What are some topics that you would like to share with Summer 2?
Here are some suggestions...Tell me what you think:
1. Living On campus or off campus: What is the difference?
2. Food: Restaurants, markets, stores... Where to buy food.
3. Sports and excercise 4. Quiet time
5. Shopping
6. Pharmacy: I feel sick, what do I buy for: headache, allergy, cold, flu, stomach ache, intestine problems, nausea, etc.
7. Academics: How to be a successful student.
8. The importance of Free time
9. ELI activities: Which ones do you recommend?
10. My favorite place on campus
11. Places that I have visited in the U.S.
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How to be a Successful Student.
When a person decides to be enrolled in a university should have the assurance about what it means. To be a successful student demands that you have a resolute attitude and positive thinking. Many of the students are unaware of the relevance of this fact, evaluating it in a general way. They usually understand that it means good and bad grades, and they have the common sense to attend classes, but this is not enough in order to be a successful student. A good student doesn't necessarily mean to be the most intelligent of the class. It has a connotation that we can crack if we be aware of what we should do. Several good characteristics of successful students are the way they manage their time, their goal setting, and their attitude toward their studies.
Time management means defining priorities and scheduling the different activities that the student should do. Managing of time is a key in the life of a successful student. The acumen of the use of time will improve the efficiency of the student in the class. This means that students are aware of the facts that can cast any digression in their duties as students. For example, the word procrastination is not in the vocabulary of the successful student, also changing your mind and floundering are not part of the attitudes of this type of student.
Goal setting is an influential tool in the life of successful students. They have clear goals about what they want and how to accomplish it. This will give them a high motivation that will permit them to concentrate their effort in a specific situation in order to achieve the best level of proficiency. For instance, a successful student knows what is the answer to these questions: What am I doing here? Why I decide to be sitting here now? What does my presence here mean to me? The answer to this question should be the compass the lead them to the exit.
As stated by Abraham Lincoln "Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be." The attitude is powerful in the life of a successful student. All of their thoughts and beliefs are translated into actions that can be interpreted as acceptable or unacceptable behaviors in the university life. For instance, some students can be enthusiastic or unexciting, others can be positive or negative, all will depend on their own feelings. The words "commitment," "control," and "challenge" are part of the speech of successful students.
Academic success can be compared with the best fruit, which is on the top of the tree, if you want it you should to climb in order to get it. Life in the university can be funny, but request the best of the student’s effort in order to be successful. It is up to the student be either an outstanding or an average student.
Shopping in Buffalo.
by mohamed.
I believe that there are a lot of people who like to go shopping in their free time; because of that, I decided to write about this topic. Shopping in Buffalo is a fantastic idea to do in your free time even though you don't need to buy anything. There are three big malls in Buffalo which you will like for sure: Boulevard, Galleria, and The Outlet Mall. The Boulevard Mall, which is located on Niagara Falls Blvd, has very good shops. Everything you need, you might find in this mall. In other words, the necessary things are available there. An example of some shops that I like is Banana Republic where you can find nice clothes and perfumes. Also, there is a food court that has excellent restaurants. The other mall that you will like is The Galleria Mall which is located on I-90 highway, the same way that takes you to the airport. This mall is bigger than the previous one. It has more shops and more people. There is a big and expensive restaurant, for romantic meetings. Its name is The Cheesecake factory. It has all kinds of food, seafood and grilled, but the best thing is that they have many kinds of cheesecakes. Finally, the third mall is The Outlet Mall. This mall differs from the other by its prices. You may see the same product that you have seen in some shoppes but here they are at a lower price. I think the lower prices is a good advantage that this mall has. But this place is far away from Buffalo. It is near Niagara Falls. Anyway, those are some examples that I hope you liked. I think the places are very good and helpful for all kinds of people, whoever you are, you will love them if you are interested in shopping.
