Category Archives: Resources

Resources

Who’s Hiring Right Now?

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Finding a summer job is tricky enough, let alone in the middle of a pandemic. Fortunately, a lot of companies are hiring right now, and Millersville University is here to help you get hired too. Keep reading to learn more about who’s hiring and how you can get a job this summer: 

LinkedIn is a great tool for people trying to find a job. It helps you connect and network with a ton of employers and shows job listings for companies. An editor at LinkedIn posted a list of companies currently hiring. The list is updated regularly and includes links that redirect you to the employers LinkedIn so you can apply directly from there. Here is a link to the post, which you can view even if you don’t have a LinkedIn account: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/news/heres-whos-hiring-right-now-4525187/. Other sites that post job listings include Glassdoor, neuvoo, Indeed, and Monster.com.

Experiential Learning and Career Management (ELCM) at Millersville University helps students get internships and jobs both during their undergraduate career and after they graduate. They currently have virtual services which include resume and cover letter critiques, LinkedIn profile feedback, interview assistance, and more. They are also offering students a lot of opportunities to connect with employers virtually. The virtual job and internship fair is being held on June 3rd, 2020 from 11am to 4pm. Here is the link to sign up and learn more: https://www.millersville.edu/elcm/fairs-events/job-internship-fair.php. Students can always contact ELCM via email (careers@millersville.edu) or by phone (717-871-7655) for assistance and more information. 

I also recommend that you take a drive around your neighborhood and look for “Now Hiring” or “Help Wanted” signs for stores that are currently operating in-person. Stop inside businesses that interest you with these signs in their windows and ask them how to apply. Bring copies of your resume along and give one to the manager to show that you’re prepared and so they can see your qualifications and skills. It’s also important to remember that even if you don’t get the job, it’s still helpful to you to go through the process of applying and interviewing so you gain experience. That way, you’ll do even better next time and get the job you’re looking for! Also, emailing your resume and some information about yourself to employers you are interested in working for (even if they do not currently have jobs available) is a great way to show them you’re dedicated and highly interested in what they are doing. 

Good luck on your job search! Leave a comment if you have any questions or thoughts, we’d love to hear from you! Make sure to follow us on our social media accounts for updates and other helpful information: @villehousing on Twitter and Instagram. 

Health & Wellness, Lifestyle / Hall Life, Resources

The Importance of Sleep

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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

Academics, Policies & Procedures, Resources

Making a Writing Assignment Easy

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Writing isn’t always easy, especially if you don’t have to do it often. There are different styles and every professor has a unique way of grading essays. This can make it overwhelming and sometimes difficult to get a good essay. There are a few things to keep in mind when you go to write an essay that will make it easier and might help produce a good grade.

First you need to understand the question.

You need to understand whether the essay is supposed to be a compare or contrast essay, analytical essay, maybe an evaluation of something or someone. There are different kinds of essays and you need to be aware of what kind your professor wants from you. Basically, the wording of the question is how you will know what the professor is expecting from your essay.

Second you need to plan and schedule.

Most people underestimate the amount of work and time it takes to produce a good essay. Setting up a schedule with deadlines for the different parts of writing an essay will help you in the long run. Here is an example of a schedule:

Third step is make sure your sources relate to your content.

When trying to find sources it is a good idea to read over the abstract or summary. This will let you know whether it is worth it to read the entire source or if it isn’t going to be what you need for your essay.

Don’t forget that you should always find reliable sources that work for your essay. Try the McNairy Library search page to find good sources. We may not be able to be on campus, but the electronic resources and services will remain accessible to students and faculty.

The fourth step to writing a good essay is be critical.

Most studies, arguments, and theories you research have some sort of flaw to them. Instead of just summarizing what you read, try being critical. Point out what works and doesn’t work in the research. By using critical thinking as the approach to your essay you show that you are not simply repeating what you read. Instead it proves that you have thought your topic through.

The fifth step is structure, flow and focus.

It is imperative that your essay be structured in a way that flows and makes sense. Throwing an essay together can lead to it not making sense to the reader. We all know where the intro and conclusion go, but the body paragraphs are important to organize as well.

