Classy Co-Ed’s Guide to Awesome Advising Appointments

If you’re anything like me, you’re probably trying to figure out what exactly you’re going to have to do to graduate on time (although I don’t know why anyone wants to leave college), get a good job or into graduate school, and all that good stuff. And if you’re even more like me, you probably need a little help. That’s where advisors come in: they’re a great resource for every classy co-ed if you know how to ask the right questions. I asked my advisor a few questions about how to have more productive advising appointments and now I’m passing that advice on to you.

• Do a little research- it helps to have a general idea of what you want to know. If you’re going to your advisor for advice on how to get into grad school for example, do some online searching to see what kinds of schools you think you want to go to. If there’s a class you desperately want to get into that’s full, go prepared to tell him or her exactly why you would be an asset to the class and why the class would be an asset to you
• Ask specific questions to get specific answers- I once went into my advisor and literally asked if I could switch from pre-med to pre-law and that was the only question I’d come prepared with. The answer? “Yes” and that was all. Which didn’t help me with what I actually wanted to know: what should I do to make the switch happen and still be successful? Make a list beforehand of what exactly you want to know. Write down any answers you don’t think you’ll remember later.
• Make sure you’re going to the best advisor for your questions- At Mizzou, I have two advisors specifically assigned to me (one in each of my majors), plus an Honors College advisor and the pre-law advisor. I didn’t even know there was a pre-law advisor until I was considering a double major, and found some things about law school on the Political Science website. Sometimes it helps to just dig around and send some e-mails to feel out the resources your school offers.
• Bring any important documents with you- If you want to discuss your chances of getting into a major program, internship, or graduate school, you’ll probably need copies of your transcripts, recommendation letters, test scores, etc so your advisor doesn’t have to waste time looking things up and he or she has all the information.
• Try to get to know your advisor and maintain a relationship with him/her- the more you get to know your advisor, the more he or she will know (and care) about you too. Your advisor sees lots of students who just pass through, asking requisite questions and never pausing to learn his or her name. Some advisors are really cool people, and if they know you, when opportunities come across their desks that would be perfect for you, they’ll let you know and maybe even write you a recommendation letter.

Kat McClain is an intern at College Lifestyles ™. She attends the University of Missouri-Columbia, is a member of Alpha Chi Omega, and is extremely excited about the start of football season. Go Tigers! She also enjoys reading magazines, watching trashy TV, and listening to the new Katy Perry cd.

A Few of My Favorite Things

As a new intern here at College Lifestyles, I thought it might be nice to kind of introduce myself to everyone with the short list of the things that I love the most (because the long list would never be finished).

1. My mom- I have the most wonderful relationship with my mom, and I’m so glad to have such a strong, positive, graceful, and classy woman to look up to. If you’ve ever seen the show Gilmore Girls (another one of my favorite things), we’re actually not unlike Lorelai and Rory.2. Music- I love all kinds of music. On a bad day, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, or the music from Glee can almost always cheer me up. On the flip side, when I’m in a good mood, there’s nothing better than an upbeat tune to keep me pumped up. I love to dance and to sing along to all my favorite songs (especially during impromtu dance parties with my sisters and on the car ride home from school to do laundry).
3. TV on DVD and on the internet- I love tons of TV shows, but because I’m extremely busy (double major, Greek life, early graduation, June LSAT, other campus activities, social life, etc.), I almost never get the chance to watch them on TV. Therefore, I have become a Hulu.com addict. I can watch current shows on my own time, anywhere I can get an internet connection. Also, I can watch shows that are off the air now (Will and Grace, Gilmore Girls, Friends, and Sex and the City mostly) and shows that come on cable channels that I don’t get at school (True Blood and Dexter) whenever I want to and over and over again.

4. My best friends- In addition to some of the best sisters in the world, I have the most incredible group of best friends back home and from living in the dorms last year. While sisterhood is a friendship unlike any other, having best friends outside of my letters isn’t something I would ever give up.

5. Wild Cherry Pepsi, Dr. Pepper, Soy White Chocolate Mochas, and Pumpkin spice lattes- As much as I love to sleep, I find it happens a lot less often than I’d like, so I am also pretty heavily caffiennated most of the time. I love Starbucks coffee (and my new RED tumbler that donates a percentage of my coffee purchase to charity) and around lunch, I usually choose one of my guilty pleasure sodas.
6. My planner, dry erase calendars, and other organizational type stuff- I love, love, love the feeling I get when all of my stuff is in the right place and easy to find when I need it to study, write papers, take notes, or whatever. My planner and dry erase calendars (one weekly and one monthly) help me keep track of due dates, fun sorority events, meetings, and plans with friends. With a schedule as busy as mine, writing every little thing down is one of the only ways to stay sane.

7. My wonderful sorority sisters- Here at Mizzou, home of the Tigers, we just finished formal recruitment, and I’m so excited to welcome our new members into our fantastic sisterhood. My sisters are always there for me when I need a laugh or a hug or a shoulder to cry on. Going through sisterhood week and recruitment week with them since I moved in to our lovely house in early August has been an absolute blast.

8. Jewelry- I love to dress up my preppy (think Sperry boat shoes, Miss Me jeans, and Hollister graphic tees and polos) style with fun, romantic, and vintage-y jewelry whenever possible.

9. Magazines- I love to just curl up listening to Lady Antebellum or Justin Beiber (yes, I have the fever) reading Cosmopolitan or Glamour from cover to cover. It’s a nice way to relax and unwind from a stressful day or recover from a big test. I love reading the style, hair, and make-up tips (although I’m usually too timid to try most of them).

10. Flowers and butterflies- I am allergic to pollen, but I absolutely adore receiving flowers. I love red carnations (my sorority’s flower), peonies, roses, lilies, orchids, and Gerber daisies especially. Butterflies remind me that things really do change, since all butterflies start out as caterpillars and then transform into something beautiful with just a little bit of hard work. Flowers and butterflies remind me that there really is so much beauty in the world even on my worst days.

I hope that was a fun little insight into my personality and I’m so excited to be writing for College Lifestyles. Hopefully you’re excited to read more too.

XOXO,

Kat =)

Kat McClain is an intern at College Lifestyles (TM). She is also a junior at the University of Missouri-Columbia, studying psychology and communications. She is currently obsessed with the song “Teenage Dream” and the new student center on Mizzou’s campus.

Stylish Sites for the Classy Co-Ed

With these nifty websites, using a computer can be fun, helpful, and even “in vogue.”

For Finding the Look That Is Just Right:
Looklet.com
Looklet provides its users with an online model and the dream closet to dress her.  In a few clicks, a classy co-ed can test drive a multitude of styles, from haute couture to hot pants, from ladylike to Lady Gaga.  Ever wonder how to wear a trend?  I have consulted this site to help me assemble leggings ensembles that look chic and not sloppy.  This is a great way to try on different looks without taking all the time involved with shopping around.  Maybe you will use this website to pick out a first-day-of-classes outfit!

For Decorating and Fashion That Is One-of-a-Kind:
Etsy.com
You walk into your first class and you realize that three other girls are carrying the same handbag.  How can a student avoid this situation and stand out from the crowd?  Etsy provides individual artists and craftspeople with a venue for selling their unique wares online.  Not just limited to clothing, here you can also find some housewares to spruce up a bland, beige dorm room.  For the sorority girls out there, you even can find items with your mascots on them.  What a fun way to show sisterly spirit!

For Learning Something New:
Howcast.com
This features not only text guides but also fun videos that teach site visitors how to do just about anything.  They range from seriously informative to knee-slappingly hilarious.  Learn how to knit, how to write an amazing essay, and how to ace a job interview, all on one website.  Users can post their own how-to articles and videos to share their knowledge with the world.  Instead of sifting through page after page on google, you can eliminate the hassle when looking for information on writing a resume, baking a cake, or helping a friend.

