Thursday in Pictures

Wednesday in Pictures

WEPO 2012 teaser pictures!

Here are a few pictures of the fun things that await the WEPOteers and leadership team!

Keys to Decorating

Hey WEPO girls! My name is Sam Alexander. I am a sophomore in Chemical Engineering and I will be a Rover in WEPO 2012!!

I’m sure you guys have a picture in mind when you think of dorm rooms, small, cramped, and all the same. And when you first walk into your dorm at Penn State, that’s exactly how it’ll look. You’ll see two beds, two desks, either two closets or two sets of drawers, a refrigerator, and a microwave…and that’s pretty much it. I know when I first arrived, I panicked thinking how am I going to get all my stuff in here, but don’t worry you’ll find space for everything! Decorating and keeping organized are key to making your dorm feel like a home.

Pictures: I’m definitely a picture fanatic! I love having all different kinds of pictures displayed, it reminds me of home and all my friends that don’t go to Penn State. You can’t really see, but I used command hooks to hang all the frames and the cork board collage. I know Housing allows scotch tape and sticky tack, but the command hooks worked great and didn’t take off any paint! I got the cute idea of the bows and ribbon off of Google, it was definitely a fun project my first weekend! 

Posters:  Posters are another great idea for decorations!  The HUB-Robinson Center always has a great poster sale in the beginning of the fall semester! They’ll have tons of flyers reminding you when the sale is going on, but that’s a great way of filling the blank walls of the dorm room. I got my posters on allposters.com, they have a really nice selection too!

Other homing touches: I love flowers, so they were a cute, cheap way to brighten up the room, plus they were Penn State colors! I also had some miscellaneous items, like a duck my cousin painted or a cute air freshener container. My neighbor always made me something for seasonal changes as well! I’m now the proud owner of an ADORABLE Penn State Christmas tree! 

Be creative: Personal touches are what is going to make your space feel like a home, don’t be afraid to try something unconventional!

~Lastly, one great thing about decorating your space to your liking is that it’ll give you and your new friends something to talk about! Plus, you can easily change your decorations throughout the year, maybe put some new pictures up from the football games, or from a late night study session!

I hope this gives you some great ideas and gets you excited for Penn State! I can’t wait to meet you all at WEPO 2012, it’s right around the corner! Have a good rest of the summer and we’ll see you soon!

Sam Alexander is a sophomore in Chemical Engineering. She is a Rover for WEPO 2012.

**Additional tips on an old blog by Erin Miller: http://pennstatewepo.blogspot.com/2011/06/guide-to-decorating-your-dorm-room.html

Five steps to a successful first week

Start out on the Right Foot:

Five steps to a successful first week

5. Map out classes and route times- No one wants to get lost trying to find their class and stumble in 15 minutes late on their first day. The Saturday or Sunday before classes begin, scope out where your classes are. Take a map and feel free to meander around the campus learning the quickest routes and even the location of the room inside the building. (I’ve gotten lost in Williard and so many other buildings that I would have to backtrack and start over!) Invite your Roommate or the girls who live in the dorm next to you. Not only is it a great way to meet new friends but they will likely have classes in different buildings which allows you to familiarize yourself to campus even more!

4. Keep your door open- Your RA’s will probably talk to you about “Open Door Policy” and you might want to just shove it aside, but don’t! It really works! People will walk by and they might see a poster or something in your room and stop to talk to you about. It’s a great way just to learn about your floor mates and become more comfortable in your dorm. Feel free to return the favor and strike up a conversation if someone has their door open, I mean, they left it open for a reason!

3. Go out of your comfort zone- Every college freshman coming into school barely knows anyone. You’re in the same boat, everyone in that first week just wants a friendly face, to know they aren’t on their own. So, the more outgoing you are, the more people will open up to you. You’re in college now! Do something bold to make friends that you wouldn’t normally do! Towards the end of my first week of freshman year, I was sitting in my friend’s dorm next door to mine. We decided we didn’t have enough guy friends so we grabbed post it notes and ran up to the boys floor above us. We went around sticking post it notes telling the guys to come visit us and get to know us. Some boys happened to be watching us do this and struck up a conversation. Now we are all so close, we go on vacations together during the summer.

