Showing posts with label Back to School. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Back to School. Show all posts

Wednesday, August 15, 2018

10 Unexpected Things You Thought You Didn't Need for College

10 Unexpected Things You Thought You Didn't Need for College

BAY CITY, Mich. -- Whether you're an incoming freshman or returning student, the Back to School season is especially huge for college students, especially when it comes to shopping for supplies, and certainly for those who will be living on campus. While you might have the essentials like a mini-fridge or Netflix, there are several things that you may not have expected would be so useful for dorm life.

From Graff Bay City, here are 10 unexpected things you didn't know you needed for college!



10 Unexpected Things You Thought You Didn't Need for College

1. A BEDSIDE CADDY

These are quite handy if you'll be sleeping in a loft or bunk bed or don't have access to a nightstand. Keep your phone, tablet, or favorite book right at your side, and most importantly safe and organized!



10 Unexpected Things You Thought You Didn't Need for College

2. SHOWER SHOES

Often times you'll have to use a communal bathroom if you live in a dorm, and that means having to share shower space with your dormmates. Unfortunately, it also means you run the risk of sharing all of their germs too, which is why a good pair of shower shoes is essential! College is stressful enough without nasty foot fungus.



10 Unexpected Things You Thought You Didn't Need for College

3. A PRINTER AND STAPLER

The campus library has printers and staplers available to students but, let's be honest, you won't be up for the walk when you've finished your paper at midnight. Instead, get your own printer and stapler for your dorm room. Even better, many printers nowadays are small enough to accommodate limited space, as well as wireless so you don't have to worry about scrounging for an outlet or tripping over cords.





10 Unexpected Things You Thought You Didn't Need for College

4. AMAZON PRIME

The free 2-day shipping offered by Amazon Prime can be a lifesaver, especially if you need a particular book, something for a project, or an emergency Keurig (hey, it happens). Additionally, Prime also offers movies and shows on-demand, not to mention the service is offered to college students free for 6-months and $49/year after (as opposed to the normal $99/month).




10 Unexpected Things You Thought You Didn't Need for College

5. EARPLUGS

Between snoring roommates, slamming doors, and weekend parties, dorms can get pretty noisy. To ensure that you get your proper rest, make sure to keep a package of earplugs handy.


10 Unexpected Things You Thought You Didn't Need for College

6. FIRST AID KIT

College is full of "it seemed like a good idea at the time" moments, and it's a great idea to keep a first aid kit in your dorm room to deal with the aftermath of such moments - or the occasional paper cut.



10 Unexpected Things You Thought You Didn't Need for College

7. MATTRESS TOPPER

The beds they provide to you at college are notoriously uncomfortable. Sleep on it for one night then put down the mattress topper you brought along. You'll notice the difference.





10 Unexpected Things You Thought You Didn't Need for College

8. PORTABLE CHARGER

With everything else you have to remember in college, keeping your electronics charged might slip through the cracks every now and again. A portable charger will fit right in your backpack and are typically good for about five charges to phones and tablets before it runs out of juice itself, and some are even powerful enough for laptops.



10 Unexpected Things You Thought You Didn't Need for College

9. A FAN

Some dorms do have central air, but the rooms can still get a little stuffy. Bring a little fan along and get the air circulating properly. This will also help make sharing a space with a smelly roommate a little more bearable.


10 Unexpected Things You Thought You Didn't Need for College

10. A POWER STRIP

If your school allows you to have one in your dorm (some don't), we strongly encourage you to take advantage of it. Why have two plugs in a probably unreachable place when you can have six readily available to you?


From all of us at Graff Bay City, we hope you have a safe and smooth transition back to school, as well as an awesome semester! Before heading back, why not stop by our service department to make sure your vehicle is running at its best?

Hank Graff Chevy is located at 3636 Wilder Road, Bay City, MI 48706 and we are here to help our community grow to become an even better place to call home! For more information on Hank Graff Chevrolet, or for any questions call us at (989) 684-4411 or visit our website: www.GraffBayCity.com.

Wednesday, August 8, 2018

10 Back to School Songs to Get You Pumped for the New Year

10 Back to School Songs to Get Your Pumped for the New Year

BAY CITY, Mich. -- Contrary to Alice Cooper's anthemic tune, school is certainly not out forever. While the back to school season may be exciting with all the new possibilities a new school year brings, it can get stressful sometimes, especially for high schoolers and college students. But you can do it!

What better way to set your intention for greatness with some awesome music? We at Graff Bay City have curated an awesome Back to School playlist just for the occasion! Complete with music videos to sing along!


1. "BRAVE" - Sara Bareilles, 2013

Start the ride to school off on the right note with this encouraging track from Sara Bareilles, who implores you to be fearless in everything you do.


