Going to College Now
Watching Technology Use as New College Students
May 18th, 2012
When we leave for school, it’s important to keep in touch with our friends and family from home. For a majority of us, we’ve grown up with a handful of them and it’s crucial to keep those ties. However, with technology these days, the use of social media can get out of hand.
1) Be careful of the sites you visit. If you’re going to URLs you don’t necessarily recognize, be aware that anything can send viruses to your computer. You can lose everything and, most importantly, the person involved with sending you that virus may now have access to all of the information stored on that device. Watch where you surf, and stay away from a site that lacks obvious legitimacy.
2) Check your privacy settings. Don’t let anyone but your close friends see your Facebook and Twitter pages. The term “close friends” does not include that one student that sat in front of you in science class Freshman year of high school. There’s no reason for all 700 of your Facebook friends, or anyone else for that matter, to know the thoughts on your status updates so don’t risk it. If you need to send out mass notifications regarding a subject or event, there are other ways besides exposing your entire personal life to the world.
3) Despite your privacy settings, watch what you post. Use Facebook as a tool for communication or even posting pictures. But don’t post every time you change your location or activity. No one needs to know where you are at all times, and it sets you up for more harm than good. No matter what privacy settings you have activated, there are still dangers. Nothing is truly private anymore.
4) Ignore the tempting Location Services on your devices. If you want your close friends to know where you are, contact them personally. These location services were created so if two people were unknowingly in the same place at once, they would know based on a Facebook or Twitter post. But exposing your location to everyone on the internet is a large price to pay for the one exciting interaction with that long lost friend. Realize that if you always have these location services turned on and you tweet from home, your home address is exposed for everyone to see. This has been the reason for several burglaries in the past.
The internet, mobile devices and all new technology can be exciting and extremely convenient. But don’t let the excitement of college, and any other journey, blind you from the obvious risks. Stay in contact with old friends and family and, by all means, share your new life with them via posts and pictures. But keep it limited on sites where it could possibly be visible to a whole different variety of people, keep it limited.
Being Prepared to Leave for College
May 14th, 2012
- When planning to leave for college, we are all expected to pack up our entire lives and move them into 14 X 14 foot dormitory room. But it can be impossible to know where to start, especially if your room has been accumulating all sorts of clutter for the past 18 years. So clean it out. Before you have any hope of packing, go through all of your clothes, books, office supplies or anything else lying around the space. Donate or throw out anything you haven’t touched in the last few months, unless it has sentimental value. Once everything else is out, begin to find the clothes you can wear often, and the miscellaneous items that you know you could never live without. But don’t pack the silly things; if you can barely walk around the two beds of the dorm room freely, chances are the life size teddy bear you won at Cedar Point isn’t going to be too comfortable.
- Map out your schedule. Go to your school’s website. Check orientation dates and move-in day and find out if there are specific times for specific dorms. If you’re driving, research how long the drive will be and when you need to leave the have plenty of time to move in comfortably.
- Get into contact with your roommate. It’s not necessary to be best friends with your roommate before you get to school. But get acquainted. Find them on Facebook, through e-mail, or any other way. If they’re bringing a mini-fridge, a large fan, or a TV, chances are you don’t need to bring one too. Find out when they’re moving in, so you’re not both trying to move your lives into the small space at 2:30 on the dot.
- Plan a system to stay in contact with people from home. You may not need to keep in touch with everyone from your graduating class, but there may be a few close friends or members of the family that you can’t imagine being out of contact with for the next year. Decide you’re going to e-mail or Facebook message those people once every month, or once every two weeks. Try to keep in contact with your family at least once a week. You may be beginning a new chapter and maturing, but that doesn’t mean creating two completely separate lives from each other. Try to keep them somewhat blended.
- Make a checklist. After cleaning out your room and deciding what to take, determine what you still need. Do you need new bedding? Flip flops for the shower? A bag for your toothbrush and face wash for walking to the bathroom every day? Write these things down, because there’s no guarantee that you’ll remember it all. And you don’t want to be stuck those first few days, still somewhat shy and lacking a car, without necessities. Carry that list with you, whether it be on a notepad or a text to yourself on your phone, make sure you have it. You never know when something new will come to mind. If you can’t manage to fit anything more into mom or dad’s little car, research whether there’s a Target or Walmart right near your campus. Chances are there is one nearby.
- Understand your financial situation. Make sure your financial aid is in order so you can focus on your studies instead of tuition when you get to school. Understand what your budget will be. Decide if you’re going to keep track of it weekly, monthly, or yearly, and adjust accordingly. Know your meal plan and understand what it will take to live happily and comfortably on your college campus.
Thoughts About Graduation and the Next Step
May 9th, 2012
My name is Katie and I am currently a senior in high school, anxiously anticipating graduation in June. It’s a hectic and exciting time; high school classes are officially over and I can look forward to the future. No more bell schedules and no more packed hallways with 13-18 year olds. No more schedules designed without freedom and no more conference periods with my parents. My plans for the next few years are set – to the point that I can actually envision myself living on a college campus, which used to be unimaginable. I can’t wait to move onto campus in the month of August, with other clueless freshmen and find my way in this new chapter of my life. However in the midst of all the enthusiasm, there are always questions lingering. This next chapter is exciting, but also completely unknown – which can be exhilarating and terrifying.
The first question is the most obvious; how am I expected to leave the home and the people I’ve grown accustomed to the last 18 years? How can I plan to live in a place where I don’t know all the shortcuts to the nearest cheap restaurant and target? It can be nerve-wracking to make ourselves entirely vulnerable to a host of new places, new faces and new expectations. I am moving from a place where I was part of a family, a community, a friend group, to a place where I am merely an individual – at least for the first few months. Have I matured enough for this? It’s a hard question to wrap my brain around, but when I realize the preparation I have undergone, and the hundreds of thousands of other teens in my position across the world, I realize it’s not quite as intimidating as it may appear.
And while all of this is sinking in, and we have to find a way to be this new individual, we are expected to share a room for approximately 9 months with a complete stranger. So the questions keep coming: will we get along? Will she like me? Will we both make friends? How will we stay civil roommates while still finding ourselves in college? I realize these are questions that can’t possibly be answered until I actually step on campus and spend a few weeks with this person, but they still remain.
While preparing over the next 3 months to leave home and start my college career, these questions never stop. College is a place to mature ourselves, our character and our education. Yes, we have all these questions haunting and a desperate need for answers but it’s crucial to remember that to find ourselves and mature ourselves, we must discover our place in the school and the world we have chosen for our next chapter.
Get to Know Your Professors!
December 12th, 2011
Although you may think your professor knows you, keep in mind that they have other classes that they teach. Whether you are going to a small or large college, professors have a hard time keeping track of their students. It is imperative that you find a way to get recognized so you have a closer relationship with your professors. Here are ten tips on how to get to know your professor and get on their good side:
- Meet with the professor: A smart way to get to know you professor and to give them an opportunity to get to know you is to meet them early on in the semester. Stop into their office hours after the first two weeks of class. Tell them more about yourself and ask them any questions you have about the course.
- Always say hi!: If you see your professors walking around campus, say hi. Do not make it awkward by not saying hi. You are being more personable if you make an attempt to greet your professors.
- Do the required assignments: This may seem like a no-brainer, but a lot of students do not do the homework that is required for class. Make sure your assignments are always done on time and brought to class with you. Professors appreciate when the assignments are done in a timely manner.
- Turn in work on time: Many professors do not accept late work, or they deduct points from an assignment if it is late. Show your professor that you are reliable and are responsible enough to get your work done in the appropriate time period.
- Don’t be late to class: Some professors consider being late for class an actual absence. Try your hardest to be on time to your classes. You are distracting the rest of the class by coming into the classroom late.
- Do not miss any classes: This is a hard tip to follow, especially if you are sick or have an emergency. Try to miss as few classes as possible. Professors will think you do not care if you never show up to class. By showing up to class frequently, professors see that you take the initiative to learn.
- Contact the professor: If you are going to miss class due to illness, an emergency, or another type of occasion,email or call them ahead of time. Even if you are going to be late or have to leave class early, find a way to contact them. Professors are grateful when students keep them informed of what is going on.
- Don’t fall asleep in class: With your busy school schedule, it is hard not to be tired. However, by falling asleep in class, you are showing the professor that you do not care. Bring a coffee or a soda to class to keep you awake.
- Ask or answer questions: Asking or answering questions every so often proves you are paying attention to the lecture. It also helps build your knowledge in the course you are taking. Professors encourage you to ask questions. A lot of professors give points for participating in class so make sure you do so!
- Sit in the front of the class: Professors know the names of the students in the front of the classroom more. Also, you will be able to focus better if you sit in the front of the classroom!
These tips will help professors get to know you better. Developing a closer bond with your professors will help you enjoy your courses more and feel more comfortable at the college you are attending. The more effort you put into your classes and your relationships with your professors the better off you’ll be.
Preparing for Finals
December 7th, 2011
Finals week is often one of the most challenging and stressful times in a student’s college career. It is important to be organized and have a game plan when it comes to conquering tests, projects, and presentations in order to get a good grade. Check out these helpful tips to get you on the right path toward having a stress free finals week:
One: Write the dates and times of all of your final exams on a calendar.
Two: Go through each course and make a “TO DO” list of study preparations.
Three: Ask yourself:
- What will my final cover? (Is it cumulative or does it only cover specific chapters)
- What percentage of my final grade is based on the final exam?
- What priority is this course?
- What is my current grade in this course?
- Have I finished all of the reading and/or assignments?
- Do I have all of my notes? Are they organized?
- How much time will it take to cover this material?
- Should I read my notes and my book?
Four: Plan study periods from now until the final for each class.
- To prevent burnout, optimal study periods include 50-60 minutes of study time with 10 minute breaks between in which you can review and self-test.
- Allow longer study periods for learning and reviewing larger concepts.
- Pick a place to study that is comfortable and has minimal distractions.
- Try not to disrupt your normal routines. It is not healthy to pull all-nighters or drink a large amount of caffeine.
Good luck with finals!
Being Wise about Your Money in College
December 5th, 2011
College tuition is expensive. The other expenses associated with college can be equally as challenging to manage. By having the right mindset and always being aware of your financial situation, you will be able to conquer your college expenses. Let’s take a look at seven money saving tips that you should follow while in college:
- Do NOT get a credit card unless you absolutely need one: Credit cards can be great when you do not have cash on you. However, credit cards make it hard to keep track of your money. If you are responsible and know how to keep track of the money you will owe on your credit card bill, then go ahead and get one. It will help to build a positive credit score. However, if you are careless with your money and have a tendency to forget about the purchases you make, wait until you are more responsible to sign up for a credit card.
- Track your spending: Use a notebook or planner to keep a record of what you have spent. Whether you have spent cash, charged on a credit card, or withdrawn money on your debit card for a purchase, WRITE IT DOWN. Good records will prevent you from spending more money than you have available. It will also help you save money.
- Save your receipts: Another way to track your money is to save your receipts. You can add up how much you have spent in a month by keeping your receipts. If you do not like the total that you have spent, next month- spend less.
- Buy used textbooks: There is no point in buying newer textbooks if you are just going to sell them back to a bookstore at the end of the term. Also, books frequently change their editions, so they lose their value fast. Buying used textbooks will save you hundreds of dollars!
- Live without a car: It may sound horrific to think of not being able to provide yourself with transportation, but cars are very costly. Between gas, maintenance, insurance, registration, and parking, car expenses pile up. Use mass transit to get around. Many schools have shuttle buses that will take you places close to campus that are not necessarily within walking distance.
- Get a job: If you have time in your busy schedule, it is not a bad idea to get a job. You will be earning money and be able to pay for more of your expenses.
- Spend less than you earn: If you have a job, make sure you are not spending more than you make because then you will not be able to pay off your bills. Keep a tab of what you are earning and then make a separate tab of purchases you want to make. Make sure the amount of the purchases is less than what you earn and make sure you leave a decent amount of money for yourself to save.
Saving money and making money in college is difficult. With these seven tips, you will be able to make better decisions about how to spend and save your money. Good luck!
Choosing Your Major
November 30th, 2011
One of the most important tasks in your college journey is choosing your major. Your major will determine your career goals and the jobs you may want to apply for in the future. However, most college students change their major once or twice during their time in college. It is important to go into a major that in which you will excel and be happy. Here are some tips to discovering your major:
- Know your interests: If you are interested in the field you are studying you will be able to analyze and absorb the information easier. Make sure you know what type of fields you are interested in so then you can narrow down your options
- Know your strengths: Do you excel in math? Do you do well in English? Are you an expert in chemistry? Know what strengths and abilities you have. If you are able to do a task or project well in a particular subject, that may be an area that you want to specialize in.
- What are the most prosperous careers?: Searching online for what fields are the most stable and prosperous may be a large factor in determining what you may want your major to be.
- Do what you love: You want to go into a career that you are passionate about. As you are taking classes that may go toward your potential major make sure you love what you are learning about and imagine yourself in a job position that pertains to that field. If you dream about it and it makes you happy, then that is the major for you!
Keep these tips in mind when choosing your major. It will help to make the decision easier and help you find the career that you’re destined for! Good luck!
Best Jobs of 2011
November 28th, 2011
Choosing a major can be tough. Figuring out what majors lead to different types of jobs can be even more difficult. Our economy is in the process of being rebuilt; therefore, so is the job market. It is important to know which jobs are on the rise and are expected to continue to rise for the foreseeable future. This knowledge may make your choice for a major and a career a bit easier. The list below is comprised of the top 50 best jobs in the United States in 2011. By clicking on the link of each job, it will give you a detailed description of the job as well as salary information. Look around and see which career fits you the best!
Business Jobs:
Creative and Service Jobs:
–Heating, air conditioning and refrigeration technician
Healthcare Jobs:
Social Service Jobs:
–Emergency management specialist
–Marriage and family therapist
–Medical and public health social worker
Technology Jobs:
–Environmental engineering technician
–Environmental science technician
You might also be curious to know what the best jobs of 2011 are in Ohio, as well as the growing fields that will prosper in the upcoming years. Take a look at the some of the fascinating careers in each category:
Business
- Accountants & Auditors
- Market Research Analysts
- Financial Analyst
- Personal Financial Advisor
- Public Relations Specialist
- Paralegals and Legal Assistants
- Cost Estimators
Community & Social Service
- Medical and Public Health Social Workers
- Mental & Substance Abuse Social Workers
- Mental Health Counselors
Education
- Self-Enrichment Education Teachers
- Instructional Coordinators
Health Care
- Registered Nurses
- Physicians & Surgeons
- Veterinarians
- Athletic Trainers
- Pharmacists
Information Technology, Engineering & Science
- Computer Support Specialists
- Network Systems & Data Communication Analyst
- Civil Engineers
- Biomedical Engineers
- Computer & Information Systems Managers
Staying Healthy in College
November 23rd, 2011
Not only is it important to try to get good grades and study hard in college but it is essential that you try to take care of yourself, too! Here are some ways to stay healthy and relieve stress during your time in college:
Eating Healthy Foods at College
Eating in college is difficult. The food is probably very different from the food you used to eat when you lived at home. Many students have a tendency to gain weight or develop other types of eating problems in college. Figure out what your calorie intake should be depending on how many activities you are doing during the day. It is recommend that college students should exercising frequently, which means more calories will have to be consumed compared to a student who does not exercise regularly. Also, since it is hard to get fruits and vegetables in, try to stock up on some V8 drinks, they will help to supplement what you are missing in your diet!
Exercise at College
If you have time in your busy schedule, it is good idea to exercise! Exercising is very important for college students because it relieves stress, improves confidence, and improves overall health. Exercising regularly can help relieve the daily stress of tests, quizzes, exams, grades, parents, relationships, etc. High stress levels can start to affect a college student physically as well as mentally. Exercising can also prevent you from getting sick from all the germs that are spread around college
The best part about exercising in college is it’s free! Most colleges allow full time students to join the campus gym for free. Therefore, there is no excuse to not work out if you have some spare time on your hands!
Get Enough Sleep
Getting adequate sleep in college is very important. With a busy schedule and a lot of homework, it is hard to go to sleep at a decent time. However, studying and retaining information can become much more difficult with little or no sleep. Try your hardest to not to pull “all-nighters”! They are very unhealthy and will take a toll on your immune system.
Rewarding Yourself
When you do well on a test, homework assignment, or have been working out and eating healthy regularly, reward yourself with a treat! Give yourself candy or fast food but do it in moderation! It is okay to indulge every once and awhile!
Staying healthy in college is one of the most important things to do in college besides doing your homework and studying. Finding a routine that will work for you will make the process easier. Remember, balance and moderation is key!
The Top Five Tips For Writing Papers
November 21st, 2011
As a student in college you will be required to write a lot of papers. It is important to not put those papers off until the last minute. A good paper takes time and dedication to write. Here are five tips that will help to write a paper that deserves a good grade:
- Start early on long term papers: Long term papers are time consuming. If you write a paper that is more than ten pages long the night before it is due, it will most likely not be as organized or thorough as you (or your professor) hoped for. Long term papers usually consist of a lot of research and reflection, and research takes a while to conduct. Start research as soon as a long term paper is first assigned. After you have done a sufficient amount of research, begin to write the paper. Get the paper done a week from the actual due date. Then you can start editing and correcting the paper so that it is exactly what you want.
- Prepare an outline before you start writing: Outlines help your paper be organized. An outline will also help you convey the right message, stay focused and keep your topic in the right direction from beginning to end.
- Use the writing center: Most colleges have a writing center. The writing center has assistants that will help correct grammar and sentence structure, as well as the organization and focus of a paper. Overall, the writing center will teach you how to become a better writer. You can schedule an appointment with the writing center, and they can go over your first draft of a paper with you. By visiting the writing center, the grade of your paper can significantly improve. Take your papers to the writing center as much as possible to strengthen your writing skills.
- Beware of plagiarism: Plagiarizing someone else’s work can lead to failing a paper, class, and even being expelled. DO NOT DO IT! Make sure you always cite your sources, that you are aware of how your professors want the sources cited and include a bibliography.
- Don’t believe everything you read on the Internet: The internet has a lot of valuable resources. However, not everything that is written online is a fact. Anyone can create webpage now, and sources like Wikipedia can sometimes be wrong. Make sure that you do not use the internet for all of your sources in a paper. It does not hurt to go to the library and find some of your sources from books that correlate with your paper topic.
Writing papers can be difficult; but if you follow these five tips, writing a paper will be an easier process. Make sure your paper is clear and concise. Writing a paper can help you gain a ton of knowledge on a topic in a class you are taking. Absorb the knowledge and utilize it! Good luck!