Contrary to popular belief (or, if you're a journalism major, what your entire extended family tells you every holiday), journalism is not dying. If anything, it's just evolved since the introduction of social sites like Twitter and other multimedia tools. That being said, being a journalism major can be odd at times -- mostly because you're completely obsessed with everything the profession has to offer. If you're majoring in anything communications-related, you can definitely relate to the following:

1. Constantly debating about the Oxford comma

AP Style forbids it, but that doesn't mean you have to like it. 

2. Treating deadlines like they're no big deal

24 hour turnaround? HA, easy.

3. Obsessing over LinkedIn

Networking is bound to help you out one day. 

4. Favoring one type of CMS

Why can't publications all use the same one?!

5. Treating the AP Stylebook as the Bible

You'll never be able to memorize the entire thing.

6. Sending more emails than texts

People complain about having to double text when you've emailed a source for an article three times to follow up.

7. And making more phone calls, too. 

You're way too busy for in-person interviews, and phone is the next best thing.

8. You have a love-hate relationship with InDesign & Photoshop

But it looks ~so~ good on a resume.

9. You prefer a 10-page paper over a test any day

Writing > studying. DUH.

10. Treating social media like another job

Instagram isn't just a platform -- it's life. 

11. You're always preaching about the sexist depiction of female journalists in film & TV

Trainwreck? Amy sleeps with her source. Scandal? Pulitzer-Prize winning journalist Lillian sleeps with the President. More portrayals like Rachel McAdams in Spotlight, please. 

12. Having to constantly defend your major

YES, I'm sure this is what I want to do with my life. 

Chances are, if you’re in college, you’ve spent a few too many days in bed binge-watching your latest obsession on Netflix when you could’ve been doing something productive. Chances are even greater that you’ll go into next semester and do the exact same thing.

Next time you’re about to watch Friends for the 30th time, think about switching it up and making a dent in this ultimate television bucket list for college women: 30 TV shows every girl needs to watch before graduating.

1. Grey’s Anatomy

If you haven’t jumped on the Grey’s Anatomy bandwagon at this point, now’s the time to do so. Better late than never, right? Thirteen seasons late, to be exact.

2. Gossip Girl

If you hate being a part of drama but love watching it on TV, Gossip Girl is the show for you. Full of romance, cute guys, high school drama, fashion and Blake Lively, it has it all.

3. One Tree Hill

One Tree Hill follows its main characters through high school to adulthood—and it's filled with twists and turns the whole way. Basketball plays a big role, but the friendships and relationships are the real stars of the show.

4. Gilmore Girls

The ultimate mother-daughter duo, Rory and Lorelai Gilmore are coffee lovers in the small Connecticut town of Stars Hollow. They have to deal with rich grandparents, their many boyfriends and all kinds of crazy townsfolk. 

5. Friends

You’ve probably seen an episode of Friends here and there over the years, but if you haven’t taken the plunge and watched it all the way through, you’re missing out. You’ll fall in love with Phoebe, Rachel, Monica, Chandler, Ross and Joey. We all relate to their struggles of learning to adult in NYC. 

6. Friday Night Lights

Even if you’re not a football lover, there’s plenty to love about Friday Night Lights. Best of all, there are only five seasons—enough to keep you entertained for a while, but not so many that it’s intimidating.

7. Blue Mountain State

Blue Mountain State is a staple for college students and pretty much embodies college life in general. Plus, it’s hilarious and will literally leave you rolling. 

8. Breaking Bad

If you think you wouldn’t like a show about making crystal meth, you’re probably wrong.

9. Shameless

You’ve likely heard the name Lip Gallagher at some point on social media. Watch Shameless and you’ll get the hype—or just watch this GIF.

10. Pretty Little Liars

This teen drama just ended after seven years on air, so you're not required to be as patient as those who were in it from the start. Do it. 

11. 13 Reasons Why

13 Reasons Why blew up earlier this year. With only one season consisting of 13 episodes, it’s the easiest show to get through on this list in terms of length but one of the most difficult to emotionally handle since it's about suicide. 

12. American Horror Story

Each season stands alone, so if you’re in the mood for something scary and noncommittal, AHS is the perfect choice for you.

13. Game of Thrones

Your friends are obsessed with Game of Thrones and have urged you to watch it multiple times. Now’s the time to listen to them. Just don’t get too attached to any of the characters. *cough*

14. Orange Is the New Black

Contrary to popular belief, this show is about so much more than its lesbian storylines, with fascinating backstories behind each inmate. 

15. How to Get Away with Murder

No surprise, it's another hit from Shonda Rhimes, the creator of Grey’s Anatomy. How to Get Away with Murder provides much of the same drama but takes place at a law school instead of a hospital.

16. The Office

One of the most commonly referenced shows on Netflix, The Office’s sense of humor isn’t for everyone, but if it's for you, you will die of laughter.

17. Parks and Recreation

Parks and Rec has a similar sense of humor to The Office and is literally laugh-out-loud funny. Every character—except Mark—is totally different, but they all have great personalities. Leslie Knope is just goals. 

18. How I Met Your Mother

It may take you nine seasons to learn who the mother is, but there’s plenty to keep you entertained on the way. It's a good pick when you’re in the mood for something funny.

19. New Girl

Full of relatable moments, New Girl stars Zooey Deschanel. You can't go wrong with this adorable comedy.

20. That '70s Show

Much like Friends, you’ve probably seen episodes here and there, but you need to see it all the way through. Plus, you’ll appreciate the jokes more now that you’ve gotten older.  

21. Bob’s Burgers

It's the best show to watch at the end of the night when you’re out of brain cells and want something you don’t have to use any mental energy on. Pro tip: Bob's Burgers is 100 times funnier when it’s past midnight.

22. Criminal Minds

If you’re not already paranoid about your surroundings, you will be after watching this crime show. It’s fitting for criminology majors or anyone who likes a little intensity with their TV.

23. The Vampire Diaries

Okay, so maybe vampires aren't all the rage anymore, but the best part of The Vampire Diaries is the many different relationships you can ship and, of course, Ian Somerhalder as Damon Salvatore. Whether you’re a fan of Stelena or Delena, it’s a must-watch.

24. Once Upon a Time

A modern take on fairy tales, this one is for every girl who loves Disney. And if you don’t love Disney, what are you doing with your life?

25. Sons of Anarchy

Full of action and an extremely attractive lead—looking at you, Charlie Hunnam—Sons of Anarchy is packed with action and drama up until its shocking end.

26. Making a Murderer

There’s only one season to watch, but this crime documentary is SO addicting all the way through. Basically it's about a man who police are seemingly framing for murdering a woman. There’s a second season in the works, but a release date has yet to be announced.

27. Scandal

Another product of Shonda Rhimes, Scandal has the same romantic drama as Grey’s minus the medicine, plus politics. It's ideal for political science majors or drama queens, tbh.

28. The 100

This post-apocalyptic series is probably one of the most underrated shows. You put it on your list, but don’t give much thought to until someone gives you a push to watch it. Here’s your push.

29. The Walking Dead

This popular series also takes place in a post-apocalyptic world—this time as a result of a zombie virus. It’s got all of the elements of a good TV show and will probably break your heart.

30. House of Cards

This political drama is for lovers of The West Wing, but instead of feeling patriotic optimism about serving the American people alongside Rob Lowe, you'll be watching corrupt politicians screw over the American people. How fun.

It’s easier to be motivated to stay fit when the sun is up, your bikini is in use, and you have more time to devote to working out. But as much as you hope to keep your healthy habits and fitness routines in place during the school year, let’s face it: classes and homework take up time, parties serve too much temptation and the stress can make you throw all your hard work out the window. Still, it’s not impossible to stay on track! We talked to collegiettes to see how they maintain their motivation throughout the school year.

Find Fitspiration

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One of the best ways to keepmotivated is to expose yourself to inspiration that encourages you to live healthy year-round.

“Throughout freshman year, I struggled to remain motivated with maintaining my healthy diet—late-night snacking and tasting desserts at school were huge temptations that all my workouts couldn't cancel out,” says Kaitlin McCabe, a student at Hamilton College.

Kaitlin started to follow what are called “Fitblrs” on Tumblr: Tumblr pages with photos, quotes, and articles that are intended to motivate you to keep your fitness on track. “Every morning and whenever I felt weakness coming on, I would check out all the fitspo [fitspiration], from healthy recipes to workout tips to motivational images,” she says. “It was a great way to remind me of my fitness and nutritional goals. I now have my own Fitblr to help others with their health journeys.”

You could also find a healthy living or fitness blog to follow, such as Carrots ‘N’ Cake,Eating Bird Food or Fit Bottomed Girls, to get tips, recipes and encouragement.

Another way to get fitspiration all year long is to subscribe to a monthly fitness magazine or visit their website for articles on workout and meal ideas. You can even make a collage out of images that will motivate you and put it in your agenda or on your wall. Look at fitspiration boards on Pinterest, or make your own.

CAUTION: Fitspiration is NOT thinspiration! The focus should be on health and fitness, not thinness. It can get easy to get carried away, and you may come across some sites that promote unhealthy and unrealistic expectations, which can turn dangerous quickly. Stick to sites and blogs that focus on nutrition, exercise and health as opposed to diets and being skinny. Inspirational quotes, recipes, and workouts make for good fitspo, whereas pictures of models and unrealistic bodies do not.

Make Exercise a Priority

When classes get busy and the stress of college life gets overwhelming, it’s easy to push exercise routines down on your list of priorities. But just like brushing your teeth is essential to your health, so is exercise.

Hillary Coombs, a senior at Bryant University, makes a point to fit workouts into her schedule. “Every Tuesday and Thursday at 7 a.m., I go to yoga,” she says. “I have literally built it into my schedule as a necessity.”

Sign up for fun group exercises classes at your school’s gym that are more likely to get you excited about working up a sweat. Another way to keep yourself motivated to stay fit is to sign up for arace, like Hillary does regularly. “I sign up for 5Ks (and a half marathon this year) throughout the year to keep me training,” she says. Knowing that you’re working toward a big event is a great motivator to keep fit.

Track Your Food and Exercise

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An easy way to stay motivated to eat healthy is to keep track of the food you’re eating. This will not only allow you to see how much and what you’re eating, but it will also keep you accountable. An app that Kaitlin uses to track her nutrition is MyFitnessPal. The app lets you track your nutrition as well as your exercise.

“[It] definitely keeps me from cheating throughout the day — by logging what I eat and how much I exercise, I stay honest to myself,” says Kaitlin. “It's also great because it tells me the proper serving size for each food I consume, and I can track my progress!”

Mary Reischmann, a collegiette from Washington University in St. Louis, uses the USDA SuperTrack app, which works in a similar way. “It’s not super glam, but it’s really easy to use and it compliments you whenever you get closer to your goal weight,” she says. “Definitely worth checking out!”

There are many more apps out there that serve the same purpose. Check out our list offitness and health apps!

Get a Fitness Buddy

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It’s hard to keep up motivation on your own, so call a friend who shares your desire to stay fit throughout the year. When you have a partner in crime, you can encourage each other and hold each other accountable.

“My housemates and I all dive in together in the beginning of the year,” Hillary says. “We plop a scale in the bathroom, leave notes for each other on mirrors and take turns cooking healthy meals together.”

Encouragement is great, but a little healthy competition can be a good motivator, too! Patricia Loo, a recent grad of the University of Western Ontario, made a bet with her friend to get a six-pack by the end of the year. “The bet was that if I did win, then he would buy me a nice dinner, but if I failed then I owed him a nice dinner,” she says. “I didn't end up winning the bet in the end, but it did motivate me to go to the gym more often.”

Even if you don’t win the competition, you still get the benefits of having stuck to a healthy plan! Just make sure not to let your competitive side take it too far. At the end of the day, everyone’s body is different, so you may get different results than your friends when doing a competition like Patricia’s. Keep the competition positive by encouraging your competitor, no matter what the results are. You don’t want the competition to lead you to do anything that jeopardizes your health or sanity.

Write Down the Benefits of Being Healthy

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We know there are many benefits to eating right and exercising. But when you’re contemplating stress eating or are tempted to skip your workout in favor of a nap, those benefits are probably the last thing on your mind. So, it’s important to remind yourself of what you’ll gain from making healthy choices.

“If you make a list of all the great things staying healthy does for you, like your mental health, it makes [a healthier lifestyle] a lot easier to stick with it,” says Hillary. “For me, it helps me relieve stress, so it is kind of a must for me.”

You know how you don’t feel like going to the gym, but once you finish your workout you feel amazing? Try to record that feeling on paper or as a note in your phone so you can remember what it’s like. Whenever you feel you’re lacking motivation, remind yourself of how your post-workout endorphins made you feel. Use those fitblrs and Pinterest boards to remind yourself as well.

Having these benefits written in front of you will help remind you why you don’t want to throw away all the hard work you put into maintaining a healthy lifestyle during the summer. Some of the benefits you can write are how it helps reduce stress, makes you feel more confident and gives you more energy.

It can be hard to adjust from being a super-motivated collegiette in the summer to dealing with the stresses of school and maintaining a healthy lifestyle in the fall. But with these tips, it will be a little easier! Even if you end up slipping up every now and then, don’t beat yourself up about it — it’s not the end of the world!

What are ways that you keep yourself motivated throughout the year? Let us know in the comments.

