Students blog

Explore the latest trends, tips, and experiences in college life in this blog written by fellow students.

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  • A view of a body of water with the shoreline with buildings in the distance.

    How to Prepare for a Semester Abroad: A Guide for College Students

    Amanda Souter

    Studying abroad is one of the most exciting opportunities a college student can have. It’s an opportunity to experience a new culture, gain international experience, and grow in ways you never even thought about. Preparing for such an adventure takes careful planning. Here are five tips to help you get ready for your study abroad journey. 

    1. Research Your Destination: Before you travel to another country, it’s important to research the country or city you are traveling to thoroughly. Research the country’s history, language, customs, and political climate. Understand the cultural norms to help integrate better and immerse yourself into the culture. Learn more about the transportation, events, and local community before arriving. Having an agenda will make your travel flow smoothly. 

    2. Handle the Paperwork Early: Study abroad comes with lots of paperwork including passports and visas so the earlier you start, the better. Check your passport’s expiration date to ensure it’s valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date. Many countries require student visas, so once your program is confirmed, start the visa application process. This often involves gathering documents, attending appointments, and paying fees, so make sure to account for time and costs. I personally had to order a new passport which took around a month to receive and there are multiple documents and steps to require a student visa. 

    3. Sort Out Your Finances: Living abroad can be expensive, so it’s important to get your finances in order before leaving. Create a budget that covers all essentials: tuition, accommodation, food, transportation, and fun. Check out with your bank before studying abroad to acquire a debit or credit card that works internationally. My biggest advice is to save, save, save. 

    4. Learn the Language: You don’t have to be fluent in the language of the country you are studying in but learning some basic phrases can go a long way. Knowing how to say “hello,” “thank you,” and “excuse me” can make interactions smoother and more pleasant. I used apps like Duolingo and Babbel to get started with the basics. Consider taking language courses before or during your stay or in the first couple weeks of your stay. 

    5. Pack Smart: Packing for an extended stay abroad is completely different from packing for a vacation. Start by checking the climate of your destination so you can bring appropriate clothing. You’ll likely need a mix of casual, business, and weather-appropriate outfits. Remember to pack any necessary documents (passport, visa, insurance, etc.) and medications you might need. It’s also smart to bring a universal power adapter, especially if the country you’re going to has different power outlets. Try to avoid overpacking as well.

    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! 

     

  • A Marquette University women’s club volleyball team photo in a gym.

    Connecting on Campus: The Benefits of Club Sports

    Madeline Ognacevic

    As college students, we are busy with academics, jobs, and maintaining a social life. In the mix of all the hurry, it’s important to give ourselves a break. There are many opportunities within each university to find these escapes, whether that be Greek life or joining a club. Club sports are a wonderful way to get active, find an escape from academics and have some fun, while still loving sports without being a full-time athlete. Over the past two years I’ve played club volleyball at Marquette University. Finding something to provide an escape from vigorous academics has been one of my favorite parts about college, and it can be yours too!

    Why Club Sports?

    Playing club sports can offer many benefits. First, it gives you a community of people who share the same passion for a sport. If you are a freshman, the transition may be difficult and joining a club sport can help you meet so many new friends. Club sports are a great way to stay active and help your mental well-being, offering a great outlet for the stress of being a college student. Club sports are a great way to continue competing in the sports you love, but not needing to commit as many hours as a college team. The time commitment will vary between different sports teams and different schools, but they seem to be very flexible and understanding of school and other aspects of life that take up your time. Most club teams will travel to nearby states and compete against so many different schools, fostering many new experiences and opportunities! 

    My Experience 

    When I was in high school, I was certain I wanted to play a sport in college. However, after meeting with different coaches and talking to my brother (who plays a college sport), I decided I was not passionate about my sports enough to commit to this level. My first couple weeks in college were a difficult transition, so when I saw there was a club volleyball team at my university, I decided to try it out. Fast forward two years, and now I am a junior going into my third year playing with my club volleyball team. I have met my best friends and made so many 
memories.

    Our club team has practices two days a week and three tournaments a semester. I found that this club team offered me an outlet during the week and gave me a break from my homework and my jobs. I have met so many amazing women from other teams and have only had great experiences. 

    If you played a sport in high school or just enjoy playing sports and are looking for a way to continue playing, join your university's sports club! Not only will you be playing the sport you enjoy, but you will be making long-lasting friendships, traveling to nearby states and schools, and more. Participating in club sports will give you the opportunity to be involved with your university and represent your school across the country. Club sports offer lots of competition but are also extremely fun teams to be on. Check out your university’s campus recreation pages and see if there are any teams that interest you!

    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! 

     

  • Blog author Tatum sits at a desk with two computer screens open to accounting programs.

    Choosing a Major and Career: What I learned from my accounting journey

    Tatum Settelmyer

    Whether you're about to start college, currently navigating your college years, or taking a gap year, you might be wondering about your future. Choosing a major and career path can feel overwhelming, almost like a life-or-death decision. I want to share my experience with a career path that some might consider "boring" or "difficult" and how sticking with it has shaped my journey. Many people switch majors or struggle to find their direction, so I’ll walk you through my decision-making process and offer insights into finding your own path. 

    My journey began with a process of elimination. I knew I didn’t want to be a doctor or a lawyer, so I initially thought business might be a good fit, especially since both of my parents were in business careers. I was good at math, enjoyed working with numbers, and liked the idea of having objective answers. That’s why my dad suggested accounting. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to take an accounting class in high school, which set me on this path. 

    At the time, I didn’t fully understand what accounting entailed. It wasn’t until my sophomore year of college, during my first internship, that I truly grasped the field. What attracted me was the stability of the job, the good salary, the necessity of interacting with people, and the teamwork involved. Despite its reputation, accounting doesn’t involve that much complex math— mostly addition and subtraction. What I loved was the system and structure that accounting 
provides, and the fact that the more you practice, the better you become. 

    Initially, I wasn’t skilled at accounting, and I used to believe you needed to be naturally good at something before pursuing it. But college is a time to explore interests and align them with your goals. If you find that you’re not enjoying your chosen path, consider shadowing or interning to gain real-world insights, as classroom experiences often differ from actual work. Many accountants didn’t love their accounting classes but find satisfaction in their careers. If you decide you want to switch fields, it’s best to do so sooner rather than later, ensuring it aligns with your values and long-term goals. 

    Remember, discovering your path is a process, and it’s okay to evolve along the way. The key is to stay open to learning and adapt as you go. 

    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! 

     

  • A grocery store with shelving featuring various grocery items and yellow sale price flyers.

    Stretching Your Dollars at the Grocery Store

    Ayden Notaro

    Have you ever felt like every year, your dollars continue to buy less and less at the grocery store? You wouldn’t be alone in this feeling as many consumers across the country are burdened with the lingering effects of higher-than-normal inflation – the increase in overall prices. Even if you haven’t experienced a major increase in your food bill, you may still notice that the amount of goods you receive for the same price has decreased: this is a process dubbed “shrinkflation.” 

    As college students faced with already heightened costs of education, it is important to take every step we can to save money while living on campus. One of the best ways to do this is to take control of one of the main expenses incurred throughout our college experience: groceries and food

    While it may not seem like it, small changes in the way we shop can lead to exponential savings in the long run. If you find yourself feeling the pressure of increasing prices at your local supermarket, here are some ways to potentially trim your grocery bill and save some cash. 

    The first thing I will say is to stay basic. Grocery stores are carefully crafted to lead you through high-margin items into essentials like milk and eggs. So, while the 6 pack of chocolate chip cookies sitting in the bakery section may look tempting, it helps to establish a list of things you need before visiting (if you are craving them, baking them from scratch is way cheaper). 

    Another thing to do is to think cost-per-unit. This is something I noticed not too long ago and has changed my shopping process entirely. Instead of comparing prices, look at the cost-per-unit of the product and decide whether you are willing to pay a premium for one product over the other. Moreover, buying in bulk will often yield savings. Pantry staples like rice and spices can often be bought in seemingly absurd proportions, but making the upfront investment can be way cheaper than buying a bag that will last you two weeks. 

    And finally, never discount private label brands. For those unaware, private labels are products that are manufactured and branded by the retailer you choose to shop at – think Great Value (Walmart), Kirkland Signature (Costco), and everything in Trader Joes. Being made by the retailer means that the company experiences cost savings which they then pass onto you, the end customer, to stay competitive. In my experience, most private labels of essential goods rarely differ in quality from name brands.

    In conclusion, while inflation and shrinkflation are challenging realities, there are practical strategies to manage your grocery expenses. By planning ahead, comparing cost-per-unit, buying in bulk, and swapping to private-label brands, you can stretch your dollars further. As college students, adopting these habits not only eases financial pressure but also instills smart shopping practices that will benefit you long after graduation. Embrace these tips, and you'll find that a little effort can lead to significant savings, making your college experience more affordable and enjoyable.

    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! 

     

  • A brown leather briefcase and a short stack of 2 books set on concrete steps with an academic building in the background.

