25 11, 2021

Thanksgiving Break

By |2021-11-25T15:36:23-06:00November 25th, 2021|college students, fall semester, holidays|Comments Off on Thanksgiving Break

As classes start to wrap up and the air grows colder, the holiday cheer begins to set in. For many college students, Thanksgiving break is the time to catch up on much-needed sleep and enjoy quality family time. 

However, this holiday break also marks the beginning of finals season, and if you’re lucky enough not to have any homework, you’ll have an ample amount of time to study. It’s easy to forget to be thankful around this time of year, when the stressors of academics heighten and the hardest part of the semester is yet to come. That’s why it is important to take a deep breath, relax, and indulge in a piece of pumpkin pie! 

Here are some tips on how to have the most productive yet relaxing Thanksgiving break in preparations for finals.

Top Tips for Thanksgiving Break

1. Self-Appreciation

So far, you have tackled a ton of exams, quizzes, papers, and presentations. You have worked so hard, so it is completely okay to reward yourself by taking the time for self-care and appreciation. For some, this can look like eating your favorite ice cream or spending a whole day just with the family. It’s all personal preference on what relaxation and self-appreciation look like, but feeding your soul along with your stomach is important. 

2. Quality Time

When you aren’t busy studying or catching up on schoolwork, make sure to carve out quality time to catch up with old friends and family members. You can even make a study date with an old friend from high school who I’m sure is preparing for finals as well.  

3. Reflection

Be sure to reflect on where you have been and where you are wanting to go. What are things that have been successful for you? What has helped your productivity? What would you change about the semester if you could do it differently? Asking yourself questions like this can help when creating a new roadmap to tackle finals.

4. Stay Healthy

Last but not least, traveling for the holidays does create a risk for illness and no one wants to tackle finals with the flu. That being said, please remember to wash your hands, take your vitamins, and stay active. 

By the end of the break, you’ll hopefully feel energized and refreshed enough to ace your exams and finish out the semester strong. Our team at Campus Crates would like to wish y’all a very Happy Thanksgiving and good luck in preparations for finals week!

14 11, 2021

The Battle of Fall Allergies

By |2021-11-14T17:22:17-06:00November 14th, 2021|college students, college tips, fall semester, Uncategorized|Comments Off on The Battle of Fall Allergies

As a college student, fighting off lingering allergies is not an ideal way to utilize your time. In order to implement a battle plan, you first must understand the enemy. The main culprit of fall allergies is due to a plant, ragweed, that releases pollen from August through November. 75% of people battling allergies are found to be allergic to this plant!

Top Symptoms of Ragweed:

  • Sneezing
  • Irritated eyes
  • Itchy throat
  • Runny nose or nasal congestion
  • Coughing or wheezing
  • Sinus pressure or headaches

Luckily, some medications are provided to aid in the battle with these symptoms, but like any great soldier, you cannot rely on just your weapon of choice to win. So, incorporating the following simple tips into your attack plan will increase the probability of coming out victorious against the irritating ragweeds.

3 Simple Tips to Beat Fall Allergies

1. Clean your heating vents and change the filter

Molds along with other bacteria can accumulate throughout the summer by getting trapped in the vents. Therefore, once the weather starts getting cooler it is recommended to check these areas. You want to do this before you turn on the heat to help keep the air circulating clean.

2. Check pollen levels

On days that have higher pollen levels, limiting your time spent outside is best. If unavoidable, make sure to change your clothes and shoes once coming inside to minimize the spread of pollen.

3. Buy a dehumidifier

Utilizing a dehumidifier in your house will keep humidity levels low to help stop the growth of mold. It is recommended to keep humidity levels at 35-45%. You want to keep your house along clean and free of pollen, mold, and most importantly ragweed.

With all of this information, you, as a college student, should feel prepared to battle fall allergies and come out of it triumphantly. Hopefully, this will provide you with more time to focus on the project you pushed off until the last minute instead of finding the tissue packet at the bottom of your backpack.

