Collegiate Parent

University Living Magazine – With contributions from Kate Gallop, Bridget Lochhead, and CollegiateParent staff Living with a roommate is a rewarding but also challenging part of the transition to college. Harmony is possible! Here are five tips from upper-level students. 1) Go in with an open mind. Many students assume their roommate assignment will make or break their first year, imagining best- and worst-case scenarios (and everything in between).

University Living Magazine A recent MIT study suggests that everyone in academia, and students and their families, too, should be concerned about students’ use of generative Artificial Intelligence such as ChatGPT. In the study, researchers divided participants into three groups: one used ChatGPT extensively to create and revise essays, one used Google’s search engine to assist in writing essays, and one used no technology to write the essays.

University Living Magazine “How are we going to pay for college?” is a question families across the country ask themselves every year. With the rising cost of higher education, most students can’t rely on just one source of funding — it often takes a mix of savings, financial aid, income, loans, and more to make it work. A college is considered affordable if your family can cover the net price with savings, earnings, and aid.

University Living Magazine One of the smartest things students can do this fall is to drop by the campus career center. “Wait a minute,” you might be thinking. “I haven’t even picked a major! I have no idea what I want to do after college.” All the more reason to take advantage of your school’s awesome and FREE career services. With AI rapidly changing the world of work, entry-level positions in particular, professional career guidance has never been more essential for students of all years.

University Living Magazine If you’ve decided that you’ll live off campus next year, it’s worth the trouble to do it right. When you’re happy with your living situation, you have more energy for being a successful student. How do you go about finding a safe, clean, convenient, and affordable place? Here’s how to check all the boxes. Unless you’re 100% financially independent, before you start looking, have a family conversation to determine what you can afford to pay for rent.

University Living Magazine As fall semester gets under way, it’s already time to plan for next year’s housing — especially if you intend to move off campus. To avoid scrambling at the last minute, make a note of these important dates and action items. → Research off-campus housing options, starting with resources on your school’s Housing website (they will have tips and possibly a rental database). → Make a budget.

University Living Magazine I know a young person who trained as a ballet dancer but wanted a career in medicine. When she declared her major as biology, she added a minor in dance. Why? One reason was that she had been dancing since she was three years old and did not want to give it up in college. Another reason is that she wanted to work in orthopedics eventually and knew that her dance experiences would shape how she approached patient needs. A win-win, right?

University Living Magazine Picture these scenarios: → A first-year student doesn’t read his history textbook and only takes notes on the lecture. He fails his first test and thinks he is not cut out for college. → A sophomore hasn’t made many friends and spends most of her time in her room on social media or texting with her family. She wonders if this will last until she graduates. → A senior uses AI to write his thesis on Jane Austen.

University Living Magazine Every student should understand the legal protections and institutional rights available to them. This glossary introduces key concepts worth researching further. ADA/Section 504 — Guarantees equal access and reasonable accommodations for documented disabilities. Contact disability services to initiate the process. Clery Act — Requires campus crime reporting and safety policies. Guarantees access to campus security information and emergency procedures.

High School As a college essay editor—and a writer for more than 30 years—my message to students (and parents!) is simple: You are enough. That isn't to say guidance during high school isn't helpful. It absolutely is. A knowledgeable advisor or counselor can help students discover purpose, meaning, and opportunities to engage both inside and outside the classroom.