Friday, December 2, 2011

COLLEGE LIFE(Balancing a Family, Full-Time Employment and School)

Having a full-time job, being a student, and completing a degree program is a big challenge. As a matter of fact, it’s a challenge that can only be successfully managed by learning one very important skill – time management. There are only 24 hours in a day and in order to really achieve your goal of earning a degree while still being a full time job holder, you must master this necessary skill.  This may sound simple, but any students knows that at any given day a calm moment can turn into chaos. Take, for instance, juggling PTA meetings, taking care of a bruised knee; all while you’re trying to remember how to solve that last algebra question in your online quiz.  Here are some helpful tips to mastering time management.
balancing-family-work-life
1.      PRIORITIZE:
Make a list of your priorities for the week. This can be done by writing them on a calendar or simply writing them on a sheet of notebook paper and sticking it on the refrigerator. All these can be done with determination.
2.      PLAN:
Make sure to tell your family and friends about your schedule so that they are aware of your availability and your commitment. Have open conversations about how they can best support you while you are earning your degree. For instance, while I was in school my brother would watch my house for a few hours on Saturdays while I used the time to study.  It was a great way for me to stay on schedule for my courses and for my son to spend valuable quality time with my family. 
3.      PATIENCE:
Remember that you are only human. Have patience with yourself and ask for others to do the same. You are not able to be in all places at the same time, nor should you try.  It is okay for you to learn how to say “no”.  You may be able to get the notes from the PTA meeting from a friend, which allows you to have more time to study.
Delegation is a key tool for having time management skills.  There may be laundry that needs to be done and dishes that need to be washed.  Ask for help so that you will have time to study, also.  Involve the family members in some of the household chores so that you can bond with them while staying on schedule.
4.      PERSISTANCE:
Stick to the schedule that you have created as best as you can.  There are times when we all fall short of our goals, and if that happens, make sure to persist in your effort to try.  It may involve having to adjust your schedule or focus on prioritizing, planning, or having patience. 
5.      BALANCE:
Maintain balance and make sure to reward yourself.  According to a first term student at Oakland university, exercise and prayer keeps her grounded and motivated.
If you make sure to follow these simple steps then you will be well on your way to mastering time management and successfully earning your degree.  There are only 24 hours in a day, but if you stick to your schedule, then you may find time to enjoy them all.

COLLEGE LIFE(Benefits of college internship)

Participating in a college internship can be a great way to earn real-world professional experience to not only boost your resume, but help you land a job after graduation. Most employers look for candidates with relevant experience, so having it under your belt can up your chances of getting a job in the field of your choice. college-internship
Competitive careers, like those in marketing and sales or design, often expect internships on their prospective new hires' resumes. An internship can help you get experience iin your prospective professional area, even if the position isn't exactly what you had in mind or directly related to what you want to do. As long as you have work experience in a professional environment that teaches you some of the skills necessary for your job, you should be able to advance later on in your career.
An internship can provide valuable contacts in the industry you enter. For example, if you're in a graphic design degree program, an internship with a design firm can position you to connect with in-field practicioners, thus creating great future employment opportunities. Managers and coworkers who you have worked with during your internship can offer you advice and show you what it's really like to work in a given industry.
Additionally, many companies offer future careers for their interns. They could set you up with a position right after you graduate, so you won't have to waste time looking for a job elsewhere.
An internship can teach you practical skills beyond what you could learn in the classroom. Even though professors aim to keep you up-to-date on what's happening in the field, you may find that the only way to get hands-on experience and understanding is by becoming part of the industry. If you're unsure of exactly what you want to do, you could try out a couple of different internships and see if the job is what you're looking for.
Whether your internship is paid or unpaid depends on the company you intern for. An unpaid internship is worth it, as you will still gain valuable experience. Have questions? Ask a career placement advisor to help you find something that fits your career goals.

