Karyn Wheeler Master of Human Development and Family Studies Case Western Reserve University

    Freshman 15. The infamous weight gain that comes with your first year of college. Sometimes, Freshman 20, or 30, or more! It is the phenomenon that morphs hordes of fresh-faced, energized, svelte freshmen into nameless blobs swathed in university hoodies and sweats. Here are some tips to help prevent you from packing on the pounds...

1.) Prioritize sleep. It's important to your health, happiness, brainpower, and sanity. Did I mention metabolism? Because if you're needing more sugar to stay awake, the candy, the soda and the Starbucks will only go so far.

2.) Fried chicken is not your new best friend. Neither is ice cream. Or pizza. Real friends are much better, so use your free time to join a club, go to free events, and socialize with complete strangers. After visiting my fair share of colleges, I guarantee there is a free ballroom dancing class somewhere on campus.

3.) Chances are you can get to the gym. For free. Don't be scared or intimidated. There might be TV! (Why else would I work out for a full hour? Must survive commercial break. Must see end.)

4.) Drink in moderation. Enough said.

5.) If you do gain some weight, don't stress. Just make sure it's not a symptom of stress, depression, or loneliness. And for heaven's sake, get to the mall! There might be a sale at the Gap!

Sarah Ludwig

Master of Violin Performance

Rice University

Dormitory Survival

Many students have some unrealistic expectations for dorm life. Although dorm living is most often costly, a part of that cost is the convenience offered to the student. As with other aspects of life, the student will have a better outlook if they identify the positive aspects of dorm living versus focusing on the negative elements of the experience. The convenience and immersion into the campus community are strong incentives for living in a dormitory. Another incentive is that it relieves the student of trying to find appropriate accommodations, avoid lengthy leases and increase the added stress of monthly financial obligations. Keeping in mind that dorm living is a temporary solution can sustain one through their educational experience.

If you are faced with a shared space then it is essential to find those places where you can go to find solitude. For example the campus library, a coffee shop or even city library are good spots to study. It is crucial to have good communication in place from the very beginning of a term between roommates. A beneficial action to consider is for all roommates to sit down together and decide on conditions of sharing the space that all can agree on. If a conversation takes place at the beginning and as necessary, it can prevent conflict that can escalate and cause undue stress during the term. It is essential that everyone remember the primary reason for being there and that is to complete their education!

One must also remember that dorm living will often include rules of living. Many young students will rebel against the rules because they feel it is an infringement upon their adulthood. Abiding by the rules, which are often very minimal, is a good preparation for adult living. The society we live in has rules we all must abide by and it is an aspect of maturity that teaches us to abide by the rules or use appropriate avenues for advocating for change.

Marjeanna Faye Burge Master of Indigenous Nations and Peace & Conflict Studies University of Kansas

I think it is really important for all students to keep their heads straight in their freshman year.

There will be some “cool” kids in any environment your will be in, that are always partying and bragging about how wasted they were at the awesome party they have hosted a night before their final exam, and they are still drunk….etc… (You get the picture)

You always have to remember that those people usually end up with bad grades, re-taking classes, or the worst, dropping out the college, hence wasting thousands of dollars for nothing instead of the quality education which could have lead them to a great job (and hopefully a great life thereafter.)

No matter how people around you make fun of you for studying hard for your exams when they are partying, or calling you a geek for keeping your 4.00GPA, you have to remember that your hard work DOES pay off at the end. (Believe me!!) And there always be some “Really cool” students that are as dedicated as you are, and are glad to be study buddies of yours.

So, surround yourself with right crowd (you will have fun with them, just not “I was wasted and did something stupid and got kicked out the college” fun) and study hard because it will pay of at the end!

Hitomi Abe

Masters, Mathematics

Drake University

    Performing well in the classroom is obviously very important in college. That's how you got accepted. However, your course work will only make up a tiny percentage of the overall college learning experience. Go out and see something new. Research trips that the college is providing to see a concert, or a play or some kind of art exhibition. Go to student run activities such as pep rallies, or even a protest. Over-extend yourself freshman year, I certainly did. Try as many things as you can, join several clubs or societies (I strongly urge against frats, I have no knowledge of sororities, but I urge against frats). Find which ones your passionate about and keep with them. Trust me, I'm not saying waste your time. Your performance in the classroom is important, but college will be a waste of your time if you spend the majority of it in a library. Buckle down around mid-terms and finals, but in between do something other than your homework. In short branch out and try things (I don't mean alcohol or drugs, by the way...) that you never would have pictured yourself doing, you never know, you might find your perfect niche.

