Starting a New Semester

It may be the start of your first semester in college, or it may be the start of your last semester in college. Either way, the beginning of a new term means that you're back at square one, no matter how long you've been in school. What are the basics that you'll need to make sure you start off as strongly as possible?

New Semester Basics

1. Get a time management system. Managing your time just may be your biggest challenge while in college. Find something that works for you and use it from day one. (Not sure where to start? Learn 8 tips for managing your time in college.)
   
2. Take a reasonable course load. Taking 20 units (or more!) this semester may sound great in theory, but it most likely will come back to haunt you in the long run. Sure, it may seem like a good way to improve your transcript, but the lower grades you might get because your course load is too heavy is a sure way to bring your transcript down, not up. If you absolutely must carry a heavy course load for some reason, however, make sure that you've cut down on your other commitments so that you don't put too many unreasonable expectations on yourself.
   
3. Have your books purchased -- or at least on their way. Not having your books the first week of class can put you behind everyone else before you even had the chance to start. Even if you have to go to the library for the first week or two to get the reading done, make sure you're doing what you can to stay on top of your homework until your books arrive.
   
4. Have some -- but not too much -- co-curricular involvement. You don't want to be so over involved that you barely have time to eat and sleep, but you most likely do need to be involved in something other than your classes all day long. Join a club, get an on-campus job, volunteer somewhere, play on an intramural team: just do something to keep your brain (and personal life!) balanced.
   
5. Get your finances in order. You may be rocking your classes, but if your financial situation is a mess, you won't be able to finish the semester. Make sure your finances are in order when you start a new semester and that they'll still be that way as you head toward finals week.
   
6. Have your "life" logistics worked out. These are different for every college student, but having the basics -- like your housing/roommate situation, your food/dining options, and your transportation -- worked out in advance is critical to making it through the semester in a stress-free way.
   
7. Set up healthy outlets for fun and to relieve stress. You don't need to have a Ph.D. to know that college is stressful. Have things already in place -- like good groups of friends, exercise plans, hobbies, and smart ways to avoid pitfalls (like knowing how to avoid test anxiety) -- that will allow you to mentally check out and relax when things get intense.
   
8. Get information on where to go for help -- you know, just in case. When, and if, you find yourself juggling more than you can handle, trying to find help while under that kind of stress is nearly impossible. Learn where to go for help before your semester begins so that, just in case things get a little rough, your small speed bump doesn't turn into a major disaster zone.

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NEW! Readers' Choice Categories Announced!

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.

The categories for the 2012 awards have been announced and are (drum roll please!):

• Favorite Website by College Students, for College Students
• Best Site for Renting College Textbooks
• Best Site for Buying College Textbooks
• Best Book on Adjusting to College Life

You can read more about each category or learn about the awards if you'd like more information. The nomination process begins on January 18 and I'm already looking forward to see what comes in!

Good luck!

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Wondering What Your Job Prospects Are?

You'd pretty much have to be living under a rock to know that the job market is, shall we say, far from ideal for college graduates. Those of you graduating this spring face a bit of a challenge -- not an impossibility, but a challenge -- when looking for your first official job as a college grad.

On January 5, MSN.com posted an interesting article -- using data compiled by Georgetown University's Center on Education and the Workforce -- discussing how unemployment rates for recent college graduates vary by major. You can check out the article from MSN or read the full report from Georgetown. Whether you're reading it to know the unemployment rate for your own major or just to get a general feel of how majors influence employment, it's an interesting -- and worthwhile -- read.

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How to Reduce Stress

At any given point in time, most college students are stressed about something; it's just part of going to school. While having stress in your life is normal and often unavoidable, being stressed is something you can control. Follow these ten tips to learn how to keep your stress in check and how to relax when it gets to be too much.

Most Importantly: Don't Stress About Being Stressed

This may seem ridiculous at first, but it is listed first for a reason: when you're feeling stressed, you feel like you're on edge and everything is barely being held together. Don't beat yourself up too badly about it! It's all normal, and the best way to handle stress is to not get more stressed about . . . being stressed. If you're stressed out, admit it and figure out how to handle it. Focusing on it will only make things seem worse.

Get Some Sleep

Being in college means your sleep schedule is, most likely, far from ideal. Getting more sleep can help your mind refocus, recharge, and rebalance. This can mean a quick nap, a night when you go to bed early, or a promise to yourself to stick with a regular sleep schedule. Sometimes, one good night's sleep can be all you need to hit the ground running amidst a stressful time.

Get Some Food

Similar to your sleep habits, your eating habits may have gone by the wayside when you started school. Think about what -- and when -- you've eaten over the past few days. You may think your stress is psychological, but you could also be feeling physical stress (and the "Freshman 15") if you're not fueling your body appropriately. Go eat something balanced and healthy: fruits and veggies, whole grains, protein. Make your mama proud with what you choose for dinner tonight! Lastly, if your meal plan itself is one more thing making you stressed, learn how to pick a plan that's right for you.

Get Some Exercise

You may think that if you don't have the time to sleep and eat properly, you definitely don't have the time to exercise. Fair enough, but if you're feeling stressed, it may be that you need to squeeze it in somehow. Exercise doesn't necessarily have to involve a 2-hour, exhausting workout at the campus gym. It can mean a relaxing, 30-minute walk while listening to your favorite music. In fact, in a little over an hour, you can 1) walk 15 minutes to your favorite off-campus restaurant, 2) eat a quick and healthy meal, 3) walk back, and 4) take a power nap. Imagine how much better you'll feel!

Get Some Quiet Time

Take one moment and think: when was the last time you had some quality, quiet time alone? Personal space for students in college rarely exists. You may share your room, your bathroom, your classrooms, your dining hall, the gym, the bookstore, the library, and anywhere else you go during an average day. Finding a few moments of peace and quiet - with no cell phone, roommates, or crowds - might be just what you need. Stepping out from the crazy college environment for a few minutes can do wonders for reducing your stress.

Get Some Social Time

Have you been working on that English paper for 3 days straight? Can you even see what you're writing anymore for your Chemistry lab? You could be stressed because you're being too focused on getting things done. Don't forget that your brain is like a muscle, and even it needs a break every once in a while! Take a break and see a movie. Grab some friends and go out dancing. Hop a bus and hang out downtown for a few hours. Having a social life is an important part of your college experience, so don't be afraid to keep it in the picture when you're stressed. It could be when you need it most!

Get Some Fun

You may be stressed about one particular thing: a final paper due Monday, a class presentation due Thursday. You basically just need to sit down and plow through it. If this is the case, try to figure out how to make it a little more fun and enjoyable. Is everyone writing final papers? Agree to work together in your room for 2 hours and then order pizza together for dinner. Do a lot of your classmates have huge presentations to put together? See if you can reserve a classroom or room in the library where you can all work together and share supplies. You may just lower everyone's stress level.

Get Some Distance

You may be handling your own problems and trying to help others around you. While this can be nice for them, check in and be honest with yourself about how your helpful demeanor may be causing more stress in your life. It's okay to take a step back and focus on yourself for a little while, especially if you are stressed and your academics are at risk. After all, how can you keep helping others if you're not even in a state to help yourself? Figure out which things are causing you the most stress and how you can take a step back from each. And then, most importantly, take that step.

Get a Little Help

It can be hard to ask for help, and unless your friends are psychic, they may not know how stressed out you are. Most college students are going through the same things at the same thing, so don't feel silly if you need to just vent for 30 minutes over coffee with a friend. It may help you process out what you need to do, and help you realize that the things you are so stressed about are actually pretty manageable. If you're afraid of dumping too much on a friend, most colleges have counseling centers specifically for their students. Don't be afraid to make an appointment if you think it will help.

