Students blog

Homesickness is something that most people will deal with during their college experience. Whether you are an hour or a thousand miles away from home, being homesick is normal. For a lot of young adults, college is the first time they move away from their parents and hometowns. Homesickness was something that I struggled with a lot in my first year of college. It took me a long time to adjust to my new life as an independent college student. Thankfully, as a sophomore I finally feel adjusted to college life without consistently feeling homesick. Here are a few tips and tricks to help deal with homesickness while at college.

Make Reminders of Home

When I am feeling homesick, I try to do things that remind me of home. I cook a family recipe or find a restaurant that makes similar meals. If there is a film that reminds you of home, have a cozy movie night. Also bringing items to college that have special meaning to you like photos of family and friends, childhood stuffed animals, or even a blanket from home can bring you comfort in moments when you miss home. Facetime your hometown friends and family when you can, and if you are busy having a simple text conversation can help you feel closer to the people you miss.

Make Your School Your New Home

Another way to help ease the feeling of homesickness is to put yourself out there, meet new people, and get involved on campus. Join a club. Colleges usually have an involvement fair at the start of a new semester and with many options; there will be a club that fits one of your interests! Try to meet new people. In class, chat with your classmates and introduce yourself to people. When you are in the dining hall, try to sit with a new person each time you go. This is a great way to make friends. One of my favorite ways to meet new people is by going to the gym. I love going to work-out classes and have made many friends by talking with the people also attending a workout.

Seek Professional Help

If you still can’t shake that homesick feeling and it becomes overwhelming, do not be afraid to reach out for help. Connect with a friend or family member and tell them about your feelings, or contact your university's counseling center. Appointments are free at most college counseling centers, and you can talk to a trained therapist.

Acknowledge your feelings of homesickness. You are going through a major change in your life and while it is an exciting transition, it can also be scary. Be patient with yourself and know that things get better!

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One of the first things that truly characterizes the college experience for incoming freshmen is the newfound freedom and independence bestowed upon the new adult. The beginning of this journey stems from the core of the university…the infamous college dorms. Knowing how to deal with difficult roommates is important as the beginning of the college experience is contingent upon those initial connections. Simply put, a rocky relationship with your roommates will ultimately lead to a rocky semester.

Introduce Yourself!

The saying, “you never get a second chance to make a first impression,” applies greatly! When you meet a new person, their initial impression of you lasts. The same applies to roommates. It’s important to not be judgmental, but ultimately these impressions can make or break a roommate relationship. That’s why it’s crucial to be your genuine self when meeting your new roommate. Being true to yourself is a lot harder than people think, but by being unapologetically you, you’re more likely to build an amazing friendship with your new roommate.

Mitigation and Preemptive Measure

To prevent any future disagreements, it’s important to set up some ground rules right off the bat. A great way to come to some agreements regarding dorm life with you and your roommates is to assign a chore list! Creating a form of agreed upon responsibilities allotted evenly amongst yourselves is a great way to set the expectation from the get-go. Arguments can often arise from lack of participation and responsibility within the dorm, so a chore list is a great way to clear up any future misunderstandings.

Tough Conversations

Sometimes, tough conversations must be had. Whether your roommate is repeatedly coming home late or just forgetting to turn the light off, there is a correct way to address these sensitive issues. When calling a roommate meeting to address these topics, keep in mind that while you may be upset by their actions, they most likely didn’t mean to intentionally hurt you. Do your best to communicate your concerns in a polite manner.

All in all, dealing with a difficult roommate situation can be an uncomfortable and nerve-racking task. Engaging with bad roommates is like dealing with wrinkles. The only solution is preemptive care! Just like applying SPF in your youth decreases the progression of bad skin in your adulthood, effective communication mitigates the risk of future arguments and therefore is the best way to handle roommates!

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One of the most exciting parts of getting ready to go to college is buying and packing things up for your dorm room. However, this can also be one of the most stressful times for everyone as you try to figure out what you need. Here are some items that you might not think of, but you will be sad if you forget!

First Aid Kit

I cannot stress this enough. You are entering a new environment with all new people and new germs that you might not have been introduced to before. Trust me. You will get sick and when you do, you won’t want to drive to the store to get medicine and supplies. So, make sure that you have a solid first aid kit with cold and flu medicine, a thermometer, allergy medicine, bandaids, a disinfectant, cough drops, electrolytes, and pain relievers. Having these on hand will be a lifesaver when you catch a campus bug or hurt yourself in your dorm.

Surge Protector

Dorm rooms never have enough outlets, and no one wants to be the fire hazard that causes a 3 am fire alarm to go off. Make sure that you have a couple of good surge protectors so that you have a few extra places to safely plug things in.

