Upper-classman hacks that you should’ve learned freshman year
By Peter Gagnon// Photography and Online Editor
Hacks are an easier way to get through life because finding shortcuts just makes everything better. We have all seen that life hacks page on Snapchat, and personally, they are quite interesting to view, especially when you find something pertinent to your lifestyle. For example, did you have any idea the hole in a cutting board was where you can drop the items into the bowl? I didn’t until recently. This changed my idea on how to cut fruit and how to get it off the board the cleanest way. Here are a few life hacks we found by asking students around the High Point University campus.
Are you tired of spending all your dining dollars and magic meals at Starbucks? When the weather gets cold, coffee and hot chocolate is available on certain locations around campus. During finals, there is coffee set up on the fourth floor of the Smith Library. Hot chocolate is available at the concession stands on the Promenade near the School of Education and outside the Wilson dorm. This is a great way to grab something warm to liven your spirits before heading into an exam, or simply just walking around with your friends.
If there’s one thing a student can do is make it to the concession stands on campus early in the morning. It can be a challenge to find the time to head over to the café to grab a bite to eat before that Monday morning 7:50 a.m. class. Another great idea is to pick up some granola bars at Walmart, which is about a mile down the road on South Main Street. A 12-pack will run you about $5.00 and will help you to focus and get the most important meal of the day into your busy schedule. Also, if you get to the stands early enough on a Friday, you might be lucky enough to get a muffin or two. They always have some snacks at the concessions in the Promenade that can better prepare you for the start of the day. Plan your day in advance to get a choice of the best snacks.
“I use my reminder system constantly on my iPhone to make sure I completes assignments, interviews and projects on time,” said Allison Myers, class of 2020.
Allison sets a reminder on Sunday at midnight to book a reservation for the next week at 1924 Prime. This is HPU’s fine dining restaurant steakhouse located on the top floor of the R.G. Wanek Center. By setting weekly reminders, she is able to grab a spot for her and whomever she wants to go with her to Prime, without having to stay up late and fight the rest of the campus for what could be just a table for two.
This leads to another important hack. If you’re looking for the perfect date night, make a reservation at Prime. This is a great way to expand your horizons while dating. Not only are you not allowed to use your phone, but you also don’t have to spend any money on an expensive meal. This is also the perfect opportunity to have a night out with your friends.
“I personally love going to Prime every week with my friends,” said Erin Haggerty, class of 2019. “We are all so busy with classes, Prime creates the perfect place to catch up.”
Not only is their food delicious, but Prime is also a learning environment and is there to teach you etiquette. At the same time, Prime creates a romantic and exciting environment for whoever you are going with. From salads to steaks to soups and even vegan options, Prime has it all. Last month’s cultural menu was Brazil. In the past, it has been China, Japan and Australia.
Another great date night is the Extraordinaire Theatre on campus, located in the R.G Wanek center. There is Monday movie night, Throwback Thursday and Catflix on Friday with two playing times at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m.
The recently-released-in-theaters movie ticket is free for HPU students and so is a bucket of popcorn, one candy and a drink. Can date night get any cheaper? I don’t think so. You can even walk to the theater and not have to worry about finding parking. This is a great way to have a movie night with your friends.
Many students complain about parking availability on campus. It is no mystery as to why parking has been disappearing with the recent addition of new buildings, fountains and beautification of the campus.
Living off campus, I have experienced the difficulty of finding a parking spot and how stressful the task can be. As a student, and especially as a senior, I know that wherever stress can be reduced, it should be. This entire semester I decided to walk to class whenever I possibly can. This has helped me reduce stress, burn calories and eliminate the need to spend money on gasoline. Saving money in college is critical to our future because now is the time we need to save the most. Our future is right around the corner, and with this healthy alternative to driving, it’s easy and stress-free to do.
These hacks are an insight as to how to make your experience here at HPU a better and more joyful experience. Reduce stress, costs of living and boost your happiness by implementing these life hacks into your daily life here on campus.
The Extraordinary Theatre is the perfect place for a date night. Pictured above are just a few on the most recent films the cinema has featured. Photo by Devon Wilkinson