Name: Alice Rossiter

Job Title and Description: CEO & Founder of Alice’s Table

College Name/Major: University of Pennsylvania, Bachelors of Arts in Visual Studies and Consumer Psychology & Sotheby’s Institute, Master of Arts in Art Business

Website:www.alicestable.com

Twitter Handle:@Alices_table

Instagram Handle:@alicestable 

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

At Alice’s Table, we developed a platform that empowers women to launch their own flexible businesses by hosting flower arranging classes offered across the country. Needless to say, there is no such thing as a typical day. I move from the office, to lunch meetings, to the flower market, to Alice’s Table events, sometimes all in one day. A lot of my time is spent training our Event Execs, providing them with the necessary tools and training to launch and run their own businesses. No matter what my day includes, it’s an exciting time at Alice’s Table as we continue to expand and launch in new cities each week!

What is the best part of your job?

My job is making other women successful; we help women who need flexibility and we get to see them thrive and succeed. No matter if an exec shares the launch of her Instagram account or a sold out event, I am there to celebrate that victory with her. I had a dream a little over two years ago to create a community that fostered entrepreneurship and creativity, and now it’s a reality. Knowing that what I do makes a difference every day, is the best part.

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

In college, I interned at Sperone Westwater Gallery in New York. My mom referred me to the job, but I had to figure out a way to be able to stay in the city two days a week, while also in school in Philadelphia. Eventually, I found a woman I could house sit for during those two days. The experience taught me that you must put all of the pieces together in order to make an opportunity work.

What words of wisdom do you find most valuable?

“Empowered women, empower women.” I see this reign true first hand at Alice’s Table. Our Event Exec’s continue to support and encourage each other. When new Execs join they always comment on how inspirational the community is. We love seeing our Event Exec’s share their tips and tricks, in addition to the roadblocks they sometimes come across. Being an entrepreneur has its challenges but when you’re surrounded by women who are eager to offer their advice and encouragement, it becomes easier to recognize your potential. On tough days I find myself looking to our Event Execs for inspiration.

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

When I was young I didn’t realize how valuable nurturing your network is. I wish I invested more time into building my connections, learning from them, and utilizing them. As you begin your career, take the time to establish a diverse network. I use mine every week, if not every day.

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

Seeing all our Event Execs (40 now!) launch their own businesses with us. Recognizing that they trust Alice’s Table to help them further their lives constantly amazes me.

What do you look for when considering hiring someone?

The most fundamental skill I look for is work ethic; someone who is willing to go the extra mile and do the hard work to find the right answer.

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

Never think you’re too young; I started Alice’s Table when I was 25. Often we’re afraid of uncertainty. Every week I’m thrown curveballs that my team and I have to work through. However, with hard work and dedication you can grow a business. Remain flexible so you can learn the skills you need, and never let the fear of the unknown discourage you.

What's the one thing that's stood out to you the most in a resume?

Student athletes! A candidate's dedication to a team shows their ability to multitask and manage their time, as well as their commitment to an extracurricular beyond the school work at hand.

Crafting an Instagram-worthy dorm room can be such a struggle. You want decor that fits your budget, while also finding products that are stylish and fashionable.

Luckily, IKEA has created a few short videos to give you ~all~ the dorm design inspiration. Watch how three different college women decorate their dorm with IKEA, and get ready to take your space to the next level too!

Katya creates her dream dorm using playful pastels:

Corey decorates her room with boho flair:

Jordan makes her space chic and functional:

Now that you’ve got some style inspiration, time to cozy up in your brand-new bed or transform your desk into the perfect reading nook with IKEA!

From 30 Rock's advice to "live every week like it's Shark Week" to a shout-out in Macklemore's hit single "Can't Hold Us," Discovery Channel's annual Shark Week is basically an American institution at this point. After 29 years on the air (it's the longest-running cable TV programming event ever!), it's hard to imagine how the network could keep it fresh and exciting—but their announcement that Michael Phelps would race a great white shark on a TV special dubbed "Phelps vs. Shark" did just that.  

"I've raced the fastest swimmers on the planet," Phelps said in a promo video. "Except for one."

While he did acknowledge in an Entertainment Weekly interview that he wouldn't be literally racing beside a great white, he was cagey about the details, leaving us all in anticipation. "The only thing I can say is we weren’t in a pool. We were in open water." Needless to say, people were beside themselves, whether for the race or the instant memes it inspired.

Even Team USA was excited.

At the beginning of the special, tension continued to build as Michael realized just how fast a great white is.

Finally the time came for the actual race. Phelps suited up in a 1-millimeter wetsuit and a monofin, then dove into the 56-degree, South African water—significantly colder than the 80-degree Olympic pools he's used to. Despite the chill, he stayed even with the shark for 50 meters, but the shark pulled ahead in the end and beat Michael by two seconds. 

The real plot twist, however, is that Michael wasn't racing an actual shark but a computer animation based on data from real sharks. Though of course it would have been unsafe to stick Phelps and a shark together in the ocean, people were less than thrilled by Discovery Channel's special effects. 

Even for those disappointed with the CGI shark—or that Michael didn't beat it—there was one moment of victory in the show. In a 50-meter race against a CGI hammerhead shark and CGI reef shark, Michael won, beating the reef shark by .2 seconds. 

While I might be so done with this Shark Week drama, it seems like Michael Phelps isn't over it quite yet. "Rematch?" he tweeted, adding, "Next time..warmer water." 

Michael Canalé is one of Hollywood’s most popular colorists, having worked with stars like Jennifer Aniston, Heidi Klum, Shakira, Penelope Cruz and so many more. With over 30 years of experience, this man definitely knows what he’s doing when it comes to hair color, and more importantly hair care and trends.

For a long time, Canalé recognized a “need” in the industry for new hair products. In his own work, there were things he was looking for and couldn’t find, so he decided to create new formulae to help care for color-treated hair and bring a revolutionary line to fruition.

In an exclusive interview with Her Campus, he shared his personal best hair care tips, trend insights and gave us the full details about his new product line.

Hair Tips & Trends

“Find a good hair dresser,” Canalé opens as his first piece of advice. “In the last 25 years, I’ve met a lot of colorists who are good at one or two things, usually balayage or highlights, but in our world right now you need a dresser that can do everything. So, I would search out good people.”

When looking forward to fall trends, he sees colored glosses being huge because of the semi-permanent color aspect. “A lot of glosses have pigment in them. They lay on the outside layers of hair, and give it a pretty color without getting too much into serious hair coloring,” he explains. About trends on their way out, Canalé says, “The balayage is going to be around for a while, but it’s moving its way to the Midwest. When styles start moving to the Midwest they’re going out of fashion.”

We also learned that sun is the biggest damager of hair because it’s a natural bleaching agent, which is why Canalé is so passionate about color, but also quality hair products. “Get a better shampoo than drugstore brand,” he advises. Cheaper shampoos, especially the all-in-one kind can severely damage your hair. According to Canalé, this is one area where you should pay the higher price for quality.

