... Of Preparing for Midterms

Hey Future Panthers!

At UNI, midterms are approaching, which means a ton of homework, projects, and tests.  This is also the time where most students are either relieved or overwhelmed… 

Here are some tips to avoid feeling so overwhelmed about midterms during your time on campus!

·       Make to do lists or keep a planner

Lists are a great way to manage your activities, homework, and deadlines.  It is also a great feeling when you are able to cross items off your list!

·       Turn off Netflix

Many of us are guilty of binge watching Netflix, but when midterms are coming up, it is a good idea to either turn it off or minimize how much you spend your time watching it.  Instead, use this time to be productive by studying, completing projects, or doing homework

·       Find a study spot

Personally, I find it difficult to do intense studying in my room or house’s lounge.  Find a study spot that is quiet, not too busy, and without lots of distractions.

·       Study a little bit every day

Pretty self-explanatory; studying a little bit every day helps make the workload seem a lot less intimidating!

·       Don’t procrastinate

In the moment, procrastination might seem like a great idea, but do not do it.  The all-nighters, last minute study sessions, and panic about if you will finish a paper on time is not worth the stress.  Like I said before, get a little bit done every day.  Set little daily goals and this will help reduce the amount of stress that comes with procrastination.

·       Get plenty of rest

It might feel like you are constantly on the move, so be sure to get lots of rest to keep your energy up for the next day!

·       Exercise

Exercising is a great way to keep endorphins going!  It is also a great way to relieve stress while staying healthy!

·       Do something fun

This can be anything!  For my roommate, she has decided that a nap is what sounds the best right now.  I volunteered at Special Olympics with my friends.  Do something that will just make you relax, laugh, or be happy.

Sydney and me with our buddy Mark at Special Olympics

 -STAR Courtney

...Of a Winner!

Hello friends,

I have created a video for you guys about my experience volunteering for the Special Olympics last Sunday. I hope you like it and that you get involved with things like this in your community! :)

Peace.Love.Special Olympics

-Star Olivia

...of one of the STAR sisters!

Hello future Panthers!

Some of you may have figured out that two of the STARs members look very similar! That is because we are sisters! :) If you hadn't figured it out yet, no worries! Some people see it right away, and others do not see it at all!





Working at the UNI booth at the State Fair!

When deciding which college to attend, I was very unsure about attending the same college that my sister, Diann, was at. Turns out, it was the best decision I have made. After a lot of thinking and reconsidering, I decided it wasn't as big of a deal as I was making it seem. I love having my sister right there when I need her the most!

It comes in very handy when I am alone and just want to be with somebody. Diann will come eat with me at the Piazza, invite me over to her house to watch Netflix and do crafts, and attend football games with me!

FOOTBALL GAMES!!

Amazing Race Traditions Challenge

Eating in the Piazza with friends!



After the Pentatonix Concert

Being at the same college as my sister has helped make the transition run a lot more smoothly than it would have otherwise! She invites me to events held by the university that I would have never known about, attends shows with me by using our free tickets, and is a great mentor to me! She has shown me most of the ropes that are necessary for a sister to do, and I could not be more proud of how much she has helped me not only to make Cedar Falls a comforting place, but, more importantly, UNI a place I can call a home away from home! Love you, sister!

~STAR Hannah







...Of places to eat around campus!

Hey, future panthers! If you are anything like me, one of your favorite things is food! I heard good things about the food here at UNI, and I was not disappointed. There are two dining centers on campus. The Rialto is in the Towers Center, and the Piazza is on the other side of campus in the Redeker Center.

What new students might not know is that there are a variety of places on campus to use your dining dollars. At all these places, so many different foods are served, and you can check what foods are served on the UNI app, MyUNI, which can be found in the app store. This way, you will never miss your favorite food! With this many options offered, there is something for everyone on campus, even the pickiest eater!

All these places are perfect for those on the go, and there are so many places to get food other than the dining centers!

Enjoy the video, where you are able to see all the different places you can get food on campus with your dining dollars!

Until next time,

STAR Emily

...Of an Aware Student

Hey Future Panthers,
Last week the University of Northern Iowa, among other schools, colleges, and work places recognized National Eating Disorder Awareness Week, lasting from February 22-28th.

The University had many events going on around campus to raise awareness and educate students/faculty about the seriousness of eating disorders.

On Monday almost all the bathrooms around campus were covered with positive sticky notes! :)

Besides the sticky notes, the Wellness and Recreation Center had events throughout the week; check them out through this link . I had the chance to attend the eating disorder awareness panel and hear more about the types of eating disorders and how to help loved ones and learn the signs of what an eating disorder may look like. I learned that eating disorders do not discriminate, they are not all the same, and a person struggling with an eating disorder does not have to have bones sticking out to struggle with one. Lots of other important information was spoken about, and some inspirational stories were told. I definitely encourage all you future Panthers to check out these events when you come to campus!

Not only does UNI help inform students during National Eating Disorder Awareness Week, but UNI also has some great resources year-round that can help students struggling with this issue.

