Category Archives: Lifestyle / Hall Life

Spring Cleaning and Decluttering for College Students

Is your residence halls suites messy as a result of leaving and returning from spring break? Do you have extra clothing that you want to get rid of, does not fit anymore, is worn out, or has gone out of style? Here is a list of things you can add to your spring to-do list. You can even print this out and check things off as you go, as that may be a more productive way of doing things. 

Closet Decluttering:
First, make a yes and no pile. Then, put the no pile in a garbage bag to transport to local clothing donation spots. Local locations include, Plato’s Closet, Goodwill, and CommunityAid. If that is not an option, you can even have a yard sale while you are at home and make some extra cash for the semester! Selling on eBay and Facebook Marketplace are also two easy ways to get rid of unwanted items in a sustainable way. 

Cleaning Your Residence Hall Room:
Deep cleaning may be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of spring. Having a fresh bedroom and bathroom for the spring season can make your life feel more tidy. Having a simple routine can include cleaning bathrooms, floors, under your bed, inside the refrigerator, and the microwave. Inexpensive cleaning products can be purchased at any grocery or big box retail store. Remember, NEVER mix liquid bleach and cleanser because it will create a dangerous chemical reaction. 

Build a Capsule Wardrobe: According to Wikipedia, “A capsule wardrobe is a minimalist collection of clothes that can be put together in different ways to cover a variety of outfits and occasions.” Find outfits that you can style in multiple different ways. For example, buy plain colored shirts and pants with added accessories. That way you can minimize buying new clothing each year and save yourself money in the process. 

Reduce Trash: Using reusable water bottles, keeping food in reusable containers so it stays fresh for longer, creating rags out of old t-shirts for cleaning instead of paper towels, and using reusable bags is a great way to reduce trash and be more sustainable. 

Maximizing Storage: Adding storage under your bed and in your closet will make your room look less cluttered. Buying storage containers is an easy way to maximize your space. Plastic and fabric containers can be purchased through various online retailers at big box stores, and even at local hardware stores. 

Keep in mind that these are strategies you can use in times other than the spring. Make your living situation and habits easier with these ideas. What are some ideas that you have for spring cleaning and decluttering that you do? Share in the comments below or reply to our accompanying Instagram post. 

 

 

6 Tips for Enhancing Your Mental Health

Mental health is something that is brought to students’ attention. Realizing that you need to take a break, relax, and do more of what makes you happy and more relaxed is important. Here is a list of things that can help you focus more on your mental health. 

Plant a garden:
Planting flowers or fruits and vegetables at home is a great way to dive into the spring vibes. Flowers are always very colorful and can bring life to your yard or your room. If you go home, you could spend time with friends and family planting flowers. 

Read books:
Finding good books to read, laying outside, and relaxing is something that is so easy, but yet overlooked too often. You could also swap books with friends. For example, each person buys a book and then, after reading, they swap it so they can enjoy the same book. 

Go to your closest coffee shop:
Finding a coffee shop that is close to you that you can visit is a convenient way to destress. Simply reading, spending time with friends, or just grabbing coffee by yourself is something that is very therapeutic and simple. The environment in coffee shops is something that many college students enjoy. 

Watch movies:
Going on streaming platforms, like Netflix or Hulu for example, can be a great inexpensive night with friends and family. You can find a lot of new movies that were recently released, such as, comedies, romance, horror, documentaries, and other genres. 

Exercising:
Going to your local gym or even taking a walk outside of your neighborhood is a healthy way to get your mind off of stress. For example, walking a dog, stretching beforehand, listening to music, and putting your phone on “do not disturb” are great ways to establish an exercise routine. 

Puzzles:
Assembling jigsaw puzzles is really beneficial for your brain and lets you relax in peace and quiet. This activity also lets you put down your phone for awhile. It is easy to find inexpensive puzzles at Walmart, Target and Amazon. Also, you can give a puzzle to a friend once you have completed it. 

Once again,  do not forget to take breaks during the remainder of the semester. This is a great way to focus on your mental health and overall wellness. What is something you do to relax and enhance your own mental health? Please leave a comment below or reply to our accompanying Instagram post!

EPPIIC Ways to Spread Kindness on Campus

College life is more than just attending classes, studying, and earning a degree. It’s also about fostering a sense of community and spreading kindness wherever you go. For Millersville University students living on campus, creating a positive and inclusive environment can make your college experience even more memorable. In this blog post, we present creative EPPIIC ways to spread kindness on campus, helping you make the most of your time at Millersville and create lasting memories.

