You’re a good friend. When something awesome — like say, a new relationship — happens for someone you know, of course you’re beyond happy for him or her. Cue the rose petals and the Michael Bublé playlist! Huzzah for the new couple!

Except, let’s be honest: While Romeo and Juliet are dancing around in their newly constructed bubble of love, oblivious to the outside world, their actions can get pretty obnoxious. And there you are, the audience to their love affair — except, unlike a Shakespearean play of old, you can’t throw food at them to make them stop. What you can do is sneakily forward them this article.

Please, for the love of our sanity, new couples, stop doing these seven things… and for those of you single readers, when your time comes, keep these hints in mind as well.  

1. You hang out with only each other

There should be a verb for said phenomenon: ghost (verb; to quickly and abruptly vanish from your friends’ lives, to only hang out with your new paramour, to become suddenly unavailable).

In all seriousness, one of the worst things you can do when you begin a new romance is to forget that you actually had relationships before this. Even if they weren’t the kind that involve making out.

Your friends were there for you while you stressed about exams, got a little too tipsy, cried from homesickness and had an internship crisis. In other words, they’ve stuck with you, so now it’s your turn to stick with them.

It’s so tempting to spend all of your time with your new boyfriend or girlfriend and completely ghost on your friends. However, whether your love lasts or not, you’re going to want to hang out with your friends again — so make a serious effort to maintain a good balance now. 

2. “I” suddenly becomes “we”

PSA: Just because you are now spending a significant portion of your time with another person, cuddling together, watching “your” TV show together and going on sushi dates together, does not mean you have merged into a single entity with him or her. We are not two-headed aliens, nor are we Queen Elizabeth. So let’s refer to ourselves in the first person singular, shall we?

Sample dialogue: “We went to see that new movie with (insert cool actress and actor here). We think (cool actress) has been getting way too much hype! But we thought (cool actor) did a great job.”

Did you hear that? That’s the sound of nails on a chalkboard. It’s screeching through your friends’ minds as they listen to you. Let’s try again:

“We went to see that new movie with (insert cool actress and actor here). I’m not sure why all the critics are saying (cool actress) deserves an Emmy; I thought her performance was pretty weak. (Cool actor), however, was super convincing.”

Much better, right? You’ve spent your whole life developing your own personality, opinions and independence! Now go forth and use them.

3. You engage in serious PDA

Something about a new boyfriend or girlfriend has a way of magnetizing your lips and hands to his or her body and erasing all of your self-control. It’s like zooming back to the Paleolithic Era. “Such. Cute. Butt. Must. Touch.”

Hold up, homeboy or homegirl. If your SO is cool with you grabbing his or her tush, then you go right ahead and grab it — in private. Because, although being flirty and fun in public may work for you, it doesn’t work for, oh, 99 percent of the population, who incidentally are being held captive to your public display of butt attack.

There's a good rule of thumb (literally) for deciding whether or not you and your honey boo are being appropriate. Picture your grandmother on the scene. Is she smiling kindly and ready to bake some cookies, or is she frowning in young-people-these-days disapproval? Don’t make Nana mad. Dial down the touchiness.

4. You can’t stop talking about your relationship (and all of the details)

While you may find it fascinating that your SO has a nut allergy or that his or her first pet was a guinea pig, unfortunately, your friends do not share this fixation. They especially don’t want to hear you talk on… and on… and on about how no one at your SO’s preschool could eat PB&Js or that the rodent’s name was Harry.

Nonstop narration on the details of your boyfriend or girlfriend’s lives isn’t only annoying, but it’s also a little rude. Physically, you’re with your friends, but mentally, you’re with your sweet thang. Your friends will inevitably get resentful.

However, this doesn’t mean you can never talk about your SO — just make sure it’s a topic of conversation, but not the whole conversation.

5. You act like no one else “gets it”

When you enter a new relationship, the magical feelings (read: lust, adrenaline, happiness, anxiety) that make you feel like you’re the star of a Disney movie are a little overwhelming. Apart from making you do weird things like burst into song and talk incessantly about your SO (see above), these emotions can also make you feel like you’re the first person in the world to ever feel this way about another person. After all, if everyone walked around in this state, there’d be spontaneous combustion on the streets.

Okay. Feel free to, in the safety of your own mind, believe that your love is the truest love that’s ever been brought to life in this universe — but do not share this with the outside world. Do not disregard your friends’ advice because they “don’t know how it feels.” Do not tell people they’ve never experienced a similar passion. Especially do not act like you’re worthier because you’ve been blessed with a history-defying romance.

6. You two are inseparable (and not in a cute way)

Here are some things you should never leave the house without: your keys, some form of money (at least $20), a form of identification, your underwear and your cell phone.

Did you notice what was missing from that list? Your SO.

Unless your boyfriend or girlfriend is about to depart on a multi-year journey, then relax. You will have lots and lots of time to hang out with him or her and count each and every freckle on his or her adorable arm. Therefore, there is no need to take him or her along with you to every activity in your life, from the dentist’s office to drinks with your besties.

Sorry, Jordin Sparks, but you can and will breathe when you’re not with your SO, even if that’s not how it feels “whenever [your SO] ain’t there.”

7. You take endless couple selfies

Pregnant women may glow, but it’s common knowledge that you’re never as photogenic as when you are in a relationship. Every strand of your hair shines, your smile is flawless, your teeth are white as snow and, by the way, you have an adorable accessory to prop on your arm in pics — your SO.

We understand the urge to document your glory for the world, but trust us: The world is perfectly content with snapshots, not the whole scrapbook. Please limit yourself to a Facebook album or two, and definitely do not get confused into thinking your Instagram followers need a new couple pic every day of the week.

While we’re on the subject of social media, examine your recent tweets and Snapchat stories as well. Are they all about your man or woman? If yes, take note: This is not endearing. This is obsessive. We know you have other interests besides your snuggle buddy, so let’s see ‘em.

Well, new couples, we wish you the best on your road from I-was-just-single-dom to we’ve-been-together-HOW-long?!? land. It’s a beautiful journey. And if you avoid these mistakes, it’ll be a non-obnoxious one as well. Trust us, your friends will thank you.

No matter what year you are or what school you attend, it quickly becomes clear to any collegiette that your professors have the ability to make or break your college courses. Though there are always certain standards set by the university or college, it’s their personalities and the way in which they choose to run their classes that widely determine the type of experience you have. Just like the students, no two professors are the same. However, there are certain titles that are able to identify instructors from all faculties.

Meet the seven professors you are sure to meet during your college years.

1. The Traditionalist

Whether it’s refusing to use modern technology in the classroom or requiring the purchase of a textbook from 1982, it’s safe to say they’re stuck in the past. You get a strongly worded email from them before classes even begin explaining their strict policy on cell phones and why laptops will not be allowed in the classroom. They stick to traditional teaching methods and never stray from the lesson plan. Oh, and if you have a question, you better raise your hand because speaking without permission will not be tolerated.

2. The Hot Mess

They can be seen sprinting to class on any given day, forgetting to tell you class was canceled or losing that 10-page paper you turned in that happens to be 40% of your grade. You cant help but feel sorry for them when you hear them explain why they still have yet to grade a three-month-old assignment, and you’re terrified to discover the avalanche that is their desk at office hours. It’s clear they rarely have their sh*t together, and there are many times you’re left wondering how they got their teaching degree in the first place.

3. The Nutty Professor

Every school has one - that one professor that only can be described as a total nut job. They’re incredibly loveable and a total expert in their field, but there are many times when you find yourself struggling to understand what the heck they’re even talking about. They’ll quickly shift from textbook material to the totally hilarious television show they were watching last night and love to get their students thinking outside the box. Whether you end up enjoying their class or not, you’ll never forget their name once you graduate.

4. The Mentor

Without our parents around, it’s easy to miss grown-up guidance every once and awhile. Luckily, the best professors become much more than just your instructor. They’re open to almost anything and encourage student opinions to be shared, no matter how much they may disagree. They treat their students like their kids and want to be a positive influence on their lives. They understand the struggles of college and genuinely care about what is going on in your life outside of the classroom. You love their class, immediately become Facebook friends with them at the end of the semester and keep in touch throughout your professional career.

5. The Newbie

You mistakenly identify them as another student on the first day of class and aren’t exactly sure how they’re qualified to be teaching students just a few years younger than them. They try their very hardest to gain the students’ attention but half the time you’re too distracted by how much you adore their modern wardrobe and trendy use of technology. Their lectures are a little disorganized and they still haven’t mastered answering students’ questions, but you can tell it’s just nerves. They improve as the semester goes on, and you end up feeling proud of their progress just as much as they are of yours.

