Students blog

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

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  • A view from a boat out to a small beach and hilly area.

    Study Abroad Tips!

    Ellie Oldweiler

    Have you ever wondered what it would be like to study abroad? How to prepare, what to pack, what the customs are of where you are going? I studied abroad over this summer and had many of the same questions. My experience allowed me to get answers to all of these questions, and hopefully help YOU out on your abroad journey. Studying abroad can be an exciting, but nerve-wracking time, so I am here to answer all those little questions, and hopefully provide some comfort about the whole experience.

    Connect with others

    The biggest piece of advice I can offer you is talk to EVERYONE in your new host city. Talk to your classmates, your professors, your RA’s, the cashiers at your local grocery store, the people you stand by on the bus, EVERYONE. It can be scary to put yourself out there, but I just reminded myself that no one here knows you, and this is your chance to be the most outgoing, and ambitious version of yourself. If you totally embarrass yourself, it really doesn't matter, this is your chance to be the version of yourself you want to be with no external pressures!

    Pack wisely

    Power Adapters

    It might sound obvious, but it can be very easy to forget. Make sure to check that you get the right adapter for the country you are traveling to, some have different kinds, even within Europe.

    A “Modest” Outfit

    While abroad there at lots of religious sites or locations you may visit where it is customary for women to wear skirts and scarfs, and men to wear pants. Make sure to check where you plan to visit, and if in doubt pack an outfit that would fit those requirements.

    Photos of Home

    It’s easy to get homesick when you are so far away so bringing photos of family, friends, and even your favorite places always make your room feel more like home.

    A Credit/Debit Card with no international fees

    Many cards have no international fees as a perk, but it is important to check with your bank to confirm. While I was abroad, I used a card called “Monzo”. This card is free, and you just transfer funds from your bank account to this card and avoid any fees. It is also important to note that you need to call your bank before you leave and inform them of international travel.

    Immerse yourself into your new environment

    Take the silly tourist tours

    I know you want to feel like a local, but that takes time. An easy way to get to know the city you are staying in is to experience it like a tourist first. Once you do you can pick your favorite neighborhoods or areas to focus on and get to know better.

    Make a Home Base

    Making the area that you are staying familiar is so important! Get to know your grocery store inside and out, pick a favorite coffee shop, become a regular at a dinner place. These are going to end up being the relationships and connections you think about long after you leave your host city.

    Explore historical sites

    Europe is littered with historical sites, and while they might be touristy sometimes, they are steeped in ancient history and provide a chance to experience and learn things you otherwise never would have. Visit every site you have a chance to; you might discover a new interest!

    Make a local friend

    This may sound hard, but this “local friend” can be your RA, a professor, a fellow classmate, literally anyone. Hearing where the best places to go are from a local show you the true colors of your city. I would always recommend talking to your professors, they have likely lived there their whole lives and have their favorites.

    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 Iowa State women’s club soccer team stands together outside on a soccer field.

    The Challenging Adventure of being a Student Athlete

    Lauren Blair

    I came into college searching for a way to feel connected to my university. One way I did that was by joining the women's club soccer team. Being involved in a club sport through my college career has been a crucial part of my story. It has challenged me in a multitude of ways while also bringing me immense joy and strong friendships. Early on, I faced a few difficulties as a student athlete. Here’s how I learned to better approach the challenges and find the community and fulfillment that comes from being a part of a sports team or any other club on your campus.

    One of the most challenging aspects of being a student athlete is finding enough time in the day. During the soccer season I constantly am battling to find that balance between caring for my body by getting enough rest and food while completing all my work and activities. After four years of struggling with this my conclusion is there is no perfect balance. However, there is a great time management tool I found extremely helpful to get me closer to a balance in some way. The Pomodoro technique has helped me be productive during the time I do have and to eliminate wasted breaks. This technique is centered around creating time segments of extreme focus with frequent short breaks which promotes high concentration levels and minimizes mental fatigue. The technique is used by setting a 25-minute timer, for that time you are 100% laser focused allowing nothing to pull you from your work, then take a 5-minute break doing anything you’d like, now repeat this pattern until you have completed your tasks.

    Another battle student-athletes face is over committing and spreading themselves too thin. As a student athlete I am aware that a lot of athletes seek a challenge and hold themselves to a high standard in all aspects of their lives. From my personal experience I also understand that this can lead to extreme burn out and lead to a downhill slide. As I progressed through my college career, I learned a crucial lesson that all athletes should value. Burnout is the result of taking on a ton of commitments and work that you do not truly believe in or have a passion for. When deciding to say yes or no to opportunities, pause, and check if this option is truly something you believe in and would get joy out of doing. Make sure you narrow down your commitment to focus on passions and activities you believe will help you grow. Do not say yes solely for another person.

    Although being a student-athlete can be exhausting and challenging to balance with the chaos of college life it can be an incredible way to keep yourself accountable to rest your mind and body from studying, help you to meet students outside of your major, and provide you with lifelong memories with your sport and team.

    In summary, being a highly involved college student, specifically through a sport, comes with a lot of challenges however is an amazing way to truly make the best of your college years and to look back with little regrets.

    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! 

     

  • Sunrise on a college campus.

    The Art of Becoming a Morning Person (and eventually liking it)

    Keya Soni

    “Early bird gets the worm.” A saying we all know. I used to hate the thought of waking up earlier than 9 am. The only thing I used to look forward to in the mornings was my morning phone scroll routine. But I realized that staying in my bed was not fulfilling or productive for me. I knew I had to make a change, and even something as small as forcing myself to wake up earlier and get going has instilled new habits of discipline in my life.

    1) Why wake up early?

    The most important thing you need to ask yourself is WHY? Why wake up earlier? There are so many benefits to waking up early, you need to ask how this change will impact your routine. For me, my “why” consisted of wanting control over my mornings. The rest of the day gets hectic for me, and I wanted to be able to spend my morning peacefully without distractions. I value slow mornings and when I get the ability to not rush, I am more productive and in the right headspace to start the day.

    2) Make small goals

    It was so incredibly difficult to get into the routine of waking up early. My whole day was thrown off balance- the time I ate my meals, the time I studied, the time I had for myself. What worked for me was not the cold turkey method, but rather gradually making small changes. I started by making sure I didn’t drink any caffeine past 11 am so that I could sleep earlier. I then had my dinners prepared beforehand, so I didn’t need to spend my evenings cooking for too long. I made sure that I planned my weeks out each Sunday, so I had a rough idea of what I needed to do each day. Finally, I started by getting into bed earlier and then, with time, my body became more and more accustomed to the 4:30 am wake-ups.

    3) Sustainable routine

    I have days where I know that my body needs more rest, so I make sure that I’m not too hard on myself for straying away from my schedule from time to time. Sometimes you start your day off by things not going your way. That’s the beauty of a slow morning- hiccups happen and you have time for flexibility. Be real and kind with yourself, not idealistic.

    4) Bask in the alone time

    It can sometimes get lonely when you feel like the rest of the world is quiet. Take that time to really enjoy the time you have with yourself. You will find yourself feeling more focused, less stressed, and getting more done within a day. Becoming a morning person is about finding what works for you and what doesn’t. Being able to make positive changes in your life will leave you feeling happier and you might surprise yourself with what you’re capable of getting accomplished.

    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 computer generated image illustrating ‘Hard choices – Easy Life’ vs ‘Easy choices – Hard Life’.

    How I Balanced My Schedule to Graduate College Early

    Kiahna Seijo

    Graduating college early wasn’t a goal I initially set for myself; in fact, I thought I would take the full four years to get my degree. However, as I progressed through my courses, I realized I was ahead in my major-required classes and the idea of graduating early was possible. My main motivation was to save on college expenses and decrease the time of doing long distance with my significant other. Here are the strategies that helped me balance my schedule and achieve this feat.

    The first step was setting clear goals. Once I decided to graduate early, I mapped out a timeline, identifying the courses I needed to complete. Creating a degree progression plan helped me gain clarity and kept me focused throughout my journey. Analyzing my course load was equally important; I carefully evaluated the required classes and sought opportunities to take summer and online courses to maximize my credit hours. Taking month-long summer courses and 7.5 week courses during the school year really helped me achieve my goals.

