Students blog

College is a whirlwind of new experiences, and having a roommate can make that adventure even more exciting, or a bit challenging. From navigating unfamiliar buildings and academic expectations to developing friendships and exploring personal identities, college life is a transformative journey that can be both exhilarating and overwhelming. At the heart of that experience is the relationship with your roommate. Having a positive roommate relationship can make all the difference in your college experience, providing a safe space to be yourself, share experiences, and grow alongside your peers.

Let’s be honest, living with a stranger can be tough. Late-night study sessions can quickly turn into noisy distractions, messy spaces can be a source of tension, and differing personalities can clash. It's easy to fall into a routine of avoidance, where you and your roommate coexist rather than connect. But the reality is, your roommate is someone who can help shape your college experience. They can provide a sounding board for your ideas, support you through tough times, and even become a lifelong friend. So, how do you make the most of this experience?

It's essential to establish open communication from the jump. This means having an honest conversation about your expectations, boundaries, and needs. You can discuss things like quiet hours, cleanliness, and guest policies to create a mutually respectful environment. It also helps to engage in activities and hobbies that you both enjoy, whether that's cooking, movie nights, or outdoor adventures. By fostering a sense of connection and community, you can turn your dorm room into a home where you both feel seen, heard, and valued.

Of course, it's not always smooth sailing, but with a little creativity, patience, and empathy, you can turn your roommate experience into a highlight of your college years and beyond. By choosing to prioritize this relationship, you can not only survive the college years but also create lasting memories and friendships that extend far beyond the classroom.

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Any mid-term or finals week can feel overwhelming, but with the right strategies, you can tackle it effortlessly! Success usually begins with a solid plan, so begin by mapping out your week in advance. Create a schedule that breaks your days into blocks dedicated to specific subjects, study sessions, breaks, meals, and most importantly sleep. You can use a planner, a whiteboard, or apps like Google Calendar or Notion to help yourself stay organized during this busy week. The key to achieving a structured plan is to set realistic goals for each session. This can help ensure you know exactly what needs to be accomplished. A well-thought-out plan not only keeps you on track but also reduces the urge to procrastinate, as it eliminates the uncertainty of where to start.

Once you’ve got a plan, make your study sessions are as efficient as possible by using the Pomodoro Technique. This simple, yet effective method involves setting a timer for 25 minutes and focusing on one task without distraction. When the timer rings, take a 5-minute break to stretch, hydrate, or relax before starting the next cycle. After completing four cycles, reward yourself with a longer 15-30 minute break. This technique helps break the monotony of studying and boosts focus by working in manageable chunks of time. It’s a great way to keep your energy and motivation high throughout your study session.

In addition to managing your time, focus on improving how you absorb and retain information. Instead of passively reviewing notes or highlighting textbooks, try active recall—a proven method to enhance memory. Actively test yourself on key concepts by creating flashcards, writing down practice questions, or explaining the material to a friend (or even your pet). This effort to retrieve information strengthens neural pathways, making it easier to recall the material during the exam.

Finally, set yourself up for success by creating a study environment that promotes focus. Choose a quiet, organized space with minimal distractions. Clear away clutter, ensure the lighting is good, and keep essentials like water or snacks nearby so you don’t interrupt your flow. Leave your phone in another room or use productivity apps like Forest to prevent distractions. A dedicated study space trains your brain to associate that area with focus, making it easier to get into the groove of studying.

By combining the Pomodoro Technique, active recall, and a distraction-free study space, you can study more efficiently and reduce procrastination. Remember to take care of yourself with regular breaks, healthy meals, and plenty of sleep. With preparation and consistency, you’ll not only survive mid-terms, you’ll conquer them!

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! 

Recently, I have found my time management skills slipping out of my grasp, which was a new issue for me. I have always taken pride in how I manage my time, allowing work, school, and personal life to all have their separate sections of my life. However, the past few months have been overly scheduled, and it was all from my doing. It feels like everything has been piling up at once—work demands, school deadlines, and social obligations. It is like juggling too many balls at once and slowly starting to drop a few. Here are a few ways I have learned to manage my time better, allowing myself to not only be productive but also manage my stress more effectively.

I currently attend school full-time, and that is at the top of my priority list. I have always been on top of assignments, completing those days if not weeks ahead of time. It was a sense of pride for me to be ahead of the game. Recently, it has been more like hours if not minutes ahead. Procrastination has sneaked in more often, leaving me stressed at the last minute. To tackle this, I created myself a “school schedule.” Many of my classes are online, so I decided to set aside 12 hours per week on my calendar to either sit in the library, coffee shop, or my office to focus on schoolwork. By having set hours aside for my studies, I was able to plan less important events around my schoolwork, cutting the stress of completing assignments on time. Now that I know exactly when I will be tackling my homework, I feel more in control and less anxious about deadlines creeping up on me.

