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Ways College Students Can Manage Academic Fatigue & Burnout

Ways College Students Can Manage Academic Fatigue & Burnout

Recent statistics on student stress are disheartening. Many catch our eye, but this is especially alarming: “39.1% of college students in the U.S. report feeling well-rested for only one or two days a week.” And 19.5% don’t feel rested at all.

There’s no way college students can be at their best, not getting adequate rest. And it’s no wonder academic fatigue and burnout are hitting them harder than ever. If we don’t address it now, the performance of college students will continue to diminish, and their futures will hang in limbo.

If you’re experiencing academic fatigue, stress, and burnout, these four tips can help you get to the other side.

Know When You’re Experiencing Burnout

University of the People defines academic burnout as “a negative emotional, physical and mental reaction to prolonged study that results in exhaustion, frustration, lack of motivation and reduced ability in school.”

Understanding the definition of general burnout is also critical. You don’t want to overlook a burnout diagnosis just because school isn’t what’s making you feel burnt out. The three criteria for a burnout diagnosis include:

  1. Severe lack of energy and complete exhaustion
  2. Feeling mentally distanced or increasingly negative about one’s job
  3. Diminished effectiveness in one’s role

Whether you’re experiencing general burnout or its subset academic burnout, you need to be able to pinpoint when you’re experiencing it so that you can manage it. If you’re encountering any, all, or a combination of the below symptoms for a prolonged period, academic fatigue or burnout is likely the culprit:

  • Your creative spark is gone
  • Your attendance is suffering
  • Your body is simply exhausted
  • You can’t concentrate in class
  • You’re more irritable and frustrated
  • You’re missing deadlines more often
  • Sitting through a lecture is nearly impossible
  • You’ve lost confidence in the work you’re producing
  • There’s a spike in feelings of anxiety and/or depression
  • You’re no longer interested in participating in discussions and group projects

It’s important to note that burnout can overlap with other mental health conditions. For example, you could be losing your creative spark and energy because of depression. Or you could be more irritable, frustrated, and lack confidence because of an anxiety disorder.

With this in mind, separating burnout from other mental health challenges is vital to getting better.

Be Intentional When Choosing Classes and Your Schedule

College students are known to take on more than they should when choosing classes, whether to graduate earlier, have a better shot at an internship, or something else entirely. In addition, getting into specific courses can be so competitive that many students will take, say, the 7 a.m. class even though they know they aren’t morning people.

Taking too many classes and choosing the wrong times to take them can lead to high levels of stress that ultimately result in academic fatigue and burnout.

It’s much better for your health and educational success to be intentional when choosing classes and your schedule. Really take the time to select courses you’ll enjoy and engage in. Now, you won’t enjoy every class. So, supplement the ones you don’t care for but have to take with those you’re excited about.

And be sure to put together a schedule you can maintain. For example, don’t go for early morning classes if you know you do your best work in the afternoon and vice versa. Also, figure out the best way to spread courses throughout the week to ensure you’re accommodating how you learn, study, and live.

Grow Real Relationships With Your Professors

Good for you if you’re lucky enough never to experience academic fatigue and burnout. But for those that do, having good relationships with professors can help make the experience much more manageable.

You know those office hours your professor tells you about on the first day of class? Unfortunately, not nearly enough students use them to their advantage. But you should. Use office hours to develop genuine relationships with your professors.

Commit to getting together with your professors at least once a week. Not only can they help you with any challenges you’re having with coursework, but professors also encourage students to use office hours to talk about things other than school, burnout, and academic fatigue included.

When you have a strong relationship with your professors, you’ll be more inclined to be transparent about what you’re going through. And together, you can develop a plan to simplify school and life.

Put a Plan in Place for Recovery

You’re burnt out, and academic fatigue has gotten the best of you. What do you do? Well, first, don’t panic. Most students will experience burnout at some point. Already having a plan to recover from it will fast-track you getting back to yourself and your studies.

The first step is putting the books down and taking a break. Then, do something that you’re passionate about. And for the long term, focus on boosting your energy levels healthily. For instance, incorporate a self-care routine in your day. Drink more water than anything else. Cut down on your caffeine and alcohol consumption. Exercise regularly too.

Don’t put so much pressure on yourself to do, understand, and manage all that comes with college on your own. Burnout and academic fatigue will be right around the corner if you do.

Instead, lean on your relationships with your professors for support. Choose classes and schedules strategically. And finally, know the signs of burnout and put a plan in place to recover from it.

SEE ALSO: Common Problems When Writing Your Assignments

Rushing a Fraternity or Sorority? 8 Useful Tips

Rushing a Fraternity or Sorority? 8 Useful Tips

College is more than simply a place to complete homework, take classes, and study. College is also a key component of your social growth and development. Many students choose to join a fraternity or sorority to make the most of their social life in college.

