The best way to combat homesickness (and less-than-favorable dorm conditions) is by personalizing your space. Whether you're going to school out-of-state or out of the country, living in a dorm room away from home can be challenging. The biggest way to combat homesickness (and less-than-favorable dorm conditions) is by personalizing your space. Keep reading to find out ways to transform your dorm! Hang up pictures of your home, friends, or family from home Coming back to your dorm after a rough day of classes or an impossible exam and seeing a picture of your group of friends at the beach is guaranteed to brighten your day. Decorate your bed with pillows or blankets from your bed at home Using pillows and blankets from home can make you feel as if you are at home even though your real bed is hundreds of miles away. A DIY version is stacking up blankets and pillows in a corner of your room for lounging, doing homework, or napping! Buy/bring a comfy chair If you have friends over or want another place to hang out other than your bed, then bringing extra seating is necessary. To save money, blankets, and pillows in a corner of your floor can serve as an easy lounge area. Use a rug to warm up your floor Stepping out of bed early Monday morning onto a cold, usually concrete, the floor is the worst way to wake up before a long day of classes so fuzzy rugs can keep your feet warm while adding some fun to your dorm. Buy a mattress topper As someone who suffered from back problems after my freshman year mattress, the best purchase you can make for your dorm is buying a comfortable mattress topper to combat the (often horrible) dorm mattresses. Hang up curtains Curtains that block out the sun when you're trying to regain those precious few hours of sleep on the weekends are extremely worth it and make while your dorm is homey! Lights Dorms usually have overhead lighting that resembles prison cells and that is headache-inducing so setting up lamps or string lights around your room can brighten your once cave-like atmosphere. P.S. you are never too old to bring a teddy bear to college! WRITTEN BY Rebecca Connolly Hofstra University Rebecca is a senior marketing major at Hofstra University.  Originally from Colchester, Connecticut, she loves exploring New York City and finding all the best food. You can usually find her anywhere that serves pizza, buffalo wings, or chocolate milkshakes while panicking over her post-graduation future. ... View more

Commuting can be a challenge, so here are a few tips to make it easier. Commuting to campus every day is a completely different experience than living on campus. You have the benefits of spending significantly less on housing, hopefully, no 3-am fire alarms, and not having to share a bathroom with 20 floormates. Commuting can also be challenging so here are a few tips to make the experience easier: Plan out your commute before classes start If you're starting at a new school, practice your commute by driving to school a few days before classes start. Try driving during similar times when you would be for classes to give yourself an idea of traffic patterns and how to adjust accordingly. Also, plan in time for parking because most campuses have a limited amount of spots so fighting for a spot can potentially make you late to class. Know alternate routes If you find out that the major highway you take to school is closed, you have three options: panic, skip class, or find another way to school. Having a backup route eliminates the stress if your normal route is not accessible due to traffic or weather. Check your email College professors often cancel classes the morning of the class so always check your email before leaving for a class; you don't want to drive to campus and then find out that your class was canceled. Bring a lunch Instead of spending an obscene amount of money on fast food or on-campus dining, bringing lunch is a cost-saving alternative. Yes, it probably will feel like you're in elementary school again but your wallet (and body) will thank you for not spending $10 on a slice of pizza and a cookie. Be prepared Since you don't have the luxury of being able to run back to your dorm in between classes, your car will be your second home during the semester. Keeping snacks if you get hungry, a change of clothes in case the weather changes, chargers, and even a pillow to take a nap will prepare you for any situation. Additionally, keep a spare set of keys with you or someone you know just in case you lock yourself out of your car! Schedule carefully I would recommend scheduling your classes back-to-back and try to schedule them at non-rush hour times to prevent getting stuck in traffic on your way to class. Gaps may be nice to have some lunch or cram for an exam but they'll prolong your day. If possible, scheduling your classes for only 2-3 days per week will limit your trips to campus and give you time to work on off-school days. Get involved One challenge of commuting is the difficulty of making friends. Joining clubs specifically for commuters, club sports, or major-related clubs are easy ways to get involved on campus and find your community. Even though as a commuter you aren't at the school as much as residents, commuters should always commit to being apart of campus life to maximize the college experience. Commuting doesn't have to be so scary! Many people prefer commuting from home or from an on-campus house with friends to save money or gain independence. Make sure you are still involved on campus so you have a well-rounded college experience. WRITTEN BY Rebecca Connolly Hofstra University Rebecca is a senior marketing major at Hofstra University.  Originally from Colchester, Connecticut, she loves exploring New York City and finding all the best food. You can usually find her anywhere that serves pizza, buffalo wings, or chocolate milkshakes while panicking over her post-graduation future. ... View more