Headphones or Earbuds

It doesn’t matter what brand or kind but you will want some sort of headphone situation. Playing your stuff out loud in public or around your roommate can be annoying at best and a serious distraction at worst. You also will want the ability to tune the rest of the world out when people are being loud around you, or you just need an escape. Earbuds will provide that getaway and keep you polite to those around you.

Extra Charging Cords

I definitely recommend having a phone charger cord for your room and one for your backpack. Transporting one cord around can be troublesome when you forget it somewhere and need it that night. On the other hand, just having one cord in your room can be bad when your phone inevitably loses battery while you're out on campus. Keeping one with you all the time and another in your room nearly eliminates the possibility of being stranded with a dead phone and no way to contact anyone.

Comfy Clothes

I know it’s easy to think that you’ll dress cute every day in college and some days you might! However, the reality is that some days you might wake up for an 8 am lab and realize the effort just isn’t worth it that day. Then, you will want some socially acceptable comfy clothes that you can just throw on and head out.

I hope that this list alleviates some of that stress around knowing what to bring and helps elevate that excitement around packing.

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Embarking on the journey of off-campus living can be both thrilling and overwhelming, but fear not! Drawing from my experiences living in two very different apartments, I've gathered some invaluable tips and tricks to help new renters find the perfect living situation.

Firstly, when touring multiple apartments, it's easy to get overwhelmed and forget the details. That's why my first tip is to take a video during your apartment tours. This helps jog your memory when comparing different units later and also allows you to clarify with the apartment staff whether the unit shown is a model or the actual unit you'll be renting, ensuring you know exactly what to expect.

Next, consider the essentials nearby. Depending on your preferences and lifestyle, investigate transportation options such as buses, walking/biking paths, or carpooling possibilities. Proximity to a grocery store is also crucial to avoid costly grocery delivery fees. Additionally, don't overlook parking availability. Whether you have a car or rely on friends' vehicles, having designated parking spots can make life much easier, especially during moves.

Another essential tip is to visit the apartment location at different times of the day. This allows you to gauge noise levels and safety in the area accurately. Additionally, thorough online research is key. Check recent reviews across various platforms to get a comprehensive understanding of others' experiences before making your final decision.

Lastly, don't take everything the apartment staff tells you at face value. While they may paint a nice picture to entice you, it's essential to verify all promises in the lease agreement. Ensure that everything you're told is explicitly stated in the contract to avoid misunderstandings later on.

By following these insider tips, new off-campus college renters can confidently navigate the apartment-hunting process and find the perfect living space for their needs and preferences. Happy hunting!

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Transportation plays an integral role in the bustling life of a college student, dictating daily schedules and influencing overall campus experiences. The mode of transport chosen must strike a balance between cost, speed, learning curve, and convenience. When making my tier list, I envision a sizable campus spanning approximately 2000 acres holding 20,000 students, complete with paid on-campus parking facilities and shuttle services provided by the university.

Parking fees can add up over time, making cars the most expensive option – not to mention the up-front investment and upkeep costs. While cars are arguably the fastest option, navigating campus traffic and finding parking can slow you down. In addition, traffic can sometimes be unpredictable. The learning curve is generally small as it doesn’t take much time to learn the roads of a given campus and provides flexibility and convenience, especially since you are unbound by the schedule of public transportation.

While walking stands as the slowest mode of transport, it can certainly be an efficient mode of travel: particularly for short to moderate distances within the campus environment. Walking can sometimes be quicker than driving or waiting for shuttle services. After your first few days on campus, you should be relatively comfortable with navigating the area to the point where you have “mastered” walking. It also allows students to navigate campus pathways, sidewalks, and pedestrian-friendly routes with ease.

To bike around campus, a budget of $100-$500 should be perfect. I bought a bike for $300 about seven years ago that has stood the test of time and provided many uses. Aside from this, you will also need to invest in a dependable lock. Cyclists can often navigate through traffic more swiftly than cars or shuttles, particularly during peak times. With dedicated bike lanes or multi-use paths, cyclists can bypass congestion and reach their destinations efficiently. Bikes prove to be a convenient option as they can often be parked closer to destinations than cars, reducing the need for lengthy walks from parking lots.

Taking the bus can result in significant savings on fuel, parking fees, and vehicle maintenance expenses compared to motor vehicles as many universities offer it for free. While not as fast as having a personal car, buses are still faster than the average mode of transport despite their fixed routes and schedules. With a little planning, taking the university shuttle can be significantly faster than walking. The only learning curve is identifying the schedule of the bus and the routes, which is made easy with signs, applications, and frequency of trips. Depending on where you live on campus, the bus can either be super convenient or not worth it – with the way certain routes are set up, it might not make sense for some people who live far away.