Get Some Perspective

College life can be overwhelming. You want to hang out with your friends, join clubs, explore off campus, join a fraternity or sorority, and be involved in the campus newspaper. It can sometimes feel like there aren't enough hours in the day . . . because there aren't. There's only so much any person can handle, but you need to remember the reason why you're in school: academics. No matter how exciting your co-curricular life can be, you won't be able to enjoy any of it if you don't pass your classes. Make sure to keep your eye on the prize and then head out and change the world!

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Meeting Professors

You may be totally intimidated by your professors, or you may be eager to meet them but not know what to do first. It's important to remember, however, that most professors are professors because they like teaching and interacting with college students. Talking with your professors outside of the lecture hall just may be one of the most rewarding aspects of your college career.

Difficulty: Easy

Time Required: Minimum

Here's How:

1. Go to class -- every day.

   Many students underestimate the importance of this. True, in a lecture hall of 500 students, your professor may not notice if you're not there. But if you are, your face will become familiar if you can make yourself noticed a bit.

2. Turn your assignments in on time.

   You don't want your professor to notice you because you're always asking for extensions and turning things in late. True, he or she will get to know you, but probably not in the way you want.

3. Ask questions and engage in discussion in class.

   This can be an easy way to have your professor get to know your voice, face, and name. Of course, only ask questions if you have a legitimate question (versus asking one just for the sake of asking) and contribute if you have something to say. Chances are, however, that you have plenty to add to a class and can use that to your advantage.

4. Go to your professor's office hours.

   Stop in to ask for help with your homework. Stop in to ask for advice on your research paper. Stop in to ask your professor's opinion about some of the research he is doing, or on the book she's talked about writing. Stop in to invite him or her to your poetry slam next week. But try to stop in!

5. Go to an event where your professor is speaking, or to a meeting for a club or organization your professor advises.

   Your professor is most likely involved in things on campus other than just your class. Go hear him or her lecture and stay afterward to ask a question or thank them for the speech.

6. Ask to sit in on another of your professor's classes.

   If you're trying to get to know your professor -- for a research opportunity, for advice, or just because he or she seems really engaging -- you most likely are interested in similar things. If they teach other classes that you might want to take, ask your professor if you can sit in on one of them this semester. It will indicate your interest in the field; additionally, it will undoubtedly lead to a conversation about why you're interested in the class, what your academic goals are while you're at school, and what interested you in the topic in the first place.

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Campus Highlight: Florida A & M Students

(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. Now that classes are back in session for many college students, the Campus Highlight feature will resume for the spring semester.)

Florida A&M has been in the news lately because of the suspected hazing death of one of its band members. And while I'm glad that the university is immediately investigating and working to halt an unacceptable culture where hazing existed, I also want to acknowledge the students on campus who are working at Florida A&M to create positive change.

As noted in a January 4 press release, over 100 Florida A&M students went to New Orleans over the winter break to help families who were affected by Hurricane Katrina. For three days, they participated in community service work (such as helping to rebuild and repair buildings) and "gave away hundreds of toys that were donated by FAMU's student body." Way to go, guys! It's great to see the fantastic work that college students do that often goes unappreciated, especially when other, more unfortunate incidents are hitting the headlines.

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Anti-Valentine's Day On Campus

Being single -- and in college -- with Valentine's Day approaching can be a special kind of torture. Everyone else may seem like they have big plans in the works for how to spend the evening, whereas your big plans might involve facebook and some homework (if you're lucky). Instead of letting a college Valentine's Day get you cranky, try these 5 tips of what to do on campus to make the day tolerable -- if not fun.

1. Plan a movie fest. Invite some friends over and plan a movie marathon. You can spend the entire night eating funky snacks, watching great (or even horrible) movies, and catching up with friends. Why not let yourself relax and enjoy a night off? You don't necessarily need a boyfriend or girlfriend to make it happen.

