student life

5 Habits to Start Your Freshman Year of College Off Right

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

Nothing is quite as exciting or rewarding than beginning your freshman year of college. As a freshman you may be looking forward to making new friends, being a member of exciting clubs, and soaking in a completely new social environment, you shouldn’t neglect the reason you’re really there—to learn and to acquire skills you will …

student life

5 Things All Students Must Do At Their College Orientation

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Attending college orientation can be exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time, but plenty of students will be in your shoes. You’re all in this together. There are plenty of things to do during this event. Here are 5 things all students should do at their college orientation: Participate There are going to be a …

student life

Freshman roommate go-to guide: benefits, how to find one, and must-have conversations

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on January 8, 2026

Key takeaways Having a roommate in college can offer companionship, meaningful connections, shared experiences, and opportunities for personal growth. When choosing a roommate, you may live with someone you already know, be randomly assigned, or use matching platforms like Facebook, RoomSurf, RoomSync, or StarRez. To set yourself up for a successful year together, take time …

student life

13 Student Resources on Your College Campus

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on May 31, 2024

Your college doesn’t only offer you classes. Your professor and the library aren’t your only resources should you need help with your coursework. You’re paying a lot for tuition – it’s important to know the college campus resources available to you during your studies. From IT departments to advisors, here are some college campus resources …

student life

Great Gifts for College-Bound Students

By Allison WignallLast updated on June 27, 2024

Whether as graduation presents or good-luck gifts, there are a number of items helpful for the college-bound student. Here are just a few of the best gifts for college students starting their freshman year: Noise-Canceling Headphones Useful for drowning out noise so students can study, or roommate’s snoring so they can sleep, noise-canceling headphones can …

student life

FAQs About College Orientation

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

College orientation is essentially your introduction to college life. At your college orientation you will get to meet other students, familiarize yourself with the campus, and ease the transition from the high school to college. What happens at college orientation? Every college may structure orientation differently but essentially the day is organized in a way …

student life

How To Avoid Packing Too Much for Freshman Year of College

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

As you enjoy the summer before your freshman year of college, you should also remember that there are a few things you need to be thinking about. One of those is “what to pack.” However, one of the big problems students make is packing too much. There are a few ways to avoid that. Make …

student life

FAQ About Preparing For Freshman Year

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on March 5, 2025

The summer before freshman year of college can be a stressful time, and you no doubt have questions about what to do and what to expect. Here are some freshman year of college tips and frequently asked questions answered. How Much Should I Pack? This is a common problem for freshman students who tend to …

student life

How To Throw a Great Grad Party

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Now that your high school graduation is on the horizon, you probably feel like throwing a grad party! Congratulations! If you’re looking to host one, here are some graduation party ideas and tips to make sure it’s great. Plan Ahead One of the biggest aspects of throwing a grad party, or any party really, is …

student life

Why You Should Follow Your College on Social Media

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

There are many things soon-to-be-freshman should do before their first year of college starts. One of those things should be to follow their college’s social media profile(s). Here’s why: Keep Up to Date on News Nowadays, social media platforms are where many people get their news. Whether it’s a trending topic or updates from pages …