The spring semester of your senior year of high school comes with a tidal wave of emotions. You’re excited for everything new that’s coming your way but sad about leaving high school behind. It’s starting to hit you that this semester is your last hoorah with your childhood friends.

Even with a frenzy of different emotions, you should definitely be psyched for every amazing event and moment during the spring semester of your senior year! Collegiettes are here to tell you what to get excited for.

1. Everything’s Your Last

It’s your last school play, your last softball game, your last article in the school newspaper. Instead of getting bummed about all these “lasts,” look at the semester as an opportunity to go out with a bang. Leave behind a legacy of giving your sport or club your all and graduate with no regrets!

“I play piano, so I had a senior recital with my friends at the end of the year,” says Katherine, a junior majoring in English at the University of Rochester. “School shows are also really fun.  Anyone who does theater knows what a meaningful experience it is.  Performing in your last high school show is very bittersweet and tends to feel like more than just a high school production, because it's the last time you're creating theater with a group of people you've grown to trust.”

A last game or show is the perfect way to cap off your high school experience with a meaningful event with your friends!

2. You’ll Get Your College Acceptance Letters

Let’s be honest: part of the fun of senior year of high school is figuring out where you’ll be freshman year of college! Spring semester is when all of those acceptance letters start rolling in and you get a better idea of where you’re headed come fall.

Towards the end of the spring semester, most high schools have a day when seniors can sport their new college’s apparel and be proud to show off their new school colors. Make sure you head to your college’s bookstore to get ready for your time to shine!

3. You Get to Go to Prom

After watching Pretty in Pink, She’s All That and Full House (everyone still loves D.J. and Steve’s prom episode) on repeat for years, it’s finally your turn to go to prom! Will your date ask you out in the hallway, or by painting his proposal on your car in the senior parking lot? Will you wear your hair up or down? Will your gown be long or short? Sure, those are a lot of questions, but figuring out your plans is half the fun (and great prep for college formals!).

“Being asked to prom, the dress shopping and pictures and planning are fun/stressful but well worth it in the end, and I miss it!” says Morgan, a senior at Boston College.

Because prom is so late in the semester, it’s often your class’s last big gathering before graduation. And, of course, it’s the party of the year.

“At my school, prom was really exciting because it our only formal, so everyone was chattering about prom forever,” says Elleandrea, a senior at the University of Iowa.

No matter what you’re wearing, if you have a date or not or where the prom is held, you’re sure to have the time of your life dancing the night away with your best friends.

4. There’s No More Drama

What many collegiettes realize now is how much drama disappeared once they became high school seniors. Who cares about cliques when everyone’s leaving in a few months anyways?

“I absolutely loved the second semester of my senior year of high school,” says Lindsey, a junior at Temple University. “Knowing that we were all graduating soon really brought my class together. All the drama faded away and we all really just enjoyed the last big events, like prom, our senior trip and the last weeks of school, before we graduated and went our separate ways.”

Senior year is a time for maturity and letting go of the past before graduation. What better way to do that than by being an adult and sharing the fun of spring semester with everyone?

5. A New Beginning is Officially on the Horizon

They say that high school goes by fast, but get ready, because the next four years of your life are going to fly by.

“The last semester [of high school] is a countdown to a new journey beginning,” Ellandrea says.

College is the most incredible experience. You’re free to explore any major, any career path and any hobby. Hot college guys are everywhere you turn. Even though it can be bittersweet to leave high school behind, you have an amazing four years ahead of you. And your last semester of high school is when that amazing time finally seems like it’s on its way.

Spring semester of your senior year is thrilling. You have so much ahead of you to accomplish while you’re still Big Girls on Campus, so work hard and have fun until you embark on your next journey: college!

Fashion is ever changing. Freshman year style definitely won’t be the same three years later, and most of our high school attire is pretty obsolete at this point. However, no matter how trendy you try to be, remember that there are some lines that shouldn’t be crossed! There are always those rules of fashion that just shouldn’t be broken, no matter what year it is. We talked to image consultant Brian Maynor, who gave us his timeless rules of style.

1. Mix and match trendy and classic pieces. With the pressure to keep up with all of the latest trends, many people are under the assumption that every article of clothing they wear has to be trendy, when that’s really not the case. “It’s good to have one trendy piece if your entire outfit has those classic pieces like straight-leg jeans,” Maynor says.

2. “If you have to put ‘too’ in front of it, then it’s too much,” Maynor stresses. Too baggy, too tight, too short, too long—none of these are good.

3. Chipped nails are always a no-no. Would you go to a job interview with chipped, bright red nail polish? Of course not! So why would you go anywhere else that way? Clean nails always work in your favor, while a neutral polish is always chic. You can even brush on your favorite color as long as your nails look neat and clean. Let’s leave chipped nails in the past.

4. Tousled and unclean are two totally different things.“You can tell when someone puts their hair into a quick, loose bun and when they just throw dirty hair up,” Maynor says. Even when you don’t want to look entirely put together (we all strive for that “I just rolled out of bed, but don’t I look amazing” look, right?), make sure that you don’t look undone: a loose top and boot-cut jeans are fine as long as you don’t pile on a baggy jacket over them. In that circumstance, Maynor advises to keep your jacket fitted.

5. Fresh makeup is always best. We all have those days when we wake up super late after being out all night. Instead of pulling out the makeup remover and reapplying everything, we swipe on some fresh lipstick, grab some mascara, barely wipe off our eye shadow and rush out the door. But we shouldn’t be doing that! Maynor reminds us “you can’t touch up your makeup from the night before and make it look good.” So start from scratch for your best look!

6. Dress for your body. No, that doesn’t mean piling on layers of clothes if you’re heavier, nor does it mean wearing all fitted clothes all the time just because you’re more petite. “A lot of my clients have body image issues and they think camouflaging is covering up, but big and boxy clothes make you look big and boxy,” Maynor says. Find clothes that actually fit your body type so you look fabulous and not frumpy.

7. Always strive for balance. Showing your cleavage, your legs and your stomach is always a fashion don’t. But unless it’s winter, you don’t need to be covered up from head to toe. Try and find a comfortable balance. “If you’re wearing a low neckline, drop the hemline of your skirt,” Maynor advises.

8. Prepare for the day ahead! Remember when you were in elementary school and your mom made you pick out your clothes the night before school? Go back to those days! “Would you rather take 10 minutes at night to pick something out or be fumbling around in the dark, half asleep, trying to pick out your outfit?” Maynor says.

Trends are always changing, and with the fashion-conscious society we live in, it’s hard not to keep up. But just remember that there are always those basic rules of fashion that never go out of style. Although they might be easily forgotten when we wake up too late to do our hair or forget to take off that chipped nail polish (for the second week in a row), try to keep these timeless rules of style in mind.

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

Every year, I—like pretty much everyone else—make drastic New Year’s resolutions to transform my life. This will be the year I achieve all my goals and become a perfect human! But about a week or two later, maybe a month or so if it’s an especially good year, I throw my middle finger up in the face of my resolutions and forget I ever made them in the first place.

I’ve come to realize that when it comes to New Year’s resolutions, going from zero to 100 is setting you up for failure. If you didn't make it to the gym once last semester, committing to go every single day this semester may be setting the bar too high.  It’s daunting to wake up on the morning of January 1st with the pressure to suddenly adopt huge changes to your lifestyle.

So this year, I’m going to make a few resolutions that are small, reasonable, realistic and sustainable. That way, I can start small, see how that works, and adjust my goals from there. Below are three that I’ve come up with so far.

1. Make a cooking bucket list with recipes I want to make from the healthy eating blogs that I follow. I always come across recipes that I want to try but then don’t mark them down, so I want to start keeping track so I can expand my repertoire!
2. Waste less food. Last semester (my first semester with access to a kitchen), I was still getting used to buying my own groceries and cooking for myself. I ended up wasting a fair amount of food because I would buy lots of fresh produce in one grocery store haul, and then a portion would always go bad before I was able to eat it. So, my goal for this semester is to waste less by meal planning in advance. This will hopefully help me grocery shop with a plan so that I only buy what I can reasonably consume within a week or so.
3. Go to the gym at least twice a week. I was awful about fitting exercise into my schedule last semester (and every other semester of college…). I always exercised throughout high school and i really love it, though, so I’m going to try to make this semester the one that I finally get on some sort of workout schedule. I’m hoping that setting the low bar of two days a week will be a good place to start.  And I made this resolution with one of my friends, so I have someone to keep me accountable and motivated!

Now, on to more Thailand eats.

Breakfast

For breakfast yesterday, I had a delicious bowl of Bircher muesli topped with pistachios, dried fruit, sunflower seeds and flaxseed. I love muesli but I never really have it at home, so I was excited that the hotel had it. Bircher muesli is a Swiss recipe for preparing it. It’s a lot like overnight oats (oats soaked in milk overnight in the fridge)—it’s thick, with an almost yogurt-like consistency, and served cold. Bircher museli is typically made with rolled oats, grated apple, apple juice, milk or cream, yogurt, slivered almonds, raisins and sugar or honey. Here’s one recipe to try if you’re interested (which you should be, because it’s so tasty).

