Making Friends in College

 So I'm starting my junior year in college and I can't believe it; seems like I was just starting my freshmen year of college. One thought that went through my head as "freshmen me" was "how can I make friends in college?" Who knows,  your roommate or suite mates might end up being your best friend. But, if that isn't the case here is my advice on making friends in college.

If you are an incoming freshmen and are worried about making friends, don't worry, it will come naturally. Of course, first and foremost be yourself.

 Join a club or organization to come in contact with others who probably have the same interest as you.

Eating with different people at the dining hall. Sad, but it is true that you can spot out the freshmen. So just sit down and start talking to them. Some common beginner questions include: where are you from, what's your major, and even where do you stay on campus. Those introductory questions can lead to something much more and find some common connection.

Hang out in the common rooms of your whole dorm building. I met so many people from just hanging out in the common rooms and playing ping-pong (which I'm not that good at).

Attend the first week of school events. I know many schools hold some meet and greets and social events for the whole student body which is a great way to meet new people at your school.

The classroom is another great way to make friends, especially if you see that person in another one of your classes.  Just an easy way to make a bond and also have someone to check your notes or study with.

Livin' & Stylin'

Sheika 

Hebrews 6:19

All About My College Major | HR Management

As you may know I am a college student, and I am majoring in Human Resource Management B.A. I know that my major isn't as common as many others, so I figured I would talk about all of the aspects to it and the courses I've taken for it so far.

My major as Human Resource Management is half Psychology and half Business. Even though this major is mainly under the business category.  Since HR involves dealing with other people, that is where the psychology aspects comes in  handy. 

Careers for a HR Management major includes, but are not limited to: HR Manager/Specialist, Compensation and Benefits Manger/Specialist, Labor Relation Specialist

Freshman Year Courses I've Taken:

Most of the courses I've taken Freshman year are just introduction classes. 

Fall Semester: 

Principles of Microeconomics 

Narratives of the Self (English Class)

Principles of Management 

Elementary Spanish 

Spring Semester: 

Principles of Macroeconomics

Narratives of the Self 2 (English Class)

Introduction to Psychology ( Prerequisite to all the other Psychology classes you need to take)

Elementary Spanish 2 

Sophomore Year Course I've Taken:

Fall Semester:

Human Nature and the Social Order (English Class)

Financial Accounting 

Social Psychology 

Art & Culture 

Spring Semester:

Human Nature and the Social Order (English Class)

Managerial Accounting 

Business Analytics 

Organizational Psychology

As I complete a year of college, each year I will continue to update this post.  And if you all have any question, please reach out to me and I'll be happy to help.

Livin' & Stylin'

Sheika 

Hebrews 6:19

How to Get Textbooks for Cheap

I honestly dread buying textbooks, but I have found other cheap alternatives for buying your textbooks. First, you probably heard it before so I'll say it again: DO NOT buy your textbooks for your school's bookstore. Those textbooks are wayy overprice, for no good reason, at all, but to take poor freshmen's money.

1. Use Textbooks Comparison Sites

Bigwords.com, SlugBooks, and TextSurf are only a few of the many comparison sites out there. When using these sites, just kind of map out what other sites offers your book for the lowest price.

Tip: If you can avoid buying New books, please do. Used books are often in great condition and cost so much less than New books.

Renting a book, is totally a cheaper route than buying your books. Also, a good idea to use a comparison site to see where to rent from.

2. Used Textbooks Page for Your School

Often times, your specific school might have a Facebook Page where other student's sell their textbooks, and often for much less. Even if the cost, isn't much less, sometimes you might get lucky to get a textbook where the former students wrote notes in that book that could totally help you out. And if not Facebook, sometimes I do see other student's selling their textbooks via YikYak.

3.  Borrow From Your Upperclassmen Friends

Are you in a sorority, fraternity, or just have some upperclassmen friends? Well, you should definitely ask if they have the textbook you are looking for and if they have any advice for that particular class. I am pretty sure your friends, sisters, or brothers will let you borrow their textbooks free of charge.

4. Your School's Library

Little know fact, many of the textbooks and little novels that you need for class can be found at your school's library.  You may re-check them out throughout the semester, just don't forget the due date and overdue charges.

5. Online PDFs

I have been oh-so-lucky to get a few of my required books for class on a PDF online. Definitely do a google search with the title of your book along with the word PDF to see if anything comes up. Many of the small novels I needed for English class came up in a PDF online.

Livin' & Stylin'

Sheika 

Hebrews 6:19 

What NOT to Bring to College

 Since I have finished my Freshman year of college, I would like to believe that I know a thing or two of what NOT to bring to college. For a more in dept post about my freshman dorm check out: Dorm Room Tour | Freshman Year I posted a while back.  Many of you reading may be incoming freshmen who are shopping for your college dorm, so this post is especially for you. These are the things that I personally did not need for college, but you might think otherwise, which is perfectly fine.

