The late winter blues: and how to combat it

Posted on February 15, 2023

There’s something about coming back to your Midwest college after winter break. The sun is nowhere to be found, the cold is bitter and the beauty of the winter has faded. You bundle up to travel to your classes but even though it’s the beginning and it’s the easiest part of the semester, something about it is so… hard.

Iowa is no exception to this. I love school here, with all my heart, but waiting for the first day of sunshine for the semester is legitimately a full-time job. I don’t think I ever realized the impact the sunshine can have on your mental health until college, even though I’ve lived in the Midwest for most of my life.

Now, every site and social media post is going to tell you the same thing I am right now: Your mental health comes first. The only way to combat the things out of our control –like the weather— is to take care of your mental health first.

Here are some of my favorite things I do in Iowa City to take care of my mental health in the winter.

1. Grab a warm coffee/tea/hot chocolate.

There is no shortage of great cafes in Iowa City. Whether you’re a Starbucks or Dunkin fan or find a new coffee shop each week, you will not run out of good shops downtown. I myself haven’t tried all of them yet, but you can never go wrong with a warm (or cold) drink to add to your studies, chill time, etc. Some of my favorites around town are Java House, Day Drink, and La Tea!

 

2. A comfy night in never hurt anybody.

Grab your favorite pajamas, take a nice warm shower, and do all of your favorite self-care. Turn on a favorite movie and put that homework away for a while. Relaxing and taking care of yourself and your environment is a great way to take a break from your studies and also pick yourself up out of the late winter blues!

 

3. Journal

To some people, this idea is silly. But humans work through problems better when writing or talking out loud! So when you do feel down, Grab out a journal or notebook and write! It doesn’t hurt to just write down whatever comes to mind about whatever, and in the end, you may leave feeling refreshed and lighter.

 

4. Make time for fun.

Studies are important. I get that. College is too expensive to never do homework and study for upcoming midterms, but it is so necessary to set aside time to do things you want to do and not just things you have to or should do. Even one weekend day free of having to worry about your course load or job if you have one is so beneficial to mental health.

 

5. Add Friends!

Friends make everything better! You can do almost all of the activities listed above with another person or group of friends and you should when you can! Obviously, it can be difficult to navigate schedules to make time sometimes, however, spending time with friends is key to getting through the bleak winters on campus.

 

 

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My Top 5 Most-Used Tools Now That I’ve Completed a Semester in College

Posted on January 31, 2023

Like most people, I went into college with an expectation of what would be my most used tools for effectively completing coursework and managing my day-to-day life based on what I used in high school. Little did I know, I would be completely blindsided by what would work best for me in college to stay up to date with coursework deadlines, manage stress and negative emotions, and all the other obstacles I’d face in my first semester in college.

Here are my recommendations for things that helped keep me on top of my game first semester:

 

1. An Excel Spreadsheet with all of my coursework deadlines and exams for the Semester.

 

Look, I know how DAUNTNG Microsoft products can be, especially if you’ve only ever used google suite in high school. But this isn’t the only Microsoft product-related tool I use every single day on this list, but it has been the saving grace of turning everything in on time.

 

Oftentimes in college, the due dates for assignments will be in the syllabus and not mentioned directly in class. I have trouble constantly flipping through syllabus after syllabus to see what homework is due when, so instead I created this so all of my due dates were in one place. It not only allowed me to time manage what assignments I did and when, but It gave me the satisfaction of being able to check off things from my to-do list.

 

How I use it: During syllabus week, while there is generally less to do, I create an excel sheet and add each assignment and the due date for each individual class by going through the syllabus and listing everything in each class. Each class also gets a designated color.

 

After I’ve added all my assignments, I highlight both columns, right-click, find sort, custom sort, and then sort by column b (due dates), cell value, and oldest-to-newest.  After you’re done, it should list all your assignments in order! Mine for this semester looks like this:

 

 

Leaving this open on my computer throughout the semester allowed me to manage my time and even be productive in my downtime. Often, I would finish all my homework by Wednesday every week!

