Students blog

As a college student, I have found that it can be challenging to find a balance between my academic and personal life. Now as a student in my final year in college, I have learned the importance of prioritizing both aspects of my life. The following three tips have helped me be successful in the classroom while also making time for important people and hobbies in my life.

Knowing when I am most productive

Something that has helped me academically is recognizing what time of the day I am most productive. For me, I am most productive in the morning. To work on this strength, I wake up earlier to start getting work done. This allows me to get most of my work done and then have more time in the day for myself.

Scheduling time with friends but also alone time

Spending time with important people in my life is something that keeps me motivated when it comes to academics. I enjoy going to get coffee with friends, studying together, and going out for dinner. I’ve also realized that I sometimes need to have time to myself. Some activities I enjoy doing by myself include going on walks and reading. Giving myself this alone time helps me to feel more present when I am with my friends and family.

Making a prioritized list

Having a planner and staying organized is something that has helped me throughout my four years in school. On Sundays, I fill out my planner according to my class schedule and personal activities. I also have found it helpful to make a to-do list and prioritize the list in order of importance. For example, an assignment with a due date quickly approaching will be at the top of my list. I then continue to add to the list the tasks that must get done.

It is important to recognize that these tips may not be effective for everyone. Find out what works best for you and your lifestyle. Sometimes school can feel overwhelming, and it feels like there is so much to get done. Finding what helps you balance your academics and personal life can help ease those feelings. Next time you have those feelings, I hope you can try one of these tips or find something that works for 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! 

I believe that as a college student there is so much to learn not just in school but out of school as well. For example, most of us are living on our own for the first time and learning how to manage our time. Most of us dread waking up early, which is exactly how I was my freshman year of college. Since then, what started off as a goal of mine to wake up early has now turned into a daily routine and success in my academics. There are many benefits of becoming a morning person and I hope to spread that knowledge and personal experience to help not only students but anyone looking for a healthier sleep routine or just better time management skills.

Personalizing Your Routine

The key to enjoying waking up early and having a morning routine is to simply make it your own personal routine. Whether that's showering first thing in the morning to help wake you up, or even making a cup of your favorite coffee. Have fun with your early mornings and use the extra time to complete tasks that you typically don't have time for.

Realizing the Benefits of Waking up Early

Every non-morning person knows the benefits of waking up early, but they just simply don’t want to do it. Whether that's because they really like to sleep or maybe they just don't like change. I am here to tell all those non-morning people that becoming a morning person is truly life changing in the best ways possible. Waking up early is a path not only to a healthier lifestyle but also a path to great time management skills. Many students spend countless hours up throughout the whole night when they can simply wake up earlier and then have a whole day to do homework, participate in their hobbies, and not feel drained the next day. Not to mention, most full-time career jobs after college require their employees to wake up fairly early for work.

Becoming a morning person is by no means easy but it is a great way to better your routine, time management skills, and staying ahead in the classroom and workplace. By realizing the benefits and the different ways that you can personalize your morning routine, you yourself can also stay ahead in the game, become a morning person and enjoy it.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

Stressed? Overworked? Sleep-deprived? These are common signs of being a typical college student! Many students don’t know how to help themselves and end up falling deeper and deeper into not feeling “okay.” More and more, students are turning to their favorite furry friends, also known as emotional support animals (ESAs), to help relieve their stressors! As a pre-veterinary student, ESAs hold a special place in my heart as well as many others, and on April 30th we celebrate National Therapy Animal Day!

What’s an ESA?

ESAs are a furry (or feathery, or scaly) companion that provides comfort and support to people facing emotional or mental health challenges. Unlike service animals, ESAs don't need to be specially trained, but they still hold the power to make a world of difference in our lives.

What Can an ESA Do for College Students?

The benefits truly don’t stop! Lonely? Living away from family and childhood friends can be tough. But with an ESA by your side, you can feel so much less alone! They don’t judge their owners or stress you out like a scary professor might. They simply enjoy our presence and stand with their owners until the end!

What About Health Benefits?

ESAs can provide those, too! It has been proven that owners of an ESA have increased exercise levels, which can help boost heart health, as well as general health! With long study hours that college students have, getting up and playing with an ESA can get your body moving! There are also proven mental health benefits to an ESA. These include increased levels of dopamine and serotonin (the chemicals that make you feel happy).