    Learning with Purpose: Embracing Education as a Returning Student

    Lindsay Webb

    My first time around in college was during a turbulent time in my life, so, in my thirties, I’m back to finish my undergraduate degree. Hooray! Seriously, I’m excited. I love school, and I’m finally at a place where I may not necessarily know what I want to get paid to do, but I know what I like, what I care about, and what energizes me. My direction is much more precise, which makes my investment feel more worthwhile from the start.

    I have a greater appreciation for everything: my access to education, cost-saving opportunities, my support system, and the perks of being a student on and off campus. I understand the value of internships and participation in groups and clubs. I know myself well enough to manage my time more effectively and adapt to different teaching styles. As a result, my grades are higher than my first time in school. Simply being in this place in my life allows me to get more value from my college experience.

    Naturally, it’s easier to stay motivated when school doesn’t feel like a mere means to an end. In a 2022 study of 361 Portuguese college students, Rothes, Lemos, and Gonçalves determined that “nontraditional” students (25+ years old) do enjoy some advantages with their age. An older student brings life experience, advanced cognitive development, and a more integrated sense of autonomy to the classroom. This translates into higher levels of motivation and a difference in how they measure success. Younger students tend to focus on performance and their competitive edge, while older students are more in pursuit of knowledge and expertise. The focus that traditional students place on more externally visible goals can negatively impact their engagement and learning (Rothes et al., 2022).

    Anecdotally, I can attest to the difference in how I feel about my performance. Do I love high grades as all (recovering) perfectionists do? Yes, but I use my grades differently now: to gauge my understanding and to highlight any gaps in my knowledge that I need to address. With that goal in mind, academic status becomes less of a status symbol and more of an investment summary.

    Not only does the shift in my perspective of grades change my level of engagement, but course content has more context now, so it’s easier to understand and remain interested. As a younger student, I had a hard time caring about a lot of what I learned. Now, everything seems more relevant, and I can find educational value in activities that used to feel like busy work.

    Returning to college as a nontraditional student has enriched my academic journey. With a clearer sense of direction, a deeper appreciation for my education, and a focus on real-world application, I find myself genuinely engaged and motivated. This renewed perspective not only enhances my academic performance but also brings greater personal fulfillment, making this next chapter in my college experience truly rewarding.

    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! 

     

  • A sunset view from a boat on lake in Tennessee.

    Adapting to Recovery Post Injury

    Saige O’Rourke

    Since moving away to college, I have been taking advantage of my new freedom with a full schedule of outdoor activities, clubs, social interactions, and professional development. Being constantly on the go, accidents are bound to happen. Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of completely tearing my ACL days before I was scheduled to start my summer internship and move across states. In this situation, adaptation is key. Here are the things that have helped me adapt to a recovery lifestyle and continue to participate in the life I love to live.

    Slowing down and living through patience

    Pre and post-op, I have had to learn how to slow down my speed instead of racing through all of my activities. After surgery, I couldn’t move out of bed without assistance let alone stand on my own while using crutches. Each day there were improvements that were meant to be celebrated; whether it was getting out of bed on my own, my first shower without assistance, or bending my leg 10 degrees, everything was and still is an accomplishment. As much as I’d love to be back after it like before, I have had to consistently remind myself that healing is a slow and controlled process that cannot be rushed! Patience is crucial here. Believe it or not, the slower I have taken my recovery, the more I have been able to do.

    Asking for help

    Going from capable to incapable from one jump and one surgery is a humbling experience. Realistically, I could not and still cannot go through my recovery without additional help around the house, in physical therapy, or even in the grocery store. I am an extremely independent individual and asking for help felt almost impossible, but post-operation I didn’t have a choice. In this process, I have learned that my village is willing to help in any way possible as long as I just say the word and ask. It has made my life one million times easier after I set my pride aside and asked someone to carry a bag or grab me a new ice pack.

    Finding new ways to continue to be involved

    Athletically, I cannot participate in my sports for at least 4 months with an 8-10 month timeline. As heartbreaking as that sounds, there is more to sports than playing them. I have been promoted to designated boat driver and photographer for my waterbug friends. This way, I can still be out on the water and involved in all of their progress without risking reinjury. Additionally, although I may not be able to compete this year, I’ll still be attending every competition to cheer on those who are able!

    Injury, surgery, and recovery is never easy for anyone regardless of what their previous day-to day looked like. The reality of all injuries is that you do not have to go through this alone! Whether it’s family, physical therapists, or friends, there are people that will surround you through this process and remind you what the purpose of kindness and selflessness is. If you find yourself in my same shoes, just remember to take it slow, ask for help, and don’t isolate yourself!

    There are still things out there for you to be involved in with the things you love while you recover. Get creative and continue to get after it!

