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. 🙂

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

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!

Reilly Hall Room Tour (Double)

Picture provided by NAU

As you walk down the hall inside Reilly you’ll notice a fun atmosphere of energetic freshmen excited as their first year in college rolls on by. Each floor offers its own lobby as well as 40+ rooms (with the exception of the first floor) with 2-3 people each. This room tour is of a double (2) room, so we will act as if this were the case. I will be doing a tour with a triple as well to show what those can look like.

In this room, there are 2 adjustable (but not loft-able) beds, 2 desks (with desk chairs), a small fridge (with a freezer), a trash can, a recycle bin, storage above the desk, 2 built-in closets, 2 dressers, a sink, a mirror above the sink with a medicine cabinet, and a large window. Everything else shown in  pictures did not come with the room; they were brought from home (or bought).

The above picture shows an example of something one could do with their room. The closet offers plenty of closet space, as shown:

Inside the closet there is a clothing rod, ability to put up curtains (through clips), and 2 large shelves with a divider between. When first coming into the room, the dresser is found inside the closet as well, however there are wheels at the bottom that makes it easily movable.

There is plenty of wall space to put up various wall-art. However, walls are too thick for staples or nails, so the only way to put things up are to use sticky substances. Command Strip has a nail that you can stick to the wall to hang up anything needing to be hanged (like the metal art that is shown above); however it can be a little pricey. There is a ledge above the 2 beds that stretches all the way across that allows thin objects to be placed above the bed. Note that the cabinet/pantry on the left of the bed did not come with the room. It was brought from home.

Speaking of wall art, there is plenty of space above and below the large window for any other wall decorations you may want to put up.

As I said in the above post, there are 2 desks and a fridge that comes with the room. The fridge, when first coming in, was originally placed between the 2 beds at the head of the beds. However, it has been moved in between the 2 desks. This makes it easy for any magnetic white boards or calenders to be accessed without having to buy any extra sticky substance for the walls (plus your snack food is right there). Every desk has a drawer, a storage unit (with capability to be locked), as well as 2 pull-out desks that makes it easy to do homework when there is a computer on the main part (as shown). Desk chairs do come with every hall, however not everyone has the same ones.

Here’s an example of the storage above the desks. It is about a foot and a half tall  and is great for iHomes, decorations, school supplies, movies, books, and anything else that you see fit.

The fridge (and a small TV brought from home).

A view of the sink in relation to the desk and bed. This was taken the day I moved in. This is why it’s different, messy, and with boxes. I forgot to take a picture of this area earlier. This will be updated at a later time.

Another note: Every room in every hall offers free internet, free cable TV (Reilly has assistance readily available to help with set-up of both), as well as a public restroom with public showers (and a bath?). There are 4 sets of stairs; one at each end of the building and one in the middle. There are 2 elevators as well.

I will put up pictures/information of the entire hall later on and link to it. Stay in tune!

Note: This is my room. This is also an example of picture’s I’d like from anyone submitting (make sure you remember the sink area if you have one. I originally forgot). Remember if you’d like to submit, check out the Guidelines  and email them to northernazcollegelife@gmail.com. The list of what I still need is on the sidebar on the left. Thanks!

Also check out Reilly Hall Room Tour (Triple).

First Few Weeks of School

Hey guys,

The past two weeks have been completely insane as I’ve been getting used to my new schedule with balancing school, friends, ect. I’ve been in classes, meeting new people, hanging out with old friends, and overall just enjoying my college experience as a freshman.

On Friday, it snowed on the I-17 outside of Flagstaff because it was so cold and rainy (snowy) out. My friends and I went to explore, but we went in the afternoon and by then it had already melted. However, we did have some fun taking pictures out in the forest, which I will post at the end.

As the third week is coming to a start, I just want to urge everyone to get to me with pictures and videos of their rooms. I still need someone to sign up for each dorm except for Reilly. I will probably be making and printing out fliers to post around campus to remind you. If you’re interested, or don’t know what I’m talking about, take a look at this link and this link. I’m really wanting to get these out there by the end of the month for future freshman applicants so they will know what they’re looking for when selecting their dorms. Not to mention current students who want to look at possible future dorms; so upperclassmen, send your stuff in!

Another note, I listed the halls in the sidebar on the left. The description is above the list. This way, you guys know what I do and don’t have. 🙂

Remember, if you’d like me to come and take pictures/video for you, just email me and let me know.

