Senior Spotlight: Nick Lopresto

     Name: Nicholas Lopresto

     Hometown: Jericho, Long Island (Nassau County)

     Major: Psychology/Pre-Med

     Graduation date: May 2015

     Why did you choose Fordham? I was actually between Fordham and Northeastern as my last two schools. I had gotten into NYU with some scholarship, but I hated that there was no campus feeling there and everyone basically commuted to class. I was planning on seeing Fordham and Northeastern in the same weekend, but I came to tour Fordham first because it was closer to my house. The second I stepped onto campus, I knew that this was my new home. I didn’t even end up going to the Northeastern tour! Fordham’s campus is so beautiful, and it’s amazing because you get the best of both worlds. Not only do you get the amazing trees and grass on campus, but also Manhattan is a short subway ride away. Also, the student body here at Fordham is so giving and compassionate, and it showed a lot in the way the students interacted with each other when I was on my tour.

     What clubs/organizations/internships have you been involved in? What has been your favorite experience? (Please explain!)

I have been involved in a lot here at Fordham. I would say the two biggest time commitments I have been involved in were the Ramblers and Mimes and Mummers. The Ramblers is Fordham’s only all male acapella group. We competed in ICCAs, got to sing at prestigious events all around NYC, and were even on TV to sing for the Columbus Day parade. I quit Ramblers about a year ago so that I could focus on my studies and eventually landed an internship at Bellevue Hospital called PAVERS. One of the reasons I love Fordham is it’s close proximity to the city. I go to the hospital once a week from 8pm-12 am and I get to see so much in the emergency room at Bellevue. When I’m not volunteering at the hospital, I am usually doing research in the Neuroscience department under the supervision of Amy Roy. Finally, I was recently cast as “Angel” in the Mimes and Mummers’ production of RENT which will open February 26^th and run through March 1^st.  All the clubs I have been involved in at Fordham have been so unique and enriching. The people here are truly motivated and passionate about what they’re doing, and I don’t think that necessarily holds true for other colleges.

     What do you think is the best resource available to students on campus

      I think the library here is fantastic. First of all, it is so beautiful and whenever I am in it I never feel like studying is that much of a chore. The librarians are very helpful and I often frequent the library to print papers, take out books, and make copies.

     What is your favorite personal memory at Fordham?

I think my favorite Fordham memory is probably when 3LAU came for Spring Weekend two years ago. I just remember feeling so amazing when everyone was together dancing in the parking lot, and it was right after my Ramblers concert so there were good vibes going all around. I think Spring Weekends in general are my favorite Fordham memories.

     Where is your favorite place to hang out at Fordham or in NYC? (Keep appropriate).

As I said before, Fordham has so much to offer. Not only do you have all of the Bronx to conquer, but you are so close to NYC that there are endless options. In the Bronx, I love to go to Arthur Avenue with my friends for dinner and go to the countless bakeries for their amazing coffee and Italian pastries. In the city, I love to see Broadway shows or I usually like to go shopping in SOHO.

     What are your plans/goals/aspirations for post-graduation?

     After graduation, I intend on taking a gap year before applying to medical school. I have already completed my MCAT and my Fordham Committee application, so now it’s just a matter of applying to medical schools and waiting to hear back! Fordham has been so helpful with my application and I really feel like I am ready to conquer medical school and succeed as a future physician.

Weekend Update

Linda Mule

This weekend, I had the ultimate lazy Saturday! Upon waking up to a still snowy campus, I took a 2 PM Metro North (Saturday and Sunday CityTicket is only $4!!!!) to Grand Central with my friends to check out to the most popular brunch spot in all of SoHo: Jack's Wife Freda. After only a few stops via the 6 Subway, we arrived at the cutest little cafe. We were seated among the hustle and bustle, and knew what we wanted immediately. I ordered the spicy shakshuka, an Israeli breakfast dish of baked eggs in a spicy sauce, and delicious lattes. We were served promptly and ate rapidly. After our late lunch, my friends and I made our way back on the Metro North for the quick trip back to Fordham where we watched movies and enjoyed the heat of the Residence Halls (who were busy preparing for the Super Bowl festivities for Sunday- wings anyone?).

My delicious shakshuka and latte

Nicole Pieri
It's been extremely cold in New York for the past few days so I spent this weekend mostly trying to stay warm in my dorm. On Friday and Saturday, my roommates and I had movie nights. On Sunday, I spent a lot of the day in the library reading and writing for some of my classes. There's a possibility of a snow day coming this week, but this weekend gave me the opportunity to stay ahead on my work.

Not a bad view

Kaitlyn McWha

This weekend, my friends and I got together and watched the Super Bowl in one of my friend's dorm rooms. We had tons of snacks, and we also ended up ordering a pizza! Fordham always has a lot going on, but sometimes it's fun to stay inside on a cold night with some good friends. I had a great time watching the Super Bowl with my friends on Sunday, and I already cannot wait for next year's game!

Our little watch party

Staying Sane During Finals at Fordham

     As December rolls around, so does one of the most dreaded times of year for college students everywhere: finals. While finals at Fordham are certainly no joke when compared to other schools, that doesn't necessarily mean we have to suffer as badly as everyone else — and there's a lot to do around here to take the stress off your mind, even if it's only for an hour or two.

      To destress, CAB (Campus Activities Board) offers everything from free massages to stress relief puppies in the McGinley Student Center. Another common outing made by students to take a break from studying is to go christmas shopping; whether it be on 5th Avenue, Columbus Circle, SoHo, or online from the comfort of your own dorm. Each of those destinations are place people fly to New York from across the world to shop at, but for us it's just a subway, Metro-North, or Ram Van ride away!

The Foyer of the New York Public Library at Bryant Park

     If you're the kind of person who needs to lock yourself inside a library for hours on end to concentrate, Fordham certainly has you covered. With the Walsh Family Library at Rose Hill, and the Quinn and (brand new and beautiful) Law School Libraries at Lincoln Center, you won't have to go too far from your dorm or classroom. If you want a change of scenery however, the New York Public Library at Bryant Park is a common destination for many students, just a short ride away on the D train from either campus.

     If a library doesn't meet your needs and you need a more remote space to escape from school and really be able to concentrate, you're not alone once again. New York may seem like the distraction capital of the world, but there are precious pockets of the city that are perfect to get away from the buzz of campus and New York life in general. My personal favorite spot away from campus to read over my notes and prep for exams is the East River Promenade, that stretches from 60th to 98th street on the Upper East Side, a short ride away from campus on the 4 train.

A Panoramic View from the East River Promenade at Night

    But not to break from Fordham tradition, finals can never officially start until after the midnight breakfast on the last reading day— because how can you feel comfortable taking an exam if you didn't get your french toast sticks from Father McShane?

Weekend Update

My friend and me enjoying the game 

Heather Richards

This weekend I attended my very first professional football game, and it was incredible! I got to see the New York Jets play and sat in the front row with my friend Eric and his family!










Megan McLaughlin
My weekend was spent taking the LSAT and then decompressing from taking the test. Unfortunately, that meant Sunday was all about catching up on my work. At least my friends and I camped out in our favorite library conference room complete with a stellar view of Fordham Road winding its way up the hill.

Great view from Walsh Library

The Statue of Liberty from the ferry 

Erica Restaino

This weekend I took a trip down to the Staten Island Ferry. I grabbed a slice of pizza and enjoyed a relaxing ride to Staten Island and back. The ferry was free, and it offered an amazing view of the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan. It may have been a touristy trip, but you can't go to school in NYC without seeing the Statue of Liberty!

8 Simple Rules for Surviving Midterms

It's that time of year that appears to sneak up on everyone faster than a fall breeze. I'm talking about midterms. It's the midway point in the semester that never feels so midway but requires days of studying none the less. For some of you, this can feel extremely overwhelming and you may not know where to begin on those three tests and two papers you have. As a junior, I have been through four semesters worth of midterms and have comprised an easy-to-follow and stress-free way to keep your mind and body focused during this dreaded time.

Rule 1: Make a List 
Often times, the mere thought of everything you have to do is enough to make you want to curl up in bed and close your eyes until it's all over. This is also a surefire way to forget something. So, instead of relying on your crowded noggin to remember everything, start by visually laying out everything you have and want to accomplish. Doing this will help you organize your thoughts and ensure that no topic goes unreviewed. 

Rule 2: Space It out
The inclination is to study everything you've learned all semester at once and hope it all stays in your brain for the test. In reality, the best way to learn and remember material is to study little bits of something over a period of time. Switch it up a bit!  Plan on reviewing a chapter or two of a topic one day and then move on to something else. The topics will go a lot faster this way and it will also help you avoid getting bored of one topic and accidentally taking a siesta in the middle of Walsh Library.

Rule 3: Stay Motivated
Although it seems like a long process, remember that your goals are 100% achievable. Remind yourself what your working towards whether it's mastering that confusing equation or getting a good grade. In the end, you are the only one who can get yourself there so don't be afraid to give yourself that motivating boost to get yourself there. YOU CAN DO IT!