Sixth step is to write academically.

It is common, especially for first and second year students, to write in an informal way. When writing an essay you should always try and use more formal and academic wording. It should not sound the way you would text.

Finally, do not plagiarize.

This should be obvious by now, but you never want to plagiarize someone else’s writing. Millersville University has rules about plagiarism which are important to know and understand. They also provide tips on how to avoid plagiarism.

You should always have someone look over your work as Millersville University has resources to help you. In the library you can find the Writing Center. Here they will help you revise and edit. Even though the campus is closed the Writing Center is still offering online help.

Even though Millersville has gone completely online, there are still services that you can use to help with your writing. Don’t be afraid to use the Writing Center’s online help or use the library’s online resources.

Academics, Announcements, Resources

How to Be Successful While Taking Online Classes

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Welcome back from your two week spring break Marauders! I hope you are adjusting to remote learning and that things are starting to calm down for you. I know it has been a stressful time for both students and faculty. Going remote with class can be hard, especially for those who have never taken or taught classes online. There are a few tips you can try to make this time a little easier for you.

Treat it like a face to face course.

It can be harder to get classwork done when it is online. You need to have the discipline to sit down and get the work done instead of putting it off till later. Remember that you are still paying for the course and that the class will help you later on. You want to treat this class as you would a job, show up (even if it is a Zoom meeting) and get the work done.

Hold yourself accountable.

If you do not have a planner, now is a really good time to get one. When you take a face-to-face course you get verbal or visual reminders of assignments and exams. Now that we are going online it will become harder to keep track of everything that needs to be done. By having a planner you will be able to keep track of your assignments and hold yourself accountable.

Practice time management.

Managing your time has never been as important as it is now. With all the stress of figuring things out it is hard to keep a strict schedule. It may take a week or two, but try to form a schedule that works best for you.

Create a regular study space and stay organized.

Find a place in your home where you won’t be disturbed. Whether it’s your room or somewhere else, you need to find a place where you can focus on your work. You should keep that space clean and organized. This will help you focus as well.

Figure out how you learn best.

After you find your perfect work space, you should think about when and how you learn best. Some people work better in the mornings. So, when they wake up they should set some time aside to get their work done. For those who work better in the evenings set aside some time after dinner to get your work done.

Actively participate.

Many professors are using D2L’s discussion section and Zoom meetings. It is important to try and participate in these discussions because it is how you are going to get the most out of your class. These learning forums are where you can get the most information from.

Not everyone likes taking online courses, but we need to make the most of it. It is important to keep up with your work and try to fulfill your semester goals. If you follow the tips above you may find that you like having your classes online.

Academics, Resources

How to Prepare for an Interview

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It can be nerve wracking getting ready for an interview, especially if you are not ready. If you are not prepared for the interview it most likely won’t go well. There are a few tips that can help you get ready for what you need to do before the interview as well as what is needed during an interview.

Examine the Job Description

The very first thing you need to do before your interview is to very carefully look over the job description. It is important to understand what the position is and what your responsibilities will be before you meet with the employer. This will give the impression that you are serious about this job as well as that you are professional.

Know Your Audience

The position you are interviewing for is not the only research you will need to conduct. You will also want to research the company / business. It is important to know about the company / business because it will help you get a better understanding of the position you are interviewing for as well as if it will be a good fit for you.

Consider Your Answers to Common Interview Questions

You will not be able to predict all the questions that will be asked, but there are common questions that most employers will want answers too. Some of these questions may be “why do you want to work for this company?” or “what are your greatest strengths?” These may not sound like hard questions to answer, but if you are unprepared they could mess up the rest of your interview.

Prepare Several Thoughtful Questions for the Interviewer(s)

As with most professional meetings, there are do’s and don’ts when it comes to questions you should ask during the  interview. You want to sound professional and intelligent but you do not want to sound pushy or not interested. Check out the following two posts to learn the questions you should ask vs. the questions that should never be asked during an interview.

