Nicole Gartside

In high school, every subject was on the same playing field. You had to take math, English, science, and history, and all of the grades were equally important on your transcript. There wasn’t much wiggle room in what you could and couldn’t take. But in college, the rules have changed. Suddenly, you get to design your own schedule. Once you declare a major, you can focus your time on the things that interest you. But what if you’re not sure what you want to study? Choosing a major is an important decision to make. Some people go into college with a clear plan as to what they’re going to study and where they want to go with their life, but some have no idea. But don’t worry; choosing a major isn’t as scary or as difficult as it may seem sometimes.  Check out HC’s tips and you’ll have a major picked in no time!

Start with your interests.

When it comes to choosing your major, you may feel lost in a sea of degrees. There are hundreds of concentrations to choose from, so the task can feel daunting. But when it comes to making a decision, the most important factor is finding a subject that you enjoy. Maybe you were a huge fan of your English class in high school, or you’ve always been great with computers. Whatever your interests are, try to incorporate them in your studies. You should want to learn about subjects in your major rather than feel like it’s always a chore. “The biggest factor should be whether or not you are intellectually curious about the subject,” says Gary Allan Miller, assistant director of career services at UNC-Chapel Hill. HC Hofstra Campus Correspondent Rachel Crocetti, who is double majoring in photography and journalism, agrees that a major is all about what draws you in. “My choice is based solely in my interests and the things that I love most,” she says. If you study something that you don’t enjoy, it’s going to be a long four years.

When you’re hunkering down to study for midterms or powering through the night to finish a paper, it’s easy to reach for a bag of potato chips or a bowl of ice cream. Before you know it, you’ve eaten more sugary, fatty treats than you were anticipating. But with these healthy snack recipes, all under 300 calories each, you can snack guilt-free during a study session. Healthy snacks not only keep you not only full and focused, but they can also ward off that unwanted freshman (or sophomore, or junior, or senior) 15.

Apple with Peanut Butter
Calories: 280
This combination of salty and sweet keeps you full during studying. Slice up an apple and slather the slices in two tablespoons of lightly salted peanut butter. “The carb protein keeps me full and gives me energy,” says Devon Williams, sophomore at Eckerd College.

Smoked Salmon, Avocado and Cream Cheese
Calories: 240
This protein-packed snack roll will keep you full for hours. Use about two ounces of smoked salmon, spread one tablespoon of cream cheese over the slices, and garnish with a third of an avocado. Then, roll up the mixture into a makeshift, rice-less sushi roll.

Being a college student isn’t cheap. Between nights out with friends, lunch with your roommate, the occasional movie, groceries, toiletries, and annual tuition, your expenses can rack up quickly. But don’t worry; there are a ton of stores out there that feel your pain and are willing to offer you a break with their student discounts. Check out some of these places next time you’re looking to do some smart shopping and save some cash.

Apparel

Ann Taylor: Need some classy clothes for school? Show your student ID in stores for 20% off all full-priced items.

Ann Taylor LOFT: Ann Taylor LOFT, a cheaper alternative to the regular Ann Taylor store, gets even cheaper with a 15% off in-store discount with a student ID.

Banana Republic: Finally be able to afford some clothes for work or your internship with 15% off full-priced items in the store.

Charlotte Russe: With a 10% off discount available when you show your school ID, clothes from Charlotte Russe will be a steal.

Club Monaco: Stock up on some fall favorites by getting 20% off regular and sale priced items in any Club Monaco store and online.

Eddie Bauer: Whether it’s outdoorsy clothing basics or camping equipment, you can get 15% off regular priced items in stores with your ID.

Downsizing from your spacious room at home to a cramped dorm room can be quite a shock: you’ll have a tiny bed, minimal desk space, and possibly worst of all, an itty-bitty closet. But a small closet doesn’t have to mean making fashion sacrifices. If you get creative with your space, you can make that hole in the wall feel as enormous as a walk-in closet. Well, at least big enough for a decent size collegiette wardrobe.

Practical Packing

Even if you have a car full of space when you head off to school, don’t over-pack when it comes to clothes. You don’t need to bring every last item with you. If you can keep clothes in your closet at home, do it! Mom can mail them to you if you desperately need them.

When choosing your college wardrobe, start with the basics, such as solid tanks, dependable flats, and a comfy pair of jeans. When you have a solid collection of essential clothing items, you can stretch the wardrobe you already have with standout accessories that really pop. Harper Yi, HC Campus Correspondent at The College of William and Mary, says: “Punchy accent and statement pieces give you added flair so you can get a lot of different looks out of just a few things.”

Once you have the basics down, make sure you don’t over-pack on heavier items. Go through your coats and jackets to select one for each season or type of weather. After all, you don’t need a windbreaker in every color. Outerwear takes up the most space in your closet, so the less of it you have, the more room remains for more important (and fun) items. If you’re coming home for Thanksgiving break, bring your winter coats to school then. If you’re home for Christmas, pick up your spring pieces.