School is back in session and our campus is crawling with new and old faces -- from very confused freshman to seniors who wish that they were the confused freshmen. The Gamecock students are back in full force, and it could not be more exciting.
However, since school is back, so are classes. Which means studying for tests and quizzes, doing homework for hours, and trying to balance and social and school life are also back in play. Having five classes on one day seemed like a good idea when you were registering; then you actually sat through five 90 minute classes in one day and quickly changed your mind.
Here are five things that may help you survive the long day ahead of you (other than the obvious backpack in which you tote all of these things around).
1. Phone.
No, these are not allowed in a lot of your classes, but you have twenty minutes in between to catch up on what has been going on while you've been in class. The GroupMe has been blowing up, someone's date to a function just ditched them and now everyone is discussing that. Instagram has lots of new pictures to scroll through and if the person is lucky you will throw them a like. Also walking from class to class is good time to catch up with people on your phone. However: be careful with those pesky bricks, because they are out to get the text-and-walkers. And they show no remorse.
2. Laptop.
Your laptop is extremely helpful for note taking. Most people can type faster than they can hand write things. When the professor is lecturing, this is a good tool for note taking. Also, it helps you keep everything in one place with the notebook style word document. However, the drawback to this is having the internet just a click away. Some teachers know that it is too tempting so they do not allow them, but the teachers that do make life a little easier on the hands of students. Just try to limit your Facebook time during class.
3. Water bottle.
If you are not staying hydrated throughout the day in this South Carolina heat, you are crazy. Yes classrooms may be ice boxes because they have the AC blasting, but when you walk outside it is still hot. This can also be an accessory to your backpack. People have been walking around with the new S'Well water bottles. If you need a (cute) water bottle, that is an idea, but even if you just have a Dasani bottle, you should be fine for the day.
4. Sunnies.
People always forget sunglasses because they are so small yet they are so powerful. These things can make or break your day. Walking to class and you see someone you don't wanna say hi to (awkward past function date, for example)? Put on the shades and you can automatically pretend like you didn't see them. They also help because it is really bright when walking outside in Columbia. Had no sleep last night? Put on your sunglasses and people will not be able to see the bags under your eyes, until you get into class... in which you can hide in the back row.
5. Carolina Card.
Feeling a little hungry in between those classes? Pull out your Carolina Card and run to Einstein's for a bagel or to Chick-fil-A in Russell House for some food. There are also lots of places off campus that are accepting Carolina Cash, now, like Moe's and Yoghut. It also helps at drink machines when you need a quick pick-me-up of caffiene; just swipe your card and out pops an ice-cold Coca-Cola (if they are in stock).
School can be tough, but these five things may make your day a little bit easier.
