Romantic relationships can undeniably be considered as life’s icing on the cake. Relationships give you a euphoria and enable you to surpass challenges especially during those grueling years in school. However, there are times when romantic relationships must take a back seat as school work begins to pile up. So for you to effectively keep up with the demands in school and in your relationship, remember to do the following:

Maintain constant communication with your partner

Communication is one of the most essential factors in a relationship. Without communication, couples tend to break up. So, even if you are busy in school, spare time to keep in touch with your partner. Communication doesn’t have to take hours. Even daily text messages and thirty-minute phone calls are enough to keep the lines open and active. In addition, save Saturday or Sunday as your “us” day, having no other appointments or tasks other than to spend time with your girlfriend or boyfriend.

Of course, school work becomes more important than relationships, at times. But it would be such a waste to disregard an already developing or established romantic relationship just for the sake of finishing school requirements. Spending time to communicate with your partner works to your advantage, too, because you can use it to unwind, enjoy, and get your energy back as you balance your school and social life.

Plan your schedule and manage your time

The more priorities you have, the more you need to make a schedule and manage your time. By doing so, you can pay undivided attention to the people and activities you value most. Also, should you need to spend more time accomplishing school requirements, you can give your partner a heads up on days you will be busy if you have a schedule. If your time is well-managed, you get enough time to do activities you enjoy, to rest, and to study efficiently for your classes.

People have different criteria in choosing the best schools for themselves or for their children. Among the criteria are the location of the school, tuition, courses offered, religious orientation, and student population. Gender orientation and school popularity are, at times, also criteria people use in selecting educational institutions. On top of these deciding factors, however, the prestige of a school is often the most important for many people. Below are reasons people choose prestigious schools.

Reason 1 – Prestigious schools mean the best quality of education

The first reason is true for many educational institutions, but, it does not apply to all. Time can change the status and quality of education in schools and one that is known previously as a top-notch institution may no longer be so on the following years. Nevertheless, a school earns its reputation if it offers quality education.

The people that make up the faculty in prestigious schools are some of the most learned professors and instructors in varying fields of interests. The management of prestigious schools invest on the said educators so that students get holistic education and become well-prepared for their careers. In addition, through the guidance of learned educators, students enrolled in prestigious schools become more knowledgeable in the industries they choose to enter.

Reason 2 –  Prestigious schools give students an edge while job hunting

One of the factors employers look at when reading resumes is the schools applicants come from. If applicants graduated from the best schools, they make it to the short lists or are hired immediately. Sometimes, too, even if applicants do not have all the essential credentials for a position, they get the job because of the schools they came from. The mindset of employers toward schools explains why parents and students consider prestige and reputation as criteria for selecting schools.

Of course, other criteria in choosing schools are as important as prestige. But if the selection process leads you to deciding only on two very good schools, opt for the one that can help you go farther in your education and career. Despite the odds, the knowledge and training you will get from a prestigious institution is worth it in the end.

School work requires lots of time, effort, and sometimes sacrifices on a student’s part. The demands for every course or subject entail much mental and physical effort from students. And if their immune system is not all that strong, students can get sick every now and then. To help students maintain their health, some US states require students to have health insurance.

Why students should get health insurance

One reason students are better off with a health insurance is for them to stay healthy and be able to keep up with the challenges in college or graduate school. And because many students enrolled at universities work part-time to finance their education, the more they are prone to getting sick. In addition, many working students are no longer covered by their parents’ health insurance policies. This leaves students responsible for their own well-being. If they have their own health insurance, students can get treatment when they get sick, recover immediately, and proceed to juggling their school work and social life.

Where to get student health insurance

One source for student health insurance is universities and graduate schools. Many colleges, universities, and graduate schools offer health insurance to students, especially if the course demands are physically exhausting. Another source for health insurance is private insurance companies. They offer special packages and insurance policies to students, particularly those attending college, law schools, medical schools, MBA schools, and graduate schools.

What you need to know about student health insurance

Students eligible for health insurance are those of 17 years up to 29 years of age. General choices for student health insurance are group and individual insurance. A group package covers a particular set of diseases while an individual package can be customized depending on the need of a student. Usually, the premiums for both group and individual packages are affordable. No matter which package you choose, remember to read the fine print carefully and clarify gray areas before signing any documents.

Universities and schools usually have similar processes on screening and admitting applicants. But, if you learn about details on admission requirements such as interview questions and quality and type of personal statements preferred, you can increase your chances of getting accepted into the educational institution of your choice. Below are tips that can help you prepare for the screening and admission process.

Tip 1 – Check out online forums, student blogs, and message boards

You can use the Internet to get assistance and tips on doing excellently in interviews as well as on preparing the requirements for admissions, such as application forms, recommendation letters, and entrance exams. Join online forums, student blogs, and message boards of the schools you want to apply to. In the said websites, you can post questions and wait for members to provide their answers. Most likely, the members who participate in the forums, blog websites, and message boards are current students or are alumni of your preferred universities.

Tip 2 – Use your social network to get information

Do you know people who are studying or have studied in the universities you want to apply to? Get in touch with them to learn more about admission processes. Students or alumni can tell you about their professors who conduct interviews and the characteristics these professors look for in applicants. In addition, students and alumni can give you tips on how to write your personal statements and how to study for the entrance exams.

Tip 3 – Get answers from the horse’s mouth

Other than students and alumni, you can go directly to one or two members of admissions committees and ask them questions. They are, often, more than willing to help you because they want applicants to succeed in getting accepted into universities. Of course, it is essential that you set an appointment with any of the committee members because they are very busy people. And once you get a few minutes with them, ask about the application process and be considerate of their time. With just a bit of research and effort, you can well be on your way to making it to your dream university or college.