 

2. Outlook Calendar

 

 

This is the only other Microsoft Product on this list, but it is #2 for a great reason. I balance work, school, making plans with friends, meeting with advisors, etc, and every week ends up being fairly busy. Everyone I’ve met organizes their schedules differently, but I find outlook calendar to be the easiest not only because the interface is fairly simple, but also because all of your classes at UIowa import directly into your calendar and all appointments made on-campus. Plus, it is linked directly to the email you should check every day.

 

I found it simple to add my work schedules and used it to help plan my study times and activities around my classes and work, and it helps a ton! It is really hard to over-book yourself when you keep an accurate calendar.

 

3. Canvas (ICON) for mobile

 

 

At UIowa and other institutions, Canvas is used to manage homework, quizzes, and overall course content. At Iowa, its endearingly referred to as ICON (Iowa Courses Online). Obviously, this is going to be the main website everyone on campus uses for homework, lecture videos, you name it, but having it on your phone makes everything quick to access.

 

Whether you read the assigned articles while taking a CAMBUS to your next class or want notifications on grades while your laptop is tucked away in the bag, this app is CRUCIAL for all campuses that operate on canvas.

 

4. Pomodoro Timers

 

 

Sometimes, I find it difficult to stay on task mid-semester when courses are picking up the pace. I get distracted by social media (TikTok) and catching up with friends instead of finishing assignments I am more than capable of completing, so I found a solution that works for me: Pomodoro timers.

 

Now, there isn’t one specific app that I use when I use Pomodoro Timers to complete my work, and my laptop has a Pomodoro “focus” timer built directly into my taskbar that I have taken great advantage of so some of my favorites include the google chrome extension called Marinara.

 

A Pomodoro timer is, essentially, a timer you set to dedicate yourself to work with the promise of getting a designated break time ahead. Typically, you try to put 100% focus into your work while the 30minute-1hr timer runs and after you get a nice break.

 

When I am overwhelmed by work, it is a lot easier to dedicate myself to 30 minutes of hard work compared to the looming hours of studying for an exam, and It can be hard to maintain focus for those long periods of time. However, the timer makes it easy to break up the work into manageable bite-sized pieces in a way that reduces that anxiety and stress, at least for me.

 

5. Student Beans

 

Now, I had to add a fun one to my top 5, and I feel like not enough students take advantage of their student discounts. Student Beans is a website that has ALL of the websites that currently are running student discounts from things like Athletic wear to food, to a new IPad or streaming service. I find it really helpful when I go to buy anything to check and see if there are any extra discounts I can get for simply being a student.

Everyone pays enough in tuition anyways, may as well reap the rewards!!

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My Christmas Wishlist (after spending a semester in the dorms)

Posted on December 12, 2022

The holiday season has arrived, and now that I’m away at college, everything I would want for Christmas revolves around my life here, so I figured I’d let everyone in on what I wish I had for my first year of college (that I do not already own).

• A Humidifier – I have never been in a drier environment than a college dorm room, and there is absolutely nothing I want more than a humidifier for when I am inevitably sick again in my dorm.
• A Polaroid Camera – Capturing memories has never seemed more important than being in my first year of college. Having physical memories of everything and everyone I spend time with makes looking back that much sweeter.
• More Iowa Apparel – I’m confident that I will never have enough. Go Hawks.
• A Surface Tablet for Note Taking – I currently take all my notes on paper, and carrying around notebooks everywhere, personally, has started to bother me. I also own a Surface Laptop for school. And since we use the Microsoft Office Suite for all coursework, a surface tablet would be the perfect addition to my Microsoft collection. It’s very similar to note-taking on an iPad, without the hassle of converting Microsoft-compatible worksheets to IOS-compatible ones.
• An Apple Watch – Now, I know I just said this is a Microsoft campus, but I still do enjoy Apple technology for phones and lifestyle devices. But ever since I got to college, I have placed emphasis on staying in shape both on purpose and on accident. I have never walked more than when I am here, and I also use the Rec Center when I have the time. Having an Apple Watch to track my fitness and activity levels would add the icing to the cake.

