Students blog

College is an interesting place, one day you think you have life figured out and the next you are lost. I started college as an Architecture major and now I am graduating as a Communications major. Keep reading if you want to find out how I chose my major.

General Education Classes

When my advisor said to explore classes outside of my major, I naturally decided to only pick classes within the architecture major. Unfortunately (or fortunately), my plans were disrupted when all of the classes were taken, and I was forced to follow my advisor’s suggestion. To my surprise I ended up hating my only architecture class but loving my psychology and communications classes.

Clubs

With an infinite list of clubs, finding one I liked felt like working on a highly complicated project that could alter my life forever (ok..maybe I was being a little dramatic but as an indecisive person this task was difficult). After signing up for more clubs than I can count I ended up committing to the Hall Council. We were responsible for organizing activities for our building and collaborating with the Resident Assistance. This made me aware of my passion for working in teams, managing projects, and studying people’s behaviors to better cater to them.

Self-Reflection

After joining multiple organizations and living the college life for a year, I reflected on all my experiences and made a list of all the jobs that I saw myself doing based on the skills I’ve gained and what I’ve discovered about myself. Once I had the list finalized, I ranked them and looked up what the three highest positions actually entailed.

Choice

With the list of jobs narrowed down to my top three, all I needed to do was pick. Difficult for sure, but not impossible. Time told me what I searched for, showing me the right path along the way. Looking back at my choices and comparing it to my passion guided me towards just the right major for me.

Why?

When people asked me why I wanted to be an architect, my mind went blank. The truth is there wasn’t a reason, I just picked something and moved on. Now, when someone asks why I chose Communications, my eyes spark with joy and my heart races telling endless stories that made me who I am today.

To make it simpler for you. I came up with a series of steps you can follow to make choosing a major less intimidating.

Key Steps to Find the Perfect Major

1. Take general education classes and allow yourself to explore multiple fields
2. Join clubs that spark your interest
3. Find a mentor within a club/class and ask for guidance
4. Do some self-reflection and come up with jobs that you see yourself doing in the future
5. Make a list of three to five jobs and learn more about them
6. Decide which major fits your interests and aspirations best
7. Ask yourself, why did I choose this major?

By the end of these steps, you should have an idea of what you want to major in. However, if you cannot answer the question on step seven it is time to go back to step 1. Repeat this process as many times as you need and remember that it is never too late to change your path. Remember, ultimately, we all have the same goal, to be happy. If you don't feel passionate about your career, then reconsider your options and start again. The path is there, you just have to find it. Allow yourself to wander and get lost because that's the only way to learn and grow.

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Being in your early 20’s can be a whirlwind of uncertainty. What do I want to do with my life? Where do I want to live? Who am I? What do I like, what don’t I like? These questions seem endless. Your 20’s is a crucial time to figure out who you are independently and your experiences and values ultimately shape who you become. The truth is I feel like everyone feels like this and taking the time to ask these questions is already a step in the right direction.

Discovering Yourself through Hobbies

Finding hobbies that are tailored to you is the best way to get to know your interests and values. The key is finding hobbies you genuinely enjoy doing in your free time without feeling like a chore. By incorporating hobbies that fill aspects of your life —social needs, professional needs, creative needs, physical needs and self-care needs— you’ll create a well-rounded foundation for personal growth. Ultimately finding a few hobbies in each of these categories will set you up for success with truly knowing yourself.

Social Hobbies: Building Connections

Fulfilling your social needs is essential for personal well-being. Surrounding yourself with the right people and meaningful activities can enrich your life. Your social needs can be met in a few different ways like hosting dinner parties, joining a book club, going out with friends, going to brunch or visiting some of your favorite places with your friends. When it comes to socializing and friendships, quality often outweighs quantity. Finding like-minded friends and a support system will help you grow in ways you’ve never expected.

Intellectual Hobbies: Expanding Your Mind

Keeping your brain engaged is just as important as staying physically active. Intellectual hobbies challenge you, enhance your skills and help you become a more well-rounded person. Consider exploring activities like reading books, watching documentaries, learning a new language, taking online courses to grow your skills and writing. Engaging in these types of activities will not only sharpen your mind but also enhance your ability to communicate and connect with others.

Physical Hobbies: Keeping Your Body Active

Physical hobbies are so important for keeping both your mind and body sharp. The beauty of movement is there is something for everyone! There are so many different sports and activities you can do like swimming, tennis, volleyball, golf, Pilates, running, dancing and so much more! Finding a physical activity that you enjoy will make it easier to stay consistent and improve your well-being.

