Students blog

My housemate and I made one of our best decisions when we fostered Ana, a seventeen-year-old female cat. We specifically chose an older cat because she had less energy than a kitten and spent most of her days sleeping. This was ideal for our busy schedules. We found comfort in knowing she was content in a quiet environment.

Although Ana had several medical problems, she provided companionship. She also taught me to slow down and gave me a new sense of responsibility.

Companionship in a New City

Moving to college was a big adjustment, and being far from my family and pets made it harder. I craved the unique companionship that only a fur-baby could give. I started volunteering at my college’s local animal shelter to get my fur-fix, but it still wasn’t enough.

Then I looked into fostering. Because I live in a small apartment, I specifically researched fostering cats. That’s how I welcomed Ana into my home. Every time I came home, her cute little meows greeted me and instantly put a smile on my face.

She loved cuddling up next to me or sitting in my lap. Whenever I felt stressed or overwhelmed, Ana was there to listen. Her presence was a great comfort. Studies show that spending time with animals can release oxytocin, a “feel-good” hormone, and lower stress.

A Reminder to Slow Down

As a college student, I felt like I was always on the go. I had to be at this meeting, finish that project, and cram in some studying all in a single day. Running around trying to fit everything into my schedule was not sustainable in the long term.

When we brought Ana home, her slow-paced approach to life was a breath of fresh air. She was a constant reminder to slow down and appreciate the moment before it passes. I often found myself looking forward to the “next step” in life, but Ana took everything day by day and lived in the present.

A New Sense of Responsibility

Having a cat added new chores to my plate, but it felt good to care for something bigger than myself. My daily routine had to include cleaning her litter box, feeding her, and playing with her when she had the energy.

This change forced me to plan my days more strategically and intentionally. I needed to wake up earlier to care for her before I left for the day. I also had to use my time between classes more wisely so that when I got home, I had more time to spend with her.

Though Ana is no longer with us, I will carry the lessons she taught me for the rest of my life. She showed me the power of quiet companionship, the importance of slowing down, and the purpose that comes from responsibility. Fostering a senior cat didn't just change her final years; it fundamentally shaped my college experience.

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

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

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

Start with Clear Communication

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

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

Be Open About Your Shortcomings

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

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

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

Remember It's a Shared Space

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

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

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

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High school prepared me to face many challenges. Unfortunately, managing my free time alongside the emotional stress of becoming an adult with real-world responsibilities was not among them. Even when my parents explained it, the reality might not have fully hit home. I often enjoy my downtime a little too much and struggle to find the motivation to get started on my responsibilities.

Those “random bursts of energy” only work so often, and sometimes not when I need them most. Still, I value my free time and don’t plan on getting rid of it, so I gave myself a reason to be productive during those lulls: my hamster. Now, in an apartment with fewer restrictions than the dorms, an animal provides a motivational responsibility with a serotonin boost.

A Newfound Freedom

Coming into my sophomore year, I felt like I was in a completely new universe compared to my first year. There was an unbelievable amount of freedom and free time. Living in a dorm and being on my own was a huge wake-up call in terms of becoming an adult.

Of course, the dorm had many restrictions for good reason. Pets were completely off the table, except for service animals. Now, I find myself in my apartment, often wondering what to do with my free time.

I needed to find the school-home balance I’d been seeking, and I could only annoy my significant other so often. I got my pet inspiration from a TikTok I had seen about a specific animal that was entertaining and relatively low-maintenance: a hamster. Just my luck, there were Labor Day sales coming up, so the timing could not have been more convenient.

Productive Pet Care

What better way to give me a boost than watching a tiny creature run in a little plastic ball, knocking into things? Using my free time for the upkeep of an adorable animal gives me the satisfaction of seeing results. Completing these smaller, real-world tasks helps get the ball rolling for that “burst of energy,” but it’s no longer random. It’s my way of tricking my brain into staying productive and giving myself a purpose that is both selfish and selfless.

