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A Guide To Meal Plans And Food Options At BYU-Idaho

Tue, 18 Apr 2023 15:25:48 GMT

For anyone studying, it’s important to look after yourself in order to make the most out of your day-to-day student life. That’s why it’s essential that your on-site campus has everything you need to help keep you fueled for the day.

While there might be plenty of options nearby and off-campus, it’s good to be clued up with all of the intel needed to make the most out of your campus life.

With that being said, this guide will help you learn all about the options available while at college at BYU-Idaho. This university campus has plenty of options, as well as its dining dollars program. Let’s explore what you are likely to have available as a student on this campus, as well as what’s available nearby.

On-Campus Food at BYU-Idaho

At BYU-Idaho, there are plenty of great on-site food options that will help keep you satisfied throughout the day. Whether you’re a little fussy with your food or you’re the first in line to try anything new and unique, there’s something on-campus for everyone to enjoy.

There are a number of on-campus food options worth covering. Each food venue offers a little something different so that you’re making the most out of your time on this campus.

MC Market

MC Market is a place that offers all of your typical convenience store options. It’s great for those who are looking to catch a few snacks before their next lesson and perhaps don’t have enough time to grab a full meal.

Despite being predominantly useful for grocery items, they do provide plenty of hot food which includes delicious hot dogs and corn dogs. You’ve also got pizza rolls and breakfast burritos so it’s versatile no matter what time of the day you’re looking for food.

Soleil

If you’re wanting a place for some light bites and refreshing beverages, then Soleil is a great place to stop by for some food. They’re known for their selection of crepes, pizza, bagels, and thirst-quenching smoothies and sodas.

Soleil’s smoothies are great in the summer and for those who are wanting to empower their brains with all of the best vitamins and healthy fruits and veggies.

Chick-fil-A

A classic fast-food joint, Chick-fil-A is one that has all the students flocking at attention. Fill up on a delicious meal of chicken meals from spicy chicken sandwiches to nuggets and fries.

Wash this down with a soda and you’ll be ready to head back into the classroom with a renewed pep in your step.

Stacks & Wraps

For traditional deli sandwiches, Stacks & Wraps is a popular one amongst the food vendors around campus. Offering a variety of sandwich and wrap options, you’ll find it difficult what to choose next.

A few options from the menu include their Honey Ginger Chicken, Ham & Swiss, and the classic Ham & Turkey Bacon combo.

Fire & Slice

To put the fire in your belly for studying, Fire & Slice is a must-have on a Friday. You’ve got a self-serve pizza that’s on a first-come-first-serve basis. Basically, once it runs out, you’ll be left with just the scraps!

However, every slice is a flavorful and rich pizza topping that varies from day to day.

Oriental Dragon

Another great option for those looking to explore the food cuisine that BYU-Idaho has to offer is Oriental Dragon. This self-serve Chinese food offers a great mix of Chinese dishes all paid for by the pound. The heavier your plate, the more you’ll be paying.

They do plenty of sides from fried rice to chow mein and main dishes like orange chicken or teriyaki.

There are plenty of other options available on campus if you’re looking for more variety in food and to switch it up every so often from your favorites. Here are some of the other options available on the campus itself.

Teton Grill
Good To Go
Campagna
Chef's Point
Curry On
Shaker Salad
Simply Sushi

As a university campus, BYU-Idaho offers a variety of food cuisines to ensure all campus students feel at home, wherever they’ve come from, to study here. Find all the food options available on campus here .

BYU-Idaho has a Dining Dollars Program also that helps reduce the cost of the purchases you make from selected food vendors on campus. You can then use any credit Dining Dollars to purchase food at any point the retail dining facilities are open.

Off-Campus Food

If you’re looking to get off campus for a while and take a break from this educational environment, then you could always look to make the short journey to a local restaurant nearby.

All of these are budget-friendly, and therefore music to the ears of students who may not have all of the money in the world to spend on food.

Eat at Home

If you’re looking to save some money, why not eat at home? A great kitchen makes it easy to cook your own meals, which is why you should look at NorthPoint for accommodation. With top-quality amenities, you could save a lot of money by eating at home while studying.

NorthPoint Food Court

As well as student housing, the complex offers a food court serving up plenty of delicious food nearby to the BYU-Idaho campus itself. Take a trip over there from your studies and enjoy a selection of food vendors to fill your boots with.

Papa John’s

A staple pizza chain and one that you can rely on for the late-night munchies when studying is in overdrive. Papa John’s is a great place to pick up a full pizza just for yourself or to share amongst peers.

Café Rio

Serving Mexican foods of all kinds, Café Rio is a great place to stop for dinner and drinks with friends or to enjoy their food as takeout. They’ve also got a drive-thru if you don’t fancy walking.

Enjoy All of the Food Options at BYU-Idaho

BYU-Idaho has plenty of food options on and off–campus for the student on the go. If you’re looking for the perfect living environment around school close to amenities and studies, look no further than NorthPoint student housing in the heart of Rexburg, Idaho. We’ll supply you with all the local information and living options available to prospective students.

What To Consider When Searching For Student Housing

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 15:36:05 GMT

Are you looking for student housing for the upcoming academic year?

Moving out of home and living alone is an important milestone in anyone's life and can often be an intimidating decision for most people. Most students who go through this process will tell you that choosing suitable student housing can be both one of the most exciting and one of the most stressful aspects of the university experience.

This is because the student housing you live in will not only be where you will be calling home for the next few years, but it will also be a place that will teach you a variety of valuable life skills such as budgeting, cooking, and, most importantly, how to manage adult life.

Making such a big decision requires planning and preparation. That’s why here at NorthPoint , we’ve compiled a list of some of the most important things you need to consider when searching for student housing.

Budget

Before looking at student residences, you need to consider your budget. As a student, you might not have much money to spend on accommodation, so you’ll need to create a realistic budget and estimate how much you can spend on rent each month.

If you’re fortunate enough to have some kind of financial support from family or employment and are willing to spend more money on student housing, make sure it is worthwhile and includes everything you will need.

In addition to rent and utilities, students living off-campus should account for the costs of furniture, appliances, and other personal pleasures each month. Also, when you apply to rent a unit, you may also have to pay extra fees, such as a background check. Other unanticipated costs can sometimes be included in leasing agreements, so make sure you read your lease agreement before signing.

Remember that while college dorm rooms are usually the cheapest, you will have to deal with a lack of privacy. Living off-campus in an apartment might be a better option if you value privacy.

Number of Roommates

Another important factor to consider when searching for student housing is how many people you’re comfortable living with.

You can generally choose between college dorms, university-managed housing, privately owned halls of residence, a privately rented house, flat with other students, or a privately rented property, which normally sleeps four or five people.

Before signing the dotted line or even considering viewing student housing, consider who your housemates will be. Since almost everyone has different living habits, it's worth learning more about your potential student housemates' expectations for next year. Will there be a cleaning schedule? How will you cohabitate?

If you intend to live in a shared apartment with other people, make sure you are familiar with their quirks and habits before deciding to move in. If you and your friends are looking for a place to stay together, look for a place with enough space to give everyone privacy. You can follow our tips for getting along with your roommates to help you figure out how to live together and get along during your college year.

Safety

If you're looking for off-campus housing, think about where you'll be living and observe the surrounding neighborhood to determine if it's safe. Talk to your classmates who live in that area to get a sense of the atmosphere. If it sounds good, go check it out with your potential roommates. Take a walk through the streets to get a sense of the neighborhood where the student housing is located.

You should consider the area you've chosen as well as the security of the building. Some student accommodations are more secure than others in terms of safety. Remember that many locations will have common rooms downstairs that are only accessible to those who live there. It's something you should consider when looking for a place to live.

The property's proximity to your preferred university is another critical deciding factor. Low-cost student housing that requires a long commute to school may cause additional stress and costly expenses. If possible, choose a student housing complex close to your college or university. Aside from being cheaper and more convenient, living close to your university may also help you study because it's easy to get to. This is also important if you have free time between classes.

Don’t let the price of student housing property sway your decision until you’ve considered all these factors to ensure that your college experience is pleasant.

Furnishing and Appliances

Another thing to consider when searching for student housing is furnishings and appliances. You’ll need to research if your prospective student housing will be furnished.

When education is your primary goal in college, you'd also like to be comfortable and convenient while studying. This is why you should evaluate off-campus housing to see if it has all the features that will enhance your experience.

A student's daily life will be easier with comfortable furniture and functional appliances. Because different types of lodging provide various benefits, evaluating preferred facilities is entirely subjective.

Depending on the type of accommodations you choose, you may have restrictions on the types and sizes of appliances. For example, you may be limited to a microwave or a small personal refrigerator in most dorm rooms. On the other hand, apartment-style accommodations typically allow you to bring in all of your own appliances. Also, ensure you coordinate with roommates on what to bring; sometimes, you can share certain appliances.

If you're sharing a place that already has appliances, find out which ones you're allowed to use. And if you have complete access to the available appliances, ensure they're all in good working order.

Storage

Storage is another important factor to consider when choosing where to live during your college year. Does the place you're considering have storage facilities? If so, are they big enough to meet your needs? These are both important questions to ask before deciding whether the place will be right for you.

Most college students will need enough storage for textbooks, clothes, personal items, etc. If you can find a place that offers extra storage capacity, it will make things much easier.

Wi-fi

When looking for student housing, make sure the place has a reliable internet connection that’s strong enough to let you take online classes. This can be done by researching the student housing possibilities you've narrowed down or by asking previous residents or tenants about internet speed.

Most college students will need a fast and stable internet connection for research or writing articles online. Also, for students to stay in touch with their families back home, they’ll need a reliable connection to make video calls and communicate online.

During the pandemic, many universities switched to online classes, making more people want safe and reliable internet.

Amenities

When living in student housing, amenities are definitely something you should consider when making your selection. Amenities can enhance your residency experience, safety, and convenience.

Here are some examples of amenities you should consider when looking for a place to live:

Entertainment options: For entertainment, consider a smart TV, which you can use to decompress and relax after a long day of studying. The more entertainment options you have, the less monotonous your stay will be.
Laundry facilities: These include a washer and dryer. Eliminating the need to travel further to off-site laundromats can save time and money.
Heating and cooling systems: Consider a unit with air conditioning to keep you cool, especially in the summer. If you’re living in colder climates such as Idaho, make sure a heating system is installed to keep you toasty in the winter.
Parking: Many students drive and require a safe and secure parking spot for their vehicles. If your student accommodation includes a parking spot, this can provide convenient and regular parking.
Gym & fitness studios: Having access to a gym or fitness studio, like a yoga studio in your housing complex, is another practical advantage. It can be a motivator to stay fit and healthy while you study.
Shared community spaces: If rooms are used for sleeping and general privacy, then your property requires an area where people can express themselves. A shared community room can generate a strong sense of belonging. A residence that feels like home can make your stay feel comfortable and homey.

Lease Flexibility

The last factor on our list is lease flexibility. Although no one truly enjoys reading the small print in contracts, keep in mind that your contract and the terms are not something you should just gloss over. Make sure you understand how long the contract is, how much the deposits are, and the contractual grace periods if you decide to leave before the end of your lease.

Ever since the pandemic, more and more students are looking for flexible lease terms, like being able to sublet the space or sign leases at a later date, as well as clear information about how to return the rental and any fees that come with it.

It's natural to feel pressed to sign the lease as soon as possible after (finally) finding a place. However, it is critical that you take the time to understand all of the terms and conditions that you are agreeing to.

Your NorthPoint Experience

Moving away from home to live in a new apartment can be both exciting and challenging, and NorthPoint wants you to feel at ease in your new surroundings, especially if this is your first time living on your own! We invite you to visit the best BYU-I-approved housing in Rexburg.

Now, student housing developments are less of an exception and more of the norm regarding luxury. That’s why we’ve designed each apartment with incredible features such as laundry facilities, multiple sinks and bathrooms, garbage pick-up service, and extra storage.

Outside our apartment buildings, you'll find music rooms, exercise facilities, gaming rooms, theater rooms, study areas, and more! Plus, there are always fun events happening that you can take part in. We try to ensure that every student feels at home and enjoys the full college experience.

Contact us or call us today, and we will get back to you as soon as possible so you can sign up for an apartment while they are still available. Spaces fill up quickly!

Midterm Mindfulness: 10 Tips To Keep Balanced During Midterms

Tue, 11 Oct 2022 14:29:44 GMT

Being a college student can be stressful. During midterms, stress levels and anxiety increase, making it difficult to stay focused and balance the demands of schoolwork with your personal life. We are here to offer ten tips to keep you balanced and help beat the stress that comes with midterms.

1. Make A Plan

If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. One of the easiest ways to instantly take a little weight off your shoulders is to put a plan in place.

Write down a list of all assignments that need to be done, how much time you’d like to spend studying for each class, and any other commitments you may have outside of school. Be realistic and generous with the amount of time you think it will take to complete each task, or how long you will be spending on other commitments.

Then, add each of those things to a calendar or agenda. It can be the calendar in your phone, or an old-fashioned pen and paper. Time-block your calendar with all of your classes, commitments, assignments, tasks, or study time. Make sure to account for breaks and sleep.

By making this plan, you will never have to think about what you should be doing, and you can feel confident knowing that you have enough time to accomplish everything you need.

2. Find A Study Buddy

Homework and studying can be boring. With so much on your plate around midterms, it can be hard to make time for some much-needed socialization. Studying with a classmate, or a group of classmates, can help you stay focused on the task at hand while also having some fun. Sharing information, notes, and ideas with your study buddy has the added benefit of helping everyone understand the subject better, and score higher on your test.

3. Eat Healthy & Stay Hydrated

Eating healthy and staying hydrated are great ideas all year long, but they are particularly beneficial ideas to help eliminate stress and perform better during midterms.

Staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet, and steering clear of sugary, caffeinated foods and drinks will help you stay energized and alert. Sugar will make you feel sluggish and lead to sugar crashes, while caffeinated products like energy drinks and chocolate will affect your heart rate, potentially leading to higher anxiety levels, in addition to the caffeine crash.

Maintaining a balanced diet with foods, like eggs, nuts, yogurt, and oatmeal, will help you to stay more alert, focused, and sustain you for those long study sessions and exams.

4. Get Some Sunshine

As noted above, it’s important to allow yourself to take breaks during midterms, and even schedule them throughout your day. Going outside and getting sunshine during breaks helps increase both vitamin D and serotonin levels in the brain, which are correlated to mood-boosting, helping to stay calm and alert, and improving overall mental health. Take some time each day to get out and enjoy one of nature's best gifts.

5. Prioritize Your Sleep

Studies have shown that getting an adequate amount of sleep helps keep you healthy, both physically and mentally. It is recommended that adults need at least 7 hours of sleep, while that number can be as high as 10 hours for teenagers.

When all of the stress of assignments and upcoming tests piles on, sleep is often sacrificed to make room for more study time. However, prioritizing your sleep will help you become more efficient at completing everything you need to accomplish during the day, and help keep your immune system boosted so you can stay healthy.

6. Meditation & Breathing

Breathe in. Breathe out. Repeat. These three simple steps can immediately calm the stress and anxiety that comes with midterms.

If you want to take it a step further, try meditating. If you already practice meditation & breathing exercises, then you’re already familiar with the benefits of simply taking time to breathe and allow your mind to take a break from the chaos of day to day life.

And if you’ve never tried meditation before, no need to fear; several free apps are available that will lead you through a variety of guided meditation and breathing exercises for beginners. Many of these exercises can be done in seconds, minutes, or longer if you’ve got the time to spare.

5. Be Creative

If breathing exercises aren’t for you, you’re in luck. Studies have shown that creative arts can help reduce stress levels in the same way as meditation. Creative arts like painting, drawing, and dancing can help lower cortisol levels that lead to higher stress, while simply listening to music can improve your mood, and even boost your immune system. So throw on your favorite song, and take a few minutes to sing like no one’s listening and dance like no one’s watching.

8. Call Your Family

Taking some time to connect with your loved ones is a great way to take a break from the stress of midterms. Chances are also good that your mom misses you! So pick up the phone and give your parents a call—you never know what tips and tricks your mom or dad may have from their college days.

9. Take A Break From Social Media

Have you ever picked up your phone with one purpose in mind, just to end up scrolling for ten, twenty, or even thirty minutes without realizing it? Social media apps like TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram—among many others—are designed to pull you in and keep you scrolling. In preparation for midterms, disable as many notifications on your phone as possible, and try to resist the urge of getting pulled into the time warp.

10. Practice A Self Care Routine

Finally, develop a self care routine that you will look forward to each day. Self care can be as simple as brushing your teeth and washing your face every morning and night; or you can add to it to create a routine that’s as elaborate or as simple as you’d like. You deserve a reward for all of your hard work during midterms. It’s easy for homework, study sessions, and exams to pile up and consume a majority of your time, but setting aside time to take care of yourself is equally important when it comes to maintaining balance and staying mindful.

Here are some ideas you can incorporate into your self-care routine:

Write in a journal
Have one of your favorite (healthy) snacks
Light a candle
Give yourself a manicure or pedicure
Get some exercise
Read a book
Take a hot bubble bath

If you’re interested in more tips and advice on making it through college, NorthPoint is here to help. Check out these tips every freshman needs to know .

College Tips Every Freshman Needs To Know

Thu, 21 Jul 2022 14:16:44 GMT

Hey there, freshman! First off, congratulations on making it into college. You're probably feeling a mixture of emotions right now—excited, anxious, maybe even a little scared. But don't worry, that's totally normal. After all, college is a big transition both academically and socially.

To help you, we've compiled a list of college tips every first-year student should know. Trust us; they'll come in handy!

The Home Prep

Readying for college starts long before you even step foot on campus. In fact, it begins at home. Since you're living in a student housing complex, there are some things you'll need to take care of before you move in.

For starters, you'll need to pack all of your belongings. It includes both your clothes and your textbooks. Pack enough for the entire semester, as you probably won't be going home too often. You also need to bring with you:

Laptop or computer
Printer
All of your school supplies
Any medications you take
Driver's license and car registration (if you're bringing a car to campus)
Bedding and towels
First-aid kit
Things that will make your new place feel like home: such as photos, posters, and mementos

And don't forget the little things like a power strip, phone charger, and laundry detergent. You'll also need to take care of any financial matters such as tuition and room and board. Most schools have a payment plan, so set that up well in advance.

Finally, you'll need to get your student ID. It will be your key to the dorms and other campus buildings, so be sure to get it before you move in. And bring all the necessary documents with you such as your birth certificate and social security card.

The Move-In

Here's where the real college experience begins. It's time to move into your dorm! Because you'll be living in a student housing complex, the first thing you'll need to do is check in at the office. They'll give you your room key and a tour of the complex, and you're good to go.

Find Your Room and Start Unpacking

Understandably, first-year students have the most stuff, so it might take a while to get everything situated. As a tip, try to unpack your essentials first—clothes, toiletries, etc.—so you can be comfortable while you finish up.

*Tips: Try unboxing and unpacking a little every day so it doesn't feel overwhelming. But if you have the time, go ahead and unpack everything at once. You can ask for help from your roommates, complex staff, or even your parents if they're around.

Get to Know Your Roommates

Doing so is one of the most important college tips for first-year students. Your roommates will be some of your closest friends, so getting to know them as soon as possible is important.

*Tips: Get to know your roommates by chatting with them, going out to eat together, or even studying together. If you're feeling shy, break the ice by bringing them a small gift, like a snack or a drink. You can also introduce them to your other friends.

Familiarize Yourself With the Campus

You wouldn't want to get lost on your first day of classes, so familiarize yourself with the school's map beforehand. Knowing where and how to get around will save you time and stress, especially during your first few weeks.

*Tips: A great way to familiarize yourself with the campus is to take a tour. Most schools offer one for prospective students before the school year begins. If you didn't take a tour before, don't worry—most schools also offer some for current students. You can also ask your roommates or other upper-level students for help.

The Academic Life

How well you do in college academically will largely depend on how you study, manage your time, and take care of your health and relationship with others. Here are some college tips to help you:

Develop a Study Routine

Devise a habit and stick to it. Set aside time each day to do your homework, review your notes, and study for upcoming exams. Although there is no one-size-fits all approach to learning, try to find a time and place that works best for you.

*Tips: A great way to develop a study routine is to set up a study schedule. Write down when and where you'll study each day, and then adhere to it. You can also try studying with a friend or forming a study group.

Scout for a Learning Spot

Whether it's a desk, a library carrel, or a comfy chair in the lounge, find a spot on campus where you feel most productive. Just see to it that it has everything you need, such as a power outlet and a good view. Then, make it your go-to spot for studying. We even have study areas throughout our facilities at Northpoint Apartments specifically created for our residents.

*Tips: If you're having trouble finding a good study spot on campus, try studying in the library. Most libraries have quiet areas where you can focus on your work. You can also try learning in a coffee shop or in your dorm room.

Manage your Time Wisely

With all the things you have to do—classes, homework, extracurricular activities, and more—it's important to manage your time wisely. That way, you can make the most of your college experience and avoid feeling overwhelmed.

*Tips: Use the power of sticky notes. Write down everything you need to do for the day, week, or month, and then stick it somewhere you'll see it often. That way, you won't forget anything. You can also try using a planner or setting reminders on your phone.

