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Recording professional-sounding music on a college budget may first seem impossible, however it is not only feasible, but an opportunity to input your creativity into every process. You don’t need a high-end studio to produce great tracks. Instead, focus on technique, affordable tools, and optimizing your recording environment. Here are a few tips on how to put together high-quality songs without draining your bank account.

Optimize Your Recording Space��

If you’re recording in a dorm or small apartment, you can use thick blankets or moving pads to dampen reflections. Isolating areas with the most unwanted room noise is the key, focusing on��creating smaller spaces within larger ones. For vocals, try recording in a closet, as the fabric is��great at absorbing unwanted reverberations. If you’re micing an amp or acoustic instrument, a��similar closet technique can work wonders if you have the space. Rugs and carpet can also be��useful for containing sound in rooms with harder floors.��

Choose Affordable (or Free) Gear��

Start with a solid, budget-friendly microphone like the Shure SM57 or SM7B or any cheap large��diaphragm condenser such as the Audio-Technica AT2020 or the AKG P220. Pair it with an��affordable audio interface, such as a Scarlett Solo or anything that doesn’t have DI quality loss��and that can provide clean preamps. For monitoring, opt for flat-response headphones like the��Audio-Technica ATH-M30x or something from Sennheiser’s HD series, which will help you mix��accurately without need for studio monitors. Most production can be tackled in the box these��days, so focus on getting the best signal into your computer first and foremost.��

Use Free or Low-Cost DAWs & Plugins��

Professional DAWs can cost hundreds, but there are many free and low-cost alternatives. If��you’re on Mac, GarageBand is a powerful starting point with built-in instruments and effects.��Windows users can take advantage of Cakewalk by BandLab, another fully featured DAW that’s��completely free. Reaper offers a 60-day free trial and only costs $60 afterward, making it a steal��for its capabilities. For plugins, lookout for free options like iZotope’s Vinyl (for lo-fi effects),��Spitfire LABS (for high-quality virtual instruments), and Valhalla Supermassive (for lush reverbs��and delays). Tools like these will elevate your production and save a penny at the same time.

Learn Basic Mixing Techniques��

Even the best recordings fall flat without proper mixing principles. Learn to use EQ,��compression, and different plugins like saturation and modulation effects to play with tone color��while also creating a cohesive mix. When using reverb and delay, apply them subtly to avoid��washing out. Panning left or right can also help to create a more immersive soundstage. Most��importantly, reference mixes on multiple playback systems (headphones, car stereo, etc.) and��use professional references to ensure they translate well to wherever your music is distributed.��

Collaborate & Share Knowledge��

The final tip, and the best way to improve while staying budget-conscious is collaboration with��other musicians. Join music groups, swap feedback, or even share gear! You might find��someone with better microphones or a different DAW who can enhance your recordings. Plus,��learning from others accelerates your own growth and can lead to unexpected creative��breakthroughs.��

Final Thoughts��

Great music isn’t about how much you spend; it’s about how you use what you have. By��optimizing your space, choosing smart gear, leveraging free software, and honing your creative��skills, you can produce tracks that rival professional recordings. The key is to keep��experimenting, keep learning, and most importantly, keep creating. Your passion and��resourcefulness will always matter more than the price tag of your equipment.��

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! 

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As college students entangled in an ever-evolving web of classes, studying, extracurricular��activities, job searching, and a plethora of other pressing issues, it can be hard to kick back for a��moment and allow oneself to have fun. It can seem like everything we do needs to be part of��some bigger plan to advance ourselves in society--but it's okay to do things for your own��enjoyment, and for no other reason. Here’s how I learned to snowboard and why I enjoy it – despite my not being naturally good at it.��

My snowboarding journey began in the winter of my sophomore year of high school. At that��point in my life, I was knee-deep in studying for classes, swimming year-round, and practicing��my bass, so extreme leg-breaking sports were the last thing on my mind. On a cool Thursday evening, I got a text from my best friends asking me if I wanted to go snowboarding with them over the weekend – and my initial response was absolutely not.��

