Students blog

I am a business student at a school where it is the most popular degree, and because of this, the program is full of classes and simulations that allow you to experience what it is truly like to be in the business world. However, in order to act the part, you have to dress the part, and business professional clothes can cost more than what your minimum wage barista job is paying you. In order to not break the bank over a blazer, I have spent countless hours online shopping for the best deals in business professional clothes and have come up with a list of the clothes on a budget.

The Best Overall Value

H&M is the Holy Grail of basic business necessities. With a sale every other day, you are certain to walk out with slacks, a button up, and a blazer for under $100. For pants, I would pick these straight leg pants. These specific ones are only offered in black but are an essential closet staple for any business student, and less than $30 a pair. For a button down, this collared long sleeve, offered in 4 colors, is my dream. Finally, blazers can be hard to shop for, but this fitted blazer runs around $40, and will have you standing out at every interview in the best way.

More Expensive but Better Quality

If I were to win the lottery, I would buy my business professional clothes at Abercrombie & Fitch. All the products are high quality and bring a sense of style, comfort, and professionalism that is rarely found in business professional pieces under $100. This place is more expensive, but incredibly worth it. These tailored pants come in, wait for it, TWENTY colors. No matter who you are or what style you’re going for, I promise you will find what you’re looking for in these pants. For a matching blazer, they offer a classic fit and a lightweight option, both with six color options. Finally, when looking for a collared long sleeve, Abercrombie’s satin button up looks professional with or without a blazer.

Cheaper in Price and Product

A place usually overrun by moms, Old Navy is a hidden gem when it comes to business professional clothes. The options are limited on dress pants, but this blazer runs about $50 depending on the color. Also, this long sleeve will pair well with any dress pants, and is offered in six colors for as low as $20 when on sale.

Shopping on a budget can be hard, but it’s not impossible. By searching for sales and buying staples that can easily be rotated through different outfits, you can manage to save yourself some money and impress your professors, peers, and future bosses.

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! 

While one of the most exciting times in life, college can feel like a place you’re being pulled in a million different directions. Managing school, extracurricular activities, a social life, and maybe even a job is both challenging and overwhelming.

When I first got to college, I dove headfirst into the social and extracurricular opportunities campus had to offer while also being a full-time student and working part time. While the organizations I joined on campus are some of my favorite parts of my college experience so far, the entangling of my social, work, and academic calendars soon became a huge point of stress in my life. I felt like I could never get ahead of anything. In fact, I refused to look ahead in my calendar more than a day or two in advance because it stressed me out knowing everything I was going to have to do that week.

Eventually I decided to start taking on my day rather than letting it overtake me, and that’s when I added 5 steps to my routine to help me tackle my agenda. I’ve found that these 5 things help me stay on top of assignments and activities, while making me feel better prepared for the week ahead of me.

Step 1: Choose a Calendar

In college you’re going to get sent what seems like 100 different calendars with 100 different dates on them. My school uses Canvas, my sorority uses Google, my job uses Microsoft, and I would get emailed about campus events left and right. Nothing is worse than having to shift through a dozen sites just to figure out the agenda for the day, not to mention it makes it easy to forget about things all together. By condensing all your assignments, activities, and meetings into one calendar, you will have a one stop place to tackle the day. I prefer using the calendar app on my iPhone because it pops up on my home screen, but there are hundreds of other calendars out there that might work for you. There are simple applications like the iPhone calendar, Microsoft Outlook, and Google Calendar, and ones with more features available like Power Planner. Some people also prefer to have their planner on hand with them in a physical copy, which is great too. Regardless of what you use, consolidating your calendar is key.

Step 2: Stay Updated

When getting constant updates through school applications, emails from professors, employers, and organizations, it’s easy for information to get lost in the shuffle. Set aside a specific time in the day to check your notifications on all platforms and add information to your calendar. I prefer to do this first thing in the morning, as well as around 5pm but the important thing is to find a time that works for you and commit to being consistent with it each day.

Step 3: Plan a Time Designated for Homework

It’s easy to get behind on homework in college with so many other things going on in your life. After you’ve chosen a calendar and updated your assignments and schedule, it’s important to assess time during each day you can set aside to complete assignments. This time might look different each day depending on your class or work schedule, but this will help you stay focused on your assignments and keep from procrastinating. Procrastination is one of the biggest causes of stress in college and setting aside planned time for homework can help prevent you from getting behind on assignments.

Step 4: It's Okay to Say “No”

One of the hardest lessons I had to learn in college is that it’s okay to say no to things. I tried to pick up every shift, attend every meeting, and volunteer for every event, and I found it being more detrimental to me mentally than it was beneficial. The great thing about college is that there will always be another opportunity, and it’s okay to say no. Even though you might have FOMO in the moment, taking the night off to prioritize rest or homework is okay and you’ll thank yourself in the long run. Making sure I was choosing the activities I participated in each day intentionally helped my days become less stressful and allowed me to really enjoy what I was doing.

Step 5: Get Some Sleep

The last part of my daily routine I changed that drastically helped my ability to balance the craziness of college life was prioritizing my sleep. It’s incredibly hard to be productive running on 3 hours of sleep. Along with this, it’s hard for your body to keep up when you go to bed at 9pm one night, and 3am the next. Once I started going to bed at a consistent and reasonable time each night, I saw my mood and energy boost dramatically. This goes along with planning out your homework time, so you don’t get stuck with a last-minute deadline having to pull and all-nighter.

College is an amazing time filled with once in lifetime opportunities, but no student is exempt from the stress and busy schedule that comes with this season of life. I know incorporating these five things into my daily life has helped me find the balance between my social, academic, and work life and I hope they will do the same for you. Everyone's schedule and preferences are different, so make sure to try out different calendars, study periods and sleep times to see what works best for 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! 

Many students, including myself, only open up MyLab to complete their homework and cross it off the list. Studying is different for everyone, but we may use textbooks, internet, or flashcards to prepare for a test over the content. Pearson’s MyLab has recently released a new feature called Dynamic Study Modules that incorporates textbooks, concepts, and study tactics similar to flashcards; unfortunately, not a lot of students are aware of what this is or how beneficial it can be!

How To Use DSM

Dynamic Study Modules (DSMs) are a feature that provides you a set of questions that you can answer with a variation of “I’m sure,” “I don’t know,” or “I think so.” Depending on how you answer, a dark green, light green, or red circle will appear above the question as you continue. To complete the module, you must obtain a dark green circle above each question to show mastery of the topic. Once completed, you can review the information as much as you need or receive your grade if it’s an assignment.

Efficient Use of Time

Many students use flashcards to study for a test, but they waste a lot of valuable time creating these cards. Flashcards are mainly used for repetitions and memorization, but DSMs supply both while also being interactive and conceptual. Instead of memorizing the answers for each flashcard or question, the program builds your critical thinking and conceptual skills of the topics within the textbook. This program saves students hours of preparation, and it is also a better alternative for studying & creating new habits.

Even though this is a fresh feature added to Pearson, it has already been beneficial to many students like me. Students may not be aware of this opportunity unless they do the searching themselves throughout the platform, so it is often overlooked. It might be good practice as a professor to ensure that students are aware of everything they are offered with the program. This is your sign to take the 5 minutes, explore your resources, and take advantage of the study tools provided to you! Dynamic Study Modules are changing the study game right in front of our eyes, and it is included with the purchase of the platform!

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 ability to be creative is important to the human experience, but many people find it difficult to reach their full creative potential. Embracing the art of everyday innovation can put us on a transforming road, regardless of whether we feel "uncreative” or confined by the routines of our daily life. Let’s examine the depths of creativity, dispel common misconceptions, and explore doable solutions to help you tap into your creative potential and introduce innovation into every aspect of your life. 

Understanding the Creative Mind: Debunking Myths and Unveiling the Truths 

Creativity is often misunderstood, surrounded by myths that limit its potential. Here are a few common misconceptions and reveal the truths about the creative mind. 
 
Myth #1: "Creativity is only for the chosen few." The truth is that creativity resides within all of us. It is not exclusive to artists or geniuses but is a universal human trait waiting to be nurtured. 
 
Myth #2: "Creativity follows a specific formula." In reality, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to creativity. Each individual has their unique creative process, and it's essential to embrace and trust your own way of thinking and creating. 

Overcoming Creative Blocks: Tips to Rekindle Inspiration and Break Through Barriers 

At times, creative blocks can hinder our creative flow. Let’s explore practical techniques to overcome these blocks and reignite inspiration. 
 
Tip #1: Reframing Problems: A fresh perspective can breathe new life into creativity. By reframing challenges as opportunities, we can shift our mindset and discover innovative solutions. 
 
Tip #2: Embracing Constraints: Limitations can fuel creativity. By embracing constraints, we are forced to think creatively and find unconventional approaches. 

Nurturing Creativity in Daily Life: Small Habits with Big Impact 

Infusing creativity into our daily lives can have a profound impact on our overall well-being and ability to generate innovative ideas. What practical habits and rituals nurture creativity? 
 
Habit #1: Journaling: Writing down our thoughts, ideas, and observations can stimulate creative thinking and serve as a valuable resource for future inspiration. 
 
Habit #2: Engaging in Mindful Practices: Mindfulness cultivates a state of present-moment awareness, allowing us to tap into our creative flow. We'll explore mindfulness exercises such as meditation, deep breathing, and sensory awareness. 
 
Habit #3: Allowing Time for Play and Exploration: Engaging in playful activities and exploring new hobbies can spark creativity by encouraging experimentation and curiosity. 

Embracing Multidisciplinary Thinking: Finding Inspiration Outside Your Comfort Zone 

Cross-pollination of ideas from different disciplines can lead to breakthrough innovations. Here are two benefits of multidisciplinary thinking and how to embrace it. 
 
Benefit #1: Fresh Perspectives: When we venture beyond our comfort zones, we expose ourselves to new perspectives, ideas, and approaches that can inspire innovative thinking. 
 
Benefit #2: Connecting Dots: By drawing connections between seemingly unrelated fields, we can uncover unique insights and create original solutions. 

The Power of Collaboration: Fostering Creative Synergy with Others 

Collaboration has the power to amplify creative potential. How can collaboration enhance creativity and provide strategies for effective creative partnerships? 
 
Strategy #1: Active Listening and Empathy: By truly listening to others' perspectives and empathizing with their experiences, we can foster an environment of trust and respect, which fuels collaborative creativity. 
 
Strategy #2: Constructive Feedback: Constructive feedback plays a vital role in refining ideas and pushing creative boundaries. We'll delve into techniques for giving and receiving feedback that encourages growth and innovation. 

Embracing Failure as a Catalyst for Innovation: Lessons from the Great Creatives 

Failure is an unavoidable part of the creative process.  
 
Lesson #1: Resilience and Persistence: Failure teaches us the importance of perseverance and resilience. We'll examine how successful creatives embraced setbacks, learned from them, and kept moving forward. 
 
Lesson #2: Learning from Mistakes: Failures provide valuable insights and lessons. We'll explore techniques for analyzing failures, extracting lessons, and applying those lessons to future creative endeavors. 
 
Lesson #3: Embracing the Growth Mindset: Adopting a growth mindset allows us to view failure as an opportunity for growth and improvement. We'll delve into strategies for cultivating a growth mindset and embracing the iterative nature of the creative process. 

Mindfulness and Creativity: Cultivating Presence for Enhanced Imagination 

The practice of mindfulness can significantly enhance our creative thinking. Mindfulness practices cultivate presence and nurture our imaginative abilities. 
 
Practice #1: Meditation and Mindful Awareness: Regular meditation practices help quiet the mind, increase focus, and tap into the depths of our creative potential. 
 
