It’s time to stock your kitchen with summer fruits, but this season, try something a little different. Treat your taste buds to five unusual fruits from around the world! You’ll have to look past their appearances (and, for some, their smell), but you might just find a new healthy treat!

1. Durian

Don’t be fooled by durian’s unfortunate scent. It has a delectable taste, best described as similar to a crème brûlée. It is a fruit that you’ll love if you can get past the smell, which some people describe as similar to that of roadkill! You’ll want to store it in the refrigerator and watch out for the thorns. Beneath its skin the durian has fleshy pods and seeds. They are a great source of vitamin C, which boosts your immune system. Plus, they contain antioxidants that protect your skin and slow aging effects! Durians grow in the tropical regions of Southeast Asia. In the United States it is found in Asian food markets.

How to Eat:

1. It can get a little messy, so don’t forget to lay out some paper towels!
2. Take a knife and pry the fruit into two parts. Often ripe fruit will already be cracking open making this step easier.
3. Repeat step two for your two halves.
4. Remove the pods to enjoy the pulp!

For a special treat, make durian muffins! These are great for a quick breakfast on the run. Try making them the night beforehand. You’ll get to sleep a few extra minutes the next morning and have a delicious meal.

Recipe from Happy Home Baking

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup butter, melted
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 3/4 cup milk
• 300 grams durian pulp

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 374 degrees Fahrenheit. Position rack in center of oven. Line muffin pan with paper liners.
2. Melt butter over low heat in a saucepan. Set aside.
3. Separate durian pulp from seeds, mash slightly with a fork and set aside.
4. Add egg to the melted butter. Stir until combined. Add in milk and half of the durian pulp. Stir to combine.
5. In another bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Use a spatula or whisk to mix the dry ingredients completely (to prevent having lumps of baking powder/soda).
6. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir only until the ingredients are just combined. The mixture will appear very lumpy. Do not over-mix the batter; otherwise, the muffins will become tough.
7. Spoon batter into the muffin cups, filling them halfway full. Add 1 teaspoon of durian pulp to each; top with remaining batter. Fill up with the remaining batter to about two-thirds full. Fill any unused muffin cups halfway with water to prevent warping of the pan or uneven browning of the muffins.
8. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a tester inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean. Let the muffins cool for 10 minutes in the muffin tin, then transfer to a wire rack to cool. Do not leave the muffins in the muffin tin; otherwise, the base will be soggy.

2. Jackfruit

If you are a banana and pineapple lover, then jackfruit is the fruit for you! It contains sweet-tasting bulbs that encase brown seeds. This Asian tropical fruit is the biggest tree-borne fruit in the world! Jackfruit is rich in vitamin A, which improves your vision. It’s also a great source of energy. Jackfruit is typically sold at supermarkets in hunks.

How to Eat:

1. Jackfruit is resinous, so grease your hands with vegetable oil to make removal easier.
2. Remove the core with a knife.
3. Slice off the yellow pods. They will be wrapped with fibrous strands.
4. Remove the strands and the outside skin.
5. Cut open the pod.
6. Remove the seed and its surrounding skin.
7. Now you can eat the jackfruit pods!

Make a jackfruit smoothie for a healthy dessert! For this recipe, you don’t even have to cut open the jackfruit yourself; you can purchase it already diced up in a can.

Recipe from Food.com

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup diced canned jackfruit
• 2 cups soy vanilla yogurt
• 1/2 cup soy milk
• Maple syrup or agave nectar, as needed
• Ice cubes

Directions:

1. Place jackfruit, soy yogurt, soy milk and maple syrup or agave nectar in immersion blender container or blender and blend until smooth.
2. Serve over ice and enjoy.

3. Kiwano

Prepare your taste buds to experience the perfect combination of sweet and sour! Kiwanos are also known as horned melons. The outside has horned spines, as its name suggests, while the inside has a tart, jelly-like consistency. They are grown in Africa, New Zealand, Australia and the United States. Kiwanos make a filling snack with their fiber content, and they have only 44 calories per 100 grams! They can be purchased at some supermarkets and farmers markets.   

How to Eat:

1. Cut in half.
2. Take one half and squeeze from the end. The sacs containing the seeds will easily come out. Or, scoop the seeds out if you prefer.
3. The seeds are edible. Eat them as you would pomegranate seeds.

Kiwano makes excellent salsa. It’s a great appetizer for a summer cookout with friends!

Recipe from Group Recipes

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup diced kiwano
• 1/2 cup fresh pineapple chunks
• 1 teaspoon minced jalapeno pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped red onion
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon raspberry vinegar
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro
• 1 teaspoon pepper

Directions:

1. Combine melon, pineapple, jalapeno and onion in bowl.
2. In separate bowl, whisk together oil, garlic, vinegar, lime juice and spices.
3. Pour over salsa and toss gently.

4. Lychee

This sweet-smelling fruit will have you drooling before your first bite! Lychees have an exotic taste, most similar to grapes. Lychee is a small fruit with a spiky skin that turns red when ripe. The inside is a juicy, translucent flesh that surrounds a large seed. Lychees are a great source of B vitamins and fiber. They are grown primarily in Asia. They can be bought canned at certain supermarkets, but you can purchase fresh lychees at Asian food markets.

How to Eat:

1. Use a knife to cut off the skin around the stem. You should have a nice circle at the top of the fruit.
2. Pull off the stem.
3. Remove the seed with your knife. The seed is not edible, so DO NOT eat the seed.
4. Squeeze the fruit from the bottom to remove the fleshy inside from the skin.
5. Enjoy your exotic delicacy!

If you are 21 or older, try a lychee daiquiri. If you are younger than 21, substitute pineapple juice with almond extract for the white rum. Relax and sip on this sweet refreshment in the sun!

Recipe from Lychees Online

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ ounces white rum (or pineapple juice with almond extract)
• 1 teaspoon fine sugar
• 1 ounce of lychee juice
• Crushed ice

Directions:

1. Place rum, sugar and lychee juice in a cocktail shaker with crushed ice.
2. Shake swiftly; do not over-mix.
3. Strain thoroughly into a cocktail glass and serve at once.

5. Loquat

Bite into a loquat this summer! This fruit is sweetly tart and can have a smooth or fuzzy exterior.  The loquat is also known as the Japanese plum. Not surprisingly, Japan is its leading producer. The loquat is grown in other areas as well, including China some parts of the United States, such as California. This low-calorie fruit not only stimulates healthy weight loss, but it enhances skin health, too! You may find loquats in certain farmer’s markets, but the best place to find them is in specialty fruit stores.

How to Eat:

1. Cut off the end where the stem was with a knife.
2. Cut the fruit down the middle and break it into two halves.
3. Remove the seeds.
4. Eat the inside. The peel will come off easily.

Looking for a different dish to fix for dinner? Try loquat chicken. Make it a summer date and fix it with your SO for a romantic night in!

Recipe from Allrecipes.com

Ingredients:

• 6 large ripe loquats, peeled and pitted
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 cup vinegar
• 1 tablespoon grape-seed oil
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves

Directions:

1. Place loquats into a saucepan and stir in water, orange juice and brown sugar until sugar has dissolved.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil and stir in ground ginger, cinnamon, lemon pepper and smoked paprika. Reduce heat to low and simmer until loquats are soft and starting to break apart, about 20 minutes, occasionally whisking vigorously to help break up the fruit.
3. When sauce is thick, stir in vinegar and simmer 3 more minutes. Remove from heat.
4. Heat grape-seed oil in a skillet over medium heat and pan-fry chicken breasts until golden brown and no longer pink in the center, 5 to 8 minutes per side.
5. Remove chicken breasts and cut into bite-size pieces, return to skillet and stir in 1/4 the loquat sauce, scraping and dissolving any browned bits of food into the sauce.
6. Serve with remaining loquat sauce on the side.

Have fun digging in to these weird summer fruits! If you have any trouble finding these exotic fruits in your location, you can also order them online. We would love to hear your thoughts about these unusual fruits and any other fruits you’ve tried in the comments! 

There are items in our wardrobes that are definitely appropriate only during the summer months. Of course, we have our rubber flip flops, crop tops and Daisy Dukes, but there’s something else that is kosher only between Memorial Day and Labor Day: nautical-themed animal prints.

These prints are super fun and often flirty, and we love to pull them out for BBQs, lazy beach days and more. Check out some of our all-time favorites!

1. Lobsters

In Boston, we're more likely to call them "lahb-stahs" -- these guys are delicious on your plate, but they also make for some pretty cool prints to rock during the summer months. 

Swimsuit, Wildfox, $138

Scarf, Target, $15

Dress, ModCloth, $60

2. Starfish

If you're lucky, you might find a starfish washed up on the beach. For the rest of us, however, we'll have to settle with starfish on our clothes. 

Top, Wildfox, $48

Earrings, Sperry Top-Sider, $24

Dress, Lilly Pulitzer, $198

3. Crabs

The only foolproof way to avoid being pinched by a crab is to put them in a place they can never reach you: on your outfit. 

Top, ModCloth, $21

Scarf, Thomaspaul, $70

4. Seahorses

Fun fact: male seahorses flirt with females when they decide she's "the one." Maybe "the one" for you will be one of these cute seahorse-printed summer staples!

Dress, ModCloth, $115

Sandals, Lucky Brand, $70

Bikini, LOFT, Top $50, Bottom $45

And there you have it, folks. What other nautical-themed animal prints are you wearing this summer? Let us know and tweet us pics @HerCampus!

Hi collegiettes!

Registration is LIVE for one of HC's biggest events of the year--our National Intercollegiette Conference taking place Saturday and Sunday July 12 and 13 in New York City!

The Saturday July 12 conference is open to Her Campus team members only, and the Sunday July 13 conference is open to both Her Campus team members and Her Campus readers!  Her Campus team members are welcome to attend for one or both days.

At this year's conference, get ready for jam-packed days full of inspirational keynotes, panels, and workshops on everything from what life is like as an editorial assistant at a major magazine, to how to decide what kind of marketing job is up your alley, to how to figure out whether a big or small company is the right fit for you, and much, much more.  

You'll hear from top speakers from all facets of the media and communications industry (and get to network with them!), plus partake in fun activations, eat yummy meals and snacks, have the opportunity to score amazing giveaway prizes, and walk away with a sweet goody bag full of the best of the best products!

We are thrilled to present this year's conference thanks to our sponsors Intel, Amtrak, LUNA, and Chipotle.

Register NOW before tickets sell out!  See you in July!

Name: Liz Dean
Age: 29
Job Title and Description: Founder of FitYap
College/Major: Pennsylvania State University/Telecommunications
Website: http://www.fityap.com
Twitter Handle: @elb194 

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

Liz Dean: My job entails transitioning my startup into a viable, sustainable business. When you start a business, you are a sole proprietor, or you are one of only two founders. You are responsible for every operation that maintains the company.

I am the marketing department, human resources, hiring manager, social media lead, development manager, content manager, sales manager, SEO/SEM manager, account manager, QA manager, design manager, UX manager, project manager, operations manager and administrative assistant. There is never a dull moment!

What is the best part of your job?

LD: The best part of my job is all of the small victories. Each day brings a new user on board and a few more visitors. I can track the growth and really feel the momentum gain.
 
What was your first entry-level job in your field and how did you get it?

LD: My first entry-level job was for Chegg.com and I was the Regional Marketing Manager. I found the job posted on Craigslist. I met with the founder who had traveled from NYC to interview me at a lobby in a hotel in downtown Philadelphia. My previous experience of running marketing and promotions for local bands and an internship at Pat’s Management Company helped me to land the position.

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

LD: I am hearing that the number one issue personal trainers face with their businesses is finding available rental space for private clients. If we knew about that initially, we could have built the ability to find that into the initial FitYap build. So now we are doubling back and working on enabling the ability for facilities to also list out rental spaces (if they have some available) with a calendar to show availability by room. But that will take some time to complete!

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

LD: My dad. He has coached me through good times and bad. He has many years of experience from working in corporate America to starting his own businesses. He knows everything and can answer every question. He is an incredible mentor and a brilliant guy.

What words of wisdom do you find most valuable?

LD:“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” -Mark Twain

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

LD: Not everyone is out to truly help you. I learned to not trust everyone when they come to you and say they will help you in some way. They can end up being a waste of your time and not follow through.

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

LD: I think the most surreal moment was the day I realized I was leaving my dream job to work on my dream company.
 
What do you look for when considering hiring someone?

LD: Someone who has passion and is self-motivated to further their skill sets outside of the work environment, whether it is through entrepreneurship, taking classes or something else.
 
What advice would you give to a 20-something with similar aspirations?

LD: You only live once. Follow your dreams and make it happen. I am a 20-something and doing just that!

President Obama, commander-in-chief and social media expert, is answering student questions during a Tumblr town hall on Tuesday.

The president will answer questions live on the official White House Tumblrand will be joined by Tumblr CEO David Karp. He hopes to address questions students have about the cost of college and student loan debt.

No stranger to social media, Obama has previously utilized Twitter, Reddit, and Google+ to connect directly with Americans.

With overall student loan debt reaching over $1.2 trillion, many young collegiettes are struggling to pay them off, something Obama has been sympathetic to in the past.

Questions for the president can be submitted here.

Name: Liz Dean
Age: 29
Job Title and Description: Founder of FitYap
College/Major: Pennsylvania State University/Telecommunications
Website: http://www.fityap.com
Twitter Handle: @elb194 

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

Liz Dean: My job entails transitioning my startup into a viable, sustainable business. When you start a business, you are a sole proprietor, or you are one of only two founders. You are responsible for every operation that maintains the company.

I am the marketing department, human resources, hiring manager, social media lead, development manager, content manager, sales manager, SEO/SEM manager, account manager, QA manager, design manager, UX manager, project manager, operations manager and administrative assistant. There is never a dull moment!

What is the best part of your job?

LD: The best part of my job is all of the small victories. Each day brings a new user on board and a few more visitors. I can track the growth and really feel the momentum gain.
 
What was your first entry-level job in your field and how did you get it?

LD: My first entry-level job was for Chegg.com and I was the Regional Marketing Manager. I found the job posted on Craigslist. I met with the founder who had traveled from NYC to interview me at a lobby in a hotel in downtown Philadelphia. My previous experience of running marketing and promotions for local bands and an internship at Pat’s Management Company helped me to land the position.

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

LD: I am hearing that the number one issue personal trainers face with their businesses is finding available rental space for private clients. If we knew about that initially, we could have built the ability to find that into the initial FitYap build. So now we are doubling back and working on enabling the ability for facilities to also list out rental spaces (if they have some available) with a calendar to show availability by room. But that will take some time to complete!

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

LD: My dad. He has coached me through good times and bad. He has many years of experience from working in corporate America to starting his own businesses. He knows everything and can answer every question. He is an incredible mentor and a brilliant guy.

What words of wisdom do you find most valuable?

LD:“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” -Mark Twain

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

LD: Not everyone is out to truly help you. I learned to not trust everyone when they come to you and say they will help you in some way. They can end up being a waste of your time and not follow through.

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

LD: I think the most surreal moment was the day I realized I was leaving my dream job to work on my dream company.
 
What do you look for when considering hiring someone?

LD: Someone who has passion and is self-motivated to further their skill sets outside of the work environment, whether it is through entrepreneurship, taking classes or something else.
 
What advice would you give to a 20-something with similar aspirations?

LD: You only live once. Follow your dreams and make it happen. I am a 20-something and doing just that!

When you walk down the beauty aisle of your favorite store, you'll find lots of clever buzzwords on products: highlighting, brightening, volumizing, and so many others promising a more youthful, beautiful appearance.

One word you'll also see is organic, which tends to give off a more lasting impression. When a product is organic, it's set apart to consumers in a way that no other buzzword can compare. An article from Self Magazine has helped us decode aspects of the organic mystery.

In the beauty world, there is no one set definition for what it means for a product to be organic. Unlike products in the food industry that must measure up to a list of regulations in order to be labeled as organic, the terms aren't regulated for beauty products, which make it easy for companies to say that their products are organic very freely.

Some companies feel that if a product has been made from a natural source then it can be labeled as "natural," but it still may be chemically modified in order to work the way that consumers want.

If you're serious about buying organic beauty products, you need to make sure that you're reading the labels carefully. Look for the USDA Certified label on a product package, since cosmetics that carry this seal have been made with at least 95% organic ingredients.

Beauty lovers, cross your fingers that there will be a stricter code of standardization soon, which will make it easier to understand if a product truly is organic as well as hold companies more responsible for how they label their products.

Disney princesses might not fare so well in college. With dorms instead of elegant castles and rowdy frat boys instead of Prince Charming, it's hard to imagine them enjoying the experience very much. College is the land of textbooks, beer pong, and crazy roommates—not fairy godmothers, magic carpets, and happily ever afters. But if the Disney princesses could tough it out on campus, we think it would be pretty funny. Here's how we imagine Snow White, Cinderella, and the rest of the girls holding up as college students.

Snow White: The Fraternity Sweetheart

“I don't hang out with girls. I just can't handle the drama. I get along with guys soooo much better.” Sound familiar? That's Snow White. She spends most of her time hanging out at a frat house with her seven best guy friends. Unfortunately, all that socializing is taking a toll. She doesn't always have time to study—even though she's a nutrition major, she wound up with food poisoning recently when she bit into a bad apple.

Cinderella: The Girl Next Door

Cindy's roommates never do quite their fair share of the cleaning, so she's usually stuck doing dishes and taking out the trash for everyone. On top of her extra cleaning duties, Cinderella also works hard in school (she's a veterinary science major—she’s always loved animals, like mice!) and juggles a work-study job to cope with those impending student loans. Style isn't her number one priority in her day-to-day life, so she shocked everyone at spring formal when she looked red carpet-worthy sporting a gorgeous dress and flawless hair and makeup. A few too many drinks later, she left the formal with her heels in hand... and dropped one on the way out.

Belle: The Straight-A Student

Belle is a whip smart English major who makes the Dean's List every semester. She can typically be found with her nose buried deep into a book. All of her professors love her (she’s the one who actually goes to office hours every week). Belle used to be uninterested in dating; she kept pushing away guys who hit on her at parties. But then she met her current boyfriend—who could use a shave and a haircut, if we're going to be honest—and now she spends all her free time with him and his pet fish, Lumiere and Cogsworth, in his off-campus apartment.

Ariel: The Girl Who Studied Abroad (and Won’t Shut Up About It)

Ariel is that girl who can't stop talking about how ah-may-zing her study abroad experience was. She's constantly texting that hot guy she met abroad, Eric, and insists the seaweed really is greener over there. Now that Ariel is back from her trip, she declared a music major and sings in an a cappella group on campus. She also loves to max out Daddy's credit card on gadgets and gizmos at the mall and dedicates hours at the gym to work on her tail.

Aurora: The Slacker

Aurora comes from a wealthy family. Her grandfather donated the building that holds all her classes... but Aurora can't help but sleep through all of them. She'll probably declare a communications major, but hasn't gotten around to filling out the paperwork yet. She's constantly curled up in her dark, single dorm room. On the rare occasion that she does roll out of bed and leave her room, she has a feud going with a not-so-nice girl in her sorority, Maleficent. The one thing Aurora has going for her? Long, thick, shiny, blond hair. No wonder Maleficent is jealous!

Mulan: The Feminist

Mulan is a gender and sexuality studies major and is active in a number of feminist groups on campus. She chose not to rush any sororities. Her favorite holiday is Halloween because she loves to dress up in costume—and she pulls them off well, too! But aside from her classes, extracurriculars, and social life,   family is Mulan's number one priority. She grew up not too far from campus and heads home on the weekends to spend time with her parents and grandparents.

Jasmine: The Wild Child

Jasmine is feisty! Back in high school, she used to ditch her helicopter parents and run away from time to time. Now that she's in college, she loves to date boys her parents don't fully approve of, like her current boyfriend, Aladdin. But Jasmine isn't a total bad girl, though—she has a good heart and is simply embracing her new, independent life in college. She’s always wanted to get out of her hometown, so she decided to major in international studies. When she isn't testing the limits of her newfound freedom, she's working on her killer abs at the gym. She loves to flaunt her toned stomach in trendy crop tops.

Pocahontas: The Outdoorsy One

Pocahontas, an environmental studies major, loves to spend time outside. You can usually find her relaxing in a grassy spot on the quad or hiking with a group of friends. She's a vegan, which means the dining hall can be tricky for her. Instead, she whips up creative, veggie-friendly meals in her dorm kitchen. Pocahontas isn't very religious, but she considers herself spiritual and likes to read about topics like reincarnation (if only she could bring back her grandmother!) and meditation.

Rapunzel: The Sorority Sister

As an only child with ultra-protective parents, Rapunzel often felt like she was locked alone in her room throughout high school. So when she got to college, her number one priority was to join a sorority and make lots of friends. When it came time for her sorority to pick a charitable organization, Rapunzel chose Locks of Love. She chopped her long, glamorous hair into a shoulder-length cut and convinced all her sisters to do the same! Rapunzel is a chemistry major; her dream is to create the ultimate migraine medicine. Back when her hair was long, she got killer headaches from all the weight!

Do you recognize any of these princesses on your college campus (aside from Halloween parties, that is)?

Being a college student isn’t cheap. Between nights out with friends, lunch with your roommate, the occasional movie, groceries, toiletries, and annual tuition, your expenses can rack up quickly. But don’t worry; there are a ton of stores out there that feel your pain and are willing to offer you a break with their student discounts. Check out some of these places next time you’re looking to do some smart shopping and save some cash.

Apparel

Ann Taylor: Need some classy clothes for school? Show your student ID in stores for 15 percent off all full-priced items.

ASOS: Stay stylish with 10 percent off ASOS duds.

Banana Republic: Finally be able to afford some clothes for work or your internship with 15% off full-priced items in the store.

Charlotte Russe: With a 10 percent off discount available when you show your school ID, clothes from Charlotte Russe will be a steal.

Club Monaco: Stock up on some fall favorites by getting 20 percent off regular and sale priced items in any Club Monaco store and online.

Eddie Bauer: Whether it’s outdoorsy clothing basics or camping equipment, you can get 15 percent off regular priced items in stores with your ID.

J.Crew: Yet another reason to hit up J.Crew for some cute and classic clothing. Get a 15 percent discount in stores when you show your school ID.

Juicy Couture: A girl can never have enough pink. Get 15 percent off in Juicy Couture stores with your student ID.

The Limited: We’re just as obsessed with The Limited now as we were with Limited Too in elementary school. Get 15 percent off in stores with your student ID.

Medelita: For medical students out there, get 15 percent off your scrubs with the store’s Student Discount Program online.

Madewell: Students get 15 percent off when they show their IDs, so it's definitely time to go shopping.

Topshop: Be fashion forward with 10 percent off Topshop apparel if you're a student in the United Kingdom, Ireland, New Zealand and Australia.

Food

Arby’s: Arby’s offers a 10 percent discount with your student ID.

Buffalo Wild Wings: Get a 10 percent discount off those flaming wings with your student ID.

Burger King: That burger and fries will come with a 10 percent discount when you flash your ID.

Chick-fil-A: Get a free small drink to accompany your chicken sandwich and waffle fries (or any meal) when you show your ID.

Chipotle: Chipotle offers a free small drink with your meal when you show your student ID.

Dairy Queen: Most Dairy Queens offer a 10 pecent discount for students with IDs, but not all Dairy Queens participate. Check with your local DQ restaurant to see if they offer a discount.

McDonalds: Now your McFlurry or burger comes with a 10 percent discount with your student ID.

