Are you a morning bird? A night owl? Or have you turned into some kind of permanently exhausted pigeon?

 College is busy. October of the fall semester is especially busy, as you’ll be encountering due dates of homework, group projects, and papers. Also coming soon to a classroom near you: midterms. All of that hard work and hours of studying on top of your extracurriculars can make you very tired. That’s why sleep hygiene is so important. 

What are some ways to get your best sleep?

•  Stick to a routine. Having a bedtime routine lets your brain know it’s time to rest and that helps you fall asleep faster. 
• Use relaxation techniques and breathing exercises to fall asleep when stress and anxiety are keeping you up. 
• Keep your room cool and dark; studies show that a cooler temperature actually makes for better sleep. Experiment with windows, fans, and different blankets to find what is most comfortable for you. 
• Exercise during the day, but at the latest make sure it is at least three hours before you want to go to bed.
• Put your phone down! This is the hardest thing for most of us, but the light given off by your screen actually tricks your brain into thinking it’s daylight and time to wake up, which is the opposite of what you want.
• And lastly, don’t watch the clock! Turn your alarm clock to face away from you during the night. This prevents you from stressing about how much sleep you’re getting.

 Have a good night!

Upperclassmen Advice:
“Don’t neglect your health trying to get everything done. Your best work will come from when you feel your best so make sure to exercise and get sleep” – Corey C., chemical engineering

Hello Riverhawks! With the weather starting to cool down, how have you been feeling? You know, have you felt congested? Or maybe had a sore throat? Well this week we are going to focus on staying healthy! Because while we all want you to succeed in your academic and social life here at UMass Lowell, we also want you to do so without wearing yourself down because you are just as important as everything else. Scratch that… You are MORE important than those other things.

Conveniently located on the second floor of University crossing, the wellness center serves as a go to for… Well, all your wellness needs. For example, health services which is housed within the wellness center can do a check up on you if you feel like you need a professional opinion. They are also highly qualified to diagnose you and give you recommendations because they have full-time Nurse Practitioners on staff who are quite knowledgeable on what they do!

With September coming to an end, I’m sure first exams, projects, and essays are on its way! Not everyone considers themselves great test takers though. So, I’ve decided to provide you guys with a quick and fun video on how to prepare for an exam!

So, it’s clear that exams come with studying, BUT how much time do we actually give ourselves to study or simply finish any assignments in general. For most of us, probably not much. We all need to watch out for PROCRASTINATION and its secret agenda to stress us out as much as it can… I know. I know. It’s waaaaaaay easier said than done. It’s clear that we’re much happier when we tackle our assignments bit by bit, so WHY CAN’T WE JUST DO IT?! Why don’t we just stop procrastinating when we know it ONLY stresses us out? Well, let’s use this TED Talk video to first see “Inside the Mind of a Master Procrastinator.”

So, now that we know in a less scientific yet, funny way how it’s like to think like a procrastinator, I want to share some knowledge on HOW you can prevent yourself from procrastinating.

As I already mentioned, I know it’s easier said than done. It’s gonna take your own effort to fight it, but just think about how much happier you could be. Try finishing an assignment early and see how it makes you feel. That could motivate you to really change your habits. The thought of essays and exams is already stressful enough. Don’t procrastinate and make it even more tough on yourself. Hopefully, you use these tips and tricks and really make college a more positive experience.

Didn’t forget about the Upperclassmen Advice of the Week!
Jorge Soto, a Junior Business Student, says..

“Don’t be me. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Go to tutoring and email your professors when you don’t understand. You’ll regret it if you don’t.”

Hello Riverhawks! In our last blog we had mentioned that college will be a lot of fun, well lets expand on what you can do at UML! While the main purpose of college is to get you educated, you should definitely have fun because that leads to the best memories! And college should be memorable…Right?

1. Join a club! This is pretty straightforward. There are an ABUNDANCE of clubs here at UML, if there is something that interests you remotely then we probably have a club for you. For example, did you know there is a coffee club? I bet you didn’t, but yep we have one. They get together, drink coffee, and talk coffee, how great is that? Just head over to www.uml.edu/clubs to get a full list of the clubs that you can choose from!

Now, if there isn’t a club for an interest that you have, you can easily get a new club up and running. All you have to do is get you and 9 friends that want to start this club and head over to the office of student engagement in University Crossing, they will guide you with the rest of the process but then eventually you will be rewarded with your own club! Woo-hoo!

2. Go to events! There is always something going on on-campus and you should definitely take part in them. While you will see posters advertising certain events, scattered throughout campus, the easiest way to find out what events are going on is to download the Corq app on your smartphone, this lists every event and orders it by date and time! These events can be as simple as a presentation all the way to a sporting event. Oh, I should mention that sporting events are AMAZING so do yourself a favor and go to some!

3. Get active! If you love physical activity, there are quite a variety of things that you can take part in. Register yourself for an intramural tournament and be prepared to have lots of fun. Remember, these tournaments have different levels, so even beginners can play and still have fun. If you want a different type of commitment that is active, consider a club sport. Similarly to regular clubs, there are a variety of club sports to choose from. Heck, we even have a Quidditch team! So definitely check them out!

All in all, college is what YOU make of it, and getting involved can enhance that experience tremendously. Do not be afraid to try something new because you may never know how much you love it. While I only listed 3 kinds of activities, there are definitely many more things that you can do. So get out there Riverhawks, and have some fun!

Upperclassmen advice of the week:
“Being involved on campus has been great for me, it gave me confidence that I never had before and it allowed me to make more friends. Every new student should push themselves to get involved!”
– Leissy M. Junior, Biology major

Hey Riverhawks! School’s back and for some, it’s going to be a brand new experience! Not everyone’s definition of a “college experience” is going to be the same. However, whatever it may be, remember to keep a balance between your social AND academic life!            

Of course college should be fun! However, if you become tempted to have a bit of too much fun, keep in mind that there IS the University’s conduct code which students are expected to follow. As college students, you are all adults who are capable of making your own decisions. So, we like to say, “if you’re going to be stupid, be smart about it.” In other words, there’s no way to monitor every single student, but what we CAN do is educate you on ways to stay safe around campus. Learn more on the student conduct code here! 

Emergency Phone Poles: If you’re not so familiar with Lowell and decide to have a night of fun, staying around campus would be a safe option. With over a hundred blue emergency phone poles located on campus, you’ll always have help nearby! This will put you directly in contact with the University Police, as well as help them to find your location. Reach the University Police at 978-934-4911.

Good Samaritan Policy: If it so happens that you find your friend in a life-threatening emergency, but have all been underage drinking, do NOT hesitate to contact the University Police. You will not have to face the repercussions as the reporter. This policy is the University’s way of ensuring student safety, so that students will immediately search for help in these type of situations.

Buddy System: It’s as simple as it sounds. Always have a friend around!

Roadster Routes App:
With the Roadster Routes application that you can download on your phone, students can see the GPS tracking of all the buses in real time. If you don’t have access to the app, the next easy step is to call Transportation Services (978-934-2222). You can call them after 7:00 P.M. if you want to find your way to the commuter rail or need a lift from downtown. On weekends, they also offer a ride to the Drumhill Plaza where you can find Walmart, Hannaford, Moes, Panera Bread, Five Guys and more! More importantly, if you ever feel like you’re in an unsafe area and would like assistance in getting to your destination, you can also give Transportation Services a call!

Remember to keep a good balance between having fun and staying focused! By trying to keep that balance you’ll get the best out of your college experience. Don’t risk your safety!

Coming to college means you’ll be in a whole new setting. It also means that you’ll have to find new places to visit and hang out with friends. Here are some places to check out in the Downtown Lowell area for when you’re not sure where to go first.

Division 1 Sports

In the past year, UML has finally brought all of it’s University sports to the NCAA’s Division 1. With that, we now have 18 teams competing on the highest level with some of the top schools in the country- and killing it! We have two consecutive Men’s Ice Hockey East Championships under our belt, not to mention our softball, baseball, golf, cross country, track & field, volleyball men’s and women’s lacrosse, soccer, and basketball teams.

I could write a love letter to bagels on pretty much any day of the week, but if it’s an Einstein’s bagel, it would be different story.  I wouldn’t just write a love letter, it’d be a sonnet to the bagels, the smear, and the tea.  Not only a highlight of south campus, but a highlight of my life.

Intramural sports are crazy kinds of cool. As a recreational sport, there’s all this good natured competitiveness and sportsmanship between UML students competing for the intramural cup. And there’s such a wide variety of sports! 8-Ball, 9-Ball, Badminton, Basketball, Broomball, Dodgeball, Flag Football, Floor Hockey, Ice Hockey, Indoor Soccer, Outdoor Soccer, Powder Puff Flag Football, Racquetball, Softball, Squash, Ultimate Frisbee, Volleyball, and Wiffleball! There’s something for everyone, and I’ll gladly cheer to that.

Rowdy the Riverhawk

There’s something about having a new chancellor that makes me both really really excited, and really proud. Even more so when the Chancellor is heavily involved with the school’s image and quality. Chancellor Moloney, since her first day in office, has been working to improve not just UML, but also Lowell, with a series of speeches and grants to students and community members. I’m cheering on this new chancellor, who will bring us to bigger and brighter things.

New buildings are exciting. They’re especially exciting when you remember them from before they were renovated. I used to have printmaking classes in Mcgauvren when it was half art department and half student center. Seeing it undergo the transformation into the building it is now has been exciting, and now that it’s finally open, complete with new dining hall, the Merrimack Market, Freshii, and Subway, I’m cheering every day I go there (which is every day).

Changing the world is a big deal. Difference Makers? They’re the ones who make it possible by funding the students who want to make a difference. They’ve funded students who have created means for clean drinking water, affordable prosthetics, and community and campus programs like SOS. The things achieved are absolutely incredible.

New buildings are popping up all over Lowell, which is pretty awesome in itself. But if that building is environmentally efficient with food options and space for clubs, I’m already cheering. Ucrossing houses both the business and fun sides of the University. While it’s home to the Registrar, UCaps, Financial Aid, and the Solution Center, it has houses the Office of Student Activities, The Office of Multicultural Affairs, and the Club Hub.

There was once a time when getting university paperwork sorted out was the biggest hassle on this planet. You’d start in one department, say the Registrar’s Office, then be told to go to Financial Aid, who would tell you to go to UCaps, who would send you back to Financial Aid who would send you back to the Registrar, who would tell you that there is nothing they can do about your issue. But the dark ages are over, my friends, because there is a Solution. The Solution Center, located on the first floor of UCrossing, has reps from all of those departments available to help you figure out where your bills go to, how to get a work study job, or the exact place to send you to. I’m cheering, dear readers, with tears streaming down my face.

You know how I said that intramural sports were great? They still are, in fact their fantastic. But it’s also fantastic when UML athletes get to show their merit against other schools. Always the pinnacle of sportsmanship, our Club sports rep us across New England, and do a killer job at it. They deserve some cheering at their games, and I highly suggest going.

Okay, so fries are great, maybe some of the greatest ways to eat potatoes. Waffle fries though? It lie heaven. It’s so much fry, but it’s ALL crispy and delicious. And the Hawk’s Nest, does it just the way it should be. Remember the whole ‘eating late at night’ thing I mentioned when I was talking about Red Mango? This applies here as well. Take a friend!

Inter library Loan

I’ll admit to also being terrible biased towards libraries.  My mother is a librarian, and my first two jobs were at libraries, one of which was O’Leary library, on South Campus.  So the fact that were have an Inter Library Loan system within a vast and nuance consortium of libraries, colleges, and data bases has me bouncing off the wall.    Any scholarly source you could possibly need is practically at your finger tips, and both hard and digital copies are accessible.

Club Events

UML Students

What’s a university without it’s students? Here at UML, we have some of the smartest, brightest, determined, resourceful, and dedicated individuals studying all kind of things, and going on to incredible fields of work. It can tough to get a degree, but cheering each other on, and encouraging one another, that will make all the difference.

Keep Cheering!

-Kelsey

2. Be Organized

Keep all your notes in order and in a place where you know you can find them. Studying can be stressful, and being unorganized will only add to it.

3. Use a Planner

Planners can be your best friend. Write down everything you have to do in your planner, that way you’ll never feel like you forgot something!

4. Rewrite your notes

Rewriting information instead of just reading it over and over again can help you remember it more easily. You have to think about each word you’re writing as you’re putting it on paper.

5. Highlighters!

Use highlighters to attract your attention to the most important things on the page. That way you’ll know what you should focus on the most.

