Tag Archives: Healthy Living

Academics, Advice, Health & Wellness, Lifestyle / Hall Life, New / Prospective Students, Resources

First-Year College Survival Guide: 9 Things Every Freshman Needs to Know 🎒

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Starting college is exciting, a little nerve-wracking, and honestly, kind of chaotic at first. One minute you are buying room décor and matching bedding, and the next you are trying to figure out where your 8:00 a.m. class is while surviving on iced coffee and three hours of sleep.

The good news? Every student starts somewhere and you do not need to have everything figured out on day one.

Here is your unofficial (but very necessary) first-year survival guide to help you navigate campus life like a pro.

1. Your Planner Is About to Become Your Best Friend 📅

College moves fast. Between classes, assignments, club meetings, work schedules, and social events, it is easy to lose track of things.

Whether you use:

  • Google Calendar
  • A physical planner
  • Reminder apps
  • Sticky notes everywhere

Find a system that works for you early.

“Future You” will be very grateful when deadlines start stacking up.

2. Go to Class — Yes, Even the Early Ones 😭

Nobody wants to hear this, but attendance really does matter.

Skipping “just one class” can quickly turn into:

  • Missing important announcements
  • Falling behind
  • Confusing yourself before exams
  • Emailing classmates asking “Did I miss anything?” (You definitely did!)

Showing up consistently makes college life way easier.

3. Your Room Does Not Have to Look Like Pinterest ✨

Social media can make it seem like everyone has a perfectly decorated room with LED clouds and aesthetic color coordination.

Reality check:
Most students are just trying to keep their laundry off the floor.

Your room only needs to be:

  • Comfortable
  • Functional
  • A space where you can recharge

Start simple. Your space will come together over time, just try to keep it organized as much as possible, because an organized space makes it easier to think.

4. Introduce Yourself — Everyone Feels Awkward at First 👋

One of the biggest college myths is that everyone instantly finds their best friends during move-in weekend.

Truth? Most people are nervous too.

Say hi to:

  • Your roommate
  • People on your floor
  • Someone sitting next to you in class
  • Students at campus events

A simple “What’s your major?” can turn into a real friendship.

5. Learn Basic Life Skills ASAP 🧺

College comes with responsibilities nobody warns you about enough:

  • Doing laundry
  • Cleaning your room & suite bathroom
  • Budgeting money
  • Remembering to eat actual meals
  • Not spending all your dining dollars in two weeks

Small habits make a huge difference. Learn these basic skills so you can survive.

Bonus tip: Set alarms for EVERYTHING.

6. Homesickness Is Normal ❤️

Even if you were counting down the days to move in, homesickness can still happen.

You might miss:

  • Family
  • Friends
  • Home-cooked food
  • Your own bed
  • Familiar routines

Adjustment takes time. Be patient with yourself while building your new routine and community.

And remember asking for support is completely okay, Millersville University has tons of resources for you.

7. Get Involved — Even If You Feel Nervous 🎉

Campus events are one of the easiest ways to:

  • Meet people
  • Learn about resources
  • Discover organizations
  • Feel connected

Try at least one thing outside your comfort zone this semester.

You never know what opportunity, friendship, or experience could come from it.

8. Rest Is Productive Too 😴

College culture sometimes makes people feel like they need to be busy 24/7.

You do not.

Getting enough sleep, taking breaks, and protecting your mental health are important parts of student success.

Burnout is real. Balance matters.

9. It Is Okay Not to Have Everything Figured Out Yet 🌱

Some students arrive on campus with a five-year plan.

Others change majors three times and still succeed.

Growth happens during college. You are learning academically, socially, and personally all at once.

Give yourself room to learn as you go.

Finally…

Your first year will probably include:

  • Amazing memories
  • Awkward moments
  • Unexpected challenges
  • Late-night laughs
  • Late-night tears
  • New friendships
  • A lot of personal growth

You do not have to be perfect to succeed here.

Take things one day at a time, stay open to new experiences, and remember, everyone is figuring it out together.

We look forward to meeting you all on campus. You’ve got this. 🎓

If you have any additional questions, comments, or concerns regarding the information above, please reach out to our office through email at housing@millersville.edu. 

Advice, Health & Wellness, Lifestyle / Hall Life, Lists

Your Summer Move-In Countdown: How to Prepare for August Move-In Stress-Free

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residence hall

August move-in season will be here before you know it, which means it is officially time to start preparing for campus life again. Whether you are a returning resident who already knows the move-in routine or a new student getting ready for your first college experience, a little preparation now can make move-in day much smoother later.

Because trust us, Future You will appreciate not panic-packing the night before move-in.

Here is your ultimate summer move-in countdown guide to help you get ready stress-free.

