Students blog

As college students, we know the struggle of finding the perfect study environment. The place where we can dive into textbooks, lecture notes, and research papers without any distractions. Our study environment plays a crucial role in our productivity and focus, shaping our overall learning experience. So, let's dive in and explore three popular study destinations: the library, the coffee shop, and the comfort of home. Join me as we uncover how these environments impact our studying and find the spot that suits us best.

The Library

With its peaceful atmosphere and rows of books, the library offers a scholarly ambiance that's hard to beat. The library provides an ideal setting for concentration, where silence is key, and distractions are minimized. Surrounded by fellow students, the shared commitment to learning can be inspiring. However, for some, the silence and formal atmosphere may feel isolating or even dull. While the library is often a go-to destination for serious studying, it may not be the perfect fit for everyone.

The Coffee Shop

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee, the gentle hum of conversations, and the cozy atmosphere—coffee shop has become a popular study spot for many college students. These vibrant spaces offer a unique blend of ambient noise and a relaxed environment that can stimulate creativity and productivity. The background activity can provide a sense of companionship, making studying feel less lonely. This concept is called body doubling. However, for those easily distracted, the noise and social opportunities in a coffee shop might hinder focus. It's a delicate balance between finding inspiration and managing distractions.

Home

Our cozy haven, familiar and comforting, is our home. Studying in the comfortable corners of our personal space can provide a sense of security and convenience. No commute, no time restrictions, and the freedom to create our own study environment. Whether it's a peaceful room or a bustling household, home caters to individual preferences. However, the challenge lies in maintaining discipline and staying focused amidst the comforts of home. The allure of naps, binge-watching favorite shows, or succumbing to endless procrastination can easily derail productivity.

Each study environment offers its own set of advantages and disadvantages. The library provides a dedicated space for uninterrupted focus, the coffee shop ignites creativity and energy, and home offers comfort and flexibility. The ideal study spot varies for each person, depending on their learning style and preferences. So, fellow college students, let's embark on the quest to find our perfect study environment—one that enhances productivity, sparks inspiration, and propels us towards academic success.

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As college students, we often find ourselves striving for perfection and consistently pushing ourselves to the limit in order to achieve our goals. It can sometimes look like constant studying, turning our backs to our social lives, and sleepless night after sleepless night. And then, even after all of that hard work, we are still left with feelings of inadequacy. Many, including myself, have struggled with these feelings since we were children. It is so important that we students learn how to take pride in our accomplishments, no matter how small they may seem to us at the time. During my time in college, I’ve learned small ways to be prouder of my efforts.

Stop Setting Unrealistic Expectations

I’ve realized that one of the main reasons that we may feel like our accomplishments are not enough is because we set unrealistic expectations for ourselves. Slowly, I learned that I could break down my long-term goals into smaller ones. In my personal journey, I am working towards being accepted into vet school. This is a huge goal and can sometimes seem overwhelming. By breaking this down into smaller goals (example: gaining experience by working under a trained veterinarian), I can make my goals more achievable in the present day and feel much more accomplished when I am able to achieve them.

Practice Self-Compassion

The next important thing I learned to practice was having self-compassion. While everyone may have 24 hours in each day, every hour comes with different circumstances depending on the responsibilities you have. Taking a step back and realizing that we are all on our own paths that are going to have twists, turns, and bumps along the way makes for a much happier pursuit of our dreams. Replace those self-criticizing negative thoughts with positive words of affirmations! The hard work that you’re putting in IS enough! Some students may even find that written words of affirmation help them. This could look like a gratitude journal, in which students can design and decorate a journal full of their accomplishments!

Surround Yourself with Support

The last set of advice I have for students is to find a support system that will help you through these negative feelings. This can be in the form of friends, family, or a significant other. You can seek out communities or clubs that are full of individuals that understand your situation. These support systems will be there for you if you need someone to lean on about your struggles or even if you just need a laugh after some negative thoughts. I am so grateful for my support system, as I know they will fill my self-doubts with positivity.

Feeling like you aren’t enough is never easy, but there are ways to help lighten your mental load. Remembering to set attainable goals, speak positively to yourself, and surround yourself with support will launch you toward your dreams. Remember, you are enough!

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Being single in college can be hard, but Valentine’s is especially challenging. Fortunately, many years ago, the girls took back the holiday and rebranded it as Galentine’s Day: a day to celebrate all your best girlfriends. As a fellow single girl, here are some of my top tips for an amazing Galentine’s celebration for college girls and their best friends.

The Attire

Pinterest is the breeding ground for the perfect Galentine’s celebration, and the perfect place to find your Galentine's event outfit. Some of my top recommendations are a fun sundress, a cute white and pink cardigan with jeans, or any heart print top with a cute skirt. If all else fails, you can never go wrong with some red or pink!

The Food

If you choose to host your Galentine’s event, there are four main foods that every Galentine’s celebration needs. The first big one is an extravagant charcuterie board. Charcuterie is the definition of girl dinner, and when celebrating Galentine's Day, it is a necessity. The key things to include on the board are fancy cheeses, crackers, dips (such as hummus or spinach dip), chocolate covered almonds, veggies, deli meats, and dried fruit. One of my favorite places to get stuff for charcuterie is Trader Joes. They are stock full of cheap and delicious charcuterie items that won’t break your bank.

The next food you absolutely need for your Galentine’s event is drinks. My top picks are anything that would be red or pink, such as Shirley Temples, pink lemonade, etc. Also, anything sparkly, such as Martinelli’s or Bubbly water.

Third, you need a main dish. My top choice for this is pizza. It’s easy and loved by many, but also can be dressed up to be fancy. Also, this can be turned into an activity! Making homemade pizza is fun, engaging, and a way for everyone to get their own personalization in toppings.

Fourth and finally, a sweet treat is necessary for the perfect Galentine’s celebration. The obvious choices are heart shaped cakes or chocolate covered strawberries, but other great options are fondue or cookies. My most recent obsession is Oreo truffles, which if covered in some heart sprinkles could be deemed as festive. No matter what sweet treat you decide, it is a vital piece that could make or break your Galentine's Day food spread.

The Activities/Location

Location and activities are huge when it comes to planning your dream Galentine’s celebration.

Some fun activities you can have at your party are painting tote bags/wine glasses, cooking your main courses together, making friendship bracelets, or planning fun games such as We’re Not Really Strangers.

Location wise, you really cannot go wrong, and your biggest deciding factor should be the weather. My favorite is a picnic, which is such an aesthetic way to celebrate if the weather allows. Some other options are your own home/apartment or a restaurant/brunch place, if you don’t feel like hosting.

Regardless of what activity you choose, spending time with your girls will be the best part of your Galentine’s Day. Take back what Valentine’s Day means, grab your best girlfriends, and celebrate sisterhood and singleness as we should every day.

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How to cope with growth? The process looks different for every individual. Along with being a student ambassador for the University of Miami, I have had the privilege of being involved in various campus extracurriculars, one of which has had a lasting impact on my college experience – COPE, which stands for Counseling Outreach Peer Educators. COPE is a dedicated group of students who serve as the bridge between the student body and the university’s counseling center. Over my college career, I have become even more involved in COPE and currently hold the position of Public Relations Chair on its executive board. In this role, I am responsible for fostering the growth and professional development of our members. This journey has reinforced my belief in the vital link between mental health and personal growth.

Mental health is a critical aspect of our overall well-being, yet it is often overlooked. In the hustle and bustle of college life, we frequently neglect our mental health while focusing on academics, extracurricular activities, and our social lives. The consequences of this neglect affect not only academic performance but also the overall quality of life.

But how does mental health tie into personal growth, especially in a university setting? The answer lies in the fact that personal growth is made of not only the gain of knowledge but also the development of mental resilience, emotional intelligence, and coping mechanisms. As students, we are constantly exposed to new experiences, challenges, and uncertainties, all of which contribute to our growth both physically and mentally.

Within the University of Miami, COPE is a source of compassion, understanding, and support in an academic world that can sometimes feel overwhelming. It is a testament to our institution's commitment to the well-being of its students. COPE's peer educators are not just students; we are empathetic listeners, mentors, and friends who actively work to destigmatize mental health discussions. We host tablings, facilitate presentations and collaborations, and provide a safe space for students to express their concerns and seek guidance. COPE empowers individuals to prioritize their mental health, develop essential coping skills, and cultivate emotional resilience. As a result, COPE contributes not only to the mental well-being of our campus community but also to our collective growth, creating a culture where personal development and self-care are celebrated and prioritized.

