Thursday, June 14, 2012
Reduce Stress During Finals Week
While college stress is constant throughout the semester, college stress during finals week takes it to a whole new level. These 6 easy ways to rest and relax during finals week can help you make it through the madness.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: Minimal
Here's How:
- Get time away/alone. Chances are, everyone you know at school is stressed during finals week, too. Take a few minutes to take a walk off campus, treat yourself to a coffee in a place not full of stressed students, or find some other way/place that you can get yourself out of the finals-week environment, if even just for a few minutes.
- Spend 3-5 minutes not doing anything. This is often more challenging than it sounds. But take a few minutes to turn off all of your technology and sit and relax -- even meditate, if you can. Those few minutes can calm your mind and your spirit while helping your refocus and recharge.
- Spend 15-20 minutes doing something purely for fun. The break for your brain will do wonders for its productivity later. Watch silly YouTube videos, read a trashy magazine, play a video game, or Skype with a friend far away.
- Get exercise in a low-stress situation. Translation: practice with your basketball team doesn't count. Go for a relaxing walk, ride your bike without knowing where you'll end up, or go for a quick jog. And if it's too cold outside, try something new in the gym. You might be surprised by how relaxed -- and energized! -- you feel afterward.
- Attend a sporting event. If you're studying for finals at the end of the fall semester, chances are you can attend a football or basketball game during finals week. Leave your books in your room and really let yourself relax and enjoy, knowing that the time spent away will help your studying later.
- Make a list -- and write down everything. For some people, making a list can really help reduce stress because it helps put things in perspective. The best way to get things organized, and to get a feeling of satisfaction, is to write down every single thing you need to do -- like eating breakfast/lunch/dinner, doing laundry, getting some sleep, and going to class. Getting things written down -- and then crossed off! -- can do wonders for your sense of control and accomplishment during a very busy time.
New Student Mondays: How to Meet People in College
One of the biggest concerns I hear from students about to start college deals with meeting people. How will I meet people? Will I like the other students there? Will I find friends? Will I find good friends? Will I like my roommate? How do I get to know people when I'm going somewhere where I know absolutely no one?
One simple -- but magical! -- fact that many students forget is that nearly everyone starting college with you is new and doesn't know anyone else, either. Fortunately, this simple fact totally changes the dynamics that usually exist in social situations. After all, it would take an exceptionally brave person to just walk up to everyone at a party where everyone knows each other and introduce himself or herself. When college first starts, however, everyone is new, so doing introductions and meeting people quickly becomes something you'll do 100 times a day. No matter how shy you are, it becomes difficult not to run into new folks or be involved in something where you have to talk to other students. So if you're worried about meeting people on campus, don't be! There are tons of ways to meet people in college and, better yet, tons of people in the exact same situation.
Father's Day Gift Ideas
True, you love your dad and admire all that he does for you and your family. And of course you want to get him something awesome for Father's Day. And yet ... the laws of mathematics and your bank account are severely limiting any grand plans you might have for Father's Day.
If you're still trying to figure out what to get dear ol' dad this Sunday, check out my list of college student Father's Day gifts. Because being a college student doesn't have to mean giving lame presents on major holidays, right? Right!
New Student Mondays: What to Do During Orientation
While each school does orientation differently, nearly every school does some kind of orientation program. It may be online; it may be for a day over the summer; it may be for a week in the fall, right before classes begin. No matter what it looks like, however, orientation is a critical part of making sure you start off on the right foot.
Fortunately, there are some basic rules to follow in order to make sure that you know how to make the most of orientation. Because who wants to be the meatball who doesn't know what's going on or where to go for help once the semester starts? Additionally, orientation is one of the best times to meet new people on your campus. Remember: Nearly everyone is new and trying to meet other people. Given that, trying to meet folks becomes a lot less awkward during orientation than it will be, say, two months from now.
Enjoy!
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Are You Getting the College Life Newsletter?
One of the more enjoyable aspects of being the Guide to College Life here on About.com is writing a weekly newsletter. My main goal: Make your life easier. After all, you have enough to do without having to dig around online and spend time searching for help with, say, managing your stress or dealing with a bad roommate or finding out when your FAFSA is due. And, honestly, you get spammed with enough junk trying to take your time, energy, and money that, if I'm fortunate enough to be invited into your email inbox every Monday, I'm going to make sure I earn (and keep!) my spot there.
Registration is totally free and only takes a second. (There's no funky forms or questions; all you have to do is type in your email addy.) Additionally, I'm always open to suggestions if you have topics you want to see covered in the newsletter and/or elsewhere on the site. Feel free to email me!
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
50 College Summer Ideas
Your time in college -- during the academic year, that is -- is, of course, filled with stressors like classes, papers, lab reports, and exams. It is also happily filled with the fun stuff, like friends, parties, going out, and a seemingly endless schedule of upcoming events and activities. During the summer, however, the social scene in your life can drastically decrease, especially if you're no longer on campus and spend your days at a job or internship. What's a college student to do?
50 Ways to Stay Entertained Over a College Summer
1. Read a new release book. It can be science fiction, general fiction, trashy romance, murder mystery, historical fiction -- but it doesn't matter. Grab the latest release and let your brain take a break.
2. Read a classic. Always hearing about a classic book one of your friends or family members loves? Been curious about a novel you never read in high school? Summer is the perfect chance to finally sit down and read it.
3. Buy a magazine you don't usually read. It can be intellectual, like The Economist, or ridiculous and fun, like People. But when's the last time you just let yourself sit, veg out, and read a magazine?
4. Get an audio book. Fair enough: you may read enough during the year to not want your nose in another book over the summer. Consider buying (or getting from the library) an audio book that you can listen to while working out or driving around.
5. Volunteer. Think of the last time you volunteered. Didn't you feel great afterward? No matter where you leave, there's undoubtedly places that could use your time, energy, and smarts.
6. Try a new form of exercise. Been curious about yoga, pilates, spinning, or something else? The summer is a great time to explore something new and see if it's a fit.
7. Join a community sports team. Most places have community sports team that play in the summer; they can range from competitive baseball to completely silly kickball leagues. See what's in your area and what you can join for the few months you're free.
8. Take a class at the gym. Summer can be a great time to get in shape. Your local gym probably has classes you can join that will help you exercise your body -- and relax your brain.
9. Join a community group. Treat yourself to something fun that also gets you out into the community, like a running or hiking club.
10. Try a new video game. Seriously, it's summer. What better time is there to grab a new game and play it without worrying about that paper you'd have to write if it were the school year?
11. Watch a movie marathon. You can rent a ton of your faves or just watch a themed-marathon on a TV network.
12. Spend a weekend seeing all the new releases. Grab a friend and see if you can see all the new releases in one weekend. With food in the theater, there's no reason why you can just spend all day there, seeing movie after movie!
13. Try a new idea: breakfast and a movie. Just wake up? Call a friend and meet at a local place that serves 24/7 breakfasts ASAP. Then amble over to the theater and enjoy whatever movie is next playing. Added bonus: breakfast is cheaper than dinner, and matinees are cheaper than the later shows.
14. Take a bus or a train somewhere new. Flying can be so cheap these days that folks sometimes forget about the bus or train. But sometimes the journey is half the fun, and you'll see new parts of the country you'd never see from the air.
15. Take a quick flight somewhere new. Since flights, especially last-minute deals, can be so cheap, why not hop a flight this weekend and see a friend?
16. Learn an instrument. You may have always had a desire to play the piano, learn the flute, or even play the drums. Why not learn now when you have the time and freedom to really put your heart into it?
17. Get a head start on your fall classes. Alright, this one may sound lame, but it can do wonders for your mental health to look over your syllabi and perhaps get a head start on the reading -- especially for a class you might be geeked out about.
18. Set up systems for success for the new year. Okay, this also sounds lame, but think about it: Did you struggle with time management? Being organized? Spending a little time now, while you have it, may save you a lot of time and frustration once school starts.
19. Take an online class. You won't have to commute, you can save some cash, and you might even get ahead on the credits you'll need to graduate.
20. Build a personal website. If you're going to be graduating next year, a personal website can be a great way to advertise yourself to future employers and show them all your mad skills. Make sure to keep it clean and professional.
21. Do something that challenges your fears. Terrified of skydiving? Bungee jumping? And yet ... do you secretly also want to try them? Grab a friend and conquer your fears.
22. Go camping. Camping during the school year can be a challenge, both because of your workload and because of the weather. Utilize all that summer has to offer for the great outdoors.
23. Take an art class. Learning to make potter or how to paint, for example, can be a great way to learn how to release your creative side.
24. Try a new kind of food or restaurant. Heard people talk about how delicious Peruvian food is, for example? Or have you always been secretly afraid to try sushi? Challenge yourself to try something new (to you).
25. Experiment in the kitchen/Learn to cook. During school, you probably don't have much time to learn how to cook; you just need food, fast. Use some of your summer free time to learn how to cook.
Need Gift Ideas for Mom?
Mothers' Day, unfortunately, often comes at an awkward time for students: they're low on cash at the end of the semester while also trying to juggle finals and other end-of-the-academic-year craziness (including, for some, graduation!). It's not like you don't want to get something for your mom ... it's just that you have so many, many other things on your to-do list.
While all of that might be true, of course, it still won't get you out of a major jam if you really do forget to recognize your mom on Mother's Day (May 13th). If you're short on cash and time, take a quick look at 7 great gift ideas for moms. The list is specifically catered to students who, shall we say, can't exactly rush out to Tiffany's and buy their moms diamond earrings -- as much as they might deserve them, of course!
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
New Student Mondays: 5 Things to Know About Your Financial Aid
For many families -- mine included -- where you got into college was equally as important as how much financial aid you got from each school. And even though financial aid is such a critical, essential part of a student's ability to go to college, it can still seem overwhelming and confusing.
One thing to keep in mind as you, a newly admitted college student (congrats!), begin signing financial aid forms is that financial aid isn't as scary as it seems at first. With a little patience, reading, and/or research, you can feel in control of your financial aid package instead of feeling like it controls you. The first step: check out a list of 5 things to know about your financial aid package. They'll help you see just what can and can't be done with your aid as well as what you'll need to know now in order to have a financially successful (instead of scary) year next year.
New Feature: New Student Mondays
One thing that I love about working in higher education is how cyclical everything is. Just as we prepare one class to graduate, we're getting ready to welcome a new class of first-year students.
Over the summer, I'll be posting an article targeted at incoming first-years each Monday. This feature, called "New Student Mondays," will aim to make the transition from high school senior to college frosh as easy as possible.
Without further ado, then, we're going to start big this week with The Ultimate Before-You-Arrive To-Do List. Targeted at first-year students, this list covers everything you'll need to do, pack, prepare for, and overall expect before your first day on campus. It's worth the read (if not a bookmark) sooner rather than later!
17 Careers for Biology Majors
Are you thinking of getting -- or in the process of getting -- a degree in biology? Fortunately, students who graduate with a degree in biology have more career options than just teaching or going to medical school. (Although those can be awesome careers, too!)
17 Careers for Biology Majors
- Work for a science magazine. Interested in all kinds of biology? Or maybe just one particular field, like marine biology? Find a cool science magazine you love to dive into and see if they're hiring.
- Work at a research company. There are some amazing companies out there doing some pretty amazing research. Use your degree and training to get in on the action.
- Work at a hospital. You don't always have to have a medical degree to work at a hospital. See what options are open for those with a science background.
- Work at a non-profit focusing on science. You can work for an organization that teaches science to kids or that helps improve the environment. And you can sleep well at night knowing that you're really doing good work all day, every day.
- Teach! Love biology? You probably do because you had an awesome mentor introduce you to it at some point during your education. Pass that passion on to someone else and make a difference in the lives of kids.
- Tutor. If full-time teaching isn't your thing, consider tutoring. While science/biology might come easy to you, it doesn't for everyone.
- Work for the government. Working for the government may not have been what you imagined yourself doing with your degree, but it can be a cool job you enjoy while also helping your country (or state or city or county) out.
- Work for an environmental company. It can be a non-profit or a for-profit, but helping protect the environment is a great way to put your biology degree to work.
- Work with something to do with agriculture and/or botany. You can work for a company that helps improve farming or one focusing on biomimicry. And it can be a really cool job.
- Work for a science museum. Consider working for a science museum. You can be involved in cool projects, interact with the public, and see all the neat stuff that happens behind the scenes.
- Work for the zoo. Love animals? Consider working at the zoo and having the kind of job that rarely, if ever, requires the stuffy suit-and-tie routine.
- Work at a veterinary office. If the zoo isn't your thing, consider working at a veterinary office. You can put your biology degree to work while also having an interesting, engaging job.
- Work at a food research company. Many companies need food researchers with a background in science. Jobs like these are definitely nontraditional -- and super interesting.
