8 Students You Meet in College

There are many types of students that you should strive to be in college; the above graphic demonstrates the kind that you should not.

1. The Resurrected
You grew to really enjoy that empty seat next to you in Biology 103. It became a trusty friend to your backpack and the free arm rest during lecture was kind of nice, too. Until finals day approached and you saw a strange face for the first time all semester. Your backpack met the floor and Mr. BOD Man Body Spray spilled into your seat, which made you feel both sad and confused because you didn't realize people still wore BOD. And somehow, The Resurrected still finishes his final exam before you. HOW DOES HE DO IT

2. The Curve Wrecker
Everyone else in the class averaged a 70. Except the curve wrecker who scored a 97. Without this destroyer of all things good, you could have gotten an A. Instead, you'll be taking a 73 and can kiss your spot on the Dean's List goodbye.

3. The Borrower
It soon becomes a reflex for you. When you feel a *tap tap tap* on your shoulder, you no longer look up and ask "what." You just toss over a pen and accept that you probably won't be seeing it again.

4. The Riddler
Hand locked in question-asking position. The Riddler questions everything the professor says. The Riddler's favorite time to ask questions is right before class should dismiss, causing you to be late, yet again, for your daily afternoon snooze.

5. The Snacker
If it's not the incessant chomping in your ear, it's the constant crinkle of a plastic wrapper. Please for the love of all that is good and holy, just eat during regular meal times.

6. The Picasso
Is he doodling or is he taking notes? Although the doodler can easily disguise his past-time as attentiveness, we can tell by his beanie, prescription Ray Bans, and hieroglyphics tattoo on the inside of his wrist that he's an artsy fellow. Doodling.

7. The Buzz
She doesn't talk much but she has a lot to say. Is that your pocket buzzing, or do you have a beehive in your backpack?

8. The P.J. Queen
I know it took everything you had to just pull yourself out of bed this morning. But pajamas in public... Can you just not?

How To Get Fat In College

 Oh, the dreaded "Freshman Fifteen." That thing nightmares are made out of. The friendly foe to so many new-to-college females. Imma just leave this here: You will gain weight in college.

[SPOILER ALERT]: Your body is not done growing and developing at the age of 17/18. Not looking like a 17 year-old for the rest of your life is certainly not the worst thing that can happen to you. When you go to college, you should look like you're in college. Gaining a few pounds isn't a bad thing.

But just because you gain a few pounds, doesn't mean you have to pack on fat. (Although a little extra weight might help you hibernate through winter finals while you post up in the library for two full weeks, something to think about).

Now if for whatever reason you're looking to bulk up your freshman year, the below tips are sure to not disappoint.

1. Eat when you're bored.
If you decide not to get involved in any organizations, you will have a LOT of free time in college. So you're going to get extremely bored. You'll run out of things to do. You'll be alone a lot. It's imperative that you spend this time eating in your dorm room. Eating is a great way to fill large free periods of time. Stock up on ramen, it is extremely high and sodium and easy to make. This will make you gain weight, I promise.

2. Always get dessert in the cafeteria.
Even though you more than likely did not grow up eating an ice cream cone and a fat slice of cheesecake after every single meal, the option is provided for you in your campus cafeteria, so it is very important that you take advantage of this. Eat the desserts because they are there, not because you really want them. Learn to never say "no" to the sweets.

3. Skip class.
Because going to class will require you to actually get up and move, you are best off just not going. A five to ten minute walk from your dorm room to your academic hall will burn a few calories, which is an absolute mustn't if you are trying to get fat.

4. Drink as little water as possible.
If you're thirsty, grab a soda. I know that can become expensive and that there are multiple hydration stations conveniently located throughout campus for quick, easy, and cold water bottle refills, but water is very good for you. Yes it is free, but part of staying healthy in college means staying hydrated. Do not be lured into the hydration stations. No matter how many plastic bottles it says it has saved the environment. I know it's fun to watch that digital counter tick up during your refill, but stay with me.

5. DO NOT USE THE BEAUTIFUL CAMPUS WELLNESS CENTER.
THIS ONE IS ABSOLUTELY IMPERATIVE. The campus has a beautiful wellness center with dozens of cardio machines and a wide variety of free weights and equipment that will burn fat and keep you fit. DO NOT LET THIS VAMPIRE SUCK YOU IN.

I hope this stuff helped you. Good luck, and God bless. See you in fifteen pounds.

10 of the Worst College Roommates

For most, your college roommate experience is one that you wouldn't want to trade for the world. But of course this relationship will have its ups and downs. Below are the top 10 types of college roommate that you want to avoid having. Or being.

The Noise-Maker
Your class schedule? No class until 10:00 a.m... Crème de la crème. Your roommate's? Apparently requires her to start blow-drying her hair at 6:00 in the morning. But it's not just mornings, no. Though we've completely lost hope that this roommate will ever develop a knack for finding their way through a dark room late at night, they have an impeccable way of knocking over anything that stands in their way.

The Third Roommate
Your roommate's S.O. is always in the room. Literally, always. Even when your roommate is in class. If they're not giving each other back rubs on the futon, they're arguing about what they want to eat for dinner. "Excuse me, your third of room and board is due in three days."

The Passive-Aggressive-Note-Leaver
Who possibly could have left this note on my un-made bed? Perhaps it could have been the only other person who shares this room with me? How mysterious.

[But really, though. Don't be a passive-aggressive note leaver. There is no constructive response to a note. If you have a problem, start a conversation about it.]

The Hermit
You expected someone to be there when you woke up and went to bed. You were prepared for that. But you didn't realize that every time you came back to post up between classes, they would be there. When that cute blonde from Gen Psych came by to study, THERE.

The Ghost
Very much unlike the hermit. Sometimes you forget that you have a roommate. It's almost mid-term and you've only seen them twice since syllabus week.While the extra closet space that you've consumed is nice, it'd be cool to have someone to ride to McDonald's with late at night. Come home.

The Overly-Obsessed Roommate
You and your roommate hit it off right away. You love them and know the feeling is mutual. But sometimes it seems a little too weighted on the receiving end. While you love hanging out, you need some space to hang with other people as well. Inbox is flooded with, "Where you at?", "What are you doing?", "What time are you coming home?" You thought you ditched the curfews in high school.

The Homesick-Phone-Caller
Your roommate's feeling homesick and isn't acclimating as easily as you are. You feel for her, you really do. But you're running out of places to escape to when she decides to use the room as her sobbing phone call sessions to her mom.

The Top-Bunker
Bunking beds seemed like such a good idea. It was a great space-saver and cleared up so much extra room for activities. But when you curled up under the sheets of the bottom bunk, you were introduced to an entire world of nuances that you had no idea existed. "How can any human actually snore that loud? How many cat videos can you possibly watch in one given night?" Just because you can't see anyone else sleeping in the room, doesn't mean they're not there.

The Food Thief
The first time you noticed your last chicken ramen had mysteriously disappeared, you blamed yourself. But after your freshly-opened bag of Cool Ranch Doritos turned up finished off in the trash can, you knew you had a bandit on your hands.

The Binge-Watcher
Look, we've all hit "Continue Watching" more times than we're proud of when Netflix has shamefully asked us if we're still alive. But the binge-watching roommate has taken it to a new level. The futon has actually formed to their body. You notice their shower caddy hasn't been touched in days. All you can do is ride the series out, and for the first time in your life, thank God that there are only 5 seasons of Breaking Bad.

Advice From Aaron

 

Meet Aaron McCauley from the office of First Year Program! Aaron is here to share some advice and insight from his office at UNK and life as a student to help you get the most out of your college experience.

Bio:

• Name: Aaron McCauley 
• Job Title: Welcome Week Coordinator / Student Worker (First Year Program)
• Hometown: North Platte, NE
• Major: Family Studies / Sociology minor
• Career Goals: Work at a University-- Hopefully as a Dean one day!
• Favorite Involvement in College: Definitely being an active member of my Fraternity, Phi Delta Theta. I have become more involved, pulled in higher grades, and have matured into a kind, caring man since joining. Seriously-- Check out Greek Life!
• Fun Fact: I also enjoy cheering on our Loper Football team! Didn't miss a home game last year... Even in the freezing rain with nothing but a hoodie and a flag :)

Top 6 Ways to Spot A Freshman

 

Being a freshman in college is the best thing in the world. You have four of the best years of your life lying ahead of you and –plot twist– all of the seniors are jealous. You expected to be at the bottom of the totem pole, having to earn your way back up to the top; in reality, everyone wants to be you. But, as exciting as it is to be a freshman on campus, you don’t want to actually look like a freshman on campus. To avoid this look, watch out for these few indicators of how to spot a freshman—and steer clear.

