There are 29,084 students enrolled in the University of National Champions. You would think that it would be easy enough to find at least ONE friend, right? Wrong! For some of us, making friends is an art that we’re just not any good at. Whether it be social anxiety, shyness, or the case of the classic dorm room shut-in, there are many ways we can feel isolated. The bad thing about being in such a big university is that makes you feel that much smaller. The easiest way to whittle down your candidates is looking in your residential community. Here’s how!
SO. MUCH. BLUE!
Think Small
Start with your roommate and suitemates! These two are the first and easiest friends you’re going to make in college. You see them every day and you live together! If we’re cooking up a recipe for friendship, these are like the salt and pepper of the recipe! You can’t go wrong! Do fun things with them! Go out to parties, have movie nights, spa nights, game nights, football nights, gym nights, truth or dare nights, etc. If you’re unsure how to break the ice, buy a pizza to share with everyone or make dinner for them!
Two roommates having a good time!
The main takeaway is that you need to engage in conversation! If you do your own thing (which I have), chances are it’ll just get harder and harder to start the interaction and the next thing you know, it’s the end of the year, you kinda hate each other, and have also never spoken (which I have also experienced). Not ideal. Make friends out of your roommates and you’ll thank me later.
Join Community Government
These are like-minded individuals from your community who want to get together to organize fun things for everyone else. Not only will you bond with your other COGO members, but you’ll meet nearly everyone else in your community who come to your events. After a while, you’ll get a few regulars. Once you remember names, that’s it! You’re already friends!This is a quick and clean way to put yourself in a sphere of influence! Have fun with it!
Community Events
Alternatively, do the things that COGO and the RAs have planned for you! If there’s food, there’s broke college students! Fact of life! Bond over this! Your RA and COGO is going out of its way to facilitate conversation for you! Use this to your advantage!
Know Your Neighbors
Last night, some girls came over to my suite and told us they had a bunch of left-over food to share and invited us to come over. Immediately, I wanted to be their friend. It is so easy to meet the people around you. Just knock next door, say, “Hey, I’m so and so, it’s nice to meet you!” You should do this anyway at least to know who to yell at when they’re being too loud!
I recognize that some of these things are easier said than done, but they should be done none the less. Friends are an investment for your happiness and well-being. You have to put a little work into them. The profit, however? Priceless. 🙂
If you have any other ideas, let us know in the comments below!
Alright y’all! This post is dedicated to a topic that is near and dear to my heart: bus transportation. I was surprised to find out that only a few people were as ecstatic as me about the public transportation system in Chapel Hill. I mean, the system is so expansive and can take you to so many places! This post is dedicated to you students who have yet to learn those bus routes- you have no excuses now!
Life’s solution to the hassle called walking.
Here are a few scenarios and the bus routes I’d take:
Note: This is more oriented towards first-year students, who are probably less familiar with the bus system.
I need to… go to class
There are a ton of different routes to get to class! The RU, CCX, and A will take you to the Student Stores area which is close to many buildings on the lower quad. The RU and U are your best bets if you have class on the upper quad.
I need to… go grocery shopping
The J is going to be your all stop grocery bus! Not only is the new Super Target on the J’s route, but stay on a little longer and it’ll take you to the Harris Teeter in Carrboro. If you need some basics, the U route puts you on Franklin Street, where the CVS and Walgreens are.
I need to… get somewhere out of Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill is a great place to be, but it’s understandable to occasionally want to explore other areas every once in a while. Thankfully, there are a ton of different options to get there-wherever there is. The Triangle Transit is a great way to get somewhere in the Research Triangle. It only costs around 2-3 dollars per bus ticket, which is way cheaper than an Uber. The PART bus system will also take you to Greensboro, and only costs 2-3 dollars as well.
Because I really care about you guys (and the bus system), I made a diagram for you guys so it’s easier to picture all of these different routes! This map is in no way comprehensive of all the different routes and stops; I just put in the ones I found the most helpful.
This diagram was obviously made for usefulness and not appearance.
ALSO: NEXTBUS. DOWNLOAD THAT APP. IT WILL BE YOUR SAVIOR.
