College Advice Blog

2020-07-20T11:43:00.024-04:00

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Hi and Welcome to College Advice Blog!

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In this blog you will find college advice about many issues you will encounter in college or while transitioning into college. Browse through the topics on the left hand side and click on the ones that interest you.

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The Team of College Advice Blog

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African American Graphic Designer

2012-02-25T13:45:00.001-05:00

This interview will take you through the ups and downs you can expect as a graphic designer, what it takes to land the job, what you can expect to earn and more. This is a true career story as told to DiversityJobs.com.
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I am a Senior Graphic Designer; the industry I work in is advertising/promotion and also product development. I have about 15 years of experience in this field, and I'd call myself determined, motivated, and engaging.

I am a black male, and it has hurt me some. I have experienced discrimination, and the easiest way to deal with it is not to internalize it. Taking personal and racial insults to heart is very limiting, and makes me question my own self-worth and competence. Once I realized that the only limit to my ability was just that -- my ability, I figured out how to distance myself from it. Also, the companies that would discriminate against me because of my race I'd typically quit immediately and report to the Better Business Bureau. It's very satisfactory knowing that your claims of racial discrimination are going somewhere above the heads of your once superiors.

Day to day work with my job varies. I work for a video gaming company that is very understaffed, and most of the work is out of love and dedication to the project. I handle all of the character models and graphics for the PC version of the game, and also the promotional graphics that we eventually send to industry. Slaving over a computer for hours trying to get the colors 'just right' is very common and very time consuming. People tend to think that working for a video game company will be rainbows and sunshine, but it really isn't. It's hard, trying work, and leads to much insecurity in those that undertake it. Because user reviews are so aplenty on the beta and alpha versions of our build, I've become very conscious of my work. I think it makes me want to do better, so it's probably a good thing.

I'd rate my job satisfaction at an 8. In my mind, that's as good any other job in the graphic design world. Honestly, if I wanted to feel better about the work, I'd like to have more time off to see my family. That's my one complaint.

I can't see myself doing any other job. Since I was a child I wanted to work with art and creative communication, and here I am. Every day I wake up I feel accomplished, like I've made something of myself. It's a very liberating feeling, and I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Graphic design is a cut and dry industry. I got started in this line of work straight out of college working for independent gaming companies. I would have liked to have taken more classes in college, to vary my career outlook. There are many different subsections and fields of graphic design, and I want to explore them all. It's hard to do that without the proper credentials.

What immediately struck me about my specific job is the stress. So many people leave graphic design jobs due to stress. The stress of advertising firms, the stress of press releases, deadlines. It seems like typical commercial job complaints, but in any creative industry it's magnified ten-fold. I had to learn how to internally manage my stress, always get 8 hours of sleep -- that's important. One small thing was trying to make friends with my superiors -- seeing them as friends that have your back really helps me get through the work day.

I learned about networking and determination. Personal relationships are so often overlooked in business that it's ridiculous. Making friends is a natural social thing, and employers appreciate it when you go the extra mile.

I work in a very limited space and there is always a line for the coffee machine in the morning. One week, three days in a row, the person in front of me inadvertently spilled coffee on my suit. Since then, the coffee has been moved to the break room!

I work because I need to feed my family, but that isn't all of it. I really feel like I've found a career that I love, and that's the motivation I need. I feel like I'm providing a public service, I'm giving people something that makes them happy -- games. One thing that made me feel incredibly proud was our first beta review. The most common comment people had was that the layout of the controls was easy and that the backgrounds were gorgeous. Hearing the word gorgeous in relation to my work was so fulfilling that it's hard to put into words.

I never particularly want to quit, but one unique challenge is meeting deadlines. We had a planned release date of 10/24, and we split that up into 5 sectors. So every step of the way we updated the beta and alpha versions of the game, graphical improvements etc. This, coupled with creative blocking, can be a real nightmare.

My job is considerably stressful, but I'm glad I get to work normal hours at least. I get to come home at the same time every day, which is important to providing family stability to my children.
Graphic designers for large video game companies are looking at salaries 100k-130k. I honestly feel like I'm paid fairly for my abilities, as narcissistic as that sounds.

One drawback of this job is the distinct lack of vacation hours. I only get sick days, so I consider those my vacation days.

Most of my contemporaries hold degrees way out of the field of graphic design, but I went the conventional route. I really enjoy graphic design, so my major was in Advertising with a minor in Graphic Design. Skills in Photoshop are paramount, and I also have very solid illustration skills.
I'd tell that friend good luck, it's a competitive industry. It's considered a 'cool' job, and every twenty-something out of college is gunning for your job.

I'd like to be working for a bigger company, sure, but I'd be happy right where I am! Thanks for the questions.

College Majors with the Lowest Unemployment Rate

2012-02-23T12:05:00.005-05:00

These days it literally pays to know which college majors are going to deliver job offers upon graduation. With the recession dragging on, college students can expect higher tuition and less assistance, which means graduating with no small amount of debt to be repaid, and most will head into a job market that could be described as highly competitive at best (and cannibalistic at worst). So choosing a field of study that is more likely to have openings is essential to securing quick placement after graduation. And while disciplines like medicine and law are generally at the top of the list, you might be surprised at which growing industries have available jobs even in this economy. So here are just a few areas that seem to have the lowest unemployment rate today and prospects for jobs in the near future.

Engineering. Whether you’re considering an occupation in mechanical, civil, or computer engineering, you should know that this is one field that has continued to grow throughout the recession. While you should probably avoid the aerospace industry, considering recent cutbacks, areas that are growing rapidly include chemical engineering (consumer products, mainly), computer engineering (hardware and software development), and green technologies.

Finance. It shouldn’t come as any surprise that this industry is growing, considering how many people are in need of financial services these days. But you don’t necessarily want to go into banking or mortgage lending (where layoffs have been massive). Instead consider shooting for a CPA license; whether you go corporate or private sector, everyone is looking for help from accountants these days.

Computer technology. Have you stopped to think about just how much we depend on computers and mobile devices these days? And many students entering college have at least a basic understanding of this field simply because they use these products every day. So whether you’re interested in working in information systems or you’d rather program apps for the iPhone, consider this major as a place to start.

Marketing. Believe it or not, there are still plenty of jobs out there for those that perhaps aren’t as technically-minded. Marketing is a great way to mix business and pleasure for those that are more creative. Just make sure that you have a specialization (like a minor in communications, international business, or finance, for example) so that you are better equipped to compete in the job market.

Design. Entertainment and aesthetic expenses are often the first thing to be cut from the budget during the lean times. So jobs in the arts (fine, performing, or other) may not be the best career path at the moment. But for those interested in various fields of design, there could be a silver lining. The fashion industry, in particular, seems to be on the rise in terms of job opportunities. And since people with money always want to be fashionable, this may be just the type of artistic occupation you’re looking for.

While it can definitely be difficult to shell out the big bucks required to attend college, you have to think of it as an investment in your future. And making a wise investment is paramount, so you really need to choose a major that is going to deliver your best chance at getting a job. However, you can also find ways to cut costs, such as attending community college or looking into the top online colleges (you can find lists of the 50 best online colleges, including those that are accredited, by searching the internet or checking out U.S. News and World Report). Every little bit helps, but it starts with knowing where the jobs are.

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About The Author

Evan Fischer is a contributing writer for Used Geo Engines, where used GEO engines are shipped nationwide daily.

Top 5 Crazy College Courses

2012-02-20T20:52:00.003-05:00

In the wide world of higher education, most students will have to undertake any number of courses that they probably feel they could do without, often in the way of general education or requirements for a major. But you can often make up for these downers with a few fun electives or even with classes that are so totally out there that you’d be hard-pressed to figure out how they ever made it into the schedule. So if you’re looking for something interesting to break up the monotony of semester that consists of difficult core subjects like calculus, chemistry, and advanced essay writing, here are a few fun ones that you may be able to find at a university near you.

The Art of Walking. You might be surprised to learn that this is not, in fact, a course in physical education. It is actually an undergraduate philosophy class offered by the Centre College in Danville, Kentucky. The real emphasis here seems to be reconciling one’s place within nature, and indeed the world, through the simple act of walking, which instructor Dr. Ken Keffer apparently describes as “a lost mode of transportation”. And honestly, what student wouldn’t like to get credit for walking around campus?

Daytime Serials: Family and Social Roles. This course from the University of Wisconsin in Madison is based on soap operas and how they affect society. So anyone who has followed Victor and Nikki, Hope and Beau, or Luke and Laura for as long as they can remember shouldn’t hesitate to sign up. Of course, you’ll do more than just watch your favorite soaps in this class; you’ll also get to delve into how these seemingly trivial time-wasters actually affect issues like gender roles, family interaction, and workplace dynamics.

Maple Syrup – The Real Thing. Yes, you read that right. And no, this course is surprisingly not the brainchild of a Canadian college. In fact, you can learn about the process of making maple syrup (starting in the time of the Native Americans) courtesy of Alfred University in New York. Will it help you get your MBA? Probably not, but it’s definitely a good way to break up the boredom of a flurry of economics and business courses.

Queer Musicology. As you may have guessed, the use of the word “queer” is not in reference to the strange or odd, but rather to homosexuality. And as expected, this UCLA course allows students to explore the differences in how we digest music based on our own sexual preference as well as that of the composer.

The Phallus. Occidental College (Oxy) in Los Angeles is appealing for a number of reasons. The campus is only a few miles away from the urban center, the SoCal weather is amazing year round, and the college offers small class sizes and a beautiful campus. They also have some pretty weird courses, like Sociology of Food and Exploration of Blackness. But perhaps the strangest is The Phallus, a class that covers everything you ever wanted to know about the phallus but were too afraid to ask. Well, not everything. But it does cover the symbolism of this uniquely male anatomy throughout history and how it has set the genders apart. In case you’re wondering, this liberal arts college actually does have some incredible academic programs (although you’ll have to look elsewhere for the best online MBA programs). So if you consider yourself a super scholar you don’t necessarily have to rule this campus out just because of a few oddball courses.

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About The Author

Evan Fischer is a contributing writer for Used Geo Engines, where used GEO engines are shipped nationwide daily.

Tips for Preventing Pest Infestations in College Housing

2012-02-12T19:17:00.001-05:00

When you go away to college, part of the excitement is the idea of living in your college dorm or other housing the college provides. Living away from your parents, buying new stuff to decorate your room and setting up your own space for studying, sleeping, eating, and spending time hanging out with new friends are just some of the new experiences you are looking forward to at college.

You’ll be meeting new roommates and getting to know the people who live in the rooms around yours, the people you’ll be seeing every day and maybe sharing common spaces like bathrooms and study areas with. But your roommates and the other students you’ll be sharing common space with aren’t the only new creatures you may encounter.

Pests are common in small areas where a lot of people live closely together. And when you add a busy student life with little time for basic housekeeping plus students who just aren’t going to pick up after themselves at all, you have a titanic breeding ground for potential pests – just the kind of roommates you don’t want!

But there are steps you can take to keeping your space pest free:

· Store your food securely! If you make food in your room be sure to clean up as soon as you are done. Cereals and chips can be transferred to plastic containers to keep them fresh and bug free. And those bags of noodles that will become your best friend on a cold night of studying when you didn’t have time to get to the cafeteria before it closed – you can store them in a plastic container too! Even leaving an open soda can out overnight is enough to attract bugs.

· Clean often! Pests like to hide behind those dust bunnies that gather under your bed and behind dressers and appliances like refrigerators and televisions.

· Do laundry! Bugs are attracted to those smelly socks you wore home from the gym and those other items of clothing we won’t mention.

· Pick up! Shoes, wet towels, dirty clothes, paper bags, or a pile of books or trash are all potential hiding places for pests.

· If pests are visiting your room because your neighbors are too busy to clean their rooms, look for holes in the walls or baseboards where bugs can travel from their room to yours. A little caulk from the hardware store on those tiny spaces is worth having to keep those pests out of your area!

· Check the space between your door and the floor. If it is big enough for pests to crawl under ask if you can install a door guard on the bottom of your door to discourage that truant spider or mouse crawling down the dorm hallway.

If you share a common kitchen with your dorm or housemates, it can be harder to keep the space clean if not everyone cleans up after themselves. Try to work out a system with everyone so that the common areas are clean and pest free – this will help keep everyone’s rooms pest free too!

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About The Author

Frontline Pest Professionals proudly serves the Nashville, TN, Richmond and Manassas, VA, Baltimore, MY, and Louisville, KY areas. Frontline’s goal is to provide excellent and efficient pest control service to their clients. Following through and making sure the pest issues are resolved is Frontline’s #1 goal. Educating clients about different pests in their area is a must as well. You can visit the website www.frontlinepestprofessionals.com for more information.

4 Quick Ways to a Good Night's Rest

2012-02-03T20:42:00.000-05:00

Sleep—you may think that because you're young, you're invincible and don't need it; but if you continue to run on empty, eventually your body will break down. A good 8 hours of sleep each night will give you the strength and energy you need to be more productive as well as allow you to perform better on tests. It will also help keep your immunity in tip top shape—getting sick can be really inconvenient, especially around mid-terms and finals weeks. That said, it's highly important that your body recharges during the night. But if you have a difficult time unwinding and suffer from a slight case of insomnia, try these simple tricks below to get a better night's rest.

1. Create a Night Ritual

One of the easiest ways to fall asleep around the same time each night is to create a ritual. After a short while, your body will send signals to your brain telling it that it's time for bed. So each and every night, do a couple of things in the exact order: take a shower, wash your face, floss your teeth, put on your "comfortable pajamas" whatever. Just like you condition your body to wake up around the same time each morning, you can also condition your body to go to sleep around the same time too.

2. Take an Afternoon Nap

Many experts say that taking naps can actually contribute to your insomnia since it can throw off your sleeping pattern, but a study suggests that as long as you nap between the hours of 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., not only will you have no trouble falling asleep at a decent hour, but you'll also perform better on tests. How so? Researchers say that napping helps protect "brain circuits" from being over used which can help college students perform better come test time; another study even suggests that a short 12-minute nap can boost memory as well. In short: if your schedule permits, try to squeeze in a short, mid-day nap.

