R UNDABOUT NC State Student Media
Fall 2017 - Spring 2018
Lifestyle
2 | Roundabout - Lifestyle 2017-2018
CONTENTS Safety in the Pack
STAFF
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Grocery Shopping Tips 6 Working on My Fitness
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Spice Up Your Life 10 Gameday Getaways 12 Treat Yourself 13 Best Apps for Members of the Pack
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How to Stay Healthy 16 On the Move 18 Dress Up Your Dorm Room
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Penny Pinching 22
EDITORIAL STAFF Jonathan Carter Anahzsa Jones Anna Long COPY EDITOR Connor Bolinder PHOTO EDITOR Jessica Hernandez PUBLICATION DESIGN Katie Tart COVER PHOTO Amy Gahan
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SAFETY in the PACK By: Megan Wong
Photo By: Alex Zachman
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blue light for the service. “The wait for the ride can be lengthy, so if you’re waiting for them, make sure you’re in an area or inside a building that you can wait a while,” said Sarah Iddings, a senior studying psychology.
“
AS A WOMAN I CAN’T ALWAYS COUNT THAT THE PEOPLE AROUND ME ARE GOING TO BE GOOD PEOPLE... SO I JUST WANTED TO LEARN HOW TO DEFEND MYSELF IN CASE A SITUATION AROSE WHERE SOMEONE WAS STRONGER THAN ME, SOMEONE WAS NOT OF SOUND MIND, OR SOMEONE GENUINELY WANTED TO HARM ME.
“
Campus has many dark, shadowy nooks and corners at night, but that doesn’t mean you should feel defenseless. There are many ways to allay your parents’ or your own safety concerns. Blue lights are stationed across campus within 100 feet of each other; the constant refrain of NC State tour guides is that “if you’re at one blue light, you should be able to see another.” These lights offer an immediate connection with the NC State University Police Department, and they typically respond fast. Anyone pushing the button should see an officer within a few minutes. Jeremy Kuhne, a senior studying chemistry, was a freshman when a friend buzzed a blue light. He and his friend came upon a mulch fire near Park Shops. The fire was started by a cigarette butt, and Kuhne quickly stomped on the fire to try and put it out. “I was pretty much thinking ‘If I can’t stop this now, we’re gonna need some professional help, because there’s a lot of mulch here and the fire is spreading quickly,’” Kuhne said. An officer did show up to the area quickly and extinguished the fire. The campus police number is (919) 515-3000; students are taught to memorize it upon coming to campus. Students can call between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. for the safety escort service or press the button on the
WolfAlert is another safety measure put in place for students. The system sends a text message or email to your electronic device to keep students up to date on any crimes occurring on campus. The university also offers self-defense classes through faculty-led instruction and
trainings at the campus police station on Wolf Village Way. The self-defense classes at Carmichael Gym give students the skills to avoid, defend or attack in a confrontation. There are many reasons students take the self-defense classes, and most women probably agree with Caitlin Rathvon, a junior studying graphic design: “As a woman, I can’t always count that the people around me are going to be good people. Unfortunately that’s the reality I live with, so I just wanted to learn how to defend myself in case a situation arose where someone was stronger than me, someone was not of sound mind, or someone genuinely wanted to harm me,” she said. Sean Bolembach, a senior studying chemistry, was in the same class with Rathvon. Bolembach said that beyond the specific techniques he learned, the confidence he gained was the greatest benefit. “In general I have this concept of ‘OK, I know how to handle myself in this situation,’” he said. The trainings offered by the police include Rape Aggression Defensive Systems, Resisting Aggression with Defense, Safety Skills, and Pepper Spray Training. The goal of all these trainings is to avoid a confrontation in the first place. However, these classes and trainings provide an alternative if a physical encounter is inevitable.
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Photos By: Jessica Hernandez
GROCERY SHOPPING TIPS By: Aditi Dholakia
Eating — that is, eating well, eating regularly, eating healthily — can be difficult when you’re a college student. Sure, it may seem deceptively easy when you’re living on campus with access to dining halls and food courts, but I know from experience that eating solely on campus can not only become tiring and monotonous, but also expensive. Meal credits and swipes don’t cover snacks, late-night cravings, or even more than one small meal during the same designated pay period. Moreover, for those of you living off campus, having to fend for yourself with limited money likely means lots of microwavable meals and instant noodles, broken up by the occasional take-out splurge. Being savvy about your grocery shopping, however, can at least allow you to buy some baby carrots and some protein to add to your ramen, which will at least prevent you from contracting scurvy. When it comes down to it, grocery shopping on a budget is mostly about sticking closely to a list and buying whatever is on sale. NC State is lucky to have at least two major grocery stores nearby. The Harris Teeter in Cameron Village is walkable from East Campus, and the Food Lion on Avent Ferry Road is accessible by the Wolfline. Although Harris Teeter is typically
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seen as a more high-end grocery store, the Cameron Village store does offer student discounts if you sign up with your email for the VIC Card program. Food Lion’s MVP program is also free, and gives shoppers great deals on store-brand and sale items. When shopping for groceries, remember to only buy what you absolutely need, especially when it comes to produce and perishables. This will reduce waste and save money at the same time. If you and your roommate(s) are splitting groceries, make sure to establish from the start how the groceries will be divided so that there’s no double buying. Remember to take one or two reusable grocery bags with you when you go shopping, and use these bags in place of a basket or cart. Not only does this reduce the risk of buying unnecessary items, but it also helps you gauge how much you can carry if you are walking or riding the bus. Buying what you need is all well and good until you realize that what you need is more than you can carry back home with you. If you’re still living in a residence hall, sticking to only buying what you absolutely need is also imperative to conserving space in shoebox-sized resident rooms. While buying non-perishable items in bulk may seem like a good idea, not having the space
to store those items will make the sale lose its charm, fast. The best way to only buy what you need is to make sure that you have a solid list before you go to the store. Teaching yourself to stick only to the list can be hard — it’s tempting to buy the whole store when you’re away from parental control — but in the long run knowing exactly what you need and getting only that saves time, money and future waste. Store-brand items are your best friends. It’s not easy to break the habit of buying name-brand items, especially if you’ve grown up eating certain brands at home. Let me tell you from experience, though, that not only are store-brand items cheaper — especially with those free grocery store membership cards — but they taste exactly the same as the name-brand items. Lastly, always make sure to have a budget in place before going shopping. This could be a monthly budget that you keep an eye on when you shop, or a weekly budget that’s a little stricter. Either way, knowing your spending limits and sticking to them allows you, in the long
run, to treat yourself occasionally when you know you’re under budget. All of that being said, making the time to even step foot out of the library in the direction of a grocery store can feel impossible. However, armed with your specifically tailored list, your VIC or MVP card, and a general knowledge of the layout of your store of choice, it’s relatively easy to be in and out of the store in barely any time at all. Just make sure you have your reusable bags, to save the environment and to save you money!
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WORKING ON MY FITNESS By: Sarah Gallo
Photo By: Glenn Wagstaff With limited time and easy access to fast food, staying healthy and in shape can become a daunting task for college students. However, regular exercise brings a wealth of benefits for students, including better focus and sleep, and lower rates of depression and anxiety, among others. After a stressful day, there’s nothing like channeling unwanted stress into a productive workout session, whether it be a weight lifting power workout or a quick jog around campus. So, what are the best ways to stay healthy on campus? Here’s some ways to make this academic year a healthy one. OPT FOR NUTRITION
While it may seem tempting to go for that cheesy slice of pizza for din-
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ner, there are many tasty ways to eat healthily on campus. One Earth’s menu includes global bowls filled with quinoa, lean proteins and veggies, and salads packed with everything from lemongrass shrimp to avocado. Case Dining Hall also offers a healthful lineup for students, although it’s only open for breakfast and lunch for non-athletes. For lunch, Case offers a salad bar — the spinach, strawberry and feta salad is a classic go-to — as well as fresh fruit. Daily specials include anything from fish to custom-made chicken wraps to veggie burgers. For a nutritional midday pick-meup, look no further than the Atrium’s Smoothie U. The smoothie shop’s newly added acai bowls and acai-based smoothies are packed with calcium, fiber and vitamin A, and taste more like a dessert than a healthy snack. Acai bowl toppings include everything from
bananas to granola to peanut butter. While there is nothing wrong with the occasional indulgence, maintaining an overall healthy diet makes the occasional snickerdoodle cookie from Starbucks even sweeter.
SWEAT IT OUT
Carmichael Gym is one of the most accessible ways for students to work on their fitness. For a cardio-focused routine, opt for a run on the indoor track. While fitness classes sometimes occupy the track on weekdays, it’s typically clear by 4 p.m. for everyone. Although running is often seen as a chore, easing oneself into a routine is the best way to start a long-term relationship with the sport. Another overlooked cardio exercise is swimming. Carmichael’s Aquatic Center has two indoor pools. For those looking for a more weight-
based workout, venture into one of Carmichael Gym’s weight rooms. Although they can seem intimidating at first, the weight rooms offer something for students of all skill levels, from free weights to machines designed to work muscles you never knew you had.
