The Johnnies Blog

Welcome to the Johnnies Blog—where your college journey comes into focus. Designed for prospective students and their families, this space brings together authentic student voices, expert perspectives, and practical guidance to help you explore opportunities, navigate decisions, and build a meaningful path forward.
St. Johns Unviersity Students walking on the Queens, New York campus

Top Tips for Staying Mentally and Physically Healthy in College

Let’s be real: college life can feel like a constant juggling act. Between late-night study sessions, back-to-back classes, and trying to have a social life, taking care of yourself might not always make it to the top of your to-do list. But here’s the thing—if you’re running on empty, everything else gets harder.

St. John's University First-Generation College Student, Teodita Cabral

Breaking Barriers: A First-Generation College Student’s Story

My name is Teodita, pronounced “tea-oh-dye-tuh.” I once felt my name was a burden, as it often led to teasing from peers and teacher mispronunciations. However, my name embodies my identity. I am half Guatemalan and half Dominican, and both cultures have profoundly influenced who I am as a first-generation college student.

Teodita Cabral
Students walking on campus and talking about potentially changing majors

How Changing Majors Transformed My College Experience

Declaring a major can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re unsure of your choice. Like many students, I selected a major without certainty and hit a few bumps. By my second year, I decided to change my major, which put me on the right track.

If you’re considering changing majors, don’t worry! With the right guidance, it’s easier than you think. Now, as a St. John’s University senior, I share how I successfully made the change and the campus resources that helped me.

St. John's University Student
Madison Coombs
College room decor featuring a shelf with pictures

College Room Decor Tips & Tricks: Insider Advice from Resident Students

Transforming your residence room into a cozy and functional space doesn’t have to be a challenge. In this guide, two St. John’s University resident students share expert tips on making the most of their spaces. From clever storage hacks to unique decor ideas, you’ll find practical suggestions to personalize your space and stay organized—whether you’re a first-year student or a seasoned student.

St. John's University Campus

Top 5 Reasons for Transferring Colleges

Transferring colleges is a big decision. It’s not something to take lightly, as it involves a lot of planning, paperwork, and sometimes a change of scenery. For many students, though, transferring can be a positive and life-changing step, opening the door to new opportunities and a better college experience. Whether you’re debating on transferring colleges due to academic, social, or personal reasons, it’s important to understand the key motivations behind such a decision.

Let’s take a look at the top five reasons why students transfer colleges and how to navigate the process successfully.

Uday Kumar, founder of start-up company KnotHastags and current international graduate student in the M.S. in Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) degree program at St. John’s University

How Risk Management Fuels This St. John's Grad Student's Entrepreneurial Success

Meet Uday Kumar, founder of start-up company KnotHastags and current international graduate student in the M.S. in Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) degree program at St. John’s University.

In this Q&A, he discusses how his real-world experience, from launching a start-up to utilizing campus resources, fuels and supports his entrepreneurial ambitions.

Young female professional
Toni Critelli
First Generation International College Students

The First-Generation Student Advantage: What Sets You Apart?

What does being the first in your family to attend college mean? For many, it’s about breaking barriers and stepping into new opportunities. First-generation college students, especially those studying outside of their home country, bring unique strengths and perspectives that make their journeys one of a kind.

In this blog, we explore what it means to be a first-generation college student and hear directly from those leading the way, sharing their experiences and the advantages they’ve discovered.

International Student at a St. John's Welcome Reception for First-Year Students

Six Reasons Why International Students Love Studying in the USA

In the 2023–24 academic year, more than one million international students chose the United States of America (USA) as their destination for higher education. What draws them to the USA? Here are six compelling reasons why studying in America could be the transformative experience for which you’ve been searching!

Young female professional
Toni Critelli
Work study student working on a computer

How Work-Study Can Launch Your Career: A Student’s Perspective

Have you ever wondered how to gain valuable work experience, earn money, and build connections—all while keeping up with your studies? Work-study programs provide the ideal way to balance these priorities and make the most of your college experience.

My name is Madison Coombs, and I’m a senior at St. John’s University. Over the past year, I’ve had the privilege of participating in the University’s work-study program, and it’s been a journey full of growth, challenges, and lessons. In this blog, I share my work-study story—highlighting how it has shaped me as a student and an aspiring public relations (PR) professional.

St. John's University Student
Madison Coombs
Students talking about their scholarship applications

7 Scholarship Application Mistakes to Avoid: Fund Your Education in 2025

Scholarships are an essential way to help fund your education, but with many students competing for the same opportunities, even small mistakes can hurt your chances of success. Whether you’re applying for the first time or you’ve already navigated the process, knowing what common mistakes to avoid can significantly improve the quality of your application and increase your chances of receiving a scholarship.

In this guide, we identify common mistakes in scholarship applications and provide expert advice from the undergraduate admission leadership at St. John’s University to help you submit the strongest application possible.