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.
Student networking with career professionals at a career fair

Level Up: 6 Networking Tips Every College Student Should Know

Networking is more than just exchanging contact information—it’s about building meaningful relationships that can shape your personal and professional life. Like many students, I once believed networking was only for those nearing graduation—something to worry about later. But I quickly realized that it’s one of the most valuable skills you can develop in college.

In this blog, I share six tips on how to network without feeling “icky” or “sales-y.” While grades and extracurriculars are important, building relationships with peers, professors, and professionals can open doors you never saw coming.

Aishwarya Gupta
Students and faculty gathered for the Johnnies innovation challenge

How St. John’s Students Turn Big Ideas into Real-World Impact

At St. John’s University, students are empowered with hands-on learning opportunities to build skills, gain valuable mentorship, and turn visionary ideas into action. One standout event is the business pitch competition known as the Johnnies Innovation Challenge.

In this Q&A, we hear from the three winning student teams of the 2025 Johnnies Innovation Challenge. They share the inspiration behind their business ideas, the skills they gained through participating, and how experiences like this are helping shape their futures.

Young female professional
Toni Critelli
St. John's University Resident Assistants (RAs)

Why Students Choose St. John’s: Stories in Their Own Words

At St. John’s University, students have access to opportunities that can truly shape their future—think leadership roles, global study-abroad programs, real-world internships, and a campus community that feels like family.

Whether you’re just starting to explore what St. John’s is all about or you’ve recently been accepted and are thinking about what’s next, these five student stories offer a real look at what it’s like to grow here. In their own words, they share what made St. John’s feel like home—and how they’ve taken full advantage of everything it has to offer.

Headshot of Chiyoko Goya, St. John's University Catholic Scholar

Exploring the St. John’s Catholic Scholars Program: Student Insights and Reflections

Are you looking for a college experience that deepens your faith, challenges you intellectually, and helps you grow as a leader? In this Q&A, get an inside look at the Catholic Scholars program at St. John’s University through the eyes of current student and scholar Chiyoko Goya.

Chiyoko shares how the program has enhanced both her academic journey and personal development, offering valuable insights into how this unique opportunity can shape your own college experience.

College student attending a fashion event

A Week in the Life of a Public Relations Major in NYC

In this blog, I take you through a typical week as a public relations major, from classroom learning to networking events, internships, and campus involvement. If you’re curious about what it’s like to study public relations and build a future in the field, this is your inside look!

St. John's University Student
Madison Coombs
Future college student setting academic goals  for the first year

How to Set Academic Goals: 4 Steps for Early College Success

Entering college is an exciting chapter filled with possibilities—but without a clear plan, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Setting academic goals can transform your experience from simply getting by to achieving extraordinary success.

This guide helps you master academic goals, stay focused, and unlock your full potential in your first year and beyond.