2. Plan out a basic daily schedule and goals- I’m a planner. I write literally every moment of my day down in a daily planner but what I love to do at the beginning of each semester is make up a rough daily schedule. You can do it on Microsoft Excel or just with a piece of paper and a pen. I go through hour by hour of the day. I set a goal to wake up by a time, pencil in my classes, color code possible times I could fit in a workout, take time to relax or buckle down and study. (Did I mention I was a planner?) I also go through my goals for the semester and add them in at the bottom. Then I print it out and post it right next to my mirror or on my closet door, somewhere I can’t miss it so I can keep it in my mind. The quicker you get into a routine, the quicker you can adjust to the life and differences of college.

1. Create a home away from home- Bring comfort items from home. It could be stuffed animals, pictures, yearbooks, blankets, anything! (Thanks to Toy Story 3, I had to bring all of my stuffed animals because I thought one of them would feel left out if I didn’t bring them…) Anyway, I filled my room of pictures of my family and friends from home. Every time I got a card from my family I put it up on the wall to read when I was discouraged or down. I made my dorm room into a little bubble of home. Everyone gets lonely in that first week, but it’s nice to know with these items that you’re really not that far from a home. As time wore on, I brought less and less comfort items from home and filled my room with more pictures and notes from college, but that only comes with time. Although, after Christmas break, you’ll be surprised to learn how quickly Penn State becomes a part of you!

So remember- Be yourself and be outgoing. Keep home close to your heart but try new things and your heart will grow to fit in your new home away from home.

See you at WEPO

Maggie Golden is a junior in Architectural Engineering. This summer Maggie worked for Brinjac Engineering in Harrisburg, PA. She is a mentor for WEPO 12.

Feeling Overwhelmed? Yep, That’s Normal.

It’s less than two weeks before move-in and you have stuff everywhere!  Informational packets from Penn State, a growing pile of items that you don’t want to forget for your dorm, and of course getting ready for WEPO.  It may seem overwhelming, but that’s ok.  I’d like to say that things settle down once classes start, but not really.  Being busy is part of college life. However, you don’t have to let your schedule and to-do list rule your college experience.  Here are some tips on how to minimize stress to have a great freshman year.

1. Get a planner and use it!  You may have a perfect memory, but everyone makes mistakes. If that mistake is missing the homework submission deadline or forgetting to wake up for an exam, it could impact your grades.  Writing appointments and assignments down helps you keep things from falling through the cracks.  (Sticky notes and reminders work well too!) I have a friend that uses her iPad for keeping track of appointments and assignments. Whatever works for you, do it!
2. Stay on top of deadlines.  Knowing when projects are due helps you budget your time better and eliminates the all-nighter before the project is due.  You’ll find that you do have time for that late-night run to the Creamery.
3. Take time for yourself!   When you’re starting to stress out, take a short break.  Go for a run, get out of your room, grab a snack, or go hang out with friends.  Your brain will have a chance to refresh so that you can focus and be more productive when you get back to work.

Finally, the most important thing to remember is: YOU’RE NOT ALONE!  Everyone else is in the same boat!  Your mentors and rovers are here to help you with all of your pre-move in worries and nerves so feel free to call us with any questions or concerns.  We are also great resources throughout the semester so don’t forget to keep in touch!

So don’t stress out! Take a deep breath and relax.  You’re about to start some of the best years of your life!  

Christine Hildenbrand is a junior in Mechanical Engineering. This summer she is working for ConocoPhilips in NJ. Christine is a mentor for WEPO 2012.

