An anonymous person has recently offered a solution for girls who feel uncomfortable not giving someone their phone number. Calling or texting (669) 221-6251—as well as other numbers for several different areas of the world—yields a response from bell hooks, feminist writer and advocate.

Many women today feel uncomfortable rejecting men. Increasing media attention to sexual assault at colleges and universities, as well as blogs like whenwomenrefuse.tumblr.com, are just beginning to portray the discomfort many women feel when saying “no.” But now, there is a way to give a guy a number—even if it’s not your number—and pass along some feminist wisdom at the same time.

In an ideal world, all women would be able to say “no” without any risk. But, given the social climate today, this number and service offer a way to provide any woman in an uncomfortable situation with a safe way out. The anonymous creator of the number says it best on her website: "[B]ecause we’re raised to know it’s safer to give a fake phone number than to directly reject an aggressive guy."

Upon calling this number, one will reach bell hooks and receive in response a quote that promotes women, feminism, equality, and respect. One prime example: “Sometimes, people try to destroy you, precisely because they recognize your power. Not because they do not see it, but because they see it and they do not want it to exist.” This number provides an avenue not only to keep yourself safe but also to pass along the inspiring words of an incredible activist. Plus, it packs way more of a feminist punch than the Rejection Hotline.

Sure, we feel creepy now, but we were in love with these Disney boys as kids! In fact, our on-screen crushes back then were probably way easier to deal with than our boy situations now. Either way, these young stars were the unforgettable few who made old school Disney movies and TV shows rock!

1. Cody from The Thirteenth Year (played by Chez Starbuck)

Cody was the beginning of our weakness for swimmers (before we discovered Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte). But this Disney protagonist had a small unfair advantage—near his 13th birthday, Cody realized he was a merman after he started sprouting fins and scales! We weren’t sure how to feel after our crush turned half-fish, but his baby face looked adorable on any species.

2.  Nick from The Jersey (played by Michael Galeota)

And no, we don't mean Jersey Shore. The Jersey was a TV series about a magic jersey that let Nick and his Monday Night Football friends switch places with their favorite professional athletes. We admit it: our crush on Nick was a mix of our obsession with jocks and celebrities, but who can blame us? He probably had the coolest stories to tell in the locker room!

3.  Andy from Brink! (played by Erik von Detten)

Andy, a.k.a "Brink," was our ultimate skater boy crush. He had the hair, the chill attitude, and an admirable loyalty to his skater friends (because it was socially acceptable to say “skater friends” in the '90s). Even as kids, we were suckers for athletes—plus, Detten looked like he had a lot of street cred in elbow pads and kneepads.  The blonde cutie was also quick on his feet in more ways than one, dishing this insult to his competition: 

4. Ben from Smart House (played by Ryan Merriman)

We thought this boy was the “It” kid for hosting a party in his high-tech “smart house” without his dad’s permission. Ben and his boys even kicked off his house party with a choreographed dance to the song “Slam Dunk (Da Funk)” by 5ive (if you can’t remember that catchy song, then you did the '90s wrong). Sweet tunes aside, you gotta love Ben for his adorkable attempt at picking up girls.

5.  Adam from Mom’s Got a Date with a Vampire (played by Matt O’Leary)

Forget Robert Pattinson and Ian Somerhalder! Adam was the original heartthrob of supernatural movies. After he accidently set his mom up with a vampire in disguise, he and his siblings had to use their wits to end the date before Dimitri (what a typical vampire name!) lured her into his lair. Adam's devotion to protecting his mom is a trait we still find attractive in guys now, so kudos to figuring it out as a young boy!

6.  Jett from The Famous Jett Jackson (played by Lee Thompson Young)

He played an action TV star named Silverstone, but claimed to be a regular kid just like us (because regular people got to hang out with Beyoncé). This young star was the definition of swag before it was even called swag. Despite his superstar status, he still had his feet on the ground, remaining close with his old friends and relocating work to his hometown to be closer with family.

And in case you were wondering how this one turned out...

"Fine" is an understatement.

Who was your childhood crush from the Disney Channel Original Movies? Tell us in the comments below!

In an effort to combat Fetal Alcohol Spectral Disorder (FASD) in Alaska, the state has decided spend $400,000 to put pregnancy test dispensers in bars as a part of a larger effort to determine “if posters that warn women against drinking while pregnant work better when pasted on pregnancy test dispensers rather than simply hung on a wall,” according to the Anchorage Daily News. Time Magazine reports that the initiative will be implemented in December.

The state hopes that this effort will bring down Alaska’s FASD rate, which stands as the highest in the country. Condoms, not funded by the state, will also be available, but the initiative aims more to prevent the unexpected pregnancies of Alaskan women. In a previous interview, Republican Senator Pete Kelly said, “This assumes that if you know (you are pregnant) you’ll act responsibly. ... But if we have a pregnancy because someone just doesn’t know, that’s probably a way we can help.”

The project will consist of putting the dispensers, labeled with messages about FASD, in a few cities and rural areas. Healthy Brains for Children, a nonprofit located in Minnesota, hopes to implement similar programs in California, Arizona, Michigan, and Canada. Jody Allen Crowe, the founder, said, “We want to give a woman every opportunity to learn her pregnancy status as early as possible so she can make an informed decision on the health of herself and her baby.”

If you have yet to hear all about the sobfest that is Shailene Woodley’s new film, The Fault in Our Stars, then you’ve either been living under a rock or you haven’t had access to social media. The immensely talented and equally endearing actress is officially Hollywood’s new it girl, but she’s the furthest thing from a diva. Shai has recently turned heads for her unconventional approaches to beauty and her all-natural lifestyle, earning her a reputation as Hollywood’s hippie darling. In honor of HC’s favorite flower child, we’ve rounded up some of Shailene’s most memorable quotes.  

1. “My religion is the Earth, man. I believe in trees.” (As told to The Hollywood Reporter)

We feel like Shailene Woodley (see what we did there?) was a forest fairy in another life... or maybe in this life?

2. “The second I wake up, I scream very loudly, ‘Good morning! Good morning!’ And then I scream out, ‘Exciting day! Exciting day!’ I feel like it completely sets the mood for the whole day.” (As told to Interview magazine)

Is it weird that we really want to try this...? It definitely won't make Mondays any worse. 

3. “Another thing I like to do is give my vagina a little vitamin D. I was reading an article written by an herbalist ... about yeast infections and other genital issues. She said there’s nothing better than vitamin D.” (As told to Into The Gloss) 

Hey, if a specialist recommended it, there's gotta be some truth to it... although finding a secluded spot outdoors where you can let the sun do its thing is going to be pretty difficult.

4. “I don’t even know if humans are genetically made to be with one person forever.” (As told to Marie Claire)

Careful, Shai - your Descendants costar George Clooney said he didn't think he'd get married and he just had to eat his words when he finally put a ring on it.

5. “I’m not a big technology person. I don’t even have a smartphone. I don’t even have a cellphone.” (As told to The Daily Beast)

We're all for a more natural lifestyle, but not having a cellphone? We panic when we lose our iPhone somewhere in our bed...

6. “I like to be a feminist, but I’m also a… maleist? What would you call that? I’m a strong woman who loves men.” (As told to E!)

We'll admit, we're a little confused about Shailene's views on feminism, but it's refreshing to hear a female celeb say that being an independent woman and loving men don't have to be mutually exclusive.

7. “I gather my own spring water from mountains every month. I go to a farm to get my food.” (As told to Flaunt magazine)

Honestly, we're just impressed with this one. It's a stretch for us to justify the extra five minutes it takes to walk to Whole Foods for some organic fruits and veggies, never mind trekking into the hills for some straight-from-nature produce.

We've gotta hand it to Hollywood's flower child - she's a breath of fresh air (pun intended?). You do you, Shai. 

Back in February, we were SO stoked to hear about the newest campaign from CoverGirl: the #GirlsCan movement. If you haven't watched the video that explains the movement yet, make sure you take the time to do so as soon as you can. Here at Her Campus, we're all about female empowerment and equality, and when active, hands-on initiatives to promote human rights are put forth, there's nothing better.

The movement's mission, "to help young women overcome barriers to break boundaries, empowering them to be the next generation to rock the world," is full of hope and potential. Since launching the campaign, some exciting new initiatives have been added, and we wanted to make sure you knew about them.

According to a recent press release, CoverGirl has announced that they will be donating at least $5 million dollars over the next five years "to support the work of individuals and non-profit organizations that are helping women break barriers and blaze trails." This donation was announced during the S.H.E. Summit in New York City, an event that celebrates the potential and possibility that all women have to change the world.

In addition, CoverGirl has announced the first two beneficiaries that will receive financial support based on CoverGirl's commitment to supporting non-profit organizations that empower women through this campaign. 

The first is a non-profit called Girls Who Code, which aims to close the gender gap between women who strive to be in technology-based careers. CoverGirl will be donating $500,000 to the organization, and this monetary gift will allow the launch of 100 new Girls Who Code clubs in schools and local community programs. The finances will also provide 100 tech-industry professionals with the training that they need to prepare girls to succeed in these careers in the future, as well as allowing Girls Who Code to continue their program in upcoming years.

The second beneficiary is Soledad O’Brien + Brad Raymond Starfish Foundation, an organization that strives to assist girls of color from low-income families achieve their dreams. The $200,000 donation that CoverGirl will be giving this program will allow for generous scholarship funds for approxiamately 13 scholars, provide career preparation programs and materials for girls, fund a web portal designed to connect girls to upcoming programs and initiatives, and will allow for the foundation's PowHERful Summit to expand to other areas of the country beyond New York City.

If all of this exciting news hasn't left you feeling more empowered and strong, then get hyped for what's ahead even further down the road for the #GirlsCan movement. Launched less than a year ago, the #GirlsCan movement has already started much-needed, exciting conversations. 

What's your #GirlsCan story? Join the movement and share your story. YOU can!

You're in a relationship, and it's finally working out. You even think you've found “The One” … until he breaks up with you because “your lives are going in different directions” or you're just “so much more mature” than him. Ugh. His meaningless excuse sounds like it came straight out of a bad rom-com, and it leaves you stranded and confused.

Everyone struggles with breaking up, but some guys think the solution is to give us a bogus excuse for it – maybe to avoid hurting us or just because they don't have the courage to tell us the truth. That’s why we put together the worst breakup lines collegiettes have ever heard and asked experts what these excuses truly mean and how to deal with them.

The Excuse: “It’s not you, it’s me.”

What it really means:

This is probably the most overused and clichéd excuse in the history of dating. According to Carole Lieberman, M.D., psychiatrist and author of Bad Girls: Why Men Love Them & How Good Girls Can Learn Their Secrets, “this is supposed to hurt the girl's feelings less, but it's just a way for the guy to feel less guilty.”

Worse yet, Jodi R. R. Smith, president and owner of Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting, says, “Of course it is you. You are not right for him and this is easier to say than, “I don’t like you.”

The Excuse: “Our lives are going in different directions.”

Shira Kipnees, a senior at Franklin & Marshall College, knows this bogus one-liner all too well. When her ex-boyfriend broke up with her (over Skype!) after almost three and a half years of dating, he gave her this excuse “partially due to the fact that I ‘want kids one day’ and he doesn't like kids really at all,” she says. Shira thinks “he felt like his life was being too predictable and thought-out, since we had a very serious relationship.”

What it really means:

Even though they had been together for so long, this sounds like a fake excuse to us. Yes, Shira wanted kids one day, but not right that second! Besides, she says she was too busy “dating a perpetual man-child.”

According to Ashley Marie, a love and relationship coach, what Shira's ex really meant was: "I can't see your future fitting into my future, and I don't want to make the effort to see if we can make that work.” Ouch. This guy was immature and probably not worth her time anyway.

The Excuse: “You're just so much more mature than me.”

Laura*, a senior at Yale, went through a bad breakup when her boyfriend blamed her for her “maturity,” when really it sounds like his immaturity was the problem.

What it really means:

This is a just polite way for a guy to say he wants “to keep partying and hooking up with girls,” Laura says. This guy is actually being pretty honest; he does have some growing up to do. “When your guy utters this line, believe him the first time!” Smith warns. “Let his mother mother him.”

The Excuse: “I don't want you to get hurt.”

Is this the biggest breakup paradox or what? “This guy dumped me twice because he (ironically) didn’t want me to get hurt,” says Hayley Brunk, a junior at Tiffin University.

What it really means:

There might be some truth in this excuse, because if a guy liked you in the first place, he genuinely cares about your feelings, according to Mark Sharp, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist at The Aiki Relationship Institute. However, “he thinks his weaselly excuse will go across better than the fact that he decided to date somebody else or some other thing that might be hurtful.” We knew it was too selfless to be true.

The Excuse: “I might be moving out of state in a couple of years. I don't want to date you and then just move away.”

Lauren Burkett, a collegiette at Florida State University, said her boyfriend broke up with her using this line. “He didn’t want to date me anymore, so he made up a really dumb excuse,” she says.

What it really means:

This guy is also pretexting good intentions to cover up the fact that he isn’t interested in your relationship. He may truly have plans for the future that “involve [him] being single,” Marie suggests. Either way, he is not willing to give you the time that you deserve.

The Excuse: “I can’t do this anymore.”

“A guy got caught lying to me (he said he was going to bed, but I went for a walk with my roommate and found him messing around with some girls on my floor), and instead of manning up, he texted me saying, ‘I just can't do this,’” Hayley says.

What it really means:

This excuse basically works in every possible situation, and it doesn’t mean very much at all. Someone who gives you this line is either too lazy to come up with a legitimate reason or too much of a coward to be honest.

Either way, he’s definitely not a catch. “Yes, adult relationships take work,” Smith says. “If he is not ready to make the effort, send him packing.” Now that's advice we like.

The Excuse: “I’m not really over my ex, so it’s not fair to you.”

What it really means:

According to Lieberman, this is yet another commonplace excuse guys give you instead of telling you the truth. Although he may very well still be hung up on his ex, if he liked you enough, this wouldn’t be a problem.

“You would essentially be a rebound,” Marie warns. And nobody wants that.

The Excuse: “I'm not ready to be in a relationship.”

Kim* who just graduated from The College of William & Mary, describes a relationship she had: “He was moving a bit fast in the beginning, but I slowed things down because I didn't want to rush into anything,” she says. “And then a month after we became official, he broke it off with the excuse: 'I thought I was ready, but I realized I'm actually not ready to have a girlfriend.'" Talk about ironic!

What it really means:

To Kim, “it means that he jumped into a relationship without realizing the responsibilities that came along with it.”

Marie agrees. “What he really means is, 'I just want to party and have a lot of sex with a lot of different women,'” she says.

However, Smith has a different approach to this situation. “The translation is that he may or may not want to be in a relationship right now… he just would rather be single than be with you,” she explains.

The Excuse: “I’m bringing you down."

“My ex told me that I had a lot of potential and he was 'bringing me down by distracting me from my schoolwork!'” says Aja Frost, a junior at California Polytechnic State University. Oh, come. On.

What it really means:

Aja's interpretation is that “he wanted a guilt-free way to break up, so he was trying to convince both of us he was a negative influence on me.”

Bottom line, a guy who uses this excuse is looking for the easy way out.  However, Marie says that he “still wants you to feel good about yourself.”

The Excuse: "Summer is on its way, so let's see how we feel about each other in the fall."

Chloe*, a senior at Marist College, has heard this excuse twice.“The first time I think it was definitely an easy way out,” she says. “We could have made it through the summer, and I later learned it was just because he wanted to end it but wanted a more 'legitimate' excuse.”

What it really means:

Depending on the situation, this can truly mean that the guy is not ready to commit right before the summer – understandably so. But in Chloe's case, this was just a convenient way for her ex to avoid admitting that he didn't want to be in their relationship anymore.

Why do guys use these excuses?

You might be wondering why guys feel the need to lie or hide the truth, when all you want is a straight explanation. Well, believe it or not, guys don’t usually have the wrong intentions, and they legitimately think a white lie is the fairest way to break up with you.

Sharp’s best advice is that “you should take any reason given for a breakup with a big, old grain of salt. It is not the place where people tend to be the most honest, so don't make too much of what is said.”

There are endless reasons to break up with someone, but there are four main reasons why someone won’t tell the truth when breaking up with you, Sharp says: “They want to hurt you, they want to protect you (not hurt you), they don't want to make themselves vulnerable or they are pretty confused and don't know themselves.”

How to deal

“These excuses really mean that either they are simply not ready for a relationship or there is no love connection,” Smith says. Either way, don’t sit around waiting for your ex to come around. “If they can’t see what a catch you are, you should move on and find someone who appreciates you!” she says.