Practice #2: Embracing Flow States: Flow states, characterized by deep focus and immersion in an activity, are fertile grounds for creativity. We'll discuss strategies for entering and nurturing flow states.

Tapping into the Subconscious: The Role of Dreams and Daydreaming in Creative Thinking 

The subconscious mind holds untapped creative treasures. Dreams and daydreaming can unlock the depths of our imagination. 
 
Practice #1: Dream Journaling: Keeping a dream journal allows us to capture fleeting insights and symbolic imagery that can be used as creative prompts. 
 
Practice #2: Intentional Daydreaming: Carving out intentional time for daydreaming nurtures our ability to wander into unexplored realms of imagination and generates new ideas. 
 
Practice #3: Mind-Wandering and Incubation: Allowing the mind to wander freely and taking breaks from intense focus can provide the subconscious with the space to connect dots and form novel connections. 
 
By embracing these strategies and practices, you'll embark on a journey of unlocking your creative potential, infusing innovation into your everyday life, and experiencing the joy and fulfillment that come from living a creatively inspired existence. 
 
Unlocking your creative potential and embracing the art of everyday innovation is a transformative journey that can enrich every aspect of your life. By adopting a mindset of curiosity, exploring new perspectives, and nurturing your creative energy, you'll discover the power to think differently, challenge the status quo, and bring forth innovative solutions.

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! 

I grew up hearing that college would be filled with academic rigor. I often heard the phrase, “professors have so many students and classes that they won’t remember you or your name”. This is a myth and does not have to be true. Professors remember those with whom they often interact. The key is communication. It is imperative to properly communicate with your professors as it will help you achieve success, learn, and is an easy way to network.

Reaching Out via Email

Reaching out to your professors will help you to achieve academic and professional success. It is one of the first steps in which students learn professionalism because one should know how to talk to professors. Communicating via email is a key component of this.

Start with a concise subject line. Include the topic, your name, and the class/section you are in. Also, you should properly address a professor according to their title. If a professor has a PhD, address them by Dr. (Last name). If not, Professor (Last Name) should be fine. Make sure your student credentials are in your email signatures.

Below is an example of an email for students who may need tutoring (especially for professors’ whose office hours are by appointment):

Subject: Office Hour request from (student name) Class: (Course number and section)

Hello, Dr. Smith,

My name is (name) and I am a student in your (Course number, Section number) class. I am sending this email to request a time to ask questions regarding (insert topic area). The following are times of my availability: (list a few days and times). Please let me know if any of those times work or do not work with your schedule.

Thank you and I hope to hear from you soon!

Best regards,
Student’s First name, Last name
Student’s email

Timeliness is Important

The key to communicating with your professors is timeliness. Sending crisis emails will be of minimal effect. Not every professor will be responsive or direct you to someone or a resource that may help. In fact, you may have to send follow-up emails, in a respectful manner, when no response is received. However, what matters most is taking the first step to achieve academic success.

You can also communicate with your professor prior to the start of the class date, especially for advocacy purposes. As a student with a disability, I attribute most of my academic success to self-advocacy that takes place before the semester begins. Below is an email template that I use and would recommend any student with a disability to send prior to the start of the semester (at least two weeks before the first day of class):

Subject: Virtual Meeting request and Accommodations from (student name)

Hello Dr. Smith,

My name is (insert name). I am emailing you to communicate my accommodations that would allow me to receive an equitable opportunity to learn and succeed in your class. I am a (optional; list impairment or disability) student. Attached are my SAR (Student access and Resource Center) approved course accommodations for your class. I would also like to inquire about your availability (before class starts) so that we may set up a meeting, virtually or in person, to discuss my accommodation at your earliest convenience. Although accommodations are formally sent one week prior to the start of class, you can request the formal letter earlier so that you can have it during our meeting. I look forward to having you as a professor for (enter course name and section number). Attached are my accommodations (screenshot accommodations).

Best regards,
Student’s First name, Last name
Student’s email

Personal Learning Opportunities

Communicating with professors will help you learn. Attending a professors’ office hours may provide personalized learning opportunities. Ask real questions, such as, “I understand that…., but how does…. relate to…?” or “I was thinking… however, this isn’t matching up. Could you steer me in the right direction?” This will allow the professor to become knowledgeable on your learning style or area to improve. Another valuable thing that I have gained from getting to know professors is receiving life lessons. Sometimes we as students are so concerned with our grades that we forget that professors are humans as well. Showing curiosity of their success stories will allow them to share insight in motivating students to not give up in the learning process.

Nucleus of Networking

Your professors are your first avenues to networking. I would not be where I am today without getting to know my professors. I spent the past two years of college in a select business leadership program that teaches students how to make a positive impact in the business executive world. I would not have had that opportunity if I did not say hello and initiate conversation with professors and deans at a university event. I asked for their cards. Within several months, I sent an email to meet with one of those professors, switched to a business major, and earned admission to the leadership academy that helped me make progress in the Honors College.

Lastly, it isn’t difficult for a professor to provide a professional letter of recommendation for a student that they know. You may need to provide a letter of recommendation request outlining your goals, involvement, and achievements, but a professor that knows a student is more willing to devote time to their success.

College is indeed tough, especially for first-generation students. However, it is not unattainable, especially if you make efforts to work now and play later. It is possible to be more than a face.

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! 

I wish I could say I have an extraordinary story to tell about why I wanted to be a nurse. Where I saved someone’s life on a random day, or I was impacted a certain way when at the hospital. Truthfully speaking, the reason why I concluded to become a nurse was because of anatomy and physiology. When I was in high school taking anatomy and physiology for the first time, I was captivated by the beauty of the human body, specifically the heart. I was entranced by the simultaneous complexity and simplicity of the structure of the heart. From here, I entered an endless cycle of wanting to learn more.

I knew I had many exams ahead of me before I could finish my nursing journey. However, the first step was to prepare for was the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) exam. The TEAS is a standardized entrance exam used at my nursing program to judge how competent you are to enter the nursing program. It covers areas such as reading, math, science, anatomy and physiology, and English. Considering that my strongest suits had been reading and math, I primarily focused on studying for the science portion of the exam. This accounted for my many trips to the school library alongside my anatomy and physiology textbook. Each day I would set aside 3-4 hours of studying where I really focused on the foundation of the various systems in the body. Practice questions were my lifeline. As humbled as I would be when I got an answer wrong, it made me realize that I needed to look over the material and figure out what I was not understanding. With the assistance of the Mastering A&P questions, I was able to have a trusted guide to develop my weaker areas.

Soon enough I received my score from the TEAS and got into the nursing program. Now came the hard part: passing nursing school. I cannot describe in words the culture shock I had when entering my human assessment and fundamentals class. It required a different level of understanding and analyzing practice questions, since the course transitioned from straight forward questions to critical thinking analysis. From the whirlwind of late-night study sessions, clinical rotations, and the weekly exams, nursing school has been nothing but a rollercoaster ride. However, I believe the reason I am able to comprehend and pass every exam is my solid foundation of anatomy and physiology. Once you understand how an organ is supposed to function, you can understand where it is going wrong. For example, veins take blood to the heart while arteries take blood away from the heart. Now, a patient comes in with pain in their legs that worsens with exercise, pain eases with rest and reports numbness and paresthesia. As a nurse assessing this patient, I can suspect maybe there is a problem of circulation either between the veins or arteries and can expect a certain level of care for this patient. Nonetheless, I would not be able to come to this conclusion if I did not know the way our bodies receive circulation.

