eCampusTours: a blog about all things college

a blog about all things college

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Going to college can be exhilarating yet frightening at the same time. You may be nervous about meeting new people or finding your way around campus. How are you going to make new friends? What if you can’t maneuver your way around your college’s library? Don’t worry; you’re not the only entering freshman who has worried about these issues. At some point, every new freshman has wondered how he will adapt to his new life at college. To make the transition from high school to college a little bit easier, most colleges have freshmen orientation. This is when students can meet other classmates, learn about campus life, and ask any questions they may have before the semester starts. Many colleges require entering freshmen to attend orientation, but if you are going to a college where it is not required, you may be wondering if attending orientation will be a waste of time. Before you make the decision not to go, consider the following points on why freshmen orientation will be beneficial to you. You can make friends before the semester starts. By attending orientation, you will have the opportunity to meet other incoming freshmen and hopefully make new friends. This will help you to not feel so alone and scared once you start in the fall. Attending orientation may also provide an opportunity for you to meet someone with whom you would like to room. You will know your way around the campus by fall semester. Orientation leaders will show you around campus while providing history about the college. They will tell you the locations of the favorite hangout spots, where to go when you need medical care, and what the nicknames are for certain buildings or areas. You will know about various campus activities. During orientation, you will attend several meetings/lectures about college life. Have you thought about joining a sorority or fraternity? If you go to orientation, you will be able to acquire the information you need in order to make a decision about whether or not to rush. Want to join a campus club? Some colleges provide meetings at orientation that give information on various campus clubs. You will receive help with class registration. At many college orientations, freshmen will be assigned an advisor to help them figure out what classes to take their first semester. Usually, freshmen are shown how to register for classes because it can be confusing if you have never done it before. Keep in mind that the earlier you attend orientation and register for classes, the better chance you have of getting the courses you want before they fill up. You can sit in on college classes. Usually, students will have a break during the orientation to check out the campus on their own. You can take this opportunity to attend a large lecture class so you will know what to expect in the fall. Most colleges have summer classes, so if your orientation is in July, you can still attend a college lecture. You can experience dorm life. Orientations usually last between two to three days, so you will spend the night(s) in a dorm room while there. If you will be living on campus in the fall, this will give you an idea of how many personal items you should bring with you. If you will not be living on campus, this will give you the experience of what it’s like to live in a dorm. You can take care of any unfinished business. At most orientations, you will have the opportunity to talk to college personnel about financial aid, housing, and meal plans. Ask them questions if you have any concerns regarding your future at that college. In addition to asking questions, you will have the chance to get your student ID card made. This is one less thing you will have to do come fall semester. Freshmen orientation is a process that makes incoming students feel better prepared about going to college. Not only will you have the opportunity to make new friends, but you will also learn about various campus activities before the fall semester even starts. Instead of skipping orientation, use this opportunity to become familiar with the environment you will be living in for the next four or more years of your life.

Going to college can be exhilarating yet frightening at the same time. You may be nervous about meeting new people or finding your way around campus. How are you going to make new friends? What if you can’t maneuver your way around your college’s library? Don’t worry; you’re not the only entering freshman who has worried about these issues. At some point, every new freshman has wondered how he will adapt to his new life at college.

To make the transition from high school to college a little bit easier, most colleges have freshmen orientation. This is when students can meet other classmates, learn about campus life, and ask any questions they may have before the semester starts. Many colleges require entering freshmen to attend orientation, but if you are going to a college where it is not required, you may be wondering if attending orientation will be a waste of time. Before you make the decision not to go, consider the following points on why freshmen orientation will be beneficial to you.

You can make friends before the semester starts. By attending orientation, you will have the opportunity to meet other incoming freshmen and hopefully make new friends. This will help you to not feel so alone and scared once you start in the fall. Attending orientation may also provide an opportunity for you to meet someone with whom you would like to room.

You will know your way around the campus by fall semester. Orientation leaders will show you around campus while providing history about the college. They will tell you the locations of the favorite hangout spots, where to go when you need medical care, and what the nicknames are for certain buildings or areas.

You will know about various campus activities. During orientation, you will attend several meetings/lectures about college life. Have you thought about joining a sorority or fraternity? If you go to orientation, you will be able to acquire the information you need in order to make a decision about whether or not to rush. Want to join a campus club? Some colleges provide meetings at orientation that give information on various campus clubs.

You will receive help with class registration. At many college orientations, freshmen will be assigned an advisor to help them figure out what classes to take their first semester. Usually, freshmen are shown how to register for classes because it can be confusing if you have never done it before. Keep in mind that the earlier you attend orientation and register for classes, the better chance you have of getting the courses you want before they fill up.

You can sit in on college classes. Usually, students will have a break during the orientation to check out the campus on their own. You can take this opportunity to attend a large lecture class so you will know what to expect in the fall. Most colleges have summer classes, so if your orientation is in July, you can still attend a college lecture.

You can experience dorm life. Orientations usually last between two to three days, so you will spend the night(s) in a dorm room while there. If you will be living on campus in the fall, this will give you an idea of how many personal items you should bring with you. If you will not be living on campus, this will give you the experience of what it’s like to live in a dorm.

You can take care of any unfinished business. At most orientations, you will have the opportunity to talk to college personnel about financial aid, housing, and meal plans. Ask them questions if you have any concerns regarding your future at that college. In addition to asking questions, you will have the chance to get your student ID card made. This is one less thing you will have to do come fall semester.

Freshmen orientation is a process that makes incoming students feel better prepared about going to college. Not only will you have the opportunity to make new friends, but you will also learn about various campus activities before the fall semester even starts. Instead of skipping orientation, use this opportunity to become familiar with the environment you will be living in for the next four or more years of your life.