As for dealing with these poor excuses, Smith urges you to “respond with charm and grace.” Don’t be afraid to thank a guy for his honesty (even if you don’t buy it!) and walk away. This will make you the bigger person, and you really have nothing to gain from lashing out at your ex anyways.

Remember Sharp’s advice and don’t take these ready-made lines too seriously. Be aware of what a guy’s true reasons might be, but don’t get hung up on them. Move on and focus on yourself instead!

*Names have been changed.

The way we carry ourselves impacts every part of our lives. From facial expressions to how we sit and walk, we’re constantly judging and evaluating people based on visual cues. In the workplace, your body language can make or break how your coworkers and superiors view you. By now we’ve all heard about the firm handshake, but there are other ways that people judge us based on body language during internships, in summer jobs, and in school. We talked to Dr. Carol Kinsey Goman, a body language expert, and Joe Navarro, an adjunct faculty member of nonverbal communication at Saint Leo University, for body language tips to use in the workplace.

1. Perfect the handshake

Yes, you’ve heard this advice before, but it’s worth reiterating as it’s probably the first thing you’ll do when you meet someone in a professional setting. According to Dr. Goman, limp, weak handshakes come across as delicate and incompetent.

So what makes the perfect shake? “Make it firm, palm-to-palm, and web-to-web (the skin between your thumb and index finger),” Dr. Goman says. “Stand, square your body to the other person's, smile, and look him/her in the eyes.” You’ll be seen as confident, outgoing, and warm.

2. Don’t fidget

Some collegiettes play with their hair or fingers when they’re nervous or bored. Others subconsciously rub their hands together or touch their necks. Dr. Goman advises collegiettes to stop fidgeting, because it could make you look much less powerful. “It's better to keep your hands on your lap or on the conference table where they can be seen and where you will be reminded to keep them still,” she says. If you find that you often fiddle with your clothes or hands (if you’re not sure, you can ask your parents or friends), try clasping your hands or putting them under the table so they’re not visible.

3. Show some palm

While you shouldn’t fiddle mindlessly, there is one must-do move with your hands: use your palms. “Showing your palms indicates openness and inclusiveness,” Dr. Goman says. Use this move when you’re talking to your boss or working with a group—briefly opening your hands so your palms are visible makes you look open and interested in the task at hand.

“‘Steepling’ (finger tips touching, palms separated) shows you are being precise,” Dr. Goman says.

Finally, try this move: “Turning your hands palms-down reinforces that you are absolutely sure of your position,” Dr. Goman says. At a meeting? Put your palms flat on the desk to indicate you’re sure of something. You’ll look competent and efficient.

4. Think big

As women, we’re constantly bombarded with the message that we should be thin, pretty, and delicate. But once you step into the office, it’s time to get over that! “Women tend to condense their bodies, keeping their elbows to their sides, tightly crossing their legs, and contracting their bodies to take up as little space as possible. In doing so, they make themselves appear less powerful,” Dr. Goman says.

According to Dr. Goman, research shows that when women assume a power position (think Wonder Woman, with your feet apart and your hands on your hips) for as little as two minutes, their testosterone level (the hormone linked to power) spikes, and cortisol, the stress hormone, decreases. Freaked out before a presentation or the start of an internship? Make like Wonder Woman (or Hillary Clinton, or Blair Waldorf, or any other powerful woman!) and stand proud with your hands on your hips for two minutes. Posing by itself will help your hormones make you feel confident and tall.

5. Lose the head tilt (most of the time)

Tilting your head when someone is speaking indicates interest, which is usually a good thing. But in the workplace, it can make you look a little too passive, which, according to Dr. Goman, can be read as submissive. When you want to convey power and authority, keep your head straight and look forward. There’s one exception, however: when you’re working with others and want to convey concern, tilt your head slightly. “Do use head tilts when you want to demonstrate your concern for and interest in members of your team, or when you want to encourage people to expand on what they are saying,” Dr. Goman says. People pick up on subtle head tilts and interpret them as a friendly, warm gesture.

6. Look ‘em in the eye

Navarro advises making eye contact when meeting with people. According to him, eye contact can speak much louder than your actual words. Especially when you first meet someone, look him or her straight in the eye and mirror his or her expression. This will convey confidence and eagerness. “It can be hard at first,” says Vanessa, a student at Johns Hopkins, “but I’ve noticed that if I’m with a group and I make eye contact with the speaker—that speaker will virtually talk to me for the rest of the discussion.” Solid, sustained eye contact will make you look like you’re really invested in what the other person is saying.

7. Dress the part

Nonverbal communication includes the way you dress yourself! Be sure to research the company or ask ahead about dress code. “Wear clothing that is appropriate and professional. Meet the standards of the organization,” Navarro says. The low-cut sundress won’t fly in the office, but, depending on your industry, you may not necessarily have to buy a pinstripe power suit either. But remember—dress for the job you want! People may consciously (or unconsciously) judge you and form a negative opinion of you if you’re wearing something inappropriate for the office.

8. Nod, nod, and nod some more

The easiest way to show someone that you’re listening? Nod your head. “Show eagerness,” Navarro says. “Be attentive.” When someone is talking to you, regardless of whether or not you agree, nod. It’ll show that you care about and are open to what they’re talking about. Even if it feels like you’re going overboard, nodding during every conversation is an easy way to show them (subconsciously!) that you’re on the same page. Here’s an easy rule: when you hear the speaker say something important, nod once or twice. You might feel like you’re nodding more than normal, but it will be interpreted as a sign of interest and support.

You may not be Super Intern on day one, but the best part about these tips is they are totally easy and doable, and they’ll make a huge difference in how others see you in the workplace!

Whether it’s crushes, classes or coed bathrooms on your mind, chances are you’ve already started stressing about your freshman year of college. But don’t worry! This collegiette has been there and done that, and she’s passing along her hard-earned wisdom to you lucky pre-collegiettes. Whether you’re daunted by your packing list (you do not need a label maker, promise), college-level classes (Wikipedia is your new best friend), making friends (easier than it sounds) or running into a one-night stand (honestly, just run the other way), Sophie’s likely encountered it all. Just sit back, relax and let her share the best advice she’s picked up along the way.

How do you find a college roommate?– Tyler

Tyler,

Getting to know your roommate can be one of the most exciting (and nerve-wracking!) parts of freshman year, and the process of actually finding said roomie can be daunting. To make it easier for you to understand all of your options, I’ve broken it down into categories:

1. College questionnaires

Most schools use a college questionnaire system to help pair you with a compatible roommate. The summer before you move in, you’ll likely get a questionnaire asking you about your lifestyle and habits, like whether you’re clean or messy, whether you’re a smoker or a partier, what time you usually go to bed and what you’re looking for in a roommate.

Alternatively, some schools may use a more minimal questionnaire that just asks you to rank your top dorm choices. These questionnaires are usually matched up by computer software, but if you go to a smaller school, they might be done by hand.

While it can be tempting to lie or exaggerate on your questionnaire, it’s important to be honest about your preferences! I was matched up with my freshman roomie through a college questionnaire, and even though we didn’t hang out much outside of our room, our lifestyles were super compatible, so there was zero roommate drama.

2. Room with a friend or use the freshman Facebook group

Not all schools allow you to do this, but you may have the opportunity to choose your roommate before you get to school. Some freshmen choose to room with a friend from high school, and some meet people at accepted student days or on the freshman Facebook group and really hit it off.

While choosing a roommate yourself can take the uncertainty out of the situation, keep in mind that the people you have fun with aren’t necessarily the people you want to live with. I love my best friend as much as the next girl, but I’m in bed by 10 p.m. and she’s doing homework until 3 a.m., not to mention her clothes on the floor would drive me crazy! If you do decide to choose your own roommate, go over what expectations you have beforehand so there are no surprises.

3. Roommate-matching websites

If your school doesn’t require you to fill out a roommate questionnaire and you don’t have anyone in mind whom you could see yourself living with, online roommate matching services might be worth a shot, particularly if you go to a big school. Websites like Roomsurf and RoommateConnect offer services to match you up with a registered student at your college and put you in contact with students you’re compatible with. Sarah, a junior at Gonzaga University, found her freshman-year roomie on Roomsurf, and the two really hit it off.

“I ended up rooming with her sophomore year, too, and she’s one of my best friends at school!” Sarah says. “The survey process was more of a starting-off point, but actually talking to all of the people on Roomsurf was way more helpful. I talked to about four or five people before I met my current roommate, and things really turned out for the best!”

Keep in mind that your options are limited to those who have signed up for the service, and you may have to talk to a few different people before you find a good match.

