Everyone loves getting things for free, and there are more freebies available to you than you know. Whether you want to fly for free, enjoy samples of your favorite products, or earn cash back when you spend money, you can soon start freeloading with the best of them. It may take a little research and some time spent signing up, but the efforts are worth the freebies.

Sign Up for Freebies

There are tens of thousands of freebie sites on the Internet. From Mom Blogs to company websites, you can find opportunities to get free products, free points redeemable for prizes, and many other fun freebies. What can you look forward to receiving? From most of these freebie sites, signing up will get you:

• Coupons, discount codes, or gift cards for different items
• Sample size products at no cost
• Free samples of foods, drinks, and other products
• And full-sized samples of medications, beauty products, and health items

In most cases it doesn’t cost anything to sign up with these sites. If you simply include your name, phone number, email address, and mailing address, you’ll receive your freebies in just a few weeks. In other cases, you may have to share a tweet or a Facebook comment.

Discover Some Free Reward Points

If you’re really interested in freeloading your way to success, then try Internet banking opportunities. Doing this can actually lead to you receiving money for free, and cash is the best freebie of all. If you sign up to receive Discover Bank’s reward points, for instance, you can get beneficial features attached to your banking account in addition to receiving cash back on the purchases you make with your debit or credit cards. You’re essentially getting paid for buying things, which is a win/win situation.

Look into Reward Cards

Many of your favorite stores also offer reward programs. You know all those little cards attached to your key chain? They lead to tons of great freebies. If you have a reward card for your favorite drugstore or retailer, you can acquire points with each purchase; get enough points, and you can buy something for free. You might have to buy ten packs of diapers to get one free, for instance, or you may get to choose your own reward. Other programs take discounts off your purchases, so with the right coupons, you end up getting items for nothing.

Take Advantage of Frequent Flyer Programs

Flying is expensive, so of course you’ll want to fly for free. Once more, look to Internet banking if you’re freeloading your way to success. Several credit card companies and banks offer frequent flyer programs that work like cash back reward programs. If you make purchases with the card tied to the frequent flyer program, you’ll start saving up your miles. If you buy enough items over a long enough period of time, you can theoretically fly all the way to Australia or China without paying for your airfare.

As you can see, getting freebies is pretty easy as long as you figure out where to look. What’s the most amazing thing you’ve ever gotten for free?

The natural path for most high school students is to attend college and graduate with a degree of their choosing. After graduation, students try to use their degree to land a job in the field they are interested in, but sometimes it doesn’t always work out. After all, with an increase in the number of people graduating college, the hiring process is full of competition for any given position.

A degree is still an extremely important thing to have, but for those starting college soon, it may be in their best interest to select a field that will bring diverse employment options such as Accounting, Business Administration, Computer Science, or Psychology.

Develop Financial Literacy in Accounting

Earning a degree in Accounting will bring many career options your way. Financial Analyst, Payroll Manager and Auditor are just some of the choices available to those with a degree in Accounting. In all positions, data is gathered, recorded and then, interpreted.

If an analytical position that deals directly with finances in some capacity sounds like something you’d be interested in, Accounting is the career to choose. On top of the typical jobs that one could get with an Accounting degree, CFO positions are available, as well as Comptroller and International Accountant.

Cultivate Managerial Experience in Business Administration

A Business Administration degree is as versatile as the color spectrum, and just as honorable, too. Employers have a high regard for business degrees since the skills learned in the courses can apply to any number of positions. It’s a broad-based degree with broad-based skills, firmly rooted in the management of a business, which can apply to an array of situations.

Obtain a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Miami and your path can be paved for a career in Human Resources, as an entrepreneur, in sales and marketing, or even as an Investor. A bachelor of science in business administration degree ensures a solid future in countless business-related fields. Solid business practices learned in school will help when your career involves investing, networking, forecasting, management and/or budgets.

Establish Critical Thinking Skills in Computer Science

Computer Science careers have been popular and lucrative for the past several years. Future employment for one with this degree is continuously on the rise with jobs available such as Programmer, Designer, Software Engineer and Information Systems Specialist.