I’m not sure exactly how the bowl I had was prepared, but it was very sweet so I think there was a lot of added sugar in it. This was more of a treat breakfast then, but I don’t regret it! I also had a few slices of mango on the side, which was amazing. I haven’t had mango in awhile, and these slices were very juicy and fresh.

Lunch

For lunch, our tour guide took us to a local restaurant for some Thai food. We ate family-style, sharing shrimp pad Thai, a green curry with chicken, a beef and vegetable sauté and a really flavorful and spicy vegetable soup.

I ate a little bit of everything, using bean sprouts and lettuce as a base instead of the white rice. It was all really good, but I have to say, disappointingly not as good as my favorite Thai restaurant back home, Coconut Café. My whole family agreed! Maybe we’re too used to American-style Thai food, or maybe Coconut Café is just really as amazing as I know it is. 

Dinner

We ate dinner at our hotel and had—surprise!—Thai food. My mom and I ordered two dishes to split. One was a chicken sauté with carrots, onions, scallions and chilies, and the other was just a mixed veggie sauté. We ended up mixing them together, adding more veggies to the chicken sauté, because the sauce on the chicken was much more flavorful. It was really tasty and had the perfect amount of spice—hot enough to feel the burn, but not so hot to bring tears and frantic water-chugging.

As much as I love Thai food, I have a feeling that I’m going to max out my Thai food tolerance on this trip and will need a little break from it for a while when I get back. I’m also already missing almond butter and am starting to feel some withdrawal symptoms… HELP.

Hooking up. Getting frisky. Taking a roll in the hay. Making love. Going ‘round the bases.

No matter what euphemism you give it, most people hope it ends with one thing: an orgasm. The fact may be simple, but the achievement itself and all the questions that surround it? Not so much. Lucky for you, we got 60 collegiettes from around the nation to spill on their orgasms and collected some insider tips (and reassurance) from a certified sexpert. Read on for the answers to all your pressing questions.

What is an orgasm?

Let’s start with the basics, like what’s actually happening to your body during the toe-curling, head-spinning release of pleasure. “There are an enormous number of things going on during orgasm,” says Debby Herbenick, PhD, research scientist at Indiana University and author of Because It Feels Good. “A few of the highlights include muscular contractions around the genitals and anus, a peak in breathing and heart rate and a rush of chemicals throughout the body.”

What does an orgasm feel like?

That being said, not everyone’s chemicals rush in exactly the same way. Some collegiettes we polled tossed around the words “perfect” and “amazing,” while others experience what they could only describe as “waves and waves of peanut butter Oreos” or “rainbows, butterflies and sunshine — down there.” But, if you’re having trouble imagining these ladies’ orgasms (we don’t blame you), here are some descriptions from anonymous college gals that you can actually get your head around.

“I feel it mostly in the small of my back, radiating out to my fingertips. It feels like an explosion of sensation throughout your body, pulsating with your heartbeat.”

“My body seizes up and I feel this kind of euphoria and a slight need to pee, but more pleasurable.”

“It's like that feeling you get when you first stretch in the morning, but for longer and it takes over everywhere. Your whole body gets hot, and you pulse down there. Then I get a bit dizzy, and I swear I see colors brighter right afterward.”

“Everything within you is contracting and releasing. Depending on how you feel about who you are with, it can come with an emotional bond.”

How long will it take me to orgasm, and how long will it last?

Patience may not be at the forefront of your mind during sexy time with your guy, but it’s exactly what it sometimes takes to get you off. “In the beginning of a fresh relationship or when you are new to sex altogether, an orgasm with a partner can take at least 30 to 45 minutes to reach,” says Dr. Herbenick. For our group of anonymous college girls, timing is influenced by a number of factors: how turned on they are before sex, the amount of foreplay, the position they are in, and the partner they are with.

According to Dr. Herbenick, once you reach orgasm, it lasts about 20 seconds on average. The collegiettes we polled reported anywhere from just three seconds to a full minute. So, is 45 minutes of work worth a seconds-long burst of pleasure? Most say yes, arguing that an orgasm seems much longer than what it actually clocks in at.

Does an orgasm happen every time?

A majority of the girls we surveyed aren’t able to orgasm with a partner every single time. The lack of orgasm may stem from anxious mind games you’re playing on yourself or anatomical differences that make it harder for you to climax each time. But, while a majority of our panel of ladies does not have consistent orgasms, a little over 15 percent of them have never had an orgasm. “Some women can experience orgasm reliably and others cannot, but there is nothing wrong with you if you've never had an orgasm,” says Dr. Herbenick.

Though scientists have yet to find a surefire way to bring a girl to bed-bouncing bliss, Dr. Herbenick suggests experimenting with a sex toy or other forms of intercourse. “Try to be open to experiencing pleasure from a range of sexual activities (fingering, touching, oral sex, or toy play) and don’t hold one too high up over the other,” she says. In the end, don’t be disappointed if your first orgasm comes from something other than your boyfriend, like a vibrator. Female masturbation allows you to discover what you like, where you like it and everything in between. Once you’ve done that, orgasm in general will become easier for you, and bedtime with your guy will surely benefit.

What about faking it?

Cue clichéd When Harry Met Sallyreference. Thanks to the movie’s infamous diner scene, every lady (and guy) learned a big lesson in faking it. 60 percent of the collegiettes we polled have pulled a Sally and faked an orgasm with their guy at one point or another. While it may make your guy feel good in the moment, the payoff isn’t always worth it. Instead of teaching your partner what it really takes to turn you on, he’ll rely on his same old tricks, and you’ll rely on yours.

Dr. Herbenick swears that practice can make perfect — even with something like sex! Until you reach that stage, though, here are her five dos and don’ts for making it easier to achieve your orgasm.

Don’t worry, be happy
“Relax — stress is the enemy of orgasm.”

Do concentrate on what you’re feeling
“Try not to focus on your orgasm as a goal. Instead, focus on experiencing pleasure.”

Don’t be self-conscious
“Learn to let go. Yes, even if you think you will make a funny face or feel like you have to pee.”

Do experiment with new things
“Try different positions. For some women, being on top is best, but for others missionary is.”

Don’t rely on your partner
“Try moving your hips or squeezing your pelvic floor muscles around the penis, fingers or sex toy if one is inside your vagina rather than expecting your partner to do all the work. You're the only one who can explore and find what feels good for your body.”

It’s no secret: orgasms can be complicated, stressful and not always 100 percent perfect. It can be weird and messy (hello, female ejaculation—which some women experience), but it’s all completely normal and individual to each girl. Though hard work might be the last thing you want to do in the bedroom, that’s what orgasms require sometimes. And before you know it, hopefully those mind-blowing climaxes will be much more regular — easy, stress-free and perfect orgasms!

Sources:
Anonymous College Girls
Debby Herbenick, PhD, research scientist at Indiana University and author of Because It Feels Good.

Though you may be sad to say goodbye to 2013, the New Year is already promising to be a great one. Here are just a few things you can look forward to in 2014.

1. The release of the movie The Fault in Our Stars, based off of John Green’s acclaimed novel by the same name, on June 6th…

2. …as well as the third movie in the Hunger Games trilogy, Mockingjay - Part 1, on November 21st,

3. and the first movie in the Divergent trilogy on March 21st.

4. The 22nd Winter Olympic Games, taking place in Sochi, Russia, from February 7th to the 23rd.

5. The premiere of PayPal Beacon, which uses a low-energy Bluetooth signal to connect to your PayPal app when you enter a store so you can handle a transaction hands-free...

6. ...and the Tile app, which lets you keep tabs on everything you wouldn't want to lose, like your keys, your purse or your laptop. 

7. There’s also Season 3 of Girls, premiering on January 12th,

8. a Breaking Bad spin-off called Better Call Saul,

9. and the return of The Bachelor, featuring fan favorite Juan Pablo Galavis, on January 5th. 

10. Finally, we have the undoubtedly elaborate nuptials of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, set to happen this summer.

As much as you’d love to have a never-ending stream of campus cuties fighting for the chance to date you, sometimes you get stuck in a boy rut and go through what can only be classified as a serious dating dry spell. It’s been so long since you’ve found a suitable suitor to sweep you off your feet that you’re convinced you no longer know how to flirt, and you can’t even remember the last time you felt the need to shave your legs.

So when tumbleweeds start to blow across the vast, empty desert that is your dating life, you know it’s time for you to get yourself back in the game. The only problem is, you have no idea how to put yourself out there again! (Let’s be honest, the only real romantic interaction you’ve had in the past few weeks has been with your Netflix account.

If you find yourself in desperate need to escape a dreaded dating dry spell, take these tips into consideration!

1. Hang Out Somewhere New

While studying at the same table in the student center every day or going to the same coffee shop every morning may be comfortable and easy, it also means you see the same familiar faces day after day. Switching up your routine could be the key to switching up your dating life!

Make an effort to go out with a different friend group on the weekends (they’ll definitely hang out with different guys), or try a new coffee shop the next time you’re in desperate need of a caffeine fix. Or maybe your next fling hits the gym at night when all this time you’ve been going in the mornings!

Venturing off campus more often could be beneficial as well. You never know which guys you’ll meet at the local park or the church down the street!

“I found out that this coffee shop a little ways away from my school had poetry readings every once in a while, so I thought I’d check it out since I’m an English major and [I] love poetry,” says Natalie, a junior at Seattle University. “I ended up going a lot because there were tons of cute guys there! None of the guys I met turned into anything serious, but I did get a few dates out of it.”

2. Go on a Blind Date

No one knows your dating preferences better than your friends, which makes them the perfect people to go to when you’re looking to get set up. While blind dates can be totally awkward and nerve-wracking, they’re a great way to get yourself back in the dating game in a completely commitment-free way. Maybe you two will totally hit it off, but there’s no pressure to go on a second date if you’re really just not feeling it.

“My sophomore year of college my dating life was basically nonexistent, so one of my friends set me up on a blind date without telling me,” says Hannah, a junior at University of Washington. “I was really mad at first, but I ended up going and now I’ve been dating the guy for almost a year! I know blind dates can be super awkward, but they do work out sometimes!”

Besides, Tom Brady and Gisele Bündchen met on a blind date, so it has to be worth a shot, right?

3. Make the First Move 

Always had a thing for the barista at Starbucks, but been too shy to do anything about it? See a cute guy at the gym who always seems to be checking you out? Why not be bold and give him your number?

While making the first move can be a little intimidating, it may be worth it in the long run. Who knows? The guy might totally dig it and give you a call or shoot you a text.

Nathan, a sophomore at Gonzaga University, says he wouldn’t mind a girl making the first move. “It’s definitely out of the social norm, but I’m not opposed to it,” he says. “Relationships are a two-way street, so I really don’t think it matters who initiates things. If the girl goes out of her way to make a move, then she’s definitely worth talking to!”

Fear of rejection is always a factor when debating whether or not to make a move, but you have to remember that the world won’t end if he never ends up texting you back. Even if the guy doesn’t appreciate your super confident effort to flirt, at least you have the satisfaction of knowing that you put yourself out there.

“Second semester sophomore year, I was going through a super long dry spell,” says Amanda, a junior at Texas Christian University. “I saw this one really cute guy whenever I went to the gym, and he always smiled at me when we… passed each other on our way to class, but he never made a move. Instead of waiting around, I ended up just giving him my number one day when I saw him at the gym. I was surprised when he texted me back, but we’ve actually been dating for a few months now. I say if you want to make a move, just go ahead and do it!”

4. Join a New Club

A common interest is a great thing to have when you’re trying to make a connection with a guy, so what better way to find someone who’s into the same things as you than by joining a club?  Whether you’re super into Game of Thrones, you love volunteering or you have a passion for politics, there’s bound to be an on-campus club for almost anything you’re interested in (and at least a few hotties in each of them who share your interest!). You could totally meet a nice guy at one of your weekly club meetings, and the best part is you’ll always have something to talk about!

“I was having a hard time finding guys at my school that I had anything in common with, so I joined a few clubs to see if I’d meet anyone,” says Megan, a freshman at the University of Arizona. “I’m a Harry Potter fanatic, so I joined my school’s Harry Potter club and there were a ton of guys there that I’d never met before. It was cool because they were all down to talk about everything and anything Harry Potter!”

You won’t have to worry about running out of things to talk about over dinner. When you have a shared interest with a guy, conversation comes much easier and you’re more likely to make a real connection!

5. Smile More

While something as simple as smiling may seem somewhat insignificant, it really can be beneficial in the long run. The power of a genuine smile should never be taken for granted! If you commit to smiling more on a daily basis, you’ll be surprised by how much more approachable people will find you.

Whenever you find yourself talking to a cutie at a party or catch the totally hot guy in your science class staring at you from afar, flash him a smile and he’ll be way more likely to take the hint that you’re into him. Instead of quickly averting your eyes the next time you find yourself making awkward eye contact with a guy from across the classroom, hold his stare for a few seconds and give him your best smile instead.

“Sometimes I find myself accidentally staring at a girl without realizing it, and when we make eye contact it’s super awkward,” says Kyle, a sophomore at the University of Michigan. “If she smiles back at me, though, I usually think that means she might be into me. It’s kind of like the go-ahead to go and talk to her!”

No guy wants to talk to a girl who looks angry or closed off, so a smile is a great way to let a guy know that you’re open to conversation and won’t immediately shoot him down if he tries to approach you.

“I’m way more likely to talk to a girl if she’s laughing or smiling a lot,” says Brandon, a junior at the University of Portland. “I’m a sucker for a pretty smile.”

Whether you’re super stressed about a big project or you’re just having a bad day, try not to lose your smile. You never know who’s watching!

The important thing to remember is that dry spells won’t last forever. While your dating dry spell may be on the forefront of your mind, remember that you’re (most likely) not going to meet the guy of your dreams in the next five minutes, so obsessing over it is not the answer! It may seem like your dateless Saturday nights will never end, but who knows—your next guy could be right around the corner.

It can be extremely frustrating to apply for job after job or internship after internship and never land the position. When you’re stuck in a process that’s often a bit complex and hard to understand at times, feedback becomes even more important, especially if you’re somehow deemed unfit for whatever it is you applied for. It’s not all bad though! Try any of the following to learn how you can turn your next rejection into an awesome opportunity to get valuable feedback on super important things like interview skills, job skills, your resume, and more. 

Ask for feedback soon after you interview.

If you want to know how your interview went, be sure to let whomever it is you just spoke with know you’re interested in hearing how the interview went from their perspective, and value any input they can give you on your interview skills and job readiness. Most career experts agree that it’s a bit inappropriate to directly ask someone what went well and what needs improving right after you’ve interviewed, most also agree that asking for feedback fairly soon (usually within 24 hours) after you’ve received a final decision is fine, as long as you go about it politiely.

Be clear about what you’re looking for in terms of feedback.

It helps to include specific information in your initial request about what sorts of feedback you’re looking for to help guide whomever it is that’s providing the feedback, and to make sure you receive information that’s helpful and productive. By asking specific questions like “Did I seem prepared for the interview?” or “Were there major gaps in my resume?” you will get better answers than by asking more general questions like “What can I improve on?” or “What went well/what needs work?”

“I always ask for feedback specifically about my resume,” said Taylor Ocampo, a sophomore at the University of Minnesota. Asking about something specific can help you get a quicker, narrower response that gives you something concrete to work on improving.

Be polite and to the point in your first contact.

How you make the first contact is up to you. “You could try to do it initially via email – but you’ll probably have better luck if you can talk to the person,” says Andrew Ditlevson, Associate Director of Career Services at St. Cloud State University. Preferred method of contact varies from position to position though. Before leaving the initial interview, ask whomever it is you spoke with how they prefer to be contacted with any further questions or requests for things like feedback. Most employers will be happy to provide you with either a phone number or email address they can be reached at for such purposes. In addition to specific questions or points you’d like feedback to focus on, Ditlevson suggests including these four things in your initial email or phone conversation asking for feedback:

• Thank the employer again for the chance to have interviewed with them.
• Let them know that you would love to be considered for any future opportunities (this might open the door up again).
• Tell them you have an interview coming up with another employer and ask them if they would be willing to give you some advice to help you prepare for that interview.
• Thank them again at the end of your conversation

It also never hurts to ask (nicely!) for an estimate of how much time it will take whomever you’re working with to get feedback to you. In some cases, they might give it to you right away after your initial request, especially if you’re talking to someone on the phone. Having a good idea of how long you can expect to wait for some performance feedback will help you decide how and when you should reiterate your request if it becomes necessary.

Don’t get too aggressive in any follow-up communication.

If you’ve asked for feedback and someone’s promised to get back to you with some tips for next time, don’t be afraid to follow up on their offer if the deadline you both agreed on has passed and you still haven’t heard anything. “I ended up sending a quick email explaining what I needed again and heard back on the same day,” says Taylor. “They’d just forgotten I’d asked, but were happy to give me what I needed in the end.”

Keep your follow-up message short and succinct, mention you’re aware they have a busy schedule, and include a brief description of what you’re looking for that includes most of the same information listed above that should have been included in your initial contact. It might help to narrow what it is you’re looking for feedback on to only one or two specific things if you initially asked for a more general overview or had more questions on multiple parts of the hiring process. Keep any contact you have with a company or particular employee direct and to the point, but still civil and not pushy. After all, “It never hurts to ask. Employers are impressed by students who want to get better and are willing to take advice/direction – and most people are flattered to be asked for advice.  The worst thing they can say is ‘no’ – and in that case, you are no worse off than if you had never asked,” says Ditlevson. 

