Category Archives: Lifestyle / Hall Life

Things To Do Before You Graduate From MU

For many of us on campus, graduation is coming up very quickly, 12 days and counting to be exact. It feels just like yesterday the school year was starting. I know I am starting to get nervous for graduation and everything that comes after it, meaning  ‘adulting’. Before we leave campus and start our way into the workforce, I think there are things each student who goes to Millersville should do in order to make their time on campus complete. As we came to MU for our first year, we thought we had a lot of time, but with classes and everything in between, time went by quicker than we expected. So, I created a list of things you might want to cross off your checklist if you are graduating in May.

 

  1. Place a penny on the Marauder Statue.

We have all heard the stories of placing a penny on the statue for good luck. Many of my friends do not believe it helps or does anything, but I actually place a penny on the statue before every finals week to give me the extra luck I need to ace my finals.

  1. Watch Miller and S’ville swim around in the pond on a beautiful day.

Miller and S’ville are our campus swans who inhabit the pond located by Dilworth and Wickersham. They are very interesting and many students like to watch them make their way around the pond. Just be sure to not ruffle their feathers!

  1. Get something to eat from the Marauder Express.

Many students are passionate about the food truck and it is starting back up again just in time to grab something if you have not yet. They have the campus favorite, ‘the Ville-a-nator’, which many students love and enjoy, so make sure to give it a try!

  1. Go to a sporting event with your friends.

Cheering on our Marauders is a great way to show school spirit and display your Marauder pride in your last couple days on campus.

  1. Spend some time exploring the city of Lancaster with your friends.

Lancaster is a very interesting city and was recently named ‘one of the coolest U.S. cities to visit in 2019’ by Forbes. So make sure you visit some of the trendy cafés and local businesses before you leave the area!

  1. Buy a coffee or other drink from Saxbys.

Saxbys is our campus café that attracts many students each day with their delicious bagels and coffee drinks. Make sure to visit to grab a cold brew or to just sit in their beautifully decorated café to listen to some great playlists!

  1. Play a game of frisbee or catch on the Quad.

The quad is the area located between the residence halls and Gordinier. It is the perfect area to hang out with friends on a sunny day or start up a game of catch.  You will often see students relaxing and playing music to get away from the stress of schoolwork. It is a must if you have some free time to spare!

  1. Take a walk through campus.

As a result of  many busy schedules and having classes in only certain academic buildings, chances are you have not been inside a lot of buildings or places on campus. Taking a walk through can show you some of the hidden study places you have been missing out on.

  1. Go to the dining hall and eat like you are trying to gain the freshman 15 just one more time.

Some of us have moved off campus and do not have a dining plan anymore, so we do not eat at the Upper Deck as often as we used to. It can be nice to go there one more time to eat a bunch of the foods you used to eat all the time as a freshman. You can also try to meet up with some of your old friends you would eat dinner with every night.

10 . Hangout with your friends from freshman year.

Sometimes because of schedules and living situations, we do not see our friends we made from freshman year as often as we would like. So in your last couple weeks on campus, try to contact them to see if they would like to meet up and reminisce about your first couple days or months on campus and the best memories you shared.

11. Pull an all-nighter with your roommate(s).

Sometimes schedules are crazy and you do not get to spend enough time with your friends or roommates. So in your last couple nights, try to stay up all night with them to spend that extra time with them because in a little bit you will not be seeing them everyday.

12. Buy a t-shirt or sweatshirt with your graduation class on it  or alumni items from the University Bookstore.

Buying a t-shirt with your graduation year on it is a great keepsake to have to look back on your time at college. Also, alumni items are great to wear around to show your Marauder Pride after you graduate! You can find Class of 2019 items and alumni merchandise here.

13. Take pictures in front of famous MU landmarks.

If you are graduating, chances are you are going to want to take  pictures to remember your time on campus. So, grab your friends and take pictures in front of the most recognizable places on campus or the places you spent the most time at. For example, I know I want to take pictures near the big Millersville University sign at the front of campus, the Biemesderfer Center and of course the pond. Here are some other great places to get pictures taken!

14. Look back at the all the hard work and courses you have taken during your time here.

Sometimes it is good to look back at all the assignments and projects you had to complete to get you to where you are. These assignments can show you how much you learned and the type of things you are capable of completing.

15. Thank the people who were with you for the last four/five/six years of your life.

However long it has taken you to get to this point, you are graduating and I am sure there were people in your life who have helped you get to this point. It is important to thank your friends, parents, grandparents, siblings, teachers and anyone else you may  have gotten advice or support from. This is a big moment and it is important to look back on how you got to this point and who supported you! You should be proud of yourself.

 

Stress and Time Management Skills

It is getting to the point of the semester where deadlines keep coming up faster than you expected. Semester projects are in full swing and maybe some of the procrastination you have been doing is catching up to you. I know for me personally, I have group projects in all of my courses, so my schedule has been hectic trying to coordinate what times I can meet with each group in order for us to work on our project effectively. I know this is the case for many of my friends and I think college students as a whole, which causes stress making the situation worse. To combat this, we can try to participate in stress and time management techniques. Here is a list of effective time management skills that also help with stress management. 

 

Photo courtesy of Canva.

 

  1. Use a planner.

A planner can help you to remember deadlines for projects and days that exams will be held. At the start of each semester, I like to write in the days that projects are due for each of my courses that way I do not forget. My favorite brand of planners are the Happy Planners because they have big blocks to put all of your daily tasks!

2. Learn to say “No”.

Being in college sometimes it is hard to say “no” in some situations because you may experience ‘FOMO’ or the fear of missing out. Your friends may ask you to do something fun, but you may have a test the next day which may lead you to say “no” even though you really want to say yes. Saying “no” sometimes can benefit you and save your grade. Trust me, you will be happier not going than getting a bad grade.

3. Plan “me” time to de-stress for a small amount of time each day.

Having a time set away each day to do something you like will give you the break you are in need of, but will also keep you on track. This time will help you to relax and participate in an activity you find joy in. For example, during this time you could take a walk outside, exercise, read or watch a movie!

4. If you have free time, work ahead on assignments.

If you somehow come across free time, use it to your advantage! Spend this time getting ahead on your assignments and studies. By getting ahead, you will be more prepared for class which can help to alleviate your stress.

5. Break up big tasks into a couple smaller achievable tasks.

Sometimes working on very large projects can be intimidating and can lead to procrastination. To avoid this, split your projects into smaller sections and work on it little by little.

6. Talk to a friend or family member.

If you have stress about an assignment or something else, try talking to a friend or family member about it. They can give you advice on how to approach the assignment or maybe even make you feel a little less worried about it.

7. Keep a time log.

Keeping a time log can give you insights on what exactly you are using your time on during the day. This can also help to show you where you are using your time unproductively and things you may need to do less of each day.

8. Prioritize more important tasks or projects that are due sooner.

If you have a lot on your plate, try to prioritize the assignments or projects that are due sooner to make sure you get them done on time!

9. At the end of the day use 5-10 minutes to clean up your space whether it be your desk or bedroom.

By decluttering your desk or bedroom at the end of the night, you will be able to start off the morning with a fresh perspective and a clean space.

10. Put your phone on “Do Not Disturb” if you are completing homework, studying or working.

If you are completing an important assignment or project, it may be a good idea to put your phone on “Do Not Disturb.” When your phone is buzzing and constantly illuminating with new notifications, you can easily get distracted which can lead to being unproductive. If you make the switch to putting your phone on DND, you will be able to get more work done and be able to fully focus on your task.

By trying new techniques and managing our time better, we can be less stressed and more productive. If we missed any of your top time management skills make sure to tweet us! Our username is @VilleHousing .

 

Activities To Get You Excited For The Spring Season

This winter has been very dark, cold and has been filled with snow. Spring is right around the corner, but some of us can’t see the end of winter in sight. Winter weather can make us tired and feel gloomy, but it is time to wake up and smell the roses. Spring is a time of happiness and bright colors which can make us happier and in a better mood. As we wait  for warmer weather and the happiness of the season, I have compiled a list of things you can do to prepare for spring and to get out of the winter blues mindset.

 

  1. Buy a bouquet of flowers and put them in a vase in your room.

Adding a fresh bouquet of flowers can increase your mood because of how bright and beautiful the flowers are. It can also be nice to take care of the flowers. If flowers are not your thing, try buying a succulent!

2. Add some new decor to your room that is brightly colored.

Incorporating some news posters or decor that is brightly colored into your room can get you in the spring mood. Seeing the bright colors can remind you of the colors and warm weather of spring.

3. Write a list of fun things you and your friends can do in the spring weather.

Making plans and thinking of fun things to do once the weather gets warm can make you excited for the start of spring. Maybe plan a hiking trip or go to a baseball game!

4. Exercise or take a walk outside once the weather starts to get a little bit nicer.

Taking a walk outside is great exercise and can help to clear your mind if you are stressed out. Once it gets a bit warmer it will also be nice to go outside and get some sun exposure.

5. Schedule yourself time in your busy schedule to take part in some spring cleaning.

Spring cleaning can be very good to get rid of germs and tidy up your room. It can also be very beneficial to take some heavy sweaters out of your wardrobe and add in your lighter spring sweaters and items of clothing.