6. The Pushover

Some people just aren’t cut out to handle a room of rowdy college students. They’re some of the friendliest and kind-hearted teachers you’ll ever meet, but their bleeding hearts tend to get stepped on by grade-hungry students. They try to set up penalties and attendance policies the first day, but as the semester goes on, they start to lose track of the rules and the people who choose to ignore them. They instill total trust in their students, avoiding the fact that some don't exactly deserve it.  They give out a lot of As and have an “easy class!!!” rating on ratemyprofessors.com.

7. The Drill Sergeant

On the other end of the spectrum is the hardcore, ex-Marine who believes proper discipline is the answer to just about anything. They run class the same way they ran boot camp with harsh restrictions and swift punishments for anyone who dares to challenge them. Their classes are tough, but they always reward the students who put in the effort. They live and teach by the definition of tough love and the idea that hard work pays off. You resent their ruthlessness in the beginning, but by the end of the semester, you can’t help but thank them for it. 

Best of luck on your new semester of professors, collegiettes!

Your semester is just starting, or maybe you're already back into the groove of being back at school. While the first couple weeks of classes may have been a little rough, you finally feel like you have academics under control, and now you’re able to focus on some awesome on-campus activities.

While your main priority at school may be your academics, some of the best parts of college are all of the wonderful extracurriculars you can get involved in! Not only do they give you something else to do besides homework, but on-campus activities can also help you professionally. Whether it’s a couple of academic activities or a service club, being involved on campus gives your resume some personality and substance. Plus, activities can round out your skill set outside the classroom, which is something you always want to highlight. Here are some clubs and groups we suggest you get involved in to boost your resume!

1. Activities related to your major

What better way to complement your academics than with an activity that incorporates your major? There are a lot of clubs on campus that combine what you learn in class with opportunities to explore possible career options.

“A lot of campus clubs are related to career interests; for example, an accounting club,” says Nayelli Perez, career counselor and assistant director of Hofstra University’s career center. “Being a member of [these] campus clubs not only provides … opportunities to meet other students with similar interests, but also provides a chance to meet alumni or employers in the field.”

Future employers will be impressed that you’ve pursued your career interests outside of the classroom as well as the practical skills you’ve gained from them. “Consider what activities will provide you with a chance to expand skills important to the types of jobs you will pursue,” says Tom Dezell, career advisor and author of Networking for the Novice, Nervous, or Naïve Job Seeker. “For example, if you are pursing media work, try to help the university radio station. Should you see yourself working in roles where communication skills are important, join activities that will require you to make speeches or write.”

Additionally, ask your professors if there are any professional associations you can join through your major. Most fields have regional or national associations (like the Public Relations Student Society of America or The American Society of Civil Engineers) that have chapters at many universities.

“[Professional associations] allow students to immediately establish a network of professionals … as well as possibly forming mentorship relationships,” Dezell says.

Most students can join professional organizations at a discounted price and then can attend lectures from prominent speakers in the field or participate in networking events. “It’s a win-win situation,” Dezell says. “Students get to realize the benefits of an association membership early, [which] makes them more likely to remain active as their career progresses.”

No matter what your major is, consider pursing activities related to it outside of the classroom. You can learn more about your potential career field and gain some experience!

2. Clubs you’ve founded

While your school might have a large repertoire of clubs to join, there’s always a chance that it doesn’t offer what you’re truly interested in. Quick fix? Create a new club yourself!

“A unique activity that could help boost your resume could be starting a new campus club that covers a topic of interest to the campus,” Perez says. “Then, on your resume, you could add that you were the founder of the club, which is pretty impressive.”

Inventing a new club shows employers that you can take initiative. “Any activity that reflects growth and accomplishments is impressive,” says Nancy Dudak, the executive director of Villanova University’s Career Center. “The good news is that not all activities need to be career- or professionally related. Growing an organization is impressive.”

Do you and your friends love trying new Pinterest recipes? Start a baking club! Have you read all the Harry Potter books and wish your school was more like Hogwarts? Consider forming a Quidditch team (played on foot, not flying brooms)!

“Students that want to found a new club should to go their campus’s student activities office to ask how they can make that happen,” Perez says. “The important thing to know is that starting a new club on campus is doable, worthwhile, but also a process.”

While every school is different, you’ll most likely have to create a petition of students interested, describe the objectives or goals of the club and possibly outline a budget. Most clubs also require a faculty adviser, so make sure you contact someone early on who’s willing to put in extra time to help your club grow.

The best part is that starting a new club shows off your awesome personality. “It makes you interesting!” Dudak says. “Aligning yourself with an organization that is wrapped around an interest or hobby further develops this interest and fills you with energy.” Your new activity will make you happy and boost your resume in awesome ways!

3. Organizations you lead

One of the main benefits of being involved in on-campus activities is the set of skills you develop from them. “No matter what career path [you] choose, landing a job will require [you] to show skills and abilities beyond academics,” Dezell says. And one of the most common skills employers look for across the board is leadership.

“Leadership positions are very important to highlight on a resume because employers view them as predictors of future behavior,” Dudak says.  “If you are a leader in your current environment, it's likely that you will continue to seek leadership opportunities. The great thing is that these leadership experiences can be found in any number of places—student organizations, class projects, service projects, at jobs and internships.”

Not sure how to gain a leadership position? “Try to join at least one or two campus clubs as early as possibly in your college career,” Perez suggests. “The sooner you start, the more time you have to make an impact … and have a shot of making it to its [executive board.]”

Become an active member of your club by participating in discussions, volunteering to help at events or fundraisers and just putting 100 percent into whatever task you’re given. The executive board will remember your hard work and dedication, which can help you land a leadership position later on. Leadership can help you in any career, so take advantage of leadership opportunities while you’re in college!

4. Service groups

Another way to contribute to a stellar resume is getting involved in service activities. Giving back and getting involved in your community is always a way to impress your future employers.

“Service to your community demonstrates your interest in improving, that your world is bigger than your immediate circle,” Dudak says. “That’s very impressive [to employers].”

Depending on what field you’re considering, service can also potentially seal the deal for a job or internship. Kathleen Welch, a senior at the University of Delaware, landed an internship partly because of her service experience. “I had a phone interview with a nonprofit organization, and they asked me specifically about my involvement with Habitat for Humanity,” Kathleen says. “The employers were impressed by my experiences and said I would fit well with their company’s mission. I got the internship shortly after.”

Besides nonprofit organizations, service can be beneficial for a number of other careers and companies. “There are plenty of opportunities to tie your career interests to specific service projects,” Dudak says. “[For example], an education student could work with children or youth, an accounting student could assist with pro bono tax returns, a political science student could support a city project.”

To make your service activities stand out on your resume, add some extra details about your experience. “Beyond just listing the groups by name, try to include numbers that reflect the size and scope of the activity,” Dezell says. “Some examples [may include] people served, funds raised [and] outreach.”

While community service helps others and makes you feel good, it can also be an asset to your resume!

Whether you’re interested in learning more about your major through an academic club or trying something new in a unique organization, on-campus activities can strengthen your resume and make you stand out to employers. No matter what you like to do with your free time, go out and get involved!  

So you’ve decided that you’re tired of watching Netflix in your pajamas by yourself. Therefore, it’s time to go out and have a good time like all other twenty-somethings do—or so we’ve heard. But what is often reduced to a two-minute montage in the movies is actually a much longer and more stressful situation in real life. That’s right; we’re talking about the getting ready process during which we inevitably have the following 13 thoughts.

1. What I have on is so comfy. I’ve had it on all day. Do I have to change?

2. My clothes hate me, and I have nothing to wear.

3. Will anyone notice I wore this the last time we went out?

4. I should probably text everyone else to see what they’re wearing.

5. Am I too dressed up or not dressed up enough? These places should have a dress code.

6. I’m pretty sure I can get away with not shaving.

7. It’s never too late to say I’m suddenly not feeling well, is it?

8. Heels or no heels?

9. Mom always said, “Beauty is pain.” And the award for world’s biggest understatement goes to…

10. There might be a time tonight when I'm so drunk that I won’t even care what I’m wearing. Eh, not likely.

11. Makeup is the bane of my existence. And don’t even get me started on this hair.

12. This is way too much work. Why is being a girl so hard?

13. Whatever. I look amazing!

It is an indisputable fact that Beyoncé is the queen of everything (and we are definitely alright with that). While we are convinced that she runs the world all by herself, she manages to take a break from being flawless to remind us that we, too, run the world. From creating multiple girl power anthems to her iconic performance at the 2014 VMAs, Queen Bey is totally one of our feminist idols. In honor of the Queen’s birthday we've narrowed down 9 (out of many!) moments where she reminded us that all girls run the world. 

1. Telephone music video

Despite Hollywood and the music industry constantly trying to pit female artists against each other, Beyoncé and Lady Gaga proved that two successful women can combine forces to make the best Thelma & Louise-themed, girl power music video ever.