Buy or Rent Cheap Textbooks

If you want to save some money, buy or rent your textbooks online instead of buying them from the campus bookstore. You can also compare prices between different retailers to find the best deal.

*Tips: Book Viking , Rexburg's bookshop for college students, sells and rents textbooks for a fraction of the price. Head over and check it out. You can also buy used textbooks from other students or online retailers to save even more money.

Know the Grace Periods for Dropping/Changing Classes

Although the school won't charge you for dropping a class, you must do it before the deadline to avoid getting a "W" on your transcript. Do so only if it's absolutely necessary. Some valid reasons for dropping a class are:

You're struggling academically
You're not able to attend class regularly
The course is not what you expected it to be
You contracted an illness or have another emergency

*Tips: Talk to your professor or an academic advisor before dropping a class. They may be able to help you with your situation. Or seek help from the Student Success Center on campus.

Get to Know Your Professors

Your professors are your greatest resource regarding information about the class, your grade, and your career, so get to know them. Introduce yourself during office hours, and ask questions when you don't understand something.

*Tips: Some teachers are approachable, some are strict, and others are okay. Nonetheless, it doesn't hurt to try to get to know them. You never know when you might need their help.

Get Enough Sleep

No college student—even freshmen—can avoid pulling all-nighters to study for exams or finish a project. But if you're not careful, it can quickly catch up to you. Make sure to get enough sleep to function properly during the day.

*Tips: Most people need at least 7 hours of sleep, so try to get that much every night. If you can't, take a nap during the day. Just be sure not to nap for too long, or you'll have trouble sleeping at night.

Don't Procrastinate

Your worst college enemy is procrastination. It's tempting to put off assignments or study for exams, but it will only worsen things in the long run. So do your best to avoid it.

*Tips: One way to beat procrastination is by setting a goal for yourself. For example, tell yourself that you'll study for 30 minutes and then take a 5-minute break. Once you've done that, you can reward yourself with something you enjoy, like watching a TV show or going for a walk.

Start Working on Your Career Early

It's never too early to start thinking about your career. In fact, the sooner you start, the better. That way, you can ensure you're on the right track and get a head start on your future.

*Tips: Talk to your academic advisor about what classes you should take to prepare for your career. Also, look into internships or shadowing opportunities. And don't forget to network.

Join a Student Organization

One of the best ways to get involved on campus is to join a student organization. It's also a great way to meet new people and make friends. There are many different clubs to choose from, so you're sure to find one that interests you.

*Tips: Don't be afraid to try something new. You might be surprised at how much you like it. Also, don't feel like you have to join a club just because your friends are. Do what you want and what makes you happy.

The Social Scene

Of course, no college experience would be complete without the social scene. There's no shortage of things to do, from campus events to cliques. Just remember to prioritize your studies first and foremost.

Keep Relationships Healthy

Keeping your friendships and relationships healthy is important whether you're in a relationship or not. College is a time when people change and grow, so it's natural for relationships to change as well.

*Tips: If you're in a relationship, communicate with your partner. Discuss your expectations and needs. Be sure to set boundaries. If you're not dating, focus on building strong friendships. Spend time with your friends, and get to know them deeper.

Build Connections

In addition to relationships, it's also important to build connections. These can be with professors, mentors, or even just friends. The more people you know, the more likely you are to succeed.

*Tips: One way to build connections is by attending campus events. This is a great way to meet new people and get involved. Another way is to join a club or organization. Doing so will allow you to interact with people who share your interests.

Have Fun

Last but not least, don't forget to have fun. College is a time to explore new things and discover who you are. So make the most of it while being safe.

*Tips: Be sure to take advantage of all the campus offers. Attend events, join clubs, and try new things. And don't forget to enjoy your time with friends.

Staying Safe

Many risks surround college life. But with a few precautions, you can stay safe and enjoy your time in college. Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind:

Avoid walking alone at night. If you must walk alone, carry a flashlight and your cell phone
Trust your instincts. If you feel like something is wrong, it probably is
Know your surroundings. Familiarize yourself with the area, and know where the safe places are
Keep your belongings with you. Never leave your items unattended, even for a moment

Maintaining Your Well-being

You're just as important as your safety. To take care of yourself both physically and mentally, below are some tips:

Exercise regularly. It's not only good for your body, but it can also help relieve stress
Eat healthy. A nutritious diet will help you feel your best
Take breaks. Don't try to do everything at once. Instead, take time for yourself to relax and rejuvenate
Talk to someone. Speaking to a friend or counselor can help if you're feeling overwhelmed

What's Next

College is a time of growth and change. And as a freshman, you're just beginning your journey. But with these tips, you're sure to make the most of your college experience.

What To Do In Rexburg This Spring Semester

Wed, 01 Jun 2022 14:09:46 GMT

The spring semester at BYU-Idaho is well underway! As the temperature and daylight increase, all semester long is the perfect opportunity to get out and experience all Rexburg has to offer. From community events to historical landmarks to a bit of the great outdoors, there is always something to do and see in our beloved college town. Below are some of the best activities in the city for when you are ready to take a break from the books and go explore. If you are looking for a change of scenery or an idea to get out on the town with your friends and roommates, this list has you covered.

In the Community

The Rexburg Farmers Market

Friday evenings at the Madison County Fairgrounds, you will find the Rexburg Farmers Market . Here you will find farm-fresh local produce you can turn into delicious, healthy meals at home. It is not uncommon to find foods here you would not normally find in the grocery store. If you are feeling creative and adventurous, you can ask right there at the farmstand for tips and advice about preparing them and start to expand your culinary repertoire. You will also find interesting vendors with unique crafts and items to peruse.

Art Stroll

Get your monthly dose of local arts and culture every first Friday from 5 to 8 pm throughout Rexburg at the Art Stroll. This free monthly event features visual art on display at various locations as well as live music and mini-performances for you to encounter as you stroll along the route. Looking to get even more involved in this celebration of local creativity? Are you an artist yourself? Get out there and introduce yourself. You might find an exciting new connection, an opportunity to volunteer, or (for you artists out there) the possibility of securing a showcase of your own at a future event!

City Council Meetings

Looking to discover how you can make a direct difference in your community? One of the most effective ways is to get involved in local government where important decisions are made every week. As a resident of Northpoint, you are a resident of Rexburg as well and your voice counts. Beyond voting, taking the time to attend a city council meeting can position you as a resource and leader for the community. Your vision for the future and how you would like to be of service in the world may be inspired by a simple field trip to city hall. Many who attend city council meetings find that the power of their own presence and voice can make a difference in discussions, broaden their own understanding of government, and lead to a richer sense of community. During your time living in Rexburg, attending city council meetings will reveal the process behind the decisions that directly affect your city.

Outdoor Recreation

Between university facilities, city parks, and the wider outdoors, Rexburg is a great jumping-off point for enjoying some fresh air and nature. These places exist for your enjoyment and appreciation, so take advantage!

Idaho Centennial Carousel

Considered the “jewel of Porter Park,” do not miss Idaho’s only antique wooden carousel! Built in 1926 and restored from Teton dam flood damage by 1990, this historic carousel was a centerpiece in the celebration of Idaho’s 100th birthday. Did you think you were too big for pony rides? Think again! The Idaho Centennial Carousel is fun for all ages. Rides cost $1.25 and are available all season long.

BYU-Idaho Ropes Course

Are you up for a challenge? Come out to the BYU-Idaho Ropes Course ! This is a great group activity and a way to form stronger connections with roommates, classmates, and friends. At the ropes course, you will be solving puzzles, playing games, helping one another with aerial activities, conquering the giant swing, zooming down the zip line, and experiencing the free-fall device, all while building skills in teamwork and courage.

Rexburg Rapids

On those warmer days, Rexburg Rapids is the place to be! Cool off on the water slides or in the lazy river. Spend a day with your friends having fun in the sun. Just remember to wear sunscreen. Your school work will still be there waiting for you after you have given yourself a well-deserved break.

Yellowstone Bear World

Situated just west of Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park, Rexburg has no shortage of wildlife adventure just beyond its backyard. However, you only have to head five miles south of town to experience Yellowstone Bear World , Rexburg’s drive-thru wildlife park. Many animals are featured here including elk, bison, mountain goats, moose, and bears, of course. People from all over Idaho and neighboring states come to visit this exciting attraction we have so close to our campus.

Rexburg Idaho Temple

No list of Rexburg’s attractions would be complete without giving special mention to the Rexburg Idaho Temple. While the primary purpose of this establishment serves as grounds for worship and sacred ceremony within the LDS faith, the breathtaking beauty it provides to passersby cannot be denied. Dedicated in 2008, the Rexburg Idaho Temple is the 125th dedicated temple in operation. Visitors to the temple are welcome to walk around the manicured grounds and admire the exquisite architecture of the building. What a wonderful way to enjoy one of our many beautiful days of the spring semester.

Museums

The Rexburg Museum

Have you ever been curious about the history of Rexburg? Perhaps you have heard about the Teton Dam Flood that washed through the city in 1976. Learn about this important event and so much more at the Rexburg Museum. You will even have the chance to see how you would fare in the flood by trying out the historically themed escape room featured at the museum.

Legacy Flight Museum

How would you like an up-close and personal encounter with airplanes that have been used over the past century? At Legacy Flight Museum, you will find different styles of airplanes dating back to the 1930s. Many of these planes have been used in the military and are now historical artifacts on display for your viewing pleasure and education. Remember your student card to receive the college student discount on admission.

While you continue to put in your best work to finish the spring semester on a strong note, it can be easy to burn out if you don’t take breaks when needed. Remember to give yourself ways to balance with some recreation and adventure. These events and attractions are great options for just that when you need fresh ideas to get out and do something fun and different.

And if you just want to chill at your apartment, Northpoint has plenty of amenities to offer to keep you entertained during your downtime during this Spring semester.

Quick And Healthy Meals For A College Budget

Thu, 31 Mar 2022 14:00:19 GMT

Creating quick and healthy meals while you’re on a strict college budget can be difficult. Read on to find some tips and tricks for maintaining a healthy diet while staying within your budget.

The trick to eating healthy in college, whether in a dorm or an apartment, is stocking up on food staples, and making a plan to prepare quick & easy meals that are full of healthy carbohydrates, high amounts of protein, fruits and vegetables.

Whether you are living in a dorm, or in an off-campus apartment , wanting to eat healthy and avoid the dreaded “Freshman 15” starts with what you put in your mouth. As a rule of thumb, weight loss is generally 75 percent diet and 25 percent exercise. Ensuring you get in your daily fruits and veggies, while avoiding high carb and processed foods is key to staying healthy.

