9 Life Lessons I’ve Learned During College

I'm almost done with college.  I'm graduating next month.  I keep saying it to myself and it still barely seems real!  So I guess in honor of my almost graduation, I'm posting some of my own life lessons I have learned from my time at college.  No doubt that getting older and my personal experiences shape what I have for advice, but I think everyone can find some of their own application in each piece.    

(1) You don’t have to be best friends with everyone, but it is important to be civil
Don’t burn bridges. You never know when someone can help you down the road. You might meet some people you aren’t fond of, but being civil shows good character.

(2) Mental Health should be a priority
We have all had those moments when we are so sick with stress that it is almost paralyzing. Feeling like you need to keep studying and working otherwise the world will come to an end and your life will be over. False. Life will always go on. TAKE BREAKS & BE HAPPY.

(3) Spend time with people that you value 
It’s almost impossible not to get caught up in the flood of coursework and studying, but don’t forget about the friends you’ve made or your family. Spend time with these people so your relationships don’t drift off.

(4) Carry snacks and a water bottle with you at all times
Because you never know when you are going to be caught off guard with sporadic plans and you have no time to stop to eat a meal. And for whenever you get hungry of course.

(5) Realize that everyone comes from different backgrounds, situations, talents, and abilities. So quit being jealous
There will always be someone who is better. The sooner you accept your abilities and capitalize on them while striving to improve your weaknesses, the better.

(6) Setting goals is not dumb
Setting short-term and long-term goals is awesome. It gives you something to always reach for, and most importantly it gives hope. It is also liberating to reach your goal and take pride in what you’ve done to get yourself there.

(7) Accept, and learn from, rejection
In all forms. In relationships, jobs, internships, etc. If someone/something/company/organization/anything rejects you for some reason, consider it to be their loss. They/It lost out on a great opportunity by not taking you on. It can be discouraging, but there are lots of ways to learn from these types of situations.

(8) If you want something done, go out and do it
This is pretty self-explanatory. Often times we like to wait around and hope things just get done magically. But they don’t. Be assertive.

(9) Do things that make you happy
This seems cheesy, but seriously you only live once. Try to enjoy every moment, strive to be positive, and have an optimistic outlook on life.

Studying Truths

Let’s face it.  No one really likes to study, but everyone wants to get good grades.  So studying is often inevitable.  Going through studying motions can be stressful and monotonous.  There is an incredible amount of pressure to be the best and to be the most successful, which adds to stress and anxiety.  This post will provide insight and tips for studying that presents new ways of thinking about the act of studying.

Try to develop an overall interest in the material or subject that you are learning.  If you have a genuine interest, the information will stick better in your mind.  Trust me on this one.  For a personal example, this semester I have a class about toxicity and oil spills.  At first, I was not looking forward to it at all and the information was incredibly difficult to remember because it was very “sciency”, as I like to say.  But, once I decided to take a genuine interest in the information, I have grown to like learning about the topic and actually talk about what I’m learning in my free time quite often.  Which leads me to my next point:

Don’t try to just memorize, try to learn and understand

If you’re just staring at a piece of paper waiting to develop a photographic memory, good luck with that! (And P.S., if you ever figure out how to do that, let me know) Anyway. While beginning at the top of your notes, your textbook, or your assignments, read each line of information, understand it, and make connections to the next line.  Understanding how the information works and flows together will enhance your recall of the information when it is presented in various forms on a test. 

Be participatory in class.  It’s easy to sit in the classroom, space off, and watch the clock tick.  Try and engage yourself in discussions and lectures.  It will make the information memorable.  And don’t forget to ask professors for help if you ever need it.  Seriously, they get paid to teach you.  Utilize them.

Read your notes whenever you get the chance.  “A little a day, will bring the A”.  I just made that up.  Copyrighting it right now.  But really.  Even just skimming your notes whenever you get the chance is increasing your exposure and memory, even if it might not seem like it at the time. 

Study with friends and teach them what you know.  Sometimes teaching can be the best form of learning.  Make a night out of it at the library or your favorite chill restaurant, it won’t be all bad!    

The MOST important thing to remember about studying, in my opinion, is to remember to take breaks.  If you’re feeling like you are reading the same page over and over again and not absorbing anything, it’s definitely time to take a break.  Your mental health is important too!  Spending too much time consecutively studying can cause more stress and can be ineffective after a certain period of time.  The Huffington Post has a great article about the importance of mental health for students.  Take a look at it here, it’s a read worth your while.

Thanks for reading everyone!  Until next time! 

Advice Every College Student Needs to Hear

College is an experience of a lifetime. And time flies faster than ever. Sometimes, as students, we get so caught up in the speed and worry of things that we forget to calm down.

Below is a collection of advice I have gathered personally by asking fellow college students "What is the greatest lesson you've learned thus far from college?" Take the time to read these pieces of advice and really let them sink in!

"Your place in this world is all about balance. Truly engage yourself with your peers. You get back what you put in. If you extend a hand out to others in their time of need, they will most likely return the favor when you need it most."

"Remember to take a breath. A lot can come at you at once, and sometimes that can be overwhelming if you're not used to it. So even on the days you're feeling the worst about yourself, it's important to remember that everything will be okay. Take a breath."

