Rommates

Can't live with them, can't live without them.
It is really a case by case thing. One of my friends had the most unlikely roommate. Everyone thought they were going to clash so bad. But turns out, they were the perfect roommates. But for some, I don't know what goes through the peoples heads that do the roommate matching. My first roommate was awesome and she was clean and not annoying. The only thing was that she went to bed way earlier than I did and got up earlier than I did. My friend, who became my second roommate, didn't really get along with her. She was messy and never cleaned up, actually was never even there. It wouldn't have been that bad, if she had just kept her side clean. So my second roommate and I thought it would be a great idea for us to room together. Most, if not all schools, allow room switches. Which is what we did. My first roommate didn't have a problem with it at all and worked out really well.

But of course, no matter how good of friends you are, problems will come with it. My roommate and I were so alike and go along very well. Went to sleep at the same times and woke up the same times. We even went home together on breaks and her family would come pick her up from my town. She had a boyfriend, that was very sweet and would come visit and I had no problem with at all. But when there is a boyfriend, there are phone calls and fights at night. Although I did not mind giving her advice and was there for her when things went wrong, but late night phone calls suck. I love my roommate to death though. We have hung out during the summer and are planning trips to go back to Austin to visit our friends. We have made friends for life and I couldn't have asked for a better roommate. But no one is a perfect roommate.

Sometimes your roommate will just not care and "hook-up" with someone in the bed right next to you. Awesome, right? Probably not, my advice if that happens is to put in head phones, turn the other way and think happy thoughts, lol. My friend told her roommate the first day they moved in that no hooking up was allowed and they both agreed. That did not work so well and they both broke the agreement. But no harm was done and jokes were played on each other, lol. Maybe you can have some fun with it.

Then some roommates suck. Another friend of mine was so angry that she had the roommate she had. She was mature and just ignored her and told her self it's just this year. This girl was something else and I felt so bad for her one night, I let her stay in my room. This girl had brought home a guy that STUNK. It smelled from the hallway and I was just like omg, get your blanket and phone charger and come to my room. Turned out that we had a Legally Blonde night, sometimes things work out. Some roommates complain to no end, some are super dirty and stinky. Some are just plain annoying. You get the luck of the draw when it comes to roommates if you don't request for one.

First, just try to work things out. Maybe it will work, maybe it won't. Most of us from my hall made friends for life and we will never forget our freshmen year of college.

Peace and Love
Always and Forever

Marina - Your go-to-girl for college advice

What's in My Backpack?

Disorganization is a huge problem with tons of students. Personally, I am on the verge of OCD. I am so picky about how everything is organized in my life. But I will tell you what I do to help me stay organized and prepared in class and around campus.

First thing is first, a large enough bookbag with pockets. Most girls like to use shoulder bags, because it is fashionable. Yes, they are cute, but they aren't sturdy, don't hold as much, hard to organize and actually bad for your back. That's all up to you though.

Next, componets of the bag.

• Tons of students like to take their laptops to class, I only took it to one of my classes. I have a 17", which I regret getting. It's huge! I can watch videos on here pretty well, but carrying it everywhere stinks. Plus, I can't find laptop bags for it that are cute. I'm thinking of getting a plain ugly one and decorating it myself, no one else will have it.
• Notebooks, binders and pencils. Personally, I think binders are a waste of money, they always break. Like I said in my first post, I reuse spirals until they are dead. Typically students do not use 150 sheets of paper in one class. So either you just don't write on the cover and reuse them until they are done for OR duct tape has gotten fashionable (cheetah, zebra, demask, etc.) So I taped over where I wrote on the spirals. I am not a hippie (although I was in Austin for a year,) I just don't like being wasteful. Use the spiral until all of the paper is gone, use it for rough drafts, a journal (which I find stress relieving) or doodling.
• Writting utensils. Pens, pencils, highlighters, sharpies; you name it, get it. I may have an unnecessary collection of Sharpies, but they do come in handy. Pens are usually what professors want you to use, to a good collection is always good. Pencils of course are necessary for labs, math, etc. Highlighters are good for note taking. I always have some lead in my bag or just extra pencils. People throw away pencils once they are out of lead, it's cheaper to buy lead than new pencils everytime you're out. I constantly say this, but we are broke college students, unless you know how to save.
• PLANNER! OMG. So many students don't have a planner. I don't know how they know what's for homework or any due dates. But studies show that those who do carry planners are more organized and make better grades, something to think about for college students. I keep everything in my planner, EVERYTHING! (I am posting pictures soon.) Once you get your syllabus, write down due dates and quizzes, tests, everything. I write down my work schedule, homework, how many horus I need to study, and my to do list.
• Depends on where you live, but an umbrella. In Texas, we never know when it's going to rain. Right now, it's looking like never.
• Gum, studies show, chewing gum helps you concentrate. And when you're hungry and you have more classes to go and no time to grab food, it curbs your appetite.
• Lip balm, lip gloss, make up, "feminine products," head phones and hand sanitizer. Essentials to some, not all. But head phones are great for when you're waiting for class or walking to class. Sanitizer, as beautiful as St. Edward's was, I don't trust that everything is clean and health is so important.
• Water. Get a reusable bottle and refill it at lunch, breakfast, dinner. Water is free people and way better for you than sodas. Freshmen 15 will creep up on you.

