Best Hang-out Spots-- LSU Residence Halls

Can you believe the semester is almost over? I can't! During this time of year, I'm always looking for a change of scenery and a fun place to hang out or study. The residence halls are packed with great hang out spots, and here's a list of my favorites.

Blake's Floor Common Room: Each floor of Blake Hall has a mini lobby with tables, chairs, couches, and a study room. There's plenty of room to hang out with friends, work on group projects, or do some serious studying.

East Campus Apartments Activity Center: The activity center is the hub for most programs in the apartments.. Kick back and play a game of pool while watching a game on the big screen, or attend one of the many programs held here every semester.

Broussard Aquarium: This awesome hangout in the IT Residential College is filled with plenty of entertainment. From foosball to air hockey-- they have it. It also sits adjacent to a fountain courtyard and has enough seating to hold all of your friends (or study group!)

Miller Sun Deck: Looking for some fun in the sun? Look no further. The Miller Sundeck features awesome outdoor views of the lake. It's the perfect place to catch a few rays with great scenery.

Residential College West's TV Room: With a huge flat screen TV, plenty of couches and tables, the TV room in the RCC are a college student's dream. Whether you're catching up on the latest MTV episode, watching sports, or playing in an Xbox rock band tournament, this is definitely a great hang out spot.

Engineering Residential College Kitchen: While there aren't too many college chefs, those who love cooking will find this place to be their dream kitchen. RCC's newly renovated kitchen features two full cooking stations with two stoves, two ovens, a microwave, and ample counter space.

Your Crib: What better hang out than your own room? It's decorated just the way you like, and filled with your favorite things. So, go ahead--  pop some popcorn, plop on your bed, and invite some friends over (or enjoy some "me" time.) You've only got two weeks left in your space till summer, so enjoy!

While finals (and graduation for some!) are practically here, remember to relax and allow yourself some study breaks and fun time! Check out my study tips for surviving midterms for more tips! If you have some time in the next week or two, find your favorite spots and enjoy them!

xoxo-- Girl in the Purple Polo

Inside Scoop: LSU Res Life Cribs

It's that time again! The film crew at Res Life worked all semester finding the next batch of coolest rooms on campus. This semester they are all new rooms, new looks, and new faces. Here's a behind the scenes look at the making of LSU Res Life Cribs 2011!

Take a peak into life in the Engineering Residential College.

Their room sported an awesome view of Tiger Stadium-- how cool is that?

These guys made the coolest entrance yet on our cribs-- be sure to look for their video in the coming weeks!

We were able to get an inside look at the rooms and facilities in the newly renovated West Laville Honors House.

Our hosts wait to greet the camera for their big intro.

Filming an episode can be fun, scary, and slightly time consuming (sometimes it takes 5 or 6 tries to get everything right!)



Thumbs up on a job well done!



Kaila led our very first RA (Resident Assistant) Cribs and gave the inside scoop on life as an RA veteran.

RA's usually receive a two person room for themselves-- allowing for lots of creativity in decorating!

This semester we were also able to get a look into the on-campus apartments!

What a cute room! ECA (East Campus Apartments) have individual rooms with shared common spaces.

It was obvious our ECA girls were great friends-- hear their story in their Cribs episode!

This is just a small preview into our next batch of episodes. Need something to hold you over until they are released? Check out our Youtube Channel for previous episodes and videos! I'll let you know when the new cribs are up!

xoxo-- Girl in the Purple Polo

LSU Spring Break Tips

Campus is buzzing about the arrival of Spring Break, and students are starting to pack their bags and prepare for a week of rest and relaxation. Here are 8 tips for the best Spring Break yet.

1. Set Your Expectations: What are you hoping for? Relaxation? Earn some extra cash? Fun in the Sun? Defining your goals can help direct the rest of your decisions.

2. Create a Budget-- and Stick to It: Avoid getting caught up in the moment, and  create a realistic financial game plan  based off your expectations, destination, and most importantly, your bank account status.  A week's worth of fun is not worth long term credit card debt and financial struggles.

3. Pack Appropriately: Research the expected weather conditions, entertainment plans (nice restaurant vs. beach.), and activities. Regardless of location, be sure to pack a few "just in case" items like rain jackets, swimsuits, or dressy clothes-- you never know what might pop up. Don't forget your chargers and a camera!!!

4. Spring Break Your Res Hall Room: Unplug all major electronics, set the thermostat, and throw out perishable food. If you're really ambitious, tidy up so you can come back to a nice clean room.

5. Double Check and Have A Backup Plan: Don't let your trip be ruined by one mishap. Verify your travel reservations before you leave, and make sure you have a back up plan and an emergency contact--(i.e. car breaks down, bad weather, health emergency, etc.)

6. Don't Forget You're Still in School: At some point in the trip, it'll be easy to forget that it's spring break and not summer break. Make sure you remember to do any projects, studying or assignments due the following week, and allow time to recuperate to get back in the academic mindset. (When you come back, it's only 2 weeks till finals!)

7. Be Safe: This is the most important one. Use your common sense, and take extra precautions if you are in an unfamiliar place. Always use the buddy system, and tell someone where you're going, and when you'll be back.

8.  Have Fun: You only get four (err...or five) college spring breaks, so make sure to make the most of them. Whether you are working, visiting your family, vacationing, or just relaxing...enjoy! Take your well-deserved break and make sure you make a few great memories along the way.

I'm going to be far away from computers for the break, so I'll post my next blog the when classes resume! Have a great spring break!!

xoxo-- Girl in the Purple Polo

Which Residential College are You?

Spending time in so many of the residence halls, I've noticed each building seems to have a distinct personality.  Maybe I'm on a kick to relive my time spent with teen magazines, but I've developed a quiz to help you decide which Residential College you are.  

1. Your ideal night in involves...?

    a. Enjoying a night with your group watching movies and snacking on junk food

    b. A good philosophical debate with your friends about Socrates and Plato's beliefs

    c. A night of gaming with your buddies and testing out the latest technology

    d. Designing a new product that is sure to change the world

2. If you were stranded on an island,and could choose one of the below items, which would it be?

    a. Cell Phone (you can't call for help though)-- you've gotta keep in touch with your friends

    b. Your fully loaded e-reader, that is solar operated, of course

    c. Your gaming computer, completely loaded with every program known to man

    d. Tools-- the Swiss family tree house is nothing compared to your engineering skills

3. When choosing a place to eat with a group, you...

     a. Choose a place with ample seating and something for everyone

     b. Go somewhere of historical or academic significance

     c. Find the most tech-friendly restaurant-- free WiFi, trivia remotes, and ample televisions

    d. Develop an algorithm to compare price, location, and menu options

4. You have $15.00. What are you going to buy?

    a. 3 large pizzas and invite everyone over for a night of board game fun

    b. Tickets to that new exhibit at the museum 

    c. A new memory stick to store this week's documents

    d. The newest book on how to nab a career in your chosen field

5. It's time to pick an elective for next semester. When it comes to scheduling, you...

    a. Look for a truly unique class to take with your friends; you love trying new things

    b. Pick a challenging professor whose notorious for amazing lectures

    c. Look for a technologically-advanced class held in a smart classroom 

    d. Find a hands on class relevant to your major that will allow you to build your resume

6. An ideal program in the lobby of your residence hall is....

    a. An American Idol type talent show or an ice cream social-- anything that let's you meet others

    b. A professor lectureship series on Facebook, or a catered dinner and free admission to a play

    c. A speed texting competition or a Rock Band Warrior Night

    d. A successful guest speaker from your field of interest

RESULTS: Tally up your responses and determine which letter you chose most often. Remember, this quiz is meant for entertainment purposes, and is in no way meant to be indicative of who you are or where you must live. Enjoy!

Mostly A's: You are social! Herget Hall Residential College: You are a social butterfly and love hanging out. You like trying a little bit of everything and love meeting new people. You are looking to get as much as possible out of college and want to try and do and see everything possible.



Herget Hall: Home of our Freshman Residential College, a first-year experience open to residents of all majors!



Mostly B's: You are studious! West Laville Honors House: Whether it's debating with friends, volunteering, or working on a project, you are constantly looking to improve yourself, and know learning is about so much more than just a test. You never settle for a path just because it's easier and want to surround yourself with others just as focused as you.


West Laville Hall: Home to the Honors House--open to Honors College students of all years and majors.

 Mostly C's: You are tech-savvy! Broussard IT Residential College: You are always the first of your friends to try new technology (You were raving about Apple when everyone else thought it was just a fruit.) You love the technological movement the world is experiencing, and can't wait for the next invention. From computers to cell phones, to 3-D technology-- you love it all!


