Lacourciere, Steven A: August 2009 Archives

Today is August 18 and move-in day is only 11 days away!  Summer is coming to a screeching halt, but I think I’m ready.  I bought all the big things like a bed comforter and sheets, refrigerators, and a tv.  Now I’m working on the small stuff like some new clothes, food, etc.  I’ve never met my roommate, but I talked to him online and he seems really nice.  He’s bringing a microwave and I am bringing a tv.  We are both bringing a refrigerator.  You can’t have too much space for extra food and drinks right?

Although I am excited for school, I will miss summer.  I’ll miss going to the beach and yes I will even miss these 95 degree days.  I’m not sure if I’ll miss working 25 to 30 hours a week, but having the extra money will be very helpful during the year.  Although I am quite lucky I was even able to find a job this summer since I know a couple of my friends couldn’t find work.  I do have a feeling that I will become a poor college student soon.  I don’t know how, but everyone seems to become poor in college.

It is somewhat depressing that summer is ending, but it is exciting to be starting college in less than two weeks.  This is a major step in my life and I plan to take full advantage of this opportunity.  I wish tomorrow was Augsut 29^th!

Freshman Orientation was awesome! I was able to make new friends, sleep in the resident halls, and even find out my schedule.

At orientation, we were split up into about fourteen groups. (I was in group 7) For most of the orientation, we stayed on South Campus, but we did take a tour of North Campus. Other activities included seeing a skit performed by the orientation leaders and some ice-breaker games.  The skit showed all the stereotypes of college and it was actually hilarious. The games were a great way to meet new people and start conversations because it can be a little awkward when you don’t know anybody.  The best activity was definitely staying in the Campus Recreation Center for a couple hours on the first night.  This was where you got to spend a lot of time with your new friends and play basketball, ping pong, pool, and much more! I’m not very good at ping pong, but I did win a game of HORSE so I guess it balances out.  There were also some seminars and speeches, but if you pay attention, volunteer, and answer questions, you win prizes so they are still fun.  Everyone was really nice and the leaders were helpful and they answered all of our questions.  Being able to sleep in a residence hall was a good experience too.  We were actually able to order some pizza at a local place at night and there was a huge thunderstorm at about two in the morning, but I love thunderstorms so it just added to the great experience.   And we even got our schedule at the end of orientation! I have an 8:30 class four days a week and I think that’s way too early for a college student (just kidding), but I guess I might need some caffeine.  The university tried to put the people in your orientation group in the same classes so at least we recognize some faces on the first day of classes.

The two day orientation was a very informative and fun experience.  And don’t forget to be FIRED UP!

Hello! My name is Steven Lacourciere and I am an incoming freshman at UMass Lowell.  I’m from Methuen, Massachusetts. If you aren’t from the area, Methuen is about a 10-15 minute drive from Lowell. I graduated from Central Catholic High School.  I will be majoring in Biology and I will be living on campus.  Many people find this weird, but I love to run and I’m really excited to use the Recreation Center on campus.  I am planning on joining the Ultimate Frisbee club in the fall too.  In high school, I ran cross country and played soccer.  I learned in high school that getting involved is great way to meet new people and really feel that you belong in the community, so I’m trying to do the same here at UMass Lowell.

Well this was just a mini introduction and I will try to blog as often as possible to keep you all updated on student life on campus.  And if any of you have any questions about the school, student life, being a freshman etc, do not be afraid to ask me in the comments section.  You can ask me about anything!  I will answer all of your questions honestly.  I can’t wait until August 29 to move in!  I’ll talk to you all very soon!