Beat the Study Slump

I am in the middle of a second round of midterms. Which is no fun. Studying all day. Trying to memorize (and understand) as much information as possible. It becomes tiring and I cannot wait for tonight at 9pm when I will officially be done midterms for this year (then I will just have finals to worry about but those aren't for a couple of months. Yay!)

After a couple of hours of hard studying (or sooner depending on how many days its been and how often I have gone through the material) I find I need to refocus. Here is what I find helps me to stay on track and get energized again for another couple of hours of studying. 

1/ Eating Healthy 

During exams it is so easy to reach for comfort foods, order a pizza or some other form of takeout. While this can sustain me for the short term I find that I don't study as well when I am not eating healthy. I try to include at least a salad or a green smoothie in my day. I also don't like to eat while I study. 

2/ Sleep

There never seems to be enough hours in the day but one thing I don't skimp on during midterm season is sleep. Its important to staying healthy and not catching any of the bugs that are going around during this time of year and I know that I can study more effectively when I am well rested. When I start to get tired I know its going to take twice as long to get through material. 

3/ Tea

I drink a ton of tea. But I like to switch up what kinds that I am drinking throughout the day. In the morning I usually drink a caffeinated tea to wake me up and get me through the first couple of hours of studying. Once the afternoon hits I switch to green tea and by evening I am drinking only caffeine free tea so that I can make sure I get a good nights sleep.  Tea especially caffeine free tea helps to keep me hydrated as well. 

4/ Taking Breaks 

I like to take breaks every 45 minutes to an hour to stretch my legs or give my brain a break. Usually, I have a goal in mind how far I want to get in the material before I take a break. Depending on what I am studying its 1-3 lectures. 

5/ Treats

Sometimes I need some external motivation for getting through. I like to reward myself for finishing a unit or getting through a section. Usually this is in the form of food, a small piece of chocolate etc that gives me a sugar rush. Other times I like to use longer breaks (an hour or so) as a reward and watch a tv show.  

6/ Change of Scenery 

I usually study in the same place (at my kitchen table). Which I like because I can usually get a lot of work done here uninterrupted and I am pretty productive. However, sometimes changing scenery and going to the library or even just a different room to study is enough to get me back on track and feeling refreshed. 

Moving On

PostSecret

This post secret from a few weeks ago stuck with me. I am part of a group of five close friends who are now entering our final year at university. We had been friends for years before we all went our separate ways to university. We all kept in touch while at school and continue to see each other during breaks from school or the occasional university visit.  I am proud to say that we have remained friends, and close friends at that. I know that I can call anyone of them no matter what time if I really needed them and they can do the same with me. We still tell each other everything. Yes, in some ways our friendships have had to shift to accommodate the distance and certain dynamics of the group have changed. But when we are all together its like we are back in high school, eating junk food and watching bad TV in one of our basements.  Moving on, leaving home, your friends and family is scary. But it allows you to grow as a person, discover who you are away from all of them and there are so many new friendships waiting for you at school. So don't be afraid, embrace the change but don't forget the friends you've had for your entire life.

Goal Setting

I remember back in middle school sometime during the first week or so back at school my homeroom teacher would make us all sit down and fill out a goal sheet. At the time I thought it was dumb. What was the point of writing down my goals. Of course I wanted to do well in all my classes. Why couldn't she just accept that and move on? Why did I have to be so specific as to what I wanted my grades to be like? At the time I didn't understand the importance of goal setting and making sure that I was setting SMART (Specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely) goals. By putting pen to paper and reflecting on what I want to or need to accomplish is very powerful for me. I can take the time to determine what has to get done and what I need to do in order to achieve that. For myself personally Specific and Timely are two very important things. I can say I want to do well in a class but what does that really mean? Being specific helps me get things accomplished. Timely is important too, it allows for me to follow up with my goals at certain time increments. With classes time is somewhat built in, I can determine how well I am doing after a test or a midterm and reevaluate and readjust from there. For personal goals I need to be more diligent in setting time to evaluate them.

Do you set goals? If so, what is important to you in goal setting?

Jaclyn

PS. Here is my free printable goal setting template.

School Bags

Top: Marc By Marc. Mod Cloth. Long Champ
Bottom: Chapters-Indigo. Cambridge Satchel. Urban Outfitters. 


If you're anything like me then your school bag goes basically everywhere with you during the school year and on the off chance you go somewhere without it you feel naked. On days when I don't have to lug around as many textbooks and my laptop I like to use my LongChamp bag. During midterms and finals however, I find I need an actual backpack.

What is your favourite bag for school?

Jaclyn

Pink School Supplies

All items from Chapter-Indigo

Being a total nerd I cannot wait to go back to school shopping. I can spend hours trying to pick out the perfect pen or highlighter. Rather then bore you with a typical list of binders and sticky notes, I thought I would mix it up with some fun pink accessories. I love all the cute new accessories that Chapters has for back to school. I can get sucked into looking at all the fun novelty items that they carry for hours. Their new Poppin Collection makes it easy to mix and match colours and coordinate your desk and accessories.

What is on your back to school list?

Also check out my full dorm packing list and The Good, The Bad and the Ugly of University.

Jaclyn


Please note this is NOT a sponsored post. 

9 to 5

Today is the last day of my summer internship. It is going to be weird not going to work on Monday and I am really going to miss all of my new friends at the office. The internship was a lot of fun and I learned a lot. But I am ready to go back to school in a couple of short weeks (get ready for some back to school posts in the near future.) What I now feel like I understand from working 9-5:

- The feeling you get when your inbox hits 0

- Weekends. As a student I never felt like I truly owned my weekends. I usually have to study or  if I am really lucky I have an exam.  I also didn't have class everyday so some weekdays felt more like weekends then weekends did. 

- Commuting sucks. Seriously. Being stuck in a car or on the subway for hours everyday is not fun.

I learnt a lot this summer during my internship but I couldn't resist posting this silly list that I felt a lot of people could relate too. I am excited to see what company I end up with next summer for an internship. They are not only great learning opportunities but they also help determine if you actually really do like what you think you want to do for a career.

What is your internship experience?

Jaclyn

The Internship

No not the movie, although I would still like to see it. Is it any good? I started my summer internship almost a month ago now. Its hard to believe how quickly time flies!

I have just started to feel like I fit and have something resembling a routine. It took a while to get used to early mornings again and a regular schedule. I am just starting to feel normal (probably the whole 21 days to create a habit thing). I know that I have started to let things slide as I got used to my new routines (this blog, working out, eating healthy). I am ready to start getting back on track.

  I am loving spending time in the working world and seeing how my degree might be put to good use one day haha. Its been a fun eye opening experience and I cannot wait to learn more. I have finally got my foot in on some really cool projects and have really started looking forward to work everyday.

What was your first internship or where would your dream internship be?

Jaclyn

Third Year Thoughts

Wow. Its hard to believe that third year is coming to an end. I just handed in my final assignment today and I have 2 exams left this week before I am done. Craziness! This year has flown by. I have no idea where the time went and I am not sure if I am ready for it to end. I have enjoyed this year so much. It has been an amazing experience and one I know I will remember for the rest of my life.

I started my business program this year and it was such a change from science. I am loving it but I am also excited to continue with science again next year. This year has been an amazing learning experience. Having time now to breath and reflect on this past year has made me realize just how much I have learned, changed and grown. I feel like my way of thinking has changed and developed. I can now make a decision when a decision needs to be made. I am no longer scared of presentations. I like standing up in front of people and talking. Its fun, different and challenging.

 I loved the fast pace of the program and I loved all the amazing and wonderful people I met. My year would not have been the same without my amazing classmates. We spent many late nights together stressing and laughing. The number of inside jokes we have grew daily and continues to grow. They have become my second family and the class would not have been the same without each and everyone one of them. While it has only been a year I feel like we have grown up together. We have been through a lot. A lot of stress and a lot of wonderful times. It feels like graduation all over again.

This year was tough academically and there were a lot of tears but I am sad to see it come to an end. It is an experience I will never forget and one that I am glad I pushed myself to do it. I am excited for summer and the possibilities that it holds. I can safely say that this year has taught me a lot both inside and outside of the classroom. It I feel has prepared me most for what lies ahead. It was an unforgettable year and I think it rivals first year for best year yet.
Jaclyn

Homesick

5 Ways to deal with being HOMESICK

• Do something new - something you cant do at home
• Exercise - distract your mind with something else
• Watch your favourite movie
• Call a friend or family member from home 
• Make some tea and grab your journal 

The feeling of homesickness strikes at random times. For me its when I am in places that remind me the most of home. Going to the mall or the movies often bring on the biggest waves of homesickness for me.  Malls and movie theatres for the most part are very similar and they always remind me of the ones I frequent at home. One time I was at the movies with some friends from school and something in the movie reminded me of an inside joke with one of my friends from home and I turned to tell her and much to my surprise she wasn't there. I forgot for a second that I was away from home and in a whole other city because the theatre seemed so familiar to me.

There were times when I was surrounded by people but I never felt so alone. I was homesick for: the people who knew me best, my family and friends. The people who I had a history with. Those who could just take one look and know that something was wrong. But I realized that with friends from home we too once did not have a history. We too were just starting out. It takes time to build relationships and now I have people who really know me and who I feel comfortable around at University too.  Going away to University was one of the best decisions I ever made but it is a double edged sword. Now no matter where I am I am always missing someone or something. When I am home I miss my friends at University and my freedom. When I am at school I miss my family and friends at home.  The start of second year was the worst for me homesick wise. I was actually living on my own (well with a roommate) but not in Rez anymore. That for me was a HUGE adjustment, there were no longer people around all the time to distract me from my homesick feelings. I found ways to deal with my homesickness and still have a wonderful time in second year. This year it was nice to go back to school and see all of my friends and while I do sometimes get homesick still its not as bad as it was last year and I know that it will past. 

How do you deal with being homesick? 

- Jaclyn

Balance

Trying to find a balance in life takes time, effort and experience. It is not something that comes easily to me and I know many people struggle with it. I believe that finding balance in life is something that we work at on a daily basis and it is always something that we will struggle with as we move into different stages of our lives.

We are all busy. We all have things like work, school, blogging, relationships, personal time, exercise and chores to deal with on a daily basis.  It becomes difficult to fit all of this in and give everything that is important to you and in life equal time and effort. There are days when school takes over completely and from morning till night its a grind of class and studying, only to have to do it all again the next day. Its exhausting. Having to find something to eat or the thought of having to do laundry is just too much and cannot be handled.
For me the most difficult thing is trying to prioritize what is most important for me to get done that day. Is everything as big of a deal as I make it out to be? What can I let slide, just this once?  I have been making an effort to try and achieve a more normal balance between friends, family, school and a general healthy lifestyle, but it is difficult. Trying to get everything into a day is not easy. I have come to realize that days are going to be off balance because different things are pressing on different days and while it might not be possible to achieve a daily balance of sorts achieving a balance overall is what  I would like to aim for.
There are weeks that are academically heavier then others with projects and exams. Those weeks I know that I might not be able to go out and see my friends as often as I would like and getting to the gym feels near impossible but I also have come to realize that taking the time out for yourself, taking that hour break makes all the difference in how productive you are.
I don't have the answer to how to find balance. It is something I am still working on and struggling with everyday. I think half the battle is recognizing that you want a balanced life and making a conscious effort to achieve it.

How do you find balance?
Jaclyn

Stressed

Its that time of year again. Mid-terms every other week and assignments piling up. You are short on time and energy. Study sessions run into the early morning hours and junk food suddenly becomes the staple in your diet.  The lack of sleep, overload of junk food and overall stress of midterms often leads to colds which are never fun, trust me I've been there.
Here is my advice for beating midterms and staying healthy (or at least trying too) during them:

1. Get some sleep! 

2. Take a multi vitamin 

3. Wash your hands regularly

4. Make a study schedule...stick to it

5. Don’t forget to schedule time for yourself, even for an hour

6. Do your best to eat healthy. (Green Smoothie anyone?) 

7. Get in some exercise... or at least some fresh air!

Fall Cords

Pants: American Eagle. Shirt: American Eagle. Sweater: The Bay  Scarf: gift. Shoes: Steve Madden

My school year has been crazy busy so far with no signs of it slowing down. Fridays feel like such a relief when they finally appear after gloomy Mondays.  The weather has started to cool off a bit which I am loving. I am enjoying breaking out the fall wardrobe and wearing scarves again!  This is another outfit that I wore to class. 

I was super excited when I went to American Eagle and they had coloured skinny cords. I debated for a while which colour to get. They had a really pretty light pink and teal colour but I decided to go with the light grey colour because I felt I could get the most wear out of them. They are so comfortable and perfect for fall. 

Have a great day!
Jaclyn

Cowboy Boots!

