Apps for A's: Must have apps for school

Madalena Pierangelino, Marketing Intern

As the fall semester begins, so does the stress. There is a mad rush to finalize classes, buy books, and organize a routine once again. And on top of that lies the constant pressure to get good grades. Lucky for you, an array of apps exists for the sole purpose of making your life easier in college. This year, be smart and keep your smart phone nearby for these useful (and mostly free!) apps.

1. Evernote

As the name implies, Evernote is a free app that makes note taking more efficient. A scatterbrain’s lifesaver, it puts all your notes, ideas, and images in one place. Also, you can record lectures and search text for specific words. It even syncs to other devices. So no matter where you are, stay on the same page with Evernote.

Cost: Free

2. Chegg

Forget standing in long lines at campus bookstores to buy overpriced textbooks. Chegg is an app that searches and finds the cheapest textbooks for rent AND includes free shipping. They also plant a tree for every book that you rent!

Cost: Free

3. STUDYBLUE

Studying is boring. Add some action to your study routine with STUDYBLUE. The application makes creating flashcards easy and paperless. Even greater is that you can access other people’s study materials on the same subject, just in case you missed something.

Cost: Free

4. QuickGraph+

Scientific calculators are as expensive as they are bulky.  Lugging it around from class to class only to stare confusedly at a black and white screen seems pretty unproductive. A better option is the app QuickGraph+. You can plot various types of graphs on numerous coordinate systems. There is also quick access to common functions. Math class just got that much easier.

Cost: $1.99

5. myHomework

Leave your agenda at home; this student planner app puts your life and class schedule into one small gigabyte. Plug your class schedule in, update tasks and store papers and other materials in the resources section. It even notifies you about upcoming assignments and you can turn your document in right then and there. You will never miss another due date again! MyHomework is not rated 4½ stars for nothing.

Cost: Free

6. Mint.com

Completely manage all of your money in one place with Mint.com. It gives you the option to create a budget and track what you are spending by dividing it into various sections. When you are over your budget limit for one area, it notifies you.

Cost:Free

7. EasyBib

Everyone knows that after the introduction paragraph, the worst part about writing an essay is the bibliography. Putting a source into MLA, APA, or whatever format a teacher demands is a pain. Easybib lets you take a picture of the textbook barcode or search a title and conveniently converts it to a legitimate citation. Boom.

Cost: Free

8. GeniusScan+

Scanners are a little old school these days. The easiest way to sign and send a form is with GeniusScan. Take a picture of a document, and this fast app will convert it to a clearly readable file that you can send. When you think about how printing at Willy T. costs 10 cents a page, paying $2.99 to edit and send documents conveniently from your couch does not seem like much.  

Cost: $2.99

Convinced yet? These applications are great tools to have by your side, when facing the daily challenges of life as a student. You can save time and money, plus succeed in your classes. Now, there is no excuse to ever stress about school again! 

For additional app download ideas, check out the following website:   http://www.buzzfeed.com/regajha/apps-every-college-student-should-download-right-now.

Mapping Out Lexington for Out-Of-State Students

Allyson Lough and Melanie Stoeckle, Marketing Interns

As out-of-state students, we understand that you can’t wait to explore all things Kentucky. We also understand that knowing where to start in Lexington can be a little intimidating. After two full years at UK, we feel like Wildcats after investing some time and energy into exploring the heart of the BBN. Use our recommendations to experience the Commonwealth- it’s the best way to adopt the unbridled spirit of Kentuckians!

Truly Kentucky Traditions

The Kentucky Theatre

·      The historic downtown theater specializes in showing select current and off-beat movies.

·      Movie tickets are cheaper than normal, especially during the day.

·      Dress up and catch a showing of the Rocky Horror Picture Show on certain weekends.

Old Kentucky Chocolates

·      Take a free tour of their production area with free samples of all their products, most importantly the bourbon chocolates.

Keeneland Race Track

·      Open for the months of October and April, get dressed up and watch the horse races for only a $5 admission fee. But be sure to bring more cash to place your bets on each of the races! Here’s an easy guide to placing a wager for first timers. 

·      On College Scholarship Day, held once during October and once during April, Keeneland gives away ten $1,000 scholarships to college students. It’s usually packed, but the free swag and the atmosphere makes it a must do!

