Walking through water, getting through life - ENVT 350

 

    This semester I'm taking ENVT 350: Environmental Methods of Investigation, and I'm not gonna lie, it's one of the most interesting classes I've had at PLU. 

    The class is all about the Chamber-Clover Creek Watershed, which is basically the local watershed around campus. But it's not just one subject, we look at it from different  angles like biology, chemistry, geoscience, history, and even religion. At first I didn't expect that mix, but it actually makes everything make more sense because you start to see how everything connects. 

    

What makes this class really different hough is that we don't just sit in a classroom. We actually go outside for our labs. Like, we visit real sites in the watershed, collect data, measure water quality indicators, and just observe what's going on the environment. it lowkey feels more real than any lab I've been before because you're literally in it, not just learning about it. 

    Also, this class has been around for a long time. Students have been collecting data on this watershed for over 25 years. And in 2022, all that work turned into a digital exhibit with the tacoma Public Library, where students shared their research with the community. 

  Not gonna lie, this class also helped me a lot during a time when I was going through some stuff. Getting outside, being in nature, and just spending time with my classmates made a big differences for me. it reminded me of my high school days when we used to go on week-long field trips, and those were the times that brought everyone so close together. That's actually where I met some of my lifelong best friends, and those memories are still some of the most meaningful to me. 

Photo courtesy of the PLU Archives

        This class kind of gave me that same feeling again. Even though it's technically a lab, it doesn't feel like a typical bio or chem lab where you'd stuck in one place for hours. Instead, we're walking around, going into the water, measuring things, looking at a different plants and species, and just enjoying the moment together. It feels like real quality time with people outside of a normal classroom setting. 

  I think this class is something I'll remember and miss after I graduate. As an Environmental Studies student, this experience felt really wholesome to me, one of those small but meaningful moments that stays with you. 

~Nobi Altanzul. 

🌞 Summer Plans? Here's Everything You Need to Know About Housing & Storage at PLU

Hey guys!

The end of the semester is just around the corner, which means it's time to start thinking about what happens after finals. Specifically, where you'll be living and what you'll do with all your stuff. We know summer logistics can feel overwhelming, especially when you're far from home, so we've put together everything you need to know in one place. Let's break it down!

---

🏠 Summer Housing Options

First Things First: Move-Out Day

All students need to move out of their rooms by Friday, May 22nd at 6:00 PM. Mark it on your calendar now!

But if you have a late flight or you're walking at commencement, don't stress. You can submit an Extended Stay Request to stay a little longer. Extended stays in your current hall are officially available through May 23rd, but exceptions can be made for scheduled flights or if you're moving directly into summer housing on May 27th. When filling out the form, just select "Other Reasons" and explain your situation. They're pretty flexible about it!

📋 Extended Stay Request Form: plu.formstack.com/forms/extended_stay_application

---

Staying for the Summer? Here's What's Available

If you're sticking around campus for part or all of summer break, good news! South Hall and Ordal Hall will be open for summer student housing.

Here are the key details:

• Ordal Hall offers single rooms at $24/night, with a minimum stay of 26 days
• Summer housing runs through August 13th
• After that, early fall move-in is handled separately by Residential Life

To be eligible, you need to be registered for a PLU summer class, enrolled for the upcoming Fall semester, or have been enrolled in the previous Spring semester.

⚠️ Application deadline is May 1st. If you apply after that and you'll be hit with a $100 late fee so don't procrastinate on this one!

📋 Summer Housing Application: plu.edu/hospitality/summer-housing

When you fill out the application, you'll choose your check-in and check-out dates, so think through your summer plans before applying.

---

Need Both an Extended Stay AND Summer Housing?

Yes, you'll need to submit two separate applications. One for the extended stay (through Residential Life) and one for summer housing (through Hospitality Services). A little extra paperwork, but totally worth it for a smooth transition!

---

🍽️ What About Food?

Meal plans aren't available during the summer, but you can purchase Dining Dollars to use at Old Main Market, which stays open all summer long. You can add Dining Dollars through the GET app, online, or in person at OMM.

---

📦 Summer Storage Options

Okay, so what about all your stuff? This is a big one for international students. You can't exactly ship everything home and back again every year.