2. Run the World (Girls) music video

As if we all haven’t had a solo jam session in our room to this song (you could tell us that you haven’t, but we probably wouldn’t believe you). Run the World is a girl power anthem if there ever was one and it’s a message that the world should definitely take note of.

3. Giving Taylor Swift her moment at the 2009 VMAs

At the infamous 2009 Video Music Awards, Kanye West stormed the stage to let the world know his opinion on Taylor Swift winning Best Female Video over Beyoncé. After receiving the award for Video of the Year, the ever gracious and classy B called Taylor to the stage saying, “I remember being seventeen years old, up for my first MTV award with Destiny’s Child, it was one of the most exciting moments of my life. So I’d like for Taylor to come out and have her moment.”

4. Shutting down haters at President Obama's 2013 inauguration

Following her performance at the inauguration, many questioned and criticized her use of a pre-recorded track. Instead of letting the haters get her down, she performed the national anthem a cappella in front of a room full of reporters, putting to bed anyone who dared to doubt that Queen B could hold her own.

5. 2013 Super Bowl performance

Remember when there was a football game at a Beyoncé concert? Yeah, we do too. Only this “Grown Woman” could shut down a stadium (literally)!

6. Chime for Change campaign

The Chime for Change organization, founded by Bey and Salma Hayek, focuses on raising funds and awareness on “projects promoting Education, Health and Justice for girls and women.” The global campaign emphasizes the importance of making sure that women’s voices are heard.

7. Ban Bossy campaign

Beyoncé wants to ban the word "bossy" when it comes to how girls and women are labeled and perceived. The campaign lets girls know that it is okay to be ambitious and to strive to be successful.

8. Beyoncé the Riveter

We don’t think that an Instagram picture has ever embodied more female empowerment than Beyoncé posing as early feminist and cultural icon, Rosie the River.

9. Being a feminist at the 2014 VMAs

Not a stranger to dominating the VMAs stage, Beyoncé reminded the world why she reigns supreme and that girls do, indeed, run the world. At the end of her performance, the word “FEMINIST” appeared behind Bey, sparking controversy and conversation. That performance will forever be an iconic moment in the history of female empowerment.

Happy Birthday, Queen Bey!

Savvy employees know that getting in good with the right people is an excellent way to boost their careers. Whether you want to leave a lasting impression at your summer internship or plan on starting your first full time job this summer, here is who you definitely need to maintain a relationship with, and why:

1. Information Technology

Think about it—what percentage of your work is done on the computer or your company cell phone? If the answer is high, befriending the IT department is the single best thing you can do! After all, when your printer stops working, your phone breaks or your computer has a virus, you’ll need their help ASAP.

As a brand of engineering, Information Technology specializes specifically in using computer technology and telecommunications technology to transmit, translate and store various types of information. IT personnel can get you out of a bind when your computer won't turn on right before a big report is due or even when you can't figure out how to filter work emails.

Of course, before going to IT, try to figure out the issue on your own to make sure that you're not wasting anybody's time. And if you do need to call the department, stay calm and amiable and realize you may have to wait. And if you sense some annoyance in their response to your request, try to understand their side of the story! Think about how you feel when your mom or dad asks you (for the fifth time) how to upload pictures to the computer or how to “do the email.” IT personnel get a lot of the same questions day in and day out from people who are busy and impatient—you'd be annoyed too! To avoid coming across as needy and unappreciative, be extra courteous, laugh at your lack of computer knowledge and try to learn from your mistake so you don’t have to ask the same questions again later on.

If your workplace doesn't have an IT department, it's just as helpful to befriend a colleague who is particularly adroit with technology. No matter what, someone will be willing to help you with all of your computer and communication technology woes, we promise!

2. Administrative Assistant

Imagine a person who knows everyone in the office, inside and out. They work directly with the CEO and all of her top management. This person knows high-level info about the professional goals of all the company's top executives and is attuned to important workplace networking. They know about all of the moving pieces of the organization, and every time you get stuck on a big project, they can introduce you to someone who can help. Guess what? This person actually exists in nearly every office and you’d be crazy not to start building a relationship with them! These employees used to be called secretaries, but their roles have since been expanded and they now typically hold the title of executive assistant or administrative assistant. Still not convinced you need them? Admins in your office can be a wealth of information when it comes to company culture, and they see interviewees like you day in and day out, meaning they know exactly what the boss likes and dislikes.  

Kate Brooks, Executive Director for Personal and Career Development at Wake Forest University, says that "it is likely that bosses will ask the administrative assistant if an interviewee was nice to him/her, because if not they don't want to employ someone who does not contribute to a positive workplace atmosphere."

Even after you get the job, you should take the time to get to know the administrative assistants. They don't have the luxury of getting up from their desk as often as you do, so a good way to connect is to always ask the administrative assistant if he/she needs anything when you run out for lunch as a show of thanks for their hard work. They probably deal with more difficult people than you could imagine, so nice gestures go a long way. Plus, when you need something important mailed overnight, for example, and the office is about to close, they'll be more inclined to stay late and help you out if you treat them well!

3. Human Resources

It never hurts to be nice, especially when it comes to the person (or people) who know the ins-and-outs of a company. Human Resources is a major part of everyone's work life. Whether you are looking for a job, already employed, moving up the ranks or moving on, you will encounter and need the assistance of the HR department. For many job seekers, the HR professional or recruitment officer is the gateway to getting an in into a company. In a way, HR holds the power of getting you through the door as they are the ones who filter resumes, set interviews and process hiring. They are also the ones who will orient you and help you get settled in as soon as you get hired. Once employed, the HR department also oversees many other functions, such as monitoring your attendance to process your pay slip. They also do the paperwork and documentation needed by the company and organize employee events and teambuilding activities. 

HR also plans, seeks approval for and organizes training development programs. They propose and manage benefits, monitor performances so that deserving employees get promoted and make sure that policies are followed so that the workplace can run smoothly. Finally, HR has the task of disciplining and apprehending violators of company policies, which means that befriending members of the HR department can help you become more knowledgeable about company policies and workplace expectations.

So, since HR people can greatly assist in getting you hired, getting you acquainted with the company, developing your skills, managing your compensation and benefits and overseeing your career growth, you should be showing them a whole lot of appreciation and love! Chatting in the elevator, asking how they're doing as you pass them in the hall, or even a simple thank you every once and a while can really go a long way. Befriend your HR rep; it's not just wise—it's the right thing to do! 

4. Your Boss

This one’s kind of a no-brainer! Your first internship or job most likely isn’t your dream job, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try to foster the best possible relationship with your boss and aim to gain a great mentor in the process! Brooks suggests that the first step in befriending your boss is becoming familiar with company policies regarding personal relationships with superiors, and if such a policy doesn't exist, to ask your aforementioned HR friends for advice!

For quick advice on conversation topics, Brooks says that it's best to keep discussion that's not work-related centered on your boss' hobbies, interests and family. "Keep it professional though," cautions Brooks. "This isn't an intimate, best-friends relationship."

While being on good terms with your boss is essential, there are pitfalls you need to avoid when trying to befriend your boss. First, it's important to keep your friendship from becoming an emotional crutch or negative space. Often times, it's easy to complain or vent to someone you're befriending, but you want to tread lightly here because it's important that your boss regards you as a strong employee with a positive attitude. Second, avoid gossiping to your boss or encouraging your boss to pass the latest gossip along to you. Such behavior will almost always end badly, whether your boss accidentally repeats the gossip you have shared or begins to develop the impression that you like being involved in petty gossip. Third, understand where the line should not be crossed as a professional. For example, it would be inappropriate to tell your coworkers, including your boss, that you won't be on your A-game today thanks to a massive hangover. And lastly, always be very aware of the impression you're creating by becoming friends with your boss. A relationship that is exclusive and involves sharing inside jokes is unprofessional behavior and will create a negative team dynamic with the rest of your coworkers. The key to having a successful and appropriate friendship with your boss is to understand how far to take that friendship, which means always remembering that your role as an employee always comes first.

5. The Newbie

While it’s nice to be on the receiving end of coworker-friendship benefits, it’s just as nice to go out of your way to help someone less experienced. Spot a newbie who isn’t sure which printer to use? See someone wandering the halls, aimlessly looking for office #703? By taking a less-experienced coworker under your wing, you’ll boost your leadership abilities and have the chance to become a kick-ass mentor. You’ll also ensure that all members of your work community are productively contributing to the workplace, which helps everyone! Besides, he or she might just turn out to be one of the above five must-have colleagues! You never know who your next boss will be, so it always pays to network proactively. 