2. Cook yourself a nice dinner. You can use the kitchen in your residence hall, the kitchen at a friend's house, or any kitchen that you have access to. After spending an hour or so putting together a nice meal for yourself or friends, it's practically impossible not to feel good afterward. (Check out 12 Easy Meal Ideas for College Students for some suggestions.)

3. Throw an anti-Valentine's Day party. Chances are, you aren't the only person on campus to not be thrilled about the holiday. Plan an Anti-Valentine's Day Party -- for just a few friends or the entire campus -- that shows that those without boyfriends or girlfriends can have a good (if not better) time, too.

4. Get yourself together. It may sound strange, but when was the last time you woke up feeling totally put together? Instead of moping about being single, use the free time you have Valentine's Day evening to get yourself organized. Clean up your calendar, catch up on laundry, plan ahead for major papers and midterms, and get a head start on those assignments you've been avoiding. It may sound lame (okay, totally lame) at first, but you might be surprised at how good you feel after you're done. Who needs a date to go to bed feeling like a rock star?

5. Set up an online dating profile. Alright, you may be single, and you may be at peace with it -- but you may also be interested in changing that single status. Spend some time at your computer, setting up an online dating profile. Who knows what might happen?!

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5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Returning to Campus

With the new year comes, of course, a new semester. But are you really prepared to head back to campus?

While some students are returning this week, many still have another week or two of vacation left. So just what can you do to make sure you return to campus prepared and ready to rock the spring semester? Consider spending some time finding answers to the following questions:

1. How was my time management last semester? Do I need a new system? If so, what do I need to do to get it implemented and become familiar with it before the first day of classes?
2. Are my books ordered? What can I do now to cut down on what I'll need to do once I arrive on campus?
3. What items that I brought home can I leave behind when I return to campus?
4. What was my biggest challenge last semester? How can I make it less of a challenge this semester?
5. How do my finances look? What do I need to do to make sure I stay on top of my money and spend wisely throughout the entire semester?

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How Not to Procrastinate in the First Place

For many college students, procrastination doesn't just happen; there are small steps they take every day that suddenly result in having to write, say, a 5-page paper in one night (translation: pull the dreaded all-nighter). Find 8 easy steps to learn how not to procrastinate in the first place.

Difficulty: Easy

Time Required: Varies

Here's How:

1. Don't plan to procrastinate. This is #1 for a reason: it's such a simple way to solve such a common problem! If you find yourself saying things like "I can't do (insert activity) that night; I'm going to be up all night writing a paper," you are one hard-core procrastinator. Why? Because you're actually planning to procrastinate -- which shows that you can plan. Which also shows, therefore, that you can plan not to have to be up super late every night before you have something major due.
2. Break things down. Divide things into smaller projects: coming up with a thesis/topic/etc.; doing the first part of the research; testing your results/writing a rough draft; finishing up everything but a few minor details a few days before your deadline. Breaking things down into smaller projects not only makes your workload easier to manage, but also makes it nearly impossible to leave it all to the last minute.
3. Set earlier deadlines for yourself. Is your paper due on the 15th? Get (not try, but actually get) it done by the 12th. You'll have time to really focus; spend thoughtful time putting your work together; get it read over by a TA, your professor, or an academic support center in advance; and, you know, deal with the unexpected roommate drama you'll have to deal with the night of the 14th, too.
4. Find a way to hold yourself accountable. Accountability can go a long way when it comes to avoiding procrastination (and breaking your procrastination habits in general). Find another friend -- in the same class, in your residence hall, in a club you're in -- and hold each other accountable for getting your project done earlier than usual. Come up with some kind of reward system if you get your projects done early as well as some kind of "punishment" system if you aren't keeping on track.
5. Work with a friend. Working with a friend (who you really can study/work with, not just end up hanging out and talking with) can help streamline your efforts and make you really focus on the assigned task at hand. You can check in with each other about the progress you're making and schedule time to work on your projects together. It's much harder to break a study/work meeting with someone else than it is to break one with yourself.
6. Start small. Don't expect to change all of your procrastination habits in one week. Try to teach yourself how not to procrastinate in, for example, only 1 or 2 of your courses this term. Smaller habits are easier to stick with an make permanent on a larger scale.
7. Be patient with yourself. Just like any bad habit, learning how not to procrastinate takes time (ironically!). Being patient with yourself and staying committed to not procrastinating in the long term is part of the process, too.
8. Get extra help if you need it. Procrastination is often very isolating: you are up late, alone, working on your paper or report, for example. But incorporating help from others into your planning process is a great way to learn how not to procrastinate. An appointment you have at an academic writing center, for example, will help make your paper better, can provide needed mentoring about avoiding procrastination in the first place, and will help hold you accountable. After all, you're not in college to work by yourself all the time, right? Take advantage of what your school has to offer.

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10 Sample New Year's Resolutions for College Students

While New Year's Eve often brings a party, the new year itself often brings great hopes for change and growth. If you're a college student, the new year presents the perfect time to set some resolutions that can help make your academic year more positive, productive, and enjoyable. But what exactly are good New Year's resolutions for college students?

Good New Year's resolutions, of course, are not just those that address the things in your life you'd like to change or improve upon; they also are realistic enough that you're more likely than not to stick with them.

1. Get (a specific number) of hours of sleep a night. Being specific about your goals for the new year -- for example, "get at least 6 hours of sleep a night" instead of "getting more sleep" -- helps make your resolutions more tangible. And while college life is hard and often sleep deprived, making sure you get enough sleep each night is critical for your long-term success (and health!) in school.

2. Get (a specific amount) of exercise each week. While finding time to exercise in college -- even for 30 minutes -- can seem impossible for many students, it's important to try to incorporate physical activity into your college life routine. After all, those little 30 minutes at the gym can give you more energy throughout the day (and week). Make sure your goal is specific, however; instead of "go to the gym," make a resolution to "work out for 30 minutes at least 4 times a week," "join an intramural sports team," or "work out 4 times a week with a work-out partner."

3. Eat healthier at each meal. College life is notorious for its unhealthy food options: greasy dining hall food, bad delivery, ramen noodles, and pizza everywhere. Make a goal to add at least something healthy at each meal, like at least one serving of fruits or vegetables. Or cut out (or at least down) on your soda intake. Or switch to diet soda. Or cut down on your caffeine intake, for example, so that you'll sleep better at night. No matter what you add or switch, doing little changes every time you eat can lead to big differences.

4. Cut down on your cocurricular involvement. Many students are involved in all kinds of clubs, activities, and teams that meet regularly on campus. And while this cocurricular involvement can be good, it also can be detrimental to your academics. If you need more time, are struggling in your classes, or just overall feel overwhelmed, consider cutting down on your cocurricular involvement. You might be surprised at how much better you feel with an extra hour or two a week.

5. Try something new/step out of your comfort zone at least once a month. Chances are, there are things happening on your campus 24/7. And many of them are on topics or involve activities that you're not at all familiar with. Challenge yourself a little to try something totally new at least once a month. Attend a lecture on a topic you know nothing or very little about; go to a cultural event you've never heard of before; volunteer to help with a cause you know you should learn more about but just never looked into. You might be surprised at how much you enjoy yourself!

6. Don't use a credit card for things you want -- only use it for things you need. The last thing you want in college is to be saddled with credit card debt and the accompanying monthly payment you're required to make. Be very strict about your credit card use and only use it when it's absolutely necessary for things you need. (For example, you need books for your classes. But you don't necessarily need -- although you might want -- those expensive new sneakers when the ones you have can last another few months.)

7. Finish your papers at least one day in advance. This may sound completely unrealistic and idealistic, but if you look back at your time in school, when have you been the most stressed? Some of the highest-stress parts of the semester come when major papers and projects are due. And planning to do something the night before is, quite literally, planning to procrastinate. So why not plan instead to finish a little early so you can get some sleep, not be as stressed, and -- most likely -- turn in a better assignment?

8. Volunteer at least once a week. It's super easy to get caught up in the little bubble that is your school. Stress over papers, the lack of sleep, and frustration with everything from friends to finances can quickly consume both your mind and spirit. Volunteering, on the other hand, offers you a chance to give back while also helping you keep things in perspective. Added bonus: You'll feel awesome afterward!

9. Take a leadership position on campus. Things may become a little too routine for you during your time in school (especially during the Sophomore Slump). You go to class, go to a few meetings, maybe work your on-campus job, and then ... do it all over again. Aiming for a leadership position, like being an RA or on the executive board of a club, can help challenge your brain in new and exciting ways.

10. Spend time with people outside of your college friends. Granted, this may need to be done electronically, but it's important. Spend time Skyping with your best friend from high school; let yourself chat online with people who aren't at your school; call your siblings every once in a while to check in and hear about things back home. While your college life may be all consuming now, it will be over before you know it ... and the relationships you've kept with the non-college people in your life will be important once you're officially a college graduate.

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Getting Some Quality Rest Over Break

Now that Christmas is over (and Hanukkah is just about to conclude as well), chances are things are finally calming down for you during your break. The shopping, visitors, cooking, and planning are mostly over, meaning you really, truly have the chance to get some bona fide rest.

Getting some high-quality rest and relaxation over your college breaks is critical for starting the new semester recharged and ready to go. After all, letting yourself relax and giving yourself some TLC involves more than just sleeping in! Check out 7 easy ways to relax over your break for some quick tips and tricks.

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What's a Good On-Campus Job?

You may be looking for an on-campus job as part of your budget, as part of your work award requirement, or even just to meet people. No matter the reasons, getting a good on-campus job can make all the difference.

There's no such thing as "the best" on-campus job that works well for everyone. True, some jobs are easier than others, but try to keep them in context. An on-campus job will provide some cash . . . and what else?

Figure Out What You Want

Think about your program of study and your personality. Are you friendly, outgoing, and find yourself less stressed after interacting with a lot of people? Try working in the campus coffee shop. Does the idea of working in the coffee shop overwhelm you? Try something a little quieter, like the library or an administrative office. Are you trying to get your foot in the door of the academic department for your major? Consider working for a professor or in the departmental office. Additionally, some campus jobs (like the mailroom, for example) can connect with you all kinds of people. Remember, too, that you can always try something new next semester if what you first get isn't working for you.

Figure Out What You Need

Be aware, too, of both your academic and your "natural" schedule. Are you naturally a morning person? Make sure you apply at places that are open early so that, if you wish, you can get some work hours in before you head off to class. Do you have labs in the mornings, and classes in the afternoons, so that you need something later in the day? On-campus jobs will often work with your student schedule, but there's only so much flexibility they'll be able to provide.

Lastly, as the semester progresses, be honest with yourself about your time management. You may want an on-campus job for the extra money, but if you find yourself struggling for time you may need to let it go. Being honest with your employer about your schedule and needs can transform any on-campus job into a great experience.

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Should I Be an RA?

If you've ever lived on campus, your Resident Adviser (RA) was probably one of the first people you met on move-in day. RAs coordinate move in, get to know their residents, build community, handle emergencies, and overall make themselves available to people in their residence halls. Oh -- and did I mention that they get their own rooms?

Being an RA can be a great gig as long as you know what you're getting into. A private (at least most of the time) room, fun activities and job where you get paid to hang out with people can be counterbalanced by late nights, tough situations and a major time commitment. While the pros usually outweigh the cons, it's good to know what you're getting into in advance.

Being an RA: The Pros

1. You get your own room. Let's face it: this is a major draw. When you aren't on duty, you finally get some private space of your own without having to worry about a roommate.
   
2. The pay is usually pretty good. You may already want to live in the halls, so being paid with a waiver of full or partial room and board fees and/or a stipend can be a great deal financially.
   
