Thinking about Transferring?

Kacey Terzini is a college freshman who has recently transferred to Rowan. She previously attended Kutztown University, a small school in Pennsylvania, where she was very unhappy. I interviewed Kacey to learn more about the transfer process and get her opinion on switching colleges. Hope this is insightful to anyone who’s considering transferring!

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All I want to know is…

In my previous entry, I answered questions about college life based upon my personal experience and knowledge. I recognize, however, that I don’t know everything and have some questions too. So, I turned to the internet and found answers and some really cool articles. Here’s what I’ve been curious about…

• What should I do this summer?
• How can I gain confidence, break out of my shell, and meet new people?
• Why do 1 in 4 freshman drop out of school?
• Who are today’s college freshman?
• What are some of the best ways to ruin your freshman year?
• Where can I go for some alone time?

photo credit: Flickr

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Q and A’s about Rowan

After contacting students from my old high school, I found that several are considering Rowan University. Brianna Introcaso is a high school student who had several questions about Rowan that I was glad to answer. Here’s what she wanted to know…

Q: Do you have to take “Gen-Ed” classes as a freshman, or can you take classes towards your major?
A: When you come for Summer Orientation, a schedule for your fall semester is already made up for you. It consists of all Gen Ed courses, because it’s best to get them over with during the first year or so, so the last years of your education will be focused on classes geared towards your major. This helps if you’re undecided, so you can explore different subjects that may help you choose a future career.

Q: Are sporting events really popular among students?
A: During the fall season, football games are definitely the most popular for students to attend. Men and women’s basketball games usually have a large turn out as well. Ice Hockey didn’t compare in popularity, because the team travels and its hard to attend away games. Spring season’s just starting now, and the baseball and softball teams will begin to play.

Q: What happens if I run out of food or snacks during the semester? Are there any super markets nearby that I can get to?
A: If you want to grab a snack between classes, or dinner-to-go for later, the Market Basket is located on-campus in the Student Center. It’s within walking distance and they’ll take your Rowan Card or cash. As far as off-campus super markets, there’s an Acme and Shop Rite at the nearby shopping center. It’s a good ten minute walk, but on a nice day it’s very do-able.

Q: Are a lot of students homesick, or do they go home often?
A: In general, Rowan is NOT a suitcase school! Most, if not all, students that I know tend to stay on the weekends. My entire group of friends stay each weekend, unless they have an obligation at home, and most students I’ve talked to do the same. It seems like the students who do get homesick haven’t established a solid group of friends, or went home often during the first months of school.

Q: What happens if you don’t get along with your roommate?
A: If you and your roommate don’t get along and can’t resolve your differences, you can apply for a Room Swap. You have to fill out a simple application, and in most cases you can change rooms within the next few weeks. There is a certain time period for this, and if you miss that you can talk to your R.A. and he or she can usually work something out.

Q: How does your R.A. affect your dorming experience at Rowan?
A: My R.A. has been very welcoming to all our residents and informative about campus activities and policies. She has held numerous floor meetings, where we met the other girls on our floor, and have had “game nights” where we can hang out and bond with each other. She’s always friendly, and I know I can go to her if I have any problems. 

For any high school students have applied to, or are considering Rowan, comment and I’ll do my best to answer any questions you may have!

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Happy Spring Break!

Since there’s no national “spring break week” designated by colleges, it’s not always possible to see friends who go to different schools during time off. If you’re not planning an exotic vacation, or don’t have any big plans, what is there to do?

• Sleep! Take a couple days to make up for lost sleep from the semester.
• Spend time with family. Whether its eating meals together, working out with your little brother, or coloring your mom’s hair, your family will appreciate you being around.
• Plan a trip to visit friends! Look up train schedules, talk to other friends about means of transportation, and go visit another college for the weekend.
• Go job hunting. March is a good time to stop in to prospective places for summer employment. Applying early shows future employers that you’re diligent and really want (or need) a job.
• Start working out. Summer, and bathing suit season, are right around the corner! For inspiration and an inside look at other girls’ fitness plans, visit Seventeen.com’s All-Access Fitness blog.
• Run errands and stock-up on school supplies. Hit the stores for food and necessities for the rest of the semester.

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Drinking & Alcohol

While I was watching TV the other night, a show called Campus PD came on the E! Entertainment channel. This got me thinking about how severe of a problem drinking can be for college students.

Going along with friends to social events or parties is a good way to meet new people and have fun on the weekends. College parties, however, are different from those in high school in several ways. There’s no parents around to notice or care about what’s going on, the cops are way more laid back than they were at home, and there are often no “Designated Drivers” because it’s so easy to walk to parties.

This is appealing to many freshman, because they finally have the freedom to party as often (and as hard) as they want. I have seen so many students “overindulge” and binge drink to a dangerous level.

Does anyone really want to end their night looking like this?

or this?

Students with a history of alcohol or substance abuse should be especially aware of their party habits. Going out and socializing is one thing, but drinking to the point of incoherence is something totally different. At Rowan, both NA and AA counseling services are available, as well as classes for Addiction Studies and Awareness.

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A Day in the Life… at Rowan University!

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Decorating!

One of my best friends goes to school in Wilmington, NC and recently sent me this picture of her dorm…

When comparing her room to mine, I realized how important it is to make your room unique. Your room should represent who you are, the things you enjoy, and what makes you comfortable.

Working with a budget, and still want awesome essentials and decorations? DormCo has just about everything you’ll need for your room, with low shipping and great prices.

PBteen’s website is full of different designs, color schemes and room layout ideas. Some of their stuff can be pricey, but the Room Décor section is something that stands out.

At CollegePad.com, you can find unique posters for cheap prices. They range from $4-12.50 and come in all different themes and sizes. Their website slogan claims that they’re “More than just posters,” however, so check out the other design items too!

If you’re still unsure about how you want your room to look, visit Dorm-room.com. They offer decoration ideas and tips, and even have customized bedding if you want to represent your school’s logo!

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