That disconnect is worth examining honestly.

The Problem Is Structural, Not Personal

A report published by the National Survey of Student Engagement found that more than 60% of incoming first year college students felt underprepared for the level of academic writing expected at university. That is not a fringe group. That is the majority. And it suggests that whatever writing instruction happens in high school is leaving a serious gap.

Students searching for guidance on how to improve essay writing skills often assume the answer involves reading more, writing more, or simply trying harder. Those things matter, but they do not address the root issue. The root issue is usually structural. Students do not know how to build an argument from a claim down through evidence to a conclusion, and then repeat that architecture, paragraph after paragraph, without losing the thread.

WriteAnyPapers.com offers professional academic writing assistance, and students who use such platforms to study finished examples often discover something useful: strong essays follow a logic that feels almost invisible until someone starts looking for it.

The habit of reading finished academic work critically is underrated. Most students consume essays passively, looking for information rather than studying how the argument moves. Slowing down to ask why a paragraph ends where it does, or why a writer introduces a counterargument at a particular moment, builds the kind of structural intuition that no grammar checker can provide.

One practical approach is to print a well written essay and annotate every paragraph with a single sentence describing its function in the argument. Not its content. Its function. That exercise alone tends to reveal more about essay structure than a semester of generic writing advice.

Getting essay help online is not just about submitting work. Students who approach it as a learning resource, reading model essays carefully and reverse engineering the structure, come away with a clearer picture of what their own drafts are missing.

What Distinguishes Strong Writers

The honest answer is not raw ability. Strong writers have a system. They know what a thesis actually does. They understand that a paragraph is not a container for random related thoughts but a unit of argument with a specific job to perform. They revise. Not lightly, not just fixing typos, but genuinely reconsidering sentences and sometimes scrapping whole sections because those sections do not earn their place.

George Orwell, one of the most readable prose writers in the English language, kept a short set of writing rules he returned to constantly. His sixth rule: break any of these rules sooner than say anything outright barbarous. That is actually useful advice for academic writers too. Rules are scaffolding, not a cage.

A survey conducted by Grammarly across 500 college students found that students who actively revised their drafts at least twice scored an average of one full letter grade higher than those who submitted first drafts. That result is not surprising to anyone who has taught writing. It is just rarely communicated clearly to students.

Essay Structure for Beginners: The Mechanics That Actually Matter

Most students are taught the five paragraph essay format in middle school and then told, implicitly or directly, to abandon it in college. But nobody replaces it with something concrete. Here is a more useful frame.

Every strong essay carries three structural responsibilities:

The claim. This is the thesis, and it needs to do more than announce a topic. It needs to take a position. “Social media affects teenagers” is not a thesis. “Excessive social media use among teenagers correlates with measurable declines in sustained reading comprehension” is a thesis. It can be argued against, which means it can also be defended.

The support. Each body paragraph should advance the central argument. Not merely relate to it. Advance it. That means every paragraph earns its place by adding something the previous one did not establish.

The resolution. The conclusion is not a summary. It is the place where the argument lands. What does the reader now understand that they did not before? What follows from the argument? That is the question a good conclusion answers.

Essay Writing Tips for Students Who Want Tangible Results

Here is what actually moves the needle, drawn from patterns observed across hundreds of student drafts:

That last one sounds extreme. It is not. Most writers warm up into their paragraph and say what they actually mean on the second or third sentence. The first sentence is often just noise.

Revision also means reconsidering the argument itself, not just the wording. A draft that is technically clean but structurally weak still earns a weak grade. Students who internalize this distinction tend to make more meaningful progress than those who equate editing with proofreading.

Those two things are not the same activity, and conflating them is one of the most common reasons students stop improving after a certain point.

Students who want to write essays for money online at KingEssays are working with a platform that connects them with experienced academic writers, making it a practical resource for understanding how professional writing handles complex topics and tight word limits.

Academic Writing Improvement Happens in Layers

Students looking for how to write a good essay sometimes want a formula. A formula can help at the start. But the deeper improvement comes from understanding that writing is thinking made visible. A poorly argued essay is usually a sign of poorly examined ideas, not poor grammar.

