Students blog

Are you a college student preparing to live off-campus? From managing finances to creating a conducive living environment, this guide offers valuable insights to help you thrive off-campus. Discover tips on budgeting, finding the right housing, handling utilities, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, building a supportive community, and much more. Here are 20 essential things you should know to navigate this new chapter successfully.

1. Budgeting

Create a budget to manage your finances effectively and cover your expenses. Consider making an Excel sheet to track your monthly spending and identify areas where you can make changes.

2. Rent and utilities

Understand the terms of your lease, including rent, utilities, and any additional costs.

3. Location

Consider proximity to your college campus, public transportation, and amenities like grocery stores and libraries.

4. Commute

Plan your transportation method and factor in commuting time to campus, plus potential associated costs.

5. Roommates

Choose your roommates carefully and establish clear expectations regarding responsibilities, bills, and shared spaces.

6. Furniture and essentials

If you decide not to live with your school’s partner apartments, determine what furniture and essential items you need and budget accordingly.

7. Safety

Research the neighborhood's safety and take necessary precautions to secure your living space.

8. Renter's insurance

Consider getting renter's insurance to protect your belongings in case of theft, damage, or accidents.

9. Maintenance and repairs

Know your responsibilities for maintenance and repairs and communicate promptly with your landlord.

10. Understanding FOMO

Knowing that you won’t be on campus anymore, consider that you won’t be in close proximity to campus events.

11. Grocery shopping

Plan your meals and shop smartly to stay within your budget for the month.

12. Cooking

If you don’t have a meal plan, consider developing basic cooking skills to save money and maintain a healthier lifestyle.

13. Cleaning

Establish a cleaning schedule with your roommates to keep your living space tidy and comfortable.

14. Laundry

Find out if there are laundry facilities in your building or nearby and learn how to use them.

15. Personal safety

Take precautions when coming home late at night and keep emergency numbers handy.

16. Socializing

Engage with your neighbors and join community events to make the most of your off-campus experience.

17. Time management

Balance your academic commitments, social life, and household responsibilities effectively.

18. Read Your School’s Scholarship Contract

Certain schools require that you live on campus to maintain your scholarship, reviewing it would benefit your decision, as well.

19. Parking

Ask if you have to pay for parking, if a certain number of spots are included in the lease, or if you can purchase a reserved spot, if you plan to take your car to campus.

20. Understanding the Cost

Sometimes living off campus can be way more expensive. Understand if you can truly afford the cost and ensure that you have a good-work life balance. Take into account that payment plans may not be as lenient as those offered by your school.

Remember, living off-campus can be a valuable learning experience. Stay organized, be proactive, and embrace the independence that comes with it. With this knowledge in hand, you'll be well-prepared to embrace the independence and responsibilities that come with living off-campus.

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I feel extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity to travel to many different cities across the country while growing up. While there is no place like home, I love exploring new terrains, cultures, and cuisines. Let’s take a road trip across the United States – and maybe even make a pit stop across the Atlantic – to some of my favorite destinations!

San Francisco, California

Starting on the west coast, San Francisco might just be the coolest US city I’ve ever visited! Though there are a lot of hills to climb, every view at the top is worth it! Let’s check out some of my favorite attractions!

1. Alcatraz Island: Alcatraz is one of the most famous prisons in the world and it was creepy! Even just the boat ride to the island was daunting, but I loved getting to see the grounds and the small and (very) dark prison cells. I wouldn’t recommend going for a swim around this island, but maybe you can figure out how some prisoners escaped from the safety of land! Be sure to catch a glimpse of the Golden Gate Bridge on your way over as well!

2. Muir Woods (Redwood Forest): I love spending time outdoors when traveling and Muir Woods was an incredible experience! I never thought I would feel humbled by a tree but standing at around 250 feet tall and 15 feet wide, you can’t help but feel amazed. Plus, some of the trees are 800 years old!

Newport, Rhode Island

I visited Newport last summer in the Northeast. This was actually a last-minute vacation for my family, but I’m so glad that we went! Here are some of my favorite spots!

1. The Cliff Walk: One of my favorite parts of my trip was navigating the Cliff Walk along the coastline where you’ll have elegant, historic mansions on one side of you and the ocean on the other. It was a little nerve-racking at some spots climbing over rocks or uneven portions of the path, but it was very satisfying to reach the end of the 3.5-mile walk!

