The Top Ten Back to School Must Have’s

August 16th, 2010

1-    A back pack or tote- Always a must have for back to school. Choose a backpack or a tote that is both sturdy and attractive (depending on who you are, priorities may vary!) A color like black or brown always works for day to day, and won’t get dirty over the year coming from school, games or the gym. Choose one that’s comfortable, and don’t worry if some are expensive: it’s definitely worth the investment.

2-    A reusable coffee mug or thermos- This is a huge must have for most university students! Buying a nice reusable mug will save you money, and will help the environment. Moreover, on those days you’re running late for class and you don’t have time to make it to the coffee shop; pour some coffee, tea or hot chocolate before you run out the door and lucky you! You can savour the last drops of caffine as you walk into class (ontime!) Pick your mug up at CBU’s book store, or any coffee shops like Tim Hortons, Wentworth Perk or Starbucks (like mine.) This little $10 item will save you from endless fatigue after those late nights and early mornings throughout the year.

3-    A CBU logo clip board- Instead of lugging around endless binders and note books, pick up a few clip boards from the CBU bookstore, or any office supplies stores such as Staples at the Mayflower mall. They come in every color of the rainbow and will save your shoulders and backs from the weight of a too heavy bag. Plus, they keep things organized and easy to read when you’re studying, or transfering them into a larger subject binder. Usually under $5, these are one thing you won’t want to be without the first week of classes.

4-    A CBU frosh pack- Whether you’re a new or returning student, you won’t want to miss CBU’s Frosh Week. Proven to be one of the most fun weeks of the entire school year, the frosh pack will ensure you have everything you need to participate fully. The packs are $45 but include endless goodies that will outlast the week, and will serve as happy reminders of the great times you had during Frosh Week. Order yours today at the CBUSU.

5-    An agenda- The school year can be an incredibly busy time for students, especially while balancing work, sports, friends and family. Making use of an agenda is one of the best ways to keep on top of your life and to schedule your days and months effectively. So go ahead, pick up your free agenda around CBU this fall and start filling in not only upcoming assignments, but also get togethers, sporting events, or even favorite TV shows or movies. You’ll be happy you did when everything falls into place and you’re not stressing over the little things.

6-    Laptop- Being a university student requires two main things: reading and writing. So while reading is as simple as buying some school books, writing takes research and a place to work on assignments over several days or weeks. The best way to get it done is to invest in a laptop, although if that isn’t possible there are also computers to use in the library, free of charge. However, most degrees are between three and four years, so if it’s something you’re considering, I highly recommend it. You can shop for one that meets your needs online or at many retail outlets. Also, when purchasing a MacBook this fall, you will receive a free Ipod touch just for going to school!

7-    A cell phone- Although I have admitted to not owning one, cell phones are very important for university students for many reasons. The top reason is to keep in touch. Maybe you’ll be contacting friends and family from away, or just looking to meet up with a classmate to study. Make sure to always be respectful of your usage (Example: Not running into people in the hall while texting, or using it during class time) and you should be just fine! Cell phones can also double as ways to check your email, listen to music, or to wake up in the morning. There use’s definitely are too good to be ignored, so even I will be getting one come September!

8-    An abudance of pens and pencils- Pretty obvious for any back to schoolers no matter what age. Choose wisely, and remember that professors generally only accept blue and black ink for assingments. And really, pick up lots! Pens have a way of disappearing quite quickly.

9-    Some fall basics- Well, we’re not in Kansas (or summer) anymore. Stock up on warm sweaters, scarves and more to be ready for the cool weather October will surely bring. A pair of warm winter boots are also invaluable as you trade in your summer flip flops and hike from CE to A for class. Pick ones that are comfortable, cute and practical. I always have luck at Spring at the mall, or any online shops. You will be wearing them daily, so it’s better to go for quality. Conseqently, I’ve just given you another reason to shop!

10-    A pair of sneakers- With the return of class and other responsibilites, it’s important to keep yourself healthy and stress free. One of the best ways it to exercise, and with CBU’s new gym, you’d be crazy not to! So pick out some comfortable trainers and get ready to get into a routine. You’ll feel better, and look better. And, who knows who you’ll meet on the treadmill? Happy Sweating.


I’ve got a feeling!…

August 9th, 2010

Last year was one of the best years at Cape Breton University. We kicked off the year with an exciting Frosh Week which helped generate a whole year of fun and enjoyment for CBU students, professors, employees, and members of the community. It has been said before that how you begin something will greatly influence the outcome of the journey, and in my experiences recently, I believe that it is quite true.

With the oncoming university year beginning in a few short weeks, I have been wondering and day dreaming about how to make this year the best one yet for myself, but I’ve also been curious as to whether our Student Union can top last year’s enthusiastic opening Frosh Week.

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Beach volleyball every Tuesday

August 3rd, 2010

I want to follow up on a topic that my fellow blogger, Lucy mentioned before and that is summer beach volleyball at CBU.

(http://blogs.cbu.ca/index.php/2010/07/tuesday-nights-just-got-better/ )

There is no summer without beach volleyball, and I think everybody likes it, even just watching it. For those who want to play beach volleyball “ like myself “ CBU now has two beach volleyball fields right behind the main soccer turf field. It’s an amazing field and all the beach volleyball lovers come out every Tuesday to play and enjoy from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
If you didn’t play beach volleyball before, I can tell you now that once you try it you will never stop playing it. It’s an addicting and fun game. I find it fun because of the sand and playing on the sand just makes me smile. What about you?! Are you in?! Waiting for you Tuesday at 6 p.m. on the field.
You don’t wanna miss it!

