Hawkeyes Love Papers (My Best Tips For College Papers!)

Posted on October 20, 2025

Hello,

Welcome back to my to my blog. One thing about being a creative writting major is PAPERS!!! Also, the University of Iowa takes pride in their students writing, so most gen eds have some sort writing component because we are one of the top writing schools in the country! Anyway, that means writing is intertwined into everything I do. I am going to talk about some of my favorite tricks that help me write literally any paper I have.

First, set your setting. Either go to a coffee shop, a study room, your dorm bed or desk etc. . . make sure you can focus and not get distracted. I love to go to coffee shops for creative papers, I sit at my desk for research ones, and I love to write my outlines in the library.

Next, you need to hand write an outline. I have a notebook where I do all of my outlines. I usally write them in the library while I play SVU law and order on my iPad through my headphones in the background. (Why that show? No clue, it just works.)

Next, when you finally start your first draft, write. No editing yet, just get to the requirements. If thats 500 words or 1200, get the basic ideas of your pre-written outline on the page. You can fix the mistakes later.

After the first draft, TAKE A BREAK! You will get nowhere with your paper if you go straight into editing after intially writing it. Go out with friends to get coffee, go watch a show. Do something else not paper related.

After a day, re-read your paper, (I do it in my room out loud) and edit the first time. I tend to play something through my speaker and complete that first edit. I repeat this step 2-4 times depending on what it is for and how long it is.

Last, before you turn it in, fine tune everything, check the requierments, and turn it in!!!

Remeber, it’s okay to make mistakes. My first college paper was hard and I did not do as well as I wanted, but now I can have 10-15 in a semster and do well on them. After you complete every paper, celebrate with something as smiple as a cookie or watching TV.

Talk later!

Cheers,
Rose

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Hawkeye Moments

Posted on October 20, 2025October 20, 2025

Hello,

I am back and it is the middle of October. I love fall in this city and I think I have said that a hundred times! College is probably the hardest thing I have done at this point of my life, and I wouldn’t change my choice to be a hawkeye. But I wanted to talk about some ways I stay sane in thse busy months in college!

First, TAKE CARE OF YOUR MENTAL HEALTH!!! Not only do we have great resources here and counselors for students, but make sure you are taking care of your mental stability as much as physical stability. Take study breaks, go out shopping, or take a nap. Do stuff that doesn’t stress you out and that makes you happy!

Another thing, plan weekly social nights. My friends and I like to watch TV shows so we invite our friendgroup and watch an episode weekly! You could do a book club or a craft night, whatever gives a fun and simple social night but no study involved.

I also love a deep clean or a reset day. I always fully clean my room on Sundays to make sure I start the week off on the right foot. I just love how I can put music or a Netflix show and orginize my room. Its almost therapeutic for me!!

Lastly, get out. If that means going to a coffee shop or taking a bus to the mall or even participating in clubs and/or school events do. If you spend all your time studying and shutting yourself away, you will end up burning yourself out. So, take time to breath.

Anyway, those are some of my tips on how to stay sane. I love college and I think everyone should go. It’s a magical time to find yourself, but know it’s not easy all the time, but once you find that balance, it is 100% better

Cheers,
Rose

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This Hawkeye turns 21

Posted on September 30, 2025October 6, 2025

Happy birthday to me!!!!!! I turned 21 this September!!!! I spent my day going to the mall and spending time with friends!!! Anyway, I wanted to give you the best places to go for your Birthday here in the city!! 

First, get your freebies! Go to Starbucks! They will let you have a free drink! There are a few places like Buffalo Wild Wings that give free stuff. But as a vegetarian, I don’t go there! 

Nex,t go to a nice breakfast spot! Bluebird Cafe or Pointdexter coffee has amazing avocado toast! Or if you prefer lunch or dinner, Estellas or Trumpet Blossom are both great spots. Make sure to go with friends so it feels more like home!

Then, if you can get a ride or drive to the Coralville mall! I love to go to the Target and all the shops in the shopping center!!!! They have great lunch spots as well, like Panera, Chick-fil-a, and so much more! 

Last, celebrate that night!!! My friends and I made mocktails in my dorm room and listened to music! It was one of my favorite parts of the day!!! Also, grab yourself a treat. I had rewards saved on my favorite leggings shop, so I bought myself a pair 

You can do so many fun things in Iowa City on your birthday!!! Have fun and celebrate!!!!

Cheers
Rose

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Hawkeyes and Fall Vibes

Posted on September 30, 2025

Welcome back, my friends

Year three is crazy to think about!!! I am super busy this semester, though, not only am I working on some huge projects this semester, but I have work, homework, classes, and now I have a cat!!!!! 

