The Bachelorette is back just in time to kick off the summer, and we can’t get enough of it. That includes poking fun at the addictive yet sometimes corny aspects of the series.

Funny or Die has given us the ultimate parody with “The Millennial Bachelorette,” which stars Keke Palmer as a more accurate interpretation of a modern bachelorette. She is just a girl “on a journey for her one true nonexclusive soulmate.” Aren’t we all?

Keke plays Micole, who straight up tells the men vying for her heart that she’s not interested in any of them. But she will sit on the couch with them and scroll through Tinder. 

There is also a nod to your other favorite JoJo. No, not this season's Bachelorette. The JoJo we grew up listening to and loving before we even knew who JoJo Fletcher was.

Whether you are a Micole or not, every Millennial gal (and Bachelorette fan!) will get a kick out of this.

Treason (n): the criminal act of betraying one’s country by insulting a Kardashian, punishable by social media death. This week’s defendant is Academy Award winner and Alice Through the Looking Glass star Anne Hathaway.

Before her big Hollywood premiere earlier this week, Hathaway posted a clever meme of costar Helena Bonham Carter looking a little less than glamorous. Carter is pictured wearing what looks like a pajama top, and her hair is disheveled. To complete the pièce de résistance is a white coffee mug clutched tightly to her chest—TBH, this could easily be mistaken for any one of us on Monday mornings.

The joke is in the caption, which reads: “In a world of Kardashians… Be a Helena Bonham Carter.” But what we took to mean, “Be true to yourself, embrace your natural beauty and enjoy your downtime,” others interpreted as a stab at the royal family of reality television.

Poised and graceful as she is, Hathaway quickly removed the post once she realized her unintended faux pas, replacing it with an equally witty meme: “Post removed for unintended shade thrown.” 

Beauty, brains and a kickass sense of humor—Hathaway will always be one of our faves. Besides, she was royalty long before the Kardashians took over. 

If it’s happened once, it’s happened a thousand times. You’re at a party, trying to have a good time with some friends, doing a little dancing, when suddenly, you get shoved by another girl. Whether it was an accident or intentional, you're annoyed. You try to brush it off, but tensions build, dirty looks are exchanged and eventually you choose to shove back.

Then, she loses it. Her friends get involved, your friends get involved and before you know it, you hear it. One word. Three letters. And suddenly, your world is shattered.

You guessed it - she called you “fat.” And no matter what profanity followed, that little word was all you heard.

I’ve heard this story too many times during my college career, and some of my closest friends have been the victims of this vicious cycle. As someone who is passionate about positive body image and female empowerment, nothing is more discouraging than seeing women putting each other down in the worst way possible simply because they somehow felt incredibly offended by a complete accident or misunderstanding.

There’s no denying the air of hostility that inevitably develops between young women, especially in environments that involve simultaneously drinking alcohol and vying for the attention of men. I can’t explain why it happens, but ask any college woman, and she’ll tell you she’s felt it before. I’m not saying all women are rude to each other when they go out. In fact, I’ve had many delightful encounters with female strangers at parties or bars. But the reality of the ridiculous catfights and competition still remains.

So why does it have to come down to insulting one another’s appearances? It sounds vicious, but women know better than anyone what it takes to get under another woman’s skin. We know what hurts and what to say when we want the final word. And when things get heated, we reach for this dangerous stockpile of word weaponry in the hopes of defending ourselves at the expense of a fellow woman. We don’t think about what actually caused the situation, who’s going to get hurt, what the consequences may be or what will happen next. And this is when we become a detriment to our own gender.

Some of you are probably sitting there thinking this is just another whiny feminist article calling on women to support one another so we can all take over the world one day, and though I support my fellow feminists, that’s not exactly my intention. I simply want women to think twice when they address one another.

You don’t have to go out telling every woman she’s gorgeous and that you envy her perfect figure, but you definitely need to stop criticizing it. We’re all just trying to get through life loving our bodies while ignoring the impossible standards society sets for them.

So next time you get shoved by an obnoxious girl at the bar, step back, shoot her a dirty look if you must and walk away. You have no idea the struggles she’s faced or the insecurities she deals with and insulting her body will not make yours any better. So stop the “f” word and start spreading the love, ladies. 

Photo: 1

What do college women do as far as down there grooming? We asked 19 of them to break it down for us.

“It's a must, I'm kind of a perfectionist so if I don't I feel gross. I've been grooming down their probably since middle school. I used to shave but I recently got a wax and it was life changing I was totally smooth for two weeks and I noticed it's so much easier to tame now.”

-Kaitlyn, Bryant University Class of 2016

“I used to shave but would get very easily irritated and hated having to shave so often and so close to such sensitive areas so I started getting Brazilian waxes and I am seriously never going back to shaving. They can be pricey but so beyond worth it.”

-Sarah, UMass Amherst Class of 2016

“I don't even remember what it's like to have pubic hair anymore. I shave once a day when I shower.”

-Rachael, University of Alabama Class of 2019

“I don't like the pain associated with waxing and the annoyance of shaving. I keep the area around my bikini line shaven but everything else is completely natural. It's more comfortable and allows me to own my body the way it is.”

-Haley, York College of Pennsylvania Class of 2017

RELATED: 5 Reasons You Shouldn't Shave Down There

“When I was a kid, probably like early high school, I was told that you had to shave it all off, like completely bare. So I did that for a while and then grew out of it. It was not comfortable for me and if my partner wasn't into it, then tough luck for them. So now I stick to good ole bikini waxes. Sometimes I will go for a Brazilian if I am going on vacation somewhere where I know I will be in a bathing suit most of the time. But the reason that I do it is for me, not for a man or anyone else. It is only to make me feel more comfortable and sexy.”

-Isabel, New York University

“For me, it's important to keep it clean for hygienic purposes and it feels fresher and cleaner all around when everything is shaved. I prefer to shave because it's the painless route. Yes, it does grow back faster but I think this method is perfect because I can shave everything how I want to and I know that everything will be the way I want it to be.”

-Jessica, San Diego State University Class of 2018

“I don't currently do much when it comes to grooming down there. I shave from time to time when I feel like it's unmanageable but I've never gotten it waxed. To be honest I might consider waxing if I were sexually active even though I'm not sure how long I could stand the pain. But so far it really hasn't been a priority in my life.”

-Grace, Smith College Class of 2018

“I started shaving down there when I was around 12. One time, I heard boys making fun of a girl's pubic hair, and I started to actually have nightmares about people seeing me without being completely shaven. Throughout the years, I've kept up with it because I felt like I have to or I would gross guys out. Now I couldn't care less if a guy is grossed out by it or not. The only reason I keep doing it is because it becomes itchy when the hairs grow in and I still feel sexy with it completely shaven. I choose to shave because it's easy for me and doesn't require me to make a special trip every month or so just to keep it shaven. I also don't have to bear all to a total stranger at some waxing place.”

-Sarah, Drexel University Class of 2019

“I wax. I started when I was 12.”

-Maya, SUNY New Paltz Class of 2016

“I used to shave all the time but it got to be annoying to do and when the hair grows back in it's not comfortable at all so I started trimming it instead and touching it up with a razor now and again. That's my day-to-day routine. If I know I'm going to have someone in my bed that night or I'm in a relationship I do shave and try to keep it up but honestly, if the guy can't handle a little hair down there he doesn't deserve it when it's trimmed/shaved to his preference. Also I've always been way too scared for waxing.”

-Kayla, UConn Class of 2017

RELATED: How to Shave 'Down There'

“Honestly, I really don't do any grooming in that area. I might do the occasional trim and bikini-line shave, but otherwise I have such sensitive skin that if I do anything other than leave it alone my lady bits turn into my angry bits. I've heard that waxing is great but I don't have any money for that kind of upkeep and I hate the way I look with no hair down there. I look juvenile and it makes me feel like I am trying too hard to please a partner who, at the moment, doesn't even exist. Maybe if a guy has an outstanding personality and a dick made of gold I would change my grooming habits, but until then this jungle is staying wild.”

-Liz, Oregon State University Class of 2017

“I started off shaving but quickly realized I have super sensitive skin. So I built up the courage to finally get waxed. And after the pain I realized how smooth it was. Waxing, specifically sugaring gets the best results. It also lasts longer then shaving.”

-Taylor, St. John’s University Class of 2018

“I groom down there for sure! I usually shave it all off. I started shaving when I started having sex, so like 16 or 17. I try to maintain a completely nude look but listen to my body. If I feel like I'm getting in grown hairs or my skin is sensitive I'll dial it down and grow it out for a bit. I do my best to keep it trimmed in between. I feel sexier trimmed or completely shaven.”

-Nicole, San Francisco State University Class of 2016

“I tried down there grooming once but hated it. The chafing and razor burn was too much to handle.”

-Elise, Boston University Class of 2019

“Usually only during the summer time! I use a hair removal cream around the bikini area, but not everything goes. I use hair removal cream because it's not as scary as using a razor and way cheaper than lasers and easier than waxing. I started when I was 17 so it's been somewhat recent.”

-Abigail, University of West Florida Class of 2019

“I don't do any grooming because I was never taught or told that I had to. I think its kind of stupid, to be honest.”

-Sylvia, UCF Class of 2019

“The first time I groomed myself was in eighth grade because my hair had started growing and I didn't like it, so I didn't think anything of it and just shaved it. I didn't do it well because I cut myself and got a bunch of in-grown hairs. I didn't shave after that until 10th grade, and began to get good at it. I groom down there now because it makes me feel more confident when I go out with friends or am talking to someone I am interested in. I don't know if anybody else has ever felt that way, but somehow it's empowering knowing everything down there is clean and looking good. Sometimes, life gets so busy now that I don't have time to shave there for weeks. I would like to build up the courage to wax one day, but as of now all the horror stories I have heard about it is keeping me away.”

-Jennifer, Virginia Commonwealth University Class of 2019

“I was probably about 14 when I started shaving around my pubic area before I went swimming so I wouldn't have hair coming out of my swimsuit. Even now I just shave enough so that there's not hair peeking out of swim bottoms or underwear, and I trim occasionally so the hair doesn't get too long or itchy. As long as it's relatively neat, I'm happy (and my partner is too!). I think it's strange to shave or wax your entire pubic area so it's completely naked. For one thing, it's a lot of work (and possibly pain and itchiness) to put into an area most people are never going to see, and also, why would you or your partner want you to look like a pre-pubescent girl down there? Seems creepy to me.”

-Noelle, FSU Class of 2017

RELATED: Your Complete 'Down-There' Grooming Guide

“I shave, mainly when I think I might be getting some. I only do it for the guys because they're assholes and want us to be bald. I shave because waxing is painful, lasers are expensive, and trimming isn't good enough for men anymore.”

-Anne, Johns Hopkins University Class of 2019

Brothers are the ultimate hypocrisy ––who else could be so f*cking annoying, mean, bossy, rude, and aggressive while also being protective, funny, charismatic, outgoing and lovable? If you were raised with brothers, you know just how amazing (and annoying) these humans are. If you weren't, well, that sucks! Read below for the 17 ways growing up with brothers changes a girls life... forever:

You realize girls aren't the only ones who hog the bathroom

*Bangs on bathroom door* "Lets GOIT'SMYTURN!!!"

You can easily point out when a girl is being batshit crazy

And you thank god you had brothers to humble you...

You can't get enough of oversized sweats

No matter how much of a fashionista you are. 

You'll always have a little tomboy inside of you

Video games and cartoons have a special place in your heart. 

You probably loved playing outside when you were little

Did anyone else play with worms and other bugs?

You understand sports a little better than the average lady

Hey, it's what you were surrounded by!

You learned the meaning of the word 'protective'

Older or younger, your brothers always had your back.

You know the difference between honest and harsh

Because your brothers were probably really f*cking harsh sometimes... assholes.

You don't take people's bullshit

Even the nicest sister has a little sass.

You've definitely used boys deodorant

And honestly, you may think it works... better?

You understand the bonds of sibling-hood

Even though you've ratted each other out too many f*cking times to count. 

You probably know how to beat someone up

But you're way too sweet to ever do such a thing.

It's almost impossible to trick you

Because your brothers have already tricked you every way imaginable.

You feel more comfortable hanging with the guys

Cause it's what you know, duh!

You can pig the f*ck out

Your brothers taught you well.

You've had to warn your friends your brothers are off limits

Seriously, y'all. It's creepy and annoying to think about.

You will never love anyone more

Even though you also hate them, a lot.

They say that distance makes the heart grow fonder, but what happens when the miles apart make it difficult to stay in love? When either you or your SO regularly miss your scheduled Skype meetings, don’t put in the effort to update each other on the latest events in your lives or prioritize everything but each other, then it’s time to evaluate the relationship. Here are four tell-tale signs that the LDR isn’t working and what to do about it.

1. You’re getting dry responses

It’s inevitable that everyone is busy. However, if you’re in a long-distance relationship, more effort should be made to set aside time to reach out to your SO in a thoughtful way. Sean*, a senior at Mohawk Collage, says that after he flew to China for a work opportunity, his girlfriend wasn’t as responsive when he messaged her. “You don’t get to see each other in-person so when you talk, you’re not that into it anymore because there’s less to hold onto,” he says. It’s a telling sign if either partner isn’t as engaged or only making a half-hearted attempt to communicate. 

Jay Hurt, author of The 9 Tenets of a Successful Relationship, says that it is fundamental that couples in a LDR keep each other abreast of what’s going on in their respective lives and physically see each other every couple months. “It has to go beyond texts”, says Hurt, “There needs to be talking via Skype or Google Hangouts.”

How to fix it: 

While Hurt advises that it would be beneficial for couples to put in time daily to see each other using online video conference tools, he also recommends trying to “communicate in whatever your partner’s love language may be – for instance, sending gifts – because then you have a much better chance of building your relationship and helping it grow rather than trying to salvage it." 

Related: 5 Ways To Transition To a Long Distance Relationship 

2. Petty arguments are becoming the norm

The occasional fight is typical and expected. However, when both parties are always unhappy and bickering about insignificant matters, that should be a reason to pause and think about what’s really going on.

Andrea*, a junior at the University of Guelph, was repeatedly having fights with her SO. “I frequently fought with my long-distance boyfriend over the phone about what I thought were trivial things. For instance, I enjoy being social and hitting up different parties to socialize but he often wasn’t too happy about my evening plans. The time we set aside to catch up with each other would usually escalate into arguments." 

How to fix it:

Constant suspicion and reoccurring arguments could signify an underlying issue that should be immediately addressed in your LDR. Avoid contributing to an emotionally-fueled conversation by keeping the tone light and allowing your partner to respond to your comments without interrupting them. 

3. They have doubts

The two key components of maintaining a LDR are trust and faith. Alex*, a graduate from York University, stayed in Toronto while his girlfriend traveled back to Japan, her native country. He was confident that they could make a LDR possible. However, “She lacked faith that it would work,” he says.

They eventually parted ways and reflecting back on the experience, he notes that especially for a LDR, “It can’t be one-sided and there has to be a strategy on how you two can stay together.” When there’s doubt at the onset of a LDR, then that’s one indicator that a LDR with your SO is not likely to last.

How to fix it:

“You have to set expectations properly”, says Hurt. “Then you want to make sure to follow up to those expectations by creating a plan on how you both move forward. If there’s a plan, then there’s something to work towards." 

Related: 5 Signs You & Your SO Just Aren't Meant to Be

4. Your SO wants something different

Alex* and his girlfriend had a six year age difference which he says “put her on a different time table.” They were at different phases in their lives; she was contemplating the idea of beginning a family while he was just starting his career. While the physical distance was a challenge, another was the difference in future priorities.

How to fix it:

Ask yourself the following questions: Why do I want to be with my SO? Do I still want to be in a relationship with him/her? Have I done what’s possible within my means to make this long-distance relationship work?

After you figure out how you feel about the situation, call your SO to talk about what you both want in the future and how they currently feel about the state of the relationship.

While you might still be fond of your partner, it is important to acknowledge when a long-distance relationship may not practical because of the circumstances. For Sean* and his girlfriend, they both agreed that it wasn’t feasible to continue the LDR. After a candid talk on Skype, they ended the relationship amicably. “You just have a feeling that it isn’t going to work out”, he says. “I told her that ‘It was great knowing you’ and wished her all the best.”

Ending a relationship (long-distance or not) isn’t easy, especially if you’ve been together for a while. However, in the eloquent words of iconic American bombshell Marilyn Monroe, “Everything happens for a reason...sometimes good things fall apart so better things can come together.”

*Names have been changed. 

There are few opportunities more exciting than a summer backpacking trip through Europe. Before your journey, it’s important to make sure you’re prepared, but it may seem a bit daunting to know where to begin. Luckily, from lodging to transportation, we’ve got you covered. Check out HC’s travel tips to make sure you make the most out of your summer backpacking experience!

Mapping a route

Planning your own route

There are about 50 countries in Europe, so when you’re determining a route, the options are almost endless! If you have no idea where to begin, visit Triptuner. The site provides six basic questions to match you with locations that will best suit your traveling needs. Just specify Europe as your location and slide the “tuners” to adjust the type of trip you are looking for. The site asks questions like: Do you want a relaxing or active trip? A remote or urban destination? A beach or mountain location? After you answer each question, the site suggests locations that match your interests. Triptuner is the perfect starting point to get general ideas for cities you may want to visit.

For more detailed help with route planning, check out Mygola, a site that helps users create custom trips. You can choose a trip from their itineraries and then customize the trip (you can add or delete cities to your heart’s content) to create your dream trip. The site allows you to plan your trip day-by-day, provides the option to book everything you’ve planned right then and there and even gives you the option of asking a travel expert for advice!

When planning, you may wonder if you should hit a different city each day or spend several days in each city. It’s completely up to you! If you spend a short amount of time in many cities, you’ll get to see a ton of different places, but you won’t have time see everything in every city, and you’ll constantly be traveling.

“I felt rushed everywhere,” says Sarah Kahwash, a recent graduate from Kenyon College who traveled to Bristol, London, Edinburgh, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Thessaloniki, Paris, Nice and Lille. “Realistically, nobody can exhaust all the wonderful things a city has to offer in a week or less. But my objective was to visit many interesting places, so I went for breadth as opposed to depth.”

Research travel blogs like Bakpak Travelers Guide andTravelettes to read about what others have learned when traveling so you can make the best decisions when planning your own trip. Bakpak Travelers Guide has information on choosing a route, a free downloadable guide about European hostels, and two-week trip ideas.

Travelettes, a blog written by young women who have traveled the world—they bill themselves as backpacking in heels, which we really wouldn’t recommend trying—contains posts with what they’ve learned while traveling in Europe, including their take on the best European cities and hotels!

Picking a pre-planned trip

If you decide that you don’t want to plan everything by yourself, consider going on a group trip like those offered from EF College Break or Topdeck.

Going on a group trip will mean you won’t have stress about planning out every detail of your route, and you’ll be traveling on a trip planned by travel experts. “I did a 22-day Europe Unplugged Adventure trip with Topdeck tours,” says Kelly Dood, a junior from St. Thomas University in New Brunswick, Canada, who has backpacked through Europe on her own and with Topdeck. Of her group trip experience, she says, “It is excellent if you love camping and enjoy both the tourist and the real-life experience of the places you visited.”

Budgeting

We didn’t need to go to college to learn that money doesn’t grow on trees (sigh—if only). You may be able to plan the perfect 30-day, 30-country trip, but can you afford it? You’ll need to determine realistically what you can manage.

“I saved about $3,000 for my trips,” says Brooke Kamenoff, a recent graduate from Northeastern University. “I generally spent anywhere from $150 to $550 on weekend trips, which includes flights, lodging, food, etc.​ I went to London, Paris, Lisbon, Berlin, Barcelona, Brussels and Amsterdam.”

Determine your overall budget for the entire trip, and from there, make allotments for transportation, lodging, food, attractions and other expenses. Then, see if you can realistically meet your budget with the travel plans, and adjust accordingly.

“Plan ahead, look for good deals on flights and hotels, buy food at reasonably priced stores and markets, take pictures instead of buying souvenirs,” Sarah advises. “My advice for budgeting trips would be to distinguish clearly between necessities and luxuries. I was willing to spend as much as I needed to feel safe, so when I went for hostels and motels, I tried to research their reputation and surrounding area.”

While traveling, you should also check exchange rates often by tracking them online, as the American dollar can be worth more or less than other currencies from day to day. Avoid currency exchange booths in high-traffic areas, such as airports or bus stations, as these booths tend to offer customers extremely high rates.

“If you are fortunate enough to have a credit card, your best bet is to talk to your provider about the cheapest and easiest way to withdraw cash abroad,” Sarah says. Many banks charge transaction fees or ATM fees in foreign countries, so check with a representative at your bank to find out what fees you may incur while traveling. Some banks have international partners, so you may be able to use a partner bank—whether you use their services or ATMs—without additional fees.

There are also credit and debit cards that do not have foreign transaction fees, like theBank of America Travel Rewards Card,which has no foreign transaction fees, and the Charles Schwab Bankdebit card that rebates all ATM fees. Check out this list ofcredit cards with no foreign transaction fees to see if your card is on there, and if it’s not but you are planning on doing a lot of foreign traveling over the next several years, consider getting one that is.

Packing

Packing for a long-anticipated trip through Europe can seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be!

For starters, if you’re going to backpack through Europe, you’re going to need a good backpack. “I have a pack I take on hikes with me,” says Erin Appenzoller, a recent Emerson College graduate. “When I backpack through Europe and bounce from hostel to hostel, I like to have that with me. It’s so much easier than trying to travel with a suitcase.”

Erin, who recently spent several weeks backpacking through Portugal and Spain, recommends looking for backpacks at Eastern Mountain Sports, REI and Amazon. Check out REI’s backpack guide for tips on how to choose the right backpack for you.

After you’ve determined what bag to bring, deciding what to put inside of it is another battle in itself, since it’s likely that just the thought of packing light makes you cringe! While you may have enough shoes to fill an entire duffel by themselves, it’s not practical to lug around items that you don’t need.

“There’s no reason to bring a different outfit for every occasion,” Erin says. “Whenever I go away, I always bring a limited number of shirts, pants and shoes, then mix and match.” Last summer, when traveling for two weeks in Europe, Erin brought:

• Two pairs of jeans
• Two pairs of shorts
• Five shirts for daytime
• Three shirts for nighttime
• Two dresses
• Two jackets

“That gave me more than enough options,” she says. Bring clothes that you can mix and match so that you can create different outfits. You’ll also want to check past temperatures for the month you will be traveling to get an idea of what type of weather to expect and pack accordingly.

It might be difficult, but limit yourself to only bringing a few pairs of shoes. You should bring practical walking shoes, a pair of cute yet comfy shoes for going out and a pair of sandals that can double as shower shoes.

As for other necessities, we suggest packing:

• Medications (be sure to bring enough to last your entire trip)
• Makeup
• Toiletries
• Umbrella or raincoat
• Camera
• Outlet adapter

You might want to leave your hairdryer, curling iron or straighter at home, as they tend to be bulky and weigh down your bag. Limit what valuables and electronics that you bring—take only what is absolutely necessary.

Transportation

You’re going to be traveling a lot. Because there are so many different types of transportation available, you should research all of your options to ensure you get the best deal when traveling between cities and countries.

Trains

If you want to travel by train, consider buying a country or even multi-country train pass. There are different types of options available, so make sure you determine how much traveling you plan to do in order to buy the type of pass that best fits your needs.

Visit Seat 61 for advice about what type of train tickets you should buy. This site also provides country-specific links so that you can easily find different railway companies in each country you are traveling to.

If you want to do a lot of traveling, you may want to buy a Eurail Global Pass, which provides you with the option to travel between 28 countries in Europe, including Austria, Bulgaria, Denmark, Ireland, Portugal, Switzerland and Turkey, to name a few. A 15-day youth global pass (for those ages 12 through 25) for continuous travel costs $435, and a monthly pass costs $687. With this ticket, you can travel on trains run by participating railway companies, and while you don’t need to buy any other kind of ticket, on some trains you will need to make a reservation to ensure that you have a seat.

If you are only going to be traveling within one country, you can get a specific pass for that country. For example, an Italy pass starts from $238, Spain starts from $262 and a Benelux Pass starts from $148 for travel between the Netherlands, Luxembourg and Belgium. Eurail also has regional passes for traveling to countries next to each other; tickets vary in price depending how many days you want to travel. You can also get a discounted pass called a SaverPass if you are traveling with friends! The pass allows 15 percent off for adults traveling with two to five other people.

If you want to constantly travel, you should choose a Eurail pass that allows you to travel on consecutive days. If you want to travel every few days, you should choose a Eurail pass with a flexible validity period so you can choose which specific days you want to travel and only pay for the days you do travel.

“The pass was really helpful if we were doing day trips to a couple small cities and towns,” says Kasia Jaworski, a senior at Villanova University who used a Eurail pass when traveling in Italy last summer. “I would take the train up to four or five times a day. I never had to worry about train/bus times or buying a ticket online before and then realizing we weren’t going to make that train/bus. It gave me a ton of flexibility, and it definitely saved me a ton of money!”

Pro: Train passes allow flexibility for constant and spontaneous traveling, so they’re great if you want to be doing a lot of traveling. You also won’t have to waste time going through airport security.

Con: Passes will only save you money if you’re doing a lot of traveling.

Buses

Two reliable European bus lines are Eurolines and Busabout. Eurolines can offer tickets for as low as one euro, and those under 26 receive a discount. The company also has a 30-day pass that offers unlimited rides between 53 cities for 265 to 405 euros depending on the month. With Euroline, you have to book your first destination in advance and then you have the freedom to book as you go, and thus, you can travel at your own pace. Busabout has similar multi-route deals; however, this bus company is slightly less flex

ible because it requires you to travel along predetermined loops, meaning you have to visit specific cities in a certain order. However, you can stay in each city for as little or as long as you’d like. One trip option is their North loop bus route between France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, the Czech Republic and Austria for $745.

Pros:A bus is often the cheapest means of transportation from point A to point B. Bus passes are good for seeing a lot of places in a short amount of time.

Cons: Buses are often cramped and uncomfortable, and the cheapest buses tend to only go to the most popular destinations. Buses are the slowest means of transportation (but they’re faster than walking!).

Airplanes

Europe has two great budget airlines that offer round-trip flights for insanely low prices: Ryanair and easyJet. After backpacking throughout Europe, Kelly recommends Ryanair, which offers roundtrip flights for as low as 10 euros!

Since you’ll want to find the best deal out there, compare prices of multiple airlines by using sites like eDreams, KAYAK and Skyscanner. “Keep your eye on flights and set up alerts for when they drop,” Kelly advises. “I’ve had friends get flights from London to Croatia for $0.01 with $9.00 in taxes, so it’s definitely worth the extra time to check.”

While budget airlines may become your new best friend, be aware that budget airlines tend to fly into airports that are located outside city centers, which might actually make it more expensive to fly into them once you add in the cost of transportation from the airport to the city you are going and back again. “My Ryanair flight to Paris flew into an airport that required us to take about a two-hour bus ride just to get into the center city,” says Therese Burke, a sophomore at Saint Mary’s College. “Make sure you plan for transportation from the airport.” 

If you don’t have a specific destination in mind but you know you want to plan a trip, try downloading Adioso, an app that allows you to search flights to “everywhere” that will give you options of the cheapest flights possible to different locations. The app is built for the flexible traveler: for people who don’t have specific dates in mind to travel or where they want to go.

Pros: Airlines are the fastest way to get from point A to point B. Budget airlines make it possible to score cheap flights.

Cons:You’ll usually have to book flights well in advance to get the cheapest deals. Budget airlines tend to have major restrictions on the amount of baggage you can bring, so if your bag is oversized, you may be slammed with additional fees.

Lodging

From staying at a five-star hotel to crashing at a stranger’s house for free, there’s a myriad of different lodging accommodations available for whatever price range you may be looking for.

Hostels

Hostels can be a backpacker’s best friend, as hostels provide travelers with cheap lodging. Use sites like Hostelworld and HostelBookers to find the cheapest lodging options available. Multiple-occupancy rooms (a single room that strangers share that has multiple beds) tend to be the cheapest. Some hostels include a free meal with the price of your room, which can help you save on food costs, too!

“If you’re looking for a cheap place to stay for a night or two, usually in the center of the city, hostels are a good option,” says Sara Splitter, a senior at the University of Notre Dame who’s traveled to Austria, France and Italy. “They can, however, nickel-and-dime you for things like towels and sheets, which is why I would only stay for one or two nights.”

Hostels vary greatly on the amenities that they offer, so research what each hostel offers in advance to make the most of your money. When choosing a hostel, consider:

• Location: Is the hostel located in the center of the city or near other attractions? If it’s on the outskirts of a city, how much would transportation cost to and from the center of the city? Is the hostel in a safe part of the city?
• Security: Are lockers available for you to keep your valuable items safe? Do you have to bring your own lock?
• Linens: Are linens included? If not, how much per night does it cost to rent sheets and towels if you don’t want to bring your own?
• Cleanliness: Pay attention to cleanliness reviews. If you read multiple reviews about cleanliness problems, you may want to consider a different choice (you want to avoid staying somewhere that might have bed bugs or rats!).
• Extras: Does the hostel provide any free meals? Does the hostel have a free city tour? Free Wi-Fi? Is there air conditioning?

Alternatives

While finding a cheap option is probably one of your top priorities, price shouldn’t be the only factor that you consider. “Sometimes the cheapest option isn’t the best option,” Kasia says. “I would definitely recommend spending a little more money for clean, acceptable lodging!”

Airbnb

Airbnbhelps users find a place to stay in 192 countries. It allows people to rent out spaces that they own (the site has over 600,000 available) to travelers for a range of prices. You can find accommodations ranging from an apartment for a night to a villa for a month.

“The personal relationship is awesome,” says Sara, who used Airbnb in Rome, Vienna and Siena. “Your host is nearly always available to answer questions about the city or transportation or restaurants nearby.”

The site has a layer of safety, as both guests and hosts are verified through the site via social networks and official IDs. “Even though I’m crashing in the home of a stranger, I feel safe because of the extent to which the website checks everything out,” Sara says. “The other thing to remember is the host is opening their home to a stranger, so they probably feel just as nervous as you do!” 

Brooke also had a positive experience with Airbnb. “I stayed in an Airbnb with friends where we were in a private room in an apartment with locals,” she says. “They gave us great ideas on what to do and were great resources when visiting the city. They also recommended that we rent bikes in Amsterdam and bike everywhere—it was absolutely one of my favorite experiences.”

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is another great site that allows users to become connected with hosts in any country in the world—and the best news is it’s free!

“CouchSurfing basically allows you to create a type of social media profile,” says Avril, a senior at Florida International University who couchsurfed in Spain and Israel. “You can add information and pictures of yourself. No monetary exchange is made during your homestay with the host you chose, and you communicate with the person online before you show up to coordinate duration of stays.”

To stay safe, couchsurf with a friend and take the time to read other users’ reviews on the site and pick hosts who have an established reputation. “What really made me feel safe about the process was that there would be reviews from previous couchsurfer profiles to rate hosts,” Avril says. “I used Google [Maps] to make sure I was in a safe area, and always made sure to have emergency contacts.”

Kelly also used Google to look for additional information about the hosts she was going to stay with. “I always checked the reviews and Googled the families’ names; sometimes newspaper articles would come up about small village news and stuff like that,” Kelly says. “Couchsurfing was a little intimidating at first, but once I stayed with a few people, I definitely loosened up about it. Now I recommend it to everyone!”

Above all, trust your instincts and don’t stay anywhere you don’t feel comfortable. Have a backup plan with a place to stay (such as a nearby hostel) just in case.

WWOOFing

Finally, WWOOFing, or World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms, is an organization that allows travelers to volunteer to work on a farm in exchange for food and lodging. The length of your stay varies depending on the job and the arrangement you make with your host; some are only for a few days, while others can last over a month.

This is a great option for nature-loving collegiettes, especially in the summer when the weather can be beautiful! Check out this HC article on WWOOFing to learn more.

Safety

While you should be adventurous and get out of your comfort zone while traveling, you should always make sure that safety is still your number one priority. “Don’t walk down alleys at night, but even during the day unless it’s very visible, and don’t accept drinks from strangers,” Kelly advises. 

Erin says safety is her top priority when she looks for hostels. “It’s important to remember you’ll be sleeping in a room with strangers,” she says.

Take advantage of hostel lockers when they’re available to keep your important belongings safe, but definitely leave expensive and sentimental belongings at home. “I bring a really durable key lock to keep my pack safe when I’m in between cities. Then, I lock my pack away in my hostel locker wherever I’m staying,” Erin says.

To stay safe abroad, Sarah says, “I tried not to carry too much cash. As for passports, boarding passes, etc., I kept them in my hand purse so that they were immediately accessible, and I checked they were there before leaving or arriving anywhere.” Be aware of your surroundings, and be especially vigilant for pickpockets in touristy areas.

Make sure to know how to dial the police in whatever country you are traveling in—911 isn’t the go-to number in all countries, so have your country’s emergency contact numbers on hand. And if you’re going to be traveling on your own, check out our tips for traveling solo.

Exploring

In the end, it’s all about making the most of your Eurotrip. Take more pictures than you think are necessary and break out of your comfort zone—visit cities you’ve never been to before, try food that you’ve never tasted and have a conversation with someone from a culture that you know nothing about!

Don’t be afraid to start conversations with local storeowners, your hostel owner or even other travelers. “Start one [conversation] yourself,” Kelly advises. “I met people through the hostels and at cafes and museums. The hostels always had lounges to watch TV or cook food, and eventually conversations would start up.”

You may be surprised how many interesting people you can meet when traveling, and other travelers are often some of the best resources you can go to for travel advice.

Doing research online ahead of time can help you make the most of the time you have in a city. Stay.com sorts hotels, restaurants and attractions by popularity, price and location. The ones you select get compiled into your own personalized guide, and the site even plots your destinations on a map. USE-IT has guides and maps made entirely by young locals. “It has the best advice for where to eat and what to do when you’re traveling through less popular cities,” Sara says.

Be flexible and, above all, have fun! No matter what curveballs may come your way while traveling, learn from them and go with it. Chances are you will face a roadblock or two—a flight might get delayed, a major attraction might be closed or the hostel you wanted to stay at might be booked—but that doesn’t mean you still can’t have a perfect trip.

“Don’t be afraid to get lost,” Kasia says. “Explore, and if you get lost, you might stumble upon a great restaurant or shop that you wouldn’t have found otherwise! It’s all part of the experience.”

Spencer Pratt is best known as Heidi Montag’s “sucky” husband. The two appeared on The Hills, the hit reality TV show, which premiered on May 31, 2006, and followed the lives of Hollywood hopefuls like Lauren Conrad, Whitney Port and Kristen Cavallari. The MTV-produced ~drama~ was an immediate favorite, bringing with it upon release a loyal crossover audience from its predecessor, Laguna Beach.

Romance, lust, love, fashion and rivalry (really, reality TV at its finest) are just some of the things we remember about the beloved show. But here’s what Spencer Pratt, former Prince of Malibu, remembers most on this, the ten-year anniversary of The Hills.

1. He, like the rest of us, had no idea who Heidi was until she appeared on the show.

“One day I was kicking it at my mom’s house and her friend said, ‘Have you seen this show? This girl’s so cute.’ And it was Heidi.”

2. He wasn’t exactly first choice to be cast as an on-screen love interest for any of the girls.

“I called [the producer, Sean Travis], and he told me it was a set cast from Laguna Beach and he couldn’t get us on. I was like, ‘Bullshit. We’ll see you at the clubs.’ I called Brody and said, “We gotta drop $30,000 on bottles and make a scene at Area next to their table.” 

3. Brody was a hardcore prince at the time.

No, really. That’s what he said—word for word.

