If you’re feeling homesick, here are 10 simple ways to add the comforts of home to your dorm room.

1.) Post photos of family, friends and pets, too!

Photo by Ellen Gibbs

I don’t mean “posting” to Facebook; I mean actual hard copies of photos. Whether you decide to hang them on the wall or keep them in a frame, photos are a good reminder of those you matter to. There’s nothing worse than feeling unfamiliar in an environment — photos help remind us of who we are and where we came from. Tip: Try taking a few photos on campus, then hang those up too! Pretty soon, your wall will be filled with memories made on campus.

Remember that it takes time to get used to a new setting. Home wasn’t always home — you grew into it, made memories, left your mark and reached milestones. That will happen at college, too — just allow yourself time to adjust.

2.) Get crafty

Photo by Ellen Gibbs

Personalize. Personalize. Personalize! Like I said above, nothing beats having a memory to (literally) look back on, so attend socials in your room. Not only will you meet new people, but you could end up making something to put in your dorm. It might be a DIY stress-ball, spin art or a painted flower pot. They might seem juvenile at first, but in retrospect I’m really happy I attended socials. Not only did I make connections, I also made a home for myself in my new setting.

3.) Add mood lighting

No, it does not need to be anything fancy. However, lighting has a major effect on our moods, and I always found the harsh lighting in the dorms increased my stress levels. The solution? I brought in string-lights, lanterns and low-light lamps. I could finally relax, and it helped me get a better night’s sleep.

4.) Toss in a plant, or two, or three…

Photo by Ellen Gibbs

The more green life, the better. As long as you’re willing to take care of it! For those of us who aren’t green thumbs at heart, start with a low-maintenance plant, like bamboo or cacti. Seeing it (especially in the colder months) will brighten your day.

5.) Anchor the room with an area rug

Is it weird seeing linoleum where you sleep? However durable, it is not the coziest of flooring. To get that “classroom feel” out of your room, roll out an area rug. It makes a huge impact on the space and expresses a sense of style.

6.) Make a space for sitting

Photo by Ellen Gibbs

Sitting at your desk may be great for studying, but so is sitting in the library, the MUB and other places on campus. Your dorm should be designated for downtime. It might not be the Holiday Inn Express, but you should at least attempt to make your environment more relaxed. Many students find moon/saucer chairs fit comfortably in their rooms. For optimal use of space, try lofting your bed.

7.) Invest in a single-cup coffee maker

Photo by Ellen Gibbs

Nothing beats a warm cup of hot chocolate on a snow day, chamomile tea when we’re stressed or a cup of joe when we need that extra jolt of energy to finish a paper. Nowadays, with a single-cup coffee maker you can have all three! This is an acceptable small appliance in the dorm, and if you can’t make it to the dining hall, it also boils water for quick, on-the-go meals like mac ’n cheese or ramen noodles.

8.) Do some cleaning up

If the weather is nice, crack open the window, let a breeze in and air out the room. Have 10 minutes before class? That’s enough time to run a disinfectant wipe over surfaces that we’re in contact with every day, such as doorknobs, mirrors, table tops, etc. You might not see a huge difference, but you’ll be glad you did it once flu season comes around.

9.) Hang curtains

Photo by Ellen Gibbs

Curtains aren’t necessary as there are blinds in the rooms already; however, if you want that extra touch of inviting, homelike decor, do it with curtains. Not only does it give you more privacy, but a bright pattern can really liven up the room.

10.) Keep your door open

If there’s one piece of advice you should take from this post, it’s keeping your door open. Let people feel invited; socialize with students on your floor. Open up (literally) to open up a conversation. The confines are only as limited as you make them, so live outside them — change your surroundings to help change yourself.

One class that I didn’t know much about was FIRE. I had heard about it in brochures and at Accepted Students Day, but didn’t really know what it was. After a few classes I figured out what it really stood for: to make the transition to college easier and to start the process of developing us into business professionals. We were assigned to a group of 20 strangers all in the same position. We asked questions with our peer advisor and were given some fantastic opportunities that other majors aren’t given. And boy did I take some of these for granted!

I always thought, “I’m only a freshman, I still have plenty of time”. Then the first semester was over in the blink of an eye. Second semester started and I knew I wanted to get more involved. There were all these opportunities I missed first semester and to my luck there were even more this time around. Through the FIRE Program, I was given the opportunity to be an Igniter, which lets me represent my class, help plan events, and give feedback on the program. Since the start of the new semester I’ve attended many networking events, the FIRE Career & Internship Fair Bootcamp, and the UNH Career & Internship Fair. I’ve met incredible people from my FIRE alumni advisor, Todd Boucher, to many employers that work with UNH. None of this would have happened if I hadn’t stepped out of my comfort zone, which FIRE really motivated me to do.

I attended a networking event before the Career & Internship Fair, which helped me build the confidence to talk with complete strangers and expand my network. Additionally, at the FIRE Career & Internship Fair Bootcamp I worked on my resume, practiced my elevator pitch, and how to nail an interview; all with faculty, alumni, and employers. This was one afternoon I will always remember because it gave me more confidence, which carried over into the following week. At the Career & Internship Fair, I felt more motivated and comfortable to talk with employers. I talked with many of them about future positions and internships. Not only did I make several connections on LinkedIn, I have learned what it takes to be a desired applicant in a competitive marketplace.

If it weren’t for the FIRE Program, I wouldn’t be as involved as I currently am on campus. It has allowed me to make my first-year experience more enjoyable and fulfilled. I have absolute confidence, even as a freshman, that I will be able to secure multiple internships and a job post-graduation throughout my career at UNH and Paul College.

About Charles Lamplough ’20:

Charles is a first-year Paul College student from Stow, MA. He is a Business Administration major, planning to concentrate in Finance and Marketing. Currently, he serves as an Igniter in the FIRE Program, and is interested in working for a professional sports team or as a stock broker after graduation.

March 2 – 5

Sing

“In a city of humanoid animals, a hustling theater impresario’s attempt to save his theater with a singing competition becomes grander than he anticipates even as its finalists’ find that their lives will never be the same.” More information here

March 23 – 26

Manchester by the Sea

“An uncle is asked to take care of his teenage nephew after the boy’s father dies.” More information here

Rouge One: A Star Wars Story

“The Rebel Alliance makes a risky move to steal the plans for the Death Star, setting up the epic saga to follow.” More Information here

March 30 – April 2

Patriots Day

“The story of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing and the aftermath, which includes the city-wide manhunt to find the terrorists responsible.” More information here

Happy viewing Wildcats! After your show is over, let us know what you thought by tweeting us @UNHStudents .

My first impression of FIRE was that it was a neat idea, but it didn’t work in reality. Man, was I wrong. I started to realize how many people I was meeting through FIRE. My FIRE group (W1LDF1RE) started to become more closely knit and everything started to turn out how I had hoped it would. Once my group discovered how friendly everyone one is and once we realized our potential, we really became a team. Anytime somebody is going to an event on campus, we encourage others to join by extending an invitation to the entire group.

While UNH does not have an official actuarial program, there is a path to help students get a job as an actuary. I thought the best path to take was through Paul College, but it turns out Statistics is a better option. When I learned this, I was reluctant to leave Paul College, I anticipated I would be ineligible for FIRE during the spring semester. I considered staying in Paul College for one more semester so I can finish what I started with my team. Paul College offers the only program like this at UNH and I definitely did not want to miss out on this, especially when I’ve been lucky enough to be placed on such a great team. Luckily, the FIRE Coordinators made an exception for me, allowing me to transfer to a different major while continuing to take advantage of the great program.

I don’t think I would have been as active on campus as much as I am if it wasn’t for FIRE. The greatest aspect of going to events, is no matter where I go I’m almost guaranteed to see somebody I know. FIRE helped me to meet so many people that I even became friends with members of other FIRE groups. Once groups start to know each other is when the rivalries start to form and the competition become serious. My RA Kevin Johnson is the peer advisor for F1R3 GOODELL (Team 13) and I’m starting to see a little bit of a rivalry brewing. Now that I know I’m with my team for the long run, I believe we have what it takes to win it all while also having the best semester yet!

About Joshua Jasneski ’20:

• Spaulding High School Class of 2016
• UNH Class of 2020
• UNH Upward Bound Alumni
• Plans to graduate with a bachelor degree in Statistics and to pursue a career as an actuary

UNH Dining to-go boxes

Are you ever in a rush, running late or just too busy to sit in the dining halls and eat? Problem solved: Use the UNH to-go box system. If you ever just want to eat in the comfort of your own dorm; avoid the crowds; grab food before the dining hall closes, or just need something for leftovers, the to-go box is for you. UNH offers this service to anyone who is on the core, campus, premier or swipe plans, and it is available at all three dining halls. You get a plastic reusable to-go box for a one-time fee of $3.25 which you can pay for using Dining Dollars, cash or credit card. When you return for your next to-go meal, you’ll exchange your old to-go box for a clean one for no charge, or you can receive a green “exchange loop” to claim a new box at a later time.

Student with to-go box

You may be asking why we need to use a plastic container instead of a simple disposable container. UNH replaced the disposable to-go boxes with plastic containers to aid the ongoing effort of reducing waste at the university. Instead of dumping old containers, we can now wash and reuse them with the give-and-replace method the dining halls use. You use your to-go box, return it to the dining hall to be washed and are handed a clean to-go box immediately after the exchange. How can you beat that? You don’t even have to go through the hassle of cleaning the containers yourself — the dining halls do it for you! Not only do you get to take home delicious food, you also get to be environmentally friendly while doing it.

Make sure to take advantage of the UNH to-go box today!

The program kickoff featured guest speaker Jullien Gordon who delivered an engrossing speech on the idea of building a career around what you love. He insisted that money isn’t the only metric and that it is possible to intertwine your career goals with your purpose and passion. These words were so important to hear sophomore year because this is the year that we all have to declare a major. The Sophomore Shadow Program has definitely helped ease the burden of this process by providing a range of exploratory activities to not just improve your skills, but to better understand yourself and how UNH can help you reach your goals.

One of my favorite events as part of the program was the Resume Review session held at the Granite State Room. Representatives from local companies came to UNH and sat down one-on-one with students and provided real feedback on how to improve our resumes. I was able to receive constructive feedback from an experienced HR professional in charge of the new-hire process at her company. This type of networking and feedback is invaluable when searching for internships as well as future job placement.

While the Sophomore Shadow Program does a fantastic job for professional development and academic exploration, it also covers many more topics. For instance, I’ve gained points by learning about all of the programs Health Services has to offer including stress management and personalized wellness plans. To be honest, I never would have explored these opportunities were it not for the program. Health is often is overlooked in college and it’s especially easy to lose track of your wellness when there’s all-you-can-eat pizza at the dining hall. However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is vital to success as it can lead to better sleeping habits, less stress, and ultimately improve your academic performance. The Shadow Program has further helped academically by granting points for going to office hours as well as meeting with new faculty members. Meeting with professors one-on-one can be daunting at first but the Shadow Program has pushed me out of my comfort zone to establish and deepen these connections as well as improve myself academically.

The next part of the program that I am looking forward to is the Team Case Study. I have been partnered with a wonderful group of students in my major and together we have been working to help solve real business issues. Even if we don’t win the competition, the experience thus far has been well worth the time and participation. By exposing me to the vast array of resources that UNH and Paul College has to offer I have been able to focus on my future, decide on a major and better prepare myself for the challenges of the next two years and life after college.

About Abigail Kourafas ’19:

Abigail Kourafas is a sophomore at the University of New Hampshire majoring in Business Administration with a focus in management. On campus, she is the treasurer of the Yellow Ribbon Club, an organization that raises money for US troops overseas. As a part of her role in the organization, she visits veteran’s homes, mails out care packages and travels to the Pease International Airport as a greeter to welcome our men and women home. Off-campus, Abigail works as a delivery driver at Domino’s in Durham. This past summer she had a business internship at XO Photo and also worked as a Personal Recruiter at Vector Marketing. She is excited to participate in more events for the Sophomore Shadow Program and can’t wait to see where the next opportunity leads.

This is the first video in a new series over on UNH’s YouTube channel called Wildcat Tales. Be sure to subscribe to stay up-to-date with the voices of Wildcats!

What else is on your fall bucket list?

101. Check out the bookstore for UNH gear.

102. Go to the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership (OSIL) to see how you can get involved.

103. Hit up Tacomano’s Late Night for $5 burritos.

104. Go to the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs (OMSA) office to get involved with diversity programs.

105. Keep a UNH umbrella on hand for surprise rain storms.

106. Spend a snow day playing in the snow with friends.

107. Pet a dog in the library during Frazzle Free Finals.

108. Call your family.

109. Check in with friends from high school.

110. Meet President Huddleston.

111. Participate in an open forum with President Mark Huddleston.

112. Go see a guest speaker in the MUB.

113. Play a sand volleyball game outside Stoke or Gibbs.

114. Go to an early morning Tedx Talk in the MUB.

115. Get nachos at Libby’s.

116. Get ahead on homework at Dimond Library.

117. Go to Late Night at Philly.

118. Join a community service student organization.

119. Take a picture with Gnarlz and Wild E. Cat.

120. Meet with your advisor.

121. Book a room in Dimond Library for a study group.

122. Go to Campus Rec’s Fall Fest.

123. Go to Solar Fest, put on by the Student Environmental Action Coalition (SEAC).

124. Check out CAB’s May Day Carnival.

125. Compete to be the Funniest Person on Campus.

126. Get cheesy fries from Kurt’s Lunchbox.

127. Attend a SHARPP event.

128. Thank a UNH police officer.

129. See a hypnotist show at the MUB.

130. Take a picture of a UNH squirrel.

131. Beat the winter blues with light therapy at Health Services.

132. Tune into WUNH at 91.3 FM.

133. Take a unique Discovery course.

134. Watch the 24-hour webcam of the Wildcat statue.

135. Work out at the Hamel Recreation Center.

136. Get ice cream from the Dairy Bar.

137. Stargaze at the UNH Observatory.

138. Throw the fish onto the ice at a UNH Hockey game.

139. Present at the Undergraduate Research Conference.

140. Play Frisbee in the fishbowl.

141. Run in Campus Living Association’s Half-Naked Whole Mile.

142. Sled down library hill during a snow day.

143. Look into the National Student Exchange to study away in the U.S.

144. Play basketball at the outdoor courts.

145. Visit the cows and horses at the UNH barns.

146. Paint your face blue and white for a sporting event.

147. Join the Indian Subcontinent Students’ Association’s (ISSA) Holi: Festival of Colors.

148. Enjoy a UNH Dining outdoor barbeque.

149. Spend a day volunteering at a UNH Serves event.

150. Create your own experience!

51. Decorate a gingerbread house with friends from your residence hall.

52. Go out to eat at Wildcat Pizza.

53. Invite your family to campus for Family Weekend.

54. Pat the cat. (Touch the Wildcat statue’s nose.)

55. Take a nap in a hammock.

56. Watch a movie in the MUB movie theatre.

57. Get help at the Math Center in Christensen.

58. Take the Amtrak from campus to Portland, Maine, or Boston, Massachusetts.

59. Join an intramural sports team.

60. View the latest exhibit at the UNH Museum in Dimond Library.

61. Attend the UNH Career and Internship Fair.

62. Get lunch at Pita Pit in Philbrook Café.

63. Shop for handmade holiday gifts at the annual Evergreen Fair.

64. Celebrate the end of the semester at the Campus Rec carnival.

65. Get extra help during professors’ office hours.

66. Take a class you’re interested in that doesn’t count toward your major.

67. Attend three different Homecoming events.

68. Go to Relaxation Station at Health Services.

69. Go to a SCOPE concert.

70. Take Wildcat Transit to Dover.

71. Attend an event to support a friend.

72. Find your favorite study spot in Dimond Library.

73. Eat lunch at Union Court in the MUB.

74. Rent outdoor equipment from Campus Rec.

75. Take advantage of the Connors Writing Center in the library.

76. Try new foods at the International Food Luncheon during International Education Week.

77. Go to an outdoor movie on T-Hall lawn.

78. Find your favorite spot to grab coffee on campus.

79. Play a pick-up game of wiffleball in the fishbowl.

80. Go for a swim in the Swasey Indoor Pool.

81. Use Tapingo to skip lines at Wildkitty, Union Court, Pita Pit, etc.

82. Confuse a non-Wildcat with all of our acronyms and abbreviations.

83. Go to UNH Dining’s fall Local Harvest dinner.

84. Live in at least two different residence halls.

85. Carve a pumpkin with a UNH theme.

86. Spend a warm day swimming, kayaking or paddleboarding at Mendum’s Pond.

87. Go to Franz’s Food for a JB Breakfast Wrap.

88. Enter your dorm room in UNH Housing’s Rate My Space contest.

89. Get a UNH sweatshirt blanket.

90. Go to a pep rally.

91. Enter your campus photo to be featured as the #instaUNH Photo of the Week.

92. Do a Takeover Tuesday on the UNH Snapchat account.

93. While walking around campus, stop and make friends with a passing dog.

94. Watch the UNH unicyclist.

95. Write a blog post for UNH Tales.

96. Become friends with RAs in your residence hall.

97. Get a job on campus.

98. Take a picture in front of T-Hall on the stone wall.

99. Participate in an on-campus blood drive.

100. Run a table in the MUB.

Part III coming soon!