20 10, 2021

The Week That Keeps On Giving: Homecoming

By |2021-10-20T17:31:52-05:00October 20th, 2021|college students, Uncategorized|Comments Off on The Week That Keeps On Giving: Homecoming

Homecoming Traditions

Homecoming is such an exciting time on any college campus since it brings university traditions to life while reuniting alumni. After a year of zero student activities at many schools, homecoming is more than just an event; it was like a family reunion that didn’t make you want to stay home or hide from that weird cousin.  

The University of Missouri is often credited with having the first college homecoming in 1911. However, Baylor’s first homecoming was technically in 1909, when three professors sent out postcards to alumni to return to campus to “catch the Baylor spirit again.” 

Baylor Won their Homecoming Game

Alumni, students, faculty, and community members all reunited to celebrate Baylor University and wonderful traditions such as Pigskin, the bonfire, the parade. At the football game, Crowds hadn’t been seen like this at McLane stadium since the 2019 season. The Bears beat the BYU Cougars in a close match that was emblematic of the mood of the weekend. 45,000 people watched the Bears ring in a win for homecoming weekend. 

Many alumni traveled from far and wide to Waco, but one individual made the weekend extra special. Baylor’s pride and joy, Robert Griffin III, made an appearance at the game and led the Baylor Line on the field. 

Homecoming is a special time, and that can be seen by the love alumni and faculty have for their beloved institutions. Our team at Campus Crates hopes that our students of every school we serve are enjoying the football season and they bring home the win at Homecoming!

4 08, 2021

Tips for Sorority Recruitment

By |2021-08-04T14:09:07-05:00August 4th, 2021|college students, college tips, greek life, Uncategorized|Comments Off on Tips for Sorority Recruitment

Sorority recruitment is just around the corner. As a former Zeta Tau Alpha at Baylor University, I know the recruitment process can be tiring and intimidating. If you are going through rush or thinking about rushing at your university, here are a few of my top sorority recruitment tips to help ease your mind. Best of luck this fall or spring!

6 Tips for Sorority Recruitment

1. Keep an open mind

It is sometimes easy to go into recruitment only wanting one specific house. However, the reality is many Potential New Members’ (PNMs) minds are changed once they get to know some of the other houses. You may be surprised by how well you get along with other houses that may not have been on your radar going in. It’s important to trust the process!

2. Be yourself

During the rush process, you may feel pressure to talk or act a certain way to be liked by a house. It is important to be true to yourself in order to see which chapter you feel most comfortable in. The chapters are meeting hundreds of girls in such a short period, but there’s only one you! Being authentic and genuine will allow you to form real connections with the chapter that is right for you.

3. Prepare questions ahead of time

The fast-paced environment of the rush process can often be overwhelming. To help ease some of the pressure, think of some potential questions to ask chapters ahead of time so you don’t have to think on your feet. Having some questions prepared will help you feel more confident. Potential questions to ask the houses might be: Can you tell me about some of the events your chapter holds? What makes your chapter special to you? Are there opportunities to get involved and hold a position?

4. Submit letters of recommendation to all chapters

Something they don’t talk about enough during the pre-rush process are the recommendation letters. These letters help the chapters learn more about you. Some chapters make cuts based on whether or not the PNM has a rec letter. You should have a letter written on your behalf for each house on your school’s campus. You can ask an active alumni in good standing to write you a letter, or your local panhellenic organization to arrange an alumni to write a letter for you as well. Don’t leave this part to the last minute, and be sure to follow your school’s directions on how the alum can submit a letter.

5. Don’t talk bad about other chapters

The sorority recruitment process is unique to every girl who goes through it. Each chapter has its own set of values that make their sisterhood unique. You may love one chapter and not have quite as good of a fit with another chapter. However, it is important to keep your opinions to yourself and not put down other chapters. The goal of recruitment is for each girl to find the sisterhood that is right for them, and by doing that, all chapters deserve equal respect.

6. Relax and have fun!

While rush may seem overwhelming, the process is in place for a reason. All of the active members are excited to meet you and tell you all about their sisterhood. You may not realize it, but the active members are nervous as well! Just remember when in doubt to be yourself, and have fun finding the right home for you.

14 07, 2021

A Day in the Life of a College Student – Q&A with Matthew Warden

By |2021-08-03T03:50:52-05:00July 14th, 2021|college students, college tips|Comments Off on A Day in the Life of a College Student – Q&A with Matthew Warden

It’s no secret that college students are extremely busy. Between classes, tests and homework, students must have proper time management habits in order to balance it all. Not to mention that the social aspect of college life full of extracurricular activities, clubs and spending time with friends leaves students with even more to juggle.

Some students even chose to work a job or internship while in school in order to earn money or gain work experience in their desired career field. To give you some insight into what it’s like to hold an internship while attending school as a full-time student, I asked Baylor alumnus and Campus Crates head Baylor manager Matthew Warden how he managed to attain a healthy work-life balance.

Q&A with Matthew Warden, Baylor Campus Crates Manager

Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself.

My name is Matthew Warden, and I grew up in Torrance, CA, a small suburb outside of Los Angeles. Coming to Baylor was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I just recently graduated as a Finance and Entrepreneurship student, and I have a full-time job lined up with AT&T as a financial analyst.

Q: What activities were you involved with during your time at Baylor?

During my time at Baylor, I was a member of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity on campus. One of their philanthropy opportunities is called The Ability Experience, which essentially allows us to work directly with people with special needs in the community and the Special Olympics to provide services to them. For me personally, it kind of speaks to me directly because my sister is Autistic, so I was able to serve something I know pretty well.

Other activities I was involved with included the Phillip M. Dorr Endowment Fund in the business school. The investment fund was endowed to Baylor back in 2001 with about $1 million that now has $12 million. I was a student analyst on a panel in this organization where I was involved in decisions such as what to hold, what to buy, what to sell. I was also in the Professional Development program that puts on events for speakers and hosts different events for student’s professional education.

Q: Can you tell us about your role with Campus Crates?

I didn’t expect Campus Crates to be in my life as long as it has been, but I’m really grateful that it has been. I started interning with Campus Crates in Jan. of 2019. My first year I was tasked with being a storage co-intern with Matt Burton, to run all aspects of the operations including marketing, sales, customer service, logistics and even short term business planning. My first year was challenging but I was able to learn the ropes of the different aspects of Campus Crates.

The following year, I was promoted to the head Baylor storage manager position where I was able to oversee a team of three people and our movers as well. I laid out goals and created timelines with what we needed to do and how we were going to get there. We run a very meticulous ship; for example when we have to move out 200 people in three days, we have to conduct business in a very timely manner. I also helped navigate the team through the COVID crisis, where we actually had record sales.

I then came back for a third year, where I was able to oversee a five-person Baylor team as well as help lead new interns at our expansion schools, The University of Texas and Texas Christian University.

Q: What does a weekly routine look like during the school year while also working Campus Crates? How are you able to divide up your time?

Time management really came to me situationally. When I had a lot of things to do, I was forced to learn to manage my time. I like to compartmentalize different tasks and complete things one step at a time. During online school especially, I would block off certain days during the week where I would just focus on school, allowing time for homework and Campus Crates. It was my job to hold weekly meetings with the Campus Crates team to go over what needed to be done that week, and see which team members had heavier school loads that week to divide the work up accordingly. I would intertwine my Campus Crates responsibilities with my school work for the week, establish deadlines and plan out my weeks in advance.

Q: How important is time management when balancing life as a student, extracurriculars and an internship all at the same time?

Time management is everything. For me, I have a lot of things to do and it’s important to not get stressed. I plan things out ahead of time so things don’t creep up on you. I try to get my school work done ahead of time, so when something with my internship comes up at the last minute, I have the bandwidth to switch gears. Additionally, I aim to hold myself accountable to get things done ahead of time, so that I can be flexible with my time if I need to. 

Some people think that the best way to manage time is to make your schedule very rigid with exactly how many hours you are going to work on a specific thing. In reality, life is very unpredictable. I also make a checklist for each day several days out, and cross things off as I go to help myself keep track of what needs to be accomplished.

Q: What is the hardest part about having an internship while balancing school and social life?

The hardest part is realizing that not only do you have a responsibility to the business and your co-workers, but to the customers that we serve as well. In other words, if I wasn’t properly time managing and available to work, those customers wouldn’t be serviced. I sometimes would have to sacrifice my social time to devote myself to this responsibility. You have to accept that there are other people counting on you.

