31 08, 2022

Tips for Starting a New Semester

By |2022-08-31T21:22:35-05:00August 31st, 2022|college students, college tips, fall semester, Uncategorized|Comments Off on Tips for Starting a New Semester

Tips for Starting a New Semester

Starting a new semester is always exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. New classes, new friends, and new opportunities also means new responsibilities, obligations and commitments—it’s a lot to figure out all at once.

Everyone wants to have it all, the social and academic balance, but it can be difficult to manage once you’re already in the thick of it. If week 1 didn’t go your way, that’s completely okay! Pause, remember what your goals were and hit that reset button!

Here are some tips on how to start your semester strong.

1. Make Goals

Set goals for what you want to achieve this semester beforehand so you can the most out of your time on campus. Start by setting big picture goals and then break them down into smaller and more achievable tasks, this will keep you focused and help you to not get overwhelmed this semester.

2. Have a Schedule (and stick with it!)

An established routine is key to success. Structure in your daily life will make things more manageable so that you have time to get everything done than you need to achieve for that week. Making time in advance for school, friends, extracurriculars or whatever your goals are will help you to keep up when the semester gets busy.

3. Use Your Resources

It is important to utilize your academic and career resources to get the maximum benefits out of your campus. Make sure you take advantage of your academic advisors, office hours and other campus resources like tutoring to help you succeed.

4. Get Involved Early

College isn’t just about classes; it is important to become a part of your campus community in groups that help you feel supported and to spend time doing things you like. This can look like joining a cultural or religious club or signing up for intramural sports – get involved!

5. Update Your Resume

It is important to keep your resume updated, especially if you are planning on applying for jobs on campus or internships. Updating it before the summer ends makes any upcoming opportunities easier to tackle!

6. Take Care of Yourself

Finally, and most importantly, don’t forgot to take care of yourself. You will have so many amazing opportunities and responsibilities this upcoming semester, don’t forget to give yourself time to breathe. Take breaks, exercise, and make time for yourself.

And remember, college is not only about academics. Have fun and stay healthy, you are only here for a short time so make the most out of it!

10 04, 2022

How to Become a Morning Person

By |2022-04-10T13:20:45-05:00April 10th, 2022|college students, college tips, spring semester|Comments Off on How to Become a Morning Person

Oftentimes college students try to avoid early classes, but waking up early will help lead to a more productive lifestyle. 

No one looks forward to hearing their alarm go off, which causes lots of us to hit snooze once, twice, or way too many times than we should. Then we realize we are late and have to rush out the door to get to class. Despite having to leave the comfort of our beds, waking up early and creating a routine can lead to significant changes in our lives.

3 tips on how to become a morning person:

1. Create a consistent sleep schedule.

Going to bed and waking up at the same time helps our bodies to get into a schedule which helps us to be more alert when we wake up. Also, make sure you are getting enough sleep as most people need six to eight hours of sleep.

2. Have all your things packed up and ready for the morning.

Having your bag packed and your clothes picked out help you to make less decisions in the morning so you can be more efficient and arrive early.

3. Give yourself plenty of time in the morning.

Start your mornings off at a relaxed pace and creating time for yourself and your mental health can help improve your attitude. Simply taking five minutes to meditate or pray and allow yourself to not worry about anything can put you in a great mood to tackle the day. For those feeling ambitious you can even use the extra time in the mornings to get a workout in.

Just taking these simple steps and waking up early will make your life more productive and organized. The results will leave you more time to hang out with friends and to pursue the things you enjoy. All it takes is starting healthy habits and not hitting snooze!

24 01, 2022

Restarting New Year’s Resolutions

By |2022-01-24T17:59:05-06:00January 24th, 2022|college students, college tips, spring semester|Comments Off on Restarting New Year’s Resolutions

The start of the New Year marks an exciting time for everyone. Whether you’re a believer in goals or resolutions, most people are hopeful of what the new year may bring. However bold we might be coming out of the holiday season into the fresh unknown, it can certainly be hard to follow through on those goals. 

Studies as of 2016 show that only 9 percent of Americans who set New Year’s resolutions feel that they achieve them. Out of the Americans who set resolutions, a disproportionate number have given up within the first month or even weeks of the New Year. For college students, this can be even more difficult once classes start up and free time begins to dissipate. If that’s the case, it’s likely that a great number of us (myself included) have already given up their resolutions?

Essential tips to restart your New Year’s Resolutions:

1. Narrow the focus on your most important goals

If you’re anything like me, I aimed far and wide in 2022. Surely, since self-improvement goals all have a positive impact, the more the merrier, right? Unfortunately, this isn’t typically the case. The more goals you have, the less likely you are able to follow through. It may make sense to reevaluate your goals for this year in light of what you’ve found to be more critical to your personal fulfillment and development.

2. Re-define your goal

After starting a new goal, you may find that the target was a little off. That’s not to say that one month represents your full year potential! However, some of our initial goals may not be realistic given our history or current situation. For example, if you aimed to workout 6 times per week this year but find it won’t be possible with your course-load, it may make sense to aim for 4 or 5 times per week. There is no shame in altering your goals to be more achievable.

3. Break down your goal for the next month

If you’ve had trouble maintaining focus on a year-long goal, it may be better to set more short-term goals. These goals may ultimately point toward a long-term goal, and are often easier to maintain. If you’re hoping to become a morning person in 2022, it will be a lot easier to set a goal of waking up 30 minutes earlier in February than you did in January, and so on. This can be much less scary than jumping straight into the deep end of the pool!

4. Give yourself a little grace

It can be easy to go hard on yourself after you feel like you fell flat on your New Year’s resolutions. At the same time, remember that it’s meant to be a positive impact, and you may not always succeed. If you mess up on a goal or underperform one week, that doesn’t mean you need to wait until next year to start over. To remain persistent in your goals, remember to give yourself grace when you slip up. You can’t change who you are overnight, but you can certainly get 1% better each day. 

Regardless if you are still pursuing or restarting a resolution this New Year, I hope these tips are an encouragement! Best of luck to all students in their spring semester and broader 2022 goals.

14 11, 2021

The Battle of Fall Allergies

By |2021-11-14T17:22:17-06:00November 14th, 2021|college students, college tips, fall semester, Uncategorized|Comments Off on The Battle of Fall Allergies

As a college student, fighting off lingering allergies is not an ideal way to utilize your time. In order to implement a battle plan, you first must understand the enemy. The main culprit of fall allergies is due to a plant, ragweed, that releases pollen from August through November. 75% of people battling allergies are found to be allergic to this plant!

Top Symptoms of Ragweed:

  • Sneezing
  • Irritated eyes
  • Itchy throat
  • Runny nose or nasal congestion
  • Coughing or wheezing
  • Sinus pressure or headaches

Luckily, some medications are provided to aid in the battle with these symptoms, but like any great soldier, you cannot rely on just your weapon of choice to win. So, incorporating the following simple tips into your attack plan will increase the probability of coming out victorious against the irritating ragweeds.

3 Simple Tips to Beat Fall Allergies

1. Clean your heating vents and change the filter

Molds along with other bacteria can accumulate throughout the summer by getting trapped in the vents. Therefore, once the weather starts getting cooler it is recommended to check these areas. You want to do this before you turn on the heat to help keep the air circulating clean.

2. Check pollen levels

On days that have higher pollen levels, limiting your time spent outside is best. If unavoidable, make sure to change your clothes and shoes once coming inside to minimize the spread of pollen.

3. Buy a dehumidifier

Utilizing a dehumidifier in your house will keep humidity levels low to help stop the growth of mold. It is recommended to keep humidity levels at 35-45%. You want to keep your house along clean and free of pollen, mold, and most importantly ragweed.

With all of this information, you, as a college student, should feel prepared to battle fall allergies and come out of it triumphantly. Hopefully, this will provide you with more time to focus on the project you pushed off until the last minute instead of finding the tissue packet at the bottom of your backpack.

4 08, 2021

Tips for Sorority Recruitment

By |2021-08-04T14:09:07-05:00August 4th, 2021|college students, college tips, greek life, Uncategorized|Comments Off on Tips for Sorority Recruitment

Sorority recruitment is just around the corner. As a former Zeta Tau Alpha at Baylor University, I know the recruitment process can be tiring and intimidating. If you are going through rush or thinking about rushing at your university, here are a few of my top sorority recruitment tips to help ease your mind. Best of luck this fall or spring!