Top: H&M. Jeans: The Bay, Material Girl. Scarf: Forever 21. Boots: Steve Madden. Watch: Marc By Marc. Bracletes: Stolen from my mom.

Fall is my favourite season. I love the colours. I love the food. I love carving pumpkins. I love steeping on crunchy leaves. Oh and I love all the AH-MAZING pies (apple or pumpkin anyone).  I am also enjoying the clothes and boots! 

I have been wearing these boots for about two weeks straight now. I am obsessed... to put it lightly. Seriously, its at the point where people are probably wondering if I own any other type of footwear. How can I resist them though? Especially because they have feathers!  

I am also loving these skinny jeans. Not only are they a beautiful evergreen colour they also have just the perfect amount of stretch. My only complaint is that the front pockets are fake (aka they don't open). A pocket by definition is meant to HOLD something. 

Okay rant over. 

What is your favourite thing about fall? 

Jaclyn

What I Wore: To Class

Shirt: Aritzia. Jeans: Mavi. Scarf: Target. Shoes: TOMS.

 The last couple of days have been gorgeous! The weather has been not too hot that I am drowning in sweat on the way to class, but just warm enough that I can get away with not wearing a jacket.

 I got this scarf on a trip to the States last year from Target. I love how it is reversible and that the pink in the flowers just happened to perfectly match my top

What is your go to outfit for class?
Jaclyn

Day in the life of...

I thought it would be fun to post what a typical day looks like for me as a University Student.  This is what my day typically looked like as a second year science student.

7:30 AM 

Alarm goes off. I hit snooze a couple of times, finally get out of bed and hit the shower. Put on my make-up, check the weather and get dressed for the day.  Eat breakfast (usually either cereal or toast nothing too fancy) and throw together a salad for lunch if I am going to be on campus all day. I finish packing my bag and pour my tea into my travel mug before I head out the door. 

9:00 AM 

Leave the house and head to meet my friend to walk to our first class of the day together. 

9:30 AM 

First class of the day. Its an hour long, but they pack a lot into that hour. Depending on the class I either use my computer to take notes, or I print them out the night before. 

10:30 AM

I have a half hour break before my next class. Generally I use this time to eat a snack, check my emails, or call my mom. Then I head out to my next class since its in a different building.

11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

My next class is an hour and half, its my business course, one of my electives.  Then I have two more science courses back to back with my business class. We get 10 minutes between classes to get to each one. 

2:00 PM 

If I haven't eaten yet, I will finish my lunch then either head home or to the library to study depending on how much work I have. Generally if I have actual work to do like assignments or practice problems I will do those at home. If it is serious studying or I find I haven't been able to focus well lately then I will head to the library or somewhere quiet on campus to study.  I also either make dinner at home or buy dinner on campus before I head out to my night class. 

6:00 PM 

I head back to campus (if I went home) to my night lab. It is scheduled for three hours but I can usually get them done within 2 if I work efficiently. 

8:00 or 9:00 PM 

Once my lab is done, I head home for the night. Usually I am too tired at this point to do any more work for the night and will only do some if I have to. Usually I will relax and watch tv or hang out with friends. 

11:30 PM 

I gather my books that I will need for the next day onto the kitchen table. Shut down my computer and call it a night. 

Everyone's schedule is different and mine varies from day to day. This is the most typical day for me, and generally is what I experienced in first year as well. I try to schedule my classes so that I have fewer breaks between them or make them large enough breaks that I can get as much studying done as possible. However this does not always work out.  I also try my best to get a work out in here or there, but I don't feel too guilty if I don't as I am walking to and from class with a fairly heavy bag every day. 

What does your day typically look like? 

Jaclyn

University: What NOT to pack

The summer before first year I tried to find everything I could about going away for University and what it was really like. I wanted advice and I wanted the perspective of a real girl, some who actually was going through University at the time. It was hard to find, sure many magazines give advice but none of it seemed real or relatable. I gave you my suggested packing list two weeks ago here. This is my list of things you should leave at home when headed to University.

Pillow. Wall Flower. Candles. Owl. 

• stuffed animals - Some people do bring them, I think I brought one my first year. But leave the entire collection at home, remember your room isn't that big.
• books - leave your entire library at home. You will have a ton of reading do to for class and honestly probably won't get around to reading anything else, you will want to hang out with the people on your floor and in your building. If you must bring a couple but remember you are limited on space!
• your entire dvd collection - you probably wont watch them. You can watch a ton of stuff on your computer now a days and there really isn't that much room too store them.  Bring your favourites and rotate them through the year.
• decorative pillows - If you must, bring one, at most. They just get in the way and end up on the floor.
• kitchen appliances - most universities don't allow them usually for fire hazard reasons. Check with your university what they do and do not allow.
• t shirts - you will get more over sized unflattering t-shirts then you know what to do with. Trust me. I am pretty sure on the first day before I even got to my room I was given 3. And there were more given throughout the week.
• room decoration - they often have poster sales at the start of the year where you can get tons of cool posters, once you know where you would like to put them.
• sports equipment - unless you are on a varsity team or know for sure you are going to play I would wait on bring up all your sports equipment until you know if you are going to need it.
• tv and gaming system -chances are someone on your floor will bring them, and the floor lounge generally has a tv. Plus your computer is a great way to watch shows and movies.
• candles - most universities do not allow open flames in rez

Hope you found this list helpful. Remember you don't have a ton of room in Rez and if you live close enough you can always bring stuff up later or after Thanksgiving Weekend once you know how much space you really have. 

To see what to pack click here. 

- Jaclyn

University: What to Expect Part Two

The summer before first year I tried to find everything I could about going away for University and what it was really like. I wanted advice and I wanted the perspective of a real girl, some who actually was going through University at the time. It was hard to find, sure many magazines give advice but none of it seemed real or relatable. I have decided to share some of my advice and experience here. It is limited and is solely based on my experience and I am by no means an expert. If you have any questions feel free to leave a comment or email me. Once again these are my own personal experiences that I am sharing, so please keep that in mind.

If you missed Part 1 click here!

Classes

You  have probably heard it before but I am going to say it again. University classes are very different from high school classes. Many of the first year classes are huge and depending on your school they can be upwards of 600 or 700 people. The professors do not know who you are and they will  not notice if you are not there. That being said, GO TO CLASS. Seriously. It is so easy to think you can miss a class here or there but the only person you are hurting by doing that is yourself.

Studying 

Find a study space that works for YOU.  I hate hate hate studying at the library. Many people think I am crazy but the main two libraries are either a) too busy b) too loud c) too quiet.  (Libraries have different floors depending on the need of the student, some are group study floors, others are silent floors). Personally in many of the libraries on campus I find them uncomfortable to study in. There is one smaller library that I do enjoy studying at since it is the right amount of noise for me to study effectively.  Remember libraries aren't the only place to study. Empty classrooms, coffee houses, or tables in hallways are all good options. Find a place that you are comfortable in.

Many of the first year exams (and second year for that matter) are multiple choice. You will learn to have a love hate relationship with them.  Multiple multiples are evil things that you have to learn to overcome (or at least I did). There is a bit of a learning curve with multiple choice, they are not everyone favourite that is for sure. One thing I found was I had to adjust my study habits and think more critically about the material then I had to in high school.

Clubs 

Your university will most likely have a Clubs Week. If it was anything like the one I went to in first year you will find it overwhelming. My advice is to join clubs that you are interested in but do not join too many. Often many of the clubs have pricey registration fees and you don't end up attending enough meetings to make it worth your while.
Clubs also allow you the opportunity to meet people who share your interests who you would not have met otherwise.  Take advantage of this, become friends with upper year students. Its a great way to receive advice about what courses you should take and are great sources of Used Textbooks.




Hope you found this series helpful. If you have any questions please feel free to ask.
-Jaclyn

University: What to Pack

The summer before first year I tried to find everything I could about going away for University and what it was really like. I wanted advice and I wanted the perspective of a real girl, some who actually was going through University at the time. It was hard to find, sure many magazines give advice but none of it seemed real or relatable. Here is my list of what I think is needed for University. It is not a  100% comprehensive list but it should help get you started with the basics. 

BED

alarm clock, bed sheets , Comforter

 BED SHEETS (2 SETS) - A lot of universities have XL twin beds. Make sure you double check this before you by your sheets.

 DUVET/ COMFORTER -Your bed will not only be the place you sleep in university, it will also function as a desk, a kitchen table and a sofa. You will eat, sleep, study and socialize on your bed so I suggest getting a darker colour duvet as light ones tend to get dirty fast.  

