I Stayed on Campus Over Thanksgiving Break and Here’s What I Ended Up Doing

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Hi everyone!

I hope you all had a fantastic Thanksgiving break and savored the short week with your family because, in just a few short weeks, the fall semester will officially be over, and we’ll all step away from our schoolwork for a month. With the semester I’ve been having, I know I’m ready for some holiday cheer and relaxation with some good books, my hometown friends, and, of course, my cats!

While some students got a taste of the extended break this past Thanksgiving weekend, there were some like myself who decided to stay on campus since going home was a bit of a hassle. Flying to and from New York in less than a week is a bit much and living in Iowa has taught me that I have a strong dislike for Chicago O’Hare airport (hopefully no one feels too strongly about Chicago O-Hare!)

Overall, it was more beneficial for me to stay on campus and find some things to do around the city so, here are a few things I did while I was one of the only students left on campus this break!!!

Studied in the Study Rooms in the Main Library

Since there was no one on campus, I had my choice of all the study spaces here at the university. One of my new favorite spots (which I will definitely be revisiting during finals week) was the colorful study spaces in the Main Library. I loved how secluded I felt inside and how I was able to get all of my work done in such a quiet setting.

Throughout this past week. I’ve made my home studying and catching up on homework there, and I could definitely see myself studying more in those spaces. Hopefully, I’ll be able to snag one over finals week since they seem to go fast!

Did Campus Walking Tours on an Empty Campus

If you didn’t already know, I’m a professional tour guide for the University of Iowa! For those of you that are prospective students or families that plan to visit campus over the next couple of years, maybe I’ll be the one showing you around! Some tour guide advice, pick a day with some good weather. I promise, it’ll really make the experience!

As much as I love doing tours during the school day (it’s really beneficial for families to see students in their element in my opinion), sometimes it can be a bit difficult to navigate classes and all the students walking all over the place. But doing tours over Thanksgiving break with the campus completely empty gave me and my tour groups the opportunity to spread out and take our time with the information at each stop and the questions that followed.

All of my tours this week ended up running late, but there was such good conversation, easy walks, and so much empty space that those tours definitely stuck with me. And, I hope, for the people who toured, those tours stuck out to them too!

My Parents Came into Town!!!

Even though I didn’t go home this break, home happened to come to me!

My family at Carver Hawkeye Arena on the west side of campus

On Wednesday, my family flew in from New York and we spent the day catching up, going to the Coralville Mall for some light shopping (I got the CUTEST coat), and having dinner at a restaurant called the Vine which is just outside of Iowa City. Just like any holiday season, it was great to be with family and to celebrate my time off with them before I had to hunker down for finals.

Took over the Instagram for Iowa Admissions

Another cool thing I was able to have the opportunity to do was an Instagram takeover for the official Iowa Admissions page which has almost 14,000 followers! So yeah, the pressure was definitely on!

I had so much fun taking everyone through my day and being able to answer some questions about dorms, classes, and even my fashion sense! I would definitely do another takeover in the future, hopefully, one where I get to show off more of my clubs and classes during a school day.

Got Thanksgiving Dinner at the Iowa River Powerhouse Restaurant

This is one of the only restaurants in Iowa City that’s open for Thanksgiving dinner!

My parents made reservations with my friend and her parents who also stayed in Iowa City during the holidays. Together, we were able to help ourselves to a buffet-styled meal which had some of the best turkeys I’ve ever had! And don’t even get me started on the desserts…

Overall, it was a great Thanksgiving meal with friends and family and was one of my favorite meals yet!

Black Friday Shopping in Iowa City

Me and my boyfriend, Riley, went Black Friday shopping during the game (gotta say, not our best football game), and while there weren’t many deals in the downtown area, we had so much fun walking around, trying on cute clothes (I tried on cute clothes, Riley held my coat and read some Colleen Hoover books), and overall, just spending the day together!

I did snag a pretty cute pair of jeans that were twenty percent off at White Rabbit, so the walking around was definitely worth it! I would definitely recommend seeing all the stores that downtown Iowa City has to offer. There truly are some fantastic small businesses just looking for visitors to check out their shops!!!

Prepared to Perform at Mirage

The last thing I did this week was to prepare for next week’s big winter campus event, Mirage!

Mirage is a massive drag show here in Iowa City that advocates self-expression, sexual health, and so much more. One of the clubs I’m part of (Walk It Out) will be doing a mini fashion show at the event, so for those of you that are in the area, come out to support the show and all the cool things the event offers! It’ll be from 9pm to 1am on December 2nd in the Iowa Memorial Union and in the second-floor ballroom.

That’s it for me and what I did over break! I hope you guys had a great Thanksgiving break and, for the college students on their way back, good luck with your finals!!!

 

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10 Books to Read Over Winter Break

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Hey guys! It’s been a while!

Not sure if you guys feel the same, but this semester for me has been jammed packed! With classes, club events, leading campus walking tours for work, and just trying to stay social with friends, it’s made it difficult to find time to do the things I want to do, one of those being sitting down and reading a good book!

Reading for leisure makes me think back to the summer (I know it just started getting cold in Iowa City, but I’m already missing the heat). Back then, I had so much free time to read, write, and do all the things I wanted to do. Thankfully though, winter break is only a few weeks away, and I’ll hopefully have that opportunity to focus solely on my passions!

But for now, I wanted to give you guys a list of books I read earlier in the year for those of you trying to get a jumpstart on your reading for next year, or maybe for those of you just trying to say you read a book this year. Below are a couple of recommendations to get you started!

Passing by Nella Larson

I absolutely loved this book!!! It was published in the late 1920s and focuses on two women, Clare Kendry and Irene Redfield, who are childhood friends now reunited and who end up becoming entangled in each other’s lives. The novel addresses ideas about racism, sexuality, the black identity, motherhood, beauty, and so much more. It’s a novel ahead of its time and it’s really short too! For those of you looking for an older read that’ll make you think, this book is for you!

Damsel by Elana K. Arnold

This standalone fantasy novel is incredibly short, but the story stays with you long afterward.

As someone who has read Elana’s books in the past (she writes similarly to Laurie Halse Anderson, the author of Speak) this novel only continued to prove her talent to me. The book follows Ama, a damsel in distress, who is forced to marry the prince who saves her from the dragon in the tower. But little does Ama know, there’s a lot more to the mysterious rescue and a lot more to her future husband and the kingdom he’s destined to rule. Definitely an interesting tale and one that had me on my toes the whole time!

*Side note: I definitely would recommend looking up some content warnings for the novel, just in case that can be triggering to you!*

Out of Darkness by Ashley Hope Perez

Included in my recommendations is a novel that has recently been placed on the banned books list!