    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! 

     

  • Two newspapers from September 12, 2001.

    Easy and Enjoyable Ways to Stay Informed in College

    Whitney Bartol

    For a college student, it is not an unfamiliar feeling to feel “out of touch” or behind on the news. Whether it’s a brief conversation in one of your classes, or even a pop culture joke between your friends, not having knowledge on current events can have you feeling left out of many circles.

    For me, it is not very realistic to order newspapers to my third story dorm room or turn on a news channel on the television I do not have. Therefore, I spent a generous amount of time looking for other ways to stay informed on what is going on in the rest of the world in a way that’s convenient for my schedule and entertaining enough to stay consistent. While these resources might not be the best for everyone, I hope I can provide some ideas or motivations on how to stay up to date with the news.

    Podcasts

    Whether you are wanting to learn about the stock market, foreign affairs or even celebrity news, there is most likely a podcast about it. Major news organizations such as the Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, NPR, and NBC all have at least one, and usually more, daily podcasts. They release frequent episodes ranging from 5-45 minutes with all kinds of news and current events. Podcasts are wonderful because they are easy to listen to either on your way to class, during a workout, or even just as background noise!

    A few of my favorite podcasts include:

    • The Daily by The New York Times
    • CNN 5 Things by CNN
    • WSJ What’s News by The Wall Street Journal
    • Pop Culture Happy Hour by NPR

    Newsletters

    Another one of my favorite ways to get a quick and consistent briefing on global updates is through newsletter subscriptions, which get sent right to my Gmail inbox. Just like podcasts, there are a plethora of newsletters on every topic ranging from quick bullet points to longer opinion articles. I find that these newsletters are great for reading in the morning, during a study break or right before bed.

    Here are a few of my favorite newsletters:

    • Morning Brew by Morning Brew
    • 5 Things You Need to Know to Start Your Day by Bloomberg
    • Worldview by The Washington Post
    • On Politics by The New York Times

    While my preference is newsletters and podcasts as a way to stay updated, you can also subscribe to news applications on your phone or even turning on the cable television. Regardless, it is important to stay on top of what is going on in the rest of the world, especially as a college student.

    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! 

     

  • Two college women on a hiking trail in Ireland.

    5 Tips to Have the Best Study Abroad Experience

    Maeve Murdock

    I studied abroad in Dublin from January to May 2023. I was initially skeptical about studying abroad, as I transferred to Notre Dame and already felt like I missed out on a year on campus. As the middle child of a family of five girls, I also was intimidated to live an ocean away from my family for five months. My older sisters chose not to study abroad, so the experience seemed enigmatic, stressful, and overwhelming. I also needed to go to great lengths to ensure I would fulfill enough credit for my science major to make the decision a possibility.

    Studying abroad was an incredible experience in so many ways. I only had one friend going into my program of 55 Notre Dame students, so it was a wonderful opportunity for me to make new friends and broaden my horizons. I learned so much about myself, my priorities, my travel preferences, my Irish culture, and my world perspective. Here are my tips for those considering going abroad:

    Document your time

    Studying abroad feels like a dream. Your life is staggeringly different for about five months, then you return and hit “resume”. When you are abroad and living in an entirely different environment, you will naturally reflect more. Think about certain aspects of the culture that seemed surprising or off to you–why did you feel that way? Do they do things better here or at home? How do people treat you at local spots? What have you learned culturally and about yourself? Do you think about the world differently? It’s important to jot down your thoughts on paper or online because your time abroad will be over before you know it–and even though you think you’ll remember every moment; it all becomes a blur without intentional preservation. Additionally, if you travel often, make sure to write down where you go! You never know when you’ll get to go back, but people always appreciate restaurant, museum, park, and lodging recommendations.

    Say ‘yes’ to everything

    Something that people often struggle with when studying abroad is the lack of routine. It is dependent upon your class schedule and where you live, but when I was in Dublin my days were less regimented. Rather than feeling like you need to fill that time exercising or killing time on your phone, say ‘yes’ to window-shopping, visiting the bookstore, roaming around your town, and talking to locals. When you study abroad, your learnings tend to be 30% academic and 70% personal, cultural, and social. It’s different in a wonderful way–you can focus on your personal development and see how the world is different. But you can only do this if you go out and explore.

    Do things alone

    Because we get to be surrounded by friends often while at school, some students are self-conscious about exploring or adventuring on their own, thinking they’ll be judged for not “having friends.” Well, in reality, you should take advantage of any free time you have, whether your friends are free at the same time or not. Think of all the time you’re wasting by being afraid to go out on your own! I feel confident that you’ll surprise yourself with how much fun you have, and there is a high probability you end up chatting with local people and making new friends. Honestly, it can be tough to break out of your bubble and make new friends unless you’re alone because talking to one person is much easier than attempting to chat with three people that are already friends. So, get on the bus or the train and go do something for yourself, by yourself.