4. Sometimes, he wishes he had been a professional ballroom dancer—you know, to impress the ladies.

“Heidi is a scary good dancer. And this is when I thought I was Derek Hough. It’s the last good memory I’ve ever had in a nightclub.”

5. Pizza is every girl’s one true bae.

“Heidi and Lauren had this pizza spot they used to go to after the clubs. I swear to god, to this day, I’ve never seen two girls that could eat pizza faster at 3 a.m. I’m talking whole larges to the dome.”

6. Crystals are legit.

After Heidi’s plastic surgery, Spencer, being the loving husband that he is, wanted to make her as comfortable as possible during her recovery.

“I started Googling 'homeopathic remedies' and I read this article about Sugilite—this one rock with healing powers. So I go buy a $15,000 chunk of Sugilite, and when she held it, she said she felt no pain. Then I was like, 'I’m filling the whole bedroom with crystals! I’m putting them on!’”

7. Harry Potter, also legit.

“I didn’t want Heidi to be in pain anymore. I started getting into wands, too.”

8. Illuminati, same.

“I was just like, ‘I need to join the Illuminati, it’s my only chance.’ There was a lot of dark energy, and I was looking for any way to counteract it. You just start getting medieval on shit.”

9. He’s actually a reality TV genius.

Well, he didn’t say this. His sister, Stephanie Pratt, did. But he explained. “We wanted to have a show that people watched, so we did all this stuff that made us look like the worst humans on Earth. When the cameras were off, I was a complete gentleman—opening doors and going to the movies and cuddling.”

10. The Kardashians are in for a rude awakening, maybe.

“If you had asked me right before The Hills ended what I was going to be doing, I would’ve told you, 'I’m going to be on a reality show for the next 30 years!' That’s not crazy when you think about the Kardashians. You didn’t think that you could just be turned off. Game over.”

11. In the end, life is all about balance. And food. And tequila.

“I used to have a breakfast burrito every day, but now I have an apple with almond butter, because I want to be model skinny. Then I usually do jujitsu for about an hour and a half, then I eat salmon. Then I go home, ice my old man knees, watch Apple TV, and tweet, because I don’t have any actual friends to talk to. Then Heidi and I will either get sushi or Mexican food and I’ll have some tequila on ice. I keep that in rotation.” 

From the sounds of it, things have totally calmed down in the Pratt household over the last decade. In fact, things are so quiet that Heidi has suggested a new spin-off series starring herself (naturally), Kristen Cavallari and Audrina Patridge as new moms. 

And we can’t wait to host that watch party. 

Have you ever wanted to run one of those fun 5K races after you see your friends posting tons of pictures of it on Facebook, but you insist you aren’t a runner? It turns out that you can be a runner if you know the right tips to follow! If you want to start running and train for that Color Run all of your friends are doing, HC has some tips on how to start. With these steps, you can finally become the runner you’ve always wanted to be!

Make a Goal

Setting a goal from the get-go will motivate you to keep running. “It's sensible to begin with a goal of running [a] 5K (3.1 miles),” says Matt Fitzgerald, certified sports nutritionist and author of Diet Cults. “There are 5K events all over the country at most times of the year. Signing up for one of these is very motivating for many beginning runners.”

Make sure you give yourself enough time to train for the race you pick. “If you are starting from zero, give yourself at least six weeks to train, gradually increasing your walk/runs and runs until you're ready to run a full 5K,” Fitzgerald says.

There are several fun 5K races out there, such as the The Color Run and 5K Foam Fest. You can find races by going to the race finder on Runner’s World and typing in your city, state, race distance and the date range for when you want to do a race. It will show you all the races in that time frame near you. Try signing up for a race six to eight weeks from when you decide to start running. That way, you will have a definite goal that you’re working towards!

Have a Plan

After you identify a goal, you’ll want to make a structured plan to reach it. Zoe Rousseau, a sophomore at the University of North Georgia, started running about a year ago and did her first 5K recently. “The best advice I have [to new runners] is to make a schedule and get a friend to run with,” she says. Having a plan and someone else to hold you accountable will help you to stay on track.

Pick a training plan that you’re sure you’ll be able to stick to. We recommend downloading the Couch to 5K app, which provides a complete nine-week training schedule and helps time your runs.  Couch to 5K follows a walk/run program to make sure that you don’t injure yourself by starting off with too much running. The plan has you run three days a week, which is a perfect plan for a beginner. It’s easy to follow because it’s right on your phone!

Find a friend and make a plan that works with both of your schedules. Determining set weekly run times and treating them like an appointment by marking your calendar will make it easier to fit the runs in. It also helps if you have a friend who already runs so he or she can help you out. If you don’t have friends who run, get any friend who’s willing and you can both learn together!

To be safe, map out the route you’re going on—MapMyRun is a great resource for planning routes. Make sure the route is in a populated area and you’re with a friend. Mapping out the route will also help you plan out your distance and track your time. After each run, track your progress in a notebook or on your phone by documenting your times and how each run felt. As you continue to train, your runs should get easier and your walking time should decrease.

What to Wear

When you’re shopping for the perfect running attire, you want to make sure you’re picking breathable fabrics. “I recommend wearing tops, shorts and socks that are specifically designed for running,” Fitzgerald says. “You will be most comfortable in these.”

As a runner, you’ll want to avoid cotton materials, as they will absorb sweat and cause your skin to chafe or blister. Look for technical apparel, which is designed to wick the sweat away from your skin rather than hold sweat. This material also tends to be lightweight and more comfortable. When you’re shopping, look for clothes whose tags say “Dri-FIT,” “TRANSPOR,” “DRYROAD” or “CoolMax.” These are all materials that will feel best on your run.

One of the most important parts of a runner’s attire is proper shoes, according to Melanie Ludwig, owner of Prestige Fitness in New Hampshire. “Shoes are crucial—if you are serious, make the investment and go to a store that can fit you,” she says. “Lower-limb injuries frequently occur because of improper footwear.”

Without the right shoes, you could potentially get injured, so you want to make sure you have a good pair. There is no one shoe that is perfect for everyone. Get your shoes from a running specialty store that caters to runners and can help you find the shoes that will be best for your feet specifically. Check out stores like Road Runner Sports to find your perfect shoe.

Go on Your First Run

Before you start running, make sure you warm up and stretch out your muscles so you get your body ready to run. Start by warming up your body and preparing it to work out. Wake your body up with a brisk walk for two to three minutes and then a light jog for another two to three minutes.

Once you feel warmed up, you’re ready to stretch. You want to make sure you’re targeting your calves, hamstrings, hip flexors and quadriceps, as these are the muscles you’ll be exerting most on your run. Fitzgerald recommends that “before a run, [you] do dynamic stretches to get your muscles ready to move.” Dynamic stretching is stretching as you are moving. This type of stretching warms your body up and prepares it for the intensity of running.

An example of a dynamic stretch is side leg swings. To do this, stand facing a wall with your fingertips braced against it. Now, tilt your body toward the wall. Swing your right leg from side to side between your body and the wall in big, relaxed movements. Do this about eight times and then repeat with your left leg. You can find a full dynamic warm-up routine here.

After you stretch, you’re ready to start training, but don’t go crazy right off the bat. When you are a beginner runner, you don’t want to rush into anything too soon. “The biggest mistake new runners make is going out and running as hard as they can until they are out of breath, get side stiches or pull a muscle,” Ludwig says.

It is important not to push yourself too hard when you’re just starting out. Fitzgerald says, “Running is a high-impact activity. It takes time for the body to become more durable. If you do too much too soon, you'll get injured.” Even though you’re excited to get out there and want to improve every day, your body needs rest in order to heal after each run.

Start out by mixing walking and running. Begin with a brisk walk and work your way into a run. Alternate the running and walking by running for a minute or two and then going back to a brisk walk. “Gradually lengthen the jogging segments and shorten the walking segments until you are comfortably able to run the whole time,” Fitzgerald says.

Once you start running, track your progress to help you stay motivated. It’s always fun to see how you are progressing and it can help motivate you to go out and run on days you feel like quitting.

Ludwig says, “Keep a record of your ratio of walk to run, and try to improve that until you can complete a mile. It's gotta be baby steps to appropriately train your body.”

After you run, it is important to do a cooldown and stretch out again. Ludwig stresses that post-run is the most important time to stretch. She recommends using this cooldown routine from the American Council on Exercise.

After your cooldown, you have officially completed your first run!

You definitely won’t become a runner overnight, but now you have tips and a plan to get you started! Remember to take baby steps and set goals. You’ll be racing to the finish line of your first 5K in no time! 

Adele's talent is undeniable, and she has proven that no matter what happens during a live performance, she will find a way to maintain her status as one of the best entertainers. Remember that time she powered through sound issues while singing "All I Ask" at this year's Grammys? Yeah, we're convinced that the 25 singer can always find a way to make mishaps appear flawless. In fact, a recent blunder at one of her concerts is further proof that she is a total boss.

While performing recently, Adele got so caught up that she messed up her own lyrics—but it's all good, because she handled it like a pro and was so real about it. As the melody for "Million Years Ago" started playing, Adele continued singing, but fans immediately realized that those weren't the correct lyrics to the song. Catching her error, Adele stopped and said, “Shit! Wrong words! Shit, shit, shit!”

Needless to say, her comments sparked laughter among the crowd and herself:

Believe it or not, this isn't the first time the singer has flubbed her own lyrics. While on her current tour, she accidentally began singing the verse instead of the chorus to "All I Ask"—another time, she had to start "Rolling in the Deep" over because she forgot the lyrics. This just goes to show that we're all human, Adele included—and it's okay to make mistakes.

No matter what the flub, Adele's reactions each time are absolutely priceless. The bottom line: Adele can do no wrong.    

When we heard Disney Channel would be marathoning all of our favorite Disney Channel Original Movies this weekend, we were beyond excited (and ready to pull back-to-back all nighters). Unfortunately, a lot of classic favorites were left out of the marathon. Thankfully, Disney will be airing all their other original movies throughout the month of June. So, yes—they really are showing every. single. DCOM. ever.

Here's a rundown of how it's going to work. From Tuesday, May 31, through Friday, June 24, two original movies will air every day at midnight and 2:00 a.m. ET. We're talking Phantom of the Megaplex, Tiger Cruise, The Ultimate Christmas Present, Get a Clue, Gotta Kick It Up!, The Luck of the Irish and more!

Sorry, life. Sorry, friends. We have MAJOR plans for the entire month of June.

You can check out the full schedule on BuzzFeed.

Amy Schumer is just one of many women in Hollywood who is criticized because of her figure, but she's made it quite clear that she really doesn't have time for all the negativity. The comedian has openly spoken out about her opinions—like that time she called out a magazine that categorized her as a "plus sized" woman, or that time she tackled "sizeism" in one of her sketches. Now, the talented actress is once again defending her body after Internet trolls attacked her.

While recently enjoying some downtime at a beach in Hawaii, Amy was photographed wearing a one-piece bathing suit. Unsurprisingly, some people felt the need to criticize Amy's body, since it doesn't fit the traditional (and outdated) figure that Hollywood perpetuates. Deciding that she wouldn't let them get away with their negative comments, Amy took to Instagram to call them out. She posted a photo of herself in the bathing suit, along with a caption that summed up how she felt. 

"I meant to write 'good morning trolls!' I hope you find some joy in your lives today in a human interaction and not just in writing unkind things to a stranger you've never met who triggers something in you that makes you feel powerless and alone," Amy said. "This is how I look. I feel happy. I think I look strong and healthy and also like Miss Trunchbull from Matilda. Kisses!" 

Yeah, we definitely agree with Amy on this one. When will people realize that there are so many other things to do with your time, rather than dragging down successful, happy individuals? The next time someone dares to body-shame Amy, we can guarantee that she'll respond in a way that is both classy and hilarious. 

Having your drink spiked at a college party is a very real—and very terrifying—possibility. Apparently, more guys than girls are saying that using drugs in drinks is nothing more than a way to have more fun and spice things up at parties. Sounds legit?

Despite the idea that roofies are just some myth or rare occurrence, a new study published in the journal Psychology of Violence found that people drug drinks more often than you’d think. Researchers sent a drink-spiking survey to over 6,000 students at the University of South Carolina, the University of Cincinnati and the University of Kentucky.

462—or around eight percent—of the students reported more than 500 incidents where they claimed to have been drugged. Meanwhile, 83 students reported 172 incidents where they drugged someone else or knew someone who did.

Even more disgusting than this number are the reasons that some of the students cited for slipping drugs into someone else’s drink. Men were apparently more likely to say they drugged someone “to have fun,” rather than for sex or sexual assault. New York Magazine reported one male student responding, “I put happiness in their drinks.”

Similarly, men who had been drugged themselves thought that people drugged them just for fun. You know, because roofies are just a “fun” drug (someone please pick up on the sarcasm here). Meanwhile, a female student answered the study in a grimmer way, saying women are drugged “to rape us.”

Another woman said, “Guys do it when a girl tells them she won’t hook up with them.”

The gender divide didn’t stop there. Women were more likely to be victims of drink spiking than men, coming in at 79 percent versus 21 percent. Under the influence of these drugs, nearly 17 percent of women had “unwanted sex”—whereas only about 6 percent of male victims experienced forced sex.

The author of the study, Suzanna Swan, told Broadly that she came up with the idea after asking students if they had ever been drugged at a party. Nearly one-third of her class raised their hands. “I had no idea that [drink spiking] was happening until students started bringing it up from time to time,” said Swan, a psychology and women’s studies professor at the University of South Carolina.

According to Broadly, Swan concluded that male students tend to brush off drugging others. “It did seem like, for some men, they did not see spiking someone’s drink as a big deal. For most of the women, it was pretty serious. They did not think that drugging someone was amusing or trivial at all.”

Although this study only encompassed three campuses, the message is pretty clear. Drink spiking is more common than many people think—especially among women. And that’s pretty scary. What’s even scarier is that there are people out there who think it’s “fun” or “funny” to drug someone else.

Baylor University has had a long day. And the worst part is, the day’s not even over yet.

On Thursday, the university laid off head football coach Art Briles. Briles, who was hired in 2008, saw the team claim conference titles in 2013 and 2014 while playing in the Big 12. However, under Briles’s leadership the players have been accused of sexual assault.

But wait, there’s more. Ken Starr, the university president, has been removed from the presidency and will be made chancellor instead.

All of this change comes amidst the release of a report regarding sexual assault done by law firm Pepper Hamilton, which Baylor hired. What the firm found is disheartening, to say the least. According to Pepper Hamilton’s report, they found the university has “failed to take appropriate action to respond to reports of sexual assault and dating violence reportedly committed by football players.” It then goes on to say that the administration, including coach Briles, made decisions that compromised student’s safety on campus, USA Today reports.

Shockingly, it gets worse. The report discovered that the university’s administration not only discouraged students from reporting their assaults, but even went so far as to take action against a student who did, according to The New York Times. 

This is truly sickening behavior, especially when we remember that we entrust the schools we choose to do the very most to keep us safe on their campus. Baylor has some serious making up to do. 

After school let out of a Fort Myers, Fla. high school last Tuesday, a 15-year-old girl hooked-up with as many as 25 (yes, 25) guys. According to one of the students, most of the guys were football players, CNN Wire reports. And worse? The whole thing was allegedly filmed, and images were posted online.

No charges were pressed against the school. In fact, the girl’s mother was pretty understanding given the situation—But that’s because this girl has a truly heartbreaking past. The girl in question, who, understandably, has not been named, was a victim of sex trafficking. She was first trafficked at 13 years old and was forced into sex slavery for the following two years. Her mother saved her from her captor.

The girl had only been attending South Fort Myers High School for two weeks when the bathroom incident occurred.

Megan Estrem, a victim advocate who has worked with the girl and her family, told WBBH that this girl “has been in an environment where she has been told to behave certain way, and there were severe consequences if she didn’t.” It’s not uncommon for sex trafficking victims to be subjected having sex up to 40 times daily, according to Nicole Waid, who used to be a U.S. chief assistant attorney.  

Human trafficking in America is just as much a problem as it is in other parts of the world, with up to 17,500 people being trafficked yearly, according to DoSomething.org. It's a crime that affects women and kids worldwide, with as many as up to 800,000 trafficked internationally every year. The worst part is we can encounter a victim just walking down the street, and not recognize that they are being held hostage.

A story like this is a good reminder for us all that nothing is ever really what it seems.

If you're a '90s girl, there's a high chance that you probably know and love Victoria Beckham as Posh Spice from the Spice Girls. Yes, she's currently a successful designer in her own right, but let's face it—she'll always be Posh to us. But did you know that Victoria actually could have been known for her work as a hip hop artist? Don't believe us? Well, a bunch of leaked demos proves that Victoria was quite serious about a hip hop career. 

Back in 2003, Victoria was in the midst of creating a solo album titled Come Together. Though it never materialized into an actual album, 17 tracks recently hit the Internet, and you have to listen to them. The titles of said hip hop-influenced songs include "That Dude,""Baby Boy,""DAT Simple" and "I'll Take You There." The demo tracks also featured rap artists, such as Ol' Dirty Bastard and and M.O.P.

So, what sparked these hip hop tracks? Reports claim that Victoria was encouraged to record these songs because of her friendship with Damon Dash, a music producer and co-founder of Roc-A-Fellow Records. While Victoria and Damon were creating the solo album, production was halted because the label she was working under—Telstar—filed for bankruptcy.

A while ago, Damon spoke to the Evening Standard, responding to the reports surrounding Victoria's collaboration with him. "Because Victoria's record company aren't happy about the fact that she came over to New York to work with me they are putting out stories. Before anyone's even heard the album they were making things up… I heard a story that Victoria was calling herself the female Eminem. That's just dumb. She never said that," he said. "I'm going to open Roc-A-Fella Records in London. I'll show these Telstar cats how it's done."   

Perhaps a hip hop career isn't in the cards for Victoria, but we will definitely have this unreleased album on repeat this weekend.  

The real world is scary—you don’t need us to remind you. So if you get a job offer, accepting it right off the bat might feel like the only solution. Well, collegiettes, it’s not! There are some situations where you absolutely should not take the first job offer that comes your way. We talked to an expert about the times when it’s better to politely decline.

