1. Google Calendar

   

   Whether it’s Google, Apple, or some other brand, the scatterbrained student must have a calendar program. (Google sets the standard, but Fantastical is also worth a try for Mac lovers.) You can set alerts simply and easily for study time, test days, and campus or work events. You can even schedule naps. If you’re aiming to get your degree, the best thing you can do for your peace of mind is this: Stay organized. Don’t get behind due to not thinking ahead. Instead, let yourself be saved by the bell. Bonus: Most calendar apps either come standard with your gadget, or they’re free at the app store. And they’ll painlessly sync with your alarm clock and your e-mail.

2. Wolfram Alpha

   

   It’s the problem-solving program that could, and now it’s available in app form. If you’ve got a question about sociology, demographics, or complex physics, Wolfram Alpha’s got your answer. Take a little time on the front end to discern the best way to input questions, but even the most harried of students won’t take long to learn. Start by looking at examples here, and enjoy having the world’s best problem solver right at your fingertips. Wolfram Alpha is great for conversions, population questions, math issues, and statistics.

3. CloudApp

   

   If you’ve ever needed to share a Power Point, a screenshot, or anything else on the fly, you’ve likely used CloudApp. If you’re new to cloud computing and the app world, take heart. CloudApp is simple, easy to use, and free to purchase at Apple’s app store. Even the most scatterbrained of students can easily learn to drag, drop, and access professors’ and other students’ files. Sharing has never been quicker, easier, or more mobile. (If you’re not into CloudApp, try Dropbox. It’s free, easy, and every bit as useful.)

4. DoOneThing

   

   If you’re hopelessly scatterbrained and need some massive help, DoOneThing is the little app that’s got your back. DoOneThing helps you prioritize and remember the most necessary of your tasks for the day. Providing an easily accessible display and a source of inspiration beyond procrastination, DoOneThing morphs the scatterbrained student’s computer, tablet, or phone into a productive tool for prioritizing. If you only do one thing today, purchase this $1.99 app.

5. Evernote

   

   There are a plethora of notetaking apps, but Evernote is a free, cross-platform standard. Noteshelf is also a favorite for students, but the scatterbrained need to stay focused on one thing: lack of distractions. If you’re easily derailed by bells and whistles, pick a note-taking app that allows for only that. You can format and organize while you’re reviewing material before test day. Your No. 1 priority during class time should be taking good notes.

6. Blackboard Learn

   

   Scatterbrained students also take classes online. And if your school uses Blackboard, you’ve got to have the app. Blackboard Learn provides a mobile learning platform for remembering assignments, participating in discussions, and completing other virtual classroom tasks. If you’re constantly on-the-go — or just super forgetful — Blackboard Learn can organize lots of things for you. Keeping you abreast of news and assignment updates with an alert system, Blackboard Learn takes a lot of pressure off of your day planner.

7. Kindle

   

   Maybe you haven’t taken the e-reading plunge, but now’s the time. Students from scatterbrained to summa cum laude can use the Kindle app for purchasing, reading, and annotating course texts. If your professor OKs electronic textbooks, there’s nothing you can’t do with this app. Find books at the press of a button, and often cheaper than the paper versions. Paperless textbooks also lengthen the life of your back — and backpack.

8. Your College’s App

   

   It’s the 21st century, and you’re a scatterbrained mess. How are you supposed to keep up with e-mail, assignments, your family, test dates, and what’s going on in the world? Easy. Your college’s app keeps you informed of up-to-the-minute campus news, sports scores, and even inclement weather warnings. Make sure you’ve got your college’s app close by at all times. You might be flaky, but you don’t want to miss anything!

1. Be a friend

   If you want one of your professors to be your mentor, make sure you treat them authentically. They probably don’t need any new friends, but some mentors can end up being a trusted advisor for life. See if you can help them out in creative ways, such as mowing their lawn, collating and preparing their academic papers, or bringing them coffee a few times a week.