Of these three main avenues for finding a college roommate, I definitely recommend filling out a roommate questionnaire if your school offers one. Moving into a room with someone you don’t know can be tricky, and clashing schedules and social habits can really put a strain on a potentially amazing relationship.

Regardless of how you find your future roomie, having a conversation with her before move-in day about what you’re comfortable with (totally cool with the occasional sexile) and what your expectations are (as long as you put my pre-packed bag with my clothes and toothbrush outside the door) will help things run smoothly and foster a healthy relationship with your new roomie.

Peanuts, eggs, pollen – these common allergens can be easily avoided simply by asking the right questions at restaurants or popping a pill in the morning before you go outside. But what about allergies that aren’t so easily detected? What about the allergies that you don’t even know you have? Here are a few uncommon allergies that you might have that could be causing you some serious discomfort.

1. Sun Allergy

Tanning by the pool is nearly impossible for those who suffer from polymorphous light eruption (PMLE) - an allergy to the sun! “Polymorphous light eruption is a skin condition induced by physical activity outside,” says Dr. Greg Black, allergist at Carolina Allergy and Asthma Consultants. “People who suffer from PMLE tend to get small, flesh-colored, red bumps.”

The eruption normally occurs during the early weeks of summer, but it’s pretty unlikely for episodes to continue throughout the summer. “If it’s something that you’re coming in for over and over again, I’d think that this is not a case of PMLE,” Dr. Black says.

According to Dr. Black, PLME can be easily treated with prednisone (an immunosuppressant drug you can get a prescription for) or by applying a fair amount of sunscreen before going outside. “For college-aged women, I would only recommend using prednisone for less than a week,” he says.

2. Cosmetics Allergy

While you may love your new summery lipstick shade or glittery eye shadows, Dr. Black advises collegiettes to watch how their bodies react to certain cosmetics. “In some facial cosmetics, there are these things called formaldehyde releasers,” he explains. “The chemicals are released onto your skin, which antagonizes the immune system.” After being released, the body interprets these chemicals as allergens, causing a rash or even inflamed skin.

Dr. Black recommends oral prednisone to clear up the outbreak and says that it’s “extremely important to find out which ingredient is causing you grief.” Not everyone reacts to the same ingredients, so visit a specialist for confirmation.

3. Nickel Allergy

“Contact dermatitis to nickel is the most common contact allergy that we’ve experienced,” says Dr. Black. For individuals with this allergy, the body reacts to the combination of nickel particles. Instead of hives, however, a crusting, scaly rash begins to form. “The most common place where you’ll see this is underneath the belly button where the back of your jeans rubs against your abdomen,” Dr. Black explains. Yes, the button on your favorite jeans might be what’s causing the problem!

While the rash can be treated immediately with topical steroids, Dr. Black says that “confirmation of a nickel allergy is key.” Patch testing is the best form of confirmation. While there is no cure for this contact allergy, Dr. Black recommends putting some form of tape over that button on your jeans and investing in nickel-free jewelry.

4. Rye/Oat Allergies

Yes, most collegiettes would get sick after one too many beers, but did you know you can actually be allergic to beer?

“It’s not alcohol that people are reacting to per se,” Dr. Black explains. “It turns out that they’re allergic to rye or oats typically seen in beer.”

According to Dr. Black, you might notice things like hives, itching or nausea after drinking certain beers if you have this allergy. Since there is no cure for food allergies, Dr. Black stresses that “avoidance and education is the only treatment.”

While these allergies are pretty uncommon, they may explain why you’ve been feeling some discomfort on a daily basis. If you think that you have any of these allergies, make an appointment with a doctor or allergist as soon as possible!

At last, we’re finally getting the middle finger emoji that we’ve all been waiting for. You know, for those moments when your best friend pokes fun at your Orange Is the New Black obsession. Sorry not sorry!

On June 16, Unicode, a character-encoding system that standardizes global texts, announced that 250 new emojis will be added in July 2014 as a part of the Unicode 7.0 Standard Update. The emojipedia has a full list of the new additions including a spider, a floppy disk, a middle finger, and a chipmunk.

Unfortunately, though, the keyboard’s ethnicity problem has yet to be fixed, so no color-filled emojis have been added to the bunch.

Photos of the new emojis will be released as soon as they are available. Until then, we’ll just have to imagine what that chipmunk will look like.

Which emoji are you most excited for -- and which do you think should be added to the list? Share your thoughts in the coments!

It’s 11 p.m. on a Friday, and whether your killing it at flip cup at a friend's or on your second round of drinks with co-workers at your favorite bar, the night is young and you’re having a killer time. Then, suddenly, you feel two eyes from across the room staring at you for a little too long. One awkward greeting and a bit of inescapable conversation later, it hits you—you’ve got a creeper on your hands.

Creepers come in all shapes and sizes, but their intentions are always the same, so it’s up to you to keep an overzealous suitor from ruining your night out. Lucky for you, we’ve got your all-inclusive guide for how to ditch creepy guys and get them to back off and stay away when one tries to pounce.

1. The Covert Closeout

Sometimes, your best defense against an unwanted male is a circle of females. And while effective, the closeout does take some coordination and slick choreography.

First step: establish a code word. Actually, let’s say “code words,” because there are more than enough uncomfortable and emergency situations that can arise during a night out that may not always be, uh, appropriate to address out loud. This being said, the most important code word to establish is the creeper code word. Be sure to come up with one before heading out, because those suckers tend to strike when you’re least expecting it. The creeper code word denotes that a brash Casanova is in pursuit and you need backup, STAT. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to utilize your code word and the closeout method when you’ve found yourself in the grasp of a stage five clinger:

1. Excuse yourself politely. He’ll likely be keeping an eye on you and eventually start to follow, but it’s worth a try.
2. Find your girls. Do a quick scan of the bar or basement and operate with a sense of urgency; this is not the time to mingle. Vámonos!
3. Rejoin your BFF group and drop that code word.
4. Allow your girls to slyly encapsulate you in the friend circle, making you generally invisible to the creeper’s eye and creating a barrier of feisty friends to protect you from this guy’s less than honorable intentions. See ya never, Creeps Magee!

2. The Graceful Getaway

We’ve all been there. You’re conversing with a gent you’ve just met or have been introduced to, and at first (tipsy) glance he seems like a great catch. Then, all of a sudden, in a moment of unadulterated sobriety, you have the startling realization that this one was a seriously poor judgment call. Maybe it’s his slicked-back hair and bedazzled Ed Hardy tee, the fact that he insists on calling you “babe,” or the fact that he has already tried to cop a feel twice that tips you off to the fact you’re dealing with a full-blown creep-in-the-making.  Regardless, you’ve gotta nip this in the bud ASAP without being obvious that you’re desperately trying to escape. We’ve got four moves that soften the blow when it comes to dropping the unwanted baggage:

1. The bathroom bailout: If there’s one safe haven for collegiettes in a crowded bar or house party, it’s (hopefully) the bathroom. Free of all males, a bathroom break gives you an opportunity to send a few “SOS” texts to your friends so you can regroup and avoid seeing your Prince Not So Charming.
2. The drop out: While you’re talking, “accidently” drop your keys to the floor. Oh no, you can’t lose your keys! As you’re on the floor “trying to find them,” discretely crawl away from your original location. Sanitary? Absolutely not. But desperate times call for desperate measures.
3. The “old” friend run-in: If there’s no viable escape route, grab the closest girl at the bar or party and say something along the lines of, “Hey! It’s Ally from World Civ freshman year! Remember?! How have you been, girlfriend?!” and converse with her until your pushy pursuer finds another girl to hit on.  She’ll probably be embarrassed that she’s “forgotten” you and go along with it. Genius.
4. The diversion: Ask him, “Hey, can you read me the name of the Russian vodka up there? Yeah, that one all the way on the top shelf; can you see it?” While he’s squinting and leaning in to read it, you’re running and hiding somewhere far away.

3. The Obvious Escape

This is a special protective measure for the gift that keeps on giving—the chronic creeper. Actually, he’s not much of a gift at all. He’s that sleazeball that always hugs you for a little too long when you two first run into each other, the guy that has not stopped texting you since you made the mistake of giving him your number a few weeks ago, or perhaps the boy that insists on hitting on you weekend after weekend despite being very much in a relationship with someone you know. We’re talking about the guy that ignores your multiple attempts to establish that you are most definitely not interested, and who continues, weekend after weekend, to force you into long and uncomfortable encounters with him while you’re out.