3. Change Location

For many, not being able to fall asleep is more of a psychological thing: they associate the bed with their inability to sleep. Thus laying in the bed for an hour trying to force yourself to get some shut eye isn't going to work. Instead, you should move to a different room to relieve some of the pressure. Go to the living room or do your night ritual all over again. Slowly but surely you'll get sleepy. The trick is to not try and over stimulate your mind—this will keep you awake. So avoid turning on bright lights or even checking your social networking accounts—research suggests that checking social networking sites before bed can reactive the brain and make you more alert than before.

4. Do Some Light Reading

Lastly, read a book. The trick here is to NOT choose a book that is going to keep you interested. Rather, you want something that can easily bore you and put you straight to sleep. Try a textbook! You might just be able to get a few short sentences of studying in before you fall asleep.

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About The Author

Angelita Williams writes on the topics of online courses. She welcomes your comments at her email Id: angelita dot williams7 at gmail dot com.

Saving Money on Car Insurance

2012-01-28T23:19:00.013-05:00

College students, on the whole, don’t tend to have a lot of disposable income. With most of your money tied up in tuition, books, and living expenses, it can definitely be difficult to carry extras like the costs associated with owning a car. Even if you’ve got your vehicle paid off and the registration is pretty reasonable, you still have to contend with the high cost of auto insurance. But with so many students opting to stay home rather than paying room and board on campus, having reliable transportation (and adequate insurance) is a must. Luckily, there are lots of ways that responsible students can cut back on the cost of insuring a vehicle, and here are a few that you might want to angle for.

The easiest way to save, of course, is to non-op your car, park it in the garage, and take public transportation, but for most students (who juggle a job with the classes they attend) this simply isn’t an option. So start by considering the car you drive. Although no kid is going to complain when their parents hand them the keys to a brand new Beamer following high-school graduation, the minute you have to take over the insurance payment you’re going to wish you had cheaper car. Yes, insurance premiums are based not only on your demographic and personal driving record, but also on how much it will cost to repair or replace your vehicle. Plus, cars that are considered less safe (like 2-door sports cars) are going to lead to higher premiums, as well. So trading your folks for the family van could save you enough money to make the humiliation worthwhile.

But you should begin by talking to your insurance provider about discounts you might be eligible for. For starters, most companies offer an incredible discount (up to 20%) to students under the age of 25 that maintain a high GPA (the number may vary). So if you can keep your grades up you stand to see a significant reduction in the annual cost of your car insurance. And if you’ve been driving for a while with nearly an accident or moving violation you may find that you now qualify for a safe driver discount. You can also inquire about rebates for added safety features (such as additional airbags or anti-theft devices like LoJack). And don’t forget about the possibility of changing your policy. A higher deductible or less coverage can save you a ton over time, provided you don’t have any accidents.

Of course, your best bet for savings may be to jump ship and seek out another insurance provider. You could find far better rates (and incentives to join) with a different company, especially if you’re not happy with the service you currently pay for. And even if you do like the carrier you’re with, you can probably use alternative bids to see what they’re willing to offer you in order to keep your business. Either way you’re bound to find the best policy for your particular needs at a price you can afford.

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About The Author

Evan Fischer is a contributing writer for Used Geo Engines, where used GEO engines are shipped nationwide daily.

Clinical Social Work: One Person's Experience

2012-01-21T21:21:00.001-05:00

This is the career story of a social worker as told to LatPro. If you have considered a career in the mental health industry, read on to learn what the job is really like from this social worker in a behavioral health center.

I am a licensed clinical social worker currently practicing in local behavioral health centers and working with individuals with chronic mental health disorders. I began my career 15 years ago while working my way up the ranks in college. My first exposure to the mental health field was in working as a case manager with adults diagnosed with co-occurring mental illness and drug or alcohol addiction. Through the years and in earning clinical licensure, I expanded my scope of practice to include evaluations, diagnostics and ongoing treatment of the range of mental health problems one might experience in a lifetime. This field fits my personality style, which I like to say is compassionate, patient and hopeful of making even a small difference that can change at least one part of a person’s life for the better.

I am many things at once to one person, and then am forced to shift gears for another patient. To say the least, my role is one of many hats, many perks and some challenges. I prefer to refer to my career as that of a clinical counselor instead of social worker, because the immediate connotation is that I remove a downtrodden parent’s children from the home. That couldn’t be farther from the truth. In fact, I began this career knowing that I would not work with children and that my ultimate goal was to touch adult lives through therapeutic interventions.

My work consists of evaluating individuals in crisis situations, diagnosing the acute condition and then bridging that person to the appropriate services. At times, my first meeting with someone is in an emergency room setting because the person was placed intentionally or unintentionally in a harmful situation. After working through the initial crisis, I help the person with the next steps of care, which can include inpatient treatment or outpatient services if the person is not an imminent threat to self or society.

I also conduct group, individual and family therapy sessions for those seeking long-term help. For those I am fortunate enough to see in ongoing therapy, I can measure our progress in the sessions consistently, which truly gives a sense of the impact I make in helping support another person’s life. Without a doubt, this is the work I was meant to do and if asked to rate my satisfaction, it would exceed the ranking system. It does not mean the job is perfect or without hazard, but it does mean I accept the roles I play and the residual effects of working so intensely with others.

I was inspired to take psychology courses in college when I took an elective psychology course as a senior in high school. I connected to the content of the course so well that it allowed me to reflect on what I deemed as most valuable for a potential career. After completing undergraduate and graduate level college, I began work with little experience, but a lot of vigor. Interestingly, no amount of reading or testing in the classroom prepared me for the reality of hands on experience with live people struggling every day with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and chronic depression. It was an eye opening experience for sure and something I could only appreciate and learn from while doing it. The most valuable lesson learned in my transition from school knowledge to real world knowledge was to take each person as they are and connect to their turmoil as a unique individual, not a label on a page. Stigma abounds in the mental health field and I had to realize that if I were going to help in any way, I must see the human, not just the diagnosis.

Each day of work brings different surprises along with routine actions. I enjoy the diversity of my work, but I particularly enjoy knowing that I can help someone that spends most of their time feeling hopeless to change. Stress and burnout are a challenge of the job and sometimes I have felt my work was not compensated as highly as I liked, but overtime, I learned ways to overcome these hurdles. The more diverse my repertoire of work, the less likely I burn out and can keep a solid income flow. I also do a firm job of maintaining a healthy work-life balance by spending time doing healthy activities after work that keep my mind and body fit.

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About the Author

LatPro features real stories from Hispanic professionals in a myriad of professions. Visit LatPro for more interviews with mental health workers, including one from a Psychotherapist, an Addiction Therapist, and many others.

Bilingual Legal Secretary Finds Satisfaction By Helping Others

2012-01-15T18:31:00.005-05:00

This interview will take you through the ups and downs you can expect as a Bilingual Legal Secretary, what it takes to land the job, what you can expect to earn and more.

I am a female legal secretary. I have worked in this field for one year. I would describe myself as attentive, quiet and determined. I don't feel that my gender or Caucasian ethnicity have affected me in any negative ways in this position. I work with people of all races and ethnic backgrounds, and I welcome this diverse environment – the people I work with are a great team. I answer the phones, perform basic office duties, help prepare legal documents and translate some of our informational pieces. I also attend meetings with clients who need translation services, and work as a verbal mediator between clients, paralegals and attorneys. If clients can't come to the office, I initiate a conference call with them and their attorney.

On a scale of one to 10, I rate my job satisfaction at nine. Sometimes I feel like there is too much work placed on me, however, it doesn't bring my satisfaction ratings down further because I know it can't be controlled. There is no way to regulate how many clients need my services each week. For example, one week I may help two clients who need translation services and 20 people the week after that. When this happens, I have to put in extra hours that I may have planned to spend doing other things. I've learned to limit my commitments outside of work.

I feel happier when I'm able to help people, so this job speaks to my heart more than most jobs I've had in the past. This job gives me the feeling that I'm valued, and having responsibilities makes me feel good about myself. Though I haven't worked here long enough to know if it's my calling, I can definitely say that my calling involves helping people. If I can't help people in some way, I feel like my work is pointless and, thankfully, I haven't felt that way in this job.

I never thought I would be able to get the kind of job I have now. I started in this field by responding to an ad in the newspaper! I didn't take formal language courses. Instead, I learned my second language from my grandmother who immigrated to the United States with my family. Although I was born as an American, I feel comfortable enough with my language skills to help others.

Fortunately, I haven't experienced any hard lessons yet. I was recently assigned to a case, however, that was out of our office's specialty area. The client had a long relationship with the office, so we agreed to handle the case of his father's suspicious sudden death. I was asked to make photo copies of the cough syrup bottle the client's father had left by his bedside. I thought that was the strangest thing I've had to do. I felt like a detective instead of a legal secretary.

I've learned that the most important thing I can do to help the people I serve is to simply listen to them. I have to listen carefully in order to properly translate their words because not all phrases, words, and ideas are exactly similar in two different languages. I take my responsibility of accurate recording very seriously. I go to work each day to make a difference in the lives of others, and I feel proud each time I receive a smile or words of thanks.

When I get overwhelmed, sometimes I feel like storming out. When this happens, I take a short break, count to 10 and calmly return to my work. If there is a specific project that makes me feel this way, I budget the amount of time I spend on it each day. If clients and attorneys are talking to me at the same time in different languages, I have to interrupt and ask each party to take turns. I have to be firm about this sometimes. The job is very stressful, so I exercise daily to help reduce my stress. I also spend one weekend day each week talking to family and friends on the phone. Hearing their voices makes my stress levels drop.

The rough salary range for my job is between $15,000 and $20,000 annually. These figures are accurate for people starting in the field. I feel that I'm paid adequately for the work I do. If I didn't enjoy the work or get intangible rewards from helping others, I probably wouldn't feel that my pay is adequate. I take vacation for one week each year, and I feel that is sufficient for me right now.

I'm sure one of the reasons I got this job was because I had previous office experience. Since the language I was hired to translate isn't a popular one, my employers didn't test my language abilities, which surprised me. I'm sure they would have let me go, however, if the work I produced wasn't producing income. I definitely wouldn't be able to perform in my bilingual job without a lifetime of exposure to my second language.

I would encourage a friend considering this line of work to research it first. Although it's rewarding, it's not a job for anyone. Trying to think in two different languages and constantly making a mental transition between the two is difficult.

If I could write my own ticket, I'd like to become a freelance paralegal offering bilingual services. I know the amount of help I would be allowed to offer as a paralegal is limited. I also know there are several things, however, I could do to help reduce the cost of legal paperwork for honest immigrants who have very little money.

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About the Author

This is a true career story as told to JustJobs.com's Academy.

Should I Take My Car to College?

2012-01-05T21:58:00.007-05:00

One of the biggest dilemmas for college students who drive is whether to keep their car on campus or to leave it at home. Running a car is increasingly expensive these days, but there are many reasons why students have a hard time deciding what to do with their cars. Young drivers car insurance is one of the biggest expenses you will have to contend with and the cost of this will probably sway your decision.

The main conflict here is money versus convenience. There is no doubting that keeping, running and maintaining a car is expensive wherever you have it, but there is also no doubting that it can be an incredibly valuable asset to have wherever you happen to be. If you find yourself needing to make such a decision, ask yourself how much you can afford and how valuable it will actually be to have a car at college.

Assess the journeys you are likely to make during your time on campus and think about whether or not you could make them by foot or bike. You may only need to travel half a mile or less to your seminars and lectures each day, so a bicycle would be an excellent option. After all, a cheap second hand bike will be much cheaper than a semester’s worth of fuel.

The issue of parking also comes into having a car on campus. Campus parking is normally a nightmare at the best of times, so you would probably be better off saving the time you would spend looking for a parking space to actually get to your seminars on time.

The upside to having a car at college is that your journey times will be much shorter, which means that you can stay in bed longer. It would also make your shopping trips much easier, since you won’t have to carry it all back with you or pay for a cab. But with a car, you would obviously have to be paying for fuel every week, depending on how much you use it, so there is expense either way in that scenario.

If you live close enough to everything you need, i.e. college, the supermarket and, say, the bookstore, you won’t need a car. It will be an unnecessary expense and you’ll end up being a cab driver for everybody else you know. Take into account your individual circumstances and ask yourself if you could get by without a car, regardless of money and convenience. If the answer is ‘yes’, you should probably leave it at home.
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About The Author

This post was provided by Moneysupermarket.com – the UK’s leading insurance comparison website. Moneysupermarket helps students across the UK find the best cover for their car, contents and travel needs.

Interview with Helpdesk Manager

2011-12-23T07:11:00.005-05:00

Considered working as a Helpdesk Manager? This interview will take you through the ups and downs you can expect in the position, what it takes to land the job, what you can expect to earn and more.

What is your job title and what industry do you work in? How many years of experience do you have in this field?

I am a helpdesk manager at a law firm. I've been in this field for about eleven years. I transitioned to the IT field from a "catch all" position in administration. I had always been into computers and really became the de-facto IT person for coworkers who didn't have time to bother with helpdesk. Ironic! A part time helpdesk assistant position opened in my company, so I went ahead and did both!

How would you describe what you do? What does your work entail? Are there any common misunderstandings you want to correct about what you do?

I manage the helpdesk here at the firm. We have a smaller staff, 3 technicians for 500 users. My job is to field calls and emails, create work orders, assign them, make sure the work is being completed and make sure my staff has the resources they need.

Since it's a smaller group, I often find myself taking on overflow work, performing helpdesk technician tasks. This includes different desktop support, including troubleshooting hardware and software, equipment rollouts and even telephone system work.

On a scale of 1 to 10 how would you rate your job satisfaction? What might need to change about your job to unleash your full enthusiasm?

I would rate my satisfaction at seven. It's above average, but it can be thankless. It's human nature that people remember failures longer than successes. If your computer is down for some time, you'll blame helpdesk. And you'll remember it longer than the time we gave you a nice new monitor.

