A Day in the Life: Halle
Being in college is a special time and there’s nothing else quite like it. You venture into a world of independence — forming bonds and collecting unforgettable memories. Going into my first year at UWEC, I always fantasized about what a day in the life as a college student might look like. Now, as a soon-to-be senior, I’m going to share what an average day looks like for me. Hopefully this inspires others to take advantage of everything that UW-Eau Claire has to offer.
Rise and Shine
Mornings are so important because they set the mood for the rest of the day. I found it effective to develop a morning routine that I would look forward to every day. First things first, coffee! I always start my day by waking up around 8 a.m. and heading straight for the Keurig.
I like to prioritize “me-time” in the morning instead of jumping straight into completing tasks. While sipping my coffee, I take time to get ready and watch a fun show on my laptop. Sometimes I’ll even do a quick at-home workout while listening to a fun playlist like Morning Motivation on Spotify.
I don’t have a large appetite in the morning but yogurt with granola and berries is my favorite. During this time I will also let myself scroll through social media until I have to leave for my first class. I pack up my water, laptop, a snack, and any other necessities before heading out the door.
Classes
On an average day, I usually have about two or three classes. As a marketing major, a lot of my time is spent in Centennial or Schneider Hall. Being in the academic buildings is so motivating since I cherish building connections with my professors and peers. It’s also exciting getting to be a part of the hustle and bustle on campus.
If I have a break in between classes, I like to grab a tasty drink from The Cabin or Einstein’s and find a nice spot to study. My favorite place to get work done is definitely the second floor of Centennial by the bright windows. I prefer to get a lot of my assignments done during the day, because I don’t focus as well at night. My biggest tip is to figure out the time of the day where you seem to be the most motivated and energized — and use that time to get your work done.
Work Time
I’m a social media intern for UW-Eau Claire, so after my classes I head over to the Integrated Marketing + Communications office to check in with my manager and the fellow interns. My favorite thing about this internship is that every day is different! I love that I get to gain experience in so many areas, because it helps me learn what my interests are. If you are anything like me, then you may not know what type of job you will want one day — and that is okay! That’s what college is for, and you will learn more about yourself along the way. Internships are definitely a great way to learn new skills and build connections. Be sure to check Handshake regularly!
Staying Active & Involved
At this point it’s about 4 p.m., which means that I head to Haas Fine Arts Center for Blugold Marching Band rehearsal. Fun fact: one of the reasons I fell in love with UWEC was because of the band. Every year, we piece together a field show to perform at the football games as well as local events. It is definitely a commitment, but it’s worth it to me because it’s so rewarding! There are so many opportunities for getting involved, and it leads to great friendships too. I highly recommend joining an activity, club, or even an intramural sport. It’s the best way to meet people with similar interests and you’ll create fun memories along the way.
During rehearsal, we work on perfecting our show and practicing our music. I’m on the leadership team for the clarinet section, so I use this time to help people out and answer any questions that come up. When rehearsal is over, I head home to start my evening routine.
Winding Down
Dinner time! My roommates and I love to cook anything we can find on Pinterest, especially pasta. I enjoy spending time with them after a long day while eating or even playing a game. Despite everyone’s busy schedules, prioritizing relationships is so important. Give yourself grace by taking time to relax and have fun! After some chill time, I will finish up any schoolwork that I didn’t get done earlier.
After a long day, there is nothing better than getting cozy in bed. At this point I’ll take a shower, put on a face mask and comfy clothes, then light some candles. I wrap myself up in a fuzzy blanket and put on a Netflix show, watch a movie, or read my book. I try to drink tons of water and stay away from my phone to let my brain calm down after the busy day.
Remember that college experiences come in all shapes and sizes. You might be like me and earn some of your credits in another country. Or maybe you change your major a few times. Either way, it’s more than just grades and major accomplishments. What you’re going to remember most are the laughs, the teriyaki bowls from Davies, jam sessions with friends, late night trips to Taco Bell, and giving Blu a high five on your way to class. Whatever it may be, soak it all up while you can. Like I said, the college years are precious — so cherish every moment!
