We all have our go-to products that we can’t live without, all of which make up our everyday looks. Although our must-haves are different based on what works best for our individual skin tones, sensitivities and more, I'm going to walk you through the steps that I swear by, and why. Check out my favorite products and everyday routine below!

Face/Skin

Before I apply anything on my face, I make sure to wash my face with a light cleanser. I have sensitive skin and one product that works for me is Cetaphil’s Gentle Skin Cleanser ($10.79). It doesn’t irritate my skin and it doesn’t have a strong scent either so it’s perfect for everyday use for all skin types.

After I dry my face, I apply Laura Mercier’s Foundation Primer ($40). It is a good base to apply before you put on your foundation.

I then use Make Up For Ever’s HD Invisible Cover Foundation. It gives me full coverage but isn’t cakey or heavy, like a lot of liquid foundations that I have tried out in the past  have been. Plus, it really gives you a totally flawless finish!

Cheeks

My all-time favorite blush is Peaches by MAC ($22). The color lasts all day, and the product lasts forever—it took me over 7 months to hit the pan and that’s after using it everyday!

Eyes

The palette that I use daily is the Naked 2 Palette by Urban Decay ($64). I like this palette best out of the brand's three versions because this one has both brown and grey tones. It’s perfect for creating a smoky eye, or even just a neutral look to wear everyday like I do. The brush that comes with this palette is double ended and is my go-to brush for my eyes.

I apply black eyeliner daily on my bottom lash line and my favorite at the moment is bareMinerals Lasting Line Long-Wearing Eyeliner ($16). It glides really well without feeling dry like some pencil liners can. It includes a smudge tip for blending and also comes in many different colors.

I am always going back and forth between mascaras, however my favorite at the moment is Clinique’s High Impact Mascara ($16.50). I’ve always liked Clinique’s mascaras because they don’t clump and they are extremely volumizing.

Lips

There are two lip products that I consider my absolute favorites. Depending on the look I am going for, I will reach into my makeup bag for one of the following products.

The first is Hourglass’s Opaque Rouge Liquid Lipstick ($28). I have been using this lipstick for about six months now and the reason I love it is because it is well-pigmented and it applies very smoothly onto lips. It keeps my lips moisturized and the shade lasts all day long. If you’re like me and live in a cold city and find yourself with chapped lips often, this is the product for you.

The second lip product I use often is Clinique’s Chubby Stick Intense Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm ($17). I like this one because it's got the color of a lipstick, but has the consistency of a lip balm. I like to throw this on before class and it keeps my lips moisturized—and perfectly tinted—throughout the day.

We want to know what your favorite products are, collegiettes! Have you tried any of my must-haves?

So you found this amazing internship online with a deadline that's fast approaching, and you're so excited that you could apply right this minute. Except there are a few tiny, minor details—you don't have your resume updated, and you don't know that much about the company. Okay, so maybe not that tiny of details.

To avoid the horrible feeling of wanting to apply to an internship but not being able to, you can prepare for your internship search ahead of time with these five tips! You'll be completely ready to start applying to internships in no time.

1. Determine the goal of your internship search

Put on your thinking cap and crack those knuckles, because it's time to make a game plan. The first thing to think about before applying to internships is the overall goal of your internship search.

"Just like with any job search, college students need to create a strategy for their internship search," says Heather R. Huhman, career expert and founder of tech PR consultancy Come Recommended. "Students should figure out why they want to do an internship, the type of experience they hope to gain and how they want it to benefit their career."

This can be a hard task to take on, especially if you're not quite sure what you want to do yet career-wise, and that's okay!

"If you don’t know what type of internship opportunity you would like to find, it’s important to do some exploration of careers in your area of interest," says Tamara Peters, career development specialist at Rutgers University. "You should also think about how you can translate these careers into internship opportunities."

Peters suggests taking advantage of career counseling at your school to help brainstorm ideas and better understand potential career possibilities.

By forming a solid plan at the beginning of your internship search, you'll be a lot less overwhelmed later on down the road.

"The secret to every successful internship search is to have a plan," Huhman says. "It’s important to have a goal for your internship search because it’ll help you feel less overwhelmed when sifting through opportunities. For example, if you’re looking for a PR internship with a nonprofit organization, you’ll greatly narrow down employers and create a more targeted internship search."

Make a list of goals that you hope to reach. If you're more of a visual person, it might be helpful to create a collage board or a flow chart to map out your strategy, always keeping the goal of your internship search front and center.

2. Create a strategy

Once you’ve determined your goal, you can start to take action toward reaching it. What's next? Research, research and more research! It's high time to start looking into your target industries and possible organizations and then compiling a list of places at which you might want to intern, all the while sticking to the goal that you made for yourself.

"After you’ve created your goals, make a list of companies and organizations within your college town, hometown, larger cities within your state and even a few places outside of your state," Huhman says. "This initial list will serve as leads during your internship search."

The list can stem from a variety of places: companies that are working on projects that spark your interest, people you've read about in class, engaging speakers your professor has invited to lecture. 

"The first thing that people should start doing is looking for companies ... that resonate with them and that are doing things that they would be excited to work on ... not necessarily starting by searching for openings," says Emily Miethner, founder and CEO of FindSpark, the largest meetup for interns and recent grads in the country. "Keep up with those people and what openings they might have and … start doing research in that way."

Peters suggests using online resources like Riley Guide, a gateway to job, career and education information resources available online, and LinkedIn to create a targeted list of organizations you plan to pursue so that you can follow these organizations on social media sites, follow their latest news and look out for internship postings. Check out sites with job listings and job search engines to explore industries and companies that you're interested in, as well as see who your favorite companies are working with and what projects they're working on right now. As a rule of thumb, 10 is a solid number of companies to look at initially.

"Also, conduct some research to determine if your target company will be on campus for on-campus recruiting or career fairs," Peters says. "The more you know about your target [companies] prior to speaking to someone from the organization and getting an interview, the better."

During this entire process, make sure to stay focused in your internship search — don't lose sight of your goals! Narrow your list of places down to around five so that only the ones you are most interested in are left.

"Less is more when it comes to applying … keep a more focused effort into fewer companies that you're truly, truly interested in and you know a lot about, and you're going to have a much better success rate," Miethner says. "Then, when it does come time for you to look and to choose, you'll be able to have a better idea of what the companies do, you'll be able to write a better cover letter, a better application. They want to know that you're interested in their internship at their specific company, not just any internship ever."

With your game plan drawn out, you'll be on your way to getting that dream internship!

