Getting Along with Your Roommate

Hey guys,

So I have been thinking about this a lot lately as people have been getting settled down in their dorms, apartments, and roommates for the rest of the school year. I thought it would be a good time to post about how to get along with your new roommate (whether you have known them before or not).

My freshman year, I was extremely lucky to have a really great roommate. She and I got along so well that now we are great friends. We didn’t fight much, and respected each other to a good degree. Now, I am in an apartment off campus living with three guys (including my brother). Although I now have my own room, I find it harder to get along with them than I did with my previous roommate. She also has a harder time getting along with her current roommate, as she lives on campus again this year.

So, if you find yourself having a harder time getting along with your roommate, try and keep these things in mind.

1) (if you’re a freshman) He\she is just as new and scared of the new campus as you are. They are also getting used to their new schedule and new lifestyle. Give yourselves time and be sure to console with your roommate. It will give you two a chance to bond and you may also pick up some good advice.
2) Be completely honest in your roommate agreement. If you don’t want your roommate borrowing your clothes, say no! It may be awkward at first but it will work out better for both of you in the end.
3) Listen to your RAs when they tell you to tell your roommate whenever you may have a problem with them. Is he being too loud getting ready in the morning? Do you not like falling asleep to the TV on? Let them know.
4) Don’t complain about your roommate to friends. This will give you more reason to not like them because you will be complaining to yourself and once you start telling people, it will become more than true in your mind.
5) Try to see from each other’s point of view. If she is going out late every night, find out why and don’t judge her. If he has depression, don’t beat up on him, just take a moment to try and understand where he’s coming from.

These are just five of many tips on getting along with your roommate. If you have any other questions about college roommate living, then feel free to comment or send me an email at northernazcollegelife@gmail.com. Even if you need some specific advice on getting along with your roommate, feel free to message me and I will respond to you privately. 🙂

New FAQ Section

Hey guys,

Just wanted to announce that last night I put up a FAQ page (link at the top) for questions that people ask me. 

I plan to add more, but just wanted to get it started.

If you have any questions, feel free to email me at northernazcollegelife@gmail.com and I will add them to the FAQ if I feel it’s necessary for others to know. If not, I will answer in an email back to you. If I post it, I will send you an email right after letting you know that it is on the page.

Thank you very much for all of your guys’ support. This blog is getting bigger and bigger every month. A year ago I would have never thought it would’ve become this successful.

If you have any tips or suggestions on what you’d like to see here, comment or send me an email. I appreciate any and all support from you guys!

 

Roseberry Hall

Roseberry apartments are one of the three female-only halls on NAU’s campus. Located on North Campus, they are well known for their quiet coziness and their participation in events such as Save Our Peaks.

Each apartment includes: 3 beds, a shower and bathroom (1 sink, 1 mirror), 3 dressers, 3 desks, 3 wardrobes, a bookshelf, and a kitchen (with fridge, gas stove, microwave, sink,  and table with 3 chairs).

One of the three beds is a loft with room underneath for a desk/dresser. Rooms on the west side of the building feature sliding glass doors. All apartments have carpet.

Each apartment also includes a bookshelf for all of your textbooks.

The community features a front desk, laundry facility, on-site mailboxes, TV and study lounge, exercise room, and a common balcony.

Exact dimensions can be found at http://nau.edu/Residence-Life/Housing-Options/Residence-Halls/Roseberry/

Information and room layout found here.

Thanks to Jamie for the pictures of her apartment!

Freshman Tips and Tricks

Spring semester of 2012 is wrapping up. Finals are right around the corner, seniors are preparing for graduation, and current freshmen are excited to finally move up from the bottom of the food chain. 

Throughout my first year here at NAU, I’ve learned a few things that I’d like to pass on to you future freshmen who are so excited to come here. If you have any additional questions, email them to me at northernazcollegelife@gmail.com or comment. 🙂

1) Try to get along with your roommate. It makes things so much easier. 

2) Along with number 1, don’t talk crap about your roommate behind his/her back. It just gives you more reason to dislike them and creates more complications. Besides, it’s just wrong and it’s annoying for those passers-by who get to hear all about how your roommate likes to walk around naked in the middle of the night. 

3) Transfers are not only used for the Hotspot. Many restaurants around campus use transfers. Look out for signs stating exactly what you can get as a transfer.

4) Get involved…meet people who are interested in the same things as you!

5) Your RA is going to try to plan activities to get you to meet people on your floor and in your building. Get involved in those. I regret never getting to know anyone on my floor.

6) If you run out of nail polish remover, your neighbor will have some.

7) As nice as they are, don’t wear NAU t-shirts every day….they make you look like a freshman.

8) Late classes are fun because you get to sleep in. However, what about that job you’re looking to get? You won’t get hired if every day you’re not done until 6pm. 

9) NAU transportation sucks. 

10) Freshman year is a whole new experience. It’s nothing like high school. You will lose friends and you will gain new friends. You will change, so be prepared. Everything is going to be new, different, and great. If you’re scared, talk to someone who already attends NAU and ask them questions. We’re here to help. We’ve all been through it.

A Bug Strikes NAU…and There’s No Car Named After This One!

Coughs, sniffles, and the inevitable sore throat; NAU has been hit with a horrible bug.

Students all over campus have been stuck in their rooms, “forced” to ditch class and mumble to their pillows how much they hate their lives; a cough or two in between each word.

With the snow storm this past week, more and more people have fallen ill with a rough cold or even the dreaded flu that many fliers warn us about all throughout campus. My roommate and I are two of the people who have caught this illness, and we have been practically locked in our dorm room all week, forcing tons of vitamin C down our throats in attempt to get better.

If you have been one of those lucky enough to not have gotten sick yet, be sure to wash your hands plenty and take your vitamins. Try not to be one of the unlucky ones!

-Ash

All American Rejects Are Coming to NAU!

So in case you haven’t yet heard, All American Rejects will be NAU’s free spring concert this semester.

The concert is going to take place on March 31st in the Walkup Skydome. *This has been confirmed.

Now, many people are pretty angered by this. Why? Well I’m not sure. ASNAU picked All American Rejects based on student polls that were sent out a couple of months ago. Students were asked to vote on different comedians and bands to come this spring semester and perform. All American Rejects won out by about 100 students. Many people aren’t very happy about this.

First, let me take the time to point out that not very many people voted. For the many people who go to NAU, only a couple thousand voted. It’s not like ASNAU rigged the polls to make All American Rejects won. Many people that I have talked to voted for them. However, they were voted mostly for the nostalgic feel of hearing them again. People who are against AAR coming are arguing that this band is dead when in fact they are supposedly coming out with a new album this year.

So, for the students who are against AAR coming to town, who are they wanting to come instead? Kid Cudi and Wiz Khalifa. These two artists were the two runners-up (with AAR being 932, Kid Cudi at 851, and Wiz Khalifa at 719). It’s no doubt that these polls ended up pretty close. However, unfortunately for hip-hop and rap fans, the alternative genre won and the other guys will simply have to suck it up and not take advantage of this semester’s free spring concert.

Update: Tickets will be available in the Union at the ticket center on March 25th at 8pm.

Let’s take a second poll, shall we? Who did YOU want to come to NAU this semester?

-Ash

The Beginning of Spring Semester 2012

Hey guys!

For those of you who attend NAU, I hope your first two weeks (plus this Monday) back at school have been great. I know a lot of people are dealing with difficult classes, a lot of homework, and impossible professors right off the bat. Stick to it. 🙂

For those who are planning on attending NAU, I am going to tell you about my experience back here.

First off, the weather has been basically amazing. As we speak, I’m wearing a tank top, skirt, and light jacket. Needless to say, this is not typical Flagstaff weather for this time of year. I was expecting highs of 0 degrees and five feet of snow. I guess that’ll have to be next year.

Speaking of which, the snowboarding class has been cancelled this semester. I know this must suck for those who were looking forward to taking it. Snowbowl barely has any snow, despite the snowstorms occuring every other week.

My classes this semester are incredibly easy. I’m taking two intro to Electronic Media and Film classes, two Journalism classes, and a Public Speaking class. All of them are very easy and a good amount of them are pretty interesting. I’m pretty excited for the rest of the semester.

It might just be me, but I feel as if this year is going by pretty fast. In a few months, I will be a sophomore in college. It’s pretty crazy.

However, I do need to announce again that I still do need room tours and pictures of your rooms. All I really need are a few pictures sent to northernazcollegelife@gmail.com  and I will do the rest.

I’m thinking about doing a tour of campus for people considering going to NAU. What do you guys think?

-Ash

Google Questions

This is a master list of questions that you guys have typed into Google to find my page. I’ve seen a lot of these questions and have been able to answer them. The ones I don’t know? I ask around. I will continue to keep track of the questions and add to this list as I go. Hope this helps!

1) Do any of the NAU dorms have air conditioning?
No. Unfortunately, none of the NAU halls have air conditioning.  This is their way of saving energy (Flagstaff is a very very GREEN town; everything is about saving the world). However, fortunately, it’s pretty cold most of the time you’re here. With the exception of summer terms and the first month of school, air conditioning is never really even needed. We do have heaters! However, only controllable by the Resident Hall Director (however, you can change how much heat you want in your room). Suggestions to get around this? Buy a fan. I’m not talking about a little mini desk fan, I’m talking a big guy. It will help not only keep your room cooler during the hot month, but also keep your room more sound proof from the hallways!

2) I’m too scared to meet people in my dorm hall.
Why? Honestly, there’s no reason to be scared! Sure, a lot of people can be immature, but for the most part, people in college are really nice. At NAU, almost everyone opens the door for you. However, if you’re scared, just remember other people are scared as well. It’s a new environment for everyone in your hall (considering you’re a freshman). Suggestions? Keep your door open! This is an invitation for others to stop by and say hello! It might be awkward at first, but you’ll be living with these people for the next 9 months, so it always helps to get to know them. Also, visit rooms with their doors open! It shows that they’re looking to meet new people and get to know the people around them. Overall, don’t be scared. People are nicer than you may think, especially when everyone else is scared as well!

3) Which NAU freshman hall has the most guys?
I think I posed this question before on the Life as a Lumberjack Tumblr. I believe Sechrist may have the most guys, however I’m not sure. It also ranges year-to-year depending on how many/what types of applicants NAU gets. For the most part, NAU is mostly girls. I’ve heard a rumor that it’s about 2-3 girls per guy. For guys, that’s a good thing. For us girls, not so much.

4) What are different ways to rearrange your dorm room?
I am actually planning on making a post about this. I will link to it as soon as I do! For the most part, it ranges on your creativity level.

5) What are the first few weeks of school like?
Well gosh. This certainly depends on your grade level. However, since I’m a freshman, I will answer this as a freshman.
The first few weeks are honestly a little bit intimidating. You’re having to get used to a whole new environment and schedule. The first day of classes are usually a bit hectic. There are always freshmen scattered everywhere with obvious confused looks on their faces. Everyone is either lost or carrying around a map. There are those few (including myself) who know their way around, but for the most part, it’s a confusing mess. The first classes are intimidating. However, the first week is always syllabus week. This means professors spend forever lecturing on what the semester is going to look like. Make sure you hold on to your syllabus’. They have important dates, deadlines, and grade information.
After the first week, you usually fall into a schedule and routine. You know where your classes are, you know how to get back to your hall (I’ve had a freshman ask me where her hall was), and you know what your classes are like, for the most part. This is the routine you’re stuck in for the next semester. You’ll meet new people, either learn to like or hate your teachers, and learn that procrastination is no longer a viable option in college.
It’s fun. The first few weeks are exciting.

6) Can freshmen live in Gillenwater Hall at NAU?
No. Gillenwater is a sophomore hall  located on North campus across from the Union. Freshmen are not allowed to live in it. Freshman halls include Sechrist, Allen, Reilly, Wilson, Cowden, Tinsley, and McConnell.

7) How do I move all my stuff into the dorms at NAU?
Most people use cars & boxes. Once you get to your hall at NAU, you check in, they give you your key and a cart (if you need one) to put your stuff in. Then, bring your stuff to your room, and put it in there.

8) Do you like Northern Arizona University?
Yes. I love NAU. Honestly, I love the atmosphere, the people, and the classes. I like how everything is walking distance and it’s a beautiful walk (with the exception of the large amount of construction that always seems to be going on). I would recommend it above any other Arizona school.

9) How do I tell dorm to be quiet?
Talk to your RA. If your floor is having issues and it’s past quiet hours, they can certainly write them up. Even when it’s not quiet hours, there are courtesy hours, meaning they cannot simply blast their music and scream down the hall. The best thing you can do is talk to your Resident Assistant. They will be able to help you out.

10) If you’re a girl can you have guys roommates at NAU?
No.

