Nicole by OPI just launched a new collection of 15 new polishes for 2014 and they have some amazing colors that are perfect for Spring. We got a chance to try them out and wanted to share our must-have shades from the collection!

"Teal Me Something New"

This is an absolute perfect shade of teal. The color is creamy and very pigmented. It only required one coat, which is always a good quality in a nail polish! This is a fun pop of color that you can still wear everyday. 

"Oh That's Just Grape!" and "Fabulous is My Middle Name"

This pastel purple goes perfectly with the glitter purple polish. The purple was a bit sheer on the first coat, so I had to do two in order to make it completely opaque. Then, I added the glitter polish to add a little glitz. The glitter polish has just enough glitter to allow the color underneath to show through, which is exactly how I like it. You can also build it up to make it opaque by doing about three coats. Most glittery polishes tend to make your nails feel gritty, but this one is very smooth. I loved this combination of polishes!

"Sweet Surrender"

This is a really pretty pink toned nude polish. As with most nudes, I did have to apply multiple coats to get the color to be opaque. Once I did, however, it was looked amazing. I love wearing a subtle nude polish because it's understated and feels sophisticated. It also matches with everything!

This Valentine’s Day, warm hearts and toes with plush, UGG luxuries. Her Campus has teamed up with UGG® Australia to provide the gifting guidance you need to find sweet treats for your loved one’s feet.

Dakota Swirl

These candy colored moccasins are perfect for the UGG® lover who likes to keep things cool and casual. A luxurious natural wool lining lends breathable warmth without heat, while a molded-rubber outsole delivers lightweight durability for indoor/outdoor, all-day wear. $110 

Bailey Bow

Perfect for the consummate girly-girl, the Bailey Bow is an embellished twist on the UGG® Classic, sporting sweet, double ribbon bows at the back. $205

Ansley

Available in a spectrum of shades, like our favorite, Blue Curacao, the Ansley is a modern driving moc with supreme wearability. With a durable, molded-rubber sole, your Valentine can wear it indoors and out - all semester long. $100

Classic Short Hearts

This endearing update to one of UGG® Australia’s most beloved silhouettes wears its heart(s) on its seams, detailed with adorable printed grosgrain ribbon binding. Choose from two perfect V-day hues - Fushia, and the aptly named, Red Hot. $155

Jane Tote

In signature UGG® fashion, the Jane Tote is replayed in plush sheepskin. Conceived with understated elegance to spotlight the sumptuous material, the carefree carryall showcases Spanish Merino sheepskin in a palette of playful spring shades, like our favorites, Blue Curacao and Purple Reign. $295

Mini Bailey Bow Stripe

An adorable update to the original Classic boot, the Mini bailey Bow Stripe flaunts a girlish, flirty bow in a seasonal candy striped silk Twill. The chic, short height makes it the perfect companion for warmer spring months. $150

Whether you love it, hate it or love to hate it, Valentine’s Day rolls around every year and we all have our own special ways of celebrating the day. Some of us throw a party with our friends or have a relaxing night in with our girls and a chick flick (and maybe our two favorite guys, Ben and Jerry), but some of us have a special man to spend the day with. If you’re one of those lucky women, you’re probably excited about the surprises he has in store for you and anxious about finding something just as awesome for him.

We’re here to tell you there’s no need to stress about finding that “perfect” gift for V-day—we have you covered. Here’s the inside scoop on what guys really want for Valentine’s Day.

Food

Food is the perfect gift for just about anyone on any occasion, and Valentine’s Day is no exception. A home-cooked meal and candy are among guys’ most popular demands.

Kieran, a sophomore at McGill University, says he would love a home-cooked meal because “it’s casual but still special, and I can appreciate her putting in the time and effort to do that for me.”

You could have an indoor (or outdoor—we’re looking at you, West Coast) picnic with his favorite takeout, make him baked goods or cook something together (check out how to cook a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner!).

Homemade Gifts

They won’t cost you money, only some time and your creative juices. “It’s so cool when a girl makes something herself, like a coupon book or IOUs or something,” says Jordan*, who studies at the United States Naval Academy. “It’s a really nice thing to do.”

Sam, a sophomore at the University of Michigan, adds that for most guys it’s not about getting anything big. “Something small that just shows I am being thought of is perfect,” he says. Check out our easy, fun gift ideas for inspiration!

Something He Can Really Use

If you think your guy isn’t the sentimental, homemade-gift type (although we’re willing to bet that he’ll like anything you make, because it’s the thought that counts!), remember that boys want things they’ll actually get a lot of use out of. 

MIT sophomore Stephen suggests you buy “something that can be used/worn for a long time,” citing clothes or belts as ideas.

LJ, a senior at Oregon State University, says he would love a new jacket, a new tie or a sweatshirt with his fraternity letters on it; it’s an even more special gift if you can cater it to his tastes or hobbies.

So, collegiettes, if you’re willing to shell out some cash on clothing, find him something that he will really enjoy wearing! More great useful gift options include a Swiss Army knife, a watch and DVDs.

Time With You

Beyond any tangible present or date, what your guy really wants on Valentine’s Day is to spend time with you. Alex*, a sophomore at Harvard, says “all that matters is that you get to spend time with someone you care about.”

Robert*, a sophomore at McGill University, agrees. “I think most dudes get more satisfaction out of making their girlfriends feel special on that day, rather than the other way around,” he says. Being appreciated feels good year-round, but especially on a day that comes with a lot of romantic expectations, guys just want to know they’ve done well.

Believe it or not, guys get nervous about nailing Valentine’s Day, too, so make sure you’re appreciative of whatever your guy comes up with! Matt, a senior at the University of Tennessee, sums it up succinctly: “Make us feel like we make you happy.”

Though some guys know exactly what it is they want (Alex says he thinks “some sexy lingerie for her would be cool!”), generally your man won’t be so specific about his ideal gift, and that’s okay. Valentine’s Day is fundamentally about showing gratitude and appreciation for the guy in your life. As Matt puts it, “gifts are just added sugar.”

So while you may be stressing about finding the greatest gift anyone’s ever given anyone, there’s really no need—whip up a culinary creation, make a silly card or buy him that Red Sox cap he’s been eyeing, and then cuddle up and enjoy each other’s company. Because in the end, all he really wants for Valentine’s Day is to spend time with you. Time is one of the easiest and most precious things you can give, and in most cases, it’s all he wants and needs.

*Names have been changed.

College is expensive (as you’ve probably been told!), so of course financial aid is important. There are several types of aid you can apply for (like grants, loans and scholarships), which may seem intimidating and complicated. Believe us, though; it’s worth it!

Dealing with financial documents isn’t everyone’s forte, especially when all of those forms can be a little complicated and confusing. As a high school student, you may not be completely used to filling out government-issued paperwork that asks you for personal financial information. This means that each year, a number of students will end up making mistakes and end up missing out on certain financial aid opportunities.

Luckily for you, we have some advice for the financial aid process and how to avoid common mistakes. Here are a few errors you should do your best to avoid when applying for financial aid!

1. Missing deadlines

This mistake may seem obvious, but it’s extremely important, not to mention much easier to avoid than you’d think! The FAFSA, among many other financial aid forms, requires a lot of fiscal information from various people within your family, so it can be easy to accidentally leave a portion of the form to the last minute and have it end up being something that a parent needs to fill out.

Even worse, your parents may think they need to do something before filling out the form, but in reality it’s something that can wait. For example, a common mistake is missing deadlines because a parent hasn’t yet filed a tax return. “Students should not wait until tax returns are filed to submit a FAFSA,” says Audren Morris-Sandoval, manager of compliance and processing at UCLA’s financial aid office. “The FAFSA allows the student to provide estimated tax information and later make necessary corrections.”