6. Treat yourself to a new spring outfit from your favorite store.

Since the weather is going to get warmer and nicer, you may need a new t-shirt or dress in your wardrobe. That means it is time to treat yourself for all of the hard work you have been doing!

 

All of these small activities can change your mindset and make you ready for the warm spring air. So, take the time to get rid of those winter blues and engage in cheery activities to welcome the spring season! Let us know if you have any other ideas that help you get into the spring spirit. Make sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more posts, our username is @VilleHousing !

 

Motivational Quotes To Help You Get To Spring Break

Face it, we have had many snow days and it is getting hard to keep track of classes and assignments when due dates keep getting pushed back. When this happens, personally I lose motivation and I need to refocus in order to stay on track. Along with this feeling, spring break is right around the corner which also can contribute to slacking in our classes. To fight these feelings I have gathered some inspirational quotes to get you through this and make it successfully to spring break without easing up on your work.

 

Photo courtesy of Canva. 

 

  1. “ I attribute my success to this: I never gave or took any excuse.” – Florence Nightingale
  2. “Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do.” – Pele
  3. “Procrastination is like a credit card: it’s a lot of fun until you get the bill.” – Christopher Parker
  4.  “You don’t drown by falling in the water ; you drown by staying there.” – Ed Cole
  5. “You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.” – Maya Angelou
  6. “Excellence is not a skill. It is an attitude.” – Ralph Maston
  7. “Failure is the opportunity to begin again more intelligently.” – Henry Ford
  8.  “Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” – Robert Collier
  9.  “Some people dream of accomplishing great things. Others stay awake and make it happen.”
  10. “Try to live everyday like Elle Woods after Warner told her she wasn’t smart enough for law school.”

Sometimes we just need to sit back and refocus in order to regain our motivation when it comes to  doing well in our classes. If these quotes help you, let us know. Also make sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram, our username is @Villehousing ! Study hard!

Get To Know Your Resident Assistant : Cross Truesdell

  • Name

Cross Truesdell

  • Major

Biology

  • Year

Junior

  • Hometown

Danville, PA

  • Hobbies

Working out, fishing, hiking, hunting, and playing basketball

  • Why did you want to become a RA?

One of the main reasons I wanted to become a RA was to have the ability to make the living community in the residence halls better. Being away from home is hard, but as a RA I want to be able to create a home away from home for my residents.

  • What is the most valuable part of being a RA?

The most valuable part of the job is being a person that residents can come to with their problems and concerns. I want the residents to be able to see that I can be that supporting factor to them when they have things going on or if they are having problems, I want to be there to help.

  • What is your favorite program you held for your residents?

My favorite program was one that I held with my RA partner when we had the therapy dogs come to the building.  A lot of the residents came out to learn more information on the dogs and what the dogs can and cannot do when they have their vests on. It was also a plus that the dogs were really cute.

  • What do you hope your residents get out of you being their RA?

I hope they learn to be more social and respectful to others in the building. I think it is very important to realize that there is more out there in the world than your hometown,  you just have to be social and inclusive with your peers.

  • Do you have any valuable tips or tricks that you have learned from your time here at MU to pass on to other students?

I think the best tip or piece of advice is to be more social and more outgoing.

  • What is your favorite part of living in the residence halls?

The best part I think is getting to interact with more people.

  • Why did you choose to come to Millersville?

Originally my  mom chose this school for me because it was the best that money can afford, but I really like how there is a small student to teacher ratio.

  • What is your favorite class you have taken at Millersville?

I think it would be Neurobiology.

  • Do you have any upcoming events?

No, not yet but I  just held an event with RA Rhys about studying and study tips.

  • What is one goal you have set for this semester?

To complete enough of my thesis to present at Made in Millersville.  

Get To Know Your Resident Assistant : Connor Richter

 

  • Name

Connor Richter

  • Major

Psychology

  • Year

Senior

  • Hometown

Ridley Park in Delaware County

  • Hobbies

Watching my brother, taking walks and playing pool

  • Why did you want to become a RA?

A lot of reasons, but the main reason was to help people. I grew up with a brother with disabilities, so it was a different experience for me  and I wanted to help others who are like my brother.

  • What is the most valuable part of being a RA?

The most valuable part is meeting a lot of different people. Whether it is throughout the halls or on campus, I will see residents or other people I know and I think it is a great way to meet new people and get to know everyone.

  • What is your favorite program you held for your residents?

My favorite are the community builder programs RAs have. One community builder I did was creating the name tags for the doors, I thought it was cool for everyone to make them and be able to meet new people from doing it. Also, the RAs are creating their own Relay for Life team so I think that is great as well.

  • What do you hope your residents get out of you being their RA?

I  hope they know that they can trust me. Having a safe experience here and promoting being involved is very great in making a safe environment for the residents. This can make the residents happy and I just want them to know that they are safe and have someone to talk to.

  • Do you have any valuable tips or tricks that you have learned from your time here at MU to pass on to other students?

I would say it would be to take time for yourself. Schedules are very hectic but it is very important to take time for yourself. Also, asking for IDs as a RA is very important because it creates a safe space and builds respect.

  • What is your favorite part of living in the residence halls?

I think being around a lot of people. I would rather be in a residence hall compared to an apartment.

  • Why did you choose to come to Millersville?

My uncle came here so he knew about the school. Also, originally I came in as a Meteorology major and Millersville has a really great program for that. This was also the only school I applied to.

  • What is your favorite class you have taken at Millersville?

This takes a lot of thought. I think either Calc 1 or Behavior Modification.

  • Do you have any upcoming events?

I don’t , but I want to do an event that is Autism related in the beginning of April.

Get To Know Your Resident Assistant: Rhys Wallace

 

  • Name

Rhys Wallace

  • Major

Secondary Education – Social Studies

  • Year

Sophomore , but credits-wise Junior.

  • Hometown

Pennsburg , but I grew up in Pottstown.

  • Hobbies

Camping, writing, reading (just not during the semester) and Scouts

  • Why did you want to become a RA?

My mom was a RA and so she encouraged me to do it. But, I also thought it was an interesting way to develop myself and develop useful skills. Also it was kind of my first time working in the real-world because I have only worked at summer camps before.

  • What is the most valuable part of being a RA?

There is a lot you don’t realize. The most valuable for me is meeting and working with many different people. Working with many people like my bosses or other RAs who are very different from me creates an interesting work environment, but in the end although we are different we all come together to work and get things done.

  • What is your favorite program you held for your residents?

I’ve had a lot of cool programs , but my favorite was having the therapy dogs in West. It was interesting because a lot of people came and learned about how the dogs are trained and how they cannot pet them when they have their vests on.  By the end of the program, there was so much dog hair in the lobby of the building it was pretty funny.

  • What do you hope your residents get out of you being their RA?

I want them to realize there is a difference between me being their friend and their administrator. By doing my job, I am trying to keep everyone safe and it is only helping them in the long run. I do not want them to get in trouble, but there are just some things they need to realize they can’t do or say.

  • Do you have any valuable tips or tricks that you have learned from your time here at MU to pass on to other students?

I would say either think before you speak so you have time to gather your thoughts or wait before you react, because if you don’t you can make messy situations.

  • What is your favorite part of living in the residence halls?

My favorite part is that you can have a community if you choose to make it. If you talk to some of the people in the halls you can make friends and meet genuine people.

  • Why did you choose to come to Millersville?

My parents went to Bloomsburg University and I didn’t want to go there. Some of my friends went here and so I looked into it and thought it was a good school. It is small, the people are nice and the education program is great. I think campus is also very pretty and has history, the maintenance people definitely do not get enough credit for maintaining the appearance of campus.

  • What is your favorite class you have taken at Millersville?

Speech class with Professor Donovan. He was very well spoken and a very cool guy who knew what he was talking about. I think that he gave his students everything he had to offer.

Spread Love This Valentine’s Day!

It is that time of year again! Whether you call it Galentine’s Day, Single’s Awareness Day or good, old Valentine’s Day, it is the day to love and show love. Many people usually view Valentine’s Day as a day for couples and romance. Although that is partly true, Valentine’s Day is a day that is all about celebrating love and showing the people in your life that you appreciate them. There is a stigma around the holiday, viewing it as this day only couples can celebrate , but it is time to change that. On Valentine’s Day,  we should all take the time to spread love and positivity to our friends and family members. 

Photo courtesy of Canva.

 Anyone can celebrate Valentine’s Day and spread love to those around them, surrounding yourself with people who make you feel great and alive is the best way to celebrate this holiday. This Valentine’s Day,  grab some chocolate and enjoy the love-filled day with your best friends, significant other or family. “All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.”- Charles M. Schulz

 Here are a list of some things you can do this Valentine’s Day to spread love here at Millersville . Let’s make everyone feel loved this Valentine’s Day!

