Semester 6 as a Hawkeye

Posted on January 29, 2026January 29, 2026

Hello Everyone, 

Semester 2 of junior year means I am starting my 6th semester of college. Some days it doesn’t feel like it’s real. When you get as far into college as I have, it feels so good but also crazy. College is hard, that’s the truth, but it is so rewarding. Anyway, I wanted to give my best tips and tricks for college itself. I have talked about study tips before, but that’s not all that college is. It is so much more. 

Mental  Health: This is probably the most important, in my opinion. I know it sounds simple, but college is super draining (that is normal and ok). I work two jobs, have classes, and also have a social life. All those are important to me, BUT when I am so mentally unwell, I can’t focus. I believe you need to give your mind time to just shut off. Which means I don’t scroll on my phone, do homework, and I do something that’s not something to think hard about. I like to watch TV or read a book, which is not something for class. It definitely helps me, especially just to relax and not overthink. Also University of Iowa Student Health has a selection of resources for mental health, including therapists and group therapy.

Physical Health: College is a lot of repetition. Somedays you have 2 classes, others 4, and in that busy repetition, you forget to eat, workout and even stand up during your study time. You HAVE to take care of yourself. College brings a ton of new people together, which means when flu season comes around, you need to stay healthy. I find it super easy to get even a 30-minute walk in because of how easy it is to walk on campus, so if you’re not the biggest gym person, that’s ok. Iowa City is an amazing place to walk. Even in these cold January months, I love to walk around the ped-mall, going into shops. 

Studying and Not Studying: College is full of studying, but you have to take a break. I have always said 45 on 15 off, and that’s great, but also don’t study every day of every week and weekend. That is not me saying to study. But take time to stop and do something fun. I love getting coffee at the library or one of Iowa City’s many coffee shops. I also believe in rewarding yourself. So if you spent all week studying for a midterm and took the test after that test, spend that day or night giving yourself something that makes you happy. Some things that I like to do are get my favorite takeout, go online shopping, and go to Target. If you don’t want to be out, spend the night writing in your journal, watching your favorite show, do an art project. Truly anything that makes you feel good. 

Morning and Night Routine: I know every morning I spend getting my hair up, doing makeup, and skin care, I feel much more confident. Also, when I spend my night doing my skin care, showering, and putting my pjs on, I feel so ready and relaxed for bed. I truly believe everyone has to stick to a routine. College classes can be constantly throwing new things at you, and while that’s normal, having a routine helps you stay grounded.

Working: I have two jobs, and as a college student, I think it’s a great experience for college. I love my jobs and I get to take a little break from classes and focus on doing something that helps balance all the craziness and is something I enjoy. The university has a bunch of jobs it offers to students during the semesters, as well as some jobs that it offers over breaks. 

Last. . . Social Life: Everyone needs connections and people to relax with. I love studying or going shopping with my friends. Having people to trust and talk about things that stress you out, or just to socialize. College will introduce you to new people from so many different places, and you will find people you have so much commen. I also recommend joining clubs and groups that you like. We have so many clubs, from Dance Marathon, CAB, Dance Club, and so much more. Be open to trying new things.

6 semesters in, and it amazes me how fast it has gone, but also how much I have learned. Iowa is home to so many during their 4 years of college, including me. Have a wonderful day and GO HAWKS.

Cheers,
Rose

Continue Reading →

Hawkeyes in the Snow

Posted on December 3, 2025

Hello Everyone,

I am so so ready for this winter! Also, just in time for the holiday season, it SNOWED!!!!! Boy, it is beautiful. I grew up most of my life in Oregon with rain 9 out of 12 months of the year. So when I moved to Iowa in 2020 and saw the first snow of the winter season, I was shocked. It is just outright gorgeous. I love watching it and spending time in the snow with my friends!

But this year’s first snow was crazy because I had to get back to Iowa City on the Friday after Thanksgiving because we were to get over 10 inches of snow. But that didn’t stop me from enjoying it. Not only did I stay up late Friday night and watch it fall, but on Saturday, my boyfriend and I went downtown in Iowa City and looked at the spectacle of flurries and took a bunch of photos.

Also, now that we are all back into the schedule of classes after fall break, I just feel like the snow is giving everyone a little more holiday cheer. Which means on Monday, December 1st, we put up Christmas (or holiday) decor to ring in the new season. I also feel as if everyone is just excited to celebrate the last month of 2025 with their loved ones. Anyway, Hawkeyes are always ready for a snow day! Sending Holiday

Love to you all.

CHEERS,
Rose

 

Continue Reading →

Thanksgiving As A Hawkeye!

Posted on December 3, 2025

HELLO,

HAPPY HOLIDAYS (I think I can say that now)!

Thanksgiving break this year was a perfect mix of nostalgia, adventure, and a whole lot of Oregon charm. Even though I’m a Hawkeye now, Oregon still feels like a second home — full of memories, familiar places, and all my favorite spots to wander.

We kicked off the weekend in Eugene, Oregon, where game day energy was absolutely buzzing after the Ducks’ win. My Dad and I went to Sabai Thai, a place I’ve been going to since I was little. The owners even recognized my dad and me.

One of those small but special moments that make the world feel a little more connected. The food was delicious as always, and it felt so grounding to be in a place that’s been part of my life for so long.

Sunday was for Christmas shopping, and honestly, it was everything I needed. We stopped at the Holiday Market, 5th Street Market, and Gateway Mall — three of my absolute favorite places in Eugene. I wandered through stalls of handmade gifts, sampled treats, and soaked up the festive vibe. We definitely left with bags full of early Christmas cheer.

On Monday, we headed out to Newport Beach, where the crisp 52-degree coastal air made everything feel fresh and peaceful. We walked along the water, bundled up and loving every minute of it. The highlight? Spotting three sea lions swimming near the shore, honestly, they were the cutest part of the whole trip.

Tuesday might have been my favorite. We went to Magpie Coffee Shop in Eugene, where I got a Dubai chocolate coffee that was basically happiness in a cup. I also sent a postcard to my boyfriend, and then wandered through Smith Family Bookstore, one of my longtime favorites. I couldn’t resist and ended up getting two new romance books (obviously).

After that, we packed up and headed home just in time for Thanksgiving dinner with my family, grandparents, uncle, sister, and parents. It was cozy, delicious, and exactly the way Thanksgiving should feel.

I ended the break back in Iowa City, reunited with my cat, my boyfriend, and the brand-new snowfall that made everything feel a little magical. It was the perfect ending to a perfect break — a little bit of home, a little bit of adventure, and a lot to be grateful for. Can’t wait to finish off this semester strong!!!

Cheers,
Rose

Continue Reading →

November as A Hawkeye

Posted on November 21, 2025

Hello Everyone,

I am so ready for the holiday season, BUT let’s talk about November as a Hawkeye!!!

It’s probably the hardest month for any college student, not only have we all been at school for three months plus, and we have been in the full swing of Midterms since October, and you’re just tired. But I have all the tips and tricks for you, incoming students and current students. So let’s keep our energy up with some of these tricks.

Something to stay hydrated!!! WATER! Or a drink that has GPT hydrating qualities is super important to keep your body feeling alive. Water helps you stay in a good mindset. If you are hydrated, it makes a huge difference. Also, reusable water bottles make life easier, and the colors are great, so bring that (I will say I love to look at Target’s selection, I probably have too many water bottles at this point).

Next, you need to eat healthy. In college, it is so easy to go a full day without eating because you have classes, work, and friends. So plan out your meals throughout the day!!! I like to even see if my friends want to go to our on-campus dining halls and mini shops/cafes. My go-to lunch spot is Food For Thought Cafe in the library. It’s by all my classes and that way I don’t have to sit in a dining hall and study, but instead I can study in the bustle, but also the quiet of the library. (They serve Starbucks refreshers, which are my favorite)

TAKE A BREAK! Please, if you have been studying for over an hour, take a 15-minute break. (I always say 45 on and 15 off) meaning you study with no distractions, then after 45 minutes I take a 15-minute break, stand up, give my cat some love, if I am in my room, or I scroll my Instagram or read or write if I am in the library!!

Next, take nights off! I get that you want to pass classes, we all do, but you can be on all the time, take a night to watch TV, and just rot with some unhealthy snacks, and because it’s cold, make a hot herbal tea or hot coco and just relax and if you dont have a TV I like to use my computer or iPad.

Last but NOT least SLEEP!!! There are so many studies that show you retain information better when you sleep. So on week days try to plan accordingly if you have a 8 am class go to bed by 10 so you can get up at 7 or so to get to class if you have a 10:30 you can stay up till midnight but honestly its good to try to keep a healthy normal sleep schedule it is a life saver when you out of the blue have to stay up late one night (because your finishing your paper you forgot about!!!).

November might be hard, but college is fun. You’re in a world full of people who help you learn who you are. Also, the university has great resources to help you study, keep your mental health in check, and we have so many support systems in place for you to succeed. You will get through these hard months, and when break rolls around, you will be so proud of yourself!!!

Sending love and take care of yourself!!!

Cheers,
Rose Kelly

 

Continue Reading →

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

Continue Reading →

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

Continue Reading →

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

Continue Reading →

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 

Continue Reading →

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

Continue Reading →

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

Continue Reading →