- Work at a pharmaceutical company. If you're interested in medicine but aren't sure if medical school is your thing, think about working at a pharmaceutical company. Your background in biology can be put to good use as you work to create products that will improve the lives of many people.
- Work for a perfume or make-up company. Love make-up and perfume, or at least find them interesting? Those pretty little products have a lot of science behind them -- science you can get involved in.
- Work at a college or university. You don't necessarily need to be a professor or have a doctorate to work at a college or university. See what departments are hiring that can put your training to use.
- Consider joining the military. The military can be a fantastic place to put your degree in biology to use, continue your training, and help your country. Check in with a local recruiting office to see what options are available.
Friday, May 4, 2012
Recipes & Ideas for Cinco de Mayo
If you're celebrating Cinco de Mayo this weekend, you might need a few fresh ideas to spice up your festivities. Check out the great resources below from other Guides across the About.com network:
- 9 Quick & Easy Cinco de Mayo Recipes (from the Guide to Mexican Food)
- 11 Vegetarian & Vegan Cinco de Mayo Recipes (from the Guide to Vegetarian Food)
- Gluten-Free Cinco de Mayo Recipes (from the Guide to Gluten-Free Cooking)
- Top 10 Cocktails for Cinco de Mayo (from the Guide to Cocktails)
- 16 Easy Cinco de Mayo Recipes (from the Guide to Busy Cooks)
Campus Highlight: Students Educating and Empowering for Diversity at Johns Hopkins University
(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 the last Campus Highlight of the 2011-2012 academic year, I'm aiming the spotlight on Students Educating and Empowering for Diversity (SEED) at Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, MD).
This admirable organization "is a group of carefully selected and dedicated students who are trained by professional staff to raise campus awareness of racism, sexism and other types of bigotry or intolerance." They facilitate everything from workshops to action plans in both a proactive and reactive approach to diversity awareness on campus. Awesome! Keep up the great work, SEED!
5 Ways to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in College
You may have never heard of Cinco de Mayo or it may be something you've celebrated for as long as you can remember.
Either way, Cinco de Mayo can be a fun celebration -- and a great opportunity to learn more about this cultural holiday if you're not yet familiar with it. Check out 5 ways to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in college or, better yet, learn more about the history of the holiday.
Enjoy!
What to Eat Before a Test in College
Not sure what to eat before a test? In college, the answer becomes even more complicated, as most students are short on money and time. Luckily, finding something cheap, smart, and easy might be, well, easier than you think.
What to Eat Before a Test
1. A protein or energy bar. They're quick, they'll fill you up, they'll give you energy, they can be relatively cheap, and you can eat it on the way to the test.
2. A healthy salad and a protein from the dining hall. You may not hit the salad bar much during your time in school. But a quick zip through the salad bar with something healthy -- say, spinach leaves with a few veggie toppings, plus a dollop of egg or tuna salad on top -- is a great way to satisfy your stomach and your brain.
3. An energy shake. (Note: This is not the same thing as a canned energy drink.) A relatively healthy energy shake from a place like Jamba Juice can get your brain in gear before your test. (An canned energy drink, in contrast, is likely just to leave you jittery and your brain scattered.)
4. A muffin that wouldn't count as cake if you changed its shape. That chocolate chip muffin could be cake if you changed its shape -- meaning that oat muffin with raisins is a much better choice.
5. A quick sandwich. PB&J, cold cuts and cheese, and tuna salad are all classics for a reason. Make one in your room or grab one from the dining hall on your way to the test.
6. Fruit and peanut butter. Apple or banana? Good idea. Apple or banana with some peanut better? Even better. The protein will help fuel your brain longer.
7. A microwave meal. Yes, ramen might be your signature dinner item. But "splurging" on a frozen meal you can zap quickly in your microwave might be a better option, given how important your test is. For an extra dollar or two you can really fuel your brain when it matters most.
8. Trail mix. If your campus dining hall doesn't have it, chances are somewhere else on campus does. Grab a quick bag (or better yet, keep some in your room) for some quick and easy (and tasty!) food before your exam.
The Light at the End of the Tunnel: Summer!
It may seem soooo far away, but I promise it's there: summer break. And whether you're staying on campus, traveling abroad, or just heading home, there's just something about summer that rejuvenates even the most worn-out of college students.
If you need a quick pick-me-up, check out a list of 50 things to do over a college summer. If there's nothing on that list that motivates you to keep going just when things are getting tough, I'm not sure what will!
NEW! Articles for April
Interested in knowing what new articles were posted here on the College Life site during the month of April? Check 'em out below!
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Campus Highlight: Kansas University Men's Basketball Team
(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.)
Even though I blogged about this topic a few weeks ago, I only did so generally -- and without mentioning Kansas University (Lawrence, KS).
For the third year in a row, the KU men's basketball team has reached the Final Four in the InsideHigherEd.com Academic Performance Tournament. (And, in fact, they won the entire thing this year and in 2010!) While the fun of the play-offs is increasing as the number of remaining teams dwindles, it's great to know that the KU team has maintained better-than-average academic standards for its men's basketball team. Way to go, guys!
Campus Highlight: Students on Target at Louisiana State University
(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 this week's Campus Highlight, I'm focusing on Students on Target (SOT) at Louisiana State University (Baton Rouge, LA), "a Student Government programming committee that is charged with the mission of promoting healthy lifestyle choices, such as eating right, exercising regularly, and acting responsibly." And while many campuses have student-run organizations that promote wellness, SOT does so by using "the medium of music and art to spread this message." How fun does that sound?!
On March 26, SOT hosted its "Groovin' on the Grounds" event. During the day, Groovin' featured "multiple booths with food and activities as well as large air inflatable slides and games." At night, everyone made way for the musical part of the event, which this year included Ludacris, Hunter Hayes, FreeSol, and Hazy Ray. The best part? The entire event was alcohol free -- and free to both the campus and the public.
It's always great to hear about fun spring events, like Groovin' on the Grounds, at any campus. But I thought SOT deserved a shout-out for having such a kickin' event that was free for those in attendance -- and free from alcohol. Keep up the great work!
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Campus Highlight: Student Crafters at Berea College
(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.)
Berea College (Berea, KY) -- which provides all enrolled students with a 4-year tuition scholarship -- helps fund such scholarships through Berea College Crafts. Each student worker "delves into Appalachian artistic heritage, learns about materials and design, experiences the joy of creativity, and identifies the dignity of work well done" before creating wood crafts, furniture, ceramics, woven items, and/or brooms.
