Author: Hannah Bershing

Spotify Playlists for Every Mood

As a lover of music, Spotify has become a daily part of my routine. With the ability to create my own playlists and/or choose the specific songs I want to listen to, I can cater to whatever mood or vibe I’m feeling. Or, if I’m not interested in having to do the work, I can listen playlists created by others or listen to ones generated by Spotify; there are endless possibilities. Here are some that I’ve found that are perfect for students whether it be for studying, relaxing, getting amped up, and whatever other moods on your docket:

Websites for Self-Help and Trainings

Knowing where to go for self-help, training, or tips, is something we believe is extremely important. Listed below, are a few resources to get you started that we really like and think will be most helpful for you. You can also reach out to any of our counselors in the office too, if you you would like to look further into any of these resources.

  • The website called “Seize the Awkward
    • If you click on the name, it should bring you straight to the link. The intention of the website is to learn about how to have those awkward conversations about mental health. It’s not easy or fun, but we do it, because we care about others and this will help teach you how to do so.
  • The website for the QPR Institute
    • If you click on the name, it should bring you straight to the link. This site is for training of QPR Gatekeepers. QPR stands for “question”, “persuade”, “answer”. It allows you to become a gatekeeper of suicide prevention. The school access code is: MTU
  • Our website is full of great resources, as well.
    • Here we have tabs pertaining to different resources you may be looking for, such as “Mental Health Resources” or “Well-Being”

The following is our office’s contact information:

Student Mental Health
3rd Floor Administration Building
1400 Townsend Drive
Houghton, MI 49931

Ph: 906-487-2538
Fax: 906-487-3421
Email: counseling@mtu.edu

If it is an emergency, here are some following resources to contact:

Title IX Coordinator
Kirsti Arko, PhD
Location: Administration Building Room 306
Call: 906-487-3310
Email: titleix@mtu.edu
Website: Title IX Information

Dial Help, Inc.:
Call: 906-482-4357 or toll free 800-562-7622
Text: 906-356-3337
Instant Message: Dial Help

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:
Call: 1-800-273-8255
Instant Message: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Barbara Kettle Gundlach Shelter Home:
Call: 906-337-5623 or toll free 888-337-5623
Website: Barbara Kettle Gundlach Shelter

UP Health Systems-Portage
Emergency Department
500 Campus Drive
Hancock, MI 49930
906-483-1000

Aspirus Keweenaw
Emergency Department
205 Osceola Street
Laurium, MI 49913
906-337-6560

Self-Help & Motivational Books You Should Read

While it can be difficult to find time to read, especially during the school year, reading can give you a break from the daily routine of homework and classes. Here are a few great books for all types that are not only entertaining, but also helpful in terms of organization, relationships, school, and life.


Meditation and Mindfulness
Men are From Mars, Women are From Venus
The Secret Art of Being a Grown-Up
A Tribe Called Bliss
Work Rules
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up
The Obstacle is the Way
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a #!$&
How to Talk to Anyone: 92 Little Tricks

Making Friends in College

Making friends in college is daunting to say the least. As a freshman, I remember life in the dorms and being intimidated by all that was available. I was even nervous and confused on how to approach others in my hall. With the vast ability to do whatever and whenever and being a semi-shy individual at the time, it was hard to find what I wanted my niche to be or know who I even was. One part of me would like to think it’s easier to make friends now, but I think that I’m still in the same boat; I just know how to navigate the playing field a little better.

I advocate highly for creating a relationship with your roommate(s). I know that sometimes things don’t always work out, but they are the person that you will always see at the end of the day and be there when you wake up in the morning. You don’t have to try to be someone you’re not, they’ll already see the real you by being in such close proximity, which can be nice in a way. You don’t have to break down any barriers or walls, you’re already being your authentic self in your very little space you now call home.

My Aunt Kim, who works at Northern (I know, I know, it’s our rival), has always given the best advice for making friend’s while in college. She always had something to say, as this is something she deals with quite often in her line of work on campus. “Don’t wait for an experience to come to you or for a great experience to happen. You need to make it happen.” This has been ingrained in my mind since day one of college. Constantly participating and putting yourself out there per se in terms of joining orgs. and attending events is crucial. How are you going to make friends by sitting in your dorm all the time? Which is funny to say, because that’s the boat we’re all in right now!

Despite being stuck inside due to the global pandemic, the university and all of the different orgs. have been really proactive in finding ways to still stay connected. It’s also nice, because everyone is in the same boat. We’re all figuring this out together, which has been making relationships even stronger, from what I’ve noticed. While you can’t physically go out and meet others, there are still zoom events and different orgs. on social networking platforms to connect with. There’s also E-sports, which I always forget about due to being busy with school and work, but I have only heard great things about it thus far. If you’re into video or computer games, that would probably be something really neat to check-out. I also know that Greek life is still doing recruitment at a safe distance, if that is something you’re interested in.

All in all, the message is – we hear you. It’s tough enough to make friends without the presence of a global pandemic putting a damper on just about everything face-to-face. In the meantime, give it all you got and attend all the zooms and introduce yourself to everyone. It might be terrifying to put yourself out there, but I promise you that the relationships you will create will be some of your most treasured. Thus far, I can say that the friendships I’ve gotten to make in college are ones that I know will be lifelong despite distance, pandemics, and time-zones.