Five, free resources to check out on your college campus. College is expensive. As a result, college students LOVE free stuff -- in fact, often the best way to attract students to a meeting or event is with free food. However, as much as college students enjoy free pizza and getting the most bang for our buck, sometimes we take our colleges' resources for granted. These services exist to improve our overall health, college experiences, day-to-day lives, and post-grad opportunities. When you go back to school this fall, remember to make use of the resources right at your fingertips. Writing Center Citation guidelines, style guides, proofreading, and tutoring are all typically offered through your campus Writing Center for free or at a very reasonable price. Career Services Most schools offer networking events like career fairs and alumni meetups, as well as appointments for career advice, résumé/cover letter review, employer contacts, etc. These resources aren't just for upperclassmen -- a little career advice can ease your (and your parents') mind at any stage of your college career, so don't wait! Advising Your advisor can guide you through registration and course selection, making this overwhelming process a lot less intimidating. You should develop a comfortable relationship with your advisor, but if you don't click with yours, you can usually request a new one. Special Services Your school should offer accommodations for students with learning or psychological disabilities, or other special service needs. If you require any kind of special services, don't hesitate to reach out to this office for test-taking, note-taking, tutoring, and other accommodations. Health Services The campus health center offers appointments with nurse practitioners, for flu shots, regarding mental health, and more. Living on campus makes you increasingly susceptible to whatever illnesses are going around. The stresses of school can also lower your body's ability to fight infections, so keep on top of your mental and physical health with these resources! Remember that your university wants you to live a happy, healthy, and successful life as an undergrad and postgrad! Take advantage of these free resources to improve your daily life and make the most of your college experience. WRITTEN BY Meaghan Roche Marist College Meaghan Roche is a rising senior at Marist College  studying Journalism and Sports Communication. A native New Yorker, Meaghan is a die-hard Yankees fan and is interested in a career in writing and editing as a postgraduate, ideally in the sports field. As the Communication & College Success Editorial Intern for the summer of 2018, Meaghan is practicing how not to strike out - pun intended - at adulting. ... View more

Not everyone goes for that 9 to 5. If you're like me, then you like to ignore the fact that adulthood is quickly approaching after you graduate college. Unfortunately, I can't procrastinate too much longer before I should decide on my game plan for after graduation. But some people don't want to work full-time career jobs immediately after they graduate and that is okay! Here is a list of potential options for life after graduation: Travel When you eventually start your career, there is going to be little time for you to travel wherever you want at your own time. This is the perfect opportunity to do that backpacking trip across Europe or that scenic train adventure across the United States. Part-time/Freelance work Working a part-time or freelance job is an economical way to spend your time but still gives you free time to explore your other interests that your career job may not guarantee. Graduate school To continue your education, graduate school is your best option. Some students find it easier to continue their education right after you finish your undergrad because they fear they may have trouble finding the motivation to continue schooling after taking a gap year. Volunteer Programs like the Peace Corps or Mercy Volunteer Corps are programs that allow you completely immerse in volunteer work domestically or internationally. Both of these programs have benefits such as cancellation/deferment of student loans, foreign language instruction, and career networking opportunities. Invest in a passion project Always desired to start your own shoe company but never had adequate time to plan it? Now is your chance! Investing in a passion for all this free time is a great way to discover new interests or devote your time to existing dreams. Do something crazy You've spent so many years in classrooms with your head in the books so you've earned yourself some time to do whatever you want. Spend a couple of months training for the circus or teaching yourself how to double-dutch, the world is your oyster! WRITTEN BY Rebecca Connolly Hofstra University Rebecca is a senior marketing major at Hofstra University.  Originally from Colchester, Connecticut, she loves exploring New York City and finding all the best food. You can usually find her anywhere that serves pizza, buffalo wings, or chocolate milkshakes while panicking over her post-graduation future. ... View more

The hardest step to attaining your goals is getting started. Freshman year of my undergrad, my college goals were to find my interests by taking different types of classes, learn how to be successful, and start my young adult life right. Four years and a BA later, I accomplished all my goals. Well, to a degree (pun intended). In college, I found my voice (quite literally -- I minored in music) and discovered traits I never realized I had. It was the best of times, and, when writing a paper at 4 am, it was the worst of times; it was worth every single moment. However, as I took more classes, I came to a realization -- there are some things you simply cannot learn in a classroom without application. Admittedly, I was intimidated by the thought of applying for an internship. I was so involved on campus that I would hide behind the excuse "I don't have the time." After a talk with my academic advisor and a swift kick in the butt from my Resident Director, I discovered I was my own obstacle. When I got over myself, I