Written by Mary Beth Hills

college graduation, student loans

You know those things that seem completely normal but when you think about them, you realize they aren’t so normal? For example, some people need to turn on the TV or music so they can focus on reading or doing their homework. Can you get anything done with all that background noise?

Another thing that seems commonplace: the amount of debt a student racks up upon finishing college. In talking with a Canadian about college costs recently, she remarked, “So you’re in loads of debt before you even have a chance to work?” Yep, pretty much. And we agree to this, if not encourage it! Student loans are the number two source of household debt, according to National Public Radio (NPR). Whether you are going to school online or on campus, it is no secret that the costs add up.

President Obama’s student loan forgiveness plan has become a hot topic of debate in recent news. On Wednesday, the federal government revealed a new program called “Know Before You Owe”. Its purpose is to inform students about the risks of taking out student loans. Also, it redefines federal loan stipulations for borrowers.

The plan caps student loan payments at 10% of a student’s income (it used to be 15%)—so if a student made $30,000 a year after college, they would have to pay no more than $3,000 in student loan payments per year. In addition, student loans would be forgiven after 20 years (as opposed to after 25 years, the current length of time). The President wants to
institute loan forgiveness as soon as next year.

It’s easy to get caught up in choosing a school based on sports teams, dorm rooms, or friends, but the financial side of college is important as well. Make sure you know how much you (and your parents, if they’re helping you) can pay, and keep an eye out for scholarship opportunities. College is not cheap, but there are lots of payment options available.

Racking up heaps of debt isn’t the most fun or exciting thing to do, but look on the bright side: at least you’re paying for a great education, gearing up for a job you’re passionate about, and making a lot of memories. If you’re paying all that money, you may as well make the most of it!

A Back To School Must Have For Girls

We all know it’s a fact that everyone poops. But, that doesn’t seem to ease the embarrassment of going in public…or anywhere outside of the privacy and comfort of your own bathroom. We found a product that is a definite must have for every girl’s back to school shopping list: Poo-Pourri. It almost seems like a joke when you first hear about it. Their product names and marketing are cleverly hilarious. But it is no joke. Poo-Pourri is for real and seriously awesome.

Poo-Pourri products are a natural air freshener and spray deodorizer that eliminates bathroom odor before it even reaches the air! It creates a barrier that prevents embarrassing bathroom smells from escaping the toilet. All you have to do is spray the toilet water before you go…that’s it! They have several different scents to choose from, including Call of Doody, Crap Shooter and No. 2 (our favorite) to leave behind instead.

These products are not even in the same category as air fresheners. Air fresheners attempt to cover up smells, but its always obvious what’s being done. Not to mention the stinky odors seem to be evident under the spray. And it is kind of hard to keep a can of aerosol air freshener discreetly in your bag. Poo-Pourri is like nothing we have ever tried. It works to completely eliminate nasty odors and the scents of their products are actually pleasant. They smell more like a perfume or scented candle.

So for every girl going back to school, keep a small 2 ounce bottle in your purse or book bag for any inconvenient time nature calls. And college girls who will soon be sharing a bathroom with a hall of other girls, nothing could be more ideal. A little goes a long way and the reasonable price is worth it to prevent any embarrassment that could stay with you longer than a stinky toilet…

For more information or to purchase go to http://poopourri.com/. Enter the discount code “relatemag” and get 20% off online orders!(Discount code Begins:  8/1/11 and Ends:  9/1/11)

Or if you prefer, you can buy it on amazon.