1. Go to a UNH Football game.

2. Attend a social at your residence hall.

3. Follow @UNHStudents and @UofNH on Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat.

4. Cheer from the student section at a UNH men’s ice hockey game.

5. Meet departments and student organizations at U-Day.

6. Go to a UNH volleyball game.

7. Win prizes at CAB bingo.

8. Go to a UNH soccer game.

9. Attend a UNH dance performance at the end of the semester.

10. Grab food at Wildkitty.

11. Do homework by the fireplace in the Rockingham Lounge in the MUB.

12. Go to a UNH gymnastics meet.

13. Cheer on the UNH field hockey team.

14. Perfect your résumé with help from the UNH Career Center.

15. Go to a UNH women’s ice hockey game.

16. Attend a seminar at the Entrepreneurship Center.

17. See a comedian in the MUB.

18. View the current exhibit in the UNH Museum of Art.

19. Walk in the Homecoming parade.

20. Watch a UNH cross country meet.

21. Read an issue of The New Hampshire.

22. Play games in the Games Room of the MUB.

23. Go to a UNH swimming meet.

24. Swim at the Outdoor Pool.

25. Go to a UNH track and field meet.

26. Spend spring break volunteering with Alternative Break Challenge.

27. Take in the action at a UNH basketball game.

28. Do homework on T-Hall lawn.

29. Go for a walk in College Woods.

30. Take a free yoga class with UNH Health Services.

31. Participate in the Primal Scream at the library during Frazzle Free Finals.

32. Eat in all three dining halls (HoCo, Stillings and Philly).

33. Join a club.

34. See a play at Johnson Theatre.

35. Take a picture on the Wildcat Statue.

36. Spend a semester, J-term or summer studying abroad.

37. Go watch an Improv Anonymous show in the MUB.

38. Test out the rock climbing wall at the new Hamel Rec Center.

39. Go to a UNH a cappella concert.

40. Go on an Outdoor Adventure with Campus Rec.

41. Participate in a new activity.

42. Attend guided meditation from UNH Health Services.

43. Check out CAB’s The Grind coffeehouse and open mic.

44. Go to open skate at the Whitt.

45. Join a group exercise class at the Hamel Rec Center.

46. Go to a UNH Dining theme dinner.

47. Rent a camera or electronic device from the Parker Media Lab.

48. Grab a slice at DHOP (Durham House of Pizza).

49. Take Wildcat Transit to Portsmouth.

50. Attend a LinkedIn workshop with the UNH Career Center.

Stay tuned for Parts II and III!

Photo by Ellen Gibbs

Of the many renovations that have been happening on campus, one that needs to be recognized is the kitchen remodel in Babcock, UNH’s graduate residential hall. The building hasn’t seen a renovation this big since it was erected in March of 1968. Prior to the remodel, each floor had a designated community kitchenette. With the new kitchen installation, the entire dorm can cook on the first floor. It allows a “central place to cook meals together” rather than having the kitchens divided, says Sean Winston, the project’s manager. The floor plan includes seating for up to 20 people, and the modern openness “gives more people more opportunity to socialize” while they cook. Preserving and encouraging community was identified as a central goal during the planning process.

One question raised during construction was how many people would be cooking at the same time. With that in mind, three ovens and one four-burner and two six-burner stoves were installed, as well as a large reach-in refrigerator and two-door freezer, all commercial-grade, stainless steel appliances.

Photo by Ellen Gibbs

The eight-week remodel, which started in May and ended in mid-August, ran into hardly any issues. The old incinerator had to be removed and ventilation improved.

What do residents think? They love it. The multiple stoves, ovens and vast counter space allows many residents to cook at the same time. While the updates are nice, graduate housing manager Holly Ange says the best part is “there’s now plenty of space for sharing meals, including multiple tables and chairs that can be moved around and even a booth toward the back of the room for a more relaxed seating option. Seeing people share meals together definitely makes Babcock feel more like home.”

Photo by Ellen Gibbs

“The response to the kitchen has been fantastic,” continues Holly. “I believe the best part of living on campus is the community you live in, and the renovation has certainly created new opportunities for our community to grow.”

From energy-saving features to potential opportunities for community growth, Babcock has it all. We only have one question: When’s the next potluck?

Matthew ’12 first laid eyes on Kim in Stoke Hall during his freshman year. They have been inseparable ever since. Eight years later, Matthew proposed to Kim in the very same dorm in which they met.

It was a sunny morning in June. The spring semester was officially over. Students had turned in their keys, packed up their cars and gone home for the summer. The dorms had become shadows of their former selves.

Well, all except one.

While nearly identical to all the other rooms on the floor, Stoke 654 contained one minor difference: Pictures of Matthew and Kim were on display and the bureaus were adorned with candles and lavish bouquets. Was it a dorm room, or some sort of romantic time machine?

Photo by Christina Rowland

Claiming they were “just passing through,” Matt casually led Kim down memory lane — also known as the sixth floor of Stoke — to the room, where he got down on one knee and asked her to be his wife.

Photo by Christina Rowland

It was Stoke’s first engagement, but hopefully not its last.

Who said UNH Housing can’t write a love story? Matt and Kim — from everyone at the Housing Department and the entire University — congratulations. May we suggest Thompson Hall Lawn as a venue? We also know a great caterer (wink, wink).  

Welcome to the Paul College family! You’re only days away from moving into your home away from home – a scary but unbelievably exciting adventure! Paul College is a fantastic college to be a part of, recently ranking in the top 100 best undergraduate business schools. You’ll come to love the building and many of the people inside of it, if you have not begun to already. As a former FIRE Igniter and current student on the Sophomore Shadow Committee, I’d like to welcome you to the FIRE Program as well. Within this first-year program, you’ll develop friendships, academic and professional skills and important connections, AS LONG AS you take advantage of what FIRE and UNH has to offer.

As an incoming freshman, I’m sure you’ve researched and found blogs that describe extra tips or things you wouldn’t necessarily know going into your first year of college; I certainly did. Below, I’ve listed some UNH specific points that I think you can benefit from as you begin your wildcat journey:

• Represent yourself well – As a business student, you’ll be introduced to many alumni, potential employers, and other great connections that may help you pursue your goals in the future. Be careful what you post on social media and how you act in a public setting. You’re going to be given so many opportunities throughout your four years here, one mistake or bad choice may affect those opportunities and outcomes.
• Get involved, fast! – UNH has this awesome website called Wildcat Link where you can scroll through the 300+ organizations here on campus. If you happen to find nothing you’re interested in but have a club/organization idea, you have the ability to create it yourself! Aside from meeting new people who share similar interests, your experience here at UNH may be a lot more rewarding and fun by getting involved.
• Get to know your professors/TA’s – Never hesitate to attend office hours held by your professors and TA’s. Students at UNH are highly encouraged to get to know their professors and TA’s early in the semester so that by finals week they are comfortable asking questions and receiving help outside of class. Not only will your professors serve as great learning aids, but they may also serve as networking tools for future job opportunities. Introduce yourself during the first week and throughout the year give them a positive reason to remember you.
• What’s On Wednesdays – Every Wednesday in the MUB (Memorial Union Building) an activity is held, whether it be free mug making, local singers, comedians, etc. Check your UNH Mobile app to stay updated on each week’s events!
• Dining Dollars – Most of you will have a meal plan that includes dining dollars! Just like a debit card, a swipe of your ID will allow you to purchase food and drink at many locations on campus: Wildcatessen, vending machines, the Dairy Bar, Union Court, Zeke’s, Albert’s, and CornerStone, as well as any dining halls on campus. Take advantage of your dining dollars each semester rather than spending your own money from your bank account.
• FIRE Events/Career Center Workshops – Although FIRE events and Career Center workshops aren’t mandatory, take advantage of them throughout the year. Events geared towards networking, interview prep, resume reviews, cover letter writing and LinkedIn will really help you prepare for summer internships and future job opportunities. There are plenty of activities on campus that are geared towards setting you up for success, but it is up to you to find them and participate in them.
• Late Night – Philbrook Dining Hall, or “Philly” is open until 11pm Sunday-Wednesday whereas other dining halls close around 9pm. If you’re coming back from a late class, an intramural game, or just have a rumbling stomach, stop in and grab a bite to eat!
• Weeknight Activities – There is always something going on, whether it be improv, a capella, yoga, intramurals, varsity sports, club meetings, bingo, Greek life events, comedians, movies, dorm hall activities, etc. Become user friendly with the MUB’s weekly calendar and attend a few events each week! Not only will you receive FIRE points, but you will also meet a lot of people and enjoy a night out of your dorm room.

Becoming a college student may seem intimidating for some and more exciting for others. Just remember that there are hundreds, even thousands of kids on campus who are in the same position that you are in. Meet new people, try new things, have fun and enjoy your time here! Just as high school did, the next four years will fly by. Take advantage of everything UNH has to offer and set yourself up for success!

Go Wildcats!

About Alexis Gray ’19:

Alexis Gray is a determined second-year student at the University of New Hampshire where she studies Economics and Psychology. Alexis completed her education at Somersworth High School as the salutatorian of her class. She was the treasurer for class council, secretary for National Honor Society, historian for student council and a three-sport athlete, holding four school records in track and field.

At UNH, Alexis is an Igniter within the FIRE Program, a volunteer for Aspiring Hands, a student on the Sophomore Shadow Committee, an active intramural player and a new member of the UNH Track and Field team. She looks forward to making a difference amongst the communities she interacts with this year.

✔︎ Update your résumé

A current résumé is important for college students to have on hand at all times. You never know when an opportunity for a job might pop up, and you definitely want to have one ready for the UNH Career and Internship Fair this fall. Don’t know where to start? The UNH Career Center has great online resources including résumé samples, lists of suggested wording, tips on writing and structure and more. Also, the Career Center is open during the summer, so if you’re located nearby or are living on campus, you can schedule an appointment.

✔︎ Create or update your LinkedIn profile

Another way you can prepare for professional opportunities is to have a LinkedIn profile. Update your college details, job experience, volunteer projects, etc. Don’t forget to join the official University of New Hampshire networking group and follow along on the UNH page. Now that you’ve taken care of your résumé and LinkedIn, log on to Wildcat Careers and check out the job and work study offerings.

✔︎ Sort through your email inbox

Now’s the time to delete all that junk mail that accumulated in your inbox throughout the semester. Go through your email inbox, delete any unneeded emails and unsubscribe from unnecessary mailing lists. You’ll love starting the semester with a clean slate! An organized inbox will also ensure that you don’t miss any important emails from professors in the coming semester.

✔︎ Organize and back up your devices

Take a few minutes to upload photos from your phone to your computer, delete unused apps and update your software. On your computer, back up your files, organize your documents and photos and download the latest version of your operating system. If you need to upgrade your computer, you’ll find the best deals at the UNH Computer Store, and you can order online through them, too. Once you’re done organizing, check out this technology checklist from UNH Information Technology to make sure your devices are all set up for the semester.

✔︎ Clean out your notebooks and binders

You know all those notebooks and folders from last semester that you put in the corner of your closet as soon as you got home for the summer? You should really clean them out! Go through your papers and recycle any you don’t need. Save the folders that are in good shape to reuse next year.

✔︎ Wash your dorm bedding

Make sure to run your dorm comforter, sheets, mattress covers, etc., through the washer so they’ll be fresh and germ-free for fall semester.

✔︎ Clean your dorm appliances

In fact, anything that was in your dorm room all year could probably use a good cleaning. Dust off your television; sponge down your mini fridge; give your rug a thorough vacuum. You’ll be glad to bring back clean appliances next year.

✔︎ Donate your unworn clothes or unused items

Have old clothes you never wore or items you bought for school that you ended up not using? Donate them to your local secondhand shop or charitable store. Decluttering is always good, and you’ll know the items will be used by someone who needs them.

Enjoy the rest of your summer, and we’ll see you on Move-In Day!

Here are some tips to keep in mind while going through your first week at UNH:

Wildcat Days

Friday, August 26 – Sunday, August 28 (Check out the full schedule here.)

• Say hi to people: Greet your hallmates with a smile and a “hello.” You never know who could be a new friend! I met some of my first friends by walking through my hall and popping my head into their rooms. A compliment on their dorm room decorations is always a good place to start.
• Keep your door open: This applies to basically your entire freshman year of college, but it’s especially essential during the first few days. Keeping your door open is a great way to meet people.
• Embrace it: Chances are you might feel a bit silly during the many “icebreaker” activities that you’ll participate in with other residents of your hall. Just keep a good attitude and don’t be afraid to laugh at yourself. Learning not to care what others think is one of the most valuable lessons of college — and it starts with the first few days!
• Go to the events: From the Wildcat Barbecue to the Cat Pack Kick-off Rally to the Jukebox event in the MUB… There’s clearly a lot to do during Wildcat Days! Keeping busy will distract you from any potential homesickness and it will help you meet new friends.
• Don’t feel pressured to party: No, not everyone goes out the first few nights of college. If you’re not comfortable, remember that it’s always okay to stay in. Play some cards with your hallmates or get to know your roommate. There are always other things to do!

First Day of Classes

Monday, August 29

• Show up prepared: For the first day of classes, come prepared with a pen/pencil and paper so you can take notes about what you’ll need for the class. Also, bring a folder to put syllabi in.
• Plan out your route: Look at a campus map beforehand to see where you’re going, and download the UNH mobile app, which has a map that you can consult on-the-go.
• Leave yourself time to get to class: You’re still getting to know campus, so make sure you give yourself plenty of time to find your building and classroom. No one wants to walk in late!
• Find friends to walk with: Ask around your hall to see if anyone has the same classes as you or has a class in the same area around the same time as you. You won’t be as nervous if you can walk to class with a new friend.
• Talk to your classmates: Get to know the person sitting next to you and exchange emails or become friends on Facebook so you can exchange notes or meet up for study groups.
• Make lunch plans: See if you and your roommate or hallmates have a time to up for lunch. You’ll be thankful you made plans in advance to grab a bite to eat in the middle of a busy day of classes.

First Week of Classes

Monday, August 29 – Friday, September 2

• Don’t worry if you’re confused: Remember not to stress out if you’re feeling confused. A lot of information will be thrown at you this week and it may feel like a lot to digest, but no one’s expecting you to have it all figured out in the first week.
• Stay organized: Use a planner to write down tasks and assignments so you won’t forget. You don’t want to miss your first deadline!
• Get enough sleep: It may be exciting to be in college where you get to go to sleep whenever you want, but remember to get enough rest so that you can focus in classes the next day.
• Eat healthy: Make time to eat three healthy meals a day in order to have energy to get through your busy days. Don’t forget to leave time to eat a good breakfast, which is essential. The dining halls have tons of healthy options throughout the day, so make sure you stop by.
• Explore: Invite some new friends to get out and explore campus. Go for a walk in College Woods, grab coffee in downtown Durham, get an ice cream cone at the Dairy Bar or get some exercise at the Hamel Recreation Center. There’s definitely no shortage of things to do!

And don’t forget to rub the Wildcat statue’s nose for good luck!

1. CAB Bingo

Campus Activities Board, or “CAB,” is a student organization that works tirelessly to put on great (and free!) events for students. Their weekly bingo is always popular (seriously!) because of the famously good prizes. Students especially love the themed nights, with topics ranging from sex ed to sports and throwback bingo.

2. The Grind

Another CAB highlight is The Grind, a monthly open-mic coffeehouse. Enjoy free snacks and entertainment or show off your musical, comedic or poetic talent.

3. Comedy shows at the MUB

The Memorial Union Building (MUB) often hosts famous comedians for ever-popular shows that students love. If you’re a comedy-lover, look out for shows put on by members of Sketched Out, UNH’s student comedy troupe.

4. Carnivals

Believe it or not, parts of campus transform into settings for small carnivals several times a year. Campus Rec helps put on Fall Fest during first semester, and the CAB-hosted May Day Carnival always signals the return of spring. Later on, you’ll relish a study break at CAB’s stress relief event during finals week.

5. Open Skate at the Whitt

Campus Recreation is constantly providing students with fun, free things to do, including frequent Open Skate nights at the Whittemore Center, a great way to get out of your dorm and get active on those cold winter nights.

6. Group exercise classes

Group exercise classes can be expensive, but the ones offered through Campus Rec are completely free for UNH students! There is something for everyone; classes include yoga, Pilates, Zumba, circuit training and more.

7. Movies at the MUB theatres

The Memorial Union Building (MUB) has two movie theatres that play current movies all year long. Tickets are free for students, and you can purchase snacks, drinks and popcorn at The Notch, located right next to the theatres.

8. Games room at the MUB

There’s always something to do in the MUB, whether it’s an entertaining comedy, a mind-reading show or an educational lecture. Students can also use the video games and ping pong and pool tables in the Games Room at no cost.

9. UNH Dining themed dinners

Wildcats love UNH Dining because the staff are always going above and beyond for us — especially on theme nights! UNH Dining is famous for their incredible themed dinners, complete with fun dishes, elaborate decorations and silly costumes. They are, of course, free for those with a meal plan. There will be lines, but it’s worth it!

10. Complimentary health services

Don’t forget to always make time to relax in addition to studying and having fun. Health Services offers free yoga and guided meditation classes, in addition to offering students free access to alternative medicine such as acupuncture and light therapy. These are amazing resources for students to take advantage of.

It’s never hard to find something to do at UNH, and most of the time it doesn’t require spending a dime!

Additionally, here are some things that might not be on your list but will come in handy as a college freshman…

• Professional wear: You’re in college now, so thinking about your future career is important. You’ll have the opportunity to attend the UNH Career & Internship Fair or present at the Undergradate Research Conference, and if you’re a Paul College of Business and Economics student, you’ll have formal class presentations. All of these require professional dress. Be sure to bring business attire; it will come in handy!
• Dishes: Chances are you won’t want to haul yourself to the dining hall every time you’re craving a snack, so make sure you have some basic kitchen supplies on hand so you can prepare a bowl of cereal or a peanut butter sandwich.
• Duffle bag: You’ll likely pack your things up in boxes or plastic bins, but don’t forget to bring a duffle bag. You’ll need it for weekend trips home or around New England.
• Extra set of sheets: Having two sets of sheets is a lifesaver — it means you don’t have to lug your laundry basket down to the laundry room to do a load every time you want to change your sheets. Make sure you buy XL twin-sized sheets.
• Extension cords and power strips: These will be useful for arranging your room just the way you want it — even if your TV is across the room from the nearest plug, you can still make it work with extension cords.
• Shower caddy: This will probably be your most-used item! A shower caddy that carries your shampoo, body wash, toothpaste, contact solution, etc. is a lifesaver for frequent trips between your dorm room and the common hall bathroom.
• Laundry supplies: You’ll need more than just detergent — throw in some bleach pens, stain remover spray and wrinkle release spray.

