student life

What Your Week Before Freshman Year Move-In Should Look Like

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

The week before your first year at college can be extremely stressful. After all, it’s a life changing move! On top of that, you have plenty to do before you’re ready for your move-in day. Here are a few things you should be doing the week prior to heading to your new college. Read the College’s …

student life

Icebreakers for You and Your College Roommate

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

When you just move in to your new dorm, those first few conversations with your roommate can be tough. Starting right off with asking super personal questions is probably not a good idea. Not everyone likes to discuss their personal life or family with someone they barely know. The secret to crossing over from stranger …

student life

How to Make a Home Care Package for Your College Student

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

After a few weeks of college, many students can start feeling quite homesick, especially if they go to a school far away from home. These are where home care packages come in! Here are some things you should include in their college care packages: Their Favorite Treats Everyone has a favorite snack, candy, or food. …

student life

What NOT To Do First Week of Freshman Year

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

As the countdown begins for your freshman year of college, you’re going to be hearing a lot of advice from a lot of different people. Some of it is good, some of it is great, and some you should avoid like the plague! Most of that advice will encompass your entire college career. However, your …

student life

What To Do After College Orientation

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Summer is drawing to a close and many of you have already attended your college freshman orientation. If you haven’t already, it’s most likely on the horizon. There are a few things you’ll want to do after orientation and before school starts: Select Your Dorm Some colleges have you select your dorm at the orientation, …

student life

3 Ways College Is Similar To High School

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

In high school, students hear a lot about how college is so different from high school that they are surprised when they actually start the semester and find that some things remain the same. Here are a few similarities between high school and college: Most college classes are conducted the same way as high school …

student life

New Roommates? 7 Cardinal Rules You Should Establish On Day One

By Heidi FiniganLast updated on December 22, 2022

You may have got things covered when it comes to your start-of-semester academic prep but are you ready for the challenges new roommates may bring? To maximize your chances of a harmonious roommate relationship, you need honest communication and a fair bit of compromise. You also need to agree on a few cardinal rules. Here …

student life

College Mascots with Interesting Histories (Part Two)

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on December 22, 2022

College mascots are oftentimes the rallying symbol or figure of school spirit. Things are way more exciting with a mascot around—and these mascots have an interesting history behind them. Check out our first list! University of Iowa, Burch the Bear Nowadays, every Iowa fan knows Herky by name. Small children line up to have their …

student life

College Towns with Exciting Summer Events

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Most students are only on campus from August to May, but quite a few also stay in their college town during the summer months, whether they call the area home, are taking summer courses, or they work in town. Attending college is about education, of course, but it’s also about the experience. The town you …

student life

The Celebrity Commencement Speakers for the Class of 2017

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on December 22, 2022

We are in the midst of graduation season. And, there are plenty of reasons seniors are happy about that. For many schools across the country, one of the graduates gives a short speech. At some universities, though, we hear words of wisdom (hopefully) from award-winning authors, famous actors, and political figures. Here are some highlights …