If you are about to leave college then it is time to create that all important CV. Putting together this document can be daunting and there may be some students out there who have never completed work experience, which makes writing a CV even more difficult. The trick is to demonstrate certain skills, whether that is through your college education or a hobby. In the end experience of any kind will help you get your foot in the door. Whether you can demonstrate leadership qualities gained through involvement in sports, clubs and classes, you should always include relevant experience in your CV. In the end you probably have more skills and experience than you realise.

If you really do not have any of experience at all then you should concentrate on the things you have done at school or college. Whether that is taking part in extra classes or organising study groups, you can put almost anything on your CV as long as it paints you in a positive light. You need to make the most of any role you have held, so if you were class representative or played on a college team then you should try to explore these roles fully. If you have had a part-time job or a student job you should be able to demonstrate certain qualities like time keeping and hard work. In many interviews you are asked to describe how you have handled certain situations, there is no reason why you cannot give some of these examples in your CV.

Before you sit down and start to write you should make a list all the things you have done outside of education, or anything you have done on top of your ordinary classes. This will help focus your mind and you will be able to explore the roles in more detail.

Once you have figured out which examples you are going to include you can start writing your CV. You should always include an introductory paragraph, telling the employer about your aspirations and the type of industry you wish to work in. This should be tailored to each individual job application, in each case highlighting the relevant personality traits and ambitions.

In the end writing a CV takes time and you should always ask your career advisor or lecturer to look over the document before you send it off. Applying for graduate jobs can sometimes be soul destroying, but the longer you spend on your CV the more likely you are to strike gold and get the perfect job.

ook out students, we have another deal site on our hands, and this time it is marketed specifically for you. Chegg, the online textbook rental company has launched Chegg Deals to provide students discounts on stuff ranging from restaurant meal deals to textbooks and dorm room goods.

The program has initially launched in New York, Atlanta, Tempe and Miami with more locations to be added soon.

This is definitely one site to keep an eye on as Chegg is said to have already established partnerships with leading brands such as MTV and Microsoft.

nearly that time of year again. Time to think about your technology needs which will consist of a laptop, iPod and of course a smart phone, you can’t write that perfect essay or dissertation on a broken or non-existent laptop. Everyone has a book inside them, but how can you possibly write a Trotsky esque novel on a burnout piece of technology. Normally you shouldn’t blame your trade on the machinery, but in this case you definitely can! Buying a laptop is a stressful and sometimes complicated process, but don’t shy away from the challenge.

All of the departments at your university or college will either have their own computers that you can use, or they will tell you where you can access computers. However, as most students will be able to tell you, no matter how many computers there are, there will be shortages at finals time. All the panicked students who have done little to no studying will pile in, take over the computers, and inevitably sit on Facebook all day.

You can either grin or bear the intrusion by these students, usually freshmen; it’s not their fault they don’t have the same work load as the final year students. Or you can employ the tactic used by many people desperately looking for a computer to print off their 30 page term papers, you can ask them to hand over the computer. But in the end it is simpler, easier and quicker just to buy your own laptop or Apple Mac. Then everyone is happy.

With the modern age finally reaching the dusty institutions that are universities and colleges, there are now many Wi-Fi points scattered across the campus and there may even be wireless printers.  Make sure whatever laptop you chose has Wi-Fi capability so you can take advantage of this.

The concept has been around from quite some time, the Wharton Business School started the first business school back in 1881 and then Harvard University became the world’s first school to offer an MBA program. This infographic provides some anecdotal, yet fun facts that provide great ammunition for small talk at networking events or with peers around the office. For instance I bet you didn’t know that the founding MBA class at Harvard University had 47 students. You’ll find a dozen other interesting snippets below so make sure to pass the wealth of insight and share this infographic along to your friends on Facebook or Twitter!

Via MBA@UNC Online MBA program.

Except for the very few who were “to the manor born” so to speak, most college students don’t have a whole lotta dough. Always looking for a deal? It never hurts to ask! Many local restaurants, retail stores and other businesses offer student discounts. So before you swipe or drop cash, check if special pricing is offered. Here, we’ve rounded up a list of student discounts available nationwide. (Hey, who loves ya?) To qualify for in-store discounts, flash your student ID card. For online discounts, have your .edu email address handy.