2. "WE RULE THE SCHOOL" - Belle & Sebastian, 1996

"Do something pretty while you can," sing indie rockers Belle & Sebastian in this soothing tune about realizing and taking advantage of your potential.


3. "DON'T TAKE THE MONEY" - Bleachers, 2017

"Don't take the money" is a phrase that Jack Antonoff (aka Bleachers) uses when his gut tries to steer him away from something positive, and staying on track is the message here. Break down those negative barriers this semester and rock out.


4. "SCRATCH YOUR NAME" - Noisettes, 2006

This song is all about making your mark and changing the world. A very school-worthy sentiment.




5. "DOG DAYS ARE OVER" - Florence + the Machine, 2009

Florence Welch belts over pounding percussion in this powerful track, inspiring feelings of fresh starts, perseverance, and fearlessness.


6. "UNBREAKABLE SMILE" - Tori Kelly, 2015

For middle school and high school students, one of the biggest pressures they face is "fitting in." This empowering declaration by Tori Kelly is a reminder to stay true to yourself and keep your personal energy positive, no matter what the "cool kids" are doing.


7. "WE ARE GOING TO BE FRIENDS" - The White Stripes, 2001

Michigan-natives The White Stripes perfectly capture that anxiousness and excitement of the first day of school and meeting new friends while you're at it.



8. "SAVE THE WORLD" - Swedish House Mafia, 2012

Blast this club banger on the way to school and tell us you don't feel like you can take on the world, or at least the semester.


9. "FLOAT ON" - Modest Mouse, 2003

Modest Mouse encourages you to not worry so much, see the potential in setbacks, and just "float on," alright?


10. "YOU GOTTA BE" - Des'ree, 1994

Let the chorus to this smooth and serene tune become your personal mantra, and definitely, have it in your headphones on the way into class.


From all of us at Graff Bay City, we wish all of the students in our community an awesome new year! We hope that this playlist gives you the drive you need to get out there and take on the semester!

Hank Graff Chevy is located at 3636 Wilder Road, Bay City, MI 48706 and we are here to help our community grow to become an even better place to call home! For more information on Hank Graff Chevrolet, or for any questions call us at (989) 684-4411 or visit our website: www.GraffBayCity.com.

Friday, August 18, 2017

Back to School Checklist for Middle Schoolers

BAY CITY, Mich.,–– The summer is almost over, which can only mean one thing: school is starting again! Whether your kids love it or hate it, you can tell it's the end of the summer when it's time to go back to school shopping. Get everything done ahead of schedule this year with our back to school checklist for middle schoolers to beat the traffic and get the best deals possible! From 6th to 8th grade, we've put together a list of necessities that will make shopping a breeze. Some teachers release lists of supplies students are required to bring, but these supplies will help to organize and prepare your middle schooler for the next few years!

6th Grade


Back to School Checklist for Middle Schoolers

Purchasing school supplies for 6th graders can be difficult. It's tough to know what supplies will work best for your child as they become more organized and prepared for classes than ever before. Here are a few items we think will help your 6th grader get off to a great start:

  • An agenda for organization
  • (5-6) 2-pocket folders per class
  • (2) 3-subject notebooks w/dividers
  • (12) No. 2 pencils
  • (2) red pens for corrections
  • Hand wipes, sanitizer, etc.
  • Plastic flip-top drink container for water
  • (2) packages of pocket tissue packs
  • (1) pencil case
  • Magnetic locker basket for easy organization
  • Small umbrella for rainy days
  • Pair of gym shoes
  • (10) pens, blue and/or black
  • (1) package of loose leaf paper
  • 12" ruler
  • Pair of scissors

7th Grade

Back to School Checklist for Middle Schoolers

In the 7th grade, your child will start to enjoy a more personalized schedule. They'll be able to pick certain classes they enjoy while also taking part in the required core classes every middle schooler has to take. They'll probably be a little more knowledgeable about what they need, but it's better to be prepared for anything! Make sure you get these supplies before the school year starts:

  • Package of graphing paper for math
  • Agenda for organization
  • 2 GB flash drive
  • Graphing compass
  • Scotch tape
  • (4-5) 3-prong folders with pockets
  • (12) pencils with extra erasers
  • Composition notebook
  • (4) packages of dividers
  • Black, blue, and red pens
  • Dry erase markers
  • Class-specific requirements (instrument, art supplies, etc.)
  • Handheld pencil sharpener w/lid
  • College lined loose leaf paper
  • White out

8th Grade


Back to School Checklist for Middle Schoolers

With one year left in middle school, your 8th grader probably wants to get back to school shopping done as quickly as possible. Since you've probably acquired most of the supplies you'll need over the past couple years, shopping with your 8th grader will be much easier. However, don't forget any of these extremely important supplies:

  • Graphing calculator
  • (3) 3-ring binders
  • Protractor 
  • Dry erase marker/whiteboard
  • Package of sticky notes
  • (5) packages of dividers
  • (12) pencils w/extra erasers
  • White out
  • Agenda or planner for organization
  • Stapler and staple remover
  • Blue, black, and red pens
  • Sharp scissors
  • (3) highlighters, different colors
  • Colored pencils
  • (4) composition notebooks

Back to school shopping can be an enjoyable and easy experience if you are prepared and get organized ahead of time. Stay ahead of the curve this year with our back to school checklist for middle schoolers so you aren't lost or stuck Googling school supplies while you shop! Before school starts up, plan a fun getaway during Labor Day with some fresh and fun family-friendly activities. Planning a cookout for Labor Day weekend? Try some of these mouth-watering recipes to give your tastebuds the vacation they deserve! If you're going on vacation soon, make sure you double check everything you pack to ensure you aren't missing one of the top 10 most forgotten vacation items

Hank Graff Chevy is located at 3636 Wilder Road, Bay City, MI 48706 and we are here to help our community grow to become an even better place to call home! For more information on Hank Graff Chevrolet, or for any questions call us at (989) 684-4411 or visit our website: www.GraffBayCity.com.

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Monday, September 8, 2014

Make The Most of Your September!

Make The Most of Your September!

BAY CITY, Mich. – Have you checked your email inbox? The Graff Bay City September Newsletter: Make the Most of Your September, went out on Friday, bringing you everything you need to know this month! Don't see it there? Make sure you are subscribed to our newsletter!

While it's sad to see summer go so quickly, there is a lot to look forward to this month and we've got everything you need to know in the Graff Bay City September Newsletter! From back to school tips & tricks to pumpkin spice recipes to kick off your fall bucket list, you'll find it here! Plus, we've been busy planning all kinds of community events here at Graff, so you'll find the low down on all of that too!

But one thing we're REALLY excited about is our Volting Across America journey going on now! John hit the road on Sept. 5th and as we follow along with his travels, we're giving you multiple chances to WIN prizes like Meijer gift cards and oil changes. There are two ways to win: either on Instagram or Facebook. On Instagram, all you have to do is share a photo and include @GraffBayCity and #GraffxUSA. On Facebook, check out our Volting Across America Album, and comment on any of the photos with where you think it was taken! Throughout his two week journey, we will be announcing random winners on both social networks so keep posting!

Do you have questions about any of our upcoming events or want to learn more about how to get involved? Stop by our Bay City Chevrolet Dealership or give us a call! Hank Graff Chevy is located at 3636 Wilder Road, Bay City, MI 48706 and we can help you find the perfect vehicle for your weekend getaway! For more information on Hank Graff Chevrolet, or for any questions call us at (989) 684-4411 or visit our website: www.GraffBayCity.com.

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Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Back to School Organization Ideas

BAY CITY, Mich. – While it's only the second day back to school for local kids, the responsibilities, commitments, and after school activities are already adding up. Is the new year stressing you out already? Don't let it! We've gathered up all of our favorite (and realistic) Back to School Organization Ideas to help you stay sane this school year!

Back to School Organization Ideas

Keep the whole family organized and on schedule with a go-to family command center. Even something as simple as a chalkboard or calendar and a dedicated area for the kids to keep their backpacks can make mornings a breeze!

Back to School Organization Ideas

Help the kids form a habit of completing their homework right when they get home by making sure they are equipped to do so. Creating a homework station with all the supplies they may need will help them stay focused, while designating a specific folder for papers that need to be signed will make sure they get back to school on time.

Back to School Organization Ideas

Back to School Organization Ideas

Back to School Organization Ideas

Back to School Organization Ideas

Kids starving when they get home in the afternoon? Make grabbing a snack on the go easy with a snack station that you can keep stocked in the pantry.

Back to School Organization Ideas

Prepping lunches the night before can help keep everyone on schedule in the morning. You can even streamline the process by creating a lunch station in your pantry or fridge. Just stock up on all of the kids' favorite lunch time foods and snacks and then packing their lunch will be as simple as throwing together a few pre-prepped items!

Back to School Organization Ideas

Back to School Organization Ideas

Rather than battling the outfit wars every morning, take some time to set out outfits for each day of the week on Sunday night so that on weekday mornings you can get up and go! 

Back to School Organization Ideas

Do you have a genius back to school organization idea? Share it with us on social media! And if you need to make sure your vehicle is ready for the demands of never ending activities and car pools, come see us and we will help you out! Hank Graff Chevy is located at 3636 Wilder Road, Bay City, MI 48706 and we can help you find the perfect vehicle for your weekend getaway! For more information on Hank Graff Chevrolet, or for any questions call us at (989) 684-4411 or visit our website: www.GraffBayCity.com.

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