There you are, hanging out and enjoying your favorite movie, when a scene like The Breakfast Club’s dance montage or The Hangover’s ridiculous picture slideshow comes on and it hits you — that tinge of guilt you feel for failing to live life to its fullest, seize the day or whatever you choose to call it. The movies have a certain ability to make your youth and your precious college years seem like one non-stop celebration, but Her Campus has found a better, guilt-free way to make sure you’re taking full advantage of college. We’ve compiled the 50 things you’ve got to do before graduation day.
 

1. Visit your best friend on his or her campus. It’s like the first weekend of freshman year, except you won’t have to worry about seeing anyone again.
2. Take a class in a subject you’ve never studied. If you’re worried about managing your time and keeping your grades up, try auditing a course or taking one pass/fail.
3. Attend a student-run campus theater production.
4. Audition for a role in a campus theater production. Bonus points for trying out for musicals, singing in a cappella groups, or beat-boxing like JT.
5. Have a picnic on the football field in the off-season.
6. Surprise your parents for their birthdays by driving home for the weekend. As contradictory as this may seem to the purpose of a college bucket list, one of the keys to enjoying college is to take breaks once in a while. Besides, mom and dad will appreciate the gesture.
7. Retake the SAT just to see if you can top yourself after a few years of college. #nerdlife
8. If you go to a smaller school, try out for a varsity sports team. If you go to a larger school, try out for a club team or form your own intramural team.
9. Dye your hair purple while you still can.
10. Or chalk your hair blue just for a day.

11. Meet your school’s mascot, even if it’s a weird one like University of California Santa Cruz’s beloved Sammy the Banana Slug.
12. Audition to be your school’s mascot, unless they’ve already offered you the position; since you did number 5, you’re probably pretty famous.
13. Eat wings like a bro, in front of a bro.
14. Quit smoking now, before you find yourself worrying about the long-term health effects.
15. Go vegetarian or vegan for a week.
16. Have lunch with your favorite professor or TA. Chances are he or she will have interesting life stories, brilliant advice, and helpful connections.
17. Go on a weekend road trip with your favorite people to an unspecified destination.
18. Ask your professor to teach seminar outside on a sunny day. He or she might not say yes, but it’s worth that marginal risk — better to try it in college while you’re asking your professor to move the class, and not your boss to move the office.
19. Create your own signature drink.
20. Mix up your weekend routine and take advantage of the culinary options on campus. Try sushi, caviar, calamari, spinach, or whatever else you’ve been avoiding since you switched to solid foods 20 years ago.

21. Go mountain-climbing for a week with your campus’s hiking or outdoors club.
… or just go rock-climbing for an afternoon at the campus gym.
22. Rush a sorority. If your campus doesn’t have Greek life, check out service societies and organizations that hold open meetings.
23. Reach out to that awkward teen or nervous freshman you once were by participating in a mentorship program — sign up to be a tutor, counselor, big sister, teacher’s assistant, orientation leader or RA.
24. Enter a business competition with a couple friends and see where it takes you.
25. On a completely unrelated note, start a Her Campus chapter on your campus.
26. Teach a friend how to dougie, before that joke gets old.
27. Run a 5K, 10K, half-marathon or marathon.
28. Go streaking. After all, Penn’s Under the Button reports that the first guy ever recorded streaking was a senior at Washington and Lee University, and he went on to be elected to Congress. It’s obviously the recipe for success.
29. Don’t actually go streaking. Public indecency is illegal.

30. Organize a day of Free Hugs on your campus.
31. DJ a party — for your friends, your sorority or your whole campus.
32. Apply to your dream internship, even if it feels out of reach.
33. Steal a sign. After all, this is probably the last time in your life that it’s even marginally acceptable for you to get Animal House rowdy. If you’re (sigh) a law-abiding citizen, just grab a paper flier or put the sign back in the morning.
34. Do your middle school self a favor and finally pass a note to the cute kid who sits in front of you in class.
35. Write for the campus newspaper. Even if staffing is competitive, most college papers accept letters to the editor and opinions submissions regularly.
36. Participate in a campus-wide tradition.
37. Start your own campus-wide tradition.
38. Sign up for a painting or ceramics class at the local craft center. Student discounts and no grades make for a less stressful educational environment.
39. Tweet at your favorite celebrity actor, singer, author or Kardashian.

40. Donate blood at a local or campus blood drive. The Red Cross reports that one donation can help save as many as three lives.
41. Go to office hours! No matter the size of your school, this is one huge perk of college. Consider it free academic counseling and a wee bit of extra credit, bundled into one.
42. Pull an all-nighter in support of a super-busy friend who doesn’t want to stick it out alone.
43. Sleep all day to compensate for the aforementioned all-nighter.
44. If you’re of age, throw your own pregame. Good thing you’ve already done number 13, right?
45. Resist hook-up culture and go on a real date. You’re such a classy lady.
46. Take advantage of that free campus gym membership; there’s no such thing in the real world.
47.  Step out of your comfort zone and sign up for workouts like Zumba® or boxing.
48. Volunteer at a local soup kitchen.
49. Study abroad, learn another language or join a cultural club to gain exposure to other cultures and broaden your world perspective. Sorry, eating Pad Thai once a week doesn’t count.
50. Stock up on disposable cameras that you won’t be scared of breaking or losing. Take good pictures of all your great memories.

What did we miss?  Leave a comment!

Why can't real-life relationships be more like the ones we see onscreen? Here's our countdown of the nine best fictional boyfriends. 

1. Noah from The Notebook (2004)

With his combination of charm, sincerity and adventurous spirit, Noah has all of the ingredients to be the perfect boyfriend. He knows what he wants, and he'll do whatever it takes to get it, even if that means dangling off a Ferris wheel. Let's face it: Ryan Gosling in any role is our dream boyfriend. 

Memorable quote:"I want all of you, forever. You and me, every day."

2. Nick from New Girl 

From the moment that Jess moved in with the guys, we were already rooting for her and Nick to get together. Although he can be a little grumpy and pessimistic at times, he's a loyal friend, a great listener and the perfect partner in crime. Who didn't swoon during that amazing first-kiss scene?

Memorable quote:"I think you're the kind of girl a guy would come back for."

3. Jack from Titanic (1997)

Jack Dawson is the ultimate romantic. Come on, the guy froze to death to save the life of the girl he loved! We love his boyish charm, spontaneity and smile that could melt any girl's heart. Plus, he really knows how to wear a tux.

Memorable quote:"You jump, I jump, remember?"

4. Ben from Parks and Recreation 

If "nerdy cute" is your type, then Ben Wyatt is your man. He's somehow adorable even when talking about Star Wars, and he's willing go above and beyond to impress a girl. He isn't afraid of a strong, powerful woman, and he'll stand by your side through thick and thin. And we'll admit it, we love his butt almost as much as Leslie does. Almost.

Memorable quote: "I love you and I like you."

5. Peeta from The Hunger Games (2012)

Gale may be hot, but we're Team Peeta all the way. Peeta is strong, sweet and adorably protective, with a talent for baking to boot. Unlike your typical collegiate Romeo, Peeta has a way with words, and he's as honest and straightforward as they come. What's not to love? 

Memorable quote: "Now there's no way I'll let you go."

6. Tom from (500) Days of Summer (2009)

Tom is a hopeless romantic and one of the few guys left who still believes in fate and true love. You would never have to worry about "defining the relationship" with him - if Tom is with you, you can rest easy knowing he's in it for the long haul. Plus, we love that he has good taste in music and a penchant for running through IKEA stores.

Memorable quote: "I love how she makes me feel. Like anything's possible... or like life is worth it."

7. Jim from The Office 

Jim and Pam have one of the greatest TV relationships of all time. Jim was willing to wait years for a girl who was engaged to another guy just because he knew they were meant to be together. He's also hilarious, and he always manages to find the humor in any situation. 

Memorable quote: "Four years ago, I was just a guy who had a crush on a girl who had a boyfriend... but I think that even then I knew that I was waiting for my wife."

8. Chuck from Gossip Girl 

With money, class and a smoldering gaze, Chuck Bass is the epitome of tall, dark and handsome. Although he can be kind of a jerk when his cockiness gets the best of him, we can't help but be drawn to his bad-boy charm. If more college guys dressed as well as Chuck does, the world would be a more beautiful place. 

Memorable quote: "I'm sorry I gave up on us when you never did."