Fraternities and sororities at colleges and universities are called “Greek life.” Greek life is a well-liked social group that students join to get more active. Each of these groups often has a distinctive name, philanthropy with which they are associated, customs, symbols, and other activities that are unique to them, as with a Greek organization.

“Rushing,” often known as recruiting, is the procedure for applying for membership in a fraternity or sorority. Greek life may provide a variety of advantages, such as opportunity for networking, enduring connections, and significant volunteerism.

However, joining a fraternity or sorority may also be quite time-consuming and labor-intensive. Because of this, it’s critical to be prepared before joining one. Here are some tips on how to be prepared for a rush week so you can manage your expectations.

Who Should Join the Greek Life?

All fraternities and sororities provide you with the ability to grow as a leader and help you develop skills to facilitate relationships. Many also work for a large nonprofit organization, which gives them access to volunteer opportunities around the nation and boosts their résumé.

But what are the disadvantages? The cons of joining a fraternity or sorority are that they may be very time-consuming, and you will have to pay fees. So, if you think Greek life might not be a good fit for you, that’s okay. Particularly for freshmen who are adjusting to college life, fraternities and sororities might require a significant time commitment. You could choose to put more emphasis on participating in other on-campus activities instead.

Pros of Rush Week on Your College Life

Rush events are an opportunity to bond with new friends, learn more about the Greek organizations on campus, and find a group of people with similar interests.

The outcome of rush events still varies per student, but the experience is almost always positive. Here are some advantages of going through Greek life recruitment:

Gain Leadership Opportunities

Numerous leadership opportunities are offered to members of fraternity and sorority organizations. Members have the option to run for a variety of positions each year when the organization opens up its executive board posts. The President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Risk Management posts are some of these jobs. These positions carry a lot of responsibility and help students develop crucial skills they’ll need while hunting for jobs after graduation.

Philanthropy and Community Involvement

Each fraternity and sorority must have a philanthropic affiliation and rich community involvement through community service. The groups take part in and organize several fundraising activities for their chosen charities during the academic year.

For instance, Kappa Delta works to support women and children and is associated with the Girl Scouts of the United States. For college girls who want to be heavily involved in these causes, the sorority rush week is their gateway to being able to help this foundation directly.

Lifelong Friendships

You are asked to join a network of active and former members of your greek organization after rush events. While you’ll probably have a close-knit circle of pals, you’ll also meet a ton of other individuals that you may interact with on campus and in your future. The Greek house is where you’ll find your best friends and some of the people you’ll stay in touch with for the rest of your life.

Rush Event Tips: Leave a Positive Impression for Greek Organizations

  1. Make a Good Impression

Fraternity and sorority rush week hold activities to introduce new students to their members. This is how established frat guys introduce Greek life to new members, so be courteous and approachable, maintain eye contact, and make an effort to recall the names of the individuals you meet in order to leave a good first impression.

When you go through a Greek recruitment process, you’ll probably find yourself conversing with a lot of individuals. Later, the fraternity or sorority will convene to decide which members to accept. During the fraternity rush process, you might need to impress a dozen or more individuals in order to receive an invitation to join, often known as a “bid.”

  1. Assess Your Time Commitment

Fraternity rush season might span many weeks, depending on the organization. Although it’s fun and enjoyable, it can also have a negative impact on your mental health and make it challenging to keep up with your academic and extracurricular obligations. You’ll need to schedule a lot of time just for the rush process, so make sure you won’t be overworked.

Missing an event hosted by a fraternity or sorority may reduce your likelihood of getting a bid from that group. Members often select applicants who may be too busy to participate in Greek life in favor of those who will stay active throughout the course of the next four years (remember, they expect you to remain active as part of a Greek house). By being organized and picking a doable class, you may complete your work while rushing a fraternity or sorority.

  1. Be Open-Minded

When you go through the recruitment process, you should keep an open mind about which fraternity or sorority you want to join. Consider all of your options, and don’t limit yourself to just one organization. Some students have a preconceived notion of which fraternity or sorority they want to join but end up finding a different group that suits them even better.

Additionally, don’t let others pressure you into joining a fraternity or sorority. Decide which organization best resonates with you as you think about your options and the different values they uphold. Make sure that the organization’s values coincide with your own. While consulting with friends and family members may be beneficial, you should make an effort to join a fraternity or sorority that has a solid reputation and participates in extracurricular activities and community service projects that you are interested in. Consider the alumni networks and post-graduation successes of each organization’s members as well.

  1. Weigh the Pros and Cons

One of the highlights of a student’s college experience is joining a fraternity or sorority. However, there are a lot of things to think about before choosing if Greek life is right for you.

