With her long blonde hair and perfect smile, it’s safe to say that Blake Lively is not human. Or at least, she does a pretty good job of pretending that she is not. That is, until now. 

In the August issue of Elle Australia, Lively opens up about having a pretty rough time growing up and in high school just like any other teenage girl. Same, girl. Same. 

She told the magazine that she “was very introverted and very awkward in social situations” and “didn't fit in that well in high school because I was tall and shy and not very confident about myself.” Who would have thought! 

Apparently, it wasn’t until she was 16 and joined acting classes that she really began to overcome her insecurities. (And she promptly turned into the goddess that she is, we assume.) So basically, minus the braces and acne, we are the same person. Right?

We’ll be honest; sometimes we don’t take the best care of our hair. With straighteners, curling irons and blow dryers, not to mention the sun, surf and chlorine, we put our hair through hell. If you’re anything like us, your strands might be looking a little worse for wear and are definitely in need of some serious TLC. If this sounds like you, read on to find HC’s best recommendations for getting your locks back in tip-top shape.

1. Get a trim regularly

If you have super-damaged hair, you should consider chopping it off. No, we’re not talking an Emma Watson pixie cut (though that would be super cute, if you’re feeling adventurous!). Her Campus spoke with Ilonce Kopacsi, hair stylist at Spa Mosaic in Wakefield, Rhode Island, about the benefits of trimming your hair.

“If you trim your hair every eight to nine weeks, even just what’s splitting at the ends, it’s going to make your hair so much healthier,” Kopacsi says. “You’ll avoid having to cut your hair more than you’d want to later on.” We’ve all been there, and it’s not a place we want to revisit.

If you have long hair, try a style that hits you at your collarbone. Your strands are most damaged at the ends, so getting a trim will get rid of the bulk of the problem, make it much easier to deal with the rest of your hair and instantly make your locks look and feel healthier.

2. Clarify and remove any buildup

If your hair is limp, lifeless and dull, there’s a good chance you have product buildup, especially if you style your hair frequently. Try to incorporate a clarifying shampoo, likeNeutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo ($5.99), into your shower routine once a week to remove buildup and keep it from weighing your hair down. The main difference between normal shampoo and a clarifying shampoo is that a clarifier isn’t designed to moisturize your hair or smooth it down. Since clarifying shampoos are specifically designed to remove buildup, you may need to use a bit more conditioner afterwards to add moisture back into your strands.

3. Wait a day between washes

You’ve probably been told time and time again that washing your hair every day isn’t good for it, but if you’re anything like us, you’ve ignored that particular piece of advice in favor of freshly washed locks. The reason experts say to wait a day or two between washes is because over-washing your hair can strip it of its natural oils, causing it to become frizzy and brittle.

It’s not quite as dramatic as it sounds, however, as Kopacsi points out. “Some people produce more oil than others and they feel like they need to wash more often to keep their hair clean,” she says. “You do want your hair to produce the natural oils that keep it healthy, but it’s not necessarily a bad thing to wash it every day.”

If your strands are already damaged, you definitely want to prevent any further distress by allowing your hair to produce oils naturally. Try washing your hair every other day (or three to four times a week) and using a dry shampoo, like Not Your Mother’s Clean Freak Refreshing Dry Shampoo ($5.99), to control any excess shine between washes. A dry shampoo is basically an aerosol spray that you can spray into the roots of your hair to absorb oil and give the appearance of freshly washed hair, which is great for the collegiette on the go. “If you can push your hair a few days between washes, do it!”  Kopacsi says.

4. Switch to gentler styling tools and methods

If you really can’t part with pin-straight strands or bouncy curls, you should at least consider switching to gentler heat-styling products to reduce damage to your locks. Check out ionic hairdryers, which use negative ions to neutralize positive ions (which damage hair) and also speed up the drying process by breaking up H₂O molecules more quickly.

Another tip to remember is to “always use a heat protectant spray that coats your hair to protect it from the heat,” Kopacsi says. Before you touch your hair with any sort of heat tool, make sure you’re using a heat protecting spray to coat your hair and create a barrier (and also reduce frizz!).

Another thing to note is the heat of your tools; try to use the lowest possible heat that will still get the job done to avoid stressing your hair out more than necessary.

5. Use a deep-conditioning hair mask

Think of hair masks as a giant gulp of water for parched and frazzled hair. They restore shine and moisture to your locks. They also soften strands to prevent future breakage and make frizzy hair much more manageable. You can pick up a deep-conditioning mask, like L’Oreal Paris Advanced Haircare Total Repair 5 Damage Erasing Balm ($5.99), at the drugstore. Massage the mask into your hair after you shampoo and let it sit for three to five minutes before rinsing.

While a regular conditioner is also designed to moisturize your strands, a deep conditioner is left on much longer than a regular conditioner and has more heavy-duty moisturizing properties. Deep-conditioning masks tend to contain richer ingredients, making them too heavy to use on a regular basis (they will weigh down your hair), but they’re the perfect weekly treatment for dry locks. For a complete hair-care overhaul, you might want to replace your shampoo and normal conditioners as well. “Using a nice mask once or twice a week will give you that extra moisture,” Kopacsi says. “But finding shampoos and conditioners that give you added moisture or are designed for coarse or damaged hair will also help.”

If you’re more of a DIY gal, try a homemade hair mask. Generously coat wet hair with oil and comb it through—you can use olive oil, coconut oil or Moroccan argan oil, like this one from Organix ($7.99). Once you’ve applied the oil, tuck your hair into a shower cap and wrap a warm towel (fresh from the dryer!) around your head. Let everything sit for at least 10 minutes. You can also use a hairdryer to warm up the oil in the shower cap or sit outside if it’s a sunny day. After 10 to 15 minutes, remove the cap and thoroughly rinse out your hair for revitalized locks.

6. Use a protective spray at the beach

We’re so diligent about protecting our skin from the sun, but we often forget that a day at the beach can damage our hair, too. Not only can the sun bleach and fade your hair color, but it can also dry out your ends, especially if you’re taking a dip in the ocean or a pool. The chlorine in a pool can have a chemically bleaching effect on your hair, causing your hair’s natural oils to dissolve and causing friction and breakage, while the salt in the ocean dries out your strands the same way it dries out your skin.

Kopacsi explains that hair follicles absorb moisture, so before you hit the beach, apply a protective leave-in conditioner or spray, like Rene Furterer Sun Care Protective Summer Oil ($24). This waterproof spray contains a UV-blocking sunscreen and nourishing oils to help condition your hair as it protects. If you don’t have a leave-in conditioner on hand, Kopacsi recommends wetting your hair with tap water so that your hair will be too saturated to absorb any damaging salt or chlorine.

7. Restore shine with a gloss treatment

If you’re looking for instant gratification (or your cousin’s wedding is coming up and you refuse to have hair that looks like straw), a gloss treatment can work wonders on hair that’s been damaged by heat styling. Unlike normal hair dye, a gloss changes the tone rather than the color of your hair. “You can do a gloss treatment with a semi-permanent color or just a clear gloss,” Kopacsi says. “The gloss will not necessarily restore moisture, but it will add shine and brighten up dull hair and make your color more balanced with your roots.” Think of a gloss as a way to add instant life back into your locks!