Excess// 
Pillows & Decorations: My roommate and her parents definitely decked out her side of the room with much more decorations than you see on my side. Try to limit the amount of decor pillows because although it would look nice on your bed, your bed is only a twin (maybe XL). 

Towels: Of course you should have backup towels, but I found that I always seem to wash my towels when I needed new ones.
Makeup: Do not bring all of your makeup because I guarantee you will not feel like doing your makeup every single day. For me, I just stuck to a neutral face and picked out products that I could use every single day that is natural.
Purses and Bags; I brought all my purses to college, and used only two the whole year. Only bring the ones you know you are going to use. You already have a book bag, so sometimes I only carried my wallet key chain. My go to purse style are over the shoulder ones, and not the big handbags.

Clothes//
Trust me on this, I found myself wearing the same outfits, you do not need all of your clothes. I even thought that I downsized what I clothes I brought to college, but I still seemed to have more than I needed. Also, a nice tip is to switch out your wardrobe between seasons. Leave your high school tee shirts at home because in college you receive so many free t shirts, it's not even funny.

Bed Risers//
Most beds in dorms are able to be lofted, which raises your bed up without the need of bed risers. I saw in someone's dorm at my school who had a lofted bed and bed risers, which I thought was quite odd especially since she was short. Save go ahead and see if you school lofts your bed already and save some $$$.

Drying Rack//
I never used a drying rack and when I needed something to be dried I hung the item on a hanger, and then hung the hanger from my closet door. You definitely have to be creative in college, and since there isn't a lot of space in your dorm, try to consolidate.

There are many more posts out there about what to bring and what not to bring to college, but I hope you all enjoyed my list. 

Livin' and Stylin'

Sheika

Hebrews 6:19

My College Experience | Freshman Year

In September, I did a post about what I learned in college so far. You all can check that post here: http://livinandstylin.blogspot.com/2015/09/college-life-what-ive-learned-from.html

While most of the advice from the previous post above still hold up true until this day, I have a few more advice to give incoming freshmen and also just to share my experience of my first year.

1. Sometimes you have to go with the flow | Obviously, not in all cases, but there were plenty of times when I didn't want to go to an event, but my friends convince me to go and I had a great time. Even when we leave campus, we could go out for one thing and end up somewhere else in Atlanta exploring, you just never know.

2. Your roommate may not be your best friend | I am so thankful that my roommate and I got along because we both did random selection. Even though we get along, she has her own group of friends and I have my group of friends. No doubt, we always say"hi" to each other when we see each other on campus, but we are not always hanging out together, which is perfectly okay.

3. Go to class | I know everyone is always saying that you should go to class, but attending a small university, the professors really do know who is and who is not coming to class. I found that others who did not come to class, did not perform as well on the exams, go figure. If you are not in class, how are you going to learn the information because a picture of your friend's notes might not always help.

4. Email your Professor and/or Go to Office Hours | I don't know about anywhere else, but at my university; the professors want you to learn and understand the material. Emailing my professors and going to their office hours definitely help me establish a relationship with them, but also let them know I am here to work hard and understand. Professors are so knowledgeable about the material, sometimes too much for their own good.. lol, but they are there to help you, so take advantage of their wisdom.

5. Frat Parties | The best part about going to a party - is the the dressing up part. Though the parties are fun, be responsible for you and your friends. Remember you are attending that college or university for 4 years or so, so you wouldn't want a bad reputation just because you did that "one thing, that one night" to determine who you are as a person for the rest of your college career.

6. Get Involved | I know you probably heard that you should join clubs and organizations, but seriously do it. I know some people we are not involved and are constantly saying that they are bored. First, they might be forgetting about an assignment, but also there is so many opportunities to get involve on campus, its not even funny. There is a club or organization for anything and everything, if there isn't, start one. Don't be cooped up in your room, get out, and get involved. Also, don't try to be in everything, where you don't have time for your school work.

7.  Sometimes you just want to be alone |  No matter if you and you're roommates are the best of friends, sometimes a break is good to rejuvenate yourself. I like being around people, but not 24/7 always talking, always doing something. Sometimes you just need to relax and be by yourself.

8. All-nighters are preventable | I am here to tell you that I went my first year without pulling an all-nighter. How? It's simply. Start your assignments early enough and give yourself enough time to complete assignments. I stayed up late, but not to the point where I didn't get any sleep. Manage your time. I know some people who are constantly talking about assignments they have to do. but they are constantly out. Don't be the person to skip one class to complete an assignment for another class, unless it's absolutely necessary.

9. Choose your schedule wisely | Yes, it's college, you get to pick you classes on what days and times. If you know you are not a morning person, do not choose morning classes, simple as that. Sometimes people do work better in the afternoon times.  For me, I rather take my classes in the morning (not 8 AMs) to have the afternoons free. Sometimes, certain classes are only offered during one specific time and day, so some classes might be out of your control.

10. Don't beat yourself up about a bad grade | Sometimes, you give it your all, and the grade you thought you deserve, you didn't receive. No worries, one bad grade will not determine your future. You will have time to bring it up, and always ask your professors about extra credit, it doesn't hurt.

11. Read the syllabus |  Some many times, people in class are repeatedly asking the professor when an assignment is due, and most of the professors just say it's in the syllabus. Honestly, if you read the syllabus, you would know when assignments are due, if the class has extra credit, and even the attendance policy. So the first week of each semester, take time to read the syllabus and plan for assignments being due in an agenda/planner. (This is also reiterated in my other college post link above.)

12. Have fun |  Though college is about learning, learn to let go and have some fun with your friends and be spontaneous while participating in different experiences.

Livin' & Stylin'

Sheika

Hebrews 6:19

College Morning Routine | Fall 2015

6:45 Wake Up

Brush Teeth and Wash Face 

6:55  Fix Bed and Pick out Clothes 

7:00 Do Makeup 

7:25- Put on Clothes/ Do Hair 

Fill up Water Bottle/ Eat breakfast bar (occasionally)

7:45-  Head out to class

8am Class

9:00 Meet up with friends and eat breakfast in the cafe

9:45- Head back to dorm room and change books for next class. 

10:15- Head to class

10:30 class

11:30 Class ends 

So this is just my morning routine I do for college, but I could definitely do a day in my life (college edition), and even a night time routine.

Livin' & Stylin' 

Sheika 

Hebrews 6:19 

College Life | What I've Learned from College So Far

If you didn't know already, yes, I am in college, now. And, honestly it is a new experience, but I am ready to embrace all that it has to offer me. Unlike other colleges, my college had its orientation the days after move-in, which was a good and bad thing. One good thing about that is that I got to meet new freshmen just like me, downfall was that we had class the next day (Orientation being August 21-23, and classes began August 24th). So yes, that was tiresome, but also a nice introduction/ welcoming to college life.  

I have currently been in college for 3 weeks now which is almost a month (WOW!), and I have learned quite a few things so far that I am going to share for you all, today.  In no particular order: 

1) Lanyards=Freshmen: Apparently, if you wear your lanyard around your neck, upperclassmen will quickly recognize that you are, in fact, a freshmen. Yes, I did this, and yes, I did get call out on this (not in a bad way at all). 

2) Planners/Agendas are Key: I already loved using an agenda, but with trying to balance all these assignments and different events happening on campus, it is essential for you to keep track of all of this in a planner or agenda. 

3) Bug Spray, Spider Spray, Roach Spray, Insect Repellent are a Must: This might not be the case for everyone, but unfortunately, for me I was placed in a dorm building that doors lead to the outside, so more of a "motel-type" dormitory. I know, awful. And with this comes different creatures into my door, and being the person I am that really don't like anything that crawls, these sprays definitely come in handy. 

4)Eating Alone is Fine: Honestly, I didn't think I would be the one eating in the dining hall by myself. But, the friends I did make don't have the same schedule as I do, so of course, our eating times are a bit different. But, trust me, you won't be the only one eating in the dining hall by yourself. 

5) Wear Whatever You Desire: Honestly, NO ONE cares. 

6) Support Your College's Athletic Teams: For me, this is a big one. Since, I did not go to a high school with any sports team, enjoying the ones that I have at my college is nice and refreshing. Take a break from reading or studying and attend a game, trust me, you will enjoy it and even bring along a couple of friends.

7) Naps are Essential: Before college, I never took a nap, But all of sudden, this new urge to take a nap is real. Like honestly, taking a nap before an afternoon class definitely makes me happy and even  rejuvenates me. 

8) 8AMs May or May Not be the Death of Me: Honestly, I haven't decided whether or not my 8AM classes are the best or worst thing ever. Truthfully, I love having most of the classes in the morning, so I can go ahead and get them out of the way and have the rest of the afternoon to do other things. I still have a few classes in the afternoon this semester, but I am a morning  person and like to get things done in the morning. But, this waking up for the morning class at 6:45AM is draining me. I guess, this is why number 7 is true.

9) Read Your Syllabus: What one professor may like, another one may not like. So carefully read each syllabus, and I would definitely recommend highlighting and underlining key points. And make note of assignments, exams, and paper due dates in your agenda and planner when you receive your syllabus instead of constantly referring back to it for due dates. 

10) Learn: I am no expert at this college thing, yet. Or will i ever be an expert, you knows? But, I am learning, not just in the classrooms, but also through new experiences and relationships being formed. There are definitely some wonderful learning experiences on campus, so definitely try to take it one sidewalk at a time, or in other words not all at once. 

Hope you all enjoyed this post and if you all have any other college related post ideas definitely just let me know.



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Livin' & Stylin'

Sheika 

Hebrews 6:19