Study AbroadHow to Study Abroad for Free (or Nearly Free)
Five realistic paths to studying abroad for free or nearly free, from tuition-free countries to paid teaching assistantships, with real dollar numbers.
Jordan Williams11 min
Staff Writer, College Life
Jordan Williams
Jordan Williams is a Staff Writer at Tips for Students covering two beats: college life and study abroad. His college life work focuses on housing, roommates, meal prep, and day-to-day campus logistics. On the study abroad side, he writes the full application and program-selection guides.
26Articles
Campus LifeStudent WellnessHousingSocial Life
Articles by Jordan Williams
- Study AbroadJordan Williams11 min
College LifeHow to Deal with a Difficult College Roommate Without Losing Your Mind
Nearly 48% of college students report roommate conflict. The ones who handle it well act early: direct conversation, RA mediation, room change if needed.
Jordan Williams8 min
Study AbroadStudy Abroad in Germany for American Students
Germany is the rare country where US students often pay less abroad than at home. Ten German universities for Americans, with 2026 tuition reality, blocked account mechanics, DAAD scholarships, and the 18-month post-study work visa.
Jordan Williams9 min
College LifeHow to Find a College Roommate You Won't Regret by October
Most roommate problems start before move-in day. Here's how to find a college roommate the right way, with the five questions that predict whether you'll still be speaking in November.
Jordan Williams8 min
College LifeQuestions to Ask Potential College Roommates Before You Commit
Major and hometown tell you nothing. Sleep, mess, guests, and noise predict everything. These are the roommate questions that prevent the October regret conversation with your RA.
Jordan Williams8 min
College LifeSummer Volunteer Programs for High School Students: The Pay Spectrum
Volunteering is a fantastic opportunity to give back to your community, gain valuable skills, and meet new people. Today, we'll explore the top 10 summer volunteer programs that can help you make a difference and create lasting memories. From building homes to advocating for children's rights, these
Jordan Williams10 min
College LifeLiving with College Roommates: Habits That Keep the Peace All Semester
Nearly half of college students report roommate conflict. The ones who avoid it set rules in week one, speak up in week three, and check in monthly.
Jordan Williams8 min
College LifeBest Healthy Snacks for College Students: Quick, Cheap, and Filling
From protein-packed Greek yogurt to brain-boosting dark chocolate, here are 20 healthy snacks for college students that cost under $2 and take less than 5 minutes to make.
Jordan Williams14 min
College Life9 Good Pets For College Students Who Love Animals But Have Limited Space
If you’re thinking about getting a pet while juggling your studies, we know the struggle is real. Pets can be fantastic companions and a great way to reduce stress, but it’s important to find the right fit for your busy lifestyle. So, what kind of pet would suit your dorm room or apartment? Should y
Jordan Williams4 min
Study Abroad10 Pros & Cons Of Studying Overseas To Find If It's The Right Call For You
Imagine stepping off the plane into a new country, full of new sights and sounds. Studying overseas is like starting an amazing adventure where you get to explore new cultures, meet people from different places, and experience life in a whole new way. ‘ It's more than just learning from textbooks; i
Jordan Williams5 min
Study AbroadBest UK Universities for American Students
Fourteen UK universities ranked by tier for American students, with real 2026 tuition, visa mechanics, Chevening and Marshall scholarship paths, and cost-of-living by city.
Jordan Williams13 min
College LifeQuestions to Ask at College Orientation: The List Freshmen Wish They'd Used
Think about this for a moment you're standing in the heart of your new college campus, surrounded by fellow incoming freshmen, each buzzing with excitement and a touch of nervous anticipation. College orientation day has arrived, and it's your chance to get into the world of higher education. But in
Jordan Williams11 min
College Life15 Best Dogs For College Students To Balance Pet Care & Studies
Being a college student can be tough with all the social, academic, and personal responsibilities. However, having a furry friend can bring joy, companionship, and a sense of responsibility. Finding the right dog breed for your college lifestyle can be a bit tricky, but having the ideal breed can he
Jordan Williams5 min
Study Abroad10 Best Colleges in Europe for American Students
Ten European universities grouped by tier for American students, with real 2026 tuition, visa reality, federal aid eligibility, and credit transfer mechanics. Excludes UK (separate guide).
