The Johnnies Blog

Welcome to Johnnies Blog—your essential guide to college. From making friends and navigating New York City, to building a career-ready degree, our student stories and expert advice bring the college experience to life. Whether you’re exploring majors, planning to apply, or seeking support for a balanced and purposeful college journey, we’re here to inform, inspire, and connect you every step of the way.
Girl typing on her laptop

How to Land Strong College Recommendation Letters

When it comes to applying to college, letters of recommendation can play a surprisingly significant role—especially if you apply test-optional or want to highlight your personal growth. But how do you choose the right recommender, and what makes a letter truly stand out?

Young female professional
Toni Critelli
Students walking on the St. John's University campus

5 Nutrition Tips for Incoming College Students

You have committed to your dream school—and now summer break is almost here. While it’s tempting to fully relax after your senior year of high school, this season is also the perfect time to start laying the groundwork for a healthier, more energized college experience.

Here are five easy healthy nutrition habits you can build to hit the ground running when your first semester begins.

St. Johns University Campus Dietician, Simon Gmuca
Simone Gmuca
A tablescape of health snacks like fruit and nuts

Late-Night Healthy Snacks to Fuel Finals Week: Nutritionist Picks

Finals week can be an incredibly stressful time. Between last-minute projects, end-of-semester assignments, and all-night study sessions, many students allow their nutrition to fall by the wayside. But did you know that a healthy diet can help reduce stress, while also boosting focus, concentration, and memory?

St. Johns University Campus Dietician, Simon Gmuca
Simone Gmuca
St. John's University Students dressed in gowns for a campus fashion show

Campus Life at St. John’s: A Resident Student’s View 

As a student who has lived on the St. John’s University Queens, NY, campus for four years, I’ve experienced campus life firsthand. From navigating student housing and adjusting to shared spaces, to building lasting friendships and finding a sense of community, my time living on campus has meaningfully shaped my college journey. 

In this blog, I share an inside look at life on campus as a resident student—covering everything from my experience in campus housing to dining halls, campus events, and New York City (NYC) adventures. 

St. John's University Student
Madison Coombs
St. John's University Resident Assistants (RAs)

Why Students Choose St. John’s: Stories in Their Own Words

At St. John’s University, students have access to opportunities that can truly shape their future—think leadership roles, global study-abroad programs, real-world internships, and a campus community that feels like family.

Whether you’re just starting to explore what St. John’s is all about or you’ve recently been accepted and are thinking about what’s next, these five student stories offer a real look at what it’s like to grow here. In their own words, they share what made St. John’s feel like home—and how they’ve taken full advantage of everything it has to offer.