Finals week can bring out the worst in everyone. But when people take their complaining (or their celebrating) to Facebook, things can get really ugly. Here are some Facebook statuses we’re more excited to see disappear from our newsfeeds than we are to finish our exams.

1. If someone brings hot chocolate and a cookie to my cubicle on the third floor of the library, I will love them forever! <3

2. Three finals down, two to go. I can do this!

3. To the girl who used up both the outlets at the table in the library, WE ALL HATE YOU.

4. It's just my luck to get a cold during finals week. Why can’t I ever catch a break?

5. Just found out my history final isn’t cumulative. Yay me!

6. Two hours until my first final and I still have three chapters left to study... HELP ME!!!

7. Haven’t slept in two days, and it’s looking like I’m going to have to pull a third all-nighter tonight. This is the worst :/

8. I have written over 45 pages in the last three days. I think I deserve winter break more than anyone right now.

9. Sixth coffee of the day and it’s only noon. #FinalsWeek

10. Will this week ever end???

11. Just nailed my Spanish final. Who wants to help me celebrate?

12. OFFICALLY DONE WITH FINALS! WINTER BREAK, HERE I COME!!!

Last Thursday, the Her Campus National Team went to New York City to celebrate the launch of our new favorite shopping app, Shopcade, at the Henri Bendel flagship store!

Shopcade is a shopping community where you can shop millions of products from thousands of stores and create lists of items you want to get. Shopcade will then alert you when one of your items goes on sale!  The Her Campus National Team members had a blast showing off the app at the event.

The event was SO much fun—we sipped on champagne and ate delicious mini cupcakes while listening to awesome music and shopping gorgeous Henri Bendel accessories. The best part? Everyone at the event got 20 percent off of their purchase that night!

If you need help figuring out what to get your friends and family (or yourself—we won’t judge) for Christmas, check out some of our HC Staffers’ holiday wish lists on Shopcade! Check out the Shopcades of Senior Manager of Client Services Taylor King, Senior Manager of Client Services Divya Bahl and Director of Client Services Emily Moore. Happy shopping, collegiettes!

On Monday, the Denver City Council voted to decriminalize marijuana possession for people between the ages of 18 and 21 starting Jan 1.

While the measure still has to undergo a final vote, the amount of support behind the proposed law ensures that it will most likely be passed. The proposal was introduced to reduce the number of minors who obtain a criminal record for possessing marijuana.

People in the 18 to 21 age group will still pay fines for holding on to the drug, but they will no longer face jail time or a permanent conviction on their records

Last year, Colorado legalized marijuana possession and use for individuals aged 21 and over. But the 18 to 25 age group is the largest demographic to possess and smoke marijuana, meaning that the previous law failed to account for a substantial portion of marijuana users.

“We do not want this age group to be to have their legs cut off before they get started in life,” said City Council Member Albus Brooks.

However, the city council is also considering a law that would ban marijuana industry businesses within 1,000 feet of a school.

The City Council will likely unanimously pass the measure into law on Dec 23.

With finals quickly approaching, there’s a limited amount of time to celebrate the holidays on campus.  But before studying takes over our lives and we start to live entirely off of coffee, take advantage of the time we have to get festive with all our friends on campus.  Whether you’re into smaller, intimate celebrations or bigger, crazier shindigs, here are four tips for throwing the perfect holiday party!

1. Choose a Theme

Even the biggest fan of holiday parties can admit that they tend to get unoriginal.  If you want your party to stand out, put a twist on the ordinary holiday theme with one of these options:

Ugly Christmas Sweater Party

A classic and silly way to celebrate the holidays is to host an ugly Christmas sweater party.  Whether you have to take a trip to a local thrift shop or scavenge for crazy vintage pieces in your attic, you can find ridiculous holiday sweaters easily and inexpensively.

“Last year, my friends and I got dressed up in Christmas sweaters, decorated our dorm room and made a huge holiday dinner for ourselves while listening to Christmas music,” says Kelsey Pomeroy, a sophomore at Ohio State University.

Chistmukkah

Since Hanukah and Christmas fall within a few weeks of each other, you can take a hint from The O.C. and merge the two holidays to create a big Christmukkah bash.  The decorations can include everything from mistletoe to menorahs.  And, of course, it wouldn’t be complete without The O.C.-inspired cute and crafty yamaclauses, or yarmulke Santa hats, which you can easily DIY for all your guests!

Classy Christmas

Who doesn’t love an excuse to dress up? You and your friends can create your own classy event simply by dressing nicely and making more upscale arrangements with food, drinks and decorations.

Boston College senior Meghan Gibbons has thrown a "Classy Christmas Party" with her friends for the past two years. “With all of us in college, I felt that we can act like grown-ups,” she says. “I had all my friends dress up in cute holiday dresses, and guys looked nice in button-downs. We served fancy appetizers [and] cocktails (or mocktails for those under 21), and it was a great photo opp!”  So if you have a great dress that you’re dying to wear and you appreciate fun and fancy festivities, then this is the party theme for you!

2. Set the Atmosphere

Holiday parties are all about the atmosphere, so you can’t throw a holiday party without decorations and Christmas music!  For a more casual party, red and green cups are a good choice for drinks, and you can buy either solid-colored plates and napkins or ones with Christmas motifs. 

As for decorating the room, Christmas lights, tinsel and wreaths are classic options that will set the Christmas mood and also tend to be relatively inexpensive.  However, there are many DIY decorating options that can keep you from overspending and serve as fun activities to do with your friends to get you even more pumped to party!  You could make paper snowflakes and a popcorn garland.

While any and all of these ideas will come across as Christmas-y, your décor will look even better when you stick to a decorative theme.  For example, you may want to choose colored lights when going for a warm and traditional Christmas look (great for an ugly sweater party), whereas white lights are a must if you want to turn the room into a winter wonderland (great for a classy party or Christmukkah theme!).

As for music, classic, upbeat Christmas songs are perfect for a more casual event. If you want to give your party a more modern feel, you can include modern remixes of traditional Christmas songs by artists such as Justin Bieber and Mariah Carey. A good option for a classy Christmas party is to skip the expected Christmas songs in favor of instrumental performances of traditional carols. For lots of (free!) Christmas music streaming stations, check out YulePlay.

3. Get Festive Food and Drinks

 When throwing a holiday party, there are a ton of options for food and refreshments that will help set the mood. Christmas cookies and candy canes are a definite must, and to spice up your beverage selection, you can make Christmas cocktails (or mocktails for those younger than 21). 

If you want your party to include dinner but you don’t have the time to spend in the kitchen or the money to order in for everyone, an excellent option is to have the party be a potluck, where everyone brings a food item to share. “For Christmas, my friends and I have a potluck dinner,” says Emma Chapple, a sophomore at St. Thomas University. “It's a cheap alternative to going out, and there's always tons of food left over!”

You can even turn unhealthy holiday classics into healthy alternatives so that before your finals diet of coffee and processed food sets in you can enjoy festive food with your friends and save the leftovers as healthy study snacks! 

4. Include Activities

Even though you and your friends are bound to have fun just hanging out together at a holiday party, you can amp up your event with a few holiday-themed activities.  A great idea to get a smaller, more intimate party started right is to have a secret Santa gift exchange at the beginning of the party.  This requires planning, since all the guests will have to meet beforehand to draw names, but you can keep the gift-giving aspect as stress-free as possible by making DIY gifts or sweet treats.  You can also refer to the Her Campus Holiday Gift Guide to choose gifts based on a desired price range. And if you want to wrap your gifts in the cutest way possible, check out our gift-wrapping guide!

Barnard College senior Christina Madsen recommends using Elftster for your gift exchange. “Its pretty cool because it will randomly assign everyone a person to buy a gift for and you can create wish lists so your Secret Santa knows what to get you,” she says.