Get Rid of First Day Jitters- Know Your Way Around Campus

Hey Girls!!  My name is Kenna Markel.  I am majoring in Architectural Engineering, and I’m a Rover for Team G!!

Penn State University Park, as many of you already know, is comprised of around 40,000 students.  Being a part of a big campus is one of the many things I love about Penn State, but coming here in the fall may seem intimidating- at least if was for me.   With such a large campus, I was worried about getting lost, being late to class, and feeling safe, but I, like all of your other mentors and rovers, survived my first year and so will you!  I found that there are three basics for getting around campus:  be confident, be CATA smart, and be safe.

Be Confident

One of the many advantages that WEPO gives you is the chance to move in early.  Not only do you avoid the rush, but it also gives you a few days before classes start to get used to campus.  Something that my roommate and I did during one of these days was to walk through our schedule.  Your first day of classes is all new: new students, new professors, new teaching styles, and new subjects so why not make the campus seem a little bit more familiar- make it one less “new” thing.  Not only will this make you feel more confident on your first day of classes, but it is also an easy way to bond with your roommate.  Also, do not be afraid to ask for help.  College is by no means like high school; people will help you around.  University Park is a huge campus, nobody, not even the seniors know where every building is. 

Be CATA Smart

If you have been keeping up with the WEPO blog, the CATA bus system is something that Megan gave great advice on so I’ll just talk about it briefly!  This past year like most freshman, I lived in East and yes, it is far from a lot of classes- so use the CATA buses!  I’m not over exaggerating when I say they can shorten your travel time by up to twenty minutes.  So yes, I would definitely recommend using them!  Two things that I would remember about the CATA buses are 1) only get on the front entrance (if you get on the back, the bus driver will see you and will make you get off- super embarrassing) 2) the buses don’t run all hours off the day, so don’t get stuck having to walk back alone at night (that’s obviously a safety issue, not to mention PSU gets really cold in the winter).  Like Megan said, I would advise getting the CATA bus app if you can! 

Be Safe

I want to begin this topic with saying- I have never once felt unsafe on campus, but without trying to sound too much like your parents, it’s true you can never be too cautious.  Be smart by just sticking to the basics that I’m sure we’ve all been told for years.  When coming home at night, stay on well lit, often used paths and try to avoid walking home alone.  One tip, that my roommate and I used when walking home alone was unavoidable, was we would give a time that we planned on being back in the room, and if we were not back by that time, we would check up on each other.  All of this I’m sure sounds so simple even monotonous, but that’s just it.  Taking these steps isn’t hard so for your own safety why not just take them.

Ultimately, I just want you girls to be excited not nervous to come to PSU because it’s the best place to be.  I loved my first summer back, but I miss being at school because it became my home.  Penn State really is a family, a family that you are already a part of.  So don’t be afraid.  Penn State will give you more that just internationally recognized education, but it will shape you with every experience you have there.  So that one day- a day that seems so far away- you will graduate into the world, and through your example, prove what makes Penn State so great.

Kenna Markel is a sophomore in Architectural Engineering. She is a rover for WEPO 2012.

 

What to Pack for College!

Hi! My name is Erin Miller and this is my 4th WEPO!! I have been a participant, Rover, Mentor, and this year I am the Success Strategies Lead! The best part of my summer so far has been helping my sister get ready for her first year at Shippensburg University! Even though she didn't pick Penn State, I've still been able to help her with a couple of key items that are dorm room must haves.

Clothes-comfy, dressy, professional, for warm weather and cold weather (hats, gloves & scarves)

Shoes - RAIN BOOTS!, flip flops, sneakers, dress shoes, snow boots

Jackets - winter, fall, rain

Pillows

Blankets

Space bags/Under the bed boxes - have you seen the infomercial for those backs that you vacuum the air out of? They work! Not for as long as they say they do in the commercial but long enough to transport your stuff. Pillows, blankets and sweaters take up a lot of room, but using these bags help reduce that amount of room!

