Fall 2010 Semester in Review

With another semester wrapping up, stress levels are high, and students are anxious to get home. Finals week is coming to an end, and all over campus I can feel the mix of tension and excitement.

I know you guys are busy with finals and packing, but here are some quick tips for leaving the halls.

1. Unplug your mini-fridge at least a day BEFORE you leave (And throw away the food, please!). Make sure to put towels around the base, because they tend to leak. (You are required to unplug the fridge before break.)

2. Don't forget to sell your books back. The stands are all over campus, and often you'll find a book or two that hits the jackpot. It's a great way to earn back a little spending money for Christmas and the holidays. Or, you can trade books with friends to save some money next semester.

3. Enjoy one last visit to the dining hall and invite your friends and family to help you use your extra meals. You'll soon be going home to mom's delicious home-cooking, but I usually find myself missing the unlimited ice cream and pizza.

4. Start compiling a list of everything you need a day or two before you leave (feel free to check it twice for good measure). Once you turn in your key, you won't be allowed back into your room until next semester-- so make sure you pack everything you'll need over the next month. Most forgotten item? Cell phone charger-- put that at the top of your list.

5. Follow your RA's closing instructions. From unplugging your electronics to turning in your key--  make sure you follow your RA's closing information. Not only does it help you leave as quickly as possible when you finish that last final, but also prevents charges and fines that might be incurred.

6. Relax. I've said it all year, but it's true. You will survive finals week. Once you've taken that last final congratulate yourself.  Let yourself enjoy a nice, relaxing, stress-free break-- you've earned it.

Here's a look back at my favorite moments of the semester!

Roaring into the Halls-- Move-in Day!

LSU Football went 10-2 with some amazing games this season!

LSU Res Life Cribs launched this semester-- more episodes are coming in the spring!

Boo in the Shoe celebrated its 10th anniversary.

Homecoming week included a mini Tiger Stadium made completely out of donated cans.

Splatterbeat had a great turn out this year!

C4 band plays in the Pentagon.

A breakfast buffet in Evangeline Hall for finals week.

I too am going home for the break so this will be my last blog I post for the year. I've really enjoyed posting for you, and I'll be back at the start of next semester with new tips, pictures, and Spotlights.

Until next semester,

xoxo-- Girl in the Purple Polo

 

Deck the (Res) Halls: Winter on Campus

It's that time of year where classes start winding down, stress levels go up, and the winter spirit is fully embraced on campus.

Snowin' in the South: This RHA sponsored event comes once a year. SEVEN TONS of snow are dumped on the Parade Ground. Students enjoy a snowy winter experience with snowmen, snowball fights, and snow angels. Why not end the night with some nice warm hot chocolate? This year the event has been postponed due to rain, so check here for new dates early next semester.

Candlelight Celebration: This celebration is usually held under the clock tower and celebrates various holiday traditions with dancing, songs, and a few surprise guests. The night ends with candlelight carols and the lighting of the LSU holiday Tree. It has come to be one of my favorite holiday traditions on campus.

Decorate Your Door: Let out your creative side and add some holiday spirit to your floor. Every year, residents help "deck the halls" by decorating their doors and rooms. Some halls even have contests for the best doors. Get out some wrapping paper and scissors and have at it. (Be sure to use approved tape and putty to avoid damages!)

Give Back: This is the time of year to reflect on what you have, and give to others who may not have as much. Donate canned food to the shelters. Fill a shoebox of goods for children overseas. Write letters to the elderly. Bake cookies for your stressed friends. Be creative-- it doesn't have to be much to make others happy. 

Walk Around the Campus Lakes: Take a break from studying and bundle up to take a stroll around the lakes. The Greek houses surrounding the lakes usually go all out with Christmas decorations and it's a good time to ponder all of those Christmas plans and take a break from the stress.

Chancellor's Pancake Breakfast: During the last week of classes each semester, the Chancellor puts on the late night Pancake Breakfast. This event is free to all students, and students can enjoy delicious pancakes served by administrators and have fun coloring with crayons on the paper tablecloths. It's a great break from studying and a long held tradition.

Good luck studying for finals!

xoxo- Girl in the Purple Polo

What I'm thankful for LSU Res Life

Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you are enjoying some good food with good company. As the holiday season moves in, I am constantly reminded of how much I have to be grateful for.

This week is a Thanksgiving  blog focused on all the wonderful people who make living on campus great!

Resident Assistants (RA's):  RA's work hard for the entire school year to provide residents with events, safety, and some much needed advice. They work late nights and through breaks, holidays, and football games. Thanks for all you do!

Residential Hall Custodians:   Residents often form special bonds with their community's staff of custodians who keep the halls sparkling clean everyday. They  have great attitudes and genuine care for the residents and the facilities.  With friendly hellos and good mornings, they greet students and visitors with a smile.