Rule 4: Nourishment 
Don't forget to nourish your mind and body with healthy options to help keep yourself thinking clearly! There are numerous places on campus that offer a variety of delicious food options. With all the new additions to the menu on campus, such as Cosi and Jamba Juice, it'll be easy to find yourself chowing down while you tackle that paper. 

Rule 5: Take Breaks
This may seem like an odd request, but ensuring that you take plenty of breaks while studying will keep you from burning out too quickly. Allowing yourself to watch an episode of your favorite show or hang out with your friends every now and then can keep your brain more focused than you think. In a sense, studying can be fun! 

Rule 6: Get Moving
Sitting and studying for long periods of time can quickly take a toll on your body. To keep stress and tension from building up, remember to move around frequently. With two work out facilities and plenty of field space, it should be easy to blow off some steam with a pick-up game of soccer or a light jog. 

Rule 7: Keep Calm and Carry on
Relax. Take a deep breath. If it is your first time taking a college test or your 100th, remember to keep calm. You've worked hard and know the material. No amount of worrying is going to help you in any way. Remember to remain confident and keep your mind clear. 

Rule 8: GO TO SLEEP!!
The most important preparation you can do for yourself is getting plenty of sleep. It may seem like a good idea to stay up for days and cram every power point slide into your brain before the big day. This, however, is not a good idea. Just like your body needs rest after an injury, so does your brain after learning so many new things. You will retain more of the information you studied after a good night's sleep. Waking up after an hour of sleep before a test is also not going to be very beneficial. Remember, Rome wasn't built in a day...because they had to sleep at some point!

Work-Study in the Library

Walsh Family Library

Work-study provides students with opportunities to work in all areas on campus.  It is a part of one’s financial aid packet, and if eligible that student can then work part-time in various offices on campus, such as the Ram Van office, Financial Aid offices, or even the library. 

I am one of the lucky few that gets to work at the Circulation Desk in the Walsh Family Library.  Although many might view working in the library as boring, I look at it as one of the best jobs on campus!  I work with students from all years and both colleges.  The full-time workers are great people to work with and they really help the time fly by.  Everyone on the staff is very kind so don’t be shy to approach us!  We love helping people and we will try to assist you in any way we can. 

Please feel free to use all of the library’s resources.  There are over 2 million volumes in the circulating system with books on all topics! Many think that there are only educational and scholarly books in the library, but there are many leisure books, as well.  Not only are there books, but also DVDs and CDs.  There are movies as new as Marvel’s The Avengers and TV Series such as Entourage.  If you can’t find what you’re looking for in Walsh Library, we at the Circulation Desk can help you get it from either Quinn Library at the Lincoln Center Campus or the Westchester Campus Library. 

The library is one of the best places to study on campus.  There are study rooms for groups of 3 or more and desks located on every floor.  I’ll let you in on a secret I learned from my co-workers.  The quietest place in the library to study is in the Microforms and Government Documents Room in the basement.  Hardly anyone ever goes in there!

Work-study is a great way to have a job conveniently located on campus, and these offices work flexibly with class schedules.  A student can schedule to work in-between classes, or even late at night depending on the job.  For example, since the library is open so late, I work from 10pm to midnight on some nights.  I truly love working in the library any time of the day and I am sure that my fellow co-workers will say the same.  

Work-Study at Walsh Library

Work-study provides students with opportunities to work in all areas on campus. I am one of the lucky few that gets to work at the Circulation Desk in the Walsh Family Library. Although many might view working in the library as boring, I look at it as one of the best jobs on campus! I work with students from all years and both colleges. The full-time workers are great people to work with and they really help the time fly by. Everyone on the staff is very kind so don’t be shy to approach us! We love helping people and we will try to assist you in any way we can.

Please feel free to use all of the library’s resources. There are over 2 million volumes in the circulating system with books on all topics! Many think that there are only educational and scholarly books in the library, but there are many books for leisure, as well. Not only are there books, but also DVDs and CDs. There are movies as new as Little Fockers and TV Series such as Glee. If you can’t find what you’re looking for in Walsh Library, those of us at the Circulation Desk can help you get it from either Quinn Library at the Lincoln Center Campus or the Westchester Campus Library.

The library is one of the best places to study on campus. There are study rooms for groups of three or more and desks located on every floor. I’ll let you in on a secret I learned from my co-workers -- the quietest place in the library to study is in the Microforms and Government Documents Room in the basement. Hardly anyone ever goes in there! Happy studying!

Surviving Midterms at Fordham

It's midterm time at Fordham! Unsure about how you'll make the workload transition from high school to college? FCRH senior Caroline Waldman shares her insider tips.

Campus Life: Surviving Midterms at Fordham: "It’s midterm week, and all of campus is feeling the effects – between late-night studying sessions, excess coffee consumption and resulting ..."