There’s no denying that running is hard. Some days it can seem nearly impossible to muster up the strength to go for a run outside or on the treadmill because it seems like a daunting, mundane task. But it’s also one of the most accessible forms of exercise. Luckily, there are some tricks you can use to convince yourself that running really isn’t such a bad thing after all, and actually, it can be pretty fun. Try out these tips to make your next run easier and a lot more entertaining!

1. Run in a race

Running just for the sake of running can be kind of a bore. But if you set a goal for yourself, like running a race, then your workouts will have more of a meaning. Demi DeSalvo, a junior at Boston University who ran the 2014 Boston Marathon, likes to schedule races because it helps her stay motivated even on the tough days. And although a marathon may seem daunting, any distance for a race can still do the trick!

“I like to schedule races because this gives me something to work towards and forces me to run even when I'm not feeling it,” Demi says. Whether it’s a 5K or a half marathon, giving yourself something tangible to work towards will give you a huge boost of confidence once you finally achieve your goal and finish the race.

If you really want to spice things up, try a themed race, like The Color Run or the Disney Princess Half Marathon. You can also find charity runs so you can do your running while helping a good cause. Search local charity runs on ACTIVE.com to find one that’s coming to your town.

Once you’ve found your race, get some friends to join you so you can all have fun together. If your friends run a race with you, it also means you’ll have a training buddy to help keep you on track. Find a training schedule that works best for you and start running!

2. Run for a reward

There are other tactics you can use to motivate yourself when running, like bribing yourself with a healthy treat or a shopping splurge.

Chelsea Birtch, a junior at Wilfrid Laurier University, thinks of rewards she can give herself after she runs, and she incorporates that into her workout. She says that she will end her run at a smoothie place so she can reward herself with a healthy post-workout treat. Setting out on a run with that kind of end goal in mind can help you push through to the end. However, it’s better to have a healthy reward, like a homemade smoothie or fro-yo and fruit, instead of something unhealthy, like a milkshake. You want to give yourself something you enjoy, but you don’t want to counteract all that hard work you just put into running.

Another great trick is to reward yourself with non-food-related indulgences. Set a goal for yourself, like running a certain number of miles in a week. If you reach that goal, then you can buy that skirt you’ve been obsessed with. Even better, reward yourself with nice workout clothes so you can feel and look great while you run. Getting a manicure or a massage is also a good reward because it can relax your body so you’re revitalized to run the next day.

3. Run outside

Although treadmills are great when it’s cold, windy, rainy or sweltering hot outside, they’re not always the most conducive for making a run thrilling and exhilarating. But running outside on a nice path can help take your mind off of the fact that you’re exercising and give you a nice breath of fresh air. 

“I suggest picking a route that’s pretty because I always tend to focus more on how pretty things are and I forget that I’m running,” says Neha Basu, a senior at Boston University who also ran the 2014 Boston Marathon. When Neha runs outside in a visually stimulating area, she says that she doesn’t look down at the ground as much because she’s looking around instead. Demi adds that running outside helps her connect with nature, which can be refreshing when you’re stuck inside a classroom or the library all day. “When you take the time to notice what's around you, the miles fly by,” Demi says.

If you aren’t close to a good running path, run through campus. That might sound intimidating at first since you’ll probably see people you know, but that can actually be a great motivator. Stacey Oswald, a junior at Vanderbilt University, tried this tactic, and her plan of running just one mile turned into a lot more. “I decided to take a new route through campus so I would be running by people I know,” she says. “After the first mile, I felt inspired to run more, so I kept going and finished three miles at a great pace!”

She says that seeing people she knew gave her the push to run harder than normal, so now whenever she’s unmotivated to run, she heads to campus. “Everyone wants to impress their friends,” she says. Plus, you never know when that campus cutie will be watching!

4. Run with a killer playlist

Music is a great motivator, and it can make a world of difference when you’re doing a mental sport like running. And if you’re trying to make running more enjoyable, why not make it like a dance party?

“I like to have a wide variety of music,” Neha says. “When I run to house music and they have that [beat] drop, I'm revitalized and more motivated to run.”

There are many ways to go about making a playlist, including using websites and apps. The website RunHundred allows people to submit and vote on their favorite workout songs. Every month users get a list sent to your email of the top 10 workout songs. Users also have access to 12 workout mixes every 12 weeks. The mixes cost $10 and run between 30 to 60 minutes long.

What makes good workout music? According to research by a professor of sports psychology at Brunel University in London, songs that are between 147 and 160 beats per minute (BPM) are ideal for running. You can count a song’s BPM by just listening to it, but you can also use a computer program to help you out.

Apps can also help you create the perfect soundtrack for your run, like Cruise Control ($4.99). It does all the work of making a playlist for you, and it even helps you stay on track with a customized workout. Pick a target speed for your run, and this app will pull songs from your library that match that pace. As long as your steps hit each beat, then you know you’re staying on track. You can also choose to do a free run, and the app will automatically pick music to match your stride. Thanks to an algorithm that can change the speed of a song in real time, Cruise Control keeps you moving and grooving to your own music.

5. Run with apps

Speaking of apps, there are ones that can do a lot more than just control your music! Running apps can help you track the mileage and minutes of your runs, allowing you to set goals and evaluate your progress. Cruise Control also logs the statistics of your runs, but there are many others that focus just on this aspect. Popular apps include Nike+ Running, Strava and MapMyRun.

They all do the same basic thing with slight variations. You can record your time, distance, route and speed, and you can share your runs on social media, allowing you to have friendly competitions with others. Nike+ Running lets you link your account to Facebook so that every time someone likes the status the app posts about you running, a cheering sound goes off in your headphones to keep your spirits high. Strava lets you have a news feed to track your friends’ runs, and they can follow your progress, too. It also tells you when you broke a new record on a run to show how you’ve improved.

MapMyRun is helpful because it not only tracks your running routes, but it also lets you search for new routes to try and it gives you challenges to push your limits. By sharing your stats, people can also hold you accountable for your runs, so it doesn’t feel like you’re in this alone. These apps are all free, so you can experiment with what works best for you.

And finally, this last app takes the cake in making running fun. Put yourself in the middle of a fight against the undead with Zombies, Run! This running game makes you the key player in saving the world from hordes of zombies. Missions last between 20 and 30 minutes, and instructions are fed to you though your headphones, telling you to collect items, go back to your “home base” or speed up and run for your life. Although you’ll be running all over an imaginary, zombie-infested land, you can use this app while running in any location and running either a solo mission or with friends.

6. Run with something else on your mind

Running can be a great way to clear your mind, but you can also use this time to work through problems or think about upcoming situations. Do you have an interview tomorrow? Go through a mock interview in your head and think of the perfect responses to the questions you might be asked. Is there a certain someone you’ve been crushing on? Think about what you would say if you ran into him or her at party. Anything that’s going on in your life can be turned into an award-winning movie in your mind, and you can write the script as you run. The time will fly by, and so will the miles.

Lindsey Moses, a sophomore at SUNY Oswego, likes to occupy her brain on a run by listening to a story instead of making up her own. She narrates her workouts with audiobook recordings. “As an English major, I always have a ton of required reading for homework, so this is a great way to multitask,” she says. If you’re worried about balancing a workout regime with your schoolwork, this is a great way to fit both into your schedule.

Even though running might not be the number one thing on your list of fun activities, it doesn’t have to be miserable. “Running should be fun,” Demi says. “After each run, think about how you feel and what you accomplished.” Use that motivation to push yourself on to another day of fun and successful running. 

We love to get lost in a good book once in a while. While there are so many great titles out there, we at Her Campus work hard to find collegiettes the best up-and-coming novels. We've found the perfect book to kick off your summer reading list! Enter below to win a copy of Lucky Us, a new novel from Amy Bloom! Random House and Her Campus are partnering up to give 25 lucky collegiettes advanced reader's editions of the book. Keep reading to find out how you can enter the giveaway! 

Lucky Us introduces us to half sisters Eva and Iris. Disappointed by their families, Iris, the hopeful star, and Eva, the sidekick, journey across 1940s America in search of fame and fortune. Iris’s ambitions take them from small-town Ohio to Hollywood, across the America of Reinvention in a stolen station wagon, to the jazz clubs and golden mansions of Long Island. With memorable characters and surprising events, Lucky Us is a thrilling novel about success and failure, good luck and bad, the creation of a family and the pleasures and inevitable perils of family life. To learn more about the book, visit Bloom's official website.

Lucky Us is the ideal book to help melt away your end-of-semester stress. Enter below for a chance to win one of 25 advanced reader's copies of the novel (the official release isn't until July 29!).Winners will be chosen at random and announced in the May 13 STUDY BREAK. 

Don't forget to keep up with Bloom on social media: you can find her on Facebook and Twitter.

Happy reading, collegiettes! 

Sick of eating cereal and ramen for lunch and dinner? Want to spend less money eating out and finally start cooking for yourself? Put down that frozen pizza, because HC’s Health Editor, Sammie Levin, is here to share her daily eats so you can get ideas for healthy, satisfying meals that are easy enough for any time-strapped collegiette to make. After you read Collegiette Eats, your taste buds, wallet and waistline will thank you.

Sometimes it can be hard to think of what to make for breakfast, lunch or dinner. You get bored of your standard turkey sandwich, but you can't think of what else to make. That's where Instagram comes in! There's a whole world of healthy food accounts on Instagram filled with pretty pictures of exciting new food ideas. I love scrolling through healthy foodstagrams to get inspired, so I'm featuring five of my favorite accounts to share the love. Beware: side effects include hunger pangs, drooling and extreme envy. 

1. @lolacooks

Lola is a 17-year-old (!) vegan living in Miami. She makes eating vegan look so good, even the most dedicated carnivore would salivate at her posts. From desserts like mango cheesecake and red velvet brownies to creative dishes like wheatgrass falafel and mexican kale wraps, her feed is a nonstop flow of meal ideas that are free of animal products and full of delicious nutrients. 

2. @livegreenhealthy

Jen, the mastermind behind @livegreenhealthy, posts healthy meal ideas that she compiles from around Instagram and the blogosphere as well as her own creations. She links to the pages that she gets ideas from, so by following her you'll discover new accounts all of the time! It's a gold mine for healthy alternatives to your favorite foods, such as quinoa pizza, sweet potato nachos and zucchini noodles. 

3. @naturallysassy__

Saskia is a food blogger and ballet dancer with some serious cooking and photography skills. Her feed is full of nourishing smoothie ideas that look and sound amazing, such as strawberry cheesecake, chocolate almond butter swirl and plenty of green smoothies. She also posts great healthy desserts, such as sugar-free and gluten-free cupcakes and homemade vegan oreos. As if all that wasn't enough, she features lunch and dinner dishes, too. 

4. @saladpride

If you're stuck in a salad rut, it's time to follow @saladpride to get tons of ideas for how to switch it up. David posts a new salad daily, which he prepares and eats at his desk in his office - a habit he has maintained for three years! The salads vary from regular leaf-based salads to fruit salads and grain salads, and you can guarantee that each one is beautifully presented. With the range of ingredients he incorporates, you'll be inspired to finally trade that plain, same-old-same-old salad in for something new and improved. 

5. @collegecookin

An account after my own heart, @collegecookin features simple, healthy meals that are affordable and easy to make. While some of the other accounts feature more elaborate dishes, these posts are geared specifically toward collegiettes, so no need to fear if you have minimal cooking skills or a limited cash flow. You'll find fun ideas for on-the-go meals, like layering a salad in a mason jar. 

By following a few of these accounts, you'll be sure to get new healthy meal ideas every time you check your Instagram feed. Just make sure to not drool on your phone screen!

Every collegiette loves a weekend getaway; they’re the perfect opportunity to take a break and relax with your besties! If you’re looking for an affordable trip that’s easy to do in just a few days, Amtrak and Her Campus are here to help with some of the best trips you can take this summer. The best part? You can enter to go on one for free!

Amtrak offers hundreds of options for the perfect weekend getaway. Here are the ones we can’t wait to go on:

1. New York, New York→Saratoga Springs, NY

Looking to escape the busy city life for a couple of days? Head to Saratoga Springs for a relaxing weekend! Be sure to go to a concert at Saratoga Performing Arts Center and check out the nightlife on Caroline Street afterwards.  Take a trip in August to see Travers Day, a famous horse race in Saratoga!

2. Boston, Massachusetts→Portland, Maine

Hop on the train in Boston, and in just over two hours, you’ll be stepping off relaxed and ready to explore Portland, Maine. This historic town has beaches and great shopping, perfect for a quick girls’ weekend to get away from the constant business of the city.  

3. Washington, D.C.→Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia is less than two hours away from D.C. with Amtrak, which means you won’t have to waste time traveling to this amazing getaway location (and, most importantly, you can leave your car at home)! Whether you’re looking for fun nightlife, historical sites or simply a world-famous cheesesteak, Philly has something for everyone.

4. Washington, D.C.→New York, New York

If you want a weekend full of adventure and sightseeing, New York City is the perfect destination. While NYC is known for good nightlife, if you’re looking to relax during the day, check out Central Park or take a stroll over the Brooklyn Bridge! No matter what you’re looking for, New York City has it there waiting for you.

5.  Los Angeles, California→San Diego, California

Your travels will be just as awesome as your visit when you take the Pacific Surfliner to San Diego! This train runs along the ocean, making for beautiful sightseeing along the coast. Once you arrive, spend a day at San Diego Zoo to watch adorable animals, or beef up your history knowledge and visit the USS Midway Museum.

Getting excited about your weekend getaway? Amtrak wants to get you there for free! Starting May 12, tweet or post on Facebook telling us what your dream getaway is and tag @Amtrak and @HerCampus with #iamtraking to enter to win free Amtrak train tickets. Don’t forget to follow Amtrak on Twitter and “like” them on Facebook for a bonus entry!

The grand-prize winner will get two round-trip* Amtrak tickets and a travel care package filled with our editor’s selection of travel must-haves. Three runners-up will win one round-trip northeast regional Amtrak ticket each. We’ll pick one winner each week of the contest, which will run through May 30!

Good luck and bon voyage, collegiettes!

*Grand-prize and runners-up tickets can be across the Northeast Regional Line or the Pacific Surfliner Line.

The end of the semester is coming up and whether you’re excited or dreading it, it's time to meet your boyfriend’s parents. Nervous might not begin to explain what you're feeling, but don't sweat. We’ve compiled a list of dos and don’ts that you must follow when coming face-to-face with your boyfriend’s parents for the first time.

DO dress appropriately

First impressions are important and part of that is how you dress.

"A night out with the girls and meeting the parents are two different occasions," warns Mariah Moses, a collegiette at Virginia State University.

Ask your boyfriend how conservative his parents are. You don't want to offend anyone by showing too much skin or wearing attire with images or language that might be seen as rude. You might want to avoid clothing that promotes violence or is overtly sexual. To be safe, lean on the conservative side until you get to know them better.

If you're meeting at a fancy restaurant, wear an appropriate dress. Don't wear stilettos if you're expected to do a lot of walking. This is important, as Emma*, a student at Skidmore College, discovered.