 

  1. Give a compliment to a stranger.
  2. Surprise one of your best friends with a small gift
  3. Make Valentine’s Day treats and share them with friends
  4. Call your parents and tell them you love and appreciate them
  5. Pay it forward at Starbucks or Saxby’s
  6. Make someone smile
  7. Wish everyone a Happy Valentine’s Day

These simple acts can make a person’s day better and create a chain effect of kind gestures. We hope everyone has a lovely Valentine’s Day!

How To Have A Fun Friday Night In

It is the middle of winter and for many of us that means we hate going outside into the cold. We often times get bored very easily and have nothing to do , but sit inside. Although sitting inside can be boring, there are ways to make it fun and a great way to spend your Friday night. Here is a list of activities to do inside to make your Friday nights fun and exciting.

  1. Hold a Netflix Movie or TV Marathon in Your Residence Hall Common Area or Your Room

If you are unsure of what to do Netflix has tons of movies and TV shows just waiting to be binge watched.  There are also many different varieties of movies so you can hold a scary movie night or a rom-com night to make you bawl your eyes out. My favorite movie on Netflix to watch with friends is To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before! This movie is so cute and is based on a book.

Photo courtesy of Canva.

2. Try Out New Recipes From Pinterest With Your Friends

Pinterest is a gold mine for finding fun recipes to make with friends. All of the Suites have kitchens within the buildings, so it is very easy to go to the kitchen and bake with all of your friends while listening to music. It is a great bonding activity that produces a sweet treat!

Photo courtesy of Canva.

3. Buy Canvases at a Craft Store and Paint Something You Like On It

Whenever I am bored, I personally like to do something crafty, but more often than not I paint.  Painting has many benefits including increasing creativity and it is a good way to relax after a long week. It is also very inexpensive compared to other activities. Here is a canvas I painted and a record I painted as well.

 

4. Do Something Crafty

By doing something crafty, this can mean drawing , a DIY project or something else of this sort. Last semester, I was really bored one night so I found an old jean jacket I had and I ironed patches on it and painted little designs on it to make it custom. All of my friends love that jacket and want to make one just like it. Here is a picture of the jacket!

5. Read a Book That You Have Been Wanting to Read

The weekends are a perfect time to catch up on the reading you have been meaning to do. This is a relaxing activity to do that can also result in many benefits.

Photo courtesy of Canva.

If you have any other activities that are fun to do on a Friday night, tweet them and tag us! Our username is @VilleHousing . Have a great weekend Marauders!

 

How To Start Off the Semester Strong and Follow-Through

The spring semester is here Marauders! That means it’s time to get serious and focus. Many of us always say things in the beginning of the semester like, “I’m going to really do well this semester” or “ This is the semester I get a good GPA” , but many of us end up getting burnt-out and quit. It is the honest truth, but I think it is time we stop lying to ourselves and start really trying our best. To help us get that GPA we want or the encouragement to keep going, I made a list of tips on how to start the semester off on a good note and follow through with our goals. I hope everyone has a good semester and excels in their classes!

 

  1. Write down test dates and project deadlines as soon as you get your syllabus

Using a planner to write down important test dates and projects can help you to stay on track in your classes. Writing down important dates can also help to remind you of all the different deadlines you have for each of your classes so you never miss an assignment.

2. Sit near the front of the room in your classes

This may sound weird to you, but sitting in the front of class can help you stay focused and let the teacher know you are serious about the class. This may also give you less temptation to go on your phone or browse on your laptop while the professor is teaching. This is also a way for professor to get to know your name easier.

3. Meet people in your classes so you can all study together or discuss the material and deadlines

Having someone you know in your classes can make them better and make you feel more comfortable. I like to know at least one person in each of my classes that way if I am confused about a deadline or an assignment I can ask them for their help or advice.

4. Study or read your textbook a little each day

Reading your textbook a little each day will give you an insight into what you will be learning this semester and can give you a chance to ask your professor intelligent questions about material. Also, when test time comes around it will make recalling the information easier.

Photo courtesy of Canva.

5. Ask your professor any questions you have or attend office hours

Attending office hours gives you a chance to personally introduce yourself to your professor and gives you a chance to ask them questions you may have forgotten to ask in class. During this time, you can also get help with the material that was taught in class.

6. Find your go- to study space

Each semester I like to find a new space to study for my classes. Having a space where you feel comfortable and focused can help you study better and help you do better in your classes. Some of the best places to study are the study rooms in the library, the quiet floors of the library or the area behind Starbucks.

7. Schedule “me time” every week as a treat to yourself

Give yourself a nice break after a long week of hard work. Treating yourself by doing something you love can make you feel better and make you appreciate all of the time and work your are putting into your life and studies.

Photo courtesy of Canva.

If you have any more useful tips make sure to tweet them and tag us! Our username is @VilleHousing !