Self-Care and Wellness: Recharging your Energy

Taking care of yourself is just as important as any other aspect in life. Prioritizing self-care ensures that you have the energy and mental clarity to pursue your passions. Self-care can be different from person to person, but some great ones are spa days, meditation, journaling, practicing your religion, nature walks, massages and therapy and counseling. These activities should help you feel recharged and ready to take on the world!

Embracing Your Journey

Becoming your best self is not about having all the answers. It’s about being open to exploration, growth and creating your own happiness. Your 20’s are the perfect time to experiment and figure out what truly fulfills you. The key is to embrace the journey, stay focused and build a life that aligns with your values.

So, what’s one new hobby you want to try?

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Choosing the right thing to do between college semesters can be difficult. There are mixed emotions about wanting to stay a kid and do fun stuff and feeling obligated to get a job or an internship that can help your career. You have many options, and everyone’s path is different, but many students struggle to see how they can have fun and be productive in one summer while also taking a break to combat burnout. As a senior getting ready to graduate and move on to my next phase of life, here is my advice on how to organize your summers to maximize fun and professional growth.

The Summer After Freshman Year

It’s tempting to jump right into being an adult as soon as you finish your first year of college, but don’t forget that this is also your first time back at home after being away for a whole year. It also might be your last chance to have a “kid summer” before having to focus on getting an internship. The summer after my freshman year, I lived out my childhood dream of being a camp counselor at the summer camp I grew up going to. I cannot recommend this enough. The words “camp counselor” look great on a resume, and it’s a fun job! You truly get the best of both worlds with this job.

The Summer After Sophomore Year

The best choice I ever made was studying abroad for the summer. I had a fantastic time and learned so much about myself, the world, and traveling. It was also great because I was taking classes that I needed to graduate, but I wasn’t doing it in a way that fed into my burnout; rather, I was doing it while exploring Europe. This was the perfect balance as I bridged the gap to the second half of college and needed to focus on my future career. My biggest advice for every college student is to study abroad at some point in their college career. I promise you won’t regret it.

The Summer After Junior Year

Finally, it was time to look for an internship. As a design major, most major companies don’t accept interns younger than junior year, so I had my timeline somewhat laid out for me because of that. I spent the Spring semester of junior year searching for an internship and applying to many, many positions, then getting rejected from many, many positions. This grueling process can be disheartening, but I was lucky enough to be offered an internship at Georgia Aquarium for the summer. I loved my time there, and I learned so much about design and about working. I also had a super fun summer! I was able to hang out with friends after work and on the weekends and explore the city. Going into your senior year can be daunting, but having a little bit of work experience under my belt made the process feel more exciting than scary.

The Summer After Senior Year

I’m about to graduate so I’ll impart some wisdom that has been given to me. Most of the job application process is out of your hands, so you have to go with the flow. Your first job will likely not be your dream job, but rather a steppingstone towards the career you want. Keep an open mind and know that what’s meant to be, will be. Everybody’s path looks different, but it will all work out in the end.

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Throughout my college years there were a lot of classes which I felt helped me get ready for when I had to start interviewing.

Notably, the classes that I thought helped me the most were my public speaking classes (SPK 230) in which the professor assigned many speeches to improve our communications skills. My early year writing classes helped me with writing skills and critical thinking, which also correlated to asking questions while in interviews. I believe a lot of my upper-level class such my capstone classes helped because they focus more on speaking emphasis and writing emphasis.

So, to the question: What is a guide for interviews? I believe that a big piece of having a successful interview is by coming to the interview with thoughtful questions in which you can elaborate and tailor the specific question to the individual interviewing you. This allows the interviewer to know you took time to prepare and that you care.

For example, I had an interview recently and as we wrapped up, she asked me if I had any questions. One question that I asked that I thought brought a great impression was, “What are key challenges someone may face in this role?” Although the question sounds to the point, I tailored the question back to the interviewer by asking her follow up questions of when she started at the company. That conversation based on the question I asked lasted more than ten minutes.

Overall to have a successful interview, I believe always having questions and conversation based off the question can be the best way to be successful.

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Reflecting back on my own college experience, here are five things I wish I had known as a freshman.

1. The friends you make freshman year might not be your friends senior year.

You may get lucky with a few people who stick around, but don’t get discouraged when people change and grow over the course of four years and drift away from you. Meeting new people and learning how to dedicate time to healthy relationships is important. I found that I preferred being alone to having bad company, so while my circle is small, I know I can rely on all of my friends for mutual support.

2. You can do more than you think you can.

It may seem hard at times to dedicate more and more time to school, jobs, clubs, and personal development, but now is the time to fill your days. Every semester I made sure to take that extra class, join that club or seek out a leadership position, and prioritize movement at the gym and tennis practice during the day because that was important to me. You have the freedom now to design a life that fulfills you while also shaping you into the person you want to be.

