Hello friends and long time no see! I hope you found the newsletter be a helpful and enjoyable read, I know I had a blast writing it.

1. Travel in Groups: It might sound simple but you would be surprised at how many people travel alone on a night in which we statistically have the most visitors/strangers on campus. I would love to believe that people are generally good but we need to be cautious about the exceptions in humanity. Traveling with a group of your friends makes you infinitely safe and is probably a lot more fun! If you do go to meet people alone make sure you let someone know when you leave so that a person you trust knows where you are.
2. Costume Functionality/Self Awareness: Crazy costumes are fun and will definitely generate some laughs but make sure you can function as a human being in them. If you can’t walk in heels and you need to walk across campus to hang with some friends it would probably be a good idea to wear some different shoes. Same applies if your costume is so big it keeps you off balance or you can’t see well because a part of it covers your head, Safety first guys! their are a lot of drunk drivers out on October 31st, you don’t want to raise your chances of getting into an accident because of your super awesome over-sized M&M suit.
3. Be Careful With Fake Props: While you and your friends may have coordinated costumes, strangers may not be as knowledgeable about your costume and its accompanying props, Do not carry fake weapons. Not only do you want to avoid scaring those around you  but you also want to avoid alarming the police who are on high alert for anything suspicious on such an active night on campus
4. Be Aware of What You Consume: If you are hanging out with people who you are not as a familiar with avoid any fishy food or drink. Avoid punch bowls and hand wrapped/unwrapped candy. Again I like to see the best in everybody but it is better to be safe than sorry!
5. Keep your Cellphone Handy: In case of emergency keep yourself on hand, not seven layers down through your costume!

Hey friends and happy Friday! It’s the first weekend of October, where the leaves are turning colors and the week of midterms is among us. I’m still in shock that the first month flew by! I just received the dates of all my exams and I’m starting to prep for the upcoming weeks. Always try to be ahead of the game friends! It’s good to be on top of things.

Other than midterms, October is full of amazing opportunities and events. One of them is River Hawk Homecoming! For those who are unsure of what its about, it is a yearly tradition for alumni and current students of a high school, college and University.This event gets confused for a formal dance, but that’s considered a prom. Homecoming is full of activities, sports events and cultural events that would happen throughout the weekend.  Fun fact- Southwestern University hosted the first homecoming celebration in 1909!

River Hawk Homecoming is new to the University. As UMass Lowell is expanding every year from new buildings, renovations and new students, its great to share this with alumni, too! From explanation above, there will be activities, cultural events and sports events where both alumni and current students can enjoy. This event will be from October 24th-26th. If you cannot make an event, it’s perfectly fine! There is a lot going on throughout the weekend. Feel free to look below to check out what’s going!

 Here’s a list of some events of River Hawk Homecoming:

UMass Lowell vs. University of Michigan & Michigan State University
Game vs. Michigan: October 24th, 2014 @ the Tsongas Center from 7-9:30 PM
Game vs. Michigan State University: October 25th, 2014 @ the Tsongas Center from 7-9 PM

16th Annual: Jennifer’s Family Fun Run/Walk
October 25th, 2014 @ Tsongas Center from 11 AM-12 PM

Athletic Alumni Games
October 25th- Women Soccer Alumni Game @ Cushing Fields from 11AM to 12 PM
October 25th- Softball Alumni Game @ Riverview Field from 12-2 PM
October 25th- Men & Women’s Basketball Alumni Game @ Costello Athletic Center from 2-4 PM
October 25th- Hockey Alumni Game @ Tsongas Center from 3-4:30 PM

Campus Tours
October 24th- 40th & 50th Reunion Tours & UMass Lowell Inn & Conference Center from 2-4 PM
October 25th- Now & Then Campus Tours from 2-6 P.M (Across Campus)
October 26th- Open House @ Tsongas Center from 9:30 AM-1 PM

Hawkey Way**
October 25th, 2014- Outside of Tsongas Center from 2-6 P.M.

If you’re interested in more events happening throughout the weekend, click here.
If you are also interested in buying tickets and packages, click here.

Hope to see you all there! Have a good weekend everyone!
-T

Hello my friends! It is officially October and that is terrifying for a myriad of reasons. 1st, Where did September go. 2nd, now that September ended we have to go wake up Green Day (fun fact-I have no shame when it comes to puns). 3rd and probably the most stress inducing of the three: Midterms. No matter if you are gods gift to standardized testing or crawl into a fetal position when given open response questions, exams are rough. You never know when your brain is going to throw you for a loop and decide that it is not going to make logical decisions when half your grade is at stake. All of that being said, there are very effective ways in which you can successfully prepare for these examinations without going on a three day, caffeine induced study bender.

Know what is going to be on the exam
This may seem obvious, but you would be surprised how many people just do not know what material is on the test. This DOES NOT mean that every time the professor introduces new material you raise your hand and say “Is this going to be on the test?”. That is disrespectful and shows that you are there just to get a grade and a diploma rather than to learn about your craft. A professor’s syllabus generally will have all of the material that is going to be covered and a schedule of examinations. Assume you are responsible for all the material that was taught before that exam date.If a Professor repeats a certain bit of information it is most likely going to be on the exam. If you are still not sure what material is to be covered, pass by the professors office hour and ask for help on anything you are struggling with. They will most likely give you tidbits on what if anything your struggling with is on the exam.

