JagGuide

Two and a half years ago, I was preparing to go off to college. The one piece of advice I would've given myself is to learn how to study more efficiently. Studying is one of the most important things you will do in college in order to get the grades you desire. If you're a full time student you will be juggling fifteen or more credit hours each semester. So, you will need to learn how to spread out your studying so that you study for all of your classes rather than just focusing on only one or two classes. It can seem scary in the beginning but I have found that utilizing a planner is a great way to stay on target! You can also make it easier on yourself and plan out specific times that you will do for everything, that means even scheduling your eating or even your relaxation time. College is an exciting new chapter in life just remember to study!                            

Spring semester is coming to an end and Fall semester for first time freshman is approaching fast! Here are a few of the things that I think are helpful for that transition. 1. Keep those grades up It's the end of the year and you're probably immersed in all of the senior activities at your high school which is awesome, but just remember to not slack off for these last few weeks! 2. Make sure you have everything squared away Don't forget to sign up for things like housing and orientation! These should be a top priority on your list. 3. Brush up on your studying skills Sure, you were able to get good grades in high school but when you come to college you have to make sure you have a routine down because exams can sneak up quick if you're not paying attention! 4. Meet future Jags! A great time to meet some of your future classmates is at orientation, especially because you'll be grouped with your major so you already have something in common! 5. Cherish

It's finally Spring! The weather is getting warmer and I have taken advantage of that and gone on a few hikes at South Alabama's Glenn Sebastian Nature Trail! The trail has actually been apart of South Alabama for around 30 years and has many different lengths of trails to go on! The reason I love the nature trail is because it's a great place for me to go and relax after a long day of classes and it helps clear my head. I also love taking pictures of the swamp area right next to the opening of the trails which has a bridge going across it so you're able to see the water lilies up close and you may even get to spot an alligator! You can check out some of those pictures below!                                                                                           

A great way to get involved when your're in college is to volunteer! Many of the clubs on campus incorporate volunteering because it is important to get volunteer hours and they look great on resumes! You can also get involved with volunteering individually. There are many places that need volunteers including food banks, animal rescue places, and even some local businesses. I personally like to volunteer when I go back home to Huntsville and I usually either volunteer at A New Leash on Life (animal rescuer) or Manna House which is a food/clothing/hygiene distribution center. I think it's important to volunteer because it is simply the right thing to do to help out the community and you can also meet really great people in the process. So, what are you waiting for? Go volunteer!

When you're a college student your life is filled with so many twists and turns and some weeks may be super busy and some may be super laid back. Although, I try to make my weeks a little bit of both, here's a look at a week in my life as a student at South Alabama! Here's what me and my friends had when we went out for a small girls trip to Fairhope! Game night is a great way to relieve stress after a long day of classes! You also can't forget about studying! Personally I occasionally like a change of scenery and love to go to Gulf Shores and study on the beach! If you live in Mobile, you're going to love going to all of the Mardi Gras parades! Me and my friends actually have a detailed schedule just to fit in parades with our studying! And finally, to end off the week me and my friends had a great time helping future students learn more about USA!

When you're in college studying is a pretty big part of your life, so I've compiled a list of some of my favorite spots to hangout and study! 1. Marx Library This is a given since it is right on campus.They have plenty of group study rooms with white boards and some even have TV's for when you're practicing for a presentation or when you're studying with a large group of people! 2. Starbucks in the Marx Library This Starbucks has a perfect atmosphere for studying and the staff there are amazing, plus most of them always greet me and my friends by our names! Stop by and check them out! 3. Carpe Diem Coffee & Tea Co. This is a cute little coffee shop just down the road from South. They have a lot of seating and it's a perfect atmosphere to study or just have a cup of coffee/tea with your friends! They also have little desserts. 4. The Southern Grind Coffee House This one you may have to drive a little to get to but when you need a change of