Students blog

Poof! Just like that, summer fades into a memory, and it's time to trade sunscreen for syllabi. Whether you're starting college as a first-year student or heading into another semester, the first week back can feel overwhelming.

Without the familiar support of home and routine, it's easy to feel a little lost. But don't worry, you're not alone! As someone who's made it through two full years of college, I want to share a few simple but powerful tips to help make the transition smoother: read the syllabus, arrive prepared, and connect with others.

Syllabus: Script for Success

Many professors will post a syllabus before classes even begin. It may be tempting to skip it for extra time off, but reviewing the syllabus before the first day can save you from surprises later in the semester.

The syllabus outlines expectations, required materials, and important due dates. You'll also get a feel for the professor's teaching style and whether the course will be lecture-heavy, discussion-based, or project-driven. Knowing this will save you time when organizing your notes and materials.

Reading the syllabus carefully prepares you for success in the class. It helps you build a solid foundation for the semester by clarifying the professor's expectations ahead of time.

Preparation: Before Day One

Don't underestimate the power of being prepared. Double-check the syllabus for the required materials, and come to class with notebooks, pens, and a fully charged laptop. It may seem like a small step, but being organized on day one sets the tone for the rest of the semester.

It also helps to review your class schedule and familiarize yourself with where your classes are located on campus. College can feel like a maze, especially at the start of a new semester. Knowing where you're going ahead of time can save you a lot of stress and help you avoid being late or getting lost.

First Week: Connect with Others

Even though the first week can be a scramble, remember to introduce yourself to others in class. Simply saying, "Hi, my name is…" can help ease nerves and open the door to new friendships.

I came to college knowing only three people in a school of 30,000. I remember how intimidating it felt to walk into a room full of strangers. But over time, I've made great friends just by introducing myself in class.

Forming connections early on helps create a support system. You'll always have someone to study with, ask questions, or grab coffee with before a morning lecture. Plus, if you miss a class, it's reassuring to have someone who can share notes or update you on assignments.

The Transition Back

After two years of college, I've learned something important: feeling lost during the first few weeks is more common than we admit. Whether you're overwhelmed, stressed, or just trying to find your rhythm again, know you're not alone.

Rely on campus and class resources for a smooth transition back. Your syllabus gives you a solid foundation for class, being prepared helps you start the semester with confidence, and connecting with classmates ensures you have a support system from day one.

Remember, a new semester means new beginnings. Give yourself grace, stay curious, meet new people, and get 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! 

Leaving home for college is both exciting and terrifying. You suddenly have all this freedom, but that also means responsibility. Here are some challenges you’ll likely face and how to handle them.

Avoiding the ‘Freshman Fifteen’

Many college students gain weight during their first time away from home. I thought, “that won’t happen to me” -- until it did. Unlimited dining hall food, fast food, and constant snacking caught up fast. But by second semester, I lost the weight by:

• Hitting the gym: Even short workouts help. Find something you enjoy so you’ll actually stick with it.
• Being mindful of eating: I started using to-go boxes at the dining hall to avoid overeating and stocked my dorm with snacks I wouldn’t binge.
• Saving flex bucks: On-campus fast food is tempting, but I treated it like a cheat meal instead of a habit.

Managing Your Time

With no one telling you what to do, it’s easy to fall behind. I saw a lot of people struggle with this, including myself. Here’s what worked:

• Using a whiteboard calendar: The BEST Investment. Writing down deadlines made a huge difference. A physical reminder got rid of last-minute assignments or surprise tests.
• Sticking to a routine: Setting consistent sleep, study, and gym times helped me stay productive.
• Finding responsible friends: Surrounding myself with motivated people made it easier to stay on track.

Handling Homesickness

Being five hours from home, I missed it more than I expected. Here’s what helped:

• Visiting home when possible: Even short trips back home helped me reset.
• Calling my parents: I didn’t do this enough, but every time I did, I felt better.
• Keeping in touch with old friends: Even if I didn’t miss high school, I missed the people. Staying connected and visiting their schools helped.