Desk Assistants (DA's): DA's are student workers who work the front desks in the residence halls 24/7. Whenever a hall is open, a front desk is open as well. DA's work through nights, weekends, and breaks, so we can always find help, (or misplaced keys) when we need it!

Facility Services: With 17 residence halls and 2 apartments on campus, things are bound to happen. Facility Services always responds promptly to any concerns and fixes problems as fast as possible to keep the buildings in tip top shape.

Res Life IT Help Desk: Did you know LSU Res Life has an IT support desk just for on campus residents? Whether you need help connecting to the Internet, installing new software, or fixing a problem, they're available to help.They have helped me (err... my computer) countless times to keep it up and running.

Residence Hall Association (RHA): The new flat screen in Herget? Splatterbeat? Snowin' in the South? Yep, you guessed it, it's all put on by your RHA staff! RHA is comprised of on-campus students who plan activities and advocate for the needs of residents.  Have ideas or concerns for your community? Contact your floor rep to have your voice heard.

Residents: It wouldn't be Res Life if it weren't comprised of all of the amazing residents. Thank you for creating this incredible environment, and making on-campus living fun and memorable. For all of the late nights, the friends, and the support-- you put the residence in to Residential Life!

Hope you have a relaxing and food-filled break! See you back on campus for dead week (a week dedicated to concentrated study) and finals! HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

xoxo-- Girl in the Purple Polo

SPOTLIGHT: C4

I first saw C4, a Pentagon Community band, on a cool Thursday afternoon. The relaxed jazz sounds began playing through the courtyard. As if cued, students emerged from their halls with blankets, lawn chairs, and popcorn to sit with friends, and enjoy the music in their community.

C4 is named after the band members' stack in Beauregard Hall. They formed after meeting each other during move-in week. The band plays a mix of improv, popular songs, and jazz.  I was able to get the inside scoop from Austin, the drummer.

How did you select the genre of music and the songs?
We mostly do improv, jazz, or random popular songs that have a chill vibe. Dom and Andrew played in a band together, and did a lot of jazz, so that's a big influence.


How did the band form?
Dom and Andrew were playing music in their room (bass and keyboard) a couple of days before move-in day. A few of us heard them upstairs so we went to go check it out.  I started playing on a trash can, a desk, a box, and their amps.

Eventually, we decided it would be cool to go outside and jam in the courtyard. Our first jam was with Dom, Andrew, and I (Austin). The next time, Bob grabbed his sax and joined in and John brought his guitar.


Where do you see the band going?
We honestly aren't that serious of a band...We play because we love the music. If we went out and played and no one was there watching, we'd still jam. We don't have future plans, but that's how we want it.


Did you know each other before hand?
Only Dom and Andrew knew one another.

Where do you practice?
We don't practice.

I see you play "drums" on a  unique "drum set." Where did this inspiration come from?
Once we moved outside I just went around hitting on stuff to see how it sounded. I started with the bench, a chair outside, and a trashcan. Now, I play on the bench, a plastic clothes bin, any chair, and a small cymbal.

How do you feel living on campus has affected your band?
If we didn't live on campus, more specifically in the Pentagon, the band never would have formed. The courtyard is the only way that our band was able to grow. I don't think our story could have happened any where else.




Thanks, C4! 

xoxo-- Girl in the Purple Polo

LSU Day: ResLife Past and Present

LSU is celebrating its Sesquicentennial this week with LSU Day. That's 150 years of students living, learning, and growing on this campus.

The university opened just before the Civil War, thrived during the roaring twenties, survived the Great Depression, sacrificed for World War II,  and protested during the sixties and seventies. LSU has witnessed so much, and students have been living on campus through it all. 


I think that is one of the things I love the most about Residential Life. The tradition and history behind it. The residence halls were here long before me and will be around long after I graduate.
LSU Res Life frequently quotes that we are not the "dorms of yesteryear." But, what were the dorms of yesteryear? I've found these pictures of the residence halls through the ages.

The Pentagon Barracks on LSU's original campus downtown Baton Rouge. The Pentagon Community as we know it today was modeled after these buildings.

The Horseshoe community before all of the cars. Photo courtesy of LSU University Relations Archive

The Stadium Dorms. Photo courtesy of LSU University Relations Photography Archive. 

Female students talk with their "dorm mom."  Photo courtesy of LSU University Relations Archive

The Pentagon Barracks c. 1890 in downtown Baton Rouge. (These are not the same buildings that are on campus now!) Photo courtesy of Louisiana State University Photograph collection.

