According to a recent tweet, British Singer Rebecca Ferguson, the runner-up from 2010's X-Factor season, says she was approached by the organizers of Donald Trump's inauguration to perform on Jan. 20. She replied that she would agree to the request if she could sing one particular song—"Strange Fruit."

"I've been asked and this is my answer," Ferguson wrote on Twitter. "If you allow me to sing "strange fruit" a song that has huge historical importance, a song that was blacklisted in the United States for being too controversial. A song that speaks to all the disregarded and down trodden black people in the United States. A song that is a reminder of how love is the only thing that will conquer all the hatred in this world, then I will graciously accept your invitation and see you in Washington. Best Rebecca X"

"Strange Fruit" was originally written by Abel Meeropol ("a white, Jewish guy from the Bronx,") in response to some photos of lynching he had seen. "I wrote Strange Fruit," Meeropol said, according to The Guardian, "because I hate lynching, and I hate injustice, and I hate the people who perpetuate it." It was first recorded by Billie Holiday, and is an evocative protest of the horrors of racial violence, such as the lynching and burning of black Americans in 20th century America. The song was named "Song of the Century" in 1999 by TIME Magazine and considered by producer to be a "declaration of war" and the spark of the Civil Rights movement.

Below are the lyrics:

Southern trees bear strange fruit
Blood on the leaves and blood at the root
Black bodies swinging in the southern breeze
Strange fruit hanging from the poplar trees

Pastoral scene of the gallant south
The bulging eyes and the twisted mouth
Scent of magnolias, sweet and fresh
Then the sudden smell of burning flesh

Here is fruit for the crows to pluck
For the rain to gather, for the wind to suck
For the sun to rot, for the trees to drop
Here is a strange and bitter crop

Watch Billie Holiday sing "Strange Fruit":

In 2015 Ferguson released Lady Sings the Blues, a cover album of Billie Holiday songs.

This song choice is likely due to America's deeply entrenched problems with racism—especially the racism that made an appearance during the presidential campaign. We'll see how Trump's people respond to this one.

Could over-the-counter oral contraception be a reality in the United States? HRA Pharma, a French pharmaceutical company, hopes so, according to Vox. They’re partnering with Ibis Reproductive Health, an international nonprofit research organization, to begin the process of petitioning the Food and Drug Administration. It’s a long slog but both parties are optimistic.

Making the pill available over-the-counter is an old argument, going back to the late 1960s. Of course, it’s been met with the claims that birth control allows women to be more promiscuous, but it’s gained some support from major medical organizations. In 2012, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists endorsed the idea of an over-the-counter birth control pill, and both the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Family say that it’s safe for over-the-counter use. Unlike most prescription medications, the pill is not habit-forming, it doesn’t require a particular diagnoses to be used, most users take the same dose, and it causes very few deaths. The side-effects, which can include depression and weight-gain, are well-known and extensively researched, making oral contraception one of the safest drugs on the market. As HRA Pharma told Vox, “Oral contraceptives are some of the best-studied medicines on the market today and enjoy longstanding support from medical and public health experts.”

All in all, the pill is one of the most popular forms of birth control out there, but it can still be tricky for many women to get ahold of regularly. It can be awkward to have that conversation with your doctor and even more of a pain to have that prescription renewed, sometimes as frequently as every six months. Because the pill is intended for daily use, missing doses compromises its effectiveness.

Ibis and HRA Pharma see over-the-counter birth control as the solution. Ibis president, Kelly Blanchard, was unwilling to commit to a time frame but said they hope to make OTC oral contraception a reality “within a few years.” The goal is to first secure FDA approval for a progestin-only pill, which generally can be used by more women. The other type of oral contraceptive, a combination of estrogen and progestin, can cause problems for women who have high blood pressure or who smoke. But Blanchard is optimistic that approval for the progestin-only pill will lead to swift approval for the combination type. Ibis and HRA Pharma are also hoping that the existing approval of emergency contraception, also a progestin-only medication, will speed things along.

Of course, when it comes to women’s health, it’s hard to imagine anything happening without a fight. Surprisingly, the idea of over-the-counter oral contraception has bipartisan support, but things get sticky once payment and insurance issues are brought into the conversation. But despite the incoming Trump administration, Blanchard told Vox that she hopes the FDA “will follow their process and judge it on its merits. And we think the merits are strong.”

So, fingers crossed that in a few years we’ll all be able to enjoy an over-the-counter pill. It really is about time.

College isn’t easy. We all know that. We’re pulled in every direction by athletics, academics, our job, internships, extracurricular activities and our social lives. There is little room for anything else. While most times, it’s important to just work through the tough times and push ourselves to the finish line, there are a few good reasons to take a semester off from school. Read on to see if you should consider a break.

