Author: Lucy Kieweg

Move-in day for universities is one of the most exciting days of the year. A new town, new friends, and a fresh start are all enough to get your heart racing. And while all these new things can be exhilarating, they can also be extremely stressful if not prepared for properly. Moving in will take more preparation than just throwing your clothes in your car and calling it a day. 

If you get a head start on planning your college move-in day, you’ll have less stress going into the year, more confidence since you’ll feel prepared, and more time to spend with loved ones before you leave for the big day. It doesn’t matter if your new school is ten minutes away from home, or ten states away, using a checklist like the one below will make move-in day a breeze. 

1. Make a move-in necessity list and print it out. Asking friends, siblings, or parents that have been to college is a great place to start. You can also find great resources on Pinterest.

2. Make sure your housing is finalized. Before you can begin to pack, you’ll want to make sure your living arrangements are set in stone.
   
3. Print out and read the Can’s and Can’ts of your living space. Many dorms and apartments will provide a list of rules upon finalization of your living arrangements. These will include rules on items that are and aren’t allowed, visitors, quiet hours, etc.

4. Find out if your living space will be furnished. Most dorms have a bed, desk, dresser, and closet included. However, many apartments do not come furnished at all. By reading this information ahead of time, you won’t accidentally bring a couch to an already furnished dorm room.
   
5. Ask if your college provides move-in assistance. Many schools will have older students and RA’s help bring items from your car to your room. Call your school ahead to see if this service is provided, or if you’ll have to find your assistance.
   
6. Once you’ve completed these steps and can move on to collecting boxes and packing your personal items, just make sure you don’t overpack! Remember, it’s always easier to pack light and go back for more. You can always go home on a weekend or holiday and bring back more of your things. Overpacking may result in a cramped and stressful situation.

7. Once clothes, shoes, bedding, toiletries, etc are packed, it’s time to go school shopping! Binders, folders, pens, pencils, a laptop, and a backpack should all be on your list to buy if you do not own them already. If you have a long trip to college, it may be smarter to hold off on purchasing these items until you get to campus.

8. Find out your move-in schedule. Call your school to see when move-in begins and how to receive your key. Getting an early start on the day and being one of the first to move in will lessen your stress. Being one of the first to the dorms or apartment will mean less foot traffic in the halls and a quicker move-in.

9. Coordinate with your roommate (if applicable). If you have a roommate, make sure you reach out to them in the days leading up to move-in day. You can agree on a time to meet at your living space and can help one another move your belongings in. This way, your move-in will be quick and you can spend the rest of your day settling in.

10. Say your goodbyes to friends and family. Even if you’re not moving across the country, you are still starting a huge new chapter in your life. Make sure you make plans to stay in contact with your loved ones, you’ll need their support during this new and exciting time! 

College move-in can be a scary and stressful time. However, if you make a list of everything you need to do and plan well, you can make move-in a stress-free day. Start planning right away, that way, your final days at home are spent having quality time with your friends and family, instead of rushing around grabbing last-minute items. 

It’s no secret, that deciding what to major in during your time in college can be hard. It may be even harder when you don’t know exactly what you want your career to be, or what field it will be in. Personally, during my time during undergrad, I didn’t know what I wanted my career to be, all I knew is that I had a passion for literature and writing. I felt as though this wasn’t enough for me to find a major or a job after college; I almost felt as though I shouldn’t even enroll in school until I figured it out.

Questions raced through my mind, “Should I major in something I know I’ll be able to find a job with right out of school? What if I do this and end up hating what I do for work? If I put off school, what will I do until then?” Before making a decision on my own, I decided to speak with an admissions advisor to figure out the best plan of action. She listened to my concerns and my interests and made a suggestion I hadn’t yet heard.

This advisor recommended that I select a major with a spectrum of diversity, such as English. By earning an English degree, I could take coursework I was interested in and have a wide variety of employment options after graduating. Majors with employment diversity include Business, English, Health Care, and Psychology. Let’s take a look at the career opportunities for these majors below.

