Students blog

The first month in your own apartment feels like freedom. Then, the electric bill shows up.

Living off campus means no meal plan, no flat housing fee, and no one bundling your costs into one tidy number. Suddenly, you're splitting utilities with roommates, comparing grocery prices, and wondering how a trip for "just a few things" costs sixty dollars. Rent is the expense everyone plans for, but the small, irregular ones are what really get you: the WiFi bill, the parking pass, and even HOA fees.

After living off campus for a few months, I've figured out how to make it affordable without eating ramen every night. Here are my tips for building a budget to survive living off campus:

Understand the Full Monthly Cost

Rent is just the starting number. Before you sign a lease, or right after, list every bill that comes due: electricity, gas, water, internet, insurance, parking, HOA, and include any extra service fees and taxes.

Ask your landlord or the previous tenants what utilities usually cost, especially in winter, when heating can push a bill way up. The total, not the rent, is what your apartment actually costs each month. This is the number you want to focus on!

Second-Hand Is Your Best Friend

Moving in comes with unexpected expenses: a security deposit, a couch, pots and pans, a shower curtain, and cleaning supplies. Start setting money aside a few months before move-in.

Then, shop used at thrift stores, Facebook Marketplace, or other selling platforms. A helpful tip is to focus on end-of-semester move-out sales, as online marketplaces are full of students selling furniture they can't take with them.

Set Roommate Money Rules Early

Nothing strains a roommate relationship like an unpaid bill. In your first week, sit down with your roommates and decide how you'll split costs, who pays for what furniture, and whether groceries are shared or separate.

A shared spreadsheet makes it easy to see who owes what, so no one has to keep score in their head.

Eat Smart Without a Meal Plan

Without a meal plan, food becomes the most flexible part of your budget, but it's also the most difficult to plan for. Plan for the week by making a list. Buy store brands, cook in batches, and meal prep for long days on campus.

Track One Month of Spending

Sometimes, money genuinely seems to evaporate. For one month, write down everything you spend, down to the daily coffee you buy. Then sort it into needs, wants, and savings.

A common guideline is the 50/30/20 rule: ideally, 50% of your income should be allocated to needs, 30% to wants, and 20% to savings. However, in these early stages of life, rent alone might take more than half your income, and that's okay. The goal isn't a perfect ratio but rather building awareness of where your money goes.

Build a Small Cushion

Unfortunately, something will eventually go wrong: a car repair, a higher utility bill, or a last-minute trip. Even setting aside ten or twenty dollars a week adds up to a buffer that keeps a bad surprise from becoming a crisis.

Master Your Off-Campus Independence

Living off campus teaches you lessons no class will, and budgeting is one of the biggest. Once you know your real costs and have a system with your roommates, money stops being a constant worry and becomes a tool.

Your first lease doesn't have to drain your bank account. With a little planning, it can be the start of true independence!

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It’s October, and college application season is here. While picking a school is difficult, choosing a major can feel completely overwhelming. I get it, and I hope my story can help. This is my experience, from my senior year of high school to my junior year, and how I found my way.

Considering My Options

If there’s anyone who understands the stress of declaring a major, it’s me. In high school, I explored several career paths, including nursing, nutrition, and law. While these fields were intriguing, I soon realized I couldn't see myself being happy in any of those professions.

When I first applied to Rutgers Business School, I put down marketing as a placeholder because I liked the idea of social media marketing. For my first two years, I was convinced I needed to add finance as a second major because one major just didn’t seem like “enough.”

I spent too much time thinking, “I will be living up to the standards at Rutgers Business School if I double-major in finance like everybody else.” But once I stopped obsessing over what other students were doing, I could finally focus on my own journey.

Connecting the Dots

A quote that sometimes runs through my mind is one from Marsha Sinetar: “Do what you love and the money will follow.” I was one of those people caught up in worrying about financial stability, which is understandable. A job that doesn’t bring you joy, however, can be exhausting no matter the pay.

This led me to look at my own interests. I’ve always been passionate about the beauty and fashion industry and have loved using social media, especially Instagram and TikTok. Combining those interests helped me realize I want to go into social media marketing or product management for a beauty company.

It took a while, but I was finally able to align my future with my passions.