These Are the Questions You Should Never Ask During a Job Interview

Towards the end of an interview, almost every employer will ask, ” Do you have any questions for me?” Job applicants should put just as much thought into asking questions as they do answering questions. Whether you intend it or not, each question you ask has the potential to reflect your knowledge of the company, your interest in the position, and your work ethic.

 

10 Impressive Questions to Ask in a Job Interview

Get Ask a Boss delivered every week As someone who has interviewed probably thousands of job applicants throughout my career, I’m always surprised by how some candidates handle the part of the interview where it’s their turn to ask questions.

Conduct Mock Interviews

Ask a friend or family member to help you prepare by going through a mock interview. Have them be the interviewer and try to make it as realistic as possible. This will help you with answering questions as well as get some feedback on how you conducted yourself. It could also help boost your confidence when going in for your real interview.

*Remember to be open to their criticism and try to implement their recommendations.

Print Copies of Your Resume

Always bring a hard copy of your resume when going to an interview, even if you already submitted a digital copy. This gives the employer the impression that you are ready for anything and it refreshes their memory of who you are.

State of Mind

It is okay to be nervous before going into an interview, but it is important you find a way to keep your head in the right place. If you are scattered and unfocused it will show during your interview. Try to get a good night’s sleep the night before and try some calming techniques.

Relaxation Techniques for Stress Relief

For many of us, relaxation means flopping on the couch and zoning out in front of the TV at the end of a stressful day. But this does little to reduce the damaging effects of stress.

Dress Accordingly

You should dress professionally when attending an interview. This gives the employer a good first impression and shows that you are serious about working for them. It will also boost your confidence.

Get Ready to Follow Up After the Interview

It is extremely important to follow up after an interview. By following up you show your interest in the position and will make you stand out with the employer. Now the question is how long do you wait before contacting them? A good rule of thumb is waiting 4 – 5 business days, unless you were already given the next steps in the process.

Experiential Learning and Career Management (ELCM) is a great place to visit at Millersville University. They help with resume critiques, cover letters, job and internship searches, etc. For more information on them check out their page.

Experiential Learning And Career Management (ELCM)

Experiential Learning And Career Management (ELCM)

Announcements, Resources, Room Selection

Planning is Suite!

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On December 4, 2019, Housing and Residential Programs teamed up with PSECU to help current residents start budgeting to pay for their housing deposit and residence hall expenses for the 2020-2021 school year. Current residents who stopped by the table in the SMC were able to win a free 43″ Samsung TV or one of five housing deposit waivers.

Students unfamiliar with paying the housing deposit were also given instructions on where to pay the non-refundable deposit within their MAX account. On the Main Menu, students will click on the Housing Deposit link towards the bottom of the page.

(The student view of MAX will look a little different, but the Housing Deposit link is still the second from the bottom.)

Students will have the option of paying with a credit card or an electronic check.

The non-refundable housing deposit guarantees a room for Fall 2020, but it is applied to the Spring 2021 bill. Simply, your Spring 2021 housing bill will be $200 less than your Fall 2020 bill because you’ve already paid the $200 the prior Spring.

64 residents stopped by the table and entered the drawing. Yalina Ramos was the lucky winner of the free TV! Congrats!

Lifestyle / Hall Life, New / Prospective Students, Resources

Millersville University Resource List for Incoming Students

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Starting college for the first time can be daunting if you don’t know what resources are available on campus. Millersville University offers many different resources, so here is a compiled list of resources both new and returning students can benefit from.

Academic Advisement
Academic Advisement strives to help students develop educational plans, clarify career and life goals, and reinforce self-direction among many other things. Academic Advisement also spearheads the retention initiatives — these initiatives are for students in academic jeopardy. They are here to help you, no matter what!

Campus Ministries
Through Campus Ministries, there are several campus clubs, campus ministers, and off-campus worship opportunities. Wherever faith takes you, Millersville has something to offer.

Center for Counseling and Human Development
The Counseling Center is committed to providing quality mental health care to Millersville’s campus. The Center offers bibliotherapy, lightbox therapy, pet therapy, drug and alcohol counseling, crisis intervention, support groups, and counseling for issues such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, grief, homesickness, stress, and test anxiety. Students may receive up to five counseling sessions a semester, but if students seek long-term counseling, they may be referred to resources in the community.

Center for Health Education and Promotion
The Elsie S. Shenk Center for Health Education and Promotion (CHEP) educates students on topics including alcohol and other drugs, body image, dating and domestic violence, healthy relationships, safer sex, sexual assault, stalking, and stress. Students have the opportunity to train to become peer educators and teach their fellow students how to lead a healthy lifestyle and safely make the most out of their college experience.

Center for Student Involvement and Leadership
The Center for Student Involvement and Leadership (CSIL) is Millersville’s go-to place for students who want to get involved. CSIL allows students to get involved on campus, serve Millersville’s community, and develop their leadership skills.

Dating and Domestic Violence Awareness
If you are a victim of sexual and/or dating violence, Millersville and the surrounding community can help. Millersville provides resources and services on- and off-campus to students in need. CHEP has sexual assault and dating and domestic violence advocates that students can talk to on Mondays and Tuesdays, located in the Montour House. The Counseling Center, Health Services, and Title IX can help as well. The Millersville Police Department is also available to students, as well as the YWCA and Domestic Violence Shelter, both located in Lancaster City.

Digital Learning Studio
The Digital Learning Studio offers support for faculty and students with various new technologies, including Microsoft Office, Adobe Suite, iMovie, MU Video, 3D printing, and more. The Digital Learning Studio provides one-on-one instruction to help the Millersville community gain experience with state-of-the-art technology.

Dr. Rita Smith Wade-El Intercultural Center
The Dr. Rita Smith Wade-El Intercultural Center helps to create and sustain a welcoming and inclusive campus. The Center aims to provide students a space to explore their multiple and intersectional identities and learn about the background and experiences of others.

Experiential Learning and Career Management
Experiential Learning and Career Management (ELCM) provides student-centered career programs, experiences, and learning opportunities to help students achieve their personal and professional goals. They host job and internship fairs, graduate school fairs, and career week. ELCM also assists students seeking traineeships, internships, or volunteer opportunities.

Field Services
The Department of Field Services encompasses Early Field Experience, Advanced Professional Studies (APS), Student Teaching, and Certification. Students will complete several field experiences before obtaining their degree or certification. Clearances are required before students are allowed in the field. Information about clearances can be found here.

Financial Aid
The Office of Financial Aid helps students obtain financial assistance to help pay for college. The Office answers questions about FASFA, eligibility of financial aid, grants, scholarships, and loans.

Fitness Center
The Fitness Center, located in the Student Memorial Center, is designed to meet the fitness needs of students, faculty, staff, and the community. The Fitness Center has cardio equipment, free weights, weight machines, and open recreation areas. Kickboxing, taekwondo, yoga, and more classes are offered. Membership is included in tuition if students are enrolled in 12+ credits.

Health Services
Health Services sees students by appointment for a variety of services including, but not limited to, athletic physicals, pre-employment and driver’s license evaluations, STI testing and treatment, laboratory testing — both in-house and outside, and evaluation and treatment of acute illness and injury. There is a self-care cart located in the waiting area of Health Services for students who need wound care and upset stomach, pain, allergy, cold, and flu relief. Sanitary supplies and condoms/dental dams are also available in this cart.

Help Desk (IT)
The Help Desk is available to students who need help accessing their student accounts, have questions about Office 365, or need assistance in an on-campus computer lab.

ID Cards
Students will need their IDs to use the facilities and services at McNairy Library, the dining halls, Pucillo gymnasium, Biemesderfer Stadium, the Student Memorial Center, Health Services, the Fitness Center, and other areas around campus. ID Services assists students who have damaged or lost their IDs. If students wish to use Marauder Gold, they will use their ID to access those funds.

MU | Alert
Subscribing to MU Alert allows students to receive text messages and/or emails notifying them if there is an emergency on or near campus and if campus closes or is delayed due to inclement weather.