If you plan on picking up Out of Darkness, I highly, highly, HIGHLY recommend looking at content warnings beforehand and the themes this novel presents since they can be incredibly triggering. I know for me, it was definitely a tough novel to get through and left me utterly heartbroken once I finished.

The book is historical fiction and follows two teenagers, a Mexican American girl, and an African American boy, in Texas during the 1930s. It’s a heartbreaking story that has stuck with me since the moment I picked it up, so for those of you looking for a longer novel that’ll really hurt your heart, this novel is a good one!

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

This was actually my second time reading this novel! Nothing wrong with a good re-read, am I right?

Once again, I fell in love with Bardugo’s work, just like I did in middle school when I first read this book. It’s the first in a fantasy duology that follows six criminals who are trying to infiltrate and rescue a mad scientist through a massive heist. Leigh Bardugo is one of my all-time favorite authors and she has a knack for writing intricate fantasy worlds, fleshed-out characters, and a writing style that keeps you engaged the whole story. And for those of you who are also big TV show fans, these characters are also seen in the Netflix original, “Shadow and Bone,” which is the name of Bardugo’s other book series by the same name.

Binti by Nnedi Okorafor

I never would have thought I’d have the chance to say I’ve read an Africanfuturist science fiction horror novella, but here I am!

Honestly, I had no idea that books like Binti even existed. Binti was another one of my favorite books that I’ve read so far, and it’s a standalone novella, so it’s a veryyy quick read. It follows a girl from Earth who’s the first in her village to be accepted into college and she must leave Earth if she wants to attend. However, the ship runs into a few problems along the way, and the girl, Binti, finds herself trying to survive on the ship alone. It’s super compelling and unforgettable, and I still compare it to other sci-fi works I read today!

Kicking and Screaming by Melanie Gibson

This novel is self-published and it’s creative non-fiction! Non-fiction is a genre I’ve been trying to immerse myself further into, and this story focuses on Melanie’s journey with the art of taekwondo, and how she uses the lessons it teaches her as a way to pull herself out of alcoholism, relationship problems, and self-esteem issues. As someone who practically lived in a taekwondo school their entire life, this book was incredibly nostalgic to me, and I had so much fun seeing Melanie’s journey progress through a sport I’ve already fallen in love with it!

If you’re looking to read a book that will teach you about a sport in the process of reading, definitely look into this one!

Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas

This is the second novel in her Throne of Glass series and, oh man, it does not disappoint!!! I won’t spoil too much, but the first book follows Celaena, an imprisoned assassin, who’s chosen by the prince to be her victor in a competition the king is hosting. If she wins, Celaena will become the King’s Assassin and in turn, earn her freedom back at the end of her service. So far, I love the series and I can see why it’s one of the most well-known and beloved young adult series in the industry! Even though there are multiple books in the series, it’s definitely one to try and read through!

Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas

This is the third book in the series and if anyone could tell me where I can get the fourth book, that would be great!

*Note: This book almost brought me to tears!!!*

Pillow Thoughts II by Courtney Peppernell

As I mentioned before, I’m trying to diversify my reading, and one of the genres I’m trying to read more in is poetry! Poetry books are always a quick read and Peppernell has multiple in her Pillow Thoughts series. The poems are quick to go through, and I liked the break I got while reading this collection! It’s super easy, and comfortable, and if you’re looking for something short that will pull on your heartstrings, this is the book for you!

R.U.R by Karl Capek

On the idea of genre searching, this last book is actually a science fiction play! It’s a translated work that was originally written in Czechoslovakian, and some of the translations are, well, adequate. Still, a great read though, and it brings up so many interesting and profound questions about society. The play is set in a futuristic world where robots are the world’s slaves, and it follows the group of men who invented the robots and the consequences they face by doing so.

Also, fun fact, this play was THE piece of literature that invented the word, “robot.” I think that alone should get you reading, especially since this work has completely altered our understanding of society! Crazy!

I hope you guys like my recommendations! There’s definitely something here for everyone, so take your pick, and get reading!!!

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Hunting for An Apartment in Iowa City: A Survival Guide

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On October 14th, hunched over a table in the main lounge of Stanley Residence Hall, me and one of my best friends let out the biggest sigh of our lives as we finished signing the lease for our apartment next year. In that moment, the two of us just smiled weakly at each other, too exhausted to feel excited or happy. There was nothing but the sweet sensation of relief in that room.

Finally, our search was done, the hunt was over. What felt like blood, sweat, and tears, (you may think I’m exaggerating, but I promise you, I’m not) had been worth it. We had the most perfect location in Iowa City, and finally, we could relax.

My future roommate and I were fortunate that we had some help from our parents through this process, especially since we had never had to worry about housing in the past. Our parents were always on speed dial in case we needed help with anything, and while we were lucky to have their encouraging voices, that help still came from afar. Overall, me and my friend were entirely on our own. From finding places, to reaching out to managements, to finding days to tour, and even just making sure we communicated on a day-to-day basis with each other, all of that was entirely up to us. There were no how-to guides on how to navigate Iowa City’s off-campus housing labyrinth besides social media and, weirdly, the UIowa Moms Facebook page (those women RUN this city!).

So, I figured I make my own little Iowa City Apartment Hunting Survival Guide. My advice, take notes. We’re in for the long haul…

Finding Your Roommates and Communicating with Them

Okay, this may be obvious, but you have to find a roommate. Yes, there are studio apartments sprinkled throughout Iowa City, but the more roommates you have, the more money you’ll save. College students gotta budget, you know! I also recommend continuously double checking that the people you room with are rooming with you. Sometimes things happen or come up and it changes the game. All good, just be sure it’s communicated to all parties!

Once you have the people you want to room with, I recommend making a GroupChat with them and asking their budgets. It’s important to know where everyone stands, so you can have an estimate of what everyone can pays, what your wiggle room is, and what your maximum rent is for every month. Again, it may seem obvious, but this is crucial for your search and will lay the groundwork for you and your friends before the actual fun begins.

Download the App, “Notion”

My future roomie is the one who told me about this super handy app. It can be downloaded on your phone and laptop and serves as a note sharing app! You can create apartment tabs, make notes on them, put them into different columns, link the website where you found a place, and so much more! Overall, it helps you and your roomie(s) stay on the same page as you begin your search. Having this at my disposal was a massive game-changer and was a great way for the two of us to see what the other was up to. Of course, we still texted each other every time something was done, just to make sure the other was always in the know. If you haven’t guessed, communication is key in this process, and having ways to share thoughts/notes is a must!

Find Those Apartments

Everyone’s favorite part, apartment shopping!!!

Below, I’ll link a couple websites that had a great selection of apartments to look through while I was still deep in my search. Once you find a place, and this is probably my biggest suggestion: CALL THOSE NUMBERS!!! Yes, you can send a message through the website, but the most efficient, fastest, and easiest way to get in contact with property managements to schedule a tour with them would be to call ahead. Scheduling the tours on the phone really puts you ahead of the game. Trust me, this will save you so much time just waiting around and hoping that your dream place doesn’t get snatched up!

