Blog Posts

Summer at Utah Tech: How to Balance Fun and Academics

A complete education at Utah Tech includes having fun and developing life skills while focusing on several academic disciplines. Finding the right balance is vital to maximizing your college experience. Academics might be important, but so is taking a breather over the summer. It gives you the chance to refocus before the next semester begins. Fortunately, Utah Tech offers many classes and activities during the summer, so you’ll have plenty of options. Setting the Scene: Summer at Utah Tech Just as with most college towns, there are many fun activities available. St. George, Utah, is a beautiful place with plenty to do. Located near the Utah-Arizona border, several national parks offer thrilling places to explore. The warm weather also allows for other outdoor activities. Utah Tech is a highly accredited university. With over 12,000 students enrolled year-round, the campus is always buzzing with activity. Students can choose from various degree options, including bachelor's, doctorate, and master's programs. This culturally rich campus environment offers something for everyone. The Importance of Balance Achieving the right balance when taking classes and managing your social life is crucial. Although you may be tempted to sign up for as many classes as possible to fast-track your education, be careful not to overwhelm yourself. Not only does proper balance make it easier to get good grades, but it also promotes good mental health. Being thoughtful about what you can realistically handle will increase your success later on. Utah Tech offers a variety of summer programs. You can view their complete list of courses here . Some of the benefits of taking summer classes include: Accelerated graduation: Summer classes allow you to complete your degree requirements more quickly, potentially enabling you to graduate early. Flexible scheduling: Summer courses often offer more flexible scheduling options, which allows you to balance your studies with other commitments, such as work or internships. Freedom to explore interests: Summer is an excellent time to take elective or specialized courses that may not fit into the regular academic year schedule. Lightened fall/spring load: By taking summer classes, you can reduce your course load during the regular academic year, making it more manageable and less stressful. Maintain academic momentum: Continuing to take classes over the summer can help you retain knowledge and stay in an academic mindset. It can also help you stay on track if you’ve fallen behind or need to retake a course. Smaller class sizes: Summer classes tend to have fewer students, providing a more personalized learning experience and better access to professors. Tips for Academic Success If you want to ensure your graduation, then there are a few things you can do to help you achieve academic success. Book a tutoring session One way to increase your academic abilities would be to take advantage of the tutoring programs available through Utah Tech. Tutoring is an excellent way to get help with assignments and better understand course materials. Being in a one-on-one environment allows you to ask any questions you may have. Tutoring doesn’t just have to be a tool you use when you are struggling but an asset to utilize throughout the course. Go to the library Going to the library gives you access to a wide range of study materials and resources, some of which you might not be able to find elsewhere. The library is often a quiet space, especially during the summer, and it can be a wonderful place to post up and study. Attend study groups Study groups are one of Utah Tech’s many perks. Joining a study group can improve your academic results and help you find new friends to spend time with. Building these friendships can provide you with the support you need to succeed in all your college endeavors and beyond. Extracurricular Activities Around Utah Tech Utah Tech hosts a wide range of extracurricular activities. You can find out what's going on right now by visiting the master calendar or looking up new activities to try online. Maintaining your physical and mental health while at school is so important; the best way to do that is to get out and socialize. Some top extracurricular activities available at Utah Tech include the tennis club, yo-yo club, and the snowboarding club. There are many fun things to try, so don’t limit yourself to what’s familiar. Overcoming Challenges Some of the challenges you may face during summer programs include loneliness, prioritization issues, mental health slumps, and stress. It is normal and even expected to feel all these things. However, there is help available. Don’t be afraid to reach out to loved ones or mental health professionals if you are struggling. Doing so can significantly impact your well-being and help you stay on top of your responsibilities. Conclusion Balancing academics with fun is essential if you want to maximize your time at Utah Tech. Be sure to sign up for extracurriculars and courses that interest you so you can stay busy while furthering your education. If you are looking for affordable housing near Utah Tech while you complete your studies, contact Vintage at Tabernacle or click here to view our current availability.

The Pros and Cons of Studying at Home

Choosing the right study environment is crucial to your success as a college student. Knowing whether to study on campus or at home can pose a dilemma. The digital age makes studying at home more accessible and commonplace. Deciding when the trip to campus feels necessary is a challenge all students face. Understanding the pros and cons of studying at home will enable you to make choices that help maximize your productivity and overall well-being. Pros of Studying at Home Home study is an attractive option when you live in comfortable Utah Tech student housing . It provides a convenient setting to work in with rapid internet speed and access to all your possessions. Some of the main incentives for choosing this approach are detailed below. Flexibility First and foremost, studying from home allows you great flexibility. You can create your own schedule instead of being bound by the time constraints of other locations. You have 24/7 access to everything you need at home, which is extremely convenient. It allows you to increase productivity by fitting in extra work when you find yourself with an hour of spare time or suddenly experience a wave of creativity. This kind of freedom may seem daunting if you’re not used to it, but embracing independence and showing responsibility are key aspects of college life. Comfort Studying from home tends to be more comfortable than working from different locations. In fact, you don’t even have to get dressed and ready if you don’t want to. You will save time by avoiding commutes, allowing you to study more when pressed for time. The familiar environment of your college apartment and its communal study facilities can promote optimal relaxation and focus. You can customize the temperature and lighting of your apartment to suit your needs, and if you get cold, need a snack, or require extra supplies, the solutions are just steps away. Studying from home can help you remain happy and efficient throughout your session. Cost-effectiveness Financial concerns are common for college students, making studying from home even more appealing. You will save money on transportation, food, and other costs you may encounter when spending time away from your apartment. Even if your campus offers valuable resources, such as tutoring, you can find free alternatives online. Studying at home enables you to work well even if you don’t have money to spend on coffee or bus fare. Knowing you aren’t spending unnecessary money can remove financial stress from your shoulders and consequently improve the quality of your study sessions. Cons of Studying at Home While working from home offers several benefits, it’s equally important to acknowledge the potential downsides. Even if you’ve adapted your college apartment to support study habits, you may encounter a few obstacles. Distractions Distractions are often the biggest threat to productivity when studying at home. Family members, friends, pets, or roommates may intentionally or unintentionally distract you throughout the day. Even when you are isolated from them, their noise could pose a problem. Household chores and responsibilities may also impact your studies. It is difficult to focus on writing a paper, listening to a lecture, or reading a textbook when you are conscious of dirty dishes in the sink or the laundry that’s piling up. Lack of structure Humans need structure in our lives to thrive. While studying from home provides incredible freedom, it also encourages procrastination. When there is a lack of motivation to study, a whole day can pass with little achievement. Some students may experience difficulty with staying organized and disciplined. Managing time and responsibility can be challenging. At least when you visit campus or a library, you know you’re there to work. Isolation While student housing complexes often prioritize community, study days from your college apartment can lead to limited social interactions and potential feelings of loneliness. Even if these feelings aren’t extreme, they can cause you to slip into a funk. After all, human interactions are essential for happiness and well-being. Studying from home hinders your ability to collaborate with other students or gain valuable perspectives, which may limit your academic progress. Tips for Studying Effectively at Home While studying on campus may be necessary at times, you will likely choose to work from home on several occasions. When you do, implementing the strategies below can help ensure you’re making the most of your time. Establish a routine When lack of structure is the main stumbling block preventing you from effective study, setting specific study hours can help you stay on track. You can do this through time blocking or other time management tactics. Either way, ensuring you dedicate enough time to study will largely impact your academic success. Additionally, you can create a dedicated study area (away from your bed) to help you focus. A desk or table in your apartment will provide a physical boundary separating work from recreation. Minimize distractions It’s hard to be productive and truly learn when you cannot focus. To absorb information and produce meaningful work, you need to minimize distractions and get into a flow. Communicating boundaries with family, friends, and roommates can be helpful. If possible, you’ll want to stay on top of daily chores so that you can study without worrying about what you need to do around your apartment. You can also use productivity tools, like these focus apps or the Pomodoro Technique , to keep you on track. Wearing headphones to listen to music that helps you focus can also be beneficial. Stay connected While avoiding distractions is vital, you can still find ways to connect with other students. Joining study groups and online communities will promote accountability. Even if you are not meeting in person, you can still benefit from “body doubling” virtually. It is also advisable to schedule regular breaks for socializing. Doing so will bring greater balance to your life and ultimately allow you to be more productive when you need to disconnect and study. Prioritize your health Finally, maintaining good physical and mental wellness is essential for effective study. Getting enough sleep will keep you sharp and prevent you from napping when you start to get tired. Staying hydrated and taking regular movement breaks will energize your body and brain throughout the day. Find Affordable Utah Tech Housing Studying at home is the most flexible, cost-effective, and comfortable solution, but there are some obstacles you’ll need to navigate. By addressing these challenges in advance, you should be able to get the most out of every study session. Only you will know which study environments and strategies work best for you. It’s worth taking time to explore your options. Vintage at Tabernacle has multiple areas to study, including the courtyard, the clubhouse, and our student housing apartments. Contact Vintage at Tabernacle today to learn more about our accommodations or schedule a tour of our facilities.

Tips for Reducing Stress

College is a stressful time in your life. You have to learn how to balance full-time school with work and a social life. There isn’t always time for everything you want and need to do which causes some things to get overlooked and be put out of balance. This can be stressful. How do you keep your stress from overwhelming you during the busiest time of your life? Develop a Routine. Each semester will probably look a little different with your class schedule. Use the first week or two of the semester to develop a routine that works with your class and work schedule. If you have an hour in between classes, use that time to do homework on campus instead of going home. If that time is when you would normally have lunch, plan ahead and bring something with you. Try to make sure that your study times remain consistent week after week. (Your weeks will vary with how much work you have to do but in weeks that you have a little less work you can always work a little ahead or do a bit of review on some of the previous topics.) Avoid Procrastinating. Don’t put things off to the last minute. When you find out about a big project, incorporate smaller pieces of it into your schedule now so that you aren’t behind later. For other assignments, don’t wait until an hour before class to get them done. Give yourself plenty of time for your assignments by doing them as early as possible. Exercise. Exercise releases endorphins that make you happy. Getting the right amount of exercise can help reduce your stress levels. If you think you don’t have enough time to do a full workout, you can always take a five-minute break from your studies to get up and walk or do jumping jacks. Exercise is also great for boosting your immune system. When you live at Vintage at Tabernacle, you can utilize our swimming pool and 24-hour fitness center to implement your own exercise routine. Write in a Journal. Take some time to reflect in a journal about how things are going. Write about feelings and experiences you are having as you go through school and work. Use this time to reflect, think, and maybe even vent. Meditate. Find a quiet and comfortable place to meditate and focus your mind. If you have never meditated before and are not sure where to start, try watching a video to get you started. Meditation can take anywhere from 1 minute to 1 hour. Just do what you have time for. Try Aroma Therapy. Some scents can affect your mood and help you to destress. Try diffusing essential oil or smelling them when you feel stressed. Some scents that are especially good for relieving stress are lavender, bergamot, lemongrass, lemon, and orange. Think Happy Thoughts. Keeping your thoughts positive will help reduce stress. Your thoughts affect your everyday life and can change the way you view yourself. Making sure that you are positive and happy can hold a lot of power in helping you succeed. Make Time for Fun. Leave some time in your week for the things that you enjoy doing. Spending time with your friends and doing the things you love will provide a break from the stress. It also gives you something to look forward to in a small time frame. Reach Out for Help. When you are getting too stressed out, you can always reach out to a friend, roommate, or family member for help. Having someone to talk to can be a game changer. They also may be able to provide support in other ways like making dinner for you when you have a crazy day or helping you to study for an exam. Just try to return the favor when the opportunity arises. Try using these tips to help reduce some of the stress in your life during this next semester.

What to Pack for Your College Apartment

Are you heading to college this year? Congratulations! It’s an exciting time with a lot to look forward to. For most people, this is their first time living away from home. If that’s true of you, you might feel unsure about how to begin packing for college–a task that can be more difficult than it sounds. The key to success is to pack strategically. There’s much to consider when determining what to bring with you, including the weather, space limitations, and roommate preferences. We’ve put together the ultimate guide to packing for your college apartment so you feel ready to tackle the semester. Kitchen Items College apartment kitchens can be tricky. Because your space is shared and limited, you should communicate with roommates to avoid ending up with four toasters. Here are some essential items to bring with you: Appliances: toaster, blender, coffee maker, mini-fridge Cleaning supplies: dish soap, sponges, hand towels, trash bags Cookware: pots, pans, baking sheets, microwave-safe dishes Storage containers: reusable containers and zipper bags Tableware: plates, bowls, glasses, mugs, cutlery Utensils: knives, cutting boards, spatulas, wooden spoons, measuring cups, measuring spoons, can opener Some helpful tips for maximizing your kitchen space include: Investing in stackable and collapsible storage solutions Installing renter-friendly hooks and shelves Using drawer organizers to keep drawers clutter-free Consider your daily habits to ensure you bring everything you need. Whether you love a morning smoothie or baking on the weekends, bring the items that make you feel at home. Bedroom Items Your bedroom (or at least your side of it) is the area within your apartment where you will likely spend the most time. You want it to be both comfortable and functional! Don’t forget to pack these items to create a cozy, organized space: Bedding: sheets, pillowcases, pillows, comforter or duvet, blankets Laundry items: laundry hamper, clothes airer, coat hangers. Storage solutions: under-the-bed storage boxes, over-the-door-hooks, hanging organizers for your closet, drawer dividers If you suspect you might need extra storage space, pack multipurpose furniture like storage ottomans or baskets. Consider changing your wardrobe seasonally. Take what you need for the semester ahead and exchange your clothing when you visit home to ensure you have the right clothes for the coming months without overcrowding your closet. Bathroom Items Many college students will share a bathroom while living at or near their university. A shower caddy can make it easier to carry items to and from the bathroom, while travel-sized containers can also save some space. When using a shared bathroom, you may want to invest in shower shoes or sliders to protect your feet. Here are some other essentials to pack: Cleaning products: bathroom cleaner, toilet cleaner, surface wipes, rags/paper towels Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, skin care products, other personal hygiene products Towels: hand towels, bath towels, washcloths, loofah Study Materials Developing a good study routine is important during your early days at college. Forming good habits right away will help ensure you dedicate enough time to your studies while still enjoying the rest of your college experience. These items will contribute to a productive study environment: Organizational tools: file folders, binder clips, small bulletin board/whiteboard, phone for digital organization apps School supplies: notebooks, pens, pencils, highlighters, sticky notes, tape, stapler, scissors, calendar/planner Technology: laptop/device with charger and accessories, desk lamp/reading light, headphones Decor Remember to be considerate when decorating your college apartment. If you’re thinking about decorating a common area, you should discuss decor preferences with your roommates to help everyone enjoy a comfortable living space. These items are sure to add a little personality to your space: Alternative lighting: string lights, lamps, candles (if permitted) Art: wall art, removable decals, posters, tapestries, renter-friendly shelving Linens and furnishings: throw pillows, blankets, rugs, curtains Personal items: sentimental objects, photographs of loved ones Decorating with items that reflect your personality and interests will make your space feel like home. If you don’t know exactly how to decorate your space, gather ideas from Pinterest, Instagram, and TikTok. Miscellaneous Items Many people forget to list miscellaneous items on their college packing lists because they are mundane, but these items can be some of the most important! Remember to pack these basic things for a smooth start to the semester: Additional cleaning supplies : trash cans, vacuum, broom, duster, mop Basic toolkit: hammer, screwdriver, nails, measuring tape, level, pliers, wrench Laundry supplies : detergent, fabric softener, dryer sheets, stain remover Sports equipment : yoga mat, resistance bands, or small workout equipment for staying active Contact Vintage Tabernacle There are many items to consider when packing for college. Building a home takes time, and you may not have everything you need right away. Keep a running list of items you are missing, and if times are tight, purchase them gradually in order of importance. Consider buying items secondhand as well. Items don’t have to be new as long as you have what you need. Your college apartment should be somewhere you feel safe and comfortable. Planning ahead and adding your personal touches can make a big difference as you settle into your new place. If you’re looking for the best student housing near Utah Tech, check out our availability at Vintage Tabernacle or contact us today to schedule a tour.

5 Tips for Saving Money on Groceries

As a college student, it can be hard to save money and eat well. Here are 5 tips to help your budget stretch further and save you some money on groceries. 1. Make a meal plan Write down foods that you like and want to make. Be sure to include all of your meals and snacks for the week. When you make a meal plan, you can choose to include recipes that use in-season produce. Meal planning helps you to use materials that you have already purchased like eggs, milk, and other staples in your diet. Plan meals that you can eat more than once and save some for meals later in the week. You can also plan meals that share ingredients. Both of these tips make it so you can buy larger quantities of specific foods, which usually ends up costing less per ounce. Vintage at Tabernacle's top of the line kitchens will give you the space you need to prep your meals for a busy college semester. 2. Make a list Use your meal plan to create your list. Write down all the ingredients that you will need that you don’t already have and any other items you need to get from the store, like laundry detergent or shampoo. Once you have your list together, take it with you when you shop. If you are really trying to save money, don’t go to the store without a list. While you are at the store, limit how many items you can get that are not on your list. This limit is helpful if you see something in the store you forgot or to get something small that you would like. Keep it to only one or two extra items. Sticking to a list and limiting your extras will help you stick to a budget and save money. 3. Buy in-season produce All fruits and vegetables have a season that has the most yield. Knowing what season your produce is harvested will help you save money because this is when the produce is at the lowest price and best quality. Use this website or check out the list below to find out what food is in season near you. 4. SHOP FOR ITEMS THAT ARE ON SALE OR HAVE COUPONS Some stores have coupons and weekly ads online where you can find good deals on certain items. You can use these ads to help you make your meal plan or you can make your meal plan and see if any of your needed items are in these ads. Some of the stores that have weekly ads are Albertsons, Smith's, and Harmons. Check out their websites to see how much you can save. 5. USE AN APP TO SAVE MONEY There are apps that give you money back after you buy items. These apps can be used for groceries, medicine, and household products. There are several apps you can use to save money on groceries. Ibotta, Checkout 51, and Fetch all work in a similar way. You just upload your receipt into the app and it will start adding money to your account if one of your purchases qualifies for any savings. Then when you have enough you can have them send you a gift card to the store of your choice. If you use these tips and tricks, you will be sure to save some money the next time you go to the store.

New Activities to Try in 2024

It can take time to truly settle into your new college life. Whether you travel from home each day or live on campus, 2024 could be the year in which you fully spread your wings and experience everything college has to offer! For many people, the college years are a season of great experimentation. Alongside your studies, you also get to experience living away from home (perhaps for the first time) and consider your interests as a young adult. In this guide, we aim to provide helpful advice upon which to base the rest of your year. This way, you can get the most from your time at Utah Tech and become a more well-rounded person. However, you don’t need lofty ambitions to begin exploring new hobbies; simply wanting to have a great time is motivation enough! If you’re looking for a new activity to invest in, there are countless options to try. Some are more suitable than others for college students because of their unique goals, schedules, and social circles. Here are some of the best activities for college students to try in 2024: Participate in Athletics A healthy lifestyle helps students’ physical health as well as their mental health by decreasing stress. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to meet other college students who share your interest in sports. “Athletics” can refer to a wide range of activities, and college athletics are often broad enough to accommodate students with various interests. From basketball and soccer to powerlifting and endurance sports, there are plenty of options to choose from. Team activities are ideal for anyone looking to meet new people and socialize on a regular basis. You don’t need to compete at the top level to get involved in athletics, as many beginner opportunities are available. There are also more hobbyist sports to play on campus, including pool, darts, and other simple pastimes. Participating in athletics is both healthy and fun, and it can help you settle into college like nothing else. Learn to Cook New Recipes In college, you learn many life skills outside of your studies. These tend to develop after living independently for a while. Sure, you may share a kitchen with roommates, but for many students, college is the first time they regularly cook for themselves. Taking the time to learn new recipes can be joyful and help soothe anxieties after a long day. Moreover, learning new meal prep methods can help you save time during the week. By cooking a big batch of food all at once, placing it in containers, and refrigerating or freezing those meals, you have delicious and nutritious food to enjoy whenever you feel like it. If you’re lucky enough to have a roommate with a different cultural background, you might ask them to show you how to cook the staple meals they make for themselves. You might offer to provide all the ingredients and eat together. That can be a lovely way to bond while also developing life-long skills. Join Clubs or Organizations It’s not always easy to know how or where to make connections with other college students. Everyone is typically caught up in their studies, and nightlife may or may not be for you. Not everyone lives on campus, and even then, not everyone is eager to make new friends. There’s a simple way around this: joining a club or an organization. Whether the club is on- or off-campus, they can be a staple of college life. Clubs tend to be extremely diverse, and they are often run by students themselves. From embroidery to fitness to music, it’s likely that your interests will be represented in some sort of organization, even if they are niche. If you don’t find a club or organization that interests you, consider starting your own! Colleges will often advertise their clubs on their social media and on campus. Getting involved will help you meet like-minded people, geek out over your interests (this is a good thing), and make meaningful relationships. In some cases, clubs will organize large-scale events or performances that attract people from all over the community. Give Back to the Community There are several benefits to giving back to the community or engaging in charitable action. You can make a real difference by dedicating your time to others. It’s amazing to provide unhoused individuals with food and supplies or the local park cleaned up because of your efforts. These acts can be enjoyed by an entire community. Deeply investing in a new community can be the perfect antidote to homesickness. Serving your local community helps you feel connected to it, and it can feel good to know you were a part of positive change. Odds are, you will meet some wonderful people in charitable settings, and you’ll build fantastic memories with them. Of course, you don’t have to give all of your time to community building. Even small acts, like donating whatever you can afford, can be enough to significantly contribute to a worthy cause. Live at Vintage at Tabernacle If you’re looking for a community of students with whom you can build connections and explore new passions, book a tour at Vintage at Tabernacle! The newly built Vintage at Tabernacle boasts fantastic construction, beautiful private rooms, spacious floor plans , and well-maintained amenities . For those reasons and more, Vintage is becoming a fast favorite for the students at Utah Tech. https://www.vintageattabernacle.com/contact-us Contact us today to speak to a member of our friendly staff. We look forward to helping you find the perfect home for your most fulfilling year yet!