Congrats! You’ve landed an internship for the spring semester, but now that you’ve figured out where you’re going to work, here comes the even bigger question. What are you going to wear? That’s where functional, comfortable and most of all stylish blazers like the ones below come in! Simple black jackets will label you an instant bore, so mix things up with these professional yet fashionable options.

1. Champagne Taste Cape Blazer, $68, Nasty Gal

This cape-like blazer makes a bold statement, but the navy hue will keep it office-appropriate. We love how easily it transitions into after hours attire, too!

2. Worth a Thousand Words Grey Print Blazer, $102, Lulu*s

Every working girl needs a classic grey blazer in her closet, and this muted print will turn heads without distracting your co-workers from their duties.

3. Reversible Collarless Longline Crepe Jacket, $32.90, Forever 21

Reversible blazers, where have you been all our lives? Whether you need this jacket to be functional in a serious black color or dazzle in the enchanting rust shade, it’s got you covered. Plus, the longer hemline and boxy silhouette add a menswear vibe that we’re always dying to perfect!

4. Vince Camuto Animal Legacy One-Button Blazer, $149, Nordstrom

We know you love your leopard print; in our opinion, it’s practically a neutral. To update it for the workplace, stick with darker, smaller patterns that add a fun edge to your wardrobe without seeming too scandalous.

5. Ponte Blazer, $32.22, ASOS

Say goodbye to the drab neutrals of wintry weather and bring in the spring with a bold, bright color like this chartreuse. Let the hue do all the talking so you don’t have to—at least when it comes to small talk!

6. Fab Floral Designer Blazer, $69.99, ModCloth

Florals have the tendency to walk the line between resembling your grandmother’s curtains and allowing you to have a “wow” moment. This floral definitely falls in the latter camp.

How will you be dressing to impress at your spring internships, collegiettes? 

Forget the conventional “Heart U 2” V-day cards. Relationships are never that simple, so it’s about time someone made cards to fit our unique romantic and platonic situations. These cards aren't the most tactful, but they'd certainly get the point across. You can say goodbye to mixed signals once Hallmark makes these 11 brutally honest Valentine's Day cards.

1. For guys who can’t take a hint

“Roses are red, violets are blue, I’m sorry to say I’m not into you.”

2. For guys in the friend zone

“I value our FRIENDship so much. You are like a brother to me because I care so much about you and I would never kiss you. Happy Valentine’s Day, FRIEND!”

3. For your friend with benefits

“Let’s not make it weird. Today is like any other day of the year. P.S. You’re sexy!”

4. For a boyfriend

"I like you, but I don’t love you… yet. Unless you love me. In that case, I’d have to think about it. I’m glad we agreed on no gifts so early in the relationship, though... Crap, you bought me a gift?!"

5. For your long-term boyfriend

“For Valentine’s Day, I would like a ________________. Please help me out and just tell me what you want. I’m running out of ideas! Thanks babe, love ya!”

6. For a complicated relationship

“Happy Valentine’s Day, or sad Valentine’s Day, depending on how we're doing. I love/hate you!”

7. For the guy friend you want to date

"Have a happy Valentine’s Day and make a move on me already—or just the first thing I said, if the second thing weirded you out. Can we still be friends (or more)?"

8. For your ex

"Remember when you planned that super romantic date for me last year? I don't either. Have a mediocre every day."

9. For your best girl friends who are taken

“</3 Your boyfriend is all right... as long as he realizes you’re actually mine.”

10. For your best girl friends who are single

“Can we be crazy cat ladies together? <3, your purrrfect match”

11. For your single self

"Happy Singles Awareness Day, you strong, independent woman! Take the money you aren't spending on a significant other and buy yourself something chocolatey or sparkly. You're welcome."

We’ve all heard our fair share of horror stories from Tinder. Who knew there were far more – and far creepier — dating apps out there? Take a look at these creepy, crazy and just plain odd apps, all aimed at finding you Mr. or Ms. Right (but in the weirdest ways possible).

1. On the Rebound 

On the Rebound is a great dating app to try if you consider a super stalker-y program that analyzes your Facebook friends’ dating history to be an organic way of meeting your next love interest.

Using a systematic method of data searching, this app will give you the best time to ask out your Facebook friend by investigating up to six years of his or her dating record (that is, if they made their relationships FBO). The app then provides a statistical overview of your friend’s relationships (such as how long your friend and his or her ex-SO dated for, how long until the friend dated again, etc.) and can suggest “Rebound Ratings” and when would be best for you to ask the friend out.

This app does promise to stalk the eye candy you’ve been checking out (which, yes, is something we would be doing anyway), but still, it’s kind of creepy to have to use an app to tell you when he or she is going to be looking for a rebound. (Don’t forget, that rebound is you. Knowing the perfect time to hit him or her up doesn’t sound so great now, does it?) But hey, at least the app has one thing going for them: Their promising catchphrase that they “never post on your Facebook wall… ever.”

Oh, and according to their website, they politely ask that if the app does “help you get laid,” please let them know by sending them an email. Classy.

2. Flavor Connect

Gone are the days when people connected over similar interests, passions and hobbies. Now, we are apparently expected to find love based on our… candy flavor? If you want finding your next hook-up to be based on the sweet, sweet flavors of lemon or vanilla (which we don’t recommend), then check out Flavor Connect.

With a simple sign-up requiring an email and a questionnaire that requires you to describe your body type (choices range from “average” to “a few extra pounds”), this app will help you find your “flavor of love” based on what kind of relationship you’re looking for. Like the idea of a fantasy relationship? Chocolate is your flavor! Not in the mood for anything serious? Well, in that case, you must be strawberry. Looking for a friendly relationship? You must be lemon! Sit back and relax while Flavor Connect finds you a similar-tasting SO!

3. Luxy

Who wouldn’t want to try out a dating app that describes itself as “Tinder, minus the poor people”?  Luxy, the app for the wealthy and beautiful, provides an exclusive channel in which to connect people of a certain income and status level to meet each other. According to Luxy, their clientele includes CEOs, celebrities, athletes and doctors. This app will help to connect you with other wealthy individuals based on the brands you display on your profile page (think BMW, Rolex and Chanel) and through a private messaging system on the app (however, you can only send a message if both parties “like” each other, and, according to the app, there are “no undesirable contacts” allowed). And, if you are a “con artist” or “compulsive liar” who managed to circumvent Luxy’s specific requirements for access to the app, then be warned: They will weed you out. 

So if you have an average income of at least $250,000, are in the top 1 percent or wouldn’t mind going through an income verification process (the app reports that this feature is currently the next feature to be implemented), then check out Luxy (or, you know, just... don’t).

4. Cuddlr

Ever just want to cuddle? This is the question posed by Cuddlr, the app that will give you walking directions to your nearest buddy for a quick... well, cuddle.

This app will provide you with the first name, picture and past cuddling reviews of other willing cuddlrs near you. If both parties agree to cuddle, you can write a short message (to trade info, presumably) and then follow the real-time map directions to the other’s location. Rate the cuddle after or share a picture of how snuggly you two got!

Sure, this app’s pitch is a lot more fun sounding than On the Rebound or even Tinder, and yes, a low-key snuggle here or there does sound enticing, but really? Indulging your desires for meaningless cuddles with total randos? Not only does this sound like a psycho horror story waiting to happen (getting the, “Hey, wanna come to my apartment for a cuddle?” message from a total stranger doesn’t exactly sound safe), but we doubt it will help you find your next SO either. Single you plus meaningless cuddles equals feeling even more lost and alone afterwards.

5. Carrot Dating

Forget dating the old-fashioned, organic way. Why not bribe your way to a date?