Sheets – the typical dorm room beds are XL Twins. (I love the jersey sheet sets from Target)

Bed Risers

Room Decorations - Posters, pictures, string lights, streamers, sticky tack, thumb tack, masking tape/duct tape (come on you need this, you’re an engineer now!)/electrical tape [Command Strips work great because they always work and they don’t damage the walls - which could cost money!]

Rug - may want to talk with your roommate but this is nice for right under your bed

Towels

Robe

Shower Shoes - those $1 old navy flip flops are awesome for this

Shower Caddy

Shower Supplies – Shampoo, soap, facewash, make-up, etc.

Medicine/First aid Supplies – Band-Aids, Neosporin, thermometer, Advil

Laundry Basket

Fan – Walmart has awesome window box fans for like $15, for the summer heat these are perfect

Alarm Clock

Lamp – for your desk or next to your bed

Brita – I have a 6 cup size and it fits pretty comfortably in the dorm refrigerators

Computer & all necessary cords

Ethernet Cord - the longer the better, it’s better to have too long than not long enough

Printer - may not be necessary but it can be useful

Printer paper - you are given 100 sheets per semester to print on in the computer labs, USE DOUBLE SIDED it helps make it last longer

Extra ink: it’s always good to have an extra set, because you never know when you’ll run low at 2 am the night before a project is due.  I found that the ink at the Penn State Computer Store (in the HUB) is cheaper than at the HUB Bookstore. There is also a place downtown to fill up your old cartridges. 

Dishes – you don’t need a whole set just 1-2 of each (for you and a friend)

Bowls

Plates

Cups

Silverware

Mugs

Water bottle 

Cleaning supplies!

Clorox wipes

Swiffers (Swiffer WetJet = Lifesaver)

Dish Soap

Sponges/dish things to clean

Laundry detergent/bleach/dryer sheets

Your calculator (or 2) - Most chemistry and economics classes will require a non-programmable scientific calculator, but I’d also bring your favorite.  You are an engineer, of course.  We have stereotypes to uphold!

Things you should get when you move in, it will help save space in the car!

Food

Case of water/drinks

School supplies** After WEPO, you will be given a card for the Student Book Store for 10% off books and 20% off anything else for a few days.  This is a HUGE benefit!  Books can cost upwards of $300 for the semester, so saving $30 just paid for that fancy new sweatshirt!

Pen, pencils, highlighters, white out, markers, permanent markers

Binders, Folders, Notebooks, Loose Leaf, Printer Paper, Dividers, Academic planner

Post its, thumb tacks, sticky tak, tape - covered above!

Dry erase board for your door, dry erase calendar, dry erase markers

Textbooks** again you have this AWESOME coupon for this and you do not have to buy all of your books before you begin class. Your teacher will tell you how much you’re going to use your book so you can determine if you should make that investment.

Things to talk over with your roomie (split up the load!)

TV

Rug

DVD player

Video game systems

Vacuum cleaner (you can borrow one from the commons but it isn’t always available, it is just convenient if you want to bring your own)

Floor Length Mirror

Erin Miller is a senior in Architectural Engineering. This summer Erin studied abroad in Rome, Italy. She is the Success Strategies Lead for WEPO 2012.

Home Away from Home: Packer Hall

Hello Ladies!  My name is Samantha “Sam” Burt.  I am a sophomore in Civil Engineering and I will be a Rover for WEPO 2012!

I remember talking with my mother about where I was going to live my freshman year and I knew that I wanted to branch out and not live with just engineering students.  I requested random housing and was placed in Packer Hall.  I must admit that I was nervous, but I was so excited to meet new people and see what all Penn State had to offer.   

The first week of school is definitely the most exciting! Everyone in the dorms leave their doors open and there are plenty of opportunities to meet girls on your floor.  It is so nice to see where everyone is from and to see the majors that they are interested in.  For instance, my best friend from the floor is from New York and is a Political Science major.  

