Crunch Time

Thats it folks! The first semester in finished! But now comes that dreaded time of year....exams. The most stressful time for many, exams mark a milestone in the school year. Its the mid-way part of the year, and as scary as may be, there are many positives to take from the exam period. Some of these are:

1) Its Christmas. Need i say more? Christmas is a time of sharing and caring, and residence is blooming with the Christmas spirit this time of year. Potlucks, decorations, Christmas music, and ugly sweaters fill the hallways. Who could complain about that?

2) Home. As soon as exams are done, a much deserved break comes. Going home to comfy beds, home cooked meals, pets, friends, family, and most importantly, no school work is always a welcomed treat, especially after exams. So when your biting your fingernails at the throughout of exams, just remember the light at the end of the tunnel.

3) Quietness. Exams are the best time to sleep. With people studying all day and night, its often a good time to catch up on sleep while residence has peace and quiet.

For those who are busy studying for exams, here are some quick tips and tricks to help get you through the month.

- Make a study schedule to help give yourself goals and remain organized
- Re-write your notes! This is a great way to increase retention rates.
- Cramming is not the way to go. Trying to cram the night before is proven to be ineffective, as the brain can't process all the information its receiving.
-  Appropriate practice. Use study types that are relevant, such as sample questions for math courses, instead of reading over the material.
- Become distraction free. Turn off the xbox, clean your room, try and remove all the little things like Facebook and Twitter from your study space to avoid temptation.
- Study groups can be helpful, find people in your class and study/ help each other learn the content.
- Finally, take a break! Dont overwhelm yourself, youll work better when your fresh and focused!

Now..there is one thing left to say....GOODLUCK! and see you all in January!

Laurentian's Talent Shines !

In one of the greatest fundraising events in the history of Laurentian Residence, the Laurentian University Talent Show brought forth a plethora of astonishing talent, in one of the most diverse displays of talent ever seen at the school !

Featuring numerous returning acts, including reigning champion Kelsey Anthony, the stage was set for an exciting show. Included in the line up was two acts unlike any I have ever witnessed on the Laurentian stage - a looper, and a juggling unicyclist. Both of these acts - despite some technical difficulty early on - were fabulous, wowing the crowd with their unusual displays of talent. As per usual, the event featured multiple vocal performances in a wide range of styles, including camp songs, mash-ups, ballads, and comical mixes that kept the crowd entertained from start to finish. Another unique act that graced the stage was a dance routine, featuring crazy flexibility, lots of air, and a ridiculous amount of "swag" from the lone male participant in the act.

Each act was exceptional, but at the end of the day, there could only be one winner. After the judges had made the impossible task of narrowing the competition down to a final three, the audience, and competitors eagerly awaited the results. In the end, the top 3 contestants moving onto the final round were: Mash-up genius Kelsey Anthony, crowd favourite Tommy Z, and the ballad belting Laura Power. Each of which now had to perform for the title.

Laura Power was first up, and took the incredibly brave move of performing the timeless classic, "I will always love you", originally performed by Whitney Houston. However, as expected, Laura blew the roof off the auditorium, gaining a standing ovation from a vast majority of the audience and judges alike. An amazing performance.

Next up, Tommy Z. The SSR RA's soulful, heartfelt voice swooned the crowd, with his rendition of "The General". His strong vocal performance won over the crowd, setting the stage for one of the most closely competed finales of all time.

Lastly, the returning champion. Kelsey Anthony mixed humour, intelligent artistry, and a vocal master-class together to remind everyone why she was indeed the reigning champion.

After much deliberation (in various forms), a winner was determined.

.....in third place....Tommy Z


....second place....Laura Power....


Which means...Kelsey Anthony wins again!

Congratulations to all involved on an excellent evening of competition, and congratulations to Kelsey, who we will all be hoping returns yet again, vying for the illusive hat-trick of talent show wins!

However, at the end of the day, the true meaning of the show was the fundraising efforts of all involved. This year, the show was more successful than ever, raising a whopping $8200 dollars for the Easter Seals foundation!

Thank-you to all who made this possible, it could not have happened without you!

Top 3 acts plus hosts present cheque to Easter Seals Ambassador!

It's Hockey Time !

With the NHL lockout looming in the minds of many, the Laurentian Residence gave students a chance to fill their hockey craving with the “1^st Annual Ball Hockey Tournament in Support of Easter Seals!” The event featured 16 teams all fighting the competition, as well as the chilly Sudbury whether in order to be crowned champions at the end of the day.

When all was said and done, “The Muckers” brought home the gold under the floodlights, as the tournament delved deeper into darkness. The Muckers were able to overcome team “Have It” in the final, eventually emerging with a 3-2 to seal the deal.

Tournament organizer Ryan Hicks praised the efforts of all involved, stating that he “couldn’t be more proud of the fundraising efforts of all. We all came together, and were able to raise an incredible $1012 for the Easter Seals foundation”. This is an astonishing achievement, and a special thankyou goes out to anyone, and everyone that came out to support the cause!

Its Zumba time !

I’m not sure what’s more fun than hanging around a bunch of flailing, uncoordinated bodies trying to be sexy for one full hour. I’m being 100% honest here, Residence Zumba is what I look forward to most each week. It’s a total blast dancing to fun, upbeat songs, while at the same time getting in a pretty decent workout. It’s not as intimidating as some may think, the only professional dancers that go each week are the instructors, and the fact that many people aren’t as good at dancing makes it even more fun because of all the laughter that happens. If anyone is interested in joining Zumba, there’s no need to worry about coming in late. Each time we dance, we’re reminded of the moves…and if you can’t follow along with them, as long as you’re moving, you’re doing it right. Especially if you’re shaking your butt. People are welcome to join anytime and I highly recommend it to anyone who is free Tuesday/Thursday nights at 10pm to come out and have some fun while working out! Also do not be afraid to come if you’re a guy! There are a few who show up regularly and get LOTS of attention. Honestly I am not sure what is more cuter than watching a guy try to booty shake. Basically it’s a total blast, so come out! - Breanna. 