The app Carrot Dating encourages you to dangle the right carrot in front of a person you’re interested in by attempting to bribe him or her with something that will land you a date.  Flowers? A fun-filled, awesome afternoon? These might not seem so bad. But jewelry? Money? A tattoo? Enter the weirdness.

This app requires a simple email-based signup and asks a few demographic questions. After that, feel free to find out what people are willing to exchange for a date with you (or, again… don’t). 

Carrot Dating comes from the creator of other just as creepy-sounding web ventures including SeekingArrangment.com (described on Carrot Dating as “the leading sugar daddy dating website”), WhatsYourPrice.com and SeekingMillionaire.com (both pretty self-explanatory... and equally as creepy).

6. InstaDo

Invite that Facebook friend you’ve been eyeing lately out on a date through the InstaDo app. Or, as the app’s name suggests, simply invite him or her to “Do It” with you. Whether you ask your friend for a date or a do, your private Facebook notification invitation remains a secret until the person replies with his or her suggestion of date activity, like going to a movie, a nice dinner or simply out for coffee; the app will then suggest the most PG-13 of the two. Facebook chat will automatically open so that you can plan your date or do! Creepy? Yes. A little forward? Absolutely. But hey, to each their own.

7.  Revealr

The idea behind dating app Revealr actually sounds like a good idea in theory: becoming interested in someone based on something other than his or her looks.

How do you do this? Sign up for a dating app that doesn’t let you see the photo of the person until you determine whether you are actually interested. Revealr helps you determine this by prompting you to listen to a 20-second clip of the person’s voice. If the audio clip interests you, then swipe right. The pixelated image of the person that accompanies the audio clip will become clear if the person is also mutually interested in you. 

While not as creepy as the above dating apps, Revealr is just one more of those rather odd dating apps that we’re surprised actually exists.

While Tinder continues to dominate in the mobile-app dating/hook-up scene, sometimes it’s easy to forget that there are a lot of other, far weirder apps out there that people actually use. From dangling carrots to pressure-free cuddles, there are apparently a lot more ways to start a relationship these days (none of which we suggest).

All in all, drunk girls are a unique breed. We're loud, we're candid and we have an overwhelming craving for both pizza and dancing. Keep reading for a list of more things that we all do when we’re drunk.

1. Make friends with strangers in the bathroom.

“I LOVE your SKIRT. Is it from Tobi??”

2. Yell, “THIS IS MY SONG” and drag your friends onto the dance floor.

Disclaimer: You will yell this regarding six different songs throughout the night.

3. That dance where you slowly wiggle your body and raise one arm in the air.

Otherwise known as the college-girl mating call.

4. Talk about the amount of pizza you’re going to demolish when you leave the bar.

“And mozz sticks. WE HAVE TO GET MOZZ STICKS.”

5. Tell your best friend that she's your best friend. And how much you love her.

Because you serrriously do. She doesn't even knooow.

6. Put up a 109-second Snapchat Story consisting of blurry pictures and pitch-black videos.

Because if you don’t put up a Snapchat Story, how will people even know that you went out?

7. Repeat yourself over and over again.

“Can you believe she did that? Wait, can you believe she did that? Seriously though, can you believe she did that?”

8. Jump up and down and yell, "SHOTS!"

Ignore the pointed glares from across the bar. They’re just jealous of your Fireball.

9. Take 400 selfies.

Forget duck lips; it's all about the strong brow game.

10. Tweet indecipherable inside jokes.

“It goiong down we r yelling timber hah a h rite? carly remembr?”

11. Ask your taxi driver about his life story.

"Where are you from?? Oh my God, I've always wanted to go to Lebanon!!"

12. Pee in an alley or any other inappropriate public place.

When the seal has been broken, anywhere will have to do.

13. Text your crush in a way that you will definitely regret in the morning.

"Heyyyyyyyyyyyyy"

The more Ys you put, the chiller you are.

14. Fall down and almost sprain both your ankles in your heels.

*Takes baby steps and walks with little T-rex arms*

*Falls anyway*

*Repeats*

15. And reassure your friends over and over again that you’re not drunk.

"I’m FINE." *falls into a bush*

Hopeless romantics and cynics alike, gather ‘round: let’s pretend for a second that everything we know about soul mates we’ve learned from television.

Lesson number one: They undoubtedly exist. There was never any doubt that Rachel would get off the plane for Ross or that Sabrina would ride off on the back of Harvey’s motorcycle. And of course, Cory and Topanga lasted long enough to spawn two children and a spin-off. Every show has its golden couple, and no matter what plot twist comes their way, they’ll be rightfully together by that series finale because they were always endgame.

Wouldn’t that be nice?

Translate that concept into real life, and suddenly things get complicated. Some of us would love to believe that if our lives were TV shows, there would be someone out there we were meant to be with. But do real relationships actually work that way? Sometimes it’s hard to believe that “the one” could be waiting for you in your boring econ class or at the next frat party. So whether you believe soul mates are inevitable or an urban legend, Her Campus has everything you need to know about them. Swoon or scoff—it’s your choice! 

To believe or not to believe in soul mates

Spoiler alert: Ultimately, everything about the soul mate debate is up to you. Only you can decide whether they exist, how to define them or whether to call that person your soul mate, “the one” or even your lobster (sick of our Friends references yet?).

But just in case you’re still on the fence, check out these compelling opinions from fellow collegiettes that you might just be tempted to adopt.

“I totally believe in soul mates!” says Heather Baldock, a senior at the University of Oregon. “I think first you just have to love yourself and where you are in life… once you stop looking for guys and worrying about being single and instead focus on loving yourself, then you'll find the perfect person for you.”

Northwestern University graduate Iris*, on the other hand, doesn’t believe relationships are the package deal that famous TV and movie couples would have us believe.

“I think ‘soul mate’ is a concept perpetuated by the marketplace; an attractive ideal that keeps the masses attending chick flicks and paying for prime exposure on dating sites,” she says. “And frankly, I'd rather fall in love on my own terms than on the terms Hollywood scripts for me.”

For those of you who don’t feel like picking a side, don’t worry: middle ground is always possible, especially when it comes to something like soul mates.

“I'm not sure I believe in soul mates exactly,” says Samantha Galasso, a graduate of Villanova University. “I think certain people are more compatible than others, but I think every relationship you have—past, present and future—all bring something to the table, and just because they're not the person you spend the rest of your life with doesn't mean the time you spent with them is any less valuable.”

What does a soul mate look like in real life?

Putting the existential debate of soul mates on hold for a sec, what does a soul mate look like outside of a Hallmark card, anyway? We might not have all the answers, but we do have our love expert, our Real Live College Guy and a few lucky collegiettes to tell you their versions of the story.

Certified dating coach Marla Martenson, who wrote Excuse Me, Your Soul Mate Is Waiting and several other books on dating and romance, has a sweet and simple go-to definition. “My definition of a soul mate is someone that makes life sweeter and fun to go through with,” she says. “A soul mate can often challenge us to a higher standard, teach us patience and lead us to unconditional love.”

And of course, no discussion of soul mates is complete without the standard similes.

“I think that people are like puzzle pieces, and that some people are better fits for each other than others,” says Shira Kipnees, a senior at Franklin & Marshall. “My grandmother has a saying that every pot has a lid, and I think that is true as well. Everyone has someone out there who can make them even better or make them even happier.”

Sometimes, signs that your significant other is “the one” might come at times when you’re thinking about anything but your relationship.

“I knew I found that special someone when I had a major family crisis during my freshman year of college after only a little over a year of [us] dating, and [he] made sure everything would be okay,” Shira says. “Considering the fact that most guys would probably be unable to tolerate crying or even a lot of emotions, or offer to let me call at any time if I felt sad, I knew I had a keeper.”

Other times, unlike on television, “the one” might not even be just one person at all.