I think I have covered everything in my bag. Tell me what's in yours. Did I miss anything?

Check me out at YouTube, there will be a post soon, I promise!!!!
http://www.youtube.com/user/MARiNALEiGH10?feature=mhee

Peace and Love
Always and Forever

Marina -  Your go-to-girl for college advice

First Day of Class

You're first day of college is near and advice is needed.

1. Double check your schedule and make sure you know where you are going and what time.
2. Get plenty of rest the night before, it might be like Christmas and you are too excited for your first day of college.
3. Get to class early (everyday.) When you walk in late, teachers will burn a hole through your butt staring at you. Plus it's rude and you get a better seat.
4. Sit at the front. If you make the first 2 rows your usual seat, it will keep you going to class. Instructors notice when their front row students are gone and it helps you to always go to class.
5. If you are in a small class, introduce yourself to your instructor after class ends. Let them knwo who you are and how excited you are for this class, teachers love it!
6. Read the syllabus and mark down important dates in a planner. Mark everything in a planner, or a wall calendar. Make sure you look at it all the time, make sure you have everything ready on time!
7. Make sure you have the correct books and supplies.
8. Take a jacket to class. For some reason, they think that we are blazing hot (no matter how cold it is outside) and they feel the need to keep the rooms at 68.
9. If you are a student who likes to take your laptop, be oh so courteous and sit in the back. It's distracting to others.
10. Make friends with people in each of your classes. Study buddies are the best and if you miss class, text them.
11. NEVER EVER EVER EVER email a teacher and ask "What did I miss?" or "Did I miss anything important?" Wow my Bio teacher went on a rampage about a student asking her that. She told them, I wouldn't be up here if I didn't have anything important to say. You always miss something important.
12. When you miss class, you miss a lot. So don't miss class, not even if you have a headache. Take some medicine and go. If you miss class once, you tend to make it a habbit. Wake up at least an hour and a half before you have class. You are awake and ready to go.

I don't think I missed anything, but if you have questions, feel free to ask! Make your first days special and memorable. College won't be any fun if you don't make happy memories.

Next blog is about roommates, so stay tuned soon!

http://www.youtube.com/user/MARiNALEiGH10?feature=mhee

Take a look at my YouTube channel. More is coming!
Peace and Love
Always and Forever

Marina - Your go-to-girl for college advice.

Move In Day

Move in day will be the busiest day of your life! Every other Freshman is trying to move in with you. Some colleges have move in times and others, well get there early. If you have a rolling cart/ flatbed dolly, take it. Most or all of the ones provided will be taken.

No matter how aggrivated you are with your family trying to take control, let them. Because after this day, you are in control of yourself. Let them have the joy of controlling you, lol. Don't worry about unpacking until you have moved furniture around and you and your roommate are both there. Moving furniture AFTER you have unpacked, sucks. If your roommate hasn't shown up yet and you can't move furniture around, unpack. First come first serve. There isn't much to dispute about, it's a small room.

Hopefully, by now you have found out who your roommate is and have contacted them. Work things out, maybe one can buy the fridge and the other the microwave. Figure out when each other is moving in, room arrangements, etc.

