Alaina & TaMyra discuss the challenges of mental health as a first-year college student.
A Common Situation Episode 15-“The Overachiever Situation”
Alaina and TaMyra discuss whether being an overachiever is a curse or a blessing in disguise. Tune in to hear the causes, effects, and how they’re handling it!
A Common Situation Episode 14-“The Freshman Slump Situation”
Alaina and TaMyra talk about their experiences with the Freshman Slump, including things that can contribute to a slump and how to recover.
A Common Situation Episode 13-“The Authenticity Situation”
Alaina and TaMyra discuss their tips on how to live your life authentically and let go of comparison.
A Common Situation Episode 12-“The Halloweekend Situation”
Alaina & TaMyra discuss how they spent their first Halloweekend in college: going out vs. staying in, choosing costumes, and if it lived up to their expectations.
A Common Situation Episode 11-“The Closure Situation”
Alaina and TaMyra discuss their steps to getting closure as they step into a new chapter.
MCL Top 5: Study Habits
After returning back to campus from Fall Break, many students are preparing for more midterms, and soon enough, final exams. To alleviate some of the stress accompanied with these examinations, I have offered my Top 5 Study Habits!
5. Form a Study Group
One of the best ways to recall information while also having (slight) fun, is to join a study group! Studying with others allows you to gain new understandings of content, such as acronyms or other mnemonics, ask questions, and test your memorization. Having a study group will also hold you accountable for your study time, as it requires you to set specific time aside for studying that you may not have done before.
4. Space out your studying
Although cramming is sometimes a last resort method for many students, I recommend trying to space out your studying! Studying earlier for a test allows you to build your knowledge of content without staying up all night for it, as sleep is extremely important for retention. Studying 3-4 days prior to a test, or even a week prior, offers more comfortable study time, less stress, more sleep, and concludingly, rewarding outcomes.
3. Use a Reward System
Using a reward system has been one of the most helpful study habits I have acquired. Rewarding yourself after studying, whether that is grabbing a coffee, taking a nap, or eating with friends, will allow you to remain motivated during your mundane studying. It gives you something to look forward to, and it offers you an incentive to complete your studying!
2. Blurting Method
Active recall is one of the best ways to study, especially for heavy memorization classes. After reviewing content and setting it aside, use a white board, a notebook, or a Google doc to “blurt” out everything you can remember. This allows you to see which areas you should be primarily focusing on, as well as what areas you are well prepared for. Afterwards, review your content and add in material you may have skipped over (preferably in a different color)!
1. Quizlet
If you know me, you certainly know that I make a Quizlet for absolutely everything. Ever since 6th grade, Quizlet has helped me with quiz and test memorization. Making your own flashcards is a form of learning within itself! With the flashcards, learning, matching, and testing sections, Quizlet helps you learn definitions, as well as concepts. Purchasing Quizlet Plus can enhance your experience as well, as I certainly recommend. Quizlet can be used on the go, such as walking to class, during meals, laying in bed, etc. I highly recommend using Quizlet!!
These are my Top 5 Study Habits! I hope you find these useful and incorporate them into your study habits this year, and so forth!
A Common Situation-Episode 8, “The Check-In Situation”
Alaina and TaMyra check in on everything they’ve experienced ranging from social life to stress this far.
A Common Situation-Episode 7, “The Self-Care Situation”
Alaina and TaMyra discuss the struggles of balancing self-care with academics, friends, clubs, and the business of college life as they sort out the “self-care situation”.
MCL Top 5: Pieces of Advice for Concerts
Nashville is named “Music City” not only for its fame of country music, but also for its many amazing concerts that are held here each year. Most recently, Arctic Monkeys, Lana Del Ray, SZA, Zach Bryan, and many more performed in the city or in its outskirts. After attending the Arctic Monkeys and Lana Del Ray concert, I have found a few tips on how to go about attending concerts as a college student.
5. Bring a portable charger.
Bringing a portable charger to a concert is a life-saving idea. Although I sadly forgot mine, I was able to use my friends! The chances of your phone being completely charged before the concert, especially if you went on an impulse, are not very high. Bring a portable charger to ensure that you can still take pictures and order your Uber at the end of the night!
4. Find a decent sized group to go with.
Going to a concert with a group will benefit you financially and also socially. It will lessen the amount of the uber, since you are all able to split the price. And, it will allow you to have a ton of fun. (Also remember, the more people, the more pictures) 🙂
3. Go to concerts with new friends!
I came with a new friend to both of the concerts I attended! Going to concerts with a new friend, or a new friend group, is a very great experience, as it allows you to meet someone new at the same time as seeing one of your favorite artists. I highly recommend finding a new friend to attend a concert with, as this was one of the highlights of my concert experiences!
2. Check multiple different websites for tickets.
When looking at concert tickets, do not only subject yourself to Ticketmaster. Not only are their prices higher, but their website also has many glitches, especially if tickets are high demand. Don’t be afraid to look at websites like SeatGeek, StubHub, and Vividseats to find cheaper tickets! I have used these websites to securely purchase tickets, and I would recommend you to do the same.
1. Buy your tickets last minute
I know the thought of impulse decisions can be a little scary, but trust me, going to concerts on an impulse made the experience much better. I purchased tickets for both concerts at the very last minute – one 5 hours prior and the other 1 hour prior. Not only did this make the concert much more exciting, but I also found amazing deals! Typically (but not always), concert tickets decrease the closer you get to the concert. For instance, the tickets I purchased for Lana Del Ray were only $26 dollars, while others paid much more when they purchased their tickets in advance. Although it is smart to purchase tickets in advance to ensure your spot, waiting until the last minute can also be exciting and offer cheaper prices!!
And these are your Top 5 Pieces of Advice for Concerts!!! I hope these were helpful and that you are able to attend a concert this school year!