Finals week is here, and at this point, you're just hoping for anything but an F.

Dream big, buddy!

You act casual, but really, you’re a puddle of emotions right now. 

There's nothing wrong with a little crying, okay? 

Especially because you’re not even close to being ready for your exams.

You've reached a breaking point. 

First of all, your professor announced that your hardest exam would be cumulative.

Just...why?

And then you notice your exam schedule just sucks in general.

No, really. Why?!

So you put off studying until the last minute, hoping that if you just avoid it, it’ll all go away. 

Reality is only reality if you acknowledge it. Denial is key.

Your roommate wakes you up to study, and you’re just like:

Doesn't she know that your brain needs sleep in order to function?

And then she suggests that you both grab a good spot at the library before you get coffee.

Now get me a Trenta... or caffeine in an IV.

Someone tells you not to drink so much coffee. You just look at them like:

They don't understand what you're going through.

You start studying by staring at your notes, hoping they’ll just sink in. 

Didn't someone tell you that if you sleep on your textbook you'll learn the information more quickly?

You decide to give up on studying and just start watching cat videos on YouTube instead.

They never get old. 

After 24 solid hours in the library, you look at yourself in the mirror and realize:

Take a shower before your exam, would you?

Your friends start asking if they can do anything for you, and you’re like:

You can use all the emotional support you can get.

Your parents call to see how studying is going, and you just tell them:

"I'm going to ace every one of these exams!" - You, trying to assure your mother that college wasn't a waste of time and money. 

In reality you’re like:

How many tacos from Taco Bell will fix your brittle writing hand and broken heart?

Enough crying. You wake up the morning of your exam, and all it once it hits you what you have to do that day.

For a brief moment, you almost forgot. Ignorance is bliss.

You realize that you can’t just wish this exam away. 

Even though you really, really wish that you could. 

Your first exam is full of information you've never seen before, so you just stare at it like:

Where was this information in the textbook?

But you can't even dwell on it, because you've got three more finals to take. 

But you know that once you're done, you'll be prancing out of that classroom like:

Hello, summer! BYE, FINALS.

In today's edition of ridiculous activities that today's youth is partaking in, teenagers are now bruising their lips in an attempt to emulate the lips of reality TV star, Kylie Jenner.

This past year, we've seen a large transformation in the 17-year-old's appearance and much of that is attributed to the pout that seems to be getting fuller day by day. Jenner has denied rumors of plastic surgery, claiming that lip liner is her secret. Scott Disick even claimed that it takes Jenner 40 minutes to draw her lips on.

Still, teenagers and fans of Jenner alike are mimicking her look by suctioning their lips with shot glasses and posting the results on social media with the hashtag, #kyliejennerchallenge. The idea of the challenge is to place a shot glass or any small cup around lips, and inhale for a few seconds to create a suction effect. After removing the shot glasses, new, plumped lips are revealed. We're thinking the hashtag (and the challenge altogether) was meant to be silly at first but, by the looks of it, the stunt seems a little more dangerous than it does funny. The purpose of using a glass to suction one's lips is to receive a swelling effect, similar to the effect seen on those who receive collagen lip injections. The downside, however, is that this method can cause serious pain and bruising around the lip area, proof of which we've seen plenty of on social media.

One user even posted a photo of his lip, as it was apparently split in half due to the glass breaking around his mouth.

And, just in case any of you were thinking about trying it, cosmetic surgeons are advising against it, claiming that it can cause permanent disfigurement. "You're creating an injury to your lips, that's why they swell," Dr. Scot Glasberg of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons told Fox News. "It's like punching yourself in the face or running your face into the wall."

We'll just remember to put this challenge on our list of things we should never try.

You plan on pulling an all-nighter for your final tomorrow, which means you need to pregame your study session with a ton of caffeine.

Now that you're hyped, you think your study sesh is going to go something like this:

But after zooming through a few pages in your textbook, you realize you can’t recall anything you've read.

And when you do process the material, you realize it's incredibly boring and say:

But then your study buddy calls you out:

And you're like:

But most of the tabs on your browser are online shopping websites.

And since you and your friend are working in your room, it's tempting to go sit on your bed…(where you could take a nap, but just a short one!).

Once you’re in your cozy pile of blankets, getting back on track is a struggle.

The only thing that can wake you up now is a midnight snack.

But you pass on pizza delivery because you don't want to pick up the phone and there's already a box of Pop-Tarts sitting in your room.

After another half an hour of lounging around, you manage to crank out a few pages of notes at 200 WPM to make yourself feel productive.

But when you read what you wrote, you’re like:

So you ask your friend:

She helps you out and you “study” for a few more hours until your brain can’t hold any more information.

On your way to your final the next day, you're feeling confident...

...until you see people crawl straight out of the library, like:

So you start panicking about if there were chapters you forgot to study.

But your test is in 10 minutes and there is no time to review.

So instead, you calculate the lowest possible score you need to maintain your current letter grade,

And trust that the curve will give you enough of a boost.

Because at this point, worrying is useless.

So you embrace the fact that you don't know a lot of the material.

Because chances are you aren't even going to use your major in the real world.

Here's to the rest of finals week! Good luck, collegiettes!

Today, April 22, is Earth Day, and we’re celebrating the only way we know how: Beauty! While you could continue using your favorite body lotion or shampoo that you’ve been relying on up until this point, these eco-conscious beauty brands could change your tune.

Lush

Jason And The Argan Oil Shampoo Bar, $9.95, lushusa.com

We all know and love Lush, and for good reason! Every time we step into their delicious-smelling store, we know what we pick up is made up of fresh ingredients (think fruits, vegetables, and essential oils), are ethically sourced, and hasn't been through any animal testing. If that’s not worth supporting, what is?

Free Your Mane

Sulfate Free Hydrating Shampoo, $16, freeyourmane.com

If you’ve been looking for an eco-conscious brand to take care of ethnic hair, this is it. Enriched with baobab oil from the Baobab superfruit that grows on the African Tree of Life, this brand's products help manage and seriously hydrate dry, brittle, or frizzy hair. Treat your hair to paraben-, sulfate-, and phthalate-free showers from now on.

Scotch Naturals

Canal Street Daisy, $15, scotchnaturals.com

Our nails shouldn’t have to suffer harsh chemicals, and Scotch Naturals has the answer to that problem. They’ve introduced NaturaLaq, the world’s premier nature-based nail lacquer. Not only are they phthalate-, paraben-, toxin-, cruelty-, and gluten-free, but they have also eliminated that horrible nail polish odor. Mani-pedi, anyone?

Jurlique

Herbal Recovery Antioxidant Cleansing Mousse, $34, jurlique.com

We love how Jurlique has a beautiful farm in South Australia to grow organic rose, chamomile, and lavender for all their products. They use a Bio-Intrinsic extraction process to make sure no part of the plants are wasted while you still get all the good stuff. Sign us up!

Drunk Elephant

Umbra Sheer Physical Defense SPF 30, $38, drunkelephant.com

This awesome skincare brand hasn’t been gaining popularity for no reason. All their products are non-toxic, and the brand makes an effort to remind (and enlighten) us that the label “natural” does not always mean a product is effective and/or safe for your skin. To keep us informed, the brand has a long list of “Blacklisted” ingredients, and we’re thankful Drunk Elephant is leaving them off our faces!

Bite Beauty

Smashed Agave Lip Mask, $26, sephora.com

You may know Bite for their colorful lipsticks, but did you also know they’re gluten-, polybutenes-, and petroleum-free? Basically, they're such good quality, you could eat them and not worry about the ingredients—though we recommend wearing over eating.

Nature’s Gate

Açai Body Wash, price varies, natures-gate.com

You’ve probably seen their products in your local Whole Foods, and now you’ll know Nature’s Gate provides us with great holistic beauty products. Their products are made in an eco-conscious facility and packaged in post-consumer recyclable materials.

Juara

Invigorating Coffee Scrub, $38, juaraskincare.com

This skincare line is centered on the Indonesian JAMU tradition, which is a longstanding practice that uses herbal medicine for truly natural beauty. They are 100 percent vegetarian and include a long list of no-nos that include being free of harsh chemicals and artificial colorants.