The process involves coating the strands with a silicone-based gloss to penetrate strands and restore shine. After combing the gloss through the hair, the treatment is left on for 15 to 20 minutes to allow for maximum penetration. The entire process takes about 30 minutes and costs around $20 to $40. Your treatment can last up to two months, and it not only adds glossy shine, but even strengthens your hair follicles and reduces the risk of split ends. Gorgeous color and silky-soft strands? Sign us up!

While we’re definitely not asking our collegiettes to swear off straighteners and curling irons forever, giving our strands a little TLC will do wonders in the long run. Let’s all make a pact to be a little kinder to our hair and start implementing some of these practices to help our locks grow long and strong!

With the Gilmore Girls revival happening soon and Fuller House becoming a hit, it’s fairly reasonable to assume that every director or producer who worked on a TV show a couple of years ago is thinking about doing a reboot. So what we really want to know is this: What are the producers behind Gossip Girl thinking? 

As much as we would all love to see how Chuck and Blair are doing, executive directors Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage really haven’t even thought about that idea. According to E! Online, the producers admitted, "We haven't really explored some of those conversations." Ugh.

But there is a silver lining: it’s not totally off the table. Schwartz also said that “the internet has changed” and with Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and other social media networks, it would be such an interesting show to do in modern times. Plus, the two even added it'd be an easy show to revive. Imagine the possibilities!

There's also the fact that several former castmates are totally on board to come back to the show. Sebastian Stan, better known as Carter Baizen, has said "I would do it, why not?" He also added, "I got Jessica Szohr and Chace Crawford. I don't know what the rest are up to, but I'd be down. Why not?"

So basically, let’s all cross our fingers that things come through because tbh, you know you’d love it. Xoxo, Gossip Girl.

For some reason, last night’s Men Tell All episode of The Bachelorette seemed to be more about Chad than JoJo. And isn’t she the one the show is about? Either way, Chad stole the show and with good reason. He dished out numerous insulting comments, outbursts and some serious truth bombs. Here are seven things he revealed last night that we totally did not see coming.

1. He hooked up with Robby and Grant’s ex-girlfriends

As if being a total jerk on the show wasn't bad enough, Chad had to go home and get together with both Robby and Grant's exes. Now that's low. According to Chad's Instagram and what he said last night, Grant apparently used his ex-girlfriend's job (she's a reality TV producer) to get on the show and then promptly broke up with her.

2. Robby broke up with his girlfriend days before filming

Chad's statements do match up with the drama that happened on the show. Apparently, Robby broke up with Hope days before filming, and Chad is standing by that, no matter what Robby says. And because Chad has no shame, he posted a pic of himself making out with Hope on Instagram just to make a point. Ruthless.

3. Jordan is a "liar and a cheater"

While Chad was going off on the final two contestants and "wishing JoJo luck and happiness," he also happened to throw in a few insults. He claimed that Jordan is actually not a good person at all and is instead a liar and a cheater. He also recommended that JoJo watch her back. Oh boy. 

4. Evan pushed Chad

This was probably the most redeeming moment of the whole night for Chad. When Chris Harrison decided to play back the footage of Chad ripping Evan's shirt, it actually became quite evident that Evan did, in fact, push Chad. While Evan probably didn't deserve getting his shirt ripped, it wasn't totally uncalled for. Thanks, Chris, for revealing the truth!

5. Robby threatened his ex

According to Chad, Robby threatened his ex-girlfriend, saying that she couldn't talk to any press, do interviews, etc. or something bad would happen. Chad didn't go into detail and explain what exactly he meant by that because he probably knows that's a pretty serious claim to make. But it does raise a lot of questions.

6. Jordan “played” him

Last night, Chad also revealed that him and Jordan actually sort of used to get along—that is, until the cameras started rolling. Chad said that he would be having a nice conversation with Jordan and suddenly Jordan would turn on him. If that isn't sketchy, then we don't know what is…

7. Chase's pocket square didn't match his shirt

Not quite a truth bomb but definitely hilarious. Thanks, Chad, for pointing out something we would have never noticed.

Keep doing you, dude. But frankly, we would really like to see less of you. Bye.

In her speech given Monday at the Democratic National Convention, First Lady Michelle Obama chose to focus on the significance of her family being African-American and living in the White House. One powerful line in particular has gained attention worldwide. "I wake up every morning in a house that was built by slaves," said the first lady. "I watch my daughters—two beautiful, intelligent, black women—playing with their dogs on the White House lawn."

Obama meant for this comment to be a positive, to show the growth that our nation is capable of. While some felt her speech was moving and applauded her work, others felt that she was not focusing on the right topics. One Twitter user even said, "I think Michelle Obama mistook a speech for bad slam poetry."

Fox News host Bill O'Reilly decided to fact check this line of the FLOTUS keynote. Commenting on his show The O'Reilly Factor on Tuesday, O'Reilly said, "[the] slaves that worked there were well fed and had decent lodgings provided by the government." He pointed out that the government itself had stopped hiring slave labor in 1802, but did not have any rules or regulations agains sub-contractors using slave labor. O'Reilly concluded that while yes, there were slaves working on the white house, they were working along with others as well.

O'Reilly's comment sparked outrage, with many pointing out across social media that the slaves being "well fed" and having "decent lodging" does not change the fact that they were still slaves. He seemed to be defending the government's choices, but it also sounded to many like he was defending the practice of slavery as a whole. While he's correct that slaves were not the only ones who worked on the White House, he still made it seem okay that forced labor was utilized at all.

It's important to remember that while some slaves may have been treated better than others, there were many living in inhumane conditions that tend to be ignored in our society—and that no amount of good treatment makes up for the fact that slaves were considered property and never received payment for their work. Vox explained that while immigrants, free black people and some white people worked along with the slaves, it was mainly the slaves and black people who were forced to do most of the heavy lifting and digging. In addition, slave owners received payment and recognition, while the slaves who actually built the White House faded into the background.

Michelle Obama has not commented on his response to her speech.

Activists and protesters alike are outraged after an attorney was sent to jail for wearing a Black Lives Matter pin in the courtroom.

Attorney Andrea Burton was in the middle of defending her client in a Youngstown, Ohio courtroom on Friday, wearing a Black Lives Matter pin on her blazer. Judge Robert Milich demanded that she remove the small badge, according to WKBN 27. After Burton refused to take off the pin, Milich ordered the bailiffs remove her from the courtroom and take her into custody for contempt of court.

Now, activists are arguing that this was a violation of Burton’s First Amendment rights to express her support for the anti-racism movement. "It raises questions for the rest of us, for black lawyers and black defendants, about whether we can feel comfortable that he will separate his beliefs and his work," said NAACP attorney Kim Akins to the Huffington Post. 

Mike Brickner, a senior policy director at the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio, told The Daily Beast that "in a courtroom, it’s a very tightly controlled environment where the judge has pretty wide latitude to control what goes on." This can include courtroom dress code, especially if the judge finds a piece of your wardrobe distracting.  

"A judge doesn’t support either side," Milich told WKBN, defending his decision. "A judge is objective and tries to make sure everyone has an opportunity to have a fair hearing, and it was a situation where it was just in violation of the law...[t]here’s a difference between a flag, a pin from your church or the Eagles, and having a pin that’s on a political issue."

