Students blog

As the semester begins, you're navigating your new campus, finding classrooms, study spots, and where to grab a bite. But for transfer students, there's a distinction between you and some classmates. Having already spent a year or more in college, perhaps even earning your associate degree elsewhere, you're adapting while others seem fully integrated.

But don't fret, fellow transfer student, there are numerous ways to connect and seize opportunities. Reflecting on my time at Cal State Fullerton, I dived into opportunities, pursuing interests and prepping for post-grad life. Here are a few strategies to explore your passions and maximize campus resources for life beyond graduation.

Join a student organization

At the beginning of each school year, or sometimes even every semester, universities host a pivotal event where campus organizations, departments, and clubs gather to connect with students. At CSUF, ours is called Discoverfest, but be sure to find out what your school calls it and mark your calendar for this event.

During my first or second week at Cal State Fullerton, I stumbled upon Discoverfest almost by accident. Tents dotted the campus, and as I wandered through, certain clubs caught my eye. I ended up exploring every section of the event, grabbing flyers about club meetings and ways to get involved, not to mention some cool freebies! This was my primary entry point into the CSUF community, and it's a crucial opportunity for you to discover the wealth of resources and opportunities available at your school.

Visit your transfer department

Many college campuses feature a dedicated department specifically tailored to support transfer students, along with various unique student groups. At CSUF, ours is known as the TAPP Center – Transfer Adult Re-entry Parenting & Pregnant Student. This department aims to offer professional and academic support to these distinct student populations. Their services range from providing study spaces and workshops to offering free snacks and coffee, student resource groups, as well as volunteer and career opportunities. Be sure to see if your school offers a similar resource and make the most of the facilities and resources they provide!

Talk to your professors and peers

Your professors and peers can often serve as valuable resources right on campus. For instance, my sales professor heads the Sales Leadership Center, which hosts numerous events, offers involvement opportunities, and boasts connections with over 30 companies for internships and jobs. Additionally, I've encountered peers deeply involved in various clubs or even working within departments I was interested in.

Don't hesitate to reach out and ask questions. You never know, your next career opportunity could arise from a conversation with a professor or peer. Seize the opportunity and go for it!

Get involved!

All that to say – get involved. It’s never too late to leverage your resources and connections as a college student! Now that I have graduated, I can reminisce on all of the ways I got involved on campus. I was the Marketing Coordinator for Entertainment and Tourism Club, I was on the street team for Associated Students Inc (ASI), I went to various College of Business events and events hosted by ASI, and served as the VP of Programs Assistant for American Marketing Association (AMA).

These experiences have shaped me in ways I couldn't have imagined and have enriched my college experience beyond measure. So, as you navigate your own path through university life, remember it's never too late to dive in, get involved, and craft a college experience that's uniquely yours.

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One of the first things I think about when reflecting on my college experience is my roommates who have been with me the whole time. I have three roommates and somehow, we have managed to live together since the first year. We get stressed at times and do not always get along perfectly, but we have a rhythm that works for us.

Finding good roommates is not always easy, especially when you do not know anyone else going to your college. Relax, though, it will be ok. Here are some tips I have learned on how to have a good relationship with roommates!

Most, if not all, universities, and colleges with on campus living have a survey for residents to fill out to find roommates their first year. Personally, I was very skeptical about how this survey would work, but looking back, I should have trusted the system more. Here’s why! Before move-in day, I had only briefly met one of my three roommates, and I was anxious about not getting along with them. There was one roommate I knew, so we met up to talk and get to know each other better, and I discovered that she was not worried in the least about the other two roommates neither of us knew. So, I decided to take a page out of her book and stop worrying so much about it. In the end, my worries were unfounded because this school year is my fourth year with the same roommates. Everything worked out better than I could have imagined, and it would have been a lot easier on me if I had just trusted it would be ok and relaxed.

When my roommates and I first started living together, we each were trying to figure out how to live with people besides our families. It was a gradual process, but we learned two key points that helped us live together:

• First, communication is key! If you need help with the chores or do not like the way someone does something, talk to your roommate(s) about it. They might not know it is bothering you and will try to compromise with you once it is brought to their attention.
• Second, do your part. If everyone in the room is contributing one way or another there is likely to be less frustration and arguments.
  

In the end, every roommate group is different and has a different “system” that must be used and followed so everyone gets along. You do not have to be best friends with your roommates, but you also want to live peacefully with one another. That said, the biggest and most helpful advice I can give is to find the system that works for everyone in the room and follow it. After living with my roommates for about 4 years, this is what has helped me the most. I hope this helps you too!

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! 

