Introducing Sydney from Sydney's Corner:
Hello, fellow Panthers! I graduated from Georgia State University in Spring '23 with a B.A. in English (Creative Writing) and a minor in Speech Communication. I am currently continuing my education at GSU, pursuing an M.A. in English (Rhetoric & Composition) and serving as the PR & Communications Graduate Assistant for University Housing.
I have a passion for writing and editing and Sydney's Corner allows me to hone in on what I love, while giving you all the campus highlights and keeping you engaged. In my free time, I like to write poetry, catch up on my favorite TV shows, and play with my cat, Sage.
I'm excited to share the stories and events I think are important and I hope to encourage you all to get involved in Housing and around campus. There's so much to do!
Now, introducing the first issue of Sydney's Corner. I hope you enjoy!
Happy Fall and welcome back to campus, Panthers!
We’re so excited to see everyone again, especially our on-campus residents.
This November, we’re refreshing our Panther Insider page where students can find important information, updates, upcoming events, and more! We’ll be dropping a wrap-up at the top of every month called Sydney’s Corner, as well as features and spotlights in-between each issue. We hope these updates help increase your engagement across campus and make you feel more at home during your time at Georgia State University. Go Panthers!
In this issue of Sydney's Corner:
Important Information
The semester is moving along quickly, Panthers! Registration for Spring 2024 classes is open. Make sure to schedule an appointment with your advisor on Navigate to ensure you are registering for the right classes to keep you on track to graduate.
It's almost time to give thanks and eat until you can't anymore. Thanksgiving Break is from November 20th-25th! Whether you're already packing to head home for a traditional feast or getting ready for a cozy gathering with friends, Thanksgiving Break offers a chance to recharge, reflect, and express gratitude.
Housing Highlights
The August move-in was a huge success and couldn’t have been done without our wonderful housing staff.
University Housing has made some major changes:
- Lofts renovations - new floors, painting, new appliances which now include microwaves in the kitchens
- Greek Housing renovations - kitchen cabinets, new appliances, refinished bathrooms
- Piedmont North - electrical project (phase 1)
- University Commons - new lobby furniture (coming soon), painting
- Patton, Piedmont Central and Piedmont North - microfridge units are being provided in each bedroom - see our full refrigerator and microwave policy
- All areas - we are adding hammock stands throughout our residential areas. Take a peek at what they'll look like here - the individual hammocks will be available for check-out at the community front desks.
- Instructional stickers have been added throughout housing for toilets, sinks, etc. to help prevent some common maintenance issues
- University Housing is on PIN - we will also start using your student event pass to check you in at housing events
- Transition to StarRez housing software system - we are excited about the new features we will have to improve your experience in applying for housing, selecting roommates and rooms and much more
- All residence halls - Wi-Fi upgrade with Apogee
Be on the lookout for more renovations and improvements! Contact University Housing at 404-413-1800 or [email protected] if you have any questions.
The Residence Hall Association is picking up where they left off with their Shopping Shuttles program which takes students to the Edgewood Plaza. Take some time to browse the endless aisles at Target or stop by Kroger for some fresh groceries. The shuttles are free and run every other Sunday. Follow RHA on Instagram @rhagsu so you can catch the next ride!
The Housing Social Ambassadors have been working hard to put together Panther Pages, an interactive and exciting magazine that highlights University Housing, important campus information, spots to visit around the city and much more. Follow HSA on Instagram @gsuhsa to learn more!
Every year, University Housing hosts a room décor contest to see who really puts the style, flare, and personal touch into their dorm room. Here are the winners for this year’s competition. Congratulations to the "best decorated dorm" by Paris Romeo.
What's Going on Around Campus
Do you love trying new foods without having to travel the distance? Look no further than Georgia State’s Food Truck Thursdays! Join us every Thursday in front of Sparks Hall to visit an array of food truck vendors.
Brace yourselves, Panther Nation! The showdown of the season is on the horizon as our very own Georgia State University Panthers prepare to take on the mighty Louisiana State University Tigers on November 18th at 8 p.m. at Tiger Stadium. Make sure to grab your blue and white and tune in to ESPN 2 to cheer on our fellow Panthers!
The new movie Oppenheimer, featuring award-winning actor Tom Cruise, will be premiering at Cinefest on November 27th-28th with showtimes at 3 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Grab some popcorn and tune in for the historical drama of the season.
GSU has a huge online database that can be used to view and connect with student organizations, view upcoming events, and track involvement called the Panther Involvement Network (PIN). Make sure you are checking it regularly to explore organizations and events going on around campus!
Event Recaps
Last month the Housing Social Ambassadors hosted their second event of the year on October 19th, "Check Your Breast," in collaboration with BeWell Panthers. Students had the opportunity to speak to a representative and learn more about breast cancer and how to do breast examinations at home. Follow HSA on Instagram @gsuhsa for more information and to stay updated on future events and collaborations!
