College Group Project Tips

Group projects in college can be great experiences -- or nightmares. From other people not carrying their weight to waiting to the last minute, group projects can quickly turn into an unnecessarily large and ugly problem. By following the basic tips below, however, you can work to ensure that your group project leads to a great grade instead of a massive headache.

Difficulty: Average

Time Required: Varies, depending on assignment

Here's How:

1. Set roles and goals early.

   It may seem silly and basic, but setting roles and goals early will help out immensely as the project progresses. Specify who is doing what (research? writing? presenting?), with as much detail as possible and with dates and deadlines when appropriate. After all, knowing that one of your group members is going to complete part of the paper's research won't do any good if he completes it after the project due date.

2. Allow a time cushion at the end of your schedule.

   Let's say the project is due on the 10th of the month. Aim to have everything done by the 5th or the 7th, just to be safe. After all, life happens: people get sick, files get lost, group members flake. Allowing for a little cushion will help prevent major stress (and a possible catastrophe) on the actual due date.

3. Arrange for periodic check-ins and updates before putting the final project together.

   You may be working your you-know-what off to finish your part of the project, but not everyone may be as diligent. Arrange to meet as a group every other week to update each other, discuss how the project is going, or even just work on things together. This way, everyone will know the group, as a whole, is on track before it becomes too late to fix the problem.

4. Allow time for someone to go over the final project.

   With so many people working on a project, things can often seem disconnected or confusing. Check in with a campus writing center, another group, your professor, or anyone else who may be helpful to review your final project before you turn it in. An extra set of eyes can be invaluable for a big project that will have an impact on so many people's grades.

5. Know that it's OK to talk to your professor if not everyone is pitching in.

   One negative aspect of doing group projects is the possibility that one member (or more!) is not pitching in to help the rest of the group. Although you may feel awkward about doing so, know that it's OK to check in with your professor about what's happening (or not happening). You can do this midway through the project or at the end. Most professors will want to know and, if you check in midway through the project, they might be able to give you some advice about how to move forward.

View the original article here

College Breakfast Ideas

If you're one of the rare college students who actually eats breakfast, chances are you're rushed and short on ideas. And if you're one of the many college students who skips breakfast, chances are you're hungry for most of the day.

Eating breakfast -- even during your crazy-busy college years -- is, as your mom told you, highly important. That little morning meal can help you focus, maintain your energy, prevent you from overeating throughout the day, and overall help kick-start your days. So what kinds of things can you eat that won't break your bank -- or your waistline?

15 College Breakfast Ideas

1. Muffins. You can buy 'em pre-made or you can make them yourself. Either way, they won't go stale for a while and are easy to grab (and eat!) as you're running out the door.
   
2. Toasted English muffin and peanut butter. It's easy. It's cheap. And it's full of protein to help you power through your day.
3. Peanut butter and jelly. Even the busiest of students can find 30 seconds to put together this classic.
   
4. A piece of fresh fruit. An apple, a banana ... they're nature's original to-go food and good for you, too.
   
5. Granola or energy bar. Keep an eye on the calories, but these little guys can pack a big punch when it comes to helping you make it through your morning.
   
6. Veggies. Who says you can only have fruit for breakfast? Grab a bag of baby carrots and munch on it on your way to class. Added bonus: You can keep the snack bag with you throughout the day and munch as needed.
   
7. Yogurt. You can get it in a cup, in a smoothie, or even in a frozen pop. But yogurt is a healthy breakfast that often tastes like dessert. What's not to like about that?
   
8. Cereal and milk. It's a classic for a reason. Consider buying cereal in bulk, too; you can split it with your friends and save some serious cash.
   
9. Dry cereal in a baggie. Don't have time to eat a nice bowl of your favorite cereal with milk? Pour some in a Ziploc bag for an instant, on-the-go snack.
   
10. Trail mix. The stuff strangely seems to last forever and is a great way to power up without losing too much time -- or cash. Just make sure the mix you get isn't candy in disguise.
    
11. Breakfast burrito. You can buy frozen ones you can cook in the microwave, but they're so cheap and easy buying them pre-made seems like a waste. Tortillas + scrambled eggs + cheese + other tasty items = awesome breakfast you can eat on the run. Consider adding leftovers from last night's dinner (veggies and rice, beans, meat) for extra oomph.
    
12. Frozen waffles or pancakes. You can buy these frozen in the store or make a ton yourself and then freeze them. Either way, a quick drop in the toaster leads to a great hot breakfast with little to no effort.
    
13. Pop Tarts or their equivalent. Consider buying a generic brand if these are your thing; you'll save money but still get a little morning treat.
    
14. Cheese and crackers. Cutting a few slices of cheese = 30 seconds. Grabbing some crackers = 15 seconds. Throwing everything in a little Ziploc bag = 15 seconds. And it all adds up to a tasty little breakfast in under a minute.
    