2. Be specific

   Many mentor relationships arise organically. But if you’re going to ask someone to be your mentor, be specific about what you’d like to gain from their help. Is it career advice? Contacts? A recommendation letter? Let them know what you want and need, and ask them the appropriate route to get it.

3. Don’t expect too much

   Your mentor is an advisor, a sage, and can be an important person in your life. But they can’t solve your problems if you’re not committed to solving them already. Don’t expect a mentor to change your life, but do expect them to advocate and champion the things you both believe are important in life.

4. Listen closely

   If you’re seeking a mentor for validation, try again. It’s your job to ask their advice and listen closely. Don’t expect to always hear what you want. Listen to what they have to say and take their suggestions to heart.

5. Don’t waste their (or your) time

   If you’re not sure what you function you want your mentor to play in your life, don’t waste anyone’s time. Know what you need, and make sure it’s not a therapist or life coach. Mentors will champion and believe in you, but don’t waste their precious time by not having a clue.

6. Schedule regular meetings

   If you want to be on someone’s radar screen, you’ve got to be dependable. Don’t constantly reschedule or show up without your morning coffee. Make sure you meeting with a mentor at least once a quarter, if not more. Try to fold them into the fabric of your life on a reasonable schedule.

7. Be grateful

   The best thing you can do for a mentor? Be extremely thankful. The wise and wonderful don’t owe you their time or energy, and you should consider yourself lucky to get it. Thank them by achieving your goals, but also by thoughtful gestures. Let them know how important and formative they are to you. It never hurts to be polite.

1. Set some ground rules:

   

   Setting up some boundaries from the beginning is for the benefit of both you and your parents. They can set rules on what they expect you to do around the house and in terms of your job hunt, and you can set some guidelines on privacy and lifestyle issues. It’s easy to fall back into a frustrating, high school-like relationship, so being up front with how you’d like them to treat you and how they’d like you to act in return can save a lot of arguments in the future. Write it down if you need to, and don’t be afraid to address issues that come up later or adjust rules (if you all agree) that just aren’t working.

2. Be grateful:

   

   And show it regularly. This one can be hard when you feel that your parents are stifling your independence and that you’re living in a weird adult limbo, but it’s important for your sanity and your parents’ generosity. Your parents are doing you a favor and living with them is a privilege, not a right. Keep this in mind and make sure to thank them so they know that you’re not trying to take advantage of them.

3. Pay rent:

   

   A little rent can go a long way in retaining a semblance of your independence and making your parents feel like you’re doing your best to pitch in. If you’re making money from a part-time job, decide on a percentage that would be appropriate to give your parents as rent. You might also consider setting an amount to pitch in for food and other bills they’re paying for you. If you’re unemployed, take over certain chores around the house. Yes, it’ll feel like you’re earning allowance, but it will make you feel less guilty and will give you something to do to take your mind off your job hunt.

4. Be courteous:

   

   Of course you’re an adult now, so you can stay out to all hours of the night or walk out the door without so much as glancing at your parents if you want, but your living situation will be much easier if you extend some courtesies to your parents. You don’t need to set a curfew for yourself or call them every time you leave the house, but letting them in on your rough plans will make them feel like you’re being respectful while still maintaining your independence. Are you going to be gone for dinner? Let them know so they won’t wait for you. Staying out late? Just shoot them a text as a courtesy so they won’t worry. It’ll preclude fights over them never knowing where you are or you not being considerate.

5. Don’t bring dates home for sleepovers:

   

   There are a few parents out there who are sincerely comfortable with their adult children bringing home dates for sexy time. Your parents are probably not those people. Knowing that you have a date in your bedroom can make your parents feel like guests in their own home or like you’re taking advantage of their kindness. And honestly, your date probably won’t love the situation either, so just avoid it altogether and go somewhere else for your date-night fun.

6. Have a plan:

   

   Moving back home without having any kind of exit strategy will drive everyone involved crazy. This is a transitional period for you to take steps to become independent; use it wisely. If you’ve moved home to save money, then make a plan for saving up a certain amount each month and follow it. If you’ve moved home while looking for a job, set goals for how many jobs you’ll apply to and follow up with each week. You’ll be able to tolerate the situation with a better attitude if you can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

1. Organize a canned food drive:

   Do a quick Google search of “how to help food banks during the holidays” and you’ll get news stories from all over the country describing local food banks in need. Chances are, your nearby food bank could use the help, too. Money gets tight during the holidays for many families as they try to make the holidays bright for their children and spouses, so paying for food and feasts sometimes becomes a financial burden. Help families in your community by organizing a food or turkey drive with some friends or your church. Check with your local food bank to find out what their greatest needs are.

2. Clean out your house:

   You’re about to be showered with all kinds of gifts from loved ones and Santa, so it’s the perfect time to make room for new belongings by cleaning out the old. Go through closets, cabinets, and drawers that haven’t seen the light of day in years. There are bound to be items and clothes that you don’t use but could be great for someone else. Take them to a Salvation Army or GoodWill donation center where they can be sold to people who need to save some money on gifts.

3. Visit a nursing home:

   Though many residents in nursing homes have relatives they can spend the holidays with, there are others who aren’t so lucky. Their spouses may have died, their kids might live too far away for them to travel, or they may not have had either to begin with. Spending the holidays alone or letting them pass without celebrating can be really depressing, so there are plenty of opportunities to visit these sometimes-forgotten members of the community. Call ahead to the nursing home to see what would be helpful, and try to arrange a visit where you and a group come to sing, play games, or just hand out cards to cheer up some residents.

4. Adopt an angel:

   Angel trees are a common way to help out the community, run by several different organizations around the country. Disadvantaged families sign up for the program to make sure their children get gifts during the holidays, and then the names and wishes of the children are put on a tree for people to take on themselves. Find an Angel Tree location near you and go choose a child or two. You’ll be giving them items they really need, as well as keeping up their belief in Santa.

5. Contribute to a coat drive:

   Even if you live in one of the warmest states in the country, the nights get cold for those who don’t have a roof over their heads or can’t afford heat on the coldest nights. By donating coats to a local coat drive, you can make sure that both adults and children who can’t afford warm winter coats are able to stay healthy and safe throughout the winter season. If there’s not a coat drive going on near you, start one. There’s no doubt you can find a nonprofit that serves the homeless or disadvantaged families that would welcome the donations.

6. Give donations as gifts:

   Sharing the spirit of giving with those on your gift list can be a great way to do good and avoid the materialism of the season. By donating money in someone’s name or giving a gift card to a nonprofit, your friends and family will feel good about the gifts they’re receiving and you’ll know your money isn’t going to waste on yet another scarf or tin of popcorn. Buy gift cards at Kiva.org, where the recipient can use the money to give microloans, or Network for Good, which allows recipients to choose which charity to donate the money to. If you already know causes close to your friends’ hearts, making a donation in their name can be a great way to honor them.

1. Script Ohio, Ohio State:

   Ohio State has always been known for its great athletics and die-hard fans. But come game day, Buckeyes fans are cheering for more than just the players. They are also there to see the famous OSU marching band form the signature “Script Ohio” at the start of every football game. Even though it’s not uncommon for college marching bands to spell out or abbreviate their school name, very few allow one member to “dot the I” like Ohio State.

2. Marching In, Army and Navy:

   The United States Military Academy (Army) and the United States Naval Academy (Navy) have been longtime football rivals, and every December you can see the academies face off in one of the classiest games of the entire year. One of the coolest parts of the game is the elaborate marching of the field by the cadets and midshipmen. Even the students show their respect and school spirit by standing for the majority of games.

3. War Eagle, Auburn:

   You haven’t had the full SEC football experience until you’ve paid a visit to Jordan-Hare Stadium at Auburn University. Here, you’ll get to see the historic War Eagle of Auburn fly around the stadium before each game to rally fans and remind them of the bird’s legacy. Legend has it, Auburn got its first War Eagle after a Civil War soldier rescued it from the battlefield and brought it to an Auburn football game, where it broke free and flew out of the stadium.

