GiphyThe answer is no. Especially if you never took the decorations down in the first place.
Yes the answer is yes.
GiphyWe all know that one person.
GiphyThe most important thing is to know when to stop, calm down, and take a moment away from your study regimen. While it may seem impossible to stop so you can attempt to absorb all of the information that you can, know that it's better for you to actually take a breather. If you cram, you're bound to forget something.
GiphyYes, you heard me! Set goals for yourself to finish reading chapters or studying flashcards. Whether it is a time increment, breaks, or snacks, definitely take the time to step away from the textbook.
GiphyApparently, if you study in your bed, you'll always associate your relaxing, personal space with anxiety and school work. Take it to a desk or even the library! Plus, distinct places or distinct snacks/foods will help you remember your content better.
GiphyReading your homework or your book to friends or family tends to help you read. It gives you a visual learning stimulant and an auditory learning stimulant. You're reading it to others and potentially explaining it in depth. It's extremely beneficial to press your curriculum on others, just don't press your opinions on others.
GiphyWhenever you take your breaks, spend a bit in the gym. It helps you focus, jogs (haha) your memory, and keeps you fit. It also makes sure that you're not stuck at a desk all day. Get moving and keep your eyes on the prize...that A!
While I have yet to find the "perfect" way to study for exams or finals, these tips actually get me through everything. I do several of these tips per study session, and it's so worth it. Don't limit yourself to your same old routine, eventually your brain will need to be challenged.
Happy studying and, remember: Saturday is coming and so is the hard liquor!
If you're reading this, do I even have to explain this one?
Advertised as Morgantown's "hottest" Gentleman's Club, the Blue Parrot is iconic for its persistent hiring signs and generally trashy aesthetic. While I've never been (and, honestly, do not know a single person who has, either), it's definitely a Morgantown staple.
"..Take me home
To the place I belong.
West Virginia, mountain mama,
Take me home, country roads..."
The song of Morgantown, WVU, and West Virginia as a whole.
Built in only God knows when, Dadisman holds its ground as one of the older dormitories at WVU. Unlike a fine wine, Dadisman has not gotten better with age and is known for being one of the most undesirable dorms on campus. One of the memories that sticks with me from my freshman year is sitting in a room in Dadisman that was well above 80 degrees, with about 10 other people, drinking Burnett's mixed with warm Hawaiian Punch. If that doesn't describe Dadisman in a sentence, I don't know what does.
One of the newer additions to campus, Evansdale Crossing works as a Student Union for those living on the Evansdale campus. Featuring eateries like Panini Pete's, Hugh Baby's, Waldo's Chicken, and more, Crossing is a hotspot for those living in Evansdale dorms and with classes on Evansdale.
Any student of WVU recognizes the iconic flying WV cookie, handed out at nearly every student event that happens. The light sugar cookie is an easy and delicious snack for any student to enjoy.
Due to the presence of WVU, Morgantown is truly representative cultures, ethnicities, and religions from around the world. You can walk 20 feet from where you are and find someone from across the globe. The experience of living in Morgantown is unlike any other.
Our beloved fight song, "Hail, West Virginia!" is sung at every football and is a favorite of students and alum alike. In the words of the song, "It's West Virginia, now we cheer!"
A student's ID card is essential to everyday life in Morgantown. Whether it be a PRT or bus ride, a meal swipe at the Mountainlair, or being able to take a midterm or final, your ID is definitely something to have with you at all times. In addition to this, your ID is almost a sign of status. WVU ID designs change every so often, and when they do, spotting a freshman becomes notably easier. Seniors and fifth-years pride themselves in their old IDs.
Loved by many, J.A.C.S. is the convenience store/coffee shop that takes up residence in the Mountainlair. Whether you need a scantron, a snack, a pepperoni roll, or a quick pick-me-up, J.A.C.S. has your back. I could not count the number of times I've stopped there between classes for whatever I needed. J.A.C.S. is easily one of my favorite quick stops on campus.
Probably one of the most popular (if not the most popular) grocery store in Morgantown, Kroger is an essential for students and families alike. With two locations, including one right beside Towers (dubbed "Kro-Ghetto") and one in Suncrest Town Center (dubbed "Kro-Gucci"), Kroger has everything you need from quinoa and sushi to beer and bread.