Celebrity Colors

We asked Canalé if he had a favorite color project, and of course working on Jennifer Aniston’s signature hair color for Friends was a standout. “I loved working on the ‘Rachel’ because it ended up being so important to my industry. Other than that, I loved working on color for Heidi Klum because she was just a great gal to work with.”

For collegiettes wanting the iconic “Rachel” look, he says it’s “all about the hair color,” and that’s where you should start. “It was a blended caramelized brown that we gradually took to a caramelized blonde. Without those signature blonde highlights in the front, the ‘Rachel’ look would have been harsh. The ‘Rachel’ solid is not as pretty as the ‘Rachel’ blended.”

New Products

For hair products that actually work, choose to shop from the man who’s an industry expert. His new line, Canalé, will be available for purchase August 1 on QVC. “When using my product, you’ll get 50 percent less damage than if you used any other product,” he explains, proud of the wonderful formulae he’s developed. The line features four products that are gentle but efficient, and seriously up your hair game.

If you have color-treated hair, you’ll want to keep up with Michael Canalé and all his incredible hair advice and innovations. Don’t miss his much-anticipated appearance on QVC!

Normally celebrities are super savvy when it comes to social media—or at least, their PR teams are. Snapchat is the latest platform celebs have been using to communicate with fans and show their daily lives, but Nicki Minaj had a tough time figuring out the app when she joined this weekend. And I mean, like, a really tough time. 

It didn't take long for her fans to come to the rescue. From figuring out how to make her profile public to choosing the emoji for her celebrity account, Nicki's Twitter followers were quick to give her the rundown and a few tutorials. Mostly The Kingdom was just excited she was finally going to be on the platform.

It definitely took some trial and error, which included a flood of messages and calls from fans after making her profile public. On Instagram Nicki gave a quick glimpse into what it's really like having a public Snapchat account. Spoiler: It seems like actual hell. "Omgggggggg why y'all doin this to me? Candice can't even help me. They gotta call Snapchat now," Nicki wrote in an Instagram caption. In the video, she's clearly overwhelmed by the nonstop calls, snaps and messages—including some that demand that Nicki pay their tuition. 

But pretty soon it seems like she figured it out, posting her first snap to her story, and I've honestly never seen people get so hype about a video of an ocean.

Looks like she's on a roll now, though, getting so advanced that she posted a pic from her camera roll too.

Now that she's a total pro, I can't wait to follow Nicki and watch her blossom into the Snapchat queen I know she can be.

Jared Kushner, Ivanka Trump's husband and a senior adviser to President Donald Trump, met with the Senate for two hours Monday and publicly denied that he colluded with the Russian government during and after the 2016 presidential election, ABC News reports.

According to ABC News, Kushner denied all accusations, saying, "I did not collude with Russia, nor do I know of anyone else in the campaign who did so. I had no improper contacts. I have not relied on Russian funds for my businesses. And I have been fully transparent in providing all requested information."

Kushner's statement comes at the height of speculation of Russia's involvement in President Trump's election. In case you needed a little refresher, earlier this month, Donald Trump Jr. said he, Kushner and then-Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort met with a Russian lawyer last summer because they were promised confidential info about Hillary Clinton. The fact that Kushner met with the Senate privately on Monday is important because he is a top-level adviser to President Trump, and is the first close adviser to appear before Congress to openly address potential Russian meddling in the 2016 election. 

Kushner released an 11-page statement that details the four meetings he had with foreign officials, including the meeting last summer with Trump Jr., Manafort and the Russian lawyer. Kushner said that going into the meeting, he had no idea it had anything to do with Hillary Clinton. “Reviewing emails recently confirmed my memory that the meeting was a waste of our time," he said in his statement.

Kushner defended these meetings with foreign officials by saying they are a part of his job as the liaison to foreign governments for President Trump’s campaign. Though he supports his past communications with Russia, many are wondering what exactly he discussed with these foreign officials.

According to NPR, Kushner states he “tried to be fully transparent” when it came to filling out the appropriate forms for security clearance with the meetings, but other information collected by NPR shows that Kushner has previously fallen short to perform this duty, and claimed it was due to miscommunication with his assistant. This raises questions—many people are wondering if there's more to the story than a simple “miscommunication."

Tuesday, Kushner will meet with the House Intelligence Committee, which will continue to investigate his relations with Russian officials during and after the 2016 election—but TBH, we all know he'll just keep denying any and all accusations. 

Moving off to college is such an exciting experience. You’re on your own in a new place, making new friends and basically living a whole new life. But what happens to those lifelong friendships you’ve formed back home? Holding onto those relationships can be a bit tough once your time gets filled up with your new college schedule, but putting in the effort to stay close will be worth it. Not sure how to maintain the friendships? Here’s five creative ways to ensure you stay in touch while you're apart.

1. Make a group chat

If you and your squad want to stay up-to-date with all the happenings in each others' lives, making a group chat will be a great solution! By having everyone from your friend group included in the chat, you’ll guarantee no one will be left out of the loop on anything. Plus, you won’t have to send six different texts when something exciting happens, like getting paired with the cutest person in class as lab partners! 

“I love having group texts or group Snapchat conversations with my closest friends because it lets us all contribute to the conversation,” says Carmen, a recent San Diego State University grad. “Instead of having to explain the situation over and over again, my friends and I can just send it once. I love that it doesn’t leave anyone out either so we all stay equally as close.” Not sure you want to be receiving a ton of notifications from the group chat all day? Try muting the conversation so you can open the thread whenever you want instead of getting notified a hundred times, that way you won’t be distracted from all of your new college experiences.

2. Start watching the same show

If anything keeps friends close, it’s gossiping about a show and its juicy storyline. Whether you're keeping up with The Bachelorette on cable or are working your way through a hit series on Netflix together, picking a show you and your friends both love will give you a reason to text each other. “All through high school, my friends and I would watch the Bachelor or Bachelorette shows together, and we didn’t want that tradition to end,” says Lily, a junior at Grand Canyon University. “Sometimes it can be hard to find things to talk about, so watching the show together gives us an extra reason to keep talking and gossiping with each other. We love it!”

The best part is you’ll now have an actual excuse to be glued to your TV at least once a week–as if you had a problem with it before.

3. Plan virtual hangouts

Long distance friendships can be hard, especially because you don’t get that typical face-to-face interaction anymore. So, it’s time to do the next best thing: video chat! Choose a fun activity you used to do back home together, then start video chatting through it. “My friends and I always used to do face masks at sleepovers in high school, so every so often we’ll Facetime and throw a mask on,” says Lizzie, a sophomore at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. “It’s such an easy way to catch up with each other, plus we have an excuse to pamper ourselves with a little beauty mask.”

The long distance activity can be something as easy as doing a spa night in the privacy of your room, or getting some froyo and eating it while video chatting. You’ll be surprised how doing these simple virtual hangouts will help you still feel connected to your friends from home!

4. Plan weekend trips home together

Once the semester starts, your schedule will inevitably fill up. That makes it difficult to find free time to make the trip home to visit your family, much less your friends. Instead of randomly picking a weekend to trade your college lifestyle for a quick trip home, try coordinating with your closest friends to visit your hometown at the same time. 

“My high school best friend and I are hardly ever home at the same time because our college breaks are so different, so a lot of the time we try to coordinate a weekend where we both can make the trip home,” says Hannah, a senior at Cal Poly. “It doesn’t always work out, but it’s always so nice to be able to be back in our town together for a few days.”

If your college is on the same route that one your friends will be taking home, try coordinating a carpool situation so you can have a few extra hours of catching up while making the roadtrip home together!

5. Send each other mail

Honestly, who doesn’t love receiving a little mail? Start a habit of picking up cute cards or small trinkets and mailing them to your high school friends every so often. Showing that you thought of them while out and about will be enough to keep your friendship as strong as it was in high school. “My friend and I will pick up cards or put together a gift box whenever something big happens in our lives,” says Kaila, a recent San Diego State University grad. “It’s so fun to go shopping for little things I know she’ll like, and, of course, receiving them is even more fun.”

If you know your friend has a hard exam coming up or a nerve-wracking interview next week, run to the store, grab a few boxes of candy and send it off to her apartment with a sweet card. It’ll definitely show you still care about her.

Whether you’re going to school a few hours from home or on the opposite side of the country, maintaining your friendships with your high school friends is so important! You spent years growing together, so putting a little extra effort in while you’re off at college should be super easy. 

A 16-year-old girl from Germany who joined the Islamic State at age 15 was recently found in a military hospital in Baghdad, Iraq, where she told German reporters that she wants to go home to her family, according to CBS.

The girl, who is referred to by most news organizations as Linda W., had been communicating online with ISIS members before fleeing to Turkey to join the terrorist group last summer. Even more chilling is the fact that after Linda left to join the Islamic State, her mom found a copy of Linda's plane ticket to Turkey under her bed, reports CBS. 

Linda isn't the only female who's joined the Islamic State. CBS reports that Iraqi forces also found three other German women along with Linda W. ISIS recruits people all over the world, including Americans; according the New York Post, some 45 American women have reportedly joined or tried to join the Islamic State—and in May, two Mississippi college students tried to join ISIS but were caught by the FBI.

According to The Washington Post, Linda W. is recovering from a bullet wound at a hospital in Baghdad, and in an interview with reporters from a German network, ARD, and a newspaper, Sueddeutsche Zeitung, she said she wanted to go home. Linda W. told reporters that she was captured by Iraqi soldiers while hiding in a basement in the city Mosul, which was recently liberated by Iraqi forces. She told reporters, "I just want to go home to my family. I just want to get away from here. I want to get away from the war, from the many weapons, from the noise."

Will Linda W. return home to Germany? According to Iraqi law, she could face the death penalty for being a part of ISIS, but since she is only 16, she would be on death row until age 22, according to CBS. However, German prosecutor Lorenz Haase said that since Linda W. is technically a "missing minor" in Germany, she could return to her home country—but only time will tell what will happen to the 16-year-old.

While doing press for his first feature film, Dunkirk, Harry Styles went on BBC Radio 1 with Nick Grimshaw and did a heart monitor challenge. Harry was hooked up to the heart monitor, and Grimshaw tracked his heartbeat as Harry reacted to a variety of images—one of which was a shirtless Ryan Gosling from his iconic scene in The Notebook. (Swoon!)

Understandably, Harry's heart rate rose a bit when he saw the pic. He admitted Gosling was "looking very handsome" and that it was "a good scene." Harry Styles is a fan of The Notebook, too? Be still MY heart. 

At Comic-Con in San Diego, Extraasked Ryan Gosling about his pic making Harry's heart race. Ryan joked that he was worried about Harry's health. "I'm more concerned he might have a heart condition," he said.

"My prayers are with him, and I hope he has a safe and swift recovery," Ryan added. What a gentleman! 

Bring on the "Hey, Harry" memes.

You probably check the nutrition labels of the foods you buy, but it’s probably not often that you scan the back of your shampoo and conditioner bottles to read the ingredients list. Oftentimes, we remain loyal to haircare brands that we’ve been using for years and don’t think twice about what’s actually lurking in those yummy-smelling shampoos and treatments (not to mention how the ingredients actually affect our hair).

Sulfate is a chemical commonly used in shampoos and conditioners. You might have heard people preaching about the negative effects of sulfate in hair care products, and it might seem like just another all natural, granola-esque beauty fad, but the benefits of going sulfate-free are rooted in science. So we broke it down to tell you everything you need to know about sulfate and what switching to a sulfate-free haircare routine can do for your hair.

What are sulfates, and why can they be harmful to some people?

Sulfates are most commonly disguised in your shampoo as either sodium lauryl sulfate or sodium laureth sulfate. According to the Environmental Working Group, an online resource that ranks body care products and ingredients based on their safety, sulfates have an overall low safety hazard when used in small amounts. But over time, side effects of heavy sulfate usage can include skin, eye and lung irritation.

"Sulfates, particularly sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), are known skin irritants," says Abi Weeds, co-founder of the organic cosmetic and haircare company Odylique. "SLS has been identified as an irritant in ‘leave-on cosmetics’ at anything more than 1 percent concentration."

Studies have shown that small amounts of sulfates in haircare products are not dangerous to your health—but swapping out your normal hair products with sulfate-free versions can improve the way your hair looks and feels. Here’s what you’ll notice by making the change.

1. You'll tame the frizz and embrace your waves

If you have naturally curly or wavy hair, you might want to consider breaking up with your hair products that contain sulfates. Weeds says that shampoos made with sulfates are more likely to cause hair follicles to lift, which causes frizz.

"Switching to well-formulated sulfate-free shampoos can thus encourage scalp health, smooth the follicles and promote shine," says Weeds. "Shampoos labelled sulfate or SLS free generally have less harsh detergents as well as a higher level of naturally nourishing botanical ingredients."

The good news is that you can test the waters with sulfate-free products without breaking the bank. Try OGX Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo ($5.79 at Target) or Aveeno Active Naturals Pure Renewal Shampoo ($5.99 at Target).

Sulfate-free shampoo is milder than regular cleansers, which is why it works better with naturally curly hair. You’ll find that sulfate-free products don’t get as lathery and bubbly as typical shampoos and conditioners, but your curls will look and feel bouncier and healthier.

2. Your hair treatments will last longer

If you’ve ever had your hair permanently treated or straightened, sulfate-free products can keep your hair looking and feeling its best long after the treatment. This can save you time and money in the long-run by preserving and maintaining what the treatments did to your hair.