6 Tips for Sorority Recruitment

1. Keep an open mind

It is sometimes easy to go into recruitment only wanting one specific house. However, the reality is many Potential New Members’ (PNMs) minds are changed once they get to know some of the other houses. You may be surprised by how well you get along with other houses that may not have been on your radar going in. It’s important to trust the process!

2. Be yourself

During the rush process, you may feel pressure to talk or act a certain way to be liked by a house. It is important to be true to yourself in order to see which chapter you feel most comfortable in. The chapters are meeting hundreds of girls in such a short period, but there’s only one you! Being authentic and genuine will allow you to form real connections with the chapter that is right for you.

3. Prepare questions ahead of time

The fast-paced environment of the rush process can often be overwhelming. To help ease some of the pressure, think of some potential questions to ask chapters ahead of time so you don’t have to think on your feet. Having some questions prepared will help you feel more confident. Potential questions to ask the houses might be: Can you tell me about some of the events your chapter holds? What makes your chapter special to you? Are there opportunities to get involved and hold a position?

4. Submit letters of recommendation to all chapters

Something they don’t talk about enough during the pre-rush process are the recommendation letters. These letters help the chapters learn more about you. Some chapters make cuts based on whether or not the PNM has a rec letter. You should have a letter written on your behalf for each house on your school’s campus. You can ask an active alumni in good standing to write you a letter, or your local panhellenic organization to arrange an alumni to write a letter for you as well. Don’t leave this part to the last minute, and be sure to follow your school’s directions on how the alum can submit a letter.

5. Don’t talk bad about other chapters

The sorority recruitment process is unique to every girl who goes through it. Each chapter has its own set of values that make their sisterhood unique. You may love one chapter and not have quite as good of a fit with another chapter. However, it is important to keep your opinions to yourself and not put down other chapters. The goal of recruitment is for each girl to find the sisterhood that is right for them, and by doing that, all chapters deserve equal respect.

6. Relax and have fun!

While rush may seem overwhelming, the process is in place for a reason. All of the active members are excited to meet you and tell you all about their sisterhood. You may not realize it, but the active members are nervous as well! Just remember when in doubt to be yourself, and have fun finding the right home for you.

14 07, 2021

A Day in the Life of a College Student – Q&A with Matthew Warden

By |2021-08-03T03:50:52-05:00July 14th, 2021|college students, college tips|Comments Off on A Day in the Life of a College Student – Q&A with Matthew Warden

It’s no secret that college students are extremely busy. Between classes, tests and homework, students must have proper time management habits in order to balance it all. Not to mention that the social aspect of college life full of extracurricular activities, clubs and spending time with friends leaves students with even more to juggle.

Some students even chose to work a job or internship while in school in order to earn money or gain work experience in their desired career field. To give you some insight into what it’s like to hold an internship while attending school as a full-time student, I asked Baylor alumnus and Campus Crates head Baylor manager Matthew Warden how he managed to attain a healthy work-life balance.

Q&A with Matthew Warden, Baylor Campus Crates Manager

Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself.

My name is Matthew Warden, and I grew up in Torrance, CA, a small suburb outside of Los Angeles. Coming to Baylor was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I just recently graduated as a Finance and Entrepreneurship student, and I have a full-time job lined up with AT&T as a financial analyst.

Q: What activities were you involved with during your time at Baylor?

During my time at Baylor, I was a member of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity on campus. One of their philanthropy opportunities is called The Ability Experience, which essentially allows us to work directly with people with special needs in the community and the Special Olympics to provide services to them. For me personally, it kind of speaks to me directly because my sister is Autistic, so I was able to serve something I know pretty well.

Other activities I was involved with included the Phillip M. Dorr Endowment Fund in the business school. The investment fund was endowed to Baylor back in 2001 with about $1 million that now has $12 million. I was a student analyst on a panel in this organization where I was involved in decisions such as what to hold, what to buy, what to sell. I was also in the Professional Development program that puts on events for speakers and hosts different events for student’s professional education.

Q: Can you tell us about your role with Campus Crates?

