Guest Blog: Rina's College Success Strategies

 Rina, nursing student from the Philippines, is back with a guest blog post sharing her strategies for college success!

College Success 101

 

Strategy #1:  Mastering the Art of Studying

Studying can be hard. Hours spent in the library, staring at your computer can be difficult, not just physically but also mentally. Upon entering university, my study strategies were rather lackluster, and instead I found myself often cramming the night before and even seconds before an exam. Deem studying to be like an art, unique to every individual, can vary and change according to one's needs. Here are some strategies that you can try to incorporate.

Create a Study Schedule:  Time management is crucial. Break down your study sessions into management chunks and allocate specific times for different subjects.

Active Learning:  Engage with the material actively rather than passively. Take notes, ask questions, and participate in discussions to reinforce understanding.

Utilize Resources:  Take advantage of resources available to you, whether it's textbooks, online tutorials, or study groups. Don't hesitate to seek help when needed.

 

Strategy #2:  Conquering Stress

Being a nursing student, there are many classes that discuss the value of self-care and managing one's stress. It's also valuable to find a balance between yourself and the work that you have to do so that you don't overwork yourself.

Practice Self-Care:  Make self-care a priority. Get enough sleep, eat healthily, exercise regularly, and carve out time for activities you enjoy.

Mindfulness and Meditation:  Incorporate mindfulness and meditation into your daily routine to quiet the mind and cultivate inner peace.

Connect with Others:  Surround yourself with a supportive network of friends, family, and mentors who uplift and encourage you during challenging times.

 

Strategy #3:  Know When to Ask for Help

Asking for help can be difficult, especially when you're unsure of what you need.

Recognizing Your Limits:  We're all human, and we all have our limits. Acknowledging when you're struggling or feeling overwhelmed is the first step towards finding a solution. Don't be afraid to pause, reassess, and reach out for guidance when needed.

Accessing Resources:  Colleges offer a plethora of resources to support students academically, emotionally, and socially. Whether it's tutoring services, counseling centers, or peer support groups, these resources are there to help you overcome challenges and thrive.

Building Community:  One of the greatest assets of college life is the sense of community it fosters. Don't hesitate to lean on your peers for support or offer a helping hand when they need it. Together, you can navigate the highs and lows of academia and emerge stronger and more resilient.

Super chill trip to Spokane

Hey everyone, it’s Nobita here!

How's it going? I hope you all had a super relaxing and fun spring break! I wanted to hop on here and share a little story about my trip to Spokane to visit my brother over the break.

It was 6 hour bus ride, and honestly? SO worth it. The route was suer scenic, think snowy mountain peaks, golden sunny farm fields, and misty forests straight out of a moody movie. I'm such a big fan for road trips. There's just something magical about staring out the window with your favorite playlist on, pretending you're the main character in a music video, lol. ✨

Even though a flight would've taken around 2 hours, I chose the bus for two reasons; it's budget friendly ( hello, college student life!) and the views are unbeatable.

When I arrived, my brother took me straight to downtown Spokane, where we had an amazing dinner and wandered through Riverfront Park. There was this powerful Native American statue there that really stuck with me, it felt meaningful and beautiful at the same time.

My brother's also a low-key chef. Seriously, he's so good at cooking. On my first evening, he whipped up steak with creamy mashed potatoes, and I was in food heaven. We also had the cutest sushi dinner at a place called Sushi Blossom, cozy vibes, packed crowd, and absolutely delicious rolls. If you're ever in Spokane, go there. We also hit up a super authentic Korean spot near his place that felt like a warm hug in food form. 🍣🍲

But more than the food and views, the best part was just being with my brother. I'm really proud of him. He's doing his thing, chasing what he loves, and being a responsible big bro while at it. It made me appreciate him even more. I can't imagine going through these confusing, chaotic early adulthood years without him by my side. So, through this post, thank you bro. Love you always. 💖

Overall, this trip was just what I needed. Relaxing, refreshing, and full of good vibes. Sometimes, taking a break, giving yourself that space to breathe, is the best way to come back stronger. It reminded me how important it is to reset, take care of yourself, and move forward with purpose.

I hope your spring break was just as lovely and that the rest of your semester goes smooth and sunny. 🌞 summer break is callinggg, and I know we're all counting down the days!

Stay hydrated, stay happy

Nobita A.

 

How to Register for Classes Successfully as an International Student at PLU

Hey everyone! I'm Luna, a Computer Science major from South Korea currently studying at Pacific Lutheran University. As registration season approaches, I wanted to share some helpful tips for choosing your classes wisely—especially for international students like us who need to meet specific visa requirements to stay in the U.S. legally.

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Understand Your Credit Requirements

First and most importantly: F-1 international students must register for at least 12 credits each semester to maintain full-time student status. This is a requirement from U.S. immigration, not just PLU, so it’s extremely important. Dropping below 12 credits without special approval can affect your visa status.

You can read more about F-1 visa requirements on the PLU International Student Services page.

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Use PLU’s Class Schedule and Planning Tools

PLU’s Banner Self-Service is where you’ll actually register for your classes. But before that, I highly recommend checking out the Schedule of Classes on the Registrar’s website. It helps you plan your classes around your personal schedule.

Also, use the “Program Evaluation” feature on Banner to track your degree requirements and make sure you’re on track to graduate.

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Check Out “Rate My Professors”

One of the best ways to learn about a class before you take it is by hearing what past students have to say. RateMyProfessors.com is a site where students rate professors based on clarity, difficulty, and overall helpfulness.

Tips for using it:

• Look for patterns: one or two bad reviews aren’t everything.

• Pay attention to whether the professor is clear and organized.

• Check if the class is exam-heavy or project-based, depending on your learning style.

This can help you choose professors who match your learning preferences—especially helpful if English isn’t your first language.

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Balance Your Schedule

As a CS major, I know how stressful it can get if you take too many hard classes at once. Try to mix difficult major classes with electives or general university requirements that might be a bit lighter.

Also, don’t forget to schedule time for:

• Meals and breaks

• Study blocks

• Social activities (yes, they’re important too!)

• Possible part-time jobs (like on-campus work)

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Don’t Forget Immigration-Related Steps

Along with registering for enough credits, make sure you:

• Keep your passport valid

• Have a valid I-20 and get a new one if your program changes

• Notify the International Student Center if you change your address

• Talk to an advisor before withdrawing from any course

If you're ever unsure, you can contact the International Student Center at PLU for guidance.

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Final Advice

Don't wait until the last minute! Some popular classes fill up fast, and planning early gives you time to get advice from academic advisors or the International Student Center.

Also, talk to other students in your major—especially upperclassmen. Their experience can help you avoid difficult combinations or unnecessary classes.

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I hope these tips help you have a smooth and stress-free registration experience! If you have any questions or want to share your own advice, feel free to leave a comment below.

Good luck with registration, and see you on campus! 🌟
— Luna