Disclaimer: Anything written in this blog represents the opinions of the author, and no one else. Each blog is written lightly, and is not intended to offend any of the mentioned businesses, locations, students, or staff.

As I enter my second semester as a sophomore, I am considering my living options for the rest of my time at UMass Lowell. It seems to be a rite of passage at this age to move onto living into an apartment. It requires more responsibility, is often less expensive than living on campus, and offers a year-round living location near to campus.

This is a picture of my friend, Delaine,
and I touring the University Suites in the spring of 2013 before they were
completely built. It was so exciting to know that we would be a part of the new
addition that was University Suites!

I’m so stressed, though! I am very active in clubs and the MSB and I want to be near the excitement of campus. This seems to be one of the only times during my life where I have the opportunity to live among so many different kinds of people in a more intimate way than the environment that an apartment, or home can provide. Better yet, this could be the only opportunity that I have in my whole life to live in a melting pot of people who are all working to better their education, sense of self, career and future.

I want to live year round in Lowell in order to fully commit to my undergraduate commitments, and I want to take on the responsibility of signing my first lease. At the same time, living in the dorms provides a home and sense of support that the apartment life seems to lack…

What are your thoughts on living while in college? What works best for your lifestyle and learning style? Any advice? I need it!

Disclaimer: Anything written in this blog represents the opinions of the author, and no one else. Each blog is written lightly, and is not intended to offend any of the mentioned businesses, locations, students, or staff.

As I write Christmas cards for my siblings, I find myself wondering how is it possible that time can go by so quickly?! It seems like if I want to know how anybody’s life is going, I need to make an appointment with them. Does that mean I’m getting old?

The older I get, the more I realize what the holidays represent. I no longer have the luxury of living with my siblings and being up to date with their lives. Life is moving way too fast! For me, this holiday season represents reconnecting with my siblings.

This is a photo from Christmas years ago with me, my siblings, and grandmother.

This time of year is meant to remind us to think of others and not ourselves.
Normally, I spend my school breaks working in order to save money for the
coming semester. I am making a promise to share my time with my siblings and
loved ones this Christmas break instead of directing my time toward providing
for only myself.

What are you doing this Christmas break? What is something that you can do to give to those around you this time of year?

Disclaimer: Anything written
in this blog represents the opinions of the author, and no one else. Each blog
is written lightly, and is not intended to offend any of the mentioned
businesses, locations, students, or staff.

I woke up this morning to a white world. The ground was covered in a clean white powder that had yet to be turned into grey slush by the many feet of students walking to class. Trees had a soft white blanket covering their branches and as I got ready for the day, winter continued to descend upon the world one snowflake at a time.

The first snow fall of the season represents many things. It reminds us that first semester is coming to a close, it makes us excited to sit in front of a warm fire with loved ones, and it makes us even more anxious for the coming spring while reminding us how lucky we are to live in New England.

Enjoy the change in season with the UML community and swing by the University Suites courtyard for UMass Lowell’s first Annual Tree Lighting and Winter Celebration. There will be free photos in snowflake frames, free cookies and cocoa, and a candy-cane-grams fundraiser. We hope to see everyone there!

Disclaimer: Anything written in this blog represents the opinions of the author, and no one else. Each blog is written lightly, and is not intended to offend any of the mentioned businesses, locations, students, or staff.

The damage is done. I write to you as I gasp for breath from underneath all of the projects and papers that consume my life at this time of year…I’ve been too busy to write a blog for Thanksgiving, I was too busy to perfect the My Math Lab assignment I had due today, I know that I’m already too busy to wear anything but UGGs this week, and I may or may not be too busy to go to Financial Accounting… Just kidding, I have to go – considering I don’t understand even the basic principles of accounting.

I’m regretting spending too much time on painting my nails and making my dorm look pretty this semester, and wondering how much smarter I would be right now if I forgot about the appearance of my nails and never cleaned my dorm… I’ve decided I would be much smarter.

The reality is finals are around the bend. We can hide behind the bend as much as we wish, but finals are going to show up no matter what. And yes, we will receive a zero if we don’t show up.

Below is a Pic Stitch photo with all of the things that will be getting me through finals.

First is my laptop. My laptop holds all of my assignments, rubrics, papers, notes, etc. Without it, there would be close to no record of my academic career.

Second is a quote I that inspires me. I find that letting yourself be silly can actually help you focus more when needed.

Third is a playful photo that one of my friends shared on Twitter. This reminds to be gentle with those around me (like the dogs are being with each other) even when I want to be grumpy and vicious (just like huskies can be) because I don’t want to study for finals.

Fourth is a picture with me and my suite mates. This reminds me that I have a terrific support system to get me through the next couple of weeks. Shout out to my suite mates for being the bomb!

Last is coffee. Sweet, sweet coffee. This is a reminder that coffee is my friend during these sleepless nights filled with studying, but that it can also be my enemy if consumed in excess. Moderation is the key!

I would love to see a Pic Stitch with your finals week essentials. Feel free to comment them or to share them on the MSB Facebook page!

I’ve got to go now…The weight of these papers is pushing me back into the ominous homework pile…

P.S.

Did you notice I changed my font?