The first day or weekend, will be the most fun. You will meet so many people, possibly the school will have a BBQ, you take a huge step in your life and learn about so many clubs with endless possiblities. If you love school spirit, join their spirit team. No, not cheerleading. At St. Edwards, we had the Hillraisers, we went to the basketball games, soccer games, lacross, etc. Cheerleaders but from the stands and no tumbling. It's a great way to show your school spirit, possibly free games and food, and it goes well on a resume when applying for jobs on campus. Going out for clubs is a definite plus on your resume. So join what interests you or start a club that interests you, maybe you start a new school tradition and big brownie leadership points for you!

Now the sad part, leaving your friends and family behind. Know that they are just a phone call away and that they won't forget about you. Even though they might not call every second, they are thinking and probably talking about you. So when your ear is burning or ringing, it's them. Keep them updated, even though you don't want them in your business, be responsible and let them know your progress. They will be the person to call when you aren't doing so well in a class. They will push you to do better and possibly scream saying "I am not spending all of this money for you to mess around!" I've heard it and it made me work harder. It isn't my money going down the drain, it's my grandma's and the governments. We complain that they suck at budgeting, well don't let them know by you not doing well in school with their money. If you didn't sign the FERPA form, then tell them what's going on. They will find out one way or another. It shows them that you are being mature and are trying to build that adult relationship with them.

Miss your friends? My best friend and I wrote letters often. If you did all of your homework and want to be an awesome friend, write them a note and send it to them or wait till you see them next. Skype/ Oovoo, call, text, Facebook, keep up with them. Not talking to them will lose them. Send pictures of what you do. My bestfriend and I actually had pictures taken with each other and we each framed them and had them on our desks.

Don't get stressed. Family is forever. Be mature and build an adult relationship with your parents. Most importantly, have fun and know what you are doing is great! School will help you go far in life! P.S. Make sure you have gotten school supplies and books! :) One of my friends forgot.

Peace and Love
Always and Forever

Marina - Your go-to-girl for college questions

Your Packing List

This hit me last night when I was trying to go to sleep. The packing list. Plenty of stores have them, i.e. Bed, Bath and Beyond, Wal Mart, Target, etc. But which list really has what you need? I guess this all depends on your school and your dorm. Some dorms actually come with a Fridge and Microwave, very jealous of those schools. That is $200, more or less, crossed off your list. Some dorms have community bathrooms, some share with usually 4 residents, that means you have to buy cleaning supplies, toilet paper, a new shower head (what my suitemates and I did last year,) shower curtain, etc. The small differences really make a difference. Now I haven't heard of a school that doesn't provide the desk, chair, mattress and storage, but if there is one, have fun buying and moving all of that! The easiest way to know what your room comes with is on the school website. Look for current students and residential life, typically where you would find it all. Some schools have pictures and some have a virtual tour. Ask upper classmen on the school's Facebook page for advice on what to bring. If you like coffee, take a coffee maker, the prices are JACKED UP! Plus you won't stand in that long line. Let me just make a list for what if actually necessary:

Kitchen/Eating

• Bag Clips
• Utensils
• Plastic Plates

Bedding

• Sheets
• Blanket
• Pillows
• Mattress Pad (Those mattresses are not top of the line.)
• "Bed side buddy" (Clips onto your frame to put cell phone, remotes, etc in it)

Bathroom

• Towels (Reuse them before you wash them)
• Shower caddy (if you have community shower)
• Towel rack
• All of your necessities
• Hair Supplies
• Tooth paste and brush
• Bath supplies (shampoo, conditioner, etc.)