Energy Drinks… a big no no!

August 3rd, 2010

I admit to being a drinker of Red Bull and other horrible energy drink products. I am not even sure that it does indeed increase my energy or help me stay awake, but in my head it tells me that I have at lease 2 hours of more awake/work time than I normally would. I know that many students are the same and grab a Red Bull when they have extra studying to do or a final assignment to hand in, even though we know it is not good for us. Relating back to Lucy’s blog about feeding your brain…  I don’t think Red Bull lands on the list!

A recent article from the Globe and Mail discusses this further:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health/energy-drinks-pose-serious-health-risk-to-kids-canadian-medical-journal/article1652080/

Energy Drinks are BAD!

Do you drink energy drinks?

So come September when that urge for Red Bull hits, try and look for something else… green tea maybe? There are always alternatives to these chemical based drinks!

I will try to not drink them if you will!

Chasing the sun

July 31st, 2010

All around me I see the signs that summer is drawing to a close, much to my dismay. In Prague I saw once green leaves darkening and falling to the ground. In Vienna the June skies I had seen before were broken with gray clouds and a cool breeze on the last few days of July. I even see summer disappearing in stores and in malls. The pretty bright dresses and sandals are replaced with coats, boots and denim.

Summer time is usually that way, even with an extended university holiday. It comes fast, and leaves faster. I miss summer all year, but I do look forward to the fall, winter and to spring. Alas, today I am stuck between longing for summer and dreaming of the fall. Such is life! We perpetually want what we can’t have.

Instead of throwing myself and my leisurely schedule back into my fall routine just yet, I’ve decided to prolong it by going to a place of a kind of endless summer: Spain.

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Entrepreneurial Spirit

July 28th, 2010

Wanting to share with you a great local success story: Michique handbags!

Handbag display at the NSCCD Craft Market

Love these bags! Sourced from : "I LOVE MICHIQUE HANDBAGS" on facebook

I spent the weekend in Halifax and attended the Nova Scotia Centre for Craft and Design’s craft market. I knew Michique would be there and headed over to find their booth. There was a mass of people crowded around the Michique booth, all admiring and most importantly purchasing these creative and wonderful purses. With other Canadian craft shows scheduled for their upcoming year I know Michique will reach all corners of Canada and beyond very quickly.

It is great to see local sisters, pursuing their talent and finding success in a product they have put so much into. For all of those entrepreneurial driven students at CBU check out Michique and let it motivate you to follow your dreams!

http://michiqueonline.com

Caution CBU Ladies: They are so pretty !!

Feed your mind

July 26th, 2010

The carefree days of summer are wonderful for sleeping in, getting to the beach, late night fun with friends… and indulging in some of summer’s finest flavours: strawberry shortcakes, smoky barbeques, cold refreshments on the patio, and some salty snacks from your favorite chip wagon. (Mine being Fuzzy’s Fries on Charolette Street!)

The summers final act is upon us and as we watch these last precious days flash before us, our minds begin to look ahead to see what comes next, and for most of us that means back to the books and the rapid pace of university life.

As we transition from the ease of summer, back into the hustle of the school year, do yourself a favour and feed your mind, properly.

The importance of a balanced diet as we undertake our studies is crucial for our mental and physical wellbeing. Maintaining a healthy diet is as important to your studies as weekends in the library are.

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Jellyfish stings

July 22nd, 2010
During the summertime we all can not wait to enjoy the beaches, but don’t forget that we’re not the only ones who are waiting for it. Jellyfish have also been waiting for the summer to enjoy it, but in his own way of course!
Avoiding the jellyfish is definitely a good idea, but you also need to know what you should do if you got stung by a jellyfish. I was doing a little research about the jellyfish and I actually found a lot of useful, funny, and some scary information, but the good news is that you can treat and prevent their stings with a really simple steps.
Here are some simple steps you should follow if you got stung by a jellyfish:
  1. Don’t panic you’re not going to die.
  2. Don’t touch the wound with your bare hands.
  3. Don’t use fresh water on the wound.
  4. Wipe any dangling tentacles from the wound with a towel or a glove or even a credit card. .
  5. Use salt water to rinse the wound.
  6. Use vinegar or a little bit of alcohol to neutralize the venom on your skin.
  7. Try to put ice on the wound if it’s too painful.
Another interesting “jelly” fact is that some lifeguards may wear pantyhose on their arms and legs to prevent suffering the pain of a jellyfish’s sting or to even save their lives sometimes.
I hope this information will help you if you encounter a jellyfish this summer while at the beach, but mostly I wish you all a nice, safe and jellyfish free vacation.

Tuesday nights just got better

July 20th, 2010

Since school is growing nearer, I’ve been checking up on all of the Student Union news to keep me updated on what’s going on for the 2010-2011 year.

You wouldn’t believe my surprise (and excitement!) to find out that the Pit will be playing host to airing GLEE on the big screens, every Tuesday evening throughout the year. As you know from previous blogging (http://blogs.cbu.ca/index.php/2010/05/guilty-as-charged-more-glee-for-me/) I am a die-hard Glee fan.

Understandably, this is awesome news for a variety of reasons…

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Operation Frosh!

July 19th, 2010

The Cape Breton University Students’  Union are hard at work this summer putting together a great Frosh Week for new CBU students.

Take a look at the schedule of events and start checking off where and when you are to be ! It looks like a great time!

Schedule of Events

Join their facebook page for even more up to date information regarding Frosh Week and all CBUSU news!

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?profile=1&id=123982467621056#!/pages/Sydney-NS/CBUSU-Events/123982467621056?__a=4&ajaxpipe=1