3. You'll get great leadership experience. While your role as an RA may require you to get your residents involved, it will also require you to step past your own comfort zone from time to time and develop some solid leadership skills.
   
4. You can give back to your community. Being an RA is a feel-good job. You do good work, help people out, help build a sense of community, and make a difference in people's lives. What's not to like about that?
   
5. It looks good on a resume. Let's be honest about this one, too. If you're looking for ways to demonstrate your leadership skills, being an RA looks great on a resume. And you can always use some of your experiences to demonstrate your "practical experience" in a job interview.
   
6. The hours can be great. You don't have to worry about commuting to a job off campus or finding time to fit a job in during usual business hours. You're most likely already in your hall at night -- and now you can get paid for it.
   
7. You'll be part of an awesome team. Working with other RAs and the rest of your hall staff can be a major benefit. Most folks involved in residence life are really interesting, engaging, smart people, and being part of a team like that can be a highly rewarding experience.
   
8. You get to return to campus early. In order to get yourself moved in and your hall up and running (not to mention going through training), most RAs are able to return to campus earlier than everyone else.

Being an RA: The Cons

1. It's a major time commitment. Being an RA takes a lot of time. You may need to get your paper done the night you're on call, but if a sick resident appears you have to handle it. Being good at time management is a key skill to learn -- early -- since your time isn't always your own as an RA.
   
2. You don't have much privacy. When you're on duty, your room door is often required to be open. Your stuff, your room, your wall decorations: all of it becomes fodder for people who just want to come in and hang out. Additionally, even when you're not on duty, other students may view you as a friendly, accessible person. It can be hard to maintain your sense of privacy amidst that environment.
   
3. You are held to higher standards. Anyone -- from an RA to a corporate CEO -- who is in a leadership position is held to a higher standard, even when they're not officially on the job. Keep that in mind when thinking about how being an RA will affect your life when you're technically no longer on the clock.
   
4. You may have to deal with issues you already worked through your first year in school. If you have any first-year students in your hall, you may have to deal with issues like homesickness, self-confidence, time management, and freshman fears. It may be frustrating to listen to someone who has been at school for 2 weeks cry about their experience when you were able to move past everything years ago.
   
5. You have to return to campus early. Returning early to campus for training, set-up, and freshman move-in can throw a major wrench in your summer plans. Coming back to campus a week (or two or three) early can have a major impact on your summer travel, research, or job plans.

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NEW Articles for December

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College New Year's Resolutions

January 1st: the start of a new year and, for many college students, a time to reflect between semesters. With the new year comes New Year's resolutions, too. How can you tell if your resolutions are good ones during your college years?

Good New Year's Resolutions for College Students

1. Don't procrastinate. If you're like most college students, time is one of your most prized possessions. Promise to manage it with the utmost care so you aren't always feeling rushed -- and stressed. Learning good time management skills (including how not to procrastinate in the first place) can be one of the best gifts you'll give yourself all year.
   
2. Learn to say "no." College is full of amazing, exciting, fantastic things. But there are only so many hours in a day, and only so much you can reasonably expect of yourself. Learn to say "no" early -- and to be okay with doing so -- so that you aren't constantly demanding more of yourself than you can actually deliver.
   
3. Get academic help, even if you don't think you need it. Sure, your paper will probably earn you a passing grade. But heading to the writing center, for example, for some helpful feedback just might make it an out-of-the-park-home-run paper. Why not take that extra moment of time and utilize the academic resources you have access to?
   
4. Make healthy choices. Instead of setting weight-loss or exercise goals, for example, aim to start small and make healthy choices. For example, you can decide to eat at least 2 more fruits or veggies a day, sleep at least 6 hours (if not more!) a night, exercise 3 times a week, or drink only one cup of coffee a day. Think about it in terms of making healthy choices (e.g., get more sleep at night) instead of avoiding unhealthy ones to set yourself up for a positive outlook.
   