"My ex-boyfriend lives on a horse farm, but when I went to meet his parents for the first time I forgot to bring any shoes that were good for trekking through the dirt. I had to borrow my ex's little sister's shoes. I definitely gave the first impression that I was high-maintenance and it took a while to convince his parents that I really wasn't!"

DON'T arrive late to meet them

As previously mentioned, first impressions are everything and being late is not a good one. Running in looking flushed from the sprint you just did to arrive on time might not make a good impression either. Give yourself enough time to get ready. Coming early is better than coming late. Arriving late, sweaty and out of breath can also increase any self-consciousness or nerves you may have. Giving yourself a good fifteen minute cushion can be enough to calm those pre-meeting nerves.

DO some research beforehand

He's probably told them a little about you, so it's good to be familiar with some general facts about them. Don't be afraid to ask your boyfriend for some information on his parents; he obviously wants you to make a good impression, too. Ask him about their quirks or pet peeves so you can avoid doing anything to annoy them.

"Before I met my ex-boyfriend's parents, he told me that his dad had OCD and liked to keep things in a specific order," says Cassidy* from Kwantlen Polytechnic University.

Not only should you ask about their expectations, you should also know little things about them that you could bring up, should there be a lull in conversation. Use these little facts to your advantage: "So, Jenson tells me you recently got a promotion. Congrats!" or "I heard you love Downton Abbey. What did you think of the finale?"

This shows that you are interested in their lives and gives the impression that you are looking for a connection.

DON’T be culturally insensitive

If your significant other’s family is of a different culture, make sure to learn about what is culturally acceptable and what is considered disrespectful.

"In some cultures it is rude to do certain things. For example, in many Asian cultures it's rude to tell a host or hostess that you don't like the food or do any kind of complaining. If they ask you if you'd like more, generally you take it," says Elise*, a collegiette from Mount Holyoke College.

It's important to show that you’re at least making an effort to understand the culture. Even if your boyfriend's parents are not of a different ethnic background, the same advice could apply for religion. Get to know what their spiritual beliefs are (if they have any). Even if you know they follow a certain religion (like Christianity or Islam), religions can have different denominations where traditions and beliefs can vary.

DO bring a gift (if you’re visiting their home)

If you are invited over for dinner, you can never go wrong with a little gift, just as long as it is just that—little.

“If you're going for dinner it's polite to take something like a box of chocolates or flowers or a bottle of wine,” says Elise.

Alicia Thomas from Pennsylvania State University admits to being nervous about meeting her boyfriend’s parents for the first time.

“I really liked him and wanted to make a good impression, so I came prepared,” she says. “I arrived at their house with a bottle of red wine and a juicy bone for the family dog (with a big red bow on it since it was his birthday!), which his parents loved.”

She also left a thank-you card that went down well with his parents. “I think little stuff like this can leave a great impression, and they've told me numerous times since that I'm welcome in their home anytime!” she says.

DO be polite, but DON’T be dishonest

Simple manners never got anyone in trouble. “Please” and “thank you” never go out of style, but Elise from Mount Holyoke warns not to be too polite, to the point where you compromise your own comfort. “If anything makes you feel uncomfortable then say so! Hiding it will make it worse. For example, if you have allergies and his parents have seven dogs, then you should probably say something."

You should also be wary of complimenting for the purpose of flattering. Never say anything you don’t mean. Yes, compliment the cooking, the decor of the house or his mom’s dress—but only if it comes from an honest place. Flattery may win some people over, but some can see straight through false praise. The last thing you want to do is come off as fake. 

DO be yourself, but DON'T overshare

Sometimes nerves can get in the way of showing your true personality.

“It’s scary and intimidating because you want to be liked,” admits Claudia Martinez, a student at British Columbia Institute of Technology.

If you pretend to be someone you’re not, you’re doing yourself a disservice. They will be missing out on getting to know the real you. After all, they want to meet the girl that their son has fallen for, not a false version of her.

If you tend to be a naturally open person, although that may be part of your personality, you might want to tone it down for the first meeting.

A first meeting with the parents is just like a first date with a guy—don’t overshare! Don’t talk about your exes, your sex life or any past criminal history. Keep the conversation light, and don’t share any stories about the last time you had bowel problems, especially around the dinner table.

DO show your admiration for their son but DON’T pile on the PDA

Yes, laugh at his jokes and say nice things about him. Let his parents know how much you adore their son... just don’t take it too far.

A little cuddling or hand-holding might be cute, but don’t get carried away. You don’t want to make anyone feel uncomfortable. That means no making out or touching in inappropriate places!

“My ex-guy’s parents are religious, so I knew that we should respect their beliefs towards sex before marriage,” says Cassidy. “The most he did around them was put his arm around my shoulder. We maybe hugged, but that’s it.”

DO offer to help out

The last impression you want to give is a lazy one. Offer to help set the table or wash the dishes if you’re at their home. Even if they refuse your help, at least you asked.

“When I stayed with my boyfriend’s parents, I was too shy to offer to help wash the dishes. Eventually, his father called me out on it... jokingly, but still. I should have just done it,” says Cassidy.

Not only would offering to help prep or clean up show that you are respectful of the time and effort they put into meeting you, but it could be considered rude if you don’t offer to help out in some way. Not all people will find it rude if a guest doesn’t offer to help out, but the safest thing to do would be to at least make your intention of helping out known. It shows that you appreciate and acknowledge the work that goes into preparing for the meeting.

DON’T get involved in any family drama

It happens. Sometimes little arguments will erupt and awkwardness can ensue. Whatever you do, don’t take sides. Respectfully keep out, even if you want to take your boyfriend’s side. The best thing you can do is stay neutral. You don’t want to get involved in other people’s business. The last place you want to be is in the middle of a fight with people you just met!

Got any other tips?  Leave a comment!

*Names have been changed to protect identities

Fashion’s biggest party of the year, the Met Gala, was hosted last night by none other than Vogue editor Anna Wintour. Tickets may have cost $25,000 a pop, but that didn’t stop A-listers from going all out in gorgeous gowns and white-tie tuxedos. Though pretty much everyone looked absolutely stunning as they ascended the red-carpeted steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, a few stood out as the most gorgeous -- while others fell slightly short of the goal.

Best Dressed

1. Suki Waterhouse

Model Suki Waterhouse floated through crowds of photographers in this tiered Burberry gown. The neutral and pink shades complemented her skin tone, and a punch of burgundy lip sent her look over the top.

2. Karolina Kurkova

Karolina Kurkova, a true supermodel, donned a structured Marchesa gown featuring hand-painted flowers. In addition, she wore over $1 million worth of Harry Winston diamonds. Swoon. It's ironic that Kurkova was at a museum because we think this dress belongs in a museum.

3. Emma Stone

We are obsessed with Emma Stone’s quirky take on a ball gown. The pink hues look perfect on her, especially with her red locks, and we love that she incorporated the crop top trend with this Thakoon creation.

4. Beyoncé

Honestly, can Queen Bey do no wrong? Arriving fashionably late, the superstar stole the show in custom Givenchy Couture, complete with a netted veil. Her dark, sultry lip color makes the ensemble parfait!

5. Victoria Beckham

Wearing her own design, Posh Spice absolutely killed the red carpet on the arm of her equally well-dressed hubby, footballer David Beckham. White is really hard to pull off, as we’re sure everyone who has ever tried knows, but Beckham looked flawless in her snowy ensemble.

Worst Dressed

1. Sarah Jessica Parker

Don’t get us wrong: we loooove SJP and think her style is usually on point. However, this Oscar de la Renta gown was just too much for our taste. We think it would have been better with a simpler hairstyle and sans gloves.

2. Lupita Nyong’o

Luptia’s choice of Prada wasn’t totally surprising, but this dress was way too busy. We couldn’t focus on the actress’ beautiful makeup because we were so distracted by the George-in-the-Jungle-meets-Gatsby thing she had going on.

3. Kim Kardashian

Okay, this gown is 100 percent better than the drapes she wore to last year’s ball, but we just don’t like Kimmy K’s decision to wear a thigh-high slit. We get it, you’re sexy. At this point, we’re honestly bored with the Kardashians, and this Lanvin gown doesn’t do enough to pique our interest.

4. Lea Michele

Come on, Lea! Her gold gown made her look more like a Vegas go-go dancer than an A-list celeb. It was too revealing -- even though we’ve got to give the girl props for her rockin’ bod. In short, sometimes less isn't more. 

5. Jessica Alba

The hot mama usually hits home runs at red carpet events, but Alba’s gown at the Met Ball looked just like that … carpet. The Diane Von Furstenberg gown looked too big for Alba’s fit frame, but her hair and makeup did look totally amazing.

What did you think of this year's gowns at the Met Ball? 

Not everyone frequents the library during the school year, but once finals week hits, you’ll find people from all walks of life in the stacks. Here are just a few people you might be sharing a table with during your next study sesh.  

1. The Drama Queen

We get it - you have two final papers due tomorrow and an exam this afternoon, but would you mind keeping down the groans and sighs behind your pile of books?

2. The Chatty Cathy  

You may think you’re whispering, but we can still hear that story you’re telling to your friend about how drunk you were last night loud and clear.

3. The Vagabond

Judging from the amount of food wrappers surrounding you, you’ve either been in the library for over 12 hours or you actually live here.

4. The Fresh-Faced Freshman

Unless you stop looking around every five minutes and asking where the printers are, everyone is going to know that you’ve never actually been in the library before.

5. The Over-prepared Expert

We get why you brought the bottles of water and the snacks, but do you really think you need that extra power cord, those earplugs and that bottle of aspirin? 

6. The Irritant  

We know you can’t help your cough, but can you at least stop tapping your foot and chewing that gum so loudly?

7. The Madly-in-Love Duo

We get it, you’re in love. Now can you please stop playing footsie under the table? Don't you have studying to do? 

8. The Perpetually Annoyed Person

Okay, we know our phone vibrating was annoying, but was that death stare really necessary?

9. The Procrastinator

We can all see you on Facebook. You’re not fooling anyone. 

Following protests from student and faculty at Rutgers University in New Jersey, former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said that she will no longer speak at Rutgers' graduation.

Last week, more than 150 students staged a sit-in outside the university president's office to protest the upcoming speech. The protest was largely due to Rice's involvement in the Iraq war, along with her relationship with former President George W. Bush.

“She misled the American public,” said Sherif Ibrahim, who helped organize the sit-in. “She made dozens of statements to several media outlets that said that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction, and as we all know, Iraq did not have weapons of mass destruction."

In a statement released on Facebook, Rice said "Commencement should be a time of joyous celebration for the graduates and their families. Rutgers’ invitation to me to speak has become a distraction for the university community at this very special time.”

Rutgers has yet to name Rice's replacement. 

Condoms: You were most likely first exposed to them in a super awkward high school health class, and you probably haven’t learned much about them since. After all, it’s a guy’s responsibility to understand the ins and outs of condoms since they’re wearing them, right?

Wrong! Although it might seem a little embarrassing or weird to research, collegiettes should be just as knowledgeable about condoms as guys for safe sex, and Her Campus is here to help you learn everything you’ll ever need to know about them.

At its core, a male condom is a barrier worn by a male during sex to protect a female from pregnancy and both partners from sexually transmitted diseases and infections. Condoms are typically made of latex, polyurethane or polyisoprene so as not to create friction during intercourse.

There are also female condoms made of the same material as male condoms, though they are used less frequently than male condoms since issues can include irritation to the vaginal area and the condom slipping in or out.

The Basics

Size

Getting the right size condom is crucial so the condom doesn’t slide off or tear during sex (which would render it ineffective), so make sure to talk to your partner before buying condoms or look at a condom sizing chart. Since a guy’s member can come in all shapes and sizes, finding the right condom size isn’t just a question of small, medium or large. Make sure you check condom boxes and use charts to find a condom that’s the right fit for your partner.

Not sure what to get if you’re single and don’t have a recurring partner? The average erect penis is between five to seven inches long with a circumference of around four and a half to five inches, so buying condoms around that size are a safe place to start. You can also always try buying condoms of different sizes.

Storage

Dr. Megan Stubbs, a board-certified sexologist, also encourages collegiettes to give a lot of thought to how they store their condoms once they’re bought. “Keep [condoms] away from extreme temperatures as it can damage latex, and make sure you don't keep them in a wallet where constant rubbing can compromise them as well,” she says. A typical dorm-room drawer is okay for storage.

Usage

Additionally, Dr. Stubbs recommends being careful when opening a condom wrapper. “Try not to open condoms with your teeth; you may rip them,” she says. “Make sure you're putting it on an erect penis the right way. It's okay if you mess up; just grab another condom and start again.”

Not sure how to put on a condom? There are several step-by-step video guides online to help you learn!

Where to Get Them

The great thing about being on a college campus is that condoms are typically available for free in your residential hall or health center! Dr. Jill McDevitt, sexologist and author of Fighting the Crusade Against Sex, highly recommends taking advantage of this offer during college. “One of the nice things about [free condoms on campus] is that you get to try out different brands, shapes, sizes, colors and varieties, so that when you buy your own, you know what you like,” she says.

Are you not able to get condoms at your school? You can find them at any local drugstore, like Walgreens, CVS or Rite Aid, as well as many grocery stores and convenience stores.

“Buy in bulk!” Dr. McDevitt says. “Condoms have a long shelf life; many are safe to use for years, so buying in bulk is the economical route, like 12-, 18- or 24-packs. That way you'll always be prepared and can help out a friend or roommate in need, too.”

Condom Types

This is where it gets tricky. Condoms come in an array of sizes, colors and textures, ranging from glow-in-the-dark to scented. It can be extremely overwhelming to stand in front of shelves upon shelves of condoms trying to figure out what to buy. But don’t worry! We’ve broken down the major condom types you can start with.

Latex versus non-latex

Both latex and non-latex condoms get the job of safer sex done just as effectively; the only exception is that non-latex condoms (generally referred to as polyurethane condoms) are much more rigid and loose, so there’s a slightly higher chance that they could slip off or tear during intercourse if you’re not careful when buying or putting them on.

While most people generally prefer latex condoms, be sure to check with your partner to see if he has a latex allergy before having sex.

Lubricated versus non-lubricated

Quite simply, lubricated condoms have substances on them that are meant to make sex smoother for couples, and many can help make the experience more pleasurable for both partners. Some condoms are lubricated just on the outside, while others are lubricated on both sides, so make sure you check the box before buying depending on what you and your partner want.

Additionally, some lubricants contain spermicide or other chemicals that could potentially be harmful during oral or anal sex since it can cause irritation, so make sure you check the contents before using them.

When it comes to lubricated condoms, Celeste Hirschman and Danielle Harel, creators of the Somatica Method of sex therapy, have several tips. “For vaginal, and especially for anal sex, you will want to use extra lubricant even if you use a lubricated condom,” they say in a joint statement. “Condoms are drying, so even if you have plenty of natural lubrication, it is great to have extra just in case. Making sure there is enough lubricant will greatly decrease the likelihood of breakage.”

Textured

Condoms that have different shapes, ribs or studs offer one or both partners more pleasure. As noted earlier, the use of textured condoms depends a lot on you and your partner’s comfort and sensitivity levels, so you may need to experiment quite a bit to find what works for both of you.

Not sure what some of the lingo is for textured condoms? Typically these labels will include words like ribbed, dotted or studded, meaning that there are different shapes or bumps on the condom.

Tantric-style

The name has nothing to do with the kind of sex you’re having; it literally means that there are cool patterns (or “tattoos”) on the condom.

Ultra-thin

As the name gives away, the idea of these condoms is that they’re slightly thinner (by literally 0.001 inches) than regular condoms.

Flavored

Again, the name is quite self-explanatory. These condoms come in all sorts of flavors (ranging from a simple vanilla to a more bitter licorice). These condoms are typically used for oral sex rather than vaginal or anal sex. And be warned: the vaginal and anal areas are sensitive, so if you want to avoid serious irritation, it’s better to steer away from these while having vaginal or anal sex, especially if it’s your first time having sex or first time having sex with a particular partner.

Still confused and overwhelmed by all the condom choices? Dr. Logan Levkoff, a sexologist and relationship expert, recommends Trojan’s Double Ecstasy for first-time users who want something simple but enjoyable. “It is bulbous at the head of the penis, which means it isn't constricting,” she says. “It is also lubricated inside and outside of the condom, meaning smoothness (and increased pleasure) for both partners.”

Hirschman and Harel also have several suggestions for collegiettes. “Thinner condoms often offer more sensation,” they say. “We do not suggest you use condoms with any spermicide because they can cause irritation of the vaginal walls, making you more susceptible to STIs.”

Collegiettes Weigh In

It’s always reassuring to see which condoms other collegiettes are using, so we asked several college women to give their recommendations and experiences buying condoms!

“I think the important thing to remember when buying condoms is to relax. The first time I bought condoms was during senior year of high school, and I felt like every person in Walgreens was staring at me (when, in reality, they probably couldn’t have cared less). Remember that thousands of people buy condoms every day, so don’t be afraid!” – Jane*, Wesleyan University ‘16

“I would say do some research on the types of condoms and go with the simplest option you can find, probably something latex and lubricated, but none of the intense flavored or textured stuff. After all, you don’t want to spend the entire time with your boyfriend fiddling around with the condom instead of actually having sex.” – Lauren*, University of Florida ‘16

“There’s something exciting about starting simple and working your way up. My boyfriend and I have been together for three years, so we’ve gotten more adventurous with condom choice over that time. It was a learning experience for both of us and a lot more fun.” – Katie*, Wesleyan University ‘15

“I would actually recommend going with your partner (if possible) to buy condoms. Not only is it less overwhelming, but it’s also a great experience to learn what he buys and why, which is really important. I once tried to buy my boyfriend condoms and didn’t know that he was super allergic to most brands, so there was an awkward moment when we were about to have sex and he was like, ‘Well, I can’t use these…’ I went to the drugstore with him the next day.” – Sarah*, Florida State University ‘14

“My only bit of advice is never ever put a banana-flavored condom in your mouth. The irony doesn't make up for how horrible it tastes.” – Fiona*, Wesleyan University ‘16

College Guys Weigh In

Every wondered what college guys think about girls buying condoms, or what their tips would be when buying condoms? We asked several college guys for their opinions!

“Girls shouldn’t be nervous about buying condoms. Personally, I’ve always found it kind of nice if I go home with a girl and she has a small stash in a desk drawer or something. It takes the pressure off.” – Sean*, University of Arizona ‘15

“A lot of people forget that both partners experience a condom when having sex, so women shouldn’t feel embarrassed about buying them or weighing in on condom options. Ladies should have a say in what goes inside their bodies.” – John*, Wesleyan University ‘16

“I would recommend purchasing something very basic (latex, lubricated) if you’re a girl buying condoms for a guy. Also, keep in mind that guys have varying levels of experience with using condoms, so even if you may be comfortable with a particular condom type, your partner might not be, and that can lead to some awkwardness. I personally had the experience of a girl handing me a condom that was shaped weird, and I had no idea how to put it on without tearing it completely.” – Lucas*, University of Florida ‘16

“If you buy condoms for your partner and the guy says they don’t fit right, don’t feel embarrassed or upset; it’s all a learning experience! I once dated a girl who bought me condoms, but they were too big and she thought I didn’t want to sleep with her when I tried to explain that I couldn’t use them. I definitely wanted to have sex with her, but I also obviously didn’t want to risk her getting pregnant by using ill-fitting condoms that I knew would slip off.” – Jesse*, Wesleyan University ‘14

No matter which kind of condom you try, remember to stay positive. “Condom shopping should be an enjoying experience,” Dr. Levkoff says. “Consider the time we spend shopping for shoes, and those go on our feet and not inside our bodies!” You should take a good amount of time and care to figure out what you and your partner want to use. Communicate with your partner and you’ll be a pro in no time!

*Names have been changed.

There seems to be an unwritten rule somewhere that says every aspect of a woman’s life is subject to commentary from any person within a 200-mile radius. However, when it comes to things like your dating life (or any of your feelings, for that matter), one thing stands true: what’s yours is yours, and no one else’s.

Sorry we’re not sorry.

1. Eating Junk Food

Who ever said you needed to have a bad day or a breakup to make out with a giant piece of pizza or dominate an entire pint of ice cream? Don’t worry; Cosmo and SHAPE Magazine have plenty of thigh-busting, arm-shrinking workouts to make up for it. Junk food was made for a reason, and someone’s gotta eat it. So in that case, we volunteer as tribute.

2. How Active (or Inactive) Our Sex Lives Are

Society has formed this stigma around sex for college-aged women: either you’re having too much of it, or you're not having enough. The fact of the matter is that this stigma has turned sex into something women feel ashamed of.  Nothing ruins a great thing more than someone telling you how to do it and when to do it, especially sex. Why don’t we start focusing more on making it safe and exciting instead of degrading women for having (or not having) it?

3. How Much (or How Little) We Are Eating

It’s the classic “I haven’t eaten since, like, 8 a.m., so I'm starving,” or “I ate a really, really big lunch.” You know what, girls? Don’t ever feel like you owe anyone an explanation about what you are (or aren’t) putting in your mouth. Your eating habits are yours and yours only, so you go on and eat (or don’t eat) that giant sandwich and feel no shame.

4. Our Relationship Statuses

If we’re single, we’re trained to think there is something inherently wrong with us. If we’re in a relationship, were trained to think we are boring, tied-down creatures with owners who have a leash. So there’s really no winning with this one. If anyone asks you why you’re in a relationship or why you’re still single, you have full permission by Gretchen Weiners' Rules of Feminism to roll your eyes and walk away.

5. Wearing Leggings and Drinking Starbucks

Let’s just put this whole “White Girl” thing to bed. Whether girls are white, black, Hispanic, purple or polka-dotted, has it ever crossed people’s minds that maybe we wear leggings with UGG boots because they're comfy and that we drink Starbucks because it’s really, really good? If we're going to pay $5 for a cup of coffee, we're going to enjoy it, and we’re going to be cozy as sh*t while we do so.

6. Being a Boss

Let’s clear something up right now: being a boss does not in any way make you bossy (or a b*tch, for that matter). It simply means you know what you want, how you want it and how you’re going to get it, and there's nothing wrong with that. Contrary to popular belief, being a woman who takes her job seriously and expects people to pull their own weight is not a crime.

7. Being Emotional

Women have been brainwashed into believing that having feelings somehow categorizes us into the “crazy and overemotional” category deep in the pits of womanly hell. If you are feeling sad, happy or angry, there's obviously a reason why you're having that reaction. Even if it is just your period, let it out, girl. Let. It. Out.

8. Our Taste in Guys

We're finally getting to the age where “swag” and “sick game” no longer fall on our list of what we look for in a guy, and that’s okay. You don’t ever owe anyone an explanation as to why you find someone attractive, and anyone who makes you feel like you do isn't worth your time.

9. Our Political Views

We're still young, and (whether we believe it or not) we're very naïve. Meeting someone who knows every true and unbiased fact about politics is a very rare occasion. That being said, don’t ever let someone make you feel like your views are wrong, because they aren’t. That’s the beauty about politics - there is no right or wrong side. It’s all about what you believe, and that’s something that nobody can ever take away from you.

10. Our Weight

Whether it’s a thyroid problem, a digestive issue, a fast metabolism or just a flat-out pure love for food, it doesn’t matter. A woman should never have to justify her weight. Period. Last time we checked, whether you're fat, skinny, chunky or somewhere in the middle, our graves are all the same size.

“Be safe!” You hear these two little words from your mom (too often), your best friend (because she cares), and those who have ever given you sex advice (out of genuine concern). When it comes to oral sex, though, sound advice is kind of murky. Many girls think oral sex is safe sex because they can’t get pregnant. What you may not know is that you can contract sexually transmitted infections (STIs) from oral sex. Read on to find out more about this increasingly relevant issue and how you can be safe if you choose to engage.

Isn’t oral sex safe sex?

“A big misconception is that oral sex is safe sex. Oral sex is safer sex, but it’s not safe sex,” says Dr. Catherine Satterwhite, assistant professor at the University of Kansas School of Medicine. “It is less risky than vaginal sex, but you can still contract sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in your throat from performing oral sex.”

What STIs can I contract from performing oral sex and how will I know?

The disconcerting news: you can catch pretty much any STI from giving oral sex, including Chlamydia, gonorrhea, HPV, and herpes. The good news: “All STIs can clear up on their own, without ever having any symptoms appear. In fact, most STIs will not have any symptoms and will resolve on their own, without any treatment,” says Satterwhite. “HPV is likely to clear in 1-2 years. In the case of bacterial STIs, like chlamydia and gonorrhea, infections may clear in as few as a couple of weeks to about a year or longer.”

Although STIs can clear up on their own, they can also cause disease. “In some cases, STIs may lead to symptoms. If you have any concerning symptoms, such as unusual discharge, pain during intercourse, or pain during urination, go talk with your doctor. In rare cases, STIs can lead to adverse outcomes, like warts in the throat from oral HPV or pelvic inflammatory disease after cervical Chlamydia or gonorrhea.”

There is one STI that will not clear up on its own, although you may never know you have it—herpes. Herpes simplex virus (HSV) will never go away once contracted. “You may never get any symptoms (sores), get sores only once, or get sores more than once. In all of these cases, you would still actually be infected with HSV and could pass the infection to someone else,” warns Satterwhite.

If I have a STI, will I infect my partner when giving oral sex? If my partner has a STI, will he infect me when giving oral sex?

“Oral STIs can be transmitted through fluid exchange including pre-ejaculate, ejaculate, and vaginal fluids—mucus and discharge,” says Satterwhite. Because there is potential for fluid exchange during oral sex, you CAN transmit STIs between the mouth and genitals, or vice versa.

“For instance, HPV and herpes may be shed from skin cells, whether a sore is present or not. So, for example: oral herpes could be transmitted to the penis or female genitals, or genital herpes could be transmitted to the mouth,” Satterwhite explains.

“While the individual risks of oral sex are of concern, the greater concern may actually be passing the infection on to a sex partner,” says Satterwhite. “Genital infections are associated with greater risks than oral infections.” Keep reading to learn how to protect yourself.

How can I protect against getting an STI from oral sex?

You have a couple options when it comes to preventing STIs via oral sex. “The surest way to avoid STIs is abstinence – this means not having anal, vaginal, or oral sex,” says Rachel Powell, a spokesperson for the Center for Disease Control (CDC). If you don’t engage in oral sex, there is automatically no risk of catching an STI.

You can also opt to use condoms (if you’re performing oral sex on a guy) or dental dams (if your guy is performing oral sex on you). For information on discussing condoms with your partner, go here. You can also check out these videos from Planned Parenthood—this video teaches you how to properly put on a condom, and this video fills you in on how to use a dental dam.

Oral sex is riskiest when you are exposed to fluid. If you aren’t using protection, don’t let your partner ejaculate into your mouth.

Oral sex becomes much safer if you are in a “mutually monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner,” says Powell. To add to the security, make sure you and your partner are screened every year.

Where can I go to get tested?

Talk to your primary care doctor or your gynecologist. “A great time to get an STI check—in both your throat and around your genitals—is during your annual physical exam or, if you’re on birth control, when you get your prescription refilled,” suggests Satterwhite. “Either way, you should get tested for STIs once a year, whether you’re in a monogamous relationship or not.” Some other places to check out are your campus health center, the local Planned Parenthood or a public STD clinic. You can check out the CDC's National HIV and STD Testing Resources to find free and low-cost STD testing locations, or text your zip code to 498669 to find a testing site in your area.

In all of the above cases, your insurance should cover the cost of the STI test. You may have a co-pay associated with your exam; check with your insurance provider or doctor.

When it comes to getting your throat checked out for STIs, your doctor will take a culture test, which means she will swab your throat to test for any bacteria (kind of like a strep throat test, where they swab your throat with a huge Q-tip). You should have results within a week.

When you are tested for STIs around your genitals, doctors will most likely take a blood or urine sample. “Doctors can also take a sample by swabbing your throat to detect Chlamydia and gonorrhea,” explains Powell.

At the end of the day, your health is what is most important. Get screened once a year for STIs, and take preventative measures when engaging in oral sex. You are in control of your body, so take care of it!

Macy's wants to find the next big thing in fashion! That's why they launched The Next Style Star, a series that follows 16 up-and-coming stylists competing to win a $10,000 cash prize, a chance to serve as a guest stylist on a Macy's photo shoot and the opportunity to have his or her winning outfit featured in the Impulse Department at Macy's in Herald Square.  The series, which is hosted by fashion expert Jeannie Mai, features challenges where the stylists must create on-trend looks using Macy's brands, such as Lucky Brand, Joe's Jeans, Guess and Kensie.  The Next Style Star premiered on April 3 - check out the video below and go to macys.com/stylestar to learn more!

We love that Instagram can give us a snapshot into the lives of our friends, family and favorite celebrities. It’s our go-to social media app for showing off our photography skills, sharing our fab selfies and celebrating weekly holidays (who doesn’t love a good #mancrushmonday?). However, there are a few overused trends we could do without. Here’s our guide to the 10 most clichéd Instagram photos you should probably stop posting.

1. The #ThrowbackThursday... from last week

“#tbt to last weekend with my favorite ladies!”

Contrary to popular belief, #ThrowbackThursday is not an excuse to post a photo of you and your friends at the bar last Friday.  A true throwback should be from years ago (not weeks!). While a cute baby picture of you and your siblings is adorable, reposting a photo from last month’s spring break is just repetitive.

2. The “studying for finals” photo with laptop and notes

“#finals #studying #workinghard”

What better way to show everyone how hard you’re studying for finals than to spend time arranging your study items, taking a photo of them, editing that photo and uploading it to show off all the work you’re (not) doing? While you’re at it, we’d appreciate it if you refrained from posting woe-is-me finals week Facebook statuses, too.