Signs you shouldn’t take the job

1. The employer is rude, sexist or inappropriate

The money might be great, the work might be good enough and the company might be reputed, but if your interviewer or anyone else you interacted with made you feel uncomfortable, taking the job is a bad idea. “If the employer is rude, sexist or inappropriate during an interview, imagine what they’ll be like when you’re a full-time employee!” says Vicki Salemi, a career expert for Monster. “Job seekers may not realize this, so I’m saying it now: You do not have to settle. You deserve better—a world-class employer that does not demonstrate these horrid traits.”

Alaina Leary, a first-year graduate student at Emerson College, didn’t fall into the trap: “I turned down an offer because the interviewers were sexist and demeaning during my interview process,” Alaina says. “The two people interviewing me actually snickered and laughed at some of my answers, assuming I didn't understand the business and technology aspects of the job. I felt I wasn't treated with respect during the entire interview process, and I assumed I wouldn't be treated with respect on the job, so I politely declined.”

Declining a job offer like Alaina did is anything but easy, but it is necessary if the environment you’ll be working in will keep you from thriving.

Related: I Turned Down a Job Offer After a Sexist Interview

2. The company doesn’t align with your values

Even if your interviewer was perfectly nice, the company still might not be the right fit for you. “Explore your potential employer’s values during the interview process so you find out what they stand for sooner rather than later,” Salemi says. “Examine their social media feeds and peruse their website to get a sense of their values as compared to yours. It’s perfectly reasonable to not accept a job offer if the company’s values are not in sync with your own.”

For instance, feminism and social justice play a growing role in many collegiettes’ lives. If the company doesn’t seem like it offers equal opportunities to all employees regardless of gender, ethnicity or sexual orientation, this is a big red flag. But beyond big-picture values like these, there are a lot of other signs that a workplace isn’t right for you. Ask yourself how important the work-life balance is to you, and how important it is in the office, for one thing. Take the time to figure out what you don’t want in an office culture, and avoid that as much as humanly possible.

3. The offer is only attractive because of the money

Of course, your primary concern when looking for a job is to be able to pay for things like food and rent. Otherwise, chances are you would veg out in bed watching Netflix and eating Cheetos from 9 to 5 every day instead. (JK of course, but you get the point.) But if you accept a job solely because of the paycheck, it will be really difficult for you to stay happy and healthy. “Yes, it’s exciting to get a job offer that’s lucrative, but the money won’t be enough to keep up your motivation and morale when you’re working past midnight on a regular basis, you feel like you’re overworked and are getting sick,” Salemi says.

That said, if you need the money right now, there are a few things for you to keep in mind. “Everyone’s financial situation is different, so if you do accept a job offer because of the money, realize that that motivating factor may fade fast,” Salemi adds. “If you have copious student loans to pay off, a high salary may indeed be an attractive reason for you to accept. Sometimes as women we don’t emphasize money enough! The offer itself should be attractive because it has more to offer than just the money, so don’t overlook other factors.” You should also be looking at how bad the commute is, company policies, etc.—this goes for any job offer!

4. You could make more money somewhere else

It’s been drilled into our heads that there are no jobs for millennials (which is not true), so your first instinct when you score a job offer might be to accept blindly. Remember: you do not need to settle! “When you interview with a potential employer, you must remember that they’re not the only company in the world,” Salemi says. “You have a lot to offer an employer and many of them—not just one—would likely be pleased to interview you, let alone work together! And yes, as you begin to interview more, you’ll realize that other employers may offer higher salaries.”

Kaitlin*, a recent graduate of the University of Southern California, was thrilled when she received an offer after months of job search, but “something didn't feel right; there were a bunch of red flags,” she says. “The offered salary was much less than I was making at my current job. It was also entry-level, but I was already in an entry-level job, so I wanted to move up!”

Basically, you need to find the right balance between making enough money to live relatively comfortably and taking a job you will enjoy. But salary isn’t the only thing you should be looking at: make sure to consider the entire benefit package before accepting any job offer.

5. The job has nothing to do with what you want to pursue

In this case too, you might feel like you should just take any offer that comes your way, but Salemi warns against it. “When it’s in a completely different field than what you’re interested in pursuing, just say ‘no,’” Salemi says. “I’ve seen job seekers accept a job that has nothing to do with what they want to pursue because they were tired of job seeking and just wanted a job already. Years later they wondered how they ended up on their career path and had to take significant steps to redirect themselves from that long detour.” Unless you have a plan for what your next career step might be, just don’t take the job.

Leanne*, a recent graduate of the University of California, Los Angeles, almost accepted a job for a unique reason, which she later realized wasn’t enough to justify taking the offer. “I think it didn't feel right because I got offered the job in this beautiful location,” Leanne says. “I was going solely for the fact that it was an exotic location, even though it wasn't the particular job I wanted and that I would've been accepting it out of fear of not finding anything else right when I got out of college.” Leanne denied the offer and now has the job of her dreams! It really comes down to believing you can accomplish anything—cheesy, but true.

6. Employees seem unhappy

If you accept this offer, you’ll be spending most of your time in that office with the same people every day. So, what if these people look unhappy? “Look around—if the office is still filled with everyone busy at their desks [at 7 p.m.], there’s a definite lack of work-life balance,” Salemi says. “Next, look at their faces—do they look miserable or happy? Probably the former.”

Alaina has had her fair share of doomed interview experiences. “I also interviewed in a place where people seemed unhappy, and I really think people need to look out for that,” she says. “The employees were VERY quiet—the office was dead silent at all times, throughout a large space, and everyone seemed stressed and hyper-focused, as if they had no choice.” Alaina took a temp job at the company, which only confirmed her suspicions. The moral of the story? Trust your instincts!

If employees look stressed, overworked and unhappy, there’s a good chance that they are not being treated fairly and/or don’t enjoy their work. This is not an environment you want to spend most of your time in for the next months, or even years.

When you should take the job

For Salemi, deciding whether or not to accept the offer comes down to instinct. “You’ll know when a job is right for you because it feels like a fit,” she says. “Before interviewing, I suggest writing down your priorities in order of importance. Define what’s most important to you and rank items in terms based on that. Is it salary? Room for growth? Corporate values? Ability to get along with co-workers? The commute? Jot down everything that comes to mind—even if you value getting free lunch every day.”

Once you’ve established what you’re looking for in a company, you’ll have a strong foundation down. “As you’re interviewing and assessing the employer, figure out how they match up to your list of priorities,” Salemi says.

But what if your instinct was wrong? “If you do end up accepting a job offer that you later regret, just know that nothing is permanent,” the expert reminds us. “Revise your resume with your new experiences and start interviewing again. Remember, the right job is out there waiting for you!”

The bottom line? You should (almost) never take a job out of fear that nothing else will come along, because something will! And you deserve only the best, in your career and in life.

*Names have been changed.

By Macey Lavoie

I love to hear the stories about college roommates who become best friends and help each other through the trials of life. I really do. But the troubling fact is that when it comes to college roommates sometimes they can be your heroes and sometimes your villains. I had that one roommate who taught me how important it was to take care of my mental health and myself. She was not good for either.

In retrospect I should have known things would be off between us when I arrived at my new dorm room to a power drill boring holes into the expensive wall, and my roommate exclaiming that she didn’t have enough space for her clothes. My mother raised an eyebrow but said nothing as we shuffled my things into the room. As she hung her clothes on the impromptu closet, I took a deep breath. I told myself this year was going to be fine.

I believed that remaining conflict-free with my roommate was the best way to handle our differences. As she blasted her Celtic music, I would discreetly put headphones in. I would cover my head with my pillow as she stayed up late, laughing at her laptop screen. Above all, I did my best to give her the space she asked for.

What I didn’t stop to think about was what this tension filled lifestyle was doing for my mental health. I slowly discovered how important it is just to have a safe space you can call your own. I would tiptoe around my room, my grades suffered and I would make the two-hour trip home way more then my poor college budget could afford. Everyone could tell I was running away.

It wasn’t until mounting tension and her more dramatic demands that I began to realize I had to stand up for myself. She would complain about wheelchair tracks my friend had left on our rug. She taped a list of rules to the back of the door dictating such things as appropriate nap times and how the trash by the door could never be used by anyone but her. I was not consulted when these rules were made.

At last, I realized that these rules and circumstances weren’t just about avoiding conflict but standing up for myself as well. My mental health demanded that, above everything, I take care of myself. The final straw came when our third roommate had too much to drink one night. I helped her and made sure she had access to water. When I turned around, our roommate stood in the door with a sneer on her face. She was intoxicated herself, so I knew her problem wasn’t with the alcohol, but with us.

The next day she came into the room screaming about what a horrible roommate I was. The sheer vehemence she threw at me was surprising and the idea that to her I was the inconsiderate roommate that made her uncomfortable. It was the first time I realized that no matter how much I tiptoed around the room and made myself scarce, it wouldn’t matter.

I realized that I had as much right to inhabit that room as her. As an only child, I had to learn the difference between compromise and dictation when it came to my living situation. My mental health always should have been the number one priority.

