With winter months comes grey skies and chilly weather. When the temperatures start dropping, even going outside to bear the cold seems daunting. However, relationships aren’t put on pause despite the lack of warmth outside! Granted you spent all your cash on holiday gifts, here are some fun ways to spice up your dating life without breaking the bank!

 1. Build a Gingerbread House

Nothing says “the holiday season” quite like becoming an architect with some good, old-fashioned dessert! Go to the nearest craft store, pick up a gingerbread house kit and come up with cool patterns and designs to decorate your house with together. If you’re feeling extra daring, make your house from scratch with this recipe. Being in the kitchen allows you to show off your creative side for some great bonding time. Not to mention you can munch on your design after you finish!

2. Have a Snowball Fight

If you’re adventurous enough to embrace the cold, put on your favorite ski jacket and duck for cover! Having a snowball fight is a great way to get out of the house and show off your competitive side. The first one to hit the other person 10 times wins! As an extra incentive, the loser has to make the winner a cup of hot cocoa to warm up after the game.

3. Warm Up by a Bonfire and Roast S’mores

This winter staple is perfect for both indoor and outdoor occasions, depending on the weather. If Mother Nature is your favor, grab a few blankets, some firewood, graham crackers, chocolate bars and marshmallows and head outside to cuddle under the stars. If things aren’t looking too promising outdoors, curl up next to the fireplace and repeat the process above.

4. Go Ice-Skating

There’s no better way to show off your athletic abilities in the wintertime than to go ice-skating! Grab a scarf, strap on those skates and head to the nearest lake. If there aren’t any frozen ponds in your area, scope out where the nearest skating rink is located. Even if coordination isn’t your forte, skating is a great way to bond with a new guy – you can even catch each other when you fall!

5. Have a Holiday Movie Night

There are few times a year when it’s acceptable to break out Tim Allen’s Santa Clause movies, and this winter is the perfect excuse. To spice up a cliché date, head to a Redbox and pick out any holiday-themed movie of your choosing. Then add some pizzazz to your popcorn by drizzling melted milk chocolate and white chocolate over it and adding some crushed candy canes on top for a festive treat!

Just because the weather’s cooling off doesn’t mean your love life has to!  Try one of these merry dates for a winter to remember.

College brings endless days of meeting new friends, exercising new responsibilities, and most importantly, having new experiences. One of the easiest ways to embrace these new experiences is to study abroad. Whether your dream is to explore South America, travel through Europe, or surround yourself in an Asian culture, you will undeniably have the experience of a lifetime.

While selecting a study abroad destination might be easy, choosing when to study abroad can prove to be difficult. Do you want to study abroad for a semester or a full year? If you want to go abroad for a semester, should you choose spring or fall? What about a summer study abroad program? All of these questions will cross the minds of collegiettes during the study abroad preparation process. We’ve broken it down for you, highlighting the pros and cons of fall and spring semester programs, summer programs, and full-year experiences.

Fall vs. spring semester

You’ve finally made the decision: You want to study abroad for a semester in Spain. The question is, which semester? Do you want to head over to Europe during the fall semester or spring semester? There are definitely a variety of factors to consider when deciding on which semester to study abroad. However, as Nick Gozik, director of the Office of International Programs at Boston College, reminds us, “None of these factors translate into hard and fast rules. Students should select the semester that works the best for them.” The bottom line is to do what feels right for you, but if you need some help in figuring that out, here are some factors to consider.

Timing and Holidays

Gozik points out that timing might be a factor that you want to consider when making your decision. He explains, “For programs in Europe, the fall semester tends to be shorter, with fewer breaks. The spring semester, on the other hand, is often longer and includes holidays during which students can travel.” Taking a look at your program’s academic calendar can help you figure out which semester will work the best for you. If you have plans to travel and explore nearby cities and countries, then consider choosing a semester with more holidays and breaks.

Also, it doesn’t hurt to think about the holidays happening at home in the U.S. If it is really important to you to be home with your family during important holidays, then going abroad fall semester may not be the best option. Jamie Blynn, a senior at George Washington University, went abroad to Tel Aviv her spring semester for a variety of reasons. She explains, “I just felt like going abroad fall semester meant you miss a lot more holidays, like Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, and Christmas, where you spend time with your family.”

Campus Traditions

Doing some research about the campus traditions at your prospective abroad university and city is another great way to figure out which semester might be the best option. If you plan on spending a semester abroad in Germany, maybe you would want to be there in the fall to celebrate Oktoberfest.

It also helps to consider the traditions taking place at your own university. Would you be willing to miss the winter formal or the spring concert? Gozik recalls, “At Duke, where I used to work, students tended to go abroad in the fall because they wanted to be on campus for basketball in the spring. “

Finding a Summer Internship

One of the biggest concerns that collegiettes have about studying abroad during the spring semester is whether or not they will be able to land a summer internship while they are abroad. Kelsey Mulvey, a junior at Boston University, shares, “Even though I’m so excited to study abroad next semester, I am concerned about landing a stellar summer internship while I’m living a fabulous European life. This shouldn’t be a major deterrent, but it is definitely something to plan out before getting on that plane.”

Gozik’s words of advice? “Start early.” He goes on to say, “Recruiters frequently tell students that it is important for them to go abroad, and that they should not miss study abroad for fear that they might not get an internship.” It is all about the planning, so if you really are set on going abroad during the spring semester, then go! Just make sure you have done the proper preparation, so that you will be all set for the summer upon your return to the States.

The best way to make sure that you are properly prepared to land a great summer internship is to connect with your school’s career center as soon as possible. Gozik explains, “Some internship recruiters have two sets of deadlines, one for students who will be going abroad, and the other for students who remain on campus. Recruiters know that many of the best students go abroad, and so they have designed this system to make sure that they do not miss out on good candidates.” The career center can fill you in on any important deadlines and point you in the right direction, so that you won’t have to stress about finding an internship while you should be enjoying your time abroad.

Another option is to look for abroad programs that allow students to intern while abroad. This takes the pressure away from finding a summer internship and lets you have an even more unique experience abroad. Gozik explains, “An increasing number of programs have internship, service learning, and research opportunities, all of which can help students gain an edge in the future job market.” If this sounds like something you would be interested in, reach out to your study abroad office and ask them for some internship guidance.

Future Travel Plans

It is important to think about what you will want to do after your study abroad program has ended. Will you want to come back to the States for the summer? Or do you want to stay abroad a few weeks longer to travel? This can have a role in determining when you study abroad. Jamie Blynn shares, “One of the biggest selling points for me was that spring abroad flows into summer so I was able to extend my trip if I wanted to, knowing that I didn’t have to be back for classes.”

Spending a summer abroad

Some students may not be willing to give up an entire semester of their college experience to go abroad. Others may not be ready to travel on their own for a full four months. Collegiettes with crazy academic course schedules might not be able to finish their majors and minors if they go abroad. Instead, these students can choose to spend a summer abroad. There are a variety of positives as well as negatives when it comes to jet- setting over the summer.

Benefits of a summer abroad

Jenna Fanduzzi, a junior at Marquette University who spent her study abroad experience in London as well as Barcelona, really enjoyed spending a summer abroad. She shares, “The program was only three weeks long, so I was away from home for a shorter amount of time. It was a fun way to get school credit while giving me an opportunity to see other countries. Because it was summer, I only had to take a few classes, which gave me more time to sightsee.”

Summer programs can also give students a chance to explore a new discipline or a topic that they wouldn’t get to learn about at their own university. Gozik explains, “Students can use summer programs as a time to explore subjects that do not fit into their regular curriculum, thus helping them broaden their scope of study.” Forget about major and minor requirements and choose a summer program that explores something totally new!

Things to think about

While summer abroad programs can be an amazing experience, there are some things to think about before diving head first into the application process. Keep in mind that you will be taking a class and not just exploring a new country while on summer break. Gozik warns, “Spending four weeks on course material which would normally be covered over a full semester can be challenging.”

Make sure to look into the cost of any summer program that you might be interested in. Jenna Fanduzzi warns, “Even though a summer program is shorter than a semester abroad, it can still be very expensive. I had to pay for credits, the trip itself, and my own flight.” 

Full-year experience

Immerse yourself in the cultural experience

For some students, spending an entire year abroad is the best option. Their course load allows it, they are ready to fully embrace a new experience and become completely surrounded by a new and unfamiliar culture. Gozik shares, “Students have time over the course of an academic year abroad to truly become local residents, something that is not typically possible for participants in shorter programs.”.

Danica Ramsey-Brimberg, a senior at Boston College, chose to study abroad for a year at Trinity College in Dublin and does not regret the decision. She explains, “Although most of my friends had planned to go abroad for a semester, I made the decision to study abroad for the entire year. It was one of the best decisions that I made. I was just beginning to realize where things were located and where to go in December. If I studied for a semester, I would have only just felt comfortable finding my way at the very end of my adventure.” Studying in Dublin for a year allowed Ramsey-Brimberg to live like the locals.

Perfect your language skills

If you want to work on your foreign language skills, a full-year abroad might be the way to go, as you will be forced to fully immerse yourself in the culture, language, and local customs. While a semester abroad in Paris will enhance your French language ability, you probably won’t become a true French speaker unless you immerse yourself in the culture for an entire year. 

Enjoy your time abroad!

Going abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and collegiettes should not forget that. Some students worry about missing out while they are abroad, but the truth is that once you step off that airplane, you will forget all of your FOMO (fear of missing out) worries. Gozik shares, “I have certainly talked to a number of students who have worried about missing out on activities while abroad. However, I have never met a returned student who said that they wished that they had not gone abroad.” Upon arriving back to campus, it will feel as if nothing has changed. And the best part is that you will have a whole new set of experiences and knowledge to apply to your collegiette life at home, no matter when or how you decide to go abroad.

In recent years people have decided to stop laughing at ugly Christmas sweaters and start embracing them. It has become a national phenomenon to throw annual parties where friends get together and hope that their sweaters are uglier, tackier and more outrageous than the others. But let’s be honest: nobody actually wants to look ugly in her ugly Christmas sweater. It can seem like quite the challenge to look cute with one of those sweaters, especially the one with the built in battery pack, but never say never. Try these looks to stay festive and avoid total tackiness.  

1. Wear That XXL Sweater as a Dress

Bow: Etsy, $6;

Sweater: Rusty Zipper, $59;

Thigh-high socks: K. Bell, $14

Sometimes you find the perfect ugly Christmas sweater… and it’s 10 sizes too big.  Don’t deny that sweater its chance to give you a super cute Christmas party outfit!  An oversized sweater makes for the perfect Christmas dress. Make sure it’s long enough and you can pair it with some wavy thigh high socks or a simple pair of black opaque tights to complete the look. When visiting your grandma, attending a family party or even a Christmas party with your friends, put your hair half-up with a red ribbon or a red bow and impress everyone.

2. Wear it With a Skirt or Layer it Over a Dress

Sweater: ASOS, $63.52;

Skirt: Guess, $79;

Necklace: Swell, $19.50;

Ponytail holder cuff: Nordstrom, $22

Don’t limit yourself to pairing sweaters with jeans. Dress up your style by layering a sweater over a dress or skirt. A leather pleated skirt or a dress with a pleated skirt gives an ugly sweater some flair and dresses it up for a fancier event. We think pulling your hair back into a sleek ponytail would look perfect with this outfit! And don’t forget accessories to pull it all together.  Add some black suede heels and a great statement necklace for the total transformation!

3. Wear a Cardigan

Sweater: What on Earth, $79.95;

Dress: Topshop, $68;

Boots: MANGO, $79.99;

Necklace: Daily Look, $16.99; 

Tights: Anthropologie, $15

Every party you’ve been invited to seems like the perfect opportunity to wear your LBD… so do it at your ugly Christmas sweater party while simultaneously wearing your favorite ugly sweater. If you have an ugly Christmas sweater cardigan, you’ll be able to show them both off. Black booties and tights can take your outfit to the next level when you are attending your holiday party, but don’t forget to accessorize!

4. Keep it Casual

Jeans: Nordstrom, $48;

Sweater: Amazon, $49.99;

Booties: Charlotte Russe, $40;

Scarf: ModCloth, $24.99

A casual event with your close friends is a great chance to show off your favorite ugly Christmas sweater cardigan. This outfit can be worn at gift exchanges as well as at a classic ugly sweater Christmas party.  Simply find your favorite pair of skinny jeans and boots and top it off with your ugly Christmas cardigan. Accessorize with bangles and layer little gold necklaces for a super cute and comfy look.

5. Make Even More Statements

Sweater: Rusty Zipper, $40;

Shoes: Heels, $59.99;

Jeggings: ASOS, $50.82;

Bag: ModCloth, $74.99

Accessories are a girl’s best friend, and they’re also the key to a perfect outfit for your ugly Christmas sweater party. Try bold colors to accentuate the colors of your ugly Christmas sweater. Red boots and a bold red bag will totally transform your look from tacky to trendy. Curl your hair for some extra class and get ready to make your friends jealous they didn’t think of this first!

Don’t settle for total tackiness. Try our ideas the next time you attend an ugly Christmas sweater party. There’s no reason you can’t win best ugly sweater and best outfit in the same night! Celebrate the holiday season in style and embrace your Christmas sweaters!

Steven Lee is probably one of the sweetest guys I have ever met. He is someone you can always count on 100% of the time and he will even listen to you vent for countless hours about useless drama. Aside from being a cutie, Steven is highly romantic and knows exactly how to treat a girl. He’s definitely a keeper! Steven is hilarious, intelligent, and an amazing friend. (Oh and word on campus is that he gives a fantastic back rub!)

Name: Steven Lee
Hometown: Lansdale, PA "I grew up in the same house my whole life, and I hope to live there for the rest of it."
School: Villanova
Class: 2014
Relationship Status: Taken
Major: Political Science, secondary education, and honors triple major, with minors in Psychology, business and history.

Involvement on Campus: Well, my main involvement this year is with the Phi Sigma Pi honors fraternity. I am on the executive board and that takes up a good amount of my time. Otherwise, I am getting ready to student teach in the spring and doing research for my honors thesis.

What’s your ideal girl like?
Well, my ideal girl is a smart, probably introvert who prefers a quiet night over a party or going to a bar. She is extremely passionate about what she does and loves helping people. She is very close to her family and values close, personal relationships above all else. I’ll know she’s the one because I’ll realize I don’t deserve her at all.

Turn On: A girl who looks like she’s just ready to study and lounge around. Sweats and a t-shirt, no makeup. Just natural beauty.
Turn Off: A girl who is too self-absorbed and cannot actually be in a relationship with anyone else because she is in one with herself.

What is your idea of a perfect date?
Good question, I’ve never actually done this before, probably because I fall asleep way to early for this to be possible, but one time I would like to have a quiet eveing with my date, make dinner together and then snuggle up for a movie. Then, since it’s our first date, which I forgot to mention, we stay up for a couple more hours just talking and getting to know each other better. Come 3 or 4 am, I ask her if she’d like to watch the sunrise with me. She says yes, and we drive down the beach and watch the sunrise together and share our first kiss. The beginning of a happy ever after :)

What’s your most memorable experience at Villanova?
My most memorable experience was probably with this cute girl I met when I studied abroad in Prague. She turned out to be a great friend, and we spent some time awesome weekend traveling together.  We didn’t drink or go out too much, but on one of the last nights, we decided to go with the group to the largest club in Central Europe. It was so much fun and we danced the night away.