Broussard Hall-- home of the IT Residential College. It's open to freshmen of any major, the only requirement is to bring a laptop.

 Mostly D's: You are Driven!  Residential College One: You are passionate about your future and love your field. You realize your future career can truly be a position where you love what you do. You're looking to gain as much experience as possible, and can't wait to  network and make connections with others interested in your field. Res Life currently has discipline-based residential colleges for Business, Engineering, Science, Agriculture, and Mass Communication.


RCC West-- Home to the Business Residential College and open to Business Freshman.



Hope you  had fun, but I'm not so sure Teen magazine writing is in my future-- I think I'll stick to blogging :-D. As always, feel free to email me questions, comments, or ideas at girlinthepurplepolo@gmail.com.

xoxo-- Girl in the Purple Polo

You Know You Geaux To LSU When…..

With so many future students wandering campus for Spring Invitational, I started thinking about all the ways my fellow seniors and I have changed since freshman orientation. I realize we now share many commonalities-- almost as if there are distinguishing characteristics that make us LSU students....So, here we geaux......

You Kneaux You Geaux To LSU When.....

• Your closet consists of mainly LSU shirts….and you justify keeping them—You worked hard to get that one from the t-shirt toss!
• You know the Pentagon is not just a government building in D.C.
• You think eaux is the proper way to spell anything with an "oh" sound.
• You believe not only that purple and gold geaux together, but that it should be worn as often as possible.
• A parking spot right in front of your building absolutely makes your day.
• You laugh at students from other schools who think tailgating is actually meant to be out of a tail gate on a truck.
• Everyone becomes your best friend at the end of the semester when you have leftover meals to The 459 Commons and The 5 dining halls.
• You long ago learned the benefits of memorizing your 89- number, and secretly chuckle at those who still have to look at their Tiger Card.
• You can recite the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd down cheers anytime queued….including in your sleep.
• You associate lunchtime with the Alma Mater thanks to the clock tower at noon.
• You actually know the lyrics to the Alma Mater……or not.
• Free food is never to be underestimated.
• It seems everyone who plays the piano in Herget Residential College lobby knows the same three songs.
• You realize that hall bathrooms really aren't that bad….actually they can be kind of convenient.
• Mom's don't come to college, but somehow the res hall bathrooms are always clean (Hall bathrooms are cleaned twice a day in the res halls, and suite bathrooms are cleaned once a week!)
• You've realized a 12' by 15' room can actually hold some of the best memories of your life.
• Despite 12+ years of school "We Delivery" is now an acceptable noun and is a geaux-to for all take out needs.
• You wouldn't trade your loftable bed for anything—it's like the bunk bed you always wanted, but better.
• Tigercash on vending machines basically gets you through the night.
• You understand the meaning of Club Middleton and know it's the coolest place to be during midterms and finals.
• Flashmob raves seem to be a perfectly normal once-a-semester occurrence in the library.
• You know that despite mother nature, it's guaranteed to snow at least once a year on the Parade Ground thanks to RHA.
• Distance becomes measured in how long it takes to walk instead of in terms of miles.
• You no longer need to use the Memorial Tower and Tiger Stadium to find your way, but if anyone needs directions they are your go-to land marks.
• You hate when you go home and you actually have to plug your computer in to the Internet…..within two weeks you've convinced your parents to get wireless.
• Les Miles eating grass seems perfectly normal…..whatever works, right?
• You find tears in your eyes when saying goodbye to your floor custodian-- you'll miss talking to them every morning. Trust me.
• Your parents find that you've picked up your old habit of rocking in chairs thanks to the rocking desk chairs in the res halls.
• You feel you could host your own show on TLC with your creative and budget friendly decorating skills.
• Speaking of TV shows, you know MTV isn't the only cool Cribs episodes around!
• Patrick Taylor Hall and CEBA are used interchangeably….and probably always will be.
• You know you will always and forever bleed purple and gold….and find yourself unsure what this red substance is that biologists talk about.

Have ideas of your own? Comment below and share your LSU defining characteristic!

xoxo-- Girl in the Purple Polo

9 Mistakes (Almost) Every Resident Makes

College is a time of learning-- both inside the classroom and out.  I've done a lot of learning since I've been here-- often times learning the hard way. Here's a list of simple mistakes to avoid that can save your time, money, and quite possibly your sanity.