Making Friends & Avoiding Loneliness

I worried about making friends, but it turned out to be easier than I thought. Here’s what helped:

• Putting myself out there: Everyone is looking for friends. Don’t be afraid to start a conversation.
• Joining clubs or sports: I joined a flag football team, which helped me meet people with similar interests. There’s a club for everything -- find yours.

Dealing with Stress

College is stressful, whether it’s exams or just life. Here’s what helped me:

• Going on walks: Walking around campus at night cleared my head.
• Talking to someone: A friend, family member, or professor. Just talking about stress can help.
• Shifting my mindset: Instead of dreading assignments, I reminded myself I was lucky to be in college, which helped.

Avoiding the “Broke College Student” Life

College is expensive, but you don’t have to be completely broke. Here’s what worked for me:

• Budgeting my money: I tracked what I was spending so I wouldn’t run out before the semester ended.
• Getting a job: I knew people who worked online or on campus, and I was lucky to get a job with Pearson, and it made a difference.
• Applying for scholarships: There’s free money out there. Most people don’t even try to get it so apply for everything.

Roommate Problems Happen

Unless you know your roommate beforehand, there’s a chance you won’t get along right away. My roommate and I had our share of arguments, but here’s what helped:

• Talking it out: Don’t let small issues turn into big ones. A simple and calm conversation can fix most things.
• Getting the RA involved: If things escalate, your RA is there to help.
• Setting expectations early: Roommate agreements might feel awkward, but they prevent future conflicts.

Final Thoughts

College is a learning experience in every way. You’ll make mistakes, but you’ll also grow. Stay organized, take care of yourself, and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. You got this!

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! 

As a kid, one of my family's favorite summer pastimes was going to the pool. We kept our pool bag stocked with dry towels and sunscreen, ready to jump in the car at a second's notice if my siblings suddenly got the urge for the cool water. I, for one, never liked the way that the cold pool water felt on my skin. I would watch my brother effortlessly dive right into the deep end, while I would do the walk of shame to the shallow stairs, barely getting the courage to dip my big toe in.

My method for safely entering the pool was simple. I would close my eyes, count to ten, and take one step down the stairs. The cold water was always a shock to my skin, but I longed to get in and play with the rest of the kids so after thirty seconds of being inches in the water, I would repeat this process. Over and over again, inch by inch, I would take small but significant steps until I was fully submerged.

Going to college felt a lot like getting in the cold pool. I stood on the pool deck watching as everyone I knew jumped right in, knowing I didn't have the courage to. Knowing that it would take a long time before I could join them. Wanting, wishing, and hoping I could be like that. Why was the water so cold for me, but seemingly temperate for them? Why couldn't I jump right in?

That first weekend, I recall sitting in a dimly lit restaurant with other students from my dorm, my eyes burning, trying not to cry. I just wanted my mom. I just wanted to get home. But that didn’t exist anymore. This was my home. This was my life. It all came so fast. Everything I had ever known was replaced with unfamiliar faces and places. I drove back to campus early that night, while all the other students went for ice cream. I stared at the pictures that they had taken, their faces bright and happy, and I cried. I wanted to be happy, just like them. I wanted my face to glow with excitement, as cold ice cream dripped onto my hand. I wanted to jump in the pool. But it was just too cold.

Week two got a little better. I was starting to understand how college worked. What time to wake up, and what time to shower so my roommates wouldn't be mad. How my classes worked, who my professors were, and how much time I had to eat lunch. I was developing a routine. But I still wasn't happy. My dad suggested that I start going to the gym. He claimed the dopamine release would be good for my body, but that proved unhelpful. My mom told me I just needed to give it time, but every night I would lay in my bed and stare at the keys to my car, thinking about how I could leave right now. I could go home and sleep in my own bed. I could shower without shoes. I could hug my mom. I would stare at those keys until I fell asleep. Wondering how long it would take me to act on my impulses.

At the end of my second week, I was talking to Camryn, an upperclassman in my class, expressing my feelings about college. I told her that I just didn’t love it yet. The first couple of weeks had been difficult, and I didn't know how I was going to make it through the next 4 years. She gave me some very valuable advice. She said “Riley, I'm going to be honest with you. I didn’t start liking college until after Labor Day. And I didn’t start loving college until after Fall Break. It’s the second week. It’s not going to be good right now.”

Hearing those words from someone I looked up to meant the world to me. It made me feel validated and safe. It let me know that even though it may seem like it, not everyone is jumping directly into the cold pool and having fun right away. Some people are also taking their time. Other people jump right into the cold pool and pretend like they are having fun, but in reality, are freezing and miserable.

She was right. I went home for Labor Day weekend and returned to campus refreshed and ready to take on college. I felt a renewed sense of purpose and self-confidence. I could do this. I continued to push forward and step outside of my comfort zone. I tried talking to one new person every day. I still didn’t love college yet, but I didn’t hate it.

Before I knew it, Fall Break had come. And I thought back to what Camryn had told me. I looked around me and saw a firmly established friend group, with whom I was attending football games and going to dinner. I saw a roommate who I loved spending time with, and classes that were challenging but manageable. I felt, finally, like I could say I loved college, and it was the whole truth.

Within those first 12 weeks, I was challenged and tested in ways I would never have expected. I grew academically, personally, spiritually, and mentally. I now feel more confident in myself and my decisions. I have become someone that my senior self would not fully recognize. I still have the same passion in my chest, same hair on my head, and the same love of learning. But now I’m fully submerged in the pool. I have joined my friends in the deep end. I can finally feel the cool water enveloping my body. And I am happy.

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! 

Getting injured during summer break was not on my agenda. I had envisioned an active summer filled with walks, gym sessions, and trips to the park with my kids – anything that kept me moving.

But life had other plans, and a fall left me with three stitches below my knee. While the injury wasn’t severe, it was enough to sideline my plans and force me to rethink how I could make the most of my summer break.

Here are my tips for overcoming an unexpected injury and salvaging your summer.

Pause: Protect Your Mental Health

As I sat in the emergency room, all I could think about were the activities I wouldn’t be able to do. The realization hit me hard. As my plans unraveled, I felt overwhelmed, sad, and defeated.

That wave of defeat brought a flood of emotions I couldn’t ignore. It forced me to pause and reflect on my mental health.

Journaling became a quiet but powerful tool, helping me track small wins each week and stay connected to my progress. I also allowed myself to be vulnerable and accept help when it was offered. I’ve learned that this isn’t a sign of weakness but a strength in the healing process.

Pivot: Prioritize Healing

Even though my injury wasn’t as severe as it could have been, it still came as a shock. I felt discouraged and disappointed, but I quickly realized that prioritizing my healing was essential for both me and my family.

It’s frustrating when your plans suddenly revolve around limitations. My summer goals included staying active, hitting the gym, starting a jogging routine, and keeping my kids active every day. But with the injury, I had to pivot and adjust my expectations. I adapted and found different ways to stay engaged and make the summer enjoyable while respecting the healing process.

I’ve learned that progress isn’t about pushing through pain. It’s about listening to your body, adapting to the situation, and following your doctor’s guidance to support a full recovery. Summer doesn’t have to come to a halt; it can simply take a more mindful and intentional path.

Adapt: Focus on Low-Impact Activities

Although my injury wasn’t major, the stitches on my knee made it painful to walk, bend my leg, or climb stairs. Despite these limitations, I still wanted movement. Even something as simple as stepping outside for fresh air became a small but meaningful effort. I attended most of my son’s baseball games, which did wonders for my mental health.

