Hey There, Newbie!

Hello followers and new transfers..greetings! The new semester is here and as usual there's lots of Opening Events to look forward to. Start the semester off right, do something different.

Now, take out your planner/calendar and mark down a few events to attend and don't just go there to get free food and walk away, stay and talk to the commuter assistants at the commuter events or actually, just talk to anyone! What's the worst thing that could happen?

Here's some upcoming events:

Sunday- January 24, 2010

CHILL FEST Kickoff, SAC Lobby, 4:30pm- 5:30pm
Men’s Basketball vs. Albany, Pritchard Gym, 12pm(Broadcasted on MSG Plus)
SBU Club Hockey Game vs. Liberty, 12pm RINKS Hauppauge

Monday- January 25, 2010

CHILLFEST, Bingo for Books, SAC Ballroom A, 7pm

Tuesday- January 26, 2010

Campus Recreation: Fitness Jam, SAC B, 5pm-8pm
Scooping’ Out for Success, SAC Lobby, 5pm-7pm

Wednesday- January 27, 2010

IFSC Chocolate Factory, SAC Ballroom A,12:30pm-2:30pm

Thursday- January 28, 2010

Student Blood Drive, SAC Ballroom A, 8am-11pm
Racquetball Tournament, Sports Complex, 7pm
Fraternity and Sorority Life Informational, SAC Ballroom B, 7:00pm-8:30pm
Kappa Alpha Psi: Kold Nights – A Kaptivating Night of Entertainment, SAC Aud, 8pm-11pm

Friday- January 29, 2010

Friday Night SHABBATON, Union Ballroom, 4pm-8pm
RHAH: Traveling Game Night 7pm-11pm
Sigma Gamma Rho: Rholaxation, SAC B, 8pm-10:30pm
SAB: Welcome Back PARTY, Union Ballroom, 11pm-3am

So prepare for those four favorite F words!! Free Fun, Food and Friends. I know, I'm just too clever for my own good. But seriously, take advantage of the events now before your classes really start speeding up.

Go to Alicia's Blog to learn about how to buy books online RIGHT NOW so that you can skip out on long lines at the bookstore and easily just pick up your order there instead.

Go on, enjoy the last day of vacation!

So for all of you out there in need of an amazing class for Dec K, Soc 247; Sociology of Gender is a phenomenal pick. As a science/pre-med student, sociology was the last course I wanted to take..but this just goes to prove how our D.E.C. system helps you become a more well-rounded, educated individual. Enough about school though, the real reason I bring up this class is because part of my grade in the class is to read one book out of three that address sociological issues in our culture today. I'm not a big fan of reading for my classes..but this book is fascinating.. Let me tell you about it.

The book is entitled "Unhooked" by Laura Sessions Stepp.
Inside is "a frank and eye-opening examination of the hookup culture, seen through the personal experiences of high-school- and college-age women.."
When I went to select which book to read out of the three choices the class was given, this book got the most praise and was described as a compelling and worth while read. Indeed, only 20 pages in, I'm hooked!

So far I've learned about sex parties that go on in middle schools and about how this generation thinks it's okay to 'hook up' without seeing the repercussions.

It's the most refreshing and honest piece of writing I have read in my entire college career. Check it out at your local library over the winter break. It will give you alot to talk about with your friends and perhaps even siblings.

KICK that stress out the door!!

So with classes in full gear and midterms happening all throughout October, I thought I'd touch upon the subject of stress. You probably know by now that Stony Brook is definitely not a school where you can sit back, relax and wait for the A's to fall into your lap..good grades require effort here. I've found that my planner for the month of October is pretty depressing; taking Organic Chemistry, an internship and being involved in school leadership is pretty darn stressful. There's the nights of studying and tutoring, events to plan and assist with, and papers to be written. So let me share with you how I cope.

First off, organization is key! If you don't have a planner, you need one. It's so nice to carry it around with you and know exactly what needs to be done and when. For example, in the beginning of each semester, I take all of my syllabi from the classes I'm taking and I write each test date and paper deadline into my planner. This way, I know what I'll need to do that week..and when it comes time to schedule plans with friends and club meetings, you'll see where you can fit each in.