Papa John’s: Pizza is a perfect option for any fast-paced student. Papa John’s discounts vary based on location, so ask the restaurant closest to your campus what discount they offer.

Qdoba: Qdoba offers a free drink for students when you purchase a meal as well as burrito meals for $5.

Subway: At Subway, you can eat fresher with a 10 percent discount when you flash your student ID.

Waffle House: Breakfast is cheaper when you add this 10 percent discount with a student ID.

Fitness

24 Hour Fitness: Most 24 Hour Fitness locations offer special pricing for students, though it varies depending on the gym. Check with your local 24 Hour Fitness for pricing.

Eastern Mountain Sports: Need to stock up on some workout gear? Eastern Mountain Sports offers 15 percent off full-price national brand items and 20 percent off all full-price EMS brand items when you show your ID.

Technology

Amazon: Students can get a free six-month trial of Amazon Prime, which offers free two-day shipping on all of Amazon’s items and a $10 credit when you refer a friend.

Apple: Students can save up to $200 on a MacBook and up to $30 on an iPad.

Dell University: Dell University is a program through Dell that offers discounts on technology for students.

Sony: Need some sweet new electronics? College students get 10 percent off.

Theaters

AMC Theatres: AMC Theatres offer special discounted tickets for students every Thursday. Check with your local AMC for pricing.

Cinemark: Cinemark offers discounted movie tickets that vary by location for students who show their ID.

Regal Theaters: Regal Theaters offers a discount for tickets for students, depending on date and show.

Transportation

Amtrak: Sign up for a Student Advantage Card and get 10 percent off.

ShortLine/Coach USA: Going home is even cheaper. CoachUSA offers a variety of discounts for students traveling from or to selected schools listed on their website.

For discounted plane tickets and travel accommodations, check out these sites designed exclusively for students.

• Student Universe
• Smarter Travel
• STA Travel 
• Student Traveler
• Travelosophy

Many stores offer student discounts, even if they don’t broadcast them. If you’re not sure whether or not a store offers a discount, go ahead and ask. You may end up finding more deals than you were bargaining for. And always carry your student ID!

There’s nothing like staying in during a summer storm and curling up with a good book, and what better book to devour on a cloudy night than a scary one? Luckily for you, Disney Hyperion and Her Campus are partnering up to give one lucky collegiette Charlie Higson’s “The Enemy” series -- including the newly released fifth installment, The Fallen -- as well as a $100 Visa gift card. Keep reading to find out how you can enter to win!

In Charlie Higson’s seven-part “The Enemy” series, when the sickness came, every adult fell ill. The lucky ones died. The others are crazed, confused and hungry. Only children under 14 remain, and they’re fighting to survive.

In The Fallen, the fifth chapter of the saga, the Holloway crew are survivors. They've fought their way across the city and made it to the Natural History Museum alive -- but just barely. They’re looking for a cure, and all they need are medical supplies. To get them, they must venture down unfamiliar streets, where crazed, hungry sickos aren't the only things lurking in the shadows. Suddenly it's not so clear who -- or what -- the enemy is.

With that cliffhanger, there’s no way you can resist this giveaway! Enter below for a chance to win the complete “The Enemy” series, including The Fallen, in addition to a $100 Visa gift card. A winner will be chosen at random and announced in the June 17 STUDY BREAK.

Don't forget to keep up with Higson on Twitter for more information on “The Enemy” series and The Fallen!

Good luck, collegiettes!

That cutie down the hall is to die for — you’ve been crushing on him for weeks now! So you tell your roommate about him, and weirdly enough… she’s not as excited as you’d expect. And then she fesses up: She’s been crushing on him for weeks, too! Um… crap. How do you deal? Never fear — we’ll get you through it!

Evaluate your friendship

How close are you to your friend? Have you known each other for ages? How much do you value your friendship? These are all questions to seriously think about.

“It’s quite common to see two single friends end up liking the same guy,” says Julie Spira,online dating expert and digital matchmaker. “This can cause friction among us girls and even end up with friends who stop speaking to each other. What I find disturbing when this happens is that there are so many wonderful guys out there. Why fight over just one guy?”

Is it really worth losing a friendship over? As Spira says, it can end badly — to the point where you don’t even speak to each other anymore. Think about what’s really worth more here. Are you both mature enough to let one of you have him? If not, let him go. If so, then it’s going to take some serious compromise and maturity from the both of you.

Have a heart-to-heart with your friend

The worst thing you could possibly do is try to pretend things are normal! Have a serious talk with your friend.

“When both you and your girlfriend are into the same guy, have a heart-to-heart talk,” Spira says. “Say, ‘Jamie is a really great guy and I know we both have a bit of a crush on him, but we really don’t know him that well. Let’s not lose the friendship over it and see how it plays out.’”

Suzanne Oshima, matchmaker at Dream Bachelor & Bachelorette, agrees with Spira that a sit-down talk is necessary.

“If the crush on him happens for both of you at the same time, then the best way to handle it is to just be mature about it and talk to your friend about it before it turns into a complete disaster,” Oshima says. “The most important thing is to also make a pact that no matter what happens, that you won't let it ruin your friendship.”

Find a quiet place, like a bench outside or a low-key restaurant, for both of you to meet. Be frank about your feelings and allow her to express everything, too. Tell her exactly what you’re feeling for this guy and ask her to do the same. How long has she liked him? How long have you liked him? Have either of you begun dating him? Be sure to leave nothing out, and you can make a decision from there.

Let HIM decide

If by the end of your talk you both decide that one of you should be able to have him, agree to let him choose to prevent you two from competing over him.

“Chemistry can’t be predicted, so let HIM make the choice,” says Marla Martenson, matchmaker, speaker and author of Hearts on the Line. “Remember that it's not a competition, and it might hurt at first if you aren't the one that is chosen, but in the end, you'll end up with the right guy for you!”

Spira agrees that if you and your friend can’t decide, allow the guy to make the choice.

“Never get into a contest to see who will win the guy,” Spira says. “It’s counterproductive and can be downright depressing when you aren’t the one he selects. He’ll decide who he’d like to pursue, and in reality, it might not be either of you, so why lose a friendship over a crush that won’t materialize?”

Sometimes it’s nice to relax and let him do the work! At this point, there’s no longer a need to worry about initiating the conversation or asking him to hang out. Whomever he’s interested in, he’ll make that clear. Focus on sealing your friendship! Make sure she feels loved; also, make sure she knows that one boy will not ruin your friendship.

Don’t let emotions get in the way

If he chooses her, don’t take it out on her — remember, you both agreed that one of you could have him (and if you both agreed that neither of you could have him, that’s just as well). He made a choice, and that’s fine! It simply means you weren’t right for each other.

“Chemistry follows its own path,” Spira says. “If he does choose your friend over you, don’t get too upset. You don’t know how long the relationship will last, and just take the high road in case down the line he decides he’s digging you more.

Remember that there are (literally) millions of guys out there! In the end, Spira says, he might not go for either of you, and that’s perfectly okay. There will be so many other men down the road — trust us.

Solidify your friendship, no matter the verdict

No matter what happens, your friend should still be your top priority. If from the start you agreed to both drop him, great! If you agreed to let him decide, and he chooses her, awesome — don’t let it bother you; be happy for her. If he chooses you, enjoy the new love interest, but remember to keep your friend’s feelings in mind. And if he chooses neither of you, then hey — it was probably for the best anyway.

Whatever the verdict, solidify your friendship by having some girl bonding time. Throw an awesome slumber party, complete with sappy movies, popcorn and facials (who doesn’t love a good cleansing mask?). Or go out to lunch and pay for her dessert. Paint each other’s nails, have a picnic, take a trip to the lake—whatever you two love to do together. It may seem clichéd, but whatever you do, do it out of love for your friend. After all, she was there before this guy, and you want her to be there after him, too.

Keep in mind, collegiettes, that boys are (usually) not forever, but friends can be. Think about how important the friendship is. Have a heart-to-heart (no bottling up feelings!). Decide if you should both let him go, or let him decide. Finally, make sure she’s still a priority in your life. You’ll be so happy you did.