3. The unnecessary food photo

“I’m basically housewife material #omnomnom”

There are Instagram-worthy meals, and then there are the filtered photos of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with the caption #housewifestatus. While the meal you just made for yourself may be delicious, the only food we want to see on our Instagram feeds are those jealousy-inducing pics that could be classified as #foodporn.  

4. The Starbucks cup

“Starting the day off right with a #Starbucks latte.”

We’re willing to bet that every college girl has posted a photo of that green logo at least once. Although it can be tempting to share your excitement about the Frappuccino you’re about to consume, once you’ve seen one Starbucks drink on Instagram, you’ve seen them all.  We promise Instagram will survive without one more photo of a misspelled name on a plastic cup.

5. The beach vacation

“I could get used to this. #paradise”

If you spend your spring break on the beach without Instagramming a photo of your legs in the sand, did you really go to the beach? Instead of succumbing to the trend, why not try taking a different approach? Take a pic of you in the water, jumping on the beach, building a sandcastle, etc. The photo ops are endless!

6. The text message screenshot

“I love my friends lol”

The inside joke between you and your friends may be hilarious, but to the rest of your followers, it’s just a random text post in between photos of puppies and pancakes. And after all, doesn’t posting an inside joke on social media kind of defeat the purpose?

7. The post-workout pic

“Just had the best #workout! #feelinggood #fitness”

This falls under the same category as tweeting about your workout. We’re happy that you’re getting fit, but if we see one more gym selfie, we’re going to give our thumb a workout and keep scrolling.

8. The airplane wing

“What a view. #flyinghigh #travel”

This is the best way to say, “Look, I’m traveling somewhere cool and exciting!” without actually saying it. Life may be about the journey and not the destination, but we’d much rather see pictures of where you’re going than photos taken from the seat of a plane.

9. The sunset

“Sunset on the drive home from work. #nature #nofilter”

Quick, take a picture of the sun before it goes down so you can post it on Instagram for everyone who hasn’t looked outside! As amazing as the sunset may be in person, it just doesn’t have the same effect when seen on a tiny phone screen.

10. The #nofilter #nomakeup selfie

“Just woke up! #nofilter #nomakeup #selfie”

This type of selfie is posted for one of two reasons: either you look amazing sans makeup and you want everyone to know it, or you edited the photo with three different apps to make people think you #wokeuplikethis. Either way, enough is enough.

The key to having an on-point Instagram feed is creativity. Next time, resist the clichés and put your own unique twist on your photos! 

Whether you’re a senior trying to solidify your post-graduation plans and secure a “big-girl” job or you’re still an underclassman searching for summer work, finding a job is the worst. After meticulously checking your resume over and over again, sending out cover letters to everyone you know (and their business partners, ex-roommates, friends, dogs, etc.) and waiting what feels like years for a response, the whole process can really take a toll on a girl. Stressing over your job search doesn’t have to take up your entire life, though. Following a few easy and helpful tips can make the process way easier and speedier!

1. Start early

 You’ve heard it about a million times because it’s true: the early bird catches the worm. Though it’s tempting to spend your afternoons lazing in the sun and painting your nails, the last weeks of the semester are crucial for job seekers. It’s in these important weeks that interviews are held and positions are offered. The earlier you get on your game and check out career websites, company pages or your school’s career center, the sooner you’ll have a job nailed down. Once that’s taken care of, then you’ll feel less guilty about blowing off the library to hang out in the sun with your girlfriends.

Even if you’re a sophomore or junior, it’s not too soon to start thinking about post-college career opportunities. Schedule an appointment with a career counselor at your school to discuss your future plans, go to networking events and complete summer or academic-year internships to build a base of contacts in the industry you’re interested in working in. They’ll come in handy in the next couple of years when you’re looking for full-time positions!

2. Stay organized

Keeping track of application deadlines, interview times and hiring managers’ contact information can be tricky if you don’t have a functional system for remembering them. Instead of keeping random notes and numbers in a billion different places (your phone, planner and forgotten Post-its under your bed, for example), try using Microsoft OneNote to keep everything organized. With OneNote, you can access phone numbers, interview notes, applications and everything else you use for your job hunt in one place. When you save it all to OneDrive, you can access all of your information anywhere, from your laptop to your iPad.

3. Use your resources

Networking is probably your greatest asset for finding a job, be it a full-time gig or seasonal work. Pretty much anyone can be a part of your professional network, from professors to previous employers to alumni from your school. Under the “Network” tab on LinkedIn, you can find people in your industry who are alumni at your college or university.

Don’t be afraid to reach out to people who can help you even if you don’t know them super well. Most professionals understand the difficulty of finding a job, especially an entry-level position. They’ll more than likely be willing to help you out or direct you to someone who can give you a boost.  

4. Be creative…

First impressions are key, meaning that your resume, cover letter and presentation (in certain industries) need to be on point, professional and engaging. Being creative doesn’t mean that you have to make your resume into an art project or write a tune to accompany your cover letter; simply using a template from Microsoft Word that is interesting yet professional to create your resume will give you a leg up on your competition.

One neat, creative trick we love is using PowerPoint to create a brand logo (remember, YOU are your own brand!). You can layer shapes and fonts on PowerPoint to create a personalized logo, and then save the image as a picture to include on your resume, presentation and thank-you notes. Potential employers are bound to be impressed by your consistency and artistry!

5. …and persistent

Following up with companies is really important, especially right after interviews. Personalized, handwritten thank-you notes are best, but if that’s impossible, be sure to at least send an email thanking your interviewer for the opportunity to speak with him or her.

If you’re told that you’ll hear back from a company within, say, two weeks, and after two weeks you haven’t heard anything, it’s definitely okay to send another follow-up email to check where you are in the hiring process. Most hiring managers will be happy that you’re persistent enough to check up on them and will understand that you really want the job.

6. Repeat (if necessary)   

Sometimes, even if you do everything right and follow all the necessary steps, the job you really want gets offered to somebody else. Don’t lose hope! Everything happens for a reason, and if you don’t get a position, that simply means it wasn’t meant to be. Staying patient and waiting for a job that really fits you will make you happier than settling for a position that isn’t an ideal fit for you. When something doesn’t work out, pick yourself up and try again! The perfect company for you will be lucky to have you on their team.

Finding the perfect job doesn’t have to be the most stressful part of your life. Stay ahead with these easy tips and you’ll be ruling the boardroom in no time flat. We believe in you, collegiettes! 

A fresh manicure is the perfect spring pick-me-up, and Salon Perfect’s new Bloom in Color collection has just what you need! Her Campus has partnered with Salon Perfect to bring you this amazing spring nail polish giveaway.

One lucky collegiette will win assorted products from Salon Perfect's Bloom in Color collection! Enter to win everything you need to create fun nail art designs bursting with color, including a two-pack each of pastel and neon polishes, a three-pack of nail art liners and assorted nail art kits that include studs, loose glitter, foil and more.

We're just obsessed with all of the collection's new colors, which include sweet pastels, vibrant neons and fab glitters. Salon Perfect's Bloom in Color collection is available at Walmart stores nationwide, but we're giving collegiettes the chance to win the products pictured above! One lucky winner will receive:

• One In Bloom pastel polish two-pack
• One Neon POP polish two-pack
• One two-piece Neon Basics set with White and Crystal Clear polishes
• One two-piece Lacquer Basics in Black/White
• One three-piece Nail Art Liner pack
• Six Nail Art Kits packed with glitters, crystals, studs and foils

With these bright and fun polishes, collegiettes can take their manicures from boring and dreary to upbeat and spring-ready!

To enter, fill out the form below. The winner will be chosen at random and announced in the May 14 STUDY BREAK.

Be sure to also enter Salon Perfect’s Bloom in Color seven-day Instagram nail art challenge! Seven winners will receive $50 worth of Salon Perfect products, and one Grand Prize winner will receive a $150 Walmart gift card as well as $50 worth of Salon Perfect products! Follow Salon Perfect on Instagram (@SalonPerfect) to learn more. 

It’s been a good year for girl power. From Time Magazine’s naming Beyoncé as the world’s most influential person to Miley Cyrus’s evolution and her encouragement of female sexuality, the quest to empower women has taken center stage. While some celebrities are quick to hop on the feminist bandwagon, others are reluctant to identify themselves with the “F” word. In a recent interview with TIME Magazine, Shailene Woodley joined this category when she answered a question about whether she is a feminist by saying: 

“No because I love men, and I think the idea of ‘raise women to power, take the men away from the power’ is never going to work because you need balance.”

By definition, feminism means the advocacy of complete equality of the sexes, but the term has increasingly gained a negative and radical reputation as a way for women to assert power over men. Though she may not identify as a feminist, Shailene is quick to point out the importance of balance between genders:

“I’m very in touch with my masculine side. And I’m 50 percent feminine and 50 percent masculine, same as I think a lot of us are. And I think that is important to note.”

This isn’t the first time that Shailene has raised eyebrows – on her recent Divergent press tour she shared some memorable and endearing quotes about her all-natural lifestyle and hippie tendencies. The outspoken star may not be a feminist, but Shailene is definitely all about looking out for other women, and we can’t argue with that:

“My biggest thing is really sisterhood more than feminism. I don’t know how we as women expect men to respect us because we don’t even seem to respect each other.”

Amen, sister.

Check out the rest of the TIME article here and keep an eye out for Shailene’s new movie, The Fault in Our Stars, in theaters on June 6.

Hans Arneson, a Religious Studies professor at Elon University in North Carolina, was dismissed after sending sexual text messages to one of his students.

Junior Amy DeNenno began receiving texts from Arneson last fall, which soon turned inappropriate. Arneson invited DeNenno to drink alcohol with him after class, although she was under 21, and also sent her sexually graphic messages. 

“I didn’t know how to react because the way he was talking to me was the way that any guy in general that was flirting with me would talk to me,” she said.

After becoming increasingly uncomfortable, and even skipping class to avoid Arneson, DeNenno notified University officials of the situation in February. Arneson was dismissed from the University this semester.

“If I could change everything I probably would have told him that that drink did make me feel uncomfortable,” said DeNenno. “I probably would have told him to just kind of chill out, stop talking to me like that. Yeah I think that there’s just more regrets than anything.”

The break-up was bad and you decided you can’t be friends with your ex. Still, you’re aware of every new picture he’s uploaded on Facebook, his tweets keep popping up on your timeline and you can’t help but text him when you get lonely. It’s hard to let go of someone you cared so deeply for, but you know what you need to get over him: a clean break. 

After being so close to someone, it will, undeniably, take time and effort to break the habits you’ve built while being together (constantly texting, phone calls every day, maybe being attached at the hip). Though easier said than done, it’s definitely not impossible. So how do you really let go? We spoke to collegiettes who learned some important lessons on how to finally cut ties with their exes — for good.

Don’t forget why you broke up

Whether it was you or him that called it off, someone wanted it to end and there was a reason. Collegiette Katie realized she had to cut ties with her ex-boyfriend after regretting a drunken hook-up with him on a lonely night.

“I just kept thinking of the reasons why we broke up: he didn’t treat me right, he owed me a lot of money, he hated my friends, et cetera,” says Katie. I just kept thinking of the bad things and how they outweighed the good when I think about the good things it made me want to go back to him. I made myself realize that I am better than that.”

Keep reminders of the pain

If you’re tempted to go back to an ex who continues to hurt you, remind yourself of the pain he’s caused and how you never want to feel that again. Caroline, a student at Vanderbilt University, found out that keeping old texts from her ex served as a virtual reminder of why things went wrong.

“One thing I did was save my texts with my ex, which may seem like a bad idea, but as it ended we would fight a lot over text. So if I ever went to text him I would see all the mean texts and remember why it ended.

Have a mantra or theme song

Sometimes, even having a theme song can empower you and keep you from any dial-regrets.

“A lot of my strategies were internal things,” says Catherine, a collegiette. “Repeating a mantra or a line from a song (in particular, "Now you're just somebody that I used to know"), that would remind me why [he] is a jerk and that it's healthier for both of us if I stop creeping.”

Remove him from your technological grasp

Delete your ex’s number off your phone, unfriend him on Facebook and unfollow his Twitter account. Doing this is the first step that symbolizes a break. As an extra step, try any one of these ex-blocking apps:

1. Block Your Ex: Download this plug-in to erase any mention of your ex online. Take note: it only works on Firefox and Chrome browsers.
2. KillSwitch: Download this app to delete all photos, videos, and any other tagged documents of your ex on Facebook.
3. Drunk Dial NO! Block Mistakes!: If you’re planning a night where you know you’re going to get drunk and want to avoid drunk dialing your ex, this app lets you lock their contact information for up to 48 hours.

Briana, a collegiette from Georgia College & State University, not only deleted her ex’s contact information off her phone, but also unfriended him on Facebook. “Deleting and unfriending him meant that it would be a lot of work for me to talk to him, so I stayed away.”

Catherine, a student at Chatham University, discovered the hard way that keeping tabs on your ex can only hurt you more. She made a habit of creeping his Facebook and Twitter after she found out her ex started dating someone else.

“When I would look at his tweets, they would make me so angry that it upset my day; so I stopped,” Catherine says and she eventually stopped followed him. “When I looked at his tweets more recently, they're all just reinforcing the reasons why I broke up with him.”

But just because you erase him from your social media or phone, doesn’t mean you’ve erased him from your heart or mind. Olivia*, from West Virginia Wesleyan College, cut off all contact with her ex, but realized that it takes more than just deleting his number to keep her from dialing — because she still memorized his number!

“Cutting ties can be simple in itself, but it takes a lot of willpower to maintain it. Remembering that you’re better off without him is what helps you stick to your guns. Yes, it hurt that I couldn’t talk to him, but the pain was only temporary. I knew I’d be better off without him.”

Get a team of friends on your side

One of the reasons girlfriends exist is to stop you from making the mistake of returning to the infamous ex. If you’re tempted to call him, set up a system where you can call her instead, giving her time to talk you out of it and remind you why you broke up in the first place. If you bump into him at a mutual friend’s party, having girlfriends around you can keep you strong and make sure you’re taking the high road.

“If I wanted to hang out with [my ex], I would call my best friend and make her come over for an emergency wine night or I would go hang out with my roommate,” says Katie from Western Michigan University.

Know that it is for the better

Jenna*, a student at Hamilton College, realized that spending time apart after a break-up can help preserve any kind of potential friendship you might have in the future. After she broke up with her boyfriend, he requested no contact be made between them for a while. Although hurt by the suggestion, she respected his wishes by deleting his number and deleting him off Facebook.

“When we run into each other now, things are friendly enough and I don't feel like I need to avoid him like I often do with exes. We haven't had any messy post-relationship hook-ups or fights or any of that nonsense, and are now both in healthy relationships with different people that neither of us are ruining for each other.”

But it won’t be easy.

“The best way to cut out an ex is to spend some serious disciplined time apart right after the split. The first few days are going to feel terrible,” Jenna warns, “but if you were confident that your break-up was the right thing to do at the time, it really is the best for both parties.”