At institutions such as Harvard, Yale, and the University of Oxford, writing programs focus heavily on argumentation rather than style. The reason is straightforward: style can be taught quickly, but the ability to build and sustain a coherent argument takes real practice across many drafts and many topics.

One exercise that writing coaches return to repeatedly is this: take any paragraph from a finished draft and ask, what would someone who disagrees with this say? If there is no good answer, the paragraph is not arguing anything. It is just presenting information. That is a useful distinction for any student trying to move from descriptive writing to analytical writing.

Academic writing improvement is not a one semester project. It is closer to developing a physical skill. The students who improve the most are not necessarily the ones with the highest starting point. They are the ones who treat each draft as a problem to solve rather than a task to complete.

Writing Is Still Thinking

There is a version of essay writing that is purely transactional. Write the required words, hit the deadline, move on. That approach produces a certain kind of result. There is also a version where the writer genuinely tries to figure something out through the act of writing itself. That version is harder, takes longer, and produces noticeably better work.

Most students who want to know how to improve essay writing skills are asking exactly the right question. They just need someone to give them a real answer instead of a list of obvious tips they have already heard.

The real answer is this: write more drafts, argue more precisely, and treat every paragraph as a commitment to the reader that must be kept.

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Image – Pixabay CC0 License

Heading off to college is a major moment in any young woman’s life. While it is a time filled with excitement and opportunity, it’s also one in which you need to show responsibility. Not least when it comes to your health.

With independence comes accountability. Consequently, then, you must pay great attention to both your physical and mental wellness. Here’s how to do it in style.

Choose the right accommodation

Selecting the right student accommodation isn’t just a matter of comfort, it’s essential for your safety. Staying in a safe neighborhood in close proximity to academic buildings is advised. Being around friends and other students can be helpful too, whether that’s as house mates or neighbors. Lehigh off campus housing, for example, is an ideal choice. When shared with others, there is safety and numbers. And, of course, those people will enrich the experience.

Adopt (some) healthy living routines

Enjoying the student life is a rite of passage. However, it’s important to maintain some balance. The importance of healthy eating could not be greater. Besides, shared mealtimes can be a great way to save money and inject added enjoyment to daily life. Other healthy habits include regular exercise, which could focus on gym sessions or a sporting hobby. Meanwhile, you should at least try to establish a little routine regarding your sleep patterns.

Take care online

Our lives are increasingly lived in the digital space, and it can enrich your life by staying in touch with loved ones or making plans with friends. However, there are plenty of dangers to consider. Keeping your data and maintaining your privacy through a VPN is highly advised. When it comes to sharing information on social media, it may be best to wait until after the event. Similarly, you’ll want to keep your Strava profile private to prevent potential stalking.

Manage your mental health

Moving away without the comfort of your family is testing, albeit exciting. There will be times when you feel homesick or maybe anxious about unfamiliar settings. Yoga and mediation can be great additions to your daily routines. But it’s also important to talk. If you aren’t confident enough to speak to a local expert, Talkspace mental health services are a great alternative. Money is a major source of stress too. So, you must try to stay financially organized.

Prepare for attacks

Nobody wants to think about the possibility of an attack, but the threat is very real. Not least for a young woman. Taking self-defense classes in Northampton County, for example, is a great option if studying at Lehigh. If heading out for a night, or staying on campus until the evening, it’s worth carrying alarms or sprays for your defense. Learning the city ASAP to understand the quickest, safest, and best lit routes home adds another layer of protection.

Know your limits

Finally, health and safety risks are often self-inflicted by students. It’s vital to have fun during your college years, but you also need to respect your body. Do not give into peer pressure and drink beyond your limit. As well as physical risks, it can cause you to make regrettable decisions. On a similar note, you want to avoid getting in cars with reckless drivers or trying anything where you could get seriously hurt. If your gut instinct says ‘danger’, listen to it.

The post Student Safety: Six Simple Steps To Protect Your Wellness At College appeared first on GirlSpring.

Setting Up and Organizing

First is your setup. Most dorm rooms will have a bed, a desk, and a dresser. The goal is to make it your own, homey, and comfortable, while not taking up too much space. An easy place to start is with bins. Most dorm beds will be raised and provide room underneath for storage. There, you can place some bins to store extra items. Keeping these bins organized is also key to making the most of your space. Some options are to get bins with preexisting sections, getting smaller organizers to place in the bins, or getting smaller bins all with different purposes. You can also decorate the bins or get cute bins to make them more personal.

Posters and pictures are a great way to make your dorm feel more of your own. While most dorms don’t allow thumbtacks and duct tape, there are other ways to hang things up. Posters can be held up with painter’s tape or specialized poster backers. These are both available at any standard store. A creative way to hang up photos is to hang fairy lights and attach the photos to the wire. It’s easy and aesthetic while providing another source of light in the room. The overhead light of the dorm is often harsh and fluorescent, so getting a lamp or string light in yellow will be better on your eyes. String lights also aren’t as bright as other lights, so it’ll allow you to still have light while your roommate sleeps.

Roommates

Roommates are tricky to get the hang of at first, but as long as you stay communicative, that is the key to a good year. When you first meet your roommate, it’ll probably be over the phone or text. Get to know each other a little bit before going into the logistics of rooming together. Important things to ask when you talk to them about rooming are: are you a morning person or a night owl? When do you usually take a shower? Thoughts on alarms? Are you busy, or will you be more likely to stay in? Will friends be coming over? Do you want to share food or have your own sections in the cabinet? These questions will provide a baseline of understanding between the two of you while also giving you a glimpse of what living with your new roommate will be like.

The showers in the dorm will be communal, and there’s very little room for privacy, but that doesn’t mean that you don’t deserve privacy. If you feel uncomfortable or need more privacy, communicate that with your roommate, and if they don’t respect that, go to the dorm’s RA for help. This also applies the other way around; if your roommate places a boundary, try your best to respect it. It’s fun to have a night in with your friends or partner, but you need to tell your roommate first. This allows them time to make other plans or not be surprised by a stranger in their space. This should be done a few hours before at the very least.

Dorm rules

There will be hall and dorm meetings, and those are important to attend. Like stated before, communication is key, so make sure to keep in mind all of the rules of the dorm building. Something that will be said in these meetings is that candles are not allowed, and while they do smell nice and are very calming, they are a fire hazard, and that rule is meant to keep everyone safe. Be mindful of quiet hours; some people have 8am classes. Some dorms also have rules about guests, and as annoying as it may be, it is for safety. Each dorm rule has a reason, and that’s why they’re so important. The RA(s) of the dorm are a great resource; if you have any questions, go to them.

Going to college is a grand new adventure, and even though it might be out of your comfort zone, it doesn’t have to be uncomfortable. Having nerves and being homesick at first is completely normal, but you will find a rhythm with the person you will be living with. Dorm life can be very freeing as long as you communicate, understand building rules, and make your space your own. If you keep those things in mind and put them into your life, then that first year of college is yours.

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When Everyone’s a Life Coach

Here’s what happens: the bigger the decision, the more people come out of the woodwork with advice. That neighbor who barely gets a wave suddenly has strong opinions about career changes. The high school acquaintance who likes every social media post starts sliding into DMs with “amazing opportunities.” Everyone becomes an expert on someone else’s life.

The weird part? Most of these people mean well. They’re not trying to mess with anyone’s head on purpose. But their advice usually says more about them than it does about what’s actually right for the person asking. Parents might push for the safe option because they went through some rough financial times. Friends might discourage risk-taking because change scares them, too.

Getting Some Peace and Quiet

Sometimes you just need everyone to stop talking so you can hear yourself think. This doesn’t mean being rude or cutting people off completely. It just means permitting yourself to hit pause on all the input for a while.

So, stop asking people for their opinions for a couple of weeks. Whenever there’s an urge to text someone for their thoughts, write in a journal instead. It’s surprising what comes up when someone’s not busy collecting everyone else’s thoughts about their situation.