1. There’s a family crisis

This is so important! If you find yourself dealing with a serious family emergency like death, divorce or illness, that can take precedence over school. Some people actually cope with illness or death better when they have other things to focus on, like academics. “I had a family crisis last year during the middle of the year, but my family urged me to stay in school,” says Kelsey, a sophomore at Eastern University. “It ended up being for the best because I wasn’t constantly thinking about the situation at home, since I had academics and everything else right in front of me.” However, if you’re not that type of person, consider taking a semester off. If you’re in class but constantly worrying about your family, it is not worth staying in class and getting bad grades. Come back next semester with a clear head and smash those classes. But while you’re at home, don’t slack off. Help your family with whatever they need, think about applying for a part-time job and maybe even consider taking an online class. It’s bound to be less vigorous than a full credit load, and it’ll keep your mind active and ready to go back to campus in a few months. But most importantly, cherish the time you have with your family while you’re home.

2. You run out of money

With college tuition on the rise, debt is a serious issue. Many college students have to pay their own tuition, so they rely fully on loans and their savings. It’s not uncommon for students to run out of money part way through earning their degree. And we aren’t talking the “OMG I’m so broke I can’t even afford guac in my burrito bowl” kind of broke, we’re talking about literally running out of money and having nothing to fall back on. It’s a harsh reality for many students, especially in today’s economy, and taking a semester off is a way to alleviate debt and make some money. “My dad lost his job while I was in my first year, and my parents were paying for my college, so I decided to take a semester off and help my family,” says Kate, a junior at Temple University, “I found a job close-by that paid well and I actually ended up becoming closer to my family members than ever before. Truthfully, I’m so glad I made the decision to take the semester off.” If you’re considering taking a semester off for this reason, we advise that you begin looking and applying for jobs before you leave school. Doing this ahead of time may give you more time to work once you’re actually home.

3. You become seriously depressed, anxious, over-exhausted and/or suicidal at school

It’s so easy for mental health to be pushed to the back burner in college. There are so many other responsibilities that seem to overshadow our mental well-being. If you find yourself becoming depressed, anxious or suicidal, you need to see a mental health professional to talk about your options. They will likely advise you to talk to a professional outside of school, as well as give you advice about how to continue through college. Taking a semester off could be the best option if you’re in this position. See a doctor, find a therapist at home and take the semester to get yourself back on track. Your mental health is always going to be more important than your GPA.

Over-exhaustion is also very real among college students. The often crushing weight of assignments and extracurricular activities leads to burnout. In this situation, taking a semester off is also viable option. We recommend finding a counselor at home to help find new ways to reduce stress and let out frustration. Spend time resting and rejuvenating yourself. Find a new active hobby, like yoga or running, that helps you alleviate anxiety and stress. Another option is travel. “I think if someone does take a semester off they should either travel or have a balance of work and something they love to do,” says Cassandra Balado, a junior at Pace University, “You have to be honest with yourself about why you’re considering it.” Taking time to travel by yourself or with a friend can be the perfect solution to over-exhaustion.

Related: 17 Signs You’re Ready to Get TF Out of College

4. You lose interest in school all together

If you find yourself completely disinterested, apathetic and unmotivated about your studies for a long period of time, we recommend talking to your parents as well as an advisor or guidance counselor at your school to discuss next steps. College isn’t for everyone. That’s why there are hundreds of other options (tech schools, trade schools, etc.) that will land you the career of your dreams without going to a traditional university. “I was in art school for two years before I realized that I hated it,” says Judy, a Lehigh Valley School of Nursing alumna. “I quit the next semester, and took a few months to look into other options. I applied for nursing school and got accepted, and realized that I had such a passion for it. 40 years later, here I am, still in the field.” Taking a semester off to explore other options may be just what you need to spark motivation for your future.

5. You receive a special opportunity

Sometimes, an opportunity arises that you just can't pass up. Especially with the election this year, college students were considering trading their class schedules for internships with political candidates. Sometimes internships are seriously intensive and more like a full-time job than an internship. "I was on an organizing team for Hillary Clinton's campaign in Philadelphia," says Yasmine Hamou, a sophomore at Temple University. "So I spent most of my days organizing voters into specific groups so that they could contact and be contacted by the right people to get them more involved. While organizing was similar to what I had done in the past as a fellow for President Obama, there was a lot more ennui this time around." Other situations can arise, too. Some schools and religious organizations offer programs that span months where students work on service projects in areas of need. Sometimes these programs include cross-cultural classes, but often they are solely for mission work. "I'm planning on taking a year off of school after my sophomore year to do missions abroad," says Morgan, a sophomore at Hesston College. "I've decided to take this step because I want to try and apply what I've been studying to make sure that it is what I want to do for the rest of my life. It also will give my brain a little break after two years of cramming info in there." Opportunities like these don't come around often, so when they do, consider them. You might learn invaluable lessons from a campaign or a mission trip that a professor can't teach you.

Remember: No grade is worth your well-being or your family life. “I think sometimes we put a lot on our plates and a semester off can help clear our heads giving us a new perspective on priorities,” says Cassandra. “You have to know yourself, though, and be aware if you will have motivation to go back finish up your degree.” Like Cassandra says, it can be tough to return to school after a semester off, but remember why you started in the first place. Remember the dream career you had as a little girl that transformed as you grew up, and go back to school to make that little girl proud.

When you're super single and a Bachelor fanatic, it can be pretty hard to watch gorgeous men and women find love while you're stuffing your face with food. We've all been there, collegiettes. Grab your single girlfriends, and get ready to watch the drama unfold. Here are the 15 stages of watching The Bachelor when you're single.

1. You order a pizza and load yourself up with some wine because it's showtime!

Can't wait to see what happens tonight.

2. You seriously consider signing up for the show.

Bc you know you're single AF. 

3. Whoa, hello shower scene. Yeah, you definitely want to sign up now.

So where can I apply?

4. But then you remember that you'd have to compete with 25 other girls.

Having 25 guys coming at you as the Bachelorette actually sounds SO much better.

5. You get jealous because you just want the first impression rose.

I really want a guy to love me, just pick me already.

6. You start chugging your wine because the Bachelor meets a nice girl and the flirting is cute AF.

Wtf we signed up for drama.

7. You strongly consider signing up for the show now.

Getting the application ready as we speak.

8. You start to feel single AF so you go back on Bumble to look for your perf bachelor.

But then you realize that most guys on dating apps aren't looking for real love.

9. So then you start chugging more wine.

Bc you know, wine is bae.

10. You accept the fact that pizza is probably the only love of your life.

And you're totally okay with it. #pizzalife

11. You start franctically texting your girlfriends about the insane drama.

Because who else do you have to text?

12. You watch the season highlights and cry because of the possibility that he finds love.

Omg what? This is so sweet.

13. Then you're just in the mood to cry, and decide to watch chick flicks all night while eating ice cream.

NO shame.

14. Then you start watching proposal videos because one thing leads to another.

Ugh emotions.

15. You can't wait to watch it all again next week becuase it's the most amazing show ever.

This show gives us all the feels.

In August of 2012, Phyllis McGeath decided to go back to school and enrolled in the University of Texas at Arlington, determined to complete her college degree. But she wasn’t only doing it for herself—McGeath started taking classes again to honor her son, Philip, a marine who was killed in Afghanistan in January of 2012 at age 25, according to USA Today College.

Like his mother, Philip had never managed to finish his college degree, and though he studied for a while at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, he left to pursue his childhood dream of becoming a Marine. When she returned to school, McGeath was thinking of distraction as much as she was of finishing something both she and her son had started. “My main goal was just to be done,” she told USA Today. “I was 50 years old and already a grandmother, so I’m thinking it’s a little late for a career. I just wanted to be occupied.” She had attended school on and off, but suddenly, finishing with a degree took on new importance.

But during her time at UTA, McGeath discovered that there might just be a career out there for her after all. Her minor in criminal justice put her on a path towards her new goal: a Masters of Social Work, with a particular emphasis on helping others through periods of trauma and grief. During her time in school, McGeath began working with the mothers of other fallen soldiers in a mentorship program of sorts to help them through the process of grieving their children. She travels to see them, keeps in touch and generally makes herself available to them. She feels that this work honors her son's memory.

On Dec. 16, McGeath graduated cum laude with a BA in interdisciplinary studies. She hopes that her return to school can not only give her the tools to help others as a social worker but can also inspire others: “I never thought I was smart enough, but I proved everyone, including myself, wrong. I wanted to show other Gold Star moms that we can do this.”

By Grace Cook

No, this is not your typical “love the skin you’re in” story. And no, I never suffered from an eating disorder. But that extra bit of jiggle that I now carry on my waist is a testament of how I overcame a struggle that could’ve taken my life.

To those who have met me in person, it’s no secret that I’m a small young woman. I stand at 4 feet and 11 inches at 21 years old. I’ve always been little, but entirely proportional, ever since I was a baby—but despite my short stature, I’ve always been vivacious and healthy, at least until this past spring.

Throughout early 2016, it dawned on me that I was developing a weight problem. Almost overnight, I wasn’t fitting into my clothes as well. I had to tighten my belts an extra notch. I couldn’t wear my favorite t-shirts or dresses anymore. Some were drooping off of me so dramatically that I looked like a little girl wearing her mother’s clothing. You could even see my ribs poking out of my sides.

I stopped feeling confident about my body.

I hated it when people complimented my figure.

I didn’t even recognize myself anymore.

I was 10 pounds underweight. And it was only getting worse.

To some, 10 pounds doesn’t seem like a lot. In fact, lots of people are desperate to lose 10 pounds. But to someone who’s under 5 feet tall, 10 pounds can be the difference between having an active, normal life and having to lay in bed all day because you lack the energy to perform simple tasks.

And that’s exactly what was happening. Even though I was right in the middle of a busy semester with two jobs, there were days when I had to force myself out of bed. I was weak, when previously I had become accustomed to being lively and strong. I hit my absolute rock bottom panic moment when I stepped on my little bathroom scale and it read 84 pounds.

That’s the lowest I’ve weighed since I started puberty—so I think you can imagine why that really freaked me out. I started seeing a nutritionist, and we discovered a dilemma of sorts: I had to gain about 10 pounds, but I had to do so in a way that was still healthy. Basically, that meant I had to eat healthy food, and lots of it.

But I had another problem: my appetite was next to nothing. I would eat even a light meal, and I would immediately feel nauseous. Most of the time, it would stay down, but sometimes it would come right back up. It was like my stomach was actually screaming, “Why did you do that? I didn’t want that! Get it out of me!” So the solution became to eat small amounts of food pretty much all throughout the day. Even if it was just something like plain crackers or popcorn, I tried to put a tiny bit of food into my stomach a few times every hour.

