Effective Communication

Effective communication is one of the post important skills to possess while attending any level of school. Group assignments play a huge role in assessments and therefore we are often required to work with persons with varying personality and communication types. Below are three communication types which may come in handy when the time comes to work on group assignments.

Tips to Survive College

My first year at college was a bit of a roller coaster ride as it was my first time being independent. That required a lot of hard work and responsibilities. I was ready to take a flight back home during the first month. However, I decided that I would become more involved in campus life to keep me engaged and distracted. I also, believe it was a great opportunity to participate in school activities as I never had the time to do so in the previous schools I attended.

Going to college requires a lot from an individual, here are some tips and information that will help you get through:

• Go to class: As tempting as skipping class may seem it is an important part of your college life after all you did come to school and paid tons of money for the education why not attend. This may also be crucial as professors may dish out information on tests, assignments, due dates or give extra credit for attendance.

• Get organized: At college, professors don't spoon feed you like they did at high school or secondary school. It's all left up to you to be up to date with assignments, due dates, tests etc. You are often required to attend class prepared as professors may teach as though you have prior knowledge of the topic since it's often posted before the class. Buy an organizer, use an app, or get a big wall calendar, do whatever it takes for you to know when assignments are due.

• Find the ideal place for you to study: It may be your dorm room or the library, but find a place that works best for you to get your work done, while avoiding as many distractions as possible. Also, try to use an active study method such as making flashcards or writing your own quizzes. It’s may be more effective than just looking over your professor’s slides.

• Get to know your professors: I can assure you there are only pros to getting to know your professors, especially if later in the semester you run into some issues. Professors schedule office hours for the sole purpose of meeting with students, take advantage of that time. College is just as much about networking as it is about sitting in class. It's good to network with professors in your field of interest as they may be beneficial later on when you may need a recommendation letter or you need to choose a career path.

• Get to know your academic adviser: This is the person who will help you with course conflicts, adding or dropping courses, scheduling of classes for future semesters, deciding on majors and minors. This person is a key resource for you and should be the person you turn to with any academic issues or conflicts. Believe me they are an integral part of college life as students may encounter many issues with deciding on majors, minors or courses.

• Get involved on campus: A major issue faced by most students is a combination of homesickness and a lack of belonging. A solution to that issue? Consider joining a select group (but be careful not to go overboard) of student organizations, clubs, or sports teams. You’ll make new friends, learn new skills, and feel more connected to your school. There are often organizations created for specific interest such a countries, religion, academics or sports. Feel free to join one of them. 

• Seek a balance: Attending college is a mixture of social and academic happenings. Don’t tip  too far in either direction. Strike a balance, don't party too much or study too hard. Make time for yourself. Set aside some time and activities that help you relax and take the stress out of your day or week.

• Stay healthy/Eat Right: Attending college and staying healthy may be a daunting task. However, it's an issue we must prioritize. Get enough sleep, take your vitamins, exercise, and eat right. Without mom or dad there to serve you a balanced meal, you may be tempted to go for those extra fries or cookies since you don't usually have the time to prepare a meal. Stay healthy and avoid the dreaded extra “Freshman 15” pounds by sticking to a balanced diet.

• BUDGET!!!: If you’ve never had to create a budget, now is the time to do so. Find ways to stretch your money. Being away from home filled with responsibilities will require you to budget as it may be awhile before your parents send you some or you have only been given a fixed amount. Try to prepare a meal at home and not always purchase one if you are not on a meal plan. Partying may seem important but spend moderately. 

• Be prepared to feel overwhelmed: There is quite a bit going on in your life right now. You're at college, away from home, on your own, filled with responsibilities and you have to keep up with studies. Be prepared to have breakdowns and panic attacks. On the bright side, you're not the only one going through it. 

• Strive for good grades:  You did come to college for education so why not strive for good grades. No one says you need to go crazy and force yourself into the eat, sleep, study, repeat cycle but you can at least do your utmost best. Try hard so at the end of the day you leave college feeling like you earned something. You don't have to get straight As to feel like you're good enough but you also should not believe in the Cs get degrees idea. You are capable. You have potential. A grade C is not awful it happens. However, you did not get into college because you don't have what it takes to excel. Do your best. 

Author note: I hope these help. Enjoy college!!!! 

Campus Living: On campus vs Off Campus

Upon being accepted into college, one of the most important things to consider is boarding. Would you prefer residing on or off campus? Going to college for most means being independent and away from family with you being in charge of all your responsibilities. The place in which you choose to live is crucial.

Residing on campus more often than not suit persons who enjoy having company as you will be living in a dorm which is a part of a residency hall where you share that hall with hundreds of other person from different nationalities and walks of life. On campus has it's pros and cons.

PROS: 

• It is right on campus so you have easy access to all what campus has to offer on a 24 hour basis
• You don't have to worry about being late to class as it may be near by
• For persons who enjoy company, halls usually have many residents

CONS:

• For persons who enjoy quiet it's often difficult it get this while living on campus as you are surrounded by noise which may come from halls or campus 
• Persons who enjoy being privacy or may not like sharing various things such as bathrooms,kitchens on campus living may not be the best option.
• There may also be a tendency of personal items being taken or borrowed without your consent.
• Space is often limited while living on campus
• It is often the more costly option

Residing off campus requires more independence as you may be required to cook,clean and wash for yourself. However, it suits persons who do not enjoy interaction or may prefer living on their own. Off campus living often requires a roommate which may be a lot cheaper than individual living. Off campus also has its pros and cons.

PROS:

• Often cheaper than living on campus.
• It provides you with more privacy and more storage space. 
• It is very quiet compared to dorm life which aids in studying better.
• Living off-campus also affords you the opportunity to get a deeper taste of independence and adulthood. You will be running your own (mini) household. 

CONS:

• Depends on where you reside you might find yourself feeling isolated from your school and your peers. Also, depending on how far away you live, your commute might affect how, where and when you choose to socialize.
• If you aren't ready to cook and clean for yourself then off campus may not be your best option.

When it comes to deciding on whether to reside on or off campus, there really isn't a right answer as that decision relies on you. Both options have their pros and cons. This decision depends highly on your needs and preferences. If you do regret your choice, the important thing is that it's only temporary.

Author note:

I have resided off campus for a year now. At my college off campus is the cheaper choice. I chose it due the cost difference and the quiet nature. Also, on campus is often competitive when it comes to applying for residency as many students attend college and the halls of residence available may be limited. My experience living off campus has it's pros and cons. I have three roommates who are all females so we are comfortable with each other. We share common areas. The pros I would say is the level of privacy I receive and the storage space available as compared to that of the campus dorms which I've noticed on my many visits. The community I reside in is a very quiet one so I am able to concentrate on my studies very well. The apartment is fully furnished and it offers WiFi, water and cable television in the rent. I am only required to pay the electricity, gas and phone on a monthly basis which is not very costly. However, there are cons although I live a mere 5 minute drive away from campus. Getting to campus by feet takes 15-20 minutes and the weather may be a problem as I attend a Caribbean college therefore, the sun may be very hot or it may rain heavily. My community is on the campus shuttle route but if I am to go to campus on a weekend or a certain time I may have to go by feet. But all in all I enjoy living off campus and I would recommend it to anyone.