Snow Days in College

What's the best thing that could happen during a busy week at school? A SNOW DAY!
Above is a video of SRU students that enjoyed a day off in the snow.

You see, snow days in college don't occur very often, at least in Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania. Even though the constant snowy weather becomes annoying after the first few weeks of the winter season, a snow day is a blessing and you can guarantee students are outside playing in the snow like they're in elementary school again. 

So what does this have to do with motivation?  Maybe not much but it does help you realize that college can still be fun even during the hardest weeks of the semester. Here's some ways that make a snow day awesome and very much appreciated.

1. Stress relief
Who knew sledding down a giant hill in the cold snow could make a college student forget about all their stressful assignments that's due during the week? Sure you still have a lot of homework to do, but taking a break in the snow is a great way to relieve all your worries for a few hours.

2. Meeting other students
College kids definitely take advantage of their snow day. Big groups of friends venture out in the snow and find activities to take part in. Eventually you start to bump into other students who are enjoying the day off just as much as you are. Snow ball fits begin, sled races occur, maybe even helping each other build snowmen! You can meet so many new people just from getting outside and using your snow day to its full advantage.

3. Catch up on work
And of course, it's nice to have a day off to just catch up on those assignments you possibly forgot to do or didn't have enough time to finish the night before. That is of course after you play in the snow, can't forget about the most important part of the day. 

Now, snow days don't occur at every school in the nation. But for those of you that do get to experience snow days, you must take full advantage of these activities because it makes college days memorable and hopefully makes you feel less stressed about the tough times during the semester.

Sincerely,
EmPris

Things you should know freshman year

Your freshman year is probably the most challenging year of college. Maybe not in terms of work load but in terms of getting used to the new life style. You're now living on your own in an unfamiliar place with people you don't know. And not only that but you probably aren't totally sure on what you want to do with your time here in college. Above is a lovely video of suggestions students at Slippery Rock University listed on things they don't tell you that you should know your freshman year.

So how does one stay motivated during their first year of college?

1. Make the best of dorm life
People tend to have a negative judgement on dorm life and living on campus. But actually, it's basically a community and an easy way to make plenty of friends, especially during the first few weeks on your freshman year. There's always someone around in the hall or common area, there's hall meetings and socials and generally freshman are more open minded when it comes to meeting new people because they don't know anyone yet. Don't take dorm life for granted. It's actually a lot of fun.

2. Make friends in class
It may seem hard to talk to people in your classes but it is really beneficial to make as many friends in your classes as possible. You can help each other study, keep each other updated on assignments and maybe even have someone to push you to do better in your classes because you want to get better grades than they do (we are all competitive, don't lie to yourself). Just step out of your comfort zone and chat with the person sitting next to you. Who knows, they may become your new best friend throughout your college career.

3. GET INVOLVED 
Do you know how many clubs there are on college campuses? There's a club for everyone, literally everyone. No matter what kind of hobbies you're into, you are guaranteed to find something you can get involved in. From music related clubs to sports related clubs to academic related clubs to video game playing clubs, you can find something, anything, worth being a part of. And not only are you doing something besides school work while being a part of a club but you're making even more friends! It's a win win.

4. And of course, be yourself :) 
You don't need to impress anyone in college. Really, you don't. At least in the sense that you shouldn't pressure yourself to be something that you're not. The more you are yourself, the more people will appreciate you and maybe even become inspired by you. And not only that but college is about figuring yourself out, discovering who you are and what you want to do with your life. So the antidote to all your freshman stress and worry is just be you!

These may seem like simple tips but it really does help. It may not seem like it but college is the best four years of your life if you take full advantage of it. It all starts with a little bit of motivation which can be found by doing the four steps above and maybe even other tactics. Don't worry about it not going according to plan, that's what makes it more interesting.

Sincerely,
EmPris