Girls relaxing in Herget Hall.  Photo courtesy of LSU University Relations Archive

"Yes, Mom, I'm going to class." Some things don't ever change. Photo courtesy of LSU University Relations Archive

Graham Hall replaced by the Residential College Complex which opened Spring of 2008. Photo courtesy of LSU University Relations Archive

Boys hanging out. Photo courtesy of LSU University Relations Archive

Girls singing around the Miller piano. Photo courtesy of LSU University Relations Archive

Boys create a wading pool on the West Laville Patio. Photo Courtesy of Louisiana State University Special Collections, Gumbo 1996, pg. 49.

Calling Home. Photo Courtesy of Louisiana State University Special Collections, Gumbo 1957, pg. 2.

 I hope you enjoy these pictures as much as I have. If you have any memorable stories or old pictures  from living in a residence hall, email me at girlinthepurplepolo@gmail.com and I'll add the stories to my blog.

xoxo-- Girl in the Purple Polo

Top 9 Places to Eat on LSU's Campus

Southern Louisiana is known globally for its delicious cuisine. For students attending school in the heart of it all,  food is an important part of the LSU experience. What's the greatest thing about it? You don't even have to leave campus to taste it...

Here's my list of absolute favorites with every price range and food craving in mind-- from gourmet  to vending machines!

1.Vending Machine-- Herget's Ice Cream Vending Machine: I don't know how many of you have had the pleasure of this machine, but it is awesome. Not only is the ice cream fantastic on a hot day, but the vacuum retrieval system is seriously entertaining.

2. Sit Down Restaurant-- The Faculty Club: Despite the name "Faculty Club," everyone is invited to join this tasty luxury lunch. Dine in a classic venue, built with elegance during the Great Depression as one of Roosevelt's Reconstruction projects. Its specialty is Southern food, and I've yet to find anything less than delicious on the menu. Also, you can use Paw Points and Tiger Cash here.

3. Grab N' Geaux-- Pierre's Landing: If you find yourself  on the South side of campus a good bit, then this is the place for you. From candy, to doughnuts, to Papa John's, to a deli-- there's something for everyone and every mood. For a cool drink to accompany you on your journey to class, don't miss the Icee machine on your way out! (And turn your classmates green with envy!)

4.Best Breakfast-- Einstein's Bagel:  Nothing beats a toasted, warm, perfectly buttered bagel in the morning on my way to class... Okay, maybe the above mentioned bagel, with some freshly squeezed orange juice or a frozen mocha beverage.

5.  Coffee-- CC's in the Law Center: I'm almost hesitant to post this gem, as the secret may get out. This CC's is tucked away on the second floor of the Law Center, and provides not only your favorite coffee beverage, but a great study haven around a lot of smart people. You'll feel as though your IQ  increased just from sitting in the academic leisure haven.

6. Best Buffet Style Lunch-- Magnolia Room: This lunch buffet is located on the third floor of the Union and just reopened. The menu rotates throughout the week, but is always an all you can eat buffet line with salads and desserts. The main courses include food like fried catfish, red beans and rice, Flank Steak, and more.

7. Late Night Snacking-- Taco Bell @ Outtakes: Taco Bell is known for its' fourth meal, and with this on campus location open until 2:00 AM, it certainly holds up to it's reputation. I've frequented this place many a late night for a nice study break with good sustenance to keep me going.

8. All You Can Eat Buffet--The 459 and The 5: These meal plan locations give a whole new meaning to dining halls. The food is delicious! The dining halls embrace their Southern location with home-style cooking, while adding a healthy twist, and plenty of options including a salad bar, dessert bar, pizza station, and a 30 day rotating menu with a wide variety of specialty entrees.

  
9. Dessert--: LSU Dairy Store: What beats a nice ice cream cone or milkshake? Try having the ice cream made by students with LSU's own smart cows! This ice cream is some of the freshest I've ever had!

And if these choices weren't enough,the Tiger Lair will be reopening in the Union soon with fast service food from Chick-fil-A, Jamba Juice, Panda Express and more!

All of this talking about food has made me hungry! I'm going to geaux and grab some delicious food. Happy Eatings!

xoxo-- Girl in the Purple Polo

Sneak Peak: Boo in the Shoe

Halloween is just around the corner and LSU is full of fun Halloween traditions like  Zombie Day, Ghost Chase Fun Run, and my personal favorite, Boo in the Shoe (Horse Shoe, of course!)

Boo in the Shoe is an annual event hosted the week before Halloween in Evangeline Hall.  This year, the event is celebrating its' ten year anniversary, which means even more frightening fun for all those in attendance.

The theme is a Haunted Night in New Orleans. The community is pulling out all the stops to celebrate, including a haunted basement, trick or treating, a monster rave with a DJ, and a mystery theater performance.

I was able to get a sneak peak into the halls, and here's what I found...

All residents are welcome, so be sure to check out the festivities TONIGHT! The fun begins with trick or treating at 4:30 PM. Have a fun and safe Halloween!
xoxo--Girl in the Purple Polo

P.S. Look for pics from the event on LSU Res Life's Facebook.

