STEP ONE: Check For Messages. If you think you may have a text message, there’s a few simple ways to check. A great indicator that you can check up on rather quickly is to glance down on the “messages” icon n your home screen. Does it have a red number at the corner of the icon? If it does, that probably means you have a text message. 
- STEP TWO: Decipher Whether Or Not You Have Received A Text Message. If you’re unsure whether either this red number is really from a text or iMessage or if you maybe have a red piece of something stuck to your phone screen, another great way is to click on the icon.
- STEP THREE: Locate Your Unopened Text Message. Once you've clicked on the icon, this should bring you to be viewing all of your conversations, with the name of the sender listed so you can see who is trying to contact you. Is there a number in parentheses () at the top of the screen next to where it says “Messages”? If so, this could mean that you may have an unanswered text. Is there a blue dot next to one of the names or conversations listed on your screen? This is another great indicator that you have a message you have not responded to!
- STEP FOUR: Open The Message. Click on the conversation. This should bring you to a screen on which you are able to view what the sender has written to you and at what time they sent the message.
- STEP FIVE: Read The Message. Does the message end in a question mark? Is the message phrased in a way that may mean the sender is looking for a response from you? When you read the words, do they form a sentence? Or when you read the letters, do they form a word perhaps? All of these could be signs that you should reply to the text message.
- STEP SIX: Write Your Reply. This is a very important step to ensure that you successfully reply to your text message. First, click on the box close to the bottom of the screen. This is the space in which you will type your reply, using the keyboard provided to you directly under the open message space. Spell out the words you will be choosing to reply to this text here.
- STEP SEVEN: Send The Message. This step is one of the most crucial, perhaps THE MOST CRUCIAL step in ensuring you have successfully replied to your text message. There should be some kind of button directly next to the text box in which you have just typed out your reply, a button that indicates an action of sending of some kind. It may be a blue arrow, it may be a blue button with the letters “SEND” on it, it may be something else. But if it suggests any kind of “sending” action, this is the button you are looking for. What you are going to do is press this button. Once you have hit this button, this should mean that you have successfully replied to the text message, unless notified otherwise by your cell phone, in which case your message was not successfully sent, perhaps due to poor reception or WiFi connection, and in which case you should try this step a couple more times until the message has been sent.
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STEP ONE: Check For Messages. If you think you may have a text message, there’s a few simple ways to check. A great indicator that you can check up on rather quickly is to glance down on the “messages” icon n your home screen. Does it have a red number at the corner of the icon? If it does, that probably means you have a text message. 
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Luckily, many colleges offer a number of ways to take part in campus and community life, without forcing you to dedicate all of your time to these organizations. Here are a few ideas!
1. Look into Housing and Dining.
Many first-year students start off college life in residence halls, and the Housing & Dining network throughout campus often provides multiple opportunities for students throughout the year. Many buildings have student community councils that work to create policies and events that make the dorms a more welcoming home for residents. Becoming a community assistant (or the students who work the desks at the front of many halls) is another easy way to have a consistent, well-paying job only minutes away from your room.
If you really enjoyed your housing experience, consider applying to be an RLA, or, if the school offers it, help to teach the first-year community. You'll get the chance to help support new and returning students over the year, and many of these positions also cover major costs like board and meal plans.
2. Pay attention to campus postings.
This advice is more obvious, but it still gets overlooked a fair amount. Even on a busy day, taking the time to stop around campus and look at the flyers advertising clubs and events can draw your attention to something that you never would've noticed otherwise. Students on many campuses also chalk the sidewalk to catch students' attention while they walk to class. Just make sure that the event you're interested in hasn't taken place already!
3. Find common interest groups.
One way to find friends and get involved is to focus on what you're passionate about. Have you always loved to sing? Do you enjoy playing video games? Is photography your favorite past-time? Have you always wanted to join Greek life? Whatever you love devoting your time to, chances are there are organizations around school who are focused on the same thing. Check the student life section of your university's website, or stop by a student organization fair at the beginning of the semester.
4. Join an intramural sports team.
If you're the athletic type, you've probably heard of intramural sports. Often offered through the Rec Center or the residence halls, most colleges often offer various indoor and outdoor sports to take part in throughout the year. Personal favorite? Mini golf.
5. Work on a cause that you care about.
Whether you're passionate about a political group, a social cause, or a religion, working with people who value beliefs similar to yours can be an easy way to meet people, get a better sense of your own identity, and promote causes that are important to you. Look into getting involved with College Democrats, Republicans, or whatever party that you belong to. Find a club that supports social issues, from women's rights to protecting the environment. If you're religious, look into student organizations based on your faith.
6. Join a club related to your major.
Even if you're not entirely sure what you want to do after school, finding a club or organization related to your field of studies can benefit you long after you leave the classroom. From career-related workshops to conferences to professional connections, these groups have a lot to boast.
7. Get an on-campus job.
If you have the time, need to work, or want to save a few extra dollars, finding a job on or near campus is a time-effective way to build up your bank account and gain work experience. Check in your residence hall (see #1), at local businesses and offices, or make an appointment with your school's career center.
8. Volunteer.
When you're caught up in school life, it can be hard to think about the bigger picture. Volunteering your time to people (or animals/an environment) in need puts things in perspective and allows you to feel good while making a positive difference. Check if your college town has a volunteer page, or look up local organizations requesting help.
Best of luck this year! Get out, and get busy.
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