Elemental Herbology

Purify & Soothe Facial Cleansing Balm, $52, elementalherbology.com

If you want great skin from the inside out, turn to Elemental Herbology. Made in England, they support responsible sourcing of all ingredients to ensure they're getting the best materials for their nutrient-packed products. They’ve managed to stay eco-friendly without sacrificing any performance—they’re not just a pretty face!

How will you celebrate Earth Day?

You don’t have to be a fashion expert to have a basic understanding of footwear. Chances are, if you were to ask anyone older than the age of five, they’d tell you that heels are for women. It is also likely that they’d be confident that this has always been the case. However, like so many other things we take for granted, the gender divide associated with heels is largely the product of a historical accident. In fact, if you asked people several centuries ago to tell you who heels were for, they would have told you an entirely different story.

That’s right, ladies: if your Tinder date had arrived at your doorstep four hundred years ago, you wouldn’t have been the only one with sore feet.

Part of the reason men were the ones rocking heels was an issue of functionally. They’ve been helping horseback riders stand up in their stirrups since the Persians started doing it way back in the day (we’re talking 800s here). However, they’ve also had fashionable implications for both men and women. For men, the goal was to convey their power. Height has remained a relatively unchanged standard of attractiveness for men across history, so it isn’t surprising that men were the first to try to look taller. Women, on the other hand, wanted to make their feet appear small and dainty.

The most important heel-wearing agenda was shared by both genders. Heels were designed to communicate status and wealth in both men and women. Wearing inconvenient shoes has been one of the many visual indicators that aristocrats around the world have adopted throughout history (like pale skin or long nails) to show off their prestigious place in society. Heels are pretty impractical if you’re trying to work in a farm or walk down an unpaved road, so donning them proved that the wearer did not ever need to perform manual labor. In fact, heels became so exclusive in France during the 17th and 18th centuries that King Louis XIV ended up restricting the use red heeled shoes to members of his court alone. (In other words Christian Louboutin is a copycat—or perhaps a history major.)

The French Revolution eliminated heels from fashion for a while, as former aristocrats tried to lay low (literally) by wearing flatter shoes. In the mid-19th century, heels made a comeback, as upper class women filled the newly paved boulevard streets to shop, eat and be seen. This time, heels were exclusively seen on females. Though men have abandoned elevated footwear over the last few centuries, high heels remain an item of clothing tied closely with ideas of luxury and class for women, just as they have for half a millenium.

The history of heels should remind us all that the style conventions we take for granted in the present day are, as always, products of the past. Similarly, things we consider inherently “masculine” or “feminine” are cultural creations that have changed and can continue to change over time. Who knows? Maybe we’ll see boys tottering around in stilettos again one day.

What do you think, collegiettes? Should shoes be allocated for specific genders? What about clothes in general?

Let’s be honest. As collegiettes, we don’t just wake up and smell the coffee—we finish the whole pot. We turn to quick fixes to get going in the morning instead of focusing on the real problem: poor sleeping habits, or as doctors call it, sleep hygiene.

According to a study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health, college students reported an average of seven hours of shuteye per night. That means half us are getting less than that on a given night.

With a full course load, a busy social life, and internship applications to complete, sleep is typically the first thing that students sacrifice. We’ve heard the supposed stats, but to find out just how much sleep college students really need per night, we talked to Ginette Archinal, M.D., a university physician and medical director of student health at Elon University.

By the numbers

The signs are hard to miss: tired eyes, irritability, a foggy brain in class and desperation for caffeine. Reports vary, but when it comes down to numbers, Dr. Archinal stands by the general consensus that college-age students need between eight and nine hours of good, quality sleep each night.

“That means being able to fall asleep within 30 minutes of bedtime, and staying asleep—not waking up frequently,” she explains. While everyone is different, this is a good rule of thumb to stick to. “It is the rare person who can be healthy on less than seven hours per night on a regular basis.”

Collegiettes rejoice: there is some wiggle room here. Students are known to play catch up on weekends when it comes to sleep. On weeknights, students reported getting anywhere from one to three hours less than other nights, but slept much longer and later on weekends. Lucky for us, Dr. Archinal says that sleeping longer the night after a disrupted slumber can still be beneficial as long as it isn’t something you rely on regularly.

“Some recent data shows that a 20 to 30 minute nap in the afternoon following a night of inadequate sleep improved mental and physical alertness,” she says. “If someone is having frequent nights when they cannot sleep or do not have restful sleep, the cause should be checked out.”

How much is too much?

Before you make a habit of this give-and-take sleep schedule, it’s important to note that the catch-up game typically catches us in the end. Oversleeping can leave you just as bleary-eyed as barely sleeping at all. “People can be groggy if they sleep more than 10 hours a night,” Dr. Archinal says. “There is some data to support that more than 10 is as unhealthy as less than seven.”

What might cause you to sleep too much? Some common triggers include heavy drinking the night before, sleep aids, pain medication and depression.

Your body on sleep deprivation

Eight hours might seem like an ambitious feat, but the key here is quality, not just quantity of your snooze. As we sleep, our bodies are working to repair and restore cells. “Poor sleep causes persistent elevation of insulin,” Dr. Archinal explains. This can lead to weight gain and the development of diabetes, or hypertension. It can make you grumpy and irritable, or bring out any underlying depression or anxiety.

Worst of all, sleep deprivation is often linked to lower immunity—that means you’re prone to more frequent infections, like coughs and colds. According to a study published to Advance in Neuroimmunology, partial sleep deprivation in young adults decreased cellular immune function. This was intensified after total sleep deprivation—something we collegiettes know as an “all-nighter”.

Whether you have a morning exam that you haven’t begun studying for, or you stay up way past last call, more often than not, college students have experienced at least one all-nighter before graduation. “The occasional all-nighter is something we all have done,” Dr. Archinal says. “The immediate effect is crashing the next day, especially after needing caffeine to stimulate cognition and physical state for exams, class or work the next morning.”

A study from the University of Boulder explored the effects of caffeine on catch-up sleep following a sleepless night. Although caffeine improved initial alertness and clear-headedness after staying up all night, it disturbed the recovery sleep and led to a worse sleep quality even five hours later. So whenever possible, avoid using caffeine as a way to make up for lack of sleep!

Sleep longer and better tonight

It’s no mystery why the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers insufficient sleep a national public health epidemic. Instead of reaching for the espresso as a Band-Aid fix, try to adopt some sleep tips from the National Sleep Foundation for a longer, more fulfilling sleep tonight.

• Even if your schedule is different from day to day, try to get to bed and wake up around the same time each day.
• As it gets closer to bedtime, avoid large meals and stick to a small snack if hunger strikes after dinner.
• Avoid doing homework or watching TV in bed, especially in a dorm where the room is your kitchen, bedroom and living room in one. Your bed should be used for sleep, and sleep only.
• Your room should be dark and quiet while you sleep: two things often hard to come by in a dorm.
• If you are lucky enough to have control over the temperature, try to keep it at a happy medium between warm and cold.
• Make time for your workout in earlier in the day. Physical activity might give you a surge of energy too close to bedtime, making it difficult to fall asleep.

We hate to say it, but it turns out Mom was right all along. As collegiettes, we should stick to the golden rule of eight to nine hours of quality sleep per night. If your never-ending to-do list makes that seem impossible, start small. Not every night will be perfect, but keep in mind that when you sacrifice sleep, you risk a lot more than just a little fatigue in the morning. 

You nailed your interview, got the job and found an apartment—now you need a car to get you to your new office every day!

Buying your first car is a daunting task. It’s a substantial investment, the process is notorious for being tedious and salesmen are known for trying to rip you off. While the make and model of the car you decide to buy is personal, here are some tips for every new-car buyer on how to make the process as painless and worthwhile as possible.

1. Review your finances

Before even stepping foot in a dealership, you should know where your finances stand. This means knowing your credit score and whether you’re pre-approved for financing.

Jeff Ostroff, founder and CEO of CarBuyingTips.com, says, “The biggest mistake car buyers make is heading out to buy a car without making sure they are pre-approved for financing and knowing their credit score.” He explains that being unfamiliar with or in denial of your financial situation leads to two things: Higher-than-advertised interest rates and manipulation by the salesman due to your ignorance of your own financial status.

As a new graduette, you may not have much of a credit history. Ostroff suggests you start establishing credit as soon as possible. “Start with a gas card and Target card, which appear to be pretty easy to get, and pay in full and on time every month,” he says.

If you’re paying a monthly rent, in some cases, you can have those payments included in your credit history; it’s not done automatically. Check with your landlord or register through sites like WilliamPaid.com, which has an official partnership with credit bureau Experian.

Be aware that if you have a lower credit score, your interest rates will be higher. Scores above 680 will give you the lowest interest rates and is the best situation to get a loan for a new car; a score below 680 but above 550 will get you a loan, but you’ll have to pay higher interest rates; and if your credit score is below 550, you can get a bad credit loan or, alternatively, skip loans altogether.

“Save up and pay cash… fees and finance charges kill you,” says former car salesman Buddy Huntsinger.

However, you might need a car immediately and won’t be able to pay in cash. Ultimately the way to decide what sort of financing you need to get your car will depend on your personal financial history, so make sure that you know your own credit score and history before moving forward with buying a car.

2. Research, research, research

Your research should begin with your credit score and finding out if you’re pre-approved for a loan, but it shouldn’t stop there. The best thing you can do when buying a car is to be well informed. Research the kind of car you want, the dealers in your area and competitive pricing so you can walk into the dealership prepared to negotiate a fair price.

“Car buyers should know how much they should be paying for the car before they even leave the house,” Ostroff says.

Research common scams and practices by car salesmen so that you don’t fall prey to them. And if you’re looking at a used car, examine its Vehicle History Report (VHR) carefully. A VHR can be obtained online for varying prices—you can purchase a basic VHR from the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System or pay extra to get a detailed report. VHRs provide you with a vehicle’s accident history, how many previous owners it has had, where it was manufactured and other data that gives you a deeper sense of the car’s condition. While you may get to a point where you want to finally seal the deal and get your new car, in the long run it’s worthwhile to do your research to make sure you’re getting a good deal.

Make sure to print out and bring all the research with you so that the seller knows you’re making an educated decision and that he or she won’t be able to manipulate you. “The majority of the time you can tell if the customer has done research and it benefits the customer,” Huntsinger says. “Sometimes you can’t tell until the end when the customer has adopted a take-no-prisoners negotiation strategy. They know what the last 7,000 customers have paid for the vehicle, and they want to pay the least amount.”

Knowing what others have paid for the same make and model can prevent paying more than you need to. Websites such as CarGurus and Kelley Blue Book allow you to compare car pricing trends in your area, and scouring classifieds and Craigslist can give you a sense of how private sellers are pricing cars. By researching the deals in your area and getting a sense for what the car goes for, you can end up paying much less than if you entered the process without any of that information.

3. Should you buy or lease?

If the number of cars to choose from wasn’t enough, there are also several ways to buy the car once you’ve figured out which car you want. You can buy a brand-new car from a dealership, buy a used car from a dealership, buy a used car from a private seller or lease a car.

Ostroff says that if you’re considering buying a new car, you should be able to put 20 percent down and pay the car off in 48 months. If you can’t put the initial 20 percent down on the new car, Ostroff explains that you’ll end up in financial trouble on your loan and will owe more than the car is worth when you go to trade it in.

“Too many people end up in six- or seven-year loans because they can’t afford the lower month terms,” Ostroff says. “This really means, in my opinion, that they cannot afford the car. So if you can’t pay it off in 48 months, don’t buy the car, and instead focus on a three-year used car, because they can be half the cost and have already dropped down the value depreciation curve.”

Leasing can seem like an appealing option with low monthly rates on brand-new cars; you’re only paying off part of the car, not the whole price. However, there are important things to consider about leasing. Leasing requires thinking ahead about 36 months, a typical lease length, as you cannot move out of state with a leased car and it is expensive to break a lease, Ostroff explains.

“If you lose your job, you are still on the hook for the lease, unlike a loan or used car, when you can just sell the car,” Ostroff says. “With a lease, you don’t own the car and cannot sell or trade it in.”

If you’re uncertain where you’ll be a few years down the road, a lease may not be the best option for you. Further, leases have restrictions on mileage, and the car must be kept in the best shape, so if you’re hard on cars or will be driving longer distances, consider that when you decide if you want to lease.

Finally, while leasing may seem the best option in the short term, when the lease is up, you return the car (with an exit fee) and cannot get any return on the money you paid. However, if you buy a car, once it’s paid off, it’s yours to keep, and you can get a return on your investment through trading in or selling the car when you decide to get a different one. While it may be tempting to get that beautiful new car on a lease, make sure to think hard about how leasing may affect you in the long term.

Kelsey Wasilewski, a 2013 graduate of Binghamton University, chose to buy a used car after graduating and couldn’t be happier. “The best thing I ever did for my finances after graduating was to listen to my dad and buy a used car for $1,800,” she says.

Kelsey says she’s able to go on road trips without worrying too much about mileage or condition. Plus, it’s allowed her to spend her hard-earned money elsewhere. “Not having a crazy high lease or car payments has allowed me to get a great apartment and start paying down my student loans pretty quickly, all while still putting away a lot in savings!” she says. “My advice? Buy used, and save the new car for when you are older!”

4. Look for discounts and deals

As part of your research, look for discounts—you can even get one for being an alumna of your college!

Erica Avesian, a 2013 graduate of the University of Michigan, recently bought her first car. “Figure out the best type of discount, whether it be a friends and family, employee or alumni discount,” she says.

Many schools offer alumni discounts, so be sure to consult your school’s alumni website to see what sort of deals they can provide for you. If you’re buying a car around the time you graduate, look for new graduate discounts.

“Follow all the rebates and college graduate promotions from the carmakers,” Ostroff says. “Many have $500 incentives for enrolled students or those about to graduate in addition to any normal consumer rebates that might be on your car.” Use your new status to save you money!

If don’t need a car urgently, try to buy one when you’re most likely to get the best deal. According to the United Services Automobile Association, there are different times of the year, month and even week when you can get the best deal! Avoid weekends if possible, and make your offer later in the day. Since your alma mater or dealerships in your area may offer discounts around graduation, if you can hold off until the end of the year, the influx of newer models combined with year-end quotas can get you some of the best deals.

5. Take it for a test-drive

Once you’ve done your research, it’s time to see the car in person. Erica recommends bringing a car-savvy friend along when you go to buy. Whether you’re buying new, buying used or leasing, make sure that you test-drive the car.

When you’re test-driving, leave the radio off so that you can hear any weird noises the car makes (but do make sure that the radio/CD player/AV system works, too!). Take note of everything you hear, and ask about those noises! This is especially important in used cars to make sure you’re not inheriting costly problems.

Pinpoint where the car’s blind spots are and make sure that you feel safe driving it. “When on the drive, ask to be taken on bumpy roads and parking lots,” Huntsinger says. “Take a long enough drive—20 minutes minimum—to verify your seats are comfortable. Is the steering wheel positioned comfortably? Seat belt ride on your neck?”

When looking at a car at a dealership, Huntsinger advises that you make sure the car you test-drive has the features and extras you plan to buy, because “test-driving a base model is going to drive differently than a heavier, fully equipped model.” A car is too big of an investment to have buyer’s remorse over—use the test-drive to make sure that you’ll be happy in the car for the entire time you have it!

6. Negotiate

When you’ve found the car, it’s time to negotiate. This is where knowing what comparable cars are selling for will work in your favor!

Stay calm but stick to your guns and try to come to a deal quickly. Enter the negotiation with a price that is both fair to you and still gives the salesman a fair commission so that you can confidently stick to a price that is fair to everyone.

Finally, if the salesman is not giving you a fair price, opt to walk out and find a deal elsewhere—you did your research, and you deserve the best price!

“As a car salesman, you hope rich, uninformed car buyers will agree to everything you present,” Huntsinger says. “This mistake can really increase the cost of a car and cause the customer to feel taken.”

If you do your research, you can get a great deal on your first car. And after you finally get it, take your new (or new-to-you!) car for a celebratory drive!

Sweatpants, hair tied, chilling with no make up on—sound familiar, collegiettes? Duh! It’s the laidback beauty motto (okay, maybe except for that last part about no make up). We’ve already given you a cornucopia of looks fit for going out. But how exactly do you keep your mane stylish when you're forced to stay inside, with finals in your very, very near future? To help you figure it out, we're talking locks made for study sessions: Easy and chic. Below, seven fresh ways to wear a ponytail on days when you're dealing with second-day hair or don't have time to do much more than pull it back and call it a day.

1. Inverted Ponytail

Start by evenly distributing a pea-size of Verb’s Ghost Oil ($14) to make your strands mega-glossy. Then make a low ponytail and create an opening between the hair near the base. Move the ponytail up, over and down through that space. It's that easy.

2. Loop Ponytail

Get the look by first pulling your hair into a low ponytail and securing it with an elastic at the nape of your neck. Fold the ponytail into a loop and use another elastic to hold it in place. Pull out a one-inch strand of hair from the loop and wrap it around the base to conceal the elastics. This version of the ponytail has comfy written all over it so don’t be afraid to get messy with it!

3. Classic Ponytail... But Better

Adding new touches to the classic ponytail never gets old. All you need for this one is a strip of leather, an elastic and a twist tie. Line up the strip with the elastic and attach them with a twist tie. Then tie away! 

4. Bubble Ponytail

The bubble, or tiered ponytail was spotted at our last CFW NYC but you don’t have to be sashaying down a catwalk to wear the look—it’ll also fit right in during study group. First, tie your locks into one ponytail. Depending on your hair length, create as many bubbles as you’d like using clear elastics, leaving the tips untouched. When you’re finished, spritz R+Co’s Outer Space Flexible Hairspray ($29) for a textured effect.

5. Twisty Ponytail

A ‘do that can be worn either while library-ing away or while livin’ it up, the twist ponytail calls for just two things: a hair tie and U-shaped pins. Divide your hair into two sections—one large and one small. Tie the larger part with an elastic then tightly twist the small part away from your face. Wrap the twist around the ponytail, secure it with three pins and watch it unravel to yield the perfect relaxed ponytail.

6. Sky High Ponytail

Lightning fast to create, the ponytail that sits comfortably atop your crown is an at-home hairstyle must. 

7. Wraparound Ponytail

This one is similar to the twist ponytail but even simpler to achieve. Gather and tie your hair into a low pony, leaving a two-inch strand out. Then, wrap the two-inch strand around the base of the ponytail and secure it with two bobby pins. 

With these tips and tricks, you'll look totally pulled together—even when you're surrounded by a frazzled mess of textbooks and papers. What other ways do you wear your hair during finals week?

She's been the First Lady, a U.S. senator and Secretary of State, but will she be the next president? As much as we'd like to know the answer right away, only time will tell if Hillary Clinton will make history by becoming the first woman to serve as president. But despite the current uncertainties, one thing remains true: the lady sure knows how to wear a pantsuit. So before the race starts to heat up, let's take a moment to reflect on her signature look throughout the years.

August 2013: The American Bar Association's annual meeting

For someone receiving the ABA's highest honor, Hillary sure looks cool and collected in this Tiffany Blue suit. How stylish is the shawl lapel?!

July 2012: In France meeting then-President, Francoise Hollande

Our belief is that a pantsuit should be two things: crisp and polished. Hillary totally achieves both of those with this preppy ensemble.

August 26, 2008: The Democratic National Convention

For us, too much orange usually spells out a pasty disaster, but Hillary rocks this bold and attention-grabbing ensemble! In our book, she definitely went down in fashion history as the woman who mastered head-to-toe orange after this appearance.

June 17, 2001: Chelsea's graduation from Stanford

Normally a bright yellow suit worn by mom to graduation would be a hard no, but once again, Hillary pulls it off flawlessly thanks to the tailored shape and that adorable straw hat!

January 3, 2001: Senate swearing-in ceremony

Hillary dazzled in this textured cerulean number, which was designed by Oscar de la Renta, who often dressed her. She was probably also gleaming because she was making history as the first First Lady to have ever run for and secured a seat in public office, no big deal! 

November, 2000: During the New York Senate race

If Cinderella were to take on public office, she'd look like this. Seriously, how stunning does she look in this powder blue woven suit?

September 1995: The U.N.'s Fourth World Conference on Women

So we can't actually confirm this is pantsuit rather than a skirtsuit, but regardless, Hillary looked spectacular at this momentuous event. She's definitely channeling a bit of Jackie Kennedy in this strawberry pink jacket!

Remember that time you studied abroad? Oh, how you miss it so!

But wait, it doesn’t have to be over just yet!

There are ways to relive your abroad experience every day (and to relentlessly remind everyone around you about that experience)!  

You can begin each day with a croissant spread with Nutella, just like what you always ate for breakfast when you were in Paris.

Because—as you’ll tell everyone—your love for Nutella is boundless now that you’ve been to Europe. 

Follow that up with a mid-morning cappuccino—even though no one in America will ever be able to master cappuccino art like those Italians!

And, of course, a day won’t be complete without the afternoon tea you’ve become accustomed to since you spent time in London.

Be sure to drink wine constantly,

as Europe has made you a wine connoisseur and wine is now a very important part of your life. 

Only order foreign beer when you’re out on the town (How could you ever drink a Bud Light again after experiencing European beer?).

Once in a while, “accidentally” ask about prices in Euros instead of dollars, as in, “How many Euros does that cost?” because you’re just so used to talking about money in Euros.

And be sure to mention afterwards how great it is to not have to convert Euros to dollars anymore.

Slip some of the slang you picked up abroad into conversation, since it comes so naturally to you now.

Frequently complain about how all your shoes got ruined by those European cobblestones.

Wear that scarf you bought from a street vendor in Spain as often as possible, so when people ask where it’s from, you can say, “Oh, I got it in Europe.”

Tell everyone about how much more fun the clubs were abroad.

Complain to anyone who will listen about having to do “actual” work now that you have “real” classes again. Unlike when you were in Europe.

It may be over now but, lucky for you, you’ll always have your memories of your time abroad…

…and Instagram, so you can throwback to your abroad experience each and every Thursday with: “Ugh, missing abroad life so much! #tbt”

From actor Nicholas Hoult to Coldplay vocalist Chris Martin, Jennifer Lawrence has definitely had her share of Hollywood romances. However, none of them have been as high-profile or absolutely adorable as her relationship with her work husband, Bradley Cooper.

While appearing at the Cinema Society’s screening of their latest project together, Serena, in which they play love-struck newlyweds, Lawrence told reporters the key to her and Cooper’s phenomenal working relationship: “No sex!”

When Cooper and Lawrence are together on the red carpet the mutual admiration and genuine chemistry in undeniable. Serena marks the third film in which Lawrence and Cooper have co-starred. When asked about working together so often, Cooper said, “Honestly, it's just happenstance."

Their first movie together, Silver Linings Playbook, earned Cooper an Oscar nomination and Lawrence a win. The duo then appeared in American Hustle in 2013. The 24-year-old actress claims she “forced him to come onto the movie." She then explained, "I mean, any male role is going to make me think of Bradley because in my opinion, he's the best, and I love working with him." Hey, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

Of course the feelings between the two are mutual, as Cooper told reporters, "I respect her so much as a professional, as an actor, and I think she's the best there is. And I just learn from her. You always want to work with people that are better than you."

As if their gushing about each other on the red carpet wasn’t enough, here are 13 times the two were the cutest non-couple couple that Hollywood has ever seen... though we think they should just get married already!