Going Back to School for Clarity

Sometimes the answer isn’t choosing between the options everyone’s throwing at you. Sometimes it’s creating new options by learning something different. For people who want to figure things out through education and personal growth, places like Touro University Worldwide offer online programs that fit into real life while giving you solid skills for whatever comes next.

The cool thing about going back to school isn’t just what you learn in class. You meet people who get what you’re going through, and you work with professors who know their stuff instead of just having opinions about it. Plus, it gives you something concrete to point to when people ask what your “plan” is.

Keeping the Peace While Protecting Your Sanity

People can still love their family and friends without taking all their advice. It’s possible to get pretty good at saying things like “That’s interesting, I hadn’t thought of it that way” and then just… not thinking about it that way. Sometimes getting creative with subject changes becomes necessary.

Some people won’t give up easily. They’ll keep bringing it up at every family dinner or coffee date. Staying nice but staying firm works best. No one’s being mean by making their own choices.

Learning to Trust Yourself

Building confidence in your own judgment is like building a muscle – it takes practice. Start small. Pick what to have for lunch based on what sounds good to you, not what seems healthy or practical. Notice how that feels. Then work your way up to bigger stuff.

Your life doesn’t need to make perfect sense to everyone else. It just needs to work for you. The people who really care about you will support your decisions even when they don’t totally get them. And the ones who don’t? Well, that tells you something important, too.

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Female students unpacking things in dorm room on moving day

Starting college is exciting, but moving away from home for the first time can feel overwhelming. Finding the right student housing and learning how to make it work for your lifestyle plays a big part in how smooth the transition will be.

As a first-year college girl, you’ll be balancing academics, independence, and social life while creating a comfortable living environment. The right housing setup will not only give you a place to rest but also provide the support, community, and resources you’ll need to thrive.

Below are 10 practical housing tips to help first-year students settle in, feel at home, and succeed during their first year.

1. Choose Housing That Fits Your Lifestyle

Every student has different needs, so start by looking at housing options that match your lifestyle. Some first year students prefer on-campus residence halls for easy access to dining halls, study rooms, and campus events. Others choose apartment-style living for more independence, shared kitchens, and flexible floor plans.

If you’re someone who values privacy but still wants community, townhouses like Hillcrest Townhouses can be a great choice. They offer private rooms in a friendly, student-focused atmosphere with amenities like wireless internet, free laundry facilities, and inviting living spaces. Whether you live on campus or just steps away, consider how each option affects your daily routine, budget, and personal comfort.

2. Understand Costs Beyond Rent

Rent is just the starting point. Many housing options come with additional costs such as an application fee, security deposit, and, in some cases, a membership fee. You may also need to factor in meal plans if you choose on-campus residence halls, or grocery expenses if you’re cooking in shared kitchens.

Don’t forget utilities, parking fees, or optional services like enhanced internet speeds. Knowing the total costs upfront will prevent surprises later. If financial aid applies to your housing, confirm with student housing operations or your housing advisor so you know exactly what’s covered.

3. Make Use of Housing Services

Most student housing offers resources and services that go beyond just a place to sleep. Residence Life teams often organize campus activities, study groups, and even Fresh Check Day events to help with mental health awareness. These are designed to encourage community involvement and provide academic support.

Front desk staff, 24-hour welcome desks, or housing advisors can also answer questions, explain guest policies, and assist with maintenance requests. These services may seem small, but they help make the transition easier for first-year students adjusting to college living.

4. Stay Organized With Room Essentials

Moving to college is easier when you know what to bring. Many schools provide a room and furniture sizing guide so you can plan your layout in advance. Essentials often include bedding, storage bins, a lamp for study sessions, and items for shared living spaces like kitchenware or cleaning supplies.

Don’t overpack. Start with the basics, then add personal touches that make the space feel like home. Too many decorations or large furniture pieces can clutter small rooms, especially in two-bedroom apartments or traditional living setups.

5. Prioritize Security and Safety

Safety should always come first. Many on-campus residence halls now use electronic key access for both the building and individual rooms. Off-campus housing communities also focus on security, with well-lit pathways, parking areas, and staff available for assistance.

Familiarize yourself with the guest policy, fire exits, and emergency procedures. Keep your student ID number handy for access to certain student services or to quickly verify your identity at the front desk. Prioritizing safety from the start will give you peace of mind and let you focus on your academics and social life.

6. Build Connections With Roommates and Neighbors

Your living environment isn’t just about the physical space. It’s also about the people you share it with. Whether you’re in traditional living halls, deluxe suites, or contemporary living setups, strong roommate and neighbor relationships make a big difference.

Participate in Residence Life programs or community involvement opportunities. Join study groups, attend campus events, or simply share a meal together in dining halls or at nearby dining locations. These interactions create friendships that can support you both academically and personally throughout your first year.

7. Balance Independence With Support

Living away from home gives you independence, but it also means you need to manage responsibilities. Things like submitting a maintenance request, following cancellation deadlines, or arranging a room change, if necessary, all fall under your responsibility.

At the same time, support is available. Student housing advisors and Residence Life staff are there to guide you. Use student services like academic support centers or community-building activities to strike the right balance between independence and guidance.

8. Create a Comfortable Study Environment

College life comes with late-night study sessions and group projects. Thus, ensure you have a quiet, organized study space within your housing. Many on-campus housing options provide study rooms and resources and services to support learning.

If you’re in apartment living or townhouses, designate a spot in your room for focused work. Good lighting, minimal distractions, and wireless internet access are essentials. Taking advantage of study groups or campus libraries nearby can also enhance your productivity. A comfortable living environment that supports both rest and academics sets you up for success.

9. Learn To Manage Laundry and Cleaning

Living on your own means handling chores you may not have worried about before. Take time to get familiar with laundry facilities or shared cleaning schedules if you’re in student housing with roommates. Stock up on basic cleaning supplies and create a weekly routine to avoid clutter building up.

Clean living spaces reduce stress and make it easier to focus on academics. Sharing responsibilities fairly also prevents conflict, which is especially important in shared kitchens and bathrooms.

10. Take Advantage of Campus Life

Your housing is a gateway to your college experience. Living on-campus or near campus gives you easy access to campus events, student services, and extracurricular opportunities. Whether it’s joining a club, attending community involvement programs, or signing up for academic support sessions, your housing location makes participation more convenient.

Engaging in these opportunities helps you build connections, explore new interests, and make the most of your first-year experience. It also strengthens your sense of belonging and makes college life more fulfilling.

Key Takeaway

Choosing the right student housing shapes your first-year experience in more ways than one. From budgeting and safety to building community and finding a study routine, your living arrangement becomes the foundation of your college life. By making thoughtful decisions and taking advantage of the support systems available, you’ll create a balance between independence and community that helps you thrive in every area of your college journey.

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To SAT, or Not To SAT

Deciding whether to take the test or not may seem like a complicated decision, but it doesn’t have to be. In general, private universities are more likely than public universities to require standardized test scores, and highly ranked or international universities almost always need the test. These are general guidelines, and ultimately, your choice should be based on individual circumstances and your college plans. It is best to check the universities you are considering on a case-by-case basis, as they can differ greatly in terms of policies and acceptance rates. Remember, if a school is test-optional, only submit your highest scores, as lower scores will weaken your overall application. 

Since preparing for the SAT requires months of studying and can stress even the most veteran scholars, you should only take the exam if it is necessary or if it could fill any gaps you may have in your application to get into one of your dream schools. 

It is important to note that the SAT costs $68 each time. The College Board makes it easy to apply for a fee waiver to cover the cost of two tests.

Study Recommendations

You should begin preparing two to three months before your exam date. Before anything else, you must create a College Board account, download the Bluebook app, and take a full-length practice test. This test will be scored like the official SAT and is a great way to pinpoint which areas need improvement. Do not stress over your practice test results; this is just a base for your studies.

Review all incorrect answers and identify areas of strength and weakness, whether it is reading and writing, math, or pacing the test. After that, log on to Khan Academy, which partners with the SAT, and go to the SAT section and practice according to your weak spots. Additional resources, like YouTube, can also be very beneficial, as there are a plethora of videos addressing every type of question the SAT poses. Remember: there are only six official practice tests on Bluebook. To avoid wasting these tests, only take them after seriously studying.

Although everyone’s study path is unique, I have linked a few videos below that give excellent foundational advice:

All of SAT Math Explained in 26 Minutes

The only SAT Math DESMOS Guide you’ll ever need

All of SAT Reading Explained in 21 Minutes  

How to Score a 750+ on the SAT Reading without Reading the Whole Passage! 

The SAT season runs from August to June and is offered seven times each year. This means there are plenty of times to try again if your first score is not what you wanted. Colleges typically consider only the highest score submitted and understand that it is completely normal to take the SAT more than once. 

Test Day Expectations

The SAT registration is offered on the College Board website, and you must register at least a month in advance, as testing spots often fill up quickly. Testing centers typically open at 7:45 a.m., and the exam begins around  8:00 a.m. The SAT lasts two hours and forty-one minutes and is divided into a reading and writing section, a math section, and a ten-minute break in between. The reading and writing portion allows seventy-one seconds per question, while the math portion allows ninety-five seconds per question. 

On test day, I recommend arriving a few minutes early with a valid ID, admissions ticket, pencil, and a water bottle. Additionally, during the ten-minute break, bring a light snack and keep your body moving to keep yourself energized for the math section, as the reading may cause fatigue. If the timing of the test does not work for you, it is worth noting that the SAT does offer accommodations that are easy to request.

While the SAT may appear intimidating, the most important piece of advice for the test is to understand what the question is truly asking. Remember: if you understand the question, you already know half of the answer.

All things considered, the SAT does not have to be a scary test that will determine your future. If the SAT is not something that is for you that is fine. If the SAT is something that will get you to where you need to be, that is also fine. Remember to study smarter, not harder, keep your head in the game, and take a few deep breaths. This test is only one piece of the bigger picture that is your future.

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“A child without education is like a bird without wings.” – Tibetan Proverb

A successful future depends on strong education. Without knowledge, people limit themselves and cannot take advantage of opportunities. For example, careers in health, finance, and services all require study and training. As a result, learning provides a foundation that improves employment opportunities and living conditions for both individuals and their communities.

Education as Empowerment

Learning is also a source of empowerment. It fosters critical thinking, creativity, communication, and collaboration—skills needed for both personal and professional growth. Moreover, the Right to Education organization emphasizes that education develops human potential, ensures dignity, and promotes well-being. In addition, educated individuals gain awareness of their rights and civic responsibilities, helping them protect themselves and contribute to society.

Building Skills and Confidence

Education further strengthens confidence and self-determination. Knowledge of science, math, history, and literature equips people to direct their own lives. In the same way, financial literacy enables them to manage money wisely, while health and nutrition knowledge helps families make better lifestyle choices. For instance, the World Bank (2018) found that each additional year of education increases personal earnings by about 10 percent.

Education as a Social Equalizer

Beyond personal growth, education acts as a powerful social equalizer. It allows individuals to rise above the limits of birth and background. In disadvantaged areas, access to learning can break the cycle of poverty by opening paths to employment and community involvement. Furthermore, educated citizens are better equipped to make political decisions that benefit society as a whole.

Fostering Empathy and Global Awareness

Education also builds empathy and global awareness. Through exposure to diverse perspectives in literature, social sciences, and cultural studies, people gain tolerance and understanding. These qualities are crucial today, since global challenges require collaboration across borders and cultures. Therefore, education not only helps individuals survive but also enables humanity to advance.

The Path to a Better Future

Ultimately, education is the cornerstone of progress. It provides knowledge, develops essential life skills, and empowers people to create lasting change. As Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Investing in education benefits not only individuals but also entire societies, paving the way for equality, peace, and prosperity.

Resources

https://www.unesco.org/en/education

https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/education/overview

https://www.right-to-education.org/page/understanding-education-right

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1. Start shopping for your dorm early.

