Dorm Essentials

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Hey y’all!

Today, I am listing my dorm essentials that I couldn’t live without. Consider this when buying dorm supplies!

  1. Humidifier. I used to wake up with a dry throat and nose before getting one. A life-changer.
  2. A lamp or fairy lights. The room lighting is very unflattering and bright. Softer light is the way to go.
  3. Rug. Makes the place ten times cozier + elevates the floor-time experience.
  4. A futon. Friends can sit there, Elevate your legs when doing homework, makes the space more filled-up.
  5. Mattress topper. My bed feels like a cloud and helps my back.
  6. Fridge/microwave. Wouldn’t be able to have ramen or store food without it, essential.
  7. Heated blanket. My room gets cold, this is the perfect thing.
  8. Light-lamp. Keeps the seasonal depression away.
  9. Chair cushion – way comfier to sit at my desk
  10. Tea kettle – heat up water for cocoa or instant-oatmeal

Those are a few of my essentials, but whatever you think you might need!

-Solenn

 

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Honors Outreach Ambassador

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Hi everyone!

Today I am talking about my experience as an Honors Outreach Ambassador. This is a one-semester-hour class you can take in the fall and/or spring. You interview to get a spot, as this position is not just a class, but a leadership position inside the Honors Program.

We meet once a week and it is a very relaxed, fun class. There is little to no homework and the requirements to pass are simple. I lead tours of the Blank Honors Center, run the table for Admitted Student Day, or work as a panelist on visit days. I also help run Honors events like Late Night Study Sessions, trivia, and more!

Outreach Ambassadors are also part of the Student Advisory Board, and we have a semester-long project to suggest an improvement to the Iowa Honors Program. My team is working on ways to incorporate more opportunities to earn Honors-coursework hours. This is a great way to be more involved in the honors community and meet more people in the program!

-Solenn

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Dorm Snacks

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Hey y’all!

If you’re like me, and you get the munchies, I have a list of recommended snacks to stock up on in your dorm!

  1. popcorn. Either microwave popcorn for movies or lightly salted pre-popped corn.
  2. Candy. Can’t go wrong with Sour Patch!
  3. Ramen. Good if you don’t have time to go to the dining hall
  4. Fruit. A nice breakfast or snack
  5. Ice cream pints. If you have a freezer, that’s awesome
  6. Soda. Sometimes having a can in the fridge is the highlight of my day
  7. Granola bars – easy to keep in a backpack
  8. Trail mix

Honestly, there is a lot you could get, these are a few of my favorites!

-Solenn

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Best Iowa Tradition

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Hey y’all!

Iowa has so many awesome traditions, between the Hawkeye Wave, Carver-Hawkeye Arena chants, and On Iowa!, it is hard to choose.

However, my personal favorite has to be the Pancake Man during finals week. He is there at 6 am in the Iowa Memorial Union, flipping pancakes and serving other delicious breakfast items. Get there early, the line is long!

The fun part is that he flips the pancake into your plate, so practice those catching skills!

-Solenn

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Refreshing My Dorm Post-Spring Break

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Hey everyone! Here are some things to do for a little spring cleaning in your dorms.

  1. If you have a Brita, make sure to give it a good cleaning and replace the filter.
  2. Clean out your fridge and microwave!
  3. If you have a humidifier or air purifier, replace those filters/clean them!
  4. Do laundry. Wash those towels, blankets, and winter coats.
  5. Sweep, Swiffer, dust!
  6. Clear out items you don’t want anymore and donate or sell them
  7. Clean your mirrors, inside the medicine cabinets, and any furniture you have.
  8. Clean doormats!
  9. Clear out desk drawers/backpack
  10. Make your bed
  11. Reorganize your closet

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Becoming an RA: The Application

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Hey all!

I was recently offered a position as a resident assistant for the 2024-25 school year, so I’m here to talk about the application. A resident assistant is a student who lives on a floor of a residence hall and ensures floor community and unity, and the first person to go to in case of problems and emergencies. They get free housing and meal plans, as well as a stipend, so it is a great job to have.

To get the application, you must attend one of several information sessions that cover what being an RA entails and the application process. They take attendance, which will then let them email you the application.

The application includes some short essay questions about yourself and how you are involved on campus. If selected in this round, you get to be interviewed virtually.

The virtual interview is held by members of Housing and Dining, other RAs, and Hall Coordinators. They ask you questions on how you would handle things as an RA, yourself, and how you have handled problems in your life.

