Recent grad Julia McAleavey shares guidance through this advice column for incoming students. A student with well-rounded experience, Julia earned a bachelor’s in advertising this spring. She transferred to Rowan her sophomore year, after another school wasn’t a great fit. While at Rowan she started as an exploratory studies major, unsure of what to major in. She’s lived both on campus and off campus, held student worker jobs and internships, and participated in clubs and sports.
Rowan offers plenty of dining options for first-year students and beyond. Between all of the stations at the Holly Pointe Cafe, the eight or so restaurants in the Marketplace, and everywhere you can use your Rowan Bucks and Dining Dollars at, the options seem endless.
Soon, however, you will become tired of eating the same five things in the cafe, and you probably used all of your Rowan Bucks three weeks in. With all of the studying and activities you’re involved in, eating may even seem impossible. As a freshman, you unfortunately do not have your own kitchen, but as a new transfer you might. In either case, you have this magical device called a microwave that you can cook plenty of substantial foods in (I know, I couldn’t believe it either).
Here are some of my favorite foods that I made in my microwave freshman year.
Kraft Easy Mac n Cheese: If you don’t make this in your microwave during college, did you even go? Kraft Mac n Cheese cups are the best microwavable dish. The best part about them is that they’re so easy to make, a toddler can do it. The directions are right on the cup and your food is ready in minutes! They are also inexpensive, come in bulk, and are easy to store in your room. (Editor note: remember to put water in your Easy Mac – not doing so is one of the leading causes of fire alarms in the dorms. Yes, really.)
Chicken Nuggets: Since you have the mini fridge right under your microwave, you can absolutely keep some chicken nuggets in there. They are quick, easy, and a classic that never gets old. Just make sure to read how long to cook them for so you don’t undercook them.
Pizza rolls/Bagel Bites: Another classic, childhood favorite item. They can easily be stored in the mini fridge and are ready to eat in minutes. Pizza rolls and Bagel Bites make the perfect snack or light lunch when you need something fast.
Duncan Hines Cake in a Mug: Perfect for when you need a little comfort food. It is like baking a fresh cake at home, but you have the convenience of making it in your microwave (just don’t forget to pack a mug!) They come in so many different flavors, it makes it almost impossible to choose! My favorite is the banana bread, just to make it a little easier for you. 
In all honesty, I highly suggest utilizing the cuisine Rowan provides for you most of the time. There are times though, where you are busy studying or need to rush around from work to class, and that just isn’t possible. These microwavable foods are great options and are super easy to make. Enjoy them!
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Story by:
Julia McAleavey, advertising graduate
Along with programming, resident assistants are available for the students they serve on a deeper level. Once a semester, resident assistants conduct a one-on-one meeting with students. During these meetings, students will be able to discuss academics, involvement, the environment in the residence halls, overall emotional/mental health, and any other concerns the student may have. Resident assistants have a list of resources available to help direct students not only during one-on-one meetings, but at any point throughout the semester as well. 
Borrowing items is okay, but always ask! 
Overall, living in a dorm with a complete stranger is an adjustment. If you’ve never shared a room before, this is the first time you do not truly have your own space. Your first year roommate doesn’t have to be your best friend at Rowan, but following these suggestions will at least help you to get along in your living space. If you have issues that won’t get better, or your roommate is doing things in your room that make you feel unsafe or uncomfortable, don’t be afraid to talk to your resident assistant. They are there to help you work things out. Right now, try not to worry so much about it. Go into your new living space with an open mind and positive attitude. With that mindset, you and your new roommate will be off to a great start. 
ready to move away from home. The freedom is great, I won’t deny that, but you will definitely miss your family more than you think you will. Do not be embarrassed by this, it happens to everyone. It is okay to go home for a weekend or schedule video chats to spend time with them. After all, closeness to home is probably one of the reasons why you chose an in-state school. If you happen to be out-of-state, however, FaceTime and other video chat options are super helpful. Plus, the Philadelphia airport is only about a half hour away, making it convenient to go home for the holidays. Weekends at Rowan are great, especially once you get involved and get to know people, but there is nothing as refreshing as a weekend home with the people you’ve known your whole life. 
If you’re craving some sunshine, I recommend a trip to Alcyon Park in Pitman, NJ — less than a 10-minute drive from campus! Invite a family member, pet or roommate (if you’re safely quarantined together) and set out on your journey. I suggest taking a backpack along with you, with supplies including plenty of water, some granola bars, sunscreen, sunglasses or a hat, and anything else you might need during an outdoor adventure.
Cherry Hill, NJ (Camden County) and shares his research experience during his time at Rowan.
What did your research beyond the classroom entail? 
We have a variety of projects being done with the data we collect. My specific project involved conducting a study with an ultimate goal of creating a predictive model for cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Blooms (cHABs) across South Jersey. I surveyed 26 small reservoirs collecting data for various environmental variables and photo indicators phycocyanin and chlorophyll. We also took raw water samples back to Science Hall and with the help of Dr. Carone, developed a qPCR (quantitative polymerase chain reaction) to account for cyanobacterial cell densities. This was also done for the weekly sampling which gave us temporal data — how the cyanobacterial composition varies across the season. 
Sports
Many freshmen come in panicked if they don’t know what they do yet. You might think that if you do not have a major, you are doomed for all eternity. Quite frankly, I’ve learned that it is just the opposite. Not deciding on a major in the beginning can actually be a really positive thing for your academic career. Going in as an undecided major, called 
Maggie Paige Boutique is the perfect place to go. This clothing and accessories store is
Growing up, Emily loved playing with all of her grandmother Margaret’s clothes and costume jewelry. Since her grandmother started her love for fashion, Emily wanted to honor her by naming the store Maggie. 
Emily’s ultimate goal for the store is to create affordable and accessible fashion for women. Prices range from $19-$60.
Being part of a writing organization (the college I’m transferring from didn’t have one, but my high school did!).
Favorite faculty moment: 
works. I have the joy of actually visiting courtrooms and seeing attorneys in action in a legal setting. Though there are so many aspects to the law, being at Hoffman DiMuzio gave me options and avenues that I didn’t know existed.
Tell us about one club, organization or group of friends that make you feel like Rowan is home. 
You’ll feel transported to the Jersey shore boardwalk the second you lay eyes on the menu. Order funnel cake, ice cream floats, and choose from 24 flavors of soft serve. They’re known for their Fruit Freezz drinks. They are formulated with fresh fruit juice and the pulp will definitely get stuck in your teeth in the best way possible. 
Edgar also received support from his mother, who has been in Mexico for the past 10 years. She got “sentimental because she couldn’t be with [him] during that little ceremony.” The image on Edgar’s cap is actually a picture he drew of his mother. He included that as a way to recognize all she’s done for him over the years.
Edgar attributes the video’s viral success to a couple different factors. For one, it was uploaded at just the right time. With the COVID-19 pandemic ruining gatherings of all kinds, these are unprecedented times. Edgar’s uniquely safe way of celebrating acts as a much-needed ray of hope. Edgar says, “I turned a bad situation into something great.” Additionally, the video encourages pride in underappreciated workers. Greenhouses are places of hard manual labor, but Edgar chose to celebrate its beauty instead. Edgar says, “I was aiming at inspiring my community into being proud of where they come from, and to never feel ashamed of our own people.”
that you’d like to continue with at Rowan? 
Why did you choose a university that is in-state for you?
Could you please tell us about your favorite moment with a faculty member or a favorite experience in one of your classes? 
What is one activity, club, sport or hobby that you did in high school that you’d like to continue with at Rowan? 