When classes began it was soon evident that many of the other girls from the floor were not in the same classes as me and some of them had a lot more free time.  However, this had never discouraged me from forming relationships with the people around me.  We would go to dinner together or we would just sit around and talk about our days.  I loved my building but as it turns out I secretly had a second home on campus.

Many of my best friends lived in Pennypacker Hall (home of the Special Living Option: Freshmen in Science and Engineering Building (FISE)) and I soon became a frequent visitor.  We are all engineering students and so we were in many of the same classes together.    I spent most evenings in Pennypacker, studying and doing homework with friends.  I spent so much time on the fifth floor of Pennypacker that many of the other residents began to recognize me and we were on a first name basis.  One guy in the elevator even told me that I needed to add some “Penny to my Packer.”

I began to wonder if I should have applied for FISE, but then I realized that I probably would have never met my other amazing friends had I not been placed in Packer Hall.  Dorm life is exciting and scary all at the same time, but there is no need to worry!  Your experience is what you make of it! So keep an open mind and I know that you will have an amazing year!  See you soon!

Sam is a sophomore in Civil Engineering. She is a rover for WEPO 2012.

“Forever True to You, Dear Old White and Blue”

Hello WEPO girls!

My name is Alison Lee and I am a junior in Bioengineering. At Penn State I am involved in a variety of extracurricular activities including Club Gymnastics, THON, and SWE. One of my favorite events that I am heavily involved in is Penn State Homecoming!

In high school I was involved with my school’s homecoming mostly through cheerleading and the clubs I was involved with, so when I came to Penn State that was one of the first things that I was interested in. I originally became involved with homecoming through SWE and I quickly realized that Homecoming at Penn State was something amazing.

The first thing that I realized was that it was not something that only people in clubs or Greek life could enjoy. Everyone and anyone can get involved with Homecoming, even if it is just to enjoy the different activities such as the parade, the carnival, or the game.

Another thing that I realized was the amount of Penn State pride that was emanating through the entire university during Homecoming week. So many people take part in the various events that occur all throughout homecoming week and it was awesome to see everyone rally behind the common love for their school.

Not only was the current students pride evident, but the pride that was clearly shown through the alumni was truly empowering. From alumni who had graduated the previous year to those who had graduated 50 years prior, they all showed their Penn State Pride loud and proud. It was so moving, within my first month of school, seeing how many people loved Penn State.

The next year I knew that I wanted to get more involved and that was when I applied to be a Homecoming captain. I am currently one of the Points Captain for the Competition committee, meaning that I am involved with the competition aspect between the different clubs and fraternities and sororities throughout the course of homecoming. Being a homecoming captain has thus far been the most rewarding experience that I have had at Penn State. I have learned just how much effort goes into having a successful and enjoyable homecoming for the students and alumni alike. I have learned useful life skills such as how to manage my time most efficiently, how to interact with angry people, and how to keep massive amounts of data organized.

There are so many clubs that are involved with homecoming that it is super easy to get involved. SWE and AWIS both participate in the competition aspect of homecoming. Almost every sorority on campus does homecoming. Groups such as Lion Ambassadors and the Blue and White Society participate. Dance groups such as Vole, Tapestry, and Orchesis all participate. Many club sports walk in the parade as well as many cultural groups. Everyone can participate and attend the parade, the game, the carnival, and the talent show! There is also a first-year committee through the Homecoming Royalty committee that is in charge of getting more first-years involved. I definitely would recommend looking into any of these options if you are considering becoming involved with Homecoming!

My passion at Penn State is homecoming and I hope that some of you WEPO girls will also find out how much you enjoy it. Whether you decide to get involved with homecoming or not, I hope you all have a great time at Penn State!

See you all in less than a month!!

Alison Lee is a junior in Bioengineering. She is a mentor for WEPO 2012.