Rather than dwelling on what I couldn’t do, I focused on what I could do. Walking wasn’t an option, but I still found joy in sitting outside with my laptop, catching up on schoolwork, and watching my kids run around the yard. Those slower, quieter moments brought me a sense of peace and fulfillment.

Resilience through Recovery

An injury might change your summer, but it doesn’t have to ruin it. You can replace a summer of high-energy plans with one of intentional engagement. Embrace new, low-impact activities while prioritizing your healing and mental health.

Overcoming a setback like this can be about more than just healing your body. It can be a path to discovering your resilience and finding peace even when things don’t go as planned.

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! 

At age seven, my life changed after reading a poem called "The Voice" by Shel Silverstein [1]. That moment was transformative because I realized I had autonomy. I discovered something within myself that no one else could take away: my voice.

Poetry became an outlet to express myself, turning my thoughts into words. Words became my first love. Though there was never an official wedding, I vowed to use them for good, through better and worse.

Emotional Empowerment Through Poetry

Through good times and bad, poetry empowers me. It provides a safe place to go when my emotions feel too big to hold. It brings me peace when I feel so happy that I want to shout my feelings at the sky. And it grounds me when my mind becomes tangled with too many thoughts to sort through.

Emotions aren't always as straightforward as our language implies; sometimes, they're more like a weather report. You might say you feel happy, but "mostly sunny" might be a more accurate description. Or maybe you don't exactly feel sad, so "foggy" would capture it better. On days when my emotions feel like this, I turn to poetry.

The Sparks of Creativity

When I'm particularly overwhelmed, I search online for a poetry prompt that resonates with me. Then, I do my best to release any negativity I'm experiencing. In moments like these, poetry gives me the power to transform my internal atmosphere. A few stanzas can turn an emotional storm into a lightning show: something electric and captivating.

There are also days when I feel so happy it's like I'm carrying a tiny (but intense) ball of sunshine. I might want to set it down somewhere, but I need to find a safe place to put it. This is where poetry grants me the power of peace, knowing that my happiness is preserved on paper.

What excites me even more than this peace of mind is the opportunity to share that happiness with someone else. I feel powerful knowing my big feelings can bring light to someone who needs the positivity.

Power through Purpose and Expression

Of course, we've all had days when we felt like we were carrying a ball of sunshine while a storm raged inside our heads. For me, this feels like my mind is knotted, and I'm not sure how to untangle it. Although this can leave me feeling powerless, I pick up my pen and let the words do the rest.

One word at a time, one sentence at a time, I untangle my thoughts like strings in a ball of yarn. And my poetry is the sweater I knit from those strings. I create something useful, something meaningful. That creation makes me feel powerful and purposeful.

Find Your Creative Outlet

Whether it's poetry, music, acting, or sports, I believe it's essential for everyone to have a creative outlet that makes them feel powerful. There's a common misconception that you must be "good" at something to enjoy it. In reality, the practice of self-expression is more important than the final product.

I hope this blog inspires you to find your voice through a creative outlet. Everyone deserves the power of autonomy and self-expression, especially in moments when we would otherwise feel powerless.

[1] Silverstein, Shel. Where the Sidewalk Ends. New York: Harper & Row, 1974.

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! 

When I joined my college’s music production club, I thought I was simply pursuing a personal passion. I’ve always enjoyed experimenting with beats, layering sounds, and figuring out how different pieces of music come together. I did it purely for fun, as a creative break from classes and assignments.

But over time, I noticed something surprising: the same skills I was honing in the studio were showing up in my classes, group projects, and even internships.

At first, the club felt like a totally separate world. We’d meet in a small room filled with cables, keyboards, and speakers. There, we would bounce ideas off each other, working to turn rough ideas into polished tracks.

I thought I was just learning how to make music. I didn’t realize I was also learning how to collaborate.

The Rhythm of Collaboration

Producing music with a group teaches you timing, both musically and in how you interact with others. You learn how to listen, when to speak up, and when to step back. You learn that great tracks stem from collaboration, not from one person controlling the sound.

