Being Mindful About College Halloween Costume Choices

Most students, no doubt, are going to be celebrating Halloween on campus this week -- as they should be. But part of celebrating Halloween in an environment of higher learning is being mindful about the choices we make when it comes to Halloween costumes and even party themes.

Students Teaching About Racism in Society (STARS) at Ohio University have been receiving quite a bit of publicity for their "We're a culture, not a costume" campaign. The posters do a fantastic job of reminding all of us how the things we see every day -- in costume shops, in catalogs, on our friends and neighbors -- can be offensive and disrespectful. You can read more about STARS and their awareness campaign through a profile of the organization or by visiting their website directly.

Learn more about:

• Racially Offensive Costumes
• College Students in Racial Drag
• Halloween and Race

View the original article here

Valentine's Day Guide

Valentine's Day and college can make a fantastic -- or awkward -- mix. Make the most of your situation by enjoying yourself, enjoying the day, and -- if applicable -- enjoying the time with a significant other. Conversely, of course, you can find information on making the most of being single. Valentine's Day doesn't have to be a celebration only for those already coupled up!

If You're Single

Being single on Valentine's Day doesn't have to mean being awkward or having a funky night. There are multiple ways to ensure you still have a great Valentine's Day -- without a significant other.

• 5 Things to Do Off Campus If You're Single on Valentine's Day
• 5 Things to Do On Campus If You're Single on Valentine's Day

If You Have a Crush on Someone

Have a crush on someone? Not sure what to do about it? Valentine's Day can be the perfect catalyst for moving toward something more.

• 5 Ways to Tell If That College Crush Likes You Back
• 5 Ways to Let Your College Crush Know You Like Them

If You Have a Date

Have a date for Valentine's? Thought that was the difficult part ... until you tried to plan something? Check out these easy (and affordable) date ideas to help make sure your night is all you want it to be.

• 5 Inexpensive College Date Ideas
• 10 Great Gift Ideas for Your College Boyfriend/Girlfriend
• 7 Unique Valentine's Day Gift Ideas
• 5 Places to Go for a College Romantic Getaway
• 10 Tips for Dating Safely in College

If You're in a Long-Distance Relationship

Being in a long-distance relationship can be hard enough without things like Valentine's Day reminding you of the distance between you and your significant other. Learn more about how to make the distance a little easier.

• How to Handle Long-Distance Relationships in College
• 5 Romantic Gestures for a College Long-Distance Relationship

View the original article here

Campus Highlight: University of Alaska Fairbanks

(Each Monday during the academic year, I feature a "Campus Highlight": a unique, interesting, and noteworthy student organization, program, or initiative that demonstrates the amazing things college students do each and every day across the country.)

October 24 is Food Day, which "seeks to bring together Americans from all walks of life--parents, teachers, and students; health professionals, community organizers, and local officials; chefs, school lunch providers, and eaters of all stripes--to push for healthy, affordable food produced in a sustainable, humane way." The movement is sponsored by the Center for Science in the Public Interest; Senator Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, and Representative Rosa DeLauro, D-C.T., are also the Honorary Co-Chairs for Food Day 2011.

In support of Food Day, the University of Alaska Fairbanks is hosting quite a celebration! Events include lectures, exhibits, an "Iron Chef" cookoff, a Food Jeopardy game, and a Taste of Alaska booth featuring all Alaska-grown food. Best of all, everything is free and open to the public. Congrats to everyone -- especially the students -- for being involved in such a timely, interesting, and fun-sounding event!

View the original article here

What If I Don't Like My College Roommate?

Question: What If I Don't Like My College Roommate?

Even though the vast majority of college roommate matches end up working out just fine, there are always a few exceptions to every rule. So what happens if you end up not liking your college roommate?

Answer:

Rest assured that there will always be options for you if you and your roommate don't seem to make a good fit. First and foremost: The issue is going to have to be addressed. You can try to address it yourself by talking with your roommate, or you can go to someone on your hall staff (like your RA) for a little help. They'll listen to the problem and see if it's something that can be worked through and even help you figure out how to talk to you roommate about the problem(s), with or without a staff member present.

If your roommate conflict can't be resolved, you'll be able to change roommates. Keep in mind, however, that this can take a little while: a new space for one of you will have to be found. Additionally, it's highly unlikely at most schools that you'll just get to live by yourself if your original roommate situation doesn't work out, so you'll have to wait until another roommate pair wants to switch, too. Lastly, some schools won't let roommates switch until a certain amount of time (usually a few weeks) has gone by since the semester started, so there may be a delay if you decide you don't like your roommate early in the year. Just keep in mind that the hall staff wants everyone in the halls to be in the best situation possible, so they'll work with you -- in whatever way seems best -- to come to a resolution as soon as they can.

View the original article here

NEW Article: 5 Last-Minute Costume Ideas

Still struggling to find the perfect costume for Halloween?

