Being in college is an exciting time for anyone. You’re finding yourself and your personal style while developing the necessary skills that’ll drive your future career. Your college will take care of making you smarter and preparing you for the real world (assuming you do the work). We’re going to help you boost your style…
Author: USM Free Press
Top Apartment Complex Amenities for College Students
There are many challenges and amenities you will need to look into if you want to live off-campus. College apartments come in many shapes and sizes, and there are certain amenities that you will want. Find out what the top apartment complex amities for college students are below. Internet Given the current circumstances with COVID-19,…
Letter From The Editor: Wear A Mask
By: Cullen McIntyre, Editor-in-Chief The COVID-19 pandemic has raged across the United States since the first case was confirmed on January 20, 2020. Fast forward to over six months later and the nation has reached 4,802,491 confirmed cases and 157,631 deaths according to cdc.gov. One of the biggest issues in the United States involving the coronavirus…
Ways to Become a Better Cyclist
Cycling is a serious activity that requires persistence, practice, and dedication. Like any sport or physical activity, there are ways to become a better cyclist any dedicated rider should know. When it comes to improving your cycling skills, check out these tips on climbs, handling, nutrition, rest, and competition for more information. See how to…
4 Traits All Effective Grant Writers Have
Writing is powerful, but sometimes it’s hard to know what you can do as a writer besides crafting the next great novel. If you’re exploring your postgrad career options or looking for an internship, grant writing is a solid area to explore. Grant writing, or rather, creating proposals to win grants for nonprofits, connects funding…
Tips for Getting the College Experience Online
Whether you planned on taking online classes or not, COVID-19 made the decision for you. Most colleges have shifted to online learning to abide by CDC guidelines. While most college students agree that online learning is necessary right now, it doesn’t keep them from wondering what their college experience will look like. If that sounds…
A Summer Checklist for Incoming College Freshmen
After so many years living in the same home, living with the same family, and going about the same routine as always, college flips your world upside down. A new social structure and new expectations await you on campus. Add in the present unknowns about college amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, and there’s bound to be…
Hobbies That Help Reduce Social Anxiety
Not everyone enjoys socializing. In fact, some people have great difficulty meeting or talking with new people. This can cause panic or anxiety attacks where the victim faces difficulty breathing, balance issues, a fast heart rate, and other concerning side effects. Fortunately, there are some activities one can do to avoid this and become more…
Things have changed, I have a lot of time to think these days
By: Zoe Bernardi, Community Editor The further we slip into the fourth month of this pandemic lockdown, the more I lose myself in my thoughts. Each month, a new wave of emotions and ideas flood my head. The fact that four months ago I was laughing with new friends, sipping wine and exploring the streets of…
USM Dean Of Students releases ‘preliminary Fall update’
By: Asha Tompkins, Editor-in-Chief In an email sent Wednesday, June 24, titled “preliminary Fall update, special DoSE edition,” Dean of Students Rodney Mondor shared important information regarding learning options for USM students this coming Fall semester. “First, USM will have a hybrid experience this fall, with some courses and student services offered in person and others…
Study abroad canceled for the fall semester
Emily Zider, Coordinator of Education Abroad at USM, announced in an email on Monday that due to continuing concerns over COVID-19, USM will not be offering study abroad for the fall semester. The decision comes from the University of Maine system, as it was officially posted on their website, stating “Due to continued concerns regarding…
Summer residential student tests positive for COVID-19
By: Cullen McIntyre, Web Editor This article has been updated on 6/25 following more information from Christina Lowery. In an email from Christina Lowery, Director of Housing and Residential Life, she confirmed that a resident on the Gorham campus has tested positive for COVID-19. The email, sent to current residential summer students, stated that “those initially…
Juneteenth: USM continues its endeavors to ‘root out racism’
By: Zoe Bernardi, Community Editor & Asha Tompkins, Editor-In-Chief Political uprisings sprout out across the nation and in the city of Portland in order to eradicate racism in the United States. June 19, “Juneteenth,” takes its place in the spotlight. It is a day to celebrate and commemorate the liberation of those who were held…
Basic Car Maintenance You Should Know
If you’re in college, you may be lucky enough to have your own car, whether gifted from your parents or bought with hard-earned personal funds. Either way, you’re walking into car ownership green, without much experience with the weekly rhythms of maintaining one. If you are building your car knowledge from the ground up, here’s…
The Best Sportbikes to Buy in 2020
Now that it’s summer, racing season is underway for many amateurs and professionals. Motorcycle racing is a popular motorsport where riders hop on megaliths in the form of two-stroke and four-stroke engines on an aluminum chassis, two wheels, and tires that barrel down the track to receive the fastest time. On that note, here are…
Most Effective Ways to Boost Engine Power
One of the best parts of college life is driving around town. Whether you have a truck, car, or motorcycle, it’s convenient when you can travel around campus. Still, some people want to modify their rides in order to improve vehicle performance. To do that, read these tips on the most effective ways to boost…
Letter From the Editor: Racism cannot be tolerated
By: Asha Tompkins, Editor-in-Chief Photos: Cullen McIntyre, Web Editor “Say his name: George Floyd. What’s his name? George Floyd.” I look around and see history being made. Hundreds, thousands gather in the streets. Their throats are strained and raw as they beg and plead with uniformed bodies. Human beings fighting for their right to live and die…
USM athletes exercise for “Athletes4BLM” movement
By: Cullen McIntyre, Web Editor Current events in the world have resulted in protests across the globe. When George Flloyd died in police custody on May 25, 2020, protests rallying for change broke out and have yet to stop. A unique take on the call for change is a GoFundMe fundraiser titled “Collegiate Athletes For Black…
Fun Ways to Exercise Without the Gym
You might have frequented the campus gym back before the COVID-19 situation started, but you’ve probably been cooped up inside for a while now without access to an exercise facility, even back home. You don’t want to become physically unhealthy and give way to a completely sedentary lifestyle, though. At the same time, it can…
3 Tips for Publishing Your Academic Manuscript
Between research, writing, and sending your work off for approval, it’s easy to feel like your manuscript will never make it to publication. Don’t worry—while the process takes a lot of time and hard work, that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Publishing your manuscript is an accomplishment that looks different for everyone. However, there are a…
Safe Driving Tips Everyone Must Know
Nobody wants to get into a car accident. An accident can cause financial, medical, and moral distress. Someone could get hurt, property damage could occur, and your insurance premium may increase. Nevertheless, accidents happen—often due to poor driving techniques. Avoid erratic driving and the risks involved with these safe driving tips everyone must know. Never…
3 Unique Ways to Spend More Time Outside this Summer
Summer vacation comes as a welcome respite after a long spring semester. While you’re kicking back and enjoying your time off, don’t let your well-earned laziness keep you indoors all summer. Whether it’s doing your summer coursework out in the yard or laying out blankets for an outdoor movie night, it’s important to fit plenty…
Signs You Need to Buy New Tires
How often you drive your car during college depends on where you’re living. Some students drive to and from campus, while others simply have to walk from the dorms to class, saving the car for extracurricular activities. Whichever way you use your car at school, there’s one key commonality: You need to be aware of…
Terrific Tips for Starting the Next Great Podcast
The entertainment industry has changed many times throughout history. Films and live theater, which were once so popular, have since given way to more mobile and accessible forms of entertainment. One of the most popular media formats right now is the podcast. This type of entertainment is equally as accessible for the listener as it…