H&R Block recently published an infographic that shows the correlation between college majors and post-grad employment rates.

According to the data, the most in-demand college majors are those like business, engineering and computer and information sciences. It comes as no surprise that the top 10 "worst" majors (based on unemployment rates) are those in the social sciences and creative fields, such as film, music and graphic design. 

However, the top industries for recent college grads may not be what you'd expect. Based on year-over-year growth, the three big industries are advertising, computer software and accounting and finance. The chart revealed some positive career news as well for future graduates, stating that average starting salary for the Class of 2013 increased 2.6 percent from the Class of 2012. 

Where does your major rank? Check out the chart below and find out!

Are you a smart and savvy pre-collegiette looking for answers to some of your most personal questions about college? You know, the ones about boys, classes, roommates and parties that your school’s guidance office can’t help you with? Jen is here to answer those questions! Whatever your concern, she’ll do her best to help you so you can make sure you don’t just survive college, but rock it!

How did you decide which major was right for you? – Kiana

Kiana,

When I started college, I was originally a nutrition and dietetics major. This is a field that’s doing well and has so much potential, but after tackling tricky lab sciences and analyzing my true intentions for choosing the major (status and a decent salary), I knew I needed to re-evaluate my decision. I was miserable, and I didn’t want to deal with a lifetime of student loans and sleepless nights studying for something I hated.

I chose my current major, journalism, based on my personal passions and interests. I’m really into social justice, writing, feminism and community outreach, so journalism was perfect for me. I get to incorporate all of those into my major and my coursework, and it’s pretty fantastic.

When I think back on my days as a nutrition and dietetics major, I often will just laugh about it. I’m terrible at science (especially chemistry), and I don’t think I’d be so good at telling people how to eat properly as a career, since I’m still working on my own eating habits. I’m super involved in my community, so I like to be away from a desk and out in the city talking to people about important issues. Since my nutrition and dietetics major wasn’t going to allow me to do that in the same way journalism would, I said deuces to that department (and to my chemistry class, of course) after about two months into the major.

Now I absolutely love what I do, and I’m so happy! I see a career in journalism as having faith in the future and what lies ahead for our generation, and I’m pumped to be a part of that.

If you’re not 100 percent sure about what you want to do, wait it out a bit and start off your college journey undeclared. Doing so will let you have the space to take general education (gen ed) classes that you’ll likely need to graduate with any degree. I wish I had known this before I went to college, since I didn’t earn many credits from fall semester of freshman year after I changed my major.

There are also a ton of quizzes you can take online that can help guide you towards possible majors that might be a good fit for you based on your personality and talents. I highly suggest you take one, since it can give you some ideas to consider if you’re totally confused about what you might want to study. Many of the quizzes I’ve taken have said I’d be a great social worker, teacher or counselor, and it was cool to be able to consider working in one of those fields.

Basically, figuring out the right major for you is similar to figuring out if you’re in love: when you know, you know.

If you’re dreading going to class every day, you can’t see yourself in that field at graduation or you’re only in that major for the good salary, those are bad reasons to go into a field, and you’ll want to re-evaluate your motives.

Before I switched to journalism, I thought about all of these questions and so many others before making a decision. It’s definitely not something that you’ll want to take lightly or decide on overnight.

One more thing you can try is to see how you procrastinate, and decide if what you do can be turned into a profitable career. Sadly, you can’t major in Netflix or Pinterest in college, but you can go into communications to learn how to navigate social media, or film to learn the behind-the-scenes work that goes into your fave shows. When I was supposed to be studying for my anatomy and physiology exams, I’d analyze the layouts of different magazines instead, which is my kind of fun (turn down for what?). Then I realized that if I wanted to, I could work at a magazine someday. Soon afterwards, I switched my major, and I’ve never looked back.

At the end of the day, this is your decision, and you’ll know what’s right for you based on what you feel the most passionate about. Stick to your gut, but also remember to think through all of your options and the long-term effects of your decisions. Good luck!

Are you a smart and savvy pre-collegiette looking for answers to some of your most personal questions about college? You know, the ones about boys, classes, roommates and parties that your school’s guidance office can’t help you with? Jen is here to answer those questions! Whatever your concern, she’ll do her best to help you so you can make sure you don’t just survive college, but rock it!

How did you decide which major was right for you?– Kiana

Kiana,

When I started college, I was originally a nutrition and dietetics major. This is a field that’s doing well and has so much potential, but after tackling tricky lab sciences and analyzing my true intentions for choosing the major (status and a decent salary), I knew I needed to re-evaluate my decision. I was miserable, and I didn’t want to deal with a lifetime of student loans and sleepless nights studying for something I hated.

I chose my current major, journalism, based on my personal passions and interests. I’m really into social justice, writing, feminism and community outreach, so journalism was perfect for me. I get to incorporate all of those into my major and my coursework, and it’s pretty fantastic.

When I think back on my days as a nutrition and dietetics major, I often will just laugh about it. I’m terrible at science (especially chemistry), and I don’t think I’d be so good at telling people how to eat properly as a career, since I’m still working on my own eating habits. I’m super involved in my community, so I like to be away from a desk and out in the city talking to people about important issues. Since my nutrition and dietetics major wasn’t going to allow me to do that in the same way journalism would, I said deuces to that department (and to my chemistry class, of course) after about two months into the major.

Now I absolutely love what I do, and I’m so happy! I see a career in journalism as having faith in the future and what lies ahead for our generation, and I’m pumped to be a part of that.

If you’re not 100 percent sure about what you want to do, wait it out a bit and start off your college journey undeclared. Doing so will let you have the space to take general education (gen ed) classes that you’ll likely need to graduate with any degree. I wish I had known this before I went to college, since I didn’t earn many credits from fall semester of freshman year after I changed my major.

There are also a ton of quizzesyou can take online that can help guide you towards possible majors that might be a good fit for you based on your personality and talents. I highly suggest you take one, since it can give you some ideas to consider if you’re totally confused about what you might want to study. Many of the quizzes I’ve taken have said I’d be a great social worker, teacher or counselor, and it was cool to be able to consider working in one of those fields.

Basically, figuring out the right major for you is similar to figuring out if you’re in love: when you know, you know.

If you’re dreading going to class every day, you can’t see yourself in that field at graduation or you’re only in that major for the good salary, those are bad reasons to go into a field, and you’ll want to re-evaluate your motives.

Before I switched to journalism, I thought about all of these questions and so many others before making a decision. It’s definitely not something that you’ll want to take lightly or decide on overnight.

One more thing you can try is to see how you procrastinate, and decide if what you do can be turned into a profitable career. Sadly, you can’t major in Netflix or Pinterest in college, but you can go into communications to learn how to navigate social media, or film to learn the behind-the-scenes work that goes into your fave shows. When I was supposed to be studying for my anatomy and physiology exams, I’d analyze the layouts of different magazines instead, which is my kind of fun (turn down for what?). Then I realized that if I wanted to, I could work at a magazine someday. Soon afterwards, I switched my major, and I’ve never looked back.

At the end of the day, this is your decision, and you’ll know what’s right for you based on what you feel the most passionate about. Stick to your gut, but also remember to think through all of your options and the long-term effects of your decisions. Good luck!

Weed, pot, cannabis… no matter what you call it, marijuana is a hot topic these days, with more and more states legalizing the drug. Many people say marijuana is safer and less addicting than alcohol or tobacco—but is it really safe? We talked to collegiettes and Michael Pierce, M.D., a Connecticut-based psychiatrist, for the lowdown on getting high.

You, on marijuana

You probably knew the kids in high school who smoked behind the school or baked weed into brownies. But in college, many students still turn to weed for a buzz. What about marijuana makes the drug so appealing to college students? According to Dr. Pierce, THC, a chemical found in marijuana, mimics specific neurotransmitters in your brain after it’s inhaled or ingested, which then activate certain neurons that will create side effects in your body.  Smoking pot causes several different side effects. “You get giddy and spacey and fascinated by sounds and visuals, then you get the munchies and feel like taking a nap,” Dr. Pierce says.