According to The Daily Beast, Burton had worn her pin for two days prior to Milich asking her to remove the pin. He sentenced her to five days in jail, which activists think is a harsh sentence for a contempt of court charge. Although Burton is currently released since her lawyer filed an appeal, she could still face five days in jail if the appeal is denied, the Huffington Post reports.

"No one wearing an American flag button, no one wearing a crucifix or a Star of David would be removed, so why this particular statement bothered him so much is bothersome,” Akins said, implying that the Judge's personal opinions could have skewed his judgment. 

This is not the first time that Judge Milich has made such a controversial decision. In June 2015, Milich announced that he would not be officiating any marriages after the Supreme Court ruled that same-sex marriage was legal. Apparently, he was "confused" as to whether judges had the duty or simply the option to marry same-sex couples, NBC affiliate WFMJ reported at the time.  

While Milich argued that the button represented a political issue, president of Youngstown’s NAACP chapter George Freeman Jr. disagreed. "This is just a movement," said Freeman. "This isn’t on the ballot anywhere. This is a movement. This is totally different."

On Tuesday night at the Democratic National Convention, a group of women called 'Mothers of the Movement' stepped onstage to give their support to Hillary Clinton. The group is made up of black women who have lost their children to police and gun violence. They believe that working with Clinton will help with their goal to end racist violence.

As the women made their way up on stage, the crowd chanted "Black Lives Matter" in support. The first to speak, Geneva Reed-Vead, shared the story of her daughter, 28-year-old Sandra Bland, and all the pain that came with discovering Bland died in a situation that is all too common in the U.S. She stated that she is "with her" because Hillary "is a leader and a mother, who will say our children's names. She knows that when a young black life is cut short, it's not just a loss, it's a personal loss."

Eight other mothers stood beside Reed-Vead, including Trayvon Martin's mother Sybrina Fulton; Eric Garner's mother Gwen Carr; and Michael Brown's mother Lezley McSpadden. 

The mothers told powerful stories about their children's senseless deaths, including Lucia McBath, mother of 17-year-old Jordan Davis. McBath shared that her son's life "ended the day he was shot and killed for playing loud music." She explained that she "lived in fear my son would die like this," as so many other parents of black children do now. McBath is choosing to support Clinton because she "isn't afraid to say 'Black Lives Matter.'" She said Clinton has encouraged these women to come up with an answer to nation's issue of systemic racism. 

Fulton was the third to speak. “I am an unwilling participant in this movement. I would not have signed up for this or any other mother that’s standing here with me today. But I am here today for my son, Trayvon Martin, who is in heaven,” Fulton said. “I didn’t want this spotlight. But will I do everything I can to focus some of that light on a path out of this darkness." 

She stands behind Clinton because Clinton has shown that she has "the courage to lead the fight for common sense gun legislation."

The mothers urged everyone to go out and vote this election, because a win for Clinton and her gun-control policies could mean a lot for other 'Mothers of the Movement'—mothers who suffered the loss of a child too early.

Yesterday afternoon, MTV finally announced the nominees for this year's VMAs. Although female artists like Adele and Ariana Grande appear in several categories, Beyoncé takes the prize for the most nominations this year—with a whopping 11 nominations!

Considering the global impact of Beyoncé and her music, we're honestly not surprised that she has a chance to win an award in nearly every category. And because Beyoncé slays, we know that this year's VMAs will be a successful one for the "Formation" singer. Bey's nominations include Video of the Year for "Formation," Best Female Video for "Hold Up," and Best Collaboration for "Freedom" featuring Kendrick Lamar.

Since literally everyone was talking about the "Formation" video for weeks, that track also received nominations for Best Pop Video, Best Choreography, Best Direction and Best Cinematography. Other nominations include Best Art Direction for "Hold Up" and Best Editing for "Formation." Oh, and let's not forget that Lemonade is nominated for Breakthrough Long-Form Video, which is a brand new category this year.

Will Queen B rack up an award for each category she's nominated in? Tune in on Sunday, August 28, to find out!

Hold on just a second, Stars Hollow. We've got the news we have all been waiting anxiously for: the release date of the much-anticipated Gilmore Girls revival!

WE. ARE. FREAKING. OUT! Get the pizza and dessert sushi ready because we're anticipating laughs, tears and quite a few laugh-till-you-cry moments. And the pop culture references? They are going to be everything we hoped for. Given Rory and Lorelai's early discussions of Hillary Clinton, we can only imagine if they'll work her running for president into the mix somehow. 

Save the date, because on Friday, November 25, you can watch all four 90-minute episodes of the revival. Until then, you can settle for watching this clip over and over again. We know we will be.

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It seems like a hit song and stunning music video do not a VMA nomination make. With Tuesday's release of the VMA nominations recognizing artists like Beyoncé, Adele and Ariana Grande, a number of other music industry faves were overlooked completely. 

The biggest shock of all was the lack of nominations for Taylor Swift. Despite the release of gorgeous music videos for "Out of the Woods" and "Wildest Dreams," Taylor was passed over by the VMAs. Reports have suggested that Taylor might not have submitted her name for nomination, but nevertheless, her absence is noted. 

Selena Gomez didn't snag a single nomination either, despite an otherwise incredible year. 

Speaking of girl power, Demi Lovato has had a breakout year. Although she was technically recognized for her video collaboration with Fall Out Boy, none of her solo work made it onto the VMAs' radar.  

And despite the attention Meghan Trainor's "Me Too" music video garnered after that Photoshop scandal, it wasn't enough to secure a nod.

When it comes to male artists, Zayn Malik and Nick Jonas were also noteably snubbed.

While there are plenty of names we are excited to see on the VMA nominations list (Beyoncé definitely deserved every single one of her 11 noms!), some of the names left out feel like definite snubs. 

Not too long ago, Lauren Conrad confirmed that The Hills was returning to MTV—in the form of a 10-year anniversary reunion special. Since then, diehard Hills fans have been eagerly anticipating the special event, preparing for all the nostalgia that is sure to accompany it. With the air date fast approaching, it's only fair that fans finally get a teaser trailer, which shows what to exepect from The Hills: That Was Then, This Is Now.

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Sure, the show might have been the source of drama in the lives of Lauren and her castmates, but we'd like to think that they'll be able to discuss the beloved show in a far more mature way. In the teaser, Lauren assures viewers that she will spill all the juicy details, including the ones that didn't make it on camera. "So often, we would say, like, 'If you knew the real story, you would understand.' And what I would like to do is tell that story," Lauren says. 

In addition to sharing secrets from the beloved show, the reunion special will also give fans an inisde look into Lauren's current life—including coverage of her magical wedding. 

Be sure to set your DVRs and tune in!

Throughout all the drama on this season of The Bachelorette, one thing we've all been wondering is what Aaron Rodgers (aka Jordan's brother) thinks about his younger sibling being a contestant on the widely popular show. Thanks to a recent interview, we now know his thoughts—and let's just say they're not the most optimistic. 

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If you've been following The Bachelorette, then you know that Jordan and Aaron aren't on good terms. In fact, Jordan admitted on the show that he hasn't spoken to Aaron in years. "I miss my brother a lot," Jordan said. "Especially in moments like this because my family means so much." 

When asked about Jordan, the Green Bay Packers quarterback seemed to feel quite differently than his brother. "I haven't seen the show, to be honest with you, so it hasn't really affected me a whole lot," Aaron said.

Aaron also made it clear that he has no interest in speaking to the media about matters between him and his estranged brother. "As far as those kinds of things go, I've always found that it's a little inappropriate to talk publicly about some family matters, so I'm just...I'm not going to speak on those things, but I wish him well in the competition."

Hmm, sounds to us like there is still bad blood between these brothers. Even though we are dying to know what Aaron thinks about Jordan airing out their dirty laundry on the show (and placing most of the blame for their strained relationship on the QB), it looks like this is the only answer we will be getting from Aaron.

In an emotional scene at last night’s Democratic National Convention, Bernie Sanders’s brother, Larry, cast his vote for the Senator from Vermont. He was one of the delegates for Democrats Abroad, and he dedicated his vote to his and Bernie's parents, whom he said would be proud of their son’s accomplishments. During the heartfelt moment, both Sanders brothers struggled to hold back tears, and although the final count of the delegate votes meant the end of Sanders’s presidential run, the touching scene left a poignant mark on the end of an inspiring campaign.

Watch the video below—We dare you not to cry!

While studying abroad anywhere will probably be a magical experience, the plethora of options available can make the decision rather overwhelming. As amazing as it would be to just go everywhere, most people only get one semester abroad. You want to make sure you end up somewhere that suits your style. If you’re truly stumped, it never hurts to let the stars decide for you—or at least see what they have to say.  

Aquarius

As an intelligent humanitarian, an Aquarius needs to go somewhere she can get involved. But as a person who lives outside of the box, a unique cultural experience is also a must. You won’t be satisfied with sightseeing in Western Europe.

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Places in need of your care and ideas will be the most beneficial for you and those you help. Ghana’s modernized city life in Accra will give you interesting cultural immersion, while the problems of poverty, corruption, illiteracy and hunger facing the region will welcome your innovative help.

Pisces

As a romantic, a Pisces craves a study abroad destination that looks like it came straight out of a chick flick. You thrive around the water, obvi, but also need an outlet for your creativity and compassion.

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Surrounded by water and overflowing with culture, Greece would serve as the ideal host for a Pisces girl. The vibrant colors and crystal blue ocean suit the Pisces lifestyle, as does the warm nature of the locals. If you’re lucky, maybe you’ll find a cute fisherman to keep you company, too.

Aries

The confident and energetic Aries needs to go somewhere adventurous. You take charge and aren’t afraid of a little risk and danger.

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The nature of New Zealand creates a perfect playground for an Aries. From hiking the Fox Glacier to exploring the volcanic Tongariro National Park, you’ll stay amused—or die trying.

Taurus

A bit Type-A in nature, a Taurus probably wants to study abroad somewhere not terribly far outside her comfort zone—a place where she can make a plan and be her true, tourist-y Taurus self.

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London would be the perfect place for a Taurus to experience a slightly different culture without being overwhelmed by a language barrier. From there you could perfectly schedule all of the tours and weekend trips you want, in order to make the most of your time abroad.

Gemini

Gemini need constant stimulation for all of the facets of their personality. The hustle and bustle of an urban city would satisfy your curiosity and give you plenty of people to talk to.

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Tokyo’s fast-paced environment and large population would be enough to keep even the most impatient of Gemini busy while they study abroad. The uber-modernized city is the perfect environment to keep a Gemini from complaining of boredom, and even the language barrier won’t stop you from chatting with a stranger.

Cancer

Cancers are stereotypically considered homebodies, but that doesn’t mean they can’t have a fantastic time abroad too. A site near water without too much culture shock would be ideal for you.  

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As the only English-speaking country in South America, Belize shouldn’t give a Cancer too much anxiety. The underrated tropical paradise’s beaches will make for a lovely (temporary) home away from home.

Related: How You Can Actually Afford to Study Abroad

Leo

Always in the mood for a dramatic adventure, the confident Leo must travel somewhere where she can have a good time and show off her exuberant personality.

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What could be better than Barcelona, Spain, for a firecracker like you? The warm streets of Barcelona are the perfect place for you to strut your stuff, just like the Cheetah Girls. Plus, the energetic nightlife will let you continue to live it up into the wee hours of the morning.  

Virgo

Tender and nurturing, Virgos thrive when they are caring for others. Humble and down-to-earth, your time studying abroad would best be served helping others.

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A Virgo would feel right at home surrounded by the nature of Thailand. Plus, helping the underdeveloped areas of the country will make your time abroad even more fulfilling.

Libra

Libras cannot tolerate injustice but are also non-confrontational. They enjoy peace and harmony and would enjoy studying somewhere low-stress where they can relax with friends.

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Consistently considered one of the happiest countries in the world, Denmark—with its picturesque scenery and quaint cities—is sure to be a stress-free study abroad locale for you.

Scorpio

Never one to take the easy road, Scorpios love exciting places where they can experience new things and come out as improved versions of themselves.

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A Semester at Sea would be the perfect adventure for a Scorpio, who is definitely up to the challenge of living on a boat. With common stops including places like Peru and Brazil, you’d be sure to encounter your fair share of adventure.

Sagittarius

Typical study abroad locations like Paris and Rome just won’t cut it for a Sagittarius. Your curiosity won’t be satisfied with any tourist traps (no offense, Taurus), and you will naturally wander far, far off of the beaten path.

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Jordan cuts it close to the Middle East without putting you in the midst of serious danger. A Sagittarius would love to experience a culture so different from her own and be somewhere others often shy away from.

Capricorn

Characterized as serious and traditional, a Capricorn’s ideal study abroad location would have to be one with a rich history and culture.

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Somewhere with art and beauty like Rome would be perfect for a Capricorn. You could geek out over all of the history of the Roman Empire and the various historical sites in the area. No shame.

If you get to spend a semester studying abroad, you should thank your lucky stars. Might as well let those same lucky stars help you pick where to go, right?  

As much as we'd all like to think we're total trendsetters and one-of-a-kind girlfriends, it's pretty safe to say there's a little bit of basic in every collegiette. But why does that have to be a bad thing? Despite the stigmas associated with this lifestyle, there are advantages to having today's basic girl in your life that go beyond having someone to Netflix and chill with.

1. She’ll help you order at Starbucks

He'll have the Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino® with two pumps of chocolate and whip, please.

2. She’s always down to get food

Chipotle? Do you even have to ask?

3. She knows the perfect filter to enhance your features

Valencia looks so great on you, babe.

4. She’s totally cool with Netflix and chill

But there better be at least some Netflix involved.

5. She always knows what’s going on with the Kardashians

You'll never guess what Kim did this episode! 

6. She’ll know when a fashion trend is out before you knew it was in

It's essential knowledge, really.

7. Her “diet” only lasts until she sees a piece of pizza

I don't care what I said two hours ago, I need it. 

8. She’s easy to get gifts for

Chocolate, coffee, makeup, clothes - the choice is yours.

9. She’s the best gift giver

Just call me the Amazon Prime princess.

10. Her idea of the perfect weekend is bingewatching every season of Gossip Girl

If I accidentally call you Chuck, it's only cause I kind of wish you were him.

11. She finds pleasure in the little things

Just the broke the 100-like mark on my latest IG so yeah, today's pretty bomb.

12. She’ll always finish your fries for you

I'm not just going to let you be wasteful.

13. You’ll always be the *star* of her Snap Story

Let's prove to everyone we're having so much more fun than them!

14. She’ll be devoted to making sure your relationship is the envy of all her followers

Can you go ask that random stranger to take a pic of us kissing on the beach?

15. She’ll answer your texts cause her phone is always by her side

But she'll probably wait a few minutes to respond each time to prove she's not desperate. 

16. She’ll let you use her Netflix password

Mostly in emergency situations... like when you don't have one.

17. Sweatpants, hair tied, chillin’ with no makeup on is basically a permanent state for her

Maybe we should just eat in cause going to a restaurant requires me to be pretty.

18. She will love your dog just as much as you

Maybe a little more, to be honest.

19. She’ll easily be friends with all the other basic girls you know 

Girl, where did you get that romper? I love it!

Having a unique name is both a blessing and a curse, but mostly a curse. When your name is uncommon it comes at a price, and if you happen to be part of the club, you'll definitely be able to relate. 

1. The annoyance that comes with having to listen to people continuously mispronounce your name.

2. Having a mini heart attack when a restaurant hostess asks for your name.

3. Immediately raising your hand as soon as there is a pause in the roll call.

4. Automatically spelling out your name when someone asks for it.

5. Repeatedly asking your parents if they're positive we've been pronouncing it correctly.

6. Getting asked if we're foreign.

7. The feeling of having a complete stranger pronounce your name correctly on their first try.

8. When you correct someone’s mispronunciation and they continue to say it wrong.

9. Giving a fake name to the Starbucks barista.

10. That time when Coca Cola started the name campaign...

11. Never being able to find a cute souvenir with your name on it.

12. And knowing that your name isn't here, but still looking for it just incase.

13. Cellphones refusing to recognize your name as a word.

14. People thinking its a typo.

15. Microsoft Word underlining your name with that annoying red line.

16. When the only thing you can find about your name’s meaning is on Urban Dictionary.

17. Or not even being able to find it on Urban Dictionary.

18. Having your own family occasionally mispronounce or misspell your name.

19. You occasionally misspelling it.

When it comes to falling in and out of love, it sometimes feels like you’re literally just falling for the same type of guy again and again…and again. If you’re the girl who gets out of a relationship that you know was wrong for you and begins fawning over the next wrong guy who comes your way, then you are a serial bad boy dater. You inevitably find yourself constantly going for the guy who is just like the last one, and thus are stuck in a never-ending circle of repeated relationships. But it isn’t always easy spotting your “bad boy” type. He can come in many forms, from basketball shorts and cutoffs to khakis and polos—this boy is versatile and not always easy to spot. So we’ve spoken to Dr. Carole Lieberman, Media Psychiatrist and bestselling author of Bad Boys: Why We Love Them, How to Live with Them and When to Leave Them, as well as some collegiettes with first-hand experience to create a guide that will break your bad boy pattern.

1. Identify your bad boy type

Unfortunately, these boys have some sort of invisibility cloak that makes their not-so-good personalities stay hidden underneath a smile or six-pack, or whatever it is that makes you swoon. The key to spotting one is recognizing some characteristics that blind you from seeing a less than perfect personality. Take the time to think about the traits that are truly important to you. Rock hard abs will eventually fade to flab, but a guy who can make you laugh will last forever.

Dr. Lieberman also suggests that “when you find yourself at a party or in class, checking out the guys, and one of them gets your attention, ask yourself why you’re attracted to him. Does he seem cocky or flirty or self-absorbed? Does he seem like the usual type you’re attracted to, who ends up breaking your heart? If he seems like a player and you find yourself wondering whether you could be the one to tame him, it is not a good sign.”

Recognizing the telltale signs isare what prevents you from pursuing a bad boy in the first place, which can prevent all the heartache and emotional turbulence that occurs once you get in too deep. If you can spot one early, then you are off to a good start.

2. Distinguish between bad boys and boys that are bad for you

This is important to understand, because according to Dr. Lieberman, “Bad boys are heartbreakers. Boys that are bad for you may just be a wrong fit, such as being from a different background, living far away, having dreams that are incompatible with yours, wanting a different lifestyle, and so on. They don’t want to break your heart, but they are just not right for you.”

The former are the ones who you can sometimes spot in the wild and avoid at all costs, based off of rude mannerisms, or excessive selfies, but the second are harder to spot because they might be a great guy, but not a great guy for you. Sometimes finding out that they’re not right may take longer to see, but if they are immediately impolite or emotionally draining, then throw them in the first category and kick 'em to the curb.

Peyton, a freshman at James Madison University, agrees. “[I think] bad boys are the ones that want to change you,” she says. “They might tell you to change how you dress or wear your hair. If you’re going out and he says something like, 'Ooh, you’re wearing that tonight?' then I feel like that’s a bad sign. But if he’s just not a good fit it might be because you just don’t have many things in common.”

Determining the difference between a guy who just doesn't care and a guy who just doesn't fit is key. Like Peyton says, look for warning signs that he is disrespectful or trying to change you into someone you're not. If that's the issue, you're probably dealing with a not-so-great guy. But if he's just not into Sunday brunches and doesn't fit into your lifestyle, then he might just be a bad fit.

Related: 5 Things That Shouldn't Matter If You're With the Right Person

3. Determine why you're attracted to them

Figuring this one out is more complicated than you'd think. In a perfect world, we would see all of the red flags and realize that relationship deja vu is inevitable, but instead, we seem to be attracted to the exact type of guy we just swore off of. So what makes them such a temptation?

Some pyschologists would attribute the attraction to underlying father-daughter issues. Dr. Lieberman believes that "the type of relationship you have with your dad determines what kind of bad boy you will be attracted to. And if you have had more than one 'dad,' that is, a biological father and a stepfather, for example, you may be attracted to more than one type of bad boy.” 

However, there are some who believe it's simply our desire to change a person, or go for the guy you know is a bad fit just for the attention. Marie Knoll, a junior at the University of South Carolina, also thinks that “a lot of other people go for guys who seem hard to get or 'out of their league' just because the chase is fun and a challenge, but then in the chance they end up liking you back, you end up not even liking them.”

Both situations are definitely plausible, and in either event, the key to understanding the attraction is to realize that it’s okay to fall for a bad boy once in a while, as long as perpetually going for the wrong guy isn’t your MO. Dr. Lieberman even says that “most of us are attracted to bad boys at least some of the time.”

4. Assess if he's a bad fit

This can be hard to determine because it’s easy to get lost in the moment. But it’s important to determine if he is building you up or breaking you down, and there are a few ways to determine which it is. Dr. Lieberman says that one of the biggest patterns to recognize is the interaction you have with said boy. 

"If you are always trying to please him and feel like you’re always walking on eggshells, he isn’t the right fit," she says. "A bad boy likes to keep girls a little off-kilter so that he can be in control. But, a good relationship is one that you feel comfortable in and where you are treated with respect."

Sarah Westbrook, a junior at the University of South Carolina, agrees and believes that one of the ways to know a guy isn’t right for you is to see how he affects your confidence.

“I’ve gotten into situations where the guy I like is not someone who makes me feel good about myself,” she says. “I guess I came to realize it when I felt like I needed to change lots of things about myself and didn't feel as confident.” 

The most important thing to keep in mind is whether you are happy more often than not. The right guy will make you feel safe and confident in yourself. If you feel smothered or unimportant, then it's probably time to move on.

5. Break out of the bad boy cycle

The torturous pattern of heartbreak always leaves you thinking: “How did this happen again?” The repeated mistakes are always caught too late, and you find yourself in the same situation you know all too well. Some psychologists, like Dr. Lieberman, attribute the continuous cycle to tumultuous parenting relationships, but this isn't always necessarily the case. 

Allie, a junior at the University of Michigan, says that once she removed herself from the situation, she was able to see why she kept going for the wrong guy:

“Ben would do this super manipulative thing—when I was very, very drunk once, he took care of me all night and was very kind and sweet. And then he'd always joke whenever I drank anything after and said, ‘I call not taking care of her’ and everyone would laugh. It made me feel so guilty. When I confronted him about it he said, ‘I was just joking, I'll always take care of you, but I doubt anyone else would.’ [Now I] look back at all the guys and realize wow how did I fall for the same kind of guy? It's because it always starts great and it always starts with respect and kindness. It's so so so important to understand that you should keep receiving the same respect and kindness the whole way through, and you should do that for the guy as well."

Allie’s story is a great example because it shows that those snide comments and little digs do matter. You shouldn’t stand for it and you should recognize that you deserve better, because your guy should be the one to build you up, not tear you down.

6. Accept that you are moving past the bad boy stage

Sometimes this means going to others for help. Dr. Lieberman says that going it alone isn't always the best route, and seeking help from a therapist is a good way to resolve your bad-boy-bad-habit. Therapy can be a great way to express feelings that you might not feel comfortable sharing with others. Although this is only for the girls who are unable to break the habit, it’s a good option to have. Sometimes talking to another person in general is also a good way to rifle through your bad boy issues. The input of an outsider is a great way to get a second opinion and an unbiased point of view.

If you don't feel like therapy is right for you though, then reach out to someone close to you. Whether it's your mom, best friend or sister, having someone else to provide that outside perspective will make it easier for you to accept what changes need to be made and finally work toward finding the guy who's right for you.

7. Recognize why it's scary to move on and overcome it

Once you’ve found the source of your problem, the next step is to tackle it, but that’s easier said than done. Dr. Lieberman attributes this to the fact that “girls are often afraid of moving past the bad boy stage because they are afraid of the intimacy that a relationship with a good boy brings. Bad boys keep the girl at an emotional distance, which is frustrating, but also comforting in a way.”

Opening up to another person is scary and uncertain, which makes these guys perfect because they don’t provide an emotional connection. But to find a relationship that you are happy and comfortable in, the emotional aspect is imperative. It’s totally terrifying to reveal your worst and best parts to your SO, but having the ability to do so means that you’re with the right type of guy. An even if you haven’t found the right guy yet, that’s okay too. Allie reminds us that “it’s far better to be single than be with someone who doesn’t give you the utmost kindness and respect.”

Falling for the bad boy isn’t always easy to prevent, but keep in mind that you deserve to be with someone who enhances your life. That doesn’t mean that it will always be rainbows and butterflies, but if you feel happy and respected, then he isn’t one of the bad eggs—keep him around.

Click here to download a printable version of this list!

We at HC know there are few things more daunting than packing up your life to move into your (really tiny) dorm or apartment at college, especially if you’re a freshman. What do you need to bring with you? What sounds like a great idea to pack now, but will just end up unused and taking up precious closet space? What if you forget something important (hello, health insurance card) and you can’t get it until Thanksgiving?

Lucky for you, we know exactly what you need to bring to college. Just use this all-inclusive checklist that covers everything from bedding to food to medicine, and you’re guaranteed to not have any of those awful “oh-no-I-forgot-X-important-thing” moments on move-in day.

CollegePackingList_HUB.jpg

Click here to download a printable version of this list!

Bedding

• Bedbug-protecting mattress cover
• Duvet and duvet cover or comforter set  (HC Pick: IKEA SMÖRBOLL) 
• Foam topper
• Mattress pad
• Pillowcases
• Pillows
• Sleeping bag or air mattress
• Throw blanket (HC Pick: IKEA EIVOR)
• Throw pillows (HC Pick: IKEA MATTRAM) 
• Twin XL bed skirt
• Twin XL sheet set (and an extra set) (HC Pick: IKEA DVALA) 

Room

• Additional seating (beanbag chair, folding chair, comfy chair, etc.) (HC Pick: IKEA TOBIAS) 
• Adhesive hooks and strips (that come off cleanly)
• Alarm clock (HC Pick: IKEA VÄCKIS) 
• Area rug (HC Pick: IKEA SÖFTEN) 
• Bed risers (HC Pick: IKEA ANDFISKÅ) 
• Bedside table (HC Pick: IKEA RAST) 
• Bulletin board and/or dry erase board (HC Pick: IKEA VÄGGIS) 
• Closet organizer
• Coffee table (HC Pick: IKEA LACK) 
• Curtain rods (if needed)
• Curtains (HC Pick: IKEA VIVAN) 
• Dorm trunk
• Floor lamp (HC Pick: IKEA SVIRVEL) 
• Full-length mirror
• Futon
• Hangers (HC Pick: IKEA BUMERANG) 
• Jewelry organizer (HC Pick: IKEA PALLRA) 
• Jewelry safe
• Over-the-door storage units
• Photos
• Picture frames or photo clips (HC Pick: IKEA FISKBO) 
• Push pins/magnets/whiteboard markers
• Shoe rack
• Skirt hangers
• Space bags
• Stepladder
• Trashcan (HC Pick: IKEA FNISS) 
• Underbed storage (HC Pick: IKEA SKUBB) 
• Wall art (posters, wall decals, etc.) (HC Pick: IKEA PJÄTTERYD)
• Wonder Hangers

Laundry

• Bleach
• Color catchers
• Drying rack
• Fabric softener
• Garment bag
• Iron
• Ironing board (HC Pick: IKEA JÄLL) 
• Laundry detergent
• Laundry hamper or bag (HC Pick: IKEA FYLLEN) 
• Lingerie bag
• Lint brush (HC Pick: IKEA BÄSTIS) 
• Portable stain remover pen
• Quarters
• Sewing kit
• Stain remover

Food

• Bottled water
• Bread
• Bulk snacks (candy, granola, dried fruit, etc.)
• Cereal
• Coffee
• Coffee creamer
• Easy Mac
• Granola bars
• Instant hot chocolate
• Instant oatmeal
• Peanut butter and jelly
• Popcorn
• Ramen
• SK Energy Shots
• Soup
• SpaghettiOs
• Sugar

Desk/School Supplies - Want more HC picks? Shop our faves at Office Depot! 

• Address book
• Backpack or tote bag
• Binder clips
• Binders
• Business cards
• Calculator
• Calendar
• Cards/notes to send home
• Clicker (if you need one for class)
• Desk chair
• Desk lamp
• Desk organizer
• Envelopes
• Erasers
• File folder for important documents
• Folders
• Glue
• Highlighters
• Hole punch
• Index cards
• Journal
• Laptop fan/stand
• Leisure books (one or two)
• Letter opener
• Notebook paper
• Notebooks
• Notepads
• Paper clips
• Pencil case
• Pencil sharpener
• Pencils
• Pens/colored pens (HC Pick: Paper Mate® InkJoy® Gel Pens) 
• Planner
• Portfolio/portfolio case for interviews
• Post-it notes
• Rubber bands
• Ruler
• Scissors
• Stamps
• Staple remover
• Stapler (HC Pick: See Jane Work® Stapler) 
• Staples
• Tape
• Textbooks
• Three-hole punch
• Wite-Out

Kitchen Supplies

• Blender
• Bottle opener
• Broom
• Can opener
• Chip clips
• Coffee maker (if your school allows it) (HC Pick: IKEA UPPHETTA) 
• Dish towels
• Dishes (bowls, plates, cups)
• Dishwashing soap
• Disinfecting wipes
• Duster
• Dustpan
• Glass cleaner
• Hand soap
• Microwave (if your school allows it)
• Mini fridge (if your school allows it)
• Mini vacuum
• Mugs
• Oven mitt
• Paper plates
• Paper towels
• Plastic wrap
• Reusable water bottle
• Sealable plastic bags
• Sponges
• Swiffer
• Tinfoil
• Toaster (if your school allows it)
• Trash bags
• Travel mug (HC Pick: IKEA EFTERSÖKT) 
• Tupperware
• Utensils (HC Pick: IKEA DITO) 
• Water boiler
• Water filter pitcher

Tech

• Batteries
• Camera
• Chargers (phone, laptop, camera, etc.)
• DVD player
• DVDs
• E-reader
• Ethernet cable
• Extension cords
• External hard drive
• Flash drives (HC Pick: EMTEC Wallpaper USB 2.0 Flash Drive) 
• HDMI cable
• Headphones and spare headphones (HC Pick: JLab JBuds Diego Earbuds) 
• iPod/MP3 player
• Keyboard
• Lap desk
• Laptop
• Laptop Case
• Microsoft Office
• Portable phone charger
• Printer
• Printer ink
• Printer paper
• Recording device for lectures
• Router
• SD card for camera
• Spare cables
• Speakers
• Surge protectors
• Tablet
• TV
• TV stand
• Video game consoles
• Video games
• Wireless mouse

Bathroom

• Air freshener
• Bath pouf
• Bath towels
• Bathrobe
• Bathroom cleaning supplies (if you need them for your dorm: i.e., drain cleaner, glass cleaner, rubber gloves, shower cleaner, sponges, toilet brush, toilet cleaner)
• Bathroom rug
• Hand towels
• Loofah
• Scale
• Shower caddy
• Shower cap
• Shower curtain and rings (if needed)
• Shower mat
• Shower organizer (if your school allows it)
• Shower shoes
• Tumbler/cup
• Upgraded showerhead (if your school allows it)
• Washcloths

Toiletries

Products

• Acne medicine/cream
• Antibacterial gel
• Bar soap
• Body wash
• Conditioner
• Deodorant
• Eye cream
• Face wash
• Hair gel
• Hair mousse
• Hairspray
• Lip balm
• Lotion (HC Pick: Vera Bradley Body Lotion)
• Makeup
• Makeup remover
• Moisturizer
• Mouthwash
• Nail polish
• Nail polish remover
• Shampoo
• Shaving Cream
• Sunscreen
• Toothpaste
• Wax

Supplies

• Blow dryer
• Bobby pins
• Comb
• Contacts, solution, and case
• Cotton balls
• Cotton swabs
• Curling iron
• Diffusers
• Eyeglass cleaner
• Eyeglasses and case
• Floss
• Hair clips
• Hair curlers
• Hair straightener
• Hair ties (HC Pick: Vera Bradley Shimmery Stretch Hair Ties)
• Hairbrush
• Hand mirror
• Headbands
• Nail clippers
• Nail files
• Pumice stone
• Razor
• Round brush
• Sunglasses
• Sweatbands
• Tampons and pads
• Tissues
• Toilet paper
• Toothbrush
• Toothbrush holder
• Tweezers

Clothing

• Athletic sneakers
• Bathing suits
• Belts
• Bras
• Casual dresses
• Casual shoes
• Costume clothing for theme parties/extracurricular events
• Dress tape
• Everyday purse (HC Pick: Vera Bradley Satchel)
• Flats
• Flip-flops (HC Pick: Vera Bradley Flip Flops)
• Formal clutch
• Formal dress
• Gloves
• Going-out clothes
• Going-out purse (HC Pick: Vera Bradley Ultimate Crossbody)
• Gym bag (HC Pick: Vera Bradley Preppy Poly Yoga Sport Bag)
• Hats
• Heels
• Jeans
• Jackets
• Jewelry
• Leggings
• Little black dress
• Long-sleeve shirts
• Pajamas (HC Pick: Vera Bradley Summer Pajamas)
• Pants
• Pea coat
• Professional clothing (dress, dress pants, button-down shirts, skirts, blazers, shoes, purse)
• Rain boots
• Raincoat
• Regular boots
• Scarves (HC Pick: Vera Bradley Oversized Scarf)
• Semi-formal dresses
• Short-sleeve shirts
• Shorts
• Skirts
• Slippers
• Snow boots
• Socks
• Socks for rain boots
• Spanx
• Sports bras
• Sweaters
• Sweatpants
• Sweatshirts
• T-shirts
• Tank tops
• Tights
• Underwear
• Watch
• Winter coat
• Workout clothes
• Wristlet (HC Pick: Vera Bradley Smartphone Wristlet for iPhone 6)
• Yoga pants

Documents

• Bank documents
• Car registration and insurance information
• Checks
• Copy of birth certificate
• Copy of Social Security card
• Credit card
• Debit card
• Driver’s license
• Emergency contact list
• Enrollment documents
• Financial aid documents
• Health/dental insurance cards
• Lease (if you have an apartment)
• Passport
• Product warranties
• Renters insurance (if you have an apartment)
• Student ID

Medical

• Allergy medicine
• Aloe lotion
• Antiseptic wipes
• Bandages
• Birth control
• Blister bandages
• Cold and flu medicine
• Condoms
• Cortisone cream
• Decongestant
• Eye drops
• First aid kit
• Hot and cold packs
• Humidifier
• Insect repellent
• Multivitamins
• Over-the-counter pain medication
• Prescription medicine
• Prescription refill information
• Retainer/mouth guard
• Rubbing alcohol
• Supplements (iron pills, etc.)
• Thermometer
• Thermometer covers
• Throat drops/lozenges
• Throat spray
• Upset stomach medication
• Vaseline

Misc.

• Art supplies
• Beach towel
• Bike
• Bike helmet
• Bike lock
• Board games
• Duct tape
• Earplugs
• Fan
• Flashlight
• Lightbulbs
• Luggage tags
• Musical instruments
• Pepper spray (if legal in your state)
• Playing cards
• Religious materials
• Safety pins
• Safety whistle
• Sleep mask
• Sports equipment
• Suitcase
• Tool kit
• Travel bags/travel organizer for toiletries
• Umbrella
• Vacuum
• Weekend bag
• Yoga mat

Click here to download a printable version of this list!

A Colorado waitress has been fired after tweeting that she wanted “kill as many Mexicans” as she could in one night. The reason? Apparently, a customer didn’t tip her very well. 

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Megan Olson of Greeley, Colorado took to social media with a very racist rant on killing Mexicans. According to local ABC affiliate 7 News Denver, residents reposted the tweet onto the Facebook page of the Texas Roadhouse she worked at.

The restaurant swiftly responded. “Our managing partner was actually mowing his lawn when he was alerted,” said Texas Roadhouse spokesman Travis Doster to Denver7. “He immediately rushed to the restaurant, met with the employee who posted this disgusting tweet and she was terminated.” 

Neighbors and residents of Greeley alike remarked on Olson’s insensitivity. “I was offended by [the tweet],” said Willie Grantham, one of Olson’s neighbors, to Denver7. “As somebody who’s worked in the restaurant industry most of my adult life, I understand getting angry about customers that don’t tip. But you can’t back it down to race.”

Roadhouse frequenters also agreed with the chain restaurant company’s actions. “Thank you for standing up for what is right,” wrote Lilly Trejo on Facebook. “That woman does not deserve to serve the wonderful diversity of guests in your establishment. I hope she one day understands the damage such words can do.”

Reddit user brainlac3397 commented on the story, joking, “Well now she won’t have to be worried about getting stiffed on a tip ever again.”

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Olson did eventually take to Facebook to apologize for her now-deleted tweet. “I wrote hurtful, inconsiderate, insensitive and careless words and I understand the amount of people I have offended by that,” she wrote. “There are no excuses for what I have done. I sincerely, from the bottom of my heart, apologize to everyone for my momentary lack of judgment. I want you all to know that I do not actually feel this way.”

Despite her apology, people are discussing Olson’s racist tweet in terms of the 2016 election and society as a whole. “We have seen a fear-mongering campaign that has legitimized racist comments like this across all social media networks,” said Maria Handley, executive director of Generation Latino, to Denver7. “This hateful racist comment from a Greeley waitress is not unique.” 

Coming out and openly declaring to the world that you are LGBTQ+ is going to be one the biggest moments of your life. Whether you’ve known for a long time or you’re still figuring it out, coming out is a deeply personal experience, and you shouldn’t feel pressured into doing it if you’re not ready. More importantly, you want to make sure you’re actually coming out for the right reasons. If the idea of dropping the news is intimidating or makes you feel insecure in any way, that’s probably a good indicator it’s not your time yet. We know how hard it is to tell when to begin this process, so here are some telltale signs that you should wait longer to come out, and why that’s okay. 

1. You’re still figuring things out for yourself

You’re still working out the kinks of your sexuality and gender identity, and until you know for sure, you might feel more comfortable keeping it to yourself. This doesn’t mean in any way that if you’re dealing with uncertainty you have to keep it private––you may choose to share with your partner or a close friend that you’re on a journey discovering your sexuality, but many choose to wait until they have a definitive answer to officially come out to publicly. Additionally, ~nobody~ can pressure you into coming out. Make the big announcement on your terms without being coerced into it.

“Don't come out because of pressure from friends or a significant other,” says Alaina Leary, a second year graduate student at Emerson College. “They may think they know what's best for you, or think you'd be happier if you were out. You want to make sure you're making the decision that's best for you. Coming out should be something you decide––your SO and friends can support you and help you through it, but it ultimately needs to come from you.”

There’s no harm in waiting. Taking the time to fully explore your sexuality and identity should be an enriching and informative process, and it’s strengthening to feel grounded in that.

Related: 3 Ways You Know You’re Ready to Come Out 

2. You feel embarrassed or insecure about your identity

Truly, you haven’t come out to yourself yet. Even though you’ve had that “ah ha” moment, you’ve been suppressing it by letting your mind fill with nasty thoughts. You might be in the boat of spending so much time worrying that people will reject you, that you start to reject yourself. You feel insecure that you’re still figuring out who you are. Some part of you is secretly ashamed to not be a “normal.” Basically, all the insecurity clogging up your brain is making you too scared to come out. Make sure you hear us loud and clear: you have no reason to be embarrassed. You will continue to be loved, nobody has it all together and you are definitely normal. However, until you realize this for yourself you should hold back on coming out. 

“Society tells you that you aren’t normal,” says Maria Turner Carney, a writer at AfterEllen and expert in LGBTQ mental health. “Society tells you that your choice is wrong, and eventually you hear it so much that when you realize you’re queer you believe you them. The way to overcome this is through support groups, positive reinforcement and waking up each day and validating your identity and your decision.”

Feeling secure with yourself will make you more powerful in dealing with negative responses and give you joy when sharing your true self with the people that support you. Know that after you come out and embrace yourself, it gets better. You will learn to take pride in your diversity and can be stress-free about LGBTQ+.

3. You feel like you don’t have a support system

With the support of family and friends, coming out can be an enlightening and painless process, but not all of us are that fortunate. Coming out to the people you’re closest to might invoke hostility, hateful comments or flat-out rejection. You feel as though coming out would only bring you heartache. 

“I haven’t come out because I’m scared,” says Kayla* a senior at New York University. “Not only do I think my family would kick me out, I know I’d probably lose my internship. Also after the shooting in Orlando, I don’t know if I ever feel safe. The combination of not having a support system and the risk of being part of a hate crime just makes coming out seem pointless.” 

While your personal joy is the highest priority when coming out, please keep in mind that most people carry more love than hate. Try going to the people you know will be the most accepting first, and ask for their help with this process. You may also want to visit your campus’s pride center or a LGBTQ+ group for support and guidance on how to come out in an unloving situation. 

4. Your well-being could become threatened

The unfortunate reality is that the LGBTQ+ community can be a target of hate and violence both in the home or on the streets. If you are surrounded by family or in a community that will likely result in you being abused, kicked out or in financial trouble, then your well-being is threatened and coming should not be a priority over your safety.

Alaina has some great advice to those of you who feel unsafe. “If you feel like your safety is threatened by coming out and you don't have a back-up plan, it may be best to wait, even if you'd rather come out,” she says. “Some LGBTQ+ people face threats of being kicked out, cut off financially, or physically or emotionally abused, and if you're still living at home and think this might be a possibility––and you don't have anywhere else to turn if it does happen––you might be safer waiting until you're out on your own and physically separated from your family/guardians before coming out.”

Trauma, oppression, abuse and harm leave lasting impressions, but know that as soon as you’re away from it, you can overcome it. As life moves on and you distance yourself from unsafe situation, you will learn to create the life you want and deserve as a proud and fully out person.

Related: What It's Like to Witness an LGBTQ+ Tragedy From in the Closet

There’s no specific circumstance or concrete list of steps to tell you when you’re ready; it’s something you have to choose for yourself. Coming out isn’t the be-all, end-all of your life, it’s just a step in self-expression and acceptance. Know that you can still find ways to feel pride in who you are in your own safe way, and that waiting is just fine.

*Names have been changed