2. The Breakers: The Breakers is just one of many mansions in Newport. I stepped inside and was instantly transported to the Gilded Age with dramatic entryways and elaborate drawing rooms... there was even a secret staircase for the servants!

3. The International Tennis Hall of Fame (ITHF): As a tennis family, I loved visiting the ITHF that highlighted some of the biggest names in tennis like Arthur Ashe, Billie Jean King, and Martina Navratilova. I even got to play with my family on a real grass court located on the grounds, followed by lunch courtside!

Charleston, South Carolina

Traveling down south, Charleston is colorful, warm... and feels like it’s stuck the 1800s! Time has not caused Charleston to lose its southern charm, culture, or historic flair and I loved experiencing the city’s quaint atmosphere at these locations!

1. City Market: Shopping, shopping, and more shopping! I love bringing home souvenirs to remember my vacations and the Charleston City Market was a great way to enjoy the South Carolina sun and grab a bite to eat while supporting the local vendors where many often sell handmade pieces.

2. Fort Sumter: Calling all history enthusiasts! I learned that the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter sparked the beginning of the Civil War, and it was so interesting to walk the grounds of the fort and experience a piece of American history. The top of the fort also offers some breathtaking views of Charleston Harbor and the city!

3. Pirate and Ghost Tours: Boo! Charleston was once a spot for pirates like Blackbeard to sell their stolen goods... and their ghosts may still be haunting the streets! I had so much fun ghost-hunting through old churches and cemeteries on this tour and I’m glad nothing followed me home!

Prague, Czech Republic

And finally, let’s cross the Atlantic to visit Prague! This city had a “fairy-tale” atmosphere with dramatic castles and cathedrals sitting above clay-tile roofs and cobblestone streets. There are almost too many spots to visit in Prague, but here are a few of my favorites!

1. Saint Vitus Cathedral: I felt like I had stepped back in time to medieval Europe while exploring this beautiful cathedral! Make sure you walk over Charles Bridge on the Vltava River on your way there for more views!

2. Old Town Square: I would have spent all afternoon in Old Town Square if I could! There were so many delicious food options and European-style street performers for entertainment. However, my favorite part by far was watching the Apostles figurines pop out of The Orloj, an astronomical clock, at the top of every hour.

3. Nuclear Bunker Tour: The best part of visiting Prague was touring the nuclear bunkers. It was remarkably interesting to hear about stories of secret police agencies, spies, and propaganda from the time... so it was not surprising that I could hear the traffic from the street above me while walking through the bunker!

What destinations are on your bucket list? Make a plan soon to pack up and head off to your next travel adventure!

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! 

If you ever look at one of those websites that catalog annual holidays and awareness days, you’ll find that nearly every day there is something to celebrate, and I mean this literally! November 21st, for example, is World Television Day! So, in celebration, let's talk about the pros and cons of watching television.

Overly Stereotyped

Watching TV is occasionally stereotyped as lazy and unproductive and shows can often be described as too violent/graphic. To this point, let me ask you a question: How often are the shows you watch in English? Probably most of the time for the majority of the United States. However, television can go beyond those stereotypes if you let it. After all, television reflects the culture of its creation. If you allow yourself to go beyond the comfortable and known, you can venture into a world full of new experiences, knowledge, and skills.

TV from Different Cultures

Culture doesn't vary by plots of land but depends on the groups of people living there. Culture, by definition, is a group's shared practices, beliefs, and values. For this reason, it only makes sense that a society's culture becomes embedded in the television shows it creates. When watching a show/drama from South Korea, for example, the viewer gets a small glimpse of the culture in South Korea. This example holds for any television show from any country on Earth. Using South Korea as an example again, K-dramas (South Korean television shows) show what daily life might look like for someone living in South Korea. It shows what foods they might eat, what clothes they wear, what they do for fun/entertainment, what religious traditions are most standard, etc. Sometimes this might be overlooked, however, because it is all in the small details of the shows.

Multicultural Understanding

Again, each country's television programming will show parts of the culture unique to that country. One exception is that because these television shows are for entertainment, there is bound to be some exaggeration. On the contrary, this holds for some points in the storyline, not the setting and background information. If someone watches television from multiple countries, they will have a better general understanding of the people and cultures in those countries.

