Student Life Archives

Dear AE,

-Fashion-Challenged Pre-Frosh

My Darling FCPF:

Navigating the intricacies of trends can sometimes be as perplexing as tracking Madonna/Esther’s latest religious slant. Fear not, though, because I am constantly ruminating on what I like, and especially what I don’t like, about what fashion troubled co-eds are wearing.

First, let’s discuss what I don’t like, because, frankly, that’s what I enjoy. Let’s talk about those damn poofy skirts all the girliest (and, chillingly, non-girliest) of lasses are wearing. I mean, is it a lampshade? Is it granny’s lacey antique? Is it a cheap piece of crap? Hmm. Here’s a hint: they’re not flattering on anyone! Look thunder thighs, throw them out, get a life.

Next on the hit list, let’s think, reluctantly, on those Ugg boots and jean skirts. Sisters, come on! In what parallel universe is the combination of polar preventative and cowboy (un)chic actually plausible? It’s ugly, neigh, fugly. Go to Schnuck’s, buy some gasoline and matches, and have a bonfire. It’s warm… you won’t need sheepskin-lined footwear.

Moving on, let’s not ignore the male species. Are you kidding with those sweatbands sported on wrist and forehead? And what of the “Jewfro” you allow to sprout on your head? You do want to find a little lady to settle down with, don’t you? And those who defy gravity by wearing your collars up-honestly, what in the hell are you doing? Is it cool? Did I miss the memo? Is there some frat boy manual that someone forgot to give me? Fill me in, because I have to know!

Alas, there are just so many more faux pas. The overabundance of Longchamp and Herve bags in the festive colors are atrocious. The fact that people still think it’s okay to buy Kate Spades is also mind-blowing. The wearing of Juicy suits when it is 98 degrees outside. You are wearing something made out of towel material, fools! And lose the Tiffany bracelets and necklaces, already. You know it’s time to be free of your accoutrements when Target is vending knock-offs. Seriously, folks.

And as for the things that I do like, well looks like there simply isn’t enough space. I’m sure you’re heartbroken, or at least somewhat devoid of self-esteem. So go forth FCPF and dress wisely, or else I will hunt you down and give you a makeover. Which might not be a bad idea.

-Cory Schneider

Monica O’Malley:

The time has come to hit the books, hopefully hit the hay, and maybe even to hit it. And yes, I mean “hit it” in that oh-so-cool subtle rapper way. I’m smooth like that.

But whether you are looking for a little lovin,’ or even actual love, the search is far from simple. But it does get easier with each year of college. No, wait, it doesn’t. Sorry.

Why such a pessimistic attitude? Because it’s the truth. But don’t worry. The optimism returns. I am here to offer my small piece of wisdom to you: stop looking for love…or whatever it is that you’d like.

Whether you’re a guy or a girl, the following fact holds true. If you want to pick someone up, don’t live your life wanting to pick someone up.

Men and women alike can smell neediness and desperation, even in the smallest degree. For women it’s a kind of sixth sense, right up there with the ability to know when a cute baby or cute shoes walk into a room.

For men, well…I never presumed to understand men. But they can smell it, too. That I know.

But please don’t take this the wrong way. I’m not suggesting playing hard to get. I don’t suggest you should never make the first move.

If you like someone you should go talk to them. Hell, just smile at them!

But don’t depend on them to make your life everything you want it to be. You must first find a certain sense of happiness and resolution in your single-ness before you try to find it in couple-dom.

You want someone to drool at the thought of being with you? Then make sure you think yourself drool worthy. Only then can you live your life without looking for love like a sailor looks for icebergs, with constant vigilance.

Joshua Trein:

Now that school has begun, both love and the West Nile virus are in the air, and it is time for Joshua to do what he does best: provide advice of questionable merit for a problem he wasn’t asked to solve.

You’re no doubt thinking-what does one have to do to get a date around here? To be quite honest, I have no idea. To give you some idea of how off my perception of dating is, I fully expected to have some luck with the ladies in the organic chemistry course I took over the summer.

If you can’t stumble onto love in a semi-advanced science course, I lamented, where can you find it?

And then it hit me (not as hard as the young woman in my orgo class after I made an unfortunately misunderstood remark about multi-step syntheses, but hard nonetheless): there’s a damn good reason many go dateless here, myself included.

We don’t talk to anyone.