Building Relationships

  • Smile at everyone you meet.
  • Hold the door open for the person behind you.
  • Leave cheerful sticky notes for friends, faculty, and staff.
  • Introduce yourself to others who live in your residence hall.
  • Organize a study group or tutoring session.
  • Start a book-sharing club in your residence hall.
  • Offer to cook a meal for a friend.
  • Surprise your roommate with their favorite snack.

Acts of Service

  • Volunteer at local community events.
  • Participate in campus service events.
  • Mentor a younger student.
  • Offer to help a friend with their chores.
  • Run errands for someone who’s sick.
  • Provide academic support to underclassmen.
  • Assist in set up & clean-up for campus events and programs.
  • Donate unwanted clothing to a local charity.

Random Acts of Kindness

  • Pay for someone’s coffee or meal.
  • Leave anonymous compliments on classmates’ doors.
  • Surprise your roommate with a thoughtful gift.
  • Give a genuine compliment every day.
  • Write and share inspirational quotes.
  • Offer a friendly greeting to passersby.
  • Share a helpful tip with fellow students.
  • Start a kindness challenge on social media.

Supporting Mental Health

  • Promote mental health awareness on campus.
  • Offer a non-judgmental space for friends to vent.
  • Attend mindfulness or meditation sessions.
  • Be sensitive to friends’ mental health needs.
  • Encourage peers to seek professional help when needed.
  • Share resources for counseling and support.
  • Offer to accompany a friend to counseling appointments.
  • Host a stress-relief event in your residence hall.
  • Create a safe space for open conversations.
  • Advocate for mental health initiatives on campus.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

  • Attend cultural events and gatherings on campus.
  • Learn about different cultures and traditions.
  • Invite international students for cultural exchanges.
  • Support diversity and inclusion initiatives.
  • Challenge stereotypes and biases when you encounter them.
  • Engage in dialogue about cultural awareness.
  • Offer assistance to international students adjusting to campus.
  • Learn a foreign language.
  • Share traditional recipes with friends.
  • Attend guest lectures on diversity and inclusion.

Acts of Kindness Online

  • Leave positive comments on classmates’ social media posts.
  • Share helpful academic resources.
  • Avoid engaging in online negativity.
  • Promote healthy online discussions.
  • Share inspiring stories and quotes.
  • Offer a virtual shoulder to lean on.
  • Send encouraging messages to friends.
  • Promote online awareness campaigns.
  • Organize virtual events to stay connected.
  • Support online mental health initiatives.

Spreading Joy and Laughter

  • Share funny memes and jokes with friends.
  • Host a game night in your residence hall.
  • Plan surprise movie nights in common areas.
  • Decorate your living space with positivity.
  • Share personal stories of overcoming challenges.
  • Encourage humor and laughter in everyday life.
  • Celebrate birthdays and milestones with friends.

Promoting Self-Care

  • Share self-care tips with friends.
  • Organize self-care workshops and activities.
  • Offer to accompany a friend on a self-care day.
  • Provide support during busy exam periods.
  • Encourage a healthy work-life balance.
  • Create self-care kits for friends.
  • Share stress-relief techniques.
  • Promote regular exercise and healthy eating.
  • Offer to help friends create study schedules.
  • Celebrate each other’s accomplishments.
  • Always be a supportive friend and peer.

Conclusion

Spreading kindness on campus is not only about making others’ lives better but also about enhancing your college experience. These ways to spread kindness on Millersville University’s campus can foster a positive, inclusive, and supportive community. Remember, kindness is contagious, and your actions can inspire others to do the same. So, let’s make our campus a better place, one act of kindness at a time!

*** Graphic by Scott M. Helfrich, Ed.D. 

Spring Into the End of the Semester

Spring has officially sprung on Millersville’s campus as we enter into, in my opinion, some of the worst weeks of the semester. The countdown is on until graduation and summer break, and it cannot come fast enough. As professors cram the last of assignments and finals creep up on us, it is sometimes hard to really enjoy the beautiful weather. So, let’s discuss what exactly you can do during this time of year on a college campus.

Study outside: Utilize this weather to get the never ending assignments and studying you need to do, done. I get it, just because the weather is warming up, does not mean that your list of to dos is decreasing. Rather than sulking over the fact that there is much to be done, utilize the multiple outdoor locations around campus for studying outside.

Take a walk: Walk around the entirety of campus, even those parts you have yet to explore. Or venture into the neighboring communities near campus. Millersville is luckily equipped with plenty of sidewalks and neighborhoods that are perfect for taking a mid-day walk on a warm day.

