Hey there, pal! Without a doubt, you have many questions about college life! It reminds you of an ocean full of unknown and probably dangerous species. But no worries, cuz Nerdify is here to help!

Making it through your freshman year at college is like stepping on a way of the warrior – the secret is to learn how to fight for your rights as you learn, analyze, interact, become organized, and start to think strategically. No, the real trick is to have fun no matter what! Here are some helpful tips to guide you through the first year of college life without too much trouble, stress, and anxiety.  

Getting Organized Is the Key!

You have read it right – you have to become organized no matter what as it is one of the most important skills that you should have in order to survive through college. It does not matter what your strong and weak sides are because you have to work on other issues. They are time management, learning all the due dates for important diverse events, keeping track of available funds, and so on. We have it summed up for you, so you know what parts of your life have to be under control:

1. Use organizers, smartphone applications or a big calendar on your wall to keep track of all the critical deadlines. It should not only be about college but about anything that is important in your life. Even birthdays, invitations, financial matters, family gatherings, and scheduled meetings with college professors.

2. Organize each task from the urgent to less urgent and less difficult to most difficult assignments. This allows you to manage your time and physical strength by starting with the most important tasks first while knowing what tasks can be easily completed to help you feel satisfied.

3. Create a budget for yourself, consult with your friends and family, so you can get a word of advice and see how you can feel financially secure.

Become a Jedi of Social Interaction.

You have to work really hard on your personality and place in the society as you enter college. It is not really difficult to become a Jedi of social interaction! No matter how complicated your studies may be, your strong social skills, charisma, warm smile or a friendly pat on the back will always do much more than you can imagine! So, what exactly has to be done?  Okay, just follow this list:

1. Do not miss meetings with your professors. There are special scheduled hours that all professors have, so take advantage of each opportunity and speak of what makes you feel concerned.  

2. Meet your academic adviser. This person is really important for your success and college progress, so getting to know him or her and becoming friends is critical. In case something does not work, remember that you can always ask for another academic adviser.

3. As a part of social interaction, get involved in all things campus: student organizations, clubs, voluntary work, all kinds of fraternities, if you would like. Start a band or become a part of a college sports team. You will not only make new friends and learn some amazing skills but will eventually feel connected and at home.

4. Build a network of friends, meet new people, and do not be afraid of taking mentoring roles to support and help other people.

Building a Bridge Between Studies and Times of Leisure.

One of the worst challenges a college warrior faces is fighting for the girl or a guy he or she has a crush on. No, seriously, it is quite an issue! Just be yourself and speak of your feelings! Unfortunately, romance is not the only problem you will face at college.

Okay, now another challenge is finding a right balance between the studies and times of leisure. Out of all things, find a cozy and calm place where you can study and concentrate. Next, study course syllabus more than twice and see when and what are your due dates, so you can plan that party without damaging your academic progress. College life is always balancing between your social life and study-related events, so the best thing you can do is make it 50/50. You have to study hard, so you can party hard!

As you strive for good grades, do not forget to use all the available study resources on campus. If there are learning labs and tutors, make sure that you use their help even if you think that you do not need it. After all, they have a purpose to be here… and that purpose is YOU! Still, if you do not think that it is an option, try to become a part of study groups, so you and your friends can schedule the same time for studies and leisure. This way you can find some peace and stop feeling like letting someone down!

Battle of Priorities

We are sure that you have heard it all before, but we will say it again that college life, especially the freshman year, is a battle of priorities where important things should come first. Okay, but what is important and how to understand what is really important? Yes, studying is necessary, but unlike most guides, we want to tell you that taking some time for yourself is just as important as academia! If you feel totally stressed, no high grades will be of any good. Even if it is your favorite television show, writing a journal, playing guitar or just riding a bicycle through the park, it is just as important!

All you have to do is to take full responsibility for what you choose and work on your priorities. Try to take one step at a time as you study and make a list of what tasks are closer to the deadline, what college assignments should be done as soon as possible to stop making your life a mess. Yet, at the same time, always ask yourself about what will make you feel best of all even in the middle of a Jedi battle with another complex subject!  

Just remember that even if doing things the last minute before the lessons start could work in high school, it may not work in college. So, it is much safer to stick to deadlines and prioritize your time and resources. In other words, do not take shortcuts and do not cut corners as you progress. Do not cheat because it is your life. It surely deserves the best you can give!