Apartments for Rent in Iowa City IA – 1,102 Rentals | Apartments.com

1,102 Apartments For Rent in Iowa City, IA | Apartment Finder

University of Iowa | Off-Campus Housing Search (uiowa.edu)

Make a List of Questions for the Tour

Before you tour any place, definitely, definitely, DEFINITELY make a list of your biggest questions and concerns to ask the renter. A couple of things I recommend asking about are as follows:

  • Confirm the original rent you saw on the website
  • Are utilities included in rent (if not, how much do they cost on average?)
  • Where is laundry located?
  • Ask about the security deposit
  • Is renter’s insurance required?
  • Where do you sign the lease and where do you pay the rent?

Also, I’d recommend checking the faucets, toilets, shower, lights, and if there are smoke detectors. I know, I know, all of this takes the fun out of the tour, but I promise, all of this is necessary to have a good experience in your first apartment!

If You Like a Place, Sign it ASAP

Apartments in Iowa City (especially the ones located within Iowa City) tend to go fast. So, if you find a place you like, I highly recommend signing the lease for it right after you tour. The same day that me and roomie toured the apartment, we signed the lease to live there. It was super easy, and stress free (thankfully). And once you know you have a place to live, then comes the next fun step, decorating!

But maybe I’ll save some apartment must-haves for another post.

For now, I hope these tips helped. Apartment hunting can be scary, but you got it! Just take it one day at a time, and the right place will fall right into your lap. Happy hunting and may the odds be ever in your favor…

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Halloween Costumes I’m Dying to See This Year

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Hey everyone!

Fall is finally here! When the weather changed this week, the sweaters were out, the coffee went from iced to hot, and we traded our air conditioners for just popping open our windows and letting in that cool breeze. The start of autumn is such an exciting time, especially because one of the most popular holidays in the country comes right along with it. Also known as, Halloween!

Last year, my freshman year, I was veryyy late to the game with picking out my Halloween costumes. That’s right, costumes. Plural. College Halloween is no joke, and if you want to be prepared, I’d recommend getting those costumes ASAP before things get sold out. Or, if you want to save some money, start scouring through your closet for a DIY fit that you can keep reusing!

If all of this seems a bit daunting, or maybe you just have no idea where to start, I’ve compiled a list of costumes that I’m really hoping to see this year, and maybe, you’ll get an idea from it. So, let’s get started!

Classic 90s Movies

Whether it’s Cher from Clueless or Elle Woods from Legally Blonde or Mia Thermopolis from Princess Diaries, I’m dyinggg to see some girls bodying these outfits. The plus side with any of these fits (with the exception of maybe some props/accessories) is that the outfits can be worn again for class, a night out on the town, or for some themed events, you may have. It’s cheap, easy, and a classic that everybody will recognize if you do it right!

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

This is one I personally really want to do (maybe next year?) and I think it could be amazing if done well. All you need is a black suit, sunglasses, and a couple business cards. When you’re walking around, track down anyone dressed as a Marvel character, hand them one of those business cards, and ask them if they’ve heard of the Avengers initiative. Such a cool twist! Again, it’s super easy and can help you meet new people who like the same movies as you do! Be careful, though, you could get mistaken for a Men in Black character!

Barbie

Since the Barbie movie is right around the corner, why not get one step ahead and dress up as her! There’s a lot you can do with Barbie; you can do her from different careers, any of the classic animated movies, and even the 80s leotard Margot Robbie is wearing in the leaked photos from the set! It’s a super cute idea and all you need is some pink, a ponytail, and a bright smile!

Cartoon Characters

I don’t have any particular ones in mind, but if you were thinking of doing a group costume with some of your friends, choosing an animated piece of entertainment could be really fun and different! Coordinating it may take some time, and you’d probably have to spend some money, but think about how memorable the costume would be? And the pictures?!? Forget about it.

Where’s Waldo?

A classic. That’s all.

Euphoria (specifically, Season 2)

I will be absolutely crushed if I don’t see Maddy’s signature black dress or Cassie’s Oklahoma outfit.

Top Gun Maverick

I’d kill to see a group of guys dress up as the gang from the football beach scene. Just remember to grow out that stache beforehand!

Stranger Things

I feel like we’ve hit the point where people forgot that the fourth season aired over the summer, so definitely take advantage of that, and dress up as some of the characters! It would be amazing to see someone dressed up as some of the newer characters like Angela, Eddie, or Chrissy from the show. Totally memorable, and on par with some of the best television of the year.

That’s all I have for costume ideas! I hope some of these gave you an idea of what to do (or how to save some money) so enjoy the chaos of pulling those last-minute costumes together and good luck!

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Essentials for Cute College Outfits (Part 2)

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Hey guys!

The first semester is in full swing, and with the beginning of the school year also comes the beginning of fall! As of this week, Iowa City has begun its slow climb into the low 60s and high 50s, and before we know it, that Iowa cold will come rushing in! So, for those of us like myself who absolutely love the autumn weather, this time of year is a sweet point worth savoring.

Besides the change in the leaves, the holidays, and all the pumpkin-flavored treats, I love fall fashion. So much so that last year, I made a bit of a how-to guide on what I thought were some cute outfit essentials as a freshman, and now I thought I’d do another one more catered towards the season! And, yes, this is also an excuse to show you guys mirror pics with my favorite clothes. But I promise, some of the pieces have cool stories, so read on to hear how I found them!

Two Piece Gym Fit

Yes, I know. This can get expensive, but… it’s so cute! Especially when you get one in a fun color like the light blue I’m wearing (very Cinderella-esque if you ask me!) It’s super cute to wear in classes, for the gym, and just to have in your closet. Fun fact about the set I’m wearing; the leggings are from LuluLemon and the top is from Athletica. I happened to luck out and find the same shades at both stores. What are the odds!?

A Silk Skirt

I bought this particular skirt over the summer while thrifting in NYC and instantly fell in love. These kinds of skirts are really in fashion right now, and I think they’re incredibly versatile. They pair easily with oversized sweaters or tank tops. They can be casual or formal. It all depends on how you style it! I definitely would recommend buying one, and even better, thrifting it if you can! Mine cost about 15$ which, for New York City sales, is quite a steal!

Oversized Dress Shirts

Definitely raid your grandpa, dad, or brother’s closet for this one to save some money. Personally, I think that a worn-out dress shirt is way better than a new one; they’re just comfier! You can style it with a tank top and it serves as a nice light sweater if you’re someone who gets chilly coming in and out of air-conditioned buildings in between your classes!