6. Your Competitors 

While it may seem inadvisable to get too chummy with your competitors, they can be a boon to business, says Brooks. She suggests at the very least to touch base with competitors to stay on top of industry trends. That way, you can gauge how your performance compares to others. Brooks also says knowing your competitors can help you better articulate your own business propositions. Though she advocates forming as many industry connections as possible, Brooks offers this advice: "Though competitors can yield valuable information, take care not to let that information have too much influence on your own plans."

Brooke Metz, a Media Relations Intern at the Coca-Cola Company, agrees that keeping in touch with competitors and connecting with them via social media is an important part of the job. "I'm often encouraged to become aware of who our competitors are. It's not just about outshining them but creating and maintaining positive relationships," she says. Brooks advises employees to be aware of company policies regarding interacting with competitors and to always keep contact with them professional and light. "Do not seek friendships with the competition without an OK," Brooks warns, "but if your boss gives you the go-ahead and monitors your interactions then you have a fantastic opportunity to cultivate an important relationship and trusting rapport." Overall, being aware of and friendly with the competition can open new doors and provide invaluable insight into the industry you're interested in. 

7. Industry Contacts Outside of the Company

No matter what industry you're in, you'll likely be in touch with industry experts outside of your company. For example, if you work in media or publishing, it's likely you'll be in touch with publicists throughout the day. Metz says that at the beginning of her internship with Coca-Cola she had to pitch ideas to publicists, a daunting task for an intern. As her internship progressed, Metz noted that "when you delve into their story [publicists], ask the details about their angle, and develop a relationship, you can not have a go-to publicist but better content like newsletters or press releases because that publicist is more knowledgeable and attuned to the culture of Coca-Cola." Metz reiterates the importance of good publicity and marketing, saying that befriending a publicist (she suggests asking them about their personal interests to break the ice) makes the process a lot easier and more straightforward. Also, a publicist that you've created a good relationship with, she says, is beneficial for when you need to get news out at the last minute. "They [publicists] have all the connections and have made it their career to get information out quickly, concisely, and to the right people," she adds.

While we, as motivated collegiettes, should always strive to further our careers, we should also focus on cultivating relationships to create a better, inclusive work environment. When looking to boost your success, always remember the people who helped get you there!

As junior collegiettes, some of us would often practice our Academy Award speeches, see that beautiful smile staring back at us and use our hairbrush as a microphone. In a new commercial, these teen girls are practicing their speeches not for their Oscar (but they might get one in the future!), but the award for their own unique beauty.

Seventeen reports that during that very entertaining VMAs, Clean & Clear aired a commercial that depicted seven teenage girls describing what makes them different and how much they love their identifying attributes.

The video ends with the message: “The best acceptance speeches are the ones we give ourselves.” #SelfAcceptanceSpeech has already gotten a huge following on Twitter, as girls across the globe congratulate themselves on just being who they are; the best award one can receive. 

While the end of summer vacay always meant the end of sun-soaked afternoons lounging by the pool and spontaneous late night car rides, it was also the start of something beautiful: back-to-school season. Though hair-pulling all nighters and over-caffeinated finals weeks weren’t our favorite memories from college, there was always something magical about the beginning of school; it was symbolic of a fresh start and a new beginning. And now that those days are over, it’s hard not to reminisce and look back on the things we miss the most during that time...

1. Reuniting with friends

There’s nothing like that moment when you’re reunited with your BFFs after months of being apart. The first week of school meant finally being with all your besties in one place.

2. Back-to-school shopping

As if we needed another excuse to go shopping... the first week of school was when we told ourselves to go ahead and splurge on that super pricey (but super cute) outfit. Planning your outfit for the first day was always really exciting, but now that we spend most of our days in business casual, the thrill of picking out the cutest outfits just isn't the same.

3. Getting brand new school supplies

Is there anything better than buying new school supplies? Probably… but you can’t deny how exciting it was to get new things for your dorm room and classes.

4. Picking out classes

Finding out which courses you'd be taking that semester was really something to get pumped about. Discovering if you were reading Chaucer versus Kafka or Karl Marx versus Kant was almost too much excitement to handle... just us?

5. Having a surprising amount of free time

No stress, no worries, and no homework (well…for the most part). That pretty much summed up your first week of school. It was the only time you had an absurd amount of free time and could binge watch Gossip Girl and take multiple naps a day (we did that during the rest of the year too, but whatever).

6. Going to unlimited parties

...this one's pretty self-explanatory.

7. Getting to see your crush

It was even better when you realized how attractive they'd become over just 3 months.  

So can we go back now? Please?

This Kentucky student’s story is truly inspirational. Alexis Cain, who attends Murray State University in Kentucky, has become the first woman with Down syndrome to join the Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority at Murray State.

Alexis had wanted to rush since first attending school. Naturally, her parents were a little apprehensive about opening their daughter up to the possibility of rejection. However, Alexis herself was never worried. She told her mother, “Don’t worry, I’m gonna make it. I’m gonna be OK.”

And make it she did! Not only did her sisters welcome her with open arms, but they also saw past any differences that might have prevented them from accepting her. In fact, Alexis has more similarities than differences with her future sisters.

“I like my sisters. We like the same music. We have the same hobbies. They just understand me really well,” she told the Today Show.

Alexis graduates from her program in December, so she'll only have one semester in ASA, but she will be able to participate as an alumna. She attends the school as part of its College to Career Experience, which allows students with intellectual disabilities to take college courses and gain work experience through an internship. Check out the video to see her reaction at finding out she had received a bid. 

Nobody does weight loss like Regina George. We mean, come on, remember the all-carb diet and how she couldn't go to Taco Bell? Tragic. Or when she went on the South Beach Fat Flush? Oh, and how could anyone forget the genius idea that was Kalteen bars? We laughed, we cringed and we told ourselves that we would never drink only cranberry juice cocktail for 72 hours in the name of losing three pounds.

But let's be real, we've heard and believed some pretty interesting theories about how to lose weight ourselves, and a lot of them just aren't true. Check out these five myths about weight loss that are about to get debunked!

1. Reducing your fat intake will help you lose weight

The word "fat" is in fats, so it makes sense that fats would make you fat (tongue-twister, anyone?), right? Surprisingly, this isn't necessarily the case. Essential fatty acids are just that—essential to your body. You need them so your body can carry out its everyday functions. There are also "good fats," otherwise known as monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats, which can be beneficial to your heart, cholesterol and overall health. They can be found in foods like peanut butter, olives, soy milk, tofu and fatty fish (like tuna and trout).

"Fats hold a very important place in the diet," says Adele Tevlin, an executive weight loss coach. "Good fats to include in your diet are avocado, salmon and nuts and seeds."

Unfortunately, fats get a bad rap because popular media and marketing antics often group all fats into the "bad" category and call it a day. They use sneaky marketing tactics and powerful imagery to take advantage of this misinformation about fats, and it's working. You can't walk down a single aisle in a grocery store without seeing the words "low-fat" or "fat-free" in big, proud letters.

"It's easy for students to get confused by these products and fall into the ‘Fats Make You Fat’ trap,” Tevlin says. “What most people don't know is that these ‘low-fat’ and ‘fat-free’ products are filled with sugars and chemicals to make them palatable, which in turn is actually more fattening than the original product."

So even though low-fat and fat-free products seem enticing, don't get too caught up in the promises of weight loss—they probably won't help you lose weight in a healthy way at all. Instead, go for good fat instead of no fat. While fat intake depends very much on your lifestyle, weight, age and overall health, the U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends that the average person keep his or her total fat intake to 20 to 30 percent of calories, while limiting saturated fats to less than 10 percent of your calories and trans fats to 1 percent of your calories.

2. It's all about the calories

For such small numbers, the calorie counts on the nutrition labels sure hold a lot of weight for many people. It's hard to go a day without being reminded by someone or something that wow, food actually has calories. It's no wonder that some people are caught up in counting calories in order to lose weight. This is wishful thinking, though, because losing weight successfully isn't simply about doing the math. Eating fewer calories does not mean weighing less.

In fact, dramatically reducing the calories that you consume can actually lead to loss of muscle mass, low energy and other health problems. Plus, research has shown that there is a correlation between how much you restrict your calorie intake and how poorly you adhere to your diet. What does that mean? If your dieting always leaves you hungry, you're going to want to eat. A lot.

"I think people in general have the wrong impression that losing weight is all about reducing calories as much as possible," says Lisa Prince, nutrition specialist and weight loss coach. "Never eat less than 1,200 calories, and most college women need a lot more than that, especially athletes!"

On the other hand, the kinds of calories you eat do make a difference. When you eat the right kinds of food, losing weight will get easier. Striking a balance of carbohydrates, protein, fat, fiber, vitamins and minerals is the key to sustaining a healthy body. While fruits and vegetables are the foundation of a healthy diet, choosing healthy carbs and fiber sources like whole grains helps boost energy. By getting 21 to 38 grams of fiber per day, you can also take advantage of a handful of great health benefits, like lowering your risk for diabetes. Adults should eat at least 0.8 grams of protein per 2.2 pounds of body weight per day and can get the protein from healthy sources like fish, beans, seeds, peas, chicken and soy products.

"With the right foods, women can lose weight in a healthy manner, balance hormones and maintain high-energy levels throughout the day," says Dr. John Salerno, the author of the book Fight Fat With Fat. "A lifestyle with an emphasis on natural, organic fats with plenty of vegetables, physical exercise and stress-free activities [is a good approach]."

So you really don't need to torture yourself by starving in order to lose weight. In fact, counting calories might even backfire on you. If you eat healthy foods and exercise, you'll find that you'll be able to leave the counting to math class.

3. Skipping meals will help you lose weight

You find yourself swamped with all the schoolwork you have to complete and practices and meetings you have to attend. No time to eat? No problem. Skipping meals saves time, and you might even lose a few pounds in the process. Or so the reasoning goes. Despite the seemingly straightforward logic, not eating doesn't equate to more pounds lost.

"A common myth is the less I eat, the more weight I will lose, or it could be framed, ‘If I don’t eat all day, that will help me lose weight because I am consuming less calories!’” Prince says. "Nothing could be further from the truth."

Your body is in itself an efficient fuel-burning machine, but only if you keep feeding it regularly.

"Whenever you skip meals, you also slow down your metabolism and encourage bad eating habits," Dr. Salerno says.

According to Prince, to lose weight, it is helpful to start your metabolism bright and early by eating something healthy, like a banana or a tablespoon of natural peanut butter, within an hour of getting up. Throughout the day, keep eating small, healthy snacks and meals every three to four hours to keep your metabolism humming along.

4. Carbs are the enemy

People also seem to hate on the carbs a lot, but carbs definitely don't deserve all this bad attention. Carbohydrates, which include sugars, starches and fiber, provide energy for the body, especially the brain and the nervous system.

"Young, impressionable women may quickly believe that carbs are the enemy," Tevlin says. "There is a time and place for carbohydrates in the diet, and it's important to know when that is."

According to Tevlin, consuming carbohydrates in the morning might raise your blood sugar too quickly and can cause cravings for sweets later in the day. Tevlin also suggests sticking with mostly protein, fat and vegetables for breakfast, lunch and snacks, and leaving the carbs for dinner. With that being said, healthy carbs like brown rice, millet, quinoa, beans, fruits and vegetables can be incorporated into your diet throughout the day for a boost of long-lasting energy.

And to answer the question that's on everyone's mind: Is butter a carb? If only.

5. Late-night calories will make you gain more weight than daytime calories

Those 1 a.m. food runs really seem to pack on the pounds, but the late-night calories might not necessarily be the culprit. Calories are calories, and they don't discriminate.

"Many girls believe that any calories eaten at night are directly stored as fat when we go to sleep, but this is not [necessarily] the case." Tevlin says. "Calories consumed later in the day are not the problem; it's the behavior surrounding it."

Your body will store any extra calories beyond your daily caloric needs as fat, but this happens regardless of the time of day in which you consume those extra calories. According to Tevlin, late-night eating can lead to weight gain because we tend to have bad habits when it comes to munching and snacking at night. For example, we tend to mindlessly eat or have late-night cravings for hyperpalatable foods, or foods that are high in fat and sugar.

“A combinations of mindless eating in front of the TV and the choices we make lead to weight gain,” Tevlin says.

If you stay within your body's daily caloric needs, however, nighttime eating doesn't actually cause weight gain. So instead of spending quality time with your bags of chips and candy late at night in front of the TV, try stocking your fridge with healthy and fresh foods to combat those midnight cravings. That way, the right choice will be the easy choice, too.

Surprised yet? These myths almost make Regina George's diets seem slightly more reasonable. Almost. If you're trying to lose weight, make sure to do your research first; make a plan; set small, attainable lifestyle changes and develop healthy habits. And, remember that baking a cake once in a while filled with rainbows and smiles that everyone can eat and be happy never hurt anybody.

As if Taco Bell wasn't already crave-worthy enough, there are now two of the restaurant chain's California locations selling tacos with a shell made of fried chicken. The fast food mash-up is called the 'Naked Chicken Cripsy Taco'. The discovery was brought to the public's eye by Foodbeast, a website that publishes food-related news.

This crazy crossover is (so far) only available in Lost Hills and Bakersfield, CA. At the Lost Hills location, the taco is available for $2.49. It's slightly pricier in Bakersfield, running $2.99, but is also available as a combination meal with a large drink and an additional regular Crispy Taco for $4.99.

This phenomenon is hardly surprising, considering that both Taco Bell and Kentucky Fried Chicken (as well as Pizza Hut) are owned by the same parent corporation, Yum Brands. It's also not the first time that Yum Brand foods have crossed paths. For example, the 'Chizza' was released by KFC in July of this year, which is a pizza with fried chicken crust. This sounds pretty delicious, so if you're a lucky collegiette who lives close enough to the two Cali locations--we think you need this in your life. 

The beginning of September marks many occassions, including the most important: Queen Bey's birthday. Besides giving us major #relationshipgoals and girl power anthems to rock out to while we're out with the girls, Bey is pretty damn stylish.

The average collegiette wouldn't be able to pull off many of the looks she rocks with such class, and so we've picked a few of our favorites that take Bey Yourself to the next level.

1. Intentional Wet Hair

Although the wet hair look has been a popular beauty trend for the past few years, we've never seen it look as good as it does on Beyoncé in the September issue of Vogue.

2. Fountain Ponytail

Many collegiettes have left their fountain ponytail days behind with cheer practices or formals, but Bey recently pumped up the volume with a crazy high ponytail and slayed.

3. Statement Eyeliner and Bold Lipstick 

Normally, we would pick one or the other, but Beyoncé combines both of these statement-making looks and totally rocks it.

4. Chic Game Day Makeup 

Dang, if we could pull off game day makeup this well, we'd probably be extra hyped about homecoming games.

5. Highlighted Bangs

In this look, the majority of Bey's hair features her natural dark hue and her bangs are the only part of her hair that are lighter in color. Rather than looking mismatched and out of place, she pulls it off so well we actually might consider trying it ourselves.

6. Bright Blue Eyeshadow

Rather than looking like a clown, Beyoncé kills it once again in this bold and bright blue eyeshadow. 

7. Black Lipstick

We couldn't take our eyes off of Bey's intense black lip in the "Video Phone" music video she stars in alongside Lady Gaga. We're pretty sure that we'd get some very strange looks if we showed up to our morning lecture with lipstick this dark!

Happy Birthday, Queen Bey! Keep on slaying. 

Reese Witherspoon teased all of Twitter on Thursday by posting a photo of herself with a Walt Disney guest pass. Accompanying the pic was a not-so-subtle nod to her secret project with the studio.

So being the HUGE Disney fans that we are, we brainstormed 7 things we think (or rather, hope!) her collaboration could be.

1. Tink

This is the most probable option. Reese was reportedly attached to the upcoming live action Peter Pan offshoot. But if that is the project she’s referring to, it’s one of the worst kept secrets in Hollywood.

2. A Marvel movie of some sort

Make this woman a superhero already! We can so imagine Reese stepping in to save the world with the Avengers scattered and turmoil brewing. Plus, Marvel has long been criticized for its lack of female-driven films. They’ll need a celebrity powerhouse to carry it to success and solidify that girls can kick butt, too.

3. The voice of a new Disney princess, perhaps

No doubt, Reese is princess material. We know she’s got the pipes and the perky persona to be Disney’s next can’t-help-but-love-her royal. Moana is already on the books, and given the points that the studio earned for her Polynesian heritage, it’s unlikely they’d whitewash her voice. But we also have a feeling the next princess is in development as we speculate.

4. A role in Alice Through the Looking Glass

Could Reese be playing a top-secret part in the Alice in Wonderland sequel? She seems to be a perfect fit for that wondrous world, and there are plenty of quirky characters for her to play. And since the major parts have already been cast, they could be creating one just for her.

5. Portraying one of Pixar’s fearless females

We’ve loved seeing strong women like Amy Poehler, Mindy Kaling, and Ellen DeGeneres voice Pixar characters. Reese could be attached to a Pixar project that hasn’t even been announced yet, and you’re not really somebody until you’ve been computer-animated, right?

6. A Legally Blonde + Disney Channel mash-up

Sure, Elle Woods was old enough to go to law school, but she could totally inspire today’s youth in her own Disney Channel series. Reese’s production company might be overseeing this Legally Blonde reboot for Disney, and her mini-me daughter Ava could definitely play her mom’s character!