9. Josh from Clueless (1995)

The whole ex-stepbrother thing aside, Josh is the boyfriend we all wish we had. We fell in love with him when he went out and danced with Tai like no one was watching, and we fell even harder when he finally told Cher how he felt. He's smart, adorable and charmingly witty, and he's not afraid to call you out when you're being a little ridiculous. 

Memorable quote: "You know you're gorgeous, alright."

I spent Thanksgiving of my sophomore year lying in my dorm room bed, too sick to move. Nauseous and lightheaded, I rolled around in my bed, shifting from one side to the other in a desperate attempt to sleep. I was still hungry since I had only managed to eat a few bites of a Thanksgiving dinner before the nausea had hit, forcing me to run to my room and shut myself in.

One day later, my body would start reacting the same way to liquids, even if it was just water. Give it a few days, and I would suddenly start to feel nauseous in class, out on the street, at parties, everywhere.

The nausea would ebb and flow throughout the rest of the year, but its persistence alarmed me and forced me to go see any doctor I could find, and when no doctor could figure out what was wrong, I sank deeper and deeper into worry. It became increasingly debilitating, and soon I was ducking out of dance rehearsals, avoiding the gym, and even skipping class for fear of becoming nauseous and possibly throwing up in public. I started bringing around one or two plastic bags everywhere, fearing that I would actually become sick while out and about.

After multiple doctors and hundreds spent on blood tests and appointments, it didn’t hit me that something psychological was at work until November while I was studying abroad. My throat felt like it was closing up while I was eating in a Berlin market. Then it happened in another market in Prague, a café in Vienna, a nightclub in Budapest. By the time I returned to Paris to finish off the rest of my quarter there, I wasn’t able to take public transportation anymore without gagging and feeling like I was going to vomit, so I’d walk the long 40 minutes to class each day.

When people asked, I just told them that I loved walking. Really, really, loved walking.

But I would be fine if I didn’t eat.  I stopped eating before my classes, stopped eating out with my new study abroad friends. Sometimes, I would wake up in the morning and purposely starve myself until dinnertime when I would buy food, take it back to my room, and binge eat because I hadn’t had anything all day. My stomach would gnaw at itself, and I would fold in half because it hurt me so much.

By mid-December, when I was back in Vancouver where I’m from, I would wake up in the morning, and my throat would feel like it was closing immediately. I couldn’t eat in front of anyone, including my mom. A physician diagnosed me with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and strongly recommended that I see a therapist as soon as possible. My mom and I were convinced that I could spend three more weeks in Vancouver before leaving for Chicago where I go to school, until I had a panic attack at a mall where it felt like someone was lifting me out of my own body—I felt like I could faint or die. We decided to leave for Chicago immediately to start therapy before school kicked off again.

One week later, I met my therapist Megan* and was officially diagnosed with GAD and emetophobia, an irrational fear of vomiting that is very rare, but entirely capable of leaving people unable to function. Many emetophobes avoid public situations involving food or anything they believe would make them vomit. In the most extreme cases, people can’t even bring themselves to leave their house. On December 18th, 2012, I began exposure therapy, with my therapist Megan helping me slowly tackle one fear after another by putting me in situations where my anxiety would flare up, and then forcing me to stay there until it subsided.

The process could be so unimaginably uncomfortable.

After my initial assessment, it became clear that a combination of extreme stress from school and my personal life triggered my anxiety. What made it worse, however, was that I had started avoiding situations where my nausea and lightheadedness would flare up, running away whenever the sensations started. By avoiding so many of the activities I loved before the anxiety kicked in, I gave it strength and trained my mind to listen to it, to reason that my anxiety was rational. Before I even knew it, I was fighting something that I couldn’t even physically see.

And so it was Megan’s job to ease me back into those situations, but it was my job to keep putting myself back in them whenever I was away from her. As it is for anyone just beginning exposure therapy, just the thought of staying in a restaurant or a bus while nauseous is daunting and initially took more than enough willpower out of me.

Fast forward two months later, and you’ll see that I’m writing this in a diner. Am I completely at ease? Not completely. But I think the fact that I can now clear off four breakfast pancakes in one sitting means I’ve come a long way.

It’s hard to come to terms with the idea that anxiety will be something that comes and goes for the rest of my life, and I’d be lying if I said that I didn’t wish there was a “magic” cure that could keep it away—far, far away. My throat still feels like it “shuts” on me two or three times a day, and there’s still always one moment every week where the anxiety is so overpowering that all I can do is lie down, roll around, and stare at the ceiling once in a while hoping that my muscles will stop tingling and that my throat relaxes again.

But then there are the countless moments during the weekdays and weekends where I can go to dance practice and stay there, can take the train to Chinatown, and can go out on Friday and Saturday nights. There are days when it’s hard to even get out of bed, but those are the same days where I make a point of getting up because sometimes, that’s all it takes for the anxiety to go away.

I still see Megan once a week, and there are still some things that I can’t go through with complete ease. Something that I do look forward to, though, is the day when I’ll be able to eat a whole meal, hop on a train, and ride it before heading to a packed concert.

That’s the life I led, and the thought of living it again makes me even more determined to get it back.

Do you ever find yourself shrugging your shoulders and settling on the "boys will be boys" conclusion? Real Live College Guy Andy is here to show you that mature men do (in fact) exist. He has an uncanny ability to sort out the good guys from the bad apples and is here to bring you the best in college love advice.

I'm a pretty shy girl. So, I've always held on to this idea of a Prince Charming in shining armor to come rescue me from the bubble I've placed myself in. My question is do guys even give the time of day to girls who are shy or is it a lost cause and I should just put on armor and try and save myself? – Shy Girl at Syracuse

Shy Girl,

I hate to break it to you, but life is not like a Disney movie. Now I don't know what has made you so shy or what experience you do have in the dating world, but it definitely sounds like you have to put yourself out there more.

That said, doing so shouldn't be a bigger deal than it actually is. Just get involved with your school, answer questions in class, join clubs, hang out in the quad, go to school performances, games, anything that will get you out and mingling with people!

Most of us get shy at times. Nobody is fully comfortable in all social situations but it is important to not overwhelm yourself. Take baby steps and just focus on meeting people and making friends. By joining and getting thoroughly involved in a club, you will start to grow out of your comfort zone.

It would be bad advice to tell you just to walk up to a cute guy at a bar and try to start a conversation. That's a tall order even for the girls who don't consider themselves especially shy. But by getting involved, you may meet a guy who seems non-threatening and meet him as a friend first. Down the line, maybe it will develop into something more.

When it comes to being shy around guys, well, just break it down. I have to assume you have platonic male friends whom you aren't shy around. Why aren't you shy around them? Maybe start by figuring that out and then maybe go after similar types of guys. And a friends-first approach is never a bad idea when it comes to relationships.

Collegiettes tend to be pretty expressive via text, typing in LOLs and OMGs.  But thanks to Apple and Android, we’re becoming even more creative through our use of emoticons. Plain smiley faces have become a thing of the past; they’ve been replaced with everything from crying cats (a personal favorite of Miley’s) to dancing twin ballerinas. With hundreds of emojis to choose from, the possibilities are endless! Why waste time typing everything out when you can have an entire conversation via emojis?

We all have that one friend who tends to throw the kiss-y face into every conversation. And your younger siblings think it’s hilarious to use the “chocolate ice cream” (aka “Pile of Poo”). Ever wondered what your favorite emojis say about you? Read on to find out!

Face With Tears of Joy

Let’s be honest—you’ll laugh (and use this emoji) no matter what. You think anything and everything is hilarious, and a simple LOL just doesn’t cut it. You’re known as the jokester in your group of friends, and you bring your over-the-top energy with you wherever you go!

Hot Beverage

Ahh, heaven in a cup. You can’t make it through the day without having at least some form of caffeine, so the local Starbucks barista has become your BFF. These days, one coffee definitely won’t suffice. It’s more than an addiction—it’s true love.

Sassy Pink Shirt Girl

You embrace your inner Beyoncé; you’re sassy and you know it. Did well on a paper? Hit it off with that cute guy in your lecture? You’re sure to let your friends know via Pink Shirt Girl. Everyone respects your classy confidence and comes to you for guy advice.