“I very firmly believe in finding someone to love wholly and completely for a long time—preferably a lifetime—but I also understand that one's wants and needs change as time progresses,” says HC’s Real Live College Guy, Dale. “I think it's entirely possible to have more than one soul mate in a lifetime, depending on where you stand at any given point in life.”

Have you found “The One”? Know the signs

While there are definitely facets of soul mates that are indefinable, how about some concrete tips for telling that he or she might be “the one”? There might be a million ways unique to your relationship, but Martenson has five good places to start:

1. “He uses the word ‘we’ in conversation, and is planning on including you in his future.”
2. “He ‘gets’ you and loves getting to know you and loves you for you.”
3. “His values align with yours.”
4. “He makes you want to be a better person and vice versa.”
5. “You can be yourself with him. There’s a comfort level like coming home with him.”

The problem with soul mates

Stop right there! Is all of the above a bit too sweet for your taste? No worries… we know that the concept of soul mates has its dark side, too. “Our perception of a soul mate is often based on movies, television, books and fairy tales,” Martenson says. “The problem often arises because romantic love often falls short of that ideal.”

Even if you’re not sitting around waiting for your Prince Charming, committing to the idea that there is only one person out there for you can potentially lead to trouble.

Or, according to Iris, at least some extreme pickiness.

“I'll never love anyone the same way I loved my boyfriend when I was 15… and then I went on to love other guys and have more mature relationships,” she says. “And if I had been holding out for my perfect man—who is somewhere between Adam Brody and Neil Patrick Harris, so hey to all the guys out there—I probably never would have dated any of them.”

Our advice to not letting your belief in soul mates lead to your romantic downfall: If you’re into “the one,” don’t give up on it—just avoid coming up with a SparkNotes version of your perfect partner, because having too high of standards may mean you never take the time to crack open the right book. 

Remember, you come first

Think of it this way: if you want to think of soul mates as two pieces of a puzzle, know that you won’t be able to fit with anyone until you have defined the shape of your own piece. Or, if you’re tired of metaphors: concentrate on your own life and self-fulfillment, and things will fall into place.

“I would advise college women to first work on themselves before searching for a soul mate,” Martenson says. “Getting in touch with who they really are and loving themselves first will out them into a position to make better choices in dating and selecting a partner.”

And who knows? Maybe your soul mate will arrive in a completely different package than you expected. Maybe he’ll be a Chandler instead of a Ross. Or maybe you’ll follow the words of wisdom of Sex and the City’s Charlotte, who suggested to her friends, "Maybe we could be each other's soul mates, and then we can let men be just these great, nice guys to have fun with." Maybe you’ll find three soul mates, or maybe you’ll discover you don’t want to find one at all.

Sure, that’s a lot of maybes, but like we said, our lives don’t have a series finale that dictates our endgames—that’s all up to you.  

*Name has been changed.

What's a collegiette's most versatile accessory? Her hair, of course! Just think about how quickly you can shake up your life with a new 'do. A little trim, new hair accessories or extensions can transform your whole look. But when it comes to color-treated hair, you need to use a little extra love and care to keep those hues bright. That's where these products come in: They will ensure your gorgeous color will stay vibrant, fresh and fierce. After all, who doesn't love having a good hair day?

1. KMS California Color Vitality Shampoo ($12.99)

You lose the most color while you're soaping up your scalp in the shower. You can't go around with dirty hair, but you don't want to lose your color, either. This shampoo is specifally formulated to allow for color rentention and vibrancy. 

2. Redken Color Extend Magnetics Deep Attraction ($20.50)

If you're looking for a pick-me-up in between washes, this is the product for you. This ultra-moisturizing mask is completely sulfate-free. That means you'll extend the life of your color without any harsh chemicals! 

3. L'Oréal Color Vibrancy Dual Protect Spray ($6.99)

This protectant spray does just what it implies—it gives your hair twice the fighting power. Use as both a moisturizing spray and a heat protectant. It will keep hair from fading while also strengthening it over time. 

4. Hempz Couture Color Protect Leave-In Detangler ($15.95)

Who doesn't want to wake up with hair looking amazing and ready to go? Use this detangler overnight to help soften your hair while also locking in your color. You'll wake up to flawless bed head and stunning color!

5. Nexxus Color Assure Pre-Wash Primer ($17.99)

Worried about washing out all your hair color? Worry no more. Use this pre-wash treatment helps prep your locks before you shampoo. The treatment repels water, which means you retain more color. 

7. TRESemmé Color Revitalize Shampoo ($3.99)

An affordable shampoo with the salon quality you're looking for. Protect, nourish and mositurize your hair while you shower. The color protection formula will make sure you get a good clean without stripping out your color. 

How do you keep your color-treated locks in good condition, collegiettes?

In today’s job market, the saying often goes, “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” Beyond a resume and cover letter, networking is a useful skill that can greatly affect your job search. According to a study by The Adler Group, 58 percent of candidates looking for jobs landed a position through an internal move or networking. Essentially, networking is all about talking to people.

Even if you’re the most outgoing person in the world, networking with potential employers and professional connections can be intimidating. And if you’re more introverted, networking might seem like your worst nightmare. But have no fear, reserved collegiettes! HC asked the experts and came up with networking tips specially tailored to those of us on the shy side.

Send a LinkedIn InMail

One great networking tool for all collegiettes is LinkedIn. Beyond being able to create a professional profile and search for job opportunities, you can also expand your digital social network. This is a particularly great first step for shy collegiettes to get their feet wet in the networking world because it’s all online.

According to Lesley Mitler, president of Priority Candidates, a career-coaching service for college students and recent grads, learning how to use LinkedIn can help collegiettes network better overall. “Connect with friends, family, past employers, high school colleagues and professors,” Mitler suggests. “You can even connect with alums through InMail.”

The majority of interactions on LinkedIn are via InMail, the messaging component of the website. For shy collegiettes, you may feel more comfortable initially interacting with alumni or potential employers from your school in the form of a written message. You can introduce yourself, explain your career goals and ask for their advice about a particular field or what they did to find jobs after graduation. This can get the conversation going so if you ever do meet one of these people in person, you’ll have an established connection, which can calm your nerves.

Want to contact an alumnus and don’t know what to say? First, start with a greeting such as, “Hi [alumni name]” and introduce yourself. It can be as simple as this:

“I’m a current student at [school] and I came across your profile. I’m graduating in [year] with a major in [blank], and I was wondering if you would be willing to give me some advice on [entering the work world/specifics about an industry/the job search]. I would really appreciate it!”

Then, provide your contact information, such as your phone number or an additional email address. Alumni tend to love helping other alumni, so a personal message can help you make those helpful connections!

Practice with friends or family

The best way to deal with your networking anxiety is to practice a lot! For shy collegiettes, the idea of small talk can be uncomfortable and awkward. But if you practice with people you’re comfortable with, you’ll feel more confident with strangers.

“Start by speaking with and connecting with people that you already know—family, friends, people you’ve worked with or for and professors,” Mitler says. “It will give you experience with the networking process and hopefully build confidence.”

Your uncle who works for an advertising firm? Ask him what his favorite part of his job is at your next family gathering. Call your cousin who just got a job as an interior designer and ask if you can pick her brain. Or reconnect with that fellow intern from your internship last summer and ask about her future plans. The more you have these kinds of conversations, the better you’ll feel about initiating them in the future.

Beyond family and friends, internship bosses or mentors can be great people to help you practice networking. Erin Crabtree, a senior at Belmont University, says her mentor is the source of her networking success.

“I was very introverted when I began my first internship, which required me to network at parties with complete strangers,” Erin says. “[But] I had a fabulous mentor right beside me the whole time who guided me through it and taught me exactly how to connect with people.”

Your boss or mentor definitely has a ton of networking experience, so don’t be afraid to ask him or her questions or get suggestions for how to improve your own networking skills!

Improve your phone skills

Mitler also encourages shy collegiettes to get comfortable speaking on the phone. “Since many introductions will start with a phone conversation, it is important to be able to communicate clearly and enthusiastically over the phone,” Mitler says. “It’s a skill that many students, particularly those who are more reserved, are not as good at. [Practice] speaking on the phone and get comfortable with that form of communication.”

Veronica Burnett, a senior at Villanova University, says she became more comfortable talking on the phone through her internship. “I used to really hate talking on the phone [with strangers] because I just felt so awkward,” Veronica says. “But my internship required me to interview sources to write web articles, so I kind of had to just do it! I would write notes of questions or important things I know I wanted to say, and after doing it a few times, I became much more comfortable.”

So instead of shooting your mom a text the next time you want to update her on your life, give her a call instead. Make sure you speak slowly and clearly, because these are techniques that can help you if you ever have to tell a potential employer about yourself over the phone. Plus, your mom will appreciate hearing about your day!

Take a public-speaking class

Most schools offer a public-speaking course, considering it’s an important skill for almost every major.  Even some of the most extroverted collegiettes don’t particularly like public speaking, so for those of us who are more introverted, public speaking is our worst nightmare. However, by taking a class, you can learn different techniques to decrease nervousness and effectively convey a message; these are two things that can be applied to networking situations.

Milter highly encourages reserved collegiettes take a public-speaking course to further build confidence. While networking is more one-on-one interaction versus speaking to a large group, applying public-speaking techniques to a networking conversation can keep you calm. Plus, if you can master your fear of speaking in front of a classroom of people, networking with one or two people will seem like a breeze.

“I actually had to take a public-speaking class for my major,” Veronica says. “I wasn’t thrilled to because I get so nervous public speaking, but my professor focused on ways to decrease anxiety in the beginning of a speech [when you’re most nervous]. She even taught us breathing techniques. I got so much better and felt awesome by the end of the semester!”

Check your course catalogue or talk to your academic adviser to find out more about these kinds of classes and when they’re offered.  You’ll get over your fear of public speaking before you know it!

Do some research

So there’s a big career fair or networking event happening at your school that everyone is going to. While part of you wants to run and completely avoid a room full of strangers, preparing beforehand will make you feel more confident when you get there.

Career fairs or networking events will often publish what companies or employers will be attending, so it’s in your best interest to do some research before going. If you know a little bit about an organization before talking to an employer or recruiter, you’ll feel more confident in starting a conversation.

“Make sure you do your homework beforehand … be aware if there are any jobs posted in their organization that might be a fit for your background, skills or experience,” Mitler says.

By becoming familiar with the company, their values and possible opportunities, you’ll have a basis for conversation and questions. Check out a company’s website or look up them up on LinkedIn. If you know a little bit about them, they’ll be interested in getting to know you!

Come up with a personal statement or elevator pitch

One of the most basic networking small-talk topics is telling someone about yourself. While this may seem like an easy conversation starter, when put on the spot, you might not know where to start! By thinking about it beforehand, you can avoid that awkward moment when you can only tell the person your name because of nerves.

“Compose a personal mission statement to articulate what you are about [and] your skills and goals,” Mitler suggests. “It’s far more effective than repeating what they can read on your resume. It is a great way to tell your story.”

Think about what type of job you want, why you want to be in a certain industry or a story from a previous internship or campus club that you think exemplifies you as a potential employee. You have a lot to offer, so never be afraid of sharing that!

In one of her classes, Iris Goldsztajn, a junior at University of California, Los Angeles, found that expressing her interests helped her make a connection. “The professor brought in amazing speakers every week, and I told one of them (a TV show director) that I wanted to write for a magazine, and he immediately [put me in touch with] his friend, a contributor to a big-name magazine,” Iris says. “The only courage I had to employ was to follow up with him after class and send an email reminder. I learned that networking isn’t as daunting as it sounds! It’s actually more natural and organic than you think.”

Also, it’s important to remember that networking is a two-way street, so show some interest in the people you’re talking to! Ask them about themselves, how they got started and their favorite parts about their careers. You can even ask them advice on how you should go about the job search. Prepare a list of these kinds of potential questions to avoid lulls in the conversation; that way, you can feel confident you can keep the conversation going no matter what!

Networking can seem scary to any collegiette looking for a job or internship, particularly for those of us who are not the most outgoing. If you’re more on the reserved side, don’t shy away from networking! Just keep these tips in mind, and you’ll feel confident in your connection-building skills in no time.

“Watch this show! It has lesbians!” You’ve probably heard this from your friends—or said it to them—countless times. It’s no secret that mainstream media isn’t always great with providing a wealth of quality LGBTQ+ representation, so seeing characters like ourselves is super uplifting. Check out these characters—you’ll definitely relate to at least one.

1. Sophia Burset – Orange Is the New Black

Sophia is a kind, sympathetic and smart trans woman whom we’ve all come to love on the hit show Orange Is the New Black. She ended up in prison after stealing credit cards to pay for her sex reassignment surgery, a procedure that is extremely costly. Okay, sure, we bet most of you haven’t gone to prison for theft, but the transmisogyny (the negative attitudes and discrimination directed toward trans women specifically) she faces on the show will definitely hit close to home for young trans women.   

2. Amy Raudenfeld – Faking It

In MTV’s Faking It, best friends Amy and Karma pretend to date to become more popular in high school—at least, it’s pretend for a while. Through acting like girlfriends, Amy (spoiler alert) realizes her feelings for her best friend. Her straight best friend. Yeah, who hasn’t had an annoying, all-consuming straight-girl crush in their lives? And okay, it may suck, but hey—you’ll find someone right for you in the end.

3. Lisbeth Salander – The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

Attention girls who didn’t have the easiest childhoods: We have a fictional soul sister for you. Though her experiences teaming up with a journalist-gone-detective to solve a murder mystery are pretty unique, Lisbeth Salander didn’t have parents to be dependent on when she was younger, and it forced her to grow up and take care of herself pretty early on in her life. Despite that, Lisbeth grew up into a very intelligent and independent young woman. She also doesn’t place too much of a label on her sexuality, having had romantic and sexual experiences with men and women. Like some LGBTQ+ individuals, Lisbeth doesn’t make her sexuality the focus of her life; it’s one aspect of her, but it doesn’t define her.

4. Luisa Alver – Jane the Virgin

Luisa, an openly gay woman, has many complicated relationships with women in her life. From her wife, whom she walked in on as she was cheating on her; to her step-mother, Rose, whom she had a relationship with before Rose married Luisa’s much older father; Luisa’s partners will definitely remind you of your own relationship problems.

Luisa is a kind and smart doctor who has worked hard to get to her position, despite the fact that she grew up with a rich father which could have helped her lead a simpler life, maybe even free of her previous substance addiction. This is a sad reality, as LGBTQ+ individuals are two to three times more likely than heterosexual people to suffer from alcohol addiction. Her character reminds us that there is much we need to do to support the LGBTQ+ community, as we are at such a bigger risk.

5. Delphine Cormier – Orphan Black

You remember the first time you ever fell for a girl, don’t you? It can be more than a little confusing. When scientist Delphine Cormier falls in love with Cosima, one of the clones she’s studying, she falls hard, and at first, she doesn’t quite want to admit it to herself or Cosima. After some other complications in their relationship, she and Cosima work through it and become the cutest couple on the show. Delphine teaches us to not be afraid of our feelings, even if they surprise us. Just take some time to think about it and stay true to yourself, and do what you know will make you happy.

We all know how exciting it is to find a relatable character in our favorite shows, especially when they’re queer like we are. Hopefully you were able to see yourself in some of these characters and maybe find a new cool show to watch, too!

Want to write for HC’s LGBTQ+ section? Apply here!

We’ve all had our awkward stages that we’d rather pretend never happened (shout out to those middle school dance pics), and famous people are no different. Check out our favorite celeb transformations that made us thankful for puberty!

1. Matthew Lewis

Well done, Neville; well done. 50 points to Gryffindor!

2. Josh Peck

Sorry Drake, but after Josh grew up (and slimmed down), he successfully stole the title of "Most Attractive Sibling."

3. Zac Efron

Troy Bolton was cute and all, but we fell for Zac Efron again after he ditched the long hair and basketball uniforms and turned totally swoon-worthy.  

4. Taylor Lautner 

Sharkboy made the transition from spiky-haired kid to buff, permanently shirtless werewolf seamlessly.

5. Josh Hutcherson

He may still be short in stature, but with that adorable face and sweet demeanor, we’re Team Peeta all the way.

6. Joseph Gordon-Levitt

We loved precocious, young JGL, but now that he’s all grown up (and married!), Joseph is as suave and classy as they come. The man knows how to dress! 

7. Leonardo DiCaprio

Let’s be real; there really wasn’t ever a time when Leo wasn’t gorgeous. But we all enjoyed his evolution from baby-faced teen to leading man. 

8. Justin Timberlake 

The world became a more beautiful place the day JT exchanged his frosted tips and boy-band persona for a “suit and tie,” stubble and seriously sexy dance moves. 

We’re only three weeks into this season of The Bachelor, and it’s already feeling a bit stale, right? Wrong! You know why? Because in a twist that no one saw coming, Jimmy Kimmel stepped in for veteran host Chris Harrison and totally threw a wrench in the system. Not only did he (supposedly!) organize the dates himself but he even attended a few. And let’s just say he wasn’t afraid to get up close and personal with our Prince Farming. Below, we’re stating our case for why he should continue his guest hosting gig indefinitely.

He calls these fools on their crap

One of the first rules that Jimmy implemented as new master of Bachelor Nation was to charge the ladies—and Chris!—each time they used the worn-out word “amazing” to describe their incredible journeys to find love. And as the jar filled up with singles, we couldn’t help but rejoice. Splurge on a thesaurus with your newly acquired funds, okay?

He organizes the most realistic dates in Bachelor history

It’s no secret that many contestants come on this show for all the wrong reasons including helicopter rides, trips around the world, and an unlimited supply of alcohol. Imagine Kaitlyn’s surprise when she and Chris pulled up to Costco in a limo with Jimmy’s grocery list in tow. After the initial shock wore off, the two amused themselves by rolling around in what appeared to be a giant hamster ball and buying enough ketchup to fill a hot tub.

He tags along to vet the girls

This comedian is no slacker when it comes to making sure these ladies are right for Chris. He made the perfect third wheel on Kaitlyn’s one-on-one dinner date and made sure she checked out before strolling away with some pillows from Chris’s patio. Or so we thought until Jimmy reappeared in the hot tub eating chicken wings while the two lovebirds played tonsil tennis in front of him, although he didn’t seem to mind!

He only wants what’s best for Chris… and America

Jimmy totally had Chris in mind when organizing this week’s group date during which the gals competed in a “Hoedown Throwdown” obstacle course. Milking a goat and drinking its special brew, wrestling a pig, and shoveling manure into a wheelbarrow among other farm-life horrors showed Chris who was made to keep her apron strings tied tight for the rest of their lives together—or until After the Final Rose!

He’s not afraid to go places Chris Harrison never dared to venture

We’ve seen the outdoor shower shots of our leading man several times now, but none was quite as eye-catching as this week’s. Just as we were preparing to roll our eyes at how redundant this footage was becoming, the camera panned to Chris’s shower companion. You guessed it… Jimmy! Somehow we can’t imagine Harrison ever scrubbing Chris’s back for him. Maybe because we don’t want to.

He understands the pain of the rejection limo

We may not have arrived at the rejection limo exit interview stage of the season yet, but Jimmy just couldn’t resist mocking the ladies who become attached so, so quickly.

Until next week, we'll leave you with this unbelievably amazing—wink, wink—GIF of Chris dancing. It's almost too good to be true!

Would you love seeing Jimmy Kimmel as the new host of The Bachelor, collegiettes? Or are you too attached to Chris Harrison at this point?

You’ve been listening to Adele on repeat, crying into your (third) glass of wine and eating your feelings with Ben & Jerry. Any collegiette knows that these are the telltale signs of a recent breakup.

Although wallowing is an important part of grieving a relationship, there’s a point when you realize that you have to move on. The only problem? It’s easier said than done. And while you’ve heard of the term “closure,” you’re not quite sure what it means or even how to get it. Well, fortunately for you, HC has asked the experts on what closure is, how you can get it and why it’s so important to move on. So turn off the Adele and read on!

What is closure?

According to Jeffrey Sumber, a licensed professional clinical counselor, closure is, “a mutually agreed upon experience where both people leave with resolution or peace. Both parties can walk away with a sense of finality.”

In a breakup, closure is when you and your ex accept that your relationship is over and you both feel a sense of resolution. Even if you or your ex felt more strongly about ending your relationship, Sumber says that you can still gain closure. “It’s possible to end [a relationship] with understanding and kindness…You can walk away and not leave a door open,” he says. “It allows you to heal quicker.”

It’s important to note that closure doesn’t necessarily means that you’re ready to date again, but rather that you’ve closed the chapter on your past relationship and are ready to move forward. It’s an important part of getting over an ex and the breakup so you can feel confident starting a new relationship down the road.

How to get it

What worked for your friend might not necessarily work for you, mostly because you had different situations. Similarly, what worked for you in past relationships might not be as helpful now.

“If you don’t move on, you’re unlikely to be emotionally available for a happy and healthy relationship in the future,” says Jasbina Ahluwalia, dating coach and founder of Intersections Match by Jasbina. “View it as a growth and glean anything you learned about yourself and your needs in a relationship.”

Every breakup is different, and the time it takes for you to get closure greatly depends on how the relationship ended and if you’re still talking to your ex. You may need more or less time to heal.

When you’re on speaking terms with your ex

In this scenario, closure can come in the form of a conversation. However, consider taking some time after the breakup before having this type of conversation. “A bit of communication hiatus is recommended, [like a week or two],” says Jodi RR Smith, etiquette consultant and president of Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting. “It’s important to process the feelings and emotions [to avoid] a major scene at some later point.”

When you feel ready to have a conversation, contact your ex and decide on a meeting place. Your meeting place should be private enough that you can have an open conversation, yet still public enough that you’re not put in an uncomfortable position. For example, a coffee shop might be a good setting to speak about your relationship; just don’t choose the Starbucks that you know all your friends go to.

“Even consider a walking trail so you can walk and talk,” Smith suggests. “And it should be short; keep it to 45 minutes maximum. Otherwise the conversation could go south quickly and won’t be as productive.”

Sumber also encourages picking a neutral location and to start the conversation on a positive note. “I encourage people to start with by sharing positive feelings. [For example], share with an ex all of their greatest qualities,” he says. “Then, ask permission to speak what could have gone differently or better only if your ex is interested in hearing [and sharing] feedback about the relationship.”

The main goal of speaking with your ex shouldn’t be getting back together, and don’t expect to it automatically cure the post-breakup pain. Rather, the main point of the conversation is to gain perspective on your past relationship and gain some insight for your future ones.

“[To do this], some questions you might want to ask are what [your ex] appreciated about your relationship and what [he/she] felt detracted from your relationship,” Ahluwalia says. “Get their view on how you may have contributed to that detraction [or lack of connection].”

