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Welcome to the 2021-22 year!

A message from Denzil Suite, UW Vice President for Student Life.

Hello Huskies,

I am thrilled to welcome you to the 2021-22 academic year. This time last year, we were launching into something completely new and different: the beginning of UW’s first-ever fully remote academic year.

While it was not easy, students, faculty, and staff adapted to this new dynamic skillfully and effectively. Each of you navigated academic and personal challenges – both foreseen and unforeseen – with grace and compassion.

As this new academic year begins, we launch into something yet again new and different. The return to an in-person campus experience brings with it excitement and cause for celebration, but, no doubt, it may be cause for some nerves as well.

Whether you are returning to UW for your final year or have never actually set foot on campus until now, we in the Division of Student Life are here to help guide and support you as you navigate this transformational journey of discovery.

We’re here to listen when times get toughhelp you with career choices, and make sure you have a friendly and inclusive community within the larger University environment. We also offer you a wide variety of activities to enhance your personal health, which we know is important to your academic success.

Student Life, in conjunction with our partners in the Office of Minority Affairs & DiversityUndergraduate Academic Affairsthe Graduate School, and more, serves as the hub of many of the activities that complement your academic pursuits. And make no mistake, your academic pursuits need to remain your #1 priority.

BUT you must also get involved! Your UW experience will be incomplete if all you do is attend class and then study all night.

We know from years of experience and research that students who participate in clubs and organizations, who get involved with their residence hall associations, who participate in engagement opportunities, or who hold office in student government — these students graduate at higher rates, they are more satisfied with the college experience, have better grades, and are less likely to stop out.

While the last 18 months have been a roller coaster, and we still must be mindful of an ever-evolving public health situation, do not let these variables deter you from (safely) getting involved or from making this experience an enriching one.

This is a great year to be proactive, engaged, to put yourself out there, and to really make the most of your Husky Experience.

Welcome to a new academic year. I’m excited for the things we will achieve together.

Sincerely,

Denzil J. Suite
Vice President for Student Life

12 New (School) Year Resolutions for 2019/20

Group of smiling students at Fall Fling 2019Back by popular demand and updated for the 2019-20 academic year, alumni Student Life blogger Hannah shares her tips and wisdom on starting the year off right. Photo credit: Vivian Tran.

JANUARY MAY BE the most popular time to take on a new project or goal, but for those of us still in school, September seems like a whole new year, too. Why wait until 2020 to start on some resolutions? Here are a few ideas to choose from, or to inspire your own resolutions.

Find some new study spots

UW’s campus is so large that it’s easy to get stuck in your own bubble—I know I spent 95 percent of my freshman year in the same three buildings (one of which was my dorm). But break out of your location rut and go exploring—studies show that studying in multiple different locations can actually improve your recall, helping you ace that midterm you’ve been dreading. A few recommendations to get you started:

  • The Gallagher Law Library, when you absolutely need some peace and quiet
  • The Allen Library skybridge, for flashcards with a birds-eye view of campus
  • Gould Hall’s 1st floor, to enjoy some rare PNW natural light and a little café background noise while grinding away
  • Padelford Hall, for comfy couches tucked into corners—Padelford is such a maze, odds are slim that anyone will even walk by, let alone bother you.

Use UW Scout to find the perfect spot for you!

Soak up some on-campus entertainment

Obsessed with Netflix’s comedy specials? Try a Friday night show by The Collective, UW’s theatre improv group! If you live for drama (the onstage kind), keep an eye out for performances by the Undergraduate Theatre Society, Stage Notes, and the UW School of Drama. More musical? Why not check out a concert by UW Chorale, our student Symphony Orchestra, or one of UW’s many a capella groups?

Take care of yourself

The college student stereotype can be a little bleak—stressed, sleep-deprived, and feeling way too busy. But being exhausted and over-scheduled isn’t a badge of honor, it’s a sign you need to practice some serious self-care. This looks different for everyone, whether that’s regular yoga classes, curling up with a book, or even just taking the time to make home-cooked meals. I know it might seem like there just aren’t enough hours in the day to finish your to-do list, let alone practice self-care, but running on empty is just going to make things harder in the long run. When you’re rested and refreshed, you’ll be faster and more efficient so you can check off that to-do list and spend the time you saved enjoying some well-deserved rest and relaxation.

Visit the Career & Internship Center

Whether you’re searching for your first internship or your first job, the whole process can feel overwhelming. Luckily, as a UW student you’ve got a whole team of people whose literal jobs are to help you succeed! Located on the first floor of Mary Gates Hall, the Career & Internship Center offers a huge variety of resources for wherever you are in your career journey. Take advantage of…

Start spending smart

We might all be broke college students for now, but it’s probably time to start being a little more fiscally responsible before we’re out in the real world. Those late-night Dick’s runs and early-morning Starbucks runs add up more quickly than you think, so step one is just tracking your spending. (You might be surprised with the final number.) Also start thinking about budgeting, committing a certain percentage to your savings each month, or—yikes—saving for retirement. If nothing else, don’t forget to ask stores and restaurants if they have a student discount! Take advantage of them while you can—we won’t have our Husky Cards forever.

Let go of FOMO

A deluge of Instagram Stories, Facebook event RSVPs, and push notifications make it easy to feel like there’s always something better going on somewhere else—or at the very least, like there’s somewhere else you should be. But at the end of the day, the fear of missing out is nothing but exhausting, and odds are you’re not actually missing anything life-changing. We’re constantly told that college is only four years, so we should enjoy it as much as we can while it lasts; I’d like to add that you should enjoy those four years where and how you want.

Get out of your comfort zone

A little scary? Sure. Worth it? Absolutely. Humans are creatures of habit, but don’t be afraid to switch it up and try something totally new. It might be nerve-wracking, but it’s also exciting, and who knows? You might just discover something you love. This could be anything from ordering something totally different at your favorite restaurant, taking a drop-in hip hop class, starting a blog, or training for a 5K.

Visit the Henry Art Gallery & the Burke Museum

Not only are the Henry and the (brand new!) Burke perfect places to soak in some art and history—they’re right in our own backyard and, best of all, free with your Husky Card! Stay dry on a drizzly afternoon and enjoy the Henry’s rotating exhibits, or take a break after a long week by traveling back in time at the Burke. (My personal favorite is the Skyspace at the Henry, arguably the most ‘zen’ place on campus.) Both places also have cozy coffee shops where you can duck in for a latte or scone afterward.

Speak up in class

Instead of casually avoiding your professor’s gaze when she asks a question in class (we’ve all been there), why not take a deep breath and throw out some thoughts on the assigned reading? Even if it’s just a small class, speaking up can feel intimidating, but it can help you engage more with the material, boost your participation grade, and make a positive impression on your professor—especially important if they’re teaching in your major. Don’t stress about coming up with the most insightful, groundbreaking commentary the class has ever heard! They’ll probably just be glad someone was brave enough to be the first to talk.

Try the UW Food trucks

Not an #ad, I promise. Yes, the loss of the HUB Subway was a tragedy, but the UW Food Trucks are unsung heroes of the campus food scene. The endless lines at lunch hour speak for themselves—try to go between passing periods to skip the long wait. Hot Dawgs and Motosurf are always parked in Red Square, and the Sunrise Griddle food truck travels around campus.

Practice gratitude

It sounds cheesy, but focusing on things in your life you’re grateful for actually helps your mental health. It doesn’t have to be a full-on gratitude journal—start small by making a note on your phone with 3 good things that happened that day or downloading a free gratitude app. Finding these bright spots in your week can shift your whole outlook for the better—even when the weather is awful and midterms are upon us.

Use your time more wisely

It wouldn’t be a true resolutions roundup without at least one stretch goal, right? Procrastination is a bad habit every student struggles with, and every student agrees their life would be better without. A few tips for fighting procrastination:

  • Make a time log—the results might surprise you! Doing this can help you identify what your major timesucks are (Instagram, anyone?) and
  • Time block it out. Batch similar tasks together, like a bunch of emails you have to send, packages you need to mail, or calls you’ve got to make! Getting all of them done at once will save tons of time.
  • Look for unused pockets of time. Bussing from West Campus to UVille? Whip out your Quizlet app and start studying for that upcoming quiz. Catching up on your favorite show? Use the commercials to proofread your latest essay.

Whether you pick one of the resolutions above, or decide to make a few of your own, remember that small changes can make a huge difference! Practicing a little more self-care, booking a career coaching appointment, or finding a new favorite library could help make this your best school year yet.

Amid a million deadlines and finals looming next month, don’t forget to take a moment to remember everything you appreciate in life. After all, sometimes it’s the little things that matter most.


Hannah headshot taken on campusStudent Life blogger Hannah M. is a 2019 UW graduate in Marketing and English who is also involved with the American Marketing Association and Her Campus UW. When not pitching, writing or editing blog posts for UWSL, you’re likely to find her making PowerPoint presentations for a case competition or ordering a vanilla latte on the Ave. To suggest a topic for the UWSL blog, email dawglife@uw.edu.

Grad Student Spotlight: How Kickboxing made me a better Teacher, Researcher, and Engineer

Guest post from Eldridge Alcantara, UW Electrical & Computer Engineering PhD Candidate, Teaching Assistant, Research Assistant, and Cardio Kickboxing Group Fitness Instructor.

