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.
Headshot of St. John's Alumna and founder of Fin Lit Kids

Financial Literacy Tips and Lessons from Ebony Beckford ’03CPS

Are you a college student or a recent graduate who wants to learn how to build a solid financial foundation for your future? In this Q&A session, we speak with Ebony (Rentas) Beckford ’03CPS, a St. John’s alumna who is an author, entrepreneur, and financial literacy advocate. Ms. Beckford shares her personal story of overcoming financial challenges during and after graduation. She also provides simple steps that anyone can take to develop a healthy relationship with money and how these practices are applied in her company, Fin Lit Kids.

Young female professional
Toni Critelli
A portable container of healthy snack options for college students

Affordable, Healthy Snacks for College Students

Snacking is an essential part of every busy college student’s life. However, overindulging in processed and high-sugar snacks such as potato chips, candy bars, and cookies can have adverse health effects and impact academic performance. Luckily, there are plenty of affordable healthy snacks accessible on and off campus.

This blog post guides you through healthy snacking, including budgeting, nutrition, and snack ideas.

St. Johns University Campus Dietician, Simon Gmuca
Simone Gmuca
A female student lying on her bed

Handling Homesickness at College: Tips and Strategies

Starting college is exciting, but it's also completely normal to feel homesick as you adjust to your new life on campus. While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution or magic remedy to homesickness, there are some practical steps and strategies you can use to improve your outlook and make your college experience more enjoyable.

A college student in a cap and gown celebrating her definition of success

How Do You Define Success?

If you were to search for the term “success” on the internet, you would find millions of results, each presenting a different interpretation. For some, it means achieving a small goal or victory for the day. Others may view it positively impacting society, earning a college degree, or amassing wealth. So, how do you define success?

Group of St. John's University Students Celebrating Friendship

How to Make Friends in College: 5 Practical Tips

Are you feeling anxious about making new friends as you prepare to start your first year of college? Don't worry—we have you covered! Our guide on college socializing can help you master the art of making friends during your first year. These new friends will be an essential part of your college experience, so putting effort into meeting new people is important. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to connect with others on campus; it doesn't have to be daunting.

St. John's University Student
Madison Coombs
St. John's Alum and Risk Consultant

How to Get Started in Risk Management as a College Student

If you are a college student aspiring to pursue a career in risk management, then you are on the right track. This field is constantly growing and has a bright future ahead of it. It offers a plethora of fascinating career paths, including risk consulting.

Students in red gowns throwing their black caps in the air after graduating

5 Tips to Prepare for Your Career Postgrad   

Graduating from college is an exciting and bittersweet moment. As you celebrate all the great friendships made and the hard work you put into earning a degree, it’s also time to start an entirely new life chapter. The transition from college to career can feel overwhelming; however, there are many great ways to prepare, even during the last few weeks leading up to graduation. In today’s blog post, we cover five tips to help you be successful as you prepare for your postgrad life.

Young female professional
Toni Critelli