• First-aid kit: Make sure you have Ibuprofen, allergy medicine and cold medicine on hand in your dorm room. You will likely get sick and you won’t want to trudge to the drugstore when you have a cold.
• Cleaning supplies: Grab some basic cleaning supplies to store in your room. A clean and organized room will make it easier to get work done and more enjoyable to relax in. Disinfectant wipes or spray, paper towels and supplies to wipe down the floor once in a while are musts. I always found that having a vacuum is useful as well — you could split the price with your roommate.
• Reusable water bottles: Reusable water bottles are way more cost-effective than buying bottled water. UNH has filtered water stations in almost every residence hall, which makes it easy to fill up your water bottle whenever. Bring one or two to use in your dorm room and around campus.
• Rubber flip-flops: Just bring them. They are a must for going to and from the bathroom and for showering in the communal showers.
• Flash drive: A USB flash drive will make it easy to share large files like presentations with teachers’ computers. Just a good thing to have on hand!
• HDMI cord: My roommate and I invested in an HDMI cord (and a Mac connector cord) freshman year and it was one of our most-used items. We hooked up our laptops to the TV for Netflix marathons and movie nights.
• Sports and hobby equipment: Don’t bring every sports item you own, but choose one or two that you know you’ll get some enjoyment out of. Throwing a Frisbee in the fish bowl (in front of Scott) or taking advantage of free Campus Rec yoga classes is a great way to get some physical activity and make friends. Consider bringing your lacrosse stick, guitar, Frisbee, etc.

Enjoy your summer and we’ll see you on move-in day, Wildcats!

We’ve rounded up some of the most useful student-written blog posts published on UNHTales over the years. They’ll cover everything you need to know, but if you still have questions, don’t be afraid to ask. You can always tweet us @UNHStudents and we’ll help you out!

Read it

Read it

Read it

Read it

Read it

Read it

Read it

Read it

Read it

Read it

Read it

Read it

Read it

Read it

Read it

Browse around UNHTales for more posts about life at UNH and follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat for an inside look at daily happenings on campus.

Without classes and homework, though, you may find yourself wondering what to do aside from work. Fortunately, there are tons of fun and unique events for students to take advantage of in the area. Here are some that might appeal to you…

Adam’s Point, Durham

• Yoga in the Park

  • Where: Prescott Park, Portsmouth
  • When: Every Tuesday, noon – 1:15 p.m.
  • Cost: Free!

• Portsmouth Farmers Market

  • Where: Portsmouth City Hall parking lot
  • When: Every Saturday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Cost: Free!

• Kittery Community Market

  • Where: Kittery Post Office Square, Kittery, Maine
  • When: Every Sunday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Cost: Free!

• Harbor Cruise or Star Island Day Trip

  • Where: Isles of Shoals Steamship Company, Portsmouth
  • When: Dates and times vary
  • Cost: $28-$42

• Outdoor Movies in the Park

  • Where: Prescott Park, Portsmouth
  • When: Every Monday, movie starts at dusk
  • Cost: Free!

• Outdoor Concerts in the Park

  • Where: Prescott Park, Portsmouth
  • When: Every Wednesday, 7 p.m.
  • Cost: Suggested $8-10 donation

• Tuesday Trivia

  • Where: Profile Coffee Bar, Portsmouth
  • When: 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month
  • Cost: Free!

• Stand-up Paddleboarding with UNH Campus Rec

  • Where: Meet at H-Lot behind NH Hall (look for the Campus Rec van)
  • When: Tuesday, June 28 or Thursday, July 7 or Friday, August 12, 5 – 9 p.m.
  • Cost: $20

Prescott Park, Portsmouth

• Sunset Stand-up Paddleboarding with UNH Campus Rec

  • Where: Mendum’s Pond, meet at H-Lot behind NH Hall (look for the Campus Rec van)
  • When: Thursday, July 14, 6 – 8 p.m.
  • Cost: $15

• Outdoor Concert Series

  • Where: Seacoast Science Center, Rye
  • When: Every Thursday in July, 6 – 8:30 p.m.
  • Cost: $12

• Live Music at the Beach

  • Where: Sea Shell Stage, Hampton Beach
  • When: Every night, 7 – 8 p.m. and 8:30 – 9:30 p.m.
  • Cost: Free!

• Fireworks on the Beach

  • Where: Hampton Beach
  • When: Every Wednesday night, 9:30 p.m.
  • Cost: Free!

• Talk by Author Judy Blume

  • Where: The Music Hall, Portsmouth
  • When: Thursday, July 14, 7 p.m.
  • Cost: $29 (includes copy of her new book)

• Annual MUB Mini Carnival

  • Where: Granite State Room, MUB, UNH
  • When: Wednesday, July 20, 3 – 5 p.m.
  • Cost: Free!

• Outdoor showing of “Inside Out” at UNH

  • Where: Thompson Hall Lawn, UNH
  • When: Wednesday, July 27, 8:30 p.m.
  • Cost: Free! (Food and drinks from ice cream truck available for purchase.)

Enjoy the summer, Wildcats!

Figuring out housing at UNH is a yearly task for students. Between trying to arrange combinations of friends and anxiously awaiting your RAC time when you can log in to select a hall, the housing process is a big deal. Fortunately, there are plenty of residence hall options at UNH and there is definitely something for everyone. If you’re an incoming freshman, you’ve likely just recieved your housing assignment and are wondering what to expect from the place that will become your home for the next academic year.

Here’s some information about each residence hall or housing option to get you started in your research… Don’t forget that the UNH Housing website is full of details and resources as well!

Congreve Hall

First-year only

Here’s a little about each dorm that UNH freshmen can live in…

• Williamson Hall & Christensen Hall: Some of the most popular dorm choices for social incoming freshman, these connected buildings house many students, making for a large community of possible friends. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the size of these dorms, don’t worry — the floor sizes are small (25-35 residents), making it easy to feel included. These buildings have great lounges where you can relax and study, outdoor athletic courts and picnic tables, an information desk in the Williamson lobby and a Math Center for tutoring in the Christensen basement. If you live here, you’ll probably grab meals at Philbrook (“Philly”) which is steps from these residence halls.
• Alexander Hall: Alexander is a centrally located, first-year dorm boasting two lounges, one for studying and another for fun. Since it’s a Learning Community, all Alexander residents have at least one class with another Alexander resident, which means it’s never hard to make friends (or get together to study!). Students in Alexander enjoy the grassy quad the hall shares with several other dorms and take advantage of their close proximity to Holloway Commons (“HoCo”) and the Memorial Union Building (“MUB”).
• Lord Hall: Lord is a smaller residence hall which means residents have an easy time meeting each other and building a community. Lord has a particularly good location — it is tucked away in a quiet part of campus but it is easy to access the Hamel Recreation Center, the Whittemore Center (“Whitt”) and many academic buildings. For meals, you’ll likely head to Stillings.
• Richardson House (The Minis): For first-year students who crave private space but socialization as well, Richardson may be a perfect fit. All but five of the rooms are singles; however, the community is close-knit. Richardson House is focused on the first-year experience, meaning that residents are encouraged to hang out together in the large lounges or at campus events.

Scott Hall

First-year and upperclassmen

• Hall House (The Minis): If you’re an outdoor lover, then you’ll love the quiet, woodsy setting of Hall House and the community of nature lovers. You’ll even be in close proximity to the nature trails that wind through beautiful College Woods.
• Marston House (The Minis): A small dorm with many single rooms for students, Marston is perfect for students who crave privacy but also appreciate a welcoming community.
• Eaton House (The Minis): Artistic students may find inspiration among this community of artists nestled in a quiet part of campus. The community is small yet vibrant, and students are often inspired by the natural setting.
• Upper Quad: The Upper Quad, which consists of three connected buildings called Hitchcock, Randall and Devine, houses first-year and upperclassmen students. If you live here, you’ll love your proximity to the MUB and HoCo (especially during those snowy winters!), and you’ll enjoy spending time in the many spacious lounges and the leafy quad.
• The SERCs: Peterson, Handler and Haaland Halls make up what students call the “SERCs.” These newer dorms house fisrt-year and upperclassmen students in traditional-style rooms as well as suite-style rooms. They are close in proximity to many academic buildings, especially Kingsbury Hall, the engineering building. One floor of Handler Hall is even dedicated to the InCEPStion Residential Learning Community (RLC), in which all students are part of the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences (CEPS) and have classes together. Similarly one floor in Peterson Hall is the Life Sciences RLC for students in the College of Life Sciences and Agriculture (COLSA).
• Engelhardt Hall: Located in the Lower Quad, Engelhardt enjoys a close-knit community of first-year and upperclassmen residents who are committed to keeping the hall alcohol- and drug-free. Engelhardt is located close to downtown, HoCo and the MUB, in addition to several other residence halls.
• Hunter Hall: Right next to Engelhardt you’ll find Hunter, where the small community of freshmen and upperclassmen aim to develop their leadership skills. A five-week experience called Emerging Leaders will help you hone your skills and get involved on campus. When you’re not hanging out on the quad with your hallmates, you can head to HoCo, the MUB or downtown, which are all just a short walk away.

Gibbs Hall

• Gibbs Hall: Gibbs Hall is a perfect environment for sports and fitness enthusiasts. The Hall, located in the Lower Quad, is surrounded by grassy lawns, a volleyball court and a basketball court, making it a great setting for active residents.
• Hubbard Hall: Students in Hubbard all share a commitment to academic excellence. Whether you’re in the Honors Program or simply want to be surrounded by fellow academically minded students, Hubbard is a great dorm for studious residents. The large, quiet study lounge means that you’ll never have to search for a place to get some work done.
• Congreve Hall: Congreve residents enjoy the updated hall’s amentities and vibrant community. Congreve has a grand piano and an abundance of great lounges, perfect for getting to know your hallmates or studying with friends.
• Stoke Hall: Stoke is the largest residence hall at UNH, although students enjoy a fantastic sense of community. The mostly freshmen and sophomore residents of Stoke easily make friends and enjoy the residence hall’s ideal location near Stillings dining hall and many academic buildings, especially the Paul College of Business and Economics.
• Scott Hall: This picturesque hall sits in the middle of campus on a grassy lawn where students enjoy hanging out. It is close to Stillings dining hall and Main Street, making it easy to get all around campus from Scott.
• Sawyer Hall: Located steps away from Paul College, Sawyer has a traditional residence hall set-up with mostly double rooms. It houses mostly sophomores, but freshmen, juniors and seniors live there as well.
• Hetzel Hall: Hetzel Hall is a smaller hall with a close-knit community. Its location on Main Street puts it next to many businesses, coffee shops, restaurants and more. Students can also hang out in the quad that Heizel shares with several other halls.
• Jessie Doe Hall: Jessie Doe is a smaller hall that enjoys an ideal location near the Whitt and Stillings dining hall. Students have several different options for room configurations (singles, doubles, built-up triples, and quads) and have two large lounges at their disposal for studying or relaxing.
• McLaughlin Hall: Another small hall, McLaughlin residents form a tight-knit community. The hall is located near many campus amentities but is surrounded by trees and grassy areas.
• Fairchild Hall: Fairchild is perfect for international students or students who want to learn about different cultures and make friends from other countries. The international theme means Fairchild is very diverse. Residents enjoy participating in International Education Week, when they host their super-popular annual International Food Luncheon.

The SERCs

Upperclassmen Only

Dorms:

• Mills Hall: The Mills offers suite-style living for upperclassmen in an updated building. Each floor has three to four lounges, fostering a hall-wide sense of community. The location is ideal, as the hall sits steps away from HoCo and the MUB, as well as close to downtown and Main Street.
• Adams Tower West: Adams Tower residents live in spacious triples with attached bathrooms. The upper-class community is close-knit and the woodsy location feels quiet while also being convenient to many academic buildings and Stillings dining hall.

Apartments:

• The Gables: The Gables are composed of five student apartment buildings that offer students independence but also community and access to campus resources. Students have access to fully-furnished apartments, a mail desk, a fitness studio and parking. Campus is just a walk or short bus ride away.
• Woodside: Located behind the Whitt and the Hamel Recreation Center in a quiet corner of campus, the Woodside student apartments provide students with convenient amenities and independence.

UNH offers a variety of summer programs for incoming students who want to meet people, develop friendships, adjust to college life and have an unforgettable experience prior to the beginning of their freshman year. Here are the first-year programs…

1. PrOVES (Pre-Orientation Volunteer Experience in Service)

PrOVES is a weeklong program prior to Wildcat Days designed to help service-oriented students acclimate to campus and the seacoast region. Along with upperclassmen leaders, PrOVErs spend the week volunteering at local organizations while settling into campus life and learning about the UNH community. Service activities include working at historic sites, maintaining trails around Great Bay and even dressing up as clowns for a local nursing home carnival! It’s not all work and no play — in the evenings, students engage in activities such as a campus-wide scavenger hunt, an ice cream social, an open-mic coffeehouse/talent show and more.

Fee:

$325 (Covers all program costs such as early move-in, housing, meals, site transportation, supplies and PrOVES t-shirts.)

Apply:

Deadline is July 1, 2016. Apply here!

2. Connect

Designed for our multicultural and first-generation student population, Connect ensures a smooth transition from high school to college through academic support, social programs and collaborations with key UNH resources, including a peer mentor. Participants experience residential living and recreational activities and get the chance to attend special seminars on college life and study strategy workshops. The Connect program takes place the week before Wildcat Days, but access to the Connect community and resources extends throughout the school year. Connect STEM is a side program designed for multicultural and first-generation students interested in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields.

Fee:

All expenses paid.

Apply:

Deadline is July 1, 2016. (The deadline for Connect STEM was June 1, 2016). Eligible students are invited via email.

3. PAWs

PAWs is an outdoor adventure program offered through Campus Rec and the MUB that lasts six days and five nights. Students select a basecamp, backpack or adventure trip option and will be placed in groups of 8-10 along with 2-3 highly trained student leaders. These programs challenge students while offering them an opportunity to form lasting friendships and integrate into the UNH community, which makes for a smoother adjustment to campus life.

Fee:

Fees vary but include all food, lodging, group equipment, transportation, instruction and t-shirt.

Basecamp option: $390; Backpacking option: $425; Adventure trip option: $425-$475

Apply:

Forms are due July 22, 2016 and are available here.

4. New Hampshire Outing Club

The New Hampshire Outing Club hosts incoming freshmen for weeklong adventures focused around backpacking, canoeing or rock climbing. These trips allow students to get involved with a well-respected student organization and make new friends as they explore the New Hampshire wilderness with trained student leaders.

Fee:

Non-refundable trip deposits are $175. Further costs vary but include transportation, food, group and individual equipment, camping fees and others.

Apply:

Contact the NHOC here to apply or stop by their table at the orientation resource fair.

5. Shoals Lab Marine Immersion

Earn two credits while exploring marine wildlife with UNH faculty at the Isles of Shoals Marine Laboratory. Incoming freshmen interested in marine-related fields learn through lectures, demonstrations and field experience at the world-class lab. Students reside on Appledore Island at the modern dormitory facilities while immersing themselves in marine education for the week of August 8-15.

Fee:

New Hampshire residents: $1,486; Non-residents: $1,548.

Apply:

Interested students should contact Jessica Boker by email (Jessica.Boker@unh.edu) or telephone (603.862.0071).

Once I got into the swing of starting classes and meeting new people, I decided to join a few clubs. I joined Women in Business, Friends of Jaclyn, and Project Sunshine.  I really enjoyed being in each of these clubs this year and strongly recommend every freshman to try to join at least one club.  It is awesome being a part of a group of people who share similar interests and passions.

Another big way I got involved was through the FIRE (First-Year Innovation and Research Experience) Program through the Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics here at UNH.  FIRE is a peer advising program, where first-year students are a part of a team of 20-25 students and are matched with an upperclassmen student. With the help of this peer mentor and an alumni advisor, students in FIRE learn important communication and professional development skills needed to succeed at UNH and post-grad. The first semester focused primarily on transitioning from high school to college, while the second semester focused more on career-building events such as a “Mocktail” networking event and a Career Fair Bootcamp. Additionally, each team developed a product related to a topic prevalent in today’s society.  At the end of April, each team presented their product to a panel of judges at the Undergraduate Research Conference (URC).

One of the biggest components of FIRE this year, was the game aspect. The game encouraged students to get involved on campus. Students received points for participating in events on campus each week, and at the end of the year, the top three teams and top five individuals were recognized.  Each member of the winning team and the top five individuals received an Academic Achievement Prize. Once all of the points were added up, the results were revealed in the beginning of May at the FIRE Awards Ceremony.  Individually, I came in third place for points in the FIRE Program, and my team, The FIRE Fighters, pulled out the win to finish first overall!  Hearing our team name called for first place was a very fulfilling moment for my team and myself.  Throughout the entire year, I was committed to my goal of being involved.  FIRE made that extremely easy, by providing weekly events I could attend. I would go to these events mainly with other FIRE students on my team, but sometimes I went with some of my friends from different schools at UNH as well.  My team really came together the last month of school.  We communicated more than we ever had, all with the goal of winning that prize. In this last month we all grew a lot closer together.  We could not have done it without the support of our peer mentor, Samantha Raymond.  Sam pushed us every week to try to participate as much as we could.  We would not have won this if it wasn’t for her.  You could tell she truly wanted us all to succeed and helped us immensely along the way.

Besides winning the game part of FIRE, I was also able to go on a trip to Washington, D.C. with other Paul first-year students, and meet with distinguished alumni in the area.  Not only did I get to expand my professional network, but I was able to make connections with other Paul students who had similar academic goals as myself.  This trip was definitely a highlight of my freshman year.

It’s hard to believe that my freshman year has come and gone in a blink of an eye.  I wouldn’t change anything from my experience. I met so many great friends, and made great connections with my peers, Paul College faculty, and alumni.  I took advantage of all of the amazing opportunities I was offered through FIRE and the Paul College, and I’m so happy I did!  My advice to every freshman is to get involved and say yes to many (if not all) of the opportunities presented to you.  These experiences just may end up having a big influence on your life.

About Caitlin Coxen:

Caitlin Coxen is a motivated first-year student in the Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics at the University of New Hampshire.  She is considering pursuing a major in Business Administration with an option in Marketing, and a minor in Hospitality.  Caitlin graduated in the top 10% of her class at Oyster River High School located in her hometown of Durham, NH. In high school she was the treasurer of the National Honor Society, a member of the French National Honor Society, community service club, and Interact Club. Upon graduation she received the Red Sox Foundation Scholarship, Shirley Thompson Service Award, and John R. and Virginia R. Cooper Scholarship.

At UNH, Caitlin is very dedicated to her academics.  She is a member of the Women in Business Club, Project Sunshine, and Friends of Jaclyn.  In her first year, Caitlin received the Paul College Academic Excellence Award, the FIRE Luminary Award, and the FIRE Unsung Hero Award.  She looks forward to continue being involved at UNH and at Paul College. She hopes to study abroad her junior year.

The FIRE curriculum begins with teaching us three skill sets: problem solving, professionalism, and appreciating group dynamics. By the end of our first year, we pull it all together in the Undergraduate Research Conference. Before I share my experience on the final day of the conference, I want to note an external conversation I had with an outside business leader. He could not stress enough the importance of strong business teams being far more important than any one individual: “If it’s about the company, then it’s about the team”.

Our team, first place winners in the Undergraduate Research Conference, was a mix of different personalities and skills, some analytical, some creative, and some great presenters. All members of the team demonstrated problem solving, professionalism, and the ability to recognize group dynamics. Each member contributed to our success, much like colleagues would in a successful business.

The year-long FIRE curriculum culminates in a one-day Undergraduate Research Conference designed to simulate companies competing to provide solutions to real world problems. All of the teams in the first round did a good job presenting new products and services. The finalists truly captured the spirit of the conference. From a mobile app that filters social media, to an emergency water filtration system, the presentations were so well thought out. Problem solving, professionalism, and teamwork clearly shined. Presenters not only communicated their team’s product, but were asked many questions from judges and other students that helped distinguish the company’s competencies and the team’s preparedness.

Our group challenge was to create a product or service that could help those affected by extreme weather. After a review of real problems facing the world today, our team decided that fresh water will play an even more critical role globally. Our product, “Oasis”, is a compact water purifier specifically designed for natural and environmental disasters (e.g. floods, hurricanes, contaminants).

I enjoyed the opportunity to be one of our team’s five presenters. I recognized the importance of the detailed preparation that went into our business plan. Each of the members of my team played a critical role. No one person can be credited with our team/company success. As previously mentioned, “If it’s about the company, then it’s about the team”.

We made it through the first round with a very relevant product combined with an impactful presentation.  I believe we won in the final round because judges found our team to be professional and our presentation well-designed. Winning the URC for FIRE was so satisfying because it was at that point I recognized the true value of the UNH curriculum.

When I began freshman year I, like so many others had that anxious feeling. Have I chosen the right school? Have I chosen the right major? As the year progressed I valued the real life business experiences of the faculty and the many clubs and organizations that compliment the academics (e.g. Women in Business Club and Student Council Honors Program). FIRE gave me the opportunity to pull it all together. The FIRE program coordinators Tamara and Sean, and my team’s peer advisor Catie, put so much time and effort into helping us develop our skills. I’ve enjoyed my freshman year at UNH. FIRE has only furthered my desire to gain business experience as I continue my education.

The Conference was one of the highlights of my freshman year. I will gain from this experience for many years to come. While companies are different, the fundamentals we’ve learned remain the same. Thanks to the Paul College staff for creating such a valuable program.

About Melissa Schwartz:

Melissa Schwartz is a freshman Honors student at the Peter T. Paul College of Business & Economics at the University of New Hampshire planning to major in finance and marketing. She is secretary of the Honors Program Student Council, a member of Women in Business, and as a member of her sorority Chi Omega, she volunteers her time with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Melissa will be a Peer Academic Leader this summer during Paul Freshman Orientation. In her first year, received the Paul College Academic Excellence Award, the FIRE Luminary Award, and the Pursuit of Pi Award. She is from Bedford, New Hampshire.

I had a dream when I was younger that involved me going to college and becoming successful. It wasn’t until I held my acceptance letter from UNH that I truly saw my dream becoming a reality. Throughout high school, I was not a stand-out student or athlete. I was just your average Joe who was a quiet leader. I preferred to lead by example and let my actions speak for themselves. College was offering me the opportunity to learn and grow as a person. Words cannot describe how excited yet nervous I was to start the school year.

My first few days were not as hectic as I thought. The first-year students were given the weekend to acclimate to their new surroundings and make some friends. After the first few weeks of classes, I received an email from Tamara Rury and Sean Stewart about receiving a nomination to represent my FIRE team on FIRE’s (First-year Innovation Research Experience) student-advisory board.  Members of FIRE’s student-advisory board are called Igniters and we were nominated by our peer advisors due to our discussion in the classroom and commitment to get involved on campus.  That is exactly what I did. I went to events and submitted them for “points”. The point system was intended to make some friendly competition and encourage kids to get involved in all the amazing things this campus has to offer. I was honored to accept the role, but skeptical about the opportunities I would receive.

My first opportunity that I received as an Igniter was to present the FIRE Program to the UNH Foundation and Alumni Boards. I was blown away at this chance and accepted immediately. I had never been so nervous in my life for that presentation. After my peers and I presented, we were invited to network and talk with those board members at President Huddleston’s home. It was completely uplifting to hear how excited they were about the future generation and it was special to see how much they genuinely cared about our education and progression. I met several amazing people that I will never forget and that was only the beginning.

Second semester was just as fulfilling as the first. I got the chance to go to Washington, D.C. with other first-year Paul students. We met with alumni like Stu Damon, Kevin Blafkin, Anne Marie Wemmlinger and Sylvie Balenger that were all seasoned veterans in their fields. I learned a lot about their experiences and about the hospitality management industry. We also met Senator Jeanne Shaheen to discuss college graduate debt and Ashley Rennebu about The Washington Center. We even had the opportunity to explore the city! I met a lot of great people on that trip and it would not have been possible without Paul College and FIRE.

On top of all of this, I served as the treasurer of my hall council, participated in community service, and I am a member of SCOPE. My involvement on campus gave me the confidence I needed to land a co-op position at Cisco Systems as a software engineer this summer. I am very excited to start my job and learn as much as I can. UNH gave me the skills I needed to make a great resume and push myself outside of my comfort zones.

FIRE has pushed me to become a much more hardworking and dedicated person. I believe FIRE pushed me to be successful. I don’t think I would have landed this Cisco job without the help of FIRE and my campus involvement. Coming to UNH was the best decision of my life and overall I would not change my first-year experience for anything. I hope to one day inspire kids to work hard to achieve any goals they set for themselves.

About Derek Steele:

Derek Steele is a motivated first-year, Business Administration student at the University of New Hampshire. He graduated from Bedford High School in Bedford, New Hampshire. He recently accepted a job offer at Cisco systems and is very excited to learn as much as he can.

At UNH, Derek is an Igniter within the FIRE program in the Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics. He also is a member of SCOPE and is the treasurer of his hall council. The Student Committee on Popular Entertainment plays a role in concert planning where they manage a large budget and assist with the setup and breakdown at the event. He is very excited about the future and can’t wait for more opportunities like he has received so far.

Twenty days to go. That’s all that I have left of my college career. Sure, I could decide a few months or years from now that I want to head to graduate school to get my master’s degree but for now, 20 days is all that stands between me and my bachelor’s degree in English teaching. All I can say is that four years sure flew by quickly. So, what better way to start wrapping them up than to reflect on what I’ve learned here at UNH.

Involvement

I spent so much time thinking that I wasn’t involved on campus because I wasn’t a regular member of any clubs. During my first year, I had tried to get involved but time and fear got in the way. I didn’t want to go to meetings if I didn’t know anyone. I was shy and a little scared to be anywhere near upperclassmen during my first few months on campus. Looking back now though, not being in clubs didn’t mean that I wasn’t involved.

This is where my first lesson comes from. Involvement is what you make of it.

I may not have been at the MUB one night a week for a club meeting, but I joined the Fairchild Hall Council during my sophomore and junior years and the Gables Residence Council during my senior year. I also always tried to make it to as many events as I could around campus. Sure, I wasn’t an organizer but I was still participating and involved in some way. Find activities around campus that make you happy. Let’s face it, these four years are probably the last time you’ll be heading off to Sex Ed Bingo (or any Bingo), or standing for the entirety of a sporting event.

Look For Help, It Is Always There

You may not realize that you need help or really want to put the effort in to get it but it is always there. UNH wants to help all of us succeed. Whether you get cold medication from Health Services so that you can make it to class or head to office hours every once in a while, help is always available. This is something I wish I had realized much earlier in my career, but I was stubborn and wanted to prove to myself that I could make it without any help. Which is kind of ridiculous when you think about it. In the end, and over my four years on campus, I learned to seek the help that I needed. I turned to hall directors for quick chats and friends to complain about assignments and pull all-nighters. The UNH community was always there and always will be, even after the class of 2016 leaves.

It Is OK To Sit Alone

One of the biggest things I learned at UNH is that it is OK to be alone. People don’t care about what you are doing as much as you think they do. When I first came to UNH in August 2012 for Wildcat Days and move-in, the thought of eating alone in HoCo was terrifying. If I couldn’t find anyone to eat with, I would stay in my dorm room and just eat a Pop tart. Not the best decision. Four years later, I love eating alone. OK, maybe “love” is not the best word, but I’m comfortable with it. I’m more than content grabbing a table myself and reading while I eat my lunch. No one is judging anyone for sitting alone. And while I will never turn down the opportunity to enjoy a meal with friends, there is nothing wrong with eating by myself. Or doing anything on my own, really. There’s nothing I love more than heading to the MFA in Boston (for free — thanks UNH!) and exploring for hours on my own. I am able to go at my own pace and don’t have to worry about other people. I highly recommend trying this.

Friends Come and Go

What people don’t tell you when you start college is that you don’t have to be best friends with your roommates or the people on your floor. At the minimum, you just need to try and get along. Over the course of four years, friends have come and gone, and that is OK. There is no need to try and keep up friendships that are harmful to you. My favorite friends are low-maintenance. The ones where you could go days or weeks without talking but you are able to pick up right where you left off when you next see one another. College leads to a busy life and sometimes friendships have to come second to school work. That is OK. It is also OK to realize that you don’t want to be friends with someone any more. Not all friendships are forever. The ones that are are special.

Kindness Goes a Long Way

This sounds like a basic lesson that we all learn in elementary school but it is one that you remember a lot in college. One of my favorite things about UNH is how kind and friendly everyone is. From random smiles to everyone holding doors for each other, this is a campus that works hard to show everyone a little bit of kindness. Sure, like any college, you have a few students who aren’t the shining example of kindness but, for the most part, everyone will hold a door or fill you in on what you missed in class. The community of kindness that we all contribute to goes a long way in making everyone feel welcomed and accepted. Going forward in life and adulthood, this is a lesson that we should all carry with us. You never know how much of an impact a little bit of kindness can have on someone’s day.

On top of these life lessons, of course, there are all of the academic lessons that UNH has taught me. But those are a given. UNH has taught us so much and now, class of 2016, it is time to take those lessons and apply them to adulthood and our lives after Wildcat Country. Thanks for a great four years; I wouldn’t trade them for the world. And remember: Once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat!

Twelve thousand eight hundred forty. That’s how many undergraduate students there are at the University of New Hampshire. That may seem like a lot, especially if you are coming from a small high school, but let me tell you, it never feels as if there are almost 13,000 people on this campus. Ever. That’s the magic of this place. Your professors, hall directors and peers want to get to know you. College is all about making personal connections and at UNH it’s no different.  

When you first come to campus for June orientation, you are taking your first steps toward creating your first personal connections at the university. Sure, you may not remember the name of your orientation leader come May 2020. Sure, your roommate for that night may not end up being your future roommate or your best friend in college. But this is just the beginning. Welcome home, Wildcat. You’re ready to begin the next chapter of your life.

Being a Wildcat is more than just working toward a degree, trust me. As someone only weeks away from reaching that goal, I’ve realized I’ve gained so much more than just a BA in English teaching. The only way for you to see what I mean is by going out and making the most of everything this school throws at you. And it will throw a lot at you; but it is nothing you can’t handle.

Being a Wildcat is so much more than just living on this beautiful campus and attending classes. Being a Wildcat will become part of your identity. In the last few posts of this series, I hope you’ve seen all of the opportunities UNH provides for you to get involved. From clubs and sports to events and more, there is always something to connect you to this campus. And when graduation day comes four years from now, you’ll find this phrase rings true: Once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat!

But what does that mean? As a senior, I can honestly say that this phrase is now just another way to describe myself. I’ve had some of the best moments of my life at UNH. Being a UNH Wildcat is a part of who I am now. The best times come with their fair share of hard times, but the friends you make here will help you through. Here are some take-aways for you.

1. You’re going to grow a lot, as both a scholar and person. 
2. You are never alone.
3. You don’t have to be best friends with your roommates.
4. Learn to budget. Whatever you do, learn this before you graduate!
5. Go to as many events as you can.
6. Join a club!
7. Be sure to take a picture with the Wildcat at least once each year.
8. Failure is okay as long as you learn from it.
9. Take advantage of all of the opportunities presented to you.
10. Speak your mind and listen to others.

Other questions about what to expect during your first year at UNH? Tweet @UNHStudents!

Just a five-minute walk from campus, this downtown Durham hotspot has it all, with flavors from tiramisu and snickerdoodle to mango sorbet and strawberry cream cake.  It’s enough to make even the craziest frozen fantasies reality.

I was able to get the inside scoop on FroZone from Jen, an employee.

They Support Student Organizations

That’s right. FroZone will happily donate up to 20% of their sales to your organization or club if you mention it at checkout. In the past, they’ve helped fundraise for UNH Cheerleading, Friends of Jaclyn, Relay for Life and Army ROTC.

They Offer Special Promotions 

Get this: On certain days you can get 16-ounce cups of froyo, filled as much as you like, for four dollars. Jen says the top three flavors of froyo are chocolate chip cookie dough, sea salted caramel pretzel and jamocha. But vanilla and cookies and cream are not far behind. As for toppings? “Definitely cookie dough — it’s everyone’s favorite,” Jen says, followed closely by Reese’s Pieces and Oreos.

They Are Student Friendly

They accept Cat’s Cache. “That’s a big thing. A lot of students will come in here with Cat’s Cache,” Jen says. So if you find yourself rummaging through your pockets for cash, just use your ID!

After all, with finals on the horizon, wouldn’t froyo be a great use of a study break?

For more fun food and drink options in Durham, check out Emily’s article about the local coffee shops!

The MUB

There are more than 200 different student organizations so there should be plenty of options to fit your interests. And if you can’t find one that you’re interested in, don’t worry! You can easily start your own club. The place to begin is the MUB.

The MUB, or the Memorial Union Building, is the center of campus life at UNH. Here, you can find something to do any day of the week as well as check your mail, get your computer repaired, buy your textbooks or grab a snack. The school year kicks off with the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership (OSIL) hosting Jukebox. This celebration of the new school year is primarily for first-year students and gives them the chance to see what UNH has to offer while picking up some free stuff. While at Jukebox, you can talk with current students about their clubs and find out how you can get involved. 

The majority of student organizations meet in the MUB once a week so always feel free to stop by a meeting. Check WildcatLink for more information. You should also check out the Guide to Getting Involved at UNH.

The MUB offers more than just student orgs. Sometimes involvement is just about taking advantage of all that is being offered. And there is a lot.

Lunar New Year Celebration in the GSR, February 2016

For starters, every Thursday – Sunday, the MUB and MUSO (Memorial Union Student Organization) show two movies (and sometimes more) in its two movie theaters. You can always find what’s playing and when on the MUB website and the UNH Mobile App. The MUB also features two large function spaces, the Granite State Room (GSR) and Strafford Room, where you can see comedians brought in by CAB (the Campus Activities Board) or lectures on any number of topics. Some other great events are Thursday Night Bingo (every third Thursday), Stress Relief (end of every semester) and the Grind (on the first Friday of every month). These free events are put on by CAB. MUSO also hosts a number of free concerts throughout the year.

The MUB isn’t the only place to get involved on campus…

UNH Recreation 

Campus Recreation offers great options on and off campus for both the athletically-inclined and those just looking to have a good time.

Hamel Recreation Center

The Hamel Rec Center, which, at the time of publishing, is undergoing an expansion and renovation, offers something for everyone. The Rec Center is open 6 a.m. – 12 a.m., Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. on Saturdays, and 10 a.m. – 12 a.m. on Sundays. As of April 2016, you’ll find a three lane suspended indoor track, the fitness center with more than a hundred different cardio and work out machines, a squash court, racquetball courts, classrooms, a rock climbing wall, two studio fitness rooms and more. Did we mention the five basketball/volleyball courts? Also, keep in mind that with your student ID you can borrow equipment to use on the courts. As part of the expansion, Hamel will be getting a new wellness space and instructional kitchen, larger fitness spaces and more. You can read all about it here.