McNairy Library and Learning Forum
McNairy Library provides many different services to students. The library’s collection includes roughly 300,000 print books, more than 400,000 electronic books, government documents, videos, special collections, thousands of print and electronic journals, and several hundred databases. Students can also access resources held by other libraries through RequestIt and E-Z Borrow. Librarians have created course- and discipline-specific research guides. They are also here to assist students in formulating research questions and identifying, locating, and evaluating the information needed to answer these questions. The library also has an Ask a Librarian service where students can contact a librarian by chat, telephone, in person, or via email. A message board on the main floor of the library indicates who is responsible for answering questions for the Ask a Librarian service and where they are physically located.

Office of Learning Services
Students who are eligible for accommodations will work with the Office of Learning Services to ensure accommodations are provided. Documentation is required before Learning Services can complete a list of accommodations. You can learn about the required documentation here.

Office of Student Accounts
The Office of Student Accounts is responsible for collecting student tuition and fees. If there are any questions surrounding refunds, housing and dining rates, or payment options, the Office of Student Accounts can help.

Registrar
The Registrar assists students in registering for classes and with their degree audits. Degree audits are reviews of past and current coursework that provides information on completed and remaining requirements necessary to complete their degree. Transcript requests are also processed through the Registrar.

Shuttle Schedule
Students may access the MU Xpress, MU Park City Xpress, and Route 16 at no charge by showing their ID during the fall and spring semesters. Students can travel to other locations on Red Rose Transit Authority’s buses but will need to transfer.

Student Conduct and Community Standards
The Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards is in place to educate students about the expectations of Millersville University. Students who wish to file a report of sexual misconduct or aggressive, erratic, or hostile behavior can do so from the Office’s homepage.

Title IX
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 states “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.” Millersville will not tolerate any acts of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. If students believe they are the victim of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation, Title IX is here to help.

University Police
The University Police provides 24-hour coverage year-round with a full staff of state-commissioned police officers. The Department assists with investigating criminal and suspicious activity, enforcing University rules and regulations and Pennsylvania laws, directing pedestrian and vehicular traffic, providing security, and much more. The University Police are also available to assist with non-emergencies.

Veterans Resource Center
The Veterans Resource Center provides resources for veterans ranging from healthcare to education benefits. Any questions veterans would have for the VA, the Resource Center provides a stepping stone on where to go.

Writing Center
The Writing Center is available for students who are struggling to start writing a paper, are unsure if the paper makes sense, or need someone to look at the paper before turning it in. The Writing Center offers walk-in tutoring, online tutoring, and 30-minute appointments.

*** Image Courtesy of Free Images

Lifestyle / Hall Life, Lists, New / Prospective Students, Resources

10 Things to Complete During Syllabus Week

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Syllabus week is upon us, which means upperclassmen have returned to campus and freshmen have joined the ranks. While everyone gets back into the groove of the semester, there are several things students — both new and returning — should complete before the end of the first week.

Image result for millersville university

1. Buy your textbooks and school supplies.
As sad as I am for the summer to end, I always get a rush of excitement whenever I go shopping for school supplies. New pens, notebooks, and washi tape help get me in the organizational groove. I want to stay on top of my schoolwork when I keep myself organized.

2. Fill in your calendar.
After I receive each syllabus from my professors, I add the important dates into my agenda. This gives me a quick glance of when exams are, papers are due, projects need to be finished, etc. I’m able to plan ahead when I see I have a midterm in three weeks. You can find 2019-2020 academic planners on Amazon for relatively cheap.

3. Place a penny on the Marauder statue.
Whether it’s during syllabus week, midterms, or finals, I’ve found that putting a penny on the Marauder statue issues good luck and helps keep me focused on achieving Dean’s List or acing exams. Some people are skeptical whether it helps or not, but pennies haven’t failed me yet.

4. Meet your Resident Assistants.
While living in the residence halls, the resident assistants (RAs) serve as a peer leader and mentor of the floor and building. Developing a relationship with them will make living on-campus and adjusting to college life easier. RAs spend a significant amount of time developing individual relationships with their residents, implementing community-wide programs, and ensuring the residence hall is an inviting environment for all.

