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There is nothing more bittersweet than moving to somewhere you are unfamiliar with. It is the start of a new journey for you, whether it be for college or your first job, but there will always be a part of you that feels nervous. The process of moving is stressful enough with finding a place to live, getting your belongings from point A to point B, and switching things over like your driver’s license and insurance, but that is not where most people struggle. The struggle lies in making your new residence feel like home. For you to feel comfortable in this new environment, it is important to meet others, learn the lay of the land, and find places that can become your “go-to spot.”

Start Online

If this is your first time moving, it might feel intimidating going out of your way to meet people, and that is totally okay! What you need to realize is that if you are moving for college or work, there are tons of other people who feel the same way as you. A good way to overcome this is by looking for Facebook groups that pertain to you or your interests. Most colleges will have a Facebook page where other students are looking to make friends, sublease apartments, and host activities together. If you are moving for work, some companies have their own clubs that employees can participate in, and in some circumstances, they have their own chat groups where employees can meet each other. With Facebook groups, it is important to put yourself out there and chat with people who have similar interests.

Explore the Area

It is easy to stay behind the screen and read what other people post, but you will never meet people if you do not take the initiative. After you have settled into your new place, take a day to explore everything around you. You aren’t going to know all the street names or where to go but get yourself familiar with the area just by walking or driving around and checking places out. You can find cool local spots, places where you can bike or walk around, and spots where you can go with friends, like the movies or an arcade. It takes a bit of time, but a place really feels like home when you can stop using your maps app to get around.

Establish New Favorites

Similar to discovering new places, having your go-to spots is what cements a new area and makes it feel like home. Humans are creatures of habit, and we all have our favorite places to go. Finding simple things like your favorite place to get breakfast, a restaurant that has trivia, or a gym you enjoy going to will make you feel comfortable in your environment. You will also see familiar faces if you go to your favorite spots at a certain time, and friendships are bound to happen fluidly. There is no better feeling than when you stop feeling like a tourist and start to feel like one of the locals.

Moving is never going to be easy. Change is always something people are scared of, but if you embrace that change instead of fearing it, you will find that it is a good thing. It can be scary to move to a place where you do not know anyone, but you can use that as a chance for a fresh start and to be the person you are now. Once you make your new place feel like home, everything else will be so much easier.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the ɫèAV Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us –����to pitch your idea and get started! 

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Before your first year of college begins, it’s important to start thinking about your roommate options. If the college you’re attending allows you to choose your roommate, take the time to select them carefully. If you’re assigned a roommate, try to connect with them beforehand.

Living with someone, especially someone you don’t know, can be challenging. Sharing a dorm room may feel difficult at first, but with some effort, it can become manageable (and even enjoyable). Not all first-year roommates create conflict; some may even become lifelong friends.

Here are five tips for successfully sharing a space with a new college roommate:

1. Show Mutual Respect

Sharing a small space means you’ll need to be considerate of each other. This includes avoiding habits like leaving clothes on the floor, letting dishes pile up, leaving trash around, blasting TikTok at full volume, inviting people over without notice, or touching your roommate’s belongings without permission. These behaviors can build resentment and create an unpleasant living environment for both of you.

2. Create a Roommate Agreement

Don’t wait three weeks to realize your late-night habits are disrupting your roommate’s early-morning schedule. To avoid misunderstandings, have an open conversation early on about expectations. Discuss (and consider writing down):

• class times and sleep schedules
• when you’ll need the room for studying
• guest etiquette and expectations
• which items are available for shared use
• shared responsibilities like cleaning common areas or taking out the trash

Creating a roommate agreement you both stick to ensures that one person doesn’t feel like they’re doing all the work.

3. Get to Know Each Other

It’s challenging to live with someone for nine months without knowing much about them. While you don’t have to become best friends, getting to know your roommate (even a little) can help reduce tension. You’re both entering a new environment and likely have more in common than you realize.

Grabbing food together, walking each other’s schedules, watching a movie, or simply chatting about your day can help build a comfortable relationship with your roommate.

4. Communicate Openly

If there is an issue that you need to address, don’t ignore it. If your roommate is doing something that bothers you and it can be resolved, bring it up. If you feel your boundaries aren’t being respected, have a conversation about it.

Remember, your Room Advisors are there to help. Don’t be afraid to reach out to them for guidance when needed.

5. Pick Your Battles

That said, everyone has their own way of doing things. If you hear yourself thinking, “Why can’t they just do things how I do it,” frustration (and resentment) could start to build.

Before confronting your roommate about their habits, ask yourself: “Is this really a big deal? Does it affect our ability to coexist?” If the answer is no, let it go. Not every issue is worth a conflict.

First-Year Roommate Strategy

Compromise is essential when living with someone; sometimes, it won’t go in your favor, and that’s okay. Respecting the person you’re living with is crucial, especially since college is already stressful enough. You don’t need unnecessary tension where you sleep.

For a smooth transition into your new environment, set clear boundaries early with a roommate agreement. By getting to know each other, communicating openly, and showing mutual respect, you can make the best of sharing your space with your first college roommate.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the ɫèAV Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us –����to pitch your idea and get started! 

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Poof! Just like that, summer fades into a memory, and it's time to trade sunscreen for syllabi. Whether you're starting college as a first-year student or heading into another semester, the first week back can feel overwhelming.

Without the familiar support of home and routine, it's easy to feel a little lost. But don't worry, you're not alone! As someone who's made it through two full years of college, I want to share a few simple but powerful tips to help make the transition smoother: read the syllabus, arrive prepared, and connect with others.

Syllabus: Script for Success

Many professors will post a syllabus before classes even begin. It may be tempting to skip it for extra time off, but reviewing the syllabus before the first day can save you from surprises later in the semester.

The syllabus outlines expectations, required materials, and important due dates. You'll also get a feel for the professor's teaching style and whether the course will be lecture-heavy, discussion-based, or project-driven. Knowing this will save you time when organizing your notes and materials.

Reading the syllabus carefully prepares you for success in the class. It helps you build a solid foundation for the semester by clarifying the professor's expectations ahead of time.

Preparation: Before Day One

Don't underestimate the power of being prepared. Double-check the syllabus for the required materials, and come to class with notebooks, pens, and a fully charged laptop. It may seem like a small step, but being organized on day one sets the tone for the rest of the semester.

It also helps to review your class schedule and familiarize yourself with where your classes are located on campus. College can feel like a maze, especially at the start of a new semester. Knowing where you're going ahead of time can save you a lot of stress and help you avoid being late or getting lost.

First Week: Connect with Others

Even though the first week can be a scramble, remember to introduce yourself to others in class. Simply saying, "Hi, my name is…" can help ease nerves and open the door to new friendships.

I came to college knowing only three people in a school of 30,000. I remember how intimidating it felt to walk into a room full of strangers. But over time, I've made great friends just by introducing myself in class.

Forming connections early on helps create a support system. You'll always have someone to study with, ask questions, or grab coffee with before a morning lecture. Plus, if you miss a class, it's reassuring to have someone who can share notes or update you on assignments.

The Transition Back

After two years of college, I've learned something important: feeling lost during the first few weeks is more common than we admit. Whether you're overwhelmed, stressed, or just trying to find your rhythm again, know you're not alone.

Rely on campus and class resources for a smooth transition back. Your syllabus gives you a solid foundation for class, being prepared helps you start the semester with confidence, and connecting with classmates ensures you have a support system from day one.

Remember, a new semester means new beginnings. Give yourself grace, stay curious, meet new people, and get ready!

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the ɫèAV Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us –����to pitch your idea and get started! 

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Leaving home for college is both exciting and terrifying. You suddenly have all this freedom, but that also means responsibility. Here are some challenges you’ll likely face and how to handle them.

Avoiding the ‘Freshman Fifteen’

Many college students gain weight during their first time away from home. I thought, “that won’t happen to me” -- until it did. Unlimited dining hall food, fast food, and constant snacking caught up fast. But by second semester, I lost the weight by:

• Hitting the gym: Even short workouts help. Find something you enjoy so you’ll actually stick with it.
• Being mindful of eating: I started using to-go boxes at the dining hall to avoid overeating and stocked my dorm with snacks I wouldn’t binge.
• Saving flex bucks: On-campus fast food is tempting, but I treated it like a cheat meal instead of a habit.

Managing Your Time

With no one telling you what to do, it’s easy to fall behind. I saw a lot of people struggle with this, including myself. Here’s what worked:

• Using a whiteboard calendar: The BEST Investment. Writing down deadlines made a huge difference. A physical reminder got rid of last-minute assignments or surprise tests.
• Sticking to a routine: Setting consistent sleep, study, and gym times helped me stay productive.
• Finding responsible friends: Surrounding myself with motivated people made it easier to stay on track.

Handling Homesickness

Being five hours from home, I missed it more than I expected. Here’s what helped:

• Visiting home when possible: Even short trips back home helped me reset.
• Calling my parents: I didn’t do this enough, but every time I did, I felt better.
• Keeping in touch with old friends: Even if I didn’t miss high school, I missed the people. Staying connected and visiting their schools helped.

Making Friends & Avoiding Loneliness

I worried about making friends, but it turned out to be easier than I thought. Here’s what helped:

• Putting myself out there: Everyone is looking for friends. Don’t be afraid to start a conversation.
• Joining clubs or sports: I joined a flag football team, which helped me meet people with similar interests. There’s a club for everything -- find yours.

Dealing with Stress

College is stressful, whether it’s exams or just life. Here’s what helped me:

• Going on walks: Walking around campus at night cleared my head.
• Talking to someone: A friend, family member, or professor. Just talking about stress can help.
• Shifting my mindset: Instead of dreading assignments, I reminded myself I was lucky to be in college, which helped.

Avoiding the “Broke College Student” Life

College is expensive, but you don’t have to be completely broke. Here’s what worked for me:

• Budgeting my money: I tracked what I was spending so I wouldn’t run out before the semester ended.
• Getting a job: I knew people who worked online or on campus, and I was lucky to get a job with ɫèAV, and it made a difference.
• Applying for scholarships: There’s free money out there. Most people don’t even try to get it so apply for everything.

Roommate Problems Happen

Unless you know your roommate beforehand, there’s a chance you won’t get along right away. My roommate and I had our share of arguments, but here’s what helped:

• Talking it out: Don’t let small issues turn into big ones. A simple and calm conversation can fix most things.
• Getting the RA involved: If things escalate, your RA is there to help.
• Setting expectations early: Roommate agreements might feel awkward, but they prevent future conflicts.

Final Thoughts

College is a learning experience in every way. You’ll make mistakes, but you’ll also grow. Stay organized, take care of yourself, and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. You got this!

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the ɫèAV Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us –����to pitch your idea and get started! 

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As a kid, one of my family's favorite summer pastimes was going to the pool. We kept our pool bag stocked with dry towels and sunscreen, ready to jump in the car at a second's notice if my siblings suddenly got the urge for the cool water. I, for one, never liked the way that the cold pool water felt on my skin. I would watch my brother effortlessly dive right into the deep end, while I would do the walk of shame to the shallow stairs, barely getting the courage to dip my big toe in.

My method for safely entering the pool was simple. I would close my eyes, count to ten, and take one step down the stairs. The cold water was always a shock to my skin, but I longed to get in and play with the rest of the kids so after thirty seconds of being inches in the water, I would repeat this process. Over and over again, inch by inch, I would take small but significant steps until I was fully submerged.

Going to college felt a lot like getting in the cold pool. I stood on the pool deck watching as everyone I knew jumped right in, knowing I didn't have the courage to. Knowing that it would take a long time before I could join them. Wanting, wishing, and hoping I could be like that.��Why was the water so cold for me, but seemingly temperate for them? Why couldn't I jump right in?