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My Husky Experience began in autumn 2013, when I started my graduate program in Electrical Engineering. And I’m not going to lie – I felt like I was on top of the world.

Even though I was setting aside a pretty good life already in San Diego, CA, where I was born and raised surrounded by a large Filipino family, close friends, and a full-time engineering job, I was thrilled to be here in Seattle because I was finally pursuing my dream of getting a PhD.

On top of that, I came into UW with a five-year scholarship and a guarantee to return to my job in San Diego afterwards. Nothing could go wrong, right? I just have to be the best student researcher with the most amazing research project, and this degree would be in the bag.

But that’s not what happened.

Fast forward to 2019, I’m still in my PhD, in my sixth year, and still fighting to finish. What has surprised me is that my most notable highlights so far have not come from research, as I had originally envisioned and is common with other PhD students. Rather, my greatest experiences and successes have come from another love of mine: teaching.

I came to UW with the intention to improve in research. But I soon realized I could not turn away from teaching that easily, something rooted in me ever since my time leading Electrical Engineering discussion sections as an undergraduate at UC San Diego. Something about being a TA just feels right. I like the interaction with my students. I like coming up with new ways to review concepts and solve problems. So, I decided to carve my own path and seek out other opportunities to teach.

I emailed Professor Maryam Fazel, who was teaching a class called Continuous-Time Linear Systems (EE 235), and I asked her if I could lead optional discussion sections as a volunteer. I’m surprised to this day that she did not brush this off as a prank, and I’ll be forever grateful that she agreed to let me teach these sections, which I continue to lead to this day.

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Photo: UW EE 235 (Continuous Time Linear Systems) class, Spring 2014

So, after my first year, I was doing great with my PhD program while continuing to keep my teaching skills sharp. I started to wonder, what’s next for me?

Little did I know that an opportunity was waiting in the wings.

That opportunity was UW Recreation’s Fitness Instruction Training (FIT) Program. I was already a group fitness enthusiast, and I liked the idea of getting paid to work out, but I saw something else with the FIT program: another opportunity to teach – to teach a new class format, in a new environment, and to a wider campus community I’d never worked with before.

I joined the program not being the fittest person in my cohort (nor the most enthusiastic), but I was determined to finish. I completed it in spring 2015, and began teaching Cardio Kickboxing the following autumn quarter.

During my first quarter teaching Cardio Kickboxing, I was amazed how I was able to seamlessly apply all that I learned from engineering teaching. Over eight weeks, I taught short combination sequences to the beat of music that incorporate basic punches and kicks and increase in difficulty over a quarter.

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Photo: UW Dawg Daze Cardio Kickboxing class, Autumn 2017

My time as a TA helped me understand the importance of designing organized lesson plans. I knew how to break down what I taught into small, digestible parts that my participants could follow. I also understood how to progress my lessons slowly and methodically over a quarter to help my participants safely reach their fitness goals.

Unfortunately, there was one thing missing that first quarter: enthusiasm.

As my fitness manager noted, “Eldridge, your experience in teaching clearly shows, but if you want your students to be at 100% intensity, I need you to be teaching at 110%.” I learned right away that any amount of enthusiasm I showed in an engineering classroom was not going to be enough for fitness, so I worked on it.

I practiced my class routines more regularly, so that over time, I worried less about the elements of my choreography and focused more on being comfortable in front of my participants. It worked. My class blossomed as a result, with healthy attendance rates that continue to this day, 11 quarters later.

But do you know what surprised me most about my experience with UW Recreation?

Being a group fitness instructor served to improve other areas of my work in ways I could never imagine. My engineering students now comment on how much more engaging my class is because of my energy and enthusiasm. I owe that to Cardio Kickboxing and the confidence it taught me, where I’m regularly shouting things like “you go, boy!” or “nice side kick, girl!”

My work as a researcher also improved. I get regular comments from my advisors and colleagues on how my presentations flow well and are easy to follow. I owe that to Cardio Kickboxing and the experience teaching to music and speaking to a wider non-technical audience.

Reflecting on these last six years, I never would have predicted that teaching would define my Husky Experience. My love for teaching has only deepened. From teaching group fitness and further engaging outside the classroom, I truly believe I have become not only a better researcher, engineer, and TA, but a healthier and more well-rounded individual.

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Photo: UW Dawg Daze Cardio Kickboxing class, Autumn 2018

Easy Ways to Practice Self Love this Valentine’s Day

Students in Red Square with ValentinesValentine’s Day is known for a lot of things—roses and chocolate, to name just a few. It’s a day to celebrate significant others, family, and friends, but it’s also a great opportunity to remind yourself to practice some self-love as well. With the gloom of winter weather, the stress of midterms season, and finals seemingly right around the corner, there’s never been a better time to take a little better care of yourself. Not sure where to begin? Try starting with a few of these ideas.

