College Q&A: Make That Paper

October 31, 2009 Posted in College, Reality

College. Sigh. It’s unlike any other time in your life. It has its own set of rules, its own unique circumstances. And it’s not always easy to navigate. Enter…me!

By Melanie

Every week I’ll be tackling your questions about college. From classes to keggers, I’ll do my best to respond and be your Pez dispenser of collegiate wisdom. Got questions? Hit me up in the comments or shoot me an email at melanie@collegecandy.com

I’m broke. Wah! What can I do?
Get. A. Job. Seriously, there’s no excuse for not working while you’re in classes. In fact, it looks great on a resume and will give you some extra cash in your pocket on the weekends. You don’t need a high power internship (although those are pretty nice), but do something to earn money. Babysitting is a great option if you want cold hard cash with none of those silly taxes. If you’re a shopaholic, work at your favorite clothing store to snag the discount. I did the J.Crew thing for a semester and got a fantastic discount and although most of my paycheck went to clothes it still alleviated some of my financial woes. Even if you just pick up five hours a week at a coffee house, it’s better than nothing. Make it rain!

My roomie snores. What should I do?
Buy earplugs. Or leave her a hint by picking some of those breathe-easy nose strips and putting them on her pillow.

I want to throw a rager, any tips for success?
If you’re going the theme party route, do something original. One of my favorite parties that me and my bestie/roomie of the moment threw was a Hollywood themed party. People came dressed as their favorite celebs and had a blast. Believe me, there’s nothing funnier than watching Miley Cyrus, Britney Spears, Mary Kate Olsen, Kurt Cobain and Heath Ledger all duking it out at the flip cup table. Hide your valuables, buy lots of Solo cups and cheap beer. The rest will be history, captured on Facebook.

Where are the drunk people?
Is this a serious question? If you’re on a campus and it’s past 9 PM on a Friday? Everywhere. Including right here. Right now. Yeah, I like to start early.

Who are the “campus characters” to avoid?
The Over Enthused College Sports Fanatic. The self-absorbed prof who signs their emails “Doctor So-and-So” (even though their doctorate is in something that has nothing to do with the medical profession) and requires that you buy the book they’ve authored as a text book. Johnny Fratboy who’s just soooo cute and just totally won’t return your phone calls after you drunkenly hook up. Just don’t bother. There are lots of campus characters to avoid, from the druggies to the fake bitches; just be smart and stick with the people you trust.

450757 CommentsCollege+Q%26amp%3BA%3A+Make+That+Paper2009-10-31+20%3A00%3A15Melanie+-+Northeastern+University on "College Q&A: Make That Paper"

Kat says:
Sat, 31st Oct 20094:39 pm

“Get. A. Job. Seriously, there’s no excuse for not working while you’re in classes.” – umm yeah except for the fact that it’s impossible to get a job right now especially where I live. Actually, yesterday yahoo had an article on the worst cities for unemployment and they used mine as one of their examples and projected the unemployment rate here to worsen over the next 12 mos. to 17% sooo yeah…not everyone can just get a job at the drop of a hat…

Zoe says:
Sat, 31st Oct 20095:23 pm

If finding a job proves difficult, try volunteering. I know, I know- you need money right?

But most of the time, having something to do keeps you organized during the semester until you actually have a steady part time job. Plus you get good references and customer service skills.

Kate says:
Sat, 31st Oct 20099:17 pm

“where are all the drunk people” Wrong, come to college in Utah, actually don’t come to Utah. Its boring as hell you literally HAVE to search for a party.

Kat says:
Sun, 1st Nov 20098:03 am

Thanks for the advice Zoe but I am already doing some volunteer work through a campus club and I really don't have time for much else. I need some extra cash to pay my bills and am really getting fed up with having to ask my parents and boyfriend for money all the time seeing as I am 20 years old. It's really stressful!

SO if you have a job right now, be thankful because many of us can't get one

Eva says:
Sun, 1st Nov 200911:23 am

This was part of my column I wrote for my school newspaper earlier this semester. There are some references to things that are specific to my school but I'm sure that there's an equivalent of some sort at every school. I hope this helps alleviate a little of everyone's financial woes while being in school http://www.cwruobserver.com/home/index.cfm?event=…