The amount of space you have for various appliances will determine how many appliances you can utilize (counter space, storage space, cabinet space, etc.). See which of these gadgets best suit your needs and available space, and don’t be afraid to try out new-to-you appliances!

College Dorm Appliances

Here is a list of appliances that are perfect for your dorm room!

Fasta Pasta

This is a great and inexpensive item to have in a dorm, all you need is a sink and a microwave. The Fasta Pasta quickly makes all different types of pasta, right in the microwave, no waiting for water to boil, and no stirring. It can also cook rice, vegetables, and even soup.

Recipes: The Original Fasta Pasta cookbook

Microwave

Perfect for quick cooking, and they can reheat just about anything. They are available in a variety of sizes to fit any space.

Hot Plate

If you don't have access to a full-size kitchen, and your dorm allows it, having a hot plate can be invaluable. It allows you to create sauces and soups, make scrambled eggs, or cook your protein very similar to having a full-size stovetop.

Instant Pot

There is a reason that this has become such a popular item! It can cook protein in minutes, it can make casseroles, soups, cook vegetables, and do it quickly and easily!

Recipes: Instant Pot recipes

Air fryer

If you haven't used an air fryer, try re-heating and crisping some of your favorite leftover pizza, and you might just be sold! Air fryer takes foods that you normally fry in oil, and instead uses hot air, which makes foods such as french fries, chicken wings, and all sorts of other foods crispy and delicious, without the added fat and oil of regular frying. You can reheat so many foods, and some models have a bake function that you can use just like an oven on a smaller scale, making an air fryer the top suggestion for those without a lot of space.

Tips and Recipes for an air fryer

Veggetti

The Veggetti is a spiralizer that you can make quick zoodles (zucchini that has been spiralized into a noodle shape) and is a great pasta substitute when cooked in a skillet and softened to the right consistency.

Ideas for how to use the Veggetti

Recipes: Veggetti

Dash brand Waffle and Pancake Griddle

This TikToker makes amazing meals with just these two inexpensive gadgets! Omelets, pancakes, toasted sandwiches, etc.

Personal Blender

Fruit smoothies with a handful of ice and spinach tossed in are a great start to any day, and you can also use the blender as a grinder in a pinch. They are an extremely healthy option that will give you all day vitality. Smoothies are especially great for the morning.

Crock-Pot

The Crock-Pot has been around for decades, and there is a reason it is a continuing mainstay in the kitchen. Throw in the ingredients, set it, and let it cook low and slow during the day. When you come home, there is a warm, home-cooked meal waiting for you. This can be anything from a pot roast to chicken for tacos and other meals throughout the week, soups, etc.

Recipe ideas: Crock-Pot

Food Staples

The following is a list of cheap food staples to have on hand, to help make filling, healthy, and satisfying meals on a budget.

Pasta

Simple is not a bad thing! There are a ton of healthy, more sustainable pasta options today. Some options include chickpea pasta, red lentil pasta, and protein pasta. These will help you diversify your pallet and help you increase your protein intake for the day. Add a jar of your favorite sauce with some garlic bread or a steamed vegetable, and you have yourself a perfect meal!

Eggs

Also high on the satiety index, eggs are so versatile and can be cooked so many ways, and incorporated into a variety of recipes, everything from omelets to cakes to casseroles. Eggs are an excellent source of protein, and can be included in your everyday meal plan! Hard boiled eggs are a quick and easy sustainable snack to have in your fridge. Sprinkle a little salt and pepper on them and enjoy!

Nuts

Nuts are high in nutrients, antioxidants and fiber. They have been proven to lower inflammation and may reduce your risk of a heart attack or stroke due to their benefits for cholesterol levels . Nuts make for an excellent sustainable snack. Some healthy nuts include almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, and pecans. Trail mix or nut bars are also great to bring on the go.

Brown Rice

Brown rice is a much more nutritious option than white rice. Brown rice is a great source of fiber and magnesium. Whether prepared out of a box in the microwave or on the stove or rice cooker, rice is a perfect ingredient to pair with protein, sauce, and vegetables for endless creations. Anything from stir fry to creamy chicken and rice, to rice meatballs, to sushi, and a variety of other Asian-inspired dishes, rice is so versatile in what you can do with it.

Beans

Canned beans are a great way to add additional protein to a meal, and the canned variety is shelf-stable and ready without the boiling and additional steps needed to use dried beans. Combine and even make a black bean burger to replace meat in a meal. Beans are heart healthy and can reduce your risk of cancer!

Potatoes

Potatoes have gotten a bad rep in the past; however, they score very high on the satiety index, meaning they will keep you feeling full and satisfied longer than other foods. The most healthy potato is the sweet potato, as they are rich in antioxidants that protect your body from free radicals. Potatoes are a great food to cook in your air fryer!

Frozen veggies

Fresh vegetables are always a great choice if readily available, but having frozen veggies on hand can make meals come together in a snap, and often go on sale at great prices. You can steam your frozen veggies by putting them in a glass bowl of water in your microwave. The Steam-In Bag microwavable veggies can cause toxins to enter your food, so it’s better to remove the veggies from the plastic packaging before cooking.

Frozen fruits

Like vegetables, fresh is always preferred, but having a variety of frozen fruit on hand to make smoothies or soups can make a quick, healthy snack on the go. When fruit is frozen, the nutrients get locked in and can last for a long time in the freezer.

Shelf-Stable Milk/Minis

For those in the dorm or where space is a commodity, shelf-stable milk now comes in a variety of forms, from almond, soy, or oat, as well as in full-size cartons or minis that can be used quickly, and not go bad in the fridge once opened.

Canned protein

Canned proteins such as chicken, beef, tuna, and even spam are all high protein options that make for a quick and cheap meal.

Tips & Tricks

Follow these Tips & Tricks to stay on budget and eat healthy, while having fun!

Shop Grocery Store Ad Deals

Decide in advance which store(s) you will be shopping, peruse their weekly ad, and plan your shopping around the deals they offer. Having a loyalty card at each store can present even bigger savings as many offer digital coupons and other incentives for signing up and using their loyalty card.

Plan Meals

Making a meal prep plan before you head to the grocery store will help you stay on track to buy healthy nutritious foods. Try to stick to your list and avoid impulse unhealthy purchases that you hadn’t planned into your weekly or monthly budget. Planning out your meals for the week might decrease your stress of thinking about what to make for dinner and instead help you get excited about cooking whole meals. Check out Tiktok to find a bunch of quick, easy & healthy meal prep ideas!

Meal Prep Parties

Meal prep parties are a great way to get a variety of meals cooked and prepared while making it a social event at the same time. Invite over a few friends and each comes prepared with the ingredients to make a certain meal. Together you prepare the foods and cook, and then share the meals, so you have more variety than what you would have prepared on your own and at the same time have some social interaction.

Stock Up When Items Are On Sale

When certain food staples like the ones listed above go on sale, be sure to stock up at a great price if you have the storage space. This way, you will have them on hand and at a great price. Costco is a great place for college students to buy in bulk, it’ll help your wallet, and the environment! Costco has a bunch of organic nutritious food to choose from, and they also have other helpful items for your dorm like laundry detergent, shampoo and conditioner.

Crock-Pot Meal Group Parties

Make food prep a social and fun event! The idea is that each person brings over their crockpot and a recipe to make. Either the group goes grocery shopping together or comes prepared to the party with the ingredients. Each person goes home with the recipe and several servings of each crockpot meal that was prepared.

Another variation is making several crockpot meals at once, then freezing them flat in freezer Ziplock bags, that can easily be dumped back in the crockpot and reheated, with no additional prep work required.

Buy Generic

When at the store, be sure to price check the name brand items versus the generic, by figuring out the price per ounce (often listed on the price tag, and if not, simply divide the number of ounces into the cost of the item). Often the generic is the exact same product as the name brand but offers a lower price.

Conclusion

Don’t use limited time or budget as an excuse to eat unhealthy. There are a ton of quick and inexpensive ways to make nutritious and fulfilling meals and snacks. Having the right cooking appliances and available food staples in your fridge, freezer, and pantry can make tossing together a budget-friendly meal quick & easy! Let’s get cooking.

How To Make Friends In College

Wed, 02 Feb 2022 14:32:58 GMT

When it comes to the college experience, many people are nervous about their future. Many people want to make new friends and meet new people. However, this can be challenging since social anxiety in college is very common.

But, even if you have social anxiety, there are many ways you can get around this to have a social experience in college! You can make plenty of friends and make new and valuable connections. Let’s dive into a few ways to make friends.

1.) Make Friends With Your Roommate

Most likely, if you’re living on campus and signed up for a dorm, you were assigned a roommate. Take this chance to try to get to know them instead of treating them as “The roommate.” Especially if this is your first year of college, chances are you’ll be spending a lot of time in your dorm.

Even if it’s just bonding over sharing the same dorm, it’s still a great way to get close with your roommate (or anyone who may be stopping by to visit them). Your new roommate can be a potential new friendship to appreciate!

Of course, the above also applies in other living situations. If you’re renting an apartment off-campus, you can still try to get to know your neighbors who may also be doing the same. Wherever you’re living, you're going to have neighbors that you can try to socialize with to begin the journey to friendship.

Take this chance to make a new friend!

2.) Campus Clubs

Every university has its list of campus organizations that could be excellent choices for making new friends. There are many choices to go through and consider. Your choice can be a sport, a social cause, a recreational activity, or a career training you wish to gain.

As you attend these clubs, you can meet people that are surprisingly like yourself or enjoy the hobbies and aspirations you have. Through the people you meet at these clubs, you can meet other individuals and expand your friend group. Joining a new campus organization is very important when trying to form new and potentially long-term friendships.

We recommend choosing your campus organizations carefully so you don’t overwhelm yourself with too many responsibilities. It’s normal to want to try out several different clubs to find the best choice for you and it can be the smart choice as you start. However, it’s best to pick only two, maybe three, clubs to avoid unnecessary stress and so you can truly enjoy yourself and devote time to each one.

3.) Campus Events

Along with joining a campus club, you also get the benefit of being able to attend scheduled campus events. These events not only give you the chance to have repeated interactions with the people you’ve met in your organizations but also meet new individuals. Attending campus events is very important in forming new and potentially long-term friendships.

A few campus events that you can likely attend are:

Karaoke nights
Charity 5Ks
Music festivals
TEDx
Themed dance
Social events

Campus events also give you something to naturally talk about. If you're an introvert, this gives you an edge in starting a conversation. They also have a reception afterward; a bonus event you can attend to have a new chat!

The Internet, such as Facebook, has made it easier to learn about these events in advance. Another way of learning about future events is to take note of posters put up around campus that people want the passersby to notice. Given that many colleges have new events every week, the only problem you’ll have is deciding which one to attend!

4.) In the Classroom

If you just started college or you are returning to your classes, chances are that you’re going to be spending most of your week attending class. Most students spend at least a dozen hours each week in class or attending teacher lectures. Believe it or not, this provides you with a great opportunity to make friends.

Many classes prove to work surprisingly well in making friends. Some classes require that the students participate in group projects or labs to learn how to collaborate as a team. While some students may find group projects annoying, you can choose to view this as your chance to work with new people and possibly form a new friend even after the assignment is complete.

You can also try to form a study group during upcoming exams, offering your classmates the chance to learn together for a potentially better grade. Some may not prefer studying as a group while others may take you up on the offer for the sake of learning your assigned material together. This may be hard if you’re socially anxious about approaching strangers, but it’s a method you can try when you’re feeling brave enough.

5.) Around Campus

If you keep an open mind, you can meet new people as you explore your campus. Besides the classroom, you can meet many new people around campus as they go about their college life. Many other students are also trying to adjust to the college lifestyle and even trying to make new friends themselves!

Some ways you can meet new people around campus include:

The gym
The student center
The halls (whether it's before class or a meeting with the professor)
Walking around campus
The cafeteria
The library

6.) Campus Jobs

Another method that will introduce you to new people is to take on a campus job. It doesn't have to be a full-time job, you can do a part-time job to take full advantage of the social opportunities it presents to you.

Besides the professional benefits, campus jobs provide excellent ways of meeting new people. Your job requires you to talk and work with at least one new group of people several days a week for some hours. Seize this opportunity! Force yourself to talk and get to know them on a personal level.

This strategy is even better if it’s a job with a lot of down time, such as a receptionist job. Why not use the extra time to get to know other people who cross paths with you on the job? A job can open many doors for you professionally, but it's best to know they can do the same socially!

Learn How to Make Friends in a Way That Works for You

While the above tips are ways to get you started, your way of finding new friends in college is up to you. Maybe these tips will work wonders for your social life, but perhaps they won't as you realize another method works better for you. Your socialization tricks are all about what works best to get you out of your shell.

So break out of your shell and step out of your comfort zone! Will yourself to meet new people and make new friendships that you'll cherish in the years to come. Ultimately, it's not about whether or not you "fail" as you try new things. This is about utilizing the chance your life has given you to evolve as a new person.

Fun Winter Activities Around Rexburg

Fri, 07 Jan 2022 14:23:21 GMT

With the new year comes a fresh new semester! With last semester's final exams behind us, the new semester allows for some free time to spend with friends. Even though we have entered one of our coldest months it is important to still get out, explore, and do some fun winter activities.

Idaho is the perfect place to live because all four seasons are gorgeous. The spring is beautiful with the birds chirping and flowers blooming, summers are hot and sunny, falls are crisp, the leaves change, winters are full of snow, and it looks like the perfect winter postcard.

It can sometimes be hard to know what to do in the evenings or even on days off because it is chilly and snowy. There is so much to do and explore around Rexburg, you will never be bored!

What To Expect During Rexburg Winter

It can be hard to know what to expect every day during winter in Idaho. Especially when you move to Idaho from out of state to school, it can be hard to understand what you are getting yourself into for winter in Rexburg.

January is the coldest month of the year, with highs around 28º and lows around 12º. Spring usually comes around April, and summer follows shortly after that. The cold can make spending time outside chilly during the winter, but beautiful as long as you have the right gear. There can also be about a foot of snow on the ground at any given time during January, meaning there is ample snow for a spontaneous snowball fight between classes!

Night-In Activities

While going on a fun outdoor adventure is exciting, sometimes you just need a night in with your friends (or by yourself) to help you feel recharged and ready to go. Especially during the winter, it is cozy to stay inside, drink hot chocolate, and spend time with your friends. Here are a couple ways to spruce up your night in, and have fun even during the cold winter!

Game Night

Somehow, a game night never gets old. The thing is, you can constantly change it up by playing new games, inviting different people, or eating snacks you haven’t had before. Games are also very versatile. You can play a game with just 2 people or have a larger gathering and play with a big group. On top of that, you can play cards, board games, video games, or simple group games like charades.

Some of our best game recommendations include:

Exploding Kittens
Skyjo
Monopoly Deal
Yahtzee
Farkle
Mario Kart
Telestrations

Game nights are exciting and can be a great way to spend time with old and new friends, even when you only have an hour or two before you need to head back to the library and get stuff done.

If you live at Northpoint, check out the clubhouse for a great place to have a friendly game night!

Movie Night (With a Twist)

We’ve all gone to the classic movie night. You go, watch a movie, and go home. Movie nights are super fun, but it is nice to mix it up a little. You can add a twist to your next movie night by spending 45 minutes before the movie and building a massive fort. You can use chairs, blankets, pillows, your couch, and anything else to create an epic, comfortable fort. Then watch the movie in the fort!

This may sound childish, but it can be immensely entertaining. We are all kids at heart, so mixing up the routine and doing something exciting can bring a smile to your face even when it is snowing outside!

Make a Yummy Treat

We all like to eat treats, so sometimes it can be enjoyable to spend one night making a delicious treat. If you want to be really friendly, you can make extra and bring some to your neighbors.

One of the best treats to make (especially around the holidays) is yummy Candy Cane Graham Cracker Toffee. This is a great treat to make, even if you don’t have a lot of ingredients or experience cooking. It is super simple and can be made with ingredients you probably have at home (especially around the holidays).

Simple Candy Cane Graham Cracker Toffee

Ingredients:

1 Package Graham Crackers
¾ Cup Unsalted Butter
¾ Cup Packed Brown Sugar
1 ½ Cup Melted White Chocolate
3 Candy Canes (Crushed)

Instructions:

Line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil (this will make cleaning up a thousand times easier) and preheat your oven to 325º.
Place the graham crackers on the cookie sheet to cover it.
Put the butter and brown sugar in a pot over low heat. Once the butter has melted, turn the heat to medium and bring to a boil.
Allow mixture to boil for 3 minutes, constantly stirring to keep from burning.
Pour the butter and brown sugar mixture over the graham crackers, spreading with a spatula (do this quickly before the toffee hardens).
Immediately place the pan in the oven for 8 minutes. While the graham crackers and toffee are in the oven, crush the candy canes and melt the chocolate.
Allow the graham cracker/toffee mixture to cool for a minute after removing from the oven, and then carefully pour and spread the white chocolate on top.
Sprinkle it with crushed candy canes and place it in the freezer for 15 minutes. Once it is cooled, break it into shards and enjoy!

This is a great way to spend a wintery night with friends!

Outdoor Adventure Day

While a night in is often easier to schedule, a Saturday spent outside is hard to beat. With the mountains so close, snow on the ground, and good friends, you can find an adventure anywhere!

Skiing

Unfortunately, there are no ski hills right in Rexburg. However, there are a lot of ski hills that are close and accessible.

The Kelly Canyon Ski Resort is only 35 minutes away in Ririe and makes a great outside activity, no matter your skill level. Before skiing (or snowboarding), it is important to wear the right equipment. You need warm snow pants, a coat, beanie, mittens, and preferably a helmet (you need to save your brain cells for your tests!). A day spent in the mountains is a great activity and is very accessible from Rexburg.

Sledding

With snow on the ground, the only thing you need is a sled (or piece of cardboard, or garbage bag, or whatever else you can find that would slide) and a hill. There are a lot of great sledding hills in and around Rexburg that make a great outdoor activity.

Even when it is cold and snowy, it is vital to get outside and breathe the fresh air. Sledding is a simple (and cheap) outdoor activity that everyone can enjoy! You can also finish it off with some hot chocolate to make it even better!

Ice Skating

At Idaho Falls Parks and Rec, you can go ice skating. This is a great winter activity and a fantastic way to spend your Saturday or evenings. It is only $10 a person, including skate rental, or if you get more than 10 people to go, it is only $8 a person.

This is a fun thing to learn and a really great group activity. It still feels wintery without being outside in the freezing cold. They also offer chances to use skate aids, take lessons, and public skate times!

While winter in Rexburg can feel cold and long, there are tons of great chances to get outside and have fun. If that isn’t your thing, you can always find ways to spend time with friends doing enjoyable activities indoors. Check out this article for other inexpensive date ideas and activities around Rexburg.

We are even running a winter discount now and have room in our apartments for you to take the leap and move to Rexburg. Feel free to contact us with any questions you have!

Study Tips For Finals And Other Big Exams

Fri, 10 Dec 2021 22:16:57 GMT

Exams can be one of the most challenging parts of college. It’s easy to feel stressed when you have a major midterm or final coming up, but you have nothing to worry about if you’re prepared. Studying throughout the semester will help you retain information and ace your tests. Follow these study tips, so you can walk into each of your tests feeling confident while performing your best.

1. Prepare Early

Cramming is one of the most common study methods in college, but research has shown it to be ineffective at building long-term memory. If you cram for midterms, chances are you’ll forget the information by the end of the semester and have to relearn all of it for the final. Don’t save all your studying until a few days before an exam. Start preparing for tests as soon as the semester begins.

Take time after each class to review your notes, and maybe make some flashcards. Go over the notes and flashcards regularly throughout the semester. When you set aside a few minutes every day to study, you’ll build long-term memory. When it’s time for your exam, you’ll hardly have to spend any extra time studying because the information will already be stored in your brain. Your friends will be amazed at how well you’re able to do on your exams without cramming all night before a test.

2. Keep Your Learning Style in Mind

Everyone learns differently, so to best prepare for your exams, it’s important to know your learning style. You can use this information to study in ways that best help you. If you’re not sure of your learning style, think about what types of activities typically help you focus.

If you tend to remember details you saw on a diagram or visualization, you’re probably a visual learner. Kinesthetic learners like to be moving while learning. If you have a hard time sitting still while learning, this might be your learning style. Auditory learners remember things best when listening. An online quiz can help you determine your learning style if you’re still unsure.

Auditory Learners

Auditory learners should participate in group discussions when studying for tests. They also can benefit from speaking aloud while studying. If you’re an auditory learner, try explaining some of the concepts you’re learning to a friend. Any dialogue about the material will help keep the information in your head for the test.

Visual Learners

Visual learners should draw pictures and diagrams while studying for an exam. It can also help to color-code your notes. Find a whiteboard or large poster to create more space to turn your notes into visuals. When it comes time to take your test, you’ll more easily remember the information when you think back to the images connected to it.

Kinesthetic Learners

Kinesthetic learners should try to stay physically active while studying. Go for a walk while studying flashcards or make up hand motions to represent different concepts. If you have a study group, play a game of charades with terms and concepts that will be on your test.