3. Update your resume

So you've been pretty busy over the past year basically just being more awesome than you already were before, and employers want to hear all about it! Make sure to update your resume before you start your internship search so you don’t end up rushing to put something together and accidentally forgetting to add something important at the last minute.

"It’s important to prepare your application materials ahead of time so you can be prepared to apply for an internship at any time," Huhman says. "Instead of scrambling at the last minute to create a resume, college students will already have the materials needed to apply for an internship."

It's also a good idea to get a second opinion on your resume, so going to your college’s career center for a review or asking professors or friends to critique your resume will help you figure out how to represent all of your new activities and accomplishments in the most effective way.

"Make sure there are no grammatical errors and that it reflects the skills and experience you have to offer for the type of experience you’re looking for," Peters says. "Bring copies of your resume to any networking meeting or session you attend. Also consider creating your own personalized business cards."

Bring it on, intern search! You'll be unstoppable once you're armed with your newly updated resume.

4. Establish a professional online presence

Having a professional online presence can open a variety of doors for you. Not only will you be able to connect with potential employers or coworkers, but you'll also be able to show them what you're capable of achieving as an intern.

"As you begin to apply for internships, it’s absolutely necessary to think about your online presence and to start building your network," Huhman says. "By creating your online presence before applying for internships, you’ll have a leg up in your search and stand out to employers during the application process. Also, if you end up connecting with a recruiter or hiring manager through LinkedIn, you’ll already have a professional profile created to impress the employer."

According to Huhman, there are a number of things you can do to build your online presence. First things first:  If you haven't done so already, create a LinkedIn account and write a professional summary. Include relevant work experience, involvement and volunteer work on your profile. Next, scrub your social media accounts, getting rid of anything from Facebook or Twitter that might send red flags to employers. Luckily for you, there are some handy apps like Socioclean that can do the cleaning up for you.

After you've established your social media presence, you can now use this to show employers what you're capable of achieving as an intern as well as get involved with the happenings of your target organizations.

"Start sharing content relevant to your industry and participating in online conversations," Huhman says. "You might also want to consider creating a blog or online portfolio. By following these tips, you’ll show employers you’re knowledgeable in your field and that you’ll be a savvy intern once hired."

5. Contact your connections

Everyone stresses the importance of making connections so much, but have you actually taken the time yet to contact people you've worked so hard to establish connections with? If there was ever a time to do it, the time would be now. Before you start your internship search, consider the resources that you already have close by.

"If there are individuals in your network (family, neighbors, etc.) that work at any of your target organizations, ask if you can meet with them to discuss what it’s like to work at their place of employment, how they got to where they are and if they have any tips for you in the search for an internship," Peters says. "Let them know you’re looking for an opportunity and that where they work is a place of interest to you."

Make sure that you make a good impression on your contacts so that if an internship does come up, they're more likely to let you know.

"When you speak to your contact, focus the conversations on learning more about the person, the organization and opportunities they may have available," Peters says. "It’s not recommended to ask the individual if they can get you an internship, but networking with someone by being polite, well-spoken about your current career objective and showing genuine interest in the person you’re speaking with can go a long way."

And, of course, it's never too late to start making new connections. You never know where one might lead you.

"One of the best ways to land an internship is to make connections with people who work for organizations you’d like to intern for," Huhman says. "For example, if you want to intern as a writer for a magazine, you’ll want to start creating a network of writers, editors and journalists. These connections will help you find more internship opportunities [and] increase your chances of landing an internship."

If you don't really know anyone in the field or at companies you'd like to work at, start small. Reach out to friends, coworkers or alumni from your college who work in closely related fields or companies. Get in touch with people you've worked with in past internships or jobs, even if they aren't really in the field you're interested in pursuing. By branching out and diving into the networking process, you might be surprised by the opportunities that come up.

Whether you're trying to land that research intern or editorial intern title, it's never too early to start preparing for your internship search. Armed with these tools, you'll be on your way to reaching your internship goals in no time!

When temperatures drop, we tend to choose our outfits based on warmth and coziness rather than chic factor. Unfortunately, enormous puffer coats aren't exactly seen as the most flattering or fashion-forward of outerwear options... until now. Making a puffer coat look stylish is all about balancing proportions and adding on-trend accessories to make this tricky piece more catwalk and less soccer mom. Check out these three cute ways to rock a puffer coat and you'll be both trendy and toasty on campus this winter!

1. Sporty and streamlined

Puffer coats don't necessarily have to be enormous, and this streamlined Karlie Wet Look Longline Puffer Coat ($35 at boohoo) sits close to your body, making it more flattering. Since puffer coats disguise your top half, it's important to emphasize your figure with dark skinny jeans, like these Topshop Moto 'Jamie' Ripped High-Rise Ankle Skinny Jeans in Black ($70 at Nordstrom) and boots in another dark color, to create the illusion of longer legs. We love these Lace-Up Combat Boots ($39.90 at Forever 21) because they're versatile and easy to walk in but still add a bit of height to an outfit. To keep this look sporty, throw on a sleek backpack, like this functional Nike Brasilia Backpack in Black ($34.99 at Famous Footwear). Finally, break up the all-black look with a pop of color, like this Must-Have Skater Beanie in Neon Yellow ($2.80 at Forever 21). There you have it: snuggly and sporty!

2. Cozy casual

For a puffer coat that looks modern and trendy, opt for a parka-puffer hybrid, like this Army Green Down Coat ($69 at Lookbook Store). Pair it with cozy sweater dress that is just long enough to poke out under your coat, like this HEATTECH Knit Long Sleeve Dress in Beige ($29.90 at UNIQLO). Rather than pairing the dress with tights, go for something a little more unexpected, like these Cozy Wool Socks in Ivory ($24 at Hanna Andersson). The tiny bit of skin you'll be showing will balance out the figure-hiding puffer coat! Make knee-high socks work by wearing them under classic riding boots, like these two-tone Women's Karri Tall Riding Boots ($31.99 at Target). Add one last touch of warmth with a textured, neutral scarf, like this With Love from CA Popcorn Knit Fringe Scarf in Ivory ($24.95 at PacSun) to complete the look. Cute enough for a daytime date and casual enough for class!

3. Easy elegance

When it comes to holiday parties, it can be tough to find a coat that will keep you warm while wearing a dress and which won't completely ruin your carefully constructed masterpiece of an outfit. This Ultra Light Shawl Collar Coat in Off White ($79.90 at UNIQLO) does just that! This no-frills coat is timeless and the color makes it dressy enough for a party, plus the longer length will keep you toasty all night! To keep the coat from swallowing you, streamline your bottom half with opaque black tights, like these SPANX High-Waisted Tight End Tights in Black ($38 at Revolve Clothing) and the tallest pair of black heels you can comfortably(!) walk in. Our pick? These Padma Platform Pumps in Black ($39.90 at Akira). Keep the rest of your holiday look classic by rocking this gorgeous and unique Scallop Lace Romper ($48 at Miss Selfridge) and pairing it with piece of statement jewelry in a festive color, like this Blu Bijoux Gold and Coral Mini Bubble Necklace ($24 at Max & Chloe). With the right cut and color, your puffer coat can actually add to a glamorous party look, not detract from it!