For the Much-Needed Study Break:
Orisinal.com
Are you looking for a fun alternative to the over-played solitaire on the computer?  Look no further than Orisinal.  Computer games seem aimed at a male audience, but the simple concepts and adorable graphics used in these online games make classy co-eds want to play, too.  Even the background music is enjoyable; some of these are set to beautiful instrumental pieces.  Try checking out these artful games the next time you need a quick study break.

For Great Articles for a Classy Co-ed:
Collegelifestyles.org
But you already knew that!

Meredith is an intern at College Lifestyles.  She is a Business Operations major at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business.  She is always ready to solve any technology crisis or fashion emergency.

CL’s Guide To Getting a Head Start On Fall Semester

Although it’s hard to admit it, the summer’s almost over, and fall semester is looming closer and closer with each day.  It can be hard to stay on top of things—between classes, Greek life, having a job, and even a social life—that’s why it’s important to get organized before the semester even starts.  Here are a few quick and easy ways to prepare for the Fall.

Ways to Get Organized for Fall Semester:

Use a Planner/Calendar: Using a planner is a great way to make sure that you have all of your assignments written down.  You’re that much more likely to remember to do something if you have a written recording of it.  Also, if you use a calendar, you’ll be able to plan for events far in advance.  That way, when something major comes along, you won’t feel too overwhelmed.

Buy Your Books Before the Semester Starts: Although you might end up dropping one of your classes, it’s still a good idea to try to get all of your books before the semester starts.  Most professors assign homework after (or even before) the first day of classes, so if you don’t have them by the first day of classes, there’s a good chance you’ll fall behind.

Check your Email/Online Resources to See If Your Professor has Posted a Syllabus: Lots of professors contact their students either via email, or through other school-run websites (my university uses something called Sakai).  It’s great to know what assignments you have coming up, that way you can get a head start.

Try and Give Yourself a Daily Schedule: If you plan out each day, it’ll help you to include each thing you want to do, and leave you less likely to procrastinate.  Sticking to a schedule is easier than sitting there and wondering how you’re going to find time for everything.  Just make sure you schedule at least (some) time to relax!

Make Sure You Know Where All Your Classes Are: If you’re an incoming freshman, finding those classrooms on your first day can be tough.  Or, even if you’re an upperclassman, it can’t hurt to map out your route to classes.  This way, you’ll be sure to arrive in class on time and you won’t have to worry about starting off on the wrong foot with your professor.

Lana Schwartz is an intern with College Lifestyles (TM) and a sister of Kappa Alpha Theta.  She loves to read, write, and above all, stay organized.

Texting While Driving: It’s As Dangerous As You Think

Texting while driving—I’m sure most of us have done it.  And although it seems like a momentary distraction, it can lead to a lot more trouble than you would think.  Here are some facts to think about next time you start texting while you’re driving, and also, some easy ways to avoid doing it.

The Facts:

• Talking on a cell phone causes nearly 25% of all accidents these days.
• Four out of every five accidents are attributed to distracted drivers, whereas drunk drivers account for one-third of all accidents nationally.
• Studies have shown that texting while driving causes a 400% increase in time spent with eyes off the road.
• Texting while driving is about six more times likely to result in an accident than driving while intoxicated.
• In 30 states, and Washington, D.C. texting while driving is actually illegal.  Even if no one gets hurt, you could still get in trouble with the law.
• When composing a text message, your attention is taken away from driving and focused on the message instead.  This makes it harder to process what is happening on the road and slows reaction time.

Ways To Avoid It:

• Use a Bluetooth.  There are many different options today that can allow you to both talk on the phone and drive at the same time.  This is perfectly legal and much safer.
• If you’re with a friend, hand your friend your phone and have them do your texting for you.  That way, you can still have the texting conversation you want to have while driving.
• Text or call whoever you’re speaking to at the time and tell them that you’re getting in the car. That way, they’ll know not to try to contact you for the time being and you’re less likely to get distracted.  Or, put your phone on silent, so even if you get a call or text, you won’t be able to hear your phone.
• If you decide that you really need to text, pull over to a safe place where you’re not blocking traffic, keeping yourself and others out of harm’s way.

Here is a hilarious PSA from the stars of the NBC show Community discouraging texting while driving: Don’t Text and Drive

Lana Schwartz is an intern with College Lifestyles (TM) and a proud sister of Kappa Alpha Theta.  She is so excited to be back at the University of Delaware in only a week!

CL’s Guide to Freshmen Fun: Movie Marathon Madness!

For many freshmen, college is the first time being away from home.  Being in a new place with new people can be overwhelming and make you want to go home to find comfort.  If you’re too far from home to travel back and forth every weekend, try to find some other people that will be staying the weekend as well.  Think of fun activities to do to keep you entertained! Plan a Movie Marathon Madness weekend!!!

Step One:

Pick a theme for your movie marathon! Fun themes could include 80s (Breakfast Club, Sixteen Candles, St. Elmo’s Fire), The Object of My Afflecktion (all Affleck movies like Paycheck and Pearl Harbor (Ben) or Ocean’s 11 and The Last Kiss (Casey)),  Chick Flick Fab (13 Going on 30, 27 Dresses, The Devil Wears Prada, etc), X Marks the Spot (All Mark Wahlberg films like Fear, The Italian Job, The Departed), Fun Fiction (Twilight, Harry Potter, Avatar, X-Men), Back to the Good Ol’ Days (Mighty Ducks, Now and Then, Sandlot, Radio Flyer),  Dance the Night Away (Dirty Dancing, Take the Lead, Center Stage, Bring It On), or Cruisin’ for a Bruce-in’  (Bruce Willis movies like The Sixth Sense, Die Hard, The Kid, The Fifth Element).

Step Two:

Invite everyone you know (or want to know) from your dorm floor or building, people in your classes, or just your suitmates! If you don’t have enough movies to fit into your theme, ask around your floor to borrow some DVDs from others and invite them to join in on the fun! If they decline, put a post-it note on the inside of the movie case with the name and room number of the person you borrowed it from and return it with another post-it inside like this one from Karen!

Step Three:

If you want to go all out with your theme, put together outfits to coordinate with the Madness!  Check out local thrift shops to find pieces of clothing to make your 80s outfit (leg warmers and off the shoulder shirts), your favorite childhood outfit (overalls and sideways hat), or just a character from your favorite film (Leeloo (Milla Jovovich) from The Fifth Element, Hermione (Emma Watson) from Harry Potter, or Evelyn Johnson (Kate Beckinsale) in Pearl Harbor).

Step Four:

Make memories! Take pictures so that you will remember the fun outfits, great movies and new friends you’ve made.  Post the pictures on facebook so that others will want to join in on the fun next time!

This is a great way to make new friends and enjoy being at school on the weekends! It’s also a great way to take a break from all the studying during the week.  What kinds of things do you do to take a break from studying? Take a look at Kaitlyn’s newest post for another way to relax!  Leave a comment below or tweet at us (@collegelifestyl) to let us know what you do on the weekends!

Becky Alberico is an intern at College Lifestyles ™. She is a Communication Studies major at Edinboro University of PA, and a member of Alpha Sigma Tau! Becky would dress in her dragon costume and pretend to be the Chinese Fireball that Viktor Krum faces while watching Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, while fellow intern Kaitlyn would dress as the Prince of Thieves while watching Alladin with her friendly monkey, Abu.

CL’s Guide to Freshmen Year Fun: Name Hunt!

One thing to remember when you’re a freshman is this: you are not alone.  All of the other freshmen are in the same boat; they are away from home, they don’t know many people and they are just as nervous about starting college as you.  Take this opportunity to be the outgoing, fun, friendly co-ed in your suite or on your dorm floor.  Get a small group or the whole floor together and go snap pictures on a fun camera phone scavenger hunt!

