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Procrastination in college does not happen because you are lazy. It happens because you are overwhelmed, tired, or unsure where to start. It sneaks up on you during the afternoons when you tell yourself you will begin in ten minutes, and suddenly it is midnight. College work piles up faster than you expect, and the more you avoid it, the heavier it starts to feel. You convince yourself that you need the perfect moment, the perfect mood, or the perfect amount of motivation to begin, but that moment never really comes on its own.

A lot of procrastination comes from fear. Fear of doing the assignment wrong, fear of not understanding the material, or fear of facing how much you have to do. It is easier to scroll, nap, clean your room, or tell yourself you will start tomorrow. These little distractions feel comforting, even though they make the problem worse later. What makes it even harder is that college gives you so much freedom. Nobody is checking on you every hour. Nobody is holding you accountable except yourself.

The truth is that the hardest part is always starting. Once you begin, even for a few minutes, the assignment loses some of its power. You realize it is not as impossible as your mind made it. You realize you can handle more than you thought. Procrastination builds a wall between you and your goals, but that wall is thin. One small step, one sentence written, one chapter read can break the whole thing open.

College teaches you that productivity does not come from perfection. It comes from showing up for yourself in small, gentle ways. You do not need to finish everything today. You just need to start. When you take the pressure off and make room for progress instead of perfection, procrastination loses its hold on you. College becomes less of a race and more of a rhythm, one where you learn to move forward even when you do not feel ready.

Hard relationships in college feel different than the ones you struggled with in high school. Everything is happening while you are learning how to live on your own, manage stress, and figure out who you are becoming. When a friendship or relationship gets complicated, it can feel heavier because you do not have the same support system you grew up with. You are balancing your emotions while also trying to stay focused on classes, your social life, and your own growth. It can be a lot, even when you pretend it is not.

One of the biggest challenges is learning that not every relationship is meant to come with you into adulthood. College exposes people’s true priorities, insecurities, and intentions. Some friendships fade because you stop relating to each other. Some relationships become stressful because one person is growing and the other is not. It hurts, but it does not mean you failed. It means you are changing and paying attention to what feels healthy for you.

It also helps to recognize when a relationship is draining your energy instead of adding to your life. You start to notice when you leave a conversation feeling anxious, when someone constantly takes without giving, or when you shrink yourself to keep the peace. In college, you do not have the time or emotional space to stay tied to people who make you feel small. It is okay to step back. It is okay to let distance happen. Protecting your peace is not rude. It is necessary.

Communication becomes more important too. College forces you to speak up when something hurts you, when a boundary has been crossed, or when you need space. You learn that people cannot read your mind, and silence always turns small problems into bigger ones. Sometimes a simple conversation can save a relationship. Other times it shows you that walking away is the healthier choice. Either way, it teaches you how to advocate for yourself.

College Study Tips That Actually Make a Difference

Studying in college is not the same as studying in high school. The workload is heavier and the expectations feel bigger, but the biggest change is how much responsibility you have over your own time. Nobody is checking in on you every day. Nobody is reminding you to start early. You have to learn how to create your own structure, and that can feel overwhelming until you find the study habits that actually work for you. The truth is that being successful in college is less about being naturally smart and more about learning how to manage your mind.

One of the most helpful things you can do is break your work into small, consistent pieces. It is so easy to put things off until they pile up, but studying a little every day keeps you from drowning in information later. Your brain remembers things better when you return to them often, even for ten minutes at a time. Instead of sitting down for a four hour cram session, you give yourself space to learn slowly and actually understand the material. It feels gentle instead of chaotic.

Another tip is to create an environment that makes studying easier, not harder. Your space does not have to be perfect, just comfortable enough that you want to sit down and focus. A clean desk, a quiet spot in the library, or even a corner of your dorm can help your mind settle. When the space feels calm, studying feels less like a chore and more like part of your routine. Your atmosphere influences your motivation more than you think.

It is also important to learn how to study based on what your brain responds to. Some people need color coded notes, others need flashcards, and others learn best by explaining the material out loud. There is no single correct method. The goal is to find the one that makes the information click for you. When you stop copying everyone else’s study habits and start trusting your own, the process becomes easier and more enjoyable.

Most of all, give yourself breaks without feeling guilty.

Burnout in college does not arrive all at



One of the most important ways to avoid burnout is to stay aware of your energy, not just your schedule. You can have a full week and still feel steady if you pace yourself, and you can have a light week but feel drained if you never pause. College makes it tempting to treat rest like a reward you have to earn, but real rest is what keeps you from falling apart later. Allow yourself breaks before you feel exhausted. Close your laptop for a minute. Step outside. Give your mind a chance to recover so you can actually show up for yourself.

Another way to protect yourself is by letting go of the idea that you have to say yes to everything. You do not have to attend every event, help everyone who asks, or be available all the time. Boundaries are not rude or dramatic. They are what keep you from stretching yourself so thin that you lose the ability to enjoy the things you care about. Sometimes avoiding burnout means choosing one thing to focus on instead of five, or choosing peace over pressure.

Your environment matters too. A cluttered desk, messy room, or scattered notes can make stress feel bigger than it is. When your space feels calmer, your mind follows. Small habits like organizing your materials, planning your week, or setting gentle goals can make your workload feel manageable instead of overwhelming. You do not need to be strict or intense about it. You just need a routine that supports you instead of draining you.

Most importantly, avoiding burnout is about remembering that you are a person before you are a student. You are allowed to rest, to step back, to take care of yourself without guilt. Productivity is not the only measure of your worth. When you choose balance, when you listen to your body, and when you let yourself slow down, you prevent burnout before it takes over. College is challenging, but you do not have to survive it by running yourself into the ground. You can move through it gently, intentionally, and with enough care to sustain yourself all the way to the end.

College has a quiet way of changing you long before you ever realize it. It does not happen in big dramatic moments or sudden overnight shifts. It happens slowly, through little choices, new habits, and the way you start handling life differently without even meaning to. You come in with all your expectations, fears, and ideas of who you think you are supposed to be, and somewhere between the first awkward week and the middle of the semester, you start becoming someone new.

You notice it in tiny ways at first. The way you walk across campus with more confidence than you had in August. The way you speak up a little more in class because you are not as scared of being wrong. The way you start trusting yourself to figure things out, even when everything feels confusing. You do not always celebrate these moments, because they feel so natural, but they are signs that you are growing.

College also changes the way you react to stress. At the start, every assignment feels overwhelming and every mistake feels huge. As time passes, you begin to take things slower. You stop panicking over every grade. You learn to break work into smaller pieces. You learn what helps you calm down. You realize you can handle more than you thought you could. Without noticing, you build resilience.

It even changes your relationships. You meet people who understand you in ways you did not expect. You drift from some friends and get closer to others. You start valuing quality over quantity. You learn to let certain friendships go without guilt, and you learn to hold onto the ones that make you feel supported and seen. These shifts are all part of growing into yourself.

Most of all, college changes the way you see yourself. You begin trusting your instincts. You discover new interests. You realize you do not need to have your entire future figured out. You learn what kind of person you want to be and what kind of life you want to build. It happens slowly, quietly, during late-night study sessions, long walks back to your dorm, new challenges, and small victories. One day you wake up and realize you are stronger, softer, wiser, and more independent than you ever expected

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Cooking in college is its own little adventure. You are working with tiny dorm kitchens, shared fridges, limited ingredients, and whatever bowls and forks you remembered to pack. But there is something really comforting about figuring out the small meals that become your go to. As a freshman, the food you make does not need to be perfect or impressive. It just needs to taste good, keep you full, and make your dorm feel a little more like home.

Some of the best freshman meals are the ones that use simple ingredients but feel warm and satisfying. Things like pasta with jar sauce, scrambled eggs with cheese, or grilled cheese in a pan become classics because they are quick, cheap, and reliable. You can make them after a long day of classes or late at night when you are studying and suddenly starving. These meals are not complicated, but they feel comforting in a way that only freshman year food can.

There is also something special about learning little hacks that make your meals better. Adding seasoning to microwave noodles, making quesadillas on the stove, or throwing leftover veggies into rice can turn basic ingredients into something that tastes like you actually tried. You start figuring out your own flavor preferences, and even the simplest recipes start feeling personal. Food becomes part of your routine and your sense of independence.

Freshman year teaches you that cooking does not have to be overwhelming. It can be soft and slow, something you do to take care of yourself. A warm bowl of oatmeal on a cold morning, a quick salad before class, or a late night snack made in your dorm can make the day feel easier. These little meals become memories. They remind you that you are growing, learning, and taking care of yourself in ways that feel small but meaningful.

There is something really comforting about finding the perfect show to watch while you are in college. It becomes part of your routine. You turn it on during slow mornings in your dorm, during late night study breaks, or when you need something soft in the background while you clean or journal. The right show makes you feel less alone. It fills the room with a familiar voice and creates a little bubble of calm in the middle of your busy schedule.

Some shows just fit the college atmosphere better than others. New Girl is one of those easy, feel good shows that never fails during a long week. It is light and funny, and it feels like spending time with roommates you actually enjoy. Jane the Virgin is another reliable comfort show when you want something cute and dramatic with plot twists that keep you entertained without stressing you out. Gilmore Girls is perfect for fall and for moments when you want soft background noise that makes your room feel warm and cozy.

There are also shows that reflect young adulthood in a way that feels familiar while you are living it. Grown ish is a great example because it captures the highs and lows of college life, friendships, mistakes, and glow ups. The Sex Lives of College Girls has the exact messy, funny, chaotic energy that freshman year brings, and it feels strangely comforting to see your own experiences mirrored on screen. Dear White People brings a smart and stylish campus vibe that makes you think a little deeper while still being entertaining.

Then there are the shows you watch when you need to escape your own reality for a minute. Euphoria is intense and dramatic, and sometimes that is the perfect mood when you want to get lost in a world that is nothing like yours. Outer Banks is easy to binge and gives you that adventure feeling when you do not want to think too hard. Vampire Diaries is a classic comfort drama with endless twists, which makes it perfect for weekends when you want to watch something without stopping.

College is busy and chaotic, but having the right show makes everything feel more manageable. It becomes part of your routine and your atmosphere. If you want, I can make another version that fits a more aesthetic tone, more academic tone, or something written exactly in your voice.

Halloween at College isn’t just about parties and pumpkins

It’s about finding the perfect costume that feels fun, cute, and totally you. As October rolls in and campus starts getting a little colder (and a lot spookier), I love scrolling through costume ideas, planning group fits with friends, and putting together looks that make the whole month feel festive. Whether you’re dressing up for a dorm event, a night out, or just a cute Instagram moment, here are the Halloween costume vibes that make college life feel magical and fun

Easy & Cute Solo Costumes

These grab-and-go fits look adorable without stressing you out.

pink cupid Soft wings, shimmer makeup, and pink bows. So whimsical, so effortless.

Cher or Dionne (Clueless) A plaid skirt set and knee-high socks. Instantly iconic.

Bratz Doll Glossy lips, tiny purse, extra attitude. Perfect for pics.

Minnie Mouse Red bow, polka dots, and cute eyeliner. A classic dorm-friendly option.

Angel or Devil White or red mini dress, fluffy halo or glittery horns. Easy, cute, and always a hit.

As a tip: Add glitter highlight and cute hair clips for the perfect girly finishing touch.

You can see the rest of the images on Pinterest!

for besties and roommates!

Perfect for walking to the function together or matching at a dorm event.

Cowgirl Duo Boots, denim skirts, hats, and rhinestones. Cute and country-coquette.

Maddy & Cassie (Euphoria) Sparkly makeup, bold fits, and main-character energy.

Mermaid & Sailor Shimmery skirt + sailor top = adorable contrast moment.

Fairy & Butterfly Soft, pastel, girly — the ultimate campus aesthetic pairing.

College parties are fun and exciting. There is music, lights, laughter, and that warm feeling of being young and out with friends. But staying safe is part of the vibe too. The best nights are the ones where everyone comes home together, everyone feels good, and everyone wakes up the next morning with memories instead of stress. These are the little reminders that make party nights feel fun, confident, and safe.

✨ Before You Go

Set up your night so you already feel grounded.

📱 Share your location

Send it to your closest friend or your roommate. It takes two seconds and helps a lot.

👯‍♀️ Go with people you trust

Parties feel better with a group that looks out for each other.

🚗 Plan your way home

A ride, a walk with friends, or a trusted driver. Know this before you step out.

🌙 At the Party

Stay aware but still have fun. You deserve both.

🍹 Watch your cup

Keep it in your hand or cover it with your fingers when you move through crowds.

👜 Keep your bag close

Phone, keys, cards. Keep them zipped and near you.

🙂 Check in with your friends

A simple Are you good is sometimes all someone needs.

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💓 Trust Your Body and Your Instincts

Your comfort is your priority.

🚫 If someone makes you uncomfortable, walk away

You do not need a reason. You do not owe anyone an explanation.

💬 Have a code word

You and your besties can pick one word that means I want to leave or I need help.

🔋 Charge your phone before you go out

Low battery at a party can get stressful fast.

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🌌 Going Home

End the night safely and softly.

👭 Leave with the people you arrived with

This is one of the safest habits in college.

🌃 Stay in well lit areas

Take the path that makes you feel the safest, even if it is a little longer.

🛏 Text someone when you get home

A simple I am home feels good for everyone.

Fall at CSUN isn’t just about outfits and movies it’s also about comfort food season. As the weather cools down ?even just a little), I start craving warm drinks, sweet treats, and meals that make campus feel extra homey. Whether it’s grabbing a caramel latte before class, or finding the perfect pumpkin flavored snack to study with, these are the fall food moments that make college life feel romanticized and cozy.

Freudian Sip Favorites

This is the spot for all your fall drink cravings.

I’m Pumpkin Spice Latte – A CSUN essential. Sweet, warm, and tastes like autumn in a cup.

Caramel Macchiato Cozy perfection with just the right amount of sweetness.

Chai Tea Latte Spicy, creamy, and the best drink to sip while journaling or studying.

Cinnamon Roll or Coffee Cake is ideal with your morning class or an afternoon pick me up.

As a tip Order your drink with oat milk for extra creaminess and a fall café-girl aesthetic.

Arbor Grill

Perfect for lunch with friends between classes when the weather’s nice.

Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup Combo – A comforting, classic fall pairing.

Harvest Salad – Apple slices, walnuts, and vinaigrette for a crisp, fresh vibe.

Hot Cocoa or Apple Cider (when available)

In college, you never really know what kind of day you’re dressing for a study session in the library, a spontaneous trip to a museum, a coffee date, or even a last minute party in LA. That’s why I’ve learned that being prepared for any fashion event is key. Each outfit tells its own story, and during the fall season, the vibes change as fast as the weather. One minute I’m wrapped up in cozy pink velour, and the next I’m sparkling under club lights.

For me, fall fashion at CSUN is all about balance cute but comfortable, stylish but spontaneous. I love mixing soft textures, warm colors, and girly details that make every outfit feel like an extension of my personality. Here’s what a week in fall looks like through my outfits, my moods, and my favorite little moments. 🍂

🍎 Monday – art gallery girlie

I started my week with an outfit that felt dreamy and artistic my denim mini skirt, black tights, fuzzy white jacket, and tall boots. I wore it while visiting an art museum, and it made me feel like I’d stepped right into a Renaissance painting. The mix of textures denim, fur, and leather was the perfect balance between classy and cozy. It’s the kind of outfit that says “main character on a city adventure,” perfect for crisp fall mornings and museum strolls.

☕ Tuesday – Cozy Pink Morning

On Tuesday, I leaned into my soft-girl energy with my pink velour tracksuit. It’s comfy, girly, and so Y2K perfect for coffee runs or studying in the dorm. The baby pink color always brightens my mood, and the matching top and bottom make me feel effortlessly put together. I paired it with my phone’s pink polka dot case for extra coordination because details matter. This outfit is all about comfort, confidence, and a touch of nostalgia.

🍂 Wednesday – All Black Campus Vibes

Midweek, I went for a darker, more chill look my black “Fashion Show” hoodie with leggings, pink headphones, and a sleek bag. This outfit is my go-to for walking to class or grabbing a latte at Freudian Sip. It’s comfortable yet mysterious, perfect for fall study days when you just want to disappear into your music and focus. The pink headphones give it that signature “Destiny touch” cozy with a hint of glam.

🎃 Thursday – Sweet & Silly Energy

Thursday was my fun, spontaneous day. I tried on a pink frosted donut costume at Target and couldn’t stop laughing. It was such a cute and silly moment that totally matched the Halloween spirit. Even with my sparkly slides and black pants, the costume brought out my playful side. Sometimes fashion isn’t about being serious it’s about expressing joy. This day reminded me to not take things too seriously and to enjoy little seasonal moments.

🌙 Friday – Night-Out Sparkle

By Friday night, I was ready to switch into my party girl mood. I wore a sparkly red and black top with denim shorts, a white shoulder bag, and a glittery silver hat. It was the perfect outfit for a night out bold, confident, and a little mysterious. I loved how the lights reflected off my top and hat, making me feel like I was glowing. This outfit captured my fearless side the part of me that loves dancing, adventure, and living fully in the moment.

As the air finally starts to cool and the sun sets a little earlier, I can feel fall slowly making its way onto campus. The trees near the USU are beginning to fade into soft gold, and it’s the perfect time to pull out my sweaters, make warm drinks, and romanticize every walk to class. The fall semester at CSUN feels like a mix of golden light, chai lattes, and soft background music. I’ve been journaling more lately, sitting outside the library and watching the sunlight change. There’s something magical about how even LA manages to feel cozy this time of year despite the temperature never dripping too much .

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🎬 My Fall Movie Watchlist

This season, I want to lean into all things cozy and cinematic. I plan to start with When Harry Met Sally — the ultimate fall classic with city romance and warm colors. Then I’ll watch You’ve Got Mail for that bookstore-and-coffee-shop aesthetic. Practical Magic will be my witchy comfort film for October nights, and Knives Out gives me that perfect cozy-mystery energy. I’ll rewatch Dead Poets Society on a quiet night when I feel like journaling, and Coraline will definitely be my Halloween-week movie. Little Women is on the list for soft, feminine fall vibes, and of course, Gilmore Girls will be my constant background show for study sessions and slow mornings. I even want to make a “movie jar,” where I write each title on pink slips of paper and pick one to watch every weekend.

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☕ My Favorite Cozy Spots on Campus

One of my favorite fall rituals is finding quiet, comforting places on campus. The Freudian Sip at the Sierra Center is at the top of my list — it’s perfect for a caramel macchiato or a cinnamon chai before class, and I love people-watching while I write in my planner. The third floor of the Oviatt Library has the calmest energy; the lighting is warm, and it’s the best place to journal or read when I need peace and quiet.

When I want to study outside, I go to the outdoor lounge at the USU. The trees there start to turn golden by late October, and it’s a dreamy place to sit with friends or have a solo coffee date. My favorite hidden spot, though, is the Orange Grove and pond. It’s so peaceful early in the morning, with ducks swimming and leaves drifting across the water. It feels like a secret fall escape right in the middle of Northridge. And when I’m in a creative mood, I love spending time in the Creative Maker Studio in the library basement. It’s cozy, low-key, and perfect for printing pink stickers or designing fall-themed art projects.

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🍎 My Fall Freshman Goals