Getting a Life [Outside of Class]

Alright, so it’s the third week of school and you still have joined nothing. You’ve tried [if looking on the school website to read about interesting clubs count] but alas to no avail. It seems to be unfair how all your hallmates seem to have some meeting or organization to go to EVERYNIGHT while you sit in your dorm, watching reruns of Friends and Sex and the City.

So what’s a college kid to do?

Get out and meet people! Or go join a club. But how?

1: I’m a Freshman so it’s hard to get into things.

What a crock this is. Seriously, folks, being a Freshman is sometimes the greatest advantage when it comes to doing new things. No one really knows you so you get to do what you want, when you want, and no one really questions it because there is no need to think differently. You’re a new person in a new environment. Thrive on the freedoms it gives you and do not hide under the shadow of unfamiliarity.

Ever have a deep seated desire to give kick boxing or fencing a try but was never given the opportunity nor did it seem to fit your persona in high school? This is the time to do those things!
If you think it’s hard now to put yourself into new situations then thing about how hard it would be when you’re a Sophomore? A Junior? A Senior, even? These will be the times when you have probably established a name for yourself amongst at least a few people and it’ll be even harder to break apart and do your own thing. Just think about that the next time you utter the phrase “but I’m a Freshman.”

I’m not saying that you should reinvent your entire self image if you liked the way you were in high school but this is a time to expand, to grow, to experience the world around you before you have a job, mortgage, kids, responsibilities. Do it before it’s too late.

2: So you want to go out and explore the world!

Let’s start with just the campus first, bud. Better yet, your dorm.

You see, dorms are a schmorge-a-sporge of activities that you can due, especially if you live in a bigger dorm. There are dorm hall get-togethers, mixers [mostly in coed dorms but still], weeks of activities made just for your dorm, student hall council, and even book clubs [and if not, you can always just start one].

For hall get-togethers, this is usually done by your halls Resident Assistant (RA) during certain times of the year. From my understanding, in the first couple of weeks of school, each week represents a different time such as Move-In week, roommate week, etc. And with each week usually comes a specific activity that brings a lot of people together. The RA will design these activities as a way for people of the hall of the dorm to get to know each other better since you will be living together for the next academic year. Take advantage of these things. Go to them, enjoy them to the best of your ability, and be outgoing so that you can meet people. And yes they maybe a little lame but something is only as lame as you believe it to be. If you want it to work out, it will.

Student hall council is another way to both meet more people and to get involved on your campus. And this is definitely one of those times when the “I’m a Freshman so I won’t get it” phrase does not apply. Since most colleges stick the wee Freshman into one dorm, the people going up for council are going to be, you guessed it, Freshman! The only person stopping you from doing it is you. But remember, for things like councils that decide some slightly important things, make sure you’re really going to be dedicated before joining.

As for other advice on how to meet people and get involved, simply leave your bedroom door open [not when you’re sleeping or not there because that’s not very safe]. An open dorm door is like a wrap-around porch in the South; it’s the way your neighbors and you will communicate and get to know one another so leave it open and maybe call out a “hi, y’all” to those passing by.

3: The dorm people are weird . . .

I can understand this one. No one in your dorm seems to have anything in common with you besides your residence location. They’re Kappa Delta and you play snare in the marching band [note: not saying that sorority and band girls cannot mix. I’m using a generalization to emphasize my point]. You like to read books and study and they like to party until three in the morning. Whatever the reason, something is hindering the bond between you and those you share the building with. So now it’s time to venture out.

If you’re living on campus, chances are there a flyers everywhere! In the stairwell, the elevators, on corkboards outside your classrooms, on the stall in the bathroom, everywhere! So take the time out, if you’re not rushing to the lecture that starts in five minutes, and just stop and read. These flyers are chock full of information on meetings, clubs, art galleries, plays, etc. And it’s all waiting for you, usually at little to no cost. So one day when you’re wondering what to do, just stop by a random corkboard, scan the flyers to see what’s going on that day, and pick something to go to.

If random acts are not exactly your thing, then get on your school’s website. Most college websites now have a comprehensive list of the clubs available on campus. Look at this site and search for what you’re interest in. Like to read and discuss books? Then maybe a book club will be good for you and it’ll help you connect with those like you. Maybe Rugby’s more your thing so look up intramural sports and sign up! It’ll be both fun and healthy for you.

If your school doesn’t seem to hold such lists, then look in stead for an Activities Fair, which allows clubs to come and display what they got going on. They’re usually within the first month of school so keep your ears out.

Another way to meet people is simple to talk to the person next to you in class. It’s easy and cost you nothing, time or money. You have to be there anyway so might as well make a friend or two.

If you’re really adventurous, do to breakfast/lunch/dinner/whatever and just sit next to someone you don’t know and strike up a conversation. There are people everywhere. Just say “hello” and see where it takes you.

4: The Greek life.

A lot of people get to college and immediately rush. It’s just their thing. They either always wanted to in high school, know people who are in the respective sororities/fraternities, or it may be a family tradition. Regardless, they take this path and move-in week or the first week of school, they rush for the bigger, nationally known Hellenic Societies, which is all good and well for them.

There are also some people who completely and utterly dislike the Greek Life. It seems stupid, dumb, a waste of time. This is where I say stop on that one. Not all Greek societies are created equal. They’re not all just Barbie Dolls with a high IQ or some muscle headed Neanderthals. And for the ones that aren’t, it isn’t a society filled with “dogs” or the “geeks.” I say you don’t bash on something, no matter the view point, until you try it yourself.

And I know, a lot of people believe that they’re not cut out to be in a sister/brotherhood. Trust me, been there, done all that. This is the cool thing about college when you actually go: it’s not like the movies. These societies no longer just play to a certain playing type but a variety of them. They seem to be striving more for a sisterly or brotherly bond amongst virtually strangers. Also, some societies are based off majors or interest, such as business, so it’s a good way to meet people with common interest and network in your future profession, killing two birds with one stone, so to speak. So before you shoot the Greeks or yourself down, give it a shot.
And for those who believe that you could not afford to join one, I come bearing good news. You can! Some Greek societies are not outrageously overpriced with fees being as reasonable as fifty dollars a month or lower. Now, for these lower priced ones, it usually just means that they don’t have a house, on or off campus, and so do not need to have high prices but still have all the fun activities like dinners, formals, semi-formals, etc. And even more so, some societies are willing to cut the fees down for people who get in but can’t afford it to that extent. So don’t let something like money stop you from doing something.

5: Final Word.

What I’m trying to say to you, my readers, is that while you’re in college, I would highly recommend sampling life. Go out and get interest, hobbies, viewpoints, whatever, that are different than your friends and families, that help you become your own person. Try out things you’d never do before and don’t worry about what others will think. In the long run, it wont matter.

I hope you all have good gun and adventure in college. Questions and comments are always welcomed.

Sincerely,
Ran.

I Know What to Get (Not Really), Now What?

So you have a very extensive list of everything you'll ever need in college ever, right? You've researched. You cross examined dozens of lists that you've found on line, in resource books at your library, from relatives, and that guy who lives down the street. You've mapped out the dorm room, found places for EVERYTHING you want, including where to put bath towels and linens that are not in immediate use. It's now time to do the most important part of the deal: shopping.

Oh, boy.

For some, this is the best part of entering a new environment. Preparing for it through retail therapy. Others, well, they'd rather go running for the hills instead of spending hours in the local shop. Not for the fear of the time spent, but the money handed over.

I'm one of those people. I can shop until I drop, as long as it's with someone else's money.

So what's a girl/boy to do? Well, here are some helpful hints:

1: Give a call to the Roomie.

This one's a big one and one that must NEVER be glossed over. Yes, the futon with the Zebra printed cover and matching throw pillows look darling in your ideal room but what about your room mate's decor? Or there budget? Or the fact that THEY may already have the perfect futon sitting in their basement, ready to be shipped off to college on move-in day.

Big item purchases should always be consulted with the person you're rooming with. It may be more financially sound to you both if you talk before hand. Don't know who you're room mate will be until half way through July? Then hold off on big item purchases until July or if you really can't, buy what you want but KEEP THE RECEIPTS! That way, if he or she has something better, or it was given to them, you can return it.

Items under the "talk to the Roomie" rule are:
- Futons
- Microwaves
- Mini Fridges
- Rug
- Any large or cumbersome storing unit
- Printers (no point of having two unless you want two)
- Anything that is not going to be exclusively for you

2: Mooching off your friends and family.

This is probably the best and most forgotten hint for college kids on a budget. When you have those big items, such as the ones above, ask around to see if anybody has them before you make a trip to Walmart. Thing is, people are notorious for being pack-rats and tend to have things stored that "they may need one day" but in truth could give to a deserving college kid.

So ask your friends to ask around, those younger and older than you. Ask your parents to ask their friends. And in this day in age, posting a bulletin on Myspace could yield some good results. I know a guy that got his dorm futon with the social network, which saved him roughly two hundred dollars since he didn't have to buy it. And since he didn't need to spend that much on buying a standard futon, he spent some of the money on a new futon cover and some extra padding, which cost him roughly sixty dollars. Not too bad.

So don't forget this cliche of a rule: One man's trash is another man's money saving adventure.

3: Well, they are your parents.

Here's another one that many people think of but don't utilize to their full advantage.

Your moms and dads.

Now, this is not to say that you need to go to your parents with open hands and puppy-dog eyes, hoping for some moo-la to go crazy with. No, what you need are items that your parents already have to be given to you.

