College life can be exciting with all the newfound freedom. However, at a new place away from home, college can often be demanding with academic challenges and building new social connections. To successfully navigate through the first year, it is important to maintain a healthy routine of self-care. Self-care is more than just a luxury; rather, it is important to maintain a good routine of self-care for your physical, mental, and emotional health.

Cultivating Healthy Daily Habits

An effective self-care routine lies in creating healthy daily habits. For example, that would look like maintaining consistent sleep patterns and ensuring a good 7-9 hours of sleep daily. Additionally, good exercise routines and mindful eating habits will contribute to improved focus (crucial for doing well in classes), long-lasting energy, and it will overall lead to good health.

Balancing Connectivity and Solitude

Finding balance in the college social world is essential. Maintaining emotional well-being requires not only valuing meaningful friendships and connections, but also acknowledging the importance of alone and personal time.

Resilience and Mindfulness

A potent kind of self-care is including stress resiliency and mindfulness activities. These techniques, which include deep breathing exercises, yoga, and meditation, can help to quiet the mind and foster resilience in the face of both academic and personal difficulties.

Setting Realistic Goals and Boundaries

Practicing a good form of self-care requires setting realistic goals and establishing healthy boundaries. Not everything is going to go super smoothly- and it is important to accept that. Doing so will reduce any unnecessary stress and create a sustainable college experience.

Creativity and Relaxation Strategies

Engaging in creative outlets and hobbies is not just a leisure activity but a form of self-care. Amid the hustle of academic commitments, these activities provide an avenue for self-expression and relaxation.

Connecting with Nature for Mental Wellbeing

Research shows that there are tons of therapeutic benefits of nature for mental health. That means spending time outdoors, whether taking a stroll, going for a walk, or simply doing homework outside. Nature can be calming and will also reduce stress.

Digital Detox

In the digital world with constant connectivity through social media, managing screen time is so important for a good mental health. Social media can often be toxic, forcing us to compare ourselves with what we see on Instagram, or Snapchat. Implementing a digital detox allows for meaningful in-person connections and genuine moments.

Seeking Professional Support

Normalizing the idea of seeking professional support is a proactive approach to self-care. Most college campuses offer counseling services that provide a safe space for discussing academic, personal, and emotional concerns.

Building a Supportive Network

Lastly, the importance of building a supportive network cannot be overstated. Friends and family play a crucial role in providing emotional support and a sense of connection. Nurturing these relationships contributes to a more fulfilling and resilient college experience.

Prioritizing well-being is not a one-time task but a continuous journey of self-discovery. As a student, navigating the challenges and triumphs of your college experience can be difficult, however with a good practice of self-care, it will serve several benefits. Remember, you are deserving of the same care and compassion you extend to others.

A college student’s ability to manage their time well is essential to both their academic and personal success. Having a full schedule that includes classes, assignments, social events, and maybe part-time work makes time management a crucial skill. We’ll look at some helpful time management techniques for college students in this blog post.

1. Establish Priorities and Goals
Clearly defining priorities and goals is the first step towards effective time management:

Academic Objectives: Establish objectives for yourself, such as meeting deadlines for assignments and grades. This clarity will support your motivation and concentration.

Personal Objectives: Take into account your priorities and objectives, whether they are related to your social life, health, or personal growth.

Make lists of the things you need to get done each day that are the most important ones. Sort them according to importance so you may focus on the most important ones first.

2. Establish a Timetable
An organized timetable is essential for effective time management:

Use a Planner: To arrange your schedule, buy a paper planner or make use of digital calendar apps. Enter all of your study sessions, classes, and extracurricular activities.

Time Blocks: Put time blocking into practice by designating distinct time periods for different kinds of tasks. By doing this, you reduce distractions and make sure you give each work enough time.

Set Deadlines: Even if your personal deadlines for assignments are far in advance of the formal due date, set them nonetheless. You now have wiggle room for unforeseen circumstances.

3. Don’t Put Things Off
One typical obstacle to time management that students face is procrastination:

Divide Tasks into Smaller Steps: Divide a big project into smaller, more achievable tasks rather than seeing it as an intimidating whole. As a result, it is less intimidating.

Employ the Pomodoro Technique: This method has you work in concentrated bursts of time, usually lasting 25 minutes, and then take a brief rest. It’s a useful strategy for keeping focus.

Reduce Distractions: Recognize typical sources of distraction, such as noise, social media, and your phone, and devise ways to reduce them when working or studying.

4.Learn to Say No

Stress and poor time management can result from overcommitting:

Set Boundaries: Recognize your limitations and place a high priority on your wellbeing. When your schedule is already packed, politely turn down new assignments.