]]> http://www.relatemag.com/2011/07/prevent-poo-embarrassment/feed/ 0 http://www.relatemag.com/2011/02/take-advantage-of-what-your-campus-has-to-offer/ http://www.relatemag.com/2011/02/take-advantage-of-what-your-campus-has-to-offer/#comments Tue, 22 Feb 2011 15:26:47 +0000 mary http://www.relatemag.com/?p=8727 Take Advantage of What Your Campus Has to Offer

By Devin Miller

Campus Bowling

Flyers line dormitory walls advertising free events on campus, but how often do we
actually check those out? Take advantage of these events! It is the perfect opportunity to branch
out and meet new people. Many times, you can leave with a nice souvenir and a new friend.
Besides free events on campus, colleges and universities often offer exciting activities at
reduced prices. Terpzone, a bowling alley at the University of Maryland’s Stamp Student Union,
gives students the chance to hit the lanes for only $2 on a Saturday afternoon! If students are
looking for a fun night out they can try out cosmic bowling, and get shoes and a lane for only
$5.50!
If bowling is not your forte, Terpzone also has ten billiard tables, a video game arcade,
and a wide-screen T.V. lounge. There is something for everyone!
The University of Maryland is definitely not the only school with cool hang out spots.
Towson University provides live music and performances at the Paws eatery in the Stamp
Student Union. Catch a bite to eat and listen to a new local band. With the high price of a trip to
the movie theater, Paws offers students a free alternative. Every Thursday and Friday night, there
is a screening of a popular movie.
Your Stamp Student Union is a great place to start looking for fun activities or events.
Also, with the popularity of social networking among college students, Facebook has become a
fast and efficient way to create events and invite large numbers of people. Instead of immediately
deleting these campus events or ignoring them, take the time to read the description. Often times,
these events help to raise money for a charity, and are a great way to give back.
The opportunities for inexpensive (or even free) fun surround you, but it is up to you and
your friends to take advantage of them. Why always do the same thing every weekend? College
only lasts four years so try your best to do something new every week.

By Devin Miller

college roommates

Moving in to a small dorm room with a complete stranger and living with her for an entire year;
expected to live on your own for the first time and succeed in college. Sound scary? No need to
worry! Hundreds of thousands of college freshman start off the year in the same exact position.
Your prospective roommate most likely feels exactly the same way that you do, and is looking to
create a solid, lasting relationship with her first college roommate. Here are some tips on how to
to be the best roommate someone could ask for!

Stay clean and organized:

When you’re sharing a room with another person it is very important
to keep your side of the room clutter-free. Before you know it, sweaters, shoes, books, and potato
chip bags can start taking over your roommate’s space. Every day, take ten minutes to straighten
up your room. Not only will your roomie appreciate your effort to stay organized, but also you
will feel better having a clean space to study and relax. A tub of Clorox wipes is a great
investment. These handy wipes can quickly clean up a small spill and sanitize most surfaces.

Ask questions:

Not all roommates are best friends, but it is important that you get to know the
most you can about the girl you’re living with. When you are first getting to know each other,
ask her where she’s from, ask about her family, her hobbies, her favorite sports team. You’d be
surprised how a simple question can turn into a great conversation; roommate bonding will take
place in no time. At the end of a long day of classes, always ask how her day was; by asking a
question like this, you can show that you are interested and willing to listen.

Meet the parents:

Chances are, the two of you will be moving in on the same day and will
inevitably meet each other’s families. Be sure to shake hands and introduce yourself. It is vital to
make a good first impression. Being friendly will not only gain their respect, but also show your
roommate that you are open to building a relationship.

Roommate studying= Be quiet!:

This seems obvious, right? It may be tempting to call your
boyfriend or skype with your best friend from home, but if your roommate is studying you must
move your conversation elsewhere. Even though you may not think it is distracting, people can
have very different study habits. It’s best to leave the room and show your roommate that you are
respecting her study time. Next time you are cramming for an exam, your roomie will be more
likely to give you the quiet time you need.

R-E-S-P-E-C-T:

The one word that is key to a successful rooming experience: respect. Always
the follow the golden rule. You can almost hear your mom or kindergarten teacher reciting it over
and over, “Treat others as you would like to be treated.” It’s simple but it is one of the most
important statements to live by.

