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How To Hold A Virtual Friendsgiving in 2020

Nov 03, 2020

The holidays might look a little bit different this year, but that’s okay! 

Specifically, if you’re looking to gather ‘round and celebrate Friendsgiving with the people in your life. 

So, how do you hold a virtual Friendsgiving? It’s easier than you think! In this post, we’ll break down what you can do to ensure that this year’s festivities truly go off without a hitch. 

First, Build Your List 

The first thing you’ll want to do is determine who’s getting a Friendsgiving invite to this year’s event. 

Especially with so much going on, it’s going to be important to let everyone know the plan well in advance. That way, people can be prepped, technology can be sorted, and everything can go smoothly. 

You might not think that punctuality is an issue when we’re all at home, but you’d be surprised! So, make sure you put together a list of everyone you are inviting and get them on an email thread, a WhatsApp group, or a Facebook conversation. 

Pick Your Tech 

For months, we’ve all gotten accustomed to using various meeting platforms at school, with friends, or at work. 

This means that one of your first considerations for a virtual Friendsgiving has to be which platform you’re going to use. Do you go with Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet?

One of the most user-friendly platforms has to be Zoom, and it’s also one of the most familiar. That said, Google Meet is also super easy — especially for those who are older and have a hard time working meeting software. 

Either way, everyone needs to get on the same page and ensure they have all of the updates, which leads us to our next point! 

Send A Proper Invite 

After you’ve decided who’s coming and what you’re going to be using, send a proper invite! 

Make sure everyone knows: 

• The Date 
• The Time 
• The Link 
• The Activities 

This way, there’s no confusion and no excuses when the time comes. In addition, everyone can get their meeting link in one place and in one email — there’s no margin for error! 

Socially-Distanced Friendsgiving Games & Activities 

Now that you’re all around the virtual table, here’s what you can play to have a great time… 

Dinner Delivery Roulette 

The first thing you’re probably thinking is: “what’s everyone going to eat?” 

That can actually be an activity in and of itself! For example, you could all pick a name (secret Santa style) and order food off UberEats or DoorDash for one another. That way, everyone gets a surprise. 

Or, you can play virtual bartender, share an ingredients list with everyone (in your invite) and do a walkthrough of a drink or a dish that everyone can make together. Then, you can review your work with one another! 

Jackbox 

This has to be one of the most popular mediums for socially-distanced hangouts. 

Jackbox is an online platform that can be accessed through multiple channels (Playstation, Xbox, PC, or even your phone) and has a compendium of different games that can be played by large groups of people. 

Keep in mind, the maximum number is 10 people, so make sure you have a good idea of who’s attending or else some folks may have to wait for their turn. Either way, this is a great way to make virtual gaming accessible for everyone! 

QuizUp 

Everyone loves trivia night, right? 

That said, trivia nights have fallen by the wayside thanks to the pandemic. But, there are loads of great online platforms that can simulate what a night at a pub’s trivia night used to be like — one of them is QuizUp. 

Choosing from a whole host of different categories, you can celebrate Friendsgiving by flexing your trivia muscles and showing everyone how much you know (or, sometimes, how much you don’t know). 

All you have to do is download the app and hop on your video chat — the rest will be trivia history! 

Cards Against Humanity 

This has to be one of the most modern games to have become such an instant classic. The best part, too, is that it’s actually quite easy to play while being socially distanced!

Worried about NSFW content? Don’t worry, there’s both a family version and an adult version, so you can choose the one that makes the most sense (whether it’s with coworkers or with grandma). 

Either way, Cards Against Humanity is an easy, and free, way to enjoy Friendsgiving! 

Things May Be Different…

But, they can still be fun! This year might look a little different, but if you plan ahead and make a consideration or two, things will be just as seamless and, potentially, more fun than ever.

We hope you have a fantastic Friendsgiving this year — celebrating with friends, family, or whoever brings joy to your life during these less-than-ideal times! Enjoy!

Article: http://www.friendsgivingideas.com/how-to-hold-a-virtual-friendsgiving-in...

Seven Tips for Adjusting Your Study Habits During COVID-19

Sep 09, 2020

Things may feel out-of-control right now. You may be facing a lot of unknowns and disruptions. Try to be patient with yourself, your classmates, and your instructors during this time. Making a plan and adjusting your studying may help you feel a little sense of control. Here are some tips to help guide you:

1. Stay organized.

With so many things changing in your courses, you might be reliving that first-week-of-class confusion at a finals-week pace. You may also be having to learn to pace yourself through your units, which can feel daunting. Here are some things you might want to track for each class: 

• Whether or not your class will continue to meet virtually at the regularly scheduled time.
• If not, are there any new parts of the course you will now need to track in place of your class time, such as a discussion board?
• Are assignments changing? Are there new due dates? Will any quizzes or exams be done online? What should you do if you need help?  
• Does the instructor have virtual office hours? When and on what platform?  
• Does the course have an online forum for asking questions? 

2. Avoid multitasking.

If you do more work on your own and your time is less structured, you might be more tempted to multitask. Research shows that few people can succeed at doing multiple things at once or can switch between tasks quickly. 

Consider working on a task for 25 minutes, then rewarding yourself with a 5-minute break. Research suggests this pattern helps achieve better concentration and alleviates “cognitive boredom” in most people. Here is a great resource to help you stay focused 25 minutes at a time! 

3. Make the most of video lectures. 

Some tips: 

•  Find out how to ask questions. Is there a chat feature? A discussion forum?  
•  Close distracting apps and tabs to avoid multitasking.
•  Continue to take notes as you would if you were there in person. Many studies show that notetaking builds the recall of material and helps to increase test scores.
• Watch recordings at normal speed. Watching at faster speeds can decrease retention and result in lower test scores.

4. Set a schedule.

If you find your day lacking structure, setting a schedule for yourself can keep you on task and help you stay motivated. If you don’t already keep a weekly or daily calendar, try using one. Include time for movement, getting outside, and self-care.

If you don’t like sticking to a schedule, try keeping a general to-do list and just make note of important due dates on your calendar. You can use a reminders app on your phone to remind you when assignments are due or when you should get up and get some fresh air. 

5. Find what works for you.

Everyone has different study habits and methods for retaining information. Maybe you need to study in a chair, rather than on your bed or couch. Maybe you need to move to a new spot when you change tasks. Do you need background noise? How about a white noise app?  If you always study in groups, try a virtual or phone-based study session with your peers.  

6. Working with a group or project team.

Remote collaboration will look a little different, but it is possible. Try not to procrastinate. That group project may be out-of-sight, out-of-mind if you aren’t seeing your group members regularly. Try to set up virtual meetings on a recurring basis and take notes on a shared document so you can all stay on the same page.

7. Stay connected and engaged.

Even during social distancing, connecting with family and friends virtually can be more important than ever.

Consider: 

• Scheduling video calls with family and friends. Talking to loved ones can be really helpful when you feel stressed or nervous about something. 
• Taking a break to laugh is also important. 
•  Attend virtual office hours or study groups so that you can stay up on your coursework.

Original Article: https://www.meredith.edu/admissions-blog/seven-tips-for-adjusting-your-s...

Safety and Financial Tips for Young People Moving Out for the First Time

Jul 06, 2020

This is a guest post written by Chris Haymon From Adulting Digest

So, you’re moving out for the first time. Chances are you feel a mixture of excitement, anxiety, happiness, and sadness as you plan to venture out on your own. That’s normal since it’s such a big step for anyone to take in life. Fortunately, there are ways to mitigate some of the negative emotions and protect yourself out in “the real world.” If you’re about to leave home for the first time, here are some tips that can help keep you safe and put you in a good financial position.

Establish Good Habits

You may have had it pretty easy living at home, not having to worry much about safety, cleaning responsibilities, and budgeting. If this is the case, the first thing you need to do is start forming good habits that will help you succeed; ideally, you will establish these habits before you move out. Think about what life will be like on your own, and start to pick up healthy habits to ease the transition, such as doing house chores, creating a budget, and waking up early. 

RELATED: 25 Free Apps That Will Make College Easier

Save Up for a Down Payment

Although you may want to jump into homeownership as quickly as possible, it’s very important to take this process one step at a time. Instead of a low down payment, which will result in higher monthly mortgage payments, take some time to save some money. That way, you can afford a higher document payment, which will result in a smaller home loan. It might take a little longer than you’d like, but you’ll end up saving money in the long run.

Pick a Safe Neighborhood

Choosing a safe place to live is half the battle when it comes to staying safe out on your own. Visit any area you’re considering, research the crime rates, and talk to people who live there to get a feel for the place. No matter how safe the neighborhood, you will want to consider investing in a quality home security system. 

RELATED: 19 Life-Changing Lessons From Billionaire, Mark Cuban

Look Into Life Insurance

Even though preparing will better your chances of living a safe and happy life, none of us knows what the future holds. That’s why it could be worth your time to inquire about life insurance. If you were to die unexpectedly, the right kind of life insurance policy can help your family by covering a good portion of funeral costs, medical expenses, and lost income. Plus, it’s easy to purchase life insurance these days, as you can buy a policy from home and use online calculators to figure out what kind of coverage will work best.

Use Credit Cards

There are advantages and disadvantages to using credit cards. Using debit cards can help keep you accountable to your budget because you will likely have to pay overdraft fees if you overspend. However, with the prevalence of cybercrime these days, it’s safer to use credit cards for transactions. This is because credit cards come with better fraud protection. If someone steals money off your debit card, it comes directly out of your bank account, and it can be a lengthy process to get that money back. Conversely, credit companies can quickly cancel any money you owe for unauthorized charges. 

RELATED: 15 Shocking Businesses You Can Start in College For The Low!

If You Lose Your Debit Card, Cancel It Immediately 

Nonetheless, using a debit card may sometimes be the most practical option. If you ever lose your debit card, however, it’s critical that you call your bank as soon as possible to have the card canceled. Thieves don’t need to know your PIN to spend your money, as a lot of establishments will run debit cards as credit with no signature required. 

Going out on your own is the start of a new chapter and, in many ways, it’s an opportunity to learn who you are. Make the most of it by developing good habits before you move out and choosing a home in a safe neighborhood. Also, considering life insurance will provide a cushion for your loved ones if you were to unexpectedly pass away. Finally, opting to use credit cards can help secure your money, and if you use debit cards, be sure to cancel them if you ever lose them. With these tips, moving out will feel like an adventure!

Article Link: https://www.collegeentrepreneur101.com/safety-and-financial/