If there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that Beyoncé is the hands-down the fiercest, most talented diva the world has ever seen. Queen Bey has already proven her ability to act and sing, but now she’s inspiring the fashion world as well. Without further ado, Her Campus presents the most ***flawless Beyoncé-themed clothes out there.

1. Human There’s No Way You Woke Up Like That Tank, $27

This is a super sassy way to call out that girl who somehow manages to show up to your 8 a.m. lecture every morning with her hair curled. Like, seriously? Just stop.

2. RageOn Squirtle Tank Top, $49.84

Pokémon + Beyoncé = pure win. This tank is the perfect thing to wear on the first day of class if you want to make some friends - talk about a conversation starter!

3. Skreened Beyoncé Surf Team Tank, $25.59

Wear this to the gym and tell people you’re training for an upcoming tournament (bonus points if you can keep a straight face).

4. CafePress Liberté, Égalité, Beyoncé Tote Bag, $12.99

Perfect for history majors, Francophiles or people who think the French Revolution might have ended up a whole lot differently if they had just put Beyoncé in charge.

5. Etsy T-shirt Dress, $14.99

You’ll initially buy this after convincing yourself you’ll use it as a sleep shirt. Once it arrives, you’ll start to throw it on over a pair of leggings every time you don’t feel like wearing real pants... aka every day. Oops.

6. Skreened I’m Not Saying I’m Beyoncé Sweatshirt, $33.19

Your friends and classmates will look at you in a whole new way.

7. Etsy Beyoncé Tote Bag, $16

Short, sweet and to the point. Bringing this bag to class will make Mondays so much less depressing.

8. StyleStalker Don’t Worry Be Yoncé Tank, $49

Perfect for when you’re about to pull an all-nighter and you need to channel your inner Sasha Fierce to make it through.

9. Rad Tank Top, $19.90

Bow down b****s; it’s Queen Bey. We can’t help but think she really was royalty in a past life.

No matter where you are or what you're doing, we can pretty much guarantee you’ll feel 300 percent more glamorous if you're rocking Beyoncé gear.

Rushing a sorority can be more nerve-wracking and confusing than taking a calculus test. Instead of dealing with derivatives, you’ve got to put yourself out there and impress girls who you just met 30 seconds ago. You have a million questions and don’t know whom to ask about them: Do I eat the snack they give me? Do I tell them I don’t like my roommate, or should I pretend that I do?  How do I sit on the ground in this dress without flashing someone?

Luckily, there’s no need to have a panic attack and give up on rush altogether — we may not be able to help you with calculus, but we’ve got you covered when it comes to sorority rush. We talked to collegiettes who are in sororities, so you can be assured that you’re getting the best advice out there. With these insider tips from girls who have gone through the process and came out alive, you’ll get a behind the scenes look at rush and know what to do (and what not to!) to get the bid you want.

1. DON’T talk about how blackout you got during Welcome Week.

“I would say girls should definitely avoid talking about drinking, drugs, and partying,” says Rachel, a recent grad of the University of Michigan and the former Social Chair of Chi Omega. “We are all in college, we've all seen the same type of parties and it makes you look like you are trying to bond for the wrong reasons.”

Allie, a recent grad of the University of Michigan and the former Vice President of Recruitment of Alpha Chi Omega, agrees. “While you may talk about partying with a best girl friend, recruitment is not the place for it,” she says.  “When a first impression is all you have to offer, you want to put your best foot forward. It is fine to talk about how much fun you had with your friends at a party, just be discreet about it.”

In other words, you don’t have to hide the fact that you go out — it’s good to know that you are a fun-loving person who knows how to enjoy herself! For example, if you went to one of the big welcome parties and you’re asked about it, by all means say you went and had a great time. But avoid the details, such as how much or what you drank, how drunk you were, and what ridiculous intoxicated shenanigans you got yourself into. A fun girl is a plus, but “THAT sloppy, hammered chick” won’t be first on anyone’s bid list. The same goes for drugs — just don’t talk about them.

2. DO say something unique or memorable about yourself.

Be aware that the girls rushing you are also rushing tons of other people, and it can be hard to keep track of them all. The conversations are short and all start to blend together, so your best bet at standing out in their minds is to say something unique about yourself. Then, when they’re telling their sorority sisters about you, they can say “she was the one who went scuba diving in the Galapagos this summer!” or “she’s the marathon runner!”

Dropping a quirky, noteworthy fact about yourself also shows that you are an interesting person, which is obviously a plus. Whereas talking about partying is best to be avoided, your interests and passions are at the top of the list of good conversation topics because they give others a sense of who you really are and what you can contribute to the sorority.

“This may sound cheesy, but we want girls who want to make our chapter better and are determined, hardworking, motivated and smart girls,” says Becca, the Rush Chair of Tri Delta at Union College. “We want to know if they volunteer, play sports or do other extracurriculars, because we want them to get involved and show the administration at our school all of the positive things we do for the community."

So, without bragging, make a point to reveal some of your hobbies, passions and memorable experiences. Added bonus: when you’re talking about stuff you love to do, you will naturally sound enthusiastic and engaged!  

3. DON’T mention the guy you went home with last night.

Like partying, sexual escapades can be added to the list of Things You Should Avoid Talking About With Strangers. Yes, the girls you are talking to may be your future sorority sisters who you will tell everything to, but dishing about your sex life right off the bat can give the wrong impression.

It can also get a bit awkward. Katie*, a collegiette in a sorority at a Midwestern school, says that when a girl she rushed brought up the size of her boyfriend’s package, things got weird fast. “I was just really taken aback and uncomfortable… I had just met her three minutes ago!” Katie says. “It was definitely TMI and it sort of made me question her judgment.”

Allie adds that name-dropping a specific guy could be trouble because there’s always a chance that the girl you are talking to knows him (or is related to him, or dated him, or hates him for something he did to her friend — you get the picture).

So, bottom line: save your boy woes and hookup stories for post-rush dinner with your friends. “In the end, it’s about sisterhood, not catty boy drama,” says Becca. 

Need a reminder of the “don'ts” so far? Allie boils them down to three “B’s” to avoid: booze, blunts and boys.

4. DO look presentable.

Choosing what to wear to rush can cause a bigger headache than choosing your first-day-of-school outfit, but we have some guidelines to ease the pain. Every school’s recruitment is different and you may be told specific things to wear on each day of rush. Regardless, you want to look clean and put together. We know you might still be getting used to doing your own laundry, but a coffee-stained shirt is probably not your best look. 

“Present yourself like you are going to meet your friend’s parents for brunch,” Allie says. That means avoid excessive cleavage, barely-there shorts and skirts and flashy (distractingly so) jewelry. “Your appearance should show that you care about being at the house you are in, but that you are comfortable in what you are wearing. Put time in and make sure you feel confident,” Allie says.

Be conscious of your makeup, too — lipstick-stained teeth are pretty hard to ignore when you’re talking to someone who is two feet away from you.

5. DON’T gossip or talk smack about others.

Gossiping can be dangerous for several reasons. First, as Allie pointed out, the girl rushing you could very well know who you are talking about, so you risk getting yourself into an awkward situation or even offending someone. And the girl may tell someone else in her house or another house, making matters worse.

Additionally, gossiping can make you seem catty, superficial and two-faced — not the qualities of an ideal sorority sister. You want the sisters to realize you would make an amazing friend, so be the amazing friend that you are! Instead of launching into a conversation about how annoying this girl in your class is, talk about how you and your friend signed up for a Zumba class together or how going to camp for six years has prepared you for living with 50 other girls. Leave the gossip for Serena and Blair.

6. DO act like you want to be there.

When you’re going through rush, it can be easy to forget that you’re not the only one being assessed. The girls rushing you are being evaluated too — by you! They want you to like them as much as you want them to like you, and they’re looking out for girls who are clearly excited to be there.

Rachel explains that when a girl seems to lack interest, rushers may not be able to get a good sense of her and will write her off. “When a girl acts uninterested or seems like she thinks she is above the process, it’s going to be a lot harder to get to know her in the five minutes that we have,” she says.

So be engaged in conversation. Ask questions, make eye contact, nod, laugh and sound enthusiastic — basically, everything you were told to do doing a college interview. Compliment the house and any decorations they have up, and respond to the information given during presentations to show that you were listening. For example, if a presentation is given on the chapter’s philanthropy, ask the girl rushing you what kind of involvement she had in their annual fundraiser last year.

There’s no need to go over the top and gush about every little thing (“OMG the embroidery on those pillowcases is really amazing, please tell me everything you know about it!”), but showing genuine interest in what you are being told about the sorority is super important. 

7. DON’T say something negative about another house.

You may think that bashing another house could help prove your loyalty to the house you are being rushed at, but this is definitely something you should never do. Once again, you have no idea what connections the girl you’re talking to may have to that house (for example, her biological sister or freshman year roommate may be in it).

Not only that, but talking about another house takes time away from learning about the house you’re actually at and showing your interest in it. Your attention should be solely focused on that one house for the time that you’re there, so you may as well pretend that no other sorority exists until you walk out the door and move on to the next one.  

8. DO be yourself.

This one may seem trite, but it’s the most fundamental advice of all. “Being genuine is the most important thing you can do during rush,” Rachel says. “You want to end up in a house that is the right fit for you, and you and the rusher can only know this if you are being yourself.”

Allie echoes this advice: “Find a place where you can be yourself and where you feel at home!”

If you’re pretending to be someone you’re not (and don’t want to be) just to get into a particular sorority, you’re only disserving yourself because you’ll probably end up being surrounded by girls who don’t mesh best with the real you.

While many aspects of rush do resemble a college interview, keep in mind that you’re talking to girls your age, not a middle-aged woman in a pantsuit who wants to hear you spin your weaknesses into strengths. So feel free to loosen up and joke around. It’ll showcase your sense of humor and establish a connection between you and your rusher. The livelier the conversation, the more likely it is to be remembered positively.

“The best conversations will be the ones you remember laughing in, and enjoying that girl’s company. They will be natural and relaxed,” Allie says.

All of the do’s and don'ts aside, don't sweat rush too much — take a deep breath before you enter every house and present your best, true self. More often than not, the process has a way of working out well for you in the end. We promise you’ll live to tell the tale!

*Name has been changed.

The 66th Primetime Emmy Awards aired last night on NBC, and, as always, there were many memorable moments that stood out.  In case you forgot to tune in, here are the top 10 moments to catch you up!

1. Seth Meyers's opening monologue

Our favorite new Late Night host, Seth Meyers, successfully hosted the 66th Primetime Emmy Awards. He did a great job, using the strange timing of the awards show to his advantage by cracking jokes about the show being on a Monday night. He had clever bits and spot-on jokes, and he didn’t even roast anybody (unlike the attack on Matthew McConaughey by Jimmy Kimmel). Meyers brought up his fellow SNL alums to help bring the audience a good laugh.

2. Amy Poehler is now Beyoncé

Not only was the hilarious Amy Poehler introduced by Meyers as “Beyoncé,” but she also stole the show by writing her own material, telling True Detective jokes and wearing a gorgeous disco-ball-like gown. Unfortunately, after being nominated five times in this category, Poehler still didn’t take home the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. How can the Academy not be an Amy Poehler fan? Then again, how can ANYONE not be an Amy Poehler fan?! Since Parks and Rec is going to be in its last season, hopefully next year Amy will snag the Emmy. 

3. Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Bryan Cranston rekindled their love

It was Veep star Julia Louis-Dreyfus who took home the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series, but not before she shared a heated make-out session with the star of Breaking Bad. When the two presented together earlier in the night, Cranston joked about their kissing scene in a past episode of Seinfeld. Julia, who then brushed him off, made sure to announce that she did in fact remember kissing Bryan Cranston. These stars may both be happily married, but if they were in fact still single, we wouldn't mind these two actually getting together. Vice President Selina Meyer and drug dealer Walter White? Talk about an unconventional power couple!

4. Billy on the Street, Emmys edition

One of the best bits was a special Emmys version of “Billy on the Street,” where Billy Eichner and Seth ran around New York asking people questions for a dollar reward. Some people weren’t exactly feeling it, while others actually didn’t even recognize Seth MacFar-Meyers. Eichner, who is well known for hilariously harassing New Yorkers with questions about pop culture, did not disappoint in this special rendition of Funny or Die's show. This video scored major laughter for Meyers, who earlier stated that, "like jokes, not all nominees are winners." Well, this one definitely was. 

5. Breaking Bad won all

The night’s big winner was Breaking Bad, taking home five Emmys. With the end of Breaking Bad still fresh, it was the last year for the show to take home the Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series. Aaron Paul’s emotional speech made us feel for Jesse Pinkman all over again. Bryan Cranston took home his last Emmy for the show while sporting a very interesting mustache. Walter White might approve of the new facial hair, though.

6. Modern Family wins Outstanding Comedy Series yet again

Modern Family may be a great show, but it seems the Academy only watches one comedy series. The stars of Modern Family have taken home the Emmy for Outstanding Comedy Series five years in a row. It's no secret that the show has lost some of its comic relief since the start, which is why everyone is shocked it keeps winning year after year. Um, hello, what about Parks and Rec, The Mindy Project and New Girl? Get it together, Academy!

7. A tribute to Robin Williams

Billy Crystal took the stage to pay tribute to his friend Robin Williams. He shared some of his favorite memories and called Williams “the brightest star in the comedy galaxy.” The tribute concluded with a powerful moment of silence. “Robin Williams, what a concept" - we couldn’t agree more.

8. Sofia Vergara was put on a pedestal - literally

Talented actress Sofia Vergara stood on a rotating pedestal as Bruce Rosenblum, CEO and chairman of the Television Academy, talked about "giving the viewer something compelling to watch." The joke outraged many who called it sexist and even a step back from Beyonce's pro-feminism performance at the VMAs Sunday night. Vergara claims that haters of the joke should lighten up, but maybe when women stop feeling objectified in the entertainment industry, we can all "lighten up." 

9. Gwen Stefani butchers Stephen Colbert's name

What was that, Gwen Stefani? While annoucing the winner of the Outstanding Variety Series category, the pop star pronounced The Colbert Report wrong, and Adam Levine not only tried to correct Gwen, but laughed at her as well. Jimmy Fallon took advantage of this mistake to run on stage and try to accept the award for The Tonight Show. Someone had to be the next John Travolta of awards shows... sorry, Gwen. Maybe Adele Dazeem and The Colbort Report should team up?

10. Lena Dunham wore a, um, dress?

Lena may be a very talented actress, writer and director, but dressing for award shows is not her forte. The Girls star showed up to the red carpet wearing what looked like a button-down shirt attached to a tutu. Her newly bleached hair was totally forgotten, as her Emmy gown had everyone distracted - but not for the right reasons. Good luck on Fashion Police, Lena!

Depending on where you go to school, joining a sorority may or may not be an all-access pass to a huge group of friends, awesome parties, and an active social life. If you’re on the fence about rushing a sorority (or even just a little curious), get some insight into going Greek with these stories from collegiettes who have been through it all.

Pro-Greek

Whether they grew up knowing they’d go Greek or rushed with a friend just for fun, these girls have fallen in love with sorority life.

“I joined Kappa Kappa Gamma my freshman year and I've never been happier. Going into college, though, I was completely against Greek life. I didn’t want to deal with the competition of rush. And growing up with two older brothers, I prefer to hang with guys much more. But my experience with my sorority at Emory has been more than amazing.” - Erica Petri, Emory University  

“I'm going into my 4th year in a sorority, and I think it is a very positive experience for girls to be involved with. Not only do you meet friends with similar interests to you (most girls in sororities tend to be social, academic, and very well-rounded overall), but you realize that you meet friends who are all so different and special. Every girl in my sorority (Kappa Kappa Gamma) is so different and unique—I have friends who play lacrosse, who sing, who work for the school council program board, who are studying for the LSAT, etc.” - Elizabeth Wagmeister, UCSB 

“It might sound trite or even dramatic, but joining a sorority has been the single best decision I have ever made. I'm...the [former] Vice President of Programming for Delta Zeta, an executive board member of All Greek Council and have been active in Panhellenic [the organization that represents all Greek organizations on campus] in the past. These organizations have allowed me to acquire and hone skills essential to my chosen career in PR, like leadership, time management, teamwork, conflict management, event planning and organization skills. Above all the skills I've obtained, being in Greek life has really boosted my confidence and given me the drive to go after what I want in life.” - Amber Strazzo, Millersville University of Pennsylvania 

“I wasn't totally sure about being a ‘sorority girl’, but it totally changed my college experience in an awesome way. I was contemplating transferring, but being in Delta Gamma finally gave me a group of girls who understood me and accepted me. I really believe that there is a place for everyone in the Greek system, and I love love LOVE my sisters... Bucknell without DG would be much less fulfilling and enjoyable.” - Jenni Whalen, Bucknell University 

“I'm in a sorority, Alpha Gamma Delta, and I was totally unsure what to think of it at first. I went through recruitment last year, and I ended up receiving a bid. Since then, it's been a lot of fun, and I've met some of my closest friends. There's rarely a time when I feel completely alone and don't know anyone around me, and it's all because of Greek life. All in all, I would definitely recommend it to girls who are looking for a solid network of friends, especially transfer students who are having a hard time connecting and finding a niche at school."- Bianca E. Ortega, Belmont University

“I've only been an initiated member for a couple of months, and already I've made a ton of friends, become way more involved on campus, and gained experiences that I wouldn't have otherwise. In fact, I only learned that Her Campus was joining Virginia Tech because one of my sisters brought it here. I even became her co-Campus Correspondent!” - Caitlin Fernandez, Virginia Tech 

Anti-Greek

Some collegiettes have never felt the urge to become part of the Greek system, and they swear they’re having just as much fun (if not more) as the girls in sororities.

“I never wanted to join a sorority and never did. I picked a college that was only about 30 minutes away from my high school, so I already knew a ton of people when I started college. I feel that I have a more diverse selection of friends than I may have had if I had gone Greek. I have male and female friends of all different ages, and I think that maybe I would not have some of the friends I do today had I been in a sorority.” - Lauren Conrad, University of Kentucky

“I rushed freshman and sophomore year and didn't end up joining a sorority. I got asked back to all of the houses I ranked the lowest on my list. I think the rush system is flawed because I didn't get asked back to a single one of my top 5 houses, not even for the second round out of four. I've still gone to date parties and done other fun ‘sorority’ stuff without being in a house. I don't have to dress the same as 40 other girls or go to a particular frat each weekend. I can do as I please without having to fit the stereotype of a few Greek letters.” - Erica, University of Michigan 

Mixed Feelings

Not everyone’s feelings about sororities are so black and white, and many girls are left with mixed emotions after going through the Greek process.

“I think sororities make sense at large institutions because they are a wonderful way to make friends and network. They provide a great foundation for getting to know your school, and Greek parties do have a reputation for being the best. However, one of my friends who went to a small school that had sororities was in one, and now that she has graduated she confided in me that she feels like all the friends she made were fake. They don't keep in contact, even though some of them live just a few towns over. My impression is that at smaller schools their main function is as a party house, where as at larger schools they become networking tools.” - Allison Lantero, Boston College 

“I always knew I wanted to rush! I thought the girls in sororities were so pretty and happy all the time and just lived the life of the party. I love my sisters to death, but sometimes I feel like I could have gone through college without joining. Greek people can be so stereotypical sometimes. During rush they tell you to narrow down your favorites, but I didn't get into my first OR second choice, so really it's just about them picking you. I am happy I have a group of friends who are not Greek to keep me balanced or else I feel like I would be stuck in high school forever.” - Anonymous

“I know this is so clichéd, but I really think it depends on the school. I have friends who go to school in the South (e.g., Tulane and Vanderbilt) and are in sororities, not so much because they wanted to but because it's a major aspect of their school's social scene. At my school (Boston University), however, it's not a necessity to go Greek: there are so many other clubs and ways to meet people and get involved on campus.” - Kelsey Mulvey, Boston University

“[At] Emory Greek life is pretty big here, but I knew early on that sorority life wasn't for me, so I didn't even rush. In retrospect, I wish I had gone through the experience of rush because it's only something you experience in college and I would urge everyone to do it! I don't regret not being in a sorority, though — it hasn't hindered my social life in any way.” - Alice Chen, Emory University 

“I've always thought that I would never join a sorority, but working at Her Campus...has made me consider at least rushing to see what it's like (I'm going to be a freshman at Northwestern). I still don't think it's very likely I would actually join one, but it's interesting that the people in my life are automatically against it even if I'm not.” - Katherine Mirani, Northwestern University  

Whatever your decision…

Don’t feel pressure to rush or not rush once you’re at school. If you’re curious and want to see what it’s like, go for it! If anything it will be a new experience, which is what college is all about. And if you’ve never felt the need to go Greek then there are a ton of other ways to meet people, like clubs, sporting events, class, your dorm, and more. 

Did you rush a sorority, or are you planning to? Why or why not?  Sound off in the comments below!

Actress and superstar Drew Barrymore announced that her cosmetic line, Flower, will soon have three new additions: signature fragrances!

Flower launched last year, but it wasn't until recently that Barrymore decided to add fragrances to the mix. All three of the scents, which are designed for women, will be launched in October exclusively at Walmart.

The names of the three scents are Cherished, Radiant and Sultry. According to The Huffington Post, the Flower fragrance collection is described as a combination of "scents that capture the joy of life and love, in all of its meanings," which complements her ideals of a positive approach to beauty very well.

After speaking with Women's Wear Daily about why she hasn't released a fragrance collection earlier in her career, Barrymore said, "A singular celebrity fragrance – I was never interested. Also, there was never really a time or venue to do it. I was told when I was 7, don’t promote everything, because after E.T. there was so much stuff coming my way."

We look forward to testing out Barrymore's affordable yet chic fragrances this fall!

Alright, so you’re single. Even if all your friends have boyfriends or even if you just got out of a relationship yourself, there’s nothing wrong with flying solo. In fact, walking into a new semester of college without a significant other may just be the best choice you’ve ever made! Don’t believe us? Read on for our reasons for why starting a new school year single is full of perks!