Don't worry, you're not alone. With so much going on, many students simply aren't able to pull their costume together until the last minute. Fortunately, however, getting a last-minute costume doesn't have to leave you in the awkward position of "well, I had to put something together just today" at your campus Halloween party. In the spirit of last-minute endeavors, I just put together a list of 5 Last-Minute Costume Ideas for College Students.

Enjoy!

View the original article here

College vs. High School

Sometimes, you need a little reminder of the differences between high school and college. You could need motivation about why you want to go to college or why you want to stay in college. Either way, the differences between high school and college are vast, stark, and important.

College vs. High School: 50 Differences

In college ...

1. No one takes attendance.
2. Your instructors are now called "professors" instead of "teachers."
3. You don't have a curfew.
4. You have a roommate who you didn't know until right before you moved in together.
5. It's totally acceptable if your professor is late to class.
6. You can stay out all night without anyone caring.
7. You don't have to go to assemblies.
8. You don't need a permission form to watch a movie in class.
9. You don't need a permission form to go somewhere with your school/classmates.
10. You can pick what time your classes start.
11. You can nap in the middle of the day.
12. You can work on campus.
13. Your papers are much longer.
14. You get to do real science experiments.
15. Your goals in your classes are to learn things and pass, not pass an AP test for credit later.
16. Group work, while still lame sometimes, is much more involved.
17. There's no busy work.
18. There are museums and exhibits on campus.
19. Campus-sponsored events happen much later at night.
20. You can drink at school-sponsored events.
21. Nearly every event has some kind of food.
22. You can borrow books and other research material from lots of schools.
23. Your student ID gets you a discount -- and now a little respect, too.
24. You'll never be able to get all your homework done.
25. You can't turn in fluff and expect to get credit for it.
26. You don't get an A just for doing the work. You now have to do it well.
27. You can fail or pass a class depending on how you do on one exam/assignment/etc.
28. You're in the same classes as the people you live with.
29. You're responsible for making sure you still have enough money in your account at the end of the semester.
30. You can study abroad with much less effort than you could in high school.
31. People expect a much different answer to the "So what are you going to do after you graduate?" question.
32. You can go to grad. school when you're done.
33. You have to buy your own books -- and lots of them.
34. You have more freedom to choose the topics on things like research papers.
35. A lot more people come back for Homecoming/Alumni Weekend.
36. You have to go to something called "language lab" as part of your foreign language class.
37. You're no longer the smartest person in the classroom.
38. Plagiarism is taken much more seriously.
39. You'll learn how to write a 10-page paper on a 10-line poem.
40. You're expected to give money back to your school after you graduate.
41. For the rest of your life, you'll always be a little interested to see where your school ranks in the annual rankings done by newsmagazines.
42. The library stays open 24 hours.
43. You can nearly always find someone on campus who knows more than you about a subject your struggling with -- and who is willing to help you learn.
44. You can do research with your professors.
45. You can have class outside.
46. You can have class at your professors' houses.
47. Your professor might have you and your classmates over for dinner at the end of the semester.
48. You're expected to keep up on current events -- and connect them to what you're discussing in class.
49. You really do need to do the reading.
50. You'll attend classes with other students who want, instead of have, to be there.

View the original article here

College Studying Tips

Having good college studying tips can make or break your performance during finals week. So how can you make sure you leave your finals exam knowing you rocked the test instead of worrying that you bombed it?

Difficulty: Average

Time Required: Varies

Here's How:

1. Talk to the professor or TA ahead of time. Your professor and/or TA is going to be writing the exam ... so of course they know what's going to be on it. Heading to a study session or visiting your professor during office hours will give you the opportunity to ask questions about what is going to be on the test and how best you can study for it.
2. Know for certain what material will be covered. Some professors have finals that cover all of the material from the semester; others may only test on, say, the material covered since the last exam. Know what you'll be tested on so you can focus your studying efforts more effectively.
3. Look at other exams you've had in the class so far. Chances are that your professor has an exam style, just like you have a test-taking style. Look at previous exams that you've taken in the class to see what material your professor often thinks is important enough to test on and what formats he or she likes to use -- and then plan your study approach accordingly.
4. Create or join a study group. True, study groups often start off with lots of chatting, but a good group can quickly get down to business, focus, and cover a lot of material. Studying with peers is also a great way to break up the material: each person can make a study guide for certain chapters, for example, so that the group can quickly create a comprehensive study guide together. Additionally, study groups can help provide some much-needed laughter breaks when you're studying late into the night.
5. Ask other students who have taken the class before what to expect. Chances are someone in your residence hall, fraternity/sorority, group of friends, or somewhere has taken your class before. Ask around to find out what the course final is often like and what you'll need to do to be as prepared as possible.

