Students blog

Explore the latest trends, tips, and experiences in college life in this blog written by fellow students.

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  • An instructor helping three college students in a computer lab.

    Three Things I Wish I Knew My Freshman Year

    Arnold Taylor

    As I enter my senior year, I reflect on my college experience and think about what I wish I had known coming into college. There are three major things I wish I knew coming into college as a freshman: the importance of time management, reaching out for help when needed, and getting involved.

    Time Management

    Time management is a huge part of being successful in college. Being able to navigate between not only classes but balancing a social life on top of responsibilities can be hard. Creating a schedule that helps you stay on time and still allows for social interactions is important. Engaging in different clubs also helps to stay on top of responsibilities such as school while getting to meet new people along the way.

    Help is Everywhere

    As a freshman, it can be daunting to approach a professor however, they are humans too and, in most cases, more than willing to help. Although it can be frightening to approach professors, in most cases there are Teaching Assistants (TAs) and counselors who may also be able to help and answer any questions or problems you may encounter. TAs are the easiest way to help and answer because they are students just like you and have recently been in the same position.

    Get Involved

    Engage in your surroundings. College is more than just classes and books; it is about making connections and meeting new people. Joining clubs and volunteering are both great ways to expand your interests. Enjoyable experiences can be just as important as your grades in your classes.

    As you begin your freshman year, I hope you will remember to manage your time well, ask for help, and use the resources around you to your advantage!

    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! 

  • A group of sorority women from Chi Omega.

    Say ‘Yes’ to an Enriched College Experience

    Maggie Schoof

    Coming to college is a fresh start. It’s an opportunity to pursue your passions and explore your interests. You get to be the person you want to be and get away from all the things about hometown life that were holding you back. When I came to college, I adopted a mentality that has led me to make new friends, have exciting experiences, and encounter huge growth opportunities…all I did was say “yes”. I said “yes” when I was scared, I said “yes” when I didn't have a friend to go with, I said “yes” when I had no prior experience. Not everything I said “yes” to turned out wonderfully, but I had enough amazing “yes” moments that the other ones didn't matter.

    One big “yes” that has changed my college experience was deciding to go through sorority recruitment. This decision came with so many fears, especially the fear that I didn't have enough connections. No one in Tennessee knew who I was so the conversations I had during recruitment would be the sole factor for a sorority to decide if they liked me or not. There was also the fear of rejection. I knew that there was a good chance that I would really like a house and they could drop me, and in all honesty that happened, a couple times even, but where I ended up in the end made it all worth it.

  • A silhouette of a row of beach houses at sunset.

    Dealing with Homesickness during Your First Year in College

    Anna Landrum

    Homesickness is something that most people will deal with during their college experience. Whether you are an hour or a thousand miles away from home, being homesick is normal. For a lot of young adults, college is the first time they move away from their parents and hometowns. Homesickness was something that I struggled with a lot in my first year of college. It took me a long time to adjust to my new life as an independent college student. Thankfully, as a sophomore I finally feel adjusted to college life without consistently feeling homesick. Here are a few tips and tricks to help deal with homesickness while at college.

    Make Reminders of Home

    When I am feeling homesick, I try to do things that remind me of home. I cook a family recipe or find a restaurant that makes similar meals. If there is a film that reminds you of home, have a cozy movie night. Also bringing items to college that have special meaning to you like photos of family and friends, childhood stuffed animals, or even a blanket from home can bring you comfort in moments when you miss home. Facetime your hometown friends and family when you can, and if you are busy having a simple text conversation can help you feel closer to the people you miss.

    Make Your School Your New Home

    Another way to help ease the feeling of homesickness is to put yourself out there, meet new people, and get involved on campus. Join a club. Colleges usually have an involvement fair at the start of a new semester and with many options; there will be a club that fits one of your interests! Try to meet new people. In class, chat with your classmates and introduce yourself to people. When you are in the dining hall, try to sit with a new person each time you go. This is a great way to make friends. One of my favorite ways to meet new people is by going to the gym. I love going to work-out classes and have made many friends by talking with the people also attending a workout.