Jordan Williams5 min
College LifeQuick and Easy Tips for Sustainable Campus Living
Welcome to your college journey – a time of growth, learning, and new experiences! As you embark on this exciting adventure, there's one more thing you can add to your toolkit: sustainability. Living sustainably on campus isn't just about hugging trees and reducing your carbon footprint (although th
Jordan Williams5 min
College LifeCollege Dos and Don'ts: The Complete Guide for Students
College is one of the most exciting chapters of your life, and one of the easiest to get wrong. This complete guide covers academic habits, wellness, roommate etiquette, budgeting, and AI tool use, so you can avoid common mistakes and make the most of every semester.
Jordan Williams7 min
College LifeCollege Senior Year Bucket List: What to Prioritize in Your Final Year
Ready to make your final year in high school absolutely epic? Well, it’s doable thanks to some seriously awesome senior year bucket list ideas to make sure your senior year is one for the books. From road trips to themed parties to camping under the stars, get ready to have the time of your life as
Jordan Williams15 min
College LifeWhat Does Rushing Mean In College & Why Should Students Join It?
Have you ever heard the word "rushing" in college? It might sound like a big deal, but it's actually pretty simple. Rushing in college is all about joining a special group called a fraternity or a sorority. It's like finding a new family away from home. But what does it really mean? Let's find out:
Jordan Williams5 min
Study AbroadBest Countries to Study Abroad for American Students
Studying abroad is more than just earning a degree; it’s an experience that broadens your horizons, exposes you to diverse cultures, and opens up a world of opportunities. Some countries have gained a strong reputation for their high-quality education, welcoming environments, and unique experiences
Jordan Williams11 min
College Life15 Hobbies for College Students (Fun, Affordable, and Worth Your Time)
College is a weird mix of being told to study constantly and being expected to find yourself. Hobbies are how the second part happens. 15 fun, affordable hobbies grouped into Creative, Skill-Building, Active, and Practical categories, with what to expect, cost, and how to start this week.
Jordan Williams12 min
College LifeFreshman Year: The Real Guide to Your First Year of College
About 30% of US college freshmen don't return for sophomore year. This first-year college guide covers the real transition: syllabus-week mistakes, office-hours strategy, sleep reality, mental health, homesickness, and the campus resources you're already paying for.
Jordan Williams13 min
College LifeTips For Finding The Right Student Housing That Fits Your Budget
As college students, finding the right student housing that fits our budget can be a daunting task. But with careful planning and research, we can find a place that not only meets our needs but also allows us to save money. In this article, we will share some tips on how to find the right student ho
Jordan Williams7 min
College LifeMeal Prep for College Students: 12 Cheap Recipes and How to Start
Meal prep is the single biggest lifestyle change most college students can make for their budget, health, and sanity. 12 real recipes across breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks, with equipment under $50 and a week-one strategy that actually sticks.
Jordan Williams10 min
College LifePreparing For Living In Student Housing As A First-Generation College Student
Are you a first-generation college student who is about to move into student housing? Are you feeling a little overwhelmed by the thought of living away from home for the first time? Living in student housing can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it can also be a bit intimidating. There a
Jordan Williams5 min
College LifeThe Pros and Cons of Living on Campus Vs. Off Campus
Are you a college student who is trying to decide whether to live on campus or off campus? If so, you’re not alone. Every year, thousands of college students struggle to make this decision, and student housing seems to be a big problem for most of them. Living on campus has its pros and cons, as doe
Jordan Williams4 min
College LifeDesigning A Comfortable and Functional Living Space in Student Housing
Living in student housing can be a great experience, but it can also be a challenge. You’re often cramped for space, and you don’t have the luxury of having your own home. You’re stuck with whatever furniture is provided and you don’t have the freedom to make your own design decisions. Luckily thoug
Jordan Williams5 min