LSU Res Life Students Tell All: Fall Break

FALL BREAK IS HERE!!!!! I'm so excited to have some much needed relaxation after a rough midterms week! All around campus this week, I heard everyone discussing their plans for a break. I decided what better way to show the excitement on campus, than to go and talk to the students in the halls? Here's a video of what I found......



Have a safe and fun Fall Break!!!!

xoxo-- Girl in the Purple Polo

Sneak Peak!! LSU Cribs

As the Girl in the Purple Polo, I promised to give you the inside scoop on the happenings around Res Life. And, I've gotta admit, I'm pretty excited about sharing this blog with you.

For the past few months, Res Life has been planning Res Life Cribs, a monthly mini-series. The show will feature some of the coolest rooms on campus, and have the students give a tour of their pad. The footage will then be placed on the LSU ResLife Facebook page for voting. The winning rooms receive a prize pack, and gets the honor of being the Room of the Month!

The first two episodes were filmed last week, and while it's not being launched until next week, I still wanted to give you a sneak peak into a behind the scenes look.

The film crew met early Monday morning to film their first room in Blake and filmed Miller in the afternoon.

Doing some pre-filming early in the morning to make sure the angles are right.

Meeting our showroom "hosts".

Take 1 of greeting (it only took two!) They were fantastic!

Showing off the "living room."

Inside the room for some Q and A's.

"Charging" the ceiling stars!

Now, for our second filming-- Miller!

Having some fun in the lobby ready to film!

And..... ACTION!!!

Filming the "B" roll. Everyone was having fun!

Legal paperwork and releases-- They are stars now!

Greg, a Tour Guide, providing assistance.

Tour Guide Jennifer helped direct the scene.

Currently all of the footage is in the editing stage, but it should be appearing on Facebook some time next week! Be sure to check out the videos and vote for your favorites! Think your room has what it takes to be on LSU Res Life Cribs? Email pics of your room to girlinthepurplepolo@gmail.com.

xoxo-- Girl in the Purple Polo

Tips for Surviving Midterms

Midterm week is fast approaching, and the pressure is building. I'm starting to see the stress level among students increase. As a senior, I've been through my fair share of midterms and finals and I'm starting to get the hang of it (It's about time!). Here are my best tips for exam weeks and my favorite study places.

1. Plan Out Your Week-- Have multiple tests in one week or back to back? Take time to sit down and see what needs to be covered. Make a study outline of what you need to accomplish each day. Keep your goals reasonable. If you have a game plan and know what's coming, the load will be more bearable.

2. Cram Over Two Days-- Earlier, I've said not to cram, but if you have no choice, be smart about it.  Start "cramming" two to three days in advance.  If possible, try to at least learn most of the material a day in advance, that way the night before can be focused on the concepts you don't understand.

3. Relax and  Do Something Fun-- I think this is one of the most important rules. If you've been studying all day, every day, take a break! Go outside and throw around the Frisbee, watch a movie, do something enjoyable for a bit. Taking a few hours off might seem crazy, but when you come back you'll be so much more productive.

4. SLEEP-- Since I've been in college, I've only pulled one all-nighter, and it did me no good. Your brain doesn't function without sleep. When you start to get sleepy, don't reach for the Red Bull, allow yourself to have a good night's rest. Having a clear brain during a test will go so much further than those few extra, exhausted, hours studying.

5. Break up your studying-- Studies show that taking breaks every so often will help you learn the material better. After an hour of studying, take a ten to fifteen minute breather-- but make sure you get sure you get back on track.

 6. Give Yourself Time in the Morning-- Wake up a little earlier than normal on the day of a big test (you did follow rule number 4 right?) This way, you will have time to look over your notes one last time, make sure you have the necessary supplies for the day-- LSU ID, scantron, blue book, pencil, etc.. Grab some breakfast from your res hall lobby-- they serve breakfast in most lobbies during midterms and finals! Take a few minutes to relax before leaving for your test, then you'll be relaxed and focused, instead of stressed and rushed.

7. Find Your Study Haven-- Studying is a whole lot better if you are in a comfortable place. Whether it's Club Middleton, the Quad, your bed, or your favorite coffee shop, find the place where you study best. Set up shop and get comfortable-- feel free to move from study spot to study spot. I always find a change of scenery helps. Don't have a favorite study spot? Here's a list of my favorites!

Parade Grounds-- Nothing beats this on a beautiful day!

Evangeline Lobby-- Prestigious and serene, I always feel the wisdom of the ages here!

459 Commons or The 5-- what's better than studying next to an endless supply of delicious food?

Live Oak Lounge-- If you like to study with people around, this is the perfect place!

Acadian Courtyard-- Need your own oasis? Nothing beats the serenity and beauty of this study spot!

xoxo-- Girl in the Purple Polo