Take advantage of hand-outs to pay your tuition!

One mistake I made was realizing there were so many handouts to pay my tuition too late! You have so many scholarships, grants, contest that you can apply for. I will give you some tips, or suggestions to help pay your tuition. 

1. Of course number one is APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS. Everyone is lazy and doesn't want to write essays WELL APPLY FOR THOSE WHO DON'T REQUIRE ONE. 

2. Apply to scholarships that apply to you! Are you a artist? One of your parents deceased? I'm confident that there is something personal or just talented related you will find a scholarship that applies to you. 

3. Don't always be discouraged by low GPA'S. There are awards that are non-merit based. You also can find scholarships for GPA'S as low as 2.5 so DON'T BE DISCOURAGED. 

4. Apply for work study. If you put the money towards your tuition that's your decision and a very smart one. Most students use it for themselves but that's literally a way you can pay your tuition off little by little. 

5. Always look into your college that your major is in. Every college has plenty of opportunities to hand out scholarships who have to be in business, or have to study medical. So many options TAKE ADVANTAGE. 

 

        Things I LOVE about WMU! 

There are some many things I love about Western. This is a school I would definitely recommend to many people. Reasons why...

1. The professors I've had aren't what high school teachers make them out to be. I honestly feel that these professors at WMU are here to help you and not just instruct you and ruin your grade. Every professor is different, but between me and other students I've gotten the same opinion. 

2. There are so many RESOURCES! It's honestly up to you to use them. I'm sure its probably no different than any other college but when it comes to Western the resources are definitely there. 

3. I love that we have study lounges on every floor in the dorms. Its very convenient especially when you have those late nights at the library and the buses stop around 11:30. I personally find my room as the perfect space to do homework, but I do have those nights where that study lounge comes in handy. (specifically speaking on Valley dorms, not sure about others)

AND WE ARE 11-0  

#PROUDTOBEABRONCO

#ROWTHEBOAT

                                  Should you bring a car on campus @ WMU? 

 As a freshman one  big question you need to think about is brining your car on campus. Some think it's completely useless, some think how could I live without my car? I decided not to bring my car on campus for a personal reason, but here's some pros and cons that will probably help with that decision. 

*Honestly you don't NEED a car but it's absolutely helpful in certain situations. When you need a ride to class? Catch the bus. Need some tissue? Go to the market in Bernhard or the store downstairs in the dining hall. Need groceries? Catch the Walmart bus the campus has it picks you up and drop you off right at your Valley. There are many resources but when it comes to certain things you wish your car was there.

Pros.

1. Ubers ADD UP! You think you spend most of your money on food now, uber will become yours new bestfriend once you hit campus. Your car will save you LOTS of money.

2. Although essentials are somewhat available on campus they are very limited. They don't supply the 24 pack of toilet paper, and specific hair products. Your car will get you where you need to go, and get you what you need to get.

3. PARTYYYY! I've seen so many students walking up W MICHIGAN going from party to party. Trust me you don't want to do it it's not so much fun. Your car will probably come in most handy when it comes time to party. So many different locations I don't see how people make it walking.

Cons.

1. WMU has a different letter for every parking lot. You will have bought a parking pass for lot F thinking that's your pass for everywhere on campus. If you park in lot K you will get a ticket. They are hungry for writing tickets!

2. Your paying $300 for a parking permit on top of your tuition already

3. You would think you have a guaranteed parking spot, wellllll YOU DONT. Most people have so much trouble finding spots. Rather it's by their dorm, or class. It's a hassle just think about it.

                                    
When you finally decide on your roommate then what?

There are a lot of things you and your roommate should discuss or you should do as your getting to know each other. My freshman year at Western which I am currently in I had to make a room change. It was the best thing for me because my roommate was the total opposite of me. Just to keep things in tact in case and to avoid a few problems and don't know how to approach them here's a few tips to help. 

1. Make a list of rules you both come up with together for the room then also make personal lists. Rules for the room could consist of not leaving clothes on the floor or making a cleaning schedule for the room. Personal lists could consists of your favorite snacks their not allowed to eat.

2. SHOW RESPECT!  If you know your roommate is studying for an exam tomorrow don’t have a mini turn up with all your friends in the room. 

3. If your expecting "bae" to come over make sure your roommate is aware and it isn't a total surprise. 

4. If you go in blind PLEASE take time getting to know them. You will possibly have a lot of common interest and could become the best of friends. YOU NEVER KNOW! 

Thoughts on picking a roomate?

As a freshman probably on your top five list of worries you think of who your roommate will be. Will it be my best friend? Will it be a complete stranger? Here's some things to think about of picking your roommate . 

1. First things first dont pick your best friend just because they are your best friend.

2. Why? 80% (not an accurate fact) BUT if you ask someone they will agree that 80% of best friends turn out to regret rooming together. 

3. YOU NEVER know someone until you live with them. You are in their everyday space and spending majority of your time with them. You learn how they respectful someone is towards you and towards their own space.

4. Going in blind make sure you talk and meet with the person. It's honestly not a good idea to wait until you move in to meet them.

5. You need to learn them what do they like? What should you guys bring? Do they like company?

* although Western makes you take a little survey. That doesn't determine they will give you the best fit for you. 

Choosing which Valley you live your freshman year at WMU?

 Western in your first year of resience in dorms you more than likely will be put in the valleys. I live in Valley 3 specifically so I will try to compare Valley's from what I know.

1. Every valley (in my opinion) is the same!!

2. Only difference is the lobby, a different hall director and different group of RA'S and other students.

3. Valley three lobby is a pretty big size, more seating than the others

4. You dont have to walk up much of a hill to get to your dorm

5. Valley 3 is directly right next to the New Valley Dining center

*When it comes to air conditioning that's  not a pro to any Valley. 

*There's also rumor that Valley 3 is very dirty. That's not true Valley 3 is no different. 

TEACHERS WILL NOT REMIND YOU!

It's been a while since I've posted a blog, and its the simple fact that MY TEACHER DIDN'T REMIND ME! Not just English, but Math and Business too. As a freshman, I knew that no teacher would remind me about assignments, but trust me it wont kick in until you are in the position. Here's a few tips from me about how to keep of assignments. 

1. If possible don't wait until the last minute to do the work you will forget.

2. Maybe you should invest in a planner 

3. Planners didn't work out for me so I used post it notes, you can write them down and put them right by your desk so whenever your by there its an easy reminder,

4. If that doesn't work invest in a mid-size calender for your desk seeing assignments visual always help

5. Last but not least my favorite is putting that smart phone to use. When I get an assignment I automatically put it in my phone calendar to give me a reminder. 

Your probably thinking SO... why haven't you posted a blog? BECAUSE.. I forgot okay. Lol, my teacher didn't remind me.