Neutral Jeans

I got these specific jeans at White Rabbit in downtown Iowa City, and I swear on my life, it was the best 50$ I’ve ever spent. They fit me amazingly and match everything. Yes, it can be a bit of a pain if they get dirty, but they don’t shrink in the wash and they stay comfortable even when that freshman 15 creeps in! For me, I definitely suggest branching out from the normal blue jeans and splurging a little to try something new.

A Funky Sweater

Everyone needs a fun sweater and not just an ugly one for Christmas. A crazy-looking sweater can really bring an outfit together (or totally ruin it, but we won’t talk about that) but the joy is honestly finding what works with it and what doesn’t! You can buy one pretty much anywhere; just look for something eye-catching. I don’t have a picture for this one because I honestly have so many and couldn’t decide!

White Sneakers (that will get incredibly dirty)

I’m an AirForce and Vans girl until I die, but I will admit, they get dirty quickly. However, they’re super comfortable and you’ll want shoes that you can walk long distances in that won’t hurt your feet. Trust me, this is important! Even if AirForce and Vans aren’t your go-to brands, just a trusty pair of shoes will be your best friend throughout your college career.

That’s all I have for some outfit essentials! Enjoy spicing up your wardrobe, the nice weather, and all that comes in between!

 

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Forget About Dorm Essentials! Here are 10 Apps You Need to Download Before Coming to Campus

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Hey everyone! It’s great to be back in Iowa City after a long summer filled with friends, pools, and campfires, and it’s equally as exciting to now be a sophomore!

Coming back, though, wasn’t nearly as hard as trying to decide what I wanted to write about for my first blog post back in town. I considered writing something about returning to dorm life since I decided to live in the dorms again this year, but I couldn’t seem to find an angle that hasn’t already been done before. For those of you who are already familiar with my page, you know that my posts aren’t always… typical.

Frustrated after I spent a couple days brainstorming this post, I sat back in my chair and reached for my phone. I was looking for a distraction but ended up coming up with an idea instead. Every day, in some way, shape, or form, I use my phone here at Iowa. Okay, yes, I like to check how many comments I got on my Insta post, or just scroll mindlessly on TikTok, but here at Iowa, technology is becoming an avenue to help make your adjustment to college just a bit easier. And for me, there are ten apps in particular that I think are worth downloading before you step foot on campus.

HawkTools

This may be a required app here you need to download, but that’s because it offers so much right at your fingertips! For incoming students, you’re able to find a variety of maps to explore campus, instructions on how to figure out the Iowa City bus system, the menus for all the dining halls, news on any upcoming events and where they’d be, and the application for NiteRide; basically free Uber for UIowa students anywhere in the city! It’s all things Iowa in one place which, for people who are new to the city and college in general, can be incredibly helpful.

Transit

As I just mentioned, the Hawktools app may give you instructions on how to read the bus system, but Transit is the actual app that the system is on! I remember last year how hard it was trying to figure out the app by myself, but once I did, there was no going back! I use the app on cold Iowa winter mornings when I’m too lazy to walk the five to ten minutes downtown, or sometimes, I take it as far as Fieldhouse on the west side of campus to get a good workout in. Knowing the bus system has allowed me to stay warm, save some energy, and yes, made me feel like an adult in a city. There are even some buses that will take even you to the Coralville mall if you’re interested in getting out of Iowa City and doing some shopping or watching a new movie in the theater with friends. Overall, it’s just a great app to have!

The Starbucks App

I know my teenage girl side is coming out right now, but listen… this is essential. For those of you who don’t know, there is a Starbucks located right across the street from Voxman, the School of Music. Since it’s so close to campus, everyone makes it a point to snatch their favorite Starbucks drink before heading to class which can sometimes lead to long lines. So, rather than being late to class because you had to wait in a line nearly out the door, I’d definitely download the Starbucks app to stay hydrated and punctual.

(For those of you who are Dunkin lovers, don’t worry, there is also a Dunkin Donuts about two blocks down and across from the Pentacrest.)

Dispo

Okay, another app that really isn’t “necessary,” but I swear by it. I mentioned earlier that I like having a strong Insta game here, and an app I recently discovered this summer that’s helped with that is Dispo! Over the summer, all of me and my friends downloaded the app, took pictures that the app would filter, and which gave them such a cute and fun summer vibe! The other cool feature in Dispo is the ability to create a film “roll” with your friends who also have the app, which is a great way to share photos without having to message them to everyone separately. I definitely recommend getting the app if you’re looking to give your Insta a nice spin for your college years.

Huji

Yes, I know, another app that isn’t reallyyyy necessary, but it is great for pictures. This one has a vintage filter put over it, and again, it’s super cute if you want to spice up your social media game. You can’t share rolls with your friends in this app, but I still think it’s cool to have.

GroupMe

Back to actual college essentials, this is definitely one of them. If you decide to join a club or organization on campus (I highly recommend you do!) you’ll quickly find that most of them use GroupMe to communicate. You can download the app on your phone and your laptop, or both. It serves as a great way to reach people who may not have the same phone types and serves as an efficient way to get in touch.

Slack

I guarantee that if the club you join doesn’t use GroupMe, they definitely use Slack. Slack is another app used to communicate and is actually making its way into the workforce. Nice way to get ahead, you know? It’s also accessible on your phone and laptop, and it’s just an overall way to make everyone connected under one app.

Venmo

There will be a day when you’re with your friends, craving some Pancheros, and have a dollar and twenty-three cents in your pocket. The nice thing about Venmo is that you can connect your bank account/credit card to the app, add your friends, and easily pay people back when they buy a classic Pancheros meal for you. It’s a lot quicker than trying to scour dollar bills in your dorm room or trying to keep track of how many people you owe money to. I promise, pretty much every college student has Venmo, so don’t be the one person left behind!

Life360

I’m sure the parents reading this are nodding their heads and grinning while the students are frowning at the screen, but I promise, you can have fun with this app! I and my group of friends have our own separate group on the app, and we’ve had a lot of fun changing the names of certain locations and making it so we get a notification when someone reaches those places. Yes, the app is used for safety, which is always good to have anywhere you go, but there’s no harm in using it for a good laugh to see when your friends are spending way too much money at their favorite store.

BeReal

Last but not least, one of my favorite apps at the moment is BeReal. It’s taken the world by storm over the past couple of months, and for good reason! This is another silly one to add, but if you get all of your college friends (and hometown ones!) on the app, it’s a really cool way to see what people are up to at random points of the day. I also think it’s a great way to show that people do the mundane; their lives aren’t always glamorous and fun when they’re studying! I definitely recommend getting the app so that you have something to look forward to every day.

Conclusion

That’s all I have for some essential apps I recommend for college. If you download some of these apps before you step onto campus, I guarantee your life will be a bit easier as you adjust to your new life. Thanks for sticking it out and I hope this was helpful!