Reading Week!

The first milestone of the school year was finally upon us - reading week. This means something different for everyone, and marks the half way stage of the first semester.

From the eyes of the students:

"We have all just arrived back from a well deserved week off during the past fall reading week. For some it was a week of relaxation and time to see family, friends or perhaps work. While for others it was a period of time to get caught up on school work and extra time to study for mid-term exams to help ensure their academic success."

"Although reading week came and went quite quickly, it was a successful week for relieving the stress of students and catching up with family and friends. Those students who stayed in Residence enjoyed a quiet week to relax, enjoy themselves and forget about the worries of schoolwork. For the many students who went home for the week, the time was spent with family enjoying a quick break before classes start up at full speed again. Either way the week was spent, students were thankful for a short break from the university environment and can now breathe a little easier thanks to the time away"

"After weeks of intense assignments, studying and midterms a well deserved break was in desperate need. The majority of students living in residence went home for the week to spend with family and friends, but a few of us remained and spent some time exploring the different residences than our own. My personal favourite was U of S,  It was pretty cool to see all the different cultures come together, we were taught some complex dance moves and played expert levels of pingpong. It's unbelievable how welcoming the environment is, everyone instantly welcomes you as family, I recommend everyone to go out of their way to explore U of S! Other than exploring rez was pretty low key, the loud music at night was still present but rez wouldn't be rez without it! I'm sure just like everyone else it was nice to come back to LU to see all your friends and favourite profs. Now it's time to look forward to Christmas break! "

Regardless of how people spent their reading week, it is a time that is truly valued by all. 

That leads us to the question: How did you spend your reading week? 

 

CKLU's 96.7 The Powerplay!

There is a new,  and exciting new radio station being broadcast over the Laurentian airwaves. CKLU 96.7 FM is pleased to announce the arrival of "The Powerplay".

The Powerplay focuses on all things sport. It covers aspects such as Varsity sports, amateur sport, professional sports, as well as letting YOU, the listener, call in and have your voice heard. The show is ran by some familiar faces throughout residence, including Andy Rollins (SGA President), Chad Scanlan (Senior RA), and Intern Hicksy (SSR RA), who all share a wealth of sports knowledge, and are looking to share this knowledge with the Laurentian community.

The show features some of the finest sports debates on the radio, with lively, energetic, and hilarious conversations occurring on a regular basis.

The show airs on Thursdays from 4pm - 6pm every week, and all are encouraged to listen and call in, you wont regret it!

For more information on The Powerplay, check out the video below!

Life in Residence.

With everyone all settled into the swing of things, here's a quick look on how people have enjoyed their start at Laurentian...

"Scared, was exactly how I felt when I first moved into res. Sharing a toilet, shower, and kitchen with a bunch of people I didn’t know was extremely intimidating…at first. Since my first night here I have become more comfortable with the layout of the school, the washroom situation but most importantly the people on my floor. I probably have the best RA and PM’s in all of UC, they honestly are always there for me, which makes being 7 hours away from home a lot easier. So far res feels like a “home away from home”, for me. Everyone on my floor is super cool and no matter what is going on, no one gets left out." - Breanna.

                                                                                                                        

"Living in rez is definitely an experience in itself. Meeting new people, participating with your floor and living the rez life. SSR is a place of it’s own, every apartment is full of people who are close to one another and welcoming to other people. By going to Sunday sports and participating in the floor activities you meet new people while bonding with your floor and other floors throughout Laurentian. Although living in rez can be very different for some then living at home. We have chores to do every week and making your own meals is a task of it’s own, unless of course your living off Extreme Pita.  Rez is the place to be and B3rd Gators is where it’s at!!" - Amanda.

Dean Brody Rocks Sudbury !

On September 15, 2012, Laurentian University ended off the last of their frosh festivities with a frosh concert held at the Grace Hartman Amphitheatre. Many Laurentian students dressed in their country clothes but Sudbury still gave them a harsh introduction to the dropping temperatures of Sudbury and the use of buses after 10pm.

The venue was packed with people of all ages, sitting, standing, dancing and cheering. The opening act was a local artist named the Andrew Hyatt Band, who performed a couple classic covers and a few songs from his recently released EP.

The concert main attraction was the newly named CCMA album of the year and male artist of the year award winner; Dean Brody. Dean Brody performed some of his biggest hits including Canadian Girls, Trail in Life, and Roll that Barrel out. He also played Wildflower for all the women in the crowd and some of his newly released songs, including his collaboration with Great Big Sea; It’s Friday!

Dean Brody and his accompanying musicians did a fantastic job and were even better in person than on their record. Highly recommended to all of you that happened to miss out!

- Emma

The Story So far...

With events such as Yuk Yuks Comedy Show, Beach Day, Dean Brody Frosh Concert, the Pep Rally, and Rez Fest already wrapped up, the members of Laurentian Residence have kicked off the year in fantastic fashion, with the year gearing up to be one of the best ones yet for Laurentian Students.

Instead of boring you all with words, here are some pictures of all the action so far! Enjoy!

                                                                                    Dean Brody Live in Concert!

Rez Fest!

Pep Rally!

YOUR LAURENTIAN RESIDENCE TEAM @ LAURENTIAN PEP RALLY