3. Attend Office Hours and Review Sessions

Not enough college students take advantage of their professor’s office hours and review sessions. Attending office hours throughout the semester can help you learn the material, and sometimes your professor will give you some insight into which things you’ll want to focus on for the test.

Review sessions often cover exactly what’s on the test. Try to attend all review sessions while in college because you don’t want to pass up the opportunity to hear what you need to study.

4. Remember Your Physical Health

A common mistake college students make is sacrificing their physical health while studying for exams. Unfortunately, physical health plays a significant role in our brain’s ability to retain information. Your studying will be more effective if you’re also taking care of your body.

Sleep

Many different studies have found evidence that a good night’s sleep improves memory and reasoning ability, which are two things you’ll need plenty of during a test. It’s important to get a full night’s sleep following a study session because, during sleep, your brain processes the things you’ve been learning and creates memories. To ensure the material for your test sticks in your brain, make sure you’re getting a full 7-9 hours of sleep each night.

Nutrition

A healthy diet is important while studying because it can impact your energy levels. A diet high in sugary foods will lead to energy crashes. A diet full of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and non-processed foods will help you maintain the energy you need to prepare for your exams. The last thing you need is a sugar crash right before a study session, or worse, right before taking your exam.

Exercise

Exercise promotes blood flow to the brain, which is why it’s important to stay physically active while preparing for a test. The additional blood flow helps with focus, recall, and reasoning ability. Exercising just before a study session or test can improve your performance significantly.

If your schedule is too busy to allow for separate exercise and study sessions, you can combine the two! Some people like to bring their notes or flashcards to the gym or hold a walking study group.

5. Take Breaks

Your brain requires time to process things you’ve learned. That’s why it’s important to take occasional breaks from studying to let the new information process and turn into long-term memories. Whether you take a nap, exercise, or chat with a friend, the time away from studying will actually help you retain more information.

Breaks can also help you relax when stressed, which is important while preparing for an exam. One study found that students who were overly stressed performed worse on their exams. So be sure to take breaks to do the things you enjoy and let yourself have fun. The mental health benefits of relaxing and enjoying yourself will help you feel more comfortable during the test.

How To Get A Head Start On Your Career While Still In School

Wed, 29 Sep 2021 21:12:35 GMT

When you first arrive at college, it may seem like graduation and job-hunting are in the distant future. The truth is, however, the sooner you start planning, the better.

If you start setting yourself for a successful career path now, you won’t have to stress when graduation finally comes, and you don’t have anything lined up. With a bit of careful planning, you’ll be able to graduate as the ideal job candidate, and maybe even with a guaranteed full-time job.

Here’s how you to start building toward a successful career right now:

1. Start By Setting Career Goals

It’s important to set goals for your career because they will help guide your path through school. Many college students haven’t yet figured out what they want their careers to look like, and that’s okay! You can still set goals and adjust them as you learn more about what you really want.

Start by picking a career path, even if you’re not completely confident it will be your final decision. Once you’ve chosen a career path, learn everything you can about that career. Reach out to people in the field to ask them if they’d be willing to discuss what their jobs are like. Try to find someone you can shadow.

If those conversations and job shadowing make you feel more confident that the career path is right for you, that’s great! Stick with it! If not, think about why it wasn’t right and which career paths would be a better fit. Then start the process again.

2. Connect With As Many Mentors As Possible

Whether you’re still figuring out the right career choice, or you’re already well on your way to a dream job, mentors can help you at every stage. These people can give you advice, write you letters of recommendation, and possibly even help you get a job when the time comes.

After meeting with or job shadowing people in your desired career, ask if they have the bandwidth to connect with you more often. Not everyone will be able to provide a strong mentorship experience, but many people look forward to the opportunity to help the next generation of talent reach their goals.

One of the easiest ways to find mentors is by connecting with your professors. To connect with your professors, you have to do more than simply show up to class. Attend office hours and ask questions. You can tell your professors about your career goals and ask for their advice. Most professors are excited to help students, but not every student makes an effort to form a real connection.

Many professors are also well-connected and can help you get in touch with people working in your desired industry. Professors are an invaluable resource. Don’t let that resource go to waste by not connecting while you can!

3. Start Building Your Resume

A job at the bowling alley or the campus food court is a great way to support yourself during college or earn extra money for dates , but if you can find an entry-level job in your desired industry, you’ll be paying your bills at the same time as building your resume.

There are tons of internships or student job opportunities in a variety of industries. If you’re not sure how to find these job opportunities, reach out to your mentors or people at companies where you’d like to work. Ask if there are any job openings for students and what it takes to land one of those jobs.

Internships are one of the best ways to find out if you want to work in that industry long-term. It’s better to find out you’re on the wrong career track while you’re still in college instead of finding out after graduation. That’s why getting work experience in your desired industry before you graduate is so important.

Sometimes companies looking for interns may let you know they’re looking for people with specific skills. If you don’t have those skills, rather than get discouraged, enroll in a class or do some independent study to develop those skills and reach out again later after you’ve become a better candidate. Even if it doesn’t land you the internship, those skills will be vital to have on your resume when you graduate and begin looking for full-time jobs.

While waiting to find the perfect internship, sometimes you can cater the job you have to be a resume builder. If you work at a restaurant and are studying marketing, ask your manager if you can help promote the business on social media. If you work at a gym and study graphic design, ask if you can help design some flyers to hang around the building. Be proactive and creative in thinking of ways you can apply your skills to your job.

4. Utilize the Career Resources Available To You

Most colleges hire employment specialists to provide students with career guidance and support in finding internships or jobs. BYU-Idaho has a career center for just this purpose. The career center will coach you in job readiness so you can be sure you have all the skills required to land your first job.

The career center also has connections with employers and keeps track of available jobs and internships. They can help you apply to the perfect position. They can also connect you with career mentors. They have a network of alumni who are excited to help students learn.

In addition to the career center, career fairs are a valuable resource. Make time to attend as many career fairs as possible. If you’re looking for an internship or full-time job, this might be where you find it. If you’re not currently looking for a new job, attending is still a good idea.

At a career fair, you’ll learn about companies you may want to work for in the future, and you can build connections with future employers.

Strengthening connections with companies in your industry is never a waste of time. If multiple recruiters know your name at the time of your graduation, you’ll have a major head start in landing the perfect job.

Managing Social Anxiety In College

Tue, 07 Sep 2021 20:52:44 GMT

While a fresh college experience can stimulate and invigorate some, for others, it can reveal our innermost introversions and discomforts in the form of social anxiety. As a very real and debilitating mental health condition, factors leading to this situational and ongoing disorder can stem from trauma, chronic depression, or physical/emotional abuse.

College can be a prevalent time for social anxieties to peak, affecting the way students interact in class, socialize around campus, or involve themselves in extracurricular activities. Severe cases can cause isolation and depression, evolving into co-occurring mental health disorders or thoughts of suicide. At a time so dependent on college engagement, students can evaluate themselves with these below suggestions by Nerina Garcia-Arcement, a clinical assistant professor at NYU School of Medicine and licensed clinical psychologist.

1. Evaluate Your Feelings

The importance of understanding what feelings you experience is paramount in isolating symptoms of social anxiety as they occur. Are you feeling butterflies, sweating, shallow breathing? First recognizing and calming yourself can help alleviate the panic and overwhelming nature of anxieties. While you may not be able to entirely rid yourself of anxieties initially, you can begin to slowly suppress the familiar feelings as they arise.

2. Evaluate Your Thoughts

Hyper focusing on people, places, events, or actions can overwhelm our senses and thoughts. Typically, the fear of failure can drive many instances of social anxiety. These situational “what ifs” can be recognized and reasoned with. Take a breath, relax, and allow yourself to fight the inner voice of pessimism.

3. Practice Calming Exercises

Practice deep breathing or mental exercises to relocate your thoughts while lowering your heart rate. Be your own biggest motivator with encouraging notes or positive affirmations when anxieties begin to increase. Mentally discourage negative thoughts as you calmly evaluate your feelings. Slowly breathe, and slowly contemplate on encouraging thoughts.

4. Challenge Your Thoughts

Much of our anxieties have to do with the way we perceive our situations, ourselves, or our interactions with people. Some struggle more than others with these interactions, but we all have our struggles. Immerse yourself in these moments with confident “what if” questions, such as “What if I make a new friend?” or “What if I really enjoy doing this new activity?” Relying on optimistic outcomes when trying new things or meeting new people can provide the necessary mental state to begin conquering your anxieties.

If you're looking for ways to break free of your anxieties and meet new people, try some of Northpoint's student activities or hanging out in the clubhouse or gym .

5. Experiment

Start small with experiences that trigger your most anxious feelings. If communicating with new people is exceptionally difficult, say a simple “Hello” to strangers, or “Thank you” during positive engagements with those around you. This simple and positive etiquette can slowly boost confidence while practicing useful life skills to help in the classroom. Additionally, speaking to your professor after hours can provide the necessary one-on-one conversation to discuss your anxieties. Having someone who knows and understands your concerns can help you manage your feelings if they occur.

In severe cases of social anxieties, individuals require medication or therapies to aid their mental distress. Whatever your own instance may be, first recognizing these symptoms can raise awareness of the seriousness of your situation. Talk to those closest to you about your struggles, they’ll likely be more than happy to help you reason with feelings. Furthermore, discussing these anxieties with peers can provide comradery and relatable struggles that may bring more insight into your social anxieties. Approach college equipped with these newfound tips to begin alleviating your dread today.

Grocery Tips: When To Buy Fruits And Veggies

Tue, 10 Aug 2021 20:40:23 GMT

When you head off to college it can be easy to fall into the typical college kid diet of Ramen, rice, bread, and cereal. But if you’re wanting your brain to perform at its peak capacity you need to fuel it with all those healthy greens and fruits your mom was always trying to make you eat.

This, however, can be a struggle for young adults that are trying to survive on a college budget. You want to stretch each dollar as far as it can go, so it’s important to plan your shopping list ahead of time. It’s also super helpful to know when different fruits and veggies might be on sale. Here is a seasonal list to help you plan out a healthy grocery run the next time you head to the store.

Of course, sometimes you can get lucky and find things that aren’t necessarily in season that are still on sale. As a general rule though, the produce that is in season is not only cheaper, but also tastes the most fresh. Next time you plan to go to the store, glance over this list so you’ll know what to watch out for in the produce section.

Tips for using your seasonal fruits and veggies

Need some delicious and easy ideas for turning your produce into meals? Check out these simple ways to get your fruits and veggies into your meals!

1. Turn it into a salad

Toss your greens up with your favorite veggies and complementary fruit with your favorite dressing for an awesome salad.

The best fruits for a green salad are:

Cranberries
Pears
Strawberries
Apples
Mandarin oranges

You could also just make a fruit salad with your favorite fruits chopped up and mixed together. Pour honey over it for some extra sweetness.

Another great salad topping is to roast up your favorite veggies. Toss them into your salad with some balsamic vinaigrette.. Butternut squash and sweet potatoes are great for this.

2. Oven roast veggies

Try this great oven roasted veggies recipe and use them as sides with your meals throughout the week (or just on their own).

Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit
Chop up your favorite veggies (that you enjoy cooked)
Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you enjoy
Spread over a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes (until veggies reach your desired doneness)

3. Make a smoothie

Smoothies are a great way to get your servings of fruit for the day all in one sitting. Bonus: you can add veggies too!

Here are some basic tips for making awesome smoothies:

Start with the fruits you enjoy (frozen or fresh) and pour them into your blender
Add a liquid base (milk, water, juice)
Add any other nutritional items you like (protein powder, flax seeds, etc.)
Add veggies for added nutritional value (kale and spinach are great in salads if you can get past the green color)
Blend it up!

We hope you enjoy these tips for seasonal fruits and veggies!

When you live at Northpoint Apartments, you get two refrigerators in your apartment, so storing seasonal fruits and veggies should be no problem! Check out our floorplans and amenities here. https://www.northpointrexburg.com.w4.mws.dev/floor-plans/

Things To Do Between Classes

Tue, 25 May 2021 20:17:45 GMT

College life is a completely unique experience. You can feel like you have all the time in the world and then at the end of the week wonder where the time has gone. Something that helps many people organize their schedule in college is to treat their education like a job. They decide that they will stay on campus from 9-5 every day and dedicate that time to learning.

If you’re on campus for eight hours you might find yourself wondering where to go or what to do between your classes. Here is a list of 8 suggestions for ways to spend your time between your studies.

Take a walk

After being in a dim room for an hour or two during the day it would be very healthy for you to get out and get a breath of fresh air. It doesn’t need to be a long walk, just a stroll around campus to stretch your legs and rejuvenate your spirits before you put your brain back to work. Most schools have a green belt or garden area which would be a great place to get away from the weight of learning.

Visit the library

They say the best time to study is right after class while the information is still fresh. Walk over to your school’s library and find yourself a nice quiet seat while you review your notes. Many libraries have dedicated silent areas to help you focus if you tend to be easily distracted by the people around you.

Explore the greenhouse

If your school offers an agriculture or horticulture degree chances are they have a greenhouse somewhere on campus. This can be a great place to relax while you wander among the plants and take in the scents of soil and growth. Also, the buildings are typically out of the way of the main hubbub of campus life and tend to be nice and peaceful.

Stop by the gym

If you know you are going to be on campus all day long, then bring along your gym clothes and get in a quick workout. Many campuses offer free workout courses to their students, so look and see if there are any courses that you might want to work into your weekly schedule. Few things kick stress like a little bit of regular exercise.

Brain break

Sometimes you just need a little break where you let your mind wander. Grab some headphones, set a timer and give yourself a minute to recuperate. A quick episode of your favorite show or a chapter of a good book are great ways to give your tired mind a break. Just remember to limit this time so you can still have a productive day on campus.

Get involved

There are so many ways to get involved on campus. Look and see what groups you could volunteer with and what their time commitments look like. Then you could work your volunteer commitments in with your studies while on campus. Also, being involved will look great on your resume and can provide you with unique opportunities to gain new skills and broaden your network.

Study groups

Another great use of your time would be to schedule time with a study group or tutor. If your school offers free tutoring, definitely take advantage of that. Talk with people in your classes and see who would be willing to meet up to go over the material from class. This could be something you do on occasion, or if you’re in an especially challenging class, plan a regular meeting to help each other out. Usually, you can reserve rooms at your university to meet in if you want to make the meet up feel a bit more official.

If you live at Northpoint, check out our study areas and block out some time to meet up and study close to your apartment.

Campus job

Some campus jobs only operate from 9-5 on weekdays, which could work perfectly for you to fill your time between classes. If you have a 3 or 4 hour shift somewhere in your day that could be a great use of your time and help to pay for your college experience.

There are many ways to spend your time, just remember that ultimately you make the choice for how productive your time in college will be. If you schedule your time efficiently then you won’t get to the end of the week wondering where all your time went.

Tips To Stop Procrastinating

Thu, 15 Apr 2021 20:10:34 GMT

Procrastination is very prevalent in college. There are two main reasons that students procrastinate: they don’t know where to start or they are afraid of failing the assignment. Procrastination can have a negative impact on you, your studies, and your grade. The longer you put an assignment off, the more stress you build about it and the less time you give yourself to do the assignment.

If you are not sure how to stop procrastinating and get on top of your homework, you have come to the right place. Here are 9 tips to help you stop procrastinating.

1. Create a controlled study space.

Not everyone studies the same way. Create a space or go to a space that is controlled and promotes studying in the way that works best for you. If you need absolute silence to study, you might try picking a desk in the corner of the library when you study. If music helps you study, you could keep headphones in your backpack with all of your textbooks. (Just make sure to choose music that isn’t going to distract from your work.)

2. Get rid of distractions.

Your study space should be free of distractions. Put your phone away. Close browsers that are unrelated to your homework. If you are at home with a distracting roommate, you may even tell them that you need to study and ask them not to talk to you for a couple of hours. Getting rid of distractions will help you get your work done faster.

3. Set a Deadline.

You likely already have some deadlines that are set for your classes. It may be helpful for you to set your own deadlines for one or two days before the actual turn-in date to give yourself some wiggle room. Then if there is an emergency you either have already done most of the work or you have an extra day to do what you need to. If there isn’t an emergency, you can use that extra day to check your work, relax, and destress.

4. Create a schedule.

Once you have figured out what your deadlines are, create a schedule to follow to make sure you meet those deadlines. You can use a planner to write down when you will complete different parts of a bigger project, specific assignments, and your overall deadlines. This schedule will help you stay on track throughout the semester. It can also help you know when you will have some free time that won’t hurt your studies.

5. Set a timer.

Choose a specific amount of time that you are going to work and set a timer. Maybe you have an activity in two hours and you want to go but you need to get homework done first. Set a timer for 90 minutes, get rid of distractions, and get to work. Or maybe you don’t think your focus will last for very long. You could set a timer for an hour and do as much homework as you can during that time. Then give yourself a break. A timer can be a good motivation tool for some people.

6. Take breaks.

Taking breaks can be necessary to help you refocus. If you are feeling unfocused and overwhelmed, then you may just need a short break. Set a timer and take a break. You could get a snack, listen to a song, or watch an episode of a show. Just don’t take a break for too long.

7. Use incentives.

Give yourself incentives. If you are reading a difficult text and having a hard time getting through it, try eating your favorite candy or small snack (i.e. gummy bears), place the gummy bears throughout the page, start reading the page, and when you have read to a bear you can eat it. If you want to use a bigger incentive, make sure you get yourself to accomplish a bigger task.

8. Do the hardest thing first.

Getting the hardest thing done first helps you stay focused on the assignment because you are not already mentally drained from doing all of your other homework. Once this assignment is done you will feel a weight off your shoulders and know that everything else you have to do will be easier. Doing your hardest assignment first can also give you a confidence boost.

9. Ask a friend to be your accountability partner.

Choose a good friend or a classmate to hold each other accountable. Check-in with each other once or twice a week and make sure the other is staying on top of their projects and homework. If you are in the same class you could even do the homework together or quiz each other.

How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. Similarly, with your homework, you should take it one assignment (or even part of one assignment) at a time. When you start the assignment right away, you can break it up into smaller sections to avoid getting overwhelmed and have plenty of time to ask for help if you don’t understand something.

Inexpensive Date Ideas In Rexburg

Thu, 04 Feb 2021 18:15:37 GMT

As college students in a pandemic, your options of places to go on a date may be limited; either by money or by social distancing regulations. Here is a list of ideas to get you out and dating again!

Go Hiking.

If you have a car, there are lots of options for hiking around Rexburg. Some popular and free spots are R Mountain and Cress Creek Nature Trail. Pack a lunch and hit the trails. There are other locations that have parking fees you can look into as well, like Mesa Falls.

A walk around Rexburg Nature Park.

This park has a trail that is perfect for a long walk with benches throughout and a river running through it. Bring some bread to feed the ducks and enjoy the fresh air with your date.

Go for a picnic.

You can have a picnic somewhere on campus between classes or at a park during your free time. Make some sandwiches, pack some fruit, and wala! You have an easy and inexpensive date outside.

Go Stargazing.

As it starts to warm up more, you can plan to take your date stargazing. The sand dunes are a great place to stargaze because they have less light pollution but really you can do this anywhere that you can see the sky.

Have a bonfire.

There are a few places close by that you could have a fire. The closest is in the BYU-I Gardens. There is a fireplace near the little red house with the porch swings where you can have a fire in the winter. The other common places within 20 minutes of campus are the sand dunes and Jefferson County Lake. At your bonfire you can roast marshmallows, play games, and talk to each other. Jefferson County Lake does have a $5 entrance fee per vehicle.

Don't have a car or can't travel far? Stay at Northpoint and take advantage of our fireplaces and outdoor screens .

Go bowling in the MC.

The bowling alley in the MC is open during the pandemic with few restrictions. You are required to wear a mask and only every other lane is available. They are open from 1-10:30 pm. From 1-5 pm the price is $2 a person and after 5 pm the price is $3 per person. There is also a 50 cent shoe rental. So for two people to go bowling the most it would cost is $7 for the game!

Stay in and make dinner and dessert together.

Do you or your date like to cook? Staying in can be just as fun as going out. Spend time getting to know each other better while you prepare a home cooked meal and/or dessert to share.

Go to the movies.

There are certain times when it is less expensive to go see a movie. Fatcats has $5 Tuesdays where you can go at any time to any movie for $5 a person. At Paramount 5 you can see any Matinee for $5 a person.

Plan a photo scavenger hunt for a group date.

Plan a scavenger hunt with a group of friends. You can plan something very simple or get creative with it. For the scavenger hunt have each group take a picture with every item that they find. Then at the end meet up with each other and share your pictures.

Have a Paint Fight.

You will need a group for this activity. Have each couple pitch in a few bucks for paint. Make sure to buy enough paint for everyone to have at least one bottle. Then plan to meet at a park and start your paint battle!

Have fun on your next date!

10 TIPS FOR SELF-CARE IN COLLEGE

Fri, 08 Jan 2021 18:08:08 GMT

College is stressful as it is. When you add in the Covid-19 pandemic and online learning it becomes even more stressful. There are so many things to worry about and get done in school, sometimes it can be hard to find the time and the energy to take care of yourself. Here are 10 tips to help you practice self-care in college.

