Students blog

Fall and winter are some of the busiest seasons. Whether you are in school, studying for exams, planning holiday vacations, or preparing for family gatherings, these seasons are often packed with activities. Here are a few of my favorite things to do during this time of year!

During fall, I love to go to pumpkin patches. Not only is the atmosphere full of scenic fall vibes but it is also such a fun activity to do with family or friends! Spending time outside with your loved ones allows you to enjoy the crisp air, create lasting memories, and embrace the best of the season together.

Another way to celebrate is by baking and indulging in seasonal treats like hot apple cider, eggnog, and pumpkin-spiced desserts. From warm pies to freshly baked cookies, this activity is perfect if you're looking for something more relaxed and cozier! It's a great way to connect with friends or family and enjoy the comfort of home as the temperature drops. If you're into the spooky side of fall, visiting a haunted house or haunted maze can be a thrilling fun activity.

Lastly, one of my favorite indoor traditions during this time of year is watching Christmas movies while drinking hot cocoa! Some great Christmas movies to watch include classics like Home Alone, Elf, The Polar Express, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and The Holiday. Whether you're in the mood for laughter, heartwarming stories, or a bit of nostalgia, these films capture the magic of the season perfectly.

Although this season can be packed with stressful assignments and tasks, these easy, affordable and accessible activities are great ways to connect with your community, relieve stress, and enjoy the best of the holiday season.

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College is no doubt a stressful environment. You've got a new schedule, new friends, and overall, a new life to get adjusted to. It's natural to feel overwhelmed and unsure from all the changes. The familiar fear I felt in my first Kindergarten class matched the anxiety I felt in my first college class. However, by implementing some fresh and fun self-care tips and tricks, the stress melted off my shoulders like sweet, scented candle wax. Here are three methods anyone can use if they need to take a break from the stress and focus on realigning their energy.

The first method to relieve college stress is to plan out all your activities in a planner! Keeping assignments, tests, and projects organized within a handy-dandy notebook or even in digital form is a great way of keeping track of things to do. These objectives can easily pile up and become overwhelming and stress inducing if left unattended. By managing your workload properly, you can mitigate your college stress!

Another way to relieve college stress is to allocate time doing an activity you enjoy. This time can be spent playing your favorite sport, binging a great show, lifting weights, or even just chilling solo. Students spend a lot of time in the company of others, and maintaining the college level of socializing can be exhausting, so spending some time doing something you love will relieve the stress and refill the energy.

Finally, mediation and breathing exercise are a great way to calm your nerves after a stress inducing experience. You can light a candle or spray room mist, and just close your eyes. When your mind is racing with a million thoughts, just sitting down and focusing on your breath is one of the best ways to center yourself and relax.

In conclusion, college can take a toll on us students, so it’s up to us to make sure that we are taking care of ourselves. And that may look different for everyone! This transformative era of our lives comes with its ups and downs, but as students we must always remember to brace ourselves and enjoy the ride.

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Dear diary, let me tell you about my day. Let me have a space to be fully vulnerable. Let me chronicle who I am and how I change and grow.

Journaling is a valuable tool that I've graciously incorporated into my life. It gives you space to be yourself without judgment and to identify feelings. Journaling relieves stress, helps you notice patterns in your life, and can soothe intense emotions. I've also found encouragement in starting to journal.

When I go through life's moments of distress, it's always helped me to turn towards the paper. I don't think there's ever been a time when I didn't feel at least a little better after writing down everything that bothered or upset me. I eventually recognize the things in my life that cause constant stress and address the issue. When you write in your journal, you may notice patterns looking back at previous entries. It's a great way to hold accountability. Writing thoughts down on paper records things that persistently generate joy, or even, unwelcome ill feelings. If being around a person or place makes you feel negative consistently, you may realize that you may not want to be around such circumstances anymore. As you look back, you recognize things you like and dislike. It's an awareness that perhaps you may not have gained otherwise. Recognizing patterns can be a catalyst to redirect in ways that make you happier and healthier.

When you journal, you create a space only you have access to. Nobody can judge you. You can express whatever you need to freely. Having such a private space allows you to talk about anything you want! Journaling encourages vulnerability and enables you to address your thoughts and feelings without anxiety about what other people may think. You can be completely honest with yourself about any experience throughout your day. With a scribble, emotions no longer need to be held inside. They flow outward and become able to be felt. Journals are a place for you to be yourself without fear. The ability to be open soothes stress tremendously.

Starting to journal feels so time-consuming at first. For me, the key was to romanticize it. To make it something I look forward to doing every day. I got myself a leather journal that I love dearly. I also went to a local store and got a fountain pen that I would always want to use (fountain pens are a lot of fun). I wanted every part of the practice to be something that was calming to me. I recommend getting a notebook you like. Make it one that you look forward to using. Get a pen you enjoy with a color of ink you think looks pretty. Add parts of your personality to your practice.

In the end, journaling is all about you!

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The end of the semester is creeping closer, and everyone knows what that means – finals are approaching! Whether you're a freshman looking for tips on how to have a strong finish to your first academic year or a senior searching for the motivation to get through your last round of finals, here are a few strategies to help you study, manage stress, and succeed on all your tests!

1. Make a Study Plan 

A great way to manage your time is to enter finals with a predetermined study plan! Look at your schedule ahead of time and plan out the best days and times to reserve for studying. Make sure to give yourself ample time to get enough studying in, so that even if you skimp out on certain days, you’ll still have plenty of time to prepare. Most importantly – stick to your study plan! Do whatever to hold yourself accountable – set multiple notifications and alarms to remind you to study, motivate yourself with small daily rewards if you follow your plan, and make sure that you set achievable goals so you don’t overwhelm yourself. You’ll thank yourself if you take a small amount of time every day to study rather than cramming the nights before! 

2. Limit Your Screen-time 


Don’t give your phone the opportunity to distract you! Get ahead of the issue by implementing time limits for certain apps, turning off notifications for your apps, and by putting your phone in a separate location when you’re dedicating time to study! Your phone itself is a great tool to remind you to stay off of it! Utilize the features that will encourage you to take time away from it, like setting reminders when to turn off your phone, implementing screen-time limitations, and using ‘Do Not Disturb’ modes. 

3. Utilize Resources 

Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Make study plans with classmates to hold you accountable, engage with any tutoring services your campus offers, visit your professors’ office hours to clear up any concepts you’re struggling with, and make use of those study guides! There are a ton of people on campus that want to help set you up for success, so don’t be afraid to reach out to make sure that you will come to your finals prepared! There are also a ton of super helpful study resources offered on Pearson+ that you can check out and incorporate into your plan! 

4. Practice Self-Care 

Last but not least, make sure not to compromise your mental well-being for your classes! There are a ton of different techniques to manage stress, so make sure to incorporate the ways that work best for you into your study plan – whether that be doing yoga every morning, adding extra products into your night-time skincare routine, enjoying a hot cup of tea on a study break, or practicing breathing techniques. Your mind is your greatest asset during testing, so make sure 
to take care of it! 

Overall, make sure that you’re planning ahead going into finals and that you encourage yourself to start preparing early. This will drastically reduce your stress levels and help you earn great grades on all your tests. But, if you do find yourself falling behind on your study plans, reaching out for help through tutors or attending office hours is always a great idea. The most important thing to remember when heading into finals is that one grade on a test doesn’t define you, so just take a deep breath and try your best!

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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.

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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!

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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