7. An original project that we’d never guess

It’s also completely plausible that Reese is working on something original that has nothing to do with her past work or Disney’s track record. That’s why we’ll just have to keep our eyes peeled for more clues.

What do you think Reese’s not-so-secret Disney project could be, collegiettes?

College can be a confusing time for a whole lot of reasons, but nothing can be quite as daunting as buying contraception, particularly if you go to a more conservative or religious school. After all, where can you buy condoms, get birth control or purchase emergency contraception if it’s not available in your campus health center or in your dorm?

Luckily, we’ve put together a list of places for you to go (both in person and online) to get whatever contraception you’re looking for as well as pros and cons of each!

The drugstore

While you can’t get many forms of birth control (pills, IUDs, the works) without a prescription, you can purchase condoms and some emergency contraception (like Plan B) at your neighborhood drugstore.

Pros

Drugstores are a great option if you live in a more urban or suburban area or if you’re just close to a town’s center. Afraid of being judged when buying these items? Don’t be; most shoppers won’t be paying attention to what you’re buying! And remember, collegiettes: It’s totally normal (and also really smart) to buy contraception if you’re having sex, so you shouldn’t be ashamed of it.

However, if you’re still nervous about being recognized or just buying contraception around others, Marcy*, a junior at Wheaton College, recommends driving to a drugstore further away if it makes you more comfortable. “I felt really awkward about going into a drugstore when I knew other students from school would probably be there, too,” she says. “Instead, I drove to one about 10 minutes away to buy condoms. It seems a little over the top, but it made me feel a lot better.”

Cons

An obvious disadvantage of trying to purchase contraception at a drugstore is that, depending on your campus, you may need to take transportation to get there, which might be hard if you’re in a rural area and don’t have access to a car.

There’s also the added risk that there may not be the amount of privacy you were hoping for (as in, there’s no way of guaranteeing that someone from your college won’t be there).

Planned Parenthood

Planned Parenthood, a reproductive health care provider, has 716 locations across all 50 states in the U.S., and you can most likely find one near you . 

Pros

These health centers offer birth control, condoms and other sexual health products and services to college students. If you’re able to get transportation, it’s definitely worth checking out!

Additionally, if you’d just like to know more about the various types of contraception before you go in for an appointment, Planned Parenthood’s website has resources on many topics, everything from emergency contraception to sexuality.

Cons

Like going to a drugstore, your nearest Planned Parenthood location might require transportation other than walking. Additionally, depending on your area, there are some stigmas regarding Planned Parenthood and its work and there may be protesters around, so definitely be aware of the situation in your location before heading in.

Family Planning Health Services

Plan B One-Step is available online on the Family Planning Health Services website, where you can buy it for $35 plus shipping.

Pros

FPHS makes Plan B extremely accessible for those who can’t find it around school or in a neighborhood drugstore. Plus, the online transaction means more privacy for the buyer.

Cons

One extremely important note about FPHS: The website does not offer expedited shipping, meaning it’s more of a preventative measure than an in-crisis one. In other words, if you’re looking to by emergency contraception in case of a future incident, you should use FPHS to buy Plan B. If you’ve already had unprotected sex and are looking to get contraception online, buying it off of FPHS means it probably won’t come fast enough (since emergency contraception generally has to be taken within five days to be effective).

AfterPill.com

AfterPill is a generic version of Plan B One-Step. It can be bought online for $20 plus $5 shipping.

Pro

Like FPHS’s website, AfterPill.com allows you to buy emergency contraception in the privacy of your own home without having to go into a doctor’s office or drugstore.

Con

AfterPill’s website has the same caution as buying Plan B from FPHS: It does not have expedited shipping, meaning that it should be bought for preparation in the case of a future emergency as opposed to an incident of unprotected sex that has already happened.

KwikMed

If you’re looking to buy ella, a newer emergency contraception pill, you can check out KwikMed, an online marketplace for FDA-approved drugs related to sexual health. On KwikMed, the pill is priced at $59, and a KwikMed Physician reviews your order upon checkout.

Pros

The company promises fast delivery (since emergency contraception is time-sensitive) as well as discreet packaging for customers.

Joyce*, a senior at a small Southern Christian college, tried KwikMed last year when she needed emergency contraception. “I was extremely anxious ordering something online since I wasn’t sure how reliable it’d be, but I’m so glad I used KwikMed,” she says. “My package came extremely quickly in a normal-looking box, which was a huge relief for me when I had to pick it up.”

Con

On KwikMed, the pill is priced at $59, which may be a steep amount to pay for many collegiettes.

Overall, there are plenty of ways to buy contraception if it’s unavailable on your campus! Just make sure you do your research beforehand and prepare in case of a future emergency. Be smart and be safe, collegiettes!

*Names have been changed.

There’s no greater struggle than falling in love with a school in an entirely separate state than the one you grew up in. While getting away and attending your dream school is all you wanted, becoming an out-of-state student comes with an entirely new list of struggles. When you travel the country to attend college, here are just a few of these inconveniences to expect:

1. Packing for school involves selecting the smallest and fewest items you have, trying desperately to fit them in a van or airplane and frantically shopping once you arrive at school.

2. Moving into your dorm or apartment means moving EVERYTHING in. 

Your mom isn’t about to drive endless hours to drop off your favorite sweats that you forgot or a Keurig you didn’t know you’d need until a month into classes.

3. You have to plan your travel for breaks by visiting every travel site known to man and trying to score a deal that won't completely rob you.

4. Trying to decode a new state’s lingo requires a dictionary and many awkward conversations.

5. Your friends have no idea what you’re talking about when you mention your favorite local restaurant or city hangout.

6. Let’s not even begin to discuss the tuition.

7. You have no choice but to learn how to do your own laundry; you’re not about to lug a massive laundry bag on the plane or train just so your mom can wash your clothes.

8. Dealing with homesickness becomes second nature to you. Going home for a weekend to talk to your mom? That’s a funny joke.

9. You’re one of the last people at school after your finals because you have to wait around for your flight or train. 

You get all the joy of watching each of your friends get picked up by their parents as you lie in your bed waiting for your late departure.

10. Summer gets awfully lonely when all of your friends live in an entirely separate state than you.

But no matter how hard being an OOS student may get, always remember that you are enduring all of this to achieve an education at your dream college, which is an absolutely priceless experience.

Dodging the infamous “freshman 15” was one thing, but avoiding weight gain during a semester abroad is another story. While you may not be given infinite access to dining halls full of burgers and fries, you may be exposed to buttery croissants, endless pizza and tons of foreign foods you’re eager to try before your time’s up.

But don’t worry; you’ll be able to live your study abroad experience to the fullest without making too many sacrifices and without gaining the “foreign 15.” Just follow these seven tips from collegiettes across the country!

1. Maintain your lifestyle from home

Naturally, living in a different country can completely change your lifestyle. While there are definitely some benefits in immersing yourself in your experience abroad, you should be making sure that these changes are beneficial. “It is important to realize that any break in routine, particularly one that suspends all semblance of ‘real life,’ presents a risk for weight gain,” says Mary Hartley, a nutritionist in a private practice.“[So be sure to] have a plan.”

As soon as you start to get into your daily routine in your new home country, think back to what your habits have been like back home. Moving, jet lag and time differences will be enough shock to your system, so try to keep some consistency in your life. Try to eat the same amount of meals every day with similar portions to what you would have at home. Make sure you’re as active as you’ve been, and, perhaps most importantly, try to keep to your regular sleep schedule.

Keeping track of your lifestyle and how it transitions when you go abroad can really be a lifesaver. When you’re in a new situation, it’s easy to develop new habits. This can be a great thing to take advantage of, but it can also be a little dangerous if those new habits include more junk food and less sleep! Always try to keep some sort of consistency in your lifestyle in order to maintain your health.

2. Walk everywhere

Now that you’re in a new place, there’s a lot of exploring to be done. And what better way to get to know a place than to walk everywhere? Setting out on foot not only lets you explore your new home, but it’s also good for burning off those extra calories.

“From going to school to exploring your city, make sure that you walk as much as possible,” suggests Sarah, a graduate of Bucknell University who studied abroad in France. “My nightly cheese plate was negated by daily 20-minute walks to and from class every day.”

Walking isn’t necessarily a high-impact exercise, but it beats taking the bus when it comes to burning off those calories from extra snacks. Try skipping the bus and walking to class next time around!

3. Eat in

Not only does eating out drain your wallet, but it also puts on the pounds. When you’re in control of what’s in your fridge, it’s a lot easier to measure your intake of food.

“I vowed that I would only eat out once a week, tops, before I even got to Scotland,” says Alex, a junior at New York University. “I originally did it to save money, but it ended up keeping my health in check, too.”

Instead of hitting up your favorite restaurants, take a trip to the grocery store and try stocking up on healthier, heartier meals and snacks – and stay away from junk. This will motivate you to ration your food and stick to the healthier choices that you bought yourself.

“I liked buying my own groceries because I was able to control what I ate and how much I ate, and I think it really paid off,” Alex says. This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t indulge every once in a while, but try to keep eating out for weekends and special occasions.

4. Join a gym

Even if you don’t consider yourself a gym buff, consider taking the step to join a gym during your study abroad semester. While they can be a bit pricey, having a membership will motivate you to get the most bang for your buck while also shedding those extra pounds. Not to mention, gyms can offer you those extra resources, equipment and classes that wouldn’t be available to you otherwise.

“My study abroad friends and I all joined a gym a few days after we arrived,” Sarah says. “It was a great way to meet new people, stay in shape and experience what a gym was like in a different country.”

If you’re unable to join a gym – whether it’s the cost, the location, etc. – there are still ways to stay active. Try mapping out running routes in your neighborhood, gathering a group to play soccer (or, should we say, football) in a local park or doing some research to see if you can find a yoga class in the area!

5. Have everything in moderation

While being in a certain part of the world that’s famous for their cuisine makes it harder to stick to your healthy habits, keep in mind that you should be eating in moderation. You may be inclined to indulge in pizza every day if you’re in Italy or cheese and baguettes if you’re in France, but reality is that you need to keep a balanced diet to remain at a steady weight.

“Indulging in local specialties is part of the fun, but you need to indulge carefully,” Hartley says. “When it comes to large, rich menu items, have a plan. Eat either a half portion, share with a companion, skip the next meal or eat dessert in lieu of regular meal.”

It’s one thing to take advantage of the setting, but you don’t want to overdo it! Try to limit yourself so you can enjoy the experience without sacrificing your health.

“You have a whole semester to experience the cuisine, and [you] don't need to experience it all in one day or one sitting,” Sarah says. “So make sure you're balancing out the delicious cultural delicacies with some healthy eats, too!”

6. Look into fun activities that sneak in exercise

“Physical activity is the ticket to enjoying extra calories without weight gain,” Hartley says, so you’ll have to make sure to sneak in some exercise here and there. Even if you’re not super into working out, there are still some sneaky ways you can fit exercise into your time abroad. In addition to walking whenever you get the chance, seek out some other opportunities for that extra calorie burn. Depending on where you are and the resources around you, there can be tons of opportunities to get a little bit more exercise in.

Stop by your new school’s student life office or check out their organizations online. Perhaps your university offers intermural sports or outdoor clubs that may include a bit of exercise in what they do. Even if your school doesn’t have a group for something you’re interested in – like, say, soccer/football – you can always take initiative! Get a group together and head to a local park. Working out doesn’t always have to be work, so try to make it fun and tailored to your own interests!

7. Track your eating habits

We know that writing down everything you eat doesn’t sound like much fun, but trust us when we say that it’s effective! Keeping a food journal or even a note on your phone with what you’ve eaten that day can really be a wakeup call.

Writing down what you eat will help you notice what you’re taking in every day – including all those snacks you fit in here and there. If you want to go the extra mile, think about your calorie intake as well. Tracking your food intake and calorie count is a huge help in maintaining your health.

There are lots of different resources that can make food and calorie tracking simple and much less of a headache. Think about investing in a fitness tracker like a Fitbit or downloading an app like MyFitnessPal or MyPlate. These resources are a huge help when it comes to writing down food, counting calorie intake and logging exercise.

The cheesy pasta in Italy, fresh bread in France and fish and chips in England can be tempting! And while you don’t want diet limitations to hinder your study abroad experience, keeping track of your health can be a good idea. It’s easy to focus on other things and lose track of how your eating habits change in a new environment. Follow this advice and you can easily steer clear of the foreign 15!

It’s happened to every fashionista at some point: You’re scrolling through Pinterest and suddenly you come across the perfect street style look—flawless styling, shoes to die for and the latest It-bag, all photographed from the perfect angle—and you hit re-pin immediately. But how do the bloggers and street style stars do it? After all, it has to take tons of energy and pricey designer labels to create the perfect photo-ready outfit, right? Wrong. With a few easy tips and tricks, it’s easy to make any outfit look picture perfect. We show you the tricks for nailing the street style star look.

1. Layer up

The easiest way to add interest to any look? Layering, of course! We love the way street style bloggers like Sincerely Jules pile on extra pieces to add colors, prints, and textures to a look! The best part about layering? It’s easy to make a flawless outfit out of the staples you already have in your closet. To get the look, try wearing an open denim shirt over a casual white tee and a grey tailored vest or jacket. Finish off the outfit with a leather skirt on bottom to give it an edge! For another on-trend layering combo, try a turtleneck top peeking out of a dress, which incorporates another layer to a simple dress and keeps you warm on chillier days!
 

2. It’s all in the details

To make those zoomed-in shots really pop, street style stars are all about the little details. Whether it’s a little bit of fringe on a skirt, dainty embroidering on a blouse or a killer pair of shoes, wearing pieces with interesting or quirky little touches will make those close-up outfit shots all the more chic! To get the look, we love a super trendy bohemian skirt with fringe detail. For the girlier dresser, a pencil skirt with an elegant lace hem does the trick. Statement shoes with a pattern like snake or leopard are also a great way to add game-changing accents to your look!
 

3. Proportion play

 
To make your look extra dramatic, playing with different proportions, lengths and sizes is the way to go! Oversize pieces like chunky knits, wide-leg culottes and midi skirts are definitely having a moment among the street style set, and are easy pieces to throw on when you need to spice up a minimal look. Worried about oversize pieces causing you to look large in front of the camera? Try picking one oversize statement piece, and keeping the rest of the look fitted and streamlined for the most flattering silhouette.
 

4. Color it up

It’s true: Fashionistas love their blacks, grays and neutrals, but to really make an outfit photo-ready, a colorful accent piece in a monochrome outfit can go a long way! We love the way street style blogger Annabel Rosendahl uses her pink coat to add a fashion forward touch to an otherwise all gray look, making for a street style snap that we can’t take our eyes off of! To get the look, it helps to pick a colorful piece and build your full outfit around it—try a colorful topper over a minimal outfit, or a bright statement wrap skirt with a gray or camel top!
 

5. Bring on the accessories

 
For some street style stars, the rule is always “more is more” when it comes to accessories. In the best street style snaps of fashion’s risk takers like Anna Dello Russo, statement-making accessories and stacked jewelry are what make the look! The easiest way to up your accessories game? Try a bold bag! A bag with an eye-catching color or an unexpected texture is a great way to add a fashion-forward touch to your look. To make your outfit stand out even more, feel free to pile on the jewelry! Pieces like statement necklaces and sparkly ear cuffs can take any look from ordinary to photo-ready.
 

Sure, the looks of fashion’s street style stars and bloggers can seem unattainable, but with a little creativity, it’s easy to score a Pinterest-worthy outfit, even without the designer duds!

If there’s one thing we love more than soaking up the final days of summer at a Labor Day barbecue, it’s finding all the deals and steals we can during this long weekend. So instead of making you do the work yourself, we’ve rounded up 9 great Labor Day sales that you need to shop.

1. Dormify

You can probably already thank Dormify for transforming your less-than-spacious dorm room. But we love their apparel, too, like these Sorority Kick It Leggings ($29). The entire site is 20 percent off with the code SOLONGSUMMER this weekend.

2. Ruche

Stock up on fall wardrobe essentials while Ruche is offering 30 percent off through Monday. Enter SUNFUN at checkout to snag these corduroy overalls ($72.99) at a discount that’s too sweet to pass up.

3. Express

If you’ve been coveting, like, everything Karlie Kloss is wearing in her fall Express campaign, now is your chance to get 40 percent off those drool-worthy items. The markdowns are already listed—as is the case with this crochet blouse ($35.94)—so no promo code is necessary. But to receive an additional 10 percent off your order, put in 9866 at checkout.

4. Threadsence

Just because a summer of music festivals is winding down doesn’t mean you have to vanquish boho chicness from your closet. Threadsence is offering 30 percent off pieces like this printed dress ($58) with the promo LABORYAY.   

5. Max & Chloe

Is your jewelry box in need of a few additions? With the code LD2015, you can get Max & Chloe’s earrings, necklaces, bracelets and more—we’re dying for this initial necklace ($73)—at a 20 percent discount.

6. ASOS

TREATYOSELF this weekend! No, seriously. That’s the code you’ll need to receive 10 percent off everything at ASOS, including this cool maxi wrap top ($45) from the Curve collection.

7. Bing Bang

For the girl who loves minimalist jewels, get 25 percent off Bing Bang’s selection. You can use BBLABORDAY15 to shop items such as these pearl open hoop earrings ($78.00).

8. Madewell

Madewell knows what you need. That’s why the brand is offering 30 percent off their fall essentials and all sale styles with the code YESANDYES. We’ll take one pair of these really fierce alley straight jeans ($128), please and thank you.

9. Aerie

You’ve seen Emma Roberts’s amazing unretouched photos for the brand, and now you can be #aeriereal, too! In one of the best deals we’ve seen for Labor Day weekend, you can shop the Aerie collection—including the lacy bralette ($26.95) Emma’s wearing here—to get buy one get one 50 percent off deals. Sign us up!

Which Labor Day sales will you be shopping this weekend, collegiettes?

Although our boyfriends think we’re beautiful whether we wear makeup or not (obviously because we’re ***flawless), there are some beauty trends that they just don’t get. So instead of trying to explain you were late because you were doing a cat eye or why you want ombre hair, just accept that these are the 10 beauty trends that you SO will never understand. 

1. Glitter anything

Whether it’s eye shadow or body lotion, sometimes we like to sparkle. Unfortunately our BF’s are more afraid of getting it on them than appreciating us looking *~fabulous~*.

2. Using shampoo and conditioner

Why would we shampoo AND condition our hair when there’s 2-in-1 soap for everything? No wonder guys take showers so quickly…

3. Lip gloss

To us, our lip gloss is poppin’. To them, it’s just sticky.

4. Ombré hair

Sue us for wanting to look like beautiful celebrities with ombré hair. Chances are your boyfriend won’t even notice you went to the hairdresser and then wonder why you spent so much money dying your hair different colors.

5. Cat eyes

Never rush a girl who’s trying to perfect a cat eye. Additionally, never ask her what took so long and fail to notice her stylish eye makeup.

6.  Red lipstick

Your poor boyfriend is stuck between wanting to smooch your extremely kissable red lips and not wanting to deal with getting lipstick all over himself. 

7. Nail art

Pinterest is a foreign concept to most guys, as is nail art. They just can’t appreciate a good accent nail or how painstaking it is to place jewels on them.  

8. Fake eyelashes

Our guys love gazing into our beautiful eyes but will always freak out when they see us remove fake eyelashes.

9. Lowlights

No, it’s not when there’s dim lighting at a romantic restaurant.

10. Straightening our hair

They just assume our hair is naturally silky, smooth and straight. Too bad it took an hour, a half of bottle of hair product and a scorching appliance to get it this way.

What beauty trend does your SO not understand, collegiettes? 

Ever had a kiss that swept you off your feet—the kind that leaves you light-headed, with your fingers and toes tingling? Turns out those post-pucker-up butterflies aren’t the only benefits of a big smooch; kisses can actually help keep you healthy! As if you needed another reason to lay one on your crush from psych class…

According to Andréa Demirjian, author of Kissing: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About One of Life’s Sweetest Pleasures, kisses can do all kinds of wonders for the body. We asked Demirjian—aka “The Kissing Expert”—for the best health benefits of puckering up.

1. It Lowers Your Blood Pressure

While no two kisses are the same, they all tend to do the same thing: get your heart pumping. That characteristic thump-thump you feel mid-make-out does more than set your spirits soaring; according to Demirjian, kissing “immediately increases your heart rate but lowers your blood pressure.” The combination sends you into a more mellow state; you feel good, even zen, the way you would after a workout. Basically, it’s a feel-good aerobic activity that doesn’t require spandex and running shoes!

It seems counterintuitive, though; why would your blood pressure lower if your heart rate is skyrocketing? Apparently, kissing gives you an adrenaline rush, and adrenaline makes your blood vessels dilate. Once your vessels are dilated, more blood can flow through the body, and your blood pressure stabilizes over time. “If you were going to get your blood pressure taken at the doctor’s, you would probably [have] a perfect, healthy blood pressure level,” Demirjian says. No complaints here!

2. It Relieves Physical Pain

Let’s be honest, though: the last thing we want to think about while kissing is our blood vessels dilating. It’s not exactly a sexy image, and there are so many other sexy things to focus on in the moment instead! Still, that dilation can do wonders when we need it most—specifically when we’re in pain.

“When we’re on our period and we have bad cramps, it’s because our blood vessels are constricted,” Demirjian says. “So I know a lot of times when you’re not feeling too snappy with your period, the last thing you want to do is make out with anyone, but it’s actually the best thing for you because it’s a sort of natural way of taking a few Advil.” It isn’t the only way of dealing with menstrual cramps, but it’s certainly the best way we’ve heard of.

The same pain-relieving principle applies to headaches. Headaches can also caused by constricted blood vessels, and sexual stimulation—like kissing—helps loosen the pressure. So forget popping Midol and Advil—just pucker up!

3. It Releases Happy Chemicals

Whether you call them warm fuzzies or butterflies in your stomach, you know the feeling: that “I’m-the-queen-of-the-world” kind of feeling you get after a top-notch smooch (some of you might even hear “A Whole New World” playing softly somewhere... we aren’t judging).

Well, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that it isn’t all in your head; kissing really does improve your mood, thanks to the fact that it triggers so-called “feel-good chemicals.”

“Kissing gets all of the happy serotonin [and] dopamine chemicals in the brain going,” Demirjian says. Serotonin puts you in a positive mood; dopamine helps the brain process pleasure, pain and emotion; and the third feel-good chemical kissing releases, oxytocin, affects feelings of attachment and affection. “And again, it’s like the same thing as a workout,” Demirjian explains. “You know after a workout you have that kind of high, you feel kind of exhilarated, you’re clear-headed and you feel like you’re in a good mood? Kissing activates the same sort of reaction in the pituitary [gland] and [the rest of] the brain.”

Obviously, the effects aren’t exactly the same as if you were to hit the treadmill for a half hour, but combined with the excitement of landing that perfect smooch, the “feel-good chemicals” will send you soaring.

4. It Prevents Cavities

Kissing may not be a one-way ticket to pristine oral hygiene, but it definitely helps. According to Demirjian, kissing can mean fewer cavities!

“When you’re kissing frequently, you’re secreting a lot of saliva, and saliva is what really washes away plaque,” she explains. “So you’re going to have [fewer] cavities, less tartar buildup [and] less gingivitis, so you have a healthier mouth.”

But don’t drop your floss just yet, collegiettes (you’ll probably be hard-pressed to find someone willing to smooch you with bad breath, for one thing). Clearly, kissing alone isn’t enough to dig deep at that plaque in between your teeth—and honestly, if you’re with someone who does possess those excavating kissing abilities, we highly suggest moving on!

5. It Improves Your Complexion

Sick of popping pimples? Try puckering up instead. Apparently, kissing keeps your pituitary gland in check, which can clear up your complexion. And kissing is so much more fun than pricey facials!

“The brain is this insane operating center,” Demirjian explains. “It’s controlling your glands, your pituitary—all of those things that, in our teen and adolescent years (and that can go into college, too), are creating more oil.” If you’re kissing on a more regular basis, the blood dilation in your face basically keeps things from getting clogged up. While kissing itself won’t clear up severe acne, it could prevent breakouts down the line.

Demirjian adds that, similar to how a lot of kissing keeps your lips rosy and plump, a lot of kissing keeps your cheeks rosy and fresh as well. Not to mention the fact that a cuddle-and-kiss sesh can tone down your anxiety come midterms (or anytime, really), and anxiety is known to lead to breakouts.

6. It Tightens Your Facial Muscles

Speaking of faces, it turns out that making out does more for your visage than just clear up your pores. Demirjian says it actually works your muscles, too. Finally, a workout for your face! We don’t need it, of course, but it’s pretty cool that it happens on its own.

“Vigorous kissing and making out basically keep your neck and jaw line in good shape and toned,” Demirjian says. “I tell a lot of women, ‘Don’t be running to the plastic surgeon—just make out a lot. You’ll get the same effect.’”

Fortunately, we collegiettes don’t need to be concerned with sagging skin. Still, it’s nice to know that stretching our necks for a kiss today may keep saggy skin at bay in the faraway future!

7. It Burns Calories

We know, we know: despite all of the amazing benefits of heart-pounding make-outs, kissing just doesn’t have the same effects as hitting the gym (but a collegiette can dream!). Still, kissing does burn some calories, and every bit can count. According to Demirjian, you can burn around 11 calories in a hot-and-heavy, half-hour-long make-out session. Mind you, it has to be vigorous kissing, so don’t use make-outs as an excuse to avoid workouts --at least, not all the time. Just rev up the passion in your free time and get going!

Not everyone has the ability to make out on a whim—most of us aren’t in relationships, and many of us haven’t even been kissed yet. Whatever your status—single, taken or in a serious relationship with Netflix, thanks very much—you can take comfort in the fact that your next kiss will reap some major health benefits. In Demirjian’s words, “A kiss a day keeps the doctor away!”