A Cheaper Alternative to Cable: Netflix V. Hulu.com

Amanda Gerakos, Marketing Intern

As college students, our extremely busy schedules make it hard to eat at the same time everyday, much less watch our favorite show at the same time every week. All I can say is, thank goodness for DVR. However, cable is already expensive, and adding on that neat DVR machine only racks up your bill more. But what are you going to do? Recently, more and more people are ditching their monthly cable package and subscribing to Internet streaming websites like Netflix and Hulu. These websites might be able to provide a cable-like experience for you and be cheaper on your budget. Netflix and Hulu are very similar, but have some key differences. In order to choose which one is right for you, check out these comparisons and descriptions!

Netflix

• $7.99 per month
• No advertisements
• No commercials
• Movies and Television shows available
• Netflix Original Shows
• Available on PS3, Wii, Xbox, PC, Mac, Mobile Phone, Mobile Tablet and some Blu-Ray players
•  Functions include: Pause, rewind, fast forward
•  Offers a one-month free trial
• Some movies and shows are offered in other languages

Netflix debuted as an Internet-based movie rental service that sent movies straight to your home mailbox. The mail service is still available for an additional $7.99 per month; (15.98/ month for both) however, Netflix has expanded to offer movies and television shows that can be streamed directly to your computer or any Netflix-capable device with Internet service. Once you subscribe to Netflix, you will be able to access their extensive database of television shows and movies. Netflix currently offers over 100,000 streaming options, and is quickly growing. Originally, Netflix only had limited shows and movies, but now is offering more updated shows and movies everyday. Netflix is known for having both recent movies and classic movies. They also offer television shows by the season, either after the series is over or after a season has been completed. Netflix has also started creating Netflix Original Series, only viewable through Netflix. An example of a Netflix Original is the series Orange is the New Black, which has had amazing reviews! Once you have subscribed to Netflix, you are able to enjoy a completely ad free experience along with being able to pause, rewind, and fast forward whatever you are watching. There is no limit to how many times you can watch any content, or how long you can watch. Once you subscribe, you can fully access the world of Netflix wherever and however you want (as long as you have an Internet connection). Netflix also allows users to create multiple profiles in case you share the account with your family. This is a nice feature since Netflix suggests movies and TV shows based on what you have previously watched. If you would like to learn more about Netflix, or experience what it has to offer, try the one-month free trial!

Hulu Plus

•  $7.99 per month
• Limited advertisements
• Movies and Television shows available
• Hulu Original Shows
• Available on PS3, Wii, Xbox, PC, Mac, Mobile Phone, Mobile Tablet and some Blu-Ray players
• Pause, rewind, fast forward
• Offers a one-week free trial
• Some movies and shows are offered in other languages

Hulu.com is a slightly lesser known provider in the world of online streaming of television shows and movies. Hulu.com is a free option for users who want to watch TV shows on their personal computers. Hulu.com launched Hulu Plus, their monthly subscription service, to offers subscribers an expanded content library in the form of full seasons and more episodes of shows already available through the free portions of Hulu. Hulu Plus, like Netflix, is full of current season episodes from many major networks like Fox, ABC, Comedy Central, BBC America, USA, and CW. Hulu Plus also has Hulu Original Shows, like Spy, a highly rated show, that they sponsor or make and only show on Hulu Plus. Hulu Plus is also known for having the most up to date episodes of your favorite television shows. Hulu Plus allows streaming of most episodes the morning after they air on television, and provide the entire season that has already aired to view at your convenience. However, the type of contract that Hulu Plus has with a certain network is the ultimate decision maker on the number of episodes they will have of any given show, and when they will become available. This is a great advantage to some people who like to stay caught up with their current shows. Or even if you adopt a new favorite show, you are able to go back and view all of the older episodes and get caught up.

However, it is important to note that even with a Hulu Plus subscription, there are still limited advertisements during shows and movies. Hulu’s website explains that this is in order to keep the cost of Hulu Plus relatively low while being able to provide the most current episodes. Like Netflix, once you subscribe to Hulu Plus you are able to pause, rewind, and fast-forward the television show while you are watching, although you cannot use these functions during the commercials. You are also able to view any content on the website at any time that is convenient for you. If you would like to know more about Hulu Plus you can take advantage of their one-week free trial.

If you are holding back because you prefer to watch your shows on the big screen, there is always the option of buying an HDMI cord ($5-$25.) The cord connects to your computer and an HDMI capable TV and streams the content that is on your computer directly to your TV. This creates an experience just like cable that you can control from your computer, so it is still full-screen and you can pause, rewind, and fast-forward. It’s the best of both worlds! For more information on HDMI cords, click here. Or if you already have a Smart TV or Blu-Ray player you can already easily stream directly to your television.

Both of these Internet streaming websites have a lot to offer. Choosing is just a matter of preferences. Who knows, maybe these services will entice you enough that you’ll ditch the cable package and save some money in the end! I know I personally pay around $45/ month for my cable package, and that only offers 22 channels. Each of these websites offers much more than any basic cable package for half the cost.  Another option is to always check out your favorite show’s website. Many cable networks will upload the most recent episodes of a show to their websites. Just know that they often only keep a maximum of five episodes at a time! Just remember, if your cable bill is becoming too expensive, there are always alternatives!

Get Organized: Taking the Syllabus Seriously

Madalena Pierangelino, Marketing Intern

It’s “syllabus day,” arguably the best day of the semester. It’s the day you probably don’t have to take notes or listen to lectures. The day where your only responsibility is to collect your syllabus, and then stuff it somewhere into the black hole of papers we like to call a backpack. But, this wonderful first day of classes has the potential to either make or break your entire semester. How you choose to handle your syllabus ultimately determines your future stress levels and your final grades.