 

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10 Books I Read My Second Semester of College and Whether or Not They’re Worth It

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Hey guys!!!

Finals are right around the corner, and I don’t know about you, but I’m starting to feel the pressure! I lucked out this semester that most of my finals ended up being papers and speeches (my strong suit), but for the few exams I do have, I can feel them looming over my shoulder as we get closer and closer to the second week of May. Also known as the week we move out of the dorms and go home for the summer.

Still, one thing I’m most proud of that I completed this semester, considering my workload, was my ability to keep up with my reading! Now, granted, I’m an English and creative writing major and some of the books I’m going to talk about were required for me to read, but I still think that it’s pretty admirable I spent at least 30 minutes every day with an actual book in my hands.

As I’m writing this, I’ve finished a total of thirteen books and will probably finish two more before I go home in a couple weeks. Of the thirteen, I decided to pick ten of them to chat about and whether or not I think they’re worth reading over the summer. Hopefully, you clicked on this post because you enjoy reading, and if not, this is probably where we say goodbye and you check out one of my other posts. Also, two more things before we get started; one, no spoilers, and two, most of these books can be triggering and I’ll do my best to give content warnings for each one.

Anyways, let’s get started!

 

1. Heartless by Marissa Meyer (10/10)

This was the first book I finished in 2022 and I actually read it as a gift to my roommate for her birthday since it’s her favorite novel. I think that says a lot about our friendship if reading a book was the best gift a roomie could ask for! For those of you interested, Heartless is the only high fantasy novel I’ll be mentioning in this list. It’s categorized as a young adult novel and follows the Queen of Hearts before she became the well-known tyrant and villain in the beloved story, Alice in Wonderland. I’m already such a huge fan of Marissa Meyer’s work (she is arguably one of my favorite authors) and, once again, she did not disappoint! This book really captures young love, magic, and the struggle of finding yourself. I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking to get their heart broken. I promise you, if you read this book, you will never see the Queen of Hearts the same!

 

2. I’ll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson (8/10)

This is another solid read but didn’t quite match my tastes. It follows teenage twins, Jude and Noah, as they struggle with their mother’s death, growing up and apart, and expressing themselves through the one thing they’ve always had in common: a passionate love for making art. Trigger warning; there are a lot of themes talked about in this novel like alcoholism, rape, and homophobia. For me, the reason it doesn’t rank higher is that I did not like the time skips and I wasn’t a fan of how some of the triggering topics were handled. However, I still recommend this novel since it’s a big hit in high schools currently and Nelson did a great job at differentiating the dual point of view of the twins. It’s an easy read and really shows the resilience of family during tragedy.

 

3. Richard III by William Shakespeare (6/10)

Yeah, you may have guessed this, but I did not pick up Shakespeare for fun. I had to read the play for one of my classes, and up until that point, I had only ever read Romeo and Juliet in my 8th grade English class. However, when I sat down and cracked open Richard III, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. Yes, the Shakespearean dialogue is difficult to understand, there are a lot of characters with the same names, and it is plain old sexist here and there, but this is Shakespeare. While it isn’t my favorite novel on this list, I do think it’s one of Shakespeare’s best works, or at the very least, one of the easiest pieces to sit through and understand.

 

4. Circe by Madeline Miller (10/10)

I cannot stress enough how bad I wish I could read this book all over again for the very first time. To put it bluntly, it was ABSOLUTELY PHENOMENAL!!! For those of you who aren’t well-versed in Greek mythology (I see you Percy Jackson kids!), Circe is a sorceress in the Odysseus who saves and cares for Odysseus during his journey. The novel follows Circe as she struggles with godly power imbalances, breaking away from her family, and the meaning of life. Trigger warning; there is a rape in this novel that comes on suddenly, so please be advised. Overall, though, I’m obsessed with this book. I don’t want to give too much away, but if you like Greek mythology, feminism, and plain old good writing with lines that force you to put the book down and contemplate your entire existence, this is the book for you.

 

5. The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo (10/10)

Yes, yes, another young adult novel on this list, but with a twist!!! The entire book is made of poems! For those of you who don’t want to be reading a book for long, this is definitely a quick read that’s worth the time. It follows Xiomara, a fifteen-year-old girl caught between her family’s strict stance on religion and how she expresses this struggle through writing poetry. I’ve never read a book told through a series of poems, but I absolutely loved this change of pace. Acevedo’s writing is beautiful, simple, and heartfelt. Not only is this a quick read, but it’s also a book worth learning from!

 

6. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley (7/10)

I’m sure you can guess, again, that I did not read this for leisure. By the way, I have nothing against the classics…they’re just not my personal taste. They are my professor’s taste, though, since this was another novel I had to read for my required reading. But, lucky for me, I’d already read this book in high school. Unlike the last book I mentioned on this list, I wouldn’t characterize this classic tale as an easy read, and I hate to admit it, but I did not finish the book a second time around. It can be a bit boring at times, but if you’ve never read Frankenstein before, I encourage you to still give it a chance. The actual book is NOT the story you think it is and I truly believe everyone should take the time to read and see for themselves who Frankenstein and his monster truly are away from the childhood stories. If anything, take the time to appreciate the very first sci-fi author and her work (that’s right, Mary Shelley is considered the first sci-fi author! Who knew!?)

 

7. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie (9/10)

This novel is a little different than the others since it’s geared toward the middle grade. However, the age group it adheres toward does little to stop the themes it presents. The novel is actually a banned book in some school districts, because, trigger warning, it touches on explicit racism, the abuse Native Americans face on reservations, alcoholism, and so much more. Really, this novel covers EVERYTHING. This book was also the first novel I’d ever read that talks about what life on a Native American reservation is like from a child’s point of view and I feel so much more informed now that I’ve read it. The only reason it doesn’t get a ten-out-of-ten is that I wasn’t a huge fan of the ending (I wanted a little more development, honestly). But this is no place for spoilers, so if you’d like to see for yourself how this novel ends, definitely go give it a read!

 

8. The Female of the Species by Mindy McGinnis (4/10)

This is the only book I’m going to talk about that I don’t think is worth reading. It follows three teens in their senior year of high school; one of which’s sister was murdered a year prior and still hasn’t received justice. Trigger warning; the novel touches on topics like rape, murder, and sexual assault, and I do not think McGinnis did enough when explaining the damage these things cause. The writing was very surface-level and I felt the characters brushed off a lot of their experiences, and in some cases, were utterly unaffected by them. It’s an easy read, but overall, not a book I see myself recommending to anyone.