Here’s how it works:

1. Divide everyone into two groups (if you have more than 10 people, divide into more groups with even numbers).
2. Put everyone’s names and phone numbers in each other’s cell phones.
3. Designate a specific time and place to meet back with all the groups.
4. Find a place on campus that corresponds with the first letter of everyone in your group’s first name. For example, Becky found the Bursar’s Office.
5. Have another member of the group take a picture of that person with their cell phone, and then send the picture to the other group(s)! Once one group has found that place, the other groups cannot use it, so be quick!
6. The first team back with all of their pictures wins!

Didn’t win? Not possible! Everyone is a winner! Not only do you get to find your way around campus while meeting new people, but you also have a fun way to remember names and get everyone’s numbers so you can plan more fun activities!

Are you an upcoming freshman? What are you looking forward to most? Are you an upperclassman? What fun things did you do when you were a freshman? Tell us your favorite dorm activities! Tweet at us: @collegelifestyl!

Becky Alberico is an intern at College Lifestyles ™. She is a Communication Studies major at Edinboro University of PA, and a member of Alpha Sigma Tau! Becky remembers her freshman year like it was yesterday- full of interesting people, movie marathons and new experiences!

Need snacks to eat after your scavenger hunt? Check out Emily H’s latest post here!

The Art and Etiquette of Sharing Food

If I had it my way, I would have a bite of everything off of a menu.  Usually when I order this wish, the waiter stares at me like I have five heads.  Rather than being a food critic, where I know that I would be much too full to even think about writing after a meal, I am a food sharer.

As much as I love sharing plates and opening taste buds to a variety of foods, I understand that there are certain rules of etiquette that must be applied to the art of sharing.

Rule #1. Must be with close friends or a close family.  (Dad reaching a fork onto your plate without asking does not count).  When it comes to close friends and family, you should be able to determine what each person is going to order before they have decided.  Therefore, you should know with whom it is wise to share food.  Do not yell across the table, but if you happen to be ordering the exact same thing as someone, suggest to share that dish and order something else of shared and complimented interest.  This should be effortless.

You:  Oh, I was also thinking of ordering the fettuccini alfredo.

Choice share-mate:  Okay, you order that and I will give you half of… how does chicken parmesan sound?

Rule #2. Must be the right type of food.  Certain restaurants are more share-friendly than others.

Key share-delicacies:

-Fondue

-Sushi

-Sandwich

-Pizza

-Dessert

-Chinese Food at any scale  (most ethnic foods seem to be good share foods actually)

If the occasion calls for food to be shared, than by all means stretch your palette.  Places that serve foods like fondue and pizza are great to share because they are large sizes that suit the majority of diets.  Simply agree on toppings and mixes that multiple people will like and since company is more important than food, please be flexible and do not go crazy.

Sushi happens to be the best way to share food.  Because each roll of sushi is so creatively different from another, it is interesting to select a variety of rolls to share.

Chinese food is an obvious share food because eating an entire carton of chicken and broccoli would not only be boring, but it would be unsatisfying.  (momentary and 2 hour later disappointment). Perhaps because so much of Chinese food is cooked in similar sauce, it is smart to order different meats and vegetables to create a delicious square meal.

Rarely is dessert ordered when going out to eat.  However it is nice to order something special for a birthday or some sort of celebration.  The restaurant pushes sharing since they provide the table with more than one spoon.  Do it.

Rule #3. Must be the right atmosphere.  Please only share food in appropriate environments.  Stray away from mixing plates around at upscale restaurants and learn to distribute food correctly.

While lunch cafés are a very safe place to trade food like sandwich halves, a dim lit restaurant parlor is not the place to bargain a menu.  (On the practical side, high-end restaurants usually only give a pretty little portion of food, so sharing would be impossible anyway).

When sharing food, nicely ask the waiter for an extra plate before evenly separating the meal.  Then place the other half on the new plate and pass.  Allow compensation for any extra sauces and always be fair.  The extra plate is a must and smoothens the sharing equation.