• Business •

Did you know there are subcategories, or specializations, of business degrees? These subcategories include Accounting, Finance, Entrepreneurship, Human Resources, Healthcare Management, International Business, Marketing, and Public Administration. You can think of each of these subcategories as an umbrella. Each umbrella covers multiple careers of its own.

For example, accounting is a general category that includes jobs such as a Budget Analyst, Management Accountant, Loan Officer, or Auditor.

• English •

Did you know English majors do more than just read novels and poetry? They also focus on research, critical thinking, creative writing, grant writing, project management, and public speaking. These are just a few skills an English major will master while earning their degree. If they minor choose a complementary minor, they will be even more well-rounded.

Careers with this degree include, but are not limited to, Technical Writer, Lawyer, Public Relations Manager, English/Language Arts Teacher, Librarian, Editor, Paralegal, and Freelance Writer.

• Psychology •

The coursework you’ll experience while earning your bachelor’s degree in psychology will cover topics such as the clinical practice of psychology, biology, ethics, anatomy, life span development, and social psychology.

Careers with this degree include but are not limited to Clinical Psychology, Social Work, Forensic Psychology, Human Resources, Health Psychology, Guidance Counselor, Industrial-Organizational Psychology, and Criminal Psychology and Forensics.

• Any/All Healthcare Related Programs •

When most people think of a healthcare degree, their first thought is usually an RN degree. But did you know there are hundreds of different types of healthcare degrees out there? These include Dentistry, Biomedical Engineering, Physical or Occupational Therapy, Health Administration, Nursing, Community Health and Preventative Medicine, Medical Billing and Coding, and the list goes on and on. Each of these majors provides a wide range of employment opportunities, so upon graduation, you won’t feel stuck while applying for jobs.

As you can see, there is a great variety of job opportunities with diverse majors. Just because you are unsure of exactly what you want to do in life, doesn’t mean you need to push off earning your degree. If you want to incorporate your interests into your career, speak with an advisor. They will be able to listen and guide you in the right direction. And if your interests change? You can always switch your major and try something new!

Have you ever considered earning an accelerated degree? It may sound intimidating, but take it from me, it’s not as scary as it sounds! I earned an accelerated Bachelors of Arts in English in the Spring of 2019 after starting school in the Fall of 2016. Since finishing school a year early, I’ve experienced quite a few advantages. These include earlier entrance into the workforce, less student debt and oftentimes being seen as a more impressive candidate for job interviews. Some stipulations come along with an accelerated degree that some may see as not so favorable, such as increased workloads, longer days of class, as well as a diminished social life. However, in my personal experience, the accelerated degree I earned was well worth it!

After graduation, as I started to apply for jobs, I made sure that my college experience and the time in which I earned my degree, were at the top of my resume. By earning an accelerated degree, potential employers were often given the impression that I was a hard-working and motivated individual. These qualities are often valued by employers, and it wasn’t as if they asked for a description of myself and these were the terms I used. They were able to take into account the hard work and dedication I had toward earning my degree and made their assumptions. This often allowed me to receive more job offers and interviews during my job search after graduation.

Another benefit of earning my accelerated degree was the extra student debt I was able to avoid. I attended a private school, whose tuition was almost double the state average. By cutting down my time in undergrad school by a year, I was able to save around $40,000. This was truly the best benefit of earning my accelerated degree. My student loan payment would have been significantly more per month had I not graduated early. Also, being able to enter the workforce at a younger age, allowed me to get a head start on paying off my student debt.

Now with all these advantages also came some disadvantages. An earlier graduation date also meant a heavier workload. I had an above-average amount of credit hours I took per semester, more homework and projects, and longer nights spent studying. All of this also added up to a less than active social life. However, by communicating with my friends and family, they were able to understand my goals, and what it would take to meet them.

Overall, I have no regrets about earning an accelerated degree. I’m fact, I often recommend that others do the same! If you’re interested in cutting down your time spent in school, an accelerated degree might just be a good fit for you! Before you enroll, make sure you set your goals and expectations and make sure that they fit your availability and lifestyle. Talking with an advisor is also a great idea. You never want to take on too heavy of a workload and bite off more than you can chew. Take your time, decide what is best for you, then go get started!