When Things Just Won’t Work…

Trust us, we all have been in situations when things just won’t work and you feel like it is the end of the world! It is perfectly normal because you are in a different environment, you are away from home, so there come anxiety and homesickness among other things. Even if you always wanted to get away from home, college is not always what you have expected. There are three basic rules that you should remember to help you overcome sadness, stress, anxiety, and this feeling when you just do not want to be in college any longer.

1. Stay on campus as much as you can, so the more time you spend on campus, the more you will feel at home and as a part of a community. Join social and cultural events that take place to get your mind away. Try to be creative, have fun, joke around, and inspire people because, trust us, they feel bad too even if they do not show it!

2. Be ready to feel stressed, tired, and overwhelmed. Just know that you are not the only one feeling this way. Do not feel pressured to make hasty decisions about chosen career or a major. Give it some time, try to learn and see what it is. It is not a race that you have to win. Hence, see what you really enjoy, but take time to learn it inside out, talk to professors and other students before you make a turn.

3. Seek professional help when and IF you feel that you need it. It is perfectly normal. The colleges have counseling and health centers, so if you are not feeling well, you should let professionals know. Depression, bullying, feeling isolated, harassment or any conflicts should be reported, as you do not have to face these challenges alone.

We hope that all these little tricks and tips will help you to get through the freshman year at college. Be determined, take advantage of your social network of friends, voluntary work, and the special skills you definitely have. Have fun as you learn, give some time for yourself and remember that it is your life that you can control. You are already a warrior who is winning the first battle because you have what it takes!

Do not forget that you are studying to help yourself feel good about life and do not let any stress ruin it, just contact Nerdify for help any time.

This time our friendly Nerdify reviews team is here to tell you about the books that will inspire and take you on a wonderful journey as you read along. We decided to choose among the entries that differ on the subject, type, and target audience. There will be something for everyone from detective stories and drama to inspiration books that will teach you a lesson or two. Below are the contestants that are most expected among the readers in 2020:

The Power of Self-Discipline by Brian Tracy

We can always install a helpful application that will alert us about things we have to do, yet it will never work without at least a bit of self-discipline that comes straight from our brain. Written in a friendly and heart-warming language, this book helps to find ways to focus on the most important things. There should be no excuses this time! Find enough time to meet an old friend, study well, and still have fun. This book is a perfect guide when you need just a little bit of help. As we picked the Nerdify reviews list, this book became a revelation and pointed out things we all seemed to miss!

Smarter, Faster, Better! The Secrets of Being Productive in Life & Business by Charles Duhigg

Living in the age of technology and information, it seems that being successful often becomes our top priority. This book takes a scientific approach to success and focuses on neuroscience, social sciences, and psychology of experienced individuals. There are quotes from CEOs, aircraft pilots, law enforcement agents, songwriters, Hollywood actors, and more. See what has made them successful and read about exclusive facts shared by the experts.

Long Bright River by Liz Moore

As the true Nerds we are, Nerdify reviews would be incomplete without at least one novel dealing with mystery and a detective story. An upcoming story from the author of the famous The Girl On The Train novel, this particular book is a mixture of mystery and an unsolved crime. It tells of a female policewoman from Philadelphia as she seeks for her missing sister. It is more than a family drama as it deals with addiction and explores powerful emotions. Not wishing to give much away, we cannot recommend this book enough!

A Long Petal of the Sea by Isabel Allende

If you want to learn more about the Spanish Civil War and take a trip back in time, this book is your best bet. Telling about the romance between a man and a woman in love, this beautiful story has a classic narration style where realism and the painful truth combine in an endless sea of emotions. It is epic, powerful, the reading that will probably make you cry and think of giving a call to all the beloved.

The Authenticity Project by Clare Pooley

No, this is not your typical motivation book offered by Nerdify reviews! This great story is a true adventure book with strong thriller elements. It tells about an aging artist who starts writing his life story in a little green book. Sounds just about right? Well, it doesn’t if you forget it in the local bar! When a stranger picks it up, the book becomes filled with more and more entries that tell about the locals. There are more twists and mysteries than one can imagine!