College is a time of exploration, discovery, and learning to be independent. We are faced with diverse perspectives, cultures, and ideas, which can be both exciting and overwhelming. It's during these moments of uncertainty that our mental health plays a pivotal role. Learning how to cope with stress, manage our emotions, and seek support when needed are invaluable skills that contribute to our growth as individuals.

As we continue to develop and discover what the future may hold, it's essential to prioritize our mental health. The skills we acquire to cope with growth and change will serve us well beyond our college years. Whether it's preparing for a career, pursuing further education, or simply facing life's uncertainties, a strong foundation in mental well-being will be our greatest asset.

In the midst of these challenges, I've embraced a personal motto: "Get comfortable with being uncomfortable." This motto has been my guiding light throughout my college journey. It's a reminder that true growth often occurs outside our comfort zones. When we step into the unknown, face our fears, and tackle the unfamiliar, we are actively shaping our future selves. With that, as I reflect on my summer internship in a new city, I realize that "being comfortable with being uncomfortable" was the catalyst for my growth. It's a mindset that has propelled me forward, encouraging me to take risks, explore the unknown, and seize opportunities for personal and professional development.

This phrase has become more than just words; it's a way of life. It's a reminder that, to truly grow and evolve, we must embrace discomfort as a sign of progress and a path to becoming the best version of ourselves. My summer internship in a new environment away from my hometown was a testament to the power of this principle, and I look forward to applying it in all my future endeavors, knowing that every step outside my comfort zone is a step toward personal and professional growth.

In conclusion, "Coping with Growth" takes on a multifaceted meaning in college life. It reminds me of not only the personal development and mental health connection but also the need to navigate independence, pursue future goals, and deal with the emotions of living in new environments. By embracing the motto "Be Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable," we can confidently tackle the challenges that come our way and emerge from these experiences as stronger, more resilient individuals, ready to take on the world beyond our university's walls.

As we continue to shape our future, let's remember that personal growth is a journey, and prioritizing our mental health ensures we're well-prepared for whatever lies ahead. In the face of independence, career aspirations, and change of environments, we can thrive and truly embrace the growth that comes with our experiences now as well as in the future.

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In our fast-paced world, success often seems like an elusive goal. But what if I told you that the key to success could be as simple as a well-structured morning routine? Imagine starting each day with purpose, focus, and a clear path to achieving your goals. When you set yourself up for success at the start of the day it is bound to make you shine brighter. Whether you're an early bird or a night owl, there's a morning routine that can work for you.

Join us on a journey to unlock your full potential by mastering the art of a successful morning routine. With the right habits and mindset, you can set yourself on a trajectory toward success, one morning at a time. Follow my morning checklist or edit it to match your lifestyle:

1. Hydration: The First Step to Wellness

The moment you wake up, your body is in need of hydration after a night's rest. Drinking a glass of water first thing in the morning can kickstart your metabolism, flush out toxins, and rehydrate your body. This simple habit not only energizes you but also supports your overall health.

2. Find Order in Chaos: Making Your Bed

Your environment can impact your attitude and productivity more than you might realize. This is why I start every morning by making my bed. Making your bed may seem like a mundane task, but it sets a tone of discipline and order for your day. This small accomplishment can give you a sense of control over your environment, reducing stress and creating a more organized space. Additionally, a neatly made bed can make your bedroom feel more inviting, contributing to a positive atmosphere.

3. A Morning Stroll: Connecting with Nature

Taking a walk in the morning, even if it's just for a short period, has multiple benefits. It allows you to get some fresh air, soak in vitamin D from the sun, and clear your mind. This simple physical activity can boost your mood, enhance creativity, and increase your overall alertness, setting you up for a productive day ahead.

4. Mindful Moments: Meditation

Incorporating meditation into your morning routine can have a profound impact on your mental and emotional well-being. Taking even just a few minutes to sit in silence, focus on your breath, or practice mindfulness can reduce stress and anxiety. It helps you center yourself, boost your concentration, and improve your decision-making skills.

Maintaining a morning routine requires discipline and consistency, which are crucial qualities for success. When you stick to a routine, you're more likely to stay on track with your goals and complete tasks in a timely manner. By prioritizing self-care through your morning routine, you're investing in your mental health. A peaceful and mindful start to the day can help you manage anxiety and build emotional resilience, making you more adaptable to challenges. These simple habits, when practiced consistently, can lead to increased energy, reduced stress, improved focus, and enhanced mental and physical well-being.

Ultimately, these positive changes in your daily life can pave the way for greater success and productivity in all aspects of your life. So, why wait? Start your morning routine today and experience the transformative power it can have on your life.

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College is a stressful time with a ton of opportunities at your disposal. So far in college, I have experienced the “do nothing” era and the “do everything” era. With that, these are time management tips I have learned along the way that have absolutely saved me in college.

Plan It Out

The biggest thing I had to learn was to write everything down in my planner and to use google calendar. I use my paper planner for my school assignments and tests, and I make sure to do this at the beginning of the semester to avoid any confusion. Anything that you can find on the syllabus that has a due date should go in this planner! I use google calendar for my personal and professional day to day plans; this gives me a visual of what my day looks like based on the hour. There is a clear difference between the use in both, but this allows me to see what I need to complete scholastically and what commitments I may have for my personal & work life.

Make A To-Do list

Alongside using planners, creating a to-do list is necessary! I create a list of what I absolutely need to complete for school that day, and sometimes another list of what I would like to get ahead on. The lists allow me to get a quick grasp of what I have in front of me and what kind of freedom I have in the day. Creating to-do lists also gives you extra satisfaction when you cross your items off.

Set Boundaries

The last thing I had to learn about time management was to learn to say ‘no’. There are going to be a lot of times that “FOMO” will get the best of you. If there is a lot on your plate for the day, either work super hard or realize you cannot handle another commitment for the day. There’s always another time for fun; be real with yourself and realize what you can juggle!

There is always room for improvement with 24 hours in a day. My biggest recommendation is to begin using Google Calendar religiously; understand what assignments you must complete and where your free time lies after other commitments. Try to stay consistent and create habits in your routine; this will allow you to find a lot of loopholes in what you can get accomplished and how fast. Time management isn’t easy but try to implement these tips into your daily life and see if you notice a change!

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Back in 2017, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) conducted a study called the Nursing Knowledge survey. The results of this survey gave valuable insights with the evolving changes happening in nursing education and practice, and ensured that the nurses on the floors are well-prepared to provide safe and effective care. The NCSBN developed an upgraded version of the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) now called the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN), which went into effect in April 2023. Here are the 3 top things to keep in mind when taking the NGN.

1. Protect Your Patients' Lives!

The NCLEX is an exam used to analyze one main thing at its core: how safe of a nurse are you? Patient safety is a priority in nursing practice, and the NGN underscores this by presenting scenarios that focus on safe and effective care. Test-takers will need to demonstrate that they can use the knowledge learned from nursing school, convert it into critical thinking and apply that to the answer. The exam aims to ensure that new nurses are well-prepared to provide care that minimizes risks and maximizes positive outcomes.

2. You Need to Use Your Critical Thinking.

This is not the same as high school exams. The NGN places a significant emphasis on clinical judgment, going beyond the traditional knowledge-based questions. When analyzing the clinical judgment is the ability to make informed decisions based on critical thinking and real-world scenarios. This means that test-takers will encounter questions that present complex patient situations, requiring them to analyze data, prioritize interventions, and make sound clinical decisions. This shift reflects the need for nurses to be competent and confident decision-makers in dynamic healthcare environments.

3. Reflecting Real-World Scenarios:

The NGN draws from real-world nursing scenarios to create questions that mirror the challenges nurses face daily. This means that candidates won't just be tested on theoretical knowledge; they will need to apply their critical thinking into practical situations. The goal is to prepare nurses who can seamlessly transition from the classroom to the clinical setting, ready to address the complexities of modern healthcare. They will be implementing this on the new exam with a new question type called a Case Scenario. They will present to you a single case that can have 2-8 questions based on the case scenario.

If you are a nursing student or a future nursing student, do not freak out. Becoming more aware of what will be on the Next Generation NCLEX will ease your anxiety and give you an understanding of what is to be expected for this exam. By understanding these 3 key aspects of the Next Generation exam, you can prepare yourself to be a nurse that can safely execute tasks and assignments. However, you will truly know how to be a good nurse once you are working on the floor.

Keep studying!