Once you feel like you’ve gained some perspective, end the conversation amicably, maybe give your ex a quick hug and then go your separate ways. “Keep it short and keep it neutral,” Smith says. “Then it’s up to you to take care of yourself and move on.”

By recognizing all the good things you had in your relationship while also identifying what could have gone better, it helps you learn and process the relationship. “We don’t engage in relationships just because they feel good,” Sumber says. “We engage in them to grow as individuals and closure allows us to drive home those learning opportunities.”

When you’re not talking to your ex

For one reason or another, you might not speaking to your ex. While most people think that closure has to include both partners, most experts say that’s not the case. “You cannot rely on an ex to provide closure,” Ahluwalia says. “It’s an inside job.”

The experts suggest doing something active to physically gain closure from a breakup. “Incorporate a tactile, closing ritual that you can’t get in person,” Sumber says. “For example, journal things you would normally say to an ex, or burn a present. You could even bury something… Just make it something tactile.”

You might find it helpful to write a letter to an ex expressing everything you want to say but can’t because of the circumstances and shred it (never mail it!).  Or, you can start working out to physically “sweat out” and get rid of your past relationship.

Ahluwalia even suggests saying all the things you want to say aloud, either to an empty chair or to a friend or family member. “Imagine your ex sitting in an empty chair, and say what you didn’t have a chance to share,” she says. “Or speak to a family member [or a] friend, or consider counseling because counselors can provide objective feedback.”

Lastly, you might find it helpful to change your environment to help you start thinking differently about your breakup. “Changing your environment can help you change your state of mind,” Ahluwalia says. “It can take form in a vacation or even redecorating… Get physical and emotional distance from your ex.” Without constant reminders of them, you can start to focus on yourself and your own needs.

Whether you’re on speaking terms with your ex or not, you can gain closure from a relationship in a healthy way that helps you move on. Try one thing or a combination to find what works best for you!

What closure feels like

So you know what closure means and have taken all the right steps toward it, but how do you know when you’ve actually moved on?  Most experts say that you will feel a sense of freedom and acceptance.

“[You] can feel like the weight of emotional baggage has been taken off your shoulders,” Ahluwalia says. “Or [you won’t] have strong feelings or attachment to your ex. It’s freeing.”

Similarly, Smith explains that an ex will always have a place in your heart, but you start to feel more normal again. “You won’t always be bursting into tears or falling to pieces when something reminds you [of your ex],” she says. “You’ll be having more fun and functioning normally. And one day you might wake up and realize that if an ex doesn’t see how fabulous you are, then [he or she] is not worth it.”

Of course, there will be times that you miss your ex and even get upset over your breakup in the weeks or months afterwards. But eventually those intense feelings fade and you start to feel happy again.

Moving on takes time. You might have some good days and some not-so-good ones – it’s all part of the process. “It’s important to allow yourself time to grieve,” Sumber says. “But then it’s important to move on, because you have to grow. Process the past as fertilizer for your future.”

By accepting that you and your ex did the best you could in the relationship and viewing it as a learning experience, you can move on fully and get rid of any emotional baggage before your next relationship.

“It’s important to move on, because you’re young and you have your whole life ahead of you,” Smith says. “It is possible to be alone without being lonely. Enjoy being by yourself, and you’ll know when you are ready to date again.”

In case you've been living under a rock, Netflix released all 10 seasons of Friends on January 1. Sure, having human contact is nice and necessary or whatever, but sometimes you just need to live vicariously through Ross, Rachel, Monica, Joey, Phoebe and Chandler. There are so many fabulous moments in this series: moments that make you laugh and even cry at times, and these are the moments that have you clicking "Yes" when Netflix asks, "Are you still watching?"

1. The second the opening credits start and you get to sing along with the theme song. 

Your job’s a joke, you’re broke, your love life’s DOA. What a coincidence! 

2. When Ross articulates himself in the only way he knows how. 

Who can forget the “vulva” dirty-talk incident?

3. Anytime Phoebe sings her heart out about... well, anything. 

Her mom and dad. Her grandmother. Who could forget Smelly Cat? No one. Because it is iconic. 

4. And Joey turns on the charm with his signature line. 

Hearts melt everywhere when we hear those three little words.

5. When Monica’s over-competitiveness touches you on a real level. 

You don’t want to admit it, but you really relate. 

6. When Chandler is a representative for those of us who are “hopeless and awkward and desperate for love.”

No, really. Chanandler Bong is the everywoman.

7. Whenever Janice shows up and you just wait for the infamous, 

It’s Chandler Bing!

8. One word: Flashbacks. 

They always added a little something extra to the episode. 

9. Two more words: Celebrity cameos.  

Team Jen for the rest of our lives. 

10. When Ross and Rachel fight and you personally feel the emotional strain on their relationship.

Because it always gives you something to really root for. 

11. But then they get back together because they are meant to be. 

And there is nothing better than seeing the two characters you’ve been rooting for finally end up happy. 

12. And you see beautiful moments like this one. 

*~*happy tears*~*

13. Oh, and this one. 

Too many happy moments to choose from. 

14. When the comedy is spot-on.

Which was always. 

15. Any time the guys show us what a true bromance is. 

It doesn’t get any better than this. 

16. Or when the ladies show us what it means to be true besties for the resties. 

The three best friends that anybody could have.

17. But mostly, when the whole group reminds us just how important it is to be surrounded by people you love. 

On Netflix, but really in the real world, too. 

Applying for college is probably one of the most difficult experiences you will go through in your high school years, and the thing is—that's only where the stress begins! Once you've applied, there's the whole waiting game you have to play, where you're left in the dark for months, wondering if the admissions department of your dream school has marked your application with a big fat yes.

But what if you could see your file, uncover what admissions officers wrote about you (yes, it's much more thorough process than just a check!), and read about how well you matched up to their standards? Well, that's what a few Stanford students recently discovered they (and you!) have the power to do.

Last week, a group of students who run anonymous newsletter The Fountain Hopper at the prestigious university publicly revealed their discovery: Under a federal law enacted in 1974, students have the right to see their educational records. Upon the initial finding, some of the students began requesting their records. One student was astonished to be given hundreds of pages that included not only his admissions information, but also a record of every time he opened a door with his ID. As far as the admissions documentation goes, the student was given assessments made by members of the admissions department, in addition to ratings of how fit he or she was for the school in terms of grades, test scores and personal qualities, according to the New York Times.

While this student group's discovery may crack open what had been a pretty secretive world, don't get your hopes up in thinking you're going to receive all of the files from schools you got rejected from, because many only cater to the requests of current students. The group is now encouraging others to write and request their own files, even providing suggested language for the request.

Do you think this move will help make the admissions process more transparent? Is this a step in the right direction, or is it best that the process remain behind closed doors?

As a high school student, you’re probably used to parents and teachers nagging you about spending too much time on social media (and not enough on your college applications). Between scrolling through last night’s pictures on Facebook, tweeting back and forth with your BFFs, uploading selfies onto Instagram and pinning outfit ideas for spring break, there’s hardly time left for browsing college websites!  

Luckily, universities across the country are stepping up their social media presences. You no longer have to spend hours scouring a school’s site to determine whether or not it’s the right fit for you. Facebook and other social media platforms now serve as valuable resources in helping prospective students make their college decisions.

“It's important to follow universities on social media because first off, it's 2015—if a university or college isn't on Facebook or Twitter, that in itself can say something about how traditional or modern they are,” says Sarah Yu, a grad student at the City University of New York. “Many colleges post about events or sports, and that can tell you a lot about their campus life.”

If you’re looking to narrow down your list of potential schools, look no further you’re your Facebook feed! Here’s a look at some of the most-followed universities on Facebook and how they’re stepping up their social-media game.