It was easy to get away with looking over your notes for a minute, and then acing the test. It started to get a little harder when we got to AP classes, but college classes are in their own league. “Okay, so I’ll just spend a little more time studying – no biggie!” Ummm, wrong! On top of studying, now you need to handle taking care of yourself too. That means laundry, cooking, cleaning, exercising. Let’s not forget you have clubs, jobs, leadership positions, etc. Finally, last but not least, you need to maintain a social presence and sleep at least 8 hours a day. Now we’re in quite a pickle.
You might say you have a choice: zombie, bum, or nerd. Lucky for you, we’re going to teach you how to time manage like a jedi. Here are some tips from someone who (kinda) made it through their first year of college.
Scheduling Is Key
Remember that agenda they used to give you? Yeah, you might wanna pull it out for more than doodling now. Your agenda is like your light sabre! Teachers won’t always put their homework online, so it is critical to write everything down. Time blocking everything out is also useful. Once you know everything you’re supposed to get done, estimate the time you’ll need for each task. This way you can keep yourself on schedule. It might feel a little monotonous, but part of the problem is that sometimes we don’t know how to police ourselves and stay organized. This is meant to help with that.
Libraries are your Best Friends
As comfy comfy and relaxing as being in your room can be, it can leave you susceptible to non-productivity. You’re around your comfy bed and your food and your friends…which is nice, but it doesn’t push you to study. Libraries are quiet and solemn. They can give you clarity of mind and make you feel less alone in getting your work done.
Study with your Friends
Multi-tasking is a great idea in this sense. As long as you’re not chatting up your friends, you can maintain some kind of social life while still getting your work done. Same goes for eating, exercising, and going to clubs. If you do things with your friends, you won’t feel alone or as if you’re doing work at all.
Take Smart Breaks
You obviously can’t study 24/7. Know when you’re taking too much on for you, or when you’re working too hard. Just because your friend is in 50 different clubs, doesn’t mean you should do that too. Everyone has their own level of work they can handle, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Do what’s good for you! The last thing you need is to feel overwhelmed and too stressed out. If you have nothing big coming up, go ahead and take a walk, or go out with your friends. There’s no use in running yourself dry! Treat yourself!
Know When to Stop
If you’re partying every weekend, that’s too much. It’s healthy to go out, for sure, but if you’re doing it at the expense of your responsibilities, or even worse, your sleep, it’s not a good idea. A fun night does not have to involve a late night party, especially with final exams looming near. Sometimes getting your work done and then just enjoying a movie night with your roommate is all that you need. That way you’ve finished all your work during the weekend and your week won’t be so backed up. The more you put off homework at Carolina, the more it builds up. Built up work is the Darth Vader of college.
Don’t Procrastinate
Yeah, yeah. We’ve all heard it. But it actually is important. When I took Econ 101, I was surprised by how many people bombed all of the exams. Alternatively, I didn’t think it was so bad and did fairly well. What was the difference between us? The difference was that I kept up with my studying every day. I never procrastinated for more than a day. That way, when it came time to study for an exam, I didn’t have to cover as much material as other people. They weren’t able to “relearn” it all in time (it was a lot!) and didn’t do well on the test. On the other hand, I didn’t keep up that well for my accounting class and it was not so fun studying for 24 hours straight when I could have studied for one hour every day for 24 days. Trust me, there are better ways of doing things. Use the force! The force of your will that is.
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Like all things, time management is a fine skill that takes practice. If you fail a couple of times, don’t worry about it. It’s only a blimp in the past. But if you learn how to hone these skills, the better life can be, and the more you can get out of it. Just remember to put your physical, mental, and spiritual health first! If you don’t have these, you have nothing!
You may have been excited to start college (I was!), but then as you watched your parents drive away from you, or you drove away from them in the driveway, an intense feeling of dread might have kicked in. No one is quick to admit it, but homesickness is a thing, a very real thing! And contrary to what the moniker might entail, it doesn’t really have much to do with your home, or the physical place you lived.
Home is Where the Heart Is
In an article published by CNN, Josh Klapow, a clinical psychologist and associate professor at University of Alabama explains that homesickness “stems from our instinctive need for love, protection and security — feelings and qualities usually associated with home” (Ho).