1. Do Not Wait Until August to Start Packing

This is your sign to stop saying “I’ll do it later.”

Start small:

  • Create a packing checklist (Find PDF here!!!)
  • Organize items by category
  • Decide what you actually used last year
  • Separate essentials from “just in case” items

Returning students already know how quickly residence hall rooms fill up. New students? You do not need to bring your entire bedroom from home.

The goal is smart packing, not overpacking.

2. Check Your Housing Email Regularly

Housing emails are basically your summer survival guide.

Important updates often include:

  • Move-in dates and times
  • Parking instructions
  • Building information
  • Roommate details
  • Policy reminders
  • Last-minute announcements

Ignoring housing emails all summer is a guaranteed way to feel confused during move-in weekend.

Save yourself the stress and check regularly.

3. Returning Students: Do a residence hall Room Reality Check

Be honest with yourself:
Did you actually use that extra storage cart?
Do you need five throw blankets?
Are you really bringing the same random decorations again?

Returning residents have the advantage of experience. Use it.

Think about:

  • What worked well last year
  • What made your space cluttered
  • What you wish you brought sooner
  • What can stay home this time

Your future self and your roommates — will thank you.

4. New Students: It Is Okay to Feel Nervous

Starting college comes with a lot of emotions:

  • Excitement
  • Anxiety
  • Homesickness
  • Curiosity
  • Fear of the unknown

That is completely normal.

Every returning student was once in your position too. Nobody has college fully figured out during the first week.

Give yourself time to adjust and remember that orientation, housing staff, and campus resources are there to support you.

5. Coordinate with Your Roommate Early

One microwave. One mini fridge. Probably not three.

Before move-in, connect with your roommate to discuss:

  • Shared items
  • Room preferences
  • Cleaning expectations
  • Communication styles

Even a short conversation beforehand can help avoid awkward move-in surprises later.

6. Practice Basic Life Skills This Summer

College comes with responsibilities beyond academics.

If possible, spend the summer practicing:

  • Laundry
  • Budgeting
  • Cleaning routines
  • Time management
  • Cooking simple meals

Yes, knowing how to separate lights and darks is now an important life skill.

7. Start Thinking About Your Routine

The transition back to school can feel overwhelming if your summer sleep schedule is “going to bed at 3 a.m.”

A few weeks before move-in:

  • Adjust your sleep schedule gradually
  • Start organizing your daily habits
  • Think about academic and personal goals for the semester

A smoother routine makes the transition easier.

8. Remember That Move-In Day Is Busy for Everyone

Move-in day energy is:

  • Organized chaos
  • Lots of carts
  • Families everywhere
  • Music playing
  • People sweating in the hallway
  • Staff trying to help everyone at once

Be patient with yourself and others.

Things may not go perfectly, and that is okay.

Final Thoughts

Whether this is your first move-in or your fourth, every semester brings new experiences, opportunities, and memories.

Take advantage of the summer to prepare early, stay organized, and give yourself space to transition into campus life.

August will be here soon — and we cannot wait to welcome you back home to campus. 🎓✨

Please take notice that toilet paper and cleaning products are not included or supplied by the university. These items are strictly the resident’s responsibility to provide.

If you have any additional questions, comments, or concerns regarding the information above, please reach out to our office through email at housing@millersville.edu. 

Health & Wellness

Self Care Tips

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It’s so important that we take care of our bodies and our minds in order to stay healthy and happy. Make sure to make time for self care in your daily routine. Even little things like taking a walk or listening to your favorite music can have a positive impact. It can be easy to forget to take good care of ourselves when there’s so much going on around us, so here are some tips to remind you of how and why you should look after yourself:

1. Get Organized


Source: https://cartl.tumblr.com/post/52858406827

I’ve noticed that when my room is cluttered, my mind is cluttered too. Having a clean and organized living space makes it easier to focus. When I’m finished cleaning, I always feel accomplished and like I have one less thing to worry about. It can be hard to get the motivation to organize your stuff but once you do, you’ll thank yourself for it! Check here to check out an article that shares 100 organization tips.

2. Meditate

Source: https://gph.is/g/4oydmO0

Breathe in. Breathe out. Repeat. Meditation is a great way to help you relax and reflect. It’s a nice pause from everything going on around you. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or just want to spend some time to yourself, meditating is a great way to clear your mind and be calm. There are plenty of YouTube videos, articles, and apps that help you learn how to properly meditate, like this article or this website that also has a free app you can download.

3. Take Time for Yourself

Source: https://tenor.com/view/amy-adams-party-alone-myself-solo-gif-9401802

Even if you have a super busy schedule, it’s so important to take time (even if it’s just a few minutes) to do something that makes you happy. Whether it’s online shopping, drawing, playing a game, calling a friend, or listening to your favorite song, just schedule time in your day to spend doing what you enjoy. You’re never too busy to show yourself some love! Click here to read an article on Oprah.com about how and why you should prioritize spending time with yourself. 

4. Stay Healthy

Source: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=354975365104205

Getting a good night’s sleep each night, eating right, and exercising are all good ways to take care of yourself and your body. Sometimes, it can be hard to get the motivation to workout, eat healthy foods, and not stay up until 3am watching Tik Toks, and that’s okay! You don’t have to be a gym rat or vegetarian to practice self care, but staying healthy in a way that is sustainable and makes you happy is really beneficial. Click here to learn some simple ways to improve your health and happiness. 

5. Don’t Pressure Yourself to be Great

Source: https://gph.is/2Kzmpkm

I’ve seen a lot of posts, articles, and videos about people using the extra free time they have because of quarantine to lose weight, develop a new skill, etc. Don’t feel pressured to use this time to be more productive than usual. It’s okay to take this time to relax without making a major change. As long as you’re doing what makes you happy, there’s nothing else you need to do. 

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Announcements, Health & Wellness

Staying Healthy for the Semester

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It is that time of the year. The time where germs are passed and the flu is common. Hopefully everyone got their flu shot for the season, but if you didn’t then you need to be conscientious about taking care of yourself. Here are some reminders on how to prevent sickness:

Get plenty of sleep

It is important for your health to get enough sleep. This means going to bed earlier so that when you wake up in the morning you feel refreshed and ready to go. When you aren’t getting enough sleep you are more susceptible to germs and getting sick. So get plenty of rest.

Exercise & Keep Active

It is important to make time to exercise. It is important to not sit around all the time. This time of the year is hard because the weather tends to be colder, but do not forget that we have a gym right here on campus.

Eat Healthy

Eating healthy can also help prevent you from getting sick. Find foods that are better for your body. It is okay to eat burgers and other junk food once in a while, but it is important to only eat these kinds of food once in awhile.

Stay Hydrated

Keep the liquids coming. It is important to drink water throughout your day. If you are unsure of the health benefits or how much water to drink during the day, then I encourage you to check out

How much water do you need to stay healthy?

Know how much water to drink to stay healthy and hydrated.

Clean Your Living Space Often

This one isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think about staying healthy. It is important though to keep your living space clean though. This will help prevent germs from spreading and make you feel better.

Listen to Your Body

Don’t forget to always pay attention to what you are feeling. If you don’t feel well then take some time to rest and recuperate. You shouldn’t push yourself when you are not feeling well or when you are overly tired.

Wash your hands

This one goes without saying; wash your hands throughout the day. You should keep hand sanitizer in your backpack or purse so that when you can’t get to a sink you at least have some way of keeping your hands clean.

Avoid caffeine and sugary drinks

This one has been mentioned in other posts, but it is extremely important. Try to stick to water during the day. If you can’t give up caffeine completely then limit yourself to one cup per day.

Relax

Find time to relax and take a break from the hustle and bustle of college life. I recommended finding at least one day per week to just relax. This may not be possible for everyone’s schedule. If not then take a few hours one day to not worry and just relax.

Skipping Meals?

There have been studies conducted that show eating three square meals a day is not as important as we were told growing up. It is more important to focus on what you are eating and the amount you are eating.

Is Eating Three Meals a Day the Only Way to Be Healthy?

The number of meals you eat may not be so important. How you eat those meals is what matters most when it comes to decreasing the risk of heart disease and other health problems that come along with being overweight.

Do not forget that Millersville University has the Health Services. If you are not feeling well then go and see them. Here is a link to their page:

Welcome to Health Services!

Physical and mental wellbeing play an important role in your academic success. Health Services is here to help you when you feel unwell or need a safe Space! _________________________________________________________________________________ **free Flu Vaccines for…

It is crucial that you take care of yourself.

Health & Wellness, Lifestyle / Hall Life

No Need to Get Burned Out

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I don’t know about the rest of you, but I am already struggling with my stress. Between School,  work, and extra activities I am starting to get burnt-out already. There are so many sites out there that tell you how to lessen your stress but a lot of them are not realistic when it comes to college students. So I decided to form my own list of how to reduce stress.

Lessen your caffeine intake!

I know, this sounds impossible. I tend to drink a lot of coffee in the mornings, but it is a stimulant and will increase your stress. Now most people will say to avoid caffeine all together, but as college students who have to get up early or stay up late, it’s not always possible to do so. I have reduced my caffeine intake to one cup of coffee a day.