1. You can be the grade-A student you always wanted to be

A new school year always means a fresh start with plenty of chances for academic success. Whether you’re setting a goal for a higher GPA or trying to land your dream internship, starting the semester strong is crucial. Without the distraction of a significant other, you can spend the first few weeks of school developing good study habits and creating a productive schedule.

“Being single at the start of the semester allows you to really dive into your classes and schedule and get grounded in a structured way,” says Lesli Doares, marriage consultant and author of Blueprint for a Lasting Marriage. “Getting set in a routine will free you up to have fun and interact with others in a way that supports your academic experience, not undermining it.”

In fact, Kendra, a junior at Colorado State University, says some of her highest semester GPAs came from the semesters when she was single. “I was able to study all the time because I didn’t feel guilty about not spending time with a boyfriend, and I never felt judged about all my studying,” she says.

We all know that studying isn’t always the most fun activity, but you are in college to get an education, after all. So don’t be afraid to hit the books and unleash your inner nerd, collegiettes!

2. You can be a social butterfly

Being single never has to mean being lonely. In fact, one of the biggest perks of entering a new semester single is the ability to branch out socially. As a single lady, you have the time to reconnect with old friends or even invest time into some new ones. With no one else to worry about, you can make Carrie Bradshaw proud with fabulous girls’ nights out on the weekend or spend some quality time with a good, old-fashioned sleepover complete with movies and popcorn.

“I actually prefer being single,” says Elizabeth, a senior at Alabama State University. “As a single girl, I get the weeks to myself and have the whole weekend to spend time with my girlfriends. We can go out to clubs, get drinks or just hang out and watch movies. I feel like I would miss out on a lot of that if I was in a relationship.”

Being single isn’t a death sentence to your social life, but rather an opportunity to really live it up! Take this chance to make new friends, make old friendships stronger and flaunt that single girl status. 

3. You can take time for yourself

They say that college is all about discovering who you are, and that’s going to require spending some time alone. While it may seem a little daunting, don’t be afraid to use the fresh start of a new year to get in some quality “you time.”  

“Being single allows you to really immerse yourself in you,” Doares says. “Being single in college allows you to focus on yourself and your goals without the distraction of making room for someone else’s goals and agenda. You get to do things your way and in your time frame without feeling judged on an intimate level. Your attention isn’t split by what could be oppositional desires.”

With plenty of freedom and time to yourself, you can figure out what you want from a relationship, a career and your future.

“I spent most of my college career in a series of relationships,” says Katie, a senior at the University of South Carolina. “It wasn’t until I spent some time single that I kind of figured out what was actually important to me and what I wanted for the rest of my life.”

4. You’re free to try new things

Take advantage of your time alone to explore new hobbies, new places and new interests. Have you ever wanted to take up yoga or Pilates? Have you ever wished that you could cook like a Food Network star? Have you ever dreamed of the days where you could actually make those crafts on your Pinterest board? Then go for it! Riding solo is the perfect time to delve into all of those fun activities and interests you wish you would have tried earlier.

“I feel like a lot of girls think that being single is a time to wallow around until you find your next boyfriend, but I totally disagree,” says Johanna, a junior at the University of Michigan. “When you’re single, you should stay busy with fresh and exciting things. Learn how to cook, start going to an exercise class, learn a new language, travel to somewhere you’ve never been or anything else that you’ve always wished you could do or discover.”

We aren’t going to lie; sometimes being single can be hard. But a semester as a fabulous, single collegiette can be fantastic!

Every time a new semester approaches, you promise yourself you're going to get your act together and rule the world, Beyoncé style: You’re going to work out consistently, cook fresh meals, stay on top of your classes, nap less and clean more. You say this every semester, but this time, you mean it.

But wait… is that the new season of your show on Netflix you see? Maybe that workout and paper can wait. And plus, you cooked last night, so you can get takeout tonight. Maybe those goals can wait until next semester.

1. Working out

Expectation:

Even if it’s just 20 minutes a day, you swear on all things that are holy that you will work out at least four times per week.

Reality:

Or you could just do crunches while you heat up your ramen noodles in the microwave…

2. Required reading

Expectation:

As much as you hate it, you’ll do it. Twenty pages a night isn’t that bad. Plus, everyone needs to be properly educated on the digestive system.

Reality:

You could spend 30 minutes reading about the digestive system or watch an episode on Netflix. Sorry, digestive system - you lose.

3. Paying attention in class

Expectation:

You're paying to be here; the least you could do is listen and offer some input.

Reality:

The Civil War was like, forever ago, and this level of Candy Crush isn’t going to beat itself…

4. Staying on top of homework and assignments

Expectation:

A paper a day keeps the bad grades away (and leaves more time to go out on the weekends).

Reality:

Then again, four papers on Sunday keeps your entire week open for Netflix binges.

5. Getting organized

Expectation:

You are going to put that $40 planner to use and get your life together. Makin’ to-do lists all day, every day.

Reality:

Is today Wednesday or Thursday? And where the hell is that to-do list you made? You could have sworn you put it on your desk…

6. Napping

Expectation:

When you were little you would’ve sold your soul to the devil just so you didn’t have to nap. You’re going to put that tactic to use again this semester so you avoid wasting your entire day (or week) away.

Reality:

Just 20 minutes. Okay, an hour. Okay, two hours max.

7. Getting ready

Expectation:

You never know when you’ll see someone important, so it’s time you ditch the “comfy” look. 

Reality:

You remember how awful it feels to sit through a two-hour lecture with your buttons from your skinny jeans digging into your stomach.

8. Group projects

Expectation:

They’re not that bad. You just have to have a more positive outlook on them this semester.

Reality:

Who are these buffoons and what don’t they understand about “do your part”?!

9. On-campus activities

Expectation:

Your campus has so much to offer, and it would be a shame for it to go to waste. Plus, you really need some more stuff to add to your resume.

Reality:

Wait, you actually have to attend the meetings? You have more important things you need to be doing.

10. Going out

Expectation:

Twice a week. That’s it. You're here to get an education, and this semester you will remember that.

Reality:

But Tuesday is karaoke night, Wednesday is Ladies’ Night, Thursday is half-off drink specials and then there's Friday and Saturday…

11. Roommates

Expectation:

You make an oath to keep each other motivated and promise that you'll do your best not to distract each other while you’re studying or doing homework.

Reality:

A 10-minute study break turns into a dance-off, which slowly progresses into a “who can put together the ugliest outfit” contest.

12. Cooking

Expectation:

Chicken tortillas on Sunday, spaghetti on Monday, a fresh salad on Tuesday and baked chicken on Wednesday.

Reality:

Pizza on Sunday, which means leftover pizza on Monday, the Little Caesars deal on Tuesday and the Papa John’s one on Wednesday. Perfect.

13. Cleaning

Expectation: At least the basics. No more jumping over mountains of clothes to get to your bed.

Reality:

The apartment isn’t that dirty.

You’ve packed all the right supplies for college, down to snacks (you never know when you’ll crave peanut butter) and stain-remover pens (you never know when you’ll get that peanut butter on your shirt). However, there are some things we highly suggest you not pack — specifically, clothing pieces you loved in high school that will not fly in college. Read on to discover what you should exclude. Yay, more closet space!

1. All logo everything

Much of the time in high school, there was no need to ask your friend where she got that cute jacket — its origins were sewn into a little icon on her side, stamped across her chest or written on her back. Sometimes all of the above.

What to wear instead

Coach Kylie Crossbody, $138 at Coach

In college, you’re expected to wear clothes that are subtler (and therefore classier). Instead of a designer bag covered in the signature print, which, unfortunately, can make you seem label-obsessed, opt for a sleek leather option or one with innocuous stripes or a floral pattern.  

“I really don't see people wearing overt logos anymore,” says Sophie Dodd, a senior at Middlebury College. “I think in college it's viewed as tacky. Shows like The Jersey Shore and brands like Ed Hardy kind of went overboard on logos, and now no one wears them!”

In college, everyone has more important things to care about than where you bought your clothes, so flashing your designer brands in everyone’s faces will just distract them from your pretty smile and gorgeous personality. Leave the heavily branded goods behind!

2.Too tight for comfort

In high school, there was one overwhelmingly popular silhouette: clingy. It was simple to master: If a piece of clothing made it a bit hard for us to breathe, we wore it! Body-hugging jacket, corset-like top and circulation-hindering low-rise jeans? Check, check and check. But just like your S.O. doesn’t appreciate clinginess, nor will your fellow collegiettes when it comes to clothes. Not only is a head-to-toe tight ensemble unflattering, but it’s unfashionable as well.

What to wear instead

H&M cream circle skirt, $24.95

For collegiettes, looking stylish is a game of proportions. If you’re wearing cutoffs, pair them with a slightly looser top. If you’re wearing a skater dress, then go ahead girl, whip out that jacket that skims every curve!

“My go-to outfits at school are skinny jeans [and] a slightly oversized sweater, [or] a flowing skirt and a tight crop top,” says Emerson junior Amy Nelson. “Playing with proportions is an easy way to look stylish while still secretly being totally comfortable. It's a great rule of thumb to take with you everywhere through college: to class, on the weekend and at parties!”

Once you find balance, you’ll realize how flattering this outfit formula is, and you’ll never want to go back to the way you dressed before. Plus, it was always annoying how those jeans left imprints in your skin, anyway.

3. Blood-, sweat- and tear-stained gear

Sigh. We too love our oversized T-shirts covered in weird sayings and holes from wear and tear — the ones that litter the family laundry room like admirers around Beyoncé. But where we don’t love to wear them? College. 

You heard it from us first: At school, people dress up, not down, to work out. We’re talking coordinated-headbands-and-socks status. Don’t get us wrong; it’s fun to wear nice exercise apparel! However, it does necessitate leaving your ratty old gym shorts at home.

What to wear instead

C9 by Champion Tank, $14.99 at Target

Bring along clothes that were designed for working out, like sweat-wicking tank tops and running shorts that will make you look like a professional marathoner. The clothes make the collegiette!

4. Wear your pride

Speaking of what you wear shaping your identity, it’s a major fashion faux pas to wear apparel from other colleges. You probably picked up some super-cozy hoodies along your college tours, but you’ll probably have to reserve them for Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks!

“Even if your sibling, cousin or parent attended a certain school, that doesn't mean that everyone wants to see you wearing another school's gear,” says Shira Kipnees, a senior at Franklin & Marshall College. “Show pride for your own school, not someone else’s.”

Most campuses take their identities very seriously, so there’s no better way to out yourself as a clueless freshman than by wearing some other school’s stuff.

What to wear instead

VS PINK University of California Berkeley Crewneck Tee, $19.95

If you’re worried about the cost of buying a whole new wardrobe of shirts, sweatshirts and comfy pants, then do a little research. Most university stores have a sale section and also offer discounts during specific times, like at the beginning of the year!

And if you’re not in love with their selection, check out the PINK Collegiate Collection. It features customized apparel for 68 schools, and we find every single hoodie and half-zip adorable!

