Welcome Back

A list of tips for your return

It’s a new semester with new classes, which means finding ways to get back into the swing of studying, pulling all-nighters and finding the time to socialize. While we attempt to find our classes and break open our brand new books, we can’t forget there are other things besides classes to focus on.

In order to help get this semester started off right, we’ve put together a list of things we think all students should think about:

Your meal plan — Make sure you have enough money to last for the semester. The increased prices last semester left many us scrounging for food the last couple of weeks. If you don’t think you have enough money, look at your options and stop by the office in Brockway. They’ll be glad to help.

Your books — Hit up the bookstore to find out what books you need this semester if you haven’t already pre-ordered them. We suggest you search for deals on Amazon.com or Half.com to find the best prices. A used book never hurt anyone.

Procrastination — Hey, we’re guilty of it too, but try your best to avoid it. If you start the semester off right, you might not be scrambling at the end.

Study Abroad — Stop by the office and pick up some of the books if you’re really interested. There’s no time like the present to explore other countries, cultures and get away from mom and dad for the summer.

A new hobby — They’re fun and keep you busy. We suggest knitting or crocheting. Unlike stamp collecting, this hobby actually produces results. Added bonus: What you make can keep you warm during the everlasting Brockport winter.

Internships — If you want an internship, you better start looking. Many employers have already started the interviewing process for summer internships. Stop by Career Services if you need some help, or check out the JobShop application online. Five minutes now could help you in the long run.

BSG elections — They’re coming up in a few short months. When the candidates come out, make sure you actually pay attention to what they have to say. There’s a lot about BSG that you probably don’t know. Stop by the office sometime and ask whatever questions you might have. Someone should be able to help you.

Volunteer — There’s no time like a new year to make a new start. There are plenty of opportunities to lend a helping hand. Volunteer at a soup kitchen, plant a tree for Arbor Day, participate in Relay for Life or give a homeless person a blanket and a hot meal. You’ll be working for a good cause and it feels nice to say you’ve helped.

The Polar Plunge — Speaking of working for a good cause, check out the Web site firstgiving.com/rochesterpolarplunge. Brockport is working to raise money for the Special Olympics. You can donate to specific Brockport team members online. The team name is “Screamin’ for a Reason Golden Eagles.” There will also be jars around campus with certain people’s pictures on them. The person whose jar contains the most money before the event has to jump into a lake of freezing water. Our very own Amanda Seef will have her face on a jar. Help us out by donating. We’d love to see her freeze.

Working out — It seems to be everyone’s New Year’s resolution, so stick to it! The first two weeks back many students head to the gym, but after that, it’s back to the normal crowd. Try to stay motivated. Balancing studying with going to the gym might help your grades.

Catching the squirrel — OK, it’s a new semester, which means devising a new plan for catching that albino squirrel. If you get bored studying Thursday nights, you can come down to the Stylus office with the rest of us and help us come up with this plan at our editorial meetings, because we just can’t seem to figure it out.
We hope we’ve offered you at least some ideas for the upcoming semester and given you some things to think about, If you’re all set with all of these, then good job — because you’re way ahead of us.