The Beginning of Another School Year

Tips and tricks from one student to another

By Ilwad Salex

Another school year has come! Whether this is your first year in college, or you’re a returning student, it’s no secret school will probably keep you busy. Unfortunately for some, this means tests, homework and stress. However, in the eyes of someone who loves to organize, this is the season of bliss. We’ll be going over some tips and tricks to help your school year be a little more orderly.

Planners

When it comes to organizing this school year, planners will be your best friend. Whether it be for professional or personal use, planners are a great way to sort out the clutter in your mind. However, planners can get pricey. So what can you do to get around that?

T.J. Maxx has some really cheap planners that are super cute. I personally found my pretty cat planner by accident there and it was only $3! Another option is to look digital. There are many apps that give you planners online, one being the ‘Structured - Daily Planner’ app on the App Store and ‘Simple Calendar: To Do Planner.’ There are many great options that can be found on Android devices as well!

Gao Sheng, a more recent transfer, recommends using Google Calendar. “I use Google Calendar a lot,” Sheng said. “Even though it takes a while, it really helps to get everything colorcoded. It really can be satisfying to cross out tasks you accomplish at the end of the day.”

Textbooks

Textbooks can be pricey! But throughout my college experience, I’ve learned there are ways to keep the cost down. One thing you can do is sell back the books you got with the help of websites like BookFinder.com that can tell you the best price you’re going to get. Another thing to keep in mind when buying books is that the St. Kate’s library has a lot of textbooks/books that are used in classrooms you can access/borrow. It would never hurt to try!

Access and Success

Sometimes, we find ourselves in sticky situations that we might be stuck in with no way out. Whether that is finding out you’re pregnant, or that you have no money for the crazy gas prices anymore, Access and Success is a resource on campus located on the lower level of the library that can help with issues like these.

I reached out to Beth Hamer, director of Access and Success, to learn more about what they provide for students. She has been working with the office for 22 years and has spent most of those years working directly with students. Access and Success has a total of four licensed social workers who support students who have children under 17 years old (aka Katies with Kids) or those who might be expecting a child. They host awesome yearly events for Katies with Kids such as their Halloween event on Oct. 23, and are always looking for volunteers!

They also work with any student who might need an emergency grant to access basic needs. You can contact them at accessandsuccess@stkate.edu.

School is never easy, especially balancing life/work/classes, but we know you all got this!