Going into college is a culture shock. Although I went to a diverse and fairly large high school near Chicago, IU was a huge difference. But of course it's a huge difference for anyone going from a school of 1,500 people to nearly 45,000 people. Leaving the bubble that is my hometown to meet and live with people from places I didn't even know existed was something to get used to. The different personalities, the different values, different cultures, the different lifestyles, everything. Things were great, but it wasn't always rainbows and butterflies. Mostly I learned how to get along with others, and I wanted to share with you of the things I've learned on how to be a good floormate/roommate. Here's are the do's and don't's:

When I was in my room during Welcome Week, I made it a point to keep my door open, so people would feel more welcomed to come in, say hi and introduce themselves. I remember one of my floormates kept their door open, and I came into their room and awkwardly said hi. We then started talking about IU, our rooms, and our first floor meeting. I then had two people besides my roommate to sit by for our first meeting. It works, and it's just a nice way to get to know people. It's an awkward encounter both of you guys can laugh at later on in the year.

Besides going to class, napping or sleeping, there were very few times where I had my door closed. I think this is why a lot of floormates came into my room a lot.

Everyone is shy. Everyone's first year is exciting and nerve-wrecking, and everyone is going through the same feelings, so don't worry! Just say hi! I remember my first week when I just walked past a floormate and we shared an awkward "hey, hi, hello" and smile, looked at the ground and walked away fast. NOW WE'RE BEST FRIENDS:

As I've said before in my other posts, my floormates and I got to be very close with one another, but it was only a few girls. I wasn't close to everyone, and I didn't even say more than hi to some girls on my floor. Not that there was anything wrong with them, it's just how things got to be. There were moments where a floormate and I didn't say anything at all to each other when we passed each other in the hallway, just awkwardly looked at the ground and walked away to our respective places. The unfortunate thing about that was that it just became the norm for some of us, and I felt like it was too late to be friends or to be friendly so it would just be awkward when we passed and it stayed awkward all year. Sitting here now and recalling it, I wish I would've just said hi and started a conversation. 

If you go to a school like IU, there should never be a day where you feel like there's nothing to do. There's always something to do or try! I remember almost not going out to a floor dinner to Anatolia, a Turkish restaurant on 4th Street, during Welcome Week because I was so nervous about having to get to know everyone and I didn't know a thing about Turkish food. Like, what would I order? What's Turkish food even like? What if my floormates end up hating me? What if I have nothing to say? What if I say too much? I ended up going, and I am so glad I did. I got to know a little bit about everyone I lived with, learned a little about Turkish food and found a delicious restaurant that I liked.

If someone invites you to a sporting event, a call-out meeting, whatever, try it! I was really hesitant at first when I was asked to attend a dance workshop because I didn't want to make a fool of myself in front of people I didn't know, but I ended up having a great time and I ended up learning a few new moves! You never know what's going to happen, so carpe diem.

I think a lot of people would agree that one of the best parts about college is the freedom. Unfortunately, there will be people you meet who take their freedom for granted. Everyone is entitled to one bad night, but it gets old having to hold someone's hair back or have to hide someone's phone so they don't call their ex-boyfriend/ex-girlfriend to yell at them. Not only does it get old, it's also a serious problem. There IS a difference between having a good time and having an addiction, and no one wants to be known as THAT guy/girl that can't control themselves on the weekends. It's also very inconsiderate to expect people to be there to help you every time you do this, and if your floormates/roommate say something to you about it: Don't be angry, be appreciative that they care about you enough to say something.

An excerpt from IU's Alcohol & Drug-Free Campus Policy:

I think everyone should want to be the type of friend that anyone can go to for help with anything. Whether it's help with homework, a shoulder to cry on, a lending ear, etc. College is really fun, but there's also many dark times that come with it, such as homesickness, frustration with school, family/relationship problems, loneliness, drug abuse, etc. It's a lot of heavy stuff and most of the time, we don't know how to deal with it, but most of the time it's not people asking for validation or advice. Sometimes they just want someone to listen to them, and imagine how much it helps when you have someone you can talk to, go to, whatever. Just be supportive, honest and understanding. That's how you save a life.

No, but really. If someone lets you borrow an article of clothing, give it back. If sharing a pizza with someone and they put it all on their card, don't forget to pay them your half. If someone shares their food with you, don't eat it all.  

It may seem like not a big deal at first, but eventually it adds up. My roommate had a lot of her clothes missing by the end of the year. (SORRY MEGAN, I just found your St. Louis Cardinals shirt in my dresser, but I swear it's all I borrowed and I'll give it back to you WASHED - ASAP.)

Also, always ask and say thank you. Might seem like common sense, but you'd be surprised at how often you forget you manners as soon as you get comfortable with people. It's a good/bad thing!

They say communication save relations.. This doesn't include Tweeting or Facebooking about your problems. If you have an issue or have something you want to say, just say it. I think the main reason why my first roommate and I didn't work out was because there was a lack of communication about our problems. We both should have said something to each other, but we didn't. When we ended up switching roommates, it was just really unnecessarily awkward between us. 

You should be thoughtful, respectful and considerate with what you say and do though. If your roommate or floormate is not respecting your boundaries, speak up and tell them what you'd like to change. If your roommate or floormate is developing a problem, tell them your concerns. 

I'd like to think that I was a good person to live with, but it took a lot of trial & error, and observation of what to do and what not to do. Just be considerate, tolerant, thoughtful. Also, be adventurous, party SMART and GO HOOSIERS!

Whether you are a past, present, or future IU student, a parent, IU alum, friend, family member, faculty, or someone curious of what We Are IU is: welcome! My name is Morgan Klingelhoefer (pronounced as HEY fer) and I am one of the newest bloggers here at We Are IU. I will be a freshman at IU this fall and am still in the process of deciding my major. There are so many interesting majors at IU that it is hard to just choose one! During my time here, I plan on being involved in volunteer organizations and experiencing all of the things Indiana University and Bloomington has to offer!

While I am extremely excited to share my IU story, school doesn't start for another few weeks! In the meantime, I thought it would be a good idea to introduce myself.

I have lived in Indiana all of my life, and cannot imagine living anywhere else! Senior year, I had no set plans of where I was going to college, but knew that I wanted to stay in state. After setting foot on IU's campus and seeing all the beautiful buildings and scenery, I knew it was the college for me. Below are pictures I have taken from my visits at IU in spring and summer. (Yes, the snowy one was taken in March!)

Now, onto some interesting things about me!

