Archive for the ‘Campus Life’ Category

Is Iowa Actually Hogwarts?

Sunday, December 14th, 2014

1. When you receive your acceptance letter, you are seriously like, “Is this real? Am I actually special? Has my whole life lead up to this?” And if you’re getting a scholarship, it’s like you’re Harry Potter himself.

2. We have a Haunted Bookshop. It has creepy stairs and doors, attic space, and roaming cats that stare at you from down the hall.

3. We have a mystical magical train that runs through campus, but apparently no one has ever seen it. We’ve all heard it though. It comes through at night, and leaves no trace.

4. Taking the stairs in any residence hall is extremely confusing. I’m not saying that they’re moving around at random intervals, but there is definitely something strange going on.

5. If you live a little further away from campus, you will see bats. They hover above you while you walk from your car to your apartment. Or maybe they’re not bats at all.

6. Hard workers are most worthy of admission. Sound familiar? It’s not an Iowa motto. It’s Hufflepuff. Whose colors we share. And everyone loves a Hufflepuff. They’re patient, true, unafraid of toil, and they’re the party house.

Just look at that black and yellow.

7. We are super intense about sporting events. We get all decked out in our gear, including the striped scarves, and crowd the stadium.

8. Our schedules are like wands. They guide us and make us. And just like at Ollivanders, someone advises you. They can smell the freshman on you and they know everything about everything. In the end, you never really pick your classes. They pick you.

9. We are governed by a force bent on making us smart, well prepared professionals. But sometimes it feels like attendance policies are traps and they are secretly trying to keep us here forever.

10. We have really big dining halls with a never ending assortment of food, and way too many windows.

11. This is literally what tailgating looks like.

12. The enemy school, Durmstrang Institute, shares Cyclone colors. Not to mention the same delusion that they will score better than us in the tournament.

13. The center of campus is on top of a hill. It lights up at night, sounds bells, and has that old school architecture that just breathes secrets.

So by now you are realizing just how different going to Iowa really is. And I know what you’re thinking.

But you just might be. So remember that as you’re taking your finals. Because wizards don’t fail. This is all just a test to make sure we’re ready for the responsibility of magic.

10 People You’ll Meet at Iowa

Monday, December 1st, 2014

1. The Future Copy Editor

They are happy to edit your essays and mock your resumés.

2. That person who should not be in that major

I have changed my major twice, so I know about the stumble. Sometimes it hits you right in the face.

3. The person who destroys the curve

It’s like they were born to take this class.

4. English majors

Their lives are deep, dramatic, and mysterious odysseys. They can’t turn off the eloquence.

5. Discussion Dude

On the surface, questions appear serious. Usually turn out to be complicated musings. Everyone nods along.

6. People who pull all nighters

7. And people who don’t

It’s not for everyone. I draw the line at 2am.

8. Over sharers

These are the kids you occasionally sit next to, and never learn their name. However, you still know their whole life story.

9. This person

After tests. Downtown. At bus stops. They’re clearly winning. But no one’s sure what exactly.

10. Your new BFF

This is my personal favorite. Your partner in crime. You will become attached at the hip. You’ll memorize each other’s schedules. You’ll sign up for the same classes. You will coordinate grocery shopping. Trust me. It’s gonna get intense. Because out of 10,000 students who chose Iowa, you guys are going to choose each other. And that’s fate…or something.

11. YOU

If you decide to be a Hawkeye, we’ll meet you too!

Maybe you’re your own brand of crazy. Or maybe you’re surprisingly normal. Either way, we’d love to have you.

If you’re already a Hawkeye, chances are you’ve already caught the Herkitis- which means one of your friends is reading this and thinking how you are totally #9.

 

Don’t Be A “Freshman”

Monday, August 4th, 2014

So the year will be starting up soon, and I know all the Hawkeyes are getting pretty pumped to return to campus. For some of us, this will be our first year. Well, I don’t know if you knew this, but one of my special talents is that I can spot a freshman coming from a mile away. And it’s not the scent of fear that gives you up. It’s the silly things you do that leave your more experienced peers nodding their heads and thinking “in time, young grasshopper, in time…” So I’ve come to enlighten you on how you can make the transition a little easier, and maybe even convince people that you kind of know what you’re doing.