Eventually, it started to work. Little by little, I gained a pound at a time. I stopped feeling weak and helpless. When my family moved to a new house this past summer, I could actually do some of the heaviest lifting and not get worn out by it. I had real energyagain. When I got a new bike for my birthday, I could ride it without collapsing from fatigue. Now, there’s a nice little layer of fat and muscle over my previously exposed ribs.

I finally got out of a situation that I had assumed would leave me helpless (or eventually dead).

Now, you might be wondering: why am I bothering to tell you all of this? If I’m doing better, why am I taking the time to type this out?

Because I felt alone. I felt like no one else could understand what I was going through.

Everyone knows that being overweight carries a whole myriad of health problems, but people easily forget or even ignore the fact that being underweight can be just as detrimental. There’s so much societal focus on being slim that it’s easy to overshoot it and take it to the extreme. Eating disorders are even used as adjectives to describe someone’s physique and that is not acceptable.

I have made a positive change for myself, and that is what matters most. I realized this particularly when a close friend of mine commented, “You look really healthy!” when we returned to school this semester. I didn’t just feel healthier—there had been so much of an improvement that other people were noticing it as well.

I guess you could say the moral of this story is that you should always be honest with yourself about your weight and your overall health. It’s great to carry a little extra curve, but if it’s affecting your health, be honest with yourself and trim down a little. If you’re underweight, even if everyone thinks you have a cute and slim figure, be honest with yourself and bulk up a little.

Ultimately, don’t let anyone else decide what your own personal physique means. That’s between you and your doctor.

According to Twitter, the days of Kylie Jenner personally posting to her app are officially over. Kylie surprised fans with a series of tweets Tuesday night stating she herself would no longer create content for the app after one post supposedly slipped by her and was published without her approval. Oops.

Hey guys from now on I won't be posting personally on my app anymore...

— Kylie Jenner (@KylieJenner) January 3, 2017

a post went up today quoting something that I NEVER EVER said or saw. A very personal post that I would never ever approve.

— Kylie Jenner (@KylieJenner) January 3, 2017

So what exactly was this "very personal post she'd never ever approve?" According to Refinery29, the controversy-causing post was a list of how Kylie "spoils her man," which included bullet points like "spicing things up with lingerie, toys and massages," cooking for his friends, and getting up early to make him breakfast in bed. (Oh, and the super-strange birthday gift of personalized chopsticks?)

Fans of the app need not panic just yet: while Kylie says she no longer will be personally posting content to the app, considering this post was supposedly off her radar, we're not sure how "personal" it was to begin with.

We're scratching our heads a bit about where exactly the post offends (after all, Kylie is a 19-year-old, with ~shocker~, a sex life), but to each her own. It's also entirely possible that Kylie thought the tone of the post was not exactly super female-empowering. Or maybe Tyga just didn't want anyone to know about his secret enthusiasm for chopsticks?

Coming home from school is such a blessing — especially when it’s for the holidays. At our house around this time of year, the radio is always playing a cheesy Christmas tune in the background of my family’s conversations and laughter, and of course, there’s usually some sort of wonderful smell in the air that’s coming from the kitchen.

Some may say that sleeping in their own beds is their favorite reason to come home, but mine is having a stocked fridge and homecooked meals served hot and with love. Seriously, nothing beats my mom’s chili on a cold winter day.

However, as I’ve gotten older, it seems that dining out has turned into more of a social event than anything. My friends and I tend to hang out less at each other’s homes and more time at our favorite tables in our favorite restaurants, which means that if I want to get all dressed up and go out with my friends, I have to trade in my mom’s awesome home cooked meals for a meal on a menu.

It's certainly not just me feeling this way. “When I do go out to eat, it's of course to indulge in some amazing food I can’t get from my own cabinets at home or at school,” Caroline McCormack, a junior at Keene State College, told me. “But it’s mainly to socialize and catch up with friends.”

I, along with most of the people I know in college, are going home broke...I mean, if you aren’t broke, are you really even a college student?

But in between the Christmas gifts for my friends and my family and the plane trip home, I decided that I was going to put my foot down (and pick my fork up!) and just have to see my friends in a different setting that wasn’t a trendy restaurant.

That being said, this holiday break I’ve been trying my hardest to resist the temptation to socialize while swiping my credit card, and instead have been eating at home. For the first time probably since before I could drive, I ate at home for dinner every single night for a week...and it was awesome.

Of course, I’m not going to bore you with my details of what we ate every single night, but, what I am going to explain is this:

I asked my BFFs from home to give me some quotes about their eating-out habits, and what they answered me with was almost surprising.

My friend Emily Seraphin, a junior at University of Delaware, said that she “eats at home very often” because she loves her mom's home cooking and her mom loves to cook for her family. My other friend, Maggie Featherston, a junior at James Madison University, said that she loves to eat at home with her family because of the “banter and jokes” that get passed around the table.

Keep in mind, these are the friends I love to go out to eat with at least a few times a week when we’re home, but we all feel the same exact way about eating at home...I mean, it’s so great and comforting to chow down with your fam. The question I'm asking is why we choose to socialize by dining out so often if we all prefer to eat at home?

After interviewing my friends, I was curious to see other college students’ habits as well. So, I took to a Twitter poll and found out that 39% ate meals at home every single day when they returned from school for breaks. 

What was I missing here?! I thought everybody ate out just as much as I normally do with my friends! But, what I really discovered about this whole purposeful eating-with-my-family-every-night ‘experiment’ (if that’s what you want to call it) was something that I couldn’t find out from a poll or from quickly interviewing my friends.

I learned that eating at home with your family does way more than just save money--it saves your family dynamic.

I know that sounds super cheesy but it’s true.

Now that we’re in college, out of the entire year, we’re home only for *maybe* four to five months total, depending on your situation. And out of those five months for me, I spend the majority of the time either in my room watching Netflix or out with my friends. I don’t spend nearly as much time with my family as I should be. Sure, you can argue that we’re young and that’s how it’s supposed to be, but if I have any say, I don’t want it to be like that. My family and I aren’t the closest family you’ll ever meet. We definitely share laughs and have such great and fun memories together, and as I’ve gotten more mature, we’ve gotten even closer. Yet, there’s always been some kind of barrier between us, something I’m sure a lot of families can relate to.

But during this week, I noticed that we got even closer than before and my transition back to living with my parents was smooth. Just by spending the 40 minutes or so together at dinner, talking about our days and chatting about current events and catching my parents up in my life, was a really big deal. Every night, we had less and less to catch up on, and more and more to talk about.There weren’t as many awkward silences as there sometimes tend to be at our family dinners; we easily moved from conversation to conversation.

Now, I’m not saying that this is the be-all-end-all and that this is going to solve every single problem you may have with your family, but it’s definitely a good start.

I used to eat dinner with my family every single night as a child and so eating with them again every night kind of reminded me of a beautiful and simpler time...and that’s what this week was: it was beautiful and it was simple.Maybe it was the food or maybe it was the holiday magic in the air. Whatever it was, I highly suggest conducting the same “experiment”.

Why give up a perfectly delicious homemade meal for a hamburger and some French fries made with way too much salt and not enough love? Or, if you’re dying for some Chinese food or pizza or Chik-Fil-A nuggets, invite your parents and siblings to go with you. Chances are, they’re also dying for a night to splurge on a restaurant bill, some calories and some time with you.

Collegiettes, we have our whole lives to eat in restaurants and be social and go out on the town spending money on food. Take this time now to be with your family.

Sure friends are important, and food is important….okay, food is really important. But, the most important thing of all is family. Make mealtime family time again. I promise, you won’t regret it.

Happy holidays, and happy eating! 

Clinique's latest collab has us feeling some major nostalgia for the days when we used to start the school year with a fresh box of crayons as first graders. Except, this is the grown-up version, which means starting fresh for the new year with a very different kind of crayon: Clinique x Crayola lip crayons to be exact.

 

A photo posted by Clinique (@clinique) on Jan 2, 2017 at 9:02am PST

The beauty brand is rolling out its signature Chubby Stick for Lips in 10 new shades as part of an insanely cute new collaboration with Crayola. The lip crayons, which are already known for their sheer, moisturizing washes of color (and a genius, no-sharpen twist-up formula) are bringing to life 10 actual famous Crayola crayon colors like Razzmatazz and Mauvelous - meaning you may now be able to wear your childhood crayon of choice on your lips. You're welcome.

Each limited-edition crayon is $17 each, or you can buy them as a set of four or eight minis for $25 and $50 respectively - which you might want to do considering they come in adorable little "crayon boxes," natch.

While many designers have been vocal about not wanting to dress the new first lady Melania Trump for fear of the controversy that comes along with it, one designer made it clear over the weekend that he'd be nothing but thrilled to dress the incoming FLOTUS - and as expected, took a bit of backlash for it.

On New Year's Eve, Melania opted for a black Dolce & Gabbana dress to wear to a party at the Trump family's Mar-A-Lago estate in Florida. Stefano Gabbana, one of the fashion house's co-founders, was quick to Instagram a photo of Melania in the dress, captioning the photo, "Melania Trump #DGwoman thank you #madeinitaly"

 

A photo posted by stefanogabbana (@stefanogabbana) on Jan 1, 2017 at 4:44pm PST

The comments section quickly became divisive, with many commenters criticizing Gabbana's decision to dress the first lady of a president-elect who remains controversial. While many accused him of not understanding the political sensitivities of dressing Melania, others rushed to the designer's defense, arguing that it wasn't necessarily a political statement. As one commenter @jaciaracarneiro put it, “I don't like Trump but I like fashion. And US first lady is stunning.”

Dolce & Gabbana is not the only label that has broken the silence by saying it would be willing to dress Melania, but it is still only one of a small handful which includes Tommy Hilfiger, Rag & Bone and Thom Browne, Teen Vogue reports.

It's important to note that Melania is also one of a few first ladies who has been able to afford to purchase designer pieces off the rack instead of needing designers to agree to dress her. Since designers won't have to give their consent for her to wear their clothes, Melania's relationship with fashion during her time in the White House could look very different than Michelle Obama's.