Deadlines are also important because there might be extra requirements even after you turn your forms in. For example, some colleges require you to fill out more financial information after you’ve turned in your government-issued forms (like the CSS Profile). The later you turn these forms in, the more of a bind you may find yourself in!

You should know when paperwork is due and what extra actions they might require in advance so you don’t miss important deadlines. Before you even begin filling out your various forms, map out the deadlines. Visit the websites for each form requirement and find out when your application will be due. Writing these dates out on a calendar will help you visualize when you’ll need to finish the forms and send them in!

2. Entering incorrect numerical information

Again, this might seem simple, but if you mess up inputting certain dates, numbers and names, it can really have an impact on your application process. For example, entering an incorrect social security number for either you or your parent on the FAFSA can create a bigger problem than you may think.

“This can cause significant delays in processing financial aid,” says Chandra Owen, training coordinator for the Office of Financial Aid at Michigan State University. “The financial aid office will need to collect a copy of the student’s information to correct it before going any further in the process.”

While the FAFSA does have a period of time in which information on the documents can be changed and updated, making a mistake on an important piece of information like a social security number can’t be taken care of so easily.

3. Not paying attention to how much you’re borrowing

There’s an annual loan limit for federal loans as well as a lifetime limit that students can borrow. For a dependent undergraduate student, the lifetime limit (both subsidized and unsubsidized) is $31,000, and for an independent, it’s $57,000. For both students, no more than $23,000 of that amount may be in subsidized loans. Because there’s a cutoff, it’s important not to get too financial-aid-happy and start applying for more aid than you’re allowed.

“Many students do not track their borrowing and some reach their maximum before completing their degree,” Owen says. That can cause delays later in their college careers.

Not only should you keep track of how much you’re borrowing for your own personal knowledge, but it’s also information that your college needs as well. “Additionally, students sometimes fail to inform the financial aid of outside scholarships or other education-related resources, and as a result, may end up being over-awarded,” says Morris-Sandoval. The student is then required to repay a portion of the aid that they received.

There are a number of factors to be aware of in order to avoid this mistake. “Budgeting each year, reducing spending on non-essentials and visiting the NSLDS Student Access Site to view how much money has already been borrowed is highly recommended to assist in planning and making positive choices,” Owen says. And, as Morris-Sandoval recommended, you should be aware of what aid you’re receiving from different sources and take action to report it to your school’s financial aid office.

4. Missing signatures

This is yet another seemingly obvious mistake to avoid, but also another one that may be more vital than you’d think. If you’re completing the income information on the FAFSA, both you and your parents must sign it using your federal PIN, which is essentially your electronic signature and password for your personal records.

“In some cases we receive the FAFSA without their PIN or signature, [which] can significantly delay the financial aid process,” Owen says.

In order to avoid this simple mistake, Owen recommends visiting the Federal Student Aid website, where you can apply for a federal PIN or request a duplicate PIN.

5. Putting health care information in the wrong field

Owen says that students and parents often include employer-paid health care as untaxed income, which isn’t correct. There’s a specific section on the FAFSA that requires info about untaxed income, and one of the questions refers to Box 12 on a person’s W-2 (the federal tax form that states how much an employee was paid in a year).

“We are finding an increase of parents including the amount their employer paid toward their healthcare, when it is not required,” Owen says. “This can make it appear that the student or parent has more income than they actually have, which may disqualify [the student] for certain financial aid grants and need-based loans.”

On that note, make sure that you follow all directions so you avoid putting more information down than you need to. Not only is it dangerous to accidentally hold back information and not fill out certain portions of the forms, but it’s also risky to give too much data and in the wrong places. Making one small mistake, whether it be withholding info or giving too much, can cause big problems for your application!

6. Throwing out information once you’re done with it

So you’ve finished your forms and notified your school—now all there is to do is wait! But before you toss those extra forms, fiscal numbers and financial documents in the trash, remember that you’ll need them in the future. Many students think that because all their information is in an online form and is being taken care of by the government and their school, they’re not responsible for it anymore. But the truth is, you’ll need to fill out similar financial forms every year.

Make sure that all this financial information is kept safe and sound in a binder or folder. This way, you won’t be running around, looking for all sorts of fiscal information that you need in order to fill out more forms next year. Saving all your financial information from this year may save you from a huge headache next time!

Though these mistakes are common, they can all be easily avoided. Financial forms can certainly be daunting, but as long as you follow directions and fill out everything correctly, you should be fine. Make sure to triple check what you’ve filled out! Good luck, and happy applying!

Valentine’s Day, Single Awareness Day, or as Liz Lemon would call it, Anna Howard Shaw Day. Whether you anticipate, dread, or attempt to ignore February 14th, one truth remains: that no matter how sweet this holiday was intended to be, it has the stigma of being completely cheesy.  It’s no wonder that everyone thinks of those same cheap red chocolate boxes, candlelit dinners, hallmark cards, and tiny fuzzy bears wearing mini t-shirts that read “I heart you.” But collegiettes, it’s a new year, and this year February 14, 2014 is not going to get cheesy.  Why? Because HC is here to help make it creative.  Here are 10 creative things to do for you, your boyfriend, and all your friends to do on Valentine’s Day.

1. Chocolate Making

We know we just put chocolate in the cheesy category, but making your own? That’s creative—and not to mention cheap! How many times have you seen that golden Godiva box and just walked away because it was too pricey?  No more, collegiettes. You and your boyfriend (or your girls!) can bond over tasting too much of the recipe before it’s finished, or even adding your own ingredients to the mix. And hey, if the recipe goes awry, switch to plan B: head to your favorite bakery and pig out!  Find a chocolate recipe here.

2. Scavenger Hunt

Pick out your favorite spots on campus as a couple and bury your clues there for the ultimate scavenger hunt.  Your first clue can start off with a modern-day twist on the Cinderella: instead of a glass slipper, leave behind a cowboy boot or a five-inch heel and set your prince out to find you on campus.  You can even have your friends pitch in to help him out with the clue process. Have him set up a scavenger hunt for you, too, so that he won’t have to do all the hunting. ;)

3. Middle School Dance

Maybe it’s just our desire to relive the age where Britney Spears just wanted to hit it one more time and Ricky Martin was livin’ la vida loca, or, maybe it’s just a well-known fact that the 90s was the best decade EVER, and we were too young to really appreciate it.  So put a playlist together of the greatest hits, invite some friends over (couples and maybe a few friends you want to set up ;)) and rage like it’s 1999.  You can slow dance and have all the cheesy games like Spin the Bottle or Seven Minutes in Heaven. You can have bowls of punch and tortilla chips and those metallic balloons that read “Be Mine.” If you really want to kick it up a notch, you and your guests can even dress up like your favorite pop star of the decade.  Because there ain’t no party like a Valentine’s Party.

4. Paintball

The paintball scene in Ten Things I Hate About You? Those weren’t paint streaks, guys. They were fireworks.  And if it was good enough for Heath Ledger and Julia Stiles, it’ll be amazing for you and your boyfriend.  An all-out paint war? And bragging rights if you win? Doesn’t get much better than that. Not to mention that when your single friends ask what you and your guy did on Valentine’s Day, this response won’t make them want to barf.

5. Ice-skating or Roller Blading

Nothing says love like someone who’s there to catch you when you fall. Literally. Whether you’re both Olympic skating champs or only one of you could really work a job at Sonic, it doesn’t matter—it’s bound to be fun whizzing around the skating rink, holding hands.  Or holding on to the railing, holding hands. And if your school has an ice hockey rink that’s open to students, say hello to free fun!

6. Movie Night Drinking Game

“Valentine's Day” (Maybe too obvious of a choice, but we’ll take it), “Crazy Stupid Love” (Ryan Gosling’s abs? Happy Valentine’s Day to You), and [insert any romantic comedy here]—it’s time for Valentine’s Day movie night with a twist. Add in a bowl of popcorn and some champagne (if you’re 21+), and you’re good to go.  The rules are up to you and your boyfriend—for example, any time someone casts a longing look or says, “She’s…I don’t know…different,” bottoms up.  Just make sure you play this game responsibly i.e., don’t drink for every time Ryan Gosling looks hot.

7. Hot air balloon

If you’re willing to shell out the big bucks—and we do mean big bucks—soaring through the sky in a hot air balloon is the way to go. Sharing a beautiful birds eye view for two and pointing to a cloud you just passed— “Hey, I think that one’s cloud nine ;)”—makes for the best Valentine’s Day adventure EVER. 

8. Picnic

How was bad boy Jess from “Gilmore Girls” able to wiggle his way between Rory and Dean? That’s right, a picnic.  So gather up all your favorite foods, a nice comfy blanket and head to the big outdoors.  You can even prank your guy and bring a joke basket of his least favorite foods.  And for extra fun, write each other love notes—or even better, love haikus (always bound to be a great laugh).  If the weather’s bad, take the picnic indoors!

9. Planetarium

From star-crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet to love horoscopes to that scene in “A Walk to Remember” when Landen makes a telescope for Jamie: nothing says romantic like the stars.  Not only will you learn a lot on Valentine’s day, it’s practically like being in a space zen garden—the soothing music, the changing sky, the audience noise at an absolute minimum.  So look up the Museum of Natural Science near you to check the times and the cost, and get ready for some star gazing.  

10. Camping Indoors

If “The Parent Trap” with Lindsay Lohan was your favorite movie growing up, then maybe you’re like me and have ruled out camping as everything but romantic: mosquito bites, lizards in your hair, waking up to find that your mattress is floating in the middle of a lake. No thanks (although we’ll take Dennis Quaid)!  If you take the camping indoors, however, that’s a whole other completely different story.  You can build your own fort in your dorm room—or really go wild and actually set up a tent in there—pull out the blankets, pillows, marshmallows, and flashlights, and you’re ready for an imaginary camping adventure.  You can tell scary stories, make shadow puppets, have pillow fights—whatever you want! And you can guarantee you won’t be covered in bug bites the next morning.

Who’s psyched for February 14th now? Let us know what your creative plans for Valentine’s Day will be, collegiettes!

You may think just working out is enough to keep you healthy, but that difficult last mile you were attributing to an “off day” could actually be the consequence of not eating well before your workout. It may be tempting to grab a Pop-Tart on your way out the door or to skip the food altogether, but eating well before a workout is important for your health and performance. Nancy Clark, a Boston-based sports nutritionist and the author of Nancy Clark’s Sports Nutrition Guidebook, helped us create a list of college-friendly pre-workout snacks to maximize your performance at the gym.

Why Snack Before You Work Out?

While many collegiettes think that skipping the calories before a hard workout will drive your body to use its fat stores as fuel, Clark says fueling your body before a workout is just like putting gas in your car so you can drive. With a 100- to 300-calorie snack to jump-start your workout, you’ll sustain your energy levels, improve muscle toning and ensure that your efforts at the gym aren’t wasted.

Read on for a list of recommended pre-workout snacks and try one out the next time you’re headed to the gym for your mid-day spin class!

1. Oatmeal With Fruit and Nuts

According to Clark, the ideal pre-workout meal would be a combination of carbs to fuel your body with sustained energy and protein to power your muscles. Half a cup of Quaker Old Fashioned Oats has 150 calories and provides your body with 27 grams of carbs and 5 grams of protein. The great thing about oatmeal is that you can dress it up to fit your palate’s style. Top your oatmeal with peanut butter or nuts for extra protein, fruit for a sugary kick or cinnamon for a little extra spice.

2. Whole-Wheat Toast with Peanut Butter and a Sliced Banana

If a warm oatmeal breakfast doesn’t appeal to you, try a piece of toasted whole-wheat bread topped with peanut butter and a sliced banana. The bread and banana provide your body with carbs to power you through your workout, while the protein in the peanut butter will aid in muscle recovery.

One slice of Pepperidge Farm 100% Whole Wheat Bread will provide you with 100 calories, 20 grams of carbs and 5 grams of protein. Top with a tablespoon of natural peanut butter, like Skippy Natural Creamy Peanut Butter, which has 70 calories, 6 grams of carbohydrates and 7 grams of protein. You can also add a banana, which has about 27 grams of carbohydrates.

3. Turkey Sandwich

For a midday or evening workout, Nancy suggests fueling your body with a turkey sandwich. If it seems a bit heavy, you can always save half for later! Lean meats like turkey and chicken will feed your muscles the protein you need without weighing you down.

Spread two tablespoons of a healthy condiment like hummus (only 25 calories per tablespoon) over some whole-wheat bread and fill your sandwich with some of your favorite veggies, like spinach and tomatoes. To keep it healthy, use low-sodium deli-sliced turkey. If traditional bread feels like too much, you can always opt for sandwich thins or a wrap.

4. Apple With Peanut Butter

This is the easiest pre-workout snack to grab when you’re on the go! The apple’s 25 grams of carbohydrate will give you a quick burst of energy and the peanut butter will provide you with protein to repair your muscles. This snack is healthy, delicious and perfect if you only have a few minutes to spare on your way out of class.

5. Eggs in a Basket

Clark says eggs are one of the best protein sources, no matter what form they’re in. “Eggs in a basket” is a fun way to get your necessary dose of carbs and protein before a workout.

To make this snack, cut a circle in a slice of whole-wheat bread using the rim of a cup or a cookie cutter, place the bread in a heated pan (sprayed with canola oil or primed with a little butter) and crack an egg into the hole. Be sure to cook each side evenly and enjoy once your egg has cooked completely and your bread is nicely toasted. One egg will contain approximately 6 grams of protein to complement the carb-heavy bread.

6. Greek Yogurt Parfait

Fruit, nuts and Greek yogurt make the perfect trifecta to prime your body for the gym. A protein-rich Greek yogurt like Chobani’s plain Greek yogurt (90 calories, no fat, 7 grams of carbohydrates and 15 grams of protein) will fill you up and sustain your energy throughout your workout. Add nuts or granola for some added crunch and top with your favorite fruit for a sweet treat.

This parfait is made with fresh ingredients and is easy to make at any time of the day. Keeping granola and Greek yogurt on hand is a great way to ensure that you have a healthy snack ready to go!

7. Cheese and Crackers

Another quick snack that Nancy recommends is cheese and crackers. It’s just enough to fill you up but it shouldn’t upset your stomach before a workout. Seven of Kashi’s Heart to Heart Whole Grain Crackers have 120 calories, 22 grams of carbohydrates and 3 grams of protein. Spread a Laughing Cow Light Creamy Swiss cheese wedge onto your crackers for an extra 2 grams of protein.

That sluggish feeling you’ve been getting at the gym could be from bad pre-workout nutrition, so try eating a little before and feel your energy levels rise! A little trial and error is required to know what makes your body tick, so Clark urges you to take as much time as you need to prep for your workout. While some people can eat an entire meal right before a run, others might need an hour to digest before hitting the gym.

