College of Liberal Arts
University of Minnesota
Twin Cities Campus
101 Pleasant St SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455

Mike's Blog

Studying vs. Sports...

Some of you are probably aware of the fact that the Minnesota Twins were in the Pennant Race for the American League Central Division. We were only win away from heading to the playoffs, but this all abruptly ended with a heartbreaking loss to the White Sox this past Tuesday night.

This was a tough loss for me to take (I already had tickets to the first playoff game in the Metrodome!) but also may be a gift in disguise. Watching Twins games almost every day ate away at my study time a bit. It is a good idea to try and balance your study time and leisure time so you don’t get too far behind in your coursework. There may be quite a few distractions in your dorm or apartment that prohibit you from fully utilizing your time set aside for studying. If this is the case, one good place to go and study is the library.

There are over twenty libraries located all around campus which are open to University students. The main library for studying on the East Bank is Walter Library, while the popular study location on the West Bank is Wilson Library. Both of these libraries have countless resources that students are able to checkout and look at online. These two libraries also have cafes so that if you get hungry or need a coffee to stay awake they will be available. Also, during finals week these two libraries will be open 24/7 so that students can do their last minute cramming and finish up those final papers before the deadline.

Overall, whether you decide to spend time studying in a library, in a study den on your dorm floor or simply in your room, it is essential that you set aside time for academics. So whether it’s a sports game or a video game, make sure to balance these leisure activities with your study time!

On this note I bid you adieu,

-Mike

 October 3rd, 2008
Picture of Mike
  • Class & major: senior; psychology, Spanish minor
  • Hometown: Rochester, Minnesota
  • Why a liberal arts degree : Before applying to the U of M I was thinking about majoring in psychology. After asking questions and researching, I learned that the U of M's program is ranked with the best. This was the most influential determinate of enrolling in the U because my focus was the quality of the education I would receive. Overall, CLA has stood up to my expectations and is helping me discover my abilities and potential.
  • My advice for a good first semester : It goes by fast, so enjoy it! Keep your door open to new opportunities, meeting new friends, and getting involved in activities. Some critial advice is to make sure to STUDY a lot your freshman year. You won't have the option to get behind.
  • Favorite hangout on campus: the big comfy chairs in Coffman
  • Favorite quotation: "An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind." - Gandhi