How to Ace Online College Classes

Online classes are a blessing and a curse for the busy student.

It took me a while to get the hang of taking online classes. At first I thought it was going to be super easy because I could log in whenever I had free time, but I think we can all agree it isn’t that easy. Being able to work at my own pace was super beneficial for me but then I started procrastinating like no other.

1. Manage your time well.

This goes without saying but I’m saying it anyway. It’s pretty much a golden rule for college. Online classes require a lot of dedication because unlike in-person classes, you don’t have a specific time to take the class. You have to make the time for it yourself and stay disciplined.

2. Take notes.

A lot of students like to breeze through the lessons and not pay attention because, well, who needs to when you can use the book for everything?! Taking notes helps you make sense of what you’re learning, and it’s saved my butt quite a bit with my online classes.

3. Spread out your lessons.

I’m guilty of having the mindset that if I cram a bunch of weeks worth of lessons into the couple hours of free time I have, I can finish the class sooner and have one less thing to worry about. What I don’t take into account is the fact that I’m paying good money for these classes and need to actually retain the information. So take this tip from someone who makes this mistake always. As long as you’re meeting deadlines, take your time to learn the material!

4. E-mail your professor

This one might seem a little odd, but hear me out. In in-person classes, you may not realize it but just by being there, you’re already building some sort of relationship with your instructor. They’re seeing the effort you’re putting in (or not putting in) and associate that to your capabilities in a work setting. Use emails as a way to introduce yourself to your online professors so they, too, know who you are and what you’re like as a student. I mean, recommendation letters don’t write themselves!

Those are my tips on how to ace your online classes! I know there’s so many other ways you can achieve that A, but this is what works for me. If you have other tips, let me know!

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February 24, 2020August 3, 2020

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First Week of Spring Semester: CHECK

Spring semester is here and I’m thriving! So far, I love all of my classes and my instructors seem so nice and knowledgable. I’m super excited to put my all into this semester. Typically, I have a not-so-great first semester where I’m getting back into the swing of things after summer break, and then a really good spring semester. I hope that’s the case this year too.

Along with classes, I’ll be applying myself a lot more with content creating! I recently got this rush of motivation and I think it’s going to really help me kick my butt into high gear. I’ve been planning like crazy so I hope you guys enjoy everything I share!

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January 20, 2020August 3, 2020

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Apps That Make College Life Easier

I’ll be the first to admit that my eyes are glued to my phone. But I look at my phone as a tool. I have ways to stay in touch with family, ways to keep my day-to-day life organized, ways to give and receive important information, etc.

I’m only sharing apps that I personally use and enjoy. There are all apps I use regularly or feel that other students might.

Quizlet

I’m a big fan of flashcards. But when I don’t think my handwriting is good enough, I can end up rewriting the same thing a million times. It ends up being a waste of time. That’s why I use Quizlet now. I can get all of my notes transferred very easily into neatly printed flashcards that I can print OR access through my phone moments before my exam!

Venmo

Going out with friends is a constant game of, “I forgot my wallet. Can you spot me?” Venmo is a huge lifesaver in those moments. I’m almost always using Venmo.

Spotify

Walking to and from classes is so painfully boring without something to listen to. For college students, Spotify premium is half the price and includes Hulu and Showtime!

Calendar

I prefer to use Google Calendar for my planning and scheduling. It’s super easy to use and I can use it to schedule so many different aspects of my life by color coding. For example- blog related events are purple. I can scroll quickly through my calendar and the bright purple labels help me see right away when something needs to be done.

Postmates

When I’m rushing to get assignments done, I can never find the time to make myself something to eat. That’s why I worship at the feet of Postmates. Postmates makes it so east to get food from nearby restaurants delivered to your door. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve used Postmates since I’ve been in college. It’s almost routine!

Blackboard

My university uses Blackboard as the platform for classroom communication and access to materials. I use the blackboard app to see what’s on my syllabus when I am not around the printed copy. I can also use it to communicate with professors and classmates, check due dates, and submit projects I complete on my phone.

January 13, 2020August 3, 2020

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How to Ace Finals Week!

Dreaded finals week is coming up. Are you ready for a ton of index cards, stress, and Starbucks?

1. Go over old tests/quizes/homework assignments.

This applies if the exam is cumulative, meaning it’s over all the material previously covered in class. Professors love taking questions and topics off previous exams! Now, it may not always be word-for-word, so try to actually understand the material you’ve been tested on previously.

2. Find your place.

Library? Bed? Coffee shop? Find where you feel more comfortable and buckle down! For me, I love going to the library or sitting in my living room. The environment is always so comforting and it helps me hone in on my studies.

3. Plan out your study schedule.

This always helps alleviate the stress of fitting in all of my studying. I try scheduling my week in 30-45 minute studying blocks with 15-20 minute breaks in between. That way I feel like I’m staying on top of things and it gives me an extra boost of energy whenever I can check something off my to-do list!

4. Share Quizlets with friends/classmates.

Quizlet is a lifesaver! If you have friends or classmates that you trust enough to work with, create and share a quizlet where you can study and help each other. It’s like sharing notes with friends but so much more convenient.

5. Rewrite notes.

I can’t even begin to explain how much this helps me! I like to go through my notes, highlight whatever I don’t feel comfortable with yet, and rewrite it on a new sheet of paper. It’s a weird way of remembering things, but it works!

6. Be mindful of your mental health.

Never let your grades be prioritized over your sanity! If you feel exhausted or overworked, take a break! It’s ok! Don’t beat yourself up because that only makes things worse. Take care of yourself and listen to the warning signs.

These are just a few of my many studying tips. As I gain more experience with finals, I learn more and more tips and tricks to acing exams. Feel out what’s best for you and implement it into your routine! Good luck on your finals!

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November 30, 2019August 3, 2020

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Fall Essentials Every College Girl Needs

Disclaimer: Some of the links provided are affiliate links, meaning I will make a small commission at no additional cost to you when you make a purchase. Thank you for your support!

GUYS IT’S FALL!

I love everything about fall- sweaters, falling leaves, chilly football games! I swear, it’s like I wait 75% of the year for fall! To me, there’s only two seasons- fall and not fall. I guess if you haven’t gotten the idea yet… I THRIVE IN THE FALL. And to help you guys thrive too, I’ve come up with some of the greatest fall-time goodies I’ve ever come across!

1. BLANKET SCARVES

Don’t you EVER tell me that blanket scarves are one of the greatest things ever. They’re so comfy and adorable. I sound like such a basic bitch… I’m sorry. One thing I love about blanket scarves is that they make last minute outfits work! I mean, you can throw on a white t-shirt and a pair of jeans, grab a blanket scarf, and look like you put so much more effort into your outfit!

2. CREWNECK SWEATSHIRTS

The holiest of sweatshirts. I’m in love with crewnecks year round, but the fall really brings it out! I swear I could live in these things every day. Sometimes I like to pair them with a scarf, denim jacket, and hoop earrings for a messy but presentable look- if that makes sense.

3. THERMOSES

I think this one is pretty self explanatory. How else would you keep your hot chocolate warm when you’re walking to and from classes? I collect cups with plastic straws like it’s my job, so to me thermoses are the fall equivalent. Target and Amazon have so many cute options!

4. CABIN SOCKS

I’m ashamed to say that it took me a little longer to hop onto the trend of cabin socks. But I’ve fallen in love with them. They’re so comfy and warm, PLUS they come in so many cute patterns! I love matching them with my outfits so when I take my shoes off they work as a cute accessory. Am I crazy? Most likely.

5. SHERPA PULLOVER

Anything sherpa is a 10/10 in my book. It’s so soft and warm and perfect for fall! I have so many sherpa blankets and pullovers. Everyone I talk to thinks that the good sherpa pullovers are really expensive, but I got my favorite one for only $10 at Walmart!

6. PURA VIDA BRACELETS

These are a necessity year around, but I especially love stacking their jewelry during the fall months! I’m actually a Pura Vida representative, so I have a discount code! If you’re looking to buy ANYTHING from Pura Vida, click here to save 20%!

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October 21, 2019August 3, 2020

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I Got Accepted into the Disney College Program! | How I Got Accepted

If you follow me on Twitter, you might have seen that I got into the Disney College Program! I was offered a position at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida through the Disney College Program! Unfortunately, I won’t be able to take the internship as it creates more complications for me back at home, but I still want to help others score this opportunity of a lifetime!

Let me quickly explain the program for anybody who is unfamiliar.