As a general rule of thumb, Clark says that “if you’re exercising at a pace that you can maintain for a half hour or more, it shouldn’t matter much how recently you have eaten, but if you’re doing an intense track workout, it would probably be best to let your digestive system rest before you put it to the test.”

Know your body and know how to fuel it with a proper balance of carbs, protein and, of course, lots of water!

You’re walking to class one day and you pass someone wearing the cutest top. It’s so your style, it’s basically screaming your name—you have to have it. You’re suffering from outfit envy.

Or maybe you're on Pinterest and you stumble across an awesome phone case or a hairstyle you're just dying to recreate. But when you click on the image, you get the dreaded "Error 404" page.

Sound familiar?  You need to download The Hunt: the app that is the cure for outfit envy.

If you fall in love with an amazing item but have no idea where to buy it, The Hunt’s community of more than 800,000 active fashion lovers can help you track it down. You can also use The Hunt to ask for styling advice, beauty items, home décor, recipes and more!

All you have to do is start a Hunt on the app or the website by uploading a photo of the item you want to find, and the community adds links to where you can buy it. That’s called a Find.  If you see an item someone has posted that you also just have to have, you can also follow a Hunt to be notified when Finds are added!

Signing up is easy and totally free; just use your email address or Facebook account. You can also download the free app here. Happy hunting, collegiettes!

College debt creeps up in the news constantly, as many students struggle to pay their post-secondary tuitions. Some universities have made it their mission to make education affordable for all, but which colleges are doing the best — and which aren’t?

The Princeton Review may be best known for its all-around top college rankings, but the admissions consulting company just released a list of its "Best Value Colleges." By analyzing admissions, tuition costs and financial aid programs, the Princeton Review generated a list of 150 colleges that it deems the most academically and financially rewarding. 

The list includes 75 public colleges and 75 private institutions. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill tops the rankings of affordable public colleges, while Williams College takes the number one spot for private schools.

With the exception of Pomona College in California, the top 10 Best Value private colleges are located in the Northeast, whereas about half of the Best Value public colleges are in the South.

Does your college make the cut? If so, what is it doing right? If not, what do you think your college needs to do to ensure that every student gets an equal financial footing and a fair shot at completing school without going broke? Let us know by leaving a comment below!

Don’t you miss those grade school days, when every person in your class had to put a hand-addressed Valentine in your red-paper-pasted box?  Now, only the smug coupled-up people among us are guaranteed some attention on Valentine’s Day, and even they complain it’s not enough (he didn’t get me the right kind of flowers! etc).  So why bother with it?  Well, because it’s kind of fun to get all dolled up and go somewhere romantic, imagining for weeks beforehand how it will be the best night of your life.  What do you do if you haven’t got a date to look forward to yet?  Make one.  Here are 10 foolproof tips to make sure you’ve snagged a body to sit across from at the fancy restaurant of your choice.

1. Mix some red into your daily ensembles.
This study (you really needn’t bother with reading the full thing) shows that when collegiettes wear red, college cuties pay more attention to us.  Okay, maybe they didn’t use those exact terms, but that’s the gist of it.  Wearing the color may entice boys to “sit closer” to us and ask us “more intimate questions.”  One “intimate question” being, “Will you allow me to pick you up in my horse-drawn carriage on February the 14^th?”

2. Gab like a guy. 
You may be thinking about the perfect candy-red shade of lipstick to wear on the big night, but no dude is.  Engage your crush by bringing up any topic free of conversation hearts: how March Madness is impending or how your favorite sitcom is (finally) back from hiatus.  He’ll notice you’re a cool chick, not one of these crazed, date-hungry psychos that seem to be walking around campus (not us, not us).

3. Increase the intimacy. 
If you have your sights set on a certain valentine, show him you’re open to more than just a weekend hookup or casual conversation in class. Former Real Live College Guy Joey admits, “I immediately have my interest piqued if a girl begins to touch me at all, even something like picking a crumb off my sweater or touching my arm when [I’m] talking. Become more open and available.”  Joey also recommends asking your dude if he has plans for Valentine’s Day weekend WITHOUT mentioning Valentine’s Day.  This shows you’re open to hanging out but takes away some of the pressure.

4. Be alluring. 
If you’re dead set on snagging a man, you’ll want to up the ante when it comes to dressing for class and extra-curricular activities, like frat parties and basketball games.  Boy Expert Cher, of the timeless classic Clueless, once said, “Sometimes you have to show a little skin. This reminds boys of being naked, and then they think of sex.”  This may not be your exact end goal, but ditching a few of the bulky winter layers we’ve all been buried in lately couldn’t hurt.

5. Get a group together. 
The solo-date can be terrifying if you’re on it with someone you don’t know that well (seriously, any restaurant you go to will be full of people who ARE in love).  If you’re not ready for it, Anna, from The College of William & Mary, recommends grabbing a group of girls and guys and heading to the latest horror flick.  “It’s a good excuse to cozy up to your crush during the scary parts,” she says.

6. Get set up. 
It’s a huge risk, but ever-hopeful collegiette Sarah, from Colby College, says that it’s worth the reward.  “Getting set up is romantic because it can be great or the most awkward experience ever.  Valentine’s Day is miserable if you’re single, so take the chance!”  Go ahead and ask your friends or sorority sisters if they know any eligible bachelors who would like to meet up on a day that just so happens to be the 14^th.  It could be a story for the grandchildren!  And if you don’t have anyone to set you up?  Check out HowAboutWe.com.  This revolutionary dating site allows you to pick a fun guy AND a fun date idea . . . what could be better?

7. Take advantage of the weekend before. 
Valentine’s Day falls on a Friday this year, so use the weekend before to get out and mingle!  Dating expert and publisher of OnlineDatingMagazine.com, Joe Tracy, advises to simply “be out there.”  He says that the best way to get asked out is to “be self confident and always look your best. Smile at people and say ‘hello’ when you pass them on campus or off.”  Hit up the spots where you know your crush will be hanging out, or better yet, make plans to meet up with him.  If you take the initiative first, he may surprise you by asking you out for Friday.

8. Go for a guy friend. 
Maybe you don’t see your BGF as a romantic option, but he could be a ton of fun.  Collegiette Remy, from William & Mary, recalls, “Last year, my guy friend and I went to one of the only romantic restaurants near campus and just mocked, quietly of course, other couples.  I’ve never had a better Valentine’s Day.”

9. Guilt him into it. 
When I asked my current boyfriend how I managed to get him to ask me out last V-Day (we weren’t officially dating then), he told me he felt like he basically had to because of all the hints I dropped.  Really romantic, right??  We’re still dating, so I guess the “guilt trip” can work, although it doesn’t make for a great story.

10. Just ask him out! 
If you want the date, Former RLCG Joey says, “Don't be afraid to ask him out.  Guys admire initiative, especially if they're shy. This isn't the 16th Century . . . girls don't have to be courted.”  If all else fails, make the romance happen yourself.

Well, what are you waiting for?  Go pick out your outfit, get a heart-design manicure, and slap a picture of Cupid up on your dorm room door.  You can officially get in the spirit, because you’ll have a date for the big day.  And if you don’t?  Joe Tracy advises spending the day racking up “good karma” by helping those less fortunate.  Sounds like a plan to me!

The Her Campus Blogger Network (HCBN) is Her Campus’s curated network of blogs written by young women on topics like fashion, beauty, cooking, fitness, design, lifestyle and more, and if you have your own blog, we would love for you to apply! If you're accepted to join the network, you'll gain access to an exclusive community of young female bloggers and receive special editorial as well as paid sponsorship opportunities from Her Campus and our partners, allowing you to make money with your blog and grow your readership.