Supermarkets in Buffalo
by Cherry
Welcome to Buffalo, welcome to UB. Buffalo is the second largest city in New York State. It's really convenient for me to buy any kind of food in Buffalo. "Sam's" is a big supermarket whose food prices are cheaper than any other supermarket. Because it is a club supermarket, which means you have to join as a member and pay the $40 annual fee so you can go to "Sam's" and shop there. I think it's a good deal for you if you go and shop at "Sam's" often. You can buy not only food, but also consumer goods. It's also cheaper. But the disadvantage of "Sam's" is that they don't have as many varieties of food to sell as Wegman's or Tops. Wegman's and Tops have many branches in Buffalo. Both of Wegmans and Tops have discount cards. You can apply for them at the service desk of any of the branches, and it's free. Each week they will list all the discount food in their catalog. You can compare their price then decide where to buy. I prefer Wegman's because the price is cheaper than Tops, and they have their own brand of food. If you come from Asia, you can find sushi and Chinese food in Wegmans. Each Friday and Sunday, there will be a shuttle bus that takes you from the South Campus to Wegmans and some other Malls. But Tops has its advantage. It only takes you 5 minutes to walk from South Campus to TOPS. There is another shopping place I want to introduce which is " Walmart." You can find many kinds of consumer goods in Walmart with low prices. In conclusion, Buffalo is a good place. Come and enjoy your new life in Buffalo, I am sure you will not be disappointed.
Relax Place
Asuma Tanaka
Everyone needs relaxation time although you are a hard worker. How do you find your relax place in UB? Is it impossible to relax in UB because there are many Professors who may give you an "F"? You can! Here are some of my suggestions.
First, I'd like to recommend Star Bucks in the Student Commons. It is in front of Lee Loop, so you will find it easily. The buses in Buffalo are always not punctual. In summer, it is hard to wait for the volatile bus because outside it is so hot you could die. You can have a break in Star Bucks over a cup of coffee, and watch the bus station to see when the bus comes. When the bus comes, you don't need to hurry. You just wave your arms to the bus and it will wait for you.
Second, I know a lovely place. You can see the lake over the bookstore. There are white pillars which remind us of ancient Athens near the lake. On a sunny day, you can go and have a wonderful relaxing time.
Have a nice time in UB!! I hope everybody enjoys the UB life!
How to Be a Successful Student
Success in the university is the goal all students want to achieve, but it doesn’t happen by mere magic or luck. However, there are some techniques one should follow in order to make the process easier. Students already have their own ways to study and accomplish all their homework and class requirements, and, depending on their major, these ways may differ. However, these tips or techniques can be applied to no matter what their discipline is.
One good tip is to create a schedule of activities including, not only class time at the university, but also homework and studying hours, sleeping period, eating times, relaxing minutes, and others. Thus, a schedule can help one to organize one’s own ideas and to have time to do everything. However, it is important to make a flexible schedule taking into account unexpected time delays coming from some problems such as internet or computer problems, the unavailability of books or necessary materials, and long lines in supermarkets, banks, or public offices. Therefore, it is important to develop an accurate schedule which may not be perfect on the first day, but it will be perfected through time.
Another tip to success in the university is not to delay homework or study. Researchers found that if one revises the topic within 24 hours after class, one is able to remember and understand better even for a long time afterward. Therefore, always try to review, using more or less than an hour, the material introduced in class.
Making a schedule and revising material are good tips one can use as techniques to increase performance in class and to be successful in university. Of course, these techniques require discipline from the student, but one time these techniques become a habit, it is easier to keep following them.
There are several differences between living ON CAMPUS and living OFF CAMPUS
First, the way to get groceries is a little bit different. If you are living in Clement Hall in the south campus, there are shuttle buses which can bring you to a big shopping mall twice a week. There, you can get almost everything. Except Clement Hall, during the summer, there is no available bus to go to the shopping area. I am sorry. Off campus students should go shopping individually, so you need a car. Of course, you can use your bicycle; though, you won’t be able to carry heavy things.
Second, your way of study will be different from your residence hall and house. On campus students can find a lot of friends in their dorm, so you can help each other when you do your homework. Occasionally, a dorm has students who are native English speakers. In this case, you will get chances to speak to them in English. The most valid benefit which I got when I was living in Clement Hall was I could make a lot of international friends. I’ve enjoyed cooking dinner with my Chinese, Taiwanese, Turkish, Polish friends. It was a really nice experience. Off campus students can study with your roommate, though, if your roommate is not a student, it will be difficult to study together. But if you can get a native speaker as a roommate, it is wonderful.