So even though your dorm might be bland, your mattress is lumpy, and your roommate is weird…those aren’t really the reasons why you’re so sad all of a sudden and want to go home. What you really miss is just your family and friends!
It doesn’t mean you’re a baby! It means you’re human. So if you’re feeling guilty about this, don’t! It’s perfectly natural.
Know you’re not alone…
‘Cause I’m gonna make this place your home! In the words of the great Phillip Phillips, settle down it will all be clear. Everyone is homesick at first (even if they don’t say it) and you have people to talk to! The most important thing is that you find each other and share these feelings. Talk with your roommate and bond over your favorite things from back home.
Friends are the Medicine
If homesickness is from our instinctive need for love, then the best solution is just to find your new family. Your friends are what make your Carolina experience great and what will make UNC your new home. Don’t shut yourself in your room and just watch Friends on Netflix while crying about the good ol’ times. Get out there! Meet people! Go eat on Franklin with your suite or introduce yourself to your next door neighbors! You will find that as soon as you find your school family, you won’t be so homesick anymore because you are home!
Not to mention, our residential communities always have fun things going on like parties, free food give-aways, game nights, and more! Take advantage of these opportunities to have a good time!
Decor Galore
You’d be surprised by how much decorating your room like your room at home or anything else cozy can make you feel a lot better!
Don’t Forget Your Roots
Just because you’re having a good time in college doesn’t mean you should give up on your old friends and family! Keep in touch with them because they miss you too! (Especially your parents, seriously!) Skype is a great way to catch up! Once a month, have a Skype date, and share your current adventures! This will help any residual homesickness!
If You Still Feel Alone…
Carolina has a lot of resources that can help you improve your mental health. CAPS (Counseling and Psychological Services) are a great resource available to all students at UNC. They are committed to helping you!
Your RA is also a great option! They are basically like your mom. But cooler. 😉
If All Else Fails…
Visit home. It takes the strongest person to say they need a break. Take a weekend, have your mom hug you, and pack you some food to remind you of home. You’ll come back feeling rejuvenated and ready to try again!
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Don’t stress too much about homesickness. Once you get into your studies, you won’t even have enough time to think about it. As someone who left the nest early to go to boarding school, I understand how scary it can be. It only took a week for me to find my family and start calling my school home. The real problems is when you go back home for the summer and then start telling your parents you want to go home.
“You are at home!”
“No! Carolina, home.”
If you ever need anyone to talk to, feel free to reach out to me or the rest of the bloggers! You can never have enough friends!
4 Easy and Delicious Mug Meals for Students on a Budget (Time or Money!!)
You worked hard in high school, you did your applications, you’re in college, GREAT! So far, so good! Suddenly, your class is in 30 minutes, the dining hall isn’t even open, you don’t have enough money to go to Starbucks and you NEED YOUR BREAKFAST! What’s even worse is all your cooking experiments have ended up in flames and you don’t even have a kitchen to burn down! What do you do?
Well, you do have a mug…and a microwave… here are some good options for every meal whether you’re in a rush or you just need something cheap!
Breakfast
Easily your most important meal of the day: Skipping breakfast is a no no! What’s full of protein and goodness? EGGS! More specifically, omelets! This meal is not only quick, but it’s pretty healthy too!
Here’s what you need:
Directions:
Add the butter to a pretty large (12 oz) microwaveable coffee mug. Make sure to spread it on the sides to prevent sticking.
Microwave the eggs for a minute (more or less depending on microwave’s power).
Sprinkle whatever toppings you want on there and then microwave again for about 30-60 seconds more (or until it looks done to you).
Add salt ‘n’ peppa and maybe some hot sauce while you’re at it!
Voila! It is beautiful!
If you’re feeling extra fancy, you can always add some cooked bacon or sausage crumbles!
Lunch
At Carolina, lunch is what gets us students through the mid-day slump! If you’re in your room for lunch, and need a quick pick me up, you’re gonna love this option: Cheesy Mac! Forget that boxed Kraft stuff: their cheese ain’t even real! This is easy and so much healthier…and tastier!