Detox your social media feeds

Social media has been the center of a lot of controversy lately; love it or hate it, comparison culture, FOMO, and the pressure to make your life appear perfect are undeniably issues of our generation. If your own feed is triggering any feelings of stress or anxiety, it might be time to take a look at who you’re following or what posts show up while you scroll. Unfollowing or unfriending someone might feel awkward, especially if they’re a friend, so instead try just muting some Instagram stories or unfollowing people on Facebook so their posts won’t pop up every time you open those apps. Not only will this help stop comparison culture, you might even cut down on daily time you spend on social media since you’re not wading through content that you’re not interested in.

Check your caffeine habits

I know, I know—this can seem impossible at best, and blasphemous at worst. Whether you’re brewing your own coffee at home, stopping by a campus Starbucks, or using energy drinks to get an extra boost, caffeine can seem like a necessity just to get it all done. However, too much caffeine can mimic anxiety symptoms like nervousness or a racing heartbeat. If you’re already stressed, that’s the last thing you need—not to mention it can wreak havoc on your sleep habits. Check in on whether you’re drinking those 2 or 3+ cups a day out of necessity or habit. Do you really need the caffeine boost or do you just like the taste? The cozy feeling of a hot beverage on a cold day? Think about trying decaf after lunch or branching out to try matcha or chai.

Stretch

After hours of class, group project meetings, and studying, it’s no surprise if you feel stiff or sore at the end of the day. Taking ten or fifteen minutes to stretch can help shake off that tension and leave you feeling infinitely more relaxed. Not only will you be less tense, but it can lead to better posture and even better sleep.

Students Relaxing in Red Square

Schedule something you’ll look forward to

Some weeks are rougher than others, and these mid-quarter, dead-of-winter weeks can feel like the roughest of all. One of the best ways to motivate yourself to make it through the endless grind is putting something on your calendar you can look forward to. A bright spot you know is coming up in the future will make the Ode study sessions in the present just a little more bearable. Commitment is key—book a spin class in advance online, get movie tickets, or make plans with a friend to go to Volunteer Park. Accountability will mean you actually take time off from studying, working, or, let’s be honest, even just re-watching Parks & Rec on Netflix for the umpteenth time.

Say no to something

After the last tip this might seem a little counterintuitive, but having time to say yes to things you love usually means having to say no to something else. If your Google Calendar is starting to look like a rainbow kaleidoscope of colors, appointments, and commitments, maybe it’s time to create a little white space—literally and figuratively. Everyone needs to unwind every now and then, and that free time can free up some mental space as well.

Make a go-to playlist

We all have certain songs that always make us feel better, so why not put them all in one place for when a bad day or a late afternoon slump hits? Throw anything on there that always puts you in a good mood—upbeat jams that always make you feel better, any soundtracks that hype you up, or even some middle school throwbacks. A better day is only some headphones and a push of a button away.

Valentine’s Day might be just a day in February, but these are habits you can carry throughout the year to make getting through those classes and extracurriculars just a little easier.


Hannah headshot

Student Life blogger Hannah M. is a UW senior studying Marketing and English who is also involved with the American Marketing Association and Her Campus UW. When not pitching, writing or editing blog posts for UWSL, you’re likely to find her making PowerPoint presentations for a case competition or ordering a vanilla latte on the Ave. To suggest a topic for the UWSL blog, email dawglife@uw.edu.

Student Voices: Perspectives on Leadership from the Husky 100

Every year we get the opportunity to celebrate some incredible students from UW’s three campuses (Seattle, Bothell, and Tacoma) as the Husky 100. This recognition honors 100 students for their exceptional contributions on and off campus and for truly making the most of their Husky Experience. These students prove that leadership is far from a one-size-fits-all stereotype, and it’s possible to lead from all sides and angles.

2019 Husky 100 applications are open now (due January 23rd!) so log on and start sharing your story of leadership at UW! I chatted with some members of the Husky 100 from 2018 to learn more about their own journeys and ask what leadership means to them. Their answers were as diverse as they are—and might just inspire you to start your own application.

“How would you define leadership?”

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“The most important part of leadership is being involved with the people in your community—good collaboration. A good leader is someone who collaborates with the people around them, goes the extra mile, and inspires and empowers others to succeed.”

Tina Hernandez, UW Tacoma, who has spent her time as a Husky serving the community through social work volunteering and researching the effects of trauma on the developing brain.

 

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“My definition of leadership has changed a lot since I was a freshman. Now it’s a lot about listening—not telling people what to do, but listening and understanding their needs. So to me, being a good leader means being a good listener.”

Nadya Ekhteraee-Sanaee, UW Seattle, who leads as the president of the Economics Undergraduate Board, chair of the Arts & Sciences Advisory Council for Students, and an active member of Women in Economics.

 

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“Leadership to me means leading by example—by doing, not by telling.”

Colton Twiddy, UW Seattle, who has connected his work in and out of the classroom as part of the Neighborhood Design Build Studio and by competing on the UW Commercial Construction Team.

 

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“Empathy.”

Beck Adelante, UW Tacoma, who has tirelessly worked to promote accessibility and elevate marginalized student voices, such those from LGBTQ+, mixed race, disabled, and other underserved communities.

 

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“Leadership, to me, is tied closely with service and learning. You have to really put in the work, learn as much as you can, empower people, and ultimately teach them how to lead themselves.”

— Henry Milander, UW Seattle, who strives to create a more equitable and sustainable future through his work in the UW Rotaract, as a residential advisor, and as the President of the Certificate of International Studies in Business program.

 

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 “To me, leadership is not only being available to others and letting people come to you with their needs and problems, but also reaching out when you notice people need help.”

Leah Ruggerone, UW Seattle, who has dedicated herself to promoting the health and wellness of her community as an education assistant in the pharmacy department, the president of the pediatric pharmacy advocacy group, and a devoted volunteer working with children that have primary disabilities.

 

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“A good leader works to make sure the voices of all our different communities are heard.”

Katrina Salazar Punzalan, UW Seattle, whose Husky Experience empowered her to embrace her identity as a queer Filipinx student and inspired her to pursue becoming an attorney to help marginalized communities such as migrant workers and Pacific Islanders.

 

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“Leadership is working with other people toward a goal you’ve all set. At the end of the day, I think leadership is about working with others, serving others, and listening to your community.”

Aishwarya Mandyam, UW Seattle, who leads from the intersection of technology and humanity as she serves as the president of the UW Association for Computing, innovates in the biotechnology space, and builds inclusive communities on campus.

 

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“Accountability and humility.”

— Brit Barnhouse, UW Tacoma, who founded a literary journal dedicated to communicating complex ideas simply and accessibly, inspired by her double major in environmental studies and writing.

 

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“Leadership means being a role model. It means bringing out in the best in the people around you. It means doing your best and being humble at the same time.”

Kimberly Ruth, UW Seattle, whose time on campus researching, organizing, tutoring, and mentoring has made her quite the role model in her own right.

 

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“Leadership is passion and compassion. Passion because you need to love what you do; compassion so you can feel what others feel.”

Angel Chen, UW Seattle, who has created a more inclusive environment for transfer students as a transfer-student FIG leader and Commuter & Transfer Associate with First Year Programs.

 

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“Leadership is giving back to others, which means you have to get to know their needs. A leader sees a problem and tries to solve it, bringing everyone to the table to find a solution.”

Youcef Yacoub Bennour, whose passions have led him to chair the committee for the Students and Activities Fee, become a voting member of the World Affairs Council, and mentor students at a local high school.

*

To learn more about the Husky 100 recognition as well as current and past nominees, visit the Husky 100 website. To apply, click here!


Hannah headshot

Student Life blogger Hannah M. is a UW senior studying Marketing and English who is also involved with the American Marketing Association and Her Campus UW. When not pitching, writing or editing blog posts for UWSL, you’re likely to find her making PowerPoint presentations for a case competition or ordering a vanilla latte on the Ave. To suggest a topic for the UWSL blog, email dawglife@uw.edu.

12 New (School) Year Resolutions

January may be the most popular time to take on a new project or goal, but for those of us still in school, September seems like a whole new year, too. Why wait until 2019 to start on some resolutions? Here are a few ideas to choose from, or to inspire your own resolutions.

Find some new study spots

UW’s campus is so large that it’s easy to get stuck in your own bubble—I know I spent 95 percent of my freshman year in the same three buildings (one of which was my dorm). But break out of your location rut and go exploring—studies show that studying in multiple different locations can actually improve your recall, helping you ace that midterm you’ve been dreading. A few recommendations to get you started:

  • The Gallagher Law Library, when you absolutely need some peace and quiet
  • The Allen Library skybridge, for flashcards with a birds-eye view of campus
  • Gould Hall’s 1st floor, to enjoy some rare PNW natural light and a little café background noise while grinding away
  • Padelford Hall, for comfy couches tucked into corners—Padelford is such a maze, odds are slim that anyone will even walk by, let alone bother you.

Use UW Scout to find the perfect spot for you!

Soak up some on-campus entertainment

Obsessed with Netflix’s comedy specials? Try a Friday night show by The Collective, UW’s theatre improv group! If you live for drama (the onstage kind), keep an eye out for performances by the Undergraduate Theatre Society, Stage Notes, and the UW School of Drama. More musical? Why not check out a concert by UW Chorale, our student Symphony Orchestra, or one of UW’s many a capella groups?

Take care of yourself

The college student stereotype can be a little bleak—stressed, sleep-deprived, and feeling way too busy. But being exhausted and over-scheduled isn’t a badge of honor, it’s a sign you need to practice some serious self-care. This looks different for everyone, whether that’s regular yoga classes, curling up with a book, or even just taking the time to make home-cooked meals. I know it might seem like there just aren’t enough hours in the day to finish your to-do list, let alone practice self-care, but running on empty is just going to make things harder in the long run. When you’re rested and refreshed, you’ll be faster and more efficient so you can check off that to-do list and spend the time you saved enjoying some well-deserved rest and relaxation.

Visit the Career & Internship Center

Whether you’re searching for your first internship or your first job, the whole process can feel overwhelming. Luckily, as a UW student you’ve got a whole team of people whose literal jobs are to help you succeed! Located on the first floor of Mary Gates Hall, the Career & Internship Center offers a huge variety of resources for wherever you are in your career journey. Take advantage of…

 

Start spending smart

We might all be broke college students for now, but it’s probably time to start being a little more fiscally responsible before we’re out in the real world. Those late-night Dick’s runs and early-morning Starbucks runs add up more quickly than you think, so step one is just tracking your spending. (You might be surprised with the final number.) Also start thinking about budgeting, committing a certain percentage to your savings each month, or—yikes—saving for retirement. If nothing else, don’t forget to ask stores and restaurants if they have a student discount! Take advantage of them while you can—we won’t have our Husky Cards forever.

Let go of FOMO

A deluge of Instagram Stories, Facebook event RSVPs, and push notifications make it easy to feel like there’s always something better going on somewhere else—or at the very least, like there’s somewhere else you should be. But at the end of the day, the fear of missing out is nothing but exhausting, and odds are you’re not actually missing anything life-changing. We’re constantly told that college is only four years, so we should enjoy it as much as we can while it lasts; I’d like to add that you should enjoy those four years where and how you want.

Get out of your comfort zone

A little scary? Sure. Worth it? Absolutely. Humans are creatures of habit, but don’t be afraid to switch it up and try something totally new. It might be nerve-wracking, but it’s also exciting, and who knows? You might just discover something you love. This could be anything from ordering something totally different at your favorite restaurant, taking a drop-in hip hop class, starting a blog, or training for a 5K.

Visit the Henry Art Gallery & the Burke Museum

Not only are the Henry and the Burke perfect places to soak in some art and history—they’re right in our own backyard and, best of all, free with your Husky Card! Stay dry on a drizzly afternoon and enjoy the Henry’s rotating exhibits, or take a break after a long week by traveling back in time at the Burke. (My personal favorite is the Skyspace at the Henry, arguably the most ‘zen’ place on campus.) Both places also have cozy coffee shops where you can duck in for a latte or scone afterward.

Speak up in class

Instead of casually avoiding your professor’s gaze when she asks a question in class (we’ve all been there), why not take a deep breath and throw out some thoughts on the assigned reading? Even if it’s just a small class, speaking up can feel intimidating, but it can help you engage more with the material, boost your participation grade, and make a positive impression on your professor—especially important if they’re teaching in your major. Don’t stress about coming up with the most insightful, groundbreaking commentary the class has ever heard! They’ll probably just be glad someone was brave enough to be the first to talk.

Try the UW Food trucks

Not an #ad, I promise. Yes, the loss of the HUB Subway was a tragedy, but the UW Food Trucks are unsung heroes of the campus food scene. The endless lines at lunch hour speak for themselves—try to go between passing periods to skip the long wait. Hot Dawgs and Motosurf are always parked in Red Square, but the Sunrise Griddle food truck travels around campus—I recommend turning on Twitter alerts for @uwstreetfood so you always know where to find some avocado toast. (I definitely have.)

Practice gratitude

It sounds cheesy, but focusing on things in your life you’re grateful for actually helps your mental health. It doesn’t have to be a full-on gratitude journal—start small by making a note on your phone with 3 good things that happened that day or downloading a free gratitude app. Finding these bright spots in your week can shift your whole outlook for the better—even when the weather is awful and midterms are upon us.