Studying

• Desk Lamp
• Organizers
• Comfy Chair (the ones provided are pure plastic, OW!)
• Laptop accessories
• Surge Protector
• Book light (not a bad idea)
• Flashdrives (a couple)
• Message board for reminders
• Sticky notes
• iHome

Organize

• Closet and drawer organizers
• Hangers
• 3M hooks
• Laundry Basket
• Iron/ Board
• Luggage (for the travelers)
• Baggage
• First Aid Kit (used mine a couple times, not just for myself)

Cleaning Supplies

• Vacuum/Broom (Depends on what you have)
• Air Freshner
• Duster
• Mr. Clean, Scrubbing Bubbles, etc. (again, depends on what you have)

Random

• Long Mirror
• TV
• Calendar
• Floor Lamp
• Decor

Don't have such a bland room. Whether you like to have pictures of friends and family up, or the sticky wall art, make your side of your room, YOU! Also on move in day, go grocery shopping for non-perishables. Granola bars, cereal, water bottles, fruit snacks, you get the idea. For those late nights and early mornings, they will help you keep awake. Don't get a lot of junk food, Freshmen 15 will sneak up on you in a snap. My favorite part of moving in was when my family left. It was the next step in me growing up. I shed a few tears, but it had to be done. I enjoyed living on my "own" for almost a year, and I say it like that because we don't pay bills, cook, and shop like we will when we become more independent.

Now I am back at home, traveling 60 miles round trip for school six days a week. I get to see my mom, pets and have my own room. Down side, gas. Luckily, grandma is helping me out on that note. Living on campus is more than you think, and hence why I am at home this year. Hopefully it keeps me focused. Living in a dorm isn't the easiest place to be focused.

Lastly, your first day is when you meet everyone. Your Residents Assisstant, roommate, suitemates, plenty of clubs you SHOULD join. Get involved, show your school pride and enjoy being a Fish one last time.

Peace and Love

Always and Forever

Marina your go-to-girl on college advice

Before You Move In

One mistake students tend to make is bringing almost everything they own. Truth is, you won't use half of it. When I packed up my room last year, I swear it was completely empty, down to the last sock. I looked through it all and said, "I'm only bringing the essentials." Yeah right. Every time I went home, which wasn't very often, I took A LOT home. Piles and piles of clothes, useless crap I thought I was going to use and way too many blankets. Dorms are cold, but not that cold. College is not a fashion show, you are there to learn and get your degree. But don't look helpless. Also, take the clothes that match the season. Don't bring you're winter boots and coats when you move in. When you go to visit during the semester trade out clothes in your closet. You do not have much space to work with so make the best of it and get organizers and take as little as possible. Always have something nice to go out in!


Next, do not go over board on you're school supplies. FiveStar is sturdy, but you will never use that much paper in one class. If you do decide to buy FiveStar or actually any spiral, do not throw it away after the class is over. If it has something to do with your major, keep the notes. Tear out used pages and keep the spiral for next semester, duct tape has gotten fashionable, so use it! If the spiral is falling appart, still keep the paper for those rough drafts or boring moments when you want to "doodle." Don't waste you're money, you're a college student for heaven's sake! Also, pens, pencils, highlighters, etc.; I'm sure we all have way too many of them. Keep them, I haven't bought any since junior year of high school. Don't be wasteful.


Now, making friends. Be friendly with others in you're hall. Typically, halls have "like" majors together. That can definitely help you with studying and homework and such. Also, no one likes enemies. They might be the only person in the hall with you over the weekend, trust me, it might get that lonely. Plus, they can help you pack up your car when you leave for the weekend. :)


Books, buy online! Unless you have a loan for books, more than likely you have to buy them from the school. Just google the ISBN # and look in shopping. This could save you 80%! Not all books will be a steal online, but compare prices and see if it's worth it. Usually half.com is the best place.

Money. We are college students and money is a must. Save your money. Don't go out to eat every night, that's what a meal plan is for. Save your money for the fun stuff OFF campus. Schools are mostly in big cities, there are countless things to do there other than getting wasted and making out with strangers. Go to the rodeo if your city has one, (I'm in Houston, so you know I'm there.) Concerts happen all the time and so do many other things. Don't be afriad to try new things. But don't waste your money of Olive Garden. :/ Made that mistake about 15 times. Go with a good amount in your pocket. Also, when you use cash and get change put the pennies, nickles, dimes and quarters in a jar. They add up quickly and you can turn them into something, surprisingly they come in handy when you want a coke from the machine, or doing laundry.

I have thought of everything before moving in, soon enough you will get "packing list" and "move in date." I will be on youtube as well. Link is on the page. http://www.youtube.com/user/MARiNALEiGH10?feature=mhee


Peace and Love
Always and Forever


Marina - You're go-to girl for college questions.