Make sure you’re following up with the right person too. Sometimes at a company, someone higher up like a manager or chief exec may not be as willing to disclose information about their decision as someone like a recruiter or your initial contact at the company would be. If you haven’t heard back from one person, you might want to try contacting someone else for feedback. Again, make sure you treat everyone you talk to respectfully, and back off if you’ve sent a couple emails and still haven’t heard anything back. Yes it’s annoying to not hear back on something as simple as a quick email, but you don’t want to jeopardize anything professionally.

Be ready to move on if you’ve already asked twice and still haven’t heard anything.

Unfortunately, even if you ask nicely for feedback, you may not get the answers you’re looking for. Sometimes, a company can’t give any sort of feedback or is restricted in the types of information they can give based on company policy. Other times, hiring managers and other employees in charge of selecting new company personnel simply don’t have the time to get back to you. Regardless of the reason, it’s important to not be too pushy, as an aggressive attitude or rude behavior could damage your chances of working for them or other contacts they might be connected to.

“Getting feedback from an employer after they have turned you down for a job or internship is a tricky situation as most employers will not tell a candidate what they ‘did wrong’ or why they didn’t get the offer,” says Ditlevson. “An employer won’t tell you why they didn’t hire you but some of them will be willing to offer you advice.  And of course the advice they give you will probably be a pretty good clue as to what, if anything, you might have done wrong or could have done better when you interviewed with them.”

This advice could be useful in terms of making yourself a better fit for future job and internship opportunities that come your way in the future. This is just one of several significant benefits that could come from asking for feedback. “Hopefully, most of the time, you’ll get some good advice that will increase your chances of getting an offer from the next interview.  And with luck, once in a while, you may reopen a door with that same employer,” emphasizes Ditlevson. Coming off as sincere and explaining that you’re looking to build on skills for other, future positions will increase your chances of getting the response you’re looking for.

Take feedback and keep building on your professional skills and resume.

Keep in mind that companies make hiring decisions for a huge variety of reasons. Just because you didn’t land this one doesn’t mean there isn’t a single employer out there willing to hire you. If you do hear back from a potential employer about how your interview went or how your resume looks, don’t take it personally and start arguing with them or trying to change their mind. Their decision has already been made, and you’re not going to change their minds. The only exception to this rule is when the employer got something factually wrong. If it’s clear they misread your resume or didn’t understand something significant brought up in the interview, feel free to correct them or point them in the right direction. This is the only time you should argue with what they’re saying or correct someone in this situation.

Take whatever feedback you can get and translate that into improvements on your personal set of career skills. “When I asked for specific pointers on my resume at the one job, I actually got some helpful tips on how many and what kinds of references I should include, including a few that I was missing,” says Taylor. “I changed it in part because of what they said, and had more success landing an internship the next semester.” Feedback or not, think about working on new ways to incorporate lessons learned from any particular interview experience to take your interview to the next level the next time around.

Next time you hear from an employer letting you know they decided to go with someone else, don’t get too bummed out. Instead, use the opportunity to obtain some feedback, and make your next interview a stellar success! 

As collegiettes, we know exactly what it’s like to be broke. Fortunately, all our penny-pinching and money woes can be avoided with proper planning! The New Year is a time to reflect on our habits over the past year and address those we most wish to change. While in the past you may have pledged to shed a few pounds or take up a new hobby, this year you can promise to change your spending habits!

Looking to save up for a spring break road trip or even just a few pairs of new shoes? Here are some money-saving New Year's resolutions you can make to ensure that you’ll be able splurge come springtime!

1. Use your meal plan to the fullest

Fifteen bucks for a pizza. Eight bucks for Chinese takeout. Two bucks at the vending machine. It all adds up pretty quickly! Before you know it, you've spent more than $100 in one month just on fast food. Yikes!

Meal plans are prepaid, so it’s in your best interest to use them wisely. Next semester, avoid eating out or off campus as much as possible. If you’re over cafeteria food, invest in the basic cooking supplies, go grocery shopping and create tasty, budget-friendly meals in your dorm room or apartment.

2. Brew your own coffee in the morning

Pulling an all-nighter might justify a trip to the local coffee shop, but Ellie Kay, author of The 60-Minute Money Workout, says college students often don’t realize how much money they waste on coffee—particularly blended coffee drinks. “Some students have at least one Frappuccino or latte a day,” she says. “This tends to be where they congregate, but they don’t see where that’s adding up at the end of the month.”

You can save money by brewing your own coffee and sipping it from a reusable mug. This coffee maker from Target is only $19.99. However, the average cost for a single trip to a nationally recognized coffee house is $3.25 (based on the average price of a cup of coffee from Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts). If you purchase once a day five days a week, you will spend $16.25, which means you’ll spend at least $65 every month!

Can’t imagine giving up your daily Starbucks fix? Use baby steps — switch to homemade coffee five times a week and indulge in coffee-shop drinks on the weekends.

3. Shop around for textbooks

Buying new textbooks from the campus bookstore is expensive. Instead, buy and sell your textbooks online through retailers such as Barnes & Noble, or on websites such as Amazon or SlugBooks. SlugBooks even allows you to search for your school, class and professor, and it compares prices from the bookstore, Amazon and Half.com. They also have an option to rent books at a fraction of the cost to buy. 

4. Start using a budgeting app

College has a way of making your money disappear. Use the Mint budgeting app to track where your cash is going! Mint lets you connect all of your accounts in one place to track and categorize your spending, pay bills, check your balances and double-check your budget before you make purchases. You can also set up reminders for upcoming payments and receive low account balance notifications. With Mint, you have the option to sync your account with your smartphone, tablet and computer. Best of all, if you lose any of your devices, you can go online and delete your account information easily.

5. Walk to class instead of driving

Sure, it might not be as fast as driving, but walking is the easiest, cheapest way to get around, and it’ll save you a LOT of gas! You can usually walk to just about everywhere on campus. If you’ve ever driven five minutes to class just because you didn’t feel like walking, definitely reconsider—it’ll mean more cash in your pocket in the long run.

Not only will you be saving money, but walking is also a simple way to burn calories without even feeling like you’re exercising!

6. Use your student ID everywhere you go

Everyone needs to unwind after studying, and college towns typically offer all sorts of opportunities for having fun: movie theaters, bars, cafes, arts centers, parks, downtown shopping centers, etc. Ask if any of these places offer student discounts. Sure, your student ID normally gets you into university events for free, but using it off campus can lead to great deals!

7. Stop skipping classes

How many times have you skipped college classes (or plan on skipping once you enroll)? Well, that’s your money (or your parents' money) going down the drain! According to the College Board, public four-year colleges charged, on average, $8,244 in tuition and fees for in-state students in the 2011-12 school year. For out-of-state students, the cost jumps to $20,770. Divide that by how many classes you’re taking this year, and your boring history class will seem a lot more valuable!

Getting up for an 8 a.m. class can be difficult, but brew yourself a cup of coffee with your new inexpensive coffee maker and walk to class. Your teachers are there to educate you, and it’s up to you to soak up as much knowledge as possible. You are paying for it, after all. Read our tips on how to stay awake during class if you need to!

By choosing one of these resolutions, you can set yourself up for a great New Year and a financially fit future. What are your tips for saving money in 2014? Share yours below in the comments and have a Happy New Year!

Name: Panagiotis  Zaraidonis'17
School: Le Moyne
Class: Freshman
Hometown: Athens, Greece
Major/Minor: Economics
Relationship Status: Single :)
Sign: Virgo

Celebrity Crush: Selena  Gomez

Favorite spot on Campus: Athletic Center

Describe yourself in three words: Smart, fun, social

Favorite Quote:  I can accept failure, everyone fails at something. But I can't accept not trying-Michael Jordan

Fun Fact: Somebody pull my pants down in middle of the school yard

What you find most attractive: Tall  blonde  girls  with blue  eyes

Favorite Movie/Book: Fast & Furious

This or that

Drake or Kendrick Lamar: Drake

Katy Perry or Lady Gaga: Katy  Perry

Early bird or Night owl: Night owl

Kardashians or the Housewives: Kardashians

If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?
I would want to be like the wolverine because then there would be no way that someone could kill me and I would be really strong.

Favorite song at the moment? All me by Drake

What is something most people don’t know about you?
I love soccer more than basketball although I'm here on basketball scholarship

Name: Luke Vreeland
School: Bucknell
Hometown: Short Hills, NJ
Major: Management
Class Year: 2015

The Basics

Favorite Book: Count of Monte Cristo
Favorite Movie: Good Will Hunting
Favorite Store: Walmart
Most Played Song on your iPod: Wide Awake- Katy Perry
Favorite Class at Bucknell: Marketing
Campus Activities: FIJI, Club Lacrosse
Campus Posse: FIJI Brothers
General Interests: Sailing, Skiing, and Grilling

Girls, Girls, Girls

Relationship: Nah
What do you look for in a girl: a good personality
Female turnoff: a bad personality
Celebrity Crush: Natalie Portman for sure

Best of the Rest

Proudest Accomplishment: Sailing for Team USA
Where do you see yourself in 10 years: Retired
3 words to describe yourself: New York Giants

Name: Ryan Gallup
School: Central Mich
Hometown: Bronson
Age: 20
Major: Criminal Justice        
Relationship Status: Single

If you were stranded on an island, what three things would you bring?
My laptop, a toothbrush, and a picture of my family.

Boxers or Briefs: Briefs.

Where is your favorite place to hang out on campus?
The RFOC.

Blondes or Brunettes: Brunettes.

What is the craziest thing you have ever done?
Bridge jumping? That’s pretty crazy, right?

What qualities do you admire in the opposite sex?
Good sense of humor, independence, intelligence, and class!

Favorite Movie: The Shawshank Redemption

Any awesome or hidden talents: I can solve a Rubik’s cube! I can do a standing backflip and I can do double backflips on a trampoline/diving board!

What is your ideal or dream date?
Going to a nice restaurant for dinner then a concert, of her choice, at night.

Hollywood crush: Katy Perry, hands down.

Name: Tim Gimpel
School: Miami University (Ohio)
Major: Management Information Systems
Year in School: Sophomore
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
Relationship Status: Single
Campus Involvement: Pi Kappa Phi fraternity 

Name: Sam Zisser
School: University of Madison Wisconsin
Year: Freshman
Major: English/Classics
Hometown: Denver, CO
Relationship status: In a relationship 

Involvement on campus: Chi Psi (lodge) fraternity

Describe yourself in three words: Independent, easy-going, ambitious 

What qualities do you like best in a girl: Sense of humor and a great smile

Celebrity crush: Katie Perry

Last song played on iPod: "You Too" - Drake

Dating deal breaker: No go if she is taller than me

Blond vs. Brunette: Blonde is beautiful

One thing on your bucket list: Talk in front of 10,000 people

One movie and one album to bring on an island: Shawshank Redemption, Nas - Illmatic

Favorite outdoor activity: Skiing

Name: Charles Powell
School: University of Maryland
Year: Freshman 2014
Major: undecided, but leaning toward philosophy and computer science
Hometown: Salisbury, MD

Interests: philosophy, long walks on the beach, candlelight dinners, horseback riding, walking in the woods, literature, movies, TV
Relationship Status: single
Celebrity Crush: Katy Perry
Man Crush: Harrison Ford (Han Solo)
Original Pick-up line: I don’t believe in pick-up lines, I’d rather just talk to them.”

Favorite CP spot: the benches in front on the ERC
Favorite thing so far: the diversity
Favorite exercise routine: swimming

Perfect date: go to dinner on the beach in Aruba at 6:00 p.m., because then we would see the sunset at 7:30 p.m. on the beach
Dislikes: artifice
Interesting Facts: I’m a black belt in karate; I once stroked a deer in the woods behind my house
Favorite Quote:“Be yourself, it’s all that you can do.” 

Name:Matt Krause
School: RIT
Major: Hospitality and Service Management
Year: Second
Hometown: Chicago, IL

Interests: Socializing, Art, Jewelry, Horse Racing, Stephen King, Skiing, really anything to enjoy my life as it is very short.
Activities: I am member of the Kappa Delta Rho Fraternity at RIT, current President of the Interfraternity Council, and also a member of the Hospitality Association.
Relationship Status: Single
Dream Girl: Katy Perry
Favorite Quote: At the moment it is, “The two most beautiful words in any language are: I Forgive” – The Dark Tower, or "Don't worry about your future or dwell in the past, you'll ruin the present"– Me.
Interesting Fact: Two I find unique. Not many people know this but I was an art major for a year, and I love to do metalwork especially making jewelry. I am also a big fan of Horse Racing and love to watch the ponies’ races around the world. 

Name: Jon Weigell
School: GWU
Major: Undecided but applying to SMPA
Extracurriculars: WRGW, Gender Neutral on GWTV, Delta Tau Delta, Motherfunkers, 12th Night with TRDA
Relationship status: Single

Nicknames: My real name is Charles, so there’s that. But people also call me Wiggles.

Pets: I used to have a rabbit but I wish I had a dog. I would name it James Bond.

Favorite childhood memory: When I was about six, it was my birthday and I had just moved to Long Island from LA, and my parents got me Pokemon Blue and a sled—so I decided to sled down the stairs in my house.
Favorite article of clothing on a girl: Sundress
Favorite pickup line: One time my friend went up to someone and said, “Hey, so do you know you’re the luckiest girl in the world?... Because you’re talking to THIS GUY.” And then you have to run away.
Favorite TV show: Game of Thrones and Arrested Development

If you were a cereal, which one would you be? Krave. It’s so underrated.

Celebrity crush: Katy Perry

Most frequented restaurant: Chipotle

Words to live by: “The love you take is equal to the love you make.” 

When family and friends check in to see how you’re doing, they usually ask questions about college and work. Unfortunately, their genuine curiosity can seem more like nagging and unnecessary concern. It’s hard to remember that they’re just checking in because they care—but HC is here to help! Here, we break down some common annoying questions and give you the best ways to respond. Next time you find yourself drowning in a sea of tough questions, consider this your lifesaver!

 “You still don’t have a job?”

This question poses a threat to those who are struggling in the ever-competitive job search. As if you aren’t stressed enough! The lastthing you need is someone making it worse. As a recent grad from the University of Michigan, Marissa Smith says she gets asked this question all the time. “I am constantly going to job interviews, but so is everyone else. As young candidates, we are all faced with the same challenge. But it’s important to remember that the right position will eventually come along.”

The best strategy is to be open about your struggle. Many people make the mistake of coming across as defensive. So tell whoever’s asking that it’s been hard for you to get interviews, but you’re systematically contacting companies about available positions and staking out various opportunities. If they try to give you advice, don’t be so quick to dismiss their comments. Your relative or friend might be able to provide you with fresh, new ideas about a strategy. If you want their help, try being proactive and asking if they have any contacts relevant to your career field. For example, respond with: “I’m glad you brought that up. I’ve been actively looking for and applying to jobs, but I haven’t had much luck. Do you know anyone who might be able to help?” As an assistant director for social media and innovation at the UNC Chapel Hill career center, Gary Miller frequently encourages students to utilize their resources. “Sometimes family members make great networking connections!”
 

“Why don’t you get an internship this semester?”

We understand that landing an internship is no easy task, but a lot of older relatives seem to forget that simple fact. Even our parents are guilty of this. When you’re pressured to snag a coveted internship, remain calm and don’t get offended. Tell people that you are applying to internships that relate to your career interests. You are actively sending out your resume and following up with potential employers. If you clearly explain your plan, your family will stop bugging you about something you already have under control.

According to career expert Heather Huhman, a generation gap can often spark this question. “You probably need to remember that things were different when your family members were looking for an internship. Although they may think it's a simple task, you might need to gently remind them that in a tough job market these opportunities are competitive and, for some fields, difficult to land.”

If you’re not interested in pursuing an internship, respond by saying that you’re focusing on your classes this semester. Say that you want to work hard academically so that you’ll have an impressive GPA to put on your resume. Your family members can’t argue with that!

“What job can you get with that major?”

This one is all too commonly heard by collegiettes. It’s easy to get caught up in the challenge of finding the right major. After all, you want to strike a balance between something you enjoy and something you can succeed in post-grad. So although considering others’ advice is important, don’t let someone else dictate what you do.

As an English communications major, Salve Regina student Emma St. Laurent experiences this a lot. Thankfully, she’s found an effective and efficient way to respond. “Normally, I just say I want to do editorial work. It is easier to say something broad, because then it will open up room for more questions, such as ‘What are you interested in?’"  To steal Emma’s strategy, avoid being too specific about your intended career path. Instead, shift the focus of the conversation to some of your passions and interests. “It’s hard to know exactly what you'll be doing after college, especially when you are studying a very broad, liberal arts major. Talking about what you’re interested in, rather than exactly what you’re going to be doing, is often easier,” says Huhman.

“You might also want to tell family members that your degree won't completely dictate your future career,” Huhman explains. “Many folks who have degrees in fields that work with one another—such as journalists and public relations professionals—sometimes find themselves working in the opposite field once they've gained some experience and learned about their preferences.” Respond with: “My major actually has a lot of potential career paths. (Name some of them.) I’m also planning on meeting with a career counselor to discuss all of my options.”

“Why don’t you study something more practical?”

Some people take it one step further and end up coming off as pushy and rude. It’s inconsiderate of someone to judge your major choice, but be prepared to stick up for what you want to study. In this scenario, it’s OK to defend yourself and explain your reasoning. “In answering this question, you can emphasize your interests and strengths in the particular field you decided to study,” says Huhman. For example, if your aunt is giving you a hard time about pursuing film studies, back up your decision. Say something like, “I’m really interested in film and I see it as an important part of my life in the long-run. It’s important to me to study something that I feel confident in. I’ve learned about a lot of different careers that I can pursue with my major.”

Miller believes that all majors can offer valuable skill sets to students. “Generally employers are interested in things like communication skills, teamwork and critical thinking. Any good liberal arts education will give every student those skills. So, the right choice is to study something you’re interested in, and then supplement those courses with practical experiences that will help further your career goals.” Referencing the future will show that you have thought about things realistically. To ensure that you’re prepared, do a little more research on the field that you’re studying. Next time, you’ll be able to provide your family with some potential job titles and put an end to their prying. 

“How will you support yourself and make enough money?”

Sometimes, relatives worry that you won’t be able to support yourself after graduation. They have your best interests in mind, but their concern can seem overbearing and condescending. If you’re still in college, simply explain that you’ll cross that bridge when you come to it. Reassure them that if you have a hard time making ends meet, you can take on a part-time job while you interview for a position in your desired field.

UCLA student Mia has a surefire game plan for this type of question. “Whenever my parents bug me about my future financial situation, it really gets to me. It makes me feel like they don’t trust me to make responsible decisions. But I’ve learned ways to make them understand that that I’ll be totally fine. I say things like, ‘You two have given me a great example of how to successfully manage money.  I feel confident in terms of budgeting money and taking care of my own living expenses. I know that if I work hard and keep up with my studies, I’ll end up where I’m supposed to be.’” Like Mia, it’s important to respond logically to these types of questions.

“Why do you want to waste money on grad school?”

Huhman says to use logical reasoning when approaching this question. “If, in order to land your dream job, you need a graduate degree, share this with your family. They may simply be asking because they are unfamiliar with the industry.” Respond with: “With the job field being so competitive, I feel like going to grad school will give me the edge I need to succeed in ____.”

If your family still doesn’t buy your explanation, try speaking with people who have been in your shoes. “Talk with other students about what they got out of grad school and share these stories with your family to show them the true benefits of a further education,” Huhman says.

Remember collegiettes, don’t let annoying comments from friends and family get you down. Approach their questions with these smart strategies and you’ll be out of any dreaded situation before you know it!

If you’re anything like us, establishing New Year’s resolutions can feel like you’re setting yourself up for failure. Are you going to go to the gym every day of 2014? Probably not. Are you going to forsake chocolate for the next 365 days? Yeah, right! If you’re looking for some more manageable goals for the upcoming year, here is a list of 17 ways to make 2014 your best year yet. It’s all about the baby steps!

1. Hit the Gym at Least Once a Week

This resolution gets a lot of heat for being one of the most commonly abandoned hopes for the coming year. That doesn’t mean you can’t do your part to stay healthy! Working out even one day a week is better than none, so get off the couch and get on your feet. Try going to a spinning or yoga class once a week with your friends. You can keep each other motivated!

2. Eat Healthier

You don’t have to spend your year knocking back wheatgrass smoothies to have a healthier 2014. Start with baby steps and skip your late-night Domino's order. We know, your regularly delivery guy will miss you too, but he'll be okay.

3. Mind Your Money

Keep the online shopping and coffee runs to a minimum this year and indulge in more valuable experiences like dinner with friends or a night on the town. You’ll be surprised how many fun things you can do with a little extra money in your pocket.

4. Drink Less Alcohol

Save some money at the bars and stick to just one or two drinks a night. It can be surprisingly fun to be one of the more sober girls at the party so you can have a night you won’t forget or regret!

5. Take More "Me" Time

In college, you spend your time constantly surrounded by your peers. As fun as this can be, it's important to save some time for yourself. Go get a pedicure or hit the gym solo! A little alone time can go a long way in eliminating the stress in your life!

6. Boost Your GPA

We’ve all had trouble getting out of bed for our 8 a.m.s, but make the effort not to skip any classes and you’ll see the reward in your final grade. Study hard and seek help when you need it. Don't be a stranger to your professor's office hours!

7. Procrastinate Less

GET. IT. DONE. As much as it stinks to study when you could be watching Netflix, get your work done early and your nights will be open to endless possibilities.

8. Get Over Your Ex

You have no idea what you’re missing out on while you're pining for your ex, so 2014 is the year to cut ties and embrace single life. If it’s meant to be, it will be!

9. Be More Positive

A positive attitude can put your dreams into motion! You'd be surprised what you can accomplish with a smile and a “can-do” attitude!

10. Keep Your Room/House/Apartment Neater

It’s okay for your closet to occasionally look like it threw up, but keeping your room tidy will make your life so much easier! Your room will instantly feel bigger, brighter and better, and your roommate will thank you. No more digging through piles of clothes for the shirt you thought you saw last week.

11. Be More Outgoing

Ever had the crush (or friend crush) you were too afraid to act on? He or she could be crushing on you too! Make a move, be friendly and be outgoing. You’ll be surprised how many new friends you'll make.

12. Make More Friends

Get off the couch! Get excited about going out and introduce yourself to everyone you can. You can never have too many friends!

13. Sleep More

Save your Netflix binges for the weekends and get some sleep during the week. With the extra energy, you’ll be able to hit the gym and the books harder than ever.

14. Be More Mindful of Your Social Media Accounts

College is your last stop before the real world, so keep that in mind when you post drunken party pictures on Facebook. Your Internet activity will follow you into adulthood, and you may not want your partying reputation to precede you at your next job interview.

15. Stress Less

Will your future husband love you less for failing a test? NO! Are little things worth fighting over? NO! Do your best to control the things you can, but life is too short to hold grudges and live in the past. You’ll save yourself some frown lines and sleepless nights if you just learn to let it go.

16. Cut the Caffeine

It’s time to break the addiction. Wean yourself off of coffee and soda and you can say goodbye to caffeine-deprivation headaches for good.

17. Stop Binge Watching TV

Break the endless cycle and fight the instant play. TV binges certainly have their place in college, but don’t let your relationship with your laptop keep you from living in the real world.

Make some little changes in your life for 2014 and you'll be surprised how easy our 17 New Year's resolutions are to stick to!

Myths about sex are everywhere: how we can keep ourselves safe, how we can obtain the most pleasure, how we can prevent getting unexpectedly knocked up… the only problem is, sometimes it’s hard to know what’s fact and what’s fiction.

To help separate rumor from reality—and to figure out which misconceptions we might have about conception—we talked to some relationship experts so they could give us the scoop on common sex myths.  

Myth #1: Size Matters

The lie: It seems as if everyone is always going on about big penises and how much better they are. The bigger the male organ, the greater the pleasure… right?

The reality: Though genital size is often associated with manliness, the majority of women don’t consider penis size to play a—ahem—big role in their satisfaction. According to Seth Meyers, a psychologist, relationship expert and author of Dr. Seth’s Love Prescription, “most women aren’t overly concerned with a man’s penis size. …Sadly, guys who have small penises worry more, often fearing that once a women goes to bed with him, she will feel frustrated by his size inadequacy.”

Amber Madison, a trained therapist, relationship expert and author of Hooking Up: A Girl’s All-Out Guide to Sex And Sexuality, believes that the size of the guy’s manly appendage isn’t even all that important when it comes to getting pleasure. “Most penises aren’t actually that different in size,” she points out. “And especially because many girls have orgasms through clitoral stimulation, getting off isn’t so much about the penis as what the fingers and tongue are doing as well. Where size does actually matter is if a guy is too big—then it can really hurt.”

The bottom line: when it comes to sexual pleasure, technique plays a much bigger role than size.

Myth #2: “Pulling Out” Works

The lie: Pulling out, or having your partner take his penis out of your vagina before he ejaculates, makes sense on the surface. If none of your guy’s little swimmers get deposited inside of us, then you can’t possibly get preggo.  

The reality: What we often don’t consider is the sperm a guy releases before he ejaculates, and those sperm are just as eager to fertilize your egg as the sperm he releases during his orgasm. Not to mention that if a guy is slow to pull out, he starts to ejaculate before he has completely removed his penis, which can spell major trouble for your lady bits.

With room for error everywhere, Madison made it clear that withdrawal is not the best form of birth control. “Pulling out is not a very reliable form of contraception,” she says. It may work on occasion, but having your partner “pull out” still contains a high risk of pregnancy. For every 100 women whose partners use withdrawal, four will become pregnant each year if they always do it correctly. Of those 100 women whose partners use withdrawal but who don’t always do it correctly, 27 will become pregnant.

Myth #3: The Morning-After Pill is the Only Contraception You Need  

The lie: A pill that undoes the potentially life-changing effects of unprotected sex? Problem solved!

The reality: While emergency contraceptive pills can decrease your chance of getting pregnant, that doesn’t mean they guarantee you won’t be pregnant. These pills are never 100 percent effective, as their effectiveness depends entirely on when in your cycle you take it, and, if taken after ovulation, their effectiveness is reduced considerably. As the Plan B site states, seven out of every eight women will avoid pregnancy… which means one of those women will still become pregnant.

“Emergency contraception is for just that… emergencies,” Madison says. “Not only is it less effective than other methods of hormonal contraception, it’s likely more expensive and is more likely to have side effects, like nausea.”

The manufacturer of an emergency contraceptive pill identical to Plan B also recently announced that the drug doesn’t work on women who weigh more than 176 pounds and it begins to lose effectiveness in women who weigh more than 165 pounds. It’s best to stick to a regular routine of birth control to prevent pregnancy.

Myth #4: You Can’t Get Pregnant if You Have Sex on Your Period

The lie: Logically, if your egg breaks apart during menstruation and your new egg has yet to be released, those pesky sperm will have nothing to impregnate.

The reality: Sure, this might work—if your period is regular and your ovulation is predictable. In a normal 28-day cycle, ovulation occurs two weeks before your next period. However, what many collegiettes don’t consider is that sperm can survive inside of you for up to seven days. If your period is irregular and you ovulate closer to your period, the egg and sperm transit times can cross—which can lead to a hot cross bun in your oven.

“It is actually possible to get pregnant on your period, especially if your period is irregular,” Madison says. Unless you and your partner both know your cycle very intimately, it’s best not to take your chances.

Myth #5: The Tighter a Condom Fits, the More Protected You Are

The lie: The tighter the condom, the less likely that sperm will seep out or that the condom will slip off during sex.

The reality: The tightness of a condom also affects its likeliness to rupture during sex. “You definitely don’t want to be having sex with [a] baggy condom,” says Madison. “But if a condom is too tight, then it’s more likely to break.”

Unless you want your guy’s rubber to rupture piñata-style during intercourse, it’s best to leave a little extra room for comfort.

Myth #6: The More Condoms He Wears, The More Protected You Are

The lie: More layers means more protection from those eager little sperm.

The reality: Just like with a too-tight condom, double-layering condoms makes them all the more likely to break during sex. The friction caused by the rubbing of those extra layers will weaken the fibers of the condom, leaving you far less protected than you would be by just using one.

If you’re concerned about the effectiveness of using a condom alone for protection, Madison suggests using other methods of contraception in addition to condoms. “If you want to double up on birth control, use condoms and a hormonal method,” she suggests. That way, you’ll feel more secure–and you won’t sweat the risk of condom breakage!

Myth #7: Oral or Anal Sex is Safer Than Vaginal Sex

Why we think this: No vaginal penetration, no risk of pregnancy. It’s simple!

The reality: We may not get pregnant from these acts, but babies aren’t the only thing we should we worried about contracting from a partner.

“…Anal sex actually puts you at even greater risk for STDs than vaginal sex,” Madison says. “And it’s possible to contract an STD from oral sex, too.” Just because a sexual act doesn’t have the risk of pregnancy doesn’t mean it’s safe.

It’s also widely believed that oral and anal sex aren’t as emotionally significant as vaginal sex. “…All sex acts can make you feel crappy if you’re doing them in the wrong situation,” Amber points out. “You can feel just as used and vulnerable having oral sex with a guy in the wrong situation as you would having sex sex with him. All these things are still sex, and they still count physically and emotionally.” Think oral and anal sex aren’t a big deal? Think again, collegiettes!

Myth #8: Great Sex Comes Naturally

The lie: We see it in movies and in television, and we read about it in magazines… we know what it takes to have great sex, don’t we?

The reality: Not at all! As Madison explains, “…Many women say they don’t start having good sex until later on in their 20s or even their 30s. The more in touch you are with your body, the better sex will be.” Like anything, sex requires practice, both with your partner and with yourself.

Meyers agrees that satisfying sex takes work. “When adults are young, great sex is (sadly) often fueled by alcohol or other substances or lust, which rarely turns into love,” he says. “When adults are more mature, great sex comes from practice and from a true emotional connection.”

Myth #9: Sex is Always Emotionally Significant… Especially Your First Time  

The lie: Sex is the most intimate act you can share with another person, and it should therefore only be done with someone you love.

The reality: Yes, sex is powerful, sex is intimate, but you don’t necessary have to be in love to have sex. Though it’s great to do it with someone you really care about, sex should be fun, too, and it’s okay to share that experience with someone you’re not necessary head over heels for. However, it should be something you want to do and enjoy!

Madison left us with these words of wisdom for having great sex: “Remember that your enjoyment matters too, and it’s not just the guy who should be having a good time. The more you focus on your experience and the less you focus on his, the hotter the sex will be for both of you.”

When it comes to sex, being informed is crucial to stay safe. Stay skeptical and read up on the facts so you can have sex that’s both pleasurable and protected, collegiettes! 

Move over, marijuana: MDMA, sometimes called “Molly,” is having a moment. From Miley Cyrus coyly name-dropping the drug in “We Can’t Stop” to the alarming articles on blogs and news sites citing its danger, Molly has been everywhere. We talked to collegiettes across the country and Dr. Mason Gomberg, a pediatrician, about some of the things you may not know about Molly.  

1. Combining Molly with other substances is extremely dangerous

Because Molly is considered a club drug, which means that people often use it at raves, concerts and clubs because of its euphoric effects, people often mix it with other drugs or alcohol. According to Gomberg, this is a potentially lethal combination.

“MDMA should not be mixed with other drugs, for most drugs are not fully pure, containing chemicals that can dangerously interact with each other,” he says. “One of the more common drugs used with MDMA is alcohol. This is a very bad combination because it often exacerbates the negative effects due to the diuretic effect of alcohol.”

A drug is diuretic when it causes you to urinate more often, sometimes causing dehydration. As you’ll read next, Molly can dehydrate you too, so combining it with a diuretic seriously jeopardizes your health.

2. It makes you super dehydrated

As Gomberg explained, mixing alcohol and Molly can make you dehydrated. Why? Taking Molly elevates your temperature, making you thirsty. Combined with alcohol, which makes you urinate more often, you’re at risk for dehydration. But even taking Molly alone increases your chance of dehydration.

On the opposite end, it can also cause you to become over-hydrated. Some Molly users will overcompensate for their thirst and high temperature by drinking a ton of water. However, drinking too much water can disturb the salt and electrolyte balance in your body, Gomberg says. Both dehydration and over-hydration can cause your body’s organs to fail, leading to harm or, in severe cases, death.

3. It’s definitely not “pure”

Molly is what some people say is the “purer” form of MDMA, Gomberg says, but the drug is far from pure. Because Molly is illegal, and therefore not regulated, what you think you’re ingesting could contain anything. Drugs are often laced with other substances, and the contents of the capsule you take can vary.

According to EcstasyData.org, an independent laboratory pill testing program, MDMA can contain everything from ibuprofen to aspirin to acetaminophen—all painkillers. Because you really have no idea what you’re taking (a capsule could be one part ecstasy, another part ibuprofen), you’re putting your body at risk because you don’t know how the drugs may interact.  

4. Abusing Molly can put you at risk for mental health problems

While trying Molly once or twice will not put you at risk for long-term effects, using it regularly (several times a month or more) for several years will. “Long-term users of MDMA are more prone to depression, anxiety and memory loss,” Gomberg says. “It has also been proven that long-term use of MDMA causes brain damage by interfering with serotonin communication in the brain.” Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that regulates your mood, sleep and appetite.

“I sometimes feel glum for a few days after [taking Molly],” Lizzie, a junior at Vassar College, says. Whether or not you already suffer from anxiety or depression, using Molly regularly can impair brain functions, causing you to feel down.

5. It’s becoming more and more popular

According to a 2010 United Nations   drug report  , around 10 to 25 million people use Molly at least once a year. While there aren’t a lot of statistics about Molly use among college students, a 2002 study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health noted that use of the drug increased between 1999 and 2000.

The drug is also illegal in the United States. “MDMA is illegal and considered a Schedule I drug due to the fact that it has high potential for abuse, lack of safe use and no current accepted medical use,” Gomberg says.

Then why is the drug so popular? Gomberg says Molly has become popular because of its feel-good effects and the fact that it’s relatively cheap. Molly’s increase in popularity means you’re more likely to come across it at college parties. Prevalence also can make the drug seem not as harmful, since it may appear that “everyone is doing it.” However, not everyone is, and those who are doing it are taking a huge risk.

The bottom line

MDMA can be fun, but the negative side effects are plentiful and dangerous. “The negatives of MDMA outweigh all the positives. It is not worth it. Your brain is precious—do not damage such a precious part of your body,” Gomberg says.

“College is the best time of your life and it is a time to explore and learn,” he says—not a time to damage your brain and body.

Exams are finally over and winter break is here. While it’s great to have some time to relax, it’s also important to take some time to think about the upcoming semester. For some, this may include thinking about rushing a sorority. If this is true for you, check out our guide to spring rushing a sorority!

Get the low-down:

If you’re considering spring rush, you’re going to want to find out more information about the process by taking a look at your college’s Greek life website.

If your school does spring rush, you need to find out whether spring is the on-season (the main season) for rush at your school. Most universities hold their on-season rush at the beginning of the fall semester, but some wait until spring in order to give freshmen time to experience college before making a decision about joining Greek life.

“I went through spring rush last year, and this year, I will be on the other side of it as an initiated sister of Kappa Delta,” says Stacey, a collegiette from Vanderbilt. “I recognize now how crucial it is that we utilize this process. It gives us time to meet the freshmen and get to know them before the recruitment process. Plus, it gives the sorority more time to plan recruitment and it gives the freshmen more time to get used to college life before rush.”

If spring rush is on-season at your school, you’ll be doing many of the same things and attending many of the same events that are discussed in HC’s Complete Guide to Sorority Rush. On-season rush and pledging are a big commitment and will probably take up the majority of your time for the first few weeks of spring semester.

However, for the majority of schools that hold a spring rush, spring is considered off-season and is usually much more of an informal process than on-season rush. This often means that not all sororities will be participating; just the ones that have open spots. Do some research to find out if you’re interested in any of the sororities that will be accepting new members.

Know what to expect:

Next, it’s time to figure out what you’re going to be dealing with. Informal spring rush can be very different from fall rush, so you need to know what you’re getting into.

At most schools, for both on- and off-season rush, you have to register and pay to participate in recruitment. Many schools also require you to come back a few days early from winter break to get started with the process. Take a look at the spring rush calendar to make sure you don’t miss the registration deadline and to know what date you’ll have to be back at school.

“I had to come back from winter break about two to three days early but it wasn't a big deal; I was excited to go back anyways!” says Stacey. 

Rush will normally kick off with some sort of meet-and-greet event a few days into the semester. This may mean that you go to each house or it may be a general gathering of all the houses. At this event, you’ll meet some of the girls from the sororities that are participating and get more information on what comes next, so it’s important to attend.

At the first event, you’ll want to keep your conversations light. You’ll be meeting a bunch of new people and will probably end up talking a lot about where you’re from and what you’re studying, but if you can think of something a little more interesting about yourself to add in, it will help the girls remember you.

The more events you go to, the more personal your conversations will become. You’ll want to give the sisters a good idea of who you really are to ensure you get into the sorority that’s the right fit for you. But no matter what else you talk about, the three topics that you should always avoid are boys, booze and other bids (don’t talk about other sororities!).

Pros of Spring Rush

There are going to be many fewer girls who rush in the spring if it’s off-season, so it’s going to be a much more intimate environment than fall rush, but this can be good!

“The small pledge class was actually my favorite part about rushing in the less popular season,” says Julia, a 2012 graduate of Johns Hopkins University. “While most of our pledge classes had more than 40 girls in them, my pledge class was only 8! It meant we could have our new member sleepover all in one room, and we all ended up getting really close.” 
 
The events of spring rush are also going to be much more casual. The sororities that hold spring rush are usually the ones that didn’t meet their quota of pledges in the fall, so they’ll generally be eager for you to join and there will be less pressure. Schools may include events in the rush process that are incredibly laidback and intended to allow the sisters to get to know you as an individual and vice versa.

“It’s really informal,” says Katherine, a student at Northwestern University, of spring rush. “You go to coffee, maybe go to dinner at the house, attend an event with the girls and then you get a bid!  It's easy and way less stressful than regular recruitment.”

One other plus of spring rush is that you might have some friends who are in your grade and have already been in a sorority for a semester. They’ll be able to tell you what their specific sororities are like and also give you some tips about rushing. You’ll be able to get the inside scoop and not have to feel you’re going into the process blind.

Cons of Spring Rush

However, there can be downsides to rushing in the spring. If you’re eager to become a part of Greek life, one negative is that you have to wait an entire semester to start. Although it does give you time to adjust to school, it can make you feel like you’re waiting for your real college life to begin. “As a freshman, I just wanted to start out my year in a sorority and make friends that way,” explains Stacey. “I didn't want to have to go through a semester and then have to make all new friends in January.”

As a potential new member, there will also be rules that you have to follow in terms of interacting with the current sisters. “I hated spring rush because they made so many restrictions for us,” says Stacey. “We couldn't be Facebook friends with older girls or socialize outside of class with them. It made it awkward for me.”

Figure out what to wear

Unlike during fall rush, weather during spring rush is probably going to be pretty chilly. But this doesn’t mean that you can’t still look classy! Make sure you check out the dress code for each event to know what you’re expected to wear.

Casual

It’s good to start a more casual outfit with your best pair of jeans. Perfect-fitting dark wash jeans can do wonders paired with a nice blouse or sweater, and will also keep you much warmer than a skirt. Check out this outfit for inspiration.

Formal

Most spring rushes won’t involve many formal events, but if for some reason you need a fancier outfit, you can never go wrong with a little black dress paired with some tights.

Shoes

Although they’re warm, forget the Uggs (they look sloppy) and instead opt for riding boots or flats for casual events, or closed-toe heels for formal ones. Any of the options below will work!

Outerwear

Investing in a nicer neutral-colored jacket that can be worn with pretty much any outfit and will keep you toasty warm is essential. A pea coat or trench should do the trick.

Utilize accessories

Winter outfits that actually keep you from freezing to death and still let you show off your style can be hard to come by. Accessorizing the right way can class up any outfit, but remember not to go overboard. A pearl necklace, a nicer pair of earrings or a scarf can instantly spruce up your style.

Rush, even when informal, can be a stressful process, so it’s important to remember to relax and be yourself. If you end up not liking the process, you can always drop out or wait until fall rush to try again.

Good luck, and stay warm!

It’s officially the most wonderful time of the year—the most wonderful time for romance, that is. You kissed under the mistletoe, snuggled by the fireside, had a sweet holiday gift exchange and rang in the New Year side by side by side by side... ahh, young love. But wait—what happens now? Will your winter romance last when winter break ends? Smitten collegiettes, here’s how to tell if your winter fling will last past January.

1. You’re Attached at the Hip

It’s one thing to be involved with each other, but when you both just can’t get enough of each other—that’s a whole other level. If he’s texting you on the reg asking to hang out, he’s becoming attached to you (which makes sense—you’re awesome).

“Even if he’s not your perfect guy on paper, if he wants to see you and you want to see him, that’s all you need,” says New-York-City-based love coach Lindsay Chrisler. And when you’re able to make time for each other even in the midst of the crazy family get-togethers? Chances are this cutie’s not going anywhere when the new semester rolls around.

2. You’ve Already Said “I Love You” to Each Other

There’s never a 100 percent guarantee he’s not going anywhere, but if you’ve both fallen in love (sometimes, it happens fast!), the chances of him darting out once you’re both back in school is very low. You’d pretty much have to chuck Christmas cookies at his face and scream something about how much hotter Santa is than him for him to break things off with you (and for the record, we don’t recommend you doing that).

3. He Bought You a Christmas Present

If you guys are less serious than uttering the “L” word (and if you are, that perfectly okay, FYI), this is an easy way to tell if your guy’s really into you. Even if it’s something small, the fact that he went out of his way to buy you something means he thinks you’re pretty amazing. Remember, we ladies aren’t easy to shop for. Plus, the holidays are already stressful, so if your dude tried his best to conjure up the perfect present, you know he’s probably not going to ditch you the second he re-enters the college world.

4. He Introduces You to His Family

So he’s invited you to hang with his fam over the holidays. This is a great sign. Think about it—if you planned on breaking up with your guy, would you invite him to meet your folks? We didn’t think so. So plan a killer outfit and meet his mom, dad, crazy uncle and spastic little sister. You’ll want to give a great impression, because you’re probably going to be around for a while.

5. You Just Have a Good Gut Feeling

It may sound a little clichéd, but sometimes, trusting your senses is the best way to foresee what this romance holds in store for you.

“Your mind may want to convince you he's in for the long haul, yet your gut, your instincts, your intuition, your belly will get either soft, calm, open and relaxed if he's a great fit for your life, or it will get heavy, contracted, nervous and anxious if he's just a fling,” says Allana Pratt, an intimacy expert and host of Intimate Conversations LIVE. “Learn to slow down, listen and trust your knowing.”

While you can never be absolutely positive that you and your man are going to be together forever, there are ways to measure the seriousness of your relationship. But keep in mind, collegiettes, that worrying about the future of your love life is forever futile.

“Ignore imperfections,” Chrisler says. “Ignore off days where communication just isn't going well. Ignore what your friends think, what the rule books tell you and all the ways your life doesn't look like a romantic comedy. Focus on the connection between you two.” And most importantly, relax and enjoy this winter break with your guy—you deserve it.

Girl’s butt brings her fame. [Jezebel]

Reasons he didn’t text you back (ugh!). [PopSugar]

The best Wikipediablackholes. [ThoughtCatalog]

Top love trends of last year. [YourTango]

What the blizzard looks like fromspace. [Wired Science]

The worst college landlord in the world. [Boston Magazine]

How to find your lost iPhone. [TUAW]

5 exercises to get you ski and snowboard ready. [Life by DailyBurn]

The best extremeselfies. [BuzzFeed]

What Sweet Valley High character are you? [Cosmopolitan]

Only days after releasing her sexy new video for "Dirty Love", The 26-year-old pop star released a statement via her spokesperson that she will be headed to rehab for an eating disorder.

“I'm a crusader for being yourself and loving yourself but I've found it hard to practice,” says the "Timber" singer. “I'll be unavailable for the next 30 days, seeking treatment for my eating disorder...to learn to love myself again. Exactly as I am." The singer is reportedly getting treated at Timberline Knolls in Chicago, where Demi Lovato was also helped.

We’re glad she’s seeking the help that she needs!