3. It’s not supposed to be easy, but it is supposed to be fun.

If while trying something new you discover that it doesn’t bring you joy or other benefits, it is ok to stop. Now is the time to find what makes you want to get out of bed every day, so it’s good to be busy if you feel fulfilled. However, there is no shame in asking people you trust for help if things start to feel overwhelming. I was fortunate to have many great friends and mentors help me through some of the more difficult semesters, and you will too when you get involved and build strong relationships.

4. No one is judging you.

Especially as a freshman, I was so concerned with what everyone else thought about me. Now, as a senior, I realize that no one I thought was judging me would remember me today. I have never remembered someone for the way they dress or walk, but I do remember the people who treated me with respect and made me laugh. Think about how you want someone to remember you and use that as a guide for how to carry yourself every day.

5. It’s not what you know, it’s who you know (and how you know them).

Whether it’s an internship you want or an officer position in the club, you are only as good as your relationships with the people making the decision. Since you never know who might be in that position to dictate your future one day, you must treat everyone with kindness and respect. I have submitted more applications than I could ever remember, but the successful ones were supported by the connections I had made during my time at UNH. This truth will hold for the rest of your professional life, so it is essential to practice in college.

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As a student working toward a career in Engineering, I had a lot of classes to take to get there. Thankfully, my university has professors who bring real-world experience to the table, which makes learning more hands-on. However, since they can’t always be on campus, many of my classes are held online. With so many online classes this semester, it can be tough to stay focused and keep distractions at bay. Over time, I've picked up a few helpful strategies for staying on track and getting my work done efficiently while learning from home. Here’s what’s been working for me!

1. Leave Your Room

The main tip that anyone can learn while trying to be a successful student and to make use of all their time is to leave the comfort of your room. With the different online classes that I have, it can get hard for me to find the motivation to get up at a reasonable hour and utilize that time for studying. During these times my bed looks extra comfortable and if you were like me, getting things done while lying in bed is not a successful strategy. Finding a routine that allowed me to get ready for the day and take my work anywhere that is not my home or dorm put me into an environment to have complete focus to finish tasks.

2. Pomodoro Method

Sounds like you’ve never heard it right? How about the 25-5 method? Well, I didn’t know that there was an official name for this type of study method. It is when you study hard for 25 minutes uninterrupted, then once the timer is up, you take a 5-minute break, before going back to studying. This is a really good method for people who tend to procrastinate (like me). It keeps you focused on your work for a good amount of time and allows you time to take a mental break. If you get super advanced at this method, try increasing your study timer to 30 minutes.

3. Invest in a Computer Monitor

You know, for us STEM majors, it can get a little crazy trying to manage everything at once whether you're working on an assignment or running software that’s eating up your computer’s energy. It’s easy to feel like you're drowning in tabs, or like your computer’s just not keeping up with the workload. That’s why getting an external monitor is honestly a game-changer. It helps you keep everything organized and gives you some extra space to breathe. I can't even tell you how many times I’ve opened something like AutoCAD and realized how much easier it is to see everything clearly on a bigger screen. It’s one of those small upgrades that totally makes your life easier when you're juggling all those tasks.

4. Take Written Notes

This is a tip for keeping yourself engaged in online classes or in class. Writing notes while the professor is speaking can distract you from anything that will take your focus away from your work. It also encourages you to ask questions on topics you don’t understand or any questions that you have. Studies show that people tend to remember handwritten notes better over the long term because the act of writing helps encode the information into your memory. If I am studying for a test, I can retain a topic better because I remembered that I wrote it down.

5. Actively Participate

Tying this in from the topic above, actively participating in lectures in class and voicing your opinion can help reduce the amount of study time you need to review a topic. So, whether it’s through active recall, applying what you’ve learned to real-life scenarios, or teaching someone else, the key is to make the learning process as hands-on and engaging as possible. The more you interact with the material, the stronger and more lasting your understanding will be!

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Like for most students, the transitions between breaks and school have been anything but fun for me. Somehow three hour-long classes seemed to last days during those weeks in which I was still getting used to school. Over time, and with lots of trial and error, I feel as though I have perfected the art of the back-to school-transition. Especially after Spring Break, which barely feels like a break at all, I make sure to follow a specific routine to get back into my “grind-set” (grind mindset).

Getting a Head Start

Arguably the most important part of effectively transitioning back into school after a break is preparing before it even starts. Spring break is short, and it goes by fast, so by a day or so to do nothing helps you come back rested. Additionally, you can use this time to reflect on the semester so far: on what you’d like to continue or stop doing, on moments and people that you appreciated, and anything else you deem notable.

Sleep Schedule

The next step is to re-establish a sleep schedule that works with my class schedule. For example, if my first class is at 9 am, and I know it takes me about an hour and a half to get ready in the morning. I start waking up at around 7am and go to bed around 11pm to get the amount of sleep I want. By jumping right back into the habit I had before break limits the shock of a sudden transition once classes reconvene.

Keeping an Agenda

Ahead of my first back in class, I review any assignments for classes in the upcoming week. In my physical agenda (although many students also do this either on an online calendar or spreadsheet), I mark the date of all my tests and assignments whose due date is already posted, as well as reminders to study for those tests. This not only saves me time in the future but also saves me the stress of forgetting an upcoming assignment or being unaware of certain class expectations.

Go With the Flow

The final, but arguably the most crucial part of my routine, is to not take myself too seriously. Along with the stress of what remains of the current semester comes the joy of knowing that there are countless new opportunities coming your way. Classes are hard and getting back into a routine can be even harder, but trust that you are more than capable of overcoming anything that comes your way.

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College students balance academics, social life, and personal growth. Unfortunately, staying active can get pushed to the backburner. Between the long study sessions and endless to-do lists, it can feel like there’s no time to stay active. However, staying active is one of the best ways to combat stress, stay healthy, and maintain a balanced lifestyle. For those of us who want to continue a sport we love without the intense time commitment, club sports provide an excellent solution.

Club sports offer an ideal balance of staying active while not overloading your schedule. Club sports are typically less rigorous but still provide the opportunity to compete, train, and bond with a team. I’ve experienced this firsthand as a member of Virginia Tech’s club competitive cheerleading team. When I came to college, I knew I wanted to continue cheerleading, but I was worried about the time commitment. The flexibility of the club cheerleading team allowed me to practice a few times a week while still having time to focus on my studies.

Staying active through club sports has had significant benefits for both my physical and mental health. On the physical side, cheerleading helps me maintain my strength, flexibility, and endurance – important components for staying fit in college. Mentally, staying active is just as important. College can be a stressful experience, with deadlines and the pressure of figuring out your future hanging over you. Engaging in physical activity has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and even improve mood. When I’m at practice, I’m able to disconnect from academic pressures and focus purely on the team and our routine.

Beyond the physical and mental benefits, club sports offer leadership opportunities that can be incredibly rewarding. After years of being part of the cheerleading team, I now serve on the executive board as the Treasurer. This leadership role has taught me the important skills of problem-solving, teamwork, and time management, all of which have proven useful in both my personal life and future career aspirations.

Being a part of a club sport also creates a strong sense of community. You’re surrounded by teammates who share your interests and passion for the sport, which fosters a supportive environment. It’s not just about the practices and competitions – it’s about building friendships and connections that make your college experience richer.

In conclusion, club sports offer a perfect solution for staying active, building leadership skills, and reducing stress while in college. They provide a healthy way to stay involved in the activities you love while still maintaining a manageable schedule. Whether you’re continuing a sport you’ve always enjoyed or trying something new, club sports are a great way to stay physically and mentally healthy during your college years.

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At the beginning of each year and each semester, students may make all different kinds of resolutions Whether it be exercising more, making new friends, or studying harder, almost every student finds something that they want to change. No matter the change though, one thing stays the same: organizational habits need an improvement! By organizing your life, you can achieve any goal you set your mind to!

Organize Your Day

Utilizing different planning apps like a digital calendar, a physical planner, or other organization apps on your phone can make planning your day-to-day schedule so much easier. I often find myself not remembering to do activities like going to the gym or meeting up with friends unless I make a conscious effort to write down and plan these events! Small efforts can go a long way.

What’s a Dopamine Menu?

This is one of the best tools I’ve found to “organize my happiness!” A dopamine menu is a small list of tasks that can be completed to make you feel happier! The “dopamine” aspect of the name refers to the chemical known as the “happy hormone.” The “menu” aspect refers to the fact that the list is often organized as a menu. Appetizers are actions that don’t take long and could include listening to your favorite song, cuddling a pet, or stretching. Entrees take a little bit longer – maybe going for a walk, cooking a favorite meal, or taking a long shower. Sides can be done in the background – like putting on your favorite show or lighting a candle. And desserts are special treats, like buying a new outfit or going to your favorite place! I’ve utilized a dopamine menu when I’m feeling stressed from college life. It’s a quick and easy way to give myself the boost I need to get through the day!

Organizing Your Space

Decluttering your space is an easy way to clear your mind. I’ve found that taking time to organize my closet, deep clean my room, and throw out old things that I don’t need allows me to enjoy and relax in the space that I’m living in. A clear mind helps me to study more effectively and reach my other goals more easily!

All in all, college life is never easy. There are constant stressors that take us farther and farther away from reaching our goals! As students, it is important to take a step back and reflect on our habits. With a few changes to our organization skills, we can easily achieve our goals!

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started!