“As a Disney College Program participant, you’ll become part of the magic that is known worldwide. Gain valuable, on-the-job experience working in our parks and resorts, participate in college coursework, and have the opportunity to meet and live with people from all over the country and potentially the world in company-sponsored housing. This truly unique five- to seven-month program allows participants to network with leaders, take part in personal and career development classes, and build transferable skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, guest service and effective communication.” – jobs.disneycareers.com

What was the application process like?

The process only took around a month. I submitted my online application August 31. It took about 20 minutes to fill out all the information necessary. I got an email a couple weeks later informing me that recruiters would be looking over my application to determine if I was qualified to complete the web-based interview.

That same day, I got an email telling me I could take the web-based interview within three days of receiving the email. Being the eager beaver I was, I immediately took the interview. This took roughly 30 minutes, but I was rushing. It asked a lot about my preferences and how strongly I agreed/disagreed with things. After completing the interview, I got another email saying that I could schedule my phone interview. Again, there was a time limit of three days to schedule my interview.

Within a week, I had completed my phone interview (I’ll go more into depth about the phone interview in a minute). It took around 25 minutes and let me just say- that man was a trooper for putting up with my stuttering nervousness.

Two weeks after my telephone interview, on September 24, I got an email saying I was accepted into the program as a PhotoPass Photographer! I was given seven days to accept my offer or they would cancel my offer and give it to someone else. When I got my email, I was sitting in class trying to focus on our review for an upcoming exam. I immediately ran out of the room crying happy tears to call my family and tell them. It added to the great day I was already having. Maybe even the best day of my life thus far.

So… that phone interview?

Ok. I did a lot of research before I went into my phone interview so if you’re here to get answers before your interview, trust me I’ll give you everything you need to know!

FAQs

How do I prepare for my interview?

I can’t tell you the best way to prepare, as I’m not too sure what that is. However, I did the following:

Google questions the interview might ask.
Write down how you wanted to answer certain questions.
Hold mock interviews with friends.
Watch interviews on Youtube.

What are some of the questions my interviewer might ask me?

I can only tell you questions I was asked, but there’s so many possibilities. The interview is semi-structured so they’ll ask you scripted questions and then base other questions off of your previous answers. The questions I remember being asked were:

Why Disney? / Why this program?
What made you interested in your top roles?
Name a time where you have been treated poorly by a server and what you wish they would have done differently.
What are you looking forward to most?
What would you look for in a program applicant?
How would you handle a coworker not doing their work?
Are you willing to maintain the Disney Look?
Are you willing to live with roommates? / Have you ever lived with roommates? / How do you resolve conflicts with roommates?
How would you tell a visitor he or she is not tall enough to ride a particular ride?
If a frequent visiting family stays in the same room every visit but the room is unavailable, how would you handle that situation?

How do I show the best version of myself when the interview is not in person?

SMILE! I know they can’t see you, but they can hear when you’re happy! I smiled throughout the entire interview regardless of how self conscious and nervous I was feeling inside. Adding a few cheery laughs here and there definitely didn’t hurt either!

Other Tips

Don’t lie!
Get lots of sleep the night before your interview so you’re energetic on the phone!
Answer the phone professionally!
- “Hello! This is ____!”
Ask questions! Show interest!
- Ask about their journey with Disney or what they look for in an applicant!
Refer to your interviewer by name!
- Write it down! They introduce themselves at the beginning of the interview!
Don’t talk negatively about anything you or anyone else have done!

If you’re looking to apply for your chance to work at a Disney Resort, I wish you the best of luck! If you have any other questions, I’m willing to help out however I can!

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September 28, 2019August 3, 2020

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How to Avoid Being Broke in College

Everybody knows the stereotype about college students living off of ramen noodles because they’re cheap, right? Well I always thought that was a joke until I got to college and couldn’t budget my money properly. That’s real shit guys.

Get a Job

Ok, I know this one is pretty obvious, but a lot of students don’t think they have the time for a job with their busy schedules so they’re quick to rule it out. Pretty much every college has opportunities for students to work on campus and they’re more likely than not willing to work around your schedule regardless of how scattered it may be. You can also get a job on the weekends whether that be Saturday and Sunday or just one of the two. Even if you worked all day one day a week, that’s still bringing in more money than you had before.

Take Advantage of Student Discounts

Sure, you don’t always save a lot with student discounts, but sometimes it’s worth it to get a few bucks back. Most student discounts are 10-15%, but some discounts vary place-toplace to be sure to ask whenever you’re at the register to see what they offer! Some discounts are also available online so keep an eye out for that too!

Buy in Bulk

Nobody really thinks about this when they’re trying to save money because it involves spending money. But when you buy in bulk, you’re getting more for less. It’s especially helpful in college because while you’re saving money, you’re also getting enough to last you longer and ensure that you won’t have to go to the store again soon.

Sell Your Old Things

If you aren’t using something, why not give it to someone who could? I love selling my old things because I can declutter and make some money to re-clutter with new things! That counts as growth, right?

I have so much clothes that I just don’t wear anymore that have nothing wrong with them. I change up my style all the time so it’s easy for me to be tired of perfectly fine clothes if they aren’t what I’m into. Since I’m not made of money, I always end up trying to sell my old clothes in order to restock my closet with new clothes that I’d actually wear. Makes sense to me.

You could also sell your textbooks at the end of the semester to other students if you don’t expect yourself to need them again. Most colleges have Facebook pages for different studies and interests so you could easily advertise books and supplies on there that you don’t need anymore.

Set Limits

One of the most effective things you can do to keep some money in your pocket is to set yourself limits and stick to them. If you’re typically a spender, this could be a little challenging, but you have to remember the end goal. You could start small, like not buying coffee on campus everyday or canceling monthly subscriptions that you could live without. That way you aren’t constantly feeling the pressure of saving up.

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August 5, 2019August 3, 2020

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Big Things Worth Your Money in College

I know college is not cheap. Trust me, I’ve tried cutting corners as much as possible. I’ve avoided buying textbooks and used supplies down to the nub to avoid having to spend even a dollar more on things I didn’t think I needed for school. In some cases it was a great decision, but in other cases I was struggling without particular things. I know you’ve been there or maybe you’re even going through it now. It’s hard to decide whether or not to spend the big bucks on items while you’re in the store or shopping online, so I’ve compiled some of the items I knew I wasn’t sure about buying so you’ve got someone to help you make these decisions.

👍 A Laptop

I don’t know who needs to hear this, but just in case… BUY A LAPTOP TO COLLEGE! You need a laptop for almost everything in this day and age, and college is no exception. You can write papers, take notes, study, and do extra research with your laptop. Wait… why am I even trying to justify buying a laptop? Just do it.

👍 A Printer

Maybe this depends on the person, but I really liked having my own printer last year. I’m the type that likes to have printed copies of my work to proof read and take extra notes. I even took a class where material was covered really quickly to fit it into the time slot we had, so it was easiest for me to print out the powerpoints before class and take extra notes during class (I learn better when I write instead of type, don’t come for me). If you can’t get to campus provided printers regularly, they I definitely suggest investing in a printer. Mine also scanned, copied, and faxed, which is something I think is important to look for in a printer. It ups the price a bit, but it’s so much more helpful in the longrun.

👍 A Coffee Maker

If you’re even considering tackling college without a coffee maker, you’re insane. I needed a cup just to get out of bed and another to sit in lecture. Don’t waste money on coffee from campus shops when you can get your own coffee maker and make things exactly the way you want it to be! If you’re feeling like going all in, you can even opt for the pricier frappuccino maker.

👍 Comfy Shoes

It may not seem like a huge purchase to some people, but getting a nice, comfortable pair of shoes that can be worn for different occasions is one of the unspoken keys to success. I loooooove my Nike Rosche Ones. They’re great for walking around campus, going to the gym, or just running errands. I’m obsessed. I have the standard black and white pair so they match all my outfits, but the teal ones are calling my name so they might be next on my list.

👍 A Nice Backpack

People sometimes glaze over the importance of a good quality backpack. I actually invested in a couple nice backpacks (Jansport Big Student, Matein) to serve me for the next four years. I would’ve only gotten one, but I love to switch out my backpack from time to time to spice things up. I saw a lot of students on campus with the same Matein backpack as me so I guess a lot of us had the same last minute thought to buy a backpack from amazon! But anyway, do yourself a favor and get a nice new backpack for college. Look for something that’s a good size and has comfortable straps. I’ve had a few backpacks in the past that have literally ripped the skin off of my shoulders (ouch).

Those are a few of the more expensive things worth purchasing for college. I always recommend looking into big items before taking the plunge. Look up reviews, other advice blogs, and your school’s facebook pages to determine whether or not it’s a good idea for you.

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July 29, 2019August 3, 2020

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How I Saved Money on Textbooks in College

Welcome back to my back-to-college series! Today’s lesson is on saving money on textbooks.

