Students blog

Have you ever felt like every year, your dollars continue to buy less and less at the grocery store? You wouldn’t be alone in this feeling as many consumers across the country are burdened with the lingering effects of higher-than-normal inflation – the increase in overall prices. Even if you haven’t experienced a major increase in your food bill, you may still notice that the amount of goods you receive for the same price has decreased: this is a process dubbed “shrinkflation.” 

As college students faced with already heightened costs of education, it is important to take every step we can to save money while living on campus. One of the best ways to do this is to take control of one of the main expenses incurred throughout our college experience: groceries and food. 

While it may not seem like it, small changes in the way we shop can lead to exponential savings in the long run. If you find yourself feeling the pressure of increasing prices at your local supermarket, here are some ways to potentially trim your grocery bill and save some cash. 

The first thing I will say is to stay basic. Grocery stores are carefully crafted to lead you through high-margin items into essentials like milk and eggs. So, while the 6 pack of chocolate chip cookies sitting in the bakery section may look tempting, it helps to establish a list of things you need before visiting (if you are craving them, baking them from scratch is way cheaper). 

Another thing to do is to think cost-per-unit. This is something I noticed not too long ago and has changed my shopping process entirely. Instead of comparing prices, look at the cost-per-unit of the product and decide whether you are willing to pay a premium for one product over the other. Moreover, buying in bulk will often yield savings. Pantry staples like rice and spices can often be bought in seemingly absurd proportions, but making the upfront investment can be way cheaper than buying a bag that will last you two weeks. 

And finally, never discount private label brands. For those unaware, private labels are products that are manufactured and branded by the retailer you choose to shop at – think Great Value (Walmart), Kirkland Signature (Costco), and everything in Trader Joes. Being made by the retailer means that the company experiences cost savings which they then pass onto you, the end customer, to stay competitive. In my experience, most private labels of essential goods rarely differ in quality from name brands.

In conclusion, while inflation and shrinkflation are challenging realities, there are practical strategies to manage your grocery expenses. By planning ahead, comparing cost-per-unit, buying in bulk, and swapping to private-label brands, you can stretch your dollars further. As college students, adopting these habits not only eases financial pressure but also instills smart shopping practices that will benefit you long after graduation. Embrace these tips, and you'll find that a little effort can lead to significant savings, making your college experience more affordable and enjoyable.

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My first time around in college was during a turbulent time in my life, so, in my thirties, I’m back to finish my undergraduate degree. Hooray! Seriously, I’m excited. I love school, and I’m finally at a place where I may not necessarily know what I want to get paid to do, but I know what I like, what I care about, and what energizes me. My direction is much more precise, which makes my investment feel more worthwhile from the start.

I have a greater appreciation for everything: my access to education, cost-saving opportunities, my support system, and the perks of being a student on and off campus. I understand the value of internships and participation in groups and clubs. I know myself well enough to manage my time more effectively and adapt to different teaching styles. As a result, my grades are higher than my first time in school. Simply being in this place in my life allows me to get more value from my college experience.

Naturally, it’s easier to stay motivated when school doesn’t feel like a mere means to an end. In a 2022 study of 361 Portuguese college students, Rothes, Lemos, and Gonçalves determined that “nontraditional” students (25+ years old) do enjoy some advantages with their age. An older student brings life experience, advanced cognitive development, and a more integrated sense of autonomy to the classroom. This translates into higher levels of motivation and a difference in how they measure success. Younger students tend to focus on performance and their competitive edge, while older students are more in pursuit of knowledge and expertise. The focus that traditional students place on more externally visible goals can negatively impact their engagement and learning (Rothes et al., 2022).

Anecdotally, I can attest to the difference in how I feel about my performance. Do I love high grades as all (recovering) perfectionists do? Yes, but I use my grades differently now: to gauge my understanding and to highlight any gaps in my knowledge that I need to address. With that goal in mind, academic status becomes less of a status symbol and more of an investment summary.

Not only does the shift in my perspective of grades change my level of engagement, but course content has more context now, so it’s easier to understand and remain interested. As a younger student, I had a hard time caring about a lot of what I learned. Now, everything seems more relevant, and I can find educational value in activities that used to feel like busy work.