5. I’m (not) with the band

You may think that One Direction is the only direction and that the Biebs is the best — and we totally support your right to love whomever you want. But we would suggest leaving your logo tees advertising those passions behind in high school, because in college, Justin’s face and name are better reserved for a poster on your dorm wall.

“I would definitely say leave behind graphic tees and band tees, unless you're a total groupie,” says Hannah Joslin, a sophomore at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.

Along similar lines, we’d encourage you not to pack those clichéd quote or symbol shirts. At this point, every man, woman and child in America is familiar with the infinity shirt; you know, the one that has a carefully selected word, like “young” or “love” inscribed in it.

We don’t want you to be just another T-shirt in the crowd — we want you to stand out!

What to wear instead

J.Crew Travel Scarf Collector Tee, $42.50

To satisfy your T-shirt cravings, turn to comfy yet stylish printed versions. There’s a huge variety of choices out there that have nothing to do with bands, not-so-clever jokes, overused quotes and ubiquitous symbols, so find your favorites and enjoy your classiness upgrade.

If you want some more ideas, check out this article about nine shirts with sayings that we’d actually wear.

6. Prom-tastic

We have no doubt that you looked gorgeous on prom night, but it’s better to leave that outfit as a beautiful memory. Why? As lovely as your dress may be, it almost certainly has that “prom” look. When you go out for the night while at college, you don’t want your dress to advertise that not too long ago you were swaying on the dance floor in high school instead of living it up on the college scene.

“The frills and puffs may make you feel like a princess, but a prom-style dress is not the outfit for a queen in college to wear,” says Emily Woods, a sophomore at Union College.

What to wear instead

Nasty Gal Penelope Peplum Bandage Dress, $58

When looking for a going-out wardrobe, keep in mind that every school has a different “dress code” for parties and events. At some schools, bodycon dresses and flirty heels are the norm, while at others, it’s all about sexy tops, skinny jeans and stilettos or ankle booties. Do a little social media research so you won’t bring all the wrong clothes. Scroll through the Facebook pictures of any upperclassmen from your college that you know, or search #yourschoolname on Instagram—usually at least a couple going-out posts will show up! This article has more great tips on what to wear to college events.

7. Bad for business

In high school, all you needed to wear to your mock trial, Model UN or speech and debate competitions was a plain black pencil skirt, a unexciting printed top and some borrowed-from-your-grandmother kitten heels. Since extracurricular activities didn’t warrant grades on your outfit, as long as you were wearing some form of “business casual,” you were golden.

But in college, you’re actually doing real-life professional things, like scoring internships, going to career fairs and networking events and interviewing for jobs. And you will be judged on what you’re wearing.

When you’re packing, try on every piece of professional clothing you own. Anything that’s stained, ill fitting or cheap looking is off the table.

What to wear instead

Striped LOFT Scuba Sheath Dress, $89.50

If this leaves you with gaping holes in your wardrobe, then we highly recommend buying some well-made professional clothing that will last throughout your college career. Trust us, you’ll wear pieces like sheath dresses, button-down blouses and quality blazers again and again! Not sure where to start? Learn more about dressing professionally in the summer heat, the best stores to shop for your internship wardrobe andthe seven professional pieces every girl should own.

Navigating the sartorial transition from high school to college can be a little tricky, but if you follow this guide and dress the part, no one will have any idea that you’re straight out of high school. Good luck, collegiettes!

College is an exciting journey — a time of self-discovery, relationship building and decision-making. Pre-collegiettes, we hope you are ready! But when you finally arrive on campus, we just ask one thing: don’t be that freshman. Ask any upperclassman, and nine times out of 10 they can point out the newbies — the students walking to class in herds (and getting there 20 minutes early), wearing their Sunday best, sporting an oh-so fashionable lanyard and giving their parents a play-by-play of their day over the phone. We don’t expect you to look and act like a senior on your first day, but there are ways to avoid becoming the stereotypical freshie. 

1. Toss the Lanyards

We hate to break it to you: lanyards aren’t cute accessories. Nothing screams “freshman” more than wearing one around your neck wherever you go. Yes, getting your new school ID is super exciting. But trust us, it will be perfectly safe in your backpack, wallet, or pocket! If you want to keep your ID readily accessible, Vera Bradley’s Zip ID case ($12 at verabradley.com) and Merona’s Hard Case Wallet ($12.99 at target.com) are great options to try. 

2. Upgrade to College Gear

Don’t make the mistake of wearing your high school Class of 2013 shirt around campus (do you want everyone to know you’re a freshman? The answer is no). Once you move on to college, the only socially acceptable time to wear your high school gear is while sleeping or exercising (it’s a proven fact). Now that you’re in the big leagues, it’s time to start dressing like it! If you can’t seem to let go of your old tees, don’t worry. You can turn them into a fancy T-shirt quilt for your dorm.

Before classes start, you should pick up your university shirts, sweaters, hats, jewelry and anything else your heart desires. But beware: only freshmen wear it all day, every day. It’s okay to show school spirit, but do it in small doses! Instead of getting your entire wardrobe from the campus store, there are always ways to rep your school spirit in a unique way.

3. Use a Mobile Map

Trying to find your classes on the first day of school is the worst. But you know what’s even worse? Looking like a lost freshman, hauling around a giant map of campus. If you need directions, start by using a map on your phone to avoid any judgmental stares from upperclassmen. You should check to see if your school has an app; many university apps include a campus map for your convenience! If you have time before the first day of classes, why not scope out the area? Walking to each of your class buildings will help make the route more familiar, and you can also estimate how long it will take to get around campus. Don’t be that freshman running to class… just don’t.

4. Get to Class on Time (NOT Early!)

There’s nothing wrong with going to class early, but camping outside of the classroom for 20 minutes is definitely a freshman move. If you’re worried about being late, leave your dorm 15 minutes earlier than necessary and find a spot near your class (not immediately outside the door) to relax if you get there before class starts. This is the perfect time to prepare for the day by reading over the syllabus and any other materials the professor provided. Also, make sure you know what time the class officially starts. At some universities, classes will technically start 10 minutes later than posted on the schedules. It’s always super awkward walking in at the wrong time, so double check beforehand!

5. Be Modest

You should be proud of your accomplishments; after all, you made it to college!  However, we don’t recommend sharing your ACT/SAT scores and high school GPA over small talk.  Nobody likes the girl who spends 99 percent of the conversation bragging about herself (seriously, stop talking). You may have worked really hard in high school, but now everyone is at an equal playing field.  Even though you might be totally amazing, try getting to know where your peers are from and what they’re studying instead!  This will show you’re open to meeting new people, and hey, you might make a friend or two.

6. Stay Classy at Parties

Now that you’re free from parents and curfews, you are your own boss! With the much-deserved freedom, some collegiettes go a little overboard. You may really want to impress the cute guy on the dance floor, but pounding back the shots won’t help you gain confidence. And if your favorite song comes on, it’s cool to show it — but please avoid dancing on tables and other potentially unstable objects.

Unless you want to be the star of the next “I’m Shmacked” video (a YouTube series that features crazy parties on college campuses) remember to stay in control of your drinking. There are several ways to do so:

Eat Dinner

First, start your night by eating a proper, carbohydrate-filled dinner. It’s never a good idea to drink on an empty stomach, because you will become intoxicated very quickly. Having a full stomach helps absorb the alcohol, slowing it from entering the bloodstream too quickly.

Know Your Limits

To learn your limits when it comes to alcohol, you definitely should keep track of what you’re drinking. Mobile apps such as DrinkBuddy ($3.99 on iTunes) can make the job easier for you so that you can enjoy the night and stay safe at the same time! You can also have a sober friend help keep you accountable. If you aren’t used to drinking alcohol, try setting a drink limit at the beginning of the night and stick to it! You will learn what your body can handle and what’s too much.

Drink Water

If you plan to have more than one drink, start alternating between alcoholic beverages and water. Drinking alcohol dehydrates your body, so it’s important to get water back into your system during a long night of partying.

7. Distance Yourself From Home

After spending the first few days on campus, it’s completely normal to feel homesick. Unlike high school, you are on your own! However, this doesn’t mean that you should call Mom and Dad whenever you have the chance.  And, unless you sincerely want to make enemies with your roommate, don’t spend the entire night locked up in your room, chatting away with your BFF or boyfriend.  An occasional Skype date will ease the homesickness without overdoing it! If you’re constantly on the phone, you’ll miss out on potential roommate and dorm bonding, a crucial part of freshman year.

Going from high school to college is a big transition, and it’s normal to feel anxious!  You’ll be in a new setting with unfamiliar people and classes unlike anything before.  Just breathe! As the weeks go by, you’ll start feeling more comfortable. While it’s important to do well in class, don’t let homework consume your life. And please, don’t stress over an A-.  Once you find your perfect study habits, it’ll be smooth sailing.  You have four years to figure out college, so it’s okay to have some “typical freshman” tendencies at first!  You might not be the coolest, most put-together person on campus yet — but with these tips, you’ll have a head start.

Whether you’re paying for tuition, books,an apartment or just afroyo addiction, a job can make your college years significantly easier to afford. And where’s the first place you should look to find one? On campus, of course!

But not all positions are created equal—and a role that’s ill suited to your personality will make you dread every day of work. We’ve compiled a list of the most common campus jobs and their pros and cons so that every day you’re hustlin’ in a role that’s ideal for your individual strengths and preferences.

1. For the mama bear: resident assistant

If you’re constantly giving your friends advice, taking care of people when they’re sick (from both viruses and vodka) and taking charge in stressful situations, being a resident assistant (RA) could be your perfect on-campus job.

RAs live in college housing and assume responsibility for the approximately 20 to 50 students living in their assigned section—usually a dorm floor. Their main duty is to create a safe and supportive environment for students. A typical RA serves as a role model, a source of information about campus and community resources and a person students with concerns can talk to to get help. RAs also mediate between students, act as a liaison between students and the administration, organize dorm events and police the floor or hall, meaning they walk around and makes sure nothing illicit is going on.

Pros

“Being an RA was easily one of the best experiences of my life,” says Haley Cahill, a senior at Appalachian State University who was an RA her sophomore year. Haley loved the convenience of “living at work” and helping people her own age.

Cons

However, “I was constantly on the job and expected to handle any situation that arose,” Haley says.

Some schools require RAs to be on call for specific time periods, during which they must stay in the building and be ready to respond to any emergencies or problems. These could be in the middle of the night and/or the weekends, which could interfere with both your sleep schedule and your social life.

Also worth keeping in mind: Some RAs don’t receive an hourly wage. Instead, they get free housing and a meal plan. Depending on your needs, that can be a good or a bad thing!

Tips

For the collegiettes who can’t wait to start leading icebreakers, Haley has some suggestions.

“Be sure to express in your interviews and applications that you are organized and can multitask, work on a team, handle stressful situations and address and manage conflict,” she says. “Also, RAs do a lot of programming and events for their residents, so if you are creative or have prior experience planning educational events, be sure to tell your interviewer that.”

Applying to be an RA can be a very competitive process, so above all, express your enthusiasm and desire for the role!

2. For the wordsmith: peer tutor at the writing center

Your friends constantly ask you to look over their essays, because you know the differences between a hyphen, an en-dash and an em-dash, and even your emails are perfectly crafted. Sound like you? Then consider getting paid for what you probably already do just to be nice—helping your fellow students with their writing!