Any college student can tell you how expensive textbooks are. They can also tell you how much they regret spending so much money on books they never even used. It’s not fun. I didn’t have a lot of money to spend on textbooks with everything else I was breaking the bank for, so I was on the look out for cheap textbooks.

My number one tip is to wait until you know for sure that you will use the textbook. I’ve spent hundreds of dollars of books that I never even opened. It’s painful. If you absolutely feel the need to get the books before classes start, check RateMyProfessor and see if anyone who has recently taken your class with that professor has said anything about not needing the textbook. Students will be quick to call a professor out and save their peers some money.

Don’t Settle For High Prices

When it’s finally time for you to buy/rent your books, don’t settle for prices that seem a little unfair. Never settle after only looking in one location either. I like to look at my campus bookstore first because I automattically assume that books will be more expensive there. But I want to have a number to start off with. So I’ll take pictures and notes of prices. Used books are often cheaper, so I always head straight for them.

After seeing the books in person, I like to look online at different sites to compare prices and find the best deal. If I’ve already started classes and need my books ASAP, I compare shipping prices and times along with the prices of the books.

Some great websites to check for your books are:

amazon.com

chegg.com

ebay.com

campusbooks.com

slugbooks.com

In most instances, looking online for textbooks can help you find books that are cheaper to buy than rent in your campus bookstore! I always suggest buying textbooks, unlike most students. It’s super helpful to be able to highlight and take notes in the book for me, and that’s not something you can do with rental books (even though I’ve done it a few times, oops).

Go Digital

If you’re one who can stand looking at a computer or tablet screen for longer periods of time, maybe try renting/buying the digital versions of your books! I had a lot of friends do that last year and they showed me all the cool features they had on their tablets that made digital textbooks super managable. The only difference that I found was that you have to stare at a screen. If you decide to give digital textbooks a try, be sure to invest in some good blue light glasses to protect your eyes while you’re studying!

Old Editions

Some textbooks come out with new editions every year and barely change anything. So if you’ve found earlier editions of the textbook you need for cheaper, don’t be afraid to reach out to your professor to see if that book would work instead. Professors understand that college is expensive and often times they will understand when your each out if you keep it professional.

Check Facebook

Some schools have community Facebook pages where students come together for different reasons throughout the year. If you check these pages before the semester starts, students could be selling their textbooks for cheap in order to get rid of them!

Share with Friends/Classmates

If you’re in class(es) with a friend or a group of friends, look into splitting the cost and sharing the book if possible. Make sure your friends are reliable and wouldn’t ghost you if you ever need the book.

Those are my tips for saving money on textbooks! If you have any more, let me know in the comments! Let’s swap!

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July 22, 2019August 3, 2020

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The Ultimate College Moving Checklist

Hellooooo everyone and welcome to the first post of my back-to-college series! Of course I’ll be posting a lot of college-related content all year round, but with school starting up in just a couple months, it seems like a good time to start a series!

When I was planning out what to take to my first year of college, I went to pinterest and started pinning tons of checklists and photos for inspiration. I felt prepared for the move, but it turned out that I forgot a few important things. Not only that, but I also brought tons of things I didn’t need or even use once. Now I’m here to make sure someone else benefits from my mistakes. This list can also double as a shopping list so I decided to post it first in our series so you guys can use it to make sure you’ve bought everything!

The Ultimate College Moving Checklist

Bedroom

comforter/quilt
pillows
husband pillow
body pillow
pillow case sets
fitted sheet
sheets (2 sets)
mattress pad
mattress protector
throw blanket(s)
bedside table (unless one is provided)
bedside lamp
decorative pillows
lap desk
desk (unless one is provided)
chair (unless one is provided)
desk lamp
laundry basket
whiteboard
full length mirror
bed risers (if needed)

Kitchen/Dining Room

refrigerator (unless one is provided)
microwave (unless one is provided)
waterbottles/thermos
tupperware (microwave safe)
bowls (microwave safe)
plates (microwave safe)
chip clips
ziplock bags
can opener
bottle opener
silverware set
dish towels
dish sponges
bottle brush
bakeware
pots
pans
pot holders
keurig
k-cups
mugs
dish soap
trash can
trash bags
drinking glasses
strainer
pitcher
placemats
paper towels

Bathroom

toilet bowl cleaner
toilet brush
toilet paper
bandaids
neosporin
asprin
ibuprofen
cold medicine
washclothes
bath towels
hand soap
hand towels
bath mat
shower curtain
shower curtain rings
feminine products
makeup organizer
shower caddy (for communal bathrooms)
bath robe
shampoo/conditioner
body soap
face wash
makeup
makeup brushes
deodorant
hair ties
toothbrush
toothpaste
hair dryer
straightener/ curler

Living Space

picture frames
small decorations
tv table
coffee table
coasters

Clothes

remember that you can change clothes out as the seasons change

basic t-shirts
crew neck sweaters
hoodies
jackets
leggings
workout clothes
sports bras
bras
underwear
pajamas
shorts
business casual outfit
cardigan
rain boots
snow boots
slippers
flip flops
sneakers
booties
sandals
slides

Laundry

laundry detergent
dryer sheets
scent beads
tide to-go stick
bleach
stain remover
lint roller
steamer
sewing kit

School Supplies

backpack
notebooks (one for each class unless otherwise informed)
binders
whiteout
index cards
black/blue pens
colored pens
pencils
highlighters
markers
stapler
3 hole punch
scissors
calculator
flashdrives
planner/calendar
post-its
paperclips
earbuds

Cleaning Supplies

lysol wipes
Mr.Clean magic erasers
swiffer
handheld vacuum
trash cans
trash bags

Misc.

rugs
fan
umbrella
extra phone charger
curtains (unless one is provided)
curtain rods (unless one is provided)
thumb tacks
lightbulbs
batteries
command hooks
weekend bag
printer (unless easily accessable on campus)
television
extension cords
air freshener
perfume

Did I forget anything? What are you most excited about bringing with you to college? Any new great finds I should look into? Leave a comment below!

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July 15, 2019August 3, 2020

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Let Me Update Ya

I figured it was about time to update everyone on my schooling and other things going on. I finished the semester up last Wednesday and most of my final grades seem to be in (although there’s a couple classes that will definitely wait until the day final grades are due to release them).

After a long semester, I got a 99% on my math final which gave me an A in the class. In one of my history classes, I got 100% on my final and managed to get a final grade of an A in the class. After cramming for my bio exam only 5 hours before the exam (typical meg fashion) I got an 87% and ended the semester with an A in the class. Although I never took a real exam for my communication class, I ended the semester with a B. Taking my intro to com class online was a disadvantage to me for a few reasons- tech difficulties being one. I missed a few assignments due to wifi slip-ups and computer crashes, but I’m still happy I was able to mostly make up for them at the end of the semester. My Middle Eastern History and Bio lab final grades are not in yet and I expect that they won’t be for a while, so I can’t really determine what my GPA will be just yet.

I’m moving out of my apartment on Wednesday and heading back to my hometown for the summer. Next fall I’ll be moving into an apartment much closer to campus so I guess leaving the place I’ve called my second home for the past nine months will be worth it. It’s still going to be really hard to say goodbye to my bigger bedroom and own kitchen though. I’m really grateful for the opportunities this year has given me. I’ve gotten to live alone, and who knows if I’ll ever get to do that again?

I’m looking into getting a job this summer after I get a bit of time to settle back in at home. I’d like to be working a lot to save up for rent, groceries, etc. once school starts back up. So before I really start looking around for work, I’m hoping to spend lots of time with my friends while I can.

That being said, in my free time I plan to be writing a bit more. It’s been really weird not writing. I’ve had quite a few impulses to start writing but I didn’t want to start posting if I was just going to stop abruptly again due to school. But now I have a few months to get myself together and write a little more. I’ve got some ideas for the future of this site and I’m hoping to implement them this summer.

Thank you to everyone who supported me when I took a semester off last year and when I went back to school in the fall. Everyone’s kind words and well wishes these past nine months have been really appreciated. I’m super excited to go back in the fall (I know, who says that?!) and explore my major even further.

Also, I’ve changed my update schedule to every Monday at noon, so keep an eye out for my new posts!

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May 13, 2019August 3, 2020

megannlouise2 Comments

Advice to High School Seniors Looking into Colleges

I’m writing this with one week left of my first semester at University. As you all may know by now, I attended a semester of community college in Fall of 2017, but chose to take the next semester off to focus on a career path that I really enjoyed at the time. However, that career ended abruptly (by choice) and I decided to go back to school.

Picking the right school for me was extremely easy. I first visited CSU when I was a junior in high school and my school offered a field trip to tour the campus. I immediately fell in love with the area and everything the school had to offer. I knew right away that I didn’t want to go anywhere else. I was sold on Cleveland State. Looking back at it, I should have done a lot more research before committing to CSU. I don’t regret my decision, but I sometimes wonder if I would have been amazed by any other campus had I opened my mind to other schools.

My sister is a graduating senior in high school this year, and she has decided on following my lead in becoming a fellow Viking at CSU come Fall 2019. This was a decision that was urged by many financial and convenience matters. However, she did have many other options on the table.

I originally wanted to post this before she made her final decision, but I figure if I do it now, it may help someone else too. I compiled my best tips and tricks to finding the perfect college for you. These are all things I wish I knew before I chose CSU. I really love my school, but I could have done some things differently. So please, please, take these tips into account before you chose the school you will spend the next four (or more) years at.

1. Have a good idea of what majors you plan to study.

Yes, I said majors. Have backups and plenty of them. There is a good chance that you will want to change your major at some point. You will want to know that the college you are going to will offer great opportunities and educations for whatever you may change your major to.

2. Don’t follow friends.

Those of you who haven’t listened to the episode Meg on the Mic with Zach, I briefly discussed the backlash I received for “following” my boyfriend to college. I explained that I wanted to attend CSU before I dated Zach. I just planned on attending after another year at a community college. However, the idea of having a friend who was going through the same freshman experiences as me encouraged me to skip the second year at community college. It made things so much more exciting and it gave me strength since I’m such a scaredy-cat.

BUT I really encourage everyone to branch out if possible. If you and your best friend both happen to chose the same school, that’s great. But please don’t base your college decision on where your friends are going. College is your time to make new friends and make memories with new people. Sure, you can still do this with your old friends, but sometimes it’s easier to be thrown into a pool of strangers believe it or not. I’ve made a lot of friends in classes full of people who were in the same situation as me- alone.

3. Reach out to people who attend schools you’re interested in.

This helps a lot with getting the feel for a college. Campus tours are meant to really fluff up the campus, student life, and education programs. The only true way you will know what a school is like before attending yourself is to talk to someone who currently goes there. Even better- talk to someone majoring in the same thing as you. Remember, tour guides are often times students who are paid to say certain things to you while you’re on your tour. Talking to students who aren’t obligated to hype up the campus will be brutally honest and answer all your questions without holding anything back.

4. Consider location.

Are you planning on bringing a car? Are you allowed to bring a car? Do you want to be close to home? Far from home? Near certain resources? These are all important questions to answer. I live about an hour away from campus, and I’ve found that it’s the perfect distance for me. I don’t have a car (I don’t drive. I think we’ve been over this) so I can’t get home by myself in case of emergency. But I can always rely on a family member or friend coming to get me since it’s not too much of a trip. It’s a good distance to test my independence while still have my family a drive away if I need them. Maybe that’s not for you though. Maybe you want to be far away from home. If you think you can do it, go for it.

5. Don’t disregard schools because of the cost.

You most likely will not be paying full price for college. With scholarships, financial aid, and other sources of financial assistance, tuition will be much more manageable than it may seem at first.

I have so many more tips that I could share, but for the sake of this becoming a long read, I’ll cut it off at five tips for now. If you guys have any questions or tips of your own, let me know and I could do a follow up post.

Remember to follow megannlouise.com to be updated when posts are published! 12 Days of Blogmas is right around the corner and you’ll want to be in the know when the holiday posts are up and ready to read!

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December 5, 2018August 3, 2020

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1. Manage your time well.

2. Take notes.

3. Spread out your lessons.

4. E-mail your professor

Quizlet

Venmo

Spotify

Calendar

Postmates

Blackboard

What was the application process like?

So… that phone interview?

FAQs

Other Tips

Get a Job

Take Advantage of Student Discounts

Buy in Bulk

Sell Your Old Things

Set Limits

👍 A Laptop

👍 A Printer

👍 A Coffee Maker

👍 Comfy Shoes

👍 A Nice Backpack

Don’t Settle For High Prices

Go Digital

Old Editions

Check Facebook

Share with Friends/Classmates

The Ultimate College Moving Checklist

Bedroom

Kitchen/Dining Room

Bathroom

Living Space

Clothes

*remember that you can change clothes out as the seasons change*

Laundry

School Supplies

Cleaning Supplies

Misc.

remember that you can change clothes out as the seasons change