1. Socialize with friends and family.

It might seem impossible to socialize with friends and family when you’re supposed to be staying physically distanced from people. Try to utilize technology to keep in touch. You can have a game night with friends via video call. You could also call and talk to someone on the phone while you go for a walk. There are so many options to socialize still. Find what works for you so that you can stay in touch with your loved ones.

2. Take a break from social media and the news.

Even though you should be aware of current events and the things going on around you, being connected all the time takes a big toll on your mental health. Disconnect from social media and news outlets regularly to keep your peace of mind.

3. Get outside.

Spending time outside is great for your mind and body. Take a short break from your homework and computer to get outside, stretch your legs, and take in the fresh air.

4. Do Daily Meditation.

Even just 5 minutes of meditation a day can be great for your mental health. Meditation can help you to de-stress and relax. If you are unfamiliar with meditating, try out a video on YouTube.

5. Pamper yourself.

Do something for yourself that makes you feel good. Take the time to paint your nails or give yourself a facial. Have a roommate join you and make it a bonding experience. Order a meal to eat in and watch a movie. Make or buy that dessert you have been craving. Take a moment today to spoil yourself.

6. Take a nap.

Give yourself 15-30 minutes to take a power nap. A power nap might be just what you need to boost your energy and keep you going for the rest of the day. Just don’t sleep for too long or it can have the opposite effect.

7. Read a book.

If you like reading, choose a book you have been wanting to read and sit down to read it. Pro tip: do not choose a textbook. This should be something fun that you actually want to read and gives you a break from homework. Find a nice corner in Northpoint's clubhouse or study areas to get away from your own apartment.

8. Write in a journal.

Writing in a journal can help you reflect on what you have done that day and the feelings you have had. It can also help you release those feelings instead of keeping them pent up inside.

9. Feel your emotions.

Everyone has emotions and some emotions are stronger than others. Sometimes you may not want to feel them or let others see them but they are a normal part of life. It is healthy to show your emotions, to laugh or cry. Give yourself permission to feel. If you are feeling overwhelmed and need to cry, allow yourself to cry.

10. Exercise.

Exercise is so important for our health and is a big part of self-care. Try to get some form of exercise every day. Go for a walk/run, ride your bike, or do a bit of yoga. Exercise is great for the mind and body.

Continue to practice self-care as you go through the semester. Whether you do something on this list or find your own thing to do that makes you happy, you will see some of the stress melt away. Take care and be safe!

Off-Campus Budgeting 101

Thu, 24 Dec 2020 17:01:24 GMT

Figuring out how much you can spend when you are in college can be challenging. College is expensive and when you are living on your own, those bills can add up. When you are trying to avoid student loans it is even harder to stay within your budget. How do people do it?

Create Your Budget

The first step is figuring out what your income and expenses actually are. Start using a document (could be a word document or a spreadsheet) to track how much you make and how much you spend. There are also apps that can help you track these things and budget your money. If your banking app has these services, you can try them out. Otherwise, try using an app like Wally or Goodbudget. When you know what the numbers look like, you can make a more conscious decision about what you spend your money on.

How much money do you make in a week, month, and year? Knowing your net income (the amount you take home after taxes) is an important part of making your budget.

Once you know what you have coming in, you will want to take a look at your expenses. How much do you spend? What are you spending that on?

Divide things into categories. Your rent and utilities might make up a home category. Groceries, fast food, and dining out would be your food category. Write it out and know where your money is going.

We all have some expenses that really can’t be changed, like our rent payment. Some categories like food and transportation might vary more. Figure out which of your expenses are variable and decide on an amount that works within your income so you won’t go over.

Cut Costs

Cut your costs where you can. It may take a bit longer, but buying groceries and cooking meals yourself can save hundreds of dollars. Going out for a meal can cost anywhere from five dollars to twenty dollars (or more). Whereas making the same meal at home could cost less than half the amount.

Skip the Starbucks or soda shop. If you need a caffeine kick, make your mixed energy drinks at home or buy your soda in a pack at the grocery store. These kinds of shops charge more than it would cost to make your drink at home. If you buy a soda every day for $2-3 then you are spending $60-90 just on soda for the month.

If you notice that you are going out a lot and spending money that you don’t really have (like to go throw axes or something fun with friends), try giving yourself a budget for this. You don’t have to stop going out completely, but it is a good idea to cut back. Give yourself a weekly or monthly budget. Once you have used what you budgeted, don’t allow yourself to spend any more on going out until your next paycheck.

Balance a part-time Job

If you need to raise your income to support yourself, you could try getting a part-time job. There are a lot of job opportunities for college students on-campus and off-campus. BYU-Idaho has tutoring and teacher’s aide jobs for students who have excelled in certain classes and get recommendations from their professors. There are seasonal jobs to maintain the campus. There are so many options for on-campus work.

If you decide that you do want to work a part-time job, keep in mind the number of hours that you have in a week. Don’t choose a job that is going to take too much away from your studies. Stay focused on your classes.

Ultimately, find that balance you need to achieve a healthy work-school-play life balance while sticking to a budget in the process. You got this!

Looking for an affordable student housing complex close to BYU-Idaho's campus? Northpoint has everything you're looking for to stay on a budget in college. Apply now !

4 Tips For Getting Along With Your Roommates

Mon, 30 Nov 2020 16:55:07 GMT

How do you get along with roommates? Maybe you have been friends for years. Maybe you met when you moved into the apartment. It can be a challenge to live with new people. It can be hard to adjust each person’s habits and complement each other. Here are a couple of tips to help you all figure out how to live together and get along.

1. Open Communication

Ease into your relationships with your roommates. If you weren’t already friends before you moved in together, it will take some time to get acquainted. Plan a time for all of you to get together and have an apartment meeting. Discuss what each of your expectations are for your living spaces and how you can help each other throughout the semester. Discuss some possible “house rules” and set boundaries with each other. Make an agreement with each other to abide by these “rules” and to communicate often about how things are going.

2. Address Issues Early and Respectfully

If something is bothering you, tell your roommate before it festers and becomes a reason that you dislike your roommate. Chances are they didn’t realize that it was a problem. The sooner you address the issue, the sooner it can be fixed.

Make sure you are respectful and understanding when you talk to your roommate. They are more likely to be receptive when you use kind words. Try not to come across as being rude.

One way you could ask a messy roommate to put their dishes in the dishwasher after using them is, “It is important to me to keep the counters in the kitchen clear and dishes done. This helps me feel more calm and happy at home. Do you think you could help by putting your dishes in the dishwasher when you are done with them?” This is a great way to ask without them feeling like you are attacking them.

Try not to get emotional about it. You should avoid getting angry and try to see from their perspective. When living with other people, there are bound to be things that drive you crazy. Your roommates probably notice things about your habits that they don’t like as well. Talk calmly.

3. Extend a Hand

One of the best ways to have a good relationship with your roommates is to extend your hand in service. Doing service can help you grow to love your roommate. It can also help them learn to appreciate you and enjoy being around you. You can take the time to make them dinner on a night that you have time but they may not. Another way to extend yourself is to invite them out. You can invite them to go to a club meeting with you. When you are going to an event on campus, you can invite them to join. Or you can keep it simple and go watch a movie together in your student housing complex's clubhouse or play games in the game room. You don’t need to be best friends with your roommate, but you should still be able to be around each other and spend time together without it being awkward.

4. Hold up Your End of the Agreement

When you decided to move into the apartment and have roommates, you made an agreement to do your part. This means taking care of your own messes and keeping the apartment clean. Your roommates should not have to clean up after you to feel comfortable in their own home.

There will also be regular clean checks. It will be much easier to clean up for clean checks if everyone does their part to keep the apartment clean daily. It also means that you are responsible for your guests. Extra people in the apartment means more things to clean up. It also means more noise. Make sure that you and your guests are responsible and respectful of other people in your apartment and apartments around it.

As you navigate your new relationships with your roommates, remember to be kind and respectful. Relationships take time and patience.

Northpoint's Guide To Damage-Free Decoration

Tue, 27 Oct 2020 15:42:06 GMT

Whether you are embracing your new space at NorthPoint or feeling a little homesick, adding some personality and making your apartment your own can help. Here are our tips for damage-free decoration to personalize your space, without the worry of penalties or hassle of tools.

1. Indoor Plants

Indoor plants are hugely popular and with good reason: they’re a low-maintenance, low-budget living décor item. Indoor plants bring literal life into your space by promoting cleaner air and even higher productivity.

Popular, hard-to-kill varieties include snake plants, fiddle-leaf figs, and of course, anything in the succulent family. These varieties hardly need attention or sunlight, making them perfect for busy class schedules and dark desks. When you water your new additions, remember to bring them outside to avoid water damage forming from underneath their pot

2. Walls

By focusing on large areas of blank walls, your minimal decoration can have a huge impact. While we suggest avoiding repainting or nailing into your walls, hanging large tapestries can add personal flair. Simply hang with adhesive utility hooks, like these Command Sticky Hooks. You avoid the hassle of measurement and hammering, while protecting the walls from damage you would need to repair before moving out.

Washi tape, a type of Japanese masking tape, is another easy solution to avoid wall damage. It comes in a variety of colors and doesn’t leave behind any sticky residue after removal. Use it to hang pictures, posters, or simply use the tape as decoration itself by creating designs directly on the walls. Check out this blog for washi tape design and organizational ideas.

3. Lighting

The lighting of your apartment may be easy to overlook but can have a huge impact on the mood and feel of your space. Lighting should be a priority for your study area to ensure you’ve properly illuminated your work area. But when it comes to larger light fixtures, like lamps and ceiling fans, there are a few tricks you need to know:

The color of your lamp shade can starkly affect the direction of your lighting. Lighter colors tend to fill your room with a soft glow, while darker colors direct light in a parallel manner. If you’d rather a brighter light that floods the room, do away with the shade altogether.
Compared to a traditional overhead ceiling light, string lights are a great way to add personality and softer mood lighting for a little more ambiance. Pro tip: hang string lights with the sticky wall hooks from tip #2!
If you want your apartment to seem bigger and brighter, place mirrors strategically. A single large vertical mirror adjacent to a desk lamp can reflect light all over your room, opening your space and making it appear larger.

4. Focus on Fabrics

Throw pillows and area rugs are an excellent blend of functionality and décor. You’re most likely going to use them anyway, so why not splurge for an eye catching pattern or interesting fabric to break up the monotony of your space? Rugs and throw pillows are easily interchanged for holidays or seasons and can add a splash of color when needed most.

Transitioning from your home environment to a new apartment can be exciting and challenging. NorthPoint wants to make sure you feel at home in your new space, especially if this is your first experience on your own. If you have any questions about what décor is allowed for your floor plan, contact us at (208) 681-9542 .