Third, the private time will differ from your house. I personally did not like to live in a dorm. Because when I was living in Clement Hall, I felt the kitchen, the building, and rooms were small and dirty. In addition, there was no private space for each person. On the other hand, off campus housing will provide you comfortable private rooms. Or even you can watch TV, listen to music, and have a party without caring about your neighbor. But, in the case of an emergency, you can ask only the roommate for help. So, if you became seriously sick, and there is someone who is from the same country, he/she might be a great help.
In conclusion, each side has each good points and bad points. In fact, this choice is up to you. If you want to change your living place for next semester, please think about these three points thoughtfully.
Hi I am Edwin
What do you think you can do in a swimming pool? You may think that what you can do is only swim. But, actually, you can get some benefits from swimming in UB. Before going swimming, you have to know where the swimming pool is. When is the pool open? How to use it?
The one I introduce is the swimming pool in the North Campus, where you will spend most of your time. The swimming pool, which is on the first floor, is located in Alumni Arena. It is not difficult to find the building where the swimming pool is located, but it is not easy to find the way to the swimming pool on the first floor. Don't worry about that, though it is like a puzzle, you can find the way from the instructions on the billboard.
The hours of operation of the swimming pool are from 12pm to 1pm and 4pm to 7 pm through Monday to Friday. It is also open on weekends from 2pm to 5pm. The best time to go there is in the afternoon because there are few people there at that time.
Before going there, you have to prepare a locker, a swimming suit, and your UB card. You can go without a swimming cap, but you have to bring your UB card which proves that you are a student of UB, so you don't pay the entrance fee. After finishing swimming, you can take a shower like SPA and enjoy the relaxation in the steam room or sauna.
It goes without saying that you can lose weight and be in good health after swimming. Now you know where it is and the way to use it. Let's get rid of our tiredness and go to recharge our energy together in the swimming pool after class.
The Cheapest Airfare, Hotels and Car Rentals
After coming to the United State of America, you will have many opportunities to go to several places alone or with your new friends such as Manhattan, Boston, Miami, LA, Las Vegas and anywhere in the US, and also Toronto, Montreal, Quebec in Canada. To visit there, you have to make a plan which demands the least expensive price. I will tell you an effective way to save your money.
First of all, you should book a flight ticket. Here are the website. Http://kayak.com. This website has all of the flight schedules and tells you the cheapest airfare. There is no website better than this. However, if you visit NYC, I recommend the other website, which is http://jetblue.com. The Jetblue is one of the airplane companies in the U.S. Also this airplane company has many flights from Buffalo airport to JFK airport in NYC. In fact, I took this airplane several times. And I felt good all the time. Here is one more tip. You should buy a ticket at least a month earlier than your departure day if you want the low fare of an airplane. All of the airplane companies usually sell their tickets less than original prices. However, those prices will be gradually increasing until the day of their departure. So I recommend you to buy a flight ticket early.
Secondly, you need a residence to stay at night. If you are looking for good hotels, go to http://hotels.com. This website tells you all of the hotels in the US, actually all around the world. However, those hotels that the website informs are quite expensive. The price of most hotels is approximately more than $100 a day. Here is an alternative way. It is to stay in the hostel. The website, http://www.hosteltimes.com, Tells you all the hostels in the US and all around the world. The price of those hostels is cheaper than hotels, which is about $30 a day. Although you may consider that hostels are not safe, it is not as bad as you think. In other words, There is an advantage that you can meet new travellers like yourself in hostels. It is one interesting point when you travel.
Finally, I recommend you to use car rental service during a trip. Because the United State is very large country, you can not go anywhere without a car. You might think that you can use public transportation. Of course, it is possible to use it. However, I don't think so except for travelling in a big city such as Manhattan or Toronto. Some of the states and cities, especially Buffalo, do not have good transportation, which means you need to use a car rental service even though you want to use public transportation. On the other hand, you might think the car rental service is expensive. Do not worry about it. Renting a car is not expensive compared with other countries like Japan, Korea. Besides, the oil price is quite cheap in the US. Here is the website. http://hotwire.com. This website tells you the cheapest price that you want.
With those tips that I mention, you can go anywhere with the least expense. I think travelling somewhere in the US is more beneficial than studying English in ELI for your English ability. I do not mean that you may be absent from a class. Not only should you take ELI classes, but also you must go somewhere with your new classmates. I hope you have good experience in the US. Thank you. From Choi.
UB Life (Food)
There are many kinds of food in Buffalo, such as Chinese food, Italian food and Greek food. I would like to introduce a wonderful restaurant in Buffalo. "Siena" is a restaurant which sells Italian food. Their foods are delicious but the price is slightly expensive. You can reach there by going east on Mainstreet to 290, it will be on your right hand side and their signboard is a Flower. For those who like to taste Greek Dishes, I would strongly recommend "Townes"! It has a nice atmosphere and broad spaces for their customers. One attraction of this restaurant is that there is a large window on their roof, so whenever you are having your meal there, you can find yourself showered in the warm sunshine. This restaurant is at Elmwood near Allentown. If you are a Chinese food lover, I strongly recommend "Uncle John." You can taste the traditional Chinese food there and be amazed by the dishes cooked by the chef. It only takes 10 minutes to walk from Clement Hall to " Uncle John " so I believe it will be the best choice for those who are in a hurry. "Uncle John" is near Princeton Avenue and the South Campus.
Dear friends:
I am Lydia, I come from China. I will try my best to answer the general questions for you, not a special topic. I have lived here one and a half months. I love Buffalo, a beautiful and attractive city, and I enjoyed all activities and explored every place as possible as I can. Now I am glad to answer the questions as follows:
1. Living On campus or off campus: What is the difference?
I'd like to live on campus, although living off campus is cheaper. Students can make friends from all over the world, learn different languages, know different cultures. Moreover, we can practice our oral English better living on campus than living off campus.
2. Food: Restaurants, markets, stores... Where to buy food.
I think you should taste the traditional food--Buffalo Wings--which I have introduced on the blog of my class. I am not good at shopping, though I am a girl. I hope you can get some useful information from other students. But I have gone to many supermarkets, the food in Wagmans is various and delicious; everything in super-Walmart is cheaper than other's; Tops is the nearest market to the South campus; Budway's may be a little far from South campus, yet it is cheaper than Tops.
3. Sports and exercises
Unfortunately, the fitness in North campus is under reconstruction, it moved to a small room inside the gym and was very crowded. Thus, it is not convenient for us now. The facilities in the gym of the South campus are not as good as the North campus'. It is good choice for students who lived in Clement Hall to go to the fitness center in the basement of Goodyear Hall, though it is a little smaller. The swimming pool and tennis courts are really good and free on the North campus.
4. Pharmacy: I feel sick, what do I buy for: headache, allergy, cold, flu, stomach ache, intestine problems, nausea, etc.
I fell down and went to the Michael Hall--clinic on the South campus two weeks ago. I don't think it is an efficient clinic.
5. Academics: How to be a successful student.
Don't be shy and try to speak English as much as possible. Do your best in the class, and you will be successful.
6. ELI activities: Which ones do you recommend?
Niagara Fall is good, the Art Gallery is good, the Art Festival is good, The summer festival concert is also good. All of the activities in ELI are a benefit to you. Don' t miss it, it will help you know the American culture quickly.
7. My favorite place on campus
The lake on the North campus is the most beautiful place, especially at dusk. The buildings for the library and the architecture department are the most attractive architectures on the South campus. The Golf course is a mystical place, but it is also a dangerous place at night, do not go there alone. There are many small animals on campus, such as rabbits, sea gull, squirrels, Canadian geese, and ground hogs. Take care of them, they are lovely.
Best wishes,
Lu, Ping
June, 27, 2007
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