You know what rewarding feeling you get when you discover a cheat code for a game? Well, think of this list as your cheat codes for common summer problems. These clever solutions use common ingredients lying around your home to fight sweat stains, burns, and everything else unpleasant about summer!

1. Deodorize at bedtime

Apply deodorant before you go to bed. According to totalbeauty.com, the active ingredients are able to absorb better then because your sweat rate and body temperature lower while you sleep. You can reapply in the morning if you shower or just want extra sweat protection!

2. Cool sunburns with milk

Need to relieve a painful sunburn? Look no further than your kitchen! Combine equal parts milk, water, and ice cubes in a bowl. Soak a dishtowel in the mixture and press it onto the burned area for five minutes. According to a SELF article, the fat and protein in milk have anti-inflammatory benefits, and the ice reduces swelling.

3. Remove sweat stains with a lemon

According to an article by Yahoo!, you can salvage your sweat-stained shirts with a mixture of equal parts lemon and water. Scrub the mixture into the discolored fabric, and then wash the shirt as you regularly would. If it’s a sunny day, air-dry the shirt outside. The sunlight will work with the citric acid to better remove the stains!

4. Ward off bugs with a dryer sheet

A study from the journal HortScience found that dryer sheets contain ingredients that keep gnats at bay. Tuck a sheet into your pocket as an alternative to bug spray or set one by a windowsill. (Note: The study did not test on mosquitoes, so make sure you're using adequate protection in mosquito-infested areas!)

5. Lighten hair with natural ingredients

You can achieve sun-kissed locks without spending hours sweating in the sun! Spray wet hair with a mixture of two parts lemon juice and one part water (the lemon juice can dry out hair, so be sure to condition afterward). Repeat this once every few days for one or two weeks until you reach your desired shade. If you have darker hair, you may have better luck with this recipe. 

6. Prevent blisters with deodorant

Summer is the time to break out your cute ballet flats—and Band-Aids for the blisters they can cause! If your shoes are chafing your feet, swipe your deodorant along the inside of your shoe. According to Everyday Health, this will minimize moisture and friction, which worsen blisters.

Have a summer trick that you'd like to share? Let us know in the comments below!

Alexander "AJ" Gilman, 15 years old, graduated this weekend from Paradise Valley Community College with four associate degrees.

Gilman, who was chosen to be the Arizona school's commencement speaker, enrolled in the two-year college when he was 13. He is also a student at Arizona Agribusiness and Equine Center charter school, where he will graduate with his high school diploma this week. 

"I would say I'm lucky," Gilman says. "I've gotten a lot of opportunities, and a lot of people helped me, and I met a lot of amazing people."

In 2012, Gilman met PVCC math professor Tony Craig, who worried Gilman wouldn't fit in with the older students.

"Here is a little kid who will be sitting in a classroom with 20-something-year-old students," Craig says. "AJ didn't blink and told me, 'I won't let you down.'''

In two years, Gilman earned associate degrees in business administration, arts, science (with an emphasis in mathematics) and general studies. This fall, he will begin classes at Arizona State University as a junior and plans to double major in finance and business legal studies. 

Say what? TMZ posted a video Monday of Solange Knowles allegedly hitting and kicking Jay Z in an elevator after a Met Gala after party with Beyoncé standing by. The dramatic video has already gone viral, but there's still no word on what started the fight. Although we have no idea what Jay Z said to Solange, the people of Twitter have spoken - and their reactions are pretty great. Check out these hilarious #WhatJayZSaidToSolange tweets! 

1.

#WhatJayZSaidToSolange my lips are bigger than your career

— Sassy Whale (@asassywhale) May 12, 2014

2.

You know Beyoncé is your moms favorite right? #WhatJayZSaidToSolange

— ҜIΠG (@_King___) May 12, 2014

3.

Jay Z officially has 100 problems and @solangeknowles is one. #WhatJayZSaidToSolange

— Jesse Montana (@theJesseMontana) May 12, 2014

4.

"Look, I know you're family & all, but I need you to stop borrowing money from Blue Ivy."#WhatJayZSaidToSolange

— ✟Bella Mala✟ (@OMGkee) May 12, 2014

5.

Solange: This elevator isn't going anywhere Jay: Like ya career? #WhatJayZSaidToSolangepic.twitter.com/JyOkuCSdph

— Famous Life (@iAM_Karma_) May 12, 2014

6.

#WhatJayZSaidToSolange Jay Z: when was the last time you had a hit? Solange: right now

— Great Scott Mckenzie (@GreatScottnyc) May 12, 2014

7.

#WhatJayZSaidToSolange"I bought you a fur coat so you wouldn't be so cold standing in Beyoncè's shadow"

— DJ Theory (@DJTheory) May 12, 2014

8.

#WhatJayZSaidToSolange Solange :Can I Sing Backup At The Tour Jay Z :You Got To Learn How To Sing First. Mortal Combat Voice: Finish Him

— ~V~ (@VivMarz) May 12, 2014

9.

#WhatJayZSaidToSolange i didn't know beyoncé had a sister

— kiwi/duck (@kiwiiiduck) May 12, 2014

Tired of your lack of luck in the college dating pool? Your first-date behaviors may be to blame. Whether you’re going the traditional date route by hitting up the fanciest restaurant in town or taking a casual walk through a nearby park, you’ll want to put your best foot forward (and avoid any disastrous deal-breakers in the process). Find out what might be holding you back from earning that second date invitation and how to fix it!

1. Talking nonstop

There’s almost nothing more nerve-wracking than a first date; dealing with those jitters, trying to show your best self and trying to get to know your date all at once is a daunting thing, and we can’t help but let the anxiety get the best of us. Sometimes that means we revert to our nonstop talking state — you know, the one where you find yourself inexplicably detailing everything you had for breakfast this week and explaining why blue is the absolute best color ever. Occasionally, we even say some of the 50 things we should never say on a first date... oops?

The problem? Sharing this much means your date won’t be able to get a word in edgewise, which can cause your connection to crash and burn.

Brian*, a sophomore at Skidmore College, says that taking a chatterbox out on a first date would frustrate him. “I would be turned off if the girl I was going out on a date with was talking so much that I couldn’t get a word in, because if I can’t get a word in, I can’t have a conversation with her,” he says. “It’s a one-way thing. Conversation should go both ways.”

Charlie*, a senior at Franklin & Marshall College, agrees with Brian. When asked what would make him avoid a second date, he responded, “If she was talking in some kind of absurd way – nonstop talking.”

Jodi R. R. Smith, president and owner of the etiquette consulting firm Mannersmith, says that the easiest way to prevent “word vomit” (for lack of a better phrase) is to slow things down. “Employ the pause,” she advises. “If he nods or asks a question, keep going.  If he takes the opportunity to change the subject, follow his lead to keep the conversation flowing.”

Smith also suggests thinking of conversation as a game of catch: you say something, then you toss the conversation ball to the other person and it’s his turn to respond. “It is best not to hold the ball for too long,” she says. “Or worse, to put the ball in your pocket and never let the other person talk at all.”

It’s awesome that you’re willing to share your thoughts with your potential partner, but make sure you take the time to hear his or hers, too!

2. Sharing heavy feelings

We’re all for Romeo-and-Juliet-style outpourings of emotion—but in the right place and at the right time. A little witty banter never hurt anyone, but talking about heavy personal baggage right off the bat can definitely hurt your first-date game.

“There is a major difference between therapy and dating,” Smith reminds us. “If you are not sure about the differences, you had best engage in the former before embarking on the latter. Be a woman of mystery… at least for the first few dates.”

While you want to find someone who can handle hearing and helping with your feelings and problems, you don’t want to scare someone away by unloading all your issues on him or her at once — especially not when you’re first getting to know each other. You don’t preface an essay with a note to your professor about all of the stress you’re under and all of the struggles you had while writing it, right? So you wouldn’t want to make those negative or difficult parts of your life the focus when you’re opening yourself up to a potential relationship. Share feelings that seem relevant, but don’t delve into an in-depth sob story before giving your date a chance to catch up and feel comfortable with sharing his or her own story.

3. Checking your phone incessantly

We get it: cutting the technological cord might as well be like cutting off one of your limbs. Your phone is always at your fingertips, and you wouldn’t part with it for the world. What’s the harm in checking Instagram or answering a casual text every now and then, anyway?

Well, even sending a quick message during a coffee date can make or break your bond, so you might want to consider pocketing your phone before it’s too late.

Smith says that using your phone frequently during date number one is an absolute no-no. “Using your phone like a security blanket is a surefire way to ensure there is no second date,” she says. “Only deploy this blocking tactic if you can think of no other way to end the date early.” Which, of course, would mean that you aren’t interested in your date, so you’ve got nothing to lose.

If that isn’t the case and you actually areinto him or her, Smith suggests turning your phone off and only checking it if you happen to be in the bathroom. That way, you won’t send the message that you’re uninterested in the conversation and would rather play around on Snapchat.

A word of warning, though: if you really must check your phone, don’t make frequent, furtive trips to the bathroom to do it. Limit to one time or a maximum of two times if you’re out for a long time together. Why? “A friend of mine recently went on a date where he was convinced she had a bladder infection. She kept going to the restroom to check her phone,” Smith says. “Needless to say, a second date will not occur.”

So keep your text convos to a minimum, be in the moment and give your date your undivided attention!

4. Bringing up an ex

Depending on how recently you got out of your last relationship – or fling, FWB situation or the like – you might still be in the stage where everything feels like it relates to your ex. Oh, The Smiths are playing on the radio? Your ex loved them. They serve biscotti at this café? Your ex’s guilty pleasure. As tempted as you might be to mention these things out loud – or even just to clear the air by explaining previous relationships, so your newest date knows where you’re at emotionally – you should resist the urge as best as you can. Why? Because, “I love imaging my date hooking up with someone else,” said no one ever. That’s why ex talk is on the list of the six things you should never say to your crush.

Brian says you definitely don’t want to plant that image in your date’s head. “You don’t want to hear about their previous stuff right away,” he confirms. “At least give it some time until you both feel comfortable with each other, then he can hear about it. Talking about an ex right away gives the inclination that you’re still thinking about them somewhat, and that’s not good.”

Smith agrees. “No need to discuss your dating resume on the first date,” she says. “This is your chance to learn more about the other person and show him [or her] your best first impression.”

Strapped for conversation? Smith suggests brainstorming talking points before the date: hobbies, interests, vacations, travel, volunteer work, favorite classes, books, movies, TV, music, current events, etc. Needless to say, your ex and your past love life shouldn’t make the conversation cut.

5. Asking for too much

It’s not a secret: you’re a princess, and you should be treated like one. Every collegiette deserves a knight or maiden in shining armor – and can be one for someone special themselves – but that doesn’t mean you should expect your date to roll out the red carpet for you right away. For example, most college guys save dinners at fancy restaurants for birthdays, anniversaries or other special occasions, so assuming that you two will start off by hitting these upscale spots before you even begin a relationship is asking a lot (and probably won’t please your date).

“If she wants to go somewhere really fancy or if she’s really bossy, she would seem way too high maintenance,” says Garrett*, a senior at Reed College. In this case, Garrett says a date’s high-maintenance behavior would be a deal-breaker, and he would kiss any plans for their second date goodbye. It’s hard to know what a guy expects of a first date, but you should give your date the chance to choose your date activity.

According to Smith, Dating 101 states that the person who does the asking does the paying, which means you’re probably in the clear when it comes to the bill if you weren’t the one who asked for the outing. (That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have your wallet on hand and still offer, of course, but you can safely assume that he or she is treating you.)

However, Smith says that if your date is doing the asking, he or she should have an idea of the date activity, so you shouldn’t ask to do something crazy expensive or overly formal.

Smith adds, “Back to Gracious Guest 101, when you are the guest and the host asks about your preference, either suggest a moderately priced activity or give three options with a low/medium/high price tag to let him [or her] decide.”

If you demand an evening at a five-star restaurant because that feels romantic to you, you might send him the vibe that you’re trying to use him or her, or that he or she has to meet specific (and pricey) expectations to be with you. Plus, Smith says that since first dates are pressure-filled enough, it’s better to choose an activity (like bowling, a movie or a walk in the park) than a formal meal, where the date can feel more like a job interview. If you do end up on a bona fide dinner date, don’t pick the most expensive item on the menu – you don’t want to pressure your date into covering something he or she might not even be able to afford on his or her college budget, and automatically assuming you’re your date is willing and able to pay for your filet mignon will only make him or her question your character.

We’re all susceptible to first-date jitters; that’s part of the reason why first dates are so fun (and slightly scary, but in a thrilling, I-have-no-idea-what-I’m-doing kind of way that we can’t help but love)! While that first date should be about you figuring out if your date is relationship material or not, you should also keep in mind that he or she is definitely sizing you up, too. These tips will take away the risk of any pesky deal-breaking behavior, leaving you free to flirt your way to a second date. And hey, if it doesn’t work out, at least you’ll know it wasn’t because of you!

*Names have been changed.

Nothing says, "I'm a college graduate" like shacking up with your parents and having $40,000 in student loan debt. Sometimes post-college life hits a little harder than you anticipated, but that's the harsh reality. At least you can reminisce on the best four years of your life to get you through the transition years. 

1. Your student loans are no longer mythical numbers you’ve ignored for four years.

The second you threw that tasseled cap in the air, your student loans became real (and your worst nightmare). Sallie Mae is like a crazy ex-girlfriend: she’ll call you twice a day every day until you answer and give her money. It’s okay, though - you’re not the only one who dated Sallie. She haas plenty of other exes she’s bugging.

2. Monday-Friday, 8-5 is really a thing.

You no longer have two-hour gaps in your schedule for napping, and your weekends don’t begin on Thursday. You haven’t had this kind of cruel and unusual punishment since your K-12 years.

3. Credit is something you have to build.

Have you met Sallie Mae’s distant cousins, Chase and Visa? They're like crazy ex-boyfriends: they'll hunt you down and make you pay for things you did months ago (like buy those new shoes and that new weekend wardrobe). They're twice as persistent as Sallie, and they'll leave your past (and credit) a bit bruised unless you take care of business… AKA pay your credit card bills and determine what “emergency use only” really entails. 

4. There is a very new, clear difference between things you want and things you need.

No, you don’t need another new pair of black heels to go out in. What you need is some new tires on your car and a toaster oven to make up for the lack of the real one in your “new” studio apartment. Oh, and you also need to pay rent.

5. Living with your parents may be the most logical option.

You're paying off loans, so naturally, that means four more years in your twin bed surrounded by Aaron Carter and Britney Spears posters. It may not be the sexy, chic New York apartment you envisioned, but at least there’s a full fridge and free cable. It’s rent-free and it’s gonna have to make do for a while, even if it means awkwardly asking your SO to stay the night at your parents' when he or she's in town.

6. The year is a whole 12 months, not two semesters and a summer.

You don’t get a restart button halfway through the year, and you definitely don’t get a three-month mental break to work on your tan.  

7. “Studying” is no longer an excuse to go abroad.

Sallie can’t help you on this one. There are no student loans or financial aid to cover a four-month stay in the land down under in the post-college world. You might have to talk to Chase and Visa about this one.

8. You're stuck wearing your own clothes.

You used to live with five roommates whose style ranged from Martha Stewart's to Kesha's; it was awfully convenient to have options when you had a class presentation and a bar crawl in one day. You've never missed the plethora of clothes to share more than now. You're forced against your womanly nature to wear your own clothes and only your own clothes. Nothing was better than borrowing clothes you couldn’t afford to buy yourself.

9. Life is very different when you’re not living in a college town.

You were only in college for four years (give or take), but somehow a college town has become your natural habitat. Not every town is filled with thousands of single men your age, $3 cab rides and nightly dollar-drink specials, all conveniently narrowed down and placed together on a couple-thousand-acre campus. Suddenly you live in a place where you feel like a foreigner walking into the grocery store in your sweatpants with a bun on top of your head.

10. You have to start making intense decisions.

How in the world are you supposed to know if you need the silver dental package or the gold dental package? Or maybe you just won’t get one at all, because who needs teeth anyway?

11. You spent literally thousands of dollars on an education and you still lack a lot of life skills.

Obviously, you know you have to pay taxes, but no one ever said anything about how to do it… but thank God you know Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and how to solve for X.  

12. Spring break isn’t how it used to be.

Panama City Beach and Cabo San Lucas are just mythical lands in college fairytales with lots of Mardi Gras beads and embarrassing pictures. Plus, you only get 10 vacation days a year and five of them are being used for you family reunion. Now your spring break is a long weekend in a nearby city just so you can get out of your parents’ house for four consecutive days.

13. Your first job may not exactly be your dream job.

You convinced yourself that you would graduate college, immediately set off for NYC and turn into Carrie Bradshaw writing an advice column, using your pretty bonuses to buy expensive shoes. Not so much. Instead, you're typing time sheets and eating stale bagels in the break room with your 60-year-old coworker Jim, who strikes up casual conversation about the planter's wart on his foot. The Carrie Bradshaw days will come, but you have to start somewhere. Hey, at least you have a job! 

The realities are harsh, but don't worry, because nothing can last forever.  A little student debt never killed anyone (we don't think)! So relax and enjoy the days of free cable, the comfort of your parents' home and Jim the planter's wart coworker. It may be hard to believe, but these are the best of your glory days:  the struggle will make your future success taste so much better!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The process could be so unimaginably uncomfortable.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Have you ever wanted to run one of those fun 5K races after you see your friends posting tons of pictures of it on Facebook, but you insist you aren’t a runner? It turns out that you can be a runner if you know the right tips to follow! If you want to start running and train for that Color Run all of your friends are doing, HC has some tips on how to start. With these steps, you can finally become the runner you’ve always wanted to be!

Make a Goal

Setting a goal from the get-go will motivate you to keep running. “It's sensible to begin with a goal of running [a] 5K (3.1 miles),” says Matt Fitzgerald, certified sports nutritionist and author of Diet Cults. “There are 5K events all over the country at most times of the year. Signing up for one of these is very motivating for many beginning runners.

Make sure you give yourself enough time to train for the race you pick. “If you are starting from zero, give yourself at least six weeks to train, gradually increasing your walk/runs and runs until you're ready to run a full 5K,” Fitzgerald says.

There are several fun 5K races out there, such as the The Color Run and 5K Foam Fest. You can find races by going to the race finder on Runner’s World and typing in your city, state, race distance and the date range for when you want to do a race. It will show you all the races in that time frame near you. Try signing up for a race six to eight weeks from when you decide to start running. That way, you will have a definite goal that you’re working towards!

Have a Plan

After you identify a goal, you’ll want to make a structured plan to reach it. Zoe Rousseau, a sophomore at the University of North Georgia, started running about a year ago and did her first 5K recently. “The best advice I have [to new runners] is to make a schedule and get a friend to run with,” she says. Having a plan and someone else to hold you accountable will help you to stay on track.

Pick a training plan that you’re sure you’ll be able to stick to. We recommend downloading the Couch to 5K app, which provides a complete nine-week training schedule and helps time your runs.  Couch to 5K follows a walk/run program to make sure that you don’t injure yourself by starting off with too much running. The plan has you run three days a week, which is a perfect plan for a beginner. It’s easy to follow because it’s right on your phone!

Find a friend and make a plan that works with both of your schedules. Determining set weekly run times and treating them like an appointment by marking your calendar will make it easier to fit the runs in. It also helps if you have a friend who already runs so he or she can help you out. If you don’t have friends who run, get any friend who’s willing and you can both learn together!

To be safe, map out the route you’re going on—MapMyRun is a great resource for planning routes. Make sure the route is in a populated area and you’re with a friend. Mapping out the route will also help you plan out your distance and track your time. After each run, track your progress in a notebook or on your phone by documenting your times and how each run felt. As you continue to train, your runs should get easier and your walking time should decrease.

What to Wear

When you’re shopping for the perfect running attire, you want to make sure you’re picking breathable fabrics. “I recommend wearing tops, shorts and socks that are specifically designed for running,” Fitzgerald says. “You will be most comfortable in these.”

As a runner, you’ll want to avoid cotton materials, as they will absorb sweat and cause your skin to chafe or blister. Look for technical apparel, which is designed to wick the sweat away from your skin rather than hold sweat. This material also tends to be lightweight and more comfortable. When you’re shopping, look for clothes whose tags say “Dri-FIT,” “TRANSPOR,” “DRYROAD” or “CoolMax.” These are all materials that will feel best on your run.

One of the most important parts of a runner’s attire is proper shoes, according to Melanie Ludwig, owner of Prestige Fitness in New Hampshire. “Shoes are crucial—if you are serious, make the investment and go to a store that can fit you,” she says. “Lower-limb injuries frequently occur because of improper footwear.”

Without the right shoes, you could potentially get injured, so you want to make sure you have a good pair. There is no one shoe that is perfect for everyone. Get your shoes from a running specialty store that caters to runners and can help you find the shoes that will be best for your feet specifically. Check out stores like Road Runner Sports to find your perfect shoe.

Go on Your First Run

Before you start running, make sure you warm up and stretch out your muscles so you get your body ready to run. Start by warming up your body and preparing it to work out. Wake your body up with a brisk walk for two to three minutes and then a light jog for another two to three minutes.

Once you feel warmed up, you’re ready to stretch. You want to make sure you’re targeting your calves, hamstrings, hip flexors and quadriceps, as these are the muscles you’ll be exerting most on your run. Fitzgerald recommends that “before a run, [you] do dynamic stretches to get your muscles ready to move.” Dynamic stretching is stretching as you are moving. This type of stretching warms your body up and prepares it for the intensity of running.

An example of a dynamic stretch is side leg swings. To do this, stand facing a wall with your fingertips braced against it. Now, tilt your body toward the wall. Swing your right leg from side to side between your body and the wall in big, relaxed movements. Do this about eight times and then repeat with your your left leg. You can find a full dynamic warm-up routine here.

After you stretch, you’re ready to start training, but don’t go crazy right off the bat. When you are a beginner runner, you don’t want to rush into anything too soon. “The biggest mistake new runners make is going out and running as hard as they can until they are out of breath, get side stiches or pull a muscle,” Ludwig says.

It is important not to push yourself too hard when you’re just starting out. Fitzgerald says, “Running is a high-impact activity. It takes time for the body to become more durable. If you do too much too soon, you'll get injured.” Even though you’re excited to get out there and want to improve every day, your body needs rest in order to heal after each run.

Start out by mixing walking and running. Begin with a brisk walk and work your way into a run. Alternate the running and walking by running for a minute or two and then going back to a brisk walk. “Gradually lengthen the jogging segments and shorten the walking segments until you are comfortably able to run the whole time,” Fitzgerald says.

Once you start running, track your progress to help you stay motivated. It’s always fun to see how you are progressing and it can help motivate you go out and run on days you feel like quitting.

Ludwig says, “Keep a record of your ratio of walk to run, and try to improve that until you can complete a mile. It's gotta be baby steps to appropriately train your body.”

After you run, it is important to do a cooldown and stretch out again. Ludwig stresses that post-run is the most important time to stretch. She recommends using this cooldown routine from the American Council on Exercise.

After your cooldown, you have officially completed your first run!

You definitely won’t become a runner overnight, but now you have tips and a plan to get you started! Remember to take baby steps and set goals. You’ll be racing to the finish line of your first 5K in no time! 

Everything you want to know about Sacred Heart University

Summer is the perfect time to plan a weekend getaway, and Amtrak wants to get you to your ideal summer destination for free! Every week until May 30, we will pick one lucky collegiette who will win one round-trip* Amtrak ticket - we'll pick the first winner this Friday, May 16!

To enter, simply tell us where you dream getaway would be by tweeting or posting on Facebook! If posting on Twitter, tag @Amtrak and @HerCampus and use #iamtraking to make sure your entry counts. For Facebook, tag @Amtrak and @HerCampus.com on Facebook and use #iamtraking.

Don't forget to follow @Amtrak on Twitter and "like" them on Facebook for a bonus entry!

On May 30, we will also pick a grand-prize winner who will get two round-trip Amtrak tickets plus a travel care package filled with our editor's selection of travel must-haves!

Get posting, collegiettes! Good luck!

*Grand-prize and runners-up tickets can be used for travel across the Northeast Regional line or the Pacific Surfliner line.

It’s finally summer – the sun is shining, the birds are singing, and there are so many things for you to do with your guy! How about going to your fave band’s concert? Oh wait, tickets are super expensive. Well… how about dinner at a nice restaurant? Hold on, that costs a lot too. Ugh.

While in college, you and your guy probably aren’t made of money. With most of us working part-time jobs or an unpaid internship, there isn’t much leftover cash to spend on expensive dates at concerts or fancy restaurants.  But what if you could go on dates that hardly cost anything? Her Campus is here to give you some fun dates that won’t empty your wallet!

Have a Picnic

Grab whatever you can find in your kitchen and head outside for a picnic! You can spread a blanket in a nearby park or in your backyard; either way, you get to enjoy the outdoors and each other’s company. If you live near a lake or a beach, have your picnic there. That way, you can hop in the water after you get hot in the sun! You and your date can have fun putting together sandwiches and desserts, and by the time you’re finished, you’ll be fuller than if you paid for a restaurant meal! Try this strawberry and feta salad, or this cheddar and apple sandwich.

Hike in the Great Outdoors

Speaking of enjoying the outdoors, a hike is a great way to spend the day with your guy! Find a nearby national park or hiking trail, put on your running sneakers, and start moving! You and your date can work together to make it through the trail, whether you’re climbing a mountain or jumping across streams. Lauren Paylor, a rising senior at Duke University and a contributing writer for Her Campus, says she and her boyfriend spent their first day of summer running and hiking in a national park. There was no cell service, so it was the perfect bonding experience for the couple. “He helped me cross a stream and we found a beautiful lake. It was fun, romantic, and free!” she says.

Go to a Summer Concert

Those concert tickets may be expensive, but there are plenty of free performances during the summertime! Check your local newspaper, restaurant event calendars, or your town’s website to see if any cool musicians are coming to your area. They may not be world-famous artists, but some local bands know how to put on a show! Lots of cities also have free music festivals; for example, Boston’s Earthfest is an all-day event with free food and music. You and your date can eat, dance, and have a good time!

Host an At-Home Movie Night

Sometimes there’s nothing better than snuggling on the couch with a blanket, a bowl of popcorn, and your date to watch some cheesy romantic movies. Or if you’re up for it, pop in a scary movie and see how long you can wait before getting scared and turning the lights back on. Having a movie night is the perfect date after a long week at work—not to mention, it’s free!

Bake a Tasty Dessert

Whether the two of you are master cooks or complete newbies, try baking some cookies, brownies, or if you’re feeling ambitious, a cake! The final product might not be perfect, but you can have fun finding the ingredients and maybe adding in a few of your own. If you don’t have any recipes around the house, there are plenty of websites that provide instructions on how to bake just about anything. After you’re finished baking, you’ll have something yummy to bring on your picnic. Perfect, right?

Stay Up all Night Stargazing, then Watch the Sunrise

What’s more romantic than gazing at the sunrise or the stars with your date? Not much, that’s for sure. Bring a blanket and find a spot on a field or the beach, far away from any light pollution. If you’re stargazing, look up some constellations beforehand and try to find them with your guy. If you’re watching the sunrise, have you and your date both bring a warm cup of coffee and cuddle up as the sun breaks the horizon. These are two things every couple should do at least once!  

Make a Digital Scrapbook!

Making a digital scrapbook with your date is the perfect activity for a rainy summer day. Take a bunch of cute pictures together and download a scrapbook template to display them on. To make it extra romantic, fill the scrapbook with pictures from your previous dates (maybe that hike or the free concert). You can have a fun time and have a project to show for it!

Have you ever wanted to run one of those fun 5K races after you see your friends posting tons of pictures of it on Facebook, but you insist you aren’t a runner? It turns out that you can be a runner if you know the right tips to follow! If you want to start running and train for that Color Run all of your friends are doing, HC has some tips on how to start. With these steps, you can finally become the runner you’ve always wanted to be!

Make a Goal

Setting a goal from the get-go will motivate you to keep running. “It's sensible to begin with a goal of running [a] 5K (3.1 miles),” says Matt Fitzgerald, certified sports nutritionist and author of Diet Cults. “There are 5K events all over the country at most times of the year. Signing up for one of these is very motivating for many beginning runners.

Make sure you give yourself enough time to train for the race you pick. “If you are starting from zero, give yourself at least six weeks to train, gradually increasing your walk/runs and runs until you're ready to run a full 5K,” Fitzgerald says.

There are several fun 5K races out there, such as the The Color Run and 5K Foam Fest. You can find races by going to the race finder on Runner’s World and typing in your city, state, race distance and the date range for when you want to do a race. It will show you all the races in that time frame near you. Try signing up for a race six to eight weeks from when you decide to start running. That way, you will have a definite goal that you’re working towards!

Have a Plan

After you identify a goal, you’ll want to make a structured plan to reach it. Zoe Rousseau, a sophomore at the University of North Georgia, started running about a year ago and did her first 5K recently. “The best advice I have [to new runners] is to make a schedule and get a friend to run with,” she says. Having a plan and someone else to hold you accountable will help you to stay on track.

Pick a training plan that you’re sure you’ll be able to stick to. We recommend downloading the Couch to 5K app, which provides a complete nine-week training schedule and helps time your runs.  Couch to 5K follows a walk/run program to make sure that you don’t injure yourself by starting off with too much running. The plan has you run three days a week, which is a perfect plan for a beginner. It’s easy to follow because it’s right on your phone!

Find a friend and make a plan that works with both of your schedules. Determining set weekly run times and treating them like an appointment by marking your calendar will make it easier to fit the runs in. It also helps if you have a friend who already runs so he or she can help you out. If you don’t have friends who run, get any friend who’s willing and you can both learn together!

To be safe, map out the route you’re going on—MapMyRun is a great resource for planning routes. Make sure the route is in a populated area and you’re with a friend. Mapping out the route will also help you plan out your distance and track your time. After each run, track your progress in a notebook or on your phone by documenting your times and how each run felt. As you continue to train, your runs should get easier and your walking time should decrease.

What to Wear

When you’re shopping for the perfect running attire, you want to make sure you’re picking breathable fabrics. “I recommend wearing tops, shorts and socks that are specifically designed for running,” Fitzgerald says. “You will be most comfortable in these.”

As a runner, you’ll want to avoid cotton materials, as they will absorb sweat and cause your skin to chafe or blister. Look for technical apparel, which is designed to wick the sweat away from your skin rather than hold sweat. This material also tends to be lightweight and more comfortable. When you’re shopping, look for clothes whose tags say “Dri-FIT,” “TRANSPOR,” “DRYROAD” or “CoolMax.” These are all materials that will feel best on your run.

One of the most important parts of a runner’s attire is proper shoes, according to Melanie Ludwig, owner of Prestige Fitness in New Hampshire. “Shoes are crucial—if you are serious, make the investment and go to a store that can fit you,” she says. “Lower-limb injuries frequently occur because of improper footwear.”

Without the right shoes, you could potentially get injured, so you want to make sure you have a good pair. There is no one shoe that is perfect for everyone. Get your shoes from a running specialty store that caters to runners and can help you find the shoes that will be best for your feet specifically. Check out stores like Road Runner Sports to find your perfect shoe.

Go on Your First Run

Before you start running, make sure you warm up and stretch out your muscles so you get your body ready to run. Start by warming up your body and preparing it to work out. Wake your body up with a brisk walk for two to three minutes and then a light jog for another two to three minutes.

Once you feel warmed up, you’re ready to stretch. You want to make sure you’re targeting your calves, hamstrings, hip flexors and quadriceps, as these are the muscles you’ll be exerting most on your run. Fitzgerald recommends that “before a run, [you] do dynamic stretches to get your muscles ready to move.” Dynamic stretching is stretching as you are moving. This type of stretching warms your body up and prepares it for the intensity of running.

An example of a dynamic stretch is side leg swings. To do this, stand facing a wall with your fingertips braced against it. Now, tilt your body toward the wall. Swing your right leg from side to side between your body and the wall in big, relaxed movements. Do this about eight times and then repeat with your your left leg. You can find a full dynamic warm-up routine here.

After you stretch, you’re ready to start training, but don’t go crazy right off the bat. When you are a beginner runner, you don’t want to rush into anything too soon. “The biggest mistake new runners make is going out and running as hard as they can until they are out of breath, get side stiches or pull a muscle,” Ludwig says.

It is important not to push yourself too hard when you’re just starting out. Fitzgerald says, “Running is a high-impact activity. It takes time for the body to become more durable. If you do too much too soon, you'll get injured.” Even though you’re excited to get out there and want to improve every day, your body needs rest in order to heal after each run.

Start out by mixing walking and running. Begin with a brisk walk and work your way into a run. Alternate the running and walking by running for a minute or two and then going back to a brisk walk. “Gradually lengthen the jogging segments and shorten the walking segments until you are comfortably able to run the whole time,” Fitzgerald says.

Once you start running, track your progress to help you stay motivated. It’s always fun to see how you are progressing and it can help motivate you go out and run on days you feel like quitting.

Ludwig says, “Keep a record of your ratio of walk to run, and try to improve that until you can complete a mile. It's gotta be baby steps to appropriately train your body.”

After you run, it is important to do a cooldown and stretch out again. Ludwig stresses that post-run is the most important time to stretch. She recommends using this cooldown routine from the American Council on Exercise.

After your cooldown, you have officially completed your first run!

You definitely won’t become a runner overnight, but now you have tips and a plan to get you started! Remember to take baby steps and set goals. You’ll be racing to the finish line of your first 5K in no time! 

At the end of your freshman year, you do a lot of things: you make sure that you post about your grades on Facebook ("OMG! Totally ACED my psych class! #superstar"), post a picture of your roomies or sorority sisters on Instagram ("I am going to miss these girls more than anything in the whole wide world!") and tweet about your future vacation destinations (#summer2014). However, what we don’t see are the conversations that freshmen collegiettes are having with their loved ones - the people eager to find out what exactly their baby girl has been up to for the past year - at the end of the year.

Here is a comprehensive guide to the things all freshmen say after their first year (and what they really mean)!

What they say: “Oh my god, I loved college. It was really great and I learned so much. I went to class every single day!"

What they mean: “Yeah, of course I loved college... but the most important thing I learned was how to nap."

What they say: “I met so many awesome people!”

What they mean:“I met a lot of people the first week and added them all on Facebook! But now I'm like..."

What they say:“There was this one guy I was seeing...”

What they mean:“I had this one guy who texted me every night asking me to come over.”

What they say:“Ew! I absolutely do not drink beer, Mom!” 

What they mean:“I won’t drink beer because it makes me bloated. That’s why I drink vodka.” 

What they say: “Yeah, my grades were pretty great!”

What they mean:“Cs get degrees, right?”

What they say: “I mean, I drink coffee but I don't drink coffee. You know? Some people are addicted!"

What they mean:“At least I didn't need caffiene until exam week. Then I was in the library like..."

What they say:“We have an awesome gym on campus that I always went to!”

What they mean:“I went to the gym once, maybe twice. Most of the time I thought about going but just decided to eat instead.”

What they say:“Nope, I didn’t do anything I regret.”

What they mean:“I did a few things I regret. Their names are John, Harry and Nick.” 

What they say: “I think I grew a lot as a person this year. I'm definitely more mature.”

What they mean:“I like to think that I’m mature...”

What they say: "I'm so ready for summer! I can't wait to be home!"

What they mean:"Wait... where are my friends?"

What they say:“That was the best year of my life.”

What they mean:“And next year will be even better.” 

So congratulations to all of you freshmen finishing up your first year as collegiettes! You may be withholding some information from the world, but what happens while you're in college stays at college (unless you put it on the Internet... then you're out of luck). 

Maybe you’ve been crushing on your best guy friend basically since you met him or you’re harboring an infatuation with the boy who sits next to you in bio.  No matter what the case, we think it’s safe to assume that all girls end up confused by the signals (or lack thereof) coming from the objects of our desire.  Men are about as easy to understand as IKEA assembly instructions, and it can be difficult to decide whether a crush is worth hanging onto or if it’s long past time to let it go. We spoke with relationship expert Dr. Carole Lieberman and collegiettes across the country to help you figure out if a crush is worth hanging on to or not!

He’s hot then he’s cold

One day he’s super flirty—he seeks you out in the dining hall simply to ask about your day and he adds emojis to the ends of his text messages.  The next, he ignores your texts, avoids eye contact when you pass each other on the quad and stops laughing at your jokes.  What gives?

Guys who are bipolar with their signals can leave a girl super confused.  Does he like you or not?  If he can’t face up to how he feels and act in a consistent manner when he’s around you, then it might be time to ditch him.  Think of it this way — if he’s that topsy-turvy with the way he treats you now, imagine how bad it would be if you were ever in a monogamous relationship.  No, thank you.

Though most guys express affection in different ways than girls do and are less likely to show emotion openly, when a boy isn’t consistent in the way he talks to you or treats you, he’s definitely not worth your time.  Relationships that leave you questioning your status are more trouble than they’re worth!

You only hear from him on weekend nights

When a guy only texts or calls you on weekend nights, he’s probably looking for a hook-up—not a relationship.  “I was hooking up with this guy for almost two months when he suddenly stopped responding to my texts and stopped calling me… until about 2 a.m. on Friday nights,” says Anna, a junior at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.  These inconsistencies in communication are a huge red flag and usually signify that your crush (or hook-up buddy) isn’t quite as into you as you’re into him.

Guys who go MIA for weeks and then resurface suddenly are also ones to be wary of. Lily*, a sophomore at Boston College, was casually seeing a guy her freshman year until he “dropped off the face of the earth.”  After accepting that it was over, however, he popped up again several weeks later, asking her to grab lunch. “It was super awkward, because I didn’t know what his intentions were,” Lily says. “It turns out that he wasn’t looking to rekindle things, which was kind of frustrating.  I wish he had been more upfront about his feelings so that I wasn’t left hanging and wondering where he was.”

Guys who pop in and out at their convenience usually aren’t the ones who are looking for serious relationships.  According to Dr. Lieberman, these last-minute bros are only showing interest “because they have nothing better going on.”  Instead of waiting around for a guy to make up his mind, it may be a better idea to leave him in the dust and pursue a guy who is more willing to make you his number one commitment.

He flirts with you… and everyone else

When you’re at a party or run into each other in between classes, he’s super flirty.  He makes strong eye contact, he puts his hand on yours and he laughs at basically everything you say.  You may think that this guy is into you… until you see him repeating the same spiel with another girl.

It’s hard to tell if the way he talks to you is different or somehow more intimate than how he mingles with other girls, especially when it seems like every single person he talks to gets the same type of treatment.  Dr. Lieberman warns, “When a guy's lines are too rehearsed or he's just a bit too charming, you can bet he's just looking for more notches on his bedpost.”  Lines that come across as just that—lines—can be a tip-off that a guy’s intentions are less than pure.

Instead of spending endless hours guessing if his intentions are romantic or not, sometimes the best way to figure out a flirty guy’s thoughts is to ask him directly. “Last year, I hooked up with one of my best guy friends,” says Emily*, a collegiette at Boston College.  “Afterwards, he started acting more flirty around me. The problem was, however, he also acted the same exact way with basically every other girl.  In the end, I sat down with him and talked it out.  He said he just wanted to stay friends, which I was upset about, but finding out how he was feeling was way better than guessing.”

When you can’t be sure if his signs of affection are actually signs of, well, affection, the best bet is to ask.  If he can’t give you a straight answer or he blows it off, then it’s time to move on.

He never asks about you

Even when you make the extra effort to check in midday with your crush or ask him during the weekend how his week went, if he can’t return the favor and show interest in your day or week, he’s probably not worth your time.  Dr. Lieberman says that “if he’s not really interested in how you’re feeling about anything — including him,” then he’s definitely not into you. Guys who seem to be able only to talk about themselves are not only annoying but also generally unable to commit to a relationship in a way that will be fulfilling to both of you.

Asking, “how was your day?” or remembering when your big chemistry test is may seem like little things, but they are in no way insignificant.  Over time, if your crush is incapable of caring about anyone but himself, you’ll get burned out.  Instead of waiting until you can’t stand it anymore, just let him free.  He can talk about himself to somebody else. Collegiettes don’t have time for that nonsense.

Though there are exceptions to every rule, being aware of the way your crush treats you can tip you off to whether he’s interested or not.  Even if it doesn’t work out, however, remember everything happens for a reason, and just because it’s time to move on doesn’t mean that something (or someone) awesome isn’t waiting for you right around the corner! 

Bikini season is upon us, which means it's time to bare (just about) everything. While it's entirely possible to go too long without regular bikini area upkeep during the winter (hey, it's okay!) it's a different story during the summer. The more often you shave, like when you're heading out to the pool, the more likely you are to get ingrown hairs. As unsightly as they are, it's easy to keep them under control. Her Campus talked to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jeff Donovan to get the scoop.

What causes ingrown hairs?