For one, fraternity or sorority rush frequently includes hazing events. Hazing continues even though it is against the law and despite efforts by Greek life leadership to stop it in recent years. The ceremony may be challenging on a physical, emotional, and mental level, not to mention potentially hazardous. Apart from this, you will also need to pay regular dues, which cover the cost of social events, philanthropy projects, and housing (if you choose to live in the fraternity or sorority house).

On the other hand, joining a fraternity or sorority allows you to develop leadership skills, make friends, and give back to the community. As a member of a Greek organization, you will have opportunities to hold various positions within the house and plan social events and service projects. These experiences can help build your resume and stand out to potential employers.

  1. Research Well

Research the houses first. Knowing what your alternatives are and what these groups represent might make entering rush week simpler and less complicated. Make sure to read up on all of the Greek organizations at your school, their philanthropies, and any other relevant information that can help you make a decision on finding the best fraternity to join.

  1. Allow Your Personality to Shine

Don’t be scared to let your personality shine once you’re at ease. Perhaps you’re the class clown type, you enjoy a little friendly competition, or your sarcasm makes others laugh. The more self-assured you are in displaying your character and personality, the easier it will be for you to connect with others and find like-minded individuals whom you share the same interests with.

  1. Attend as Many Events as Possible

During the recruitment process, aim to attend as many events as possible. This will give you a better idea of what each fraternity or sorority is about and whether or not you would be a good fit for the organization. Additionally, attending more events also increases your chances of getting to know more members of the house, which can make the decision-making process easier.

  1. Check Your Financial Capability

Before you make a decision, it is essential to check if you can afford the dues. If you’re concerned that joining a sorority or fraternity will be too pricey, then make sure to ask how much the member dues are beforehand. Many organizations offer payment plans or other financial aid options to make Greek life more accessible for students. Upperclassmen can explain the cost of dues and the purpose for which the money is used.

Get the Most Out of Your College Experience

Whether it’s in a Greek-life organization or in another group or activity on campus, it’s all about where you will feel most comfortable and find your niche. The college experience is what you make of it, so make sure to do your research and get involved in things that interest you. Have fun and enjoy your time in college!

Author Bio:

Pearl de Guzman is a contributing writer at Campus Colors. She specializes in health and wellness, promoting the health of individuals to be healthier and more productive.

SEE ALSO: Advocating for Inclusive Events & Services On Your College Campus

Advocating for Inclusive Events & Services On Your College Campus

Advocating for Inclusive Events & Services On Your College Campus

As a student, you’re in a great position to advocate for change on campus. Your voice matters to decision-makers, and you can form student organizations to rally around a common cause.

You can even use your voice to advocate for greater inclusivity and accessibility on campus. This is important, as many universities fall short of their responsibility to folks who are considered neurodiverse and/or disabled.

Advocating for more inclusive events and services takes time, investment, and plenty of planning. However, you can get the ball rolling this semester by learning to amplify your voice on your college campus.

Assessing Inclusivity

Advocating for greater inclusivity and accessibility is always a great way to use your voice. However, before you start asking for support, you need to assess your campus’ current commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.

Begin by getting in touch with your University’s support services. Most larger institutions will have a department dedicated to educational access and resources for students of different abilities. Ask them about how you might be able to get involved — you may find that a student organization already exists to promote better inclusivity on campus.

Next, complete an inclusivity self-examination. An inclusivity self-examination requires some research, but the effort will be rewarded with a clearer picture of your university’s current accessibility and inclusivity standards. As a minimum, try to research the following:

  • Are administrators at your institution empowered and trained to promote greater inclusivity on campus?
  • Do people with disabilities work in positions of power/authority at your university?
  • Is inclusivity part of your university’s mission statement?
  • Are all students supported during their academic careers? Are there any statistical discrepancies in your student body?
  • Do current events include additional information on reasonable accommodations?

Research gives you a clear direction to head in and you can use your findings to help rally other students around the common cause of accessibility and inclusivity on your college campus.

Student Organizations

Joining a student organization is a great way to amplify your voice and advocate for more inclusive events and services on your campus. Many student organizations are directly tied to the administrative departments of the university and you’ll find it much easier to gain momentum as an official club.

When creating a club, be sure to include folks from a range of backgrounds and experiences. It’s important that your club adequately represents the student body, as this will help you spot issues and ensure that all members of your student body can thrive during college.

ADA

Title II and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guarantees that all universities must provide “equal access to postsecondary education for students with disabilities.” However, many universities fail to meet ADA standards.

As an advocate, you should familiarize yourself with the ADA act and document any lapses in ADA compliance. Pay particular attention to things like accessibility during extracurricular activities, accessibility of residential facilities, and the aids available to students.

If you identify an ADA issue, raise it with the administrators at your university first. Oftentimes, administrators are aware of issues on campus and are working hard to resolve them.