    Time management became crucial as I juggled my new school schedule along with extracurriculars and jobs. I prioritized tasks using a detailed weekly planner, breaking down my workload into a visualized to-do list. Creating a routine is essential to maintaining balance and productivity in a busy college schedule. I made it a priority to carve out time for self-care, exercise, and social activities, all of which were key to preventing burnout.

    Leveraging campus resources also made a significant difference in my journey. I utilized tutoring centers, sought guidance from academic advisors, and built a support system of friends and mentors who encouraged me along the way. My academic advisor assisted me with creating a degree progression plan, which helped map out my remaining semesters. She made sure all of the requirements to graduate were fulfilled and set me up for success!

    Of course, the path wasn’t without its challenges. I faced obstacles that tested my resolve, but I learned to adapt and overcome them. At first, my goal was to graduate early so I could pursue a graduate degree, but after exploring my options, that’s no longer my focus. My journey has been anything but straightforward, with many adjustments along the way. Each pivot taught me valuable lessons about resilience and adapting to change.

    In conclusion, balancing my schedule to graduate early was a rewarding challenge that required dedication, planning, and a commitment to personal well-being. I learned valuable time management skills that will serve me well in the future, and I discovered the importance of setting clear goals and prioritizing tasks. This experience not only boosted my academic confidence but also allowed me to pursue other goals outside of school!

    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 group of 20 college men gathered outside wearing hoodies, jackets, and hats. One young man is on a bike.

    St. Jude and You

    Aj Vazquez

    When it comes to making an impact, few causes resonate as deeply as the fight against childhood cancer. St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is at the forefront of this battle, ensuring that no child is denied treatment based on race, religion or a family's inability to pay. Raising money is not just about providing funds for research; it's about giving hope to families during their darkest times. Stay tuned for more about the history of St. Jude, how I made a difference and most importantly, how YOU can make a difference.

    St. Jude and TKE

    As a proud member of Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE), I can attest to our commitment to St. Jude as a philanthropic partner. We strive to ensure that families never receive a bill for treatment, travel, or housing—because we believe the only thing families should focus on is helping their children live. In 2019, TKE launched an ambitious campaign to raise $10 million over the next decade for St. Jude. I’m proud to share that we’ve already raised $3.3 million, and we’re on track to surpass our goal.

    St. Jude and Me

    Now that you know about St. Jude and TKE, let me share how we raise funds and create meaningful change. At Indiana University-Indianapolis, our TKE chapter has raised over $10,000 in the past year through various philanthropic events. Two of our biggest initiatives are the annual “Car Smash” and our 36-hour biking event, “Miles for Memphis.”

    The Car Smash is a unique event where students can relieve stress by smashing a junk car—all while contributing to a great cause. The sight of a car in the middle of campus draws attention and curiosity, making it an engaging way for students to have fun and support St. Jude.

    Miles for Memphis is our signature event, where fraternity members take turns biking around campus and downtown Indianapolis for 36 hours while camping overnight on campus. You might wonder, “Why 36 hours?” This duration represents the time it would take to bike from Indianapolis to St. Jude’s headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee. Our commitment to cycling for 36 hours symbolizes our dedication to the children at St. Jude.

    St. Jude and You

    Raising money for St. Jude is more than a fundraising effort; it's about creating and sustaining that legacy of hope. Each contribution, no matter how small, plays a role in the fight against pediatric cancer. Together, we can help ensure that no child is left behind. If you are ready to make a difference, whether it’s hosting an event, starting a campaign, or simply spreading the word, please visit the St. Jude website to learn more about fundraising and how you can play a role.

    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 graphic image with 2 sets of hands holding resumes and a 3rd set of hands holding an interview checklist.

    Sell Yourself: The Interview Process

    Bryson Sleeper

    “What do you want to do for your career? What industry? Do you have something lined up?” These are all frequently asked questions that most all high school and college students receive as they approach the end of their school years. The truth is the majority of students answer with broad statements and uncertainty. This then turns into nervousness and panic as you begin your job search. Envisioning the beginning of your career should be filled with thoughtful and ambitious intent towards success. Clouding these thoughts with what other people want for you or approve of is not the best way to find your next step in life.

    Securing internships and full-time job offers as a college student can be challenging, but with the right strategy and mindset, it’s entirely possible to succeed. Here are some essential tips and strategies that have proven effective for standing out in a competitive job market.

    1. Rejection is Part of the Process

    Rejection is inevitable in any job search, but persistence is crucial. A rejection should be seen as a learning opportunity rather than a setback. Following up after a rejection with a polite request for feedback can provide valuable insights for future applications. Each rejection is a chance to improve, and over time, persistence will lead to success.

    2. Leverage Networking

    Not all job opportunities are posted online. Networking is one of the most effective ways to tap into the hidden job market. Connecting with alumni, attending career fairs, and reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn can lead to valuable introductions. Employee referrals significantly increase the likelihood of an interview, making it essential to build relationships with those who can recommend candidates internally. Even when no job is immediately available, informational interviews help build connections that may lead to future opportunities.

    3. Treat the Job Search Like a Full-Time Job

    The job search process demands the same level of attention and organization as a full-time role. Setting aside dedicated time each day to research companies, tailor resumes, and write cover letters ensures consistency and focus. A customized resume for each application, highlighting specific skills and experiences relevant to the job, significantly increases the chances of getting noticed. Additionally, organizing applications in a spreadsheet helps track deadlines, follow-ups, and interview schedules.

    4. Utilize Campus Resources

    Many students overlook the valuable resources available through their university’s career services. These offices provide resume reviews, mock interviews, and connections with potential employers. Professors and academic advisors often have industry contacts that can help students land internships or full-time roles. Involvement in student organizations and career-related clubs also creates opportunities to meet professionals and expand one’s network.

    5. Optimize LinkedIn

    A strong LinkedIn presence is vital in today’s job market. A well-crafted profile with a professional photo, detailed work experience, and relevant skills increases visibility to recruiters. Showcasing school projects, internships, or side projects can demonstrate expertise beyond the classroom. Engaging with industry content by sharing posts or commenting on relevant discussions can further increase visibility and demonstrate genuine interest in the field.

    6. Prepare Thoroughly for Interviews

    Success in interviews comes down to preparation. Researching the company and the role and practicing answers to common behavioral questions using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result), ensures a confident and polished performance. Sending a follow-up thank-you email after the interview demonstrates professionalism and reinforces interest in the position.

    7. Start Internships Early

    Securing internships early in college provides valuable experience and often leads to return offers. Even internships that may not be in the desired field can help build a strong resume and provide networking opportunities. Internships also offer a chance to demonstrate work ethic and skills, which can open doors to full-time roles or other opportunities through the connections made during the experience.

    8. Maintain a Growth Mindset

    Approaching the job search with a positive mindset is essential. Viewing every interview, networking interaction, and rejection as a learning experience will help build resilience. Adaptability and confidence throughout the process are key, as the job search can be unpredictable. Persistence and a willingness to learn will ultimately lead to the right opportunity.

    With dedication, organization, and a proactive approach, securing interviews and job offers as a college student is within reach. Treating the job search process as a full-time commitment, combined with strategic networking and continual self-improvement, greatly increases the likelihood of success.

    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 dark business suit and tie on a wooden hanger.

    How to Prepare for your Next Job Interview

    Cooper Grahek

    Job interviews can be one of the most stressful things in life for certain people, for others, it may come naturally. However, no matter how good you are at talking, how good your resume looks, or even how serious the interview is, preparing for a job interview is one of the biggest steps when looking for work. Here are a few helpful tips to help you prepare.

    One of the most important steps in preparing for a job interview that not many people realize is research. Doing research on the company and the role they are hiring for is one of the easiest ways to make yourself stand out compared to other candidates. Whether it's talking about the company's involvement in the community, their values, or talking about specific skills you saw in the job posting, having knowledge about these topics and talking about them shows that you are interested and care.

    Another very important step is familiarizing yourself with common questions and knowing how to answer them while referencing your resume. Practicing common interview questions before an interview is one of the easiest ways to get yourself more prepared. I have participated in countless interviews, and I can confirm that lots of companies ask the same behavioral questions. Having knowledge and exposure to these questions and how to answer them will save you in future interviews. Referencing your resume is also a nice trick to do while answering questions. Talking about experiences on your resume helps the interviewers remember your answers and helps them follow along with the story you are about to tell.

    The final tip is to be yourself and don’t try too hard. It’s easy to stress over interviews, lose sleep thinking about what to say, and spend hours trying to figure out the perfect answers. The truth of it all is, you are never going to be 100% prepared and do perfect. You’ll never go into an interview knowing every question and having a perfect answer to every question. However, if you can be yourself and stay calm, the interview is bound to go better than you think a majority of the time.

    At the end of the day, nobody is perfect at interviews. You could follow all these tips, spend countless hours preparing, and pull your hair out stressing and overthinking, but nothing is guaranteed. If you are going to take anything from this entire blog, let it be this: Be yourself, make eye contact, dress to impress, and remember that all it takes is the right company, at the right time, to never have to prepare for a job interview again.

    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 group of orange pumpkins on a mulch covered ground and 3 pumpkins in a wagon.

    Cozy Season Chronicles

    Olivia Case

    Fall and winter are some of the busiest seasons. Whether you are in school, studying for exams, planning holiday vacations, or preparing for family gatherings, these seasons are often packed with activities. Here are a few of my favorite things to do during this time of year!

    During fall, I love to go to pumpkin patches. Not only is the atmosphere full of scenic fall vibes but it is also such a fun activity to do with family or friends! Spending time outside with your loved ones allows you to enjoy the crisp air, create lasting memories, and embrace the best of the season together.

    Another way to celebrate is by baking and indulging in seasonal treats like hot apple cider, eggnog, and pumpkin-spiced desserts. From warm pies to freshly baked cookies, this activity is perfect if you're looking for something more relaxed and cozier! It's a great way to connect with friends or family and enjoy the comfort of home as the temperature drops. If you're into the spooky side of fall, visiting a haunted house or haunted maze can be a thrilling fun activity.

    Lastly, one of my favorite indoor traditions during this time of year is watching Christmas movies while drinking hot cocoa! Some great Christmas movies to watch include classics like Home Alone, Elf, The Polar Express, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and The Holiday. Whether you're in the mood for laughter, heartwarming stories, or a bit of nostalgia, these films capture the magic of the season perfectly.

    Although this season can be packed with stressful assignments and tasks, these easy, affordable and accessible activities are great ways to connect with your community, relieve stress, and enjoy the best of the holiday season.

    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 vista of forested hills and blue sky with white puffy clouds.

    These 3 Actions Can Help Reduce College Stress

    Shrimai Raghuvanshi

    College is no doubt a stressful environment. You've got a new schedule, new friends, and overall, a new life to get adjusted to. It's natural to feel overwhelmed and unsure from all the changes. The familiar fear I felt in my first Kindergarten class matched the anxiety I felt in my first college class. However, by implementing some fresh and fun self-care tips and tricks, the stress melted off my shoulders like sweet, scented candle wax. Here are three methods anyone can use if they need to take a break from the stress and focus on realigning their energy.

    The first method to relieve college stress is to plan out all your activities in a planner! Keeping assignments, tests, and projects organized within a handy-dandy notebook or even in digital form is a great way of keeping track of things to do. These objectives can easily pile up and become overwhelming and stress inducing if left unattended. By managing your workload properly, you can mitigate your college stress!

    Another way to relieve college stress is to allocate time doing an activity you enjoy. This time can be spent playing your favorite sport, binging a great show, lifting weights, or even just chilling solo. Students spend a lot of time in the company of others, and maintaining the college level of socializing can be exhausting, so spending some time doing something you love will relieve the stress and refill the energy.

    Finally, mediation and breathing exercise are a great way to calm your nerves after a stress inducing experience. You can light a candle or spray room mist, and just close your eyes. When your mind is racing with a million thoughts, just sitting down and focusing on your breath is one of the best ways to center yourself and relax.

    In conclusion, college can take a toll on us students, so it’s up to us to make sure that we are taking care of ourselves. And that may look different for everyone! This transformative era of our lives comes with its ups and downs, but as students we must always remember to brace ourselves and enjoy the ride.

    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!