1. Facebooking instead of socializing in the lobby: There are tons of great programs and people  in the lobby. It's easy to get in a rut of staying in your room—but get out there and meet some people IRL, (In Real Life) and enjoy all the food and events.(But if you are on Facebook, be sure to check out LSU Res Life for pics and updates.)

Evangeline residents enjoy musical chairs at the "Mardi Gras Mambo" program.

2. Eating like it's Thanksgiving everyday in the dining hall: The all-you-can-eat buffet style food is tempting, but instead of piling on every appealing food item, try to just pick one entrée and load up on fruits, veggies and a salad...okay, and a cookie for dessert.

A student enjoys the salad bar, one of many healthy options at The 5 dining hall.

3. Being afraid of your Resident Assistant: RAs get a bad rep in all of the movies and tv shows, but they are there to help you. Think of them as a big brother or sister—they are upperclassmen students who are trained to be there for you.

The 2010-2011 RAs pose for a picture after completing summer training.

4. Going to the UREC (University Recreation Complex) at 5:00PM in January:  I'm all for working out and being healthy, but nothing is as frustrating as mustering the will-power to go work out and the place being jam-packed. The Rec Center is open from 5:00AM until 11:00PM, so try going in the morning, early afternoon, or later in the evening to beat the crowds. Or, check out the free Group X workout classes available online, and work out from the comfort of your room.

5. Wearing Rainboots when it's clear and forgetting your umbrella in a monsoon: There's nothing worse than being stranded in Louisiana's ever changing weather with the wrong tools. It only takes a minute to check the weather. The halls have Internet and 75 channels of cable included, so take a second and prepare for the day. Or add an app to your phone, so you can stay in the know all day.

I should've checked the forecast on this sunny day.

7. Walking back to your hall at night alone: We've been lectured about this our whole life, but sometimes its inevitable. The quick fix? Take Campus Transit, a nightly LSU shuttle system that will pick you up from anywhere on campus and drop you off where you need to go. Keep the phone number programmed into the phone-- 225-578-5000.

Students stand by a campus transit shuttle-- a nightly "door to door" campus shuttle system.

6. Forgetting to Save and Have a Backup: I learned this lesson the hard way on this very blog, so I've added it to the list. You put tons of time and energy into projects and papers, so take the extra minute to save a backup of your work. Computers have the tendency to fail at the worst possible moment, and most professors won't take that as an excuse.

Save your work! Email large projects to yourself or a friend to have an online backup.

8. Not reading The Girl in the Purple Polo Blog: Cuz' where else would you get all of these wonderful tips and stories? (Okay, maybe I am a little bias.)

The author of your favorite blog! ;-)

9. Attempting to fix your own technology: No need to struggle with technology. Use LSU Reslife's IT department for all issues you may have with your Internet, laptop, or connections.

The students and staff in the IT department are there to help you!

I  hope you can use these tips to make your life a little easier. Have advice of your own? Leave a comment below or email me at girlinthepurplepolo@gmail.com

xoxo--Girl in the Purple Polo

Welcome Back

Welcome Back! I hope everyone had a fantastic break! Despite the end of a relaxing break, I've gotta admit that I'm excited to be back.

Spring semester is always my favorite time at LSU. I love the nice weather, delicious crawfish, and stress-free weekends (I love football, but  LSU Football = High Stress Saturdays). And of course, this semester has special meaning to me, because it is my last one before graduation in May.

This spring, LSU and Res Life have many exciting events and traditions up their sleeve. If you find yourself bored, why not hit up some sports or fine arts? Whether it's baseball, orchestra, gymnastics, theatre or museums--there are tons of great events to support. Missing football? Don't miss the Spring Game for a preview of next season. This semester also promises more Late Night LSU fun, a once a month program sponsored by Students Activities Board. And, don't forget Groovin' on the Grounds, an annual outdoor concert on the Parade Ground.

Res Life will also be joining in on exciting traditions! Between the wide array of individual res hall activities, RHA Snowin in the South, UNPLUG Energy Competition, Housing Reapplication, the RHA Crawfish Boil, and Res Life Cribs, there will be plenty of events to enjoy this semester.

My blog will continue to include tips, spotlights, and an inside perspective on the on-campus experience. Have an idea for an event or topic you'd like covered? Feel free to email me at girlinthepurplepolo@gmail.com

xoxo-- Girl in the Purple Polo

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

 

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

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