Students blog

The first week of classes has its own extensive list of pros and cons. The dread of a potential icebreaker activity is definitely near the top of the cons list. I would argue that this dread is rather universal among college students.

Who wants to tell a stranger where they would go if they could time travel? It is easy to view this as a cheesy way to spend the first ten minutes of class. But with a little perspective, these random activities can become opportunities.

A Surprise Connection

On my very first day of college, I arrived early for my Psychology 101 class. I was nervous about where to sit and what to expect. I was anxious about starting my journey as a college student.

Then my professor asked us to share our favorite part of summer break with a neighbor. An awkward silence fell over the classroom, and then the girl next to me introduced herself.

We exchanged names and summer highlights. Before I knew it, we were discussing my interest in human development and family studies. That happened to be the same major as my new classmate, Kathy.

For the rest of the semester, we made small talk before class. We also participated in class discussions together.

Building a Support System

Little did I know that for the next four semesters I would see Kathy in my other classes, too. Now, I know her answers to countless icebreakers.

I also have an amazing class friend to sit with, share notes with, and study with. Kathy has supported me through difficult exams and assignments. She is a familiar face around campus and another reason to get up for class.

Embrace the Awkwardness

I encourage you to reconsider the dread associated with icebreakers. While they can be uncomfortable, they are a direct gateway to connection. Plus, everyone in the room is likely just as nervous as you are.

You do not need to find a best friend in every class. However, simply finding a familiar face can make a large lecture hall feel smaller. It makes the college experience less isolating.

So, next time a professor asks you to turn to your neighbor, take a second. Push past the hesitation and say hello. You might be about to meet a great class friend.

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! 

College can be a difficult lifestyle adjustment. Living in campus housing and navigating a class schedule different from high school can be challenging. Add in extracurriculars such as clubs, sports, and social events, and it becomes even harder.

Staying on top of my physical fitness is the most effective way I balance the hectic college lifestyle. Fitting the gym into one’s daily schedule seems hard, but many people overestimate how long physical activity takes.

Simple Ways to Start Working Out

You can spend hours at the gym, but many quick workouts require only minutes of your time. Anything that gets your heart rate up and brings you out of your comfort zone benefits your body and mind.

For example, walking outside for twenty to thirty minutes every day is a simple way to start. Once you are comfortable with that, start jogging a mile every day. You can download various apps to track your progress and hold yourself accountable.

I enjoy running at the gym’s track because the atmosphere motivates me. I can surround myself with others who are also trying to better themselves. This goes for weight training as well.

Note the weight you start with. As you return to the gym, strive to increase your weight and watch your hard work pay off.

Personally, I make an effort to go to the gym five days a week, typically Monday through Friday. I use the weekend to relax, spend time with friends, or finish any remaining work.

This is just an example of a schedule that you can follow. Building one that works best for you will make it easier to stay consistent and form a long-term habit.

Mental Health Benefits of Fitness

I always worked out because I liked getting stronger and wanted to look good. However, college has really opened my eyes to how beneficial fitness is for my mental health.

When I am very stressed about school, I do not feel bad about choosing to go to the gym instead of doing an assignment. It gives me time to take my mind off everything, work hard, and return refreshed to finish that assignment.

There is a sign that hangs in our gym at school that says, “Nobody ever regrets going to the gym.” While this is cliché, it has proven true for me. No matter how badly I did not want to go or how overwhelmed I was, I always leave a workout feeling accomplished.

College is the perfect time to start creating good physical fitness habits. Your life is ramping up toward the real world, yet you still have leeway to find what works for you.

Working out is my way to stay on track and find peace. I encourage you to give it a shot and begin building a lifelong habit that will benefit you immensely.

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 semester is over, and you can finally take a break. After late-night study sessions, final exams, and homework assignments, you've earned this time to relax and reset. As the next semester approaches, use these tips to plan ahead and start preparing.

1. Map Your Route

A new semester brings a compelling catalog of locations for your scheduled classes. No matter how big or small the campus, it’s handy to know how far you’ll be traveling and how long it’ll take. Check a campus map on your device and plan your route.

If you have the chance, you can even test the route a day or two before classes start. When planning your route, note which buildings you’ll pass.

If you have time between classes, you can look for the perfect break spot on campus. A library? An outdoor bench? Anywhere that suits your needs. Maybe you’ll pass a trendy new campus coffee shop serving a shaken espresso with your name on it.

2. Organize Early

Before the next semester saunters in, taking time to get organized can set the stage for a smoother, less stressful experience. As soon as they become available, review your class syllabi. Note what you’ll be reading, the projects you’ll complete, and the exams that require scheduled study time.

You can also take this time to gather all the supplies for each of your classes. Hit up your local bookstore to grab any required reading materials. Make a day of it by purchasing a new set of notebooks, pencils, and other supplies.

A little planning in advance can ensure you’re prepared to stay on track when deadlines start piling up.

3. Prioritize Self-Care

Starting a new semester is exciting! And it’s chaotic. Sometimes it’s downright overwhelming.

Among all the essays written, homework completed, and all-nighters pulled, it’s essential to carve out time to take care of yourself. This can mean something different for everyone.

For some, it might mean going to bed at a decent hour (or at least giving it a shot). For others, it’s setting up a class planner so that projects don’t sneak up on you.

Taking just a few minutes out of your day to let your brain and body relax will pay off when you reach the finish line. Find time in your weekly schedule to take care of yourself. After all, you’re doing a lot of heavy academic lifting.

Starting a New Semester

Starting a new semester doesn’t have to devolve into chaos. With route planning, self-care, and organized supplies, you can confidently walk into your first week of classes.

Enjoy your well-earned break, and know that when the semester rolls around, you’ll be more than ready.

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! 

Leadership is a key skill in industry. It shows you can think innovatively, express your ideas, and inspire others to execute them.

Leadership has been central to my college experience, and this year, I am holding three executive positions while being a full-time student and working part-time. So, what have I learned on this journey?

First, always pour into your own cup before pouring into others. Second, give people the resources to do their job well. Third, respect and welcome everyone's ideas, because nothing great can be done by one person alone.

Fill Your Cup First: The Foundation of Leadership

Being a student leader requires patience, time, and energy. Balancing multiple responsibilities can feel overwhelming, sometimes to the point of not delivering. To prevent burnout, you must prioritize taking care of yourself before you can effectively lead others.

For me, self-care looks like eating nutritious meals to fuel my body, staying active through yoga or regular gym sessions, and taking daily moments for mental and spiritual grounding through prayer and meditation.

These practices keep me centered and energized. They allow me to shift my mindset from “I have to do this” to “I get to do this.” When you fill your own cup first, you show up for others with more patience, clarity, and enthusiasm.

Equip for Success: Empowering Your Team to Thrive

A key part of leadership is ensuring your team has the tools and information necessary to succeed. When delegating tasks, be clear about your expectations and provide a structured path for execution. Encourage questions and create space for dialogue so everyone understands their responsibilities.

Equally important is setting clear deadlines. This allows team members to build their own work timelines and deliver high-quality results without unnecessary stress. A well-informed team is a confident team, and confident teams deliver.

Embrace All Ideas: Leadership is a Collective Effort

In group settings, it is common to see one person take on the bulk of the work. During my first year, that person was me. At the time, I hadn’t learned how to connect with my team, foster innovation, or delegate effectively.

Through practice and experience, I learned that true leadership isn’t about doing everything yourself. It’s about creating an environment where everyone’s perspective can shine. Today, I prefer working in teams because incredible ideas emerge when creative people work toward a shared goal.

The key to unlocking that collective potential is strategic delegation: identifying each person’s strengths and aligning them with meaningful tasks. When you welcome diverse perspectives, you elevate the final product and the team's sense of shared ownership and pride.

Being a great leader is a process of continual growth. The more experience you gain, the more comfortable you will become with aligning people to a common goal and leading with confidence.

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! 

After the excitement of graduation, you transition to a new period of independence in college. While it’s an exciting time, staying on top of schoolwork, commitments, and clubs can be challenging. In the process, it’s easy to neglect your health and well-being.

I learned this the hard way during my first semester. I prioritized assignments and social activities over my own self-care, which led to moments of intense stress when I felt there wasn’t enough time in the day.

After winter break, I started to find ways to prioritize myself. When I began to move more slowly, I noticed I had more energy, which allowed me to contribute better to my schoolwork and activities. Here are a few things that helped clear my head.

Log Off by 6 p.m.

First, shut down your computer by 6 p.m. A typical workday ends around 5 p.m., so there’s no reason to keep working late into the night. Having this set time allows you to wind down and still have a few hours to yourself.

This practice helps me manage my time because I know I need to have everything finished by then. It also reduces stress levels before bed. Your head won’t be spinning with everything you need to do; instead, it will be clear and ready for the next day.

Nurture Key Relationships

Next, make time for the relationships that matter. When I started college, I focused so much on school stress that my friendships began to suffer, and at times, it felt like I had few people in my corner.

Eventually, I learned the importance of making time for friends and family. I now go out of my way to see my friends and call someone in my family every day. This not only helps me clear my head but also reminds me that many people care about me. You’ll see a burst of energy when you prioritize friendships and allow yourself to have fun.

Make Time for Movement

The last tactic is exercise. It may not be everyone’s favorite topic, but I have found it to be an outlet that can clear my head in an instant. My brain knows that the gym is my time and nobody else’s. I put my headphones on, listen to my favorite music, and get to be with myself for an hour or two.

This is a great way to clear my head, get some movement in, and stay healthy. I switch up my exercises among running, lifting, Pilates, and walks, which keeps things new and exciting. Once I started prioritizing exercise, I saw a huge shift in my mental health and well-being, which has made my college transition smoother.

Prioritize What Matters

Starting a new college routine brings challenges that require effort and adaptability. However, with these tactics, you can make the transition a little easier.

The most important thing is to do what you love. When you make time for the things that matter most, your well-being and the transition will automatically become easier. Remember to show up for yourself and your health because the next four years are 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! 

College life can feel like a constant juggling act. Lectures, part-time jobs, club meetings, and social plans all compete for your time and energy. It is easy to feel like you are just trying to keep your head above water.

The good news is that staying organized and consistent does not require becoming a productivity robot or living by a strict schedule. It is about building small, sustainable habits that make your day feel less chaotic and more intentional.

As a college student myself, I have realized that organization is not about perfection; it is about consistency. You do not need a dozen planners, five apps, or color-coded everything. What you need is a system that actually works for you. Here are a few strategies that have helped me maintain balance without burning out.

Time-Block Your Day

Instead of listing twenty tasks and hoping to fit them all in, try time-blocking. This means dedicating chunks of your day to specific tasks: 9–11 a.m. for studying biology, 11 a.m.–12 p.m. for errands, and 1–3 p.m. for work.

This helps you be realistic about how much time tasks take and prevents that “where did the day go?” feeling. I use a digital calendar to plan my time, so I can quickly and easily move things around when plans inevitably change.

Set Micro-Goals

Big projects and exams can feel impossible when you look at them as a whole. That is where micro-goals come in. Break down large tasks into small, doable steps, such as outlining a paper section or reviewing one lecture’s notes.

Checking off small goals gives you momentum and keeps procrastination away. I once broke a ten-page paper into ten short writing sessions, one per day. It was the first time I submitted a large assignment early.

Use Digital Tools Wisely

Apps like Notion, Todoist, and Google Calendar can be game-changers, but only if you actually use them. Do not overcomplicate things with endless tabs and templates. Start simple.

For example, I keep one Notion page for weekly tasks and one for ongoing goals. The less friction there is in updating your system, the more consistent you will be with it.

Recover from “Chaotic Weeks” Gracefully

There will always be messy weeks. You might forget an assignment, skip laundry, or live off vending machine snacks. The key is to reset, not spiral.

I like to do a quick “Sunday reset.” I clean my desk, check upcoming deadlines, and plan one fun thing for the week ahead. It is a way to start fresh without guilt.

Treat Organization as Self-Care

We often think of organization as discipline or control, but it is really a form of self-respect. Having a plan means you are protecting your time, energy, and peace of mind. You are not trying to be perfect; you are trying to make life easier for your future self.

When motivation inevitably dips, rely on consistency rather than willpower. Even ten minutes of focused work or a quick schedule review can keep you grounded. Over time, those small efforts add up to a steady rhythm that keeps you moving forward.

In the end, staying organized is not about doing more. It is about doing what matters most, consistently. When you build systems that fit your lifestyle instead of fighting it, college stops feeling like a balancing act. It starts to feel like something you can truly thrive in.

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! 

Approaching the Stage

There’s something surreal about stepping into a room full of people, knowing all eyes will soon be on you. That was me at my very first live panel with Modern Campus: heart racing, palms slightly clammy, but my mind was sharp and ready.

As I walked up to the stage, I could feel the quiet vibration of anticipation in the air. The lights were bright, the microphones were live, and the audience was a mix of professionals, students, and changemakers. They all gathered to hear about the student perspective and our college journeys.

I wasn’t just representing myself; I was representing the voice of students, the power of inclusive programming, and the impact of authentic communication. I spoke about being a nontraditional college student who’s completed most of her education online. I also shared how my journey as a communications student led me to become a Pearson ambassador.

It was more than a panel. It was a moment of clarity as I realized that the work I’ve been doing behind the scenes is part of a much larger movement, and I was right there in the middle of it.

Moment of Truth

At first, I felt calm and confident. I had prepared all week; I knew my talking points, and I was excited to share my perspective. But when I turned and saw the room packed with attendees, the nerves crept in. It wasn’t fear, exactly; it was more like a wave of realization: This is really happening!

I started strong, but as the conversation unfolded, the butterflies fluttered a little harder. Still, I pushed through. I reminded myself why I was there: to grow, to learn, and to show up fully so others could understand the obstacles I’ve overcome. I wanted them to see that I’m still succeeding, still working toward my bachelor’s degree, and still finding my place in the higher education community.

By the end, I was a little shaky, but I walked away with zero regrets. In fact, I walked away with so much more. I’d participated in panel to a live audience, and I’d met incredible people: fellow panelists, attendees, and even a senior-level associate from Pearson. Those connections alone made the experience worth it.

Growth through Challenge

This panel reminded me that growth doesn’t happen in comfort zones. It happens when we lean into the unknown, when we say yes even if our voice shakes, even if our inner critic whispers doubts. That moment, standing in front of a live audience, sharing my story and insights, was a stretch beyond what felt familiar.

But it was also a powerful reminder that discomfort is often the doorway to transformation. The real value lies in those moments of vulnerability, when we choose courage over certainty.

That’s where life teaches us the most. It’s not through perfection but through presence: through showing up, speaking up, and trusting that our experiences matter.

I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to be part of the conversation and for the connections sparked in that room. I’m also thankful for the quiet realization that I’m capable of more than I often give myself credit for.

This experience didn’t just challenge me; it affirmed me. It reminded me that my voice belongs in these spaces and that the work I’ve been doing behind the scenes is already making an impact.

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! 

Juggling friendships, school, work, and hobbies in college can seem impossible. These factors can especially affect your roommate relationships. As a junior living with three other roommates, I have faced these challenges personally.

However, through a system of teamwork, kindness, and respect, I’ve found that maintaining healthy roommate relationships and boundaries is achievable. The key is to remain in constant communication with the people you live with. Instead of waiting for a conflict to arise, put those preventative measures in place beforehand.

I’ve never had any serious conflicts with my housemates thanks to organized cleaning systems, clear boundaries, and a consistent line of respectful communication.

Start with Clear Communication

That line of communication started almost immediately after we arrived at our house in early August. Given the stress of arranging furniture, it made sense to also clarify important boundaries.

For example, I arranged an alternating cleaning schedule with my roommate for the bathroom we share. Especially considering it is more frequently used by guests, we wanted the space to remain tidy.

Be Open About Your Shortcomings

I also made sure to tell my housemates that I can be forgetful. It’s important not only to set boundaries but also to be transparent about your faults.

As a busy student with several part-time jobs, I sometimes leave things around the house or forget to do my dishes right after a meal. After I spoke with my housemates about my shortcomings, they knew how to help me going forward.

Quick verbal reminders have been a fantastic way for me to work on those bad habits. It has now been several months since move-in day, and I can confirm that with the help of my friends, my forgetfulness has decreased significantly.

Remember It's a Shared Space

Above all, the single most important thing for a harmonious living situation is staying aware that everything is a shared space. On days when I struggle to be tidy, I’m reminded that my needs cannot come before my friends' needs. To care for my roommates means doing everything I can to keep our home a place of rest, safety, and peace.

By extension, that translates to doing my fair share of chores and cleaning, at the very minimum. And thankfully, the four of us have remained close friends ever since moving in.

This has not only relieved a lot of stress for us but has also freed up our schedules and cleared our heads. We know that regardless of the situation, we are a team. The quickest way to have a peaceful life starts with having a peaceful home!

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! 

What is the one thing all employers want from students, but students struggle to obtain? Experience.

When applying to entry-level internships or jobs, it is common to see employers asking for one to two years of related experience. When seeing this, most students are confused; they think, “How am I supposed to gain experience if entry-level positions require experience?”

For engineering students, there is a solution: your university’s Formula SAE Electric (FSAE EV) club.

What Makes a College Club Great?

With all of the assignments and schedules competing for your time in college, it’s important to determine what will make a club membership worthwhile for you. For engineering students, this means opportunities to apply course concepts to physical designs and develop leadership skills by managing real budgets and deadlines. A great club also allows students to collaborate with peers from other disciplines, like business and marketing, and validate design decisions through testing and professional feedback.

If a club can meet these requirements, students will gain the necessary skills and experience to contribute meaningful work in their first technical job. Luckily for engineering students, FSAE EV clubs meet all these requirements.

Real Industry Experience

An FSAE EV club feels more like a fast-paced startup than a school club. The competition involves designing, manufacturing, and presenting a product every year: an open-wheel electric race car that can reach speeds close to 100 miles per hour. This means members and leads work at all hours to achieve the club’s goals.

At SDSU, our goal is to compete in every dynamic event at the competition, a first for our club. This requires late nights, early mornings, and weekend test days from the start of summer until the end of the school year. Of course, this level of commitment is not for everyone.

The great thing is that these clubs are what you make of them. If you only want to show up for a couple of hours each week, that is all you have to do. You won’t get the same amount of experience compared to someone who shows up every day, but that is how the industry works.

Competitions and Networking

The annual competition is a great event for all students involved. It gives clubs the opportunity to compete against one another and let their hard work speak for itself on the racetrack. It is also one of the best networking events of the year.

More than one hundred teams show up, with each team typically having thirty members at the competition. That means roughly three thousand like-minded, driven, and talented students are all in the same place for a week. This is where you can build your network, learn from your peers, and make meaningful connections.

Many industry professionals also show up as judges or guests. This makes it a great place to meet engineers from top companies. You might even land an internship or job.

Preparing for the Future

For students looking to turn ideas into reality, there is no comparison to an FSAE EV club. It provides the knowledge, the experience, and the network to launch you into the next stage of your career.

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!