You can easily secure a quality skateboard for around 100 bucks and there are rarely other costs associated with skateboarding. Skateboarding is exponentially faster than walking with speeds topping out at 15 mph. However, this method of transport hinges entirely on your ability to push. It may take a bit of practice to pick up a skateboard with it requiring skill and balance. However, once you have the slightest ability to use it, it will become the most efficient.

Many students find skateboarding to be an enjoyable and rewarding form of transportation, with the added benefit of promoting physical activity and coordination. Skateboarding offers unparalleled convenience and accessibility on campus. They are also lightweight and portable, making them easy to carry and store in dorm rooms, classrooms, or lockers. Skateboarding provides direct access to campus buildings allowing students to navigate the campus quickly without having to worry about storing it.

Evaluate all the transportation options available to you as you start classes this semester and you’ll be navigating your way around campus like a pro in no time.

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In the chaos of college life, keeping up with assignments, extracurricular activities, and maintaining a social life can feel like an uphill battle. I've come to realize that effective time management and organization are not just desirable skills but necessary survival tools. Amidst this chaos, one strategy has proven to be most successful for me: to-do lists.

Picture this: it's Monday morning, and your brain is already buzzing with a million tasks begging for attention. You've got lectures to attend, assignments to complete, meetings to join, and a list of other commitments. It's overwhelming, to say the least. With a simple to-do list, you can lessen the mayhem and reclaim control over your day. Incorporating to-do lists into my daily routine has been life changing. It's a simple yet incredibly effective method for organizing my thoughts and prioritizing my tasks. Each night, I take a few minutes to jot down everything I already know I’ll need to accomplish. From major assignments to minor errands, it can be so helpful to just visualize what I need to get done.

I recommend setting aside a few minutes each night to think about your goals for the week and what you need to accomplish each day to make that happen. I even write down my classes for the next morning so I can get a full layout of my day before it even starts. The best part is when I can start ticking off items throughout the day. There's something so fulfilling about checking off each line as tasks are completed. There’s nothing like reaching the end of the day and seeing a to-do list fully completed, a visual representation of my productivity. I no longer need to worry about what I may have forgotten or neglected.

To-do lists can be very effective if used correctly. Just writing things down and hoping for the best won’t be enough. If you take the time to write out your tasks and goals, you can be productive every day of the week.

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College is a milestone in many people's lives. Most people will say college is where you'll struggle the most academically as you are faced with the responsibility of time management, money management, and a newfound independence when it comes to decision making. However, for me personally I would say college is where we struggle the most with our identities. Students are challenged to confront and define who they truly are during their academic years at a university. The pressure to fit into social groups or meet academic expectations can clash with the desire for individuality and authenticity. For some, this struggle manifests in the form of changing majors, exploring new passions, or reevaluating long-held beliefs. College is the ultimate battleground where personal values and aspirations are tested.

Choices, Choices

One of the most primary struggles of managing college while discovering yourself is the array of choices and responsibilities that you may not have had to face before. All at once you are faced with determining your future and what organizations or friend groups you may choose that most benefits you. The social aspect of college adds another layer to this struggle.

Fitting In

The diverse array of individuals on campus provides an opportunity for students to meet people from various backgrounds and cultures, broadening their perspectives. However, navigating these social landscapes while staying true to oneself can be a daunting task. The desire to fit in and find a sense of belonging often conflicts with the need to stay authentic to personal values and beliefs. This tug-of-war between social expectations and individual identity can lead to a sense of isolation or the fear of being misunderstood.

Fear of the Future

Furthermore, the pressure to plan for the future adds to the complexity of managing college life while discovering oneself. The looming question of career paths and life goals can create anxiety and stress. Students are expected to make decisions about their majors, internships, and future careers, all while trying to understand who they are and what truly drives them. This pressure to have a clear direction can sometimes overshadow the journey of self-exploration, leading students to prioritize practicality over passion.

Building A Sense of Self

Amidst these challenges lies the transformative power of the college experience. Each obstacle and moment of introspection contributes to personal growth and self-awareness. Through the late-night study sessions, the heart-to-heart conversations with friends, and the moments of solitude, students gradually piece together the puzzle of their identities. The struggles of managing college life while discovering oneself ultimately become the building blocks of resilience and character.