For all the complaining I did my sophomore year about being single, I never once took the initiative to do the unthinkable and *gasp* talk to a young woman. I let my excuses overtake my resolve at every possible turn.

Is this what I want out of my 20s? Wishing I had more self-confidence with which to meet lovers? Talking to a stranger is no doubt difficult, but over-intellectualizing it belies a simple truth: there is no such thing as self-confidence when it comes to dating!

Those who have successfully convinced themselves that meeting new people isn’t scary are merely experts at self-deception. After all, what is a racing heart or a shaky hand but a direct indication that every time we begin to fall in love we have no idea what the hell we’re doing? I don’t have many answers, but I know that I have a much better chance of finding someone when I’m an active part of life than when I’m alone, wondering where the world went. So, to all the young women in my Eukaryotic Genomes lecture, consider this fair warning. See you all next week.

Though classes were more than a week away, students participating in Wash U’s Leadership Through Service pre-orientation program already had a full load. After eating breakfast at an hour most college students try to avoid, they ventured off campus into St. Louis, another thing many students avoid.

“I think this set of students see things in St. Louis that their peers will never see,” said Stephanie Kurtzman, advisor to LTS. “They get to talk about things facing the people in this region and do, by some standards, more community service than some people will do.”

Three days offered a wide sampling of what the world outside the Wash U Bubble has to offer. Students visited plant nurseries, food banks and shelters. They took an inner city tour that included Clinton-Peabody Public Housing Projects, which stuck out in the mind of freshman Kevin Sullivan after his first day of LTS.

“Our first day was a lot different than I thought it would be,” Sullivan said, before hurrying off to the next activity. “I thought we’d mainly be doing service projects but we also ended up on this tour. It was a pretty eye opening experience for lots of people.”

The next day found the LTS crew at Faith House, a home for abused and neglected children. For freshman Amber Barkly, it was a chance to learn some baby talk.

“These kids were at a stage where they can’t talk, but they make sounds, so you have to guess what they mean,” said Barkly. “That was really fun. We read Dr. Suess and then they all wanted to be airplanes so I swung them around.”

Even without the kids around, there were plenty of fun and games. Participants soon shared a bond known only by those subjected to moderately embarrassing team-building activities.

“We’ve had a chance to get to know each other and play some ice-breaking games, which is a good thing, because we’re all incoming freshmen,” said Dan Tilden, who found himself an impromptu spokesman for the “Dreidl Extreme” during one game.

LTS has become a tradition sustained by past participants who keep coming back for more. Gillian Fairchild, a coordinator, got a head start on her own freshman year through LTS two years ago.

“Before LTS, I didn’t really have any experience at Wash U,” said Fairchild, just before the arrival of the new recruits. “But I met a great group of friends that I’m still really close to and [LTS] just helped me find myself and where I wanted to go at college.”

Fairchild’s co-coordinator, junior Rajeev Jahagirdar, remembers playing checkers with residents of a nursing home, which, just two years later, closed due to lack of funding.

“You’re at Wash U to get an education, but through service you see and learn about what’s bigger than you,” said Jahagirdar. “I think LTS shows that you can use that education as a tool to change the community.”

Kristen Chopra

Chinese Noodle Caf‚

One of the newest additions to the international flavor on the Loop, Chinese Noodle Caf‚ will surely fill your belly without emptying your wallet.

From the moment you step through the doors, the friendly staff and owners greet you with a smile and cater to your every need. Moderately priced authentic Chinese cuisine is served fresh and piping hot, whether dining in or carrying out.

The Combo Plate Specials, which include a heaping portion of fried rice and an egg roll with your main dish, provide enough food for late night munchies or lunch the next day. Of the House Specials, the General Tso’s Shrimp, which offers a unique spin on the more traditional General Tso’s Chicken, is particularly delicious.

Virtually nothing on the menu costs more than $10.00 Vibrant colors in the food and on the walls make the setting of this restaurant that opened in late December of 2003 “feel like a comfy home,” said owner Peggy Hou.

She continued to say that she only serves the freshest meat and vegetables and that she tends to super-size students’ portions.

Having only been opened for 3 months, Chinese Noodle Caf‚ was voted No. 5 for best menu items by the Riverfront Times. Chinese Noodle Caf‚ is located at 6138 Delmar in the Loop, east of the Pageant. For take-out orders, call 314-725-9889.