On top of having a good foundation of anatomy and physiology, I have found it critical to pair that with practicing NCLEX-style questions to prepare for the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses) exam. The NCLEX-RN is a computer adaptive exam that has to be passed in order to establish licensing for an individual to work as a Registered Nurse. This dynamic combination is a powerful tool for not only passing the NCLEX exam but becoming a competent nurse. As I am passing the last hurdle of the program, I focus my energy on completing and revising practice questions. Nursing students at Miami-Dade have to take an exit exam that calculates our probability of actually passing the NCLEX. This exam covers all the principles that we have been learning from the beginning. Having questions that mimic real world scenarios requires us not only to recall information but also apply it. It is the bridge that connects our theoretical knowledge of anatomy and physiology with the practical nursing interventions required to be competent. To give an example, prioritization questions help us understand which patient should we designate care to first in critical settings. As you may know, nurses will have multiple patients at a time, but it is up to the nurse's critical judgment to decide which patient takes priority over the others. A patient going into cardiac arrest will take priority over a patient who is vomiting blood. With the recurrent practice of this style of questions I will be able to go into the real world and identify which one of my patients has the higher risk of getting hurt and who I have to assess first.

To sum everything up, nursing school is not about just passing a test. It is the foundation of our nursing care and having reassurance in knowing that we are well prepared to provide safe care to our future patients. Combining a strong foundation in anatomy and physiology with consistent practice of NCLEX-style questions will provide the smoothest pathway to succeed in the nursing field. I know that the first few years of being a nurse will be the most difficult transition in the beginning. Learning the hospital's policies and the way to ease communications with different patients and hospital personnel will be something I learn on the job. However, I can sleep comfortably knowing that I have the knowledge to provide safe and competent care to any patient that comes into my hands.

Growing up being homeschooled, I had to do a lot of reading and learning independently at my own pace. That helped me in high school and college especially with the rise in audiobooks and videos. As soon as I got a computer, I learned that watching the movie adaptation first helped me better understand the book. If I read a physical book, it would collect dust and probably never be finished. But if I catered to my learning style and did what was best for me, nothing could stop me.

Learning Styles

Everyone has a main learning style meaning that there is a particular modality of learning that helps you learn and retain information best. You could be a visual learner, auditory learner, or kinesthetic learner, meaning you learn best by doing hands-on activities. Using all the modalities in one way or another is the best way to learn because it uses as much of the brain as possible. Increased sensory input improves memory and cognition. Now that was slightly science-y so let me tell you about my experience.

Need for Speed

I am an auditory learner. I have always had exceptional hearing which helped with dance and piano, but also with school. I could reread the same page over and over again and be more confused the more I read it. But if I could listen to an audiobook, I could finish the book in a few hours or days, depending on the length of the book. The more I listen to audiobooks, the faster I am able to listen to them. Last summer, I wanted to see how far I could take this by listening to podcasts at 2x speed. Sometimes even 2.5x or 3x. Other people I knew said they speed it up a *little bit* but not to the violent speed that I had. When other people listen to what I am listening to at high speed they say it sounds like another language, yet I understand it perfectly. So clearly, this is my dominant learning style.

Pearson+ Audiobook Features

Sometimes I do have to read the textbook to understand a certain concept or process and know the technical terms. Few things put me to sleep faster than reading. What’s great about the eTextbook feature in Pearson+ is that I can listen to the audiobook and read along with the book. The text highlights as I’m reading so I will never lose my place or re-read a line of text. What is even better is when I can’t sit and read my book and I have to commute, my Pearson+ will sync with what I was reading on my computer and pick up where I left off on my phone app. I can plug my phone into my car and listen to a whole chapter while I commute to school and run errands around town. I even listen to my eTexts when I am going for a walk.

There was one semester where I had human growth and development, sociology, and microbiology courses. The amount of reading was outrageous, but I was able to keep up with it all whether I was either driving and listening or studying at my desk. No matter what, I was absorbing tons of information.

I got some of the highest test grades in those courses because of how well I was studying for my own learning style. Others were making flashcards, studying the PowerPoint, or straight up reading and weren’t doing as well. As soon as you can, take an online quiz or just ask yourself how you learn best and cater to that learning style as much as possible. Whatever your learning style is, Pearson caters to all of them.