4. The Haka, University of Hawaii:

   Besides the occasional touchdown dance or celebratory gesture, the University of Hawaii is the only college football team to perform a choreographed war dance before and after home games. The Warriors have been doing the Haka for years, but in 2007, the dance came under fire for violating the sportsmanship policy and using controversial gestures. Today, the team uses a more traditional and politically correct version of the dance.

5. Sooner Schooner, OU:

   Oklahoma loves its football, and that’s easy to see at just about any loud OU football game. Besides the die-hard fans and talented players, there is another exciting attraction to keep an eye out for — the Sooner Schooner. The Sooner Schooner wagon is raced across the field every time OU scores. Designed after the historical Oklahoma Conestoga wagon, Sooner Schooner is pulled by two white ponies named Boomer and Sooner and driven by the RUF/NEKS, OU’s all-male pep squad.

6. Ralphie’s Run, Colorado:

   It’s not every day you get to see a buffalo run across a football field. At the University of Colorado, this is the norm. In 1934, Colorado adopted the nickname Buffaloes, and the adorable bison, Ralphie, became its official mascot. Since then, Ralphie makes an appearance before the start of each half and is ran around the field by a team of varsity student-athletes.

7. UGA Bulldog, Georgia:

   Several universities have dog mascots, but none are as cute or cool as Georgia’s UGA, a white English bulldog. UGA makes his appearance known at every home football game and most away games. When he’s not smiling big for the fans, he’s typically cooling off in his custom made doghouse atop several bags of ice.

8. The Grove, Ole Miss:

   The Grove is not your average tailgate. It’s a beautiful, shaded 10-acre park with great food, good people, and lots of southern hospitality. Students, alumni, and everyone in between come to the Grove to party and cheer on the Rebels. After tailgating at the Grove, you’ll have a better understanding of and greater appreciation for Ole Miss’s unofficial school motto: “We may not win every game, but we ain’t never lost a party.”

1. Because you’re a quitter.

   

   If you’re unhappy at your college, is this your college’s fault? If you’re considering quitting due to frequent bad days and cranky moods, make sure you’re not just marginally depressed. College is what you make of it; don’t let negativity get the best of you.

2. Lack of friends.

   

   Leaving an academic institution because your social life stinks means that you’ve got a priority imbalance and you’re not creative. There are hundreds of simple ways to make friends, from joining clubs to leading study groups. Try a little harder, and focus on your schoolwork. There is life beyond your social network.

3. Because you’re embarrassed.

   

   Everyone’s done something phenomenally stupid, and it’s not the end of the world. If you’ve fallen on your face (literally or figuratively), there’s nothing that says you can’t get back in the saddle and try again. Have a little perseverance, and a lot of gut. And don’t be so self-conscious — life is much too short for that.

4. Because you’re homesick.

   

   Homesickness is a part of college life, but don’t let it take over your mind and heart. Think of college as a reason to embark on new beginnings, and know that home will always exist, even if it’s only in your mind.

5. You’re not ready.

   

   If you’re not ready to leave community college for a four-year school, don’t force it. Spend your time at your first school wisely, and move on in an appropriate manner. It’s not a race, or a contest — it’s your college degree. Respect that, and know that it just takes time.

6. Your classes are too hard/easy.

   

   If your classes aren’t challenging enough, or are too difficult, chances are they will be that way at another school. Hang in there for a little while, and talk with a career or admissions counselor about your on-campus options.

1. Write in iambic pentameter.

   

   Or free verse. Or haiku. And require anyone who sends you a message to do the same. When you’re on your first in-person date, speak this way, too. Immediately dump anyone who doesn’t. Have some self-respect, people.