Next, lets get down to it. School can be overwhelming. Especially if you are a freshman or transfer and are not used to studying to do well, or reading your textbook in order to know what's going on. In Physics 121 for example, the lectures on MWF are not treated as lectures, but rather as recitations. You read and do your homework outside of class time and you come in with your "clicker" to answer questions for participation points. Each class operates differently, so you need to stay on top of your course material.

How to deal with the stress? You can take many routes when dealing with it. Schedule a time each week where you don't do work, assuming you do work to begin with ;) , and take a half hour to take a power nap, watch an episode of your favorite show on Hulu, or catch up with a friend you haven't seen in a while. I know it may sound trivial to you, but when you're working hard studying for your next chemistry exam, it's nice to be able to look forward to that half hour of fun time/ "me time" on Tuesday afternoon.

Another way to relieve stress is working out. Check out the work out room on the 3rd floor of the SAC (bring your ID card). Or take a few laps around the pool in the Sports Complex (open to students between swim classes and practices, check the schedule in the Sports Complex).

Since you're a commuter, you might have a car, so I would suggest to get away from campus for a little bit if you have time and go up Nicolls Road, make a left onto 25a heading toward Stony Brook Village, and spend some time at Mill Pond (will be on your left as you follow 25a). Or go a little further up 25a, past the pond, and check out the cute shops in Stony Brook Village. There's a really good tea house with the best scones ever!! There's also The Village Green where you can sit, have lunch, or read while being surrounded by a peaceful atmosphere.

Have some fun in between the craziness! 'Till next time :)

Ann

Get in the know!

Hey commuters!

There's so much happening on campus these days, I wanted to make a list of stuff that the Office of Commuter Student Services is sponsoring in the coming weeks..so here it is:

Thursday, Sept 10th 3pm-5pm : CSS Outreach Series at South Parking Lot

Monday, Sept. 14th 3pm-4:30pm : Commuter Welcome Reception; SAC 144 (Commuter Lounge)
* Come enjoy FREE coffee, tea and hot chocolate when you come to pick up your Commuter Welcome Kit!! Offices from across campus have contributed information and giveaways just for you

Thursday, Sept. 17th 7pm-10:30pm : CSS & CSA Drive In Movie at South P
Playing: "I Love You, Man"
*CSS and CSA bring you this great event down at the South Parking Lot with a HUGE screen and free popcorn! This event is FREE!! Bring family, friends and your most comfortable vehicle for this event that everyone loves!

Tuesday, Sept. 22nd 12pm-1pm : Dissecting the Process: Med School Preparation
Are you considering applying for medical school? Then you don't want to miss this workshop!! At this workshop you will have the opportunity to gain valuable advice from some incredible resources! Come ask all of your pressing questions to a panel of experts!
(you must register for this event at the following link) http://studentaffairs.stonybrook.edu/css/additionalworkshops.shtml


So hopefully everyone is getting used to their schedules and classes. As a pre-health student myself, I know how hard certain courses can be. College is a growing experience and it's well worthwhile. Dont get left behind- read your text books, go to office hours and stay on top of things. The worst thing to do is feed into the "commuter stereotype". These are the commuters who come to school to go to class and hop right back onto the Express bus and head home or to work. I understand having to work, but it's equally important to get involved in atleast one club or organization that you care about. This will be a benefit when you go for an internship or scholarship..or even if you're already thinking about grad school or a health school.

If anyone has questions, please feel free to post them by making a comment on any of my blog entries, you can either post as anonymous or if you have an account, you can sign in. Don't be a stranger!

PS: My office hour is tomorrow (Thursday, 10th) from 11:45-12:45. Stop in!!

"A Rockin' Red Time"

..And so it begins, another semester off to a fun start. The first day is usually rough..overcrowded parking lots, long lunch lines, the bookstore resembes a pack of sardines, the list goes on. But it's also my favorite time of the semester because of the OPENING ACTIVITIES! No other time during the semester will you find a carnival, bingo, game nights, free food and ice cream, and so much more fun to be had! Don't be lazy about it just because you're a commuter. This is such a great way to ask your new friends to hang out without having to put much effort into it or spend any money. Take advantage of all these events, because your tuition money goes into it and it's there for you!!

Tomorrow (Tuesday) from 9:00am-10:30am in the Commuter Commons in the SAC (1st Floor) is the Commuter Connection. Stop by for some free breakfast and pick up some information or just stop by to say hey!