15. Dried fruit. Consider buying this in bulk to save money as well. A small baggie of dried apricots and/or pineapple and/or apples and/or whatever else you like is an easy way to get a healthy, fruit-based breakfast -- without having to worry about the fruit going bad.
    

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When Your Roommate's Significant Others Stays Over ... a Lot

If you live off campus, you have the luxury of handing out keys to your apartment to whomever you like and not having to worry about letting people into your building with your campus ID. And if you have a roommate, this means that your roommate has the same freedom.

Unfortunately, the lack of restrictions about who can come and go means that sometimes, your roommate's significant other can come ... and stay. So how long is too long? How much is too much? And, quite frankly, when should you ask your, er, "guest" to start contributing to the expenses of the apartment?

MSNBC.com has a great article addressing this exact problem. While it doesn't give you a definitive answer, it does provide interesting survey results on the topic. It's definitely worth a quick glance if you aren't sure if your expectations are unreasonable ... or not.

View the original article here

2011 College Halloween Costumes for Groups

Going to a Halloween party as part of a group is one of the more enjoyable ways to celebrate the holiday. You'll make a scene when you enter, people will remember what you wore, and everyone will know who you're with throughout the night.

Finding a great group costume, however, can be a bit of a challenge. Fortunately, 2011 provided quite a bit of fodder for great college Halloween costume ideas for groups.

7 Great College Halloween Costumes for Groups in 2011

1. The Muppets. They have a new movie out and practically everyone knows and loves them. The Muppets also work great if you're not sure of the final size of your group, as you can add or drop muppets depending on how many people end up attending.

2. The Smurfs. Similar to the Muppets, the Smurfs have a new movie out. Get (or make) some fluffy white hats; grab some white pants, white shoes, and blue shirts; paint your faces blue; and ... voila! It's smurfy!

3. The cast from "Glee." They're fun to watch and easy to imitate. Grab some friends, grab some clothes, and have fun dressing up. Megaphone optional.

4. A famous sports team. Consider dressing as the U.S. Women's Soccer Team, a group of famous basketball players, or even a duo like Venus & Serena Williams.

5. The cast of "Jersey Shore." The only problem your group might have with this idea is deciding who gets to dress as whom. Fake muscles or hair pouf, anyone?

6. Any of the wacky families on TV. You can dress as members of the Hogan family, the Osbournes, the Kardashians ... with so many options, it's hard to go wrong.

7. The judges on "American Idol" (or any other reality competition show). Most of the judges are known for their quirky personality and behavior. Play them up to create a group costume that's sure to be remembered.

View the original article here

The "Campus Highlight" Feature

Last year, I introduced a new feature here on the College Life blog: the "Campus Highlight." Each Monday, I 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.

Frequent readers of this blog know that I am often disappointed and frustrated by how college students are portrayed in the media. Yes, many party a bit and have a good time -- but they also go to class, work, balance family and personal issues, maintain relationships, manage their finances, and do a million other things all day long!

Look for the first Campus Highlight of 2011-2012 next Monday, September 5. In the meantime, if you know of any great student initiatives that could be featured, shoot me an email and let me know.

View the original article here

College Halloween Costumes

Halloween on a college campus can be one of the highlights of fall semester. Without a great costume, however, what's a college student to do?

If you're like most college students who are already overburdened with obligations, you probably waited until the last minute to figure out what to be for Halloween. Luckily, there are several great ideas that can be done at the last minute -- and without spending too much money.

Dress As Your Roommate

This should be done kindly, of course, and is even better if you both go together while dressed as each other. Simply borrow your roommate's clothes and an accessory or two, vamp it up a bit, and off you go. (Women: Is your roommate into bags? Grab several of her faves and head out. Men: Does your roommate always wear sports shirts? Put on several and show them off during the evening, perhaps rotating them as the night goes on.) It should go without saying, of course, that you'll need your roommate's permission and that you should be sensitive of hurting any feelings. But if you're both into it, it can be a fast costume fix.

Go to a Thrift Store

Thrift stores have all kinds of great finds throughout the year -- but especially at Halloween. Grab some funky clothes; grab some fancy clothes; grab some clothes from a decade or two ago. But grab all you want and don't worry about spending too much.

Go as a Group

If you're going out with a group of friends, work together to find a costume. You can dress like the cast from a recent movie, flight attendants and pilots, or even the members of whatever girl or boy band is currently hot. Because you'll be going as a group, you won't need as many accessories as you would if you were responsible for your own attire.

Dress as a College-Aged Character from a Movie

Whether or not you ever thought about it as such, you have an entire room full of college-student props. Vamp it up and go as a college-aged character from a movie. It can be a classic (Bluto, anyone?) or whatever is current. Either way, it's an easy fix to not having a costume handy.