With these styling tips, you'll never have to choose between warmth and fashion every again—you'll never have to suffer that freezing cold 15 minute walk to class again! Go ahead, pull out that puffer coat your mom made you pack and start experimenting with different ways to make it both chic and cozy, so you can stay toasty and turn heads (in a good way!) this winter.

The holidays are here, and what better way to celebrate than with decadent, delicious, holiday-inspired cocktails?  We’ve picked a few of our favorites that can serve as festive additions to this season’s parties and celebrations!

1. Candy Cane from Mix That Drink

Ingredients

• 3/4 oz SKYY Berry vodka
• 3/4 oz peppermint schnapps
• 3/4 oz white creme de cacao
• 1/4 oz grenadine
• Half and Half
• Crushed hard peppermint candy

Instructions

• Mix the vodka, peppermint Schnapps, grenadine and creme de cacao with ice in a cocktail shaker.
• Shake it up thoroughly.
• Rim a cocktail glass with crushed hard peppermint candy and pour the shaken mixture into the glass. Top it off with half and half.

2. Santa Shot from Mix That Drink

Ingredients

• 1 part grenadine syrup
• 1 part green creme de menthe
• 1 part peppermint schnapps

Instructions

• Pour grenadine to about 1/3 of your shot glass.  
• Carefully layer the creme de menthe, then the peppermint schnapps.

3. Poinsettia from Mix That Drink

Ingredients

• Champagne
• 1/2 oz Cointreau
• 3 oz cranberry juice

Instructions

• Put the Cointreau and cranberry juice in a chilled champagne flute. 
• Stir them and top the rest of the way with champagne.

4. Hot Buttered Rum From Mix That Drink

Ingredients

• 2 oz of dark rum
• Cinnamon stick
• 1 pat butter
• 1 slice lemon peel
• Boiled water

Instructions

• Put the cinnamon stick, lemon peel and rum in a mug.
• Fill it with boiling water (leave a spoon in the mug so the glass won’t break from the heat).
• Float the butter on top, then stir it in. Or serve it with the butter floating and let your guests stir it in with their cinnamon sticks.

5. Chocolate Peppermint Stick FromMix That Drink

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 oz white creme de cacao
• 1 oz cream
• 1 oz peppermint schnapps

Instructions

• Shake well with ice.
• Strain ingredients into chilled martini glasses.
• Garnish with a small peppermint candy cane (or, optionally, crush the candy cane and sprinkle it on top) and serve.

6. Red Hot Santa-Tini from Mix That Drink

Ingredients

• 2 oz chili-infused vodka
• 2 oz Godiva chocolate liqueur
• Cocoa powder
• Cayenne pepper
• Sweetened whipping cream
• One small Thai chili pepper

Instructions

• Mix some cocoa powder together with a pinch of cayenne pepper, and rim a chilled martini glass with it.
• Shake the vodka up with the chocolate liqueur and pour the mixture into the glass.
• Top it off with the whipping cream and garnish by floating the chili pepper on top of the cream.

7. Capital Egg Nog From MyRecipes.com

Ingredients

• 6 cups milk
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
• 12 pasteurized egg yolks
• 2 cups sugar
• Praline or bourbon liqueur
• Freshly ground nutmeg

Instructions

• Cook milk, heavy cream and 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, 5 to 7 minutes or until steaming (about 150°).
• Reduce heat to low. Whisk together egg yolks and sugar in a large saucepan until smooth.
• Cook over low heat, whisking constantly, until mixture reaches at least 160° (about 25 minutes).
• Whisk milk mixture into egg mixture. Cool 30 minutes; transfer to a pitcher.
• Cover and chill 3 to 24 hours.
• Pour desired amount of praline or bourbon liqueur into each glass, if desired. Top with eggnog. Sprinkle with freshly ground nutmeg.

8. The Grinch from About.com

Ingredients

• 2 oz Midori Melon liqueur
• 1/2 oz lemon juice
• 1 tsp simple syrup
• Maraschino cherry for garnish

Instructions

• Pour ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice.
• Shake well.
• Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
• Garnish with a maraschino cherry.

9. Gingerbread Martini From MyRecipes.com

Ingredients

• Ginger liqueur
• Crushed gingersnaps
• 2 Tbsp ginger liqueur
• 2 Tbsp vanilla-citrus liqueur
• 1 1/2 Tbsp coffee-flavored rum
• 1 Tbsp honey
• 2 tsp whipping cream
• 1 cup ice cubes
• Garnish: partially split vanilla bean brushed with liqueur and rolled in sugar (optional)

Instructions

• Dip glass rims in ginger liqueur and crushed gingersnaps. Store glasses in freezer up to 2 days.
• Stir together 2 Tbsp ginger liqueur, vanilla-citrus liqueur, coffee-flavored rum, honey and whipping cream in a cocktail shaker.
• Add ice cubes, cover with lid and shake vigorously until thoroughly chilled (about 30 seconds).
• Strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish, if desired.

To the short-haired darlings fresh out of ways to style their mane, fear not: We’re here to resupply your inspo with ten charming (and uber-chic) hairstyles perfect for cropped lengths that you can create in a jiffy. Scroll ahead now to get inspired! 

Sometimes, second-day hair allows for the best hair days. Case in point: This adorable front twist. Create a deep side part then spray Batiste’s Dry Shampoo ($8) on your roots. Split the hair at the back of your crown into two and twist them together (like you're French braiding), adding hair gradually as you work your way across the hairline. Pin the end of the twist underneath your hair to conceal bobby pins. 

For a fun and flirty pixie: Starting with straightened side-swept bangs, rub a pea-size of Nioxin’s Definition Creme ($15) between your fingers and run them through the end of your bangs to give it a rough effect. Add an embellished headband to glam the look up.

When you're going for sleek and sophisticated, try slicking your pixie back. Rub TRESemmé's Thermal Creations Volumizing Mousse ($4) at the roots of damp hair then blow dry it back with a brush to maintain volume. Go over it with a straightener then rake a dollop of Oribe’s Rough Luxury Molding Wax ($35) through your hair while gently pressing down to flatten flyaways.