I didn’t expect Campus Crates to be in my life as long as it has been, but I’m really grateful that it has been. I started interning with Campus Crates in Jan. of 2019. My first year I was tasked with being a storage co-intern with Matt Burton, to run all aspects of the operations including marketing, sales, customer service, logistics and even short term business planning. My first year was challenging but I was able to learn the ropes of the different aspects of Campus Crates.

The following year, I was promoted to the head Baylor storage manager position where I was able to oversee a team of three people and our movers as well. I laid out goals and created timelines with what we needed to do and how we were going to get there. We run a very meticulous ship; for example when we have to move out 200 people in three days, we have to conduct business in a very timely manner. I also helped navigate the team through the COVID crisis, where we actually had record sales.

I then came back for a third year, where I was able to oversee a five-person Baylor team as well as help lead new interns at our expansion schools, The University of Texas and Texas Christian University.

Q: What does a weekly routine look like during the school year while also working Campus Crates? How are you able to divide up your time?

Time management really came to me situationally. When I had a lot of things to do, I was forced to learn to manage my time. I like to compartmentalize different tasks and complete things one step at a time. During online school especially, I would block off certain days during the week where I would just focus on school, allowing time for homework and Campus Crates. It was my job to hold weekly meetings with the Campus Crates team to go over what needed to be done that week, and see which team members had heavier school loads that week to divide the work up accordingly. I would intertwine my Campus Crates responsibilities with my school work for the week, establish deadlines and plan out my weeks in advance.

Q: How important is time management when balancing life as a student, extracurriculars and an internship all at the same time?

Time management is everything. For me, I have a lot of things to do and it’s important to not get stressed. I plan things out ahead of time so things don’t creep up on you. I try to get my school work done ahead of time, so when something with my internship comes up at the last minute, I have the bandwidth to switch gears. Additionally, I aim to hold myself accountable to get things done ahead of time, so that I can be flexible with my time if I need to. 

Some people think that the best way to manage time is to make your schedule very rigid with exactly how many hours you are going to work on a specific thing. In reality, life is very unpredictable. I also make a checklist for each day several days out, and cross things off as I go to help myself keep track of what needs to be accomplished.

Q: What is the hardest part about having an internship while balancing school and social life?

The hardest part is realizing that not only do you have a responsibility to the business and your co-workers, but to the customers that we serve as well. In other words, if I wasn’t properly time managing and available to work, those customers wouldn’t be serviced. I sometimes would have to sacrifice my social time to devote myself to this responsibility. You have to accept that there are other people counting on you.

Q: What is your favorite part about your Campus Crates internship?

My favorite thing about my experience with Campus Crates is that it’s so multifaceted. It’s good to feel that you’re working for a company that not only employs your peers, but also provides a service to your peers. Throughout my internship I know that I made some of my fellow Baylor student’s lives easier, while also getting some great business experience that will stay with me the rest of my career. It meshed so well with my college experience.

15 06, 2021

6 Ways to Earn Money this Summer

By |2021-08-03T03:58:42-05:00June 15th, 2021|college students, college tips, summer break|Comments Off on 6 Ways to Earn Money this Summer

School is out for the summer and it’s the perfect time to earn a little extra cash. Many college students don’t realize that there are many unique opportunities to earn money without even leaving the house. Whether you are looking for something full-time, or to piece together several part-time opportunities, here are a few ways to make good money this summer.

1. Summer job/internship

Perhaps the most traditional suggestion is to apply for a summer job or internship. A summer job could include seasonal retail positions, nannying, lifeguarding or waitering just to name a few. The summertime is also a perfect time to apply to internships that can help you build up your resume. Gaining experience in your desired field can better your chances at future jobs, and many internships offer pay as well! 

2. Become a Doordasher

An industry that experienced a dramatic increase during the pandemic was food delivery services. Apps like Doordash, Uber Eats and Grubhub became household names this past year. You can apply to be a driver on these food delivery apps and earn easy money just by picking up and delivering food. You also have the flexibility to work as much or little as you desire.

3. Tutoring

Even if school is not in session, many kids use the summer to catch up on school or even start working ahead. Find a subject you excel in and become a summer tutor to help others master that subject. There is always a demand for tutors at all education levels. You can even successfully tutor via Zoom from home. Tutoring also gives you great leadership, teaching and interpersonal communication practice.

4. Participate in online surveys

One of the easiest ways to earn fast money is by sharing your opinion online via questionnaires and surveys. Companies are willing to pay users to provide insight into their products and services. Participating in online surveys is simple, convenient and available for anyone to do at their fingertips.

5. Sell your old clothes and furniture

Spring cleaning means getting rid of the old and bringing in the new. The digital age has created opportunities to buy and sell things that traditionally would have been done in person at a yardsale. Facebook marketplace is the perfect platform to sell furniture you are looking to get rid of while making good money in the process. There are clothing apps such as Poshmark and Depop that allow users to post clothes for sale. Using these types of online selling tools can help you clean out your house while also pocketing a bit of extra cash!

6. Start a small business

Typically, the summertime is a less stressful and busy time of year. The hustle and bustle of the college course load often doesn’t leave students with much freetime. Take advantage of summer break and work on something you are passionate about. For example, if you want to start a photography business but you have been too busy to work on it, use the summer to build your portfolio, network and improve your photography skills. Everyone has to start somewhere, and the summertime is the perfect time to take a leap of faith to start your own business.

21 04, 2021

5 Packing Tips for a Smooth Move Out

By |2021-08-03T04:11:29-05:00April 21st, 2021|college students, college tips, move out, storage, summer break|Comments Off on 5 Packing Tips for a Smooth Move Out

Move-out is around the corner. It can be overwhelming to people who have never moved before and don’t even know where to start in the process. Add in the joy of final exams and you’re in for a busy week! Here are 5 easy tips to help your move-out experience go as smooth as possible.

1. Start Early

Procrastination is real. With so much going on at the end of the school year, it can be easy to put off packing to the last minute. Start packing up your room in small pieces. Begin with packing non-essential decorations, and gradually keep packing over the course of several days to help ease the stress. 

2. Be Careful With Fragile Items

Items such as electronics, glass and photo frames just to name a few, require special care. It’s better to be safe than sorry when you are packing fragile items in boxes. Wrap delicate items in bubble wrap to ensure smooth transport. If there is additional room in the box, fill the box with packing peanuts to eliminate shifting. Taking the extra step to secure your fragile items will help your items stay in perfect condition.

3. Pack “Like” Items Together and Label

In order to maximize space, pack similar items in the same box. Pack all t-shirts together; the same for shoes, kitchenware, and so forth! This will also help you find things as you unpack boxes to ultimately save you time in the long run to avoid digging through boxes to find what you need. When you label your boxes, it’s even easier.

4. Don’t Stuff Boxes

It may seem logical to try to fit as much as possible into your moving boxes. But in reality, stuffing boxes makes them heavier and more difficult to move. Not to mention, over-packing can potentially cause the box to tear. Instead of jam-packing as many clothes as possible into a box, allow some breathing room and use an additional box. With Campus Crates, you get free boxes included in your summer storage price no matter how many boxes you require.

5. Make Sure All Boxes Are Secure

It is important to make sure your boxes are taped and assembled properly. It is not enough to just fold your box flaps over, in case the box may tip over and expose the contents of the box. Securely tape the top and bottom of your boxes to make sure everything is moved and stored in one piece.

By implementing these tips, you’ll be on your way to a smooth move and ready to enjoy that summer vacation! Best of luck to all college students on finals!

24 03, 2021

Tips I would give my College Self

By |2021-08-03T04:24:16-05:00March 24th, 2021|college students, college tips|Comments Off on Tips I would give my College Self

The famous phrase goes, “hindsight is 2020”. Sometimes, this is easier said than done. As a college senior rapidly approaching graduation, I’ve taken some time recently to reflect on my college experience. Throughout the highs and lows that all students face, I appreciate the way college has shaped me into the person I am today as I begin to journey into the real world. 

As a wise, second-semester senior, here are some tips I would tell myself at each stage of the college experience.

Freshman:

Starting from the beginning, I would encourage my freshman self to “say yes” as often as possible. Freshman year is a new start for everyone, and it’s unique that all students are experiencing the same adjustment to college life together. Once I was able to overcome my shyness and understand that everyone was looking to make friends, I started meeting people left and right. 

I would also encourage you to get involved on campus. Joining student organizations and surrounding yourself with other like-minded people will help you find where you belong. Whether that means joining Greek life, playing intramurals, or joining a club, freshman year is a perfect time to broaden your horizons and dive into all that your campus has to offer.

Sophomore:

Sophomore year is a great time to establish your path and focus on yourself with less pressure of having to know exactly what’s next for you post-graduation. With a year of college under your belt, sophomore year allows you to develop a routine and invest time into building relationships. As you start to get more involved with your major, you can set long-term goals based on your strengths and where you fit in. 

I’d encourage you to take advantage of sophomore year and enjoy making memories with the people around you! I would tell my sophomore self to live in the moment and embrace the college lifestyle for all its worth.

Junior:

Junior year is truly the peak of the college experience. You know the ins and outs of campus, you’ve started taking upper-level courses and perhaps even gained real-world experience with an internship. As you navigate your third year at college, things start to become more real. Your older friends are starting to graduate and begin their real-world careers, while others are starting to get engaged. It can be overwhelming, to say the least. 

When it’s tempting to look around and become anxious about the future, I would encourage you to cling to the nostalgia that allowed you to fall in love with campus. Continue to make friends and new memories, as junior year is at the heart of your time at college. 

Senior:

All good things must come to an end. Senior year brings conflicting emotions, with its fair share of “lasts”. Despite the feeling of college coming to an end, it can become stressful to begin the job hunt while you are still enrolled in full-time school. Not to mention the scary game of “what if” scenarios that swirl in your head as you approach the unknown adventure post-graduation. 

If the pandemic has taught me anything, it’s to never take anything for granted. I think that perfectly encompasses what senior year is all about.

10 03, 2021

8 Hobbies to Pick Up as a Student

By |2021-03-12T00:24:58-06:00March 10th, 2021|college students, college tips|Comments Off on 8 Hobbies to Pick Up as a Student

College is a time for self-discovery and venturing out into new areas. As we progress through this journey, we are constantly juggling to maintain our academic pursuits along with a social life. With so much on our plates, we often forget to seek out new experiences that bring us joy. As college students, it is imperative to pick up new hobbies that we find pleasure in and those that give us a sense of purpose.

8 Hobbies to Pick Up as a Student

1. Cooking

By always being on such a tight schedule, we turn to quick meals and fast food for convenience. Cooking is a fun and useful hobby to learn. Cooking regularly may also help you stay more health-conscious and enjoy discovering new and versatile recipes.

2. Art

Many of us are often discouraged at the fact that we can’t create beautiful pieces like Picasso or Van Gogh, so we don’t even give art a chance. However, you don’t need to create picture-perfect art to have fun or even express yourself! Art is such a broad category, meaning you can experiment with anything, including drawing, painting, photography, scrapbooking, and more.

3. Investing 

As college students, we’re preparing for the real world and all of the financial obligations we may face after graduating. Learning the basics behind investing can ease the burden for our future selves. Beginning to invest in your future is always a great start. Not to mention it can be a great way to make extra cash and become more aware of current events that impact the financial markets.

4. Volunteering

We are all thankful to be part of different communities which provide a strong foundation. If you’re looking for ways to give back, volunteering is a great hobby to pick up. Not only can this be an enjoyable activity to do with your friends, but this can also help you internalize important life skills such as empathy, adaptability, and leadership.

5. Learning a New Language 

Although English is the most widely spoken language, learning another language can be extremely useful. It can help you connect with individuals that come from different backgrounds, advance your professional career, and appreciate other cultures you haven’t previously been exposed to. There are always free resources you can find online to assist you in pursuing this hobby!

6. Learning a New Instrument

By knowing how to play an instrument, you have an amazing way to connect with others and express yourself. This hobby gives you the chance to enhance your cognitive ability, relieve your stress, and even increase your creativity! With this, you will also feel proud and confident in your abilities.

7. Working Out

As many of us know, physical activity is vital to improve your health and reduce your chances of different diseases. Working out can be the perfect way to engage in physical activity. You will notice more appealing results in both your figure and strength. At the end of the day, it will also increase your quality of life.

8. Gardening

This hobby is one that’s both empowering and therapeutic. You will notice that as you spend more and more time gardening, your mood will get boosted and stress will be alleviated. You will also have a greater sense of accomplishment when you notice that your hard work and dedication produce desirable results.

 

 

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