4 Ways To Jump-start Your College Search

Trying to find a college that suits you is like playing an intense game of chess: if you make the wrong move under pressure, you’ll be stuck with your decision. Sure, transferring out of one college to the next may be as simple as filling out some paperwork, but who wants to endure the grueling application process more than necessary? You’ll have better chances of getting it right the first time around with the following tips.

Discover Your Interests

Many high school students are unsure of what they want to study in college–don’t worry, you’re not alone. Even those who think they have it all figured out may have a change of heart after a college semester or so. What do you enjoy doing or learning about? Let’s say you love all things health and fitness. You might want to consider majoring in Nutrition or Kinesiology. And it’s ok if you’re unable to come up with anything–you have lots of time until you have to declare a major and you can enter college as an “Undecided” student.

Having a general idea of your interests can help you narrow down your list to schools that specialize in a specific field. Some schools are know for their engineering (Penn State), others for their art and design programs (Fashion Institute of Technology).

Decide What You Want

Make a detailed list of what you expect from your ideal college. You’ll also want to jot down decision-making deal breakers. Looking to attend an Ivy League school? How much tuition are you not willing to pay for? Thinking about going greek? Ask yourself these questions and more.

Talk To Co-eds And Grads

No one knows college better than someone who’s currently enrolled or has graduated. Ask these people questions about their experience: what they liked and didn’t like about their campus or even opportunities made available to them by going to their chosen college. Get acquainted with college life before setting foot on campus grounds!

Visit Campuses

Being apart of a campus tour is the best way to get a feel for who you can expect to be surrounded by, what type of environment you’ll have to live in and the kind of personalities you’ll be faced with (for example, certain areas of the country have friendlier citizens than others!). Don’t have the funds (or motivation) to visit a campus that’s faraway? Virtual campus tours are available on school websites.

Stop by collegeboard.com and thebostonchannel.com for more college-search advice!

Tiana Blue is a Senior Writer for College Lifestyles™. This fourth semester sophomore at Penn State is a print journalism major with a penchant for food, stilettos, and the city that never sleeps.

CL’s guide to planning out your final semester of college

As a recent college graduate I know the stress involved with your final semester.  There’s a ton of things that have to be done, from deciding your next step to picking out that perfect graduation dress. But I promise it can be done smoothly. I got through it and with these awesome tips you will too.

1. Create a calendar- One of the most important things to remember are dates and deadlines. Keep track of everything. When do you have to register for graduation? When are payments due? When will you take your graduation pics? What big finals/projects do you have? When is graduation? The last thing you want to do is fall behind on an important event.

 

2. Visit career center- If you haven’t done so already stop by your career center. Ask them to review your resume, help you create a cover letter, find employment/internships or even look up grad schools. They have a lot of resources, take advantage of them.

 

3. Meet with your advisor- Check and double-check that you have met or will meet all of your major requirements. You have come too far to let something stop you from graduating.

 

4. Network- This is an important word. Get the contact information for all your favorite teachers, advisors, supervisors and club leaders. Develop a rapport with them. You never know when you will need advice, guidance or a recommendation.

5. Stay focused- This is the time when senioritis will start to creep up on you. Don’t let it, you’re almost there!

 

6. Relax- Ahhhhh if you’ve followed the steps above you should feel confident and ready to walk across that stage. Don’t stress, this is actually a good time for you. Take time to go to your college’s graduation events and mingle with your peers.

 

7. CELEBRATE!- This moment is what you have been working so hard for. Reward yourself by taking a spa day, buying those shoes you have been eyeing or throwing a party. For tips on how to plan the perfect party check out CL’s Heres How to Throw Your First 2012 DIY Glitz Party by  fellow CL intern TianaB.

 

Your final semester won’t be perfect but with CL’s help it will be great. Good luck and congrats!

 

 

 

Minyvonne Burke is a fashion and lifestyle writer for College Lifestyles ™. She graduated from Point Park University and is currently pursuing her master’s degree at Hofstra University. She loves online shopping, cute bags and NYC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day 6: Photo of Your Current Obsession

Day 6 of the College Lifestyles 10 Day Challenge – post a photo of your current obsession! (While you can’t post, you can definitely tell us about it OR post on our Facebook page!)