Have you studied abroad anywhere else?
I also did a six week study abroad in Sienna, Italy.

Favorite Food: After this past summer in Italy, pasta is probably my favorite food currently.
Favorite Movie: Thank You For Smoking (or A Walk to Remember)
Favorite Book: 1984 by George Orwell
Favorite Holiday: Christmas
Favorite Color: Pink
Favorite Song: "Lose Yourself" by Eminem

Name: Jamie Dowling
School: WM
Year: 2015
Major: Undecided
Hometown: Ridgefield, CT

Music Style: Rap and Country

Favorite Movies: “The Departed,” “True Grit,” and “Drive”

Greatest accomplishment: “I played in an intramural basketball game once.”

Where can you be found on a typical weekend? “Paul’s”

Have any pets? I used to have cats. 

Favorite Holiday: Christmas

Play any instruments? Guitar

Play any sports? No

Ideal Girl
Hair color: Light brown
Tall or short: Tall
Nice eyes or nice smile: Smile
Girl in sweats or in a dress: Dress
Best thing a girl can wear: Sundress
What do you prefer, a girl who plays an instrument or a sport? Sport

Night in or night out? Night out

If you could have any super power, what would it be? Superhuman strength

Most annoying phrases girls say? “Wait, is that racist?”

Pet names - cute or annoying? Annoying

How do you feel about PDA? Fine

Romantic or thriller movie when you take a girl out on a date: Thriller

Girliest movie you’ve ever watched: Mean Girls

If you could add an event to the triathlon, what would it be? Spend the night in the Swem basement bathroom.

If a girl makes the first move, do you like it or not? I’m open to it.

What song would you sing when serenading a girl? "Señorita”

This week’s Campus Cutie hails all the way from Minnesota.  Meet junior Cooper Aakhus!  He’s the perfect guy – blond, single, and a Directioner.  Okay, so maybe he isn’t a diehard One Direction fan, but he does know some of the lyrics to their songs.  Read on to get to know Coop a little bit better!

Name: Cooper Aakhus
Nickname: Coop
Hometown: Brainerd, Minnesota
School/Year: BC - A&S 2014
Major: Biology

Residence on campus:  Medeiros (I am an RA)
One thing you are most excited about for senior year:  Finally getting to live on lower campus after three years on upper… Mac is getting really old.
Favorite place to eat on campus:  Eagles Nest…They have the best sandwiches.
Best class:  I have two!  Shakespeare and my postmodernism class.
Worst class:  Physics
Things you do on campus:  I am an RA, President of Habitat for Humanity, and a member of the Rhetorical Society.  I also sing in the University Chorale.
Best BC memory (so far):  I was on the crew team freshman year and one day in the spring it was really warm and beautiful out.  It was just a great day on the water!

Biggest pet peeve:  When people walk super slow.  It’s so frustrating.
Last song you listened to:  “1985” by Bowling for Soup
Favorite food:  I know this is not a food, but peanut butter.  I will put it on everything.
Favorite holiday:  I love Christmas!  It’s such a happy holiday.
Greatest fear:  Dementors.  Those things are the worst!
Favorite sports team:  The Minnesota Vikings!  SKOL VIKINGS!
Favorite book:  Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card
Guilty pleasure:  One Direction.  I know far too many lyrics of their songs.
Most embarrassing moment:  It was during the period of having two-a-days for football in High School. I went to church one day after practice, but during the sermon my legs started to cramp.  I started freaking out because it hurt really bad and soon the entire congregation was staring at me as I was thrashing around in a pew.  My parents pretended not to know me….
Favorite chick flick:  500 Days of Summer
Four fun facts about yourself:

1. I have competed in the world’s largest ice fishing contest...but I didn’t win at all.
2. I detest olives.  They are made by demons to ruin every food they are put in.
3. I have never broken a major bone in my body (I broke my toes playing football though).
4. I have fallen through ice into a lake three times in my life, and yet I have not learned my lesson.

Single or taken:  Single
Celebrity girl crush:  Anna Kendrick
Celebrity guy crush:  I’m between Jude Law and Jake Gyllenhaal
Deal breakers: Smokers, picky eaters, and girls who can’t take a joke.  
Ideal date:  Something fun and casual!  I want to get to know the girl and have a fun time.
Favorite pick-up line?  (I trip and fall on the ground in front of the girl) Did I die?  Because I see an angel in front of me!

Ladies, get to know this hunk in time for the holidays. He’s got a good heart and an even better gift list. Who doesn’t love a giver during this time of year? And he’s single for the season, too.

Name: Dalton Preston
Hometown: Trenton, MO
School: Mizzou
Major: Business (emphasis in Finance)
Year: Sophomore
Relationship Status: Single

Words to live by: "We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit." - Aristotle.

Role Model: Jesus

Favorite Study Spot: The Student Center

Dream Job: Anything that would entail traveling the world.

Most Memorable Moment: This one is tough. I guess high school graduation.

Favorite Holiday: Christmas

The Ideal Girl: Nice, smart and athletic. Good-looking wouldn't hurt either.

The perfect present to give away: Love

Best Winter Memory: Sledding, ice skating and playing hockey on my dad's farm when I was young.

If you could receive any Christmas gift what would it be and why? A billion dollars. I could do a lot of positive things and change a lot of lives with money like that.

Meet Kyle, this week's Campus Cutie! He is a senior at Conn, and when he's not swimming in the pool, he is helping students with their careers as a CELS Fellow or baking for Camel Catering! Read on to learn about his favorite swim team moment, guilty pleasure (it's a good one), and what he does as a CELS fellow! 

Name:Kyle Matson
School: Conn College
Year: 2014
Major/Minor: Psychology/Philosophy
Hometown: Brookfield, CT
Relationship Status: Single
Dorm: JA
Extracurricular Activities: Swim Team, CELS Fellow, SAAC, Camel Catering

How’s it been to be on the swim team? Are you getting nostalgic that it’s your last year?
It’s awesome, we’ve got a great team this year and I’m looking forward to seeing where we go. As far as being nostalgic…well…I’ve been longing for the day that I retire from the sport of swimming, but yes it will be a little be sad.

Since you’re a senior, what has been your favorite moment on the swim team?
My favorite moment goes back to last year. It’s actually many moments. For one, we had a legendary recruiting night, in which we got almost every recruit that came for that weekend. Then we got into some trouble, went through some rough patches, but we had an incredible ending. The men’s team finished 3rd in the NESCAC, the highest place in college history. Coach received Coach of the Year and we were all thrilled about that. On top of all that, the women’s team had the highest overall GPA out of any team in the nation. GO CAMELS!

What do you do before a swim meet to get you excited before a race?
Honestly not much. Think about my race, stretch, warm up, and wish everyone else good luck before their races.

Besides being on the swim team, you are also a CELS fellow; tell us a little bit about that. What all do you do?
The most obvious role as a CELS Fellow is in the workshops that we hold. Other than that, we do individual meetings, and freshmen intakes. I see about 3 freshmen a week to talk about classes, professors, and possible majors. A follow-up email is sent right afterwards with a summary of everything we talked about and links for web pages we may have looked at. Also, there is a LinkedIn event that I’m helping run that will be on Wednesday 10/23 in the JA Common Room if anyone is interested!

Now some fun questions!

Favorite food: I loveee guacamole
Guilty Pleasure: Baking Camel cookies in Smith Kitchen for Camel Catering

Speaking of baking, what do you do for Camel Catering? Is there a secert recipe for those delicious camel cookies? 
Camel Catering is actually a lot of fun, I work usually 6 hours a week and do tons of things. I roll out and bake camel cookies, brownies, scones, assorted cookies, blondies. You name it, I bake it.  And if there was a secret recipe then I wouldn't be able to tell you, would I?

Life motto: Just keep livin'

What’s been your most embarrassing moment while being at Conn?
Oh jeez…there’s a few that come to mind. I’m just going to say Hamilton 215 and leave it at that.

If you were to have dinner with any historical figure (dead or alive) who would it be and why?
Hmm, I’m gonna say Mark Wahlberg. I think that guy is a boss, I have a ton of respect for him, and I would love to live the life of Entourage.

Favorite song: At the moment, Sail by AWOLNATION.

How would you describe your perfect date? December 25, Christmas is the best time of year.

Dream celebrity date: Oh, Emma Watson for sure.

If you won the lottery, what would you do with the money?
Probably splurge a little bit then save it. I don’t think I would want it to be honest, nor are the chances really in my favor, 1 in 175,223,510 doesn’t look too good.

How do you feel about being Campus Cutie?
Well, I never expected I would receive an email saying I was Campus Cutie so I feel very humbled.

Name: Ian Dolan
School: CMU
Year: Junior
Major: Chemical Engineering

Favorite cuisine: My mom's chicken pot pie

Favorite time of year: Christmas, so I can hang out with the family

Favorite thing(s) to do with free time: Playing soccer and basketball

Books or movies: Books

Ideal date: White water rafting followed by a riverside dinner

Celebrity crush: Natalie Portman

Favorite thing about CMU: The technology

It’s another night of tossing and turning. After many sleepless nights, you finally realize that telling your brain to shut off doesn’t work so well. It doesn’t help that you’re constantly looking at the clock as your anxiety about getting less and less sleep increases with each minute that passes. You’ve got an important test tomorrow morning, but you just can’t seem to doze off no matter how many sheep you count. So why are you having trouble falling asleep? We talked to Dr. Aneesa Shariff, staff psychologist at the University of British Columbia, about some of the factors that could be keeping you up at night.

1. Studying late at night

When cramming for an exam, you might use every bit of time that you have left in the day, right up until bedtime. But hitting the hay soon after closing those textbooks could be the reason why you’re having trouble falling asleep.

“Sometimes when we’re doing really stimulating activities close to our bedtimes, that can really inhibit our ability to then get into a relaxed state and fall asleep,” says Dr. Shariff. This includes studying late at night, which many collegiettes may be guilty of. Because studying and trying to retain information is mentally stimulating, it could keep you too alert to fall asleep.

Dr. Shariff recommends putting away your homework and class notes at least 30 minutes to an hour before going to bed. Use the rest of the time to set up a consistent bedtime routine to do relaxing things, such as listening to calming music or light reading for pleasure.