Lots of students on scholarship have to work during their time in college. But the students involved with Berea College Crafts are learning about the past, providing for the future, and earning money in the process. What a great combination. Congrats to all of those involved on their hard work -- and amazing products!
Are You Getting the College Life Newsletter?
One of the most enjoyable parts of my work as the Guide to College Life -- and, I think, one of the best benefits of being a reader of the site -- is the totally free newsletter I send out every Monday morning.
Each newsletter arrives in your inbox, piping hot and fresh, full of tips and tricks and all kinds of information to make your college life easier. I figure ... college students have enough to deal with while they're in school, so why not help everyone out a little and directly deliver the things you need to learn most? Signing up is easy, free, and only takes a second. And really, what do you have to lose -- other than the time you would have spent looking for the information I'll now send you automatically, of course?
5 Disadvantages of Poor Time Management
Poor planning and bad time management are often part of the learning experience for many new students in college. For others, however, poor planning becomes a habit. The consequences of putting that paper off, not turning in your work on time, and missing key deadlines, however, can be much more of a problem than you might initially think.
5 Disadvantages to Poor Planning & Bad Time Management
1. Things may get expensive. If you miss housing deadlines, incur late registration fees, or apply too late to get priority when your school is allocating financial aid, things can quickly become even more expensive than normal. Having good time management skills can help you avoid costly mistakes later.
2. Things can become harder logistically. If you think studying for your Spanish final is a pain in the brain, wait until you see what happens if you don't pass it/sleep through it/generally don't plan for it.
3. You may miss out on opportunities because you're too late. That amazing study abroad program, Spring Break trip, and summer internship all have deadlines for a reason. If you apply too late or don't have everything you need ready in time, you'll miss out on what could have been the experience of a lifetime.
4. You may miss out on opportunities because people notice your pattern of lateness and disorganization. People who you think don't notice your frequent lack of planning and lateness may, in fact, notice more than you realize. When your favorite professor is trying to think of students for an awesome summer research gig, you might get passed over because she knows you won't have your stuff together when needed. Keeping your schedule balanced and your time managed may open doors you don't even realize are there.
5. You will always feel behind. Not sure if you have poor planning skills? Ask yourself to remember the last time you felt ahead of the game. If it wasn't recently, chances are you're constantly feeling behind -- because you are. Bad time management skills mean you are always playing catch-up and experiencing stress. And with all that's going on in your college life, why add more stress to the mix?
College Bucket List
The idea of a "bucket list" -- referring to what someone should do before he or she "kicks the bucket" -- doesn't just have to apply to older folks. Students, too, can make their own college bucket list to make sure they get in every last thing before tossing their caps at graduation.
1. Confess a crush. Scary? You better believe it. But if you think you'll regret not telling a certain someone how you feel about them before you both part ways after graduating, it's time to take a deep breath and spill the beans. After all, even if it goes just awful, you won't have to really see them again, right? Right!
2. Take pictures of people who have made a difference in your college life. When you think back on your years at school, who mattered most? A certain professor or two? Several friends in particular? Maybe a mentor or administrator? Even if you're convinced that you'll stay in touch with these folks for years, take a picture anyway. You can laugh at how young everyone looked when you're old and gray and reminiscing about all the silly things you did in college.
3. Thank your favorite professor. Chances are one professor in particular stands out for the influence he or she had on you during your time in school. Tell them "thanks" before you leave. You can thank them in person, write an email, or even leave a small thank-you note (and gift?) for them on graduation day.
4. Thank your favorite administrator. Whether you were over-involved in cocurriculars or barely involved at all, you probably interacted with an administrator who made a difference in your life. Say "thanks" before you graduate to help pay it forward a little bit.
5. Try food you never did somewhere on campus. If you've never tried a certain kind of food on campus, gather your pride and dig in before you graduate. You'll get a good experience exposing yourself to something new and -- you never know -- you just might end up liking it. (Green eggs and ham, anyone?)
6. Buy yourself a graduation gift from the bookstore. Sure, your funds are probably even tighter than normal around graduation time. But pinch your pennies and reward yourself with a gift, no matter how small, from the bookstore. A simply key chain, license plate holder, bumper sticker, business card holder, or travel bag will remind you for years to come about one of your greatest accomplishments so far.
7. Thank the people who helped pay your way. If scholarships, your parents, and/or others helped pay your way through school, make sure to let them know how much you appreciate their support. One suggestion: Include a picture of you in your cap and gown on graduation day in a simple but heartfelt thank-you note.
8. Kiss someone you always wanted to. Of course, you shouldn't do it without knowing for sure that it's okay, but don't let what you know would be an awesome smooch slip away without at least exploring the possibility.
9. Write something for the school paper. You may be shy, you may not think of yourself as a good writer, and you may have never written for the paper before. But you'll be graduating soon -- meaning you've succeeded at college and have important advice to share with your peers. Take an hour or two to put something together that passes along your wisdom.
10. Take a picture of yourself and your room. It may seem silly now, but how fun will it be to look back at how you looked and what your room/apartment looked like 5, 10, 20 years from now? Don't let something that you see everyday now slip away with time.
11. Go to a part of campus you've never been before. Even if you're at the smallest of schools, head to a corner of campus you've never been before. You just might get a new perspective of how things look and come to appreciate a side of your school that feels brand new just as every other part of it is feeling old.
12. Go to a sports event you've never been to. Football and basketball games may be all the rage on your campus, but try something new. If it's a gorgeous day, grab some friends and some snacks and go watch a softball or Ultimate Frisbee game. It's a great way to relax and get a new college memory.
Need Some Motivation?
This time of the academic year is always a little challenging. For most students, Spring Break has come and gone -- sadly -- and the only thing between them and the end of the year is a lot of work.
If you need a quick shot of motivation, check out the following articles. They only take a minute or two (if that!) to read through and can help you give a virtual kick in the pants right when you need one the most:
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Last Day to Vote for the College Life Readers' Choice Awards!
You read that right, folks: Today is the last day to vote the for College Life Readers' Choice Awards! This year's categories are as follows:
- Best Site for Students, by Students
- Best Site for Renting College Textbooks
- Best Site for Buying College Textbooks
- Best Book an Adjusting to College Life
Make sure to get your vote(s) in by midnight (EST) tonight. And don't worry; winners will be announced on March 30th. Happy voting!
Packing for Spring Break
Packing for Spring Break can be ridiculously exciting -- but also complicated, given that most students are completely brain fried from midterms, papers, and general college stress. So how can you make sure you pack everything you'll need for your Spring Break adventure?
If you're headed somewhere warm, the list below includes everything you'll need to keep you safe and comfy (in addition to your regular things, like regular clothes and your wallet). Because with everything else you've got going on, who needs to make a new Spring Break packing list?
Packing for Spring Break
- Sunblock. Do you maybe want a little tan? Of course. Do you want a horrible sunburn that prevents you from having fun? Of course not. So pack the sunblock.
- Sunglasses. Who wants to squint when you're out in the bright sun? Added bonus: You can people watch without others knowing.
- Two bathing suits. Getting into a cold, wet bathing suit in the morning is just not enjoyable. For anyone. So pack another suit to make sure you're always good to go.
- A towel. Yes, the hotel might have one -- if you're at a hotel. But they might also be scratchy and gross and only washed not-very-often. So grab one of your own as a back-up, just in case.
- Water bottle. You'll have to leave it empty in your suitcase if you're flying, but bringing a water bottle is a smart way to stay hydrated if you're outside all day. (Consider the Sport+Store Water Bottle if you want something that's easy to use while you're traveling.)
- Aspirin. Ugh, headaches. Muscle aches. Body aches. Pass the aspirin, please.
- Insect repellent. This might only apply if you're going somewhere that has funky bugs, but you can choose to pack the repellent or choose to be covered with itchy bites during your vacation.
- Pajamas. Sounds silly, but these are often forgotten -- and much needed if you're sharing a room with friends.
- A nice outfit. Sure, you might be going on Spring Break to veg and relax. But you may also want to head somewhere relatively nice at least once. Don't be left having to hide your shorts and flip-flops under a table.
- Cell phone charger. Even if your phone won't work where you're going, chances are you'll use it as a clock or for taking pictures and videos.
- Chapstick. Chapped lips -- with no good chapstick to be found -- isn't cute on anyone. But being out in the sun often leads to unkissable, uncute lips, so be prepared.
- Workout clothes. Want to go for a run? Rock climbing? A hike? If so, those flip-flops and jeans aren't going to cut it. Bring one workout outfit so you can really enjoy some exercise during your vacation.
- A light jacket. True, you're headed somewhere warm. But it might get a tiny bit cold at night -- and you might be grateful for bringing a little jacket, just in case.
- Nail polish. Only for those of you with pedicures, of course, but who wants a chip in their polish on the first day? Bring something to mend the little nicks you'll inevitably get from dipping your tootsies in the sand day after day.
- Homework, if applicable. It may not be at the top of your list, but it should definitely be somewhere on it if you have homework to do.
- Something non-academic to read. You work all academic year to exercise your brain. Give your mind something relaxing, too, by reading something nice and silly.
25 College Party Themes
13. Look to the past -- the prehistoric past. You don't have to be an paleontologist to know that dinosaurs are crazy cool. Fortunately, they can also help make your party one to remember. Keep an eye out for decorations and other items that can be used for a kid party (origami dinosaurs anyone?), making sure to mix them up enough so that they suit your adult-themed prehistoric party, too.
14. Think Western. Sure, the Old West was a rough and tumble place. But that doesn't have to mean that your party can't take the best of what it had to offer! Fun hats, decorations, music, boots, outfits, and food can all work together to make sure your Western party is one everyone will be talking about Monday morning.
15. Choose a color as a theme. Go crazy with one specific color: invites, promos, decorations, foods, costumes. Using various shades of one color can make your color-themed party a little more visually exciting while also offering a way to transform your house into a place nearly no one will recognize. Encourage attendees to come dressed in the color, too.
16. Go colorless with a black-and-white theme. It doesn't have to be formal or New Year's Eve for you to go with a black-and-white themed college party. This theme is particularly flexible, too, because it will look classy no matter how fancy (or not fancy!) you make it. Let people know, too, that they should come wearing only black and white for an added effect.
17. Have everyone come as famous people from history. If you're in college, you're around a lot of smart folks -- which means they'll help make this party theme one that works well. How fun would it be to be schmoozing with George Washington only to go get more snacks next to Joan of Arc, stopping to talk to Socrates along the way?
18. Pick a classic board game. You may have thought that games like Monopoly, Scrabble, or Sorry were stuck in your past, but with a little creative planning, they can be turned into great party themes. Additionally, because most of these classic games hold a sense of nostalgia for everyone, people are likely to be interested in what you do with the theme and contribute to it.
19. Make a popular video game theme a reality. If you have a ton of gamers on campus (and who doesn't, really?), tap into their creative side by throwing a video game-themed party. World of Warcraft or even classic games like Zelda or Super Mario Brothers can bring out the best of everyone in attendance.
21. Angel or devil? Angel or devil parties are super easy to throw because your attendees pretty much bring the main decorations through their costumes. Tell guests to come dressed as either an angel or a devil; all you have to do is use black, white, and red decorations around your house or other party location to tie everything together.
22. Go for an animal theme. You might be surprised at how creative people can be if they're coming for an animal-themed party. People can choose from the simple whiskers-drawn-on-the-face to going full-out in a mascot costume. And, as the party host, you just need to coordinate a bit by providing things to help everything seem cohesive: zoo advertising? animal prints? "Please Don't Feed the Animals" signs?
23. Think classic Hollywood. Movies like The Wizard of Oz can provide great themes for college parties. For ideas on everything from posters and advertising to costumes and decorations, schedule a movie-watching session with your planning committee. Take great notes and then get to work!
24. Think classic literature (especially children's literature). Dressing up like Little Red Riding Hood, the Three Bears, or even Hansel and Gretel can be a fun and new way to mix things up at a college party. With so much to choose from, too, your guests should feel comfortable going as simple or all-out as they want to. For the theme, you can choose one story in particular or just make the broader theme of classic children's literature the main theme itself.
25. Choose-your-own classic musical figure. This theme provides endless ideas because there are so many musicians to choose from (Beethoven? Elvis? Britney Spears? Michael Jackson?). Additionally, creating a playlist to play during the party is easy-cheesy. And with a little searching online, you should be able to find enough images of famous musicians to create some rockin' promos and decorations, too.
Campus Highlight: Wabash College Mentors for Kids
(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.)
Wabash College (located in Crawfordsville, IN) has the unique distinction of being one of a very-limited number of all-male liberal arts colleges. They define their mission as "excellence in teaching and learning within a community built on close and caring relationships among students, faculty, and staff." Part of that excellence apparently comes from how Wabash "challenges its students to appreciate the changing nature of the global society and prepares them for the responsibilities of leadership and service in it."
What better what to prepare one's self for leadership and service than to start in your own backyard? The Wabash College Mentors for Kids chapter was recognized in 2011 as the Chapter of the Year. The campus chapter was founded in 2006 and now mentors dozens of children in the surrounding community.
College Mentors for Kids is actually a larger organization that pairs college mentors with kids in grades 1-8. Chapters like the one at Wabash are clearly making a difference in the lives of today's young folks, and that always warrants a Campus Highlight in my book. Keep up the great work!
Wondering What Other College Students Are Reading?
I always find it interesting to see which articles are the most popular among readers. And while I have access to the metrics behind the College Life site, readers can always see what other students are reading, too.
If you're a little nosy like me, check out the "Most Popular Articles" page that displays what the most popular articles have been over the past month. That way, you can tell if your struggles with time management are yours alone -- or if everyone else is having them, too.
Enjoy!
Friday, March 30, 2012
Campus Highlight: The Social Entrepreneurs of Grinnell
(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.)
The Campus Highlight this week is a cool one, if I do say so myself; I'm highlighting the Social Entrepreneurs of Grinnell (SEG) at Grinnell College (Grinnell, IA). SEG is "a microfinance organization made up of students and community members from the town of Grinnell, Iowa" that "implements microloans in communities around the world and provides microfinancing services to the local Grinnell community."
In addition to being a fantastic organization, SEG also received some prestigious accolades: They were recognized by the White House as one of the five winners in the "Campus Champions of Change Challenge." Additionally, several members of SEG traveled to the White House on March 15 for an official event and the organization itself will be featured in an upcoming segment of mtvU.
Is the recognition SEG is receiving amazing? You better believe it. But so is the work they're doing. Way to go!
Winners Announced for the 2012 Readers' Choice Awards!
With much gratitude to everyone who voted, I'm so excited to finally be able to announce this year's winners for the 2012 About.com College Life Readers' Choice Awards!
- "Best Website for College Students, by College Students" Winner: On Campus Sports
- "Best Website for Renting College Textbooks" Winner: BookRenter
- "Best Website for Buying College Textbooks" Winner: eCampus
- "Best Book on Adjusting to College Life" Winner: How to Survive Your Freshman Year
Congratulations to this year's winners!
Monday, March 12, 2012
Potential Employers Asking for Facebook Passwords - ?!
As was reported in several news outlets this week (including an article by the Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal), some employers have started asking potential employees to show them their Facebook pages during an interview and/or to provide them with their login information.
I understand that using Facebook requires you to forfeit a bit of your privacy, but this seems ridiculous. I hope that any (if not all!) college students out there feel comfortable drawing a line between their personal lives and their professional lives. Even if you're entering the job market for the first time, you'll ideally have a life outside of work -- and, of course, be able to keep the two separate. Consequently, having an employer, much less a potential employer, want to know about your personal life is pretty far over the line in my opinion.
What do you think, though? Would you let a potential employer have access to your Facebook page? Leave your thoughts and opinions in the Comments below.
Campus Highlight: Student Staff at the Knox College Student Newspaper
(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.)
This week's Campus Highlight beams down on The Knox Student, the student newspaper at Knox College (Galesburg, IL). The paper recently won "18 awards, the most in its division, in the annual Illinois College Press Association contest" according to a press release on the Knox website.
Although the paper was founded in 1878, it's great to see that students, over 130 years later, are continuing a tradition of excellent in leadership and journalism. Congrats to everyone on the staff for the great work (and recognition for it)!
Condom Use 101: Could You Pass?
A recent article on MSNBC.com documented the many mistakes people make when trying to use a condom. Frequent errors included "putting a condom on partway through intercourse or taking it off before intercourse is over, failing to leave space at the tip of the condom for semen, and failing to look for damage before use."
If you're sexually active in college, you should not only be using protection -- but you should also be using protection properly. After all, how ridiculous is it for you to be pursuing a college degree but not know how to put a condom on correctly? If you need some help with Condom Use 101 or just want to make sure you're already doing things correctly, check out the following resources:
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Thinking of Spring Break? Don't Forget about a Summer Job
Spring Break is so close for many college students ... only one, two, or three more weeks and you can enjoy your hard-earned break from papers, reading, exams, and midterms! Yahoo!
Not to sound like a Negative Nancy, but one important thing to keep on your to-do-before-Spring-Break list, however, is to apply for summer jobs (or at least get ready to). A few simple steps you can take now will make your summer much, much easier (and possibly more profitable):
- Get your resume looked over by the campus Career Center
- Start talking to family and friends about what summer job openings they might know about
- Start looking online for summer job options
- Consider working on campus this summer if you think doing so might be right for you
- Try to set up interviews for any open positions the next time you're home -- including over your Spring Break
Campus Highlight: The University of Idaho International Friendship Association
(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.)
This week's highlight is focusing on the International Friendship Association at the University of Idaho. Their upcoming program -- "Cruise the World" -- sounds fantastic. The annual program "gives campus and community members the opportunity to experience different cultures by trying on exotic clothing, writing in new scripts, playing games, learning traditional dances, and much more while visiting over 30 country booths." Additionally, live entertainment rotates every 30 minutes, with performances including "traditional folk dances from Ghana, Guatemala, Nepal, India and Mexico, as well as music from Japan, and Saudi Arabia." What a great way to give people a chance to expand their horizons in an active, interactive way.
Keep up the great work, IFA! Wish I could come to this event!
Monday, March 5, 2012
Why Send Grad. Announcements?
Amidst everything else you're trying to finish before graduation -- least of all, your actual classes -- you're being pressured to send out graduation announcements. Why should you spend the time to send them out when you have so much else going on?
8 Reasons to Send Graduation Announcements
- Your family and friends want to know. Sure, some may know that you are graduating ... sometime this year. An announcement is a great way to keep them informed and to let them know what your degree is and when, officially, you'll be receiving it.
- Your parents and other family members want to brag about you. Have you ever been to someone's house and seen a graduation announcement hanging on their fridge? Wasn't it exciting and impressive? Your family has been supporting you during your time in school; let them have a little bragging rights for the next few months by having their own announcement to post.
- Not to be crass, but ... many folks might send you some cash. In many cultures, it's traditional for friends and family members to send money as a graduation gift. And who doesn't need a little help as they have to pay for work clothes, a new apartment, and everything else that's needed for a new job (or even graduate school)?