If administrators were previously unaware of inclusivity issues on campus, suggest solutions and try to be part of the decision-making process where possible. For example, if your university has an outdoor program, you can advocate for mobility aids to make outdoor activities more accessible. A small investment in portable ramps and scooter lifts can make a big difference for folks with mobility disabilities.

Support Services

Most larger institutions already have a support service in place to help folks with disabilities and/or neurodiversity. However, many students are unaware of the services available to them. You can make a difference by using your on-campus presence to connect people with the resources they need.

Increase awareness of inclusive support services by creating and attending as many on-campus events as possible. Hold disability awareness events in visible areas of your university and network with other organizations to ensure that their members are aware of the services available to them.

If you feel that more can be done to support students, you can consider advocating for greater access to therapy services. Therapy can make a big difference in a student’s academic career and quality of life. You may want to look into alternative forms of therapy, too. Therapeutic horseback riding and equine-assisted activity therapy can be modified to suit all participants and can help with things like self-esteem, empathy, and non-verbal body language.

Conclusion

As a student, you’re in a great position to advocate for greater inclusivity on campus. Start by reaching out to current services and find out what is on offer currently. If you spot gaps, try to work with administrators to find solutions. This may require some teamwork, so consider creating a student organization to share the load and amplify your voice.

SEE ALSO: How to Benefit From Intuitive-Decision-Making as a Student?

Stay Safe with SafetyKatt

Stay Safe with SafetyKatt

Hello, my name Is Robert Cullens and I am the CEO of Safetykatt.com and other websites. I started Safetykatt.com in 2020 intending to protect each and every one of you. There has been so much violence in the world lately which includes sexual assault on men and women. I design this website for everyone who can afford it to protect themselves from any dangerous situation. The company’s products are 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. I have done some research on what is going on on college campuses in recent years.

Did you know that according to Rainn.org 13% of students between the ages of 18-24 have experienced some kind of sexual assault? Did you know that this includes men and women who are sexually assaulted? Sexual assault includes rape, physical force, violence, or incapacitation that’s why Safetykatt.com was created to help protect as much as possible to prevent any of these things from happening to men and women. In 2014 report from edsmart.org that sexual assault had gone up 50% from the years before. The campus of Pennsylvania State University had 97 sex offenses from 2011-2013. With a total of 46,615 student population which means that 0.21% had sexual offenses. In 2021 SafeHome.org updated their article by saying that 1 out of 10 students will experience rap or assault. For females, the percentage is much higher 23.1%. In 2017 according to the FBI’s full report by SafeHome.org University of Nebraska was the college with the highest violent crime rates base on a 10,000 enrolment in college. Smaller colleges like Boston college also have a high crime rate among students. I think everyone should have something to protect themselves.

I know a lot of people always say that they have a gun but everyone’s life changes after you kill someone. So having something small in your pocket or your purse or something big in your car or your room can make a difference in your life. It is the thought of knowing that you have the product to protect yourself. The products that we sell on Safetykatt.com is all the protection that you need. It is easy to navigate with each product giving you a description of every product. It also will give you a great price so you can afford your safety. Our products are all 100% satisfaction guaranteed. If any of our products stop working and it is replaceable with no problems. We are a family-owned business so that’s why I encourage safety for everyone. I am also encouraging everyone to protect themselves in any possible way that they can. Just in my small town in Indiana, there has been human trafficking and kidnapping. I just dislike myself knowing that if they had something on them that was small or big it would have bought them some time to get help or getaway. Then the person who touched you would think twice about doing it again.

Stay Safe with SafetyKattStay Safe with SafetyKatt

Here we are in 2022 and at this point in our lives, we never know what a person is thinking anymore. For example, you and Paul have been seeing each other for a while now as friends. You guys have been studying, going out to dinner, hanging out with other friends, etc. It’s like Paul is your male best friend “right”. So, one day you and Paul were hanging out at your place watching a movie on Hulu. You are laying across him like usual with no intentions of anything but the movie and popcorn. Paul starts touching you and you were shocked, but you told him to stop. [because you didn’t see anything but friends]. Paul said” oh my fault my hand slipped” but you both laughed it off and continued watching the movie. When the movie was almost to the end Paul started touching you again and this time you are not happy, so you tell Paul that it was time for him to go and he grabs you and says he isn’t going anywhere until he gets what he wants. Then he starts tearing off your clothes, but you remembered what you bought from Safetykatt.com you have a stun gun under the couch one next to the door and a big one under the table and this is something you never told Paul. While he was proceeding to get what he wanted from you, you were able to reach under the table to get a stun gun that has 110,000,000 volts in it and touch his leg with it. Now Paul is on the floor in shock and pain. You Stun him again which gives you enough time to grab your cell phone and run into the bathroom to call the police all the while Paul gets up and tries to come after you by beating on the bathroom door but you remembered that you had a Super Door Stop Alarm in all the rooms in your apartment and you put it in the bathroom door so he couldn’t kick it in. Finally, you heard the police come in to arrest Paul. Now you feel shocked that you had to go through that with someone you could have called your bestie, but you also feel relieved because you had something in your home to protect you from anything extra happening to you. So as A CEO of Safetykatt.com I encourage everyone to get protection for themselves.