View the original article here

Brownies & Ice Cream

It's late and you're tired, but you need a sugar rush in order to finish up that last leg of homework. Thanks to pre-made mixes, within a short period of time you can have a delicious dessert that will undoubtedly bring other late night studiers out of their rooms to see what smells so good.

Midnight-Snack Brownies and Ice Cream

Ingredients:

• Brownie mix
• Ice cream (vanilla works great, but many other flavors will do)
• **Make sure to check brownie mix package to see if additional ingredients are required, such as eggs or vegetable oil**

Directions:

Cook brownies according to package directions.

Once brownies are done, divide into individual servings. While brownies are still hot, top them with a scoop of ice cream.

Eat while brownies are still warm and ice cream is melting.

Tools needed:

Baking pan, fork (for mixing), knife, spoon, possible measuring cup.

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College Terms: I-R

College Glossaries:

By term: A - H | I - R | S - Z

By subject: Academic Terms | Financial Aid Terms | Greek Alphabet | Residence Life Terms

College Terms: I - R

• Instructor: An instructor is often someone who is teaching at a college or university but who does not have a PhD. They often, however, have quite a bit of experience in their fields and are otherwise very qualified. Treat an instructor like a professor, since their roles -- and power -- in the classroom are often the same.
• 
  
• Living-Learning Community (LLC): These are becoming more and more popular on college campuses. An LLC is a community where students who live together also take one or more classes together. There are often events in the hall that connect to what is being covered in everyone's coursework.
• 
  
• Loan: Money your school (or a bank, or even a relative) is giving you but that you must pay back at some point. Some loans have no interest; some loans don't collect interest until you graduate; some loans have terms that are connected to your plans after graduation (loans that are forgiven over time for teachers, for example).
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• Mortarboard: The term “mortarboard” usually refers to the academic cap worn during graduation and other ceremonies. Additionally, at a college or university, “Mortar Board” may refer to a national student organization that recognizes the highest academic achievers on campus.
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• Office Hours: Professors are usually required to hold office hours on a regular basis throughout the semester, which is when students are able to drop in or make an appointment to meet with them. Often, if you can't make it to a professor's office hours, you can work with them to schedule a different time that works for both of you. If you can take advantage of office hours, you should! It can be a great opportunity to get feedback on your papers or other assignments, and a great chance to get to know your professors a little bit better.
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• Pedagogy: A theory about, or style or method of, teaching.
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• Professor: Most students come from high schools where their teachers were called . . . teachers. In college, most of your "teachers" are called professors. This indicates that you are 1) in a college environment, and, more often than not, 2) being taught by someone with a PhD. Drop the "teacher" reference the moment you start unpacking!
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• Provost: A provost is one of the highest-ranking people on campus. The provost traditionally serves as the Chief Academic Officer of a college or university. Typically the #2 person on campus, a provost is in charge of many aspects of an institution.
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• Room and Board: The cost of having a place to sleep (room) and food to eat (board) while at school. If you choose to live on-campus, this is usually a preset fee. If you choose to live off-campus, this may be an estimate. This may also change a bit, depending on which meal plan you select.
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• Resident Adviser (RA): Usually an undergraduate student, an RA is in charge of smaller sections of a residence hall. You can go to them for help with adjusting to college, problems with your roommates, and advice on just about anything.
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• Residence Council (RC): A small governing body that serves as a student voice and helps make decisions and plan programs for your hall community; a Residence Council is frequently the same thing as a Hall Council (HC).
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• Residence Hall Association (RHA): This is typically the same thing as a Hall Council (HC) or Residence Council (RC).
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• Resident Coordinator (RC): This term is a bit more fluid than the other titles you’ll see in your residence hall, and can mean someone similar to a Hall Coordinator (HC) or an Area Coordinator (AC). They usually oversee an area of your residence hall, or an area of your campus. They have more responsibility than, and may sometimes supervise, Resident Advisers (RAs).
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• Resident Director: Resident Director is often the same as an Resident Coordinator (RC).

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A Quick Reminder About Roommate Relationships

There are few situations as funky as first-year college roommates. You meet up with someone you've never met, but to whom you've been randomly assigned, and start moving your things into a tiny space you'll share for the next 9 or 10 months. I think college students are horribly underappreciated for the courage and inner strength it takes to do that!

Consequently, the unique dynamics of college roommate relationships can lead to some interesting situations. The most important thing to remember, however, is that it's much better to address things early -- no matter how awkward things are. (Because, really, they're just going to get more and more awkward as time goes on ...!)

Remember, too, that you don't have to be best friends with your roommate. You just have to get along well enough to live together. You have to respect each other's stuff and habits, even if you think they're a little unusual. And you have to try to be the kind of roommate you yourself would like to have.