- It's a good way to start networking. You're graduating with a degree in Computer Science, and your uncle Chris just happens to work at a computer company you're interested in working for, too. An announcement can be a great way to open the door to future job opportunities, since people will know you are now officially a college graduate looking for work.
- It's a great keepsake. It may seem like a pain now, but finding a copy 20 years from now of your graduation announcement, stored in a shoebox in your attic, is a great gift you can give your future self.
- It's a good way to keep in touch with people. Sure, Facebook and social media is a great way to keep in touch with friends. But what about family members or other folks who you don't see very often but still consider an important part of your life? Sending an announcement is a great way to keep the doors of communication open.
- It's a great way to celebrate your achievement! Let's not forget all the late nights, study sessions, hard work, cramming, and everything else you did to earn that degree. This is your perfect chance to let everyone know that you've finally earned your degree without sounding too pompous about it.
- It's a great way to thank those who helped you get to where you are today. Did you have an influential high school teacher who helped you get to college? A mentor in your church? Family member who really stepped in when you needed it? Sending graduation announcements to those who really made a difference in your life can be a great way to thank them for all their love and support.
Who Gets a Grad. Announcement?
Sending graduation announcements can be a fun and exciting way to let everyone know you finally reached your goal and will soon be an official college graduate. But ... who exactly is everyone? After all, there are only so many announcements you can buy, address, and stamp.
While the following is a good place to start to figure out to whom to send your announcements, remember that there is no official right or wrong list: only the right or wrong list for your situation.
People Who Should Receive Your Graduation Announcement
- Your parents or other important family members. For some students, the main support network during their time in school (besides friends, of course) were their parents. And even though parents know the date and time of your graduation ceremony, make sure they get an official announcement so they have something to mark -- and commemorate -- the occasion.
- Extended family who know you are in college. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins who you may not see every day, but who are a part of your life, will be excited to receive your announcement. Even if they are too far away to actually attend the ceremony, they'll want to know the details and see the official announcement itself.
- Friends. Clearly, you don't need to send announcements to your friends on campus, but any friends you have from your pre-college days, or any friends you have that live far away, might want to see your announcement and send you a congratulatory card.
- Any important teachers, religious leaders, or mentors. Did you have a high school teacher who really made a difference in your life? A priest or rabbi who helped encourage you along the way? Or even just a family friend who mentored you and got you where you are today? Sending an announcement to them is a great way to acknowledge all that person did as well as show them how much their influence really made a difference in your life.
- Last but not least: yourself! Don't forget to keep at least one announcement for yourself. It can be a great memento of graduation day and a neat keepsake for the future.
Moving Back In with Parents
Sure, moving back in with your parents may not have been your first choice for what to do after you graduated from college. Many people, however, move back in with their folks for a wide range of reasons. No matter why you're doing it, there are some steps you can take to make the situation easier for everyone.
1. Set reasonable expectations. True, you may have been able to come and go as you please, leave your room a disaster, and have a new guest over every night while you were in the residence halls, but this arrangement may not work for your folks. Set some reasonable expectations -- for everyone involved -- before you even step through the door.
2. Set some ground rules. Alright, you may have to have a curfew so your poor mother doesn't think something terrible has happened to you if you're not home by 4:00 in the morning -- but your mom also needs to understand that she can't just barge in to your room without any notice. Set some ground rules as soon as possible to make sure everyone is clear on how things will work.
3. Expect a combination of a roommate relationship and a parent/kid relationship. Yes, you've had roommates for the past several years, and you may view your parents similar to them. Your parents, however, will always view you as their child. Do your best to keep this in mind as you figure out how things will work once you move back in. Sure, it seems ridiculous for a roommate to want to know where you're going every night. But your parents probably have a legitimate right to ask.
4. Set a time frame for how long you're planning on living there. Do you just need someplace to crash between when you graduate from college and when you start graduate school in the fall? Or do you need somewhere to live until you can save enough money on your own to get your own place? Talk about how long you plan on staying -- 3 months, 6 months, 1 year -- and then check back in with your parents once that time frame is up.
5. Discuss money, no matter how awkward. No one really likes to talk about money. But addressing the topic with your parents -- how much you'll pay in rent, for food, to get back on their health insurance plan, or if the car you've been borrowing needs more gas -- will help prevent a ton of problems later.
6. Have your own support networks ready to go. After living on your own or in the residence halls during college, living with your parents can become very isolating. Do your best to have systems in place that provide you with an outlet and support network that is separate from your parents'.
7. Thing creatively about how the relationship is give and take -- both ways. Yes, your parents are letting you stay at their place, and yes, you may pay rent to do so. But are there other ways you can help, especially if money is tight for everyone? Can you help around the house -- with yard work, fix-it projects, or technical support for the computers they can never get to work right -- in ways that will make your living relationship much more symbiotic?
8. Remember that the person who moves back in with your parents is not the same person who left. Your parents may have a very specific -- and outdated -- idea of "who" is moving back in with them. Take a deep breath and do your best to remind them that, while you left the house as an 18-year-old college freshman, you are now returning as a 22-year-old, college-educated adult.
9. Remember that time at your folks' is still an opportunity to build your own life -- not put it on pause. Just because you are at your parents', waiting until you can move out on your own, doesn't mean your life is on pause. Volunteer, date, explore new things, and do your best to continue learning and growing instead of just waiting for your first opportunity to move on to somewhere else.
10. Enjoy yourself! This may seem completely unthinkable if moving back in with your folks was the last thing you wanted to do. However, living at home can be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to finally learn your mom's secret fried chicken recipe and your dad's amazing way with woodworking tools. Live it up and take in as much as you can.
25 College Party Themes
Alright, so your club, organization, Greek house, or group of friends is going to throw a campus party. And the best way to make sure your party isn't a total dud is to have a theme that ties everything -- from the advertising to the decorations -- together. But what kind of college party themes can you use that won't seem like the usual?
Fortunately, it's both your theme and how you approach it that can make or break your party. Check out these 25 college party themes for some ideas.
25 College Party Themes
1. Go for the classic toga party. Unless there's another toga party that's traditionally held on your campus, a classic toga theme is a great idea for a campus party. Everyone loves it, people have fun, and the costumes are easy to make. Additionally, decorating can be fun and simple to put together.