ENJOY THE GREAT OUTDOORS
Grab a friend and get outside — there are many ways to stay active through outdoor endeavors both on and off campus. On main campus, Rocky Branch Creek trail offers students a safe path for jogging, running, biking or walking. Centennial Campus’ walking trails are another great option. Centennial’s three-mile exercise course even offers pit
stops with various exercise equipment. University Recreation’s Outdoor Adventures unit also offers a wide variety of ways for students to embark on active outdoor ventures, whether it be renting a bike for a quick joy ride or attending one of the Outdoor Adventures excursions to premier hiking, snow skiing and other outdoor fitness destinations. Off campus, Raleigh has no shortage of outdoor spots perfect for getting in some fresh air and exercise at the same time. Pullen Park’s walking trails offer a well-paved running/walking path juxtaposed with its scenic pond. Additional outdoor possibilities include various 5- and 10K road races in the area, which are held throughout the year and sponsored by various organizations.
Charles McQuarrie, a first-year student studying International Studies, and Michael Barimo, a first-year student studying engineering, play raquetball in Carmichael Gymnasium on Friday, Oct. 20. Raquetball is one of the many sporting options at Carmichael. PHOTO BY: Glenn Wagstaff
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SPICE up your
Life
Living in a college dorm doesn’t have to be the end of good food. When the semester hits full swing and life gets down to poorly timed meal swipes and random snacks, a tastier food detour can be a real treat. A microwave and/or dorm stove combined with savvy grocery shopping can turn you into a pretty good dorm cook with the right recipes.
By: Carolyn Thompson Baked Sweet Potato There’s just something really heartwarming about freshly cooked sweet potatoes. The sweet potato really speaks for itself, but a few more add-ons can make it even better: Ingredients: - 1 medium sweet potato - 2 tsp honey - 2 tsp butter or margarine - salt & freshly ground pepper Instructions: 1. Wash potato thoroughly; cut off any dark marks on the skin and cut about a quarter inch into it completely around it lengthwise. 2. Microwave for approximately 8-10 minutes on high or until fork tender. Remove to a microwaveable dish, slice it in half through the cut made earlier and score the inside flesh. 3. Drizzle the honey over the inside, and spread a teaspoon of butter on each side. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place it back in the microwave and cook for 30 seconds. 10 | Roundabout - Lifestyle 2017-2018
Elote in a Bowl Elote is grilled corn on the cob coated with a mixture of cotija cheese, mayo, sour cream, chili powder and lime. Minus the grill and corn on the cob, a dish similar in concept to the elote can be made using a bowl: Ingredients: - 1 cup of whole kernel corn - 1 tbsp of butter cut up - 2 tbsp of lime juice - 1/2 cup of mayonnaise - 1/4 cup of Queso Fresco cheese crumbled or shredded — or substitute feta cheese. - Sprinkles of cayenne pepper or ground chili powder as desired Instructions: 1. Place the corn and butter in a cereal-sized microwavable bowl and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, until butter is soft enough to easily mix into the corn, and the corn is warmed through. 2. Mix the mayonnaise and lime juice into the corn and butter. Sprinkle the cheese on top of the corn mixture and then sprinkle with your preference of either chili sauce or cayenne pepper.
Cinnamon Apple and Banana Oatmeal Oatmeal is a very customizable kind of food that can be spruced up with any fruits on hand or some extra flavoring like cinnamon and honey. This recipe is one of many combinations that’s microwave friendly: Ingredients: - 2 packs instant oatmeal, any flavor - 1 apple - 1 tbsp butter - 1 medium banana - cinnamon for garnishing Instructions: 1. Cut up your apple into small pieces. Put it in a microwave-safe bowl, add butter and sprinkle cinnamon. Microwave for 1 minute. 2. Remove from the microwave and mix so that the butter and cinnamon are mixed uniformly. Microwave for another 30 seconds. Set apples aside and cut the banana into small slices. Prepare your instant oatmeal according to the directions, then mix your apples into the oatmeal and top with banana.
Classic Mac and Cheese Box brands of mac and cheese are tempting to use. They’re easy to make and fairly cheap, but are they the cheesiest they can be? The following recipe can help your mac and cheese realize its full potential: Ingredients: - 1/3 cup dry pasta - 1/2 cup water - 1/2 cup shredded cheese - splash of whole milk - 1 tablespoon butter (optional, but is it really?) - a tall mug or bowl Instructions: 1. Grab a mug with fairly tall sides and fill it up with the water. Add the pasta, and microwave on high for 3 minutes.
French Toast in a Bowl (or cup) This quick and comforting dish can make for a good breakfast and all-around snack during the day. The recipe calls for: Ingredients: - 2 slices of bread - 1 egg - 1/4 cup milk - 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional, but a good addition) - cinnamon for garnish
Instructions: 1. Mix the milk, egg, and vanilla extract together. In a small microwave-safe bowl, tear one of the slices of bread into pieces and fill the bowl. 2. Drizzle the egg mixture over the bread. Repeat with the other slice of bread. Microwave for 2 minutes or until it’s no longer runny. Sprinkle with cinnamon.
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2. Take the mug out carefully, stir, and put back in for another 2 minutes. Watch it very closely, as at this point the water will start to boil and foam over a bit. 3. While your pasta is cooking, grate your cheese or just use pre-shredded cheese. 4. When your pasta is done cooking, there should hardly be any water left. Immediately add your butter and cheese, and stir until melted. If the cheese still isn’t quite melted, put it back in the microwave for a few seconds.
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5. Once everything is melted, add a splash of milk to create a creamy sauce.You can also add any seasoning you like to it. Roundabout - Lifestyle 2017-2018 | 11
GAMEDAY GETAWAYS
Players’ Retreat 105 Oberlin Rd
Tobacco Road Sports Cafe 505 W Jones St
By: Luke Perrin
Sammy’s Tap & Grill 2235 Avent Ferry Rd
Few things in the life of a sports fan are equivalent to the big, game-changing moment. Instances like Ray Allen’s go-ahead three-pointer in game six of the NBA Finals, Chris Davis taking Alabama’s attempted game-winning field goal back down the field to win the Iron Bowl and, of course, Lorenzo Charles scoring the go-ahead tipin. Those are the moments that live on in the memories of a fanbase, and any diehard fan can pinpoint exactly what they were doing as they watched it unfold, as was the case for me with Derek Jeter’s final walk-off in Yankee Stadium. I watched it from the comforts of my living room with an order of chicken wings and a can of Cheerwine at 11 p.m. While the living room option is certainly viable, and unquestionably cheaper, sometimes sporting events simply must be viewed from the pantheon of American culinary art — the sports bar. To save you time, energy and research, here are the best places near campus to grab some grub and cheer on the Wolfpack.
Sammy’s Tap & Grill Conveniently located across from the Avent Ferry Complex in the Mission Valley Shopping Center, Sammy’s accessibility is a big selling point for students at NC State. Being the first sports bar in Raleigh that I ever visited, Sammy’s became the baseline that subsequent restaurants were judged against, and it has held up nicely ever since. While the quality of food is OK, the atmosphere and prices are second to none. With a special $5 menu after 9 p.m, daily drink specials and 44-cent wings and bites with a student ID after 9 p.m. on Mon-
days, Wednesdays and Fridays, you’ll be ready to be well-fed at the start of a prime time matchup. For a go-to food option, the Sammy sauce on wings is a must, complementing extra hot with a dash of pepper for a splash of fire to your tastebuds. A little-known menu delicacy is to add queso to your french fries, which ups the ante considerably by turning some excellent French fries into something truly special. With a television at each booth and dozens of flat screens lining the walls, Sammy’s is a heck of a place to indulge your sports fixation.
Players’ Retreat The backdrop of ESPN’s “Survive and Advance” 30 for 30 film, this Hillsborough Street icon has been serving the NC State community since 1951. It’s a sports bar that can feel more like to a family restaurant at times, depending on when you go. Nonetheless, the walls are lined with TVs to
catch the action, and the food and beverage selection is excellent. The menu advises you to order your burger rare, which is great advice, and the Hawaiian Burger is the best case-study to illustrate, topped with grilled pineapple, Swiss, jalapeños and mouth-watering bacon.
Tobacco Road Sports Cafe
Photo By: Alex Zachman 12 | Roundabout - Lifestyle 2017-2018
Alex, the owner of Tobacco Road, is excellent at what he does, and this restaurant is an embodiment of that. Located on Jones Street and aptly named after the mecca of college basketball greatness, Tobacco Road Sports Cafe is an exceptional place to catch a game in a lively atmosphere. Set
up in a very spacious layout, you won’t feel like you’re sitting on top of another party’s table, which sometimes is the case at sports bars. In terms of food, you absolutely cannot go wrong with an order of Buffalo chicken egg rolls, followed by some Wolfpack Wings.
TREAT YOURSELF By: Sarah Gallo
Photo By: Jessica Hernandez a hammock around campus and bask in the good company and witty entertainment, It’s no secret that college is one will be fully prepared to tackle even stressful. From long hours in D.H. crisp fall air. the longest WebAssign assignments in the Hill to making that dreaded 8 a.m. TAKE A YOGA CLASS: upcoming week. gen-ed requirement, taking time Whether you’re an avid yoga aficionado or a complete novice, Carmichael RecreCOZY UP WITH A GOOD to relax should not be deemed ation Center offers rejuvenating yoga classes BOOK AND A CUP OF JOE: indulgent but, rather, a survival for everyone. From Restorative Yoga, a Yin- Perhaps the best part about the fall and strategy. Thankfully, there are end- style yoga class focused on mind and body winter seasons is cuddling up with some restoration, to Gentle Yoga, a class designed much-needed java and that book you never less ways for students to bask in to ease in beginners, leaving a yoga class got around to reading. With all the required the necessity of self-care on and on campus will leave one feeling refreshed, texts that mark one’s undergraduate career, around campus. Here’s a tested recharged and energized. For optimum reading for pleasure is a venture all too often list of relaxation tactics bound relaxation benefits, take a trip to the sauna forgotten. However underutilized, there’s in Carmichael Gym. It’s worth it. something magical about flipping through to ease all one’s college-related Additionally, keep an eye out for various the pages of a much-anticipated novel on a woes. outdoor yoga classes around campus, which
ENJOY THE GREAT OUTDOORS:
Sometimes the best way to relax is by getting outdoors and reminding oneself of the beauty of nature. Pullen Park’s peaceful backdrop makes for the perfect relaxing afternoon. Grab a friend, or go solo, and take a walk around the pond, lay out on the lawn and listen to music, read, or simply breathe in the fresh air. For another relaxing outdoor endeavor, take a break from the hustle and bustle of one’s daily routine by opting for lunch on the lawn of the Court of North Carolina. Taking time, even on the busiest of weekdays, to enjoy the scenery right here on campus is a great way to rid the mind of everyday stressors. For even more fun, set up
frequently pop up throughout the academic year.
