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.

It’s A Zoo Out There!

Are you stressed out from all of the hard work you have been doing in your classes?  Why don’t you grab some friends/sorority sisters/roommates and head to the zoo!

I know going to the zoo seems like a very “summer” thing to do, but fall is truly a beautiful time to go.  Since the weather is cooler, the animals are much more playful.  Plus, it usually isn’t as crowded.  I just spent the day at the fabulous Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium with my mom and best friend.  We had an amazing time.  We even got to see a baby sea lion!

It is so nice to take a break from school (or in my case work) to get some fresh, crisp fall air!  Bring a camera and make sure the animals aren’t the only thing you photograph.  Zoos always seem to have goofy signs and props spread around so take advantage of them!

Our zoo likes to compare heights of animals to put them into perspective.  On this scale, we have a baby human, baby elephant, Ben Roethlisberger (quarter back for my beloved Pittsburgh Steelers) and an adult female elephant.  Let’s see where Brittany and I fall in on the scale…

I’m sure your local zoo has something fun like this!

They also have these turtle scooters that are clearly made for five year olds.  Obviously we had to try them out.  We weren’t so successful (we definitely crashed into each other!), but it was a fun time nonetheless!

The next non-rainy day you have, try going to the zoo.  Once winter rolls around, you will be wishing you spent some more time outside.  Most zoos let you pack a lunch and bring it with you.  So, grab your friends, a camera and a bagged lunch and you’re good to go for the day!  If you end up going, be sure to share your pictures with us! You can e-mail them to us at intern@collegelifestyles.org

In the mean time, what is your favorite animal at the zoo? I’m partial to tigers and polar bears!

Kaitlyn Kline is an intern for College Lifestyles^TM.  She is an Edinboro University of PA and Alpha Sigma Tau alum.  She loves acting like a 5 year old with her best friend!

Favorite Fall Treats

Fall is one of my favorite times of the year.  The weather is getting a bit chilly, and it’s time to break out some warm tea and blankets.   With fall, comes the holidays and tons of delicious food.  However, there are plenty of nutritious seasonal foods available to take part in.  Here are a few delicious fall treats that won’t break your calorie bank.

1.        Caramel Apples.

2.        Roasted pumpkin seeds.

3.        Pumpkin muffins.

4.        Smore’s

5.        Apple Cider

Jennifer Williams is a sophomore at Ball State University studying Dietetics.  She loves walking in the beautiful fall weather and dressing up for Halloween.

Who says you have to wear a t-shirt to the football game?

After my school’s first football game I noticed that my school spirited shirt and jeans is no longer going to cut it for game day. Cute dresses and sweaters were popping up all over campus today for the big game. With so many stores offering dresses and sweaters in a variety of colors it is easy to show school spirit and still look cute. 

Here are two items that would make perfect game day attire!

 

 

 

 

Send us your ideas at intern@collegelifestyles.org

SaraP is a senior at Western Kentucky University and an intern at Collegelifestyles (TM).

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