Last but not least:  Enjoy the delights of food together and having fun in common.  Eat within reason and savor what you have.

Not only does sharing food create a bond, but does it help not overeat while out.  It is enjoyable to try a few things on the menu and fight over what you liked best.

Personally, I do not want as much food as long as I am able to try a bite or two of a few interesting dishes.  Perhaps versatile eating is a carefree and adventurous diet of its’ own.  This would explain the phenomenon of tapas bars, which offer several unique appetizers in place of one meal.  Since this is more of an urban cuisine, I must be loyal to the art of sharing.  Bon appetite!

When College Lifestyle intern, Carly Bassen, returns home from school to New York, food becomes more of a hobby than a need. She chooses to enjoy each meal while still remembering to stay active and keep her clothing fitting.

If you are still interested in the technique of making food a fun activity, then check out my fellow intern, Abby Bryant’s article about her dessert recipe party. What a great party theme to trade ideas and taste yummy treats!

http://collegelifestyles.org/2010/07/back-to-school-bash-party-2/

CL’s Guide to Consignment Store Shopping

I’m sure lots of you love to shop—and if you’re like me, you’re always longing for those expensive, designer clothes that you can’t afford.  However, there is an alternative to spending tons of money on great clothes—and it’s not shopping online.  They’re called consignment stores.  They’re spreading through cities like wildfire and it’s easy to see why.  Consignment stores are like thrift shops—except they’re a lot more likely to carry name brand items.  In fact, some stores will only accept certain clothing if it was created by those on their “Accepted Designer List.”  You can find gorgeous Kate Spade pumps (I have) for only $30, or a nice Free People shirt for only $15. Here are some tips to keep in mind on your first (or second, or third) trip to a consignment store.

• Scavenge: This might sound strange, but there is literally no other word that best describes how to search through a consignment store.  You never know what you’ll be able to find when you go through literally almost every item the store has.  Sometimes the best treasure is buried treasure.
• Don’t buy things just because they’re cheap: If you see a name brand item for next to nothing—make sure that it’s actually an item that you’re interested in.  Even if it’s a Prada bag that only costs $50, if it’s an ugly bag, it’s still an ugly bag.  No matter what brand it is.
• Make sure you’re getting what you pay for: Since the items in a consignment store have most often been worn or used by someone before you, sometimes the items are a little worse for wear.  Don’t buy something that you won’t be able to get a lot of use out of.
• Wash before wearing: Even though people are supposed to clean their items before selling them to the store, still make sure you wash or dry clean your new clothes before wearing them.
• Don’t get discouraged: There are definitely times when I’ve left consignment stores empty handed.  Try not to get discouraged if you don’t find something perfect every single time.  Often, it is just luck of the draw—which is why scavenging helps to ensure you find fantastic new clothing.
• Be sure to come back another time: Finally, since it’s not designers that consignment stores get their merchandise from, rather, people just like me and you, they get new clothing in all the time.  You might be unsuccessful one week, and then find tons of things you love the next, so be sure to visit your local consignment store as frequently, and as fiscally, possible.

Located in many different states along the East Coast, this is the link to my favorite consignment shop, Second Time Around: www.secondtimearound.net

Lana Schwartz is an intern at College Lifestyles (TM).  She is going to be a senior at the University of Delaware and she loves to shop.

11 Ways to Have a Happy First Year

Starting college can be both an exciting adventure and a difficult transition.  While you are bound to make new friends, you are leaving old friends behind to move onto campus.  While you are officially living on your own –without the watchful eye of parents! –you are without the security and stability that parents often provide.  Lots of decisions about your life have to be made by you.  You’re an adult now, and I hate to say it…but being an adult isn’t always fun.  It’s hard work.  You will undoubtedly encounter the “figuring yourself out” phase.  It’s part of the package when becoming an adult.  At times, you will feel lost, and unsure of yourself.

Needless to say, your first year can be overwhelming.  Here are ways to maintain your happiness, while dealing with the highs and lows of college life.