See-No-Evil, Hear-No-Evil, Speak-No-Evil Monkey(s)

Let’s be real, you’re a little bit on the wild side. You can sum up any weekend shenanigans with these three monkeys; you don’t want to hear, see or speak about it ever again. Instead of having to explain everything in detail, you let the emojis speak for themselves. #YOLO

Dancing Twins

You can’t go anywhere without your BFF—you two are basically inseparable. You value close friendship and would much rather spend quality one-on-one time with your other half instead of mingling with a large group. Where one goes, the other follows!

Sleeping Face

You’re a girl on the go who has a ton of responsibilities beyond class and homework. You’d love to get some shut-eye, but there are more important things on your plate—like ruling the world. Although you may feel tired 24/7, you’re productive, and you’ll be even more accomplished in the long run. Hang in there!

Clinking Beer Mugs

As the life of the party, you’re always up for a night out! College is about working hard and playing hard, right? Friends always ask you to hit up the bars with them, but chances are you’re already there.

Side-Eye Face

On top of being sarcastic, you’re generally unamused when it comes to dealing with other people. You tell it how it is, even if the truth is brutally honest. Loaded with quick comebacks and plenty of eye rolls, you’re so over everything.

Kiss Mark

Although it’s reserved for crushes and close friends, the kiss is your signature mark. You have a flirtatious personality, and you aren’t afraid to show your emotions and affections. If someone is important to you, you’ll go out of your way to let him or her know.

Pile of Poo

You don’t have (or care to use) a filter when talking with your friends, and most of your elaborate stories get the usual “Ahhh, TMI!” response. You’re a goofball and you don’t like to be taken too seriously!

Thumbs Up

You’re an easygoing girl who loves to bring a positive outlook to any situation. “Go with the flow” is your mantra. You’re always ready to try new things, and you don’t live by any rigid schedule. Impromptu hangouts are your fave!

Have a favorite emoji that wasn’t listed? What do you think it says about your personality? Share in the comments below! 

Want some healthy recipes you can make in your dorm? Check out Gillian Espinosa’s ideas!  Gillian is one of the seven cast members on MTV’s new series House of Food, where untrained chefs compete for the culinary apprenticeship of a lifetime. Tune into House of Food on Mondays at 10 p.m. ET/9 p.m. CT, and read below to see Gillian’s recommendations for how you can cook awesome and delicious food in your own dorm room!

Her Campus: What is the premise behind House of Food?

Gillian Espinosa: House of Food is an MTV food reality show designed around lessons, where each week, renowned chefs teach six other contestants and me different cooking techniques, and we learn the tricks of the trade. There are also challenges every week to test our abilities. We’re all competing for a culinary apprenticeship to get our careers going. The best part is that no one gets eliminated, so you don’t have to worry about your favorite contestant going home.

HC: How did you find your love for cooking?

GE: I’ve been cooking for about 10 years now. My grandmother was a big cook, so she sort of got me into it, but I really got my passion for cooking in high school when I’d bake nonstop. My friends and family starting referring to me as “the pastry girl!”

HC: What’s it like watching the show and seeing yourself on TV?

GE: It’s a little weird, because every time I watch, I go, “Is that really me?” It’s definitely cool and fun to watch because I’ve already been there and done [the show], but it’s still very exciting. I think “surreal” is the best word to describe it, because it’s just so weird to see my face up there.

HC: What’s the best part about being on the show?

GE: I think the best part of being on the show is showing people a different side to reality TV. I know there’s going to be a lot of drama and everything, but I feel like I can really show people that you can still be grounded and be yourself and be a good person without having to get into the middle of it all. You just stick to your passion!

HC: Is there anything in particular that viewers can look forward to during the season?

GE: I think everyone can look forward to good food! There’s going to be drama, of course, but food is really the soul of it. So even the viewers get to learn what we learn because they’ll be there when we learn and they’ll be there for us practicing and they’ll be there for the challenges. It’s almost like learning yourself. So even home cooks can pick up a few tips from watching the show.

HC: Any tips for college women wanting to cook at school?

GE: I would definitely do easy recipes. I know a lot of people at college who can’t do much because they’re in dorms and it’s a tight space, so it’s hard to cook. For example, soups are super easy, as are different variations of oatmeal. You could be so creative with a sandwich, and think about how easy that is to make! Keep in mind to make stuff that can last you all week, because you don’t want to have to cook every single night in your dorm since that’s difficult. So make big meals earlier in the week or do something different.

Check out Gillian’s dorm recipe ideas below!

Breakfast

S'mores Oatmeal

This recipe is easy and healthy, and it will take care of your sweet tooth for the day!

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup oats
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 tablespoon mini dark chocolate chips
• 1 jumbo marshmallow (cut up)
• 1/4 graham cracker
• Utensils: Bowl, spoon, knife

Directions:

• Microwave oats and water in a bowl for one minute (or until it reaches the consistency you like). Add cinnamon and combine.
• Top off with chocolate chips, marshmallow and graham cracker.

Lunch

C.B.L.T.

Ingredients:

• 1 cooked chicken breast, shredded (store-bought rotisserie chickens are perfect and can give you meals for a few days!)
• 3 pieces cooked bacon
• 2 slices tomato
• 1/4 cup any lettuce you like
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 tablespoon mayo
• 2 slices wheat bread
• Utensils: Knife, plate, spoon

Directions:

• Mix mayo and ketchup together and put on bread, about a tablespoon per slice.
• Add lettuce, chicken, tomato and bacon.

Caprese Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 tomato
• 1 ball mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons basil (thinly sliced)
• 3 tablespoons balsamic
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Utensils: Spoon, bowl, knife

Directions:

• Cut tomato and mozzarella into square chunks and mix with basil.
• Toss in balsamic and olive oil. It’s heaven!

Dinner

Spaghetti Squash Pasta

Ingredients:

• 2 cups spaghetti squash
• 1 cup cream
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 dash nutmeg
• 1/2 a yellow onion
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded cooked chicken
• 1/2 of a lemon
• Utensils: Microwave, pot, stove or hot pad, knife, whisk

Note: You could always buy Alfredo sauce at the store as well as the chicken, but making it yourself is so much better!

Directions:

• Heat spaghetti squash until tender (take out seeds beforehand). Use a fork to scrape out the squash; it should come out looking like pasta.
• For the sauce, mix flour and butter until it makes a thick sauce (roux) then add cream, stirring until it's well combined.
• Add nutmeg, onion, bay leaf and salt and pepper to taste. Stir for about 10 minutes.
• Once it begins to get thick (it should coat the back of your spoon, so when you wipe your finger through it, it should hold its line), add the Parmesan and shredded chicken.
• Top it off with a squirt of lemon, and it's perfection!

Dessert

Pumpkin Pie in a Mug

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup pumpkin purée
• 1/4 cup egg whites (add more if you like a thicker consistency)
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar
• Utensils: Coffee mug, bowl, spoon

Directions:

• Mix all ingredients together and microwave in a coffee mug for two minutes or until thoroughly cooked.
• Add Greek yogurt, cinnamon, nutmeg and nuts for a delicious yet healthy topping!

Name: Lila Barton
Age: 24
Job Title and Description: Sales Development Manager at Levo League. My job is to listen to companies and make sure that Levo is building unique, scalable solutions. I’m the bridge between the sales and product teams, making sure our product team understands the needs of our clients. I am also responsible for packaging sales offerings; creating beautiful, compelling sales materials and proposals; as well as managing Levo’s jobs board.
College/Major: Stanford University, International Relations. I was also a member of the Stanford women’s golf team all four years.
Website: Instagram.com/lilabear
Twitter Handle: @LilaBarton

Name: Helena Hounsel
Age: 22
Job Title and Description: Levo Community Manager. Dedicated online community manager to execute social media strategies across all social platforms.
College/Major: Marketing at the George Washington University
Website: www.pinterest.com/helenalor
Twitter Handle: @helenalor

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

Lila Barton: There is never a typical day, and that’s one of my favorite things about Levo. My job is to make sure that Levo is building amazing solutions for companies. I help companies attract the right talent and build programs to support the current talent within their organization. In this position, I work with the sales team and management to build partnerships so that companies are better communicating with and understanding the Gen Y woman. I also manage Levo’s jobs board. I love hearing stories of women finding their dream jobs through Levo and companies coming back to hire more talent through our site.

Helena Hounsel: If you hear the Levo “voice” on social, you’ll find me behind it. I engage our community directly through management of all social media channels and online communications, which means I speak to amazing and inspirational women across the world every single day. “Typical” isn’t in my vocabulary, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

What is the best part of your job?

LB: I love my job because I’m both internally and externally facing. One moment I’m on the phone with companies listening to their needs and discussing how Levo can support their efforts, and the next I’m talking with our engineering team about product updates and new features to build. I get to use both my relationship skills and my creative juices.

And, of course, my AWESOME coworkers. I learn from them every day, and I love being part of a group of people doing something that’s never been done before. I literally do not know what I would do without Helena in my life.

HH: The Levo community. You can’t beat it. Literally, these women [and men] are powerhouses, and the best part is that they genuinely want to help and support one another. I also can’t ignore that my co-workers are ah-mazing (Seriously, Lila is my soul mate. Thank you, Levo!).

What was your first entry-level job in your field and how did you get it?

LB: I started at Levo as an editorial intern. I told them I wanted to do what I could for the company while I was still in school with the hopes that I would be a good fit for the team once I graduated. When graduation time came, Levo offered me the account manager position, and I instantly took the job. I’ve been involved with the company for over a year and a half, and it has been an amazing ride.

HH: I’m in it. I interned for Levo the summer before I graduated as a PR intern and killed it. A Local Levo Marketing Assistant role popped up when I was graduating, and it fit like a glove. Our Local Levo Director, Maxie McCoy, and I have been rocking the Dynamo Duo ever since.

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

LB: The importance of knowing the basics of how to code. My position does not require coding, but understanding what goes into features is extremely helpful. I took some coding classes at Stanford, but I would highly recommend Skillcrush to anyone who wants to start from scratch or improve your skills! The program is amazing.

It’s so important to be able to communicate with your team, and learning the basics has been so helpful during my time at Levo. I have our awesome engineers to thank for a lot of my knowledge. The team has been a big part of me building up this skill and applying it to my work.

HH: There’s not something I wish I knew per se, but I do wish I had taken more time to master Photoshop and learn more about web design.

There are, however, a couple things I wish I could tell my social media newbie self: Everything is an experiment. Everyone makes mistakes. You can do as much research as the next person, but everything will adapt and change… just like Facebook’s algorithms. Nothing is the end of the world; you have to take setbacks as learning moments as opposed to confidence-shakers. Oh, and have fun!

Who is one person who changed your professional life for the better?

LB: Leslie Zaikis. The girl is a total rock star. She was my first manager at Levo, and I learned so much from her in the five months before she went on to other things. She taught me how to build amazing proposals and how to successfully pitch ideas to high-level people. She also taught me how to think about building business in creative ways. We often would refer to things as “flipping it upside down,” and that immediately helps you look at things differently.

The most important thing that Leslie taught me is that age does not matter. If you have the skills, you can do anything, regardless of how young or old you are. If you don’t have the skills, you can learn anything. The lady has a wonderful outlook on life.

HH: My mom. Hands down. She’s incredible. Two-time cancer survivor, strongest person I know. I find myself complaining about something and I want to smack myself. She laid the foundation for my unparalleled organization, dedication and work ethic. I have her to thank for everything.

What words of wisdom do you find most valuable?

LB: As a golfer, the most important thing is to control what you can control and not let things out of your control affect your emotions. That same advice has proven to be so valuable in the workforce. It has allowed me to navigate sticky and often stressful situations with a great attitude.

My favorite quote: “I believe that if one always looked at the skies, one would end up with wings.” – Gustave Flaubert. Helena and I were introduced to this quote at the same time, and it resonated so loudly with both of us. I’m obsessed with nature, especially sunrises and sunsets. This quote is perfection.

HH: My personal motto:“Run sh*t. Run everything.” Because… Why not?

My favorite quote: “I believe that if one always looked at the skies, one would end up with wings.” –Gustave Flaubert

Ask anyone that knows me: “Helena has her head in the clouds.” It’s true. I’m all over the place. I run a mile a minute, but it works for me. When I found this quote it made me so happy and gave me a sense of hope. One day I’ll end up with wings.

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

LB: One of my strengths is being sensitive to others’ feelings, but sometimes that comes in the form of not wanting to disagree with someone or say no. As an adult, it has become clear that always agreeing with people is not good–for you or for the other person. If you don’t agree, it’s because you have something to say, and it’s important that you say it. It’s been a process, though, one that’s often fought more internally than people around me may realize.

HH: Even though I’m working on it, I am a bit of a perfectionist. I’ve learned it’s okay to want things to be perfect (I still do), but when something doesn’t turn out the way you want it to, it isn’t the end of the world. We all make mistakes. It’s better to fail fast, recover and move on.

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

LB: There’s not one particular moment that stands out right now, but I get goose bumps every time someone reaches out and says they found their dream job through Levo. What we’re doing is making a huge difference in people’s lives, and I love seeing the impact this is having on the individuals in our community.

HH: What is surreal is being so young and having so much advice to share. I have a wealth of knowledge from such a short time with this company. I’ve met so many incredible men and women who want to help you and share what they’ve learned. You don’t find that everywhere. It also starts an amazing chain reaction. So many people have helped me and given me advice, and I love doing the same.

It was also kind of surreal when I met Sheryl for the first time. I could quote her all day, and then to meet her in person… needless to say, this picture was sent to our entire team.
 
What do you look for when considering hiring someone?

LB: A positive, go-getter attitude. You better be able to work your butt off and also laugh at yourself along the way. I also have a low tolerance for misspellings. But I was terrible at spelling tests growing up, so no judgments here.

HH: I look for genuine voice, passion, dedication, excitement and ease of communication.

Side note: typos aren’t acceptable. If a new hire can’t double-check their email, resume or correspondence, why would I give them a second look? Harsh, but true. 

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

LB: Life is too short to not smile every day. Be patient with yourself and don't run too quickly through life. If you’re not doing something you love, find something else. Your 20s are such a blessing–it’s your time to explore. Go explore the world, try new things, meet new people. But in the process of meeting new people, don’t forget to spend time with the ones you love.

HH: I would say go out in the world and do whatever your heart desires. Go live in Rome, fight to get your dream job, start a company that makes a difference, go swimming with dolphins… no, but really. Enjoy your 20s and do something that you love, something you are passionate about. It makes life worth living and keeps you sane.

It’s your senior year of college, and reality is looming just around the corner. Here are some things you’ve probably been reminded of a few too many times as you begin your final year in college.

1. "I can’t believe you’re already a senior in college. It seems like you just started, doesn’t it?"

2. "Make the most of it while you still can!"

3. "You won’t be able to do that after college, that’s for sure!"

4. "So what do you want to do when you graduate?"

5. "You should really start to make your social media presence a little more professional."

6. "When’s the last time you paid a visit to the career office?"

7. "Do you have any potential references in mind?"

8. "Have you reviewed your graduation requirements?"

9. "What are your thoughts on graduate school?"

10. "Where are you planning on living after graduation?"

11. "You should really establish some credit."

12. "How do you plan on feeding yourself without a meal plan?"

13. "Network! Network! Network!"

14. "It’s never too early to begin that job search."

15. "How’s the resume looking?"

16. "You should start investing in some more professional pieces for your wardrobe."

17. "Are you sad it’s almost over?"

A 20-year-old Princeton University sophomore has filed a lawsuit against the university and seven administrators, alleging that the school discriminated against him by forcing him to withdraw from the university following a suicide attempt.

According to the The Daily Princetonian, the student asked to be identified by a pseudonym to "avoid public stigma and emotional distress" in the event that his medical records were released. The anonymous student had been diagnosed with major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder, type II. 

On Feb. 25, 2012, the student attempted suicide by ingesting 20 Trazodone tablets. He then sought assistance from the university's health center and was taken to a hospital. In the complaint, the student states that following the suicide attempt, he was barred from campus and told that “If he did not 'voluntarily' withdraw, he would be involuntarily withdrawn in approximately three weeks for failing to attend the classes from which he had been banned." 

The student also alleges that Princeton was not looking out for his best interests, but instead "sought to protect itself from adverse publicity or liability." He ultimately withdrew from the university after four weeks of attempting to repeal the school's decision and returned a year later.

He states in the complaint that he will always have "an awkward, one-year gap" and that he "will always be a year behind his friends in classes, housing placements, and entering the workforce."