Weeds recommends looking for shampoos that are not only sulfate-free, but that contain ingredients like herbal extracts, which promote healthy-looking hair. “Rosemary, nettle, horsetail and chamomile, which are used in our Odylique shampoos, are great for the hair,” she says. “With all the botanicals, look for the position on the ingredients list. The higher up they are, the better—as it means there’s more of them.”

Sara Zaghi, a junior at UCLA, says she started using sulfate-free shampoo after getting her first Brazilian blowout treatment and has noticed a positive difference in the way her hair looks and feels. Her favorite pick is Kiehl's Smoothing Oil-Infused Shampoo ($7—$18 at Nordstrom).

“I love the smell, and my hair is always so soft after I use it,” she says. “My Brazilian blowout also lasts longer when I use it compared to other shampoos.”

Maybe you just got your first keratin treatment and want the silky smoothness to last, or perhaps you’re simply looking to strengthen your damaged hair. Whatever the reason, saying goodbye to the sulfate can save you a ton of time and money in the long run.

3. Dyed hair will stay vibrant longer

Whether you’re rocking highlights or a full head of rainbow dye, sulfate-free products do a better job at keeping your color from fading compared to regular shampoos and conditioners. 

Weeds says that although going sulfate-free can provide many benefits for people with dyed hair, not all sulfate-free shampoos are created equal. "There are several other attributes of a really good shampoo,” she says. “‘Sulfate Free’ may still mean harsh preservatives, fragrance and other potential irritants. It’s a matter of assessing the ingredients left in as well as what has been taken out. We use beauty superhero coconut oil in Odylique shampoos because it naturally conditions the scalp and is one of the few oils that can penetrate the hair and promote healthy-looking locks."

Sulfates are used in shampoos because they are really strong detergents (just a fancy word for cleanser), but they can sometimes be too harsh, especially for hair that’s been dyed. Sulfate-free shampoo is a better option for people who have colored hair because it’s gentler and won’t strip the hair of color or cause damage.

4. Your skin will also benefit

Sulfate-free hair products are not just gentler on your scalp—but your skin may also benefit from the milder formula. We don’t always remember that when we lather up in the shower, whatever we use in our hair is also making its way to our face, neck and shoulders—and depending on the ingredients—this can be harmful to our skin. According to a 2014 report from the American Academy of Dermatology, shampoos with sulfates can pose issues for people who have sensitive skin issues such as eczema. 

Weeds recommends switching to a sulfate-free haircare routine “particularly if you have scalp sensitivity or a skin condition like eczema, psoriasis or are prone to dryness. The skin on our scalp is very sensitive, and on average, 40 percent of people have scalp sensitivity at some point.”

Since sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners are more mild than typical products containing SLS, they’re less likely to irritate already-sensitive skin.

Related: 9 College Women Talk About Embracing Their Natural Hair

Switching from your regular hair products to a sulfate-free routine is a small change that can make your hair healthier, help maintain permanent treatments and save your skin and scalp from irritation. So, the next time you’re scanning the shampoo aisle, keep your eyes peeled for sulfate. Your hair will thank you!

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There are a total of exactly zero things cuter than The Weeknd and Selena Gomez's relationship - and The Weeknd just proved this (v indisputable) fact even further on Sel's birthday weekend.

ICYMI, Selena turned 25 on Saturday, which is kind of a major milestone. And while The Weeknd (whose real name is Abel Tesfaye), couldn't make it home from headlining Lollapalooza Paris in time for her super low-key celebration with a few close friends, People reports that the singer left Paris as soon as his set was over - landing from the 12 hour flight just in time to spend the rest of Selena's birthday weekend with her. 

Selena confirmed for fans on Instagram Live Saturday night that Abel was on his way home, and I can't handle the adorable-ness - she's visibly giddy.

It was the same story for The Weeknd, who posted a highway shot around the same time to his Instagram story with the not-so-mysterious caption, "On my way to you."

After reuniting, the couple were spotting celebrating with a birthday dinner Sunday night at Soho House in Los Angeles. *Swoons* It doesn't get any more #CoupleGoals than this.

Your twenties are an awkward phase when you can legally drink but you also have no clue how taxes work. It's a rite of passage into adulthood. While everyone is different, there are 16 things every twentysomething goes through. 

1. You still rely on your mom for almost everything

Mom, what’s a tax exemption?

2. You know how to save money…sort of

Hidden talent: making $2 last for three weeks.

3. Google is your life coach

"How to instantly become rich"

4. Sometimes you wish you were a child again

Now I kind of regret all those missed naptimes in kindergarten.

5. But you also feel like a middle-aged person at times

Friday night parties? Nope, I’m perfectly content with drinking an entire bottle of white wine while watching home improvement shows.

6. Student loans

Enough said.

7. You experience your midlife crisis a little early

What am I doing with my life exactly?

8. You feel left behind sometimes

All your friends seem to be getting married and having babies while you’re still grasping the basics of Tinder.

9. But you also value your freedom

No need for a babysitter!

10. You haven’t quite conquered the art of home-cooked meals yet

French fries count as a vegetable, right?

11. You have a love/hate relationship with your roommates

They’re kind of like your best friends but also your enemies.

12. Your bills are just flat out disrespectful

Me paying rent every month.

13. A full night’s sleep is considered a luxury

Eight hours? But that’s cutting into my Netflix time.

14. You reward yourself for successfully #adulting

You made your own doctor's appointment! Time to celebrate with a Caramel Frappe.

15. You want to do everything

Ooh, I should major in biology! But I also love writing. And math is pretty cool too…

16. Time moves by much faster now

Suddenly you wake up and realize it’s been five years since you graduated high school.

Anyone who has ever used Seamless or Postmates (or whatever your lazy-day food delivery service of choice is), knows how insanely convenient it is to get food from your favorite restaurant without even having to put pants on - so imagine how amazing it would be to order delivery during those "uh-oh" moments when you realize you just took you're out of condoms or just took the last birth control pill in your pack.

Hello Giggles reports that startup goPuff is aiming to make contraceptive delivery a reality. In 20 different cities, the company is able to deliver drugstore products, including Plan B and condoms, in under 30 minutes for a delivery fee of only $1.85. They'll deliver as late as 4:30 a.m. (a.k.a. the time when you're most likely to actually need the service), and in some cities they're even open 24/7.

It's basically a major sexual health game-changer: not only is it super convenient, but if you tend to be shy, it eliminates the super awk checkout line experience of buying condoms or a pregnancy test. And it's not just for contraceptives either - you can also order everything from shampoo, to tampons, to ice cream. Bless.

"We hope that by providing the health products and sex positive products women need, women will feel empowered in their daily lives knowing they have consistent access,” goPuff founders Rafael Ilishayev and Yakir Gola tell Hello Giggles. “Having access to sex-positive health products at any time of the day is groundbreaking.”

We couldn't agree more - and at a time when contraceptives could be on the verge of becoming even harder to obtain thanks to the Trump administration, it's refreshing to see someone trying to make birth control access struggle-free.

Once you're past the initial stages of a breakup—the crying, the Ben & Jerry's, the sad songs on repeat—there comes a point when you wonder what's next. How do you know when you're ready to start dating again? You don't want to hold yourself back, but you don't want to use someone as a rebound either. Obviously breakups (and recovery time) vary based on the relationship, which means there's no hard and fast rule for when to enter a new one. But if you're thinking about getting back in the dating pool, here are a few red flags that mean you might not be ready just yet.

1. You constantly compare everyone to your ex

Whether you use your ex as a golden standard or scrutinize potential beaus for their old annoying habits, this is a major sign that you still have a lot of baggage from your last relationship. "It's definitely alright to use them as a baseline whether it be good or bad, but if you compare your new partner to your ex for everything and still have them on your mind, you're not ready to be dating again and still have some healing to do!" Mary, a junior at the University of Maine, says.

Even though you might be angry–not wistful–if your ex is constantly on your mind, it means you're not over them. It's unfair to the other person (and to you) to rush into something when you haven't let go of past feelings for a SO, even if those feelings aren't necessarily positive.

2. You're not open to love yet

You've made eye contact across the room for weeks, lingered after class to ~accidentally~ run into them, and got their number "just to check homework." Your friends tease you endlessly about it and, to be honest, your heart kinda does skip a beat. But when you find out they're single (aka available), you get cold feet.

This is a sign that you like the idea of a relationship, but don't want to actually dive into one just yet. Whether you're still exhausted from all the breakup fights or feel a little afraid of commitment, don't feel pressured to "get over it." Trying to force something you're not feeling isn't going to end well for you or that cute classmate.

Related: How To Tell Someone You're Not Looking For a Relationship

3. You feel like you NEED to be dating someone

This means you're looking for someone to fill a role, not someone to fall for—or maybe you're embarrassed by being single, especially if your ex has already found someone new. "If finding a boyfriend feels like your number one priority, you're not ready to date again. I remember a time when I was insecure about being single and all I wanted was a boyfriend. Not only is this attitude unhealthy, it hardly attracted anyone to me," Mackenzie, a sophomore at the University of Washington, says.

Our society places a lot of emphasis on dating and love, but there's so much more to life than that. “You should feel confident enough in yourself as a single person before adding another person to your life,” Lyndsay, a sophomore at Sam Houston State University, says. “You should be able to validate your own existence, not count on someone else for that.” If you find yourself obsessing over how to get a new SO, take a step back and remind yourself that you aren't defined by your relationship status.

4. You change yourself to be what you think the other person wants

It's one thing to compromise on which restaurant you two head to Friday night, but it's another to undergo an Invasion of the Body Snatchers-style transformation on the first date. This might be a sign that your old relationship left you with some insecurities about who you are or your self-worth—or maybe you were a chameleon with your past partner too. Either way, it's important that you bring yourself to a relationship, not lose yourself in it. Katie, a senior at SUNY Oswego, agrees.

"I had lost myself in this previous relationship ," she says. “For over a year, I tried really hard to mold myself into someone that he wanted, and lost who I truly was along the way. I started to care less and less about things, and forgot about all my goals and career ambitions. I was so obsessed with trying to make him love me, I forgot about myself and the bigger picture. Now, I know I’m not ready to date again because I’m trying to find myself again; what I like and don’t like, working on what I want to do when I graduate next May, and I don’t want any boys to distract me from that."

Which brings us to our next red flag...

5. You've lost yourself

As the saying goes, the most important relationship in your life is the one you have with yourself. "I think that girls should look to focus on themselves for a little while after a breakup,” Colby, a sophomore at St. Lawrence University, says. “Focus on the relationship you have with yourself, and everything else in your life will follow suit, Get outside, go for a run, listen to your favorite music, go out with friends, have a sit down with your mom and/or sisters over some coffee, give some love to your pets, take yourself shopping, go to a yoga or painting class–just do something!"

Being single is an opportunity to give yourself some time and attention. Is there a hobby you've always wanted to try? A book you've been meaning to read for forever? Sushi restaurants you never went to because your old partner didn't like fish? You finally get to do all those things.

Related: 7 Things I Learned From My First Heartbreak

6. You're settling

Whether it's saying yes to a second date after an underwhelming first one or putting up with disrespectful behavior, settling for candidates who aren't a good match for you is a huge red flag. "It's the classic scenario of 'do I actually like him or do I like him because he's showing interest in me,'" Rachel, a freshman at USC, says. "There's no need to rush into anything with anybody." When you're eager to get back in the dating world, it's tempting to settle for someone who's not great but “good enough.” Unfortunately, this kind of relationship rarely lasts. Know your worth and wait for someone you really connect with instead of wasting your time with people who aren’t right for you.

7. You're still tight with your ex

Being on good terms with an ex is obviously preferable in comparison to shooting each other frosty glares across campus, but that continued closeness might be holding you back. "If you still talk or text or Snapchat or whatever with them frequently, chances are you're still in that mindset of being with them one way or another,” Margeaux, a senior at Barnard College, says. “The feelings are still there and you haven't really had any sort of closure, even if you think you're 'friends' after a breakup."

When they’re your go-to for advice or their sweatshirts are still in your closet, it can be hard to remember you two aren't actually dating anymore. You won't be ready for your next love until you're over your last one, and keeping an old SO as a BFF might be an obstacle to truly getting over them. Setting some boundaries could be crucial to moving on.

After a breakup, it's easy to want to rush back into dating again—or swear off love forever. However, as Colby says, "You can never plan on who you will date or who you will meet, but you have to keep an open mind and you cannot shut yourself off to people just because of one bad breakup experience." After all, remember how Sean and Catherine met on the Bachelor (#couplegoals)? ​ But if one or more of these signs that you’re not ready to start dating again rings true for you, just take your time to make sure you don’t rush into anything just yet.

As excited as we are to get back to school, all of us still get those first-day jitters. Between worrying about what to wear to seeing your crush for the first time since spring semester, the first day is a bit of an emotional roller coaster. Here are just a few things you might be feeling as you head back to class.

1. “I literally have NOTHING to wear.”

Seven outfit changes later, you inevitably settle on the first one.

2. “Oops! I didn’t buy the right school supplies…”

Because taking notes requires an actual notebook. Get something super sturdy (and vibrantly colored!) so your notebooks will last through the semester. 

3. “OMG, there’s my crush at Starbucks! I wonder if we like the same drink.”

Maybe you’ll find love in a caffeinated place this year.