Another easy activity option for a bigger group is to cut Christmas cards in half and throw them in a basket for people to select as they walk in. Then, the guests will have to find their match by the end of the party. This is great for a party where everyone may not necessarily know each other, because it creates an excuse to go up to people with an obvious icebreaker.  Other games that everyone can play include card games like spoons or poker using candy canes, or Christmas movie trivia.

With so many different ways to celebrate the holidays, if you have the time, there’s no reason not to throw a party! Whichever way you choose to celebrate the holidays, the important thing is that you’re having fun with your on-campus family, which is what the holiday season is really about.

Another new year is rolling around and you're starting to think of some resolutions. We all have great expectations for what our resolution will bring, but let’s all be honest - they don’t always go as planned. Even if your resolutions don’t always last, at least you tried… right? Let’s let the Real Housewives show us the expectations of the most common New Year's resolutions... and how they really go down.

I Will Have Healthier Habits

Expectation: You really want to turn your health around - you practically pray to the food gods, “Forgive me, father, for I have sinned.” This New Year, you will dedicate yourself to having healthier habits that are good for your body and soul.

Reality: Kale chips and hummus are only satisfying for so long.

I Will Be a Better Listener

Expectation: You start to feel bad that your phone conversations with your mom consist of you saying, “Yes. Yeah. Yup. Yes, Mom. Okay. Bye.” This year, you will be a better listener to your mom, friends, boyfriend and even friendly strangers.

Reality: You let the “friendly stranger” in the Starbucks line get too far into her break–up story and now you're late for class. Why did you make this resolution again?

I Will Drink Less

Expectation: You realize your liver and bank account are suffering, so this year you will cut back on the Long Island Iced Teas. You can still be the life of the party even if you aren’t drinking.

Reality: Watching your friends play a drinking game to Full House re-runs gets awfully lonely…

I Will Give Up Tanning

Expectation: You don’t want to look like the Crypt Keeper with leather skin when you're 28. This year, you will get your glow the healthy way.

Reality: You look in the mirror and realize that you are paying $30 every two weeks to look like Snooki. Maybe the spray tan resolution wasn’t the cheapest and greatest alternative…

I Will Learn a New Language

Expectation: Since you can’t afford to actually go to Italy, you could at least enlighten yourself with the culture. This year, you will learn a new language, thanks to your dear friend Rosetta Stone.

Reality: $179 later, you realize that there are not enough hours in the day to master a new language. Who knew that the Italian word ‘piano’ means multiple different things aside from the actual instrument?

I Will Get More Creative With My Style

Expectation: You realize you actually have a good collection of cute clothes, you just neglect most of them because you prefer to wear leggings to class. This year, you will let your inner Coco Chanel come out and get creative with fashion.

Reality: You rock all of your long-forgotten sweaters and big, colorful necklaces until you run out of outfit combinations and energy. Coco Chanel, it’s been real, but let’s be honest…

I Will Get a Killer Body

Expectation: We’ve all said it: “This year WILL be the year I get in great shape.” You decide you will go to the gym six times a week - no ifs, ands or buts. You are even willing to try some new, crazy booty-shaking Zumba classes.

Reality: After a solid two months going strong, your gym routine starts to dwindle week by week. Before you know it, you’ll be thinking, “I didn’t go to the gym today… that makes three weeks in a row.”

I Won't Be Afraid to Speak My Mind

Expectation: You have some extremely strong opinions, but you bite your tongue and stay out of things. This year, you're going to grow a backbone and let your opinion be heard about everything… even your best friend’s boyfriend.

Reality: Your best friend looks at you with tears in her eyes. “Tell me the truth… do you hate him that much?” You panic and your voice goes up two octaves as you stutter, “No, he’s not that bad.” So much for that resolution. You can’t break the poor girl’s heart.

I Will Be Patient About Finding Love

Expectation: This year, you vow to stop looking for love in places like Tinder (even if you’re just looking, stop). Love will come to you when it should and how it should.

Reality: Valentine's Day rolls around and the front is over... you can’t even look at couples walking down the street without making a puppy dog face, wishing it was you.

I Will Get Over My Ex

Expectation: You are actually exhausted from spending every minute thinking about your ex. You are so back and forth about him, but this year you will FINALLY move on. (For real this time.)

Reality: Okay, that sounded a lot easier than it actually is.

I Will Be Serious About School

Expectation: Since you are literally paying thousands of dollars to sit in class, you decide it's time to get off of Facebook… and Pinterest, Twitter, Buzzfeed, Yahoo, etc. This semester, you're going to actually do what you are supposed to do in class. You will be wide-eyed and ready to learn.

Reality: You sit attentively through seven full history lectures until the topic turns to the Middle Ages.

I Will Be More Positive

Expectation: This year, you decide you will face each day like you're the captain of Spirit Squad. Life is so much better when you're happy and peppy!

Reality: After three long weeks of being extremely peppy, you can’t even pretend to be excited in your 8 a.m. class.

I Will Be Better at Budgeting

Expectation: You don’t really need that fourth pair of black boots, or Qdoba every single Wednesday.  This year, you will cut up those credit cards and say goodbye to your terrible spending habits.

Reality: Okay, those boots are to die for. Also, Qdoba is completely necessary; otherwise you're forced to cook dinner.

I Will Make More ‘Me’ Time

Expectation: All people, emails, assignments and work shifts can wait. This year, you will learn how to designate at least an hour out of every day just for yourself, without any interruptions.

Reality: Okay, maybe 10 minutes is good….

A Harvard University student faces charges for designing Monday’s bomb hoax that led to the evacuation of four campus buildings.

Eldo Kim, 20, admitted to FBI agents that he sent multiple copies of an email message that read “shrapnel bombs placed in science center, sever hall, emerson hall, thayer hall, 2/4. guess correctly. be quick for they will go off soon.” HUPD followed up on the threats by evacuating all four campus buildings while investigators, technicians and federal agents spent several hours searching for explosives.

The FBI’s official report states that Kim sent the emails using Guerrilla Mail, an Internet application that allows users to generate temporary and anonymous emails free of charge. Kim also accessed Guerrilla Mail through a TOR software that assigned him a new IP address for a limited amount of time. Both tools were used to preserve Kim’s anonymity as he carried out his plan.

The same report also notes that Kim admitted to organizing the bomb hoax so he could avoid a 9am exam scheduled in Emerson Hall.

In addition to the HUPD, Kim’s threat prompted university officials to call in higher security authorities up to the federal level. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives as well as the United States Secret Service were two other federal agencies called upon aside from the FBI, illustrating the situation’s perceived gravity.

Kim is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday.

Studying abroad isn’t exactly funds-friendly. It’s more than just the unfortunate exchange rates (but thanks a bunch for all your help, U.S. dollar); the truth is that living in any major city or foreign country inspires us to spend a lot more than our little old college towns do (souvenirs, please!), and when you throw in the costs of travel and tourist attractions, you’re looking at one sad wallet. Fortunately, not every study abroad experience has to break the bank. Whether you’re dealing with yen, euros, or pounds, you can conserve some cash by taking advantage of these tricks of the trade.

1. Get ATM-savvy: Take out Lots of Cash at Once

Like ATMs in the U.S., international ATMs charge a transaction fee for customers who don’t belong to that particular bank. Unfortunately, the costs are even higher abroad. Some international ATMs will charge you up to $5.00 just to take out money! Carmen Rey, a senior at Binghamton University who studied abroad in London, advises: “Always take out large sums at once so you don't keep getting hit with the same fee over and over again.” If you’re going to get charged a flat rate no matter how much you take out, you might as well make sure you’re getting the best bang for your buck every time!

Before you go abroad, see if your bank has any international partner banks. Bank of America, for instance, has partnerships with Barclays in the U.K., BNP Paribas in France, Scotiabank in Canada and some Caribbean countries, and Westpac in Australia and New Zealand. If your bank has a partnership with one in your host country, you can use those ATMs without getting hit with an international transaction fee!

Keep in mind that credit card companies also charge you for using your card at a foreign cash register, so cash is always preferable (lest you lose money every time you buy a sandwich or indulge in a shopping spree). Stay updated on the exchange rate and keep the extra bills in a safe place so that you can dip back in whenever you like.

2. Master Public Transportation

As much as we all might dream about skipping the crowded subway and opting for taxi rides instead, it just isn’t financially feasible when you’re navigating your way through a city day-in and day-out. Many study abroad programs provide students with subway passes and a stipend—use them! The key is to buy in bulk; if you take the subway every day, you’ll be better off buying a month-long or week-long pass than you would be if you stuck with single tickets since the month- and week-long passes tend to be cheaper.

Unfortunately for us, subways usually aren’t open 24/7, which means that late nights out might leave us tempted to cab it home. While a cab ride every once in a while won’t hurt, you can avoid the cost by looking into other less common modes of transport. Elise Auger, a junior at Skidmore College, says that her program in Paris didn’t give her details about other public transportation options, but she figured them out by doing her own research. “The best thing I ever did for myself in Paris was getting a Velib pass [which allows users to borrow bikes throughout the city],” she explains. “I’ve definitely saved at least a hundred euros at this point by never taking cabs home at night.” Elise also mastered Paris’s bus system, which runs all night and was free with her subway pass. Look up the options in your area, study the route maps, and save!

3. Visit Friends

Looking for the Eurotrip of a lifetime but afraid of breaking the bank? Traveling doesn’t have to be all about hostel fees and restaurant bills! The trick is to visit cities where your friends—or your friends’ friends—are studying.

“I try to plan trips that coincide with where my school has programs,” reveals Courtney Cronin, a junior at the University of San Diego who spent the fall semester studying in Barcelona. “Sleeping on an apartment floor is uncomfortable, but in the long run I saved so much on hostels.” This tactic got Courtney to Madrid, Amsterdam, Cork, London, and Florence, all without paying a single hotel or hostel bill! 

Elise also took advantage of apartment floors. “When I was [visiting] Amsterdam, I stayed with a friend of a friend from school,” she says. “I saved a bunch of money by not staying in a hostel, and I also had a great experience because the friend was able to show us around, tell us where to go, and [explain] how to find good deals. And we saved on food because we used her kitchen!”

Even if you don’t feel buddy-buddy enough with someone to ask him or her to host you, you should still reach out to ask for advice. Chances are he or she will want to meet up and show you a good time or at least tell you about the city’s best, budget-friendly hot spots! And who knows—maybe they’ll want to visit the city you’re studying in, and you can return the favor.

If you don’t have any friends living in an area you’d really like to visit, consider Couchsurfing or Airbnb. Through Couchsurfing, you can connect with a local living in you destination area and stay with them for free! Airbnb, on the other hand, lists unique lodging at every price point, often giving you more of an authentic cultural experience than you’d get if you spent the night in a chain hotel. Just remember to stay safe; read feedback on your Couchsurfing host and the housing before booking, and always make sure that your friends and family know where you are, who you’re with, and when they should expect to hear from you.

4. Travel Cheap

When you do finally choose the destination for a weekend trip, make sure you get there in the most cost-effective way possible. There are plenty of low-price options when it comes to travel, and while some might not be as efficient as pricier modes of transport, the pros generally outweigh the cons (Just make sure you travel safely when you go!).

“When I went to Amsterdam, my friends and I found a 10-euro overnight bus [Megabus] from Paris,” recounts Elise. “It certainly wasn’t the best night’s sleep I’ve ever had, but it’s definitely worth it when you have 60 more euros in your pocket in Amsterdam.”

Carmen, who knew she’d be visiting Scotland often to see her boyfriend, decided that a frequent traveler pass would be her best option. “I ended up getting a Youth Railcard for 20 pounds,” she explains. “It lasts a year and you always get cheaper train tickets. After one trip to Edinburgh, the Railcard had paid for itself. I always saved up to 60 pounds on my train tickets.” If you’re like Carmen and you know you’ll be frequenting one city or area during your time abroad, investing in a student rate train pass will keep your bank account breathing. The French Carte de Réduction Jeune (a.k.a. the 18-27 card), gives cardholders up to 60 percent discounts on train travel within France and a guaranteed minimum 25 percent discount on train travel throughout Europe, and the card only costs 50 euros total. The Australian Rail Explorer pass costs 450 Australian dollars for three months or 490 Australian dollars for six months and offers you unlimited rail travel within the time frame.

If you’re planning on going all over the map, however, discount airlines are often the best option. Companies like Ryanair and EasyJet offer prices as low as 20 percent of the cost of major airlines! Before you get scared about what costs these cheaper airlines might be skimping on, let us explain: discount airlines often fly to airports just outside of major cities, which are often inconvenient to get to and require you to buy a bus or train ticket to reach. They offer fewer flights and only on certain days of the week (bonus tip: it’s always cheaper to travel on weekdays!). In addition, they charge customers who arrive without having already printed their boarding passes or whose bags exceed their strict size and weight regulations. The key is to write up all of the costs you’ll incur (the flight itself and transportation to and from the flight), factor in the extra time it will take, and compare it to the price and convenience of taking a major airline. It’s hard to say no to a $30 international flight, so provided you can pack light, it’ll probably be worth it!

5. Flash Your ID

Meet your new best friend: your student ID. Sound lame? Think again. There’s no better study (abroad) buddy than your student ID, which can earn you a student discount or even free entry to museums and tourist attractions in your host country or across the continent.

Lesley Siu, a senior at American University, made the most of her student status during her time abroad. “While I was interning in Australia, I used my international student ID to join the public library (which is free for students),” she recounts. “This allowed me to borrow books, DVDs and magazines that helped me learn about the country. Instead of having to purchase expensive travel books such as Fodor's and Lonely Planet, I borrowed them when I traveled to New Zealand. I was able to get the information I needed while saving money!”

Elise also took advantage of her student ID, which listed her as an art history student and therefore made her eligible for free entry to all of Paris’s art museums. Student IDs are also helpful when it comes to student nights at bars or clubs, which offer reduced entry fees or drink discounts. Always keep your ID on you and always ask for the student rate – the savings will add up!

6. Cut the Cost of International Calls

We get it—you’re far from home, you’re dealing with a whole new culture, and sometimes all you want to do is call your parents, your siblings, your best friends, or your boyfriend to chat. Unfortunately, international calling rates are high (anywhere from 25 to 60 cents per minute), and you die a little inside every time you add another $20 to your pay-as-you-go phone (far, far too often).

The solution? Internet phones! If Skype or iChat isn’t convenient for you and your calling buddy (or you just aren’t feeling cute enough for a face-to-face talk), try Skype’s phone service or Google Voice. Skype’s service offers international calls for as little as 2.6 cents per minute, and Google Voice offers the same for as little as a single cent per minute! Each requires you to buy credit for your account first using a credit card, and once you’ve got bought enough credit, all you have to do is sign in and make your calls! Best of all, the credit doesn’t expire like it does on most pay-as-you-go phones.

Carmen explains that she used pay-as-you-go phone to make local calls to friends on her program, but used Skype to talk with her family back home. She explains, “It was cheaper for all of us, and I ended up spending 20 pounds a month on my phone rather than around 60.”

7. Hunt for Deals

Aside from academics, the study abroad experience is all about getting to know your host city, culture, and people. In order to do that, you have to actually go out and try new things! Unfortunately, “trying new things” often means “spending more money,” so it can be tempting to stick with your favorite cheap eatery or stay in to skip entry fees (and you’ll never meet your foreign fling that way!).

To avoid budget-friendly hermit mode, Carmen suggests looking online for deals and steals in your area via sites like Groupon and LivingSocial, both of which have international components. “We used LivingSocial while we were in London and we were able to get food for half the price and drinks at clubs and pubs [for] a lot cheaper,” she says. “It made going out on the weekend seem so much more affordable.”

Don’t let the costs of life abroad keep you from actually living your life abroad. These secrets to saving money will save you hundreds that you can later spend on more travel, more food, more souvenirs, more anything you want. Make the most of the moment!

In an ideal world, we’d have the time and money to pack or cook a perfectly created meal full of nutrients and deliciousness three times a day. However, we collegiettes are constantly on the go, so grabbing fast food can be super appealing. But don’t order the fries and burger just yet—there are healthier options! We rounded up some of the healthiest chain restaurants in the country (in no particular order) so you can have a quick bite without the guilt!

1. Panera

Locations: 44 states and Canada 

Panera, home of delicious soup in a bread bowl, is notable for its variety of choices. With pastas, soups, hot and cold sandwiches and salads, there are a ton of options—but not all are created equal in the health department.

Pick: Try a bowl of the Low-Fat Black Bean or Garden Vegetable Soup. Still hungry? The Spinach Power and Asian Sesame Chicken salads are good bets in terms of calories and fat. Or you can mix and match by choosing the You Pick Two option, which allows you to pick two of the following: a small salad, a cup of soup or a half sandwich. Opt for an apple as your side instead of bread or chips.  

Skip: The pastas and cheese-heavy sandwiches. The Tortellini Alfredo clocks in at almost 800 calories, and the Fontina Grilled Cheese sandwich is full of fat and calories.

2. sweetgreen

Locations: Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Washington, D.C.

sweetgreen prides itself on having local and fresh ingredients in their salads and wraps, so there’s a lot of variation with what each location offers. The salads are also completely customizable, meaning that you can build your own, but you can also add and subtract certain ingredients from their preset creations! This flexibility makes the chain great for those with special dietary needs.

Pick: The Spicy Sabzi salad is the lowest-calorie salad on the menu, but it more than makes up for that in flavor—kale, spicy quinoa, raw beets, roasted tofu and sriracha are just a few of the ingredients in this made-to-order salad.

Skip: The District Cobb, while surely delicious, is chock full of bacon and cheese and has a boiled egg, which skyrockets the fat and calorie content.  

3. Noodles & Company

Locations: 30 states and Washington, D.C.

Face it: we’re carb-hungry college women— and nothing is better than pasta! Noodles & Co. offers Italian-, Asian- and American-inspired dishes, all of which are customizable. They also offer small and large portions, so you can control how much you’re actually eating. While known for their pasta, Noodles & Co. also offers sandwiches, soups and salads.

Pick: Order a small bowl of the Whole Grain Tuscan Linguine for a fiber kick or the Bangkok Curry if you’re feeling spicy. You can also add shrimp or chicken to the pasta for added lean protein. Pair your pasta with a small salad or soup like the Med Salad or the Chicken Noodle Soup.

Skip: The heavy and calorie-laden Steak Stroganoff and the Barbecue Pork Mac and Cheese. Instead of ordering a large plate of pasta, try eating one small bowl of pasta (yay, carbs!) with a side salad. You’ll get your pasta fix without filling up on tons of calories.

4. Freshii

Locations: 25 U.S. cities, Austria, Canada, China, Colombia, Sweden, Switzerland and United Arab Emirates

Froyo and veggie-heavy wraps—what more could you ask for? Freshii’s menu is super customizable—just choose a salad, a wrap, a burrito or a bowl and start filling it with healthy veggies, lean protein and hearty grains. You can also choose one of their already curated meals if you’re not feeling creative.

Pick: The Superbiotic Vegan salad is chock full of raw veggies, spinach and garbanzo beans. Pair it with a cup of froyo topped with blueberries.

Skip: The wraps are just salads plus a hundred or so more calories for the actual wrap—skip it and enjoy the salad on its own. Also, skip the Buddha’s Satay—it’s nearly 800 calories of peanut sauce and rice noodles.

5. Pret a Manger

Locations: Boston; Chicago; New York; Washington, D.C.; France, Hong Kong and The United Kingdom

Pret A Manger is known for the freshness of its food; any leftover food that doesn’t sell the day it was made gets donated to charities working with hunger. There are also a ton of options for those with dietary restrictions.

Pick: The Salmon & Quinoa Protein Pot and the Tuna Nicoise Salad are both low-calorie, protein-packed picks. If you’re feeling a sandwich, the Chicken Avocado is a good option to get a dose of healthy fats. The Chicken Sesame Sushi Wrap is a healthy bet as well with a little added crunch.

Skip: The Chicken Caesar & Bacon baguette and the Swedish Meatball Hot Wrap are higher on the calorie and fat spectrums, as are the pastries and croissants.  

6. Chipotle

Locations: 1500+ in the United States, Canada, England and France

Chipotle is the ultimate college student’s chain restaurant. It’s the restaurant that never gets old no matter how many times you’ve had your favorite bowl or salad. Because Chipotle is so customizable, it’s easy to be healthy there, provided you make a few smart choices when ordering.

Pick: Get a bowl or a salad—you’ll barely notice the tortilla’s absence. Choose brown rice and load up on fajita vegetables. Other delicious additions? Black or pinto beans, tomatoes, salsa, corn, lettuce and guacamole. Check out their handy nutrition calculator for the lowdown on calories, fat and carbohydrates in your favorite meals.

Skip: Skip the tortilla, sour cream and cheese. It may seem like a huge sacrifice, but you’ll drop hundreds of calories.

7. Au Bon Pain

Locations: 26 states; Washington, D.C.; India; Kuwait; South Korea and Thailand

Au Bon Pain has the feel of a cute café, but it’s reasonably priced for good, fresh food. And there are a ton of options—from sandwiches to soups and salads, Au Bon Pain has food for the pickiest of eaters.

Pick: In the mood for soup? The 12 Veggies soup or the French Moroccan Tomato Lentil soup are great low-calorie bets. Stopping by for a quick breakfast? A medium bowl of oatmeal will do the trick.

Skip: The Black Angus Steak and Cheese sandwich comes in at a whopping 840 calories—steer clear. Another healthy tip: many sandwiches come in half-sized portions. Get a small cup of broth-based (not creamy) soup to pair with your half sandwich.

8. Subway

Locations: More than 40,000 in 103 countries

Subway’s “Eat Fresh” motto is there for a reason. Affordable, fresh and seemingly everywhere, Subway is a great place for a quick six-inch sandwich during hectic class-filled days. With so many bread and topping options, you’re sure to find something you love. Subway also does a great job of marking how many calories their foods contain as well as giving you smart tips for avoiding high-fat and high-sodium foods.

Pick: A six-inch Veggie Delite has less than 250 calories yet is crunchy and flavorful with its fat-free condiments and vegetables. Craving meat? The Oven-Roasted Chicken sandwich has only 310 calories. Choose the Wheat or the Honey Oat breads (they have the highest amount of fiber) and fill up on as many veggies as you can. Try mustard, honey mustard, vinegar or the sweet onion dressings for flavor without a ton of fat.

Skip: Skip the cheese and the high-calorie toppings like ranch dressing and regular mayonnaise. The Big Hot Pastrami Melt is the highest-calorie sandwich option, so steer clear. It clocks in at 580 calories in just a six-inch sandwich!  

No matter where you are, your local college town is sure to have a delicious, healthy option for those days when you just can’t bear to cook. Want more healthy (but fast and easy!) eating advice? Check out our guide to healthy study snacks (all containing less than 300 calories!) and recipes for the eight best microwavable meals. And don’t miss our guide to the nine “healthy” foods that actually aren’t—and what to eat instead! 

The only thing more terrifying than being asked on a first date is actually going on one. (And spiders, of course.) Somewhere in between shaving your legs and asking every person you know whether heels are “too much,” take five minutes to read the official Her Campus list of things you shouldn’t ever say—things you shouldn’t even THINK—on a first date.