Hair becomes ingrown when it grows sideways and curls back into the skin. “Even though they are harmless, they can result in tan or pink bumps and become infected,” explains Dr. Donovan. Translation? They aren't pretty—Google at your own risk! The site of the ingrown hairs can also become painful.

“Shaving causes the tips of hairs to become sharp and may prevent hairs from properly exiting the skin,” says Dr. Donovan, but any type of hair removal can lead to ingrowns. Accordingly, ingrown hairs often appear on the underarms, legs, and bikini area in women and the face and neck in men. The coarser, thicker, or curlier your hair is, the more likely you are to develop ingrown hairs.

How can they be treated?

Scrub a dub: One of the most effective ways of removing ingrown hairs—and preventing them from occurring in the future—is exfoliation. Use an exfoliating bar, like this one from Dove, or an exfoliating mitt, like this one. This method scrubs away the thin top layer of skin cells lingering on your skin's surface, which traps hairs and causes them to become ingrown.

Get toned: Toner is one of those overlooked products you might have hiding in your bathroom drawer. You probably used it to fight acne in high school, but did you know it can soothe and treat ingrown hairs, too? Once a day, wipe your bikini area with a cotton ball dipped in toner that includes salicylic acid, like this one from Neutrogena. Skip this step in the day or two following a bikini wax – your skin will be extra-sensitive.

Remove the hairs yourself – gently! You can also use warm compresses to soften the ingrown hairs, according to Dr. Donovan. Try this method to gently ease them out of your skin:

• Soak a clean washcloth in warm water.
• Press the washcloth against the ingrown area for three minutes to soften the hairs. This should bring the hairs to the surface of the skin.
• Using sterilized tweezers or a needle, gently work out the ingrown end of each hair one by one. Don't pluck the hair out completely – just try to remove the embedded end.
• If you can't easily treat a hair, don't force it. Instead, soak your washcloth in warm water again and repeat the process.
• Wash the area with warm water and moisturizing soap, like this one from Dove.

While ingrown hairs can be frustrating to deal with, they probably aren't serious enough to run straight to your dermatologist. That said, you should seek help if the area becomes painful or looks infected, especially if you removed the ingrown hairs yourself and created an open cut. Click here to find a dermatologist near you.

Can they be prevented?

If the thought of skipping hair removal forever to avoid ingrown hairs freaks you out, you're not alone. Luckily, there are ways to reduce your chances of developing ingrown hairs while still maintaining smooth skin. Next time you shave, try this method:

• Use a wet washcloth to wash the area to be shaved for a few minutes with mild soap and warm water.
• Rub the washcloth in circular motions to help dislodge sharp tips of hair.
• Apply shaving cream and lather up.
• Shave in the direction of hair growth and avoid pressing down on the blade with too much pressure.

“If ingrown hairs continue to be problematic, I recommend using an electric razor or not shaving the area for an extended period of time,” says Dr. Donovan, as these methods are less likely to cause ingrown hairs. Waxing is safe option to consider.

Finally, laser hair removal and electrolysis are permanent solutions to hair removal. Although it's a big commitment in both time and money, the benefits could be well worth it if you struggle with ingrown hairs – neither method of permanent hair removal causes them.

You haven't been able to sleep for days, and your heart beats a little faster every time you think about it. No, not that cute guy you met a few weeks ago—college orientation, of course!

Freshman orientation is like an initiation into college. You get to meet new people, pick your classes and learn the ropes of college life. It's exciting and nerve-wracking all at the same time. Luckily, Her Campus is here to help you get the most out of orientation. Here are nine things you might not know about college orientation that will help you navigate this experience!

1. You can choose an orientation program that's right for you

Who says college orientation has to be a run-of-the-mill event? Every school does orientation a little differently, so it's useful to check out your orientation packet and familiarize yourself with the activities beforehand. Princeton University, Washington University in St. Louis, Williams College and others offer pre-orientation programs ranging from arts-centered events to multi-day outdoor excursions. If you have a choice of different orientations, pick the one you think you'll gain the most from.

"College is about trying new things and having new experiences, so you want to try something a little outside your comfort zone but not so much that you'll be miserable," says Alexis Savery, a sophomore at Williams College. "Remember that you don't have to choose a certain orientation option just because the majority of your school does."

2. Everyone is desperate to make friends

If you've got this small, nagging fear that you won't be able to make any friends in college, you're not alone! Trust us, everyone at orientation is as desperate as you are to get a head start on making friends. This is definitely a good thing. Smile and be confident, and you'll be meeting people in no time.

"See if you can spot a person with your sense of humor," says educational consultant Peggy Baker. "You will be surprised how quickly a friendship can begin based on that single trait."

Because everyone is still so new to campus at orientation, take this opportunity to talk to as many people as you can. "It is more important than ever to be open-minded to people that may be different than you," Baker says. You might be surprised by how many people you'll click with!

You might also be wondering how you're going to keep in touch with all of these wonderful people you'll be meeting. This is the perfect time to friend them on Facebook or ask for their cell phone numbers. You don't want to end up not being able to get in touch with someone you really connected with at orientation.

And even if you don't find anyone you fit in with at orientation, no worries. This is just the very beginning of your search for long-lasting friends, and there's a lot more time to meet people once school actually starts. "Don’t worry if some students seem to be making friends sooner than you are," Baker says. "Everyone has her own pace." So keep an open mind, and don't worry too much about finding your BFFL just yet!

3. Everyone is nervous and a little overwhelmed

Feel those butterflies in your stomach? You're far from being the only one with those. What a relief, right?

Remember that freshman orientation is a new experience for everyone, so there's no need to pretend that it's not actually the most overwhelming thing ever. It's okay to be unsure of what to expect and to not know people. Everyone's going through the same thing. "Keep in mind that every student feels overwhelmed," Baker says. "By October, you will be adjusted."

No questions are off-limits during orientation, so don't be afraid to ask any you have, because at least 10 other people are guaranteed to be wondering the same thing. Don't be afraid to joke around with others and laugh about your mutual confusion. In fact, a great way to meet someone is to offer to find a building together if you're both lost. Don't know what's going on? See if the people next to you do (probably not). Don't know which event to go to next? Find out which ones your new friends are going to. They'll definitely be grateful that you’re making an effort to talk to them! By putting yourself out there and interacting with others, those butterflies will disappear before you even know it.

4. You should take placement exams before you get to orientation

It's typical protocol for incoming freshmen to take a few exams that test current knowledge so they can be placed into the appropriate math, science and language courses in college. The results from these exams will very likely affect students’ course requests. What you may not know is that you might not be able to sign up for certain classes if you haven't taken your placement exams yet. So if you can, get those placement exams out of the way before you arrive at orientation so you can sign up for your classes without a hitch.

Not all placement tests need to be taken by every student, and requirements will usually be listed on the college website. Some schools require students to take them online before they arrive on campus, so make sure to check for a deadline and instructions on the school's websites. Other colleges give placement exams in a proctored setting during orientation sessions before you sign up for classes, so check your orientation schedule for times and places. You'll also be making your life easier later when you don't have to fight for that last spot in the class you need! And if you're having trouble taking the exams, don't hesitate to contact the registrar's office or the testing center with questions.

5. Scheduling your fall classes might not go as planned

In high school, it was easy to take class scheduling for granted. In college, not so much. You may go to orientation with your class schedule perfectly planned out for next semester and walk away with a completely different one because classes filled up, you changed your mind or some other unforeseen occurrence happened. And that’s okay! Your world won't come tumbling down, we promise.

"It is important to have a general idea of what classes you need to take to fulfill your major and when you'll fulfill those requirements, but if you think about it, college is the time you can explore a variety of areas," says Miharu Sugie, a sophomore at Northeastern University. "You might think taking a certain course will be a waste of time since it's not required, but it's not. There's so much more to a class than just fulfilling major requirements!"

Even if your schedule doesn't come out as you had hoped, don't panic. Just make sure to check in with your adviser and even reach out to professors who are teaching the courses to get their input. Also, keep in mind that you do have the option to switch classes during the drop/add period at the beginning of the semester.

Scheduling classes can be grueling, so it's important to stay positive and flexible and to realize that sometimes change can bring about the most pleasant surprises.

6. You should limit contact with people from back home

You know that girl who always has her nose in her phone? Yeah, the one who isn't experiencing orientation at all? There's a right and wrong time for everything, and orientation is definitely the wrong time to be stuck in your digital world when the real world has so much to offer! 

Using social media or texting to keep in touch with friends and family back home shouldn't be your priority at orientation, no matter how much you want to tell them about all the exciting things that are happening. "Limit correspondence with old friends from home during the first few weeks," Baker says. "It is tempting to email and text with familiar people, but force yourself to participate in most events." You'll never know what you missed if you always have your eyes glued to your phone screen!

7. It's the perfect time to explore clubs

It's never too early to start thinking about which clubs you want to join on campus. Luckily, at most colleges, orientation is the time whenclubs will be frantically trying to recruit incoming freshmen. Don't be hesitant to check out the clubs or to talk to students in charge of the organizations. It's a good idea to get involved on campus early on in college; joining clubs is a great way to meet people who have the same interests as you!

Miharu encourages incoming freshmen to put themselves out there during orientation and sign up for any clubs that interest them. "Even if you're not sure you'll commit to a club, sign up to their email lists!" Miharu says. "After freshman year, I noticed that orientation is the one opportunity where you can explore student life, and it's the one time all the clubs will come to you. Take advantage of that!"

8. Joining in on the festivities is crucial

No matter how corny some of the presentations might get or how long some of the activities might last, you've got to hang in there! Try to be engaged and have fun, because, why not? This is the time to meet people, so take advantage of these events that people took the time to plan just for you, even the ones that are optional.

"If a freshman seminar is offered, take it, even it is not required," Baker says. "You will meet other students. Students who meet during the first few weeks tend to bond for the next few years."

In addition, these presentations are created specifically to give freshmen the information they need to navigate college. College is the place to learn as much as you can, and the learning can already start at orientation if you want it to! Whether they’re about picking classes, housing information or career counseling, events during orientation will arm you with the knowledge you'll need to jump right into college life.

9. The weather might not be great

You definitely don't want it to rain on your parade during orientation, so make sure to bring an umbrella! A lot of the time orientations take place during the summer, when it's really hard to gauge whether you're going to get rain or shine on a given day. To avoid drenched notebooks and soggy shoes, it's nice to have an umbrella just in case. A little fall of rain can hardly hurt you now!

Get excited about orientation and the beginning of a new chapter in your life, pre-collegiettes! This is your chance at a fresh start. With a little help from these tips, you'll be able to get the most out of your orientation experience. So take it all in and get pumped about college life!

After countless applications, emails and interviews, it may seem like the universe is against you in your never-ending search for a job. Instead of feeling down and depressed, keep your hopes up and stay motivated! Whether you’re a recent graduate looking for a full-time job or an undergraduate in need of some extra cash, the only way to land your dream job is to keep on applying. Here are a few tricks to relax and de-stress just in time for your next interview!

1. Create a vision board

Sometimes it can be difficult to concentrate on your future without a firm grasp of what you really want. Looking at specific photos and images can help you visualize your future, making it easier to focus.

To build a vision board, gather a bunch of pictures, magazine cutouts or inspirational quotes and put them together in one big collage. These can include photos of short- or long-term goals, but the key is to get really specific! For example, if you want to be a lawyer, you’ll want to find photos of courtrooms, law books and lawyers who inspire you. Your vision board can incorporate the amount of money you want to earn, the location you want to work in or even the people you want to work with—it’s totally up to you! After purchasing a poster board from any craft store, take a look at websites such as Pinterest, where you can find images that cater to your interests.

Haley Jo Lewis, a junior at Seattle University, says focusing on specific criteria gives her a confidence boost when job searching. “You spend so much time at work, so putting a lot of time into thinking about what you want your job to look like is important,” she says. “By narrowing my search based on specifics like hours, qualities in coworkers, distance from my house and pay rate, searching for a job becomes much easier.”

Once you’ve finished your masterpiece, top it off with tons of glitter and be sure to hang it on a wall you see every day for constant motivation!

2. Set aside specific times for job searching

Instead of constantly worrying about job applications, set aside some time to work on them and don’t worry about them the rest of the time. This is an effective way to help your mind relax so you can do your best work during those allotted time slots. “I spend about two hours a day focusing on my job search, and then I close my computer and forget about it,” says Lauryn Higgins, a senior at Mars Hill University. “Focusing on it and stressing on it all day has only led to extreme fatigue and unnecessary stress.”

You might want to apply to jobs for an hour or so each day, or maybe you’d prefer to work on them for a few hours Monday through Wednesday and keep the rest of the week free.

Another option is to set an application quota for yourself. Send out two or three per day, as long as you stick to your schedule and take breaks often. Dr. Ramani Durvasula, a licensed clinical psychologist and professor of psychology, recommends taking breaks and getting out of the house (and out of your sweatpants!) at least once a day to keep you cleaned up and presentable. “Breaks are like a rest for your psyche,” she says. “They allow you to re-render your mindset and bring a fresh and more hopeful perspective.”

3. Talk to a mentor

Talking to someone with experience in your field is a great way to get inspired. A mentor can be anyone you look up to—someone with whom you’ve worked in the past, a professor or even a family member.

Talking to your mentor can help you in so many ways. He or she can offer you tips and advice and really boost your confidence. Your mentor might also be able to offer personal anecdotes about his or her job-searching experience to help you prepare for yours. If you’re having trouble with a particular aspect of the job-searching process (maybe you get nervous during interviews or aren’t sure when to follow up afterwards), it’s a good idea to have a list of questions to ask your mentor about it.

Taylor Zepeda, a junior at the University of California, San Diego, says she found her mentor through the career services center at her school. They meet at her office and discuss the areas that Taylor would like to work on professionally. Taylor’s mentor gives her advice on dressing for interviews and even helps to edit her resume. “She always has such high spirits and her enthusiasm and passion for her students helps to keep me positive and excited about finding jobs!” Taylor says.

4. Take advantage of career services at your school

The career services department at your school offers tons of resources to help you prepare you for the job search that you probably didn’t even know existed, such as workshops, job fairs and mock interviews. You should definitely attend as many events as you can, because your school’s career advisers really know what they’re talking about—and the more knowledge you gain, the more confident you’ll be!

Career services advisers can also help you write cover letters and build or spice up your resume. If your interviewing skills need polishing, a mock interview is the perfect way to calm your nerves. Practice makes perfect!

Amanda Corrado, a junior at the University of Pittsburgh, says, “This semester I've done mock interviews with our career department and have had my resume looked over several times, so all of the preparations like these really keep me thinking I can land the job!”

5. Watch motivational videos

Sometimes a pep talk or motivational lecture is just the thing you need. Luckily, YouTube has motivational videos on demand whenever you’re in need of a pick-me-up. You can also check out TED, a nonprofit organization devoted to spreading ideas, which features inspirational “TED Talks.” Upworthy posts inspirational videos of everyday people and their real-life experiences.

Another must-see video is The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch (also available in book form), who was a professor at Carnegie Mellon University. After being diagnosed with cancer, Randy recorded his last lecture, where he shared his personal stories of overcoming obstacles and moving on.

6. Pursue something else you love

While looking for a job, it’s important to also take time for other things you love. Maybe you like to write poetry, make music or direct short films—whatever it is, pour your heart into it.

Dr. Ramani says that if you take time to do something else you love, “you will maintain your sense of purpose, have something to do and feel a sense of accomplishment.” So while the job search may be bringing your spirits down, doing fun things you love will definitely give you a boost. Engaging in an activity you enjoy will not only make you happier, but may even attract new opportunities and ease the challenge of not finding a job. Your hobbies, interests or volunteer work could make you a more interesting job candidate!

While the job search may seem like it’s never going to end, it’s important to relax and stay motivated. Remember that positive energy is key when preparing for interviews! Good luck, collegiettes!

Your annual OBGYN appointment is coming up and by this point in your collegiette career you probably feel like a pro. You’ve driven to the office a handful of times, chatted with the receptionist, and waited patiently while flipping through the latest issue of Glamour. When your name is called, you confidently walk into the examination room like you have done each year before.

For such a routine appointment, it is surprising how many college-age women aren’t familiar with the dos and don’ts of visiting the gynecologist. Not only are there tips and tricks when it comes to preparing for the appointment, but there are certain things to know while you are meeting with your gynecologist. It is always better to be well informed to the point of over preparedness than left in the dark, so here are some dos and don’ts to consider the next time you see your gyno.

DO find a gynecologist who you are comfortable with.

This is probably the most important tip when it comes to your gynecology appointment. If you aren’t comfortable talking with your gynecologist, then it is time to do some research and find someone who meshes better with your personality. You want to find a doctor who you will be comfortable talking to because, let’s face it, OBGYN appointments can get pretty awkward. If you are more comfortable with a female, then find a female gyno. If you would feel more at ease talking to someone closer in age to you, then look for a younger doctor. It is all about making the appointment as comfortable as possible because the more comfortable you are, the more likely you will be to open up to your OBGYN!

Jessica, a junior at Ohio University, is a big advocate of finding a gyno that you can talk to without feeling judged. She shares, “The doctor I see is always open to any of my questions and always tells me what she’s about to do and why, which I really appreciate. It makes an uncomfortable process a lot less nerve racking.”

Along the same lines, Kathryn, a senior at University of Tennessee-Knoxville, shares, “I’ve never felt judged by my OBGYN, only understood. If you aren’t comfortable with yours, find one that you can be honest and open with. You should be able to ask questions and be honest. That’s so important for your health as a woman!”

So where should you look if you are on the market for a new gynecologist? First of all, ask around. Most collegiettes have a favorite OBGYN whose name they will love to pass around. If word of mouth isn’t unveiling any fabulous doctors that fulfill your criteria, then check out Healthgrades. All you have to do is enter the specialty (Obstetrician and Gynecologist) and your zip code. The result is a list of doctors with credentials, experience, contact information and patient reviews.

DO keep track of your monthly cycle.

Life can get pretty busy and doing something as simple as keeping track of your period might slip through the cracks. However, it can be extremely beneficial to monitor when your cycle arrives each month, how long it lasts, and anything out-of-the-ordinary that occurs. Dr. Sara Gottfried, a Harvard-trained gynecologist, explains, “It’s important to get in this habit so that you know if your period is regular. The timing tells you a lot about whether your hormones are in balance or not.”

Technology has made tracking your cycle that much easier. Using iCal is one effective method, but there are also a host of iPhone and smartphone apps. Our personal favorite? Period Tracker Deluxe. It not only has a feminine and girly interface, but it allows you to track your symptoms, mood, weight, and other potentially important factors. The deluxe version is $1.99, but there is a free lite version available for any frugal collegiette trying to save her hard-earned money.

If you aren’t super techy, you can always keep track of your cycle the old school way like Jessica, a sophomore at Hobart and William Smith College. Jessica shares, “I have a mini calendar that I keep in my sock drawer so every month when the time comes I mark down the day I got my period.” This guarantees privacy whereas there is always the possibility of a little sibling playing with your iPhone and maybe seeing something you don’t want them to see.

DO come up with questions beforehand.

Throughout the year, jot down any questions that pop into your head for your gynecologist. Keep this running list saved on your phone, on your laptop, or even on paper. Even if a question no longer applies when the time of your appointment rolls around, ask it anyways! It is always better to be well informed than to be left in the dark.

Some great things to ask questions about are:

• If you ever have pain during sex
• Any irregularities with your period
• Side effects from your birth control pill
• STI and STD testing

During the appointment, don’t be shy! If something sounds confusing, speak up! All doctors appreciate a curious patient as it shows that you are taking your health seriously.

DO know your medical history.

This is important for any kind of doctor’s appointment, but when it comes to seeing a gynecologist, make sure you know your medical history as well as your family’s medical history. If breast cancer or polycystic ovarian syndrome (POS) runs in the family, let the doctor know.

If you don’t know your medical history, then it is time to sit down and have a talk with your mom. As a collegiette, you are making the transition to the real world where you will be responsible for your own health. This means mom won’t be with you at your appointments and she may not be accessible when you are scrambling last minute to figure out any medical problems that run in the family. So sit down and openly ask her if anything runs in the family that you should know about. This medical history will only help you and your doctors to better assess your body and overall health.

DO relax.

OBGYN appointments can be stressful. Doctor’s offices already have a certain stigma, as they are commonly associated with anxiety, worry, and overall uneasiness. The key to avoiding all of these unwanted feelings is to relax. Take deep breaths while sitting in the waiting room, distract yourself by reading your favorite magazine, and get your head in the right place. Once you are called into the examination room, remember that the appointment will be over before you know it. Another important reason to relax is that all examinations – pap smear, pelvic exam, breast exam, etc. – will be quick, easy and more effective if you are calm and relaxed.

Katie, a junior at Syracuse University, admits that she gets a little nervous during her appointments. She advises, “Try focusing on breathing and thinking of something funny instead of what may be going on in the examination room.”

DO get a pap smear once you turn 21.

The encouraged standard by licensed gynecologists is to get a pap smear as soon as you turn 21. Why is this so important? Dr. Gottfried explains, “You want to make sure you don’t have something sexually transmitted, including Human Papilloma Virus. The vaccine only protects you from some of the strains, not all.”

If you’ve never had a pap smear before, no worries! It isn’t as scary as everyone makes it out to be and it will only help you in the long run. As Dr. Gottfried emphasizes, “A pap should never be painful! Tell the examiner to stop if it is painful and start looking for another clinician immediately!”

DO ask to get a urine test for STDs as soon as you have sex.

Most gynecologists will test you for the most common STIs and STDs without you having to specifically ask. However, it never hurts to gently remind your doctor that you definitely would like a urine test. Why do you need a urine test in addition to a pap test? Dr. Gottfried explains, “Some STDs, like Chlamydia are ‘silent,’ meaning they have no symptoms and you don’t need a pap test for them. This is one reason why the urine test is really important.”

DO follow up on your test results one week after the appointment if you have not heard back.

It is always best to be proactive, so if you haven’t heard back after a week, then it’s time to call the office! Doctors’ offices are usually pretty busy (think of all the patients they deal with on a daily basis), so the memo to deliver your test results might have been lost in the daily shuffle. Be persistent and follow up – your gynecologist will appreciate the dedication you show for your own health.

DON’T lie about your social habits or any health information.

If you’ve found an OBGYN that you are comfortable with, then this shouldn’t be a problem. However, remember that lying is only going to hurt you in the long run. Be honest, be open, and don’t worry about what your doctor might think. They deal with hundreds of patients each week and have heard it all, so the gynecology office will be a judgment-free zone.

Dr. Gottfried has these wise words to share with all collegiettes: “You want to be totally honest with your doctors and your financial planners.” Since this article is all about seeing a gynecologist, we are going to focus on what could hypothetically happen if you aren’t 100 percent honest. Dr. Gottfried shares, “If you are addicted to meth and don’t tell your doctor, we may prescribe a dangerous medication for you. If you’ve had sex with ten people and say you’re a virgin, you could have a silent infection, like chlamydia, not know it, and lose your opportunity to treat it completely. Untreated chlamydia can cause many problems from chronic pain to infertility.”

Be honest and in the end you will only help yourself. Why risk taking a potentially dangerous medication or leaving an STD undetected? Your gynecologist has seen and heard it all, so don’t be afraid to open up and reveal anything that might help your doctor to better assess your sexual health.

DON'T have sex the night before your appointment.

Not only does this make things let’s just say a little bit messier for your doctor and potentially more painful for you, but it can also skew the results of your pap smear. Gottfried explains, “First of all, having sex the night before is a bit gross for the examiner. Secondly, the friction, bumping around and semen can potentially change the results of your pap.” You only see the gynecologist (hopefully!) at your annual visit, so you want your results to be as accurate as possible. Save the sex for another night and focus on your personal health the night before.

DON’T use yeast medications, spermicides, or douches 24 hours in advance.

To begin, douching is something that women should never do. Dr. Gottfried emphasizes, “DO NOT EVER douche. Your vagina is like a self-cleaning oven. When you douche, you might send all those vaginal bacteria up into your uterus and out your tubes into your belly, which is not good!” Not only will it negatively affect the routine tests, but it just isn’t good for your body.

Yeast medications and spermicides, on the other hand, are okay to use. However, they should be avoided during the 24 hours before your appointment. Dr. Gottfried explains, “If your vagina is full of yeast medication or spermicide, how are we supposed to get a good sample of your delicate cervix cells?” Any foreign substances just make your doctor’s job more difficult and can lower the effectiveness of the various routine exams.

When the time comes to schedule your next gynecology appointment, keep these dos and don’ts in mind. Make this the most effective, efficient, and healthful annual check-up yet. Make sure you show up prepared, informed, and willing to ask questions. You now have the knowledge to be a pro when it comes to seeing your gynecologist and to make every minute of your appointment count