Use your time more wisely

It wouldn’t be a true resolutions roundup without at least one stretch goal, right? Procrastination is a bad habit every student struggles with, and every student agrees their life would be better without. A few tips for fighting procrastination:

  • Make a time log—the results might surprise you! Doing this can help you identify what your major timesucks are (Instagram, anyone?) and
  • Time block it out. Batch similar tasks together, like a bunch of emails you have to send, packages you need to mail, or calls you’ve got to make! Getting all of them done at once will save tons of time.
  • Look for unused pockets of time. Bussing from West Campus to UVille? Whip out your Quizlet app and start studying for that upcoming quiz. Catching up on your favorite show? Use the commercials to proofread your latest essay.

Whether you pick one of the resolutions above, or decide to make a few of your own, remember that small changes can make a huge difference! Practicing a little more self-care, booking a career coaching appointment, or finding a new favorite library could help make this your best school year yet.

Amid a million deadlines and finals looming next month, don’t forget to take a moment to remember everything you appreciate in life. After all, sometimes it’s the little things that matter most.


Hannah headshot

Student Life blogger Hannah M. is a UW senior studying Marketing and English who is also involved with the American Marketing Association and Her Campus UW. When not pitching, writing or editing blog posts for UWSL, you’re likely to find her making PowerPoint presentations for a case competition or ordering a vanilla latte on the Ave. To suggest a topic for the UWSL blog, email dawglife@uw.edu.

10 Ways to Destress This Winter Quarter

Bronze 'W' and trees in the snow

Winter quarter (or any quarter, honestly) can be stressful for a variety of reasons—anything from the lack of sunlight to a mid-year motivation slump, a tough course load or just feeling stuck in a rut. If you find yourself facing a lot of stress, overwhelm, or are feeling really tense, try some of these tricks to make life feel a little more manageable—and enjoyable.

  1. Join a club – for fun!

Infographic explaining the process of registering a student organization, which can also be accessed at http://depts.washington.edu/thehub/sao/rso-registration/During your first days at UW, the sheer number of activities and opportunities can be overwhelming, but it’s so easy to play it safe, fall into a routine, and never look back. When you’re super focused on your classes and leadership activities, sometimes your hobbies fall by the wayside to your busy schedule. If you’re stressed or feeling burnt out, doing something you’re passionate about or enjoy can do wonders for your mood. Could an a capella group, the Hiking Club, the Cooking & Baking Club, or Badminton Club be perfect for you? Find out – and explore the full list of UW’s 900+ other student clubs here. (P.S. If you don’t see one that strikes your fancy, you can always start your own!) Check out the infographic at left to find out how.

  1. Head outside

Research shows that time in nature and time by bodies of water can dramatically reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. Don’t let scattered showers deter you—grab a jacket or umbrella and head outside! Whether it’s five minutes on a bench under the Ship Canal Bridge, a stroll down to the UW Farm, or just a quick bike ride on the Burke Gilman Trail, just a little time outside can make a big difference in your mood.

  1. Pick up a book

There’s something about the physical act of paging through a book that helps you get “in the zone” and escape the daily grind for a little while. Whether you devour mystery novels or love a good biography, you can easily find something to read at Suzzallo and Allen Libraries or in Odegaard Undergraduate Library. The most popular mainstream reads are stocked behind the help desk of Odegaard on the second floor, and are available in many languages. (Pro tip: Keep an eye out for “book blind date” shelves in Ode, where occasionally librarians set up books wrapped in brown paper with only a brief description written on the front—such a fun surprise once you take it home!)

If you’re a currently enrolled UW student, all you need is your Husky card to check out your books. If you live in the UW-Seattle dorms or near Seattle campus, you can also register for a free Seattle Public Library card, which will not only let you check out books from their branches, but also give you access to a huge range of audiobooks and ebooks you can download to your device. More info on how to get a SPL library card here (you must have valid ID and proof of address).

  1. Take advantage of free events 

Every once in a while, you just have to take a study break and do something totally new. What better way than to head to one of the thousands of free events that take place every month in Seattle? Even if you don’t love it, you shook up your daily routine, got out of your comfort zone, and didn’t waste any money. Here are a few of my favorites coming up:

Student using the indoor rock wall at the UW IMA

  1. Sweat it out

As Elle Woods once said, “Exercise gives you endorphins, endorphins make you happy.” This might be a slight oversimplification, but it’s undeniable that exercise has a ton of benefits when it comes to managing stress. Head down to the IMA, take a leisurely jog to Gasworks Park, or even grab a canoe from the Waterfront Activities Center on a clear day. Getting some exercise doesn’t have to mean hours on a treadmill or training for a marathon—it could be as simple as walking across campus instead of taking the bus, or trying out some new yoga classes with the Mindfulness Pass.