The chronic creepers are out there, and if you’ve ever been the victim of their affections, you know they must be stopped. Our advice? Clearly, he doesn’t pick up well on subtle social cues, so buck up and bluntly get him to back off, preferably by using one of our dependable and direct methods of communication: 

1. Do a full-fledged about-face as soon as you see him coming towards you.
2. When he tries to yell over to you, become immediately enthralled with the drink specials sign or beer pong game and act like you can’t hear him.
3. Cling to your wingman, best guy friend, or really any other guy within a 10-foot radius once you’ve been spotted.
4. Mouth, “Give it up!” from across the bar as he orders you a drink he thinks you’ll be obligated to accept from him. This is more or less a variation of the deservedly famous Jenna Marbles video concerning "The Face".

4. The Conveniently Timed Emergency Informant

This is a stealth getaway maneuver that requires the buddy system, but is highly effective. The setup is simple: First, establish a series of emergency phrases to use when you’ve found yourself in an inevitable and inescapable creep situation. After giving a predetermined, nonverbal signal, have your friend approach the two of you, and in a loud, intensely serious tone, drop one of the following phrases and watch him book it:

1. “Jenny’s in the bathroom sobbing because she’s having a ton of really personal problems with boys and hormones and needs to talk to you… I guess your friend can come if he wants?”
2. “I’m going to hurl everywhere at any moment. I feel like a nauseous ticking time bomb; I could upchuck on literally anyone!!”
3. “Kegs tapped.”

Or, get a little more creative with one of these…

1. “The bird has left the nest. I repeat: the bird has left the nest. THIS IS NOT A DRILL.”
2. “It’s happening.” (No need to specify what “it” is; we highly doubt he’ll ask questions.)
3. “We’ve got a code blue at three o’clock. It’s go time.”

An added bonus to the last three is that he’ll either think that you’re a foreign spy of some sort or completely off your rocker, both of which will likely be effective in getting him to scram.

5. The “Turning The Tables” Approach

As girls, we know the cardinal rule to scoring that guy you’ve had your eye on is playing it cool and just a little hard to get, in order to avoid coming off as too eager. While this may be well established, a lesser known fact is that the “play it cool” effect works in reverse as well. When faced with a guy who just won’t quit, try throwing in one of these conversation pieces in the mix and watch him run faster than a freshman at house party that’s just been busted:

1. “Are you free next weekend? My parents, three older brothers, Grandma, Aunt Becky, and cousin Sue would just LOVE to meet you!”
2. “Have I showed you the wedding dresses I’ve picked out for myself on Pinterest? If only finding a groom was this easy!”
3. “So… how excited are you for parenthood?!”
4. “My ex and me? I think once the restraining order he has against me expires we could work things out.”
5. “[Insert your first name] [insert his last name], certainly has a ring to it, donchathink?!”

So whether you’re a creep magnet or only have to deal with them once in a while, be sure to keep our guide on hand to ensure one doesn’t ruin your night. There’s a saying in football: “The best offense is a solid defense,” (or something like that), so come prepared so you can embrace your evening out, creep-free. Cheers, collegiettes!

As much as I love the fall and winter, there is nothing better than packing away my gray and black cold-weather wardrobe and breaking out my summer brights. Each year I do a bit of a seasonal overhaul of my closet and head out to pick up a few missing pieces and on-trend items for my summer wardrobe. This summer, I'm all about bright colors, bold patterns and feminine silhouettes. I've managed to narrow down to my top five summer style staples, so scroll down to find out what I'll be rocking all summer long.

1. Crop Top and Skirt Set

A great crop top and high-waisted skirt set is a must for me; I'm especailly loving tribal prints and patterns. This particular set is from Angie's, and I absolutely love it. The pattern is so fun and the elastic waistband makes it super comfy. I paired the outfit with heeled leather sandals in a neutral color to elongate my legs and dress it up a bit. 

2. Sun Hat

I'm a firm believer that every girl should own (and wear!) a sun hat. Not only do they protect your face from the sun (who wants premature wrinkles and sun spots?), but they also are super cute and can be worn as a statement accessory. Not all sun hats have to be massive and made of straw; I love to rock this faded Indiana Jones-style hat with leather trim. Cute and functional!

3. White Eyelet Sundress

Most of you ladies will already have one of these summer staples in your closet, and for good reason! A white eyelet sundress, like this American Eagle Eyelet Cutout Dress (similar here), is easy and classic. It's the perfect way to show off a summer glow! A white dress is also a perfect blank canvas for a bold lip or statement accessories. You can dress it up with wedges for a date or dress it down with sneakers (like I did!) for a more casual look. 

4. Oversized Sunglasses

This trend is still going strong, and I absolutely love it. I have a larger, more square-shaped face, so oversized rounded frames really soften the angles and fit my face. I've had these Free People Abbey Road Sunglasses in Cream/Tortoise for over a year now and I wear them constantly. The ombré effect is fun and unexpected, and they're perfect for days when I don't have time for eye make-up!

5. Colorful Maxi Skirt

I'm a sucker for a pop of color, and red is my all-time favorite. I love pairing a traditional summer staple, like a nautical striped boat-neck tee, with something more dramatic, like this gorgeous Free People Flowly Slit Skirt in Fiesta Red (similar here). The color is stunning, and it's super easy to rock this skirt all year round: just pair it with leather boots and a cropped knit sweater in the fall!

Let the Her Campus fashion bloggers know what your summer staples are in the comments below!

Spoiler alert: your love life is not a Nicholas Sparks classic.

1. The Notebook: Noah asks Allie out with a grand, romantic gesture that’s impossible to refuse.

Your life: A guy shows you he’s interested in you by drunkenly grinding up on you at a frat party.

2. The Notebook: Noah and Allie’s first date is a movie (totally normal)... but then they go dancing in the street and basically fall in love instantly.

Your life: You and a guy have a “first date” in a dining hall. You eat questionable meat loaf and text other people the entire time.

3. The Notebook: Allie and Noah’s first kiss is straight steamy. No first kiss has ever gone that well.

Your life: Your last kiss was with that cute guy from your calc class (you think?) at the bar. It was a little sloppy, but it still counts, right?

4. The Notebook: Noah writes Allie a letter every. Single. Day. For a year.

Your life: The guy you've been hooking up with finally responds to your text from yesterday... at 2 a.m.

5. The Notebook: For Noah and Allie, fights last about 3.2 seconds and are immediately resolved with kisses.

Your life: A fight with your boyfriend usually ends with you ugly-crying and the silent treatment. For three days.

6. The Notebook: Noah says cute, overly romantic things, all the time, forever and ever.

Your life: The last time a guy said something nice to you was when he told you your shoe was untied. It was super thoughtful.

7. The Notebook: When Noah and Allie get intimate (you know the scene), it’s passionate, in the perfect setting and completely un-awkward in every way.

Your life: Seriously hooking up means squeaky dorm-room beds, paper-thin walls and that awkward conversation about condoms. Oh, and then your roommate walks in.

8. The Notebook: Noah fixes up an entire house for Allie, just because. And then he takes her on a romantic boat ride through a pond of swans. SWANS.

Your life: One time, a guy bought you a drink, flirted with you all night, asked for your number and then never contacted you again.

Basically, The Notebook is the most romantic thing that’s happened to our generation, and no real romance can ever compare.

Probably because our boyfriends aren’t Ryan Gosling.

College is its own world. The hook-up culture of late nights out and awkward mornings after seems to prevail, and it can start to feel like everyone is either totally single and ready to mingle or madly in love with The One. But what if you’re not entirely sure which end of the spectrum you want to be on?

Maybe you’re basking in the independence of the single life, but every time you witness PDA, you get a pit in your stomach, and you’re not sure if it’s a precursor to vomit or a growing feeling of envy. Maybe a relationship just isn’t for you, but how can you be sure? Here are some signs you should continue to enjoy your membership in the single girls’ club, because a serious relationship just isn’t your thing.

1. You have doubts about being in a relationship.

Typically, if something feels wrong, it is. College is a time for experiencing new things and experimenting, and maybe the missing out on opportunities because you’re tied down to someone else isn’t your cup of tea. Is there a nervousness you associate with the thought of being in a relationship? Take these feelings at face value: you’re probably not ready or not interested in being a part of a relationship. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that!

Michelle Cove, author of Seeking Happily Ever After, says, “I think we know a lot of the time whether it’s right for us, but we don’t necessarily admit that because it’s easier to go with the flow.”