The college experience is a multifaceted journey filled with challenges and triumphs. It is a time of exploration, growth, and self-reflection. While the pressures of academics, social dynamics, and future planning can be overwhelming, they also provide the fertile ground for personal development. The key lies in embracing the journey, staying true to oneself, and finding a balance between the demands of college life and the quest for self-discovery. Through this process, students emerge not only with a degree but also with a deeper understanding of who they are and who they aspire to become.

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Fitting time into busy schedules to get exercise is important for college students to maintain good health. Many students may hear ‘exercise’ and think of lifting weights at a gym, but there are many other ways to do it. It may seem a little daunting if you do not consider yourself an active person, but there are easy ways to get to incorporate exercise into your daily life. All it takes is finding what works for you and makes it enjoyable.

Hit the Gym

One of the obvious ways to get exercise is by going adding time to go to your campus recreation center. Most university rec centers offer a variety of facilities and classes for student use. If you are not that comfortable going by yourself, go with a friend. That makes it more enjoyable and at times you will forget you are even working out. Lifting weights isn’t the only option either; you can walk the track, do yoga, or sign up for a group fitness class and meet new people. If you like team sports, getting involved in campus intramural sports is a fun way to combine exercise while playing your favorite sport.

Take a Walk

Another way to get some exercise is to leave your car behind, skip the bus and walk everywhere you can on campus. Doing this allows you to get some fresh air and clear your mind. You can also walk to your favorite food spots on campus which allows you to save some money, a reward for being more active and gives a purpose to the action. Many campus communities have scenic trails around campus if you are more of a nature person. These are more practical ways to get exercise and work great for everyone.

If you live in a walkable area, consider walking with friends wherever you are going out, too. Not only will you get good exercise you will also save a good amount of money from not Ubering or using Lyft. You will also be with friends and can make it a fun adventure. This is a good way if you are a more extroverted person and go out a lot.

Finding a creative way to fit exercise into your daily life will help you feel better physically and mentally, which can lead to better grades as well. Choosing to walk not only allows you to get some exercise but can also save you money. Who doesn’t want to save money while in college? Get your friends involved, too, and make some positive lifestyle changes together.

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Entering a new environment such as college can be an incredibly overwhelming experience for many people. All too often, students entering their freshman year don’t adapt well to their new environment, leading to feelings of loneliness, stress, and in the worst cases, depression. One way to help new freshmen adapt to campus life is to join student led organizations on campus. Student organizations can offer a variety of benefits, including a sense of belonging, new and enhanced social connections, as well as the opportunity for personal growth. However, equally important is finding the right organization to be a part of. Here are my tips for finding the perfect organization for your college experience.

Know Yourself

The first and most important part of finding the right organization, is understanding your personality, values, and goals. Not every organization on campus will reflect your personality, and that’s perfectly normal! It is important that you stay genuine to your beliefs. Changing your personality and values to join an organization will not elevate your college experience. Instead, find organizations that mirror who you’d like to see yourself become. When you are in the recruitment phase, it is important to ask yourself, “Do I see myself building long-term relationships with these people?” Additionally, many student organizations are positioned around certain majors, hobbies, or identities. If you are particularly passionate about a certain activity or way you identify yourself, it is likely there is an organization for like-minded individuals.

Reach Out

Don’t expect organizations to be lining up at your doorstep to recruit you. You’ll need to be proactive in finding out when, where, and how organizations recruit new members. Often the most difficult part of the recruitment process is making yourself seen. This can be scary and challenging, but along the way you’ll meet new people and learn more about the organization. If you already have prior connections at your prospective school, do not hesitate to contact them and ask for their advice. The individuals who have already experienced the recruitment process will often have the best advice for you. There are also numerous resources on every campus to help you on your journey.

Attend Student Organization Interest Events

Most campuses have some type of event at the beginning of each semester in which student organizations where each organization will have a designated table in a specified place. This will likely be your best opportunity to explore what’s offered because every accredited organization will be in one place at the same time. Introduce yourself to every table and try to find out more about each organization. Many of them will include a sign-up sheet as well. If you find an organization you like, make sure they have your contact information for follow up. Additionally, depending on your school, they may host several student org. events for differing kinds of organizations. For example, if you’d like to rush a fraternity or sorority, a “Meet the Greek” night is your best chance to learn more about Greek life.

Reevaluate before Committing

During your recruitment process, take a step back and evaluate the organization you intend to join. As you proceed in the recruitment process, you will quickly learn more about the organization and the people involved. Be sure to ask yourself, “what do I like about this organization?” and “what don’t I like about this organization?” Weigh the pros and cons of every organization and determine which organization you believe is the best fit. Most importantly, never become discouraged if you haven’t found the perfect organization yet. It is never too late to find your organization. Happy recruitment!

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