15
06, 2021
19
05, 2021
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
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!
10
03, 2021
8 Hobbies to Pick Up as a Student
College is a time for self-discovery and venturing out into new areas. As we progress through this journey, we are constantly juggling to maintain our academic pursuits along with a social life. With so much on our plates, we often forget to seek out new experiences that bring us joy. As college students, it is imperative to pick up new hobbies that we find pleasure in and those that give us a sense of purpose.
8 Hobbies to Pick Up as a Student
1. Cooking
By always being on such a tight schedule, we turn to quick meals and fast food for convenience. Cooking is a fun and useful hobby to learn. Cooking regularly may also help you stay more health-conscious and enjoy discovering new and versatile recipes.
2. Art
Many of us are often discouraged at the fact that we can’t create beautiful pieces like Picasso or Van Gogh, so we don’t even give art a chance. However, you don’t need to create picture-perfect art to have fun or even express yourself! Art is such a broad category, meaning you can experiment with anything, including drawing, painting, photography, scrapbooking, and more.
3. Investing
As college students, we’re preparing for the real world and all of the financial obligations we may face after graduating. Learning the basics behind investing can ease the burden for our future selves. Beginning to invest in your future is always a great start. Not to mention it can be a great way to make extra cash and become more aware of current events that impact the financial markets.
4. Volunteering
We are all thankful to be part of different communities which provide a strong foundation. If you’re looking for ways to give back, volunteering is a great hobby to pick up. Not only can this be an enjoyable activity to do with your friends, but this can also help you internalize important life skills such as empathy, adaptability, and leadership.
5. Learning a New Language
Although English is the most widely spoken language, learning another language can be extremely useful. It can help you connect with individuals that come from different backgrounds, advance your professional career, and appreciate other cultures you haven’t previously been exposed to. There are always free resources you can find online to assist you in pursuing this hobby!
6. Learning a New Instrument
By knowing how to play an instrument, you have an amazing way to connect with others and express yourself. This hobby gives you the chance to enhance your cognitive ability, relieve your stress, and even increase your creativity! With this, you will also feel proud and confident in your abilities.
7. Working Out
As many of us know, physical activity is vital to improve your health and reduce your chances of different diseases. Working out can be the perfect way to engage in physical activity. You will notice more appealing results in both your figure and strength. At the end of the day, it will also increase your quality of life.
8. Gardening
This hobby is one that’s both empowering and therapeutic. You will notice that as you spend more and more time gardening, your mood will get boosted and stress will be alleviated. You will also have a greater sense of accomplishment when you notice that your hard work and dedication produce desirable results.
24
02, 2021
The Snow Break
Texas experienced one of the most unprecedented winter storms last week. Counties across the state lost water and electricity, leaving countless families with busted pipes and other severe damages. The hardest thing for college students – no WiFi.
In light of the negative things the weather brought, there was a silver lining for students. Many universities had taken away spring break in order to condense the academic calendar for the semester. The weather provided a spontaneous “snow break”, and for many, a much-needed break at that.
Since the roads were iced over, students were forced to create their own fun indoors. It often felt like we were on an episode of Survivor, forced to ration our food and water, constantly on edge that we could lose power any minute. Being trapped in the house with nowhere to escape is never a fun feeling.
I was fascinated by the reactions of students who grew up in Texas to the snow and ice. Being from Virginia, I’m used to one or two of these storms a year. I certainly never expected to experience this kind of cold weather in Texas.
Over the course of the week we were stuck inside, my roommates and I binged over 20 different movies, played games, cooked Pinterest recipes with ingredients we could find around the house, and checked Doordash every few hours to see if they were delivering; spoiler alert, they weren’t. Nevertheless, the time at home created an even stronger bond among my roommates as we went through something so unprecedented together. I wouldn’t trade that for anything.
If you thought 2020 was the year of unexpected events, apparently 2021 has more in store for us. Although last week wasn’t the warm and tropical spring break I imagined, it was certainly more memorable. After this impromptu snow break, my new saying is to “expect the unexpected”, and I think that sums up life right now.
11
02, 2021
Starting the Semester Off Right
Winter break is always a great time for relaxation after the fall semester. Many of us had the chance to reconnect with friends and family, celebrate the holidays, and ultimately reflect on this past year. Although 2020 was not at all what anyone had expected, we all had opportunities to grow and develop. Cheers to the next chapter in our lives – and for college students that means a great spring semester.
Top 7 tips to start the semester off right:
1. Use a Planner
As college students, many of us are constantly overwhelmed with the number of assignments, projects, tests, and club meetings we have in any single week. The truth is we’re never too cool for a planner! At the beginning of each week, write down all of your obligations to ensure that you stay organized and don’t forget any deadlines.
2. Meal Prep
In college, FOMO is real and time is of the essence. The last thing you want to do is attempt to cook when you’re buried in homework. Therefore, meal prep can be a great strategy to stay cost-efficient and eat healthily. Move away from microwavable meals and fast food, and prepare your meals ahead of time to stay fit, save money, and increase productivity.
3. Exercise
Although we often prioritize academic deadlines and social obligations to stimulate our mental health, some of us forget to take care of our physical health. Strive to take care of yourself physically by lifting weights, doing yoga, or just simply taking a brisk walk outside between classes. You will find that if you include physical activity in your daily routine, you will be healthier, happier, and more productive.
4. Get to Know your Professors
Something that many of us often ignore is striving to get to know our professors. However, your professors are your professors for a reason; each one of them has a diverse set of backgrounds and life experiences. Attend their office hours or schedule a one-on-one meeting with them. It is your job to take advantage of this resource and seek advice that you can instill into your academic and professional journey.
5. Unplug your Virtual Self
Zoom fatigue is an exhausting issue. From constantly watching lectures on your laptop to checking social media, a lot of us don’t get a break from technology. Technology is an important part of our everyday lives, but it’s easy to forget that there is a life outside of our virtual screens. Take some time out of your busy schedule to catch up with a friend, play a sport, or take a relaxing hike. It can be a great stress-reliever!
6. Start Building your Resume
Creating or updating a resume may not seem like a priority if you’re not actively looking for a job, but taking the early initiative in your professional journey can be extremely beneficial. Academics are of great concern, of course. However, equally important is what you do outside of the classroom! Building your resume and networking are great ways to take the first step in your future career.
7. Have Fun!
The last but certainly not least important tip we want to offer you is to truly enjoy your time as a college student. College is the time to figure out who you are and where you feel you belong. Create new bonds, join organizations, and take advantage of the social atmosphere that college fosters. Many people look back at their college experiences as transformative, and now is your time to start creating those lifelong memories!
29
01, 2021
Winter Break Recap
The holidays are always one of the most cherished times of the year. Elementary and college students alike look forward to a break from the stress that the school year entails. Winter break is a time to spend with family, binge a Netflix show, or sleep in until noon without consequences. What could be better?
However, this year’s winter break looked a little bit different. With the pandemic more prevalent than ever, communities limited business hours and encouraged residents to stay home. Travel restrictions forced many families to celebrate the holidays apart and alter long-standing family traditions.
A time of year usually centered around visiting elderly relatives required out of the box thinking. This resulted in holiday gatherings on Zoom and outdoor visits in the freezing weather. Christmas Eve church services were watched online by many in living rooms without a choir to drown out your off-key singing.
With all of this unprecedented change in the world, it has allowed me to reflect on the things that remain steadfast. As college students return to campus and adjust back to class schedules, we have an optimal opportunity to reset. Therefore, we can all strive to focus less on the negatives from 2020 and maintain a positive mindset when tackling the year ahead!