 

9. Educated by Tara Westover (10/10)

On a completely different note, this is a book I highly, highly, HIGHLY recommend. Of all the books I’ve mentioned so far, I think this is the one that’s affected me the most so far this year; at some points even bringing me to tears! The memoir follows Tara from her childhood to adulthood as she works her way through the strict Mormon rules her parents placed her and her siblings under, including no education, no medicine, and above all else, no abandoning the family. I will admit, that this is not an easy read. It is a long book, well-written, and completely eye-opening. For content warnings, there is abuse, both mental and physical, throughout the story. Most of the novel is about Tara working her way around this abuse, and it is truly inspiring. This book has altered the way I view life, religion, and growth. Please, go read it.

 

10. We Are Not Free by Traci Chee (9/10)

This is the last book I’ll be talking about, and it’s another one that just pulls on my heartstrings! It’s a young adult historical fiction novel that follows fourteen Japanese American teens during World War 2 when Japanese internment camps were present in the U.S. The only reason I don’t rank this much higher is that each chapter is a different point of view (one for each of the fourteen teens) which makes it a bit difficult to follow at times. However, in Chee’s defense, the novel provides fourteen different viewpoints on the internment camps; something Americans today know very little about. The book itself is utterly heartbreaking and really opens your eyes up to the racism these kids faced not too long ago in our history. Once again, I truly believe it’s worth the read.

Overall, I hope you guys liked my recommendations, and hopefully, you can pick up one of these novels for the summer. Anyways, enjoy the sunshine and happy reading everyone!!!

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Walk It Out: Stage Fright, Sword Fights, and September Finite

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When the music began, I was hiding in the darkness with a katana in my hand. Crouching low, just underneath the white streak of the spotlights and the staircase leading to the center of the stage, I watched from behind as the rest of my team moved into action.  I squinted up; my heart pounding in my chest as the familiar music poured over me and the thump of my teammates’ synchronized footsteps filled the air. I could see the tops of Daniel and Andrea’s heads as they jumped to their feet, right on cue, and started their portion of the dance.

Only 15 more seconds, I thought, and my stomach tightened.

The katana in my hand grew heavy, and for the tenth time, I checked to be sure it hadn’t snagged on anything behind me. Palms slick, legs trembling, I waited. I listened to the audience’s screams and inhaled their excitement. I tried to warp my fear into determination.

Too soon, Phong, Andrea, Alice, and Daniel flew down the center stairs in front of me. As he passed me, Daniel uttered a quick “good luck” before disappearing into the stage’s darkness with the others. I exhaled shakily, too scared to answer. Instead, I turned back to the stage, heard the last few beats of the song finish, and I stood. Slowly, I started up the staircase.

My face hit the spotlight, and all at once, calm rushed over me.

The music shifted. The lights bathed me in red. I took my final step off the stairs and onto the stage. The gleam of the katana reached the crowd’s eyes, and all at once, the world erupted.

 

*****************************************

 

Of all the things I’ve done in my first year of college, (and trust me, there’s soooo much to unpack there) I can honestly say that performing on stage, alone, with my katana, was one of the best experiences I’ve had since coming to Iowa. There’s even a part of me that wants to say it was one of the best nights of my life. But before I tell you about the biggest multicultural organization here on campus, there are a few things you need to know about me beforehand.

First, I am a 5th-degree black belt in taekwondo. So, no, I did not just pick up a katana and hope for the best when I decided to perform with it.

Since I was five years old, I’ve been trained in hand-to-hand combat and a variety of weapons including bo staffs, knives, sai, and yes, swords. And I will admit, swords were never my strong suit. I still don’t think they are. Back in high school, I was more likely to fight with my fists and feet, and if I had to choose a weapon, I would probably have snatched a bo staff long before I even thought of picking up a sword. Or, in this case, a katana. However, after choreographing three different sequences with a bo staff, sword, and a poomsae (a series of blocks, punches, and kicks meant to resemble a fight scene), my group leaders, Kathy and Daniel, decided that the sword would be the coolest for our act.

So, despite my nervousness, I bought a katana and got to work perfecting my movements.

As you can imagine, practicing with a katana wasn’t easy. There weren’t many places to practice where I could evade attention (carrying a katana down T. Anne Cleary Walkway tends to draw a lot of stares) and even taking the Cambus (the public bus system in Iowa City) to the Fieldhouse (the University of Iowa’s west side recreational center) grew awkward when students stopped in their tracks upon seeing the katana tucked at my side.

The katana itself also proved difficult. It was heavier than any sword I’d ever wielded, and it took weeks of practice to adjust to its weight. I remember very early on, I was so nauseous after using it during one practice, that I had to lay down for fifteen minutes and sip water until the sickness subsided. Not fun.

And besides my own katana swinging practices, I was still meeting weekly with my team for the big Walk It Out show coming up in April.

For those of you who don’t know, Walk It Out is a multi-cultural fashion show here at the University of Iowa. Since I’m half Chinese, I fell into the East Asian group among other groups like Latin America, Africa, Southeast Asia, LGBTQ, and Hip Hop. But saying that Walk It Out is “just a fashion show” is a complete understatement. Not only are cultural clothes represented, but a variety of dances are performed, songs are sung, and cultural acts are displayed on the catwalk. Everything is welcome; there’s nothing too big for Walk It Out!

But for me, my personal goal for Walk It Out was to push myself out of my comfort zone, starting with the katana solo. With Kathy and Becky, I mastered a fast-paced dance to Toxic by Britney Spears which required twerking, hip-shaking, and a whole lot of confidence. With Ashlynn, Daniel, and Angela, I helped choreograph a dance to September by Earth, Wind, and Fire which substituted as our fresh and fun act during the East Asian portion of the show. And lastly, I took part in our group’s finale to Kill This Love by BlackPink where my group and I completed the iconic dance that took the world by storm only a couple years ago.

Overall, in the few weeks leading up to the actual performance, we were practicing for about 6-7 hours a week! That may not seem like a lot, but when you’re a full-time college student, an employee, and a friend with a social life, these practices took their toll.

On the day of the performance, we filed into the Iowa Memorial Union aka the IMU (home to Iowa’s 500+ student organizations!) where we got to see the stage for the very first time. We admired it from behind, peered through the multiple doorways, and said over and over again, “it’s a lot higher than I thought.” If the nerves weren’t present beforehand, they definitely were now.

The rest of the morning went by in a blur; we practiced together, perfected our catwalks, and got the chance to complete a full-dress rehearsal on the actual stage. Of all the things we did to prep for the show, I think using the actual stage was the best way to prepare myself for what was to come.

And I say this because of how horrible I did during the dress rehearsal.

During the rehearsal, I fumbled with my katana, my kicks were sloppy, and I nearly lost my balance on a move I’d done a thousand times before. I was shaking during Toxic, stumbled on my catwalk, nearly slipped during September, and by the time we got to the finale, I was sick from how disappointed I was in myself. However, in hindsight, doing poorly on this test-run is what launched me into the best performance I’d ever given. I knew what it was like to fail (and that failure wasn’t as bad as it could have been), and now, I wanted to know what it was like to succeed.