Mr. Nobody by Catherine Steadman

Some of us may not really like reading and would rather watch a movie, yet this is another story. This novel tells about a man who finds himself washed up upon an English countryside beach. He does not remember who he is or where he came from. As he seeks help, the best English neuro-psychiatrist offers professional help. The story becomes rather complex and frightening as the doctor realizes that the past is not that bright and there are things the patient would rather not remember. Powerful, thrilling, and well-written, this book is just like watching a Netflix movie that keeps you up on your toes until the end.

Apeirogon by Colum McCann

The last entry is not an easy read, yet a good reminder about how precious our lives are and how our differences often make us united. This book tells about two fathers, one of whom is Palestinian and the other one from Israel. They both have lost their children because of the endless conflict that takes place in the region. How do they cope? Is there a light of hope for them or at least a try to diminish the loss? A winner of the National Book Award, McCann claims that his latest offering reveals the inner side of politics and the culture as the pain, loss, hope, and the memories come undone.

Regardless if you are planning to travel domestically these days or hope to visit a certain location abroad, you still have to check with the different restrictions and rules applicable for 2021 as an American student. According to what we could find out at Nerdify reviews, your first step should be checking up with the U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory. While we already have a list of European countries that accept vaccinated travelers, things are not that simple in practice. You still have to receive approval from the Department of State Travel committee and see the list of exceptions in advance. You can take a closer look here to study all the latest news because it will always depend on the purpose of your travel.

To make matters even worse we also have the European Union giving various hints stating that Americans would be restricted from entry due to the high and rising US coronavirus rate. However, there are also different rules for certain U.S. states, which means that you should always check twice to ensure that you do not have to spend at least 14 days of your journey stuck in quarantine.

Turning to the situation with the American students, our Nerdify reviews experts could find out the following:

– Graduate Students (including the ones who study abroad). You would need approval from the U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory according to Level 1 and 2 rules. The same relates to Level 3 & 4 travels. Currently, the group travels of students are not permitted if you plan to travel in groups of three or more people.

Regarding personal travels, it is recommended to postpone them unless you are coming back to your home country or travel for personal reasons or medical emergencies. Once again, our Nerdify reviews team asks you to take a look at the Covid-19 rules and related risks concerning travel restrictions in 2021.

If you plan to travel domestically for your internship based on your academic program, the chances are high that you will require approval from your advisor and the educational institution in question. You need the approval of the dean or a certified representative of the head of the administrative unit. You should be present in person with the list (and location) of all planned activities, housing, medical restrictions, vaccination (if available), and more.

Finally, domestic travels for personal reasons will include following the rules between the states and the check-in procedures upon your return and arrival to campus.

– Undergraduate Students (including study abroad individuals). According to what our Nerdify reviews team could see, the majority of colleges in the United States do not recommend their students to travel abroad these days unless the issue is urgent. You should, however, check with your institution to see whether they have lifted the “suspended” status.

Regarding international personal travel, undergraduate students are also recommended to postpone their plans until further announcement unless they belong to exchange students coming back to their home countries or need to come back because of legal or healthcare aspects. Once again, it is recommended to take time and study the U.S. Department of State website where they list various countries and talk about the risks and restrictions one may encounter. Since the situation changes literally every day, check the latest updates as often as you can.

Just like the postgraduate students, you are not allowed to travel in groups of three or more people. Still, if you receive written approval for any journey related to your academic studies, you still have a chance.

You must remember that only graduate students can receive a special Travel Waiver that would show that they are traveling for academic purposes, yet if you have a secure written approval document from the university’s dean, you should discuss this issue (and exceptions) with your academic advisor. This rule applies to all types of American students that travel beyond the United States or return from another country.

Coming back from abroad or traveling domestically through the United States, it is necessary to take a closer look at the rules introduced by your state and the other state(s) that you are planning to visit.

The Travel Exceptions

Remember that you may appear in the special exceptions list as an American student if you are:

– coming back to your home country as a permanent resident;
– a member of the U.S. Armed Forces attached to a mission;
– travel for the purpose of containment or mitigation of Covid-19;
– represent those whose entry represents the national interest and the matters of Homeland Security.

You should always check with your state’s laws and the international travel restrictions as a student to make your journeys safe and avoid any restrictions or trouble.