Marijuana affects people differently, but the most common short-term side effects include distorted perception, loss of coordination, and increased heart rate. Sometimes, anxiety and paranoia can occur, depending on the person.

For Justine, a student at Johns Hopkins University, pot makes her sleepy, hungry, and less anxious.  For other girls, like Jane*, a collegiette at Vassar College, marijuana has a relaxing effect. “Weed does have a tendency to make me sleepy. If I get too high and I still have homework to do, I find it hard to concentrate,” she says. “When I smoke… all food tastes incredibly delicious, and I want to eat all of it!”

Long-term side effects

Like any drug, marijuana can be risky. “As with any substance, including food, excess intake is associated with adverse effects,” Dr. Pierce says. “Individuals may be more or less vulnerable to the potential adverse effects, ranging from blunted affect (apathetic mood) to paranoia and memory impairment.” Dr. Pierce doesn’t call marijuana addictive per se but says it can be “habit-forming and self-reinforcing.”

Dr. Pierce also says that “long-term use can lead to accumulation in fat tissue (not unlike many pharmaceuticals), such that it is detectable after chronic use for days to weeks.” In non-medical terms, that means that if you’re a frequent marijuana user, the drug will be stored in your body long-term and will show up if you have to take a drug test. When any drug builds up significantly in your body, there can be negative effects on your memory, information processing, and attention span—even if you’re no longer using marijuana. Smoking every once in a while is unlikely to produce these long-term effects, however.

Marijuana can certainly be abused, even if we don’t hear about it as much as alcohol or tobacco abuse. You’re probably abusing the drug if you’re smoking every day for weeks or months at a time.

However, marijuana overuse won’t kill you, Dr. Pierce says. “There are risks of habitual overuse, as is true of sugar, coffee, video games, and Facebook, though there is no evidence for physical dependence,” he says. “Marijuana is safer than many, if not most modern pharmaceuticals (all medicine). There is no potential for lethal overdose, which has never occurred.”

The bottom line

The argument for medical usage of marijuana has as many proponents as it does critics. Dr. Pierce says marijuana can be used in many therapeutic contexts, including pain relief, nausea relief, and help for AIDS and chemotherapy patients. Many studies have been done on the use of medicinal marijuana. As Dr. Pierce said, while marijuana can be abused, it is not lethal in high doses (like alcohol or prescription drugs are), and it is less likely to cause addiction than other drugs.

However, many critics of marijuana argue that prolonged usage of the drug can predispose the user to mental disorders like schizophrenia. They also claim that marijuana can be a “gateway” to harder drugs, like ecstasy and cocaine. Research is still being conducted on these side effects. 

“Some studies claim that [marijuana] leads to psychosis in early-onset schizophrenia, though young people with symptoms of schizophrenia may be more inclined to seek substances to calm their minds, and may become more disorganized when high. So getting high may hasten the onset of psychosis for those who are destined to become psychotic,” Dr. Pierce says. “In contrast, I have known patients with psychotic illnesses who were relieved from their psychotic symptoms when they got high. It's really not simple.” Basically, if you’re predisposed to a certain health condition, such as a mental disorder or an addiction, using marijuana may be the key that “unlocks” that condition that was built into you all along. Unfortunately, Dr. Pierce says it’s incredibly tricky to predict this, so if you’re in any doubt, talk to your doctor.

No matter where you stand on the marijuana topic, there are ways you can enjoy a buzz safely and smartly. Dr. Pierce says occasional marijuana use is generally safe (aside from legal ramifications, if it is illegal in your state). He explains that, especially for college students, the greater risk is alcohol, which, unlike marijuana, can produce intense bodily harm even after one use and can result in death.

If you’re a college student, there are a few things you should know before you pick up a joint:

• Think twice before combining pot and alcohol. Getting drunk and then smoking a lot of weed can be harmful. Jane says combining alcohol and pot makes her vomit and become very dizzy. If you’re going to partake in either activity, stick to one or the other. “I think for a lot of people it is really easy to overdo it when mixing the two and [they] end up feeling sick,” Jane says.
• Be aware of how you’re using it. When you smoke pot, you’ll start to feel the effects quickly. If you ingest it (as tea or baked into foods), it will take longer to feel the effects, but they will last longer. Be aware of how marijuana affects you, so you don’t try to do activities that might be difficult when you’re high. Which leads us to…
• Don’t drive while high. Some college students argue that driving while high is safe, unlike alcohol. However, the truth is that pot does affect coordination and processing skills, two things you definitely need on the road. Wait until the high is out of your system before you get behind the wheel.  Or, if your buzzed friend wants to drive, stall until you’re both sober. Better yet, if you plan on smoking pot, keep yourself in a situation where no car is required. You could also consider having a designated driver if you plan on getting high. Have a plan before you use marijuana so you stay safe.
• Be careful of abusing pot. If you’re using marijuana every day or most days of the week, you’re probably abusing it. Talk to a doctor or a counselor at your campus health center if you think you might have a problem with marijuana. They can help you get back on track so that you can avoid any long-term health consequences.

Like all drugs, marijuana can be abused and cause serious side effects. Although some college students may argue that it’s safe, there are side effects you need to be aware of—not to mention legal ramifications if marijuana is illegal in your state. A few hours of fun aren’t worth damaging your health or your record!

*Name has been changed

Summer is the time for beach excursions, sizzling romances and poolside relaxation. Most importantly, though, it’s time to turn up the heat on your wardrobe! Let’s face it, no collegiette’s wardrobe would be complete without the top summer essential: a sundress. Whether you need an outfit for a crazy night out, a trip to the beach with your girls or a hot date, a sundress is the perfect option. Read on to check out the sundresses we’re simply dying over this season!

1. Pretty in Pink

Summer is definitely the time to make a bold style statement, and bright colors are a great way to do it. This fun and flirty dress from Charlotte Russe ($28.99) is an absolute must-have for any outdoor party. The hot pink lace and shorter length will show off your sun-kissed skin. Plus, the simple design of the dress allows you to get creative with your accessories. Add a statement necklace, like this one from Target($16.99), to personalize your outfit.

2. All Wrapped Up

A sleeveless wrap dress is a chic way to battle the scorching heat. A wrap dress flatters almost every body type and provides a cool and comfy feel with a classy look. This cream dress from Forever 21 ($22.80) features an adorable floral print. For a relaxing day of picnics and fireworks, be sure to pair this dress with some comfortable summer sandals ($39.95).

3. Maxi-mum Heat

Not all of your sundresses have to be sweet and simple! Show off a little leg with this sexy maxi ($17.80). For some extra flair, add a skinny belt to define your waist and some heels to make your legs look even longer. This little number is the perfect choice for a night on the town with your new summer fling!

4.  Rock the Chevron

 We absolutely love this dress from ModCloth ($49.99), and who could blame us? The versatility of this dress will allow you to move from work to dinner to a late-night bonfire. Plus, who doesn’t love chevron? For you working girls, make this dress more professional by pairing it with a neutral blazer, like this one from Gap ($88).

5. Lovely in Lilly

No one does sophisticated summer quite like Lilly Pulitzer. This timeless navy dress from Lilly’s new collection ($178) is essential for any collegiette with a schedule full of dressy events for her fabulous internship. We promise you’ll never want to take it off!

6.Glowing in Yellow

This sunny piece from Francesca’s ($58) is sure to have you glowing. The feminine yellow daisies and conservative cut make it a natural fit for Sunday brunch with your girls, just like our favorite ladies from Sex and the City! So this summer, collegiettes, embrace the sundress! With these options, you’re sure to look fabulous no matter the occasion.

Ten up-and-coming beauty bloggers, five beauty-related challenges and a panel of esteemed beauty editors and celebrity guest judges can only mean one thing … the Allure Beauty Blogger Awards are back! Naturally, the Her Campus beauty bloggers did a little digging about this year’s awards and even got to ask the lucky winners a few questions about all things beauty.

The Beauty Blogger Awards, which are sponsored by Allure (every beauty junkie’s fave magazine), gave 10 beauty bloggers and YouTubers the opportunity to compete in five beauty-centric challenges. These ranged from shopping sprees and makeovers to empties videos, beauty philosophies and Allure cover recreations. Each challenge was judged by online votes along with a panel made up of the magazine’s beauty editors as well as one celebrity judge each week. If you’re a diehard beauty junkie like us, you’ll probably recognize a few of the incredible guest judges, including YouTube gurus Dulce Candy Ruiz, Cassandra Bankson and sisters Elle and Blair Fowler as well as blogger Elizabeth Dehn. 

The competition was fierce and the immense amount of talent made for some difficult decisions, but in the end, beauty blogger and YouTuber Alyssa Wallace of Alyssa Forever was crowned the winner of the 2014 Allure Beauty Blogger Awards! Alyssa wowed judges with her impressive skills (she won four out of the five challenges!) and inspirational personality (she coined the word “Flawlyss” to describe how every girl should view herself). Alyssa won a trip to NYC, backstage access to a fashion show, admission to Allure’s Best of Beauty party and more! Though Alyssa ultimately walked away with the title, the remaining award recipients are just as awesome. Scroll down to check out HC’s exclusive Q&A’s with each of the winners!

Beauty Blogger: Alyssa Wallace of Alyssa Forever

Allure Award: Winner!

1. How would you describe your personal beauty philosophy?

I believe that beauty should be fun yet practical. I generally stick to natural/neutral looks because I don’t want to look drastically different when it all comes off.

2. What is the one makeup item you can't live without?

I am torn between an amazing brown pencil and really good mascara. Brows make it or break it for me, so I’d say my life could still go on if I only had a brow pencil. Then again, accentuated lashes are essential as well. I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels less feminine with bald lashes. I also have thin brow hairs, so I usually swipe them with some mascara, too … shhh!

3. What is your number one piece of advice for girls starting their own beauty blog or YouTube channel? 

The key to being successful is finding a balance between what the people want and what makes you happy. You’ve gotta find a way to make what you love entertaining to other people.

P.S. Viewers hate a lot of “blah blah, so I blah blah blah, me me me.” Viewers are suckers for visual stimulation -- make it a fun experience!

Why you should check her out: 

Alyssa’s big win is totally deserved, and one look at her bubbly YouTube channel will tell you why. She delivers amazing hair tips and tutorials (specifically for natural hair!) as well as makeup hauls and reviews, all while remaining approachable and down to earth (she even vlogs about getting braces!). In addition to being totally gorgeous, Alyssa is crazy talented with makeup -- just check out this video makeover she did on a friend! It's refreshing to see a girl so comfortable with herself, and Alyssa's incredibly inspirational and upbeat energy certainly reminds us to always feel "Flawlyss" in our own skin. 

Beauty Blogger: Mallory Cornelison of Mallory1712

Allure Award: First Runner-Up

1. How would you describe your personal beauty philosophy?

My personal beauty philosophy is to have fun and always take that time for myself. Putting my makeup on and doing my hair is a way for me to zone out of the daily grind and focus on the simple things that make me happy.

2. What is the one makeup item you can't live without? 

I cannot live without my Dior Extase mascara! I have hooded lids, so smudging is a huge problem for me. Dior Extase doesn't smudge or flake and has a great eyelash serum in it that actually makes my lashes longer.

3. What is your number one piece of advice for girls starting their own beauty blog or YouTube channel? 

My number one piece of advice is BE YOURSELF! There is only one of you, so share your uniqueness with the world!

Why you should check her out:       

This fun and quirky YouTuber is a natural in front of the camera and has clearly mastered the art of a killer winged liner. Mallory offers a huge variety of videos, ranging from tattoo chats and absolutely stunning celebrity makeup tutorials to an inspirational video about learning to forgive yourself. Not limited to makeup, Mallory's channel has tons of hair tutorials and OOTD videos as well as life advice featured in her Wednesday Wisdom segments. With her quirky and endearing sense of humor, flawless face and relatable girl-to-girl life advice, Mallory1712 is definitely worth checking out. 

Beauty Blogger: Megan Moore of The Beauty Snoop

Allure Award: Second Runner-Up

1. How would you describe your personal beauty philosophy?

Natural, classic and evolving. I often think that many of the most popular beauty bloggers are "glam" gals, and they specialize in full-face looks complete with falsies and the works. And while I enjoy watching their tutorials and scoping out their favorites beauty products, I am a different kind of beauty blogger. I wear a more natural daytime look because I would look silly picking up carpool with club makeup on! Although I wish I had late-night adventures to get dressed up for, that just isn't in the cards anymore. So I write for the gal that loves a classic and feminine look that isn't too fussy and takes less than 10 minutes to apply.

2. What is the one makeup item you can't live without? 

It has to be my Buxom lip glosses! The minty tingle is perfect and refreshing, almost like ChapStick, but the colors are beautifully pigmented with just the right amount of tackiness. I go through them like water, and I haven't purchased a color that I didn't love.

3. What is your number one piece of advice for girls starting their own beauty blog or YouTube channel? 

Research, research, research! And then research some more! No, really though -- the best place to start is by identifying what type of feel, voice, look and point of view you want to have in your blog. Find the sites that speak to you and keep you coming back for more, then pinpoint what it is about that blog that you love so much. Is it the easy-to-navigate layout, the comedic writing style, the type of photography? Once you know what you love (and don't love) about other blogs, you can start to piece together your own with a clear direction. And of course -- put your own spin on it! 

Why you should check her out:

The initial draw of this beauty lover's blog is the super bright and colorful web design, but the content is amazing, too! In between all of the gorgeously photographed blog posts are YouTube clips of a bubbly and energetic Megan dishing on all things beauty. Whether you're looking for a fun hairstyle for a night out or an overview of the best budget friendly products on the market, Megan's got you covered. There's a nice mix of step-by-step photo tutorials and video tutorials that showcase her amazing filming setup (she films against a white brick background, making her the star of the show!). Come for the eye-catching photo collages and colors, stay for the stellar beauty expertise, hauls, reviews and more!

Beauty Blogger: Miranda Mendoza of Slashed Beauty

Allure Award: Most Buzzworthy

1. How would you describe your personal beauty philosophy?

My personal beauty philosophy is that beauty can be found in anyone, without an ounce of makeup on, without plastic surgery, without photo filters. I also believe makeup should be used to express rather than to conceal. I feel like a large amount of the beauty industry points out how to change yourself or achieve features you don't have, while I advocate using your natural beauty as a canvas for art!

2. What is the one makeup item you can't live without? 

One makeup item I could never live without is mascara! Even when I'm not wearing anything else on my face, I've got to throw on a bit of mascara to look and feel polished. 

3. What is your number one piece of advice for girls starting their own beauty blog or YouTube channel? 

My number one piece of advice for girls starting a beauty blog or YouTube channel is to do it for yourself and not other people. Don't turn it into a competition and try to keep up with that guru who has a million subscribers; just "do you." Also, keeping in touch with other bloggers via networks like Her Campus can give you a resource for advice, support and technical tips!

Why you should check her out:

If you're looking for a thorough and easy-to-navigate blog, this is the one for you. Slashed Beauty is super well-organized and multi-faceted, making it ideal for pros and beginners (she even has a section specifically for beauty newbies!). Her step-by-step guides leave nothing out, and Miranda makes sure to photograph each and every step and swatch. This guru also utilizes YouTube for more in-depth tutorials, like this gorgeous festival hair look (bookmarked!). Miranda takes her blog deeper than surface level with her Perception of Beauty section, a forum where she weighs in on topics like the eternal selfie debate and modern conceptions of beauty. Miranda's energetic and friendly tone and obvious beauty know-how definitely get HC buzzing!

The competition was tight, and although only four girls walked away with titles, the six remaining bloggers were just as fabulous, so make sure to check them out: Tamira Laboy of Lipstick With Some Sunshine, Marianna Hewitt of La La Mer, Nicci Gilland of A Difference Face, Ivy Boyd of Wake Up for Make Up, AJ Schulz of Your Stylist AJ and Serein Wu of Dress Yourself Happy.

Her Campus would like to extend a huge congratulations to all of the participants and winners of this year’s Allure Beauty Blogger Awards. Keep up the fabulous work, ladies!

We don’t know about you, but after Sunday’s episode of Game of Thrones, we just wanted to hug Jon Snow and never let him go. All of that time at the Wall has made him cold and icy, and we think a hug would melt him down into the puddle of mush he's meant to be. 

(Spoilers ahead!)

1. When he had to cut his beautiful locks.

It's okay; we would be upset, too. 

2. When he kissed Bran on the head before leaving him.

Even though Catelyn totally hated him. 

3. When he gave Arya her first sword, Needle.

That’s right, Arya, hug him. We would. 

4. When he said goodbye to his dad... forever.

We all know how that turned out, don't we?

5. When he found out Robb was dead (RIP King in the North and in our Hearts):

6. When he couldn't figure out how to use this phone.

We'll teach you, Jon! 

7. When he played a lonely guitar solo.

8. When Jon and Ghost were besties no matter what.

We bet they cuddle all the time. 

9. When he didn't kill Ygritte.

10. When Ygritte constantly questioned his knowledge.

11. And when she made fun of his... lack of experience.

Jon didn't want to have children because he didn't want them to be illegitimate like him. He's such a sensitive man. LEAVE HIM ALONE.

12. When he was very wrong about this statement.

A few arrows never bothered him, anyway. 

13. When he got called out at a hockey game.

Jon just can't escape his past, you know?

14. Whenever he looked like this.

15. Or this.

16. Or this.

Basically, whenever he looks moody and brooding... which is always.

17. But most recently, when he held Ygritte like this...

Which only made us think of this...

Which in turn only made us want to hug Jon Snow more. At least we know what he's looking for in his next lady.  

Desperately trying to understand the inscrutable mind of the college male? Real Live College Guy Joel (replete with a name way cooler than those of RLCGs Joe and Joey) is here to help you out, call you out, write you a poem to show you’re great and to stop worrying, etc. From major emotional drama to the minutiae of social interaction, use him as your one-stop shop for guy advice.

I'm a senior in college, but I haven't been sexually involved yet, because I simply want a deep loving relationship before going any further, but men seem to be intimidated by my inexperience for some reason. I don't know what to do, so should I tell or not tell about my lack of sexual history in a budding relationship? - Inexperienced at Ithaca

Inexperienced,

You have made an admirable and mature decision. Plus everyone at Cornell and Ithaca is really attractive and there isn’t much else to do besides work up there, so special kudos. In the environment of most contemporary colleges, the mere prevalence of casual sex pressures many to engage in hook-ups that leave them feeling emotionally unfulfilled. It sounds like you have made a decision that is right for you, and I’m sorry that you feel it has affected how guys treat you.

I’m curious as to how guys “seem to be intimidated.” I wonder if some of it is in your head. You’ve made a decision that works for you, but you may feel self-conscious because you worry about being unusual. You also may be volunteering this tidbit about yourself too early. If you’re sharing this on a first date, or even if you’re not dating, a guy is going to be freaked out.

Here’s my perspective when it comes to virginity: it’s not a deal breaker but it is something that intimidates both guys and girls. Whoever on the Internet says that virginity is a turn-on for some guys needs to get out more. With guys, this intimidation comes from the belief that deflowering a girl makes the relationship a big deal. Many feel that sex with a virgin indicates a seriousness for which they aren’t ready or don’t want.

Whether a guy has strong feelings or not, he also has the understandable anxiety about actually doing the deed. This isn’t going to be Titanic. No hands will be ecstatically hitting steamy windows. Taking someone’s virginity has the potential to be uncomfortable and awkward for both parties. Guys want to avoid embarrassing both you and themselves.

You want a meaningful connection before going ahead with sex with a guy, so make sure you have one. At the point in a relationship where you are seriously making out and, umm, touching, warn him that you want a deep loving relationship before having sex. He’ll get a sense of your attitude, and may also guess that you might be inexperienced. Then see what happens. If he sticks around and proves that he’s serious about you, then he should be OK hearing all of the details. When you’re ready to have sex, tell him the whole truth about your inexperience. At this point, if you’re in a serious relationship, it should not be a big deal for him. The best method is to share your perspective and attitude about sex and relationships before divulging the piece of intimidating trivia.

So you don’t have time to run home before heading out with friends after work, but you still want to look hot? Don't worry: the HC beauty editors have you covered.

Whether you want to touch up your daytime makeup at the office or vamp it up for a night out after work, having a streamlined makeup bag with you at your job or internship is a must. I just leave my bag at my internship (this is super helpful if I’m running late in the morning – I can do my makeup at the office!).

You don’t need a million products to take your look from day to night. Instead, a few key items will be plenty, and they should all fit inside of a small cosmetics bag (I picked mine up at CVS, but you can get them anywhere!). Some of the products in my beauty bag are makeup and some are general beauty items, so there’s something here for everyone -- no matter your beauty routine!

Makeup

Concealer

Concealer is a must for me since I tend to break out quite a bit. A cream concealer, such as this one from Laura Mercier, is easy to use for pinpoint concealing, and the peachier shade is great for covering undereye darkness.

Pressed Powder and/or Oil Blotting Sheets

Whether you have oily skin or not, most girls will experience a little bit of shine throughout the day, so it's a good idea to have a powder compact, like this CoverGirl one, for touch-ups. If powder looks too cakey, try oil blotting sheets. 

Smudgy Eyeliner

A dark and smudgy eyeliner, such as Revlon Colorstay Eyeliner, is one of the easiest ways to take your look from day to night. Just run a bit of pencil around your eyes, smoke it out with your finger and voilà! Instant smokey eye.

Neutral Lipstick or Balm

A neutral lipstick is generally a great thing to have on hand, but a peachy or pink lipstick has the added benefit of doubling as a cream blush. Just dot the lipstick on the apples of your cheeks and blend out with fingers, and you'll be good to go. Check out Revlon Super Lustrous Lipcolor in Coral Berry for the perfect shade!

Bright Lipstick

Neutrals are great and all, but sometimes you just need a punch of color. I like to keep a super bright lipstick, such as Revlon Moon Drops in Orange Flip, with me to brighten up any outfit. Plus, if you swipe on an eye-catching lipstick, you don't need to add any more drama to your eyes. 

General Beauty

Hand Sanitizer

This is a must for me. I take public transportation and spend all day on my computer, so it's imporant to clean my hands before I touch my face. 

Fragrance

Sometimes you need to freshen up a bit, and a mini atomizer, like this one from Sephora, does just the trick and fits easily in your handbag. Lots of perfumes also come in a convenient rollerball form (and you won't risk accidentally spraying your neighbor!). 

Lip Balm

There's nothing that feels (or looks!) worse than having chapped lips, so I always have a lip balm in my handbag, my bedroom, my car ... you get the idea. I especially love the Smooth Sphere Lip Balm from eos!

Nail Clippers

I'm a bit OCD when it comes to my fingernails, and if one of them is jagged, I tend to obsess over it until my entire mani is ruined. Long story short, I always have a pair of nail clippers to avoid self-sabotage (not to mention they're great for cutting off tags or removing stray threads from clothing!). 

Extra Contacts and Eye Drops

I have contacts that I replace every night, so I like to have a few spares with me in case I get something in my eye. If I'm out late or I've been staring at a computer for too long, my eyes can get dry, so I like to keep drops on hand. And yes, that prescription is correct -- my eyesight is that bad. 

Extra Hair Elastics and Clips

'Nuff said.

These are just the items in my emergency makeup bag that I leave at the office, but obviously, feel free to remove or add products based on your skin tone, makeup style and beauty regimen! It's all about being prepared and feeling your best, no matter where you are.