Posted on 27 August 2010 by Ace Carter
Posted on 13 August 2010 by The Real College Guide
By Lauren Joffe for The Real College Guide, in partnership with StudentOnCampus.com
Hasta la vista, Mom and Dad. Hello, independence … but wait! Not so fast. Before you hit the road and leave your parentals behind, make sure you’re fully prepared for your new life of unwavering autonomy by spending your summer days wisely. Here, 10 things to do before you bolt. Ready, set …
New computers rarely come with programs like Microsoft Office, which you’ll definitely need, so be sure to purchase before you’re stuck handwriting your first assignment. And if you’re using an older comp, make sure it’s ready to take the heat: Since you will be on it all the time, install any updates or think about an upgrade. Also, find out if your school offers wireless Internet access (and if your computer is compatible) or whether you’ll need an Ethernet cable. Note: Some schools prohibit users without spyware or virus protection from connecting to the network. So, seriously, get the deets!
As if you need us to tell you, check out her Facebook or MySpace page so you can get a feel for what you’re in for. Then buckle down and dial her digits for a quick chat to break the ice. Ask if there’s anything you should be aware of (like her fatal allergy to dusk or fear of the dark) and let her know of any immediate concerns you might have (like the fact that you can’t live without cable, and you’re relying on her to bring the big screen).
Knock out the staples on your to-buy list before the selection is sold out: sheets, towels, toiletries and storage containers. But also pick up the following often-forgotten items you do not want to leave home without:
One-cup coffeemaker - Brew your own instead of wasting a whole meal swipe for a cup o’ joe from the dining hall or blowing wads of money at Starbucks.
Mattress pad – Make your dorm cot as comfy as the cushy oasis you’re used to at home while protecting yourself from whatever lived on your bed before you.
Rubber flip-flops – Save yourself from the foot infections, clumps of hair and other mysterious masses that live in your communal shower.
Power strip – Surge-protect your PC while hooking up your iPod station and hair dryer all at once.
Enrollment deadlines are not meant to be ignored. In fact, the earlier you sit down to set your schedule, the better your course selection will be — so definitely don’t wait until the last minute. Also, pay attention to class restrictions, since some courses may require department approval ahead of time.
Living costs at college range from campus to campus — the amount of money you’ll need largely depends on the location of your campus (cities can be more expensive) and the choices you make (like ordering in instead of suffering one more dining hall meal). Extra expenses will include social costs (movies, concerts, game tickets, cover for some parties), toiletries, food and drink beyond your meal plan, and transportation. Ask an upperclassman or student advisor how much cash she spends on average each week. Then pool your summer savings to determine whether you can cover your own expenses. If you need help, ask your parents or start looking for a part-time job on campus — before you get there.
Your university may offer registration guides, campus news and summertime get-to-know-each-other sessions that you definitely do not want to miss out on — especially if you’re in the habit of throwing college junk mail in the trash (which is where important info may very well be). Plus, seeing your campus colors on the screen will psych you up — or at the very least, calm your nerves and get you into the spirit.
Whether you’re shipping all your stuff UPS or loading up the car and driving cross-country, don’t leave packing to the last minute, when you’ll want to laze around and hang out with friends you won’t be seeing for a while. Designate an area of your house or bedroom to stow things you buy especially for college or things you don’t use daily but know you’ll need to take. Do not overpack! The amount of space you will have in your new room is likely much smaller than your current living quarters. Only bring what’s necessary, as your parents can always mail any left-behind belongings.
Once you’re at school on your own, you’ll be shocked how often you’ll need a pair of scissors or a screwdriver — even if you’ve never used one. If you need to hang a poster or fix a loose screw, a simple, handy kit will be of great use when you least expect it. Bring a little box with a screwdriver (both Phillips and flathead), hammer, pliers, nails and screws. An inexpensive small cordless drill/screw gun is a good investment too. Pack scissors as well as adhesives, like sticky tack and tape, with your desk stuff.
There’s no harm in being prepared for safe sex even if you have no particular plan or person in mind with whom to have it.
You know you’re going to miss your hometown friends, especially during the first few weeks you are apart. Yeah, you’ll make a whole slew of new friends. But make some memories first by hanging with the crew this summer.
Posted on 05 August 2010 by Ace Carter
‘GradeGuru’s Top Ten Digital Tools for back to school. The team over at GradeGuru came up with a list of tools to help you get on the right track this upcoming semester.’
Posted on 14 September 2009 by Ace Carter
We all know that college is really expensive. Stuff like textbooks, computers and dorm room supplies can set you back thousands of dollars.
That is why the Student On Campus team have decided to compile a definitive list of websites that can help you save money during college. Happy saving!
U.S.A
1. BookRenter.com
BookRenter is focused on saving college students thousands of dollars a year on their textbooks. They rent cheap college textbooks at 75% off the retail price – this coupled with highest quality books same 2 day delivery and free shipping both ways makes BookRenter.com a one stop shop for all students. BookRenter.com also believe in giving back, so with every textbook rental order, Bookrenter.com makes a donation to First Book to put new books in the hands of children in need.
2. eCampus
Academic Superstore has consistently been the fastest-growing, education-focused retailer in North America. They are committed exclusively to academic customers, offering thousands of top hardware and full-version software titles at great discounts. They have partnered with the top technology manufacturers including Adobe, Microsoft, Sibelius, Sony Media Software, and Wacom, to bring excellent service and prices which are available only to students
Student Savings Club provides local and national discounts to college and university students across the country.