Explore local markets: Specifically, explore the Lancaster Central Market or downtown Lancaster in general. On a warm spring day, walking around downtown Lancaster and the market is something out of a Hallmark movie, I promise.

Attend sports events: Whether it is a local game or a Millersville specific team, take a warm day to sit outside and enjoy an outdoor sport, while also supporting your university. This can be a fun way to spend time with friends or also a way to support friends who play a sport. It is never a bad idea to have a little school spirit, too.

Relax and recharge: Warm weather is the perfect excuse to give yourself a break to relax and recharge. As a college student, this time of year is exhausting and extremely hard to push through. Take a nice day as a sign to take a nap in your portable hammock or to not touch your laptop for 24 hours. Sometimes, that is exactly what your brain and body need to get back on track.

Soon you will be able to enjoy the spring weather as a simple task without having to worry about impending due dates. Until then, balance fun and work as best you can, and utilize these tips as much as possible. Happy Spring, Marauders!

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Gabrielle Krick is a senior Business Administration major with a concentration in Management and minor in Marketing at Millersville University. Her interests include human resources, social media marketing, and content marketing. When she graduates in May 2023, Gabby hopes to work for a large company’s human resources department, specifically representing minorities and the LGBTQ community. She hopes to either stay in the Lancaster, Pennsylvania area or move somewhere near Rehoboth, Delaware.  

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From Residence Hall to Home

College. Your home away from home. There is nothing more important than your space. It is the place you begin and end your day with. And even if you wish to ignore it, your space has countless effects on your frame of mind. So, let us discuss some easy tactics for making your residence hall and college experience one to look back on and smile about.  

Utilize something that reminds you of home. Whether that is a small keepsake that a parent gave to you or a framed picture of you and friends, having reminders of home serve as nice decorative touches for your room. Have something that you will look at and be immediately reminded of your home, however that is defined for you. Home is often a mindset rather than just a physical space.  

Curtains for your closet. Install some curtains to act as a door to your closet. This will prevent your closet contents from being visible to everyone that enters your suite. To install this easy fix, I recommend purchasing an adjustable curtain rod with stoppers on the ends, to best fit your closets size. Do not forget to measure your closet when purchasing a curtain, as well. Then, just put the curtain on the rod and adjust the rod to the desired length to secure it as a make shift door on your closet. Somewhere such as Amazon is the perfect place to find these items at an inexpensive price. And if this explanation is not suitable for you, YouTube is a great resource for researching this hack.

Always remember the word “comfort”. At the end of the day your residence hall room is your space. You sleep, do homework, have friends over, relax, and even eat there sometimes. Remember that your suite is multifunctional. So when you are shopping for items to fill your space with, do not forget while the residence hall is your bedroom, it is also your living room, study space, and kitchen. 

Go for interchangeable and inexpensive décor. College is a time of immense change. Throughout the several years you spend here, I would be willing to bet your style will alter. So, instead of spending an unnecessary amount of money on décor, lower the budget a bit and buy interchangeable items.  

Acknowledge that home is not always a physical space. While aesthetic décor, plants, and framed pictures are great, it is also important to realize that home is so much more than the space you spend your days in. It is a feeling, the people you surround yourself with, and the memories you make in that space. While a residence hall room can be so different from what you are used to, it can be just as sweet of an experience with the right mindset and people to fill the space.  

College is a time to truly grow into yourself and the person that you are away from the people that have shaped you for most of your life. While it is great to remind yourself of where you came from, do not forget to make your own memories and definition of home. 

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Gabrielle Krick is a senior Business Administration major with a concentration in Management and minor in Marketing at Millersville University. Her interests include human resources, social media marketing, and content marketing. When she graduates in May 2023, Gabby hopes to work for a large company’s human resources department, specifically representing minorities and the LGBTQ community. She hopes to either stay in the Lancaster, Pennsylvania area or move somewhere near Rehoboth, Delaware.  

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The Dos and Don’ts of Getting Involved In College

One of the most important details of your development as a person while in college, yet one of the most overlooked, is getting involved. For most of us, college is the first extended period we have spent away from home. And while that thought may not invoke intense fear for you, it is still important to recognize this large shift in routine. You may feel right at home at college, or like you have it all figured out from the start, but getting involved on campus can only benefit you in the long run for countless reasons. So, let us discuss the dos and don’ts of getting involved in college.  