But obviously, I didn’t know this at the time, so I spent the next few hours leading up to showtime completely beating myself up over it.

I scurried back to my dorm room where I could sit alone, silently fuming. I remember it took everything in me to shake the frustration and nerves out while I was sitting there. I kept asking myself, “what if that happens again?” or “what if I screw up even worse when I’m actually in front of an audience?” I had asked my friends to take videos of me and the last thing I wanted was to look back on those, watch myself screw up, and cringe over them for an eternity.

Still worried, I applied my makeup with shaky hands and forced myself to eat a quick dinner despite anxiety already filling my stomach to the brim. When it was time to head back to the IMU, I walked quickly, praying the next time I entered my dorm room, I wouldn’t be slumped with disappointment.

But weirdly enough, when I returned to my group, those nerves began to subside. Everyone looked stunning in their makeup and clothes. There were smiles, jokes, and I remember laughing as Laura applied a line of glitter along my cheekbones and as I helped Ashlynn with her eyeshadow. Once we were ready, we ventured outside and onto the patio; basking in the sunset as we posed for an abundance of pictures. Really, everyone looked fantastic, and I still can’t get over how happy everyone looks in these pictures. Those performance jitters were gone, so when the doors opened for the audience to start taking their seats, we were ready for the crowd.

Within the first 10 minutes of the doors being open, about 1/3 of the ballroom was filled, and by the time the show actually started, only a few rows in the back remained empty. Sitting in the last row, I watched as Latin America started and finished their performance, and it when then that I could feel the anxiety creeping back in. Nervous, I stole away from my group, back into our dressing room, and practiced my performances in the dark for the very last time. Little by little, my group mates filed in after me; just as jittery and nervous after watching Africa complete their act. From outside, we could hear the explosion of the applause they received.

Only Southeast Asia, intermission, and then it was us. With every second, the tension in the room grew.

I don’t remember why and who it was, but at some point during those tense moments, someone played Gangnam Style on their phone. The song filled the room; permeating the tension. We all paused, smirking at the irony, and then, before I knew it, we were dancing to the chorus; laughing, smiling, and completely at ease.

Dancing together was familiar. It was fun and we loved it. It was something we could always rely on.

No matter what happened on stage, we were a team, and that was final.

So, fast-forward again to that moment when I stepped up on stage with my katana in hand. I moved to the center of the stage, dipping into a bow. Around me, the crowd went wild. Through the spotlights, I could see a few figures jumping to their feet to get a better look. The screams, applause, and shouts echoed off the ballroom walls. I could barely hear my thoughts. I could barely hear anything.

Then, fear shot down my throat and landed in my stomach.

I can’t hear the music. 

The thought was fleeting, and I strained even more to hear. I managed to pick up the familiar beats, but the words were lost to me. The rapper’s voice was forgotten in the crowd. His voice was one of many amid the yelling. I would have to go without it.

I bent into my stance, holding the sword out in front of me. I called on my muscles, my limbs, and my body; the body that have gone over this form a hundred times before this moment. So many times, it did not need music to know when to step, swing, and strike. The movements fell out of me like I was stepping into an invisible song. One after another, I hit each move. My feet flew under me. The katana whipped over my head.

And then, at the very end, I thrust my katana towards the crowd, and I kiyapped (a traditional scream used to release energy during a poomsae). I swear it rattled my bones. I could hear my voice echoing around me, rising over the din of the crowd. It was the loudest scream I’d ever let out and the crowd roared with me. No matter what, this moment will be engrained in my memory forever; me, a katana, the stage, and the crowd below, screaming with me.

Finished, I swung my katana to the side, stood with my chin held high, and basked in their cheers. And then, as quickly as I arrived, I disappeared back down the steps and into the darkness.

The rest of the performance went by in a flash with only a few significant details still vivid in my mind. I remember crouching below the stage with Kathy and whispering to her with a wide grin, “this is so fun!” before we leapt on stage to perform Toxic. I remember clapping behind the curtains when Angela revealed herself to the crowd; decked in an Empress costume as she glided across the stage. I remember how hard I smiled when I danced to September; proud of my choreography. And then, later, when the show was over, and I walked back on stage, I remember my friends who had come to watch as they rushed to the very front, waving for my attention, and flooding me with their excitement. It was unreal and I couldn’t believe how much fun all of it was.

More importantly, I couldn’t believe how bad I wanted to do it all over again!

I found a community in Walk It Out; the East Asian and Southeast Asian friends I never knew how badly I wanted and needed. Even though the show has been over for only a week, I miss all of them already and I can’t wait for next semester when I get to dance with them again.

Who knows? Maybe I’ll be the one choreographing those dances…

I guess time will tell!

 

 

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Alone in Iowa City: What Happens When You’re the Only Student Left on Campus?

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Hey everyone!

The second half of the spring semester has started back up and man is it moving! Last week, students went home for spring break where they got a full week of relaxation, no homework, and hopefully, some much-needed time spent with friends/family before coming back to campus. And while it is nice to be home and be with family, I wasn’t super excited about dragging my luggage halfway across the country for less than a week. So, having already seen my parents during Thanksgiving and winter break, I decided to try something different with my free time rather than fly all the way back to New York. In the end, I decided to live by myself in Iowa City for the week.

Now, something you should know about me before we continue is that I’m naturally very chatty. I gather my energy from the people around me and I’m often someone who jumps from resident hall to resident hall every single night. People know me as someone who just finds their way into certain buildings at some point in the day because of how much I enjoy talking and hanging out with my friends here. I’ve started to refer to myself as the “stray dog” friend groups tend to take care of!

But the reason I’m bringing this up is to emphasize how people thought it would be difficult for me to have no one to talk to over spring break. They genuinely thought I wouldn’t survive!

But what I have to tell you is that being here alone, with no one to talk to and nothing to do, actually helped me fall back in love with the city I toured a year ago when I was still a senior in high school. It made me really adore and appreciate the college I’m going to call home for the next three years of my life.

The first thing I treated myself to every morning were the coffee shops downtown Iowa City has to offer. Since the dining halls were closed, I was forced (I saw “forced” very lightly) to walk downtown and find places to eat. I’ll admit, that ten-minute walk grew tiring by the end of the week and, strangely enough, I was grateful for the closeness of dining hall coffee and pastries, but I still want to shine some light on the phenomenal places I went to and ate at. I’ll get to restaurants in a bit, but some notable Iowa city coffee shops I went to were JavaHouse, fix!, and Cortado. My roommate and I went to fix! together for the very first time (okay, so I wasn’t completely truthful when I said I was alone in the city; I did have my lovely roommate to keep me company) and we got the chance to sit on the second floor of the Chauncy, drink good coffee, overlook Iowa City from above, and write our novels together. It was, quite literally, a writer’s paradise.

Which leads me to my next point…

Not only did I drink great coffee every day, but I also got to do things I was passionate about. Yes, I love my major, and I know English and creative writing is the career path for me, but sometimes that passion can be lost when you’re bogged down with work from a variety of classes. In some cases, it can make you resent the things you love.

This week, however, I got to edit a novel I’d been writing since the summer. I had so much fun each day finding new places to sit, write, and pour myself into a project I adore. Iowa City truly is a city of literature (a UNESCO city to be exact!) and I could really feel the magic of this place as I sat and plowed through my writing day by day.

And something else I really enjoyed, despite being the chattiest person on campus, was how beautiful the university is when it is empty. It was a ghost town. T. Anne Cleary Walkway had no students walking to class, the hallways of the resident halls were silent, and the streets were empty of cars moving back and forth. It felt like something out of a dream. Not a nightmare, but a dream.

And I say this because it made me realize that, until that week, I’d never had the opportunity to dance on the bridges arcing over the Iowa River with my music on high. I’d never watched a movie on full volume, taken up five tables to work on a painting, while being in Currier’s massive lounge area completely undisturbed. And, this is my personal favorite, I’d never gotten the chance to walk into the local Starbucks and be the only one ordering coffee at 10 am!

Yes, it really was a dream.

And at the very end of the day, I’d get to do something that I’ve never done for myself before: take myself out on dinner dates. Every night for the week, I went to a different restaurant. I know it’s scary eating alone. I know it’s weird when servers ask who’s joining you and you tell them you’re eating alone. But when you have a Pullman’s burger in your hands or a plate of noodles from Uncle Sun’s or a full pie of pizza from Pagliai’s Pizza, it doesn’t matter you’re eating alone. I treated myself to the fantastic food Iowa City has to offer and that was all the company I needed.

So, yes, while I love my friends and I missed them terribly when they were gone, being alone in Iowa City allowed me to fall back in love with the college I first toured. With no external forces; no homework, no classes, no people, and no expectations, I got the chance to do the things I wanted. I got the chance to be myself with nobody watching, and for that, I’m grateful for the experience.

If you ever get the chance, whether it be Iowa City or a whole other location, experiment with being alone. You might be surprised by what you find out about yourself in the process.

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Weird Facts about the University of Iowa

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Hey guys!

We’re right in the middle of the spring semester and midterms are on the way! College students everywhere are currently prepping for their exams, studying hard, and yes, losing sleep. But in a couple more weeks, spring break will be here, and with it, some beautiful weather to accompany the rest of the semester!

Over the last month, fighting both my homework load and the cold weather, I haven’t had much time to write any blog posts about my time in Iowa. I ran into the spring semester headfirst, dove deep into my workload, and the most exciting part became a tour guide for the university! For those of you who plan on visiting the University of Iowa over the next three years, maybe I’ll have the privilege of showing you around!

However, during my training, I came across a handful of fun facts about the university which I wanted to write a short blog post about. There’s a lot of history around the university, and I don’t know about you, but the best facts are the most outrageous ones! Those are the ones I’m going to be listing off for you today, so let’s get started!

Joe’s Fan Club

The University of Iowa has over 500 student organizations. However, if there isn’t a club for you, you can make one! That is exactly how Joe’s Fan Club came to be.

A few years back, a student named Joe wanted to make more friends around campus. So, he created his own fan club! Every week, members would make presentations, go on field trips to his favorite places, and on his birthday, they had a massive celebration! Unfortunately, Joe’s Fan Club doesn’t exist anymore, but maybe we can start an Elana’s Fan Club in its place!

 Hot Tub Bachelor Night

The University of Iowa’s Campus Recreation and Wellness Center is ranked 3rd in the country. Inside, there is a lazy river, pool, and a hot tub right at the very front of the building. When you go inside the pool area, you’ll see a massive TV screen on the wall, and every Monday night, a group of girls watch the Bachelor/Bachelorette in the hot tub. It fits 25 people, so if you and 24 of your closest friends like reality TV, I’d definitely consider watching it from the comfort of a hot tub!

Secret Tunnels

If you live in one of our east side dorms including Daum, Burge, Stanley, or Currier, you may get the opportunity to walk through the secret tunnels connecting them! There is a tunnel between Daum, and Burge called the Bunnel (no idea how it got this name, but it stuck!) and a tunnel between Stanley and Currier called the Stunnel (again, not sure why it’s called this). These are really nice when you’re trying to move between buildings in the winter and you don’t want to brave the cold. Not too many people know they exist, and for those of you who are really into aesthetic Instagram pictures, I’d DEFINITELY recommend going down there if you want to spice up your social media game!

The Shape of the Lindquist Center

The Lindquist Center is home to our College of Education here in Iowa and if you look at it from a bird’s eye view, you’d find the shape very odd. It’s a bit all over; the sides are bumpy, it consists of two different buildings, and the inside is, quite literally, a maze. When the center was being designed, designers decided they wanted the building that our future teachers would be learning out of to reflect their teaching styles. They wanted our teachers to think outside the box, so they made the building to reflect this way of thinking!

Molly’s Cupcakes

The University of Iowa is considered one of the best college cities because of its downtown scene. Right at the very front of the area is a light blue shop with an orange awning. This is Molly’s Cupcakes, and it won the very first Cupcake Wars on Netflix! Also, if it’s your birthday, they’ll give you half-off cupcakes. If you’re in town, definitely check them out!

The Airliner

Right next door to Molly’s Cupcakes is a restaurant called the Airliner. Today, the Airliner is famous for its 1$ pizza slices on Sundays, but another fun fact about Airliner has to do with a famous actor, Ashton Kutcher. Back in the day, Ashton Kutcher came to the University of Iowa as a Computer Science major. One night, he and his friends went to go get pizza at Airliner and that is how he was discovered by a modeling agent. Kutcher’s story gives me hope that, even though I moved from New York to Iowa, there’s still hope for my dream modeling job to eventually become a reality. Not sure how cute I look eating pizza, but I’ll be sure to practice on Sunday nights when I’m eating my dollar slice!

Filming Friends on Campus

The title is a bit misleading since there was only one scene filmed in Iowa, but it includes our Office of Admissions located in Calvin Hall. It’s only a quick shot of the outside, meant to represent Chandler and Ross’s dorm room, but it’s still something students love to remind one another of. Check out season 10 episode 11 if you want to get a glimpse!

There are so many fun (and weird!) facts about the University of Iowa, but these are just a few of the favorites that I know really pique people’s interest while I’m giving tours. I hope you enjoyed them too and maybe one day, I’ll get to give you those facts in person!!!

 

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