10 Tips: From Community College to University

 

10 times out of 10, I will encourage anyone to pursue a four-year experience at a university (my experience was incredible, so I may be a bit biased). BUT, this option might not be for everyone. In fact, many students elect to attend a community college—even those who expect to go on to get a bachelor’s at a four-year institution.

Even though you are already a college student, the transition from a community college into a university may not be seamless. Whether you’re transferring, currently enrolled, or maybe just considering your options at a community college, the below tips will better help you navigate through this process.

Disclaimer: Many students think that transferring is a long and painful process. At UNK, we dispel this myth every day by providing comprehensive and highly personal guidance throughout each student’s transfer process. It doesn’t have to be a hassle! Learn more about transferring to UNK here. 

1. Keep your options open.  
National research indicates that community college students who complete their associate’s degree graduate at the baccalaureate at a higher rate. However, you do not have to go to community college for two years. You can transfer into a four-year institution at any time. It can be after two years, or after one semester.

2. Shop around. 
There’s a good chance that your career or degree plans changed since graduating high school. The four-year that you thought you had your heart set on may no longer be the best option for the subject you want to pursue. See what institution can provide you with the best degree options and financial aid packages.

3. Plan ahead.  
The earlier, the better. Plan campus visits while you’re in high school—It’s easier to visit in high school than it is when you’re already in college. Have a few of your top transfer schools selected early on. Then know each of their transfer requirements.

4. Choose a major. 
Because of the reasons in number 5.

5. Know what will actually transfer. 
This is very important. If you are going to a community college to save money, you probably aren’t wanting to spend time and money on classes that won’t transfer. If you planned ahead, you can make sure that every class you take at community college will transfer to your next institution. For example, UNK has a very useful transfer guide that will show you what classes will transfer from your community college and how they will transfer to UNK.

6. Don’t do it alone. 
Utilize your advisers and meet regularly with them. Keep your adviser informed of your transfer plans. Keep in touch with your transfer school—either find an Admissions Counselor or adviser to keep you posted with upcoming dates and deadlines.

7. Get admitted. 
Getting admitted to your new institution is important for obvious reasons. But it’s also important for you to do your research and know if you will need to be admitted into your specific academic program as well. For instance, many athletic training, graphic design, and education degrees require you to be admitted into these programs before entering your junior year.

8. Seek financial assistance. 
If you haven’t already filled out your FAFSFA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)—DO IT! Many universities offer great scholarships fortransfer students. Explore those opportunities and work to meet their requirements. And make sure you meet those deadlines!

9. Attend a transfer day. 
Many transfer students don’t think they need an orientation since they are already a college student. But your university will be different. There are many opportunities and advantages in attending a transfer day (and they’re often mandatory) so don’t miss out on that. This is the time when you will meet with an adviser and enroll in classes—So it’s very important!

10. Stay focused. 
If you made it to the end of this list, seems like that won’t be a problem for you. Work hard to finish on time. The farther off track you get from your end goal, the easier it is to give up on your degree. Don’t do that.

These are just a few quick tips. Transferring does not need to be an overwhelming process; the key to success is just good communication. Keep in touch with your prospective transfer schools and keep your community college adviser well-informed of your plans. You're not the only one that wants to see you succeed! 

Live From The Rock Wall

That person down there 30 ft. below me is my friend Ryo Suzuki, an international student from Japan and the best belayer on this side of I-80.

For those of you that have never rock-climbed, this is an incredibly (and incredibly under-estimated) form of exercise-- challenging both physically and mentally.

UNK's rock wall is located in the new wellness center facility and has created quite the buzz on campus. Several students have taken such an interest in this new hobby (and, added bonus, intense exercise) that they have created traveling rock climbing teams in which they attend competitions. UNK Outdoor Adventures has also been leading groups of students on some really cool trips. One of which was a spring break trip to Arizona where students had the chance to climb actual rocks. Cool.