If there is one lesson to learn in college it should be to NEVER trust the person that you are when you're drunk.  Drunk you has a completely different agenda and it is not in your favor.  From the sticky situations to just plain humiliating yourself in public, drunk you always knows how to cause a scene.  Drunk you is the person that you would hate if you were sober.  Here are 15 things that we always think are good ideas when we're drunk but probably shouldn't.

 1.  Calling your ex

2. Ordering $20 worth of Windy City Weiners as if you can afford to do that

3.  Tearing apart your entire room trying to find your key when it's in plain sight

4.  Having a "little more" to drink

5.  Calling your parents to tell them how much you love and appreciate them at 3 a.m.

6.  Inhaling every scrap of food left in your apartment 

7.  Going home with the guy from the bar

8.  Going to sleep with a full face of makeup on

9.  Going to sleep with all of your going out clothes on

10.  Revealing your secret hatred for someone

11.  Putting up a Snapchat story of alcohol as if people care to see it

12.  Instagraming a candid picture with a basic caption

13.  Flirting with the bartender

14.  Whining your way out of situations

15.  Walking home (seriously don't do this)

Tired of your lack of luck in the college dating pool? Your first-date behaviors may be to blame. Whether you’re going the traditional date route by hitting up the fanciest restaurant in town or taking a casual walk through a nearby park, you’ll want to put your best foot forward (and avoid any disastrous deal-breakers in the process). Find out what might be holding you back from earning that second date invitation and how to fix it!

1. Talking nonstop

There’s almost nothing more nerve-wracking than a first date; dealing with those jitters, trying to show your best self and trying to get to know your date all at once is a daunting thing, and we can’t help but let the anxiety get the best of us. Sometimes that means we revert to our nonstop talking state—you know, the one where you find yourself inexplicably detailing everything you had for breakfast this week and explaining why blue is the absolute best color ever. Occasionally, we even say some of the 50 things we should never say on a first date… oops?

The problem? Sharing this much means your date won’t be able to get a word in edgewise, which can cause your connection to crash and burn.

Brian*, a sophomore at Skidmore College, says that taking a chatterbox out on a first date would frustrate him. “I would be turned off if the girl I was going out on a date with was talking so much that I couldn’t get a word in, because if I can’t get a word in, I can’t have a conversation with her,” he says. “It’s a one-way thing. Conversation should go both ways.”

Charlie*, a senior at Franklin & Marshall College, agrees with Brian. When asked what would make him avoid a second date, he responded, “If she was talking in some kind of absurd way—nonstop talking.”

Jodi R. R. Smith, president and owner of the etiquette consulting firm Mannersmith, says that the easiest way to prevent “word vomit” (for lack of a better phrase) is to slow things down. “Employ the pause,” she advises. “If he nods or asks a question, keep going. If he takes the opportunity to change the subject, follow his lead to keep the conversation flowing.”

Smith also suggests thinking of conversation as a game of catch: you say something, then you toss the conversation ball to the other person and it’s his turn to respond. “It is best not to hold the ball for too long,” she says. “Or worse, to put the ball in your pocket and never let the other person talk at all.”

It’s awesome that you’re willing to share your thoughts with your potential partner, but make sure you take the time to hear his or hers, too!

2. Sharing heavy feelings

We’re all for Romeo-and-Juliet-style outpourings of emotion—but in the right place and at the right time. A little witty banter never hurt anyone, but talking about heavy personal baggage right off the bat can definitely hurt your first-date game.

“There is a major difference between therapy and dating,” Smith reminds us. “If you are not sure about the differences, you had best engage in the former before embarking on the latter. Be a woman of mystery…at least for the first few dates.”

While you want to find someone who can handle hearing and helping with your feelings and problems, you don’t want to scare someone away by unloading all your issues on him or her at once—especially not when you’re first getting to know each other. You don’t preface an essay with a note to your professor about all of the stress you’re under and all of the struggles you had while writing it, right? So you wouldn’t want to make those negative or difficult parts of your life the focus when you’re opening yourself up to a potential relationship. Share feelings that seem relevant, but don’t delve into an in-depth sob story before giving your date a chance to catch up and feel comfortable with sharing his or her own story.

3. Checking your phone incessantly

We get it: cutting the technological cord might as well be like cutting off one of your limbs. Your phone is always at your fingertips, and you wouldn’t part with it for the world. What’s the harm in checking Instagram or answering a casual text every now and then, anyway?

Well, even sending a quick message during a coffee date can make or break your bond, so you might want to consider pocketing your phone before it’s too late.

Smith says that using your phone frequently during date number one is an absolute no-no. “Using your phone like a security blanket is a surefire way to ensure there is no second date,” she says. “Only deploy this blocking tactic if you can think of no other way to end the date early.” Which, of course, would mean that you aren’t interested in your date, so you’ve got nothing to lose.

If that isn’t the case and you actually areinto him or her, Smith suggests turning your phone off and only checking it if you happen to be in the bathroom. That way, you won’t send the message that you’re uninterested in the conversation and would rather play around on Snapchat.

A word of warning, though: if you really must check your phone, don’t make frequent, furtive trips to the bathroom to do it. Limit to one time or a maximum of two times if you’re out for a long time together. Why? “A friend of mine recently went on a date where he was convinced she had a bladder infection. She kept going to the restroom to check her phone,” Smith says. “Needless to say, a second date will not occur.”

So keep your text convos to a minimum, be in the moment and give your date your undivided attention!

4. Bringing up an ex

Depending on how recently you got out of your last relationship—or fling, FWB situation or the like—you might still be in the stage where everything feels like it relates to your ex. Oh, The Smiths are playing on the radio? Your ex loved them. They serve biscotti at this café? Your ex’s guilty pleasure. As tempted as you might be to mention these things out loud—or even just to clear the air by explaining previous relationships, so your newest date knows where you’re at emotionally—you should resist the urge as best as you can. Why? Because, “I love imagining my date hooking up with someone else,” said no one ever. That’s why ex talk is on the list of the six things you should never say to your crush.

Brian says you definitely don’t want to plant that image in your date’s head. “You don’t want to hear about their previous stuff right away,” he confirms. “At least give it some time until you both feel comfortable with each other, then he can hear about it. Talking about an ex right away gives the inclination that you’re still thinking about them somewhat, and that’s not good.”

Smith agrees. “No need to discuss your dating resume on the first date,” she says. “This is your chance to learn more about the other person and show him [or her] your best first impression.”

Strapped for conversation? Smith suggests brainstorming talking points before the date: hobbies, interests, vacations, travel, volunteer work, favorite classes, books, movies, TV, music, current events, etc. Needless to say, your ex and your past love life shouldn’t make the conversation cut.

5. Asking for too much

It’s not a secret: you’re a princess, and you should be treated like one. Every collegiette deserves a knight or maiden in shining armor—and can be one for someone special themselves—but that doesn’t mean you should expect your date to roll out the red carpet for you right away. For example, most college guys save dinners at fancy restaurants for birthdays, anniversaries or other special occasions, so assuming that you two will start off by hitting these upscale spots before you even begin a relationship is asking a lot (and probably won’t please your date).

“If she wants to go somewhere really fancy or if she’s really bossy, she would seem way too high maintenance,” says Garrett*, a senior at Reed College. In this case, Garrett says a date’s high-maintenance behavior would be a deal-breaker, and he would kiss any plans for their second date goodbye. It’s hard to know what a guy expects of a first date, but you should give your date the chance to choose your date activity.

According to Smith, Dating 101 states that the person who does the asking does the paying, which means you’re probably in the clear when it comes to the bill if you weren’t the one who asked for the outing. (That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have your wallet on hand and still offer, of course, but you can safely assume that he or she is treating you.)

However, Smith says that if your date is doing the asking, he or she should have an idea of the date activity, so you shouldn’t ask to do something crazy expensive or overly formal.

Smith adds, “Back to Gracious Guest 101, when you are the guest and the host asks about your preference, either suggest a moderately priced activity or give three options with a low/medium/high price tag to let him [or her] decide.”

If you demand an evening at a five-star restaurant because that feels romantic to you, you might send him the vibe that you’re trying to use him or her, or that he or she has to meet specific (and pricey) expectations to be with you. Plus, Smith says that since first dates are pressure-filled enough, it’s better to choose an activity (like bowling, a movie or a walk in the park) than a formal meal, where the date can feel more like a job interview. If you do end up on a bona fide dinner date, don’t pick the most expensive item on the menu—you don’t want to pressure your date into covering something he or she might not even be able to afford on his or her college budget, and automatically assuming your date is willing and able to pay for your filet mignon will only make him or her question your character.

We’re all susceptible to first-date jitters; that’s part of the reason why first dates are so fun (and slightly scary, but in a thrilling, I-have-no-idea-what-I’m-doing kind of way that we can’t help but love)! While that first date should be about you figuring out if your date is relationship material or not, you should also keep in mind that he or she is definitely sizing you up, too. These tips will take away the risk of any pesky deal-breaking behavior, leaving you free to flirt your way to a second date. And hey, if it doesn’t work out, at least you’ll know it wasn’t because of you!

*Names have been changed.