Here’s what you need:
Directions:
Add Macaroni, Water, and Salt in a big a** mug (since the water will boil up). Microwave for about 3 1/2 minutes or until the pasta is fully cooked.
Read carefully: POUR OUT the water! You don’t need it anymore!
Stir in your milk, corn starch, and shredded cheese (you can use any cheese but we recommend cheddar) and then microwave for another 60 seconds. Stir well, and if you’re feeling adventurous, add some bacon!
Finish off with some salt ‘n’ peppa!
Oh man, does that look good or what??
Dinner
Last meal of the day, maybe you’re feeling like you should treat yourself… how about some pizza! Yes, pizza! Bet you didn’t know you could make that in a mug!
Here’s what you need:
Directions:
Mix your flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in a mug.
After your dry ingredients are mixed, add your wet ingredients: milk and oil. Mix the dry and the wet together. There might be some clumping, but don’t worry about that!
Spoon and spread the marinara sauce on the surface of the pizza batter.
Sprinkle on your cheese, dried herbs (to taste), and pepperoni on top. DO NOT STIR!!!!
Microwave for a minute and a half or until the toppings start bubbling! Let it cool a bit and enjoy! (No one wants pizza burns!)
I’m shook!
Dessert
Surprise! We think you should be spoiled, so we’re throwing in some dessert! How does chocolate cake sound to you?
Here’s what you need:
Directions:
Add dry ingredients (flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt) in the mug and stir thoroughly! Like you mean it!
Stir in your wet ingredients (milk, vegetable oil and vanilla). Blend until smooth like Joel Berry’s three pointer.
Stir in your chocolate chips and/or walnuts if desired.
Microwave for 90 seconds. Careful not to overcook, or it’ll be dry (like Duke!).
Let it cool for a few minutes, and enjoy!!
Just heavenly. . .
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So you’re not a chef. . . well you don’t need to be one to do these! Hopefully, your college career will go much more smoothly with these easy and tasty meals.
Remember, cooking times can vary between microwaves and you can always add or leave out as many toppings as you want!
Some of these recipes were created by Gemma Stafford and others were just found on the internet! If you’re interested in more mug recipes including those of the vegan and healthy variety, check out the links below!
Yep, we’re millennials, and we’re not ashamed. So what if we spend a few hours taking some pictures for a few likes? Don’t deny it, we’re all guilty! I know I am! (Shameless plug: Follow me @fania_the_funion :P)
To make it easier for you guys in your Instagram endeavors, I’ve compiled a list of the most photogenic spots on our campus that YOU NEED TO INCLUDE in your dossier before you graduate. We’ll be following our InstaMap, so let’s take a walk, shall we?
1. Dean Dome
Our first stop is the coveted Dean Dome, home to our illustrious basketball team and recent 2017 NCAA Men’s Basketball Champions. (Duke who? Never heard of ’em.)
Yes, we are the University of National Champions, how may we help you?
Around basketball season, your Insta will be full of pics of the stadium, people in their favorite jerseys, etc.
Make sure to grab your friends and one up us with some body paint!
Go to a basketball game, and cross this one off your bucket list. If you wanna be more artsy, go when no one is there and do some crazy poses. It’ll look good either way.
Pictures like these are useful as temporary profile pics during Basketball season! Go HEELS!
2. Kenan-Flagler School of Business
Our next spot is just a stair climb away. Though not as popular as some of our other spots, Kenan-Flagler really is a hidden gem.
Little slice of heaven hidden in the trees!
It’s got a beautiful and regal aesthetic. I mean, it is the business school, duh. There are so many different angles you can go with.
Benches are always a great photo spot!Classy, never trashy 😉
Pro Tip: Check out the flag gallery under the awning. It’ll make you feel like you’re at the U.N. KF also makes a great setting for your LinkedIn photos. Get those connections, homey!
The Flag Gallery
3. SASB Plaza
After a 15 minute walk, we get to our next spot. SASB Plaza is so underrated and it breaks my heart! The brick aesthetic is the ideal! So geometric! So perfect! Plus, all the flowers and trees make this place irresistible . Not only is it nice to lounge in, but it’s also nice to take photos in Not to mention, bonus, our housing office is like, RIGHT THERE, and that’s always amazing.