1. Harvard University

Everyone knows Harvard is one of the most prestigious universities in the country, but what are its students and faculty doing to maintain that status? One look at the Harvard Facebook page gives prospective students an idea of all the academic breakthroughs happening on campus. Scroll on to find links to a variety of Harvard-related news stories, such as the school’s research on human genetics or a preview of the newly renovated art museum.

Feel inspired by any of these articles? Are you passionate about similar topics? Can you picture yourself in the shoes of the students you’re reading about? Perusing news stories straight from campus can be a great way to determine whether or not a school such as Harvard is the right fit for you. Not to mention, the school recently posted a video to their Facebook page in which real students give personal testimonies about their first year on campus.

2. Yale University

The Yale Facebook page does a spectacular job of showcasing campus life for prospective students via their photo albums. One of their most popular albums of the past year, Fall at Yale (2014), features breathtaking photos of fall foliage at the most beautiful spots on campus.

If the beauty of Mother Nature in New Haven isn’t enough to convince you, scroll through some of Yale’s other Facebook albums to get a feel for the student body and life on campus.

3. Louisiana State University

When it comes to school spirit, the LSU Facebook page sets the bar high. With just a few clicks, prospective students can read up on highlights from the football season, view pictures of fans cheering in the student sections of games and watch videos of current students giving personal testimonies on why they love being LSU Tigers.

Let’s face it: While academics are important, so is being proud of the school you go to. Discovering that one of your potential schools has awesome school spirit can make your decision all the more easier! Take advantage of social media to scope out the spirit of the universities you’re interested in.

4. Stanford University

If you’re curious about ways to get involved on Stanford’s campus, look no further than their Facebook page. Whether you want to see the score of the latest football game, watch a video of the symphony orchestra’s performance or find information about studying abroad in Europe, you can find it on the Facebook page, which serves as a one-stop shop for all things Stanford.

With a wide variety of information, links, photos and videos available, it’s easy to get all of your questions about Stanford answered in one convenient location, which means you won’t have to spend time scrolling through links or pages on their official website. Attention all other universities: Take notes!

5. The Ohio State University

Big 10 schools are known for being passionate about athletics, and Ohio State is no exception. Its Facebook page showcases what they’re known for best: Buckeye football, die-hard fans and an alumni network that stretches nationwide. Not only is the university’s Facebook page a great place to get updates on OSU sports teams, but prospective students can also view pictures and stories about all the cool things that alumni are doing and the places they’re traveling to.

As a high school student, you’re focused on finding a home for the next four years. However, it’s important to see the kinds of things students are doing with their degree once they’re off campus, too! Reading up on a school’s alumni network is a great way to determine if a school is the right fit for you, which is why OSU’s Facebook page is such a gem (and such a useful tool!).

6. University of Michigan

When it comes to engaging with prospective students, the U of M Facebook page earns the top spot. The university tailors its posts to anxious applicants, reminding them of deadlines and other important information. Not to mention, many of its posts are interactive, encouraging followers to tweet and Instagram pictures with hashtags such as #GoBlue. The page even features Michigan-themed trivia questions and T-shirt giveaways to grab the attention of prospective students. As an applicant plagued with hundreds of college emails on the daily, these social engagement tactics will help you keep Michigan on your mind.

7. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Contrary to popular belief, there’s much more to MIT than just math, science, engineering and research. Its Facebook page offers an inside look at some of the university’s lesser-known academic endeavors and resources. Prospective students can read about clubs and extracurricular activities such as the MIT Science Fiction Society or the Latino Cultural Center, as well as Greek life.

Moral of the story: Never assume you know everything about a school! Before you go to check one of your options off your list, be sure to scope it out on social media and read up on what you might be missing.

8. Indiana University Bloomington

Academics, athletics and alumni aside, IU Bloomington’s Facebook page showcases how students and faculty are making an impact on local and global scales. Prospective students can scroll through posts to read about the school’s record-breaking dance marathon, which raised over $3 million for a children’s hospital this past fall. The university also used social media to promote #GivingTuesday, on which it encouraged followers and alumni to donate and support student scholarships (something that’s important for any prospective student!).

As a prospective student, it’s important to know how a school is giving back to its students, the surrounding community and those in need. Knowing a school is dedicated to serving a cause you care about can help keep them on your radar during the application process!

9. Franklin & Marshall College

Getting noticed on social media can be difficult for smaller schools like Franklin & Marshall who don’t attract the followers of a large, public university. Despite their size, the Franklin & Marshall Facebook page knows how to compete with the best of collegiate social media sites.

Their photo albums and news stories showcase highlights of the students’ accomplishments, such as the replica of the Berlin Wall built by the German Club or the Shakespeare play performed by the theatre department. These posts are reassuring to prospective students like yourself who may be concerned with the variety of opportunities available at a small school.

“I find that my school, Franklin & Marshall, is great on social media and really posts a lot of cool and unique things,” says senior Shira Kipnees. “By checking out schools like F&M on social media, you can get a better sense of what they are like and you can interact with [the school] and current students in a meaningful way—my college president is friends with all of [us students] on Facebook and Twitter!” Sounds awesome to us!

10. Belmont University

Located in the heart of Nashville, Belmont is known for its stellar music programs and talented student body. Their Facebook page gives pre-collegiettes a glimpse at what they’re known for best—their musically inclined students! A recent music video posted to the page features two Belmont students singing a mash-up of Taylor Swift’s “Blank Space” and “Style,” which went viral and was praised by Tay herself.

In case the videos of Belmont’s talented student body aren’t convincing enough, the page also features pictures of the new buildings and practice rooms that were added to campus within the past year.

While many colleges like to keep their social media accounts serious, it’s refreshing to see a school that isn’t afraid to have some fun. Belmont’s entertaining Facebook page and frequent use of hashtags keep the attention of their prospective students and keep the school standing out from the crowd.  

Social media is no longer just fun and games! Facebook, Twitter and Instagram have all become valuable resources for prospective students looking to make their college decisions. Don’t limit your research to college websites alone—explore your options on social media, and you’ll be able to make an informed decision about the school that’s right for you. Best of luck, pre-collegiettes!

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

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

1. Being in a sorority is a huge time commitment

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

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

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

2. The house might have problems

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

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

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

3.You won’t always be so involved

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

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

4.There are strict rules (and fines that come with them)

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

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

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

5.You won’t be best friends with everyone in your chapter

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

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

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

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

6. Girls drop all the time

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

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

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

7.The food isn’t always great

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

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

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

*Names have been changed.

The heart wants what it wants! Just a week after being spotted leaving a Golden Globes after-party hand-in-hand,  Selena Gomez and Zedd are continuing to fuel romance rumors with sweet social media posts.

Gomez, 22, who has famously dated on-again-off boyfriend Justin Bieber since 2011, seems to have moved on with the "Clarity" DJ, although a source tells Us Weekly that the two are just friends.

While neither artist has made a statement on the state of their relationship they're letting their photos do the talking. On Sunday night, Gomez posted a selfie of the alleged couple to Instagram with the caption, "Missing la and this punk, just a little tonight," before adding, "Shooting starts soon!! Eeeeekkkk –Fundamentals of Caregiving."

It seems the feeling was mutual. Shortly after Selena's post, Zedd, 25, shared his own photo of the two on FaceTime with the caption, "Oh hi derrling...'– The Room #TheRoom #the Room #THEroom #the ROOM."

While multiple media outlets, including E! News,  have confirmed that the pair are working together on new music, it still remains unclear if more is going on. What do you think, collegiettes? Are these two really just friends? Or is Zelena about to become the next power couple?  

Does winter have your skin feeling dull and dreary? Put an end to dry, lifeless skin and say hello to the healthy skin you had in sunnier days. We talked to Dr. Tony Nakhla, “America’s Dermatologist,” to find the best treatments and products to make your skin beautiful again. With these tips and tricks, your face and body will be glowing in no time.

1. Exfoliate

Exfoliating your skin is extremely important to get rid of any dead skin you may have. This allows the face to reflect more light, which will make it appear brighter.

Exfoliating means using a wash or peel to scrub away dead skin cells. The best way to exfoliate is to rub your skin in circular motions — always do this before moisturizing!

“Gentle exfoliation should be done nightly with either a warm washcloth or a gentle facial brush,” Dr. Nakhla says. “Stronger exfoliation may be done at a professional's office once a month using stronger agents like chemical peels or microdermabrasion.”

Try using bliss’s That’s Incredi-‘Peel’ ($49 at bliss) for a quick and easy way to renew your skin without irritation. Whether you exfoliate at home or get it done by a dermatologist, your smooth, bright skin will have you looking like a whole new woman.

2. Lock in the moisture

Keeping your skin hydrated is crucial, especially in the cooler months. Moisturize your skin in the morning and at night, and dry, flaky skin will be no more.

“Morning moisturizing should be done with an SPF-containing moisturizer,” Dr. Nakhla says. “Nightly moisturizing should be with a moisturizer rich in antioxidants.” Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer ($14.99 at Aveeno) is perfect to even out your skin tone and texture and create a bright, beautiful look. For extremely dry skin, Aveeno Positively Radiant Intensive Night Cream ($14.99 at Aveeno) works while you’re sleeping to revive dull and dreary skin.

Drinking at least eight cups of water a day and eating a well-balanced diet will also keep your skin glowing and hydrated.

3. Brighten it up

Sometimes it feels like no matter how much you exfoliate and moisturize, winter is still taking a toll on your skin. In this case, using a brightening mask could be your solution. For extra hydration and a smooth, bright result, boscia Bright White Mask ($38 at Sephora) is a good choice.

This treatment’s brightening ingredients soothe and hydrate your skin, leaving you with an even, radiant complexion. Advanced whitening ingredients in the mask brighten your complexion and make your skin appear healthy and soft. Some cream masks wash off after 10-20 minutes, while sheet masks are filled with serum and cut to shape your face for one-time use. Pampering yourself after a long, work-filled week has never been so easy.

4. Fake it till you make it

Without the summer sun and trips to the beach, our skin may be a bit paler than we’d like. To restore the summer glow you had without the dangerous rays of a tanning bed, use a self-tanner like Jergens Natural Glow Healthy Complexion Daily Facial Moisturizer ($9.99 at Ulta) on your face. This will gradually create a natural-looking tan. To make sure your face matches your body, use a body equivalent such as Jergens Natural Glow Revitalizing Daily Moisturizer ($9.99 at Ulta). A little color may be just what you need to brighten up your complexion. You’ll be looking like a beach babe in no time!

5. Cleanse with oil

Washing your face every day is extremely important. During the winter, oil cleansers are super effective because they are gentle and help hydrate your skin. Shiseido Ultimate Cleansing Oil ($25 at Sephora) is a good option. This cleanser can be used on the face and body and removes makeup and other products.

Oil cleansers are great for moisturizing all types of skin; oil dissolves oil. This product will create a whole new you!

6. Use cream-based foundation

Since winter tends to make skin extra dry, ditch your powder foundation for a cream-based one. Powders are more drying and can make your face appear dusty or flaky if your skin isn’t completely hydrated.

“Cream-based foundations may provide better water retention in the skin,” Dr. Nakhla says.

Make Up For Ever HD Invisible Cover Foundation ($42 at Sephora) is the perfect foundation for any skin type or tone. Its liquid formula will cover imperfections while making your skin appear full and hydrated.

Another problem with using last year’s makeup into the winter is that “old makeup may contain bacteria and expired ingredients that should be discarded,” Dr. Nakhla says. So replace your old makeup for an even better and healthier look!

7. Highlighter is your best friend

If you’re looking for a simple makeup trick that will save your lifeless winter skin, you’re in luck. A highlighting blush like the one from NARS in Albatross ($30 at NARS) is the perfect tool to illuminate your skin and create instant radiance. Simply apply the blush to your cheekbones for a light-reflecting glow and dimension. This will complement sparkly eye shadow perfectly for a night out on the town!

With these treatments and products, your skin will be revived and healthy before you know it. Take care of your skin and find the right tools to help you keep your summer glow all year round. Bye-bye, dull and dreary skin! 

In the digital age, taking a trip down memory lane certainly isn’t hard—a couple minutes (fine… hours) scrolling through Facebook albums can bring up pretty much everything that happened last semester. But not only does clicking through bring up the possibility of accidentally liking a photo from last year (confirming your stalker status), it also forces you to confront the unsightly photos that, despite a series of untagging sessions, still exist on the Internet.

Well, collegiettes, there’s a way for you to remember your college days exactly how you want to thanks to Mosaic, which lets you create stylish photo books, right from your Apple or Android phone! Since there’s nothing like having your best memories at your hands (and not on a screen), we’re giving away 10 photo books—each one holds 20 photos and takes no more than five minutes to complete. This way, when you’re feeling nostalgic for that girl’s trip you took last spring break, or are reminiscing over freshman year, you can look back on your experiences with all your favorite pictures—without having to come across that photo your friend refuses to take down because she looks good in it.

Enter below now for one of 10 chances to win! 

We've all got our go-to jewelry pieces, from stacks of rings to the necklace we never take off. But changing up how you wear it—or adding new pieces to the mix—can really bring a certain wow-factor to your outfit. To get inspired, we headed straight to Pinterest (where else?!) to scope out some of the coolest pieces and best ways to style them. Here are our favorites!

1. Lanyard chain bracelets

Lanyard seems so '90s summer camp (if memory serves, that looks like the cobra stitch!), but we can't stop fawning over these DIY-friendly bracelets. We love how they are a combination of playful and sophisticated. This girl totally rocks the stacked look without going overboard!

2. Chunky tribal-inspired necklaces

At first, you may not know what to make of this set of stiff-looking necklaces. They almost resemble something you might find at Home Depot, but a few more seconds of staring will probably help them grow on you. The tribal-inspired necklace trend has been on the rise, and now we get why. The texture of the main rope, combined with the gold and blue thread, is absolute perfection! If you're not ready to embrace this trend full-on, there are plenty of less bold (but still pretty!) versions to check out.

3. Barely-there head chain

Normally, these jewelry-inspired headbands give off a bohemian-chic vibe, but this delicate chain totally feels like a piece straight from a flapper party in the Jazz Age. The chains are simple, so the bling-y pendant they attach to balances the look out nicely. An elegant accessory like this would be perfectly appropriate for a cocktail party or any glamorous night out with the girls!

4. Hammered gold "X" ring

Between the midi ring and stacked band, our fingers sure have been covered in rings these days! This beautifully crafted ring has a great tilted shape—it almost looks as if you're wearing more than one ring, and at an angle. Plus, the imperfect texture gives the ring a more rustic, one-of-a-kind feel. We kind of need this to be our new everyday ring!

5. Layered statement necklaces

You've probably already tried layering delicate chains in a super-elegant way, but if you just can't get enough of your statement necklaces, take them up a few notches by pairing some of them together! We're not saying to wear all of your fave BaubleBar pieces at once, but find a general color scheme and layer the pieces according to length. We love how the textures of the spiky necklace and neon yellow tassel necklace work together!

Time raid your jewelry box and go wild! 

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, collegiettes, and you’re probably getting pretty excited—if you have a date, that is. But for you single collegiettes out there, here are a few hilarious e-cards from Someecards.com that probably express how you’re feeling about February 14 better than your standard Valentine's day card would.

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At least you'll always have Someecards, right? Now that's true love.