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Macey:
Hey everyone, welcome to Redlands Rundown, the official podcast of Redlands Community
College, where we’re dedicated to helping you find success in college, your career,
and everything in between. I’m Macey Scotten, and with me again is…
Sydney:
Sydney Dacus!
Macey:
We’re really excited to be here with you today. We’re talking about back-to-school
and getting into the swing of things. We’ve got some fun tips and tricks to share,
plus feedback from Redlands students and graduates. I’m excited about today’s topics,
so let’s jump right in. First up is universal advice for students—things to incorporate
into daily schedules. I’ll start with organizing and managing time effectively. You’re
currently a student, Sydney. What tips do you have for our listeners?
Sydney:
Being back in school while working full time has been a lot. I’m so excited to finish
my master’s in December! One of my biggest helps has been keeping two dedicated notebooks—one
for work and one for school. That way I don’t get overwhelmed seeing everything at
once. I’m not a highlighter or color-coder, but I do write down every due date and
task. Separating work and school into different notebooks keeps me sane.
Macey:
That’s really helpful. We have many students working full time while earning their
degrees. I’m the highlighter type! I keep a monthly planner and highlight deadlines,
meetings, contests, and assignments in different colors. Big-picture organization
helps me, but like you, I also separate tasks to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Sydney:
Another key for me is prioritizing. If I know a work project is due Thursday but an
assignment is due Friday, I plan early in the week and set multiple reminders—Outlook
calendar, phone calendar, and even alarms. I used to think I didn’t need all that,
but now I see reminders as a tool to get things done.
Macey:
Exactly. I used to set alarms in the evening to remind myself to start tasks. Whatever
you need to do, do it. Let’s shift gears. How do you get into the right mindset—either
for an evening of work or for starting a new semester with goals?
Sydney:
First, I take a deep breath and think about my big-picture goals and my smaller, immediate
goals. For example, maybe I want a 4.0 GPA, save money to buy a car, and get a promotion
at work. I break those into bite-sized chunks: study on Tuesdays for a tough class,
set aside money weekly, take specific steps at work. My dad always says, “How do you
eat an elephant? One bite at a time.” That’s what I recommend—take it slow and step
by step.
Macey:
I love that. I’ll be honest—I struggle with anxiety and feeling overwhelmed too. I’m
reading a book by Jenny Allen about taking control of your thoughts. Instead of spiraling—“I’m
failing; I’m not smart enough”—redirect your actions: “I’m frustrated with my grades,
so I’ll make studying a priority.” Shifting self-talk changes your behavior and your
results.
Sydney:
That’s so important. Even now as an adult I sometimes think everyone else has it together,
but they don’t. We’re all figuring it out. Redirecting your thinking and asking, “What
can I do about it?” is huge.
Macey:
Let’s talk about study tips. Do you have a specific method that works?
Sydney:
I’m terrible at studying traditionally! But I do take notes in class, and I learn
a lot by explaining material to others—like telling my dad about a paper I wrote and
realizing I really understood it. That’s been one of my most effective ways to retain
knowledge.
Macey:
Great point. I’ll share a few structured methods:
Passive learning is just reading material—usually cramming the night before.
Active recall: study, then close the book and test yourself.
Flashcards/Quizlet: super helpful for tests.
Pomodoro method: set a 25- or 30-minute timer for focused work, then take a five-minute break. Move around during breaks and limit distractions (phone on Do Not Disturb, TV off, maybe quiet music).
Many students say the Pomodoro method dramatically improves focus.
Sydney:
I love that. Also, where you study matters—desk vs. couch makes a difference. And
if you’re struggling, talk to your professors. Professors here really do want students
to succeed.
Macey:
Yes. Use our campus resources like the ACE Tutoring Center (Multimedia Building, Room
215, Mon-Thu 8–5, Fri 8–4). Pair personal studying with tutoring or study groups.
Reserve library study rooms for a quiet, distraction-free space.
Sydney:
And if you’re commuting or don’t have a study group, still reach out to professors.
We’ll do what we can to help.
Macey:
Let’s shift to campus vs. commuter life. I live on campus, you commute. For dorm life,
my top must-haves are a mattress topper for better sleep and a Brita water filter
to stay hydrated. Decorating your space also makes it feel like home.
Sydney:
Even in my apartment I’ve loved making the space my own with photos and cheap frames.
Giving yourself a “safe space” matters, even if it’s small or shared.
Macey:
For limited space, try under-bed storage or over-the-door organizers. For healthy
eating on a budget: lean proteins, yogurt, fruits and veggies (buy small amounts if
you’re cooking for one), compare prices, and stock your backpack with snacks to avoid
vending machines. We also have affordable food on campus—the diner in Cougar Corner—and
a free student food pantry in the Student Center.
Sydney:
The pantry is adorable—like a mini grocery store—and such a great resource. Use it!
Macey:
We also want students to get involved. You help with student events—what’s the goal?
Sydney:
Connection. We provide free food (not just pizza!) and fun activities like cocoa bars
in December or nacho bars during football season. It’s a chance to meet people, take
a break, and feel part of the community. We post event dates on our website, Instagram,
and student email—stop by even if just for a snack.
Macey:
And for commuters: plan your schedule, leave early to avoid stress, and use gaps between
classes productively—study in the library instead of driving home. Do you listen to
podcasts or music on your commute?
Sydney:
Mostly music. I curate funny playlists with pictures and names—it sets the mood for
my day. Podcasts too, but not while driving.
Macey:
Great. Any tips for home study spaces?
Sydney:
Have a designated spot—desk, dining table, wherever—and make it appealing with your
supplies ready. Communicate with family or roommates about quiet times when you need
to focus.
Macey:
And finally, how can commuters stay connected to campus?
Sydney:
Come to student events! I didn’t, and I regret it. College friendships and clubs can
lead to lifelong connections. You do have time for what you choose to make time for—get
involved and people will help you plug in.
Macey:
We also surveyed current students and alumni. Their top dorm tips: make friends with
roommates, remember people matter more than place, decorate your space, cook simple
meals together, keep a small toolbox, join clubs, and never turn down an invitation—college
is a unique chance to build connections.
Study hacks from students: attend class, use Quizlet, don’t procrastinate, study with a group, change your environment (coffee shops like Iron Tree downtown), and try 25-minute focused work sessions with breaks.
Balancing responsibilities: surround yourself with supportive people, know your priorities, stay organized with planners, set realistic weekly goals, and rely on mentors for advice.
Sydney:
Even asking friends at other schools for tips or sharing your wins helps build community
and keeps you motivated.
Macey:
Let’s end with rapid-fire questions. What’s one must-have for college life?
Sydney:
Someone you trust.
Macey:
I agree—a great support system. And what’s one thing you wish you knew before coming
to school?
Sydney:
People want you to succeed. At 18 I felt like the world was against me, but professors
and staff truly love hearing about students’ successes.
Macey:
Mine is: don’t limit yourself. Keep an open mind about your future. Say yes to opportunities—you’ll
discover what you love and what you don’t, and both are valuable lessons.
Sydney:
Exactly. Every lesson is valuable, even hard ones.
Macey:
Well, that’s our back-to-school episode. We hope our listeners find this helpful—our
insights plus feedback from current students. Thanks for joining us on Redlands Rundown.
See you next time!
Sydney:
Bye, guys.
