Work, Study, Sleep

The reality is that more students are working full-time or part-time than ever before. Nearly 57% of all college students hold down at least a part-time job while in school. This is almost double the number that worked 20 years ago. So are you a student who works, or a worker who takes classes? It all depends on your mindset and the kind of work you do. Unless you aspire to a career in hospitality management, working part-time at Burger King probably does not put you in the first category.

You might have a work-study program job or a graduate assistant position. That probably puts you in the other category of a student who works. And then there is the growing category of “re-entry students,” who are returning to college after having started a career. Online colleges are a great alternative for a full-time worker, especially if earning a degree will lead to more job possibilities.

Studies show that working while going to school can be very beneficial. Cash-flow is, of course, a great advantage, and often a necessity. But taking classes can also provide knowledge you can use on the job as you are taking classes. Conversely, many students find they get more out of a class when they can relate it to their current job. Students who have not yet started their careers can get valuable experience in internships and projects related to their career goals.

Some working students do struggle however. Working full-time especially can limit class schedules, and reduce class choices. It slows down the time it takes to earn a degree. And it can hinder your campus experience and time spent using campus resources such as the library. Again, this is where online education can fill the gap since all resources for distance learning can be accessed online. On- or off-line, going to college while working requires time management. Letting your employer know you are going to school, and letting your instructors know you are working is a smart practice. It shows you are ambitious and sets some boundaries to help you manage your time.

I Heart U

If you have a college crush, you know it’s almost Valentine’s Day. And if you’re a guy, HEY BUDDY, IT’S ALMOST VALENTINE’S DAY!

Not that shouting will do any good. But here’s a list of inexpensive and thoughtful Valentine’s gifts to satisfy your girlfriend’s desire for Hallmark-induced romance.

Girls love cliché romance. Since most of the country is in the deep freeze, or at least in weather you wouldn’t want to be outside, set up an indoor picnic. Think props – tablecloth, paper plates, and picnic basket. Throw in a bud vase with a single rose. Order take-out. Chinese is good.

Remember when she texted you the pic of the two of you looking happy and sappy? Maybe she posted it on Facebook for the world to see. Print it out and frame it. She’ll think you are so thoughtful, even though she probably has several copies already.

It’s trite, but burn a CD of love songs for her.

Try the element of surprise. Leave a note or a rose on her pillow. To avoid any confusion that you might have forgotten the most important day in a relationship, do not wait until bedtime on Valentine’s Day, do this the night before or in the morning.

If you’re a traditionalist, go for the rose. You can save 40% off at FTD with a coupon code.

For extra points, do something symbolic of your love. No, that does not mean buying her a red thong. Try this instead – find an old skeleton key – you can find real ones on eBay or reproductions at a craft store like Michaels for $5 or so. Tie a red ribbon through it with a note that she has the key to your heart.

If you’re sure no one’s listening to steal your man card, check out a book of poetry from the library and read one or more to her. No, Edgar Allen Poe is not a good choice.

Whatever you do, remember to say I love you.

Sleep It Off

Do you have any of the following symptoms:

• Hand tremors
• Headaches
• Increased blood pressure
• Aching muscles
• Weakened immune system
• Irritability
• Memory lapses or loss
• Weight loss or gain
• Depression

If so, there might be an easy cure. Get more sleep.

Nurse practitioners working in college health centers are seeing a record number of students coming in with symptoms of sleep deprivation. According to recent studies, 20 percent of students reports pulling all-nighters at least once a month. Another 35 percent say they stay up past 3 a.m. at least once a week. Not surprising, these students say they miss class three or more times a month.

Aside from the symptoms listed above, lack of sleep can have long term effects on a students’ health as well. Lasting conditions including depression, diabetes and fibromyalgia are being attributed to sleep problems. Severe sleep deprivation can manifest symptoms that appear to be ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and psychosis. Students who are feeling sleep deprived are at a greater risk for auto accidents and problems with relationships.

Caffeine, in the form of coffee and energy drinks only make the problem worse. Stimulants can raise blood pressure, and can linger in the system as long as eight hours, making it hard to sleep when there is time to do so.