TREAT YOURSELF TO A NIGHT IN WITH FRIENDS:
After the hustle and bustle of a long week, there’s nothing like gathering up some good friends for a relaxing night in. Begin the night by making a classic comfort food such as baked mac and cheese or a hearty chili, either in one’s apartment or one’s often-forgotten dorm kitchen. For dessert, whip up a quick batch of chocolate therapy at its finest — Ghirardelli brownies. After making one’s guilty pleasure of choice, gather around to watch a classic film that won’t disappoint — “The Breakfast Club,” “Fight Club” and “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” are all good go-to’s. After a night full of laughter,
chilly afternoon. Grab a cozy sweater and head to the Park Shops Port City Java or an off-campus coffee shop such as Global Village Organic Coffee, and bask in the simple pleasure of reading.
UTILIZE ON-CAMPUS RESOURCES:
The Counseling Center at NC State offers students even more ways to start — and continue — taking care of one’s mental and emotional health. In addition to individual and group counseling, the center offers drop-in groups such as “Pride Counseling Group,” a support group for GLBTQ students; “Fear-Less,” an group which teaches students tips and tricks for managing anxiety; and many other groups aimed at helping the Wolfpack remain healthy and happy from the inside out.
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BEST APPS FOR MEMBERS OF THE PACK By: Emma Berg
Apps were created to make things easier in people’s day-to-day routines. Knowing the best apps for yourself as an NC State student can be crucial in maximizing your time and resources. There are apps that help with all aspects of student life such as eating, getting around campus and exploring Raleigh. These apps can save you time and money in your busy schedule as a member of the Wolfpack. Photo Illustration By: Alex Zachman
ON CAMPUS This app is specifically for NC State students and is helpful for many aspects of student life. One section shows all of the on-campus events that are coming up, a great way to see if there’s anything important you want to be a part of. There’s also information on the Wolfline, Wolfpack sports, and NC State news. Another part of the app lets you look up the location of buildings, which is great for freshmen who are always getting lost on campus or for anyone going to a building that they have never heard of. This app is really helpful for any State student looking to get more involved on campus or help getting more organized.
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HOOKED DEALS Hooked provides students with deals that are happening as they check the app. The deals are for restaurants right near campus, so it’s helpful to check their flash deals as you plan what you want to eat.
STEALZ What’s interesting about the Stealz app is that it gives students deals at restaurants near campus using a reward system for sharing pictures and checking in at restaurants. The more you do this, the more points you build. These earn users even more deals, mostly free food.
TRANSLOC (RIDER) This app is crucial to anyone looking to navigate the NC State Wolfline, which is the school’s bus system. It is helpful to anyone who is directionally challenged or finds the idea of mass transit overwhelming and confusing. You can look up stops and put in your destination to find the best way to get there. One of the most helpful parts of the app is that students can track the bus and see when it’s coming in order to perfectly plan their schedule. Also, you can track the GoTriangle buses or any buses in the area.
TAPINGO Many NC State students are frequent users of Tapingo, but if you haven’t given the app a try, you’ll see the hype truly is justified. When you are rushing between classes and need some food, you can just order it on the app and pick it up on your way to the next class instead of having to wait in line. It allows you to use your meal plan or dining dollars to order food along with other forms of payment. In addition, you can order from nearby restaurants that deliver. The convenience of this app is beyond helpful for on-the-go students.
LIMEBIKE LimeBike is the biggest transportation craze on campus right now. The app allows students to find a bike near them, hop on, and get where they need to go. Once you find a bike, you scan its barcode with the app and then it tracks your ride. Student users pay 50 cents every 30 minutes, and it’s $1 per 30 minutes for non-students. This is helpful for students looking to quickly get around campus or anywhere close by. The best part of the LimeBike service is that you can leave them wherever you want once you’re done.
OFFLINE For those looking for more ways to get out and explore Raleigh, this app is for you. Offline gives users a way to see all the events happening near campus, from free street festivals to restaurants and concerts. The app provides tons of new ideas and helps you realize all of the great stuff Raleigh has to offer.
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HOW TO STAY
Healthy By: Shivani Shirolkar
College is full of exciting adventures and new opportunities, with so much happening everywhere, all the time. However, between the quest for good grades and maintaining an active social life, your health may end up getting shortchanged if you aren’t careful. Most students tend not to prioritize their health while on campus. When they get sick, it can be detrimental in many aspects. They could be too sick to even make it out of bed, not to mention attending class. Even a single missed class could throw their entire routine off balance — it takes time to catch up to pending assignments and material covered. Furthermore, if they are contagious, there’s a risk of other students getting affected as well. There are several precautions students can take to prevent falling ill — the most basic of all being thorough
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hand washing. Your hands are constantly exposed, and you use them for a variety of functions to get you through the day. This makes it extremely easy for germs to spread through direct or indirect contact. Eighty percent of communicable diseases are transferred by touch. You may even want to avoid touching membranes like the eyes, nose and mouth if your hands aren’t clean. If a friend is sick, try to help them without spending too much time around them. Being exposed to infection can highly increase your own chances of catching the same bug. Getting immunized is necessary when you’re living on campus. It’s a smart idea to get flu shots every year and keep your vaccinations updated to maintain the highest degree
of protection. Vaccines have come close to eradicating diseases like smallpox and polio in the past 60 years, and have prevented 2.5 million deaths per year. However, even with the best precautions, we are all bound to fall ill at some point. When that happens, a visit to the Student Health Center on campus can make life easier. Not only will they take care of you, they’ll also give you an authentic piece of evidence to give your professors to receive an excused absence. Even if you think it’s something small, getting it checked out won’t hurt; seemingly minor things can quickly escalate and make your state even worse. Other factors that could contribute to poor health are deficient eating habits and sleep cycles. If you aren’t eating
Student Health Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday:
9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Photo Illustration By: Samuel Griffin right or getting enough sleep, it could negatively affect your daily life and academic progress as well. Stay hydrated and stock up on fruits and veggies — your skin and metabolism will thank you. Making it a habit to eat junk food or even skipping meals can leave you feeling weak and lethargic. Stress and binge eating lay at the other end of this spectrum. College can get stressful with countless exams and never-ending assignments. Students may use food as a coping mechanism. A better option would be working out or taking breaks. Exercising releases endorphins (the happy hormones) and help lift your mood. Gyms on campus offer excellent facilities to stay in shape, so using them to your fullest is ideal.
Late nights and pulling all-nighters right in the middle of the week has almost become normalized in college. This is highly unhealthy, since most people need at least seven to nine hours of sleep a night to feel fully rested. Steer clear of caffeine after 7 p.m., and make it a point to make a sleep schedule and stick to it. After a few weeks your body will get used to it, and you will find it easier to plan your responsibilities around it. Stress and anxiety can reduce your immunity big time. Managing your time well is important to get things done without over exerting yourself to the point of attacking your health. If not taken into control, these nervous feelings can morph into depression.
Many students attend college away from home, so homesickness can also make them feel alone and isolated. You will be happier if you ask for help rather than keep things bottled up. Keep in touch with your loved ones at home; they will be there for you when you feel down. Your mental health is just as important as physical health, if not more. We tend to take our health for granted. So we truly appreciate it and what it enables us to accomplish only when it is compromised. Your well-being is crucial for all of your activities — to do well academically, take part in social events and have a memorable time. Take conscious efforts to take care of it, and you will be much better off, even in the long run.
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ON THE MOVE By: Nicole Teague
My freshman year at college was amazing, to say the least. I moved into an apartment with three of my friends, I enrolled in new and intriguing classes, and I was on a campus six hours away from my hometown, Atlanta. I could not complain. I created numerous memorable experiences with friends and learned valuable life lessons in such a short period of time in contrast to my years in grade school. Looking back at my freshman year, there is only one thing that I would have changed: a car, a form of reliable transportation. My entire freshman year, from the first day of classes in August until July (I stayed on campus over the summer), I survived without a car. This was unfamiliar territory for me, because back in Atlanta I had a car and was able to go to the store when I felt like it, for example. For the first month of classes, it was an adjustment — not necessarily a bad or good one, but it was just different for me. It was weird having to ask my roommate for a ride to go to Chipotle or having to figure out a way to go buy snacks because I was running low. Although this
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was an adjustment, I was able to figure out how to maneuver my way around Raleigh. The Wolfline is key in helping students get around town. The Wolfline is NC State’s bus system, which is free to both students and members of the public. The Wolfline provides NC State students and citizens of Raleigh 11 bus routes that cover a threeto four-mile radius of campus. The bus provides routes that include stops like Hunt Library, which is on Centennial Campus; it takes passengers down Avent Ferry Road, and along this route the bus stops near grocery stores, beauty supply stores, and restaurants; buses run along Hillsborough Street, with stops including the Belltower; and on game days, the buses shuttle students to Carter-Finley Stadium and PNC Arena to watch football or basketball games. It took me a couple of weeks to master the Wolfline bus system, but the “Rider U” mobile app helped expedite the learning process. “Rider U” is an app that can be used to track the buses’ location, arrival time, and what stops the bus makes. This application is very helpful for anyone using
the buses. NC State has graciously provided a bus system that helps students and citizens of Raleigh travel to places needed — free of charge! What college student wouldn’t want something for free? Uber or Lyft are always helpful modes of transportation, and they are especially reliable around a college campus. Although these services are more expensive than taking the bus, they can be useful for many different situations. Last year, I traveled back home multiple times, and I needed a way to get to the airport. When my friends were not able to take me, Uber and/or Lyft were how I was able to get there. If you are traveling with a group of people going to a huge event like a concert, getting an Uber or Lyft would be helpful because this avoids having to spend time finding a parking spot or paying for a parking spot, and you can split the cost between everyone who rides. Car transportation apps aren’t free, but they aren’t terribly expensive, and they are very helpful to college students. Biking is also a reliable mode of transportation for NC State students. You don’t
Ways to Get Around SCOOTER
WOLFLINE Photos By: Mary Fenton have to attend NC State long to see we have a very bike-friendly campus. Not only is it easy to get around on a bike, it’s sometimes even faster than driving. Plus, with a bike, parking is free and easy to find. In addition to getting to class, getting to places like restaurants is not complicated using a bike, because there are a variety of options nearby. It is important to protect your bike, however, and even more important to protect yourself while you’re riding. NC State is considered an “urban” campus because it has local traffic traveling throughout it daily. The NC State Police Department urges all bikers to lock their bikes and wear helmets to protect themselves and their bikes. Not having a car on campus is not as challenging as it seems. The Wolfline, provided by NC State, makes it easy to travel within a few miles from campus free of charge. Car transportation apps such as Uber and Lyft are helpful and reliable for students in several different situations. Biking is another easy and inexpensive way to travel on and around campus.
BICYCLE
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Dress up your
DORM ROOM By: Samuel Griffin
You’ve made it! College is here and there’s no mom or dad to tell you to clean your room or take down your heavy metal poster. The choice of where to put your desk, what to hang on the wall and, perhaps most importantly, where to put the TV is now only up to you and, if you have them, your roommates. The only question now is how do you maximize your space while still keeping it undeniably you?
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Photo By: Amy Gahan
Make Your Room Feel Like Home Overpacking can be a serious issue when returning or first moving onto campus. The sad truth is you probably have accumulated too much stuff throughout your first 18 years of life to bring everything with you to college. To transition into a more minimalist lifestyle, consider that sometimes less really is more. Many living spaces on campus do not have closets, so every piece of clothing you bring to campus that can’t fit into the university-provided dresser units has to go somewhere. A way to fix this problem is to only pack the clothes you need from home for the season. For the early and later parts of the school year, when humidity and heat are impossible to avoid, why keep heavy coats and scarves in your room? Wait until your first or second trip home during academic breaks to grab these items — and when doing so, maybe ditch the tank tops
and shorts. Another way to maximize space is to take a closer look at furniture. Many students don’t know this, but University Housing is often willing to remove smaller pieces of campus furniture like desk chairs with a work order if you have a suitable replacement. Also, many furniture designs are built with better organization in mind. For instance, if you find yourself tripping over shoes constantly, a shoe rack may provide the solution. If your desk is constantly too cluttered, a tall bookshelf can be an easy way to add a place for things to go and take advantage of the vertical space in your room. Speaking of height, if you think you can handle it, raising your bed can really open up a lot of extra space, but only if you are willing to climb a ladder every morning and night.
Adding small trinkets like succulents or figurines to your desk can give it some personality. Also, using coffee cups with fun prints and designs instead of plain pencil holders can add a touch of color and fun to your study space. PHOTO BY: Amy Gahan
Collaborate A roommate is the one piece of decor you can not replace or throw out. You are stuck with them; they are stuck with you. So work with them! It can save a lot of future headaches if you are open and honest with your roommates when you notice a problem or a habit of theirs that bothers you. Don’t let your anger of the situation boil over on a bad day. There are many ways you can work
with a roommate to improve living arrangements. One good idea is to avoid doubling up on furniture. In a dorm or small apartment, you probably don’t have the room or the need for two TVs or large pieces of furniture. Talking to a roommate ahead of move-in or taking an inventory once you meet to identify unnecessary repeats can go a long way toward a better organized and roomier space.
Maximize Space, Minimize Clutter Once you have made your room physically functional, take a moment to consider the mental aspects of your decor. If you’re going to be living in a dorm for nine months, it should feel cozy and welcoming, not just a space to sleep at night. This can be difficult since most dorm rooms on campus are designed to be somewhat bare. The beige or gray walls and tile
floors are not very warm, to say the least. Throughout the semester, this bland palette can really become mentally draining, so do what you can to spruce it up. Rugs are an excellent way to make a dorm room more colorful and comfortable. Hanging not just posters but also pictures from home can help personalize a person’s work space and help ward off homesickness.
We often think about framing our photographs and posters, but why not frame your own creations? Be reminded of your creativity and artistic abilities by decorating your walls with your own works of art. PHOTO BY: Amy Gahan
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PENNY PINCHING By: Connor Bolinder
If you’re anything like me, you dove headfirst into “adulting” your first year in college and hit the hard reality that stuff costs money. (For me, that came when I noticed I was spending more on Cook-Out trays in a month than my car payment). By now, you probably already know the basics on how to make attending college cheaper — rent your textbooks or buy used, apply for FAFSA as early as you can, apply for every scholarship you come across — but (big shocker!) there’s more to college life than just going to class, and there’s a lot more to pay for than just tuition and textbooks. Here are some tips for stretching out your paycheck or stipend or financial aid refund without having to resort to eating ramen noodles every night: CONTROL YOUR IMPULSES Like most kids, I would always ask my mom if we could get fast food on the way home, and like most moms, she told me that we had food at the house. Being an adult means telling yourself you’ve got food at the house. No matter how tempting the smell of coffee might be, ask yourself if you really need to spend $3, $4, $5 on a Starbucks drink that’ll be gone in an hour. That money adds up faster than you realize, especially if you’re just swiping a card. For all of those “wants” like coffee, fast food and going out, use cash whenever possible. With cash, you’re forced to see how much money you’re spending, and you can’t spend more than what you have on hand. On the same note, be mindful when shopping online: it’s even easier to forget how much you’re spending when it’s just numbers on a screen. 22 | Roundabout - Lifestyle 2017-2018
“NOTHING IS CERTAIN BUT DEATH AND TAXES” The first time I got a paycheck, I was very confused. There had to have been a mistake. Adding up the hours I worked, times minimum wage, I should’ve been paid way more than I was. That’s how I learned about taxes. It turns out minimum wage is a lot closer to $6 an hour by the time Uncle Sam takes his cut. A good rule of thumb is to underestimate the amount that you’ll be paid and overestimate your expenses, and any money that’s left over goes right into savings. “NEITHER A BORROWER NOR A LENDER BE”… UNLESS YOU HAVE TO As much as we all wish we could pay for a new automobile in cash like Walter White in “Breaking Bad,” most us don’t have Walter White money, which means taking out a
car loan. When I bought my first car, I walked into my bank, asked to talk to someone, told them I had no idea what I was doing, and they talked me through the entire process. Even if you already have a loan, you might be able to refinance it for a lower interest rate. Better yet, when you’re making payments on any loan, make sure there are no penalties for paying it off early; then, whenever you can afford it, round your payments up to the nearest $10 or so. The sooner you can pay it off, the less interest you’ll have to pay in the long term and the sooner you can be debt-free. WHEN IT COMES TO MONEY, DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK DUMB QUESTIONS For any business you do at the bank — getting a checkbook, opening a new account, trying to get a loan,
Photo Illustration By: Jordan Taylor applying for a credit card — don’t be afraid to admit what you don’t know. If you have any questions or don’t know where to start, call or make an appointment with your bank. Branches near campus have clueless college kids like me coming in all the time with no idea where to start. There are no stupid questions, and (seriously, no pun intended) you can’t afford to not know what you’re doing. CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE Of course, if you’re applying for a credit card or a car loan, you’ll have your credit score checked. Your credit score is a number ranging from 300 to 850 that basically tells lenders how reliable you are when it comes to paying back borrowed money on time. You can improve
your score by paying your credit card bill or your loans on time, but don’t think that having no credit card will do you any favors. Would you rather loan money to your friend who you know will pay you back, or someone you don’t know at all? Be careful when monitoring your credit score though — there are a lot of “free credit score” websites that will charge you hidden fees or may even be a scam. Do your research and, obviously, don’t give out sensitive information like your credit card or Social Security numbers unless you know you can trust the source. While some of this may seem obvious —“If you want to save money, don’t spend so much money” — if we automatically knew when we were wasting money, we wouldn’t do it. Sometimes, the hardest part
is acknowledging wasteful habits and fixing them. And as the tired cliche goes, a penny saved is a penny earned.
Think of how much money you may have burned that you could have saved. PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY: Jordan Taylor
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