4 Ways College Students Can Pursue Self-Improvement

4 Ways College Students Can Pursue Self-Improvement

College is an opportunity to obtain a degree that can propel you forward in your career, but it’s also much more than that. For example, the college experience can be a foundation for self-improvement.

Self-improvement is essential for developing a healthy relationship with yourself, growing your skillset, and ensuring you step into post-grad life prepared and confident. Ultimately, self-improvement puts college students on a path to living more fulfilled lives.

College students can pursue self-improvement and reap the benefits mentioned above by doing these four things.

1. Learn New Skills

College won’t teach you everything you need to know to succeed. Still, you must learn as much as possible for real self-improvement. Therefore, it’s essential to develop skills that have nothing to do with your coursework in ways that aren’t fostered between your college’s walls.

Start with online tools for self-improvement. For example, there are various educational videos to choose from on YouTube. You can use Khan Academy’s free academic network, connect with other learners, and pick from thousands of video lessons. E-books and social media platforms like Clubhouse are also excellent self-education resources.

You may have to learn new skills in your free time, and it may be little by little. However, it’s essential to truly improve.

2. Prioritize Health and Wellness

A little over 40% of college students navigate depression and anxiety symptoms. And, unfortunately, 75% of them won’t seek treatment.

Moreover, college students are known for poor diets, irregular sleeping habits, excessive alcohol consumption, and improperly balanced exercise — all of which lead to poor physical health. Poor mental and physical health only impedes self-improvement.

Bettering yourself requires you to hyperfocus on health and wellness. Take care of your physical body by exercising regularly and eating well, both of which also help naturally regulate your hormones. See your primary care physician and any specialists regularly to ensure your internal organs are functioning correctly and your muscles and bones are in good shape.

You must nurture your mental health in college, too. Make self-care a part of your everyday routine. Manage your stress levels. Ensure you have a life outside of school. Get out into nature, practice mindfulness, and pursue your passions. If you need an extra layer of support, enlist the help of a therapist or counsellor. When you prioritize your health and wellness, it’ll be easier to make self-improvement constant.

3. Work on Your Mindset

Mindset is everything. If your mindset is inherently negative, you’ll see the world through that lens and conduct yourself in a way rooted in hesitancy, doubt, and fear.

On the other hand, when your mindset is intrinsically positive, it’s much easier to accept and navigate the tough things life throws at you, which builds character and resilience. You’re also more likely to genuinely appreciate the good and keep building on it.

You can work on your mindset by:

  • Journaling;
  • Facing your fears;
  • Listening to empowering podcasts;
  • Listing what you’re grateful for each day;
  • Committing to positive internal dialogue;
  • Surrounding yourself with good people;
  • Stepping out of your comfort zone often;
  • Reading self-help and self-improvement literature;
  • Participating in meditation and mindfulness activities;
  • Interrupting negative thought patterns with positive ones;
  • Showing yourself grace and understanding during hard times.

Even if you are swamped with college work, it is important to carve out time to take care of yourself. Working some of these tips into your routine can only benefit your performance in the long run, because you’ll be less likely to become burnt out.

4. Stay On Top of Your Finances

When it comes to college student spending, you’re usually on a tight budget. However, the majority of students use their limited money on eating out, buying clothes, and stocking up on snacks.

One of the worst things college students can do is put themselves in a financial bind. You need money to live. You also need it to advance and improve. Bad spending habits and a lack of financial literacy won’t allow you to do either. Instead, an unhealthy relationship with money incites constant stress and anxiety.

Reduce financial stress in college so you can live comfortably and pursue self-improvement opportunities. Create a budget and stick to it. Minimize frivolous spending. Keep growing your financial literacy so you’re ready to make mindful investments in the future.

In addition, financial information and other confidential documents have a lot of personal information on them. Thus, it’s essential to protect your identity and safeguard your information.

Keep your personal information in a secure place only accessible to you. It may be uncommon to shred items in college, but flash drives, receipts, or mail should be taken care of in that way.

This will help ensure none of your personal data is leaked or acquired by someone who shouldn’t have it. You don’t need that stress on top of everything else, and it will prepare you for handling sensitive information in the future. Keep your finances organized, accurate, and protected so you can build a solid financial foundation that enhances your self-improvement efforts for years to come.

