Your college student is a unique creature. They are at once old enough to be considered adults but still young and inexperienced enough to make some pretty big mistakes. They are also incredibly idealistic, which can lead to them making even more mistakes as they try to pursue their dreams.
For all of these reasons, it is important for the people in their lives to offer them support. Here are six ways you can support your college student:
Continue reading 6 Ways to Support Your College StudentWhen I come across a product that can help parents of college students, I’m happy to share it with my readers. For parents whose students will be heading off to college this fall, this product will you stay in touch and show “love” for your students.
Do you have a student entering college for the first time? How about a student returning to school? Either way, they’ll be working hard and missing home. For those that are leaving home for the first time, being away will be exciting and scary. They will be trying to keep up with their work, while at the same time balancing a new social dynamic. Thoughts of home will be a safe haven from the hectic schedule they will now be keeping. For those students who are returning, they will be trying to maintain the school lifestyle they’ve become accustomed to. However, they too will look to reminders of home for solace when things get a little too crazy.
While it’s common for parents to send their students care packages to help them stay fed, most of these care packages are filled with junk food. Processed, unhealthy junk food. Why not give them a true reminder of home each month by ordering them a subscription to A Taste of Home Cake Crate by Kentastic Cakes? A Taste of Home Cake Crate is a monthly subscription of homemade, from scratch baked goods that are shipped directly to their door(or school Mailroom) each month. All items within A Taste of Home Cake Crate are created from scratch using only fresh ingredients. Nothing is processed and everything tastes AMAZING!!
A Taste of Home Cake Crate can be ordered by the month or in longer durations at a discounted price. We also offer our COLLEGE PLAN, which is specifically meant for your student and follows a typical school year. With the COLLEGE PLAN, your student will receive a Cake Crate from September through November and from January through May. They will NOT receive a Cake Crate in the month of December, as most students go home for the holidays. Crates are shipped on or around the 20th of each month, with the exception of May. May crates will be shipped the 1st week of the month to be sure your student receives it before leaving school for the summer. We also offer a First Semester and Second Semester Plan. A NUT FREE option is also available.
Each month, your student will receive:
Kentastic Cakes has been creating beautiful, delicious custom cakes since 2012. In addition to weddings, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs and birthdays, Kentastic Cakes has been enjoyed at high profile events, such as the Boston Strong Benefit Concert after the marathon bombings and the Vans Warped Tour 20th Anniversary BBQ. Our cakes have been eaten by members of NKOTB, Aerosmith, celebrity chef Ming Tsai and more. We’ve even made cake pops for legendary rock band, Motley Crue on their Farewell Tour.
A Taste of Home Cake Crate just celebrated its 1 Year Anniversary and is excited to send your hard working student awesome treats each month. Please visit mycakecrate.com for more detailed information and pricing, as well as some FAQs at our College Plan page.
Orders received by July 1, 2020 will save, as prices will increase on July 1. Save even more by using Code: COLLEGE to save an additional 5% off your order.
As we always say, “Just because they can’t be at home, doesn’t mean you can’t send them A Taste of Home.”
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As a college student, it’s an environment where you’re constantly learning, and when it comes to getting the most out of it, there are ways that you can help give yourself that extra boost. Here are some tips for soon-to-be college students to improve their skills.
Practicing something is a sure-fire way to achieve the success of something quicker than you would normally do it if you weren’t. Getting yourself into the mindset of practicing can be tough, but if you have the drive to do so, it can get easier. Think about what skills you need to work on and how you can implement that practicing in some way, shape or form. For example, you could be building on your experience as a writer and so creating a blog might give you that opportunity you need in order to write something new every day. It could simply be using a word generator to help you find better ways of describing or saying something. Opening up your vocabulary is important, and there can be so much use in practicing.