Subtitles and Reading Comprehension

Watching television shows in another language requires reading subtitles to understand what is happening. Subtitles demand that the viewer to be able to read through and quickly comprehend the words appearing and disappearing on screen. Rewinding to re-read can go from mildly aggravating to very frustrating. However, by watching shows with subtitles, they can tremendously increase their reading speed. This skill is helpful not only when trying to watch a show in another language but also helps with general reading skills, including reading for work, school, or enjoyment.

While watching TV for entertainment does come with a few negative stereotypes, there are more positives to consider. Watching television shows from non-English speaking countries can introduce people to new cultures, expand a person's knowledge and experiences, and increase their reading and comprehension speed. In conclusion, to celebrate World Television Day, try watching a show from a different and new genre or a different culture/country!

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! 

Choosing a major for college can be overwhelming, especially with all the options out there. Lucky for me I was able to figure out what I wanted to major in while still in high school. My name is Anna Garner, and I am going to share the story about how a teacher from my high school helped me find my love for my major.

How It All Started

I was a junior in high school when I decided I wanted to major in marketing. I had taken lots of different elective classes because I was not sure what I wanted to do for a career. I took animal science, nursing, and marketing classes for three years trying to figure out which path was right for me. Did I want to be a vet, a nurse, or a businesswoman?

One Special Teacher

So how did I decide? I found myself always excited to go to my marketing classes. I liked the way I got to be creative and show a different side of me. It seemed to be something that came easily to me. My marketing teacher Mrs. Miller also played a big part in my decision. She was a great teacher who came up with projects that challenged me in a good way and sparked my interest in learning more.

Join the Club

She had a career in marketing before teaching and was able to share her experience with me. She also served as the advisor to a school club called Distributive Education clubs of America (DECA) that I joined my junior year. This club was business focused, and we would practice real world situations and come up with business plans for fake companies. Each year we would compete in a competition with other schools to show off our business skills. This club gave me experience I needed to peacefully choose my major.

Explore the Possibilities

Whether you are still in high school or already starting your college career, utilizing your resources is the best advice I could give someone trying to figure out what they want their major to be. Take advantage of any electives offered and look at them like a trial run. Get involved with different clubs to see if any of them spark your interest. Network with people who are in the career you are considering to see if their experience can help you decide. I know those things helped me and I am sure they can help others too!

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

Imagine a festive Mexican tradition that honors and remembers loved ones who have passed away with colorful celebrations and intricate altars. That's the Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos. This day is celebrated over multi-day period at the beginning of November. This Mexican tradition happily celebrates life while honoring those who have passed away. Mexican families welcome back the souls of their deceased relatives for a brief reunion that includes food, drinks, and celebration.

The History

The Day of the Dead is believed to be a bridge between the spiritual realm and the real world, intertwining them together. During this brief period that this bridge is open, it is believed that the souls of the dead awaken and return to the living world to celebrate life with their loved ones by feasting, drinking, dancing, and playing music with their loved ones by their gravesites or at ofrendas, altars set up in homes to welcome home the souls of the dead. Ofrendas can be decorated with candles and bright marigolds called cempasuchils. The living family members treat the deceased as honored guests in their celebrations of life.

Portrayal in Movies

Have you ever seen the Disney Pixar movie “Coco"? It wonderfully depicts how lovely the tradition of the Day of the Dead can be. Sometimes this tradition is depicted as merely a holiday, but it holds a special place in my heart. I proudly embrace my Mexican heritage. Even though I wasn't born in Mexico; my parents were.

What it Means to Me

As Mexican-Americans, we acknowledge that our experiences differ from those of Mexicans living in Mexico. Nevertheless, we make sincere efforts to connect with our heritage. One significant way I do this is by celebrating the Day of the Dead, a tradition that not everyone in my culture observes, making it unique to our Mexican-American identity. To me, the Day of the Dead serves as a reminder that our loved ones are deserving of celebration, whether they are still with us or not. The Day of the Dead isn't just a special occasion for me; it's a beautiful tradition and illustration of the lasting connections that tie us to our history, our ancestors, and our origins.

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! 

Living off-campus compared to on-campus housing has been an extremely unique experience. When living on-campus, you walk almost everywhere, and if it isn’t within walking distance then you question whether it is worth visiting. Living off-campus you drive EVERYWHERE, but the opportunities are ENDLESS; you now live in a completely different city on your own with so much freedom at your disposal. Here are 5 things I wish someone would have told me before living off-campus.