But all that being said, I love being back in the city. I am at the market every Saturday, I spend time with friends, and I am working hard on my studies! Fall is changing the leaves, but the Capitol steps stay in place as I go to classes.

One of my favorite things about fall at Iowa is how much stuff there is to do!! It’s nice outside, so people have events out in the open. There are also games to go to! It’s just a happy atmosphere! Writing in coffee shops and going to Target at 8:00 pm.

Well, I have to get going to class talk later!

Cheers,
Rose 

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Tips for Social Media and College

Posted on April 28, 2025May 2, 2025

HELLO!!!

As we know, social media is not going anywhere anytime soon!!! I love it personally. I make GRWM ( get ready with me) videos, and I am even a brand ambassador for some companies!!! But as a college student, I need to find ways to not always be scrolling on TikTok or snapping my friends the entire time I am at lecture! Here are my tips to keep you from being distracted by social media:

1. Take time on the weekends to turn your phone, computer, and iPad off! For one hour, read a book, work on a paper, handout, or even just clean the room. (If you need music, you can put Spotify on mix but do not touch your electronics ( take your Apple Watch off as well sorry you are busy atm, those messages can wait!!!)
2. Take time to be only on social media, that means if you finish 50%  of your assignments, take a 20-minute break. Check snap, texts, Instagram, etc…. (SET A TIMER, YOU ONLY GET 20 MINUTES.)
3. Workout with your favorite show. I love to turn on Law and Order SVU while I run/walk on the treadmill. I love how I can just watch my favorite show, and then I get my TV time in for the day while I am also keeping my body healthy.
4. MAKE your content. if you like to make videos, don’t stop, but I also make sure I dont work on editing till after I am completely done with studying and writing.
5. Stop using it when you’re bored. I mean it. Don’t turn your phone on just ’cause you feel like you have nothing to do. Instead, take those moments of silence and create something. I love writing music or working on my book. But let yourself be ok with no reels.
6. Put it away during class, in your bag, and silence mode on. Turn your computer and iPad while taking notes on Work Focus, so any messaages dont distract you. You are a student first so make sure your respecting the time you are paying for to be in school.
7. Last, don’t fully cut yourself off. I know it can be tempting to get mad when you keep getting distracted. But know that it should not be something you rely on 24/7. You still should connect with friends, make plans, and take those cute videos.

I love social media, I have multiple accounts and am always on them!!! But these rules keep me from losing focus and keeping my mental health in check. As always, I hope you have a great day. Make sure to tag Iowa in your college posts and #GOHAWKS

Cheers
Rose

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Summer Vibes Has Arrived for the Hawkeyes!!

Posted on April 28, 2025April 28, 2025

Hello!

IT IS FINALLY FEELING LIKE SUMMER!

Last Thursday, I took out a book and read for two hours! But I was not alone, there were girls in the shorts and bikini tops, and guys playing volleyball with their shirts off. Parents had their kids out on the dog walk, and schools were also showing up to tour IOWA.

I have to say it has been amazing to be out in the sun, and I wanted to give you some ideas on what you can do as a college kid when it is finally sunny and warm!

First off, get yourself out there!!!! Go for a walk, run, or even just study. Finals are about to be happening, so don’t sit inside the whole time you study. I love to sit in the sun with some sun screen and tanning stuff to let myself naturally tan (but I like to be careful make sure you have sun screen)

Next go out for coffee and sit at there outside tables a lot of places and outside seating in Iowa City!!! Some great outside places are Starbucks, Airliner, and Bread Garden. They all have outside places to hang out and either eat a good lunch, coffee date or even just a quick study break.

I also love a good picnic on the Pentacrest!! With so much to get as take out or even get a box from the dining hall and go outside to eat!!!

Last but not least go for a walk!!!! you don’t even have to have a destination. just walk around the city I people watching and so sometimes I walk through the city just to look at the bustle and things that are going on!!!!

Enjoy the Sun, Hawkeyes

Cheers
Rose

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This Hawkeyes Family Cat Had Kittens

Posted on March 5, 2025

Hello all!!!!

One of the hardest things about being away from home is missing out on your family moments or even your animals. Now I need to do some explaining. In December we had a very cold cat who we named Fria who would curl up by our house to keep warm. My mother said we would not be keeping her because we already have 3 cats and we couldn’t imagine adding another to the group. But soon we fell in love with her so we decided to let her live in our basement and we fed her.

Fast forward to January, we start noticing Fria is not only putting on weight as we fed her, but seemed to be growing, and by mid-February, she is quite pregnant. Cats can be pregnant from 63 to 72 days. So on March 3/4, Fria gave birth to two healthy boy kittens. While she was pregnant with 4, only two were born alive, and while it might seem sad, it is very much part of nature, and at the moment, the two boy kittens are looking healthy and happy. These next few days, my family will send me photos and continue to keep me updated, but for now, we are gonna give Fria a break and let Mama rest.