Finding Your Balance

Balancing free time with responsibilities is a common struggle in college. While everyone’s solution is different, my hamster provides the structure and satisfaction I need to stay on track. Whether it’s a pet, a plant, or a new hobby, finding a small, meaningful responsibility can be the key to building the momentum you need.

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College life is busy, chaotic, and full of temptations to eat out every single day. Between late-night study sessions, club meetings, and squeezing in time with friends, it’s easy to grab fast food or hit the dining hall without thinking twice.

But learning to cook even a handful of simple meals can be a real gamechanger. It may not feel like a priority at first, but cooking for yourself offers benefits that go far beyond the plate. It isn’t just beneficial—it’s empowering.

Stretch Your Budget

Cooking saves money. The fifteen dollars you’d spend on a single takeout meal can easily cover the ingredients for two or three homemade dishes.

Staples like pasta, rice, vegetables, eggs, beans, and chicken are all inexpensive and incredibly versatile. With a little planning, you can turn one bag of groceries into several days’ worth of meals.

When you do the math, it’s clear how much money is lost to fast food, campus cafés, and delivery fees. After comparing the difference, cooking feels less like a hassle and more like an investment in your health, wallet, and lifestyle.

Connect and De-Stress

Cooking while in school can actually be relaxing. Preparing a meal is a great way to unplug and de-stress amid a hectic schedule filled with deadlines and digital overload.

There’s something calming about chopping vegetables, stirring a pot, or seasoning your food just the way you like it. It forces you to slow down and focus on something physical and creative.

An unexpected bonus? When you cook for or with your roommates, it becomes more than just making food; it becomes a moment of connection. Sharing a home-cooked meal, even something as basic as spaghetti, creates a sense of comfort and community that a cold slice of pizza in front of your laptop just can’t match.

Start with Something Simple

You don’t need to be a professional chef to get started. Start small. A one-pan stir-fry, scrambled eggs, or even overnight oats for breakfast are all beginner-friendly options.

Look up a few student-friendly recipes or watch short cooking videos online. There are tons of resources for college students with limited time, space, and equipment.

Slowly but surely, you’ll build your confidence, expand your recipe collection, and improve your skills. Before you know it, your dorm or apartment might smell like a five-star kitchen.

The next time you’re tempted to order in, take a moment to think about what you could make instead. You’ll save money, eat healthier, and reduce waste. You might even discover a new hobby you didn’t expect to love.

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Imagine eating instant noodles in your dorm, dreaming of going home soon for your mom’s chicken adobo. For many college students, including me, this is a reality. As a foodie, it’s hard to look at a cupboard of dwindling instant-noodle packages. Not only did eating the same thing get old, but it also wasn’t nutritious.

College life is often depicted as having an empty wallet and surviving on instant noodles. However, I learned that it doesn’t have to be that way! Here are my best tips to eat well in college while keeping your cash intact.

Find Your Campus Food Pantry

Many universities have a food pantry to combat student food insecurity. On days when I ran low on groceries, I took advantage of the one on my campus (shout-out to Pack Provisions at the University of Nevada, Reno).

Using the pantry, I could get ground beef or chicken once a week, which kept my belly and wallet full. These proteins are versatile; you can make burgers or a stir-fry with the right seasonings.

The pantry also provides eggs, milk, cereal, bread, and other foods that can last for weeks. I highly recommend checking if your university has a food pantry. It’s there for you!

Score Free Food at Events

Have you ever walked through campus and seen a crowd around a table? Chances are clubs, organizations, and companies are handing out free food to attract students.

As a hungry student, I’d do almost anything for free pizza. Stay updated on events offering free food by following your university’s social media accounts. I follow nearly fifty campus organizations and enjoy a variety of free food at least once a week.

Expand Your Budget with SNAP

During my first year, I worked as a server for twenty-four hours every weekend (bonus tip: work at a food establishment for free meals). One day in the library, I saw a local organization helping students who work at least twenty hours a week apply for a government program called SNAP.

SNAP, or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, provides food benefits to supplement an individual's grocery budget. Since I was eligible, I set up an appointment, and they helped me apply.

Every month, I get money on an EBT card to use at SNAP-friendly businesses. This card allows me to eat well and buy exactly what I need within my allocated budget.

Final Food for Thought

Eating well-balanced, nutritious meals as a college student can support other facets of your life, like your studies and workouts at the gym. Did I also mention that your immune system gets a nice boost?

For college students, proper nutrition is critical. You deserve more than a diet of instant noodles; by fueling your body, you fuel your success in and out of the classroom. Eat well, study well, live well!

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As a commuter student, I expected college to be all about academics with little to no social life. Living off campus, without a dorm community, and then driving home after my last class made it challenging to feel connected.

While others stayed for club meetings or late-night events, I often felt like an outsider. During my first semester, I wondered if I’d ever find a group of friends or feel a sense of belonging on campus.

However, things changed once I decided to be more intentional about getting involved, even though I wasn’t living on campus.

Attend Office Hours

One of the first things I did was start attending office hours, not just to seek help, but also to build relationships with my professors. Those small conversations grew into mentorships and even led to opportunities to participate in department events.

Form a Study Group

I also made a point to talk to classmates before and after lectures. Eventually, I formed a study group with a few peers, and we began meeting weekly at a nearby café. That group became my first real college community of the year.

Participate in Campus Events

I also got involved in campus organizations that accommodated commuter schedules, such as a leadership program that met during lunch hours. This offered me a chance to contribute, build skills, and make friends without needing to stay on campus late. I started attending daytime events, study sessions, and workshops, even though it felt a little awkward at first.

In Good Company

What surprised me most was discovering how many students were in the same situation. Other commuters, part-time students, and those working jobs also struggled to find time to connect. Once I started reaching out, I found that I wasn’t alone.

Being a commuter doesn’t mean missing out on the college experience; it just requires a different approach. Show up when you can. Start conversations. Join one activity. Small steps can lead to big connections. Now, I feel more connected to my campus than I ever thought possible.

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Many college students find it difficult to leave the familiarity and comfort of their room at home for a blank slate at college. Your room at home feels safe and uniquely yours. In contrast, college accommodations often seem cold, bare, and impersonal.

However, creating a space you love is essential for staying positive and thriving in your new environment. By adding personal touches and customizing your space, you can make college life much more comfortable.

Bring things from home to combat homesickness

This is one of the easiest ways to make your space feel cozier and instantly more like home. When you move away for college, bring special items that remind you of home to spruce up your new place. This could include beloved objects like a favorite coffee mug, a signed poster, or an accent rug. Surrounding yourself with familiar items can help you feel more at ease in an unfamiliar environment.

Decorate with pictures and mementos for instant comfort

Gather your favorite pictures and photos and print them out at a local pharmacy or photo center. Then, display them in attractive frames or arrange them in a collage on your wall. Seeing familiar faces (whether they be family, friends, or pets) is always a wonderful mood booster and an instant source of comfort.

Soften the lighting to brighten your mood

Good lighting can completely transform a space. Adding a decorative lamp or a sweet-smelling candle can give a room an entirely new feel. A quick solution for a new dorm or apartment is a string of battery-powered fairy lights, which are easy to hang and turn on and off.

Replacing harsh overhead lighting with softer, ambient options can instantly make your room feel cozier and more relaxing. You’ll notice the difference right away.

Get crafty to create custom decor

Engaging in a little arts and crafts can be a fun way to create a decorative piece that you’re proud of! Do this alone for some relaxation and stress relief or with friends for a fun bonding activity.

Some project ideas include creating a felt pennant with your school name, knitting a cozy throw, or making a DIY picture frame. If crafting isn’t your strong suit (like me!), opt for an easier project. For example, you can press flowers or colorful leaves and display them as unique wall decorations or drink coasters.

Prioritize décor to ease your college transition

Transforming your new space into one that’s truly yours is one of the best things you can do for yourself during the college transition. Whether you bring a favorite blanket from home, create a photo collage, or add cozy lights, each personal touch makes a big difference.

It’s about more than just making your room look good. It’s about creating a personal sanctuary where you can relax, recharge, and become accustomed to college life.

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Moving thirteen hours away from home was an enormous step in my life’s journey. While studying at Howard University, I coped with homesickness by texting, calling, and FaceTiming my friends and family. Hearing their encouraging words and support kept me going as the school year progressed.

Yet, there was one family member who didn’t understand why I left or when I would return: Glitter, my sassy, energetic, eight-pound Yorkie.

The Language Barrier

Leaving my “precious baby” four states away for months at a time was one of the most emotionally challenging experiences I’ve ever faced. Not only had we been inseparable since I adopted her ten years ago, but she had no idea why I was packing up and leaving her. On the day I left for college, she tried to climb onto my suitcases, attempting to pack herself along with me.

I tried to express to her that I’d be back for Thanksgiving, but she didn’t understand. For the first few months, she spent her time whining and sleeping outside my bedroom door instead of in her cozy bed. Seeing her actions broke my heart and prompted me to create a plan to help other students prepare their pets for a big college move.

During the Summer: Transfer Care Duties

First, slowly start to shift responsibilities onto your pet’s new caregivers over the summer. Once you move, you won’t be able to take them on walks, feed them, or give them treats. To ease this transition for everyone, gradually transfer these responsibilities to their new caregiver.

This process helped Glitter significantly as she adjusted to her new walking and feeding schedule with my sister, Olivia.

Before the Move: Leave Your Scent

Make sure you leave something behind with your scent on it to comfort your pet. Have an old sweatband, pair of socks, or T-shirt? Wear it around the house in the weeks leading up to your move. That way, your pet can have a personal keepsake of you whenever they feel lonely.

After the Move: Call Your Pet

Once you’re settled in at school, continue to check in on your pet via FaceTime so they can recognize, hear, and see you. The adjustment process may take time. However, seeing your furry friend run to the phone when they hear your voice is worth it.

Even though your pet may not “speak,” they still want to hear from you and know you’re looking out for them. Little check-ins go a long way!

Prepare for Change Together

Overall, following these steps can lead to a smoother emotional transition into college for both you and your pet. It helps new caregivers ease into their roles and allows pets to accept the changes that college brings.

Even though I may be away for months at a time, these adjustments seemed to help Glitter understand I still care. And the quality time we have together during my visits home reassures her. She knows we still have many dog park days, pet store visits, and pup-cup trips in our future!

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 is an exciting time full of independence and new experiences, often accompanied by the first real taste of financial responsibility. With expenses like tuition, books, rent, and snacks adding up quickly, it's easy to feel overwhelmed without a plan. But with a few smart habits and simple tools, budgeting in college can be empowering rather than restrictive. You don't need to sacrifice fun to stay financially healthy; you just need a strategy.

Track Your Spending and Make a Simple Budget

The first step to gaining control of your finances is knowing where your money goes. Use free apps like Mint, EveryDollar, or a basic spreadsheet to track your spending. Break it down into categories: food, rent, school supplies, transportation, and entertainment.

Once you have a clear picture of your spending, create a monthly budget with realistic spending limits. Budgeting doesn't mean you can't enjoy your daily coffee; it just helps you choose what's worth spending now and what can wait.

Remember Student Discounts and Free Resources

Many businesses offer discounts for college students—think streaming services, restaurants, software, and even travel. Always carry your student ID, and don't hesitate to ask about deals even if they aren't advertised.

On campus, make the most of free resources: gym memberships, tutoring centers, events with free food, and loaner tech equipment. These perks can help stretch your budget without compromising your experience.

Plan Ahead and Build a Safety Net

Unexpected costs are part of life: your laptop breaks, a textbook costs more than expected, or you get hit with a surprise medical bill. Set aside a small amount (even ten or twenty dollars) into a monthly savings or emergency fund. Over time, this cushion will help you handle surprises without added stress or unexpected debt. Apply for scholarships each year to save even more in the long term.

Learning how to budget in college isn't just about surviving; it's about setting yourself up for success. Track spending, use student resources, and plan ahead to maximize your college experience without financial anxiety. A little discipline now goes a long way in building strong habits that will benefit you well beyond graduation.

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!