Being named the #2 party school in the nation (we're coming for your spot, Tulane), it's no secret that a WVU student indulges in some libations from time to time (or every weekend... Same thing). Liquor is loved by many and also hated by many after a long night with one or two too many shots. Whether your liquor store of choice is Ashbrooke or BFS, you'll find what you need in Morgantown.
WVU football games are without a doubt the highlight of the average student's fall semester. From tailgating to the student section to our amazing football team, football games are an experience unlike any other. In addition, our iconic football stadium can fit around 60,000 people and is a landmark of Morgantown.
Every weekend (and some week days), the students of WVU come out for a night of dancing, partying, and getting belligerent. Again, being the #2 party school in the nation, we in Morgantown pride ourselves on our ability to turn up, turn out, and have a good time. Whether your prefer the clubs, a frat party, or a house party, you'll find something with ease.
While some students do live in dorms and university-owned housing, many choose to live in off-campus housing, scattered all around Morgantown. Many quaint, nice, and beautiful houses and apartments can be found, perfect for students. However, you also have to be safe and make sure you know what you're getting into. I know more than a few people who have had to perform an "Extreme Makeover: Morgantown Edition" on their homes, due to the less-than-desirable conditions.
If ya know, ya know.
Did you know that WVU has its own Quidditch team?! This club sport team has weekly practices and plays a mean game of Quidditch, and also is the only official Quidditch team in the State of West Virginia!
West Virginia University's Rifle Team is not only award-winning, but is the Great America Rifle Conference (GARC) regular-season champion for five years in a row, and for the 11th time in the program's history. We have a lot of pride for our rifle team and cheer them on as we roll into a new school year!
Whether you need a fairly average morning coffee or have a hankering for some mac and cheese bites at 2 A.M. after going out, Sheetz is always the answer. Though the Wawa vs. Sheetz argument has strong opinions on both ends, I think we all know who the clear winner is. Sheetz is a Morgantown staple and enjoyed by 70-year-old men and college students alike.
Though this breakfast chain is normal for some, anyone coming from a place without a Tudor's will be in for a shock when you grab some food. With delicious biscuits, killer breakfast food, and sweet tea that is actually addictive, Tudor's is my favorite breakfast spot by far.
Arguably the most important road in Morgantown, University Avenue runs through the heart of campus. Stretching from Downtown to Evansdale, University Avenue features essential WVU spots like the Mountainlair, Sheetz, U Club and U Place, McDonald's, and the library. A walk down University Avenue is a surefire way to find something to do.
With some of the most beautiful sights to be seen across the country, Morgantown's views are truly unbeatable. Whether you're into a mountain range, a sunset, some fall leaves, or waterfalls, Morgantown has your back.
I mean, come on.
WVU offers an incredible amount of activities across campus, so there's something for everyone. From Greek life to guitars to gaming to pretty much anything you can think of, WVU's got it.
If you've ever lived in Morgantown, you truly know that country roads will always take you home. It's no secret that Morgantown is loved and adored by all of its occupants, students and families alike. Living in "Almost Heaven" is as good as it can get.
Did you know that WVU has its own zip-line?! The university prides itself on its vast amount of outdoor activities and opportunities, including its state-of-the-art zip-line course!
It may seem stressful and nerve-wracking but honestly, the more calm and collected you are, the better chance you have of doing well through this whole process. But then again, don't be too calm that you aren't still trying. Balance is key.
Every day has a different theme to it. You usually start the recruitment process with more casual clothes and then slowly work your way up to cocktail dresses and high heels. Only recommendation for outfits, DO NOT wear blue jeans and make sure its conservative. No rips and skin please.
You are talking to several houses and in those houses, several girls and with those several girls, up to an hour of conversation. So make sure you have some interesting stories to keep the conversation going. Think about cool internships or where you've traveled, and go in depth to make it intriguing!
Bring snacks: There's no time to stop for food. Bring comfy shoes; as the days go on, the longer you have to wear uncomfortable heels so bring sandals or crocs to help ease the pain. Bring a portable phone charger: You don't want your phone to die while you're bored sitting out on the lawns. Bring sunscreen and bug spray. Whatever climate your school is in, bring things so you can be prepared for nature's worst.
This is one of my most important things I tell people who are about to go through recruitment. This process can mentally, emotionally and physically break someone down. Whether it's walking in stupid heels and your thighs chaffing or feeling like you had a strong connection with a sorority and they don't invite you back, all of this can be very harmful to your confidence. Please keep a positive attitude through this whole process. Everything will work out in the end.
This is the biggest fault people have with Greek life. Many girls only go into Greek life for the frat boys and their parties. But sororities are so much more important than just that. It's a bond of sisters who are working together to improve the school and the philanthropies alongside them. Also, know your limitations because not everyone is going to get into the top tier sororities so don't only try for those.
Going along with the last saying, be open to looking at the lower tier sororities. They do all the things the top tier ones do and the girls are super sweet. Every sorority hangs out with guys and every sorority parties; you're not going to be missing out on anything if you're chosen by a lower tier sorority.
Your Rho Gammas will talk about this, but make sure you don't talk about the five B's (Boys, Booze/partying, Bible/religion, Barack/politics and Bucks/money). These topics will immediately hurt your chances of into getting in a sorority. We want only your sweet and innocent self. The dirty secrets can come out once you get initiated.
If your cheeks are hurting by the end of each day, then you already know you're doing well. Act excited and not completely terrified of every girl you talk to, but make sure it's a natural smile; we don't want one that looks like you're straining every muscle in your body.
I know I said this above, but keep the conversation going with the girl your talking to. Bring up interesting talents, fun things about your hometown, why you chose your major etc. Nobody wants to just sit in an awkward silence for 30 minutes. Also, ask questions so that you include the other girl in the conversation. Ask her why she chose to go Greek and any questions you have about her sorority or the process. They will happily answer your questions.
I understand it's heartbreaking not getting your top choices, but maybe you will actually fit in better with one that you didn't give much thought to. And don't get mad if one sorority keeps asking you to come back; be appreciative because they see something special in you that they want.
Make sure you can actually see yourself with these girls and involved in what they are fundraising for. You don't want to be bored with work you're not invested in or be surrounded by girls you don't get along with. Also, with this many girls there's going to be drama so make sure you can handle it.
There are a ton of other things to do besides Greek life if you don't get into a sorority, like joining clubs or sport teams. Also, if you're worried about not getting into frat parties because you're not in a sorority, you have to realize that girls have the ability to just walk into a party without question. Frats don't even matter once you turn 21 because then you can just go to bars and clubs instead. If sorority life is literally the only thing you want to do in college, then go back and try again next year.
Rho Gammas will say this constantly, but seriously... trust the process. It's emotionally draining and you may think about dropping or having a mental breakdown, but I promise you that everything will work out in the end. Whether you get into your favorite house, another house or none at all, you will be okay and it will be the best thing ever.
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There Needs To Be More Female World Cup Commentators, We Deserve Representation
It's 2018. This should not be the first time that women commentate a men's FIFA World Cup Match.
British journalist Vicki Sparks became the first woman to commentate a men's FIFA World Cup match for BBC.
She is not alone, former US Women's National Team midfielder Aly Wagner became the first female game analyst on American television when she commentated a World Cup Match for Fox Sports while German Claudia Neumann and Swede Hanna Marklund did the same in their respective countries.
However, all of these women were met with criticism from people who believe that women should not be commentating men's matches as well as patronization from men who believed they were clueless.
Former defender Jason Cundy was highly criticized by the media when he complained that women's voices as too "high-pitched" for soccer and that he "found it tough to listen." While former French national team player Patrice Evra was criticized for his misogyny and shock that Juventus forward Eniola Aluko understood basic concepts of soccer.
I believe that this blatant sexism is exactly the reasons that there need to be more women commentating men's soccer matches. Women are just as capable of understanding and analyzing soccer as men are, in fact, the commentary of Aly Wagner and her partner Derek Rae has been praised as "the tournament's best commentary."
As both a player and a fan, I have always felt like there is a connotation that men's soccer is, for some reason, better than women's soccer. Maybe it is that fact that nearly everywhere around the world, men's soccer receives more coverage and funding than women's. Maybe it is the fact that many women's soccer leagues are newer than the leagues of their male counterparts. Whatever the reason it needs to end. Especially in the United States, a nation that has seen its women's national team win three FIFA World Cups and four Olympics golds, while its men's team has failed to win one of either, yet fails to truly support women's soccer.
Aly Wagner was recently quoted as saying "I think it's really important to have men and young boys and teenagers…hear women's voices in the sports world on the level of analyst…as long as it's good analysis." I completely agree.
There need to more female commentators at all levels of soccer and other sports to show that, despite the vast gender inequality, women can work and succeed in the field of sports journalism. And the only way to get women accepted as sports commentators is to make it the new norm.