Students blog

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

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  • A cardboard packing box with an old-fashioned metal key draped from a string over the side.

    How to Adjust to a Big Move

    Jackson Baumgartner

    There is nothing more bittersweet than moving to somewhere you are unfamiliar with. It is the start of a new journey for you, whether it be for college or your first job, but there will always be a part of you that feels nervous. The process of moving is stressful enough with finding a place to live, getting your belongings from point A to point B, and switching things over like your driver’s license and insurance, but that is not where most people struggle. The struggle lies in making your new residence feel like home. For you to feel comfortable in this new environment, it is important to meet others, learn the lay of the land, and find places that can become your “go-to spot.”

    Start Online

    If this is your first time moving, it might feel intimidating going out of your way to meet people, and that is totally okay! What you need to realize is that if you are moving for college or work, there are tons of other people who feel the same way as you. A good way to overcome this is by looking for Facebook groups that pertain to you or your interests. Most colleges will have a Facebook page where other students are looking to make friends, sublease apartments, and host activities together. If you are moving for work, some companies have their own clubs that employees can participate in, and in some circumstances, they have their own chat groups where employees can meet each other. With Facebook groups, it is important to put yourself out there and chat with people who have similar interests.

    Explore the Area

    It is easy to stay behind the screen and read what other people post, but you will never meet people if you do not take the initiative. After you have settled into your new place, take a day to explore everything around you. You aren’t going to know all the street names or where to go but get yourself familiar with the area just by walking or driving around and checking places out. You can find cool local spots, places where you can bike or walk around, and spots where you can go with friends, like the movies or an arcade. It takes a bit of time, but a place really feels like home when you can stop using your maps app to get around.

    Establish New Favorites

    Similar to discovering new places, having your go-to spots is what cements a new area and makes it feel like home. Humans are creatures of habit, and we all have our favorite places to go. Finding simple things like your favorite place to get breakfast, a restaurant that has trivia, or a gym you enjoy going to will make you feel comfortable in your environment. You will also see familiar faces if you go to your favorite spots at a certain time, and friendships are bound to happen fluidly. There is no better feeling than when you stop feeling like a tourist and start to feel like one of the locals.

    Moving is never going to be easy. Change is always something people are scared of, but if you embrace that change instead of fearing it, you will find that it is a good thing. It can be scary to move to a place where you do not know anyone, but you can use that as a chance for a fresh start and to be the person you are now. Once you make your new place feel like home, everything else will be so much easier.

    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 in a store aisle shopping for room accessories.

    The First-Year Roommate Survival Guide

    Meredith White

    Before your first year of college begins, it’s important to start thinking about your roommate options. If the college you’re attending allows you to choose your roommate, take the time to select them carefully. If you’re assigned a roommate, try to connect with them beforehand.

    Living with someone, especially someone you don’t know, can be challenging. Sharing a dorm room may feel difficult at first, but with some effort, it can become manageable (and even enjoyable). Not all first-year roommates create conflict; some may even become lifelong friends.

    Here are five tips for successfully sharing a space with a new college roommate:

    1. Show Mutual Respect

    Sharing a small space means you’ll need to be considerate of each other. This includes avoiding habits like leaving clothes on the floor, letting dishes pile up, leaving trash around, blasting TikTok at full volume, inviting people over without notice, or touching your roommate’s belongings without permission. These behaviors can build resentment and create an unpleasant living environment for both of you.

    2. Create a Roommate Agreement

    Don’t wait three weeks to realize your late-night habits are disrupting your roommate’s early-morning schedule. To avoid misunderstandings, have an open conversation early on about expectations. Discuss (and consider writing down):

    • class times and sleep schedules
    • when you’ll need the room for studying
    • guest etiquette and expectations
    • which items are available for shared use
    • shared responsibilities like cleaning common areas or taking out the trash

    Creating a roommate agreement you both stick to ensures that one person doesn’t feel like they’re doing all the work.

    3. Get to Know Each Other

    It’s challenging to live with someone for nine months without knowing much about them. While you don’t have to become best friends, getting to know your roommate (even a little) can help reduce tension. You’re both entering a new environment and likely have more in common than you realize.

    Grabbing food together, walking each other’s schedules, watching a movie, or simply chatting about your day can help build a comfortable relationship with your roommate.

    4. Communicate Openly

    If there is an issue that you need to address, don’t ignore it. If your roommate is doing something that bothers you and it can be resolved, bring it up. If you feel your boundaries aren’t being respected, have a conversation about it.

    Remember, your Room Advisors are there to help. Don’t be afraid to reach out to them for guidance when needed.

    5. Pick Your Battles

    That said, everyone has their own way of doing things. If you hear yourself thinking, “Why can’t they just do things how I do it,” frustration (and resentment) could start to build.

    Before confronting your roommate about their habits, ask yourself: “Is this really a big deal? Does it affect our ability to coexist?” If the answer is no, let it go. Not every issue is worth a conflict.

    First-Year Roommate Strategy

    Compromise is essential when living with someone; sometimes, it won’t go in your favor, and that’s okay. Respecting the person you’re living with is crucial, especially since college is already stressful enough. You don’t need unnecessary tension where you sleep.

    For a smooth transition into your new environment, set clear boundaries early with a roommate agreement. By getting to know each other, communicating openly, and showing mutual respect, you can make the best of sharing your space with your first college roommate.

    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 wall sign at Florida Atlantic University that says ‘I (heart) faU’ next to the owl mascot.

    Freshmen Frights – How I Survived My First Year of College

    Silas King

    Leaving home for college is both exciting and terrifying. You suddenly have all this freedom, but that also means responsibility. Here are some challenges you’ll likely face and how to handle them.

    Avoiding the ‘Freshman Fifteen’

    Many college students gain weight during their first time away from home. I thought, “that won’t happen to me” -- until it did. Unlimited dining hall food, fast food, and constant snacking caught up fast. But by second semester, I lost the weight by:

    • Hitting the gym: Even short workouts help. Find something you enjoy so you’ll actually stick with it.
    • Being mindful of eating: I started using to-go boxes at the dining hall to avoid overeating and stocked my dorm with snacks I wouldn’t binge.
    • Saving flex bucks: On-campus fast food is tempting, but I treated it like a cheat meal instead of a habit.

    Managing Your Time

    With no one telling you what to do, it’s easy to fall behind. I saw a lot of people struggle with this, including myself. Here’s what worked:

    • Using a whiteboard calendar: The BEST Investment. Writing down deadlines made a huge difference. A physical reminder got rid of last-minute assignments or surprise tests.
    • Sticking to a routine: Setting consistent sleep, study, and gym times helped me stay productive.
    • Finding responsible friends: Surrounding myself with motivated people made it easier to stay on track.

    Handling Homesickness

    Being five hours from home, I missed it more than I expected. Here’s what helped:

    • Visiting home when possible: Even short trips back home helped me reset.
    • Calling my parents: I didn’t do this enough, but every time I did, I felt better.
    • Keeping in touch with old friends: Even if I didn’t miss high school, I missed the people. Staying connected and visiting their schools helped.

    Making Friends & Avoiding Loneliness

    I worried about making friends, but it turned out to be easier than I thought. Here’s what helped:

    • Putting myself out there: Everyone is looking for friends. Don’t be afraid to start a conversation.
    • Joining clubs or sports: I joined a flag football team, which helped me meet people with similar interests. There’s a club for everything -- find yours.

    Dealing with Stress

    College is stressful, whether it’s exams or just life. Here’s what helped me:

    • Going on walks: Walking around campus at night cleared my head.
    • Talking to someone: A friend, family member, or professor. Just talking about stress can help.
    • Shifting my mindset: Instead of dreading assignments, I reminded myself I was lucky to be in college, which helped.

    Avoiding the “Broke College Student” Life

    College is expensive, but you don’t have to be completely broke. Here’s what worked for me:

    • Budgeting my money: I tracked what I was spending so I wouldn’t run out before the semester ended.
    • Getting a job: I knew people who worked online or on campus, and I was lucky to get a job with Pearson, and it made a difference.
    • Applying for scholarships: There’s free money out there. Most people don’t even try to get it so apply for everything.

    Roommate Problems Happen

    Unless you know your roommate beforehand, there’s a chance you won’t get along right away. My roommate and I had our share of arguments, but here’s what helped:

    • Talking it out: Don’t let small issues turn into big ones. A simple and calm conversation can fix most things.
    • Getting the RA involved: If things escalate, your RA is there to help.
    • Setting expectations early: Roommate agreements might feel awkward, but they prevent future conflicts.

    Final Thoughts

    College is a learning experience in every way. You’ll make mistakes, but you’ll also grow. Stay organized, take care of yourself, and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. You got this!

    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 young college woman sitting on the bed in her college dorm room.

    Cold Water: How to Survive Homesickness and the First Weeks of College

    Riley Maddox

    As a kid, one of my family's favorite summer pastimes was going to the pool. We kept our pool bag stocked with dry towels and sunscreen, ready to jump in the car at a second's notice if my siblings suddenly got the urge for the cool water. I, for one, never liked the way that the cold pool water felt on my skin. I would watch my brother effortlessly dive right into the deep end, while I would do the walk of shame to the shallow stairs, barely getting the courage to dip my big toe in.

    My method for safely entering the pool was simple. I would close my eyes, count to ten, and take one step down the stairs. The cold water was always a shock to my skin, but I longed to get in and play with the rest of the kids so after thirty seconds of being inches in the water, I would repeat this process. Over and over again, inch by inch, I would take small but significant steps until I was fully submerged.

    Going to college felt a lot like getting in the cold pool. I stood on the pool deck watching as everyone I knew jumped right in, knowing I didn't have the courage to. Knowing that it would take a long time before I could join them. Wanting, wishing, and hoping I could be like that. Why was the water so cold for me, but seemingly temperate for them? Why couldn't I jump right in?

    That first weekend, I recall sitting in a dimly lit restaurant with other students from my dorm, my eyes burning, trying not to cry. I just wanted my mom. I just wanted to get home. But that didn’t exist anymore. This was my home. This was my life. It all came so fast. Everything I had ever known was replaced with unfamiliar faces and places. I drove back to campus early that night, while all the other students went for ice cream. I stared at the pictures that they had taken, their faces bright and happy, and I cried. I wanted to be happy, just like them. I wanted my face to glow with excitement, as cold ice cream dripped onto my hand. I wanted to jump in the pool. But it was just too cold.

    Week two got a little better. I was starting to understand how college worked. What time to wake up, and what time to shower so my roommates wouldn't be mad. How my classes worked, who my professors were, and how much time I had to eat lunch. I was developing a routine. But I still wasn't happy. My dad suggested that I start going to the gym. He claimed the dopamine release would be good for my body, but that proved unhelpful. My mom told me I just needed to give it time, but every night I would lay in my bed and stare at the keys to my car, thinking about how I could leave right now. I could go home and sleep in my own bed. I could shower without shoes. I could hug my mom. I would stare at those keys until I fell asleep. Wondering how long it would take me to act on my impulses.

    At the end of my second week, I was talking to Camryn, an upperclassman in my class, expressing my feelings about college. I told her that I just didn’t love it yet. The first couple of weeks had been difficult, and I didn't know how I was going to make it through the next 4 years. She gave me some very valuable advice. She said “Riley, I'm going to be honest with you. I didn’t start liking college until after Labor Day. And I didn’t start loving college until after Fall Break. It’s the second week. It’s not going to be good right now.”

    Hearing those words from someone I looked up to meant the world to me. It made me feel validated and safe. It let me know that even though it may seem like it, not everyone is jumping directly into the cold pool and having fun right away. Some people are also taking their time. Other people jump right into the cold pool and pretend like they are having fun, but in reality, are freezing and miserable.

    She was right. I went home for Labor Day weekend and returned to campus refreshed and ready to take on college. I felt a renewed sense of purpose and self-confidence. I could do this. I continued to push forward and step outside of my comfort zone. I tried talking to one new person every day. I still didn’t love college yet, but I didn’t hate it.

    Before I knew it, Fall Break had come. And I thought back to what Camryn had told me. I looked around me and saw a firmly established friend group, with whom I was attending football games and going to dinner. I saw a roommate who I loved spending time with, and classes that were challenging but manageable. I felt, finally, like I could say I loved college, and it was the whole truth.

    Within those first 12 weeks, I was challenged and tested in ways I would never have expected. I grew academically, personally, spiritually, and mentally. I now feel more confident in myself and my decisions. I have become someone that my senior self would not fully recognize. I still have the same passion in my chest, same hair on my head, and the same love of learning. But now I’m fully submerged in the pool. I have joined my friends in the deep end. I can finally feel the cool water enveloping my body. And I am happy.

    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 dish of mushroom rissotto prepared by the blog author.

    Cooking as a College Student: If I Can Make Risotto, Anyone Can!

    Stone Pillsbury

    For Mother's Day, I wanted to show my appreciation in a more authentic way than a greeting card from the drug store by my house. So, I found my favorite risotto recipe online (a dish I had only made twice before). This would be a challenge, as the extent of my kitchen innovation in the last year was cracking an egg into ramen noodles. But my mom was worth it, and I was up to the challenge.

    Gathering the Ingredients

    Instead of driving to Walgreens for a card, I went to the grocery store, leisurely browsing the aisles to procure only the finest of ingredients: arborio rice, Parmigiano Reggiano (the real thing), baby bella mushrooms, parsley, thyme, garlic, shallots, and chicken stock. Yes, the total was expensive, but this was a special occasion.

    Ingredient Prep (Mise en Place)

    Back home, I started on the real work: ingredient prep, known in France as mise en place (though I'm not an experienced cook, I like using fancy words and channeling my inner Masterchef). The French were onto something—having ingredients ready before cooking definitely helps.

    With the Wicked soundtrack playing, I grated the parmesan into a fine, white powder that felt like snow and peeled the thyme leaves off the stems. I chopped my shallots and prepped the rest of my ingredients, having each ready to go at a moment's notice.

    Cooking the Perfect Risotto

    Finally, I was ready to cook. I heated some oil in the pan and gently wilted the shallots (sautéed until translucent). Then, it was time to mix in the mushrooms: cooking until soft and brown, then throwing in the garlic, thyme, and a little butter.

    Once the seasonings were fully incorporated, I threw in the arborio rice, toasting it for one to two minutes (this opens up the rice and allows it to absorb the stock better). I poured in a splash of white wine for acidity, and then started adding the stock, one ladle at a time.

    Non-Stop Stirring

    And so commenced the stirring. I stirred my risotto to the tune of "Non-Stop" from Hamilton as my mom grew hungry. After 25 minutes of stirring and adding stock, I had the rice right where I wanted it: creamy, al dente, and perfectly flavored.

    I took it off the heat, whipped in a tablespoon of butter (the Italians call this mantecare), and added the parmesan. At long last, my creation was finished, taking about ninety minutes after prep, recipe referencing, cooking, and endless stirring.

    The Secret Ingredient

    I've so verbosely articulated this process to paint the picture of the theme of this dish, and perhaps the most essential ingredient: patience. Risotto is often considered difficult to make, but if a ramen-eating amateur like myself can pull this off, anyone can. Risotto is a labor of love; every step should be embraced and enjoyed, right up to the moment of consumption.

    I felt a satisfying pride as I ate my risotto with my mom that night, even though it would never be enough to repay her for everything she's done for me. However, it seemed to be the best way I could show her my appreciation. Watching my mom enjoy each bite that evening, I understood that genuine appreciation isn't measured in dollars. It's measured in the minutes given to create something meaningful, even if it's just a (delicious) bowl of risotto.

    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 young man sitting in a closet using recording software on his laptop.

    Recording Quality Music (On a College Budget)

    Damion Vidal Garcia

    Recording professional-sounding music on a college budget may first seem impossible, however it is not only feasible, but an opportunity to input your creativity into every process. You don’t need a high-end studio to produce great tracks. Instead, focus on technique, affordable tools, and optimizing your recording environment. Here are a few tips on how to put together high-quality songs without draining your bank account.

    Optimize Your Recording Space 

    If you’re recording in a dorm or small apartment, you can use thick blankets or moving pads to dampen reflections. Isolating areas with the most unwanted room noise is the key, focusing on creating smaller spaces within larger ones. For vocals, try recording in a closet, as the fabric is great at absorbing unwanted reverberations. If you’re micing an amp or acoustic instrument, a similar closet technique can work wonders if you have the space. Rugs and carpet can also be useful for containing sound in rooms with harder floors. 

    Choose Affordable (or Free) Gear 

    Start with a solid, budget-friendly microphone like the Shure SM57 or SM7B or any cheap large diaphragm condenser such as the Audio-Technica AT2020 or the AKG P220. Pair it with an affordable audio interface, such as a Scarlett Solo or anything that doesn’t have DI quality loss and that can provide clean preamps. For monitoring, opt for flat-response headphones like the Audio-Technica ATH-M30x or something from Sennheiser’s HD series, which will help you mix accurately without need for studio monitors. Most production can be tackled in the box these days, so focus on getting the best signal into your computer first and foremost. 

    Use Free or Low-Cost DAWs & Plugins 

    Professional DAWs can cost hundreds, but there are many free and low-cost alternatives. If you’re on Mac, GarageBand is a powerful starting point with built-in instruments and effects. Windows users can take advantage of Cakewalk by BandLab, another fully featured DAW that’s completely free. Reaper offers a 60-day free trial and only costs $60 afterward, making it a steal for its capabilities. For plugins, lookout for free options like iZotope’s Vinyl (for lo-fi effects), Spitfire LABS (for high-quality virtual instruments), and Valhalla Supermassive (for lush reverbs and delays). Tools like these will elevate your production and save a penny at the same time.

    Learn Basic Mixing Techniques 

    Even the best recordings fall flat without proper mixing principles. Learn to use EQ, compression, and different plugins like saturation and modulation effects to play with tone color while also creating a cohesive mix. When using reverb and delay, apply them subtly to avoid washing out. Panning left or right can also help to create a more immersive soundstage. Most importantly, reference mixes on multiple playback systems (headphones, car stereo, etc.) and use professional references to ensure they translate well to wherever your music is distributed. 

    Collaborate & Share Knowledge 

    The final tip, and the best way to improve while staying budget-conscious is collaboration with other musicians. Join music groups, swap feedback, or even share gear! You might find someone with better microphones or a different DAW who can enhance your recordings. Plus, learning from others accelerates your own growth and can lead to unexpected creative breakthroughs. 

    Final Thoughts 

    Great music isn’t about how much you spend; it’s about how you use what you have. By optimizing your space, choosing smart gear, leveraging free software, and honing your creative skills, you can produce tracks that rival professional recordings. The key is to keep experimenting, keep learning, and most importantly, keep creating. Your passion and resourcefulness will always matter more than the price tag of your equipment. 

    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 Stone in full snow-boarding gear leans against a tall wooden structure on a ski slope.

    Going Against Your Nature: How I learned to snowboard as a non-athletic person

    Stone Pillsbury

    As college students entangled in an ever-evolving web of classes, studying, extracurricular activities, job searching, and a plethora of other pressing issues, it can be hard to kick back for a moment and allow oneself to have fun. It can seem like everything we do needs to be part of some bigger plan to advance ourselves in society--but it's okay to do things for your own enjoyment, and for no other reason. Here’s how I learned to snowboard and why I enjoy it – despite my not being naturally good at it. 

    My snowboarding journey began in the winter of my sophomore year of high school. At that point in my life, I was knee-deep in studying for classes, swimming year-round, and practicing my bass, so extreme leg-breaking sports were the last thing on my mind. On a cool Thursday evening, I got a text from my best friends asking me if I wanted to go snowboarding with them over the weekend – and my initial response was absolutely not. 

    On any given weekend, you could find me reading, playing poker, having a movie night, maybe playing some spike ball or pickleball, but snowboarding wasn't ever on the list. In addition to having a crippling fear of heights, I'm not exactly the most coordinated person. Some people are built for comfort, not speed – I would classify myself within that group. 

    After some nagging, negotiating, and a healthy dose of peer pressure, I finally caved in and said I would go. We drove up to a small ski hill in Sapphire Valley, North Carolina – not the grandest by any means, but a perfect place for me to learn. My friends taught me all the basics – including how to strap myself to the board, how to get onto the lift, and how to fall in the least painful way (thank the lord for that one) – but most of the technical stuff I needed to figure out on my own. 

    I pretty much spent the entire day falling in every way imaginable – learning how to distribute my weight properly was a huge obstacle, as leaning too far in the wrong direction at the wrong time causes a very sudden fall (this is referred to as "catching an edge"). It was extremely frustrating not being able to go for more than 15 seconds at a time without falling – I'll admit I got pretty heated in some moments. However, by the end of the day, I was able to gently glide down the entire slope without falling – although I wasn't very quick, I was in control. 

    Since that day, snowboarding has become something I regularly return to and endeavor to improve upon. By no means am I naturally good at this sport – after 4 years of snowboarding two/three times per season, I still fall regularly and still don't go as fast as I'd like to, but to look back upon the improvement and growth I've had since then is immensely satisfying. The feeling of the wind rushing against your face while gliding down a slope is exhilarating and immensely freeing – especially knowing that I've conquered so many obstacles to get to that point. 

    Snowboarding has taught me that sometimes the most rewarding experiences come not from the activities we naturally excel at, but from embracing the struggle, celebrating small victories, and finding joy in the journey – a lesson that extends far beyond the slopes into every aspect of life.

    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 images featuring groups of sorority college women.

    Sisterhood Saving Tips

    Josie Heisel

    Being a college student can be a financial struggle. Working a few hours, spending money on food, gas, clothes, and going out, all while trying not to go completely broke – I’ve been there, done that. Here are a few ways I have learned to save money.

    Share a ride

    After living in a sorority house with 67 girls, I’ve picked up a few tips that have saved me money so far in my sophomore year. First, carpooling can make a big difference. Whether we’re heading to an event or grabbing food, coordinating rides with friends not only saves on gas but also helps avoid parking fees. It’s amazing how much you can save by simply sharing a ride. If you're in college, I highly recommend creating group chats with friends to coordinate carpooling—it’s an easy and effective way to cut down on costs.

    Rent or borrow clothes

    Second, rather than buying a new outfit for every function, consider renting clothes or borrowing from others. There are at least five different Instagram accounts of girls just within my house who are constantly renting clothes. This has come in handy for sorority and fraternity functions, as well as gamedays, so I didn’t have to worry about going out and buying new clothes. Instead, I would rent a dress for $15, wash it, and then return it. It’s an affordable way to upgrade without the commitment of a full-price purchase.

    Save on meals

    Lastly, when you go to restaurants, I always either split meals, get a kids' meal, or choose a meal that's big enough to create leftovers. At the sorority house, we only have access to food on weekdays, so on weekends, I’ve had to find the most cost-effective ways to eat out. My favorite meal on a budget is the Chipotle $5 kids' quesadilla.

    While college can be expensive, there are many ways you can work with others and get creative to save money. Small habits like these can add up and help ease the financial burden that often comes with being a student. The key is to stay open to alternatives and be mindful of your spending. With a little planning and collaboration, you can make college life more affordable without sacrificing your experiences.

    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 golden retriever lies on a college student’s bed.

    The Joys and Challenges of Living with a Dog at School

    Jack Byrne

    My 4 roommates and I have a golden retriever puppy living with us at school, and it has been a great experience. She makes the house much more inviting and it's always great to be greeted at the door with a wagging tail. She has also proven to be a challenge with our busy schedules and the constant attention that she requires. This blog will explore the many positives that having a dog brings, and how we have learned to best deal with taking care of her.

    When one of my roommates told us he was getting a puppy the summer before junior year of college, everyone was obviously very excited, but when we started thinking about her living with us the entire year, we had some doubts. Are we up for this bigtime commitment? Is someone always going to be home to feed her and let her out when she needs? Should we prepare to say goodbye to these carpets now? I will say, my roommate did a good job potty training her over the summer, and that was a huge help.

    Still, a 6-month-old puppy comes with its hardships. Cleo (short for Cleopatra) loves socks. We quickly learned that leaving any article of clothing on the floor was a bad idea, because she scoops it up and chews it up in the blink of an eye. We faced the challenge of learning everyone’s schedules and making sure that someone is always home to feed her breakfast, lunch, and dinner and let her out (we have a fenced in backyard, which is very helpful, but we will still take her out on a leash sometimes). When it rains, or like right now in Ohio, the snow melts, our backyard becomes a muddy mess, and we must catch Cleo when she comes running inside so we can wipe her paws before she jumps in all of our beds (which has definitely happened more than once). At the end of the day, I think we have done a good job of finding the humor in all these things, which is necessary with a young puppy.

    Now enough of the bad stuff, having a dog is the best thing ever. We take Cleo on walks through the student neighborhood, and our neighbors and friends love her. She knows tricks like lay down, spin, stand up and speak, and we have fun giving her cheerios for doing them successfully. We have a large, gated turf field that we take her on and throw the football around while she chases it, and she has the best time ever. Coming home from class is always fun when she flies down the stairs to say hello at the door. She loves to sleep, and she’ll take turns hopping in one of our beds and curling up for the night. She has made this years’ experience so much more enjoyable, and I think everyone needs a Cleo in their life.

    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!