  1. Download the Bongo app to check the bus schedule. Do not, I repeat, do not, stand at the bus stop and walk around the bus sign reading the maps and checking the time in a nervous wreck. We’re all watching you and hoping that you don’t ask us if there’s a stop near that one building because a lot of us don’t actually know. I only know how to get to the places I need to get to. I’m not entirely sure where the bus goes after I get off. That being said, if you do end up on the wrong bus (and we all do), fake it. Pull the string and get off at the next stop calmly. No one has to know you’re lost. And remember this: if you live on the east side or at Parklawn/Mayflower, it’s “red to rise, blue to bed.” And if you live on the west side it’s “red to Reinow, blue to Burge.”
  2. Know when to buy your books. For courses like math and science it’s best to come prepared. Especially if you only require one text book for the class. Chances are you’re going to use it. For other courses, like English, or courses that have recommended books, go to class first. Do not show up on the first day with all 16 books on the list. The teacher will let you know which ones are more pressing and which ones they’ll actually be uploading to iCON. A lot of times, short stories and poems are on the internet as well. But you should check the availability of the books beforehand. If something is already on back order or takes a month to ship, I wouldn’t risk waiting. Better safe than sorry!
  3. Understand that your roommate might not like you. Or you might not like them. Don’t be a freshman about it. If it’s not working, speak with your RA and figure out what steps you can take. Suffering in silence is so not worth it. We all hope the person we live with will turn out to be our best friend forever, but roommate surveys are not a perfect science, and some of you chose your roommate randomly. This is why you should take the roommate agreement seriously. I know it seems cool to act super laid back and establish the “no rule rule,” but when you discover your roommate is an insomniac who likes to watch chick flicks at 4am, you’ll be ready to pounce.
  4. Go to the marketplace with a plan. You will almost never be the only person in the dining hall. In fact, half the time, everyone in school will be hungry at the same time as you. So don’t rush in and find yourself wandering around hopelessly trying to find a seat and hold a tray of food. Mark your table first by setting down your backpack. Some people leave keys, or phones, but that makes me a little nervous. If eating in a group, travel together or meet up outside and get in line together. Trying to find people can be irritating. And try to stay balanced. The easiest way to gain the freshman 15 is to realize that you could eat pizza every day. But you and I both know that you probably shouldn’t.
  5. Don’t make a ridiculous class schedule. Remember that somewhere in between all those back to back classes you will need to eat. Remember that you hate waking up on Monday morning and that maybe that 7:30 discussion is a terrible idea. Unless it’s on a Friday. Always sacrifice your Friday morning if it means you can free up your evening. And figure out where buildings are on campus before you stack your classes. You do not want to make the ten minute dash from one side of the campus to the other. And you can’t rely on the bus to have perfect timing to get you there.
  6. You need to do your laundry. Even if you’ve never done it before. Even if you hate doing it. Even if you wait until you have nothing clean left and then monopolize the laundry room for two days. As long as you do it quietly. We all do laundry. So we don’t want to listen to you complain about it. You’re not alone. You’ll never be alone. And just when you think you’re alone and you leave your clothes on a table while you run up to your room, someone will come by and steal your socks. Serves you right, going to the laundry room before grabbing everything you need.
  7. Lastly, never expect class to be cancelled. I laugh when I hear students suggesting that the snow tomorrow will get class cancelled. Because unless Elsa is outside throwing another tantrum, (Disney references for my lady friends), the abominable snowman is roaming the campus with snow cones (Monster’s Inc, anyone?), or a mob of tap dancing penguins are literally blocking the streets (10 points if you can name the main character of that movie reference), class will still happen. Especially if you have an exam.

And now you know how to Hawkeye like a professional. I can’t guarantee that by reading this you’ll have a smooth year, but it’s pretty likely. Good luck!

12 Things You Need for College That Nobody Ever Told You About

Thursday, May 1st, 2014

Somewhere out there in the inter webs is an incoming Hawkeye who is reading the list of what to bring and thinking they’re pretty professional while they do it. That’s right. I caught you. And you’re on the right track- you will need everything on that list.  But there are things that come up over the year, and you’ll be kicking yourself for not thinking of it sooner.  So I thought of it for you! This is especially helpful for the non-residents who won’t be able to get things from home easily.  You need to be twice as prepared as everyone else.