was determined to score an amazing internship. While I was accepted to the internship of my dreams, it did not come without some hurdles. Below are some tips and takeaways from my intern experience, and I hope in some way my hot mess will lead you to a brighter, successful path. Resumes I took my time adding in all my credentials and achievements, and at the end of the day, I thought my resume was swell. So swell that I didn't ask anyone to see look it over. OH, HOW WRONG I WAS. Turns out why I wasn't hearing back from any companies was because my resume was as dry as toast. When I sought help at the career development center on campus, my resume game reached new heights. Big Takeaway: Add some color to your resume. While that can be taken literally (and it should if you're a graphic design major), you should also showcase your leadership skills with descriptive verbs and adjectives to explain your duties. This article from The Muse features some powerful action verbs that will give your resume a one-two punch in the application process. Cover Letters While a few applications had cover letters as optional, I had the right instinct to include a cover letter anyway (fight off those lazy twinges)! When I began to write my letter though, I hit a wall; writing about myself felt...strange. My original cover letter turned out to be two pages of robotic reiteration with a minor overdose of narcissism. I needed help, AGAIN. So back to career development I went. Big Takeaway: Your cover letter should not be a doppelganger of your resume. While it should certainly allude to your resume, your cover letter is a chance to give a concise explanation of your skills and qualifications rather than repeating directly what's on your resume. Go more in-depth or mention something new! Interviews Miraculously, this department was my strength but I definitely had much more to learn. While resumes and cover letters are crucial to standing out, the interview is where you will make a lasting impression. My career development center hosted mock interviews to help students practice for future interviews, which proved to be very useful. In addition to practicing before your interview, check out some of these tips I learned along the way: This interview is just as much as an interview for you as it is for them. There should be no reason whatsoever that you don't ask your interviewer a question. Leggings are NOT professional. This one is geared mostly toward my ladies (or any leggings lover), but don't think for a second your H&M leggings and a blazer are going to fly for this interview. It's business no matter what industry you're in so dress like you want to be taken seriously. Get comfortable, but not too comfortable. Don't start cursing during side conversation or small talk. You'd think this was common sense, but my potty-mouthed best friend made this mistake! It is unprofessional, and your interviewer is not your best friend. Send a thank-you note/email. People lose job opportunities for forgetting this, seriously. The Actual Internship This is your chance to get work and network. Not every task is something you will love but through the menial tasks, you will also have a chance to speak with others, learn the ins and outs of the industry, and, most importantly, make mistakes! There is no better time than during your internship than to ask questions and make a few mistakes. The ones I made during my internship taught me invaluable work-life lessons and helped me understand the importance of consistency and communication. My advice for those who got the internship: KEEP ASKING QUESTIONS! Better to ask if you're unsure then ride along blind. Informationals are a must! Interviewing other people in different departments helped me understand what I would like to do in my career and what waters I rather not tread. Make friends with fellow interns (if you have any). Network my friends, Net. Work. #werk These internships are what you make of them. Utilize your time and not only learn something but take the experience in. I did that part right, and trust me, it was one of the best decisions I made in my college career. As a wise man once told me, "if the work is hard, do the work." WRITTEN BY Alyssa Del-Valle Macmillan Learning With a BA in Communications and Music and a "Mouseters" in all things  Disney, when not writing fabulous articles this native New Yorker is either making up songs in her head about her daily interactions, practicing voice overs for the next hair care commercial, or munching on Doritos she couldn't resist grabbing at her local bodega. The purple bag is hard to resist. ... View more

Living vicariously through your online self. It is 11pm on a Tuesday night. Tomorrow morning is the big presentation you have been preparing weeks for and you make moves for an early bedtime. You set the alarm on your phone and plop right into bed. The room is nearly pitch black as you begin shutting your eyes. You are on your way into rem sleep when suddenly...vzzzzzzt; a notification illuminates the room with a piercing flash of light. Fully awakened and tempted, you check that notification of a Snapchat. But a Snapchat turns into a google search, then a twitter check, an Instagram gander, and before you know it, it's 3am and you're editing your Facebook profile picture. Many young adults and teenagers have fallen prey to their own devices-- it's the Black Mirror Effect. While the Black Mirror Effect is something I merely coined based on the technological dystopian British program Black Mirror, it describes our society's current dilemma; we have become entranced by technology and slaves to our screens. Here are some statistics: 95% of all teens (13-17 years of age) are actively online. In 2016, 81% of online teens have some sort of social media account, which is up from 55% in 2006. According to a recent study by the UK disability charity Scope, of 1500 Facebook and Twitter users surveyed, 62% reported feeling inadequate and 60% reported feelings of jealousy when comparing themselves to other