Half-up anything is the definition of effortless glam—simply tie the very top half of your bob into a messy bun and leave a few strands down to frame your face.

A double top knot is a genius (and not to mention underrated) styling hack for cropped hair. Using the sectioning end of a rat tail comb, divide your hair into two even parts. Prep each side with a little bit of Bumble and bumble’s Sumotech ($28); this will add texture and make slippery hair easier to style. Brush one side of your hair up into a high side ponytail using the brushing side of the rat tail comb. Once done, gather the strands of hair that were too short to be tied in the ponytail, brush them upward, and spray them down with Suave Professionals Touchable Finish Extra Hold Hairspray ($3). Secure these strands to the back of your head with a bobby pin. Return to the ponytail and twist it into a small tight bun and pin it in place. Repeat these steps on the other side and your sporty-chic 'do is good to go.

Another super-cute way to style a super-short bob? Grasp a one-inch wisp of hair on both sides of your center part and twist each tightly, leaving the ends untouched. Cross the twists at the back of your head and combine them with bobby pins. 

You don't need long locks to pull off stick-straight strands—no, a chin-grazing bob will work just fine. Get the polished look by applying KMS California Hair Stay Styling Gel ($15) onto damp hair then combing it through with a rat tail comb. Take more of the KMS styling gel, this time slicking the top middle section of hair and holding it back with a barrette. For a gorgeous sheen, spritz Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Sheen Spray ($5) over the sides and the middle.

Deep side part plus tousled locks equal one stunning lob (long bob). Prime and texturize with a mist of Sachajuan’s Ocean Mist Texturizing Spray ($28) then wrap your hair around a one-inch curling iron, going in alternating directions. Finish by straightening the ends and spraying Style Sexy Hair Texturizing Spray Clay ($19) to keep waves intact all day.

Half-up top knots also look divine on shoulder-grazing bobs. Give yourself beachy tousled waves then tie the hair at your crown into a high ponytail. Next, wrap the ponytail into a tight knot and secure it with bobby pins.

There's only one word to describe this Bohemian-esque lob: Magical. Create a straight center part and separate a small section of hair on both sides of the part. Start twisting the first section, adding new strands of hair as you go along the back of your head. Keep this first twist in place with a curl clip then repeat on the other side. When finished, tie the twists together with a clear elastic. 

Fashion resolutions to make for 2015. [Bustle]

Nostalgic stocking stuffers. [PopSugar]

Hair dryer hacks to get you a perfect blowout. [SheFinds]

The 19 saddest men waiting for their girlfriends at the mall. [YourTango]

Why do we weigh less on Fridays? [Newser]

23 reasons you’ll always want to be Blake Lively. [BuzzFeed]

Turns out you can’t detox your body. [The Guardian]

Doritos-inspired food is everywhere. [Jezebel]

The emotional stages of being a Beyoncé fan. [Cosmopolitan]

Get inspired by this sports-loving girl. [I Want Her Job]

As you're gearing up for your holiday parties this season, one thing you can't let slide is your beauty look! The holidays are a great time to experiment with fun makeup and a little (or a lot of!) glam. There's nothing out there that makes quite the statement that metallics do, so this winter, add a subtle shimmer or even go all-out with heavy metals to create the perfect party look. Check out our favorite products below!

1. Glossier Liquid Foil Liner ($28)

These limited-edition goodies from Glossier come with two shimmering liners that compliment any party outfit—and you can use them both on your lids and your lips, if you want to be extra daring. Your Christmas look will be complete with the gold, and the silver could be saved for New Year's Eve.

2. Rituel de Fille Ash and Amber Eye Soot ($24)

Give your lids a luscious look that will last the night with the creamy eyeshadows by Rituel de Fille. Each Eye Soot is made with all-natural ingredients and isn’t tested on animals so you can feel good about splurging on this guilt-free makeup.

3. stila Magnificent Metals Lip Gloss ($23) 

As part of stila’s modern metallic collection, this lip gloss takes the drama of the runway and makes it wearable for everyday. The product glides on, leaving lips feeling and looking super luxe.

4. Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar ($18) 

Known for its heavily pigmented and super opaque finishes, this lip tar is exactly what you need if you're looking to go bold and shine bright. The 100 percent vegan gloss nourishes with a hint of peppermint oil and hemp oil to leave lips feeling refreshed.

5. Bobbi Brown Metallic Eyeshadow ($22) 

Capture the intensity of this luxe gold with layers of this shimmery eye shadow, or lay down a light sheen for just a hint of metallic color—either way, you'll be set for any event: Black tie, family get-together, Secret Santa with your besties, ugly sweater parties... you get the idea.

Dazzle at all your holiday parties this season with a totally glammed up look! How will you shine, collegiettes?

With holiday parties galore on the horizon, you’re probably stressing about two things: Where to get the perfect gift, and how you can dress to impress. There’s no better way to make a statement than with standout accessories, so we’ve rounded up 8 gorgeous and holiday-appropriate rings for you to rock this season!

1. Bold gold

Feeling a bit shy in a room full of people? This Hey! Ring from Kate Spade Saturday ($40) is the perfect conversation starter.

2. Tied with a bow

A flirty bow is always a flawless addition to any ensemble but especially during the holidays when bows are everywhere you look! This LC Lauren Conrad Bow Ring ($8.40) will show you’re in the Christmas spirit.

3. Sleek and sparkly

This Vince Camuto On Point Pavé Ring ($58) is a glistening silver that will outshine any shiny tinsel or brilliant lights you may happen upon. 

4. Elegantly feminine

We’ve all had princess fantasies, so why not draw inspiration from the likes of Cinderella? You’ll feel like royalty wearing this ASOS Faux Pearl Crown Ring ($11.37).

5. The Roaring '20s

Glitz. Glamour. This Gatsby-esque Crystal Christine Ring from BaubleBar ($30) will secure your status as the life of the party.

6. Modern​ and minimalist

The unexpected shape and super affordable price of Forever 21’s Rhinestoned Linear Cocktail Ring ($3.80) makes this buy a no-brainer. It's a modern and minimalist piece, yet still an eye-catcher.

7. Glamorous

This pretty Interlocking Crystal Ring from Sole Society ($24.95) makes a simple yet effective statement.

8. Cool stacks

Stacked rings are all the rage right now. Put a new spin on the trend with this Sliced Ring from J. Crew ($55). The all-in-one design makes wearing stacked jewelry quick and easy, too!

Which of these rings will you be pairing with your holiday party attire, collegiettes? 
 

As much as we want to believe that we’re going to be the best of friends with our roommates and get along with each other all the time, the truth of the matter is we may not. When you live with other people, it’s natural for some tension to develop. Whether the cause is your roommate’s tendency to press snooze on her alarm half a dozen times before actually waking up or your habit of borrowing her clothes without asking permission, roomie fights are inevitable between even the closest of roommates. The question is: how do you resolve matters without wanting to strangle each other?

We talked to Irene S. Levine, psychologist and creator of The Friendship Blog, and Andrea Lavinthal, beauty editor and co-author of Friend or Frenemy?: A Guide to the Friends You Need and the Ones You Don’t, as well as collegiettes around the country to get their tips on how to move on from a roomie fight (and how to deal when you just have to move out!).  

Expressing your grievances to your roommate

Confrontation is never easy, especially when it comes to confronting someone you share close quarters with. However, in order to start solving an issue with a roomie, you first have to acknowledge that there is an issue.

Make concrete plans to talk.

The most important part about confronting your roommate is finding the right place and time to do it. “It’s important that you have the ‘talk’ even if it is uncomfortable. Otherwise, little problems tend to snowball into big ones,” Levine says. “Try to find an opportunity when you’re both calm and have the time and privacy to speak to each other.”

Lavinthal also reminds us of the importance of finding a good space to talk. “Ask her to meet for coffee or a drink outside of the dorm or apartment so you're on neutral territory,” she recommends. That way, both you and your roommate can feel comfortable and your talk can feel more like a conversation than an attack.

Establish a dialogue.

When confronting your roommate, it’s also essential that you think of the talk as an exchange rather than one-sided. “Approach it as a discussion, not a fight, and focus on one main issue instead of listing all of your pet peeves about her,” says Lavinthal. “Don't be surprised if your roommate brings up her own issues with you. Listen to what she has to say and try to reach a compromise that works for both of you.”

No one wants to listen to a rant. Your roommate will be much more willing to discuss the issue if you allow her to express her own grievances as well.

Be open to explanation.

Keep in mind when you approach your roommate that she may have a reasonable excuse for her behavior. “Sometimes, your roommate may have a good explanation that will allay your upset,” says Levine. “Another scenario: She may not have realized that she did something to upset you. Go in with a positive attitude that you have a problem that can be resolved… amicably.”

You’ll never know your roommate’s side of the story unless you’re willing to listen to it. By keeping an open mind, you and your roommate can get to the root of the issue without any unnecessary drama.

Keeping a fight from getting worse

One of the toughest things about having a roommate is dealing with the inevitable tension that comes with an argument. Luckily, there are ways to keep from exacerbating the tension so that a solution can be reached sooner rather than later.

Never resort to being passive-aggressive.

Whether it’s the big sigh you heave when your roommate’s 7 a.m. alarm goes off or the pile of her dirty clothes that you’ve gathered and left on her bed, being passive-aggressive never resolves an issue—if anything, it only fuels it. “My roommate never used to tell me when she had an issue with me,” says Jamie, a senior from Westfield State University. “She always made it abundantly clear that she was annoyed with me, like throwing away my old food before I had a chance to do it myself or ignoring my boyfriend when he was over, but she would never actually tell me what her issue with me was.”

Don’t opt for hostility—if you have a problem with your roomie, tell her! Confrontation may be scary, but your roommate can’t have a chance to fix her behavior if she doesn’t know what it is she’s doing that bothers you.   

Try not to get your friends involved.

Though it can be tempting to complain to other people about your roomie’s messy habits or countless late-night male visitors, it’s best not to turn to friends outside the room to help you resolve the issue.

“It is so important to handle the roommate drama between the two of you or however many roommates you have,” says Sarah, a recent graduate of Wake Forest University. “By involving your friends, it turns it into more of an issue than it has to be. Your problem with your roommate should stay between the two of you because once the issue is solved then you both can ‘bury the hatchet’ together. When other people know about your issues, those problems linger and can never go away!”

Grumbling to your friends about your roomie drama may be therapeutic, but it won’t resolve the issue. Face the issue with your roommate head on, or you may just end up with even more drama than you began with.

Find a neutral mediator.

Though your friends may not be the best people to help you resolve a roommate conflict, sometimes an outside party can be of assistance. By finding someone who can mediate your argument without bias, you and your roommate can come to a solution without pointing fingers.

“When my roommate and I had issues last year, I ended up sending a message to our RA asking if she could help us sort things out,” says Mary, a junior from Syracuse University. “It was really helpful. She had us create a contract with each other so we had some set rules for the room — I don’t think that’s something we would have ever thought to do on our own!”

Seeking out the help of an RA, an RD or any sort of mentor or adviser can really help when you and your roomie simply can’t see eye to eye. You may think it’s best to keep the conflict between you and your roomie, but a neutral third party can sometimes help find a solution neither of you would have thought of yourselves.

Apologizing to your roommate

Sometimes saying you’re sorry can go a whole lot further than trying to insist that you’re right. You may not feel that you’re at fault in a situation (at least, not entirely), but saying those magic words can help smooth over any roomie drama.

Make the first move

“If you messed up and you know it, it’s best to just bite the bullet and say your ‘I’m sorry’ as soon as you can,” says Levine. “If you have said or done something wrong, apologize as soon as you realize you made the mistake. Don’t wait for her to bring it up to you.”

Don’t let that tension build. The sooner you get your apology out of the way, the better!

Acknowledge what you did wrong

If you really want your apology to mean something, you’ve got to make sure you address exactly what it is you did. “Say ‘I’m sorry that I ate all of your gluten free waffles/spilled red wine on your white duvet/wear headphones whenever your boyfriend comes over,’” says Lavinthal. “Acknowledging what you did wrong will make your apology more sincere.”

A general apology is nice, but acknowledging your mistake will really make the difference. Otherwise, your roomie may not even know what it is you’re apologizing for.  

Give her time to get over it

Chances are, your roommate’s not going to forgive you instantly (even though you’d like her to). “Accept that it might take your roommate a day or two to get over it,” says Lavinthal. Your roommate will probably be willing to forgive and forget if you give a sincere apology, but it might just take a little while for her to do it.

Levine points out that a little thoughtfulness can help that process along. “Try to find some way to make it up to her (e.g. take her for lunch or buy her a small gift),” she says. “Most of all, don’t do it again.” If she’s reasonable, she’ll come around—just be patient!

When to move out

Sometimes there’s just no solving a roomie dispute. If you simply can’t find a way to get along, it might be best for the two of you to just live apart. If you decide to move on, it’s important to break the news to your roommate in a respectful way.

Lavinthal says that you’ll know when it’s time to move out when going back to your room becomes a last resort. “If you're going to great lengths to avoid your roommate and would rather sleep on a friend's couch than go home, it's time to find a new living situation,” she says.

Levine agrees that moving on is sometimes for the best. “When you’re away at school in a dorm or apartment, you don’t have to be best friends with your roommate, but you do have to show respect for each other,” she says. “If you can’t negotiate boundaries that seem reasonable to both of you, you may have no alternative but to change housing situations. Hopefully, this can be done at the end of the semester so it doesn’t interfere with anyone's studies.”

Living with other people is difficult, and you can only accommodate another person so far. Just remember, collegiettes: Be the roommate you want your roomie to be. “For many students, this may be the first time they are living with someone besides family,” Levine says. “This takes some getting used to. Different people do things in different ways and come from different backgrounds and cultures. Learning to live with another person can be an invaluable experience.”

Your roommate may not end up being your BFF, but as long as you can live agreeably together, then you’ll be able to find a resolution to any disagreement. 

Whatever the cause is—stress (hello, finals), PMS, a bad breakup, the works—acne is never a welcome guest on our otherwise ***flawless faces. We all know that picking or popping is a big no-no when it comes to blemishes, but sometimes we’re that anxious for a solution.

With this in mind, we asked collegiettes from across the country to weigh in on what their favorite acne-banishing products are, since we don’t want a bothersome zit to stop you from living your life to the fullest! Next time you’re having an acne dilemma, reach for one of these tried-and-true products to start healing your breakout in no time!

Alexandra Blessing, a junior at Millersville University: Biore Charcoal Cleanser ($8)

“I can actually feel it working! It makes your face feel so refreshed and I've seen the blackheads around my nose disappear after just a few uses.”

Anabella Tourkman, a sophomore at George Mason University: Kiehl's Blue Herbal Spot Treatment ($18)

“Super affordable and heals trouble spots practically overnight! This spot-treatment is my go-to and one of few items I always re-purchase.”

Samantha Sasso, a junior at St. John’s University: Clean & Clear Advantage Spot Treatment ($8)

“My holy grail spot treatment for pimples that pop usually around my period or like finals because of stress is this product. It works better than any high-end product I've used for spot treatments and doesn't scar my sensitive skin. The blemish is usually gone overnight or within a day.”

Rachel Lewis, a senior at Elon University: Handmade Natural Lavender and Tea Tree Oil Soap ($6)

“This is a product I swear by when it comes to getting rid of acne. I bought mine at a market in Philly, but you can find it on Etsy as well. This soap is easy on your skin (and not drying!) and will make your skin soft, smooth, and most importantly, clear.”

Shannon Zhu, a junior at NYU: Clinique Acne Solutions Clinical Clearing Gel ($25)

“Hands down, I can't live without this. I put it on full face at night to combat any acne and spot treat in the morning. Warning, the formula is strong and almost alcohol-ish, but banishes my acne every time without fail.”

Morgan Dux, a senior at Juniata College: Neutrogena's Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Anti-Blemish Face Wash ($6.50)

“I love this face wash. It has salicylic acid, which works really well with my skin! I've been using it, religiously, since freshman year and it is one of my all-time favorite products.”

Lindsey Murray, a senior at Temple University: Neutrogena Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask ($7)

“I use it as an everyday face wash, but it’s really great when I’m super stressed and breaking out a lot because I can use it as a deep cleansing mask to clear up acne overnight!”

Brooke Pompeo, a junior at Messiah College: Stridex Daily Care Acne Pads with Salicylic Acid($4)

"These Stridex pads do not dry out my skin when combined with the prescription medicine I use for my acne. Other products I've used would dry out my skin, which was painful, especially in the winter! 

What are your fave acne-banishing products, collegiettes? Have you tried any of these methods above?

Growing up, I knew I didn’t fit into the stereotype that people had built up around black girls. I wasn’t loud or “ghetto.” I went to class every day and I always did my homework. Other black people didn’t like that about me. They didn’t like how I talked or how I dressed. To top it all off, they didn’t like how open-minded I was. I didn’t just like black guys – I liked all kinds of guys. I didn’t care about race, but they did.

When black people at my school found out about my attraction to different races, I was bullied and called racist. I didn’t understand how my preference could be considered racist, but to them it was. Every day it was nonstop teasing, and it became really irritating.

It wasn’t just about me liking all kind of guys – it was also about my skin color. Since I’m dark-skinned, I was considered ugly. People would tell jokes about how they couldn’t see me, or they would simply tell me I was just plain ugly. It hurt a lot, and I cried every day.

I used to think my best friend, Mariah, had my back, but whenever people made fun of me, she wouldn’t even stick up for me. Mariah didn’t like that I was interested in guys outside my race. She always told me that something was wrong with me. I quickly realized that she only cared about herself and her popularity, so I stopped being friends with her.

I remember always praying to God, asking him to make me lighter so I could be pretty. But I knew deep down that my skin was never going to change.

I remember when I told my dad that people were making fun of me. I didn’t know what to do, so I turned to him to help me keep my anger in check. I told him why they were making fun of me, and he told me that because I’m black, I have to date black guys. Even my father didn’t support me!

I tried confiding in my stepmom as well, but I should’ve known better. Before I knew it, my stepmom had told her whole family, and they would not leave me alone. They started talking about slavery and how black people fought for their freedom and how I should appreciate it. I understood that, but I didn’t know what that had to do with me! I had never felt so alone in my life.

It was in high school that I first started liking guys outside my race. I always got rejected by them because they didn’t consider me pretty, and I got rejected by black guys for being too dark. It was a very confusing time for me. I didn’t understand how people of my race could blame me for not liking black guys when black guys didn’t even like me! I began to feel like no guy would ever feel attracted to me, and I would be alone forever. It was hard for me to tell guys that I liked them because I hated getting rejected.

I had a crush on a guy in high school named Henry who was Hispanic, but I didn’t tell him I did because I was too scared. Instead, I asked him questions to see if he even liked black girls.

One day in class we started talking about black women, and I asked him, “Do you like black girls?”

“No, because they’re too ghetto,” he replied.

“I’m not ghetto,” I said.

“Yeah, you’re different, but I’m just turned off by them.”

Even though I didn’t tell Henry I liked him, I still felt rejected. It feels like wherever I go, I’m going to always be stereotyped.

I realized that the fault was not mine, and that it was other people’s unfair judgments that left me feeling pigeonholed and confused. I tried to assure myself that if people couldn’t accept that I like all guys, then that was their opinion, not mine.

Even though I accepted that, I still didn’t accept myself. I still thought I was ugly, and that no one would ever like me.

However, with the help of God and my grandma, I have learned to grow more accepting of my appearance. I have begun to appreciate my long black hair, my big dark brown eyes, my smooth skin and my great body. I’ve also realized that it’s not my looks that make me pretty—it’s my personality. My grandma taught me that an ugly personality makes you ugly, not the way you look.

There are still days when I don’t feel great about the way I look, but I’ve learned to shake it off.  My grandma also taught me that it’s okay to be who I am and to not be afraid of what people think. Because of her I realized that I can’t please everyone, and if I’m happy with myself, I shouldn’t change for other people’s benefit. I have people who accept me for who I am: my two best friends, Skylar and Joshlyn; my other friends and some of my family members. I appreciate them being there for me.

As far as interracial dating, I still don’t have much experience with that. There have been a few guys here and there, but nothing major. I’m still single, which is fine, but sometimes I do get lonely. I think that God just wants me to wait, and eventually, I will find the right guy for me. I don’t care if others don’t accept it; I do, and that’s what counts. I just hope that someday my family will accept me for who I am, as I have grown to accept myself.

Do you have a story to share?Submit your story to Her Story!

Even though the college application process is probably wearing you down at this point, it’s no time to slack off! There’s still lots to do, including showing potential schools your personality through interviews.

The college interview is a way for schools to get to know the real you. This is your chance to put a friendly face with your outstanding grades. While most college interviews are simple and straightforward, there are always opportunities to play yourself up and stand out. Lucky for you, we got the lowdown from real college admissions officers on how to stand out in your college interview!

1. Demonstrate growth

It's one thing to get good grades and play important roles in extracurricular groups, but college interviewers want to know that you're not just outstanding on paper. "When I interview a student, I'm really looking to better understand their personal background, experience and growth," says Emily Anding, assistant director of admission at Colorado College.

Your interview is an opportunity to explain your application in better detail. Sure, an admissions officer might be able to gather that you participated in student government for a few years, but you might not have had the chance to explain how you moved from a regular member to treasurer, then president. The Common App lets you list your classes, but it won't offer any background as to why you chose the classes that you took or how you improved as the year went on.

Make sure to use the interview as an opportunity to demonstrate your personal growth throughout your high school career. Admissions officers don't just want to see that you've passed your classes, but that you've also overcome obstacles and applied your personal experiences to your work.

2. Talk about your passions

While a college interview is definitely something to be taken seriously, don't let your nerves hold you back from being yourself! A lot of students look similar on paper, so an in-person interview is a chance for college admissions officers to get to know you on a personal level.

"[In an interview], I am trying to understand what [the student] is passionate about in and out of the classroom, and I think it's really important to listen to what they're saying and build from there,” Anding says. So while it's good to mention your academic achievements and outstanding GPA, don't be afraid to take it down a notch and talk about what really interests you.

If you don't know how to tie in your passions, look back at what you've participated in over the last few years. If you're a member of a sports team, student government or any other extracurricular, explain why you participate and what you enjoy about your role. Expressing what you're truly passionate about - both in and out of the classroom - will show your deeper involvement and help make you (and your application) more memorable.

3. Demonstrate your knowledge of the college

Do your research! Chances are if you're interviewing at a school, you've gone through a long application process to get there. Don't risk your chances by walking into the interview without knowing anything about the college!

"You should not come to an interview asking basic questions," says Michael Perron, dean of admissions at Becker College. You should be doing your basic research on the size of the school, what majors are offered, etc. before you step into the interview, and instead ask questions that aren’t so easily answered.

"Students should highlight what they have learned about the college, how enrolling will help prepare them for their career field and what both they and the college will gain from their enrollment," Perron says. Demonstrating your knowledge of the school shows the interviewer that you have a genuine interest in that specific institution, not just in attending college in general. It shows that not only do you want to learn, but you want to learn from them!

4. Show initiative

Colleges receive tons of applications from A+ students, but not all of them are self-starters! Depending on the high school, it's easier for some students to simply coast by with good grades and roles in extracurricular programs than for others. In order to stand out, make sure you demonstrate how hard you work and how motivated you are.

"If applicable, give an example of your initiative," Perron says. For example, talk about a club you started, how you took on an extra summer class or when you saw a need in the community and addressed it through volunteer service. Colleges like when you show that you initiative, whether it's in or out of the classroom.

5. Elaborate

We all dread the "tell me about yourself" prompt in an interview, but it’s actually an opportunity to highlight the most important things about yourself. It's easy to hold back and answer an interviewer’s questions with just a sentence or two, but do your best to elaborate when possible.

In order to play yourself up, talk about what's important to you and the college you're interviewing with. No matter how many interviews you do throughout the application process, no interview will be the same, because each college looks for something different in its candidates. Focus on the aspects of your background that will make you successful at this specific school and play up those factors.

To stand out, take any opportunity you get to elaborate on your answer to the question at hand. Turn yes or no questions into broader explanations – but make sure you’re answering the question! For example, if the interviewer asks if you’re involved in extracurriculars, don’t just say a simple “yes.” Go into detail about your favorite club or one that you hold an important position in. While college interviews may be a little nerve-racking and you may be itching to get it over with, it’s important to elaborate and play yourself up when you can!

6. Ask good questions

Interviews aren't just a one-way conversation! While the interviewer is going to be asking a lot of questions, don't be afraid to shoot some back - as long as they’re not the basic ones Perron mentioned. Colleges want to know that you're invested in your education, so demonstrate your interest by asking genuine questions.

To dig deeper, ask your interviewer about other students who chose to go into the field you plan to study. "Admissions folks may not be able to give all the details that students want to hear, but more than likely we can put you in touch with those fellow students and with your future faculty members, who can talk more in depth about their area of focus," Perron says.

Asking about what you'll gain from the college demonstrates that you have a real investment in your education. The interview is meant to be a conversation about the school and your future, so don’t be afraid to participate in the conversation by asking questions!

College interviews might seem like no-brainers (we can all talk about ourselves for a half hour, can’t we?), there are certain ways to make sure that your time with a school's admission office pays off! Interviews require more than dressing nicely and shutting off your cell phone - they demand good research of the school, knowledge of what you want out of an education and an understanding of yourself as a student. Make sure you take advantage of the opportunity and really play yourself up!

We feel you—finals week is rough. You’re stressed, exhausted and more than ready for break. To help you survive the final stretch of the semester, we’ve paired inspirational quotes with some serious celeb eye candy for a double dose of motivation (because why not?). You’ve got this, girl!

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It's the beginning of another week and, collegiates, that means mani monday! This week is deidcated to our Zeta ladies, so keep on reading to find out how to create a ZTA manicure that's sure to wow every sisters.

Zeta's colors are turquoise and steel gray so I used Revlon Trendy ($5.99) and Essie Chinchilly ($8.49). I also threw in some glitter with Black Poppy's turquoise glitter polish (a line of nail polish carried in PacSun)—you can find a similar color in Butter London's Scallywag ($15).

First, paint your thumb and ring finger using the turquoise polish, finsihing up the base by painting the remaining three fingers with the grey polish.

Zeta's symbol is the crown, so we'll paint that on our thumb. Using a toothpick, begin by drawing a slightly concave line near the tip of the nail, sort of like a frowning smiley face. Next, draw five downward facing "v's" to act as the points of the crown.

On the nails that you painted with a grey base, draw stripes using the turquoise polish and a dotting tool. I find that dotting tools help create much thicker and consistent lines than toothpicks do, but toothpicks will work if you don't own dotting tools.

Lastly, use the turquoise glitter polish to make your ring finger sparkle and shine. Creating an accent nail by painting the ring finger with glitter polish always adds such a fun touch!

And now our Zeta-inspired, turquoise and grey mani is complete! Be sure to add a clear topcoat and show it off at the next function, your sisters will be insanely jealous!

Quick tip: To give the manicure a slightly different look, exchange out the stripes for polka dots instead!

We’ve all been there: Our friend comes to us with a MAJOR problem, and the next hour is filled with tears, a whole lot of venting and maybe some chocolate. Since we’re such good friends, we sit with her, dry her tears and comfort her with some wise words of wisdom.

Despite being young adults, we like to think we have all the answers to our friends’ problems. Even though we have the best intentions when we give others guidance, more often than not, we never actually take to heart ourselves the advice we dole out. It’s not that we’re hypocritical; it’s just hard to listen to our own advice. Here’s a list of all the pieces of advice we love to give but hate to take.

1. Maaaaybe you shouldn’t hook up with him.

Your friend has been obsessing about this guy she met on Tinder for DAYS. Apparently he’s the perfect combination of charming and carefree, but you can’t seem to get over his muscle-tee profile picture or “Work Hard, Play Harder” tagline. When she sees him at a party Saturday night, it takes all your strength to hold her back and remind her that she deserves better than a guy who routinely calls her “bro.” He may be cute, but let’s have some standards here.

Of course, you totally ignore your bestie’s warnings when you see that guy you used to hook up with freshman year. Sure, he never texted you back and mostly ignores you when you pass him on campus, but he’s smiling at you now and offering you a beer, and you can’t help but want to go full-on make-out right here, right now. It’s not your fault that you’re attracted to guys who play hard to get! The heart wants what it wants. #noregrets

2. For the millionth time, don’t text your ex. I’m begging you.  

Part of the moving-on process is that essential 30-minute debate of if you should text your ex. As an outside observer, you’ve talked your friend out of many drunken (and sober) phone calls even though they “were soul mates,” she misses him or, “saying hi isn’t that big of a deal!” No matter how many times you remind her, she still does it anyway, and you’re the one who has to deal with her sobbing into her pint of Ben & Jerry’s. Maybe if she just took your advice, she wouldn’t be listening to Adele. Again.

Then Saturday night rolls around, and your second glass of wine has convinced you that a simple “what’s new” text to your ex shows that you still care, but not too much. It’s not like you’re looking for anything; you just want to make sure he knows that you’re doing fine without him. And really, it’s so casual that it doesn’t even matter, right? It’s just ONE text. You’re totally over it, though. Promise.  

3. Well, life isn’t fair, so suck it up.  

In the dining hall, your friend, who’s on the verge of tears, says that she didn’t get that leadership position she wanted. She keeps whining about how she’s more qualified than the other candidate, plus it’s just ridiculous that people didn’t like her speech! It just isn’t fair. Why is this happening to her? And even though you feel her pain, her complaining has gone on long enough. No one said life was supposed to be fair, so you tell your friend to put on her big-girl pants and move on.

On the other hand, it’s really unfair that you got rejected from your dream internship or that you got stuck with the worst random roommate ever. How could this happen to you? Bad things shouldn’t happen to awesome people! And because you’re awesome, your hour-long sulking session is totally justified. Sorry you’re not sorry.

4. Stop overthinking this ONE text to your crush. It’s ONE text.

Your friend has drafted and re-drafted a text to that cute guy she met at a party last week. While she continuously agonizes over “Hi” versus “What’s up,” you politely remind her that one emoji won’t really make a difference because he probably won’t respond for hours anyway. Just hit send already. All this overthinking is making you exhausted.

Of course this is totally irrelevant when you’re racking your brain to figure out what your crush REALLY meant by that “see you later” comment the other day on campus. Should you text him? Maybe you should wait until he Snapchats you before you do anything. Or you could always plan a totally-unexpected-but-completely-planned run-in tomorrow on the way to class. It’s not that you’re overthinking things; you’re just choosing to be particularly thoughtful over the important things. That’s all.

5. Cut your roomies some slack. It’s all about living peacefully together, remember?

Every time you come home, one of your roommates complains about how your other roomie always leaves dirty dishes in the sink and it’s grossss. She goes on about how she’s going tell her off when she gets home, but you take a deep breath and tell your annoyed roomie to choose her battles wisely. Dirty dishes are irritating, but so not worth starting a roommate war over.

Once you’ve mollified your roommate, you realize that the skirt she borrowed last weekend is lying in a crumpled mess on your bedroom floor, reeks of beer and has a huge stain on it! How could she? She KNEW it was your favorite skirt, and you specifically told her to keep it clean! You can’t wait to give her a piece of your mind…

6. Chill out; it’s only one bad grade. It doesn’t even matter.  

You could swear it’s the end of the world by the way your friend is talking about getting a C on her paper. Clearly this one grade means that her GPA will drop, which means she probably won’t get a job after graduation, and that will somehow lead to her living at home with her parents forever and owning 12 cats. Your joke about things escalating quickly only gets you death glares. Whatever, you were just trying to help.

But that B- you got on that term paper that you worked on ALL weekend is actually the worst thing that’s every happened to you. Of COURSE this grade matters. This one B- basically determines if you get into your top grad school, which obviously affects if you get your perfect job and meet the man of your dreams (because you’re going to meet him at work when you’re 25. That’s the plan, duh). You’re not overreacting because this grade ruins everything. Literally EVERYTHING.

No matter what situation our friends are in, we always have the best advice to give them. That’s what friends are for, right? Even though we know we’re helping, sometimes we forget to take that advice ourselves. Maybe we should start taking it to heart more. We clearly are great advice-givers, after all!