There are obvious reasons for everyone to pursue self-improvement. College students, in particular, can benefit tremendously from a continuous effort to improve themselves. Not only will your college experience be more valuable, but you’ll also be prepared to step into post-grad life with purpose and confidence. Start with the tips above to prioritize self-improvement.

SEE ALSO: College Dating: 5 Ways to find Love on Campus

College Dating: 5 Ways to find Love on Campus

College Dating: 5 Ways to find Love on Campus

College is often a time of many new experiences, and finding your first serious mate can be one of them. Unlike in high school, when it was often about who we had a crush on, in college, we are more mature and ready to find that special someone. In some cases, the person you meet may turn out to be your soul mate.  

If you are new to college or you’ve not had the best luck finding love, then we are here to help. We have many tips for how to find the right person for you, places where you can find them, and the importance of companionship, even if the relationship is not romantic.

1: Think About What You Really Want

Before you jump blindly into the college dating pool, it is important that you take time to reflect and think about what you really want in a relationship and in a potential partner. If you are looking for something serious, then finding a healthy relationship is key. That means dating someone who shares some of your interests, is easy to talk to, and values you as a person. Plus, there needs to be mutual respect. If you date someone you think you really like, but they don’t treat you right, or they disrespect you, then you need to move on, or the issue could escalate. 

While we will talk a lot about finding love, some college students are too busy or focused on their schoolwork to think about a relationship. If that describes your mindset, then that is understandable, but it is important that you find someone to speak to and share your time with or else loneliness can get the best of you. When we are lonely, we can start to feel hopeless and disconnected, and that is the last thing you need during your college years. If you are just looking for friends, then consider signing up for a class on campus or befriending one of your floormates in the dorm. 

2: Campus Activities

When it comes to finding a potential love interest, consider the many clubs and groups that are available on campus, including fraternities and sororities. If you are looking for an activity to join, then review the bulletin board in your dorm, where you may see many listed events, from professional gatherings at the library to local parties. You can also focus on your grades and meet new people by starting or joining a study group.  

If you need money for tuition, then consider getting a job on campus where you can meet even more people. There are also typically many sporting events on campus. Even if you are not playing, you never know who you will meet by going and having a seat on the bleachers as you enjoy the game with your peers.   

3: Talk To Your Friends

While you can meet plenty of new people by trying out new activities on your own, you can also talk to the friends you already have and see if there is anyone they know that they think would be a great fit. That way, you have a person in common, and you can even go out to do group activities, be it going to the campus bowling alley or taking a nature hike at the local park. Once you are comfortable with the new person, consider going on a one-on-one date. 

4: Go Online

Sometimes when you are looking for love, you need to go to where the people are, and if recent studies are any indication, then you might want to go online. Due to the popularity of social media and apps like TikTok, many young people in Generation Z are trying virtual dating by going on video apps where they can see a potential match face-to-face but in the comfort of their home or dorm.  

There are many dating apps that you can try, some of which are hot spots for college students, including OkCupid, Friendsy, and Zoosk. When you use an online app, make sure that you are truthful and honest about your personality and the activities that you enjoy. When you talk on video, be yourself and avoid the use of filters. You want people to like you for who you are. Just remember to not rely exclusively on dating apps and get out there and have a date in the real world as well. 

5: Volunteer

When you are looking for someone to date, you will want to find a person who is caring and compassionate in everyday life because they will share those attributes in the course of your relationship as well. A surefire way to find someone that cares is to volunteer either on campus or in the town surrounding the school. There are many opportunities to volunteer your services, from working at a soup kitchen or food bank to lending your time at a donation center or doing community work. When you’re there, strike up conversations with the people you work with and see where it goes. 

As you can see, there are many ways that you can meet people and create a romantic connection while you’re in college. Just remember to keep an open mind, prioritize your studies, and have fun, and you will eventually meet that special someone. 

SEE ALSO: Tips for Dealing With Difficult College Roommates

Ways to Get Around Campus

Best Ways to Get Around Campus

The parking situation across many college campuses is a struggle, to say the least. A statistic at the University of Wisconsin showed that there is one available parking spot for every five college students. With the average cost for a student parking permit at about $280 per semester, it’s certainly worth exploring cheaper alternatives for getting to class on time. There are many transportation options and they each have advantages and disadvantages. We share our two cents on the various means of transportation, ranging from skateboards to taking the bus. So how will you cruise to class this semester?

The Madness Of Motorized Transportation

Some may prefer to drive their cars, which offers privacy and comfort by way of temperature control and cushioned seating. However, the price of a car is high when compared to the price of non-motorized means of transportation and the cost of gas is near all-time highs. Some may opt for a moped. Many of the students at the University of Florida find riding to class on a moped to be common and convenient. Regardless, mopeds require fuel, finding space for parking and confidence in your ability to navigate to class safely. Another alternative is public transportation which offers a handful of other options. Trains, buses and ridesharing will all allow students to get to class in a timely manner, but these modes of transportation require the purchase of either individual fares or a pass as a more long-term option.

Traditional Transportation

When boiling down bicycles vs skateboards you should consider the storage and the maintenance required to have your wheels at your disposal. Many class commuters opt for transportation on two wheels. For example, many students in Portland, Oregon choose to bicycle to and from campus because it is a relatively bicycle-friendly city. However, a bicycle requires finding a safe place to lock it up and preparation in the case of a maintenance emergency; meanwhile a longboard or cruiser doesn’t require as much storage for tools, locks or finding a bike rack.

Some of you may be thinking, “Why don’t I just walk?!” If the distance of your commute isn’t far, this is a very valid option. It carries no cost, offers physical exercise, and with proper planning will get you to class on time. It’s an especially attractive choice when the walk to class is a scenic one or offers the opportunity to socialize or network. You don’t even have to search for parking as you might with a car, moped, motorcycle, or bicycle. However, for many students, walking to class isn’t an option because they simply live too far away for it to be reasonable.

Commuting With Style

Skateboarding, in addition to its popularity, is a sensible and effective way to roll to any lecture or study group that may come up. And, after the initial investment, it’s free! It is even cheaper than buying a bicycle or paying for daily public transportation, and on a tight student budget, this carries major clout. It’s an individual pursuit, so skateboarders don’t need to share air with others on a bus or train and risk getting sick.

Let’s break down the difference between longboards and cruisers, shall we? Both longboards and cruisers tend to have larger and softer wheels. Softer wheels make for better movement on rough surfaces like the road or sidewalks. Softer wheels also offer more grip for turning. Larger wheels come in handy when you have a longer commute because they cover more ground which makes for less pushing and more cruising. Lastly, board (deck) size is the biggest deciding factor when comparing longboards and cruisers. A longer board doesn’t maneuver as well as a cruiser when it comes to turning. Imagine how much easier a car can turn a corner compared to a semi-truck. Longboards and cruiser decks are usually at least eight inches wide which makes for a more stable ride at higher speeds. Which will you choose?

Most importantly, skateboarding is a form of transportation that can also introduce one to a rich culture beyond the college campus. Skateboarding, while an individual pastime, offers a community that is global, inclusive, and loads of fun! Skateboarding offers a relaxing outlet that we all need, especially after an all-nighter of studying, while providing a winning method of cross-campus movement.

How do YOU prefer to commute?

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Home Spring Cleaning Tips For the Remote Worker

Home Spring Cleaning Tips For the Remote Worker

As the rain sets into the ground to create the foundation for spring blooms, it also marks the time that people take to clean and organize their homes.  A lot of our homes are not only the places we live but also have become the place where we work within the last two years. Ensuring our homes and workspaces are clean can not only improve physical health by reducing allergens but can also greatly improve mental health by creating an air of control over your environment. Take hold of both your physical and mental health with these essential spring cleaning tips for your house, apartment, or dorm room.

Organize & Declutter Room by Room

When it comes to spring cleaning, it is best to go from big tasks to small tasks. Taking the time to declutter your space, and putting items in the right place can assist in helping you feel less overwhelmed. Putting books away, hanging up clothes, putting miscellaneous items in boxes or their respective drawers can help in opening up your space and making you feel more motivated to move on to the smaller tasks.

Categorically organizing your clutter can also help in your spring cleaning endeavors by separating things such as trash, donations, or items to organize and store. Also organizing this by room can help reduce the anxiety and daunting nature of spring cleaning. Even writing a list of tasks and crossing them out one by one can help you feel fulfilled as you make it through.

Sweep, Dust, Vacuum & Mop Each Room

Nothing is better than that freshly cleaned house smell. Sweeping, dusting, and vacuuming each room before going over it with a mop will help clean up dirt and those pesky allergens. If you have pets this can be harder, but there are plenty of cleaning products made especially for pet owners to make life a lot easier.

If you have asthma or any other illness that makes this part of cleaning difficult, it is best to bring an outside source. There are plenty of affordable cleaning companies out there, which can clean your home once or on a regular schedule.

Organize Paperwork in Home Offices

Cleaning off your desks, putting away papers in labeled filing folders, and creating allocated stations in your office are all solutions to creating the most productive home office. Making an area just for your printing and scanning will help train your brain to get into work mode when you are in your office space.

Rearrange Furniture to Maximize Your Space

After cleaning, if you are in a small space, such as a studio apartment or dorm, slightly rearranging your items to maximize your space will help improve your mental well-being and comfort level.

When rearranging your space, using the same method as organizing with tackling the big items first is the most efficient way. Starting with the focal piece of furniture first, move your way down to the smallest piece to figure out how to utilize your space as efficiently as possible. Organizing a small space can make the biggest difference.