White Chicks and A Walk to Remember are two of my favorite movies, but I don't have a preference when it comes to genre...superhero, chick flick, comedy, action, I'm in! Caramello's are my favorite candy. I love my family & friends, they're the best! I play zombies on COD. My favorite color is aqua, followed by pink. I love animals (especially my pets) and to swim with dolphins is at the top of my bucket list. I love to volunteer and cannot wait to continue my passion in college! I am nervous to be leaving everything I love and am used to to come to IU, but I know in the long run it will be worth it. I am excited for all of the opportunities that college brings!

I cannot wait to share my IU journey with all of you! Feel free to contact me on any social media or at mklingelhoefer21@gmail.com

Until next time,

Morgan.

During the summer, you and your mom will head out to endure the two-hour (or longer) trip to Bed, Bath, and Beyond to purchase all of your “College Necessities.” Yes, this shopping trip could potentially take 2 or more hours…BB&B can (and should) print out a College Packing List specifically for IU Bloomington. This is very helpful! However I would like to point out 3 things specific to this list:

1. You can have a coffee maker or Keurig. Everyone had them in the dorms and trust me, I have never heard of anyone having theirs taken away. Get it. You’ll use it for coffee or just to make hot water (like I did for tea).

2. Get a Swiffer Sweeper. Most of the rooms have a rug that cover the majority of the floor space, yet the tile portion of the floor can get gross with hair, makeup, spilled coffee, you name it. I recommend cleaning with the Wet Cloths. These will be sure to remove any spills or sticky spots.

3. Iron. Yes, you can have one. But just be careful when using it and do not ever leave it plugged in.

Now, here are the MUST HAVES:

1.     Planner

I cannot emphasize how important this is! This is the BEST way to stay organized. Between homework, group meetings, tutors, and the rest of your social life, you NEED to be on top of things.

There are several ways to keep track of your life:

• Some people prefer to put everything in their phone which then uploads to their computer, if you like this method, go for it!
• I, personally, prefer to write everything down in my paper planner. This way, I write it, I see it, and I will be more likely to remember what I have scheduled.

Also, its nice to know when there is a tailgate coming up or Fall Break or Parent's Weekend, it gives you something to look forward to, which gives you motivation to get your work completed just in time to celebrate. Be sure to write (or type) these special events in your planner as well.

2.     Sticky Tack

I would say this is better than tape. You’ll use it to stick posters and pictures to the wall.

3.     Hooks

I regret not having using these. I think I used six different coats during the winter time (i.e. long puffy coat, short puffy coat, North Face fleece, Patagonia fleece, Patagonia vest, windbreaker) and they all ended up on my desk chair; Therfore, I couldn't use my desk. Get hooked on hooks!

4.     Extension Cords

You really don’t realize how much you’ll need these. As my dad always says, “you can never have too many extension cords.” I think my roommate and I used 5 in total but they were all different lengths and sizes. Be sure to get plenty of different kinds either at Target or BB&B.

5.     Light for beside/above your bed

This was great for those mornings I had 8:00 AM class and my roommate didn’t have class until 1:00 PM. Yes, that happens. I would hate to disturb her by turning on the big room light so I would use a small light above my bed. Worked like a charm!

6.     Stackable Hangers

All girls should get these…trust me! Think about it, if you have 5 pairs of jeans, you can stack them altogether instead of taking up that space in your closet. I don’t know how I would have fit all of my clothes in my closet without these. You can purchase these at BB&B or Target.

7.     Rain/Snow Boots

I advise investing in a good pair of rain/snow boots. I have a pair of Hunter boots which can cost up to $190.00 and as low $125. It rains a lot but sometimes it’s just wet outside. A lot of girls wear Hunter boots but you find rain boots for a lot cheaper. Sperry makes cute rainboots and so does Target.

8.     Smartphone Gloves

These are great to have when it’s cold and you’re walking on campus. You don’t have to splurge on $100 gloves, it’s just not worth the money. I found mine for $15-$20!

9.     Headphones

A lot of people listen to music while walking around campus or studying. I have a pair of Bose noise-cancelling headphones and they are amazing. If you want to splurge, these are worth it!

10. Diversified Coats/Layering Pieces

Like I said before, I wore six different coats during the winter. The weather can be very odd so it is nice to have at least one other option in case it’s warmer (or colder) than expected. I am from the Midwest and have experienced extremely cold temperatures and snow. If you’re from Florida or California and have never experienced cold weather or snow, I highly recommend investing in a warm coat!

Here are a few more tips from other IU students:

• Dorm Necessities... You CAN take it with you!
• Things To Bring To Your Dorm Room!
• Packing for Freshman Year: Five Underestimated Must-Haves
• How To Move In From Out of State! Like A Boss!

This summer has been absolutely amazing! I got to spend a second summer in Bloomington with some of the greatest people at IU working with New Student Orientation! It's seriously the best job around. It made me very happy seeing all of the new students come through with their families. Most people were very excited to be there but some were still a little bit nervous. I think we did a great job of helping everyone get more comfortable with what will become their new home. Here is a picture of all the orientation leaders! Maybe you recognize your's!

Orientation is the first step to becoming an IU Hoosier, but it doesn't stop there! One of the reasons why I chose to come to IU was because of how large the school was and I figured that meant there were a lot of things to do and ways to get involved...I was right!

Some of the best advice I can give anyone coming to a new school for the first time is to go out and DO THINGS! Don't just sit in your room all day waiting for people to come to you. You may meet a few people that way, like your RA (because we're really nice and like to visit you) and maybe a neighbor or two on your floor but some of my best friends are people I met because I left my room and went out and did stuff! Because I love you all and want you to have a great experience just like I did, I've made a list of some next steps to take after orientation. This is great stuff to check out if you will be new to IU in the fall and for anyone who is considering IU for the future, this is a little taste of what you have to look forward to!

If you are worried about how to get involved on campus then I would definitely check out the event that has "student involvement" right there in the name! Tons of student organizations will be out and about on September 3 in Dunn Meadow to tell you what their group has to offer and how you can be a part of it! There is a lot of free stuff to give away too. I would recommend signing up for as much as you can. They will email you with more information about their organization and then you can decide from there what things you really want to commit to. So definitely check this out between 11:00am and 2:30pm on September 3rd in Dunn Meadow! (And be sure to come by the WeAreIU.com table if you are interested in being a student blogger!)

Most new students will be moving in on Wednesday August 21 and those 5 days before classes start are full of fun/free/festive/fascinating/fetch/flashy/fresh events that you can go to! (Notice how I made "fetch" happen...?) There are so many things to do that week that if you are bored, you are doing something wrong. When you move into the residence halls, you will be given a booklet that tells you all about these events, so get your friends (or soon-to-be-friends) together and have fun! This is a picture of some of the people from my floor right before we went to Traditions and Spirit!

This jobs fair will happen during Welcome Week. If you are looking for work while you are here at IU you'll want to make it to this event! I filled out about 10 applications right on spot when I went and got several calls back. I ended up taking a job with rec sports as an intramural volleyball official. There are so many opportunities for you to work at IU, you just need to know where to look! The Jobs Fair is a great place to start!

