Kelci's College Life Blog

If you need a new computer for the school year, August may be one of the best times to buy. Many places have back-to-school specials and discounts aimed particularly at students (such as Apple's free iPod and major discounts on software). Make sure to do your research -- such as deciding between a laptop or desktop -- before purchasing anything.

Additionally, if you don't have the funds right now, you can try waiting until all of the day-after-Thanksgiving sales (aka "Black Friday") or sales during the holiday season. And most schools have computer labs and resources on campus, so you should still be able to get your papers and research done while in college.

On August 14, Senator McCain released his Higher Education Policy. As a college student heading into presidential election season, you might want to check it out.

Don't worry; it's a quick read. I know how busy everyone is as the school year begins, so I'll make sure to post election-related material here as it becomes available. Make sure to check back often!

Additionally, you may want to make sure you know how to vote as a college student. The article gives you all the information you need about voting out of state, where you're supposed to vote if you're away at school, and the like.

Let me issue a few disclaimers first: Amazon.com is not paying me to post this. I don't know anyone who works there, and I'm not getting anything for free by advertising their sale. I just happen to totally love Amazon.

On August 17, they posted a little teaser in their threads, saying, "From August 17 through August 24, the Gold Box Deal of the Day will feature great deals to prepare you for the upcoming college semester." Don't know what the Gold Box Deal of the Day is? Just click on that little gold treasure box toward the top of their homepage. It's basically one item a day that is sharply discounted and available at that reduced price for one day only.

Since Amazon gives you free shipping for most purchases over $25, it may be great way to get those hard-to-find items (Twin Extra Long sheets, anyone?) or to ship items cross-country if you're going to school far away.

As reported in the Chronicle of Higher Education, Colonel Michael Cobb earned a PhD from the University of Cambridge in July 2008. At the age of 91, he earned his degree for a (really cool sounding!) atlas of railway lines in Britain. Col. Cobb was at least familiar with the institution, as he earned an undergraduate degree in mechanical sciences there in his younger years . . . meaning, in 1938!

Way to go, Col. Cobb. What an achievement -- on many levels. And may that be a lesson to all of us who complain about not having the energy to make it to class some days . . .

In July and August (so far), one of the most popular articles on this site has been the one that deals with common freshman fears and how to conquer them. A few tips:

• See? You're not the only one who's a little freaked about starting school.
• Take a deep breath and remind yourself of what you've accomplished so far. Remember how badly you wanted to know where you were going, to be done with high school, to be going to school somewhere and officially a college student? You're there! Don't forget to congratulate yourself.
• Make sure to read the article about first-year student fears. It'll help -- I promise. (And if it doesn't, shoot me an email and let me know why not.)

Taking an online course this semester? Take a lot of online courses this semester? Not sure what to expect or how to do things like communicate with your professors, motivate yourself, or establish a routine?

Western Governors University created an Online Student Survival Guide for students taking online courses. Three bloggers share their advice on everything from eating as an online student to setting reasonable goals for yourself.

If you're like most students, you're paying for your education through a variety of sources: loans from one place, grants from another, income from your own gig. A company called GreenNote may be able to help with another source: your social network.

As the company advertises on its site, "Using our GreenNote online platform, you can connect with your social network to obtain student loans. You get the money and your lenders get a reasonable return on the loans they make to you." Parents, friends, family, coworkers, old teachers, and even strangers can contribute funds into your "account." GreenNote then manages your loan, offering a relatively low interest rate. If you're still working to compile sources for your education, it may be worth a look.

As has been reported over the past six months in most major news sources (including this blog), the economy is having a direct impact on students' abilities to get college loans. Some banks and institutions have less money to offer; some have no money to offer; some are being much more selective of whom they lend money to.

If you're having problems finding or qualifying for a loan through some of the major, nation-wide lending sources, check with your local bank and credit union. You may be pleasantly surprised at what they have to offer.

August 4 is the birthday of Senator Barack Obama. (For the record, Senator McCain's birthday is August 29.) And as you're aware -- unless you've been living under a rock for the past 18 months -- Election Day is rapidly approaching.

Not sure whom you're voting for? Check out the campaign websites for Obama and McCain. Additionally, other online resources, like Rock the Vote, have some great information on the difference between the candidates, how to register to vote, and how to become more politically involved -- all aimed at younger voters.

On July 28, the Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority (MEFA) announced that it will not be able to provide loans for fall semester 2008. The non-profit organization also said that "families awaiting education loans through MEFA will need to make alternate financing arrangements to ensure timely payment of their upcoming higher education bills."

There's no need to panic; there are still lots of places at which you can apply for loans for the upcoming semester. Check with your financial aid office or even MEFA directly if you've applied for a MEFA loan. Additionally, you can head to the great resources that Allen Grove, About.com Guide to College Admission, has on his site or the long lists of college funding sources that Ken Clark, About.com Guide to College Savings, has on his site as well.