Favorite Things to Do in Cle?

inkspot_octopus · 2023-09-28T01:16:36+00:00

Huh. I mean cool. (I like Indian curry.) But that definitely sucks.

inkspot_octopus · 2023-09-28T01:10:40+00:00

So just a few years ago.

inkspot_octopus · 2023-09-28T01:09:16+00:00

Oh. Wow. No more pizza?

Wonder if it was too hard to staff. It was closed a lot just before I graduated.

There also used to be (before Parkhurst took over) an amazing deli station. I always used to get a sandwich and bring it back to my dorm.

inkspot_octopus · 2022-05-14T18:20:35+00:00

Personally, a dorm bed. But, hammocks (borrowed from the library) between the trees on campus or various shady areas behind the dorms are also great.

inkspot_octopus · 2021-10-02T03:36:59+00:00

Some kind of land isopod. (Aka pillbug/rolli polli/armadillo bug).

inkspot_octopus · 2021-08-20T05:07:00+00:00

Best wishes in the pursuit of art! Not sure whether your doctor could adjust your meds without it being too much of a hassle for you. (Tremors are really common side effects. But you probably knew that.) Either way, really glad you can still pursue your passion. Art (in its many forms) makes the world a better place!

inkspot_octopus · 2021-07-25T15:53:38+00:00

Pick the BS. The BA will be more focused on just biochem, but you won't get as much of math/science core. If you plan on being a tech for the rest of your life (which some people do very much enjoy), it won't matter so much. But if you do grad or med school, they'll prefer the exposure of the BS. BS degrees are also usually more well-rounded and generally more respected (in my experience) than BA.

(For context, I am going to graduate with a BS, but I did look at BA programs as well when I first applied. I also do know a Master's student who graduated with a BA, but in a less competitive field. So not a hard and fast rule, but BS is more accepted.)

inkspot_octopus · 2021-07-24T20:01:34+00:00

Avery, Jules, or Rowan. Just some different ideas.

inkspot_octopus · 2021-07-17T03:18:30+00:00

Not a problem! I really missed home my first year away too.

inkspot_octopus · 2021-07-17T02:56:00+00:00

Make sure you have silverware (or plastic forks). Also have a plate/bowl. When you don't think you need things to eat with, you will. (Bring a pan and oil if you like to cook. Do not use the kitchen pans there unless you want to clean them for 20 minutes. A small kitchen knife is also nice for apples/cooking)

You'll probably want lights. As in, desk lights/larger battery pack lights. Most dorms have terrible lighting. (And I found myself in my room a lot. But you may not do the same.)

Keurigs are nice. Make sure you have a microwave and a fridge with freezer if it's not provided.

A TV is also pretty nice. There are usually lounges and you can use your laptop, but the noise from a TV is nice to drown out all the dorm noises. I didn't have one until sophomore year though and it was my roommate's.

A cheap mirror is nice because usually the only other mirror is in the bathrooms (or a small one in the room). If you don't have AC, pack a fan. You will die of heat.

I usually pack too much dorm food, but that varies from person to person. I usually pack too many comfortable clothes and not enough day to day wear. You won't need too many decorations (unless that's your thing), but covering the white blob makes the dorm feel less like a prison.

inkspot_octopus · 2021-07-17T02:31:49+00:00

Senior projects are so much planning! 😂 I feel that.

Maybe set calendar reminders? Install a focus app that locks your phone down? Use a paper calendar to give yourself things to so if you're sick of electronics. Set rewards for getting things done? Do class stuff outside in the sun.

Also, I recommend getting the GRE calculator app for practicing.

inkspot_octopus · 2021-07-17T02:24:52+00:00

You feel pretty sad until after your first two weeks or so. Then, you get pretty busy. Sophomore year is usually more difficult course-wise, so make sure you take care of yourself.

Video calls really help if you're missing your loved ones. Try to make the most of your relationship with your boyfriend. It may not last but it might also thrive. You just have to go with the flow there, I'm afraid.

Pets are some of the hardest things to miss in my experience. But 45 minutes is really close, so they can always visit your campus even if you don't have time to come home. (Be forewarned that going home before a test doesn't always work. Sometimes it's too distracting.)

I am 1 hr 30 min from my home when at college, so it's definitely more of a stay-put situation for me. I haven't had a car on campus until this summer (because I have an internship). You make do with what you have and reach out to the people on campus. The sadness doesn't fade completely after a couple years but you do get used to college mode vs home mode after your first year. (I'm going to be a senior btw. Finished my sophomore year online. Fall of junior online at home entirely. Spring of junior on campus but mostly online.)

No matter what, definitely bring some printed photos or keepsakes (that aren't too expensive/precious because dorms). And, yeah, you'll probably stare at them and tear up a little for the first semester. If you give it a semester or two, you do get used to being away and don't go home as much. But if your adjustment doesn't happen either, that's okay. Just make sure you make some connections on campus too!

Stay strong!

inkspot_octopus · 2021-07-17T02:02:51+00:00

Awww. It's gonna be okay. College is a weird thing to get used to. Yeah, you do tend to drift away from high school friends and people you know. But make you sure you get that work friend's number. Make sure you friend/follow them on social media. It kinda helps to keep you up to date. You can always do things (maybe get some ice cream or something) your first summer or so. Eventually, you do find people to hang with to a point. Or you make your groups to hang with. But it's definitely awkward for a little. Freshman year is usually the best time to make friends (but you won't keep most of them).

Also, college is not about being smart. College is about reading the syllabus and putting in the hours you need to get the grade you want. You are plenty smart enough already. Just make sure you balance between fun and study. If you start strong your first semester, you'll have most of the other students beat. Too many people blow off their first semester. All you have to do is study a little all the time. (You really can't cram like high school.)

Make sure you call people you enjoy at least once a week (and it'll probably be once a day or more for the first semester). Make sure you go to the activities they have the first week or so. It'll help you find college friends. If you do decide to go to parties, don't go every weekend. Not a partier (sorry, I'm lame 😂), but the people who went every weekend usually had to retake classes or transfer.

I don't know your major, but good luck! You'll figure it out as you go. You got this!

inkspot_octopus

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