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The Dead Weeks – What I do to keep going between Thanksgiving and Winter Break

Posted on December 5, 2022

That awkward time is here when everyone goes home for a week for Thanksgiving break and comes back for what feels like a march to finals. Two weeks of classes left, with the most unreal burnout I’ve ever felt for the semester, and I cannot wait for it to be over, but these weeks are probably the most important of the semester. Here are some things that have kept me going:

Create a Finals Study Schedule: With finals rapidly approaching, these weeks are the time to study for the end of the semester. It is key to create a schedule to study for any/all finals and stick to it to avoid stress and cramming later on.

Have a Designated Time to Stop Studying: It is important to know when to pack it up and stop studying for the night. Cramming into the late hours for exams will not be as beneficial for mental health as being able to set a specific time to stop and wind down for the night regardless of how much there is left to study.

Do Something that Brings Joy Everyday: These weeks are hard for everyone. And, even with the impending dread of finals week, it is important to take time to continue to do what you love to do regardless of how much studying you’re doing. Take the time to enjoy your hobbies as a break from studying every so often.

Try to get Enough Sleep: There are thousands of studies on the impact of a full night’s rest on academic performance. It is incredibly important to shoot for a total of 8 hours of sleep during these weeks. You’ll thank yourself later for letting yourself get ample rest.

Prioritize Mental Health, Always: In these weeks, I have found it so easy to get overwhelmed by everything wrapping up and preparing to go home for the next month. And sometimes it is necessary to take a breather and calm down before continuing with studying and work. Mental health matters, always, but especially during these weeks before finals.

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An Open Letter to My Senior Self

Posted on October 12, 2022

Dear Kailey,  

A year ago today, you were experiencing your last homecoming week, your 18th birthday week, and most importantly, applying to Iowa. You had so many expectations for college and, for the most part, all your dreams came true. Although I guarantee you would have never guessed the path we took to get here or the people we have by our side today, just know you made all the right decisions to get here all on your own.  

I know we planned on applying to more colleges, but you only ever applied to one because your heart was set on it the moment you step foot on campus. Thank goodness your single application led you to a place that feels like home.  

We live in the same residence hall our friends did last year, and we ended up in the renovated rooms. You’ve made some unlikely friends – and enemies – with your floormates, but frankly, you wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s easier to make friends now that you’re out of that small town. And, while you miss your best friend and a few other people you have yet to meet, this is still the right place for you. In fact, Kaylie and you are touring apartments for the next school year this week.  

The academics in college have been an adjustment for sure. I remember how burnt out you were from the long high school schedules. I promise you; a college class schedule feels so much lighter. But you do need to learn how to study, and what works well for you. Gone are the days when coursework comes naturally. You will struggle and you will need to take time out of your day to prepare for your midterms and put your best work forward.  

It is hard being an adult on your own. I know you take care of yourself now. In college you will feel true independence for the first time, finally being away from everything holding you back in life whether you are ready for it or not. Enjoy it. Breathe it in. Being alone can be so overwhelming at times, but you are truly ready for everything life has to throw at you. Most college students feel lonely. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the people who care about you.  

If I could go back into your shoes and change one thing I did in the last year, I don’t exactly know if I would. I think no matter the hardships we experienced or the lessons we learned the hard way, we ended up in a good space. Keep your head up and enjoy all the good to come in your next year.  

 

Until then, I wish you the best, 

Kailey  

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Top 5 Tips for your First Month on Campus

Posted on September 14, 2022

1. Meet People

I know this one sounds obvious, but it is genuinely the most important thing to do on campus. It doesn’t matter if your hometown is Iowa City or thousands of miles away from campus, meeting new people is absolutely necessary. Obviously, not everyone you meet (especially in the first weeks on campus) will be your lifelong friends, but nothing is more important than making connections on campus. You never know who will have a big impact on your life in the future!