Returning to college as a nontraditional student has enriched my academic journey. With a clearer sense of direction, a deeper appreciation for my education, and a focus on real-world application, I find myself genuinely engaged and motivated. This renewed perspective not only enhances my academic performance but also brings greater personal fulfillment, making this next chapter in my college experience truly rewarding.

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Since moving away to college, I have been taking advantage of my new freedom with a full schedule of outdoor activities, clubs, social interactions, and professional development. Being constantly on the go, accidents are bound to happen. Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of completely tearing my ACL days before I was scheduled to start my summer internship and move across states. In this situation, adaptation is key. Here are the things that have helped me adapt to a recovery lifestyle and continue to participate in the life I love to live.

Slowing down and living through patience

Pre and post-op, I have had to learn how to slow down my speed instead of racing through all of my activities. After surgery, I couldn’t move out of bed without assistance let alone stand on my own while using crutches. Each day there were improvements that were meant to be celebrated; whether it was getting out of bed on my own, my first shower without assistance, or bending my leg 10 degrees, everything was and still is an accomplishment. As much as I’d love to be back after it like before, I have had to consistently remind myself that healing is a slow and controlled process that cannot be rushed! Patience is crucial here. Believe it or not, the slower I have taken my recovery, the more I have been able to do.

Asking for help

Going from capable to incapable from one jump and one surgery is a humbling experience. Realistically, I could not and still cannot go through my recovery without additional help around the house, in physical therapy, or even in the grocery store. I am an extremely independent individual and asking for help felt almost impossible, but post-operation I didn’t have a choice. In this process, I have learned that my village is willing to help in any way possible as long as I just say the word and ask. It has made my life one million times easier after I set my pride aside and asked someone to carry a bag or grab me a new ice pack.

Finding new ways to continue to be involved

Athletically, I cannot participate in my sports for at least 4 months with an 8-10 month timeline. As heartbreaking as that sounds, there is more to sports than playing them. I have been promoted to designated boat driver and photographer for my waterbug friends. This way, I can still be out on the water and involved in all of their progress without risking reinjury. Additionally, although I may not be able to compete this year, I’ll still be attending every competition to cheer on those who are able!

Injury, surgery, and recovery is never easy for anyone regardless of what their previous day-to day looked like. The reality of all injuries is that you do not have to go through this alone! Whether it’s family, physical therapists, or friends, there are people that will surround you through this process and remind you what the purpose of kindness and selflessness is. If you find yourself in my same shoes, just remember to take it slow, ask for help, and don’t isolate yourself!

There are still things out there for you to be involved in with the things you love while you recover. Get creative and continue to get after it!

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For a college student, it is not an unfamiliar feeling to feel “out of touch” or behind on the news. Whether it’s a brief conversation in one of your classes, or even a pop culture joke between your friends, not having knowledge on current events can have you feeling left out of many circles.

For me, it is not very realistic to order newspapers to my third story dorm room or turn on a news channel on the television I do not have. Therefore, I spent a generous amount of time looking for other ways to stay informed on what is going on in the rest of the world in a way that’s convenient for my schedule and entertaining enough to stay consistent. While these resources might not be the best for everyone, I hope I can provide some ideas or motivations on how to stay up to date with the news.

Podcasts

Whether you are wanting to learn about the stock market, foreign affairs or even celebrity news, there is most likely a podcast about it. Major news organizations such as the Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, NPR, and NBC all have at least one, and usually more, daily podcasts. They release frequent episodes ranging from 5-45 minutes with all kinds of news and current events. Podcasts are wonderful because they are easy to listen to either on your way to class, during a workout, or even just as background noise!

A few of my favorite podcasts include:

• The Daily by The New York Times
• CNN 5 Things by CNN
• WSJ What’s News by The Wall Street Journal
• Pop Culture Happy Hour by NPR

Newsletters

Another one of my favorite ways to get a quick and consistent briefing on global updates is through newsletter subscriptions, which get sent right to my Gmail inbox. Just like podcasts, there are a plethora of newsletters on every topic ranging from quick bullet points to longer opinion articles. I find that these newsletters are great for reading in the morning, during a study break or right before bed.