users. Teens who spend more than two hours a day on social networking sites are more likely to report psychological distress. Instagram has proven to be the worst social networking site for mental health-related issues. Online games, dating apps, and social media in particular have negative effects on the happiness of Millennials and Generation Z. The increasing number of depressed, sleep-deprived hyper-texters measuring their self-worth by a Facebook post is frightening. Adam Alter, social psychologist and author of Irresistible: The Rise of Addictive Technology and the Business of Keeping Us Hooked, mentions the effects of addiction on social media usage. Now do not misunderstand, screens are not the bane of existence. Screens have revolutionized the world. Calling friends and loved ones over video chats was not possible a few years back and today, we have opportunities to see a familiar face or "attend" an event. It's quite incredible that our devices can function as a remote, open your car, act as a GPS, count your steps, and even check your heart rate! There's power in revolution, but the problem with too much power is the lack of self-control. The true culprit behind these addictive behaviors is a common feature of many social media apps--endless scrolling. As Adam Alter suggests, with the lack of stopping cues we have the ability to indulge ourselves into an infinite amount of scrolling. Without an endpoint, it is difficult to determine where and when to stop at any given moment. So how can we put a cap on screen usage? Is legislation over the top? Believe it or not, there is indeed legislation dubbed "Cinderella Laws" already proposed and up for debate in South Korea and China. While that is still just a debate, what can YOU do now? Here are a few thoughts to consider: Put it on airplane mode. That way notifications, texts, and emails are not on the radar. When going to an event, such as a concert or festival, keep your phone in your bag. Challenge yourself to not Snapchat or "go live" while you are at these events. Just live the experience without your phone. Pick a time of day not to pull your phone out. Dinner time would be a great opportunity to put the phone down. Set time restraints. If 11pm is your bedtime, 9:59pm should be the last minute your thumbs touch that screen. Get an alarm clock. It may be "old school" nowadays but using your phone as a bedtime alarm can prompt temptation. Nothing wrong with a good old fashion alarm clock! There is bliss in unplugging yourself from the digital world and, as I have learned through my nights of sleep deprivation, getting a full eight hours will not only save you from dark circles and zombie eyes, but you'll ace that big presentation, improve your mental health, and open yourself up to "screenless" experiences. Go live without your phone, and live your life through your own eyes. Resources Abrams, Allison. "Mental Health and the Effects of Social Media." Psychology Today, Sussex Publishers, 5 Mar. 2017, www.psychologytoday.com/blog/nurturing-self-compassion/201703/mental-health-and-the-effects-social-media. Accessed 21 Aug. 2017. Alter, Adam. "Why our screens make us less happy." YouTube, uploaded by TED, 1 August 2017, www.youtube.com/watch?v=0K5OO2ybueM. Cottle, Julia. "Facebook and Mental Health: Is Social Media Hurting or Helping?" Mental Help, 15 Mar. 2016. www.mentalhelp.net/articles/facebook-and-mental-health-is-social-media-hurting-or-helping. Accessed 21 Aug. 2017. Dreifus, Claudia. "Why We Can't Look Away From Our Screens." The New York Times, 6 Mar. 2017. www.nytimes.com/2017/03/06/science/technology-addiction-irresistible-by-adam-alter.html. Accessed 21 Aug. 2017. MacMillan, Amanda. "Why Instagram Is the Worst Social Media for Mental Health." Time, 25 May 2017. www.time.com/4793331/instagram-social-media-mental-health/. Accessed 21 Aug. 2017. WRITTEN BY Alyssa Del-Valle Macmillan Learning With a BA in Communications and Music and a "Mouseters" in all things  Disney, when not writing fabulous articles this native New Yorker is either making up songs in her head about her daily interactions, practicing voice overs for the next hair care commercial, or munching on Doritos she couldn't resist grabbing at her local bodega. The purple bag is hard to resist. ... View more

It's Y2K!...In Higher Education? It's the calm before the generational storm and while there may be a few that slipped through the threshold early, a major rush of Y2K born high school seniors will be applying to colleges and universities this fall (shocking, I know). This marks a generational milestone to hit quads all across the world, but raises a significant challenge to professors--how do you teach a generation raised during the technological revolution? Here are some facts that might surprise you about the incoming Class of 2022! Fact 1 Generation Z, also known as the iGeneration (iGens) are expert "multitaskers", and being used to consistent amounts of stimuli has them constantly occupied. Compared to the average of three screens utilized by Millennials, iGens use up to five screens at a time (i.e. desktop, laptop, TV, smartphone, and tablet). Fact 2 With the minority and biracial demographic on the rise, iGens are a culturally diverse group more than any other generation before. The rise of cultural diversity and social reform has greatly shaped attitudes within this generation, with the expectancy of even more social change to come. Fact 3 iGens are a very "big picture" group. The average person sees about 10,000 advertisements a day, but the ones that stand out are those with big pictures and few words. They embrace negative space and "less is more". Fact 4 iGens pride themselves on being self-taught through research done through search engines. 33% watch lessons online, 20% read textbooks on tablets, and 32% work with classmates online (Giselle Abramovich, CMO). Fact 5 The average teenager has an attention span of about eight seconds. Engagement is everything. Any of these stand out? It's no secret that this is an undeniably interesting group, but what does this mean for professors? Perhaps the straightforward solution would be to keep the classroom exclusively digital, converting to eBooks, and immersing students in educational technology. While this is forward-thinking it may not be the best solution. While it is true that many in this generation are born into a world of technology, iGens tend to lend their expertise to Temple Run or Candy Crush; educational digital platforms and tech tools fall on the back burner and are not picked up as quickly. The consensus: engagement through scaffolding. When using the scaffolding teaching method, instructors promote problem-solving with guided support, allowing students to resolve problems in increments, and having the individuality to take over the task at hand. This method also reinforces communication skills and engagement, which many in this incoming class lack and need. The material may be complex but the teaching style doesn't have to be. Technology in the classroom should certainly be implemented, with the understanding that iGens are at different levels with educational tech just like professors; some may only know a world of Smart Boards and eBooks while others have had a mixed experience. There is no right or wrong teaching method but for a "first of its kind" group like this, keeping it active in the classroom is bound for excellent results. WRITTEN BY Alyssa Del-Valle Macmillan Learning With a BA in Communications and Music and a "Mouseters" in all things  Disney, when not writing fabulous articles this native New Yorker is either making up songs in her head about her daily interactions, practicing voice overs for the next hair care commercial, or munching on Doritos she couldn't resist grabbing at her local bodega. The purple bag is hard to resist. ... View more

Survive and thrive! Food in college is important for one's vitality but also can be expensive, especially if you rely on take-out to supply your nutrients for the day. Luckily, I found some simple tricks to help a college student survive and thrive with food. Instapot Easy Homemade Meals An easy way to combat the price of food is to cook for yourself. Yes, this idea may be obvious to those who are the next Alton Brown, but it is beyond intimidating if you're like me and could burn water. A huge help for those on either end of the spectrum is to buy an Instapot cooker. This easy pressure cooker-like device is is quick to use and most dishes can be made in one pot with little hassle. They usually include a detailed recipe book that walks through how to make simple meals, and hundreds more can be found with a simple tool known as Google. Free Club Meeting Food If you don't have access to a kitchen, the easiest free food trick is to attend school club meetings. Many school clubs that take place around dinner time offer food for the attendees. For most of these meetings, you don't need to be an official member of the club, you just need to be at the meeting before it runs out. If you show up at the very end of a big meeting, some clubs will shove all their leftovers in your hands to avoid letting it go to waste. Using Meal Swipes to Your Advantage At some schools, like NYU, freshmen are required to buy meal plans that expire at the end of each semester. Many students try to get rid of their meals so they don't go to waste and this is where your empty stomach comes in handy. These schools sometimes have a "give a meal, get a friend" programs, where students with extra meals are paired with students and for the low price of a meal with a stranger. The benefits are you get a free meal and they get to know their extra meal is donated to a good cause (you). Plus you may make a friend through the program (but let's be honest, you're only here for the food). Getting Your Coffee Fix Finally, though not technically food, coffee is often the pipe that drains student's wallets by stopping at Starbucks every morning. If you are one of those people who cannot be classified as human until your first cuppa joe, you may want to invest in a coffee machine or research free coffee options on campus like at the visitor's centers. If that still doesn't work then there are a few coffee shops that actually have subscription memberships. At Fair Folks and a Goat or CUPS, you can pay a flat rate each month to get unlimited coffee, tea, or other beverages. WRITTEN BY Nalini Rajan New York University Hello! My name is Nalini, but most people call me Lena.  I graduated from New York University's College of Arts and Sciences in May of 2018 with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, as well as Minors in both Computer Science and in Web Programming and Applications (an absurdly long title). I was an intern at Macmillan Learning as the Learning Solutions Intern within the Customer Experience department (also an absurdly long title). I am now a Junior Product Support Analyst for Macmillan Learning (a slightly shorter title). ... View more

Show off that stunning photo! Your student ID is pretty much your lifeline in college-it gets you into your dorm, into buildings around campus, and into the dining hall. But, did you know it can also get you tons of great discounts in various shops, websites, and restaurants? Here are 15 places where you can show your ID card and score some awesome discounts! Student Essentials The New York Times. By signing up with your ID online, The New York Times is only $1.00 per week. With this incredibly cheap subscription, you get unlimited access to all articles, apps, and archives; this will come in handy with research assignments! Microsoft. Microsoft Office Suite is essential to have on your laptop when you're in college; you'll constantly be using Word for essays and PowerPoint for your presentations. It's a good thing Microsoft will give you Office 365 for free if you simply use a valid student email. JOANN Fabric and Craft Store. Calling all art and education majors! By presenting your ID card at check out in stores, you'll receive 10% off your total purchase. Spotify and Apple Music. Take your pick-or both!-each of these streaming services are just $5.00 a month with your student ID. Clothing Stores Forever21. When you shop online and use your student ID, you'll get 10% off your purchase! Plus, you'll save yourself about three hours since you don't have to search through all of those stuffed clothing racks. Express. For all of my shopaholics, here's another clothing store where you can buy great pieces at cheap prices! Simply sign up and receive 15% off in-store and online purchases. J.Crew. Yes, you read that correctly-J.Crew, known for its great quality but pretty pricey clothing, offers students 15% off in-store and online purchases now, too. Food Now, what we've all been waiting for: food discounts! Subway. College kids love nothing more than food, and Subway is here to offer you 10% off your total purchase just by flashing that student ID at check out. QDOBA. This restaurant chain offers two great student discounts: either a free drink with a purchase of a meal, or $5.00 burrito meals! Can't get any better than that. Chipotle. Another student favorite, Chipotle will give students a free drink with a purchase of a meal when that student ID is shown at the register. Chick-fil-A. Again, receive a free drink with a purchase of a meal when a valid student ID is shown at the register. Buffalo Wild Wings. Who doesn't love wings? Get 10% off your meal by asking for the student discount. Pizza Hut. Every college student's favorite late-night snack. Depending on the location, you can get 10% to 20% off your pizza pie! Happy snacking. Dunkin' Donuts. As if Dunkin' wasn't already cheap enough, you can get an additional 10% off with your ID! Just be careful-caffeine is addictive! Dairy Queen. There's nothing better than a sweet treat after a long day of studying. Get 10% off your purchase! Even though your student ID may not be your favorite photo, it can score you a lot of great deals. Don't be afraid to flash that ID in these shops and restaurants. WRITTEN BY Theresa Carcaldi Marist College Theresa is a senior at Marist College who has spent the last three years with her nose in a book, a computer on her lap, and a permanent hand cramps due to copious amounts of essays written. If you couldn't tell, she's an English major with a passion for stringing words together and seeing what magic comes from it. When she's not reading or writing, you can catch her trying to get her roommates to join her solo dance party (and failing). ... View more

Get involved, get experience. Getting high grades is only half the battle of impressing future employers with your resume. Employers like to see that their employees are well-rounded, can multitask, and are involved in their community. As much as I wish binge-watching Grey's Anatomy for the 100th time can count as a resume-worthy accomplishment, employers want to see something more meaningful. Here is a list of types of extracurriculars to make your resume stand out: Major-Related Clubs These are one of the best for networking and reaching club alumni in your field for possible career opportunities. These are also a great way to form study groups, swap professor recommendations, and make friends with people with similar interests. Greek Life Greek life is another amazing networking opportunity. Whether you join a social, service, or major-related sorority/fraternity, the networking and friendship making possibilities are endless. Other benefits of joining Greek life are academic and alumni support, leadership development, and philanthropy. Sports Joining sports teams shows employers your ability to multitask by juggling mandatory sporting events while successfully completing a college degree. Time-management is an important skill when managing sports and academics that employers like to see in their employees. Community Involvement Joining community service clubs that are offered on almost every college campus like Habitat for Humanity or Relay For Life demonstrate to employers your desire to aid the community and cooperate amongst groups. Leadership Clubs Employers like to see that their employees can take charge in a leadership role, if need be. The experience as a Resident Assistant (RA) or an Orientation Leader can be a predictor of future behavior in the workplace that is attractive to employers. Leadership experience shows employers your proactiveness, decision-making abilities, and your managerial skills. School Government As well as networking opportunities, being in a school government organization teaches students leadership skills, how to work with a team, and the development of "people" skills. If these clubs don't really work for you, start your own! Starting a club with an advisor and a few friends shows your initiative and drive to accomplish a project. Clubs are an easy way to have fun but also benefit your future after graduation by learning important skills and networking. WRITTEN BY Rebecca Connolly Hofstra University Rebecca is a senior marketing major at Hofstra University. Originally from Colchester, Connecticut, she loves exploring New York City and finding all the best food. You can usually find her anywhere that serves pizza, buffalo wings, or chocolate milkshakes while panicking over her post-graduation future. ... View more