By Devin Miller

Seniors from North East High School’s Class of 2011, relatemag.com

picture source: facebook

All of the application letters are sealed and sent out to prospective schools. Now what?
The waiting period; the time of limbo between applying to colleges and hearing back from them.
We always talk about how busy we are slaving away over endless essays and applications, and
we celebrate when the acceptance letters arrive in the mailbox, but we never talk about the
indescribable time in between.
Some high school seniors want to push fast forward, put on their cap and gown, and walk
down the aisle to “Pomp and Circumstance,” while others wish to slow down the time, making
the most of every second spent with friends and family. For many, it is a mix of the two.
Three seniors from North East High School in North East, Md., are all too familiar with
the “waiting period.”
Natalie Loux, 17, calls this time of limbo simultaneously nerve-racking and exciting. “I
think about it every day, because there is a new step every day,” she said. Although Natalie has
yet to hear from her top choice, she understands the benefits of going to each of the colleges she
applied to. “There is a completely different picture for each one of them,” she said. “At one I
would have a lot of friends (that are already there), at one I like the size, and the other has
completely different surroundings.”
Recently accepted to Salisbury University, Rachel Clewer, 17, plans to attend the
university next fall. “I was anxious because I am playing a sport, and I knew being accepted or
not would determine where I could play,” Rachel said.
Although Rachel already knows where she will be attending next year, she remembers
how it felt while she was waiting for acceptance letters. “It was scary because people around you
are finding out where they are going, but once you know, it is a huge weight off of your
shoulders,” she said.
For 17-year-old Meghan Fersch, it is the moving away from home that she thinks about
the most. “I feel scared but also very anxious to be somewhere else other than where I have been
for the past 17 years,” she said. Meghan explains that she tried to picture herself living in an
urban or rural setting. Also, the community events and athletics at each school she applied to will
help her determine where she will attend in the fall.
This waiting period is nothing to be afraid of. Once all of your application letters are sent
out, take the time to appreciate every moment spent with high school friends; the homecoming
dance, sporting events, prom, and graduation. It is impossible to relive these special moments so
do not take them for granted. College is a new, exciting chapter, and although the “waiting
period” may seem stressful or even a little scary, before you know it you will be signing up for
classes and decorating your dorm room!

By Devin Miller

Campus Safety

College campuses can seem very overwhelming, and take a little while to learn how to
navigate. Whether you are living on campus in a dorm, or off campus in an apartment, there are
many things that you should keep in mind in order to stay safe. Here are some helpful tips so that
you and your friends can stay out of harm’s way.

-Always walk in groups. If you are out late, never walk back to your place alone. In college, the
buddy system becomes more crucial than ever. It is a good idea to figure out how you plan on
getting home before you go out with friends for the night.

-Make use of campus transportation. Many campuses offer an array of transportation options for
students. For example, at the University of Maryland, there is a bus service called Shuttle-UM.
These buses run from 5:30 p.m. to about 3:00 a.m. Their stops are located all around campus, in
front of dormitories and school buildings. It is up to you to check out the services offered by
your school. Depending on the size of your school, the campus transportation options may be
vast or limited. Take advantage of what your school has to offer; it’s there for you to use!

-Create an overnight kit and keep it at your best girlfriend’s place on campus. For nights when
you are up really late watching movies or hanging out, it may make more sense just to crash at
your friend’s place than to risk getting back to your dorm. An overnight kit should include a
toothbrush, a small tube of toothpaste, contact solution and a contact case (if necessary). Pack
anything that is absolutely necessary for you when sleeping over.

-Keep an extra list of emergency numbers separate from the ones one your phone. Nowadays, we
never learn anyone’s number. Many of us would probably have trouble reciting our best friend’s
digits. Because of this, it is smart to keep a short list of numbers in your purse. This list should
include your closest friends on campus, your roommate, your parents, the emergency number for
campus safety, and any other vital phone numbers. This way, if you were to ever lose or break
your phone, you would still be able to reach everyone in case of an emergency.

The most important thing is to be aware of your surroundings at all times. Be smart, and
do not do anything or go anywhere that seems the least bit risky. College is an exciting
appearance that brings about an entirely new list of responsibilities, and one of your main
priorities at all times must be to stay safe.

