In my final post of August - the final post centering around school - I'm going to discuss something school seems to miss:
Time off.
While you get 'vacation days' every few weeks or so, it's good to take a few extra days off.
Keeping yourself fit and healthy is a great way to ensure that your grades don't slip, your on time, and you are continually looking your best.
There are dozens of things you can do on your Day Off:
1. Guiltless Netflix
We all have friends that guilt us over how much we binge watch. If you are taking a 'You' day, don't let anyone tell you it's bad. Not only is it relaxing, but you can catch up on all those episodes. :)
2. Cookies
Who doesn't love cookies from scratch? Or from the package. Fire up the oven and make up some of your favorite flavors, grab milk and hunker down with #1.
3. Music
Have a Music Hour. Find that album you've been meaning to listen too, set up, and just let the music flood over your. It will be relaxing and fun.
What are some things you'd love to do on a Day Off? Leave a comment below.
Tuesday, August 30, 2016
Tuesday, August 23, 2016
Study Abroad
There is nothing like traveling the world to make you feel alive and well. Walking the paths people from thousands of years ago traversed; visiting monuments that have been around for centuries; eating food made from fresh market produce.
Pitfall One:Traveling is expensive.
Pitfall Two: Being a student and wanting to travel.
Solution: Take a month and go with a school group.
Traveling with a school group ensures that you're traveling safely, have transportation to all the places you need to get too, and have lodging covered. While it is expensive, it's well worth the money spent.
It's a great way to go about seeing the world.
This week is a shortie, but a quickie.
Pitfall One:Traveling is expensive.
Pitfall Two: Being a student and wanting to travel.
Solution: Take a month and go with a school group.
Traveling with a school group ensures that you're traveling safely, have transportation to all the places you need to get too, and have lodging covered. While it is expensive, it's well worth the money spent.
It's a great way to go about seeing the world.
This week is a shortie, but a quickie.
Friday, August 19, 2016
School Size
First off - so terribly sorry for the delay in this week's post. Life got super crazy, hectic, and I was out of it until today. Thursday.
Hopefully this will be a decent post to make up for it.
School.
This is the topic of the month. Last week I covered a few of the basics of getting to know your University/College.
This week I'm going to cover a few things about how to make life a bit easier.
1. Take at least 10-15 minutes a day for YOU.
You need a breather during the day. Classes go for all hours, you're rushing around the campus figuring out where things are, how to make it there faster. Take. A. Break. Find a spot, close your eyes and breathe. It will help keep you relaxed for those long days.
2. Friends can be found Everywhere.
You might be lucky enough to sit next to them in class, or at meal time. They could be your roommate. Or they could be the one person that you routinely pass on your way to classes or other places. A friendly smile, a passing wave, can make a great new friend.
3. Know when you Don't need it.
Nine times out of ten (or ten out of ten) - you don't need the thing you really want to buy at the store. You can always get it later on when you actually have money - or not. Money is a luxury, try not to spend it on things you'll have to lug around later.
4. Walking.
Use your two feet - they can get you places. Bikes or mini scooters are helpful too, but walking is highly recommended. You can get exercise while hiking across campus to various classes and other activities.
Disclaimer: I am not paid for anything I write here.
1. Take at least 10-15 minutes a day for YOU.
You need a breather during the day. Classes go for all hours, you're rushing around the campus figuring out where things are, how to make it there faster. Take. A. Break. Find a spot, close your eyes and breathe. It will help keep you relaxed for those long days.
2. Friends can be found Everywhere.
You might be lucky enough to sit next to them in class, or at meal time. They could be your roommate. Or they could be the one person that you routinely pass on your way to classes or other places. A friendly smile, a passing wave, can make a great new friend.
3. Know when you Don't need it.
Nine times out of ten (or ten out of ten) - you don't need the thing you really want to buy at the store. You can always get it later on when you actually have money - or not. Money is a luxury, try not to spend it on things you'll have to lug around later.
4. Walking.
Use your two feet - they can get you places. Bikes or mini scooters are helpful too, but walking is highly recommended. You can get exercise while hiking across campus to various classes and other activities.
Disclaimer: I am not paid for anything I write here.
Tuesday, August 9, 2016
Back to School
Yesterday morning was the first day of regular school. College classes for others begin tomorrow.
Last week I posted about a generalization of school (and I'll admit, that one was hurried and scattered).
This week I'd like to focus on the College/University side of it. I know there have been other blogs listing various great deals for the poor student and thought I'd give it a shot myself.
1. KNOW THE CAMPUS
I know this one sounds a bit redundent, but it's easy to get lost. Especially when you're at a huge University that has at least thirty buildings. Make a priority to go a few days early - map out your route to each class. This way you can plan an easy route if you only have 10 minutes in between classes. (I had four classes back to back like this - luckily only one was in a different part of the campus, the other three were literally right next to each other.)
2. FIND FRIENDS
This one should be easy. The more friends you have in a class - the more people you can study with, and you can share books (this might sound difficult, but it's possible). Friends help: with tough assignments, with moaning over crazy labs, and with light venting about hectic conflicts with other classes. Oh - did I mention they are also good for coffee breaks? (Or hot chocolate.)
3. SIGN UP FOR ACTIVITIES
Only focusing on homework and classes all semester long with drive you crazy. Take it from someone who tried this - it doesn't work, and it's terrible for your health. Find an activity or club that piques your interest. Typically they only meet once a week, which is a great chance to shut the books and take a break. It's also another fantastic way to meet new friends.
4. TALK TO YOUR PROFESSORS
Contrary to belief - they actually want you to pass. While there may be some rather terrifying teachers, every single one of them wants you to succeed. All you have to do is talk to them - it's quite simple. And, if you get to know your teacher, you might get special access to upcoming assignments (don't quote me on that, this varies by location).
5. MEAL PLANS
I never did one of these. I commuted to and from each day. However - should you be living in a dorm this can either be a great idea, or totally tank you. If you are one to eat a lot in one sitting, then I highly recommend this. If you are more finicky and don't eat a lot, save yourself the money and spend it on things you will actually eat. Food is important to your educational career - choose, but choose wisely.
College/University can be a terrifying ordeal when you're first starting out and know no one. If you find yourself out there alone, shed some of your Introvert-ness and meet some people. It will do wonders for your social life, your health, and your classes.
What was your biggest fear when starting Uni/College? Leave a comment below.
(Copy right where necessary - I am not paid for this blog.)
Last week I posted about a generalization of school (and I'll admit, that one was hurried and scattered).
This week I'd like to focus on the College/University side of it. I know there have been other blogs listing various great deals for the poor student and thought I'd give it a shot myself.
1. KNOW THE CAMPUS
I know this one sounds a bit redundent, but it's easy to get lost. Especially when you're at a huge University that has at least thirty buildings. Make a priority to go a few days early - map out your route to each class. This way you can plan an easy route if you only have 10 minutes in between classes. (I had four classes back to back like this - luckily only one was in a different part of the campus, the other three were literally right next to each other.)
2. FIND FRIENDS
This one should be easy. The more friends you have in a class - the more people you can study with, and you can share books (this might sound difficult, but it's possible). Friends help: with tough assignments, with moaning over crazy labs, and with light venting about hectic conflicts with other classes. Oh - did I mention they are also good for coffee breaks? (Or hot chocolate.)
3. SIGN UP FOR ACTIVITIES
Only focusing on homework and classes all semester long with drive you crazy. Take it from someone who tried this - it doesn't work, and it's terrible for your health. Find an activity or club that piques your interest. Typically they only meet once a week, which is a great chance to shut the books and take a break. It's also another fantastic way to meet new friends.
4. TALK TO YOUR PROFESSORS
Contrary to belief - they actually want you to pass. While there may be some rather terrifying teachers, every single one of them wants you to succeed. All you have to do is talk to them - it's quite simple. And, if you get to know your teacher, you might get special access to upcoming assignments (don't quote me on that, this varies by location).
5. MEAL PLANS
I never did one of these. I commuted to and from each day. However - should you be living in a dorm this can either be a great idea, or totally tank you. If you are one to eat a lot in one sitting, then I highly recommend this. If you are more finicky and don't eat a lot, save yourself the money and spend it on things you will actually eat. Food is important to your educational career - choose, but choose wisely.
College/University can be a terrifying ordeal when you're first starting out and know no one. If you find yourself out there alone, shed some of your Introvert-ness and meet some people. It will do wonders for your social life, your health, and your classes.
What was your biggest fear when starting Uni/College? Leave a comment below.
(Copy right where necessary - I am not paid for this blog.)
Tuesday, August 2, 2016
School - YAY! ..... ?
With the beginning of August, I figured I'd take this month to do some school posts.
Or posts that talk about going back to school - getting into college the first time - or figuring things out.
Firstly:
Any form of school is hard. That's just how the pie crumbles. So - be prepared
Secondly:
I am going to quit the first and second crap because that's too formal for me.
Going back to school is equal part fun and part terrifying. Do you have all the right books, the right clothes, the right thing...blah, blah, blah, blah.....
Pointedly - there are some things that you can get away with.
For college students you can now RENT your books for classes. It's super effective, fantastic for your budget, and easy to do online (half.com).
Down in the South we also have Tax Free weekends to help off-set the cost of back to school supplies. (Ours was last weekend.)
Also - if you do need a book, MAKE A FRIEND IN CLASS AND SHARE!!
With all the ways there are to save money but cutting corners, it's easy to make things work out. If there is anyway you can make it, then you can save yourself
Also - if you are commuting to college (or school) CARPOOL!
This is a challenge, because if you have a car, then you want to drive everyday. I carpooled the majority of my school years - it was fun because I was with friends, and we all shared the gas costs. Driving solo is fun too - I also did that - and it gives you time to think, but if you're running low on cash, then fill up your car with people headed to the same location.
What sort of things do you look forward to when school starts?
What things/classes do you dread?
Leave a comment below.
Or posts that talk about going back to school - getting into college the first time - or figuring things out.
Firstly:
Any form of school is hard. That's just how the pie crumbles. So - be prepared
Secondly:
I am going to quit the first and second crap because that's too formal for me.
Going back to school is equal part fun and part terrifying. Do you have all the right books, the right clothes, the right thing...blah, blah, blah, blah.....
Pointedly - there are some things that you can get away with.
For college students you can now RENT your books for classes. It's super effective, fantastic for your budget, and easy to do online (half.com).
Down in the South we also have Tax Free weekends to help off-set the cost of back to school supplies. (Ours was last weekend.)
Also - if you do need a book, MAKE A FRIEND IN CLASS AND SHARE!!
With all the ways there are to save money but cutting corners, it's easy to make things work out. If there is anyway you can make it, then you can save yourself
Also - if you are commuting to college (or school) CARPOOL!
This is a challenge, because if you have a car, then you want to drive everyday. I carpooled the majority of my school years - it was fun because I was with friends, and we all shared the gas costs. Driving solo is fun too - I also did that - and it gives you time to think, but if you're running low on cash, then fill up your car with people headed to the same location.
What sort of things do you look forward to when school starts?
What things/classes do you dread?
Leave a comment below.
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