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.
College students sitting in front of a school building

Do I Belong Here? Imposter Syndrome in College and Beyond

College is often described as a time of growth and discovery, but for many, it is also a time of quiet self-doubt. You may be doing well academically, staying involved, and meeting expectations, yet still wonder whether you truly belong.

That experience has a name: imposter syndrome. And while it can feel deeply personal, it is one of the most common challenges students face.

St. John's University students

How to Balance Academics and a Social Life Without Burning Out

College life looks exciting from the outside: freedom, friends, opportunities, and the chance to finally study what you care about. But behind the highlight reels, most students are quietly juggling an impossible mix of classes, work, social plans, and the pressure to keep up.
 
Finding balance isn’t just about managing a schedule. It’s about managing yourself. It means recognizing that energy, focus, and mental health all have limits (and learning how to use them wisely). The truth is, balance in college is not a fixed point you reach. It’s a skill you develop, week by week, through awareness, boundaries, and small daily choices that protect your peace and your purpose.
 

Group of students walking down the hallway discussing their M.B.A. studies.

Healthy Relationship Tips for College—and Life 

Whether it’s your roommate, study buddy, or significant other, the people around you shape your college experience. But what does a healthy relationship look like—and how can you make sure the connections you form support your personal growth? 

St. John's Salvatore Guimaraes
Salvatore Guimaraes
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
Future College Studente Preparing for Academic Success

Precollege Preparation: 6 Proven Activities for Academic and Mental Readiness

Are you counting down the days until you begin your college journey? As a high school senior, you are likely experiencing a mix of excitement and uncertainty about what lies ahead. Transitioning from high school to college is a significant milestone, and making the most of your remaining time before your first year of college can set you up for success academically and mentally.

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.

Healthy plant-based meal for college students, featuring fresh vegetables, grains, and protein-packed ingredients.

Maintaining a Plant-Based Diet on Campus: Tips from a Registered Dietitian

Plant-based diets are popular on college campuses for their health and environmental benefits. But sticking to a plant-based diet while living on campus can be tricky, with limited kitchen access, storage space, and budget concerns. Here, I’ll share simple, realistic tips for thriving on a plant-based diet while living in a residence room.

St. Johns University Campus Dietician, Simon Gmuca
Simone Gmuca
Student exploring allergen-safe dining options at a campus dining hall

Allergy-Safe College Dining: Life-Changing Tips from a Registered Dietitian

Navigating the dining halls on a college campus can be intimidating for new students, especially those with food allergies. With so many food options available, it can be challenging to know what is “safe” to eat. The number of students with severe food allergies is steadily rising, and many college campuses are doing more than ever to ensure that food-allergic students feel comfortable when choosing meals and snacks.

As the St. John’s campus dietitian, I work closely with food service staff and food-allergic individuals daily to ensure that allergen-friendly options are available and that proper food handling protocols are followed when preparing meals for students with food allergies.

St. Johns University Campus Dietician, Simon Gmuca
Simone Gmuca