog and the first installation of my How To: series! My goal is to share tips and tricks I pick up through trial and error so you don’t have to. I am the eldest of four siblings, so I didn’t have a lot of guidance going into college, and I wish that I had. Hopefully, this series can shed a little light on the process!

Today, I’m going to break down how I moved to college. It can seem like a daunting process, so let’s break it down:

Step 1. Pack.  

Yep. Step one starts before you even get to school, and in my opinion, this is the hardest part. 

The first thing you want to think about is necessities. This includes school supplies, personal care items, technology, clothes, and bedding. You actually need to like, live, in your dorm. For most things, you only need one, specifically for hygiene refills. Go to the store when you need to; your dorm is small, and it won’t be fun to try to organize a year of refills. Though buy a soap pump and a refill bottle; that is both greener and more convenient than buying a new hand soap every time you run out! In addition to soap, bringing two pairs of sheets is smart. That way, you can make your bed while washing the other set. I also wish I had brought two pillows. I thought it would take up too much space on my bed and in the car without being worth it; if you sleep with two pillows normally, bring two pillows. 

Speaking of, you want to make our room feel like home. After all, it is home for the year. If you sleep with a stuffed animal, bring them. If you need to plan your week on a whiteboard, do it. If you keep plants in your room, bring your children with you! What helps you succeed at home can help you at school and will ease the transition. Other things I brought to make the space mine were some art pieces I had on my walls, a bedside lamp, my plants, some fairy lights, and my typical desk setup. I also brought a few hobby items, specifically, a box of acrylic paints, brushes, markers, pens, and a sketchbook. I use these often enough that I know I would miss them if I didn’t have them with me at school. However, my art supplies at school take up a fraction of the space that they do at home. Pack with the process of unpacking in mind, and be space-conscious.

One more tip for packing: Pack seasonally. If you’re a traditional student, you’re coming in at the end of summer into fall. Pack both warm weather and cool weather clothes, and get your heavy-duty winter stuff when family comes up or you go home closer to Thanksgiving break. Maybe bring one warm coat, though. I forgot to do that, and it can get chilly as the weather turns! 

Finally, you must box up all of your carefully prepared items. I began with things I knew I would not use in the days leading up to move-in day, like my lamp, my art supplies, and cold-weather clothes. I also labelled each box in case the contents were fragile and to aid in unpacking. As the days tick down, start packing your warm-weather clothes, beginning with formal/less warm pieces and ending with what you wear most often. Lay out your move-in outfit and any hygiene products you’ll need in the morning, and then go to bed, knowing you are all packed and ready for move-in day!

Step 2: Move-in day!

Arrive at your dorm and stretch. You’ve probably driven a long way, and you might be feeling a lot of things. That’s completely normal, so take a second to center yourself. Then head inside, grab your key and a cart, and start taking your stuff to your room. I chose to leave my stuff on my bed and beneath it, unpacked, and continue getting checked in and oriented, but it is also completely fine to unpack partially or fully as soon as you arrive! It is all down to personal preference.

After dropping my stuff off, I headed to the IMU to check into On Iowa! and get some swag (including the Block I photo shirt!). After that, I got lunch with my parents and went to Walmart for some last-minute dorm essentials, including toilet paper, paper towels, and cleaning supplies. I also looked for a storage unit/bedside table; I recommend putting off purchasing extraneous storage until you arrive at the dorm and see what space you’re working with.

Then, I took a walk with my parents to postpone saying goodbye. Leaving my parents for the first time was very difficult; I had never had to be apart from them for so long. This is why I chose to save my unpacking until I was alone; I used it to decompress and reorder my emotions. It helped me clear my head, and by the time I was done, I wasn’t as sad anymore. Don’t rush yourself when you’re moving in; this is a brand-new, monumental experience, and you can feel however you want about it. Give yourself space and time, and try to get a good night’s sleep that first night.  

Step 3: Roomie 🙂

Meet your roommate(s). I met my roommate as soon as I moved in. I didn’t know her personally before I arrived, but luckily, we clicked and live together peacefully. Most roommate situations are like that, but sometimes there are problems. At college, we’re all adults, so talk those issues out and get an RA involved if needed. Being a good roommate is a skill, and it’s okay if you’re not excellent at it immediately. Communicate clearly and promptly, and most people will respect that.  

Step 4: On Iowa!

On Iowa! is a week of fun programming designed to get you acquainted with campus and all it has to offer. Nothing is required, but get out of your dorm and have some fun! You can learn about academic and social opportunities on campus, sports teams, student orgs, and get acquainted with the city itself! Don’t worry if you have no one to go to events with. During the first week, everyone is on a pretty steep learning curve and is open to meeting new people. Just be kind, open-minded, and ready for a good time!

Pro-tip:

Go to the Block I photo and Kickoff at Kinnick! They’re freshman traditions, and no one wants to be the that person who has to confess to skipping when their friends and family ask where they were standing in the photo. It takes like ten minutes, just go. Kickoff is fun, too! You don’t get to go on the field any other time, so take advantage.

Step 5: Finding your way around

Familiarize yourself with your schedule. There are no On Iowa! activities on the Sunday before classes begin, but all the academic buildings are open. Walking your schedule, or at least finding all of your classrooms, is a great way to spend that time. That way, any kinks you may need to solve won’t be when you actually need to be somewhere on time.  

To demonstrate, one of my friends had a class in the Public Library, which was strange. We went there while following her schedule on Sunday, and they redirected us to the Main Library on campus because there was a glitch in the schedule. That was a great thing to find out on Sunday instead of Monday.  

 Step 6: School, actually.

You made it to day one of classes! You should be proud. Hopefully, you’ve made a friend, met your roommates, unpacked, and done some cool stuff on campus already. Now, you actually have to go to school. It’s going to feel weird at first, but you will find your rhythm. 

One effective strategy is to block out every section of your day. Add all your assignments and due dates as soon as you can. College is different than high school in that most professors will provide you with a schedule of assignments, tests, and projects in the syllabus. Moreover, block study and homework time. On the “Add a description” line in Outlook, you can also add which assignments you must complete ASAP and which you simply need to begin. This way, study time is structured and efficient. You can also block in meals, naps/rest times, clubs, and friend hang-outs. Make your calendar work for you. Personally, I use Outlook because it automatically syncs to my Apple calendar on my phone. 

Step 7: Wash, rinse, repeat.

So. You’ve started college. You’re thriving! (Hopefully). If you are having doubts, friend troubles, roommate issues, or homework problems, though, all you have to do is ask for help. Everyone knows that the transition to college is difficult, and there are so many people at the University of Iowa whose job it is to support you. You can succeed here, and you will. It’s only a matter of time.

Catch you in the next one!
Kiah <3

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