Adulting 101/Life Hacks

Tips for Commuting

Being a commuter student on campus can be difficult especially when you are on campus all day from 8AM – 5 PM. I’ve gathered feedback from my peers and composed a list of advice and tips for students! Here are a few tips from current commuter students: 

  • Pack like you are leaving for a road trip.  

You want to make sure you have everything you need whether it’s your laptop charger to a sweatshirt. It almost seems that each building on campus is either freezing or smoldering hot based on the season. Typically, most buildings on campus are cold, so bringing a sweatshirt to campus is a must. Also, pack your iPad/iPhone charger, your laptop charger. You may need your chargers if you are on campus all day. It’s always better to pack more than you think you will need so you don’t forget something that impacts your day! 

  • Bring a water bottle or a tumbler to campus.  

Not only will this help you save money, but you will contribute to being a sustainable Buckeye. There are lots of water fountains all around campus where you can fill up your bottle. A few restaurants may be able to fill up your tumbler or bottle with coffee so be on the lookout out for that! 

  • Do not text/call and drive. 

You have heard this a hundred times but don’t text and drive. You must be especially careful on campus because there are a lot of people on campus each day.  Students, staff, faculty, and visitors are crossing streets, rushing to their next destination, and are expecting you to stop, so they may not be paying as close attention as they should be. Remember, pedestrians always have the right of way!   

  • Find the right parking pass for you.  

Many students park at the Buckeye Lot because it is the most cost-effective option, but it is a short bus ride from the Buckeye Lot to Central Campus. Based on your eligibility, you may have more options to park on campus available to you. Visit CampusParc for more information regarding permits.   

  • Always leave early.  

Many students come to campus early to find a good spot to park or to get to class on time. I am a morning person, so I take 8 AM classes. I know it sounds awful, but you get used to it over time. For my morning classes I typically leave my house around 6:50 AM. It takes me 25 minutes to get to campus with rush hour traffic, and an additional 20 minutes to comfortably get to class and make sure I get coffee on the way. Leaving early ensures that even if I hit more traffic, need to spend more time waiting for a bus, or if I run into someone I want to talk to, I have plenty of time to still be at class on time without starting off my day rushing around campus. No one likes to sit in a lecture hall when they are sweaty from running across the oval! 

 

Hopefully, this helps! I am always willing to give more tips! 

 

Sincerely,  

Your favorite Commuter Student- Abby  

Microwave Mug Recipes

Are you craving a small snack or sweet, try out these quick and easy microwave mug treats!  

MUG PIZZA

Ingredients  

  • 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour 
  • 1/8 teaspoon baking powder  
  • 1/16 teaspoon baking soda  
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt  
  • 3 tablespoons milk 
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil 
  • 1 tablespoon marinara sauce 
  • 1 shredded mozzarella cheese (generous tablespoon) 
  • 5 mini pepperonis  
  • ½ teaspoon dried Italian herbs  

 

Directions 

  1. Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in a microwaveable mug 
  2. Add in oil and milk and mix. The mixture should be a little lumpy.  
  3. Spoon on marinara sauce and spread it around the surface of the batter.  
  4. Sprinkle on cheese, pepperoni and mixed herbs.  
  5. Microwave for 1 minute and 10 seconds-1 minute and 20 seconds, or until it rises up and the toppings are bubbling 

 

MUG NUTELLA BROWNIE 

Ingredients 

  • ¼ cup nutella  
  • 1 large egg 
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 

 

Directions 

  1. In a large, microwaveable mug whisk nutella and egg together  
  2. Add flour and mix until batter is smooth 
  3. Microwave for 45 seconds-1 minute  
  4. Let cool and enjoy! 

Zero Waste Tips for College Students

Since this is a new academic year, why not be a sustainable student? Any small changes you make can help make a greener and sustainable campus! Here are 5 Zero Waste Tips! 

1. Have a collection of reusable containers. 

Probably one of the most impactful wastes on campus is single-use plastics containers. Investing in a collection of reusable containers can help campus become more sustainable and greener! Plus, you can enjoy your drink or food on the go. Whether it’s coffee or your favorite pasta.  

2. Buy in bulk.  

If you like to snack when you are studying, try to buy your food in bulk and pack your snacks in reusable containers like mason jars or reusable food containers.  

 

3. Shop at the thrift store. 

Check out the local thrift stores around the University District for affordable and second-hand clothing! Not only are you saving money for yourself, but you are also being a sustainable student.  

4. Get used textbooks.  

Students are always looking to sell their books for reasonable prices. Try buying used books whenever you can. Chegg is a great service for college students that lets you rent books instead of buy them. Or try buying and/or renting a digital copy a textbook too if possible.  

 

5. Kindly refuse 

During the first few weeks of the semester, student organizations and offices love to give out freebies and flyers. If you are trying to be sustainable, kindly refuse to take a flyer or a t-shirt. Most of the freebies are cheaply made and not worth keeping to-be honest. And most of it is going to end up in the garbage.  

 

Just know that going zero waste in college is possible! Try to be a greener student if possible! I know I will be during this academic year! 

Knowing Your Trash & Recycling Pickup Schedule

Different addresses in Columbus have different pickup schedules for their trash and recycling, so it’s important to know which day your trash and recycling will be collected. Knowing when to and putting out your trash & recycling bins will allow you to have a clean environment and reduce pollution around your house.  Having a clean house will improve your mental and physical health and a added bonus recycling helps the world become more sustainable! 

Luckily, the City of Columbus has an address lookup that will provide you with the correct information for your address! 

Here is the link: https://311.columbus.gov/AddrLookupnew.aspx  

 

1. Enter your address in the search engine and hit search 

2. Once the results populate, your schedule will appear in calendar form below 

3. By clicking on the “Get a reminder!” icon, you will have multiple options to receive reminders about your schedule