To start, use your resources. There is no need for “do’s and don’ts” if you do not even know what your college campus has to offer for clubs and activities. Millersville University makes it simple. Visit https://getinvolved.millersville.edu/ for all your organization, event, and involvement needs. The site is broken down into sections and makes it incredibly simple to sift through clubs and organizations that you may be interested in.  

Begin with the obvious. I have danced my whole life, so the first organizations that I sought out when I arrived on campus were Millersville’s Dance Team and Expressions Dance. It made complete sense, and as a senior, I am happy to say I have spent four amazing years with Expressions Dance and owe it to that club for introducing me to my lifeline friends. Then, go with the not so obvious. Just because you have a club you are set in does not mean that there are not others that are a great match for you as well. For me, that was Her Campus, an organization all about college women using their voices in an online magazine and blog site.  I joined because a dance friend recommended it, went to an info session, and fell in love with their message as a club. I have now been writing for Her Campus for over a year, allowing myself to speak my mind while also gaining blogging experience.  

Differentiate between organizations that are beneficial to your career or are just extracurriculars. Balancing between both is so important; you cannot have fun without the work. So, I recommend joining a club because it is something that you love and then also because it will give you experience. Brownie points if you can find a club that does both. Dance is fun for me, but I have no intention of going into the performance industry. I do however plan to go into the marketing world post-graduation, so, Her Campus has been extremely helpful in this sense with giving me real life blogging opportunities.  

Recognize when you need to step up. No matter if an organization is fun or all business, stepping up into a leadership role is always a great experience. Not only is it a great resume booster, but it is also an amazing opportunity to work with other students and faculty in a more professional sense. I have been lucky enough to be a teacher for Expressions Dance and serve on their board throughout my junior and senior years. This specific experience has taught me immense patience, accountability, and respect for my peers that I work with. As for Her Campus, I have had the pleasure of running their social media pages for the past school year. This has given me so much experience in the marketing aspect, which I have spent the past four years studying and hope to continue with my career.  

While joining an organization can be exciting, it is also important to recognize when it might not be the right fit. This could be due to scheduling conflicts, the amount of time involved, or not what you thought it was going to be, so it is alright to turn down a club. While college schedules are frequently flexible, you do still have a life. From alone time, to homework, and social events, you do not want to take away from these equally important things just because you want to join a club. Burnout is real and while your first year on campus may be jam packed and you made it through just fine, remember you still have at least seven semesters to go. And they only get busier. So be picky with your clubs and only join those few that you know you are either getting important experience from or extreme happiness.  

Despite the immense information just given, it is important to remember that clubs are supposed to be the stress relievers of college. I go to dance, and I forget about that massive project I have due next week and additional stressors that I have. While we are all here for an education, we are also all here for enriching experiences, and those experiences will not just come with sitting in a classroom. Get out of your residence hall, make new friends, and join an organization that you will miss come graduation.  

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Gabrielle Krick is a senior Business Administration major with a concentration in Management and minor in Marketing at Millersville University. Her interests include human resources, social media marketing, and content marketing. When she graduates in May 2023, Gabby hopes to work for a large company’s human resources department, specifically representing minorities and the LGBTQ community. She hopes to either stay in the Lancaster, Pennsylvania area or move somewhere near Rehoboth, Delaware.   

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Residence Hall Essentials From Amazon That You’ll Want to Buy

Moving away from home and moving into the residence halls is super exciting, but can seem daunting if you don’t know what to pack. If you’re unsure about what you need to bring with you to college, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Here is a short list of some residence hall essentials you can buy from Amazon to help you prepare for living on campus once the fall semester begins:

(Here’s a helpful tip: College students can take advantage of Amazon Prime Student, which is a discounted Amazon Prime membership program. Click here to learn more about it!)

1. Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Multi-Surface Everyday Cleaner

Mrs. Meyers multi surface everyday cleaner is a great investment because it limits the amount of cleaning supplies you have to buy and store since its multipurpose, and it’s inexpensive. This multi surface cleaning spray is also available in different fresh scents. Click here to purchase a 3-pack from Amazon.

2. First Aid Kit

Something a lot of students wouldn’t think to bring with them to college is a first aid kit, but they’re actually really convenient to have. Amazon has a great first aid kit available that includes 100 pieces but is still compact, and it’s only $8.00! Click here to see details and buy it.

3. Laundry Hamper

Laundry hampers like this one are an essential because you can use them to carry your clothes to and from the laundry room easily. This laundry hamper from Amazon comes with carrying straps and a side pocket for detergent and dryer sheets, as well as comes in different colors. Click here to check it out.

