Students blog

I came into college with half of a bachelor’s degree, planning to graduate in three years by taking twelve credit hours each semester. Sounds easy, right? In reality, I had a rough time adjusting to difficult courses, and I changed my major and path twice.

The Weight of a Rigid Plan

I had a concrete plan: stay for three years, take the Dental Admission Test after two years, and go to dental school in the fall after my graduation. It wasn’t until recently that I accepted I could not do it. This was the best decision of my college career so far.

Like many college students, I believed that changing my goals was a sign of weakness or outright failure. The truth is that the goals I had set took a toll on me. I resented my course load and the thought of missing out on a year of what was supposed to be the greatest era of my life.

My grades started slipping, which, for a former straight-A student, was hurtful and confusing. I had arranged my life around studying and was now falling short.

Giving Myself Grace

Eventually, I figured out the solution: I needed to push back my goals and give myself grace. I realized certain things were inhibiting my learning, and it is nearly impossible to be successful if you keep up the same habits that are hurting your happiness.

Knowing I couldn’t maintain the pace, I decided to take a step back. I contacted my advisor, and together we planned to extend my degree by one more semester.

I could finally look at my schedule with a smile instead of intense fear. I was able to tell my friends that I could stick around for another semester, be more involved in my sorority, and have time for things other than studying and work.

Embracing a New Momentum

I would be lying if I said this decision did not terrify me. Truthfully, adding a semester felt like a failure.

However, no one around me made me feel bad about this decision; they pushed me in the direction that would benefit me mentally. This meant postponing everything I had worked so hard for in high school and allowing myself to build a new timeline.

Your Life, Your Timeline

All I have learned from this is that life is meant to be lived on your timeline. Just because there is a conventional path does not mean it is right for you. Do what makes you happy, and when you find yourself hurting, make a change that will benefit you.

It is nearly impossible to feel successful when the pressure you put on yourself is suffocating. Take a deep breath and consider what you want. After all, the only person who can live your life is you.

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We’ve all been there. You had a slow morning. Maybe you slept in or spent too long doomscrolling.

And suddenly it’s 4 p.m. You’ve done nothing you planned to do, and a mix of guilt and panic starts to set in. Here’s the thing, though: a wasted morning doesn’t have to mean a wasted day. You can turn it around. Here’s how.

Acknowledge What Happened

Grab some paper or open a note in your phone and write down every unproductive thing you’ve done today: doomscrolling, excessive napping, or binge-watching your favorite show.

The goal of this exercise is not to beat yourself up but to get the guilt out and onto a piece of paper. Feeling guilty can quietly drain your energy, and acknowledging the feeling can loosen its grip on you.

Reset with a “Morning” Routine

Do your morning routine again to try to trick your brain into thinking it’s a brand-new day. Whether it’s washing your face, changing your clothes, or making your bed, your brain may associate these rituals with starting fresh. That might be all it takes to give you the motivation to get to work.

But before you do that, if you’re in bed scrolling, put your phone down and get up. Thinking about getting started isn't enough; you have to actually start. The first step is removing yourself from an unproductive environment.

Make your bed. Walk to another room. Maybe get some water. Getting your body moving is often all it takes to get your mind moving, too.

Find Your Focus Zone

Pick somewhere you know puts you in work mode, like a coffee shop or a specific corner of your house. It doesn’t matter where, as long as you’re intentional about it.

The key here is not just going there but staying there. One sneaky time-waster is spending forty-five minutes trying to find a place to sit, only to then get hungry or need water. Suddenly, another fifteen minutes (or an hour) is gone. Pick a spot, sit down, and don’t move until you’ve done what you planned to get done.

Put your phone away, too; it’s not your friend right now. Put it on airplane mode or, even better, power it off.

Create a Time-Blocked Plan

Have you done all the things above but still lack motivation? Rewrite your to-do list. This time, write it like a planner, broken down by the hour, with only the time you have left.

This does two things: it shows you how much time you actually have, and it can create a healthy sense of urgency. Remember that productivity often builds on itself. Once you’re in the flow, it’s much easier to keep going.

Be Realistic with Yourself

It’s important to be realistic with yourself. You don’t have to finish everything today. If half of the day is already gone, no amount of hustle will change that.

You’re not trying to have a perfect day anymore. You’re trying to salvage a few good hours, and that’s a completely worthwhile goal.

A wasted morning, or even an afternoon, isn’t a verdict on the rest of your day. It’s just a slow start. What you do with the hours you have left is what counts.

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The semester is over, and you can finally take a break. After late-night study sessions, final exams, and homework assignments, you've earned this time to relax and reset. As the next semester approaches, use these tips to plan ahead and start preparing.

1. Map Your Route

A new semester brings a compelling catalog of locations for your scheduled classes. No matter how big or small the campus, it’s handy to know how far you’ll be traveling and how long it’ll take. Check a campus map on your device and plan your route.

If you have the chance, you can even test the route a day or two before classes start. When planning your route, note which buildings you’ll pass.

If you have time between classes, you can look for the perfect break spot on campus. A library? An outdoor bench? Anywhere that suits your needs. Maybe you’ll pass a trendy new campus coffee shop serving a shaken espresso with your name on it.

2. Organize Early

Before the next semester saunters in, taking time to get organized can set the stage for a smoother, less stressful experience. As soon as they become available, review your class syllabi. Note what you’ll be reading, the projects you’ll complete, and the exams that require scheduled study time.

You can also take this time to gather all the supplies for each of your classes. Hit up your local bookstore to grab any required reading materials. Make a day of it by purchasing a new set of notebooks, pencils, and other supplies.

A little planning in advance can ensure you’re prepared to stay on track when deadlines start piling up.

3. Prioritize Self-Care

Starting a new semester is exciting! And it’s chaotic. Sometimes it’s downright overwhelming.

Among all the essays written, homework completed, and all-nighters pulled, it’s essential to carve out time to take care of yourself. This can mean something different for everyone.

For some, it might mean going to bed at a decent hour (or at least giving it a shot). For others, it’s setting up a class planner so that projects don’t sneak up on you.

Taking just a few minutes out of your day to let your brain and body relax will pay off when you reach the finish line. Find time in your weekly schedule to take care of yourself. After all, you’re doing a lot of heavy academic lifting.

Starting a New Semester

Starting a new semester doesn’t have to devolve into chaos. With route planning, self-care, and organized supplies, you can confidently walk into your first week of classes.

Enjoy your well-earned break, and know that when the semester rolls around, you’ll be more than 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! 

January 1: You wake up bright and early. It’s a new year, and you feel like a new person with a fresh set of goals. You plan to spend more time outside, go to the gym every day, and stay on top of all your assignments.

Then February hits. Your gym sends you a text message saying they miss you. It’s been days since you’ve seen the light of day, and you’re two weeks behind on your lectures.

If you’re worried this will happen again next year (and the next), use this how-to guide to stick to your New Year's resolutions.

Step 1: Set Small, Realistic Goals

It’s easy to get ambitious and set huge goals, but this can be unrealistic, especially when your motivation inevitably dips. Rather than setting a goal to go to the gym every day, set a goal to move your body for thirty minutes instead. Sometimes, a simple walk around your neighborhood is easier to commit to than driving to the gym for a full workout.

Step 2: Find an Accountability Partner

I’ll be the first to admit it’s easy to let go of goals when no one else knows about them. If no one is going to question your progress, it makes it much easier to quit.

That’s where an accountability partner comes in. It could be a family member, roommate, partner, or friend. Their job is to hold you responsible and encourage you to stay on track.

Didn’t stick to your goal? They’ll motivate you to try again. Plus, embarking on a journey is always easier when you're not alone.

Step 3: The Two-Month Commitment

On average, it takes a little more than two months of consistent practice to form a new habit (Lally et al., 2009). If you commit to achieving your goal for two months, these actions can develop into a habit and, eventually, a lifestyle.

Instead of overwhelming yourself with a year-long commitment, focus on the next two months. It makes the whole thing seem less intimidating. Before you know it, you’ll have created a new routine.

Step 4: It’s a Privilege

Eventually, keeping up with your New Year's resolutions will feel as effortless as any other habit. Still, some days will be a lot easier than others.

On days when motivation seems elusive, try reframing your thoughts about your to-do list. Instead of saying, “I have to,” try saying, “I get to.” For example: “I get to move my body every day,” “I get to have an amazing education,” “I get to fuel my body with good things,” or “I get to enjoy nature.” Every day is a privilege and recognizing this can help you feel more grateful for your life.

Through it all, remember to love yourself and give yourself grace. Better yet, add that goal to the top of your list.

Bibliography

Lally, Phillippa, van Jaarsveld, Cornelia H. M., Potts, Henry W. W., and Wardle, Jane. “How Are Habits Formed: Modelling Habit Formation in the Real World.” European Journal of Social Psychology 40, no. 6 (July 2009): 998–1009. https://doi.org/10.1002/ejsp.674.

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Winners and losers both set goals. The difference between the winner (who achieves their goal) and the loser (who never achieves their goal) is their habits.

The Habit is the Goal

Let’s be honest: college (and life) often feels like juggling fire while riding a unicycle. With classes, commitments, and the temptation of “just one more episode,” it’s easy to rely on bursts of motivation. But motivation is like campus Wi-Fi — it works great when you have it but disappears the moment you need it most. That’s why habits are the true change-makers.

Many people treat habits as seasonal tools — something you do just to hit a temporary goal. But this is a limited mindset. Instead, if you make the habit itself the goal, the results will naturally follow. In fact, when you make a habit part of your identity (“I am a runner” instead of “I want to run a 5K”), the goal becomes your reality almost effortlessly.

How to Build a Habit

If you want to hear from a habits expert instead of a college student who still procrastinates on homework, I highly recommend the book Atomic Habits by James Clear. Clear breaks down the science very “clearly” (pun intended). He emphasizes that building habits isn’t about massive overhauls, but small, consistent wins that compound like interest.

He outlines four key steps to building a habit:

1. Create a cue. Something triggers you to act. Walk into the kitchen? You’re suddenly opening the fridge. Your environment often cues your behavior.

2. Lower the activation energy. Make the habit easy to start. If your guitar is stored in the attic, odds are you’ll never play it. But if it’s on a stand next to your desk, picking it up becomes effortless. Small changes in your setup can significantly lower the barrier to action.

3. Practice the desired response. This step is like the first day at the gym: everything feels heavy, awkward, and maybe even a little embarrassing. But with repetition, what once seemed impossible becomes second nature. Think about learning to ride a bike: the first tries are wobbly, but soon you’re cruising without thinking. That’s your brain engraving a new neural groove.

4. Make it enjoyable. If the habit feels rewarding, your brain will want to repeat it. Find ways to make it fun, reward yourself, or pair it with something you already enjoy.

The Genius of Habit Stacking

One of my favorite techniques from the book is habit stacking — linking a new habit to an existing one. It’s like sneaking vegetables into your mac and cheese. You don’t notice the effort as much, but the benefits add up.

Personally, I’ve found success by stacking habits in simple but powerful ways:

• While driving, I practice sermons or presentations. My car becomes a mobile rehearsal hall.
• In the shower, I listen to podcasts or recordings — yes, multitasking cleanliness and personal growth.
• When I eat, I often read a book. It nourishes both my body and my mind.

These habit stacks have multiplied my growth without feeling like extra work.

Turn Knowledge Into Power

At the end of the day, knowledge alone isn’t power — the application of knowledge is power. You already know habits matter. Now it’s time to put them into practice.

Start small. Stack wisely. Lower the barriers. Reward yourself. Before long, you’ll realize your habits aren’t chores — they’re the superpowers fueling your success.

So here’s the challenge: don’t just read this. Go apply it. You already have the knowledge — now it’s time to unlock your power.

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

The longer you are in college, the more likely you are to become connected on campus. However, balancing these connections among school, work, health, relationships, and life demands can often feel overwhelming. After experiencing this struggle firsthand, I’ve picked up five main tips along the way: set early deadlines, create a study routine, practice self-care, take things one day at a time, and remember to have fun!

Stay Ahead by Setting Early Deadlines

To avoid feeling overwhelmed, set deadlines that are earlier than the ones your professor assigns. It can be stressful to realize too late that you have five big assignments due on the same day.

My go-to strategy is to start assignments early and begin with the hardest ones first. Completing an essay a week early reduces stress and leaves time for peer review before submission, which could lead to a higher grade.

Using this approach has helped me prioritize studying for exams instead of scrambling to finish assignments I’ve procrastinated on.

Improve Recall by Scheduling Study Time

Allocating specific times to study for quizzes or re-read chapters has been crucial for my success in college. While my study schedule varies from week to week, I strive to study between thirty minutes and two hours each day.

Actively recalling the material you’re learning is a highly effective way to retain this new knowledge.

Reward Yourself with Rest

Incorporate self-care into your routine. Set aside time for relaxing activities like stretching, applying a face mask, or playing video games.

To encourage a healthy balance with these activities, set a limit for them. For example, limit yourself to one mission in a video game or set a twenty-minute timer before switching to a more productive task.

There is no single “right” way to practice self-care. Do what works for you. If self-care means lying in bed for ten or twenty minutes, then do just that!

Take It Day by Day and Have Fun

Finally, take it one day at a time and remember to have fun! College will throw many curveballs your way: family emergencies, financial struggles, and more. But you’ll also want to make room for those core memories that will never leave your brain.

Be kind to yourself. College is a learning experience, and every year brings something new. Even if you’re a planner (like me), taking things day by day can help you achieve a consistent balance in your schedule.