This is my favorite angle! You can try out a lot of different ones!
4. Kenan Stadium
A view down the field! Breathtaking!
One of my personal favorites is up next, Kenan Stadium. Everything is in Carolina Blue and oh man is to die for. Kenan Stadium is open until 11:00 p.m so you have plenty of opportunities to cross this off your list.
Gotta love our UNC insignia!
This one is essential for every Tar Heel! I have yet to get one, but I’m excited! Put on some spirit wear and grab some shots with your friends!
You can see the bell tower from this angle! Work it!
5. Bell Tower Amphitheater
This one is nearby and doesn’t really need to have a person in it. This one is a great landscape shot, especially
Gotta love UNC architecture! <3
with the beautiful reflective surface of the Genome Science building right behind it. Pro Tip: Pick a cloudy day for the most beautiful shot!
If you should decide that a person should be in the shot, this looks really pensive!
6. Bell Tower
This shot is an obvious one. Your InstaBucket list is incomplete without this one. This is a great choice for graduation pics if you want something iconic.
NC State’s Bell Tower ain’t got nothing on our’s!
Take one in the hedges or feature the pretty teal ceiling from underneath the bell tower.
Beautiful inside and out!
Composition Tip: Act like you’re leaning against it! This is such a creative shot. People will look at you funny, but it’s so worth it!
We got quite a few stares with this one…
7. Wilson Library
For those who want to seem more studious than they are, choose a shot of Wilson Library.
Wilson Library is definitely the most beautiful library on campus.
The columns can make any class clown seem serious.
Wilson is one of the more famous landmarks, so it can be hard to get a shot without other people in it, but it’s worth the wait. If anything, it makes good selfie material!
8. Old Well
If you thought I would forget to include this spot, you were poorly mistaken. This well is our symbol, our trademark, our pride. . . Modeled after the Temple of Love in the Garden of Versailles, this well will be giving you all the feels.
Whether it’s an FDOC “drinking from the water fountain picture” or just a beautiful landscape shot, you can’t go wrong with this one. Beautiful in all seasons, the Old Well is definitely a classic.
Left to Right, Clockwise: Autumn, Winter, Summer, Spring
9. Coker Arboretum
Coker Arboretum, which is on the East side of Cameron Avenue, is one of the most picturesque places on campus.
I like to call this the tunnel of love…just because all the couples take pics underneath!
Home to a variety of native plants, this little piece of Eden is a great place for graduation pics, couple pics, profile pics, or just any kind of photo shoot you can think of.
Benches, flowers, and trees make this a beautiful place to include on your Instagram.
Can’t you just picture yourself sitting there?
10. Forest Theatre
Last, but not least, is the Forest Theatre right in front of Cobb Residence Hall.
Forest Theatre: Summer
Get in touch with your theatric side, because the magnitude of this place is humbling. With rows upon rows of stone bleachers, you’ll feel as if you were transported back into Shakespearean times. After a few pictures here, you can take a walk around Battle Park, which is right next door, and complete your InstaJourney.
Forest Theatre: Fall
Even though I’ve only included ten spots in this journey, there are plenty more Insta worthy shots all over campus. It doesn’t matter where you are in UNC, everything is beautiful and yours for the taking!
Make sure to follow us on Instagram and send us all your InstaBucket shots for the chance to be featured on our account! #UNCHousingInstaBucket @unchousing
This upcoming fall, Carmichael Residence Hall will be opening a makerspace! Some of you guys may still be kind of unsure about what exactly a makerspace is, so I decided to dedicate this blog post to makerspaces! Some really cool things are happening at UNC…
What is a makerspace?
Makerspaces are communities under BeAM@CAROLINA. These areas are where students can participate in open studios, training sessions, workshops, and more. Makerspaces have cool emerging tools that can be used for making prototypes to art- the possibilities are endless!
Exactly what technology is in a makerspace?
The exact items vary from makerspace to makerspace. However, throughout the makerspaces on campus you may find woodworking stations, a 3D printer, a sewing machine, and more. A full list of tools and capabilities can be found here.