Maybe you’re sitting in class, you're waiting to get off an airplane or you just tucked yourself into bed. Or, perhaps you’re strolling through the mall or walking home from class when it hits you: you really have to… go.  It seems that any time you’re in a place where immediately relieving yourself is not an option, the need for a bathroom increases tenfold.  While you’re searching for a ladies’ room or waiting for an acceptable time to excuse yourself, it seems impossible to think of anything other than your desperate desire to pee.  Here are 24 things that go through every girl’s head when she really, really has to pee.

1. Don’t think about water. Don’t think about waterfalls. Don’t think about running faucets. Don’t think about flowing rivers.

2. If I stand up right now I may not be able to hold it, so I should probably just stay seated.

3. Wait, this actually really hurts.

4. Why am I in so much pain?

5. Is this what being pregnant will be like all the time? If it is, there's no way I'm having kids. 

6. Clench!

7. Maybe if I cross my legs I won’t have to go anymore.

8. Do you think the people around me notice that I keep shifting from side to side? It’s called the pee dance, people - sorry about it.

9. Can holding your pee cause serious heath problems?

10. Oh, no. It's coming. 

11. Where the hell is the nearest bathroom?

12. Could I sneak into Starbucks and use their bathroom without the barista noticing?

13. Just keep swimming, just keep swimming...

14. Class is over in seven minutes. I can totally make it.

15. Who am I kidding? There's no way I can wait seven more minutes. 

16. I hope nobody says anything funny. Laughing right now would be bad news.

17. Can people tell that I’m waddling like a penguin right now?

18. This is so uncomfortable.

19. I can't even talk to people. Focusing on a conversation is the last thing I could do right now. 

20. I hate being a girl. Boys can hold it forever, but I have to go like every 20 minutes.

21. Is that bush tall enough for me to squat behind?

22. Suddenly a GoGirl doesn't seem like the worst idea in the world. 

23. Oh look, a bathroom! Thank goodness!

And when you finally reach the ladies’ room…

24. Ahhh, sweet relief. Now I can get back to my day. 

Hey, collegiettes! As a big thank you to all of our fantastic readers, Her Campus has put together an amazing beauty giveaway for you that is full of incredible products from awesome brands! One lucky winner will receive this entire beauty bundle that includes products from Salon Perfect, Hard Candy, Aqua Spa, SOHO Beauty and more.

This is one of our biggest beauty giveaways yet! The giveaway, worth over $300, features products from HC-approved brands. Everything in this beauty bundle will help you get ready for a night out. Whether you're heading to a Friday night date, a girls' night out or your spring formal, the products in this beauty bundle are sure to help you look and feel your best! From a fresh manicure and pedicure to a new makeup look, we've got you covered. Keep reading for a complete look at what's inside this giveaway!

Salon Perfect: Create an unforgettable beauty look this spring formal season with Salon Perfect’s Big Night Out collection of lashes and nail polishes! In this giveaway, you'll win the entire collection. The collection includes 11 lash styles ranging in style from soft and natural to long and lush for a more glam look. Polish it off with a fabulous mani. Complete your look with one-of-a-kind nail art or a subtle coat of color using any of the 14 shades of rich crèmes and metallics, intense shimmers and sparkling top coats.

Hard Candy: Win Hard Candy's spring 2014 collection! Among the amazing new spring-inspired products are the CC Color Correcting Tinted Moisturizer Stick, Glamoflauge Lite, Eye’s The Limit eye shadow primer, Single & Loving It multi-color single eye shadow, Cheeks and Balances highlight and contour stick, Ombre Lipsticks, So Baked Contour Trio and Sheer Envy Dark Spot Correcting, Color Correcting and Shine-Free primers.

Aqua Spa: Calm your tired muscles and clear your head with the Soothe Bath Soak. Refresh and energize with the citrus and ginger Energize Body Creme and Body Cleanser. Relax in lavender and chamomile bliss with the Relax Bath Oil. The Soothe, Relax and Energize collections from Aqua Spa are available at Walmart stores and online at Amazon.com.

SOHO Beauty: We love SOHO Beauty's collection of functional, funky and fabulous cosmetic bags and organizers. You'll adore SOHO's amazing tribal print, Twisted Tribe. We've included a large nail organizer and a pencil case - the perfect accessories to get you started in your beauty organizing! 

Zumba Fitness: Zumba is one of our favorite ways to stay fit! With Zumba Fitness' World Party Wii game, you'll workout around the world to music and moves inspired by Brazil, Hawaii and more! You can take 45 different classes, set goals and create customizable workouts. Plus, you can can play with up to three friends in the four-player mode! 

Benefit: What's not to love about Benefit's gorgeous lip glosses? Sugarbomb is our favorite - it's a shimmering, pinky nude and it comes in the perfect travel size tube. 

Stila: We've included another one of our favorite lip glosses, Stila's Sparkling Grape Lip Glaze. It's a dazzling, soft purple color that is sure to turn heads.

Are you excited yet? We are! We're giving away this entire beauty bundle to one lucky collegiette! The winner will be chosen at random and announced in the April 15 STUDY BREAK. 

Good luck, collegiettes! 

College should be every single girl’s dream—dating at the perfect age when you have no curfew and few responsibilities, which means plenty of time to socialize and meet up with the cutie who literally lives two floors down from you. You’re at a daring and adventurous point in your youth, so your romantic life should be a whirlwind of flirty gazes and first dates, right?

But when you actually try dating in college, you find out it’s not as fun as Greek made it out to be. Here are a few disappointing situations you may deal with when you realize the guy you’re dating is more of a pong champion than a Prince Charming.

Expectation: Going out to romantic restaurants and stealing bites of his teriyaki lamb and fried calamari.

Reality: Going to Chipotle twice as often and saying yes to guac whenever he pays for you.

Expectation: Exploring the wonderful city you call your second home and the attractions beyond your college campus hand in hand with your beau.

Reality: Arguing over who’s going to whose dorm that night because it’s a long walk and neither of you wants to put pants on.

Expectation: Receiving flowers, chocolates, jewelry and little surprises on the regular because he can’t stop thinking about you.

Reality: Receiving a booty-call text at two in the morning because he can’t stop drinking about you (we mean, thinking about you).

Expectation: Talking about your favorite authors over a hazelnut latte at a trendy coffee shop, because that’s what intellectual bonding looks like.

Reality: Telling a guy what your major is for the third time over a red Solo Cup of jungle juice because the music’s so loud and he’s most likely drunk.

Expectation: Pouncing on each other as soon as his apartment door shuts and ending your romantic date with a steamy, Hollywood-esque hook-up that would put Brad and Angelina to shame.

Reality: Awkwardly waiting for his roommate to leave and eventually falling asleep to the soundtrack of World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria.

Expectation: Going on double dates with other couples and expanding your friend circle.

Reality: Intruding on one huge bromance every time you visit his frat house and expanding your knowledge of drinking games.

Expectation: Driving downtown to the hottest venue on a lively Saturday night because he bought two tickets to see your favorite band play.

Reality: Walking a mile to the closest McDonald’s because you’re poor, hungry college students without a car and the public transportation is about as reliable as on-campus printers.

Reality: Hearing from your friends about all the girls your new guy has hooked up with before because the campus is that small and everyone’s a gossip.

Expectation: Watching the sun set in the quad and telling your date that you never expected to fall so hard for him.

Reality: Watching the sun rise as you walk home barefoot from your guy’s place, carrying your party heels because you don’t want to risk falling down (again).

Expectation: Meeting new guys every week because there are literally thousands of eligible bachelors around you and college is the ultimate breeding ground for meaningful relationships.

Reality: Recycling old hook-ups and reconsidering guys you rejected last year because, as a single girl in college, your standards are inversely proportionate to your seniority.

But don’t get discouraged, single ladies! Dating is all about trial and error (lots of error), so take advantage of the major opportunities you have while surrounded by other college students who are thirsty for love (or maybe just thirsty). You’ll probably hear tons of cheesy pick-up lines by the time you graduate, so why not embrace the crazy antics of college matchmaking? It’s only a few more years of this dysfunctional dating scene, and who knows—you just might find love at first Natty Light.

The college application process is hard, but sometimes the decision process can be even harder! While it’s nice to know you’ve been accepted to a few of your top schools, it can also put a lot of pressure on you when making your decision. If you’re having a tough time deciding which college to attend in the fall, take a look at these tips from collegiettes who went through the same decision. Consider these factors when trying to make your big decision!