Since there are hundreds of thousands of people going to college each fall, things are bound to be out of stock. I started my dorm shopping by making a list of everything that I needed to buy. I was constantly adding on items that I had forgotten about. Next, I bought things that were the most essential first, such as the bed spread, mattress topper (very important for a comfortable bed!), and a lamp. By starting my shopping early, I was able to avoid most of the shopping rush in late July when a lot of students were trying to finish off their dorm shopping. Also, by starting to shop early, I was able to spread out my shopping which made it much less stressful.

2. Get involved in an organization or club.

One of the best ways to make friends your freshman year is to join an organization or a club. Whether it is a church organization, a service club, or an ultimate frisbee club, it is always a great way to meet people with similar interests as you. I joined a church organization my freshman year and have found many of my closest friends there. It was definitely out of my comfort zone to go join an organization where I knew nobody but it was worth it in the end to put myself out there.

3. Try to avoid 8 A.M. class times.

If you’re anything like me, you hate getting up early. I had two classes at 8 A.M. my freshman year. I thought that since I woke up early for all of high school, then waking up for an 8 A.M. class every Tuesday and Thursday would be a breeze. However, I quickly found out that it was a lot different than high school. The workload was heavier than ever before, which meant later nights studying. Also, one of the hardest things for me was getting the motivation to go to the class when I knew it was just going to be going over notes. At college, your parents aren’t there to make you go to class, so it’s harder to make yourself go to an 8 A.M. class.

4. Be open-minded about changing majors.

Since 9th grade, I had been set on majoring in Pre-Vet and going to Vet school at Auburn. I never would have thought that I would change my major. However, as I was sitting in a Pre-Vet class only 3 weeks into my freshman year, I realized that I did not want to become a veterinarian. Even though it was a sudden realization, I was completely certain of it. I ended up changing my major to Pre-Nursing, which I have loved so far. I know people who have changed their major more than 3 times, so know that you don’t have to stick to one major. Do what you love and don’t be afraid to change your mind.

5. Give yourself grace during your first year. 

Your first year is a time of growth and learning. One thing that I had to remind myself was that it is okay to not be okay. For most of us, freshman year is the first time we are living away from home and have to be responsible for ourselves. You will learn and grow more than you would think during your freshman year. There were definitely highs and lows throughout the year, but you only learn from your lows. It is okay to not be put together all the time because it is a new experience that will make you stronger in the future.

The post Things No One Tells You Before College appeared first on GirlSpring.

Unsplash – CC0 License

1. Plan a Road Trip with Friends

There’s something undeniably thrilling about hitting the open road with your best friends. A road trip isn’t just about the destination—it’s about the journey and all the unexpected adventures that come along the way. Spend time together planning your route, picking out quirky roadside attractions, and creating the perfect playlist to sing along to. Whether you’re driving through scenic countryside or bustling cities, the road trip experience will strengthen your bond and provide countless stories to reminisce about.

2. A Weekend by the Lake or Sea

Few things are as refreshing and revitalizing as a weekend by the water. Whether you prefer the serene beauty of a lake or the endless horizon of the sea, spending a weekend at the shore offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. 

If your family owns a lake cabin, pack your bags and head there with your friends. Spend your days fishing and swimming. Bonus points for vacation cabins that come with a boat—and if there’s no boat yet, it’s still time to convince your parents to discover Premier Boating excellence for their next purchase; after all, what’s a weekend by the shore without a boat? 

3. A Grown-Up Weekend in a Big City

For a taste of independence and a glimpse into your future adult life, spend a grown-up weekend in a big city. Plan a trip to a nearby metropolis with your friends and immerse yourselves in the vibrant urban culture. Spend your days exploring museums, shopping at trendy boutiques, and sipping coffee at chic cafes. There’s a unique thrill in navigating public transportation, making reservations at fancy restaurants, and dressing up for a night out on the town.