Well, I hope you enjoy these kitten photos as much as I do, and happy spring!

 

Cheers
Rose

 

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Hawkeyes See Spring. . . Maybe?

Posted on March 5, 2025

Hello Everyone!!!

Spring is Here!!!! Or is it? It is finally warm out, but then there is a weather advisory the next day. As always here in Iowa our weather gives us whiplash. From a sunny day on February 28th to a freezing day on March 2nd, you never know when you might need to bring back that winter coat again. But we still don’t want the sunshine here as it starts to reappear. Feeling the warmth of it on your skin and wearing sunglasses again is the best feeling, and not needing anything but a lightweight sweater to wear out.

People are also just happier. You see smiles that you haven’t seen since the holidays, and there is a new feeling of hope, especially since spring break is around the corner as well. Here at Uiowa, we find days spent in front of the Pentacrest and bathing in the sun is a must. Coffee dates no longer require a bus to get there. Also, flowers fill every window, replacing the greenery that spent months trying to give everything some sense of color, now the pinks, reds, and blues cover every corner.

I personally love to break out my spring dresses and heels walking with the confidence that a winter coat makes it harder. with the flow of everything, I truly love it. It makes me feel like I am in summer again walking in the best place and praising the heavens with the gift of vitamin D. It definitely takes away that seasonal depression.

Well, I am gonna seize the day and enjoy the sunshine.

Talk Later.

Cheers
Rose

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Haweyes Love A Girls Night!

Posted on March 5, 2025

Hello

Now, while I love my fellow Hawkeyes equally, you can’t beat the girls’ nights here in Iowa City!!!! These past few weekends, I have been hanging out with my close friends. One of the hardest parts of college is relationships and friendships. College can sometimes change people in an instant. From bad classes to a relationship going sour, so I like to surround myself with many different people. I find not only do I learn so much, but also when the inevitable happens, and some friendships run their course, I find that there are always people willing to be with me. But let’s talk about girls’ nights.

One of the things I like to do is throw little parties. From Galantine’s to spring parties, it is a great way to show each other love and also bring people together. I love to invite those who don’t know each other, cause I believe connection is important, and you never know maybe your friends from different places will enjoy each other’s company. I also believe that if you can get all the girls together, that will make your life richer.

Another great way to spend a girl’s night is going shopping together and checking out all the windows. even if you can’t afford anything, looking at the cute things here and there is always a great time to get photos, laugh, and spend your time just being with the gals.

Ok, when it comes to my gals they know how to celebrate by going to our favorite places for dancing and taking cute photos. Especially for birthdays and holidays, getting all dolled up and dancing till midnight is my favorite. There is just something about listening to pop music and dancing with people who show you platonic love. Also, sometimes you all happen to match without even trying!!! So, as Fyro says in Wicked, “The strange thing is your life could end up changing while you’re dancing”

Weather it is a quiet night in with crafts and snacks or a bright night out in the city lights, your girls will always stand by you to hold you up when no one else does. They will make you smile and dry those tears. College is about finding yourself but also about holding on to those who fulfill your life and letting go and dancing!!!!

Cheers
Rose

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Galentines As A Hawkeye

Posted on March 3, 2025April 1, 2025

Hello

This year, I hosted my first  Galentine’s Day celebration!!!!! One of the best things about college is the freedom to host parties and events with your friends. With music, it made the atmosphere lively, with a playlist of crowd favorites.

The Galentine’s Day party started at 8:00pm! I was so excited to welcome everyone when they arrived, I greeted them with a warm hug and a glass of sparkling water or lemonade to set the festive mood! The party was decorated with Valentine’s Day, from a photo area to pink tablecloths to arts and crafts. It was also perfect for catching up with all the girls. Polaroid Moment.s One of the highlights of the party was our Polaroid station. I set up a little corner with a backdrop of hearts and a sign where we could snap instant photos. The pictures added such a personal touch to the event, and it was so much fun to look back at them later. Valentine’s Day-Themed Treats. Of course, what’s a Galentine’s party without an abundance of delicious treats? I went all out with Valentine-themed snacks. We had heart-shaped cookies, XO gummies, and then lots of the girls brought more treats.

I would have to say my favorite part is all the girls meeting each other. They made friends with one another, and almost everyone became close. We talked about past dates and how Valentine’s was not just for the significant others in our lives but for each other.

So these Hawkeyes threw a Galentine’s to be remembered. I hope to do it again next year!

Cheers
Rose

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