Almost every college has a writing center where students can get one-on-one tutoring at no cost. In general, tutors help with idea development, organization and support as well as accurate source citation and overall clarity. However, they don’t write essays for students or edit by making in-text corrections, so don’t be worried about going from writing two papers a month for your own classes to 30 for your peers.

Pros

“I feel so fortunate that I get paid to talk about reading and writing, my two passions,” says Katherine Varga, a senior at the University of Rochester who works at her school’s writing center. “We get people from all disciplines, so I work with people writing about a wide variety of topics.”

Cons

Some schools require you get a recommendation from a faculty member or complete a seminar or course before you can become a tutor, making this job a little more difficult to obtain. In addition, helping people with their writing all day can be hard work!

Tips

If you apply, make sure to emphasize your strong English skills, patience, ability to communicate well and talent for constructive criticism.

3. For the “most spirited” collegiette: tour guide

You know this is the job for you if the only thing second to your Beyoncé obsession is your obsession with your school. Bonus points for being outgoing, talkative and coordinated enough to walk backwards!

Pros

Even if you’re not a huge fan of giving speeches to a large audience, the tour life could still be awesome. “Working as a tour guide is not only easy money but also helps you with public speaking,” says Jordan Sypek, a University of Tampa senior. “Before I was a tour guide, I was a little shy and hated talking in front of a big group. Now I have no problem with it and feel comfortable talking to anyone, anywhere.”

Other perks: You get to learn fun facts about your school, walk quickly every day (hello, effortless cardio) and, maybe most importantly, help young adults make one of the most significant decisions of their lives—where to attend college!

Cons

It can be difficult to work a tour guide schedule into your existing one; after all, most tours take place during the morning and afternoon, when your classes happen.

Tips

When going for the gig, you should communicate your willingness to answer any and all questions (even the annoying ones like, “What was your SAT score?” and, “How likely is it that I’ll get in?”) as well as your enthusiastic nature. It’s also a good idea to brush up on your campus knowledge, such as important buildings, traditions, history, services and student life. If you get the job, you’ll go through training, but your interviewers will be impressed with your head start.

4. For the social butterfly: food server

There are some girls who are born to mingle and who have a smile and a nice comment for everyone they come across. Well, those skills are perfect for food-service jobs! After all, Hungover Grumpy Guy who just wants his bagel and caffeine? He definitely needs an upbeat person serving him his perfectly toasted bagel with cream cheese (and pumping an extra shot of expresso in his drink).

You can work at a coffee shop or small-scale on-campus restaurant, like a sandwich shop, or you can work in your school’s dining hall. While the first option may sound less stressful, don’t forget the long lines these places always have during rush hours. However, working in the cafeteria may require more menial work, like busing tables and washing dishes, as opposed to serving up food.

“I worked [at my school’s café] two nights a week: Tuesdays from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m., which was the closing shift,” says Carina Corbin, a sophomore at Amherst College.

Pros

The job helped Carina make friends and become much more popular on campus because she was always running into people or meeting new ones.

Sarah James, a sophomore at the University of Birmingham who works at her campus’s bar, also loves the social aspect of food-establishment jobs.

“The hours are flexible, and it’s a lot of fun working in a fast-paced environment with other students, especially when the vibe is good and the music is pumping,” Sarah says.  

In addition, those who work in dining usually receive complimentary food—which is definitely a highlight, as long as you don’t overindulge! Guess there is such a thing as a free lunch.

Cons

Both Carina and Sarah mentioned drunk students as one of the downfalls of the job.

“Let's just say drunk people aren't very friendly when they are hungry,” Carina says. She also disliked how the smell of fast food would linger on her clothes. Yuck.

Tips

Employers look for high-energy people who are willing to literally get their hands dirty, so try to highlight those characteristics during the application process.

5. For the chatterbox: receptionist/administrative assistant

Your confident voice and approachable nature help you make friends while you’re using public transportation, and your family jokes that you only stop speaking when you fall asleep (and even then, you mumble in your sleep). Put your conversational skills to good use by becoming a receptionist/administrative assistant at an on-campus office!

Although they’ll vary depending on the office, the main duties of a receptionist are fairly simple: Answer phones, direct calls, greet and help visitors and perform clerical work, like filing and scheduling appointments.

Pros

Having a low-maintenance job can be relaxing. Plus, you can get tons of homework done while you’re in between answering questions and taking messages.

Cons

Being a receptionist can also be a bit tedious, and you’ll definitely have to deal with the occasional obnoxious caller.

Tips

When you interview, you should be outgoing, polite and professional, as those are ideal qualities in a receptionist. And don’t be afraid to apply to a department that has no connection with your major, career path or interests!

“I knew nothing about the department I worked in; It's more about where you're a good fit,” says Laura Fagen, a senior at the University of Kansas and a receptionist for the department of design and architecture. “When you apply, just remember to be friendly and open!”

6. For the grading guru: teaching assistant

You bleed red ink. You’re ready to spend even more time in the classroom than you already do. You’re super passionate about a particular subject or field. If these characteristics apply to you, definitely consider becoming a teaching assistant, or TA.

TAs traditionally grade papers, lead review sessions and hold office hours. If you’re a TA for a huge lecture, you’ll probably be the direct link between the students and the professor!

Pros

Not only will your salary be above average for an on-campus job but you’ll get to make an impact on the education of your fellow students.

“I love being able to share my excitement about a topic and seeing the students get the same passion for the material as I have!” says Maria Filsinger, a junior at Stanford who is a TA for an EMT class. “It’s amazing seeing how much the students grow throughout the year—the change in their knowledge and confidence from the first class to the last makes all the hard work of TAing worth it.”

Cons

Speaking of hard work, be prepared to put in a lot of hours! Maria said she dislikes the grunt work, such as grading quizzes, doing equipment checks, etc.

“I also dislike watching students struggle with the material after trying to teach it multiple times,” she says.

Tips

Make sure you know the requirements for the individual position before you go for the job—many TA roles require that you’re pursuing a graduate degree. (If that’s the case, you might get free tuition!)

Maria advises having a couple of solid references from professors, and if you’re thinking about TAing for a class in the future, definitely ace that class! You can also find open positions on your school’s job board or by emailing department chairs within your school and asking them if they know of any professors looking for a TA.

7. For the busy bee: library assistant

You think they should sell “Dusty Leather Books” as a Febreze scent. You’re always reading four or five books at once—and you have six more lined up on your bureau. Matilda was your favorite movie as a child (and, let’s face it, as a college student). If this applies to you, being a library assistant is a no-brainer.

So what will you be doing in the stacks? Typical responsibilities include monitoring the front desk, answering questions, checking books in and out, helping people find books, shelving books and answering the phone.

Pros

“I am a work-study student at my campus library, and I find it very convenient,” says Rachel Pasker, a senior at St. Ambrose University. “I can walk to work, leave early for class if I need to and come in for a few hours between classes.”

In addition, not only will you have lots of downtime for studying and doing homework, but you’ll be in the ideal environment for it: a quiet and relaxing library. You’ll also become familiar with all of the library’s great resources, many of which most students never discover in their four years. Best of all, how many times have you seen a belligerent customer in a library? People tend to be pretty respectful in the library—there must be something in the book-perfumed air that makes visitors more at ease.

Cons

If you’re looking for a fast-paced, dynamic job, you probably won’t find it at the library—although that’s not exactly a spoiler!

Tips

If you’re ready to hit the books, try to bring out your great customer service skills, attention to detail and “inside voice.”

By finding a job that fits your personality, you’ll get the best of both worlds: enjoying what you do and making some money at the same time. Count us in! Here’s to paying the bills (and maybe buying yourself some new shoes).  

Attention all collegiettes! We’re casting models for College Fashion Week® shows in Boston (10/4), NYC (10/11), Chicago (10/18) and San Francisco (10/25). College Fashion Week is all about featuring real student models of all body types, and we want you to be the next to strut the runway! We’re collecting model applicant photos in order to ensure our runway reflects diversity among collegiettes everywhere, and we want you to submit these photos via Instagram!

Check out how to score a starring role (plus what you have to look forward to when you do):

How to enter to be a model:

• Post one “selfie” headshot on your public Instagram
• Your post should tag @hercampuscfw @europeanwax and use #CastMeCFW and the hashtag of the city you want to model in (#Boston,  #NYC, #Chicago, or #SF)
• Head to collegefashionweek.com and fill out the model application form (don’t forget the link to your Instagram selfie!)
• Models must be available all day 12 p.m. – 9 p.m. on the day of the show they want to model in and the day before for rehearsal and a pre-show party

As a model, you will:

• Have the chance to model two different looks in College Fashion Week in the city of your choice
• Receive a complimentary brow consultation and wax from the Brow Experts, European Wax Center (for a beautifully shaped, runway-ready brow!)
• Be pampered by TRESemmé and bareMinerals
• Receive a VIP goody bag
• Get professional photos to add to your modeling portfolio

Ready to strut your stuff on the runway? Sure you are! Get excited for College Fashion Week wherever you are; enter now to be the star of the show when we bring the catwalk to YOUR campus! 

College gear isn’t always super stylish, but collegiettes certainly are! So what’s a fashion-forward girl to do if she wants to rep her school? Here to save the day, Victoria’s Secret PINK has made our lives a whole lot easier with the new PINK Collegiate Collection.

This collection has the cutest tees, sweats and leggings for 67 lucky colleges and universities so you can rep your school for game day or any day.

Just in time for back to campus, we’re here to show you the five best places to rock your fabulous new school gear. Check out how PINK's own Campus Reps* style the looks!

1. Going to class

Dragging yourself out of bed to get to class can be a struggle, and the last thing you want to deal with is picking out an outfit; let us make it easy for you! Start with your favorite pair of jeans, throw on a pair of colorful sneakers and finish your look with the Throwback Jersey ($49.95 at VS PINK) or ultra-cool Mesh V-Neck Jersey ($39.95 at VS PINK) for an effortless outfit. If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, pair your jersey with a faux leather midi skirt for a tough-but-girly touch.

2. Lounging on the quad

The sun’s out, so we are, too! Take advantage of the last of the warm weather by catching some rays on the quad in this adorable Boyfriend Tank ($19.95 at VS PINK). Pair it with printed shorts for a playful vibe! Grab a blanket, your favorite sunnies and some portable speakers for a fun-filled day unwinding on the quad. Oh, and if you’re looking for a foolproof way to meet guys, definitely bring a Frisbee.

3. Game day

Nothing says game day like a jersey, but you don’t necessarily want to be wearing the same thing as the athletes! To stand out in a sea of standard jerseys, try rocking the Mesh Bling Boyfriend Jersey ($59.95 at VS PINK) for the perfect balance of girly and spirited. For an added pop of personality, pair your fabulous boyfriend jersey with a pair of colored jeans on game day.

4. Girls night in

Fancy dinner dates and sorority formals are fun, but sometimes it’s nice to just have a cozy night in with your friends. To stay casual and comfy while still looking cute, try the Marl Ultimate Yoga Legging ($59.95 at VS PINK) and top off with a super-soft Throwback Jersey ($49.95 at VS PINK). Your comfy-chic outfit is complete!