1. Cultivate friendships with classy coeds. Create a home away from home by developing friendships with other first-time freshmen and upperclassmen.  When you’re feeling homesick, or troubled about a situation, you can turn to them for support.  They will likely know exactly what you’re going through.  These are also the people with whom you will explore the town and embark on daytime/nighttime adventures.

2. Surround yourself with what you love. Without a doubt, you will miss home and all your family and friends.  Decorate your walls with pictures from home of family and friends.  (Pets are part of the family, too!)  Love books?  Love collecting elephant figurines?  Surround yourself with them.

3. Do what you love. What is your passion?  What activity makes you happy?  Singing?  Dancing?  Reading?  Volunteering?  Whatever it is, when your spirits are low, do it!

4. Be you. This is a simple thing to do, but it can be complicated if you’re not being true to yourself.  Naturally when you enter a new environment, you want to fit in.  But fitting in may involve doing things that you aren’t really interested in.  Try to learn quickly what is and isn’t you.  Invest your time in the things you’re passionate about.  You’ll be the happier for it.

5. Be productive. An idle mind breeds negative thoughts.  During a low or lonely moment, you’re likely to feel worse about your situation because you have time to think about it.  Occupy your time by forming a study group.  Or by becoming active in campus organizations.  Not only will you be giving back to your community and/or campus in some way, but you’re sure to make new friends as well.

6. Exercise and eat healthier foods. Exercising is a sure way to boost your mood.  If your campus has a fitness center, take advantage of it.  You and a friend could participate in joint workout sessions.  If you don’t have time for the gym, walk the longer route to class.  And make it a point to take the stairs instead of the elevator.  In my first post for College Lifestyles, I mention healthy foods that are mood-boosters.  Check out tip #3.

7. Listen to your favorite music. Create an album of music on your I-pod, or in a file on your computer, of songs that make you feel good.  When you’re feeling down, play it… but don’t sit still.  Get up and dance.  Dancing is also a form of exercise, so even if you aren’t the greatest dancer you will still feel good about yourself afterward.

8. Create a comfortable and relaxing living space. Sometimes our clutter is a reflection of how we’re feeling inside.  If you feel flustered and disheveled, your living space is going to reflect that.  What makes you relaxed?  What makes you happy?  Is it your favorite color?  Pictures of your friends?  Minimal clutter?  Flowers?  Decorate your dorm room with whatever makes you breathe a sigh of relief when you step inside.  For dorm decorating tips, check out Kendall’s post: Dorm Decorating for Any Classy Coed.

9. Become organized. When you’re organized, you’re able to stay on top of things and you’re less likely to stress.  You don’t have to wonder where you put your term paper, or whether you’re missing a really big meeting or deadline.  You have more time to focus on what’s really important: making sure you have an exciting and memorable first year of college.

10. Smile.  It really works. Whenever you’re feeling unhappy or upset about something, smile.  It can make you feel better.  My mom taught me this when I was younger, and it worked for me.  How exactly it works, I’m not sure.  Maybe smiling tricks our minds into believing that we are happy.  Maybe it sends a signal to our brain that says, “Hey, she’s smiling.  She must be happy!”  With a smile on your face, you’re likely to attract people who are upbeat and in happy moods –exactly what you need.

11. Decide to be happy. You determine your happiness.  And you control your emotions.* Make the decision that you are going to be happy, and actively work towards it.  Nothing in life comes without work.  Your happiness is no exception.

*Depression makes it impossible to control your emotions.  If you think you may be depressed, you need immediate professional help.  Contact your school’s health services.  Or if you feel uncomfortable doing so, tell your roommate, tell a friend or family member, tell anyone who you believe can get you the help you need.  For signs and symptoms of depression: College Students and Depression.

Shannon Palmore is an intern with College Lifestyles, and a Senior majoring in English at Spelman College.  When her head is not stuck in a book, it is in the clouds, where she dreams about culinary arts school and her first book signing event.  She hopes all new classy coeds have a happy, fun-filled first year!

Next Page »