Who can use these makerspaces?
Students, faculty, and staff members can use here makers can participate in designing and creating physical objects. Anyone can participate- regardless of field of interest. You don’t have to be an engineer to make something amazing from a 3D Printer.
Murray Hall
Hanes Art Center
Kenan Science Library
Carmichael Hall (In progress, will be finished by Fall 2017)
OK, so I know what a makerspace is… but what can you actually do there?
You can do pretty much anything! To be more specific, feel free to pursue any individual project you’ve designed and want to create. You can also participate in open studios, training sessions, workshops, host classes and group activities in these spaces.
Sounds cool, but really intimidating. How do I get started?
Don’t worry if you’re overwhelmed and don’t know where to start! There are different workshops held every week found on the calendar. Going to orientation is a great way to get yourself acquainted with the different tools in makerspaces. Orientation is also required to use most aspects of makerspaces, so I would suggest going there first.
UNC is a vibrant community that prides itself in its ingenuity. Why not try the makerspace and see what you can create?
The dog days of summer can often leave you longing for school to start. You may find yourself thinking about a time when there were things to do and people to do things with. Whenever I find myself in these moods, I like to anticipate the start of the next school year by looking at possible rooms themes for next semester. Weird, I know, but everyone has different ways of coping.
UNC Housing has a Pinterest with a variety of different boards you can look through if you are thinking about turning your room into your own cozy nook. Here are a few of my favorite themes from the Pinterest:
Movie Magic
I like to think of myself as a movie fanatic, so I actually may try this theme next semester. Exchange your tapestry for a screen, and you have yourself a home theater! Plus, life is so much better when you feel like you’re the protagonist of your own film.
Music
This theme is for those of you who have to live with background music at all times. Cover the wall with all of your favorite albums and records, and surely you’ll find other people with the same music taste.
Boho Chic
This theme doesn’t take much effort at all. In fact, effortlessness is a part of the look! This theme is pretty simple and thrives on fairy lights, earth tones, and tapestries. With this theme you can finally live out your dreams of being the young vagabond artist you’ve always wanted to be.
Adventure Is Out There!
The use of Washi Tape in this picture is pretty ingenious
I love traveling, so I decorated my room with this theme in mind last year. Whenever I felt stuck inside the “college bubble”, this theme reminded me that there was so much beyond Chapel Hill. I had a huge map posted against my wall, and every day I woke up feeling like I could conquer the world. If you’re thinking of investing in a map, my advice is to find one you can read from your bed. You’ll be surprised by how many countries you can memorize by the end of the year!
Remember not to stress over the “look” of your room come August. Your room is definitely a part of living on campus, but it’s more than the decorations that make the residence experience great.
10 ways to make even the worst days seem dry and fly!
Welcome to Carolina, the place where the skies are always Carolina blue and the sunshine is always shining! For a few minutes.
Let’s be real for a second- the weather down south can be a *bit* temperamental, which means that the outdoor barbecue you were planning could be ruined by a torrential downpour if you aren’t lucky. Nevertheless, the great thing about living on campus is that even when it’s dark, dreary, and wet outside, residence halls are always LIT on the inside! 😉 Know what I’m saying? Here are 10 ideas for you to try out the next time a tropical storm comes hurtling up the coast.
1. Go Outside!
I know y’all think I’m some sort of crazy for suggesting this, but I have seen plenty of people who actually choose to stay outside in the rain. As long as the clouds aren’t wearing their thunderware and lightning belts, it can be fun to just play in the rain, and literally let nature wash your problems away.
2. Food n’ Friends
When it’s raining cats and dogs out and you don’t feel like taking a shower on your way to Rams, have a potluck dinner with your friends. Have everyone chip in whatever food you guys have in the fridge, get together on your floor’s kitchen, and just have a good time cooking and chatting over some homemade food! It could be one of your favorite memories one day.
3. Netflix and Pizza
When it’s thundering outside, cozy on up inside. Grab your suite mates, pitch in for a pizza, and binge watch you some House of Cards. Or the Office. Or Sense 8. All Housing Intern approved. Don’t have Netflix? Did you know that by living on campus you get free access to HBOGo? Well you do now! HOUSE OF THRONES GUYS, go, go, GO!