Assign Tasks: Assigning tasks is a good idea, especially for group projects or extracurricular activities. This can lighten your workload and save you time.

5. Apply Tools for Productivity
Numerous tools are available in technology to assist with time management:

Task Management Apps: To manage and monitor tasks and due dates, use apps such as Asana, Trello, or Todoist.

Note-Taking Software: You may stay organized and track significant information by using apps such as Evernote or OneNote.

Apps for Time Tracking: Take into consideration utilizing time-tracking applications. This can provide you important information about your behaviors.

6. Schedule Downtime for Leisure
Time for rest and self-care should be incorporated into effective time management:

Plan Your Breaks: Taking regular pauses might help you stay productive and avoid burnout. Organize brief breaks into your work or study sessions.

Physical Activity: Make exercise a part of your daily schedule. Engaging in physical activity can improve your general wellbeing and energy levels.

High-quality sleep is essential for being well-rested and maximizing your waking hours. Make sleep a priority.

You can improve your time management abilities and succeed in your educational pursuits by prioritizing and defining specific goals, making a disciplined timetable, avoiding procrastination, learning to say no, using productivity tools, and scheduling downtime for relaxation. Time management skills boost your overall college experience in addition to your academic performance.

After the previous blog post about budgeting, it is appropriate to dive into searching for housing off campus- especially because leasing contracts are available now. As future upperclassmen, thinking about housing for the next school year is important to do early on. For many college students, the transition from living on-campus in traditional dorms to living off-campus unleashes new found independence. Finding an apartment can be stressful, especially with no prior experience. In this week’s blog post, the most important tips about renting an apartment, such as leasing, pricing, location, and size, will be covered.

Establish a Budget

1. Before searching for an apartment, the very first step is to establish a budget. Do so by calculating your income such as part-time jobs, scholarships, and contributions from your parents.
2. Next, list out expenses. Make a note of monthly expenses that would include groceries, rent, utilities, transportation, and miscellaneous expenses.
3. Research rental listings near the college campus to see what average prices for apartments are.
4. Include one-time costs such as initial deposits, furniture, and needed appliances.

Start the Search!

With a clear price range in mind, it will be a lot easier to narrow down the apartment space you want. So, let’s begin the search!

1. Start in advance. Starting early is the only way to guarantee your spot with an apartment.
2. To find online listings, utilize websites and apps such as Zillow, Apartments.com, and more to aid your search. You can filter your search based on your budget, location preferences, and sizing.

1. Use campus resources to your advantage. Check your college’s housing office for more information. They often may have ample resources that share off-campus housing options. Furthermore, some universities also have housing fairs where rental companies may come out to give more information about leasing.
2. Schedule tours with the apartments that interest you. See if they are safe, close to college, and fit your guidelines for what you were looking for in an apartment.
3. Search for roommates! Sharing an apartment with roommates will significantly reduce costs and make living off campus a cheaper option than living on campus. Network with friends, or use roommate finding apps to find compatible living partners.

Understanding Lease Agreements

The leasing contract is legally binding, and it outlines the terms of your residence. To navigate it, here a few important tips!

1. Read through the lease agreement in depth. Pay attention to important details like the monthly rent, lease duration, security deposits, and additional fees.
2. Ask questions! It is so important to ask any questions to your landlord about any part of the lease that may confuse you.

1. Be aware of your rights: depending on your state, there will be different regulations with issues such as maintenance, security deposits, and more.

An important thing to note is that living on campus for another year is always an amazing option to consider if an apartment is not a feasible option for you and your needs! Remember, it is important to make the best of your college experience, including your housing situation.

As a college freshman, you find yourself with new freedom, independence, and opportunities. However, with this new freedom comes a ton of financial responsibilities. Learning to manage your finances during your early college years is going to be beneficial in the long run. You might be wondering, why does saving now make an impact? Well, this blog post will cover tips on how to maximize your savings and become financially responsible.

Understanding Your Financial Situation

Before we get into budgeting, it is important for you to make a mental note of your total savings and calculating your income from any part time jobs. Doing so will make budgeting ten times easier!