SEE ALSO: Sustainable Moving: Tips For a Green Moving Season

Sustainable Moving: Tips For a Green Moving Season

Sustainable Moving: Tips For a Green Moving Season

From packing materials to junk disposal there are plenty of ways to reduce the environmental footprint and orchestrate a successful green move.

Eighty percent of moves are recorded to happen from April through September, which means we are right on the crux of peak moving season. With single and family homes going through the changes of home-buying, home-selling, renting, or downsizing, this can be a chaotic time for those who are trying to make a big residential change.

One efficient way to facilitate a sustainable move is to greatly reduce the number of disposable packing materials used. Using reusable storage totes, packing blankets, and old clothing in replacement of paper can eliminate the amount of trash after a move.

When it comes to a green move, less is more. Whether you are moving from a large home to a smaller one or vice-versa, you will still need to purge a lot of your belongings to make room for new beginnings.

While it can be tempting to leave items you no longer need outside, there are plenty of sustainable and charitable ways to rid yourself of furniture, clothing, and any other things that won’t be relocating with you. With the convenience of plenty of different marketplace apps, there is a slew of options for you to sell your items and make some extra money along the way. If you don’t have time or the need to sell items then there are plenty of local donation centers that will take your unneeded belongings and allocate them to people or places in need.

Throwing away electronics without proper disposal can result in mass damage to the environment. When disposing of electronics, such as computers, batteries, or TVs, there are plenty of companies out there that specialize in e-waste removal.

When it comes to the actual move, research affordable moving companies that use green practices. If you are in Chicagoland, moving companies like Joey’s Movers will ensure a green and affordable move for any size home.

Whichever green options you choose, you can not only reduce stress on yourself during your move but also on the planet.

SEE ALSO: Tips for Dealing With Difficult College Roommates

New Tech Devices To Improve Health And Hygiene In College Campuses

New Tech Devices To Improve Health And Hygiene In College Campuses

n-campus classes are back in session, and universities and colleges across America are taking steps to create a safe and healthy environment for their students. Lately there has been a rise in the use of new-tech devices and innovations to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 virus in campuses. New technology can help schools provide students with a healthy environment and enable them to have proper hygiene. This is how technology is helping to keep US campuses safe and germ-free.

Disinfection Technology

Germs can be found everywhere on campus, from the water fountain to high-touch areas such as light switches and door knobs. Research shows that college campuses have higher levels of bacteria than other places in a city. This is why schools are starting to invest in new disinfection UVC tech devices to keep campuses clean and germ-free. Having a properly sanitized campus not only improves an institution’s reputation, but it also increases student productivity while keeping viruses at bay.

Produced by high voltage discharge in a low-pressure mercury arc lamp, UV-C light has been used in disinfection and food preservation for over 100 years. UV-C light is almost entirely absorbed by organic material, the only exception being carbon black pigments that absorb approximately half of it, making it an effective way to disinfect fabrics, books, and even wooden seats and desks. College campuses such as East Central College have been implementing best prevention practices, including UV-C technology, in adherence to CDC recommendations.

Occupancy Monitoring

Motion, temperature, and lighting sensors can all be used to monitor and record the movement of people in an enclosed space. Knowing when an area is fully occupied or not is essential for things like social distancing and preventing accidents. Tech solutions such as Safecount, Pressac, and Safespace occupancy monitoring platforms have seen rapid adoption in institutions, such as college campuses, and they’re being utilized to count people discreetly to prevent crowding and maintain social distancing.

Hydration apps

Keeping hydrated is essential to stay healthy, and it also helps to keep one focused and alert. This is why there has been an uptick in the sales of reusable water bottles, as well as a marked increase in downloads of hydration apps. Some of these apps include Hydro Coach, WaterMinder, and Aqualert, and they’re used to measure health indicators to ensure that an individual is not dehydrated. Students can get instant information on their hydration levels via an app on their smartphone, and they are reminded to drink more fluids throughout the day.

Wearables to keep track of oxygen levels

Oximeters are medical devices that are starting to take over college campuses They determine the level of oxygen in someone’s blood by sending an electric current through their bloodstream. Pulse Oximeters also allow users to observe the heart rate and blood pressure of other people. An example of massive adoption of this device is Delhi Campus. In July, the institution procured 500 pulse oximeters as part of the measures to stem the third wave of the coronavirus.

From UVC cleaning devices to occupancy monitoring and oxygen testing devices, campus colleges seem to have switched up their gears for the safety and health of the students and instructors. These innovations drive improved hygiene and empower students and administrators to stay ahead of their collective and individual health needs. In the future, experts predict more innovation and increased adoption of these and other health and wellness gadgets.

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