Tips and tricks to thriving as a student in Logan

While getting used to living in Logan can be a hard adjustment, it doesn’t have to be. There are many who have been there before and are willing to help newcomers learn the ropes, just as they have had to do. 

Students shared their tips and tricks for how to survive Logan for newcomers and those looking to make their adjustment to Logan easier.

Alyssa Murphy, a senior in communication studies, has tried to get the most from her experience in Logan by getting outdoors. 

“You have the mountains you can escape to five minutes away, and Bear Lake is only 45 minutes away,” Murphy said. “Just take advantage of everything that is around you.” 

Sammi Gangloff, a junior studying speech pathology, has found grocery store case lot sales to be a money saver while in college. 

“I think a tip that has really helped me is buying in bulk,” Gangloff said. “I’ll get stuff from there or if pasta, rice and other staples that don’t go bad are on sale, I’ll buy a few to save money before prices rise.” 

Another money-saving tip from Hailee Guffey, a fifth-year agricultural sciences major, is to carry a package of instant oatmeal with her wherever she goes. 

“It’s thin and if I’m starving it is filling,” Guffey said. “The less you buy while you’re on campus, the more money you have for the things that you actually want to spend your money on.” 

Every college student knows the importance of snacks for surviving long days on campus. They are almost as important a necessity as finishing homework on time. 

Gangloff said that bringing healthy foods to snack on between classes is essential. Foods like protein bars, packaged nuts, crackers and cheese are a few of her favorites. 

“It helps keep you focused and replenishes your energy throughout the day,” Gangloff said. 

Travel can also be a nuisance in Logan while school is in session across the valley. 

Jessica Richens has found taking back roads to be her saving grace. 

“There are many peak times to avoid the main roads, including travel rushes between 8 and 10 a.m. and 4:30-6 p.m.,” Richens said. 

There are also campus and Cache Valley Transit District buses and shuttles that can be a lifesaver and can help students avoid the hassle of parking on campus. 

They can also be a huge help with frigid cold Logan winters on the horizon, as much as Loganites don’t like to admit it’s coming. 

There are many things students can do to make it through the winter months. This includes things like getting proper snow tires for vehicles, keeping ice removal kits in the car and always being prepared with blankets. 

Guffey advises that students should stock up on warm clothes.

“When living in Logan, there is no such thing as owning too many sweaters,” Guffey said. 

Russell Murphy, a senior studying finance, said living in Logan is what an individual makes of it. 

“It’s not about surviving, it’s about thriving,” Murphy said. 

—kortni.marie.wells@aggiemail.usu.edu

@kortniwells