Bookstore Goodies To Take Advantage Of

The Spring semester is surely taking off quickly, am I right? Student mode is back in full effect and I'm excited for the fresh faces in classes and the rich smell of new school supplies. If anyone knows me well, they know that I love convenience and a great bargain! This being said, the bookstore in the Student Center is my favorite go-to. While picking up text books in the University Bookstore I can not help but grab my on-campus necessities while I'm there for a great price. Are you ready for my recommendables? Drum roll please.............

(Mug $14)

Early classes can be tough sometimes, and I often need a sweet pick-me up to keep me going throughout the day. That's where this Saluki mug comes in handy.

Also *HINT* if you bring your own mug into the Marketplace Food Court you can fill up with Seattle's Best coffee for a re-fill price of only $1.07.

(Headphones $9.95)









How cool are these colors?! I'm a music maniac and am constantly listening to my favorite tunes on the walk across campus. I'm lost without my favorite pair of headphones. Keep a spare pair in your bag just in case!

(5 subject notebook $9.99)
(Weekly organizer $4.99)
('Stay focused' pencil pouch $12)
(Pen pack $1.99)
(Index card holder $2.69)
(Folder $0.99)

Keeping organized has just been made easier! With a 5-subject notebook you'll only need one to carry around to all of your classes. And how neat is this weekly organizer? Everything tidy at your hands for the crazed organization freak like myself. The 'stay focused' pencil case, SIU folder, pens, and index card holder top off my class supplies list in style!

(Eos lip balm $3.39)









Eos my favorite! I cannot leave my house without lip balm in my bag, and this is the perfect balm to
carry around. Plus is smells so yummy who can resist??














                                                                                                                (Campus tees $12.95)






Every saluki needs to represent. These SIU tees are perfect for sporting around campus and showing off your SIU pride. Plus at $12.95 - what a steal!










(Umbrella $10.95)

Well, let's face it. We all know how funky this Carbondale weather is. Sandals and shorts one day, and parkas and snow boots the next. You never know how the day will turn on you. Having an umbrella is a necessity and ultimate life (and by life I mean hair) saver!












Be sure to drop into the bookstore soon to check out all of the cool stuff available for yourself! Am I missing YOUR essential campus must have? Let me know!

How To: Syllabus Week

The college student guide for the first week back to school

Holy cow. Is winter break over already? Time to unpack your car and throw everything into your bedroom. You’ll put everything away later. Although you have to start dreadfully setting your alarm again, at least the first week back gives you a chance to get back into school mode before the going (assignments) gets tough. Slip on your shoes, throw on your backpack, walk out the door, begin the march across campus (with Starbucks in hand of course) and brace yourself for the semester ahead.

First thing’s first I’m... SO TIRED. It’s 7:15 am and after snoozing my alarm three times I have finally decided to roll out of bed to get ready for this 8 am class (why did I sign up for that again?). The most glamorous part of winter break is the fact that you can sleep in until noon…or 3 o’clock in the afternoon if you really wanted to. I mean we all need our beauty sleep right? Well looks like this week the joke is on me. Right when you fall into the habit of sleeping in until whenever the heck you’re ready to get up, the college gods throw you a curve ball and spin you right back into your early morning routine. Here we go, zombie eyed and bundled up to face the frigid Carbondale winter weather, I suppose I’ll head to class now. I will reward myself with a nap later.

Take a screenshot of your class schedule. Having the schedule on your phone will make your life 10x times easier when walking around campus trying to find your next class. With last semester’s class route still on the brain, sometimes it is hard to remember where it was you were supposed to go next. Having the exact time, building, and classroom number at your fingertips can be a major lifesaver. Trust me, there is a BIG difference between Lawson and Lindegren.

No smartphone? No worries! Print a copy of your schedule and stick it in your pocket to keep with you.

Actually read the syllabus. It is understandable to be focused on what you and your friends are doing later tonight rather than paying attention to the packet of paper in front of you that your professor has been reading word for word for the past half an hour, but the syllabus is really important to follow along to. I mean it essentially dictates how the class is going to go this semester. It is helpful to know if the professor weighs attendance and participation as a significant percent of your grade, or when and how often D2L assignments will be due.

Buy/rent the book! Yeah, yeah I know they’re expensive, and yes most of the time your professor has an extra copy on hold in the library. However, the book is a major resource for your professor, and he/she most likely pulls a lot of information from the text. Don’t be the one waiting hours in the library for someone to return the ONE book on hold or stressing over an upcoming exam simply because you don’t have the right study materials. The University Bookstore has your back! The book will be worth the money in the long run, and it is less expensive than having to re-take the class.

Catch up. Take the chill week of classes as an opportunity to catch up with people you have not seen over the long break. Mom isn’t breathing down your back at home anymore wondering where you’re at constantly. Relax and hang out with some friends. Get back into the college-town groove.

May the grades be ever in your favor this semester, Salukis!

WELCOME

Hey there fellow Salukis!

So here at the Student Center we are going to be trying something a little different. Follow along with me each week as I post about happenings around the Student Center and all sorts of aspects of student life in dawg country. From stories, event details, videos, advice, pictures (thank you Instagram for making me the photographer I am today), there will be all kinds of good stuff to check out. Spread the word about this new blog and follow the Student Center on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates!

-Sydne