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.

 

 

11 02, 2021

Starting the Semester Off Right

By |2021-08-03T04:33:54-05:00February 11th, 2021|college students, college tips|Comments Off on Starting the Semester Off Right

Winter break is always a great time for relaxation after the fall semester. Many of us had the chance to reconnect with friends and family, celebrate the holidays, and ultimately reflect on this past year. Although 2020 was not at all what anyone had expected, we all had opportunities to grow and develop. Cheers to the next chapter in our lives – and for college students that means a great spring semester.

Top 7 tips to start the semester off right:

1. Use a Planner

As college students, many of us are constantly overwhelmed with the number of assignments, projects, tests, and club meetings we have in any single week. The truth is we’re never too cool for a planner! At the beginning of each week, write down all of your obligations to ensure that you stay organized and don’t forget any deadlines.

2. Meal Prep

In college, FOMO is real and time is of the essence. The last thing you want to do is attempt to cook when you’re buried in homework. Therefore, meal prep can be a great strategy to stay cost-efficient and eat healthily. Move away from microwavable meals and fast food, and prepare your meals ahead of time to stay fit, save money, and increase productivity.

3. Exercise

Although we often prioritize academic deadlines and social obligations to stimulate our mental health, some of us forget to take care of our physical health. Strive to take care of yourself physically by lifting weights, doing yoga, or just simply taking a brisk walk outside between classes. You will find that if you include physical activity in your daily routine, you will be healthier, happier, and more productive.

4. Get to Know your Professors

Something that many of us often ignore is striving to get to know our professors. However, your professors are your professors for a reason; each one of them has a diverse set of backgrounds and life experiences. Attend their office hours or schedule a one-on-one meeting with them. It is your job to take advantage of this resource and seek advice that you can instill into your academic and professional journey.

5. Unplug your Virtual Self

Zoom fatigue is an exhausting issue. From constantly watching lectures on your laptop to checking social media, a lot of us don’t get a break from technology. Technology is an important part of our everyday lives, but it’s easy to forget that there is a life outside of our virtual screens. Take some time out of your busy schedule to catch up with a friend, play a sport, or take a relaxing hike. It can be a great stress-reliever!

6. Start Building your Resume

Creating or updating a resume may not seem like a priority if you’re not actively looking for a job, but taking the early initiative in your professional journey can be extremely beneficial. Academics are of great concern, of course. However, equally important is what you do outside of the classroom! Building your resume and networking are great ways to take the first step in your future career.

7. Have Fun!

The last but certainly not least important tip we want to offer you is to truly enjoy your time as a college student. College is the time to figure out who you are and where you feel you belong. Create new bonds, join organizations, and take advantage of the social atmosphere that college fosters. Many people look back at their college experiences as transformative, and now is your time to start creating those lifelong memories!

 

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