Group Exercise 

If you’re looking for a fun way to work out with others, look no further than the group exercise calendar. Campus Rec offers numerous options for group exercise classes during the semester, ranging from aquacise/water fitness to Zumba and everything in between. There are classes for the early riser as well as the evening gym-goer. You can even get certified to be a group fitness instructor and teach classes yourself. Make sure to check their website to see the updated schedule each semester.

Skates, Sticks, and Pucks

Interested in hitting the ice at the Whitt? Campus Rec gives you a chance during open ice hours each week. These times are set aside so that you can skate or play a pick-up game during Stick and Puck time (note: the free skate and pick-up games never happen at the same time). Don’t have your own skates? Don’t worry! For $3 you can rent a pair of skates.

Outdoor Adventures 

If you are looking for some adventure in your life, Campus Rec has you covered with Outdoor Adventures. Throughout the semester, they offer trips and other activities such as rock climbing, surfing, hiking and more. Some trips cost money but they are well worth it. All equipment is provided so don’t let not owning a surf board or rock climbing gear keep you from trying something new. Learn more about Outdoor Adventures here.

Intramural Sports and Sports Clubs

Want to play a sport? Campus Rec offers two options for you: intramurals and clubs. Intramurals are popular across campus with dorms creating teams to compete in tournaments and leagues each semester. Choose from any number of sports including basketball, hockey, broomball, floor hockey, inner tube water polo and more. There is something for everyone when it comes to intramural sports. You can find out more here. The other option is joining a sports club. Much like intramurals, there are a variety of options including hockey, baseball, archery, judo, dance, ultimate frisbee and much more. Find out more about club sports here.

UNH Athletics

Now, no four years of college is complete without joining your fellow students in cheering on the Wildcats. Some of the most popular sports are men’s hockey, football, men’s basketball and volleyball. When you choose to go to one of these games, or any of the other sporting events on campus, know that you’re in for a lot of fun — win or lose. There are some traditions at our sporting events to be aware of.

Traditions

Many of our sporting traditions are only for men’s hockey games but they are ones that bring us together. First, you have the fish. Yes, the fish. If you haven’t heard of this tradition, you’re in for quite the show. After UNH scores its first goal, someone throws a large, stinky fish over the boards and onto the ice. Whoever goes out to retrieve the fish so the game can resume is usually wearing a bright yellow hazmat suit. That’s how bad that fish is. But the crowd loves it.

Another athletics tradition is White Out the Whitt. During the home game of the UNH vs UMaine series every year, students wear white to, you guessed it, White Out the Whitt. This is also the game where students will get in line at 4 a.m. the day tickets become available and will be in line all day to get the best seats.

If you are interested in what else happens at UNH athletic events, the Cat Pack is the next important thing to know about.

The Cat Pack Section and Cat Pack Captains

At almost all sporting events on campus there is a student section known as the Cat Pack. These are the seats for you and your fellow Wildcats to enjoy the game and participate in cheers and chants led by the Cat Pack captains. This is our school spirit student organization and the group that leads all of the chants. If you don’t know what you are supposed to be doing at a certain point in the game, just look to them.

Join this student org and be a part of making the athletic experience even better for fans at the games.

Wildcat Transit and the Amtrak Downeaster 

Finally, even though you live on campus, it’s important to know about public transport options that help you get around campus and let you explore New Hampshire, Maine and Massachusetts. One of the things that you’ll notice is that UNH is very walkable. You can get to practically everywhere in about ten minutes or less. Whether you are walking from Fairchild and Hetzel Halls to the Whitt (10 minutes, 0.5 miles) or from Williamson and Christensen Halls to Cowell Stadium for the big game (15 minutes), you can get anywhere without the help of the bus. That doesn’t mean you can’t use it though! Wildcat Transit is a great resource. It gets cold living in New Hampshire and many students will take advantage of the campus connector buses to get to and from class during colder weather.

Wildcat Transit can also take you off campus to the surrounding towns of Dover, Newmarket, Newington, Portsmouth, and Rochester. The four off-campus routes (Route 3 – Dover, Route 4 – Newington/Portsmouth, Route 5 – Newmarket, Route 125x – Rochester) are all free with your student ID. You can find out where the bus is in real time or just check the schedule using the UNH mobile app.

Next to the Whitt at the Dairy Bar is our own station stop for the Amtrak Downeaster. If you’re looking to get off campus and head to a city, this is your best option. The Downeaster stops at Boston’s North Station and Woburn/Anderson and Haverhill, Massachusetts; Durham and Dover; and Wells, Saco, Old Orchard Beach, Portland, Freeport and Brunswick, Maine. With all of these options and a reasonable price, you can plan a nice adventure off campus or, for those who are coming from other states in New England, you have another way to get home.

All of these aspects of campus life are just a snapshot of what it is like to live and play in Wildcat Country. Once you’re here you’ll see the full scope of everything campus has to offer.

Coming to UNH I wasn’t very knowledgeable of the area and its surroundings, and didn’t shop anywhere besides at the mall (Charlotte Russe). Partly because it was all I knew, and also because it was dirt-cheap! Little did I know that right across the street is a store that holds great deals on anything from candle stick holders, to Louis Vuitton purses. Savers! As I explored this unknown territory, I wondered how many others were taking advantage of all the cool and used finds that Savers and other stores in the area had to offer!

If you’re not familiar with the towns around Durham, Portsmouth is the perfect place to start your search for a sustainable, perfectly affordable outfit. It’s a great little town located 15 minutes from campus that has some eclectic and unique stores. They have great options for second-hand clothing that won’t break the bank and will be sure to keep your style fashionably forward. 2nd Time Around (https://www.facebook.com/STAPortsmouth) has some great pieces that are sure to last longer than any item from Forever21 would. While they do carry pricier designer brands such as Alice + Olivia, and Dooney and Bourke, you can purchase these items at a fraction of the original price. Check them out on their Facebook or through their Yelp page.

So we’ve talked about Savers, which is the ultimate place to get bang for your buck, but there is also the Salvation Army store in Portsmouth. Reviews on Yelp call it one of the BEST thrift stores around, and go on about how amazing their selection is. They also write how clean and organized it is, which are key traits that make shopping in second-hand feel stores feel like a better environment. http://www.yelp.com/biz/salvation-army-family-store-portsmouth

Next up is a store again located in Portsmouth called Wear House. Their pieces range from high to affordable, but they always have great quality items and super cool finds. One women loved it so much, she took to Yelp to explain, “Yes, you can spend “a lot” and walk out with Prada, etc- but you can also score some pretty sweet pieces for under $20. Wearhouse is a definite must for any shopping trip down market st.” – Holly G. South Brunswick, M.E. http://www.yelp.com/biz/wear-house-portsmouth?osq=Consignment

Now, if you can’t make it over to Portsmouth for whatever reason, there is a place called Monkey’s Treasure’s in Dover that may have something you’re looking for. They are advertised as inexpensive and are known for carrying children’s clothes, women’s garments, as well as men’s. The only downside if you’re looking to consign clothes, is they pay you in store credit. Nonetheless this is another good place to look if you’re in the area and are on a budget! http://www.yelp.com/biz/monkey-treasures-dover

Finally, last but not least, check out this downtown Durham spot that is not only a thrift shop, but is an economic and environmentally friendly spot! Echo thrift shop provides ‘gently’ used clothing available for men, women, and children, for very reasonable prices. Twenty five percent of all Echo’s proceeds go to organizations and individuals in need. This is a perfect local spot that truly knows what it means to re-use, recycle, and do good. Check them out at the Community Church of Durham, open weekly 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. https://www.facebook.com/Echothriftshop/  http://ccdurham.org/echo-community-thrift-shop/

As students, it can be easy to find ourselves online shopping and saving money as we’re doing it, but there are more sustainable ways we shop. All you need is either a friend with a car, or your UNH student I.D. and the Wildcat Bus schedule, and you can find yourself at most of these places within 20 minutes! We collectively can make a difference with a little bit of research and the good will to be well!

We flew into D.C. on the first Sunday of spring break, and left for home late that following Wednesday; and in those few days we managed to meet a plethora of alumni, learn about what they do, and channel into the real world for a little while.  I have to say that meeting with the alumni was most definitely the highlight of the trip for me.  Each one had their own approach to their career, and all of them gave us great insight to what we would be stepping into three years from now. The opportunity to peek into some of their worlds for even a few hours was beyond generous; for example, being at the Ritz-Carlton headquarters and witnessing their daily  morning reviews with the entire work team, and dining at The Walrus Oyster & Ale House, a newly opened restaurant at National Harbor, hosted by an alum who is a partial owner and runs a restaurant management group.

In addition to more established alums, we were also able to meet and connect with recent graduates over dinner on our first night in the city – a real treat!  It was great to see what directions they took and what their careers looked like only a few years out of college.  It made our futures seem a lot easier to grasp, and in ways, much less intimidating.  From speaking with all of these interesting and unique alumni, I have taken away a much more open mindset.  Each of them, in their own way, expressed how being open to change and new concepts, or even career paths is key; whether it be choosing to studying abroad when you’re not 100% sold on the idea, or changing your entire career path midway through life, or just deciding to start your own business after years of working within a larger company.  Change is good, and in today’s day and age almost inevitable; our UNH alumni expressed that while outlining the great possibilities that come from new job offerings, different internships, and potential majors.

The last great aspect of the trip to Washington, D.C. that I will highlight was the people that surrounded me.  I never would have thought that traveling with eleven other Paul College freshmen and our two advisors would have such an impact on me.  With the guidance of our two advisors I believe each of us grew professionally; and from my peers I can say that they each had their own influence on me.  Every one of us had something to bring to the table, and being surrounded by such like-minded individuals who were motivated and interested, made this trip a tremendous experience.  Coming back to UNH, I now have a group of people whom I didn’t know before, who all have a new outlook that we can take into Paul College together.

The FIRE trip to Washington, D.C. showed me that the University of New Hampshire has even more to offer than I had previously thought, and I intend to take full advantage of these resources and opportunities.  I believe that this has not only benefited me personally, and my colleagues who attended, but all of Paul College.  We were able to spread the word to our alumni about the FIRE Program and now we get to take all of the knowledge and experience we gained, and bring it back to UNH.

About Francesca Molinari:

Francesca Molinari is a motivated first-year student at the University of New Hampshire, majoring in Business Administration, Spanish, and International Affairs. She graduated from Queensbury High School, in New York, where she was involved in various clubs including National Honors Society, Spanish Club, and the Madrigal Singers.

At UNH, Francesca is an Igniter for the FIRE Program within the Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics, where she contributes to the betterment of the FIRE Program and helps with student involvement. She is also a member of The Campus Activities board, which organizes free events for students; and she works in the Center for International Education and Global Engagement, as an administrative assistant.

But I will admit, sometimes vegetables look a lot better than other times, and I almost think I could fall for them. When they’re looking crispy, with maybe just a bit of caramelization? Then I start to think, not bad, vegetables, not bad.

I’m talking, of course, about when vegetables are roasted. Which to my mind is the best possible way to have them. There are some vegetables that, when roasted, I might have an honest-to-goodness crush on. I like a roasted Brussels Sprouts, and roasted carrots, and I would definitely take a thin-sliced roasted beet out to dinner. Or maybe I wouldn’t, because what if I wanted to order something with beets in it? Things’d get real weird real fast.

Uh, anyway. This week, we’re going to take a look at how you roast vegetables. There are a lot of good reasons to include roasted vegetables in your meal: they’re good for you, they make a great side for pretty much anything, and we live in New England where there are lots of delicious vegetables that didn’t have to travel across the country to get to you. But also, I think roasting is objectively the best way to cook a vegetable. Lots and lots of scientific evidence supports that claim, probably. Maybe.

What Do I Need?

Tool-wise, you’re going to need:

• Baking sheet
• Spatula (the “turner” kind–the kind whose business end is rigid)
• Chef’s knife (or something to chop with—tomahawks not recommended)

Ingredients-wise, you’ll definitely need

• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

…but otherwise, this edition of The Basics is a little different. You’re going to need vegetables, obviously—probably the kind you don’t hate. But the nice thing about roasting vegetables is that you can make all sorts of interesting combinations. Rather than memorize a separate procedure for each, it’s better to just remember these three categories:

Sturdiness
This has to do with how much time in the oven it’ll need. Root vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and turnips are a lot of vegetable, and they need more time. Some squash, like butternut and acorn, are not root vegetables, but they’re pretty heavy. Maybe the best test for this is to imagine dropping one of these on your roommate’s bare foot. The more you imagine it’d hurt, the sturdier the vegetable is. HEY! I said imagine doing it!

How Small Are the Pieces?
Before you roast your vegetables, you’ll want to cut them up. The smaller the pieces you cut them into, the faster everything will roast. Maybe the best test for this is to imagine throwing one of the pieces you’ve cut at your roommate’s forehead. The more annoyed he is, the longer it’ll take to—okay, this joke’s gone too far.

Is It in Season?
There are lots of great reasons to eat vegetables that are in season. High on that list is the obvious THEY TASTE WAY BETTER. Also high on the list is that it’s probably not great for the future of the planet to eat things that have to be shipped from 3,000 miles away. If the prospect of worrying about whether or not all your vegetables are in season seems overwhelming, let me just suggest you take it one at a time. It’s not the end of the world (well, maybe it is, but thinking about that will def make you panic) if you take a little time to become really acquainted with the foods you like.

The reason I introduce these categories is so that you can think about any mix of vegetables you might want to work with. Here, I’m going to cauliflower, carrots, and a sweet potato:

Naturally, the sweet potato would hurt the most if you dropped it on your roommate’s bare foot. This means it’s going to take a little longer to cook. But also, if you imagine a carrot as thick as a sweet potato, you can appreciate how that’d be equally unpleasant for said roommate. (Carrots and sweet potatoes are both root vegetables, which are generally dense and take a while to cook.) Cauliflower, on the other hand, wouldn’t be quite so painful, so I’ll plan to add that after the carrots and sweet potato have cooked a while.

Okay, I’ve Picked Some Vegetables. Now What?

First, you’re going to chop them into whatever size you want. Remember, the smaller the pieces are, the faster they’ll cook. It also means they’ll burn faster, so if you’re not a fan of crunchy vegetables, leave the pieces bigger. Most importantly, remember that the outside always cooks faster than the inside. So, if you cut huge pieces, you’re risking the outside getting crispy while the inside remains raw.

Important Tangent
Now, obviously, the most important takeaway from all this is, if you want to make homemade chips, you cut your vegetables into razor-thin slices. You can do this with potatoes and sweet potatoes obviously—but also with (and you should totally try this) beets. Do not throw a beet chip at your roommate. He’ll just eat it and be grateful. No fun at all.

Second, once you’ve them cut, toss them generously with olive oil (you can do this right on the baking sheet) and a little salt. Pepper is probably best added at the end.

Third, it’s time to make some decisions about seasoning. Another nice thing about vegetables is that you can season them with pretty much any herb or spice you want. My favorite combinations are:

• Garlic, salt, and pepper (obviously)
• Rosemary, Thyme, salt, and pepper
• Basil and black pepper
• Sage, lemon, butter, and pepper (okay, some of those aren’t herbs, but this is delicious)

Red pepper flakes are always a good idea too.

Advanced technique: don’t add all the seasoning at once. Instead, “layer” it in by adding some of it each time you stir (see below). This will create different and interesting flavors.

Finally: Actually Roasting

Rather than say how long you should leave the vegetables in the oven for, I’m going to recommend the following three-step process:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Roast for 15 minutes and then stir vegetables with spatula. (You can also add your less-sturdy vegetables once you’ve done this once).
3. If they’re not done, repeat step 2. If they are, take them out and throw them at your—err, serve them with dinner.

Cook for 15 minutes and then add your less-dense vegetables (like cauliflower)

Almost done!

How Do I Know When They’re Done?
You can expect them to take around 40 minutes (depending on how much you’re cooking and how large the pieces are). But the real way you know that roasted vegetables are done is, you taste one. If it’s delicious–or, depending on your attitude about vegetables, if somebody else who likes vegetables would think it’s delicious–it’s ready! Put ’em in a bowl and serve next to pretty much anything.

 NOURISH Nutrition Peer Education can help you learn more about eating well at UNH. 

College Woods:

Most people think of T-Hall when they’re asked about the most beautiful places on campus, but no one really thinks of the great expanse of forest that we call College Woods. Home to both a natural, preserved area and a recently cut area, the woods provide the perfect opportunity for discovery and research for students,faculty, and staff at UNH. But it’s vast network of paths opens it up to more than just researchers. Venture deep into the woods on a sunny day and you’ll pass runners, bikers, families, hammockers, and maybe even a class or two. The best part about this particular get-away is that it’s so close to home. With entrances all over the UNH campus, you’re never too far away from the woods at UNH. There are entrances by the Field House, along Mill Road, and even one over by West Edge. The paths will take you down by the Oyster River, where ice is still flowing, all the way to the train tracks by Mill Road. If you find yourself without a car on campus, this is definitely the best place for a nature walk as it is so close to home. And don’t worry about getting lost, the trails are easy to follow and usually end at a fairly recognizable part of campus!

Kingman Farm:

Located on Route 155 in Madbury, Kingman Farm is a beautiful area just three miles from campus. The area is owned by UNH is used for educational field experience for those in the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment. But of the 330 acres of land, 230 acres is strictly woodland. This vast expanse includes a beautiful trail system used year round for nature walks, biking, cross-country skiing, and even snowmobiling! Not only is there a huge system of paths to take, but wetlands nearby, Kingman is known for its wildlife. If you’re lucky, you might come across all sorts of cool creatures on your travels!

