College is a time to discover things you may be passionate about, gain career preparation, and make friendships to last you a lifetime. But not everyone knows how to go about gaining the most out of their first year. As you slowly begin to approach the day to leave home (or stay local), here are a few tips to help you survive your freshman year:
1. Go to Summer Orientation
The temptation to skip summer orientation may loom through your mind, but skipping summer orientation may prevent you from learning about campus facilities, academics, and extracurricular activities. This day is also a chance to meet other freshmen students and gives you the chance to start making friends before classes start. 
2. Attend All Classes
This is probably one of the most obvious and frequent advice given to first year students, but it’s also very true and a must follow. Classes in college are much more intense and fast paced than high school classes. They demand a lot of time and require that you attend class to know the material. Missing just one day could set you back over a week with material.
3. Join a Team or Club
College is more than just academics. In order to meet new people you need to do more than just go to class, you need to become involved in campus life. By joining a team or a club you have the chance to meet people who share your interests.
4. Get an On-Campus Job
We all know how expensive attending college can be and since this is usually the case, a part time job may be needed to make ends meet. The best thing you can do is get a part time job on-campus. Whether it be at the campus bookstore or a departmental office, on-campus jobs save you time and allow you to work an hour or two in between classes. They’re more flexible and more understanding of a student’s schedule.
5. Stay Healthy (Keep the “Freshman 15” Away)
Eating three meals a day with snacks in between is all you need to stay healthy and make sure you don’t pack on the pounds. Skipping breakfast is never a good idea, it will cause you to feel even hungrier later on and the result will be eating a much larger meal. Avoid those late night food runs as well. Eating before going to sleep doesn’t allow the food to digest therefore causing additional food storage.
- Priscilla Rodriguez
July 23rd, 2008
How would you like to get a college education completely tuition-free for your four-year degree? This is possible for all students who attend Berea College (Berea, KT), where every single student admitted gets a free ride. There is a catch, however. Students who are admitted are from low-income families and show exceptional need and promise for completion of academics.
Berea College is just like a regular college - you get a great education, you can participate in extracurriculars, and there is a staff that cares about your academic success. Students not only do all these things but they also work on campus (and get paid too!) at least 10 hours per week. Internships, co-ops, and study abroad opportunities abound. And there are more than 45 majors and minors from which students may choose.
Students are chosen based mainly on their family’s income to give students who may not be able to afford college at all, the chance to get a solid education. At Berea, they “don’t think your income should dictate your outcome.”
For more on Berea, see the article in the Times.
-Amanda Fornecker
July 21st, 2008
You’re not the only one to go to college, you know. Celebrities have gone too. And the latest to graduate is Peter Parker’s best friend and Spider-Man’s worst enemy: Harry Osborn, the New Goblin - known to those in the real world as James Franco.
According to the Daily News, Franco just graduated from UCLA with a degree in English Lit and plans to attend graduate school in the Fall at NYU. This 30-year-old always aspired to get his education on through all the roles he’s played over the years in popular titles like Freaks and Geeks, Never Been Kissed, and of course the wildly popular Spider-Man series.
Says Franco in the DN article:
“‘I am going back to school because I love being around people who are interested in what I’m interested in,” Franco told us. “That is the best way to learn.
“For me, being able to act in movies is not having it all. I am interested in other things, and I take my interests seriously. Thus, I’m back in school.’”
And there you have it. Franco just proves you can follow your dreams, work hard, and achieve your degree all at the same time. And even if you didn’t go straight from high school to college you can go back because it’s never too late. So follow Franco’s example and get started on your school search.
Photo: © 2008 Gettyimages. All rights reserved.
-Amanda Fornecker
July 11th, 2008
You’ve seen them — bulletins sent in the mail or galleries linked on school websites — and they’re all filled with the same things: happy, smiling students of every race and color who are either walking around campus or deeply engaged in a professor’s lecture.
But just how accurate are these microcosms of college living? According to recent research headed by Timothy Pippert, an associate professor of sociology from Augsburg College (Minneapolis, Missouri), not very.
Using a random sampling of 371 college and universities, Pippert studied various promotional materials and found that schools often over-represented the number of minorities on campus. For example, while black and Asian students comprise 7.9 and 3.3 percent of the average college student body, respectively, their presence in college bulletins and other materials amount to 12.4 and 5.1 percent of students portrayed.
The effect can be two-fold, gain the interest of students who are interested in attending a diverse college and make minority students feel more welcome. But does this penchant for picture diversity constitute a conspiracy to lure in students? What do you think?
– Genevieve M. Blaber
July 11th, 2008
“I left school at 15. I’m not a genius songwriter. I don’t think I’m really good at anything.” - Lily Allen to Rollingstone Mag
Well that’s an interesting quote from a somewhat British role model who sings about smiling. Leaving school at 15 is nothing to brag about, as not all of us can have a lucky break to have one CD that goes out and does well. She clearly has self-esteem issues (not to mention drug problems) and maybe if she took a few classes then she’d learn a craft and be able to go out into the world and be more productive. It’s sad that she doesn’t feel like she’s good at anything. But I guess that’s what cutting off your education will do to you at such an early age.
Some advice for Ms. Allen: In order to be really productive you first need to believe in yourself. Then see what you’re good at. You’ve got to be good at something, right? What are your interests, goals, and passions in life? Try to make a list of these things and see what programs might be of interest to you. A degree will certainly help you go farther than only a few years of high school education.
In the case of Ms. Allen, of course, she’ll need to get her GED before she proceeds with coursework at practically every collegiate program in the U.S. or Canada. Maybe she can go to cosmetology school and learn the dos and don’ts of dying your hair (pink is soo not in).
I can’t help but wonder, if she doesn’t have any talents, what’s her back-up plan if and when she doesn’t have another singing hit? Maybe with a degree Lily Allen will actually smile for a good reason and not at seeing her ex-boyfriend miserable…
-Amanda Fornecker
July 9th, 2008
Facebook has been known for its social networking capabilities, but what if someone told you that you could prep for the SAT right on their site? Kaplan, one of the leaders in entrance exams test prep, now has a Facebook application where you can practice for the SAT or ACT, while at the same time continue to socialize.
Kaplan’s FB application includes links for SAT and ACT practice and a link to create your very own SAT or ACT quiz. There are informational links included. These links hold key dates for SAT and ACT registration, as well as a Kaplan Admissions Interactive Timeline. But along with all the standard study prep items, Kaplan’s FB application also has two fun items – a game known as a “spit-cab-u-lary” and a “SmashWall.”
The “spit-cab-u-lary” tests vocabulary skills for the SAT and even allows you the chance to challenge your friends. The “SmashWall” is a bit different. This application was not made for test prep but instead as a form of stress and anxiety relief . Items used for this wall are referred to as “smashables.”
I recently checked through this application myself and have found it to be very helpful for anyone currently preparing for the SAT or ACT. Kaplan’s application is great for studying and fun. To see exactly what this application is all about, visit www.facebook.com/kaplan.
- Priscilla Rodriguez
June 30th, 2008
If you’re like most soon-to-be college students, chances are there’s a philosophy course waiting in your future. While you may recoil in horror at the notion of studying things like utilitarianism and deontology, the truth is that looking at the world through a philosophical lens can be fun and — dare I say it? –- enlightening.
Still skeptical? Then maybe you should try easing yourself into the realm of philosophical discussion with the help of the Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture Series. Each book from this ongoing collection is dedicated to analyzing a different cultural icon or show within the entertainment world. 
Chapters are written by college professors from across the nation and are as educational as they are representative of fandom at its finest, with everything from character motivations to plotlines discussed.
Case in point: After reading just two chapters of Batman and Philosophy: The Dark Knight of the Soul, I’ve been introduced to classical and contemporary thinkers like Thomas Hobbes and Judith Jarvis Thomson — all in the course of pondering popular Batty topics like why Batman is better than the Man of Steel, and Bruce Wayne’s motivations for ever donning the cape.
In short, the Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture Series is a perfect easy-to-understand crash course in philosophy cushioned by a topic you already love. Where else will you be able to read about the philosophical implications of hot shows like 24, Lost, Family Guy, The Office, and even The Daily Show?
– Genevieve M. Blaber
June 25th, 2008
Having limited financial access should never be a reason to stop living your dream of attending a college or university. Growing up in an environment where you feel helpless shouldn’t either. BET Networks and the Sallie Mae Fund recently joined together to offer assistance to these students through what is known as the “Next Level” Scholarship Program.
The scholarship was open to African-American high school juniors and seniors who had overcame obstacles to realize their dream of a college education. The Sallie Mae Fund issued a press release on June 16, 2008 announcing the four winners, who combined received $25,000 in scholarship money. These four have dealt with so much in such a short lifetime. From issues with domestic violence to medical disabilities, these are some students anyone can look up to and admire.
For more information on the BET Networks and Sallie Mae fund scholarship program, as well as other programs, visit www.salliemaefund.org .
- Priscilla Rodriguez
June 25th, 2008
It’s not unusual to hear about kids taking more pains to cheat than to study – there are even entire movies written around the concept as in the case of “The Perfect Score” – but a high school student in Orange County, California may have recently taken things to the extreme.
Known for his Cs and Ds at the prestigious Tesoro High School, 18-year-old Omar Khan now has to deal with some heavy math. There are 69 criminal charges pending against him — and they’re all related to an alleged scheme to turn lackluster grades into sterling As! Using everything from identity theft and spyware, to the old standby of and breaking and entering, Khan is alleged to have broken into his school’s computer databanks to up grades for himself and a dozen others.
While these charges may seem petty when taken on their own, together they result in nearly four decades of jail time. Though it’s doubtful Khan will get even half that amount if convicted — a few years of jail and community service is far more likely — it’s still a high price to pay for what could have easily been gained through a few hours of studying.
So maybe next time Khan will try cracking some books before he has to crack open a jail cell. With his leet hacking skills and computer prowess he could have easily embarked upon a lucrative career in technology. And trust me, “career criminal” doesn’t sound half as good as “computer systems analyst” to a prospective employer.
– Genevieve M. Blaber
Update: Looks like Khan had a “study buddy” in all this. Fellow student, Tanvir Singh, is suspected in connection with the cheating scandal and will turn himself in next week.
June 20th, 2008
In between your studying for the SAT or your prepping to pack for your brand new dorm, take a break this summer and check out some cool products that will keep you stylish, comfy, and ready to roll.
Juicy Technology
Green is one of the hottest colors in fashion this summer. So why not get a green laptop?! Dell Inspiron notebooks have come out with citrus lime and lemon colors so you not only can talk to your friends online and do research on schools or dorm room accessories, but also can make a light and airy summer fashion statement. The Dell laptops start around $499, and like all computers you can have them custom-built to cater to your needs. There are more than just lemon and lime colors too, for all those guys out there! So definitely check these out today for a fun and useful tool that you can bring along to school.
Summer Tunes
Listen to the newest Coldplay or Madonna CD on your 3G iPod Nano this summer. And as you tan by the pool or beach or play some hoops with the boys, forget those bulky iPod dock radios. Use Audiowrapz by iFrogz. This 100 percent silicone protective cover has a speaker built directly into it and is available at Wal-Mart for the retail price of $20. And you won’t have to stick those earbuds in either (although you can always do so for privacy). This product is even great beyond the summer because it’s something you can use no matter where you are. Put it on while you’re doing homework or to have a mini-dance party after class.
The Maine Attraction
Take along your summer accessories in a light summer bag by Ann Veronica. These canvas bags are all one-of-a-kind, handmade, and from Maine. It’s great for the beach or as you’re just running out to keep all your essentials together. There are a variety of patterns for this 100 percent heavyweight cotton canvas. Some of these include circles, flowers, crabs, vintage lace, toy boats, and more! The company was founded in 2003 and makes different kinds of bags, including totes, beach bags, tennis racquet covers, and even some headbands. For a convenient summery bag check out Ann Veronica Handprints.
-Amanda Fornecker
June 12th, 2008
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