Hilary Cairns

Hilary Cairns is a graduate of SUNY New Paltz and has a BA in English/Creative Writing. She's an established freelance writer who also has a hand in marketing, social media, and editing for various businesses across the United States.
A blue map of the world.
scholarships

Scholarships for International Studies Majors

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on February 27, 2025
Starting your scholarship search as soon as possible is always a major bonus to your efforts. If you’re planning on majoring in international studies or something similar, these three scholarships are a great place to start. The Truman Scholarship Amount: $30,000 Deadline: 11:59 pm in your time zone, on the first Tuesday in February. The …
Make college care packages for your homesick student!
student life

How to Make a Home Care Package for Your College Student

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
After a few weeks of college, many students can start feeling quite homesick, especially if they go to a school far away from home. These are where home care packages come in! Here are some things you should include in their college care packages: Their Favorite Treats Everyone has a favorite snack, candy, or food. …
There are some things you should NOT do during the first week of school.
student life

What NOT To Do First Week of Freshman Year

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
As the countdown begins for your freshman year of college, you’re going to be hearing a lot of advice from a lot of different people. Some of it is good, some of it is great, and some you should avoid like the plague! Most of that advice will encompass your entire college career. However, your …
101 number in circular steel and is attached to wood.
student loans

Student Loan Borrower Protections 101

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on March 25, 2025
After you graduate college, you (and your co-signer if you have one) will be responsible for repaying any student loans you’ve taken out, private, federal, or both. Some loans, like federal loans, will have a six month grace period after you graduate or leave school, while others will require payment immediately. However, before you get …
If you're attending a parent orientation, here are some do's and don'ts.
college admissions

What To Expect at Parent Orientation

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on May 29, 2025
Key takeaways: Some colleges offer parent orientation, which highlights valuable information for parents to help their students make the most of their college experience. Sessions during orientation can cover financial aid, campus life, health and safety, academics, and more. Parents can sign up for their orientation online, through the student’s college portal. Colleges usually require …
College freshman orientation is over. Now what?
student life

What To Do After College Orientation

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
Summer is drawing to a close and many of you have already attended your college freshman orientation. If you haven’t already, it’s most likely on the horizon. There are a few things you’ll want to do after orientation and before school starts: Select Your Dorm Some colleges have you select your dorm at the orientation, …
We have some words of wisdom for parents who has a kid going to college.
tips tools & advice

Words of Wisdom for Parents of College Bound Students

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
If your child is heading off to college, especially if it’s your oldest, you know it’s a life-changing experience and can be nerve-wracking. You’ll have advice for your children, of course, but here are some words of wisdom for you as well as they head away from home. Keep in Touch But Don’t Helicopter You’ll …

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