Elsa Kulakowski (freshman, criminal justice) 

• #1) Noise-canceling earbuds; “I still like to be present and in public, but I can’t focus with a lot of noise.” 

• #2) Physical planner; “I just do better on paper … I’m not a very organized person.” 

• #3) Dorm decor; “It’s kind of random but fairy lights (or) little decorations make it feel a little (cozier).”

Peter Mausolf (junior, humanities and Catholic culture) 

• #1) Energy; “Especially if you’re a person who likes to take mid-day naps or gets tired really easily, some form of energy to get your homework done or whatever it is you’re doing is (needed). … Say, you’re slammed with some homework and need a boost … get some coffee … or have some energy drinks stocked up so when the time comes you can just pop one in.”  

• #2) Friends/clubs; “Even if maybe you’re new (or) a freshman and don’t know the dynamics, (it’s) simple … get a meal, find a person sitting by themselves, and ask if you can join them. Also getting involved in clubs that hold your interest.” 

• #3) Something that brings you a lot of joy; “Maybe you have a favorite book, a favorite video game or a favorite board game. For me, it’s my favorite board game, Dixit. … It’s a very fun and subjective game and really fun to play with friends.” 

Glenda Calderon (freshman, clinical psychology) 

• #1) Moisturizer; “(I realized) campus and dorm air (caused) my skin to dry up. So, moisturizer is very, very important. … Chapstick too.”

• #2) Water bottle; “Throughout campus there’s a lot of water fountains. … It’s a good idea to invest in a good water bottle that (will) last you all four years! You could also buy water flavors to spice (it up).” 

• #3) Headphones; “(You need) a good pair of headphones for studying, working out or just walking around campus. If you’re doing it in silence, (it’s) good. But sometimes you need (noise), like in the library, it’s too quiet.” 

Trevor Ballard (junior, communication arts in digital broadcasting) 

• #1) Determination; In reference to his major: “Since we (produce) films, we need a lot of determination to finish through it. There’s a lot of steps that go into it, and it takes a lot of time. … If you don’t have determination, you’re not going to get through those productions at all.”

• #2) Friends; “For the sake of mental health to feel more complete as a person, friends really help with that.”

• #3) Laptop; “Everything (for school) requires a digital device.” — short and sweet response. 

Photo credit: Marianna Herrera