Less than 35 days till Finals!

Though studying for finals, finishing up projects, and getting in those last minute extra credit assignments may be consuming your mind there is a lot to think about if you are moving out of the residence halls over winter break. Speaking from personal experience, here are 5 things to think about ahead of time that you may forget about.

1. Take items home over thanksgiving break. Get rid of your summer clothes, swimsuits, and sandals. As sad as it is to put them away, lets face reality that winter is coming and you don't need these extra tank tops and shorts laying around.  Bringing home your stuff will save you room and you will have less to take home over winter break.

2. Pack a bag. Even if you don't have all your clothes at school it is important to pack a bag to bring home of clothes you will want over winter break. Also keep in mind even if  you plan on lounging in sweatpants and watching Netflix for a month your parents may want you to dress up for some Holiday Festivities, so make sure you pack your fancy pants too.

3. Bring toiletries home. Don't forget your deodorant, toothbrush, hairbrush, and everything else you keep in your bathroom. It can be easy to run out of your room after finals are over, but trust me you need these items. Also since University Housing cleans the bathrooms over winter break so you will want to make sure everything is emptied from the bathroom so it can be professionally cleaned.

4. Don't forget your chargers. Nothing can be worse than having to ask for a new phone and laptop charger in your stocking, just because you left them at school. Remember to unplug all of your electronics and take those chargers home with you!

5. Bring home the fish. A fish funeral when coming back to school in January can really put a damper on the whole reunion with you and your friends. Make sure to put your fish in a safe place and take him home to meet the family and enjoy the break with you.

Best of luck on your finals and remember you can always contact your RA about any questions regarding move out.

--Becca and Val

Give Back on Thanksgiving!

For anyone living far away from home the holidays have potential to be a great time to go back home and see all your friends and family, but for anyone unable to return home it can be an unfortunately sad and lonely time. I have news for you though; it doesn't have to be! If you're not going home to be with family this Thanksgiving I highly suggest checking out a volunteer opportunity somewhere close by. There are too many people who will be cold and hungry this Thanksgiving and volunteering is a great way to do something nice for someone else that will probably elevate your mood a bit as well! To make it easy for you to find a volunteer opportunity I found you this website with contact information for 5 great places to spend one day or start getting involved on a more consistent basis!

 The holidays are a time where we often reflect on how blessed and grateful we are for everything and everyone we are fortunate enough to have in our lives. Not everyone can relate to that feeling and a few hours of your day could mean the world to someone else. Who knows, you might even make a few new friends along the way!

For everyone traveling home this weekend , have a safe journey and enjoy the short break before finals come! I'd also like to remind everyone University Housing is currently in the middle of a food drive so bring some nonperishable food items back to school with you and for every 5 items you donate you'll get a coupon for FREE FOOD from Noodles & Co. The next day for the Noodles' coupons is December 3rd in Sandburg from 11:30AM - 1:00PM.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!!

Eric