1. Think about what is most important to you

When you have a big decision to make, it’s important to step back for a moment and assess the situation. Think back to when you were applying to schools and why you chose the ones you did. Consider what was most important to you when you were applying, whether it was campus size, majors offered or distance from home. Thinking back to why you applied to these colleges in the first place will help remind you which aspects of a school are most important to you. Consider making a list of everything you want in a school (a big campus, Greek life, small class sizes, etc.) and think about how each of the schools sizes up.

2. Visit the school

A good way to narrow down schools duringyour decision process is to visit each school and really gather an idea of what it would be like to spend your time there.

When Meghan Gibbons, a senior at Boston College, was trying to decide between her two top colleges, she paid each of the schools a visit. “This time I was thinking of myself as a student and whether or not I could live there for four years,” Meghan says. “After visiting one of the schools, I felt like I fit in perfectly, [and I] saw and met current students I could see being friends with and would want as my classmates.”

While a daytime visit will probably be helpful, an overnight stay will be an even better way to help you decide between schools. Allison Gail, a senior at John Carroll University, says that doing overnight visits made a huge difference when she was trying to narrow down her decision. “I think it's the only way to really get a feel for the people and the culture of the campus,” Allison says. “For example, at one school, no one helped me when I was lost, but at the other school, when I stopped to look at a map, four people came up to me and one of them walked me to where I needed to go!”

Experiencing the atmosphere and interacting with students will make it much easier for you to figure out where you want to spend the next four years. Eat lunch in the cafeteria, sit in on a class or maybe even join current students on the quad in order to get a feel of what it would really be like to be a student there. Look at the school’s admissions website or give the office a call to find out when they offer tours and if it would be possible to stay there overnight!

3. Think about distance and location

Two of the biggest factors for most students when choosing a college are location and distance from home. Some students like to stay close by so they can visit friends and family, and others like a fresh start in an entirely new environment. Some like big campuses in small towns, and others would prefer a big city to be their campus!

Kelsey Pomeroy, a sophomore at Ohio State University, says, “Originally, I chose my freshman-year college because it was in a big city, which I loved, but I didn't factor in the travel expenses required for going to a school 13 hours away! When I transferred, I made sure to pick a school that was closer to home, but still in a city. “

Make sure you know what type of campus you want, where you’d like the school to be and how far from home you’d like to be before you make any big decisions. Though you may be more focused on the schools themselves, the environment a school is in and how far it is from home will still affect your experience there! Look into what’s involved at each school you could attend – like travel costs, public transportation (if it’s in a city) or whether or not you’ll need to bring a car.

4. Consider the curriculum and your career

While college is certainly more than just academics, classes are still arguably the most important part of the experience; that’s why you’re going to college in the first place! Don’t let other factors constantly override the school’s educational side.

Chelsea Bast, a junior pharmacy student at the University of Connecticut, was stuck between UConn and the University of Rhode Island. While she was given enough scholarship offers that the two schools would be the same price, she wasn’t accepted into URI’s pharmacy school. “I decided to follow my career at UConn instead of URI because of the lack of career options for me at URI,” Chelsea says. “I would advise that high school students think clearly about their career options before choosing a school—if I had gone to URI, I wouldn't have been able to pursue the career that as a senior in high school I knew that I wanted!”

The goal of going to college is to get a degree, so it’s important that your college will provide an education you want and respect. Consider whether the colleges have your major and if they have a good reputation for small, hands-on classes. Think about what sort of general education and major requirements you’ll have to fulfill. While you may be occupied with thoughts about Greek life and hanging out on the quad, remember that academics are important, too!

5. Consider how far away you want to be from your friends and family

While proximity to your friends and family is an important factor to consider, don’t let it be the only factor that affects your decision. It’s tempting to follow your high school friends to college, but remember that college is a good time for a fresh start—not that that means you have to lose touch with your old friends!

When Cassidy Hopkins, a sophomore at Emerson College, was deciding between two schools, she had the hard task of rejecting the school that her best friend would be attending. While she liked the reputation of the University of Missouri’s journalism department and she wanted to be with her friend, she ended up choosing Emerson College for its location and small size.

“I think it's important not to be afraid of picking somewhere because you don't want to be away from your friends,” Cassidy says. “College is about meeting new people and having new experiences. While I'm sure it's great to have your best friend go to the same school as you, make sure you’re not just picking that school because your friend is going or wants to go there too!”

6. Ask yourself where you’ll get the best experience

Think about what you consider to be the typical “college experience.” If you imagine football games and campus traditions, steer clear of small schools that have little athletic spirit or sense of community. “While still considering any financial aid/credit transfer offers you receive, [you should] go with the school that will allow you to make the most of your college experience,” says Kate Dwyer, a freshman at Johns Hopkins University.

The atmosphere and experience of a college is perhaps the most important thing you could consider, and it can vary a lot from school to school. A state school with a large campus will have a very different and probably more traditional feel than a small city school with no defined campus. Think about what each school’s atmosphere is like, what types of students go there and what unique opportunities they offer. All of this will help make up the overall feel and atmosphere of the school, which can really affect your time there. Choose the college that will let you make the most of the next four years—the one you personally think you’ll get the most out of.

If all else fails, make a good, old-fashioned pros-and-cons list for each school. Mapping out what you like and dislike about each school will make it easier to see if one outweighs the other.

The deadline is quickly approaching and it’s almost time to make your final decision! Use the time you have left to really break down the schools you’re deciding between and decide what you need from your college experience. It’s a big decision, so think hard and make sure it’s the right one!

Getting a job offer is always exciting, especially if you’ve just graduated college or are a college senior looking to work full-time. Say goodbye to your classes, and say hello to the work you’ve always dreamed of doing!

What makes working even more awesome are the benefits and job perks you’re likely to get even at entry-level positions. From insurance to fun days with your co-workers, job benefits can help cut down on costs and also provide you with the incentive to keep on going. Ever wondered how sick days work or what 401k plans actually are? Read on for some of the most common perks you’re likely to get with your job and how to know whether the offer you received is a good one or needs some negotiating.

Your salary

The starting salary you receive with a company will depend largely on the industry, the geographic location of your job, and the availability of qualified candidates in your area. Lesley Mitler, founder of career counseling service Priority Candidates, explains that while a starting salary in PR, broadcast journalism or advertising could be anywhere from the low to mid $20,000 region, someone working in IT could have a starting salary in the $60,000 to $70,000 range. There is no hard-set standard for starting salaries, which is why you see a huge range depending on the industry.

The good news, however, is that salaries are usually negotiable! “The best time to negotiate salary is when you have a firm and formal offer, but you must have a reason to ask for more money and have data to support your request,” advises Mitler.  “And here is a key point: do not attempt to negotiate unless you intend to accept the offer. Make it clear from the outset that you want the job and, if they meet your desired salary, that you will definitely accept their offer.”

As you negotiate, give your employer all the reasons why you are worth the salary you’re attempting to earn. It also doesn’t hurt to compare your salary offer with those of similar positions in your area, especially since you’ll be able to get a feel for what professionals with your skills should be earning! Also, if you have offers from other companies, let the employer know how much these other companies are willing to pay you and see if they will match (or even exceed!) those other offers. The most important thing is to make sure you have all your reasons before you hit the negotiating table.

Legally required benefits

While many of the benefits on this list are optional and depend entirely on the company, there are a handful of benefits that employers are required by law to provide. Aside from paying you at least minimum wage, employers must pay you for overtime, meaning that any extra hours you work should be reimbursed. They are also required to give you social security benefits, including unemployment insurance and workers’ compensation if you’re injured at work.

If you’re ever in a situation where you aren’t getting these benefits, Mitler suggests that you make it clear to your employer that they are required. If you’re not being paid for any overtime work that you do, don’t be afraid to talk to your employer and make sure that you do get paid!

Paid leave

One of the most common benefits in any industry is a set amount of time that makes up your sick days and vacation days. Sick days can be used for anything from the flu to more major health problems, and vacation days can be used for any trips you would like to take or even a stay-cation. You’ll receive payment even when you’re absent from work as long as your absence can be classified under one of those categories.

The number of vacation and sick days you get varies depending where you work. However, you can generally expect to receive around ten vacation days and three sick days when you’re just starting out on the job, says Mitler. In the end, the numbers vary by industry, as some big financial institutions like J.P. Morgan and consulting jobs tend to give their employees more of each.