Thai Country Caf‚

Thai Country Caf‚ has been a staple of dining out in the Loop for years. Located at 6223 Delmar, this incredibly authentic Thai restaurant will make you feel like you are riding a tuk-tuk in Bangkok.

The dishes and atmosphere stimulate the senses with an authenticity that is unmatched by any other Thai restaurant in the St. Louis area. The portions will send you home with a very satisfied stomach.

Start off with the Thai Iced Tea for a smooth, sweet taste that is a signature component of this distinct menu.

The fried rice dishes are unlike any flavor that you will find from other Far Eastern cuisine. Try No. 16 or No. 19 for a fantastic fried rice feast. The Thai BBQ Chicken (No. 28) is a succulent, peanut flavored surprise.

When dining in, be prepared for a long wait if the dining room is crowded, which it often is. Make sure you curb your craving for this tantalizing Thai food on Tuesdays since this is the one day of the week when the restaurant is closed.

If you’re pressed for time, place an order over the phone, 314-862-0787, and in less than 30 minutes, your order will be ready.

Last night, Chancellor Wrighton addressed the members of the class of 2008 at the Freshman Convocation. Though this will be the last time that this entire group will be together, for the next few weeks these freshmen will all struggle with the many challenges associated with the beginning of their college career: new introductions, new classes, new conversations, new rooms. We asked a few of the freshmen in Student Life’s Freshman Press pre-orientation program to reflect on their new beginning.

Shannon Petry:
One thing I’ve learned this summer is that shopping for my dorm room is about as time-consuming as the actual college application process. I think my friends and I have spent more time comparing towel brands at Linens ‘N Things recently than we ever spent working on our Common App essays last fall! I’ve been so focused on the residential aspect of college that the last time I thought about my class schedule was probably when I counted the number of notebooks (college-ruled, of course) I needed to buy for this semester.

Now, as orientation looms, I’ve had enough of dorm shopping and I’m eager to get settled and start classes. But I’m most looking forward to finding my place at Wash U and beginning the time that a myriad of graduation cards promise will be the best four years of my life.

Allie Wieczorek:
This summer was probably one of the worst of my life. I loved my job, but every minute I wasn’t working I found myself bored to death. My friends were more or less impossible to be around, as they spent much of their time reminiscing about high school and getting nervous about college. I spent a lot of time alone because my other option was to sit around and let my friends take out their nerves and anxieties on me. Everyone was extra edgy and constantly butting heads. Up until I arrived on campus, I saw this as a bad thing.

But then I realized that this miserable summer couldn’t have prepared me better for school. Most people sacrificed their amazing friends and social lives for Wash U just a few days ago, but I took care of that a few months ago. So my apprehensions about school are few and far between. Because the biggest adjustment to make has already been made.

Daniel Milstein:
For the past three years, I’ve been asked one question so often it makes “Hey Ya” seem new: “Where are you going to school next year?” For the first two years, I would always give the same, tired, “Oh, I’m still going to Packer, I’ll be a sophomore/junior,” which would garner the response, “Aren’t you like 20?” But last year, about a month before my 18th birthday, I started varying my answers. To people who live in my apartment building, I’d still say “Packer,” but to people whom I had met through various other endeavors, I would say, “I’m going to Colorado School of Mines!” or to people who only knew me from my politics, “I’ve decided to join the army.” Most people didn’t believe me, but I needed to break the routine.

But after I was accepted at Wash U I finally was able to truthfully answer the question, even though it came with the inevitable “Is that in Seattle or DC?” For me, that’s what college will be. Both an answer to the question, and now, an end to the question. Packing, preparing, that can all come later. But for now, I’ll lay back and see if I can turn on the radio and not hear Outkast.

Jennifer Serot:
A mountain of clutter fills all corners of my room. Where is everything exactly? I am not sure, but it is all there. I think. Everything from my new virus free laptop to my pleasantly smelling soaps, shampoos and conditioners is carefully arranged in a miniature suitcase and piled on my once neat wood floor. How long will it take to schlep all this junk to school? Who knows: Hours, days, months?

I have never looked fondly upon change and this is a change of gargantuan proportion. My new motto is out with the old and in the new. I fear that my suitemates will loathe my habits and I will find a nuisance in theirs. Time will tell. No sense in worrying about the small pieces of the larger puzzle. I will keep reminding myself that everyone is nervous to come to a new place. I hope I am not the only one filled with excitement, even though the excitement is outweighed by apprehension.

Margaret Bauer

Under $100
Decorator: Sarah Baicker

Decorating a dorm room on a $100 budget? Surely a difficult task for even the most resourceful and frugal student. Yes, it seems daunting, and yes, it will take much more work and creativity than decorating with $300 or $500, but it’s totally achievable. What follows are a handful of items that will add a cool and comfortable feel to your “home away from home,” that friends and roommates will envy, and that won’t make much of a dent into your savings.

Crucial to anyone’s dorm room is a way to incorporate photos of friends from back home. Sure, it’s easy and inexpensive to just tape a couple pictures to the walls, but why stop there? This year, I’m using a frame I found at Ikea, and it’s easily the coolest and most unique way to incorporate 21 photos I’ve ever come across. It’s like a cross between a film reel and a photo frame, called “Drops,” and it costs $9.99. Unfortunately, the closest Ikea to St. Louis is in Chicago, but-never fear!-it’s available on Ikea.com.

Crayola makes “Window FX Washable Markers” that are great for doodling all over windows, mirrors, or other similar surfaces. For only $4, they’re not only a creative way to add personal flair to your living space, but they’re inexpensive, especially because they can be reused again and again.

Looking for a free and unique way to cover a wall? Try postcards! Many companies use free postcards as advertisements for their products. These postcards can usually be found in restaurants and shops in most cities, and often they’re really funny, clever, or at least cool to look at. Try covering an entire wall (or two or three) with a postcard mosaic. My best friend at BU did this her freshman year, and her room was easily the coolest I have ever seen.

Okay, okay, I’ll admit that using Christmas lights in a dorm room is a far-from-unique idea, but I’m going to suggest it anyway. Christmas lights are cheap, especially now in the off-season, and can be found at Target for $5, or possibly less. They definitely add a certain feel to a room, and can create a very cool, very “party-ish” atmosphere when it’s dark.

If you ask me, one of the most important things to do when you’re living in a dorm room is cover the bleak, stark-white walls. Forgetting to do so can definitely leave your room feeling institution-like, and really, who wants that? Ideas like postcards and photos can only do this so much, and this is why I’m a fan of the tapestry. A tapestry, for those who don’t know, is like a big, flat sheet, usually with a cool pattern or colorful picture on it. The one I use is from Urban Outfitters’ sale section, and a variety of them can be found there for $15.99 on their Web site, www.urbn.com.

Another way to add color to your room is to put up curtains. You can get them for $15 at Target. This idea might seem insignificant, or even unimportant, on a $100 budget. But, to be honest, I’ve gotten more compliments on the inclusion of curtains in my room than on some of the other stuff I wish people had chosen to remark on; they really complete a room. For $5 more, you can get a plastic, expandable rod to hang them up.

I’ve focused a lot on walls in this list, but covering bleak walls is certainly not all that’s necessary to complete a look. So, returning once again to Ikea, I’m going to have to recommend the plethora of brightly colored, crazily patterned sheets and bedspreads they offer, for $19.99 each. I don’t even have a favorite; I like them all, and they’re all comfortable, too.

Another way to add personal and expense-free flavor to your living space is to use Microsoft Word (we all have it anyway) to make your own calendar. You can include pictures of friends, family, pets or just random photographs of anything you can think of. This is definitely much more fun and creative than going to K-Mart and picking up whatever calendar you find there.

So, we’ve come down to the final $25. I’m going to have to suggest the “No Boundaries” floor lamp from Walmart (I know, I know, but work with me-we’re on a tight budget here). It’s really cool, colorful, and provides the extra light that you’ll need, especially if you’re living in one of the new dorms with flickering, buzzing lights.

There you have it… a decorated dorm room for a total of $98.96! Good luck, and remember: putting together your room is supposed to be a great, creative way to express yourself. Have fun!

Under $300
Decorator: Adrienna Huffman

Your dorm room has just become your second home, and before the year really takes off, you might as well as make it a place of your own. Even with just $300, you can do plenty to clothe those naked walls, beautify functional storage containers, and mask the bright fluorescent lights.

Designing your room with a neutral color scheme will appeal to a mass of appetites and styles. Lately, stores are featuring more minimalist furniture and designs, some of which I’ve incorporated into this dorm room enhancement. So, I would call the decoration inspiration for this dorm a natural, Asian-minimalist approach.

To begin this transformation, Bed Bath and Beyond, in the same shopping complex as Target, sells beautiful wall tapestries that will cover any large wall since they run 72 inches wide by 108 inches long, for only $19.99. They come in all sorts of patterns and colors to suit an array of tastes and the tapestry alone will add a bohemian flavor to your dorm room while covering a wall, or even the ceiling, for less money than several posters.

Extra seating is a must, especially for friends and visitors, and Bed Bath and Beyond sells comfortable yet space efficient seating, called “Slinky Chairs,” moderately priced at $39.99. These too come in distinct colors, to match your bedding and tapestry.

Our next stop is Target, for a practical yet pleasing 5 by 8 foot jute area rug, made by Bali for $69.99. Its neutral color will suit the wall tapestry and chair, while giving a homey feel to the room.

Following our neutral theme, Target also sells an Asian themed floor lamp with a rice paper shade, for $29.99, that would harmonize perfectly with the jute rug and tapestry while brightening the room, so you won’t have to use the dingy overhead florescent lamps. In addition, some natural colored window shades, for $27.99, and a decorative window rod, for $19.99, complete the natural, earthy feel.

For storage, I recommend three rectangular dark brown wicker baskets, also at Target for $29.99 a piece, which will add plenty of extra, decorated storage space while complementing the other room accessories.

However, the lack of color in this room design could be dull and bland for some students. An easy solution is that all of the room decorations chosen come in an array of colors and patterns. So instead of the neutral colored jute rug, your tastes might be better suited to a patterned rug of distinct colors, or window shades that, instead of detracting attention from the eye, bring a viewer’s focus to the only natural light in the room.

And for a grand total of $298, your dorm room could look and feel like a home away from home, with just a trip down the red line and a two-stop shopping spree.

Under $500
Decorator: Kristin McGrath

The negative effects of stress are numerous and include lowered immunity, lowered concentration, and a lowered sex drive. So rejuvenate your ever dwindling sanity with a room full of cheerful colors and soothing d‚cor. Serenity now!

Replace the prison-cell-chic of your cold tile floor with the playful exuberance of a giant jigsaw puzzle! The colorful foam pieces, available for $14.99 at Target interlock to cover any floor.

Liven up the white cement void that is your ceiling with a groovy tapestry from Sunshine Daydream Imports on the Loop. For $19.99 you’ll have something fun to stare at while procrastinating.

Your bare room is like an empty canvas, so decorate it with colorful Gel Gems ($10.50 at Dry Ice in the Galleria). Available in assorted shapes, they adhere easily to your wall, ceiling, mirror, or roommate.

Studies say that watching fish in an aquarium eases stress. How appropriate, then, that a mini desktop fishtank from Petsmart ($19.99) fits right in next to your computer.

Once you sit in one of Target’s plush, form-fitting Dish Chairs, it’s virtually impossible to leave. For $28.00, you can make lots of new friends!

Revamp your window with a cascade of color. With the Beaded Curtain Rainbow from Dry Ice in the Galleria ($29.00), you can brighten up those gray venetian blinds.

Upgrade from the average beanbag chair to a velvety, foam-filled Poof Chair from Futon Express on the Loop. At $149.95, the chair is a small price to pay for having the most popular room on your floor.

Adorn your bed with Sand-filled Moshi Pillows available for just $9.99 at Linens ‘n Things. They come in cheerful colors and cute animal shapes, and, best of all, have the texture of a stress ball!

Your professors will make sure you spend lots of time sitting at your desk. Make this experience less physically damaging with a comfortable swivel office chair ($47.49 at Best Buy).

Tending a Zen Garden is said to clear the chaotic mind. A desktop Zen Garden for $19.99 from Bed Bath and Beyond includes sand, a rake, and stones. You provide the chaos.

Your dorm d‚cor reflects your personality. So add some flavor to your desk with something unique, like a funky lamp from Phoenix Rising on the Loop for $66.

Just because your bed looks like something you’d find at summer camp doesn’t mean it can’t be elegant. Dress it up with a flowing canopy from Linens ‘n Things for $39.99.

After transforming your room into a cozy sanctuary, counter the buzzing radiator and your neighbor’s midnight confessions with a Nature Sounds clock from Bed Bath and Beyond. For $24.99, you can fall asleep to birds chirping and wake up to cathedral bells.