2. All caps, no punctuation.

   

   THIS IS A REALLY GREAT IDEA ESPECIALLY FOR EXTROVERTS BECAUSE EVERYONE WILL SEE HOW PERKY AND ENTHUSIASTIC YOU ARE ABOUT YOUR FAVORITE BAND BEING DAVE MATTHEWS.

3. Post a (nearly) naked photo.

   

   Leave a little bit to the imagination, but not too much. Posting a naked or nearly naked photo of yourself lets people know that you are seriously on the market. You’ll get winks and messages forever.

4. Long walks on the beach?! Hate ‘em.
   

   

   Be a contrarian. Be the exact opposite of what you think the “normals” would be attracted to on an online dating site. You’re looking for Mr. Right, not Mr. Right Now! (Or vice versa.)

5. Be completely and totally honest.

   

   You want to meet your future spouse, don’t you? Be up front about your Irritable Bowel Syndrome, debilitating bacne, and propensity to dominate political conversations despite knowing little else than you’ve seen on Fox News.

6. Have an attention-grabbing headline.

   

   Other than your picture, this is how you get people to give you a chance. Try something like, “Lookin’ 4 A BF — Juggalos or Furries Should Definitely Apply!”

7. Share your income.

   

   And add $100,000 to the final number. On the other hand, if you’re committed to being a “working creative” but really wait tables for a living, link to your portfolio and call yourself a dreamer. Everyone will think that you’re the real deal.

8. Don’t be desperate.

   

   You’ll be sure to stand out.

The outcome of the election matters to all Americans, and it’s important to exercise our right to elect those that will best represent us to our fellow states, our Congress, and the world. And it’s been quite a campaign season. Students on college campuses the nation over have rallied for and against political issues both foreign and domestic, and registered to vote in scads. In the final days of the campaigns, stops and stump speeches at college campuses are common. Come election day, there are a few institutes of higher learning you’ll definitely want to watch. And the winners are:

1. Palm Beach State

   Leave it to Florida to be a battleground state. The tight-knit school in the south Florida town of Lake Worth accepted President Bill Clinton as a speaker last Friday, Nov. 2. Students were excited about Clinton’s campaign stop in support of President Obama’s re-election, and believe that the visit speaks highly of the school. As with the entire state of Florida, the nation will watch as the student voters in Lake Worth turn out on Super Tuesday.

2. Stanford University

   California’s not a battleground state this election season, but the fine students of Stanford are mobilizing their efforts to influence the vote in the swing state of Nevada. Both Democrat and Republican student groups are engaging in last-minute phone banking in attempts to persuade Nevada voters to cast their votes accordingly. And if you don’t think college students can make a difference, you’re wrong. By Halloween, approximately 50 Stanford Democrats had made more than 18,000 campaign-related phone calls to Nevada citizens.

3. University of Iowa

   “You really ought to give Iowa a try.” — The Music ManWith six critical electoral votes and a long history of mattering in national elections, the heartland state of Iowa is once again a tough battleground state. Both candidates have spent massive amounts of money and time in the state, and there’s a 6.1% chance that the state will provide the decisive electoral votes, according to the minds at FiveThirtyEight. While several Iowa universities have been campaign stops for both candidates, the University of Iowa has received lots of election attention this year, including from cast members of Glee. With President Obama famously (and expensively) campaigning at the school at a grassroots event in September (and also in April), both Iowa City and its university have proven important points on the campaign trail.

4. After Hurricane Sandy ruined campaign plans throughout the Eastern Seaboard, New Hampshire’s hotly contested electoral votes remain undecided in the election’s final days. With a fine political science department including scholar Dante Scala, the University of New Hampshire has provided both academic resources on the election and a physical space for campaign stops. President Clinton spoke in support of President Obama on Oct. 3, and all eyes are on the small — but important — toss-up state.