Ashley Young, a junior and HC Campus Correspondent for West Virginia Wesleyan College, understands the importance of a consistent routine. “For me, after I’ve finished all of my work and it’s time for bed, I go brush and whiten my teeth, wash my face, brush my hair... Just the necessary little things that have to be done that don’t take much thought. It not only kills two birds with one stone, but by the time I’m finished, I’m calmed down, relaxed and ready to sleep.”

2. Persistent thoughts (stress and/or anxiety)

Sometimes our thoughts just won’t leave us alone, whether it’s those pesky guy problems or all the errands that you have to run the next day. Anxious thoughts and feelings are common factors of sleeplessness for people, especially college students.

“During times of increased stress or worry or time pressure, so for students during midterms or as they prepare for final exams, a lot of students commonly experience sleep problems during those time periods because of the pressure they may be experiencing and just the increased demands on their time,” says Dr. Shariff.

“When you’re worrying a lot and your thoughts are going off in all different directions before bedtime, that can definitely impede your ability to get into a relaxed state to be in to be able to fall asleep because your brain is still really mentally active and going from one thought to the other.”

Try keeping a notepad by your bed. Dr. Shariff suggests writing down any persistent thoughts that are on your mind, whether it’s a to-do list or the thoughts that are bothering you. Putting your concerns on paper will help relieve your mind. “Instead of holding all of [those thoughts] in your brain, just write it down on a piece of paper and put it aside to be able to come back to the next morning.”

Jessica Schimm, a senior at San Francisco State University, uses a journal to keep her worries at bay. “I fill out a brief diary entry, always focusing on the positive things of my day.”

She also listens to podcasts to keep her mind off of her anxieties. “Before I listened to nightly podcasts, I used to go through my whole day in my head and it would keep me up even later. Now I have a much easier time falling asleep because I’m completely focused on something else, and the things I listen to have made for great conversation starters.”

Another way to wind down and forget about your worries is to consciously take time for yourself. “Before going to sleep I think it’s important to fit in a little ‘me time,’ to essentially do things just for yourself and for your pleasure,” says Avianne Tan, sophomore at NYU and HC contributing writer, who likes to read novels and poetry. “It’s nice to have those special moments in doing things I like when life gets so busy around doing things I have to do.”

To fight off stress, Maddy Foley, a senior at Kenyon College and HC contributing writer, streams rainfall meditation albums on Spotify. “If I’m feeling really stressed, I listen to one or two of those tracks and try to focus on breathing evenly and deeply.”

3. Electronics (laptops, phones, computer) that emit blue light

If you’re a late night texter or like to fall asleep with the TV on, you might have to change your night-time habits because this could be interfering with your sleep. Turning off your phone can also keep you from getting woken up by a text and help you fight the temptation to check your Facebook or Twitter.

“There is some research to suggest that blue light that’s emitted from laptops, TV screens, phones can really inhibit the melatonin production in our brain,” says Dr. Shariff. Melatonin is the chemical in the brain that helps set our internal clock. “The light from that can really send a signal to our brains, mistakenly, that ‘oh, it’s not that late, so it’s not bedtime yet.’” The blue light from these screens can delay our feelings of sleepiness, so turn them off about an hour before going to bed in order to successfully doze off.

“I take half a tab of Melatonin [when I can’t sleep]. It regulates your sleep cycle like a boss and it’s non-addictive,” says Maddy of Kenyon College. Because Melatonin is the hormone that controls sleep cycles, some people take Melatonin supplements. You may be able to find these supplements at health food stores, but it’s best to speak with your doctor about it first.

4. Food (caffeine, sugar)

The most obvious foods and drinks that keep you awake contain caffeine and sugar. Sugar can hype you up and caffeine keeps you alert and energized, which are the opposite of what you want to be when trying to catch some z’s. Although body reactions vary when it comes to sugar and caffeine, Dr. Shariff says that your last cup of coffee, or any type of caffeinated drink, should be six hours before lights out.

If you rely on caffeine to get you through the day, check out our article on how to get energy without caffeine.

5. Exercise

If the only time you can exercise is in the evenings, try leaving at least two hours between your workout and your scheduled bedtime. According to Dr. Shariff, working out too close to bedtime can cause you to feel restless. Set aside two hours of transition time to wind down and relax your body and mind. After a hard workout, why not treat yourself to a nice, relaxing bath? Also, meditation or deep breathing and even tensing and relaxing different muscle groups can get your body in a good state for sleep.

“I find doing square breathing really helpful,” says Katie Naymon, a sophomore at John Hopkins University. “So, for example, I’ll inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, exhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4 and repeat like 10 times. [It is] totally relaxing and I find it slows my heart rate and makes me super sleepy.”

6. Taking naps

After a late night of partying and maybe an early morning class the next day, sometimes it’s inevitable that we might fall into the nasty afternoon nap cycle. Although a couple of hours of shut-eye can restore your energy for the day, it can mess up your sleep-cycle by pushing your bedtime back and causing you to nap again the next day.

“I definitely recommend just trying to set aside time to get the sleep that you need at night so that you’re not feeling the urge to nap during the daytime,” says Dr. Shariff. It might be hard to fight off the urge to nap, but the cycle has to end somehow!

7. Environment

Your sleep environment plays a big part in your ability to fall asleep and the quality of sleep that you get. An uncomfortable temperature—too hot or too cold—can prevent you from falling asleep. According to Web MD, the ideal sleeping temperature for most people is 65 to 72 degrees.

Is your night-light too bright? According to the Division of Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School, too much light delays our internal clock and keeps us up.

Another environmental factor is noise, which can interfere with your sleep for obvious reasons. In this case, white noise (noise made up of many frequencies at equal intensities) might be helpful, according to Discover Fit & Health. Sometimes it’s impossible to control environmental noise, so the constant static of white noise might actually help sooth you to sleep. There are white noise machines, but if those are too pricey, there are also white noise apps available for download. You could also invest in some earplugs if you’re dealing with a snoring roommate or rowdy hall mates. 

The most important thing is to try to stick with a consistent schedule and bedtime routine. Having an hour or so, before bed, dedicated to relaxing your mind and body should help you get some well-deserved slumber. After all, every collegiette needs her beauty sleep!

Finals. The worst part of what should be the happiest time of the year – the holiday season! While we can't cancel your upcoming exams, we can offer you a study-related gift to make this time of year a little easier.

McGraw-Hill Education is offering free trials of any of their Course Level LearnSmart products for a week until Dec. 15 (so register now!). These adaptive study tools will help you personalize learning (like having your own personal TA!) and design a targeted study path so you spend more time on what you haven’t mastered yet. The end result? More effective studying, and most importantly: better grades.

They offer tons of courses – everything from Microbiology to Public Speaking, French to American History. So get studying — or get a jump on your classes for next semester by taking a course in one of your upcoming classes. You can sign up for as many courses as you want during your free trial offer period – so take advantage of it!

The holidays are here, and a cute and creative way to add some of your Christmas spirit to your beauty regimen is with holiday-inspired nail designs! We picked our nine favorite nail tutorials that will keep your fingers looking festive this season!

1. White Christmas Poinsettias

2. Holly and Candy Canes

3. Snowy Nails

4. Christmas Tree Nails

5. Stockings Stuffed With Presents

6. Christmas Lights With Candy Cane Tips

7. Retro Red and Green Snowflakes

8. Glitter Candy Stripes

9. Holiday Sweater Pattern

Tired of having to sort out the “nice guys” from the “bad boys”? Want to move up from one-night stand to full-time girlfriend, but unsure of how to do so? Stop worrying, because Real Live College Guy Dale is finally here to help with all of your collegiette love kerfuffles and help steer you clear of any unnecessary drama during your brief but ever-important time in college.

I met this really cute guy at a party and he was sweet, so I gave him my number. We've texted pretty consistently since we met, and he's asked a couple of times to hang out or get together. I am not sure if he's interested in getting to know me better or interested in just getting in my pants. I'm not just a hit-it-and-quit-it girl; I much prefer dating. How can I tell what he's really interested in without giving him the wrong idea?–Perplexed at Penn State

Perplexed,

Unless this guy came up directly and tried to cop a feel, sometimes it can be difficult to tell what a guy wants out of you. But there’s really only one way to find out if he’s interested in you or just interested in what’s in your pants, and that way is a very, very basic component of human interaction: discussion.

The best way to find out what he’s truly interested in, be it you or what lies beneath your denim, is to talk to him. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: if you like the guy, you should ask him out. He might be surprised by your initiative, but I think he’ll also be appreciative of the action. By asking him out, you’re taking away the stress that he (and many men) shoulders when asking women out.

By taking him out, you’ll get a chance to talk to him and find out what might be going on in his head. Does he look you in the eyes, or does his gaze wander? Does he want to talk about things you like, or does he only shine the light on his own accomplishments?

If you’re not sure about what he wants from you, make the moves to find out! If you think he’s going to come right out and tell you what he wants, the odds are unfortunately stacked against you (few men are that brave and/or brazen), but if you go out with him and talk to him in person, you can get a better idea of what he’s looking for. On top of that, unless you choose to go to a rave for your date, there’s almost no way to give him “the wrong idea.”

Known as the “queen of greens,” kale is a super delicious and nutritious vegetable that is the perfect addition to your diet. If you’re worried about gaining the freshman 15 or even the upperclassman 15, incorporating this green into your diet can work wonders for your health. It contains vitamins A and C for a healthy immune system, vitamin K for cancer prevention, calcium for your teeth and bones and iron for overall health benefits and blood cell regulation. It’s also a great detox food because it keeps your liver healthy.

As collegiettes on the go, it’s important to have quick and easy recipes on hand that ensure proper nutrition to keep us healthy. Whip up some of these delicious and healthful recipes to make the most of kale.

1. Kale Smoothie With Pineapple and Banana

This energizing green smoothie from Real Simple is perfect for an easy breakfast. Bananas are a good source of vitamin B-6 and potassium, while pineapples contain vitamin C and manganese. If you’re skeptical about putting kale into your fruit smoothie, have no fear – the bitterness of the kale will be masked by the sweetness of the fruit. The recipe makes two smoothies, so you can share it with a friend or your roommate.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup coconut milk
• ½ cup water
• 2 cups stemmed and chopped kale
• 1 ½ cups chopped pineapple
• 1 ripe banana, chopped

Directions:

1. In a blender, combine the coconut milk, water, kale, pineapple and banana and puree until smooth.
2. The process takes about one minute, and you can add more water if needed to reach your desired consistency. This should take no longer than five minutes to prepare.

