Things Freshmen Should Know Before Starting College

Every day high school students graduate, and are headed off to college to start their new life as college Freshmen. There are many things that students do in order to get ready for college, including but not limited to filing for financial aid, applying to multiple colleges, and even get college recommendation letters from their favorite teachers. While this is all great, there are some things that even the most prepared student should know about college life. 

It's Not like the Movies

We’ve all seen movies like; Neighbors, Animal House, National Lampoon’s Van Wilder’...Etc. These movies make the college world seem as if it’s nothing but one big party after another. Not only do these movies depict the college life as a party, but the students’ dorms are perfect with nothing but the best inside of them.

In the real world, college isn’t like this. College dorm rooms are often small and bare. Your favorite things can often not be brought with you from home, because there won’t be enough room for all of your stuff. Most the time, college freshman have to share their dorm with another student and think of it this way, they too are going to have all of their personal things. 

Getting an F will Cost You

Compared to high school, college is not something you want to fail. In high school, a failing grade might not seem like such a big deal, but college is quite different. Most the time new college students have received aid through their FAFSA application, student loans, or out of pocket expenses. 

In college when you’ve failed a class you will not only have to take it again, but you may lose your financial assistance due to that grade. So the best thing to do is study often, and do your best to pay attention and show up to class. There are plenty of college tutors ready and available for helping you. Consider talking to a guidance counselor or put up an ad on a bulletin board for help. It’s available you just have to ask.

You Might Switch Majors More Than Once

When starting college you may have an idea of what you might want to do with your life. However after taking electives, taking a new job, or even talking to friends, you might change your mind. That’s okay! There are some college students who switch majors over 5 times before choosing what they what their major will be. Some students even decide to major in one thing and minor in something else because they can’t make up their mind. 

It’s really okay to change your mind, but if you do plan to change your major it is important to talk to an academic counselor to make sure your credits will be compatible and find out where you are lacking. Some college credits can be used for more than one degree program.

Introduction Classes are a Drag

More than likely you will be placed in classes that remind you of the things you learned in high school. While these classes might seem like a complete waste of time, it's important to pay attention. These classes are often refresher courses to get you back on track on subjects you may have forgotten over the break of not being in school. As hard as it might be, really pay attention in these classes. If you know that you are a whiz in the subject, consider talking to your professor about testing out of the class and moving to 102 (or the next course in that subject). 

So remember soon to be college freshman, college is going to be a different experience. A place that you can do great at, meet new friends, and even find yourself. Whether it takes 4 years or longer just remember, you are the reason you will succeed. You can do anything you set your mind to. 

Three Beautiful Honeymoon Destinations in the World

Are you and your future spouse looking for a honeymoon to take but aren’t sure where to go? Maybe you want to stay close to home in the United States. Maybe the two of you are looking into honeymoon destinations around the world instead. The perfect honeymoon awaits you both; so take some peeks into some exciting honeymoon destinations to choose from.

Maui is probably one of my favorite destinations I came across for newlyweds to take adventure on. Unlike any other place on the mainland, the island is filled with beauty, comfort and beautiful ocean views to take your breath away. Maui has two native languages that are spoken on the island, Hawaiian and English so honeymooners don’t have to worry for all things to be translated. A few terms to know are “Aloha” which means both hello and goodbye and also “mahalo” which is giving thanks. These two phrases will go a long way on the island and show respect to everyone.

As a tribute to the Gods and Goddesses locals will often pay tribute with a beautiful dance known as hula dancing. Visitors should know that this is also considered a prayer to their Gods, so be respectful. When in Maui, newlyweds can visit festivals such as the Maui Steel Guitar festival or the East Maui Taro Festival held in the spring. While in Maui, why not take a visit to Haleakala National Park which has the world’s largest dormant volcano occupying over 30,000 acres of land. Haleakala summit is over 10,000 ft above sea level, which provides a beautiful experience watching the sunrise. 

The Old Lahaina Luau is the most popular thing to do in Maui. This is a great way to learn a bit about the Hawaiian culture. With dancing, music, hula and fire dancing, you’ll be in a treat. During this event you will also be able to dine on some Hawaiian specialties like kalua pua'a (pork roasted in an underground oven), fresh mahi-mahi and poi (mashed taro plant). 

If you and your new spouse are looking for something to do in Maui outside of the beach, consider spending some time at the Maui Ocean Center. Get up close and personal with Maui’s ocean life at the center with a tunnel beneath 750,000-gallons of sea life. With this open ocean exhibit, you might see everything from stingrays to sea turtles. Wouldn’t this be lovely? Interested in more information on the Maui Ocean Center website? Check out their link by clicking here.

Another exotic honeymoon destination is Bali. Featuring landscapes with volcanoes, sandy shores, and the beautiful water this is sure to be a destination everyone will enjoy. Honeymooners can visit beautiful temples and active volcanoes in Kintamani. When in Bali you may notice that the dominant language is Indonesian, however some may speak Balinese. English is commonly spoken in many large cities and towns. 

When in Bali there is plenty for honeymooners to do as well. One of the most exciting adventures a newlywed couple can take is to visit the Elephant Safari Park in Ubud. The park offers a trail for the elephants to give rides to guests and everything. While visiting have a wonderful meal at the restaurant all the while being pampered by an amazing staff. Choose from a variety of activities to partake in. Look more in the Bali Adventure Tours here at their website. 

Are you newlyweds that are taking a family honeymoon? Then the Waterbom is a must visit! Even for those without kids who love the idea of a water park, this is for you. With rides like the Superbowl, Macaroni and the Boomerang, there is plenty to do. In downtown Kuta, visitors can go daily and enjoy some fun in the water and outside of the beaches. Check out Waterbom’s website for more information.

All honeymoon destinations offer a variety of different things to make a honeymoon great. So no matter where you wind up going, have a great time and be prepared!

While Istanbul looks serene it also offers a chaotic bustle. Discover the streets of the busy bazaar and browse shops with plenty of unique items. With a mix of architecture and the beauty of the Byzantine church, newlyweds can be impressed by the Bosphorus which cuts the city into two and also connects the Sea of Marmara to the Black Sea in the north. During your visit, watch the sunset and take a look at the night life. Visitors can enjoy this fast paced city that offers a skyline of steeples, towers and beautiful blue waters. 

When in Istanbul take a trip to the Grand Bazaar. It is one of the largest and oldest indoor shopping markets in the world. Visitors can view thousands of shops featuring many goods including carpets, clothing and even art. Despite all this honeymooners can almost guarantee to find a souvenir to bring home. 

The Blue Mosque is also a popular destination to visit during your travels. While this site is still an active religious site, it is important to dress conservatively. Located in the Sultanahmet neighborhood, it is open on a normal business schedule ironically from 9-5. To visit the Mosque, there is no entrance fee but during prayer service, any visitors are restricted.

Superbowl Party Snack Ideas 101

It’s almost time for the big Superbowl game. As many fans of any NFL football team know, it stinks when our favorite teams don’t make it, but we still watch anyway. After all, it’s often not only about the game, but spending time with friends and family. For some it is about the Superbowl commercials, but there is one thing that everyone can agree on. Superbowl snacks!  

 

We’ve all been to parties that have had the exact same thing before; chips and dip, vegetable trays and some sort of crock pot something or other, right? Well, sometimes it can get really old being around the same things every year. While there are some true go to staples to the perfect Superbowl party, why not try to kick it up a notch with some of these snack ideas.

Outside of the Box Superbowl Snack Ideas

Beer Candied Bacon

Ice Cream Sandwiches 

 
Chicken & Waffle Bites