Students blog

Explore the latest trends, tips, and experiences in college life in this blog written by fellow students.

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  • A computer screen showing a list of coding prompts.

    Bridging the Gap: Why Independent Study is Essential for Success in Tech

    Elanah Hassan

    In today's hyper-competitive job market, especially in tech, students are facing increasing pressure to elevate their technical skills well beyond traditional coursework. As a sophomore in Computer Engineering the standard college curriculum focuses heavily on theoretical concepts, leaving a gap between what we learn in the classroom and the applied skills demanded by the industry. As I navigated this gap, I turned to online coding courses and independent projects, which not only helped me earn certifications but also strengthened my problem-solving abilities and deepened my understanding of the concepts taught in class. Here are three actionable tips and resources that have helped me and can help other students in similar situations develop in-demand technical skills while still in school.

    Tip #1: Utilize Self-Paced Coding Platforms

    Since my senior year of high school, I’ve been using Codecademy to teach myself programming languages like HTML/CSS and Python, and it’s been a game-changer for my growth in tech. The platform offers courses tailored to every skill level, hands-on projects to sharpen your abilities, and clear, step-by-step explanations of complex software concepts. What makes it even better is the flexibility to complete courses on your own time, making it perfect for busy students. Plus, finishing a course earns you a certification to showcase your skills and boost your visibility in the industry. Leveraging my Codecademy experience played a huge role in my recruiting success this past semester, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking to build or refine their programming skills.

    Tip #2: Work on Personal Projects

    Personal projects are an amazing way to develop technical skills while pursuing something you’re passionate about. Currently I’m combining my love for yoga with my technical interests by building a Python-powered web app to help people explore yoga as a wellness tool. As Vice President of my campus Yoga and Meditation group, this project feels deeply meaningful and allows me to merge my passions with my growing skill set. Using resources like YouTube and GitHub, I’m excited to tackle this challenge head-on. Personal projects like these not only sharpen your skills but also show recruiters your initiative and drive to learn. Find something you love or a problem you care about—and start creating!

    Tip #3: Take Advantage of Corporate Tech Resources

    Many top tech companies like Microsoft, Google, IBM, and NVIDIA offer free online learning platforms packed with resources to help you build programming skills, explore real-world applications, and prepare for technical interviews. These platforms give you a unique opportunity to learn directly from the companies shaping the tech industry, providing insights into their projects, technologies, and workflows. For example, Microsoft Learn offers interactive modules and challenges, Google’s Applied Digital Skills covers hands-on programming and AI tools, and IBM SkillsBuild provides access to cloud computing and AI resources. NVIDIA also has a rich catalog focusing on GPU programming and AI development.

    Breaking into tech can feel intimidating, but building a strong foundation of skills is the key to boosting your confidence and unlocking new opportunities! Use your time away from school to dive into independent study and sharpen those marketable skills that will set you apart. If you’ve secured an internship that requires technical programming skills but don’t feel fully prepared yet (like I once did), this is the perfect time to bridge that gap. Learning beforehand will not only help you feel more confident going in but also allow you to make the most of the experience and grow and develop while you work. Remember, every step you take is progress—invest in yourself, and watch the doors open!

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

  • Blog author Elanah in a Warrior yoga pose.

    Prioritizing Health and Wellness as a College Student

    Elanah Hassan

    Health and wellness are imperative for every human being, but as a college student, we are in a season of our life that requires immense focus which can be physically and mentally taxing. At the start of the year, I set an intention to prioritize balance, and part of honoring this intention was ensuring that my body was balanced. To do this, I made time for activities such as yoga, working out, eating healthy, and juicing and boy, has it changed my energy levels and overall outlook. Here’s how my health and wellness journey has impacted my day-to-day life. Implementing some of these habits could elevate your reality, too.

    Developing A Consistent Rising Routine

    During the first 20 minutes after you wake up in the rising, your brain is moving from lower frequency alpha brain waves into higher frequency beta brain waves. It is important to be intentional with what you choose to do within these 20 minutes because it can greatly affect your mood and energy for the remainder of the day. I start my days by doing a hygiene routine that consists of washing my face, brushing my teeth, and doing my hair. After this I do a 10-to-15-minute meditation to gain some internal clarity, give gratitude, and set intentions for the day. This step is really important to me because it keeps me aligned and grounded for a long day of school and work.

    Implementing Fitness in Different Styles

    Movement is medicine. Prioritizing movement can positively affect the way your brain processes information. Exercising has been shown to “promote all kinds of changes in the brain including neural growth, reduced inflammation, and new activity patterns that promote feelings of calm and well-being.” () One of my favorite ways to add exercise into my schedule is by doing yoga. Yoga allows me to develop a deeper connection between my mind and body by doing breathe-to-movement flows. This drastically increases my focus throughout the day and helps my body feel good.

    Healthy Eating Habits

    It can be very difficult to try and eat healthy in college depending on dining options and proximity to grocery stores with fresh foods. My university is in a rural area, and I live in an off-campus apartment meaning I don’t have a meal plan so it’s always my job to ensure that I have food for the week. I really love shopping at stores like Trader Joe’s or Aldi because they have healthy food options at good prices. I meal prep on weekends so that I do not have to take time to cook in the middle of the week when my schedule is packed. I also try and make fresh juices such as pineapple, orange, and ginger juice because it helps keep my body clean and boost energy levels. I believe that you are what you eat, and putting good in allows you to get good out making it very important to be intentional about what you put in your body.

    No matter what you’re facing right now in college, there is always room for improvement. Implementing just one of these habits consistently will help you so much in the long run. There are so many ways to get these things right, just go and try it! Don’t hold back or worry about getting it all correct. As I have shared, practicing these healthy habits improves my day-to-day life immensely which is what brought me to share it with you.

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