Put your game face on. One of the best parts of game day is having the perfect outfit! Win or lose, you can still post on all of your social media accounts to show off your school spirit. And of course your trendy style. You don't need to go to the campus bookstore to buy your apparel! I would recommend going to a local thrift store in the area; you can find amazing pieces at a discounted price. Buying a vintage item also means no one else will be wearing it! T-shirts are great for game day because you can easily pair them with jeans, leggings, even a skirt! I recommend sizing up in the T-Shirt you decide to DIY because the more material you have to work with the easier it will be to create. I know you might be asking yourself, when will I ever find the time or money to make my own outfit? Here are 5 easy tips to style your college t-shirt apparel without breaking the bank and can be completed in 30 minutes or less! Tie a knot Grab a handful of material from the area of the shirt you want the knot to be. Next, twist that same material. Then you'll create a loop with your twisted material and pull it through just like tying a knot! Crop Lay the shirt down on a flat surface. I recommend outlining the bottom of the shirt with a pencil where you plan to cut as a guideline. Then take any scissor and cut the bottom of the shirt in a straight line. Use caution when using the scissors because you can always cut more off but once it is too short, there is no going back! Distress Lay the shirt down on a flat surface. You will need to take a disposable razor and drag it across the portions of the shirt you'd like to become distressed! Cuff the Sleeves Fold up both sleeves once or twice depending on your style preference! You can even add a small safety pin on the inside of the shirt to have it stay in place. Add a Patch You can buy a patch of your mascot or even the logo of your school. Once you have your patch, I recommend buying Permanent Patch Adhesive glue as it dries clear and then allows you to stick the patch anywhere on the shirt. This method is much faster than ironing or sewing the patch on! WRITTEN BY Alicia Casamento Syracuse University Alicia is a student at Syracuse University who likes to take long walks to the nearest fast-food joint, never knows the lyrics to any song ever, and would absolutely stop ongoing traffic to pet a dog hanging outside a car window if the opportunity ever presented itself. ... View more

Put an end to the procrastination. Managing all of your college classes can be a full-time job, but most college students have to balance their classes with extracurriculars as well. Spending time outside the classroom is a huge part of the college experience. Whether those experiences happen while playing on a sports field, in the chatter of a newsroom, or backstage of a play, it's important to make time for extracurriculars during college, but the question is how exactly can you make that time? Here are three tips for how best to manage your time and balance your coursework with your other activities: Start a calendar Take a moment at the beginning of the semester to sit down with all of your syllabi and your calendar. Get all of your midterms, papers, and major assignment due dates down off the bat. Be sure to add other big dates in there too, like game days or debate weekends. Now is the time to plan ahead - if any weeks look really busy, make sure to get started on things early. Get your readings and problem sets done ahead of time and stay ahead of the ball. Avoid the scroll More often than not, the first thing people do when they sit down to study is to check their social media. Before you know it, you've spent half an hour not getting work done. Planning out when you'll get assignments done is a crucial part of time management in college, but that only works if things go according to plan. Whether you're just getting started or taking a short break, avoid getting pulled into the never-ending scroll of social media.  Use your resources Everyone has classes they struggle with. If you know you have trouble finishing a class's problem sets, understanding the lecture, or tackling a research paper, don't be shy about asking for help. Take advantage of office hours or TA study sessions. The time you take to get your questions answered will be well worth the investment. You'll be able to complete your assignments more quickly and with a lot less frustration. For more student-related articles, check College Quest often. There will be updates throughout the term! WRITTEN BY Isabel McCullough Isabel is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Library and Information Science at Syracuse University in an effort to combine her love of books and old things. When not navigating life as a full-time grad student, Isabel enjoys baking, reading, and acquiring random fun facts. (The average size of a newborn polar bear cub is 2 pounds.) ... View more

What if we told you it actually helps with learning? As a recent graduate, I remember all too well the shivers we would get as students when professors muttered the word "test" or "quiz". If you wanted to hear a symphony of groans, add in the word now and a sea of furrowed brows and hand slams would fill the room. Tests get a bad rap in the academic world nowadays. With test anxiety being shed to light, academia has become aware of the negative effects it can have on students. Some students dislike testing because it makes them question their intelligence with every wrong answer. Others get stage fright, and can't perform under the pressure, time constraints, etc. Not everyone's IQ is defined by a mere test by any means, and some professors have shied away from administering them. For some students, an examination apocalypse would be a dream, but what if I told you that testing could actually be a good thing? It's all about the execution. According to the Scientific American article, Researchers Find That Frequent Tests Can Boost Learning through the psychological process of retrieval practice, the repetitious nature of test-taking actually aids students in retaining knowledge longer-term as opposed to traditional teaching methods (Paul). Retrieval practice, formally known as "the testing effect" argues against the "reading the material and being tested on it later" method, but rather encourages students to learn through the frequent state of testing. Now while consistent testing sounds intense, many do not realize the brain empowered blessings this poses. Studies have shown that when testing a student on the material even before they have had their lecture can improve knowledge retention rates even beyond the final exam. LearningCurve and iClicker are excellent examples of just that. LearningCurve allows students to answer multiple-choice and short answer questions before the actual lecture, making students read the material and answer basic questions on what they read. To continue the testing repetition, using iClicker's REEF Polling can continue the testing habit in a group setting. If more students get in the habit of answering questions based on the material, when it is time to take the official exam, they are more likely to excel and score higher. Paul, Annie Murphy. "Researchers Find That Frequent Tests Can Boost Learning." Scientific American. N.p., 08 July 2015. Web. 24 May 2017. WRITTEN BY Alyssa Del-Valle Macmillan Learning With a BA in Communications and Music and a "Mouseters" in all things Disney, when not writing fabulous articles this native New Yorker is either making up songs in her head about her daily interactions, practicing voice overs for the next hair care commercial, or munching on Doritos she couldn't resist grabbing at her local bodega. The purple bag is hard to resist. ... View more

Be Proud, be yourself, be honest! My biggest recommendation when you are asked to fill out information about yourself so your school can connect you with a potential roommate (or mentor or study group) is, to be honest about who you are. Don't answer based on who you want to be or how you hope to act, but think about what your life is like. If you're messy, admit that. If you like to study with lots of noise in the background, confess. If you love video games, say that. If you love to read, but think that accounting is going to make you more money, think about your future. You are much more likely to have a good experience in education if you are honest about who you are. This applies to numerous other aspects of school as well. If you join a morning study group because you want to be a morning person, but you have trouble getting to the session, that does no one any good. If you sign up for the once-a-week class because getting it done seems like a good idea, but you know you can't pay attention for 3 hours straight, then look at a different class. If you have a group project and volunteer to do the first part, but know that you have to work that weekend and you won't make the deadline, either don't sign up for that part or be honest with your group about your time pressures. Like you've always heard, honesty really is the best policy--and this applies when talking to your professors as well. If you messed up, admit it. If you need help, ask for it. If you don't understand, raise your hand; don't assume you will magically understand the concepts later...Be honest now and the rewards will pay off with a more successful academic career. WRITTEN BY Becky Anderson Macmillan Learning Becky Anderson graduated (some number of years ago...more than two hands worth) from Dartmouth College with a degree in English, and then went on to Trinity College to get a Master's in American Studies. She currently resides in Maine (where her roommate/husband is also messy, but he was honest about that from the beginning) and has worked at Macmillan Learning, in two separate stints, for about ten years. ... View more

Design your dorm to be as unique as you are! There are so many dorm hack blogs around but I've discovered a few original ideas that blogs don't usually mention. Need some ideas for how to make your dorm room more fun and entertaining while remaining practical? Here are a few tricks that my friends and I used to to help us survive college: Projectors Instead of TVs One question in many college students' minds is whether or not they should buy a television for their dorm room. Though TVs are great additions to the college lifestyle, I have discovered a better alternative: projectors. The first advantage of projectors is that there small size and lightweight makes them easy to pack away or travel. Though projectors can get expensive, there are projectors that are just $100 (cheaper than an average television) and are reasonable in quality. Also, you can make the screen take up an entire wall or ceiling for movie nights with friends! Projectors allow advanced multitasking so you can watch TV while using the projector as a second monitor. Multiple Whiteboards to Fill the White Spaces in Your Life The first whiteboard I used was for the front door of my freshman year dorm. This board helped me facilitate friendships with my dorm-neighbors and communicate with my friends. This facilitated surprise meetups that fostered friendships that have remained beyond college. The large whiteboard in the common room of my dorm room was shared between my suitemates and me. We had quotes of the day, random drawings, a chore chart for the suite, and schedules of the roommates/friends. I also recommend a whiteboard calendar to keep track of your schedule to help plan out life events, assignments, and club meetings. Mini Extra Table and Small Lamps This final one is less obvious but surprisingly helpful: buying your own small desk and lamp. Most dorm rooms come with a free light and desk, but they may not fulfill one's individual needs. The lights are often very dim and desks are far from the bed. Where do you put your late-night snack as you squint at the textbook under the light of your cell phone, your computer after watching just one more youtube video? How can you concentrate on the cheap light in the ceiling glaring at you to get back to work? Buying a small, portable table and a small lamp can help solve some of these problems! WRITTEN BY Nalini Rajan New York University Hello! My name is Nalini, but most people call me Lena. I graduated from New York University's College of Arts and Sciences in May of 2018 with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, as well as Minors in both Computer Science and in Web Programming and Applications (an absurdly long title). I was an intern at Macmillan Learning as the Learning Solutions Intern within the Customer Experience department (also an absurdly long title). I am now a Junior Product Support Analyst for Macmillan Learning (a slightly shorter title). ... View more