Tag Archives: College Tips

Your Backpack Essentials 

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As a student, you are always on the go. From going to classes, meetings, after school activities- some days you have to bring everything with you because you won’t have time to go back home or to your dorm room. To save you time and help you get through a school day, here are backpack essentials to keep in mind.

School Supplies 

Of course, you can’t forget school supplies such as your laptop, notebook, pens, books, etc. If you tend to forget certain things in your bag, have your bag packed and ready the night before. 

Keys 

Before you run out the door, don’t forget your keys. We seem to forget or misplace our keys often, so make sure you have them in your backpack or pocket before leaving. 

Wallet

Just like keys, your wallet can easily be misplaced or forgotten. Never leave without your wallet, especially if you commute to school or keep your school ID there. 

Water Bottle

Keep yourself hydrated! It’s always good to have water with you in class, walking around campus, after meals, and a workout. There are water stations throughout PUC for you to refill your reusable bottle. If you forgot to bring water, don’t worry because the dining commons has you covered. 

Hand Sanitizer 

When you don’t have the chance to wash your hands, you’ll be glad you have hand sanitizer in your bag. Get some disinfecting hand wipes too if you want. Stay safe and clean.

Lotion

With washing your hands a lot and putting sanitizer on, your hands can get very dry. It’s nice to have a small bottle of lotion with you, so your hands stay moisturized and don’t peel or crack.

Electronics

We use our phones quite a lot, so it’s nice to have a phone charger or external battery with you. Especially if you forget to charge your phone the night before, your external battery will come in handy.

Headphones are one of the things most students never leave their room without. Listening to music or a podcast while walking to class helps ease students, keeps them in the zone, and can help calm their nerves before an exam. 

Mini First-Aid Kid

You never know when you’ll need a band aid or Tylenol. If you have allergies or tend to get headaches easily, keep some medicine in your bag.

Gum or Mint

It’s nice to keep your breath fresh, so keep gum or mint in your bag. There will be days where you’ll have back-to-back classes or won’t be in your room till the end of the day, so having gum or mint on you will help keep your breath minty fresh.

Snacks

It’s not a bad idea to keep snacks in your bag in case you get hungry during class or need a pick-me-up. If you didn’t have a big breakfast or a filling lunch, that snack can help you get through the day until your next meal. 

Chapstick 

Chapstick may be something you never thought is essential, but it is. Some people can’t stand their lips dry and flakey, especially during winter, so having chapstick is useful. 

Hair Ties or Clips

If your hair tends to get in your face or it’s just a hot day, have some hair ties or clips in your bag. 

Everyone’s essentials are different, but these are some popular items we’ve seen students keep in their bags and backpacks. Hopefully, you find some of these things essential for you. 

Six Things Worth Investing In College 

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Shopping for college can be fun but can get overwhelming. For those of you preparing for college, there are a few things you should really invest your money into that will be beneficial throughout your college career. 

A Laptop or Tablet

Having a laptop or tablet with you at school is a must because it’s useful for your education. They obviously don’t come cheap, but some stores offer student discounts or deals, so make sure you ask about them when you’re finding the best laptop or tablet. 

A Fridge 

Before buying a fridge, check with your roommate if they’re bringing one and are okay with sharing. Although it would be nice to have two refrigerators, you want to use as much room space as for your other things. Just like a laptop and tablet, you want a fridge that will last throughout college. 

Durable Backpack or Bag

A durable backpack or bag will make a difference between going to and from classes- from carrying your books and supplies to handling any weather- buying a long-lasting backpack will help you save money from needing a new one later.

Bedding

It’s a must to make your bed as comfy as possible as you move away from home and are in a new environment. It’ll help you feel more at home and soothe you to sleep, which you very much need. (If you already have bedding at home you can use for your dorm room, great!)

Sneakers 

Buy a pair of comfortable sneakers that can handle any season and last the entire school year since you will be walking all over campus. Shoes don’t come cheap, and having a pair of sneakers that fit these categories and is versatile will save you money.

Yourself 

Most importantly, never stop investing in yourself. Keep growing, learning, and evolving into the person you want to become. 

What NOT To Do Before Dropping Off Your Student at PUC

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We have shared in the past what to do before coming to Pacific Union College–but have not shared what not to do. With college starting in the fall, you might be making sure your student accomplishes a list of things before move-in day, such as submitting financial aid, choosing their meal plan, and securing their classes and dorm room. Since mistakes are inevitable, here’s a list of things NOT to do before dropping off your student at PUC. 

Don’t Include Yourself In Everything 

Parents, we understand you want to be a part of your student’s college journey, but let them handle some decisions themselves. Such as their class schedules, dorm room assignments, and clubs they want to join. Make some suggestions if they ask, but with college being a new beginning for them, let them make this experience their own. 

Don’t Takeover Their Room 

Speaking of things to let your student decide on their own, let them take charge of decorating their dorm room. The dorm will be their home away from home, so respect their space in making it their own. 

Don’t Procrastinate on Shopping & Packing 

Buying dorm necessities is a process. From kitchenware and bedding to school supplies, there are a lot of items to buy, and some are easy to forget. Take care of school shopping in advance, and once you have those items, start packing them up. You will save time during the weeks leading to move-in day. 

Don’t Forget To Plan Holiday or Special Occasion Travels 

Your student going to college is proof of how fast time goes, so make holiday travel arrangements ahead of time if necessary. Especially if your student is flying for the holidays, book those tickets in advance to save money. If there is a special occasion your student cannot miss, plan those as well so they can have that on their schedule and make any arrangements needed with their professors and supervisors. 

Don’t Forget To Uplift Them 

Your student might be feeling nervous or anxious about leaving for college. Don’t forget to uplift and share positivity with them during these times. 

Check in here and there on how their college checklist is going, but remember to take in every moment you can with your student before they leave for college. No matter what happens, everything will work out. 

Five Summer Activities for College-Bound Students 

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For those of you who recently graduated high school, congratulations from all of us at PUC! With your last summer home, we’ve made a list of fun activities and some ideas for those of you who want to get a headstart into your major. 

Get an Internship or Job

For those of you who need an internship with your major, consider getting a summer internship. You’ll get an early start to see how people in your field work, know what skills you need to strengthen, and can include your internship in your resume. 

Many soon-to-be college students also like to take up a summer job before school starts to build up their resumes and make money to save for college. 

Volunteer 

Like a job, volunteer hours will look good on your resume, especially if you want to work for a charity or nonprofit. If you don’t know where to volunteer, research local charities. Think about the types of work you care about, then see if any local places are looking for volunteers. 

Make a Local Bucket List

For those attending college far from home, spend the summer as a tourist in your city. There might be things you haven’t had the chance to do or try yet, so make a local bucket list before you leave for college. 

Revisit the Things You Love 

Revisit the things you love by returning to your hobbies and spending time with your friends and family. Go on a road trip with friends or your favorite hang-out spots. Before your schedule gets busy with school, this is your chance to have fun. 

Start Planning for Move-In Day

For those moving into a dorm, start checking off items on your dorm list, such as bedding, appliances, kitchenware, or school supplies. If you are flying, look out for ticket prices and buy them in advance. 

While there’s much to do before school starts, there’s also plenty of time to enjoy your summer. 

Missing Class? Here’s What To Do 

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Although you should never miss class, we understand emergencies can happen, or you can get sick. If you are ever to miss class in college, here’s what you need to do: 

Check Attendance & Late Work Policy 

If you plan on missing classes due to being sick, check your professor’s attendance and late work policies in their syllabi to know what to expect before talking with them. 

Check Course Calendar 

Another thing you need to check in your syllabi is your course calendar. See what your professor plans on teaching the day you miss and bring that up with them to see if there will be any changes. 

Talk or Email Your Professor In Advance 

Please inform your professors ahead of time that you will be missing class. Not only is this the responsible thing to do, but it allows you and your professor to work out a plan for missing class. If you’re not able to meet with your professor, address these things in your email: 

  • Apologize for missing class
  • Explain why you were not in attendance
  • Ask what you can do to make up for your absence 
  • Thank them for their time

Don’t wait till the end of the day to email them- do it ASAP.

Ask Your Classmates & Professor For Help 

Ask your classmates what you missed in class and see if they can share some of their notes with you. Bring up any questions or concerns to your professors because you don’t want to get behind in lectures or assignments. 

One of the great things about attending PUC is being in smaller classes. This makes it easier to meet with your professors, have them get to know you, and build relationships with them-unlike larger universities. Our professors care about you and your well-being, so don’t be afraid to talk to them when something comes up and you’ll have to miss class. They will do all they can to help you- just do your part and reach out to them. 

Achieve Your Best On Tests

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Sometimes students study so hard for a test and don’t get the exact outcome they hoped for. If your study techniques aren’t working for you, it’s time to change something about it. Here are ways to achieve your best on exams.

Make A Study Plan

Balancing your time between doing homework and studying for several classes can be tough. Making a study plan can help you stay on track of what you need to study and how long you want to spend studying. Note what specific parts you need to focus on and review. Either make this plan the night before or in the morning, so you know what needs to get done.

Go To Class

Skipping class will not help you prepare and do better on exams, so please go to class. Going to class will keep you on top of your studies, help you remember information, and feel more prepared for exams.

Take Notes

Take notes in class so you can look back on them while studying. Some teachers use PowerPoints during lectures, so write down everything and anything you know is important. Your notes will be a big resource to you and will help you prepare for your test.

Make A Study Guide

Make a study guide in advance with the notes you’ve taken and handouts given in class. If you organize your notes by terms, chapters, and sections, it’ll be easier to find what you need and be more beneficial to your learning.

(A lot of students use Google Docs to make a study guide. If you haven’t tried that yet, make your study guides there.)

Use Supplies That Helps You Learn

If you don’t enjoy taking notes or writing a study guide, use supplies that will make studying more interesting. Use colored sharpies, pens, and highlighters to make your study guide. Color code sections that you need to study more or will for sure be on the test.

Go Over Questions You Struggle With

When you study, make a little more time to go over the questions you struggle with. You won’t be able to achieve your best on tests if you go into it with uncertain answers and less confidence.

Work With Others

Find classmates that you would work well with when it comes to studying. Students have found that having a study group helps them remember the material and; gives them a better understanding of what to expect on the test.

(If you need extra help understanding a class, visit TLC to schedule a tutoring session or ask for help from your professor. PUC has resources to help you succeed!)

Work Ahead

Don’t wait until the week of your test to start studying. Work ahead and start writing out the information you will need to know. The earlier you study, the more ready you will be for the test.

Take Breaks

Take breaks so you don’t overwhelm yourself or burn out. You’re going to be gathering a lot of information, so give yourself and your brain a break.

Get A Good Night’s Rest

Getting a good night’s rest will make a difference in how well you do on your test. You’ll be more alert and won’t feel tired or sluggish.

We hope some of these tips help you. Study habits are important in college and it’s good to establish them early. Work hard, take care of yourself, and pray. You got this!

Things College Freshmen Need To Know 

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The first day of college is filled with many emotions. You’re anxious but at the same time excited, and maybe you know what to expect, but you never know what can happen. You’re starting a new phase in your life and doing things on your own. It’s a lot! You’re going to learn new things every day, and we wanted to share six things you should know and remember throughout your first year of college. 

It’s Okay To Be Homesick 

You have to know that feeling homesick is normal. You’re in a new environment, surrounded by new people and things- it can be overwhelming. Others feel the same way too, so don’t think you have to hide it or feel embarrassed. It’s okay to be homesick! 

Everyone Feels The Same As You 

Whatever you’re feeling, someone feels the same way and has felt the same at one point. Especially within your freshmen class, everyone is in the same boat as you- you’re not alone. 

Step Out Of Your Comfort Zone 

From activities, events, to outreaches PUC offers many opportunities for you to step out of your comfort zone. It can be scary putting yourself out there but pace yourself and open yourself up to try new things. You’ll meet people along the way and create great memories. 

The Friends You Make Last A Lifetime 

The friends you make in college will last a lifetime. From the very start of your classes, clubs, activities, and more, you’ll be bonded by this new milestone in each other’s life that will only continue as the years go by. 

Professors, Faculty, & Staff Are Here For You 

Everyone at PUC wants you to succeed. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help about anything because your professors, advisor, dean, RA, and pastor are here for you. They will give you the resources you need to get you on the right path to success. 

You’ve Got This 

College is challenging, but no matter what happens, you’ve got this! Every day you will be learning, growing, and taking steps towards your goals. There will be days where stress takes over you, but keep pushing through! Remind yourself that you’ve got this! 

Important Offices To Know As A PUC Student 

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The school year has started, and for those who are new or need reminding, we want you to know some of PUC’s offices that will benefit you and your education.

Student Finance 

Financial planning for college can be overwhelming, which is one your financial counselor is committed to working with you through the process and addressing any concerns, confusion, and complications you may have.

Academic Records 

Academic Records keeps track of all your credits and is the place to add a class or drop one. If you decide to change majors or add a minor, the academic records office is where you’ll get that done. 

Student Wellness Center 

Across the main campus is the Student Wellness Center, which provides personal and career counseling and offers testing services. For counseling, qualified counselors will sit, listen, and help you with anything you’re going through. If you haven’t decided on a major, that’s okay! PUC’s career counselors will talk you through career options to find a major that would be a good fit for you.

Teaching & Learning Center 

Tutors at the Teaching and Learning Center (TLC) are here to assist you with those classes that need extra attention. TLC offers small group and one-on-one tutoring sessions, a writing lab; and makes accommodations for those with learning disabilities. If you’re a student veteran, PUC’s key task force members will work with you to make your transition to college life as smooth as possible.

Academic Advisor 

Your academic advisor is a valuable resource to you- whether it involves school, jobs, internships, or even life in general. With work and internships, they’ll connect you with people they know, and from there, you’ll continue to network and get your foot in the door. Your academic advisor wants you to succeed just as much as you do, so let them assist you in any way possible.

These are just five resourceful offices to familiarize yourself with. You might find other offices of use as the school year goes by. You can always check the campus map to know where each building is located. 

Five Ways To Make The Most Of Your Dorm Life 

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Moving into a dorm can be a big adjustment for students. With some having it be their first time away from home and being in a new environment, moving into a dorm can be nerve-racking. Have no fear- because, at PUC, we make sure you settle in nicely and feel comfortable in your home away from home. 

Build A Relationship With Your Roommate 

It is so important that you build a good relationship with your roommate. It’s okay if you’re not best friends, as long as you have mutual respect. If something bothers you, try not to be scared or shy to talk about it. Your roommate might not even know there’s a problem, so bring it up with them. 

Get to Know Your RA and Dean 

Your RA is a source of help, comfort, and friendship. Some of their duties are to make sure you settle in well, do daily check-ins, and help resolve conflict. Just like your RA, your dean will always be there for you. They want you to feel at home, so don’t hesitate to reach out to them about anything.

Go To Dorm Events 

The RA’s and deans work so hard to make dorm life the best it can be for their residents. They host events, such as movie nights, holiday parties, and have weekly dorm worship. They also invite other dorms to certain events, so this is a chance for you to meet more people and make more friends. 

Know Your Neighbors 

Whether you have suitemates or not, it’s still good to know who your neighbors are. You never know what things you might have in common or could even be in the same class. What’s nice about dorming is that you get to live with your friends. You can easily meet to study together, get help on something, borrow each other’s clothes, or just hangout. 

Make Your Room Comfy

It’s essential to make your dorm room fit your comfort needs. Bring some of your personal items from home to make your room feel homey. Make your bed as cozy as you can and add decor to bring your room to life. With having new living spaces, make it the space that makes you feel more comfortable being away from home. 

Questions To Ask Your Future Roommate 

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If you haven’t met your roommate yet or would like to know more about them, we put together a list of questions to ask your future roommate as you prepare to live together.

What’s your sleeping schedule like? Asking about their sleeping schedule will let you know if it works out with your sleeping schedule. If you’re a light sleeper, ask if they snore, sleep talk, or stay up past midnight studying. 

Are there any rules you want to establish before moving in? During this process, be open-minded and considerate, and find solutions where you both can be happy. 

What’s your schedule like? Comparing class and work schedules will let you know if you have classes together, when they need to wake up, and when you can have the room to yourself.

How do you like to study? Like asking about their schedule, their study patterns give you an idea of where they get work done and how long they stay up at night. If one or both of you likes to study in your room, respect each other’s study habits and space. 

Do you take showers in the morning or/and at night? You might not think this is a relevant question, but it is to some people. Let’s say you’re ready to hop into the shower and get ready for the day but can’t because it’s occupied. The same goes for going to bed. It’s a simple question, so just ask. 

How organized or clean do you like to be? Even though you two have separate sides of the room, be considerate of how you tidy your space. If you keep your room clean, it might be hard to live with someone who doesn’t.

Do you have any allergies? Note their allergies or other health issues. This will keep you alert if you want to share food or if they need medical attention. 

What are your pet peeves? Get those pet peeves out in the open. You don’t know if you have a habit that could be your roommate’s pet peeve or vice versa. 

How do you feel about having friends over? See if you both are on the same page about having people over. No one likes to be uncomfortable in their own space.

What appliances are you planning on bringing? Check if they plan to purchase a fridge or microwave- so you don’t double on appliances. This could also bring up the question if they’re okay sharing items. 

What do you enjoy doing? Their hobbies, passions, and interests give you a sense of who they are and help you learn if you share similar interests.

What are your favorite foods? Food is always something to bond over. Knowing their favorite foods can help you figure out which restaurants you can possibly go to together or cook together. 

What kind of music and shows do you like? A basic question that lets you know more about your roommate and find something you both have in common. They can also introduce you to new music and shows too! 

It’s okay if you’re a bit nervous to ask some of these questions. Remember to keep an open mind and be considerate of their feelings and opinions. Having a roommate is a new experience, and these questions will help you get to know each other better.