Creating Your Budget

1. Setting Clear Goals: The first step is to determine what your budget will do. For example, it could mean saving up for a new phone or something as simple as covering the cost of your phone bills.
2. Allocating Funds: After making a note of your income and expenses, be sure to plan out how much money you want to spend on different things. Make sure to place higher value on spending money on necessities such as food, textbooks, housing, and tuition. Limit the money spent on going out.
3. Emergency Money: In case you are running low on money, definitely have some savings in an emergency fund.
4. Following the 50/30/20 Method:

Tips and Tricks: Maximizing Budgets

1. When should you splurge? Splurging every once in a while is totally ok- doing it everyday is not. If you can’t afford something right now, save for it!
2. Meal Planning: Create a weekly groceries list for the store to avoid overspending. Follow something like the template below:Additionally, limit eating out to only once or twice a week to save money. If your school offers a meal plan, definitely take advantage of that for discounted meals.
3. Student Discounts: Businesses nationwide offer student discounts on tech products, clothing, and transportation. Definitely ask if the store has one when shopping.
4. Utilize Technology: There are tons of apps that can help you budget your finances with ease!

Review and Adjust Your Budget Monthly

Your budget is not set in stone- evaluate it monthly to see if anything in your income and expenses changes. Did your expenses increase? Have you been eating out too much? Did you get a raise at your job? Ask yourself these questions and see what needs to be adjusted!

Financial Resources on Campus

Universities provide resources such as financial workshops, counseling services, and advisors that give feedback on budgeting and financial planning. Additionally, looking into scholarships and jobs on campus is a good idea too.

Budgeting as a first year student at college is a fundamental skill that can tremendously guide your financial future. By creating a budgeting system to manage both expenses and income, you can navigate your time at college with worrying about financial instability. With the number of resources that are available at your fingertips, be sure to take advantage of them. Like you, I am going through the same financial burdens. That being said, start now to better your future!

Most colleges introduce a career fair where companies local to the school or across the country visit to recruit students for both full-time positions or summer internships. As a freshman, the idea of an internship can induce a ton of anxiety – especially because move-in was so fresh and only a few weeks away. You might be thinking: what’s the point of attending the career fair as a freshman? Will I even land an internship? Well, the career fair is an exception opportunity regardless as it provides you with the platform to network with professionals in the field you’re studying. However, you need to prepare before the career fair. Showing up without prior knowledge on companies or neglecting to follow the proper dress code can create a bad look. To truly maximize your time at the career fair, follow these tips for success!

Fine Tune Your Resume

One of the very first steps is to perfect your resume. List out leadership positions, important organizations you are involved in, and any outstanding awards or scholarships you have received. Bring plenty of resumes you can distribute to companies you visit.

Dress for Success

Career fairs have very niche dress codes. It is important to dress professionally to impress the industry you are aiming for. Showing up in sneakers and shorts will definitely not impress. Invest in a good quality blazer, dress shirt, and dress pants.

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Do Your Research!

Do not show up to the career fair blindly! Research what companies are visiting your school. Make a list of which companies work with people in your major and companies that particularly catch your eye. Not only will this give you a sense of what the company does, but it will show the company your genuine interest in working with them.

Delivering an Elevator Pitch

Your elevator speech is a 30 second, brief introduction, that will summarize who you are, what you are seeking from the company, and some of your interests for the future. Some things to definitely include are: your name, major, future career aspirations, and a piece of the company that interests you. Practice this multiple times to your friends, family, and mentors!

Asking Questions

Recruiters appreciate college students who show genuine interest in their intended field of career. Preparing questions beforehand will sh0w the recruiter your desire to work with them in the future and it will most importantly set you apart from other students.

Networking with a Smile

Networking is a key aspect in having a successful time at the career fair. Approaching recruiters with big smiles and enthusiasm can leave a good impression. Start the conversation off with a firm handshake. Furthermore, the career fair isn’t only about landing a potential internship or career. It is about successfully building your professional network.

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Collecting Business Cards and Follow Ups

After speaking with representatives, make sure to get their business cards or contact information to reach out for potential opportunities. An important tip is to send out personalized emails to thank them for their time so they can remember you for the recruitment process.

Attending the career fair as a freshman can be nerve-racking at first, but it is crucial to build networking skills. Follow these tips and guidelines and you will be well on your way to success!

Congratulations! You have successfully moved in to your first year dorm, and survived your first week of classes. As professors throw out their syllabi and the workload begins to increase, it might begin to get more overwhelming. College is a new chapter to your life, and is a lot different than your high school experience. It is important to maintain good academic habits from early on. This post will focus on a few tips and resources that can guide you to success this school year.

Time Management

Time management is crucial in college. Unlike high school, professors won’t track you down for missing assignments. You have a lot more free time which can give you new found independence but can be a curse at the same time. Create a study schedule for the week around your classes. Also note down the timings of club meetings and other socials. Utilizing a planner system– whether it is an online platform such as Google Keep (a personal favorite) or a physical notebook- has been a game changer in tracking assignments and staying organized.

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Understanding the Syllabus

The syllabus for each of your classes will serve as a roadmap in navigating the course’s expectations. It is important to read it during the first week of college to understand the professor’s grading style. Additionally the syllabus will often provide details on important exam dates or assignments.

Note-Taking and Reading Strategies

Thorough notes and active listening will pay off come exam review day. Make sure to pay close attention to the professor’s small details and jot them down on old-fashioned paper, a laptop, or a tablet. Also, finding a note-taking style that works best for you can amplify your understanding of a subject. Rather than jotting down the entire lecture slide, it may be more beneficial to write down key points from the slides and details the professor says that are an expansion from the given notes. In college, you will discover the extensive amount of readings you will have. To develop a strategized reading technique, quickly skim the reading first to get a sense of what the main points are. Absorbing the information a second time through will be easier. A good practice is to take notes as you read for retention purposes.

Study Groups

My favorite way to study or learn new information is forming study groups with people in my class. Study groups are highly beneficial to complete practice problems with or review for a test. Study groups can provide new perspectives on the material and lead to a deeper understanding of the subject.

Utilizing Campus Resources

You are paying a lot of money to the college you are attending- so take advantage of the resources provided by the college! You have access to a wealth of resources: the library, your professors’ office hours, tutoring centers, and academic advisors.

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Finding a Balance Between Social and Academic Life

It is highly important to find a balance between academics and social life; as important as academics are, building relationships with your peers and networking are equally as crucial.

The transition from high school to college is challenging for everyone. Finding ways to make the most of your college experience can make it enjoyable and can help you pursue your intended degree!

Moving in to college is the beginning of the next chapter of our lives. It is filled with new exciting experiences and challenges. As move in approaches, it is important to prepare for all the items that may be needed for your dorm. You’ve come across the right resource where I have put together a list of all the essentials you need for a smooth transition to your new home!

Bedding and Linens

As you settle in to your new room, you will want a comfortable bed you can comfortably sleep on. Make sure to bring a mattress topper to put on top of the mattress already provided for extra cushioning. Additionally, bring some sheets, fun throw pillows, and cute stuffed animals to give your room a sense of home!

Kitchen/Snacks

If you have a shared kitchen space in your living space, bring pots and pans to whip up your favorite meals. Definitely invest in a microwave and mini fridge for your room if it is not already provided by your university. These appliances will be life changing and super convenient to have. To ensure that you are prepared for eating in your dorm bring cups, plates, bowls, and utensils.

And let’s not forget about snacks! With all the walking around campus and studying you’ll be doing, your stomach will growl. It’s a smart move to pack your favorite snacks to keep you fueled throughout the day. Stock up on granola bars and other lightweight snacks that you can easily toss into your backpack for energy between classes.

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Cleaning Supplies

Keeping your dorm clean is essential to staying both healthy and organized throughout the school year. Pack disinfecting wipes, paper towels, all purpose spray, a portable vacuum, and trash bags. These supplies will help you stay tidy at all times!

Room Decorations

I highly recommend decorating your living space to make it feel more at home. Bring posters, decorative lights, pictures, other wall art.

Electronics/Study Materials

Your laptop will become your most important tool for class and studying. It is a place where you can access all your course materials and homework assignments. Definitely invest in one that can last you for a while. Additionally, bring good headphones for watching lectures videos. A tablet is not needed, though I recommend it as it can replace notebooks and is greatly compatible with your laptop. Additionally, purchase basic essentials such as pens, pencils, highlighters, and a notebook for class. If your major is math heavy, also bring a functioning calculator.

Clothing/Laundry

Pack clothes for each season of the year and various occasions. You will need comfy clothes but also clothing for going out. Bring hangers to keep your clothing organized.

For laundry, bring a laundry hamper, detergent, dryer sheets, fabric softener, and other items such as stain removers in case of accidents.

Storage

Good storage equipment is vital in staying organized in a tight living space. Consider bringing storage bins, under bed storage, shelves, and a rolling cart to place snacks and other essentials in.

Maintaining Good Hygiene 

To feel your best, maintain good hygiene. Shower regularly even though it gets super busy. Some essentials to pack include shampoo and conditioner, body wash, shaving gel, razors, face wash, toothpaste and a toothbrush. Bring a shower caddy and shower germs to avoid germs if you have to use a communal shower. Definitely bring styling products and other essential toiletries you may need.

Packing for college is overwhelming, so hopefully this list simplified it for you. Definitely post any comments or concerns you may have below!

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