On any given weekend, you could find me reading, playing poker, having a movie night, maybe��playing some spike ball or pickleball, but snowboarding wasn't ever on the list. In addition to��having a crippling fear of heights, I'm not exactly the most coordinated person. Some people are��built for comfort, not speed – I would classify myself within that group.��

After some nagging, negotiating, and a healthy dose of peer pressure, I finally caved in and said��I would go. We drove up to a small ski hill in Sapphire Valley, North Carolina – not the grandest��by any means, but a perfect place for me to learn. My friends taught me all the basics – including how to strap myself to the board, how to get onto the lift, and how to fall in the least painful way (thank the lord for that one) – but most of the technical stuff I needed to figure out on my own.��

I pretty much spent the entire day falling in every way imaginable – learning how to distribute my��weight properly was a huge obstacle, as leaning too far in the wrong direction at the wrong time��causes a very sudden fall (this is referred to as "catching an edge"). It was extremely frustrating not being able to go for more than 15 seconds at a time without falling – I'll admit I got pretty heated in some moments. However, by the end of the day, I was able to gently glide down the entire slope without falling – although I wasn't very quick, I was in control.��

Since that day, snowboarding has become something I regularly return to and endeavor to��improve upon. By no means am I naturally good at this sport – after 4 years of snowboarding��two/three times per season, I still fall regularly and still don't go as fast as I'd like to, but��to look back upon the improvement and growth I've had since then is immensely satisfying. The feeling of the wind rushing against your face while gliding down a slope is exhilarating and immensely freeing – especially knowing that I've conquered so many obstacles to get to that point.��

Snowboarding has taught me that sometimes the most rewarding experiences come not from��the activities we naturally excel at, but from embracing the struggle, celebrating small victories,��and finding joy in the journey – a lesson that extends far beyond the slopes into every aspect of��life.

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! 

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Embrace being unqualified! I know, it might sound odd but hear me out. College is the perfect time to step out of your comfort zone. It’s the best time to take risks and pursue opportunities that may feel just a little out of reach. Many of us, as college students, often feel we’re not qualified for the roles or opportunities we want. I can confidently say that during my job searches, I have run into the recurring issue of not having enough experience. However, being comfortable with the experience I do have, no matter how minimal, has given me the confidence to go after opportunities I might not have otherwise considered.

The reality is, not applying for a position doesn’t give us any better chances, so why not take the risk? I want to share why I believe we should be more comfortable trying for things we don't initially feel qualified for.

For one, applying when you don’t expect too much can take a lot of the pressure off. The best interviews I’ve ever had were for positions I thought I had little chance of landing. Going in with low expectations allowed me to put everything I had on the table without worrying about making mistakes. Often, the pressure to succeed comes from thinking we should get the position, when that may not be the case. Letting go of that mindset can set you up for success.

You also never know what employers/interviewers are looking for. There may be qualities and experiences you have that could make you a more well-rounded or multifaceted candidate than you realize. Employers may value things you never even thought to mention, such as transferable skills or ability to learn quickly. Sometimes, we underestimate what we bring to the table just because we don't meet all the listed qualifications. It’s easy to assume that a great opportunity is out of reach because it seems too competitive or too good to be true. But sometimes, those opportunities might not be as competitive as you think.

One of my favorite experiences with embracing this mindset was when I reached out to a faculty member conducting research at my college. As a new freshman with no knowledge of an existing position, I never even thought I would get a response and only reached out on a whim. Still, I decided it was worth a shot. To my surprise, I was quickly offered an interview and added to the research team on the spot! A great example of you never know until you try.

At my college, most students have to apply for jobs they don’t feel qualified for as part of the Co-op program. So, this idea is very accepted on my campus. But I can tell you from what I’ve seen that if my friends hadn’t taken these risks they would’ve missed some of their best opportunities! My roommate recently applied for several Co-op positions none of which she felt qualified for because she had no experience in her field. But she went for it anyway thinking all she needed was to get one. She ended up getting offered every single job! Another friend of mine saw an opportunity to apply to be on the executive board of her organization despite only being a 2nd year (of a 5-year program). She ended up being offered next year’s president position! The moral of the story is that sometimes we let insecurities hold us back from what could be some of our most exciting and rewarding experiences. You may be more qualified than you think!

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! 

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When I signed up to study abroad in Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji, I knew I’d be stepping outside my academic comfort zone. As a psychology and cognitive science major, studying the biology of the South Pacific and sustainability & development wasn’t exactly in my wheelhouse. But I wanted to challenge myself, explore new perspectives, and, of course, experience the beauty of a part of the world I had never seen before. What I didn’t realize was just how much studying abroad would shape me, not just academically, but personally. It turned out to be one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

Throughout my time abroad, I had the chance to see and do things I never could have imagined. I hiked through the untouched Fiordland rainforests, where towering trees and cascading waterfalls made me feel like I had stepped into another world. I swam alongside hundreds of wild dolphins in frigid waters, an experience so surreal it felt like a dream. And in Fiji, I connected with local islanders, learning about their traditions, values, and way of life in a way that no textbook could ever capture. These moments weren’t just exciting adventures, they opened my eyes to different ways of thinking, living, and understanding the world. I learned about sustainability firsthand, not just in theory but from the people whose lives depend on it. Even though my studies abroad weren’t directly tied to my major, they expanded my knowledge in ways that will stick with me forever.

Looking back, studying abroad was so much more than just taking classes in another country. It was about stepping outside my comfort zone, saying yes to new experiences, and gaining a deeper appreciation for the world around me. It taught me that education isn’t just about what’s in a lecture or a textbook.

Study abroad is about the people you meet, the cultures you experience, and the places that take your breath away. If you’re considering studying abroad, my advice is simple: go for it. You’ll learn more than you ever expected, make memories that last a lifetime, and return home with a fresh perspective on both the world and yourself.

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! 

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We have all heard of APs, or Advanced Placement courses, and many of us have probably taken a few. In my experience, a majority of my peers in high school took around 2-3 AP classes per year, averaging around 12 total Advanced Placement courses by graduation. Let's be real: most didn't put themselves through this strenuous academic experience for the hope to learn more about riveting microeconomics or DNA strands. They did it for their college resumes, and the glorifying view to include each and every course on their Ivy League applications. But why isn't this enough?

My High School Experience

From 2020 to 2024, I went to one of the most academically rigorous high schools in the Bay Area. I performed in the theatre arts program for my high school all four years, on top of being a club officer for three clubs throughout my time. I was infamously known as one of the select few students who would only leave school when it was dark, due to the long rehearsals that were pretty much year-round. I was a classic theatre kid, but I also took my academics seriously. Though my experience was filled with long lasting memories and provided me with the ability to be where I am today, high school was a time of immense stress for everyone around me, especially due to the high levels of competitiveness specifically centered around a GPA craze and the obsession to constantly do more than your peers. I was never someone who wanted to take APs. To this day, I don’t regret taking solely one honors Spanish class and enjoying the rest of my school days. Here's why.

The AP Appeal

There’s no question that Advanced Placement courses give students a GPA boost and prepare them for a more difficult college curriculum. Moreso, various AP high school courses can land students credit that can carry on to college. So yes, there is a relatively understandable appeal. The issue isn’t merely taking an AP biology course if one plans to be a nursing major. The real problem is the number of APs students are taking, and the false reality they are sliding into that makes many believe that these classes are all a person needs to get into college. I believe that the issue is often not caused by a single person. As each graduating year goes by, peer pressure grows stronger. A small whisper in the year to take the “easy” AP Psychology class begins spreading the rumors. The phrase “everything is okay in moderation” doesn’t just apply to the number of donuts a person consumes in one morning. Taking a schedule consisting of a majority of AP courses is neither healthy nor enjoyable. Additionally, it doesn’t do as much as one might believe for their college applications.

College App Curations

In my opinion, a well-rounded college application includes an academically sound record, various extracurricular activities, and special and additional features like volunteer hours or commitments to specific outside pursuits. In fact, several admission websites state that a 4.0+ GPA and 12-15 APs aren’t primarily nor solely what admission officers look at. The biggest way to achieve this application layout while truly making the most out of one’s high school years is researching by themselves, minus the peer pressure culture. More often than not, the more people search and examine certain classes themselves, the less likely they will be to overload themselves with classes they never wanted in the first place. Doing what is best for one’s academic, intellectual, and recreational aspirations is the most important factor at the end of the day.

High school is supposed to be a time to savor the last sips of our childhood before launching into the real world, where nothing is measured by a test score of one to five.

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! 

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Dressing professionally as a college student is essential for networking events, internships, presentations, and job interviews, but it doesn’t have to be expensive or overwhelming.

Start with the basics

Building a business casual wardrobe starts with versatile staples like a well-fitted blazer in classic colors such as black, navy, or beige, which can instantly elevate an outfit when paired with a simple blouse or a structured button-down shirt.

For bottoms, tailored pants, ankle trousers, or pencil skirts create a polished look, while knit sweaters and cardigans add a professional yet comfortable touch. Business casual footwear includes loafers, ballet flats, or block heels in neutral shades for versatility. When stepping into more formal settings, a classic suit—whether a blazer paired with matching dress pants or a sheath dress with a coordinating jacket—is a must-have.

Closed-toe shoes, such as pointed-toe pumps or elegant flats, complete the professional look. Accessories should be kept minimal with delicate jewelry, a structured handbag, and a sleek belt to pull an outfit together.

Keep your budget in mind

Shopping for professional attire on a budget is possible by thrifting at stores like Goodwill, Plato’s Closet, or online resale platforms such as Poshmark and ThredUp, where high-quality blazers and dress pants can be found at a fraction of retail prices. Stores like H&M, Zara, and Target offer affordable yet stylish business casual options, while brands like Banana Republic, Express, and Ann Taylor have frequent sales on professional staples.

Put it all together

To maintain a polished appearance, wrinkle-free fabrics, well-groomed hairstyles—such as sleek buns, ponytails, or neatly styled natural hair—and minimal makeup with neutral tones ensure a put-together look. By curating a wardrobe with timeless and versatile pieces, college students can confidently dress for success in any professional or business casual setting without breaking the bank.

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! 

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As a first-year freshman, time management has been one of the biggest challenges I’ve had to improve on. Not only was adjusting to a heavy-loaded schedule a new experience for me but also balancing it with a remote job like the one I’m lucky to have with ����app made it even tougher. As incoming freshmen, setting aside time for certain tasks can be difficult since we’re used to having our school schedules dictated for us in high school. I was one of those people who thought time management was easy, but as the days went on, I quickly realized how easy it is to fall behind. Here, I want to show how I’ve managed my school, work, and personal time over these past two semesters as a college student.

My week really starts on Sunday. That’s when I get a preview of what’s ahead for the week. I begin by checking my ����app email (which is something I always make sure to do), then I check my school email. After that, I go through Canvas to see if I have any upcoming quizzes or tests. If I do, I start reviewing that subject the same day. To get ahead, I also try to complete at least one assignment from each class on Sunday so I have more flexibility during the week. The first step to managing your time is knowing what’s ahead!

My schedule is structured around waking up between 4:00-5:00 a.m. Monday through Friday for physical training with the Ranger Challenge team. This plays a huge role in how I go about my day because it determines my sleep schedule. Sleep is something college students often overlook, but when days become stressful and exhausting, it’s what keeps you going. Luckily, most of my classes don’t start until 9:00 a.m. (except for my lab on Wednesdays), so I use that extra time in the morning to study and complete assignments. Before my daily class block, I also check my emails to make sure there’s nothing urgent I need to take care of. I’ll be honest—I usually take a quick nap after physical training, but I make sure not to overdo it, so I still have time to get work done.

My school day usually ends between 2:00 and 3:00 p.m., and after that, I make the smart decision to prioritize some personal time—by hitting the gym. Depending on the day, I’m there until about 4:00-5:00 p.m. After that, I have dinner while checking my emails, reviewing Canvas, and studying until about 8:00 p.m. I then give myself some free time before heading to bed around 9:00-9:30 p.m., after, of course, showering from the gym.

At the end of the day, there’s no perfect blueprint for time management. As college students, we all get caught up in fun activities outside of schoolwork, and that’s okay. The key is making sure you leave enough room to complete your assignments and job responsibilities. Sleep is just as important, and staying ahead of your schedule helps you prepare for the unexpected.

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! 

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Throughout our lives—especially in high school and early college—we’re often encouraged to make memories, embrace new experiences, seize opportunities, and build connections. College advisors and professors frequently emphasize the importance of networking and forming relationships within your campus community. However, it’s not as common to hear advice about creating connections beyond your college environment.

One of the most transformative opportunities available during your college years is studying abroad. Studying abroad presents countless possibilities and benefits. It’s an accessible option for many students, as financial aid can often be applied toward these programs, making it a cost-effective way to explore the world. Beyond affordability, it fosters meaningful connections, whether with fellow students in the program or individuals you meet during your travels. The experiences gained while studying abroad have a profound impact on both your personal and professional growth. They allow you to broaden your cultural understanding, challenge preconceived biases, and develop a more inclusive perspective of the world. By immersing yourself in a new culture, you enhance your ability to navigate global environments and gain a deeper appreciation for diversity.

Let’s explore some of the professional and personal benefits of studying abroad that can enhance your growth and provide you with a distinct competitive edge over other candidates in the job market. Professionally, it enhances cross-cultural communication skills, enabling students to navigate and collaborate across diverse cultures—an invaluable asset in global workplaces. It also provides a broader perspective, equipping students with a deeper understanding of international markets and the adaptability to thrive in various cultural contexts. Additionally, many study abroad programs include opportunities for international internships, giving students invaluable hands-on experience in global work environments.

On a personal level, studying abroad fosters self-confidence, independence, and resilience. Living in a foreign environment encourages self-reliance and problem-solving, while exposure to different backgrounds and cultures strengthens interpersonal skills, making it easier to connect and collaborate with others. Students also develop greater flexibility and adaptability as they overcome challenges such as language barriers, preparing them to handle future obstacles with poise and persistence.

Overall, the experience not only enriches students’ professional profiles but also shapes their character, leaving them better prepared for the complexities of both life and career. Ultimately, studying abroad enriches your worldview and equips you with invaluable skills that will resonate throughout your life and career.

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! 

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Being a college student can be a financial struggle. Working a few hours, spending money on food, gas, clothes, and going out, all while trying not to go completely broke – I’ve been there, done that. Here are a few ways I have learned to save money.

Share a ride

After living in a sorority house with 67 girls, I’ve picked up a few tips that have saved me money so far in my sophomore year. First, carpooling can make a big difference. Whether we’re heading to an event or grabbing food, coordinating rides with friends not only saves on gas but also helps avoid parking fees. It’s amazing how much you can save by simply sharing a ride. If you're in college, I highly recommend creating group chats with friends to coordinate carpooling—it’s an easy and effective way to cut down on costs.

Rent or borrow clothes

Second, rather than buying a new outfit for every function, consider renting clothes or borrowing from others. There are at least five different Instagram accounts of girls just within my house who are constantly renting clothes. This has come in handy for sorority and fraternity functions, as well as gamedays, so I didn’t have to worry about going out and buying new clothes. Instead, I would rent a dress for $15, wash it, and then return it. It’s an affordable way to upgrade without the commitment of a full-price purchase.

Save on meals

Lastly, when you go to restaurants, I always either split meals, get a kids' meal, or choose a meal that's big enough to create leftovers. At the sorority house, we only have access to food on weekdays, so on weekends, I’ve had to find the most cost-effective ways to eat out. My favorite meal on a budget is the Chipotle $5 kids' quesadilla.

While college can be expensive, there are many ways you can work with others and get creative to save money. Small habits like these can add up and help ease the financial burden that often comes with being a student. The key is to stay open to alternatives and be mindful of your spending. With a little planning and collaboration, you can make college life more affordable without sacrificing your experiences.

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! 

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