Also, I just wanted to announce again that starting next week, I am going to be an official reporter for NAZ Today. This means I’ll be more able to get stories and interviews, as well as the experience that comes along with it. This also means that I will be interviewing more people specifically for stories to post onto here every Sunday.

Once I start getting my dorm pictures/videos, I will be posting one every Wednesday starting this Wednesday with my own room as an example. Make sure you look out for that! If you are a follower of Life of a Lumberjack, I will also be posting a link from there so that you’re fully updated with my dorm posts. 🙂

If you guys have any questions or anything you’d like me to address in a future post, either comment or email me at northernazcollegelife@gmail.com.

Everyone have a good and safe third week of school!

A First Week In The Life of a College Freshman

Hey guys,

First off, I just want to say that starting next week, I will be doing scheduled posts every Sunday so that way it is more of a timed weekly thing and more organized. I think that this will make it easier for you guys to keep up with this blog and my posts about college life. I may do a random extra post once in a while throughout the week, so keep that in mind as well! It really just depends.

Now for the more important things. This past week has been my first week of college here at NAU. For many other freshmen, it’s been a relaxing yet scary time of minimum classes and homework, and maximum hanging out and enjoying the first week of college. For me, it’s been a crazy and hectic week with practically every minute of each day planned out to the max with classes, homework, and, well of course, hanging out with a few friends.

Northern Arizona University has a large campus and approximately 17,000-18,000 students attending classes. Because of all of the people, there are many times where it’s hard to get around quickly, even on a bike, because of the floods of people constantly contained on all of the main ways to reach classes. NAU is so full of diversity and interesting people, though, that it makes it more fun oftentimes. I’ve also found that The Union, a popular place to eat lunch during the weekdays, is often filled to the max with students trying to get a quick bite to eat in before classes…although this week, it hasn’t appeared to be very quick.

With that said, NAU is a beautiful campus, and I am grateful to know my way almost completely around North Campus. Because none of my classes are South Campus, I honestly couldn’t tell you much about it yet, and I almost never am down that way. However, it’s been really nice being able to know my way around North Campus, and even direct some upperclassmen around because they may have not had classes up here in a long time. I love how there are always people around, just chilling in the quad, playing basketball, talking and laughing with each other, and just enjoying their experiences in college. It makes it such a fun environment, and really has a great college vibe that gets me excited everyday to be here.

The quickest way I’ve found to get to classes is by using my bike. It honestly only takes me a couple of minutes to get from Reilly to any of my class building with my bike, and I always end up being early. I’ve heard the bus is a good way to go as well, and will especially be useful in the winter, although it gets crowded especially during major class times. Walking is a good way to go if you’re just wanting to leisurely get to class and enjoy the environment around you, and if you’re not in a huge rush. This way, you can better experience the people and the scenes going on around you, and really take in the awesome college experience. However, if you’re more in a rush, I would not recommend walking unless you absolutely have to.

All of my professors are males, ranging from grad students (math and English) to senior professors (everything else). They are all great professors and for the most part, I really like a majority of them. Although most of my classes are liberal studies this semester, I’m really excited to get started with more of my Journalism classes and be able to meet more professors interested in what I’m really interested in.

I mentioned The Union in an early paragraph. I really quite enjoy all of the options that they have available there, although I can see how they might get tiring after a few weeks. There is a lot of good food offered, and I really like not feeling like I’m spending money when I want to grab something to eat between/after classes. Having a meal plan through the university is a really great thing, and I almost have too many meals to use! The one complaint I’d have about it is how busy it gets during main eating hours, however if you can go when it’s not as busy, I’d really suggest that.

If you have any more questions on my first week of school, feel free to comment and let me know. I know this was a more general summary of how my week went, and less personal. I may add a more personal summary tomorrow as my weekly Sunday post.

Ash

Reporter for NAZ News

Hey guys,

I have some exciting news. I’m taking a class at NAU where I am basically going to be on the staff as a reporter for NAZ News. This means I have to donate at least 4 hours of my time a week to the studio, which is completely fine with me (now that I have my schedule all worked out). I’m really excited to be able to do this, go out on the field, and actually get a glimpse of what true news life is like, since it’s something I want to do with my life.

Anyways, I just wanted to share this because I thought it would be cool, plus it’d help me get some more things to publish onto this blog, which I definitely will still do.

Speaking of which, don’t forget to sign up for your dorm room to be a model! It’d really be great to be able to show the next year’s freshman what their prospective rooms could and do look like!

Hope you all had a great first day of school.