After his sentencing (or lack thereof) of the “Stanford rapist,” Brock Turner, Judge Aaron Persky has decided to stop trying criminal cases, CNN reports.

The judge faced heavy criticism when he settled for sentencing Brock Turner, who was convicted of sexually assaulting an unconscious woman, to only six months in jail. According to CNN, the recommended sentencing was six years in prison for the crime.

After Turner’s case received national attention, Judge Persky claimed that he doesn’t want other cases to be similarly scrutinized, thus, he feels compelled to step down. He will be working on civil cases starting Sept. 6.

“While I firmly believe in Judge Persky's ability to serve in his current assignment, he has requested to be assigned to the civil division, in which he previously served,” Presiding Judge Risë Jones Pinchon told CNN.

“Judge Persky believes the change will aid the public and the court by reducing the distractions that threaten to interfere with his ability to effectively discharge the duties of his current criminal assignment,” Pinchon continued.

Despite his willingness to cease work in criminal cases, many sexual assault activists are still unhappy, according to ABC 7 News.

“We are relieved that Judge Persky will not be handling criminal cases, at least temporarily,” Michele Dauber, head of the Recall Judge Persky Campaign, told CNN. “However, he will still be a judge, and judges rotate annually in our county. He can still transfer back to hearing criminal cases any time he chooses.”

To the incoming freshman at the University of Chicago: don’t expect large bolded text reading "Trigger Warning" when opening your syllabi this semester. 

In his letter congratulating students on their acceptance to U Chicago, Dean of Students John Ellision made it very clear that the university does not support trigger warnings or condone safe spaces. 

“Our commitment to academic freedom means that we do not support so-called trigger warnings,” he wrote. “We do not cancel invited speakers because their topics may prove controversial, and we do not condone the creation of intellectual safe spaces where individuals can retreat from ideas and perspectives at odds with their own.” See the letter below: 

While the letter has received widespread praise among critics of political correctness, others, such as the Northwestern University's President Morton Schapiro, say that safe spaces are important.

“The best hope we have of creating an inclusive community is to first create spaces where members of each group feel safe,” he wrote in The Washington Post in January. 

He used Northwestern’s Black House, which started as a gathering place for Black students in the early 1970s, as an example of a safe space. 

As for trigger warnings—warnings that usually indicate potentially graphic or offensive content—a survey conducted by the National Coalition Against Censorship suggests that around 60 percent of faculty have a negative view of their use in the classroom, according to Inside Higher Ed.

Faculty believe that universities should expose their students to new, even controversial, ideas and that slapping on trigger warnings may stiffle a student's learning. Still, according to the same survery, a small minority of professors—around 17 percent—favor trigger warnings and see them as a means to build trust with their students. 

In The New York Times, Kate Manne, an assistent professor at Cornell University, explained why she uses trigger warnings in her classroom. 

"The point is not to enable—let alone encourage—students to skip these readings or our subsequent class discussion,” she wrote in September. "Rather, it is to allow those who are sensitive to these subjects to prepare themselves for reading about them, and better manage their reactions.

Even at universities that oppose trigger warnings, professors wishing to provide their students with a comfortable environment may choose to use trigger warnings anyway.

"It’s not about coddling anyone," Manne said. "It’s about enabling everyone’s rational engagement."

Trigger warning. Safe space. Political Correctness. Arguments over this so called “coddling” are no longer just for comments on Facebook or justification from your racist/sexist/homophobic relative when they say something outrageously offensive about a historically oppressed group of people.

The University of Chicago recently released a letter that they will not support the use of trigger warnings or safe spaces. 

On the surface, their reasoning makes sense and seems justified. A “commitment to freedom of inquiry and expression”? That sounds essential to the formation of an intellectual identity. “At times this may challenge you and even cause discomfort”? Well, sure, no one really likes to have their thoughts and ideas challenged. Of course it can be uncomfortable to realize you might be wrong, or to accept a new perspective, but that’s part of growth and the learning process.

It doesn’t really seem to make sense that any student who is voluntarily attending school would oppose these things. College is all about pushing you out of your comfort zone both inside and outside of the classroom.

I wholeheartedly agree with the University of Chicago’s refusal to cancel guest speakers whose ideas may be controversial, and I think most students would too. I don’t know too many college students who don’t have thoughts or opinions on controversial topics and don’t want to talk or hear about them. I think the only real problem or argument people could make against invited speakers was if the university was continually inviting speakers that only represented one side of a controversial topic.

But the university’s refusal to support “trigger warnings” is where things start to get interesting. I think it’s important to first establish that there’s a difference between a university refusing to require trigger warnings, and stating that they will not support them.

If the university is really concerned about accepting all forms of expression, why will they not support professors who make the decision to voluntarily provide trigger warnings? There is no university, at least not that I am aware of, that actually requires trigger warnings.

Trigger warnings aren’t about censorship. They don’t prevent any sort of information or sensitive topic from being discussed or covered at length. A trigger warning is simply a courtesy warning. It’s a warning that class material will likely be graphic and could cause serious discomfort for a trauma survivor—people who have survived war or rape, for example, not just kids who don’t feel like hearing about something they don’t like.  

The next thing that stands out is the statement that the university will not “condone the creation of intellectual ‘safe spaces.’’’ Now, it’s pretty difficult to find an actual definition of what an intellectual safe space actually is. I can only assume that this is because it is not a rampant problem the way detractors seem to believe it is. But according to good ol' Wikipedia, safe spaces are places where marginalized groups can be free of violence, harassment and hate speech against them.

Personally, I can’t begin to understand why anyone would have a problem with having a place where people were free from violence and hate speech, but they do.

I think the problem some people have with safe spaces is that they force us to realize that we are prejudiced. Opposing safe spaces the way this letter does is absolutely a restriction of freedom of expression. Sure, the university can say that policy of freedom of expression does not grant people permission to harass or threaten others, but that doesn’t prevent threats or harassment. Why are those who feel discomfort or who disagree not allowed to have an alternative space?

The University of Chicago isn’t promoting freedom of expression for everyone. They’re promoting freedom of expression for those in a position of power—for the guest speakers they choose, the professors they hire. Those people should absolutely have a freedom of thought and expression, but students should also be allowed a space where they do feel comfortable. Safe spaces don’t exempt anyone from class. They don’t hide people from “reality” or make them soft. Safe spaces exist because the world is harsh and people can be terrible, because prejudice exists and there are groups of people who experience this prejudice significantly more than others.

Safe spaces and trigger warnings aren’t for people who don’t want to hear “different opinions,” or for people who are weak. They aren’t for creationists being forced to learn about evolution. They aren’t for Democrats who aren’t interested in hearing from a conservative professor. Safe spaces and trigger warnings are for people who already know and have experienced just how harsh the world can be.

College is supposed to be the best four years of your life, but it won’t be if you spend all of your time in your dorm room doing homework! While it is important to study and go to class, the beauty of college is that you have room in your schedule to experience the world around you. Soon enough you’ll have a 9-to-5 job, so take advantage of your status as a student and get out there!

If you need some inspiration for how to live your undergraduate years to their fullest, check out Her Campus’s Ultimate College Bucket List. Grab your besties and try to check off every item by the end of your senior year!

1. Take a class just for fun

While it’s easy to get caught up in all the classes that you need to take in order to graduate, chances are you have room for a few extra courses outside of your major(s) or minor(s). Enroll in a crazy, fun class that actually interests you, like Kanye Versus Everybody or Knights of Old and Harry Potter—you’ll learn something new while having fun!

2. Go to a local sports game

Even if you don’t go to school in a major city like New York or Boston, you can still attend a game for one of the community's local sports teams. Dress in their colors or gear, and make a day of it!

3. Volunteer

Whether you choose to do an Alternative Spring Break or simply spend an afternoon at a senior care center, volunteering is a great way to give back to your community. You’ll be doing good and feeling great about it!

4. Start a club

Is there a cause you’re really passionate about that you feel is lacking on your campus? Do something about it! Starting a club looks great on a resume, plus you’ll meet likeminded people who you might not otherwise get to know.

5. Start a Her Campus chapter on your campus

If your school doesn’t have a Her Campus chapter, you’re seriously missing out. Imagine writing an article similar to this one, but for your very own chapter! If you’re interested in starting a Her Campus chapter at your school, you should definitely apply. 

6. Introduce yourself to someone you’d like to get to know

We all know someone on campus who we think is effortlessly cool. You see him or her in class, but you’ve never actually introduced yourself. What are you waiting for? It may seem daunting, but you two can never become besties unless you put forth that initial effort. And even if you don't become great friends, at least you put yourself out there!

7. Sing karaoke

Find the nearest restaurant or bar that hosts a karaoke night, get a group of friends together and go sing your heart out. Who cares if you don’t think you have a great voice? Everyone else will be singing along with you anyway!

8. Study abroad

If it’s possible, you should definitely study abroad. You don’t have to go for an entire semester, either! There are often two, three and six-week programs offered as well as semester-long courses. You will have the time of your life—trust us!

9. Get to know a professor

Go to office hours, stay after class or ask a professor to meet you for coffee. Building a professional relationship with your professors is extremely valuable. You will learn from someone in the field you are hoping to go into, practice networking and have a great reference for the future!

10. Apply for an internship

It doesn’t matter whether you’re a freshman or a senior, you can apply for an internship at any point. Reach high, and if you don’t get it, so what? You’re putting yourself out there, plus you’re getting great practice writing cover letters and perfecting your resume!

11. Go to a concert

From local bands to big name artists, musicians are always performing on or near college campuses. Splurge to see your favorite singer, or check out your friend’s band—either way, you’re sure to have a blast.

12. Take advantage of free events for college students

You can flash your student ID for freebies at tons of places—like stores, restaurants, museums, and more. You won’t be in college forever (unfortunately!), so get those student discounts now.

13. Do a group costume for Halloween

In college, Halloween isn’t just one day—it’s a whole weekend! Celebrate Halloweekend in style by coordinating costumes with a big group of friends. And don’t forget to take tons of pictures!

14. Participate in a 5k

There are so many cool 5K options out there—from the Color Run to the 5K Foam Fest. You won’t even realize that you’re exercising, because you’ll be having so much fun!

15. Go to a student theater production

Whether you have friends in the theater program or you just enjoy a good play, seeing a student-run production is a must. Who knows, some of these people could go on to become big stars!

16. Get a picture with your school mascot

Even if you think your mascot is totally lame, snap a photo with them at a sports game or other school-wide event. You’ll look back on it and laugh, plus it will be a great addition to your college scrapbook.

17. Rush a sorority

If you’re at all interested, you should definitely consider rushing a sorority. You might find your perfect fit, and you might not—but at least you can say you gave it a chance!

18. Apply for a leadership position in an extracurricular you’re involved in

Don’t just hang back during club meetings; make your voice heard! Apply to be treasurer, secretary, VP or even president of your favorite extracurricular. It will take you places!

19. Write for a campus publication

Even if you don’t normally write for your school’s newspaper or online magazine, you can contribute an Op-Ed on a topic you’re passionate about. If you really love creative writing, submit a poem or short story to your school’s literary magazine.

20. Go to a themed party

College presents you with many unique opportunities—both in and outside of the classroom! Next time you hear about a theme party, actually go. Even if it’s a total bust, getting dolled up with your friends will have been worth it.

21. Audition for an a cappella group, improv group, musical, or play

Even if you haven’t acted since your elementary school play, if performing is something you’re interested in, college is the time to pursue it. Just audition—it will be a valuable experience even if you don’t get the part.

22. Treat yourself to dinner at an expensive restaurant

Living on a college budget isn’t great. Sometimes dinner consists of Kraft Mac & Cheese… three nights in a row. Save up some money and treat yo’ self to a delicious meal that you didn’t have to cook.

23. Participate in a campus-wide tradition

Every college has its traditions, some more outrageous than others. Before you graduate, it is a necessity that you participate in at least one. As a bonus, start your own school-wide tradition and leave behind a legacy!

24. Go to the closest beach

When the weather is warm, take your car or public transportation and explore the nearest beach. It might not be a tropical island, but it will feel great to get some time away from campus. No beach nearby? Try going for a hike or exploring whatever natural beauty your school's area has to offer you.

25. Do a cycling, yoga or group exercise class at your school’s fitness center

Hopefully you already frequent the on-campus gym, but if you don’t, now is as good a time as any to start! If you’re not sure where to begin on your own, participate in one of the free fitness classes. It’s another student perk that won’t last forever.

26. Spend a day (or a week!) without technology

As collegiettes, we are constantly on our smart phones, laptops and tablets. Challenge yourself to spend at least one day free of all technological devices. If you do this over break, you can’t use class or homework as an excuse to check your computer!

27. Go to a museum nearby

Most museums give students discounts or free admission. Spend a quiet day alone wandering through a gallery, or ask that cutie in your English class out on a casual museum date. Now’s your chance to get cultured.

28. Make a fancy meal for you and your friends

While dorm or apartment kitchens can be hard to work with, take the time to plan a big meal for you and your friends. It can be on a special occasion, like a birthday or Friendsgiving, or just because. Make a day of it—cooking, decorating and of course eating the delicious food you all prepared.

29. Visit a friend at his or her university

In college, it’s easy to get caught up in your own personal bubble. Visit a friend at a different school for a weekend. It will be interesting to see the similarities and differences on a new campus!

30. Take pictures!

Document your college experience on your smartphone, with a Polaroid camera, or however else you choose. It’s important to enjoy moments while they’re happening, but you will want photos to look back on as well.

Don’t limit yourself to these experiences, but use this list if you’re looking to get out of your comfort zone and try new things. Every collegiette should have a bucket list for her four years, so get started on yours right now!

Back-to-school shopping is in full swing, and you're probably exhausted from prowling around online and trying to find a bargain in stores. Don’t worry, we’ve done the work for you collegiettes, and scouted deals and discounts galore that are perfect you! From your fall wardrobe to dorm décor to essential tech, you’ll find extra savings to take you into the new school year prepared and ready to take on anything.

Fashion

1. Madewell

Students get 15 percent off in stores at Madewell year-round—but from August 15 through September 15, showing your student ID will score you 25 percent off in stores! We love this Pullover Sweater above, which will only cost you $39.99.

2. Nordstrom Rack

Nordstrom Rack is already known for their incredible deals, but through September 30 they’re offering students anywhere from 30 to 70 percent off select back to school items. That means you can score this Lilou Printed Free People dress for only $59.97.

3. Forever 21

Forever 21 is hosting the sale of the season with their Labor Day sale, and students can totally benefit through September 5. Get ready to build your new wardrobe with products starting at only $5! We recommend this Stripe Tank Dress for the sweet steal of only $10.

4. Aerie

You can usually always find a bralette deal at Aerie, but during their end of summer sale you can score $15 bralettes and $20 bras. Seriously, this Boho Bralette is way too cute to pass up.

5. Free People

A girl can never have enough bras, and that why you’ll want to shop Free People’s $20 essentials. From bandeaus to bralettes, every collegiette should take advantage of this sale––especially for this chic Lace Racerback!

Beauty

6. Bath & Body Works

The Bath & Body Works back to school sale has a number of mix and match options available for discounted prices on your favorite school year products. Our favorite offer is three travel size body care products for only $12.50. Don’t forget to check out their new fall scents like this scrumptious Marshmallow Pumpkin Latte!

Campus Necessities

7. Amazon Prime

Amazon Prime is offering a free six-month trial offer to students. On top of access to hundreds of movies, TV shows and Kindle books, you also get free two-day shipping when you shop Amazon. That means you just saved yourself massive shipping costs on textbooks and all other back-to-school goodies Amazon has to offer. If you decide stick with the program, you can join for only $49 a month (50 percent off the regular price). You’ll definitely want to invest in this!

8. Barnes & Noble

At Barnes & Noble, college students can receive up to 90 percent off textbooks and even free shipping! When your biochem professor is asking you to buy a $218 textbook, going with the B&N used and rental textbook options will seriously help your wallet.

9. Best Buy

Best Buy is offering students up to $150 off on Macs, computers of Surface devices. Our favorite is this Microsoft Surface Pro 4 for $849.99––and don’t forget your free two-day shipping.

10. AT&T

One of the most popular service providers has just come out with an amazing bundle to fit every student’s needs! For only $80 a month, AT&T will give you DIRECTV and high speed internet for two years. This perfect for any collegiette moving off campus, but you only have until October to decide!

11. Urban Outfitters

As if we already we’re obsessed with UO enough, they’re offering 20 off all books online and in stores through September 5. Have you read Amy Schumer’s The Girl With The Lower Back Tattoo yet?

Dorm Décor

12. Society6

Support independent artists while decorating your room with pieces only *you* will have. Shop framed prints, wall tapestries, duvet covers, throw pillows and so, so much more to outfit your room with. Bonus—Her Campus readers get an exclusive 10% discount plus free shipping at society6.com through this link!

13. Target

Every week Target is coming out with new deals for all back-to-college must haves. Students can get up to 30 percent off furniture, bedding, décor, kitchen and dining. Have you checked out this crazy cool Circle of Life Duvet Cover for only $59.99?

14. Bed Bath & Beyond

When you shop back-to-college at Bed Bath & Beyond and sign up for their email you’ll get 20 percent off one item in store! Their selection of back-to-school items is huge and you score get anything from bedding to bathroom accessories to wall frames, but definitely consider this sleek Keurig® Brewing System for $119.99 pre-discount.

15. Walmart

For the magic finish on your dorm décor, check out Walmart’s back to school sale where they’re offering a huge selection of HDTV’s starting at only $89.99. This ProScan is only $139.99 and will totally take your Netflix game to the next level.

As expected, Beyoncé slayed the VMAs red carpet in angel wings, because what else? She had her entire Lemonade cast in tow, and damn did they KILL. IT.

Obviously, Blue Ivy was also in attendance, and she just wasn't feeling it—before the show even began. Because she is the daughter of a queen, she didn't hesitate to let her displeasure be known. As mom Beyoncé stopped for photos on the red carpet, Blue Ivy pulled back and basically refused to pose. Why? Because she didn't appreciate having photogs shouting her way and flashing bulbs in her face.

Per Blue's very adamant request, Bey led the gold-clad princess off the red carpet. We love a girl who knows what she wants.

The end of summer is bittersweet - on one hand, you're going back to a semester filled with homework and boring lectures, but on the other hand, you get to go back to parties, independence and, more importantly, your roommate. Your roommate has been with you through the good times and the bad. She's watched you lie on the couch panting after double-fisting cheesy bread and Cinna Stix, and yet, she still chooses to live with you. Here's what to expect when you reunite with your roomie this fall!

Stage 1: Excitement

You finally have your partner in crime back. Who else will hand you a glass of water and force-feed you animal crackers after a night of too much Fireball?

Stage 2: Giving compliments

They'll be exchanged for at least two full minutes:

 "Ugh, you're so tan; I'm jealous!"

"No way, I'm a ghost. You definitely look fit, though!"

Stage 3: Catching up 

This is the part where you both feel obligated to ask how each other's summers were even though you texted each other daily about how insanely bored you were.

“Where’d you go? Who’d you hook up with?”  

#Nowhere #Nobody

Stage 4: Making plans

This is the year that you're going to go to clubs, music festivals and weekend getaways EVERY weekend.

(You both know that won't actually happen. See actual weekend plans below).

Stage 5:Deciding weekly rituals 

Every Sunday will be dedicated to sitting on the couch together with pad thai and the new episode of Keeping Up with the Kardashians, just as the Lord (Scott Disick) intended.

Stage 6:Rummaging through each other's closets

Why wait around for sales at the mall when you can borrow your roommate's romper any time you want?

Stage 7: Figuring out how to live with her again

Excuse me? Ma'am? I'm trying to watch Game of Thrones on my laptop, so, do you mind? One does not simply watch Scandal with no headphones in. 

Stage 8:Remembering her annoying little habits

It's always hard to deal with someone who doesn't believe in cleanliness. "Is your milk-encrusted cereal bowl just going to bring itself over to the sink, or... ?"

Stage 9:Putting everything aside and hanging out together just like old times

The moment you've both been waiting for since May. 

Name: Genevieve Santos
Job Title and Description: Sole Proprietor of Le Petit Elefant
College Name/Major: University of Southern California, Communication BA
Website:genevievesantos.com
Twitter Handle:@lepetitelefant
Instagram Handle:@lepetitelefant

GenevieveSantos_Profile.jpg

What does your current job entail? Is there such a thing as a typical day?

Genevieve Santos: I’m a one-woman stationery and illustration business, so my job entails a lot. The many duties include accounting, painting, producing the paper goods, sales, customer service and managing the online store. I participate in 15 to 30 craft fairs, art shows and comic conventions a year, so I’m often on the road. It’s tiring but I love it.

My day-to-day tasks vary, but I try to do one thing every day: draw. Having your own business, it’s easy to get caught up in the aspects that bring in sales, like doing shows and saying yes to as many custom requests as possible. It’s important to set aside time for yourself and feel inspired.

What inspired you to start Le Petit Elefant?

GS: Le Petit Elefant was born from two things: timing and passion.

One of the best things that has ever happened to me was getting laid off from New Line Cinema, my first and only 9-to-5 job. The combination of unemployment checks, severance and money saved provided me with a comfortable financial cushion to launch my business. I thought, "If not now, when?" I opened my business at a great time as well; just as craft fairs and an appreciation for handmade and local goods were making a comeback. 

As for passion, since the age of two, I have never stopped drawing. I doodled during lectures when I should have been taking notes. While I worked at New Line Cinema, I drove across town to take drawing workshops. Even now, I drive 80 miles once a week to take art classes. This insatiable passion is the backbone of my business.

What is the best part of your job?

GS: The absolute best part is having the freedom to set my own schedule and travel around the world for work. I was able to visit 31 countries by the age of 30, all in the name of work.

What is one thing you wish you knew about your industry when you first started out that you know now? 

GS: I wish I understood the highs and lows of sales trends. After my first successful holiday season, I celebrated with a very pricey trip abroad. Little did I know that the holidays are followed by a depressing lull in sales, and what most businesses do is ration holiday profits until it picks up again in late spring. It was a tough winter that year.

What is one mistake you made along the way and what did you learn from it?

GS: I wish I was better at following up. I can’t help but wonder at all the missed opportunities because I failed to email someone.

What has been the most surreal moment of your career thus far?

GS: I think the most surreal moment was getting an email from Disney. They had found me at a craft fair and approached me to work with them. It was a humbling reminder to stay true to what makes you happy and trusting everything will work itself out in the end.

What do you look for when hiring somebody?

GS: I want someone with initiative. I met my first intern at a USC alumni event where I gave a brief talk about my business. After the presentation, she asked if I was looking for an intern. I hadn’t even considered it, and there she was already listing all the ways she could help me and why she wanted to work for me. I immediately knew she would be a great fit because she was smart, confident and, most importantly, passionate about the work.

What advice would you give to a 20-something with similar aspirations?

GS: Get ready to work. There are no shortcuts. It’s just a lot of hard work. 

Starting your day can be a hassle, especially when you aren’t doing it the right way. In an effort to catch up on as much sleep as possible while still ensuring that you arrive to work on time, it’s easy to skip the most important parts of waking yourself up, invigorating your body and mind and preparing for the long day ahead so that you can be the best you that you can possibly be!

When you’re just jumping out of bed, throwing on your clothes and makeup and running out the door, you’re most likely left with droopy eyes, a rumbling stomach and dragging feet, which all come together to create a grumpy, virtual zombie. You could make it through the day as such, but wouldn’t you rather be fresh-faced and energized?

It’s not difficult! There are ways to be ready to take on the world, things that just shouldn’t ever be skipped. You might forfeit a teeny bit of sleep in the mornings, but the revitalizing results of preparing for your day the right way are definitely worth it.

1. Wake up energized

We can all probably agree on the fact that waking up to an alarm that sounds like a fire alarm is not pleasant or refreshing. Instead, try creating a pump-up playlist of your favorite songs to use as your alarm. If you set it on shuffle, you’ll wake up to a new song every day and you’ll have a great mix to get ready to. Hairbrush singing, sock dancing and all!

Once you’re up and at it, open those blinds and let the sunshine in! Seeing the sun will alert your brain that it’s time to wake up and start the day!

2. Make some time for a workout or yoga session

When you’re up before the sun on a workday, exercising is probably the last thing you want to do before heading into the office, but it’s in your best interest to push through that feeling of laziness and hit the pavement!

Reilly Tuccinard, a junior at University of South Carolina, makes time for the gym first thing when she wakes up. “I usually feel exhausted and unmotivated, but after I finish a morning workout, I am so ready to start my day,” she says. “It's the best way for me to get focused and excited for my busy schedule—especially since I know that my workout is done and I don't need to worry about it for the rest of the day.”

Rachel Crocetti, an alum of Hofstra University and a producer at InStyle.com, takes her dog for a walk around her neighborhood in the mornings. “I avoid listening to music while walking her so I can say hi to neighbors. It always puts me in a great mindset for the day when I have a great morning walk!” she says.

If you can’t make it to the gym in the morning or don’t have time for a walk around your neighborhood, a good stretch routine or yoga session can help to loosen you up and be ready for the day ahead, too.

Related: How to Motivate Yourself to Work Out in the Morning

3. Take care of your skin

This one is super important, especially if you’ve worked out or are going to be heading out into the sun! Exercising is going to cause you to get sweaty, obviously, and the salt in your sweat can dehydrate your skin! It’s important to wash your face and moisturize, even without a workout.

Em, a graduate of Siena College and a Resident Director in New York, makes sure to wash her face every morning. “I can't start my day without doing it, but if I’m running late I have to at least splash my face with cold water,” she says. “Otherwise, I feel really groggy.”

“I also feel incomplete if I don't wear sunscreen on my face or neck. I'm making more of an effort to apply it on my arms and legs, too,” Em adds. Sun exposure, even without sunburn, can lead to skin cancer in the future. UVB rays penetrate the epidermis (the first layer of skin) and cause permanent genetic damage that can lead to skin cancer. UVA rays can penetrate even deeper into the skin, and cause lasting damage that leads to wrinkles, sagging and pronounced spider veins.

4. Make sure you hydrate

One of the first things everybody should do upon waking up in the morning is hydrate. Proper hydration has countless benefits for your body. It keeps your metabolism up, and it’ll make sure your brain doesn’t make you think you're hungry when you’re really only thirsty. Drinking enough water aids in the transformation of energy, which will keep you awake and in action instead of feeling sleepy. It also helps to build and maintain your muscles, and aids your gut in digestion.

Lizzy Peper, a marketing coordinator and graduate of Marist College, chooses hot water with apple cider vinegar and lemon to jump start her digestive system, or iced green tea for an additional energy boost from caffeine. “They are both great to have in addition to a glass of water with breakfast, and I find they are easier to get down in the morning than just gulping only water!” she says.

Sarah Madaus, a sophomore at Temple University, also likes to add apple cider vinegar to her water. “It gets my metabolism revved up,” she says.

Drinking water regularly will make you feel healthier, keep you feeling fuller for longer, and make your skin glow more than you probably knew it even could.

Keeping a water bottle next to your bed or a glass on your bathroom counter, ready to be filled, is a surefire way to make sure you’ll remember to drink up! If water isn’t your favorite choice, there are tons of ways to spice it up and make it more desirable to you, including squeezing fresh fruit into it, or letting fresh fruit soak in it overnight to infuse it with even more nutrients and flavor!

5. Eat a good breakfast

You know what they say, right? “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day,” so you definitely don’t want to be skipping this meal! Eating breakfast has been credited with such feats as increasing your metabolism, lowering late-night snacking rates, preventing obesity, improving your nutrition and improving your concentration.

“I always make sure I have a quality breakfast in the morning," says Lizzy. "My job can get pretty busy so if I don't fuel up in the morning, I'll burn out before I get the chance to grab something for a late lunch." She likes treating herself to a banana smoothie bowl topped with granola, oatmeal with peanut butter or cereal with fresh fruit to energize herself in the mornings.

6. Boost your self-confidence

Sometimes, the last thing you want to do is leave your home to go out to work, run errands, hit the gym, visit a friend or family member or be surrounded by society. You’re tired, you don’t feel good, you don’t look good. Whatever the reason is, there are ways to boost your mood as you get ready to leave the house!

Some have go-to mantras to repeat in times of struggle or preparation. They help to distract from whatever else is running through your mind and get you excited to take on the day:

Or, some strike a pose, take a selfie of their killer outfit, or put on their brightest lipstick to boost their self-esteem!

The wonder woman power pose is a great way to start your day, with your feet shoulder-width apart, your hands on your hips, and your chin tilted up. This taking up of space that allows you to feel powerful and confident.

“I don’t really have a specific pose, but I'll definitely check myself out in the mirror after I get dressed as a ‘Hey girl, you look great and you got this’ kind of start to my day!” says Em.

Haley Cahill, a graduate of Appalachian State University, always makes sure to put lipstick on before leaving for work. “Even on days my hair is in a ponytail, my outfit barely matches and I forgot to put on jewelry, I never leave without applying some shade of pink or red lipstick,” she says. “It makes me feel confident and put together even on the most chaotic of days.”

7. Go over affirmations

In keeping with a similar theme, you could shine a little figurative light on your morning by creating lists or reading something inspiring to affirm the good things in life, and take a second to forget about the bad.

Sarah likes to read something inspiring every morning. “For me it’s religious,” she says, “but it doesn't have to be for everyone. I also write three affirmations about myself, and three goals I have for the day.”

Autumn Dube, a senior at Emmanuel College, writes down three things she’s thankful for every morning. “Whether it is a great conversation with a friend, a new pair of boots, or an upcoming opportunity, I take about 5 minutes each morning to reflect on them,” she says. “It's said that being able to appreciate the good things in your life will only bring more goodness your way, and I believe in this!”

8. Plan out your schedule

Finally, in order to mentally prepare for the day ahead of you and ensure that you know what you’re in for, it’s important to take a few moments to jot down your intended schedule for the day, so that you can make every effort to get all of your goals accomplished.

Kathleen Rotondo, a graduate of Siena College and software engineer at IBM, even likes to do this the night before so that she can make sure she’s up in time to get ready, and go over her schedule once more. “I get up, make a cup of coffee, and write out my list of to-do’s in more detail, so I don't stress about my crazy schedule the night before. This way, I can feel like I start my day with a grip on it,” she says.

Sarah writes a quote to inspire her every day. “It keeps me motivated every time I open my planner,” she says.

If you make time for these few things in the morning, or even throughout your day, you’ll be rocking it all day long. Now go out there and take on life, one morning at a time!

There's a lot to keep up with this election season. Donald Trump seems to make a new offensive statement every day, further proving why he should not and cannot be our president. And while Hillary Clinton tours the country explaining what she's planning to do to help America if she is elected, her emails keep throwing a shadow over her campaign.

While coverage of the U.S. election can be found in every news outlet, information about international politics is harder to stumble upon. However, it's crucial that you make an effort to stay up to date with the latest news around the globe, because worldwide news affects America much more than you think.

For example, in July, the country of Turkey faced an attempted overthrow of its government. Though the coup was ultimately unsuccessful, the subsequent actions of the Turkish government are important as well. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has since restricted the rights of his people, and detained over 30,000 residents whom he believes have ties to the group that attempted the coup. These detainees include a number of journalists, academics, and thousands of others. As Erdogan continues to violate civil rights and abuse those whom he detains, the stability of Turkey as a democracy becomes questionable. If things escalate more, the global community, including the U.S., will not be able to sit idly by as the Turkish people’s rights are continually dismissed. Therefore, staying on top of the issue itself is important to understanding what could be a key issue for the international community to address in the coming years.

And while violence plagues much of the Middle East, it is important to stay up to date, as misinformation is fairly common. For example, Donald Trump would like you to believe that every Syrian refugee is a member of the terrorist group ISIS. But a quick look at actual facts shows you that the number of refugees who seek solace in other countries and then go on to commit acts of terrorism is extremely low. The misconceptions that Trump continuously makes stem largely from ignorance—but also from a lack of deeper knowledge about the Syrian Civil War as a whole. Refugees are fleeing not only from terrorists, but also from a volatile government that has used nerve gas against its own citizens. It is not as simple as fighting against terrorists for their country, as the Syrian government itself isn't really something worth fighting for. There are serious human rights abuses happening in Syria every day, and we should know what's going on there.

Don’t get me wrong, trying to learn about the politics of other countries can be tricky and time consuming. But it may end up being much more interesting than you think. Personally, I never had the opportunity to take classes on international relations before college, so my interest was always in American politics and elections—that was all I'd been taught.

Now that I'm entering my third year of college, I've had the opportunity to take multiple courses focusing on international relations, and have learned much more than I ever thought I could. As an aspiring political reporter it's crucial that I have deep knowledge of multiple issues, and learning about non-Western countries has helped me learn other perspectives on vital issues.

While it's great to take a class in international relations, you can also get informed by reading the international sections of newspapers like The New York TimesandThe Washington Post. Both organizations have widespread, deeply reported coverage that can really help you understand issues and conflicts around the world.

Paying attention to international issues will make you more intelligent, but it'll also help you grow as a human being. Americans tend to only be concerned with issues that affect them, but that's not the best attitude. As citizens of the world, we should care about everyone facing trouble regardless of which country they live in. And being more informed about those struggles can only help you realize that.

Even if you have an unlimited meal plan (and if you do, we're totally jealous!), it’s still smart to keep some staple food items in your dorm. You never know when you’ll be running late for class and need a quick breakfast or when you’ll be up late finishing a paper and craving something sweet. Keeping your mini-fridge stocked means that you'll never have to worry about rushing to the dining hall to grab a meal if you don't have the time between activities.

To ensure that your dorm is always stocked with a wide variety of versatile food for any time of day, here’s the ultimate dorm grocery list, complete with a few tried-and-true college favorites as well as a few things you may not have thought of! Be sure to print out the full itemized list at the bottom before your next trip to the grocery store. 

Breakfast

We hate to break it to you, but at some point you will inevitably wake up late for your 8 a.m. class and won’t have time to grab something from the dining hall. And there may be a Saturday morning after a night out when you can’t bring yourself to get out of bed before your dining hall's breakfast hours end. Whatever the reason, it’s always a good idea to keep some easy breakfast items on hand.

Instant oatmeal is a great to have because it’s healthy and ready in less than a minute! Another option is cereal; just add some milk. Other grab-and-go breakfast items include fruit (apples, bananas and oranges don’t need to be refrigerated), yogurt (we love Greek yogurt because it’s full of protein) and granola/protein bars. We all know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so don’t skip it!

Lunch

With a college class schedule, you’re likely to have random breaks throughout the day, which means you're bound to end up in your dorm around lunchtime once in a while. The good thing about most lunch items is that they can also double as dinners, which is great news for a college budget.

Keep it classic with a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, or if you want to get fancy, buy some sliced turkey and whip up a deli-style lunch. Shredded cheddar cheese between two tortillas makes an easy microwavable quesadilla, perfect with a side of chips and salsa!

Dinner

For the nights you get back late from class or just need a break from the dining hall, you'll be happy you have quick dinners around in your dorm so you can get straight to work on finishing the last season of your new favorite Netflix show—er, we meant finishing that term paper. 

Easy Mac is a college staple, and don’t forget about about that tried-and-true college staple, Ramen noodles! Bagel Bites and frozen pizza are both quick to make, and soup is great on a cold winter night. Want something a little more sophisticated (and better for you)? Buy pre-cooked chicken strips, microwave some frozen vegetables and pair with instant brown rice. It’s healthy and convenient; you can’t beat that!

Snacks

Ask any collegiette: snacks are extremely important. Whether you’re hanging out for movie night in your dorm with friends or you just need something salty after you come back at midnight, quality snacks are a must.

Some of the obvious choices are pretzels, chips and Goldfish crackers. You can either buy them in big bags (if you buy them in bulk, they’re cheaper!) or as individual servings (so you can throw one in your bag on your way out the door). Microwave popcorn is always a favorite, or you can change it up with some trail mix. For a healthier snack, grab a cheese stick along with some carrots and hummus! And of course, you can’t forget some good old Ben & Jerry’s to treat yourself after a long day.

Extras

Now that you have all the basics, step up your dorm room grocery game with some extras you may not have thought of! If you’re a coffee drinker, invest in a Keurig Brewing System. It’s ideal when you only want to make one cup of coffee for yourself in the morning. Not a fan of coffee? Get some tea bags and instant hot chocolate instead! If you like honey or sugar in your hot beverages, make sure to stock up on that too.

Consider buying a Brita Water Pitcher, which gives you constant access filtered water to put in a reusable water bottle. It's cheaper than buying plastic water bottles every week! Beyond that, remember to get plastic baggies or Tupperware containers (for snacks and meals on the go), as well as plastic utensils, paper plates, cups and napkins.

There you have it! The only dorm grocery list you’ll ever need. Print out the full list below to make sure you remember everything the next time you stock up!

Full grocery list:

Produce

• Apples
• Bananas
• Oranges
• Carrots

Dairy

• Yogurt
• Milk
• Cheese sticks
• Shredded cheese

Protein

• Sliced turkey/deli meat
• Pre-cooked chicken strips

Frozen Items

• Bagel Bites or frozen pizza
• Frozen veggies (microwavable)
• Ice cream

Easy Meals

• Instant oatmeal
• Cereal
• Granola/protein bars
• Bread
• Tortillas
• Instant rice (white or brown)
• Easy Mac
• Ramen Noodles
• Soup
• Peanut butter & jelly

Snacks

• Microwave popcorn
• Dried fruit
• Trail mix
• Pretzels
• Chips
• Gold Fish
• Hummus
• Crackers
• Salsa
• Cookies

Beverages/Beverage Extras

• Juice
• Keurig Brewing System & K-cups
• Brita Water Pitcher (with filters)
• Tea
• Hot chocolate
• Honey
• Sugar packets

Paper Goods/Food Storage

• Plastic baggies/plastic Tupperware containers
• Plastic utensils
• Paper plates
• Plastic cups
• To-go coffee cups (or a reusable mug/thermos)
• Napkins

Pretty Little Liars fans might have thought today would be like any other Monday, spent eagerly anticipating tomorrow night's all new episode of PLL (which just so happens to be the show's summer finale). But Marlene King had another surprise in store for us.

Joined by the infamous Liars (Lucy Hale, Ashley Benson, Troian Bellisario, Shay Mitchell and Sasha Pieterse), the series' executive producer announced in a Facebook Live video that season seven will indeed be its last. Seriously, there are not enough crying GIFs in the world to demonstrate how we feel in this moment.

Following tomorrow night's summer finale, PLL will return with its final 10 episodes in April 2017, which will culminate with an exciting two-hour series finale event.

Given the unfathomable amount of questions left unanswered by the show since its 2010 start, we have LOTS of ground to cover in these series-ending episodes. But, as bittersweet as this news is, at least we might finally (actually) find out who A is. Maybe…

Watch the full announcement below.

Huma Abedin, a close aide to Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, has announced that she will separate from her husband, former Congressman Anthony Weiner. This announcement follows a report from the New York Post alleging that he had sent inappropriate, sexual messages to a woman who was not his wife—the third time he's been caught doing so.

The Post’s article featured text messages and photos that Weiner sent to the woman (a Trump supporter, to add insult to injury) while Abedin was campaigning with Clinton.

The statement Abedin released made clear her decision to separate from her husband was not made lightly, saying, "After long and painful consideration and work on my marriage, I have made the decision to separate from my husband," as well as asking for privacy for herself, her husband, and her son. "Anthony and I remain devoted to doing what is best for our son, who is the light of our life. During this difficult time, I ask for respect for our privacy."

On Monday, the day after the Post’s article was published, Weiner deleted his Twitter account.

The Post’s report also includes the unnerving discovery that Weiner included pictures of his son among the photos he sent the woman, who Weiner claims is a friend.

Weiner’s “friend” reportedly cooperated fully with the Post, sharing all of the messages and pictures that she and Weiner exchanged, provided that she remain anonymous. She also told the paper that the exchange of messages between herself and Weiner began last January.

Weiner’s only comment to the newspaper denies any wrongdoing on his part or his friend’s: "She has asked me not to comment except to say that our conversations were private, often included pictures of her nieces and nephews and my son and were always appropriate," Weiner insists.

However, the New York Post’s report shows that the conversations were not always appropriate. Many of the photos that the newspaper published were of Weiner, and many of the messages he sent were about sex.

If this story sounds familiar, it’s because it is. Anthony Weiner used to be a Congressman from New York, but he was forced to resign in 2011 amid similar allegations of having an extramarital affair through sexting. He ran for Mayor of New York City in 2013, after supposedly attending therapy. During the mayoral race, it was discovered that Weiner was still sexting, just under a pseudonym, which led to him losing the election.

The entire story is so bizarre that it inspired its own movie, appropriately titled “Weiner".

Abedin has worked closely with Hillary Clinton for 20 years, and is known to be influential in making policy decisions. The New York Times reports that Clinton found out about Weiner's latest sexting on Sunday. And of course, Donald Trump has commented on the scandal, saying Abedin made a "very wise decision" to separate from Weiner but that Clinton was "careless and negligent in allowing Weiner to have such close proximity to highly classified information."

In a freak occurrence, 323 reindeer were killed in a lightning storm in Norway, according to NPR. 

Thousands of reindeer inhabit the Hardangervidda plateau in central Norway, which is preserved as a national park and makes an excellent home for wildlife. Norwegian officials found the carcasses Friday while supervising nearby hunters. NPR reports that the officials figured that so many were killed because they may have been scared of the thunderstorm, and would have gathered together, putting more of them in the spot where the lightning struck.

In an interview with the Verge, lightening safety expert John Jensenius explained that large groups of animals can be killed when they absorb lightning spreading through the ground, which stops their hearts. 

"Lightning goes up one leg and down another. Animals are more vulnerable because their legs are spread out more, so the ground currents travel more easily in their bodies," he told the Verge. "It doesn’t matter if they’re touching, or exactly how close they are, it matters that they were all in the area hit by lightning. Ground currents are the thing that’s responsible for the most lightning deaths and injuries in both people and animals."

According to The New York Times, the dead reindeer will allow scientists to check for the spread of a contagious neurological disease, similar to mad cow disease, that affects reindeer, deer, caribou, elk and moose.

Students at the University of Texas have started a protest that is sure to receive attention—and some dirty looks. In order to protest a new law in Texas that legalizes carrying concealed guns on college campuses, the students carried sex toys. Unlike guns, sex toys are illegal to have while on the college campus.

The leader of the protest, Jessica Jin, justified this display by telling Reuters, “We are fighting absurdity with absurdity.”

She also told The New York Times, “These laws won’t protect anyone. The campus doesn’t want them.”

The protest, called “Cocks Not Glocks: Campus (Dildo) Carry,” began this past Wednesday, deliberately planned to start on the first day of classes at the university. Protest organizers gave away hundreds of toys, many of which were donated by local stores, at a rally on Wednesday. They also passed out zip ties so that students could attach them to their bags, in clear view of anyone they may walk past. One of their slogans was, "If you are packing heat, we are packing meat."

The law that these students are protesting was passed in June and went into effect on the first of this month, and states that anyone over the age of 21 with a license to carry a concealed weapon can now bring that weapon on campus and into their classrooms.

“Texas has decided it is not all obnoxious or illegal to allow deadly concealed weapons on campus. But walking around with a dildo could land you in trouble,” Jin told Reuters.

The state legislators responsible for the passage of this law (primarily Republicans) insist that the law can help prevent another campus shooting, as well as protects the rights of gun owners. But many students and faculty members are afraid the law will cause more potential for violence. Three professors at the University of Texas even went so far as to file a motion in court, asking for the right to forbid guns in their own classrooms. The motion was denied by a U.S. district judge last week.

The university, which was opposed to the law in the first place, maintained that the protest was within the students’ rights to free speech and did nothing to deter protestors.

There are a number of times when we find ourselves apologizing for no good reason, especially at work. It can be hard to differentiate when it’s appropriate to say “sorry” and when it’s not. Most of the time, we apologize as a way of being polite, like saying sorry instead of saying, “Pardon me for interrupting.” But being polite doesn’t mean we have to apologize all the time. So we’ve made this handy little guide with four work situations you should never feel the need to apologize for.

You should never apologize for…

1. Asking for what you want

Whether you’re asking for a raise or a promotion or any number of things, don’t apologize. Why should you? You’re taking the initiative to ask for what you want. So just ask. Chloe Castleberry, a senior at University of Missouri-Columbia, says “Sometimes women may not feel as comfortable as they should asking for a promotion or raise. In this type of situation, women should never apologize or feel like they are doing something wrong if they want to know what they have to do to get ahead in the workplace!” According to Business Keynote Speaker and Executive Career Strategist Cecilia Rose, saying sorry downplays our self-worth and makes us seem weaker than we really are. So be confident! You should never feel bad for asking for what you want and chasing after your dreams.

2. Choices you’ve made

In general, you should be confident about the decisions you make at work, even if they aren’t perfect. Reilly Tuccinard, a junior at University of South Carolina, says, “Be strong in your decisions. If you make a suggestion that might not be the best fit, don’t apologize for it; just work to make it more applicable…you will be much more respected if you are confident in your decisions.” By apologizing for decisions you’ve made, you don’t come from a place of strength, Rose says. Maybe the decisions you’ve made or ideas you have are different from your co-workers, but don’t apologize for that. Instead of apologizing, Rose says not to say, “Sorry, I have a better idea,” but rather, “I have a different idea.” “It’s now about difference, not apologizing,” she says. You’re voicing your opinion for a reason, so be confident in it.

Related: 4 Tips for Handling Disagreements at Work the Professional Way

3. Someone else’s mistake

“There’s no need to say I’m sorry (for someone else’s mistake),” Rose says. Why should you? It’s not your fault, nor your mistake when someone else drops the ball. “It not only makes you look weak, but you’re taking on a responsibility that’s not yours,” Rose says. Just as you wouldn’t have your coworkers apologize for you, don’t apologize for them, for whatever reason. Let them handle their own business.

4. Asking for help

Sometimes when we ask for help, we feel like we’re inconveniencing another person. Maybe we are, maybe we aren’t, but at the end of the day, it doesn’t really matter. Because when you need help, you should ask for it unapologetically. But make sure you have a relationship with that person first. Rose suggests the best way to ask for help is to “build weight” with others in the office. To do this, Rose says, start by offering to help coworkers around the office for a while. Then, when you have enough of a relationship with another person, ask if he or she can help you. When you’re asking for help, Rose says to be thoughtful of their time, and put a short list of three to five questions together to give them. This way they can look it over and be able to help you better, since you didn’t blindside them with too many questions. Rose stresses the importance of balancing give and take. “We always want an exchange of energy,” she says. So if you need help, just ask for it from someone you have a relationship with. If you never ask, you’ll never be able to grow and become a better employee. Rose says by not apologizing for needing help, you come from a place of strength, not weakness.   

The key to apologizing at work is to do it sparingly. “You’re not gonna stop apologizing overnight,” Rose says. “It’s a process not an event.” According to Rose, by becoming more self-aware, we can catch ourselves before we say something that doesn’t make us seem strong, like unnecessarily saying sorry. When you apologize for things such as asking for a raise or decisions you’ve made, the apology becomes meaningless and makes you seem unsure of yourself. Own the work you’re doing and what you’re asking for, and only say “sorry” when it’s truly necessary. 

Right now, life is basically working 50+ hours a week and still being broke. We're not 100 percent sure how that works, but it probably boils down to a very nice employee discount and the fact that food exists. Here are 15 totally accurate times you have no problem spending all your money, because weakness. 

1. When there's a BOGO sale

#sorrynotsorry

2. When that direct deposit hits

Steak dinners 'erry night because you can. 

3. When you drink too much wine and online shop

Once the glass is empty, so is your bank account. 

4. When it's a Starbucks Double-Star Day

Your bank account cries on Double-Star Days, especially after that fourth iced latte. 

5. During the Victoria's Secret Semi-Annual Sale

Bought like 15 bras and leggings cause they were $20 each. 

6. When you can justify your purchases 

"I'll use this for school, so it's okay if I spend $100." 

7. When your fave store is having a sale on its sale

Urban Outfitters, we're looking at you. #blessup

8. When you have no money to spend

Hitting up that Buffalo Exchange with all your clothes from middle school so you can buy more clothes. 

9. When you go to the grocery store and just buy snacks for the car ride home

And then you get home and realize you have no real groceries. 

10. When you're at the bar and money doesn't even matter

And then you get home and wonder why you only have a dollar. 

11. When your roommate wants to order food

When you only have $5 but she asks if you want pizza. 

12. When your mascara runs out so you go on a Sephora spree

If you're already there, why wouldn't you buy 40 lipsticks? 

13. When you commit to something and then realize it costs money

Super down to go to that Beyoncé concert with you! Wait, tickets are how much? 

14. When you get home from the mall and see your receipt

Everything added up reaaaaal quick. 

15. When you play debit card roulette at the checkout

At this point, your debit card is basically a gift card. 

Let’s not even pretend––Stranger Things has ~literally~ taken over your life. You’ve already binged it five times and forced your family to get into it, too. Your obsession with Millie Bobby Brown and Gaten Matarazzo is borderline creepy, and the show consumes your every waking thought. You might be over the top, but who cares? You just love it SO MUCH. Here are the 25 definitive signs that your Stranger Things obsession is getting out of control.

1. Millie Bobby Brown is pretty much your life on Instagram

2. You’ve watched videos of Gaten Matarazzo singing Les Mis a disturbing number of times

3. You’ve also considered going toothless because you love Dustin so much

4. Dustin is your one true bae

5. Your deepest desire is to quit your day job to adventure with a tiny-boy gang

6. You’ve already ordered a shaved-head wig to dress up as Eleven for Halloween

7. When it comes to Steve Harrington, you have very complicated feelings

8. However, your feelings about the hotness that is Joe Keery are very uncomplicated

9. "Should I Stay or Should I Go" is the anthem of your LIFE

10. Bloody noses have become sacred

11. There are days when you choose to gesture instead of speak

12. You have a dedicated Facebook rant about how Steve Harrington is basically Jean-Ralphio

13. 90 percent of your day is spent searching Stranger Things memes on Tumblr

14. The other 10 percent is spent mourning Barb

15. The word “Papa” incites endless shuddering

16. And seeing this was very confusing

17. You believe that every bad thing in your life is associated with the Upside-Down

18. Your normal diet has been replaced by Eggo waffles

19.  Lights are equally necessary and traumatizing

20. The Duffer brothers are your new squad goals

21. Except you want to date both of them

22. You’re already planning out your “Winona Forever” tattoo

23. And have mastered the art of staring very intensely

24. You have a homemade sensory deprivation tank currently in your bathtub

25. Did we mention how much you LOVE Dustin?

No matter your zodiac sign, having sex for the first time is something that you will remember for the rest of your life. From renting out a hotel to having sex after prom, losing your virginity is going to be exciting and special. Here is how you will lose it according to your zodiac sign:

Aries:

If you are an Aries, it is highly likely that you are adventurous, energetic, courageous and enthusiastic when it comes to sex. Because of this, you will lose your virginity pretty spontaneously. Whether that is on spring break with a cutie from the hotel or with your prom date, having sex is not something that you want to plan. You want it to happen naturally and randomly and therefore it is going to be incredibly exciting either way.

Taurus:

As a Taurus woman, you are always patient, reliable, persistent and determined. With these traits, you will probably lose your virginity to a long term lover. It will be amazing with candles, music and a set of lingerie. Even though you may have to wait for the right moment, you don’t care as long as it is absolutely perfect.

Related: Here’s What Kind of Girlfriend You Are, Based on Your Zodiac Sign

Gemini:

Gemini women are known for being witty, youthful, eloquent and lively in the bedroom.  Because of these traits, you will most likely lose your virginity to a summer love. You will spend the summer falling for each other, much like Liam and Miley in The Last Song and by the time August comes around, you find the perfect spot on the beach to end the summer with a bang. Literally. For Sarah*, a Gemini at High Point University, that is exactly what happened to her. "I met John* while I was working at a summer camp a few summers ago and I fell hard," she says. "We were inseparable but we both knew that it wouldn't work past the summer. So on the second to last night, we went out to star gaze and it just happened. It was romantic and perfect and couldn't have been any more spontaneous." 

Cancer:

Cancer women are, more often than not, emotional, intuitive, imaginative and sympathetic in bed. Although losing your virginity is not something you take lightly, you won’t plan it. It will happen with someone you love very much and it will be on a night where your emotions are flying. Maybe you just won an award or your SO is going off to college—either way it will be passionate and intense.

Leo:

Leo women are generous, warm-hearted, faithful and creative when it comes to sex. This means that you will probably lose your virginity after months of planning—but your partner will never know all the work you put into it. Whether that means renting a hotel room on your anniversary and surprising your SO, or laying down thousands of red roses before your bae comes over, everything will be super fun and exciting. Emily*, a Leo at Northwestern University, said that it took her two years with her partner before she lost her virginity. "I knew I was ready and loved him but I had to make sure it was really the best idea. I wanted it to be perfect and that meant everything from where, when, and what I was wearing."

Virgo:

Virgo women are modest, diligent, intelligent and meticulous in the bedroom. So when it comes to losing your virginity, this is a decision you have not made quickly. You have weighed the pros and the cons and made sure that your partner is the absolute right person you want to have your first time with. It will be in your childhood bedroom and you will make sure that your parents are out of town and that you have 50 different kinds of condoms ready. Better safe than sorry for a Virgo.

Related: What First Time Sex is Like For Guys

Libra:

Libra women are romantic, idealistic, sociable and charming. This means that for losing your virginity, it may not be someone that you ever thought you would have sex with. But nonetheless, it’ll be perfect. You don’t want it to be rushed so you make sure to do it in a place that is a bit untraditional, like an empty house or a park (just be sure no one is around!). You know that if you were at your house, your parents might come home and that is not a situation you want to deal with. So you plan ahead and think through every possible option.

Scorpio:

Scorpio women are determined, powerful, emotional and exciting. Because of these traits, you will most likely lose your virginity without planning ahead of time. Much like Blair Waldorf who lost her virginity in the back of a limo, you will lose it in a way that you will remember for the rest of your life, no matter how crazy it may seem in the moment. Jackie*, a Scorpio at Syracuse University, actually had a similar experience to Blair that she will never forget. "I met this guy at the grocery store and the moment I saw him there was a spark," she says. "I was 19 and a virgin but there was just something about him that I knew I wanted. We walked out of the store together and did it right in his car. We dated for three years after that moment." So like Jackie, it could be in a car, or it could be on a ferris wheel, but wherever the place, it will be absolutely incredible.

Sagittarius:

Sagittarius women are incredibly optimistic, philosophical, straightforward and funny all the time. You will lose your virginity with one of your closest friends and loves. It will be romantic yet hilarious because both of you do not know what you are doing yet—but it will be mind blowing. It will be one of the best experiences of your life because you are having fun with someone you love.

Capricorn:

Capricorns are idealistic, ambitious, practical and reserved, even during sex. This means that you will most likely speak with your mother ahead of time to talk about sex to get her advice. Then when the moment is right, candles will be lit and it will be slow and beautiful. You do not want to rush it because you want to make sure you are doing everything right. For Laura*, a Capricorn at the University of Rochester, that is exactly what she did. "I was dating my SO for a year and a half and I knew that I was ready to have sex. So I talked to my mom about it a few times before it actually happened. Afterwards, I felt so comfortable because I knew that what I was doing was healthy and normal."

Aquarius:

Aquarius women are friendly, loyal, inventive and independent. This means that you will probably lose your virginity to someone you do not know that well, but still are 100 percent sure that you want to do it. To you, sex is a way to pleasure yourself and not about making the other person happy. You know what you like and will help your partner accomplish those things. 

Pisces:

Pisces women are sensitive, selfless, imaginative and compassionate.  With these traits, you will probably lose your virginity while you are traveling around the world. You fall in love fast and hard and want to make sex a thing to remember forever. Even if you won’t ever see your partner again, you will remember that moment for the rest of your life.

Whether you are a Cancer or a Scorpio, losing your virginity is a big moment in your life. From a candlelit room to the back of a car, it will be special no doubt because you are ready for it. When you look back at having sex for the first time, you will know that it was perfect for you.

*Names have been changed

Rushing a sorority can be more nerve-wracking and confusing than taking a calculus test. Instead of dealing with derivatives, you’ve got to put yourself out there and impress girls who you just met 30 seconds ago. You have a million questions and don’t know whom to ask about them: Do I eat the snack they give me? Do I tell them I don’t like my roommate, or should I pretend that I do?  How do I sit on the ground in this dress without flashing someone?

Luckily, there’s no need to have a panic attack and give up on rush altogether — we may not be able to help you with calculus, but we’ve got you covered when it comes to sorority rush. We talked to collegiettes who are in sororities, so you can be assured that you’re getting the best advice out there. With these insider tips from girls who have gone through the process and came out alive, you’ll get a behind the scenes look at rush and know what to do (and what not to!) to get the bid you want.

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1. DON’T talk about how blacked out you got during Welcome Week

“I would say girls should definitely avoid talking about drinking, drugs, and partying,” says Rachel, a recent grad of the University of Michigan and the former Social Chair of Chi Omega. “We are all in college, we've all seen the same type of parties and it makes you look like you are trying to bond for the wrong reasons.”

Allie, a recent grad of the University of Michigan and the former Vice President of Recruitment of Alpha Chi Omega, agrees. “While you may talk about partying with a best girl friend, recruitment is not the place for it,” she says.  “When a first impression is all you have to offer, you want to put your best foot forward. It is fine to talk about how much fun you had with your friends at a party, just be discreet about it.”

In other words, you don’t have to hide the fact that you go out — it’s good to know that you are a fun-loving person who knows how to enjoy herself! For example, if you went to one of the big welcome parties and you’re asked about it, by all means say you went and had a great time. But avoid the details, such as how much or what you drank, how drunk you were, and what ridiculous intoxicated shenanigans you got yourself into. A fun girl is a plus, but “THAT sloppy, hammered chick” won’t be first on anyone’s bid list. The same goes for drugs — just don’t talk about them.

2. DO say something unique or memorable about yourself

Be aware that the girls rushing you are also rushing tons of other people, and it can be hard to keep track of them all. The conversations are short and all start to blend together, so your best bet at standing out in their minds is to say something unique about yourself. Then, when they’re telling their sorority sisters about you, they can say “she was the one who went scuba diving in the Galapagos this summer!” or “she’s the marathon runner!”

Dropping a quirky, noteworthy fact about yourself also shows that you are an interesting person, which is obviously a plus. Whereas talking about partying is best to be avoided, your interests and passions are at the top of the list of good conversation topics because they give others a sense of who you really are and what you can contribute to the sorority.

“This may sound cheesy, but we want girls who want to make our chapter better and are determined, hardworking, motivated and smart girls,” says Becca, the Rush Chair of Tri Delta at Union College. “We want to know if they volunteer, play sports or do other extracurriculars, because we want them to get involved and show the administration at our school all of the positive things we do for the community."

So, without bragging, make a point to reveal some of your hobbies, passions and memorable experiences. Added bonus: when you’re talking about stuff you love to do, you will naturally sound enthusiastic and engaged!  

3. DON’T mention the guy you went home with last night

Like partying, sexual escapades can be added to the list of Things You Should Avoid Talking About With Strangers. Yes, the girls you are talking to may be your future sorority sisters who you will tell everything to, but dishing about your sex life right off the bat can give the wrong impression.

It can also get a bit awkward. Katie*, a collegiette in a sorority at a Midwestern school, says that when a girl she rushed brought up the size of her boyfriend’s package, things got weird fast. “I was just really taken aback and uncomfortable… I had just met her three minutes ago!” Katie says. “It was definitely TMI and it sort of made me question her judgment.”

Allie adds that name-dropping a specific guy could be trouble because there’s always a chance that the girl you are talking to knows him (or is related to him, or dated him, or hates him for something he did to her friend — you get the picture).

So, bottom line: save your boy woes and hookup stories for post-rush dinner with your friends. “In the end, it’s about sisterhood, not catty boy drama,” says Becca. 

Need a reminder of the “don'ts” so far? Allie boils them down to three “B’s” to avoid: booze, blunts and boys.

4. DO look presentable

Choosing what to wear to rush can cause a bigger headache than choosing your first-day-of-school outfit, but we have some guidelines to ease the pain. Every school’s recruitment is different and you may be told specific things to wear on each day of rush. Regardless, you want to look clean and put together. We know you might still be getting used to doing your own laundry, but a coffee-stained shirt is probably not your best look. 

“Present yourself like you are going to meet your friend’s parents for brunch,” Allie says. That means avoid excessive cleavage, barely-there shorts and skirts and flashy (distractingly so) jewelry. “Your appearance should show that you care about being at the house you are in, but that you are comfortable in what you are wearing. Put time in and make sure you feel confident,” Allie says.

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Be conscious of your makeup, too — lipstick-stained teeth are pretty hard to ignore when you’re talking to someone who is two feet away from you.

5. DON’T gossip or talk smack about others

Gossiping can be dangerous for several reasons. First, as Allie pointed out, the girl rushing you could very well know who you are talking about, so you risk getting yourself into an awkward situation or even offending someone. And the girl may tell someone else in her house or another house, making matters worse.

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Additionally, gossiping can make you seem catty, superficial and two-faced — not the qualities of an ideal sorority sister. You want the sisters to realize you would make an amazing friend, so be the amazing friend that you are! Instead of launching into a conversation about how annoying this girl in your class is, talk about how you and your friend signed up for a Zumba class together or how going to camp for six years has prepared you for living with 50 other girls. Leave the gossip for Serena and Blair.

6. DO act like you want to be there

When you’re going through rush, it can be easy to forget that you’re not the only one being assessed. The girls rushing you are being evaluated too — by you! They want you to like them as much as you want them to like you, and they’re looking out for girls who are clearly excited to be there.

Rachel explains that when a girl seems to lack interest, rushers may not be able to get a good sense of her and will write her off. “When a girl acts uninterested or seems like she thinks she is above the process, it’s going to be a lot harder to get to know her in the five minutes that we have,” she says.

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So be engaged in conversation. Ask questions, make eye contact, nod, laugh and sound enthusiastic — basically, everything you were told to do doing a college interview. Compliment the house and any decorations they have up, and respond to the information given during presentations to show that you were listening. For example, if a presentation is given on the chapter’s philanthropy, ask the girl rushing you what kind of involvement she had in their annual fundraiser last year.

There’s no need to go over the top and gush about every little thing (OMG the embroidery on those pillowcases is really amazing, please tell me everything you know about it!) but showing genuine interest in what you are being told about the sorority is super important. 

7. DON’T say something negative about another house

You may think that bashing another house could help prove your loyalty to the house you are being rushed at, but this is definitely something you should never do. Once again, you have no idea what connections the girl you’re talking to may have to that house (for example, her biological sister or freshman year roommate may be in it).

Not only that, but talking about another house takes time away from learning about the house you’re actually at and showing your interest in it. Your attention should be solely focused on that one house for the time that you’re there, so you may as well pretend that no other sorority exists until you walk out the door and move on to the next one.  

8. DO be yourself

This one may seem trite, but it’s the most fundamental advice of all. “Being genuine is the most important thing you can do during rush,” Rachel says. “You want to end up in a house that is the right fit for you, and you and the rusher can only know this if you are being yourself.”

Allie echoes this advice: “Find a place where you can be yourself and where you feel at home!”

If you’re pretending to be someone you’re not (and don’t want to be) just to get into a particular sorority, you’re only disserving yourself because you’ll probably end up being surrounded by girls who don’t mesh best with the real you.

While many aspects of rush do resemble a college interview, keep in mind that you’re talking to girls your age, not a middle-aged woman in a pantsuit who wants to hear you spin your weaknesses into strengths. So feel free to loosen up and joke around. It’ll showcase your sense of humor and establish a connection between you and your rusher. The livelier the conversation, the more likely it is to be remembered positively.

“The best conversations will be the ones you remember laughing in, and enjoying that girl’s company. They will be natural and relaxed,” Allie says.

All of the do’s and don'ts aside, don't sweat rush too much — take a deep breath before you enter every house and present your best, true self. More often than not, the process has a way of working out well for you in the end. We promise you’ll live to tell the tale!

*Name has been changed.