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Have you been feeling on the fence about joining extracurriculars at your university? Hopefully this blog can help shine some light! When I first started college, I was worried about not having the time for extracurriculars, but I want to share and reassure you that it is worth making time for extracurriculars.

Find Community

The biggest reason most people join clubs/teams is to find their community. One of the biggest obstacles when starting college is figuring out who you are and surrounding yourself with people with similar interests; getting involved makes this a lot easier. I also really want to point out that this is a great time to try new things! Don’t be afraid to try a new sport or club because most groups expect you to know nothing and will help you learn something new. This is especially true for athletic clubs- most people who play club or intramural sports have never played before and will have more experienced players to help teach you!

Professional Development

It is also important to understand the benefits of extracurricular activities to your professional development. I think a lot of students forget that employers want to see that you are more than your schooling because while it's great to be a 4.0 student there are still hundreds of thousands of other students with a 4.0; the best way to set yourself apart is to have something else that you care about. It is also important to know that it doesn’t have to be something that relates to your major or your future career. One of the highlights on my resume is that I play on and lead an ultimate frisbee team – which has absolutely nothing to do with engineering – but most interviewers point it out because it is something different than they normally see.

Interview Points

Outside of just having that extra highlight on your resume- extracurriculars are great to talk about in interviews. If you play sports- I can almost guarantee that you’ve seen or been a part of some safety issue (which is always a popular interview question). If you are a part of an academic or social club, you can focus on how much time it takes from your schedule and how you organize and balance your days. Even if it is only an hour of your day once a week, it shows that you are capable of having work-life balance which a lot of other students won’t have.

I really hope this helped if you were on the fence about joining any extracurriculars this year!

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! 

Coming from a family of Chinese immigrants, Lunar New Year has always been one of the most prominent holidays my family celebrated. As a child, all I really knew about the holiday was that I would meet up with relatives, eat good food, and receive a bunch of red envelopes—a very shallow interpretation I must admit.

As I grew older, I learned there is so much more to the holiday that illustrates how sophisticated the Chinese culture is. It also heightened my appreciation for my heritage and sparked my desire to visit China to see firsthand how they celebrate.

And now I want to share my learnings about the different aspects to celebrating this holiday:

The History

There are many different stories about how this holiday came to be. The version I know centers around the monster "Nian", which translates to “year” in Chinese. Allegedly, Nian was a beast that came down to eat humans with the coming of each new year. To scare it away, citizens would use what it feared most: the color red and loud noises. This is why many Chinese communities would set off firecrackers for Lunar New Year and why you would often see the color red all over the place.

The Food

Many families would eat "auspicious" foods for the holidays that often has a phrase and play-on word tied to it. For instance, 年年有餘 (nian nian you yu) is a Chinese saying that basically means to have abundance and surplus each year. Fish is often served on Lunar New Year because the work 餘 sounds the same as the word 魚, which means fish. Interestingly enough, this is one of the dishes my family would have on the table, but not eat until a later day because finishing it is a sign of eating away your surplus too soon and is thus seen as unlucky.

Some other common foods include:

1. Dumplings because it is shaped like a coin bag
2. Noodles symbolizing longevity and thus should not be cut
3. Nian gao representing prosperity as a play-on word to "tall" so reaching new heights each year

The Celebrations

Lunar New Year is traditionally a 15-day festival where many Chinese people would get an entire week off work to celebrate. There are many different traditions people may partake in.

One of the most renowned is red envelopes. During this holiday, many adults would give red envelopes with money inside to children or as long as an individual is unmarried. It symbolizes a blessing for safety and peace.

When meeting others during this celebration, it is polite to greet others with various auspicious sayings. In fact, most people would greet with more than one phrase which is why it is important to know multiple which may include:

1. 新年快樂 (xin nian kuai le) - happy new year
2. 恭喜發財 (gong xi fa cai) - may you be blessed with prosperity
3. 身體健康 (shen ti jian kang) - may you be blessed with health
4. 年年有餘 (nian nian you yu) - may you be blessed with abundance each year

This is merely a fragment of the traditions associated with the holiday and how my family has celebration Lunar New Year. Traditions vary depending on what region of China or even Asia individuals are from. In 2024, Lunar New Year starts Saturday, February 10th. Explore the traditions and celebrations local to you this year and learn more about this international holiday.

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