Author: Kaylie Keating

The month of February is rough. The joyous holiday season that comes with December and the motivational spirit that fills January is followed by a whole month of dreary, cold weather and the feeling that warm weather will never come. And to top it off, those final weeks of walking through snow and attempting to stay warm are also the busy weeks before spring break-where professors fill your schedule with exams and there’s lots of events happening on campus. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by everything going on, as well as unmotivated as you try to pull yourself out of that lingering winter slump. Here are my top five tips for getting out of your winter rut and pushing through these last couple weeks before the sun finally starts to shine through.

1. Group Fitness Classes

Nothing motivates me to get active and go to the gym more than a fitness class. At UMass in particular, you have to sign up for classes via the IMLeagues app. If I am signed up for a class and there’s a waitlist, I’m less likely to leave the session and more likely to force myself to make the trek there. Whether you’re interested in some cardio in a Spinning class or finding zen in a yoga class, there’s a fitness class that you’ll love. The energy in the classes always leaves me feeling motivated and productive.

2. Have a “Me Night”

Trying to balance schoolwork with clubs, jobs, and a social life can be stressful and usually we can become so busy that we don’t even realize how burnt out we really are. A quick fix to calm down and rejuvenate is a classic and cliché spa night. Choose a night of the week and say “no” to plans that night. Order Insomnia cookies, put on a face mask, and turn on your favorite show. Or read a book, make some tea, and do anything else that makes you feel good. This night should be all about you.

3. Remember to Take Study Breaks

Nothing fuels burn out more than not taking study breaks. Throughout the week, try to take little breaks from work by grabbing some of your friends and exploring places on or around campus. My top recommendations would be to enjoy the serenity atop the Studio Arts and Design Building, walking through Durfee Conservatory, or treating yourself to a Glazed doughnut in Downtown Amherst (their Cookies n’ Cream one's life changing).

4. Social Media Detox

I’m not a social media hater. I think it’s a great creative outlet to express yourself and share ideas. However, I do think that it can be very negative, especially when you’re in a rut. Seeing all of your friends “thriving” causes you to question yourself and what you’re doing wrong. So try deleting all your apps for a day, a weekend, or maybe even a week. It will also do wonders for your studying. Goodbye procrastination!

5. Appreciate the Cold

I know it’s easy to sulk and complain about how cold it is, but at the end of the day, we go to college in Massachusetts, and nothing is going to change how cold the winter gets. So try to live in the moment instead of counting down the days until summer by enjoying all of the great things about winter. This is the only time of year you can make yourself hot chocolate with a heaping pile of marshmallows and whip cream on top without any regrets. Go do that.

Author: Victoria Jeschke Patton

I know many students feel like they’re a broke college kid with student loans, but getting an education doesn’t have to be so dismal. I want to tell you that it is still possible to earn and save even when you’re in college! With the towering costs of higher education, colleges know that every penny counts, and UMass has great work study opportunities to help offset the costs. Below is my personal advice on how you can feel less burdened and find the resources you need.

Campus Jobs

The UMass Student Employment Office (SEC) has a wonderful website (https://www.umass.edu/umfa/seo) that can tell you nearly all you need to know. If you are eligible for work study (check your financial aid package on Spire) there are many options, and the most common ones include working in dining halls, cafes and the W.E.B DuBois library. I’ve personally asked a couple students about their jobs to get the info students actually want: pay. One student works at the library and makes $11/hour, the minimum wage in Massachusetts currently. Another student works in dorm security and and makes $11/hour as well. Most campus jobs will pay minimum, though there are exceptions. I know someone who works at the student union for off campus housing who makes $12/hour!

Fortunately UMass is right next to the Amherst town center, where many small businesses are located. If you can, personalize with the owners or managers to make a connection or ask for advice about where to look (something they’ve no doubt been asked before). The Hadley mall has bigger businesses and retail, though it is farther down route 9 and requires transportation if you have a car or are willing to take the bus.

Saving

Necessities such as food, transportation, and bills/high interest items come first no matter what. If you are receiving regular paychecks, cut a percentage of it and place into a savings account (for many banks, opening a savings account is easy and may require a minimum balance to maintain, an extra incentive for you!). Typically 20% of your paycheck is recommended, though many students can’t work enough hours to save 20% and pay necessities, so start with 5-10% depending on your situation. Small amounts like that will take time to accumulate, but the goal is not how much you save, but building the habit and having financial breathing room and confidence. It will be rewarding in the end!

If you have the option to sign up for direct deposit, do it! Personally I am a check/cash person, but app services such as Venmo or Zelle are easy for busy women like you. If you like to save in cash like me, there are Bank of America ATMs located throughout campus, and if you feel safe enough, take a $10 bill or so out of each paycheck and put it away. Otherwise, deposit your money into a savings account that will accrue interest annually as an incentive, and watch your green grow slowly but surely.

Bottom Line

Regardless of your situation, there are so many resources at UMass to choose from! There are so many faculty who want to help you during this stressful time and our school cares about its students and understands the balance of education and finances. The link I pasted above is very easy to access and has plenty of information and a FAQ section you might find helpful. You are in charge of your money and your time. They are powerful tools, so use them wisely and build your financial confidence!