As a college student, living sustainably seems to be a topic that is widely discussed but rarely put into action. According to Boston College’s Sustainability Facts, “the average college student produces 640 pounds of solid waste each year, including 500 disposable cups and 320 pounds of paper”. Earth Day is coming up, so it’s a good time to start thinking about our consumption habits and taking steps to live more sustainably. It is a common misconception that you have to completely change your lifestyle in order to make an impact; if we all take small steps toward going a little more green, we can make a change.
Paper & Plastic
The amount of office paper wasted each year in Massachusetts is enough to fill Fenway Park to the height of the Prudential Building! (bc.edu)
Water is a huge part of the sustainability movement, and learning how to conserve a little water is easier than you think.
Photo: Suffolk Environmental Club
Now that you know how to live a little more sustainably every day, join Suffolk Environmental Club’s Earth Day event! This event will celebrate Earth Day, and all the individuals and communities who are doing their part to live sustainably.
The event will be held on Earth Day, April 22nd, in the Donahue basement from 12-4PM.
Hope to see you there and Happy Earth Day!
The semester is coming to a close, finals and final projects are approaching, and you’re wondering - how can I mix up my study tactics?
These days, quite of a few of us have smartphones, tablets of various sizes/shapes/OS’s by our sides, and access to laptops… we might as well use them to their fullest extent!
Here is a collection of apps for your various study needs, whether you need to get a little more organized, a little more focused, or you just need a little help with the content of your course.
Bonus: we only picked the free ones.
If you’re easily distracted..
These apps will help you curb your mild social media addiction. The first step is admitting you have a problem; the second is taking action. Check out these apps to see how they can help you battle your tendency to get distracted.
If you’re tired of carrying around stacks of flashcards…
For some students, the flashcards really pile up--and buying them can get expensive! These apps provide an alternative, plus you can have access to them wherever you’re heading. Your commute on the B line just became a thirty-minute study sesh.
If you need some help scheduling and keeping track of deadlines..
Deadlines can get a little overwhelming at the end of the semester - especially this year, since syllabi have been altered and re-altered to compensate for Snowmageddon. Don’t let that get the best of you! Hopefully these apps might help you avoid that oh-wow-the-exam-is-tomorrow-isn’t-it moment.
If you’re interested in trying some new studying and note-taking tactics..
Maybe studying straight from your notes isn’t working so well anymore. Check out these apps - maybe mixing it up is just what you need!
For miscellaneous study needs…
your favorite sites, now apps!:
what was that formula again?
Thanks to these posts for inspiration:
What is a desk? A workspace? A motivation station? A surface upon which your inspiration comes to life? If you find yourself sitting at your desk in a sea of sameness--awash with your familiar objects and distractions-- and unable to motivate yourself to do any work, you might need to just get up and try an unfamiliar space to spark your motivation again.
Try something new, be more productive, test your faith in free Wi-fi:
You haven’t seen the Sun in a while. It misses you. The Vitamin D will put you in a better mood so that you can get your work done. You need Wi-Fi? Try the Norman B. Leventhal Park or the Courtyard at the Boston Public Library.
Check Out Your Local Library
They aren’t dead yet. In fact, they even offer ergonomical 1980’s inspired wooden desks, outlets to plug your computer in, and access to the internet! What more could you need? So why not isolate yourself in the cozy catacombs of your local library and bust out that essay? Best part is, no one knows you there so you can slum it as hard as you need to, to ace your midterm.
Try a Cafe
When you are surrounded by other people who are trying to get work done and are energized by a steady stream of caffeine, the motivation is infectious.
Free Wi-Fi found here:
Waffles, Ice Cream, and Bread
Need I say more? Sweet treats with a side of Free Wi-Fi respectively:
Find a rock….Gym?
It’s a little hard to grasp.. (pause for the pun).. But these gyms provide Wi-Fi with your membership so that you can get your work done, and then go work it out on the ropes and in yoga; but mainly on their rock walls.
If you are uncomfortable with the idea of studying away from your traditional desk, think of it this way: when you are stranded in an unfamiliar place you will cling to anything familiar. That familiar thing being your work. So whether it’s outdoors, between dusty books, surrounded by the aroma of coffee, positioned in view of decadent delights, or between a rock and a hard place, you might just find motivation in some of these crazy places.
OR if you’re not into gambling take this Quiz and it will tell you where you should study.