How To Get Involved in Community Service in College

This podcast discusses how to get involved in community service and non-profit organizations like Americorps and Alternative breaks while in college. 

Top 5 Reasons Why Libraries are the Best (Post #12)

I'm a firm believer in libraries. Not just for the books, but for the entire environment. It's a place to kick back and get some work done, or to panic and get more work done. No matter what it is, the library is the place to be. Today I am going to give you more than enough reasons to go to the library to get your work done rather than to depend on yourself to focus in a louder location.

*DISCLAIMER* - I am in a library.

1. Silence 

At Mabee library, there are many different floors for many different students. My personal favorite is the quiet floor. There is no talking and I seem to get all of my work finished in half the time I usually do anywhere else. 

2. ResourcesAnything you could ever want is in this library. Need to find a book? You better believe they got them. Need to use a computer? They have those, too. What if you just want to use the internet on your phone or your tablet? Well, they have that also. 

3. Outside Help

The library also has many helpful resources for homework or paper help. There is the Tutoring Center where you can walk in and receive help on your homework. There is also a Writing Center where you can get advice on your paper. There are also librarians who are always ready to help you find exactly what book you are looking for. 

4. The Shop

I know what you are thinking. Sure, the library is nice for books and studying but I do need food. Well, the library has that, too. On the main floor there is a coffee shop with lots of drinks and snacks. 

5. Atmosphere

There is something about being around a lot of other kids are that studying that makes me want to study. It's an academic place to be, but it can also be fun at the same time. It's like taking a classroom and putting it in a giant coffee shop. There are so many people doing different things! 

Top 5 Thanksgiving Alternatives (Post #11)

As Thanksgiving quickly approaches with less than two weeks until the last day of class, it's that time to start thinking about where you will be going for Thanksgiving. It is common that a lot of students around campus will go home, whether home is in Topeka or far away. But, not everyone goes home. There are students that can't because of distances, finances, or circumstances out of their control. So today I want to spend a little time discussing some alternative ideas for students that aren't going to be able to make it home this Thanksgiving season.

1. Find a Friend

This may be awkward at first to ask a friend if you could attend their Thanksgiving meal, but usually the family would love to have you. 

2. Volunteer

There are LOTS of needy people around the Topeka area around Thanksgiving time. Many soup kitchens and other organizations set up times for those who do not have meals to receive a little something. You could volunteer your time to one of these organizations. 

3. Make Your Own

If you have other friends that will not be going home for Thanksgiving, think about setting up your own thanksgiving. You don't have to have any of the traditional foods like big turkeys and green bean casserole. Think about making it a potluck so there are many types of foods. 

4. Take the Day Off

Is there a movie you have really been wanting to see but haven't had time? Take Thanksgiving as a day for yourself and do whatever you want to do. Put down your homework and your planner and relax. 

5. Do Your Work

Maybe you do need another day to work on assignments and get stuff done. Catch up on homework and assignments so you are ready for finals when you go back to school! 

Top 5 Things to Consider When Planning Your Schedule (Post #10)

The second semester of the year is quickly approaching! With less than 5 weeks until the end of the Fall semester, it is now time to register for new classes. But what do you take? This can be overwhelming, even with help from an adviser. What class goes where? What do I absolutely need to take this year? Is there going to be any free time for me?

Hopefully after this post, you will know exactly what to do next semester!

1. Plan Your Years

This can be as stressful as your schedule, but you will figure out your entire class schedules and you'll know what you need to accomplish this Spring. Are you planning on studying abroad? Make sure you take that into consideration now rather than later. 

2. Know Your Life

If you have any preexisting plans or activities that you know that you will have to do, right them down and try to get your classes to revolve around them. This can make it easier on you in the long run when you are trying to go from class to class, activity to activity. 

3. Day or Night? 

Personally, I'm a morning person. I'd rather get up early and get all my classes done so I have the rest of the day and night for myself. Start out early if you want to make your day longer or plan classes later if you want to sleep in!

4. Plan in Chunks The worst thing that can happen during a weekday is wasted time. Try your best to keep all your classes in chunks so you aren't in the library or the student union for hours and hours

5. FRIDAYS
This tip is probably the most important tip I have ever said. DO NOT PLAN A CLASS ON FRIDAY AFTERNOON. You won't go. You think you will, but you won't. The temptation to skip class on a Friday is very strong, especially when your friends are out of class and want to hang out. Just stay away from Friday afternoon classes!

I hope these tips helped you find exactly what you need to take next semester. Happy Class Hunt!