2. Parallel a current, trendy movie. Is there a must-see movie out right now? Is everyone quoting lines or characters from it? If so, don't be afraid to jump on the hype and use it for your own party. If people are excited about a hot new movie, they'll be interested in attending your bash to see what you're doing.
3. Parallel a current, trendy TV show. Is there a new sitcom, drama, or reality show that's getting a lot of buzz? If so, think like a network executive and figure out how to use the show's popularity for your own benefit. Encourage people to dress up as characters and include decorations that match the sets or themes from the show. Keep in mind, too, that "current" and "trendy" can mean a show that everyone loves to hate, too.
4. Choose a decade. Seriously, who doesn't love seeing their friends in flapper dresses from the 20's or in the funkalicious outfits of the 60's? Going with a decade-themed party is a great way to ensure that everyone in attendance will know what the deal is -- as well as what to wear. (And besides, who doesn't also love running to the local thrift store to see what decade-specific treasures they have in stock?)
5. Require everyone to come as a reality star. One of the benefits of all the reality shows on TV is that anyone can find someone that they resemble. Advertise your Reality Party as the show that everyone must see this reason -- but that they'll only be admitted if they come dressed as a reality star.
6. Make fundraising the goal. You can turn your party into a fundraiser for a non-profit or other organization you hold near and dear. And you can pretty easily use that organization's mission (e.g., preserving the environment) into a theme that works for your party, too (e.g., nature decorations). Added bonus: Everyone feels good about donating, so the $1 or more you ask everyone for at the door turns into both a fundraiser and a way to make people feel good during the party as soon as they enter.
7. Pick one of the four seasons. This, of course, works best if you pick a season opposite of the one you're in. After all, who wouldn't want to go to a tropical, beach-themed party in the middle of December? That being said, things like Winter Wonderland parties during winter can also be perfectly nostalgic and charming.
8. Host a masquerade. This is a class theme for good reason: Nearly everyone likes a good masquerade party. People can get dressed up without having to go too crazy with outfits, and you can easily buy a ton of masquerade masks at a 99-cent store or other cheap party store. Add some shiny decorations, a few balloons, and feathers and you've got yourself a party.
9. Go formal. After seeing your friends and classmates in shorts, jeans, and even pajamas all year, mix it up by throwing a formal party. You never know how that hottie from your chemistry class is going to look in a sleeveless gown! Or how the cutie from your Shakespeare class might look in a suit or tuxedo. A formal party allows everyone on campus to get dressed up without feeling ridiculous for doing so.
10. Head underwater. Turning your house (or other party venue) into a deep-sea world can do wonders for sparking a sense of excitement throughout the night. Low-lights, some cool decorations (especially hanging from the ceiling), and low music can all contribute to a unique and funky theme. Add a yellow submarine somewhere and you're good to go!
11. Head to outer space. Just like heading underwater, heading to outer space can be an easy but really strong theme for your college party. You can get as wild as you want without seeming too ridiculous. And make sure to include lots of glow-in-the-dark decorations, too!
12. Look into the future. Future-based parties are a great way to go because there is so much flexibility. Grab some friends who have strong imaginations (or who are into science fiction) and see all the things you can dream up for a fun, futuristic party. Added tip: Have a fortune-teller on hand reading the futures of those in attendance, too.
Graduate Announcements Guide
College graduation announcements can seem so simple -- but also be so complicated. And, of course, while you're trying to figure out the ins-and-outs of college graduation announcements, you still have to focus on finishing your classes and planning for life after college. Use this guide to help you through the planning, organizing, and sending of graduation announcements.
The Logistics
Coordinating the logistics behind announcements can be a serious pain in the brain. With a little help, however, it can also be taken care of with a few quick steps.
The What: The Announcements Themselves
- The Why: 8 Reasons to Send Graduation Announcements
- The Who: To Whom Should I Send My Graduation Anouncements?
- The Where and How: Where to Get Graduation Announcements
- The When: When to Mail Your Graduation Announcements
Wording announcements can seem so easy ... until you actually sit down and try to write them. Check out the samples below for a variety of styles you can use -- or change a bit -- to create your own, personalized graduation announcement.
Announcements with Formal, Traditional Language
Announcements with Casual, Informal Language
Announcements Mentioning Friends and/or Family
Announcements with a Religious Theme
Saturday, February 25, 2012
2012 About.com College Life Readers' Choice Awards: Best Website for Renting College Textbooks
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The 2012 About.com Readers' Choice Awards are annual awards, chosen by readers, that recognize the best of the best. Here on the College Life site, the awards are meant to recognize those services and resources that make college students' lives better -- or at least a little easier.
In particular, the Best Website for Renting College Textbooks award is meant to recognize the leader in online textbook rentals. As the option to rent college textbooks has become increasingly popular, the number of online vendors has also increased. And while renting college textbooks can save students some serious money, it can also be difficult to know which sites are the best priced, most reliable, and most trustworthy.
Voting will take place from February 22 through March 21, with winners announced March 30, 2012. To learn more about this program, visit the College Life Readers' Choice Awards main page or the About.com Readers' Choice FAQ page.
There are four finalists in this category. You can learn more about them or click on the nominee below to be taken to their website:
| More Categories for the 2012 About.com College Life Readers' Choice Awards |
Watching the Oscars This Weekend?
One of the highlights of your weekend might be the Oscars, which air Sunday night at 7:00 p.m. EST. After all, what's better than meeting up with friends at someone's house or apartment and gossiping Sunday night away (instead of doing your usual last-minute cramming and essay writing)?
If you are going to be attending -- or even throwing -- an Oscars party, make sure you've done enough in advance so the festivities don't fall flat. The articles below provide some great tips and tricks:
2012 About.com College Life Readers' Choice Awards: Best Website for College Students, by College Students
| ? |
The 2012 About.com Readers' Choice Awards are annual awards, chosen by readers, that recognize the best of the best. Here on the College Life site, the awards are meant to recognize those services and resources that make college students' lives better -- or at least a little easier.
In particular, the Best Website for College Students, by College Students award is meant to recognize the great student work that is available online. Amidst everything else they have going on, some college students are able to make some truly kickin' sites that speak about the college experience, provide advice for their fellow students, or simply provide other information to make college life easier.
Voting will take place from February 22 through March 21, with winners announced March 30, 2012. To learn more about this program, visit the College Life Readers' Choice Awards main page or the About.com Readers' Choice FAQ page.
There are three finalists in this category. You can read more about them or click on the nominee below to be taken to their website:
| More Categories for the 2012 About.com College Life Readers' Choice Awards |
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