5. Late-night study sesh

Late-night cram sessions are an inevitable part of the college experience, but that doesn’t mean you can’t look cute while doing calculus! For those nights spent holed up in the library, opt for the Varsity Crew ($54.95 at VS PINK). Add your favorite jeans or leggings for a look that’s comfy enough to curl up in (but cute enough to wear to the 24/7 coffee shop for a midnight mocha).

Repping your school on campus isn’t just for the jocks—any collegiette can show off her school spirit without sacrificing style with the PINK Collegiate Collection. Check to see if your college or university is one of the lucky 67 and pick up some products that will make you proud of your school and your personal style.

*PINK Campus Reps include:

• Baylor University – Jennilee Pirtle
• Univesity of Kentucky – Kelsey Chaplin
• University of Minnesota – Alexa Madden
• University of Nebraska – Katie Klingelhoefer
• Ohio State University – Brittany Gajarsky
• Oklahoma State – Caroline Chabata
• University of Alabama – Wesley Shaw
• Louisiana State University – Brittany Styacich
• Boise State - Hannah Budke
• Texas A&M – Alexis Emmou

The beginning of fall semester can be stressful. Everything from making sure your pens from last year still have ink, to picking up your textbooks, moving in to your new room, choosing an outfit worthy of the first day of class and, most importantly, an outfit that shows off how much hotter, tanner and fitter you have gotten over the summer for last semester’s crush. However, an outfit can only do so much.

Your crush from spring semester may have been a guy you hooked up with a few times but weren’t “hooking up with,” or maybe something a little more serious, or maybe just a love-from-afar kind of crush that you never had the guts to do anything about. 

While you may be tempted to hide behind the nearest building when you first see him on campus, instead try some of these effective and, at times, very strategic flirting tips from my two suave friends, a senior at Cornell and a sophomore at UNC Chapel Hill (let’s call them Jake* and Sam*). 

Scenario 1: You end up next to each other in line at the dining hall.

Do not keep talking to your girl friend and pretend like you have somehow managed not to notice he is standing right next to you; otherwise the next 10 minutes are about to be the most painstakingly awkward moments of your life. Instead, embrace the nervous excitement churning in your stomach and say hello. Have the regular post-summer conversation, like updates on internships and vacations, and at some point casually slip in a compliment.

Jake suggests, “Compliment him on a summer improvement. If he had a really cool summer job tell him, ‘That sounds so interesting,’ or if he explains he went to the beach say, ‘I can tell, you look really tan.’ If you can’t think of anything creative, just genuinely smile and tell him ‘You look good!’ Then he will walk away from the conversation thinking about you, thinking about him looking good. It will definitely turn him on and get him thinking about your chemistry last spring.”  

Scenario 2: You walk into your classroom and discover him sitting in the third row.

As endless weeks of steamy study sessions and excuses to meet up before and after class start flashing before your eyes, compose yourself and focus on finding a strategic seat.

If it’s a big lecture, Jake says you should, “Sit behind him a few rows back and a little to the side, so you can catch him checking you out. On the first day of class, guys love to sit and watch all the girls coming in to the classroom and get excited about all the new hot girls they will have excuses to spend time with.”

Plus, if you sit in front of him, you will most likely feel extremely self-conscious and imagine he is staring at your love handles or that stain on the back of your shirt you thought no one would notice. After class, text him something like: “I noticed we have [blank] class together, this should be a good semester.” It will have him excitedly wondering if you meant “good” because of him, or because of the syllabus.

If it’s a smaller, more intimate class setting like a seminar, Sam says, “You definitely want to be in the same row and within conversation distance. It would be awkward if you sat too far away because you will obviously both acknowledge each other’s presence. Have a friendly conversation and act really excited to have a class together, and shoot him flirtatious smiles throughout the class whenever the professor says something funny or interesting.”

Scenario 3: You wave to each other crossing the quad but it’s too awkward of a distance to have a conversation.

This is the perfect time for a first text. A few minutes after you saw each other, text him: “Too bad I missed you. We should catch up soon.” You don’t need to be overly flirtatious here, and you may be tempted to add a smiley emoticon for an obvious clue that you still like him.

However, Jake has pretty strong feelings about emoticons: “Emoticons are boner killers.” This might not be the same for all guys, but a smile is insinuated without a colon and a parenthesis. Hopefully he will text you back, and if so, follow the tips explained in Scenario 4.

Scenario 4: He texts you out of the blue.

Don’t freak out, but this may be the single most important thing to ever happen to you. Just kidding – sort of. The fact that he texted you without any stimulant on your end shows that he has been thinking about seeing you and is excited you are both back on campus. Ask a question back to maintain the conversation, and after a couple of texts stop being so vague about your summer and start being specific, telling jokes and flirting.

Sam explains, “Don’t talk about academics or your internship, talk about fun, unusual and adventurous things you did over the summer that will make him interested and have the conversation continue for a long time.” Hopefully it will end in one of you suggesting meeting up over the weekend or for a meal.

Scenario 5: You run into him at a wild first-weekend-back party.

This scenario will require some constraint on your end. In your drunken haze you will think to yourself, “Darn it, what were those tips in that great article on Her Campus?” – or something along those lines. Here is the key point to remember:

DO NOT hook up (no making out, nothing) the first night you run into each other coincidentally. You don’t want him to think of you as the surefire hook up for a weekend. However, both Jake and Sam agree that you also do not want him to think, “Oh my god, why didn’t she want to hook up with me? Is she over me?” 

Instead, the ever-strategic Jake suggests you create a false time constraint. “Casually work into conversation that you promised your friend you have to stop by this other party. If he wants to come with you he will follow you there, or you should text him later and invite him: ‘Hey this party is really fun you should come.’ That way, he will think ‘She didn’t hook up with me because she had to go somewhere’ rather than ‘she wanted to run away from me because she doesn’t like me anymore.’” If he ends up coming to the party, then it’s clear he still likes you and the serious flirting can start. Then, it’s up to you if you want to hook up.

(Note: Don’t freak out if he doesn’t fall into your trap and come to the other party; it’s possible his friends convinced him to go elsewhere, or countless other events of an unpredictable night at college.)

Scenario 6: You look up from your laptop in the library and realize he is doing homework at a desk right near you.

Now, there are two choices: you either wait for him to notice you and come up to you, or you make the move. If you are lucky, you will catch him staring at you and give a little wave or a smile and nod.

If you want to make the move, Jake tactfully explains, “You want to walk past him as an excuse for conversation, but you can only do what your surroundings present you with for a destination: a friend, the printer, the bathroom, the water fountain. Walk towards the pretend destination and act surprised and happy to run into him, and have a quick and friendly conversation.” Remember, he might be caught up with homework and will probably only be receptive to a short yet flirtatious hello.

Scenario 7: You are with a group of girl friends and run into him with his group of guy friends at the go-to Sunday breakfast place. 

We saved the trickiest situation for last. When we were talking to Jake and Sam, they both admitted to being stumped for the perfect way to handle it. Jake admits he “hates the showdown of the crews,” because groups of friends get in the way and make this first encounter more awkward than it should be. It’s good to note that guys are just as uncomfortable in this situation as girls are; friends can be intimidating and might throw you off your game.

Amidst the rounds of polite hugs and overly-excited “Heys!” between groups, make sure you hug him a little tighter, and flash him a brighter smile, and have a slightly longer greeting than you do with all his friends so he realizes you are more excited to see him. Later shoot him a text about the encounter: “It was great to see you at [blank], maybe next time we can run into each other on purpose,” or any joke that implies you should have more coincidental run-ins in the future.

Keep these flirty tips in mind for the first week of fall semester, and hopefully you will feel well prepared and resist the urge to hide when you suddenly cross paths. Love is a battlefield, and sometimes it requires a little strategy to nudge it in the right direction.

*Names changed to prevent girls on campus from finding out how suave these two eligible bachelors are.

During the weeklong process of sorority recruitment, a Potential New Member (PNM) can talk to around five sisters per house. Conversation topics range anywhere from clichéd banter, such as social events or summer plans, to interesting chatter, like a cool vacation you took or unique hobbies. But regardless of where the discussion goes, there are some things a sorority girl will just never spill to a PNM.

On the outside looking in, the customs of Greek life may seem transparent: socials every week, frat tanks for days and throwing up your sorority’s sign whenever possible. However, there are many aspects you’d only get to know once you join. Check out some of the things sorority girls will never tell you about being in a sorority!

1. Being in a Sorority is a Huge Time Commitment

You probably realize you’ll need to participate in events to be an active member, but most sisters won’t reveal just how much time you’ll actually be devoting to the chapter. Most chapters require sisters to acquire a certain amount of points to maintain status as an active member. These points can come from attending socials and mixers, participating in philanthropic activities, going to assigned tailgates for football games or anything that a chapter sees fit. This can add up to hours and hours of activities per week!

“There are weekly chapter meetings, which are mandatory and are two hours on Sunday nights. New Member meetings were Sundays for usually an hour. We attended those for eight weeks until initiation,” says Melanie, a sophomore at Florida State University and a Phi Mu sister. “During social season we had about one [social] a week, but those weren't mandatory. Anything that is a good representation of the chapter is required, like participating in other chapters' philanthropies or attending intermural games.”

Melanie says that participating in these events is deemed very important. “There is an unspoken obligation and expectation to be involved,” she says. “A lot of the girls didn't realize how much goes into it, but my chapter makes it very easy for you to be as involved or not as you want to be.”

2. The House Might Have Problems

An awesome perk of being in a sorority is always having a place to call home. Whether you live in the house or not, that’s typically the place where meals are served and sisters come to hang out, study, relax and gossip. But these enormous homes are not always as fairy-tale-like as they may seem.

Ashley*, a Cornell sorority alumna, reveals, “Our house had extremely loud pipes when the heat was on. Girls would ask about it, and we would have to make up lies during rush. Also you’d never tell a rushee something like we have to pay for laundry or that we don’t have snacks out constantly like other houses.”

While these white lies might seem unfair, a sister would never want you to base your views of a chapter and its members on the house!

3.You Won’t Always Be So Involved

The new member period of joining a sorority is also referred to as the honeymoon period. Everyone you meet is wonderful, every event is the most fun you’ve ever had, you bond with your new sisters during meals and everything about your chapter just couldn’t be more perfect. Not to say any of this isn’t true, but this obsession probably won’t last forever. Between freshman and senior year, you’ll likely tend to start going to fewer and fewer events every semester.

“The majority of the girls aren’t very involved and just go to eat food,” says Emma, a senior and sister of Alpha Chi Omega at Florida State University. “People stop going as often when they get older because they live off campus, so it takes more time and effort. Girls stay active members but won’t participate in socials or date functions because they don’t have the participation points to attend.”

4.There Are Strict Rules (and Fines That Come With Them)

There’s a lot more to sorority life than just mixers and retreats. Most sororities are governed by the National Panhellenic Conference, which has strict guidelines all members have to follow. Sororities get fined for every Panhellenic rule that is broken, such as sisters contacting PNMs during the week of recruitment.

