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Teenage Suicide Bomber Attacks Wedding in Turkey

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Tragedy struck what should have been a happy occasion when a child suicide bomber set off explosives at a wedding in Gaziantep, Turkey, on Saturday night, kiling more than 50 people. Turkey’s president later said that the bomber was a child—14 years old or younger.

It was the deadliest bombing in Turkey this year. In June, 42 people were killed when the Istanbul airport was bombed, and there have been other attacks as well.

Gazientep’s proximity to the Turkish-Syrian border has prompted authorities to blame this bombing on the Islamic State and the civil war in Syria, but ISIS has not claimed responsibility for the attack, the Associated Press reports. Some think Turkey has helped the rise of ISIS by allowing soldiers to easily cross its borders. Adding to the chaos is Turkey's war with Kurdish rebels, who are hoping to establish their own territory in the country.

Turkey is still recovering from a failed military coup last month, during which more than 240 people died, according to The New York Times.

A representative from the Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic Party said that the wedding was a traditional Kurdish ceremony which took place in a primarily Kurdish neighborhood. He also said that many of the over fifty people who were killed and almost seventy who were injured were children, according to the AP. The bride and groom survived the bombing mostly unscathed.

On Sunday, a mass funeral was held for the victims at the Yesilkent cemetery in Gaziantep.


6 Weird Things You Didn’t Know About Sex

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Sex ––we all love to have it, love to talk about it and love to learn about it (whether we admit to it or not). Just when you think you qualify as a full-fledged sexpert, you’re taught something new from a best friend, a family member or your favorite magazine! 

Are you ready to learn even more about the most spoken-about activity ever? Look no further! We’ve consulted the help of Laura-Anne Rowell, sex coach at Primitive Balance, to teach us six sex facts that would shock even the most educated collegiette.

1. Most women masturbate

If you masturbate on the regular or have thought about trying to masturbate once or twice, rest assured that you are not alone. Most mammals masturbate for sheer pleasure ––and yes, that includes women! 

So, why do some women feel shameful it? According to Rowell, it has a lot to do with societal norms. “Culturally, women can be taught that ‘good girls’ don’t want sex and they should wait until they are in love,” she says. “There are lots of bad and mixed messages going on here.” Additionally, many women feel guilty about their sexual fantasies ––or even watching porn.

Rowell says that women can fight this embarrassment by communicating with their partner or besties about their fantasies in a space that is free of judgment. “As women, we should be proud of how wonderful our bodies and imaginations are,” she says. “It is so empowering to explore your body and mind. Have fun.” We could not agree more!

2. You can pee and orgasm at the same time

For some women, it is easy to confuse the sensation of an impending orgasm with that of the urge to pee. Why? Female anatomy seems to provide some answers to that question.

The clitoris and the vagina are very close to the bladder[you mean urethra?]. During sex, that region feels a lot of pressure. According to Go Ask Alice, a program run by Columbia University, women who have urinary stress incontinence (or the unintentional loss of urine), can “leak” when they laugh, sneeze or ––you guessed it–– orgasm!

If you don’t have urinary stress incontinence and still feel the urge to pee, your body may be confusing signals from your clitoris with signals from your urethra. Kegel exercises and emptying the bladder before sex are the best ways to combat such feelings.

3. Vibrators were invented to reduce ‘hysteria’

When you hear the term “vibrator,” you almost immediately associate it with female enjoyment. However, this was the furthest thing from the minds of the doctors who invented the sex toy.

So, why was the toy invented? Believe it or not, doctors invented the contraption as a way to aide female “hysteria” ––basically a vague definition of sexual frustration (hello!), which was also believed not to exist in women until the early twentieth century.

Related: 5 Embarrassing Things That Can Happen During Sex (& How to Recover)

4. A man doesn’t have to have erection to reach orgasm

Nope, we aren’t kidding! There are many reasons (both mental or physical) why men can’t get an erection sometimes. But, according to Rowell, a man does not need to be hard to orgasm.

When a man is erect, the blood vessels in the penis are engorged, Rowell notes. “This is called a ‘hard-on’ and it is not the reason a man comes,” she says. “A man can come from anal stimulation, mental stimulation and penile stimulation, all without the help of an actual hard-on.” It may take longer, but it still feels just as good.

Rowell has some advice for anyone who is having trouble in the bedroom. “If you are with a man who is having issues with performing, do not pressure or placate him,” she says. “Instead, start pleasing yourself and take the pressure off of him! He will get lost in your pleasure and this may help his performance. It’s sex… have fun and keep trying!”

5. Female orgasm might help induce pregnancy

Every collegiette loves a good theory, and this one could not be more interesting. The “upsuck” theory is rooted in the belief that, during orgasm, the contractions in the uterus actually suck up semen that gets deposited in the vagina. Crazy, huh? 

6. Shaving your pubic hair may increase your risk of contracting an STI

One of the most prominent methods of pubic hair removal among millennials is shaving with a razor. As many collegiettes have surely experienced, shaving the bikini area can cause cuts, skin lesions and, bumps and ingrown hairs ––all of which can leave your skin open and vulnerable to infection.

According to Rowell, this open skin makes you vulnerable. “If you have sex and your open skin comes in contact with someone who has an infection, it can make the infection easier to enter your body,” she says.

When it comes to waxing, the thought process is similar since your pores are open and you don’t have the protection of pubic hair. “In addition, if you go to a waxing salon that does not change the spatula or double dips, or if you notice [your waxer] is using the same container of wax for everyone, this can spread an infection,” Rowell says. “Some people believe that the heat from the wax will kill the infection, but this is untrue. Many bacteria actually thrive in such conditions.” Yuck!

Sex is a unique experience for everyone, and staying informed is the best way to learn what your body does (and doesn’t) like. Don’t believe everything you hear, stay safe, and ––most importantly–– have fun, collegiettes!

15 Things Only Girls Who Can't Decide What They Want Understand

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We know how hard it is to make important life decisions, but we also know how much we tend to freak out about the tiny ones too. For the girl inside all of us who LOVES to sweat the small stuff, we've compiled a list of things we can all relate to when making daily decisions. So here you go: 15 things only girls who can't make up their damn mind understand.

1. People are always pressuring you to make a decision

2. Which is something you HATE because your worst fear is choosing wrong

3. You recognize that some decisions are life-changing and need to be thought out

4. But sometimes even the most mundane of choices makes you think a little too hard

5. Which means everyone is always telling you to lighten up

6. Oftentimes your mental process looks a lot like this:

7. Picking a restaurant makes you want to crawl into bed and never leave

8. And don’t even get us started on choosing what to order when you get there

9. People often accuse you of being flaky

10. But you know you're just evaluating all your options

11. Choosing a school was one of the hardest things you’ve ever had to do

12. And that was before you had to choose a roomie and a color scheme for your dorm room

13. And it was such a relief when all your Facebook stalking and small talk led you to the best roomie ever

14. You take pride in your careful decision-making

15. But you know you may have to work a little more on going with the flow

15 Memes That Are So You As a Dog Mom

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Whether you have a Toy Poodle or a Great Dane, chances are you’re obsessed with your fur baby. That’s okay because we are too! We know that no one can top your K9 companion. After all, a dog is a girl’s best friend.

1. When you look at pictures of your dog as a puppy vs. now

2. Whenever someone asks you about your dog

3. And then has to sit through a half hour of pictures and ranting about how amazing your dog is

4. Maybe even a video or two

5. Basically you when you’re without your dog all day

6. Or you leave for vacation

7. When you do ~finally~ come home to your dog

8. When someone says they don’t like dogs

9. Or swears their pet is better than yours

10. That magical moment when someone loves dogs as much as you

11. When your dog does something bad

12. And you have to yell at them


13. But your dog never stays mad for long (or really even mad at all)

14. Because there’s no one they’d rather spend their time with than their humans

15. And there’s no one you’d rather take a walk with than them!

21 Things Your Future Roommates Want You to Know (But Won’t Tell You)

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Whether you’re rooming with your best friends from high school or a bunch of strangers that your university’s housing department set you up with, living with other people is not the easiest thing in the world. While roommate contracts are fine and dandy when it comes to outlining traditional roommate concerns ––like whose job it is to take out the trash or wash the dishes–– sometimes, they leave out the most essential things.

From not Netflix-and-chilling on the couch in the living room to understanding that sometimes they will use up all the hot water before you even wake up, here are 21 things your roommates actually want you to know.

1. You’re probably being loud AF in the morning

It doesn’t matter if I’m a light sleeper.

2. There will be times when all the hot water is used up before you even had a chance to take a shower

You snooze you lose. #SorryNotSorry

3. The only settings on my blow dryer are obnoxiously loud

Believe me, it’s hurting me just as much as it’s hurting you.

4. You can borrow my dishes (if you handle with care)

Because no one should have to eat their Cheerios out of a cup ––it’s just not right.

5. I’ll know when you skipped your 8 a.m. lecture ––but I won’t judge you

Hello! I’m obviously skipping mine, too.

6. You better let me know when you order take-out

Because there is a very good chance that I will want in on that.

7. Please refrain from Netflix-and-chilling in the communal living area

Or else you will feel the icy chill of my glare.

8. Don’t treat our trash can like a large Jenga game

It’s all fun and games until someone ends up picking up all the trash that fell on the floor… just take it out.

9. Give me a heads up before you plan on having company over

I’m not really interested in being welcomed home by strangers sitting on my couch.

10. Your SO may be great and all… but they really don’t need to live in our apartment

Unless they plan on paying rent, of course!

11. If the door is closed, you should probably knock

It’ll be for your own good, anyways.

12. Please don’t change the thermostat to an unbearable temperature

I’m not above engaging in a thermostat war.

13. I can survive in a reasonable degree of messiness

But let me know if you can’t ––no passive-aggressive notes are necessary.

14. If something of mine has expired in the fridge, feel free to throw it out

I promise that I’m not super attached to my expired milk.

15. Please don’t judge me for my bad days

In the words of Hannah Montana, “Everybody makes mistakes. Everybody has those days.”

16. I apologize in advance for banging on the door at 2 a.m. because I misplaced my keys

I will definitely owe you one.

17. Give me a heads up if you want to have a party

I will lock myself in my room, make other plans or bust out my party outfit.

18. Headphones exist for a reason

I don’t care if you’re blasting music or The Office on Netflix. I am not the friendliest person after being woken up from my third nap of the day.

19. Don’t touch my stuff when you get sick

I like you and all, but those lectures aren’t going to attend themselves.

20. I’m sorry for anything I say when I’m on my period

I really shouldn’t be allowed out of my room during that time of the month.

21. Let’s be on good terms (even if we aren’t BFFs)

I’m excited about getting to know you over the next year!

Is there anything that your future roommates should know about you, collegiettes?

11 Things NOT to Do Your First Week on Campus

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As pre-collegiettes quickly approaching your first year at college, it’s normal that your nerves and worries are kicking into high gear. You’re about to enter uncharted territory, an entirely different world than high school (as much socially as it is academically). That said, the first week of college is a complete blast and you’re going to love it. This is the time to put yourself out there, meet a huge variety of people, and start school on a high note. Most importantly, though, the first week is the time to be a carefree and happy collegiette!

…but wait pre-collegiettes—before you get too giddy, notice that I said carefree… not careless. Yes, a carefree collegiette may be(and obviously is) chill and cool, but most of all she’s definitely classy.

So, we’ve prepped you on proper dorm etiquette and navigating your first frat party, but now it’s time to hit you with an all-too-necessary list of things NOT to do that first week on campus. Take note, pre-collegiettes,  don’tdo these things…

1. Hook up with multiple guys in the first week

Welcome to the realm of college boys. You’re far away from (hopefully) immature high school boys with teenage acne and cracking voices. To put it as simply and politely as possible, just because you now believe what your mom said about there being many fish in the sea doesn’t mean you have to catch as many as you can. If you’re patient the first week and actually make a habit of getting to know the guys you meet before getting ‘intimate’ with them, then your chances of catching a keeper improve significantly.

2. Pick teams 

Avoid hanging out at the same place every night. Don’t spend all your time in the same guys’ suite/frat house/hockey house (you get the picture: don’t pickone and only one nightly hangout spot).

We get it—you don’t know many people yet and having a familiar place to go is comfortable. But we promise you that if you keep an open mind and don’t limit yourself to one place and/or one group of people, you’ll be more comfortable at your new school in the long run. This is thetime to branch out and, trust us, it’s harder to branch out and randomly introduce yourself to people the further into the school year you get.

3. Pick your besties

Why do we mention this next, you ask? To emphasize, underline, and highlight the point thatyou can’t be closed-minded when it comes to meeting new people. You cannot, should not (and will not, right collegiettes?) choose your best friends and play ‘favorites’ the first week at school.

As HC Contributing Writer Tarina says, The first week is an opportunity to hang out with lots of different people and see who you really click with.” Don’t let one person or one group of people hold you back from meeting more. “Plus, a girl’s circle of friends changes up a lot during the first year of college, so it’s important to mingle a lot from the beginning to get to know a variety of people,” Tarina says.

Related: A Freshman Girl's Guide to College Dating

4. Run your mouth

Don’t talk about people you just met (or worse, people you have yet to meet) behind their back. This is probably one of the easiest ways to repel friends, not make them. Enough said.

5. Get dolled up the first day

Don’t get overly dolled up for your first day of class. This isn’t the first day of freshman year in high school where you try to impress your classmates by having the cutest outfit or being the best dressed. Dress for yourself: wear what makes you comfortable, and wear it with confidence.

That said, while you want to make a good impression on your peers and potential future friends, you can’t forget about the other important group of people you’re meeting for the first time: your professors. Even though we say you should dress comfortably, do not wear sweatpants or pajama pants on your first day of class (or any day of class, ideally). This is a dead giveaway to teachers that you just don’t give a sh*t.

6. Be a homebody

You didn’t move away from home just to go running right back (metaphorically speaking) to your mom and dad. Try to avoid the urge to call home every time a problem arises. For example, before you pick up the phone to ask for the step-by-step directions about how to do your own laundry (yes, you are a grown-up now—wellsort of), try asking someone in your suite or hall if they want to brave laundry day together. Chances are, you’re probably not the only one who is unsure about whether to wash in hot or cold water… So, how about it?Instead of being a homebody, try meeting somebody.

7. Make too many “friends”

The majority of collegiettes agree hands down that you should not friend everyone in your freshman class on Facebook. HC collegiette Bianca puts it aptly: “Going on a crazy Facebook-adding spree during orientation will not only creep people out, but you’ll end up never seeing half of the people again. Try and be selective with your friend requesting and add people you truly think you’ll become friends with!” We couldn’t agree more.

Related: 15 Things You’ll Learn Your First Semester of College

8. Underestimate the juice

Don’t mistake the jungle juice for regular juice. If right now is the first time you’ve ever heard of this infamous concoction, just remember this: jungle juice is not a Welch’s flavor. That said, HC collegiette Jenna warns that even if you may be caught up in the excitement and folly of college parties, “don’t get too drunk and make a fool out of yourself.” 

Honestly, the last thing you want is to do something foolish in front of people you just met. For example, it wouldn’t be ideal to get totally smashed and decide to take your first keg stand in a mini skirt… and a thong. Even(especially) if you don’t remember it, everyone else will. Take Jenna for example: To this day, “I still remember ‘the kid who puked all over 188’ and so do many other people!”
 
Which brings up another important point—not only can drinking above and beyond an appropriate amount severely impact your judgment, it can also significantly affect your stomach. Just like the keg stand scenario, you can be just as easily remembered if you as 'that freshman girl who was so bombed she got sick all over the dance floor'. Be smart (it shouldn’t be too hard, youdidget into college…).

9. Fear the front

Again, this isn't high school. The front row of class isn’t reserved for “nerdy losers,” “brown-nosers,” “teacher’s pets,” etc. Don’t fear the front row! In fact, you’re probably better off sitting up front because those who don’t are going to wish they were you come midterms and finals. Trust me, sitting in a spot where you’ll actually be able to pay attention will only benefit you during exam week, when others are scrounging to learn a semester’s worth of material.

An added bonus? Less stress = a better, happier attitude with which to meet new people! So remember, less stress does not come from not doing your work. Sitting up front helps you absorb the material, which helps you stay on top of your work, which means less stress, which means … a happy you!

10. Be a snore

Don’t develop a sleeping disorder. Whether it’s oversleeping or not sleeping at all, it’s important that you try to nail down a solid sleeping schedule that first week. Bad habits are harder to cut once they’ve begun, so don’t get in the habit of going to bed every night at 3 a.m. the first week. Sleep has to happen sometime and if you don’t sleep at night chances are you’re going to crash during the day, sleep through class, and probably miss out on some fun daytime activities with your new friends as well.

Former HC collegiette Stephanie says, “I pushed myself too hard and was way too busy before moving in to college. When I finally got to campus, I was exhausted and ended up sleeping a majority of that first week. Don’t do this. I ended up missing out on a lot of campus stuff and opportunities to meet people that I wish I’d been awake for (and my roommate thought I was a weirdo).”

11. Drastically change your ways

When all is said in done, you really don’t have a lot to worry about as long as you’re being yourself. Who else would you be, right? It’s as simple as it sounds: don’t drastically change who you are the minute you step on campus. It’s true that college can be the perfect time to“reinvent” yourself, but whoever coined this phrase needs to include an addendum to clarify that what this really means is you have a clean slate to be yourself in a new place and with new people. If you choose the first week to completely shed your values, and whatever else makes you you, you’ll be more lost than ever. Reinvent the way people see you? Go for it! Just up and trade yourself in for a ‘newer’ you-model? Just nope.
 
So, there you have it, collegiettes (yes, no longer pre-collegiettes--after reading this article you’ve officially become collegiettes!), a couple of things that we at HC say you should NOT do the first week on campus! Even if you choose to ignore this beyond enlightening list of things to do, at least remember: the one thing you must do the first week at college is, as the proverbial saying goes, let your true colors shine.

This Documentary on Sexual Assault is a Must See

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There is no easy way to talk about sexual assault. It's life-altering, horrific, and unfortunately, way too common. 

According to Nylon, there is a new Netflix documentary coming out this fall that will hopefully shed light on the subject that needs to be talked about. The film, Audrie & Daisy, follows the stories of Daisy Coleman and Audrie Pott who were both sexually assaulted by privileged young men in their hometown. After their assaults went public, both women were victims of horrible cyber bullying that eventually led Pott to commit suicide. Directors Bonni Cohen and Jon Shenk create an extremely powerful film using the stories of these two women. 

After getting incredible reviews at Sundance this past year, the film was picked up by Netflix and will begin streaming on September 23, and trust us, this is not something you want to miss. 

Watch the incredibly heartbreaking and moving trailer below. 

18-Year-Old Only Receives Probation After Sexually Assaulting 2 Unconscious Classmates

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David Becker, an 18-year-old former East Longmeadow High School student, was charged with two counts of rape after sexually assaulting two unconscious female classmates at a party on April 2. However, after his trial last week, Becker has received an extremely light sentence of two years probation and will not have to register as a sex offender, Cosmopolitan reports.

According to MassLive, during Becker’s probation sentence, he will be required to remain alcohol and drug free, submit to evaluation for sex offender treatment and may not have any form of contact with the two 18-year-old victims in the case. In addition, as long as Becker follows the terms of the probation agreement, no charges will appear on his criminal record.

Thomas Rooke, Becker’s attorney, stated that Becker “can now look forward to a productive life without being burdened with the stigma of having to register as a sex offender.” “The goal of this sentence was not to impede this individual from graduating high school and to go onto the next step of his life, which is a college experience,” Rooke said.

According to Cosmopolitan, while Becker posted on Facebook that he will be attending University of Dayton, the college released a statement that Becker will not be attending the university.

Throughout Becker’s trial, Rooke noted that Becker was a star athlete at his high school, playing three sports, and had the second-most hours of community service in his senior class, MassLive reports. Rooke also stated that the use of ‘David the Rapist’ to refer to Becker was an “unjust character assassination of what [Becker] has accomplished in [his] past.”

Many think that this repeated use of the athlete status and apparent good citizenship to mitigate the crimes committed is wrong—the tactic has gotten major backlash from the public in the similar cases of Brock Turner and Austin Wilkerson, both of whom avoided prison time after being convicted of rape. Kevin Fagan, a resident of Longmeadow, told MassLive that these sorts of things shouldn’t even come into play when considering punishment for sexual assault.

Rooke told MassLive that a harsher sentence would have destroyed Becker’s life for his “one mistake at one moment on one night which was clouded with alcohol.”

Well here’s an idea — maybe Becker should have thought about his actions and how they would destroy the lives of the girls he sexually assaulted.


Georgetown Football Player Dies After Stairwell Fall at Fraternity House

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A Georgetown College football player died Monday afternoon after suffering from a traumatic brain injury when he jumped from one flight of stairs to another. Colson Machlitt, 18, was a defensive lineman for the team, the Lexington Herald reports. According to WPCO Cincinnati, he would have turned 19 on Friday.

Police suspect alcohol was involved in the incident, but they do not suspect foul play. Machlitt tried to jump from the third story stairwell in a campus fraternity building to a second-story landing, but police say the fall, which caused him to hit his head, was an accident, according to WKYT.

Georgetown Police Chief Mike Bosse said that even though they believe the fall was an accident, and no charges have been filed, there is still an active investigation into the incident.

Bill Cronin, Georgetown’s football coach, spoke to WKYT earlier in the day on Monday, saying, "It's been a very difficult 48 hours for the Tiger football team and the Tiger campus community… Just a tremendous loss for all of us."

“I hope kids can learn something from this whole thing," Cronin was quoted in WPCO. "(His) mom and dad thought they were coming down here just for stitches."

A GoFundMe page was set up in Machlitt’s name, presumably to help his family cover funeral costs.

11 Things NOT to Do Your First Week on Campus

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As pre-collegiettes quickly approaching your first year at college, it’s normal that your nerves and worries are kicking into high gear. You’re about to enter uncharted territory, an entirely different world than high school (as much socially as it is academically). That said, the first week of college is a complete blast and you’re going to love it. This is the time to put yourself out there, meet a huge variety of people, and start school on a high note. Most importantly, though, the first week is the time to be a carefree and happy collegiette!

…but wait pre-collegiettes—before you get too giddy, notice that I said carefree… not careless. Yes, a carefree collegiette may be(and obviously is) chill and cool, but most of all she’s definitely classy.

So, we’ve prepped you on proper dorm etiquette and navigating your first frat party, but now it’s time to hit you with an all-too-necessary list of things NOT to do that first week on campus. Take note, pre-collegiettes,  don’tdo these things…

1. Hook up with multiple guys in the first week

Welcome to the realm of college boys. You’re far away from (hopefully) immature high school boys with teenage acne and cracking voices. To put it as simply and politely as possible, just because you now believe what your mom said about there being many fish in the sea doesn’t mean you have to catch as many as you can. If you’re patient the first week and actually make a habit of getting to know the guys you meet before getting ‘intimate’ with them, then your chances of catching a keeper improve significantly.

2. Pick teams 

Avoid hanging out at the same place every night. Don’t spend all your time in the same guys’ suite/frat house/hockey house (you get the picture: don’t pickone and only one nightly hangout spot).

We get it—you don’t know many people yet and having a familiar place to go is comfortable. But we promise you that if you keep an open mind and don’t limit yourself to one place and/or one group of people, you’ll be more comfortable at your new school in the long run. This is thetime to branch out and, trust us, it’s harder to branch out and randomly introduce yourself to people the further into the school year you get.

3. Pick your besties

Why do we mention this next, you ask? To emphasize, underline, and highlight the point thatyou can’t be closed-minded when it comes to meeting new people. You cannot, should not (and will not, right collegiettes?) choose your best friends and play ‘favorites’ the first week at school.

As HC Contributing Writer Tarina says, The first week is an opportunity to hang out with lots of different people and see who you really click with.” Don’t let one person or one group of people hold you back from meeting more. “Plus, a girl’s circle of friends changes up a lot during the first year of college, so it’s important to mingle a lot from the beginning to get to know a variety of people,” Tarina says.

Related: A Freshman Girl's Guide to College Dating

4. Run your mouth

Don’t talk about people you just met (or worse, people you have yet to meet) behind their back. This is probably one of the easiest ways to repel friends, not make them. Enough said.

5. Get dolled up the first day

Don’t get overly dolled up for your first day of class. This isn’t the first day of freshman year in high school where you try to impress your classmates by having the cutest outfit or being the best dressed. Dress for yourself: wear what makes you comfortable, and wear it with confidence.

That said, while you want to make a good impression on your peers and potential future friends, you can’t forget about the other important group of people you’re meeting for the first time: your professors. Even though we say you should dress comfortably, do not wear sweatpants or pajama pants on your first day of class (or any day of class, ideally). This is a dead giveaway to teachers that you just don’t give a sh*t.

6. Be a homebody

You didn’t move away from home just to go running right back (metaphorically speaking) to your mom and dad. Try to avoid the urge to call home every time a problem arises. For example, before you pick up the phone to ask for the step-by-step directions about how to do your own laundry (yes, you are a grown-up now—wellsort of), try asking someone in your suite or hall if they want to brave laundry day together. Chances are, you’re probably not the only one who is unsure about whether to wash in hot or cold water… So, how about it?Instead of being a homebody, try meeting somebody.

7. Make too many “friends”

The majority of collegiettes agree hands down that you should not friend everyone in your freshman class on Facebook. HC collegiette Bianca puts it aptly: “Going on a crazy Facebook-adding spree during orientation will not only creep people out, but you’ll end up never seeing half of the people again. Try and be selective with your friend requesting and add people you truly think you’ll become friends with!” We couldn’t agree more.

Related: 15 Things You’ll Learn Your First Semester of College

8. Underestimate the juice

Don’t mistake the jungle juice for regular juice. If right now is the first time you’ve ever heard of this infamous concoction, just remember this: jungle juice is not a Welch’s flavor. That said, HC collegiette Jenna warns that even if you may be caught up in the excitement and folly of college parties, “don’t get too drunk and make a fool out of yourself.” 

Honestly, the last thing you want is to do something foolish in front of people you just met. For example, it wouldn’t be ideal to get totally smashed and decide to take your first keg stand in a mini skirt… and a thong. Even(especially) if you don’t remember it, everyone else will. Take Jenna for example: To this day, “I still remember ‘the kid who puked all over 188’ and so do many other people!”
 
Which brings up another important point—not only can drinking above and beyond an appropriate amount severely impact your judgment, it can also significantly affect your stomach. Just like the keg stand scenario, you can be just as easily remembered if you as 'that freshman girl who was so bombed she got sick all over the dance floor'. Be smart (it shouldn’t be too hard, youdidget into college…).

9. Fear the front

Again, this isn't high school. The front row of class isn’t reserved for “nerdy losers,” “brown-nosers,” “teacher’s pets,” etc. Don’t fear the front row! In fact, you’re probably better off sitting up front because those who don’t are going to wish they were you come midterms and finals. Trust me, sitting in a spot where you’ll actually be able to pay attention will only benefit you during exam week, when others are scrounging to learn a semester’s worth of material.

An added bonus? Less stress = a better, happier attitude with which to meet new people! So remember, less stress does not come from not doing your work. Sitting up front helps you absorb the material, which helps you stay on top of your work, which means less stress, which means … a happy you!

10. Be a snore

Don’t develop a sleeping disorder. Whether it’s oversleeping or not sleeping at all, it’s important that you try to nail down a solid sleeping schedule that first week. Bad habits are harder to cut once they’ve begun, so don’t get in the habit of going to bed every night at 3 a.m. the first week. Sleep has to happen sometime and if you don’t sleep at night chances are you’re going to crash during the day, sleep through class, and probably miss out on some fun daytime activities with your new friends as well.

Former HC collegiette Stephanie says, “I pushed myself too hard and was way too busy before moving in to college. When I finally got to campus, I was exhausted and ended up sleeping a majority of that first week. Don’t do this. I ended up missing out on a lot of campus stuff and opportunities to meet people that I wish I’d been awake for (and my roommate thought I was a weirdo).”

11. Drastically change your ways

When all is said in done, you really don’t have a lot to worry about as long as you’re being yourself. Who else would you be, right? It’s as simple as it sounds: don’t drastically change who you are the minute you step on campus. It’s true that college can be the perfect time to“reinvent” yourself, but whoever coined this phrase needs to include an addendum to clarify that what this really means is you have a clean slate to be yourself in a new place and with new people. If you choose the first week to completely shed your values, and whatever else makes you you, you’ll be more lost than ever. Reinvent the way people see you? Go for it! Just up and trade yourself in for a ‘newer’ you-model? Just nope.
 
So, there you have it, collegiettes (yes, no longer pre-collegiettes--after reading this article you’ve officially become collegiettes!), a couple of things that we at HC say you should NOT do the first week on campus! Even if you choose to ignore this beyond enlightening list of things to do, at least remember: the one thing you must do the first week at college is, as the proverbial saying goes, let your true colors shine.

6 Ways to Build Your Dream Dorm Room & Not Break the Bank

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Welcome to your new home! It may not seem like much, but your college dorm will be a place you will dearly miss when you graduate! While your dorm is probably pretty small and perhaps not the most private, you’ll be spending a lot of time there studying, hanging with friends and recharging after long weeks. With a couple of tips and tricks, you can make the most of your small space. We’ve partnered with IKEA to show you how to build your dream dorm without killing your wallet.

Obviously, dorm rooms come with furniture—usually a twin bed, a desk, a wardrobe or dresser and a chair. What you can customize, however, is all of your decorations—and you’d be surprised at how quickly your room can go from drab to fab with a few personal tweaks.

1. Make the most of every square inch

Dorm rooms aren’t known for their roominess, but you can actually fit quite a haul if you think strategically. That awkward space under your bed? Use it to store shoes, extra school supplies and more. Use IKEA’s TJENA Box with lid under your bed to seriously maximize space! The top of your dresser can easily double as a vanity or bedside table depending on the room’s layout and your needs.

2. Craft the perfect bed

Your dorm room bed is going to be the center of your living space—not only will it be where you recharge every night, but it will also end up operating as a makeshift couch when you host friends. It’s also a great place to showcase your personality. We love IKEA’s SMÖRBOLL Duvet cover and pillowcases

3. Get creative with lighting

Lighting is another place where you have more control—you can never have too much light, so bring a lamp or two for your new crib. We recommend getting at least one for your desk, as the light that your college probably provides won’t be sufficient for hardcore study sessions. Try IKEA’s JANSJÖ LED work lamp —not only is it minimalist chic, but you can easily adjust the lamp arm and head.

4. Bring reminders of home 

Trust us—you’re gonna be homesick at some point or another. Bring a couple of reminders from home, like photos of your high school bestie or family, or even hometown memorabilia. Make your decorations even classier with some grown-up frames from IKEA. These VIRSERUM Frames can be used standing or hanging up. The best part? They’re super affordable.

5. Create the illusion of more space

This is design 101, but it’s worth repeating: mirrors can make your space appear way bigger than it actually is. Hang this IKEA GRUA Mirror on your door to make your space feel just a bit bigger. It really will make a difference!

6. Up the cozy factor

Make your room cozy with the help of some cute rugs, like this IKEA PANDRUP low pile rug. It’s an easy way to make your space feel a little more personalized—and it works wonders by covering up unattractive carpeting. What else creates a cozy space? Lots of pillows, mood lighting and a couple of warm throw blankets. You may not have a lot of time to sleep in college, so you’ll want to make the most of what time you do have by creating the coziest space possible!

Looking for more back-to-college tips? Check out IKEA for everything you need to create your dream dorm this fall!

Your Complete Guide to Binge-Watching 'One Tree Hill'

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One Tree Hill ended over four years ago, but it remains steadily in the hearts of collegiettes everywhere. The OTH fan base has been a strong and powerful force since the show began—and thanks to online streaming, it is continuing to grow even today. If you haven't seen it for yourself, what are you waiting for?! We've compiled the ultimate binge-watching guide for OTH newbies (or loyal fans returning for some fun). Check it out below: 

How to Watch

OTH had its final curtain call on April 4, 2012—but thanks to the power of online streaming (S/O to Netflix), no collegiette has to worry! All nine seasons of the literal best show ever are available for your binging pleasure. Seriously, the show never gets old. We may or may not have restarted the whole thing once or twice…or five times…

Reasons to Watch

OTH fans have definitely watched the show more times than socially acceptable. We mean, Naley fever isn’t something that just fades away with time, hello! Every single character brings something unique to the table. From Lucas’s narrated monologues that always teach us something (no matter how many times we watch) to B. Davis’s oh-so-inspirational self-love that trickles its way into each episode, the show will go down in history.

A show about small-town teens navigating through moderately normal lives? What’s so special about that? Well, collegiettes—add in some heart-wrenching deaths, love stories that will last a lifetime and unbreakable bonds of friendship, and viewers were (and still are) taught life lessons that changed us all for the better.

Suggested Rate of Watching

With nine seasons, each containing over twenty episodes that run roughly 41 to 44 minutes an episode, you probably assume that OTH is a major undertaking (and hefty time commitment). How will you possibly afford so much time to a TV show with all of your other worldly responsibilities? We aren’t really sure how to answer that question either, but trust us…it’s worth it.

Many OTH lovers will agree that it just happens. One second, you are an innocent, bored college girl looking for a new show to watch. The next? Boy, oh boy, you are a Leyton-obsessed binge-watching collegiette neglecting all of her other responsibilities to see when the two will finally end up together.

Let’s sum it up to this, ladies: fast or slow, whatever rate you watch the show, we don’t care! The simple act of watching is all that matters. This is most certainly the kind of show you can watch again and again—and again? So, if you find yourself speeding through each episode, fret not. Starting right back at season one feels just as good the second (or tenth) time around.

You Will Like This Show if You Like…

Literally, everyone likes this show. Don’t question your taste. Don’t wonder if you’ll like it or not. You will. Just watch.

Best Season

Season Four

From September 2006 to June 2007, 21 episodes of OTH went down in history as the best episodes of a TV show ever. Call us biased, call us ridiculous, or watch the show and call us to tell us you agree!

Without giving away too much, as the Tree Hill seniors approach graduation, things could not be crazier in North Carolina. All of the main action is just on the cusp of the greatness that season four has to offer. By the season finale, when the Ravens graduate, each character has truly grown while somehow maintaining the same charm that made viewers fall in love from the very first episode.  

Worst Season

Season Seven

Honestly, every OTH fanatic will be quick to say that something bad happens in season seven. The departure of two series regulars after season six shakes things up in Tree Hill—and for the worse. What was Mark Schwahn thinking?! It was a heartbreaking moment for viewers who waited so fucking long for the two to *not-so-SPOILER-ALERT* finally be happily together…  

However, if viewers stick through the rough-and-tumble of season seven, things begin to look up again. Stick through all nine seasons, collegiettes. The Tree Hill Ravens deserve it!

Related: 16 Life Lessons Learned from 'One Tree Hill'

Best Episodes

Season 1, Episode 22: "The Games That Play Us"

The season one finale is a fan favorite even after all these years. That Naley kiss in the rain?! It remains a modern day fairytale moment we all live for. If viewers needed more of a reason to continue on to season two, this episode was certainly it.

Season 3, Episode 16: "With Tired Eyes, Tired Minds, Tired Souls, We Slept"

One of the most notable episodes in OTH history, viewers will never forget the moment a Tree Hill student brings a gun to school. Chilling, raw and dark, this episode is crucial to how the rest of the show plays out in all six seasons that follow.

Season 4, Episode 9: "Some You Give Away"

As if we needed another reason to love OTH, the way that Mark Schwahn inserted a finale-esque episode into the beginning of season four still makes us happy AF. This episode is the best for so many reasons—and it all revolves around the state championship game!

Season 5, Episode 1: "4 Years, 6 Months, 2 Days"

The first episode of season five is a whirlwind. Four years after the season four finale, a lot has changed for the Tree Hill Ravens—for one, they aren’t Ravens anymore. This is an episode packed with backstory that is necessary for the remainder of the show.  

Season 5, Episode 12: "Hundred"

Appropriately titled "Hundred" for OTH’s 100th episode, this episode is total craziness. Lucas's wedding day has arrived, and it stirs up chaos for more characters than just his ex. Thank you, crazy Nanny Carrie!

Season 6, Episode 1: "Touch Me I’m Going to Scream, Part One"

If you witnessed this episode when it aired on TV, we truly feel for you. Waiting four long months to see who Lucas asked to marry him at the end of season five must have been pure torture. Was it Lindsey? Was it Brooke? Was it Peyton? If you’ve already seen the episode, you know how this one unfolds. If not, well, what are you waiting for?

Season 6, Episodes 23 & 24: "Forever and Almost Always"& "Remember Me as a Time of Day"

We’ll save you the spoilers, but these two episodes just go hand-in-hand. They truly exemplify a full-circle moment in OTH history and take the time to give two characters the proper goodbye they deserve. *Insert the tears of [spoiler] fans everywhere*

Season 8, Episode 1: "Asleep At Heaven’s Gate"

Season eight resurrected OTH in many ways—and it all began with this episode. The episode is packed with all of the emotion surrounding an engagement, a pregnancy and a shooting. Thank you, Mark Schwahn, for bringing back the energy that made viewers initially fall in love with Tree Hill.

Season 9, Episode 11: "Danny Boy"

This episode embodies everything OTH is about and is beautiful for more reasons than one. Fans witness forgiveness that is long overdue, and the search for one of the show’s stars comes to an end.

Season 9, Episode 13: "One Tree Hill"

Hello, how could we not include the last episode of the best show ever? On the tenth anniversary of Tric, final goodbyes are given in the most heartwarming way ever. *SPOILER ALERT* You will need tissues...

Characters You Will Aspire to Be Like

  • Uncle Keith
  • Coach Whitey Durham
  • Karen Roe
  • Jamie Scott

Characters You Will Love to Hate

  • Dan Scott
  • Nanny Carrie
  • Rachel Gatina
  • Daunte Jones

Couples You Will Be Shipping

The couples of OTH are one-of-a-kind and still drive crazy the hearts of viewers everywhere. With many breakups—and subsequent makeups—playing out on the small screen, it may be hard to keep track of all the love in Tree Hill. Read below for the top 10 couples you will most likely be obsessed with at one point or another:

  1. Nathan and Haley
  2. Lucas and Peyton
  3. Keith and Karen
  4. Brooke and Julian
  5. Quinn and Clay
  6. Skills and Deb
  7. Lucas and Brooke
  8. Mouth and Millie
  9. Mouth and Rachel
  10. Jake and Peyton

Terminology You Need to Know

The River Court (n.) – The place that is referenced in practically every single episode and everyone comes back to visit. Also the place where Lucas is most likely to be found contemplating life.

“Brooking” yourself (v.) – The act of touching yourself, as made famous by Brooke Davis.

Naley (n.) – The name given to one of the most notable relationships in television history, Nathan Scott and Haley James Scott. Say this name in literally any social setting and it is guaranteed that at least 10 people will know what you’re talking about.

Tric (n.) – The nightclub owned by Karen Roe and created by Peyton Sawyer. The setting of many important moments for Tree Hill residents.

Chris Keller (n.) – The musician who helped launch Haley James Scott’s musical career in season two and inadvertently becomes a running joke on the show for the many, many seasons that follow.

An Unkindness of Ravens (n.) – The first novel written by Lucas Scott that chronicled his first two years of high school.

The Comet (n.) – The second novel written by Lucas Scott that is centered around his one true love.

Best Guest Stars

Pete Wentz, Gavin DeGraw, Nick Lachey, James Van Der Beek, Ashley Rickards, Joe Manganiello, Maria Menounos, Stephen Colletti, Jana Kramer, Evan Peters, Kevin Federline, Kate Voegele.

Music You Will Be Dying to Hear Again

Basically one song sums up One Tree Hill and is cemented in every fan’s brain for the rest of time. Gavin DeGraw, anyone?

Best Quotes

“There’s no shame in being afraid. Hell, we’re all afraid. What you gotta do is figure out what you’re afraid of because when you put a face on it, you can beat it. Better yet, you can use it.” – Coach Whitey Durham (Season 1, Episode 2: "The Places You Have Come to Fear the Most")

“Six billion people in the world. Six billion souls. And sometimes—all you need is one.” – Peyton Sawyer (Season 3, Episode 10: "Brave New World")

“Most of our lives are a series of images, they pass us by like towns on a highway. But sometimes a moment stuns us as it happens and we know that this instant is more than a fleeting image. We know that this moment, every part of it, will live on forever.” — Lucas Scott (Season 3, Episode 14: "All Tomorrow’s Parties")

“I’ve come to the conclusion that if having things turn out the way you wanted them to is a measure of a successful life, then some would say I’m a failure. The important thing is not to be bitter over life’s disappointments. Learn to let go of the past. And recognize that every day won’t be sunny, and when you find yourself lost in the darkness and despair, remember it’s only in the black of night you see the stars. And those stars will lead you back home. So don’t be afraid to make mistakes, to stumble and fall, cause most of the time, the greatest rewards come from doing the things that scare you the most. Maybe you’ll get everything you wish for. Maybe you’ll get more than you ever could have imagined. Who knows where life will take you. The road is long and in the end, the journey is the destination.” — Coach Whitey Durham (Season 3, Episode 15: "Just Watch the Fireworks")

“And if you’re lucky, if you’re the luckiest person in the world, the person you love decides to love you back.” – Nathan Scott (Season 3, Episode 20: "Everyday is a Sunday Evening")

“When all my dreams come true, the one I want next to me. It’s you.” – Lucas Scott (Season 4, Episode 9: "Some You Give Away")

“Let me ask you all a question. What's worse: not getting everything you wished for or getting it but finding out it's not enough? The rest of your life is being shaped right now with the dreams you chase, the choices you make and the person you decide to be. The rest of your life is a long time and the rest of your life starts right now.” – Haley James Scott (Season 5, Episode 2: "Racing Like a Pro")

“Make a wish and place it in your heart. Anything you want, everything you want. Do you have it? Good. Now believe it can come true. You never know where the next miracle is gonna come from, the next smile, the next wish come true. But if you believe that it’s right around the corner, and you open your heart and mind to the possibility of it, to the certainty of it, you just might get the thing you’re wishing for. The world is full of magic. You just have to believe in it. So, make your wish. Do you have it? Good. Now, believe in it with all your heart.” – Entire cast (Season 5, Episode 13: "Echoes, Silence, Patience and Grace")

“The hardest part of saying goodbye is having to do it again every single day.” – Lucas Scott (Season 6, Episode 4: "Bridge Over Troubled Water")

"It’s hard when you miss people. But, you know, If you miss them, that means you were lucky. It means you had someone special in your life, someone worth missing."– Nathan Scott (Season 7, Episode 16: "My Attendance is Bad, My Intentions Are Good")

What to Do When You’re Done Watching

Honestly, just cry…and then start the entire nine seasons over again (thanks for the opportunity, Netflix)!

15 Waffle Recipes Every Breakfast Lover Should Know

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In honor of National Waffle Day, we've rounded up a list of amazing and mouthwatering waffle recipes. We don't know about you, but we'll eat waffles any time, anywhere. Breakfast for dinner sounds just about right for tonight!

1. Cranberry Pumpkin Waffles 

Fall is just around the corner, and we have all been pumpkin-flavor deprived this summer. There is no harm in getting your pumpkin fix in a little early with these awesome waffles!

2. Blue Corn Waffles 

You know those blue corn chips we all love to eat with our guacamole? Well, if our favorite chip became a waffle this is exactly what it would be like. Hold the guac and pass the syrup.

3. Peanut Butter and Jelly Waffle Sandwiches 

We can hear brunch calling our name! 

4. Sweet Potato Waffles 

Not only can you make these scrumptious waffles, but you can also whip up the cranberry maple syrup that goes with them. 

5. Strawberry Grapefruit Waffles 

A perfect mix of summer fruits, these waffles are sure to have your taste buds singing. Top these with whipped cream to really hit your sweet spot. 

6. Funfetti Cake Waffles 

No, it does not have to be your birthday to enjoy these. Not only are they a ton of fun to look at, but they taste great too!

7. M&M Waffles 

Who's not a fan of M&M candies? Literally no one. This recipe can be made with your favorite type of M&Ms, like peanuts or pretzel. Feel free to get creative with this one!

8. Cinnamon Roll Waffles

Yet another classic dessert transformed into breakfast—how could you resist? Sweet cinnamon and sugary cream topping, yes please!

9. Toasted Coconut Wafffles 

These waffles will have you feeling like you are on a tropical island. Crispy coconut and sweet syrup are all you need for a breakfast worthy of a beach getaway. 

10. Brown Sugar Bacon Waffles 

Waffles and bacon are truly a match made in heaven. Now with a little bit of brown sugar, you have the perfect combination all in one. 

11. Cinnamon Apple Waffles 

Apples go great with just about everything, especially waffles! This recipe is also great for the fall season quickly approaching. 

12. Double Chocolate Chip Waffles 

We all know how to make classic chocolate chip waffles, but these are at a whole other level of chocolate goodness. Double the chocolate, double the yum. 

13. S'mores Waffle Sandwich 

S'more please! Marshmallow filling never looked and tasted so good. 

14. Nutella Swirl Waffles 

We can't think of one thing Nutella does not work well with. Waffles are by far our favorite way to go!

15. Chicken and Waffles 

We can't talk about mouthwatering waffle recipes without involving chicken in at least one. So here it is: the best chicken and waffle recipe around. 

How to Survive Without a Meal Plan

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The college dining hall is an unfortunately familiar scene on college campuses: unidentifiable meat, pizza every night and sky-high prices. Every day, you trek to the caf, grab the same boring food, and pray that the food poisoning your friend got a week ago was a fluke occurrence. You dream of the day when you’re no longer required to be on the meal plan, and you look forward to making delicious, fresh meals in your room.

But the first night of your plan-less living, you may stare inside your fridge (stocked with a mismatch of items) and come to a conclusion: there is nothing to eat.

For students who are used to home-cooked or cafeteria-prepared meals, living without a meal plan can seem difficult at first. However, there are many benefits to going sans plan — it’s often cheaper, and you’ll get more control over what you eat every day! But of course, preparing and shopping for food takes time. Here’s what you should keep in mind when living without a meal plan.

Get the Right Cooking Supplies

One of the best parts of living on a meal plan is the fact that the food is ready to be eaten the moment you scoop it onto your plate. Without a plan, you’re on your own. But that can actually let you be more flexible in what you eat!

Buy the Basics

There are a few customary supplies you should have before you can make your own meals. Here are the standard kitchen supplies that collegiettes recommend bringing, beyond plates and silverware:

  • At least one pot and one pan
  • Can opener
  • Cutting board
  • Knife sharp enough to cut veggies or meat
  • Large spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Microwave
  • Mixing bowl
  • Slotted spoon
  • Spatula
  • Toaster
  • Tongs

Consider Specialty Items

Beyond the basics, you probably have favorite meals that require specific kitchen supplies.

“One of my roommates brought a panini maker, which also turned out to be a godsend,” says Kaitlin, a recent graduate of William & Mary. “We could eat paninis for every meal of the day, and sandwiches are easy because as long as you have bread, you can find any number of ingredients in your kitchen.” You could also make paninis on a mini grill, such as a George Foreman Grill, which will also allow you to cook meat, chicken and fish easily.

Collegiettes recommended blenders as well for easy smoothies. Torri, a recent grad of Penn State, says she loves her NutriBullet. “It's great, super-compact and easy to clean (which means easy for the average college girl on the go), and [it] can make healthy smoothies within minutes,” she says. “Low prep time, plus the mixer acts as a portable cup — I love it!”

For other high-quality cooking supplies, like blenders and combination toaster/coffee makers (so convenient!), try BELLA Housewares.

Just be sure to check with your housing department that you’re allowed to bring these specialty items before you pack them!

Save money on supplies

Looking to find affordable cooking supplies? Try unexpected places, like hand-me-downs from relatives. “In terms of cooking supplies, my housemates and I used pots and pans from grandparents, parents, older siblings who had already lived in apartments - pretty much anything we could get for free!” says Nicole, a senior at Marist College.

Shop Smart

Here are some things to keep in mind before you go grocery shopping:

Make a Budget

The amount of money you’ll spend on food will vary dramatically based on how much you eat, how expensive your chosen grocery store is and how often you eat out as opposed to cooking at home. Especially in college, it can be tempting to load up on snacks, which can raise your grocery bill quickly. “I spent about $70 every two weeks on groceries and tried to go to the store with a strict list so I wouldn't go overboard on junk food and snacks,” Nicole says.

Consider shopping once a week or once every two weeks and sticking to a budget so you don’t overdo it on food you don’t really need. If you set a strict limit for each grocery trip, that extra box of cookies will look a lot less tempting!

Scope Out the Cheapest Groceries

Many grocery stores near college towns will jack up their prices because of the proximity to hungry college students. Ask upperclassmen about the stores that carry the cheapest, best foods. Take advantage of any local farmer’s markets, too, which often carry great, in-season foods for a fraction of the price you’ll pay at a supermarket.

“I think it's way healthier and cheaper to stay in and cook versus eating out or meal plan, and you're learning some valuable life lessons (e.g. just because you're broke doesn't mean you have to starve or live off of Top Ramen),” Heather says. “I bargain shop whenever possible; I do my shopping between Trader Joe’s and WinCo.”

Eat a Balanced Diet

Sure, Ramen is cheap, but it’s not doing you in favors in the nutrition department. Make sure you’re eating a balanced diet of grains, veggies, fruit and protein.

“I usually either eat cereal or cook an egg (fried, scrambled or poached) and make toast for breakfast,” Heather says. “For lunch and dinner, I'll make a salad, pasta, rice dishes, quinoa, sandwiches, stir-fry, curry, noodles, potatoes, vegetables, you name it. Vegetables are not as expensive or difficult to cook as people think!”

Get Creative!

You don’t need a stuffed pantry to make good meals. Keep your apartment or dorm stocked with essentials like chicken, bread, pasta, pasta sauce and rice, and add a few fruits and veggies to the mix. A lot of great dinners only require a few ingredients. Spices, for example, add a lot of flavor to meals but don’t cost very much (and don’t add unnecessary calories!). Need inspiration? Check out seven ideas for quick, easy recipes you can make at home!

Living without a meal plan will offer you a ton of flexibility in what you eat and how much you pay for it. Because you probably won’t have tons of expensive cooking equipment at your disposal, your recipes will likely be more healthy and simple. “I found that eating off the meal plan almost immediately improved my eating habits,” Kaitlin says. “When I ate at the caf, I would really stuff myself for one or two meals a day to ensure I got my value's worth and also because I only had a certain number of swipes.

“Now that I eat off-campus, I can eat a lot more, and much smaller, meals throughout the day, which has been better for my energy levels and body in general,” she says.

While cooking for yourself for the first time can seem a bit daunting, there are actually a ton of options, and you will likely be healthier and might even pick up some culinary skills along the way!

Bella Thorne Comes Out as Bisexual in the Most Simple Yet Beautiful Way

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Bella Thorne has been known to show support for the LGBTQ+ community, tweeting at fans to express themselves and do whatever makes them happy. And earlier this week, she used Twitter to respond to a fan who questioned her sexuality. After posting a photo on Snapchat of herself kissing another girl, one of Thorne's fans asked how the star identifies, Refinery29 reports.

To the question "Are you bisexual?" Thorne simply answered, "Yes."

Later, she thanked her fans for all of their support for accepting her for who she is.

Earlier this month, Thorne and her boyfriend Gregg Sulkin broke up after dating for around a year, People shares. While the girl in Thorne's Snapchat has yet to be identified, Thorne's comfort with sharing her sexuality with her fans is an important stepping stone for the LGBTQ+ community. As more celebrities share their experiences with coming out and show support for this community, we can hope that their acceptance and love will spread to others.


No, Hillary is Not Suffering from a Myriad of Mysterious Illnesses

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Do you remember a few years ago, when droves of conspiracy theorists (so-called “birthers”) accused Barack Obama of being a foreign citizen?

Well, they’re still at it. Only this time, the “healthers” have latched on to Hillary Clinton’s (imagined) ill health, according to CNN. This crusade, which aims to convince people that Clinton is suffering from a number of health issues, started way back in 2012, when she fainted due to dehydration and got a concussion. However, there's no real evidence that Clinton has any serious health problems that would affect her ability to serve as POTUS.

Former mayor of NYC, Rudy Giuliani, accused the media of hiding evidence of Clinton’s health crisis this weekend on Fox News Sunday. He insisted that both her mental and physical health were deteriorating, but offered no legitimate medical evidence to back himself up. Instead, he pointed doubters to Internet videos full of nothing more “unsubstantiated or debunked theories,”NBC News reports. (And don’t forget: this is the guy who said there were no “successful” terrorist attacks on American soil in the eight years before Obama, when he was literally the mayor of New York City on 9/11.)

Press Secretary for the Clinton Campaign Brian Fallon clapped back on Twitter, reminding the world of how Giuliani had to withdraw from the 2000 senate race against Clinton due to his health—he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer.

In 2014, CNN reports, Republican strategist Karl Rove recalled the concussion, suggesting she had been permanently brain damaged as a result, but Clinton’s longtime physician publicly announced her clean bill of health. Even so, a video of Clinton aggressively shaking her head took off as proof that she suffered from seizures, while photo of her being helped up a set of stairs after slipping was supposed to show how weak she was. In one photo, a Clinton secret service agent is holding a flashlight—which conspiracy theorists said was a syringe of anti-seizure medication.

Clinton, for her part, responded to the unfounded claims on Jimmy Kimmel, calling it all a “wacky strategy.” “…just say all these crazy things and maybe you can get some people to believe you."

Tess Holliday Slams Facebook for Being 'Fat-Phobic'

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Facebook, Instagram and Twitter have been under fire recently for banning certain images and users for not following their guidelines, with users saying they did absolutely nothing wrong. Model Tess Holliday is now adding herself to the list of influential people, among other celebrities and faces in fashion, who feel they have been mistreated by a social networking website. Holliday has repeatedly run into issues with Facebook, specifically. And now, she's using her platform to call them out.

Holliday is well known for her support of body positivity, but her acceptance hasn't rubbed off on everyone, leaving her with quite a few internet haters. Us Weekly reports that earlier this month, Holliday posted a screenshot on her personal Facebook of a message she received from a social media troll.

After reading the hurtful comments, Holliday decided that rather than fighting back with someone who probably wouldn't listen, she would instead have some fun with it. She chose to simply reply, "Can you tell me more please?" In an interview with Allure, she said, "I didn't say anything mean to them. They were the ones being mean. I didn't even use any foul language."

In response, Facebook removed the post, telling Holliday that it violated community standards. Holliday said, "Someone was clearly bullying me and harassing me and saying really disgusting things, but Facebook blocked my profile." When she tried to find out why, Facebook would not respond.

The clothing designer has had multiple issues with the website, Us Weekly reports, including removing an ad featuring her that was posted by an Australlian talk show, saying it "violates Facebook's ad guidelines by promoting an idealized physical image." They later apologized, saying it was an accident. But Holliday feels that these things are no accident—they are a result of a "fat-phobic" Facebook monitoring staff.

Working From Home Is Not Just for Lazy Millennials in Pajamas

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A recent article in Quartz argues that Millennials should stop working from home so much. While the piece doesn't completely attack work from home or remote job options, it does praise several companies for fordbidding telecommuting from their offices.

But even though this article briefly touches on the ways that working from home is positive for "employees with children or health problems or a prohibitively difficult commute," it doesn't take the time to think about the real benefits of working from home, or how we can integrate remote working and in-person collaboration to create a balanced company culture.

Working from home is a privilege, like the article says. Those who are socioeconomically disadvantaged often don't have the option to work from home. People who are required to be somewhere in person—cashiers, waitstaff and similar hands-on employees—don't have the option. But it's a privilege that we should try to make more widespread, not less.

There are so many benefits to making telecommuting more accessible and widespread. People with health issues and disabilities are a perfect example, as this personal essay illustrates. While someone's worth should never be about whether they can work or not, the option to telecommute clearly has the ability to make working more accessible for thousands of people with ongoing health issues who might otherwise struggle to stay employed. 

Telecommuting also offers opportunities for people they may not otherwise have. The original article in Quartz mentions prohibitive commutes as an issue remote work can overcome, but what about when the commute isn't even possible? There are an abundance of jobs in expensive metropolitan areas, such as LA, NYC and San Francisco, especially in certain industries, like technology, media, fashion and publishing. But these areas are unaffordable to many talented people who could be invaluable in the workplace, and whose presence could increase much-needed diversity of thought and experience. 

Likewise, options for remote internships offer a similar opportunity for those still in school who wouldn't be otherwise able to get up and move across the country for an unpaid opportunity. Several of my friends completed remote internships in college, and were able to intern at international pop culture websites because of it. If remote internships weren't an option, many people wouldn't be able to complete internships, because owning a car and keeping it on campus for your internship commute—or worse, having to relocate completely to an expensive city—isn't an expense that's accessible to everyone.

If there are so many benefits to commuting to an office and meeting in person, then why can't companies meet in the middle? I'd love to see more 100 percent telecommuting roles open up, because they offer opportunities for people that literally wouldn't exist otherwise. There are other situations where working remotely can't be an option all the time, and I get that. But we could all benefit from a little flexibility.

It speaks volumes that the Quartz article targeted millennials, even though it made the point that telecommuting is a great opportunity for people with kids, long commutes or health issues—and none of these categories is specifically made of just millennials. The backlash against the post on Twitter is a great example of how tired millennials are of thinkpiece articles about how we're just one lazy, entitled generation incapable of being productive members of society.

How is that every time we want to think critically about a societal issue, we jump to the conclusion that millennials, uniquely and as a whole generation, are messing up in some way? There's a lot of research to say that millennials have different priorities in the workplace, so has anyone thought about the fact that telecommuting reflects new workplace values? Or that it's a benefit of the growing technology, of our ability to Facetime and Slack with each other from anywhere in the world? Or that it reflects on the fact that we want our workplaces to be more accessible, accommodating and diverse, and that as a generation, we're attuned to the issues regarding income inequality, ableism and even how introverts work differently?

If adding telecommuting options to more workplaces allows us to think globally, add diversity to our work, be more productive, save introverts (and people who get bad migraines) from sensory overload, be more accessible to those with health issues and priorities outside work and save a little money on gas, too, then I'm all for it. As much as I love the in-person camraderie of grabbing lunch with a colleague or sharing an inside joke after a long day of work, I'm also the first to say someone should work from home if they're in pain or if it just plain helps them focus, or take the day off if they need to take care of something personal.  

Remote work, flexible hours and flexible sick time (or general time off) are all steps to achieving the kind of work-life balance that would make our time spent working more productive—and happier.

At Least 120 Killed in Earthquakes that Shook Italy

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“Half the town no longer exists,” Sergio Pirozzi, the mayor of Amatrice, Italy said, according to The New York Times.

An early morning series of earthquakes has devastated his town, along with much of central Italy. The first quake hit at 3:36 a.m. in Norcia, a southeast town in the Umbria region. Then, it is estimated that 200 aftershocks hit in the hours after. Residents in Rome, which is over 100 miles away from the first quake, were awakened by the tremors as well. It is believed, according to USA Today, that at least 120 people have died as a result of the 6.2 magnitude earthquake.

Rescue workers have since been deployed to the region to search through the rubble for those who are still missing, as many more have yet to be accounted for in the aftermath of the quake.

The towns of Amatrice and Accumoli were hit the worst, with a majority of deaths coming from there. Many of the beautiful, historical buildings in Amatrice were said to have been destroyed in the quakes, and the search parties for those still missing grow dimmer by the second.

Frederik Pleitgen, a reporter for CNN on the scene in Italy, said that authorities believe the death toll could rise significantly as they search the rubble of the now destroyed historical buildings.

 "I have an appeal to make: we have access roads to the town cut off and people under the rubble, help us," Mayor Pirozzi said. Italy is also asking for blood donations in the wake of the quakes, and asking for those able to assist rescue workers as well.

Muslim Women Are Being Discriminated Against Just For Covering Up at the Beach

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Recently, stories have surfaced of women facing discrimination for wearing hijabs and burkinis at French beaches.

David Lisnard, the mayor of Cannes, has issued a ban on burkinis—swimsuits popular with Muslim women because they cover the entire body. He also issued a statement proving that this policy is based soley on discrimination against people's religions and nothing else.

“Access to beaches and for swimming is banned to anyone who does not have [bathing apparel] which respects good customs and secularism.” Lisnard said, according to BuzzFeed News. “Beachwear which ostentatiously displays religious affiliation, when France and places of worship are currently the target of terrorist attacks, is liable to create risks of disrupting public order which it is necessary to prevent.”

And though the statement specifically says that religiously affiliated beachwear will not be tolerated, even women who just wear hijabs, or head coverings, are being targeted. One woman was forced out of the water by police as others at the beach additionally taunted her for her religious wear—a hijab, not a beach-specific burkini. She was fined €11 for wearing it.

“I wasn’t there to provoke anyone. I was stunned—racist terms were used freely,” the woman, known only as Siam, said, according to French news magazine L’Obs. “My children were crying, witnessing the humiliation of me and my family. Even I could not help crying. They humiliated us.”

Siam’s story is just one of many upsetting tales of discrimination since Cannes and other towns across France banned burkinis from their beaches.

Though Siam is wary of going public with her battle against the new orders, she says that this discrimination may only lead to more bans for religious attire.

"Today we are forbidden from the beach,” she said according to the BBC. "Tomorrow, the street?”

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