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Move Over, Kylie: We’re Just As Obsessed With These Cult Favorites

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As many seasoned beauty addicts know, the hype surrounding Kylie Jenner’s cult-favorite Lip Kits is nothing new, but there are just some beauty products that you (and pretty much the rest of the world) simply can’t live without. These are the cult classics that women everywhere seem to agree on. Think of this as your beauty bucket list—if there’s a product you haven’t tried yet, you’re going to want to get your hands on it ASAP!

1. Nars Blush in Orgasm ($30)


NARS offers plenty of products in this shade, which perfectly mimics a certain, erm, afterglow—but the brand’s blush is the OG formulation of the iconic hue that’s universally flattering on all skin colors.

2. Cetaphil Skin Cleanser ($9.39)

No matter what skin type, Cetaphil is widely loved for removing dirt, oil and makeup without stripping skin of moisture. Royall Bryan, a junior at Christopher Newport University, says that Cetaphil is the only cleanser that’s gentle enough for her sensitive skin.

“I'm allergic to nickel & had really bad acne as a kid,” Royall says. “Ingredients like Salicylic Acid & Benzoyl Peroxide were too strong and caused me to break out. Cetaphil's great because it doesn't have a super strong scent, so it doesn't mess with any body sprays I use or anything.”

At under $10, it’s hard to beat the price too!

3. Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray ($27)

If you’ve ever noticed that your hair looks weirdly amazing after a day splashing around at the beach, you're not alone. Tons of women love Bumble and Bumble’s cult-favorite surf spray, which mimics the effect even if you actually have to spend all day inside a windowless classroom.

Alaina Leary, an MA student at Emerson College, says she swears by Bumble and Bumble’s sprays, including the surf spray.

I’ve used Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray,” Alaina says. “I love the quality of Bumble & Bumble—their products really work, the hairspray really stays for a long time, and their sprays do what they say they will, whether that's add shine, add volume, or add texture.”

4. beautyblender ($20)

Try telling a beauty lover that this teardrop-shaped pink sponge is “just a sponge,” and she might be personally offended. The original beautyblender is designed to flawlessly blend foundation and concealer while minimizing streaks and product waste. As 5,392 Sephora reviews with a 4.5 star average would indicate, the beautyblender does exactly what it says it will.

5. Urban Decay Naked Palette ($54)

Before the Urban Decay Naked Palette, nude eye shadow was considered to be the most boring, plain-vanilla of eye shadow shades. Now? This cult-favorite palette has beauty addicts vying to get their hands on every new version that’s released.

6. Smith’s Rosebud Salve ($6)

If there’s one beauty product that you want in your purse at all times, it’s Smith’s Rosebud Salve. Not only is it an amazing lip balm, it’s also great for healing minor burns and moisturizing ragged cuticles on the fly.

7. YSL Touche Eclat ($42)

Not quite a highlighter and not quite a concealer, Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat offers the best of both worlds. It brightens and conceals dark areas (like those under-eye circles left over from your most recent all-nighter), resulting in a dewey, fresh face.

8. Maybelline Great Lash Mascara ($5.99)

Love it or hate it, there’s nothing more timeless than the green and pink tube. While Maybelline has created tons of variations on this classic product, the original Great Lash is still a favorite for millions of women.

9. MAC Lipstick ($17)

Kylie’s Lip Kits aren’t the only lip product beauty addicts obsess over. MAC’s lipstick is the product that made the brand famous. New York University junior Isabel Calkins says it’s the consistency in quality across all the brand’s shades that make her a MAC lipstick addict.

“What I love so much about MAC is that no matter what color or shade I am getting, I know that the quality is going to be amazing,” Isabel says. “It stays on forever and looks great and that's why I keep going back. It's one of those brands that the make up artists rely on and that says a lot.”

MAC’s lipstick is made in hundreds of shades and finishes, but Ruby Woo, a true red, and Rebel, the perfect plum with a little attitude, are widely agreed to be some of the best.

10. DevaCurl One Condition Original Daily Cream Conditioner ($44)

DevaCurl is a brand that women of color who wear their hair naturally swear by, and their original conditioner is one of the brand's best offerings. Instead of weighing springy curls down, the conditioner delivers weightless moisture, defines curls and avoids the frizzy, fluffy look. When 92% of reviewers on Ulta would recommend a product to a friend, you know it's a must-try!

While there are some products that we just don’t understand all the hype over, these cult classics are the real deal.


9 Signs You're the Distracted Dreamer of Your Friend Group

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We all know that one person who can't seem to stay focused on a single task, that girl who doesn't quite seem to be there, all the time—the distracted dreamer of the group. As hard as your friends may try to keep your feet firmly planted on the ground, you know firsthand that it's nearly impossible to keep your head out of the clouds. Dreamers tend to think outside of the box and are able to see far beyond what's right in front of them. However, add in that distracted element and you've got a perfectly imperfect mess of a human being.  

1. You are no stranger to the age old adage, "Her head is always up in the clouds"

If you had a dollar for every time someone said this to or about you, there's no doubt you'd be swimming in cash. 

2. You are constantly getting lost in your own mind

Sometimes people tell you to "stop being in your head so much" but you can't help it. Your friends assume you're just zoning out, but the truth is that you just have so much inner stimulation it's hard not to put at least some of your focus on the inner workings of your mind.

3. "What goes on inside of that head of yours?" is not an uncommon question 

There are so many answers to this question. But it doesn't matter what you say, if you do decide to answer. Sometimes it's fun to be mysterious and keep people guessing.   

4. Sometimes the world in your head is just as (if not more) interesting than the happenings of the real world

Um, sorry the stuff going on in my brain is so much more interesting than reality!

5. Because you're living in your mental world, you often miss obvious things right in front of you 

*Walks into a pole* Where did that thing come from? That definitely wasn't there in my head. 

6. Due to your distracted nature and constantly buzzing mind, you struggle with forgetting your "aha!" moments and good ideas

Your thoughts and ideas all lead to totally different directions. Whenever a creative idea hits you, you don't waste time in writing it down for future reference. 

7. No dream is too big in your eyes 

You don't always think up the logistics behind the idea, but you know that somehow, in some way, it can be done. 

8. You expect opposition to some of your bigger dreams, but you don't let that deter you from pursuing them

You are your biggest cheerleader after all. If you don't believe in yourself, who else will? 

9. You often work on multiple projects at a time because you lose focus so easily

The enthusiasm and passion you have for one idea gets immediately transferred to another project when another "great" idea pops into your head. This makes getting one task done a pretty slow process. If you even manage to remember to finish that project in the first place, that is. 

As a far-too-easily-distracted dreamer, you're far from perfect. But who is? At least you're never running out of ideas. Besides, every friend group needs a healthy mix of thinkers, planners, doers and, most importantly, dreamers. Without the dream, you lose the heart of the whole operation, which would be a true shame.   

14 Things You Look Like the First Time You Have Sex

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Every collegiette is probably in agreement that the first time you had sex, it was anything but glamourous. The event just did not play out the way you imagined it would and was certainly awkward for both parties involved. Whether you're looking to reminisce (or looking to forget the experience altogether), read below for some realistic examples of what you definitely looked like during your first time.

1. These horny fruits

There was nothing like that torturous, tense build-up. 

2. This square peg trying to fit into a round hole

Some things just won't work no matter how bad you want them to. 

3. A deer in the headlights

*Screams internally* Holy shit, I didn't think we'd get this far. What the fuck do I do now?

4. A seductive radish

Before the act, you know you attempted to look like an absolute goddess as you waited for bae. 

5. This starfish

"Lay it on me, baby!"

6. These freaky trees

Yup, definitely doesn't look or feel natural.

7. This frightened creature

Ummmmm... IS IT SUPPOSED TO FEEL LIKE THIS?

8. Probably as confused as this sign

Hm. Not sure if this is right but we're going to try it anyway.

9. This struggling foam alphabet board

It works! Kind of… But not really…

10. A hand going for some pringles

But seriously, when are they going to reformat the Pringles can?

11. This cute-but-terrified kitten

It's a life-changing experience, after all.

12. Some passionately awkward kangaroos

It probably was like that.

13. A surprised tea kettle

Interesting.

14. This frustrated mop

The anger of a failed first time is so real. 

How To Actively Start Dating, When You've Never Dated Before

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In the digital age, a prospective date could be a swipe or click away. Given the plethora of dating apps and sites that exist to help you find that special someone, it’s not difficult to filter and browse through the profiles of other people who are similarly looking for a relationship. Even offline, it’s easy to get out and meet new faces. For those who haven’t previously dated before, here are four ways you can take the leap into the dating pool. 

1. Take a class at a community center.

If you’ve always wanted to learn a new skill, why not kill two birds with one stone? Going into class, everyone’s starting out on the same foot and open to helping and getting to know each other. Jackson*, a sophomore at York University, took a weekly culinary class where he met his former girlfriend. “I was surprisingly not too bad at cooking but my cute partner was awful at it. We had a lot of laughs throughout the program and ended up going out after the class ended.”

Like Jackson, Aaron*, a junior at Brock University, went on a couple dates with a woman he met through classes at a community center. “I’m a huge rock-climbing fanatic so I go to YMCA regularly to use their rock wall. Apparently, she was also a regular and just as enthusiastic about it so I wanted to get to know her and eventually asked her out.”

When it comes to first dates, Aaron suggests going on a hike or stopping by an artisan bakery cafe. “Going out for coffee or a movie is a little too typical so instead, I’ll schedule a date late afternoon to get some dessert together if she has a sweet tooth.” He says that hikes by the lake or at a park are another neat date idea as “you’re both surrounded by nature and there are fewer distractions.” Basically, creating a unique and memorable experience increases the likelihood they’ll say yes to a second date. 

Related: This Dating App Is About to Change the Game for Women 

2. Talk to family and friends.

You can tell those close to you that you’re single and open to dating because a mutual contact can provide more information than an online profile about who they’re setting you up with. It’s also the safest option because your friends or family knows your quirks best, which means there’s a great probability they have an even better understanding of what type of person you’re likely to be most comfortable with than a dating algorithm.

Natalie*, a freshman at Seneca College, went on several prearranged dates that were organized by friends. “It wasn’t half bad and definitely better than I was expecting,” she admits. “The first guy I went on a blind date with was really sweet. He was my sister’s boyfriend’s roommate. I personally feel safer going out with guys my friends recommend because they’ve already vetted the person and can vouch for their character. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have set me up with them.”

After the initial couple dates, Natalie was invited to his place where they cooked a meal together. “He texted me a couple days in advance and asked what type of foods I liked. I said I loved Thai food so he bought the ingredients for pad thai. I had an awesome time making the dish with him and talking over dinner.” She suggests that both men and women take turns planning dates “because that way, there isn’t pressure placed on any one person to be responsible for coming up with fun date ideas.” Also, you get to see what type of person they are through the kind of activities they plan.

3. Create an online dating profile.

Unless you want to serial date, Tinder - which has become synonymous with hook-ups - may not be the best option if you’re hoping for a long-term relationship. Teresa*, a senior at the University of Ottawa, found her current boyfriend after trying a couple different dating apps. She highly suggests that users new to dating apps to use Bumble. “What I like most about Bumble is that it reverses the roles," she says. "Typically, it’s expected that men make the move but with Bumble, only women can message a potential love interest first.”

Teresa also points out that for shy girls in particular, Bumble is the ideal app to use if you’re trying to put yourself out there since it puts a clock on each match before it expires. “The key thing to know is that Bumble creates this sense of urgency,” she explains. “After you get a mutual match, there’s a timer that encourages female users to initiate the conversation before it runs out and you aren’t able to connect with the other person.” Other apps she recommends include Hinge (“If you’re concerned about creeps, then this may be your go-to app”) and Coffee Meets Bagel (“they curate the best matches possible for each user”).

For any preliminary dates scheduled with someone online, Teresa highly emphasizes the necessity of meeting up in very public place. “You can’t be too careful,” she points out and recommends that “if the weather’s nice, visit the farmer’s market or places like Toronto’s Distillery District. When I go back home on the weekends, my boyfriend and I love going there because it’s fantastic for dates since there’s an assortment of boutiques, galleries and restaurants all in one place.” So next time, consider taking your date to some of your favorite spots around the city. They’ll learn about new places they never knew of and you’ll get a kick out of being their tour guide.

4. Find a cause or activity on campus that interests you.  

It’s a sure-fire method of meeting like-minded students. When college clubs are actively recruiting new members, be sure to collect more information by talking to club representatives. Figure out what kind of events are organized throughout the year and how you can get involved. If you meet someone who catches your eye at a club meeting, your shared interests will likely give you plenty to talk about. Isabelle*, a sophomore at Ryerson University, previously dated another club member during her freshman year.

“Since we’re both highly competitive and previously on the debate team in high school, we hit it off instantly,” she says. “We started talking after club meetings and studying together. Sometimes, we’d grab coffee in between classes. He asked me out two months later and we officially started dating then!”

On planning dates, Isabelle says that “being a campus couple, some of the best dates [they] had were incredibly low-key” and involved seeing a musical organized by a school club or volunteering together. Especially as college students, she points out that when you enjoy each other’s company, you’ll both finds ways to make the most of your time together without spending a lot.

Related: 7 Flirting Tips to Try This Summer 

Online or offline, you’re bound to meet some interesting people with a bit of effort. If you want to get to know someone better and pursue a romantic relationship, then why wait? Take the initiative to ask them out. I can tell you from my own experience that dropping subtle hints does not work. Jen Sincero, New York Times best-selling author of the You Are a Badass series sums it up when she says that “if you want to live a life you’ve never lived, you’ve [got] to do things you’ve never done.”

*Names have been changed

How to Have Your Best Semester Yet

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You made your Target runs, put the finishing touches on your DIY picture collages and made it through the first days of classes ­– in other words, your semester is off and running (fast!). The school year is in full swing, and this year you’re determined to have an even better time than last year. It’s not that last year wasn’t totally awesome (because it was), but this year? This is your year.

To make the fall semester more incredible than you ever even thought possible, you don’t have to rent expensive party buses to get to frat formals or bust your butt at the library every single night to score that much-deserved A. Sure, a few of those things here and there are swell, but having an amazing time this fall can be the result of much simpler decisions. Wondering what we mean? Here’s your answer: the best tips for making this semester fantastic (without having to go overboard). We’re talking making the most of every moment, killin’ your classes and making more friends along the way!

1. Decide what really matters

One of the best ways to de-stress your life is to edit your closet. This means keeping the items that you really love and donating the items that are, well, just taking up space on your hangers. This mentality doesn’t only apply to your inherited cashmere sweaters or your favorite riding boots; Committing only to activities, classes and friends you seriously can’t live without will de-stress your life, too.

Did you take a leadership position last semester more out of obligation than a true passion for the role? Then let it go! Wandering through a minor that you’re realizing you don’t have much time for or interest in? Then why are you still doing it? College is one of the few times in your life where you get to focus (mostly) on the things that you want to do. Edit your school life like you’d edit a closet: If you aren’t obsessed with your major or extracurricular activities, then let ‘em go. You’ll give yourself extra time to pursue what’s really important to you, which will, in turn, make you a happier camper. Or poli sci major. Or drum captain. 

2. Chill, dude

We get it; you’ve got a lot going on. Running from classes to club meetings to study sessions is just a day in the life for a college gal, but don’t forget that at some point you’re going to have to let off some steam! Scheduling time for constructive relaxation during your week is the key to staying sane when all you can think about is when the heck you’re going to finish that lab write-up.

What exactly do we suggest? Try scraping together an hour for a daily workout (one of the best stress busters out there – and as a bonus, your six pack will start showing!). If breaking a sweat doesn’t suit your fancy, put together an awesome, calming playlist and listen to it while you take a long shower or when you walk to class. It’ll put you in a good state of mind for taking on your classes and other activities! 

Related: 7 Ways to Motivate Yourself to Use the College Gym This Year

3. Channel your inner Jim Carrey

We’re talking about Jim Carrey in the admittedly mediocre 2008 movie Yes Man. Though the film itself wasn’t exactly an Oscar-worthy smash, the plot made a point that we’d like to reiterate: Say “yes” to something new! Whether it’s joining a new club, hanging out with a cutie from American lit whom you’re 50/50 on or taking a spontaneous weekend trip, saying “yes” to something you’re not totally sold on can end up being one of your favorite experiences of the year!

Making the most of opportunities you’re given can totally change your college experience. So, the next time your roomies suggest a trip to the beach or the quiet cutie from chem strikes up the courage to ask you out for coffee, say, “Why not?” and get ready for some unexpected fun!

4. Get outta here

As much fun as it is to hang out on campus, sometimes you’ve gotta get out of the university bubble to experience the real world. If your college town has lots to do off campus, take advantage of the awesome shopping, restaurants or museums at your fingertips.

For collegiettes whose schools are a far cry from “urban,” take a Saturday to go hiking, camping or apple picking this fall! Simply getting out of your routine can do wonders for a tired student. Sometimes all you need is a breath of fresh air (literally!).

If you’re super ambitious, you could even consider taking an off-campus internship! Visit your school’s career center and ask which companies in the area are hiring – bonus points if you find a gig that’s paid. Interacting with adults in the workforce will not only help you prepare for post-collegiette life (gasp!), but also give you the chance to collaborate with people who aren’t in your comparative politics course.

“I took a part-time internship near campus during the spring of my junior year,” says Sarah, a senior at the University of Minnesota. “I loved it because it gave me a chance to get off campus and spend some time in downtown Minneapolis during the week. It was only about 10 hours a week, but was just enough to give me a change of scenery and some work experience.”

5. Take astrophysics...

…If you’re a music major. If you’re usually slaving away in chem lab, pick up a theater course. Use the extra slots in your schedule to take a class in a subject you know literally nothing about. Religion, philosophy, sports management… the possibilities are endless.

Sure, college is a time to figure out what you want to pursue as a career, but it’s also a time to experience new things! When’s the next time you’ll have a chance to take music theory from a world-class musician or biology from a highly regarded scientist? That’s right – probably never. Maybe you’ll realize that you’ve fallen absolutely in love with a subject you’d never even considered.

6. Make an older friend (like, wayyy older)

After you’ve established a solid friend group consisting of roommates, classmates and intramural teammates, there’s one last group to conquer: your professors. College professors are a school’s greatest assets, and they’re there to teach and mentor Y-O-U! Teachers are vaults of knowledge. They’re experts in their respective fields, they have years of experience to draw from and they’re, like, networking gold! Not only do they know tons of people in the career field you want to end up in, but they’ll likely be more than happy to connect you with friends or former colleagues who can help you get a job after graduation.

Making connections with your professors will only make your college experience easier and more enjoyable. They are the ones putting your grades in the books, after all! By making sure your Psych 101 lecturer knows your name, the chances it’ll have an “A” next to it by the time finals come around will increase.

Related: 22 Reasons to Be Excited to Go Back to School

7. Learn your school’s fight song 

You know those kids in the front row of football games who paint their chests and make it on ESPN? We’re willing to bet that those mega-fans know every bleeping word to their school’s fight song. We’re also willing to bet (some of us from experience) that they’re having a blast! Having school spirit is an awesome way to get involved on campus, make friends and enjoy your college days.

Does that mean you need to strip down to your skivvies in 20-degree weather and paint up to cheer on your football team? Well, if you want to, we won’t hold you back! For you gals who don’t have an undying love of the cold, there are plenty of other ways to show your love for your school. Attending a music or theatrical performance or a debate match to support your fellow classmates are all totally legit ways to show your school spirit. Just don’t start the wave in the middle of Hamlet.

You’re on your way to having the best semester of your life, girl! Just remember to follow your heart and do what feels right for you. After all, who knows you better than yourself?

Leslie Jones is the Subject of Online Hate Again—& It's Gone Too Far

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Leslie Jones is most recently known for her role in the all-female reboot of Ghostbusters, where she played the hilarious Patty Tolan. But following her big screen debut, she received tons out backlash and negativity—enough to make her swear off Twitter. Now, she’s under attack again following a hack into her website that put all of her personal information on the page.

TMZreports that the hacker posted private photos and information of the actress, including her license and passport. They also posted a picture of the gorilla Harambe next to sexually explicit photos of Jones, as well other images of her with celebrities like Kanye West, Kim Kardashian West and Rihanna.

The New York Times reports that the images have been taken down from the website, and although there was no proof of the legitimacy of the photos, the driver’s license and passport seemed to have accurate information. As this time there is no information about the hacker, and Jones’s representatives haven’t responded to questions.

This latest act of misogynistic racism is exactly what Jones has been fighting against. Recently, she defended Gabby Douglas, who received backlash during the Olympics. She even started an online campaign to fight against the haters, making #LOVE4GABBYUSA go viral. Now that she’s under attack again, others have jumped to fill the supportive role she took on for Douglas.

Although the hack was terrible and offensive, celebrities like Katy Perry and Paul Fieg, the director of Ghostbusters, are rallying behind Jones, sharing #StandWithLeslie and #Love4Leslie along with words of support on Twitter as a retaliation against the hate.

In the aftermath of such a personal attack, the love and support shown to Jones will hopefully outweigh this heinous attack.

STOP EVERYTHING—A 'Gilmore Girls' Festival Is Happening

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Remember how you cried after finishing Gilmore Girls for the fifth time of binge-watching it and refused to live anywhere except Stars Hollow when you grow up? Just me? Anyways, THAT’S NOW KINDA BASICALLY POSSIBLE. 

According to Huffington Post, a real life “Gilmore Girls” festival is happening in Washington Depot, Connecticut, the town that Stars Hollow is based on, from October 21-23. Yes, you read that right. 

The festival’s website reads, “Sixteen years ago we all fell in love with Stars Hollow. Here’s your chance to experience it” and it doesn’t stop there. 

Besides just taking place in real life Stars Hollow, there will be an authentic town troubadour, a “Friday Night Dinner” and even a dance recital. It’s basically a dream come true. 

Not to mention, all of the cast members have been invited to join in the festivities! The best part is that YOU, yes YOU, can also participate. Tickets are selling fast but it seems that some are still available. General admission will cost you $175 and VIP tickets, which Huffington Post reports are already sold out, cost $250. 

So while you wait for the revival to come out in November, pack your Yale hat and coffee cup and head to Stars Hollow. 

Ryan Lochte's Next Move? Dancing With The Stars

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Following his Rio fiasco, Ryan Lochte is reportedly joining the cast of Dancing With The Stars. USA Today confirms that the swimmer and former reality television star is ready to get back in the spotlight and hopefully repair his tarnished image by joining the 23rd season of DWTS, premiering on Sept. 12.

This announcement follows a tumultuous Olympic departure that left Lochte and other swimmers in hot water for lying about being robbed at gunpoint. The incident was eventually disproved and instead became a case of vandalism that Lochte and other U.S. swimmers took part in. Following the huge media uproar, Lochte lost four of his sponsors, including Speedo, Ralph Lauren, Syneron-Candela and airweave, making the 12-time gold medalist’s decision to join DWTS an attempt to win back his image. A source tells Us Weekly, “Doing DWTS will be great for Ryan’s image! He will be able to show America that he’s a good guy who made a mistake. He’s still an Olympic champion! He will be great on the show."

We probably won't (and shouldn't) forget about the trouble Lochte caused in Rio anytime soon, and we're not sure reality TV is the best way to prove you're a "good guy," but if that's the route he wants to take... well, we'll see how this goes.


Hope Solo Suspended from U.S. National Team For Six Months

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Although the U.S. walked away with the most gold medals from the Olympics this past week, there were a few matches that we did lose out on. One of the biggest losses came from the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team in a match against Sweden, and unfortunately, not everyone was the best team player after that. 

According to Us Weekly, Hope Solo, the incredible soccer goalie who helped Team USA win gold in 2008 and 2012, has been suspended from the U.S. Women’s National Team for six months, effective immediately, because of some comments she made after the loss in Rio. 

She said, “I think we showed a lot of heart. We came back from a goal down. I’m very proud of this team, but I also think we played a bunch of cowards. The best team did not win today. I strongly believe that” and people were not happy. 

As a result of her comments, U.S. Soccer announced on its website that she has been suspended. The president of the organization, Sunil Gulati, said that “The comments by Hope Solo after the match against Sweden during the 2016 Olympics were unacceptable and do not meet the standard of conduct we require from our National Team players. Beyond the athletic arena and beyond the results, the Olympics celebrate the ideals of fair play and respect. We expect all of our representatives to honor those principles, with no exceptions.”

The U.S. Team is losing an incredible player, but we're glad the organization is sticking to its standards.

At Least 12 Dead and Dozens Injured After Attack on the American University of Afghanistan

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At least 12 people are reported dead, including seven students, following an hours-long attack on American University of Afghanistan in western Kabul. Dozens more were wounded in the attack.

The university became the victim of a “complex attack,” meaning that the university was assaulted with gunfire and an explosion, according to NBC News.

American University of Afghanistan is a private, non-profit school that is “modeled on American curriculum and standards,” according to the school’s website.

Following the initial car bomb explosion at a school for the blind next door, at least one gunman fired at the university. Afghan forces surrounded the university’s compound as dozens tried to escape. According to The New York Times, others took to social media to contact loved ones and plead for help, including Massoud Hossaini, a photographer for the Associated Press.

Multiple sources say that students trapped inside classrooms barricaded the doors with desks and chairs, and remained on the ground. Hossaini was trapped inside the university, but was able to escape safely with about 9 other students through an emergency exit.

He told the AP, "I went to the window to see what was going on, and I saw a person in normal clothes outside. He shot at me and shattered the glass.”

So far, no terrorist group has taken responsibility for the attack, and police spokesperson Sediq Sediqqi told Fox News it’s not clear whether there were one or two attackers.

University officials are still working to “assess the situation,” as the dust begins to settle after what could possibly be a terrorist attack.

This is the second attack on the university this month.

On Aug. 7, an American and an Australian professor were kidnapped by five gunmen from a car near the university’s campus, and there have been no updates on the condition of those professors.

This College Put Sleep Pods in the Library So Students Can Catch a Quick Nap Between Study Sessions

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The British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), a post-secondary school in Vancouver, has chosen to make one very important area of student life a priority: nap time. The school has just installed two sleep pods in their library, so now students busy with studying don't even have to return to their dorms for a rest.

The choice to install the pods came from student demand, library director James Rout told CBC News. Between seeing students snoozing in the library using their textbooks as pillows and reasearch showing the need for a safe, restful place for students, this seemed like a great option, located in one of the most convenient and necessary places for napping.

The sleep pods look like a barrel that you enter from a side door. Inside, students lie down on a mat made of vinyl to take their nap, which they're supposed to wipe down with cleaning supplies after like a machine at the gym. To avoid any issues of, well, using the pods for things *other* than sleeping, the library has a strict rule that only one student can be in a pod at a time—and yes, they're watching to make sure students follow that.

Not every student is crazy about the pods. One student responded on Facebook that rather than using the money for the pods, the school should have just added more tables for working. Rout says the pods did cost "several thousand dollars," but he feels they will make a positive impact on student's lives. He's hoping that they will give tired students a safe place to sleep, since previously they had students "often sleeping at their desks or sofas or couches," he told CTV News.

The school may be on to something, as similar pods have been installed in innovative companies like Facebook and Google for employee use as well. The pods available range in cost from around $2,000 to close to $10,000, with additions like the ability to play soothing music to help users fall asleep.

15,000 New Clinton Emails Might Be Released Right Before Election Day

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State department lawyers have announced Monday that they plan to make 15,000 previously unreleased emails from Hillary Clinton's private server public during the weeks leading up to Election Day, according to The New York Times. This is not favorable for Clinton, who did not voluntarily turn over the emails, as the email scandal will continue to follow her right up until Nov. 8 and beyond.

The FBI recovered these 14,900 emails during its investigation into Clinton's email use as Secretary of State. The emails are now being reviewed for classified information and sorted into personal and work-related categories, which is why they can't be released right away. 

The new documents are an addition to the 30,000 work-related emails that Clinton's lawyers turned over to the department in December 2014. FBI director James Comey said in July that he does not believe the emails were "intentionally deleted" from the original documents given to them, but it's still not a great look for Clinton. The FBI cleared Clinton of criminal conduct, even though they said she was "extremely careless" in her use of the private email server.

In response to the findings of these new documents, the Clinton campaign said they "are not sure what additional materials the Justice Department may have located, but if the state department determines any of them to be work-related, then obviously we support those documents being released publically as well," according to the Times.

Now, state lawyers say the plan is to release the emails in four separate batches over the course of about a month leading up to election day, with the dates in mind being Oct. 14, 21 and 28, and Nov. 4. Yes, that's four days before election day. Judge James Boasberg felt that the department should try to meet an earlier deadline with their releases, the Guardian reports, and a hearing will be scheduled in September to review progress on going through the documents—but one lawyer has said that the October and November dates are already going to be tough deadlines to meet.

No matter what's actually in these thousands of emails, the fact that they've been found at all will be enough to keep people from trusting Clinton. It's a challenge the former Secretary will have to keep fighting right up until the election—hopefully by being as transparent and honest with voters as possible.

Here Are the 10 Most Beautiful Women in the World, According to Science

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Everyone is beautiful in their own way—that's one message we'll always hold true. But because science has to be a know-it-all, it's come up with a list of the most beautiful women in the world.

According to Woman’s Day, there is an ancient Greek philosophy called the Phi ratio that's supposed to determine how beautiful some people are according to their face ratio and symmetry. Dr. Julian De Silva of the Centre for Advanced Facial Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery used this method along with computer facial mapping to determine what famous women truly are the most beautiful in the world, with people like Kate Moss and Jennifer Lawrence making the list. 

Honestly, we're not all that surprised by this list because yes, these women are all STUNNING:

1. Amber Heard 91.85%

2. Kim Kardashian 91.39%

3. Kate Moss 91.06%

4. Emily Ratajkowski 90.8%

5. Kendall Jenner 90.18%

6. Helen Mirren 89.93%

7. Scarlett Johansson 89.82%

8. Selena Gomez 89.57%

9. Marilyn Monroe 89.41%

10. Jennifer Lawrence 89.24%

The numbers that you see next to the names mark the percentage of facial symmetry that that person has. So according to this method, Amber Heard has the most symmetrical face and is, therefore, the most beautiful.

Dr. De Silva also notes that with this study, they have solved some “of the mysteries of what it is that makes someone physically beautiful," and that with the results, he was able to see what celebrities who have “facial features that come close to the ancient Greek principles for perfection."

So now before you run off and measure how far apart your eyes and ears are, just remember, we are all beautiful in our own way.

Fox News Hit With Another Sexual Harassment Lawsuit

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Well, today in Fox News-is-crazier-than-we-all-thought news, another former cohost has filed suit against the organization with allegations of sexual harassment, charging the network with berating sexism and just overall grossness.

Andrea Tantaros, former cohost of “The Five,” has filed a major lawsuit against the network. Her suit alleges that she received unwanted sexual attention from former chairman, Roger Ailes, other senior level executives and even Bill O’Reilly, a former colleague of Tantaros. Tantaros slams the network in her suit, calling it hypocritical in the worst of ways. "Fox News masquerades as a defender of traditional family values, but behind the scenes, it operates as like a sex fueled, Playboy Mansion-like cult, steeped in intimidation, indecency and misogyny," the lawsuit reads. (I would normally express an emotion at the end of statements like this, but truly, I don't know which one is more appropriate here. I think an 'eww,' 'yuck,' a 'gasp' and a 'BURN!' all apply.) 

According to Fox, Tantaros was let go in April when she allegedly wrote a book without network approval. Tantaros counters this claim in her lawsuit, stating her resignation was in fact in retaliation for complaining about the sexual harassment in the first place. The book dispute was just the cover behind the retaliation.

This suit comes amid the mounting allegations against Roger Ailes, who was accused by another former anchor, Gretchen Carlson, regarding sexual harassment. In private intestigations, even Megyn Kelly admitted she was once the target of Ailes harassment. During this time, it also came out that a booking agent from the network had was repeatedly harassed by Ailes and was coerced into starting a years-long affair with him, later leading to mental breakdowns. However, Tantaros claims that he did not act alone in his sexist behavior but was instead “condoned by most of his senior lieutenants.” In fact, she said she met with Ailes' replacement before her firing, and she was told to "let this one go."

According to Business Insider, the lawsuit says she was told repeatedly not to wear pants so that Ailes could see her legs and was once asked to spin around for the former CEO so that he could, in the creepiest way possible, "get a good look at her"—an advance she refused. She also alleges in the suit that the network created Twitter bots designed to harass her online.

Fox told The New York Times they would not be commenting on the lawsuit.

How To Deal With An Overpacked Schedule

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Cover a friend's shift at work? Single-handedly organize a last-minute fundraiser? Babysit your cousin's three kids on the night before a major exam? Yes, why not? We've all been there. Request after request comes flying in from all areas of our lives and before we know it, we've said yes to them all. One look at our planners will tell us that we've overbooked ourselves because we just can't say "no." Whether we think it'll make us seem rude or we've convinced ourselves that we can handle it, too many of us are filling our plates with way too many obligations. Here’s the deal on how to deal.

1. Simplify

First off, decide what really matters in your life. That sounds complicated, but it isn't if you just take a closer look at everything on your to-do list. Are you involved in four different clubs at once? Which of those have something directly to do with your major or something you're passionate about? If you find yourself in horseback riding club, scuba club, poetry club and student government but you're on track to become your state's next senator, consider weeding out a few of your less necessary commitments.

"I was the captain of my Division 1 varsity golf team, wrote a weekly column for my student newspaper, took 18 credit hours, and I managed the Her Campus chapter at my school," said Jaime Ritter of University of Alabama at Birmingham. "I balanced things by DVRing my favorite shows as a treat when I got done with my homework, blogs, and practice."

Kylie Cole, Prevention and Education Coordinator & Staff Psychologist at the University of Maine, has a few tips for those who have trouble saying “no.”

"Saying ‘no’ is really difficult in the moment, so it is great to make a plan about how much you are willing to take on in a given semester (or week) and try to stick to that," she says.

2. Be Truthful

Here is a secret most collegiettes don't know: you do not have to please everyone. In fact, it's impossible! Your job is to do your best in school, enjoy your short time as a college student and follow your dreams. The rest are just details. If you are overwhelmed, be honest! One week you could have a midterm exam, two papers to write and two shifts at work, not to mention an argument with a friend or roommate that's weighing heavy on your heart. This would not be a swell time to add something else to your schedule.

One collegiette explains, "I've come to terms with the fact that I can't please everyone, and that has lifted a lot of weight off my shoulders."

People reach out to you for favors most often because they know you are responsible and can juggle several commitments at once. However, you're not doing yourself or anyone else a favor by stretching your time so thin that you end up feeling miserable and overworked. You will put less energy into everything you do, and you can bet that person won't want to rely on you again.

"People often expect more of themselves than they do of others, so learning to cut ourselves a break and allow ourselves to take time to take care of ourselves is important," says Cole.

Say your schedule is cramped as is and a member of your debate club asks for last minute help with her speech. Think twice before agreeing. Sure, you want to help him out and be a friend, but you have to be realistic about how many commitments and tasks you can handle at one time.

So if your schedule really has you feeling swamped, tell the person or organization who's asking, politely, "no, thank you. I'm sorry I can't help you out right now but I'm just too busy. Please ask me again at another time." That way you aren't burning bridges but at the same time you aren't adding another impossible to-do to your already never-ending checklist.

Related: 11 Resolutions to Keep You Healthy This School Year

3. Organize

Sure, extracurriculars and added events can be fun, but when you're already working a part-time job and being a full-time student, even an hour or two a week of free time can be more precious than gold. Try making a list of all your time commitments, including work, studying, recreational or social time and any extracurriculars.

Next, make a schedule for everything on your to-do list. Sort them into the above categories and once you see it all on paper, you might realize you have more time than you thought! If the opposite is true, take a look at what can be shifted in your schedule and what could possibly be removed.

Nicole of George Washington University recently got so overwhelmed by her crazy schedule that she forced herself to sit down and look at everything that was taking up her time.

"I just bought a planner, and I took the syllabus from every class I am taking and wrote [down] all of the assignments from now until the end of the semester," Nicole said. "I feel better. If someone asks me to do something for them, I can check how much time I have every day to do it."

4. Practice

You know what they say about practice — it makes perfect. So if you are the female Jim Carrey in Yes Man, start saying "no" to small demands in limited areas of your life. For example, if a coworker asks if you can take a four-hour shift for them a week in advance, try saying "no." It's only a few hours, and that far ahead of time your coworker can surely find someone else to cover her shift. Soon you'll see how painless saying "no" can be.

"I have a tendency to say ‘yes’ all the time, but then I end up getting overwhelmed as my responsibilities pile up," Erica says.

Saying "no" can be surprisingly freeing. If you start small, you'll eventually have the strength to say "no" to bigger questions, such as, "can you do the rest of the work for this group project on your own?"  I think you already know the answer.

5. Be cautious

Of course, there are some areas of our busy lives where it's a better idea to just say yes. For example, at your internship, it's usually best to say "yes" more often than "no."

When your boss asks you to run around the corner for three extra-hot soy lattes and you'd really rather sit behind your tiny desk and check Facebook again, say "yes." It may be annoying, but you never know how far a little determination and positivity will take you in the workplace.

"I often ask students who come to see me at the Counseling Center if they are doing something because they want to do it or because they feel obligated or pressured to do it," Cole says. "Knowing the difference, even if you still decide to do the activity, can help you understand your feelings about it."

Think before you say "no," but mean it with all your might when you do. There's a fine line between being strong and letting someone walk all over you, and collegiettes, we never want you to cross it. With any luck, you've had enough time in your packed schedule to finish this article, and you can walk out the door a new woman — one who says "no" when she needs to and “yes” when she wants to.


Hating Your Job Could Cost You Your Mental Health

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I’m going to confide in you, readers. If I felt unhappy at a job, I would quit whenever I felt like it. I figure life's way too short to stay at a job I can’t stand. And according to science, this might be exactly the right attitude to have.

Scientists at Ohio State University say that if you're unhappy with your job, that negativity might come back to bite you later in life, according to CBS News. The scientists established a long term study in which they asked people to score their job satisfaction throughout their twenties and thirties. At the end of the study, the participants were given a mental health check.

The study, which was presented at the annual meeting of American Sociological Association, was lead by Jonathan Dirlam. The participants were followed from ages 25 to 39 and sorted into four groups over the course of the study. These groups were: consistent dissatisfaction, consistent satisfaction, low satisfaction to high satisfaction and high to low satisfaction. Forty-five percent of participants reported consistent dissatisfaction, while a mere 15 percent of participants expressed consistent satisfaction. Seventeen percent went from low satisfaction to high, and 23 percent went from high to low. Those who reported feelings of dissatisfaction, and even only initial satisfaction but later dissatisfaction, reported worse mental health later in their life. Those who reported consistent satisfaction or satisfaction that trended upward were less likely to report feelings of depression, problems with sleep and worrying.

Since the 1980s, people have reported less job satisfaction. Dirlam speculated this is due in part to low job security, as jobs are less guaranteed in past generations. That being said, there could be a number of contributing factors that play a part in this decline. For example, newer generations are more aware of their emotions, the job market is wider and overall tougher than previous generations, and our generation has less defined career paths and a deeper desire for career growth in companies that share their ideals

At the end of the day, I guess the deeper lesson would be that loving your job should be pretty high up on your list of priorities.

These Are The Best & Worst Jobs for Equal Pay

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The gender wage gap is real, people, and we collegiettes have had enough of it. Women of every ethnicity and education level in the U.S. are paid less than men, earning about 76 cents for every dollar paid to a man. That means, on average, women miss out on more than $10,000 a year, and that wage gap only gets worse as women climb career ladders. What do we say to this, ladies? How about a big fat ‘NO’?

Even though we’ve been fuming about how degrading the wage gap is since 1963, it still exists, and it’s something millennials should be aware of when considering their careers. Here are the best and worst jobs for equal pay, based on the most recent study by Glassdoor in 2016.

Worst

1. Computer Programmer, -28.3 percent pay difference

Occupations involving computer science, hardware and software engineering have always been male-dominated. Still, the lack of female numbers is no excuse for the fact that women in this field earn approximately 72 cents for every $1 earned by men, officially placing as the worst career for equal pay. Ladies, we’ve got some work to do.

Ellen Ullman, a female computer programmer, published an article in The New York Times on how it feels to be a woman in computer software. She says, “There is always that cheek-slapped moment when you are alone with the anti-women prejudice: the joke, the leer, the disregard, the invisibility, the inescapable fact that the moment you walk through the door you are seen as lesser, no matter what your credentials.” Clearly, the tech industries’ jobs have a gender problem.

It becomes all the more frustrating when you realize how well-compensated the employees––well, at least the bros––are and that women are missing out on those $10,000 bonuses and free ski trips. Women deserve not only equal pay in science and technical fields, but also the opportunity to hold leadership roles at programming companies. In the words of our queen Beyoncé, girls run the world––so they should be running tech companies, too.

2. Chef, -28.1 percent pay difference

Kitchens, what are you doing? Sadly, female chefs earn 72 cents for every dollar their male counterparts earn. Yes, women typically make up a low percentage of kitchen staff—unless they’re in the pastry business—but that doesn't excuse their $20,000 annual loss across all job titles in this career path.

Anne Taylor, who works in the food and restaurant industry, wrote about her experience as a female chef on Refinery29. “During my years in the industry, I witnessed women and minorities who had been in the industry for a decade making $3 to $4 less per hour than white male coworkers who had just been hired to do the exact same job. It didn’t get any better when I moved into a managerial role. Men I worked with — including those with much less experience — were making several dollars more an hour than I was. When I was promoted to head pastry chef, I discovered a man hired to assist me made more than I did.”

If you’re going to tell a woman to make you a sandwich, shouldn’t she at least be fairly compensated for it?

Related:11 Feminist Careers You Never Knew Existed

3. Dentist, -28.1 percent pay difference

Think about the last time you went to the dentist’s office. You probably walked in, were greeted by a female receptionist, had a female dental assistant clean your teeth and waited for your male dentist to come in and do a less-than-five-minute check before giving you a free toothbrush. There aren’t a lot of female dentists in this industry (most of them work as dental assistants). Since they have equal education and training, they should definitely be making an equal wage instead of the demeaning 72 cents for every dollar male dentists receive.

“I settled for being a dental assistant when I was in school almost 30 years ago, and now my daughter is in school realizing she should go for the rout of a hygienist too,” says Vicki Walker, a dental assistant in Temecula, California, at her husband, Edward Walker’s office. “You don’t make bad money as a hygienist, you get more interaction with the patients and you aren’t having to compete with men that work next door. Unless you can open your own private practice, being a woman and a dentist is pointless because you aren’t making that much more money, and you’ve got more school bills.”

Even though progress on this issue has been painfully slow, know that by advocating for equal wages, vocalizing the salary you want or starting your own private practice, you bridge the wage gap, woman by woman.

Best

1. Event Coordinator, +0.2 percent pay difference

Even though the wage gap seems bleak, don’t worry, ladies––a few industries are leading by example in the equal pay department. For every dollar earned by a male event coordinator, women earn the same dollar, which makes event management a field with total equality. It’s also diverse in the sense that there are countless types of events to manage, which means that whatever your specialization, men and women can both act in leadership roles.

“I offer wedding consultation and wedding planning, and for this type of event management I’m mainly competing with other women and we’re all making the same,” says Mindy Kim, a wedding planner in Temecula, California. “What’s comforting is I know the guys in this same area who plan tech conferences and even two male wedding events specialists are making the same as me. You never see that happen it feels like, where both sexes are payed equally and get the same chance to be in charge.”

We’re thrilled to hear that such a fun and sought-after job lends itself to equal opportunity. Take note, collegiettes––this could definitely be the career for you.

Related:7 Daily Habits of Wildly Successful Women

2. Logistics Manager, +0.4 percent pay difference

Logistics managers get the fun side of retail. They’re in charge of warehousing, transportation and monitoring the flow of goods from warehouses to their designated locations, but even better, they get a job packed with equal pay. Male and female logistics managers make nearly the same dollar, proving that it’s not just a man’s career.

“There’s misconceptions that monitoring supply is male-dominated, but now nearly half of the industry is populated by women, I would say,” says Charlene Keller, a sales executive at Choptank transport. “Doing this, I get to be in an executive position, and that’s a privilege that doesn’t happen everywhere. I get equal pay and joy from my work.”

Supply chain management may not be the first career that comes to mind for you business mavens, but anything that guarantees equality is something we can totally get behind!

3. Food Services Professional, +0.4 percent pay difference

While you may not get equal pay working as a chef, you can definitely get equal pay working as the manager of a restaurant. Not only do women and men earn the same dollar, but you get to be in charge of the cooks and overall direction of the kitchen, so who wouldn’t want that? Sounds like a step up to us.

“I started out working as an equal alongside men, and that’s continued to this day for me,” says Kelly Piper, the resident district manager for Bon Appetit in Palo Alto, California. “I feel like my bachelor's degree is worth the same as my male colleagues, and I’ve always been treated as such.”

We are so excited that careers exist where women earn the pay they deserve, but there’s still work to do since unequal pay affects too many of our own, and men too. A wage gap in either direction is not what we want because as feminists we advocate for equality, no matter how gratifying it is to know that somewhere out there women are at the top of the food chain. Know that there are concrete ways everyone can advocate to end the wage gap, and one day we will see it happen.

16 Reasons Having a Lame Social Life is Actually the Best

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Maybe you think your social life is boring compared to everyone else's because you're not drinking Thursday through Sunday every week or out partying at the club. But the truth? Having a so-called "boring" social life is sometimes actually the best.

1. You never have to wake up with a hangover

If you don't overdo it, then there's nothing to fear in the morning.

2. Low-key drinking > crazy nights out

Literally nothing is better than Netflix and wine with your besties, obviously.

3. Sitting at home with your cat is the best

Nobody else will sit through hours of Gossip Girl reruns with you. 

5. You know who your friends are

Best part about not partying with a different crowd every week? You know who your true friends are, and you've got each others' backs.

6. You can actually wake up before 3 p.m. on Saturdays

And you can use that extra time to go the gym, do an art project or get a head start on your final project!

7. You have plenty of "me" time

And nobody is better company, right?

8. Your sleep schedule ROCKS

It's a wonder what not staying out drinking until 5 a.m. can do for you.

9. You're saving a ton of money

You never wake up in the morning, check your bank statement and then cry yourself back into a nap. Because you know what you spend, and you aren't constantly out at bars and restaurants draining the bank. 

10. Your friends look to you for go-to shows, books and movies

While they were out dancing, you were reading five books and finishing several TV series. You know what's good, what sucks and what's in-between, so you're like the media and pop culture guru.

11. You can laugh at your friends' stories without horror flashbacks

Listening to them talk about how Jon threw up in not one, but TWO bathrooms is hilarious, but you didn't have to actually see it!

12. You don't overdo it with any particular alcohol

Unlike your friends, you don't need to religiously avoid Jose Cuervo or Captain Morgan, because you don't drink enough to be scarred by a particular brand.

13. You never have to procrastinate

Boring social life? More like you've got more time to do final projects ahead of time and to actually proofread your essays instead of just saying you did. 

14. You can see it all on social media anyway

With Snapchat, you don't even need to attend a party/concert/outing in order to feel like you're there.

15. Extroverted? Introverted? Who cares?

You can be the outgoing introvert you're meant to be because you're not constantly tired from all the party drama. When you're ready to chill, your core group of friends is ready to have a boring-but-fun day with you.

16. You're livin' the Gilmore Girls lifestyle

Night in, watching movies and eating Chinese food with your mom? Sounds like another Friday night. 

Maybe other people think the 154th Snapchat of you in your PJs at 10 p.m. on a Saturday drinking champagne, watching The Vampire Diaries and hanging with your cat sounds boring, but to you, that's an ideal night. So let them have their fun because deep down, you know your "boring" social life is actually the best.

6 College Hacks You Won’t Learn at Orientation

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Starting college can feel like a whirlwind: getting new class schedules, meeting new friends, getting used to a roommate, figuring out your meal plan…the list goes on and on! Luckily, most schools have an orientation program to help you through the transition into college and teach you the basics to survive freshman year.

While your school’s orientation may be awesome, there are certain things that you won’t learn until you actually dive into college life. We’ve asked real collegiettes about things they wish they knew as freshmen to help make your life easier!

1. Get off campus and explore

It’s possible you’re still getting a little lost on campus (where’s the library again?), but take advantage of your school’s surrounding area as soon as you can.

“At orientation, I wish I would have learned about how much there is to do in the town surrounding [my] campus,” says Caitlin Duncan, a junior at University of New Haven. “It took me an entire semester to finally get off campus and explore, and I regretted not [doing] it sooner!”

Do a quick Google search or ask your RA about that cool sushi place downtown or check out a street food fair in the city. College is not only about making a campus a home, but also stepping outside your comfort zone and adventuring to new places.

Want to get off campus but don’t have a car? Research public transportation in your area or see if your school provides a shuttle service. “I learned how to take the city bus and that got me everywhere freshman year,” Caitlin says. “A lot of schools also have shuttles that take [students] to areas of interest off campus for free! It’s definitely a good idea to learn about transportation around [your school].”

Of course it’s important to learn how to get from your classes to the dining hall and back to your dorm, but don’t be confined to campus for too long. There are a lot of great things nearby so go out and explore!

Related: 12 Things Nobody Told You to Pack for College

2. Go out on weeknights occasionally

We’re not saying you should blow off all your studies to go to a party on a Tuesday, but every once in a while it’s okay to go out during the week. After all, when else will you ever partake in weeknight three-dollar drink specials and not be judged for it?

“Understand that not all schools party on the same night,” says Iris Goldsztajn, a senior at University of California, Los Angeles. “When I was a freshman, I assumed that things would be the busiest on Friday and Saturday nights, but it turns out that Thursdays and random week nights from time to time are the big party nights at UCLA!”

So when your 8:30 p.m. class gets cancelled or St. Patty’s Day falls on a Monday, get your work done and head to the party. Your schoolwork should always come first, but it’s fine to have a little fun during the week every once in a while.

3. Do your laundry at night

Make your mom proud and actually learn how to do your laundry. Trust us, you will run out of socks and your sheets will get smelly eventually, so it’s better visit the laundry room at least once a week to avoid cluttering your room with dirty clothes.

To make laundry day more bearable, take it from Krista Jaworski, a junior at St. Joseph’s University, and do your laundry at night. “I always go late at night because I’m up and it’s usually empty,” she says. “You can do multiple loads at a time too. Just make sure you set an alarm so you know when it’s done!”

Be sure to stock up on quarters (if your laundry machines take them) and detergent. If you’re in a rush and don’t have time to do multiple loads, wash everything on cold. “Sometimes I just want to do one load and be done,” Krista says. “So I don’t separate my darks and lights and just wash everything on cold. That way the colors don’t bleed.”

If you know you usually stay up until midnight every Wednesday, do your laundry around 10 p.m. the same day. You can finish your work while everything washes and dries; multitasking at its finest!

4. Hit the gym in the morning or early afternoon

You’re super excited to start on your school year fitness goals only to get to the gym and realize that every machine is taken. By the time you actually on the treadmill, you have 15 minutes before you have to go to class. Talk about annoying.

It’s great the students want to utilize their schools’ facilities, but crowded gyms can really kill our patience. The trick is to hit the gym when the time is right to guarantee a full workout.

“The time to go to the gym is between 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.,” says Elodie Jean-Philippe a junior at Duke University. “People usually have class during those times.”

You can also opt for a later dinner and go to the gym during prime dining hall time. It may take a couple weeks to figure out when most people are too busy to workout, but eventually you’ll figure out when the gym is the least crowded If you’re new to gym equipment, make sure you make an appointment with an on-campus trainer. They will walk you through how to work out safely and effectively on the machines!

Related: 7 Ways to Start the School Year Stress-Free

5. Actually meet your professors

You’ve probably heard this tip a million times, but getting to know your professors actually helps in the long run. Not only will you do better in class, but you might also make long lasting connections with them.

“Take advantage of you professors’ office hours!” says Lindsay Fuce, a sophomore at Gordon College. “Even if you just go to introduce yourself, they’ll appreciate making the face-to-face contact.”

Especially if you go to a school with large class sizes, it’s important to get to know your professors. You never know when you’ll need help with an assignment or a recommendation for an internship. Plus, professors have a wealth of knowledge and understanding of college life. They can be great resources as you go through your four years.

“I’ve really loved my professors so far,” Krista says. “I never thought I would become close to any of them, but they’re really cool people and have helped me a lot.”

So when your professor mentions his or her office hours, make a note. Showing up for a quick conversation can go a long way.

6. Get to know your library  

Every school’s library is different, but there are certain secrets that seasoned collegiettes know. You will study in your library at least once, so make sure you know what’s up.

“One day when you don’t have study, go to the library and just explore,” says Deanna Manniello, a recent graduate from Villanova University. “Figure out where the outlets are. Find the quiet spots early in the semester and do some research about cool amenities, like being able to reserve a classroom or rent out a charger.”

You’ll find that people flock to the library during midterms and finals, but if you go throughout the semester or scope it out a few times, you’ll know to make a beeline to the second floor to grab a comfy chair or that there are writing tutors available to proofread your paper. It’ll make your studying way more enjoyable if you know your way around the library!

Whether it’s when to hit the gym or tips for getting off campus, there are some things that you won’t learn at orientation. But if you keep these six pieces of advice in mind, you’ll be rocking your freshman year in no time!

Graduate Students at Private Universities Can Now Unionize

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As of Tuesday, graduate students at private colleges and universities will be permitted to unionize, according to BuzzFeed News.

At a hearing in Washington D.C., the National Labor Relations Board ruled that, under federal labor law, graduate students should be considered employees of their universities and therefore must be allowed the right to form a union. This decision reverses the 2004 ruling grad students were to be considered students exclusively, and could not hold status as both a student and an employee at their school, according to the Wall Street Journal

So what does this mean for college students? It means that TAs and student workers and researchers can now use unions as a platform to bargain with their employers over working conditions. Their new status as official employees will also provide grad students with more legal protection from workplace harassment, according to BuzzFeed.

This decision affects students who work at private schools, BuzzFeed reports. Employees at public universities are already allowed to unionize as they are covered by state law.

Private universities aren't too pleased. Several schools, including Harvard and Stanford, publishing a joint legal brief explaining that collective bargaining in graduate programs could cost schools millions of dollars in increased wages for teachers, and take away their ability to choose which TAs would teach which classes, according to the Wall Street Journal. The situation around classifying grad students as employees is made even more complicated by the fact that grad students don't receive normal wages, as they receive other forms of payment including health care coverage and educational experiences that will help them in their future careers.

Union organizing campaigns for graduate students have been happening all over the country at schools including Harvard, Yale, Northwestern and Columbia, whose huge unionization drive kicked this case into action, according to the Wall Street Journal. Now, the question is whether student athletes will eventually be able to unionize as well.

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