What clothes to bring to college

Either you’re counting down the days until move-in [45!] or you’re counting down the days until you have to say goodbye to your unshared walk-in closet. Either way, the time is approaching. When I was a young freshman packing for college, one of the hardest things I had to do was decide what clothes to pack and what to leave. So I cut the decision and brought them all. Not advised.

QUICK TIPS:

1. Pack light.
   Easier said than done, I know. But start with bringing only the clothes that you absolutely know you’ll be wearing in the first few weeks. If you live somewhat close to home, you can go back for more. But this will make move-in day much easier. It’ll also make settling into your room much less overwhelming.
    
2. It’s August: You don’t need your sweaters.
   You’ll more than likely be going home for Fall/Thanksgiving break. You can grab your winter clothes then and trade-in your summer garb. You do not need every sweater and pair of jeans in the middle of August. You’re welcome.
    
3. You don’t need more than 8 t-shirts.
   That’s one for every day of the week, plus one. Besides, if you’re doing college right (GETTING INVOLVED!) your t-shirt collection will immediately begin growing and you’ll have no interest in wearing those old high school tees. Time to start collecting your Intramural championship shirts, playa.
    
4. Don’t bring all of your shoes.
   This is the most hypocritical thing I’ve ever told anyone ever. But don’t bring all of your shoes. When you’re walking to class every day, you’re going to end up grabbing the ones that are most versatile and most comfortable. You really only need a few good pairs.

CLOSET ESSENTIALS:

1. One good rain/wind jacket with a hood.
   
2. Waterproof boots. You may not wear them often, but you will be SO HAPPY that you have them when you need them. These are especially fly come that awkward sloshy-wintertime weather. You will be the only one not wringing out your socks outside of your lecture hall.
   
   
   
3. At least one business professional outfit. There’s a good chance that you’ll be attending some sort of networking event while on campus. Maybe a job interview. Perhaps you’re running for an elected student government position. Maybe you don’t want to look like a scrub for your first class presentation. Whatever—you need this.
   
   
    
4. A few “cute” lounge outfits. Chances are, you’re going to be wearing mostly lounge clothes. You’re living out of a dorm (where there will constantly be a ton of other people around all the time), so that’s perfectly acceptable. What isn’t acceptable though is exclusively wearing holey sweats and old high school class trip tees with stretched out collars. Have some respect for yourself.
   
   
   
   Is anyone out there more experienced than myself? If you have more (or better!) tips, please comment below! If you have any questions or need some advice, comment below! If you'd like to comment below, then comment below! Bless

8 College Dorm Hacks

I'll just precursor this post with a "you're welcome."

1. “Wait, where is my phone charger?”

When you move into your residence hall, there will suddenly be hundreds of these floating around. Every friend that stops by your room will ask to borrow yours. And if they’re not your real friend, they’ll try to pull a fast one on ya, take it, and act like it was an honest mistake. Wrap patterned duct tape around your iPhone charger and cable to set it apart from the rest.

2. Learn how to fold your clothes

Start practicing. When you’re given one chest of drawers for two people to share, space saving is everything. You need to learn how to efficiently cram as much as you can into one drawer.

3. “What the heck do all of these cords go to?”

First of all, power strips are everything. Get at LEAST two for your room. You’ll want one for your desk and one by the TV for all of that other stuff. But you’re also going to need a quick way of knowing what is what. When you’re watching a movie and want to plug in some Christmas lights (for added ambiance), you don’t want to accidentally unplug the mini-fridge thinking it was your hair dryer. The smell of spoiled milk can kill your vibe.

4. Jewelry organization

This one’s mostly for the ladies (or men, y’all can accessorize too). If your school is cool with you putting holes in the wall (or if you’re good enough at concealing ones that you made) hanging your jewelry is a great way to organize it all. Plus, if you’ve got good style, then this could also be a killer way of decorating your dorm. If you don't have style, maybe just find a Rubbermaid tote or something.

5. No, it’s not Christmas. And no, it doesn’t matter.

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS ARE EVERYTHING. Am I the only one that gets headaches from fluorescent lights? Get some white lights (Christmas lights and lamps, not LED—those are worse than fluorescents) and deck the halls… er, dorm. [bonus: it looks awesome]

6. “Why did you just buy 30 shower curtain rings?”

Because you suddenly realized that it’s an amazing way to save space for all of those smaller pieces like tank tops that you don’t have drawer space for (see #2 above) and it’s the BEST way to hang all of your scarves!

7. Plastic hook iPad wall mount

The idea of being on top bunk sounds so cool until you’re on top bunk. But there are ways to take make your annoying top bunk feel like a cozy nest. For instance, take some sticky plastic hooks and make yourself a cheap iPad wall mount. Now snuggle in and binge watch Netflix. And ask your roommate to hand you your hot chocolate.

8. "Turn it up!" ... "It's already up."
So you're Spotify playlist is on fleek but your internal speakers are too weak? [Did anyone else read that like the opening credits of Pimp My Ride? Or am I aging myself now?]

Music To Our Ears

The UNK Bell Tower is arguably the most iconic feature of the UNK campus. With 24 bells all working in harmony, the tower can be heard in all its glory on the hour, every hour. I myself fall among the ranks of the many Lopers who claim this campus staple as their favorite piece of UNK.

Under the guidance of the Dean of Natural and Social Sciences, John LaDuke, the UNK Bell Tower has really stepped up its game in the past couple of years. The bell tower's voice transformed from a simple chime to the melody of Lady Gaga's Bad Romance, Here Comes the Sun by the Beatles, and my personal favorite, the theme song to our beloved Harry Potter (among several other tunes).

You can view a sample of some of the music produced by this beauty in the video below. But to really experience the true essence of the bell tower, you'll have to visit her in campus yourself. And also follow her on Twitter: @UNKBells -- (Yep, she's a her).

Advice From Miranda

The transition into college can be a difficult one, but it doesn't have to be! Miranda Cherry gives her advice in how to make the most of your college experience and how to ease that life transition onto campus.

Advice For Students New To College:

"My advice for all you nervous new-comers is just to go out and do whatever it is that you think is fun! You think social justice is cool- join the Social Justice League on campus! You really like reading, join a book club- We have so many options and you'll meet people along the way that become your greatest friendships! High School is over and it's now time for you to be your own person, so you get to enjoy whatever you want-- gaming, yoga, running, dance, different cultures, science... WHATEVER! You just have to push yourself to go alone that one time and then you're having the time of your life!"

 

.......................................................................................

Name: Miranda Cherry

From: Valentine, NE

Major: Organizational and Relational Communication

Career Goals: Work in a First Year Programs or Admissons Office at a University.

Where You Can Find Her On Campus:  
"You can find me at Queer Straight Alliance meetings and events, grabbing coffee at Java Notes in the FAB with friends, having a blast at Residence Hall Association events, attending stellar performances brought to us by the Theatre Department on campus, and of course walking around giving tours for the Admissions Office!"

Fun Fact:

"I've been playing the clarinet since 6th Grade and my Senior Year of High School I lettered in varsity football (I was a football manager I know hard to believe I wasn't center)."

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.