Eric Salazar

Princeton University

    When asked about dinner plans, any college student will kid about their diet of Ramen Noodles and tuna. Whether they're serious about those meals or only joking, money is usually a big issue in college. For most students, finances are tight and require careful budgeting to meet all expenses. The goal is to maximize income while minimizing expenses, and here are some tips that helped me through college.

    The main three methods of creating income while in college are scholarships, student loans, and working. The best means of gaining scholarships is to apply for lots of them with great grades and test scores out of high school. Even if you apply for twenty scholarships and only receive two, that's two scholarships' worth of free money. And when in college, keep your grades up to ensure retention of current scholarships. Usually when you lose them, they're gone for good.

    Working a job is probably the most common source of income for college students. While a job can take you away from the library and limit your studying hours, most students who have part-time jobs excel at efficient time-management. "The more things you do, the more you can do", as the old adage says.

    Student loans are a viable resource for paying college expenses. Unlike scholarships, loans must be repaid upon graduation, but a good college degree with small debt beats no college degree with no debt. Depending on your parents' income, you may qualify for certain subsidized, federally-backed student loans that will save you on interest while you're still in school. But like any other situation in life, it's always better to earn money (from scholarships and jobs) than to borrow it (from student loans) if it's practical.

    The biggest expenses in college are tuition, books, rent, food, transportation, and fun. Tuition costs can be eased by attending a college that offers in-state tuition rather than an expensive private or out-of-state college. Several hundred dollars can be saved by thrifty shoppers who buy their textbooks online or directly from other students. Stay away from campus bookstores, since they charge the highest prices around. Monthly rent can be reduced by living with several roommates rather than by one's self. Typically, the more roommates you can live with, the cheaper the monthly rent will be. Food costs are where the old jokes about Ramen noodles and tuna originate. Yes, both meals are healthy and cheap, but coupon-shopping and "free food" events on campus can improve your diet too. Riding a bike or taking a bus to school can save a lot of money in fuel costs and parking passes, but they also require more time and aren't as convenient as a personal vehicle. Lastly, the cost of having fun in college needs to be accounted for. Movies, sports games, and fun with friends should not be completely neglected if possible, but remember that school is the financial priority for those few years.

    With diligent work, income can be increased and expenses can be reduced to relieve the financial burden of college. And if your college degree earns you a good job, you may never have to eat Ramen Noodles again.

Jeffrey Gibson Master of Science in Electrical Engineering University of West Florida

I work as an off campus student administrator. One concept that has worked well for our off campus students, permanent residents and business leaders is our off campus student center, located outside the main campus gates. This is a full service center that is open to all of our students, especially our off campus students. From a free cup of coffee, to using our on site computers, to just visiting with friends, the center is a positive focus off campus. Permanent residents as well as business leaders are welcome to discuss any concern they may have, or just visit and talk. Off campus students know that our staff is available to help them with any landlord issues, or any other concerns they may have. A conference room is available for students, neighborhood groups, or for administrative hearings. A kitchen and refrigerator are also available for student use. Georgetown University's off campus center is a pro-active force in student off campus relations.

Raymond F. Danieli

Masters, American Studies

Georgetown University

    Balancing your social and academic agenda will be one of the toughest challenges at school. I've noticed that many people tend to sway toward one direction: giving up their social life for their academic success or giving up their academics for a good time. However, as a college student, you're there to enjoy both. While the work load may be tough, challenging and more than you can handle (so it seems), in the midst of your work load, don't forget to have fun. I like to get away from my studies at times and take my mind completely off of it. You'll find that you and your friends will also enjoy the time more if you do so. I find that after such a break, I feel refreshed and more motivated to do my work. Also, if I'm stuck, sitting there a few extra hours always felt like a waste of time. No matter how much I stare at the computer screen, the answer isn't going to miraculously come to me. So in these times, step back and return when you feel is appropriate. Oftentimes, you'll find that the answers can be found through your life and events that happen in it. Remember that while having too much fun in the social arena will get you into academic trouble, studying too much can also be a bad thing. The best thing is to find that balance that allows you to be able to excel both as a student and as a person.