View the original article here

College Roommate Agreements

When you first move in with your college roommate (either in an apartment or in the residence halls), you may want -- or have -- to set up a roommate agreement or roommate contract. While not usually legally binding, roommate agreements are a great way to make sure that you and your college roommate are on the same page about the every-day details that must be managed when you live with someone else. And while they may seem like a pain to put together, roommate agreements are a smart idea.

There are a variety of ways you can approach a roommate agreement. Many agreements come as a template and can provide you with general areas and suggested rules. In general, though, you should definitely cover the following topics:

1. General "stuff" (like computer, printers, iPods, etc.). Is it okay to use each other's "stuff"? If so, are some things off limits? What happens if something breaks? If both people are using the same printer, for example, who pays to replace the paper? The ink cartridges? The batteries? What happens if something gets broken or stolen on somebody else's watch?
2. Schedules. What are your schedules like? Is one person a night owl? An early bird? And what's the process for someone's schedule, especially in the morning and late at night? Do you want some quiet time when you get done with class after lunch? Or time to hang out with friends in the room?
3. Study time. When does each person study? How to they study (quietly? with music? with the TV on?)? Alone? With headphones? With people in the room? What does each person need from the other to make sure they get adequate study time and can keep up in their classes?
4. Private time. Let's be honest: it's college. You and/or your roommate might very well be dating someone -- and want time alone with him or her. What's the deal with getting time alone in the room? How much is okay? How much advance notice is needed? Are there times when it's not okay (like finals week)? How will you let each other know when not to come in?
5. Borrowing/Taking/Replacing. It's practically inevitable not to borrow or take something from your roommate over the course of the year. So who pays for it? Are there rules about borrowing/taking -- e.g., it's okay to eat some of my food as long as you leave some for me?
6. Space. This may sound silly, but think -- and talk -- about space. Do you want your roommate's friends hanging out on your bed while you're gone? At your desk? Do you like your space neat? Clean? Messy? How would you feel if your roommate's clothes started sneaking over to your side of the room?
7. Visitors. When is it okay to have people hanging out in the room? People staying over? How many people are okay? Who needs what when it comes to visitors -- e.g., is a quiet study group okay late at night or should no one be allowed in the room after, say 1:00 a.m.?
8. Noise. Do both of you like the default to be quiet in the room? Music? The TV on as background? What do you need to study? What do you need to sleep? Can someone use earplugs or headphones? How much noise is too much?
9. Food. Can you eat each other's food? Will you share? If so, who buys what? What happens if someone eats the last of an item? What happens if the fridge turns into a science project; who cleans it out? What kinds of food are okay to keep in the room?
10. Alcohol. If you're under 21 and get caught with alcohol in the room, there can be problems. How do you feel about keeping alcohol in the room? If you're over 21, who buys the alcohol? When, if at all, is it okay to have people drinking in the room?
11. Clothes. This one's a biggie for girls. Can you borrow each other's clothes? How much notice is needed? Who has to wash them? How often can you borrow things? What kinds of things can't be borrowed?

If you and your roommate can't quite figure out where to get started or how to come to an agreement on many of these things, don't be afraid to talk to your RA or someone else to make sure that things are clear from the beginning. After all, it's much easier to say "You ate all my cereal! Rule is you have to replace it within 2 days so I'm expecting some serious Frosted Flakes back on my desk by Thursday morning!" with a smile than to come home and get mad over your roommate's decision, once again, to do something you don't like -- but that you never talked about. Roommate relationships can be one of the highlights of college, so starting strongly from the beginning is a great way to eliminate problems in the future.

View the original article here

What's Your Computer Back-Up Plan?

Yesterday, I unexpectedly spent the morning begging for mercy at the Genius Bar. Fortunately, my laptop is okay -- but things could have been much, much worse.

For many college students, their laptop and/or desktop computer is critical for their success in college. I thought I'd transform my bad luck into good luck for you. So ... what's your plan if your computer dies? What would you do if someone walked off with your laptop?

There's no need to set up a complicated, step-by-step back-up plan; just spend a few minutes as you're walking to class today thinking about what you would do. What would happen to all of your papers, research, lab reports, etc.? Can you back those up to a place like Google Docs or a cloud? Can you put your most important stuff on a jump drive? Additionally, how and where would you get access to a computer if yours disappeared? Are there labs on campus? If so, where are they -- and how late are they open? Could you borrow a friend's computer for a little while?

Think, too, about some security concerns that might arise if your laptop goes MIA. Is there information on there that could prove problematic? Do you automatically, for example, sign in to your bank account and email?

Lastly, think about how you would replace your computer. Do you have the money to buy a new one? Do your parents? Where would you get one from? How would you make things work for your classes if you couldn't get one for a while?

Thinking through things like this might be a pain in the brain -- but doing so is much, much easier than trying to think of them after your computer disappears. So take that extra minute and back your stuff up while thinking of a back-up plan!