That exact mindset helped me become a better teammate in academic group work. I began communicating more clearly and offering more constructive feedback. I also became more open to letting go of my own ideas if another approach worked better.

Patience in Production

Another unexpected takeaway from music production was patience. When you’re mixing a track, it never sounds perfect on the first attempt. You adjust one sound, then another, and often go back to revise something you already “finished.”

This trial-and-error process made me more comfortable with revising my work in school. Whether it was an essay, a presentation, or a project, I stopped striving for perfection on the first try. Instead, I learned to trust the process, just as I do in the studio.

Confidence in Communication

Even public speaking felt less intimidating. I used to get nervous presenting in class, but explaining beats and sound design choices to my club members helped me find confidence in my voice.

When you talk about something you’re passionate about, you naturally become a better communicator. That skill started spilling over into all areas of my life.

Transferable Skills in Hobbies

I joined the music production club because I liked making beats. I stayed because it helped me grow in ways I never anticipated.

I learned how to collaborate, how to be patient with my work, and how to express my ideas with confidence. What started as a fun, creative outlet became a transformation in the way I approach school, group settings, and even my professional life.

If you have something you love doing outside of class, don’t underestimate its value. You might think it’s just a hobby, but it could teach you more than you realize.

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! 

Hi, I'm Aissa! I’m currently studying business administration with a concentration in accounting at Tuskegee University. I’ve always had a love for numbers and organization, which is what drew me to accounting. However, my passion doesn't stop my college experience; there has been a balance of academic rigor and active involvement in campus life, helping me grow in ways I never imagined.

Since starting at Tuskegee, I’ve engaged with clubs and organizations that have shaped my college experience and made the transition from being far away from home so much easier. One of my proudest achievements so far has been becoming the National Business Manager for UNCF (United Negro College Fund). This role allows me to contribute to an incredible cause by helping to raise funds and awareness for scholarships that support all college students.

In addition to being on a national board, I serve as the treasurer for several organizations on campus: the NAACP, the Pre-Alumni Council, and the Ohio Club. Managing finances for these groups has given me real-world experience and allowed me to give back to the community that’s supported me. I also hold the position of Social Media Chair for the Entrepreneurial and Leadership Club, where I get to combine my love for organization with my interest in digital communication.

I became a Pearson Campus Ambassador last Fall, and it’s been a fantastic opportunity to engage with other students, promote educational resources, and connect with a broader network. As if all that wasn’t enough, I’m also a Dean's List scholar, which keeps me focused on maintaining high academic standards while juggling my extracurricular responsibilities.

Despite all the commitments, I’ve managed to keep a healthy balance by making time for my friends and family, especially when I need a break from the hustle of daily life. Being so far from home can be tough, but getting involved in campus activities has helped me feel connected, not just to my university, but also to the community I’m building here.

Being active on campus has not only helped me grow personally and professionally but also made adjusting to life away from home a little easier. No matter where life takes me, I am thankful for the opportunities I’ve had to make a positive impact at Tuskegee University, and I’m excited to continue on this journey of growth, leadership, and 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! 

As the semester kicks off, staying organized and on top of your coursework is more important than ever. Many students- including myself- choose to take notes on a tablet, and finding the right place to organize those notes is crucial for success. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the one that suits your needs. That’s why I’ve tested some note-taking apps so you don’t have to! Here are some pros and cons of note-taking apps I’ve used in the past to help you find the perfect fit for you!

Notebook

This app is perfect for typing notes and is fully compatible with digital pencils, making it easy to take handwritten notes as well. You can enrich your notes by adding text, images, audio recordings, and sketches, offering a versatile way to capture information. Each course can be organized into larger notebooks, keeping everything neatly categorized. While you can’t customize the paper type, you can select unique covers for your notebooks and assign colors to each note, giving your study materials a personalized touch. Best of all, you have access to unlimited notes and notebooks for free, making it an excellent choice for students.