Study in groups not just by yourself
While studying by yourself is highly recommended and absolutely necessary, it is most effective when paired with a study group. It is easy to procrastinate when you are not around other people pushing towards the same goal. It is also extremely helpful to tutor others on the information, explaining the material helps you internalize it and makes you look at it from different angles. When studying with other people you can bounce ideas and off of each other and break the monotony of sitting in a chair and staring at a text book. Pool your knowledge together and the entire class will ace the exam!

Do Not Cram
Cramming does not work for the long term. Yes, it is possible to stuff a lot of information into your brain in a short period of time and regurgitate it into a blue test booklet. You are only doing a disservice to yourself by cramming. With no reinforcement all of that information is going to be gone within the week and when the comprehensive final exam rolls around you will have stuff an entire semesters work of material into two nights, not fun. If you break up your study time throughout the semester (20-45 minutes, 2 times a day) you will actually remember the material past the first exam and hopefully for your college and post college careers.

Disconnect and enjoy the silence
It is so easy to not study. There is Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Reddit, Tumblr, Pinterest etc. etc. etc. We have to DISCONNECT. Stay off the social media while you are studying, it will only distract you and make your already busy life busier. While you are staying off the internet (unless its for homework) try to occupy a space that is not so distracting. While your residence hall room is probably your first option it may not be quietest . Try the library, a park bench maybe one of the computer labs in your colleges department. The more you focus the more you can get done in shorter periods of time.

Stay healthy and organized
The fast food and coffee diet is a cheap ticket to the freshman 45 folks. The more you take care of your body the more efficient you will become at studying and your work overall. Your body is a machine and needs it maintenance. Schedule time to eat healthy,exercise and sleep. Also, schedule time to keep everything organized. If you room looks like a nuclear bomb when off the on reading day you might be in for a rough week. If you go into finals week with a clean and organized room, a schedule for how you are going to study for your exams and clear head, you are just that more likely to succeed.

Happy hump day friends, you are all going to do great.

-Migs

Hey friends and happy Friday! Can you believe it’s almost October?! School just started a few weeks ago and its almost the second month of the semester. I looked at my calendar and I couldn’t believe it myself! I was already putting my schedules in for the month to manage everything within the next few weeks.

Now, talking about managing. It’s around that time of the semester where your professors give quizzes, tests, exams and critiques on what you learn. Time management is HUGE during these next few years. When you start getting involved within the UMass Lowell community, you start having less time than before and  having time management is great! It helps you stay on task, get everything done accordingly and no stressing out!

Here’s a few of tips you can use:

Monthly Planning
It’s always great to be a head of the game! Invest in a planner that has a large blocks to write things within them daily. Look at all of your syllabuses and write down when assignments are due. This will help you plan things accordingly and give yourself time to get things done on time. This is something I do around the end of each month for the next month. I have a color for academics, clubs, events, meetings and work. It helps me stay organize and get a head start on things. It also gives you an idea of what your week is looking like ahead of time as a way to prepare yourself instead of forgetting something.

Weekly Planning
I definitely would encourage buying a planner. This will help you write down your homework for the week and things you need to do daily. If you forget something that you need for class, write it down in your planner! It helps out more than you think. When you take a look at it, you may have something for the class like, “remember to bring a book for class or read an article that will be talked about in class.” It’s little things like that can help you in the long run.

To Do List/Prioritizing
Being a part of the UMass Lowell community, there are so many opportunities you can be involved in. I could name all of them, but it would be longer than the blog itself. As you take on opportunities, just make sure you prioritize yourself. If you know there’s a few assignments that are coming up, do them in order of importance. I use sticky notes as a “To Do List” of things to do for the day or when a certain assignment is due. Remember, its not good to leave things for last minute. Its always good to prepare yourself rather than stress out.

Block Study Time & Breaks
I am guilty of last minute studying because I found out there was a quiz or test the night before. It’s never good to do that.,, You don’t study at your best potential and you will be nervous when the time comes to take it. Try to set up some time for yourself beforehand to organize the material and find what you need to study more than other information. This will help you remember more information and I promise, you’ll ace it!

Academics FIRST!
It’s great to enjoy college, go out with your friends and create memories. Remember that you are a college student. The faculty and staff do understand that things may happen, but it is your responsibility to maintain your grades. I understand its a lot of pressure and you want to explore new opportunities, I was there. There’s one thing I’ve taught myself recently, you cannot do everything. You can enjoy life and accept new opportunities that go your way. Just keep in mind, you are student, too.

I hope this week went well for all of you! Happy almost October friends!

-T

Hello friends and happy Wednesday! It is crazy to think that September is about to end and we are heading into our fourth week of classes. You all will come to find that college time does not function like real world time. We are at a very specific point in our lives. All that is expected of us is to learn and I think that is a beautiful thing because the real world has a tendency to be unfair and unforgiving. But right here and now, all we have to focus on is learning the rules of life as they apply to our (hopefully) wildly successful journeys. Those rules include being a decent human being to whoever your living with. With that in mind I now give to you my thoughts on how to be a good roommate vs. a bad one!

VS.

   Hello and happy hump day! This year feels like it has a lot of promise and I hope you feel the same way.
     As some of you may know I am a senior in the Music Business program here at our beloved school. But I do not only practice in the business sector of the industry I am also highly involved in Music Education. I have my own private studio of students as well as teaching marching band at the high school level. Because of this I wanted to talk about an event happening on campus that is near and dear to me and to anyone that is involved in the wonderful world of music.

    The UMass Lowell Collegiate Chapter of the National Association of Music Education (NAFME) is partnering up with The Party Band (A 20 piece community brass band based in Lowell) to facilitate an Instrument Drive! The instruments collected will go to students who need them in the public school system as well as the local Boys and Girls Club. These facilities do not have enough instruments to give all of their students a quality musical education.

    The instruments collected that are not in the best shape will be repaired by our very own Blair Bettencourt, A professor in the Music Department. Professor Bettencourt will be running an instrument repair clinic for students in the Music Studies programs so that when they get into their respective classrooms they will be proficient in instrument repair themselves. Literally Everyone Wins!!

The first two drop of dates are Today the 17th of September in front of Fox hall on East/Durgin Hall on South and tomorrow the 18th in front of Durgin hall, both days from 12-5 PM. The instruments that are being collected are your average band instruments (winds, percussion etc.) guitars, electric basses and drums. The only items they are not being accepted are amps and effect pedals.

You can seriously make a difference in a kids life through getting rid of your old trumpet that is collecting dust in your attic. I was a benefactor of an instrument drive when I was a budding musician  in the fourth grade and now it is my career, hobby and life. Make a difference whenever you have the opportunity and I think you will be satisfied with the result.

Just some food for thought!

-Migs

Hey friends!

I hope the start of the semester went for all of you! I remember my first year at UMass Lowell like it was yesterday. There was so much to do for the first month with events, clubs and exploring the university. I learned a lot within my first year and I would like to share it with all of you.
                                                                  

Trying new things

This is a new experience for you. Think of it like a game board. You get decide the next move you get to make, whether its rolling a die, picking up a card or starting a timer. Each decision you make adds on to your time here at UMass Lowell.  Please, don’t be scared to try something you have not done before. Try going to an event, a club or activity hosted on campus. Who knows? It may end up being something you’ll end up loving!  

Meeting new people

UMass Lowell is a large population of college students. You can meet people by just walking to class or sitting next to someone on the shuttle. Never be afraid to say hello and introduce yourself. A simple conversation one day could make a friendship for life. It’s true what people say about the friends you make in college are the friends you make for life!

YOU Time

Taking time to yourself is NOT a bad thing. Never feel guilty of staying in one night to spend time to yourself. I am quite guilty of not taking time to myself and I’m always on the go. I started to make time to watch my favorite television shows and take a nap whenever I had an hour or two to myself. It’s a good way to relax and feel refreshed. Try not to run yourself on empty. It will catch up to you, so please try to take a day or two off to just kick back and relax!

I hope these tips were helpful! Hope you all have a good weekend!

Much love,

T

1. Staying in my room way too much.

   The only times I left my room the first 2 weeks school was to go home, go to class and to eat. I just sat in my room and watched a deadly combination of Netflix and YouTube all day. Looking back, that was the least productive thing I could have done. I was not making any new friends or exploring the campus that would end up being my home for the next 4 years. Thankfully I made some friends that brought me out of internet cocoon and into an awesome social life.

2. Going home way too much.

   I went home every single weekend that I could my first semester at UML.  Granted I had my reasons (family, work, girlfriend etc.), but I wish I had spent more time exploring the campus and getting acclimated to college life. The experiences you have in college will shape you into the adult you are going to be, while staying in touch with who you were in high school is important, personally I wish I had experiences from my first year and established my independence as a young adult.

3. Saying no to anything out of my comfort zone.
   Yes, there is a trend here. While I was in my room eating Cheetos/at home away from the college I was, you guessed it, NOT participating in anything that had any sort of time commitment. Fast forward to the present I am highly involved on campus and have reaped most, if not all the benefits a UML student could possibly receive. The moral of the story being: It took me four years to get to that point!! I could have been bettering myself for an extra 3 years if I had just taken the plunge, gotten out of my comfort zone and joined a club or organization that did not involve my major. Freshman year is the time to do it friends, you will only get busier from here!
   I hope you all take notes from my pitfalls and avoid them altogether, I wish I had!

   –         Migs 

Alright, so I know this summer (for most of you anyway) is going to involve going back to your hometown. HOWEVER, if you’re in the Lowell area at all, I highly recommend hitting up the Lowell Summer Music Series. Throughout the course of the summer, Lowell has different artists perform at Boarding House Park on French Street. You can buy tickets online at lowellsummermusic.org!