To keep up to date with all things Climbing Wall and Outdoor Adventures related, check them out on social media!

• Facebook: UNK Outdoor
• Twitter: @UNKOUTDOOR
• Instagram: @unk_outdooradventures

Advice from President Calhoun

Greetings, Fellow Americans: Live from the Office of the UNK Student Body President/Student Regent is Evan Calhoun-- Here to give you some valuable insight and advice in getting the most out of your college experience! 

Calhoun's Advice: My advice for new students would be to meet new people and to get involved! College is a great growing and learning experience for everyone and it will go by fast! So, go out there, and meet new friends, join an organization, and most importantly have fun! College is what you make it, so you might as well make it fun!

Student Government: For freshman, I would highly recommend getting involved with Student Government because of all the different networking one gains from being a member! If you are looking to get involved but don’t quite yet want to tackle a HUGE responsibility then I would recommend running for Freshman Senator! This is an awesome opportunity for incoming freshman who are passionate about Student Government. If elected, one gets the opportunity to sit in all of the meetings and truly learn the formality of Student Government-- And have a fun time doing it!

...................................

Name: Evan Calhoun

From: North Platte, Nebraska

Major: Business Administration emphasis in Marketing 

Career Goals: "Own my own company!"

Campus Involvements: 

• UNK Student Body President/Student Regent
• Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity member
• Avid intramural participant 

Where I can be found on campus: One can find me at the Cushing Coliseum utilizing the awesome workout facility, rock wall, or playing intramurals. I can also be found at the Nebraskan Student Union in my office behind the Welcome Desk, ANY Loper Athletic event cheering on the Lopers, the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity house, or West Center where all my classes are!

Fun Fact: I have had grey hair since Freshman year of High School! 

Things You Take To College But Don't Actually Need

You're super excited to come to college so you're going to do what I did: Force your parents and little brothers to help you carry every conceivable item that you might ever need into your 12'x12' dorm room. Don't do that.

Below are 5 things that you will take to your dorm that you will never need.

.......................

1. Your Entire Closet // It's time to make some sacrifices. Check out the recent blog post "What Clothes to Bring to College" for some good detailed advice.

2. Anything that can start a fire because you'll be that person // This stuff is already outlawed by residence life because we don't trust you to not burn down the building after you forget to remove the aluminum flavor packet from your late-night Ramen. But you don't want this stuff anyway. Microwaves, toasters, hot plates. They take up a lot of space. They smell. And there's one available to you just down the hall.

3. Extra furniture // 1) It stinks to move. 2) You might not really need it. // If you're able to wait on it, decide later if it's something that you really want/need in your room. I had a futon in my dorm room for three years and it ended up just being a throne for all of our unfolded clothes and bags. We didn't need the extra seating. No one wanted to hang out with us...

4. An iron and ironing board // This tops the list of pointless crap I had in my room that I never ever used. Even when I lived at home I didn't iron my clothes. Why did I think I needed to in college? All I wore were yoga pants.

5. All of your Harry Potter books // I know this isn't a mistake that only I made. Because my freshman year roommate also brought all of hers. Yep, kid you not. We did not need two sets / 20 pounds / all of our shelf-space taken up with Harry Potter books. Or maybe we did. Idk.

Your High School Schedule vs. Your College Schedule

So yeah, this is a really rough idea of what an average college student’s schedule might look like. You might have a science lab thrown into one of your afternoons. You might not. Maybe you never have class until noon. Maybe you’re done with class at noon. Perhaps you’re taking a night class. IDK. You chose your schedule, not the public school system.

Either way, you’re entering a world where, for the first time in your life, you’re expected to manage your own time with time that you’ve never had available before. You’re leaving the structured schedule you’ve spent years mastering and are entering what could be chaos.