1. Storage

You need to buy whatever plastic drawer units or tubs you plan to use next year right now. Do not, under any circumstances, pack before you buy these.  You are going to pack into them instead! That way, when you arrive on campus, your things are already set up.  You’ll save yourself a lot of time and stress by labeling and organizing at home.  If you are coming from out of state, don’t pack bath supplies.  Use it as an excuse to figure out what stores are around you and what they carry. Bring the essentials and then go shampoo shopping when you’re here and you’ve seen the bathroom situation.

2. Towels with velcro

Don’t laugh- I saw more body parts than I meant to my freshman year.  Have you ever tried to walk down a hall carrying a bucket of soaps, a loofah, and simultaneously hold up your towel without the one on your head unraveling? You’re going to want that little velcro square.  Or the ones that button. Whatever. As long as its hands free.

3. Mirrors!

There are no full-length mirrors anywhere. Unless you bring one. You can get one at Target for ten dollars. It also adds a level of class to any room.

4. Warm Hawkeye gear

Most people remember to snag a sweatshirt in the beginning, but when it’s cold at the game, or it starts to rain, you’ll wish you had been smart about your shopping choices.  In retrospect, I should have taken advantage of my parents excitement about college. You know what I’m talking about. You come to campus before the semester starts and your parents are happy to spend some dollars helping you start your Hawkeye gear collection. Instead of grabbing a bunch of T’s (you’ll get free ones in the beginning anyway), I’d use their moment of generosity to get that sixty dollar cardigan.  And a rain coat. And a scarf. And those cool hats with mittens attached.

5. A dress suit

Eventually you will realize you want a part time job or to attend a career fair. Don’t go in your hobo clothes.  I would make sure to pack at least one interview worthy outfit. You could be asked to dress professionally for a class presentation, or you may win an award and need a ceremony outfit. Maybe your club has a fancy dinner night. You never think to pack fancy, but you really should.

6. Snack, snacks, and snack packs

The meal plans here are awesome. Especially that gold plan (don’t mind me putting a shameless plug in there). But you will get hungry outside of the marketplace hours, and unless you’re made of money, you’ll need to be prepared. I would stock up at the beginning. Especially the little mini packs you can put in your bag. Your schedule could end up being stacked and those snacks are a life saver.  They’re also fantastic during late night study sessions.

7. Reusable water bottle

Iowa is really into going green, and you don’t pass water fountains as often as you might think.  But we have these awesome sensor activated fountains that will fill your bottles right up. They’re pretty awesome and you won’t get dehydrated walking around in the summer months.

8. Wall decs

Start your amazon search for awesome wall decals now. And get creative. Wall decal photo frames, quotes, paintings, glow in the dark butterflies, anything and everything to make your dorm room feel like home.

9. A fish

They don’t push this enough.  If you come from a home with a pet, and have always had a pet, you are going to be crying into your pillow at night about how much you miss Mr. Flufferson. Get a fish. And get him a pineapple house and a carrying case.  It’s not as much of a hassle as you’d think. Live out of state? I guarantee you that one of your Iowa buddies will babysit it for you. I spent spring break with two fish that weren’t mine (and I even cleaned their bowls!).

10. Impromptu seating arrangements

A big part of college life is the dorms.  Nobody is going to hang out in your room if there’s nowhere to sit.  You can save a lot of cash by forgoing the futon and getting folding chairs, extra pillows, floor cushions, or go to a home store and buy seat cushions (minus the seats).  They will go a long way and they’ll last a while. The cheap decorative pillows you use for seating will later be the cheap decorative pillows on your apartment couch.

11. Board games

They will have some at the front desk if your parents are refusing to part with their special anniversary edition of Monopoly. Mine were quite stubborn, although I did win Cranium.  If you have a rainy day game that never fails to amuse you, pack it. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve wasted grocery money on building my college game collection.  Catchphrase, anyone?  Especially with the bar curfews for the under 21s. I have had some great times playing Life in my club clothes. And believe it or not, you will too.  No money to go anywhere? GAME NIGHT!