4. IU vs. Indiana State

This is the first IU Football game! It's a night game too which for some reason is so much more fun! We're supposed to have a pretty good team this year, so make sure you are out there to cheer them on! Frankly, I'm not that into football I love the Marching Hundered! This is the drumline (my favorite part!)

5. What's Next for You at IU?

This is a program put on by The Office of First Year Experience Programs. Last year was the first time they did this but it was a great success! It is designed by students, for students because who would know better how to help other people succeed at IU right?! At this program they will talk about a lot of things that you can do at IU and what should be the next big thing on your radar whether that's Study Abroad or looking for a place to live next year. DEFINITELY check this out!

There are so many things to do once you get here to IU. You just have to be open to all the opportunities that are waiting. A few more tips:

• get to know your professors and get involved in research if you can,
• volunteer in the Bloomington community,
• keep up with The Office of First Year Experience Programs because we have so much stuff going on all the time,
• and lastly, go to your RA's programs and get to know the people on your floor! As an RA, I know how tough it can be sometimes for students who are new to campus and the college environment, but that is why we are here! We want to help you all! Below is a picture of me making "breakfast for dinner" for my floor last year! See how much we care?! :) Anway, I wish all of you the best of luck as you begin your time here at IU. Have fun and study hard! And if you need anything, just let me know! 

So you are leaving town in a few weeks or, if you are like me, just a number of days.  I don’t know about everyone else, but the shrinking days before I move out bring me a great deal of stress.  From work, to trying to see my friends and spend time with my family, to packing up all of my things and being ready to go—my mind goes on overload mode!  Thus, there are a few ways to make a smoother transition to college from home (note the use of smoother rather than smooth). 

FIRST, make a packing list of things you need and another of things you can, or will, buy when you get to campus.  There are many stores that you can get supplies and things at once you are on campus (Target, Bed Bath and Beyond, Walmart, Macys, etc.)  Once you have made your list(s) gradually start packing away the things on the list.  No need to go gung-ho packing and do it all in one day—that is simply a recipe for stress on both your end and your parents’ end.  I have been packing things away for roughly two weeks, and some of the things I brought from school never even left their boxes.  Just a few more days of slow packing and I’ll be set to go (practically) stress free!  (below is a very small picture of the list(s) I have made)

SECOND, decide which of your friends you really want/need to see.  Is there someone you have barely seen all summer? Find out if you can go grab coffee or hang out for a little while (video games? Gossip? Workout buddy?) The best method to reduce the “OMG there are SO many people I need to see!” stress is to not spend every day going to meet four different people at four different times.  Trust me, your brain will thank you if you stick to one or two meet-ups every other day or so.

THIRD, your family (parents or guardians especially) may not show it, but they want to spend time with you before you venture off to school to make new friends, find yourself, and have a blast.  Family is, in my opinion, the key ingredient to a healthy transition to college.  It does not matter what you definition of “family” is—it could be two dogs and your second cousin five times removed—family is who you fall back on.  Spend some quality time with your family in the few days before you leave and don’t forget to let them know that you will, in fact, miss them amidst all the fun you will be having.  Also be sure to have a good talk about how often they are allowed to call you.  This is key:  I know a number of people whose parents contact them daily and they are fine with it, and others who would rather only hear from them every few days, or even every other week.  

LAST, get excited!  You are about to go to (or back to) a seriously great place for school.  Get psyched to make new friends or be reunited with old friends, I know I am!

There is my advice for today.  If you want more info on packing for a dorm (rather than my apartment list) click here, and if you want some more tips of de-stressing, I have another blog you can check out here. 

Keep Calm and Live On

Hasta Luego--see you next blog,

Claire

Hi! For my first blog post for WeAreIU, I thought I'd share a little bit about myself.

My name is Kat Boots (yes, that is my real name). Originally from Hartford City, Indiana, I went to boarding school my junior and senior year of high school at the Indiana Academy for Science, Mathematics, and Humanities. Growing up as a Hoosier, I always knew of IU, but only thought of it vaguely as some giant college in the southern region of the state. As I explored colleges across the nation for academic prowess while maintaining a semblence of affordabilty, IU again and again made it to the top of my search results, especially when I searched for schools with a strong Psychology department. The more I found out about IU and the city of Bloomington, the more excited I was about going there: I could really visualize enrolling, and I'm glad I made that decision.

This will be my third year living in Forest, one of the southern-most dormitories, and my second year on a Co-Op floor, which simply means the residents complete light custodial work one day a week for a reduced rate.

At home in Bloomington, I enjoy shopping in hideaway vintage shops and record stores, catching a comedian at the comedy club, playing soccer, checking out the puppies at College Mall, getting froyo with friends, and practicing dance in my spare time. I've also voluntered with a wonderful local organization, Monroe County United Ministries, in their food pantry. My triple major in Psychology, Sociology, and Linguistics allows me to meet many different people, as does my involvement with Clear @ IU, the Honors College, and through art demonstrations held around campus.

1. the quality of my major departments,

2. the affordability of such a great school, and

3. the vibrancy of the campus and city life.

I'm so excited to start as a student blogger for IU! It's crazy to think I'm already in my third year here, but there's plenty to let you guys in on!

Bye for now!

As the summer winds down and your aniticipation of move-in day grows, it's time to think about what you need for your new home. These items will maximize storage space and make life much easier. Although this post is geared for new Hoosiers moving into the dorms, many of these things are essential outside of the residence halls!

1. Hanging shelves. These velcro easily around the rod of your closet and just drop down to the floor! Bed Bath & Beyond makes these hangers for both sweaters/clothes and shoes. I recommend one of each. If you do that, they're narrow enough to fit into one section of the closet and still leave room for several hangers. (Most dorm closets consist of two sections with a sliding door dividing them.) The clothing hanger has six compartments, the shoe hanger I used had 10. If 10 pairs of shoes aren't enough, use an over-the-door shoe hanger. 

2. Plastic chest/drawer. This also saves tons of space and it fits right into your closet - just don't put it in the same one as your hanging shelves! It's light and easy to carry, and you'll have plenty of room above for hanging clothes. Some dorms already have separate chests or a chest built into the closet, but if you live in Foster like I did, you'll definitely want this. The one I used had a sturdy wooden top, perfect for placing extra items such as laundry detergent. If you don't need it for your closet, you could use it for other storage in your room! 

3. Under-the-bed storage box. I didn't think I'd need one of these, but when winter came around and I needed space for my heavier, bulkier clothes, this item did the trick. I used a simple plastic box on wheels that only took up half the space under my bed. 

