Students blog

Plenty of college students have experienced the panic of realizing they forgot to submit an assignment before the deadline. Staying organized between classes, work, and social commitments can feel overwhelming.

For a long time, I felt like I was constantly trying to catch up. I eventually concluded that the problem wasn't a lack of motivation. I simply hadn't found the study habits that worked for me.

1. Consider Your Environment

One habit that helped me stay focused was being intentional about where I studied. I found that studying at home made me too comfortable. It often led to procrastination since I associated home with relaxation.

For busy work or easier assignments, I liked going to cafés instead. The relaxed atmosphere made studying feel less overwhelming, especially on days when I wasn’t yet in full panic mode.

Then, when midterms and finals hit, I switched to the library. The quiet environment made it easier to concentrate and lock in for longer periods of time.

Being surrounded by other people working also helped me stay accountable and focused. This worked even without interacting with anyone.

2. Study with Friends

One of my favorite study habits was studying with friends. We would go café-hopping or do a study crawl, which is similar to a bar crawl but for studying.

We planned out an entire day dedicated to getting work done, choosing different locations ahead of time. After a couple of hours, we switched spots and tried somewhere new. This made studying feel more enjoyable while also giving us new experiences.

3. Create an Assignment Tracker

One of the most effective changes I made was creating an assignment tracker. Instead of relying on memory, I kept all my assignments in one place. I organized them by class, assignment, and due date.

I like to use Google Sheets for my assignment trackers, but I know people who use other programs like Excel or Notion. Seeing real-time progress made me feel productive and relieved, especially during weeks when I was super busy.

Dividing larger assignments into smaller steps also made a big difference. Tasks became more manageable, and I stopped putting them off since I knew exactly what to work on next. Plus, every time I checked off a part of a bigger assignment, it felt like a small accomplishment.

That feeling of control helped reduce stress. It made staying organized feel rewarding instead of exhausting.

Build Your Own System

It takes trial and error to find your ideal study habits. What works one semester might not work the next, and that's okay. Once I focused on making consistent progress and giving myself flexibility, my routine felt much more sustainable.

You don't have to completely change how you do things to stay organized in college. Taking small steps, like using assignment trackers and knowing where to study, can make a big difference.

College felt less stressful and more manageable once I found systems that worked for me. Finding your own study rhythm can help you keep up with assignments while truly enjoying the college experience.

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! 

Learning is lifelong and constantly evolving. When you think of learning, do you think of textbooks and quizzes, or digital tools and online courses?

In the past decade, learning has adopted a digital identity. These tools now shape how principles are taught.

As digitally trained students join a traditionally trained workforce, conversations emerge. This is clear in the relationship between Courtney and Allie. Both have backgrounds in speech-language pathology and a passion for science.

Courtney works in product marketing, and Allie interns under her guidance through the Pearson Campus Ambassador program. Although their college experiences differed, curiosity and empathy were foundational to the work of both.

Different Tools, Shared Curiosity

When Courtney majored in speech-language pathology, digital tools were just emerging.

Courtney reflects, "When I was in school, digital tools were only beginning to appear. Most of our learning came from hands-on practice, group discussion, and in-person collaboration. There were many times when I had to work harder to truly connect with a concept.

If tools like Practice Anatomy Lab or Pearson Interactive Labs had existed then, I know they would have helped me visualize and understand material so much more quickly. Those early experiences really shape how I think about supporting learners today."

Courtney’s experience with learning centered on collaboration and communication, both cornerstones of speech-language pathology. These still guide her approach to marketing and teamwork today.

In contrast, Allie’s learning relies on digital content and interactive tools. "I use AI to summarize articles and explore case studies. In class, we compare traditional treatment plans to AI-curated plans. We also have virtual labs and can earn ASHA-accredited observation hours, all accessible at any time."

Both experiences share the goal of helping people grow through science, though the tools differ.

Applying Shared Skills to Marketing

Now, Courtney and Allie work together at Pearson. They are discovering how their learning journeys complement each other.

Courtney observes, "Working with Allie reminds me how much learning has evolved. It highlights how important it is that we evolve with it. Her experience helps me see digital learning through the eyes of today’s students. Together, we bring that story to instructors and students through our marketing efforts.

It’s also been incredibly cool to see my speech-language pathology background re-emerge. Allie and I apply our shared roots in anatomy and physiology to science education and technology."

Allie shares the sentiment. "Working with Courtney has shown me that my skills can go beyond healthcare. They help me connect ideas, tell stories, and communicate the value of learning.

Working with her has shown me the benefits of intergenerational collaboration and evolving digital tools. Our weekly collaboration brings new ideas, projects, and ways of learning."

Bridging Gaps with Technology

One of the most rewarding parts of their collaboration is learning from each other.

Courtney notes, “Every conversation with Allie gives me a fresh perspective. I bring experience from industry and years of working with educators. She brings the perspective of a current student navigating digital learning firsthand. That combination pushes our work forward in ways neither of us could accomplish alone."

Allie agrees. "It’s the perfect example of lifelong learning. Digital tools like Practice Anatomy Lab and Pearson Interactive Labs let me study any time. I can practice skills with accurate models and experiments, and feel confident in graded labs. I work with Courtney to highlight these tools and the benefits I’ve gained."

At Pearson, learning never stops, and neither does collaboration. Courtney and Allie’s story highlights the power of evolving technology and mentorship. Combining different experiences unlocks the true potential of learning.

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! 

When Charles Dickens said, “It was the best and worst of times,” he could easily have been talking about college. And he would be one hundred percent correct. College is an experience like no other.

It’s where you start to figure out who you are when no one is watching over your shoulder. Some values shift; others become more firmly rooted. You get a taste of real adult problems.

Some days, you feel whimsical, like you’re skipping down the sidewalk and singing with the birds. Other days, everything seems to be closing in and falling apart. You want to shut the world off until your laundry timer rings and reality pulls you back in.

Going into college, I thought I knew what to expect. Classes, exams, parties, weird roommates, communal bathrooms. The basics.

What I didn’t know was how much of college is made up of small moments that quietly shape you. As an eighteen-year-old, I packed two suitcases and moved 1,700 miles away from home in August 2023. I crossed three time zones for a fresh start.

It felt like stepping into a completely new chapter. It was equal parts terrifying and exciting, and I had no real idea of how the story would unfold.

The Best of Times

My biggest fear was not finding my people. I’ve always been introverted, and the idea of constantly meeting new people was overwhelming. But somehow, without trying too hard, I found them.

They were the ones sitting next to me in class, bonding over confusing lectures and shared stress. They turned post-exam boba runs into a tradition. We convinced ourselves we deserved a sweet reward after surviving another test.

Those friendships didn’t happen all at once. They grew slowly and naturally. One day, I realized these were the people I couldn’t imagine college without.

There are also the traditions you never expect to love. You wait in a long line every weekend to get into the football stadium. You’re fully aware that your team is probably going to lose.

You stand there anyway, cheering just as loudly. You convince yourself that maybe this time will be different. Even when it isn’t, you leave laughing, knowing you’ll be back next week.

And then there’s fall on campus. It brings cool air, changing leaves, and the feeling that everything is exactly where it should be.

And the Worst of Times

College also teaches you that nothing is ever just one thing. Laundry is not just laundry. It’s finding a three-hour window when you’ll actually be in your dorm.

You check the basement for open machines and run back upstairs to grab your clothes and detergent. Then, you race back down before someone else takes your spot.

You set a timer, come back right on time, and somehow there are still fifteen minutes left. The dryer lies every single time.

Living on your own for the first time is also harder than anyone prepares you for. You’re suddenly responsible for managing your time, your money, your sleep, and your emotions—often all at once.

You learn how to navigate life through trial and error. You miss deadlines, overcommit yourself, and realize that no one is going to remind you to take care of yourself except you.

It can feel overwhelming. It’s like you’re constantly figuring things out as you go, hoping you’re doing it right.

Yes, the dining hall food is worse than you imagine. It’s impossible to find space in the library during finals week. Some days feel overwhelming.

But in between all of that, you grow. College is messy, exhausting, and unforgettable. One day, you’ll look back and realize the hard parts were shaping you into who you’re meant to become.

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! 

The first week of classes has its own extensive list of pros and cons. The dread of a potential icebreaker activity is definitely near the top of the cons list. I would argue that this dread is rather universal among college students.

Who wants to tell a stranger where they would go if they could time travel? It is easy to view this as a cheesy way to spend the first ten minutes of class. But with a little perspective, these random activities can become opportunities.

A Surprise Connection

On my very first day of college, I arrived early for my Psychology 101 class. I was nervous about where to sit and what to expect. I was anxious about starting my journey as a college student.

Then my professor asked us to share our favorite part of summer break with a neighbor. An awkward silence fell over the classroom, and then the girl next to me introduced herself.

We exchanged names and summer highlights. Before I knew it, we were discussing my interest in human development and family studies. That happened to be the same major as my new classmate, Kathy.

For the rest of the semester, we made small talk before class. We also participated in class discussions together.

Building a Support System

Little did I know that for the next four semesters I would see Kathy in my other classes, too. Now, I know her answers to countless icebreakers.

I also have an amazing class friend to sit with, share notes with, and study with. Kathy has supported me through difficult exams and assignments. She is a familiar face around campus and another reason to get up for class.

Embrace the Awkwardness

I encourage you to reconsider the dread associated with icebreakers. While they can be uncomfortable, they are a direct gateway to connection. Plus, everyone in the room is likely just as nervous as you are.

You do not need to find a best friend in every class. However, simply finding a familiar face can make a large lecture hall feel smaller. It makes the college experience less isolating.

So, next time a professor asks you to turn to your neighbor, take a second. Push past the hesitation and say hello. You might be about to meet a great class friend.

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! 

College can be a difficult lifestyle adjustment. Living in campus housing and navigating a class schedule different from high school can be challenging. Add in extracurriculars such as clubs, sports, and social events, and it becomes even harder.

Staying on top of my physical fitness is the most effective way I balance the hectic college lifestyle. Fitting the gym into one’s daily schedule seems hard, but many people overestimate how long physical activity takes.

Simple Ways to Start Working Out

You can spend hours at the gym, but many quick workouts require only minutes of your time. Anything that gets your heart rate up and brings you out of your comfort zone benefits your body and mind.

For example, walking outside for twenty to thirty minutes every day is a simple way to start. Once you are comfortable with that, start jogging a mile every day. You can download various apps to track your progress and hold yourself accountable.

I enjoy running at the gym’s track because the atmosphere motivates me. I can surround myself with others who are also trying to better themselves. This goes for weight training as well.

Note the weight you start with. As you return to the gym, strive to increase your weight and watch your hard work pay off.

Personally, I make an effort to go to the gym five days a week, typically Monday through Friday. I use the weekend to relax, spend time with friends, or finish any remaining work.

This is just an example of a schedule that you can follow. Building one that works best for you will make it easier to stay consistent and form a long-term habit.

Mental Health Benefits of Fitness

I always worked out because I liked getting stronger and wanted to look good. However, college has really opened my eyes to how beneficial fitness is for my mental health.

When I am very stressed about school, I do not feel bad about choosing to go to the gym instead of doing an assignment. It gives me time to take my mind off everything, work hard, and return refreshed to finish that assignment.

There is a sign that hangs in our gym at school that says, “Nobody ever regrets going to the gym.” While this is cliché, it has proven true for me. No matter how badly I did not want to go or how overwhelmed I was, I always leave a workout feeling accomplished.

College is the perfect time to start creating good physical fitness habits. Your life is ramping up toward the real world, yet you still have leeway to find what works for you.

Working out is my way to stay on track and find peace. I encourage you to give it a shot and begin building a lifelong habit that will benefit you immensely.

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! 

The semester is over, and you can finally take a break. After late-night study sessions, final exams, and homework assignments, you've earned this time to relax and reset. As the next semester approaches, use these tips to plan ahead and start preparing.

1. Map Your Route

A new semester brings a compelling catalog of locations for your scheduled classes. No matter how big or small the campus, it’s handy to know how far you’ll be traveling and how long it’ll take. Check a campus map on your device and plan your route.

If you have the chance, you can even test the route a day or two before classes start. When planning your route, note which buildings you’ll pass.

If you have time between classes, you can look for the perfect break spot on campus. A library? An outdoor bench? Anywhere that suits your needs. Maybe you’ll pass a trendy new campus coffee shop serving a shaken espresso with your name on it.