Q: What is your favorite part about your Campus Crates internship?

My favorite thing about my experience with Campus Crates is that it’s so multifaceted. It’s good to feel that you’re working for a company that not only employs your peers, but also provides a service to your peers. Throughout my internship I know that I made some of my fellow Baylor student’s lives easier, while also getting some great business experience that will stay with me the rest of my career. It meshed so well with my college experience.

15 06, 2021

6 Ways to Earn Money this Summer

By |2021-08-03T03:58:42-05:00June 15th, 2021|college students, college tips, summer break|Comments Off on 6 Ways to Earn Money this Summer

School is out for the summer and it’s the perfect time to earn a little extra cash. Many college students don’t realize that there are many unique opportunities to earn money without even leaving the house. Whether you are looking for something full-time, or to piece together several part-time opportunities, here are a few ways to make good money this summer.

1. Summer job/internship

Perhaps the most traditional suggestion is to apply for a summer job or internship. A summer job could include seasonal retail positions, nannying, lifeguarding or waitering just to name a few. The summertime is also a perfect time to apply to internships that can help you build up your resume. Gaining experience in your desired field can better your chances at future jobs, and many internships offer pay as well! 

2. Become a Doordasher

An industry that experienced a dramatic increase during the pandemic was food delivery services. Apps like Doordash, Uber Eats and Grubhub became household names this past year. You can apply to be a driver on these food delivery apps and earn easy money just by picking up and delivering food. You also have the flexibility to work as much or little as you desire.

3. Tutoring

Even if school is not in session, many kids use the summer to catch up on school or even start working ahead. Find a subject you excel in and become a summer tutor to help others master that subject. There is always a demand for tutors at all education levels. You can even successfully tutor via Zoom from home. Tutoring also gives you great leadership, teaching and interpersonal communication practice.

4. Participate in online surveys

One of the easiest ways to earn fast money is by sharing your opinion online via questionnaires and surveys. Companies are willing to pay users to provide insight into their products and services. Participating in online surveys is simple, convenient and available for anyone to do at their fingertips.

5. Sell your old clothes and furniture

Spring cleaning means getting rid of the old and bringing in the new. The digital age has created opportunities to buy and sell things that traditionally would have been done in person at a yardsale. Facebook marketplace is the perfect platform to sell furniture you are looking to get rid of while making good money in the process. There are clothing apps such as Poshmark and Depop that allow users to post clothes for sale. Using these types of online selling tools can help you clean out your house while also pocketing a bit of extra cash!

6. Start a small business

Typically, the summertime is a less stressful and busy time of year. The hustle and bustle of the college course load often doesn’t leave students with much freetime. Take advantage of summer break and work on something you are passionate about. For example, if you want to start a photography business but you have been too busy to work on it, use the summer to build your portfolio, network and improve your photography skills. Everyone has to start somewhere, and the summertime is the perfect time to take a leap of faith to start your own business.

19 05, 2021

Top Summer Vacation Spots

By |2021-08-03T04:03:45-05:00May 19th, 2021|college students, summer break|Comments Off on Top Summer Vacation Spots

Summer vacation is the perfect time to blow off some steam. After a semester full of quizzes, exams, and other academic priorities, it is time to sit back and have a relaxing time with friends and family. Traveling is always a go-to for the summer, and the amount of places to discover is endless. Although it may be difficult to travel this summer due to Covid, we love to be optimistic and at the very least you may finally have time to start planning a trip for 2022!

Top Summer Vacation Spots

1. Switzerland

Switzerland has countless activities and sceneries that you don’t want to miss out on. Switzerland is divided into three regions, all full of their own unique cultural diversity and traditions. Whether you choose to ski in the snow, hike up a mountain, or just enjoy the food, you are in for a treat! Not only will you get to experience a breathtaking view, but you will also get to witness the beauty of Switzerland’s history and culture.

2. Bora Bora

If you’re looking to venture out into exquisite nature, Bora Bora is the place to go. French Polynesia fosters a beautiful and engaging environment, and Bora Bora stands tall amongst it all. This small island, which is just 6 miles long, consists of a topical jungle that flows into a blissful lagoon. If you’re looking for raw nature, warm weather, and a place to just relax, Bora Bora is definitely a place you want to check out.