An ongoing habit of examining your resources and financial obligations and your financial obligations and taking purposeful actions in order to protect your reputation, mental health, and relationships. 

 

Smart Financial Moves

● Limit your debt

● Maximize your income (how to get the most with your money, look for waste)

● Naming and claiming your priorities regularly

● Identify both short-term and long-term goals

 

Credit Cards – Trap or Tool?

● Using credit cards to build up your credit score

● Maintain one credit card with a low credit line

● Choose a card with a low-interest rate and/or cashback rewards program

● Exercise restraint and discipline

– Pay off your balance every month to avoid interest charges

– Use a credit card only for purchases that you could pay for with cash or your debit card and then pay the balance on or before the due date

 

● Abusing credit with impulse buying – being a slave to immediate gratification

– Shopping sprees

– Expensive gifts for other people

– Impulsive road trips you cannot afford

– Entertainment experiences that offer short-term or temporary satisfaction

 

● Digging the debt hole

– Pay the minimum payment each month

 

Renters Insurance 

● Protects all of your personal possessions located within an apartment that you are renting

● Negotiate a policy with the company where your parents already have homeowners or life insurance policies

● Affordable protection for things you can’t afford to replace

● The average policy premium for renters insurance is less than $200/year

 

Student Loan Debt

● Income-Driven Repayment Plan – apply for this at StudentLoans.gov

● Direct Consolidation Loan – apply for this at StudentLoans.gov

– Additional information at StudentAid.gov

● Deferment vs Forbearance

– Push off payments, more interest, but you get more time to pay

● Delinquency (when you are late) and Default (when you stop paying) 

– Both affect credit score

 

Making a Plan

● Use the worksheet to begin assessing your assets, liabilities, income, and expenses

Did you know?

Individuals that are interested in an Aviation degree are more than likely interested in becoming a pilot. However, did you know that there are other career opportunities associated with aviation degrees? Career opportunities also include Air Traffic Controllers, Flight Instructors, Airline Managers, Aviation Managers, etc. Students earning their aviation degrees will spend time in the field, as well as in the classroom. Students may need to pass certain certifications and tests in addition to earning their degree, in order to secure one of these career opportunities. Let’s take a deeper dive into aviation career paths.

Job Spotlight: Pilot

Students interested in aviation and flying may choose an aviation major to become one of the many types of pilots. There are multiple different types of pilots, including military, corporate, and commercial airline pilots. Different pilots are usually trained on different kinds of aircraft, including planes, helicopters, and military-grade aircraft. Pilots typically perform job duties such as:

• Evaluating the condition of the aircraft prior to takeoff
• Ensuring the aircraft is properly weighted and has enough fuel
• Controlling and navigating the aircraft during flight
• Communicating with air traffic control
• Monitoring aircraft systems during the flight for safety

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that the median annual salary for airline and commercial pilots in 2018 was $115,670. The BLS also reported that the job outlook for these professionals from 2018 to 2028 was 6%

Job Spotlight: Flight Instructor

Much like a driver’s education instructor, pilots need to be taught how to fly planes by a flight instructor. Flight instructors educate future pilots on safety measures, protocols, and the main skills that are required for flying an aircraft. Flight instructors are critical in maintaining the future of pilots and aircrafts alike.

As of September 2019, flight instructors had a median annual salary of $64,075. While the BLS did not report a specific job outlook for flight instructors, the BLS did report a general 7% outlook for all occupations within the field of air transportation workers.

*Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook

Is an Aviation degree a good fit for me?

Did you grow up playing with toy planes, or always looking up at the sky, waiting for a plane to fly by? Were you torn between going into the military and becoming a pilot? With an aviation degree, you don’t have to pick between the two. Becoming a pilot may be the perfect career for you! Your first step? Earn that Aviation Degree!

Did you know?

