Dress for Success

Waking up for an 8:30 after a long night of studying and homework is hard enough; on top of that putting a nice outfit together can be even harder.

As college students, it is the last thing we want to do but in the long run, this can be helpful in many ways.

Putting together a nice outfit for class, instead of throwing on leggings and a t-shirt, will benefit you.

You never know what opportunities will come up; you never know who you are going to meet or bump into.

In the college atmosphere, there are so many connections that can be made. A first impression can be unforgettable, so important to make a good one.

By always dressing in a professional manner you are prepared for any type of situation.

There are so many opportunities that can come up in your average day of school that you would never have thought of.

Wearing a nice outfit in your day-to-day life can help you stand out from the crowd. Standing out from the crowd gives you a step ahead when it comes to an opportunity that could have an impact on your future.

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Inexpensive Gift Ideas

It’s that time of year again. You have to buy a gift for everyone, putting your bank account into a state of emergency.

Fortunately, it doesn’t always have to be like that because there are plenty of tips and tricks that will help you save this holiday season, but also make sure you show up to secret Santa with the best gifts.

Speaking of secret Santa that is a great start for gift giving. If you have a huge group of friends and feel obligated to buy something for everyone…don’t.

It is more convenient because by doing this, you only have to buy for one person and there will, of course, be a spending limit. It is such a fun and great activity.

Secret Santa is a perfect way to get out of spending too much money on too many people.

When asked where to shop for inexpensive gifts, Yazmin Belhadj, a junior political science student, said, “Two words: Five Below… They have such a variety of things and everything’s under $5. You can get someone a stuffed animal and some of their favorite candy and call it a day!”

Another great inexpensive gift you can’t go wrong with would be candles. Bath & Body Works candles are great and there is a scent for everyone.

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Long Distance: The Survival Guide

The phone rings and your eyes light up with excitement because it is your long-distance love.

Understandably, not everyone gets this excited for phone calls, but for you, it is a time to connect and close the distance.

As those of you know who are in a long-distance relationship (or have long-distance friendships), it is rewarding but difficult to navigate at times.

As the saying goes, distance means so little when someone means so much. Kim Fleming, an Adjunct professor in the communication department said, “Distance does not change what makes relationships thrive, and that is self-disclosure.

Even partners that are living with a distance between them can share a piece of themselves.”

She continued, “Talk about things ranging from what you ate for breakfast to the hardships you experience. Especially with distance between partners, even the mundane details might create a sense of closeness.

When we share with our partners we create a level of intimacy. That is what makes partners feel connected.”

Do not make the mistake of falling into a funk of wishing and hoping your significant other will magically appear, instead make the most of your time.

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How to Stay Warm and Fashionable in the Winter

It happens every year: our cute fall sweaters and shoes must turn into bulky jackets and boots making us look like we are ready to climb Mount Everest.

In winter you have to wear the same coat every day just for the convenience of being warm.

What many people don’t know is that there is a way to look good and be warm all in one outfit: Layers, layers, and more layers.

 Layering up an outfit is a great way to stay warm but look cool.

You can just start with a plain long sleeve or button down shirt, then you can really mix it up.

You can layer it with either a big chunky cardigan or an oversized poncho.

Something else that is trending this season is layering jackets, so you can take a simple cozy zip up and put a cool leather jacket over it.

The other great thing about layering is that if you get too warm inside school or work, you can just take one off.

Turtlenecks are always what your mom made you wear when you were younger, but are fortunately coming back in style.

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Gobble Gobble Good Fun

By the time Thanksgiving rolls around, the fall semester is ending and students and faculty alike are ready to wind down.

 Thanksgiving is the best time of the year to relax and have fun without having the anxiety of waiting for midterm grades to weigh you down.

During Thanksgiving, there are many things to do that will leave you with lasting memories. Believe it or not, there is more to overload on turkey, stuffing, and mash potatoes, although that is the best part of the Thanksgiving season.

 If you are looking for activities to do around Thanksgiving, you’re in the right spot.

If you are planning to go home during Thanksgiving break, think about stopping by a high school football game.

 Although you may have graduated years ago, it is fun to bundle up on a chilly night and experience the excitement of Friday night lights with old friends.

If you feel like staying in, take a trip to your local bookstore and cozy up to new books.

If you don’t read, Thanksgiving break is a perfect time to start. The feeling of reading a new book while smelling delicious food cooking in the kitchen is what dreams are made off.

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Extracurriculars: An Extra Resume Builder

People think that as long as you have a 4.0 GPA, then you are guaranteed a successful career. But, does a 4.0 GPA enhance your social skills and expand your knowledge in different areas than your major?

Extracurriculars definitely provide a different perspective on interests outside your major, enchaning your college experience. Just by joining one or two clubs can impact your four years at school in numerous ways.

The best way to make friends is by finding something in common with each other.

By going to a club meeting, it is guaranteed that everyone there shares a similar interest.

Kassandra Ketcho, a freshman math education student, said, “I’m a social person and love meeting new people, so joining clubs is perfect because I get to diversify my friends.”

 As a freshman, as scary as it may be, joining a club or getting involved may relieve the hardest part of the first semester: making new friends.

There is a club for everyone at Monmouth, from academic clubs to religious clubs to even environmental clubs, there are many ways to do more of what you love or even find a new hobby.

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Cozy Living: It's Not That Hard

When living with your family or even living away from home in a dorm room, it is so important to feel comfortable in your space.

Making your room cozy, especially for the fall or winter seasons is so essential because it brings a welcoming vibe to the room.

From pictures to color schemes to decorative pillows, it’s not that hard.

One thing that may sound simple, but can cozy up any space would be to add a plant.

Adding a plant allows there to be life in the room.

Plants not only add color but it is healthy to have them in your environment.

If you can maintain keeping it alive, definitely go out and buy a real plant, but if you think you’ll slack on giving it the necessities for life, there are many places to buy fake plants.

As a college student, it is important to be in a workspace that gives you the proper amount of light.

Whether you add a few lamps or make sure you have the proper natural light, it can allow you to be in a space that promotes productivity.

Something that people do to make a room cozy is adding extra pillows or blankets. The fuzzy blankets that call your name will be bound to make you feel cozy.

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Your Journal, Your Friend

The word “journal” is often accompanied by the stereotype of writing proclamations of love that your middle school crush will typically never see.

 At times, writing in a diary is made fun of because but it is the perfect way to express feelings that you don’t want to run share with friends while drinking a cup of coffee.

For others, journaling can be therapeutic and help rid of the heavy thoughts you may be holding inside.

Colleen Moretti, a junior communication student said, “It’s a good way to relieve stress and get all of your feelings out.”

At first, sitting down to journal can seem daunting and can even make you feel awkward.

 An easy way to start off is by writing down certain things you are grateful for, or positive parts of your day.

Once you put positive thoughts down on paper, the universe will reward you. You will always get back 100 times what you give; journaling is a great way to manifest in your future.

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Are You Living the Best Life?

Monmouth University is unique in the sense that you have the opportunity to live on-campus or off-campus.

A common trend is that many freshmen live on-campus to get a feel for college and to meet people; while students progress in their college years, many find themselves  moving off-campus with friends you have met.

 Many juniors and seniors have experienced both sides of living. Similar to most things in life, there are pros and cons to each. Something that many students notice is that their peers spend two years off-campus and two years on.

Living on-campus as a freshman is a great decision that new students make.

Although Elmwood Hall is not the most glorious building, students find themselves making an abundance of friends throughout the building.

From living next door, to bonding over the obscene heat of September, it could be easy to make new friends.

 By just keeping your door open you can meet so many people which ultimately contributes to your college experience. It sounds cliche, but it works.

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Must Have Items: Backpack Edition

Let’s be honest most of our backpacks halfway into the fall semester are cluttered, bottomless pits that hinder more than help us. After items accumulating in our bags, not all of them will be the essentials.

Well, it’s time to change that.

In college, it is imperative to be organized and always think ahead of the game.

It’s hard to begin to pick and choose what will help you survive long school days, so if you feel like you need a pre-curated list, keep reading.

Item one is a reusable water bottle.

Emphasis on the reusable because it not only saves the environment, but it is easy to keep refilling it.

 If you are someone who has back to back classes, it is important to stay hydrated.

Plus, stopping to fill up with water is quick and easy thanks to the filtered water machines at Monmouth.

Item two is a phone and laptop charger.

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