Written by Devin Miller

source: sxc.hu

The weather is warming up, the sun is out, and the school days seem to be getting longer and longer. If the clear skies and higher temperatures are making you feel less motivated in school, you probably have a case of spring fever. Some simple tips can help you to stay on top of your school work even when Mother Nature seems to be doing everything to keep you from doing so.

-Motivation is key. Keep yourself motivated to finish out the school year on a high note. No one wants to start summer knowing that they failed their biology test, or turned in a so-so research paper. Your summer break will feel even better after pushing your hardest up to the very end.

-Work outside. If the weather is nice and your homework is portable, find a grassy spot to lay a towel. Flash cards are the best study tools to bring outside. Also, do not forget the sunscreen!

-Take outdoor breaks. Research at the library keeping you inside? Take breaks by walking outside or going for a run. A bit of fresh air will wake you up and get your mind off of your work.

-Senioritis. High school and college seniors normally have the worst form of spring fever: senioritis. After spending so much time in school, you have that unforgiving urge to move on to the next step. No matter what, do not let senioritis take a toll on your school work.

For high school seniors, colleges will check to see if you have kept your grades up. Even though you may have been admitted, if your grades drop drastically, a college can change its mind. Plus, when you are a college freshman you will be studying harder than ever, so if you took it easy senior year…you will be in for a rude awakening.

For college seniors, now is the time to start reaching out to future employers. While branching out into the real-world may seem intimidating, you must be proactive and determined. Those who get discouraged or lazy will have a hard time competing in the job search process.

-Do some spring cleaning. If it looks like a bomb just went off on your desk, then its time to do some organizing. Go through all of your folders and binders, and empty out what you do not need. When final exams come around you will be glad that you did! Being neat and organized will give you the ability to face the end of the year with confidence.

-Start a countdown. Make a chain-link countdown out of construction paper, or just mark it on your calendar. By doing this, you will see each day as an achievement. Every time you update the countdown you will be happy knowing that you’re one day closer to summer break.

Start your summer off right by staying motivated now! How you finish out the year is what matters most, so put your effort in today in order to receive the rewards later.

It doesn’t matter what year you are in college; once you leave home and then go back, it’s always different. I still remember my first time coming home from New York when I was a freshman. I had decided to fly home for Thanksgiving and so I flew into Logan Airport in Boston. When I landed, I did the usual and went to get my luggage and then headed outside to the pick-up area. I called my parents and they said they’d be there in ten minutes. While I waited, I looked around me and just started crying. I called my best friend and told her I was in Boston and that’d I would be home soon. I told her I didn’t know why I was crying. It may have been because those three months in New York were the longest I had ever been away from home. My family drove up and put my luggage in the trunk, and then I got into the car and cried uncontrollably while my brother rubbed my back.

My first summer home was even more difficult. It was like I was living two different lives. I felt like two completely different people. When you go to college, you act different because you’re with different kinds of people; these aren’t your best friends you’ve known forever. These are strangers. The things I had in common with my friends at school weren’t what I had in common with my friends from home. Plus, I live in the complete opposite atmosphere at school. I lived the city life; at home, it’s more of a country life. This transition was hard to get used to because I was constantly trying to balance my two worlds. The one thing I’ve learned is that it’s pretty much impossible to get the balance right. With Facebook and texting now, it’s easier but it may not set well with people at home. My friends from high school get mad when I am constantly texting my friends from college. They say that I get to see them all the time while they only get to see me in the summer and holidays. That’s true, but what they don’t understand is that I’m constantly texting them while I’m at school. It ends up being the same thing but they just don’t see that. That’s where the hurdles come in… trying to make everyone happy.

I’ve often found myself wanting to spend less time at home and want to be at school more. It’s not because I don’t want to see my friends and family, it’s simply because I’ve grown accustomed to living there. It has been my home for almost three years, whereas Maine is my temporary home for vacations now. It’s sad when the place you grew up in becomes just some place you like to visit, but I think it’s a part of growing up. I was meant to go explore the world; I’ve known that from the very start. So, it’s alright to let go, it’s okay to grow up and out. Find somewhere where you can be yourself and some place that makes you feel whole. That’s what really matters in the end. All the people who you know and love will still love you even if you live in a different country. Just don’t forget to keep in contact with them.