• 10 Tips for a Good Roommate Relationship
• What Are My Options If I Don't Think My Roommate and I Are a Good Match?
• Help! I Hate My Roommate

View the original article here

2011 College Halloween Costumes for Singles

Halloween on a college campus is usually a big deal. There are often campus parties that have become tradition, and a night of fun can be what everyone needs as the stress of the semester really starts to pile up. But what's a great Halloween party without an equally great college Halloween costume?

If you need a costume just for yourself (rather than for a group or a couple), check out the list below. It features the best 2011 college Halloween costume ideas for singles.

1. Snooki or others from "Jersey Shore" (or any other reality TV show, for that matter). Who wouldn't want to do the Snooki poof? Or create a Situation? With people who seem more like characters than real folks, the "Jersey Shore" cast provides a seemingly endless wealth of costume ideas.

2. A classic character, like Elvis or Marilyn Monroe. These folks are classic for a reason -- and costumes with some of their best-known outfits can be easy to find.

3. Any famous person who was pregnant in 2011. Go for glam -- and a baby bump -- with someone like Mariah Carey, Kate Hudson, or Victoria Beckham.

4. Your roommate or a well-known professor on campus. The key to this one is to do it with respect. If you come off as mocking and mean, you'll look more like a jerk than someone with a great costume. Imitate your roommate or professor's more endearing traits, from clothes to body language.

5. Any character from a classic horror movie. Freddy Krueger, the clown from It, Chucky, Jigsaw, Jason, Dracula ... you name it, they're creepy. And great Halloween costume ideas.

6. A celebutante. You may not get the bank account that comes with the life of people like Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan, or Nicole Richie, but you can at least have fun for the day (or night!).

7. The latest teen sensation. Nothing screams Halloween costume like Justin Beiber or Rebecca Black -- even if it's not Friday.

8. Lady Gaga. You can go classic Lady Gaga (meat dress, anyone?) or you can see what she's done lately. Coming to your Halloween party in an egg, however, might present a bit of a challenge.

9. A sports figure. You can go generic, like a baseball player, or specific, like Derek Jeter. Either way, sports figures are a fun and easy way to dress up for Halloween.

10. A figure who faced public downfall or ridicule. Charlie Sheen, anyone? A quick Google search of this year's headlines can bring up a large list of WINNING! people to dress as.

11. An action hero. There has been an abundance of movies lately featuring action heroes -- and more are on the way. Consider dressing as Captain America, the Green Latern, Spiderman, any of the X-Men characters, or even Catwoman.

12. A character from Adult Swim. With some of the more creative animated characters on TV, Adult Swim also offers up some of the best Halloween costume ideas.

View the original article here

Why Get a College Degree

Being in college is hard in many ways: financially, academically, personally, socially, intellectually, physically. And most students question why they are trying to get a college degree at some point during their college experience. Simple reminders of the reasons why you want to get a college degree can help keep you on track when you feel like getting off.

Tangible Reasons to Get a College Degree

1. You'll make more money: figures range from several hundred thousand to a million dollars or more over your lifetime. Regardless of the details, however, you'll have more income.
2. You'll have a lifetime of increased opportunities. More job openings, more chances at promotions, and more flexibility with which jobs you take (and keep) are just a few of the doors that will be opened when you have your degree in hand.
3. You'll be more empowered as an agent in your own life. You'll be better educated about the things that have an impact on your day-to-day existence: knowing how to read a lease, having an understanding of how the markets will influence your retirement accounts, and handling the finances of your family. A college education can empower you in all kinds of ways to be more in control of your life's logistics.
4. You'll be better able to weather adversity. From having more money available (see #1 in this list!) in a savings account to having marketable skills and an education during an economic downturn, having a degree can come in handy when life throws you a curve.
5. You'll always be marketable. Having a college degree is becoming increasingly important in the job market. Consequently, having a degree now will open doors for the future, which will in turn open more doors and make you more marketable later ... and the cycle continues.

Intangible Reasons to Get a College Degree

1. You'll lead a more examined life. The critical thinking and reasoning skills you learn in college will stay with you for a lifetime.
2. You can be an agent of change for others. Many social service positions, from doctor and lawyer to teacher and scientist, require a college degree (if not a graduate degree). Being able to help others means you have to educate yourself to do so through your time in school.
3. You'll have more access to resources. In addition to the financial resources you'll have access to through your higher income, you'll also have resources in all kinds of unexpected and intangible ways. Your roommate from freshman year who is now an attorney, your friend from chemistry class who is now a doctor, and the person you met at the alumni mixer who may offer you a job next week are the kinds of benefits and resources that are hard to plan for -- but that can make all the difference in the world.
4. You'll have future opportunities in ways you may not be considering now. When you graduate from college, you may have never even given a second thought to graduate school. But as you get older, you may unexpectedly develop a strong interest in medicine, law, or education. Having that undergraduate degree already under your belt will allow you to pursue your dreams once you realize where they are going.
5. You'll have a strong sense of pride and self. You may be the first person in your family to graduate from college or you may come from a long line of graduates. Either way, knowing you earned your degree will undoubtedly give a lifetime of pride to yourself, your family, and your friends.

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Feeling Homesick? You're Not Alone

If you've been feeling homesick already, know that you're not alone. While I'm not permitted to discuss the specific stats behind my site, the articles I have on homesickness have been skyrocketing in popularity over the last week or so.

One of the best cures for homesickness is to go home -- once. But doing so more than once can prevent you from building up a new sense of "home" at your school. Sure, it's much easier and less scary to go home than it is to try to meet new people and step outside your comfort zone. Keep in mind that you went to college for a reason and, while it's going to be challenging at times, it will be worth it in the end.

In the meantime, the following articles can help make the transition -- and your homesickness -- a little easier:

• Homesickness 101: All You Need to Know About College Homesickness
• 5 Tips for Dealing with College Homesickness
• 10 Easy Ways to Meet New People in College
• How to Handle College Long-Distance Relationships

View the original article here

Have a Fun -- and Safe -- Weekend

For some college students, the first few weeks of college present a new situation: readily available alcohol with no accountability to someone other than yourself.

Most college administrators -- myself included -- are very much aware of the drinking that happens on college campuses. And because we deal with the unfortunate and unexpected aftermaths, we often are more aware than others about the consequences.

If you're in college for the first time and plan on drinking, just be smart about it. You got into your school because of your brains, right? So use 'em. Designate a driver if you're going off campus. If you're going in a group, designate someone to keep an eye on everyone and make sure the group gets home safely. Keep an eye on your drink at all times. Don't drink past the point of being able to make healthy choices for yourself. And remember that if someone is intoxicated, they are unable to give consent -- period.

View the original article here

A Word About College Rankings

'Tis the season for college rankings to come out: Princeton Review released their rankings in early August and U.S.News & World Report will be releasing theirs in mid-September. There are also lots of other college rankings out there, from best "green" school to the most bicycle-friendly.

The most important thing to keep in mind about rankings, however, is that they don't necessarily indicate what the best school is for you. Might Harvard be the best school for you? Perhaps. But there are a lot of other schools to look at that may not rank as highly in one of the national ranking lists -- but that may, in fact, be a better fit for you. Can the rankings be helpful, informative, and even fun? Of course. But they should just be one part of what factors into a recipe for success for your own college experience.

(You can also check out my article on college rankings that discusses rankings in more detail while also providing links to the most popular lists.)

View the original article here

Congrats to Everyone Starting Classes!

This past weekend seemed to be one of the busiest move-in days for new college students. Many campuses are now bustling with activity as students adjust to their new surroundings and begin classes.

I wanted to take a quick moment -- and I hope you will, too -- to congratulate all the incoming students. Remember last year, when you were just starting the college application process? When you weren't sure where you'd go, much less where you'd get in? Well, here you are, living your new life as a college student. I hope you can take a moment to congratulate yourself on how far you've come over the past year and for prioritizing your education and your future. An education is a true privilege and, while it of course also requires a lot of hard work, it's great to see so many young adults investing in themselves. Congrats on beginning this new and amazing chapter in your lives ... and best wishes to each of you!

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Formal Grad. Announcement #1

Wording your graduation announcement can seem like such a silly challenge -- but also one that can somehow take up a lot of your (very precious) time. Going with formal, traditional language is one way to make sure your announcement accurately represents the importance and value of all of your hard work.

Note: The information in parentheses should be filled in with information that is specific to you. Additionally, the text should be centered on your announcement.

Sample Formal Graduation Announcement #1

The President, Faculty, and Graduating Class

of

(Hope College)

Proudly Announce the Graduation of

(Oscar James Meyerson)

on

(Sunday, the Nineteenth of December)

(Two Thousand Twelve)

with a

(Bachelor of Arts Degree) in

(Sports Management)

(Holland Municipal Stadium)

(Holland, MI)

(2:00 p.m.)

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Living in a Greek House

You may have joined your fraternity or sorority a few weeks after you arrived in college, or you may have waited a year or two before you signed on. Regardless, now that you're part of that community, you may have the option of moving into the house. With so much to think about, how's a student to decide if living in a fraternity or sorority house is right for them?

Luckily, the decision may be easier than you think. While the opportunity may be unique, it still requires going over the same basic fundamentals you should consider for any college housing option.

Consider the Financial Implications

Every school has its own setup for living in a fraternity or sorority. At some schools, doing so may be cheaper than the residence halls; at other places, it may be much more expensive. What will the cost be for your room? For food? Will you still need a campus meal plan if you're spending most of your time on campus? What are the food options? Will you need to consider commuting expenses if your house is far away from where your classes are? Will you need to buy a bike (and lock and helmet)?

Additionally, many fraternities and sororities offer scholarships for students who are experiencing financial hardship. There may, in fact, be money available for students who want to live in the house but can't afford it -- money that, most likely, would not be available to you if you chose to live in the residence halls or a separate, off-campus apartment. Make sure to explore your options.

Consider the Social Implications

Being a part of a fraternity or sorority can be a fantastic social experience. The friends, the support networks, the activities -- what's not to like?

If you're considering living in your house, keep a few things in mind when it comes to the social scene. Will your time commitments/obligations increase? Are you already at max? Will it be harder to sit down and study when you're in a house full of people you want to hang out with (instead of a hall full of people you may or may not know)? On the flip side, too, there may also be benefits: Will more people be around who you have things in common with? Will you be able to be a more active member by living in? Will living in help you be more social if that's something you've struggled with in the past?

Consider the Academic Implications

As much fun as college and Greek life is, it's important to keep your eyes on the prize: if you don't make progress toward your degree, you can't stay and enjoy everything that college life has to offer. On that note, pay serious attention to how living in a fraternity or sorority will affect your academics. Will it help by helping you focus and having more studious people around? Will it be too tempting to have so many things going on in one place (all of which you're probably interested in)? Are there mentoring opportunities (e.g., are a lot of science majors in the house, and you just declared as biology)? Are there scholarships available to members who live in and who do well academically?

Consider the Personal Implications

This may the most important aspect to consider, so make sure you're honest with yourself. What kind of experience do you want to have while you're at school? What works best for you - as a student, as a person, as someone interested in a particular career? Are you worried about some aspect of living in a fraternity or sorority? Or does something in your gut say it's a great idea? How do you handle being tempted with so many things to do, with so many people you enjoy, and with so many time commitments? Do you thrive or get overwhelmed?

Having a quick conversation with yourself, with your fellow fraternity or sorority members, and with other friends should help clear things up. Before you make any decisions, though, be honest with yourself about whether living on or off-campus (or even living at home) is the best choice for you. At the end of the day, you are the only one who can judge what will work best for you and your time in school. So enjoy!

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Homesickness 101

You may have spent so much time preparing for college that you may not have considered how much you'd miss being back home. While homesickness is very common for the majority of college students, it can be very difficult to overcome. The key to handling it is understanding where it's coming from and knowing what you can realistically do about it.

Don't Be Too Harsh On Yourself

Being homesick is often a sign that you have happy, healthy relationships with people back at home. You may miss your family, your friends, your boyfriend or girlfriend, or just your old routines and familiarity. Even though many students won't talk about it, a very large number of first-year and transfer students experience homesickness during their first few months at school. So, even if no one you know is talking about it, rest assured that many of your classmates are going through the same thing. Don't be too harsh on yourself for experiencing something that is completely normal and part of many students' college experience.

Let Yourself Be Sad -- for a Little While

Trying to fight your way through homesickness can often be futile. But letting yourself process through your emotions can be a great way of dealing with them. Trying to be stoic might end up backfiring on you, and since homesickness is a part of many people's college experience, it's important to let it process itself out. So give yourself a day here or there to be sad about all that you left behind. But make sure to pick yourself up and not be too sad the next day. A pity day here or there is alright, but if you find yourself having many in a row or feeling overwhelmingly sad, you may want to think about talking to someone in the campus counseling center. You definitely won't need to worry about being the first student in there who misses home!

Be Patient with Yourself

If you're a first-year student, you've probably made more major changes in your life than you ever have before. And if you're a transfer, you may be used to being in school -- but not this school. Consider what you've done: you've started at an entirely new institution, where you probably don't know anyone at all. You might be in a new city, state, or even country. You have a new lifestyle to manage, where every hour of your day is unlike how you spent your time even 4 or 6 weeks ago. You have new responsibilities that are pretty heavy, from managing finances to learning a new academic system and culture. You may also be living on your own for the first time and learning all kinds of things that you hadn't even thought to ask about before you left.

Any one of those changes would be enough to throw someone for a loop. Wouldn't it be a little surprising if someone didn't experience homesickness from everything? So be patient with yourself, just like you would be with a friend. You probably wouldn't judge a friend for being homesick after making such major changes in his or her life, so don't judge yourself unfairly. Let yourself be a little sad, take a deep breath, and do what you can to make your new school your new home. Because, after all, won't it feel fantastic when you realize that, next summer when you're back home, you're "homesick" for school to start again?

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Taking A Course Pass/Fail

Most college courses require students to take them for a grade. In some instances, however, students can take a few courses as pass/fail during their time in college. How can you know when the pass/fail option is better than the regular grading system?

What Exactly Is Pass/Fail?