What is your current obsession?

CL’s Halloween Flashback: Best Costumes on Campus

At the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Halloween is not simply a one-day affair. Festivities this year began early on Thursday night and lasted late into Monday night, as students were out and about in creative costumes all weekend long. You could feel the Halloween spirit (or maybe even hear the eerie cries of ghosts and goblins) just walking across the quad to class.

What was the best costume you saw over Halloween weekend?

Jordan B. – “My friend was Tetris!”

Carah H. – “A Lego Man, it was really good.”

Taylor S. – “I saw Slippery Rock Football Players!” (An inside joke among University of Michigan students)

Holly D. – “I saw a girl dressed as Twitter- she was wearing a black dress with the Twitter logo on her front and it said follow me on the back.”
Elizabeth E. – “My friend was a peacock, her outfit was sweet!”Nicole J. – “I have a friend who dressed as a chipotle burrito and it was beyond precious.”Lilly U. – “Some girls dressed as martians; they did it in a really cute and creative way!”Margot S. – “I saw the Jamaican bobsled team from Cool Runnings, that was awesome.”

Meaghan O’Connor is a Writer/Social Media intern at College Lifestyles (TM) and is a Communications/International Relations major at the University of Michigan. She is a proud member of Alpha Chi Omega Sorority and is known for her big heart and big dreams.

Residence Hall Paradise- A CL Guide to Hidden Treasures and Amenities

If you moved into a university residence hall as a college freshman, you’ve been in school for a few months now and chances are you’ve gotten used to dorm living. You’re starting to feel more comfortable with classes, homework and living on your own and you might have already made a few new friends! (Did anyone ever mention that going to college was like kindergarten all over again?) Living in a residence hall freshman year is just one of those things you’ve always been told you have to experience. The sense of community and available resources offer you an opportunity to learn and grow on your own, without feeling like you’ve been thrown to the sharks. While cafeteria food may never compare to your mom’s homemade spaghetti, there are a few perks to dorm living that often get overlooked:

Community Living and Study Spaces

 

Often times, dorms are full of hidden study spots, quiet lounges and great extra resources that very few students actually take advantage of! Why spend valuable study time trekking across campus to the library when an abandoned study room is right down the hall? Residence halls almost always have reserved silent rooms, computer labs, or fitness centers that won’t be available to you when you are living on your own. Set out on a dorm scavenger hunt to find your building’s secret jewels.

Endless Options in the Cafeteria

  

Students may moan and groan over standard cafeteria pizza or meatloaf, but if you know what to look for, there are almost always an abundance of healthy and delicious residence hall dining options! Take advantage of the fresh fruit supply while you can—it’s hard to eat an apple, banana or orange with every meal when you figure out how expensive they are at the grocery store. While you are there, stock up on food for later. Fruit, cereal, bagels and sandwiches are all easy to prepare ‘on the run.’ When all else fails, get creative! Try the panini press for a hot grilled sandwich, a fruit/yogurt/cereal parfait for a healthy dessert, or challenge yourself to use as many items from the salad bar as possible.

Student Government and Leadership

 

The first few years living on your own can be a whirlwind. Fortunately, residence halls almost always have a student-run government or leadership association that will help you keep your feet on the ground and offer valuable management and networking experience. Start getting your name out there now—the more people you know who can attest to your character and professional skills, the better!

Friendship and Social Connections

  

Living in the same building as hundreds of other students is ideal for stimulating friendships and social bonds. When you are in such close proximity to other young adults going through the exact same things, it’s easy to form connections and make lifelong friends. Challenge yourself to step outside your comfort zone; ask a hall mate to dinner, organize an all-floor movie night or simply get to know the people living right next door. You’d be surprised how many freshman year roommates or hall mates stay really close throughout their entire college experience!

Social Events

Similar to valuable friendship and social opportunities, residence hall associations typically organize weekly social events or fun mixers. These events are a great way to meet other students in your classes or to relax and get away from homework. Take advantage of the ice cream socials, dance parties and sports gatherings—if you are anything like me, you’ll look back on your dorm experience and wish you had appreciated the opportunities and events more while you had the chance.

