Back-to-School Resources


Dive into our collection of back-to-school resources to find tips, checklists, and insights from real students.

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8 Mistakes to Avoid Your First Semester of College

8 Mistakes to Avoid Your First Semester of College

College is a time to grow, learn, and make mistakes. That said, we've compiled a list of mistakes you should definitely avoid during your first semester.

portrait of Danika Miller
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Student Stories

The Value of Staying Open-Minded in College

July 22, 2022
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Why I Stopped Pulling All-Nighters: The Dangerous Side Effects of “Grind Culture”

July 22, 2022
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The Key to Choosing Student Clubs Without Spreading Yourself Too Thin

July 22, 2022
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What Dorm Living Taught Me About the Relationship Between Space and Self

July 22, 2022
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4 Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting College

July 22, 2022
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A Transfer Student’s Guide to Making Friends

July 22, 2022
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Don’t Put Your Life on Hold: How I Learned to Balance School, Work, and Fun

October 7, 2022
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What You Do Is Not Who You Are: College Students’ Ever-Changing Identities

July 22, 2022
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My 5 Biggest Tips for Out-of-State Students

July 25, 2022
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How an Interdisciplinary College Taught Me How to Learn

July 22, 2022
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Road to Vet School as a Minority Student: How Poverty and Natural Disasters Built My Resilience

July 22, 2022
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You Deserve to Be There: My Top 5 Tips for Women Majoring in STEM

November 4, 2022
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College Prep

portrait of Staff Writers
portrait of Staff Writers
portrait of Staff Writers
portrait of Kim-Ling Sun
portrait of Samantha L. Solomon, Ph.D.
portrait of Juliann Scholl, Ph.D. portrait of Danika Miller
portrait of Michelle Kelley

College 101: The Basics

The Student’s Guide to Choosing a Major

September 26, 2022
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College Orientation: 5 Things You Need to Know

July 22, 2022
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What Is Student Services and How Does It Benefit Students?

July 22, 2022
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The Ultimate College Terminology Guide

July 22, 2022
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What Does a College Resident Advisor (RA) Do?

July 22, 2022
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How to Find a College Roommate: 6 Essential Tips

July 22, 2022
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Download the BestColleges.com Ultimate College Packing Checklist

School Supplies Must-Haves

Pack your bag with the essentials you need to thrive in school.

33 School Supplies Every College Student Needs

33 School Supplies Every College Student Needs

Getting ready to head to college? Check out these must-have college school supplies to make your higher ed experience go as smoothly as possible.

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Student Life

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portrait of Heather Mullinix
portrait of Vanesha McGee, M.Ed.
portrait of Stefanie Grodman
portrait of Steve Bailey
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