3. Tokyo

Filled with crowded streets, subway trains, and blinding lights, Tokyo’s environment is never dull. Not only does this city have fascinating architecture and delicious foods and treats, but it is also the home of anime, a very popular genre. Tokyo is also home for many technological developments and famous landmarks, including Mount Fuji, Shibuya Crossing, and the Tokyo Skytree. If you’re looking for a busy city where the fun never ends, Tokyo is the place to go.

4. Rome

One thing you should know that’s absolutely stunning about Rome is its culture. Also known as the “Eternal City,” Rome is a place that contains a lot of history many of us know about; this includes the eras of Octavian, Julius Caesar, Hadrian, and many more. If you are passionate about arts and architecture, Rome has churches and museums that have been around for probably longer than you have lived! Also, if you’re looking for some classic gelato and unique restaurants, Rome would exceed your expectations.

5. Barcelona

This action-packed city has a spectacular ambiance; many people come into Barcelona thinking they’ll be here for only a few days, but they end up staying here for over a week! Its cosmopolitan city has engaging architecture and churches that you just can’t get enough of. Barcelona’s night clubs offer a fun and adventurous time. Additionally, the city also has a beautiful and relaxing beach. Whether you’re a culture fan, explorer, or partier, Barcelona has something everyone will enjoy.

6. New York City

New ideas crowd the streets of New York City and corporations stretch every corner, giving rise to the global hub of business and commerce. Not only is this city a popular tourist attraction, it also inhales entrepreneurial creativity and exhales future leaders of the world. Also known as the “city that never sleeps”, New York City has a very diverse population, so you’re bound to meet someone new and interesting. NYC also has an amazing theatrical presence with the many popular Broadways shows and productions. If you’re looking for the city that never sleeps, New York City is the key!

21 04, 2021

5 Packing Tips for a Smooth Move Out

By |2021-08-03T04:11:29-05:00April 21st, 2021|college students, college tips, move out, storage, summer break|Comments Off on 5 Packing Tips for a Smooth Move Out

Move-out is around the corner. It can be overwhelming to people who have never moved before and don’t even know where to start in the process. Add in the joy of final exams and you’re in for a busy week! Here are 5 easy tips to help your move-out experience go as smooth as possible.

1. Start Early

Procrastination is real. With so much going on at the end of the school year, it can be easy to put off packing to the last minute. Start packing up your room in small pieces. Begin with packing non-essential decorations, and gradually keep packing over the course of several days to help ease the stress. 

2. Be Careful With Fragile Items

Items such as electronics, glass and photo frames just to name a few, require special care. It’s better to be safe than sorry when you are packing fragile items in boxes. Wrap delicate items in bubble wrap to ensure smooth transport. If there is additional room in the box, fill the box with packing peanuts to eliminate shifting. Taking the extra step to secure your fragile items will help your items stay in perfect condition.

3. Pack “Like” Items Together and Label

In order to maximize space, pack similar items in the same box. Pack all t-shirts together; the same for shoes, kitchenware, and so forth! This will also help you find things as you unpack boxes to ultimately save you time in the long run to avoid digging through boxes to find what you need. When you label your boxes, it’s even easier.

4. Don’t Stuff Boxes

It may seem logical to try to fit as much as possible into your moving boxes. But in reality, stuffing boxes makes them heavier and more difficult to move. Not to mention, over-packing can potentially cause the box to tear. Instead of jam-packing as many clothes as possible into a box, allow some breathing room and use an additional box. With Campus Crates, you get free boxes included in your summer storage price no matter how many boxes you require.

5. Make Sure All Boxes Are Secure

It is important to make sure your boxes are taped and assembled properly. It is not enough to just fold your box flaps over, in case the box may tip over and expose the contents of the box. Securely tape the top and bottom of your boxes to make sure everything is moved and stored in one piece.

By implementing these tips, you’ll be on your way to a smooth move and ready to enjoy that summer vacation! Best of luck to all college students on finals!

6 04, 2021

Move Out is Upon Us

By |2021-08-03T04:19:32-05:00April 6th, 2021|move out, storage, summer break|Comments Off on Move Out is Upon Us

The Stress of Move Out

With only a few weeks left of the semester, it’s easy to start to feel overwhelmed. With finals approaching, the dread of move-out can be daunting. Not to mention the uncertainty of what to do with your stuff over the summer if you are moving out of your current residence and into a new place in the fall.

When I was a freshman, I didn’t know anything about storage options in Waco. I’m from Virginia and I didn’t have a car my freshman year. I was unable to bring everything home, and I wasn’t able to move all of my belongings to a self-storage unit since I didn’t have a car to help transport everything. I also wasn’t strong enough to move my heavier belongings up and down the stairs of my dorm. 

The Easy Way to Move Out

As I was researching my options, I stumbled upon Campus Crates. I was in awe of the convenience! All I had to do was register, select a pickup window and pick up my free boxes while Campus Crates took care of the rest. My experience was hassle-free, and I had faith that my belongings were being stored with care. I moved into my new apartment in the fall, and Campus Crates delivered all of my things directly to my room. I didn’t even have to lift a finger!

Campus Crates summer storage offers free pickup and delivery, climate-controlled storage, free boxes, and insurance with your storage price. When you register, you can pick your date and time during your school’s move-out window. In July, you can add your fall residence address for delivery and Campus Crates will deliver all of your stored belongings. It’s that easy!

The end of the school year brings around numerous stressors. If you’re anything like me, moving can be stressful and sometimes ends up on the backburner. So what are you waiting for? Let Campus Crates take care of the heavy lifting so you can focus on what really matters during finals season!

24 03, 2021

Tips I would give my College Self

By |2021-08-03T04:24:16-05:00March 24th, 2021|college students, college tips|Comments Off on Tips I would give my College Self

The famous phrase goes, “hindsight is 2020”. Sometimes, this is easier said than done. As a college senior rapidly approaching graduation, I’ve taken some time recently to reflect on my college experience. Throughout the highs and lows that all students face, I appreciate the way college has shaped me into the person I am today as I begin to journey into the real world. 

As a wise, second-semester senior, here are some tips I would tell myself at each stage of the college experience.

Freshman:

Starting from the beginning, I would encourage my freshman self to “say yes” as often as possible. Freshman year is a new start for everyone, and it’s unique that all students are experiencing the same adjustment to college life together. Once I was able to overcome my shyness and understand that everyone was looking to make friends, I started meeting people left and right. 

I would also encourage you to get involved on campus. Joining student organizations and surrounding yourself with other like-minded people will help you find where you belong. Whether that means joining Greek life, playing intramurals, or joining a club, freshman year is a perfect time to broaden your horizons and dive into all that your campus has to offer.

Sophomore:

Sophomore year is a great time to establish your path and focus on yourself with less pressure of having to know exactly what’s next for you post-graduation. With a year of college under your belt, sophomore year allows you to develop a routine and invest time into building relationships. As you start to get more involved with your major, you can set long-term goals based on your strengths and where you fit in. 

I’d encourage you to take advantage of sophomore year and enjoy making memories with the people around you! I would tell my sophomore self to live in the moment and embrace the college lifestyle for all its worth.

Junior:

Junior year is truly the peak of the college experience. You know the ins and outs of campus, you’ve started taking upper-level courses and perhaps even gained real-world experience with an internship. As you navigate your third year at college, things start to become more real. Your older friends are starting to graduate and begin their real-world careers, while others are starting to get engaged. It can be overwhelming, to say the least. 

When it’s tempting to look around and become anxious about the future, I would encourage you to cling to the nostalgia that allowed you to fall in love with campus. Continue to make friends and new memories, as junior year is at the heart of your time at college. 

Senior:

All good things must come to an end. Senior year brings conflicting emotions, with its fair share of “lasts”. Despite the feeling of college coming to an end, it can become stressful to begin the job hunt while you are still enrolled in full-time school. Not to mention the scary game of “what if” scenarios that swirl in your head as you approach the unknown adventure post-graduation. 

If the pandemic has taught me anything, it’s to never take anything for granted. I think that perfectly encompasses what senior year is all about.

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