5 Simple Ways to be Happy This Semester
Fall semester has just started, which means brand new opportunities to learn, grow and meet people.
It also means challenging adjustments to college life, unfamiliar transitions with roommates and stressful course loads. It is completely natural as a student to feel overwhelmed—whether it’s your first or fifth year or whether you’re coming from out of state or from right here in Logan—and at times, it can be hard to stay optimistic.
As classes start, take a look at these five simple ways to be happy this semester and to ensure a less stressful, more enjoyable fall term:
- GET INVOLVED ON CAMPUS
First and foremost, take an active part in the booming campus life. One of the most notable aspects about Utah State University is how involved the students are with the community. It is easy to become a part of campus life and there is always something to do. Some ideas include:
- CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS
Is there something that you are passionate about? If you enjoy helping others, playing volleyball or even just watching movies, you’re in luck. It’s more than likely that there is a club for that. Utah State has more than 60 clubs that offer opportunities to meet other students and expand your hobbies. Follow this link to find a list of all the clubs offered here to get started: https://ususa.usu.edu/clubs/clublist
If you attended the Day on the Quad last week, consider following through with the clubs and organizations you visited. If you are passionate about a certain topic, but there isn’t a club for it yet, you can create one. Just follow this link to get started: https://usu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2hIQFnpL2GozXQ9
To find other ways to get involved, you can visit https://ususa.usu.edu/index. You can also connect with USU on Instagram to get updates on events by following @ususaevents and @usuaggielife.
- DON’T STAY IN YOUR DORM ALL DAY
Along with getting involved, make sure that you are not stuck in your room all day. When the weather is nice, find a grassy spot outside to study and soak up the fresh air before winter sets in. Mix it up and get a steaming coffee for a caffeine boost while you do your math homework in one of the many cafes around campus. Spreading out around campus rather than staying in your dorm will not only improve your productivity and focus, it will help you feel less isolated.
- BE ACTIVE
Exercise has been clinically proven to improve brain performance. Frequent exercise also increases your endorphins, which are hormones that boost your mood for the better. Here are some ideas for how to be active:
- VISIT THE ARC
The Aggie Recreation Center, or the ARC, is located on campus at the corner of 800 East and 700 North and offers students full access to a plethora of exercise equipment. This includes three hardwood gym courts set up for basketball and volleyball, an elevated indoor track, a 50-foot tall rock climbing wall, cardio and weight training equipment, sand volleyball courts and cycling studios.
The ARC is open Monday-Thursday from 6 a.m.-11 p.m., Friday from 6 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sunday from 2 p.m.-8 p.m.
- TAKE A PHYSICAL EDUCATION CLASS
PE classes are a great way to set aside time to work out and get class credit for it. Utah State offers over 300 PE electives open to students of any major, such as yoga, tae kwon do, skiing, weight training and much more. You can browse the course catalog here, or set up an appointment with your advisor to talk about adding a PE class to your schedule for next semester.
- EXPLORE LOGAN CANYON
USU’s neighbor, Logan Canyon, is the perfect place to take a hike, do some rock climbing, biking or camping. Visit https://utahsadventurefamily.com/things-logan-canyon/ for ideas for your canyon adventure. Don’t have the proper gear for your trip? Students receive a 35% discount on all outdoor equipment rentals from USU Outdoor Programs.
For more ideas, follow USU Outdoor Programs on Instagram: @usu.op.
- MAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF
There will always be assignments to be done, textbooks to read and math equations to solve, but making sure that you are setting aside time for yourself is even more important. According to the U.K. Department of Health, “Self-care is a part of daily living.” So, take time to indulge in hobbies to blow off steam and recharge after a stressful day.
- UTILIZE THE MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES ON CAMPUS
According to the National Alliance on Mental Health, one in five American adults experiences mental illness. If this is the case for you, you might want to pay a visit to USU’s Counseling and Psychological Services or CAPS. Caps is fully equipped with trained professionals ready to help students struggling with depression, anxiety, stress, as well as many other mental health issues.
Visit aggiewellness.usu.edu/logan/mental wellness for more information on the psychological services offered and to schedule an appointment.