I doubt there will ever be a solution to my two different lives dilemma. For right now, this works though: Just be yourself, no matter where you are.

College essays are basically the ones written as a part of the admission procedure. These have to be very well-written and accurate because your dream rests on them. If you make any mistake, then you will lose the opportunity of joining your dream college. There are several websites that give you tips on how to write a good essay. A college entrance exam usually is attended by a huge number of people. The paper checker has to go through several writings. Therefore to get recognition for your essay it has to be unique. Your writing should be such that the reader prefers it over others. So if you are a scholar and are about to sit for a college entrance exam then here are some handy tips to write an essay and edit it in such a manner that it is accepted by the examiner.

Edit your essay and make it the best to read.

As most of the entrance exams are online nowadays, you are not required to correct it manually. You can use your word processor to do the editing for you. But you must know how to do it. Here are some easy ways of editing:

1.You have to check whether your essay is grammatically correct. A perfect piece of writing is that which is grammatically correct. So open the grammar check option and check the grammar. Do the editing as and when required.

2.You have to check the spellings. Switch on the spell check option of your word processor and make the necessary corrections.

3.You should check if the title of the topic is relevant with the content. Put a catchy title which will summarize your essay. The reader should get an overview of your written piece simply by reading the title.

4.Make the introduction as concise as possible. It should merely be an introduction to your reader about the topic you are writing.

5.Always maintain a string of thought while writing. Editing is a must if you have not followed it.

6.The conclusion is another important part. It basically summarizes the whole topic. Edit it if it does not gel well with the topic.

Style check is a must while editing college essays. It should have a higher standard. Edit it if it sounds very childish. Follow the above steps of editing and give the best shot for your exam. Be very focused on your target. Edit your essay in such a way that it becomes almost flawless. This will ensure that you succeed in writing a good and flawless essay.

By: Orson Dixon 1

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Edit College Essays – Penn & Paper has been helping students prepare brilliant admissions essays for years. Whether you’re applying to college, business school, law school, medical school or graduate school, you can trust our essay editing services to make your personal statement shine.

While living on campus is fun, living off of dining hall food is not (most of the time, at least.) Having greasy pizza and fried chicken every night leads to the dreaded “Freshmen 15.” However, you don’t have to resort to an unhealthy eating style if you live in a dorm. Here are some helpful tips to avoiding those extra pounds:

Buy healthy snacks.

If you leave boxes of Twinkies and Oreos in your dorm, that’s what you’ll be munching on during those all-nighters. Instead of stacking up on sugary sweets, keep healthy snacks around. Opt for cheese and crackers instead of Ring-Dings. Buy Wheat Thins instead of brownies. Whole grains or fruit like apples, bananas or pears are always non-perishable pluses, too. All these snacks are normally available in your campus market. This way, when you’re feeling hungry for a snack, you’re limited to the healthier options in your room (and you don’t need a car to get to them!)

Choose meals wisely.

Don’t go for the pizza every time you’re at the dining hall. Go for a turkey sandwich, pasta or veggies instead. Most dining halls offer several choices. Opt for the healthier ones and don’t pile on hile-calorie condiments all the time.

Work out!

Go to your college gym! This is included in your tuition, so make use of it. Working out will keep you in good shape, keep you active and help you fight off the college calories. Not to mention….it will boost your immunity during times of stress and when that winter bug is going around.

Take a walk.

If you’re living at school, take a walk around campus. Instead of riding the bus to your next class, leave early and walk. Moving around on your feet is an easy calorie burner.

Watch high-calorie/sugar drinks and alcohol.

If you’re drinking every time you go out, you’ll put on weight faster than you can imagine. Watch how often you consume alcohol if you’re of age, and remember that full sugar sodas, lemonades, fruit drinks and energy drinks take a serious toll on your calorie count, too. Opt for flavored water or Crystal Light if you want some more flavor.