College Resources

Leaving home for college is such a big deal. It calls for a useful but unique gift, a send-off that shows your student that you really get who they are. If you’re just not sure how to say congratulations, check out our gifts for college-bound students, a curated list of uncommonly thoughtful presents for every style of student.

Going to college is an exciting experience many students anticipate throughout their high school years. With this excitement comes the daunting realization of all the planning, applications, and processes a student needs to go through before finally walking onto campus. Thankfully, there are a number of different apps and websites designed to help students embark on the college journey. Here are 10 college prep apps for college-bound students.

Forbes says 2020 set a record for student debt, with 45 million Americans collectively owing $1.6 trillion. That’s second only to home mortgage balances. If you want to be able to afford a home once you leave college, minimizing the balance due on your postsecondary education matters. One way to minimize college debt is to maximize your college cash flow and, when possible, pay college costs as they accrue. And there are 3 ways to improve your college cash flow: proactively, in real time, and reactively.

As a parent during COVID-19, you never stop worrying. Are your teens washing their hands enough? Can you trust your college student not to attend that party? Practicing social distancing can be the difference between life and death. But it doesn’t come easily to young adults, who crave the very activities — from spring break to sporting events — that spread infection. That’s why it’s important to communicate health risks and social responsibility during a pandemic. We’ve got your back with A Parent's Guide: How to Talk to Students About Social Distancing and COVID-19.

You want to make a positive difference in your world. Who knew it would be as easy as putting a piece of fabric over your face? Wearing a mask might seem like no big deal, but it’s actually one of the simplest and most effective ways you can save lives. You’ve got questions about this hottest new piece of fashion. We’ve got answers. Let’s dive into why and how to wear face masks during COVID-19: a guide for college students.

Feeling stressed? You’re not alone. Students across the U.S. are wrestling with college decisions, taking classes, or preparing for entrance exams — all while living through the anxiety of a pandemic. We’re here to help. This week, try one of these 7 easy ways to reduce stress for college students.

The fall 2020 semester in higher education brings with it a new educational format: hybrid classes. If you’ve found yourself wondering “What are hybrid classes?” and how do you succeed in them, read on. I’ll explain the nuts and bolts of what it’s like to participate in a partially online, partially in-person class. I’ll also provide you with some tips and best practices to help you succeed in a hybrid class.

If you’re going to attend college in fall 2020, you may spend at least part of your semester learning online. Many schools are embracing virtual instruction during the COVID-19 pandemic. (At USF, we plan to offer a mix of online classes, on-campus classes, and flexible hybrid classes.) We know you have a lot of questions, especially if you’ve never taken an online class before. Let’s take a look at the benefits of online learning from your future instructors.

2020: What a weird summer. Our typical August activities — pool parties, afternoon movies in air-conditioned theaters, cross-country trips — aren’t possible in a pandemic. Instead, we’re spending a lot more time at home. Does that mean our last few weeks of summer are ruined? Not at all. It just means our entertainment has to get more creative. Check out our list of eight ways to have summer break fun while social distancing. 

You versus Life.