Cyber security specialists help to maintain the integrity of a company’s computer networks and systems. These specialists provide and enforce the security of a computer network through testing as well as virus protection and regular updates. Communication skills are necessary for cyber security specialists because they must be able to articulate and explain necessary precautions to other team members and departments across their company. Occasionally, these specialists re-certify the security of applications and the server. They troubleshoot company-wide security threats and implement creative solutions.

Careers in Cybersecurity include, but are not limited to Information Security Analyst, Security Management Specialist, Chief Information Security Officer, Cyber Crime Analyst, Cybersecurity Architect, Cryptologist, Computer Systems Analyst, Cybersecurity Software Developer

Job Spotlight: Information Security Analyst

These professionals defend computer networks and systems by predicting security breaches in order to protect the integrity of the company. They may often test their software and programs by trying to infiltrate their own systems. The information security analyst is responsible for protecting all sensitive information within a company. With the rise in hackers and data breaches sweeping throughout companies and the government, there’s a greater need to keep personal information safe from cyberattacks.

Information security analysts have three main focuses of operation:

• Risk assessment – identifying problems an organization might face
• Vulnerability assessment – determining an organization’s weaknesses
• Defense planning – installing protections, such as firewalls and data encryption programs

 

Cyber Crime Analyst

Cybersecurity architects help develop security hardware and software based on their analyses of security threats. They may also install security infrastructure and education employees.

If you’re considering a degree in cybersecurity, the industry is booming and it’s a great time to get a foot in the door. Cybersecurity jobs are in high demand across many sectors and are expected to keep growing. Information security analyst careers, for instance, are expected to grow 32% between 2018 and 2028, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is significantly higher than the average national growth rate for all occupations, which is +5 percent.

*Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook

 

Is a Cybersecurity degree a good fit for me?

Do you have an interest in not only technology but the preservation of data? Have you always enjoyed puzzles and mysteries? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then a career in cybersecurity may be a great fit for you! With a vast array of cybersecurity careers, your options are limitless and you’re bound to find the perfect fit for you! Now, what’s your next step? Earn that cybersecurity degree!

It may seem as though every aspect of college is stressful: the transition from high school to upper-level education, choosing a major, study session, and exams. All of these things can be pretty daunting, especially when it comes to deciding how many classes to take. Gauging how much you can handle as a student is one of the best things you can do for yourself. Take it from me! I was able to earn my Bachelors of Arts in English in just 3 years! If you’ve never attended college before, or are struggling with your course load, ask yourself these questions to help you with your next semester scheduling.

When is your expected college graduation date?

Depending on your degree, you should have an expected graduation date. This is dependent on whether you are planning on earning a two or four-year degree. If you have previously taken college credits in high school or at another institution, that may have an impact on your expected graduation date as well. It doesn’t matter what your college plan is—as long as you have a plan. Your timeline is extremely important to understand and adhere to. Try to plan your semester schedule according to when you hope to graduate. Make sure your goal is attainable, as to not discourage you and put you even further behind. Many colleges recommend taking around 15 credits per semester, which totals 120 credits after four years. Most bachelor’s degree programs require 120 credits to graduate.

What classes will you be taking, and how many credits are they worth?

An extremely beneficial thing you can do for yourself is to track your college classes and their credits. You can do this yourself, however, your academic advisor or school website may have resources for you. Some schools even show you your progress as you complete classes! Many colleges have some sort of “degree audit” that students can complete online, which shows what classes you have taken, how many credits you’ve earned, and what you have left to complete. If your college or university has such a thing, use it!

In addition to tracking classes, make sure you use your biggest resource, your advisor! They may have a course plan for people with your major and how you can meet your graduation goals. They may have course plans for cutting your graduation time by a semester or even a whole year! Your advisor may also have recommendations for online companies or schools that you can take web-based classes to again, speed up your expected graduation date. This may not be ideal for everyone, and sometimes classes are only offered in the fall or spring (or they get filled/canceled before you can take them). But having a general idea of what classes you need to take can save you a tremendous amount of time and grief scheduling classes and tracking your credits in the future.

In the end, taking the recommended 15 credit hours per semester maybe your best option if you want to graduate on time. However, if you want to graduate early, or want to go to school part-time, meeting with your advisor will help you track your credits and make a plan for graduation!

When getting ready to go back to college after, in most cases, some much-needed time off is always a huge step! First and foremost, that is a great decision! If you feel like you’re ready, you definitely are. There’s nothing wrong with taking some time off, everyone is on their own journey. If you’ve received credits from a previous institution, you will want to make sure you can make as much of it count toward your degree as you possibly can. Before your new degree-granting institution can inform you of how many credits will transfer in, you must first obtain and submit your transcripts. Not sure where to start? Not a problem! Below you will find the answers to any questions you may have.

 

What is a college transcript?

Goodwin University defines a college transcript as an official document that provides an inventory of courses and grades earned by a student throughout their academic career. Transcripts will also include the year credits were earned, course codes, and student information to verify identity.

 

How do I get my transcript(s)?

The school you last attended is always the best place to start when looking for your transcript. Your transcript can be requested in person, by mail, or online. Calling the school is always your best option, however, if you’re unable to get ahold of an employee at the school, ordering them online is easy as well. Go to your school’s website and it should have a place on the home screen titled “Order Transcript”. If you no longer know your student ID, you should be able to select “Forget Username/Password” and you will receive an email on how to reset these items.

 

How do I know if I need an official or unofficial transcript?

Official transcripts are certified by the college and mailed to the receiving institution in a sealed envelope. This ensures that the transcript is unaltered and assures the receiving institution of its validity from the originating source. Official transcripts are usually only needed for formal college or job applications.

Unofficial transcripts can be downloaded and/or printed out by you or the college. An unofficial transcript is typically not accepted when formally applying to a college or job, but it allows you to review your transcript and work with an academic counselor to better understand how to transfer that credit.

 

How long does it take to get your transcript?

Unofficial transcripts typically will be sent to you by email. Once you receive your unofficial transcripts, you can download and/or print right away once you follow the college’s online instructions. For official transcripts, money institutions require a multi-day processing time, followed by a wait associated with shipping the physical copy to your home. You may also be able to pick up your transcripts from the university but always call ahead to be sure.

 

Do transcripts cost money?

Depending on the university, there may be a way your transcripts will be free. Many schools will give you access to your unofficial transcripts, at no fee to you. They may also offer a few copies of your official transcripts for little to no charge. However, official transcripts may also have a price of $10-$30. If you owe the university any money, they may also have the right to withhold your official transcripts until those fees are paid off.

Many, but not all, universities offer accreditation. Accreditation is recognized at different levels: national and regional. In fact, 85% of colleges and universities recognize regional accreditation. When you complete a course that is regionally accredited, they are essentially accepted at universities across the nation as prestigious and quality academia. Any credits taken at a regionally accredited school will be accepted by virtually any other regionally accredited institution. However, regionally accredited institutions may not accept credits from nationally accredited schools.

What is accreditation?

The Council for Higher Education Accreditation defines academic accreditation as the review of the quality of higher education institutions and programs. In the United States, accreditation is a major way that students, families, government officials, and the press know that an institution or program provides quality education.

There are multiple kinds of accreditation but there are two main categories.

Regional

Regional accreditation is often thought of as the highest level of post-secondary education. There are six regional accrediting agencies, and each serves a specific geographic region of the United States. They accredit postsecondary institutions and primary and secondary schools.

National

“National accreditation typically applies to specialized vocational schools, technical schools, religious institutions, or for-profit schools. This kind of accreditation accounts for less than 6% of all schools.” Regionally accredited institutions are reluctant to accept transfer credits from nationally accredited institutions, mainly because they haven’t met the stringent standards of faculty qualifications, library resources, and other guidelines.

When it comes down to it, regional accreditation is always better.

Accreditation is an indication of the quality of education, along with the transferability. Regional accreditation is held to the highest standard, therefore is the most widely accepted.

If you plan on going to school, a regionally accredited institution is the way to go. If you would like to transfer to another school, regionally accredited credits are almost guaranteed to transfer anywhere. Lower accreditation might equate to wasted time and money. Nothing can be more frustrating than taking a step backward and having to repeat classes you already worked so hard to pass.

No matter where you’ll be attending college, read up on all your prospective schools’ accreditation and make the right choice for yourself and your future.

Whether you’re putting off working on your assignment until later tonight, or you’re rushing to start and finish a research paper by tomorrow, every student, at every level, has experienced procrastination at some level. Rather than stressing yourself out, find ways to boost your focus and get the tasks at hand done. Try some of these options to get back on track and get those assignments and projects done!

1. Focus on your sleep. This is an essential step in order to have optimal energy throughout your day. Studies show that getting 7-8 hours of sleep each night can help improve focus throughout your day. If you’re not getting the recommended amount of sleep per night, try scheduling out your day to where you’re in bed at a reasonable time. Power naps in 20-minute increments are also a good way to catch up on any sleep you may have missed overnight!

2. Now it’s time to get organized. If you don’t already have a planner or calendar, it’s a great tool to have, in fact, it’s essential to most successful students. Start by making a list of things you want to get done by the end of the day. Try filling your to-do list with small, easy to handle goals, and then move on to your due dates and assignments. This will help you visually see when assignments are due, and help you manage your time.

3. Caffeinate yourself! A single cup of coffee before or while you are studying may give you the extra burst of energy and focus that you’re needing. Over caffeinate, and you may be too jittery to concentrate so remember moderation is key.

4. Meet goals, get rewarded: Make a checklist of goals you would like to accomplish along with a way to reward yourself for meeting those goals. This could be a 30-minute study break to watch an episode of your favorite show, or even just your favorite snack. You’ve earned this!

5. Get moving: Taking breaks is a critical part of staying motivated. Depending on the weather, you can take a quick walk around your neighborhood, or even just around your house. Even just four or five minutes of walking will help clear your head and give your eyes a break. Make sure you keep your walk under 30 minutes in order to avoid further procrastination.

6. Exercise is another great way to take a break from your academic tasks. A short fifteen to thirty-minute workout will get your blood flowing and clear your mind. You may even feel you can concentrate better!

7. Don’t forget to breathe. Meditation, breathwork, and reflection are all non-physical ways to improve your concentration and help relieve any fears or stressors in your mind. Take the time to research some of these methods, so you know what to do in times when stress becomes overwhelming.

8. Make a great playlist! This can contain any music you want. Music that relaxes you or music that pumps you up is always great options. If you’re unsure of how to go about doing this, many streaming platforms and even youtube have music playlists dedicated to specific moods. A quick search and you’re sure to find something that works great for you!

9. Change location: If you’ve made a special spot to study that you love, by all means, stick with it! However, if your go-to study space is somewhere you dread visiting, switch it up. Move to a spot by a window, a new coffee shop with great ambiance, or even your local library. Whatever works best for you is what you should stick with, until you find a new spot that you like even better! Make it interesting!

10. Give yourself a time limit! If you’re someone who works better under pressure, setting a timed goal to finish assignments may be a great option for you! Remember this may not work for everyone, so definitely don’t continue this method if it causes any stress.

11. Attitude is everything: Manage your stress, and avoid getting down on yourself. A positive attitude can make a huge difference in your motivation when it comes to school. If you find your confidence wavering, don’t be afraid to reach out to friends for support.

12. Surround yourself with positive people! A group of friends or family members that pushes you to succeed in a positive way is great for motivation. Surrounding yourself with other motivated people will encourage you to achieve your goals. Communicate with those around you and tell them about your goals. This communication will help them recognize when you need to be picked up and pushed along.

The end of a semester can always be stressful. Don’t let this stress overwhelm you to the point of not completing your assignments. Use some of the tips above to find what works for you. Get those assignments turned in and good luck on your finals!