Self-Improvement

Since we were young, our elders constantly painted a picture of what college would be like: the daunting exam weeks, the role of Greek life, the temptations of the party scene – we’ve heard it all. But one specific go-to idea about university life has brought on the pressure big time.

Reuniting with your sweetheart after a long semester apart, but bored of the typical couch potato movie night? Try these new ideas to mix up your love life this holiday season!

Chances are your mind is on something else as you read this sentence. All too often, we dwell on memories in the past or fret about what may or may not happen in the future. Instead, why not live in the moment.

In the spirit of giving, many of us have no idea what to give to other people (seriously, people can be super picky). But this holiday season, maybe the best thing to give to someone is support if they come out to their family and friends over winter break.

Now that the semester is over and we can breathe a sigh of relief that we didn’t completely fail that final (or maybe you did but who cares because it’s over and you can go sleep), parties are in full swing to celebrate holidays, graduation and not having to wake up for 8 a.m. classes for a few weeks.

Conflicts arise on a daily basis, be it with your friends, your classmates, your group-mates, your family or basically anyone you interact with. Often, these conflicts can be easily resolved through clear communication, but we get emotional and a simple conversation turns into a screaming match instead.

Everyone wants their trip away to be perfect, but vacations rarely run so smoothly. Sometimes you forget to pack certain things, your baggage is overweight, and flights are missed.

Spread healthy holiday cheer this season with these refreshing sweet treats. Strawberry Santas take no more than 30 minutes and require very few ingredients – the perfect combination for busy students this time of year.

As we head home for the holidays after a semester jam-packed with exams, it goes without saying that a wave of relief can finally wash over us. Finals will be over and without a worry in the world we’ll begin our happy voyage back to home base.

Buying gifts for your closest friends is relatively easy, but when you aren’t super close with your roommates or have to do a Secret Santa with someone in your org, buying a good, cheap gift can be hard. Don’t worry – let Valley help you find the best gift for any situation!

As the year winds down, tempers are getting as short as the daylight hours. There are way too many exams, papers, work and other stresses – and way too little time to keep calm. Relaxing may seem like a luxury at this point but there are ways to make it a lot more doable.

We’re approaching finals week and the weather is frigid and unforgiving, so I figured there was no better week for a soup recipe. This is one of my mom’s favorite soups to make when I’m at home, so I made it my own.

Growing up, my mom always had two things in her hands on Christmas morning: a cup of coffee and a piece of paper. While my sister and I tore open our presents, she made lists—carefully recording each item and its sender.

There’s no denying that college is incredibly stressful. There are papers, group assignments, exams, clubs, organizations, and finding the time to still have some sort of social life.

Let’s just admit it now—it’s hard enough to find that perfect gift for our siblings, parents, friends and significant others (and still be in the positive in our bank accounts) without thinking about, well, everyone else.

The holidays are a wonderful time – you get a break from school, you get to see your family and friends and you get to eat awesome food. The downside to all of those awesome things: the distant relatives that you see over break and the awkward questions they always ask.

Being in the bubble that is Happy Valley can sometimes make us forget about things from back home. The feeling of our bed, how our parents probably don’t approve of every decision we’re making, what it’s like to have a home-cooked meal, what it’s like to hang out with our high school friends – oh right, our high school friends.