True story: For weeks, my roommate and I were looking for alternative storage units for our dorm room, a place to store dry foods, cleaning items, dishes, and the like that wouldn't take up space in our sparse closets. We looked at Bed, Bath, and Beyond catalogs dating back as far as the Christmas before, been to countless stores, and even thought about buying milk crates and just velcroing them together for cheap storage.

Two weeks before we're schedule to move in, she was mentioning the problem to her mother when, lo and behold, the family had some extra stackable storage bins in the garage that no one used. We got them all.

See what I mean? Your family could help in the means of dorm essentials without actually BUYING dorm essentials! It's great. No point of buying eating utensils for one or a towel set if your mother is more than willing to let you take some of hers. Think with your heads and ask the parents.

4: Time to buy but in a different way.

Alright so some items you really don't have (and for some reason they tend to be community shower related) so you need to buy these things. As an example, we're going to go with a shower caddy and its usually buddies: tooth brush and bar soap cases.

This was something I really did not want to get for college. Ten dollars for a baggy to put my shampoo in seemed ridiculous. Well, one day I was in a grocery store, looking for cheap coloring books for my little sister, when I happened to notice that they had these plastic baskets with a metal handle in an assortment of colors.

And they were selling for a dollar fifty. No joke. And it was perfect as a shower tote because it had holes throughout the basket, which the water could go through and it was big enough to store the essentials. Needless to say, I bought one in green without a second thought.
Moral of this story is that you don't have to buy something and use it strictly for it's intended purpose. Just look around and you'll see there are alternatives to that ten dollar shower caddy.

At Bed, Bath, and Beyond, toothbrush cases can run up to three dollars. Not much but remember, you're on a budget and three dollars adds up. You want to know a secret? Okay, here it goes.

In Walmart, they have a section called a "Traveler's Items," which is usually found in the same general area as shampoos, soaps, etc. In this magical of places, they actually have cases! And they all tend to be under a dollar. I believe my toothbrush case was actually fifty cents. See? Utilize your surroundings and look around the entire store, not just the "Dorm Essential" sections. Those are specially marketed sections and so the prices are raised to make a higher profit (aka the company is riping you off.)

And as for soap carriers, unless you strictly believe in using bar soap, switch to body soap. Not to say those bar soap cases are completely useless because they're great for holding Q-Tips and dental floss but the soap tends to get slimy and yucky in the case. Don't know why.

5: Items worth spending on and why.

Okay, so you've gotten almost everything and it's cost you a little less than ten dollars. You're feeling great (albeit a little cheap). Well, don't worry. There are some items that you should really consider buying, but do it in a smart way.

First and foremost in dorm comfort, bedding. You don't really want to cheap yourself in this department. Get good, quality items that you know you'll like for an entire year because you may not have the resources to buy new items as the year progresses. As for sheets, chances are you wont have the right fitting sheets since many colleges have opted for extra long twin beds (four to five inches longer than a standard twin) and so you need a different type of sheets. Don't try getting the standard ones: they wont fit.

Some appliances you might want to buy just to have the warranty. This may not be needed if you know the machinery is reliable and not too old. If what you get from a friend is more than ten years old and hasn't been used for over five, rethink the decision and go buy it instead.

School supplies is something that you're going to want to get new. No leftover notebooks from your last year of high school that have been half used. Book bags can be previously used but make sure that it isn't already tearing and that it can with hold all that you (think) you'll need.

A laptop or desk top is also something that will be helpful in school and sometimes better just to buy a new one, once again just to have the warranty. But be aware, from those that I ask, some students found they didn't need a computer just because of the abundance of computer labs available on campus. Once again, this is completely your decision.

Now that you know some of the things you may need to buy, remember this: there is no shame in using coupons or buying something when it's on sale. I've met many a teenager who, from some odd reason, does not want to use coupons. As a college kid, you should understand the beauty and the joy one can get of getting ten dollars off a purchase just because of a brightly colored piece of paper. Take the extra love. Use the coupon.

6: School books.

They're special and a big part of the reason that you're going to college so they get their own section. As soon as you get a list of the books you'll need, do your research. Go visit Google Shopping. Just type in the book name and author and they'll give you a list of related items with the prices. Do whatever you do when you want to buy something but don't want to pay full price. Don't just automatically buy them from the book store. Do your homework.

Another thing that many students don't know is that some books can actually be checked out of your school's library and used for classes. Shocking, I know. So for classes that you don't really want to buy a book for, such as classes that you have to take in order to make a college requirement, look to the library.

For other books that you do have to buy, keep them in good condition and then just sell them at the end of the term or be a good dear and give them to a friend that will be taking the course next semester.

The only books that I suggest buying and keeping are the ones that deal with your major (as references for later) and ones that you'll need for multiple classes (as in a foreign language class).

Finally Thoughts.

I do hope that this article has helped some. Remember: these are the thoughts of someone who is not a professional, just someone going through the same thing. You don't have to agree or even do what I have suggested. Just hope it helps.

Feedback is always appreciated and thank you for your time.

Sincerely,
Ran