For example, Ashley dishes, “You would never tell a rushee that everyone will be fined if the lists of girls who were are inviting back for the next round for rush are late to Panhel.”

The rules are there to give sorority life some structure, even if they seem unnecessary. However, this may leave PNMs with a bitter taste in their mouths about the National Panhellenic Conference, so sisters tend to avoid the subject at all costs.

5.You Won’t Be Best Friends With Everyone in Your Chapter

Although it seems like it on Facebook, not all girls in the chapter are soul mates. Unless you have an incredibly small pledge class and chapter, there’s a good chance you won’t be best friends with everyone.

“Out of 200 girls, only about 10 are your true friends for life,” Emma says.

Throughout your time, you’ll hopefully find a tight-knit group of girls whom you’ll become close with. As for the other girls, they’re great lunchtime companions and study partners, but you probably won’t be asking them to be your bridesmaids.

“I’m close friends with about six girls in my chapter; the rest are just acquaintances,” says Amanda, a sophomore at Michigan State University and sister of Alpha Xi Delta. “There are 150 girls in total, and it’s impossible to know everyone personally.”

6. Girls Drop All the Time

While some girls are obsessed with their sororities from day one, others don’t always feel that draw. Throughout the four years, girls tend to drop out, whether it’s because of money issues, loss of interest or personal reasons. Regardless, your pledge class is bound to get smaller each year.

 “Girls drop because it can get too expensive, their school work gets too difficult or they just feel like they haven’t made any great friends,” Emma says.

Amanda also says that the expenses of joining a sorority play a huge role in girls’ decisions to drop. “[Dropping] is rare in most sororities here because most girls who join know what they’re getting into,” she says. “If they do it’s because of the money or it just isn’t their thing.”

7.The Food Isn’t Always Great

Unless you go toone of these schools, your college’s dining hall food probably isn’t top notch. A perk of sorority life is having a chef cook for you and your sisters, which means that the food can be more tailored to your tastes. However, the food can tend to get cyclical since it can be challenging to feed such a sizable group of girls. 

“The food is cooked in mass quantities and has lots of butter,” Emma says. “We eat a lot of pasta and chicken and vegetables. I got sick of the food at the end of the semester after eating everything at least five times.”

Although these are some things sorority girls wouldn’t spill, there are so many more aspects that can make your sorority a great community within your school. Sometimes the secrets of a sorority can even be the best part. Whether the secrets are exciting, funny, interesting or discouraging, they all help to make each chapter unique.

*Names have been changed.

As beauty addicts, our Instagrams are filled with many other beauty obsessers: makeup artists (professional or aspiring), beauty editors and nail fanatics. If you're looking for some beauty inspiration on your Instagram feed, you have to check out these beauty Instagram accounts! 

1. @beautyisboring_

Created by Robin Black, this Instagram (an extension of her website) showcases faces she finds beautiful: models, actresses, friends, artists, people. She does their makeup and takes a clean photograph of them. She calls it her photo essay so that she can show the world that beauty is not just one size (or look).

If you're not following this Insta, we suggest you do! The pictures are breathtaking because they focus only on people's faces and their makeup. A lot of the looks are easily reproduced, so you can look, be amazed and do the looks yourself! Plus, she loves photographing some of her models with her dog, and it's beyond precious!

2. @temptalia

Beauty blogger extraordinaire Christine Mielke uses her Instagram to highlight pictures of higher-end makeup that will make you "ooh" and "ahh." She also loves to take pictures of her dog that will make you go, "aww!"

We love following her Insta and her blog because she features herself trying on the products for reviews and dupes of the beauty items she owns. We seriously just want everything she has! Plus, she got to try out the new Christian Louboutin nail polish, and we are so jealous. 

3. @wahnails

Based in London, WAH Nails is an totally awesome nail salon that we definitely want to visit. This nail salon does super cool, retro and fun nail styles that make your standard mani look so passé. Luckily for those of us who aren't native to London, they post their eccentric nail designs on their Instagram so that we can attempt (emphasis on "attempt") to do the styles ourselves.

Need a little (or a lot of) nailspiration? Just follow this Insta!

4. @charlottewillermakeup

Charlotte Willer, another makeup artist, showcases more colorful and eccentric faces. A lot of these looks aren't easily reproducable or wearable for daytime, but seeing a splash of color every now and then makes us want to try out neon-green lips.

Need some more color in your life? Check her Insta out!

5. @smashboxcosmetics

Since this is Smashbox's official Instagram account, they feature only their own products, but that doesn't make their Instagrams any less appealing!

Following a beauty company's Insta is a great first step to finding other beauty Instas because they'll tag the makeup artists associated with each shoot. Smashbox is a great place to start because they feature their products, looks, how-tos and photo shoots.

Are there any beauty Instagrams you're beyond obsessed with that didn't make our list? Let us know in the comments below!

We all need a little guidance now and then, so whether you’re stressed about a fling gone wrong, a recently wrecked relationship or how to handle a stage-five clinger, Real Live College Guy Dale is here to help you navigate the college dating scene.

The guy I like was in a relationship with a girl for four years. She cheated on him, and they broke up five months ago. Recently I've been getting the feeling that he's interested in me. But they were in a serious, committed relationship—they even lived together. How can I know if he's ready for a new relationship or if he's just flirting with me because he's single and can flirt without guilt for the first time in years?–Flirty at FSU

I’ve heard of different recovery times for breakups, everything from, “half as long as the relationship lasted” to, “twice as long as the relationship lasted.” The simple fact is that there’s no set time frame for post-breakup recovery.

You simply cannot be sure if he’s ready for a new relationship because you aren’t in his head. Unfortunately, neither am I, so I can’t give you any guarantees. I know that for me at least, it took about a year to get over my longest relationship, which itself lasted a year.

They were together for four years. They lived together. If, by chance, he is flirting with people, part of me thinks he’s doing so for rebound purposes. He’s flirting with you to get over his ex or he’s trying to prove that he still has the ability to pick up girls. But then, for all I know, the man could have recovered from their breakup with great haste and is now ready to woo all the women on campus.

I think the question you should really be asking is whether or not you’re okay with possibly being a “no strings attached” kind of deal with this guy. Is he someone you genuinely like as a person, or is this just some guy you thought was cute?

If it’s the latter option, I don’t think you should bother getting involved unless you’re fine with something that may be purely physical. He may be using you — as bitter as it sounds — to get over his ex. He might also just be playing the field, and after a four-year relationship, I can’t say I blame the guy.

If it’s the first option, you need to decide if you’re willing to be with someone who might still be hung up on his ex. I’ve been with women who were still hung up on their ex-boyfriends, and that’s no fun at all. Take that bit of information as you will.

Communication, communication, communication. Find out where he’s at and decide for yourself whether or not you’re willing to get involved at all. Otherwise, you’re going to end up hurt as well.

Alright, ladies, we know you're super excited for your first big night out, and rightfully so, but let's step away from the beer pong table and get real for a moment, shall we? Sure, girls may just want to have fun, and we all make mistakes, but with a little bit of guidance, you don't have to. 

1. Chugging with that frat boy may seem like the best idea you've had in ages, but you might just end up like this tomorrow:

Or like this: 

2. If you're wearing a dress, please try to keep it classy. 

And by classy, we mean don't flash anyone. Which brings us to our next point...

3. Please, please, please put on some underwear.

And yet, some people just cannot grasp this concept. 

4. Don't do anything your mom wouldn't want to see on the Internet. 

You can have a good time without managing to have your make-out session caught on camera, right?

5. We know it's your song; you can stop screaming now.

Because God forbid a girl hears "Timber" without screaming, "OHMYGOD, BECKY! IT'S MY SONG! WOOHOO! THIS IS MY SONG!!" 

6. If your Snapchat story is longer than 25 seconds long, please do less.

You know that no one really watches them anyway unless they're trying to get rid of them. 

7. Drunk texting is not the end of the world, but we can definitely tell when you're faking it.

This is 2014, aka The Age of Autocorrect. You have to be trying to misspell that many words. 

8. We know that you think it's cute, but taking 700 selfies in the middle of a crowded room is just not. 

Your duckface would be better appreciated elsewhere... or maybe not at all. 

9. The party environment mixed with a little bit of inevitable homesickness can be enough to make you cry in the bathroom. Don't do that. As a wise woman once said, "Just dance. Gonna be okay. Da-da doo-doo, just dance."

Better to dance by yourself than to have mascara streaks coming down your face, right?

10. Eating after a night out certainly isn't the end of the world, but the freshman 15 is not a myth, so beware. 

Then again, you only live once, or, as the kids say, "YOLO."

11. Most importantly, just have fun, because being a freshman sort of excuses any of this behavior. 

Sort of.

It’s easier to be motivated to stay fit when the sun is up, your bikini is in use, and you have more time to devote to working out. But as much as you hope to keep your healthy habits and fitness routines in place during the school year, let’s face it: classes and homework take up time, parties serve too much temptation and the stress can make you throw all your hard work out the window. Still, it’s not impossible to stay on track! We talked to collegiettes to see how they maintain their motivation throughout the school year.

Find Fitspiration

One of the best ways to keepmotivated is to expose yourself to inspiration that encourages you to live healthy year-round.

“Throughout freshman year, I struggled to remain motivated with maintaining my healthy diet — late-night snacking and tasting desserts at school were huge temptations that all my workouts couldn't cancel out,” says Kaitlin McCabe, a student at Hamilton College.

Kaitlin started to follow what are called “Fitblrs” on Tumblr: Tumblr pages with photos, quotes, and articles that are intended to motivate you to keep your fitness on track. “Every morning and whenever I felt weakness coming on, I would check out all the fitspo [fitspiration], from healthy recipes to workout tips to motivational images,” she says. “It was a great way to remind me of my fitness and nutritional goals. I now have my own Fitblr to help others with their health journeys.”

You could also find a healthy living or fitness blog to follow, such as Carrots ‘N’ Cake,Eating Bird Food or Fit Bottomed Girls, to get tips, recipes and encouragement.

Another way to get fitspiration all year long is to subscribe to a monthly fitness magazine or visit their website for articles on workout and meal ideas. You can even make a collage out of images that will motivate you and put it in your agenda or on your wall. Look at fitspiration boards on Pinterest, or make your own.

CAUTION: Fitspiration is not thinspiration! The focus should be on health and fitness, not thinness. It can get easy to get carried away, and you may come across some sites that promote unhealthy and unrealistic expectations, which can turn dangerous quickly. Stick to sites and blogs that focus on nutrition, exercise and health as opposed to diets and being skinny. Inspirational quotes, recipes, and workouts make for good fitspo, whereas pictures of models and unrealistic bodies do not.

Make Exercise a Priority

When classes get busy and the stress of college life gets overwhelming, it’s easy to push exercise routines down on your list of priorities. But just like brushing your teeth is essential to your health, so is exercise.

Hillary Coombs, a senior at Bryant University, makes a point to fit workouts into her schedule. “Every Tuesday and Thursday at 7 a.m., I go to yoga,” she says. “I have literally built it into my schedule as a necessity.”

Sign up for fun group exercises classes at your school’s gym that are more likely to get you excited about working up a sweat. Another way to keep yourself motivated to stay fit is to sign up for arace, like Hillary does regularly. “I sign up for 5Ks (and a half marathon this year) throughout the year to keep me training,” she says. Knowing that you’re working toward a big event is a great motivator to keep fit.

Track Your Food and Exercise

An easy way to stay motivated to eat healthy is to keep track of the food you’re eating. This will not only allow you to see how much and what you’re eating, but it will also keep you accountable. An app that Kaitlin uses to track her nutrition is MyFitnessPal. The app lets you track your nutrition as well as your exercise.

“[It] definitely keeps me from cheating throughout the day — by logging what I eat and how much I exercise, I stay honest to myself,” says Kaitlin. “ It's also great because it tells me the proper serving size for each food I consume, and I can track my progress!”

Mary Reischmann, a collegiette from Washington University in St. Louis, uses the USDA SuperTrack app, which works in a similar way. “It’s not super glam, but it’s really easy to use and it compliments you whenever you get closer to your goal weight,” she says. “Definitely worth checking out!”

There are many more apps out there that serve the same purpose. Check out our list offitness and health apps!

Get a Fitness Buddy

It’s hard to keep up motivation on your own, so call a friend who shares your desire to stay fit throughout the year. When you have a partner in crime, you can encourage each other and hold each other accountable.

“My housemates and I all dive in together in the beginning of the year,” Hillary says. “We plop a scale in the bathroom, leave notes for each other on mirrors and take turns cooking healthy meals together.”

Encouragement is great, but a little healthy competition can be a good motivator, too! Patricia Loo, a recent grad of the University of Western Ontario, made a bet with her friend to get a six-pack by the end of the year. “The bet was that if I did win, then he would buy me a nice dinner, but if I failed then I owed him a nice dinner,” she says. “I didn't end up winning the bet in the end, but it did motivate me to go to the gym more often.”

Even if you don’t win the competition, you still get the benefits of having stuck to a healthy plan! Just make sure not to let your competitive side take it too far. At the end of the day, everyone’s body is different, so you may get different results than your friends when doing a competition like Patricia’s. Keep the competition positive by encouraging your competitor, no matter what the results are. You don’t want the competition to lead you to do anything that jeopardizes your health or sanity.

Write Down the Benefits of Being Healthy

We know there are many benefits to eating right and exercising. But when you’re contemplating stress eating or are tempted to skip your workout in favor of a nap, those benefits are probably the last thing on your mind. So, it’s important to remind yourself of what you’ll gain from making healthy choices.

“If you make a list of all the great things staying healthy does for you, like your mental health, it makes [a healthier lifestyle] a lot easier to stick with it,” says Hillary. “For me, it helps me relieve stress, so it is kind of a must for me.”

You know how you don’t feel like going to the gym, but once you finish your workout you feel amazing? Try to record that feeling on paper or as a note in your phone so you can remember what it’s like. Whenever you feel you’re lacking motivation, remind yourself of how your post-workout endorphins made you feel. Use those fitblrs and Pinterest boards to remind yourself as well.

Having these benefits written in front of you will help remind you why you don’t want to throw away all the hard work you put into maintaining a healthy lifestyle during the summer. Some of the benefits you can write are how it helps reduce stress, makes you feel more confident and gives you more energy.

It can be hard to adjust from being a super-motivated collegiette in the summer to dealing with the stresses of school and maintaining a healthy lifestyle in the fall. But with these tips, it will be a little easier! Even if you end up slipping up every now and then, don’t beat yourself up about it — it’s not the end of the world!

What are ways that you keep yourself motivated throughout the year? Let us know in the comments.

It’s here! It’s here! We’re talking, of course, about the beautiful return to academia that is finally right around the corner. Summer was great, don’t get us wrong, but the thought of going back to our friends and professors makes us a little giddy with anticipation.

As you’re prepping to go back to your home away from home, chances are you’re probably mapping out exactly what you’ll need. From supplies like notebooks and pens to that chemistry textbook, it can seem like your tuition is only a fraction of what you’ll actually pay to go back to school. Back-to-school shopping doesn’t have to be the straw that breaks the piggy bank’s back, however; Collegiettes are smart shoppers, after all! By joining these rewards programs and frequent buyers’ clubs, you’ll save oh-so-much moolah, leaving you with extra cash to spare.

1. Sephora Beauty Insider

Okay, not to be the bearer of bad(ish) news, but now that summer is fading fast, your tan will be, too. It’s okay, though! Keep up that wonderful summer glow by picking up some new bronzer at Sephora – and get rewarded for it! As a Beauty Insider, you’ll get access to lots of cool offers. In addition to amassing points that will eventually translate into free products, you’ll also get a birthday present, access to special promotions and beauty classes. Plus, if you’re super intense and spend over $350 in a year at Sephora, you’ll get promoted to VIB (Very Important Beauty Insider) status and gain early access to sales and VIB-only gifts! Makeup addicts, rejoice – this is the perfect program for you.

2. Walgreens Balance Rewards

Is anyone else as hopelessly obsessed with drugstores as we are? Seriously, every time we step in a Walgreens, we can’t walk out without spending upwards of 40 dollars – they’ve got everything from makeup essentials to school supplies! Luckily, each dollar that you spend at Walgreens earns you 50 points towards their Balance Rewards program. You also get 500 points for every prescription you fill and another 500 for every immunization you get at the in-store pharmacy (hello, flu shot!). With points accumulating this quickly, you’ll be scoring free products in no time (you can redeem the points you get for products)!

3. PINK Nation

Desperate for a new bra? Join the club! Seriously, though: By downloading the PINK Nation app from Victoria’s Secret, you’ll be on your way to scoring awesome deals on your fave underthings. Just having the app (which is free!) will give you access to ongoing deals and freebies, and you’ll also get a look at what’s to come from the lingerie retailer before items ever even hit the stores. Plus, you’ll get invites to special events and other promotional offers so you can score awesome deals in store and online. Maybe we can’t all be Victoria’s Secret angels, but this app makes us feel like VIPs.

4. AERewards

American Eagle has one of the best retail rewards programs out there. Once you sign up (for free, by the way), you get 15 percent off all your purchases at AE or Aerie during your birthday month, a free bra (once you buy five others) and awesome discounts once you collect a good amount of points! What’s more, there are even special sales and events for rewards members only (it’s like your own exclusive club). You earn a point for every dollar spent, and once you get 100 points, your next purchase is 15 percent off. The percentage increases when you hit higher point benchmarks, too. Think of the great deals you’ll get on jeans, sweaters and pretty dresses for fall semester!

5. DSW Rewards

Need a new pair of killer boots for the fall? Oh, or how about those adorable heels that will literally go with everything in your closet? With the DSW Rewards program, you can get your new favorite shoes shipped to you for free (assuming they cost over $35). You’ll also get an early heads-up on sales and earn 10 points for every dollar you spend. Once you reach 1,500 points, you get 10 dollars off your next purchase! Maybe you can get those cute heels and the boots of your dreams.

6. Kohl’s Yes2You Rewards

The best place to get new sheets for your dorm, school supplies and a pair of cute heels all in one place? Kohl’s, duh. With the Kohl’s Loyalty Program, you get a point for every dollar you spend and a five-dollar reward for every 100 points you accumulate. As a bonus, you’ll get at least eight special offers throughout the year and an awesome birthday gift. Sign us up, please!

7. Anthro

With everything from whimsical tableware to gorgeous dresses, Anthropologie just may be every collegiette’s happy place. Seriously, walk through their heavy wooden doors and inhale that Voluspa-infused air and try to tell us that you aren’t immediately calmed down. We get that for budget-savvy collegiettes, your trips to Anthropologie are probably confined to the sale section, but that’s okay! You can get awesome deals there, especially if you join Anthro. As an Anthro member, you’ll get first access to new arrivals, invites to exclusive parties and events (ooh la la!) and a birthday discount! They’ll also send you info about discounts and promotions to your email, so you can be ready to pounce when that fun printed blouse you’ve had your eye on goes on sale.

Be a smart shopper and use your favorite store to your advantage! If you play your cards right, you can constantly get discounts for the items you love the most. Plus, as you’re getting ready to head back to campus, you’ll feel a little better knowing you’ve saved some cash for the upcoming semester (and still scored the style staples you wanted to make your grand entrance).

Majors. Dorms. Roommates. Campuses. Internships. College will probably be one of the most exciting times of your life, but when you're a high school senior, the prospect of choosing the college that is right for you (and getting in!) can be beyond nerve-wracking. How do college experiences vary between big state schools, Ivy Leagues, small liberal arts colleges and technical schools? How will college be different from high school? What tricks of the trade can help you make the most out of these next four years?

Fear not, pre-collegiettes! Her Campus has teamed up with McDonald's to answer all of your burning questions in a three-hour live “College Confessionals” webcast featuring undergraduates from 10 different campuses and moderated by Her Campus co-founder Annie Wang (that’s me)!

During our webcast, you’ll hear from real students who currently attend Boston University, Carnegie Mellon, Harvard, Northwestern, Princeton, UCSD, UConn, University of Florida, UMass Amherst and William & Mary. They’ll share their experiences and demystify what college is all about. We’ll cover topics including the application process, campus life, academics and how college compares to high school.

Best of all, YOU can submit your own questions to our collegiette panelists using Google Hangouts. Simply create a Google+ account and send your questions through the broadcast page, located at bit.ly/collegeconfessionals. Here’s how:

• Once you’ve created your account, navigate to the event page
• Click “Q&A” in the top right corner of the webcast screen
• Click “Ask a new question” in the bottom right corner of the pop-up screen
• Type in your question!
• If you see that someone else has already asked your question in the question feed, simply click the plus sign (+) within the question box to indicate that you also want this question answered. The number next to the (+) sign indicates how many people have liked it. The higher that number is, the more likely it is that I (Annie) will select that question to ask during the webcast! 

Then, sign in to the live webcast on Sunday, 9/21 at 3 p.m. EST and hear your questions answered!

Her Campus is proud to be partnering with McDonald’s, a company that has demonstrated its support for high school students pursuing higher education through programs like the McDonald’s Education Workshops for Asian-American students and now, Her Campus’s College Confessionals! In addition, McDonald’s has awarded over $52 million in scholarship funds since 1985 for pre-collegiettes everywhere through the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) scholarship program. These scholarships are offered to students with financial need who have demonstrated academic achievement, leadership and community involvement, which means ambitious pre-collegiettes like you are just who they’re looking for! Plus, several of the scholarships are also specifically catered toward minority applicants. Tune in to our webcast to meet one collegiette who was the recipient of one of these scholarships, and learn about the difference it made in her life! Think you might be eligible? Learn more about the Ronald McDonald House Charities scholarships.

Excited about our College Confessionals webcast? We are, too! Join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #CollegeConfessionals and tagging @McDonalds and @HerCampus.

Lastly, don’t forget to submit your questions to our College Confessionals Google Hangout page anytime leading up to our webcast, and we’ll see you for the live webcast on Sunday, 9/21 at 3 p.m. EST!