College Life: Most Popular Articles
These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Packing for College
Packing for college may seem like trying to put a square peg through a round hole. Find a list of the most-important essentials as well as the things that are best left behind.
Packing for college may seem like trying to put a square peg through a round hole. Find a list of the most-important essentials as well as the things that are best left behind.
The Big College To-Do List
This comprehensive list provides a run down of everything you need to do, prepare, and pack before starting college.
This comprehensive list provides a run down of everything you need to do, prepare, and pack before starting college.
College Freshman Fears
Being a little nervous and anxious before starting college is all completely normal. Having fears just means that you are invested in doing well and are eager to succeed, which, while scary feeling, actually means you're already doing everything right.
Being a little nervous and anxious before starting college is all completely normal. Having fears just means that you are invested in doing well and are eager to succeed, which, while scary feeling, actually means you're already doing everything right.
Living with a Roommate
Living with a roommate can be a little challenging for everyone involved, but with these ten tips you can at least make sure you start off on the right foot.
Living with a roommate can be a little challenging for everyone involved, but with these ten tips you can at least make sure you start off on the right foot.
10 Ways to Meet People
Going somewhere, by yourself, where you may or may not know a single person, just might be the bravest thing you've ever done. With so many ways to meet people, though, finding connections is easier than you may think.
Going somewhere, by yourself, where you may or may not know a single person, just might be the bravest thing you've ever done. With so many ways to meet people, though, finding connections is easier than you may think.
5 Tips for Orientation
The schedule may be long, packed, and overwhelming. Learn how to make the most of your first week on campus.
The schedule may be long, packed, and overwhelming. Learn how to make the most of your first week on campus.
Long-Distance Relationships
Being at school can simultaneously be incredibly challenging and incredibly rewarding. It's hard to share those highs and lows, though, with a partner who's far away. Get information on how to stay in touch despite your crazy schedules and still feel connected despite the distance.
Being at school can simultaneously be incredibly challenging and incredibly rewarding. It's hard to share those highs and lows, though, with a partner who's far away. Get information on how to stay in touch despite your crazy schedules and still feel connected despite the distance.
How to Test a Potential Crush
Not sure if that person you've had your eye on is interested in being more than friends? Check out these 5 ways to better gauge their interest in moving from friends to something more.
Not sure if that person you've had your eye on is interested in being more than friends? Check out these 5 ways to better gauge their interest in moving from friends to something more.
8 Time Management Skills
Time can quickly become your most precious commodity in college. Learning how to manage and use it wisely may be one of the most useful things you can do for yourself.
Time can quickly become your most precious commodity in college. Learning how to manage and use it wisely may be one of the most useful things you can do for yourself.
Contacting Your Roommate
You've been waiting for your roommate's name and contact information for what feels like forever. But now that you got it, you're not sure where to begin. Learn what to do before you make contact, and how to make the most of that first conversation.
You've been waiting for your roommate's name and contact information for what feels like forever. But now that you got it, you're not sure where to begin. Learn what to do before you make contact, and how to make the most of that first conversation.
15 Ways to Stay Safe
Staying safe at college doesn't have to be complicated. Check out these fifteen easy, quick tips to make sure you, and your stuff, stay safe while you're in school.
Staying safe at college doesn't have to be complicated. Check out these fifteen easy, quick tips to make sure you, and your stuff, stay safe while you're in school.
Managing & Saving Money
Funds are infamously tight for college students. Learn some crucial ways to manage your money, think creatively about finances, find hidden savings, and handle the unexpected.
Funds are infamously tight for college students. Learn some crucial ways to manage your money, think creatively about finances, find hidden savings, and handle the unexpected.
15 Tips for the Freshman 15
The infamous "Freshman 15": the rumored fifteen pounds every freshman gains during their first year in college. These fifteen tips, however, provide you with quick and easy ways to make sure you stay healthy as you adjust to eating away from home.
The infamous "Freshman 15": the rumored fifteen pounds every freshman gains during their first year in college. These fifteen tips, however, provide you with quick and easy ways to make sure you stay healthy as you adjust to eating away from home.
College Life - QuickTips
An index of QuickTips for the College Life guide site.
An index of QuickTips for the College Life guide site.
8 Tips for Starting College
You've waited a long time to start college. Now that you're officially a college student, how do you make sure that you set yourself up for success during the first few months?
