Crop tops, rompers, body jewelry and midi rings...what do all of these things have in common? Answer: they're the hottest summer trends! Chances are you've noticed girls rocking midi rings (also known as knuckle rings since they sit on your finger between your knuckle and your fingertip). Since this part of the finger is much thinner than the base of your finger (where you would normally wear a ring), midi rings are much smaller than regular rings. Luckily, all our favorite brands have hopped on the bandwagon and you can find these tinier midi rings pretty much everywhere. If you have bigger fingers, normal rings in the smaller sizes work really well as midi rings, as do adjustable rings that can be made smaller.

While they are definitely fashion forward, midi rings can be a little intimidating if you've never rocked them before, so the Catwalk to Campus bloggers at HC have put together a guide to looking fabulous while flaunting summer's most versatile trend.

1. Perfect Your Polish

Midi rings have a tendency to draw attention to your nails, so make sure they’re buffed, filed and polished (no chips!), to make sure your adorable midi rings draw attention to your mani in a positive way.

2. Sets, Stacks and Layers

Lots of midi rings come in sets of multiples, which takes all the guesswork out of figuring out how to mix-and-match your rings. Some of these stacks are connected and some can be worn individually or on top of one another to spell out a word (this adorable set from Forever 21 spells out LOVE!) or create a fun chevron pattern like in the above picture.

3. Chains

Body jewelry and chains have been everywhere lately, from elaborate ear cuffs to bikini body chains. In the world of midi rings, chains can be used to connect a ring at the base of the finger to a midi ring on the same finger, to connect rings on two separate fingers (like in the pic) and can even be used in a unique ring-to-wrist bracelet like this one from Urban Outfitters. The key here is to make sure that the chain is not too restrictive (you should be able to move freely) — otherwise it can look silly.

4. Keep it Simple

If you're a bit more understated, having a single smaller midi ring can look beautiful and dainty. Tons of brands have simple midi designs and we especially love bows, astrological signs, initials and infinity signs (we especially love this one from ASOS).

5. Get Creative

The most full-on way to rock the midi ring trend is to mix-and-match lots of rings of different textures, colors, metals, shapes and sizes. There are really no rules with this one; it's all about expressing your own style through a unique mix of your favorite rings! If you're a bit unsure of your ability to mix-and-match, lots of stores sell midi rings already in sets (this one from Topshop is amazing) so you can look effortlessly eclectic without the hassle.

Personally, we prefer the more understated look. We especially love this second-hand store anchor midi ring and this adjustable hammered gold ring from Kendra Phillip.

Midi rings are an easy way to add some variety to your jewelry collection and with so many adorable options to choose from, you can create your own perfect combination that reflects your distinct personal style. 

When thinking about summer romance, the first thing that comes to mind is a scene straight out of the movie Grease, where Danny and Sandy meet and spontaneously fall in love at the beach. While the beach might be your go-to summer hangout spot, it might not be the best place to find a fling. But have you ever paid attention to the cute guy at your job or internship? Take a look at the best places to find your summer fling… and the spots that might leave you wondering if Prince Charming even exists.

The Best Places

1. Where You Work

You might dread waking up early every day in the summer to go to a job or internship, but whether your job is awesome or kind of a bore, you should pay attention to the people working there.

“Relationships that spark at a shared 'special place' have a better chance of being what you want,” says Carole Lieberman, M.D., psychiatrist and author of Bad Girls: Why Men Love Them & How Good Girls Can Learn Their Secrets. “For example, if you're both counselors at the same camp, you can support each other and share secret trysts after the campers go to bed.”

Just be careful—some companies have strict rules against dating another coworker!

2. A Bookstore

Take a break from the frat guys who invade your college town and scope out an area where intellectuals reside. While you probably won’t be spending most of your summer in a bookstore, if you’re looking for something relaxing to do, it’s a great place to stimulate your mind and spark a potential love interest.

Nicole Moshe, a sophomore at the University of Central Florida, says she pays attention to guys when she’s at bookstores. “If you see a person browsing in the same section you like or if somebody picked up a book you love, you can start up a conversation easily and you already have something in common,” she says. “Also, it's nice to know that there are still people out there that read hard copies of books.”

Strike up a conversation with the guy reading the back of a Divergent novel, or maybe suggest your favorite book to him – you never know where it might take you!

3. A Coffee Shop

Who doesn’t love an iced coffee during the heat of summer? While stopping by your morning coffee spot, put your cell phone down and take a look at the people around you.

“A coffee shop is a really relaxed environment, and people usually read there, so if they're reading something you like, it can spark conversation,” Nicole says.

A coffee shop is also a place where you can have a casual conversation to get to know someone new without the pressure of it being an actual date, or even having to know him before!

4. A Music Festival

There are few better ways to bond with someone than over a mutual love of music. “Great locations to find a summer fling are places you go to do something you feel passionate about,” Lieberman says.

Since you already know you’ll have something in common with a person—your taste in music—this sort of event is a stress-free atmosphere where you can start talking to the cute guy you see rocking out to your favorite band. Venture away from your standard group (but don’t get lost!) and approach someone new. Whether you end up sitting on a blanket together and enjoying the music or you listen to the beats while sitting on his shoulders, you’re bound to make a new friend—or maybe meet a new love interest!

The Worst Places

1. The Beach

While the beach might seem like a good location to find summer romance due to its laid-back atmosphere, Lieberman says that might not be the best idea.

“If you meet a guy in a very general place – like the beach – you won't know anything about him,” she says. “A summer fling is much more satisfying if you can share the same passion or hobby with your guy. So, if you're doing something you love, like going sailing, and he is, too, then you can enjoy it together for the rest of the summer. And the more specific, the better.”

2. On Vacation

Although meeting new peopleis always fun on vacation, anything that might get too serious could be a problem if you don’t live near each other.

“Vacations are super-tempting times for summer flings because you're away from responsibilities and in a beautiful, exciting setting,” Lieberman says. “Just know that if the guy you meet lives far away, it might not be realistic to expect the fling to continue once you return home.”

While some couples can make long distance work, for the most part it will be difficult to keep the fling alive after you both go home, which will probably leave you disappointed. You don’t want your fun vacation memories to be tarnished by an unsuccessful fling!

3. At a Bar

While there might be plenty of guys to choose from there, bars aren’t the prime spot to meet a fling.

“Don't look for romance in bars or at wild beach parties where guys are just looking for sex and the girl of the hour,” Lieberman says. “The next day, he'll be off with someone new; whatever girl is easy and close at hand.”

Unless your nice-guy radar is second to none, you probably won’t be able to detect a guy’s true intentions at a bar. Your best bet is to stick to a girls’ night out when going to a bar and wait until morning to find that special guy.

Summer is a great time to be carefree and spontaneous. Go somewhere you wouldn’t normally hang around, and you just might find a new romance!

While sometimes your 20s feel like a poorly written romantic comedy, they're actually the most enlightening and important decade in your entire life. The last time your life was this messy and confusing was your prepubescent middle-school years. This time around, the messy, confusing years are much more fun to live through.

1. You learn to be your own role model

Your 20s embed this new kind of YOLO confidence inside of you. You start to genuinely care less about what people think and start doing things simply because you want to. YOLO.

2. You learn who your true friends are

As you move into adulthood, healthy friendships become just as important as a healthy relationship with your SO. You'll find yourself significantly less concerned about people who aren’t the greatest of friends and find yourself putting forth effort for those who go the extra mile. You also quickly recognize that life is flat-out too short to have sh*tty friends.

3. You don't have to follow the norm when it comes to your career

There's nothing more liberating than the feeling of having a job doing something you actually want to do. And the beauty of it all is the flexibility you have to explore jobs at this age. You can take weird jobs at some hole-in-the-wall business in a trendy city, like Seattle, and live in sardine can of an apartment above a bakery. You can up and move wherever those jobs take you, because all you have to worry about is you, and it’s your time to discover what your dream job actually is.

4. You start to get a grip on reality

This one is like a right of passage for every 20-something; you are morally obligated to experience the harsh realities of life, like 9 to 5, Monday through Friday. You start to feel this really weird, satisfying feeling because you become human proof that there is more to life than Netflix binges and boxed wine. (Although, you still make time for that, just in smaller doses.)

5. You start to get your finances figured out

Even if it just means learning not to overdraft your bank account every month, you start to develop fiscal intelligence on some sort of level. You even begin to feel hot in your '96 Honda with three different colored doors because you know you're making the payments on your own. 

6. You have room to screw up

You're at a point in your life where you can take risks. You have the comfort of knowing that you have nothing too huge to put on the line, which is a cushion to fall back on if things don’t go as planned, because at some point, they won’t. You don't have kids or a family to support, so you don't have to worry about other people depending on your stability. You're not supposed to be stable and have things figured out when you’re in your 20s.