Pass/Fail is an option where, instead of taking a college course for a grade, you take it with only two options: pass or fail. It isn't counted in your GPA as a regular course (though you do get the full course credits) and it will show up on your transcript differently.

When to Take a Course Pass/Fail

Taking a college course pass/fail might be a good option when:

1. When you don't need the grade for your major or for graduate school.
   
2. When you are worried about a grade having an impact on your GPA or transcript.
   
3. When you want to take a course you're interested in with a little lower stress than normal.

One Last Thing to Remember

Just because you're taking a class pass/fail doesn't mean you can take it easy. You still need to study, do the reading, complete the homework, and pass the exams. Additionally, if you withdraw or fail the class, it will show up on your transcript.

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Should I Transfer?

A common factor in many students' college experience is transferring schools. After all you did to get to your current college or university, transferring can sometimes seem like the only option when things don't work out as you had planned.

Instead of feeling overwhelmed with everything you're balancing, break it down into the following categories and explore each individually. Then, take a deep breath and step back as you look at the larger picture.

Academics

Are you unsure about how to pick a major? Did you decide on a new major that's not offered at your current institution? Do you feel you are not academically prepared for the level of academic rigor at your school? Is your school not challenging enough? Are you having problems connecting with faculty? Does managing your time seem impossible?

Although they sometimes get lost amidst everything else, your academics are the most important thing about your college career. Ideally, you'll be at a school that challenges you, provides you with the course of study you want, and supports you along the way. Keep in mind, too, that most students' GPAs drop when they arrive in college. There's a difference between being challenged appropriately (and learning from it) versus being unprepared. The former is a reason to stay; the latter is a reason to transfer (or at least get help).

Finances

Has your, or your family's, financial situation changed since you first headed off to college? Did a tuition increase have a significant impact on your ability to pay for school? Are the costs of commuting higher than you planned? Did you lose your scholarship?

Financial problems are some of the biggest concerns for college students, no matter what their situation. If you've done all you can -- including making a budget, knowing smart tricks for saving money while in school, and getting an on-campus job if you need extra cash -- but still can't make ends meet, it might be time to talk with the financial aid office. If they can't help work things out, it may be time to consider transferring. Keep in mind, however, that most schools want to keep you there, and that there are tons of resources available for students experiencing unexpected financial difficulties.

Social & Personal Aspects

Are you having problems meeting people? Are things not going well with your roommate, and you're unsure how to approach the situation? Do you not feel safe on your campus? Does your campus have a social scene that doesn't fit with what you need or want? Is the ethos of the student body different than what you're comfortable with?

The social aspect of a school can be hard to describe to others, but students can usually tell when it doesn't fit. If you don't feel safe, aren't comfortable, or generally don't like the social side of your school, it can have a significant impact on your college experience. Keep in mind that a school's social scene doesn't just mean parties and other events. It also means how differing viewpoints are tolerated; how students, faculty, and staff treat each other; and how a campus supports the learning, development, and health of everyone in the community. Make sure to be honest with yourself about what is really bothering you. If it's really the campus, you may want to think about transferring; if the problem could be solved by taking more risks or stepping out of your comfort zone, the problem will most likely follow you to your next school.

Extenuating Circumstances

Have things changed significantly in your life since you started classes at your current college or university? Has your health changed? Have things changed in your family that require you to be closer to home, contribute financially, or help out in other ways? Have finances changed in ways that you weren't expecting?

Being in college doesn't mean that life won't still happen. People get sick, families experience unexpected problems, and other "life" events still occur. Some extenuating circumstances are pretty clear-cut about the need to transfer; others can be worked out in a way that still supports you and your desire for a degree. Talk to as many people as you can -- your adviser, your RA, your family, your friends, the financial aid office, the dean of students office -- to see what your options are. Keep in mind, too, that, while it may be hard, staying in school can sometimes be the best way to help yourself or your family in the long-run.

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College Homesickness

Being homesick in college is more common than most students want to admit. With these 5 tips, however, dealing with it can be a little easier.

1. Call home. This may sound like common sense, but it can really help. The key factor, however, is not to call home all of the time. Don't call more than once a day, and keep the conversation positive. But if you miss your friends, family, boyfriend, or girlfriend, giving them a call can sometimes help ease the heartache.
   
2. Go visit home -- once. Visiting home can be a great way to recharge yourself and get some of that TLC (not to mention home cooking) that you need. But going home too often can frequently make homesickness worse. Let yourself go home when you need it, but make sure it doesn't turn into an every-weekend occurrence.
   
3. Go out with your college friends. Sometimes, a night out with your college friends can do wonders for homesickness. It can take your mind off of things back home, can help you relax and have a good time, and can reinforce relationships that will make your school feel like home sometime soon.
   