5. Ohio University

   In reality, every college in Ohio is an important one in this election. In the final days before Super Tuesday, pundits, pollsters, and statisticians agree that Ohio could make or break the election for President Obama or Governor Romney. With its 18 electoral votes, both candidates have spent time and money attempting to sway undecided voters in the state. At a rally at Ohio University in October, President Obama spoke to a crowd of more than 14,000, addressing issues of tuition affordability, student loan interest rates and payment plans, and future job prospects for college graduates. The importance of Ohio in the presidential election can’t be overstated, and all eyes will look to the battleground state on Tuesday night. No pressure, Ohio.

6. University of Colorado

   A well-fought win in President Obama’s 2008 campaign, Denver saw a historic candidate Obama deliver one of the most important speeches of his political career. And political scientists from the school have been weighing in on the election probabilities throughout campaign season. A model from the university, released in August, points to a Romney presidential win. Although independents and women are Romney’s largest problems in the state, the nation will answer the question “Does the model prove out?” tomorrow night.

7. University of Virginia

   The University of Virginia, founded by Thomas Jefferson, always merits discussion during election season. This year, the University of Virginia’s Center for Politics has called the 2012 presidential race “too close to call.” The toss-up state of Virginia is baffling political scientists this election cycle. We’ll know after Super Tuesday which camp of scholars was correct. In August of 2012, the university declined a request from President Obama’s campaign. Hosting such an event, U.Va officials claimed, would too fully disrupt campus life.

8. College of Southern Nevada

   If you’re a fan of celebrities, you might just want to watch this college for the stars. A-list actress Eva Longoria, Obama for America’s National Co-Chair, introduced the popular President at a campaign stop last week. Nevada is a key battleground state in this election cycle, with six electoral votes famously undecided. Both candidates are engaging voters in this state in the final hours of their 2012 campaigns.

9. Your Campus

   Whether you’re an offline or online student, watch your college campus for updates during election day. If your campus is also a voting location, make sure you have mapped alternate routes to class if necessary. Read all-campus e-mails and social media update alerts. And don’t forget to vote!

1. Be realistic:

   One of the tricks to balancing motherhood and school is being realistic about your demands and abilities. There is only so much you can do as one person, and it’s completely OK that you’re not Supermom. Don’t overwhelm yourself with added obligations or beat yourself up when you can’t do it all. Be realistic about what you can accomplish and things will be easier to tackle day by day.

2. Don’t be afraid to ask for help:

   Whether it’s taking the kids to daycare, hiring a tutor, or getting a friend to babysit, you shouldn’t feel ashamed to seek help when you need it. Your family and friends know you have a lot to juggle, and there is nothing wrong with accepting their help when you need to study for a test, catch up on homework, or have a night to yourself.

3. Make time to relax:

   Student mothers have a lot on their plate, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take a break here and there. For your sanity, you deserve to set aside a little time every day to kick up your feet and relax. Whether it’s reading a non-school-related book or watching TV, this is your time to do whatever you want.

4. Study when your kids are asleep:

   Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to when, where, and how to study, but one tip that might help all student mothers is to study after your kids have gone to bed. This way you are free to spend time with your kids, make dinner, and do non-school-related activities, but come bedtime, you can get back to the grind when it’s nice and quiet.

5. Keep your eye on the prize:

   There’s no doubt about it, juggling school and being a mother is extremely difficult. There will be good days and bad days and moments that test your commitment to school. When the going gets tough and you feel like quitting, always remember to keep your eye on the prize — your degree. This is the key to a better career, more money, and a greater life for you and your children.

6. Delegate responsibilities to children:

   This one applies to student mothers with children who are old enough to help around the house or babysit another child. Don’t be afraid to delegate household responsibilities and chores to children who can help. This will not only make your life a little easier, but it will teach your children responsibility and important skills.

7. Get support from others:

   Remember, you are not alone. There are plenty of student parents out there who know exactly what you’re going through and can give you uplifting support. There are many student-parent support groups and forums online, and you may even find a support group through your university.