5. Contact Learning Services if you’re eligible for accommodations. 
Not everyone will be, and that’s okay! If you know you’re eligible for certain accommodations, whether it’s extended time for an exam or accessibility in the classroom, Learning Services can help. You can learn about the required documentation here.

6. Choose your preferred place to grab food.
There are several eateries on campus, from the Upper Deck dining hall to retail locations like the Anchor and the Galley. Each location offers something different and a wide variety of choices, so pick your poison: pizza or sushi.

7. Find the quickest way to get from class to class.
If you have a class in Stayer and another in Roddy/Caputo, you won’t want to dillydally on your way to class. Those ten minutes between classes fly by when you’re booking it across campus. There will be some trial and error the first few times your classes meet to see which way is fastest. If you’re finding it difficult to arrive on time, talk to the professor and let them know where you’re coming from — some professors dock points for habitual tardiness, but many understand the size of the campus. You can use this map to help navigate the quickest route.

8. Decide how to spend free time between classes.
Do you have a three-hour break between classes on Tuesday/Thursday? There are multiple opportunities across campus for student employment. Whether you get a job on campus or bunker down in the library to get ahead (or catch up) on homework, you won’t have difficulty finding ways to pass the time.

9. Add your Millersville email to your phone.
Professors will use email as their primary method of communication. Adding your Millersville email account to your phone allows you easy access to anything your professors or the University deems important. If you only use a computer to check your email, you might miss updates from ‘Ville Daily or your Department Chair.

10. Download the Corq and Livesafe apps.
The Corq and Livesafe apps are available on both iPhones and Androids. Corq lets you view on-campus events and activities and narrow your search to see events that offer free food or free stuff. You can also see which residence halls are programming. Livesafe connects you with University Police, uses peer-to-peer location tracking to monitor your friends or family, shows where the latest campus incidents have occurred, and has fast access to safety resources.

Health & Wellness, Lists, Resources

Lower Your Stress and Anxiety During Exam Season

stress

College can be stressful.  Balancing your academics with work, friends, family, clubs and organizations, athletics, or whatever you’re involved in can be a lot to handle.  And with finals quickly approaching the stress may be mounting.  Feeling stress or anxiety is actually pretty common for college students.  According to a survey conducted in 2011 by the Association for University and College Counseling Center Directors (AUCCCD) anxiety is the top presenting concern among college students at 41.6%, closely followed by depression at 36.4% and relationship problems at 35.8%.  If you are interested in reading the overall report from the survey just click here.

While stress and anxiety may be a growing issue on college campuses there are always ways to reduce them.  Self-care is a huge part of that.  Here are some self-care tips to help you de-stress and lower your anxiety.  Some of these may seem basic or obvious, but some of these things are the first thing to go when we get stressed.

present

  1. Do nice things for yourself.

Treat yourself.  This doesn’t necessarily mean buy yourself a present, although you could do that.  In college, funds can be pretty tight.  So find others things to treat yourself with.  Take an extra-long hot shower or bath, not because you’re dirty but because it can be relaxing.  Build in an hour of me time in your schedule where you put aside school and work, maybe watch something on Netflix.  If you want to buy yourself a present get that set of headphones you’ve been admiring, maybe get your favorite candy.  It’s nice to be nice yourself.

  1. Keep to a schedule.

Keeping to a regular schedule can cut down on stress and anxiety quite a bit.  You know your class schedule and how that interacts with your work schedule if you have a job.  Write that out.  Now add in a specific time block every day to study and get homework done.  Make sure you schedule times to eat and relax.  If you’re involved in any extracurriculars add them in too.  Sometimes there will be fluctuations, things can happen unexpectedly.  But keeping the same general schedule every week will get you into a routine that will become second nature.

Paint

  1. Do something fun!

What is your favorite thing to do?  When is the last time you did it?  Personally, my favorite thing to do it paint, and I can’t remember the last time I did it.  Try to do this thing regularly.  Having fun is important to leading a low-stress life.

  1. Get enough sleep.

I’m sure you’ve heard this quite a lot.  But it really is important.  If you get a full night’s sleep you will be more alive, alert, awake, enthusiastic! (Anybody else get that song stuck in their head as a kid?)  You will be more attentive throughout the day, which means getting done what you need to get done more efficiently and quickly.

food

  1. Don’t skip any meals.

You need to make sure your body has the proper fuel to run.  This means eating regularly.  If you skip a meal you may not be able to function properly while studying, going, to class, take a test, doing homework, going to your job, etc.  So make sure you eat!

  1. Say no!

Don’t be afraid to say no to things.  You don’t have to cover every co-worker’s shift whenever they ask.  You don’t have to spearhead every project for all the clubs you’re in.  It is okay to put yourself first.  Essentially don’t overload yourself.  Making that schedule could really help with this.

friends

  1. Spend time with friends and family.

Make time to be with your friends and family.  Sometimes you just need to take a break with those people who love you most.  I often find I feel much more relaxed after a night of hanging out with the fam and my bestie.

These are just some of my favorite ways to de-stress and lower anxiety.  Looking for more?  Why not check out this boss article from Huff Post?  20 Scientifically Back Ways to De-Stress Right Now

If you are in need of any health or counseling services they are available right here at Millersville University.  Click here for counseling.  Click here for health services.

 

Photos courtesy of Canva.

Kristi Shorter is an Intern for Millersville University’s Housing and Residential Programs.  She is currently pursuing her Master of Education in Student Affairs in Higher Education at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania.

Academics, Lists, Resources

Five Tips for Writing in College

At this point in the semester, you may have written a paper or two.  If you haven’t you may be preparing to write a final paper for a class.  (End of the semester is just six weeks away.)  Here are five tips from a past writing major to keep in mind as you work on your papers.

Writing 1

  1. Pace Yourself

It is too often the case that students wait until the night before to start a paper.  They’ll stay up all night, writing right up until the time it’s due.  Don’t do that!  Start at least a couple weeks in advance.  Take your time to formulate your thoughts and find your resources.  If you spend an hour a night writing you’ll find that in a couple weeks you will be done with time to spare.

  1. Outline

Now that you’ve decided to start sooner than the night before one of the first things you should do is outline.  Here are the basics: The intro paragraph, the body, the conclusion.  The intro should be no longer than half a page.  It should have a topic sentence that introduces the main idea of the paper.  The rest of the intro should quickly outline each point you hope to hit in the body.  The body will follow the order of the points you outlined in the intro.  Finally, the conclusion is not just a summary of your paper.  The conclusion should be the place where you explain your findings.  It is the culmination of your paper’s viewpoint or argument; it should be the resolution to the problem or topic.

Writing 2

  1. Don’t know how to start?

Sometimes writing the intro is the toughest part of the paper.  If this is the case for you then skip it!  Start with the meat of the paper.  Once you get the ball rolling on the body you’ll find it will be easier for you to go back to the beginning and write the intro.

  1. Draft and Edit

Your first draft should never be what you hand in.  Make sure to re-read and re-work.  Do you need an apostrophe here?  Did you use the wrong word there?  Always draft and edit!

  1. Careful Sourcing

Double check your sources.  Are they reputable?  Or are they some random Tumblr blog?  Don’t use Wikipedia as your main source.  And DO NOT plagiarize.  If you are quoting someone else, make it obvious.  If you want to summarize what someone said, make it obvious.  The best way to do this is to follow the in-text citing guidelines of the style of writing you are using.  Whether it is MLA, APA, or something else there will always be a specific way to cite.  Save yourself a headache. Don’t mistakenly plagiarize by not following style rules, and don’t outright plagiarize.

If you need some help with your writing check out the Writing Center in the Francine G. McNairy Library and Learning Forum here at Millersville University.  They opened in their new Library location on September 18th, and have many tutors to help with all your writing needs.

The Writing Center in McNairy Library.  Photo courtesy Millersville University.

Other Graphics and Photos courtesy of Canva.

Kristi Shorter is an Intern for Millersville University’s Housing and Residential Programs.  She is currently pursuing her Master of Education in Student Affairs in Higher Education at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania.