Quizlet

No doubt there are other versions available, but my personal preference for online flashcards is Quizlet.

You can make your own, or use the auto-fill feature for vocabulary words, terms, even names and dates.

Then you can study, test or play games. You can even use them for translations between languages, or have the audio pronunciation.

Pay $10 and get the premium version, and create study group collections with password protection. Very efficient, easy, and if you download an app you can even access it from your iPhone.

Here is the link.

Engineering summer programs

I've spent three weeks this summer exploring college engineering programs, living in dorms, eating in cafeterias, doing my own laundry, living with a roommate I've never met before. I had the opportunity to actually do some field and lab work in the areas of environmental engineering and hydrology, and spent some time learning about materials engineering - all pretty interesting.

If you get a chance, go somewhere for what's called a pre-college summer camp or program. Some cost money, but some - like mine this summer - are competitive for a scholarship to attend. All I had to do was get myself there and bring my sheets, towels and clothes.

Start looking early, as soon as February or even December. It's worth it just to experience life as a (sort of) college student, away from your family and out on your own.

Cars change everything

Clever, right?

But I mean having backup stuff, things that if you need them you REALLY need them. Think about it. Water, snacks, money, phone charger, a jacket. In the trunk, just a trip to the parking lot away.

Pockets for all

Basketball shorts are great for comfort but terrible for phones, wallets and keys. Let's hear it for pockets.

Cargo pockets down low on the side of your legs with Velcro are my favorites, or zippers. Not buttons; who has time to button a pocket? Snaps never work for long.

Back pockets are good, and deep side pockets are the best.

Mostly, the more the better.

Yea for duvets

Looking for a shortcut? Get a duvet. It's like a pillowcase for a fluffy blanket. Make your bed in 10 seconds. Bonus is that it's harder to lose socks and stuff. I can see the need for one in my dorm room.

Here, go crazy at Ikea