Time Management Tips:

• GET INVOLVED. Everyone says this, because yeah it's fun and it'll make college more enjoyable and you'll meet more people (blah, blah, blah). But you actually need to do it. You need structure in your schedule. 
• Get a planner. A planner. Your phone. The back of your hand. Whatever. You need it. Find what works best for you.
• And then, write down everything. 
• Do your homework as you get it. Don’t let yourself fall behind. Look at all of that free time you have in your evenings.
• Give yourself a day off. I told myself that I would never do schoolwork on Saturdays. It allowed me to have one day off and forced myself to work even harder on Sunday nights. Reward yourself.

What are some tips or strategies that you've used to help you manage your time? Please share!

What clothes to bring to college

Either you’re counting down the days until move-in [45!] or you’re counting down the days until you have to say goodbye to your unshared walk-in closet. Either way, the time is approaching. When I was a young freshman packing for college, one of the hardest things I had to do was decide what clothes to pack and what to leave. So I cut the decision and brought them all. Not advised.

QUICK TIPS:

1. Pack light.
   Easier said than done, I know. But start with bringing only the clothes that you absolutely know you’ll be wearing in the first few weeks. If you live somewhat close to home, you can go back for more. But this will make move-in day much easier. It’ll also make settling into your room much less overwhelming.
    
2. It’s August: You don’t need your sweaters.
   You’ll more than likely be going home for Fall/Thanksgiving break. You can grab your winter clothes then and trade-in your summer garb. You do not need every sweater and pair of jeans in the middle of August. You’re welcome.
    
3. You don’t need more than 8 t-shirts.
   That’s one for every day of the week, plus one. Besides, if you’re doing college right (GETTING INVOLVED!) your t-shirt collection will immediately begin growing and you’ll have no interest in wearing those old high school tees. Time to start collecting your Intramural championship shirts, playa.
    
4. Don’t bring all of your shoes.
   This is the most hypocritical thing I’ve ever told anyone ever. But don’t bring all of your shoes. When you’re walking to class every day, you’re going to end up grabbing the ones that are most versatile and most comfortable. You really only need a few good pairs.

CLOSET ESSENTIALS:

1. One good rain/wind jacket with a hood.
   
2. Waterproof boots. You may not wear them often, but you will be SO HAPPY that you have them when you need them. These are especially fly come that awkward sloshy-wintertime weather. You will be the only one not wringing out your socks outside of your lecture hall.
   
   
   
3. At least one business professional outfit. There’s a good chance that you’ll be attending some sort of networking event while on campus. Maybe a job interview. Perhaps you’re running for an elected student government position. Maybe you don’t want to look like a scrub for your first class presentation. Whatever—you need this.
   
   
    
4. A few “cute” lounge outfits. Chances are, you’re going to be wearing mostly lounge clothes. You’re living out of a dorm (where there will constantly be a ton of other people around all the time), so that’s perfectly acceptable. What isn’t acceptable though is exclusively wearing holey sweats and old high school class trip tees with stretched out collars. Have some respect for yourself.
   
   
   
   Is anyone out there more experienced than myself? If you have more (or better!) tips, please comment below! If you have any questions or need some advice, comment below! If you'd like to comment below, then comment below! Bless

8 College Dorm Hacks

I'll just precursor this post with a "you're welcome."

1. “Wait, where is my phone charger?”

When you move into your residence hall, there will suddenly be hundreds of these floating around. Every friend that stops by your room will ask to borrow yours. And if they’re not your real friend, they’ll try to pull a fast one on ya, take it, and act like it was an honest mistake. Wrap patterned duct tape around your iPhone charger and cable to set it apart from the rest.

2. Learn how to fold your clothes

Start practicing. When you’re given one chest of drawers for two people to share, space saving is everything. You need to learn how to efficiently cram as much as you can into one drawer.

3. “What the heck do all of these cords go to?”

First of all, power strips are everything. Get at LEAST two for your room. You’ll want one for your desk and one by the TV for all of that other stuff. But you’re also going to need a quick way of knowing what is what. When you’re watching a movie and want to plug in some Christmas lights (for added ambiance), you don’t want to accidentally unplug the mini-fridge thinking it was your hair dryer. The smell of spoiled milk can kill your vibe.

4. Jewelry organization

This one’s mostly for the ladies (or men, y’all can accessorize too). If your school is cool with you putting holes in the wall (or if you’re good enough at concealing ones that you made) hanging your jewelry is a great way to organize it all. Plus, if you’ve got good style, then this could also be a killer way of decorating your dorm. If you don't have style, maybe just find a Rubbermaid tote or something.

5. No, it’s not Christmas. And no, it doesn’t matter.

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS ARE EVERYTHING. Am I the only one that gets headaches from fluorescent lights? Get some white lights (Christmas lights and lamps, not LED—those are worse than fluorescents) and deck the halls… er, dorm. [bonus: it looks awesome]

6. “Why did you just buy 30 shower curtain rings?”

Because you suddenly realized that it’s an amazing way to save space for all of those smaller pieces like tank tops that you don’t have drawer space for (see #2 above) and it’s the BEST way to hang all of your scarves!

7. Plastic hook iPad wall mount

The idea of being on top bunk sounds so cool until you’re on top bunk. But there are ways to take make your annoying top bunk feel like a cozy nest. For instance, take some sticky plastic hooks and make yourself a cheap iPad wall mount. Now snuggle in and binge watch Netflix. And ask your roommate to hand you your hot chocolate.

8. "Turn it up!" ... "It's already up."
So you're Spotify playlist is on fleek but your internal speakers are too weak? [Did anyone else read that like the opening credits of Pimp My Ride? Or am I aging myself now?]

Music To Our Ears

The UNK Bell Tower is arguably the most iconic feature of the UNK campus. With 24 bells all working in harmony, the tower can be heard in all its glory on the hour, every hour. I myself fall among the ranks of the many Lopers who claim this campus staple as their favorite piece of UNK.

Under the guidance of the Dean of Natural and Social Sciences, John LaDuke, the UNK Bell Tower has really stepped up its game in the past couple of years. The bell tower's voice transformed from a simple chime to the melody of Lady Gaga's Bad Romance, Here Comes the Sun by the Beatles, and my personal favorite, the theme song to our beloved Harry Potter (among several other tunes).

You can view a sample of some of the music produced by this beauty in the video below. But to really experience the true essence of the bell tower, you'll have to visit her in campus yourself. And also follow her on Twitter: @UNKBells -- (Yep, she's a her).

Advice From Miranda

The transition into college can be a difficult one, but it doesn't have to be! Miranda Cherry gives her advice in how to make the most of your college experience and how to ease that life transition onto campus.

Advice For Students New To College:

"My advice for all you nervous new-comers is just to go out and do whatever it is that you think is fun! You think social justice is cool- join the Social Justice League on campus! You really like reading, join a book club- We have so many options and you'll meet people along the way that become your greatest friendships! High School is over and it's now time for you to be your own person, so you get to enjoy whatever you want-- gaming, yoga, running, dance, different cultures, science... WHATEVER! You just have to push yourself to go alone that one time and then you're having the time of your life!"

 

.......................................................................................

Name: Miranda Cherry

From: Valentine, NE

Major: Organizational and Relational Communication

Career Goals: Work in a First Year Programs or Admissons Office at a University.

Where You Can Find Her On Campus:  
"You can find me at Queer Straight Alliance meetings and events, grabbing coffee at Java Notes in the FAB with friends, having a blast at Residence Hall Association events, attending stellar performances brought to us by the Theatre Department on campus, and of course walking around giving tours for the Admissions Office!"

Fun Fact:

"I've been playing the clarinet since 6th Grade and my Senior Year of High School I lettered in varsity football (I was a football manager I know hard to believe I wasn't center)."