7. You get in touch with your deep, inspirational side

You find yourself enjoying a really good book or an inspiring story you relate to. You even find yourself wanting to go sightseeing because you appreciate nature or the culture of a certain place. It happens out of nowhere, and you will feel so flippin’ sophisticated for appreciating such enlightening things. 

8. You create your own family

In your 20s, your friends become more present in your life than your actual blood family. You live with them, work with them and eat with them, and you'll probably even date one or two along the way. Essentially, you pick a group of humans, do weird things with them and learn to love them like your own blood. These people become your home away from home.

9. You learn to enjoy the little things

Whether it's catching the sunrise on your way to work in the morning or getting extra points on your MyPanera rewards card, you come to understand that little things make life a little more sweet.

10. You still have you time

Your 20s are the golden years of your social life. You're walking the valley between adolescence and inevitable adulthood, and that valley is filled with lots of bars and time to be self-centered. You can take weekend trips, go out to dinner after work and have friends over for cocktails on a weeknight. Moral of the story: you have plenty of time to have hobbies, even if they all include food and alcohol.

11. You grow into yourself  

You actually begin to get to know yourself in ways that are deeper than your toilet paper brand preference. You begin to understand your personality and your ideal lifestyle.

12. You begin to go on real dates

Ones where your mom doesn’t drop you off at the bowling alley in her Windstar minivan, or ones where you don’t have to make it home by curfew. You actually go out to dinner with a guy you have things in common with.

13. You have a better relationship with your parents

If you live with them, you secretly don’t mind staying in with them on some weekends, playing Sudoku and watching CNN specials. If you don’t live with them, you get genuinely excited to see them when you can. You even miss your dad’s awkward side hugs and your mom’s maternal nagging.

14. You have time to travel

While you have important responsibilities in your 20s, you don’t have ones that are necessarily restricting. You can do things like study abroad through college, take internships and jobs in a different country and go backpacking across Europe. Your 20s are your time to take advantage of your uninhibited time and experience different cultures.

15. You discover your hidden talents

You get sudden urges to take up a new and random hobby, which leads you to discover that you are freakishly good at knitting, or you're the next Sondheim. Your discovery spirals into adult daydreams about starting some super successful knitting business while writing songs for Beyoncé on the side. Realistic? Probably not. But hey, you never know.

16. You get to be in weddings

There's a stigma around the marriage stage of your 20s, like you’re supposed to be dismal and frantic when you find out that another friend is headed for holy matrimony. Really, there are few things in this world more touching and sentimental than watching someone so important to you finding his or her happiness. Plus, you get to plan the bachelorette parties, which means annual vacations in Vegas until the last of your friends are married.

17. Your friends start having kids

It’s fun because they aren’t yours, but you can buy them cute things and play with them until you get to the stage in life when you want your own. Plus, it’s a weird mix of heartwarming and hilarious to watch your best friend, who used to dance on bar tables, carry around a fat little infant in a Baby Bjorn strapped to his or her chest.

18. You get your first adult place

Which means endless excuses to have friends over for cocktails and a no-pants rule from the hours of 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. Plus, there is nothing more satisfying than proving to yourself (and your apprehensive mother) that you can in fact cook well enough to keep yourself alive and healthy.

19. Boys become men

You actually start to feel like you aren’t dating your little brother’s friends, but instead, full-grown men who actually have potential to be someone you keep around for, well… forever. This makes it much easier for you discover your taste in guys and helps (somewhat) relieve your haunting fear that you'll never meet a good guy.

Yes, it's true: your 20s are confusing and messy, but that's the beauty of these years. Before you give yourself a stomach ulcer from stressing over the chaos of your life, remind yourself how wonderful these years really are and go out and enjoy them.

Girls go to college to get more knowledge… but also just to grow up. Hopefully, you’ll learn just as many life lessons in your four years of college as you will facts from your textbooks. To guide you, Her Campus has a checklist of everything you should know how to do before graduation day.

1. Defend yourself. Take a self-defense class, invest in mace, and channel Sandra Bullock in Miss Congeniality (Sulley from Monsters, Inc. works, too). You never know when you’ll need to get yourself out of a tough situation. Check out Girls Fight Back, which provides information, encouragement, and an online directory for self-defense programs near you.

2. Iron your clothes. Wrinkles should be associated with wisdom and dried fruit, not your clothes. Sport them incorrectly and you’ll look like the sloppiest Jane in any professional setting.

3. Keep a clean online presence. The world has (reluctantly) forgiven you for your embarrassing, neon-flashing Xanga account from seventh grade, but you’re older and wiser now. Natalie Hage, a 2012 Ohio State graduate who is now a medical student at the University of Toledo, says being appropriate on the web is just as important for grad school admissions as it is for finding employment. As a start, Natalie suggests to “look at how strict others in the office or program keep their image clean for examples, and go from there.” At the very least, know how to manipulate your social media privacy settings and how to restrain yourself from littering your friends’ Facebook walls and Twitter feeds with poop jokes and comments like “teehee!”

4. Have company over. Sure, you were nice enough to let your friends crash at your place a few times in college. But if you’re doing any real party throwing or guest hosting, make sure to replace your Solo cups with nice glasses, your futon with a real bed, and that beer pong table with a more legitimate method of entertainment.

5. Make yourself a meal that doesn’t involve Ramen, fast food, or takeout. In college, we cut you some slack. Now that you’re a real adult, treat yourself to something that doesn’t come from a pizza box. Bon Appétit Magazine has some easy recipes to get you started.

6. Negotiate effectively with your parents. House rules may still apply when you’re at home, but your parents shouldn’t be ruling your life altogether. That said, you should be able to establish your independence from them in a polite way, i.e., “I appreciate your years-long insistence that beets are healthy and delicious, Mommy, but regarding the latter adjective, I respectfully disagree.”

7. Negotiate effectively with your employer. You should be able to discuss deadlines, hours, and salaries without crying, quitting, or throwing up a “talk to the hand.” That may have looked cool in 1999, but now you’d just get fired.

8. Write a (quality) thank you note. Even if you find etiquette silly and you enjoy petty means of rebelliousness, suck it up and learn to write an articulate, personalized thank you note. It’s simply a kind thing to do and it will reflect well on your own character, in both personal and professional situations.

9. Be honest with your doctor. As cute as it was when 15-year-old you acted utterly confused as to how you contracted mono, there’s no use in being bashful or deceptive when it comes to your health. Ask questions, voice concerns, and have trust and confidence in your doctor.

10. Introduce yourself professionally. Be prepared to do so via email, on the phone, or with a firm handshake, because a subtle nod and a “sup, brah” won’t work quite as well in the office as it did in your freshman dorm.

11. Prioritize. This can mean waiting 15 minutes to respond to a text from your boyfriend until after you’ve given an upset friend your undivided attention, choosing to chip away at your mountain of work instead of spending the night out, or finding a way to get a full night’s sleep [sleepyti.me].

12. Deliver a sincere apology. Puppy eyes + “I sowwy” = Fail. Averting your eyes + Hoping the problem will go away = Also fail. You’re bound to make a few mistakes over the next 80 years; apologizing for them appropriately will both help you bounce back and improve your personal relationships.

13. Ask a guy out. If you never try, you’ll never know (Coldplay said that, so it must be true). Know how to go for it if you’re interested. Worst case scenario, it will still make for a good story.

14. Turn a guy down. You’ve come a long way since breaking up with your middle school boyfriend over AIM. Hopefully, another decade of experience has taught you how to turn him down the right way: clearly, kindly, and in person this time.

15. Manage your budget. Allowances and piggy banks are things of the past. It’s up to you to keep track of your expenditures and exercise self-control. “There’s nothing wrong with being broke, but you have to know when you can afford to go out,” says Lori Hage, a recent grad of the Ohio State University. So treat yourself once in a while, but keep your money in mind.

16. Fly solo. Even if your college wasn’t on the opposite coast and you never studied abroad in Ethiopia, chances are you’ll be making trips other than family vacations as an adult. Make sure you’re capable of travelling independently, packing lightly, and assuming responsibility for your own ticket, gate, and connection details.

17. Make a toast or an announcement. It turns out public speaking was not just a class high school administrators used to torture students. Learn to express yourself while staying calm, whether at a wedding or in the workplace.

18. Do the dirty work. If you’re living on your own, neither your dad nor the boys down the hall will be able to squash a bug, change your tires, or take out the trash for you. Hip-hop artist Webbie once posed the question: “Independent — do you know what that mean?” It means figuring out this kind of stuff by yourself.

19. Keep up with the news. Do yourself a favor and read a newspaper, or set your homepage to the website of a trustworthy news source, like CNN, ABC News, or the Wall Street Journal. Whether on a date or in an interview, you should be able to distinguish between Syria and Siri.

20. Know yourself. Take some time for introspection before you graduate, whether that means challenging your own beliefs and finding yourself spiritually or figuring out your true bust size. We’re not sure which is more difficult.

The first week you’re home for summer break probably consists of a lot of family time, unpacking, aimless Internet browsing and catching up on sleep. All of those activities are perfectly fine, don’t get us wrong, but a girl can only take so many naps! While your minimal cash flow might not be ideal for taking long, luxurious vacations, there are still some ways you can beat summer boredom. Try some of these easy and fun activities that won’t break the bank!

1. Host a girls’ night in

You haven’t seen your high school friends since winter break? Host a girls’ night in (GNI)! Not to be confused with Miley Cyrus’s GNO, your GNI will be super laid-back, easy to do and easy on your wallet. You could watch a classic chick flick, do one another’s nails, try new hairstyles, do homemade facials, eat yummy snacks and, of course, drink delicious mocktails (or cocktails, if you’re 21 or older) all night. Try recreating these summery hairstyles from Pinterest to get your girls’ night and your summer started right!

2. Go to a dog park

If you and your dog have just been lying around the house doing nothing, going to the dog park is a great way for you both to get some social interaction (those three seconds of conversation with the pizza-delivery man don’t count). Going in the evening ensures you and your dog won’t overheat, and there’s a better chance of seeing more people at the park with their doggies because it’s after typical office hours. Don’t forget to bring a tennis ball for your dog and the others to play with!

If you don’t have a dog of your own, see if any local animal sheltersare looking for volunteers. You’ll get to play with puppies that are in need of a friend and help a local shelter at the same time. Yay for multi-tasking!

3. Make s’mores

Whether you cook them over a campfire or on the stove in your kitchen, s’mores are an easy treat to make and so quintessential of summertime. For a classic s’more (an oldie but a goodie), grab some graham crackers, jumbo marshmallows and some chocolate bars. You can easily spice up the plain ole s’more by adding Oreos, Nutella, M&M’s, peanut butter or even some fresh fruit! If you want to be really healthy but still get to enjoy the delight of a s’more, try roasting some bananas and chocolate chips in tinfoil instead (don’t do this in the microwave!). If you’re in an urban environment far away from nature, make the experience feel more like camping by turning all the lights off and eating the s’mores by candlelight!

4. Walk, jog or bike on a new trail

No matter where you live, there’s bound to be some uncharted territory you haven’t explored yet. Why not explore your hometown while getting some exercise, too (snaps for multitasking)? Try walking, jogging or even biking on a new trail in your town. Free apps like Scout and TrailLink show you trails nearest to you. Just download the app, use your current location and pick out a trail that looks the most exciting (for Scout, you’ll need to specify that you’re looking for trails when you’re doing your search).

Grab a friend and lots of water and have an exciting day of discovering your hometown. To make your trip more exciting, create a playlist of your favorite summer jams to listen to while you’re walking or running!

5.Do outdoor yoga

To stick with the exercise theme, doing yoga outside is a fun twist to the typical atmosphere of a studio. There are a bunch of different apps you can download that have free yoga classes. Pick whichever one speaks to you, head outside and get to it! Try it in your backyard, at a park, on the beach… wherever you feel like it! If you want to really enhance your experience, try doing yoga during sunrise or (more realistic) sunset.

6. Check out a free concert

Summer concerts are great because you get to be outside in beautiful weather and enjoy live music by some of your favorite artists, but concert tickets can be expensive. Look into any music festivals happening in your town or one nearby. Good Morning America has a free summer concert seriesheld in Central Park this summer. Even though the performances start at 7 a.m. and go until about 9 a.m., some of the biggest names in the music industry will be performing (such as Jennifer Lopez, Luke Bryan, Demi Lovato and 50 Cent). This would definitely be worth checking out if you’re near New York City.

If you don’t happen to have easy access to the Big Apple, an app like Scout can help you find live music near you. Click “Live Music” under the “Explore” tab and use your current location to get information about the events happening near you. You can even specify when you want the date of the event to be (within the next 7 days or the upcoming weekend, for example).

7. Help someone out

There are countless ways to lend a helping hand to anyone from a family member to a complete stranger. You could mow your neighbor’s lawn, help your grandma plant flowers in her yard or cook dinner for your family. Finding something you love to do and then turning that into volunteer work is the best way to stay passionate about your service.

You can also check out local listings to see if any community centers or programs are in need of volunteers. VolunteerMatch is s great online resource to find volunteer opportunities near you. It sorts opportunities by interests, like advocacy and human rights, animals, environment and more, so you can find the cause that interests you the most.

Having fun doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. Whether you reconnect with old friends, explore your city or get in shape this summer, your free-time fun can also fit your student budget!

It seems old feuds die hard for former Disney Channel stars Selena Gomez and Miley Cyrus.

While performing in Milan, Italy on her Bangerz tour, Cyrus, 21, held a cardboard cutout of Gomez while singing her song “FU.” In Cyrus's defense, it appears that a fan threw the cutout on stage--so Cyrus didn't exactly plan on using Gomez as a prop. Still, she definitely wasn't above having some fun with her fellow child star's effigy. After holding the cutout, which featured Gomez’s head taped on to cardboard body with a drawn-on bikini top, Cyrus threw it into the crowd while singing the lyrics: "I got two, ooh, ooh letters for you, one of them's F and the other one's U."

This isn’t the first time that Cyrus, a friend of Gomez’s on-and-off boyfriend Justin Bieber, has gotten attention for bashing the Spring Breakers star. Back in 2008, Cyrus and pal Mandy Jiroux uploaded a video to YouTube mocking Gomez and Demi Lovato. Cyrus later apologized for the video, telling Popstar! Magazine, “I mean if we offended (Gomez and Lovato), we’re super sorry, but we were, like, just having fun.”

Gomez, 21, who has spoken highly of Cyrus in the past, has yet to comment on the incident.  

Have you taken a side in the Miley v. Selena feud? Tell us which former Disney star is your fave in the comments!

WARNING: SPOILERS!

Last night was ABC Family’s summer premiere of Pretty Little Liars, which, as always, left fans of the show with tons of unanswered questions. We’ve all been dying to know who A is for four full seasons now, and we rounded on the fifth last night. There are countless theories and hidden clues, but with all the twisted storylines, it’s impossible to really know for sure. Last night A was finally revealed--or were they?

Shana has always been suspicious despite the fact that Ali really seemed to trust her, which is why it was shocking to see Shana in the black hoodie. Now that we know Ezra is okay, all the “Ezria” fans can sigh with relief (and swoon some more). Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for Shana. As Shana fell to her death, so did the idea of her truly being “A.” We know that there is more than one A, as Mona seems to be developing an anti-Ali cult of some kind. As we’ve learned, Ali isn’t the most, um, honest person, and the girls already seem to be skeptical about trusting her again.

On top of all that drama, it seems Melissa Hastings has been hiding a secret of her own when it comes to who was actually buried in Ali’s grave. She’s always been shady, and now she's working with Mona to take Ali down. Seriously, is there anyone we can actually trust in Rosewood?!

Although the episode was action-packed and entertaining as always, it seems that fans are once again left confused as ever. In an interview with POPSUGAR, cast member Lucy Hale claims, “This season will be very gratifying for the fans, and many important questions will be answered.” Well, after last night’s episode, we sure hope so!

Was Shana really A? What is Mona up to? Who killed Ali’s mom? What is Melissa’s secret? Whose body is in the coffin? Get ready to wait a little longer for all the answers, Liars, because according to Deadline Hollywood, Pretty Little Liars has officially been picked up for two more seasons.

Looks like we’ll have to stAy tuned!

Why choose between the mobility of a tablet and the power of a laptop when you can have both? Thanks to Intel-powered 2 in 1 devices, you no longer need to make an “and/or” decision when it comes to deciding which technology to buy next.

Check out the Intel-based Sony VAIO Duo 13. The innovative sliding design of this 2 in 1 device easily transforms the system from laptop to tablet mode, which makes going from work to play a breeze! Powered by the 4th generation Intel^® Core^™ processor, the device offers 10 hours of battery life, allowing you to run full versions of the most advanced photo and video editing software, use popular programs that help get tasks done, enjoy your favorite media applications, sync MP3 devices and playlists and more without worrying about finding the nearest power outlet to charge the device halfway through the day. 

Starting at $1,399.99, this must-have device offers plenty of bang for your buck, but Her Campus has teamed up with Intel to give away one Sony VAIO Duo 13 Ultrabook 2 in 1 device for free!

Enter below to win by Friday, June 13 at 11:59 p.m. EST.  The winner will be announced in the June 17 STUDY BREAK.

Good luck, collegiettes!

You finish classes for the day and think maybe it’s time you tidied up your living space.

You think it won’t be too hard…

...until you look at the state of your room. Then, you’re like:

So you get started with the hardest part: your clothes (that are all over the place).

You wonder how you have so much of them, until you remember:

You try to organize your closet (by style… or color?), but it’s like:

So you throw everything onto a hanger or in the hamper and call it good.

Now it’s time to clean your desk!

So you sort some old term papers and cheat sheets…

...and find a ridiculous number of textbooks — that you opened once or twice, at most — from previous classes. You spent how much money on these?!

You finish cleaning your desk after throwing away that disgusting takeout box that’s been hiding behind a stack of magazines.

The only mess remaining is random junk, like beauty products and empty juice bottles, so you take a short break from cleaning.

You decide to redo your nails after rediscovering an adorable color...

...but five minutes turns into an hour-long beauty session and soon you're like:

Wait, what were you supposed to be doing again? Oh, right…

Maybe going through your makeup stash and nail polish collection was a bad idea.

But you just applied a second coat, so you promise you'll get back to cleaning right after this episode of Breaking Bad on Netflix.

Which leads into three more episodes...

…which leads to an unexpected nap. When you finally wake up to a half-cleaned room, you’re like:

It’s already late at night though, so you say you’ll finish cleaning tomorrow.

Because cleaning your room in one sitting always proves to be impossible.

The Notebook is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year on June 25. If you haven’t seen this film, please pull yourself out from under that rock and join the real world by watching and feeling all of the feels. While we wouldn’t bore you with a complete play-by-play, here are 23 thoughts every girl has at the most memorable moments of The Notebook, as told by Ryan Gosling. 

1. The Moment

What we're thinking

Why is Allie denying Noah’s hotness? Why did she go up in a Ferris wheel with a guy who has weird facial hair? Side note: Ryan Gosling’s boxers.

2. The Moment

What we're thinking

Quit playing hard to get, Allie. Do you know what his shirt is made out of? That's boyfriend material. 

3. The Moment

What we're thinking

Spoiler alert: yes. 

4. The Moment

What we're thinking

We'll dance with you, Noah!

5. The Moment

What we're thinking

Oh, Noah! You jokester. 

6. The Moment 

What we're thinking

You wouldn’t have to ask us twice...

7. The Moment

What we're thinking

How can one man be so cute? 

8. The Moment

What we're thinking

Where are all of the guys who do this in real life?

9. The Moment

What we're thinking

Ice cream kisses probably aren't that sticky or bad...

10. The Moment

What we're thinking

We just... we don’t know if our emotions can do this anymore. 

11. The Moment

What we're thinking

Oh, but they are, Allie... they are. 

12. The Moment

What we're thinking

Don't do it, Allie. DON'T. DO. IT.

13. The Moment

This is about the time where we should say RIP to Noah’s BFF, Fin.

What we're thinking

Now Noah is all alone. Poor Noah. We just want to hug him.

14. The Moment

What we're thinking

YOU DON’T DESERVE HAPPINESS, LON.  ALLIE LOVES NOAH. 

15. The Moment

What we're thinking

STUPID JAMES MARSDEN, YOU ARE RUINING EVERYTHING.

16. The Moment

What we're thinking

This b*tch, coming up into Noah’s house and tryna show off her bling. He built you a house. Show some respect!

(Side note: Rustic Ryan Gosling with a beard is still hot.)

17. The Moment

What we're thinking

What are these? Geese? Swans? Ducks? We feel like this is our worst nightmare. 

18. The Moment

What we're thinking

YES. Finally! There's a reason Gosling and McAdams won an award for that kiss...

19. The Moment 

What we're thinking

This is how we feel about pizza, so we totally get it. 

20. The Moment

What we're thinking

Oh, come on, Allie. You did this to yourself! 

21. The Moment 

What we're thinking

Is this what is feels like to have your heart ripped out and sewn back together? Is it?!

22. The Moment 

What we're thinking

*Sobs uncontrollably* It was them! They were Noah and Allie! *More sobbing*

23. The Moment

What we're thinking

The flow of our tears is too real. Can't stop, won't stop crying. 

The fashion industry is famous for having highly unrealistic body standards, but you know it’s bad when designers won’t make a dress for a talented, popular, well-known actress — just because of her size.      

Two years ago, flush with success thanks to breakout-hit Bridesmaids, Melissa McCarthy went scouting for a dress for the Oscars.

“I asked five or six designers—very high-level ones who make lots of dresses for people—and they all said no,” she told Redbook. 

McCarthy ended up wearing a dress from ready-to-wear plus line Marina Rinaldi, which can be found at upscale department stores like Bloomingdales. Compare this relatively un-extravagant choice to that of most actresses, who have teams of stylists, designers and publicists working in tandem to find them the most jaw-dropping gown possible.

According to a USA Today article,“[The women] who always seem to end up on the best-dressed lists can have a top-tier designer (think Gucci, Versace or Dior) custom-make a dress for them."

Rachel Zoe has also spoke to the importance of red carpet gowns, saying, "Your client has to be happy and feel beautiful. There are so many people scrutinizing the red carpet that it's about having fun and playing with something original, something couture, something interesting, but also giving people what they want: a glamorous Hollywood moment." 

McCarthy shouldn’t have to forgo her Hollywood moment simply because she doesn’t fit into size zero. In fact, she’s much closer to “the norm” than the majority of actresses: 67% of the population is plus size, according to Business Insider.

McCarthy recognizes (and clearly understands) how depressing the lack of options for plus-sizes is —which is why she’s starting her own line.

“When I go shopping, most of the time I’m disappointed,” she also told Redbook.

Unlike a lot of celebrities who do fashion, McCarthy actually has some knowledge of the industry. She received her undergraduate degree in fashion and textiles at Southern Illinois University and at one point even planned on going to the Fashion Institute of Technology. 

McCarthy is teaming up with Daniella Pearl, the designer of her 2011 Emmy’s gown, to create the line. It will be called Pearl and hopefully will help women“feel good about themselves.”

Props to McCarthy for turning a huge disappointment into an opportunity. If it’s anything like her, the line will be classy, beautiful — and bold.

Attention, Boston college students: are your feet safe? Boston police are investigating a “serial tickler” who has struck more than three times in the area in the past two years. 

His most recent spree took place in Brighton on Tuesday. The man, who has been described as around 5’8" and wearing a black ski mask and light-colored clothes, broke into three homes early in the morning. He took nothing — just tickled.

David C. Master, a Boston College student living in one of the apartments in question, told The Boston Globe that he heard his roommate screaming from another room at approximately 5:20 a.m. 

“My roommate woke up to a tickling on his foot. He thought it was a cat at first,’’ Master said. “He woke up, and there was a man crouched by his bed. He started yelling and the man ran out. I woke up and saw [the masked man] run by my door.”

‘The Tickler’ then fled the apartment.

According to Boston Police spokesperson Neva Coakley, the first break-in of this recent spree took place around 3:50 a.m., also on Foster Street. The students inside that apartment reported finding a man of similar description inside their home; when they confronted him, he ran away. An hour later, a man was found in a home on nearby Kirkwood Street. Once again, when the residents saw him, he quickly left.

According to Coakley, nothing was stolen from any of the apartments.

Master has said that in the future, he and his roommates will lock their door.

This week, the American Medical Association (AMA) adopted a report which recommends that states eliminate the requirement for transgender individuals to “undergo surgery or accept sterilization as a condition of obtaining an accurate birth certificate.” 

The report also states that gender dysphoria is a serious medical condition and that “the only effective treatment of [gender dysphoria] is medical care to support the person’s ability to live fully consistent with one’s gender identity. Efforts to change a person’s gender identity are futile and, like sexual orientation change efforts, can have a disastrously negative impact on the patient.” 

GLAD (Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders), a group dedicated to ending discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation,  is enthusiastic about the report and what it means for transgender people today.

“In our society, birth certificates are not just a record of one’s existence, but a gateway to employment, identity documents, school enrollment, and myriad government programs,” said Gary Buseck, the Interim Executive Director of GLAD.  “The everyday lives of transgender people are made easier or much, much harder depending on whether they have accurate birth certificates. We applaud the AMA for putting its considerable weight behind these recommendations.”

The report in its entirety can be read on GLAD's website.

For recent college grads, there’s a universal feeling of heart-stopping panic when facing new post-graduation realities. For some, there’s even more to it: “What’s going to happen to my relationship when we move to different cities?”

After being able to see each other every day, transitioning to a life of you in one place and your SO in another can be hard, because, let’s face it: all long-distance relationships are hard. Collegiettes around the country as well as Julie Spira, dating expert and founder of Cyber-Dating Expert, weighed in with tips for making it work.

1. Start the conversation early

While it’s clear that a conversation between you and your partner needs to happen when facing a transition to an LDR, Spira says it needs to happen early. “My best advice is to talk about your newly defined relationship before school is out,” she says. Talking things out sooner rather than later prepares you for the incoming change to your relationship and alleviates the pressure you might feel if you put off the conversation for too long.