Being able to handle your time appropriately is important because you need to be able to attend any lectures you might have throughout the week, make time to study and to see your friends around campus. So time management is something that’s definitely important, yet it’s not something you can always achieve easily, to begin with. It might take a little trial and error to get right but trust yourself to make the right decisions when it comes to getting up and doing something. If you struggle with time management, work out what’s making you late to lectures or to other commitments and then work on the ways that you can help change this for the better.
Dealing with stress is something that many of us will have issues with throughout our life. It can be an emotion that we all feel to some degree, and some of us can handle it better than others. Try not to panic or make anything seem like too big of a deal. As much as getting qualifications and degrees are important, they are not worth harming your body or your mental health. If you’re struggling, always ask for help.
Money is a big thing for students because you can easily spend it on rubbish that doesn’t benefit you in any way. There are lots of ways to help budget your money better if you’re having a hard time of it at the moment. Look at the ways you’re spending your money currently and how you might be able to cut down or make better choices when it comes to using your money around the college. Perhaps try to limit yourself to a certain amount each day.
With so many tests, deadlines, and social activities it’s crucial to learn some organizational skills. Use data keeping tools, calendar apps, and good old-fashioned note-taking to stay organized in your classes and in life.
Improving your skills as a college student is always going to help make this experience a lot better and fulfilling if you follow these tips.
Every parent knows just what a big deal it is when their child goes to college. Months, if not years of work go into getting the grades their specific college desires. You will probably find that the last few exams are fraught with tension as your teenager knuckles down for that final push. But once result day comes round, all that uncertainty disappears. Half of the torture is the not knowing – and chances are if your teenager studied hard, they will have no problem getting into the college of their choice. It might seem that at this point, the whole family has a chance to relax, right? Wrong! Once the results are in, the hard work is only beginning. Getting your child prepared for college involves a lot of different things, from mental preparation right down to the books they will need. It can sometimes seem that the checklist goes on forever – and you’re still bound to forget SOMETHING. To make things easier, here are a few things your child won’t be able to manage without at college, so make sure you pack these first!
Let’s face it: it’s college, and your kid is going to be taking a LOT of notes. At least, you hope they are going to be taking lots of notes! With most of their time filled with lectures and seminars, they will need to make sure they are writing down and memorizing all the correct information they need to pass their classes. Forget memorizing it – it might sound like a good idea at the time, but it simply isn’t going to happen by watching one PowerPoint presentation. Getting your soon to be student prepped with a lot of writing equipment will act as a good incentive to make them take their college lectures seriously. In order to make it easier, buy stationery online so it all arrives in one big package.
It is important to prepare your teenager for the reality of college life. Their dorm is unlikely to be anything like the sumptuous bedroom they have enjoyed at home. College dorms can be notoriously bare and depressing, as well as being cold! So make sure your child takes plenty of soft furnishing to make the place feel like home. A fluffy rug for them to put their feet on when getting out of bed doesn’t sound like that big of a deal – but it’s the little things like that which can make all the difference.
Going away to college can be one of the most exciting times in the lives of both student and parent. It is a time for your college students to find their feet, their own voice, and begin a journey of independence. Many children long to be older and more independent, but fail to realize the real implications. They may chase more responsibilities or greater independence only to find that they cannot cope. A bad situation can quickly become worse if they fail to admit their mistake or feel shame in seeking help. We can be guilty of this as fully fledged adults too! Before your child goes away to college or early on in their college career, it can be helpful to make them aware of help that is available. That way they need not feel embarrassed about constantly contacting you and can seek some help through their own initiative too. It is important to discuss the fact that asking for help is not an admission of defeat. It is not a sign of weakness or childishness. Asking for help can be one of the bravest things we can do. It is a sign of maturity to acknowledge when you are struggling and taking steps to address it.
There are many problems your child might encounter during the course of a degree or qualification. Problems can be financial, emotional, physical and more. But there is a greater range of help available than ever before, from trained professionals to peer support groups. Read on to discover the sources that you and your child can rely on when you need to.
Many colleges and institutions have what are known as student unions. They are often located in a physical building that is used for socializing, meetings, workshops and more. What many students and their parents don’t know is that student unions provide far more than just campus fun. They can offer counseling services, financial advice, accommodation suggestions and more. Becoming familiar with your student union and the services it offers can save a lot of time and energy. You or your child may be trying desperately to find a reliable source of advice on a topic. But the student union may have the information right on your doorstep, so to speak. Because student unions are often fun and organizing parties and events, it can be easy to overlook their serious side. The best student unions are designed to protect, advise and represent students. Not just entertain them! If you or your child are experiencing doubts or problems relating to the student experience, don’t hesitate to contact the union. If they don’t have the answers, they can easily put you in touch with someone that will.
Many people are spiritual without considering themselves religious. Equally, many people have been brought up with religion but “lost touch” with it as they get older. Many student churches and organizations fully recognize these circumstances. More than ever before, their events are open to people who want to explore faith or just be in a non-judgmental, welcoming environment. Churches, meditation groups, or inter-faith organizations can be an overlooked source of emotional support. They often offer services and support groups for students feeling lonely, homesick or isolated. This may be because of their faith, or it may be another reason. But many students find great help and solace in exploring their faith or simply mixing with students on a more spiritual path.
Support for studying can take many forms. Many students find themselves struggling to adapt to a higher level of academic study. This is normal but it does need to be addressed quickly for a successful time studying. Students should be aware that questions and seeking clarification is encouraged. They should never feel embarrassed or hesitant to ask tutors for further advice or guidance. Many tutors even hold after class sessions for students to discuss their concerns outside of class. It can be intimidating to ask a question with a whole class’ eyes on you. But tutors can meet during office hours or in small groups. Academic support can also come in the form of reputable internet services and support groups. Some websites provide a term paper writing service. These can be used as essay guidance or inspiration, and can be tailored to meet specific needs. Academic support is what every university and institution should be proud to provide. Encourage your child that a student should never feel afraid to ask how to improve his or her learning.
Campus security needn’t only be a source of help during genuine emergencies. College life should also include a greater level of self-awareness and safety. It is more important than ever for a student who is away from home to be vigilant. They will need to protect themselves, their property, and be aware of their rights. Many police precincts and officers will give special talks to students on safety and even how to make a complaint. There are often numbers to ring in case of non-emergencies but that still require attention. It can be easy to overlook the police as a worst case scenario. But new students should take advantage of the specific support and advice they can offer them.
Many new students inevitably find themselves sick in the early weeks of term. The stress of being away from home, mixing with others at close range, and even a different climate can take its toll. But doctors don’t only offer advice for when we’re seriously ill. Doctors also give advice on sleep hygiene, preventative measures, and sexual health, for example. They can put us in touch with other professionals like nutritionists or physiotherapists too. Instead of typing symptoms into a search engine, more of us should rely on the advice of training professionals. Students should know that they are never wasting a doctor’s time by visiting. Putting their mind at ease can be very important and save a lot of time, energy, and disturbed sleep. Doctors can give confidential advice and help us to take better care of ourselves at any age. Encourage your child to register with a local doctor as soon as they arrive and they will always feel more in control of their body and health.
When kids are in grade school, junior high, or even high school, parents have a great deal of influence when it comes to grades. For one thing, you have the ability to offer or deny rewards based on performance, including allowance, gifts, or even activities like slumber parties, trips, and so on. But you can also levy punishments for poor grades that include grounding kids, removing privileges, or taking away their toys (including video games and cell phones). And of course, they live in your home, so you can sit with them from the time they get out of class until they go to bed if that’s what it takes to ensure that they get their homework done. You can also call their teachers or even embarrass them by showing up for their classes to make sure that they’re paying attention instead of goofing off (chances are you’ll only have to use this tactic once in order to turn it into an effective threat). In short, you have many tricks up your sleeve to ensure that your kids work hard to get the good grades they’ll need for admission to their college of choice. But what can you do to keep them at peak performance once they fly the coop, head for campus and your college student’s grades drop?
While you might not think that any of your old strategies will work once your kids head off to college, the truth is that you probably have a lot more sway than you imagine. This is particularly true if you happen to be paying for a significant portion of your students’ expenses. There’s nothing that says you have to put your kids through college, although of course, most parents want to ensure that their children have the best possible education and prospects for the future. The point is that college is a privilege, not a right, and it’s one that your students have to earn. So you should make the terms of your contributions conditional. Even though your kids might not be footing the tab for their time in school, they have to hold up their end of the bargain by receiving at least passing grades. Otherwise they’re throwing your money away.
What you need to do is enter into an agreement with the college-age kids in your household before they leave for school. If they want to have fun and waste time while they’re on campus, focusing on socializing rather than studying, make it clear that they can pay their own way. But if they’re willing to work hard for a degree and maintain a certain GPA, you should definitely do what you can to help them. Now, this is not to say that you shouldn’t give them a little leeway. One bad grade doesn’t necessarily mean they’re slacking – it could just be a particularly hard teacher or class.
However, should your students persistently suffer from poor grades, chances are good that they’re either clowning around when they should be studying or they’re simply not ready for the demands of a college schedule. In this case it might be time to cut them off financially or demand that they move home and attend a local college (where you can keep an eye on them) until they’re back on track with their grades. Further pursuit of education, such asHarvard Law or a USF MPA online, means they need to make their studies the main focus of their time in school. And if they simply aren’t getting the grades needed to graduate, you might have to draw a line in the sand on your end so that they learn a valuable lesson about decisions and consequences now, instead of later in life when you’re not there to catch them and set them back on their feet. Learning this lesson before grad school or permanent employment is much easier while they have your support in college.
Here’s a great infographic outlining summer activities for college students. If you have a high school student, however, this would be a good time to have your student review these activities and incorporate them into their own summer plans.
Presented By: BachelorsDegreeOnline.com
Social networks have been blamed to negatively affect student academia. On the contrary, other data suggests a positive light on Facebook to benefit students. This infographic depicts how these benefits are being utilized by students to enrich their college experience.
Created by: Online PhD
In honor of the high school graduating class of 2010 and their future endeavors in academia, I’m sharing some recent website jewels that I discovered via Twitter. (Yes, it’s an EXCELLENT resource for locating helpful tools!)
If your teen is headed off to college in the fall, make note of these helpful offerings and share the information with them. If your teen is still in high school, bookmark this page because some day in the not-to-distant future you’ll be asking yourself, “Now where were those websites for college students?”
Koofers.com–Did you ever wish you had someone’s notes from a course you were taking or copies of study guides and past exams? This is the place where college students can find those FREE by simply registering with a college email account. Practice with previous exams; review shared notes and study guides. Find materials from your class, instructor and university, or from students in equivalent courses nationwide. Added bonus–course and professor reviews!
RateMyProfessors.com–Want to read ratings from actual students? This is the place to go to find out: overall quality, helpfulness, clarity, easiness AND “hotness!” You can read comments and even the books the professors use in their classrooms. There is also a forum to chat with other college students.
BecomeAlum.com–This offering (in conjunction with students and advisors) helps students compose a degree plan to assist them in finishing “on time”–which translates into huge cost savings. BecomeAlum guides the student through the process of creating a plan to meet degree requirements, taking into account prerequisite sequences and semester course offerings.
CollegeThrive.com–Provides college students with tips, advice and resources related to college life, academics, health and fitness, financial and prospective students. There’s even a job board!
CollegeDrop.com–Every college resource in one place–a smorgasbord of college-related links. Websites are submitted by subscribers and rated as well. The categories include: college blogs, college bound, compare colleges, financial aid, homework help, online universities, student collaboration, textbooks and tools.
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Here’s an article written by David Replogle, a University of Virginia student, for The Real College Guide. It’s a topic you should discuss with your college-bound teens because the risks and the consequences of cheating far outweigh the perceived benefits.
On my honor, I have neither given nor received aid on this examination. This is the honor code of my college, University of Virginia, and what I’m required to scribble after every test. A student convicted of violating the code can be removed from the university, and say goodbye to paid tuition. Harsh. But…students still cheat. So what’s behind this risk-taking behavior?
A few instructors and professors have actually asked. Here’s your cheat sheet to their findings on why college students cheat:
WHY? Cheating Can Be Rationalized
After realizing that nearly three-fourths of his class had cheated on a take-home exam, one instructor and his colleagues at Iowa State University College of Business conducted a 2006 study examining how students bend the rules:
Researchers found an ego-based climate in which students justify their actions through rationalizing, minimizing and even blaming. “Factors that can be used to encourage ethical behavior can also be manipulated to encourage behavior that is unethical,” the researchers determined.
Respondents blamed the professor for assigning answers that could be found online and for not assuming students would collude on the assignment. They also focused on more serious offenses of cheating and questioned whether certain actions could even be constituted as cheating.
WHY? Everybody Else is Cheating
Indeed, “everyone cheats” was the rationale of some respondents in the Iowa study. And in a TED lecture from last year, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Professor Dan Ariely describes several experiments in which he found not “a few people who cheated a lot” but instead “a lot of people who cheat a little bit.”
Interestingly, he also found what he dubs “endemic” cheating. “If somebody from our ‘in’ group cheats, we feel it is more appropriate to behave this way,” Ariely explains. “But if it’s somebody we don’t want to associate ourselves with — from another university or another group — people cheat less.”
WHY? Cheating’s Getting a Lot Easier
Between smartphones, online courses and hundreds of Web outlets where students can download or custom-order essays, technology makes cheating more accessible than ever. One UVA English professor, who wishes to remain anonymous, says she no longer leaves the room when administering tests: “The number of students who have Internet on their cell phones makes me downright paranoid, and I just can’t trust that they won’t feel tempted to use them.”
School administrators are looking for ways to combat this trend. In a recent study published in the MERLOT Journal of Online Learning and Teaching, researchers note that Troy University is exploring moves to ensure academic integrity, including subjecting students to fingerprint analysis, video surveillance and audio recording when taking online courses.
WHY? There’s So Much Pressure
As college stresses mount, it certainly can be tempting to search for an answer key online, copy a worksheet from a friend or even plagiarize a few sentences for that six-page paper that’s due. “It’s always a struggle to keep up the GPA, not just for yourself but for your parents too,” says Tiffany Morris, an Auburn University junior. “Your GPA follows you after you’re done, and I think that’s one of the greatest motivators behind kids cheating.”
The demands of college can be daunting, to say the least. “It’s always a balance. I’m living in my sorority house this year, chairing a committee and trying to cope with a double major,” says Chelsea Bradley, a junior at Virginia Polytechnic Institute. “I guess one of the biggest detractors to cheating for me is knowing that it’s not a good thing to do.”
As it turns out, moral prompts can trump the urge to cheat even under pressure. In one of Ariely’s MIT experiments, he asked participants to recall 10 books they had read in high school and others to recall the Ten Commandments. Says Ariely, “The people given the opportunity to recall the Ten Commandments did not cheat at all.”
WHY NOT? Cheating Totally Isn’t Worth It
Whatever your moral code, you stand to lose a lot by cheating. One of the most controversial decisions in the history of the UVA Honor Committee came last spring, when fourth-year student Jason Smith was found guilty of lying about an assignment in a pass/fail one-credit course. It resulted in his expulsion.
“The Jason Smith case was sobering,” says Sam Beaver, a UVA junior and former Honor Committee support officer. “It just goes to remind you that any little thing can come back to haunt you.”