A Final Thought

My hope is that my story helps you feel reassured, especially if you don't know which major you want to declare yet. Declaring my major felt like a huge commitment, and I wanted to be sure it was right for me.

What I learned is that it's okay to change your major. You can also pick up a minor if you’re interested in another area but not ready to commit to a double major.

The most important thing is to be patient with yourself. Have fun with the process, and trust that it will all work out in the end.

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

When people ask me how I balance everything in college, I honestly don't know what to tell them.

I'm a full-time student, and I play Division I Club Ice Hockey at Penn State. I also have leadership roles on my team, work as a Pearson Campus Ambassador (PCA), and somehow I’m supposed to enjoy college life, sleep, eat, and sometimes do laundry. Some weeks, it really feels like there aren’t enough hours in the day.

The Juggling Act

My schedule is rarely what I would call calm. There are early classes, assignments, meetings, practices, games, travel, work, recruiting, team responsibilities, and everything else that comes with being a college student.

Some days, I’m going from class to my apartment for assignments and PCA tasks, then to hockey practice. After that, it's back home to finish an assignment that I probably should have started earlier. Other days, I’m traveling for a game and trying to keep up with all of that from a hotel or bus.

Redefining Balance

For a long time, I thought being “balanced” meant having everything perfectly under control. I pictured a color-coded calendar where I knew exactly what I was doing every hour of the day. In reality, my planner is full, plans change constantly, and sometimes the best I can do is figure out what needs to get done next.

However, I have learned that balance, at least for me, doesn't necessarily mean giving everything equal attention. It means recognizing what needs my attention most in that moment.

During a busy hockey week, school might take a little more planning around travel and practice. During a week with a big exam, I might have to turn down plans with friends. And sometimes, I need to recognize that I've done enough for one day and give myself a break.

The Payoff

Hockey has taught me that I don’t have to do everything alone. Being part of a team means relying on other people, communicating when I’m overwhelmed, and trusting that everyone has responsibilities of their own. That mindset has carried over into school, work, and the other organizations I’m involved in.

There are definitely moments when I wonder why I said yes to one more thing. But then there are the moments that remind me why I did: bus rides after a big win, late-night conversations with teammates, getting through a difficult exam, meeting a new friend through work, or looking back at a week that felt impossible and realizing I somehow made it through.

Managing the Chaos

College is chaotic. I don’t think the goal is to completely eliminate that chaos.

For me, it’s about learning how to live in it without letting it take over. Some weeks are organized. Some are a complete mess. And honestly, I’m starting to realize that both are okay.

Maybe the chaos isn’t meant to be perfectly balanced. Maybe managing the chaos is part of the curriculum.

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When I was in fifth grade, I had to give a speech to my classmates and their families. I vividly remember my mom telling me I had spoken too fast and that it might have been hard to understand what I was saying. I remember feeling sad because I had rehearsed that speech dozens of times. After that, my anxieties around public speaking grew—that is, until I joined the Speech and Debate Club.

Finding My Voice in Speech and Debate

In high school, I joined Speech and Debate. At first, I considered it an easy elective, but I soon grew to love the art of public speaking and making an impact on audiences. I chose to compete in Original Oratory, Informative, Duo Interpretation, and Dramatic Interpretation through the National Speech and Debate Association.

In these events, I wrote original speeches or acted out dramatic dialogues by myself or with a partner. The planning wasn’t difficult, but performing in front of an audience certainly was. So, how did I do it?

Adjusting My Perspective from the Stage

One thing SpongeBob got right was imagining the audience in funny costumes to calm your nerves. It can also be helpful to get to the root of your anxiety. Most of the time, the fear of judgment is what makes public speaking so scary.

It’s the feeling that everyone’s eyes are on you, forming opinions of you and your speech. This can make you feel self-conscious and fearful of social rejection.

Tip One: Fake It ’til You Make It

Fake confidence is still confidence. Imagine your ideal public speaking session: people wanting to talk to you afterward, your voice filling the room loud and clear, and above all, you inspiring others. Channel that energy for just ten minutes (or however long you need to speak).

Remind yourself that you deserve to be here. You are in the room, and you are here for a reason. Do whatever you need to boost your confidence, whether that’s getting a quick pep talk from a friend or practicing self-affirmations.

Tip Two: Embrace the Silence

Even outside of public speaking, I practiced being comfortable with silence in my job as an English tutor. Silence is present in all social interactions. Even if it feels like judgment, silence is completely normal.

Some people need time to think, and others might simply be daydreaming. Silence isn’t always rooted in judgment; sometimes it’s just introspection.

Tip Three: Leave It on the Stage

After your speech, leave your performance where it happened and don’t look back. If you messed up, that’s all there is to it. Don’t fall into the trap of perfectionism.

Life is all about messing up, trying again, and learning. Every person who has ever stepped on a stage will learn that lesson, and so will you.

Public Speaking in College

Since that time, I haven’t been one to shy away from public speaking competitions at my university. These opportunities have allowed me to speak in front of faculty, students, and a particularly important audience in prevention policy: the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services at the State Capitol. These experiences have given me a powerful résumé and, more importantly, the knowledge that I made an impact.

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The Unsustainable Semester: Fall 2024

Throughout my many years in school, I’ve watched my grades like a hawk. Anything under 100 percent required scrutiny, and any score below 93 percent was legitimately suspicious. Year after year, I’ve proven I can earn straight A’s.

Not my junior year. I balanced school with significant personal and family challenges that left me with very little time and mental energy. I reached a breaking point.

The Turning Point: The Picture of Dorian Gray

I’d balanced two major-intensive courses with two introductory classes: Introduction to Narrative and Introduction to Sociology. They sounded more like a break than extra work. I enjoyed both, but unexpected family emergencies cut into my school time while I also juggled part-time work and an internship.

I had immense respect for my English professor, appreciated her lectures, and enjoyed the first book we read. I looked forward to reading The Picture of Dorian Gray, but as my internship grew more demanding and the family emergency worsened, I fell behind.

I didn’t want to turn in poor work to a professor whose time I valued. I was also exhausted from repeatedly asking professors for flexibility. I calculated my grade if I stopped working and didn’t turn in anything else: I could still pass.

The Reality: Capability Versus Capacity

Even though the book sat on my nightstand, ready to be read, I realized I had to separate two concepts I’d always treated as identical: capability and capacity. I was confident I could earn an A, but I lacked the capacity while juggling everything else in my life.

I ended up with a B+ and felt an unexpected mix of relief and pride. I was relieved I hadn’t given up, passed the class, and stayed on track toward my ultimate goal: graduation.

I was also oddly proud of my new non-4.0. It accurately reflected my commitment and perseverance.

The Switch: Managing Capacity, Not Just Time

That experience changed how I approached the semesters that followed. Fortunately, I love learning, so I enjoy school. My next eight hours of Global Art History lectures drop tomorrow, and I genuinely can’t wait.

However, loving college doesn’t mean I love sleep deprivation or microwaveable meals. At the start of my final semester, I made a difficult decision to reduce my course load to the graduation minimum. This allowed me to focus on my job search and protect myself from burnout.

I organized my tasks into three categories: obligations (school, work, and major responsibilities), maintenance (eating, cleaning, and errands), and recovery (sleep, relaxation, and restorative time). All three require time, so obligations now live alongside my other needs rather than replacing them.

What Letting Go Made Possible

I’m on track to graduate magna cum laude in a couple of months. I feel thankful, proud, and most importantly, balanced.

I have time for friends, family, and sleep. My meals are made from ingredients that started as seeds, not lab samples. I have time for thoughtful applications to jobs on niche social impact boards that could change my financial future.

Ironically, I learned a lesson from The Picture of Dorian Gray through life rather than its pages. A perfect exterior does not show what it costs to maintain. I now trust myself enough to differentiate between what I’m capable of and what is best for me.

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It may feel like only yesterday when you started the semester: the awkward class introductions, the confusing walks through the maze we call campus, and the overwhelming list of expectations in each syllabus. However, those days are over, and now a new threat looms over your life: exams.

While exams can be nerve-wracking, you can take control by focusing on three steps: learning, clarifying, and reviewing. This guide will walk you through each step to help bring a little peace to the dark cloud of exams.

Learn: A Little Prep Goes a Long Way

When a professor lectures on complex concepts, it can be hard to absorb everything at once. So how can you truly learn the material?

In my experience, the simplest strategy is to study in advance. You do not need to understand the concepts completely or read an entire textbook chapter before a long lecture. You just need enough scaffolding to organize the material in your mind.