Isinglass River:

This one’s a bit farther from campus, but it’s definitely one of the prettiest nature walks in New Hampshire. Located in Rochester, NH, the 2 mile path takes you down to the Isinglass River and more importantly, to the amazing waterfall found there. Locke’s Falls, during the warmer months of the year, provides the perfect cliff diving spot for all you daredevil Wildcats out there. The Falls, as early as April or May, is warm enough to swim in and is the perfect spot to bring your friends or your dog! The trail is well kept and quite beautiful. The rocks along the coast of the Isinglass River are particularly nice as they have large quantities of mica in them, which make them sparkle in the sunshine, along with the sun reflecting off of the river. Grab your swimsuit and head over once the weather warms up!

Adams Point:

While this hike is about 15 minutes drive from campus, it is my absolute favorite area to watch the sunrise or sunset. Located on the coast of Great Bay, Adams Point is home to UNH’s Jackson Estuarine Lab. At first, all the walk seems to be is a huge expanse of meadow. Yet farther down, you’ll come to the edge of the water. Try to time your walk at low tide, as the beach of rocks is incredible. The coast of Adams Point is home to some of the oldest rock formations in the area, which are absolutely perfect for skipping. The hike takes you full circle around a 1.5 mile stretch, almost 100% right on the water. The area features plenty of rock outcroppings perfect for laying back and watching the sunset, sturdy trees for climbing, and even a geocache or two (if you can find them). If you have a car on campus, or a friend with one, head out around an hour before sunset to this gorgeous spot and escape to nature for a while.

It may not seem like there’s a ton of nature to explore on a college campus, but luckily, we’re not in the middle of a bustling city. We live in Durham, NH, a town surrounded by forest teeming with life. Not only that, but we live no more than 20 minutes away from Great Bay, and only slightly farther from the seacoast! So I implore you, explore the bus routes, ask your friends, or just walk to College Woods, but find somewhere that makes you appreciate nature again. We need the occasional escape from the constant emails, relentless Facebook notifications, and Blackboard updates. So when you’re done reading this, find a friend, head out to one of these beautiful spots, consider leaving your phones behind (or at least on Do Not Disturb), and just go enjoy nature for a little while. I think you’ll like what you find.

How do we, as in the community as a whole, begin to eradicate the prejudices that are tied to disabilities?

This was one of the major themes from Tuesday night’s UNH Students with Disabilities panel discussion. Students and members of the community gathered at the Memorial Union Building for a conversation about chronic illness and disabilities, driven by a panel of four students.

“I’m becoming a human being again; for so long I was not,” said Christopher, a sophomore who suffered a traumatic brain injury four years ago. He described it as an “invisible wound,” one that spawned his interest in neuroscience. “I’m intrigued by what I’ve been given back through hard work,” he said.

A positive attitude, like Christopher’s, resonated through all the students’ experiences. Rebecca, a student who’s been studying at UNH for more than four years, finds relief from her chronic pain through blogging as well as utilizing the resources at Health Services, such as yoga and reiki. Rebecca also meets with UNH nutritionists, who offer specific diet regimens based on her needs.

We don’t often think of mobility impairments until they affect us or someone we are close to. The University of New Hampshire has always worked to accommodate all students. Kevin, one of the panelists, said the services at UNH have “enabled [him] to excel.” He recalled the winter of 2015 being the “worst year [he’s] seen,” but said the facilities staff and Wildcat Access Van did a great job making paths wheelchair-accessible.

Academically, the university has been working with Kevin to help him fulfill the requirements for his Spanish major. “UNH has been extremely helpful in working with me, with my specific challenges as a Spanish major,” he said. Studying abroad “takes a lot more planning…the university is fine with that; they understand there are those extra things that go into study abroad.”

The university has also been supportive of students creating schedules to best suit their needs. “I’m on a different path than most, but that’s ok,” says Rebecca, whose professors have arranged a reduced course load that works with her schedule.

Leah, a therapeutic recreation major, couldn’t agree more. Growing up, she said, she fell through the cracks. “I was never taught how to learn,” she said. Leah credits the academic assistance from DSS  as being instrumental to her success. “Without the access center, I wouldn’t be at college,” she said.

Shuttic said the DSS acts like “either a hand or net” to address whatever a student might be going through.

This message has spread across UNH. Students, professors and administrators alike not only want to continue to pursue this vision but also bring attention to the fact that disabilities affect all of us in one form or another.

Find more events like this on Wildcat Link.

Be sure to check out Darkness & Light: A Human Conversation with Eleven Wounded Veterans, featuring a film and panel discussion with veterans and photographer/filmmaker Thi Linh Wernau on March 22 at the MUB from 5 – 9 P.M. For more information, go to unh.edu/cspd.

Social

The 2015-16 UNH Social Team

First off, let’s talk about UNH’s social media resources. The #UNHSocial team is made up of six dedicated students and two managers who run many of the university’s main accounts. You should be sure to follow these accounts ASAP! Particularly UNH Students on Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat. Through these social media resources, you can interact with us, ask questions or find out what is going on around campus.

Beyond following UNH’s social media accounts, you can go to our website to learn more about social media etiquette, safety tips, best practices, and more. This is also where you can find the university’s social media directory, which gives you other ways to get in touch with dozens of different departments, clubs and colleges.

Available for iOS and Android devices.

In addition to checking out our website, you should download our app! The UNH Mobile app is the perfect resource for whatever you need to know about campus. Looking for what time the puck drops at this weekend’s game? Not sure when the dining halls close? Wondering when the next Campus Connector is coming? The UNH Mobile app has answers to all these questions and more.

Academic

UNH wants you to succeed and gives you access to resources to help make that happen. Here are just a few academic resources to bookmark as you begin your UNH experience.

Academic Calendar – The master calendar lets you pick and choose the events you want to attend. By selecting “Academic,” you can see all of the important dates that relate to the academic year including the start of term, breaks and finals.

Blackboard/myCourses – Whether you are taking an online course or a traditional class, make sure you are familiar with these sites. Blackboard is the most important, as it is your connection to course registration, housing assignments, final grades and much more. You will frequently use both sites to find assignments, syllabi and everything you need to know to pass your course. Blackboard and myCourses both feature discussion posting, which your professor may use to further class discussions or to supplement what is going on in class. If you only bookmark one site today, make sure that it is one of these two!

Advising and Career Center (UACC) – Located in Hood House, the UACC is an important resource. If you are an undeclared liberal arts, provisional English or provisional psychology student, this is where you will get your academic advising. The advisors work with you as you navigate through your first year of college. They help you pick classes and decide where to go next should you want to switch majors. In addition to helping you navigate your first year, the UACC is where to go for help moving to the next step: a career. Career advisors will help you with your resume, get you prepared for interviews and give you the information you need to succeed after your time at UNH.

Center for Academic Resources (CFAR) – This may be one of the most important yet underutilized resources on campus. At CFAR, you can get the help you need to succeed in the college classroom. At CFAR’s offices in Smith Hall, you can receive academic coaching, help with GRE prep and assistance improving your study skills. Don’t have time to stop in for an appointment? Check out their website for some great information.

Registrar’s Office – Are you looking for more information on class registration? Do you have a question about your GPA or about whether a class counts toward a discovery credit? The Registrar’s Office, located in Stoke Hall, is the place to go!

Center for International Education (CIE) – For many Wildcats, no college experience is complete without some kind of study abroad. CIE can help you realize your dream of heading off to any number of places through UNH-managed programs and exchange programs. Located in Hood House [although COLA study abroad offices are located in Murkland Hall], you can get all of your questions answered and find information about the dozens of programs being offered every semester

ID Office – If you lose your student ID card, you could struggle with academic issues such as being able to print your term papers! If you need to replace your student ID, head on over to Holloway Commons. You’ll need a photo ID, a $25 replacement fee and the form for a replacement ID, which can be found here.

Wellness

Health Services located on Pettee Brook Lane.

Health Services – Located near Paul College on Pettee Brook Lane, Health Services is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday noon – 4 p.m. Here, you can receive medical care and counseling and participate in educational programs. Health Services also has an on-campus pharmacy to help you save money on your prescriptions. It’s easy to schedule an appointment for medical care, health education/counseling, massage therapy/light therapy/biofeedback or medical acupuncture/hypnosis by using their online scheduling program or calling.

Healthy UNH – This program began in 2008 as a way to help members of the UNH community make healthy choices. You can learn about these choices on their blog and find resources about nutrition, physical activity, mental wellness and healthcare consumerism.

SHARPP – The Sexual Harassment and Rape Prevention Program on campus works to provide education and outreach while also offering direct service to victims of sexual assault or rape on campus. Throughout the year SHARPP hosts events across campus to raise awareness, with campaigns such as 1 Blue String, the Anti-Violence Rally and Walk and the Clothesline Project.

UNH has extensive resources to help you realize success here on campus. There’s a reason why our alumni are rated as more likely than their peers to be thriving in all five elements of well-being (financial, physical, community, purpose and social). Take advantage of these resources and know that success can be yours.

You won’t believe how much this campus has to offer until you take some time to see and experience it. Your tour guide only gives you a snapshot, so let’s talk about some of the important things you need to know about the Durham campus.

Dining

The one thing that you really don’t get a feel for until you arrive at college is your school’s dining options. Sure, you get to enjoy a meal when you come for a tour, depending on the time of year, but it is nothing like having meals there everyday. Plus, tours don’t show you the amazing themed dinners and everything else that dining has to offer! Luckily, at UNH, we have award-winning dining services and many options available to you on a daily basis. So, where can you chow down? Well…

Holloway Commons – HoCo is the largest dining hall on campus that will have just finished its expansion by the start of the fall 2016 semester. This campus favorite is known for sushi, stir fry, and brick oven pizza — yum! Looking for something to grab and go in the morning? Dunkin’ Donuts is there to welcome you to HoCo and help you get your morning coffee fix.

Philbrook Dining Hall – Philly, as it is called, is a popular meeting place for students across campus. Home to late-night hours and all-day breakfast, Philly can serve your every need. Looking to just grab something and go? Stop by the Philbrook Cafe, also known as the Pita Pit, for your convenience store needs.

Stillings Dining Hall – Stillings is the smallest dining hall on campus but this is not one to skip, especially when it is State Fair night! This hall is known for daily quesadillas, made-to-order deli sandwiches, and some of the best views of the Hills area of campus. If you’re looking for something quick or greasy after the dining halls are closed, Stillings is also home to Wildcattessen. Wildkitty, as it is lovingly called, is our late-night dining option all week. The grill and convenience store offer all the options your heart, or rather your stomach, desires.

So with three amazing dining halls, what else could Dining Services offer? Well, if you don’t feel like hitting up the all-day dining or are just looking for a quick snack or coffee, they still have you covered! Here are a few more options:

Albert’s – Are you spending most of your day in Kingsbury Hall? Stop by this little cafe for a pick-me-up. Located in the northwest lobby of this hub for engineering majors.

CornerStone 1926 – Are you a business major or just passing through the Paul College courtyard? Need a caffeine boost? Stop by this on-campus cafe for sandwiches, snacks, and some of your favorite Starbucks drinks!

Dairy Bar – This option may seem out of the way but it is well worth the trek. Plus, it’s the perfect place to grab a bite while waiting for the Amtrak Downeaster if you’re leaving campus for the day or weekend! Here you can enjoy local produce packed into amazing salads and sandwiches and some of the best ice cream in town!

Union Court – Chances are you’ll pass through the MUB at some point during the day. If you’re not willing to brave the lunch rush at HoCo or are just looking for something different, UC may have exactly what you’re looking for, with numerous grab-and-go options along with made-to-order meals from Creative Greens (salads), Freshens (smoothies), Serrano (Southwestern cuisine), Chick’n Kitchen (fried foods), and Artisan Fresh (sandwiches).

Zeke’s Cafe – This will most likely become one of your late-night study session favorites. This cafe, located in Dimond Library, is open late to help fuel success in your classes. Offering Starbucks drinks, cookies, and other snack options, Zeke’s is the place to get that burst of energy to keep you going!

All of these establishments take Cat’s Cache, Dining Dollars, cash, and most major credit cards. Want to know what’s open and when? Download the UNH Mobile app and check the dining page! Not a fan of lines? Make sure to set up a Tapingo account through their app in order to cut the line!

For those of you looking for dining off campus, Durham has many options just feet from campus. Read about the new options here!

Housing

So, now that you know where to keep yourself fed, how about finding out where to live? UNH has 28 residence halls to fit the college experience you want to have. Housing on campus is divided into three areas: The Hills, The Valley, and The Timbers. Now, as a freshman, you won’t have the chance to live in some of these dorms, but all of the dorms offer a great introduction to campus. Trust me, you don’t want to miss out on the ups, downs, and lessons that living in a dorm will give you — I lived in on-campus housing all four years! Let’s look at just a few of the dorms based on theme.

First-Year Students Only

Some of you may want to live only with other first-year students during your first year on campus. Alexander Hall, Christensen Hall, Lord Hall, Richardson House, and Williamson Hall offer just that! These communities help provide you with the support you may want or need to make it through your first year of college. Students living in these halls may also be in similar classes to you or have similar interests. Bonus: If you live in Alexander Hall, which is now a Learning Community, all residents will have at least one class together!

Alexander Hall, located in New Quad.

Alcohol- and Drug-Free Living

If you want to live in a place where the students around you have a commitment to live alcohol- and drug-free, Engelhardt Hall is the place for you. You can read all about it here!

Engelhardt Hall, located in Lower Quad

Honors and Making the Grade

If you are a student who holds yourself to high academic standards and wants to be surrounded by Wildcats who do the same, Hubbard Hall should be your home! Read more about the honors dorm here.

International Living

If you want to live in a place with a lot of diversity, Fairchild Hall may be the place for you. Fairchild is a smaller dorm that many international students on campus call home. This gives all of the students who live in this residence hall a slightly different dorm experience in that they interact on a daily basis with students from other cultures. The residents of this hall also work together to bring campus the International Food Luncheon during International Education Week in November.

Fairchild Hall showing some international pride with flags during First Year Move In.

Leadership

If you consider yourself a leader or want to continue to hone your leadership skills, Hunter Hall should be at the top of your housing wish list. A mix of freshmen and upperclassmen, there are some great opportunities to grow and develop your leadership connections here.  

Outdoor Experiential Living

Do you like being outside? Want to live with others who enjoy the great outdoors? Hall House is the place to be! There, adventure is the best way to learn! You can learn more about Hall House here.

The Clubhouse

Go Wildcats! If sports are something that you enjoy, take part in, or want to do, you should consider Gibbs Hall. This small community focuses on sports, wellness, and health throughout the year as a way for its residents to get to know one another.

Don’t see a theme that catches your eye? Check out the UNH Housing website to find out more about all of the housing options available to you.

UNH offers something for everyone, you just need to know where to start looking to find the best fit.

Sean O’Connell: “Sometimes I don’t. If I like a moment, I mean, ME, personally. I don’t like to have the distraction of the camera. I just want to stay…in it.”

This is an exchange between Walter Mitty and Sean O’Connell, played by Ben Stiller (Walter) and Sean Penn (Sean) from the movie The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. For those who have not seen
 the motion picture, here’s a little explanation behind the scene. Sean O’Connell is a photographer for LIFE magazine and is waiting on a ridge to capture the snow leopard a.k.a the “Ghost Cat” when Walter finds him, completing his movie-long journey. Sean does not take the picture when the snow leopard appears and Walter asks why, in which Sean answers with his reply from the dialogue above.

This exchange perfectly describes my philosophy on photography which I’ve followed ever since I started shooting pictures with my iPhone 4 back in 2012. I believe that there are moments in life that are too pure, too amazing, too remarkable to capture with a camera or any other mean of recording. As a first-year student in the Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics, I have had so many of these moments from opportunities to network and get my name out into the professional world, to meeting incredible individuals who are always willing to assist me in developing my skills to making sure I am ready for anything that gets thrown at me.

The saying goes: “A picture is worth a thousand words”. However, I like to believe some moments are worth a thousand pictures, in that all of the emotions that can be felt from just one picture cannot fully express some of the moments we’ve all experienced or will experience. It is in these moments that the camera is a distraction. It is in these moments that no words, no pictures, no form of recording from any perspective other than your own eyes and mind, can fully capture the emotion in that moment. These moments and experiences are the “Ghost Cats” in photography.

I have had plenty of these moments in my first year here at UNH, so many in fact that I could not physically take advantage of all of them. Because of this I am extremely thankful and grateful of the plethora of opportunities I have been presented with. Most of which have been through Paul College’s FIRE Program.

As Ruth brought up in her post a couple of weeks ago, students who came to UNH from small high schools with small graduate classes, like myself, might feel overwhelmed by the size of UNH and find it hard to stick out from the crowd. I graduated from Lowell Catholic High School with a senior class of 96 students and a total school population of roughly 400, so coming to a university that is almost 40 times larger is definitely overwhelming. My first semester was tough because I got too involved (yes that’s a thing) and couldn’t handle the work load. However, through the FIRE Program it helped me realize the things that were really important and how to work to make sure I was moving in the right direction while also helping the transition into college smoother. On top of that, I was selected to be a FIRE Igniter.

As an Igniter, my role is to act as an active member on the FIRE Program’s student-advisory board. I, along with the rest of the FIRE Igniters, act as program designers to help mold the FIRE Program to fit the needs of first-year, Paul College students to get them on track and get ahead of the game. To be selected out of the 650 other freshman means so much to me and helped raise my confidence to go out and be more proactive in my studies and personal interests, such as my photography.

The FIRE Program has been a large provider for what I now call “Ghost Cat” moments for and for everyone I know in the business school here at UNH. The FIRE Program moves me to give back and encourages me to do my best as an Igniter to provide more of these moments, opportunities, and experiences for present and future FIRE students. I want to pass on the opportunities I have been given and watch others discover their own “Ghost Cat” moments. Maybe by doing so, I can give someone the experiences they need to show them their purpose or their ultimate goal in life. Maybe, because of my role as an Igniter, I can give someone the thing they need that will allow them to figure out a way to capture these “Ghost Cat” moments. But until that happens, I’m going to stick to taking pictures.