You've waited a long time to start college. Now that you're officially a college student, how do you make sure that you set yourself up for success during the first few months?
5 Cheap Date Ideas
Date? Yes. Money? No. Find five cheap date ideas to make sure you have a good time without blowing your budget.
Date? Yes. Money? No. Find five cheap date ideas to make sure you have a good time without blowing your budget.
Laptop or Desktop?
Having the right computer can make all the difference in your college career. With pros and cons for both laptops and desktops, how do you know which one will be right for you?
Having the right computer can make all the difference in your college career. With pros and cons for both laptops and desktops, how do you know which one will be right for you?
Deciphering All Those Acronyms
It's hard enough to learn the names of everyone living in your hall (or even on your floor), much less the meanings behind all of the acronyms posted on people's doors. Read this quick tip sheet to help you learn what means what, who is who, and how it all fits together.
It's hard enough to learn the names of everyone living in your hall (or even on your floor), much less the meanings behind all of the acronyms posted on people's doors. Read this quick tip sheet to help you learn what means what, who is who, and how it all fits together.
10 Tips for Dating Safely
With all of the new people you meet in college, dating can be one of the most exciting parts of your time at school. Learn ten easy ways to make sure you're dating safely.
With all of the new people you meet in college, dating can be one of the most exciting parts of your time at school. Learn ten easy ways to make sure you're dating safely.
Picking a College Meal Plan
Understanding college meal plan options can be overwhelming. Learn more about traditional college meal plan structures, how to choose what's best for you, and how to successfully manage your plan throughout the semester.
Understanding college meal plan options can be overwhelming. Learn more about traditional college meal plan structures, how to choose what's best for you, and how to successfully manage your plan throughout the semester.
Picking a College Major
Picking a college major can be a daunting task. Asking yourself these five questions, however, can make choosing a major seem less intimidating.
Picking a college major can be a daunting task. Asking yourself these five questions, however, can make choosing a major seem less intimidating.
12 Easy Meal Ideas
Cooking something delicious for yourself (or your friends) doesn't have to cost a fortune and take forever. These twelve meal ideas are easy to make, can be done inexpensively, and use items easily found in your residence hall room or hall kitchen.
Cooking something delicious for yourself (or your friends) doesn't have to cost a fortune and take forever. These twelve meal ideas are easy to make, can be done inexpensively, and use items easily found in your residence hall room or hall kitchen.
How to Reduce Stress
Stress is inevitable for anyone attending college. Learn 10 tips to help keep it under control so you can focus on the more enjoyable parts of your college experience!
Stress is inevitable for anyone attending college. Learn 10 tips to help keep it under control so you can focus on the more enjoyable parts of your college experience!
Finding Academic Success
Succeeding in college is easier said than done. Learn what you can do as a college student to ensure your college experience is all you hoped it would be.
Succeeding in college is easier said than done. Learn what you can do as a college student to ensure your college experience is all you hoped it would be.
Meeting Professors
College professors can be intimidating. But with a little persistence and hard work, you can get to know your professors faster than you thought.
College professors can be intimidating. But with a little persistence and hard work, you can get to know your professors faster than you thought.
College Terms: A-H
Life in college can sometimes seem to have a language all its own. From "alumnae" to "pedagogy," learn what each term [b](between A-H)[/b] means in the context of your college or university.
Life in college can sometimes seem to have a language all its own. From "alumnae" to "pedagogy," learn what each term [b](between A-H)[/b] means in the context of your college or university.
Your First Visit Home
You've been away at school for a month or so. You're living your own life, setting your own schedule, and more or less making in on your own. Think your first visit home is going to be just like your pre-college days? Think again.
You've been away at school for a month or so. You're living your own life, setting your own schedule, and more or less making in on your own. Think your first visit home is going to be just like your pre-college days? Think again.
Is Study Abroad Right for Me?
Studying abroad can be a life-changing experience. It can also logistically be very complicated. Learn how to decide if it's right for you.
Studying abroad can be a life-changing experience. It can also logistically be very complicated. Learn how to decide if it's right for you.
Don't Forget Your Parents
Keeping in touch with your parents may be the last thing from your mind while you're at school. It's always a good idea, however, to at least touch base so they don't think you've fallen off the face of the earth. Even amidst your busy schedule, it's still possible to connect with your parents while still maintaining your independence.