Meaghan O’Connor is a Writer/Social Media intern at College Lifestyles (TM) and is a Communications/International Relations major at the University of Michigan. She is a proud member of Alpha Chi Omega Sorority and is known for her big heart and big dreams.

A CL Intern’s Guide to Desk Organization

Whether your desk functions as a quiet study sanctuary, a social gathering spot or a place to remember all your friends and family from home, it’s important to organize it based on your specific needs and how you want it to function.

When I moved into a sorority house this fall, it was important for me to create a desk space that could balance my study demands with other personal interests. I knew that finding a quiet, solitary spot in a house with 50 other women would prove extremely difficult, so I was dedicated to making this space my own.

Keep your desk neat and organized this year with a few helpful tips from a college student herself!

1. Keep your cosmetics and beauty essentials close by. It’s helpful to keep products like make-up, perfume and lotion all together so you can be out the door in a moment’s notice. Check www.storables.com for cute and affordable storage options!

2. Pictures of family and friends from home can keep you connected even when you’re miles away. High school pictures in cute frames not only spice up your desktop, but they also remind you of great times and bring back old memories.

3. Keeping up with your favorite weekly television shows may not be easy in college, but there always seems to be time to pop in a good chick flick or TV series on DVD. Keep your favorites on hand for the inevitable study break or girl’s night in.

4. Store several folders and binders with essential personal information in a place they won’t get lost. It helps to keep these documents separate from schoolwork, so you can find them quickly when they are needed and store them when they are not.

5. Keep space open on your desktop for a computer or homework. There has to be plenty of room for you to spread out and comfortably study! Computers are another great way to personalize your space—choose a cute desktop background to compliment your desk accessories.

6. It’s important to hydrate in between classes, homework and social gatherings. Store a water bottle on your desk to remind you to drink plenty of water. Water is great for your health and helps fight off sugar cravings!

7. Drawers on your desktop are perfect for random storage. Tuck small items that tend to float on your desktop into drawers to create more space. It can also be a great place to store other miscellaneous school supplies such as tape, a stapler or paperclips.

Meaghan O’Connor is a Writer/Social Media intern at College Lifestyles (TM) and is a Communications/International Relations major at the University of Michigan. She is a proud member of Alpha Chi Omega Sorority and is known for her big heart and big dreams.

CL Insider: Living in a Sorority House and Keeping Your Cool

Last fall, the thought of 50 women living in one house made me nauseous. The impending drama, the small bathrooms, the constant chatter and abrupt laughter all made me second-guess my decision to live in a sorority house this year. I loved my sisters, but could I really stand being in the same house as all of them, all the time? Would I ever get any work done, let alone any sleep?

Last week, I moved into 1212 Hill. As I hauled my stuff up the stairs, I hugged all of my sisters with open arms and excitement. I gave in to accepting 50 new housemates. And although it’s only been a week, I can already tell that this will be one of the best years of my life.

Make the most of your living situation this year (whether it be in a sorority house, dorm, apartment, or house) and preserve your sanity by keeping these simple tips in mind:

Set ground rules from the beginning. It’s important to set clear expectations from the beginning to minimize drama and disagreement. Create a cleaning schedule or a house responsibilities list to help keep you organized and tidy. It may also be helpful to discuss guest policies, shared or private food and drink items, and other respectful rules to maintain a happy household!

Steer clear of the drama. Little arguments aren’t worth the potential headache. You probably have enough on your plate already- pointless disagreements will only multiply under the pressures of schoolwork and extra activities. Agree to set drama aside and roll with the punches.

Reserve a little ‘me’ time. Everyone girl needs her alone time. Although living with all your best friends may seem like a dream come true, constant chatter, gossip and laughter will inevitably get on your nerves. Make an effort to set aside some time each day to collect your thoughts, organize your daily to-do list, or to simply relax and enjoy some peace and quiet. Don’t feel bad for hiding in your room every once and a while- we all need time to refresh and rejuvenate!

Keep your door open when you’re not busy. While you’re casually checking Facebook, watching a movie or flipping through a magazine, leave your door open as an invitation for casual social time. Your roommates will appreciate the opportunity to take a study break and pop in to say hello; you don’t have to feel any pressure to leave your own room! It’s the perfect way to catch up before class or after dinner.

Help out with chores, cleaning and cooking. Sadly, you can no longer count on your parents to maintain the household- it’s all up to you! Don’t leave your roommates with all the responsibility, divide tasks evenly and everything will be done in no time. Keep your house or apartment clean for visitors or unexpected guests. Tidying up will also keep you stress-free so that you can focus on other important aspects of your life.

Cultivate true and lasting friendships. You always learn the most about the people you live with. You are with them all the time- constantly interacting and sharing common space, so why not make the experience a relationship-builder? Have fun living with friends and show them how great of a housemate you can be!

Meaghan O’Connor is a Writer/Social Media intern at College Lifestyles (TM) and is a Communications/International Relations major at the University of Michigan. She is a proud member of Alpha Chi Omega Sorority and is known for her big heart and big dreams.

CL Fashion Tips: Comfortable, Casual, Classy and Chic in the Classroom

1. Mix statement pieces with comfortable essentials.

Outfit by Forever 21- Pair a simple black skirt and white button down with a lace tunic for a classic and stylish look. The combination of neutral colors and loose clothing will be great for sitting through long lectures, but will also help you stand out among swarms of students in sweatpants.

2. Solid colors aren’t always boring.

Outfit by H&M- Mixing two strong fall colors can be extremely eye-catching. By sticking to basic styles and patterns, you radiate a classy and professional attitude that can also be dressed down to a casual ensemble as well.

3. Use layers for convenience as well as style.

Outfit by Gap- Cute, simple cardigans are a great addition to any fall outfit. They are easy to take on and off for varied temps and add a pop of sophistication to basic pieces. As an added bonus- a fabric belt is a great way to pull the outfit together and to show off your hourglass figure!

4. Keep your feet neat!

Shoes available at Macy’s- Although comfort is always key when choosing footwear for class, your style doesn’t have to suffer just to protect your feet. Since you may be doing a lot of walking, ballet flats and boat shoes are two great options that satisfy both requirements. Every woman should own at least one pair of simple, black flats- they go with almost everything!

5. A clean, polished look goes a long way.

Outfit by J. Crew- Are you dying to impress your professor, colleagues or the boy across the lecture hall? A dressy sweater and white button down will make you look mature and put together without making it seem like you’re trying to hard.

6. Create a little wiggle room.

Outfit by The Limited- Flowy tops with fun patterns are sure to stick out in a crowd. By choosing tops that drape across your chest, you take attention away from your curves and direct it to other features. You can also take advantage of loose-fit clothing by buying items with a little extra breathing room.

7. Use accessories to grab attention.

Outfit by Old Navy- Try pulling all of your fashion essentials together with a few great accessories. Basic items look great with fall scarves, jean jackets, belts, and fun shoes. Sometimes, it takes the little extra stuff to make the clothes underneath pop!

Meaghan O’Connor is a Writer/Social Media intern at College Lifestyles (TM) and is a Communications/International Relations major at the University of Michigan. She is a proud member of Alpha Chi Omega Sorority and is known for her big heart and big dreams.

Day 30: Eat a Big Breakfast

You have been hearing it from your mother all your life and she is correct! Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Make it a habit to start each day of the school year with a nutrient-packed meal that keeps you energized all day long. Without this crucial meal you could end up sluggish and cranky on your first day of classes. Be a confident and healthy CL girl and power up with a nutritious breakfast.

Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal

Ingredients:

1 Apple sauce

Touch of cinnamon

Microwaveable oatmeal packet

Walnuts

This recipe is simple and light! It will bring the warmth of home right to your apartment, dorm or sorority house. Simply microwave the oatmeal with the designated amount of water. Then sprinkle with cinnamon and walnuts and stir in applesauce. It will all melt together and test like a piece of fresh apple pie! The walnuts provide Omega-3′s which help your brain function better and keep your skin smooth. The oats are linked to the production of serotonin in your body. Serotonin gives us the ‘feel good’ vibes, which is a major bonus. The cinnamon keeps blood sugar levels at an even keel. The apple sauce contains lots of Vitamin A. As you can see, each ingredient in this breakfast brings a health benefit to the table.