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 hard, there is no denying it. Balancing loads of assignments, studying for exams, and the occasional online course is not for the weak. 8am's and late-night studying has become a norm these days. However, it does not need to be as overwhelming as it all sounds. Effective college students are all around you, whether you can see it or not. The girl behind you in the cafe line just aced her chemistry exam and the student worker making lattes just landed his first internship. Success in college is easily attainable if you put your mind to it. I have compiled a list of 7 habits that motivate me, as well as some others, to be the most effective college student they can be.

1. Wake Up Before 9am When You Do Not Have Something to Be Up Earlier For.

I know this sounds impossible (and honestly irritating) for most, but it has made the biggest difference in my success since I started. Getting up at 9am as opposed to 10 gives you a whole hour of time that you would lose. You could get ready, eat breakfast, and do a chore or two within that time. By getting yourself up earlier on those days where you do not need an alarm, you open up an hour, if not hours, of your time to study, do homework, attend campus events, and get out there. When you get up later than 9am, by the time you are up and fully ready for the day, it is almost noon. That is half of your day GONE. When you get up at 9am, you can get your day started and be doing your schoolwork sooner, giving yourself some personal time in the afternoon.

2. Use A Digital Planner You Can Access Anywhere.

I understand, paper planners are so cute to customize and use the fun stickers in the back of the book, but what good are they if you are not constantly carrying them around. Digital planners are FREE! That is my favorite word as a college student, and I know it's one of yours, too. If you're like me, color coding your planner makes you feel accomplished and organized. I tend to use my regular iPhone calendar, but I have recently been exploring some digital calendar apps that I like, as well. Take the time to browse the app store and find one that interests you, get it on your computer and phone, and boom! Your due dates, events, work schedule, and activities are all accessible wherever you'd like. Finish an assignment on your phone? Open the app and check it off! Sitting in the library and finishing the book you wanted to read but didn't bring your phone? No problem, check it off on your laptop. Digital calendars just make organization that much easier.

3. Make Time for Yourself.

This idea relates back to getting up early. While success in college starts with being a good student, it also helps to be a functioning person, as well. No one I know lives a happy, healthy life by sitting at a desk writing essays all day. Enjoy drinking coffee? Take yourself on a little coffee date as a reward for finishing your assignments for the week. Make time for friends and family, not just schoolwork. Rest and relaxation are just as important as staying busy. If you are tired, it is more beneficial to take a nap rather than push through your work. You are not yourself when you are tired, so take an hour, set an alarm, take a restful nap, and wake up refreshed and ready to continue your work. My favorite thing is to go hang out with my friends and cook; it is my way of managing stress. Sometimes, I'll get my work done early so I can go to a friend’s place and have dinner with them. It feels like a fun reward for keeping up with my schoolwork. Making time for myself has greatly impacted my success at college, especially when it comes to mental health.

4. Join clubs and organizations.

College success is not just about grades. College is supposed to be a step above high school in the sense that you are gaining real-world experience and have the choice to do what you want to do when it comes to your education. So, you're paying all of this money just to attend class? STOP THAT! Everyone has something they love no matter what they say. That being said, there is a club for everything, as well (and I know this to be true, my college has a Quidditch team). Pick something you love, whether it be art, science, music, sea turtles, cooking, or even Quidditch, and go to your university’s website and find the club that relates to your interests. I recently joined a sorority, which I never imagined I would do. It was the best decision I have made in college so far. I have met so many new people, gained so many new experiences, and furthered my education more than I could've sitting at a desk.

5. Get Exercise.

Walking up the stairs doesn't count, but I wish it did. Exercise is not only good for the body, but it is enriching for your mind, too. Getting exercise helps release toxins through sweat, helps many manage stress, and helps keep us healthy. Exercise is unique to all. The gym isn't for everyone (and by everyone, I mean me), so don't feel like I'm pressuring you to go to the gym. Going for a walk around campus with your friends, driving to a nearby outdoor shopping center and walking around, going for a run by the beach, or going for a swim when the weather is nice are all good ways to get exercise easily. My favorite thing to do is go for a walk on the beach. I always bring a friend, put my phone away, and we walk until we don't want to anymore, whether it be 20 minutes or 5 miles. Getting outside has helped me be successful as it makes me feel healthier, which in turn, makes me feel happier.