Taking the syllabus seriously is a lot easier than you think, and it can make your life easier, too. So, here is a list of tips to help to start your semester off on the right foot.

·      Write every date in your agenda

o   If you don’t have an agenda yet, stop reading, go buy one, and then come back for the rest of the tips. An agenda is probably the most crucial part of staying organized. If you prefer to go paperless, your phone or computer will work just as well. There is no way you can remember all those due dates without an organizer! You can also get a visual of what your semester and finals week actually look like and plan your studying accordingly.

·      Give yourself reminders

o   Right after you write a date in your agenda, flip the page back to the week before and write yourself a reminder. Motivational reminders like “Start working on final paper!” can help you avoid mastering the art of procrastination, and turn things in on time instead.

·      Record all professor’s office hours

o   In the front of your agenda, in the note section, write down all the names, contact information, and office hours of your professors. When the day you have a question arrives, you will be glad you did. BUT, before sending an e-mail or visiting an office, double-check that your question is not already answered somewhere in the syllabus. Odds are that it is. Asking a question that already has an answer is an instructor pet peeve!

·      Check attendance policies

o   Professors can widely differ on how they monitor attendance. Some take role every class, while others give random quizzes. Take note of each policy so that you can maximize the amount of attendance points. When you do miss a class, mark it down so you can keep track of how many you miss!

·      Participation points

o   The amount of effort you put into each class can significantly help or hurt you. Some teachers place a lot of emphasis on participation. If the syllabus shows that a high percentage of your grade relies on participating, you can make it a goal to raise your hand every class.

·      Grading Rubrics

o   Different professors use different grading systems, as well. Syllabi often outline grading scales and requirements so that you can see exactly what the professors are looking for in that ten-page essay or group project.

·      Extra Credit Opportunities

o   Opportunities to earn extra credit are often unspoken or briefly mentioned. Check the small print to see if there is anything else you can do outside of class that the teacher never stated.

·      Books   

o   A list of materials is generally provided somewhere in that sea of words. Make sure to list all books and materials to buy before the next class begins. However, some classes end up not even touching the textbook. It may be wise to talk to the professor after class and see which books will really be used, but be careful how you approach that conversation, because most professors don’t take kindly to begrudging queries like, “Do I actually have to read the book?”

·      Prepare for next class

o   When professors provide a schedule on a class-by-class basis, use it to your advantage. A noteworthy idea is to write down the topic for the next class period. Then, you can prepare and review the material beforehand so you will know exactly what is going on. That way you can work ahead, in order to not be left behind!

Syllabi pack a mean punch of information, but don’t let it overwhelm you. Keep every syllabus! Consider putting every syllabus you receive on the first day of classes into one folder or with each binder. Whenever you’re in doubt - whether it is about a test, paper or your grade - you can refer back to the syllabus to clarify things. Remember to check the syllabus first, because it usually has the answer! So, moral of the story is: take advantage of your syllabi, so you can stress less!

#NowTrending

Allyson Lough, Marketing Intern

As 140 character tweets and #instapics have taken over the social media sphere, the #hashtag has evolved with it. If you haven’t been on social media since the Facebook “like” button was invented, Justin Timberlake and Jimmy Fallon can tell you what you’ve been missing:

The first hashtag was tweeted with the purpose of connecting communities of people on Twitter with common interests. It still does that today through organized chats (Such as #SLchat for Student Leaders. Organized chats launch from @SLCollective,) but hashtags have taken over the Instagram realm in a more casual, and sometimes overused way. Hashtags are usually included in posts with the intention of getting more likes and followers. They spark creative posts from users, connect people with similar subject matter, and gain popularity with cleverness. Here are some basic definitions of popular #hashtag trends:

#mcm                        Translation: Man Crush Monday

Brag on your man or highlight a hot picture of your celebrity crush. But beware:

some instagrammers make their relationship too public by posting way too many kissing selfies.

Because who doesn’t need a little more Ryan Gosling

encouragement on their feed? #mcm

#transformationtuesday  

Show what strides you’ve made through the years. Everyone has that middle school picture from the “awkward stage” or a lovable toddler picture to compare to today. The best #transformationtuesday posts feature a recreated picture side-by-side with the original from years before.

           

Puppy’s first birthday! 6 weeks to one year!

#TransformationTuesday

#wcw             Translation: Woman Crush Wednesday

This has the same concept as #mcm. Some people will use this as a way to

post embarrassing shots of their best lady friends, so always look fabulous and beware of Snapchat screenshots.

Who run the world? Beyoncé. #wcw

#tbt                 Translation: Throwback Thursday

Dig out your cutest childhood pictures and add a filter.  This is your excuse to pull out baby pictures of Halloweens past and days of sidewalk chalk. Pro tip: Resist the urge to use a picture from the week before as “throwback.” Find the really good ones with braces and pigtails.   

A marketing intern #tbt from @TheStudyUKY. #Cuties

#selfiesunday

The selfie has taken instagram by storm with the invention of the front camera on your iPhone. Sunday is just a universally acceptable day to post it on Instagram. Pro tip: If Sunday is the day you usually spend in your PJs, take a good selfie during the week and just wait to post it for #selfiesunday. No one will ever know, and people still in bed working on homework will be jealous of how good you look on a weekend morning!

Keep #hashtagging and happy ‘gramming! 

Don’t forget to follow @TheStudyUKY on Instagram!