That’s what Danai Kadzere, a junior at Harvard College, did with her boyfriend. “Though we had only been official for a few months by then, my boyfriend opened the discussion about post-graduation relationships plans in late February/early March,” she says. “I really appreciated it because communication is essential, and leaving decisions for your penultimate day together hardly sounds like a good idea.”

This conversation can of course be a hard one to start, but realize that your partner will appreciate the respect you’re showing him or her and your relationship by bringing it up. Make sure communication is open between you and your partner and that you both feel secure in the conversation. Showing your SO the respect of being open-minded will prompt him or her to act that way as well and get you both in that habit for when you ultimately go long distance.

Try starting out by discussing whether or not your relationship is even ready to become long distance. If you find that it is, then discuss some clear boundaries with your partner. It might be hard to bring up tough subjects like boundaries without sounding needy (or too distant), but it’s talking about those subjects that will keep your relationship healthy in the long run.

2. Be clear about exclusivity

Starting a life in a new city after graduation is exciting — you’ll be in a new place filled with new people who could potentially be your lifelong friends. You could also notice there are new people that you’re attracted to, and you might wonder if your SO is seeing the same with people in his or her city.

It’s important to be clear with each other about whether or not you’re allowed to date other people. Nobody likes being cheated on, especially when your partner doesn’t even know what he or she’s doing is considered cheating, so defining exclusivity is crucial to a new LDR. Make sure you both know that you’re dating each other and only each other, or that you’re allowed to see other people as well.

Spira advises that if you don’t think you can make an open relationship work, be upfront about it. “Trust is everything in a relationship, regardless of your zip code,” she says. You and your partner trust each other, so act in such a way that shows you deserve that trust.

3. Communicate, communicate, communicate

The buzzword of any LDR (newly defined or not) is always communication. “To maintain a healthy LDR, communication is key,” Spira says. “Talking about your relationship goals, agreeing on how often you’ll be getting together [in person] and having continuity in your text messages and phone calls will help your newly defined LDR flourish.”

Communication doesn’t just mean trivial stuff, either. While it’s important for you and your SO to keep up-to-date on each other’s everyday happenings, communicating about your thoughts and feelings regarding the relationship is vital. If you miss your partner, tell him or her you do! Let your partner know if you’re feeling neglected (or suffocated), and be open about how to deal with that.

Openness and judgment-free communication are the best ways to prevent jealousy. “When the dating rules change and you’re no longer seeing each other every day, it’s not unusual for someone to get jealous or insecure,” Spira says. Keep the jealousy out of the relationship by reassuring each other that you care and are still invested in the relationship. Prevent other arguments by being upfront about things that might be bothering you.

Problems don’t get resolved unless you and your partner both know the problems exist. If you have a problem with an aspect of your relationship, tell your SO about it (but make sure you keep an open mind to his or her response)! Accept that issues between you and your SO are going to arise. The best way to keep them from being detrimental to your relationship is to address them early on and in a calm and rational manner.

4. Let technology become your best friend

Take solace in the fact that technology has made LDRs way more doable. Use apps like Skype, Snapchat or FaceTime and even simple text messages to keep the spark between you and your SO alive.

“Try every day to share a little bit about your day with your boyfriend or girlfriend through text, phone call or email,” says Brittany Dillard, a sophomore at Xavier University.

Technology can help keep the romance alive in your relationship, too. Spira suggests going on literal dates via Skype. “Let technology become your best friend,” she says. “Set up Skype or video dates where you put on your favorite dating outfit and lipstick, toast to a glass of champagne or wine while on your video date and give each other virtual hugs until you can be together again.”

Get creative with your Skype dates. Try connecting by cooking and eating the same meal, reading the same book and then discussing it together or even playing the same online game! You may not be able to go on night-on-the-town dates over Skype, but connecting through these smaller and more intimate activities will help you appreciate your partner and the time you spend with him or her even more.

5. Make a couple’s calendar

While in college, making a couple’s calendar may have sounded a little crazy and overbearing, but when transitioning to an LDR, it can actually be very useful. Buy each other calendars and fill them in with both of your schedules. Include daily things, like when you’re at work, as well as dates when you’ll travel to visit each other.

“You kind of have to know each other’s schedules and be [aware] of any time differences,” says Hayley Brunk, a junior at Tiffin University, about her LDR. “It's really helped us, I think, to know what we both have going on and communicate about when we can do what.”

Take note of when he or she is at work, when he or she does personal things like go to the gym or doctors’ appointments and when he or she might have to do business travel, and have your SO take note of your schedule, too. This will help you work out a Skype and phone-call schedule.

Take note of bigger events, too. Mark in your couple’s calendar when the two of you may have a wedding to attend together or a family event that dates are welcome to attend. If you’ve graduated but he’s still in school, mark down one of his big sporting events or homecoming weekend. Knowing these important events can help you do anything from work out a visiting schedule to being able to wish him luck on a big work presentation.

Know that in an LDR, you won’t be able to be there for everything. Spira reminds couples that, “in reality, there will be lonely nights and disappointments for special events and holidays when the two of you can’t be together.” If he can’t make it to something big or vice versa, know that this doesn’t mean that you don’t love each other; it just means that you’re far from each other and in a tough relationship.

6. Remember that small surprises matter

One of the benefits of an LDR is that you now have an excuse to do random, special things for your SO (and hope that your SO does these for you, too)! Scour Pinterest for awesome LDR gift ideas. Send your SO romantic letters via snail mail or leave him or her envelopes of love notes around his or her home on a visit for him or her to find after you leave. The surprise will mean the world to your partner.

Keep track of important anniversaries and dates (perhaps on your couple’s calendar?). Let your SO know he or she is special by saying “happy anniversary” on your anniversary. Wish him or her luck on a big work presentation. Let your partner know he or she’s in your thoughts during a busy week for him or her. “Little random acts of kindness go a long way,” Spira says. “Remembering anniversary dates in your relationship will help each other stay connected.”

Remembering the small stuff not only makes your partner feel special, but also lets him or her know that you’re still into the relationship. It’s important to feel secure in your relationship to prevent jealousy, and it’s only fair to make sure he or she feels secure as well.

“Make sure to provide positive reinforcement to your partner of your devotion to the relationship and never take each other for granted,” Spira says. If the relationship is important to you, it’s crucial to make sure your SO knows it.

7. Don’t be afraid to end it if it’s not working

Being far away from a loved one is tough, and there are plenty of rookie mistakes each person in a LDR will probably make before learning how to make it all work smoothly.

“Some of the biggest mistakes a new LDR couple makes is assuming their love is so strong that the distance won’t matter,” Spira says. The distance will matter. The distance will always suck, and it will always feel like you are missing out on something, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a fulfilling relationship from far away. Keeping that in mind, it’s important to be able to recognize when maybe this LDR thing isn’t working.

The signs of a failed LDR can be anything from issues unique to the relationship to simply not being able to handle the distance. Some couples might find it’s time to end things when missing each other becomes too much, jealousy takes over the relationship or they end up meeting new people. The important thing is to always communicate and evaluate the relationship when you need to. One of the biggest injustices you can commit in any relationship, whether long distance or not, is to neglect to acknowledge that the relationship is no longer fulfilling for you.

You and your partner might find that you both have fallen in love with your new cities and you never want to leave. Relationships can’t be long-distance forever, so it’s important to determine how long you and your SO are willing to do this for. If neither of you plan on moving to the same city eventually, it might be time to figure out if an LDR is for you.

Be open with your partner about both of your needs to determine what to do next. Whether it’s going on a break and being clear about what that means or having a definite breakup, the best thing you can do for yourself and your partner is to be honest — even if it hurts. Letting a relationship go too far without acknowledging its shortcomings can only end in heartbreak, whether it be in the form of cheating or an explosive fight. If something isn’t working, talk it out with your partner, and know that it’s okay if it didn’t work.

Don’t be afraid of what’s ahead for you and your partner following graduation, even if you are moving to two different cities. Being open and honest about what you both need and being willing to compromise will help any new LDR flourish. You have so much ahead of you in this new chapter of your life, and by maintaining a healthy and realistic relationship with your partner, you can make it work!

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!

What are some tips for getting a good night’s sleep in a dorm? – Lauren

Lauren,

I will admit that getting a good night’s sleep in a dorm is a lot different than sleeping at home, but it’s definitely possible!

I think the most common reason why it’s so difficult to sleep in a dorm is that you’re living in a hall with a ton of other people who may or may not have the same sleeping schedule as you. I lived on a floor with soccer players during freshman year, and those girls sure loved to be loud and get cray during all hours of the day and night! Most of the time I didn’t mind, and I did become good friends with them, but other times I just wanted to chill out with my roommates and watch a chick flick without all of the screaming and running around in the hallway.