View the original article here

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month

You may have noticed some special programming on your campus this month; October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month and many campuses have a variety of events to increase awareness and provide resources.

Although many people have preconceived notions of what college life is like, for some students, their years in college can be filled with violence and abuse. If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, please know you can always call the National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233. You can also reach out to people on your campus, whether it be to your RA, a professor, or someone in the counseling center.

• Additional Places and Ways to Get Help
• Domestic Violence Awareness Month History
• Fact Sheets About Domestic Violence (from the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence)

View the original article here

Campus Highlight: The University of Arizona Solar Cats

(Each Monday during the academic year, I feature a "Campus Highlight": a unique, interesting, and noteworthy student organization, program, or initiative that demonstrates the amazing things college students do each and every day across the country.)

For today's Campus Highlight, I'm focusing on the University of Arizona's Solar Cats. Founded in 2008, the group "(exists) to bring environmentally conscious students of the University together in an effort to implement a means of harnessing solar energy as a power source for our residence hall, Posada San Pedro, in partnership with the faculty and staff of the University." Fortunately, however, they are not limiting their environmental activism to their residence hall; they also hope that "(by) unifying students and staff through an understanding of the critical importance of leading our University into the sustainable era, combining all of our voices as one, we hope to achieve solar energy for our hall and ultimately for our University as a whole in future years."

Way to go, Solar Cats, for using so many great resources (academic training, faculty and staff allies, student creativity and initiative) toward such a noteworthy cause. Keep up the great work!

View the original article here

Benefits of Time Management

Yes, there are benefits of time management -- everyone seems to know that. But what exactly do the benefits of time management look like, especially to college students? Is good time management really worth all of the time and effort?

8 Benefits of Good Time Management in College

1. You won't miss important "life" deadlines. "Life" deadlines and projects are those things that keep your life on track: turning in your FAFSA on time, getting your form in early so you have guaranteed on-campus housing next year, remembering to get your mom's birthday present in the mail early enough so it arrives on time. When your time management is bad, life can get ugly in an instant.

2. You won't miss important academic deadlines. Paper coming up? Lab report due? Group assignment on the horizon? Missing academic deadlines means you may miss out on being able to stay in school, but having good time management means you get your assignments in on time -- and get a little sleep the night before they're due.

3. You have more time to sleep well, eat right, and exercise regularly. Good time management means you have more, well, time. And the better you treat your body, the better it treats you. Putting a little energy into time management now means you'll have more energy to get through you days (and workload) later.

4. You'll have less stress. Good time management means that horrible paper you have to write gets done in a reasonable amount of time with relatively little stress -- instead of amidst a panic attack the night before.

5. You'll have more time to just relax and enjoy your time in school. Let's be honest: Even if you do decide to throw caution to the wind and just hang out with some friends in the quad, that research paper you're avoiding is still fluttering around in the back of your brain, being annoying. When you're good at managing your time, you can really let yourself relax, knowing that the time you'll need to rock that paper has already been allocated in your schedule.

6. You'll have more flexibility and spontaneity. Always being behind and late on projects means you don't have the time -- or mental ability -- to just relax sometimes and enjoy, say, the spontaneous gathering in your residence hall or your roommate's surprise birthday party.

7. Things will be easier on your friends and family. You know what it's like to have a friend who is always late: things can become trying after a while. Finally getting on top of your time management and turning into an independent adult who can run his or her own life will make things incredibly easier on your friends and family (not to mention yourself).

8. Good time management skills will help you in your post-college life. Think your always-late, always-behind pattern is going to change once you graduate? Think again. Taking the time to learn and make permanent strong time management skills will serve you well in your life after college. After all, how can you go out and change the world if you're always running behind -- and late?

View the original article here

Handling the Unexpected

The unexpected in college is to be, well, expected. Life for most students involves juggling academics, finances, family, health, and many other things. So how should a college student handle the unexpected when it inevitably arises?

Time Required: Varies

Here's How:

1. Tap into university resources as soon as possible. This may be the campus health center, the counseling center, academic support services, the financial aid office, your residence hall staff, the dean of students office, your professor(s), or anywhere else on campus that offers student support services. Regardless of your situation, however, there is undoubtedly somewhere on campus who can help connect you to the support you need. Figure out where that office is and head there -- stat.
2. Figure out your options. When something unexpected pops up, most people want to know the solution right away. Take a moment, however, to explore all of your options. What are your options if the situation doesn't change? What are your options if the situation changes a little but doesn't go back to how things were? What are your options if the situation resolves itself? Knowing your options in all three scenarios can help you figure out what to do next in addition to removing the stress of the unknown.
3. Prioritize and ask for help as much as possible. Reorganizing your priorities when the unexpected arises can be a great way to feel more in control of your situation and to get a better handle on things. Having an unexpected illness, financial situation, or family issue often means that things will need to be rearranged in your life, even if only temporarily. Spend a few quiet minutes with yourself and prioritize the things in your life in a way that still provides you with what you need without adding additional -- and unnecessary -- stress.

View the original article here

10 Tips for Dating Safely

There's enough to stress about before you head out on a date. With everything else your mind (and heart!) may be focusing on, your safety should be built into your plans instead of something you decide to think about later.

1. Tell someone where you're going -- and when you'll be back. You don't have to spill all the juicy details, but at least let someone know what your plans are.
2. Drive yourself or agree to meet your date somewhere. While having your date pick you up may seem nice, it can also leave you stranded if you the date isn't going well and you want to split.
3. Go with another couple. If you're not quite sure how interested you are in someone, go out with a bunch of people. You can disguise it ("I'd love to check out this new club with you, and some friends of mine are going on Saturday...") while still making sure you aren't stuck alone.
4. Go somewhere public. As romantic as a candlelight dinner at your date's apartment may sound, it's not a good idea if you don't know someone very well. Meet somewhere very public during your first few dates.
5. Use alcohol responsibly. If you're old enough to be drinking, you're old enough to handle it like an adult. Don't get yourself into a situation you didn't plan on due to alochol.
6. Say "no" when you feel like it. Don't want to grab drinks after dinner? Don't even want to order dessert? Saying "no" is fine at any point, and you shouldn't worry about sounding rude. There are plenty of ways to say "no" nicely!
7. Listen to your gut. If something, or someone, doesn't feel right, listen to that feeling. It's there for a reason.
8. Watch your drink. Keeping an eye on your drink -- at all times -- means someone else can't change your plans for the evening without you knowing about it.
9. Carry cash. Everything seemed great at first, but it went downhill faster than you could believe. Now you're stuck at a club and just want to run. Having cash available in your wallet makes catching a cab or bus much, much easier.
10. Agree to check in with a friend at a certain time. If you don't want to worry about calling someone at a preset time, have them call you. Decide beforehand language you can use to say if it's going well or not. ("Yes, the food here is fantastic," or "Oh, I'm so sorry to hear you're sick!" won't sound strange to your date, but your friend can pick up on what's going on.) Having your roommate call you because she's "suddenly sick" is a great way to slip out of a bad date early. Just make sure to answer the phone when your friend calls!

View the original article here

Campus Highlight: Auburn University's Gay-Straight Alliance

(Each Monday during the academic year, I feature a "Campus Highlight": a unique, interesting, and noteworthy student organization, program, or initiative that demonstrates the amazing things college students do each and every day across the country.)

October 11 is National Coming Out Day, which means that this week is Pride Week on many college campuses. For the Campus Highlight this week, I'm choosing to focus on Auburn University's Gay-Straight Alliance. They're a great example of how one student organization can make a huge difference on a campus -- and to individual students. Their "Welcome" message on their website is fantastic; they describe their organization as "just an organization of like-minded students." In fact, they challenge visitors "[not to] think of the Auburn GSA as 'the gay group.' AGSA is an organization of students who happen to be straight, lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender. AGSA welcomes anyone interested in issues relating to sexuality and gender, with the caveat that meetings are confidential. This is to ensure the privacy of all of our members."

The Auburn Gay-Straight Alliance is one of the cosponsors of "Auburn Out Loud" on Tuesday as well as other programs during Pride Week. Keep up the great work, Tigers!

View the original article here

Being Sexiled in College

You -- or your college roommate -- has an overnight guest and needs some privacy for a while. But handling being "sexiled" -- in essence, being kicked out of your room so your roommate can have some time alone with their guest -- can go from awkward to a major problem without a good understanding between roommates. After all, who wants to come home at 3:00 in the morning only to be blocked from their own room?

Communicate

The old sock-on-the-door method is not only out of date, but it also doesn't work and just plain looks ridiculous. (Not to mention that it's easily foiled by other people in your hall...) Your roommate and you should come up with a way of letting each other know when you're already in the room and don't want to be disturbed: a word on your dry erase board, a book outside, a text message, a post-it note somewhere on your door. Additionally, you may want to consider coming up with something to say if you, your roommate, and one of your boyfriends/girlfriends is in the room and someone wants some personal time. Bringing up a certain topic (a family member? a computer problem?) can act as a signal that one roommate should leave, for example, for an hour or so.

Plan Ahead

Obviously, this won't work for every situation, but it can help prevent problems. Are you in a long-distance relationship, and your partner is visiting this weekend? Talk to each other to figure out a schedule during the visit. Or, if your roommate has a date planned for Wednesday night, plan to be in the library until it closes to avoid any unnecessary interruptions.

