Getting prepared for Spring Break

It's now the time in the semester when college students will be venturing to warmer climates. There are many things to consider and take into consideration when planning your Spring Break trip.

1. Be safe - 

When leaving the country, be sure you stay at an all-inclusive resort if you're going somewhere that may potentially be unsafe (i.e. Jamaica, South America)

2. Pack light - 

If you're flying, you want to pack light so as not to be charged for extra bags. Saving every penny helps!

3. Budget -

You may want to bring a little extra money than originally planned for. 

If there are any emergencies during the trip, you want to be prepared.

Another thing on a lot of student's minds is being physically fit for Spring Break. Here's a very easy fitness plan to be prepared to don that little yellow polka dot bikini during your break.

click here!

Use your dollars and cents!

Every college student ends up being short on funds at one point or another during their college career. What can we do about it, you ask? Budget our money! Yes, I realize it's easier said than done. But, there are many Web sites and books that help to teach us what is right and wrong in the world of budgeting money. CNN has a particularly helpful article.

click here 

Basically, don't overspend. Where you are able to save, do it. Buy the grocery store's brand versus the more expensive one. If you're buying clothes, buy a color that can be worn with a lot of the things you already own, instead of buying something that you can wear only once. Textbooks? Rent them or buy used from a Web site such as Amazon.com, not your school's bookstore. Cook meals at home instead of eating out. 

These things may sound really small, but they're easy to do and I guarantee it will save you a lot of money.  Here's another article that has 118 ways to save money in college, including topics such as books, alcohol, food, computers, entertainment, off campus apartment living, shopping, transportation and exercise. It also gives easy ways for the college student to make a few extra dollars.

118 Ways to Save Money

Transitioning Back on Campus

As Winter Break is finally over and students have arrived back at campus, it's like starting a new year all over again. New classes have started. Some students may be living in new housing arrangements. You may have just transferred to a new school.

In any case, a smooth transition into a new semester allows for an even smoother ride throughout the rest of the semester. Here are some tips that you may find helpful.

1. If you've moved, get reacquainted with your surroundings. 

There may be new restaurants, bars, parks and stores that are now in walking distance to your new home 

and weren't before.

2. Start the semester off right, meaning stay on top of your homework and reading from the beginning. 

If you start procrastinating and not attending class now, 

you're bound to continue the trend throughout the rest of the semester.

3. Stay healthy! Get plenty of rest and remember to eat throughout the day. 

Being busy isn't a good justification for pulling all-nighters and skipping meals. 

If you don't take care of yourself, your immune system is sure to go down the tubes and you'll definitely be missing class for sickness.

Try to find a daily routine that you can stick to! Some type of structure will definitely help you be successful!

Good luck with Spring Semester! Check back regularly for tips on wellness, health and college life to help you successfully make it to summertime!

Transferring and Winter Breaks

So, I started my college career at West Virginia University in the fall of 2006. During the middle of my sophomore year (January 2007), I transferred home to the University of Delaware to help save my family some money. Anyway, the NY Times just posted this really informative article on transferring and what students are doing during their Winter Break. I thought you might enjoy it =)

click here

Love Chocolate Milk?

Check this out.

Want a pet in college?

Having a pet in college is a huge commitment. I know. I have a beagle. The biggest surprise for me, after getting him, was the expense. Granted, he had an eye infection when he was a puppy and got a cold, so those were unplanned vet visits, but it's still a huge expense. All of the shots, neutering, and routine puppy visits can get costly. You also have to think about how often you're home, and if your roommate(s) are going to be willing to help you out with (at the very least) watching your pet.

Here's an article and some tips to help you make this big decision.

Pet spay/neuter info & general info

Questions to ask yourself before getting a pet -

1. Can you afford a pet?

2. Do you have the time for a pet?

3. Do you have enough space for a pet?

4. Is your living situation conducive to having a pet?

5. Does your landlord allow pets?

6. Are your roommates as happy about the pet as you are?

7. What's going to happen to the pet after you graduate college?

Check out more detailed information on these topics here.

College Anthems

So, music consumes a big part of my life. I listen while I do homework, while I write papers, while I'm driving, while I walk from one class to another. Every where I turn, there's music. And, I feel like all college students can attest to having listened to some everlasting college anthems. These are the songs everyone knows the words to. At a party. In a bar. Wherever. Here's what I came up with.

1. Pour Some Sugar On Me - Def Leppard

2. Don't Stop Believin' - Journey

3. Livin' On A Prayer - Bon Jovi

4. Baby Got Back - Sir Mix A Lot

5. (I've Got) Friends In Low Places - Garth Brooks

6. More Than A Feeling - Boston

7. Jessie's Girl - Rick Springfield

8. Jack and Diane - John Cougar Mellencamp

9. Blister In The Sun - Violent Femmes

10. Girls Just Want To Have Fun - Cyndi Lauper