If you are chosen as an RA, you will receive an email about a month after with the next steps.

-Solenn

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What I Study At Iowa

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Hey everyone! I’m going to talk about my major/minors today.

My major is English and Creative Writing on the Publishing Track, which is part of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. I take English classes like literature, and then writing-based classes. For Publishing, I take publishing-based classes and career prep like English At Work. These classes can be interesting and useful in developing your craft.

My first minor is French, which is part of CLAS as well. I am taking French classes that are level 3000 and above to obtain it. These classes include many speaking and writing ones, as well as grammar. I have taken Oral Expression 1 and 2, which is a lot of oral presentations, and we get pen pals to speak to from a university in France! I will be taking French Grammar in the fall, and hopefully after that, Business French!

My second minor is Media Management. This is through the School of Journalism and Mass Communication, but also the Tippie College of Business. I’m currently taking Entrepreneurship and Innovation for this, and then I have to get the rest fulfilled. I hope to learn how to run social media for a job.

-Solenn

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Rainy Days in Iowa City

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Hello everyone!

Spring is nearly here!! That means lots of rain, but don’t let that bring your spirits down. Rainy days can be awesome.

I love waking up to a rainy, cloudy day. I feel extra cozy. I normally turn on my fairy lights to have ambient lighting. I also like turning on some Lord Huron or Bon Hiver for that moody indie vibe.

A nice, warm shower is the best way to fight the gloom. After that, something cozy like a sweatshirt, zip-up, sweater, leggings, or sweats is a nice combo.

When I have time, I will read a book or do my homework to feel mysterious and in a dark academia novel. It is very motivating! The sound of the rain is a great ambiance, especially if you leave your curtains open.

When it is time for class, I wear an umbrella and rain jacket, paired with AirPods for rainy-day music. It makes being outside so much better.

For food, warm stuff is my go-to. Soup, mac and cheese, anything hearty is great. Accompany that with a warm drink like chai or another tea and you are set.

Make the best of it and really romanticize it, it will always be sunny soon!

-Solenn

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Places to Go After Visit Day in Iowa City

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Hey y’all!

I am here to give you suggestions to do in Iowa City after your campus tour!

If you’re looking for restaurants or coffee shops, check out my other blogs, where I rank my favorites.

  1. Molly’s Cupcakes: It won season 1 of Cupcake Wars, and has so many delicious flavors! You also get a discount with your VIP badge.
  2. Iowa Book: Come get Iowa merch there! That is what I did on my own campus visit. There is also a Dunkin located inside if you need a pick-me-up.
  3. Om Gifts for Body and Soul: Cutest crystal shop ever!!
  4. Old Capitol Mall: Another Iowa Merch store, some restaurants, coffee shops, boba, and a cute little chocolate store.
  5. Yotopia: A fro-yo place, so so good.
  6. Aspen Leaf: Another fro-yo place with a little chocolate shop.
  7. Beno’s: Cutest plant store
  8. Iowa City Public Library: Browse some books!
  9. Prairie Lights: Famous bookstore and coffee shop
  10. Sidekick Coffee and Books: Another bookstore/cafe
  11. Insomnia Cookies: Open all day and night!
  12. Pitaya: Cute clothing shop
  13. Revival: A thrift store
  14. Coralville Mall: A short drive away, this place is perfect to walk around in.

These are just a few of my favorites, but there are so many more places in Iowa City and Coralville, I highly recommend exploring and finding your favorites.

Bye for now!
Solenn

 

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Best Outdoor Study Spots

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Hi everyone!

As the weather is warming up, that means more time outside. Woohoo!

I have found a few amazing places to study when the weather is warm to get those grades and some Vitamin D.

  1. Pentacrest: bring a picnic blanket or hammock, or study on the benches! People-watching is fun, and there is some shade.
  2. T. Anne Cleary Walkway: The tables have umbrellas and the hustle and bustle of campus life makes for great background noise.
  3. Outdoor shops: Get Fresh Cafe has a lovely patio that is fun to use while doing homework and sipping on a smoothie. There are several other shops to enjoy too!
  4. Currier Terrace: A little secret courtyard with plenty of tables to relax!
  5. Iowa Memorial Union: There is a fantastic terrace overlooking the Iowa River.
  6. Art Building West: Shade and an amazing koi pond to get some exotic views.
  7. John Pappajohn: Lots of tables outside!

I highly recommend discovering your own study spots, it is a great way to explore campus.

Bye for now!
Solenn

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