ISS Storage at Harstad Hall

Here's the great news: International Student Services (ISS) has your back. Even though Campus Life no longer offers general student storage (as of October 2024), ISS has set aside dedicated storage rooms in Harstad Hall specifically for international students to use over the summer or while studying away.

More detailed guidelines and sign-up procedures will be shared in May, so keep an eye out for that communication from ISS!

Off-Campus Storage Companies

If you have a lot of items or want the extra peace of mind that comes with a professional storage facility, there are several storage companies close to PLU and some of them even offer special discounts for PLU students!

📋 Check out off-campus storage options here: plu.edu/on-campus-housing/off-campus-storage-resources

---

✅ Quick Checklist

Before the semester wraps up, make sure you've got these covered:

• Move out by May 22nd at 6 PM (or submit an Extended Stay Request if needed)
• Apply for summer housing by May 1st if you need a place to stay
• Watch for ISS storage info coming in May
• Browse off-campus storage options if you need more space
  

---

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to the International Student Services office. We're always happy to help you navigate all of this.

---

For more info, visit the PLU Hospitality Summer Housing page or contact Hospitality Services at summerhousing@plu.edu.

Healing Through Traditional Mongolian Medicine

     Last summer honestly became one of the biggest turning points in my healing journey. As an international student from Mongolia, I wasn't just carrying school stress, I was also carrying physical pain and mental pressure that I had gotten so used to, I stopped even questioning it. 

    The main reason I decided to seek treatment was my chronic lower back pain. it actually started in high school when i was training really intensely for an Asian-level dance competition. During practice, I injured my lower back. the competition ended, life moved on... but the pain didn't. It would get worse during stressful times or when I pushed myself too hard physically which as a student, happens a lot. 

    After a really challenging year, I decided to spend part of my summer staying at a traditional Mongolian medicine hospital for inpatient treatment, And from the moment I got there something felt different. The hospital didn't feel rushed or cold. It felt pretty calm. Clean. Grounded. There was a strong Buddhist presence in the atmosphere, not in a loud way, but in a peaceful, subtle way. Everything moved slowly and intentionally. It reminded me that healing isn't something you rush. it takes time. 

    One of the first things they did was pulse diagnosis. If you're not familiar with traditional Mongolian medicine, this might sound unusual. Instead of immediately doing scans or machines, the doctor carefully checked my pulse at my wrist. They paid attention to the rhythm, depth, strength, and tiny details tha most of us would never notice. My treatment included full-body traditional massage to release deep tension. I also had heat therapy placed on specific points like my ears, hands, feet, and back. Warm herbal heat was used to stimulate circulation and help my body recover naturally. 

    I was prescribed herbal medicine for three months. Everything was plant-based and natural, which gave me comfort. it felt gentle, not aggressive. It didn't feel like i was fighting my body, it felt like I was supporting it. 

    Even the food was parrt of the healing. The hospital served traditional Mongolian meals like nourishing soups, meat and vegetable dishes, warm and filling food. It reminded me that healing isn't just about medicine. It's about care. It's about being nourished. 

    When I went back for a follow-up during winter break, my doctor told me something that really stuck with me. They said my constant worrying and overthinking about the future was putting unnecessary strain on my heart. I was told to be more calm, patient, and emotionally balanced. 

And that hit me. 

    As students, we're always thinking about the next thing. Grades. Internships. Careers. time. Expectations. We're constantly in "what's next?" mode. But living in that constant stress slowly disconnects you from yourself. What I learned from this experience is simple: 

Taking care of yourself is not optional 

Rest is not laziness

Peace is not weakness. 

    You don't have to earn the right to slow down. Traditional Mongolian medicine, deeply influenced by Buddhist values, taught me that healing isn't just about fixing pain. it's about learning how to live gently with yourself. Finding small moments of calm and joy is not selfish, it's necessary. 

And honestly, wherever you come from, your culture probably holds wisdom that you might need to return to. 

-Nobi Altanzul 

Summer & Fall 2026 Registration Prep

Registration opens Monday, April 13, 2026.

The Summer & Fall class schedule usually appears in late March, so planning can start early! :)

---

1) A simple plan before registration day

2–3 weeks before

• Check what classes you still need for your major and graduation plan.

• Pick your top 4–6 classes for Fall, plus 2 backup options for each.

• Look for prerequisites and class notes (labs, discussions, linked sections).