6. Take reasonable breaks

Don’t force yourself to study continuously for hours on end. Your brain can only handle so much, so it’s best to take a short break every hour or so to refresh yourself, (but not every five minutes like Spongebob).

7. Snacks

Food is brain power. Munching on a healthy snack will keep you alert and awake while you study. Also, you won’t be thinking about how hungry you are.

8.Location

Location, location, location! Make sure you’re in a quiet, comfortable place where you have access to everything you need like food, outlets or wi-fi.

9. Have a game plan

Don’t go into your study session blind. Figure out what topics you’re going to cover, how you’ll do it and how long you want to study for. This can help you get started more quickly and study more efficiently.

10. Study Buddies

Sometimes you just need a friend to sit with, whether they are studying the same topic or not. Seeing someone else studying will motivate you to keep working.

11. Group Work

Working on a hard subject is easier with friends. Discussing topics out loud can help with memorization. Also, if you don’t understand something, other group members can work through it with you.

12. Put your phone on Do Not Disturb

Even if your phone is out of your sight, you may still hear it go off. Putting your phone on Do Not Disturb or on Airplane Mode can keep the texts at bay and from worrying about who’s texting you.

13. Use different color pens

This goes along with using highlighters. Using colorful pens makes your notes more appealing to look at, so you’ll be able to better focus your attention.


14. Go to your professor’s office hours

Professors have office hours for a reason, and that’s to help you, their students. Going to a professor’s office hours can be beneficial because you’ll get the help you’ll need. Also, the professor will see that you’re putting in effort and may be willing to give you more help because of your dedication.

15.Take advantage of tutors 

Tutors are also there for you! Each department has their own set of tutors, as well as the Centers for Learning. If you can’t attend your professor’s office hours or need a quick question answered, tutor’s are your best bet.

16. Power naps

Studying late into the night can be tiring. Taking a short, twenty minute nap during the day can reboot your system and keep you alert for the long hours ahead.

17. Take short walks to clear your mind

Looking at large amounts of information can be overwhelming, so sometimes it’s best to step away and take a break. One of the best ways to utilize your break time is by going for a walk. You’ll get fresh air, you won’t be surrounded by electronics and exercise is the best way to get the blood flowing! Walking with a friend is always a great idea too!

18. Quizlet

Quizlet is an online study tool designed to help you succeed. You can create your own set of flash cards, or use someone else’s. With the flashcards, you can play games, take tests or just read through them!

19. Get plenty of sleep!

Sleep is the most important factor to your success. If you’re tired, it’s hard to focus. Make sure you’re putting yourself and your health first by getting enough sleep every night.

20. Start your studying early

In order to get enough sleep, start your studying earlier on in the day. Do you have an hour or two hour break in your schedule? Utilize that time to study, that way when midnight rolls around you’ll be in bed instead of stressing over notes.

Smartphone apps are great, especially in college. With apps, you can access almost anything with the press of a button. Here are 20 of the most useful apps for college students. Take the time to download and get familiar with them before you start your first semester! (They’re all free!)


1) Roadster Routes

Keep track of the UML Shuttles with this app. All the buses are GPS tracked, so you can see where each line is on it’s specific route.

2) Garage Spaces

This app lets you see the available amount of parking spaces in each garage BEFORE you spend time driving around to find one. Great for commuters!

3) Weather App

You spend a lot of your time walking to class, so it’s best to know what the weather will be like for the day. It’s always good to know if it’s going to rain or if the temperature is going to be very low.

4) UML Now

UML Now gives you access to you SiS, your class schedule, and even the dining hall menus. It’s all at fingertips.

5) MBTA 

Traveling by train is convenient when you don’t have a car. The MBTA app can help you plan trips and show you up to date maps and schedules for bus, commuter and subway routes.

6) Spotify

Spotify is great for anything. With the app, you have all the music you could ever imagine at your finger tips, and for free! Make playlists with your favorite songs or save them to your library. If you don’t want to deal with ads or shuffle mode, you can get Premium Spotify for five dollars a month.

7) Netflix

This one is pretty self explanatory.

8) Blackboard Mobile Learn

UML uses Blackboard as a platform for professors to connect with students online and outside of the classroom through assignments, class notes and discussions. Having the app is a great alternative to when you are unable to access a computer.