Even if you do get paid leave, different employers have different policies about how you use your days. Since you’re a recent college grad, a lot of employers won’t let you roll over your extra sick or vacation days over to the next year, meaning that if you stay on with your employer, you’ll have the same amount of paid leave days you did the year before. In some cases, many employers even require you to take your vacation days consecutively instead of spacing them out through the year. There aren’t set criteria for paid leave that’s the same across all companies, so make sure to clarify your own employer’s paid leave policies early on.

But what if you’re not satisfied with your paid leave days? “Unfortunately, job benefits when you start out with a company are generally not negotiable, so you’ll probably still have the same amount of vacation and sick days for a while,” said Mitler. “However, companies do tend to give you more paid leave days the longer you work for them, so if you stay on you will most likely be in a position to get more vacation time.”

Health benefits and services

Health insurance can help you cover tons of costs, so it’s a huge relief that many companies also offer their employees some sort of health care coverage. Options range from dental insurance to short-term and long-term disability insurance, and in some cases life insurance as well. While companies can often only cover so much depending on their resources, the coverage plans most companies offer do go a long way in helping you save money on essential health services.

“I get health, dental, vision, life, short-term disability and long-term disability insurance. I can't overstate how important it is to have these, even if you're young and healthy,” one recent grad stressed. “I have a 25-year-old coworker who was unable to work for three months due to a back injury. Fortunately short-term disability insurance paid her salary during that time.”

Employers usually structure their health insurance benefits in two ways. Many companies pay a certain percentage of the insurance cost and leave you responsible for the rest. While the percentage covered by your employer will vary depending on your company, it’s common to have a 50/50 split in which your employer foots half of your health insurance coverage and you pay for the other half.

Companies also usually present a flexible benefits plan to their new employees, where you get to select which health benefits you want from a list of options. In some cases, though, your employer won’t cover as much of the cost, or may not cover any cost at all, so pay close attention when you are selecting your benefits!

“Generally, bigger companies cover a larger fraction of the cost and offer more options for health care coverage,” explained Mitler. “Smaller companies usually keep their [health insurance options] more simple. Your options will expand, though, but usually only after you’ve stayed with the company for a few years.”

Many companies only offer the most basic coverage, so make sure you consider all your available options before finalizing the benefits that you want. This is especially important if a lot of that coverage is being funded in the form of a deductible from your own paycheck.

“Girls should be really careful to budget for the benefits they'll be receiving,” said Meghan, a reporter for a daily newspaper. “Most companies will have a variety of healthcare plans you can choose from, but some are so low you'll barely be covered. When I started my job, I accidentally selected a plan that only covered prescriptions, and you often can't change it for a year or until open enrollment.”

Aside from health insurance, some employers also offer their employees easily accessible health services. In Katlyn Byers’ case, she received a job offer that included free treatment at an on-site clinic.

“I have an offer with a computer software and hardware company [who gives you access to a health clinic],” said Katlyn. “The clinic is on-site to allow people to get check-ups and vaccines so that they don't have to take a personal day to do it. This way they can just take a short break.”

Planning for retirement

Saving up for retirement is one of the toughest things to do, which is why lots of employers also offer retirement and pension plans!

One of the most popular pension plans is the 401K, a defined benefits plan you open up to which you contribute, and save, a certain percentage of your salary every year. The money is deducted from your paycheck before taxes come into play, and to discourage you from withdrawing money (hence encouraging you to save), most 401K accounts charge a tax when you withdraw money from your account. While most 401K plans have an annual contribution limit of $17,500, there are often employer-offered 401K plans that have a higher limit.

Some companies will match your contributions to your 401K. In these cases, companies will set a certain percentage dictating your 401K salary contribution, and they will contribute to your account with the exact amount of money you did that was predetermined by your employer. Sounds complicated? Katlyn, who works in the computer software industry, explains it a little more clearly.

“I received a 6% 401k match [when I joined the company],” says Katlyn. “For my 401k match, I get immediate participation in a 6% match, [meaning that] if I put 6% of my salary into my 401k retirement plan, [my company] will match with an equal contribution.”

Another plan offered by employers is the defined contribution plan, which is a monthly amount paid to you upon retirement that takes your salary and years of service in account. Both types of plans usually increase the longer you’ve been working for an employer, meaning that the longer you work for a company, the more they will help you save for retirement.

Extra benefits

You’ve probably heard of some companies that offer stock options, gym memberships, and other bonus benefits to their employees, all of which are great perks. But just like insurance coverage, retirement plans, and paid leave, how many of those extra benefits you get (and even whether or not those benefits are available to you) depends largely on the company you work for. While companies like Google can afford to offer their employees legal aid and reimbursement for classes they may need, many other employers can’t necessarily offer the same things. As expected, smaller companies usually offer fewer benefits, while big companies can give you more in terms of job perks.

Don’t be discouraged! In most industries, you can earn more benefits over time as you move up the ladder. So even though your health care coverage or your company’s training programs may seem a bit lacking, you’re sure to receive more the longer and harder you work. It’s just a matter of what industry you work in and how much experience you have!

Are benefits negotiable?

If you’re caught in a position where you’re not entirely satisfied with the benefits that come with your job offer, or if you don’t have benefits at all, can you negotiate? Unfortunately, you may need to wait a while before the option of negotiating your benefits is even available to you, as benefits are not always subject to negotiation. As Mitler points out, usually only salaries and bonuses are up for discussion, especially where optional company benefits are concerned.

In the meantime you may have to find other ways to make ends meet if you’re not getting the benefits you want. Fortunately, there are ways to make up for the lack of benefits being offered to you, as Mitler explains.

“If you aren’t offered health care coverage or your company’s health insurance is too basic, you can consider staying on your parents’ healthcare coverage until you’re 26,” says Mitler. “Something else you can definitely do is negotiate for a higher salary, which will hopefully let you cover costs that would have been accounted for in the benefits you wanted.”

In the end, job perks and benefits go a long way, especially when you’re a college grad with your first job. While not all employers provide all of the benefits listed above, most do provide some combination of them. When you’re offered the position, definitely make sure you’re clear on every benefit being offered and their specifics, such as the number of paid absences you get per year. Benefits will, without a doubt, help you to make ends meet, but only if you’re sure which ones you’re getting and which ones you aren’t!

You know you love it: that thrill you get when you hit 11 likes on Instagram (yay you!), that little red notification flag that says someone looked at your LinkedIn profile or that feeling of triumph when you get good feedback on a Facebook post. With highs like these, it’s hard to imagine how social media could possibly be bad.

Still, behind all the online love that comes with each emoji and tweet, there’s also a darker side: social media can actually cause depression. We asked real collegiettes to share their stories and experts to share their advice to find out how social media could be bumming you out—and how to stop it. We’ve broken down each potential social-media-induced problem and paired it with its solution.

Social media are addictive

The problem:

Let’s face the facts: you might be addicted to Facebook. Sure, we probably all say it the same hyperbolic way we say we’re addicted to Netflix or Nutella (because why wouldn’t you be?), but the truth is that it’s way harder to resist the social media urge than it should be. It turns out that online interactions actually affect us in similar ways to cigarettes, drugs and sugary cupcakes by activating the reward centers in our brains.

Dr. Ramani Durvasula (aka Dr. Ramani), a licensed clinical psychologist and professor of psychology, says people report reward feelings whenever they get a Facebook notification, Instagram like, text, what have you. “Whatever is rewarding to you—when that thing goes away, you crave it,” she says. “And when you don’t get it, you start to feel depressed. That’s the nature of any reward system. Social media is no different.” In extreme cases, Dr. Ramani says, the negative effects of social media can cause depression.

Dale Lavine, a junior at Virginia Commonwealth University and one of our Real Live College Guys, says he’s experienced this high-low before. “I'm really particular about Facebook posts—if it doesn't get a few ‘likes’ within a certain frame of time, I'll flat-out delete it,” he explains. “On the other hand, I feel super satisfied when I get a lot of attention on a status or a tweet or picture on Instagram. And when I do actually get emails or text messages or social updates, my heart starts to race a little and I get a little adrenaline boost. I feel conditioned to act this way.”

Emily, a senior at Skidmore College, has had similar experience. “Someone once told me that the red Facebook notification gives you a momentary high,” she says. “I believe it. My mood always picks up when I see it, but whenever I open Facebook and see that nothing new is there, I feel like I should post something or do something else that my friends will notice.”

However, Dr. Ramani says that this gets worse when we do post but don’t receive positive feedback. She suggests that not getting enough attention on a post makes us doubt ourselves, which is never good for our self-esteem.

So, remember that time you posted a stunning sunset shot and only got a couple of likes? Turns out that not only gave you a hit to your confidence, but also put you in a mild kind of withdrawal from that online approval.

The solution:

Before you freak out, know that there’s a way to combat this crazy withdrawal! Fortunately, you don’t have to swear off Facebook for good. Dr. Ramani suggests looking at how much time you’re spending on social media each day. But it’s not just when you’re on your laptop; make sure to factor in the time you log on your social media apps on your phone. “Anything more than two hours [in one day] is too much time,” she says.

“I would say every day people should have a shut-down period of time; it could be when they reconnect with their roommates, when they get together with their boyfriend, it could be time alone,” Dr. Ramani suggests. During that time, turn your phone off and put your laptop away so you can actually be present in the conversation (or enjoy uninterrupted alone time; no need to multitask in your down time!). That way, you’ll start to curb your cravings for notifications. You could also use an app like Self Control (for Macs) or Cold Turkey (for PCs), which block you from distracting sites like Facebook.

Or, you could take a page out of Sammie Levin’s book and delete your Facebook and Twitter apps from your phone. Sammie, a junior at the University of Michigan and the Her Campus Health Editor, found that she cut her social media time significantly when she no longer had the Facebook app on her phone.

“I got my phone replaced earlier this year and my Facebook application didn’t transfer, so I didn’t have it installed on there for a while out of laziness,” she says. “I realized that I ended up going on Facebook so much less frequently than when I did have it on my phone because I am not on my computer as often as I have access to my phone, so I no longer had the opportunity to instinctively check my Facebook or scroll through feeds while I was on the go or in class. Not surprisingly, I didn’t miss out on anything from not having constant access, and I was much more productive.” 

Social media inspire comparison

The problem:

Have you ever wasted a perfectly lovely Sunday night Facebook stalking someone (rhetorical question, because who hasn’t?)? You know who we mean: stalking that super-preppy and ultra-perfect girl from high school, that classmate who just got back from the best spring break ever or even—gasp!—your ex-boyfriend. While it feels impossible not to peek around other people’s pages, this can cause majorly unhealthy (and unneeded) stress, since you just can’t help but compare yourself and your experiences.

Katie, a junior at the University of Michigan, says social media definitely impacts her stress levels for this reason. “Right now, I'm in the process of applying to internships for the summer,” she explains. “When I skim through Facebook or Twitter and read that other students already have summer plans and fancy internships lined up, it makes me feel that I'm behind in the process or won't find something that matches everyone's standards. I think social media is scary because it becomes very easy to compare yourself to others when this information is readily available.”

Katie isn’t alone in her experience (as anyone who has ever wanted to nail an impressive internship knows); Kelsey, a sophomore at Ohio State University, says she’s reacted the same way to her friends’ posts. “I can't help but compare my life with everyone else's, even when I know that what people post online isn't necessarily reality,” she says.

So if it feels so bad, why do we do it? Blame human nature. Dr. Ramani says, “Social comparison is what human beings do. We’re a tribal species. We look at each other, we learn from each other.” This can be great if you’re trying to pick up on social cues—this is exactly how you learned not to burp in a restaurant, how to behave in class and even how to flirt with that sexy, sidelong glance—but on social media, observation of others leads to unhealthy comparison.

Dr. Ramani says it’s because we aren’t seeing the full story. Sure, maybe your arch-enemy got the summer internship of her dreams, but what you might not know (because she isn’t posting about it) is that she and her boyfriend have to break up because of the distance, or she’s worried about budgeting on that unpaid intern salary or anything else that’s less than perfect. When we don’t see the full picture, we’re likely to feel worse about ourselves—unlucky, or even worthless. Of course, none of that is true!

The solution:

If you find yourself constantly comparing your life to others’ based on photo albums or Facebook posts, Dr. Ramani says the best way to stop is to clean out your News Feed the same way you would clean out your closet. You don’t have to delete people as friends, she says. Instead, you can change your settings so that the person won’t show up on your News Feed, which means you’ll be way less tempted to look through all of her super-cute sorority photos every time she uploads them

To fill your News Feed back up, Dr. Ramani suggests following inspirational pages: ones that post confidence-boosting quotes to remind you that you, too, are valuable. For instance, you can follow Dalai Lama Daily Quotes on Facebook! You’ll take your social media experience into your own hands and turn it into a more positive one—one that doesn’t make you question your haircut, your choice of college or your “single and loving it” relationship status.

Social media isolate you

The problem:

Just because you have a large social network doesn’t mean you’re actually being social. It seems obvious, but it’s easy to forget when most of us keep in touch with old friends via Facebook and texting (rather than good, old-fashioned phone calls and face-to-face chats). The problem is that the more time you spend “socializing” online, the less time you have to grab coffee with your classmate or watch a movie with your roommates. Think back to the last time you and your friends sat down for a quick coffee or a meal. Did you make it through the time without checking your phone? Did anyone else? If you’re all sitting together but wrapped up in your own digital worlds, you aren’t getting enough social interaction to stop you from feeling isolated down the line.

“Social media can isolate people from real people,” Dr. Ramani says. “A person can think they’re interacting with other people, but in fact, [they] really aren’t. They really aren’t leaving their house or interacting with real human beings, so they may wonder why they may be feeling so alienated or so isolated.”

At that point, you could start blaming and questioning yourself: maybe you aren’t fun enough, maybe you haven’t made enough of an effort to make friends, maybe no one wants to hang out with you, maybe you smell funky. In reality, it has nothing to do with you at all, and everything to do with how you’ve been spending your time: sitting in front of your computer, substituting face-to-face interaction for online engagement.

Kelsey identifies with this experience. “I've found that social media, especially Facebook, can have a seriously negative impact on my emotions,” she says. “If I'm already having a bad day or feeling especially self-conscious, scrolling through my News Feed can actually make me feel incredibly depressed, lonely and even isolated. It's like FOMO to the max.”

If it leads to FOMO, can you really call it “social” media anyway? When left unchecked, these feelings can lead to anxiety and depression (learn how to tell the difference between “feeling down” and depression here).

The solution:

It’s important to remember that the isolation and loneliness can be easy to solve; by walking away from your computer or putting your phone down during lunch, you’ll be able to have more meaningful connections with the people around you (and feel less alone in the process).

However, if you’re really feeling anxious or depressed and it’s affecting your mood, your ability to engage in school or your friendships, Dr. Ramani says it’s time to ask for help—you wouldn’t want social media to ruin your relationships or kill your happiness. “This is one of those rare times in life when you can access low- or no-cost psychotherapy care,” she says. All colleges have these services available to students, and the people who work there are specially trained to work with students, which means they’ve seen these problems before and know how to help.

Slowing down your social media usage is a great first start, but it never hurts to get someone on your side to help you deal with those tough emotions. If you’re feeling down, make an appointment at your campus’s counseling center with a counselor (usually a psychologist, sometimes a psychiatrist).

We love social media as much as the next person—hello, Snapchat—but we also know there’s a fine line between enjoying Facebook and letting it bring you down, and sometimes it’s hard to see where that line lies. Now that you know the signs, you’ll have a much easier time seeing when to stop—and how to go about unplugging. Save the tweets for another time. They can wait!

Did you know that only 7 percent of women attempt to negotiate their salaries, and that not negotiating your salary could cost you over a million dollars in your lifetime? Levo League's #AskForMore campaign is looking to change that.

Levo League is a community designed to help women achieve personal and professional success by providing valuable career resources. Starting April 8, on Equal Pay Day, the company is launching a four-week campaign to encourage women to close the gender pay gap by learning to ask for more. 

So how do you get involved with this amazing campaign? It's easy! Take the pledge to #AskForMore on Twitter or Facebook, which includes asking for the skills to negotiate, honest feedback, the confidence to speak up and the knowledge to make the ask. You can also check out Levo League's website, which includes career advice and inspirational quotes, plus insights and experience from leaders like Sheryl Sandberg, Warren Buffett and Moira Forbes on how to #AskForMore in the workplace. 

Arm yourself to #Ask4More by taking Levo League's online quiz and getting a three-step action plan, or by attending a Levo Negotiation Workshop online or in one of 27 cities.

Stand up. Speak up. They can only hear you when you #AskForMore.