If you didn't peruse it already, here's a link to the Opening Activities that are going on all month long: http://www.stonybrook.edu/sb/newstudents/nsactivities.shtml

If you have any questions or need some commuter related advice, stop by my Office Hour from 11:45am-12:45pm this Thursday and next. Starting on the third week of school, my office hour will be on Tuesdays from 3-4pm. Come on by!!

Ciao Pendolari! Hey Commuters!

I just recently came back from spending one month in Italy with Stony Brook's Study Abroad Program. Believe me when I say this; the 28 days I spent abroad were the most memorable, most amazingly beautiful and exciting days I have ever experienced. I went on this trip very hesitantly..only knowing one other person who was going (Tiffany, another CA!). Along the way I met a ton of great people from all over New York and some from across the country who came with Stony Brook, Suffolk Community College, and Westchester Community College for this awesome adventure. We lived in a hotel in Rome for the four weeks, taking many trips including Venice, Florence, Pisa, Tivoli, Sorrento, Capri, and Pompeii. At first, it was overwhelming..we didn't know where to go out for dinner or for fun..but probably a week into the trip we knew where andwhre not to go. I had some of the best food I've ever had, indulged in nightly gelato fixes, and spent way too much on everything (the exchange rate wasn't one of the highlights of the trip). I have so many pictures and souvenirs now that I'm settled back into the swing of things, and I love just going through them and thinking aboutt he good times I had. In fact, I am applying for another Study Abroad term with Stony Brook for the Winter Intercession.

I highly encourage everyone to study abroad at some point, especially commuters. As a commuter myself, I had to chance to have a roommate in a lovely hotel (I came home and started leaving my towels on the floor out of habit haha) and you get to meet so many people that otherwise, you might have missed out on knowing. I have a completely different opinion and outlook on so MANY things, and it was such a short time but a tremendous growing experience as corny and cliche as that sounds. Things are cliches for a reason, though.

If you ever find yourself wandering through campus with some extra time, check out the Library's 5th Floor. Take the elevator and hang a left at the 5th floor and go through a set of white doors and grab a pamphlet or two about study abroad and exchange programs.

ANNYONG!

For those of you who are not Arrested Development fans, Annyong is Korean for Hello! I'm really excited to start this blogging adventure so sit back, relax, and listen up! I hope Orientation is going well in this horrible weather. Maybe they should have everyone get together and build an ark, because some of you might have already found out that when it rains on campus..it really RAINS! Go out and buy those cute rainboots before school starts. Keep them in your car or rent a locker on campus. More on that later.

So summer is amazing after having battled a series of chemistry and calculus courses during the school year. Stony Brook is a great choice, and you should be glad you've decided to come to a school that offers SO much- but it will be challenging! Make sure you enjoy your summer and be prepared to get down to business come September. The beauty of it is that theres alot to do on campus, like getting involved with the Commuter Student Association! We meet for one hour on Wednesdays during Campus Lifetime, discuss upcoming events and have lunch (FREE!). This way, you meet new people (everyone is really nice because they're there to make friends too!) and you get to be in the know of upcoming events.

What have I done with myself this summer so far?

1- I went on a cruise to the Caribbean with my boyfriend!
2- I am currently searching for off-campus apartments near Stony Brook for myself and my new friend from Tennesee who is coming to Stony Brook via the National Student Exchange. (This is a program where schools from across the nation, including Hawaii and even Guam, allow you to study at their school for either a semester or full academic year and you pay Stony Brook Tuition!..this is a great alternative to studying abroad.)
3- I've started reading again (it's hard to read a book during the semester with so much other stuff going on!) Currently, I'm reading Double Cross by James Patterson (I'm a huge mystery fan) Does anyone have any other suggestions?
4- I'm preparing for my Study Abroad summer semester in Rome, Italy!!! I'm leaving on July 2 and staying there until July 30. More on that next time!..stay tuned :)
5- I'm really enjoying watching all my favorite tv shows: Seinfeld, Arrested Development, LOST, In Plain Sight..

That's all for now! 'Till next time :)
PS: If anyone has any suggestions of topics they want to know more about regarding ANYTHING Stony Brook or commuter related, leave me a comment!