    Seek Professional Help

    If you still can’t shake that homesick feeling and it becomes overwhelming, do not be afraid to reach out for help. Connect with a friend or family member and tell them about your feelings, or contact your university's counseling center. Appointments are free at most college counseling centers, and you can talk to a trained therapist.

    Acknowledge your feelings of homesickness. You are going through a major change in your life and while it is an exciting transition, it can also be scary. Be patient with yourself and know that things get better!

    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! 

     

  • A view of the Quad on the University of Illinois campus.

    Guide to Moving Away to College for the First Time

    Keya Soni

    When I was entering my freshman year of college, I was extremely nervous and anxious, especially since this would be my first time being on my own. College is a thrilling time and all these possibilities were spinning through my head- what will my day to day be like? How will I make friends? What should I bring with me and what should I keep at home? I understand the magnitude of questions that can go through someone’s head when just entering college, so I want to offer a guide I wish I knew about for anyone going down this journey.

    1. Get involved quickly:

    Something I wish I did faster was to put myself out there. Join student organizations and extracurriculars. These spaces are great if you are trying to meet people and make friends, and it is also an amazing resume builder. Also, it is completely normal to feel intimidated when considering what activities to join, especially when you don’t know anyone there. But that’s the point - to make connections with others who have similar interests as you. Student organizations are generally very warm and welcoming to new students and showing your interest can be a great place to make meaningful connections!

    2. It’s normal to be homesick:

    Being away from home for the first time on your own, no matter the distance, can be tough and might be one of the biggest adjustments in the whole college process. Videocall your family as often as you can, and plan out visits to see them when your schedule permits and your workload is minimal. Staying connected is very important to keeping your support system throughout this experience.

    3. Learning when to say ‘yes’ and when to say ‘no’:

    Your friends will want to do things with you when you know you have a lot of work to get done or have a hectic day. Start by assessing what your priorities and goals are, and then figure out how this might impact you in your personal and academic life. This is the time you are young and figuring yourself out, so find what works best for you and which opportunities you don’t want to miss out on.

    4. Get organized:

    Academic, personal, and professional life can become chaotic if you don’t set a general to-do list for yourself. Try setting aside certain calendar apps or writing down in a physical planner the tasks and events in all areas of your life. Stay on top of updating that system as often as you can and take one thing at a time. (I personally use Notion and Google Calendar to organize.)

    5. Take care of yourself!

    Sleep, eat, stay hydrated, and get in some physical activity. Taking care of both your physical and mental health in college is essential if you want to succeed. Practicing selfcare will not only make you feel awesome and less stressed, but also is a great way to connect with yourself. Take time to listen and follow what your body wants.

    I hope that some of these tips were helpful, and I hope your college experience is everything you want it to be. Best of luck to you!

    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! 

     

  • Two college women are standing outside with the Golden Gate Bridge behind them.

    Three Things I Wish I’d Known as a Freshman

    Laura Avellaneda

    Now that I have graduated, I’ve been reflecting a lot recently on my college experience. I’ve realized that there are three things I wish I knew as a freshman that would’ve made my college experience much easier!

    1. Don’t be afraid to take risks

    College can be an intimidating place, especially as a freshman going to a big school! Don’t be afraid to take risks or try new things because of what other people might think; this is the perfect environment to do it in. This could mean joining a new club, trying a new sport, taking a difficult class, going to a social event, and more. For all you know, it could lead to you meeting your best friends or finding a new hobby! This is an awesome opportunity to learn more about yourself and what you like and don’t like.

    2. Everything will work out in the end

    Although it won’t always seem like it, most of the time everything always works out in the end! As a freshman, it can be so stressful and overwhelming when you don’t get the class you want or you aren’t able to become roommates with your friends. But what if it leads to you taking a different class that you love or you becoming best friends with your roommates that you’ve never met? It’s easy to get stuck on something when one bad thing happens, but living with the mindset that everything happens for a reason and that it will all work out can be super helpful. Stress is inevitable but understanding this can make college a little less stressful!