Our campus provides FREE counseling in the Health Center (next to Schindler Education Center), and our campus also has a professor/Health Educator who helps individuals with eating disorders among other issues such as Violence Intervention: Joan Thompson. Her office is in WRC 104.

These resources are free and so important to those who need them; don't forget or take for granted how much this university can offer students! I personally have struggled with an eating disorder, and I am happy to say that all the help I received from members of the UNI Family has allowed me to be happy and healthy again!

If you care to learn more about eating disorders, feel free to check out the National Eating Disorder Awareness Website!

And to all the future Panthers out there, please remember how beautiful and special you all are, and remember to be kind to all and let others know how beautiful they are too. You could really make a difference in someone's day, or even their life! :)

See you on campus someday,
STAR Grace

...Of surviving homesickness

Hey Future Panthers! 

Going to college can be extremely nerve-wracking.  For most people, it is their first experience of having true independence.  A common emotion to feel in the beginning of the year is homesickness.  

Being homesick is different for everyone…  Some people love to go home frequently, and others like only to go home occasionally on breaks.  Either way is totally okay!  Don’t worry about how much you may or may not go home!  Of course, we want you to enjoy your time on campus, so here are a few tips to help you survive homesickness! 

Tip #1: Make new friends!

My friend Rachael and I at the UNI Homecoming game

Making new friends can be intimidating, but it really helps with missing your family and friends back home.  In the first couple of weeks of college, there are many welcome activities- go to them!  This is a great way to meet other people in your hall.  Making friends comes naturally the first week because everyone just wants to get to know each other.  Some of the people I met the first week are my best friends at college; I know I can go to them whenever I am upset or excited, and they will listen and offer hugs, tissues, or even lame jokes to help me feel better.  Keep your door open, smile at familiar faces, and don’t be afraid to introduce yourself…  Chances are that you will meet plenty of wonderful people!

My friends and I went to the Pentatonix concert at UNI together!

Tip #2: Get involved!

Getting involved is a great way to feel more at home on campus.  UNI offers a huge variety of different ways to get involved.  Check out our involvement website at: 

 http://www.uni.edu/involvement/

I joined music ensembles and a few clubs relating to my majors, which has helped me stay busy, meet new friends, and make connections within my field of study.  Staying busy will help keep your mind off things that may be happening at home because you will be busy making memories at UNI.

UNI Choir members

I miss my family- especially my little sister; she is my best friend

Tip #3: Call home!

Don’t be afraid to call your family or friends from back home.  Even after being here for almost two semesters, I will still talk to my mom, sister, or friend from high school a couple of times a week to just let them know how I am, what I’m doing at UNI, and even to just vent about stressful situations.  Sometimes, hearing a familiar voice is all you need to help calm yourself down and not worry about being away from home. 

But Skyping friends from high school is helpful

Tip #4: Relax

Classes, activities, social events, etc. can all be very stressful.  We encourage you to be involved and enjoy the entire college experience, but don’t forget to take time for yourself.  Whether this is spending some time watching Netflix, painting your nails, playing video games, knitting, or whatever you love doing, be sure to remember to do something that helps you feel comfortable and less stressed.  I like to paint my nails and read occasionally; it helps takes my thoughts off home, college, and any other stressful matter.  I am able to just relax and focus on being in the moment.  So don’t forget to relax, so you can fully enjoy every other experience at UNI! 

Rachael chooses to relax by playing guitar

Overall, being homesick will happen at least once during your time at UNI, but you will survive!  Remember, don’t compare life at UNI to life at home- they will be two completely different experiences.  Avoid sitting in your dorm room thinking about home constantly.  Instead, take a chance- go meet people, get involved, and enjoy the experience!  

-STAR Courtney

...Of Visiting my Favorite Places on Campus!

Hey Future Panthers,

Every so often after a long day of classes or a hard week, you sometimes just need to find a place on campus to relax. For me, I found two places on campus that I go to study or just relax and spend time.

T-Rex Skull located on the first floor of Latham!

First place I love going to is Latham Hall. Latham is home to Applied Human Sciences and Earth Sciences. There are so many interesting things to look at and read that change constantly. From UNI themed outfits that design students made to a T- Rex skull; they have something for everyone! 

UNI spirit outfits made by design students!

Personally, I spend the most time in the Earth Sciences area of Latham, because it has dinosaur bones and different displays about Earth and other planets that are really interesting to read. They also host movie nights and talks on different subjects that are a great way to not only take a break from school but also meet new people.

The one place I spend the most time at on campus is McCollum Science Hall. I come here almost every day to go to class, study, and just to hang out. McCollum is full of interesting areas to spend time in and explore. Whether it is the giant polar bear on the second floor, the huge indoor waterfall that is two floors tall, or Wally the alligator and turtles that live on the first floor. Not only are there interesting things to look at, but there are also interesting people to meet as well.

The waterfall is always a fun place to sit and do some reading!

Wally the Alligator is always good for a smile!

The turtles on the first floor are very social!

There are so many other places on campus that I love to go to, but these are the two places that I spend the most time in. So when you come up to UNI, I urge you to find your favorite place!

Have a great rest of your week F.P.’s,

STAR Eliza