Dorm Life – Review

Disclaimer: This is MY personal review of living in dorms. Just because I’ve had a nice time doesn’t mean everyone has. However, this is how I feel about it. If you don’t agree, voice any concerns in the comments. Thank you!

Hello and greetings to incoming freshman considering whether it’s a good idea to get a dorm on campus for your first year in college. I felt it would be nice for you guys, while I’m in the midst of all these room tours (which you should definitely check out), to explain what life in dorms is like and how I feel about living in dorms, especially during freshman year.

I’m about halfway through my first year in college here at Northern Arizona University. I live in Reilly Hall, one of the biggest freshman connection halls on campus. Each floor has about 100 people living on it. This means 100 girls all sharing the same 5 toilets, 7 showers, and 2 sinks. Yeah. Sounds like hell at first.

Honestly, it’s really not as bad as it sounds. I’m almost through my first semester and I’ve never had to fight over a toilet or shower. It really does not feel like there are that many girls living here. Also, the hallways really aren’t very loud. There are some halls (i.e. Cowden) that have 24 hour quiet hours. Reilly doesn’t, but it’s still pretty quiet for the most part.

I’m sure I’m not the only one who has heard the horror stories of hearing neighbors during their “special time” with their significant other through “paper-thin” walls. Don’t forget those rumors of neighbors blasting rap or country at the highest level on a Tuesday night. However, I haven’t ever had an issue with this. My roommate and I keep a fan on all the time, mostly to keep it quieter in our room (doesn’t seem to make sense until you try sleeping and hear people out in the halls having a grand ‘ole time). We’ve never had any issues with our neighbors, and for the most part, we all stay friendly and keep to each other.

There are people that have plenty of issues with their roommates. I’ve heard countless stories of, “my roommate does this,” and, “my roommate does that.” Honestly, my roommate and I got really lucky with each other. We get along so well and have never fought. As long as you don’t mind sharing your space and having someone around a lot, issues with roommates should happen less often. Also, if you do happen to have issues with your roommate, your Resident Assistant is there for help, tips, and even to help straighten things out between the two of you.

I can’t promise you there won’t be loud, rowdy neighbors, crazy roommates, the horrible nightmare of being “sexiled” (forced to stay out of your own room because your roommate is making love with someone), or even the occasional drunk partier stumbling into your room in the middle of the night, thinking it’s her room (it’s happened to my brother). However, I can promise you that it will be an experience of a lifetime. You meet new people, you’re close to classes, you’ll have fun activities with your crazy RA (Resident Assistant), and have that amazing college life experience that students brag about.

If I had the choice again between redoing freshman year in a residence hall (Dorm) or apartment, I would choose residence hall in a split second. Don’t miss out on this chance of a lifetime. When are you ever going to be able to have this experience again? Never. So live it up, get those crazy stories to tell your kids when you’re older and married, and enjoy life as a college student. I know I am.

-Ashley

McKay Village Tour

One of many types of apartments offered at McKay ranging from 2-4 students

McKay Village is a variety of apartments for upperclassmen. The types of apartments range from 2-4 students, depending on which one you receive. McKay is only available for students with 60+ credits (Juniors, Seniors, Graduates). It is located on Central Campus right next to Reilly Hall on University Dr.

Each bedroom offers a double bed, a three-drawer desk, a bookshelf, a closet, a ceiling fan, 4 outlets, and one window.

Non-university lofts are not allowed in the residence halls.

The living room offers 5 outlets, a couch, a coffee table, end tables, a window, and a ceiling fan.

In the bathroom (there are 2 in a 4-person apartment), there is one shower/tub, exterior sinks, a toilet, a vanity with three drawers, one outlet, and a mirror with an overhead light.

There is also a large kitchen which offers a fridge, gas stove, microwave, dishwasher, a pantry, five upper cabinets, five lower cabinets with drawers, a ceiling light, and five outlets.

The apartment also offers a hallway with a closet as well as a washer and dryer.

Another feature of the kitchen is it’s lovely breakfast bar with three stools.

This is a fully-furnished apartment. It offers a telephone jack and ethernet hookups. It’s open year-round and also has a convenience store and a Community center and game & exercise room.

Disclaimer: All the lamps shown in the room pictures are bought/brought from home, as well as the white 3-drawer bedside table thing.

Information and pictures thanks to Kristina G. and Northern Arizona University’s webpage.

Interested in sending in pictures of your place? Send them in to northernazcollegelife@gmail.com!