To raise that rating, I think I would need a larger staff. Small staffs, regardless of company size, seem to be the norm in our industry. The problem is you're always reactive, not proactive. It's hard to keep users happy when you're running around fighting fires and making them wait. With more staff, we could provide preventative maintenance. That would lead to happier users and less drama.

Does this job move your heart, if so, how? Ever feel like you found your calling or sweet spot in life? If not, what might do it for you?

Even though I am not 100% happy, due to the stress of putting out fires all the time, I admit this job does move me still. It's the little things, really. We're rarely sincerely thanked so it's touching when we are. As far as that "sweet spot" in life, I think I have reached it. I came to IT late in life and don't really have plans on moving further up. I like being a helpdesk manager and I want to stay here.

Is there anything unique about your situation that readers should know when considering your experiences or accomplishments?

I have mentioned it already, but I moved over to the IT field later in life. I am in my late 40s now, which is pretty rare in our industry. I am a woman, which is also uncommon. I think I have done pretty well for myself in a field dominated by younger guys.

How did you get started in this line of work? If you could go back and do it differently, what would you change?

I was working as an administrator and was getting more and more bored with it. I had always liked computers and my husband is an IT director at his company and I unofficially helped the members of my department with lower-level desktop issues like adding printers, restarting services when apps hung, uninstalling Weatherbug, things like that. A part time helpdesk position opened and I applied for it. My manager knew that I liked computers, so she let me work part time for a year until a full time job opened on the helpdesk. That's when I became a full timer in the computer business.

If I could go back and do it differently, I think I would have actually pursued a degree in computers or maybe a certification and gotten started sooner.

What did you learn the hard way in this job and what happened specifically that led up to this hard-learned lesson?

I learned the hard way that you need to separate responsibilities and let engineers do engineering, no matter how much they ask you to help out. We had a server problem about two years ago where our SQL services were running really slowly. I called the engineer, who would be in the office in an hour, and he told me over the phone to go ahead and reboot the server that was the active node in the cluster. I did that and something happened where it didn't hand over all the services to the other node. So SQL went from being slow to completely down. The engineer fixed it later, but we were all in hot water because instead of slower database access, we had absolutely no database services for about an hour and a half. I should have just waited until the engineer got in. That's what I do now.

What is the single most important thing you have learned outside of school about the working world?

Well I didn't go to school for computers, so I would say everything! Seriously, I think I would say that on-the-job training in the real world beats theoretical book learning every time.

Why do you get up and go to work each day? Can you give an example of something that really made you feel good or proud?

At this point, I would say money! Seriously though, I do really enjoy what I do. I am happy where I am, and that's why I keep going.

Last week, I received glowing feedback about my newest tech. She has a lot to learn, but she's picking it up and is so enthusiastic. It was great to hear someone else have something good to say, and I was so proud, especially for another female in IT.

What kind of challenges do you handle and what makes you really want to pull your hair out?

The biggest challenge is unrealistic expectations. YOUR problem is always the most important. Everybody wants something fixed right away, so we have to fight to manage their expectations.

How stressful is your job? Are you able to maintain a comfortable or healthy work-life balance?

It's pretty stressful since we're the first line of defense for computer problems. We have issues and complaints flying at us constantly. It's hard, but the work life balance is great. Unless I am on call we rotate among the four of us and when I leave this place for the day, I really LEAVE this place.

What's a rough salary range for the position you hold? Are you paid enough and/or happy living within your means?

I think the salary range for a helpdesk manager in my area is $70-80,000ish per year. I'll say I make somewhere in there. I am happy with that and I am not hurting for money.

How much vacation do you take? Is it enough?

I have been at the company for over five years, so I get three weeks of vacation and two weeks for personal and sick days. It's great; we just got back from Ireland.

What education and skills do you need to get hired and succeed in this field?

I had no formal IT education so I would say hard work, enthusiasm, an open mind and some computer skills are all you need to get started for helpesk. I would rather hire a hobbyist who is excited to work with computers than an A+ certified computer science grad who is just passing time to get to a higher paid spot in networking.

What would you tell a friend considering your line of work?

I would tell them that it can be a rewarding field, but PLEASE develop a thick skin and don't let the crazy and irate people get to you.

If you could write your own ticket, what would you like to be doing in five years?

I would like to be retired and living in Jamaica in five years! Barring that, I love being a helpdesk manager and would actually like to still be doing this five years down the line.

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About the Author

This is a true career story as told to JustJobs.com's Academy and is one of interviews with IT professionals, which among others include a Software Engineer.

Online Courses

2011-11-27T12:48:00.003-05:00

Choosing a distance learning course can be confusing sometimes. Initially, pondering the idea of readiness or compatibility with this type of course is important. Every aspect of learning the material and speaking with classmates is done remotely sitting comfortably at your desk. Decent experience working with a computer can make it easier to complete an online course but most facebook users can manage. One would have to ask two main questions; which required courses are better in an online format and which courses am I most compatible with learning in this atmosphere. Overall satisfaction can be minimized by not putting these two into perspective. The instructor teaching the course may have an influence on these questions for example, he or she may be a fast paced bullet, non-respondent, or an attention to detail type of professor. It is important to remember there are people on the other side of the computer. Looking at the course description, length and syllabus are also helpful along with good old fashioned peer input. Speaking to the professor a few times may be acceptable to understand more about the course and to ask questions.

Online courses still require you to turn in assignments, keep up with discussions, and interact with one another. For that reason, it is a good idea to manage your time well and keep a calendar of scheduled school work. Reading and writing tasks are still there as well but are more on your time. Keeping a consistent pace of log in time and awareness of what is being covered is also essential to a successful online course experience. Enrolling in a distance course can assist you to fit more classes in your schedule or to help make more room for your life outside of the campus.

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About The Author

Noel A. Magallanez is a 24 year old currently pursuing a major in English Literature and a minor in science. Noel is also in the nuclear technology area working on a two year nuke tech program. Further, Noel enjoys writing and believes in year round schooling.

Onlinedegree.com: Your Stop for Information

2011-11-19T11:41:00.000-05:00

Are you currently looking to take your education to the next level? Do you have a hectic work or personal life schedule that doesn't allow you much time to attend a traditional college? Then you might consider an online degree. If you're interested start by browsing through online degree for information. What I found the most interesting and helpful about this site is the fact that it offers relevant articles to help you in your journey. Further, this site offers plenty of information on each school listed to help you better narrow down your options. One crucial piece of information the site provides on each school is accreditation. When you pursue an online degree you need to look into the accreditation very closely. This was the most difficult information for me to find a few years ago when I was looking at online schools; I had to go to each school's website and search for their accreditation, which was not always readily available. However, this site has done the work for you as everything is convieniently listed.

Graduate Study in Psychology: Review

2011-10-29T11:39:00.003-04:00

Graduate Study in Psychology, by the American Psychological Association is a must for all students considering graduate school in psychology!

When I was a senior in college one of my professors suggested that all her students get the Graduate Study if graduate school in psychology was in mind. Unfortunately most of us were seniors, thus we had very little time to use the book effectively for upcoming admission cycle. However, it worked quite well for the next admission cycle. Also, for those who get this book when they are juniors it will literally answer so many questions about graduate programs in psychology.

Graduate Study is extremely user friendly and very straight forward. It provides information about numerous psychology programs, both at the Master's and Ph.D level. Not only that, but there are programs listed for all 50 states, not just your home state.

Before getting this book I had to tackle different school websites to get information about each program. Keeping track of what information each website had about their program was very difficult. This book however, provides everything in one place! It gives you details about tuition, deadlines for program admissions, scholarships, grants and assistant-ships, as well as what exams are required.

I would suggest Graduate Study to all students considering graduate school in psychology; it will help you better understand what is required to get into a psychology program. This will be one purchase you will never regret making.

WaldenU: Great Degree Options

2011-10-22T12:13:00.001-04:00

I am currently in the process of completing my master's degree. However, because I took last summer off, I am missing one course which would prevent me from graduating. I have been looking all over for an online degree program which offers the course I need to complete.

In my search I was very excited to find WaldenU.edu as this university offered online course and degrees. While looking at Walden University's online degree programs I found the degree that I am currently taking in my campus. Thus, the course I need is available in the degree program course list that corresponds with my degree.

I was very happy to find the course I need, but what made me even more content is the tuition of Walden. The course I need will cost me approximately the same amount at Walden as it would have in my current school.

If you're looking to get a degree online or need a course to graduate and can't find it in your current university be sure to check out Walden and see what they have to offer.

How to Save Money on Household Essentials

2011-08-18T14:28:00.008-04:00

Saving money is important to most people, but if you are a college student or graduate, it may be a necessity. Living on your own can be costly, especially when you are responsible for purchasing the everyday items you use in a house or dorm. If you put some effort into your shopping, it is possible to save money on the most commonly used household items. Your finances can remain intact with a few money-saving steps.

Check out the dollar stores

One of the best ways to save money on household essentials is to shop at dollar stores. You can find anything from food products to cleaning supplies at one of these discount merchants. A dollar store is the ideal place to purchase items that you quickly run out of. Dental health care products, like toothbrushes and dental floss, bath and shower supplies, and cleaning chemicals are sold at a fraction of the retail cost.

Buy only what you need
You can further save money on cleaning supplies by eliminating the ones you do not need. Most cleaning products are geared toward specific jobs such as wiping kitchen counters or disinfecting toilets. You do not need to purchase two separate cleansers for these jobs. A mixture of vinegar and water makes an effective, cost-efficient sanitizer. Additionally, a spray bottle filled with dishwashing liquid and water is ideal for cutting through kitchen counter grease.

Recycle your old clothes
To save money on mops, dusters and paper towels, cut up some old t-shirts or towels. You can clean virtually anything with a used shirt, and when you’re done cleaning, the shirt can go into the laundry. You can avoid continuously replacing mop and duster refill cloths. If you already have a sweeper mop, try using fabric softener sheets instead of the costly refills. You can also use these sheets to dust around your house.

Want your dorm to smell good?
Many people waste hundreds of dollars on air fresheners. You can avoid falling into this money trap by making your own scents. Purchase essential oils in bulk and fill a spray bottle with your favorites. You will only need to spray once a day to maintain the fresh scent. You can also place fabric softener sheets near air vents and in dresser drawers. Oil diffusers work great as air fresheners as well. Instead of replacing the diffusing reeds when the scent becomes weak, simply turn them over.

Go secondhand
To save money on other types of household items, shop at outlet stores and secondhand shops. At a secondhand store, you may find gently used electrical appliances like vacuums, blenders and coffee makers. Kitchen supply outlets also have bargains on most items you will need to complete your list of essentials.

It’s worth the extra effort
If you take the time to search for inexpensive alternatives to some of your household essentials, you can save hundreds of dollars. Avoid buying things impulsively by making a necessities list each time you plan to shop. Don’t buy any items that you do not need. By making a plan and looking for hidden bargains, you can enjoy the excitement of living on your own without destroying your wallet.

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About The Author

Richard is a freelance writer who works for a site about cosmetic dentists. He hopes you will pay him a visit on Twitter at @thefreshhealth.

Study: Turn it Up

2011-08-11T14:16:00.003-04:00

A simple way to get your thoughts flowing about a particular subject before an exam is listening to your notes. Audio-note-taking is a concept that is cool and effective; a great way to warm up your mind. The idea is pretty much going somewhere quiet for half an hour and recording your notes so that you can listen to them at a later time. Now you don’t need fancy recorders or audio equipment to get the job done; many people use their phones recording software. I personally use a digital recorder that is capable of recording high quality audio with a two hour capacity and cost me about forty dollars. The basic mechanics of this method consists of your brain hearing yourself talk in such a way that is comforting. You are also in essence forcing your brain to think what you are saying or at least get your thoughts in motion.

Subjects such Psychology, History, and English tend to be the most effective subjects when using audio notes because of the fact that they are literature based. Subjects like mathematics, physics, and drama I feel do not work as well with this method. Feel as comfortable as you possibly can and RELAX, take deep breaths and yes; it will probably feel weird the first few times you record but you should feel better the more times you study in this manner. When ready to record lay your notes out in front of you and have a game plan. It is a good idea to record difficult concepts multiple times or slowing your speaking down. Remember, no one should hear your personal notes because this audio will help you get that long awaited “A” in that course. Speak to yourself in a way that is slow, clear, and easy to understand. Try not to make your session too boring or slowly put yourself to sleep. I also recommend that you crack random jokes or act as if you were a reporter just to make the experience more alive. Practice these simple, but useful tips on audio-note-taking and you will listen like a champ while producing grades that reflect.

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About The Author

Staying Socially Active in the Hallways

2011-07-29T16:00:00.004-04:00

The classroom is a predominate place that takes up our time as students. It is when we are entering or leaving the classroom that we forget that we are not just students but people in this place for a reason. When at your campus it is important to acknowledge people in a way that is active...socially. A smile or nod can be greatly beneficial to your status on or off campus. Now I do not mean this as a direct way but rather indirect; more specifically, I do not believe a smile or two will up your rank from a “nobody” to “top-dog”. Sporting a warm smile at your students and professors can help you feel part of the campus and for some people more like home. Think about it for a second, we see and interact with everyone at sometime, at some point.

Networking is Priceless

The interaction that we do with one another on campus is crucial. There isn’t a need for leaving all of the talk and “chit-chat” for our immediate friends; because that bubble of interaction will get you so far. I realize that we all have a group of colleagues or classmates that we are compatible with but concern about last night’s homework or beating level 9 on the box can be easily shared with a future friend. We are in a place (literally) that we must start networking together; whether that may be for personal or business intentions we need to get our name in the game. You all know the people; the guy with weird clothes, the girl that’s always alone, or the professor that nobody likes; these are all potential people that can help you and vice versa. Not to mention the fact that you will be thought of as a nice person that anyone at your school can lean upon. There is no way for you to be too busy or too popular to interact with our fellow students. Just some food for thought…now go find somebody to talk about it with.

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About The Author

Top Online Colleges in the USA

2011-07-27T13:15:00.002-04:00

With personal and professional lives being so hectic these days, sometimes it’s necessary to study online. This becomes the only way to further ones education… however, one wonders what is the best online college? With so many options out there and each claiming their school is the best, it can get confusing. Well, Degree Jungle made things easier by publishing a list of the top 64 online colleges in the United States for 2011. I read through the list and believe me, DegreeJungle did its research; these are the best online colleges for 2011. I have friends who are currently enrolled online in some of the schools which made the list and they speak volumes about these schools. Thus, the schools in this ranking are top online schools.

I recall some years back when I was looking for online schools, it was extremely difficult and I never found such an in-depth ranking as the one DegreeJungle has created. The ranking is very detailed with some information about each college as well as its student population and location/s. Further, the only schools that made the list are those that are accredited, thus, this makes your search for an online college much easier! Oh and while you're on DegreeJungle be sure to check out the information about online degrees to see what's out there.

Tips for Transitioning from College to Grad School

2011-05-30T15:49:00.009-04:00

Your four years of undergraduate education are now in your rearview mirror and you’ve chosen to pursue a graduate degree. You might have left your alma mater only a few months ago, or you might have spent several years in the workforce getting to know yourself professionally; but either way, you are now embarking on a new stage of your educational and professional life.

And one thing is for certain: Graduate school is vastly different from college.

The transition from college to graduate school can be a rocky one. You might very well encounter situations that seem familiar but that demand something completely different from you in order to be successful. Depending on the type of graduate degree you have chosen to work towards, you may now be expected to create knowledge, as opposed to consume knowledge. Gone are the days when you can supplement your course load with fun electives like “Intro to Acting” and the “History of Rock and Roll.” Now, you mean business.

Like any time of change, your transition from college education to graduate school education can be a bit of a shock to the system. But it’s nothing a little preparedness and foresight can’t help to alleviate. Here are three tips to help you better ease into the graduate school atmosphere:

Anticipate the Change

The skills you’ve gained during your undergraduate career are invaluable. They will serve you well once you move on to the graduate level, but you must keep your mind open to the idea that you will need to develop new skills and adapt to educational settings in a way that may be foreign to you. You cannot afford to be stubborn, to convince yourself that you already have all the requisite tools to be successful at the graduate level. By anticipating that you will need to change, that you will need to grow, it will turn what for many graduate students is a period of growing pains into expected stages of personal evolution.

Use your Classmates as Support

The nature of undergraduate education and the competitive aspect of the application process put you against your peers. Whether it’s beating the class average on an exam in college or having the best interview, you are hardwired to compete against your peers. In graduate school, it is best to discard this competitive attitude in favor of a more cooperative mindset. You and your peers need not consider one another the opposition; instead, working collaboratively will enhance both the work experience and the product you put out at the end of the day. By jettisoning the distraction of needless competition and supporting one another, you and your classmates will gain deeper mastery of your subject matter.

Set goals

As an undergrad, you probably set goals for yourself that helped you to arrive at this point in your academic career. These goals could have been small (like setting deadlines for yourself) or they could have been big (like graduating with honors), but they were concrete enough for you to look towards and set your mind to achieving. If you are a habitual goal-setter, do not stop! Setting goals in graduate school may be even more helpful, as the curriculum and environment are very different. You are expected to do a lot of learning and researching on your own time, and setting goals will help you have a clear idea of the direction in which you are heading.

All in all, transitioning from college to grad school is a very exciting time. While you are certainly well-equipped with the tools and skills you honed in your undergraduate career, you should embrace the fact that grad school is new and different and demands a new and different attitude to become successful.

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About The Author

This post is written by Jenn Pedde who is the community manager for the Masters in Social Work program at the University of Southern California, which has one of the nation’s leading military social work concentrations. She’s an avid traveler and loves photography.

The Top 7 Laptops for College Students

2011-05-27T15:41:00.004-04:00

It's that time of year again. Millions of high school seniors are graduating. That also means parents will be buying new laptops for their college-bound kids. Colleges and academic departments usually offer basic laptop specifications. Find them at the schools' website, often on the "Welcome" or "Orientation" pages. Once you have found your specific schools' requirements, follow my recommendations for a laptop your grad will truly love. Technology salespeople recommend keeping it simple and buying based on your personal preferences. Here are the basics you need on operating systems, memory and speed, followed by my recommendations for the 7 best laptops for the college student.

Software
You will want to purchase the software package Microsoft Office Home & Student; Word, Excel, Power point, and One Note. Many retailers offer an in-store coupon for dollars off when purchased with a new laptop

Windows
Choosing a Windows machine may be complicated. You'll find a variety of options from many manufacturers. Specifications vary widely, and there are a few different versions of Windows. So shop carefully. Go with Windows 7 Home Premium or Ultimate. I recommend a 64-bit version. You can use more RAM for speedier performance allowing the machine to not lag if you open several programs simultaneously.

Processors
Select an Intel Core i5 or AMD Phenom processor, if possible. A dual-core model is fine for most students. Don't waste your money on a top-of-the-line processor, such as an Intel core i7. In fact, older Core 2 Duo or Turion II processors will satisfy general computing needs.

Ram
At minimum, go with 4GB of RAM for 64-bit Windows. More than 3GB of RAM won't be supported by 32-bit Windows; save your money. Storage space is important; as well. Don't settle for a hard drive smaller than 250GB. Purchase an external hard drive for more storage space, because protecting current information is a must. Currently, many 2.0 version external hard drives are clearance priced, as the faster 3.0 (625MB/sec) is making it way to the retail market place. Current 2.0 devices operate at high speed 60MB/sec.

Convenience
Wi-Fi and Ethernet connections should come standard. You also want plenty of USB ports and a DVD burner. Don't underestimate the importance of a large keyboard and screen. The laptop will be more comfortable to use with those features.. You'll need to balance this with weight. Anything over five pounds may be too heavy to carry.

Pricing and Financing
A machine meeting these specifications starts around $500. Watch for retailer weekly advertisements. Many ads promote laptops at an astonishing price, only to be achieved with online or mail in rebates. That means you will pay more initially. If you decide to finance the purchase on credit, be careful to use only low interest credit cards.

The Top Picks 1. Hewlett-Packard (HP g7-1070 us)

Intel® Core™ i3-380M Processor (2.53GHz)
4GB installed memory
500GB hard drive
LightScribe SuperMulti DVD Burner
17.3" diagonal High Definition+ HP BrightView LED Display

2. Toshiba Satellite L675D - S7107

AMD Phenom™ II Dual-Core Mobile N660 Processor (3.0GHz)
4GB installed memory
500GB hard drive
17.3' diagonal widescreen

3. Acer Aspire AS7741Z - 4839

Intel® Pentium® Dual-Core Processor P6200 (2.13GHz)
4GB installed memory
500GB hard drive
17.3" HD+ Widescreen LED-lacklit Display

4. Toshiba Satellite A665D - S5175

AMD Phenom™ II Quad-Core Mobile P960 Processor (1.8GHz)
4GB installed memory
640GB hard drive
15.6' diagonal widescreen

5. Lenovo G560 0679ALU

Intel® Pentium® P6200 Processor (2.13GHz)
4GB installed memory
320GB hard drive
DVD Single Layer Burner
15.6" LED HD Widescreen display

6. HP Probook 4520s XT991UT

Intel® Core™ i5-480M Processor (2.66 GHz)
4GB installed memory
15.6" diagonal LED-back-lit HD anti-glare

7. The Big Mac

Intel Core 2 Duo processor
2GB Ram
250 gigabyte hard drive
13.3" LED back-lit screen
The entry-level MacBook ($1000.00) should meet schools' requirements. Mac's are best for students who create graphics, art and music.

PC vs. MacBook
For the money, a windows based product will far outsell a MacBook. The perception that Mac is all powerful is just that...a personal opinion. Macs are built strong, aren't as susceptible to viruses, and have undeniably superior graphics for creative work. If you are an art student, the Mac may be best for you. However, keeping personal preference out of it, all PCs out perform the MacBook in RAM, screen size and built-in hard drive storage space.

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About The Author
Charles Tran blogs for CreditDonkey.com, a site that helps consumers compare credit cards, letting them find the best card for their needs.

FRESCHETTA® Simply Inspired Giveaway

2011-05-10T16:01:00.007-04:00

WE HAVE A WINNER

Congratulations To JEN:

Comments Number #18 and #21 ( YOU WILL BE CONTACTED BY EMAIL)

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This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of FRESCHETTA®. All opinions are 100% mine.

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StudyBlue: Virtual Studying

2011-04-29T22:43:00.006-04:00

After carrying my million-pound backpack to the library for the umpteenth time, I knew it was time to get my priorities straight. All the textbooks and class notebooks were giving me a backache and a half (not to mention, my scattered flashcards made me feel unorganized)!

Through friends and social media, I discovered something that would save my back and make my study techniques a lot more efficient: StudyBlue.com.

StudyBlue takes study skills to a whole new level. All class notes are saved online and can be made into online flashcards. StudyBlue also allows users to virtually connect with classmates. Through this, you can share and compare your online class notes with notes and flashcards from people who have taken the class in the past.

But the best part about StudyBlue? It saves my poor back from transporting all those textbooks.

I now ditch the textbooks and carry only my laptop to the library with me. Better yet, StudyBlue has come out with mobile study apps for Android and iPhone that allows users to study online flashcards on a mobile device! Now I review for the test anywhere my phone can go (which I especially make use of while riding the bus to class)!

StudyBlue is driven to help students with online study tools and continues to improve the site on a day to day basis. The most recent additions to the site include a reminders tool (for students who need a reminder to study!) and "Study Stats" where one can track their learning progress!

When I get home from class I open my email account, Facebook and StudyBlue on my web browser... and I don’t see that changing until summer hits. But I know StudyBlue will be there for fall semester, like an old friend welcoming me back with open arms.

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About The Author

Jennifer

StudyBlue.com

Student Relations Intern

Cut Educational Costs by Renting College Textbooks

2011-04-11T23:10:00.006-04:00

As students you all know what it’s like to pursue higher education under a money barrier, especially with the prices of today’s college textbooks. Money is needed for settling family matters, extracurricular activities, school expenses, medical matters and transportation- those are only a few things. Matters get even more complicated if there are many students in the family; especially if a single parent is the monetary hub of the family. This stresses how important it is to manage the family’s spending- they have to be reduced where and whenever possible. So renting college textbooks is a great option for the average college student.

Many ways and means are open for obtaining college textbooks in the graduate and undergraduate levels of education. A few years back, these were more or less limited to buying used and new college textbooks. Advancements in technology and businesses have widened these to the plethora that students have today. Two of these new methods include downloading e-books and renting college textbooks. Although all college textbooks aren’t available in e-book format, it’s a vast opportunity to slash costs in college education. With every good opportunity comes a catch and that in this case is the lack of freedom. For example, when you use a Kindle to view a college textbook you downloaded, you can’t flip through the pages just as easily. Every textbook user has that experience of getting a glimpse of some illustration in some page which one subsequently realizes is linked to some very important textual description and goes back to look for that picture to find the information; this is not possible with e-books. You specifically have to know some unique text that was in a given page to find it by doing search.

Renting

The next money saving option is renting. This is especially useful to students in classes which last only a short period as rental fees are less if you rent for a shorter time. Rental periods can also be extended. If one decides that the book is so useful that it’s worth buying, that option is available too (this is cheaper than buying original college textbooks as rented books are used and therefore sold cheaper).

The number of websites that support college level renting of college textbooks keep growing. Such sites lend new and used books and often allow students to highlight text or write in the books as long as no big damage is done. Some sites also ship for free in both directions. Needless to say, this is even more convenient for students.

Continuing your education isn't expensive at all if you know some tricks to save money. One can use loans, grants and scholarships to cut down on the costs or at least hold them off until you can earn some money. Renting college textbooks and using e-books are smart things to do to further diminish the effects higher education can have on one’s finances.

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About The Author

BookAse.com helps student save money on their College Textbooks.

How to Graduate College Without Student Loans

2011-04-02T21:53:00.004-04:00

Student loans are extremely easy to receive, however, individuals often spend decades paying them off. Many students attend college hoping to get a great education for a bargain price. The rising cost of benefits, increases in wages and a number of other factors have led to large student loan debt after graduation. However, students do not have to graduate from college with a large amount of student loan debt!

Financial Aid

Financial aid is almost always available to college students. Students should fill out a FAFSA each year they are attending school. The Federal Application for Free Student Aid provides students with opportunities for federal grants, federal student loans and other federal financial aid. Many states also use the FAFSA to process their scholarships and grants that they award to students. Students may be able to qualify for the Pell grant. This grant is based upon financial need and does not need to be repaid upon graduation. Some students may qualify for state grants and scholarships that can reduce the cost of their attendance.

Students should also apply for scholarships. While many high school seniors apply for scholarships, students currently enrolled in college should apply as well. There are many scholarships available. Students should apply for scholarships through professional organization their parents belong to, their parents workplace and local businesses.

Attending Community College versus Four Year Colleges

Most states have a community college system where students can take their basic classes. This can be a great experience for students who want to graduate without students loans or do not know what they want to study. Many students can take classes when they are convenient for them. Students also pay a fraction of the price for a class at a community college when compared to a public university. Students can often transfer their credits from a community college to their four year university. Any student considering transferring their credits should consult the college or university they plan to transfer to in order to determine which classes they should take.

Working

Many college students work while they are attending school. Some students find jobs on campus where they are able to work a few hours a week. However, some students find jobs off campus where they can make large amounts of money. Students should consider at least a part time job in college in order to pay for some of their costs.

Conclusion

Students can apply for financial aid, attend community college or work to graduate college without student loans weighing them down! There are even more options for students who become creative with their schooling.

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About The Author
David Spader is a freelance writer who normally provides savings accounts reviews over at SavingsAccount.Org. He recently wrote about the best savings account rates available right now.