Filed under freshmen orientation college freshman year

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Going home for summer break may be hard to get used to since you have been living without a lot of rules all school-year long. Your parents may want you home at a certain time, but you are used to coming and going whenever you please. Your parents may not want you sleeping until 1pm every day, but you feel that you deserve a break since you worked so hard throughout the school year. These kinds of disagreements can easily escalate into full-blown fights and make summer break disastrous for everyone involved. Here is how to prevent arguments with your parents and have an enjoyable summer break. Initiate discussion. If you go home for summer break and your parents treat you like a child, ask if they have time to sit down and discuss some independence issues you are having. By having an adult conversation with them, they will realize that you aren’t a child anymore and should start treating you like a responsible adult. Compromise. Having an adult relationship with your parents means being able to compromise. If your parents want you home by curfew, try to bargain with them by telling them you will call when you are going to be late. If your parents let you borrow the family car, show that you appreciate their gesture by pitching in on household chores. Show respect. You should treat your parents with the same degree of courtesy as you would anyone else with whom you were living. That means you should pick up after yourself and turn down the volume on your radio or TV while others are sleeping. If you show your parents respect, they will more than likely treat you like an adult and allow you more privileges. Appreciate your parents’ concerns. When your parents treat you like a child and try to enforce rules upon you, they are doing it for your well-being. They want you to be safe. Even though you may not like the fact that they worry so much about you, try to understand from where they are coming. You would be worried about your parents if they weren’t home by 4 in the morning, wouldn’t you? Spend quality time with your parents. When you come home for the summer, your parents want to spend time with you. Try to make time for them and don’t spend your whole summer hanging out with friends. You should be able to adjust your schedule so you can spend time with all the people you care about, including parents, siblings, old friends, and new friends. Spending quality time with your parents is crucial in forming an adult relationship with them. If you are going home for the summer, you may find that you run into a few confrontations with your parents because they want you to follow the same rules of the household as you did before you went away to college. By following the tips listed above, not only will you avoid conflict with your parents, but you will also show them that you should be treated like a responsible adult.

Going home for summer break may be hard to get used to since you have been living without a lot of rules all school-year long. Your parents may want you home at a certain time, but you are used to coming and going whenever you please. Your parents may not want you sleeping until 1pm every day, but you feel that you deserve a break since you worked so hard throughout the school year. These kinds of disagreements can easily escalate into full-blown fights and make summer break disastrous for everyone involved. Here is how to prevent arguments with your parents and have an enjoyable summer break.

Initiate discussion. If you go home for summer break and your parents treat you like a child, ask if they have time to sit down and discuss some independence issues you are having. By having an adult conversation with them, they will realize that you aren’t a child anymore and should start treating you like a responsible adult.

Compromise. Having an adult relationship with your parents means being able to compromise. If your parents want you home by curfew, try to bargain with them by telling them you will call when you are going to be late. If your parents let you borrow the family car, show that you appreciate their gesture by pitching in on household chores.

Show respect. You should treat your parents with the same degree of courtesy as you would anyone else with whom you were living. That means you should pick up after yourself and turn down the volume on your radio or TV while others are sleeping. If you show your parents respect, they will more than likely treat you like an adult and allow you more privileges.

Appreciate your parents’ concerns. When your parents treat you like a child and try to enforce rules upon you, they are doing it for your well-being. They want you to be safe. Even though you may not like the fact that they worry so much about you, try to understand from where they are coming. You would be worried about your parents if they weren’t home by 4 in the morning, wouldn’t you?

Spend quality time with your parents. When you come home for the summer, your parents want to spend time with you. Try to make time for them and don’t spend your whole summer hanging out with friends. You should be able to adjust your schedule so you can spend time with all the people you care about, including parents, siblings, old friends, and new friends. Spending quality time with your parents is crucial in forming an adult relationship with them.

If you are going home for the summer, you may find that you run into a few confrontations with your parents because they want you to follow the same rules of the household as you did before you went away to college. By following the tips listed above, not only will you avoid conflict with your parents, but you will also show them that you should be treated like a responsible adult.

Filed under summer break parents home

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Every year when seniors are about to graduate from college, they begin to get nervous because they are on the brink of entering the real world. That nervousness can escalate if they are about to graduate and do not have a job lined up. If you are a senior who is graduating soon but haven’t found a job yet, you may need to improve upon your process of getting a job. The following will get you on track to land employment in no time. Make sure your resume is top notch. If you have mistakes in your resume, then a hiring manager will automatically trash it. Be sure to double check for errors and have a mentor or friend proofread your resume before you submit it. When referring to experience, use action verbs, such as implemented, created, planned, evaluated, etc. in order to highlight your accomplishments. Be sure to use short, to-the-point phrases instead of complete sentences. Visit your college’s Career Services Center if you need assistance with making your resume superior. Don’t forget a cover letter. If you have been submitting a resume without a cover letter, then it’s no wonder that you haven’t found a job yet. Cover letters are a crucial part of landing a job because they give you the opportunity to highlight your specific strengths for each individual position for which you apply. When writing a cover letter, be sure to accentuate how you can benefit the company. Visit your college’s Career Services Center if you need help with writing a compelling cover letter. Sharpen your interviewing skills. If you have been on several interviews but have received just as many rejection letters, then you may need to improve your interviewing skills. Check out How to Sell Yourself During a Job Interview and Job Interviewing: Dos and Don’ts for tips on how to ace the interview. Attend area job fairs. If you haven’t attended any job fairs, then you need to start. A job fair will allow you to meet different recruiters from various companies. Treat a job fair like a mini interview. Be sure to research each company, dress appropriately, be prepared to answer questions, ask questions, bring copies of your resume, and end each conversation appropriately by asking what the next step is in the interviewing process. Research company websites. If you are interested in a certain company, check out the employment section of their website. They may have employment opportunities for which you may qualify. When hunting for a job, many students forget to go directly to the company website to see what positions are available. Use your network. If you have friends, relatives, professors, former employers, or acquaintances who work or know someone in your field of interest, be sure to talk to that person and let him know that you are interested in obtaining employment. He may be able to help you get an interview. Don’t be afraid to use social networking sites, such as LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook, to help you find a job. Utilize job search engines. Job search engines, such as monster.com and job.com, are very helpful tools for finding employment especially if you want a job that isn’t local. Once you post your resume or submit your info to an employer, most search engines will send you future emails of new positions that you may be interested in pursuing. This will allow you to be aware of certain positions that you may not otherwise have heard about since the positions may not be local. Scan classified ads in your local newspaper. Because some local businesses do not post positions on job search engines, then you need to check out the employment section of your local newspaper often. It is usually filled with a lot of ads for entry-level positions making it a great resource for graduating seniors. Keep in contact with your school’s Career Services Center. The Career Services Center at your school is there to assist you in finding a job. If you haven’t already visited your school’s Career Services Center, do so as soon as possible. Most Career Services Centers provide career fairs, on-campus interviews, online resume referrals, and job listings. Finding a job can be a tough process. It is crucial to use all resources available to you and stay persistent in your search. Improving your resume and cover letters and brushing up on your interviewing skills should help you find employment soon. Happy job hunting!