Benefit from Balance

Ultimately, finding balance comes from a mix of thoughtful planning and self-compassion. Build a system to navigate the chaos of college by setting early deadlines, creating a study routine, practicing self-care, taking it day by day, and enjoying yourself.

The goal isn’t to be perfect but to create a college experience that feels both productive and fun. Discovering a balance that works for you is one of the most valuable lessons you'll learn in college!

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 the beginning of each year and each semester, students may make all different kinds of resolutions Whether it be exercising more, making new friends, or studying harder, almost every student finds something that they want to change. No matter the change though, one thing stays the same: organizational habits need an improvement! By organizing your life, you can achieve any goal you set your mind to!

Organize Your Day

Utilizing different planning apps like a digital calendar, a physical planner, or other organization apps on your phone can make planning your day-to-day schedule so much easier. I often find myself not remembering to do activities like going to the gym or meeting up with friends unless I make a conscious effort to write down and plan these events! Small efforts can go a long way.

What’s a Dopamine Menu?

This is one of the best tools I’ve found to “organize my happiness!” A dopamine menu is a small list of tasks that can be completed to make you feel happier! The “dopamine” aspect of the name refers to the chemical known as the “happy hormone.” The “menu” aspect refers to the fact that the list is often organized as a menu. Appetizers are actions that don’t take long and could include listening to your favorite song, cuddling a pet, or stretching. Entrees take a little bit longer – maybe going for a walk, cooking a favorite meal, or taking a long shower. Sides can be done in the background – like putting on your favorite show or lighting a candle. And desserts are special treats, like buying a new outfit or going to your favorite place! I’ve utilized a dopamine menu when I’m feeling stressed from college life. It’s a quick and easy way to give myself the boost I need to get through the day!

Organizing Your Space

Decluttering your space is an easy way to clear your mind. I’ve found that taking time to organize my closet, deep clean my room, and throw out old things that I don’t need allows me to enjoy and relax in the space that I’m living in. A clear mind helps me to study more effectively and reach my other goals more easily!

All in all, college life is never easy. There are constant stressors that take us farther and farther away from reaching our goals! As students, it is important to take a step back and reflect on our habits. With a few changes to our organization skills, we can easily achieve our goals!

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! 

How people perceive me as a person had always been very important to me. So naturally, when I found out I was expecting my first child my mind immediately jumped to what would the public think of me. It bothered me that from first glance no one would know my significant other and I had been together for five years. They had no idea that I was studying computer science with a 3.8 GPA or had been awarded close to $100,000 in scholarships since my first semester of school. To them I was only a young, unwed mother.

At first, these assumptions were not only overwhelming, but also discouraging. I found myself wearing oversized clothing on campus to mask my pregnancy. I often skipped grabbing lunch to avoid the eyes that seemed to gravitate towards my growing belly. It felt as if my identity had been watered down to a stereotype. But I began to question why I was allowing the opinions of strangers to dictate how I carried myself. Hiding wasn’t fair to me or the life I was creating. Slowly, I began to embrace this chapter, understanding that neither my strength nor identity wasn’t diminished by these challenges – it was amplified.

Despite the challenges, and even the fear, I persevered. I needed to prove I was capable of being great now more than ever. Throughout the duration of my pregnancy, I have accomplished many things that I thought would not be possible under the circumstances. I was awarded a $15,000 scholarship after bravely submitting my story, turning what some might see as setback into a story of resilience. I have maintained a 4.0 GPA for two consecutive semesters––both while carrying my child. I was honored with the “Top Jags Star” award, a recognition from a prestigious organization that acknowledged my academic excellence, leadership, and dedication. Beyond academics, I traveled to Arkansas to participate in the HBCU ACES case competition, where I led my team to a 1st-place victory. And most recently, I have secured an internship for the upcoming semester as a configuration engineer, further proving my ability to thrive in my field. These accomplishments reminded me that my pregnancy wasn’t a limitation it was just another layer of my story, one that strengthened my resolve and showcased my ability to persevere.

As I write this, I am preparing for both finals and to enter motherhood. It’s a time filled with anticipation, determination, and gratitude. While this path has not been easy, it has shaped me into a stronger, more resilient version of myself. I am proud of what I’ve accomplished and excited for what lies ahead, knowing that my hard work has laid a foundation for a brighter future—not just for me, but for my child as well. This journey has taught me that with perseverance and faith in my abilities, I will always thrive, no matter the circumstances.

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! 

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

1) Why wake up early?

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

2) Make small goals

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

3) Sustainable routine

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

4) Bask in the alone time

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

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