A Computer Science degree program will prepare you by providing hands-on experience in communicating with a computer and learning the language. Computer Science involves computation theory and design of practical systems that can later be used in your career.

Foster People Skills in Psychology

Psychology degrees are especially popular and for good reason. With this degree, a very wide range of career choices are open to the college graduate. Although those with psychology degrees who want to be in a higher-level career would probably have to attend graduate school, there are a plethora of entry-level positions available to those with a bachelor’s degree.

The diverse career options available to holders of this degree are proof that the skills learned in the courses for this major are as diverse as the career options themselves. These courses help students to learn how to assess situations, build relationships and interpersonal skills, and research and write.

Those with psychology degrees can hold jobs as a counselor, mental health worker, recruiter, or a range of administrative positions. Sales and Marketing are also popular careers paths for Psychology majors.

With the current state of the job market being what it is, it’s more important than ever to graduate with a degree that is versatile enough to offer a range of career options. Especially for those who aren’t completely sure what they want to do with the rest of their lives, following this path will offer many alternatives to choose from.

College life will have its ups and downs, but relationships are what define the experience. They motivate you to push through a difficult class or distract you when you’re studying for midterms. Just like any partnership, healthy roommate relationships take work. Common sense and a few simple tricks can help you and your roommate coexist peacefully under the same roof.

Maintain Your Own Space

It is all about boundaries and you and your roommate need some. Maintain your own space and define what your boundaries are up front. Don’t expect your roommate to read your mind — if late night TV is going to interfere with your beauty sleep, now is the time to say so. Make this a bonding ritual that helps clear the air right from the start. Things to discuss include:

• Smoking
• Visitors
• Study time
• Noise control
• Pets
• Food
• Sharing

It is hard to come up with a complete list of things you love or hate all at once, so leave this line of communication open. Some issues may develop over time and the boundaries will change.

Hang Out at Least Once a Week

With any luck, you are building a friendship, not just saving on the rent, and that takes commitment. Set aside time for you and your roommate to do things together. Whether it is movie night or shooting hoops every Thursday after class, spending together time is a proactive way to nurture the relationship.

Expect Conflict

It is bound to happen – if you put two or more people under one roof, they will eventually disagree at some point. Go into the partnership knowing that problems will happen. Dealing with them right away keeps them from smoldering. Find ways to talk out the issues as they arise.

Timing matters. Be smart about approaching your roommate if you do have a problem. If it’s a bad day, put it off. Be aware of your own mood, also. If you are already cranky or irritable, what starts out as a discussion will end up as a battle.

Come Up With a System that Works

This is about organization. There are bills to pay, chores to do and personal space to consider. Plan it out to avoid procrastinating on necessary tasks:

• Create a schedule for study time.
• Make a list of who is responsible for paying the utilities.
• Develop a “to do” list for cleaning.
• Discuss how to get the best amenities for the house. For example, Direct2TV.com can hook you up with rocking TV service for just $29.95 per month. Research what else is available in the area to get the most for your combined buck.

Don’t leave anything to the imagination, but it is okay to leave some tasks open ended. If you have a minute to clean the refrigerator, by all means, knock yourself out.

A Little Communication Goes a Long Way

Communication, or lack of it, is a deal breaker. Finding ways to communicate puts out fires before they happen. You know the old sock on the doorknob trick? That actually works. Have a system that signals you need some privacy. Not everything in life is planned, so you had better have a way of silently dealing with those little unexpected surprises.

Above all else, be considerate of your roommate. Ask before you borrow, don’t eat food you don’t own and be courteous about noise. Remember, this person is more than just a way to keep the rent down. You are half of a team working to get through school together.

A Campus of Another Country

At one time not so very long ago, the usual college student’s exposure to other cultures consisted of a requirement to take either Music History or Art History. Most college students also informally counted frequent meals of pizza and exposure to foreign beers as a more popular and entertaining form of cultural exposure.

Now, however, it seems that nearly every four-year college or university offers at least an abbreviated overseas class to be taken either between or during regular semesters. It has become the norm for many college students to spend a semester or even an entire academic year studying in a foreign country, adapting to cultural mores, learning the language and gaining a far greater understanding of the world than could be picked up in a domestic classroom.

The Lessons Students Learn

Among the first lessons students learn as they prepare for their overseas educational journeys is that of bureaucracy. Passports must be located, reported as lost or applied for in the first place. Student visas must be obtained from the countries in which the students will study and a study abroad insurance policy will need to be purchased for any required medical care while abroad. Depending upon the country, immunizations and prescription medication may be required to help protect students from indigenous diseases. Only after all these details are completed can a student put down his book bag and take a good look around.

Academic Communities That Encourage Studying Abroad

According to an article by Kelsey Sheehy on the “U.S. News & World Report” online magazine website, around 23 percent of college students reported a study abroad experience at some point during their four or five year undergraduate quest. Sheehy’s top 10 list of schools with the highest proportion of undergraduate foreign study includes two schools that absolutely require satisfactory completion of a class taken abroad to be awarded a baccalaureate degree. The last two schools on the list reported identical rates of 70 percent of students having taken some coursework abroad at some time during their college experience.

As identified by Sheehy’s article, the schools and their reported rates of undergraduate participation are as follows:

1. Goucher College in Maryland, 100 percent
2. Soka University of America in California, 100 percent
3. Queens University of Charlotte in North Carolina, 94 percent
4. Loyola University of Maryland, 84 percent
5. Kalamazoo College of Michigan, 82 percent
6. Centre College of Kentucky, 80 percent
7. Bethel University of Minnesota, 75 percent
8. Elon University of North Carolina, 71 percent
9. Carleton College of Minnesota, 70 percent
10. University of Denver in Colorado, 70 percent

Long-Term Benefits

A recent study by IES Abroad, a nonprofit organization that provides study abroad programs for U.S. students, revealed that graduates of the group’s programs pull in an average of $7,000 more each year in their starting salaries than students who never studied abroad. Studying abroad is indeed beneficial in the long-term, giving graduates an edge when it comes to scoring better and higher-paying job opportunities after college. This can help to justify some of the up-front expense of a study abroad trip; even though it might cost a bit more up front than a typical semester or year Stateside, the benefit of traveling the world as a student will pay off in the form of salary gains down the line.

About the Author:

Today’s guest article is provided by Kristine Esser. She enjoys writing about study abroad opportunities for college students.

Graduation day. Classes are over, the degree is earned, and it’s time to take the next step out into the world.

Whether you’re staying close to your college town or setting off toward new horizons, chances are that your housing situation will change. For many students, the post-graduation move may be the first time that they live alone or move without the help of friends and parents.

The key to a seamless transition (and avoiding a throwing all your stuff on the curb at the last minute) is to plan ahead. Moving day will rarely be fun, but it doesn’t have to be awful. Here are some suggestions which may make it hurt less:

Be selective.

A friend’s roommate once told me her philosophy when moving. “If I don’t need something, and it isn’t pretty, it doesn’t come with me.” This is apt advice. Moving is a great opportunity to cleans ourselves of things we don’t need. If it isn’t essential or especially valuable to you, why bring it? Be selective. You’ll have less to load and fewer boxes to unpack in your new digs.

Have a game plan before you begin packing.

Knowing ahead of time where boxes and furniture will go in the new home will allow you to pack accordingly, and unload it more efficiently. If you’re using a rented truck, try dividing the space inside into quadrants and then assigning different rooms to those quadrants. For example, perhaps you decide to load all kitchen and living room articles into the back-right quadrant. This way, you’ll know where everything is during unloading, and you’ll be able to unload the truck one room at a time.

Use a floor plan of your new place.

This is especially helpful if you’re using movers, but it’s also helpful for friends and family helping you move. The floor plan will allow you to visualize how things will look in your new space, but can also serve as a road map for anyone helping you relocate. Tagging furniture with numbers of corresponding rooms on a prominently displayed floor plan means your help can see where everything goes. If you don’t need to bark directions for where every little thing goes, both you and your helpers can work more efficiently.

Be safe.

Everyone knows to bend at the knees when lifting, but here are a few other less obvious safety tips:

• Pack heavy things in small boxes and light things in big boxes. If boxes are easier to hold in your arms, they are easier to carry and less likely to be dropped.
• Drink water. Hydration is a necessity on moving day, not a luxury. Besides its obvious benefits, water is also crucial for the proper functioning of your spine, and your spine needs all the help it can get lifting that solid-wood antique dresser you just had to have.
• Stack heavy boxes on the bottom and light ones on top. Gravity and weighty boxes can make for a very long day if they fall.
• Wear closed-toe shoes. As tempting as it is to wear comfortable flip-flops or Crocs on sweltering moving days don’t do it. Protect your toes from falling boxes and dropped furniture or your feet may never look right in sandals again.

Help your friends help you.

There may not be a more selfless act of friendship than helping someone move into a new place. They’ve committed at least an entire day — maybe an entire weekend — to lugging your stuff to and from a moving truck, with no motivation other than their love for you, and the task would be impossible without their help. So take every effort to make it worth their while.

Buy their meals while they’re helping, provide them with a case of their favorite soda or beer during breaks, and above all, make sure to say thank you.

Also, give them ownership in the moving process. Most of us have relocated several times in our lives, especially during those school years when we’re moving in and out of dorms and apartments, so we all probably have best practices worth sharing. Allowing friends to make decisions can decrease both your level of stress and the chances that they feel they’re being bossed around.

Relax and Plan.

Believe it or not, your next move doesn’t have to be terrible. Loads of sweat and tired, sore muscles may be unavoidable, but with some deliberation and planning, you may be amazed how much more efficient a move can be. Just remember to think things through, drink water, and most importantly, say thanks to your help.

With your move completed and your degree in hand, settle in to your new home or apartment and look ahead to the rest of your life with excitement.

About the Author:

Today’s guest article comes from Jay Harris. He has been a Home Depot store associate since 2005 in the Chicago area. Jay writes tips on equipment rentals, including carpet cleaner rentals and truck rental tips.

We live in an increasingly globalized world where the boundaries and distances between countries continue to shrink. As a result, many employers are finding that a well-informed international perspective can be a valuable asset in an employee.

If you missed the chance to study abroad as an undergraduate, you probably think your chances of ever studying abroad are slim, especially if you plan on going to graduate school anytime soon. However, studying abroad during grad school instead of as an undergrad can be more beneficial for your education and career. Here are a few reasons why studying abroad as a graduate student can benefit your professional pursuits.

Going international as a grad student

Undergrads may be able to get a lot out of their overseas experiences, but grad students may be better equipped for studying abroad. As a grad student, you’ve had more time to mature, which can help you get the most out of an exchange program. And that’s not just in terms of appreciating a new culture and experiencing life in a new place. Grad students can seize upon educational opportunities while succeeding in the classroom. Graduate students who have studied abroad bring to the table a stronger educational foundation, which could open more doors and further propel their careers.

Gaining unique experience

In many professional fields, international experience is a big benefit. Employers gravitate toward job applicants with study abroad experience, for whom prospective business partnerships can be buoyed by cultural understanding. Grad students with study abroad experience will be able to pursue these roles with a greater understanding of their strengths, weaknesses and what their professional field will demand from them.

Tip: Start planning well in advance

If you decide to take advantage of a graduate-level study abroad program, make sure your bases are covered. For example, it’s important to figure out the everyday costs—including living expenses—to make sure you’ll have enough money to get by. Make passport and visa arrangements if you haven’t already done so. And since you’ll be traveling overseas, find a graduate student health insurance policy. Most domestically issued health insurance policies don’t cover international travel, so you’ll need to find a suitable replacement.

If your graduate program has connections with various study abroad opportunities, explore your options and talk with your advisor to figure out what’s best for your education and career. The most important thing for your long-term ambitions is seeking out new opportunities that can push your career forward. It’s more and more likely that one of those steps will bring you overseas.

About the Author:

This guest article is provided by Kristine Esser. She enjoys writing about study abroad opportunities.

Earning an MBA is a coveted goal of many college students and business professionals alike. Some have the desire to enter an MBA program immediately after graduation, but many adults will work in a business environment for several years before making the decision to go back to school and earn their MBA. Earning an MBA can be challenging for many reasons, and one of the most significant challenges relates to cost. According to Forbes, the average cost of an MBA in the United States is just under $100,000. However, in exchange for the time, effort and cost associated with an MBA, those who have this higher-level degree generally will qualify for more coveted positions in a corporation, or business environment. Furthermore, they may command a higher income. According to the Graduate Management Admission Council, the average starting salary of an individual with an MBA was over $85,000, and this was over $40,000 more than the average starting salary of an individual with a Bachelor’s degree.

Clearly, there is earning power in many fields for those with an MBA, but the cost of an MBA can be steep. Identifying some of the most affordable MBA programs in the country may help you to find a cost-effective way to enjoy the benefits of an MBA degree without the hefty price tag.

University of Louisiana at Monroe (the College of Business Administration)
For students looking for an option that offers them a flexible schedule, the University of Louisiana at Monroe ranks as one of the most affordable accredited online MBA programs in the country based on a 2013 News & World Report. Tuition for the online MBA at this school is a very reasonable $8,990. What’s more, Monroe is an affordable city to live in with a relatively mild climate much of the year, making it an ideal location for in-state students.

Southeast Missouri State University (Harrison College of Business)
Southeast Missouri State University also offers one of the most affordable MBA programs in the country. With a campus in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, Southwest Missouri State University offers an MBA in General Management that can be earned on campus as well as through online education. The in-state cost for the degree is about $9,389, and the out-of-state tuition is about $16,269.

Arizona State University (the W.P. Carey School of Business)
For students who are interested in earning an affordable MBA degree from a larger school with a strong reputation, Arizona State University is a great option. This school’s main campus is located in Phoenix, and there is a second campus in Tempe. These are areas that are known for having great weather and affordable cost of living. The cost of the two-year MBA program for in-state students is reasonably priced at around $22,500 per year, while out-of-state students will pay $30,700. One of the key benefits associated with attending this school is the relatively small class size. Most MBA classes here have less than 50 students each, which ensures that you have access to your instructors and can enjoy personal attention.

Auburn University (College of Business)
Auburn University is located in warm and sunny Auburn, Alabama, and students can earn their MBA degree on campus or through a distance educational program with online courses. The Executive MBA program has been ranked as seventh in the country according to a list by U.S. News. The entire 21-month program is $55,480—just over half the nation’s average MBA cost. Students can choose between six different concentrations, and dual-concentration MBA programs are also available. Research assistantships are also available to the brightest students at the school.

The University of Florida (Warrington College of Business Administration)
The University of Florida is widely known as one of the top state schools in the country, and its MBA program is regarded as top-notch. The cost of in-state tuition for the traditional two-year program is $24,908, and the non-resident tuition is $59,695. Students can choose to attend classes on the campus in sunny Gainesville, or they can pursue on online MBA degree. Notable alumni from this school include Florida Panthers owner Alan Cohen and New York Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner. Furthermore, the school ranked fourth in a listing of the top MBA programs in the country by U.S. News.

Texas A & M University (Mays Business School)
The Mays Business School at Texas A & M University is a premier academic institution. In fact, the Financial Times ranked this school as first overall in regards to “Best Value for Money” in 2012. The main campus is located in College Station, which is conveniently located between Houston and Austin. It offers a rich tradition, a low cost of living and a fabulous climate. In-state students can complete their MBA degree for about $37,667, and non-resident students will pay about $50,000. This school has the notable distinction of being one of the few in the country that have a private trading center for securities and commodities. The school is also known for its retailing research center and real estate school.

Making the decision to earn an MBA may be one of the best steps that you can make to advance in your career as well as to enjoy a higher quality of life over the years. Putting in a bit of research may result in savings of thousands of dollars per year in tuition—and these aren’t the only schools with programs under $50,000. Both Ohio University and Benedictine College have programs under $30,000 ($29,000 per year and $22,200, respectively) and are also great choices, according to a CNN Money report.

With numerous MBA programs available through schools in your state as well as with distance education programs from schools across the country, there are many programs to consider. Students struggling to decide which MBA classes to take should consider web and graphic design or computer programming. The internet is invading the day to day lives of businesses world-wide and MBA students would be well served to increase their internet intelligence.

Well readers, it feels like we’ve been all over the country and we’re headed back to the Big Apple for our final stop at New York University. As one of the top schools in the country, it’s no surprise that NYU boasts several famous and accomplished alumni, including historian Howard Zinn, Twitter creator Jack Dorsey, filmmaker Woody Allen and actor Alec Baldwin. Although you might still be dreaming of sunny California or the scenic Midwest after our last few articles, try giving NYC one more shot with NYU.

Why NYU?

Located in one of the biggest cities in the world, it’s easy to see why students would want to join the educational environment at NYU. But is there more to the school besides its location that draws more than 20,000 students and nearly 9,000 international students there every four years? Aside from its appeal among celebrities and its reputation for fostering the development of Nobel Laureates and MacArthur Fellows alike, let’s explore three categories of the school that make it an excellent choice for international students.

• Academics

NYU is world-renowned for its superior undergraduate and graduate programs that accommodate students in a variety of different disciplines. The university is home to the famous Tisch School of the Arts and has consistently been ranked among the top theater schools across the globe. Although 22 percent of NYU students major in Visual and Performing Arts, the school offers several well-established programs, including those in Social Sciences, Business/Marketing, Health and Psychology.

A 10:1 student-faculty ratio keeps class sizes small, so students get the one-on-one attention they need to succeed. The NYU faculty features especially prestigious members, with top scholars and authors in their respective fields.

• Atmosphere

With the school’s established theater department, it’s expected that student life at NYU is equally vibrant. Campus life is very well-tailored to socializing as well as personal and professional development. Students can take advantage of a large number of cultural, creative, academic and social opportunities, and participate in activities, organizations and events. Not to mention, NYU is located right in one of the coolest, busiest cities in the world, where students can always take advantage of live theater performances, inspiring museums, concert halls, libraries, restaurants and some of the best shopping districts in the country.

• Clubs and Events

Students at NYU are very active on campus, and this close-knit community breeds hundreds of clubs and events to take advantage of. To browse some of the most interesting and attractive offerings, check out the following condensed list:

- Model United Nations

- Radio Station

- Sororities/Fraternities

- Campus Ministries

- Concert Band

- Opera

- Film Society

- Television Station

- Literary Magazine

- Student Government

- International Student Organization

- Student Newspaper

Be Prepared

If you’re planning on studying at NYU as a graduate student, there is also a special form of graduate student health insurance you can purchase to make sure you’re covered while studying abroad. Although New York City is a very diverse community, it might also help to practice your English before arriving and research some core American cultural characteristics to better assimilate into your new school.

This marks the end of our country-wide trip through America’s best educational institution. Now that you’ve got a more in-depth understanding of Purdue, Columbia, USC, Wittenberg University and NYU, which will you choose to fulfill your academic goals? Wherever you end up, just remember to be prepared, study hard and—most importantly—have fun! These years won’t come again.

About the Author:

This guest article series is provided by Kristine Esser. She enjoys writing about study abroad opportunities and is utilizing this series to highlight various U.S. based institutions that would serve as great campuses for international students looking to study here in the states.