Got a question?

I was fortunate to have the opportunity to talk to the STARS group at Iowa State University this afternoon. My topic was to talk a bit about what high school students and their families may be thinking as they come on a campus tour. I did leave some time for the students to ask me any questions as well. I was amazed at the insightful questions they were asking me. Many of their questions were about how I maximized my time as a student, my favorite experiences, and just general advice. This got me thinking more about how blessed I have been with people answering my questions over the years and how too few people ask the right people the right questions.

No matter what stage in your life, seeking advice from someone with more experience than you have in a subject area is an excellent way to gain knowledge and build connections with others. OR, not being afraid to ask a question of someone can be very valuable or just provide insight.

I find myself trying to ask questions of people more often wherever I go. It may be picking the brain of a barista at a coffee shop about how their machine works, asking another father tips on parenting, or any other random thing. I encourage you to not be afraid to ask those around you questions about things...you'll be surprised what you may learn or what connection you may make.

Android Time

Do you have an Android phone? If so, be sure to download our NEW and FREE application. There are college tips, awkward moments, and a game. Check out our mobile website for more info.

“Should I Drop This Class?”

By Lauren Joffe for The Real College Guide

Having some serious issues with that one course? Thinking about dropping it? There are plenty of good excuses to drop a class after the semester has started, but it’s not always an easy decision. Here are the top four reasons to withdraw from a course, with advice on when to go with your gut … and get outta there! Read on:

Reason No. 1: It’s gonna screw your GPA.

Drop it if: The first test was tough, and you still don’t make the grade when the second one rolls around. Says New York University junior Maddy Smith: “Before I transferred to NYU, I was taking anatomy and physiology at Villanova. The first test, I got a D+. I stuck it out, thinking I would do better. For the next test, I studied harder. I even got a tutor and attended office hours … to then get a D-. It got to the point where even if I did better on the next test, I still wouldn’t even pull off a C. I knew it was time to withdraw.”

Don’t drop it if:

• You don’t have enough credits to remain a full-time student.
• It’s too late to enroll in another course.
• The class is a requirement for your major (and you won’t be able to fit it into your schedule next time around).

Note: If you’re still failing after a few tests and a tutor isn’t helping, make tracks to meet with your advisor -- ASAP!

Reason No. 2: The class is a total snore.

Drop it if: Your eyes are glazing over, and you find the information useless. Perhaps your time could be better spent focusing on something else. Says NYU soph John Michael: “Freshman year … a history of communications class … I dreaded going every day. The subject was boring, we got a ton of work and it never interested me. I just never wanted to go.”

Don’t drop it if:

• The information is valuable or otherwise useful. (“I ended up staying enrolled because I knew the information would help me later,” says Michael. “I suppose if I never learned some basic info, I’d be behind in other classes.”)
• The class is a prerequisite.
• Excelling in the class can help you cozy up to the professor for a future job or internship.

Reason No. 3: You hate the professor.

Drop it if: You love the subject, but the professor just doesn’t challenge or inspire you -- or worse, has it out for you. Look into taking the class another semester with a different teacher. Says Megan Huntley, a junior at Colgate University: “While I was really interested in modern Jewish history, after sitting through the lecture, I knew I wouldn’t end up liking the course. The professor was knowledgeable, but her delivery was nothing but boring. I’d rather save the class for later when I’d get everything I possibly can out of it.”

Don’t drop it if:

• The add/drop date has passed (and you can’t recover course fees).
• Dropping a course will mess up a scholarship or grant.

Note: Sticking it out could be a lesson in perseverance, since life is full of challenges … such as dealing with difficult or lackluster people.

Reason No. 4: Your stress level is off the charts.

Drop it if: Your schedule is so loaded with tough-to-the-core classes that you’re missing out on the full college experience you deserve. Says Rutgers University freshman Max Young: “Tons of kids get so stressed out they end up paying other people to do their essays. Even worse, I know kids who take anxiety medicine or Adderall to function. Dropping one class and taking on an easier one really helped me balance out last semester. I’d recommend that over high blood pressure any day.”

Don’t drop it if:

• You’re this close to meeting your requirements (and this class will get you there).
• You’re going in for the homestretch (i.e., approaching finals week).
• Dropping will prevent you from graduating on time, studying abroad or taking an internship.

17 Smart Ways to Live Cheaper on Campus

By David Replogle

Living on a shoestring budget? Whether your parents float you funds or you’re pulling a part-time paying gig, here’s how to stre-------tch every precious penny.

Broke -- it’s a common catch in student jargon. “OMG, I broke my phone at that rager last night” or “I just broke up with my girlfriend ’cause she was cheating on me with my best bud.” But when used as an adjective, the word describes the financial status of most college kids.

Unless Dad is handing over his preferred platinum card or you strike it rich selling those musty ol’ Pokemon cards, you’ll have to get by on meager means. Here are some painless ways to get major bang for your buck … even if it’s your last buck.

Put the "Eat" in Creativity

Whether you’re craving a change from the monotonous glop of the dining hall, celebrating a friend’s birthday at a nearby bistro or taking a study break to go for a late-night munch, your wallet will take a hit. Cutting back on these extravagances means getting clever.

1. Buy in bulk When stashing snacks in your room, think long term. Talk to your roommates about pitching in for some grub, then head to the nearest warehouse retail chain to stock up on industrial-sized cheaper-in-the-long-run crates of Ramen packets and other non-perishables. Many discount clubs offer collegiate membership rates, and some give free introductory one-time shopping passes for non-members to bypass the annual fee altogether.

2. Use the student discount Grocery stores, restaurants and even places on campus usually have discounts for students. Even if you don’t see it advertised, it doesn’t hurt to ask. Have your student ID at all times. It could save 15 percent on that panini or score you a free dessert!

3. Sniff out free food Complimentary chow is almost as popular on campus as the latest gossip on CollegeACB. “Club meetings and churches are always looking to give out food to potential new members,” says Robby Panos, a University of Virginia junior. Philanthropic bashes and school-sponsored speaker events are also prime time for gratis grubs. Grab a slice of pizza and take in a lecture.

4. Have a drink on me Students pour beaucoup bucks down the drain when indulging in conveniences like Starbucks and bottled water. Invest in a coffeemaker so you can brew your own, and get yourself a travel mug. Pick up a refillable water bottle too if your college’s tap is tolerable. Bonus: It’s better for the environment.

That's Entertainment

Life doesn’t have to be a snore just because your pockets are empty. Money buys neither happiness nor a stellar social life. You can get out and about without tossing around a ton of green.

5. Be art smart Your campus is probably rife with free productions, concerts and workshops. Problem is, nobody really hears about them … and when people do, the enthusiasm is usually lower than the grade on your last calculus test. Time to do some research (track down calendars of events), gather up your dorm mates and head to the next pay-what-you-can play or free movie screening. Even if it’s bad, you’ll get a few laughs -- or at least the opportunity to heckle!

6. Speak Greek Not joining a frat or sorority will save you a lot of cash right out the gate. But what happens when you want to get into the best party of the year and don’t have the connections? Exchange names of brothers and sisters you know with friends and ask them to do the same -- on most college campuses, name dropping is the ticket to free admission. Once you’re inside, you’ll get beverages … and if you’re lucky, maybe even a few phone numbers.

7. Out on the town Be in the know too when it comes to events in neighboring areas. Community organizations often host free outdoor festivals with live music. Local restaurants have early-bird specials. Theater workshops and art galleries frequently offer free or reduced admission. (Again, don’t forget to ask about student rates.) Read newspapers and pay attention to fliers. It could pay off.

8. Any singles? If you have a significant other who saps all your savings, it may be time to have a chat about cutting back on unnecessary costs or to ask your partner to pull his or her own weight. If this person is not important to you, you may even consider living the single life for now. Romantic dinners and little gifts add up. Is it worth it? Your call.

Shop Till You Plop

Enter upscale department stores and exclusive boutiques at your own risk, but you don’t have to totally give up the urge to splurge. Just tone it down a few notches.

9. Clothes the deal Punch up your wardrobe without breaking the bank: shop clearance racks. (The best ones are where an additional markdown is given to already slashed prices.) Look for one-of-a-kind finds in thrift and consignment stores. Pick up inexpensive accessories at discount stores and chain boutiques.

10. Gotta dollar? Discover the beauty of the dollar store. It’s great for party supplies, stationery, candles, soaps, toiletries and tons more. Whether you’re buying useless trinkets or practical necessities, think about it: You can walk in there with a 10-spot and leave with lots of loot. Heck, you can scrape together a dollar plus tax in pocket change and treat yourself to something.

11. Be a coupon king or queen Keep a lookout for coupons on one-day shopping events at major department stores. Also sign up for email notifications of store specials and be sure to check online for Internet coupons before making a big purchase. (Restaurants and fast food chains run a lot of coupon specials too, so keep your eyes on the prize.)

12. Beauty booty Ladies, fine department stores dole out free samples at the cosmetics counters. Want to road test a lip color or facial moisturizer or new perfume? March on over there with an air of confidence and ask the consultant to show you some options. She’ll likely give you mini-sized products to try at home.

13. What a card! If you’re a die-hard shopaholic experiencing severe withdrawal, hold off before reaching into your cash stash by keeping in mind that the holidays are right around the bend. “It might be painful to wait all semester,” says Appalachian State senior Diane Vachon, “but soon enough you’ll have a dozen gift cards with your name on them.”

Common Cents

Ask not what you can do for your school but what your school can do for you. Universities give back to their student patrons in plenty of ways, so take advantage.

14. Be book smart The library isn’t just for studying, using the Net and people-watching. It actually contains books -- a revelation, I know. If you’re taking subjects like lit, history or philosophy, the library could relieve a big financial burden. Instead of turning to the expensive school bookstore (or even Amazon) for a book, do a quick search on the libe’s browser to see if it’s available. Then drop-kick the kid who’s about to check it out.

15. Get off your lazy butt If you have access to the campus gym and you’re paying for a pricey fitness membership, stop. Other free-of-charge physical activities: walking, jogging, hiking, in-line skating, riding your bike, a pickup basketball game, lifting weights in your room, dropping to the floor to do sit-ups and push-ups … shall we go on?

16. Let’s make a deal You’re a smart cookie, so figure out how to split costs with your roommate. Double up on your laundry to save quarters. Share a printer, swap playlists and take the same cab home from a party. And if you’re both heading out of town, consider carpooling. Even if you and your roomie aren’t the best of buds, a road trip is always less taxing when there’s company … and music.

17. Hop on that job “The No. 1 thing I can say is find a job on campus,” offers up Wabash College junior Mack O’Shaughnessy. “It’s the best way to get some extra cash in your pocket.” On-campus stores and restaurants are often hiring. Just don’t tell the folks: You still need someone’s sympathy, especially when it comes in the form of a crisp Benjamin.

Sorry!

Whew, where did the first semester go? Wherever it went, here we are in the Spring Semester already. Sorry for not keeping up with posts like we should. Maybe it's our resolution to do better? Feel free to email if you ever have a topic you want us to cover!

Move in time!

For many, this is the big week....move in week! Up to this point, college has been something that will happen "later." Sure, you got a dose of it on a campus tour and at orientation, but the rubber really hits the road soon.

Remember, pack a little patience as you prepare for the move. There are going to be A LOT of others going through what you're going through, it'll probably be hot, and you can't assure everything will go as planned. Through all of that, remember what a big day it is and enjoy it!

To further assist you, be sure to check out our free "pre-move" chapter on our website.

Hometown Author

This past weekend, I had the opportunity to head back to my hometown to visit family and take part in our annual town celebration. It was great seeing lots of friends from the past. A special shout out to my pal Monte who said this fall he's going to sell our book at his tattoo shop by Wartburg College. An advanced "thank you" to Monte for his continued support.

I also had the pleasure of running into Jason Myers, a friend who I went to high school with back in the day. A couple years ago I had reconnected with Jason and learned he had moved out to San Fransisco and had a book deal in the works. Since then, Jason has published two books (Exit Here and The Mission) through Simon and Schuster publishing. When we first started looking at publishing options, Jason gave me some great advice. This weekend was no different. It has been great to see him continue to see such great success with his books. Check his books out for sure....I know these are just the first of many more books he'll put out there. Congrats, Jason, on your success!

One last thing...if you do find yourself near my hometown of La Porte City, IA, be sure to check out my dad's store/museum. Very interesting items AND you can pick up The Voice of College there.

~Kipp