12. Memberships

This is very important, and it doesn’t usually occur to students until it’s too late.  If your mom has membership store cards, make a list, drag her into all the stores, and force her to add you to her account.  You have no idea how much money I save with my mom’s collection.  CVS, Kohl’s, TJ Maxx, Costco. The greatest feeling in the world is swiping that card and watching your total decrease dramatically.  Which reminds me, join any reward program that doesn’t run on credit. Like Starbuck’s and Panera’s.  Take advantage of the members only discounts, free refills, and other things throughout the year.

Winter at Iowa

Thursday, January 23rd, 2014

Most students, like myself, visit their prospective colleges when the weather is nice.  It just makes it easier to get around and you don’t hate your tour guide for stopping at every building.  But this also means you may not be prepared for the winter here at UIowa. So if you’re a first-year now, stop debating whether or not you should transfer to Texas or something, because the winter season, like all seasons, will pass.  And if you’re one of the lucky incoming Hawkeyes, probably counting down the days until high school is over, let me ease your worries.

Iowa from the PlaneIt will snow.  It will snow from morning until night. It will snow until all hope of you getting to class is diminished. But you will still have to go to class anyway, because we value education here, and quite literally, nothing is going to keep the professors out of their classrooms. These people will brave blizzards for you.

I mean, look at this air shot of the whole state. When you’re coming back from your vacation to this, it’s almost tear worthy. Can you even see any identifiable land? It looks like nothing but snow to me.

But it’s not “nothing but snow.” There will be ice, sleet, rain, and consequently, mud everywhere for the first five feet of any building you walk in to. Your gloves will be inadequate to protect against the harsh cold.  The trek in-between classes will cause your socks to slide down in your boots and it will be ridiculously uncomfortable.  You’ll try to look cool by not putting your hood up, but then the wind will blow and a pile snow from a tree above you will land right on the Screen Shot 2014-01-23 at 8.29.58 AMback of your neck. I kid you not. I’ve seen it happen. (Not to me, obviously; I’m a professional).

Strangers might try to brighten your day by leaving you notes or pictures on the hood of your car, but I usually just wonder who thought that was a good idea. Writing in the dirt of a car is funny. In the snow, its just depressing. But that’s just me- you may find something like this to be charming. And to you I say “Rock on!” But I’m not about that life.

But it’s not all bad.  Once the snow settles, and you’re sitting in your dorm room, it makes for a pretty picture outside.  It will force you to hate travel to the point where you’d rather stay inside and study.  Your RA’s will plan awesome events to make up for it, like pot lucks, gingerbread house competitions, and lego nights.  Your instagram will become instantly more awesome from all the artsy winter photos you take of footprints in the snow and benches with icicles hanging off of them.  No one will judge you for your outfit because at this point, warm is warm.  Screen Shot 2014-01-23 at 8.33.09 AMThe Cambus (free on campus transportation; literally campus-bus) will become your sanctuary and get you to where you need to be without freezing your buns.

And my personal favorite: Just before winter starts, when people start busting out their sweaters and jackets and the wind picks up, this wonderful thing happens.  The trees put on their sweaters too.  Which literally means that when most other campuses start to look dreary and desolate, Iowa still has the trees. The leaves will fall, sure, but the trunks will keep those fall colors alive.

 

So let’s face it.  Winter is winter. But there’s really no winter like Hawkeye Winter.

To the Class of 2017

Tuesday, April 23rd, 2013

A year ago today I was exactly where you are right now.  I was sitting at home, jumpy from accepting my admission to Iowa and filling out my housing application.  It seemed like I had to get everything figured out then and there and I was pretty stressed.  I couldn’t narrow down my interests to one major and I didn’t know if I should buy tickets for the big games or the whole season.  I wasn’t sure I would last so far away from my home in Connecticut or if I’d be able to relate to the people living around me.  I was convinced the classes would be extremely difficult to pass and that I’d have professors with too many students to bother with just one.  I didn’t know what clubs to join, or which events were “good”, or which classes to take first. I had never used a bus system before, I hoped my RA would be nice, I hoped moving in wouldn’t be too tricky, and I had not a single clue about what I was going to furnish my room with.

But as the year comes to a close I can look back and realize how easy my first year at Iowa actually was.  I started off the year, as everyone does, with MapWorks and Sexual Harassment videos.  That should ease some of the stress right there.  It did for me.  I knew I was coming into a community of concerned staff members, and I was right on.  The professionals here will not hesitate to reach out to you if you are struggling, and MapWorks will serve as a check up system.  That way they can identify transition issues that even you may not have recognized yet.

With the On Iowa! Program, moving in was almost too easy.  Current students helped me unload my car into a rolling cart and directed me to my room.  It took an hour and a half to get my room looking my own, and I’ve continued to add to it.  Its now complete with futon, bookshelf, and framed Pokemon posters.

securedownloadMy professors, even those teaching lecture halls of 300+ students, have office hours where they’ve been able to meet with me.  They also have Teaching Assistants who are assigned to a smaller group of students for discussion.  Not to mention the free tutoring provided by the Math Lab, Writing Center, and the University Housing and Dining.  Certain classes also provide near daily tutoring in the Pomerantz center and other locations.  There is no shortage of academic assistance, trust me.  I came to campus freaking out, and now I’m on the President’s Honor Roll, a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, and a member of the Phi Eta Sigma Fraternity/Sorority (Iowa’s National Honors Society).  So if you have any of these goals set for yourself it’s more than doable.

In fact, it’s more than doable while attending every home football and basketball game of the season.  When you see the crowds it gets a little intimidating- especially if you’ve never been before.  But your older friends, and even your “from Iowa City” friends will know how to navigate to the stadium and will know where to go for food and things.  I loved tailgating amongst strangers and learning how to play beanie games.  It’s a great distraction from homesickness.

So I would definitely suggest that you meet lots of people and try lots of things.  There’s really nothing holding you back, and the system at the University will keep you moving forward.  You’ll be assigned a freshman advisor, who will keep an eye on you academically.  I always end up laughing hysterically with mine.  She has kept me motivated and on track with my majors throughout the entirety of this past year. And that’s right, majors.  As in plural.  I was freaking out about figuring it out, and I get here and boom. We figure it out.  I’m a double major now, in English and Business.  I haven’t picked my tracks yet, which is more than okay.  Even with a major selected you don’t have to know what you want to do with it yet. So just breathe.

There will be events to attend everywhere you turn, some in the buildings where you’ll be living.  Dances, crafts, trivia, raffles, movie nights, dinners, cultural celebrations, and everything in between.  The residence hall life is incredible here.  Students leave their doors open to attract strangers and hall mates trying to meet people.  Just walk right in!  The food in the dining hall is awesome, you’re close to campus, you make friends easily, your RA is nearby to help you through, and the rooms are nice.  I love living in the residence halls so much that I’m going to RA in one next year.  So if you’re living in Parklawn I’ll be seeing you.

If you’re not living in Parklawn, I’ll probably still be seeing you.  In fact, I hope I see you everywhere.  At sporting events, informationals, tutoring centers, in the front row of classrooms, in the Marketplace, on the Cambus, in your Hawkeye gear.  You are about to start a very important piece of your life, and the take the first step in the direction of your professional future.  And it will be really easy. Isn’t that great?

Pedestrian Traffic Laws

Friday, February 1st, 2013

Alright. So classes have officially been back in session for two weeks now. As the weather worsens, the state of pedestrian traffic on the sidewalks becomes increasingly more alarming. It occurred to me that maybe we just aren’t aware of the Pedestrian Traffic Laws. So let’s go over them.

1. Keep Pace

Please don’t be one of those people who’s traveling at half a mile an hour and makes no attempt to speed up when the people trapped behind you start sighing.  You’ve most likely dealt with winter before and you are going to have to take a chance and pick up your feet.  I mean, we want you to be safe, but some of us are actually in a hurry.

But please don’t be one of those people who sighs really loud behind people who are walking slowly in front of you either. I’ve already taken two spills myself, so I can understand why people may be a little hesitant to pick up their feet this week. Especially if they’re going down that hill at the back of Hillcrest or crossing the bridges.  I know you’re in a hurry, but safety first.

2. Stop texting. Right now.

If you are one of those people who tends to travel considerably long distances with your head in your phone, and have a tendency to block the flow of traffic or run into people, then please wait until you’re at your destination to text. The sidewalks are narrow enough as it is with the snow pileup. It’s not cool that we have to circumnavigate around you.

And when you’re searching yourself through the snow gear to figure out where exactly it was that you placed your phone, your arms are flailing all over the place. Innocent bystanders are being mercilessly beaten by your need for communication. Especially on the cambus (the free on campus buses). There’s nothing scarier than watching someone make the choice to text over holding on to the standing rails.

3. Like Driving a Car

You know which side of the road a car belongs on, right? Awesome! It’s the same thing with a sidewalk. Keep right, and make wide left turns to avoid traffic. There should be at least 4 inches between you and the person in front of you. This way we can all travel easily. And no motorcycle swerving. I’m serious. It only makes people bump into each other.

And traffic Lights. There for you too. It seems like more and more jay walking is going on lately. And the cars are not happy about it.  Sometimes you just have to wait that extra minute for the walk sign. It’s okay. DO a dance, sing a song, strike up a conversation with the person next to you.

4. Don’t Be A Road Block

And I’m especially talking to the ladies on this one. That’s right girls! I’m calling you out! You can not stop in the middle of a walkway and have a full conversation. You have to peel off to the side. It’s just rude. And sometimes you might have to separate from your friends on the bus.  But you can’t refuse to move to the back and make people getting on squeeze by you.  Also rude.

5. Epic Stair (and sometimes Hill) Moments

  • A group coming up the stairs in a line so that you can’t go down.
  • A group going down the stairs in a line so that you can’t go up.
  • A group that has stopped halfway up the stairs so that no one can go anywhere.
  • A group conversing faster than they’re walking so that everyone is waiting on them.
  • A group that congregates right at the end of the stairs so that we have to form two single file lines to get around them.

If you are a member of one of these groups you better quit it.  UIowa is built on the hill and stair travel system.  These blockades are extremely frustrating.  Especially for those of us who are still walking to class.

SO if you follow these simple rules you will survive not only here, but in every pedestrian walking area in the world.  I know you guys can do it. On Iowa! Go Hawks!

Thank God For Finals!

Monday, December 10th, 2012

Let me just state, in a very calm manner, just as I have been doing for the last few weeks, how happy I am about finals.  I have been a fan of finals since freshman year of high school. The way the teachers completely loosen up and the class comes together to celebrate their perfection when it comes to test taking is really quite inspirational.  I remember one year, the Calculus class was so beloved that they all got automatic As. Not that they needed them- that test is traditionally super easy. As long as you are somewhat confident you know what concavity, cylindrical shells, and simple harmonic motion means, you’re set.

Since most people don’t play sports or bother to engage in extra curricular activities, we have this excess of time to study too. I mean, I study from sun up to sun down, and the in-room dining service delivers my macaroni n cheese promptly every night at 7pm.  I listen gratefully to the sound of myself chewing because the halls are the quietest they’ll ever be. So say it with me, “Thank God for Finals!”

Haven’t you been waiting for just the right moment to showcase your skills and prove to your teacher that you totally listen in the last row of lecture for the 23 minutes that you’re actually there? Or maybe you wanted to prove to your science teacher that you’re not an english major by writing a terrible essay. Or prove you’re a psychology major to your chemistry teacher by over analyzing her choice of questions, which were obviously selected just for you and your imminent demise. Or maybe you’re an engineer in rhetoric, and a bit confused about why you’re talking about the bridge. Shouldn’t you be building the bridge? (I am obviously not an engineer).

The point being, Finals is the one time in our lives when we get to really express ourselves, as individuals, and finally prove to the world that we are more than just a test score.  We are also GPAs and attendance records. Don’t let this moment pass you, it comes but twice a year for every year of college you decide to take. You deserve to experience every one.

So get out there and take those finals!

This is my desk, legit, where I am studying for ONE final. All of that is math.

The Sickness

Wednesday, September 19th, 2012
Sick

A last ditch effort to survive

I bounded from the bus, ran up three flights of stairs, and quickly locked my door.  I kept my shoes and jacket on as I wrapped myself up in a blanket and prayed it would not come.  I took my vitamins, drank some orange juice, made some tea, washed my hands. And then I washed them again.  I breathed in cautiously and kept to myself. I vacuumed, scrubbed, wiped, sprayed, and I even said a few words to God, but still it came.