Wider Radius of Exploration

Starting out, you don’t need to go to campus for everything known to man. Although this is what you’re used to, there are other areas to visit or shop in besides the ones that are supplied for on-campus students. You are used to living on campus, and more than likely you haven’t explored what’s available in the area. Students are introduced to a sanctuary inside of a big city, so living off-campus gives you the ability to EXPLORE. I promise you there are other spots to study around town besides the library, find them!

Roommates Don’t Have to Be Your BFF

Finding people to live with can be stressful, but it’s important to know that you don’t need to be best friends with your roommates. At the end of the day, everyone just needs a place to lay their head at night. Although living with people you are already friends with makes the process easier, it isn’t necessary! We all have our own lives, and living with people you aren’t entirely acquainted with allows you to preserve your alone time.

Take Advantage of Easier Parking

Now that parking isn’t an issue, I recommend that you take your weekends to explore the city! There are beautiful places in all areas that the world offers us, and they are just a Google search away. Take the extra time you might have in your schedule and learn about where you live. You might find a new awesome spot to spend your time instead of a campus bench.

Don’t Forget about Gas Money

Although parking isn’t a worry anymore, gas will be. You will be driving a lot more regularly than you did when you lived on-campus. When I lived on-campus, I never used my car unless I was going home, so gas wasn’t as much of an issue. Now, gas is back to haunt my bank account. Get used to filling your tank more but enjoy the fact that you have the freedom to explore.

Friendships Take More Effort

This one is often overlooked, but after you don’t live on-campus anymore you need to make more of an effort with your friends. Since your friends are no longer just down the hall or a 5-minute walk across campus, plans need to be made and efforts need to be shown. These people are the most important part of college! Don’t take them for granted and make it a point to have fun.

Living on and off campus are both vital parts of the college experience. All of it does not have to be entirely overwhelming. Make note of these tips and take a deep breath before freaking out about a new living experience! Enjoy these moments!

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! 

Heading to college is an exciting yet uncertain time, as it marks the beginning of a new chapter filled with many unknowns. While it may seem intimidating at first, attending a college far away offers a wealth of opportunities for personal and professional growth. Here are some essential tips from a student who made the journey from Wisconsin to South Carolina.

Stay Connected with Family and Friends

Distance shouldn’t mean being distant. If frequent calls or conversations aren't feasible, use social media platforms or other unique ways to stay in touch. Personally, I have found LiveIn, Locket, Snapchat, BeReal, and Rave - Watch Party to be helpful. For those who enjoy phone calls, consider scheduling a weekly time to talk. Staying in touch with friends and family not only keeps you updated but also provides a sense of comfort. It's important to remember that some relationships may undergo changes, which is both expected and normal and does not diminish the love you have for each other.

Get Involved on Campus

Identify your passions and seek out organizations that align with them. The best decision I made in my freshman year was joining meaningful organizations. For instance, being passionate about sustainability, I joined Sustainable Carolina, a school organization dedicated to the cause. In my first semester, I had the opportunity to co-organize the Earth Day activities on campus. Joining clubs not only provides personal fulfillment but also introduces you to like-minded individuals. It is the easiest and most effective way to make friends. Moreover, the organizations I'm a part of have opened doors to numerous professional opportunities. You never know what you may gain from a club.

Explore

College offers amazing flexibility, with free afternoons or open Saturdays. Use this time to explore your campus, city, or surroundings. It doesn't have to be time-consuming or expensive; simply discover new study spots or try local restaurants. Nurture your curiosity and pursue engaging opportunities for immersion in your new city. Moving far from home may be uncertain, but it does present a wealth of places, people, and things to explore. Embrace all that college has to offer.

Be Confident, Be Brave

One of the most significant challenges I encountered when moving far away was learning how to step out of my comfort zone. If you are someone who struggles to meet new people, my best advice is to simply initiate conversations more often. Typically, individuals feel the same way you do and are eagerly awaiting someone to reach out to them first. Although starting a conversation requires courage, it is undoubtedly the most effective approach to making the most of your time. Moreover, it is essential to embrace challenging experiences such as joining competitive activities and enrolling in demanding courses. Approaching college with an open mind regarding the people, places, and opportunities is my biggest tip for experiencing success in college.

Heading to college far from home presents an incredible opportunity for growth, independence, and expanding your horizons. First, make an effort to stay connected with people from your past while also embracing the chance to meet new ones. Second, be active on campus and join meaningful activities. Third, explore your new surroundings, where you will reside for the next few years. Finally, try to exude confidence and bravery throughout this new chapter. By following these tips, you'll make lifelong connections and create cherished memories. Embrace the transformative journey ahead and savor every moment of college 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! 

College living can be hard, especially when you move far from home. While being away from your parents may seem like an amazing idea to most of us college students, no one prepares you for how it feels to be on your own so suddenly. College dorms can be bland, boring, and even smell weird. Living somewhere that makes you unhappy or feel unsafe can drastically harm your mental and physical health as well as interfere with your studies at college. The best way to avoid this living situation is to make your college dorm feel like a second home.

Bring Belongings from Home

One way I made my college dorm feel like home was to bring something unique to my life from home. I own a lot of plants (it’s becoming a problem) and that is what I think of when I think of my room at home. When I moved to college in my first year, I brought none of my plants with me. I felt sad in my living space as it didn’t feel like my own. I went home and returned with a few of my plants, big and small, and filled my space with them. I instantly felt better, and my room felt more like my home. Bringing something, whether it’s big or small, into your space that is unique to your life at home can add a personal touch to your space, helping the transition from college dorm to second home.

You Can Hang Things on The Walls

Another thing I did when I moved to college was deciding to bring NOTHING to put on the walls. I was told no tacks, sticky stuff, or tape could go on the walls, so I brought nothing to put up as I knew it wouldn’t work out. However, that made my room look like an actual prison. Everything was boring and eggshell paint colored. I tested putting wall-safe strip hooks on the walls and peeling them off, and there was no damage! I immediately went to my local dollar store and bought posters, small mirrors, cute lanterns, and much more to hang on the walls. Once they were filled up, the walls no longer felt like a prison, but more like my space. Filling up the walls with motivational posters and cute decorations helped me make my room more like a second home.

Keep It Clean

Finally, the best advice I could give to any on-campus student is to keep your space clean. College is stressful, challenging, and time consuming, but so is cleaning your space if it gets too out of control. I set aside time each night to put things back where they belong, reorganize my desk space, and clear trash off of any surface it didn’t belong on. Then, once a week, I would go through and wipe down surfaces, vacuum, and wash my towels and sheets. Cleaning my room made me feel like a new person and made my space feel more livable. I would also buy wall scent plug-ins to keep my space smelling fresh if candles were prohibited. Keeping your space clean can make it feel safer and healthier while also making it feel more like home.

College living is crazy, but it can also be fun. Be creative when decorating to make your space feel personalized. Bring something unique from home, load up your walls with motivation, and keep everything tidy, and your dorm will start feeling more like a second 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! 

Junior year of college can feel heavy at times, whether you’ve been anxious about it beginning or you’re halfway through and realizing it was more than you bargained for. Some of your friends may be interviewing for summer internships in a big city somewhere far away, while others still have no clue what they want to do after graduation. When getting ready to take on the journey that is junior year, try to do these few things to keep the stress away and stay above water when things start to feel crazy.

Network

Take networking opportunities seriously! The more you network at the beginning of the year and meet more professionals in your career field, the easier it is to find an internship for the summer. Trust me, you’ll be so glad that you put some of the extra time in throughout the semester to make those connections so that you aren’t scrambling and stressing to find an opportunity in April or May. Most colleges have networking events that go on each semester that are specific to your major. If you’re having trouble finding opportunities, reach out to your professors and see if they can put you in touch with people in your field of interest.

Connect

Make connections with people on campus! Don’t be afraid to talk to people in your classes and form new friendships. This goes along with what I was saying about networking but in a less professional way. Some of the friends you make in college can be some of your best career connections even if they’re not professionals in the field you’re pursuing. One day you may look back and wish you had put yourself out there more – you have nothing to lose! Along with this, don’t be afraid to join clubs or organizations on your campus. It’s never too late to do this and it can be super helpful in getting you connected on campus and meeting more people who share similar interests and career goals as you.

Take Time for Yourself

While there is a lot going on this year, make sure to also take time for yourself! Burn out is a very real thing and is something that is particularly easy to catch during junior year. Enjoy being a college student and try to remember you’ll never be in this season of your life again, so while it can be a lot of work, don’t forget that it’s also a special time. Look out for your friends and know that you’re not going on this journey alone.

Everyone on your campus is there for you so take advantage of that! Set up an appointment with your academic advisor to talk about post-graduation jobs if you’re feeling nervous or unsure about what you want to do. Know that people are there for you and that you have the resources you need to succeed!

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!