    3. Reach for help when you need it

    Everyone will experience highs and lows in college, especially in their freshman year. Sometimes, it might seem like you’re having a lot of lows, but when this happens it’s important to reach out for help so you can feel less lonely. This could mean reaching out to friends and family and letting them know you’re struggling, going to therapy on campus, or asking for help in classes. College is already hard enough, but having a close circle of people you can rely on when you need it can significantly improve your experience!

    If you’re just getting started in your college career, take my advice to ease your way into this experience. Be prepared to take risks, keep an open mind, and seek support when you inevitably face challenges.

    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! 

  • A view of a football game at Michigan State. The marching band is on the field.

    Finding Your Niche

    CJ Schumacher

    College is a stressful time for many freshmen as establishing a new group of friends can be a difficult thing to achieve. Expression and discovery are two things that every college student will look at when arriving at school. These things can be very hard to come by and it can be difficult to even start to think about how to put yourself out there. Here are four ideas to help you find your niche in this new environment.

    Have Some Variety

    Build some variety into your course schedule. This will encourage you to meet many types of people throughout all your classes and can lead to different types of connections.

    Join Some Clubs

    Club involvement is crucial to getting connected to a new school. At Michigan State, we have something called Sparticipation in both the fall and spring semesters. This is a giant club fair for all the clubs on campus. Your school most likely has something similar. Attend the event and talk to the people representing different groups. You can also see if they have an information QR code or a signup list to sign up for emails from that club! In connection with this, look at any school-related social media accounts and posts to discover clubs you are interested in. Reach out to them through their direct messages or see if there is an information link in their account.

    Speak to Your Advisor

    Have discussions with your advisor. Advisors can often open your mind to your options and give you advice on good clubs and organizations to join to make the most of your college experience. Getting to know your advisors can improve your college experience and enhance job opportunities for the future.

    Be Yourself

    My final tip is something that may appear to be basic but be yourself. While going around campus just be true to yourself and be open to new opportunities. Just do what makes you happy and positive experiences will come your way.

    There will definitely be challenging times during college, but many very fulfilling times as well. Try everything you can, have a good time and enjoy some of the best years of your life.

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

  • A group of college students playing indoor hockey in a campus gym.

    Maintaining Your Health During Freshman Year

    Cooper Grahek

    College is an exciting time for many young adults. For most, it’s their first time away from home and they have an opportunity to explore the world on their own. However, with this newfound freedom comes a lot of stress. This stress is something that I had a hard time handling properly. It took a toll not only on my mental health, but my physical health as well.

    During my freshman year I found myself locked in my room and doing homework all the time. I struggled to allow myself to do anything besides homework and felt a level of stress when I did. I never went to the gym, wasn’t staying active, and most importantly I wasn’t eating the best. I would often catch myself getting stuck in a “buffet mentality” at the dining hall and constantly never felt full. This led to me eating pizza and drinking soda with nearly every meal.

    Coming into college I was a little underweight for my height, and all I wanted was to put on some muscle. Instead, I put on fat, and quite a bit of it. Although eating was my main issue, never going to the gym didn’t help. By the time Christmas break came around I could tell I had put on some pounds, and not in the way I wanted. I knew I had to make a change. Instead of letting stress control my life, I used it to fuel my motivation to find interests that helped me escape, whether it was going to the gym or doing some other physical activity.

    Don’t let the stress of college control your life like it controlled mine. Physical health is one of the most important things that lead to a long life. You also need to watch what you put in your body as fatty and unhealthy foods can lead to you feeling worse about yourself and increase the stress you already feel.

    There is more to college than just the school portion. Remember that and always try to take care of your body both physically and mentally.

    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! 

  • A graphic with geometrical shapes and the blog title ‘Four Ways to Increase Productivity and Organization for College Students’.

    Four Ways to Increase Productivity and Organization for College Students

    Bella Emanuel

    During the first few weeks of my freshman year at Miami University, I was overwhelmed with how I would balance my schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and new friendships. Creating a balanced schedule at college can often be tricky. I quickly adapted to life here at Miami and implemented four strategies that helped me stay productive and organized: using a planner, making my bed every morning, creating a master syllabus, and prioritizing my mental and physical health.

    Planning Each Week

    At the beginning of each school year, I buy a new planner to start fresh. When the semester begins, I plan my week each Sunday evening. This allows me to plan out what assignments I will complete each day of the week. This helps me avoid procrastination and allows me to get my assignments done early. I also include group meetings, social events, or any other work that needs to be accomplished that week. Using a planner each week allows me to balance all my work and activities in an organized fashion.

    Making My Bed

    Each morning, the first thing that I do is make my bed. I started doing this after reading Make Your Bed by William H. McRaven. It helps me start my day both productively and in an organized manner. Making my bed makes me feel put together and ready to take on the day. Completing a task right when I wake up allows me to check a task off my list and makes me feel accomplished.

    Creating a Master Syllabus

    During the first week of each semester I create a master syllabus that includes all my assignments for each class for the whole semester. I go through each syllabus and pull out the assignment names, dates, and times that each assignment is due. Next, I enter them into a spreadsheet and color-code them by class. The final step is to order the data by the due date. This allows me to recognize what assignments are due each week and allows me to write them down in my planner. This is a way to keep track of all of my assignments and see which weeks have a heavier course load. Having all my assignments in one place creates good habits of turning work in on time and increases my productivity.

  • A tri-fold display board with information on joining the Finance Society.

    How to Find Your Place in College: Attend the Organization Fair

    Hiren Gugnani

    If you're reading this, then congratulations! You are an accomplished student accepted into college, or maybe you are currently an underclassman. Either way, this is a big step towards your future, and it was all your accomplishments thus far that led you to this point. Now that you made it to college, it is understandable to feel overwhelmed with the amount of people and excitement going on. There is one event in the beginning of the semester that can help lead you in the right direction to find your place in the daunting environment you're now a part of—and that is your campus’s organization fair.

    Take it all in

    Whether or not your school holds it as an in-person event, it will likely be an overwhelming experience. I remember a large tent, with tables managed by crowds of overenthusiastic students standing idly by their tri-fold boards. Our event was divided by a multitude of categories: Cultural organizations, Sports, Community Service, Greek Life, Major-specific, you name it! I found success in clubs relating to my heritage as a minority student, as well as business centered clubs as a devoted Finance student. Think about your interests beforehand, and glance over the map or list of clubs to ensure you get time to see anything you were curious about.

    Remember to be yourself

    It can be hard to learn more about all the clubs and activities your school has to offer when it's presented all at once. In an effort to try and get the most out of the event, I took pictures of the tabling for those student organizations that I was even somewhat interested in. This allowed me to look on their websites or email them if I have any questions. If something even remotely interests you, attend their first meeting and see what it’s all about! The key is to not feel obligated to commit to anything if you find that it isn’t for you. These extracurriculars should be your escape from the pressures of classes; something to look forward to during the week.

    Become familiar with leadership

    Once you find yourself acquainted with a club that sparks your interest, look into leadership opportunities within the executive board. While this feels too early for internal board positions, such as the President and Vice President roles, there can often be representative spots available for freshmen specifically. Those are yours to take! Having a leadership position allows you to cement yourself to the organization. Instead of being a general member, you will have some sort of control that makes an impact with the added responsibility. Then comes the opportunity to showcase your leadership on your resume, pointing out to recruiters that you are strengthening your soft skills, while working on something you are passionate about.

    Make your commitments

    At the end of the day, there will be many choices to where you can spend your time when not attending classes and studying in college. Taking on these extracurricular activities gives you a way to hold yourself accountable and make an impact that will last longer than your four years in undergraduate education. Decide what is best for you, and not for others. You will likely meet lifelong friends by engaging in mutual interests, so be on the lookout for those who want to get to know you. Once your find your home base, your college campus will go from an enormous, daunting place to a comfortable array of opportunities.

    Pearson Students, when’s your school's activities fair? Will you be in attendance?

    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!