Tag Archives: college campus

Entertainment

6 Tote Bag Essentials For UT Students

Something pretty strange but really exciting happened to me the other day: I was wearing a tote bag, and another person who was passing by me as I entered the PCL had the same tote bag that I was wearing. It was funny when we complemented each other and went on about our days. After leaving the building, I started noticing more tote bags on my site; many people made their tote bags their finishing touch to the outfit. So as a tote bag user myself, I compiled the tote bag essentials, you should be carrying around campus.

Phone, keys, wallet, headphones

Laptop/iPad, notebooks, pens and pencils

Our other most important essential is necessary to complete these last few weeks of the semester. All of us tote bag enthusiasts must carry around at least one of these to finish strong in the winter. (From one UT student to another, you’ve got this!) Whether you’re hitting the books digitally or paperback, having a great color coding technique helps a lot when studying. Having some writing utensils is also essential for homework or even when we just need to write some thoughts down to alleviate the stresses of school.

Water bottle and snacks

Walking around can get tiring, and sometimes studying for a long time can be interrupted by all the grumbling you’re trying to suppress in the library. So, have your water bottle on you as well as a few substantial snacks. There have been way too many times where I’ve forgotten these and don’t have them when I need them the most, like after climbing up South Mall. So, take it from me when I say these are essential.

Pictures

Why pictures? You should always carry around pictures of people you care about and things you like seeing. Print them out, and you can look at them while you’re walking to remember the fun moments you had, which is the point of why you keep them on a plastic-coated paper, right? All joking aside, I carry around my disposable camera prints with me to look at them whenever I want to reminisce or show them off to people I’m hanging out with. It’s a good conversation among others when trying to explain what is going on in a picture even though you may not even remember what’s happening in it.

Chapstick, hand sanitizer, hair tyes

These small essentials in a zip-up bag can be a lifesaver — I cannot stress this enough. Never leave with chapped lips, keep hand sanitizer handy in case public places don’t have any and if it’s too windy in this cold weather, keep your hair out of your face with a headband or hair tie. All of these can be really convenient when life gets a little rough.

Mask, books, sunglasses

Remember to keep your masks on to end this pandemic —don’t leave without it. Books can also be essential when you have some downtime at the lawn in front of the tower or laying in the hammocks at the SAC. And when the sun is actually a little bright, or you just want to add a cool touch to your outfit along with your tote bag, bring a pair of sunglasses. Once you use them more often, you’ll realize how much more convenient they are. 

These essentials are what I, essentially, always need to carry in my tote bag when I am around campus, and I wanted to share some of them to make another student’s trips around campus a little more convenient. College students live busy and independent lives, and with a tote bag by your side, nothing can possibly come in your way. So show off your tote bag that has you prepared for being on campus and looking cute!

Featured image by Ivana Alexa Darancou

Entertainment

The UT Colleges as Adele songs

The season of Fall is synonymous with perfectly winged eyeliner, classic black silhouettes, and ballads that make you want to pour your heart out; that’s right, it’s Adele season. In preparation for this period of heartbreak and deep interpersonal questioning, soothe your troubled soul and enjoy this light take on the UT colleges as Adele songs based on the majors within them.

Moody College of Communication- Hello

Moody School of Communication; Picture by Nicholas Muniz

Hello is possibly one of the most well-known Adele songs of all time. The exhilarating song focuses on the failure of communication between two lovers. Moody intends on changing the world by rectifying miscommunication and enhancing current communication. The song embodies what Moody is trying to rectify in the world– miscommunication.

School of Architecture- Skyfall

School of Architecture; Picture by Nicholas Muniz

The uplifting tune, the drama, and the intrigue of mystery that surround Bond movies; these elements all paint a picture of artistry depicted in the tallest skyscrapers you can imagine. Bringing creativity to life and building the impossible are two traits that the School of Architecture and this Adele song have in common.

College of Liberal Arts – Chasing Pavements

Robert L. Patton Building; Picture by Nicholas Muniz

From governance to psychology, the College of Liberal Arts focuses on the pursuit of excellence through taking risks emphasized by its competitive majors. Chasing Pavements is a song about a woman taking a risk by confessing her feelings despite knowing how unlikely her chances for happiness are within that relationship. CoLA encourages its majors to hope and take risks within the humanities to discover the one true truth about what it is to be human within society at large.

College of Fine Arts- Sweetest Devotion

In order to have a successful career in the arts, one must be dedicated to the point where they are devoted to their craft. This Adele song harps on the triumphs and failures of giving all of your heart and soul in the form of purest devotion, something that is personified by the College of Fine Arts.

College of Natural Sciences- Set Fire to the Rain

College of Natural Sciences; Picture by Nicholas Muniz

Only the College of Natural Sciences could set fire to the rain with their intellect and ingenuity. Students within the college are able to achieve the impossible and indeed give meaning to a mad genius and in that making, this metaphor come true.

College of Education- First Love

First love ,with its idyllic and nursery rhyme elements, reminds one of happier days on the school playground. The cheerful tune is similar to the genuine and kind nature that is a hallmark of the College of Education.

McCombs School of Business- Send my Love to your New Lover

McCombs School of Business; Picture by Nicholas Muniz

It’s common knowledge that McCombs’ students enjoy the thrill of the chase and rarely pursue stability. It’s that attitude which ensures success in business. As a result, they harbor no ill intent to those they have woed in the past and are more than willing to send their love to your new lover after they have ended things with you.

Steve Hicks School of Social Work- Make you feel my love

Showcasing your loving nature and social work go hand in hand and so does this college and Adele song.

Cockrell School of Engineering- Easy on Me

Cockerell School of Engineering; Picture by Nicholas Muniz

It’s not easy being a Cockrell major, as they will let you know, and I can say with utmost confidence they would greatly appreciate it if their professors and the world at large took it easy on them. This new song by Adele not only allows them to drown their misery, but also fulfills their pleas with artistry and grace.

School of Information- Rumour has it

Rumors are the basis of all human interaction and this school looks to facilitate and enhance that interaction. They focus on user experience and design which rumor has it will be the most useful tool in the future of technology.

College of Pharmacy- Remedy

College of Pharmacy; Picture by Nicholas Muniz

Remedy is a song about healing and overcoming difficulties, something which we all accomplish with the help of our friends at the School of Pharmacy.

School of Nursing- Tired

Both the majors in this school and Adele find their true state in this song as they like to remind us after excessive all-nighters that they are, indeed, tired.

Jackson School of Geosciences- Rolling in the Deep

Jackson School of Geosciences; Picture by Nicholas Muniz

Rolling in  the deep is a song that not only references the hard work that students of this school have to put in, but also vaguely reminds you of a boulder rolling down a hill. Something which is not only poetic about the song but is similar to the plight of many of the majors in this school.

Featured image by Nicholas Muniz

ATX / UT, Community

An Insider’s Look Into The Best Study Spots on UT Campus

Welcome back longhorns to another year on the 40 acres. Now that we’re a few weeks into the semester, midterms, essays and projects are already starting to pile up. So, where are some of the best places on campus to get some work done? Stick around to find your new favorite study spot, just in time for midterms!

1. The Perry Castaneda Library (PCL)

The PCL has some of the best study spots on campus. Looking to study with friends or in an environment with people working out problems and ideas out loud? Check out the 5th floor or the STEM study areas in the UFCU Study Room on the main floor. Looking for a quiet place with zero noise and distractions? Check out the silent 4th floor. The PCL has countless study spaces to choose from, so you’re sure to find what you need to succeed.

2. Flawn Academic Center (FAC)

Trying to get some homework done between classes? Look no further than the FAC. There’s plenty of seating and outlets at any given moment so you can save time on finding a place to sit and get straight to work. Plus, you might just run into Domino, the cute cat that lives just outside the FAC! 

3. Life Science Library in the Tower (MAI)

Need a quiet, peaceful and aesthetically pleasing place to study? Visit the Life Science Library located in the Tower. The rows of books, comfortable seating and small space offer a cozy and serene study spot for you to get some deep focus in.

4. The Engineering Education and Research Center (EER)

Want to study in a place that will inspire your innovative side? Make your way to the EER. There is a variety of unique seating options with tons of natural light and a spirit of possibility oozing through the walls of the EER’s three floors.

5. Outdoor Seating around the Robert L. Patton Building (RLP)

When the weather isn’t unbearably hot, or you’re able to find relief in the shade, there is a variety of outdoor seating surrounding the RLP building. The seats include incredible views of the modern Patton Hall, DKR Stadium and luscious trees. 

These are just a few of the many great study spaces located on or around UT campus. There are so many spots to explore! Whether you’re new to campus or a returning student, there is always a place for you here on the 40 acres.