For Two Hours, We Went Home

     This year our small Mongolian student team hosted a Mongolia Event at PLU, and it honestly became one of the best memories we've made on campus. We wanted to bring a little piece of home to PLU, the food, the culture, the music, the energy, and after about a month of planning, preparing, and a little bit of chaos, we made it happen. 

Preparing for the event was almost as fun as the event itself. Our team met every week, and every time we got together, we somehow ended up laughing pretty hard like we are having our best time in life. Practicing our dance performance was especially hilarious, half the time we forgot the moves or made up our own, but those moments became some of our favorite memories. We also spent a lot of time building the photo booth and creating Mongolian bookmarks with traditional script on the front and English translations ont e back. What started as  "let's just make these quickly" turned into a whole team bonding moments with jokes, music, and random conversations. Even figuring out our games like bingo, the treasure hunt, and freeze dance took forever, but it was all part of the fun. 

When the day finally came, we were all running around getting everything set up, but the excitement made it all feel worth it. Once people started walking in, the whole room came alive. Our bookmarks ended up being surprisingly favorite, people kept picking them up and saying how cool the Mongolian script looked. The food tasted exactly like home, which gave us the bingo, the treasure hunt, and freeze dance had everyone laughing and participating. The phot booth also turned out better than we expected and helped people capture sweet memories with their friends. 

The whole night gave us this warm, cozy feeling almost like we went back home to Mongolia for at least two hour. We really hope guests felt the same aura and got a small taste of our culture. It was such a heartwarming moment to see people enjoying the atmosphere, learning something new, and just having fun. 

Overall, the event was a big success, and it meant a lot to us to share our culture with the PLU community. We're so proud of what we created, and we're hoping to host an even bigger and better Mongolia Event next year. 

- Nobita, ISS intern

J-Term Food Guide for PLU students 🍕☕

 

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Hi J-term friends!

This guide is for students who stay at PLU in January and want food by walking!

Intersection of Park Ave S and Garfield St S (front of PLU)

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Before You Go Out

• Winter days feel short. Try to walk back before it gets very dark.

• Take a warm jacket! It often rains.

• Walking times are just guesses. It depends on your speed and the weather!

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1. 208 Garfield – Cozy Study + Soup Spot

• Type: Café and restaurant with coffee, tea, soup, salad, sandwiches.(208garfield.com)

• Walk: About 6 minutes from campus front.

• Vibe:

  • Warm and calm.

  • Many students study with a laptop.

• Good for J-term:

  • Morning coffee before class.

  • Lunch between classes.

• What to try:

  • Soup of the day with half sandwich.

  • Any latte, then sit near the big windows.

• Extra info:

  • Open most weekdays from 8am–8pm; later start on weekends.(208garfield.com)

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2. Farrelli’s Pizza – Group Dinner Place

• Type: Wood-fired pizza, Italian-style food.(Farrelli's Pizza)

• Walk: About 7 minutes from campus.

• Vibe:

  • Loud, fun, many TVs with sports.

  • Good place for a team or club dinner.

• Good for J-term:

  • “We finished our project” celebration.

• What to try:

  • Large pizza to share.

  • Wings or salad on the side.

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3. La Cà Café – Vietnamese Food Close to PLU

• Type: Fast-casual Vietnamese food: phở, bánh mì, vermicelli bowls, spring rolls.(La Cà Cafe)

• Walk: About 5 minutes along Garfield.

• Vibe:

  • Bright and modern.

  • Easy place for a quick meal or a relaxed dinner with friends.

• Good for J-term:

  • Warm soup on cold and rainy days.

• What to try:

  • Grilled pork bánh mì.

  • Spring rolls with peanut sauce.

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4. Zen Ramen & Sushi Burrito – Anime-Themed Fun

• Type: Ramen, sushi rolls, sushi “burritos”.(Zen Ramen Brothers)

• Walk: About 3 minutes from campus.

• Vibe:

  • Casual place with anime decorations.

  • Good for ramen fans and people who like big rolls.

• Good for J-term:

  • Comfort food after a long afternoon class.

• What to try:

  • A house ramen bowl.

  • A “Zen” sushi burrito if you want something different.

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5. Marzano Italian Restaurant – Special Night Out

• Type: Upscale Italian restaurant with pasta, meat dishes, desserts.(Marzano)

• Walk: About 2 minutes from campus.

• Vibe:

  • Inside an old house.

  • Cozy, romantic, quiet.

• Good for J-term:

  • Birthday, date night, or “end of J-term” dinner.

• What to know:

  • Dinner only, Tuesday to Saturday evening.

  • Price is higher than other student spots, so think of it as a treat.

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6. Notes’ Coffee House – Bookstore-Style Café

• Type: Coffee house with books, games, records.(Pacific Lutheran University)

• Walk: About 4–5 minutes from campus, at Garfield and C Street.

• Vibe:

  • Very cozy.

  • Smell of coffee and jazz music in the background.

• Good for J-term:

  • Reading day, journaling, or quiet talk with a friend.

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7. Lucky’s Drive-In – Classic Burger Bus on Pacific Ave

• Type: Old-school burger stand with fries, shakes, hot dogs, chili.(Lucky's Drive-In Parkland)

• Walk: About 20–25 minutes from campus down Pacific Ave.

• Vibe:

  • Vintage 1950s burger-bus feeling.

  • Fun stop during a long walk with friends.

• Good for J-term:

  • Weekend walk plus lunch.

• What to try:

  • A “Lucky Burger” with fries and a shake.

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8. Gyro / Seafood Cluster at 11814 Pacific Ave S

• Type: Gyro Real Kabob and Krab Kingz style places at one address, with gyros, kebabs, and Cajun seafood plates.(GYRO REAL KABOB)

• Walk: About 12–15 minutes from campus down Pacific Ave.

• Vibe:

  • Casual, take-out-friendly food.

• Tip:

  • Some shops at this address pause business or change concepts, so check Google Maps or Yelp before you walk.

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How to Use This Guide During J-Term

• Need quiet study + food → 208 Garfield or Notes’ Coffee House

• Want big group dinner → Farrelli’s Pizza or La Cà Café

• Plan special night → Marzano

• Crave ramen → Zen Ramen & Sushi Burrito

• Feel like a walk adventure → head down Pacific Ave to Lucky’s

Save this guide for January!
On a cold day, pick one place, grab a friend, and go explore Parkland food by foot 🥾🍜🍔

- Luna, ISS Intern

📚 Best Study Spots on Campus at PLU

Finding the right study spot can make all the difference, whether you need total silence for cramming, a cozy corner for essay writing, or a social vibe for group projects. Here are some of my favorite places at PLU where you can get your work done (and maybe even enjoy it 😉).

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📖 Mortvedt Library

The classic! Mortvedt is the go-to for serious studying.

• Quiet Floors → If you need total focus, the top floors are perfect. It’s a no-talking zone, so you can dive deep into readings or prep for exams.

• Study Rooms → Great for group projects. You can book them online ahead of time.

            

👉 Bring headphones! 🎧

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🏢 Anderson University Center (AUC)

The AUC isn’t just for food. It’s also a surprisingly good study spot.

• Commons Area → Perfect if you like background noise while you study. You can grab a snack, spread out your laptop, and people-watch while working.

• Second Floor Nooks → There are comfy couches and tables tucked away upstairs that feel cozy but less busy.

• Nearby Food → The best part? Snacks are just a few steps away at The Commons or OMM (Old Main Market).

👉 Afternoon is quieter than lunchtime, so plan around the food rush.

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🔬 Rieke Science Center

If you’re a science major or just taking a class here, Rieke is full of study spots.

• First-Floor Atrium → Bright, open, and a great place to meet classmates.

• Hallway Tables → Perfect for quick study sessions between classes.

• Science Vibe → Surrounded by labs and classrooms, it feels like a serious academic space.

👉 Great for group study before lab or exams.

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🌿 Other Hidden Gems

• Harstad Hall → The lounges here have a historic vibe. Plus, it feels cozy during winter.

• Ingram Hall (Art Building) → If you like a creative environment, this place has open spaces that inspire.

• Outside Spaces → On a sunny day, grab a blanket and study outside near Red Square or by the fountains. Tacoma weather doesn’t always allow it, but when it does, it’s the best.

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✨ Final Thoughts

Every student has their own “perfect” study spot. Some need total silence, others like a little buzz of activity in the background. The key is to try different places around PLU and see where you feel the most focused (or the least distracted).