When it comes to your love life, you need to go with your gut. “You’re ignoring some really valuable part of yourself that you know it’s not right,” Cove says. “You have to carve out time to be alone and in silence.”

You know yourself better than anyone else, so think about what you want in life. Sure, getting yourself a significant other can be somewhere on your to-do list, but just because it’s not your number one thing to check off is no reason to worry. Think for yourself and you’ll discover what’s best for you.

2. Your life is crazy busy.

Your schoolwork is causing you insane amounts of stress and you can’t find a free minute to think of anything other than that looming exam you need to ace. You’re not eating healthily, and you find yourself constantly pushing your body and mind past its breaking point. You have no idea what you want for lunch, let alone what you want to do with the rest of your life. It may seem like a relationship would be a relief from the stresses of everything else, but how can you maintain a healthy one if you can barely maintain a healthy lifestyle?  The truth is, you can’t.

According to psychotherapist Tristan Coopersmith, college women are still figuring out their lives, meaning it’s not necessarily the best time to enter into a serious relationship. “A relationship should be the icing on your cake and the cherry on your sundae,” she says. “Your life should already be a sugary delicious sundae, and your guy shouldn’t be everything; he should just be that added bonus. ”

You don’t need a relationship to make you happy, and you certainly don’t need a significant other to put your life back together for you. Love is fantastic and beautiful, and it’s a great thing to be insanely happy in a relationship, but timing is everything. The transitional and stressful nature of college isn’t necessarily the most stable time to get into a relationship. Just like a puzzle piece that doesn’t seem to fit, don’t force a relationship into your already busy life. Just keep putting the rest of the puzzle together for now.

3. You’re interested in lots of guys.

Now, this isn’t to say you can’t appreciate a good-looking guy if you’re in a relationship. By all means, drool over that hottie across the room (but keep your thoughts to yourself). But if you are genuinely lusting over every guy at the gym right now, why waste your time or effort considering a relationship when there are so many pretty toys to play with?

“Human nature makes us attracted to other people, but what is not okay is a desire to be with someone else,” Coopersmith says. Don’t put yourself in that position if you already know you’re not ready to be settled down and committed to just one guy.

College is one of the few times when you’re exposed to so many people the same age as you with equally few responsibilities. There are countless single men wandering campus who are probably going to catch your eye during their shirtless game of volleyball on the quad. Be aware of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet so many people and consider whether or not you’re willing to give that up to stay loyal to one person.

4. You feel pressured.

Being the only remaining single friendsucks. But that’s no reason to jump into a relationship! Kathleen A. Bogle, author of Hooking Up: Sex, Dating, and Relationships on Campus, discourages submitting to such pressures.

“On college campuses, there is often pressure to not be in a relationship.  But if several close friends are in relationships, the pressure can be the opposite: to find a boyfriend,” Bogle says. “Unfortunately, when you are looking for the wrong reasons, you may end up settling for someone who is not really a good match.”

There is absolutely no need to find a boyfriend just because you are tired of being a third wheel. Instead, revel in the perks of being single that your other friends miss, and make friends with some fellow single ladies as well so you have an outlet when everyone else is having date night.

5. You’re insecure.

When it comes down to it, this may be the most important sign that you aren’t ready for a relationship. You’ve probably heard it time and time again, but how can you expect someone else to love you when you don’t love yourself?

“It comes down to the idea of self-acceptance and self-approval,” Coopersmith says. “If we’re not okay with ourselves, we’re not right for a partnership."

Coopersmith says the most important thing is to be totally accepting and content with yourself. An SO is not going to be your saving grace or help you recover your long-lost confidence. Never rely on someone else to be your happiness. Of course, a healthy relationship can make you happier, but you need to be comfortable and love yourself first. You are beautiful, and one day some lucky guy or girl will get to tell you that every day! But first, you need to be able to look in the mirror and do the same.

So maybe you’ve looked at the signs and realized a relationship just isn’t for you. That’s totally fine! And don’t think this means you have to go around hooking up with every coed you see. You should feel equally empowered if you make the decision to be happily single and just do your own thing if that’s wh

When you leave the office to go to the restroom, you head to the ladies’ room. For most people, it’s something we don’t really think about. From birth, our gender has (in a lot of ways) established a core part of our identity. Society likes to tie our biological parts with our habits, likes, and dislikes: Girls wear pink and play with dolls; boys wear blue and play with cars. Women love to shop for designer shoes and men are obsessed with all things sports. But for some people, the lines between male and female are not so defined, and the societal definitions can be restricting.

If you’ve ever felt like you didn’t fit into society’s definition of “male” or “female,” you’re not alone. We spoke to Robin Parry, an education and outreach community developer at QMUNITY, a queer resource center in British Columbia; and Andrew Rabasse, the founder and coordinator for the genderqueer Vancouver community group at QMUNITY.

What does “genderqueer” mean?

While we are all born with a biological sex, gender refers to characteristics and behaviors that define us as either masculine or feminine in society. These could be things like wearing makeup as a feminine characteristic or acting tough as a masculine trait.

“Gender expression is how one outwardly manifests gender, by means such as name and pronoun choice, style of dress, voice modulation,” Parry says. “How one expresses gender might not necessarily reflect one’s actual gender identity.”

Some people describe sexuality as fluid, and gender can be, too. The line between genders is a blurry one for people who feel they do not fit squarely in the feminine or masculine box. Some people feel their gender is the opposite of the biological sex they were born as (transgendered), some describe themselves as “genderless” (otherwise known as pangender), some have described feeling like a combination of both genders (referred to as “two-spirit” or bi-gender), while others move between genders.

Typically, society leans toward the gender and sexual binary, which is the understanding that males are masculine, females are feminine, males are sexually attracted to females, and females are sexually attracted to males. But the world often isn't that polarizing. When understanding genderqueer people, remember that gender is separate from sexuality; a genderqueer person may be straight, gay, bisexual, or asexual, or he or she may have a different view of his or her sexuality.

“Sexual orientation is defined by feelings of attraction, rather than behaviour,” Parry says. “Gender identity is one’s internal and psychological sense of oneself as male, female, both, in between, or neither.”

In other words, who a person is sexually attracted to has no relation to their gender identity.

According to the 2011 National Transgender Discrimination Survey performed by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force and the National Center for Transgender Equality, 22 percent of the 7,500 respondents strongly identified with the term “genderqueer.”

When asked, “What is your current gender?” 61 percent of males-assigned-at-birth identified as “part-time/other” (with the other options being “male” and “female”), compared to 39 percent of females-assigned-at-birth who answered the same.

Although these statistics provide some insight into how a number of people identify when it comes to gender, according to Parry and Rabasse, there is a lack of reliable statistics on people who identify as genderqueer.

This could be due to a number of factors:

• They may not have realized that there are gender identities beyond the gender binary. “Some folk who might identify as genderqueer are just now getting an opportunity to explore their gender, or have not yet had that opportunity,” says Parry.
• Some people use different terms to describe their gender identity. Besides genderqueer, there is also gender outlaw, gender-variant, gender f*ck, gender non-conformist, and omnigender.
• Some may not be comfortable disclosing their gender identity to a stranger, even through an anonymous survey.

While some people have known all their lives that they do not fit society’s gender system, others don’t know until later in their lives, according to Parry.

What if you feel like you don’t fit the gender binary?

Because of new experiences, a new sense of independence, and classes that encourage more critical thinking, college is a time of experimentation and self-discovery.

“Individuals may question their gender identity at any time in their life, and college is often a time where this questioning occurs openly because people may have more freedom to explore than they had in their lives previously,” Rabasse says.

He stresses that only you can decide your gender identity on your own time. “It is important to reflect on who you really are in order to gain the awareness it takes to become conscious of your gender identity,” Rabasse says. “Do not feel pressured to identify as one gender or another; just identify as however you feel fits you, whatever that might be.”

Genderqueer Resources

If you are questioning your gender, it is something that only you can define–but you don’t have to figure it out without help. There are many resources available for more information and communities of people who have decided they do not fit the gender binary.

• Gender Education and Advocacy, a national organization that advocates for gender-variant people.
• Genderqueer and Non-Binary Identities, a website aiming to raise awareness and provide information on genderqueer people. It is run by Marilyn Roxie, who identifies as genderqueer.
• Experience Project’s  “I Am Genderqueer” forum & chat board, an online forum for people who are genderqueer.
• Genderfork, a website for those who identify as genderqueer where you can even create your own profile, share your story with others, and read others’ stories.
• Queer Theory, Gender Theory: An Instant Primer, a book by Riki Anne Wilchins.
• GenderQueer: Voices From Beyond the Sexual Binary, a book edited by Joan Nestle, Clare Howell and Riki Wilchins.

