Working While On Campus

                While you are at school, more times than not your money in your wallet is probably a little low. Hey, it might even be non-existent. If you’re like me, you probably hate asking your parents for money. Or maybe, they’re tired of dishing out money. One way to fix the problem of low cash flow is to get a JOB! Yes, I said it. Get a job.

                If you were awarded Federal Work Study, I would highly recommend that you take advantage of it. Work study provides you with the opportunity to earn money from part-time employment to help you cover the costs of postsecondary education. Work study is great, especially if you have little to no work experience. Most times, wages are more than minimum wage.  Most job locations are located on campus, but a lot of colleges offer off campus jobs as well.

                Another option is to find off campus jobs, such as working at McDonalds, Dairy Queen, or retail shops. Off campus jobs are great because some of these employers let you transfer job locations. So if during the summer you still want to work, talk to your manager about transferring to a location in or near your hometown. Although working off campus can be rewarding, it poses a major con. Being able to get to your job from campus can often be a problem, mainly if you don’t have a car and you have to depend on public transportation.

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                Before you decide whether or not you want to work period, you must see if working will pose a conflict with your schedule. It is very easy to burn out when your plate is full. If you think you can manage it, I would say full steam ahead! Working during college eases your reliance on your parents, thus making you more independent. It’s also a great thing to include on your resume. Whatever you choose be smart about it! Grades come first!

References:

     Federal work-study (FWS) program . (2011, December 12). Retrieved March 28, 2012,  from U.S. Department of Education website: http://www2.ed.gov/programs/fws/index.html

     Orszag, J. M., Orszag, P. R., & Whitmore, D. M. (2001, August). Learning and earning: Working in college . Retrieved March 28, 2012, from Upromise Inc. website: http://www.brockport.edu/career01/upromise.htm

     Working while in College. (n.d.). Retrieved March 28, 2012, from CampusGrotto website: http://www.campusgrotto.com/working-while-in-college.html

Hello College

           Going to college is such a bittersweet moment. It is almost like the feeling you get when you first started high school, but there’s no going back home to Mom and Dad at the end of the day. You’re extremely excited to leave the nest and the scrutiny of your parents’ eye. This is the time where you grow up and become the adult you know you’re supposed to be.

            On the drive up to your future home, you’re a bundle of nerves. So excited to see where you’re going to be living for the year. Wondering who your roommate(s) is going to be…if you’ll like them, as most girls are, I was ready to set up my room. I had color coordinated my whole space. Thankfully I don’t have a roommate so I didn’t have to worry about my color scheme clashing with hers.

Bye Mom, Bye Dad

             Now, after your parents left I bet your wondering “What to do now?” The college I go to, like most others, host an orientation week or day dedicated specifically to freshman. We came to school a week earlier than continuing students and had the whole campus to ourselves. The school had planned activities, so there was always something to do. During this time you also explored the campus more and attended a BUNCH of workshops. You also met with your advisors to pick out your classes for your first semester. During this you’ll meet a good amount of people; you’ll more than likely befriend at least four of them, more if you are more out going towards people.

Advice

            One piece of advice I would give to incoming freshman is to start out strong. Build a strong academic foundation your freshman year, especially before you think about joining clubs and organizations. If you’re the type of person to be involved in campus activities, I would say go for it but keep in mind what you can handle.

            College is a great experience. I know that sounds so cliché but it really is. Take advantage of it because many people don’t have the opportunity you may have. I am enjoying college thus far, and I’ve hit a few bumps along the way, but I wouldn’t change it because it’s given me a new perspective on my life.