Kentucky Horse Park

·      Take a true tour of Kentucky history told through champion horses in traditional museums and on horse drawn trollies.

·      Horseback rides are also available for $25 a person, so saddle up!

Downtown Lexington

Triangle Park

·      A picturesque place to spend time in the heart of downtown. It hosts yoga in the early mornings and ice-skating during the winter months.

Rupp Arena

·      Home of the greatest tradition in college basketball! The atmosphere of Rupp Arena is unlike any other. Camp out for Big Blue Madness tickets in October and grab your Erupption Zone tickets for a men’s game with a home court advantage. Chanting “Go Big Blue!” with 23,500 wildcats is amazing!

·      The arena hosts a variety of performers in the off-season that put on awesome shows.

Thursday Night Live

·      Catch free local music April through October at the Fifth Third Pavilion. Bring a lawn chair and some money for local vendor food!

Runway Couture in the Victorian Square Shops

·      Dress like a Southern Belle with outfit inspiration from this great clothing and accessories store!

Around Town

Pop’s Resale Shop

·      Pop some tags at this local thrift shop! If you’re looking for something to jump-start a DIY project, some killer vinyl for your collection or a really awesome outfit for a themed party, this is the place to go.

·      It’s right beside Goodwill on Leestown Road if you’re in the mood for some additional thrift store shopping.

Champ’s Entertainment Center

·      Champ’s has laser tag, skating and mini golf! 

·      Their best special is $2.50 per laser tag game on Tuesdays 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. Check out their website for deals and the best nights to go!

Red River Gorge

·      Whether you’re a hiker, a climber or just want to explore, the Gorge is an awesome way to experience one of Kentucky’s national parks that’s only one hour from Lexington.

·      Make sure you stop in at Miguel’s Pizza at the base of the trails for a slice of pizza and a classic Ale-8-One!

Lexington Legends

·      The Legends baseball games are a fun afternoon or night out with friends.  The tickets are reasonably priced and make sure to bring cash for concessions!

Taste of Kentucky

Ale –8 Factory: The factory gives free tours and is located in Winchester, KY, not far from here!

Bourbon and Toulouse: Located down Euclid Ave, get a taste of New Orleans with their delicious menu.

Brown Hotel: Their legendary Kentucky Hot Brown sandwich is what makes this place popular.

Joe Bologna’s: Even if you’re going there for pizza, you have to try their popular breadsticks as well.

North Lime Coffee and Donuts: Follow them on Twitter (@northlimelex) for donut of the day updates!

Pazzo’s Pizza Pub: Delicious pizza and super close to campus!  Can it get any better?

Ramsey’s: If you are ever homesick and in need of a delicious meal, we suggest hopping over to Ramsey’s on E High Street for some Southern home cooking.  Don’t forget about their famous Missy’s pie for dessert!

Sav’s Grill: Located right on S Limestone, this unique restaurant is also very welcoming.  Sav, originally from West Africa, is one of the friendliest restaurant owners you’ll meet and a great chef.  He makes all of the meals himself!

Tolly Ho: Be sure to go after midnight and tell them it’s your first time!

We hope that our compiled list helps to give you a great start in Lexington.  Check out our Lexington Local Pinterest board for more ways to experience the best of the Bluegrass!

"Embracing Your Inner Child" (And the Last Weeks of Summer)

Melanie Stoeckle, Marketing Intern

Remember those years when you were young and summer seemed to go on forever?  Well with August just rolling in, it seems like everybody’s minds are set on one fact: Classes are starting soon.  Whether you’re excited to move to campus or don’t want to let summer go just yet, you still have a few more weeks before it’s back to the books.  Here are some activities to help you “embrace your inner child” and make the last few weeks of summer seem endless.

• Go to the park.  Toss a baseball or football, throw a Frisbee, kick around a soccer ball, whatever you want!
• Play on the playground.
• Have a picnic lunch.
• Head to the zoo or aquarium for a day.
• Instead of just sunbathing by the pool, go swim in it!
• Have a Disney movie marathon.
• Break out some board games.
• Make your favorite food from childhood.
• Even the little things count:
• Blow bubbles in your backyard!
• Draw with chalk on your driveway or sidewalk.
• Lie in the grass and find shapes in the clouds.  Whatever you find up there, it is a great way to relax and enjoy the warm summer weather.

You probably remember doing a lot of these activities as a kid.  Well, cue the nostalgia and embark on another childhood adventure by trying a few of the things on the list once again.  Let your imagination run like it used to, you never know what else you and your friends will think of to do!

How to End Summer Employment: What the Start of Fall Means for Your Summer Job

Nicole Brown, Marketing Intern Coordinator

Student jobs, by nature, are temporary. High school students graduate and move away to start college or a career. College students may work full time over the summer, but return to school when August comes. Employers expect things to change and student employees to leave, but the process of ending a job is never easy. Whether you need to quit a job completely, or just reduce your hours for the semester, use the following guidelines to make the experience a positive one.

Communicate Honestly and Early

Be honest about the type of job you’re looking for from the beginning. If you’re searching for temporary work, then say so. Being honest about your expectations is the only way that an employer can really understand your employment needs.

And the communication shouldn’t stop once you’re hired. Whether it’s the middle of summer or the beginning of the school year, keep your employer informed. Are you starting to get stressed out by the number of hours you are working? Let your employer know. Chances are, they’d be happy to reduce your hours and give some of your shifts to other people. They’d much rather work with you than risk having you not show or quit because you can’t handle the work load.

The other important aspect to honest communication is timing. As soon as you know when you want your last day to be or that you’ll need your hours reduced, let your employer know. Then, they can prepare for you leaving by hiring more employees or figuring out who might want to take over your shifts. The general rule of thumb for leaving is to give at least two weeks notice. The same rule applies to reducing your hours: the sooner you inform your boss, the sooner they can start the process of accommodating your request.

Transition on a Positive Note

If you are continuing a summer job through the school year, make sure to keep up with your responsibilities. Your life may become busier, but your employer still expects you to be on time for your shifts and work hard.

If you are leaving a job completely, once your last day rolls around, it can be tempting to behave inappropriately. If you’re not planning on returning to the job, you may be more tempted to yell at that rude customer, but don’t give in. Working just as hard on your last shift as you did on your first will leave your employer with a positive impression. This can make your employer a good job reference for the future. In other words, don’t burn any bridges!

Another reason not to burn bridges is the possibility of returning. If your employer values your work, they would likely love to have you return. Maybe you can work over school breaks or next summer. Either way, leaving your return as a distinct possibility means that you’ll likely be able to pop in and work whenever you can, as long as you give them some notice.

Use these basic guidelines to make any job-leaving or hour-reducing experience a positive one. Then you can use your managers as references and include the job on your resume, plus always have the potential of working there again in the future. 

K Week 2013: Events from The Study

Saturday, August 24^th

Donut Avoid The Study

10 a.m.- 12 p.m.

The Study, 3rd floor of the Complex Commons

Does the transition to college completely freak you out? Stop by our open house, and spin the wheel to win a free t-shirt and other cool stuff, while chatting with us over some donuts! Our student employees can answer any questions you have about taking college classes, tests, living on campus, balancing school and free time, and how we can help you succeed in your first year. Also enter our raffle for a prize pack full of college essentials worth over $250. Drawing will be made at 12 p.m. and delivered to your residence hall!

Preparing to be a Pre-Professional

1-1:50 p.m.

The Study, 3rd floor of the Complex Commons

If you see graduate school in your future or are planning to enroll in one of UK’s many pre-professional programs, like law, dentistry, or medicine, plan to attend this interactive panel. This session will feature a panel of undergraduate and graduate students currently in pre-professional and graduate programs. These students will share their experiences and talk about the impact Academic enhancement’s programming can have as students work toward admission to graduate and professional programs.

Be sure to utilize University of Kentucky's pre-professional advising, through Undergraduate Studies, too! http://www.uky.edu/US/professional.html.

Campus Ruckus

8 p.m. – midnight

Green lot of Commonwealth Stadium

Come by The Study’s booth and spin the prize wheel to win free t-shirts and swag!

Thursday, August 29^th

Get with the Plan(ner)

5 - 6 p.m.

The Study, 3rd floor of the Complex Commons

Within the first few days of starting college, many students quickly learn that managing their time is one of the most important and challenging aspects of being in school. With so much to do and keep track of, strong time management skills can make all the difference. UK's Interfraternity Council and Academic Enhancement (The Study) have teamed up to provide you with techniques to help you manage your time effectively. Come by to get tips and spin the prize wheel to win cool swag!