Rabasse also suggests campus websites (check to see if your school has queer groups or information), sexual health clinics, and local LGBT community centers. Check out social networking sites like Facebook for any genderqueer groups.

When asked the question “What’s in your make-up bag?,” it doesn't take me long to respond. Why? Because once you've nailed down your must-have go-to products, you actually don't need to keep that many on hand. Quality over quanitity! That's why I’m going to explain my makeup routine and show you the products I use to keep it simple and pretty; these products could be just what you need to perfect your own beauty regimen.

First things first, I start off with a simple powder from CoverGirl.  I like CoverGirl TruBlend Minerals. It helps to even out my skin and hides any blemishes there may be. If I have a trouble spot, I’ll use a dab of concealer on anything I want to hide. Then, I follow with my normal powder, using circular motions while applying.

On the days when I choose to wear eyeshadow (which are rare), I have two palettes I usually like.  For a very casual look, I’ll use Almay’s Intense I-Color Trio for brown eyes. I usually apply the pink on the lid, brown in the creases, and the tan up top.  I like the way these colors work together to complement my eye color and make me appear more awake.  At night, I prefer to use CoverGirl’s Exact Eyelights Eye Brightening Shadow.  I use the gold for a fun look, and the gray and black when I’m going for a smoky eye. Again, I usually use the tan to lighten up top.

I switch my mascara every two months or so since it runs out (and can grow bacteria after a couple of months -- ew), but right now I'm using CoverGirl’s Flamed Out Curling Mascara.  I usually use mascara every day, but apply more when I’m going out. I like the way with mascara curls my eyelashes as it lengthens them. Less clump, more curl!

To complete my look, I applyL’Oreal Paris Colour Riche Le Balm in Tender Mauve.  I like how this subtle color is a mixture between lipstick and lipgloss. Depending on my look for a night out, though, I’ll apply a darker shade on my lips. It's all about the whole ensemble!

What’s in your makeup bag, collegiettes?  Tell us in the comments below!

Whether you just landed your dream internship or you’re starting out in an entry-level position after graduating college, one of the biggest questions you may have is, “what the bleep am I going to wear to work?”

Sure, you’ve seen countless episodes of Law & Order: SVU and you know that Olivia Benson’s tendency to wear pantsuits is not the direction for you. On the other hand, the glitz and girly glam of Carrie Bradshaw’s Sex and the City wardrobe seems a little too unprofessional for your position. What you’re looking for is the middle ground — a collection of chic, comfortable pieces you can wear again and again without sacrificing style or professionalism. These are the pieces that you need in your wardrobe (and where on Beyoncé’s green earth you can find them).

1. A pair (or two) of perfect pants

While the ‘70s may have been a sartorial mecca for wide-legged suit pants that were a little too long and a little too baggy, most offices won’t appreciate a poorly tailored manifestation of hippie nostalgia. The most important thing in your business-wear arsenal is arguably a pair of killer pants. These days, we’re loving ‘em skinny, cropped and streamlined.

One of our favorite pairs of cigarette pants is the Minnie from J.Crew. At $89.50, these pants are a good investment piece that you’ll wear almost every day. They’re stretchy and comfortable, but they’ll keep their shape even after hours of coffee runs, lunch dates and whatever else a busy girl like you has going on during her workday. The Minnie is also super flattering on virtually every body type — we’d be in favor of buying two (or three) pairs.

If you have the kind of body that fits into pants right off the rack, then bless you. If, like 90 percent of us, you don’t love the way pants fit you right when you try them on, then it’s important to take them to a tailor. In most offices, a little ankle is kosher, so you can get your pants cropped right above your anklebone.

2. A classic skirt (that’s actually comfortable!)

In the sticky summer months, sometimes the thought of pulling yourself into a pair of pants in the morning sounds less enjoyable than a bikini wax. On days like this, slip into a versatile skirt and zip out the door.  Skirts are fantastic because they allow your skin to breathe more than constricting pants will. In a conservative office, a classic pencil skirt, like this one from LOFT ($69.50), will take you a long way.  An adaptable color, like navy, can be worn with lots of different tops depending on your mood and office environment.

In a more creative office, your skirt options increase. We’re loving mid-length A-line skirts this summer; their longer length keeps them office-appropriate, but the range of colors and prints you can find them in allows you to express yourself.  This poppy-hued skirt from Zara ($59.90) adds a bright punch of color to your outfit and can be worn year-round.

3. Neutral pumps

We get it — heels can be awful.  With the right pair, however, you can make a pretty good outfit a fantastic one.  In any office environment, no matter how conservative, our recommendation is to stick with heels that are between 2 ½ and 3 ½ inches high. Anything shorter gets dangerously close to kitten-heel territory (maybe the most obnoxious shoe ever invented), while anything higher will be super uncomfortable and unprofessional.

If you’re just starting to build up a professional wardrobe, the perfect place to begin is with a classic pump in a neutral color like black, navy or camel.  For example, collegiettes will love this leather pump from Lauren Ralph Lauren ($69.95). It goes with almost any outfit you may want to wear at the office (and also works well for after-work drinks with your colleagues!).

The pointed toe on this Audrey Brooke color-blocked pump ($59.95) will add interest to your outfit. As an added bonus, the ankle strap adds a little more support to your legs, making the shoes comfy enough to wear all day!

4.  A one-step outfit

A dress is the easiest outfit to put together during a hectic morning. Work dresses can be hard to perfect, however. You need a longer hem, a conservative neckline and enough stretch to keep you from overheating throughout the day. A structured yet flowy dress is usually your best bet — the breezier, the better.

This dress from Zara ($79.90) will go with almost any sweater you have in your closet. Wear it with your pumps or a pair of simple ballet flats for instant chic. We love the flouncy hem, which is professional enough for an office but also flirty enough for weekend strolls or nighttime adventures.

For something ultra-stretchy yet defined, try this dress ($74.50) from Madewell. When you pair this dress with bold accessories, you’ll make a statement without sacrificing comfort or practicality. 

5. A blazer that fits perfectly

Whether you’re interviewing for a new position, you have an important meeting with your supervisor or you work in an office that requires one, chances are you’ll need a blazer in your professional wardrobe sooner rather than later.

A slim-fitting blazer, like one from J.Crew ($98), will last you years and dozens of wears. You can even wear it on casual Fridays with dark denim and a well-cut T-shirt or over a cotton dress.

6. A classic white blouse

When it comes down to it, a white button-down will never do you wrong. Invest in one that keeps its shape, doesn’t wrinkle easily and is even (gasp!) machine-washable. We’re fawning over Banana Republic’s version ($69.50), which we’d pair with skinny pants, Audre-Hepburn-style. It’s as simple an outfit as has ever existed, but also one of the chicest.

In the summer heat, sleeveless blouses will also be some of your best friends. Underneath a thin cardigan, nobody has to know that there aren’t sleeves attached to your shirt! Uniqlo’s version ($14.90) of a bow-tie blouse will go well with both pants and skirts and will prevent you from sweating through your top.

7. An awesome bag

If you rock the rest of these professional essentials but walk into the office on the first day with a tattered backpack or bag, the value of your first impression will plummet.  Instead of hauling your belongings in an old purse or backpack, invest in a classic, streamlined bag that will hold everything you need and make you look good doing it. The perfect bag has to be big enough to fit all the necessities (phone, wallet, keys, laptop if you need it, iPod, makeup, etc.), but not too big. Awkwardly filing through cubicles with a sack the size of a diaper bag won’t be graceful, trust us.

An oversized tote, like this one from Urban Outfitters ($59), is the perfect size. It’s reversible, so you can match your bag to your outfit!

To add a little personality to your ensemble, you can also pick up a perforated bucket bag, like this one from Target ($39.99), which is totally on-trend for this summer. It’ll carry you from the office to drinks on the weekends and back again.

With just seven pieces, you’re on your way to accumulating an entire professional wardrobe that will last you for years. Congratulations on your job or internship — we know you’re going to be awesome! 

Dear collegiettes,

In honor of Pride Month, I am thrilled to introduce you to HC's newest section, launching today: our LGBTQ+ section!  This section has been in our minds and in the works for a long time, and I am so excited to see it come to fruition now.

Our mission at Her Campus is to serve college women—and that means all college women—and I know this section will help us further that mission by providing content, entertainment and advice that will help even more collegiettes get the most out of their experiences.