4. Desk lamp. Although your desk comes with a light, sometimes it can be a bit bright, especially if you're trying to study while your roommate sleeps. This lamp is a little darker, but the best part is that it's not just a lamp - it triples as a pen/pencil holder and a charger! 

5. Surge protector/power strip. Speaking of chargers, your room doesn't have too many outlets, and you'll need enough to charge your phone, iPod and computer, as well as plug in your TV, microwave, fridge, hair dryer and straightener - not to mention your roommate's electronics! It's nice to have several outlets in one place with one of these power strips, and it clears up outlets for the bigger appliances. This one swivels around incase you need to plug it into hard-to-reach areas or around furniture. 

6. Alarm clock/speaker. An iHome works great here, but you can certainly find other brands that do the same thing. These work best as a clock, but are also great as a back-up alarm clock for when you can't hear your phone alarm. Then turn on the speakers, and your floormates will be stopping by to hear where the music is coming from! You can't go wrong with one of these.

7. Microwave and refrigerator. Whether you want popcorn, a cold drink or leftover Chinese food, having a microwave and refrigerator in your room is so convenient. Bedloft has a micro-fridge deal in which you can have the appliances delivered to your room before move-in day and taken back at the end of the year. You get both for $140 for the entire year, and you can split the cost with your roommate!

8. A fan. Even if your dorm has air conditioning, your room can sometimes get warm at the beginning and end of the year. (Or worse, your entire floor's air conditioning will stop working during a hot Labor Day weekend!)  In that event, you'll need a fan to stay comfortable. 

9. Plastic hooks. Create more hanging space in your closet with these easy to use plastic hooks! They stick right on and pull right of when you're done with them. They're perfect for drying wet clothes and towels, or hanging purses/bags! I recommend using at least six, with three in each closet. 

10. Bathrobe. Unless you're lucky enough to have a bathroom in your room, you'll need this for walking to and from the hallway bathroom to take a shower. It's much easier than dragging your clothes and towels with you, and don't forget flip flops! 

11. Shower caddy. If your bathroom is in the hallway, you'll need this to easily transport all your shower needs. I recommend getting a plastic one with holes in it so the water drains before you return to your room. This day/night caddy has a mini caddy that pulls out; it's nice when you only need to take a few things!  

12. Step stool. Your closet may have overhead storage space, great for storing that duffel bag. However, it's very high up, so you'll need one of these to reach that extra storage space! This one folds up so you can easily store it. 

Finally, don't forget your bedding with extra long sheets, towels and washcloths, and plenty of decorations to make the room colorful! 

Need more dorm shopping advice? Check these out!

• Things To Bring To Your Dorm Room!
• Packing for Freshman Year: Five Underestimated Must-Haves
• What to Expect: Dorm Room Shopping

Each changing semester inevitably comes with a lazy Susan of new required textbooks.

Even before you get to college, people will tell you how expensive textbooks are. And guess what? They're actually right. The key to your (and your bank account's) survival is to know whether to buy or rent your textbooks and where to do so.

Being a journalism major, I have one simple rule about my textbooks: only buy books that are required by my major, core classes. Yes, as a freshman, I had to take a math class. But will I need that Finite textbook after class? No, no I will not. Therefore, I rent it for the entire semester for a mere $20 and mail it back when I'm done with the final.

There are plenty of websites that allow you to rent your books. My go-to website for textbook rentals is Chegg.com. Chegg tries to give you the best price for you book, gives you a reasonable amount of time to mail it back, and even takes care of the shipping and handling for you. Other textbook rental websites include campusbookrentals.com and bookrenter.com. If you would rather rent your textbook in person, you can either try TIS Bookstore on 3rd St. or the Barnes and Noble bookstore at the student union.

Another perk of renting your textbooks is not only the price reduction, but also the fact you may end up retaining some of that important information from the textbook after all. If you take well-written notes and save them, then you can use those if you ever need to go back to that subject area (which probably won't be very likely, but still). 

Buying your textbooks is a bit trickier. In my experience, I have ever only purchased my textbooks from one place: Amazon.com. Fun fact: I paid $8 for a textbook I needed to purchase for my JOUR-J 375 class this fall. Eight. Dollars. Yes, you read that correctly. In all honesty, the most I've ever paid for a textbook on Amazon.com is about $15. For me, I don't need a textbook in the best condition, just one where the pages aren't falling out and the sentences are still readable. ALWAYS go into the "used" section when you find your correct textbook. Yes, in a perfect world, I would want all of my textbooks to be equally as perfect, but not if the difference between "Brand New" and "Like New" is $40. 

Just be sure to ask yourself, "Do I really need a pristine book?" Chances are, it's probably going to get dirty and/or crushed in that backpack of yours anyways. 

So, to sum it up:

1. Textbooks are expensive, but yours don't have to be.
2. Make sure you know whether or not you want to buy or rent your books.
3. If you want to rent, make sure to check out various rental websites and/or physical book stores.
4. If you want to buy, go to Amazon.com first. If you don't like the prices Amazon has, try Ebay or Barnes and Noble.
5. If you ended up buying a textbook that you really don't feel like you need, you can always sell it back at the end of the semester.
6. Take a money bath in all the extra cash you saved by following my advice.

I didn’t do so well the first semester of college my freshman year. In high school, I maintained A’s and B’s, and then college gave me my first C. The weird thing is that I knew I was completely capable of making straight A’s, but it’s true what everyone says: College is nothing like high school. Not to discredit the high school education I received because I went to a great high school with great teachers, it’s just that it’s nothing like college. Nothing will ever be like college, and it was especially hard to get used to the newfound freedom. If you’re reading this as an incoming freshman, please take the tips seriously and really consider it the next time your floor mate invites you to a Pretty Little Liars or a Pokemon (Guys still watch that, right?) marathon in their room. If you’re reading this as a returning student or it’s the middle of semester and your grades have gone to hell, don’t fret. When I was whining about my first semester grades to my high school teachers, they told me I was being baby because they “did waaaay worse” their first year of college, and that “C’s get degrees.” 

Just thought you'd like to see my first "I'm studying for college finals" selfie.

Most of these tips are common sense, and you’ve probably heard it before, and you’ve probably said, “Okay, time to buckle down. I’m serious, me. I’m gonna go write in my planner things I need to do, and I’m going to go to class, and I’m going to study for my quiz tomorrow,” and the next thing you know you’re watching Season 3 of The Office with your floor mates at 2:14 in the morning, and you’re wondering, “When are Pam and Jim gonna get together??”  Anyway, I started to do things differently my second semester, and low and behold, I had straight A’s that semester.