Apparel

Banana Republic

15 percent off all merchandise, including sale items and promotions

Club Monaco

20 percent off all merchandise, including sale items, but cannot be used with other promotions

J.Crew

15 percent off full-priced merchandise from retail stores with student ID and online with a valid school email address

Ralph Lauren Rugby

15 percent off merchandise online and in stores

Cell Phone Service

AT&T

Monthly discounts if your school is affiliated

T-Mobile

Up to 15 percent off your monthly bill if your school is a participant

Verizon Wireless

Some schools are eligible for the “employee discount program”

Computers and Software

Adobe

Up to 80 percent off the full retail price of software

Apple Store

Special pricing on Mac computers and Apple software

Dell

Student savings on computers, printers, electronics and accessories

Microsoft

Academic discounts on software packages

Hewlett-Packard

Special pricing on computers, electronics and accessories

JourneyEd

Discounts on software bundles, hardware, books, bags and more

OnTheHub

Discounted software for students

Entertainment

AMC Movie Theatres

Lower ticket price on Thursdays at select locations

Broadway Shows

Student rush discount tickets for full-time students; prices vary but usually $25

Cinemark Movie Theaters

Student pricing at most locations with valid ID

Regal Theaters

Check with your local theater for up to 25 percent off tickets on specified dates and times

Miscellaneous

Amazon

Sign up for a free Amazon student membership to receive discounts and promotions on textbooks, dorm equipment, school supplies and more

Sam’s Club

$15 gift card when you renew or sign up for a collegiate membership

Student Discount Websites

Edhance

One of the largest programs in the country, which helps students earn automatic cash back when shopping in-store, or online. Best of all, it’s completely free!

Student Bistro

National student discounts, promotional coupons and codes on apparel, furniture, electronics and more

Student Buying Guide

Special entertainment, travel, clothing and other offers available to students

StudentRate

Free access to discounts and special promotions from local and national vendors

Student Savings Club

Find places offering student discounts in your area

StudentUniverse

Student pricing on airfare, hotels, hostels, rail and more

Found another student deal? Let us know in the comments below!

Sometimes a prankster will do it to post embarrassing updates or pictures, and since it’s your account, it appears you posted them. But often it’s done by hackers to bombard your contacts with spam, trick them into giving up their account info, and direct them to malicious web sites. Either way, status jacking can instantly ruin your reputation both online and off.

The survey also found that young women are more trusting with their passwords than young men—42% of women share their passwords compared to 28% of men.

Here’s a video featuring UK comedienne Holly Burns showing how you can protect yourself from the dangers of status jacking:

Here are the 8 tips to protect yourself online:

1. Think about who you add online and allow access to your profile

2. Be aware of your privacy settings

3. Don’t use the same passwords and make them hard to guess

4. Be aware of where you sign in from

5. Think about what you post online

6. Protect your mobile device

7. Be careful what apps you install – not all are safe

8. Think about the safety of links before you click on them and make sure you have security software installed. If you don’t have AVG Free for PC’s, click here. Mac owners can get AVG LinkScanner for Mac here

1. ‘Surround Sound Star Ceiling’ College Dorm!

This guy transformed his ordinary dorm into one with 11.2 Surround Sound speakers, 5 Screen Surround Video, accent lighting, a fiber optic star ceiling that twilnkles and changes color and capped it all off with some black lights! Crazy!

2. Strobe Light Dorm!

This dude decked his room out with a multitude of different lights plus a Bob Marley poster to give that psychadelic feel. Headache anyone?

3. Las Vegas Themed Dorm Room!

Nathan from Arkansas Tech obviously felt that Vegas was too far for him to go to every weekend. So what did he do? He turned his dorm room into a mini Vegas! Check it out!

4. College Dorm Light Show!

So this isn’t a dorm room exactly but is still pretty cool nonetheless. These students turned their dorm block into an epic light show!

5. Dorm Room With A View

Sometimes you can count yourself lucky to get a window with your dorm room. This guy managed to score himself these beauties. Not bad eh?

6. Suave Bachelor Pad Dorm Room

You would not think this is a dorm room but it really is. Not a bad place to bringback a member of the opposite sex eh? Better get some of those lights in…

Amazing what some plants and a bit of light can do right?

8. Quirky Dorm Room – Color Code Your Life

Throw life into your dorm with matching colors and prints.

9. Compartmentalise Your Dorm

The contrast between light and dark in this room really adds depth to the overall feel of this room. Sounds like I’m an art critic or something…Nonetheless, a really cool dorm.

10. Turn Your Dorm Into A Home

Curtains, plants, lights. These items are key to having a cool dorm just like these photos show. Having a sofa is also awesome.