2. Organize Early

Before the next semester saunters in, taking time to get organized can set the stage for a smoother, less stressful experience. As soon as they become available, review your class syllabi. Note what you’ll be reading, the projects you’ll complete, and the exams that require scheduled study time.

You can also take this time to gather all the supplies for each of your classes. Hit up your local bookstore to grab any required reading materials. Make a day of it by purchasing a new set of notebooks, pencils, and other supplies.

A little planning in advance can ensure you’re prepared to stay on track when deadlines start piling up.

3. Prioritize Self-Care

Starting a new semester is exciting! And it’s chaotic. Sometimes it’s downright overwhelming.

Among all the essays written, homework completed, and all-nighters pulled, it’s essential to carve out time to take care of yourself. This can mean something different for everyone.

For some, it might mean going to bed at a decent hour (or at least giving it a shot). For others, it’s setting up a class planner so that projects don’t sneak up on you.

Taking just a few minutes out of your day to let your brain and body relax will pay off when you reach the finish line. Find time in your weekly schedule to take care of yourself. After all, you’re doing a lot of heavy academic lifting.

Starting a New Semester

Starting a new semester doesn’t have to devolve into chaos. With route planning, self-care, and organized supplies, you can confidently walk into your first week of classes.

Enjoy your well-earned break, and know that when the semester rolls around, you’ll be more than ready.

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! 

Leadership is a key skill in industry. It shows you can think innovatively, express your ideas, and inspire others to execute them.

Leadership has been central to my college experience, and this year, I am holding three executive positions while being a full-time student and working part-time. So, what have I learned on this journey?

First, always pour into your own cup before pouring into others. Second, give people the resources to do their job well. Third, respect and welcome everyone's ideas, because nothing great can be done by one person alone.

Fill Your Cup First: The Foundation of Leadership

Being a student leader requires patience, time, and energy. Balancing multiple responsibilities can feel overwhelming, sometimes to the point of not delivering. To prevent burnout, you must prioritize taking care of yourself before you can effectively lead others.

For me, self-care looks like eating nutritious meals to fuel my body, staying active through yoga or regular gym sessions, and taking daily moments for mental and spiritual grounding through prayer and meditation.

These practices keep me centered and energized. They allow me to shift my mindset from “I have to do this” to “I get to do this.” When you fill your own cup first, you show up for others with more patience, clarity, and enthusiasm.

Equip for Success: Empowering Your Team to Thrive

A key part of leadership is ensuring your team has the tools and information necessary to succeed. When delegating tasks, be clear about your expectations and provide a structured path for execution. Encourage questions and create space for dialogue so everyone understands their responsibilities.

Equally important is setting clear deadlines. This allows team members to build their own work timelines and deliver high-quality results without unnecessary stress. A well-informed team is a confident team, and confident teams deliver.

Embrace All Ideas: Leadership is a Collective Effort

In group settings, it is common to see one person take on the bulk of the work. During my first year, that person was me. At the time, I hadn’t learned how to connect with my team, foster innovation, or delegate effectively.

Through practice and experience, I learned that true leadership isn’t about doing everything yourself. It’s about creating an environment where everyone’s perspective can shine. Today, I prefer working in teams because incredible ideas emerge when creative people work toward a shared goal.

The key to unlocking that collective potential is strategic delegation: identifying each person’s strengths and aligning them with meaningful tasks. When you welcome diverse perspectives, you elevate the final product and the team's sense of shared ownership and pride.

Being a great leader is a process of continual growth. The more experience you gain, the more comfortable you will become with aligning people to a common goal and leading with confidence.

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! 

After the excitement of graduation, you transition to a new period of independence in college. While it’s an exciting time, staying on top of schoolwork, commitments, and clubs can be challenging. In the process, it’s easy to neglect your health and well-being.

I learned this the hard way during my first semester. I prioritized assignments and social activities over my own self-care, which led to moments of intense stress when I felt there wasn’t enough time in the day.

After winter break, I started to find ways to prioritize myself. When I began to move more slowly, I noticed I had more energy, which allowed me to contribute better to my schoolwork and activities. Here are a few things that helped clear my head.

Log Off by 6 p.m.

First, shut down your computer by 6 p.m. A typical workday ends around 5 p.m., so there’s no reason to keep working late into the night. Having this set time allows you to wind down and still have a few hours to yourself.

This practice helps me manage my time because I know I need to have everything finished by then. It also reduces stress levels before bed. Your head won’t be spinning with everything you need to do; instead, it will be clear and ready for the next day.

Nurture Key Relationships

Next, make time for the relationships that matter. When I started college, I focused so much on school stress that my friendships began to suffer, and at times, it felt like I had few people in my corner.

Eventually, I learned the importance of making time for friends and family. I now go out of my way to see my friends and call someone in my family every day. This not only helps me clear my head but also reminds me that many people care about me. You’ll see a burst of energy when you prioritize friendships and allow yourself to have fun.

Make Time for Movement

The last tactic is exercise. It may not be everyone’s favorite topic, but I have found it to be an outlet that can clear my head in an instant. My brain knows that the gym is my time and nobody else’s. I put my headphones on, listen to my favorite music, and get to be with myself for an hour or two.

This is a great way to clear my head, get some movement in, and stay healthy. I switch up my exercises among running, lifting, Pilates, and walks, which keeps things new and exciting. Once I started prioritizing exercise, I saw a huge shift in my mental health and well-being, which has made my college transition smoother.

Prioritize What Matters

Starting a new college routine brings challenges that require effort and adaptability. However, with these tactics, you can make the transition a little easier.

The most important thing is to do what you love. When you make time for the things that matter most, your well-being and the transition will automatically become easier. Remember to show up for yourself and your health because the next four years are for you!

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! 

College life can feel like a constant juggling act. Lectures, part-time jobs, club meetings, and social plans all compete for your time and energy. It is easy to feel like you are just trying to keep your head above water.

The good news is that staying organized and consistent does not require becoming a productivity robot or living by a strict schedule. It is about building small, sustainable habits that make your day feel less chaotic and more intentional.

As a college student myself, I have realized that organization is not about perfection; it is about consistency. You do not need a dozen planners, five apps, or color-coded everything. What you need is a system that actually works for you. Here are a few strategies that have helped me maintain balance without burning out.

Time-Block Your Day

Instead of listing twenty tasks and hoping to fit them all in, try time-blocking. This means dedicating chunks of your day to specific tasks: 9–11 a.m. for studying biology, 11 a.m.–12 p.m. for errands, and 1–3 p.m. for work.

This helps you be realistic about how much time tasks take and prevents that “where did the day go?” feeling. I use a digital calendar to plan my time, so I can quickly and easily move things around when plans inevitably change.

Set Micro-Goals

Big projects and exams can feel impossible when you look at them as a whole. That is where micro-goals come in. Break down large tasks into small, doable steps, such as outlining a paper section or reviewing one lecture’s notes.

Checking off small goals gives you momentum and keeps procrastination away. I once broke a ten-page paper into ten short writing sessions, one per day. It was the first time I submitted a large assignment early.

Use Digital Tools Wisely

Apps like Notion, Todoist, and Google Calendar can be game-changers, but only if you actually use them. Do not overcomplicate things with endless tabs and templates. Start simple.

For example, I keep one Notion page for weekly tasks and one for ongoing goals. The less friction there is in updating your system, the more consistent you will be with it.

Recover from “Chaotic Weeks” Gracefully

There will always be messy weeks. You might forget an assignment, skip laundry, or live off vending machine snacks. The key is to reset, not spiral.

I like to do a quick “Sunday reset.” I clean my desk, check upcoming deadlines, and plan one fun thing for the week ahead. It is a way to start fresh without guilt.

Treat Organization as Self-Care

We often think of organization as discipline or control, but it is really a form of self-respect. Having a plan means you are protecting your time, energy, and peace of mind. You are not trying to be perfect; you are trying to make life easier for your future self.

When motivation inevitably dips, rely on consistency rather than willpower. Even ten minutes of focused work or a quick schedule review can keep you grounded. Over time, those small efforts add up to a steady rhythm that keeps you moving forward.

In the end, staying organized is not about doing more. It is about doing what matters most, consistently. When you build systems that fit your lifestyle instead of fighting it, college stops feeling like a balancing act. It starts to feel like something you can truly thrive in.

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!