Similarly, sleeping pills do not solve sleep problems. You may fall asleep faster after taking a pill, but you are not getting quality sleep because sleeping pills prevent you from experiencing REM sleep – the cycle of sleep that provides restoration and refreshes you. So even though you think you have slept, your body is still feeling sleep deprived.

The best remedy for sleep problems is a consistent schedule, healthy diet and routine exercise. And make sure your sleep environment is healthy. Bright lights and noise, televisions and other distractions will engage your brain even if you seem to be sleeping.

 

 

Gimme Some Credit

How many credit cards do you have? Were you besieged with credit card applications as soon as you enrolled in college? Since 2009 when the The Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act was introduced, credit card companies have had to adhere to stricter guidelines when marketing to college students. Just a few years ago, you could get a credit card with no credit history and without a job. Now you must show proof of employment or other ways of repaying debt, and you must have a co-signor until you are 21. Credit card companies are not allowed to set up shop on campuses and give away goodies in return for applications. Colleges, as well as the credit card companies, are liable for these situations.

If you are a college student with a job, should you get a credit card? If used responsibly, a credit card can help you build your credit rating. This will be important when you lease an apartment or finance a home or car after graduation. Your credit history can be reviewed by potential employers. Using a credit card on a purchase protects it in case of fraud or misrepresentation. You need a credit or debit card to shop online. And some cards have some nice perks and bonuses available. Keep in mind that credit reports have a seven-year lifespan. A missed or late payment can haunt you long after you’ve paid off the debt. Don’t get a credit card unless  you know  how credit works and can use it responsibly.

It’s important to shop around for your first credit card, taking several things into consideration. Credit card interest rates are usually higher for students, since the percentage of students who default on their payments is higher. Look for the best rates. And make sure to research any special offers you see – often low interest rates are in effect for just 30, 60 or 90 days, and then skyrocket up to 25% from there. Read the fine print. To avoid high interest charges, pay your balance off each month.

How much you can charge is known as your credit limit or line of credit. Student cards usually have low limits. A line of credit limited to $500 is a good way to start learning to use credit wisely in a manageable way.

Some credit cards charge an annual fee whether you use them or not. There are many that do not. Again, be sure to read the fine print to know if there is never an annual fee, or if it is just waived for the first year.

College Mythology

It’s not that mysterious. But, with all the popular myths about college, it’s a wonder anyone enrolls! Like anything else, if you want to know the real scoop, do the research. Here are some common myths about college and the truth.

Myth 1: I don’t need a college degree to make a good living.

Truth:  Current reports from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show that a college grad earns about a million dollars more over his or her lifetime than someone with only a high school diploma. There are always exceptions to the rule, but the odds are definitely in favor of getting that college degree.

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Myth 2: It’s not worth going to college unless I earn a four-year degree from a well-known university with a bricks and mortar campus.

Truth:  Some jobs require a 4-year undergrad degree or more. Some colleges have more prestige than others. But today’s education choices and job opportunities are not tied to a traditional 4-year college experience. Degrees from the best online schools, community colleges and technical best online colleges lead to high-paying jobs and lifelong careers as well.

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Myth 3: If I decide to wait to go to college, I won’t ever go back.

Truth:  There are many reasons why students don’t enter college directly from high school. And it’s true that some of them don’t ever get around to going back. But others need to take the time to earn college money, or they know they are not emotionally ready for college. You can take a college course at a local community college or online if you want to keep your learning skills fresh while you regroup before enrolling fulltime.

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Myth 4: Credits from community college or online courses won’t transfer.

Truth:  The key to whether you can apply courses to a college degree depends on the school’s accreditation and the policies of the school you want to transfer to. According to the Distance Education and Training Council,  the biggest determining factor whether your credits will transfer is the school’s accreditation. Look for regional accreditation from a U.S. Department of Education approved organization.

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Myth 5: A degree is worthless unless it’s from a well-known college.

Truth:  Most “popular” colleges are known because of their athletic programs. But that is certainly not a factor in the quality of their academic programs. There are 4,168 colleges with two- and four-year programs and another 7,000 online schools. Look at the school’s academic programs, caliber of its graduates and its accreditation status to determine its quality.

Resolutions worth keeping

By June, you will have ended your semester, and your new year’s resolutions behind. At least that is what statistics show. Despite the 50% dropout rate on resolutions, the numbers also show that people who make resolutions are 10 times more likely to reach their long-term goals than those who do not. You’ve probably heard the advice about resolution-making that comes out every year at this time. Newscasters and daytime tv talk show hosts tell us to make our goals specific, realistic, measurable and rewarding. Isn’t that the whole point of goals and resolutions?

Are there any resolutions that are particularly good for college students? If you haven’t thought of any, you can always use this New Years Resolution Generator. Or, you can borrow a few from this list.

Get organized – This is the mother of all resolutions. Once you clear the clutter from your life, you will find that studying is easier. You will spend less time looking for stuff, and more time doing stuff. The key to organizing is to take it a chunk at a time. Don’t feel like you have to completely tear apart your apartment or dorm room. Find one corner and start there. Make it something visual so you have instant positive feedback and a daily reminder of your positive work.

Sleep – Try it during the night. College students are notorious for not getting enough rest. If you have to, schedule it just like you would an appointment. Make one night a week a “gotta sleep” night. Turn off the phone, computer and television. Say goodbye to your roommate. Then get your snooze on.

Block procrastinating – Speaking of phones, computers and televisions, these can be some of the biggest sources of procrastination. Have you ever gone to check Facebook and realized, three hours later, that you didn’t get homework done? This is another area where scheduling will help. Set aside a specific time each day, or set an appointment to do activities that can suck you into the great black hole of time-wasting. Then stick to those appointments so you can get other things done.

Join something – With a full schedule of classes, homework, projects and social activities, you may feel there is no time for anything else. But if you think about the big picture, joining a club makes a lot of sense for a student. You’re in school to earn a degree so that you can get a job, right? The more people you know, and the more exposure you have to different things, the easier it will be to find that job when the time comes. Networking is a powerful tool for anyone who has career goals. Look for an organization related to your major.

Remember that resolutions don’t have to be earth shattering or difficult. Sometimes the smallest changes can have the biggest impact.

Have Yourself a Cheesy Little Christmas

You’ve been home for the holidays for 3 days now. And you’re bored. We know, you miss your friends. Your parents are annoying. And your mom turned your room into a craft studio. IT’s time for some Cheesy Christmas Fun! Here are a few cheesy, but fun activities to get you in the Christmas spirit and help pass the time until your best friend gets home from her vacation in Jamaica.

Watch a Christmas Movie.Besides White Christmas, there are dozens of old films about Christmas. Find your nearest video store or library to check one out, make some popcorn to string for the tree and cheese out with these:

Bachelor Mother, 1939 – A department-store salesgirl finds and begins to care for an abandoned infant at Christmas time. The Bishop’s Wife, 1947 – An angel helps a bishop rearrange his priorities. Christmas Eve, 1947 – A heiress attempts to bring her adopted sons back home by Christmas Eve to rescue her fortune from a scheming nephew. Holiday Inn, 1942 – Musicians prepare for a white Christmas at a cozy lodge. Santa Claus Conquers the Martians, 1964 – Martians kidnap Santa Claus (John Call) because there is nobody on Mars to give their children presents.

 

Make snowflake cutouts, just like when you were a kid. Use wrapping paper, parchment, newspaper or anything else you can put scissors to. If you can’t remember how, click here for patterns and instructions.

Have Your Own Light Contest. Take a stack of stamped postcards with you in the car. When you see a house decorated to the hilt, write the address on the card and jot a quick note about how much you liked the display. Drop the postcards off at the post office on your way home. You can be anonymous.

Bakes Cookies. Not just any cookies, mind you. Find a recipe of your one of your favorite Christmas cookies and make a batch.

Feed the Animals. If your cookies don’t turn out so good, take your talents outside to feed the birds. Buy a bag of birdseed. Cover cardboard shapes with peanut butter, then sprinkle the birdseed on top. Punch a hole in the top and hang from your favorite backyard tree. Then sit back and watch the birds feast and the squirrels curse.

Strap on Skates. Find a skating rink and take a twirl. Or hang onto the rails for dear life. Whatever you do, laugh on the way down.

Play Questions Only. Pretend you’re majoring in psychology  and spend an hour, or a whole day, only asking questions. It will take the focus off you and your lonely self. And you might find out things about your family and friends you never knew.

Make a Gingerbread House. Don’t worry about baking and getting the frosting to stick. It’s not like you’re going to eat this thing. Buy a box of graham crackers, all your favorite candies, and get out your glue gun.

Round 2: Gearing Up for Spring Semester

Ok, you just finished exams, and the last thing you want to think about is more school.  But taking a few minutes to plan your next semester now can help have a stress-free, school-free winter break. Take a day to wrap up your plans. Here are some essentials.

Buy and sell your books – Take your books to the campus bookstore if they are accepting buybacks now. Or, look into selling online. There are lots of online stores that offer to buy used textbooks. Instead of sorting through them, you can use BookScouter to compare prices from more than 40 book-buying websites. You just enter your book’s ISBN number  and you will get a list of all the available sites for what they are currently paying for your book.  If your teachers have posted book lists for next semester, get a jumpstart and buy them now. Online booksellers are also a great source for getting textbooks without standing in line. Don’t miss the first week of classes or homework waiting for books.

Face the music – If you’ve gotten your first semester grades, you know what you need to do. Celebrate or repent? Even if you had a successful first semester, it doesn’t hurt to take an inventory of how you think things went. Were you overly stressed? Do you think you put enough time in for studies? Is there anything you could do to organize your schedule, personal habits or physical study space to make things easier for spring semester?

Clean sweep – Out with the old and in with the new. Get rid of the old papers, folders and notes that you don’t think you will need in the future. Store any that you do want to keep in file folders, out of sight. There very well might be some things that you can use as reference later on. Clean out your computer too – do a disk clean-up and a defrag is you have a PC. Buy new supplies. There’s nothing like a new box of crayons, or a flash drive.  And don’t forget a new calendar for the new year. Check out planners and wall calendars that can help you stay organized. Enter as much of your schedule, college calendar and deadlines as you can now. Pay special attention to Drop/Add deadlines!

Review your budget – do you have money leftover from first semester, or are you in debt? Are there places you need to adjust your expenditures? The holidays are a stressful time moneywise. Get your finances taken care of as much as you can. If Santa drops some cash in your stocking, plan ahead on how you need to use it. Whether you are applying for aid or not, fill out your FAFSA as soon after January 1 as you can. You can also revisit scholarships. There are lots of scholarships for college freshmen.   Apply now for those with March deadlines to get a jump on next year’s financing.

Taking a little time now will save you headaches and stress later. Then sit back, have some eggnog and enjoy your time off!

Surviving the Holidays

The countdown has begun. Is it a song of joy or a funeral dirge? Winter break is upon us. It’s time for peace on earth and goodwill toward men. Unless you’re going home for the holidays. You’ve put in a million hours studying for exams. You’re exhausted. You’ve gained at least 10 pounds from stress eating. And now – you get to deal with parents, siblings and Aunt Martha with the annoying voice and bad breath.

Unless you live inside a Hallmark cards, everyone has some trouble dealing with family during the holidays. For students, the added stress of exams doesn’t help. All you want to do is vegetate. All your family wants to do is talk. And shop. And ask invasive questions. Here are some survival tips for being home for the holidays.

Speak up – Test the waters and try to size up the situation before making any judgments or flying off the handle. After the end-of-semester stress, realize that you might be a little oversensitive. If you step back and look at it, and you still feel that your family is digging too deep into your serenity, say something. Brooding is going to increase you stress level and theirs. Ask – nicely- if they can let you have a couple days for “decompression” before they play 20 questions, take you on trips down memory lane, or over-schedule your days. If you have plans with friends, let your family know early on that you have some outside activities to do.