I was fortunate in my first weeks because meeting people was incredibly easy. All of my floormates are very social, so more often than not, they would come up to me and introduce themselves! And I know, approaching people is scary at first. Keep in mind that everyone on campus that first week is in the same boat as you!

 

2. Find your classes before they start

Take off some of the stress on your first day of classes, by finding some of them before they start! Even acquainting yourself with the walk to the building takes off some of that pressure on the very first day! Some of the buildings are confusing and I guarantee that taking the time to look around is worth it.

 

3. Go to the Campus Events

I know at face value, things like On Iowa and the Org Fair can seem, well, lame. But I guarantee you there is no better way to meet people who have similar interests as you on campus. There are countless On Iowa events, and the volunteers aren’t lying when they say there is something for everyone. From morning coffee crawls through town to late-night canoe battleships at the Rec or Field House, I guarantee you will find yourself having more fun at the events than you would expect. The Org Fair is a great way to get familiar with some of the hundreds of student-led organizations on campus. There are so many ways to get involved with other people who have similar hobbies and interests as you.

 

4. Embrace the Campus Culture

You’ve finally made it to college, embrace it! One of the many reasons people choose schools is for the community and culture on campus. It is not lame or weird to partake in campus traditions and embrace the community that you chose to be a part of! My absolute favorite days on campus so far have been football game days. Be proud to be a Hawkeye!

 

5. Take Pictures!

I cannot stress this enough, because I personally made this mistake, TAKE PICTURES. I know it’s sometimes awkward to pull out your phone and take a picture with the people you make friends with, or the activities you are doing, but it is so fun to look back on them as you continue to settle into college and your time here. You will regret not having more pictures of your time in college. It is fun to look back on all of the memories you make and the people you meet while on campus.

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Moving into Mott’s: My Experience with Freshman Move-In

Posted on August 18, 2022August 23, 2022

The emotions leading up to first-year move-in are overwhelming. The excitement of starting something new coupled with the stress of packing up your childhood life makes for a stressful lead-up to the big day. Saying goodbye to your friends, partners, and parents and meeting new people can be challenging, but also incredibly fun! Now that I’ve settled into my new home, I’ll share my experience with move-in week and some tips and tricks to make your transition to college life as smooth as possible.

Packing:

In terms of packing, I suggest leaving anything you buy for your dorm in its packaging. It is so much easier to pack your shrink-wrapped bed sets and decorations than it is to pack loose comforters and things. I personally created a space in my room at home where I set up anything I bought for my dorm, and fought every urge to unwrap them until I moved in. Ultimately, this made it so easy for me to pack all my stuff and keep it all clean during the move!

I also suggest taking only the things you use regularly already. Really pay attention to what you use often at home. If you don’t use an item, it is not worth taking to school. For me, I spent time getting rid of things I no longer used at home. This included clothes, books, old hobbies, and anything I didn’t see myself needing in college. If I didn’t actively use it, it didn’t come with.

At the end of the day, every inch of space is important in the dorms. Packing efficiently and wisely saves a lot of hassle down the line.

Move-In Day:

Thankfully, move-in at Iowa is a breeze. The chaos is controlled by hundreds of volunteers there to guide you every step of the way. My advice here is to use them! There is no need to get lost in the dorms with buckets of your belongings because every single RA and volunteer I, and all my peers, met was wonderful!

In terms of my experience, my family left soon after unloading my things into my room, leaving me alone (because my roommate had not moved in). The overwhelming feelings of being alone for the first time in my adult life, and entering a new chapter returned, and I was quickly overwhelmed. Those feelings soon subsided, however, when I walked outside of the dorm and began meeting people in my hall. The best thing you can do even on your first day on campus is to start conversations and meet new people. Everyone there is feeling the same feelings as you, so go out there and make friends!

On Iowa Week:

There are literally events for everyone, take advantage of them! Going out of your way to meet new people is ultimately how you make lasting friendships. Go to events that you think are interesting, and you’ll meet other people who enjoy things you do too!

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