Hannah Lee

Carnegie Mellon University

Meet People. Never be afraid to meet people in those first few weeks, and never close yourself off from an introduction. Remember, the more faces you recognize, the more comfortable you’ll begin to feel at your new school. Don’t settle for the few people you may have met during freshman orientation, or the people you’ll meet sitting next to you during those first few days of classes. Be brave and always be on guard to meet a new friend. When you’re waiting in line at the bookstore that first week, to pay more for books than you ever could have imagined, strike up a conversation with the person waiting in front of you and introduce yourself. These new acquaintances, which can be countless, will be invaluable to you, so that wherever you are—in the library, the cafeteria, or freshman English class—your chances of knowing someone are worlds greater, and finding a friendly face much easier.

Mary Christine Cirincione

Georgetown University, School of Foreign Service

You can find love in the strangest places at college. I found it in my freshman dorm. Though I didn't know anyone when first arriving at college, I quickly became best friends with a girl who lived in my entryway. For the first year and a half of college, she was dating someone from high school. But when that ended, she and I began dating. It wasn't something I could have planned or predicted - but now I couldn't be happier.

Alex Harris Harvard University

Tips for surviving dorm life:

Living in a dorm is a learning experience. Sharing space can often pose a problem.

•Build a community with the help of your resident assistant
•Leave your door open
•Participate in programs
•Meet new people besides your roommate
•Remember that kindness goes a long way. If your neighbor is being loud while you're studying for an exam, kindly ask them to quiet down. Chances are, you would do the same for them.

Jamie Tidwell Master of Health Administration The University of Memphis

One of the best things I bought when I got to college was a toolbox. Even if you can't think of why you may need one, trust me, you probably will! Whether it was putting up some pictures on my wall or tightening a screw in my desk, I found myself being really glad that my parents had gotten me one. Also get a little sewing kit- the one I got brought safety pins as well as thread/needles and it all really came in handy for temporary fixes or randomly having to reattach buttons. Trust me, both of these are really good and necessary investments! And you can find either quite inexpensively and easily at Target or any other superstore by your school.

Paola Annoni Biology Georgetown University

On Campus Conferences

Most universities and colleges host professional conferences. It may be a part of a research project put on by a department, or it may be that a professional organization is simply using your campus. You can find out about these upcoming seminars and conferences by checking bulletin boards and/or newsletters in your department. Attend these if at all possible. You can even volunteer to work at the conference registering guests or assisting the speakers. Attending these forums will accomplish several things. One is that you will be exposed to more material and in a different way. For example, you may hear your professors talk about what you will face in the work world, but at these seminars you are actually hearing people in that world talk about how they handle different situations. Second, you will be able to make valuable contacts. If you are near graduation, you may even want to print up cards with your information to discreetly pass out to people that you might be interested in working with or for in the near future. Finally, this will show the professors in your department that you are truly dedicated to learning all that you can in your field.

Cathy Hooper

Master of Arts in Educational Leadership

Texas A&M University

Making friends in college.

If you’re independently wealthy and can buy people stuff, you can make friends. If you don’t have this luxury, you’ll have to do it the old-fashioned way – by being nice. Making friends in college is relatively easy. I say this because nearly everyone is there to get a degree. You have something in common with everybody on campus. By making friends, you can increase your grades through study groups and information sharing. It is also nice just to have friends. Here are a few tips for making friends.

1. Be nice to people.
2. Be quick to offer help and share information.
3. Get involved. More activities present more opportunities to meet people.
4. Don’t be shy. Go out of your way to introduce yourself.
5. Be yourself. No one likes a fake.
6. If you’re finding it hard to make friends, don’t sweat it. If you do the above five suggestions, it is only a matter of time. Everyone likes someone who is nice, helpful, involved, friendly, and genuine.

If these seem like simple suggestions, you’re right. However, you would be surprised at how many people clam up when it comes to the classroom.

Carissa K. Goodlet Master of Educational Administration Youngstown State University

Beginning college can be a huge step in life, but it does not have to be a complicated one. I am not saying that it is going to be easy as pie, but there are many steps you can take to help ease the transition from high school to college life. It is a decision that you have to make that is going to affect your life for the long-term, but it can be a positive and rewarding decision that will make your life forever beneficial not only to you, but the others around you as well. Some people feel that they may need to wait a bit before starting their college career, but I feel that becomes a mistake that many people soon after regret. It is best to jump into something fresh right after your high school years have ended. College is the best choice and I know this because I gone thru the experience and I do not regret one day of it. You might think of all the aspects of continuing your education; emotionally, mentally, financially, spiritually, and most of all keeping your sanity. However, your world does not have to be full of craziness if you just allow yourself to use all the resources that are available, ask for help when you need it, and have supportive people around you that can help guide you when you feel lost. Keep family and friends close. If you do decide to live on campus and you are far from home, keep the phone handy or if you feel real ambitious, use the computer to send pictures, messages, emails, or even a webcam to see people directly. College is for people to accomplish their dreams; there is no single reason to pass that by. Learn to still have fun. Times may seem a little overwhelming with exams, papers, and other projects you may have going on, but you must always make time for yourself. Hang out with friends or make a date to go out to a planned event. Like I mentioned before, if it seems that life is getting a little hectic—ask for help! Many times people do not realize that by just allowing a friend to pick up your laundry or to even do your dishes can make all the difference in the world. It is the little in things in life that make the harder ones that much easier :)

_________

College expenses for new students may begin to appear a little overwhelming in the beginning months. It seems that tuition, gas, and expenses in general are on the rise. But it does not mean that you can not afford the costs involved, you just have to know what resources are available to you when you begin your adventure into the college world!

Financial aid from your school is always an option; learn to apply early and make sure to know of grants that are also available through your state. Do not hesitate to talk with your financial aid office—they are there to help.

Scholarships are offered everywhere! Check local business and organizations; you will discover that many places are excited to offer their money to students. It is there way of helping local students to have a jump start on their college career. Make sure to check with your school as well for scholarships that may be available for your area of study or sports you participate in.

I have found that the internet has a vast array of educational sites that are offering all bits of information to help make college life more affordable. There are many that I have discovered that will even send you direct emails when new scholarships become available. They also offer information on internships for particular schools you may be interested in or for any general area throughout the U.S. Internships are not only an excellent way to help pay for college expenses, but to also gain experience in your field.

Learn to live life conservatively. You can buy textbooks used on different websites for a fraction of the price of buying them new. Then after the semester is over, if you decide you want to sell the books, the same websites are also willing to buy them back. Living on campus can also be an expense that takes time to become accustomed to, but if you check around you will find that many people are willing to split the expenses to allow two or more people to share an apartment or a home—cutting the costs literally in half. Certain schools even help those in need of assistance by offering financial help for living costs.

College does not only consist of studying, but learning the ways of life!

Natalie Kay Webb

McKendree University

    Creating a stable social network in college is an essential part of maintaining good grades and promoting a successful academic career. By becoming involved in organizations of interest or especially those that pertain to one's particular field, students can establish friendships, improve their resumes, gain valuable field experience and belong to their own personal study and support group. Associating oneself with individuals that share similar interests and goals provides motivation to excel. Comparing research and work, learning from one another, as well as from the knowledgeable group mentors or faculty advisors, can help students push themselves to a higher academic level or provide assistance to them in times of academic struggle. The networking skills and contacts established as a group member may prove invaluable when it comes time to venture out into the professional realm or to ask faculty and staff for letters of recommendation. By joining an organization, students show future employers that they possess a sense of commitment, responsibility and genuine interest in the type of profession they are pursuing. Regular meeting attendance, occasional community service, along with other items organizations may require all look good on a resume. However, being a part of a group in college is also just plain fun. Pride in belonging, the friendships made and the unique activities and causes each organization hosts or supports make the experience worthwhile. In college, I belonged to several organizations; some for enjoyment and others for academic purposes. The experiences I had within each of these groups form some of my best college memories. I am still in close contact with fellow group members, and one of my group advisors recently wrote a letter of recommendation for me. Students do not have to join every group on campus to feel accomplished or to be successful in college. However, it's a great idea to give at least one group a try. The benefits of getting involved will be evident in the end.

Lauren Ann Helling

Lamar University