  1. Zone out with a great movie or TV show

I couldn’t find any scientific data to back me up, but I’m pretty sure that curling up with a good binge-watching session is every college student’s favorite activity. You’ve probably already got your go-to sites and shows, but here are just a few suggestions if you want to mix things up.

  • The UW Film Club hosts frequent movie nights, usually with films that aren’t available on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, etc., like Alfred Hitchcock’s Rear Window or 500 Days of Summer. Their events are totally free, so follow the UW Film Club Facebook page to see upcoming movie nights you might be interested in. They also collaborate with movie studios pretty often, so you might also get the chance to win free passes to advance screenings of upcoming Hollywood movies before they’re open to the general public!
  • If you live in the UW dorms, you can enjoy movie nights hosted by the UW Residential Programming Board—a few recent flicks include Baby Driver, Spiderman: Homecoming, and Blade Runner. Free popcorn & lemonade are provided! (Must be a current HFS resident.)
  • Dorm residents also get complimentary streaming HuskyTV (powered by philo.com) and access to HBO GO. Learn more here.
  • You can also borrow DVDs of movies and tv shows from Suzzallo and Allen Libraries, or request them online if they’re currently checked out by someone else. Just log into your UW Library Account and get started!
  1. Get more sleep

When it feels like there just isn’t enough time in the day to get everything done, sleep is usually the first thing to go. However, this can actually have negative effects during your waking hours, potentially leading to decreased academic performance, increased mental health issues, and a weakened immune system. Getting a good night’s sleep will actually make you more productive the next day, helping you get through that mile-long to-do list. Try setting an alarm on your phone 30-60 minutes before you plan to go to bed to remind you to start winding down for the night, or schedule a 20-minute power nap during the day.

  1. Use the sun lamps 

While complaining about the constant Seattle gloom may be a popular extracurricular for most UW students, its effects can be more than just annoying. Seasonal Affective Disorder, caused by reduced natural light, affects more than three million people a year and can be especially widespread during the winter. Symptoms include mood changes and increased appetite, as well as changes to your weight, sleep habits, and activity levels. The UW Counseling Center offers free light therapy for currently enrolled UW-Seattle students who are affected. Call (206) 543-1240 to schedule an intake appointment (which is required before beginning sessions with the special light box for treatment).

  1. Ask for help

Let’s be honest—a lot of our stress as college students comes from our academics. Maybe you’re applying for a competitive major or just worried about your next Econ exam, but there are a ton of academic resources at UW here to help.

  • Your professors. Go to office hours! They want to make sure you understand the material, and they’re the expert on what they’re teaching, so if you’re confused about something in class, who better to ask than your prof? If you’re really interested in the subject they teach, they might also be able to suggest other classes or programs you might enjoy.
  • Your TA’s. They’re students just like you, so it can be less intimidating to ask them for help instead of your professor, especially if you’re in a 500-person lecture.
  • Study centers & tutoring. Struggling with a philosophy essay? Make an appointment at the Philosophy Writing Center. Think you might have a question on your Math 126 homework? Work on it at the Math Study Center, where TA’s are available to help if you run into a tricky section. The Center for Learning and Undergraduate Enrichment holds drop-in help for many classes, along with exam reviews and class discussions. An appointment at the Odegaard Writing and Research Center can help you refine your research paper or brainstorm new insights for your English 111 essay. Check out more resources here.
  • Academic advisers. Their full-time job is helping you along your academic career! They can help you identify academic strengths & weaknesses, suggest career paths, help you pick courses, and help you create long-term academic plans.

Seattle skyline at sunset

  1. Explore somewhere new

In my opinion, one of the best things about being a Husky is getting to live in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. With the UPass on your Husky Card, why not carve out some time to explore a little? Take a quick day trip to Bremerton on the Kitsap Fast Ferry, head to Golden Gardens Beach, or hunt down some hidden gems in Fremont or the International District. A change of scenery can help you return to your routine refreshed & inspired.

While the weather outside might be dark & gloomy, try these tips to brighten your mood this winter quarter! Have any advice of your own to beat stress or stay upbeat? Let us know on Facebook, Instagram, or at dawglife@uw.edu.

And finally – if you feel like you might need a little extra help, don’t hesitate to reach out to Hall Health’s Mental Health Clinic or the Counseling Center. If you’re experiencing anxiety, depression, or other negative emotions, they’re here to support you.


 

Hannah headshot

Student Life blogger Hannah McConnaughey is a UW senior studying Marketing and English who is also involved with the American Marketing Association and Her Campus UW. When not pitching, writing or editing blog posts for UWSL, you’re likely to find her making PowerPoint presentations for a case competition or ordering a vanilla latte on the Ave. To suggest a topic for the UWSL blog, email dawglife@uw.edu.