If you're selected to join the HCBN, you'll receive mentorship and guidance from Her Campus editors on how to strengthen your blog and expand your audience, as well as benefit from a vast, supportive community of hundreds of top-notch bloggers.

For more information and to apply, click here. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Not sure how to wish a happy Valentine's Day to that special someone this year? Forget Hallmark—here are few celebrity Valentine's Day cards that will have your crush saying, "be mine!"

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It's been a tough month for Beliebers, and things don't seem to be getting any easier for Justin either. The 19-year-old star was charged with assault yesterday afternoon in Toronto for allegedly hitting a limousine driver repeatedly on the back of the head. The incident reportedly occurred on the night of December 30, 2013 when the driver picked up Biebs and his friends from a nightclub to take them to a hotel.

The police report stated: "While driving the group to a hotel, an altercation occurred between one of the passengers and the driver of the limousine. In the course of the altercation, a man struck the limousine driver on the back of the head several times. The driver stopped the limousine, exited the vehicle and called police. The man who struck him left the scene before police arrived."

Both of Bieber’s attorneys maintain that their client is innocent.

It's been one thing after another for the Canadian pop star, with this latest charge coming on the heels of an arrest in Miami for drunk driving and drag racing just one week ago.

We've all seen this pattern so many times (Lindsay and Amanda, we're looking at you), we just hope the Bieber can turn things around! In the meantime, we can't help but wonder what's next for the troubled star, and we'll be sure to keep you posted on all the wild antics. 

Becoming an established member of a bar takes time, skill and a lot of confidence. Whether you just turned 21 or you’ve been hitting up bars for a year, Her Campus has 12 tips for you so you can become the best bar-frequenter ever.

1. Know Your Drink

Ordering at a bar is just like ordering at a restaurant: before you flag down the bartender and hold up the line, know what you want. Don’t be afraid to try something new or ask for recommendations, but don’t stand there and say, “umm…” It’s always safe to know which type of wine, beer and cocktail you prefer.

“Do ask if there are any specials,” recommends bartender Alex Norton, a senior at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.  “It could save a lot of money.”

2. The Money Situation

Everyone has an opinion on whether cash or credit is better for the bar scene. If you’re a cash person, have enough to pay for your drinks and tip generously. If you have a card, open a tab and hand it over early in the night so you don’t waste the bartender’s time. When you “open a tab,” you give the bartender your credit card to have your drinks charged to it automatically throughout the night. At the end of the night, you “close the tab,” or go up and sign for the bill.  Always make sure to close your tab (and leave a good tip!).

“Don’t open a tab and then leave it without closing,” Norton says. “Nothing is worse than standing in line for 20 minutes, finally getting to order your drink and then realizing your credit card is still at the last bar.”

3. Three is the Magic Number

If you are going to a bar to meet people, it may not be the best time to invite your entire sorority. A group of three is the perfect number for a night out, but it also makes you approachable because it makes it possible to couple off: When a guy approaches, you won’t be leaving one friend to fend for herself, and the guy also won’t have to fight through a pack of friends to get your number.

4. Blend In

Take in the scenery of the bar—is the music pumping, is the game on or is everyone speaking in whispers above smooth jazz? If you want to be a regular at a bar, work on blending in with the general atmosphere. Every song that comes on the speaker isn’t “your song”—especially if it’s not karaoke night. Keep the singing along to a minimum. 

5. Patience is a Virtue

Fighting through the crowd and snapping your fingers at the bartender is not a good way to be a welcome customer. Leaning over the bar and slurring flirtations isn’t much better. You’re not going to get a free drink, and you’re not going to be put ahead of the rest of the people wanting a drink. Be assertive, not aggressive; be friendly, but not a floozy. And above all, be patient.

“Wait your turn at the bar, but don’t be a pushover or you’ll never get a drink,” Norton says.

6. Keep it Classy

A bar is not a frat party. The point is not to be puking in the bathroom; it’s to enjoy the libations. If someone asks you to leave, you’re not doing it right.

7. Play it Safe

Watch your drink and trust your gut. Be aware that bars can be as dangerous as they are fun. Don’t leave a drink unattended, or you risk getting drugged. Watch the bartender make your drink, and definitely don’t accept drinks from strangers unless you saw the drink being made. Overall, be smart!

Another important safety tip is to keep track of how much you’re drinking. Consider making a small pen mark on your finger or a discreet note in your phone to keep track; everyone will just assume you’re checking your texts instead of your sobriety.

8. Own It

If you’re out with a guy, it is not his job to buy you every single drink. Be willing and able to pay your own tab, and understand that he, too, is a college student with a college student’s budget.

9. Closing Time

The staff can’t go home until you do. It’s rude to stay after hours, and chances are the bartender is just ready to go home. Consider moving the party to a late-night pizza restaurant if you’re really that set on staying out.

10. This Isn’t Starbucks

We’re all adults here. A good customer does not overcomplicate things with their skinny, extra bitters, with-a-twist, shaken-not-stirred martini on the rocks. Throwing out excessive lingo and a ton of demands isn’t becoming. Ask the wine bar for a glass of wine, and the dive bar for a beer. Don’t be complicated.

11. Befriend the Bartender

A friendship with a bartender is one of the most beneficial relationships you can have. If you’re going to frequent a bar, be friendly and make an effort to build a rapport with the bartender. Soon, your new best friend will be recommending new, niche drinks and making sure your cup doesn’t run empty.

12.Do Your Own Thing

If you don’t like beer, don’t feel pressured to drink beer. If you don’t like complicated cocktails, don’t order them just to look like you’re an alcohol expert. This isn’t a job interview, and you’re not out to impress everyone with your ability to toss down an Old Fashioned like Don Draper from Mad Men if that’s not your thing. Buying drinks is only fun if you like what you’re drinking.

It’s time to own your bar savvy. Be polite, have fun and be safe!  

Showing your sweetheart how much you care about them shouldn’t be an expensive task! Here are a few sweet, creative ways that you can celebrate Valentine’s Day this year without breaking the bank.

The Gift

Whether you intend to spoil him with expensive items or not, finding the right gift for a guy can be intimidating. But it doesn’t have to be! When you hand him one of these thoughtful, personal, do-it-yourself presents, you’ll remind your guy why he cares about you so much.

Instagram Your Love

His walls are probably pretty bare (save for that “Keep Calm and Have a Beer” poster), so why not make him a photo collage to brighten up his dorm? You’ve probably Instagrammed all of your cutest couple-y moments together anyway. Follow this tutorial from a blog called A Beautiful Mess to craft your thoughtful gift. Plus, now he’ll get to show off his gorgeous girlfriend to all of his friends!

Cozy Up with a T-Shirt Pillow

You can’t exactly give your guy a Build-a-Bear to cuddle as he falls asleep (unless you want him to be relentlessly made fun of by his friends), so make him one of these instead! By following this tutorial, you can turn a t-shirt into a pillow for him to sleep with. You’ll show him that you know his interests when you use a t-shirt from his favorite band or football team, and he’ll think of you when he falls asleep each night—now that’s killing two birds with one stone.

Send a Love Letter

Between iMessage, Facebook chat, and Skype dates, it’s rare for someone to receive handwritten mail in this day and age—there’s something so personal about reading something handwritten instead of skimming paragraphs in your typical Helvetica. So sit down with a pen and paper and write him a love letter! He’ll be touched that you took the time to put your feelings for him down in writing. Bonus points if you seal it with a kiss!

Give Him Some Sugar

They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, and whoever “they” are, they’re right! All you need is a heart-shaped cookie cutter, this simple sugar cookie recipe, and some red and pink icing, and you’ve got the sweetest Valentine’s Day gift a man could ask for.

The Date

Get Starry-Eyed

Get together tons of blankets and pillows, thermoses of hot chocolate, and make a romantic playlist. Then go stargazing! If he has a pick-up truck, set up camp in the bed of it; if not, bring extra blankets and pillows to lay on the ground, then curl up together in a clearing somewhere! Whether you know the names of the constellations or not won’t matter; he’ll love wrapping his arms around you to keep you warm as you stare up at the starry sky together.

Go On a Picnic

Make your man an easy, delicious meal, then go on a picnic—in the living room of your apartment (or on the floor of your dorm room)! Throw a blanket on the floor and light some candles. Then enjoy all of the fun of a picnic without braving the cold, and all of the deliciousness of a Valentine’s Day feast without spending big bucks at a restaurant!

Pamper Each Other

For a date night that he won’t soon forget, light some candles, put on some soothing music, and treat each other to massages! Following this tutorial, you can learn relax him from his scalp to his feet. Pick up some massage lotion beforehand to make the experience even better. Make sure he returns the favor!

Have an Old-Fashioned Movie Night

While going to the movies used to be an inexpensive date-night activity, those days are long gone. So bring the nostalgic joy of dinner-and-a-movie back to life by creating a movie theater in your own living room. Put some buttery popcorn in these adorable containers and pick up some Swedish Fish and Cookie Dough Bites from your local supermarket. Then take a step up from the giant cups of soda and snag some of your guy’s favorite beer. Make it a Double Feature, choosing one action movie he’ll love and a rom-com you’ve been dying to see, then snuggle in close and enjoy the show! (Now you don’t even have to hide in the back row—you’re more than welcome to kiss from the opening credits to the closing ones!)

With these cheap and simple options at hand, Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be a trying or expensive ordeal. Pick a few and let him know you’re crazy about him without stressing yourself out too much!

That special day always comes up quickly after the holidays, and you may be stressing about what to get your man. If he’s a fresh love interest, what kind of Valentine’s Day present should you steer clear of so you don’t do too much too soon? But how do you make sure you don’t play it too safe and you end up appearing uncaring and indifferent toward the relationship? You’re frantically trying to figure out what you’re apparently expected to already know, and you’re on the verge of a pink-and-red-themed meltdown. Don’t sweat it; we have all the answers right here for you.

If You’ve Been Official for…

…One Week: Make Him a DIY Box of Candy

You can’t go wrong with a small box of candy. It shows that you care, but you’re not overbearing. If you don’t want go for the typical candy hearts, buy your own candy mix (be sure to ask him what his favorite type of candy is in advance) and place them in a small, heart-shaped box or a plastic bag with a red ribbon tie. It’s best to keep it simple for a new relationship.

Cute note to top it off: “Happy Valentine’s Day! I hope this makes your day a little sweeter. J” 

…One Month: Get Him a Coffee Mug Full of Sweet Treats

Think of it as the first gift, but a little more elaborate. Get him a coffee mug with a college logo on it (either the one he attends or his favorite college sports team’s logo) and fill it with all of the sweets he loves. If he doesn’t drink coffee or tea, that’s okay; put a couple of packets of hot chocolate in there and a small bag of marshmallows. The mug and sweets make an adorable gift but are far from overkill.

Cute card to top it off: Make a homemade V-Day card for him, and include quirky and cute cartoon drawings. On the inside, write “Happy Valentine’s Day! It’s been a month and I still think you’re awesome. ;) Can’t wait to see what else is in store for us!”

…Six Months: Get Him a Picture Frame and Chocolates

A personalized picture frame is perfect for the six-month mark, because it’s sweet but doesn’t go overboard. The pic above is an example from PersonalizationMall.com, an website that specializes in personalized gifts. Click “Frames & Canvas Prints” under the Valentine’s Day tab to find some cute frames. He’ll love the thoughtful present! Grab a box of chocolates to go with your picture frame and you’ll be golden.

Sweet card to top it off: After six months, it’s okay to go gooey. Get a romantic cards and write something personal and sentimental inside. If you’re worried about him melting into a pile of V-Day-induced slop, include an inside joke to get him laughing.

…One Year and Beyond: Make Him aScrapbook, a Homemade CD and His Favorite Dinner

It’s been a year, so now you can really amp up the mushiness. This is the total package: First, create a scrapbook that consists of your favorite memories from the past year. Then, make a CD of both of your favorite songs (and FYI, they don’t all have to be like the Titanic theme song; include tunes you’ve belted out in the car together or danced awkwardly to). Lastly, cook him his favorite dinner—after all, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach (true fact). If you need recipe ideas, check out how to cook a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner. If he’s stuck with you for a year or more, going the extra mile on V-Day is so worth the effort.

Romantic card to top it off: You can go all out here. Buy a pretty, romantic card, and on the inside, describe how much the past year with him has meant to you. Try not to stain it with your sappy tears.

Remember, collegiettes, Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be stressful. Oh, and don’t forget to add a little splash of you to his gift—after all, it’s you he fell for in the first place. 

Name: Will Norman
School: Northern Iowa

Valentines day. The thought alone elicits in me a certain gag reflex every February. The chocolate, the teddy bears, the red, pink, and glitter…all sold to men looking to woo his lady on the 14th.  I am not wooed. Love knows no bounds, so why have we bound it to certain day?

If anyone were to know this concept, it would be this week’s campus cutie: Will Norman. Just recently a dating man, this cutie lights up at the very mention of his valentine’s name...now that’s more like it ladies.

Will Norman is a Sophomore studying Biology at, the one and only, UNI. As a chiropractor hopeful—Norman has the potential for many years left in school. With that said, this week’s cutie hopes to be done with college, married, raising a [happy] family, and in a secure job within the next ten years.

Will trumps from the itty town of Center Point, which he, his parents, and older sister have come to call home. In high school, this cutie participated in nearly every sport, was involved in music, and played the guitar. Clearly, a well-developed man, I find it perfectly acceptable for you to be swooning at present.

At first glance, one might not recognize the true Will for who he is. His tattoos, billed hat, and muscles may cause you to look past the fact that he is a self-taught guitarist, chick-flick-loving, romantic. “People can think what they want,” Will stated when talking about who he is. Regardless of what people think, Norman admits that he will always be himself. Embarrassing moments? Not for this guy.

Personally, I believe myself to have no shame, like our cutie. Dropping a pair of underwear in the laundry room…eh. No biggy. “Grand Falls” on the ice? Laugh it off, and loudly. But, really? Being completely, and totally, yourself around all those that you meet? Seems like a new thing.
Genuity. It’s something that we all wish to attain, but throw away the second we feel uncomfortable in a large group of people. We act crazier, or more subdued, intellectual, or even dumbed-down, in efforts to fit in with our surroundings—or worse, to be liked. Norman reflected, “My sister taught me to always be myself, she’s been discriminated against her whole life as a practicing homosexual.” And for that reason ladies, Will is himself regardless of where he is or whom he’s around.

And one of the things this cutie is, is romantic. Aside from the usual Valentine’s Day dinner or chocolate boxes, Will intends to take his valentine, Miss Nikki Caquelin, out for a date. Will’s idea of a perfect date involves being active: ice skating, bowling, or maybe even a long stay at this cutie’s favorite “hot spot” in town, Cup of Joe. It appears to me Nikki has one amazing February planned. Says Norman of his valentine, “I found an amazing girlfriend.”

As a romantic it comes as no surprise that this cutie finds the guy-to-girl ratio one of the best parts of UNI. Though it may seem to have worked in his favor, many of us girls find the ratio to be one of the only downfalls of our lovely school. However funny Will’s response to his favorite part of UNI was, he is taking his education here rather seriously.

Upon coming to college, Norman would describe himself as responsible, “I am doing this [education] for myself “ and in order to do it right, this cutie is focusing hard on his books. His hard work has been paying off, as he was just recently featured on UNI’s fall dean’s list—one of his proudest moments as a student here.

Don’t get me wrong ladies, there’s more to this guy than studies.  As a music fanatic, Will has made a spot for himself as one of the many studly members to our UNI Glee Club. (If you have been to one of their shows, you know what I mean by studly). Music is a huge part of this cutie’s life—all the way from singing into a mic, playing it into his ear buds, or rocking out on his guitar, “music is life” for Mr. Norman, or so his tattoo reads.

So, there you have it. A romantic cutie, that has an edgy side, a musical side, and a genuine spirit to lead us into one of the most romantic, or perhaps overrated, holiday seasons of the year. However you choose to look at this February 14th, I wish you a good one. It doesn’t matter if it’s spent with a valentine, a friend, or even family. As long as you’re surrounded by people you love, you are likely to enjoy even the red and pink streamers that grace every eatery in town.

Name:  Samson Tan
School: Amherst
Hometown: Bronx, NY
Class Year: 2014
Dorm: Mo Pratt
High School: Riverdale Country School
Major: Undecided
Ideal Date: A quiet place to talk
Spirit Animal: Curious George
If You Could Have One Super Power What Would it Be: The power to slow down time

Dream Job: To be an entrepreneur
Fave TV Show:  How I Met Your Mother
Relationship Status: Single
Why He's Our Campus Cutie: He's "a total BAMF", and his busy schedule includes Varsity Lacrosse, the Glee Club, heading the Entrepreneurship Club, and the non-profit he started, "Knight Lacrosse Incorporated".  Impressed yet?  I thought so.

Meet Ryan Niemeyer '15! He’s a Tenor in the Glee Club, an avid Native American flute player, and quite the romantic.

Name: Ryan Niemeyer

School: Occidental

Class Year: 2015

Hometown: San Diego, CA

Future Major: Biology

Usually Seen: Zooming through Sycamore Glen on his bike.

Campus Activities: Glee, Cadence, College Chorus, playing the piano, serenading women with the Native American flute, and jam sessions in Stewie.

Single/Taken/Its Complicated?: Single. Call me.

How do you feel about being nominated for campus cutie?: I feel an overwhelming rush of joy as though my life were suddenly complete.

Something people would be surprised to know about you?: I like to write raps. I’m not kidding. I drop mad beats.

If you had a million dollars what would you do?: I would buy a 30 ft. catamaran, an ultralight airplane, a Lamborghini, a motorcycle, a jet ski, and life insurance.

What is your biggest guilty pleasure?: Singing along to Katy Perry songs and coffee consumption.

Who is your biggest man crush?: Joseph Gordon-Levitt.

Favorite style on a girl: I’d have to say the tomboy style, loose fitting clothing, ripped jeans, etc.

What mystifies you about the opposite sex?: Everything.

What are you looking forward to most at Oxy?: Touring with Glee Club.

What is your ideal date?:  We'd get dinner at an upscale classy Italian place downtown. After dinner we'd go sailing around San Diego Harbor and into the sunset.

What song describes your life currently: “I’ve got the World on a String” by Frank Sinatra.

If you could have any superpower what would it be?: Time travel.

Name: Kyle Dalton
School: Occidental
Major: Undeclared
Year: 2017
Relationship Status: It’s complicated
Hometown: Piedmont, CA
Interests: Running, singing, playing guitar

Occidental Involvement: Glee Club, Track and Field, Hillel

Usually Seen: At the track, hanging out in the cooler, playing guitar in my room

What song on your iPod is on repeat? The acoustic version of Pompeii by Bastille

What is something people would be surprised to know about you? I have relatives that were in the Jewish Mafia.  

What do you look for in a girl? I like girls that are easy to talk to, outgoing, and athletic. Having a variety of talents and being well-rounded is also a plus.

Do you have a favorite pickup line? If so, what is it? If I could rearrange the alphabet, I’d put U and I together.

What is your idea of a perfect date? I’d want to go to a beach on a warm day that isn’t too crowded, set up an umbrella/towels, then just relax and talk. Later, we’d go on a hike at sunset to a nice viewspot.

What is your best memory of Occidental and why? When Glee came to my dorm and started singing to me. It totally took me by surprise, and made me incredibly happy. 

Name: Christopher Cleveland

School: Harvard

Year: 2014

House: Cabot

Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona

Concentration: Sociology & Mind, Brain, and Behavior

Relationship Status: ;)

Describe yourself in three words: Reflective, Compassionate, Driven

Favorite HUDS meal: Clam Chowda

If you could be a superhero, which one would you be and why? I would be Static Shock because I grew up on that cartoon and I've always found myself to have a certain magnetism...

What are you involved with on campus? I am the former president of the Black Men's Forum, sitting member of the Harvard Alumni Association Building Community Committee, and Harvard Senior Class Marshal!

What is your favorite Harvard memory? During my freshman year at Harvard, I had the ability to perform in Washington, D.C. at the JFK Center for the Performing Arts for the 50th anniversary celebration of JFK's inauguration with the Harvard Glee Club. Along with the rush of the performance, giving Morgan Freeman a solid pound was pretty spectacular. 

What do you look for in a significant other? I look for a passion that shines through that person's actions and interactions with her peers. Essentially, someone who is not afraid to be a purposeful leader. 

What is your best physical trait? I've been told I have nice eyes.

Describe your ideal date: One of my favorite places in the US is Sedona, Arizona, a cozy mountainous town in northern Arizona that is famous for its scenic red rocks. I would love to take a young lady to Sedona and walk one of the beautiful trails before getting prickly pear ice cream at Black Cow Cafe. Hopefully the day would end up with some nice relaxation and jazz music (Sedona also has great jazz) watching the moon rise above the mountains. 

Basic Facts
Name: Finn Bondeson
School: U Maine
Hometown: Woodland, ME
Relationship Status: Single
Sign: Gemini (on the cusp though, so who really knows?)
Twitter? #whatsthat?

Campus Life
Major: Civil/Environmental Engineering
Favorite thing about UMaine: Meeting fascinating people with diverse interests.
How are you involved on campus:  Sigma Phi Epsilon, Senior Skull Honor Society, Alternative Breaks, Black Bear Men’s Choir
Favorite place to eat in Orono: BURRITOS.  Did I mention the Verve?

Best place to meet girls at UMaine: Somewhere outside.
Why did you choose UMaine: Destiny?
How do you like to spend your weekends here: Exploring Maine – hiking, running, skiing, whatevah!

Miscellaneous
What is on your ipod's top rated: Royals by Lorde
Boxers or Briefs: Boxer briefs
An embarrassing confession: Dyed my hair crimson once.  Yup, did that…

Guilty Pleasure: Pulled pork sandwiches.

Ski or Snowboard: Ski all day

Cats or Dogs: Dogs (as long as they’re not cat-sized)
Dream job: Farming
Three words to describe yourself: Flannel, sweater, corduroy

Favorites
Favorite song to dance to at a party: The Fox - Ylvis
Favorite food: The impossible question! 
Favorite Beer: Pabst or maybe a Foster’s
Favorite App (game or otherwise): my Tracfone 

The Nitty Gritty

How do you let someone know you're interested in them: I blush occasionally.
What do you look for in a significant other: A similar sense of humor.
Deal-breaker: Everybody’s got to dance, whether they look foolish or not! So, a strong reluctance to dance, I suppose.

Celebrity Girl Crush: Gotta go with T-Swift

Celebrity Man Crush: Ray LaMontagne’s voice 

Name: CJ Shepard

School: Emory

Today, we are proud to announce that, based on a popular vote, Emory Junior CJ Shepard has been named the Cutest Cutie.

In addition to his undeniable good looks, this music major has a voice that makes us weak in the knees and always wanting more. Luckily, from AdHoc’s run of Spring Awakening (this weekend), to No Strings Attached acapella performances, we have plenty of opportunities to witness the powerhouse vocals of this cutie!

Like what you’ve heard so far? Keep reading to get to know all about CJ!

Her Campus Emory (HCE): How do you feel about wining first place in our campus cutie competition?

CJ Shepard (CJS): At first confused because I didn’t know that there was a competition going on. But I also feel cool I guess, it’s kind of fun.

HCE: Name a few personal qualities that you think may have contributed to this big win.

CJS: Without sounding narcissistic of course, I guess I’m kind of extroverted, I know a lot of people on campus. I’m pretty bubbly and a positive person, so maybe that leaves an impression on people. I try to look nice most of the time, but there are those days...

HCE: What’s one on-campus accomplishment (aside from being named Campus Cutie) that you are especially proud of?

CJS: Being elected as president of No Strings Attached. It’s been really challenging. We have a lot of gigs and it’s a lot of work to coordinate everyone’s schedules. I got to plan our spring break trip to Italy last year. It was so much work but so worth it. It was a great life experience.

HCE: What else are you involved in on campus?

CJS: No Strings Attached, AdHoc’s production of Spring Awakening (I was in AdHoc’s production of Edges too), concert choir, and Emory University Master Singers. I’m double majoring in music and environmental science, and I work at Cox Hall Computing Center.

HCE: Where’s your favorite place to study? And your favorite place to go out?

CJS: Cox Hall, even when I’m not working. It’s so chill. I get too distracted in the library and talk to too many people. I do a lot of my work at my apartment or at Starbucks, too.

Church Bar in Midtown. It’s two levels, and upstairs there’s billiards and darts, a place to dance, big bars, and tables. It’s fun if you go out with a group of people. No obnoxious college people, which is a nice relief from Maggie’s.

HCE: Tell us something that people don’t know about you.

CJS: I’m a vegetarian. I became a vegetarian sophomore year of high school. I was in Students for Democratic Society. We watched this video about processed meat and I was just repulsed. I later learned about environmental reasons for being a vegetarian, too. I’ve always loved animals.

HCE: What are you most excited for this school year?

CJS: Spring Awakening was a big part of this semester. I’m also really excited for our final acapella concert in December. (Editor’s note: see ya there!)

HCE: Describe your first kiss in three words.

CJS: Awkward, wet, passionate (trying to be).

HCE: What girl fashion trend confuses you most?

CJS: Uggs. I just think they look stupid. Very ugly. They make you look really weird.

HCE: What girly movie do you secretly love?

CJS: Devil Wears Prada.

HCE: If you could trade places with any one in the world for a day, who would it be?

CJS: Stevie Wonder. He’s an amazing musician, and he’s blind. I can’t even imagine living a day as a blind person. It would be a very enlightening experience.

HCE: What’s the last song you listened to on your ipod?

CJS: “Hold On I’m Coming” by the Temptations.

Check out CJ in his final performances of Spring Awakening this weekend, and don’t miss the end of semester No Strings Attached concert Sunday December 9 at 9 pm in White Hall 208! 

Name: Kaleb Thomas Kilburg

School: Saint Ambrose

Relationship status: Single

Year in school: Junior

Hometown: Anamosa, Iowa

Major: Accounting, corporate fInance, and managment

Favorite book: Lord of the Rings...deal with it.

Favorite food: Peanut butter

Favorite super hero: Flash

Hobbies: I'm really into music.  I'm in choir, and sports.

What's your idea of a perfect first date? 
Go out for dinner. Go on a walk and just talk.

Traits you look for in a girl: good sense of humor, athetlic, confident in herself, outgoing

What's the sexiest thing a girl can wear? 
Whatever she feels sexiest in.

Do you like when a girl makes the first move? 
It's always a nice surprise when a girl makes the first move.

Whether you and your campus cutie have been going steady since freshman year or you hooked up at his frat house party last month and you’ve been inseparable ever since, by the time February rolls around, you start feeling the pressure to come up with a fun date idea for you and your guy on Valentine's Day. Don’t fret! Here are six date ideas for Valentine’s Day that are fun and on a collegiette’s budget!

Take a dance class together

Ballroom dancing? Yes! Tango for two? Sultry – definitely yes! Irish step? Er… sure, why not? So why not skip the sweaty dance floor in his frat’s basement for once and take a dance class together? You can oftentimes find a class to try out together at the gym or on campus with a student group. The workout will get your blood pumping, and even if he doesn’t exactly have Justin Timberlake’s dance moves and you’re tripping over his feet – that’s okay! You’ll be having too much fun laughing with each other to care.

Host a picnic… indoors!

It’s absolutely freezing outside, so having a picnic out on the grassy campus lawns is out of the question. So why not bring your blankets indoors? Spread a blanket out on the floor, light some candles (battery-operated ones if you live in a dorm hall that doesn’t allow them) and cook up some food to share. It doesn't have to be fancy, but he’ll appreciate something a little more romantic than your Ramen noodles special. It’s way less cheesy (not to mention, cheaper) than the dinner-and-a-movie combo and it’s a good way to enjoy a homemade meal together. Bon appetit!

Stargaze at the planetarium

Ok, we’ll admit that we got a little inspiration for this idea from Friends. And while the rocky relationship between Ross and Rachel isn’t exactly what we’re approving, we think that their first date at a planetarium was still a cool idea. It beats having to get bundled up to sit out in the freezing winter night, but see if you can sneak in a thermos of hot cocoa to simulate the experience of stargazing outdoors anyway! Many museums, art galleries, and other cultural institutions have reduced (if not free) admission for college students to take advantage of! Some colleges are lucky enough to have a museum on campus, so check one out.

Attend a poetry slam

If you’re dating the angsty artist type, then this is a date that he will most definitely appreciate! And even if he isn’t exactly Shakespeare’s biggest fan, these modern day poets who take the stage often take urban themes and translate them into exaggerated, funny, and heartfelt performances – so it’s definitely not the snoozefest that your Intro to Poetry class is! Most likely, one of your favorite local cafes or bookstores will be hosting a poetry slam.

Get a massage together

Stressing that upcoming midterm? Chances are, he’s stressing the big game. So why not propose that the two of you unwind with a good massage? Check out health services on your campus to see if they offer massages – some offer them to students and faculty at a much cheaper price than you would find at a spa.

Spend a snow day

Just because we’re responsible, grown-up collegiettes doesn’t mean that we can’t act like little kids every once in a while and what better way to do that than to drag your Valentine’s Day date outdoors for some wintry fun? Did someone say, “classes are cancelled”? Well no, not exactly (although this is perfect if you actually get a real snow day on V-Day… so jealous of you). But you can still spend the day sledding, building snowmen, and making snow angels. And if a snow ball fight should happen to ensure and you “just happen” to fall on top of each other… well, you can thank us later.