Here are a few of my favorite newsletters:

• Morning Brew by Morning Brew
• 5 Things You Need to Know to Start Your Day by Bloomberg
• Worldview by The Washington Post
• On Politics by The New York Times

While my preference is newsletters and podcasts as a way to stay updated, you can also subscribe to news applications on your phone or even turning on the cable television. Regardless, it is important to stay on top of what is going on in the rest of the world, especially as a college student.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

I studied abroad in Dublin from January to May 2023. I was initially skeptical about studying abroad, as I transferred to Notre Dame and already felt like I missed out on a year on campus. As the middle child of a family of five girls, I also was intimidated to live an ocean away from my family for five months. My older sisters chose not to study abroad, so the experience seemed enigmatic, stressful, and overwhelming. I also needed to go to great lengths to ensure I would fulfill enough credit for my science major to make the decision a possibility.

Studying abroad was an incredible experience in so many ways. I only had one friend going into my program of 55 Notre Dame students, so it was a wonderful opportunity for me to make new friends and broaden my horizons. I learned so much about myself, my priorities, my travel preferences, my Irish culture, and my world perspective. Here are my tips for those considering going abroad:

Document your time

Studying abroad feels like a dream. Your life is staggeringly different for about five months, then you return and hit “resume”. When you are abroad and living in an entirely different environment, you will naturally reflect more. Think about certain aspects of the culture that seemed surprising or off to you–why did you feel that way? Do they do things better here or at home? How do people treat you at local spots? What have you learned culturally and about yourself? Do you think about the world differently? It’s important to jot down your thoughts on paper or online because your time abroad will be over before you know it–and even though you think you’ll remember every moment; it all becomes a blur without intentional preservation. Additionally, if you travel often, make sure to write down where you go! You never know when you’ll get to go back, but people always appreciate restaurant, museum, park, and lodging recommendations.

Say ‘yes’ to everything

Something that people often struggle with when studying abroad is the lack of routine. It is dependent upon your class schedule and where you live, but when I was in Dublin my days were less regimented. Rather than feeling like you need to fill that time exercising or killing time on your phone, say ‘yes’ to window-shopping, visiting the bookstore, roaming around your town, and talking to locals. When you study abroad, your learnings tend to be 30% academic and 70% personal, cultural, and social. It’s different in a wonderful way–you can focus on your personal development and see how the world is different. But you can only do this if you go out and explore.

Do things alone

Because we get to be surrounded by friends often while at school, some students are self-conscious about exploring or adventuring on their own, thinking they’ll be judged for not “having friends.” Well, in reality, you should take advantage of any free time you have, whether your friends are free at the same time or not. Think of all the time you’re wasting by being afraid to go out on your own! I feel confident that you’ll surprise yourself with how much fun you have, and there is a high probability you end up chatting with local people and making new friends. Honestly, it can be tough to break out of your bubble and make new friends unless you’re alone because talking to one person is much easier than attempting to chat with three people that are already friends. So, get on the bus or the train and go do something for yourself, by yourself.

Put yourself out there

You might go into your abroad experience with lots of friends or without knowing anyone. Either way, make sure to have an open mind and really put yourself out there. This is an
opportunity to make new friends, and if you never give yourself the chance, you will 100% miss out on getting to know people who could have added beautiful color to your life. Ask him/her to grab coffee, to walk in the park, to wait for you after class, to get lunch, to go thrifting, to go to the pub, etc. The options are endless! The worst thing you can do is pick your three friends immediately and only chat/travel with them for your entire time abroad. Everyone is experiencing being abroad in this location for the first time, so hold on to that. It’s new for everyone. People miss home, can’t talk to their family as often, are unfamiliar with their surroundings. Allow yourself to embrace the new experience and let new people in to enjoy it as well.

Avoid comparisons

Depending on location, university, time of year, budget, and mindset going in, everyone has their own unique study abroad experience. Do NOT compare yourself to others! Suzie may have gone to 25 countries abroad, but she didn’t get to make any local friends and traveled solo often. Brendan may have gotten to go surfing 10 times, but he stayed in Ireland and saved money by eating pasta every night. Sandra made new best friends but struggled with passing her classes. Cara posted gorgeous photos on camels in Morocco but must retake biology II because it didn’t count. James may not have traveled much, but he had an incredible experience working in a lab on campus and working on group projects with English students. There is always more to the story, so don’t make all your judgments on the six Instagram posts your older friends dropped throughout the semester.

No matter what the situation may be, everyone experiences a roller coaster of emotions throughout their time abroad, and no one’s experience is perfect. If you want to travel a lot, awesome. If you don’t want to travel at all, that’s also awesome. You just need to figure out what is best for you independent of what others plan to do.

If you’re planning to study abroad... ENJOY IT! I wish I could have the time back to do it all again.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

Growing up, music was genuinely the soundtrack of my life. Music was playing all the time, no matter what I was doing. When I was little, I would just shuffle all the songs on my mom’s iTunes, from One Direction to Taylor Swift to Counting Crows. As I got older though, I started to realize the importance of having music that was specific to the situations I was going through, or the times I was playing it. So, over the last few years, I have curated a long list of playlists, for any mood or situation someone may be in, and I have learned there are 4 essential playlists for anyone to have, even music newbies.

Playlist One: The Sad Songs

Although it seems like a rough place to start, it is important that you have a playlist of your sad songs. These are your crying in the car, post breakup, or just needing to feel your emotions songs. Some I have on my sad playlist are "What Are You Gonna Tell Her" by Mickey Guyton, "Ronan" by Taylor Swift, "Good Enough" by Maisie Peters.

Playlist Two: Female Rage

This playlist needs no introduction. These are the songs you are screaming when things are bad, when things are good, or when you just need a good scream. These songs will lift your spirits or help you feel seen through your anger. Although called “Female Rage”, these are the songs that anyone could be screaming. Some songs I’ve recently found therapeutic on this playlist are "Tolerate It" by Taylor Swift, "You Lost the Breakup" by Maisie Peters, "Best Thing I Never Had" by Beyonce.

Playlist Three: Mixed Crowd Playlist

These are the type of songs you can play when you are passed the aux in a car of people you barely know. A little bit of vibey, a little bit of fun throwbacks, but overall, not revealing the deepest part of your music taste. Some songs I recommend for this playlist are "Unwritten" by Natasha Bedingfield, "That’s My Girl" by Fifth Harmony, and "Love Story" by Taylor Swift.

Playlist Four: Windows Down

This playlist is arguably the most important. This is your driving, windows down, summer playlist. This is the playlist that includes your singing/screaming songs, your throwbacks, and the songs that make you feel the most joy. This playlist may be targeted for summer nights but is made to help get you out of any bad mood or feel every good one. Some songs I recommend for this playlist are "The Man" by Taylor Swift, "Risk" by Gracie Abrams, and "Want U Back" by Cher Lloyd.

No matter what your mood or circumstance, music helps you in the good times and bad. Having playlists on hang to help you process your emotions or feel them deeper is the best type of free therapy, and I hope you found some of these recommendations helpful as you begin to build your own playlists!

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

I’m an undergrad business student, and my husband is about to start his second year of law school. We’re newlyweds, and one of the things I’ve been thinking about is how we balance the time and effort we’re able to give to each other with the time and effort we both must put into our schoolwork.

Both keeping good grades and being a good spouse require time, effort, and care. Staying on top of both at the same time can be hard to manage, especially when big projects are due or when finals are in full swing. Here are the things we’ve done to make sure that we’re not neglecting one in favor of the other.

Keeping a schedule

One of the things that’s helped the most is having a set schedule throughout the day. For example, we usually spend our mornings and parts of our evenings together, but we keep things flexible so that we don’t feel pressured to choose between getting an assignment done and spending time together. During the time that we dedicate to homework, we often work on things in the same room, which also helps us stay connected.

Giving each other space when it is needed

Something that’s critical to maintaining a healthy relationship with both each other and your obligations is giving each other space when it is needed. Giving each other space to unwind after a long day of classes or after finishing an assignment is important to ensure that spending time together doesn’t feel like another chore.