4. “Ugh, I always forget how annoyingly heavy books can be.”

Avoid back problems with a sturdy, yet functional and stylish backpack at Office Depot and OfficeMax stores. This Kenneth Cole backpack has padded straps and a cushioned mesh back so your calculus textbook won’t weigh you down.

5. “Cool, I already have five major assignments and a quiz next week and this is only my second class.”

According to your planner, you’re not free until November.

6. “YAY for best friend reunions!”

You may or may not have made a scene in the middle of the quad, but who cares!

7. “Um, sorry, what was the question again, professor?”

Is it too late to fake an emergency and run out of here? Avoid being called on with nothing to say by taking copious notes with TUL pens: serious ink that makes a statement and can be purchased at Office Depot and OfficeMax stores. 

8. “Wow, I sort of missed Taco Tuesday.”

You hate to admit it, but sometimes the questionable dining hall food hits the spot.

9. “And, I’m extremely broke again.”

Between tuition and your latte habit, college isn’t cheap. Save money by using to-go containers like these cute thermos hydration bottles at Office Depot and OfficeMax stores so you’re not buying drinks on campus all day long. 

10. “I cannot wait to take a nap later.”

Afternoon naps > everything

11. “Should I go out tonight? Everyone’s going out. I should go out.”

You’ll probably regret it in the morning, but YOLO.  

12. “I can’t believe how busy I am! I already miss summer vacation.”

#TBT to just lounging at the pool all day. 

13. “But I’m really happy to be back.”

Because let’s be real, college rocks. Get ready for your best year EVER, collegiettes! (Just remember to get school supplies…)

Accepting a job offer is a big deal. This is especially true after you’ve spent the majority of your life in school preparing to enter the workforce officially. There are a few things, however, that no one will tell you about your first job. Darlene Johnson, the Director of External Relations at the Hofstra Career Center, Meryl Cooper, Co-Author of “Be Your Own Best Publicist: How to Use PR Techniques to Get Noticed, Hired, and Rewarded at Work,” and Lesley Mitler Co-Founder of Early Stage Careers which “focuses on successfully transitioning students and grads from college to career,” weigh in on what to actually expect from your first job.

1. Everything you think you know is probably moot 

In a perfect world, your first job would be just that—perfect! But Darlene Johnson notes that this job might not be exactly what you are expecting. “You may find your first place of employment to be more relaxed than you would think, or more conservative than you would think, or more technologically advanced than you would think, or less so,” she says. “Whatever your preconceived notions are about a workplace, they may not match with reality, and that is OK.” Go in with an open mind and lower expectations so that you can make the most of your first job.

2. Even though it's a job, you will still have some learning to do

Just because your title has changed from intern to employee doesn’t mean that you stop learning. Not only will you find out more about your particular field but about office etiquette and basic tasks like submitting time sheets. Cooper compares our minds to sponges. “Be a sponge—listen intently and ask questions,” she says. “Raise your hand to help as often as possible.” Even if your boss needs help with something that isn’t your responsibility offering to lend a hand can help you build your relationship and introduce you to something new.

3. It might not be your last "first job"

Johnson urges to learn as much as possible from your first job, even if it’s not directly in line with your career goals. “My first job was as a legal secretary in an entertainment law firm,” Johnson says. “I had no interest in law, but I am grateful for the job for giving me great typing skills!” Today this skill might be Photoshop or Excel. Cooper agrees saying that a big misconception of a first job post-college is knowing exactly what you want to do. “So many people shift gears and directions throughout their careers,” she says. “Ultimately, it’s about collecting experiences, doing a good job—whatever your position—and building your network.” This is exactly what she did when she first started working after college. Cooper worked at an advertising agency which challenged her, and eventually left to work at an art gallery. She credits her experience at the gallery for helping her cultivate sales and public relations skills which she still uses today. 

4. You can't anticipate everything about the company culture 

Lesley Mitler urges graduates to do extensive research on the company’s culture. While many startup companies seem exciting to young grads, they should also consider that these companies often lack structure. While the atmosphere may or may not be fun and relaxed where you work, the tasks you are completing might not be as exciting at your first job. “Understand that there will be parts of any job that are routine and repetitive but you must demonstrate a positive and committed attitude to your role and the team,” says Mitler. This applies to your first job and all of the jobs to come.

Related: 10 Ways Your First Job is Different From Your Dream Job

5. You’ll likely make lifelong friends

Let’s face it: most people spend at least 40 hours a week at work. You’re going to have to at least get along with your co-workers. Work will be more fun though if you go beyond your average friendliness. Cooper says to be friendly but not get involved in gossip or office politics. “Often lifelong friendships are forged in the fires of first jobs,” she says. “Find your people—but also make sure you’re keeping it professional in the workplace.”

Your first job will be a lot of things. It will be a learning experience, a chance to make friends, and an opportunity to hone in on skills related to your field. Unfortunately, it won’t be all fun and games. You’ll likely have to do work that you won’t want to do or work for a company whose culture does not match with yours. Don’t let these facts influence the attitude you bring to work. In the end, it’s what you make of your situation that will determine your success. The things you learn on this job, and the next, you will take with you as you build your impressive and fulfilling career.

Picking out your back-to-school look for the first day of class just might be as hard as deciding what to pack for college altogether. After all, first impressions are everything, and if you want yours to count, it doesn’t hurt to make an entrance as if a radiant, bronze goddess just walked into the room.

Her Campus wants you to ooze confidence from head to toe and feel prepared for anything this school year. That’s why we’ve put together a grand packing list to help you select all the trendiest items for your dorm, closet and more. And yes, thanks to L’Oréal Paris, we even included all of the recommended beauty essentials in the guide as well.

But that’s not all. To absolutely guarantee you shine with flawless skin and on-point makeup, we’re giving one lucky winner some of the L’Oréal Paris items featured in the 2017 College Packing List and available at Walmart!

If you want that effortless summer glow to last you through the year, all you have to do is enter to win the giveaway below. Then, read on to see what’s included in the prize pack.

Keep Summer In Your Beauty Routine with This Giveaway from L’Oréal Paris

 Here’s a preview of what you’ll win from L’Oréal Paris:

• L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Towelettes
• L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze ProPerfect Salon Airbrush Self-Tanning Mist
• L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze Sublime Glow
• L’Oréal Paris Exfoliate & Refine Pure-Clay Mask
• L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care Normal/Dry
• L’Oréal Paris Exfoliate & Refine Pure-Clay Cleanser
• L’Oréal Paris Micellar Water Waterproof
• L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Washable Mascara Blackest Black
• L’Oréal Paris Infallible Paints Matte
• L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche La Palette Nude
• L’Oréal Paris Brow Stylist Shape & Fill Brunette

After you enter the giveaway, make sure to check out the rest of the College Packing List for more tips on what to bring for your best school year yet!