Have an Understanding About Guests

Most college roommates are relatively understanding about being sexiled -- until it becomes a major problem. Being sexiled for an hour or so? No problem. Being sexiled for hours on end, night after night? Major problem. Talk with your roommate about how much time is okay to be blocked from your room, how long guests can stay (all weekend? one night?), and if those rules need to change during certain times of the semester (like finals week).

Figure Out a Plan if You Both Want the Room

The only thing worse than coming home at 3:00 in the morning to find yourself sexiled is coming home at 3:00 in the morning to find yourself sexiled with a guest. Talk to your roommate about what to do in this situation and how you both can be respectful of each other as well as of your shared space.

Work Around Your Schedules

Sexiling doesn't have to be complicated. Does your roommate have a class every Thursday night from 7:00 - 10:00? Does she work or volunteer Saturday mornings? Take advantage of that time so that you can get the privacy you need without making things tense between the two of you.

The main point of any roommate sexiling situation is, of course, communication. Having a few predetermined rules and communication methods in place before a situation arises is the best way to keep an awkward situation from becoming uncomfortable for everyone involved. After all, if you thought talking to your roommate about being sexiled was uncomfortable, imagine how awkward things would be if you accidentally walked in on a situation you didn't need to see. Planning ahead just may be your best bet!

View the original article here

#OccupyWallStreet: Political Activism in College

As the #OccupyWallStreet protests spread across the country and increasingly include college students (and campuses), people are once again reminded of the strong connection between college students and political activism.

I love how active and engaged people are on a college campus, from volunteering with election campaigns to working for social justice issues. One concern I've always had, however, is how students sometimes become so involved politically that their academics sometimes suffer.

For those of you involved with #OccupyWallStreet -- or any other movement, really! -- just remember that one of the best forms of political activism and empowerment is getting your degree. Educating yourself so you can go out, change the world, and help others really is a great way to make lasting, permanent change. So keep up the good work, but make sure you get your reading done, too!

View the original article here

Are You Receiving the College Life Newsletter?

You're in college -- which means you already have enough to read. Why not make things easier and have the most important, timely, and helpful news emailed to your inbox each week?

Every Monday, I send out the College Life newsletter. Depending on what's happening with current events, the time of the semester, or other factors, topics can range from suggestions for Halloween costumes to reminders that your FAFSA is due soon. Signing up is super quick and it's totally free! Consider it your cheat sheet each week for what you need to know -- without having to do any homework to find out, of course.

View the original article here

5 Easy Ways to Save Money

Finding your funds a little too tight during your time in college? Try these 5 tips for figuring out where you can cut corners and still make ends meet.

1. Reduce your meal plan options. Even if you use all of the meals/money that you have, see if you can change to a lower plan. Little things, like providing your own milk and cereal for breakfast in your room, can greatly reduce this expense. (Can't change your plan this semester? Make sure you know how to choose the meal plan that's best for you when the time comes to change.)
   
2. Cut out "treats" during the day. Are you known for always bringing a fancy cup of coffee to class? Grabbing a $5 smoothie as a snack in the afternoon? Try to cut these out of your daily life (completely, or just as a treat on Fridays, for example), and you may be surprised by how much you save. You can always make your own coffee or use a snack packed at home for an afternoon munch.
   
3. Buy used books. Used books are often significantly cheaper than new ones. As long as you have the right editions, you should be good to go.
   
4. Take a course online. Online courses can reduce or eliminate all kinds of expenses, from gas (if you commute to campus) to paper, ink, notebooks, and the dining hall lunch you otherwise would have bought if you had to head to a traditional classroom.
   
5. Recycle, recycle, recycle. Have paper leftover in that notebook at the end of the semester? Use it again next term. Would your current sweatshirt last another 6 months? Then pass on the cuter one you just saw while out with friends. Does your iPod still work, even though you want a newer and bigger one? Keep it until it dies, and give your friends and parents the perfect idea for a graduation gift.

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Time Management Systems and How to Use Them

Do you know you need a (better) time management system but aren't sure where to begin? Check out these time management systems -- and how best to use them during your time in college.

5 Time Management Systems -- and How to Use Them

1. Your cell phone. If the only time you don't have your cell phone on you is while you're in the shower, you might as well see if you can use the calendaring system that comes with your phone.

• Pros: You always have it with you; you can often sync it with your computer or another calendaring system; you can set the alarm to recur for various events.
• Cons: If you lose your phone you might really be in a jam; it can be hard to enter information, depending on your keyboard; the screen can be too small to see upcoming events or projects.

2. An Internet-based calendar, like Google Calendar. Internet-based calendaring systems can be great if you're constantly online and can access the Internet at nearly any time of the day.

• Pros: You can update your data via the cloud; you can update from anywhere; there is very little chance of losing your data; you can share parts of your calendar with others for things like group assignments; some calendar systems will also let you automatically add an event from your email program, for example.
• Cons: The website you use may go down at critical times; it can be hard to access in certain places that don't have Internet access; some Internet-based/cloud calendars charge a fee.