    Put yourself out there

    You might go into your abroad experience with lots of friends or without knowing anyone. Either way, make sure to have an open mind and really put yourself out there. This is an
    opportunity to make new friends, and if you never give yourself the chance, you will 100% miss out on getting to know people who could have added beautiful color to your life. Ask him/her to grab coffee, to walk in the park, to wait for you after class, to get lunch, to go thrifting, to go to the pub, etc. The options are endless! The worst thing you can do is pick your three friends immediately and only chat/travel with them for your entire time abroad. Everyone is experiencing being abroad in this location for the first time, so hold on to that. It’s new for everyone. People miss home, can’t talk to their family as often, are unfamiliar with their surroundings. Allow yourself to embrace the new experience and let new people in to enjoy it as well.

    Avoid comparisons

    Depending on location, university, time of year, budget, and mindset going in, everyone has their own unique study abroad experience. Do NOT compare yourself to others! Suzie may have gone to 25 countries abroad, but she didn’t get to make any local friends and traveled solo often. Brendan may have gotten to go surfing 10 times, but he stayed in Ireland and saved money by eating pasta every night. Sandra made new best friends but struggled with passing her classes. Cara posted gorgeous photos on camels in Morocco but must retake biology II because it didn’t count. James may not have traveled much, but he had an incredible experience working in a lab on campus and working on group projects with English students. There is always more to the story, so don’t make all your judgments on the six Instagram posts your older friends dropped throughout the semester.

    No matter what the situation may be, everyone experiences a roller coaster of emotions throughout their time abroad, and no one’s experience is perfect. If you want to travel a lot, awesome. If you don’t want to travel at all, that’s also awesome. You just need to figure out what is best for you independent of what others plan to do.

    If you’re planning to study abroad... ENJOY IT! I wish I could have the time back to do it all again.

    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! 

     

  • A screenshot of the blog author’s collection of playlists.

    A Playlist for Everything

    Peyton Maria

    Growing up, music was genuinely the soundtrack of my life. Music was playing all the time, no matter what I was doing. When I was little, I would just shuffle all the songs on my mom’s iTunes, from One Direction to Taylor Swift to Counting Crows. As I got older though, I started to realize the importance of having music that was specific to the situations I was going through, or the times I was playing it. So, over the last few years, I have curated a long list of playlists, for any mood or situation someone may be in, and I have learned there are 4 essential playlists for anyone to have, even music newbies.

    Playlist One: The Sad Songs

    Although it seems like a rough place to start, it is important that you have a playlist of your sad songs. These are your crying in the car, post breakup, or just needing to feel your emotions songs. Some I have on my sad playlist are "What Are You Gonna Tell Her" by Mickey Guyton, "Ronan" by Taylor Swift, "Good Enough" by Maisie Peters.

    Playlist Two: Female Rage

    This playlist needs no introduction. These are the songs you are screaming when things are bad, when things are good, or when you just need a good scream. These songs will lift your spirits or help you feel seen through your anger. Although called “Female Rage”, these are the songs that anyone could be screaming. Some songs I’ve recently found therapeutic on this playlist are "Tolerate It" by Taylor Swift, "You Lost the Breakup" by Maisie Peters, "Best Thing I Never Had" by Beyonce.

    Playlist Three: Mixed Crowd Playlist

    These are the type of songs you can play when you are passed the aux in a car of people you barely know. A little bit of vibey, a little bit of fun throwbacks, but overall, not revealing the deepest part of your music taste. Some songs I recommend for this playlist are "Unwritten" by Natasha Bedingfield, "That’s My Girl" by Fifth Harmony, and "Love Story" by Taylor Swift.

    Playlist Four: Windows Down

    This playlist is arguably the most important. This is your driving, windows down, summer playlist. This is the playlist that includes your singing/screaming songs, your throwbacks, and the songs that make you feel the most joy. This playlist may be targeted for summer nights but is made to help get you out of any bad mood or feel every good one. Some songs I recommend for this playlist are "The Man" by Taylor Swift, "Risk" by Gracie Abrams, and "Want U Back" by Cher Lloyd.

    No matter what your mood or circumstance, music helps you in the good times and bad. Having playlists on hang to help you process your emotions or feel them deeper is the best type of free therapy, and I hope you found some of these recommendations helpful as you begin to build your own playlists!

    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!