1 week before

• Build Plan A and Plan B schedules.

• Write down course numbers/CRNs so you can add classes fast.

• Confirm your registration time in Banner.

The day before

• Log in once to make sure your ePass works.

• Check for holds or missing steps.

• Make sure you have your advisor registration code!!

---

2) Tips to grab seats in required classes

• Register for required major courses first.

• Add classes in this order:

  1. Major requirements

  2. Labs/discussions linked to those courses

  3. Time-sensitive courses (offered once a year)

  4. Gen Ed / electives

• Use the waitlist if the course offers it.

• Keep a backup section ready, then swap later if a seat opens.

Quick “how to register” reminder

Banner Self-Service path:

• Log in → Student Services → Registration → Register for Classes

---

3) Advisor meeting checklist (bring this list!)

Bring:

• Your Plan A + Plan B course list (with CRNs if you can)

• Your target credit total for Fall

• A short list of questions

Ask your advisor:

• “Which required class fills fastest?”

• “Which class runs once per year?”

• “What sequence works best for my major?”

• “Do I need a lab or discussion section?”

• “Can you confirm my registration code?”

---

4) Full-time planning (especially important for Fall)

PLU defines full-time undergraduate enrollment as 12–17 credits.

A balanced Fall plan can look like this:

• 12 credits: 3 classes (good balance)

• 14–16 credits: 4–5 classes (busy, but manageable with smart mixing)

If you are an international student, talk with ISS BEFORE making changes that affect full-time enrollment. (Rules can vary by situation)

---

Mini checklist 📋

• Plan A + Plan B made

• CRNs saved in notes

• Registration time checked in Banner

• Advisor code ready

• Credit total planned (aim 12–17 for full-time)

by Luna, ISS Intern

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 🍕☕

 

---

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)

---

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!

---

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)

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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 😉).

---

📖 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! 🎧

---

🏢 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.

---

🔬 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.

---

🌿 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.

---

✨ 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:

---

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!

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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 💛

Guest Blog: Food for Thought

Guest blogger Rina is back with some restaurant suggestions that are sure to make you hungry!

As summer comes, free time and sunny weather is a calling for good FOOD!  As someone who has become familiar with the Tacoma/Seattle area, here are some of my recommendations that everyone should try!

 

Spot #1 - My Lil' Cube Ramen and Asian Cuisine in Puyallup

This little restaurant offers a satisfying variety of dishes ranging from ramen to smaller appetizers. My friends and I all tried their ramen, and shared one order of Xiao Long Bao (dumplings). We loved the noodles and the broth. And we enjoyed the intimate atmosphere that the restaurant had.

 

Spot #2 - Biscuit House in Lakewood

When you're wanting a warm breakfast or lunch, Biscuit House offers a large selection of breakfast options. The portions were quite filling, and satisfied by love for eggs and hash browns. They offer unlimited coffee too, in case you need a little kick of energy for the day. 

 

Spot #3 - Pho Tai in Lakewood

A restaurant open until 4am can be a lifesaver when doing some late studying. As the name implies, the restaurant services a selection of phở, bánh mì and other small snacks. This place is perfect for a casual meal, especially since you don't have to rush before closing hours.

 

Spot #4 - Ho Soon Yi in Lakewood

Ho Soon Yi is a well-loved Korean restaurant that has tofu soups, grilled meat and other classic Korean dishes. In this picture, my friend and I ordered Mul-naengmyeon, which is cold noodles in broth, perfect for warm weather. We also ordered a warm soup that had fish cake and ramen noodles. 

 

Spot #5 - Jin Jin Matcha in Downtown Tacoma

Matcha lovers unite in this cafe in downtown Tacoma! With creative drinks incorporating matcha, everyone has something new to try every time. My friends and I have found that we like the rose matcha and the butterfly pea flower matcha. The cafe offers a calming, intimate and modern atmosphere, and feel free to bring your laptops and spend some time studying here too!

 

Bonus: Spot #6 - NEKO Cat Cafe in Seattle

With a farther drive up north to Seattle, NEKO Cat Cafe is sure to be worth the extra trip. The cafe's highlight would most definitely be spending time with the cats, but they do offer snacks and drinks inside. This is a fun way to spend an evening with your friends, while having a nice drink too.