Our LGBTQ+ section will cover everything from weightier topics, like trans* body image, dealing with crushing on a straight friend and safe same-sex sex, to lighter topics, like a queer summer reading list, our favorite LGBTQ+ characters on TV and articles that poke fun at things those in the queer community are sick of hearing.  And this is just a taste of what's to come!

We have an incredible team of writers from colleges and universities across the country who are contributing to this section under the direction of our amazing LGBTQ+ Editor, Anna Borges, and our talented Senior Editor, Michelle Lewis.

No matter how you identify, I hope you'll poke around our LGBTQ+ section to see all that it has to offer and check back regularly to see what's new (you'll find new content here multiple times per week).  Whether you consider yourself a member of the LGBTQ+ community, an ally or just someone who wishes you knew more than you did, you'll find content here that will broaden your horizons and help you better understand the experiences of other students on your campus and beyond.

I am so proud to have this section as the newest addition to Her Campus, helping us do a better job of fulfilling our mission as both a trusted resource and procrastination tool for collegiettes everywhere.  I know this section is just the start of fostering an important dialogue about what it means to be a college woman today, and I am grateful that Her Campus will have the opportunity to participate in that conversation.

Welcome to Her Campus, LGBTQ+ collegiettes! Check out the new section here!

HC Love,

Stephanie Kaplan
Co-founder, CEO & Editor-in-Chief

P.S. Interested in writing for our LGBTQ+ section?  Apply here!

The sun is shining, the days are warmer and school’s finally out. You’ve caught up on all your favorite TV shows and have gone through most of your summer reading list. You’re racking your brain, trying to think of something fun and memorable to do. Why not go to a Pride Parade?

It sounds like a great idea, but what if you’ve never been and have no idea what to expect? Well, look no further, because you’ve reached the ultimate guide to Pride!

First, a little bit of background

Pride parades are commonly held around June or July to commemorate the Stonewall riots, which happened in 1969 at a gay bar called the Stonewall Inn. For those out of the loop, the Stonewall riots are considered by many to be the most important event leading up to the LGBTQ liberation movement.

In the very early hours of June 28, 1969, four policemen entered the Stonewall Inn, a hot spot for marginalized patrons, in an attempt to raid the bar because they were serving liquor without a license. LGBTQ individuals had been frustrated, as the police seemed to be targeting gay bars specifically. The raid didn’t go as planned when many people began to resist, spurred on by Marsha P. Johnson, transgender activist, who exclaimed, “I got my civil rights!” A riot ensued, and more than 1,000 LGBTQ individuals continued to protest for days following.

Now, the far more upbeat Pride events are meant to not only commemorate but also celebrate LGBTQ history as well as being an LGBTQ individual!

What to bring to a Pride event

Bring yourself and as many of your cutest friends as you can round up! If you’re not able to gather up too many people, have no fear. It’s incredibly easy to make new friends at Pride by simply being there.

“You get close to a million people in high spirits, loving the weather, and for some, being around that many people who are like them, you can’t help but try making friends with everybody,” says Sarah Bachorski, a freshman at Fleming College. “The joy of the community is that you’ll meet friends of friends or even strangers that’ll become your own friends within minutes. It’s great!”

Even talking to people on the street during Pride events is easy, though, since most people are excited and happy to be attending the event. Remember to always ask for permission before hugging, touching or taking a picture of someone, regardless how well you know him or her!

Your crew aside, there are other necessities not to forget. During the excitement of Pride, don’t forget to stay healthy and hydrated. Pride parades are usually held around noon, which means it can be super hot outside. Make sure to pack a few bottles of water for the day, and always eat before the event. Remember, you’ll be standing in the sun for at least three hours, and it won’t be enjoyable if you end up feeling sick or faint!

What to wear

At a Pride event, you can wear anything… or not much at all! Pride-goers should attend the parade in whatever they feel the most comfortable in. It’s important to take the weather into account, but apart from that, there’s nothing stopping you from decking yourself out in whatever you wish. Remember, you can’t go wrong with rainbows!

Some clothing stores make shirts in support of the LGBTQ+ community. American Apparel and GLBTshirts.com have some great options. The latter especially have a variety of different designs for every sexual and gender identity. For those who are into DIY projects, why not tie-dye your own rainbow shirt?

Don’t forget to consider your own comfort level. Though many people choose to wear very little to Pride, if you prefer to cover up, it’s certainly your prerogative, and you don’t have to dress in a more revealing way just because you may feel pressured to.

Similarly, if you enjoy wearing revealing clothing or playing dress-up, Pride is the perfect place to do it. Few people will judge your outfit there, and you’ll enjoy the day so much more if you’re comfortable and happy with what you’re wearing!

What to do while you’re there

There are even more activities than just parades at Pride events! There are usually several separate marches (such as a trans march), concerts, picnics, dances and smaller-scale festivals. Make sure to look up Pride events in the city closest to you to find specific events.

Pride is also a great time to explore the city you’re in. You could find something new and interesting! During Pride events, there might be little booths set up selling jewelry, food, books and clothing. You never know what sort of interesting things you’ll find until you look!

“It was my first Pride event, and my friends and I were wandering the streets of Toronto after the parade ended, just to look around,” says Charisa*, a student from the University of Toronto. “We didn’t frequent the city and everything was new to us. We ended up stumbling upon the smallest but cutest LGBT bookstore! I’m now much more of a frequent customer there.”

Pride Parades promote acceptance, bring individuals closer to each other and help people feel less alone—not to mention, they’re extremely fun! So pack some drinks, bring your friends, put on your cutest outfit and head out for an amazing day!

Find your nearest city below to find out when a Pride Parade is coming near you!

• New Orleans, LA: June 20-22
• Oklahoma City, OK: June 20-22
• Toronto, Ontario, Canada (WorldPride): June 20-29
• Louisville, KY: June 21
• Knoxville, TN: June 21
• Providence, RI: June 21
• Salem, MA: June 21
• Sioux Falls, SD: June 21
• Denver, CO: June 21-22
• Chicago, IL: Festival June 21-22, parade June 29
• Santa Fe, NM: June 28
• Minneapolis, MN: June 28-29
• New York City, NY: June 29
• San Francisco, CA: June 28-29
• Seattle, WA: June 29
• St. Louis, MO: June 28-29
• Victoria, British Columbia, Canada: June 28-July 6
• Dover, DE: August 2
• Montreal, Quebec, Canada: August 11-17
• Charlotte, NC: August 16-17
• Lansing, MI: August 23
• Quebec City, Quebec, Canada: August 28-31
• Las Vegas, NV: September 5-6
• Burlington, VT: September 14
• Austin, TX: September 20
• Columbia, SC: September 20
• Dallas, TX: September 21
• Brown’s Island, VA: September 27
• Little Rock, AR: October 5
• Jacksonville, FL: October 4
• Atlanta, GA: October 11-12
   

*Name has been changed.

An invention once strictly categorized as a slimming undergarment is soon making its debut in pants form. Thanks to Sara Blakely, founder of Spanx, the undergarments will be available in July as jeans, coming in the “Signature” and the “Slim X” styles.

The various styles are each designed to have a slimming effect and the jeans’ retail price is set at $148 each.  Since the company originally sold undergarments only, people may be hesitant to wear the slimming jeans as pants; but, if they make you feel good about yourself, why not?

“I see Spanx as a lifestyle brand that is delighting women in making things fit better and feel better on the body, and not just through compression,” Blakely told WWD. “We’re known for making you look thinner and more toned, but it can just be about a better cut and fit.”

Companies expand their product range all the time, and just because Spanx started out an undergarment company does not mean people should swear off other clothing items they have to offer. Spanx is in the process of expanding to even more avenues; women often ask Blakely if she can make full-body Spanx, which she has not yet done.  But, she plans on designing even more comfortable, smoothing Spanx bras in about six to eight months.

The whole idea of Spanx, while designed to slim and hold women’s bodies in place, is to make the consumers feel good in what they’re wearing.  Instead of wearing Spanx under pants, women can now wear Spanx as pants.

Personally, we see no problem with this.  iPods and cellphones meshed to make iPhones, so what’s wrong with Spanx and pants meshing to make Spanx jeans?  In our mind, nothing.  Our philosophy is that if it's stretchy, it's probably pretty comfy, and that principle definitely applies to these new pants.We’ll just have to wait and see what these magical jeans have in store come July.

Leave your comments and thoughts about Spanx jeans below! Would you wear them?