9) GroupMe

Group messages are great…if you all have iPhones. Unfortunately, that’s not usually the case. GroupMe is a great way to make group messages with anyone, and you can use it on a computer too!

10) Google Maps

This is essential to keep yourself from getting lost! Always make sure you plan ahead and know where you’re going.

11) Facebook

Stay up to date with all your friends and family, and friend us at UML Orientation!

12) Youtube

Watch anything from music videos to lectures to videos of cute puppies.

13) Pinterest

Keep track of all the things you find intersting on the internet in neat boards. It’s not just for girls either!

14) Dunkin Donuts/Starbucks App

With these apps, you can earn rewards for all the coffee you buy!

15) Pandora

If you’re not sure what you want to listen to, or if Spotify is too intimidating, use Pandora. You can type in any artist, song or genre and it will create a radio tailored to you!

16) Instagram

Share all the memories you make with your friends through pictures.

17) MyFitnessPal

Keep off the freshman 15 by keeping track of your daily routine. MyFitnessPal lets you log your food and exercise for each day, and even counts the steps you take.

18) SAM

This app is for mental health. You can check in how you’re feeling, and even do activities that can lower anxiety and stress. It’s a great way to track your stress levels.

19) Buzzfeed

Buzzfeed is a great place to find news, as well as silly articles and quizzes that are all short and to the point. It’s a great app to scroll through when you’re taking a study break.

20) Mint

If you have trouble keeping track of finances, this app can be your best friend. Set budgets for yourself and hook it up to your bank account to see exactly what you’re spending your money on.

1. Caravan Palace, Lone Digger  

This electro-swing always puts me in a fired up mood. -KP
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbsBEb1ZxWA

2. Hamilton, My Shot

Not only does this song wake me up, but it gets me pumped about my potential as a human being. -KP
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vHMSq7K2ds

3. Lion King, Circle of Life

From a classic movie, this song is motivational and makes you feel nostalgic. – KC
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GibiNy4d4gc

4. OKGo, Upside Down & Inside Out

One of my favorite bands, OKGo not only makes incredible music, but they make the craziest music videos. -KP
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWGJA9i18Co
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnTqZ68fI7Q (Behind the scenes!)

5. Earth, Wind and Fire, September

The best throwback jam there is. -KP
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gs069dndIYk

6. The Foundations, Build Me Up Buttercup

There’s nothing better than belting out this song with friends, or as your getting ready in the morning.
-KC
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jrfcR16VzI

7. Breakbot, Baby I’m Yours

The music video pumps me up about as much as the song does. -KP
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6okxuiiHx2w

8. Janelle Monae, Dance Apocalyptic

If Janelle Monae can’t get you to dance, no one can. -KP
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztzkW0dbWqo

9. Andy Grammer, Honey I’m Good

I love Andy Grammer, and he can put anyone in a good mood with this song and his swoon-worthy voice. -KC
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ejF8Qv6VZk

10. Justin Bieber, Sorry

Learn the dance, and dance along! -KC
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRh_vgS2dFE

11. Chromeo, Jealous

Nothing like this Canadian Arab/Jewish pair of electronic artists to wake you up with their upbeat tunes. -KP
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhmUnk454MA

12. Mika, Elle Me Dit

Mika’s vocal range and pop influence could wake anyone up. -KP
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdC119_bm1k

13. Kendrick Lamar, i

A song about putting yourself first. -KC
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_cKoYQqu2D0

14. Lake Street Dive, You Go Down Smooth

You Go down Smooth always makes the morning go smoother. -KP
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNFRRfVBWjg

15. Foals, My Number

Fun and pumped up! -KP
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAsGFnLl2u0

16. The Chainsmokers, Roses

For those of you who like a little EDM in the morning to get you going. -KC
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5Mv2iV0wkU

17. Phil Vassar, Just Another Day in Paradise

A song about the ups and downs of everyday life, but in a fun way. -KC
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QR4Y6Ll0DwA

18. oneboredjue, Hollaback Yonce

Kinda self explanatory. – KP
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69-iI0eTSLY

19. Kenny Chesney, The Big Revival

Circle of Life-esque, it’ll wake you up for sure. -KC
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=213aAkQs9iQ

20. Beyonce, Crazy in Love

Another, self explanatory classic. -KC
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ViwtNLUqkMY