Work comes second to school for me, yet it seemed like it was taking up all my time. Aside from being a Pearson Campus Ambassador, I also have an in-person job in my local area. My work schedule fluctuates heavily, which leads to a lot of stress when it comes to planning around it. I would find myself scrambling to balance everything, unsure of where to fit in personal time or activities I enjoy. However, by changing my mindset around work, I was able to manage my time better. I decided to put my work schedule into my calendar and open areas around it for time to do things that helped me, like walking, running, cooking, and journaling. Please, I even put in “getting coffee with so-and-so" in my calendar if I made coffee plans with a friend. The key was realizing that my personal time matters just as much as my professional one. By having everything laid out in front of me, I could easily plan things around work and school, leading to less chaos and more balance.

Lastly, I learned the value of saying no. I am very much a people pleaser, but I need to value myself and my time, as well. I found myself constantly agreeing with events or tasks, even when I was already stretched thin. If I had a good bit of prior commitments for the week and a friend asked if I could tag along for something, I would say no but suggest something else on another day. I love hanging out with my friends as it is a great stress reliever in my life, but once it begins to cause my stress, it needs to be changed. By simply saying “no, but” I took control over my personal time, allowing myself to keep company with myself more often, which has helped me. It is a practice in self-care, and the more I do it, the easier it becomes to balance my obligations without feeling overwhelmed.

In summary, managing time is an ongoing challenge, but by creating schedules, prioritizing tasks, and setting boundaries, I have learned to manage both my workload and my stress more effectively. Whether it is carving out dedicated study time, organizing work commitments, or giving myself permission to say "no," each step has contributed to a better balance in my life. It is all about being mindful of where I spend my time and ensuring I am taking care of myself along the way. Time management is not checking off tasks—it is about creating space for what really matters.

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 grew up in a low-income community primarily made up of Hispanic residents. When I first moved into college, I felt like a stranger in a new world. I attend the University of California, Irvine, which has a diverse student body, with 27% of students identifying as Latinx. Despite this, I often felt out of place, as though I didn’t fully belong here, as I wasn't surrounded by that Latinx community I was so used to.

The unfamiliarity of my surroundings and the limited representation of my culture initially left me questioning if this was the right place for me. But as I navigated the challenges of being a freshman, I slowly discovered that these feelings of exclusion were actually opportunities for growth. The experience of standing out in a predominantly non-Latinx environment made me more aware of my cultural roots and pushed me to embrace my identity even more fiercely.

To make my freshman self feel more “at home” I joined school clubs that had backgrounds with Hispanic students. A club I joined my freshmen year that changed my perspective was “Hermanas Unidas de UCI” which was a club that was a club for Hispanic women to connect with each other and help each other academically. This club helped me find a more Hispanic community at school and made me feel more at home all the while being academic.

Being part of this club helped me recognize I'm not alone in this academic journey and it made me all the prouder knowing I made it out of my community and became part of the 27%. Recognizing myself as part of this percentage of Latinos made me realize I should be proud of my background and where I come from because not everyone is Hispanic and has the same history as me; something I used to be ashamed of I became proud of.

Now in my junior year, I can confidently say that I not only love my school, but I feel like I truly belong here. The journey has allowed me to build a deeper connection to my heritage and taught me to celebrate the uniqueness that I bring to the community. I’m writing this blog to help those who might be feeling the same way I did two years ago—overwhelmed, out of place, and unsure if they belong. I hope to show that it’s possible to embrace who you are, reconnect with your roots, and find a sense of belonging, even in spaces where you feel different.

If you're struggling to find your place, know that you’re not alone. Your culture is a strength, not a barrier, and college can be an incredible opportunity to grow closer to your heritage and share it with others.

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 is a whirlwind of academic challenges, social events, and newfound independence. It’s an exciting time, but it also comes with its fair share of stress, especially when it comes to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. For many students, the pressures of tight budgets, busy schedules, and late-night study sessions can make it difficult to eat well and stay energized. The good news? You don’t have to compromise your health just because you're juggling classes, clubs, and work. With a little planning and a few smart strategies, you can maintain a balanced diet that supports both your academic success and personal well-being. Here are six tips to help:

1. Meal Planning on a Budget

Eating healthy in college doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune. With a little planning, you can create nutritious meals that won’t break the bank. The key is buying versatile, affordable ingredients that you can use in multiple dishes.

Budget-Friendly Meal Ideas:

• Rice and Beans: A classic combination that’s both cheap and nutritious. Rice provides carbs for energy, while beans are packed with protein and fiber. You can season them with spices to keep things interesting.
• Stir-Fries: Buy a frozen bag of mixed vegetables, some chicken or tofu, and a bottle of soy sauce. This is a quick, customizable meal that’s full of vitamins and protein.
• Oats: Don’t underestimate the power of a good bowl of oatmeal. It’s inexpensive, filling, and can be flavored with fruit, nuts, or yogurt for extra nutrition.
• Eggs: Eggs are a college student’s best friend. They’re a great source of protein and can be cooked in so many ways—scrambled, boiled, or made into omelets or frittatas with leftover veggies.

Shopping Tips:

• Buy in bulk when possible — things like rice, pasta, and canned goods can last a long time.
• Stick to a grocery list and avoid impulse buys.
• Shop for seasonal produce. Fresh fruits and veggies can be more affordable when they’re in season.

2. Healthy Snacking Tips

When you're running between classes or studying late into the night, it’s easy to reach for unhealthy snacks like chips or candy. However, with a little prep, you can have nutritious options on hand that keep you fueled without the sugar crash.

Nutritious snack ideas:

• Trail Mix: A mix of nuts, seeds, and dried fruit is portable and packed with healthy fats, protein, and fiber. Just be mindful of portions, as it’s calorie-dense.
• Greek Yogurt with Fruit: Greek yogurt is high in protein, and when paired with fresh or frozen fruit, it’s a delicious, nutrient-packed snack.
• Apple with Peanut Butter: A classic combo of fiber and protein that’s satisfying and easy to prepare.
• Hummus and Veggies: Pre-slice carrots, cucumbers, or bell peppers, and pair them with store-bought or homemade hummus for a crunchy, satisfying snack.

Snacking Tips:

• Keep snacks in your backpack or dorm room for when hunger strikes between classes.
• Opt for whole foods (fruits, vegetables, nuts) rather than processed snacks.
• Stay mindful of portion sizes, especially with calorie-dense snacks like nuts or cheese.

3. Time-Saving Hacks: Meal Prep for Busy Schedules

We all know that college students are busy, and finding time to cook can feel impossible. But with a little effort upfront, you can save time during the week and ensure you’re eating healthy meals even when you’re short on time.

Meal Prep Ideas:

• Batch Cook Grains: Cook a big pot of quinoa, rice, or pasta at the start of the week. These can be used in a variety of dishes, like salads, stir-fries, or bowls.
• Prep Veggies: Wash, peel, and chop vegetables ahead of time so they’re ready to be tossed into stir-fries, salads, or roasts.
• Make Overnight Oats: Prepare individual servings of overnight oats in mason jars. These can be customized with fruits, nuts, and yogurt, and are ready to grab and go in the morning.
• Cook Protein in Bulk: Grill or bake a batch of chicken, tofu, or beans to use in wraps, salads, or bowls throughout the week.

Meal Prep Tips:

• Set aside a few hours on the weekend to prep meals and snacks.
• Invest in good-quality containers to store your prepped meals and snacks.
• Make meals that can be easily reheated or eaten cold, like salads or grain bowls.

4. Dining Hall Survival Guide

Many colleges offer dining halls that can make eating on campus more convenient—but with so many options, it can also be hard to make healthy choices. Here’s how to navigate the dining hall and make nutritious decisions.

Dining Hall Tips:

• Fill up on veggies: Look for salad bars or dishes with plenty of vegetables. Fill half your plate with veggies to ensure you’re getting the nutrients you need.
• Go for lean proteins: Choose grilled chicken, fish, or plant-based proteins like beans or tofu over fried options.
• Mind the sauces: Sauces and dressings can be loaded with hidden calories and sugars. Ask for them on the side so you can control how much you use.
• Opt for whole grains: Choose brown rice, quinoa, or whole-wheat bread when possible. These options have more fiber and nutrients than their refined counterparts.

5. The Importance of Hydration

Staying hydrated is crucial to maintaining energy levels, focus, and overall health, especially during long study sessions or after a workout. But it's easy to forget about hydration when you're caught up in the demands of college life.

Hydration Tips:

• Carry a reusable water bottle: Having water on hand at all times can remind you to drink throughout the day. Aim for at least 8 cups of water daily, more if you’re physically active.
• Flavored Water: If plain water feels too boring, try adding slices of fruit like lemon, lime, or cucumber for natural flavor.
• Avoid sugary drinks: While soda, energy drinks, and sweetened coffee drinks are tempting, they can lead to energy crashes and don’t offer much nutritional value.

Other Hydrating Beverages:

• Herbal teas can be a good option for hydration, and they come in a variety of flavors.
• Coconut water is another hydrating option with electrolytes to keep you balanced.
  

Small Changes, Big Impact

Maintaining a balanced diet in college doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive. By planning your meals, making healthy snack choices, and utilizing time-saving hacks, you can stay nourished and energized through even the busiest of semesters. Whether you’re cooking in your dorm kitchen or navigating the dining hall, a little preparation and mindful eating can go a long way in supporting your academic success and overall well-being. By prioritizing your health, you’ll have the energy to not only tackle your assignments but also fully enjoy everything that college life has to offer.

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 beginning at one school, sometimes students may feel the need for a change of scenery. However, picking up the life you built in one place and starting fresh somewhere else is daunting, but I am here to say that you’re not alone! I recently transferred from a community college to the University of Texas at Arlington, and I wanted to share some things I learned to help make that transition a bit smoother. While the first couple of weeks after my transfer were a struggle, I was finally able to get comfortable due to these 3 lessons:

Stick to What You Love

When I first moved to Arlington, I had to get used to a lot of new things like my new schedule, different weather, and unfamiliar scenery. Early on, I enjoyed this as it felt like I was discovering something new each day, but quickly, I started to feel overwhelmed and homesick. Thoughts like, “Did I make the wrong decision moving?” or “Will I ever get used to being here?” bombarded my mind. But rather than let my anxiousness get the better of me, I fell back on my favorite hobby: volleyball. After going to a local open gym, I found my worries washed away as I was having fun and doing something I loved. Simply put, change can be overwhelming, but when you find a way to insert the things you love into new situations, you can create some comfort for yourself.

It's Ok to Ask for Help

As a transfer student, I was very nervous about life as a new student on campus and moving in a day before the first day of classes did not help. At first, I walked around aimlessly across campus on my own trying to figure out where my classes were located and what food options were available to me. While I eventually figured things out, this process could have been accelerated if I just asked for help. Reaching out to classmates or even your university’s student center is a great way to get questions answered by people who already know what they are doing. Additionally, by reaching out to others, you might be introduced to resources you never knew existed on campus.

Relationship Building is Key

As a heavily introverted person, one of the things I dreaded most was meeting new people. Often during lectures, I found myself sitting at the very back of the classroom or closest to the door so I could avoid any interactions; however, I quickly felt lonely. This changed when another student named Diego sat next to me one day during a chemistry lecture. Getting to talk with him helped me build confidence in chatting with others, and eventually, I met a great new group of friends. Building new relationships is an amazing way to make your transition more enjoyable as you start to look forward to the next day and the events and activities you may participate in through new people.

Ultimately, the transfer process is pivotal in dictating how life at your new school will be. As a result, being smart about how you spend your time and approaching the first few weeks is critical to ensure that you get as comfortable as quickly as possible. While the lessons I shared above are not an exact science or step-by-step process, I hope they offer some insight that can make your transition smoother. From one transfer student to another, I wish you luck and want you to know that you’ll do great!

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 beginning of a new year is very exciting but can also come with a lot of pressure. People aim high, setting really ambitious goals for the new year. Setting goals (New Year’s Resolutions) for yourself can be a great way to keep yourself motivated throughout the year.

Last year I wrote out my New Year’s Resolutions for the first time and found it helpful in visualizing my thoughts. I came up with categories that describe my current life and then put a few goals in each of those categories. For example, I had an academics section, a health section, a career section, a relationships section, and miscellaneous. When making goals for each of these sections, I tried to come up with some smaller goals and some bigger goals. By completing my smaller goals, I worked towards completing my bigger goals. I also put a timeframe on my goals, so that they were measurable, and I had a way to track my progress.

My year last year felt more productive than previous years. I think that started with even making goals in the first place – I subconsciously was always working towards them. Making goals in different categories ensured that I devoted some time to categories that often were pushed to the side. I made it a priority to move my body and exercise a few times a week. This released significant amounts of stress for me because it took my mind off of homework or an upcoming test. I focused on trying to read more books in my free time, instead of mindlessly scrolling on social media. I love to read; I just hadn’t made it a priority before. I used to believe that I was too busy to read books for fun while at school, but I learned that you always have time if you make time.

Another goal of mine was to prioritize relationships. My goal was to call one sibling every week as well as one friend from high school during the school year, and one sibling and one friend from college during the summer. Holding myself to this allowed me to stay more up to date with friends who I don’t get to see in person as often as I’d like to.

I would strongly recommend making goals at the beginning of the year because it helped me grow a lot as a person and improved my quality of life. Organizing my goals into categories helped me stay on track long after the glow of the New Year’s holiday had faded away. I felt great, both physically and mentally, after making an active effort to spend less time on social media, read more, exercise more, and prioritize relationships. Make time for the things you enjoy!

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! 

Winter can be a difficult season. Long breaks and shorter days can cause us to lose motivation. It is known that screen time increases during the winter months, which can make winter blues worse. Here are tips that help me keep myself busy and motivated during colder months, without being attached to my phone.

Stay active

Staying active helps tremendously, whether to the gym, a coffee run, a Target run, or a quick walk around the block. I have noticed that my mood changes when I leave my house, making me feel less anxious and overwhelmed. For some people, self-care might be their go-to to helping feel recovered & overcome winter blues, for me it is the gym. The gym helps me feel strong and calm; it is a huge part of my lifestyle. Even in the winter when it is cold and snowy, I look forward to going to the gym because it is part of my daily routine.

Find a hobby indoors

Finding a hobby has also helped me with fight boredom and overthinking. I recently picked up adult coloring books; it helps time go by fast and it also helps me stay off my phone. Another hobby that has helped me stay disconnected from my phone is junk journal or scrapbooking. This is an easy way to print out memories from my phone and express myself. It is also a fun way to capture special events spent with my friends and family. Listening to podcasts has also encouraged my mental health and has helped to reduce screen time.

Adjust holiday expectations

Winter brings the holidays and with that, the exceptions set on social media can feel overwhelming. I have been a victim of falling for Instagram's “family activities,” “family vacations”, and the most famous “Elf on the Shelf”. Without proper help and income that is impossible to achieve. I have made peace with what I will do with my family and what I will not. Setting boundaries is the primary goal when it comes to adjusting holiday expectations. Setting boundaries is helpful to reduce stress and help be realistic with yourself. Lastly, it is okay to say “No”.

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! 

Washington, D.C., our nation's capital, is a vibrant and bustling city full of history, ambition, and opportunity. Recently, I had the privilege of interning in Congress and studying in this dynamic place. While it was a rewarding experience, juggling school, an internship, and the stress of election season wasn’t easy. Here’s how I found peace and balance in the midst of the chaos:

Connecting with Nature

Amid the fast pace of D.C., I found peace in the city’s pockets of nature. The National Mall, with its sweeping views of historic monuments, became one of my favorite nature escapes. Runs to the Lincoln Memorial at sunrise and sunset offered me a unique kind of serenity, while trips to nearby Maryland and Virginia introduced me to breathtaking hiking trails and beautiful landscapes. Immersing myself in these natural spaces reminded me to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with the present. Whether it was by watching the Potomac River flow or strolling under trees filled with friendly squirrels, nature had a way of grounding me in the moment. It was one of my primary avenues of peace.

Finding Your Safe Space

In a city as fast paced as D.C., finding a space where you can unwind and recharge is essential. For me, that sanctuary was a cozy local coffee shop. It became my retreat - a place to journal, read, listen to music, and enjoy a warm cup of coffee and a sweet treat. Whether it’s a park, a library, or even your favorite room at home, having a safe space to decompress and reflect is key to maintaining balance in a high-stress environment.

Interpersonal Networking

Washington, D.C. is the city of networking, where every conversation has the potential to spark an opportunity. As intimidating as it may seem, I used networking as a tool to interact with others, make friends, and build meaningful relationships with individuals in similar situations as mine. Some of the most meaningful connections I developed weren’t forged in formal settings but through genuine conversations about hobbies, career journeys, and life goals. Networking doesn’t have to feel transactional. When approached authentically, it can be deeply fulfilling and transformative, even bringing a sense of joy and peace.

Embrace the Moment

Living, working, and studying in D.C. during an election cycle is a uniquely intense experience, but it’s also an incredible opportunity to witness history and be part of something bigger than yourself. I learned to embrace the city’s energy and cherish the moments of growth, whether that meant navigating my packed schedule, meeting new people, or simply taking in the view of the National Mall and the Capitol at night.

No matter how busy life gets, prioritizing your inner peace and well-being is essential. You can only thrive professionally and academically when you take the time to care for yourself. So, if you ever find yourself in D.C. or a similarly dynamic environment, remember to pause, savor the experience, and remind yourself why you’re there in the first place.

Washington, D.C. taught me so much about ambition, resilience, and self-care. It’s a city where dreams are sparked and connections are forged, but also the perfect place to find your balance and discover more about yourself. Beyond politics, I found peace, and that made all the difference!

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!