1. The Lanyard
Quite possibly the most obvious. Your student ID card and your dorm room key are good things to keep track of. But I can promise you they will be just as safe in your pocket. Or your purse. Or your bag. Or anywhere else but publicly fastened around your neck.

2. High School Apparel
Nothing says “freshman” like sporting a 2013 State Football Champions hoodie from the Alma Mater. I know this was a very exciting moment for you in high school, but the kid sitting next to you in your Biology lecture who lost in play-offs doesn’t agree. You all cheer for the same team now, so visit the nearest bookstore and re-stock on your athletic garb.

3. Carrying A Campus Map
I promise campus is not that confusing. If you need the extra help on the way to class, just ask.

4. Loaded Down Backpack
“I have three classes in a row. So I better bring all of my textbooks with me. And my laptop to take notes. And a notebook in case my battery dies. And a box of granola bars for sustenance.”

5. Prom Lock Screen
Prom was certainly a night to remember. You and your high school sweetheart looked dashing. But it’s time to move on to bigger and better things. Welcome to college.

6. Swag Pockets
Freshmen have too much swag to carry alone, and their backpacks are already full. Cargo shorts to the rescue. Though extremely practical in their ability to store handfuls of cookies and tater tots stolen from the cafeteria, you may be ready to move up to a more refined look.

What are some other ways of spotting a freshman on campus? Let’s all help each other here.

High School Mentalities You Shouldn't Bring To College

So you accidentally blinked, high school is in the rearview and graduation is becoming a memory. It's summer now, which means it's time to work on some soul-searching and tanlines. Ideally you do both concurrently.

As a way to make your transition back down the totem pole from senior to freshman a bit easier, here are some mentalities that you can leave at home. After all, dorm rooms are small so learn how to say goodbye to the things you don't need.

"I wish the weekends were longer."

Have you ever wished there was a third day in the weekend? Maybe even a fourth? That's fine. You're in college now, and you get to set your schedule. Granted sometimes you're just at the mercy of when the classes you absolutely have to take are only offered, but for the most part, you have full control over when you're parked in a classroom. Don't want to go to class Monday, Wednesday, or Friday? I don't blame you. From K-12, all you've known was school from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. That's nearly 40 hours a week of sitting in the classroom. What a drag.

"I'll just finish my assignment at the end of class so I don't have homework tonight."

Remember when your high school teachers would give you time to work on your assignments in class? Did you think college would be the same way? Cute. But not quite. In college, professors do a stellar job of droppin' knowledge. But it's up to you to pick up what they're puttin' down. Outside of the classroom. On your time.

"Excuse me, may I use the restroom?"

This is a weird concept to grasp, I know, but you're an adult now. Which means you no longer have to ask for permission to pee. You're paying for classes, and if you gotta go, go. Feel the room and don't be rude. It isn't polite to just walk out and disturb the entire class while the professor's up there talking about God knows what. But when nature calls, they understand that you must answer.

Go on with the chlorophyll.

"I'm naturally smart, I don't need to study."

You hit a 25 on your ACT without the help of John Baylor or Sylvan. You made honor roll almost every semester and you, like, never had to study. You go, Glen Coco. This is college, and it doesn't matter that you're "kind of just naturally smart." You've got to earn your grades now, chief. Set goals for yourself, work hard to achieve them, and make the syllabus your bae.

"DQ Blizzards after track practice. You in?" 

You don't realize how active you are in high school until you see the effects of no longer being a three-sport athlete taking its toll come freshman year of college. Whereas you once could eat whatever you wanted because you'd work it off on the court the next day, that's not quite the case anymore. Chances are, you're not playing any sports in college. And intramurals aren't quite as intense as two-a-days. So eat healthy and make smart choices. Beverages can pack a surprising amount of calories. Make the wellness center your best friend.. Develop a gym crush.. Fall in love.. Find out he has girlfriend.. Have roommate tell you he has weird teeth.. Move on.

College is an incredible experience. More than anything, have fun. And prepare for all of the fun that lies ahead. Keep an open mind about people, activities, and majors (there's a good chance your path won't be a straight and narrow as you think now). Be prepared to learn some stuff from text books, but even more from outside of them. Start thinking about what clubs you want to join. Is Greek life for you? Start researching. Be prepared to jump right in from the start. No one talks about their "Day 32" friends, it's all about the #DayOne. Go out and git it.