10 TED Talks Every College Student Needs To Watch | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

10 TED Talks Every College Student Needs To Watch

A little inspiration for all of you college kids out there.

14093
10 TED Talks Every College Student Needs To Watch
ted.com

With its company motto of "Ideas Worth Spreading," TED Talks have been providing knowledge and advice on a wide range of subjects for years now. For us college students, we seem to always have questions about adulthood, career paths, how to handle money, success and so forth. These burning questions we have demand answers. With thousands of videos, there's bound to be a TED Talk that pertains to whatever our specific dilemma might be. Here's a list of some inspiring, interesting and just plain entertaining TED Talks that speak to those of us in college.

1. Matt Cutts: Try Something New for 30 Days

http://www.ted.com/talks/matt_cutts_try_something_...

This fun, easy-going talk explores the idea of trying out something new for 30 days, given by an engineer at Google. College is a time to try new things, and in his talk, Cutts shows the benefits of doing this.

2. Cameron Russell: Looks Aren't Everything. Believe Me, I'm a Model.

http://www.ted.com/talks/cameron_russell_looks_are...

Like high school, college can be a very difficult time for a person's self-esteem. Cameron Russell explains her take on why looks aren't everything, and how being a supermodel has taught her this important lesson.

3. Angela Lee Duckworth: The Key To Success? Grit.

http://www.ted.com/talks/angela_lee_duckworth_the_...

Arguably some of the hardest four (or more) years of our lives, college provides plenty of obstacles and roadblocks that force us to be tough. In this motivating talk, Angela Lee Duckworth, argues that the one true characteristic that leads to success isn't just talent, it's actually something called grit. If you need inspiration to persevere, definitely watch this one.

4. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: The Danger of a Single Story

http://www.ted.com/talks/chimamanda_adichie_the_da...

"The single story creates stereotypes, and the problem with stereotypes is not that they are untrue, but that they are incomplete. They make one story become the only story." This incredibly inspirational and intelligent writer explains how dangerous stereotypes can be, especially when they are formed after hearing only one story about a person or place. This is important for college students, as we are faced with many different prejudices and stereotypes every day.

5. Kelly McGonigal: How to Make Stress Your Friend

http://www.ted.com/talks/kelly_mcgonigal_how_to_ma...


If the word "college" had a synonym, it would be "stress." Stress is unavoidable in college, but how you handle it can make all the difference. Health psychologist, Kelly McGonigal, argues that there's a way to make stress actually good for you. (I know, I was skeptical at first— just watch).

6. Andy Puddicombe: All It Takes is 10 Mindful Minutes

http://www.ted.com/talks/andy_puddicombe_all_it_ta...

Our lives can so easily get busy with our constantly jam-packed schedules. It's rather difficult to live in the present moment, especially in college. In this TED Talk, former monk, Andy Puddicombe, shows us how taking 10 minutes out of our day to practice mindfulness can make us happier.

7. Joshua Foer: Feats of Memory Anyone Can Do

http://www.ted.com/talks/joshua_foer_feats_of_memo...

Have an important presentation coming up? How about a big, scary test? Take a look at this video and learn a fascinating trick to remember all those tricky facts, figures, and equations.

8. Tim Urban: Inside The Mind of a Master Procrastinator

http://www.ted.com/talks/tim_urban_inside_the_mind...

For all you procrastinators out there, take a look at this hilarious and spot-on video that will hopefully ring a bell for you. Master procrastinator and writer, Tim Urban, shows us how the mind of a procrastinator works, but in an easy and entertaining way. If you need a good laugh, this one is a winner.

9. David Kelley: How to Build Your Creative Confidence

http://www.ted.com/talks/david_kelley_how_to_build...

In this intriguing TED Talk, Kelley talks about how everyone, no matter what kind of "category" you sort your intelligence into, can be creative. He urges us to take a long, hard look at our creativity and how we can apply it to work, school, and our relationships.

10. Drew Dudley: Everyday Leadership

http://www.ted.com/talks/drew_dudley_everyday_lead...

There is more than one way to be a leader. In fact, we can be leaders without even recognizing it at the time. Dudley tells an amazing story about this and shares how we can greatly impact someone's life without even knowing. This is an incredibly inspirational video to watch if you're striving to make a difference in the world, starting with your college campus.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

6859
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
college

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

3177
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

2342
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

2188
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments