http://www.therealcollegeguide.com The Real College Guide en-us Copyright ©2011 Studio One Netwoks Thu, 10 Nov 2011 02:00:02 EST Thu, 10 Nov 2011 02:00:02 EST College webCOMAND http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss 60 http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/programsend/programunit/readyu/images/logo.png http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/programsend/programunit/readyu/index.html http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html A well-kept secret of college: You don’t really need a printer. Submit your work electronically or print it in the computer labs found in nearly every building to save space and money. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Wed, 29 Jun 2011 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Whether you’re bunking up with a total stranger or your BFF, make a list of rules with your roomie at the get-go to avoid huge blowouts later. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Mon, 27 Jun 2011 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Test different methods of studying -- from reading out loud to rewriting or even highlighting notes. Find the perfect fit and make it stick. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Fri, 24 Jun 2011 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Dorms are loud and libraries are packed, so find a unique quiet space on campus to call your own. Most academic buildings have study lounges or empty classrooms that can be great homework nooks. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Wed, 22 Jun 2011 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Dorm beds are notoriously hard, so splurge on a mattress pad -- your back will thank you later. An "eggshell" foam pad is a cheap, comfortable choice. Bonus: It'll minimize squeaking springs. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Mon, 20 Jun 2011 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html For the frequent moves you’ll make during college, buy a furniture dolly (about $25) to help you with the heavy stuff every single time you pack up. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Fri, 17 Jun 2011 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Leave your dorm room door open to mingle with new faces and be in-the-know about nightly festivities and shenanigans. Plus, it says you’re friendly and inviting. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Thu, 16 Jun 2011 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Close quarters, from co-ed bathrooms to communal computer labs, make college campuses breeding grounds for illness. Don’t fall victim! Carry hand sanitizer and apply when needed. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Wed, 15 Jun 2011 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Rally your roommates and go to a local bulk or budget store to stock up on basics, like TP and paper towels. It’ll be a pain to haul, but you’ll never run out … and you’ll save a ton! http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Tue, 14 Jun 2011 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Place your alarm clock at the opposite end of your bed. You’ll have to get up to shut it off -- or deal with your roommate’s wrath. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Mon, 13 Jun 2011 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Lectures are rolling 300 deep, and you're not in Kansas anymore. Hit up your instructor during office hours to be remembered when you're walking the thin line between B+ and A-. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Fri, 10 Jun 2011 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Look for a job on campus before you get there. You’ll beat the crowds to score the best job (aka one with plenty of downtime to do classwork while on the clock). http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Thu, 9 Jun 2011 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Homesick? Avoid escaping campus. Set up a live video chat with your family. It’s fast and free, and it will feel like they’re right beside you. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Wed, 8 Jun 2011 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html When washing clothes, set your phone alarm to know exactly when to go back. A five-minute delay and your dirty -- er, clean -- laundry might be hanging out for everyone to see. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Tue, 31 May 2011 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html For a fall internship, search and apply long before the leaves start changing. Do it now! For spring, apply by December. For summer, apply by March. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Mon, 30 May 2011 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Embrace the perks that come with full-time tuition by joining at least one club. Nothing of interest? Most schools will let you start your own, within stipulation. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Fri, 27 May 2011 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Forget pricey bookstores. Go to Web sites like Amazon or Overstock to buy used titles once you receive your syllabus. Or buy a book for less from someone who just took the class. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Thu, 26 May 2011 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html If your dorm room doesn’t come with a walk-in closet (and few do), attach canvas hanging shelves to your closet rod and use five-tier hangers to make up for lost space. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Wed, 25 May 2011 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Space Bags (available online) suck the air from between your clothes and work miracles when stuffing school luggage. Just remember they make things smaller, not lighter. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Tue, 24 May 2011 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Find an upperclassman -- from your floor, class or club -- that you click with within your first two weeks of school. Hooking up with a mentor is key for learning the ropes. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Mon, 23 May 2011 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Speaking in front of class? Pick a focal point, or two people on opposite sides of the room, to look at. Suddenly, it won’t feel like all eyes are on you. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Fri, 20 May 2011 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Stock up on nonperishable snacks at the supermarket just once a month to avoid overpaying at the bookstore and vending machines. It’ll leave room in your budget for impromptu late-night pizza. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Thu, 19 May 2011 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Take down last year’s fancy schmancy wall calendar after New Year’s. If it’s one with a different scene for each month, tear out your favorites and tack ’em up or pop ’em into frames. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Wed, 18 May 2011 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Got a messy roommate? As soon as you move in, divvy up communal cleaning tasks to ensure he does his part -- and keeps the rest of the mess on his side. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Tue, 17 May 2011 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Need to de-stress? Google the closest pet shop or humane society: You can go play with kittens and puppies for free. Studies show that furry friends can calm you down and boost your mood. Aw! http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Mon, 16 May 2011 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Professors and friends you’re meeting now could help you land your dream job later. Start a personal address book, on paper or online -- it may come in handy even after graduation. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Fri, 13 May 2011 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Recycle extra wrapping paper by sliding a few pieces -- that don’t say Happy Birthday or Merry Christmas -- into matching frames, and voila: simple wall art on the cheap. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Thu, 12 May 2011 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Your desk drawer is not a jewelry box. Hang your collection of fun necklaces on your dorm room wall with tacks, nails or hooks to save space and decorate your walls for free. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Wed, 11 May 2011 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Sure, you’re not paying the bills, but wasting electricity may end up increasing your tuition and fees. Do your part by turning off lights and laptops before leaving your dorm room. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Tue, 10 May 2011 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html De-clutter (and decorate) your minuscule dorm room by putting magazines, important paperwork or random things that just don’t have a place in DIY storage bins -- just paint or collage shoe boxes. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Mon, 9 May 2011 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Before calling your roommate-to-be to decide who’s bringing what, poke around your house to see what you can snag for free -- a rug, old TV or cleaning supplies. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Fri, 6 May 2011 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html From movie theaters to stores like J.Crew, companies offer student discounts. Keep your ID card in your back pocket -- you never know when you’ll save some cash. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Thu, 5 May 2011 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Just like college admission officers, employers like well-rounded new hires. Being a fellow member on Greek row doesn't hurt, but be sure to sign up for a variety of extracurrix. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Wed, 4 May 2011 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Stash old notes from past classes -- even high school ones -- at your parents’ house. You never know when they’ll come in handy. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Tue, 3 May 2011 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Imagine exactly what you’d like to be doing after college. Predicting what skills you’ll need on the job will motivate you to retain relevant info in class. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Mon, 2 May 2011 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html If your shoes have a tendency to end up in a pile under your bed, think about getting an over-the-door shoe organizer so you can keep track of where they are (and get them off the floor). http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Fri, 29 Apr 2011 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html You were an all-star athlete in the kiddie pool but can't even bench in college? Brush it off. Try an intramural team to find students equally equipped with athletic prowess. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Thu, 28 Apr 2011 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Consult residence life to find out what you can and can’t recycle on campus. One less bottle cap or greasy pizza box will make your campus a much greener place. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Wed, 27 Apr 2011 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Hey, Shakespeare! Get your big break by contributing to a campus literary magazine. Pick up an issue to find out who’s in charge, then shoot an email asking how to get involved. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Tue, 26 Apr 2011 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Instead of wasting cash on bottled water, carry a reusable bottle and use a water purifier to make your tap water taste more tolerable. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Mon, 25 Apr 2011 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Calculate your class average before studying for a major exam. That way, you’ll know just how much effort you need to exert to achieve the overall GPA you want. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Fri, 22 Apr 2011 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Take your sweet ol' time when it comes to picking your -- dun, dun, DUNN! -- major. You can legitimately procrastinate for at least two years by fulfilling basic requirements. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Thu, 21 Apr 2011 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Odd one out in HS? College has loads more students. Meaning, more peeps that dig ultimate flying disc too. If your college’s club roster’s lacking, take the lead and start a group of your choice. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Wed, 20 Apr 2011 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Campuses are sprawling with creditors offering free stuff for signing up. Even if your T-shirt is kinda ratty, RUN away. If you have the card, you're gonna use it. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Tue, 19 Apr 2011 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Laptop, cell phone, iPod ... you've got gadgets and gizmos aplenty. Charging up with two dinky outlets will leave you in the dark (and annoyed). Plug in a power strip to juice up. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Mon, 18 Apr 2011 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Starving with no cash left on your meal card? Take the time to budget before breaking the bank on late-night snacks and letting a roommate mooch. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Fri, 15 Apr 2011 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Even if you’re unsure which classes you want to take, register … early! You can always drop a class but can’t always get into electives you really want to take. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Thu, 14 Apr 2011 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Stressed? Express your emotions in a journal. Putting frustration into words will ease things up with no need to lash out on an innocent bystander. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Wed, 13 Apr 2011 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html You don’t really need that “I’ll never use it again” econ textbook to be all bright and shiny. Used books are way cheaper. Bonus: Someone’s already highlighted the important parts. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Tue, 12 Apr 2011 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Hate finding a washer full of soaking-wet clothes when you're up to your ears in dirty duds? So do your floor mates. Set your phone alarm to remind you when your load's done. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Mon, 11 Apr 2011 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Graduation might be years away, but credit catastrophes begin early on. Check in with your advisor at the start of each semester to make sure you're on track to meet the minimum. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Fri, 8 Apr 2011 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Make moves toward financial independence by using your bank’s online or mobile banking to monitor your own spending -- Mom and Dad can’t do it forever. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Thu, 7 Apr 2011 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Even if you're aiming for perfect attendance, get a classmate's digits and email for those "Ah, crap, my alarm didn't go off" moments. This way, you'll always have notes, whether you're in class or in bed. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Wed, 6 Apr 2011 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html When walking on or off campus at night, use the buddy system. Avoid distractions, like wearing iPods or talking on the phone, and be constantly aware of your surroundings. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Mon, 4 Apr 2011 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Clear guests with your roommate first. And if you’re hosting more than two visitors, you might want to find alternative sleeping plans since three-plus can be a crowd. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Fri, 1 Apr 2011 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Wear real clothes instead of sloppy pj's to your 8 a.m. class to let your prof know you're serious about your studies. Bonus: It gives your brain a wake-up boost. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Thu, 31 Mar 2011 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Most dorm beds require extra-long twin sheets. Use your fitted sheet to secure an eggcrate foam pad and mattress liner. Your bed may be more comfortable than your bed at home! http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Wed, 30 Mar 2011 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Time your commute between classes before the first day. Realizing you've left 10 minutes to book it 2 miles across campus will make you late, sweaty and pissed you didn't bring your bike. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Mon, 28 Mar 2011 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Save cash by stocking up on school supplies (and your new school wardrobe) during tax-free weekend. Check the Federation of Tax Administrators Web site to see if and when your state recognizes this holiday. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Fri, 25 Mar 2011 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Before finals, send care packages to your hardworking friends at other schools. Include an article or picture that will relax them with a laugh -- and don’t forget their favorite study snacks. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Thu, 24 Mar 2011 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Plan your schedule around a semester away, saving electives and nonmajor classes for then. Some programs even offer location-specific courses. You don’t want to miss out! http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Wed, 23 Mar 2011 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Carry your student ID with you at all times and ask everywhere if they offer discounts. We’re college kids -- we’re expected to be thrifty! http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Mon, 21 Mar 2011 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Take advantage of your artsy peers by soaking up some campus culture. Your on-campus art museum is probably free for students, and hey, you can’t put a price tag on convenience. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Fri, 18 Mar 2011 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Old Halloween costumes and face paint won’t do much for your game, but they do score big school-spirit points at sports events. Plus, they make sweet statements at theme parties, so keep them in mind when packing. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Thu, 17 Mar 2011 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Stock your place with snacks. After all-night cram sessions (or looong nights out), you’ll be thankful for treats at your fingertips that you can chow down before bedtime. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Wed, 16 Mar 2011 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Rooming with friends is like living with siblings: They’ll get on your nerves. Go traditional and live with someone new. At the very least, it will give you better stories! http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Fri, 11 Mar 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Before buying that full-price lamp, desk, couch or coffee table, check out Craigslist or the dorm bulletin board for perfectly fine used stuff. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Thu, 10 Mar 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Before a “who ate my yogurt?” argument erupts, label sections in the refrigerator with each roommate’s name so there’s no mystery about whose food is where. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Mon, 21 Feb 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Calling all carnivores: Check out your dining hall’s vegetarian and vegan sections. The food is more exotic, fresher and (hopefully) better-tasting than your typical grilled chicken fare. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Mon, 14 Feb 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Burning the midnight oil? Limit caffeine intake, as too much will leave you shaky and unproductive. Sip on water instead; dehydration can affect concentration levels. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Fri, 4 Feb 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Go Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants-style by starting a roaming journal, complete with pictures, with your high school buds. It’ll make checking for snail mail more exciting! http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Fri, 7 Jan 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Earn some extra cash without ever leaving campus. Desk or office jobs are flexible and allow time to do homework while clocking in. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Wed, 5 Jan 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html If you want to resell your books, you’ve gotta keep them clean. So instead of highlighting the pages, use multi-colored stickies to mark important passages. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Wed, 3 Nov 2010 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html These days, many colleges and universities have a campus-wide text message alert system for emergencies. To opt into the program, contact your on-campus security office. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Tue, 2 Nov 2010 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Research shows that writing something down forces us to remember it. So forget your gadgets and go old school: Invest in a planner or date book to record your assignments and tests. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Mon, 1 Nov 2010 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html What is the smallest, cheapest way to get a way better night’s sleep? Earplugs. Pick up some to block out your roommate, the TV next door and that squeaky door in the hall. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Fri, 29 Oct 2010 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Yes, Facebook is amazing for gathering photos of friends, but printing out a few of those digital shots will make (cheap) memorable gifts or great decorations for your empty dorm walls. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Wed, 27 Oct 2010 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Instead of wasting an hour or more lounging in the dining hall at dinner, bring a book with you when you go. Read it while you eat to clock in precious minutes of studying. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Tue, 26 Oct 2010 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html If your dorm doesn’t offer wireless Internet, get an extra-long Ethernet cable so you can stretch it to your bed. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Mon, 25 Oct 2010 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Instead of cramming into a tiny dorm room for your next group project, book a group study room at the library or student center. Just be sure to do it early, because they can fill up fast. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Fri, 22 Oct 2010 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Be sure to get some plastic plates, bowls and cups for your dorm room instead of glass or ceramic. Dishes that can break usually do -- and rarely last longer than a year. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Thu, 21 Oct 2010 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html To avoid theft in classes or the library, buy a coiled lock that attaches to the frame of your laptop. Slip it around a radiator or heavy desk to deter campus thieves. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Wed, 20 Oct 2010 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html To avoid digging for your ID every time you enter a building on campus, get a wallet with an ID window so you can flash it easily, FBI-style. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Tue, 19 Oct 2010 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Keep a map of campus -- and if available, a campus transit map too -- in your bag at all times for those last-minute dashes to faraway buildings or an unknown professor’s office. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Fri, 15 Oct 2010 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html When making your schedule, don’t judge a class by its name. Take courses taught by teachers with rave reviews, especially if you’re ahead on requirements. And thank us later. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Tue, 12 Oct 2010 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Make sure you’ve got at least one boring classical music playlist for those all-night study sessions. Research shows it helps brain function and concentration. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Thu, 7 Oct 2010 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Sick of university-wide emails? Don't delete without reading! Chances are a few of them will announce a really cool event or freebie that you won't want to miss. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Tue, 5 Oct 2010 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Chunky bangles make a statement, but not when scattered around your room. Organize by piling them on the necks of glass bottles with wide bases. (Sparkling water bottles work well.) http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Thu, 8 Jul 2010 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Protect your privacy, from personal IM convos to term papers, with tricky passwords that lock out access to your computer when you’re gone. And set verbal boundaries to keep your roommate away from your keys. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Wed, 7 Jul 2010 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Forgo reviewing in your bed -- you’ll fall asleep. Stick to a private place on campus, free from friends and distractions. You’ll get the job done faster. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Fri, 28 May 2010 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Cover every craving by stocking up on the right nonperishable snacks: chocolate kisses (sweet), popcorn (salty), lemonade mix (sour) and hot-flavored nuts (spicy). http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Mon, 19 Apr 2010 00:00:00 EDT http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Especially the part where profs break down your grade. Knowing that attendance equals 20 percent may motivate you to actually make it to class. Final exam worth 40 percent? Better crack down for that test. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Fri, 12 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Low on lighting? Snoop around the parentals’ crib for white -- or colorful, if you’re wild -- lights that lend your room some funky flair and take up zilch space. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Tue, 9 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html If unspent dollars on your meal card don’t roll over to next semester, stock up on nonperishables at your campus convenient store to leave in your dorm or bring home. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EST http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html If you're in danger of failing your "easy A" elective, check to see if you can score pass-or-fail credits to keep your GPA intact. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Thu, 14 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EST http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Core classes are downright painful, so knock ’em out by transferring credits from cheaper, easier community college classes if you can. Then spend your semester taking more valuable classes -- like scuba diving. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Tue, 5 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EST http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Stay ahead of the game by listing all assignments and deadlines for every class in one place, be it your PDA or your planner. The Moleskin Web site offers custom planners with cool covers. http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Mon, 4 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EST http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Create your group’s document, spreadsheet or presentation on Google Docs and share it with each member of the group. Changes can be made and viewed by all in real time. So long, sloppy revisions! http://www.therealcollegeguide.com/tips/archive.html Tue, 29 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST