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Did the fall semester get past you? Were there things that you wanted to do, but did not have the opportunity to complete?  Did you learn about opportunities or organizations when it was too far into the semester?  Spring semester provides another chance to get involved and take advantage of the opportunities you missed in the fall semester.  Each semester offers new opportunities to engage and try new things. If there are things you were unable to accomplish, participate in, or finish, use the new semester as a fresh start. 

Each semester also offers a new opportunity for change.  There will be students who change universities, graduate from school, or rearrange responsibilities due to schedule demands.  These changes will provide possible new opportunities for jobs, involvement, and exposure.  So, do not be afraid to ask about a vacancy, seek membership, or dive deeper into new found passions.

Here are a few ways you can get involved:

1.       Attend Rush and learn more about Greek Life on campus.

2.       Visit the Work-Study office for possible jobs

3.       Go to an organization fair and see what options are available on campus.

4.       Talk to a professor or your advisor about opportunities to get involved in the department.

5.       Reach out to a classmate that is already involved and learn about any upcoming opportunities.

6.       Consider local government and run for a position in your classes election.  Help with someone else’s campaign or serve as an election judge.

7.       Apply to be an RA for the fall semester. Applications are due early spring semester and may require a 2 or 3 step interview process.

8.       Read posters and flyers on campus for possible information about events and opportunities.

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The semester is winding down you are probably celebrating the completion of finals and ready to unplug.  While you spent time developing in the classroom and you were also developing outside the classroom as well.  One of your daily development opportunities is your interaction with your roommate(s).  The end of the semester is a good time to assess how things are going with your current living situation and to start thinking about next semester.  You and your roommate should have developed a friendship and if you are lukewarm to friendship, there should be a level of respect.

How do you and your roommate communicate?  Do you handle disagreements in a respectful manner?  Are you prepared to complete another semester with your current roommate?  Do you have any concerns?  Are they major concerns like health, safety, and ability to comfortably use your room? Are you a positive influence on each other?  These are questions you need to consider as you enter the new semester.

If you are experiencing major issues, those that are preventing you from comfortably enjoying your room, are safety threats, or those that may jeopardize your success in school, you need to address them before starting a new semester.  You should attempt to talk to your roommate and see if you are able to resolve.  If you are unable to resolve, you should consult your resident advisor.  If there are major concerns, that may be not be resolved you should explore a room transfer. The room transfer may not be an option, as there are several factors that impact the transfer.  A transfer may incur a fee, there may not be anywhere to transfer you or your transfer options will be limited, and it will require you to pack and move all of your belongings.  Another major factor to consider before transferring is really evaluating your current situation.  It is good to know wat you currently have, as entering a new situation will be encountering the unknown.  All the work that you have put into your current living situation, will also be required in your new situation.  This time you will be coming into an already established living arrangement, you will need to get to know your new roommate(s), and develop a new system, learn expectations, and earn each other’s respect.

If things are going well (and even if they are not) while thinking about next semester you also need to consider next year as well.  Housing selection for next year will occur rather early in the semester and if you wait until the end of the semester you may run the risk of not having housing or not obtaining your top choices.  Housing options to consider upperclassmen building, Greek Life housing, on or off campus apartment, or stay where you currently reside.  Whichever decision you choose, you will need to make a commitment as early as February (this is typically priority deadline for on-campus housing) and some started back in October (off campus housing recruitment can begin as early as October).

While you gear up for your winter break.  Take a few moments to reflect on your housing situation this semester and think about your housing options for next year.  This will serve as a great discussion piece with your parents over the break.  Let them know how things are going, get another perspective, and discuss options for next year.

It’s that time of year to start thinking about housing plans for next year! Are you going to live on campus or off campus? Do you have a friend in mind to live with, or are you searching for a new roommate? This is the perfect time to start making decisions about next year, especially if you are going to be signing a lease off campus.

Choosing a roommate is a very important task, but can sometimes be very tricky. It’s natural to think that you and your three best friends would have a blast living together, but living together is very different from just hanging out all the time. Does your best friend have an annoying habit that just drives you crazy? If so, living with them may cause you to notice that habit even more often, and can lead to fights. As Chapter 2 of the Freshman Survival Guide says, there are little things we ignore about our friends because we care about the friendship more, but when it’s a roommate doing something that bothers you, you need to feel comfortable speaking up.

With that in mind, think about how you’re going to choose a roommate. Does your university have a roommate matching service that you can use? Are you searching around on Facebook groups or planning to put an ad in the paper? Whatever method you use to find a roommate, remember that honesty is key. Tell your potential roommate things you do and don’t like, and what you’re like as a roommate. Don’t say that you keep your room spotless and like cleanliness when the truth is you clean your room once a week and let everything pile up in between. If there is something that makes you uncomfortable such as significant others spending the night or drinking in the room, say so! You owe it to both yourself and your potential roommate to be honest so that each of you can find a roommate that you will be happy living with, not one that will have you calling your mom every day complaining.

If you do end up living with someone you don’t already know, plan to get to know them before you move in together! If you live on campus, most universities will tell you your roommates ahead of time. Send them a message introducing yourself and asking about them. Plan together how you will decorate your room or which big items you will bring. If you have a fridge, could they bring a microwave? If they have a TV, could you bring your PS4? Having these conversations ahead of time will prevent an overcrowded room, and help both of you cut down on costs. Roommates are an important part of the college experience, so do your homework and plan ahead!

Midterms of the Spring semester have begun or will begin soon.  This is a clear indication that the school year is coming to a close.  Now is the perfect time to start considering your living arrangements for next year. There are a number of things to consider.

  1. What is your current living arrangement?
  2. Are you living on campus, do you have a roommate? Are you and your roommate aware of your plans for next year?
  3. What are the terms of your lease?
  4. What are your expenses?

These are all questions you need to ask yourself as you prepare for next year. If you’re considering changes or exploring new investment avenues, take the time to check out the pros and cons of wholesale real estate. The earlier you start the smoother your transition into your new space will be.

As you start preparing for your transition to a new space, it’s essential to consider your future housing arrangements. Whether you’re looking to rent an apartment or explore real estate options, taking early steps to understand your needs and preferences will make the process smoother. Researching the local real estate market and available properties can provide valuable insights into the type of living situation you desire. Online platforms offer a great resource for browsing available listings and comparing prices, so don’t hesitate to click here to explore the housing options in your target area. By keeping your roommate, parents, and others involved in your plans, you can ensure a well-coordinated and successful move to your new home.

Platforms such as eXp Realty can also be invaluable resources, offering comprehensive listings and market insights that aid in making informed decisions about your future living situation. By leveraging online tools, you can efficiently explore housing options in your target area, comparing prices and amenities. Keeping open communication with roommates, parents, and other stakeholders ensures a collaborative approach, fostering a well-coordinated move to your new home.

As you embark on the exciting journey of finding a new home, the same thoughtful approach applies when seeking the right space for your business endeavors. Just as researching the local real estate market helps you identify your perfect residence, understanding the nuances of commercial properties in Denver is crucial for your business’s success. You can go to denver commercial property management experts can be your guiding light, assisting you in navigating the intricate landscape of commercial real estate. By employing their expertise, you can explore suitable office spaces, retail outlets, or warehouses tailored to your business requirements. Once you’re ready to proceed with the purchase of a certain property, you may need to seek the expertise of both real estate agents and conveyancing solicitors.

Then in the realm of cost-effective business solutions, the value of a virtual office setup cannot be overstated. It offers a slew of advantages, from a reputable business address in a well-known city to mail handling services that ensure privacy and efficiency. For those interested in exploring this option further, I highly recommend visiting https://virtually-there.net/virtual-offices/. It’s a straightforward way to gain insight into the benefits and logistics of setting up a virtual office that aligns with your business needs. Let the expertise of professionals lead the way, allowing your business to thrive in a space perfectly suited to its aspirations and goals.

If you are currently living on campus chances are you will need to prepare to move out of your current space. Most campuses do not allow you to occupy your current room even if that will be your room next year.  If this is the case you will need to determine what you will do with your belongings over the summer (if you do return) or how you will transport belongings to your new space (if moving into a different room or off campus).  Things to consider include looking into a local storage facility, looking for boxes, and who will actually help you move the items. Consider the following as on campus housing options:

  1. If possible stay in your current hall and room space.  Serve as source of information for new residents.
  2. Look into special sophomore housing options, that will offer a special focus, programming, and opportunities specifically tailored towards the sophomore student.
  3. Upper-class housing will allow you to still enjoy on campus amenities without the typical freshman issues and incidents that occur.
  4. Themed living allows you to live, eat and breathe your major or special interest. Schools now offer housing options that are tailored towards student’s lifestyles and majors.  There are concentrations on healthy lifestyles, biology majors, social justice, and much, much more. See if and what your school has to offer.
  5. Suite-style living.  Perhaps you are over the community bathroom scene, try a suite where you still enjoy the benefits of living on campus, but you have your own bathroom.
  6. Consider being a staff member or student leaders. Becoming a Resident Advisor or being elected to the Residence Hall Association may offer housing perks. Explore other leadership options on your campus.
  7. What will the fees be for your space? Some universities offer discounted rates or will freeze your current rate if you return the next year. Ask about early housing registration discounts.
  8. Explore off-campus, but campus affiliated housing as an option where you get a little more independence, but still have the security of knowing the university is there if needed. Consider campus owned/affiliated apartments, Greek Life housing, etc.

If you are looking to move into an apartment, consider the following:

  1. Can you afford to live alone or will you need a roommate? What will your expenses be (consider food, electric, gas, cable, internet, water/sewage, and any other expenses) and what will source of income be (parents, job, financial aid, or other sources)? You may also inquire if the building gets regularly inspected by Qualified safety inspectors.
  2. Are you responsible for paying rent for the entire apartment or will you have an individual lease?  This is helpful to know if your roommate does not pay their share of the rent, you will not be held responsible and face possible eviction.  Communities that cater to student housing will have individual leases available.
  3. Do you need a cosigner? Who would be willing to serve in that capacity?
  4. What is the length of your lease? Is it a full year or long enough to cover the academic year?
  5. Is the apartment furnished? What items will you need in your new home?
  6. Do you have to pay for parking at the apartment complex?
  7. How much is a commuter parking pass on campus?
  8. How far is the complex from the university?
  9. How is the neighborhood in the daytime and at night?
  10. What time of community support does the property offer (are there community events, staff availability, security, etc.)

No matter which option you choose, now is the time to start looking at your housing options for next year. You want to start early so you get the best deals and the best selection.  Choosing a place to live is not an easy task and should not be taken lightly.  Mistakes in this area could cost you a year of misery or unwanted fees for breaking your lease.  Looking for housing can be exciting, so sit back explore all of your options and have fun.