"Work hard, play hard. Focus on school, but be sure to make time for fun and enjoy it. It goes by faster than you expect."

"Sleep is important."

"Get involved and don't be afraid to talk to new people. I have met some of my best friends through organizations or talking to them in class even though I didn't know them before. It makes a big difference to build those connections, and the sooner you start doing that the better."

"DO NOT fall behind or slack off freshman year. It's so easy to drop your GPA, but it's so difficult to try and raise it. I was struggling with that my junior and senior year, and here I am my 5th year. So, focus in the beginning years so you aren't spending the last years trying to build it back up."

"Live in the present. It is so easy to live in the past or wish for the weekends, but time truly does fly by so it is important to make every minute count!"

"No matter how how stressed you are with your academics, there's always bigger things in life to worry about. Take a deep breath and remember tomorrow is a new day."

"When college is over you aren't going to remember if you go an A or a C on your liberal arts humanities course, but you'll remember the night out with your friends. Don't forget to live a little while in college because the time flies by!"

"Check your email. Your professors might cancel class...Also, don't procrastinate on assignments/manage free time."

"Spend time with people who make you happy. People who make you laugh. People that are positive. People who support you. People who like you for who you are."

"Learn to balance. Know when you should to study and know when to give yourself a break. Don't overwork yourself. Indulge a bit."

"Get involved with clubs in your major. I didn't join the student run PR firm/professional group until my junior year. I wish I would have started sooner because of all the great hands-on experience I have gained."

"Don't forget your high school friends, but sometimes it's inevitable that you grow apart. In college, I believe it is vital to open yourself up and make new friends, but unlike high school, you need a variety of friends from different backgrounds and beliefs in order to understand people and life more clearly." 

"Venture out to different school functions, clubs, or explore the area to find friends that compliment your personality and characteristics, but also help challenge you in thinking and acting. If one doesn't try to achieve this, they remain more closed-minded and possibly may have trouble acquiring friendships in the future after college." 

"Be independent. You are not around your parents anymore and they cannot do everything for you. Professors don't "baby" you."

"Manage your priorities"

"Inhale count to 4, exhale count to 4. Best way to deal with anything."

"'Don't ever let the pressure exceed the pleasure." Don't allow the pressure from classes outweigh the pleasure of college. Go out as much as you can, but at the same time manage your class time to the best of your ability. College goes by too fast to let school hold you back from enjoying the college experience with your friends."


I hope this collection of advice spoke to you as much as it spoke to me!

9 Ways to Save Money in College

(Flickr 401kcalculator.org ) 

When paying for a college education, every penny counts.  Use these 9 Ways to Save Money to keep your piggy bank growing!

1. Buy or Rent Textbooks NOT from the school bookstore 

(Flickr Wohnol)

Online sources like Amazon, Chegg, Abebooks, or Bookrenter are websites that have most books for a lot cheaper than the bookstore.  I personally like searching for books using Allbookstores.com, this site complies a list of sites you can buy your books from according to price.

2. Ask for Student Discounts 
Students often forget about this perk.  Even if a venue does not advertise that they have student discounts, it's never a bad idea to ask.  Restaurants, movie theaters, electronic stores, and even some clothing stores give these discounts.

3. Apply for Scholarships 
Believe me, there are more out there than students know about.  A simple google search for "Scholarships in ____" or "Scholarships for ____" will yield tons of results.  Of course, use your best judgement to select credible sites before applying for anything.

4. Shop at Cheaper Stores
Sometimes it is hard to get away from the brand name food or clothing you've been used to while growing up, but you can save a lot of money by shopping at places like Wal-Mart, Aldi, or Goodwill.

5. Use more Cost-Efficient means of Transportation
If you live close to campus, ride a bike or even walk instead of driving your own vehicle.  Gas is expensive! If a bus route loads near your home and stops near campus, take the bus.

6. Cook your own Meals 
Eating out may be a time saver, but it eats up your wallet.  When purchasing ingredients from a store, you get more bang for your buck (meaning, you can buy more and make more food).

7. Only take out as much Money in Loans as you Need

If you take out more money in loans than you actually need, you'll be paying back the extra money....with interest.  

8. Plan and Evaluate Major and Minor Programs 
Explore your major and minor options at your higher education facility early and weigh those options.  Determine what programs are for you and if you can see a future in it.  Students spend a lot of extra semesters (even years) in college slowly trying to figure out what they want to pursue.  Added time in college means added costs.

9. Make a Budget 
Don't spend more than you earn.  Dedicate your earnings to savings and some earnings as spending money 

Anddddd if you get really desperate for money, write a letter to your family and friends telling them how much you love them...Including closing comments like "Please send cash" or "Any monetary donation helps"  

If You’re Stressing, This is a Must-Read

The semester is rapidly approaching its midway point.  It seems like just yesterday it was syllabus day and you were just getting back into the swing of this whole school thing.  But recently all of your professors have somehow collaborated to make your life a living hell the next few weeks by assigning 7 papers and 10 group projects; As well as, 9 tests, 250 pages of reading, and 5 presentations (these numbers may be slightly exaggerated).  Not to mention, extra-curricular actives you have to keep up with while trying to maintain a decent social life and sleep schedule. Talk about STRESS.