11. Another Dorm – Clean and Simple

Yep, another dorm with lights and plants. These should be the first 2 things on your dorm room list by now…

]]> http://www.studentoncampus.com/on-campus/crazy-dorm-rooms/feed/ 2 http://www.studentoncampus.com/on-campus/17-smart-ways-to-live-cheaper-on-campus/ http://www.studentoncampus.com/on-campus/17-smart-ways-to-live-cheaper-on-campus/#comments Mon, 29 Aug 2011 16:33:12 +0000 Ace Carter http://www.studentoncampus.com/?p=839 By David Replogle for The Real College Guide, in partnership with StudentOnCampus.com

Living on a shoestring budget? Whether your parents float you funds or you’re pulling a part-time paying gig, here’s how to stre——-tch every precious penny.

Broke — it’s a common catch in student jargon. “OMG, I broke my phone at that rager last night” or “I just broke up with my girlfriend ’cause she was cheating on me with my best bud.” But when used as an adjective, the word describes the financial status of most college kids.

Unless Dad is handing over his preferred platinum card or you strike it rich selling those musty ol’ Pokemon cards, you’ll have to get by on meager means. Here are some painless ways to get major bang for your buck … even if it’s your last buck.

Put the “Eat” in Creativity

Whether you’re craving a change from the monotonous glop of the dining hall, celebrating a friend’s birthday at a nearby bistro or taking a study break to go for a late-night munch, your wallet will take a hit. Cutting back on these extravagances means getting clever.

1. Buy in bulk When stashing snacks in your room, think long term. Talk to your roommates about pitching in for some grub, then head to the nearest warehouse retail chain to stock up on industrial-sized cheaper-in-the-long-run crates of Ramen packets and other non-perishables. Many discount clubs offer collegiate membership rates, and some give free introductory one-time shopping passes for non-members to bypass the annual fee altogether.

2. Use the student discount Grocery stores, restaurants and even places on campus usually have discounts for students. Even if you don’t see it advertised, it doesn’t hurt to ask. Have your student ID at all times. It could save 15 percent on that panini or score you a free dessert!

3. Sniff out free food Complimentary chow is almost as popular on campus as the latest gossip on CollegeACB. “Club meetings and churches are always looking to give out food to potential new members,” says Robby Panos, a University of Virginia junior. Philanthropic bashes and school-sponsored speaker events are also prime time for gratis grubs. Grab a slice of pizza and take in a lecture.

4. Have a drink on me Students pour beaucoup bucks down the drain when indulging in conveniences like Starbucks and bottled water. Invest in a coffeemaker so you can brew your own, and get yourself a travel mug. Pick up a refillable water bottle too if your college’s tap is tolerable. Bonus: It’s better for the environment.

That’s Entertainment

Life doesn’t have to be a snore just because your pockets are empty. Money buys neither happiness nor a stellar social life. You can get out and about without tossing around a ton of green.

5. Be art smart Your campus is probably rife with free productions, concerts and workshops. Problem is, nobody really hears about them … and when people do, the enthusiasm is usually lower than the grade on your last calculus test. Time to do some research (track down calendars of events), gather up your dorm mates and head to the next pay-what-you-can play or free movie screening. Even if it’s bad, you’ll get a few laughs — or at least the opportunity to heckle!

6. Speak Greek Not joining a frat or sorority will save you a lot of cash right out the gate. But what happens when you want to get into the best party of the year and don’t have the connections? Exchange names of brothers and sisters you know with friends and ask them to do the same — on most college campuses, name dropping is the ticket to free admission. Once you’re inside, you’ll get beverages … and if you’re lucky, maybe even a few phone numbers.

7. Out on the town Be in the know too when it comes to events in neighboring areas. Community organizations often host free outdoor festivals with live music. Local restaurants have early-bird specials. Theater workshops and art galleries frequently offer free or reduced admission. (Again, don’t forget to ask about student rates.) Read newspapers and pay attention to fliers. It could pay off.

8. Any singles? If you have a significant other who saps all your savings, it may be time to have a chat about cutting back on unnecessary costs or to ask your partner to pull his or her own weight. If this person is not important to you, you may even consider living the single life for now. Romantic dinners and little gifts add up. Is it worth it? Your call.

Shop Till You Plop

Enter upscale department stores and exclusive boutiques at your own risk, but you don’t have to totally give up the urge to splurge. Just tone it down a few notches.

9. Clothes the deal Punch up your wardrobe without breaking the bank: shop clearance racks. (The best ones are where an additional markdown is given to already slashed prices.) Look for one-of-a-kind finds in thrift and consignment stores. Pick up inexpensive accessories at discount stores and chain boutiques.