Simply reading a paragraph or two or skimming headings before class can help you know what to expect. Once you have a hazy idea of the core concepts, you can enter the classroom prepared to hear the wisdom your professor brings to the material.

Clarify: Get Help from Your Professor

Listening with prior knowledge is a great start, but it doesn’t solve college’s next problem: clarity. To improve the clarity of the lecture, write down whatever you don't fully understand while listening, whether it's a concept, a vocabulary term, or an equation.

Once the lecture ends, you can go to the professor and ask them directly for clarification. If you don’t have the courage or time for a face-to-face, just type out an email.

Explain what you already know and then ask for help with the part you're stuck on. This approach demonstrates your effort and makes it easier for your professor to give you a targeted explanation.

Review: The Final Fight

Lastly, we have the final fight against the storm: the review. But how do you review properly?

Psychology warns of a concept called the "illusion of competence." It suggests that simply rereading course materials can make us feel like we know the information, even when we don't. A more effective strategy is retrieval practice, or active recall, which helps build stronger retention.

There are multiple methods to practice active recall. Most people suggest flashcards, but they've never worked for me. What I do instead is find practice problems and test my recall there.

Finding practice problems is easier than you may think. You can ask your professor for old exams, use an AI to generate questions, or even find them in your textbook’s homework section.

Your Plan for the Storm

Exams don't have to feel like a natural disaster. By preparing before class, asking for clarity, and using active recall to review, you will build a solid foundation.

These steps are your guide through the storm. No matter which strategies you choose, using them consistently will help you walk into that exam with confidence.

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! 

Starting college is a major transition. Suddenly, you’re surrounded by thousands of new faces, opportunities, and more independence than you’ve ever had before.

Although this is exciting, it can also be overwhelming. With so many people around, each with different goals, interests, and values, it may feel hard to fit in. One of the best ways to overcome this feeling is by finding a community of people who share your passions and goals.

My First Steps

When I first started college as a finance major, I knew I wanted to meet other students interested in business and finance. I just wasn’t sure where to begin. Like many first-year students, I was in a completely new world and was looking for ways to find my group.

I decided to attend a meeting for my university’s Investment Club while also rushing a fraternity. Through the Investment Club’s meetings, discussions, and social events, I met a group of people with the same interests. They motivated me to stay more disciplined and set clearer goals.

Rushing gave me a different but complementary kind of growth. I learned teamwork through rush events and figured out how to balance my social life and academics.

These organizations exposed me to new ideas and perspectives while helping me develop skills that aren’t always taught in the classroom. Furthermore, they have given me a group of people who are motivated to learn and grow together.

Broaden Your Search

Being around students with interests similar to mine has helped me stay engaged and continue my college career in the best way possible. I’ve also learned that finding a community isn’t just about finding one specific club. Some of my top college connections came from attending campus events, talking to people in class, and saying yes to new opportunities.

I spent my free time at campus events, career fairs, and playing basketball at the Student Recreation Center. Each experience introduced me to people from diverse backgrounds and with varied interests, which often led to friendships, mentorships, and connections that extended beyond the classroom. I quickly realized that finding your people isn’t about finding the perfect organization; it’s about being willing to show up and get involved.

The Benefits of Community

The benefits of surrounding yourself with like-minded people extend far beyond making friends. A community of motivated and supportive people helps you stay accountable, find new interests, and overcome challenges.

College is demanding, and having a group of people who understand your experiences can make a huge difference. The relationships you build can become some of the most valuable parts of your college experience.

It’s a Journey

It’s important to remember that finding your community doesn’t usually happen right away. You might have to attend several events, try different organizations, or step outside your comfort zone before you discover the right fit.

Every new experience teaches you something about yourself and helps you build connections along the way. Before you know it, that big, overwhelming campus will start to feel like home.

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Studying abroad can be the highlight of one's college experience. However, feelings of homesickness and discombobulation are often overlooked. Adjusting to a new country, a new language, a new time zone, and new courses can be overwhelming.

A semester abroad is designed to push students out of their comfort zones and help them become more independent. It also challenges you to maintain good grades and a social life in a foreign country. After my first month studying abroad in Florence, Italy, I’ve compiled a list of things I’ve done to combat any negative feelings and make Florence feel like a home away from home.