8. Get and stay organized:

   This one is easier said than done, but getting organized is the one of the best things you can do for yourself while in school. As student mother, you’re going to have to keep your life and your children’s lives as organized as possible. Get a planner, label your folders, keep your notes filed, have supplies available, and do whatever you can to keep your schoolwork neat and organized.

1. Ohio University:

   According to the British Society of Psychical Research, Athens, Ohio, is the 13th most haunted place on Earth, and Ohio University enjoys the dubious reputation for being the most haunted campus in the country. The attic of Jefferson Hall is home to an unnamed floating, transparent woman, Crawford Hall is home to the ghost of a student named Laura who fell to her death from a fourth-floor window, and Brown House is home to the spirit of Millie Brown, who after kindly donating the house to the university, died and returned to haunt its residents.

2. Michigan State University:

   Not to be outdone by their Midwest rivals, Michigan State University also claims to have spirits of the undead floating around and causing trouble in several dorms, as well as the University’s garden and physical plant. In Holmes Hall, do NOT get on the elevator, as it runs erratically thanks to a pair of ghosts living on the sixth floor. Residents on the 12th floor of Hubbard Hall have reported hearing the sounds of running and ghostly laughter, sounds that you never hear in a dorm! The ghost of an old man is occasionally seen in the oak basement of Mason Hall, although it’s possible he’s just lost and needs directions to the physical plant.

3. Lincoln Memorial University:

   Below the Mason-Dixon line, pretty much every college and university you can name is haunted. Tennessee’s Lincoln Memorial University, which was chartered on Abraham Lincoln’s birthday, Feb. 12, 1897, is no exception. Residents of the university’s Grant-Lee Hall, which nearly burned to the ground in 1904 in a fire that claimed the life of a woman and her child, have reported hearing phantom footsteps and knocking on doors, seeing doorknobs turn and a mysterious, silent lady in red moving through the hallways.

4. Huntingdon College:

   Another mysterious lady in red haunts Pratt Hall at Huntingdon College. Back in 1910, a young girl named either Martha or Margaret arrived on the Alabama campus from New York only to find herself alienated from her fellow students. As the school year progressed, Martha’s behavior became more and more disturbing, and included wandering Pratt Hall at night while dressed in red and staring at but not speaking to the other residents. Tragically, Martha committed suicide in her room wearing red robe and draped in a red bedspread. Ever since her suicide, residents have reported seeing Martha’s ghost in Pratt Hall, passing through walls and doors.

5. Eastern Illinois University:

   Pemberton Hall at Eastern Illinois University was built in 1909 and is the oldest such residence in the state. The building is a historic landmark and, you guessed it, it’s haunted! Mary, the ghost of a counselor who was traumatized after a resident of Pemberton was brutally attacked and murdered by a crazed janitor, is occasionally seen floating throughout Pemberton, as if keeping protective watch on its residents. Over the years, residents of Pemberton have reported seeing bloody footprints, hearing ghostly whispers and knocks throughout the building.

6. Boston University:

   Leave it to the prestigious Boston University to lay claim to being home to the ghost of Eugene O’Neill, one of the world’s most highly regarded playwrights. BU’s Shelton Hall is creepy; residents have reported the lights suddenly dimming, and random, erratic stops on the elevator. OK, so maybe that’s just normal stuff that happens in every old building. But residents have also reported seeing the ghost of O’Neill, who died in room 401 of what was then the Shelton Hotel. Perhaps unfairly, English majors do not receive any additional credit toward their degree if they are lucky enough to catch sight of O’Neill.

7. University of Montevallo:

   Located in Alabama, the highly ranked University of Montevallo boasts a history of especially weird paranormal happenings. In 1908, a hapless sophomore ended up setting herself on fire while making fudge in the Main Dorm. Her ghost has been heard screaming and moaning in the Main Dorm’s hallways, and an image of her burning face seen on the door of her dorm room. Meanwhile, over on the grounds of King House, the ghost of the man who built it, Edmund King, is sometimes seen carrying a lantern and wandering the orchards and cemetery, apparently searching for silver he buried somewhere on the property.