Remembering to show the other that you care

Often, it’s easy to get caught up in your own worries and forgo your obligations as a spouse. That’s why it’s so important to do little things here and there even in the busiest of times. You can make an extra portion of breakfast; you can clean up that mess you both made in the living room, or you can tackle that small stack of dishes sitting by the sink. Even just brewing enough coffee in the morning for the both of you means something. Taking even just a few minutes out of your day to show your other half that they matter to you speaks volumes.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

This past summer I worked as an intern in New York City, and it was a whirlwind of fun and chaos all at once. Moving to a big and hustling city like this was extremely exciting but was also very unsettling to be in a new place without any familiarity. I was fortunate enough to have a lot of friends from home and from college also living in NYC for the summer, so I was able to explore, try different restaurants, and walk around new areas as much as have time outside of work. For anyone that is moving to a new city for the summer or even for full-time, here are three tips to help you adjust to an exciting and fast lifestyle.

Get to know your coworkers.

While this might go unsaid, it is really important to make an effort at work both tangibly and socially. You may not think that your fellow interns or even supervisors would ever be the same people you see on the weekends – but you would be surprised. It is always nice to have a familiar face in the office, and around a big city. One of the most routine events on a Thursday afternoon is office happy hour, and you want to be a part of it! Becoming close with your coworkers can make all the difference when it comes to enjoying your time in and out of the office, especially if you do not know many people.

Sign up for classes.

I am sure everyone has some kind of hobby or activity they have wanted to pick up and the amazing thing about cities, is that they have pretty much any kind of class you can think of. Since being here this summer, I have gone to cycling, boxing, Pilates, and barre classes around NYC. While exercise is undoubtedly great for your health and lifestyle, attending classes is a great way to make new friends or even bond with a friend you are looking to spend more time with. If you happen to hate workout classes, look for group-style classes in cooking, pottery, yoga, minigolf and even jewelry-making. Even if you only try one a month, you never know what you might learn to love or who you might meet!

Walk around, especially without a destination.

I know this sounds cliché, but the best adventures around a city usually come as a surprise. The great thing about a place like New York City, is it is walkable and full of different stores, restaurants, and events in every nook and cranny. When I had a free day or a free afternoon, I always tried to grab a friend and go for a walk around a new area of the city. We could catch up and do some sightseeing. Often, this ended up with us walking into small and unique thrift stores or trying a new restaurant with the most delicious sounding appetizers. It turned out to be a great way to get familiar with a new place, spend quality time with my friends, and discover new types of foods and experiences.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

During your time in college, you’ll be faced with times where you must give a speech or presentation. Whether it be for an organization that you are in, a class project, or even a school event, if you’re anything like me, public speaking is a scary thing. It may make you apprehensive, but here are things that you can do to make it a little easier!

1. Figure out your purpose.

What is your purpose for this opportunity? Who is your audience? It can be a position for an organization that you are in, or it can be a presentation for a class project that you have been working on. Are you trying to persuade them, inform them, or entertain? Figuring out your purpose can help you easily tailor what you say to the people you stand in front of!

2. How do you write your speech?

First impressions are very important in most settings. The same goes for a speech. Your opening must be strong to set yourself up for the rest of the speech, otherwise people will lose interest before you’ve started. Make sure you have a powerful opening and closing. Structure the content in between to define the message you are trying to get across clearly. As always, have a friend or two proofread for grammar and flow.

3. Practice makes perfect.

Unless you naturally have amazing public speaking skills, chances are your nerves are going to get you during your speech. Make sure to spend some time practicing a run through of what you are going to say. Minimize the use of notecards by practicing in front of a mirror and maintaining eye contact with yourself. Make sure you dress up in what you are going to wear so you feel comfortable in it.

4. Dress for the occasion.

Having the right attire on shows your audience that you are prepared. If it is a professional speech make sure you are in full business attire. If it is semi-casual, then business-casual is needed. I personally would not wear anything less, but if you’ll be speaking in front of family and friends for a more casual occasion, then casual attire is totally fine! No matter the occasion, your appearance plays a huge role in getting your point across.

5. Prepare the day of the speech.

By now you should have been practicing your speech for a couple days. On the day of the speech, make sure not to stress yourself out. Have a moderate breakfast, practice a couple times through, and do something relaxing prior to the speech such as some calming music. Go into the speech confident and with your head high and give it your best! Confidence is key!

Lastly, once you have given your speech, reward yourself. All the practice and preparation deserve a reward! These steps will ensure that you are setup for success for the big speech you were stressing about. Do your best, and good luck!

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started!