1. When they were sharing the best inside joke of all time at the 2013 Oscars

2. The time they proved that great minds do think alike at a press conference 

3. When they made us wish that our awkward hugs were as adorable as their awkward hugs are

4. When they didn't realize they were this generation's Jen and Brad 

5. The time there was this candid picture of them during an interview, but they looked like they were serving up magazine ad realness

6. When they didn't say "you can't sit with us," but they might as well have because how could you break up this adorable dinner date

7. That time that they definitely could have passed as prom king and queen 

8. The time Jen had to stop to appreciate the perfection that is Bradley Cooper, just like the rest us do on a regular basis

9. When they showed their playful side on the red carpet for all to see

10. When he was oh-so-supportive of her Oscar win, pre-fall

11. The time they kissed in Silver Linings Playbook (awww!)

12. And when they got really close to kissing in American Hustle

13. And the time they share a kiss in Serena

But we definitely believe them when they say they have never thought about dating...

Whether it’s for your morning coffee run or during a late-night study sesh, everyone knows Starbucks is the bae of all coffee shops. However, we always seem to run into the same situation every time we go to get our fix. Here are the thoughts we have while waiting in line at Starbucks.

1. Need. Caffeine. Now.

2. Is this the line to order coffee or plasma screen TVs at Best Buy on Black Friday?

3. Did I miss the memo that today’s uniform was UGGs, leggings and a North Face parka?

4. Why is a “Tall” a small? Does no one else find that confusing?

5. I don’t think this line has moved at all.

6. Why am I even spending this much money on coffee?

7. If I get my drink skinny, I can still get whipped cream, right?

8. I don’t even care; I’m asking for caramel, too.

9. Did they just call mine?

10. Since when is there a Y in my name?

11. Mmmm. So worth it. Time to get sh*t done.

Love it or hate it, we suffer through the line, grab our drink of choice and sip the nectar of the Starbucks heavens. It may be #basic, but we're too busy enjoying our Starbucks to care.

Studying for finals is undeniably one of the worst parts of college. On top of the fact that you have tons of tests to study for and papers to write, you can practically taste summer, and it makes you want to be anything but productive. At this point, you'd rather do anything than sit down and read your textbooks. Here are a few things we're all guilty of doing to avoid it.

1. Refreshing Twitter even though you just checked it three minutes ago

You can't miss out on stuff like Kim K's selfies or Anna Kendrick's Tweets, duh. 

2. Spring cleaning

The only time it's fun to clean is when you could be studying for psych.

3. Sending a Snapchat to at least 10 different people to start conversations

Someone is bound to reply and give you an excuse to put off studying until you run out of faces to make.

4. Catching up on Shonda shows

Warning: This will cause both more procrastination as well as emotional trauma.

5. Taking spontaneous naps

Oh, look, it's nap o'clock!

6. Getting sucked into a black hole on YouTube

One second you're watching Nicki Minaj's new music video, 30 minutes later you're learning how to play the clarinet... without a clarinet.

7. Making elaborate snacks

No one can study without brain food. No one.

8. Facebook-stalking your sister's friend's hot cousin who apparently lives in Spain and has a fabulous life

Seriously, someone should hire you to be a private investigator.

9. Casually checking to see what's new on your favorite stores' websites

It's not your fault your professor scheduled your final the day after Anthropologie's summer catalog came out.

10. Telling yourself you'll start studying at the next half-hour mark

*2:30 passes*

"Okay, 3:00 it is, then."

11. Planning out your entire life

Why do you always come to the same conclusion??

12. Re-organizing your entire desk to make sure it looks perfect for an Insta of your study environment

Your new post gives you an excuse to check your phone every two minutes to see who's liking it.

13. Having an impromptu karaoke session

Bonus points if you can get friends to join in.

14. Taking a zillion online quizzes to find out things like what your aura is and which Disney princess you really are

Turns out your aura is blue and you're Mulan through and through.

15. Working out

LOL, JK. We might actually rather study.

When Wonderland debuted their newest cover featuring Taylor Swift, we all did a double (triple?) take. With a deep bronze glow and without her signature cat-eye and bold red lipstick, she was pretty much unrecognizable—but there's no denying she still looked stunning. So we did a little digging and put together other standout moments where Taylor ditched her go-to look—and looked amazing anyway!

1. Wonderland Magazine, 2014

We have to say, a bold brow looks good on the girl—and we think Cara Delevingne agrees.

2. The Grammys, 2012

Sultry eyes and just-kissed-pink lips give Taylor an elegant, grown-up look.

3. The Golden Globes, 2013

Taylor went all-out minimalist, with that gorgeously sleek gown and just the right amount of makeup to match.

4. AMAs, 2011

Keeping the rest of her look totally fresh-faced, Taylor lets those long, spidery lashes take the show.

5. AMAs, 2013

Tousled, I-woke-up-like-this bangs, a smoky eye—who is that girl?!

6. The Grammys, 2014

Taylor lights up this year’s Grammys with the help of some glistening silver shadow. The perfect holiday makeup look, anybody?

7. ACM awards, 2012

The more put-together version of her look from the AMAs above, Taylor proves that girly bangs can look grown up and sophisticated.

What's your favorite look, collegiettes? Do you think Taylor should stick to her signature style, or do you like to see her switch it up?

Being busy doesn’t mean you need to be stressed! With classes, part-time jobs, a social life and only 24 hours in a day, it can be hard to manage your time well. Whether you’re a freshman trying to find all your classes or a senior looking to land that dream job after graduation, it’s important to make sure you’re not waist-deep in anxiety. Here are seven apps to help you stay organized and make the most out your time!

1. Wunderlist

Price: Free for iPhone.

If you’re someone who hates having too many sticky notes getting in the way, Wunderlist is for you. This app will help you keep all your do-to lists in one place. You can share your lists with coworkers, friends and family and assign each person different tasks. You can also start a group chat to follow up with your plans and update everyone on any changes.

“I use it a lot when I go food shopping because I always have my phone on me and I never forget a grocery list,” says Kasia Jaworski, a senior at Villanova University.

No more rifling through your purse for 10 minutes looking for a scrap of paper! This is your homework agenda, grocery list and social calendar all wrapped into one.

2. JotNot

Price: Free for the iPhone with a pro version for $2.99. 

Large, complicated scanners can be frustrating and time-consuming to use. With JotNot, you can take a photo of a document with your phone and get almost the same high quality that you would with a scanner!

The difference between this and a regular photo app is that JotNot has an image processor that detects shadows and edges, making your document as clear as it would be if it had been scanned by a machine. Everything is converted into a PDF document, making it easy to export and send documents to professors and classmates. It’s especially useful for keeping track of receipts, billboards, advertisements and whiteboard notes. You can also sync it with the Google Drive app, which will allow you to access the documents from any computer or device!

3. Google Drive

Price: Free for iPhone.

With Google Drive, you can create a document, presentation or spreadsheet that can be shared with other email accounts so that friends and classmates can view your work and make edits! It also means that you can access your work whenever you have Internet, so you don’t have to stress about emailing an essay to yourself before you work on another computer. The app version is even more convenient since you can work whenever you get a few minutes, giving you more time to relax later.

“I can write while walking to class, eating or training on the elliptical and access my writing on any device afterwards,” says Iris Goldsztajn, a junior at The University of California, Los Angeles. It’s definitely one of the apps that every college student needs!

4. Carrot

Price: $2.99 for iPhone for each version.

“Greetings, lazy human.” Carrot uses this type of tough love to motivate us into getting things done! Called the “to-do list with a personality,” it has six different moods that range from happy to angry, and it gradually becomes more annoyed if you neglect your tasks. You can unlock levels by completing the items on your to-do list, and the app upgrades and reveals more features as you use it.

“Carrot is my task manager and best friend,” says Shannon Delijani, a sophomore at the University of Southern California.

When you level up, Carrot will give you one of over 400 rewards, which come in the form of upgrades or stories. Eventually, at level 18, you can set notifications and decide how often you want to be reminded to complete your list. There are three versions of the app: task list and fitness tracker.

5. Period Tracker

Price: Free for iPhone. Deluxe versions available for $1.99 for iPhone andAndroid.

It might be a little awkward writing your period dates next to your homework schedule, so Period Tracker helps you keep your menstrual information separate from everything else! It’s simple and does all the work for you. You simply select your period start and end dates, and the app gives you a prediction for your next period, your ovulation date and when you’re fertile. You can also get the average length of your cycle and a log of your period history!

Keep in mind that the predictions aren’t perfect, so you should still consult a campus health center for any questions about sexual health or contraception. You can use the app to take notes on your mood and symptoms, which can be helpful whenever you go to the doctor. Since the app icon is called “P Tracker,” you won’t have to feel awkward when friends look over your shoulder!

6. Sunrise Calendar

Price: Free for iPhone and Android.

This calendar app is unique because it can be synced with other popular apps as well as to your computer! Since you can access it at home or on the go, the app is great for both planning an important event and running daily errands. If you’re planning a vacation with an app like TripIt, you can sync the app with Sunrise and have your entire itinerary transported to your calendar! If you’re someone who likes to use a lot of different apps, Sunrise lets you compile everything into one central place. It’s also easy to look back on events if you’re writing a blog or making a vacation scrapbook, because the app lets you search for past plans based on their name, location and which of your friends attended.

7. Spending Tracker

Price: Free for iPhone and Android.

All those morning coffees and sushi trips can really add up! This nifty app lets you set a budget or income for a period of time you choose and shows you in charts how much you have left to spend. You can categorize your purchases with different labels and see a pie chart that shows where you’re spending the most. It’s never too early to start practicing your real-world budgeting skills!

“It's easy to see how much you spent on clothes, food, alcohol, etc. throughout a month,” Kasia says. “It makes me feel super responsible because I’m keeping track of my money!”

With the help of these apps, you can plan ahead and make sure you’re never overwhelmed! Keep in mind that staying organized isn’t just about getting everything done, but also about making every day healthy and well rounded. Remember that no matter how busy you are, it’s always good to sit back and appreciate what you’ve already done, and maybe also treat yourself for working so hard. After all, every career-minded, organized and ambitious collegiette deserves a break now and then!

There’s no doubt about it, most college students hate group projects. Homework is tedious, but not terrible; studying for a test sucks, but it’s doable. But when your professor gives you a group project that’s worth 50 percent of your grade, all you can do is groan. Coordinating with group members can be a pain, you inevitably end up doing all the work and your fellow classmates just annoy you. Group projects are the worst.

Most likely you’ll be assigned with a group project at least once during your college career. And while most students dread them, group projects don’t have to be the bane of your existence. Her Campus asked Dr. Amy Way, a Villanova University assistant communication professor who specializes in organizational communication (aka the communication within groups) for some tips for handling group projects. Keep these in mind and you’ll survive any group project!

Be open-minded

We get it: You don’t like group projects. But going in with a negative attitude about them can set you back before you even begin. If you’re open-minded when you approach a group project, you can set a more positive tone for the experience, which can create a more cohesive working environment.

“I think a lot of why students hate group work is because of what they think it will be like or what they think their group members will be like, before giving the process or people a chance,” Way says.  “It boils down to misperceptions that group members have of each other, which are then acted upon and turn into actual problems.”

If you go in assuming that one person will be the slacker of the group (based on previous interactions or first impressions), you probably won’t give her many tasks or responsibilities. That person might then realize you don’t trust her or her ideas, and she may not put as much effort into her parts. It becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.

“It can be frustrating and hard to change a dynamic like this, but I think upfront and sometimes difficult conversations early are often the key to moving past bad group dynamics,” Way says. During your first group meeting, try to get to know one another instead of determining who will be the leader or the lazy member of the group.

By being open-minded and getting to know your group members, you can create a positive and relaxed environment. If you’re willing to get to know others, your group members will be more receptive to you and your ideas. Instead of dreading working together, you might actually enjoy it!

Get organized

From all your years of schooling, you know that organization is one of the main keys for success. While staying organized can help you succeed individually, it is also critical to ensure your group project stays on track.

Get organized by creating ground rules for your group communication as well. These can be as simple as “only one person has the floor at a time during discussions” or being respectful of everyone’s ideas. “If you set this precedent early, you’ll be on track for a good working relationship,” Way says.

You should also establish a regular meeting time that works for everyone and figure out a way to keep yourselves organized with deadlines. Reserve a classroom once you’re assigned the project so you don’t waste group time finding a place to work. Consider making a Google calendar that everyone can access so you’re all aware of the upcoming deadlines.

Another good tool to use is Google Drive. You can set up Word documents, spreadsheets and PowerPoint presentations that all group members can access and work on. It eliminates sending a thousand emails back and forth with edits, which may lead to mistakes and missing parts. All members can work individually on their parts while seeing what other group members have added. It allows everyone to keep your project cohesive as it progresses.

If you make organization a priority from the beginning, you can prevent the night-before-scramble that can happen during group projects. Scheduling and keeping all documents, sources and visual aids in one place can save your group a lot of frustration.

Set clear and measurable goals

The next step to having a successful group project is making sure everyone is on the same page from the beginning. This could mean discussing what you want to accomplish and when it should be completed by.

“Setting clear and measurable guidelines and expectations is key from the start,” Way says. “So don’t assume you’re all on the same page about what it means to do a task—set clear goals.”

Discuss things like how many sources your group needs and when you all should have them. Think about how many pages long you think your paper needs to be and set a time frame to have them written by. If you’re unsure of deadlines or requirements for a project, ask your professor, and he or she can guide you in the right direction.

By establishing expectations and goals for the group early on, everyone can get on the same page and stay on track. If everyone’s informed and knows what’s expected of them, it’s easier to communicate and get your project done efficiently.

Split up responsibilities and work together

Once you’ve gotten organized and set your measurable goals, it might be helpful to split up some of the responsibilities. The good thing about group projects is that you don’t have to do all the work yourself; you have others to help you!

You should discuss how your group wants to split up responsibilities once you’ve established your goals. Maybe one person prefers researching to writing, while another likes editing over making the visual aid. Just make sure that all the individual parts work together as a whole.

“Sometimes it’s just more feasible and practical for the group to divide tasks and work on them individually,” Way says. “But when that’s what you decide, you should always schedule a time to work through putting pieces together and making it sound coherent.”

With all that said, it’s also important to work as group and not always separately. Sometimes the best ideas are those created collectively. “If possible, I think there’s also something good about literally sitting down and writing together,” Way says. “Having people bounce ideas and wording off each other can be creative. The process creates a sort of synthesis where the end product is so much better than all the pieces put together.” Be aware that this may take more time, but it also keeps everyone involved and engaged in the project.

If you’re trying to brainstorm an idea for your project, get together to bounce ideas off of each other. On the other hand, making final edits is more of an individual task. Each of you can look it over by yourselves so you can ensure you haven’t missed anything.

However your group decides to work through the project, make sure everyone keeps the group’s goals and deadlines in mind. Be flexible and diligent, and you’ll have no problem completing all the project requirements on time!

Encourage instead of criticize

While you went into your project with an open mind about your fellow group members, it’s clear that one person just isn’t pulling his or her weight. With your grade on the line, this person can really cause your group anxiety.

One way to handle this type of group member is by using positive reinforcement. It sounds backwards, but encouragement can go farther than criticism. “Group members should quickly identify what [they] are good at and make an effort to assign them those types of tasks,” Way suggests. “Then, tell them when they do a good job and how it’s been useful to the group.”

If this person really likes researching, tell her how helpful her source was in explaining a certain point. Ask her if she’s artistic or really good at PowerPoint, and if she is, suggest she does the visual aids. Then, offer helpful suggestions and acknowledge her progress.

If this specific group member feels important to the group, she’s more likely to contribute and complete her tasks thoroughly. Feeling depended on might motivate her to work harder.

In the case that one group member continues to not pull her weight, talk to your professor. “Be open with your instructor or supervisor from the start about your concerns,” Way says. “Include what steps you’re taking to work toward including that person.”

By voicing your concerns to your professor, you can also ensure the individual’s lack of participation doesn’t affect your group grade. While these students can be a real downer for your group, consider these ways to motivate them, and they might contribute more than you think!

Communicate, communicate, communicate

The key to any successful team is open communication. You’re probably been working with your group members for a couple of weeks, so it’s important to keep everyone on track by practicing effective communication.

Avianne Tan, a senior at New York University, is currently in an English seminar class that involves a ton of group projects. The one thing she’s found the most helpful is staying in contact with her group. “It’s a great idea to exchange numbers and emails, [friend each other] on Facebook or create a group chat on your phone, Facebook or another app,” Avianne says. “This way, no matter where you guys are, you can let each other know anything immediately. It’s all in one place so that everyone is on the same page.”

Getting together as a group and communicating is just as important as talking outside of group time. When talking as a group, be nonjudgmental and respect others’ ideas. “With each new phase of the project, there should always be space for brainstorming free from judgment or critique,” Way says.

Additionally, be aware of your role in the group and make sure everyone has the chance to participate. “If you’re ALWAYS the first person to speak up or take responsibility, try to sit back and listen to give others the space to speak up,” Way suggests. “If you’re the person who always sits back, try to step up and voice your opinions, ideas, concerns. Take initiative in the group.”

While it’s nice when all group members agree on everything all the time, don’t be afraid to (respectfully) voice your opinions when you disagree with someone. It might feel like you’re creating conflict, but sometimes bringing up alternative ideas can help make the group’s ideas stronger. “Begin by taking a good amount of time to play with a variety of ideas,” Way says. “Once you’ve decided on an idea, play devil’s advocate and consider why it might not be a good idea. Conflict is not always a bad thing—it may manifest into something positive for the group.”

By listening to everyone’s points of view, respectfully challenging ideas to make them better and keeping up a consistent line of communication, you and your fellow group members can come up with the best way to complete the project together.

Group projects might seem like a drag, but when approached with a positive attitude, they can be great experiences to get to know other students and create an awesome collaborative product. Keep HC’s tips in mind, and you’ll be able to survive any group project! 

Maybe you’re head over heels, 100 percent in love with this girl, or maybe the two of you decided that spending the holidays together would be a fun next step in your relationship. Either way, the inevitable is coming: It’s time to meet her parents.

Sure, it's something that all of us who choose to date have to go through at some point, but meeting the parents becomes an entirely new beast when you’re not straight. What if her parents are totally uncool with their daughter dating a girl? What if they’re awkward? How gay should you act?

Don’t worry, nervous collegiettes; we’ve got your back. With the help of etiquette expert Jodi RR Smith and relationship specialist and counselor Christina Spaccavento, we have seven tips to guide you before you head off to meet the parents!

1. Talk to your partner beforehand

No one knows your partner’s parents better than your partner. Maybe they seem hardcore conservative but are actually totally inclusive, or maybe it’s the total opposite. Instead of planning for battle or going in blind, it’s a good call to express your nervousness to your partner and to trust her to be honest with you.

This will also help you figure out just how “out” you should be. If things really are a battleground at home, it may be best to avoid being handsy at the dinner table. Setting boundaries ahead of time is a good call so that any bad situations can be prevented. Let your partner know what you’re worried about. That way, if something comes up in the moment, you can give your partner a look or send her a quick text telling her you feel uncomfortable with something her parents did or said. You deserve to feel safe and comfortable in this new situation.

Spaccavento, who has experience working with LGBTQ+ couples, says, “When interacting with less-than-supportive parents, it is essential to be a unified team. Talking about your values and boundaries as a couple and coming to a decision together about parent behaviors that you're happy to let slide and other behaviors that just aren't okay is the best way to protect the relationship and ensure both partners feel mutually supported and loved.”

2. Be respectful and polite

In the same vein, no matter what your partner’s parents’ political stances are, you still want to remain respectful of them as the parents of the person you’re in love with. You may not end up being best friends, but it’s really important to establish a mutual neutrality if nothing else. Show respect by being culturally sensitive, being polite and watching your language.

“Use the salutations that you feel are fitting to the situation, but recognize and respect whatever the parent tells you to call them,” says Nicky, a senior collegiette who met her girlfriend’s parents this past summer. “Speak how you were raised, but respect whatever is asked of you and try not to make any assumptions. Be safe rather than sorry.”

It can be difficult to avoid seeming forced in your politeness. Smith, author of The Etiquette Book: A Complete Guide to Modern Manners, says, “If you are relaxed and confident, then the politeness is not forced.  Being polite means being your best self.”

Bringing a gift can also be a way to get things started on a positive note. “A gift is a token of your appreciation for their hospitality,” Smith says. “A homemade treat, box of chocolates, flowers or bottle of wine are all easy options. If there are younger siblings, it is worth extra points to bring a little toy for them as well.”

We all know how awkward it is to run into conflicts in someone else’s home, and we wouldn’t want you to run into a bad situation with your partner because you were rude to her parents.

3. Don’t be anyone you’re not

While meeting the parents may be all types of terrifying, at some point or another your true self will come out. You may as well get all of it out there at the first meeting. While it may not be the best idea to curse like a sailor or launch into a rant about your radical political views, you’re not doing yourself any favors if you decide to play the role of super-girly sweetheart if you’re more butch and prefer sarcasm over all other forms of communication.

Spaccavento says, “When meeting your girlfriend's parents for the first time, it is always fundamental to be yourself. Having said that, it is always a good idea to brush up on your general etiquette and conversational skills so that you feel prepared to handle any situation. And make sure you are showered, shampooed and shined for the occasion. Being well dressed (in whatever your style is) and good personal grooming is always a must.”

You’re important enough to your girlfriend to be brought home to the parents. Keep this in mind in case any self-doubt tries to cloud your thoughts!

4. Talk yourself up

Looking to get an in with the parents? Talk yourself up.

“Don’t shy away from the good things,” Nicky says. “Don’t be afraid to say what you’re good at. Let you partner’s parents know your future goals. It’s important that they hear about you from you, and not just from your partner.”

At the same time, though, it can be difficult to talk yourself up without seeming conceited. Smith recommends finding a balance.

“The easiest way not to brag is to answer the question fully and completely without going on and on, thereby allowing the other person to follow up,” Smith says. “[For example, if the parent asks] ‘What activities do you do at school?’ you can follow up with, ‘I sing in the coed choir, run track and work at college newspaper.’ If the parent says, ‘Oh, what do you do at the newspaper?’ you can state, ‘I started as a reporter, and this year I am the editor.’”

All parents want their kid to be with someone who is truly good for their child, and by showing off your best qualities, you’re definitely taking a step in the right direction. Talk about the community service you engage in, what you’re studying, your hobbies and anything you feel committed to. Build yourself up as a human, not just the person dating their daughter.

Additionally, be sure to ask questions about your girlfriend’s parents and to be engaged beyond listing off a dozen things you’re great at.

5. Find your allies

During the holiday season, if you’re meeting the parents, you’re probably meeting other family members, too—potentially beyond your partner’s immediate family. This can be really helpful, because even in a more conservative family, you may be able to find an ally in the crowd. When talking to your partner beforehand, ask if there’s anyone you can count on to help you navigate any awkwardness.

“When I took my girlfriend to a family wedding, I found the most progressive people in my family and made sure that both parties were aware of the other and how they were connected to me,” Nicky says. “I offered my girlfriend conversation starters that would help her connect to these family members.”

Whether this means befriending a hardcore ally or finding a member of your partner’s family who identifies as LGBTQ+ (whether openly or more privately), feeling connected to someone beyond your partner can help you feel less alone in this new territory.

6. Kick your nervous habits

We all have those nervous habits that can be off-putting in introductory meetings. Don’t play around on your phone just because you feel awkward. Nervous habits you express as a result of being shy could be interpreted as you being rude or stuck up. The same goes for biting your nails or playing with your hair at the table.

It may be helpful to just try to pay attention to your nervous habits. Figure out what they are (or ask people close to you) so you can be aware of them and prepared to avoid them. Keep your phone off or put it in your bag. You may also find it helpful to ask your partner to give you a signal if it’s time to tone it down—nothing like an eyebrow raise to help you shut down your anxious cackle.

“It is always a good idea to be in the right mood and frame of mind before meeting your girlfriend's parents,” Spaccavento says. “So make sure that you are well rested, have had ample time to get ready and factor in enough travel time to be punctual to the meeting.”

While coming up with specific topics of conversation beforehand can seem too forced, thinking about what you do and don’t feel comfortable talking about may be a good call. Spaccavento says, “Thinking about your personal boundaries and which aspects of yourself you would be happy to share with your girlfriend's parents is also important. So, you'll probably be more than happy to answer questions about your pet schnoodle, but might want to steer clear of any probing into your past relationships. And if you know that you can get a little tongue-tied with new people, having a few interesting and engaging conversation starters is a good idea.”

7. Know that her parents are probably nervous, too

While it may seem like you’re at a total disadvantage in the situation, you’re the outsider entering someone else’s home and being given access to all types of personal information. You can bet that the parents are wondering what you’ve heard about them (is it good? Or is it bad?) and if their home stacks up to what you’re used to. You’re being given the chance to make some judgment calls on this first meeting, and that isn’t something to take lightly.

Help the parents love you (and stress out a little bit less) by following their rules. Smith says, “Whether you are straight or LGBTQ, the same guidelines of respect apply. If the parents have you sleeping in separate rooms/spaces, you should retire to those assigned spots and emerge in the morning from those assigned spots. What goes on in between is no one else’s business but yours.”

On top of being a rule-follower, break the ice by making a joke addressing the awkwardness, or, if you’re not so funny, breeze right past it. Ask the parents questions, like how they met or what their interests are. One thing to remember is that your girlfriends’ parents are just people, just like you are. Bring your sparkling personality to the table and give your partner’s parents a chance to love you for the very same reasons that your partner does.

It’s also very possible that your girlfriend’s parents are still new to the idea of her dating a girl, so this meeting can help you ease them into the idea. “This is a tough one when you are already starting on the back foot, but a great way to connect with your girlfriend's parents is to connect with them on something they like,” Spaccavento says. “This will show them that there is some common ground that you share and help them to see that you are a normal person, just like anyone else!”

We hope that these tips help you out when you’re getting ready to meet your girlfriend’s parents. What advice do you have for LGBTQ+ collegiettes heading out to meet the parents? Let us know in the comments below!

Introducing Her Campus’s Finals Week Diet! Designed to increase your sugar rushes steadily throughout the day while lowering your stress with comfort food*, this regimen is perfect for your busy exam schedule. With a total of 10 suggested meals, this plan will keep your energy up during early mornings and all-nighters. If you’re prone to panic attacks, endless hours in the library and late-night cramming sessions, this is the diet for you!

Breakfast: The most important meal of the day to jump-start your studying

• One cinnamon raisin bagel with 2 tablespoons of cream cheese (or more if you want; you do you)
• 20 ounces of coffee with half-and-half and sugar (Make sure to add at least two packets of sugar to kick off your daylong sugar rush. Consistency is key.)
• Side of bacon, at least three pieces (Protein = brainpower)

Midmorning Snack: Beating the 11 a.m. slump

• One 12-ounce can of Diet Coke (Make sure it’s caffeinated. Constant caffeine is key.)
• Full bag of Skittles minus the green ones (proven to increase focus)
• If you’re still feeling sluggish, add a bag of Swedish Fish or Sour Patch Kids

Lunch: aka a well-timed procrastination break

• Two to three slices of pizza (with toppings of your choice, but pepperoni is recommended)
• French fries (regular or sweet potato, side of ketchup)
• Small side of frozen yogurt, minimum three toppings; one has to be hot fudge (chocolate is proven to be a comfort food, so it’s critical for your progress)

Midafternoon Snack: Time to get energized and lower stress with sugar

• 12-ounce latte, skim milk, either vanilla or caramel flavoring
• 18 M&M’S (1 ounce by weight, 1/4 cup by volume or small handful… or, if you want to eat the entire bag, that’s okay, too)

Before-Dinner Snack: Optional, but you’ll probably want it

• Two big chocolate-chip cookies; can be substituted with half a sleeve of Oreos
• Recommended: glass of milk for dunking

Dinner: Getting fueled for the long nightahead

• Crispy chicken fingers (Hint: Dip in a side of honey mustard for extra stress-fighting benefits)
• 1 cup (or more) plain potato chips
• Side: spicy salsa (to dip your chips in; spicy foods said to lower blood pressure/stress)
• Another 12 ounces of Pepsi (Or any soda, really. Whatever you want.)

Post-Dinner Snack: Because the library is getting boring without food, and you're getting hangry

• 8 ounces of green tea (to lower your stress yet keep caffeine levels up)
• Your choice of either seven Hershey's Kisses, 12 gummy bears or one Snickers bar. Pick your favorite from the given choices to maximize your sugar rush.

Midnight Meal: You’re tired of studying and you deserve a treat

• Optional: 12 ounces of coffee, black (for those staying up for two to four more hours)
• Anything from the vending machine. Recommendations: Doritos (Cool Ranch flavor), popcorn or Cheetos

Late-Late-Night Snack: For you night owls who just won't quit

• The perfect time for takeout. Order one large Domino’s pizza to share with two to four close friends.
• Cheesy bread (strongly) encouraged, but not required
• Coffee, coffee, coffee - the biggest size you can get

Early-Morning Treat: You’re not sure what day it is anymore

• One blueberry muffin, microwaved; 1 tablespoon of spreadable butter
• 12 ounces of coffee or Diet Coke; anything to make it through your exam in a few hours/prevent your breakdown

Studies have shown that those who follow this diet as closely as possible not only have decreased stress levels but also ace all of their exams. Happy dieting, collegiettes!

*Disclaimer: This diet is has not been proven to be healthy or effective in any way.
 

While most of us struggle to put together a single legit outfit on a daily basis (do sweats and leggings count?) Blake Lively wore more than a dozen outfits in just two days and looked amazing in each one. As she graced New York City with her presence during a recent press tour for her new movie The Age of Adeline, the new mom changed clothes for each appearance—including hair and makeup! If you're not completely impressed yet, let's all recall that Lively gave birth to baby girl James just four months ago. It's official—we're going on the Blake Lively diet... which apparently includes sweets. Prepare to be amazed:

1. Marc Jacobs

Lively started the day at Good Morning America, making grey weather look chic in this cozy embellished Marc Jacobs jacket with matching dress.

2. Sam & Lavi

Lively continued her television appearances, sitting down with Kelly and Michael in this summery palm-printed jumpsuit (which you can buy on her website, Preserve... for $275) with strappy red heels. She also adds a punchy red lip to compliment the retro look.

3. Jenny Packham

We've lost track of where exactly Lively is going, but does it really matter when she looks so chic doing it? We're lusting after this stunning Jenny Packham coat, which Lively paired with her Antonio Berardi dress and Malone Souliers Veronica pumps.

4. Balmain

In Balmain, Lively provides some serious laid-back summer style inspo.

5. Ralph & Russo

Lively stuns in this Ralph & Russo tea-length dress with intricate flower details, keeping accessories simple.

6. John Galliano

A far cry from the modest Ralph & Russo dress, Lively looks HOT in John Galliano. 

7. Rialto Jean Project

Lively goes casual in embellished jeans (with a not-so-casual $495 price tag on Preserve) and, wait for it, a CROP top. The woman gave birth 4 months ago, people!! Further confirmation that she is, in fact, superwoman. 

8. Cushnie et Ochs

Lively amazes in head-to-toe pink in this Cushnie et Ochs number.

9. Valentino

Va-va-Valentino. Lively's huge grin portrays how we feel about look number 9. 

10. Zuhair Murad

Lively nails timeless, classic style in this Zuhair Murad knee-length dress with simple pearls. 

11. Balmain

A little bit of fringe and a LOT of sparkle. Sign us up!

12. Lindsey Thornburg

In another Preserve number (which you can own for $495!), Blake has us dreaming of summer!

13. Kristinit

We love how Lively matches her lipstick to her dress—a stunner that comes in at *only* $290 on Preserve.

14. Roksanda

This bold number is just the piece to brighten up a dreary, rainy day!

Which one of Blake Lively's 15 (!!!) looks is your fave, collegiettes?