4. Have a Fling by the Sea

Summer is synonymous with romance, and there’s nothing quite like a summer fling to make your heart race. Whether it’s a fleeting crush or a whirlwind romance, a summer fling by the sea is a classic experience. Spend your days on the beach, laughing and talking as you soak up the sun. Share ice cream cones, walk hand-in-hand along the shore, and watch fireworks light up the night sky.

5. Earn and Learn: Take a Summer Job

Why not combine making memories with earning a bit of cash? Taking a summer job, even if it’s just for a few days a week, can be a rewarding experience. Whether you’re working at a local cafe, restaurant, or retail store, you’ll gain valuable work experience, meet new people, and make some extra money to fund your summer adventures.

As you prepare for the exciting journey of college, make the most of your last summer with your high school friends. These five adventures will help you create unforgettable memories and experiences. Embrace every moment, cherish your friendships, and get ready to embark on the next chapter of your life with a heart full of wonderful summer memories.

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Managing that debt effectively is critical to achieving financial stability in life and achieving your long term goals. And there are strategies that can help. In fact, we’ve got 7 practical ways to manage student debt more efficiently so that you can continue to balance your books.

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• Understand your loans from top to bottom. The first step to being able to manage your student debt is understanding exactly what you owe. Many borrowers have multiple loans, and they sign for these when they are only 18 years old. Sometimes these loans are from different services or with varying interest rates, so make a list of each loan, including the total amount, interest rate and monthly payment. Federal loans and private loans operate differently, so it’s important to understand the rules and the repayment options that are associated with each of them. Keeping track of the loans can help you to make informed decisions about repayment strategies and potential refinancing options in the future.
• Stay informed and advocate for some change. Student loan policies are frequently the subject of political debate for a good reason. Staying informed about changes to repayment rules and interest rates will help you to stay on top of your student debt. Financial expert Alex Kleyner, who has spoken publicly about the burden of student debt, emphasises the importance of both individual responsibility and systemic change. Following trusted voices and staying updated on policy development can position you to take advantage of new programs or relief opportunities as they present themselves.
• Choose the right repayment plan. Federal student loans offer a variety of repayment options that are designed to accommodate different income levels and financial situations. These include the standard repayment plan, graduated repayment plan, and several income driven repayment options. Income driven repayment options adjust your monthly payments based on your income and family size and may forgive the remaining balance after a few years, and as you evaluate your repayment strategy more broadly, considering debt consolidation options may help simplify other outstanding balances alongside your student loans.
• When possible, make extra payments. If you have a budget that allows for it. Making extra payments towards your student loans can reduce the overall interest that you pay. This not only shortens the loan term, but reduces the burden on your monthly outgoings. Even a small additional payment here and there, when made consistently, can add up overtime. When you do make that extra payment, be sure to specify that the additional amount should be applied to the principal balance and not the interest.
• Consider loan forgiveness. There are certain professions and public service roles that qualify for student loan forgiveness programs. One of the well known ones is Public Service Loan Forgiveness, which forgives certain professions the remaining balance on their federal loans after 120 qualifying payments for individuals working in eligible public service jobs. Teachers, nurses and non profit employees may also qualify for specialized forgiveness programmes. Always research your options because yes, you took out the loans, but that doesn’t mean that you have to pay them off for the rest of your life.
• Be careful with refinancing. Refinancing student loans can potentially lower your interest rate and your monthly payment, but it’s important to approach it carefully. When you do refinance, a private lender pays off your existing loans and issues you a new one. This saves money over the life of the loan, but it also means forfeiting federal benefits such as income driven repayment plans and loan forgiveness options. Refinancing is always best suited for borrowers with strong credit, stable income and no need for federal loan protections.
• Create a budget, but stick to it. The key to managing any kind of debt is a solid budget. Student loans are no exception here. Track your income and your expenses to identify the areas where you can cut back and allocate more toward loan repayments. There are many tools and apps available that can help to automate and simplify this process.

Your student debt can be overwhelming, but with a proactive approach, it’s possible to take control of your financial future when you understand your loans. Choosing the right repayment strategy and making financial decisions that are smarter can help you to stay informed and improve your financial outlook.

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