Humor them – As soon as the swelling in your brain subsides, take some time, and perhaps a Tylenol or two, and let them have at it. Have a sit-down, or participate in an activity that lends itself to chatting, like baking cookies together. Stay home one night. Turn the tables and ask them questions. They will probably appreciate the attention!

Reality Check – Your mother is still your mother. You father is still “Pops.” And Aunt Martha is a compulsive liar – whatever. Don’t try to change them. It is their house. Yes, you got a lot smarter since you started college. Don’t be so quick to let them know. Trust me, it will help keep the peace. Even if you ARE studying to be a forensic psychologist, this is not the time to try to fix them.

Buddy Up – Bring a guest. Or invite your friends over. You family may enjoy seeing your old friends, or meeting your new ones. And it may deflect the questioning from you to them.

Get a job – Any job. A little extra cash and a little less time at home may be the cure. Even with the economy in a slump, there are short-term jobs for the holiday season. See if you can house-sit or pet-sit for neighbors going out of town for the holidays. You can be down the street – home away from home.

Volunteer – If you can’t find a paying job, offer your time to a worthy cause. Homeless shelters, humane societies and other charities are in need of manpower as well as donations this time of year. Take your family with you – it will keep them busy and they will feel like they are spending time with you.

Pick up a Broom – Or a mop. How can your family get upset if you’re cooking and cleaning? And, that vacuum cleaner can really drown out their voices. It’s like a little personal vacation in your head.

Eat – It’s the season for great food. Mom will be flattered that you are complimenting her cooking. And, that gives you another strategy – exercise it off while you’re eating so you don’t go back to school with extra weight. Take a walk with or without the parents. Lift some weights. Do some yoga.

Just remember, it’s a relatively short time to put up with relatives. You’ll get through it! Happy holidays!

Take My Roommate – Please!

Put two or more complete strangers in a tiny room or tiny apartment in an unfamiliar environment. Make them share a bathroom – perhaps with 20 other strangers. Throw in the stress of college classes, fraternity and sorority rush, and separation from friends and family. What do you get? Roommate trouble! And second thoughts about why you didn’t sign up for that online nursing program so you could stay home!

Some roommates get along great right from the start. But there are more roommate problems than there are success stories – especially freshman year. The stories go from amusing to horrendous. When you take a close look – they almost all boil down to one thing. Communication.

Here are the top 10 causes of roommate conflict:

1. Clean Freak vs. Slob

2. Light Sleeper  vs. Snorer or Night Owl

3. Non-Drinker vs. Party Animal

4. Busy Body vs. Private Leavmealone

5. Borrowers, Stealers and Space Hogs

6. LMAO  vs. Shhh

7. Help, I’ve been Sexiled

8. North vs. South – differing religions, politics or football teams

8. Private Parts – poor personal hygiene or immodest behavior

9. Let’s Do It My Way – unwillingness to compromise

That’s a pretty daunting list. The worst roommate problem that tops them all is when YOU know there is a problem, and your roommate is clueless.

You know you have to talk. Maybe he or she has no idea that it’s not appropriate to use your iPod — or your robe. Yuck, you have to talk. To do it right, make sure you have all your clues in place. Write down what’s bothering you, and be specific. Saying “You drive me crazy” is not going to be very productive.  Is it something specific that your roommate is doing? Is it something she said that got your dander up? Is the problem something you’ve asked her to stop doing before?

Set an appointment to talk. Catching your roommate on the way to an exam, or after a fight with his girlfriend is not going to set the stage for a good chat. Go into it assuming that you both want to work things out. And that old golden rule – approach her the way you would want to be approached. Try to talk it over one-on-one before getting an RA involved – there’s nothing that kills a relationship more than one roommate squealing on the other. And remember that you want to have a talk, not a rant or a one-sided lecture. Listen to what your roommate has to say.

After all, they may not realize that using your toothbrush to scrub the shower grout is annoying.