Every year when seniors are about to graduate from college, they begin to get nervous because they are on the brink of entering the real world. That nervousness can escalate if they are about to graduate and do not have a job lined up. If you are a senior who is graduating soon but haven’t found a job yet, you may need to improve upon your process of getting a job. The following will get you on track to land employment in no time.

Make sure your resume is top notch. If you have mistakes in your resume, then a hiring manager will automatically trash it. Be sure to double check for errors and have a mentor or friend proofread your resume before you submit it. When referring to experience, use action verbs, such as implemented, created, planned, evaluated, etc. in order to highlight your accomplishments. Be sure to use short, to-the-point phrases instead of complete sentences. Visit your college’s Career Services Center if you need assistance with making your resume superior.

Don’t forget a cover letter. If you have been submitting a resume without a cover letter, then it’s no wonder that you haven’t found a job yet. Cover letters are a crucial part of landing a job because they give you the opportunity to highlight your specific strengths for each individual position for which you apply. When writing a cover letter, be sure to accentuate how you can benefit the company. Visit your college’s Career Services Center if you need help with writing a compelling cover letter.

Sharpen your interviewing skills. If you have been on several interviews but have received just as many rejection letters, then you may need to improve your interviewing skills. Check out How to Sell Yourself During a Job Interview and Job Interviewing: Dos and Don’ts for tips on how to ace the interview.

Attend area job fairs. If you haven’t attended any job fairs, then you need to start. A job fair will allow you to meet different recruiters from various companies. Treat a job fair like a mini interview. Be sure to research each company, dress appropriately, be prepared to answer questions, ask questions, bring copies of your resume, and end each conversation appropriately by asking what the next step is in the interviewing process.

Research company websites. If you are interested in a certain company, check out the employment section of their website. They may have employment opportunities for which you may qualify. When hunting for a job, many students forget to go directly to the company website to see what positions are available.

Use your network. If you have friends, relatives, professors, former employers, or acquaintances who work or know someone in your field of interest, be sure to talk to that person and let him know that you are interested in obtaining employment. He may be able to help you get an interview. Don’t be afraid to use social networking sites, such as LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook, to help you find a job.

Utilize job search engines. Job search engines, such as monster.com and job.com, are very helpful tools for finding employment especially if you want a job that isn’t local. Once you post your resume or submit your info to an employer, most search engines will send you future emails of new positions that you may be interested in pursuing. This will allow you to be aware of certain positions that you may not otherwise have heard about since the positions may not be local.

Scan classified ads in your local newspaper. Because some local businesses do not post positions on job search engines, then you need to check out the employment section of your local newspaper often. It is usually filled with a lot of ads for entry-level positions making it a great resource for graduating seniors.

Keep in contact with your school’s Career Services Center. The Career Services Center at your school is there to assist you in finding a job. If you haven’t already visited your school’s Career Services Center, do so as soon as possible. Most Career Services Centers provide career fairs, on-campus interviews, online resume referrals, and job listings.

Finding a job can be a tough process. It is crucial to use all resources available to you and stay persistent in your search. Improving your resume and cover letters and brushing up on your interviewing skills should help you find employment soon. Happy job hunting!

Filed under college graduation job search resume job interview job fairs career services center

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After graduation, be it from high school or college, you begin the next journey in your life. For some, this journey may be a continuation of school; for others, it may mean diving into the workforce, etc. Wherever your journey takes you after graduation, it is very likely that you will lose touch with many of the friends you have made along the way. If you want to keep in touch with those friends, keep the following in mind. Use social networking websites. Social networking sites have made it easier than ever to stay in contact with those you love even when they are thousands of miles away. There are numerous social networking sites from which to choose (such as Twitter, Instagram, Google+, etc.) but if you just want to keep up with one social networking site, stick with Facebook where the majority of your friends probably have accounts. To actually “keep in touch” using these social networking sites, you have to be interactive. Don’t just scroll through your newsfeed to read/view the posts. Like and comment on your friends’ pictures. Like and comment on your friends’ posts. Participate in Facebook chats. Reply to those tweets that your friends post about their dinner. Don’t forget to share what’s going on in your life as well. (Just remember to keep these social networking etiquette and safety tips in mind.) Send e-mails. Try to e-mail your friends at least once a month to let them know what has been going on in your life. If you have a group of friends, you can send an e-mail to all of them at once, but it’s probably better for the friendship if you personalize an e-mail for each friend (you are more likely to get a response if the e-mail is personalized). Attach pictures to give your friends a visual of important events in your life. Pick up the phone. Your friends are only a phone call or a text away. If you see something that reminds you of a certain friend, if you have big news that you want to share, or if you’re just thinking about one of your friends, pick up the phone and call or text him. It’s always nice to hear the voice of a friend on the other end of the line. Don’t forget birthdays. Sending birthday cards to your old friends is a good way to keep in touch, and it lets them know that you are thinking of them. While sending an e-card is sufficient, sending a card through snail mail seems a little more heart-felt. Plan annual reunions. Having annual get-togethers will allow you and your friends to catch up and spend quality time together. If you live relatively close to your old friends, you may be able to have get-togethers more often than just once a year. The little reunions can range from a weekend trip to a casual lunch. If you have a group of friends, rotate who will be in charge of planning the get-together each year, so it’s not left up to just one person. It takes effort to keep friendships strong, especially when you don’t see your friends every day like you did in school. If you have friends that mean a lot to you, make sure you put forth the effort to stay in touch. You’ll probably regret it a few years down the road if you don’t.

After graduation, be it from high school or college, you begin the next journey in your life. For some, this journey may be a continuation of school; for others, it may mean diving into the workforce, etc. Wherever your journey takes you after graduation, it is very likely that you will lose touch with many of the friends you have made along the way. If you want to keep in touch with those friends, keep the following in mind.

Use social networking websites. Social networking sites have made it easier than ever to stay in contact with those you love even when they are thousands of miles away. There are numerous social networking sites from which to choose (such as Twitter, Instagram, Google+, etc.) but if you just want to keep up with one social networking site, stick with Facebook where the majority of your friends probably have accounts. To actually “keep in touch” using these social networking sites, you have to be interactive. Don’t just scroll through your newsfeed to read/view the posts. Like and comment on your friends’ pictures. Like and comment on your friends’ posts. Participate in Facebook chats. Reply to those tweets that your friends post about their dinner. Don’t forget to share what’s going on in your life as well. (Just remember to keep these social networking etiquette and safety tips in mind.)

Send e-mails. Try to e-mail your friends at least once a month to let them know what has been going on in your life. If you have a group of friends, you can send an e-mail to all of them at once, but it’s probably better for the friendship if you personalize an e-mail for each friend (you are more likely to get a response if the e-mail is personalized). Attach pictures to give your friends a visual of important events in your life.

Pick up the phone. Your friends are only a phone call or a text away. If you see something that reminds you of a certain friend, if you have big news that you want to share, or if you’re just thinking about one of your friends, pick up the phone and call or text him. It’s always nice to hear the voice of a friend on the other end of the line.

Don’t forget birthdays. Sending birthday cards to your old friends is a good way to keep in touch, and it lets them know that you are thinking of them. While sending an e-card is sufficient, sending a card through snail mail seems a little more heart-felt.

Plan annual reunions. Having annual get-togethers will allow you and your friends to catch up and spend quality time together. If you live relatively close to your old friends, you may be able to have get-togethers more often than just once a year. The little reunions can range from a weekend trip to a casual lunch. If you have a group of friends, rotate who will be in charge of planning the get-together each year, so it’s not left up to just one person.

It takes effort to keep friendships strong, especially when you don’t see your friends every day like you did in school. If you have friends that mean a lot to you, make sure you put forth the effort to stay in touch. You’ll probably regret it a few years down the road if you don’t.

Filed under graduation friends keep in touch

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Graduation gifts don’t always have to involve high-priced items. It’s the thought that counts, right? If you are on a budget and your child/niece/nephew/friend is graduating from high school or college, use this list to pick the perfect frugal gift. For High School Grads Do you have a high school grad on your gift list who will be attending college in the fall? He may appreciate these needed presents. Bonus: Many of these items can be purchased at a dollar store. Laundry kit. Purchase a laundry bag or basket and fill it with essential laundry items that your graduate will need at college. Include laundry detergent, fabric sheets, stain remover, rolls of quarters, and step-by-step instructions on how to wash laundry. Tie the bag or basket with a ribbon, and you’re done! Bath tote. Most students in dorms have to share bathrooms, so they need totes to carry assorted bath products to and from the showers. Put together a bath tote with all the necessary essentials: toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, mouthwash, deodorant, hairbrush, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, shaving cream, disposable razors, shower shoes, etc. Dorm-food survival kit. It’s hard to make gourmet entrees in a dorm room, but college students still need some dorm room dining basics. Purchase a dish tub and fill it with eating utensils (plastic forks, knives, spoons, bowls, plates, cups), dish soap/sponge, can opener, cans of tuna/soup, packs of ramen noodles, healthy snacks (nuts, dried fruit, granola bars), microwave recipe cookbook, etc. First-aid kit. When packing to go away to college, most students don’t think about a first-aid kit…until they need one. A cheap, plastic box will suffice as a container. Fill it with aspirin, ibuprofen, sinus/allergy medication, upset stomach medication, throat lozenges, band aids, hydrogen peroxide, antibiotic ointment, sun block, aloe vera gel (for sunburns), bug spray, etc. Book about college. Visit a local bookstore or check out amazon or ebay for books about college life. Recent high school grads may experience “fear of the unknown” when it comes to college, so a book about what to expect as a college freshman will help the recent grad prepare for his new adventures. For College Grads Because the college grad on your list will be embarking on new adventures as well (new job, new apartment, etc.), he will enjoy the following frugal gift ideas. Copy card. If the graduate on your list still hasn’t secured a job, he would greatly appreciate a gift card to FedEx Office or any other printing store since the cost of printing resumes in bulk can get expensive. Household toolbox. Unless the recent grad is moving back home with the parents to save money, he will probably want to spruce up his new apartment or house. Make sure he has all the essentials by giving him a household toolbox. Include a hammer, a pack of nails, a couple screwdrivers, an adjustable wrench, a tape measure, a level, pliers, etc. For daughters and nieces, make it a little more girly by putting the tools in a cute, pink container. Book about life after college. High school grads aren’t the only ones who experience “fear of the unknown.” College grads will also experience many life changing events over the next several years (new job, buying first house, marriage, retirement planning, etc.), so help your grad prepare with a book full of advice and tips. For Both There are several frugal gift ideas that will work for both high school and college graduates. Family heirloom. If you’ve been waiting for a special occasion to gift a family heirloom, graduation is the perfect event. Examples may include a piece of jewelry, a tie tack, a pocket watch, a piece of furniture, a recipe book, a quilt, etc. It’s a no-cost gift and would probably be the one that the new grad would most cherish anyway. Scrapbook. If you are the crafty kind and have access to old and recent photos of the grad, create a Life’s Journey scrapbook. Include pictures and stories from special occasions during the grad’s life, such as first day of kindergarten, school performances, birthdays, etc. Make sure to add blank pages so the grad can add to his Life’s Journey scrapbook as he grows older. Book of wisdom. Reach out to older relatives, teachers, older friends of the grad and request tips and advice on growing up/advice they wished they had received when they were younger. Combine all the quotes/stories and create a unique journal of wisdom for the grad. Address book. The recent grad is going to need to know where to send all those thank-you cards for his graduation presents. Purchase an address book and fill it with contact information for relatives and friends. Times are tough but getting a gift for the grad on your list doesn’t have to be. Put a little thought into the gift, and your grad will be sure to appreciate it no matter the cost. If you have room in your budget for a more costly gift, be sure to check out Gift Ideas for the High School Graduate and Gift Ideas for the College Graduate.

Graduation gifts don’t always have to involve high-priced items. It’s the thought that counts, right? If you are on a budget and your child/niece/nephew/friend is graduating from high school or college, use this list to pick the perfect frugal gift.

For High School Grads
Do you have a high school grad on your gift list who will be attending college in the fall? He may appreciate these needed presents. Bonus: Many of these items can be purchased at a dollar store.

  • Laundry kit. Purchase a laundry bag or basket and fill it with essential laundry items that your graduate will need at college. Include laundry detergent, fabric sheets, stain remover, rolls of quarters, and step-by-step instructions on how to wash laundry. Tie the bag or basket with a ribbon, and you’re done!
  • Bath tote. Most students in dorms have to share bathrooms, so they need totes to carry assorted bath products to and from the showers. Put together a bath tote with all the necessary essentials: toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, mouthwash, deodorant, hairbrush, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, shaving cream, disposable razors, shower shoes, etc.
  • Dorm-food survival kit. It’s hard to make gourmet entrees in a dorm room, but college students still need some dorm room dining basics. Purchase a dish tub and fill it with eating utensils (plastic forks, knives, spoons, bowls, plates, cups), dish soap/sponge, can opener, cans of tuna/soup, packs of ramen noodles, healthy snacks (nuts, dried fruit, granola bars), microwave recipe cookbook, etc.
  • First-aid kit. When packing to go away to college, most students don’t think about a first-aid kit…until they need one. A cheap, plastic box will suffice as a container. Fill it with aspirin, ibuprofen, sinus/allergy medication, upset stomach medication, throat lozenges, band aids, hydrogen peroxide, antibiotic ointment, sun block, aloe vera gel (for sunburns), bug spray, etc.
  • Book about college. Visit a local bookstore or check out amazon or ebay for books about college life. Recent high school grads may experience “fear of the unknown” when it comes to college, so a book about what to expect as a college freshman will help the recent grad prepare for his new adventures.

For College Grads
Because the college grad on your list will be embarking on new adventures as well (new job, new apartment, etc.), he will enjoy the following frugal gift ideas.

  • Copy card. If the graduate on your list still hasn’t secured a job, he would greatly appreciate a gift card to FedEx Office or any other printing store since the cost of printing resumes in bulk can get expensive.
  • Household toolbox. Unless the recent grad is moving back home with the parents to save money, he will probably want to spruce up his new apartment or house. Make sure he has all the essentials by giving him a household toolbox. Include a hammer, a pack of nails, a couple screwdrivers, an adjustable wrench, a tape measure, a level, pliers, etc. For daughters and nieces, make it a little more girly by putting the tools in a cute, pink container.
  • Book about life after college. High school grads aren’t the only ones who experience “fear of the unknown.” College grads will also experience many life changing events over the next several years (new job, buying first house, marriage, retirement planning, etc.), so help your grad prepare with a book full of advice and tips.

For Both
There are several frugal gift ideas that will work for both high school and college graduates.

  • Family heirloom. If you’ve been waiting for a special occasion to gift a family heirloom, graduation is the perfect event. Examples may include a piece of jewelry, a tie tack, a pocket watch, a piece of furniture, a recipe book, a quilt, etc. It’s a no-cost gift and would probably be the one that the new grad would most cherish anyway.
  • Scrapbook. If you are the crafty kind and have access to old and recent photos of the grad, create a Life’s Journey scrapbook. Include pictures and stories from special occasions during the grad’s life, such as first day of kindergarten, school performances, birthdays, etc. Make sure to add blank pages so the grad can add to his Life’s Journey scrapbook as he grows older.
  • Book of wisdom. Reach out to older relatives, teachers, older friends of the grad and request tips and advice on growing up/advice they wished they had received when they were younger. Combine all the quotes/stories and create a unique journal of wisdom for the grad.
  • Address book. The recent grad is going to need to know where to send all those thank-you cards for his graduation presents. Purchase an address book and fill it with contact information for relatives and friends.

Times are tough but getting a gift for the grad on your list doesn’t have to be. Put a little thought into the gift, and your grad will be sure to appreciate it no matter the cost. If you have room in your budget for a more costly gift, be sure to check out Gift Ideas for the High School Graduate and Gift Ideas for the College Graduate.

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Want to get college credit for a class without actually taking the course? The College-Level Examination Program (CLEP), offered by the College Board, provides students with the opportunity to gain college credit for certain courses if they perform well on the subject exams. Who Should Take CLEP Tests? Many different types of people benefit from taking CLEP tests, including: Students who want to save time and money Students who want to move right into advanced courses Students who are a few credits shy of graduation Working adult students with busy schedules who want to earn degrees quickly International students who want to avoid repeating course work Students who speak a foreign language fluently and want to earn college credit for that language Returning students who want to change careers Military service members and veterans who want to earn college degrees and take advantage of military education benefits Variations Among Schools Most colleges and universities grant credit for CLEP exams, but some do not. Find out if your school grants credit for CLEP tests. Rules and regulations vary among the schools that do grant credit; each institution gets to set its own CLEP policy. Be sure to check with the school you plan to attend to assess the school’s policy on: Applying for credit How much credit will be granted Minimum qualifying score Taking other tests (i.e. essay, oral) in addition to the CLEP multiple-choice exams Obtaining credit for general requirements (humanities, English, math, etc.) Getting credit if already attempted a college-level course closely aligned with that exam Please note: Students may not repeat a CLEP exam of the same title within six months at any school. If exams are repeated earlier than six months, scores will be canceled and test fees forfeited. Test Description and Scoring With the exception of the College Composition with essay exams, CLEP tests are made up of multiple-choice questions. CLEP tests are scored on a scale from 20 to 80. Most schools grant credit for a score of 50 or higher. Registration CLEP exams are offered at testing centers located on college/university campuses and military bases. Contact the test center directly to find out its registration procedure (fees, test dates, etc.). Some institutions use their own forms or have online registration procedures. Some institutions will accept this registration/admission form (along with payment). Each exam costs $80 and most centers charge an administrative fee per student or per test. CLEP exams and administrative fees are free to eligible military personnel. For more information about CLEP exams, please visit the College Board website or contact your college or university.

Want to get college credit for a class without actually taking the course? The College-Level Examination Program (CLEP), offered by the College Board, provides students with the opportunity to gain college credit for certain courses if they perform well on the subject exams.

Who Should Take CLEP Tests?
Many different types of people benefit from taking CLEP tests, including:

  • Students who want to save time and money
  • Students who want to move right into advanced courses
  • Students who are a few credits shy of graduation
  • Working adult students with busy schedules who want to earn degrees quickly
  • International students who want to avoid repeating course work
  • Students who speak a foreign language fluently and want to earn college credit for that language
  • Returning students who want to change careers
  • Military service members and veterans who want to earn college degrees and take advantage of military education benefits

Variations Among Schools
Most colleges and universities grant credit for CLEP exams, but some do not. Find out if your school grants credit for CLEP tests. Rules and regulations vary among the schools that do grant credit; each institution gets to set its own CLEP policy. Be sure to check with the school you plan to attend to assess the school’s policy on:

  • Applying for credit
  • How much credit will be granted
  • Minimum qualifying score
  • Taking other tests (i.e. essay, oral) in addition to the CLEP multiple-choice exams
  • Obtaining credit for general requirements (humanities, English, math, etc.)
  • Getting credit if already attempted a college-level course closely aligned with that exam

Please note: Students may not repeat a CLEP exam of the same title within six months at any school. If exams are repeated earlier than six months, scores will be canceled and test fees forfeited.

Test Description and Scoring
With the exception of the College Composition with essay exams, CLEP tests are made up of multiple-choice questions. CLEP tests are scored on a scale from 20 to 80. Most schools grant credit for a score of 50 or higher.

Registration
CLEP exams are offered at testing centers located on college/university campuses and military bases. Contact the test center directly to find out its registration procedure (fees, test dates, etc.). Some institutions use their own forms or have online registration procedures. Some institutions will accept this registration/admission form (along with payment). Each exam costs $80 and most centers charge an administrative fee per student or per test. CLEP exams and administrative fees are free to eligible military personnel.

For more information about CLEP exams, please visit the College Board website or contact your college or university.

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College is a time for you to learn money management skills because it is the first time you will be handling money without parental supervision. Whether your parents will be supporting you financially or you opt to get a part time job, it is crucial for you to learn how to budget now so you will have proper money management skills in the future. So before you go off to college, sit down now and use these tips to help you plan out a budget. Determine Fixed and Variable Costs The first step in developing a college budget is knowing what costs you will incur. These costs can be broken down into two categories: fixed and variable. Fixed costs can include tuition, rent/room and board, car payments, car insurance, and parking fees. These costs are set figures. Variable costs can include entertainment, gasoline, food, utilities, hygiene necessities, clothes, car maintenance, books, phone bills, and/or club dues. These costs can vary from month to month. Identify Sources of Income Once you know what your fixed and variable costs are, you will need to determine if your sources of income will cover the costs. Income can include pay from a part time job, allowance from home, grants, scholarships, or loans. If your estimated expenses exceed estimated income, then you will need to identify ways to reduce expenses or increase income. For example, to help reduce expenses, you may be able to carpool with friends or limit entertainment to once a week. To help increase income, you may be able to get a part time job if you don’t already have one. Just remember that your schoolwork comes first. If you decide to take out a student loan or need more student loans, make sure you know the terms and conditions of the loan(s). Decide on Bank Accounts You also need to determine what kind of banking accounts will be appropriate. It is probably best to get a checking account and a savings account so you can save extra money. Look for banks that offer checking accounts with no minimum balances and no monthly fees and a savings account that can be used as overdraft protection for the checking. If you are going to college close to home, you can go ahead and set up these accounts. If you are going to a college that is far away, you can wait until you move there before you set up accounts. Once you get to college and start spending money, you may realize that the original budget needs to be revamped. You may find out that you need more money or that you have way too much money to waste. Either way, you will need to make appropriate adjustments to the budget.

