http://www.therealcollegeguide.com The Real College Guide en-us Copyright ©2010 Studio One Netwoks Fri, 9 Jul 2010 02:00:01 EST Fri, 9 Jul 2010 02:00:01 EST College webCOMAND http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss 60 http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/programsend/programunit/readyu/images/logo.png http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/programsend/programunit/readyu/index.html http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Whether you’re bunking up with a total stranger or your BFF, make a list of rules with your roomie at the get-go to avoid huge blowouts later. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Fri, 9 Jul 2010 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Chunky bangles make a statement, but not when scattered around your room. Organize by piling them on the necks of glass bottles with wide bases. (Sparkling water bottles work well.) http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Thu, 8 Jul 2010 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Protect your privacy, from personal IM convos to term papers, with tricky passwords that lock out access to your computer when you’re gone. And set verbal boundaries to keep your roommate away from your keys. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Wed, 7 Jul 2010 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Most dorm beds require extra-long twin sheets. Use your fitted sheet to secure an eggcrate foam pad and mattress liner. Your bed may be more comfortable than your bed at home! http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Tue, 6 Jul 2010 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html When washing clothes, set your phone alarm to know exactly when to go back. A five-minute delay and your dirty -- er, clean -- laundry might be hanging out for everyone to see. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Mon, 5 Jul 2010 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html For a fall internship, search and apply long before the leaves start changing. Do it now! For spring, apply by December. For summer, apply by March. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Fri, 2 Jul 2010 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Burning the midnight oil? Limit caffeine intake, as too much will leave you shaky and unproductive. Sip on water instead; dehydration can affect concentration levels. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Thu, 1 Jul 2010 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Close quarters, from co-ed bathrooms to communal computer labs, make college campuses breeding grounds for illness. Don’t fall victim! Carry hand sanitizer and apply when needed. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Wed, 30 Jun 2010 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Plan your schedule around a semester away, saving electives and nonmajor classes for then. Some programs even offer location-specific courses. You don’t want to miss out! http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Mon, 28 Jun 2010 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Forgo reviewing in your bed -- you’ll fall asleep. Stick to a private place on campus, free from friends and distractions. You’ll get the job done faster. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Fri, 28 May 2010 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Embrace the perks that come with full-time tuition by joining at least one club. Nothing of interest? Most schools will let you start your own, within stipulation. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Thu, 27 May 2010 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Test different methods of studying -- from reading out loud to rewriting or even highlighting notes. Find the perfect fit and make it stick. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Wed, 26 May 2010 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Place your alarm clock at the opposite end of your bed. You’ll have to get up to shut it off -- or deal with your roommate’s wrath. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Tue, 25 May 2010 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Rooming with friends is like living with siblings: They’ll get on your nerves. Go traditional and live with someone new. At the very least, it will give you better stories! http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Mon, 24 May 2010 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Homesick? Avoid escaping campus. Set up a live video chat with your family. It’s fast and free, and it will feel like they’re right beside you. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Fri, 30 Apr 2010 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Speaking in front of class? Pick a focal point, or two people on opposite sides of the room, to look at. Suddenly, it won’t feel like all eyes are on you. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Thu, 29 Apr 2010 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Forget pricey bookstores. Go to Web sites like Amazon or Overstock to buy used titles once you receive your syllabus. Or buy a book for less from someone who just took the class. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Wed, 28 Apr 2010 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Find an upperclassman -- from your floor, class or club -- that you click with within your first two weeks of school. Hooking up with a mentor is key for learning the ropes. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Tue, 27 Apr 2010 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Stock up on nonperishable snacks at the supermarket just once a month to avoid overpaying at the bookstore and vending machines. It’ll leave room in your budget for impromptu late-night pizza. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Mon, 26 Apr 2010 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Professors and friends you’re meeting now could help you land your dream job later. Start a personal address book, on paper or online -- it may come in handy even after graduation. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Fri, 23 Apr 2010 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Calling all carnivores: Check out your dining hall’s vegetarian and vegan sections. The food is more exotic, fresher and (hopefully) better-tasting than your typical grilled chicken fare. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Thu, 22 Apr 2010 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html If your dorm room doesn’t come with a walk-in closet (and few do), attach canvas hanging shelves to your closet rod and use five-tier hangers to make up for lost space. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Wed, 21 Apr 2010 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Space Bags (available online) suck the air from between your clothes and work miracles when stuffing school luggage. Just remember they make things smaller, not lighter. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Tue, 20 Apr 2010 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Cover every craving by stocking up on the right nonperishable snacks: chocolate kisses (sweet), popcorn (salty), lemonade mix (sour) and hot-flavored nuts (spicy). http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Mon, 19 Apr 2010 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Got a messy roommate? As soon as you move in, divvy up communal cleaning tasks to ensure he does his part -- and keeps the rest of the mess on his side. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Fri, 16 Apr 2010 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Recycle extra wrapping paper by sliding a few pieces -- that don’t say Happy Birthday or Merry Christmas -- into matching frames, and voila: simple wall art on the cheap. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Thu, 15 Apr 2010 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Need to de-stress? Google the closest pet shop or humane society: You can go play with kittens and puppies for free. Studies show that furry friends can calm you down and boost your mood. Aw! http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Wed, 14 Apr 2010 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Before calling your roommate-to-be to decide who’s bringing what, poke around your house to see what you can snag for free -- a rug, old TV or cleaning supplies. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Mon, 12 Apr 2010 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Take down last year’s fancy schmancy wall calendar after New Year’s. If it’s one with a different scene for each month, tear out your favorites and tack ’em up or pop ’em into frames. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Fri, 9 Apr 2010 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Take advantage of your artsy peers by soaking up some campus culture. Your on-campus art museum is probably free for students, and hey, you can’t put a price tag on convenience. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Thu, 8 Apr 2010 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html De-clutter (and decorate) your minuscule dorm room by putting magazines, important paperwork or random things that just don’t have a place in DIY storage bins -- just paint or collage shoe boxes. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Wed, 7 Apr 2010 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Your desk drawer is not a jewelry box. Hang your collection of fun necklaces on your dorm room wall with tacks, nails or hooks to save space and decorate your walls for free. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Mon, 5 Apr 2010 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Sure, you’re not paying the bills, but wasting electricity may end up increasing your tuition and fees. Do your part by turning off lights and laptops before leaving your dorm room. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Fri, 2 Apr 2010 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Consult residence life to find out what you can and can’t recycle on campus. One less bottle cap or greasy pizza box will make your campus a much greener place. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Thu, 1 Apr 2010 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Hey, Shakespeare! Get your big break by contributing to a campus literary magazine. Pick up an issue to find out who’s in charge, then shoot an email asking how to get involved. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Wed, 31 Mar 2010 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Instead of wasting cash on bottled water, carry a reusable bottle and use a water purifier to make your tap water taste more tolerable. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Sun, 7 Mar 2010 00:00:00 EST http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Calculate your class average before studying for a major exam. That way, you’ll know just how much effort you need to exert to achieve the overall GPA you want. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Mon, 15 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Especially the part where profs break down your grade. Knowing that attendance equals 20 percent may motivate you to actually make it to class. Final exam worth 40 percent? Better crack down for that test. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Fri, 12 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Imagine exactly what you’d like to be doing after college. Predicting what skills you’ll need on the job will motivate you to retain relevant info in class. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Thu, 11 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Low on lighting? Snoop around the parentals’ crib for white -- or colorful, if you’re wild -- lights that lend your room some funky flair and take up zilch space. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Tue, 9 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html From movie theaters to stores like J.Crew, companies offer student discounts. Keep your ID card in your back pocket -- you never know when you’ll save some cash. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Mon, 8 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Just like college admission officers, employers like well-rounded new hires. Being a fellow member on Greek row doesn't hurt, but be sure to sign up for a variety of extracurrix. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Fri, 5 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Odd one out in HS? College has loads more students. Meaning, more peeps that dig ultimate flying disc too. If your college’s club roster’s lacking, take the lead and start a group of your choice. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Thu, 4 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html You were an all-star athlete in the kiddie pool but can't even bench in college? Brush it off. Try an intramural team to find students equally equipped with athletic prowess. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Wed, 3 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Laptop, cell phone, iPod ... you've got gadgets and gizmos aplenty. Charging up with two dinky outlets will leave you in the dark (and annoyed). Plug in a power strip to juice up. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Mon, 1 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Stock your place with snacks. After all-night cram sessions (or looong nights out), you’ll be thankful for treats at your fingertips that you can chow down before bedtime. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Fri, 29 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EST http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Time your commute between classes before the first day. Realizing you've left 10 minutes to book it 2 miles across campus will make you late, sweaty and pissed you didn't bring your bike. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EST http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Leave your dorm room door open to mingle with new faces and be in-the-know about nightly festivities and shenanigans. Plus, it says you’re friendly and inviting. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EST http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Lectures are rolling 300 deep, and you're not in Kansas anymore. Hit up your instructor during office hours to be remembered when you're walking the thin line between B+ and A-. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EST http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Campuses are sprawling with creditors offering free stuff for signing up. Even if your T-shirt is kinda ratty, RUN away. If you have the card, you're gonna use it. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Mon, 25 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EST http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Starving with no cash left on your meal card? Take the time to budget before breaking the bank on late-night snacks and letting a roommate mooch. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Fri, 22 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EST http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html If unspent dollars on your meal card don’t roll over to next semester, stock up on nonperishables at your campus convenient store to leave in your dorm or bring home. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EST http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html You don’t really need that “I’ll never use it again” econ textbook to be all bright and shiny. Used books are way cheaper. Bonus: Someone’s already highlighted the important parts. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EST http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Even if you’re unsure which classes you want to take, register … early! You can always drop a class but can’t always get into electives you really want to take. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Tue, 19 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EST http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Take your sweet ol' time when it comes to picking your -- dun, dun, DUNN! -- major. You can legitimately procrastinate for at least two years by fulfilling basic requirements. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Mon, 18 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EST http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Graduation might be years away, but credit catastrophes begin early on. Check in with your advisor at the start of each semester to make sure you're on track to meet the minimum. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EST http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html If you're in danger of failing your "easy A" elective, check to see if you can score pass-or-fail credits to keep your GPA intact. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Thu, 14 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EST http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Hate finding a washer full of soaking-wet clothes when you're up to your ears in dirty duds? So do your floor mates. Set your phone alarm to remind you when your load's done. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Wed, 13 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EST http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Even if you're aiming for perfect attendance, get a classmate's digits and email for those "Ah, crap, my alarm didn't go off" moments. This way, you'll always have notes, whether you're in class or in bed. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EST http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html ar real clothes instead of sloppy pj's to your 8 a.m. class to let your prof know you're serious about your studies. Bonus: It gives your brain a wake-up boost. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Mon, 11 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EST http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Make moves toward financial independence by using your bank’s online or mobile banking to monitor your own spending -- Mom and Dad can’t do it forever. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Fri, 8 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EST http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Save cash by stocking up on school supplies (and your new school wardrobe) during tax-free weekend. Check the Federation of Tax Administrators Web site to see if and when your state recognizes this holiday. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Thu, 7 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EST http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Look for a job on campus before you get there. You’ll beat the crowds to score the best job (aka one with plenty of downtime to do classwork while on the clock). http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Wed, 6 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EST http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Core classes are downright painful, so knock ’em out by transferring credits from cheaper, easier community college classes if you can. Then spend your semester taking more valuable classes -- like scuba diving. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Tue, 5 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EST http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Stay ahead of the game by listing all assignments and deadlines for every class in one place, be it your PDA or your planner. The Moleskin Web site offers custom planners with cool covers. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Mon, 4 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EST http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Old Halloween costumes and face paint won’t do much for your game, but they do score big school-spirit points at sports events. Plus, they make sweet statements at theme parties, so keep them in mind when packing. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Fri, 1 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EST http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html When walking on or off campus at night, use the buddy system. Avoid distractions, like wearing iPods or talking on the phone, and be constantly aware of your surroundings. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Wed, 30 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Create your group’s document, spreadsheet or presentation on Google Docs and share it with each member of the group. Changes can be made and viewed by all in real time. So long, sloppy revisions! http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Tue, 29 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Before finals, send care packages to your hardworking friends at other schools. Include an article or picture that will relax them with a laugh -- and don’t forget their favorite study snacks. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Mon, 28 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Carry your student ID with you at all times and ask everywhere if they offer discounts. We’re college kids -- we’re expected to be thrifty! http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Thu, 24 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Stash old notes from past classes -- even high school ones -- at your parents’ house. You never know when they’ll come in handy. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Stressed? Express your emotions in a journal. Putting frustration into words will ease things up with no need to lash out on an innocent bystander. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Tue, 22 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Clear guests with your roommate first. And if you’re hosting more than two visitors, you might want to find alternative sleeping plans since three-plus can be a crowd. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Mon, 21 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Earn some extra cash without ever leaving campus. Desk or office jobs are flexible and allow time to do homework while clocking in. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Fri, 18 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Go Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants-style by starting a roaming journal, complete with pictures, with your high school buds. It’ll make checking for snail mail more exciting! http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST