Top finals week snacks

Sweet and salty pretzel noms

There are many variations of the melt-something-on-a-pretzel snack, but it’s by far the best with a peanut butter cup.

via Hershey's

Snack crackers

Why would you go through the trouble of making flavored crackers when you could just buy them? Because these are that good! And don’t forget to serve them in fancy little dish as shown here.

via allrecipes.com

Fruits and veggies

They’re good for you and stuff. Plus, your body would probably appreciate the occasional carrot between handfuls of dry cereal and Diet Coke.

Nature Valley Granola Bars

They require no cooking, and they’re delicious. Added bonus: you’ll inadvertently leave a trail of crumbs so your friends can find you in Anschutz after you pass out and almost miss your 7:30 a.m. final.

Popcorn

Another easy snack, and for those of you who don’t scour Pinterest into the wee hours of the morning, did you know that you can make your own healthier version with only popcorn kernels and a brown paper bag?

via Squawkfox

S'mores treats

First you take the graham. You stick the chocolate on the graham. Then, you roast the ‘mallow. No, not really. They’re just like Rice Krispies treats, but with Golden Grahams.

Dark chocolate

Science says dark chocolate is good for your heart and brain, and science is never wrong.

Almonds

They’re healthy, but you know those S’mores treats are calling your name. Why even bother with the almonds.

Pyramid Pizza Bonez

Bonez: a delectable ring of dough stuffed with a week’s worth of dairy servings. When you don’t have anything left to give and it’s time to eat your feelings: BONEZ TIME. When a “z” replaces an “s,” you know it’s about to get real.

via foodspotting.com

by Annie Montemayor

Top 10 finals study spots at KU

Studies suggest varying your study locations can improve your memory, so get your book and your buddies, and try out some finals study hot spots.

1. Java Break

What could be better for finals than 24-hour coffee? With its basic drinks, specialty drinks and food, Java Break makes for a perfect hole-in-the-wall study spot. Plus, there are power outlets everywhere!

2. Signs of Life

A little smaller than Java Break, Signs of Life is a wonderful spot to grab a table with a study buddy. The art gallery and bookstore make for the perfect break when studying fries your brain.

3. Anschutz Library

With its combination of group and individual study spots, Anschutz provides a focused library feel and a little background noise. Be careful not to strike up too many conversations at Club ‘Schutz.

4. Watson study area

Watson is a great place to go if you’re into quiet, uninterrupted study. Feel free to come with a friend, but keep your voices low.

5. Watson stacks

Looking for a place so quiet that a pin drop echoes? Try the desks sprinkled throughout the stacks. But don’t get lost in there!

6. Spahr Library

If you’re looking to get away from the main libraries, try Spahr. The engineering library might just be the perfect place to get away from the insanity.

7. The Underground

If you like your studying with a little background noise, give the Underground a shot. With a whole cafeteria and coffee shop available, the Underground has everything you need to settle in on your laptop for a few hours.

8. Residence hall study rooms

If you want to avoid the cold, try your hall's study rooms. Get your roommates or suitemates together, head down there and have a study party.

Photo credit: Jan Morris Nitcher

9. Home

If you’re off campus, your home might be a good spot to try. You can have all the study snacks you want without worrying about ordering delivery. Just be careful to avoid Netflix!

10. Dillon’s cafeteria

If you’re looking for something a little different, try the Dillon’s cafeteria.

by Allison Kite

B-school staff share finals week memories

Although it’s been a few years since most of them crammed for finals, staff members at the KU School of Business had plenty of memories to share from their undergraduate days. Enjoy a few highlights — happy studying!

1. Alicia Green, academic advisor

2. Amy Thomas, event coordinator

3. Dee Steinle, MBA administrative director

4. Dave Byrd-Stadler, MBA career services director

5. Kelly Watson Muther, dean's chief of staff

A holiday greeting from the KU School of Business

Wishing you and yours and warm holiday season. Rock Chalk, Jayhawk!

Who gets an MBA?

A KU MBA is all about business, but it’s not only for business undergraduates.

Dee Steinle, the administrative director of masters programs at the KU School of Business, fights the stereotype that most MBA students have business backgrounds.

“There are ways an MBA can benefit those with a business undergrad,” Steinle said. “But absolutely the best fit for an MBA is really someone who is launching a career change that comes from a non-business background.”

The reality is that there’s a diverse student body in the MBA program, and people chose it for a variety of reasons.

Steinle believes that the MBA program is not only well designed for people with non-business backgrounds, but it’s best designed for them.

 “The notion is that a person can have an expertise in another area such as journalism or engineering and take that knowledge, with some experience preferably, and come into the MBA program to gain a systematic business education,” she said.

When students come out of the program, they have a well-rounded education, which allows their passions to drive business.

The MBA program consists of students with backgrounds in English, literature, hard science, engineering and even veterinarian science. Paul Epp, a second-year MBA student, is a professional musician and recording artist.

“He definitely has everything he needs to be successful,” Steinle said, “whether it’s in a business of his choice or starting his own business.”

Many graduates adapt their MBA to suit their own personal interests, allowing them to apply their degree in a variety of business settings. To learn more about an MBA, visit mba.ku.edu.

by Mackenzie Leander