Stay True to Your Hobbies

At home or at school, I love to run—it’s the activity that makes me feel most like myself. Thus, my first priority after arriving in Florence was to find the best running routes and incorporate running into my daily routine after the jet lag wore off.

I also made sure to leave room in my suitcase for a couple of books and my camera. Reading always brings me a sense of calm, and the books have come in handy on train and bus rides during weekend trips. I also love photography, and the photos I have taken in Italy have been out of this world.

Prioritize Calling Home

My friends and family are all in time zones that are six to nine hours behind mine. This means that, occasionally, I sacrifice some sleep for late-night calls home.

Updating my loved ones on my adventures while hearing what is going on in their lives makes me feel more connected to home. It is always worth losing a couple of hours of sleep.

Get Out and Explore

It’s super easy to stay inside between classes or on weekends, especially because my dorm has a TV and a queen-size bed. However, I have found that, without a doubt, I always feel much better if I spend my free time exploring Florence instead of hiding in my room. The more you get to know your city abroad, the more it will feel like home and the more you will come to love it.

Make Friends in Your Program

The beginning of a semester abroad can feel like your first year of college all over again. Everyone is in a new environment and clamoring to meet new people. I made sure to stay patient, stay open, and say yes to every invitation to go somewhere.

Studying abroad is a fantastic opportunity to create new friendships that can last when you are back on campus. Plan trips with them, go to dinner with them, and have fun!

Remember Why You Chose to Go

Do not lose sight of why you chose to do a semester abroad. For me, I wanted to take the opportunity to get to know a completely new place and learn all that I can about it.

I have gone to museums, dined at family-owned restaurants, and played tourist whenever I could. And, of course, I have not forgotten about my coursework… because, after all, it is study abroad.

A Final Reminder

Remember that it is okay to struggle while adjusting to life abroad.

Stay true to yourself and the things that make you happy. Live life to the fullest because studying abroad is truly an amazing opportunity.

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

When you step into college as a first-year student, everything is new. Over your four years, you have time to gain lived experiences and grow into a semi-adult. When you step into your senior year, you are a seasoned college student.

However, I was surprised to find that, for me, thinking about senior year was more terrifying than my first year.

As a senior, you’re taking your last undergraduate classes and interviewing for full-time positions. You're moving away from friendships you developed, and reality starts to set in. I get it; it's scary and it can make your chest feel tighter.

Surviving your senior year starts with strategy and planning. How you plan your senior year truly affects how you feel when you walk across that stage. My plan involved three key steps: learning to breathe, creating a realistic timeline and budget, and finally, making time to enjoy the experience.

Just Breathe

When I got settled at the end of my first week of classes, I realized I was extremely overwhelmed. Rightfully so; I work three jobs and am involved in more than five organizations on campus.

I had to take a step back and relax. I did that with focused breathing to calm my nervous system.

One breathing technique is to inhale for four seconds and then exhale for eight seconds. I did that until my heart slowed. Breathing techniques are effective, but so is my planner.

Plan Your Time

My planner is my lifeline. It helps me through the days that start at 7 a.m. and don’t end until 10 p.m. By breathing and planning, I made senior year less stressful.

In my planner, I meticulously color-code my schedule: classes, my three jobs, my organizations, remote meetings, and even the gym. While this level of detail might seem extreme, it’s what works for me.

On the flip side, I knew I needed to be realistic, as there are only twenty-four hours in a day. By being realistic, I build break times into my day to allow for unexpected events. When you know what you’re doing throughout the day, it lessens the stress.

Plan Your Budget

Now, let’s talk budgeting. As a first-generation college student, I find it hard to maintain financial stability.

My biggest tip is to hold off on buying something you want until after the urge passes; don’t make impulse purchases. Second, track what you spend and how much you save.

If withdrawing cash helps you save, do that. If cutting up your credit card saves you from future debt, consider it a necessary step. The key is to do what works for you.

Don't Forget to Enjoy It

Lastly, it’s your senior year. You are so close to walking across that stage, so enjoy it. You deserve to have fun!

Remember, it’s all about balance. Spend time with your friends, try new foods, and speak to people who have been in your classes for the last three years.

For some of you, this will be your very last time in college, so embrace the chaos and enjoy your senior year to the fullest!

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!