1. You look EXACTLY like my dad!
2. So I want to order the steak but I'm broke – are you planning on paying for this dinner?
3. My ex-boyfriend has that shirt!!
4. I'm on my period...
5. What's your last name again?
6. I'm bored.
7. Can you tell I'm wearing a lot of makeup?
8. So this one time when I thought I was pregnant...
9. I think you hooked up with my friend once.
10. Can you drop me off by 10?  I want to go out after this.
11. I want to raise my kids Catholic.  Is that ok with you?
12. Can I take this call really quickly?
13. After dessert, let’s buy a puppy together. We can name him Cupid. Or something.
14. I showed all my friends your picture and everyone thinks you're cute. Well, at least dateable.
15. Would you mind if I ran some senior thesis ideas by you? I made this list of 300 potential topics…
16. If this doesn't work can we still be friends?
17. So I put our names into an online love calculator and…
18. What’s your shoe size? Just wanna know what I’m workin’ with.
19. You look really different online.
20. On the count of three let’s both say the weirdest STD we’ve ever contracted.
21. So, like, does this mean we're exclusive?
22. I’m a ring size 7, pant size 28, I like silver more than gold, I’m allergic to cashmere…
23. I want all my children to enter baby beauty pageants.
24. Any weird recessive genes in your family I should know about now?
25. Full disclosure: I sleep with a retainer soooo… yeah, I'm a drooler.
26. I'm just gonna say it: I love you.
27. I never agree to go on dates with guys who are hotter than me. Pass the salt, please.
28. Let’s make a pact to date for at least six months, no matter what! That would be so fun!
29. My therapist wanted me to ask you…
30. My last boyfriend was gay. Are you gay? You look questionable.
31. Oh you're a [Insert Major Here] major? That sucks.
32. When can you meet my parents?!
33. Who’s that girl you had your arm around in that album from your formal last year?
34. Do I have anything gross in my teeth?
35. Our waiter's kinda hot.
36. I'm so happy you asked me out.  Most guys say they will but then give me a fake phone number and never talk to me again.
37. What do you think we should do on Valentine’s Day?
38. I usually date guys over 40, but I feel like you're worth the exception.
39. How much money do you make again?
40. I have a date with someone else tomorrow night but I can cancel it if this goes really well.
41. OK so let's talk politics.  Or religion.  Or tell family secrets.
42. Last book I read? Do self-help books count?
43. Ugh you got me flowers? Can you say CLICHED?!
44. Some people call me "easy" but I think of myself as sexually liberated.
45. Kill, screw, marry: Me, your ex, and your mom. GO!
46. Just so you know, I’m on the Pill. 
47. Should we get matching tattoos?
48. I still talk to my ex-boyfriend a couple times a week, but we’re totally done.
49. I'm having a great time. But maybe that's just because I don't get out very much.
50. Am I doing OK? 

When it comes to dating, ultimately you’ve gotta do what feels comfortable. But now you can’t say we didn’t warn you. Go get ‘em, Tiger.

The shopping season is always shorter than we think. If you're scrambling for a last-minute gift that's more personal than a gift card, check out the creative ideas below. We have a mix of store-bought and DIY options to meet all your gifting dilemmas and deadlines!

1. DIY Hot Drink Sleeve

Warm up to winter with these DIY sleeves made from sweater sleeves. They're the perfect gift for your coffee addict friend and an easy way to recycle last year's ugly Christmas sweater.

2. A One-Year Magazine Subscription

Has your friend taken a new interest in cooking or working out? Treat her to a year of the best advice, delivered right to her doorstep. Magazine subscriptions are a savior when it comes to last-minute gifts - the large selection guarantees that there's something for everyone, yet your choice in subscription makes it a personal and thoughtful gift.

3. A Decorated Alcohol Bottle

If your friend is 21+, pick up a bottle of her favorite drink and deck it out with jewels, ribbons or paint. Attach a personalized note to your masterpiece and she will appreciate your creativity long past the last drop.

4. DIY Hand Warmers

Sew together two pieces of fleece and fill it with rice. Your friend can microwave it for 30 seconds and stuff it in her coat pocket to keep her hands warm as she walks outside!

5. A Cake Pop Bouquet

Why settle for chocolate-covered strawberries or flowers when you can have the best of both worlds? Create this edible bouquet by using any cake pop recipe and sticking the lollipop sticks into a styrofoam base. Then, cover the styrofoam with shredded paper or tinsel for some festive flair. If you don't trust your skills in the kitchen, many bakeries offer similar pre-made creations.

6. Texting Gloves

You can opt for gloves that work with a touchscreen or fingerless ones. Either way, you can find plenty of cute options online that will meet any budget.

7. A Perfume Set

If you have a friend that is picky, get her a gift that gives her options. This sample perfume set from Sephora comes with a voucher that can be exchanged for a full-sized bottle. Sephora also offers a cologne set for the guys on your shopping list.

8. Books

If your friend has a Goodreads account, check out which books are on her "want to read" shelf.  If she doesn't use Goodreads, buy her a how-to book about a hobby or skill she's always wanted to learn. It will give her a head start on her New Year's resolution of trying new things!

9. A DIY Hot Cocoa Kit

Every chocoholic needs one of these emergency pick-me-ups. Fill a festive mug with candy canes, marshmallows, a mini spoon and homemade hot cocoa mix.

With the holidays just around the corner, we’ve been busy putting together our wish lists for gifts we’d like to see under the tree this year. Though there are some gifts we’d really like to receive, we also have a few alternative ideas that we’re willing to compromise on.

1. Front row tickets to a Beyonce concert (but we’d be fine with a copy of Beyonce’s latest visual album) 

2. A year’s worth of mani/pedis (but we’d also take the Sephora By OPI gelshine At-Home Gel Colour System)

3. Our own professional coffee brewer (but we’re open to a Starbucks gift card)

4. A personal trainer (but we’d be cool with a Fitbug ORB Activity Tracker)

5. Weekly blowouts (but we wouldn’t say no to a Drybar Blowout in a Box)

6. To rent out a dance club for the night (but we’d be totally down with Just Dance 2014)

7. A home movie theater (but we’re equally cool with a Netflix account and a popcorn maker)

8. Airplane tickets to a tropical beach getaway (but we’ll settle for an airbrush tanning system)

What's on your wish list? Let us know by leaving a comment below!

1. You’d rather walk in the streets than deal with the mobs of jolly tourists celebrating the season on the sidewalk…

2. ….but SantaCon is your favorite day of the year.

After all, these are your people.

3. Nothing makes you angrier than having to pay a $200 New Year’s Eve cover at your usual go-to bar...

…but you go anyway and bond over your complaining with the other regulars you find in the crowd.

4. You know to leave an extra half hour for your regular commute to account for overcrowding on the subways.

5. You avoid Rockefeller Center at all costs until the tree comes down.

6. On a related note, you don’t understand why it’s harder to get into The Rink at Rockefeller Center during the entire month of December than it is to get into Pianos on a Saturday night.

7. Shopping is only acceptable before 9 a.m. or after 9 p.m., because you know anything in between requires far more of a time commitment than you’re willing to give.

8. You love to hate the couples that have enough time to ice skate at Wollman Rink a la Serendipity.

9. You wish there was a separate walking lane on the sidewalk for people who are going to stop every two feet to take pictures of the holiday-themed Empire State Building.

Yes, it is lit up. Yes, it is beautiful. Appreciate it like the rest of us do by taking a picture as you go or move to a corner of the sidewalk.

10. The Santas roaming around Times Square make you feel more uncomfortable than joyful.

11. You expect to lose the majority of your change to people selling candy canes on the subway—and you consider this to be your good deed for the year.

12. You question the character of those who have never had frrrozen hot chocolate from Serendipity 3.

13. You know that there is a high risk associated with touching any snow that has hit the ground.

14. Nothing makes you feel the holiday spirit quite like the fact that there is a Starbucks on every corner with a barista waiting to make you a peppermint mocha.

15. You wonder what it’s like to have a snow day, because you know that if the trains are still working, you are too.

16. You’ll happily join the line around the block at Baked By Melissa in SoHo to get their limited-time Candy Cane Crunch flavor.

17. While you may tease those who go to Times Square for New Year’s Eve, you know that the most dedicated New York lovers will do anything necessary for a spot in line.

18. Because of your limited apartment space, you have to make the choice between a Christmas tree and furniture.

19. You can listen to a full holiday soundtrack just by walking store-to-store on any city block.

20. You know that no matter how busy your city may get this season, you’re incredibly lucky to be a New Yorker, because while people may come and go during the holidays, this is your incredible city year-round.

So your boyfriend hails from California and your folks are back in Pennsylvania. As winter break looms ahead, you begin entering panic mode. After all, three to four weeks are a long time—but not to worry, collegiettes! There are ways to keep your romance alive. And while a month apart may seem like forever, it’s not even close. Apply these six tips to your long-distance relationship and you and your man will be back to peanut-butter-and-jelly status come January.

1. Write a handwritten love letter. And send it by mail.

And no, not email, ladies. Actual snail mail. Crazy idea, we know. But honestly, think about it—the concept is adorable. Receiving a handwritten love letter in an envelope? Hello, every girl’s dream. Spritz your perfume on his letter, and he won’t forget your smell. Include a few holiday Hershey’s kisses with a little note attached: “P.S. Sorry I can’t kiss you at the moment, but I hope these suffice for the time being. :)”

2. Have Skype or FaceTime dates every Sunday.

Both Skype and FaceTime are fantastic tools for couples who live far apart. And while it may not be the same as being together in person, being able to see and hear each other will significantly mend the heartache of being far apart. It’s important to set a schedule beforehand (once a week is reasonable)—it ensures both of your commitment, and it gives you both something to look forward to. Jazz it up by giving each other tours of your festive houses (“Aww, your tree looks so pretty!”).

3. Create a collage.

Make your man an early Christmas present before you both leave for break—a photo collage! Bonus: it’s not time-consuming. piZap is a simple and easy tool for creating a collage, and there are tons of cute holiday-themed templates to choose from. Print out your collage and frame it. He’ll be touched by your thoughtful gift, and it’ll remind him of you over vacation!

4. Send him surprise cookies.

The key to a man’s heart is through his stomach, collegiettes. He’ll love the tasty treats, and he’ll love you for thinking of him! This Christmas sampler box is cute and totally within your budget. A sweet Christmas cookie surprise will make his week, guaranteed.

5. Talk on the phone.

This may sound like a no-brainer, but it seems like our generation has actually forgotten how to talk on the phone (sad, we know!). Texting’s great, but there’s nothing like having a two-hour conversation over the phone about anything and everything, from your mom burning the Christmas cookies to his epic snowman construction. You’ll have plenty of stories for him, and he for you. Spill your guts over the phone; it’s an underrated form of communication (and less maintenance than Skype, because you don’t have to get dolled up). P.S. If things heat up over the phone, great! That’s definitely a way to keep things spicy. And speaking of things heating up…

6. Pose as a sexy Santa/elf.

There’s nothing wrong with a little raciness from time to time. And this is a super fun challenge—dress up as the prettiest Santa he’ll ever see (or elf, if you’re looking to be a little less conventional) and take a photo to send to him via text or Snapchat. Go all out with sparkly hair and glamorous false eyelashes. Give your photo a flirty caption: “I’m your sexy Santa this Christmas. What can I bring you this year? ;)” He’ll be counting down the days to next semester.

Winter break can seem like a long time to be apart from your significant other, but it doesn’t have to be!  Try out one of these tips and the break will fly by.

Walk into any typical college cafeteria and you’ll see the usual assortment of greasy (but tempting) pizzas, warm cookies, frozen yogurt, cereals and more. For some, it’s a cornucopia of deliciousness. For others, it’s a quick ticket to the worst stomachache of your life. While everyone gets an upset stomach every now and then from overindulging at the sundae bar, constant stomachaches could be a sign of something more—a food allergy. Many college students are already aware of their food allergies when they get to campus, but food allergies can also pop up during adulthood. We talked to FARE, Food Allergy Research and Education, an organization committed to ensuring the safety of those with food allergies and finding cures, about what to do if you suspect you have a food allergy and how to deal with it.

What’s a food allergy?

A food allergy means your immune system overreacts in response to a certain food protein, says Veronica Brown, a spokesperson for FARE. There are eight foods that account for 90 percent of all food allergies: milk, egg, soy, peanut, tree nuts, shellfish, fish and wheat. That other ten percent could be anything—seeds, corn, gelatin, even meat—but those are much more rare. Many food allergies pop up during childhood—you probably remember having to be careful about peanuts in elementary schools. But for some, food allergies can develop at any time. “While many food allergies are outgrown in childhood, others don’t develop until adulthood. For example, studies show more than half of those with a shellfish allergy experience their first allergic reaction as adults,” Brown says. Doctors still don’t know why this happens, but it’s not at all uncommon. “I'm allergic to almonds, macadamia nuts and poppy seeds (but I try to stay away from all tree nuts) and I actually didn't find out until college,” says Elyssa, a Boston University collegiette.

A quick distinction between an allergy and a food intolerance. You’ve probably heard of lactose intolerance and Celiac disease (people who actually have to be gluten-free)—these are not food allergies, but rather a sensitivity to a certain food. A food allergy also has to do with the immune system—you have an allergy if your immune system overreacts to a certain protein. However, much of the following advice applies to those sufferers as well.

Do I have a food allergy?

There are many tip-offs that could indicate you have an allergy to something you’re eating. But, Brown warns, reactions are unpredictable: “Someone could experience multiple reactions with only mild symptoms, then suddenly experience anaphylaxis with their next reaction,” she says. “Symptoms of an allergic reaction can range from mild symptoms (for example, rash, itching or isolated hives) to severe symptoms, such as wheezing, trouble breathing or anaphylaxis, a serious reaction that can occur suddenly and can be potentially fatal,” Brown says. “Individuals with milk allergy can experience mild or severe symptoms, including anaphylaxis, just as someone with a peanut allergy can,” Brown says. Unsure if your stomachache is from your cheese pizza or just the flu? Start a food diary. “If you suspect a food allergy, it’s a good idea to take note of those symptoms, when they are occurring, and the ingredients in the foods eaten,” Brown says.

What do I do if I think I have an allergy?

If you’re experiencing intestinal problems like diarrhea, vomiting or stomach pain, consider an elimination diet. Basically, if you suspect you’re allergic to dairy based off of your food diary, cut out all milk, cheese and ice cream for one or two weeks. See if your symptoms go away. After you’ve cut out the suspect for a while, re-introduce it. If your symptoms come back, see a doctor to get a formal diagnosis. If you’re experiencing more life-threatening symptoms like trouble breathing, don’t do an elimination diet. Set up an appointment with an allergist, a specialist who can help you pinpoint exactly what’s affecting you, and bring your food diary to help her diagnose you. Your student health center or your primary care provider can point you in the right direction. “An allergist can determine whether food allergy testing is appropriate, and if you do have an allergy, your allergist can prescribe medication, such as an epinephrine auto-injector, to help you treat allergic reactions,” Brown says.

The next step will often be a skin prick test, which is a simple procedure where an allergist will place a tiny bit of the suspected allergen onto your skin and then prick your skin to let the allergen in. Food allergies do not have cures, per se, but avoiding the food in question is the best way to stay symptom-free. Sometimes, allergies will go away as you get older, but not always. A Lactaid pill will not help a dairy allergy like it will lactose intolerance — if there’s any doubt, don’t self-diagnose: seek out an allergist who can confirm an allergy.

Now what?

It can be tough to deal with a food allergy when your friends are eating the foods you can’t. This can be especially difficult in college if your dining hall isn’t especially accommodating. But never fear! There are plenty of ways to get the sustenance you need and keep your body happy in the process. Read on for tips for living allergen-free!

1. Contact your dining hall

Many schools are very flexible when it comes to food allergies—but make sure you check to make sure the facilities are safe for you to eat in, particularly if your allergy is severe. “On campus, this could mean meeting with dining services staff to learn about the school’s allergen management policies in the kitchen,” Brown says. Allergic to peanuts? Confirm with your dining hall director that the equipment used for cooking does not come into contact with peanuts. Talking to the dining staff is also a good way to bring in the foods you CAN eat: gluten-free bread, non-dairy ice cream and milk, etc. That’s how Julia, a collegiette at Kenyon College, found some great dairy-free options. “Talk to your dining hall workers! Ours are the NICEST and they have special dietary foods, but people just don't know about it! I didn't know we had chocolate soymilk here until I happened to be chatting with a worker,” she says.

2. Tell your friends

OK, so your boyfriend doesn’t need to know the gruesome details of your dairy allergy, but if you’re allergic to nuts—speak up. If you’ve got an allergy where even touching the food is enough to send your body into reaction-mode, your roommate, significant other and close friends need to know for your own safety. Have a nut allergy and your boyfriend just ate a PB&J? Even a small kiss could be life-threatening if your allergy is severe—and that’s for all allergies, not just peanuts and tree nuts.

“At the beginning of the school year, take the time to have an in-person conversation so you can explain what you are allergic to, how they can help you avoid them, and what they should do if you have an allergic reaction,” Brown says. If your food allergy is a new thing, telling your friends is a great idea so they can help you remember—especially when you’re not preparing your own food. Be mindful of your allergy when eating out, and make sure to ask your server that your dish doesn’t isn’t prepared with anything you’re allergic to.

Finally, if your allergy is severe enough, consider keeping a card in your wallet, which you can get at your doctor’s office or online. “I carry around my medic alert card because if I were to have a reaction, it would give friends and doctors information about it,” says Anne, a Johns Hopkins collegiette. It just might save your life. “We recommend that all individuals with food allergies have a documented treatment plan, such as a Food Allergy Action Plan,” Brown says.

3. Find fun alternatives

So what if you can’t drink milk? Most coffee shops and cafes offer soymilk to mix with your latte. Can’t eat wheat? Check out the gluten-free aisle to find wheat-free options. If you’re allergic to dairy or soy, often the vegan aisle will have good options.

You may even like the substitute better than the original! Focus on all of the delicious stuff you can eat, not the stuff you can’t. Mallory, an Ohio University collegiette, makes her wheat allergy work for her by focusing on how healthy she has become without it. “I enjoy my diet. I feel that I am incredibly healthy. Today everything is breaded and fried and so many unhealthy foods make up the main part of peoples’ diets,” she says. “And you save so many calories from [not drinking] beer!”

4. Shop smart

Most foods will list the allergens present on the ingredient label, but even if the food itself does not contain your allergen, it might have been processed on equipment that has touched the bad food. Read the label carefully. Summer, a collegiette at Auburn, found this out the hard way: the pasta her mom bought was made with chickpea flour—a legume very similar to peanuts. The second Summer had a bite, her life-threatening peanut allergy flared up. But the experience has made her a smart shopper. “Read everything. The reason why I have had a relatively small number of ER visits is because I'm adamant that I either read the ingredients, know who made it and trust that they did so safely or I don't eat it,” she says.

Don’t let a food allergy bring you down! By being careful about what you’re eating, you can live a happy, healthy and delicious life!

Your college applications are in, you’re working on your scholarship applications and all there is left to do is wait… and get excited! College is a very exciting time, and it’s often referred to as the best four (or two, six, eight, etc.) years of your life. We couldn’t agree more! High school was great, but there are reasons upon reasons why we love college even more – here are a few.

1. You’re in control of your classes.

High school had its high points, but sitting in a dull classroom learning trigonometry when you just wanted to be an English teacher one day definitely wasn’t one of them. In college, you’re much more in control of which classes you take, when you take them and who you take them with. You could even leave a few hours in between your classes for an infamous college-kid nap!

And the best part is that you can finally study subjects you’re really interested in. “You get more excited about what you're doing because you are more focused on a subject that you are passionate about,” says Hannah Davis, a sophomore at Massachusetts College of Art and Design. Excited about school? That’s new!

2. It gives you some “real world” experience.

College is a great way to introduce you to the “real world” without fully launching you into it. “It might be partly because I’m located in the city, but I feel like college really gives you a feel for real life,” says Alex Watson, a freshman at the City University of New York. “I had to learn do routine things that I’d never thought about having to do, like buying toilet paper.”

That’s the great thing about college: it not only acts as an educational institution, but also as a segway of sorts between high school and “real life.” While high school may give you a taste of what it’s like to have some responsibilities, college really exposes you to the real world. You’ll have to learn to manage your time and bank account and adapt to being in control of your own actions.

3. You’re surrounded by new peers.

After four long years, you’re probably sick of your high school classmates. You’ve been through a lot together – assemblies, prom, numerous spirit weeks, painful math class requirements, etc. – but it’s about time to say goodbye. When you ship off to college, you’ll be introduced to an entirely new pool of people. Your new college friends are more likely to have similar interests as you and the same level of intellect as you, as they chose the same school – whereas in high school, you and your peers were forced together.

“There’s also freedom from judgment to an extent,” says Ivy Stafford, a sophomore at Keene State College in New Hampshire. “You’re free from past judgments people have cast on you, and you are also free [of] any expectations that you have to be a certain way. There are more people to chose from as friends, and you don't need to ingratiate yourself upon people that you don't have a lot of interest in.”

4. There’s no more high school drama.

In college, there’s really no room for that he-said-she-said silliness! Okay, there might be a few rumors flying around on your dorm floor, but the majority of that old high school drama will be a thing of the past. In college, you’re learning and growing up – not creating drama. College students are likely to be more mature than your high school peers, and they probably have more important things on their mind than petty gossip.

5. It’s more rewarding.

A lot of high school students are intimidated by the prospect of college – after all, it’s a new place with new people and notoriously harder classes. But have no fear! You’ll get used to the transition, and you might even find that you like the challenge.

“College is more challenging academically, socially and personally, but also more rewarding,” says Ivy from Keene State College. It’s not just about memorizing vocabulary and mathematic formulas now – you’re actually learning what you want to learn, as well as the real-life skills that Alex mentioned!

“If you work hard and spend a lot of time, there's a lot more opportunities in college to take on leadership/other important roles,” says Kendall Donohoe, a sophomore at Northeastern University.

College may be more of a challenge than high school, but it also churns out awesome rewards and opportunities.

6. You get the dorm living experience.

What’s better than a constant slumber party with your BFFs? In college – especially in your first year – you’re likely to be placed in a dorm with at least one roommate. And while you may have heard some roommate horror stories, many times it works out. Living in a room with another collegiette will help you bond and create friendships while also teaching you certain skills – like being quiet, respecting others’ space and cutting your shower time down! Dorm life is also a great way to make friends, as there are tons of people your age living all around you.

7. There are tons of extracurricular options.

Sure, your high school probably had a student government and varsity sports, but does it have a hiking organization? A vegetarian club? An a cappella group? Probably not – especially if your high school was small. Colleges, on the other hand, offer access to countless groups and clubs (not to mention, Greek life), so you’re bound to find one you’ll love. Extracurricular organizations are one of the best ways to meet new people and make friends with the same interests as you!

8. You have more independence.

“There's a lot more freedom and independence in college,” says Hannah from Mass Art. “I get to stand on my own two feet and not worry about curfew or doing chores before Mom gets home.”

College means doing what you want when you want to. What you want to eat, where you want to go, when you want your bedtime to be – it’s finally all up to you. The freedom can be a little intimidating at first, but having so much responsibility really teaches you a lot about yourself. “Overall, it's a whole new perspective with a little more responsibility, but a LOT more fun,” Hannah says.

Are you excited yet? College is a great experience, and we can’t wait for you to be able to see for yourself! High school may have been great, but college will offer you so much experience, teach you a ton about yourself and be loads of fun at the same time. Start getting excited for this awesome new chapter in your life, pre-collegiettes!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, filled with peppermint mochas, ABC Family’s 25 Days of Christmas, holiday shopping and your favorite festive treats (homemade gingerbread cookies, anyone?). As the semester winds down and you venture back home, you will face your next test: navigating the chaos and awkwardness of family gatherings. We love them, but it’s not a true family get-together without some sort of unexpected drama. This season, how can you stay sane and keep the holiday spirit alive? Follow HC’s simple tips to surviving family holiday parties!

1. The interrogation

How’s school going? What are your plans for the summer? Will you intern anywhere? How about that boy—what’s his name again? Are you dating?

When you haven’t seen your relatives since the last family gathering, it can be overwhelming to finally have them all together in one room with questions ready. Marci Lash, founder and Chief Etiquette Officer of Contemporary Etiquette, says it’s best to stay positive even if you’re feeling aggravated.

“When you go into a situation like this, you want to go in strong and with a positive mind,” she says. “Don’t go into the party with a chip on your shoulder, because it’s just going to end badly.”

Instead of sitting in the hot seat all night, she recommends turning the questions on your relatives. “The best way to respond is to be respectful and polite,” she says. “Answer their questions and then change the subject! Ask them about themselves.”

This will show that you are interested in their lives, and the pressure will be off of you. They’ll be excited to share what they’ve been up to and hopefully will forget all about your love life and future plans.

To avoid the interrogation altogether, you can take the advice of Kayla Alexander, a junior at the University of South Carolina, and hang with the little ones. “For the most part, I pretend to be taking care of the little kids in my family and running around with them so no one really has the opportunity to ask me anything,” she says. “It's worked out pretty well so far.”

2. Dinnertime

There’s nothing worse than insulting your Grandma’s cooking (is that meatloaf or cheesecake?!). To avoid any awkwardness, it’s always best to take a little (potentially bite-size) serving of everything. This way, no feelings will be hurt and everyone will be happy. Plus, maybe Grandma’s mystery meatloaf cheesecake is actually out of this world. And even if it’s not, if she asks, it’s the best you’ve ever had.

If you’re feeling creative, why not bring your own dish? This can help lessen the responsibilities of the host, and you can show off your awesome cooking skills. Win-win! You can also mention the yummy new recipe that you tried out if you’re in need of something to talk about when there is a lull in conversation (who doesn’t love talking about food?).

As everyone settles down to eat, Lash recommends keeping the small talk light in order to avoid uncomfortable disagreements between family members. “It’s tricky because there are so many things that are off-limits,” she says. “You don’t want to talk about politics, religion or social issues that you know are just going to ignite somebody at the table.”

Instead, she says it can be helpful to talk about less controversial issues, such as a new movie in theaters that you want to see or your school’s latest sporting event.

Stuck between two cousins who won’t stop debating about anything and everything? Uncle Rob giving you the creeps? Have an escape plan! Lash says it can be as simple as going to get a second helping and running into another family member to talk with instead. Offer to get dessert for your cousin or another drink for your parents, and you’ll be excused from the conversation effortlessly.

3. The gift exchange

Congrats! You’ve made it through the awkward small talk and dinner phase. Now it’s time to open gifts. If all goes according to plan, the rest of the night should be drama-free. But that would be too simple!

When it comes to opening presents from others, it’s best to act excited and appreciative no matter what. It’s easy to offend someone, especially if they put a lot of effort into your gift. Put on your best poker face, because who knows what you’ll end up getting.  That sweater from Aunt Beth is ugly-sweater-party-worthy, but she doesn’t have to know that.

4. Clean up

As the party winds down, offer to give the host a helping hand with cleanup. You can get a break from mingling with family and some much-needed alone time.

Bonus: if certain relatives need to step away from each other to avoid a fight, bring one of them along to help. When that many people are together in the same room, something is bound to come up! There’s nothing wrong with separating the problem so that it doesn’t fester or turn into something bigger than it needs to be.

5. Heading home

After hours of mingling and chasing around your baby cousin, you’re about ready to call it a night. Your family doesn’t want you to leave, and it’s hard to come up with a legitimate excuse. What should you do?

Upon leaving, Lash says that collegiettes should politely thank the host, make their rounds of goodbyes and keep their explanations to a minimum.

“You don’t need to over-explain yourself,” she says. “What if you’re not feeling well? Or you’ve been up since 5 a.m. because you were working [an early] shift, and you’re tired? It’s one thing to put on your party face, put your time in and go. That’s good enough!”

Family get-togethers can be awkward and dramatic, but remember the true meaning behind the celebration and try to cherish the time that you have with your (slightly dysfunctional) family. Here’s to hopefully stress-free and enjoyable holiday gatherings, collegiettes!

Sick of eating cereal and ramen for lunch and dinner? Want to spend less money eating out and finally start cooking for yourself? Put down that frozen pizza, because HC’s Health Editor, Sammie Levin, is here to share her daily eats so you can get ideas for healthy, satisfying meals that are easy enough for any time-strapped collegiette to make. After you read Collegiette Eats, your taste buds, wallet and waistline will thank you.

Breakfast

Being banana-less again yesterday morning (my food supply is rapidly approaching nonexistence because I don’t want to go grocery shopping before leaving for winter break), I decided to make oatmeal with different fix-ins than usual. I prepared the oatmeal with almond milk and then stirred in a tablespoon of ground flaxseed, a few chopped almonds, two chopped Medjool dates, a half-teaspoon of vanilla, cinnamon and a tablespoon of almond butter. Yum. Creamy, crunchy and chewy all at once. 

I got the idea for the combination of dates, almond butter and cinnamon from Healthy Crush’s almond butter stuffed dates recipe. Dates are incredibly sweet—they seriously taste like candy—so adding creamy almond butter to the mix takes it to a whole new level of richness. Dates are full of fiber (good for digestive health), potassium and other vitamins and minerals. But they're sweet for a reason: one Medjool date has 16 grams of sugar and about 65 calories, so make sure to eat them in moderation. The next time your sweet tooth is acting up, try one or two almond butter stuffed dates and taste the magic yourself.

Lunch

I had approximately eight minutes to eat a quick lunch at home before taking one of my finals. I wasn't too hungry, but my exam was two hours long, so I wanted to eat something to get me through it. I heated up a can of Amy’s split pea soup and made a piece of toasted Ezekiel bread topped with a Light Laughing Cow Cheese Wedge and smoked turkey with some pepper sprinkled on top. I also had a pickle on the side. A very green meal (maybe not the healthiest of greens out there, but color-coordinated nonetheless). The hot soup was exactly what I needed after making the trek back from the library in the freezing cold. It was thick without feeling too creamy or heavy. When I got back from my exam, I immediately got into bed and drank a mug of hot chocolate with whipped cream and mini marshmallows to celebrate and unwind.

Dinner

One of my housemates who is going abroad next semester leaves today, so last night a few of us went out for a last supper at Tomukun, a Japanese noodle bar in Ann Arbor. Since I’ve been battling a cough for awhile and it’s been so cold outside, I decided to go for my second soup of the day. But this bowl was a lot bigger than my bowl at lunch… I could’ve swam in it if I tried. It was delicious, though; so flavorful and fresh. It was a mixed seafood soup with shrimp, scallops, mussels, squid and crab stick with vegetables and ramen noodles in a spicy broth. It was defintely a step (or an entire staircase) up from the classic microwaveable ramen that we're used to in college. The Japanese and Vietnamese noodle soups that I’ve had in Ann Arbor at a few different restaurants are some of my favorite dishes, especially in the winter. I’m going to try to find a few recipes online to recreate one at home—look out for that in the near future!

By the time I was halfway through the soup, I was already really full, but I kept eating because it was so good. What I should’ve done is asked to get the rest wrapped up to go when I realized I didn't need to eat more, but I was caught up in talking with everyone that I just kept mindlessly eating. I find it especially hard to control my portions when meals come in such huge bowls or on such big plates, but when I am mindful of it, I try to save half for leftovers so that I don't overdo it. Another good strategy is, if you realize that the restaurant you’re at has huge portions, decide to split something with a friend. You save money that way, too - a bonus that every collegiette can appreciate.