Try to fit physical activity into your routine!

While you may not be able to find time to go to the gym everyday, try to make it there a couple of times per week. Stressful situations increase your level of stress hormones, so, taking time to exercise is a great way to lessen your stress. If you don’t want to go to the gym go for a long walk or run.

Get More Sleep!

This is probably the hardest one for me. As a college students it is hard to get to bed at a reasonable time and depending on work / school schedules you may need to get up early. Don’t procrastinate till the night before on homework. This will allow you to get to bed at a reasonable time. Studies also show that using devices before bed isn’t a good idea. They stimulate your brain making it harder to go to sleep. Check out this link for more information:

How Electronics Affect Sleep

Want to learn more about how electronics affect sleep? Read our guide to learn about technology in the bedroom and best practices for screen time before bed.

Find a relaxation technique that works for you!

Yoga could help you relax, but this isn’t true for everyone. Try out a few relaxation techniques and see what is best for you. If you need help with finding different techniques then try this website:

Six relaxation techniques to reduce stress – Harvard Health

We all face stressful situations throughout our lives. Learn six relaxation techniques that can help you evoke the relaxation response and reduce stress….

Talk to someone!

Millersville University offers counseling! If you don’t feel comfortable going to a someone you don’t know then try talking to a parent and / or friend.

Saying ‘No’ and managing your time!

Another habit I am guilty of is not being able to say no to people. So, instead of saying ‘no’ I end up having a million things to do! This makes it harder to manage your time. If you really can’t do something then you need to speak up. Some will understand, others will not, but you need to put yourself first.

Lastly, if you are sick, REST!

It is hard to miss class and work, but if you are sick then take some time to rest. If you feel like it is impossible to miss your class or work then don’t go to that party, club meeting, or whatever extra thing you have going. It will help you in the long run.

It is important to take care of yourself! You can’t do everything and if you try, you will definitely get burned out.

My name is Stephanie Wenger and I am the Marketing Intern for the Department of Housing and Residential Programs. I am an English BA major with a minor in History.

Announcements, Health & Wellness, Lifestyle / Hall Life

Stay Healthy on Campus

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As fall approaches, so does cold and flu season. Unfortunately, illnesses can sneak up on us, but there are a few ways students can get ahead of the game.

Get a flu shot.
Health Services offers free flu shots to all students. While Health Services usually requires an appointment to be seen, they provide walk-ins for flu shots. If you believe you’ve gotten sick, Health Services will evaluate and treat acute illnesses. You can schedule an appointment by calling 717-871-5250.

Exercise.
Exercise helps white blood cells travel faster through your body; white blood cells are the ones that fight against infection. There are a few ways to exercise on campus. The Fitness Center is located in the SMC and is free to all full-time students. There are numerous intramural and club sports, as well as fitness classes, offered as well. If you don’t have enough time for a formal workout and still have PokemonGo downloaded, there are 8 gyms and 45 PokeStops around campus you can walk, jog, or run to. Don’t forget to hatch your eggs!

Get enough sleep.
While it’s tempting to pull an all-nighter, sleep deprivation can lead to reduced brain function, fatigue, headaches, and more. Between 7 and 9 hours of sleep will improve your overall health. Try taking a short nap during the day and sticking to a schedule can help you to stay rested throughout the day.

Wash your hands.
Washing your hands is one of the easiest ways to avoid getting sick. Being in close contact with people through classes, the residence halls, and walking around campus means it’s easy to catch colds or viruses. Hand washing removes these germs. Wash your hands before meals, any time you will be touching your eyes, nose or mouth, or if you’ve been around others who are sick.

Drink lots of water.
Staying hydrated gives you more energy throughout the day by replenishing your body. It helps concentration and can help you from overeating. Refill the water you buy from the Anchor or Galley from water fountains with the EZ H2O filtration system — these water fountains can be found all over campus.

Eat right.
Eating healthy can help boost your immune system, maintain a healthy weight, and improve overall health. While it’s easier to grab a slice of pizza or cheesesteak, healthier alternatives are available at the Upper Deck, Anchor, and Galley. Even if you don’t have time before your 9AM class, always eat breakfast. Whether it’s a granola bar or banana, breakfast keeps you from overeating throughout the day. Never skipping meals is also important. Snacking can also help keep your appetite in check. Try keeping a good balance of dairy, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and protein every day.

Relax.
Stress is something that you’ll definitely experience in college. Relaxing and having down-time is essential to staying healthy. Stress and getting run-down can adversely affect your health. Creating a routine and giving yourself regular breaks is the easiest way to relax. Don’t forget to hang out with friends and de-stress by binging Netflix or Hulu or curling up with a good book.

Images courtesy of Pexels.