CollaNote

This app is my personal favorite for school, and I absolutely love it for all the features you get for free! It allows you to add photos, scan documents, insert links, use a calculator, and even add fun stickers to your notes. Whether you prefer typing or using a digital pencil, this app is perfect for both. One of the coolest features is the built-in translation tool, which is a game-changer for studying in different languages. You can easily organize your notes by creating folders for each course, keeping everything neat and accessible. While you can't change the color of your folders, you can customize each note by choosing different paper types and even changing the color of your pencil. The best part? There's no limit to the number of folders or notes you can create, so you’ll never run out of space for all your ideas and study materials!

GoodNotes 6

If you’re looking for something a little bit more sophisticated and are willing to pay $9.99/year (or $29.99 for a one-time purchase), GoodNotes 6 is a great option for you! In the paid version, you have access to unlimited notebooks with lots of customization (max 3 notebooks in the free version). You can choose your paper template, including a variety of grid and lined papers. You can also customize the style and color of your pens, giving you more creative control over your notes. One really cool tool is the search functionality in the paid version, where you can find specific information quickly, even in handwritten notes. You can also import PDFs and annotate them, which is great for reviewing class materials or documents. Both the paid and free versions are compatible with digital pencils. Overall, the paid version unlocks a wealth of additional capabilities that can be incredibly useful for power users, particularly those who need advanced organization, customization, or collaboration tools.

Test out these options for yourself and see what fits your note-taking habits the best this semester! Happy studying!

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! 

Just like plants, humans go through seasons of life. With each passing season, it's important to nurture the new growth and make space by removing the old. This sounds simple in poetic terms – but reality is often never as simple. Life gets busy and overwhelming. People, places, and events are constantly changing within the world. In the midst of all the chaos on the outside, sometimes we forget to give attention to our most important responsibility: ourselves. How can we attend to other responsibilities, relationships, and tasks in a productive and efficient manner if we have not yet taken the time to ensure we are in the state to put our best foot forward? When life begins to throw too much my way, the best method I have found to recenter myself is by making time to nurture my inner child. 

What is an inner child? 


The term “inner child” has gained increasing popularity due to social media trends within the last couple of years. Despite its recent rise in use, the term has been floating around in the psychology realm since 1969 after analytical psychologist Carl Jung popularized the phenomenon. In short, the inner child refers to all the childhood experiences that impact how an adult acts later in life. “Wounds” on the inner child are characterized as unattended parts of the psyche that may lead to antisocial behaviors or anxieties (i.e., a longing to be listened to and understood in a conversation). Meanwhile, a healthy inner child has been connected to reduced mental stress and increased creativity.  
 
While a trained cognitive behavioral therapist can help provide professional guidance on methods to fully resolve anxieties stemming from the inner child, inspiration can be taken from some of these methods for short-term resolutions for stress. Here are some of the methods I use to attend to my inner child in stressful situations. 

Tip #1: Get messy and get creative. 


One of my favorite ways to connect with my inner child is through art, specifically finger painting and coloring with crayons. Allowing myself to express my emotions in a messy, unpredictable art form is often a big relief during the times I feel like perfectionism is required. 

Tip #2: Reconnect with family and childhood friends.

Sometimes all we need during a stressful time is a hug or reassurance from a loved one. If you feel like you are running thin, turn to someone you can trust to help refill your cup! 

Tip #3: Take a nap! 


Nap time shouldn’t end at kindergarten. Sometimes a power nap, ideally between 10-30 minutes, is enough to give yourself a short break and unwind from a stressful situation. 

Tip #4: Revisiting a childhood favorite (i.e., show, game, snack, location, etc.). 


This is where you can get creative! If the prior two tips do not seem appealing, think of one thing that you loved from your childhood, but haven’t revisited in years. Now may be the time to do so! 

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!