As a student, you’re entitled to student discounts at lots of local businesses. With STUDENT SAVINGS CLUB, all you have to do is show your school ID. Click to find your school, and see all the places where you can get student discounts that save you money.
StudentBookWorld is a place where you will find 250,000 stock books at discount prices. Now in their seventh year of trading, they supply a huge range of books in every category. Use their fast search engine or just browse through the categories. StudentBookWorld.com aims to offer all books at discounted prices, some at discounts of up to 30%
StudentBistro.com is devoted to compiling unsurpassed student discount information in a user-friendly format. Why pay for a student discount card when you can obtain the same online coupon savings totally free?! National student discounts are available for a variety of quality goods and services:
bullet Find discount apartment and dorm furnishings, cheap new and used textbooks, discounted clothing, student discount computers and electronics, food and grocery deals, discount music, video and DVD, student discount software, airfare and student discounts for travel and more.
Students save money near campus and online with Student Advantage every day on food, travel, school supplies and more. Sign up today and start saving on everything you need from textbooks to pizza, laptops to posters and everything in between.
If you are the parent of a college student, you know the cost of higher education is not limited to tuition. If your child has not yet started college … well, the added cost of travel, school supplies and general living expenses may come as an unwelcome surprise.
That’s why College Parents of America has begun (and continues) to forge partnerships with select companies – to provide our members with valuable discounts, deals and special offers on products and services necessary in the years prior to and during college.
If you disregard the 90s site design, you will find some great student deals here. Items range from posters to textbooks to laptops and accessories.
10. STA Travel
STA Travel, the world’s largest student and youth travel agency, beats any price! Every day we’re working with our partners around the globe to get you the cheapest, most flexible flights and top-rated accommodations. Ask your STA Travel expert about discount flight options from your city to get you started on your summer adventures.
Save hundreds of Dollars on the most popular student item – the MacBook.
12. Student City
At StudentCity, we’re dedicated to helping you celebrate your college years through travel. In fact, it’s all we do. We specialize in providing you with The Ultimate Spring Break Experience with all-inclusive packages, free extras, flexible payment plans and more at the lowest prices. And we’re with you every step of the way. From the planning stage to the travel stage and beyond, our team of travel professionals will do everything we can to ensure you have an unforgettable Spring Break vacation experience.
U.K.
13. Student Beans
Studentbeans.com is an essential part of the uni lifestyle – much like the student favourite baked beans. We help students to stretch their loan with our unique range of discount vouchers and special offers from some of the UK’s top companies. The site provides UK students with a valuable resource to help them make the most of their university experience, and gives brands unrivalled access to a loyal student audience.
A UK website dedicated to helping students and young people save and make money. They now have over 250,000 students visiting them every month to access a wide range of latest offers, deals and discounts so they can save money. Those same young people and jobseekers also visit their site to see the hundreds of job opportunities listed at Employment4students.
Amazon.co.uk: An NUS Extra card gets you a 5% discount off books/DVDs/CDs.
Apple: 13-14% off all macs which makes them a great deal. Also around September look out for them, get a mac get an iPod nano or touch free back to school discount.
Arcadia (Topshop, Topman, Miss Selfridge, Dorothy Perkins, Burton): 10% off
Cineworld Student price tickets.
Claire’s Accessories: 10% with NUS
Dominos: Offer student discount.
Empire Cinemas Student price tickets with NUS Card only.
Game: Offer 10%.
GAP: 10% off.
HMV: Ask for a HMV student card in the store, and you can subsequently use this card either in-store or online to get a 10% discount. (no more available this academic year)
La Senza: 10% off full price merchandise.
Mcdonalds: Free hamburger, cheesburger or mcflurry when purchasing a meal with your NUS card (Participating restaurants).
Microsoft: Students get Microsoft Office Ultimate 2007 for £38.95 with The Ultimate Steal (university email address required).
Microzine: 10% off.
Software4Students: You can get all office editions (mac as well) for under £40 along with other software. Open to sixth formers as well
New look: 10% off males and females clothes. (often have special 20% off for a couple of weeks)
Office: 10% off in store
Play.com: 5% off all items with a valid UCAS card
Ryman’s: (Am unsure if this is only for certain stores) 10% off.
Shakeaway: 10% off with NUS card / University ID
Slater Menswear: 20% off hirewear
SNAPfax gets you various discounts with both local and UK wide shops, restaurants, takeaways, cinemas, bars, pubs and more.
Superdrug: 10% with valid student ID (Only on purchases over £10, with a valid NUS card or UCAS card)
Warehouse: 10% off all year round with NUS card; occasional 20% off events
Posted on 12 September 2009 by Ace Carter
We all know that the current economic situation has made life after college an uncertain one. Even those who are still in college/university/high school etc have found that getting a part time job pretty difficult – myself included.
Internships are a great stepping stone to finding your dream job. One word that we hear alot at Student On Campus is experience – Businesses are always looking for prospective employees to have sufficient experience in the field they want to work in, and what better way to get it then by doing multiple internships at numerous companies.
So what can we at Student On Campus do to help you? Well, our newly created job board sorts through thousands of job listings and picks out student internship oppourtunities, graduate jobs and many more jobs tailored to students.
Since it’s addition to the site yesterday, we have dozens of emails saying how great a tool it is to the site. Thanks alot for those, and we hope that the job board will help you find your dream job.