I think this is one of the most important things to do.  Keep a calendar, a planner, a list, or whatever works for you. Take note of the most important projects, essays, assignments. Know exactly what you need to do to get all of the points you can for each assignment. Know what the objectives of the class are. The first semester, I remember I put in all the assignments from the syllabi (Plural for syllabus, sounds weird. I know, I hate it too.)  I received for 3 of my 5 classes in my planner. I didn’t put the other 2 classes because the professors didn’t post the syllabi until after we went to class the first day. I didn’t bother to put in the remaining assignments for the other 2 classes until after I forgot to turn in the first assignment for one of them. It’s also important to bring your planner to class in case your professor/instructor decides to have an extra credit assignment due the next class meeting. This way, you will never forget!

Chances are, you will have a class where regular attendance is mandatory. I dreaded going to my Italian drill from Monday to Thursday at 10:10, but I still went because if I decided to sleep in one day, not only did I lose participation points, I was completely lost the next day. It’s common sense, but sometimes it takes you learning the hard way for you to drill it in your head: You. Must. Attend. Class. Not only to learn, but to show your professor you’re trying and that you care about your grade. Also, I missed a day where we formed groups and did a mini presentation the next day, and I was basically Steven Glansberg for half of the class. Just by myself.

Someone please understand this Superbad reference.

I had one class where attendance was not necessary, and I’ll be honest and say I didn’t go to many classes. It’s just one of those things where I attended about half of the class sessions and I honestly told myself that I was better off reading the textbook. Looking back though, I should have attended class because if it weren’t for my friends who had the same class and told me about an extra assignment we had assigned, I would have never known.

I know, it’s hard. Bed is too warm. It’s too nice of a day out to go to class. It’s too hot/cold to walk to class. I have something to do. But it’s just a matter of priorities. You go to college for a reason: education.

In regards to group projects, more than likely there will be someone who takes charge as leader for the group. In group projects, it’s easy to slack off because there will always be someone who doesn’t want a bad grade and is willing to do all the work, right? Well, you shouldn’t think like that. In fact, you’re cheating yourself out of a bad grade because what happens when everyone in your group is learning while doing this project, and you’re not doing or learning anything? How does that benefit you? Especially if you’re going to be graded individually or have quiz or test on it later? And anyway, if you don’t participate, your group members are just going to see you as a slacker, plain and simple. Moral of this section is: Participate.

Rote memorization only does so much. It helps with quizzes and tests, but what about cumulative finals? As a sociology major, I understood the concepts better and easier when I studied with my floor mate. If I understood something and she didn’t, I’d explain it to her. If I didn’t understand, she’d explain it to me. Then you both can explain it to each other. The fact that you can explain a concept or idea to someone in your own words is the best way to learn.

*** If you need help with finite, calc or any other math, and studying with another student doesn’t help, I am honestly sorry for you and I don’t know what else to tell besides to talk to your professor or to look up some math help sessions at the library or some residence hall centers. May God bless you on your journey.

So speaking of professors.. They tend to have office hours somewhere located on their syllabus. This is time where you are welcome to come in with questions, concerns, or just to talk and get to know your professor. This is especially great if you know you’re gonna need a recommendation letter for something sometime. I would say to take advantage of it, because it helps so much. I went into my instructor’s office during his hours to ask about a major assignment we had due. It was extremely helpful as I walked out with my head clear and I knew exactly what I had to do to get a good grade on my assignment. Not only that, but we got to discuss about the career of journalism and the different aspects of it, which had helped me in deciding what I wanted to do as a career. Although it’s a bit intimidating at first, you never know how beneficial it will be to you until you try.

Review sessions also help a bunch. Review sessions usually go over the questions that will be on your test or final and this helps you narrow down what you need to focus and study on.

I think the best part about living in the dorms first year is the people you meet on your floor. Although they can be bad influences on you, such as convincing you to watch The Notebook for the 22nd time on ABC Family with them, they can also be the best. You may have a few classes with them, and you can help each other study. They may make you go to the library with them, mostly because they don't want to go by themselves. Either way, you should make friends with those who are academically motivated and soon, you will be too.

No seriously Beth, it's time to study.

A little fun thing my floor mates and I did during finals week was get candy, do push-ups, or have a music jam session during our study breaks. We'd also leave each other cute, little motivation notes in their study folders, notebooks and textbooks. (Mostly used lyrics from Drake's "Make Me Proud.")

A couple things due, but we always got it done.

This is the most important. Going to a school with almost 50,000 kids is tough at times. Kids from all over the world choose to attend IU, and they have some pretty impressive resumes. You’ll have class with kids who were valedictorian of their graduation class, kids who had over a 4.0 GPA during high school, kids who did 100+ activities, kids who received full rides, kids who interned at a great, big company, kids who are already doing this and that at IU, etc.

The minute you start to compare yourself to others is the minute you start to lose confidence in yourself and what you’re capable of. It is the easiest and worst thing you can do for yourself. Instead, you should think of all the things you’ve done and could do. You go to Indiana University, one of the best universities in the nation. That’s saying something, right? So many kids every single year get rejected from IU, but you were accepted because Indiana University thought you were deserving and special enough to be a part of Indiana University. They think you can do great things here, and that’s the attitude you should have at all times.

While the amount of information sessions may seem overwhelming and boring, its important to try your best to take everything in. After all, one of the main purposes of New Student Orientation is to  make sure that you know everything you need to start your freshman year at IU. That being said, even as you feel yourself dozing off to the sound of "Campus Access cards" and "The Office of the Bursar," try to remember that you will need to remember most of what they're telling you. 

While IU's campus isn't necessarily hard to find your way around, I'm certainly grateful for the extra time I spent exploring at orientation. At orientation, you are responsible for getting yourself where you need to be a lot of the time. After orientation, I have a much better sense of where things are on campus, which makes the thought of arriving at IU for welcome week in 20 days much less intimidating. Plus, who wouldn't want time to explore one of the most beautiful college campuses in the country?

• http://www.weareiu.com/blog/edalford/making-the-most-of-yourientation
• http://www.weareiu.com/blog/kroadruck/what-to-expect-orientation

1. Call your mom: Seriously, guys, call her. Or text her, or skype her, or write her a letter if that's what you're into. You have the time, and it will mean a lot. Call your dad, too, while you're at it. 

2. Don't spend it all in one place: try to save some money, because $10 pizzas and $20 bottles of alcohol and $50 sweatshirts from the bookstore add up, and they add up fast. Try to be concious of what you're spending and how much you have left. It isn't fun to budget, but it's more fun than realizing you have $30 left in your bank account and you have 4 weeks left of groceires to buy before the end of the semester. Oh, and rent. Shoot.

3. Don't skip class: to be honest, I skipped a lot of class in high school; and it only got easier to continue the trend once I got to college. No one is going to wake you up in the morning, drive you to school, and make sure you're where you're supposed to be. Most classes give points for attendence, and even if they don't, there's no way for you to make up the discussions and lectures you miss. Even if you have the notes, they don't substitute what you learn when you're actually present and engaged. Skipping class is tempting, and there are a million excuses that all seem valid at the time: I'm hungover, it's raining, there's a new episode of The Real Housewives on Hulu that I haven't watched yet...but trust me, you'll feel better once you go. And most of the time it's what, 50 minutes? You can get back in bed after, I promise.

4. Get involved...: Clubs, intramural sports, volunteer opportunites...there are a thousand ways ot get involved at IU. It's a great way to meet new people with shared interests, and it looks good on your resume for the future. Once you find the clubs, teams, etc. that interest you the most, give them a decent amount of your time and be an active participant. If that means becoming a club officer or team captain; that's great. It'll give you good experience and be a place you can really feel that you belong.

5. ...But remember why you came to school: "Remember you're at IU to get an education". This is my dad's go-to comment whenever I tell him I'm involved in anything besides going to class or studying at the library. As annoying as it is when he says it, I have to admit he has a point. There are so many fun, exciting, and beneficial things that IU has to offer, but you're gunna regret the 7 clubs you're in when you're trying to explain a 1.7 GPA to a future employer. Have time for the extracurriculars, but put school first. You aren't spending 4 years and thousands of dollars to be the president of the ultimate frisbee club. 

6. Call your mom. Just do it, she loves you.

Looking for some more wise counsel? Check out these posts.

• Five Pieces of Advice Every High School Graduate Should Get (originally by John Cheese)
• Beyond Welcome Week: What To Do Once You're Settled In to IU

When starting classes at IU, it is important to know that college is different than high school. You can use the bathroom whenever you want, you can technically show up to class whenever you want. You are now responsible for all of your own studies, and while this may seem daunting at first it is something that makes college so exciting. It is important to make sure that you stay on top of your schoolwork, however, when starting off the school year. There will be many temptations to go out and meet new people and party with your friends and while I encourage this, lets face it -  going out and socializing is a massive part of college life, it is important to get a healthy balance between school and social life, after all the main point of college is to be a student and get a degree. And after completing my first year at IU here are a few of my tips to helping you do well inside and outside the lecture hall!

I really can’t stress this enough. Sure its not always required that you attend every single class but this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t. Show up to all of your classes!! For every class you miss that’s anywhere from 50 minutes to 3 hours worth of material that you missed that could be a multitude of questions on a test or concepts that are very important for your class. Also most classes do take attendance and will allow anywhere from a couple absences to NO absences before your grade is deducted. The easiest way to get some of those precious points in a class is by simply showing up.

I know I know you just got a brand new Macbook as a graduation gift and you want to use it but laptops can be a huge distraction during lectures. If you are taking notes during class, you may want to turn the internet off as social networking sites such as facebook and twitter can become very distracting during class. A good idea if you know you’re going to be surfing the internet instead of taking notes is to leave your laptop in your dorm room and just take a simple notebook to class and handwrite all of your notes and then later type them all up. It may seem tedious but it’ll allow you to take your notes without distractions during class and by typing them up you’ll be rereading them and allowing yourself to absorb the information. Just make sure your handwriting is clear!!

I was afraid at first of going to office hours but it really is one of the best things you can do for your academic career. Even though professors may seem scary they are usually really willing to help you do well in their class. They will usually offer advice, help proofread papers,explain tricky concepts, or give you some helpful study hints. Go to office hours, and if you have class during a certain professors’ office hours then email them and ask to meet up, you won’t regret it!

I get it, you could occasionally get away with not studying or doing your homework in high school. College is a little different though and if you think you can just breeze by and get a 4.0 by just attending lectures you may be in for a rude awakening. Your professor may not know whether or not you did the readings but doing those readings will teach you important concepts and material, I know doing the readings may seem optional but they’re really not the professors EXPECT you to do them.

Studying is also important and studying the night before a big test just won’t cut it. Plan to study weeks ahead and split up the material so you aren’t just trying to cram. Form study groups as well as a way to get a new perspective on your material. Also try to study away from distractions, Wells is a great place to study and is open 24 hours a day, the Union is also a great place to study and it’s also open 24 hours a day!

-Harriet 

So now's about the time when everyone's got their classes scheduled and their dorm or apartment stuff picked out. You'll move in, have fun through Welcome Week, and then be tossed head first into classes. Going from break to school is never an easy transition. It's harder in college because you no longer have a parent watching over you making sure you actually do your work, which means there's more opportunities to play. Believe it or not, this isn't a bad thing. After you fall, figuring out how to pick yourself back up is a great skill to develop and your parents have to let you go enough so that you can figure that out yourself (but they'll still be mad if you fail). 

So what determines how you do in your classes? Study habits. Attending class, especially review sessions, and reading your textbook are included in this. If a professor is bothering to host a review session, you are very likely to hear exact questions that will be on your test. If not, you can ask "I'm having  trouble understanding <insert whatever here>. Could you explain it differently and maybe give an an example question?" You're asking for test questions without asking straightforwardly. This always works.

Did you get by without studying in high school? Doesn't work that way for most college classes. If you don't study, you will not get a good grade. And if your idea of studying is watching TV, texting your friends, Facebook messaging a cute guy/girl, shopping online, and eating at the same time with your book studying across the room, you're in for a rude awakening. The worst part?  No one will have sympathy for you. There's a Fall Out Boy lyric that says "You can only blame your problems on the world for so long before it all becomes the same old song." Truer words have never been spoken (sung?). If you study like that and don't do well on any of your tests, your friends and your parents will see right through your excuses.

• Go to class 
• Read your textbook
• Actively participate in class (meaning answer/ask questions and take notes)
• Study notes and key concepts from books
• Say hello to the people next to you and invite them to study with you

Are some classes easier than others? Yes, but assume they're all hard until you get through the first exam, then figure out what you need to do to keep good grades. I am guilty of skipping classes that I know I have a good handle on and can function well without a professor right there with me, but I never do it until after the first exam. That way I know what the tests are like and whether I need to memorize word for word or just know concepts. This determining by yourself is one of the hardest things for college students to do, but once you know yourself and how you learn a subject, it becomes easier. Just use your best judgment.

Here are a few more tips from our other student bloggers:

• Seven Ways to be a Better Student
• Five Quick Tips to Getting an A in College
• Not-So-Solid Start with Welcome Week & Classes? 10 Steps to an #IURestart
• Does Making Friends with Professors Really Help You?

If you have any questions, or have some other helpful ideas, feel free to share them in the Comment section below.

During my summer in Salamanca, I have travelled every weekend. It's tiring, but completely worth it. I cannot imagine coming to another country and just sitting around on the weekends. I have seen so much of Spain by getting out there, taking the Renfe, and exploring new places.

Cursos Internacioles offers many excursions for students. I only signed up for one weekend with them, to Lisboa, Portugal. My roommate went to Segovia and Toledo with them as well. They offer great day trips as well as the weekend excursion. Moving on to the fun, travel bits:

Lisboa is beautiful. The capital of Portugal, there is so much to see. Going with the school was a great way to see the city. Everything but food is taken care of (by you, earlier, but still it's not a hassle.) and they offer great tours. Our guide was really nice. Of course, since we have a language program, everything is done in Spanish. We were able to tour a super old castle on the first day of arriving there as well as multiple cathedrals, an old town, a beautiful beach, and metropolitan Lisboa.

Since pictures speak louder than words:

One of the things I loved about Lisboa was how clean everything was, and also how beautiful. The Portugese people make things beautiful just so that they are beautiful. Even the metro stations were decorated intricately. I loved it.

One of the most important parts of any culture is their food. You should always try something at least once, in my opinion.

There were a few people on our trip who seemed to be anti-culture. While the group stopped to get Nata, one girl went into the Starbucks next door to get a coffee and a cookie. Seriously? There are plenty of those in the United States. Other students went back to the hotel and took naps during our freetime instead of exploring the city. My one suggestion about traveling, if you are going to do it, commit, and soak up as much of it as you possibly can.

I think Lisboa was one of my favorite cities out of the five I visited.

Coming to Indiana University, I was about as naive as you could be. I wasn't one of those students that pre-ordered their textbooks. I had no idea where I could find an ATM. I was even reluctant to leave my dorm room during Welcome Week for fear of getting lost. But one day, I saw a poster about free week at the SRSC. I decided to go to a Zumba class with some new friends and had a blast. Right then I realized you just have to get out there and explore. It may seem scary at first but that is how you start to feel comfortable. That is when you can discover all the wonderful hidden treasures and spots on campus. Here is a list of all the things and places I didn't discover until about halfway through my freshman year, but now have become my favorite places to go.

If you're looking for a delicious Oreo shake, or an appetizing banana split, visit the Crimson Creamery located on the Foster-Harper side of Gresham Food Court. The best part--you can use meal points!

Not only does Foster have fabulous breakfast buddies at Gresh, delectable ice cream at the Crimson Creamery but it has just about every late night munchie you can imagine at the Hoosier Den. Otherwise known as the "Hoo Den," this place is open every night 10pm till 2am, and features pool tables, ping pong, big screen TVs, gaming TVs, and board games. Not to mention tasty nachos, breadsticks, donuts, and hot dogs. Once I discovered this place, I couldn't stay away.

You know that feeling when you have a strong desire to watch a certain movie, and that movie only? But you don't own it and it's not available on Netflix. Stop by one of the RPS MMM Libraries. There's a good chance they will have it. Conveniently located in most dorms, my friends and I would go rent The OC series on the weekends. All you need is a student ID!

Everyone pulls an all-nighter at least once a semester at good 'ol Wells. Wander down to the basement and you'll find Chick-Fil-A! I'm guilty of snacking on their chicken nuggets and waffle fries every once in a while. Just remember they're not open on Sundays.

The IMU plays feature films every weekend and they're free! Perfect date spot. Not to mention they have "The Back Alley", a great place to go bowling. The union is centrally located on campus and I am just beginning to realize everything it has to offer.

Are you a Harry Potter fan? Then you need to go check out the dining hall at Collins. When you step inside, you actually feel like you're in Hogwarts. I got tired of eating at Gresh all the time so I tried it out with some friends and they have yummy meals that are actually pretty healthy.

Last but certainly not least, is the McNutt C-Store. I feel so lucky to have lived in McNutt because I got to eat their sandwiches on the daily, and sip on a made-to-order Starbucks drink or a strawberry smoothie. What I didn't know about this place: it doesn't open until 11am on the weekends. If you plan on going to a tailgate, you will have to make your way to a different food court.

I hope that you will check out all these places and discover some of your own!

Related Articles:

• Kaylee's Dining Hall Awards: The Best Food on IU's Campus and Where to Get It
• McWhat? Dorm Review: McNutt
• http://www.weareiu.com/blog/maddie-glenns-blog

What other places should we add to this list? Share your recommendations in the Comments section below.

I lived on campus both my freshman and sophomore year -- personally I thought it was a great decision because I was not only on campus and close to everything, I was not quite ready to make the commitment to looking for and paying for an apartment or house.

Choosing a roommate and an apartment to live in can be tough. Here are some things I thought about when I was apartment hunting:

1. cost,
2. location,
3. campus proximity,
4. services, and
5. (don't get me started on) the amenities! 

My roommate and I made lists of the things we liked and didn't like for each apartment complex. We both wanted a washer and dryer (which we didn't end up getting), wi-fi (still working on that -- its a long story), and a shuttle or bus that goes to and from campus (got it!) among a few other things. What made us decide on the place we are currently living was the cost mainly. It was the most affordable for us and we found that we'd be able to adapt and use our resources for anything else that we may want or need.

I think after the whole process of picking a place to stay and finally moving in I'm happy where we ended up because it's a place we can call our own.

A few weeks after living here I've been trying to get accustomed to living off campus, the city bus system, and grocery shopping (believe me it's not that easy!).

• Before I even moved back I went to Oliver Winery on my birthday for a wine tasting.
• I got a job because I have to pay rent somehow!
• I visited Kilroy's and Dunkirk since I turned 21 this summer.
• I stuffed my face at Mr. Hibachi. 
• I went to a 18+ "club" opening at Club Pretty Boy to see a friend perform -- not the best place to go, I'll probably never go again.
• Yesterday I went to Pourhouse Cafe and had a blondie frappe and it did not disappoint!
• I also tried Laughing Planet for the first time and it was delicious! I had the pestato burrito. You can find the menu here.
• I went to the Bloomington Farmers Market off Sixth Street - they have one every Tuesday. There is also one every Saturday (at another location, click here for details about both).

Since moving back to Bloomington I've also been able to hang out with some friends and even meet new ones already! As welcome week is approaching I get more and more excited to go to all the events and see all my friends again. I thought the excitement would eventually wear off but I truly love being in Bloomington and being a student at IU because everyday brings new possibilities.

If you are looking for a place to live off-campus, here are a few other articles you might want to read:

• Your Ultimate Guide to Bloomington Apartment Hunting
• Moving Off Campus: The Wrong Way and The Right Way

By now, you probably have your room and roommate assignments. If your room assignment says Foster, congratulations! You're living in a great place this year! Here's what you can expect when you live in Foster.

Foster consists of five separate buildings - Harper, Magee, Martin, Shea and Jenkinson. Harper is the main building; it's bigger and taller than the others. Regardless of which building you're in, living in Foster has some great advantages.