4. Take a Nap!
Don’t feel like doing anything? This one is easy. Just curl up in bed and catch up on your ZZZZZs. The soft pitter patter of rain on your windows will lull you to sleep.
5. Yoga Time
Rain is zen, and you should be too. Get in touch with nature AND yourself by doing some downward dog. Stressed about an upcoming midterm or final? Pro tip: The bridge pose (https://www.yogajournal.com/poses/bridge-pose) is great for releasing anxiety!
6. Game Night
Residence Halls are equipped with an arsenal of enhancements! I’m talking video games, board games, and rec room games. For example, Craige Residence Hall not only has a pool table, ping pong table, and air hockey table, it it also has an XBOX 360. Use these to your advantage! Go have some fun!
7. Spa Night
Listen, we’re all stressed. We go to one of the best universities in the country! Stress causes wrinkles. Treat yo’ skin by doing some facials. Put those cucumbers on your eyes and get rid of bags! It can be so relaxing. Turn your night in into a spa night!
8. Arts n’ Craft
Sometimes, you just have to paint something. It can be super fun to break out the scissors and glue stuff with your roommates. Plus, your room could always use some more decorating. Peep some ideas on our Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/unchousing/)!
9. Karaoke Night
Go on YouTube, load up your favorite songs, and have a good time belting it out with your friends. Heck, invite people you don’t know! There is no better bonding than badly rapping to Chance the Rapper. Pro Tip: Check if your residence hall has a karaoke machine in storage!
10. Working Out
Okay, this probably isn’t as much fun as a choice as eating pizza, BUT if you have free time, why not make some gains? Do squats, work on the booty, and thank me later. 😉 It’s still better than studying!
I could go on and on with fun things to do. Just because the sky is crying, doesn’t mean you have to also! It’s always a good day to be living in Carolina, rain or shine!
As college students, money is constantly on our minds. We have the freedom and responsibilities of an adult, yet we don’t have the steady income adults have. That’s why it’s important that every dollar that comes our way is spent wisely!
Here are some habits you can pick up now that will add up in savings:
Make The Little Things Count
Remember those loose quarters on your table that are just collecting dust? Well this tip will put them to good use! Create a jar with a specific goal written on the top. Put all of your loose change inside of the jar, and you’ll be surprised by how much it can add up to. Save for something meaningful, and you will be more encouraged to see your jar fill up.
Turn these into a trip to Europe!
Start a Side Hustle
Now, I know this option may not be for everyone. If you’re not sure that you can balance between a job and school, remember that doing better in school now will have an exponentially higher payout in the long run over a small job that ruins your grades.
But for those who have the time, having a side hustle can be a great asset. There are places on campus, like Student Stores, that are always hiring. On campus jobs are also a great way to meet friends! If having a stereotypical job doesn’t sound appealing to you, there are plenty of opportunities to make money anywhere- even from your bed. Skills like a second language are always in demand, and always need tutors. Sometimes a quick search on Google is all you need to finding your way into some extra cash.
Pro tip: Make sure the job is legitimate before you take it.
Budget
Nowadays, budgeting is way easier than saving a bunch of old receipts. There are a ton of different apps available to help you, whether you want to see where your paycheck is going or if you have a specific budget goal. If apps aren’t really your thing, a reliable excel spreadsheet will do just fine. In my budgeting experience, the effort alone has made me realize just how valuable every dollar is.
Explore
Sometimes the best deals aren’t found on the internet. Chapel Hill caters to college students, so be on the lookout for places that give student discounts. There are a lot of events held on campus that give out free food and swag, so be sure to check out those places too. If you need transportation, the transit system in Chapel Hill is arguably the best in North Carolina- and is way cheaper than taking an Uber.
Use your resources, because good deals are all around you!
Whether you’re returning to UNC or starting your first year, learning how to effectively save money will help you through any financial difficulties that may come your way. It pays to be financially smart!
The official student blog about life in campus housing at UNC Chapel Hill