So where’s your study spot? Share it with a friend, or maybe even invite them to join you next time. Studying doesn’t have to be lonely, and there are plenty of cozy corners waiting for you. 💛

- ISS Intern Luna

My Summer at MECC

 This summer, I had the amazing opportunity to work at the Ministry of Environment & Climate Change (MECC) in Mongolia for two weeks. Even though it was short, it honestly felt like such a big experience in my life, and I learned so much in such a short time. 

COP17 Prep

    A lot of my work is connected to COP17, the big global climate conference coming up. I got to see how Mongolia is preparing and how our county's policies need to match with international ones. It was so interesting to see how "big global talks" actually start in small office meetings, people writing, discussing, and comparing policies to make sure Mongolia has a strong voice on the world stage. 

Work Environment 

    The work environment at MECC was really inspiring. Everyone was so focused but also collaborative. I saw how different departments came together, shared ideas, and worked as a team. Even as a short-time intern, I felt very welcomed, encouraged to ask questions, and included in conversations. That made me realize how important teamwork is when it comes to solving environmental challenges. 

    One thing that stood out to me was how much the team compared policies; they were always looking at how Mongolia's strategies line up with other countries and their own long term goals. It made me realize how connected the world really is. Mongolia has its own challenges like desertification and extreme winters, but we can still learn from other nations and also share our experience with them. 

         

                                    

How It Changed Me 

    These two weeks were life changing for me. I saw how environmental policy is not just about science, it's also about people, communication, and working together for the future. Being part of discussions linked to COP17 made me feel like I was contributing, even in a small way, to something so important. I left MECC feeling motivated, inspired, and more certain about the path I want to take. It gave me confidence that I can connect my Environmental Studies and Business background to real-world impact, whether in Mongolia or Internationally. 

    This experience reminded me that even short moments can shape who we are. For me, my time at MECC wasn't just an internship, it was a spark that made me even more excited for the future I want to build. 

 

 - Nobita

Summer Shopping Guide for International Students Near PLU 🛍️☀️

Hi everyone! I’m Luna, an intern at PLU’s International Student Services (ISS) and a fellow international student from Korea 🇰🇷. While many students are traveling or visiting home this summer, some of us are staying around campus — and that’s okay! There’s actually a lot to explore nearby, especially if you’re in the mood for shopping or just want to get out and walk around indoors with AC!

Here are some great malls near PLU that you can visit during the summer:

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1. Tacoma Mall

📍 4502 S Steele St, Tacoma, WA 98409
🚌 15–20 minutes by car or bus from PLU
This is the biggest shopping mall near PLU! It has popular stores like H&M, Zara, Apple, Sephora, and more. There are also places to eat like Chipotle and Panda Express. Great for both fashion and food!

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2. South Hill Mall

📍 3500 S Meridian, Puyallup, WA 98373
🚌 About 25 minutes by car
South Hill Mall is perfect if you're looking for more variety. It includes stores like Macy’s, Daiso, and Old Navy. It’s usually a bit less crowded than Tacoma Mall and has lots of parking if you're going with friends.

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3. Lakewood Towne Center

📍 5821 Lakewood Towne Center Blvd SW, Lakewood, WA 98499
🚌 10–15 minutes by car
Closer to campus, this shopping area includes Target, Ross, Best Buy, and several restaurants and cafes. It’s great for casual shopping, grocery runs, or just grabbing boba and chilling.

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4. Outlet Collection Seattle (Auburn)

📍 1101 Outlet Collection Way, Auburn, WA 98001
🚌 About 35–40 minutes by car
If you’re looking for deals, this is a full outlet mall with stores like Nike, Levi’s, Adidas, and more. It’s a bit of a drive but a fun weekend trip if you want to shop on a budget.

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Tips for Summer Shopping:

👜 Bring your student ID – some stores offer discounts!
💳 Don’t forget your debit/credit card (many places don’t take cash).
🌞 Stay hydrated and wear sunscreen if you’re walking outside.
🚗 If you don’t have a car, ask a friend or check the Pierce Transit bus schedule.

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Even if you're staying near campus this summer, there are plenty of places to explore and enjoy. Shopping can be a fun way to get to know the local area, pick up essentials, or just treat yourself!

Stay safe, stay cool, and happy shopping! 🛒✨
— Luna
PLU ISS Intern 💛