3. A paper calendar. Some might call you old-fashioned, but if using a paper calendar works best for you, then there's no reason to mess with a classic.

• Pros: Paper calendars often make things easier to jot down than electronic calendars; you can go outside of the pre-scripted format; paper calendars have more creativity and flexibility with things like color-coding or flagging pages with sticky notes.
• Cons: It can be difficult, if not impossible, to recover data if your hard-copy calendar gets lost or damaged; it may not always be accessible; paper calendars are larger to carry around than other calendaring systems; you must write in everything instead of having things automatically updated or entered.

4. Smart phone apps. There are a ton of calendar applications for your smart phone. The challenge here might be figuring out which one to pick if you think a calendar app will work best for you.

• Pros: Calendar apps are often easy to use; you can sync them with other electronic programs, like email; some may be free; you can set alarms that will utilize your phone; you don't have to carry around a separate calendaring system.
• Cons: Some cost money or monthly fees; they may crash, leaving you without a good back-up system; it can be hard to enter data on a small phone screen and keyboard; it can also be hard to see larger time frames, like monthly calendars.

5. Time-tracking systems. This may not be a daily/weekly calendaring system, but it can be a good way for you to keep track of your time on a very short-term basis. Consider using a program like Pomodoro or Screen Timer to keep you focused on certain projects and tasks.

• Pros: These nifty programs can help keep you focused on a certain task for a pre-assigned amount of time; they can often be the kick you need to just finally do a certain task or project; they can help you realize how much of your time is spent on various activities throughout the day.
• Cons: Unfortunately, you can sometimes end up spending more time tracking your time than just using it wisely; they may not mesh with your own working style; the constantly running stopwatch may make some people feel stressed.

Just like some students can rock a chemistry class while others excel in art history, different calendaring systems work better for different kinds of folks. Figuring out which one works best for you is often the biggest step, but as long as you keep trying and decide on something, any time management system can take your college life from chaotic or organized.

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Finding Academic Success

Amidst everything else that goes on during your time in college, it's sometimes easy to lose sight of the end goal: graduation. But when you finally do have that diploma in hand, what will it mean? What will you have truly learned and done?

Academic success comes in many forms. For most students, it's a stellar transcript that opens doors into great jobs or great graduate schools. For others, academic success also includes what happens outside of the classroom. With so much going on in college, though, how can you make sure you're headed down a path toward true academic success -- and toward a truly rewarding college experience?

Let Yourself Explore

You may arrive at college knowing that you are destined to become a teacher, a lawyer, a doctor, an engineer. Or you may arrive not having the slightest idea about what you want to major in.

No matter which end of the spectrum you're on, however, you should let yourself explore everything that your school has to offer academically. Take classes in a subject you've never taken before. Follow a passion that doesn't relate to your major. Just let yourself really learn from your environment.

• How to Pick Classes
• 5 Smart Ways to Spend Your Summers
• 8 Time Management Tips for College Students

Make Informed, Honest Choices -- and Enjoy the Consequences

There will undoubtedly be a lot of people giving you advice about what you should do during -- and after -- college. And while you may be in school to learn, you will, at some point, have to draw your own line in the sand. Pick a career and course of study that suits you, not your parents. Pay attention to the fire in your belly and learn what you're truly passionate about. Make sure you're happy at your school. And once you've made a choice, feel confident in your decision and do all you can to learn from the resources around you.

• How to Pick a College Major
• How to Decide If You Should Transfer

Set Yourself Up for a Strong Performance

You've explored a little, changed your mind here and there. Decided on a major, maybe even a career. With those decisions out of the way, you can now set yourself up for a successful college experience. Make sure that you make the most -- intellectually -- of the time you have left, be it one year or four. Take classes from the best professors in your department. Don't let minor errors in your papers take away from your great ideas. Grab coffee with your favorite professors and talk about what they love about their field.

• The Skinny on Faculty-Ranking Websites
• Citation Resources for College Papers
• How to Get to Know Your College Professors

Remember to Learn Outside of the Classroom

True, you spend a significant amount of time in class (and possibly in labs) learning new material. But what are you doing during the other hours of your week?

How you spend your time outside of the classroom is a critical part of your college experience -- and, in a sense, of the education you receive while in school. Make the most of it! Join a club or organization that explores your interests and passions. Take all your required courses next semester . . . in a different country. Branch out and try something you've never done before. No matter what you do, make sure you do something that you can look back and be proud of.