5. Find fun, cheap ways to manage stress. Managing your stress may be one of the best resolutions you can make for the new year. Learn how to take your mind off of things -- without blowing your budget, of course -- before your stress gets the best of you.

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Happy 2012!

Happy 2012!

I just wanted to take a minute and wish everyone best wishes for the new year. I hope 2012 brings lots of sleep, good health, good grades, and endless opportunities for learning and growth. Because that's what a new year -- and college -- are all about, right?

Right!

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College New Year's Eve Ideas

New Year's Eve in college can be fun, exciting -- and challenging, as many students are away from campus and their usual college friends. There's no need to let your college New Year's Eve go to waste, however. Check out these ideas for keeping things fresh, fun, and funky.

20 Ways to Spend Your College New Year's Eve

1. Hang out at home with your high school/hometown friends. If you're spending the winter break home with your parents, head out with your friends. You can reminisce about years' past and celebrate your enduring friendships.
2. Head to Vegas. Because really, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. There are some great deals to be had and great parties to attend -- not to mention the 24-hour gambling.
3. Head to New York City. Never seen the official ball drop in Times Square? Grab some friends and head to NYC for an everyone-should-see-it-at-least-once experience.
4. Go camping. If you need a break from the chaos of your everyday life, head out into the wilderness. You can ring in the new year beneath a blanket of stars.
5. Plan a romantic dinner with your significant other. You can go out or cook something together at home. Add 2 candles and -- as a bonus -- have someone to smooch as the new year arrives.
6. Head to a fun club with a crazy band you've never heard of. Step outside of your comfort zone, grab some friends, and do something funky.
7. Do something back at school. The residence halls may be closed, but many students are still living in their Greek houses or in off-campus apartments. Plan something away from campus that still allows you to celebrate with your college friends.
8. Line up and camp out for a football game. Head to a bowl game where you can camp out the night before with other fans. When else will you be able to do so, except for during your college years?
9. Volunteer. Look for something in your community. Go on an outdoor trip and work on trail maintenance. Head to another country. There are plenty of volunteering options that will take you into the year with good will.
10. Head out somewhere fun with your high school and your college friends. Why not blend the best of both worlds?
11. Go somewhere swanky. Think much, much fancier than you're used to. Head somewhere swanky and opt for an evening of elegance.
12. Host a costume or theme party. And do so with style, too. 1920's, anyone?
13. Rent a cabin in the woods. It can be with your high school friends, your college friends, your significant other -- or everyone.
14. Hang out at a ski resort. If you ski, you can hit the slopes. And if you don't, you can curl up with hot chocolate and enjoy the scenery. What's not to like?
15. Go backpacking or hiking. Head out for a midnight hike (with at least one other person, of course) to ring in the new year in a unique and exhilarating way.
16. Go on a skydiving or bungee-jumping trip. Some places offer multi-day excursions. Make your new year one to remember!
17. Spend time with your family. The longer you're away at school, the less time you have to spend with your family. Take a break from the college scene and enjoy the evening with your family instead.
18. Spend the evening writing or journaling. Some folks reflect and process things best when they write things out. Take the night to yourself and write to your heart's content.
19. Host a "creative" New Year's Eve party. Set up supplies -- or have your guests bring their own -- and create an atmosphere of creative energy for people to paint, sculpt, write music, or create other works of art.
20. Spend a quiet night in -- and get some sleep! Catch up on two of the most sacred resources for many college students: time and sleep. Celebrate your year by indulging in both.

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Are You Receiving the College Life Newsletter?

If you're in college, you undoubtedly have too little time to do too many things. So why not make it easier on yourself whenever and wherever possible?

Each Monday, I send out the About.com College Life newsletter. It's totally free and covers everything from how to relax during finals to reminders about important upcoming financial aid deadlines. It's delivered piping hot to your inbox and ... did I mention ... it's totally free? Signing up only takes a second and can be a great way to start the new year off right.

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