10. Gotta dollar? Discover the beauty of the dollar store. It’s great for party supplies, stationery, candles, soaps, toiletries and tons more. Whether you’re buying useless trinkets or practical necessities, think about it: You can walk in there with a 10-spot and leave with lots of loot. Heck, you can scrape together a dollar plus tax in pocket change and treat yourself to something.

11. Be a coupon king or queen Keep a lookout for coupons on one-day shopping events at major department stores. Also sign up for email notifications of store specials and be sure to check online for Internet coupons before making a big purchase. (Restaurants and fast food chains run a lot of coupon specials too, so keep your eyes on the prize.)

12. Beauty booty Ladies, fine department stores dole out free samples at the cosmetics counters. Want to road test a lip color or facial moisturizer or new perfume? March on over there with an air of confidence and ask the consultant to show you some options. She’ll likely give you mini-sized products to try at home.

13. What a card! If you’re a die-hard shopaholic experiencing severe withdrawal, hold off before reaching into your cash stash by keeping in mind that the holidays are right around the bend. “It might be painful to wait all semester,” says Appalachian State senior Diane Vachon, “but soon enough you’ll have a dozen gift cards with your name on them.”

Common Cents

Ask not what you can do for your school but what your school can do for you. Universities give back to their student patrons in plenty of ways, so take advantage.

14. Be book smart The library isn’t just for studying, using the Net and people-watching. It actually contains books — a revelation, I know. If you’re taking subjects like lit, history or philosophy, the library could relieve a big financial burden. Instead of turning to the expensive school bookstore (or even Amazon) for a book, do a quick search on the libe’s browser to see if it’s available. Then drop-kick the kid who’s about to check it out.

15. Get off your lazy butt If you have access to the campus gym and you’re paying for a pricey fitness membership, stop. Other free-of-charge physical activities: walking, jogging, hiking, in-line skating, riding your bike, a pickup basketball game, lifting weights in your room, dropping to the floor to do sit-ups and push-ups … shall we go on?

16. Let’s make a deal You’re a smart cookie, so figure out how to split costs with your roommate. Double up on your laundry to save quarters. Share a printer, swap playlists and take the same cab home from a party. And if you’re both heading out of town, consider carpooling. Even if you and your roomie aren’t the best of buds, a road trip is always less taxing when there’s company … and music.

17. Hop on that job “The No. 1 thing I can say is find a job on campus,” offers up Wabash College junior Mack O’Shaughnessy. “It’s the best way to get some extra cash in your pocket.” On-campus stores and restaurants are often hiring. Just don’t tell the folks: You still need someone’s sympathy, especially when it comes in the form of a crisp Benjamin.

The team over at GradeGuru are back with another list of tools to help you during college. This time they present a list of 10 great iPhone apps! So get the app store open and get downloading!

1. gFlash + Flashcards and Tests:

Create your own flashcards and share them with classmates as you study.

2. Study Tracker: (soon to be launched)

Created by GradeGuru, Study Tracker helps you track your effort at school to help you achieve your grade goals. You can monitor your performance in each of your classes to see where you need to invest more of your time.

3. Alarm Clock Pro:

No need for that annoying alarm clock sound, with this app you can create an alarm clock with customizable themes and the app lets you set an ITunes playlist to wake up to.

4. iTranslator:

You can use this tool to connect to Google Translator, Babel Fish or Free Translation to help with your language courses.

5. NYTimes:

get news from the New York Times online for free while your on the go to make sure your up to date before heading to class.

6. Graphing Calculator:

Not only does this app have all of the functionality of a graphing calculator, a screenshot of the work can be taken and emailed to anyone.

7. Convertbot:

This app converts currency, length, mass, time and much more. It supports over 440 units of conversion to help with any assignments.

8. Periodic:

This app offers a complete reference to the Periodic Table of Elements, it also offers useful information such as an element’s atomic weight, electron configuration, melting point, boiling point, atomic radius, ionic radius, and discovery year.

9. Skype:

Download this app to make free Skype-to-Skype calls from any WiFi zone. See who is online, and send and receive instant messages on the go.

10. MyGPA Calculator:

Calculate your GPA per semester and cumulatively.

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 …

1. Check up on your computer

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!

2. Make nice with your new dorm mate

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).

3. Do it up at a discount department store

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.

4. Secure your class schedule

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.

5. Plan your budget

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.

6. Visit your school’s Web site

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.

7. Get packing

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.

8. Put together a tool kit

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.

9. Get protection

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.

10. Hang with your high school pals

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.