The easiest short-term way to fix the problem is to get a pair of quality ear plugs. One of my freshman roommates, Addie, swore by her bright orange pair. They’re fairly inexpensive, they’re generally comfortable and they can help you get some shut-eye.

If night after night you’re bothered by the people who live around you, the next thing you should do is talk with your resident adviser, or RA. Your RA is the person who organizes your floor meetings and is in charge of making sure that everyone who lives on your floor is following the rules. It helps to get on your RA’s good side, since he or she will have a lot of useful information to offer you and can really help you out when you need it. Feel free to go to her to vent, too, since she can calm you down (and will usually give you candy as well)!

Remember, your RA is a student, too, so he or she will understand your struggles and stresses and can talk everything out with you when you just can’t even.

At the same time, nobody wants to be “that girl” who has to tell everyone to quiet down, but since your RA is the highest authority on your floor, he or she will be able to help you out and make sure that quiet hours are being followed.

Another issue you could have is learning how to sleep on an uncomfortable mattress. If you’re used to your cozy bed back home, it can be difficult to adjust to something different. Take some advice from my other roommate from freshman year, Megan, and get a mattress topper with memory foam to help you sleep comfortably. Just be sure that it’s a mattress topper designed to fit an XL twin bed, which is the size your college bed will most likely be.

If you find that it’s hard to sleep because you and your roommate go to bed at the same time and it’s too quiet, plug in a fan to keep you cool and use the white noise to distract you. You can also try a white noise machine, because nothing is more valuable in college than a good night’s sleep, and you should do whatever it takes to make sure that you get that!

Finally, if you’re having a hard time sleeping just because you’re too stressed and the struggle is real, or you’re having other issues, visit your campus health center, where you can get practical advice for how to deal.

You have enough on your plate in college already, so don’t let worrying about getting a good night’s sleep become an issue. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help, and don’t stress about it!

Let’s face it: the job market is tough, and it’s hard to find a “big girl job” after graduation. Even though you filled out application after application, you might still be without a full-time job. The biggest problem with this situation? You need money! Don’t worry, collegiettes; there are plenty of ways to make some cash while you continue the post-grad job hunt. These mini jobs can give you a little extra income in the meantime until you snag that fabulous dream position. Try one of these methods to rake in some money!

1. Start an Etsy Shop

If you're an avid crafter and have lots of time on your hands, try setting up an Etsy shop to sell your creations. Etsy offers a way for crafters to sell an array of handmade and vintage products, ranging from jewelry and fashion to art and home decor. It's free to join as a seller, and it only costs $0.20 to post an item for four months or until it’s sold. When one of your items is sold, Etsy collects a 3.5 percent transaction fee on the item’s sale price. Those small charges will pay off after you rake in some cash for your crafts, though!

Emily Cromwell, a student at Framingham State University, sells her artwork, jewelry, beaded projects, glass ornaments, and more on Etsy. So far, she’s made more than $300! “I sell at craft shows, too, but Etsy is a completely different experience because I am able to meet people from all across the world; it's pretty amazing!” Emily says. “For college students who want to start an Etsy shop, I say go for it! It is a great experience and although it does require some extra work to keep up with, it is definitely worth it and it is so much fun to do.”

What could you make? For sorority alumnae, try making and selling crafts with your sorority letters and symbols on them—other Greek collegiettes will love them! Or, browse your Pinterest crafting board for ideas. When you have an idea, start a shop and get selling!

2. Babysit

Now that school is out for summer, parents are searching for someone to entertain and supervise their kids. Here’s some great news: because you have a degree, you’re older, and you’re more qualified, you can expect to make more per hour than you did babysitting in high school or college! And for education majors or those looking to work with children in the future, nannying can provide useful experience to prepare for your future interviews and jobs.

Briana Morgan from Georgia College & State University babysits for her father’s colleagues. “It’s a great way to make money because you have a lot of time off and you get a taste of what parenthood could be like,” she says.

Don't know any families with young children? Sign up for nanny search websites like SitterCity, Care.com, Nannies4hire.com, or eNannySource.com. You'll have to go through a background check, but you're likely to find lots of moms and dads who could use your help.

3. Find Small Jobs Online

Rake in a few extra dollars by doing simple tasks! At Fiverr and Gigbucks, you can post a “gig,” which is simply when you advertise something you'll do for a specific price. On Fiverr, the task will earn you $5, and on Gigbucks, you can charge up to $50 for each task you do. The gigs can be almost anything! Some of the tasks are no-brainers for recent college grads, like working with social media, creating slideshow presentations, or editing others’ cover letters and resumes (which we're sure you're experts at by now after reading HC!). And if you come up with gigs that are relevant to your career field, you can include the tasks you did in your portfolio or on your resume. For example, aspiring graphic designers can offer to design business cards, flyers, logos, and more. You can do more fun tasks, too! Host make-up or styling lessons via Skype, do celebrity impersonations, offer relationship advice—anything you think someone would pay a few dollars for. While you probably won’t earn big bucks on Fiverr or Gigbucks, you can rake in a little extra cash on the side—maybe enough to amp up your summer wardrobe!

Morissa Schwartz, a collegiette from Drew University, has found plenty of success on Fiverr. In fact, in the past year or so, she’s made enough to cover her living expenses and to start paying off college loans! Morissa started with singing gigs, but when she saw someone was looking for a book editor, she jumped at the chance. Since then, she’s become one of the top editors on Fiverr. “My Fiverr experience has been incredible. I’ve been on the site a little over a year and am already a top-rated seller,” Morissa says. “Students should fully embrace their talents and use them.”

Another site where you can find small tasks to do for money is TaskRabbit. If you’re in a major city (like New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Boston, Austin, and more), you can apply to become a TaskRabbit and do simple chores for people. For example, you can make more than $30 doing grocery shopping or returning purchases to stores for someone. We love how simple it is!

4. Sell Your Old Stuff

As a recent college graduate, you've probably got a lot of old stuff on your hands that you don't need anymore. Rather than throw it out or shove in the back of your bedroom closet, sell it! Try selling old textbooks on Amazon or sell DVDs you won't watch again on eBay. Depending on what and how much you sell, the money can add up pretty quickly!

Meghan Gibbons, a recent grad of Boston College, often sells clothes she no longer wears to resale stores like Plato's Closet. "It's an easy way to clean out your closet," Meghan says. In addition to retail stores, you can also sell your clothes online. If you own any high-end designer items, you can sell them on Shop Hers. Or, sell some lightly worn clothes and accessories on Poshmark, Tradesy, or Shopify.

NYU collegiette Hannah Orenstein suggests selling items through your school's Facebook groups. "My school has a Facebook group called ‘Buying and Selling for Girls at NYU.’ It's basically an NYU-only version of Craigslist," Hannah says. Students post items they want to sell, like clothing, household goods, or concert tickets. "I've sold a few pieces of clothing through the group,” she says. “It's a really easy way to make some extra cash.”

You can also sell clothes on Facebook without the help of a group. Brinton Parker, a student at UC Davis, photographed items she wanted to sell and made a Facebook album that included information about the clothes and their prices, but advises to think through all the details before you do the same. “I made a grand total of about $400, but spent a lot of it on gas when I went to drop off the purchases to Facebook friends,” Brinton says. “My advice to somebody who wants to do this would be NOT to offer delivery, but rather schedule times and certain days in which buyers can come pick up their items. That way, you won't spend all of what you just made!”

5. Teach Private Lessons

Share your expertise by offering private lessons to younger kids. Are you a piano virtuoso? Studied violin in college? Teach kids what you know! You can even host them at your own house. Simply suggest a few beginners’ level music books and have the student come to your house—or go to theirs—for a half hour- or hour-long session. You can make plenty of money; not to mention, it’s a great resume booster for music aficionados!

If music isn’t your thing, you can also teach your other skills. If you were a varsity athlete in high school or played sports in college, try individual coaching sessions, where you work one-on-one with a young athlete to develop her skills. Or, if you’re more artsy, offer short lessons on drawing, painting, knitting, or other techniques. If you’re more book smart, try tutoring! Because you’ll be tutoring elementary or middle school-aged kids, the content should be easy for you to master and teach.

Kelsey Beyer, a student at Drake University, taught piano to elementary and middle school students from her church. Another bonus to teaching lessons is that you can set your own prices. Kelsey makes between $30 and $40 per hour for piano lessons, which is more than many part-time jobs! “My advice to someone [who wants to teach private lessons] is to be extremely confident in the field they're instructing. Otherwise, it can be awkward, and it's a waste of money for the customer,” Kelsey says. “I also recommend using books with which either the teacher or student are already familiar.”

While these small jobs might not pay off all your student loan debt, they can help put a little extra cash in your pocket. With enough hard work, you can earn enough to buy a new interview outfit that will help you land a your dream job!

What other ideas do you have for making money post-graduation? Share them in the comments!

Applying for internships is scary; that’s just a fact. You worry about your resume, how qualified you are and how much the employer is going to care about your GPA. While reading over the job description, you mentally check off all the requirements you meet, but you still worry if you’re the right fit for the position.

Well, Her Campus is here to help you become the perfect internship candidate, no matter what your major is! Whether you’re studying communications or engineering, there are certain skills that are good to have for any internship. Employers will expect you to have some of these skills, while others will leave them impressed and calling you back. Check out which skills will give you a competitive edge and ultimately lead you to internship success!

1.Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

You’ve written essays, organized data in a table and created slideshows for group projects—probably more than once. It’s safe to say you’ve got Microsoft Office down pat. Which is good, because almost every internship requires this knowledge! According to Vicki Salemi, career coach and author of Big Career in the Big City, “knowledge of Microsoft Office is mandatory for first jobs. Without basic computer skills, it’s ‘game over’ before it begins.”

Depending on your major, you may have used some of these programs more than others. If you’re a business major, you probably know Excel inside and out, while those of you in liberal arts programs have had tons of practice with Word and PowerPoint. But sufficient knowledge of all three is critically important. “I think that everything comes back to one of these programs,” says Nancy Dudak, director of Villanova University’s career center. “They help you manage data and present it. Every job today is more data-driven, and the ability to manage, organize and synthesize data is crucial.”

Most employers don’t only expect you to be familiar with these programs; they assume that you’re proficient in them. The good news is you’ve been gaining these skills during college without even realizing it!

How to Get It

While you may feel confident in your basic computer skills, there’s always room for improvement! When you’re not sure of how to do something, use the “Help” menu in any of these programs for step-by-step instructions. You may find formatting shortcuts or a new tool you didn’t know existed.

While typing up a Word document is easy enough, making it look pretty is harder than it looks. For more advanced designing, check out this article for easy document styling or download free templates from Microsoft. This way, your work will be informative and look great!

PowerPoint can either make your break your presentation. Pick a simple yet visually pleasing theme to keep your slideshow cohesive and interesting. If you can’t find a default template in PowerPoint that you like, try some of these free designs fromMicrosoft.

When organizing large amounts of data, Excel can either be a tedious nightmare or an efficient time-saver. The program comes with countless shortcuts that most beginners aren’t aware of. Check out these Excel shortcuts to make your life easier. Spreadsheet looking a little boring? It doesn’t have to! Microsoft also hasfree design templates for Excel.

For more detailed instructions, check out theseonline tutorials for all Microsoft Office programs.

2. Leadership Experience

Even though you might be an intern at the bottom of the professional totem pole, leadership skills show employers that you have the ability and drive to move up in the workplace someday. According to a 2012 U.S. News & World Report article, about half of surveyed employers stated that they were more likely to hire candidates who hold leadership positions on campus.

How to Get It

“Leadership skills are always a bonus,” says Darlene London Johnson, director of external relations at Hofstra University’s career center. “They can be gained by participation in extracurricular activities, part-time work, volunteer opportunities or community service. A student should always take advantage of any opportunity to gain this experience.”

By participating in activities you love, you’re more likely to put more time and effort into them, which can help develop your leadership skills. As a member of a campus organization, participate in discussions, volunteer to help at events or go the extra mile when completing a task. Even if you don’t have a specific leadership role in a club, these things will help you stand out to the club president or adviser. People remember hard work and dedication, which can only help you when you apply to become the new leader of your organization!

3. Concise Writing

Not everyone is a strong writer, but being able to write concisely is valued in any field, even the more technical or scientific ones. In a survey done by The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), the ability to create and/or edit written reports was one of the top 10 skills employers sought out in applicants.

“Verbal and written communication skills are necessary,” Johnson says. “As an employer, I would look at any written correspondence to make sure they were well-written.”

Writing well helps you actually get the job, because most internship opportunities require resumes and cover letters. Once you actually have the internship, it’ll help you stand out to your boss. “Concise writing is important, even if you’re just writing memos or emails,” Dudak says. “It says a lot about your sophistication when you’re a good writer, and it complements the other technical or job-specific skills.”

Overall, concise writing can round out your skill set, which can lead to your internship success!

How to Get It

Practice, practice, practice. The more you write, the better you’ll get at it! Don’t be afraid to have professors edit your cover letters and resume and really consider their feedback. If you become aware of the mistakes you tend to make, it’ll be easier to fix them in the future. Look into your career center’s services; most schools offer resume or cover-letter writing workshops. Additionally, check outPurdue University’s Online Writing Lab for tips and writing exercises, or consider buying The Elements of Style if your major is particularly writing-heavy.

4. Positive Attitude  

More and more employers are looking for candidates whose skills go beyond the job description. Specifically, they’re looking for candidates with positive attitudes. Being optimistic doesn’t mean smiling all the time (although being a happy intern is always a plus!); it’s a mentality that can affect all aspects of your job, from improving your work ethic to being open to new opportunities and responsibilities.

A positive attitude is considered a “soft skill” because it represents a character trait and an interpersonal skill. “Soft skills are the ones that will carry you through a career,” Dudak says. “While they’re hard to put on a resume, they can help you during your interviews and separate you from the pack during your internship.”

Other experts also encourage collegiettes to exude positivity. “Employers can train bright, motivated, ambitious employees on technical skills,” Salemi says. “You can shape someone’s hard skills, but if they don’t have a positive attitude, it’ll be hard for them to succeed.” Similarly, Johnson says, “I know that I can teach a new hire how to use my computer system, but I know that I can’t really teach someone how to have a good attitude.”

Usually collegiettes are focused on the technical “hard” skills that will qualify them for a job. While those skills are important, being positive can go a long way; you’ll be a well-rounded intern whom employers will want to teach and help succeed.

How to Get It

Sometimes positivity is hard to muster, especially if you’re frustrated, nervous or just having a bad day, but a good attitude can make all the difference during your internship.

Start off each day by thinking positive thoughts. If you’re focused on how difficult something is or keep convincing yourself that you can’t do it, your whole day is going to turn out negatively. Instead, focus on your strengths and have confidence in them. Practice being open to new experiences on campus, like trying out a new club or stepping outside your comfort zone by talking to someone new. An employer will be more likely to give you new responsibilities if you’re open and willing to learn.

5. Photoshop

This skill is more field-specific than the rest on this list, but any knowledge of Photoshop could be considered a perk. In fact, according to a 2013 survey by the Association of American Colleges and Universities, more than four out of five employers find it helpful if applicants provide a digital portfolio in addition to their resumes.

“It would really depend on the internship, especially if it involves marketing or PR,” Dudak says. “For more inner-office or technically-driven jobs, it may be less important.” However, as our culture becomes more technology-driven, this skill might become more helpful!

With Photoshop knowledge, you can create business cards, eye-catching flyers or intricate web graphics. It’s easy to transform photos however you want them, whether it’s your personal photography or images for the company you’re interning for. Plus, you can edit text and other online graphics. Almost every business has a website, blog or social media page that you might have to contribute to. If you know Photoshop, you can make your contributions super creative and visually interesting.

A job description might not specifically require Photoshop knowledge, but think of how impressed your boss would be if you knew some of the basics!

How to Get It

Because our culture is so dependent on technology, gaining access to these programs and tutorials is easier than ever. You can download a free trial of Photoshop and read up on the most important Photoshop skills to learn. Have absolutely no idea what you’re doing? Check out these Photoshop tutorials and then test your skills with these step-by-step design projects!

No matter what your field or major is, there are some skills that are always good to have. Keep these skills in mind when you’re applying for your next internship, and we have no doubt you’ll land it!  

1. Because someone needs to apply sunscreen to that impossible spot in the middle of your back, and sacrificing UV protection would be irresponsible.

2. Because you just drank a pitcher of citrus sangria at a junior high reunion barbecue and you really need a designated driver right now.

3. Because the idea of a solo picnic is sad enough to make you want to smother yourself in that red and white checkered blanket.

4. Because someone needs to appreciate all of that tanning you’ve been up to lately.

5. Because someone also needs to ridicule the tan lines you have acquired with all that tanning you’ve been up to lately—(seriously, why is there nowhere to lay around naked in the suburbs?).

6. Because when you’re feeling insignificant while watching the stars, you need someone else laying beside you who thinks you’re the most extraordinary thing in the entire universe... (Does this sound like the premise of every teen movie you’ve ever watched?)

7. Because hi-oh, you just won free tickets to Bonnaroo, and you will not be taking your little sister.

8. Because when you get to Bonnaroo, you’re going to need some good ol’ broad shoulders to sit and rave upon in the crowds at Skrillex.

9. Because an in-car GPS system would have cost twice the price of that ’89 stick-shift Cavalier you’re driving around this summer, and you need a real person road-trip navigator if you’re going to make it past the town limits.

10. Because boys are hot.

11. Because you’re hot, and the boys need to know.

12. Because you need someone to cry to about your stressful internship at the White House.

13. Because you need someone to cry to about your depress-o dishwashing gig at the International House of Pancakes.

14. Because your study abroad timeline photo from months ago is getting a little tired; what better way to replace it than with a selfie of you and some hottie-tottie in his-and-hers Ray Ban wayfarers?

15. Because much like the title of N*Sync’s second studio album, there are simply No Strings Attached.

16. Because all the most beautiful flowers blossom in summer, and sure, buying yourself a bouquet is all “independent woman” and whatever, but how much better would it be to get surprised with one with a card attached?

17. Because the drive-in movie theater is only open until September, and you’ve been chasing that fiery Sandy and Danny romance since you first saw Grease back in ’98.

18. Because your last tennis partner rolled his ankle, and you need a replacement before your backhand gets limp.

19. Because the frizzy beast your hair becomes once the humidity hits is not going to lovingly run fingers through itself.

20. Because someone needs to make a bonfire, stat, before your s’more craving starts spiraling into something ugly.

21. Because unlike most twenty-year-olds, you never stopped loving the teeter-totter.

22. Because a perfectly worn, slightly oversized, borrowed, black leather jacket is just the item that will pull this outfit together on an unexpectedly cool summer evening

23. Because you’ve always wanted to try tandem bicycling. Mostly you’ve just always wanted to be one half of those cheesy-but-adorbs couples who use tandem bicycles.

24. Because you were just having a wonderful tandem bike ride when you fell off the back and skinned your knees, elbows, chin, and palms. You’re going to need band-aids. And someone to bandage you.

25. Because who else is going to sing “Summer Lovin’” with you at karaoke night? (The Grease dream never dies!)

26. Because the party you were at just got busted and you really need to hop this chain-link fence but you seriously have no hope without a brawny start-up boost.

27. Because you were just casually tree-climbing when you got to this branch and decided to glance down and oh-my-god-when-did-it-get-so-far-away and this really isn’t funny and can someone please come get you down now?!

28. Because you’re still on the rebound from your recent spring fling.

29. Because they’re offering free salsa lessons in the square, and unless you bring your own partner, you will get paired off with that single-and-ready-to-mingle middle-aged divorcé who heard that women go wild around a man who can dance.

30. Because who else will challenge your two-years-running watermelon seed-spitting record? (Five meters! Boo-yah.)

31. Because there is just no way you can finish this quintuple-scoop ice cream sundae on your own. Okay, you could, but then you’d kind of hate yourself.

32. Because you don’t know how to light the barbecue… and all your friends are coming over for a barbecue. Sh*t.

33. Because you’re tired of pumping your legs, so now you need someone to give you a push on the hammock/swing.

34. Because he is a lifeguard.

35. Because he has a boat.

36. Because he is a lifeguard on a boat.

37. Because clearly one brain is not cutting it on the New York Times Saturday morning crossword you’ve been working on for two weeks. Okay, it’s been three weeks. And four days.

38. Because if you’re going to have to shave your legs every other day while it’s short-shorts season, their touchable goddess silkiness better be the subject of someone’s immense appreciation.

39. Because you’ve been spending way too much time on Facebook and it’s not okay anymore now that you don’t have homework to put off by stalking the photos of your crush and his girlfriend... Not that you do that, or anything.

40. Because shirtless men are shirtless? And you want one of your own?

41. Because you are kind of getting despy for a date to all those upcoming July weddings you have to attend. Real despy. Debra-Messing-in-The Wedding Date despy.

42. Because when you kiss outdoors, you won’t have a couple of parkas, circle scarves, and ski mitts separating your love from reaching full realization.

43. Because since you first saw the “Teenage Dream” music video years ago, you’ve been waiting for the day you could Katy Perry the hell out of a convertible, a highway, and a gorgeous man in aviators. This summer, it is time.

44. Because nary a Taylor Swift song comes to a close without at least brief mention of kissing on a front porch. You want in. Whose front porch is irrelevant. Just a) find a front porch, and b) kiss on it.

45. Because you tried to set up a tent alone once. How did that go for you, girl? Exactly.

46. Because with the amount of time you intend to spend in lakes, pools, oceans, and rivers this summer, you need a merman to balance your bona fide mermaid status - the Eric to your Ariel, if you will. #disneyforever

47. Because you did not just spend six hours on a summer love playlist on iTunes to listen to John Legend's "All of Me" alone on repeat one more time.

48. Because you need to find someone in the next two seconds to return the Frisbee you just attempted to pass. You! Over there in the green button-down! Catch, baby!

49. Because summer love is the most epic kind. You know it is.

50. Because you never really needed any convincing, did you?

While Nia Sanchez ultimately took home the crown at this year’s Miss USA pageant in Baton Rouge, it goes without saying that there was more than just one star of the show. From Miss Florida’s shimmering silver evening gown to Miss Rhode Island’s 80s-style haircut, there were numerous standouts in this year’s pageant.

But it was Mekayla Diehl, 25-year-old Miss Indiana, who grabbed possibly the most attention. Her curvier-than-some bikini bod made the Twitterverse burst into a spontaneous round of applause on Sunday night during the 2014 pageant.

"Miss Indiana shows you don't have to be super skinny to be beautiful," tweeted @Hi_ItsKenna. “Dear #MissIndiana thank you for looking like an average woman,” tweeted @stephwatson_91.

At 5 feet, 8 inches tall and wearing a size 4, Diehl isn’t technically the size of an average American woman – but there’s no doubt that she represents a different image than the other 50 contestants do. While Diehl’s body mass index is lesser than the average woman’s, it is much closer to the term “normal” than the typical beauty pageant contestant’s.

While other contestants are most likely on strict diets and fitness plans, Diehl’s preparation for the competition was a lot more relaxed. “I like to fill my plate with vegetables and protein,” she says. “I like a good steak.” She adds that she also fits in time to exercise, but not crazily.

“I worked hard on my body without obsessing over being too skinny and I couldn’t be more proud,” Diehl tweeted in response to the flurry of tweets in praise of her body.

Diehl made it to the top 20 but was ousted after the swimsuit competition, when the group was whittled down to the top 10. There is no doubt, however, that by the time she was cut, she had won over a large part of the audience.

While her body image is certainly inspiring in itself, Miss Indiana had other things going for her in the competition as well. Diehl was the first registered Native American to represent Indiana in the pageant and had chosen child abuse support as her advocacy project.

Though Diehl didn’t take home the crown on Sunday, she sure did celebrate. She says she hit the town with friends and family, consuming beignets, fried gator, crawfish and wine “to our hearts’ content.” 

We all need a little guidance now and then, so whether you’re stressed about a fling gone wrong, a recently wrecked relationship or how to handle a stage-five clinger, Real Live College Guy Dale is here to help you navigate the college dating scene.

Why do most guys automatically think a girl is not a virgin when they meet for the first time? –Virgin at VSU

Dear VSU,

I think part of the issue is the ease of it all now. We have technology and applications dedicated to helping us find hook-ups, and we so frequently hear about casual sex and “the hook-up culture.” Because of the casual nature of flings now, I’d argue that most men jump to conclusions because sex is just so easy to come by, at least for a fair portion of people.

That said, I don’t think that a girl’s “virginal status” is the first thing that comes to mind when a guy meets her for the first time. When I meet a girl, I don’t immediately ask myself, “Man, I wonder how many dudes she’s hooked up with?” That thought will inevitably cross my mind, sure, but it’s not my first thought.

I think jumping to conclusions and thinking that every girl has already had sex by the time she meets a guy makes some men think it’ll be easier to hook up with her. “Well, if she’s already done it, she’ll totally want to bang me!” That isn’t the appropriate mind-set, and I don’t think it’s the one held by a majority of the male population, but it’s definitely a plausible explanation to your question.

For other men, I’d say that it’s just part of growing into adulthood. Sex is, at least in our society, a measure of maturity for a lot of people. I know that for guys, once we cross that line, it’s symbolic of becoming a man. Nowadays we kind of expect adults to have that experience, regardless of whether or not we know for sure if they do. It’s like an unspoken agreement, because when adults date, the odds are fairly high that the two of them have already had experience with another person. You’re an adult, I’m an adult; let’s not pretend like we haven’t already done this before.

The best thing you can do to deal with this is communicate and be honest. You don’t have to just up and read off your sexual resume, but you should tell guys what you are and are not comfortable with. Otherwise, there’s going to be a misunderstanding in the bedroom, and in my opinion, that is the worst place to have a misunderstanding.

I don’t think guys have malicious intent when they assume a girl is not a virgin; I think it just boils down to growing up. Sex is part of growing up, and we really start to grow into adulthood in college. Like I said, it’s an unspoken understanding, or so some guys think.