• Is Study Abroad Right for Me?
• How to Be Politically Active in College (And Still Get Your Homework Done)
• 10 Easy Ways to Meet New People in College

Remember to Stay Balanced

College can be overwhelming. And while you're focused on doing well academically, there can be multiple parts of your life that are keeping you from doing so. Maintaining a healthy, balanced life in school is challenging but important. Make sure to let yourself de-stress when you need it. Keep the things in your schedule that keep you healthy, whether it be going to the gym or going to religious services on a regular basis. Do what you can to keep your relationships healthy. In essence: take care of all of yourself, not just that big brain of yours.

• Reduce Stress in College
• Maintaining Your Religious Life in College
• 10 Tips for a Good Roommate Relationship

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Dealing with the Unexpected

My goodness, readers! I do apologize. I don't think I've ever gone this long without blogging. I'll spare you the details, but I've been dealing with some unexpected family illness which has kept me away from my usual work routine.

Unfortunately, even in college, "life" just happens sometimes and you all of a sudden need a little help just sticking to your regular schedule and responsibilities. So what's a college student to do?

Check out -- and consider bookmarking -- the following "just in case" articles. That way, when the unexpected happens, you'll at least know what your options are.

• How to Handle the Unexpected in College
• 3 Steps to Take If You Get Sick in College
• 5 Places to Find Money for College in an Emergency
• How to Help a Friend in Need in College

View the original article here

5 Smart Summer Plans

Your summer plans can include study, travel, work, volunteerism, vacation - or a combination of each. (Stockbyte / Getty Images)

From the first day of classes in the fall to the last day of classes in the spring, summer can seem like an oasis. Your summer months can be both enjoyable and a productive way to contribute to your college goals.

1. Head home and get a great job. You can stay with friends or family, possibly save money on food and rent, and still earn some extra cash. Remember, too, that a "great" job can mean lots of different things: good pay, good for your resume, good for the skills you can bring back to campus in the fall.
2. Stay at school and get a great job. Job openings on or near campus may be much better than your options back at home. Why not stay on campus, relax a little, and earn some extra money?
3. Volunteer. You can volunteer in your home city, the city where your school is, or somewhere you've never been. You can volunteer in your home country or somewhere halfway across the globe. You can volunteer for a political campaign, for a religious organization, or for a social-justice based non-profit. The options are limitless!
4. Do research or take extra classes in your field. Did you really connect with a professor during the academic year? See if he or she needs any research assistants over the summer. Want to research your own theories? Apply for grant money to stay on campus. Think you might want to change your major? Take an extra class or two to see if it's really what you want to do.
5. Travel the world. On top of being a fantastic journey, it can also connect to your academic course of study. If you want to major in International Relations, Spanish Literature, or Chinese, for example, summer travel can be both enjoyable and academic in nature (no matter what your parents might think!).

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Halloween Snacks in College

Hosting a Halloween party? Having friends over? Heading somewhere, and you don't want to arrive empty-handed? Just want to make something fun and easy to get into the Halloween spirit? These 5 ideas are quick, cheap, and easy to make -- especially for college students, who are often short on time, money, and resources.

• Easy pre-made cookies. Homemade cookies are always a hit, especially in college. Many companies, like Pillsbury, make rolls of cookie dough that you can just slice and cook. In fact, around Halloween, they often offer cookies with Halloween-themed images imprinted on the dough. Even if you're in a residence hall with no cookware, you can simply put them on some aluminum foil and put 'em in the oven. Feel free to decorate with icing tubes and other "toppings" that you can pick up, too. These pre-made tubes of dough are often found near the butter in most stores.
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• Fill clear bags with candy. Almost every grocery store sells small Ziploc bags. Grab a small box of them, grab some candy corn and other Halloween-type treats, grab a permanent marker or two, and you're all set. You can write and decorate the bags with the markers before you fill them ("Happy Halloween!" "Trick or Treat!"), scoop some candy inside, seal them up, and be ready to go.
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• Great creative with "nasty" candy. Around Halloween, the gross- and nasty-looking candy makes an appearance. Anything gummy suddenly becomes fodder for Halloween; you can find gummy worms (of course) as well as gummy hands, gravestones, skeletons, and the like. Use these to make anything Halloween-themed: a regular cake you bought, cupcakes (for the topping), cookies, cups with pudding inside (with gross worms coming out). There's no limit!
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• Get creative with Jello. With a little food coloring, you can quickly dye Jello black or use the orange flavor. You can fill small cups, make Jello Jigglers, or make a gross-looking mold with floating worms, spiders, and more inside. Everyone loves Jello, and Halloween is a great time to use it in new and creative ways. All you'll need to make it is hot water and something to pour it in.
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• Make Halloween cupcakes. You often need very few ingredients (one egg, a little oil, maybe some water) to make cake mixes, and you can buy disposable aluminum cupcake cups that will stand up on their own (so that you don't need a muffin pan, too). Buy a chocolate flavor to make sure they're extra dark, and decorate to your hearts content. You can even arrange and decorate them to look like tombstones, with witty messages specific to your campus or recent events.

View the original article here