6. Find Your "Study Spot."

By finding your study spot, you now have a set place to go that reminds you of studying. I love background noise (and coffee), so I frequently find myself wanting to study in Starbucks on campus. If you like a quieter setting, head to the library or a quiet corner in a building with a lot of windows. I love sitting on a windowsill and looking outside while I study, it feels so refreshing. When you choose to go to this spot for no reason other than doing schoolwork, you'll train your mind to associate that place with studying, increasing your chances of actually studying. Playing light music in your headphones or having a snack to pick at while you study helps a lot, too. Just keep trying different places until you find your spot. I promise, it is so worth it.

7. Put Yourself Out There.

College comes after high school for a reason. High school was there for the sole purpose of showing up, learning, and going home. College, however, was made to open you up to the real world. By sheltering yourself, you are wasting your tuition money. Yes, classes and learning are very important, but what's the point if you don't attempt to apply what you learn? Make that resume, attend club meetings you are interested in, join that honor society, say yes to that community service event, and say hi to that person passing you in the hallway. By allowing yourself to open up, you will find that there are so many new opportunities out there that you never knew about before. How will you know what you like to do without trying new things?

College is a place for learning, experiencing, and exploring, so make sure you are making the most of it. Be successful by keeping yourself organized, planning your events, making time for yourself, joining clubs, getting exercise, finding your place, and putting yourself out there. Make college your experience, don't let college force you to experience it.

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Lab-based science courses have always intimidated me because, as a Business Management major, I have no lab experience. I was excited to try the Pearson Interactive Science Labs because their design allows you to work through online labs conveniently from anywhere at your own pace. After working through the virtual labs, I consider them an essential tool because they provide a meaningful science-based experience that includes a real-world scenario introduction, a step-by-step lab walkthrough, reflective analysis, and a wrap-up quiz. The interactive labs are easy to navigate, even without a science background, and are an excellent resource for applying the knowledge learned.

Engaging Introduction:

College can be overwhelming, which leads me to rush through assignments without understanding the meaning and importance of what I am learning. The Pearson Interactive Labs effectively explain the significant realistic scenario of the lab before you begin, which grabs your attention and encourages authentic participation. Background information for the case is also presented, and embedded questions ensure you fully understand the material and can move forward successfully to the lab. One feature I found beneficial was the multiple formats for the embedded questions, such as multiple choice, select all that are correct, and matching type questions.

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After viewing the case scenario and relevant background information, the simulation allows you to familiarize yourself with the lab equipment location and tool names, which is extremely helpful for non-biology majors like me who may have never completed a college-level lab. Once you have walked through the tools necessary for the lab, you are given a set of self-paced step-by-step instructions to accomplish the lab goals. I feel the lab instructions are valuable because they are thorough yet easy enough to follow for any student including those with no prior lab experience.

Impactful Application of Knowledge:

When finished with the lab, you are guided through how to analyze the data and apply your knowledge to other related cases. Following the final analysis of the lab results, you are prompted to answer case-related questions in a quiz format. As a student, I appreciate opportunities to apply the knowledge I have learned because it creates a sense of accomplishment and cements the learned concepts into my memory for future use.

The interactive lab structure offers a guide through the complete science process including formulating a hypothesis, conducting a lab, and analyzing lab results. Having all the information and virtual tools needed for a lab assignment accessible in one place is crucial, especially for non-science majors. Busy college students like myself seek convenience in school work, which is why the virtual interactive labs are a fantastic tool for anyone taking a science course, regardless of their science background.

Busy college students like myself seek convenience in school work, which is why the virtual interactive labs are a fantastic tool for anyone taking a science course, regardless of their science background.

Learn more about Pearson Interactive Labs today!