Campus, Fraternity & Sorority Life

Take the hassle out of moving in or moving out

I remember the day I helped Amber, my oldest daughter, move into her first college dorm. It was a lot of work and it was really hot. The university she attended at the time (Amber has since transferred from Georgia College to be closer to home) was fairly organized with students showing up at pre-determined times, signing in and moving their belongings into their suites. Moving is one of my least favorite things to do and I wish I had been able to enlist help. That would have made me one happy first-time college mom. Now parents and their students have the choice of choosing Campus Bellhops, a student-run moving company available on more … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Campus, Fraternity & Sorority Life, Parents' Perspective Tagged With: student housing

3 Ways to get your finances under control as a student

By Guest Blogger

3 Ways to get your finances under control - photo copyright Rick Sherrell

Managing your money during college can be tricky for a number of reasons. The financial burden of higher education has never been more of a pressing issue for young people, and many high school graduates are taking control of their finances for the first time ever. How much do you really understand about banking, credit, insurance, and understanding your taxes? Most universities have tools and options to help you get a handle on your financial aid and how much you owe, but there are plenty of other expenses, which can be hard to estimate before you really experience college life. Textbooks, rent, groceries, and gas can put you underwater long … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Campus, Fraternity & Sorority Life, Money, Finance & Paying for College

What First Years Really Want

By Tawan Perry

As both a former student leader and college administrator, I've been privy to see my share of Welcome Weeks, Orientation, FYE, and whatever else they may be called. The one commonality that I've noticed at many of these schools is that all first years typically want the same. It’s as universal as Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs theory. In the eyes of student affairs professionals this may not come as a surprise. In my opinion, there are three essential things that first years really want. Of course, I’m no theorist but I can say that I've worked with enough students to truly see what’s obvious. So here are the top three things that I … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Campus, Fraternity & Sorority Life

Transitioning to the dorm life

By Deborah McClean

Helping your students get ready for college living in an innovative/interactive way Living in a dorm can be fun-filled, but issues will arise. Resident Advisors (RAs) play an important role in improving the resident life experience. They educate the students on co-existing in a dorm to ensure a peaceful atmosphere. Whether you are an RA managing a floor-full of bright-eyed freshmen or a high school counselor preparing his/her students for the transition to college living, here are few tips you can suggest. Set ground rules for living together. Roommates come from different backgrounds. Setting rules from the inception can help avert and … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Campus, Fraternity & Sorority Life, Success In College and In Life Tagged With: Interactive Activity, Living Space, student housing, The Road to College Success

Turn your campus chapter into a learning organization

By Guest Blogger

As a leader in your chapter or your campus community you are constantly looking for ways to improve your organization. You can focus on increasing community service and philanthropy, providing more leadership workshops, or focus on the academics of your organization. All of these are commendable ways to improve your organization, but what if you could do something that caused all of these things to happen as a result? Well, you can. It’s pretty simple; just turn your chapter into a learning organization. But what exactly is a learning organization? It is an organization that not only infuses learning into everything that they do, but … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Campus, Fraternity & Sorority Life, Student Leadership

Student’s Guide to Accommodation in the UK

By CTB Staff

Many people first leave their family and live away from home when they go to university. It’s a big change, and some people can get a little worried. This is a quick guide to accommodation at university and what you can expect to ensure nothing comes as a shock. Types of Accommodation Halls of Residence - Particularly popular with freshers, halls of residence are a great way to meet lots of new friends either in your flat or the many flats within the block. A room in halls may be self-catering or catered and may come with a private ensuite bathroom or shared bathroom. Privately Owned Student Flats - While more expensive than … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Campus, Fraternity & Sorority Life Tagged With: international, student housing

Use positive affirmations to deal with conflicts

By Herb Ammons

During your college years, you will form friendships and acquaintances that will last a lifetime and may be beneficial later as you grow your career. However, with humans, conflict can arise and if you learn to deal with the disagreements with a positive attitude rather than being argumentative, you can save yourself from a lot of strife. This will apply to you in your career and in relationships as you grow older as well. In using inspirational messages towards those you have a conflict with, you will douse the situation in a positive light, because positive affirmations will help them to resolve the conflicts too. Tips for Applying … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Campus, Fraternity & Sorority Life, College Dating and Relationships

Staying safe and healthy on campus

By Deborah McClean

Helping your students get ready for college living in an innovative/interactive way Crime happens everywhere even on college campuses. As a leader, make your students aware of the common threats in the college environment. Also, while some exam stress is normal there are ways to combat excessive stress students experience while test taking. Below are suggestions you can give them. Campuses Are Not Free of Criminals Students often think campuses are safer places and as a result do not take precautionary measures. One of the most effective ways to stay safe on campus is for students to stay in groups or share their daily schedule with a … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Campus, Fraternity & Sorority Life Tagged With: Interactive Activity, The Road to College Success

Surviving your first year of university

By Guest Blogger

So you've done the hardest part: you wrote a personal statement, agonised over checking your UCAS page every two hours, and you've been awarded a place at University. Now all that's left to do is to move into your new student house and start partying. But there are a few key things to remember before you make that big jump away from your parents and into the independence that University brings. Preparing to Move Out Don't forget the essentials. Know what your accommodation will have and come prepared so that you aren't sleeping or living uncomfortably for the next few days. Remember, you aren't staying in a hotel and bedding is a must. This … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Campus, Fraternity & Sorority Life Tagged With: student housing

4 Lifelong benefits of participating in student activities

By Guest Blogger

It can be tempting when juggling a hectic schedule to take your classes, do your homework and not participate in what your college has to offer. This is especially true when pursuing a graduate degree such as a learning design and technology masters, when you may be living off-campus and employed full-time. However, devoting a few hours every day or even just every week to participate in student activities can help you achieve your student learning outcomes (SLOs), the overall goals for your education. 1. Develop Communication Skills Communication is vital for any student group wishing to achieve something with their activities. When you … [Read more...]

Filed Under: ! What's HOT!, Campus, Fraternity & Sorority Life, Learning Outside the Classroom Tagged With: Student Learning Outcomes