The Elvis Yogurt

Ingredients:

Medium banana

1 Tablespoon peanut butter

1 teaspoon dark chocolate chips

Vanilla yogurt or greek yogurt

This recipe is packed with protein for a powerful start to your day! Slice the banana up and mix chocolate chips, peanut butter and banana slices into the yogurt. Bon appetite! Yogurt will stick with you for a long morning of classes while providing calcium at the same time. The peanut butter adds staying power to the breakfast by providing extra protein. The banana provides fiber and potassium and the dark chocolate chips contain antioxidants. Another breakfast with a powerful punch of nutrients for a successful day of class.

Breakfast can be a fantastic way to start your day off with a positive and energetic attitude. Go into the school year ready to take on challenges with these savvy go-to breakfast options!

Maggie Young is a junior at the University of Kansas majoring in journalism. Breakfast is her favorite meal of the day and her go-to breakfast of choice is greek yogurt with almond butter and bananas!

Day 26: 20 Things You Must Do as a College Freshman

Freshman year of college  is a ton of fun. You may take a while to adjust to this new lifestyle, but once you do, you will feel great. Here are 20 things we think you classy co-eds should do during your first year on campus.

1. Live in the dorms- Your dorm room may be the size of a closet and your entire house (bedroom, kitchen, living room) will be confined in the tiny box you call home, but it’s something you have to do.
2. Make new friends- Be friendly and branch out. It’s easy to stick to your close group of high school friends, but you should get to know people from all over.
3. Explore- Walk around campus and see what it has to offer you. Check out all the great restaurants, shops, and study spots. Ask upperclassmen about your school’s must-see locations.
4. Pull an all-nighter- Make sure you drink lots of coffee or energy drinks and have your favorite snacks readily available; it will ease the pain of studying till the sun comes up. Enlist a friend to stay up all night with you.
   
5. Eat at the cafeteria- The food isn’t like your mom’s, but it isn’t as bad as people make it out to be. And the options are endless: pizza, macaroni, salad, sandwiches, chocolate chip cookies, and more!
6. Go to a frat party- Dress for the theme and have some fun! Drink out of a red solo cup, but be responsible.
7. Document the fun- With pictures, videos, even a diary with all of the year’s most memorable quotes.
8. Dress in school colors- From head to toe and wake up early to cheer on your team during a Saturday morning football tailgate.
9. Join a club- Every college has a variety of clubs to choose from and you should pick a few that interest you and get involved. I joined a fashion magazine club, dance group, and communications organization my freshman year.
   
10. Do your own laundry- You have to learn someday, so you might as well start now. All you need is some laundry detergent, fabric softener, and spare change.
11. Be your own boss- You’re living on your own now so you can play by your own rules. Mom and dad aren’t there to tell you what you can and can’t do. Just make sure you make smart decisions.
12. Participate in Halloween and St. Patty’s Day- Attending holiday themed parties and wearing costumes is encouraged.
13. Go on dates and fall in love- Trust me, there are plenty of guys to choose from. You never know which guy may turn into Mr. Right.
14. Call your family- They will miss you and you will miss them too so call them occasionally to see how they are doing. I talked to my family members every single day when I first went away to college.
    
15. Take a fun class- Before you have to fulfill all the requirements of your major, go ahead and sign up for Witches and Wizards. Certain seminars are reserved specifically for freshmen.
16. Sleep till noon- And spend the day relaxing. You’re going to need this in the midst of your crazy, busy college life.
17. Maintain weekly rituals- Like Wednesday morning coffee talks with your bffs.
18. Eat Ben & Jerry’s ice cream out of the container- It’s the perfect solution to a stressed-out self.
19. Take a nap- On a futon in the middle of the day. Everyone needs a little rest from time to time.
20. Learn from your mistakes- You may make a few bad decisions in college, but you shouldn’t regret anything. All you can do is learn from your mistakes and move on to bigger and better things.

Erica Avesian is an intern at College Lifestyles(TM). She is a junior communications major and writing minor at the University of Michigan. Erica could spend all day watching Millionaire Matchmaker on Bravo.

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