I woke up on Monday with the sniffles. And I mean the watery eyes, runny nose, sore throat, why am I even alive and do I have to go to class sniffles.

Like a kindergarten classroom, the residence halls are a breeding ground for foreign germs.  This past week was literally a domino effect of one girl after the other coming down with some form of a cold.  And it takes no prisoners. All our conversation has revolved around football, the temperature of the room and how much Dayquil is in our medicine cabinet.

I wish I could offer you some piece of advice on how to avoid the campus epidemic that is rumored to have reached the apartments already but I can’t.  Most likely you’ll find yourself standing in someone’s room decked out in winter attire with a mug of black apricot tea at least once before December. But your hat probably won’t be as awesome as mine.

Male Me

Minus the earrings I’m a hottie

Unless you’re a guy- on both counts. Not only do you tend to have amazing hat collections, but while us ladies have been pulling out the sweaters I’ve noticed you are still in shorts.  So I guess if I had to offer some advice, it would be to become a boy. Then you wouldn’t get sick and you’d be warm all the time.

I wonder…would I make a cute male? I imagine with the right stache anything is possible…

Dora the Explorer

Tuesday, September 4th, 2012

Chances are, if you are under the age of 25 or you happen to have a younger sibling, you are quite familiar with and possibly very fond of Dora the Explorer. You’ve been there in the moment she asks a question and then patiently waits for you to respond. Perhaps you have been in that moment in real life too; you stare out the window of your dorm and ponder “What is there to do today?”

Followed by the pause. Only there aren’t a herd of overly energetic toddlers on the other end throwing answers at you. So you go with W2D2. (Not like the robot. That’s R2D2.)

I’m talking double W, double D. WWDD. What Would Dora Do?

And the answer is always Explore.  So that’s exactly what I did. I grabbed a friend and went exploring. I was pretty happy with the results too. Except for one thing: While discovering fun places to go, I also discovered, with the help of my mother, that apparently I have a striking resemblance to the prehistoric armored fish…

Do you agree?

1. Meal Plan 2.0

I would normally go back to sleep in that awkward time that is past breakfast, but not quite time for lunch. But following my new philosophy I rolled off my futon and went downstairs, not bothering to get out of my pajamas. Turns out I could mix what was left of breakfast with my lunch option. I’m not going to say it was the best meal I’d ever had but if I could do this all the time I have a feeling I’d consume a lot of bacon at night and a lot of grilled cheese in the morning.

The lovely meal I had at Hillcrest Marketplace, complete with breakfast sausage.

2. Home Salons

If you ask around, or mention the hardship of having consecutive bad hair days, you just might find that you know someone who is pretty handy with a comb. And if you are nice to that person (and if you bribe them with some gummy bears and a cold soda) they might come to your dorm and do you a hair styling favor. It’s worth a shot.

20 minutes in or 71% done

3. Bringing Sexy Back

And by sexy, I mean vent skinny caramel macchiatos on ice. When I arrived on campus, Starbucks did not exist. Then it was just a small cart up against a brick wall. But ten minutes into my Labor Day expedition I discovered that America’s beloved café has returned, and is making itself a home on the UI campus.

The artsy Instagram photo I took at the time.

4. Just Like Twilight 

I am not a vampire person. Just so we’re clear. I am not a werewolf person or a zombie person. I am a fairy person. But all that is beside the point. The point is, there is a gazebo nearby, in a park we discovered, that is perfect for those Bella moments (if you happen to be the kind of person who has always wanted to have one). Unfortunately, I was unable to go in it, as there was another girl who had picked it as a perfect place to nap. Maybe next time…

A lovely structure on a lovely day.

5. The Known Unknowns

You should take a trip to the museum. The Natural History Museum that is. Conveniently located on campus, it’s perfect for taking a break after trekking from the west side of campus.  And admission is free. My father always says that the problem with people my age is that “they don’t know what they don’t know.” So solve that issue with a solid hour of exploring.

Turns out you don’t need a singing map to find your way to a new location.  

Sinead with the famous giant sloth