Opinion: Getting ready for back to school
The 2021 fall semester is finally here, and it’s no surprise that everyone is stressing. Moving, buying supplies, paying for tuition, trying to find jobs, and organizing their class schedules. It is important for students to be prepared whether they are doing in-person or online classes this year. Things are changing for the better, with more events being promised and planned for the future and large-grouped sports games and gatherings being hyped by the school and students.
All students should have notebooks, preferably at least one for each class, a planner, pens/pencils and highlighters, sticky notes, erasers, dividers and binders. Class specific supplies including art tools, calculators, and rulers can be found at the student store at the Taggart Student Center on Utah State University Logn campus.
Required Reading
For all the required textbooks, novels, etc., all students should try to get to the USU bookstore at the TSC as soon as possible in order to get first picks. Some materials can be found online, however, from websites such as campusbooks.com, textbooks.com, bookfinder.com/textbooks, bigwords.com, and chegg.com. Renting online versions can be a cheaper option if they’re available for that specific book.
Electronics
While some students bring their electronics/technology with them to school, those who do not are free to use the computers at the Merrill-Cazier Library free of charge. Students can also use the computers at the IT Computer Labs at various buildings all over campus including the Ag Science Building, Sci-Tech Library, and the TSC. According to the USU website, printing, copying and scanning is available to students at certain prices at specific locations on campus. It states, “Computer labs located within Merrill-Cazier Library include the first floor Informations Commons North and South labs, and the Sci-Tech lab located on the lower level, Room 002.”
Room and Dorm
Students may have the hardest time moving in with new people, into new dorms or apartments for the first time. It’s scary, but taking the first step to set boundaries and reminders for the people you live with will make everything a lot easier for everyone in the same living space. In an article by Fredic Neuman M.D. for Psychology Today, he explained the disparity between roommates’ personalities and habits is universal among all ages in and out of college and should be addressed early on. He described a set of guidelines to improve co-living habitats like respecting a roommate’s privacy, giving heads up for plans, agreeing on events that may bring others persons into the shared home, and having faith in your roommate(s). If you respect their rules and act responsibly with your guests and hygiene, they are more likely to do the same.
If a student is not living on a scholarship that pays for housing, living off campus in an apartment may be more affordable, though it may be more difficult to find. Make sure to make yourself comfortable with familiar decorations, furniture and colors. Ian Sample, a science editor for The Guardian, explained that unfamiliar surroundings can cause a person to sleep restlessly, but it can be helped with holding onto what comforts us.
New School Year
For the time being, USU is still cautious when it comes to coronavirus testing, social distancing, masking, cleaning and vaccinations. Whether one supports these initiatives or not, we have to follow state and national laws to ensure the safety of those most vulnerable. Being prepared for our classes and future social situations can make the next few months go more smoothly with less stress and last-minute planning.