• Food is literally right outside your door (especially if you live in Harper). Gresham Food Court is located in Foster Quad, and it contains not only the main cafeteria, but the Crimson Creamery ice cream parlor and the Hoosier Den late-night snack bar. You're also a quick walk away from the C-store across the street in McNutt. 
• Your room is fully carpeted and has more storage space than you'd expect. You have a desk, bookcase, two-section closet, two overhead cabinets, a wall shelf and plenty of room under your bed.
• You have air conditioning. That is all. 
• You're just minutes away from  the athletic areas, North Jordan (Greek row) and the center of campus. I could reach Assembly Hall, the Wells Library, the SRSC (gym), many Greek houses or the Union in just a 10-minute walk. The Kelley, SPEA and Psychology buildings are even closer. Can't get any better than that!
• You have two A-bus stops, one across the street and one right outside of Shea. This is so convenient at night, when the weather is bad or when you need to go across campus to 3rd Street or Kirkwood and don't feel like walking.
• If you need to go to the Indianapolis Airport, shuttles will pick you up and drop you off across the street at McNutt.
• The atmosphere is perfect. I never remember the hall getting too loud, but it was never too quiet. The people around me always buckled down and got their work done when they needed to, but they certainly loved to have fun too.

I must, however, mention some drawbacks you'll encounter. These are only minor, but you'll still need to be aware of them. 

• To get home, you'll have to hike up Fee Lane (we call it Fee Mountain, and you'll understand why very soon). Often, you'll carry your heavy backpack, which makes the trip even harder. Fortunately, Foster is the first stop on the hill.
• This one is for girls living in Harper: You're most likely living on one of the upper floors, which means you'll have to wait for elevators, which are small and can take awhile. If you're living in any of the other Foster buildings, you won't even have elevators.
• The buildings aren't connected to each other, so you'll need to walk outside to access different ones. 

I had a great experience living in Foster last year, I really couldn't have asked for a more perfect residence hall. To those of you living here this year, enjoy! 

Need more information about living in Foster or other residence halls on campus? Read one of these!

• Teter Quad Residence Hall (Dorm Review) - My Home Away from Home
• Foster Dorm Review: The Best Parts of Foster Quad
• Living in Read: A Dorm Review
• McNutt Dorm Review - Indiana University

As prosaic and cliched as a "Here, freshmen, sage advice from upperclassman" article is, I hope that I could share a little bit of what I learned the hard way through my first two years at college. 

So, I will tell you, frankly, what you need to keep in mind coming into college. Of course, we're all different, and of course, what I say may not work for you. But some parts of my college experience would have been significantly better/easier had I just considered the following:

• It will not go as planned. Don't expect it to. Between random roommate assignments, unpredictable professors, chaotic acts of catastrophe--nothing can be strictly routine. If everything doesn't turn out exactly as you expected, it will be alright. Don't panic. Instead, take it as a lesson for how to deal. Roll with the punches, come out on top.
• Don't fear rejection or failure. Remember, you'll never get a "Yes" if you don't ask. Join clubs and get involved. I made the mistake of delaying involvement in extracurriculars, thinking they'd weigh me down and hurt my GPA. The truth is, all the extra time made me lazy, and my GPA was never better as soon as I involved myself in clubs, sports, etc. Work hard, play hard.
• Know your limits. This can be read many ways, but put simply, invincibility is overrated and unattainable, so why bother? For me, a $3000 emergency room bill and various other exhausting endeavors taught me that, from here on out, the one to take care of you is you. Take care of yourself, and know what you can and cannot do.
• Get out there. Discover new things, some you'll adapt to your life, others you'll simply try once and discard. Even if you try it and hate it (the opera, say), it'll be a fun memory. It's all about the experience, baby.
• Show some humility, and maybe even a touch of kindness. In all things, moderation. Confidence is a great asset, and I would hope you come in thinking that you're great and wonderful and special. But the people most rewarded are those who recognize the strengths of those around them and lift them up.
• You have a right to be happy. If your major makes you miserable, if the walls are closing in, if you feel alone, break free. No, you're not going to love every minute of the work you have to do. But college [should be] an exciting, stressful, wonderful, busy time where you grow closer to who you are. This is the time to find what you love and hate. Be selfish with your time--don't waste it, ever.

Good luck,

Kat

Hola todos! Don't worry, I won't write in Spanish- you don't want to translate and I don't want to write it. This summer I have been living in Salamanca for 6 weeks. In my mind, I was going to blog for WeAreIU all the time, however, I ended up soaking up the culture instead of writing. So now that it is finals week, I am doing what I do best - procrastinate.

The Cursos Internacionales program in Salamanca is fantastic. They have a lot of options for both additional classes and excursions. The classes they offer range from Spanish guitar, Spanish dancing, to Spanish cooking. Since I love to eat, my roommate and a couple friends all signed up for the cooking class together. It was a 4 day class where we met every day for an hour and a half and watched a professional chef cook. We each got to help with about one thing a day. I thought it was going to be a home-ec type class where they just kind of let you go, but I'm glad it wasn't. I got to eat magnificent food every day. It only cost about 35 euros to participate if I remember correctly.

The foods we made (and recipes I get to take home)

• Gazpacho
• Paella
• Tortilla Española
• Arroz con leche
• Torrija
• Sangria

My favorite meal was definitely the torrija - it's a fancy Spanish version of french toast. You let milk soak with citrus peels and cinamon overnight, and then you dip bread in it and then deep fry it. It's basically delicious. This treat also came on the week where I was craving french toast, so it was a win-win.

I strongly suggest taking an additional class if you study abroad. It was a great way to meet other students, and I also got to eat great food.

For all of you new Collinsites out there wondering what it's going to be like on move-in day, I'd like to clue you in.

Recently, people have been moving in to Collins early. This is fine, you know - get there, set up your room, breathe a little. However, it makes you miss out on some awesome feels.

Driving up to Collins on Wednesday (official move-in day) you'll be greeted by fun music, balloons, streamers, dancing, and people EVERYWHERE. You might as well practice your grin now because once you get here, it won't leave your face. Welcome Week Assistants will greet you at your car to help you carry things up to your new room after you check in. Refreshments will be around the courtyard for after you move in and you're hot and need a break. And if those aren't enough, you can take a run through the Babelfish Pool with your new roommate to break the ice.

Basically, moving in on Wednesday gives you all the pomp and circumstance necessary to get your week to an AWESOME start.

And as far as the rest of the year? Well, you couldn't have landed in a better place to live.

Have any questions? Join the student-run Collins Facebook page, Collinsites (Collins LLC), introduce yourself, and ask away. Everyone is really excited to meet you.

Don't Panic!