Lately, it seems like studying abroad is a right of passage for many students. Chances are, you know at least one person who went abroad for a semester––but there’s a huge difference between studying abroad for a semester and making it your entire college experience.

We talked to Keara Dekay, senior study abroad advisor at the University of South Carolina, to figure out what you should consider before deciding to pursue your college career abroad. So before jumping the pond, or going down under—or pretty much anywhere, make sure you read these tips!

1. Location

Most people who consider studying abroad have a place in mind, and that’s the first step in the process, but location might be determined by more than just your favorite country. For those who will have strict major requirements, you probably want to choose the schools that work best for your major. In most instances, you’ll probably be okay with majors like business, mass communication or humanities. However, some students interested in STEM fields or who are pre-med might need to be a little more picky. So if you’re studying in Scotland but want to go to a U.S. medical school, make sure that you’ll still meet all the requirements.

Either way, Dekay says you’ll enjoy your experience no matter where you go. “Anywhere you end up is going to be both challenging and incredible, and you will come back to the U.S. with a completely different point of view,” she says. No matter where you go, you’ll be getting an experience that is completely different and worthwhile.

2. Courses, cost and immersion

Every college in the world is different, so sifting through every aspect of a school can be a little difficult. Add in the fact that you’re choosing an international college and it might seem even more challenging to narrow down the necessities. Dekay says the top three things to consider are courses, cost and level of immersion.

Ensuring that the program will keep you up-to-date with your studies, while also keeping you from breaking the bank are key in making the decision, but immersion might not be the first concern that comes to mind. When choosing a country, it’s important to consider how much of a language barrier you want, cost of living, what the surrounding countries are, any cultural differences, and even its political standing. Many international universities are cheaper than private American universities--but the cost of living could make a big difference. You’ll be living in that country for four years, so those more detailed considerations have more weight than if you were only abroad for a semester.

3. Exploring

Keep in mind that one of the great things about being abroad is getting the chance to explore while you’re there. So, even if you don’t end up in the country that you were originally set on, that doesn’t mean you can’t travel there! Plus, since you will be living abroad, you’ll probably end up becoming an expert. You’ll have the opportunity to explore more than just the touristy experiences, so that once-foreign country won’t actually be so foreign anymore.

4. Academics

There are also more minute factors to think about in regards to academics, like grading, credits and difficulty. “Understanding that international universities look very different from American universities [is important], especially when it comes to the level of student services provided,” Dekay says. “Students who attend international universities are expected to be very independent and do not necessarily have access to services that students have come to expect from American institutions (writing centers, tutoring, access to professors, etc.).” Because of this, you need to be willing to be more independent in your studies —although deciding to go to college abroad is a pretty big indicator that you are independent.  

Plus, the grading system that you might be used to won’t necessarily be the same. For example, although U.S. schools use a 0-100 scale represented by letter grades, in France, a 20-point grading scale is used. So make sure that you’re ready for a change in what you’re used to.

Related: The 12 Best Places to Study Abroad

5. The application process

Then comes the actual application. When you’re applying abroad, a killer application is key.

“Academic success, independence and adaptability are probably the three most important traits to display in an application to an international university,” Dekay says. “They want to be sure that you’ll be successful in that type of learning environment, so proving that you understand the challenges presented by enrolling in an international institution is very important.”

However, she also tells us that one of the benefits to an application for a foreign university is that it is generally less detailed. “In many countries, higher education is both guaranteed and low-cost or no-cost to their residents, so there may be fewer requirements in the actual application,” So, although you might want to tailor your application more towards the fact that you’re self-sufficient enough to thrive in a foreign environment, you might not need as much fluff as U.S. schools. However, there are also some schools, mostly American schools located in foreign countries, that use the Common Application, so that’s also important to look into.

6. Distance from home

Remember that studying abroad means you are way more than a few hours away from home. Coming home due to homesickness isn’t an option, and you might have to sacrifice a few holidays too. Although it seems like college in itself is a big step towards being independent, chances are there will be some days that you wish you could just go home and snug up in your own bed. Plus, anytime you come down with a cold, you’ll be on your own.

Additionally, don’t forget that being abroad can also mean time differences. If you're studying in Australia, for example, you’ll be on the complete opposite time schedule of the U.S., which can make it difficult to talk to family and friends. Plus, you’ll probably have to figure out a different cell phone contract too, because international calling and texting isn’t typically covered. So yes, although distance does make the heart grow fonder, it can also grow lonely if you aren’t prepared.

There are plenty of details to ponder when deciding to study abroad, but taking the leap and going for a different college experience can pay off big-time. With these pointers in mind, you’ll be sure to make an educated decision.

The premiere of Nick Viall's season of The Bachelor was both everything and nothing of what we expected. It was an episode of firsts—Rachel became the first black woman to get the first impression rose in the history of the show (I mean... finally???), Jaimi is the first openly gay woman in the series and of course, Alexis was the first dolphin to woo the bachelor.

Obviously, it wouldn't be a Bachelor night without lots of tears (from the girls) and lots of wine (from me). Here are 24 moments that necessitated a drink—get your bottle(s) ready.

1. Nick saying he wanted to "give America a happy ending," and then pointing out how awk that was.

2. When Nick ran through all his flaws and I was just like, idk but I don't think mumbling is worse than basically slut-shaming Andi Dorfman on national television but okay. Nope, not forgetting that one anytime soon.

3. Literally every time somebody made a joke about Nick's long-term relationship with The Bachelor franchise. Yeah, we've all seen it, remember?

4. Having to rewatch that scene where Kaitlyn Bristowe stops Nick from proposing and he just goes, "No?"

5. When Rachel's intro reel comes on and I realize I'll never have arms as fit as hers.

6. Josephine talking to her cat... those seals... herself... herself as Nick...

7. Raven explaining that "for fun, you go mudding, you shoot guns, you read the bible." Fun?

8. Learning that 24-year-old Corinne has a NANNY who brings her cucumbers.

9. Questioning whether Alexis owns more costumes, or real clothes.

10. When Taylor introduced herself to Nick by declaring her friends hate him (and then later telling him they think he's a piece of shit). She later said the intro was "wonderful" and I'm questioning whether she reads people well enough to be a mental health counselor.

11. Lauren pointing out that between her last name (Hussey) and Nick's last name (Viall), the two are basically a "disgusting slut."

12. When Liz came out of the limo and we literally could not tell whether Nick remembered he'd had sex with her. How do you forget?!?!?!

13. Corinne's damn tokens. TAKE A DRINK.

14. Josephine's uncooked wiener. I wish I could've given Nick a drink at that point, because he so, so needed it.

15. When Nick stumbled over the word empowerment. At least he tried?

16. The moment he and Rachel started talking and I was like, the rest of these girls need to go home already.

17. That kiss from Corinne, and Nick trying desperately to get rid of a token in exchange.

18. Nick's v uncomfortable conversation with Liz (like, is she there ~for the right reasons~?)

19. When Nick was like, "I like Canadians" and basically broke the rule of not talking about your ex on the first date.

20. Carrie Bradshaw who?

21. When dolphin/shark girl was just having a great time, and I realized that I definitely need to be friends with her.

22. Noticing that it was MORNING by the time the rose ceremony happened. I was hungover thinking about it.

23. Direct quote from Corinne in the season preview: "My heart is gold, but my vagine is platinum." I'm definitely going to start using that.

24. When Nick asked the magic eight ball whether this would all work out for him, and the answer was, "very doubtful."

It's going to be ~the most dramatic season~ ever, and I AM HERE FOR IT.

Clinique's latest collab has us feeling some major nostalgia for the days when we used to start the school year with a fresh box of crayons as first graders. Except, this is the grown-up version, which means starting fresh for the new year with a very different kind of crayon: Clinique x Crayola lip crayons to be exact.

 

A photo posted by Clinique (@clinique) on Jan 2, 2017 at 9:02am PST

The beauty brand is rolling out its signature Chubby Stick for Lips in 10 new shades as part of an insanely cute new collaboration with Crayola. The lip crayons, which are already known for their sheer, moisturizing washes of color (and a genius, no-sharpen twist-up formula) are bringing to life 10 actual famous Crayola crayon colors like Razzmatazz and Mauvelous - meaning you may now be able to wear your childhood crayon of choice on your lips. You're welcome.

Each limited-edition crayon is $17 each, or you can buy them as a set of four or eight minis for $25 and $50 respectively - which you might want to do considering they come in adorable little "crayon boxes," natch.

While many designers have been vocal about not wanting to dress the new first lady Melania Trump for fear of the controversy that comes along with it, one designer made it clear over the weekend that he'd be nothing but thrilled to dress the incoming FLOTUS - and as expected, took a bit of backlash for it.

On New Year's Eve, Melania opted for a black Dolce & Gabbana dress to wear to a party at the Trump family's Mar-A-Lago estate in Florida. Stefano Gabbana, one of the fashion house's co-founders, was quick to Instagram a photo of Melania in the dress, captioning the photo, "Melania Trump #DGwoman thank you #madeinitaly"

 

A photo posted by stefanogabbana (@stefanogabbana) on Jan 1, 2017 at 4:44pm PST

The comments section quickly became divisive, with many commenters criticizing Gabbana's decision to dress the first lady of a president-elect who remains controversial. While many accused him of not understanding the political sensitivities of dressing Melania, others rushed to the designer's defense, arguing that it wasn't necessarily a political statement. As one commenter @jaciaracarneiro put it, “I don't like Trump but I like fashion. And US first lady is stunning.”

Dolce & Gabbana is not the only label that has broken the silence by saying it would be willing to dress Melania, but it is still only one of a small handful which includes Tommy Hilfiger, Rag & Bone and Thom Browne, Teen Vogue reports.

It's important to note that Melania is also one of a few first ladies who has been able to afford to purchase designer pieces off the rack instead of needing designers to agree to dress her. Since designers won't have to give their consent for her to wear their clothes, Melania's relationship with fashion during her time in the White House could look very different than Michelle Obama's.

Put on your detective hats, beauty junkies, because 2017 is starting with a mystery. Beauty vlogger Jaclyn Hill, mega-famous for her 2016 partnership with Becca Cosmetics that produced one of the best highlighters the world has ever seen, has just announced a new collab via Twitter. According to her, it’s her “biggest yet”, and over two years in the making. While she’s been secretive about the project, she did respond to one Twitter user who asked for a unique hint.

Beauty fans have since gobbled up the news, submitting their own interpretation of the clue and their hopes for the new collab.

One user cleverly guessed a partnership between Jaclyn and Kat Von D, but according to Hill, it’s not happening (yet!).

Several other fans made a connection between the crab emoji, and Jaclyn’s birthday in July, stating hopes for a warm-toned Cancer themed palette.

While it’s nothing but speculation atm, Jaclyn has promised to drop new hints in the next few weeks, so hang tight until then!

Remember back in the days of High School Musical when Sharpay Evans wanted to steal the limelight from Gabriella Montez? Well, that is not the case now! Real-life BFFs Ashley Tisdale and Vanessa Hudgens just released their first-ever duet together, and it's ~flawless~. 

The two performed Elle King's "Ex's and Oh's" on Tisdale's YouTube series, Music Sessions, where she covers today's pop hits. As of this morning, the duet has over 1.4 million views and is number five on YouTube's Trending list. 

Tisdale's fans have been begging her to bring Hudgens onto Music Sessions for a while, prompting the duet—which features a musical arrangement by Tisdale's husband, Christopher French.

"It was so much fun. I love being able to sing with you," Hudgens said with smiles and giggles at the end of the cover. Seriously, these two are #friendshipgoals.

As if we weren't already fangirling over this year's live-action adaptation of Beauty and the Beast, Disney surprised us with something else—Belle's possible wedding dress. 

You might be thinking, But wait—doesn't Belle wear her infamous yellow dress at the end of the original film? You're right, but things may be different in this movie. 

One of the first photos of Belle in this floral masterpiece surfaced on Instagram on an unofficial account for Beauty and the Beast. Other photos have also appeared on social media, such as the one below, which features a doll dressed in the frock.

What else would a (predominantly) white gown be for other than a wedding? Regardless, we can't help but adore how stunning Watson looks. 

Kylie Jenner made big moves in the makeup industry in 2016, and she isn't slowing down yet! Her first new item to launch in the new year is her latest Kyshadow palette, which includes more than ever before. Her new Royal Peach Palette will hit KylieCosmetics.com at 3 p.m. PST on January 12.

This new palette features 12 highly pigmented eyeshadow shades AND will include a mirror and brush—all for only $45! This is such big news for Kylie Cosmetics lovers because it's just $3 more for all three more shades and extra goodies (earlier Kyshadow palettes cost $42).

If you don't follow King Kylie on Snapchat, you might have missed her swatching these hot new shadows. The shades vary from matte transitional shades to sparkling brown hues, to bright jewel tones, making this palette extremely versatile for every aspiring makeup artist.

The beauty guru says she was inspired by her makeup look at New York Fashion Week, which we were jealous of and can now replicate. #blessed

Thank you, Kylie. You are truly ~makeup royalty~.

Now that it's finally 2017, it's time to update our wardrobes with fresh picks for winter and spring. Here are our top picks from Zara's annual New Year Sale. 

1. Pleated Bomber Jacket ($19.99 at Zara) 

Bomber Jackets made a splash in 2016, and we’re guessing they’ll be just as big this year. 

2. High Collar Blouse ($39.99 at Zara)

Add a bold lip or brow to make a serious statement. 

3. Tulle Skirt ($25.99 at Zara) 

Perfect for that winter/spring transition. 

4. Contrast High Heel Ankle Boots ($35.99 at Zara)

Just about goes with anything! 

5. Lace Sweatshirt ($29.99 at Zara) 

Spring = Lace, lace, LACE. 

6. Velvet Leggings ($12.99 at Zara) 

Just because the holidays are over doesn’t mean you still can’t look festive. 

7. Poplin Dress ($29.99 at Zara)

Wear it alone, or under a sweater for a preppy touch.

8. Sweatshirt With Pockets ($19.99 at Zara) 

Serious comfort. 

9. Metallic Interwoven Scarf ($19.99 at Zara)

The style possibilities are endless.

Attention all Game of Thrones fans! A new GoT makeup collection might be in the works for the up-and-coming brand, Storybook Cosmetics. Before you start getting too excited, the brand told Bustle that it is still only in the licensing stages of producing this exciting new collection. All they're waiting for is HBO to sell the licensing to them and we'll be able to use this wonderfully themed collection for our daily makeup routine. How exciting is that?

The teaser photo from Storybook Cosmetics includes a book of bright eyeshadow shades, several lipstick colors, an incredible sword-themed fan brush and a similarly themed compact mirror. The collection will surely be a hit if it makes it to the production stages—please HBO??

The cosmetics brand has amazed us this past year with their other themed collections, including the Harry Potter-inspired line (which includes an archery-themed brush set shown above and a Wizardry & Witchcraft palette), a Mean Girl's eyeshadow palette, and a Gilmore Girls-inspired collection. If Storybook's predictions are correct, we'll be in for a great year full of their magical collabs, which will continue to bring our favorite fantasy worlds to life in our makeup bags.