College is a time for you to learn money management skills because it is the first time you will be handling money without parental supervision. Whether your parents will be supporting you financially or you opt to get a part time job, it is crucial for you to learn how to budget now so you will have proper money management skills in the future. So before you go off to college, sit down now and use these tips to help you plan out a budget.

Determine Fixed and Variable Costs
The first step in developing a college budget is knowing what costs you will incur. These costs can be broken down into two categories: fixed and variable. Fixed costs can include tuition, rent/room and board, car payments, car insurance, and parking fees. These costs are set figures. Variable costs can include entertainment, gasoline, food, utilities, hygiene necessities, clothes, car maintenance, books, phone bills, and/or club dues. These costs can vary from month to month.

Identify Sources of Income
Once you know what your fixed and variable costs are, you will need to determine if your sources of income will cover the costs. Income can include pay from a part time job, allowance from home, grants, scholarships, or loans. If your estimated expenses exceed estimated income, then you will need to identify ways to reduce expenses or increase income. For example, to help reduce expenses, you may be able to carpool with friends or limit entertainment to once a week. To help increase income, you may be able to get a part time job if you don’t already have one. Just remember that your schoolwork comes first. If you decide to take out a student loan or need more student loans, make sure you know the terms and conditions of the loan(s).

Decide on Bank Accounts
You also need to determine what kind of banking accounts will be appropriate. It is probably best to get a checking account and a savings account so you can save extra money. Look for banks that offer checking accounts with no minimum balances and no monthly fees and a savings account that can be used as overdraft protection for the checking. If you are going to college close to home, you can go ahead and set up these accounts. If you are going to a college that is far away, you can wait until you move there before you set up accounts.

Once you get to college and start spending money, you may realize that the original budget needs to be revamped. You may find out that you need more money or that you have way too much money to waste. Either way, you will need to make appropriate adjustments to the budget.

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Deciding to transfer is a very important decision to make during your college career. If you are thinking about transferring, here is some information you should know to get started on the process. Why Transfer?Students decide to transfer to different schools for various reasons. If you are thinking about transferring, you need to make sure you would be doing it for the right reasons. Don’t transfer to a different school just because you don’t like your current roommate. You need to have a valid reason for transferring such as: You want to move from a two-year college to a four-year college. You want to switch to a major that your current school doesn’t offer. You need to switch colleges to accommodate changing financial needs. These are just a few legitimate reasons for transferring. If you think you have a justifiable reason for changing schools, discuss it with your parents or advisor to see if they think it’s a valid reason. You don’t want to go through the hassle of transferring if you don’t have to. Choosing a Transfer SchoolIf you decide that transferring is your best option, you need to choose a transfer school. There are thousands of schools from which to choose so this may seem like an overwhelming task. Don’t get discouraged. You have already been through the process of choosing a school once and now you know what you really want from a school. Consider why you are transferring in the first place and that should help you narrow down your choices. For instance, if you want to transfer because your current school doesn’t offer the major you want to study, then check out schools that are highly respected in regards to that particular major. Once you have a list of possible schools, you need to visit the campuses in order to make an educated decision. Be sure to take virtual tours of over 1300 college campuses on this site. Transferring CreditsKeep in mind that some credits may not be transferable. If you are transferring from a two-year school to a four-year school, you may be required to retake courses that you have already completed at the community college. Furthermore, some schools require you to complete a minimum number of credits at your new school before you can graduate. This may delay your graduation date. Because transferring is such an individual process, you should meet with an admissions officer at the school you want to attend so you will know how your credits will transfer to that particular school. When Should You Transfer?Knowing when to start the transfer process is imperative. In general, you should begin the application process at least two semesters before you intend to transfer. Some schools will only take transfers for fall semester, while others will alter their acceptance rates based on fluctuations in enrollment. You should talk to a transfer counselor at the school you are currently attending and make contact with the admissions office of the school you would like to attend so you can research all requirements thoroughly. ApplyingAfter you have weighed the pros and cons of transferring, have picked a transfer school, and know all the requirements involved, you should submit your transfer application. If required, be sure to send transcripts, admissions test scores, letters of recommendation, and the college essay or portfolio. Remember to proofread your entire application carefully to avoid careless errors or mistakes. Because the circumstances for each transfer student are different, it is imperative that you stay involved and remain focused throughout the entire process. For more information about transferring, read Should You Attend a Community College? and Transitioning From a Community College To a Four-Year School

Deciding to transfer is a very important decision to make during your college career. If you are thinking about transferring, here is some information you should know to get started on the process.

Why Transfer?
Students decide to transfer to different schools for various reasons. If you are thinking about transferring, you need to make sure you would be doing it for the right reasons. Don’t transfer to a different school just because you don’t like your current roommate. You need to have a valid reason for transferring such as:

  • You want to move from a two-year college to a four-year college.
  • You want to switch to a major that your current school doesn’t offer.
  • You need to switch colleges to accommodate changing financial needs.

These are just a few legitimate reasons for transferring. If you think you have a justifiable reason for changing schools, discuss it with your parents or advisor to see if they think it’s a valid reason. You don’t want to go through the hassle of transferring if you don’t have to.

Choosing a Transfer School
If you decide that transferring is your best option, you need to choose a transfer school. There are thousands of schools from which to choose so this may seem like an overwhelming task. Don’t get discouraged. You have already been through the process of choosing a school once and now you know what you really want from a school. Consider why you are transferring in the first place and that should help you narrow down your choices. For instance, if you want to transfer because your current school doesn’t offer the major you want to study, then check out schools that are highly respected in regards to that particular major. Once you have a list of possible schools, you need to visit the campuses in order to make an educated decision. Be sure to take virtual tours of over 1300 college campuses on this site.

Transferring Credits
Keep in mind that some credits may not be transferable. If you are transferring from a two-year school to a four-year school, you may be required to retake courses that you have already completed at the community college. Furthermore, some schools require you to complete a minimum number of credits at your new school before you can graduate. This may delay your graduation date. Because transferring is such an individual process, you should meet with an admissions officer at the school you want to attend so you will know how your credits will transfer to that particular school.

When Should You Transfer?
Knowing when to start the transfer process is imperative. In general, you should begin the application process at least two semesters before you intend to transfer. Some schools will only take transfers for fall semester, while others will alter their acceptance rates based on fluctuations in enrollment. You should talk to a transfer counselor at the school you are currently attending and make contact with the admissions office of the school you would like to attend so you can research all requirements thoroughly.

Applying
After you have weighed the pros and cons of transferring, have picked a transfer school, and know all the requirements involved, you should submit your transfer application. If required, be sure to send transcripts, admissions test scores, letters of recommendation, and the college essay or portfolio. Remember to proofread your entire application carefully to avoid careless errors or mistakes.

Because the circumstances for each transfer student are different, it is imperative that you stay involved and remain focused throughout the entire process. For more information about transferring, read Should You Attend a Community College? and Transitioning From a Community College To a Four-Year School

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Are you skipping the counseling office’s career planning programs? Apparently a number of students across the country aren’t taking advantage of all that their high school counseling offices provide. A National Center for Education Statistics survey of public high school counselors found that half or fewer juniors and seniors took part in available career planning opportunities at their schools, depending on the program offered. The largest participation was in career tests with 93 percent of public high schools offering a test but only 56 percent of juniors and seniors participating. Career days and career speakers were the next most popular activities, followed by internships, job site visits and job shadowing. You might think it’s OK to put off career planning until later in your college years, but you’ll benefit from any career exploration you can do in high school. You won’t have as much time later on as you might think, and you can start learning about careers now through classes and experiences. Utilize the Kuder Career Planning System and ACT’s World-of-Work Map to find out which careers will align with your skills and interests.You can also use ACT’s DISCOVER computer program for career suggestions. Your counselor can help you find the programs and show you how to use the results to explore careers.

Are you skipping the counseling office’s career planning programs? Apparently a number of students across the country aren’t taking advantage of all that their high school counseling offices provide.

A National Center for Education Statistics survey of public high school counselors found that half or fewer juniors and seniors took part in available career planning opportunities at their schools, depending on the program offered. The largest participation was in career tests with 93 percent of public high schools offering a test but only 56 percent of juniors and seniors participating. Career days and career speakers were the next most popular activities, followed by internships, job site visits and job shadowing.

You might think it’s OK to put off career planning until later in your college years, but you’ll benefit from any career exploration you can do in high school. You won’t have as much time later on as you might think, and you can start learning about careers now through classes and experiences.

Utilize the Kuder Career Planning System and ACT’s World-of-Work Map to find out which careers will align with your skills and interests.You can also use ACT’s DISCOVER computer program for career suggestions. Your counselor can help you find the programs and show you how to use the results to explore careers.

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Because many colleges expect to receive your final admission decision by May 1st, it is crucial that you submit your acceptance notification (form that accompanies your offer notification) as soon as you have made your choice. However, accepting admission isn’t the only task you have to complete. If you applied to and were accepted at other colleges, then you need to decline admission to those colleges so they can offer your spot to other students on their waiting lists. Many institutions include instructions in their offer package regarding how to inform them of your decision to attend another university. You may be asked to return a response form via postal mail or update your status through an online student information system. However, if no status form is offered, you may send a short letter. The letter should be brief, positive, and to the point. Here is a sample letter for declining college admission: John M. Student 123 Acceptance Lane Anytown, USA 90000 April 20, 20XX Admissions Committee Y University 100 College Street Anytown, USA 70000 Dear Admissions Committee: Thank you for your letter of April 16, 20XX, offering me admission to Y University. While I appreciate the invitation to attend your institution, after careful consideration of my admission offers, I have decided to accept an offer from State University. Once again, thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, (signature) John M. Student

Because many colleges expect to receive your final admission decision by May 1st, it is crucial that you submit your acceptance notification (form that accompanies your offer notification) as soon as you have made your choice. However, accepting admission isn’t the only task you have to complete. If you applied to and were accepted at other colleges, then you need to decline admission to those colleges so they can offer your spot to other students on their waiting lists.

Many institutions include instructions in their offer package regarding how to inform them of your decision to attend another university. You may be asked to return a response form via postal mail or update your status through an online student information system. However, if no status form is offered, you may send a short letter. The letter should be brief, positive, and to the point. Here is a sample letter for declining college admission:

John M. Student
123 Acceptance Lane
Anytown, USA 90000

April 20, 20XX

Admissions Committee
Y University
100 College Street
Anytown, USA 70000

Dear Admissions Committee:

Thank you for your letter of April 16, 20XX, offering me admission to Y University.

While I appreciate the invitation to attend your institution, after careful consideration of my admission offers, I have decided to accept an offer from State University.

Once again, thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

(signature)

John M. Student

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