4. Foldable Storage Bag Organizers

Continue reading Residence Hall Essentials From Amazon That You’ll Want to Buy

The Importance of Sleep

As college students, we tend to suffer from lack of sleep. Whether it is because we don’t go to bed until 2 am or we have a lot of homework that needs to be done, we end up staying up late or getting up really early. Is it healthy to live like this? The answer is no, it is not good for us. Here are some of the pros of getting a good night’s sleep:

Better productivity and concentration throughout the day.

By getting a good night’s sleep we wake up refreshed and ready for the day. This helps us feel like we can get things done, unlike when we are tired. Also your concentration during class is enhanced since you are not falling asleep.

Better calorie intake.

Believe it or not, by getting a good night’s sleep a person will consume less calories during their day. In fact according to this study sleep loss can effect your weight loss entirely.

Sleep can boost your immunity.

By not getting the 8 hours of sleep recommended you disrupt the sleep cycle. This can take away the time your body needs to build up your immune system, making you more susceptible to sickness.

Can help your mental wellness.

Getting a full night’s rest we are ready to face the day. When we don’t get the sleep we need we tend to be moody and easily irritated. By getting the 8 hours of sleep we can help our mental health.

So that leaves the question: How do you catch up on the sleep you lost?

The only way to catch up is to get more sleep. It won’t happen with one day of going to bed earlier or waking up later. It takes time to regain a proper sleep schedule.

For more information about sleep check out:

https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/sleep-deprivation-and-deficiency

Annual Skyfactor Benchworks Residential Student Survey

Starting on Friday, May 1, 2020, the Department of Housing & Residential Programs will have the annual Skyfactor Benchworks survey administered. All non-staff residential students (i.e., Reighard Hall, Shenks Halls, Villages) will be invited to take the survey through Friday, May 29, 2020. Students will receive an email invitation with detailed information on how to take the survey. Two follow-up reminder emails will be sent to those who have not completed the survey.

This assessment is crucial for the Department of Housing & Residential Programs as it helps us to understand the successes and areas of improvement of our program, and the services of various campus partners in comparison to other colleges and universities across the country. We ask that you please keep your responses to your experience with Housing & Residential Programs up until spring break. The survey assesses 21 different factors, which include the following:

Satisfaction

  • Hall Student Staff
  • Hall Programming
  • Hall Environment
  • Facilities*
  • Services Provided
  • Room Assignment
  • Room Change
  • Safety & Security
  • Roommates
  • Dining Services*
  • Community Environment

Learning

  • Personal Interactions
  • Sense of Community
  • Diverse Interactions
  • Self-Management
  • Alcohol and Drug Use
  • Sustainability
  • Living-Learning Community (LLC) Connections & Support

Overall

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Overall Learning
  • Overall Program Effectiveness

*Housing & Residential Programs does not supervise these areas, but works as a partner with the departments responsible for these services.

Finding the Motivation to Finish Strong

After spring break it is hard to find the motivation to do anything. It is even harder now that all courses have moved online. The semester feels like it will never end and it is hard not feeling drained. It is important, however, to keep working hard towards your goals. Here are some ways in which to stay motivated for the rest of the semester.

Remember what you are working for.

It is safe to say, that if you are in college then you desire to learn and grow into the person you want to be. Remember that in order to learn you need to do the work and show up for the Zoom meetings that your professors may have set up. It may be hard, but it will be worth it in the end.

It’s okay to change your mind.

Sometimes you need to change your goal or the steps to achieving that goal. It is okay to change your mind as long as you don’t give up entirely. I have changed my major multiple times as well as what I want to do after I graduate.

Change your HOW.

Instead of just trying to get your work done, turn your mindset into doing the task right. Instead of waiting till the last minute to do a paper or project start them early. This will help ensure you are doing them right and will cause you less stress.

Remember the feeling.

Keep in mind how it felt to get one step closer to your goal. It always feels good when a project or paper is done. Every assignment and test gets you just a little bit closer to your goal. It will feel even better at the end of this semester.

Find a meaningful quote.

Finding  a quote that means something to you may seem insignificant, but could help in the long run. We all need a little motivation to get us through the tough times.

My favorite motivational quote is:

Play to your strengths.

Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. It is important that you play to your strengths instead of letting yourself be discouraged by your weaknesses. If you don’t like online classes because you don’t feel focused enough try to think of your strengths. This could help you find a way past the difficulties you will face.

It has been rough on students, faculty and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. We just have to remember our EPPIIC Values and try to finish this semester strong.