Sunday, November 27, 2011

COLLEGE LIFE(College support services)

If you're worried about getting the right support as a college student, you shouldn't be. Student support services are plentiful if you choose the right college. From tutoring and library assistance to alumni organizations, there are multiple support structures in place to help you excel academically during your college career.
Tutoring Assistance
Many schools, including Oakland University, offer tutoring assistance at no additional cost. On-campus tutoring is available from our faculty in all programs and in most elective and sciences.Tutors here give great tips on everything from time management to effective study habits. Additionally, some college offer online tutoring and help centers, open as much as 24 hours every day.
Library Services
Your college library is another excellent pillar of academic support. Librarians can be a great resource for students who have specific questions or who don't know where to begin on projects. Additionally, college library systems can offer great online resource centers with access to journals, books, and other important periodicals. Libraries not only have books, but offer a variety of databases and articles to help you find exactly what you're looking for, no matter the subject.
Technical Support
Many colleges offer technical support for students as well. If you're working on a paper and your computer crashes, a technical support advisor at your school may be able to help you retrieve lost data and repair any bugs in your computer.
Career Services
A career services advisor can steer you in the right direction to your professional goals. A career services advisor has the potential to set up an interview for a potentially perfect job opportunity for you. Additionally, the career service advisors can help perfect your resume and cover letter and even assist you in polishing your interview skills.

COLLEGE LIFE(making friends)

College is a great place to meet new friends and connect with people who could be great professional contacts later in life. Follow these tips as an on-campus  and you will be well on your way to creating everlasting friendships with college pupils:
Tips for the On-Campus Student
  • Connect in class. Look around on the first day and start building connections. If you are at a loss of words for how to start a conversation, ask your classmates if they know anything about the professor and his or her teaching style. If your conversation is flowing, you may even find that you can move on to more personal topics, like weekend plans or family/home life.
  • Study on Campus. Nix the coffee shop studying and utilize student lounges or learning resource centers. When you have a moment to break from your studies, connect with fellow classmates.
  • Get Involved in Student Groups. Join a student group such  as student congress. You will likely connect here with like-minded people and establish long-term relationships

COLLEGE LIFE(college degree)

When you think about someone with a college degree, you may picture them as the studious type who sits in the library doing research and learning about whatever subject they're pursuing. Basically, college degree holders are generally perceived as educated and knowledgeable about their fields. But did you know that an education isn't the only thing a degree program provides you with?
college-graduatesCorrelation Between Earning Potential and Education
A degree can provide you with a better job and greater earning potential over time, which means that despite the rising costs of college tuition, the investment is still well worth it in the long run. According to a U.S. Census Bureau st called "Education and Synthetic Work-Life Earnings Estimates," education levels have a bigger effect on earnings over a 40-year span than any other demographic factor - like race or gender (2011). The study also found that the salary difference between someone with a professional degree and someone without a high school diploma was about $72,000 a year (2011).
Employment Stability
Additionally, those with higher levels of education are much more likely to stay employed during tough economic times - especially in full-time jobs. A College Board report shows that during the recession, those with degrees had better protection from unemployment. In 2009, the unemployment rate of college graduates who were 25 and older was 4.6 percent, while the rate for high school graduates was 9.7 percent. Data projected by the US labor department also suggests that by 2018, two-thirds of jobs will require employees to have a postsecondary education, which means that those who don't hold a degree will have much more difficulty finding a job.
Lifestyle Benefits
If a being able to obtain a secure, financially rewarding job isn't enough to convince you that a college degree is worth the investment, the College Board also reported that degrees can offer other lifestyle benefits. Researchers found that people with a Bachelor’s degree are more likely to volunteer, vote, exercise, health insurance plans  and pensions. The report also found that degree holders are less likely to be smokers, obese, or have low-birth-weight babies. A college degree may not be the sole contributor to these lifestyle factors, but the report found that higher education can help people adopt healthier behavior.
If you want to make the best out of your life and secure yourself a promising future, there's no question that a college degree can help you.

Friday, November 18, 2011

COLLEGE LIFE

                                                                 Note Taking Tips at College

Note taking skills are crucial for college success. Taking notes in class may help you obtain better grades on tests, papers, and homework assignments. Taking notes is about more than just writing everything down - developing good note taking habits will allow you to jot down the relevant information so you can study it easily later. Here are some top note taking tips:note-taking-tips
1. Be concise. Try not to use full sentences when you can use a phrase. This will ensure that you're not wasting time writing instead of listening, so you don't miss a key part of the lecture. Taking good notes the first time will help you by avoiding going back and retyping them or translate them from shorthand. 
2. Stay on track. Don't write down anything that's not important. In fact, don't worry about writing down conjunctions or prepositions, stick with verbs and nouns. Your instructors will often give hints highlighting significant material by writing it on the board, repeating it numerous times, or emphasizing it with their voice. Use these clues as a guide to jotting down notes. Pay attention to reviews at the beginning of class and summaries at the end of class. They are good ways to judge if you've taken good notes because this is when the professor typically iterates the key points of the lesson.
3. Embrace the power of organization. Categorize your notes into categories using bullet points. Leave plenty of spacing in between concepts. Separate major points from minor ones with a star or other marker so you know what to look at later. Dating your notes and numbering the pages will likely make it easier when you're reviewing your notes later in the day or week.
In addition to the aforementioned points, it's important to make sure you write on full pieces of paper - not scraps. Keep all of your notes in one area. Also, keep a notebook for each class or a binder where you can store all of your material and use highlighters to identify the most important concepts. You'll thank yourself come test time.

COLLEGE LIFE

College exams can be stressful, especially if you are taking a test that will determine your future career. Fortunately, there are many methods that can help you calm down and focus on taking the actual test. Follow these tips to master your college test taking.
Before the Testtest-taking
Before the test, pay attention in class, complete all of your assignments on time, ask questions, and take thorough notes. If you take time to learn as you go, you won't have to cram information into your brain at the last minute. When you're reading through chapters of your textbook, go over the most important details and ask yourself questions to make sure you understood what you read. Ask your instructor what kinds of questions will be on the test,  and make up your own for practice.
When it's test time, arrive as early as you can to get a seat and organize your materials. Bring everything you think you'll need like pencils, pens, paper, books, or a calculator. When you get the test location, look the test over to review the questions and determine time limits you need to put in place to complete everything. Read all of the directions carefully before you begin and ask your professor to clarify any instructions that don't make sense to you. It might help to write down anything you don't want to forget in the margins or on a piece of scrap paper.
Objective Tests
For objective tests like multiple choice questions, go with your first instinct. Then, think about what the question's asking and whether or not your answer fits. Don't try to find a trickier answer or think of a reason why your first instinct is probably too straightforward. Your instructor is likely testing your knowledge, not trying to fool you into choosing the wrong answer.
Essay Tests
With essay tests, it helps to read the questions carefully and put it into your own words to make sure you really understand what it's asking. Answer the questions you know before you take time to think about the ones you don't. Outline all of your answers on a scrap piece of paper like you would with a regular essay. When you're done writing, proofread what you wrote. Once you pass it in, you can fully relax knowing you tried your best

COLLEGE LIFE

From assignments to managing your extracurricular life, it is no secret that college life can be a lot to handle. It is easy to let things get a little disorganized. Homework, classes and social activities are likely taking up much of your time, leaving you little opportunity to think about logical ways to improve and streamline your habits.
A University of Michigan professor, Piers Steel, conducted a study that unveiled that 75 percent of college students consider themselves procrastinators, which had a direct correlation to decreased happiness and health. You can avoid procrastinating by staying organized, which can boost your academic performance and make everything a lot easier. Here are some simple ways you can regain control of your academic life and avoid getting lost in the world of procrastination:
1. Write things down. It sounds simple because it is! As long as you arm yourself with a datebook and a calendar, you should have no trouble remembering when you have to complete projects or meet with your study group. Keep a calendar posted where you can easily see it, and mark important dates in red. Creating a simple to-do list every day will remind you of what you need for the tasks ahead. Just keep a notepad and use it to jot down your necessary activities. Check items off as you complete them.
2. Separate your class materials. There is nothing worse than walking into your math class and realizing you've brought your Science books. It's also not helpful to keep one giant notebook with pages from every class. When you go back and study your materials, you don't want to be bogged down trying to find them. If you get a different folder or binder for each class, you can keep all of your papers and assignments together in one place and always have them available.
3. Treat studying and doing homework like you would a lecture. If you designate a set time for each activity, you'll be more likely to do it rather than getting caught up in a television show or putting it off to hang out with friends. There is no better feeling than knowing you're ahead of the game, and overcoming procrastination by organizing your life is an easy way to get you there.

Friday, November 11, 2011

COLLEGE LIFE

The main purpose of the undergraduate college is to get into a professional graduate school.Getting ahead means more than choosing a career and finding a program that suits your goals. It's all about understanding your desired career path, figuring out how to make career training work for you, and navigating your way to the brightest future for you. Those who do best at fulfilling their education and career goals take it step by step: That means exploring every area of what you intend to do -- from picturing yourself in a profession, finding a graduate school that will provide the training you need, and being able to afford it and/or apply for financial aid.

Get started now on your journey forward. Take a step into our content resources, and begin learning more about how learning on your own terms, at a school near you, can take you far!
Oakland university is best for Rochester and Troy community.

An effective study routine is essential to progressing academically. If you have already solidified your test preparation skills, you'll need an appropriate location to practice them. Not every venue is conducive to concentration, but some of the following spaces should provide a comfortable, quiet space to review for any exam.
The Librarylibrary-studying
1. Most libraries have plenty of tables and quiet corners with minimal distractions.
2. Computers are usually available so you can easily integrate online research into your studies.
3. Wireless free internet (WiFi) may be accessible, enabling you to bring your laptop and connect if necessary.
4. Books and other printed material are abundant and are good resources if you have any questions while studying.
5. Librarians can help you locate exactly what you need.
A Friend's House
Reviewing course material with a friend who's in your class can be better than studying alone.
1. Quiz each other on the material or devise a game to enhance your retention of important terms or equations.
2. Ask questions and compare notes to ensure you're covering everything.
3. When you take a break from studying, you can relax with your friend and recharge for the next session.
A Coffee Shop
If you've been studying for a while and could use a caffeine boost, head over to the local coffee shop and bring your study materials.
1. Many chains now offer WiFi so you can connect to the network and go online while you sip your latte.
2. Find a seat in the rear where there are less distractions.
3. Facing your back to the door can help you stay focused while you study diligently.
All these are the best ways to study for exams and during college.

COLLEGE LIFE

As college students, we have all declared a major (or will select one at some point before graduation) to pursue. In many situations, there are also a handful of other students in your class on the same path. This can be great for a variety of reasons. You will have a group of peers that will enjoy many of the same classes and frustrations. You will have someone to lean on if you forget the homework or need a study group. However, following exactly the same path of everyone else in your major is not the best idea.
Now, I’m not suggesting moving in the opposite direction simply because everyone else is going another. This is not about non-conformity,it’s about opportunity. Regardless of your major, you must find a way to stand out of the crowd. I’m suggesting that students find an extracurricular activity or organization that they wouldn’t have normally become involved with, and run with it.


Yet another problem of college life is sleeping which distracts many students in academics. I am a victim of all of this infographic’s reasons for not sleeping. I’m a typical college student—I put sleep last on my list of priorities frequently, until I crash and absolutely need to go to bed. So, in addition to your standard rules for better sleep habits, I've learned some more tricks to squeeze in as much sleep as I can. Take a look at this infographic and check out my 5 tips below.
Student sleep : Sleep deprivation among college students

Friday, November 4, 2011

COLLEGE LIFE

Oakland university is one of the best universities in our country.Here is some pictorial view of Oakland university.

COLLEGE LIFE

Here are some of the pictorial representation of college life.