Coping with Loss in College

College is an exciting yet stressful time as it is. But as we grow into young adulthood we sometimes forget that the members of our family and our pets grow older as well. Life happens. Circumstances show up, if we were expecting them or not, that cause us grief. Bereavement is a normal life transition, and though it is never simple or easy for even the most mature adults, it can build another level of stress and anguish on college students who already have a lot going on. Knowing healthy coping strategies will help you through the process.

Grief is a journey, there is no time line to follow nor should you be in any rush. It is going to be a unique experience for every individual. Take your time. Pace yourself but continue your normal routine as much as you are able. It is important that you keep your sleeping pattern as routine as possible. Set a bedtime if you need to and relax in your favorite ways. Please do not use alcohol or medication to “numb” your pain. Nor should you rely on these substances to help you get to sleep. They can interfere with your grieving process or cover it up – not take it away.

Express your grief in whatever way feels right to you. If you need to cry, scream, talk it out, or “do something” then do so.  Use your friends, family, and any spiritual support as needed. Take care of yourself, grieving can put a strain on your physical and mental health. If you find yourself feeling helpless or hopeless talk to a professional. Visit the Counseling Center on campus. You’ve already paid for the service, so go talk to someone because they’re friendly and can help.

Be patient.

Sincerely,
Your Fellow Panther  

How Can We Help You?

"Academic Advising works with individuals who are deciding, changing majors, first-year students, and experiencing academic difficulties. We can help you develop meaningful educational plans compatible with your life and career goals."

 

Your Academic Advisor can assist you with academic and career planning.

Your Academic Advisor can position you up for academic success.

Your Academic Advisor can guide you through exploring your options and answer questions.

Your Academic Advisor can help you with scheduling your classes for future semesters.

 

To Learn More

www.uni.edu/advising

 

 

 

Student Leader Spotlight

Never underestimate the power of your peers next to you.

Rylee Junk

Sophomore from Waverly, Iowa

Studying Elementary/Middle Level Education and Literacy

Involved in Senator for the Northern Iowa Student Government, National Residence Hall Honorary, Cat Crew, and the Campbell PAIR

"Netflix cannot be a priority, sadly."

"Do anything that challenges your perspectives and beliefs; don't hide in a filter bubble. Also, call your parents, they miss you!"

Preparing for Majors in Minutes

We are 6 weeks away from this year's Majors in Minutes! October 27th at 7pm might feel far away right now, but being right after Homecoming, this is going to sneak up on you. Don't wait to start preparing or at least thinking about it.Talk with your Academic Advisor on tips for preparing and using your time at the event wisely. It is time to start thinking about the majors you want to visit with.

Here is a video from our YouTube Channel to help explain how the event works:

  
Questions to ask at the event:
What do you study in -insert major here-?
How did you get involved in this major?
What are the different jobs/careers in this major?
What surprised you about the major?
What types of classes do you take? ---> What classes would you suggest I take to learn more about the major?
Are there skills or experiences I should have if I am thinking about the major?
What do you like the most about this major? ---> What do you like the least?
Are there opportunities for internships or field experiences in the major? ---> What are some examples of things I could do?
Would you recommend getting involved in campus organizations? ---> If so, which ones?
Anything else you want to learn!

A Little Lie

Beating Homesickness

Labor Day Weekend was a while ago, or maybe you haven’t been home since you’ve moved into your Hall. You might be feeling a bit homesick right about now. Moving can be an emotional experience. You can overcome it by engaging yourself in your new environment and find ways to adapt.  It’s important not to get caught up in the nostalgia. So, here are some ideas to help ward off the blues:

Get to know some of your new neighbors. Whether you’re living in the halls, off campus or commuting, there are lots of new faces and now’s your chance to meet these strange and interesting folks. Take advantage of your newfound freedom to get to know somebody that just may turn out to be a lifelong buddy.

Ask friends and family members to come and visit you on campus. Introduce your family and hometown friends to people you have met in the first few weeks. Schedule times to call your family and friends in between visits.

Join clubs, groups or societies specific to your interests. Student government, religious and faith organizations, hobby groups, lifestyle clubs, athletic teams and theater can all reduce homesickness for college students. Or volunteer and help others for a few hours each month. Choose to volunteer at a place that matches your interests. Attend athletic events to help ward off homesickness. Become an involved spectator by wearing your purple & gold and cheering. Sporting events are an effective way to become more involved in campus life and meet new people.

Get a job. Not only is this a social thing, but a financial thing. Not to mention, if you can funnel some of your newfound riches into paying for your education, you’ll have a little less to pay off when you graduate.

Exercise for at least 30 minutes three times a week, so head to the WRC. Take the stairs instead of elevators whenever possible. Try out different types of sports such as volleyball or rock climbing to help decrease homesickness.

Get to know Cedar Falls- it’ll start to feel like home. Well, you did pick UNI for a reason didn’t you? What attracted you to this location? Check out the local scene and you may be surprised what you find. And most likely, you’ll find others that are interested in some of the same things you are. You might even find a restaurant that serves your favorite foods from home; but if you can’t ask a family member or friend to send you a care package with your favorites.

Deal with your homesickness in a smart way, don’t let it keep you from starting a new life. Also, have a plan. Be positive and figure out how you will better yourself on this journey. Set goals. Will you read more? Start going to the gym? Study for 3 hours each night? Give yourself something to strive for and before you know it your blues will melt away. Just be reasonable so you don’t get burnt out.

Seek professional help from the Student Health Center and Mental Health Services for severe homesickness. Academic Advisors, Resident Assistants, and trusted friends can also provide much-needed support when you have feelings of homesickness.

There is always the nuclear option: dropping out. This should only be done after careful consideration and a lot of talking with family and advisors. You will invariably make it through any rough patches in university life.

Be realistic about homesickness, give it a little time. Allow yourself to grieve for the things that you have left behind at home. Settling in and getting used to all these new things can be tough. It’ll take a toll on anyone. Just take a deep breath, and try a couple of the ideas above, and more than likely you’ll be just fine. Embrace your new life at UNI!

Question of the Day

What do you want to learn outside of the classroom this semester?
*Comment and Share!

Disney College Program

Ever dream of working for "the mouse?" That dream can become a reality; and on top of being a great resume builder and life experience- could possibly count for college credit. More information can be found at http://cp.disneycareers.com/en/default/.  You can also make an appointment with Laura Wilson in Career Services or Barbara Stratman in Academic Advising to speak further about the opportunity! Have a magical day!

Student Leader Spotlight

Student Leaders lead by example. They have a couple semesters under their belt and now want to help others navigate UNI. "Student Leader Spotlights" will highlight resources on campus that you do not necessarily have to go to an office to find but are sitting in class with you or living in your hall.
First up,

Megan Nissen

Sophomore from Anamosa, Iowa

Associate Director of Fundraising for the Northern Iowa Wishmakers
Dancer PAIR

Studying Elementary-Middle Level Education and Mathematics

"When you go to class in the morning, pack your bag for the whole day, and use your breaks between classes to do homework or other studying instead of returning to your room. You'll be much more productive this way!"

"College isn't High School; don't be afraid of changes."

 "I've known I wanted to teach since I was in early elementary school and UNI is the best school for it. I love the size of the campus and purple is my favorite color so that's was a plus too!"

10 Tips for Saving $$

1. Use Your Meal Plan

If you’re already paying for a college food plan – use it! You’ll save money by not spending your cash on food elsewhere.

2. Drink Coffee at Home

If you’re trying to save money in college, it might be time to rethink that extra-large triple-shot mocha you buy every morning at Chats.

3. Recycle Your Cans

Yes, it’s good for the Earth, but recycling can also be good for the wallet. Return your bottles and take advantage of the extra change!

4. Avoid Brand Names

Save money in college by avoiding expensive brand-names and buying generic brands when purchasing items like food, soap and detergent for when you do your laundry.

5. Get a Roommate

If you live off-campus, save money by living with roommates to help split costs of rent and utilities.

6. Save Your Change

Keep all of your loose change in a jar. You’ll be surprised to find how fast it adds up!

7. Walk Everywhere and Carpool

A few trips to the grocery store a week can really add up. Try to walk to places or carpool with friends. It’s a good way to save money in college and to stay fit!

8. Cut Back on Bad Habits

Drinking and smoking are bad for you – and they’re also bad for your bank account. Cut back or quit!

9. Get a Job

Find student work in college to bring in some extra cash to offset expenses. Check out online student job board for on and off campus positions!

10. Find Free Stuff

Find free or discounted food, entertainment and events that you enjoy. You can save money in college and still have a blast!

Music and Studying

Music has a profound impact on our mood, heart rate, and state of being. It can energize, depress, inspire and calm, which is why major moments in our favorite movies are accompanied by an appropriate background track. It is not uncommon for students to listen to music while they are studying at home or in the library, but it is important to understand that positive and negative impacts of this.

Listening to tunes while studying can help isolate you from your roommate or drown out noises in the Rod. It can also be a valuable tool to maintain a neutral state of emotion. If you are feeling agitated, you can listen to more calming music and find it to have a positive affect on your focus and mood.

Conversely, music can also be detrimental to studying, especially if the music is fast, loud and lively. You would never try to study your Humanities while sitting on a roller coaster, would you? Although more subtle, certain types of music can have the same affects on you as the rush and disorientation an amusement park ride can bring.

Listening to music with lyrics is very likely to have a problematic effect on schoolwork  that requires writing or reading. If Katy Perry is in your ear while you are trying to get your Oral Communication speech written, you will be a mess because of your cognitive limitation to multitask in a positive way. It hinders your comprehension and focus.

In other words, it seems carefully tailoring the music you listen to while studying, based on the subject matter and your mood, can help keep you focused — so long as you stay away from lyrics while doing language-based work.

Know Your Limits

So, now you’re a college student. You can eat ice cream for breakfast, lunch, and dinner if you want. And it will be delicious. Until you get sick.
This is the time, right in the beginning, where you learn your limits. For better or for worse.

Freedom- You have no curfew, no one will make you do your homework, and you can eat whatever you’d like. Make smart decisions with your time, education, and body.

Restrictions- Make a code for yourself. Think about what your boundaries and values are. Keep to them. Let others know what they are up front so you don’t find yourself in sticky situations later.

Homework- The whole point of being in college is to earn an education. Own your education. What you put into this adventure is what you’re going to get out of it- time, effort, good grades, networking, a diploma.

Responsibility- Take ownership of each and every one of your actions. Remember to vote and pay your bills on time. That doesn’t mean you can’t have fun. Take this opportunity to learn time management in real time.

Expectations- Make goals for yourself. Make sure they are obtainable and measurable. Write them down at the beginning of each semester- what you’ll improve personally vs academically. Then review them after finals are over.