Getting involved in college is essential for a well-rounded and enriching experience. It allows students to make friends, explore new interests, and build valuable skills that will benefit them in their future careers. Here are some ways to get involved.

One of the key ways to get involved in college is to go out of your comfort zone! College is a time to meet new people, form connections, and build a support system that will last a lifetime. Forming new connections can be as simple as joining clubs and organizations, attending social events, or even just striking up a conversation with someone in class. Building a strong network of friends can provide emotional support, help with academic success, and create lasting memories that will be cherished for years to come.

Greek life is another popular way for students to get involved in college. Sororities and fraternities offer opportunities for leadership, community service, and social activities that can enhance the college experience. Joining a Greek organization can provide a sense of belonging that is valuable for many students. I have gained so many important skills from my chapter that I will carry with me post-graduation and have made so many lasting friendships and memories!

In addition to forming connections and participating in Greek life, getting involved in college can also include joining student organizations, volunteering in the community, or taking on leadership roles such as Student Government. These activities can help students build valuable skills such as communication, teamwork, time management, and problem-solving. Involvement in extracurricular activities can also enhance a student's resume and make them more competitive in the job market post-graduation!

Another great way to get involved is intramural sports! Most universities have a list of intramural sports right on their website. Participating in intramural sports can greatly enhance your college experience by providing a sense of community and fun! It allows you to meet other students with similar interests. There are also so many great benefits, such as physical fitness, stress relief, teamwork, and social connections!

Overall, getting involved in college is a key component of a fulfilling and successful educational experience, and it is so important for students take advantage of the opportunities available to them to make the most of their time on campus.

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! 

When I was entering my freshman year of college, I was extremely nervous and anxious, especially since this would be my first time being on my own. College is a thrilling time and all these possibilities were spinning through my head – what will my day to day be like? How will I make friends? What should I bring with me and what should I keep at home? I understand the magnitude of questions that can go through someone’s head when just entering college, so I want to offer a guide I wish I knew about for anyone going down this journey.

1. Get involved quickly:

Something I wish I did faster was to put myself out there. Join student organizations and extracurriculars. These spaces are great if you are trying to meet people and make friends, and it is also an amazing resume builder. Also, it is completely normal to feel intimidated when considering what activities to join, especially when you don’t know anyone there. But that’s the point – to make connections with others who have similar interests as you. Student organizations are generally very warm and welcoming to new students and showing your interest can be a great place to make meaningful connections!

2. It’s normal to be homesick:

Being away from home for the first time on your own, no matter the distance, can be tough and might be one of the biggest adjustments in the whole college process. Videocall your family as often as you can, and plan out visits to see them when your schedule permits and your workload is minimal. Staying connected is very important to keeping your support system throughout this experience.

3. Learning when to say ‘yes’ and when to say ‘no’:

Your friends will want to do things with you when you know you have a lot of work to get done or have a hectic day. Start by assessing what your priorities and goals are, and then figure out how this might impact you in your personal and academic life. This is the time you are young and figuring yourself out, so find what works best for you and which opportunities you don’t want to miss out on.

4. Get organized:

Academic, personal, and professional life can become chaotic if you don’t set a general to-do list for yourself. Try setting aside certain calendar apps or writing down in a physical planner the tasks and events in all areas of your life. Stay on top of updating that system as often as you can and take one thing at a time. (I personally use Notion and Google Calendar to organize.)

5. Take care of yourself!

Sleep, eat, stay hydrated, and get in some physical activity. Taking care of both your physical and mental health in college is essential if you want to succeed. Practicing selfcare will not only make you feel awesome and less stressed, but also is a great way to connect with yourself. Take time to listen and follow what your body wants.

I hope that some of these tips were helpful, and I hope your college experience is everything you want it to be. Best of luck to 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! 

As a college student, it is fairly easy to become consumed with your everyday routine of going to class, studying, and engaging with your fellow peers. There is also a possibility that you're looking forward to creating a routine, so you can stay organized and focused. It is fairly easy to become consumed with what is happening in the future rather than what is happening right now. You may be focused on securing an internship for this upcoming summer instead of worrying about your history exam in your next class. Living in the “now” is better than rushing your future. I will share with you a few key tips for taking control of your time.

Plan and Keep a Schedule

Take Sundays as a day to relax, unwind, and reset. During the week it is easy to get consumed with the overload of assignments, internship tasks, and club meetings. To organize my days efficiently, I use a whiteboard calendar in my dorm and an on-the-go planner. On Sundays, I go over my digital calendar on my phone to be able to upload the important meetings and tasks I have following the new week. Doing this gives me a clear view of what free time I possibly have in the coming week or if I’m completely packed that week.

Maintain Boundaries

Another thing to consider is the ability to decline engagement. If you feel that you can’t accommodate someone at your best self in that moment, you can say, “I don’t have the capacity to fulfill this at this moment but let me point you in the direction of someone who can assist you”. Instead of saying “no” you politely declined their offer all while prioritizing yourself.

Practice Meditation

If you are ever feeling overwhelmed, try to think of the things that center your mind. Ask yourself, “I’m happiest when I’m doing (ex. yoga)”, then simply take a break from your stress and go do yoga. Grounding techniques and deep breathing exercises are helpful too. It’s as simple as it sounds.

Clean Environment, Clean Mind

Try reorganizing something to maybe spark something else in your brain if your mind is feeling clustered or blinded. More clutter makes us feel stressed. You could also try washing and folding your clothes on Sunday, so you won’t have to scramble around for clothes to wear to class on Wednesday.

Some of these activities may seem hard to begin. Like many things, once you get going in a routine, things will eventually come to you. College is a time to learn, find oneself, and launch into adulthood. It is valid to be concerned about the next internship and tomorrow’s test at the same time. But Sundays are often free days at the end of our week that help us to prepare well for the following week so that we can be our best selves.

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! 

The construction industry is something that generations of my family have been involved in. From both sets of grandparents to my own parents, construction work is in my blood. A degree in Architecture is something many people know about and is considered a popular major here in Texas, but a degree in construction management is a lot less popular and acclaimed.

The first thing that needs to be known about the construction management industry is that there are currently less people entering the field than retiring from it. This is extremely important to point out because most construction companies are now requiring a Construction Management degree to fulfill this position. Because this is just now becoming a more popular degree, not many established workers in the industry will be able to take on this position. Here at Texas A&M, graduates with a construction science degree can plan on receiving on average 8 job offers the moment you walk across the graduating stage. This is because the demand for this position is so incredibly high in volume.

Although this degree can sound like an easy time, you are expected to put in the work. Taking classes like estimating, where you are expected to understand the entire construction processes of creating a building to price every screw, can be extremely difficult. You are required to fully grasp and comprehend blueprint drawing’s involving electrical, landscaping, architecture, and even plumbing. This degree requires you to be well rounded and understand the construction industry more than you would expect.

If you are thinking of majoring in structural engineering, business, or architecture, right now is a great time to look at construction management. You get an understanding of all these different sectors of study, as well as become specially trained with knowledge construction companies are desperate to find. 

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! 

Participating in formal recruitment at a major Greek Life school is an experience that is incomparable to anything else. In the past I had heard many of my friends talk about it, but it is truly like nothing you can imagine. There was so much going on, and I had no clue what had happened until it was all over. Here is an inside look at how recruitment works and what to expect before you embark on this amazing journey.

Anticipation

Before coming to school in the fall, I was anticipating what rush would look like. My future roommate and I had talked about it over the summer, but it became real when we submitted our credit card information to pay. I hadn’t prepared for this experience and when I got to Florida State, I realized I had no outfits, no energy, and no clear idea of what was to come.

Each chapter put in so much time and energy during the preparation week for the sororities the week prior to rush, and it did not go unnoticed. There was also plenty of terminology to learn and remember, such as those going through recruitment being referred to as PNMs (potential new members), ladies in the chapter referred to as chapter women, and the sorority house called the chapter facility.

The Week of Rush

The week kicked off with an all-day orientation session to familiarize the PNMs with the recruitment process. The Panhellenic Association provided the shirt to wear, and most girls paired it with trendy pants or a cute skirt. The next two days served as round one and featured short visits to each of the 17 chapters at FSU. The PNMs went from house to house and spoke to the women of each chapter. Those felt like the longest days of the entire experience!

PNMs would narrow down their choices after each round. In round two, PNMs could visit a maximum of 12 houses. And in round three, they could visit a maximum of seven houses. By round four the PNMs had made the hardest choices and narrowed their final seven houses down to two. That day came with the highest emotions and intense decision-making.

At the end of round four, PNMs could either put down their two choices in order, or they could single preference selection and choose one house. This selection then determined which house the PNM received a bid for on the final day, called Bid Day. That morning, all the PNMs gathered together, opened their bids, and then ran to join their new sorority, spending the day celebrating their new sisterhood and forever home.

The Conclusion of the Experience

Through this experience, I met the most wonderful ladies in every house, every line, and in my sorority now, and I could talk about every one of the amazing people for hours and hours.

My favorite part of rush was waking up every morning and seeing almost two thousand girls gathered and helping each other with makeup and accessories. All the dressing up, all different girls going through the same process, the whole experience made me think of the recent Barbie movie. This truly is a girl’s world.

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! 

Whether summer break signifies the completion of your first year of college, your halfway mark, or your final stretch to the finish line, it is a time when life slows down, and you can realize how quickly your college years are truly flying by. Before you know it, you will walk the stage, gain the title of alumni and all these stories will become college memories. This means it is important to possess a safe space for all these memories to be stored, whether it is a scrapbook, keepsake box, photo album, or some form of art, your college memories will last through these forms of memorabilia.

Given the inevitable graduation, it's crucial to create a special place to hold onto these precious memories. Whether you choose to make a scrapbook filled with pictures and memories, gather significant mementos in a keepsake box, arrange a photo album showcasing the friendships you've formed and the challenges you've overcome, or use your artistic talents to create something unique that reflects your college experience, these tangible items will safeguard your most cherished moments. They'll remind you of the late nights spent studying, the spontaneous adventures, the deep friendships, and the personal growth that comes from perseverance.

I hold my memories in poetry. Each piece I write reminds me of the events occurring in my life at that moment. Taking it a step deeper, I can remember each feeling and who was around. This form of memorabilia allows me to see my personal growth through the development of my skills in poetry and spoken word. I plan to culminate all of my pieces throughout college very soon, and this will allow all my memories to be in one location.

As time moves forward, these tangible reminders will serve as steadfast connections to the past, offering comfort when you're feeling nostalgic and clarity during uncertain times. They'll stand as proof of your strength, your passions, and your unwavering determination through the ups and downs of college life.

So, as you rest and relax this summer beyond the familiar walls of college, remember to treasure and protect these tangible keepsakes of your college journey. They're not just reminders of the past; they're enduring legacies that will continue to motivate and guide you as you navigate the ever-changing path of life after graduation.

I hope that some of these tips were helpful, and I hope your college experience is everything you want it to be. Best of luck to 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! 

Music is therapy for many people, and I am no different. According to a 2021 Harris Poll, “76% of Gen Z and Young Millennials listen to music” as a pastime. [1] And for the longest time I was a part of that other 24% who just didn’t listen to much music. Yeah, I’d hear the radio every now and then and the latest top 100s, but I never really was connected to any artist. That was until I found myself watching a Mariah Carey music video for her song titled “Emotions”. I clicked on it and was instantly amazed by her super wide range showcasing those 5 octaves. Little did I know the pipeline I was about to go down into her entire discography, and how much her music would impact me.

As I listened to her music more and more, I found myself relating to some of her lyrics in these beautiful songs. Around this time, I was struggling with a few personal things like self-acceptance of my sexuality and confidence, but Mariah ended up being that unspoken voice for me.

Here are some songs from Mariah Carey that help outline my journey and inspire me. Hopefully they will inspire you if you’re feeling out of place or stuck no matter the situation you are in:

1. “Outside”

Growing up I felt like any other kid, but deep down I knew that I didn’t quite fit in all the time, and this just became more apparent as I got older. I remember distinctly listening to this song “Outside” where she talks about feeling out of place in a divided world. I felt comforted by her voice and the message she was saying, and along with many of her other songs, they left a big positive impact on me. This song helped me address the way I was feeling to myself first and I was really connected to it.

2. “Shake It Off”

Along the way, it’s easy to have bumps in your way or negative comments thrown around. In school, other kids can be mean or not think before saying things. I remember rumors would go around and suddenly my sexuality was the latest gossip for some reason and needed to be confirmed or denied. This can put people into an uncomfortable situation, speaking from experience. I tried to maintain that “Shake It Off” mindset and not let other people’s words get to me. However, it is important that if you or someone you know is getting bullied to get help immediately and report the bullying.

3. “Anytime You Need a Friend”

It’s important to also remember that you’re never alone. I quickly realized this when I finally worked up the courage to come out to one of my best friends. I received lots of love and support and over time was able to confide in more and more people about it, and it got a little bit easier every time! It’s also important to realize that there are many other people out there going through similar situations. Seeing people online being so proud and open about their journey impacted me and made me feel less alone. Like Mariah said, “Just remember you’re not alone, and love will be there, to guide you home.”

4. “Hero”

For everyone, we all have a different “Hero”. For me on this journey, it would have to be my friends and family, for the biggest love and support, but also Mariah, for giving me an outlet to express myself and gather the strength to be true. This song “Hero” perfectly captures the long journey it’s been and is an anthem for love, hope, and courage.

Always remember, “that a hero lies in you.”

[1] Prunsky, A. (2021, October 28). The Next Generation and Music Discovery: Implications for Brands. The Harris Poll. https://theharrispoll.com/briefs/music-and-branding/

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!