 PILLOW (X2)

 ALARM CLOCK - I like having a alarm clock/ ipod dock combo. It saves space and allows me to wake up to my music in the morning.

 MATTRESS PAD - Makes the bed SO much more comfy.

 EXTRA BLANKET

DESK

Laptop. lamp. usb. stapler, calculator, tape dispenser. power cord. notebooks.

•  LAPTOP  
• CHARGER
• CASE
• ETHERNET CABLE
• PRINTER 
• INK 
• CABLE 
• PAPER
• POWER BAR - I found my power bar very helpful. I used it to plug in all my electronics/chargers at my desk. Its a great way to maximize your outlets.
• EXTENSION CORD - Some outlets were in very inconvenient locations. A extension cord was helpful to make them a bit more accessible.   
• DESK LAMP - My desk in first year had a light built in, but I often found it wasn't enough and needed an extra lamp. I also liked being able to have a light next to my bed on a nigh stand.
• USB KEY
• BINDERS
• NOTEBOOKS 
• PENCIL CASE - and everything that you need in it. 
• TAPE 
• SCISSORS 
• STAPLER 

BATH 

robe. towels. flip flops. shower caddy. 

•  SHOWER CADDY - Makes taking all your stuff to the shower a lot easier, you do after all only have 2 hands.
• TOILETRIES 
• BATH ROBE -  Great for walking to and from communal shower.
• HAIR DRYER / STRAIGHTENER 
• FLIP FLOPS - communal showers. Enough said.
• TOWELS 
• BATH (X3)
• HAND (X2)

• FACE (X2) 

• DINE






Mini Fridge. Kettle. Travel Mug. Dishes

•  DISHES 
• BOWL (X2)
• PLATES (X2) 
• MUG (X2) 
• GLASS (X2) 
• CUTLERY  
• TUPPERWARE - Great for storing extra food, bringing a snack to class or saving food from the caf.
• TRAVEL MUG
• DISH SOAP AND SPONG 
• KETTLE - I loved being able to make my own tea and occasionally soups.
• MINI FRIDGE  - I loved having some food on hand at all times. I drink a TON of milk and loved being able to keep it in my room and have cereal at all hours. Its also great for drinks and some fruits and veggies.
• SNACK FOODS 

 LAUNDRY

Laundry basket. Hangers. Drying Rack.

•  LAUNDRY BASKET 
• LAUNDRY DETERGENT 
• HANGERS -  most closets don't come with hangers. They are often things that are over looked and you are left with out hangers. *packing tip* If you are driving to your new school, rather than taking all your clothes off their hangers simply bunch them together with an elastic band and put inside a garment bag (or garbage bag with a hole). Makes moving in a lot easier.
• DRYING RACK -  great for those clothes that you don't put in the dryer.

  WEAR

Rain Boots.

•   RAIN BOOTS - A good pair of rain boots keeps your feet dry through the rainy season and into the slushy season. Your feet will thank you.
•   SLIPPERS - Rez is your home. But the caf workers don't love when you go down in your socks.
•   PURSES 
•   JEWELRY 
•   CLOTHES 
•   BATHING SUIT 
•   EXTRA SOCKS AND UNDERWEAR
•   FORMAL OUTFIT - There is usually at least one more formal event in Rez. Generally this is something you can take up after Thanksgiving break. But its a good idea to have something, just in case. You never know when you might have a job interview or a club event.

OTHER

Backpack. Umbrella. Camera. 

•  CAMERA  - Document all your amazing memories and all your new friends.
• FIRST AID KIT -   It will come in handy and don't forget things like your medications.
• UMBRELLA -   There is nothing worse then walking to class in the rain. Make sure you get a good, durable umbrella. Mine has turned inside out on me more times then I'd care to share. Quite embarrassing.
• BACK PACK 
• CLEANING SUPPLIES 
• LYSOL WIPES 
• STORAGE CONTAINERS 
• PHOTOS OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS 
• MIRROR - makes it easier to get ready in your room. I kept one at my desk for putting make up on in the mornings.

DOWNLOAD A PRINTABLE VERSION OF THE PACKING HERE. 

Make sure to check out your university's website as they often have a list of what they provide in the rooms for you and what you should and should not bring with you.
I hope this was helpful,
Jaclyn

Disclaimer: Everything that I have shared is my own advice and experience. It is limited and is solely based on my experience and I am by no means an expert. If you have any questions feel free to leave a comment or email me. Once again these are my own personal experiences that I am sharing, so please keep that in mind.

University: What to Expect Part One

The summer before first year I tried to find everything I could about going away for University and what it was really like. I wanted advice and I wanted the perspective of a real girl, some who actually was going through University at the time. It was hard to find, sure many magazines give advice but none of it seemed real or relatable. I have decided to share some of my advice and experience here. It is limited and is solely based on my experience and I am by no means an expert. If you have any questions feel free to leave a comment or email me. Once again these are my own personal experiences that I am sharing, so please keep that in mind. 

Being Away From Home

Leaving home was both exciting and scary. I was excited to be off on my own and start this new chapter in my life. But it was the first time I would ever be away from my family for such an extended period of time. Would I get homesick? Would I hate it? Would I love it so much that I would never want to go home? To be honest depending on the day I would either be homesick or be having such a good time that I would forget about home for a while. I never hated it. But I did miss home.

I missed home cooked meals. Caf food got old fast. I missed my bed and having a room to myself. I missed my friends and family. I missed my dog.  BUT I loved my new friends. My new found independence. Most of my classes.  The freedom.

Being away from home is learning out to adapt, balance your time and do things for yourself.  Its a time to grow up, have fun, and really find out who you are as an individual away from those who know you best (or think they do). Embrace it and enjoy it. But if you do get homesick don't worry everyone does.

Rez Life

Living in Rez is an amazing once in a life time experience. Make the most of your time in Rez. Go to floor meetings, floor events and keep your door open as much as possible. My floor had an "open door" policy and it made the world of difference. It was so nice being able to drop in on friends on the floor and have other people drop in for a quick chat. Your floor is your family for the year. These are the people you will be living with for the next 8 months. Get to know them. Make new friends and take advantage of the fact that you are living right next door or down the hall from some of your best friends.

Sharing a room isn't always easy. Respect your roommate and set ground rules at the start. Talk about if you can study with music on, over night guest policies, sharing food/clothes/etc. It honestly will help in the long run, even if it is an awkward conversation at first. Remember that this is their living space too, so be polite and work out your issues together. You may have to compromise or give a little on some issue, but a happy roommate makes for a happy living situation. That being said, take advantage of when your roommate is in class and you have some spare time or if you know they go to the gym at a certain time every day. It is nice to have some alone time in your room in the craziness of always living with someone (or 40 other floor-mates). It is okay to need some time alone once in a while.  Living with someone for the first time and sharing a space can be scary but its also exciting. You will learn a lot about yourself in the process.

One of my favourite (and at times my least favourite) parts about living in rez was the Caf, just down stairs. You will quickly learn why they say its the Freshman 15. Food is available to you always (or almost always) and its not always the healthiest of food. Make wise choices and be creative with what the caf has to offer, I found that after the first few months the food rotation was starting to get repetitive. But I quickly learnt that my caf had a great sandwich bar where you could get grilled sandwiches and I loved making many different grilled creations and flat bread pesto pizzas.  Or the salad bar where you could create a different salad creation every day and if they were serving chicken (which they usually were) you could easily add that to your salad. The options are there, you just have to look.

High School Friends

People change. It is something you will come to realize quickly, if you haven't already. Since people change friendships change, for the better and often for the worse. I came from a small high school where everyone knew everyone (and basically everything about them) to a huge school with a TON of people. It was a huge change but many people from my high school went as well, however all of my really close friends went to other really far universities.  Don't be afraid to make new friends, and friends that are different from your group of high school friends. If you are at a school with a big group of people from your high school do keep in touch with them but don't forget to make other friends as well. There is a whole university of new people to meet and who knows who you haven't met yet. 

Keeping in touch with your close friends from home can often be harder then you think, even with Facebook, Skype and texting. Everyone is making new friends and everyone is busy with school. My advice is to do the best you can to keep in touch with those people who you want to keep in close contact with. I have a group of 3 or 4 friends from high school who I am constantly in contact with and other high school friends I talk to them mostly when we are all back home. Its a good balance that works well. Find what works for you and your friends. Remember you guys will see each other on breaks and during the summer and if you are missing them they are only a text away!

I hope you enjoyed the advice and found it helpful. I am currently working on Part  2.

Check back next week for What to Pack for University.

- Jaclyn