That first weekend, I recall sitting in a dimly lit restaurant with other students from my dorm, my eyes burning, trying not to cry. I just wanted my mom. I just wanted to get home. But that didn’t exist anymore. This was my home. This was my life. It all came so fast. Everything I had ever known was replaced with unfamiliar faces and places. I drove back to campus early that night, while all the other students went for ice cream. I stared at the pictures that they had taken, their faces bright and happy, and I cried. I wanted to be happy, just like them. I wanted my face to glow with excitement, as cold ice cream dripped onto my hand. I wanted to jump in the pool. But it was just too cold.

Week two got a little better. I was starting to understand how college worked. What time to wake up, and what time to shower so my roommates wouldn't be mad. How my classes worked, who my professors were, and how much time I had to eat lunch. I was developing a routine. But I still wasn't happy. My dad suggested that I start going to the gym. He claimed the dopamine release would be good for my body, but that proved unhelpful. My mom told me I just needed to give it time, but every night I would lay in my bed and stare at the keys to my car, thinking about how I could leave right now. I could go home and sleep in my own bed. I could shower without shoes. I could hug my mom. I would stare at those keys until I fell asleep. Wondering how long it would take me to act on my impulses.

At the end of my second week, I was talking to Camryn, an upperclassman in my class, expressing my feelings about college. I told her that I just didn’t love it yet. The first couple of weeks had been difficult, and I didn't know how I was going to make it through the next 4 years. She gave me some very valuable advice. She said “Riley, I'm going to be honest with you. I didn’t start liking college until after Labor Day. And I didn’t start loving college until after Fall Break. It’s the second week. It’s not going to be good right now.”

Hearing those words from someone I looked up to meant the world to me. It made me feel validated and safe. It let me know that even though it may seem like it, not everyone is jumping directly into the cold pool and having fun right away. Some people are also taking their time. Other people jump right into the cold pool and pretend like they are having fun, but in reality, are freezing and miserable.

She was right. I went home for Labor Day weekend and returned to campus refreshed and ready to take on college. I felt a renewed sense of purpose and self-confidence. I could do this. I continued to push forward and step outside of my comfort zone. I tried talking to one new person every day. I still didn’t love college yet, but I didn’t hate it.

Before I knew it, Fall Break had come. And I thought back to what Camryn had told me. I looked around me and saw a firmly established friend group, with whom I was attending football games and going to dinner. I saw a roommate who I loved spending time with, and classes that were challenging but manageable. I felt, finally, like I could say I loved college, and it was the whole truth.

Within those first 12 weeks, I was challenged and tested in ways I would never have expected. I grew academically, personally, spiritually, and mentally. I now feel more confident in myself and my decisions. I have become someone that my senior self would not fully recognize. I still have the same passion in my chest, same hair on my head, and the same love of learning. But now I’m fully submerged in the pool. I have joined my friends in the deep end. I can finally feel the cool water enveloping my body. And I am happy.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the ɫèAV Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us –����to pitch your idea and get started! 

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Getting injured during summer break was not on my agenda. I had envisioned an active summer filled with walks, gym sessions, and trips to the park with my kids – anything that kept me moving.

But life had other plans, and a fall left me with three stitches below my knee. While the injury wasn’t severe, it was enough to sideline my plans and force me to rethink how I could make the most of my summer break.

Here are my tips for overcoming an unexpected injury and salvaging your summer.

Pause: Protect Your Mental Health

As I sat in the emergency room, all I could think about were the activities I wouldn’t be able to do. The realization hit me hard. As my plans unraveled, I felt overwhelmed, sad, and defeated.

That wave of defeat brought a flood of emotions I couldn’t ignore. It forced me to pause and reflect on my mental health.

Journaling became a quiet but powerful tool, helping me track small wins each week and stay connected to my progress. I also allowed myself to be vulnerable and accept help when it was offered. I’ve learned that this isn’t a sign of weakness but a strength in the healing process.

Pivot: Prioritize Healing

Even though my injury wasn’t as severe as it could have been, it still came as a shock. I felt discouraged and disappointed, but I quickly realized that prioritizing my healing was essential for both me and my family.

It’s frustrating when your plans suddenly revolve around limitations. My summer goals included staying active, hitting the gym, starting a jogging routine, and keeping my kids active every day. But with the injury, I had to pivot and adjust my expectations. I adapted and found different ways to stay engaged and make the summer enjoyable while respecting the healing process.

I’ve learned that progress isn’t about pushing through pain. It’s about listening to your body, adapting to the situation, and following your doctor’s guidance to support a full recovery. Summer doesn’t have to come to a halt; it can simply take a more mindful and intentional path.

Adapt: Focus on Low-Impact Activities

Although my injury wasn’t major, the stitches on my knee made it painful to walk, bend my leg, or climb stairs. Despite these limitations, I still wanted movement. Even something as simple as stepping outside for fresh air became a small but meaningful effort. I attended most of my son’s baseball games, which did wonders for my mental health.

Rather than dwelling on what I couldn’t do, I focused on what I could do. Walking wasn’t an option, but I still found joy in sitting outside with my laptop, catching up on schoolwork, and watching my kids run around the yard. Those slower, quieter moments brought me a sense of peace and fulfillment.

Resilience through Recovery

An injury might change your summer, but it doesn’t have to ruin it. You can replace a summer of high-energy plans with one of intentional engagement. Embrace new, low-impact activities while prioritizing your healing and mental health.

Overcoming a setback like this can be about more than just healing your body. It can be a path to discovering your resilience and finding peace even when things don’t go as planned.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the ɫèAV Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us –����to pitch your idea and get started! 

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At age seven, my life changed after reading a poem called "The Voice" by Shel Silverstein [1]. That moment was transformative because I realized I had autonomy. I discovered something within myself that no one else could take away: my voice.

Poetry became an outlet to express myself, turning my thoughts into words. Words became my first love. Though there was never an official wedding, I vowed to use them for good, through better and worse.

Emotional Empowerment Through Poetry

Through good times and bad, poetry empowers me. It provides a safe place to go when my emotions feel too big to hold. It brings me peace when I feel so happy that I want to shout my feelings at the sky. And it grounds me when my mind becomes tangled with too many thoughts to sort through.

Emotions aren't always as straightforward as our language implies; sometimes, they're more like a weather report. You might say you feel happy, but "mostly sunny" might be a more accurate description. Or maybe you don't exactly feel sad, so "foggy" would capture it better. On days when my emotions feel like this, I turn to poetry.

The Sparks of Creativity

When I'm particularly overwhelmed, I search online for a poetry prompt that resonates with me. Then, I do my best to release any negativity I'm experiencing. In moments like these, poetry gives me the power to transform my internal atmosphere. A few stanzas can turn an emotional storm into a lightning show: something electric and captivating.

There are also days when I feel so happy it's like I'm carrying a tiny (but intense) ball of sunshine. I might want to set it down somewhere, but I need to find a safe place to put it. This is where poetry grants me the power of peace, knowing that my happiness is preserved on paper.

What excites me even more than this peace of mind is the opportunity to share that happiness with someone else. I feel powerful knowing my big feelings can bring light to someone who needs the positivity.

Power through Purpose and Expression

Of course, we've all had days when we felt like we were carrying a ball of sunshine while a storm raged inside our heads. For me, this feels like my mind is knotted, and I'm not sure how to untangle it. Although this can leave me feeling powerless, I pick up my pen and let the words do the rest.

One word at a time, one sentence at a time, I untangle my thoughts like strings in a ball of yarn. And my poetry is the sweater I knit from those strings. I create something useful, something meaningful. That creation makes me feel powerful and purposeful.

Find Your Creative Outlet

Whether it's poetry, music, acting, or sports, I believe it's essential for everyone to have a creative outlet that makes them feel powerful. There's a common misconception that you must be "good" at something to enjoy it. In reality, the practice of self-expression is more important than the final product.

I hope this blog inspires you to find your voice through a creative outlet. Everyone deserves the power of autonomy and self-expression, especially in moments when we would otherwise feel powerless.

[1] Silverstein, Shel. Where the Sidewalk Ends. New York: Harper & Row, 1974.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the ɫèAV Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us –����to pitch your idea and get started! 

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When I joined my college’s music production club, I thought I was simply pursuing a personal passion. I’ve always enjoyed experimenting with beats, layering sounds, and figuring out how different pieces of music come together. I did it purely for fun, as a creative break from classes and assignments.

But over time, I noticed something surprising: the same skills I was honing in the studio were showing up in my classes, group projects, and even internships.

At first, the club felt like a totally separate world. We’d meet in a small room filled with cables, keyboards, and speakers. There, we would bounce ideas off each other, working to turn rough ideas into polished tracks.

I thought I was just learning how to make music. I didn’t realize I was also learning how to collaborate.

The Rhythm of Collaboration

Producing music with a group teaches you timing, both musically and in how you interact with others. You learn how to listen, when to speak up, and when to step back. You learn that great tracks stem from collaboration, not from one person controlling the sound.

That exact mindset helped me become a better teammate in academic group work. I began communicating more clearly and offering more constructive feedback. I also became more open to letting go of my own ideas if another approach worked better.

Patience in Production

Another unexpected takeaway from music production was patience. When you’re mixing a track, it never sounds perfect on the first attempt. You adjust one sound, then another, and often go back to revise something you already “finished.”

This trial-and-error process made me more comfortable with revising my work in school. Whether it was an essay, a presentation, or a project, I stopped striving for perfection on the first try. Instead, I learned to trust the process, just as I do in the studio.

Confidence in Communication

Even public speaking felt less intimidating. I used to get nervous presenting in class, but explaining beats and sound design choices to my club members helped me find confidence in my voice.

When you talk about something you’re passionate about, you naturally become a better communicator. That skill started spilling over into all areas of my life.

Transferable Skills in Hobbies

I joined the music production club because I liked making beats. I stayed because it helped me grow in ways I never anticipated.

I learned how to collaborate, how to be patient with my work, and how to express my ideas with confidence. What started as a fun, creative outlet became a transformation in the way I approach school, group settings, and even my professional life.

If you have something you love doing outside of class, don’t underestimate its value. You might think it’s just a hobby, but it could teach you more than you realize.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the ɫèAV Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us –����to pitch your idea and get started! 

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Hi, I'm Aissa! I’m currently studying business administration with a concentration in accounting at Tuskegee University. I’ve always had a love for numbers and organization, which is what drew me to accounting. However, my passion doesn't stop my college experience; there has been a balance of academic rigor and active involvement in campus life, helping me grow in ways I never imagined.

Since starting at Tuskegee, I’ve engaged with clubs and organizations that have shaped my college experience and made the transition from being far away from home so much easier. One of my proudest achievements so far has been becoming the National Business Manager for UNCF (United Negro College Fund). This role allows me to contribute to an incredible cause by helping to raise funds and awareness for scholarships that support all college students.

In addition to being on a national board, I serve as the treasurer for several organizations on campus: the NAACP, the Pre-Alumni Council, and the Ohio Club. Managing finances for these groups has given me real-world experience and allowed me to give back to the community that’s supported me. I also hold the position of Social Media Chair for the Entrepreneurial and Leadership Club, where I get to combine my love for organization with my interest in digital communication.

I became a ɫèAV Campus Ambassador last Fall, and it’s been a fantastic opportunity to engage with other students, promote educational resources, and connect with a broader network. As if all that wasn’t enough, I’m also a Dean's List scholar, which keeps me focused on maintaining high academic standards while juggling my extracurricular responsibilities.

Despite all the commitments, I’ve managed to keep a healthy balance by making time for my friends and family, especially when I need a break from the hustle of daily life. Being so far from home can be tough, but getting involved in campus activities has helped me feel connected, not just to my university, but also to the community I’m building here.

Being active on campus has not only helped me grow personally and professionally but also made adjusting to life away from home a little easier. No matter where life takes me, I am thankful for the opportunities I’ve had to make a positive impact at Tuskegee University, and I’m excited to continue on this journey of growth, leadership, and success.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the ɫèAV Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us –����to pitch your idea and get started! 

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