About Matthew Santangelo:

Matthew is an excited first year student in the Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics studying Business Administration and looking to focus on Entrepreneurial Studies. He is a graduate of Lowell Catholic High School and grew up in Pelham, NH. While in high school, he was on the varsity soccer team and was recognized by his coach to receive the Unsung Hero Award. He was also the President of the National Art Honors Society and an active member of the school organization S.A.D.D. (Students Against Destructive Decisions).

However, the highlight of his high school experience was becoming a published author at age 17 for a piece that was featured in a book titled “Little by Little We Fill the Cup”. The book was a fundraiser to build a clean water well on the school grounds of the Margret Okari Children’s School for orphan children in Kisii, Kenya and features written works by authors from the United States, United Kingdom, and even children from the Margret Okari School in Africa.

Currently, he is a member of the Residents Hall Association as the McLaughlin Hall rep, as well as being the R.H.A. rep of his hall council. Matt also participates in UNH intramurals and is an active member of the FIRE Igniters student-advisory board.

All About UNH

Let me, as a senior, tell you all about UNH. Or at least everything you need to know. The University of New Hampshire is a place where you will learn not only about your major of choice but also about yourself. You’ll undergo more personal growth here during the next four years than at any other time in your life, arguably. You’ll make friends, meet leaders in your field, and get to feel like part of a great family. From day one you’ll see that Wildcat Country has more than a degree to offer you. It offers excitement. You’ll watch the Wildcats take on the University of Maine Black Bears in the Whitt. You’ll hear the crack of helmets as the football team works its way to another NCAA FCS playoff. You’ll be moved by the extraordinary work of the university’s Theatre and Dance program. You’ll laugh at the comedians who visit campus, and you’ll wish that bingo wasn’t just once a month.

You, the class of 2020, are coming to campus at a very important time; it is an election year, and that means between August and November 1, you’ll likely see a lot of presidential candidates. And then you’ll see the whole election process start again during your senior year. That’s what happened to me: I came to UNH during the Obama/Romney election year and I’m graduating as presidential candidates like Bernie Sanders, Hillary Clinton, John Kasich, and Ben Carson are coming through campus. Let me tell you, it is quite the experience (you can read about mine here), and it is one that you can really only get at UNH.

June Orientation

Your first real day as a Wildcat begins sometime in June during Freshman Orientation, registration for which opens on April 19. This one- or two- day program is filled with experiences to get you ready for move in and the start of your college career in August. During these days on campus you will meet with an academic advisor who will help you choose and register for fall 2016 classes. Once that is done, you’ll be handed a printout of your course schedule and be sent on your way to get your student ID photo taken. While taking care of some paperwork, you’ll learn even more about what UNH has to offer while meeting other new students who are just as excited to be coming here as you! So get excited, you’re a Wildcat now!

Wildcat Days

It is the weekend before classes begin and you are officially a college freshman. Welcome to Wildcat Days! You just took the next big step in your life. Over the next few days, before the upperclassmen move in, campus is yours. But that doesn’t mean you have nothing left to do before classes begin. In the midst of unpacking and getting to know your roommate, there are a whole bunch of activities and events planned to get you ready for campus life. On the first day, you can expect to say goodbye to your family before your class picture and dinner with your hall. Later, you’ll learn the rules and meet your resident assistant. Then it’s off to see WildACTS perform some skits about campus life.

The next day, you’ll meet with your college(s) and departments. Then it’s time for the Cat Pack Rally, where the Cat Pack Captains will teach you all you need to know about cheering on your Wildcats. That night, after a barbecue, it’s time for Jukebox. This is a great event that you should not miss. You’ll get some free UNH gear, make memories, and start finding out about the clubs on campus.

From this point on, your Wildcat experience is up to you.

Terms to Know

Now, all of that may seem a bit much over just a few days. But you can start studying right now! Here are a few terms that you’ll want to know when you get to campus!

MUB – The Memorial Union Building
This is, truly, the heart of campus. Bored? Stop by anytime. Inside you’ll find the movie theatre, game room, lounges, major campus events, and much more. There’s also Union Court, our campus food court, where you can grab smoothies, sandwiches, burritos, salads, and a other choice selections. On the lower level there’s the UNH Bookstore, where you can find anything from emergency dorm needs to textbooks and school supplies and whatever UNH gear you can think of.

HoCo – Holloway Commons
Connected to the MUB, this is the main dining hall on campus and it just went through a major expansion. Inside HoCo, you’ll find students carrying around trays of food as they choose from the many selections offered at the grill, pizzeria, vegan, sizzle, deli, or stir-fry stations. Grab a seat and find exactly what you’re craving from the many options. Don’t see something you want? You can easily make your own waffles, grilled cheese, or anything you can think of with the help of the waffle irons and panini presses!

Philly – Philbrook Dining Hall
Home to the all-day breakfast and late night hours, Philly offers great options for the many students living and learning nearby.

Stills – Stillings Dining Hall
This smallest dining hall on campus features daily quesadillas and made-to-order sandwiches. Yum!  

Wildkitty – Wildcatessen
A late-night favorite for students living in the Hills and Valley area. If you’re looking for something greasy and different from what the other dining halls are serving up, this is the place for you! Wildkitty also features a convenience store and grab-and-go meals.

The Whitt – The Whittemore Center
This is where large events like concerts happen on campus and where Wildcat fans gather for hockey games. 

PAWS – Pre-Orientation Adventures for Wildcats

Connect – A pre-orientation program that offers multicultural, low-income, first-generation college students a jump start on college life.

PrOVES – Pre-Orientation Volunteer Experience

Note: This is an updated version of the Freshmen Guide written in 2014. The original series can still be found on UNHTales.com. This updated series will include new and updated information for the class of 2020. 

Boston, one of the major cities of the northeast, is also one of the easiest rides to and from the UNH Durham Campus. Whether you know it or not, students at the University of New Hampshire are only an hour and a half via Amtrak to North Station which makes several trips up and down the coasts of New Hampshire, Maine and the north shore. Being a college student also affords you certain things, like discounts and advantage programs. Something that becomes more prevalent as you go to bigger cities, like Boston. Whether its the museums or the attractions, a College I.D. makes traveling that much more affordable. It also helps when I end the day looking at my wallet to see if I can still get that cup of coffee the next morning before class.

Here are our Top Discounts in Boston for you:

Getting to Boston
Getting there is half the fun! Living on campus gives students access to the Amtrak Downeaster, the local commuter train that goes from Boston to Portland daily. Tickets run about $36 – $38 round trip (Saver and Value prices). However two alternatives include the student advantage card and the 6Tix Pass. The student advantage card which costs $20 for the year you’ll receive 10% off each time you choose Amtrak while the 6Tix Pass allows one traveller to pay $86 for 6 One-Way tickets that must be used within the year (365-days).

MFA (Museum of Free Arts?)

Want to spend less money? Free with your UNH tuition, you can spend the day at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) discovering Asia, Europe, the Americas through historical artifacts and contemporary art. This awesome discount, thanks to the McLane Family’s New Hampshire Student Membership Program, also offers an additional 10% off of purchases at the gift store as well. Going with a friend? If their school is not part of the program then they can still use their college ID to get $2 off of their ticket. (UNH- Free, Other College- $23/person)

Isabella S. Gardner Museum

Only $5 with a Student ID and free on your birthday visiting the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum brings you one of the best kept secrets of Boston, it’s historical wonders. Featuring paintings amongst  art such as horticulture, “the science and art of growing fruits, vegetables, flowers, or ornamental plants” you are transported to an old world. Inside the courtyard are Orchids, Nasturtium and chrysanthemums, all which bloom during different times of the year ever changing the color of the room.

Skywalk!

Looking for some #instaunh photos of you showing off your Wildcat Pride? Go to the Skywalk at the Prudential Center outside of the Hynes Convention Center and receive a $3 discount on admission with your I.D., originally $16 per person. Being fifty stories above Boston’s street gives you views as far as the eye can see. Some locations visible from the observation deck include Logan International Airport, Fenway Park, the Charles River Basin, the Citgo  Sign as well as schools like Northeastern, BU and MIT. (Any College ID- $13/person)

Many first-year students are coming from high schools that had rather small graduating class sizes and for them to step into a university population of 15,000 students can be somewhat overwhelming. As a Paul College freshman, I have been fortunate to be a part of the FIRE Program that allows for smaller group discussion. It is relaxing to know that while we have the overall UNH class of 2019, we also have the freshmen class in Paul College of 650, which again gets narrowed down into our FIRE groups of 20-25 students.

The benefits one gains from being part of a team change over time. It is important to start with a strong foundation and the FIRE program at Paul College is here to provide a stable starting place. My FIRE team’s name is District Twelve and is made up primarily of hospitality management majors. Our peer advisor is Jessica Hill, who is minoring in hospitality management. She is the backbone of the team and provides leadership and a central guide. There are only two FIRE teams made up of hospitality students which allows us for more connections and recognizable faces. There are around 20 people in my fire group and we all have almost identical schedules. To most, this is definitely a benefit. While we have classes with other business students it is always nice to see a familiar face sprinkled in, or someone to relate to. It is nice to be able to meet with the small group once a week to vent or ask questions. Students in my group frequently discuss common assignments, frustration with a teacher, or confusion regarding upcoming events. The small group atmosphere allows students who are shy, or like the majority are insecure about talking into a microphone in a class of 200 people, to ask clarifying questions and speak up.

I have friends in other colleges, such as liberal arts, here at UNH who feel disconnected from their peers by not meeting people in their classes or major. They were not provided with the unique opportunity to connect with students with common interests, thus left feeling disassociated from others in their program of study. The primary thing that ties us all together is our major which allows for a variety of personalities, interest, and stories.

In my FIRE team we have a frequently used group chat, we have hosted study groups together, and I have enjoyed meeting for coffee with various people from my FIRE group. I feel more confident knowing I have friends within my major, and can rely on them for support. The point of the FIRE group is not to force us together and make everyone best friends, but if each individual gains the ability to say hi to one more person, or even make a friend, on campus the social goal of FIRE has been met. Since the selection process was random rather than hand selected the teams are not all perfect. Some teams get along and truly clicked, inspiring other teams, while others have chosen to not embrace the team aspect FIRE provides.

For many students, as well as myself, the FIRE teams have made the transition into college more secure allowing for greater self-assurance. Being both an Igniter and a member of a FIRE team has allowed me to do so much networking right from the start. I am already gaining and practicing the essentials skills I will need to present myself professionally in the future. I have connected with several people in my particular field of study, event management, and have been able to hear about their experiences and pick their brains to uncover the secrets of the industry. Personally, these opportunities excite me and give me the drive to work harder and keep my eyes open to all the possibilities coming my way. I did not think it was possible to be noticed or to stand out in a school of 15,000 students, especially as a freshman. However, FIRE has allowed just that. If you truly apply yourself and keep an open mind it is possible to establish yourself early and make some profound connections right out of the gate. The FIRE Program has opened many doors that were once not available to freshmen in the past, allowing the freshman of Paul College to strive for the utmost academic and professional success.

About Ruth Smith:

Ruth Smith is an enthusiastic first year, hospitality management and ego-gastronomy dual-major student at the University of New Hampshire. She grew up in Franklin, TN and moved to Maine when she was 12. Ruth completed her education at Falmouth High School located in Falmouth, ME. There she was an involved member of the executive board for the National Honors Society, received a fine arts endorsement upon graduation, participated in varsity field hockey for three years, and 4-H for a total of 7 years. Throughout high school she was very involved, volunteering much of her time to her church and community.

Currently, Ruth is truly dedicated to her studies and is fully immersing herself in the culture here at UNH. Ruth is a member of Project Sunshine, PCMA (Professional Convention Management Associations), and was selected to be in Paul’s FIRE Igniters group. She is very excited to explore the opportunities here at Paul College, including the opportunities to go abroad. She attributes the majority of her success to her family and all of their encouragement.

Sports

Attend a UNH Hockey Game

Done! And done several times! So far, I’ve made it to six home games, which ruins my goal of attending all of the men’s home hockey games this year, but I’ll live. If you haven’t made it to a hockey game, you still have time. Here are  the schedules to the men’s and women’s teams. Trust me, you won’t want to miss out!

Attend a UNH Football Game

Done! Unfortunately, if you didn’t make it to this sporting event before Thanksgiving, you’re out of luck until next season. This year, our Wildcats made it to the first round of playoffs following a great victory over the University of Maine for the Brice Cowell Musket.

Go to At Least One Other Sporting Event You Wouldn’t Normally Attend

Check! November 21st was quite the day as the Wildcats took on UMaine in football, women’s hockey took on Providence College, men’s hockey took on Boston College and volleyball took on University at Albany for the America East Championships. Did I get to all of the games? No. Did I try? Oh yeah! And that is how I added volleyball to my list of sports I’ve attended in Wildcat Country, and the team made attending all the better as they took home a three-peat title for America East!

Seacoast and Beyond

Go to Downtown Portsmouth

Check! I made my way downtown multiple times during the fall semester, and, hopefully, you did too! Whether it was for the New Hampshire Film Festival, dinner at the Friendly Toast, brunch or just to explore, Porstmouth is always a great time. It might be cold now, but there is still time to check out all Portsmouth has to offer! Plus, there is always getting free movie tickets to the Music Hall with your student ID!

Stay Local and Explore Durham

Done. Honestly, who hasn’t done this yet? Well Durham is changing, and it may be time to do this bucket list item again as some new restaurants and shops are coming to town. So enjoy our little town, and check it off the list!

Take a Train Going Anywhere

Many times done! I love taking the Downeaster; I really do. Sure, it can run late, and that gives me a bit of anxiety, but it is really the best way to travel between campus and Boston (or Portland!). If you haven’t hopped on this Amtrak train yet, now is the time to do it! The Downeaster is offering $16 fares to any station stop during the month of January. Plus, they always have some kind of deal and the ever-popular $86 student six-tix, a six-pack of one-way tickets that let you take the train whenever you want. So be spontaneous!

On Campus

Outdoor Movies

I missed out on this campus favorite, but I hope you didn’t! If you did, you’ll just have to wait until the end of the semester when CAB puts on one last outdoor movie.

Photo With the Wildcat

Done. So done. I’ve got more photos with the Wildcat from last semester than I know what to do with. But that is okay! If you haven’t done it yet, a snowy Wildcat is just as photogenic as a sunny Wildcat!

Events at the MUB

Check that off the list! But I’ll keep going because I always have fun! If you haven’t been to either Bingo, a lecture, the movies or one of the many other events happening in the MUB, you have a whole semester to try and make it! Make sure to check out Wildcatlink for event dates.

Homecoming Parade

This campus tradition has come and gone for the year. It was so great to see President Huddleston marching along with the Wildcat community during this year’s parade, although I think we all wish that he was back out on his motorcycle instead. If you missed out this year, just wait until the fall!

Bonus

At the end of the original bucket list post, I included some fall events to try and catch. I was able to check off Haunted Overload, Homecoming, the first hockey game of the season, U-Day and the first football game of the season. How about you?

How did you do on the Bucket List so far? What other items made your list? Share with us by tweeting at @UNHStudent with the tag #UNHBucketList. Good luck with finishing the list!

Unlike the passive flower, we can create change within others and ourselves. However, sometimes we need a little guidance.  A person, event, or in this case a camp, to really make us look at who we are and what our purpose is; how to properly serve, support, and lead others.

How does one have such a transformative experience you might ask? The answer: go to Leadership Camp. I, along with 57 other leaders, took 5 days out of my winter break and disconnected from the world at Camp Merrowvista. Although it may seem intimidating at first to enter a place where opening up to others is almost contagious, the atmosphere is unlike anything I’ve experienced before.

At the end of the first day it was as though hours were days and strangers were high school friends.  After 9 hours of meeting new friends, we accomplished far more than I would have imagined. Of course the day was filled with icebreakers within the whole group, as well as in our smaller action packs, but more importantly we looked at who we are as leaders and who we want to be.  This was the start to a week filled with self-reflection.

Day two festivities started almost immediately after lifting our heads and filling our stomachs. Divided into small groups, we headed to the ropes course. Like many other students I’ve done ropes courses before, but never has there been this much chemistry between a groups of people. We untied our human knot in a matter of minutes, navigated through a spider web of ropes, completing the task without setting off any bells, and successfully lifted 12 people over a 13-foot wall. Upon reaching the wall we all had the same reaction of disbelief, they are having us do what? This isn’t going to happen! We all thought it but no one said it. Instead, each member of the team listened, planned, and acted to efficiently make this doubt a reality.

We learn how incredibly true Helen Keller’s quote, “Alone we can do so little. Together we can do so much” is. Without that team of people, we as individuals would not have been able to get over the wall that once seemed like a daunting task.  As soon as the last person made it over, we all felt so empowered. If we could conquer the wall, what couldn’t we conquer?

It wouldn’t take much longer for us to approach past walls unclimbed. We all have events, emotions, and thoughts that we’ve hidden from the world for various reasons.  However, this was about to change.  Sitting around a circle with five random people, we each spent a few minutes spilling our deepest secrets saying, “If you really knew me you would know that…” Speaking as someone who likes to shelter these things, there was something about sitting around that circle that made me feel comfortable.  By the end of the activity the air was heavy, but our minds were lightened.

Leaving those burdens behind, we were able to clearly think about what kind of change we wanted to see in the world as we made our way into working on our leadership action plans. These are our visions for the future and how we will reach that kind of world through specific goals. The task seemed daunting but we spent a large part of the rest of the week working on establishing a solid set of steps towards reaching those goals. The next three nights we were left thinking about these plans and the future.

To help us with our future, on the third day, we had the opportunity to speak to community members and alumni of UNH about their roles as leaders in their fields.  We spent a good part of the
morning with them, and the afternoon was spent building stronger relationships with fellow campers.

The fourth and final full day was spent primarily working on our action plans some more and reviewing everyone else’s. It was a great opportunity to see what the others were passionate about and to help them with their potentially impactful pursuit.

The seriousness of that day quickly changed once night rolled around.  As an action pack we created a skit about one of the lessons taught throughout the week. My group got, enabling others to act. We created the “cornbread clique”, a very closed-minded cornbread-loving group. However, through some eye-opening conversations, the clique quickly became inclusive to those who loved whole-wheat toast and other varieties of bread.  Though this skit contained much laughter, behind it all was a serious message about how to positively influence others to stand up for what is right.

Leadership camp shined some light on our blossoms. Even though it was only five days, by the end of the week it was easy to tell that we, as people and leaders, had changed. We felt empowered, like our voices could have an impact on the world because our voices could lead an army, and our actions could start a movement. We were all ready to get back to UNH to start a movement within the community. Personally, with my new found confident voice I was ready to be heard in my Igniter group (a subcommittee in the FIRE program) because there was a presentation in front of the Foundation and Alumni board just a few days later. Further more I was eager to start a moment in my FIRE class and my peers were ready to do the same in their organizations.

Not like the passive movement flowers have when they sway in the wind; we are more than that. We are the focuses of wind moving the flower and helping blossoms develop. If leadership camp has taught me anything, it is that our voices and actions can have more of a positive impact than we realize, we just need to learn how to use them to their fullest potential. We as leaders need find what makes us blossom.

About Emily Grone:

Emily Grone is a motivated first-year student at the University of New Hampshire where she studies Business Administration, hoping to focus on marketing and management.  She graduated from Gorham High School as salutatorian with the presidential scholarship to UNH. Grone was very involved in her high school as president of her class and National Honor Society along with being vice president of student council and chief editor of the yearbook.  In the summers, she owns her own ice cream shack called Scoggins Cool Shack and will return this summer as her 4^th year operating the business.

Currently at UNH, Emily is involved in student senate, women in business, and net impact. She is also part of the Igniters group. As a first-year business student she was part of a FIRE class and was recognized as a leader in her class, so she was chosen as an Igniter. These are the students who act an advisory board to help improve the program and motive more students. She is excited to see what the future has in store for FIRE.

For me, it has always been difficult to put myself out there. I’m not one for spontaneity. I like sticking to a plan. You won’t see me strolling in around 2 AM from a crowded party on campus. My idea of a good time is a night in, with a cup of chamomile tea, and switching on a good movie. (You catch my drift?)

If not for RAs, I wouldn’t be writing this article. I’d still be cooped up in my dorm room, unaware of the amazing opportunities waiting outside my door. Because of their encouragement, I discovered my passion for yoga, signed up for clubs, have gone to sporting events, have attended lectures in the MUB, and joined organizations bigger than myself. Some of my closest friends were made through channels hoed by my RAs.

Okay, enough sappiness– now that I’ve gushed over my RAs, I’m going to tell you how to become one.

Becoming a residential assistant is a long, competitive process. The staff at Res Life is looking for the best of the best: students who are willing to commit their time towards fellow students. Over the course of four weeks, hall directors will comb through applicants in search of those who can prove they are invested in fulfilling the position.

Sounds a bit daunting right? That’s why I sat down with RA Lauren Smith to divulge all you need to know about giving it your best shot.

Being an RA is like a balancing act: one moment you’re hanging with residents in the lounge, the next you’re filling out a report for a complaint. You want to be friendly, and “individualize with the residents” but also aware that you’re accountable for their safety. In regards to authority, aim for communication:

“Have people elaborate.”

“Be patient.”

and give others the “benefit of the doubt.”

What does that look like? Asking questions, having a conversation, and hearing each side of the story. This way, you can gain some perspective and find “common ground” that will bring you closer to a solution.

Of course, there is aspect of being social. RAs should be warm and welcoming, “someone who is approachable” and “peaks people’s interests” so that ultimately the student can be the best version of his or herself. Check in with residents down the hall: don’t just wish them luck on exams, but follow up after the fact. Keep the conversation going.

Lauren is a second year RA residing in the Upper Quad of campus. She is currently a junior working on her degree in sociology and justice studies.

Interested in being an RA next year? It’s not too late! Start the process here and submit your application by January 25^th.

Welcome back, Wildcats! After over a month away from campus (unless you took a J-Term) it can be difficult to get back into the swing of campus life. If you weren’t working or didn’t have a schedule similar to what your school schedule is, you may experience some post-winter-break struggles including, but not limited to: oversleeping, lack of interest, forgetting that classes are a thing, etc. But these, and the many other back to class problems you may experience, are all easily overcome. Here just a few easy ways to get back into life here at UNH.

Organize

Instead of living out of your suitcase or laundry basket until you run out of clean clothes, unpack and organize your living area ASAP! You might not see this as a major problem, but starting the spring semester off organized can help set the tone for the rest of the year. So unpack, make your bed, get your physical space organized. Once you do that, you can organize your mental space.

That’s right, we’re talking calendars. For many of us, the best way to keep organized is through numerous calendars (both physical and online), journals, and to do lists. If you have never been the person to do these kinds of things, try it out. You don’t even need to spend any money! You can print out free calendar pages online and to-do lists can be written out on blank paper or using an app on your phone or computer. Once you have what you need, go through your syllabuses, sports calendars, and other important dates you may need to remember as the weeks go by! Seniors, may I suggest including deadlines for graduation requirements which you can find here!

Finally, reflect on last semester. Think about what strategies for studying and organizing worked for you before! Did your usual study techniques work? Want to try something new? The Center for Academic Resources has some great tips and tools for time management, note taking, and study skills. Take a look.

Read and Review

Now that I’ve mentioned syllabuses, let’s talk about reading. If your professor has been kind enough to post the syllabus online, go over it now! Get ahead, if you can, too. Order some of the early required reading (looking at you English majors…) and try and get a few classes ahead. Take some notes and start getting familiar with the material.

Also note that classes are moving to My Courses (not Blackboard any more). If you didn’t have a course on there during the Fall semester or J-Term, login (same as your Blackboard login) and start checking it out, there are actually a lot of cool features such as:

• Color Coded Calendar
• To Do Lists
• Upcoming Tasks

And a lot more! After completing three courses on it already, I can say that MyCourses is a lot more user friendly than Blackboard.

While we’re talking about reading and reviewing to get ready for the new semester, you may want to take a look back at some of what you learned last semester. If you are taking a two semester course, now is the perfect time to review what you did during the fall and refresh.

Take Care of You

The start of a new semester doesn’t mean you need to head straight back into the stressed out version of yourself. Take a deep breath and remember to schedule time for yourself during the week and keep it up throughout the semester. There is nothing wrong with a few episodes of your favorite show on Netflix, or catching up with what you missed through that awesome Comcast On Campus service we get through Housing! If watching the tube isn’t your thing, you can try out many of the great stress relief programs we have around campus.

We are very lucky to have a wide range of services offered for students through UNH Health Services to take care of your body and mind during the school year. Check out some offerings and more information below:

Meditation

Yoga

Light Therapy

Message

And more!

Taking care of yourself is more than a matter of health, make sure to schedule in some fun as well! In the first few weeks back on campus there is plenty of fun to be had so head on over the Wildcatlink and check out some great events.

And those are the basics. For more tips, check out my Fall semester starter guide here! Good luck, Wildcats!

The Juicery

The juice craze is HUGE right now. People of all ages, backgrounds, and demographics love juice. Lucky for us Durham residents, The Juicery is coming to town! With popular locations in Portsmouth and Boston, The Juicery plans to open a new location right on Main Street. The Juicery offers all-natural smoothies, organic juices, vegan wraps, salads, wheatgrass shots, and whole food supplements for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The motto at The Juicery is “Food & drink that is nourishing to body, mind & spirit.” Follow their Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for more information.

Saxby’s Coffee

With 30 successful locations around the country, Saxby’s Coffee plans to open another location in downtown Durham. The store is going to be in one of the commercial spaces in Madbury Commons. CEO Nick Bayer says that Saxby’s mission is to provide a welcoming space with consistently good coffee. Who doesn’t need that? Saxby’s also offers scrumptious breakfast and lunch options, from breakfast sandwiches, to salads, to bakery options. Saxby’s other big objective is to partner with local businesses and create a stronger community presence. I don’t know about you, but I think this is going to be a fantastic edition to Durham! Follow their Facebook, Instagram, Pintrest and Twitter for more information.

Lexie’s Burgers

With three locations in Newburyport, Portsmouth, and Newington, the owners of Lexie’s Joint decided to open another location in downtown Durham simply called Lexie’s Burgers. Assuming the menu is consistent with the other locations, Lexie’s Burgers with offer traditional and exotic burgers in an inexpensive single size or a deluxe double size. As a fries guy myself, I am a huge fan of the hand cut fries, which come in similarly exotic flavors. Being socially responsible is something I always look for in a new company. Lexie’s Joint is an environmentally friendly establishment, one that recycles and composts whenever possible. The folks at Lexie’s Joint also adhere to a zero waste philosophy, remarking, “We feel this effort is an important part of being members of a health, happy community.” The new location is replacing Mixteca on Jenkins Court. Follow their Facebook and Twitter for more information.

The Soupery

Do you like soup? You’ll want to hear about this next restaurant. With two locations in Portsmouth, The Soupery plans to open another in downtown Durham. The Soupery’s mission is to bring delicious, fresh, wholesome soup to its customers. Get ready for some wicked good soup, Durham. Follow their Facebook for more information.

When I told my friends and family that I had joined a sorority only a month into my freshman year of college, at first they didn’t believe me. To be honest,  if you had asked me if I wanted to be involved in Greek life when I was in high school I probably would’ve laughed and said “no”. However looking back at these past three months, reminiscing on the events that I have been involved in, and the lives that I’ve impacted, I wouldn’t have wanted my freshman year to have started any differently.

I have to attribute some of my willingness to rush a sorority to my involvement in high school. As a self-proclaimed overachiever at Goffstown High School, I immersed myself in clubs and community service – staying busy was my norm. So when the first few weeks of college had come and gone I had noticed that as the days went by, my boredom had grown. I was so used to being involved that I felt out of place and lonely, and although I was attending the freshman orientation activities, I wanted to do more. So before I knew it, I was signed up for Fall Recruitment and was counting down the days until I would meet the sorority that would forever change my life.

It sounds stereotypical, but the moment I stepped foot into Chi Omega’s house, I knew that it was where I was supposed to be. The girls were welcoming and I had felt like I had known them my whole life. It helped that our conversations flowed, making the decision to choose Chi Omega an easy one; I never wanted to leave! On the third day of recruitment, Chi Omega introduced their philanthropy, Make-A-Wish; there was a tug on my heart – my closest friend had been diagnosed with cancer only four months prior.

I think it’s pretty rare that a single person can have such a big impact on your life in such a short time. My friend, 16 year-old Maddie Carlson, a junior at Goffstown High School was diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer, in May of 2015. Before arriving at UNH, Maddie and I would hang out almost everyday, and when move-in day rolled around it was one of my hardest goodbyes.

After receiving a bid from Chi Omega, I called everyone I knew to tell them the news, including Maddie. I felt so proud to be part of an organization that contributed to something that meant so much to me. A few weeks later I was initiated as a new member, and Chi Omega held their annual “Mr. UNH” pageant, with all proceeds going towards Make-A-Wish. After the event was over, and all the girls were cleaning up, I introduced myself to the current Miss New Hampshire, Holly Blanchard. I wanted to know how I could get more involved and make more of an impact at Make-A-Wish at the state level. Holly told me about an internship that Make-A-Wish offers in their state office, and I eagerly applied that week. At the beginning of my college experience I don’t think that I would have taken the initiative to apply for the internship, but through the sorority, I have gained confidence in myself and my work.

Being immersed in a university full of ambitious, bright students has helped me so much, and joining Chi Omega had given me the push that I needed to set me on the track towards success. I have been handed so many great opportunities at the University of New Hampshire and can’t wait to see where the next four years take me.

About Lauren Gross:

Lauren Gross is a driven first-year student at Peter T. Paul College where she studies Business Administration. She graduated in the top 15% of her class at Goffstown High School and was involved in Student Council, the Leo Club, and National Honor Society. During her time in high school, Lauren was awarded Volunteer of the Year along with other members of an anti-bullying club that she was involved in, and upon graduation she received the Cumberland Farms “Believe and Achieve” scholarship along with the Lion’s Club Community Service scholarship.

At UNH, Lauren is involved in the FIRE Program as an Igniter where she motivates her classmates to get involved in the Paul College and UNH. She is also a member of Chi Omega and has enjoyed getting involved and contributing to Make-A-Wish. In her free time she loves to paint and be as creative as possible, as well as hang out with friends and volunteer her time to the community.

1. Search Out Used Book Swaps
   I love receiving books, especially cookbooks and coffee table books, during the holidays. It’s something you can thumb through all day after unwrapping it. Books make sincere gifts because they reflect the receiver’s interests. Plus: one size fits all, and they’re easy to wrap! Have some old books lying around? Trade them in and make someone else’s holiday season.
2. Empty Glass Jars? Recycle it!
   No, I don’t mean throw it in the trash– give a glass jar (such as a mason jar or typical jelly jar) new life! After cleaning the jar and soaking the label in hot water, fill it with anything from candy canes to hot cocoa mix and marshmallows. Have a knack for writing? Fill the jar with slips of paper that have inspiration quotes written on them, each day, the receiver reads something you wrote– it’s the gift that keeps on giving!
3. Handmade Holiday
   Put your hobbies to good use! Crochet? Knitting? Make a scarf that will remind the receiver of you each time he or she puts it on. Want to show off pictures of you and your loved one? Make a personalized gift: cut pictures out and decoupage them to anything from canvas, a jewelry box, a coffee table, or a slab of wood for some creative wall art. Still not inspired? Attend your RA’s socials! I don’t know how many times I have given away something that I made while attending a social. Check the MUB calendar of events, the Campus Activity Board, or What’s On Wednesday for free events– you never know, you might just leave with more than you came with!

Remember… the holidays only come around once a year! Don’t spend them worrying about the perfect gift, because in the end– it’s the thought that counts.

Iwan Effendi and Maria (“Ria”) Tri Sulistyani of The Papermoon Puppet Theatre came to UNH all the way from Indonesia, as a part of Cultural Stages: The Woodward International Drama and Dance Initiative. The initiative is funded by Ellis Woodward, UNH Class of ’74, and is intended to connect the UNH to other cultures through theater.

Iwan and Maria brought with them puppets and a concept. They wanted to create a show to honor the victims of a genocide that occurred in Indonesia fifty years ago. They cast their student actors, and got to work devising a show with puppets, masks, no speaking, and a heavy meaning. If you’re wondering how this is possible, student stage manager Emma Perkins was, too, when they first embarked on this journey. Her reservations, though, were soon alleviated. She says, “Ria and Iwan were able to take a tragic event, and a group of people, and make it into a masterpiece.”

Ria and Iwan built this piece from the ground up; they were behind the direction, the costumes, the puppets, the set, as well as the inspiration for all of the “love and passion” that went into it, according to student actor Isabelle Beagen. The students involved, though, were also an integral part of the show’s development. One of the student performers, Sarah Hurley, shares: “The entire process was an exploration. We we’re given a framework and some history and from there we created a world built around a community being eaten away at by secrets and fear. This was contrasted by how close we grew to be as a cast – puppets and all.”

Photo from papermoonpuppet.com

Presenting such a tragic story in a medium that was brand new to them, presented many challenges to this team of students. Rachel Noland, who appeared in the show both as a puppeteer and masked villager, says “Genocide is not easy to talk about, and not easy to feel. But it needs to be talked about and felt. I think our story, presented in this way, touches everyone.” The students also had to learn how to communicate through the puppets and through movement. Another student actor, Jake Compagna says he’s gained “an appreciation for the artistic value of silent theatre, and a better fundamental understanding of how the human form can convey messages without a single word”.

The team of students all have plenty to say about what they’re taking away from this process, and what they’ve loved about working on it. The common theme in all of their comments, though, is clear. “Working on Sematakaki was truly a one-of-a-kind experience that I will always remember. Ria and Iwan are amazing directors and fantastic people to work with,” says student actor Ina Nakuci. The couple from the Papermoon Puppet Theatre are at the soul of this production. The hard work and dedication of everyone involved is palpable from every seat in the audience. If you have the opportunity to experience it, I highly recommend it!

SEMATAKAKI has performances December 2nd through December 5th at 7pm, and on December 6th at 2pm. Get your tickets online, or from the PCAC Box Office.

Online Courses

Want to learn how to market yourself as a Liberal Arts major? Interested in the story of human evolution though DNA and fossils? How about dystopian and apocalyptic fiction? You could earn up to 4 credits from the comfort of your home with UNH’s online course offerings. This is a great way to get a Discovery requirement out of the way or get ahead on your major or minor. There are courses available from almost every college on campus, so you’re sure to find something of interest. Here’s a list of the online offerings for J-term 2016 and some cool featured courses.

On-Campus Courses

If you live near Durham or are staying around for winter break, you can consider a traditional classroom experience for a J-term course. There are plenty of course offerings right here on campus, including the fundamentals of real estate, rope ice climbing, general chemistry, and more! See all the course offerings here.

Photo taken by a UNH student studying abroad.

Study Abroad

The J-term study abroad programs are great for those who want an international experience but don’t have time in their schedules to do a whole semester abroad. There are some awesome UNH-managed study abroad programs during J-term. Want to learn archaeological mapping in Belize, travel writing in London, or cruise ship management while on an Atlantic cruise? Those are just a few of the opportunities for J-term study abroad! See them all here.

Now that you’ve seen your options, are you considering taking advantage of your J-term? Find out more information here!