On October 24th, the Spotlight Programs Board hosted a Fall Festival. Students were able to play games, get some popcorn and cotton candy, and take pictures. Watch the recap here and follow @gsuspotlight!
On October 26th, the Residence Hall Association hosted "Trick or Tote!" Residents decorated tote bags in spooky designs and went tick-or-treating around the residence hall. Follow RHA on Instagram @rhagsu to stay informed about upcoming events.
Upcoming Housing Events
Free up your Friday night and join us for the "Bracelet Making Social" on November 17th at 5:30 p.m. Make some beaded bracelets for someone else (friend, loved one, etc.) or for yourself at this engaging event!
University Commons A is hosting “It’s the Commons Festival, Charlie Brown!” event on November 27th at 6:30 p.m. There will be face painting, an ice cream bar, a movie screening, and more! Be sure to come out and enjoy an evening full of fun.
Embrace the festive spirit and join your fellow residents at University Commons A’s magical “Winter Wonderland” on November 29th at 9 p.m. It will be a night filled with joy, laughter, and unforgettable memories! There’s also a chance to win prizes, so take a break from the end-of-semester bustle and plan to join the festivities.
Come join the Residence Hall Association on November 30th at 5:30 p.m. for a "Snack and Study" session. Wrap up the semester strong with good eats and supportive peers.
Student Spotlight
The Student Spotlight of this edition of Sydney's Corner shines on Beatriz Ramirez, a second year, first generation Film and Media student. Her involvement across campus includes but is not limited to: Campus Girls Lead, the Latin American Student Association, Film Club, Stalli Sisters, the Resident Hall Association, and Housing Social Ambassadors. Watch the video below to learn more about this stellar student!
November Horoscopes
There’s finally a chill in the air and the year is coming to an end, so it’s the perfect time to wrap up (or start, it’s never too late!) those resolutions you made in January. Here’s some November horoscopes from professional astrologer and interdisciplinary artist, Randon Rosenbohm, to guide you through the month.
- Aries (March 21 - April 19)
- Taurus (April 20 - May 20)
- Gemini (May 21 - June 20)
- Cancer (June 21 - July 22)
- Leo (July 23 - August 22)
- Virgo (August 23 - September 22)
- Libra (September 23 - October 22)
- Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)
- Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21)
- Capricorn (December 22 - January 19)
- Aquarius (January 20 - February 18)
- Pisces (February 19 - March 20)
A transformative new moon in Scorpio hits the factory reset button. Scorpio season brings your attention to things that you normally wouldn’t pay attention to… taboos are exposed.
You’re making lasting changes to work toward your dream goal. Whatever’s going on in other people’s lives is affecting you more directly as the sun transits your chart’s house of relationships on October 23.
Consider what motivates you to get out of bed in the morning. Scorpio season has revolved around work and health as the sun transits a habitual and accountable sector of your chart.
Be mindful of your social battery this Scorpio season. Scorpio season brings your focus to your leisure activities as the sun transits your chart’s house of hobbies, creativity, and social life.
Your role at home transforms as Mars meets with the sun. In the privacy of your home or through the stillness of night, you can figure out how to renew and refresh yourself as the sun transits your chart’s house of home and family on October 23.
Your scientific mind is reinvigorated as Mars meets the sun. Scorpio season connects you to your inner voice as the sun transits your chart’s house of communication. Your skills and ideas are highlighted.
Saturn stations direct, bringing structure back into your schedule, but your priorities are changing. Scorpio season calls your attention to the material world. How you support and nourish yourself is relevant during the sun’s four-week transit through Scorpio. This is a time when your survival skills shine and your kindness does not go unrecognized.
The Scorpio new moon defines your relationship to yourself—is it more secure, or defensive? The sun in Scorpio beginning October 23 brings up themes of autonomy, authenticity, and organization. You still have to see eye-to-eye with others. Can you swallow your pride, or ask them to meet you halfway?
Exploring various channels can keep your spirits high as Sagittarius season nears. The beginning of the month wraps matters up before your personal new year begins.
Scorpio season renews your hope in the future. It might be easy to get carried away with celebration as the sun faces off with Jupiter on November 3. There’s tension between what you think you should be doing and what you actually need to do.
You’re stepping into the world and redefining yourself this Scorpio season.
Get more insight into what motivates you, and how you can be a stronger leader. There’s a strength and confidence to share what you think and believe with the world.
To read more details about your zodiac sign’s November horoscopes and what the universe has in store for you this month, click here.
Thank you for joining us for this November 2023 edition of Sydney's Corner!
Stay connected with us by following Georgia State University Housing on Instagram @gsu_housing for the latest updates on the Panther Insider page. We look forward to sharing an exciting month with you!