4. Call a friend from back home. Chances are that your group of friends spread out as each of you went to different colleges. And chances are that your group of friends is missing each other. Give a friend from home a call and catch up for a little while. It may do wonders for your homesickness to just touch base for a quick phone call.
   
5. Get out of your room. It's incredibly easy to hide in your room in college. But doing so prevents you from meeting new people, trying new things, and experiencing college life in general. You didn't go to school to hide in your room, right? Make sure to spend large chunks of your time out of your room -- even if it's just at a campus coffee shop, the quad, or the library -- and get your mind on other things. You never know what might happen, but you do know that it won't happen if you're alone in your room all the time.

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Need a New Car for College?

An article on MSNBC.com caught my eye this past weekend: "Top of the Class: The Best Back-to-School Cars." Although the author notes that a new car isn't an option (either financially or logically) for many new college students, it's still an interesting article to run amidst a struggling economy and skyrocketing college costs.

If you're fortunate enough to be able to afford a new car right before starting school, this list is a great resource. And, if like most college students, you can barely afford nice food at the grocery store (much less a new car), this list can be a fun diversion -- and a great reminder about the importance of getting a college degree so that, after graduation, you'll be able to afford a car on your own.

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Emergency College Money

Just like your life before (and after!) college, things happen unexpectedly. And, just like life outside of college, those things can be expensive. Finding money for college in an emergency can be particularly challenging -- and scary.

Fortunately, however, many schools know that "life" happens along the way for many students and have systems set up to help you out. Don't be afraid to ask for help as soon as possible from the following list of resources for emergency college money:

1. Check with the financial aid office. As frightened as you feel, you are definitely not the first student at your school to run into a financial emergency. Head to the financial aid office as soon as you can, explain your situation, and see what they can do.
   
2. Head to the Dean of Students office. Your dean of students may have a special fund set up for students who need help in emergency situations. Make an appointment with the dean and see what he or she can do to help you out.
   
3. Talk to your academic department and faculty members. Some academic departments may also have small and/or emergency scholarships for students in their field. Talk to a professor, the department chair, or the department secretary about what your options might be for support.
   
4. Check in with any clubs or organizations you belong to. If you're involved in cultural, religious, community, or Greek organizations, they may also have resources available for emergency situations. Speak to the group's adviser or president to see what might be available.
   
5. Look for short-term work. Can you work during Alumni Weekend this weekend? Staff something for a big admissions event? Check with the student employment office to see what your options are for finding work -- and a paycheck -- in a hurry.

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Living at Home

Living at home while in college is a serious option for many college students. There are many benefits -- from saving money to avoiding the chaos of residence hall life -- but also many challenges. If you're considering living at home during your time in school, make sure to think through these aspects before making a decision.

Things to Consider About Living at Home in College

1. Finances. You may save money by not having to pay for room and board. But you may also have other expenses that you wouldn't have if you lived on campus, like commuting costs (gas, car maintenance, a bus pass, carpool costs), parking expenses, and food that you'll get stuck buying when you're on campus during the day. Make sure to consider the costs of living with your parents as well as living on-campus to make sure you're taking everything into consideration.

2. Time. Living at home may take time away from what you can spend physically connected to your campus. On the other hand, you may be more efficient at home than you would be in a residence hall, for example, when doing your homework. Think about time and safety intersections, too -- you may not mind staying late one night to finish a group project, but will you feel safe commuting home if it's really late?

3. Personal factors. Living on campus or with your parents is a personal decision. You may want to connect more with other students (in a residence hall or Greek house, for example), or you may want or need to stay closer (physically and personally) to your family. How will living at home have an impact on your personal life? Your family life? Your social life? Will you regret not living at home? Will you regret not living on campus?

Other Alternatives to Consider

If you don't want to stay in a traditional residence hall but don't want to live at home either, there are some alternatives you may want to consider:

• Living in off-campus apartments owned by the school
• Living in off-campus apartments independent of the school
• Living in a Greek house or theme house-sitting for a professor on sabbatical
• Renting a room from a professor or house
• Living in married student or family housing, if you're eligible

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Couscous with Tomatoes

In case you're not familiar with it, couscous is a pretty small, grain-type product. It has a bit of flavor but is usually eaten with other things, similar to pasta. Mixed with some chopped tomatoes and a little chicken, it can provide a hearty meal with minimum effort.

Quick Couscous with Tomatoes and Chicken

Ingredients:

• Boxed couscous (Near East Roasted Garlic and Olive Oil Couscous works perfectly)
• One tomato
• One can, pre-cooked diced chicken or one small bag, pre-cooked diced chicken (usually available by the grocery store deli)
• **Make sure to check your boxed couscous to see if it requires any additional ingredients, like butter or olive oil**

Directions:

Cook couscous according to package directions.

Chop up the tomato.

Add chopped tomato and chicken to couscous.

Tools needed:

Pot (usually with lid), fork, knife, bowl.

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