Even if adopting and raising an ESA isn’t in the cards for your college lifestyle, being aware of them around campus is important! Many students may not know of the benefits of an ESA. Start the conversation and educate others about how an ESA could benefit them or people they know during college. Think about it, your campus could be filled with wagging tails, purring pets, and smiling faces!

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! 

Going to the University of Tennessee, I am constantly reminded of how beautiful my campus is and why it’s called “Rocky Top,” but we all tend to forget the natural beauty of the world. As college students, we are subject to submerging our heads into our laptops to meet deadlines and study for important tests; however, college students agree to set the electronics down and go outside for Earth Day every year. With many opportunities at my disposal, I tend to go outside very often. There are 3 places that have made it to the top of my list, but every day outside reminds me why this act is important.

Ozone Falls in Rockwood, Tennessee

Last year for Earth Day, my roommate & I visited Ozone Falls in Rockwood, Tennessee. This destination has a large waterfall accompanied by a large swimming hole at the bottom. When we arrived, we were expecting a long hike, but to our surprise this gem was easily accessible. The sight itself was breathtaking, but the freezing water of the swimming hole continued that feeling.

Yonah Mountain, Georgia

In the fall, I traveled down to the Georgia area and hiked Yonah Mountain with a friend. The hike itself was taxing, but the view at the top was so rewarding. It reminded me that the hard things don’t come easy, and there are so many hidden gems that people are unaware of because of the demanding work it takes.

Pagosa Springs, Colorado

More recently, I made my way across the country to Pagosa Springs, Colorado. My family & I visited the Wolf Creek Ski Resort which happened to be a hidden snow gem with some of the most snow in the state. We were all able to enjoy awesome powder every day, and I was able to fall without worrying about breaking my arm.

I have not stopped thinking about these three spots since I visited them, and I will probably be a returning customer. I found myself present in the moment without digging into my phone, and I was able to fully enjoy the views in front of me. Most importantly, these areas have influenced me to explore and find similar places.

Our Earth is beautiful, and we forget that way too often as we distract ourselves with electronics. There are many separate places to visit in every state and escape from the stressful world we live in. This is your sign to start going outside every day, not just Earth Day!

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! 

Being a Pearson Campus Ambassador (PCA) has truly been an amazing journey, and when I started as a PCA I had no idea all the amazing things that would be in store for me. I am excited to get the opportunity to share some of that journey as I conclude my time at Pearson as I graduate.

Opportunities and Experience

One of the best things about the PCA Program is that you get out what you put in. If you are willing to put in the work, the opportunities will find you. As you get more opportunities in the program, you will gain some great experience that will help set you apart from other candidates when applying for jobs and other external opportunities. In addition to summer internships, Pearson also offers micro-internships which allow you to complete short-term internship experiences during the school year. In my 2.5 years with Pearson, I worked two summer internships and one micro-internship in addition to my job as a Pearson Campus Ambassador and Regional Coordinator. These opportunities helped strengthen my resume and gave me a wealth of experience to pull from when interviewing and working different jobs. These opportunities also allowed me to get a better understanding of what I wanted to do for work following graduation.

Traveling

Being a part of the PCA Program also allowed me to travel to different parts of the country. In my time as a PCA, I was able to travel to Dallas, Ohio, New York, New Jersey, and Austin. Whether I was traveling for a special project, an internship, or a leadership summit, each trip was special, and I had a great time. Pearson takes great care of its employees, and that was made evident on these trips. During these trips, I got to visit different Pearson offices, including our corporate U.S. headquarters. I also got to meet many Pearson professionals as well as some of my fellow PCAs whom I had only met virtually up until that point.

Connections and Camaraderie

The connections I’ve made and the camaraderie that exists at Pearson and within the PCA Program are something that I will never forget. I had the opportunity to work with some of the best and brightest students across the country. I had the chance to lead and mentor some of the most amazing students across Texas and Louisiana as the Regional Coordinator of the Central Region. I got to see so many friendships and people blossom and grow because of the PCA Program. It allows you have a connection in almost every state and city in this program. Our managers, sales reps, and various Pearson employees helped promote this camaraderie and sense of community. Everyone, from the CEO and the Presidents to our respective managers, were easily accessible. In my time at Pearson, I had multiple sit-downs with the CEO, as well as meetings with the former President of Higher Ed and the Chief Human Resources Officer.

As you can see, I had a great experience as a Pearson Campus Ambassador. I’ve had the opportunity to do some things that most other 22-year-old college graduates can’t say they have done. I have learned so many transferable skills that I will take with me into my next role. Pearson was one of the best things that could have happened to me in my college career, and it is the best job you can have as a college student.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

Spring is here! Many students have returned from spring break and are now headed full-speed to the end of the term. With the stress of impending exams and project due dates it’s easy to not take time to prioritize yourself first and pause to take in Spring. Here are some of my favorite things to do to make the most of this season!

Outdoor study sessions

This perfect in-between weather allows for the opportunity to sit out in the sun and study. Finding a great, quiet place to study on campus such as a park or courtyard will enhance your focus with the fresh air. Invite your friends to come with you and step out of your apartment or dorm.

Stay active

Take your workout outside! Whether it's going for a run, playing sports, or taking a walk, physical activity can boost your mood and energy levels. An after class walk around your campus with your friends is one of the best mood boosters for the semester.

Spring cleaning

Take time and declutter and organize the space around you. Having a clean and tidy space will motivate you to get through your midterms and finals which are around the corner. Every day try to make your bed and clean your desk to start and end your day.

Plan a trip

After those midterms you deserve a break from studying and the campus. Book a trip home or to one of your favorite places. Take the time to unwind and relax from the school setting and let your mind focus on yourself to take a breath. Having something to look forward to besides the summer will allow you to take some stress off your mind.

Practice self-care

It is important to prioritize yourself during the academic year. Whether it is going on that walk, eating healthy, enjoying your favorite hobby, practicing mindfulness, make sure to do something for yourself.

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! 

With the steadily rising cost of tuition, it is becoming increasingly vital to understand the financial implications of pursuing a degree after high school. From the year 2000 to 2021, the average cost of tuition for four-year schools was driven up by 69% due to a variety of economic factors. But what does this mean for those currently enrolled in, or applying to pursue, a four-year degree? The bottom line is that when it comes to considering going to college, education is an investment and must be tackled as such – especially if you intend on taking out loans.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this blog is for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute financial advice and should not be relied upon as such. Before making any financial decisions, you should consult with a qualified financial advisor who can assess your situation.

The process of funding your college degree will vary drastically depending on your situation. Moving to a university to study will generally be expensive for many; however, scholarships and grants are given based on high school academic performance (GPA, standardized tests), extracurriculars (sports, clubs), and financial need. Beyond these, there are many other ways to support your expenses before relying on debt.

Applying for a job sounds obvious, but many students shy away from the idea. I have spoken to many college students who are under the impression that working on campus is a threat to their education, consuming time and adding more tension to the already burdensome schedule of a college student. While this may be true in some cases, there are plenty of opportunities out there that offer a flexible work environment while supporting a student in their education.

“Work Study”, or FWS, is a need-based federal program that aims to support students financially while allowing them to gain valuable work experience. In my experience, I’ve seen work-study students employed in administrative departments, gyms, and other facilities. The program is based on the idea that eligible students are on a full-time schedule which is reflected in the flexibility of scheduling. More information can be found on studentaid.gov.

Alternative sources of employment can also include remote work or part-time shifts at surrounding campus businesses. It is possible to find remote work through LinkedIn and other career platforms that can support a flexible work schedule. Personally, working as a Campus Ambassador for Pearson gives me a chance to support my college life while working on campus. To explore opportunities that you may be eligible for, it is worth a visit to your university career center for advice on how to apply and prepare for recruitment. Additionally, businesses on or near your campus may be looking for help. It is worth stopping at local companies you are interested in working for or have prior experience with to see if they are looking for part-time employees. Moreover, if you work a summer job, saving most of your income will benefit you during the year as well.

Another way to look at covering the cost is if you can’t increase your income, decrease your spending. There are many ways to do this, but I would recommend:

• Tracking your monthly expenses
• Prioritizing essentials
• Limiting dining out, entertainment, and shopping
• Cooking at home

These are four habits that have allowed me to fund a significant portion of my college experience myself. However, it is also important to create a healthy balance to make the most out of your college experience. Understand that violating your budget in college occasionally is often negligible and sometimes inevitable – it is the habits that stick. Ultimately, that idea goes for both sides of the coin. As I learned in my finance classes, compounding has drastic effects in the long run. Therefore, making consistently wise financial decisions is a key step in obtaining a college degree.

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! 

Looking for something fulfilling to do in your free time? Service is a great way to get involved on your campus and serve those who are less fortunate. It also helps you meet new people, make connections, and have experiences that you won’t find anywhere else. As college students, we spend most of our time on our campus, so my goal is to provide you with ways to find service opportunities and get involved at your school.

My Experience

I am a sophomore at the University of Dayton, and I have already been fortunate enough to participate in multiple service activities. Most recently I helped with Dayton’s Christmas on Campus, which is a night of fun activities on campus that young children in the Dayton area can enjoy. I rode on one of the buses that went to pick up second grade students from a local school, and I was able to interact and hang out with them on the ride back to campus, where they were paired with a buddy and were free to roam around and enjoy the experience. Many of the schools that attend are in poorer areas, so it gives the kids there a fun thing to do around the holidays. It was a very rewarding experience, and I’m glad I took part.

Ways to Get Involved at Your School

Oftentimes, the reason that people don’t participate in service is because they are unaware of the opportunities around them. I quickly found Dayton’s service website by looking up “University of Dayton Service.” I was introduced to many different service options and learned that we have 40+ clubs dedicated to service. I encourage you to try the same search with your school and the results will probably surprise you. I tried this search with various other schools across the country and every school had at least one page detailing service opportunities that they offer.

Another great pathway to service is Greek Life. I know that Greek Life is not for everyone, but you don’t always have to actually be a member of a fraternity or sorority to take part in their various service activities. Following various Greek organizations on social media will keep you up to date with service opportunities they are hosting, and often it is as simple as donating money for a good cause. A few fun ones I have taken part in were people donating a few dollars to pie me in the face, and playing in a basketball tournament for women’s health. There are great opportunities everywhere, you just have to know where to find them!

To wrap things up, service is a fulfilling way to spend your time, and it is something you should always approach with an open mind. I have been hesitant to commit to service opportunities in the past, but every time I said yes, I have been so pleased with my experience. I encourage you to take action at your school and bring along some of your friends. You won’t regret it.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

Stress and burnout are something we all face, and as college students, it is only a matter of time before we experience one of these common issues. How can both stress and burnout be better managed? Here are some tips and tricks that tremendously helped me:

Switch up your routine

If you’re like me, then a routine is crucial to help you stay organized and efficient when going through your daily responsibilities. However, the same routine over an extended period can become monotonous. To help keep things fresh, re-arrange your routine every few months to trick your brain into thinking it’s doing something new.

Have a designated work area

With remote work/school becoming more prevalent in the last few years, the line between both work and play has become blurred. As a result, your home which used to be a place of relaxation has become a second office. Not being able to take a step back from academic and professional responsibilities can exacerbate stress levels and make it feel as if you have no breaks. One way to help mitigate these feelings is to have specified areas of work. Some of these places could be the school library, the office, a coffee shop, or a specific room in your home. Try to keep your work confined to these areas so you’re not bringing it along into other aspects of your life.

Implement self-care into your daily routine

‘Self-care’ is a phrase that is often used, and most people will have a specific self-care routine or evening. Although that is a nice way to treat yourself on occasion, self-care doesn’t have to be some big ritualistic thing performed infrequently. Little acts of self-care daily provide little goals for you to work towards throughout the day. For example, if you complete two hours of work then afterwards allow yourself to eat a sweet treat or 15 minutes on your phone. Small incentives such as those can help you to stay motivated throughout the day.

Block out your work

When you first receive a project or assignment, looking at the “big picture” can be daunting. Instantly you will feel both discouraged and deterred. Instead chunk out portions for you to complete over time. This will help you to feel accomplished throughout the process as you’ll be hitting milestones throughout. It should also help alleviate stress levels.

De-compress after a long day

The “daily grind” can be exhausting, which is why it is important to provide yourself with an outlet to de-compress and recharge for the next day. This can be accomplished through something as simple as journaling, getting some exercise, or spending time with friends and family…whatever activity that helps you to relax and de-stress!

Now that I have provided some of my best tips to manage stress and burnout, I hope that you will be able to implement some of them into your routine!

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!