It’s okay to be stressed, and it’s more than okay to take a break.

Cute baby duck to make you smile 

Remember that you are not the only one facing pressures of due dates and participation.  Students on your campus are all trying to keep their head above water; although your tasks may differ, you’re all in the same boat trying to tend to responsibilities.  You can confide in these people for empathy, support, and help.  Take a break by talking about your stressors and discuss ways to relieve stress. 

There are tons of ways to relieve stress.  Exercising, sleeping, meditating, playing games, talking to friends and family, going to a movie, eating, watching videos, making lists, cleaning, etc!

Most Importantly, DO NOT STRESS ABOUT BEING STRESSED

College is meant to test your ability to juggle multiple responsibilities at the same time.  The second you begin to question yourself and your ability to handle it is the second you let stress beat you.  Our generation faces a lot of pressure to succeed, more so than generations before us. There is a huge push to be the best at something. To be the best at everything really.  To get good grades.  To be an active member in communities. To have a lot of friends.  To graduate with high honors.  To land an awesome job straight out of graduation.  To lead and mend the future in a positive way.  Exceeding all of these expectations is sometimes realistic, and sometimes not.  I will preach to you to do the best you can and grow confidence in yourself by knowing that you did/are doing the best you can do. 

Write down what you are worrying about and determine whether or not these stressors are things you can control.  If something is out of your control, don’t waste your time stressing out about it!  If something is in your control, conclude what you can do about it.  Make short-term goals, as well as long-term goals.  You can nail your assignments and projects.  You can get a good grade on your test and presentation.  You’ve got time for your friends, family, activities, and school, IF you stop stressing!

More cute animals to brighten your day

Look at this little kitty

Getting Involved in College: Resources

Getting involved in organizations and clubs on campus is no doubt highly acclaimed, but sometimes it is easier said than done.  Thinking about joining a group can be surprisingly overwhelming for students, especially if they are not at all sure where to begin.  The best thing to do when starting this process is to utilize resources and understand that groups are eager for new members! 

The following are tactics that I think are beneficial to explore when actively searching for organization information. I have used some of these throughout my college time and they have helped me get involved in organizations that I am currently a part of. 

Resources: 

Attend an organization and club fair.  This is pretty self-explanatory; Most colleges will hold these events at the beginning of new semesters and periodically throughout peek times of the year. 

Never overlook the knowledge of your professors and advisers.  They actually know stuff going on around campus (yes, even your biology professor whose only interest in life seems to be the nature of goldfish he’s culturing in your lab class) Talk to these people, they often run or supervise organizations. 

This is an example of a kiosk...If you still
didn't know what I was talking about!

Kiosks (you know, those structures on campus that are always plastered with fliers) and bulletin boards.  There are always organizations posting information, dates, and times of their meetings on these more traditional forms of advertising which can sometimes be overlooked. 

Turn your listening ears on.  Listen for announcements and other student’s buzz about these things.  Word of mouth spreads news of campus organizations. 

Keep in mind the power of the Internet!  The campus website will have a list of campus organizations and contacts.  Also, some groups may even have their own website (and I’m sure more often than not, they will have their own social media sites as well!)

If even one of these resources is put to use, the search for a group of interest should be made easier!  Good luck and happy searching! 

Getting Involved in College: Thoughts & Benefits

There is something out there for everyone.  It just takes a little research (stay tuned for a post next week about helpful resources!)  There are organizations for professional interests, personal interests, and everything in between.  Most upper education facilities even give power to students to start-up their own group.

Some examples are: student government, volunteer groups, academic groups, fraternities and sororities, intramural sports, theater and art groups, religious groups, honors groups, and etc!  The list and possibility of involvement can seem endless depending on the size of your education facility.

Students gathered on campus lawn at The University of Iowa 

 A few things to keep in mind when deciding to join a group:

1. Never let fear of the unknown keep you from deciding to pursue something new.
2. Don’t be afraid to join alone.  If you don’t know anyone in the group already, just be brave, be independent, and join anyway.  You can do it! 
3. It’s never too late.  So what, you missed the first meeting or maybe it’s your last year of college, it’s not too late.  The worst feeling is regret of not trying. 
4. Other people are in the same boat.  If you’re ever feeling hesitant, just remember that you are not the only one who may have mixed feelings.

Students at the University of Northern Iowa at
a Relay for Life meeting 

Making the final decision to be a part of a group brings a lot of benefits.  It creates a community of people full of common interests.  This community not only accomplishes and serves the organization’s cause, but can also act as a support group relating to any aspect of life.  Lifelong friends often originate from group involvement, as well as professional connections that can help in the future.  Practicing and expanding skills is also an important feature not to be overlooked; As well as learning from others in fun and innovative ways. And don’t forget, group involvement is quite the resume booster!

I encourage everyone to be a part of an organization and form relationships with those who have similar interests.  You won’t regret it!  

Don’t forget, next week I’ll be posting some general resources you can use to help with your organization search.