Keeping in touch with your parents may be the last thing from your mind while you're at school. It's always a good idea, however, to at least touch base so they don't think you've fallen off the face of the earth. Even amidst your busy schedule, it's still possible to connect with your parents while still maintaining your independence.
Buying Used Books Online
Your campus bookstore may not have used books available, they may not have them on time, or they may have already run out. Find out what your online options are for purchasing used books.
Your campus bookstore may not have used books available, they may not have them on time, or they may have already run out. Find out what your online options are for purchasing used books.
What's a Good On-Campus Job?
Getting an on-campus job is a requirement for many college students. How can you make sure you get a good one?
Getting an on-campus job is a requirement for many college students. How can you make sure you get a good one?
Picking College Classes
With so many options and only a limited amount of time, making smart choices about your college classes is crucial for your time in college. But how to choose what to take, when to take it, and from whom?
With so many options and only a limited amount of time, making smart choices about your college classes is crucial for your time in college. But how to choose what to take, when to take it, and from whom?
5 Smart Summer Plans
After the stress of the academic years, summers can feel like the ultimate vacation. But how can you smartly spend all that unstructured time?
After the stress of the academic years, summers can feel like the ultimate vacation. But how can you smartly spend all that unstructured time?
Extra Info. on Financial Aid
Your financial aid package contains a lot of information. These 5 facts aren't mentioned but are important to know.
Your financial aid package contains a lot of information. These 5 facts aren't mentioned but are important to know.
Handling Rommate Problems
Having problems with your roommate? Not sure if you're going to be able to continue sharing the same space? Learn more about tips and tricks to improve things . . . or change them, if necessary.
Having problems with your roommate? Not sure if you're going to be able to continue sharing the same space? Learn more about tips and tricks to improve things . . . or change them, if necessary.
Unusual College Jobs
Working while in college doesn't have to be boring. With a little creativity, your college job can provide more than just money and training.
Working while in college doesn't have to be boring. With a little creativity, your college job can provide more than just money and training.
5 Easy Ways to Save Money
Saving money in college is always challenging. Learn 5 simple ways to make saving money in college quick and easy for any college student.
Saving money in college is always challenging. Learn 5 simple ways to make saving money in college quick and easy for any college student.
Academic Lingo Defined
TA, GI, GSI, GSA, GA . . . sometimes, the academic lingo on a college campus can seem like alphabet soup! Learn the definitions for the most common academic terms, abbreviations, and acronyms.
TA, GI, GSI, GSA, GA . . . sometimes, the academic lingo on a college campus can seem like alphabet soup! Learn the definitions for the most common academic terms, abbreviations, and acronyms.
Should I Live On or Off Campus
There are pros and cons of living both on and off campus. Learn more about each, and how to decide which is right for you.
There are pros and cons of living both on and off campus. Learn more about each, and how to decide which is right for you.
Faculty-Ranking Sites
You may have heard a lot about websites that rate college professors. How exactly do they work, and is their information helpful or just unregulated gossip?
You may have heard a lot about websites that rate college professors. How exactly do they work, and is their information helpful or just unregulated gossip?
Freshman Summer Reading
Colleges often assign summer reading to incoming freshman students. Learn more about college summer reading and why you should do it.
Colleges often assign summer reading to incoming freshman students. Learn more about college summer reading and why you should do it.
Is "Greek Life" Right for Me?
On many college campuses, fraternities and sororities are a key part of life outside of the classroom. How can you decide if they're right for you?
On many college campuses, fraternities and sororities are a key part of life outside of the classroom. How can you decide if they're right for you?
College Life - HowTos
An index of HowTos for the College Life guide site.
An index of HowTos for the College Life guide site.
College Financial Aid Defined
The terminology used when discussing financial aid can sometimes feel overwhelming (work study? work award?). Learn what each term means and, more importantly, what they mean for your financial future.
The terminology used when discussing financial aid can sometimes feel overwhelming (work study? work award?). Learn what each term means and, more importantly, what they mean for your financial future.
Easy Political Activism
College students are known for being politically active, especially during major elections. Find 5 easy ways to be involved while still staying on top of your academics.
College students are known for being politically active, especially during major elections. Find 5 easy ways to be involved while still staying on top of your academics.
Spring Break Ideas
Spring Break is rapidly approaching, but your brain is too fried from everything else to even think about what options you have. Find ten fun ideas of what to do over your college spring break.
Spring Break is rapidly approaching, but your brain is too fried from everything else to even think about what options you have. Find ten fun ideas of what to do over your college spring break.
Making College Friends
Don't worry about making college friends. Here's why.
Don't worry about making college friends. Here's why.
College Terms: I-R
Life in college can sometimes seem to have a language all its own. From "alumnae" to "pedagogy," learn what each term [b](between I-R)[/b] means in the context of your college or university.
Life in college can sometimes seem to have a language all its own. From "alumnae" to "pedagogy," learn what each term [b](between I-R)[/b] means in the context of your college or university.
Religious Life in College
Staying connected to your religion may be an important part of your college experience. Being far from home doesn't have to mean being disconnected.
Staying connected to your religion may be an important part of your college experience. Being far from home doesn't have to mean being disconnected.
Couscous with Tomatoes
Perfect on a cold day or when you want comfort food, this dish is also incredibly easy to make. It's more like assembling instead of cooking.
Perfect on a cold day or when you want comfort food, this dish is also incredibly easy to make. It's more like assembling instead of cooking.
Easy Peanut Butter Cookies
In contrast to traditional recipes, these peanut butter cookies only need three ingredients and still taste fantastic.
In contrast to traditional recipes, these peanut butter cookies only need three ingredients and still taste fantastic.
Tufts University Nerd Girls
Members of the Tufts University Nerd Girls student club are changing the perception of female engineers on college campuses.
Members of the Tufts University Nerd Girls student club are changing the perception of female engineers on college campuses.
Tasty Taquitos in Five Minutes
A plate of hot, crispy taquitos, teasingly buried beneath melted cheese and salsa, can seem like an oasis after a long day of classes. With a few easy steps, this dinner can be ready in practically no time at all.
A plate of hot, crispy taquitos, teasingly buried beneath melted cheese and salsa, can seem like an oasis after a long day of classes. With a few easy steps, this dinner can be ready in practically no time at all.
Should I Transfer?
Not happy at your current college or university? But not sure if transferring is the best option? Going over this 4-point checklist can help clarify if transferring is the right choice -- or not.
Not happy at your current college or university? But not sure if transferring is the best option? Going over this 4-point checklist can help clarify if transferring is the right choice -- or not.
College Greek Letters
With all of the Greek letters used in college fraternities and sororities, it can be hard to tell them apart.
With all of the Greek letters used in college fraternities and sororities, it can be hard to tell them apart.
Finding an Apartment
For whatever reason, you're not going to live on campus next year. The process of finding an apartment, though, can seem like an extra class you have to take while you're already carrying a full load. Learn where to go for listings, what to consider when looking for a place to live, and how to decide if it's really the right decision for you.
For whatever reason, you're not going to live on campus next year. The process of finding an apartment, though, can seem like an extra class you have to take while you're already carrying a full load. Learn where to go for listings, what to consider when looking for a place to live, and how to decide if it's really the right decision for you.
Joining Intramural Teams
Joining a college intramural sports team may seem intimidating, but the benefits can quickly outweigh your fears. Find 5 reasons why you should sign up.
Joining a college intramural sports team may seem intimidating, but the benefits can quickly outweigh your fears. Find 5 reasons why you should sign up.
Relationships with Siblings
Your siblings may be older or younger, near or far, nice or mean, your best friend or someone you fight with all day long. No matter what the specifics, your relationship will change when you start school.
Your siblings may be older or younger, near or far, nice or mean, your best friend or someone you fight with all day long. No matter what the specifics, your relationship will change when you start school.
College Student Gifts for Mom
Mother's Day can be a challenge for college students, who are often short on time, energy, and funds. Find 7 easy and personal gift ideas you can make or do from your campus.
Mother's Day can be a challenge for college students, who are often short on time, energy, and funds. Find 7 easy and personal gift ideas you can make or do from your campus.
Voting as a College Student
How you vote while in college may be different than before you were a student, but it doesn't have to be complicated. Find the answers to the most common questions college students have when trying to vote in a major election.
How you vote while in college may be different than before you were a student, but it doesn't have to be complicated. Find the answers to the most common questions college students have when trying to vote in a major election.
1-2-3 Ravioli Dinner
Want a home-cooked ravioli dinner without having to go out and pay restaurant prices? It may be easier than you think.
Want a home-cooked ravioli dinner without having to go out and pay restaurant prices? It may be easier than you think.
College Terms: S-Z
Life in college can sometimes seem to have a language all its own. From "alumnae" to "pedagogy," learn what each term [b](between S-Z)[/b] means in the context of your college or university.
Life in college can sometimes seem to have a language all its own. From "alumnae" to "pedagogy," learn what each term [b](between S-Z)[/b] means in the context of your college or university.
Buy Textbooks Online
Don't forget to consider the option to buy textbooks online before you drop a ton of cash on books.
Don't forget to consider the option to buy textbooks online before you drop a ton of cash on books.
5 Domestic Off-Campus Programs
You may want to study off-campus, but don't want to go internationally. These five places offer undergraduate student programs and are all located in the U.S.
You may want to study off-campus, but don't want to go internationally. These five places offer undergraduate student programs and are all located in the U.S.
College Life - Articles
An index of Articles for the College Life guide site.
An index of Articles for the College Life guide site.
College Paper Citation Styles
Your college paper needs to be well-written <i>and</i> well-supported with evidence. Find resources to learn how to make sure your paper and its sources are cited properly.
Your college paper needs to be well-written <i>and</i> well-supported with evidence. Find resources to learn how to make sure your paper and its sources are cited properly.
Dating Violence
Dating in college is supposed to be fun and exciting. When it proves otherwise, however, learn what you can do to help yourself or a friend.
Dating in college is supposed to be fun and exciting. When it proves otherwise, however, learn what you can do to help yourself or a friend.
What's an RA?
Explains the role and definition of an RA (resident assistant).
Explains the role and definition of an RA (resident assistant).
Brownies & Ice Cream
Hot, freshly-baked brownies. Cold, creamy ice cream. Put the two together and you've got an unstoppable combination.
Hot, freshly-baked brownies. Cold, creamy ice cream. Put the two together and you've got an unstoppable combination.
Staying Connected to Campus
Staying connected to campus as a commuter college student can be challenging. With a few wise choices, however, it can be easier than you might think.
Staying connected to campus as a commuter college student can be challenging. With a few wise choices, however, it can be easier than you might think.
Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup
Grilled cheese and tomato soup is an American classic. Living in a residence hall doesn't have to mean you can't whip this legendary meal up within minutes.
Grilled cheese and tomato soup is an American classic. Living in a residence hall doesn't have to mean you can't whip this legendary meal up within minutes.
Students for Concealed Carry
A profile of Students for Concealed Carry on Campus, which advocates for the right of college students to carry weapons on college and university campuses.
A profile of Students for Concealed Carry on Campus, which advocates for the right of college students to carry weapons on college and university campuses.
College Binge Drinking
Information on college binge drinking is everywhere. But what exactly is the definition of "binge drinking" in college?
Information on college binge drinking is everywhere. But what exactly is the definition of "binge drinking" in college?
Keeping High School Friends
Are you destined to drift apart from your high school friends at some point?
Are you destined to drift apart from your high school friends at some point?
College Father's Day Gifts
Funds, time, and resources might be tight, but they're no excuse for not getting your dad a great Father's Day gift.
Funds, time, and resources might be tight, but they're no excuse for not getting your dad a great Father's Day gift.
Students Against Tree-Sitters
Started by college students at the University of California at Berkeley, Students Against Hippies in Trees was created as a response to tree-sitters staging a protest on campus.
Started by college students at the University of California at Berkeley, Students Against Hippies in Trees was created as a response to tree-sitters staging a protest on campus.
Submit Your Club Profile
Are you a member of a unique college student club or organization? Submit a profile to be featured as a unique college student club or organization on the About.com College Life site.
Are you a member of a unique college student club or organization? Submit a profile to be featured as a unique college student club or organization on the About.com College Life site.
Online Paperless Textbooks
Are these free online paperless textbooks as good as they sound?
Are these free online paperless textbooks as good as they sound?
Sustainability Committee
A profile of the Simmons College Sustainability Committee, comprised of college students, and its environmental and sustainability efforts on campus.
A profile of the Simmons College Sustainability Committee, comprised of college students, and its environmental and sustainability efforts on campus.