Finding Balance as a College Student

When there is so much to do that you do not know where to start, it can be easy to get lost and feel stress. Practicing better productivity habits allows you to take control in the process of balancing your life.

College is about finding balance. Classes take up most of students’ time, along with homework, studying, assignments, and exams. Naturally, students also want to spend time with friends, dedicate time to other organizations, and simply need time to relax and recharge. Finding this balance requires time management and productivity. When there is so much to do that you do not know where to start, it can be easy to get lost and feel stress. Practicing better productivity habits allows you to take control in the process of balancing your life.

It starts with mindset. It is easy to feel like you are drowning in work sometimes. A way to conquer this is to focus on getting one thing done at a time. Write all of your assignments down in an agenda or a notepad. Lists are a great way to see everything that needs to be done, and checking off each task as you get them done adds a feeling of accomplishment and productivity to your day. If stress is still building up, keep reminding yourself that you will get it done. That small amount of reassurance can get you far.

Make sure you add due dates and take into account how much time you may need for each assignment, and then prioritize your tasks in the way you see fit. If it is a 250-500 word assignment, sit down a few days before and get it done so you have time to edit and polish your work. If you have a big exam, set a designated time each day to study and stick to it.

Get really specific about what you want to accomplish each day. The more flexibility that you give yourself, the less accountable you will hold yourself, which is why discipline is a major key. Finding the motivation to complete everything on your to do list can be hard, but sometimes you just have to get it done.

When you find it hard to put effort into things, remind yourself how hard you worked to get to where you are now. Whatever it is, it’s not worth it to not give your best effort. If you work hard on that paper or spend hours a day preparing for that test, the end product will be worth a lot more. Working hard ensures that you earn your success.

Hustling in college is important, but so is rest. Take a nap if you need to. Take a break to walk around campus, or watch an episode of your favorite tv show. Remember that rest is part of the balance you are working toward, and without it, it will be difficult to be at your best. If you’re doing your best but you need a break, don’t beat yourself up over it. Take the break and go back to what you were doing once you have recharged.

Having fun is important, as well. Life is not about working until you can’t anymore, or spending everyday stressing out about what is to come in the next week. After you’ve successfully conquered the week, plan some fun activities over the weekend. Work hard, but have fun and make memories along the way.

Finding that balance takes trials and errors, but is not impossible. Figure out what the best method is for YOU and stick to it. You’ve got this!

March 18, 2019March 18, 2019

Bold, Fun, and Creative: The New Launch of Glossier Play

The whole idea behind the new line is based on what makeup essentially should be about – having fun, creativity and self-expression.

Glossier, the trendy, Instagram-able brand started by blogger Emily Weiss, is known for standout skincare products like the Milky Jelly Cleanser and natural makeup products like the Boy Brow. The brand has announced the launch of a new line of makeup products called Glossier Play. The whole idea behind the new line is based on what makeup essentially should be about- having fun, creativity and self-expression. The brand can now represent both sorts of makeup lovers from those who love the dewy, natural look and those who want to take more risks with their look.

Here is a look into the new product launches for Glossier Play:

Glossier Play

New Product Launches

Niteshine, $20

You can never have enough highlight, right? Niteshine is a beautiful, liquid highlight in four pearlescent shades for every skin tone. For a subtle shine it can be mixed into foundation or the product can create a show stopping-glow when blended into the skin.

Glitter Gelée, $14

An easy to apply, one-swipe glitter to add a pop of shine in the inner corner or on the lid. The glitter gel eyeshadow comes in four jewel tone metallic shades that are wearable and great for nights out to add more of a punch to your makeup routine.

Colorslide, $15

A range of 14 different shades of colorful, waterproof eye pencils. No more to wearing plain black eyeliner, this range includes a beautiful teal for a pop of color in the waterline and a moss green shade to switch up your everyday brown or black shade.

Vinylic Lip, $16

A non-goopy lip gloss in six beautiful shades from a pinky nude to a bright orange, there is a color for everyone to rock. The comfortable formula combined with the click pen packaging really makes the product shine.

Image Sources: Glossier

March 13, 2019March 13, 2019

From the Runways to your Instagram Feed: Easy Spring Styles to Implement in Your College Wardrobe

Although there will always be days when a messy top knot and sweatpants are necessary, there will be other days when a still bit of effort put into your outfit can really boost your mood. After NYFW and other fashion shows have come to an end, the new trends and inspiration for spring are bold, retro and fun but can be a bit overwhelming. Here is a breakdown of some trends for spring that we love shown both on the runway and on Instagram to change up your style this semester:

1.Layering upon layering

Transitional style or just spring style in general is difficult to master due to the constant weather changes. Someday it can be boiling and other days kind of cold. Whether throwing on jeans, a tee, and a coat or adding a sweater any of these ways are both practical and fashionable.

2. Prints and Pastels

Fun prints and pastels scream spring and are easy additions to make your wardrobe pop. A floral print romper to wear to class or pastel pants to brighten up an outfit are great pieces to try out.

3. Going back to the '70s

Denim, graphic tees, burnt orange, turtlenecks, bold prints all encompass the decade of the 70’s and influence the runway and streetstyle of today.

4. Bring on the Bold and the Beautiful

Over-the-top frills and ruffles on dresses and even more vibrant colors filled the runways. A massive, ruffle hot pink dress might not be the most appropriate style to rock in the classroom but integrating these fun and bold colors into more casual apparel is an easier task.

5. Wild for Animal Print

A simple pair of jeans or a plain white tee can be easily jazzed up with a leopard or snakeskin print item, which is not too over the top for class.

6. Shoulder Pads Are Back and Are as Big as Ever

An oversized blazer or coat can make any outfit look more put together- pair a blazer with a cute graphic tee or a skirt and longline coat.

March 11, 2019March 11, 2019

Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone

By: Marissa Cuka

The University of Delaware broke enrollment records this past Fall 2018.

24,120 total students enrolled for the Fall semester, which is the highest number of students enrolled at UD. The University now has students representing all 50 states, and a record 2,246 international students representing 150 countries. At the Newark campus, 4,249 students are first year students, most of who are non-residents. These numbers and more reached a record high for UD, and are significant in cultivating a diverse and cultured campus environment.

Each student at UD, whether a first year undergraduate student or a student enrolled in a graduate program, has a story coming into college. Some students are from Delaware and may have high school friends attending UD; others come from different states or even countries and are forced to completely start over in a new environment.

Previous experiences definitely shape people, but it is the new college environment that demands a little more from them; they must step out of their comfort zones, whether it is academically, geographically, or socially.

Based on the Fall 2018 enrollment statistics, students are bound to meet someone with a story different from theirs. By connecting with students from different backgrounds, each person can learn something from the other and gain a new perspective, whether it is major or minor.

College is an adjustment but allows students to grow in many ways. There are a plethora of classes to take, student organizations to join, and events to participate in. These opportunities bring together many different students and allow them to get involved, have fun, and learn new things, so it is important to take advantage of them. The skills, memories, and friendships that students make is what makes up their personal college experience and shapes them as they continue their college journeys and their post-college plans.

College can be a difficult transition, but stepping out of your comfort zone is essential for making the most out of your time in college. Each student will have their own personal college experience, but no matter how different each one is, every Blue Hen is connected by the University of Delaware.

March 3, 2019March 31, 2019

Designer and Model Bari Blanco on How UDress Supports His Goals

Read about how designer and model Bari Blanco is involved with the publication

Photographs: Instagram @bariblanco

Sophomore apparel design major Bari Blanco at the University of Delaware joined UDRESS during his freshman year. He first learned of the student-run fashion publication through his peers, who told him about model opportunities for the show and print magazine. Today, Blanco continues to model and additionally submits clothing to be featured in UDRESS.

“UDRESS is a dream come true,” Blanco stated.

The real-life experiences present opportunities to model and showcase his work. He recalls his favorite memory of a photo shoot in Philadelphia and explains how supportive the UDRESS team was.

Blanco plans to build his fashion and model portfolio, and UDRESS is the perfect place to unleash creativity and step out of one’s comfort zone.

March 3, 2019August 12, 2020