2. Kale Chips

This recipe is the crunchy and savory snack that food bloggers are always raving about. The light consistency of the chips combined with the nutritional benefits of kale make for a healthy snack to munch on during your favorite movie. This recipe from A Cozy Kitchen is simple and easy to make. The recipe makes about two servings.

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch of kale, rinsed
• 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Optional seasonings: cayenne pepper and garlic powder

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 300 degrees.
2. Lay your washed kale onto a baking sheet, drizzle with the oil and lightly sprinkle with salt and pepper.
3. Bake for 10 minutes, then flip, then bake for another 10 minutes until the chips are crispy.
4. Allow to cool before transferring into a bowl.

3. Massaged Kale Salad

One of the easiest ways to include kale in your diet is to incorporate it into a salad. The robust flavor and hearty texture of kale makes it a suitable substitute for the classic romaine or spinach salad base. This recipe from Food Network is the perfect choice, and it shouldn’t take you longer than 10 minutes to prepare. This recipe makes four servings.

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch of kale, stalks removed, leaves thinly sliced
• 1 lemon, juiced
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 1 mango, diced small (about 1 cup)
• Small handful of toasted pumpkin or sunflower seeds (about 2 rounded tablespoons full)

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, add the kale, half of the lemon juice, a drizzle of oil and a little salt. Mix together for two to three minutes, then set aside to make the dressing.
2. In a small bowl, whisk the remaining lemon juice with the honey and lots of pepper. Combine with the ¼ cup of oil and whisk until a dressing forms.
3. Pour the dressing over the kale, and add the mangoes and seeds, tossing prior to serving.

4. Sautéed Kale With Toast and Eggs

For a quick and healthy breakfast, try this single-serving, under-10-minute recipe from Bon Appétit.

Ingredients:

• 3 stemmed kale leaves
• 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pinch of minced garlic
• 1 slice of crusty bread
• 1 egg

Directions:

1. Slice the kale into ribbons, then heat the olive oil in a large skillet.
2. Cook the garlic and kale together until tender, about two minutes.
3. Spoon the finished product onto the crusty bread, and place a fried or poached egg on top.

5. Kale Flatbread

For a crispy and wholesome lunch, try this kale flatbread recipe fromBon Appétit. The recipe makes two to four servings.

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch of kale, rinsed and thinly sliced
• 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• One 9-inch round of pizza dough
• Grated Parmesan, crumbled feta and shredded mozzarella cheeses, as desired

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Toss the kale with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and season with the salt and pepper.
2. Stretch out your pizza dough into a thin crust and brush with the remaining olive oil.
3. Sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese, spread the kale across the crust and finish with a layer of the crumbled feta and shredded mozzarella.
4. Bake your flatbread for about 10 minutes, or until the crust is golden.

6. Pasta with Kale, Bacon and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

This recipe from MyRecipes.com is for a delicious pasta dish that you can share with your roommates since it makes four servings (or keep the leftovers for yourself – we won’t judge). The best part is that it won’t take you longer than 20 minutes to prepare.

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces uncooked orecchiette pasta
• 5 cups bagged pre-washed kale
• 2 slices of center-cut bacon
• ¼ cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and roughly chopped
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 3 large garlic cloves, chopped
• Salt and pepper
• 1 ounce Parmesan cheese, shaved
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Directions:

1. Cook the pasta for eight minutes or until almost tender. Add the kale and cook for two minutes, then drain in a colander over a bowl, reserving 1/2 cup cooking liquid.
2. While the pasta cooks, cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat for four minutes or until crisp. After cooking, remove the bacon from the pan with a slotted spoon, then crumble and set aside.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low and add the sun-dried tomatoes, crushed red pepper and garlic. Cook for one minute, stirring frequently.
4. Add the pasta mixture, reserved 1/2 cup cooking liquid, black pepper and salt to pasta; toss to combine.
5. Top the pasta mixture evenly with the bacon and cheese; drizzle evenly with lemon juice.

7.Chocolate Kale Cake With Sea Salt

When you think of a delicious dessert, kale doesn’t always come to mind as an ingredient. But we’ve found the exception with this recipe from Foodie Underground. The touch of sea salt adds extra flavor to this treat. This recipe will make plenty to share with friends and roommates!

Ingredients:

• ½ cup rice flour
• ¾ cup ground almonds or almond flour
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• ¼ cup sugar
• ¼ cup cocoa powder
• 3 large kale leaves
• 1/8 cup olive oil
• ¼ cup dark chocolate or chocolate chips
• Coarse sea salt

Directions:

1. Boil two cups of water. Remove from heat and place the kale leaves in the water. Cover and let sit for two minutes.
2. Remove and drain the water, keeping about two tablespoons of water.
3. Place the kale and the remaining water in a food processor, and mix until you obtain a puree consistency, making sure that the bits of kale are as small as possible.
4. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar and vanilla, mixing in the cocoa powder before adding the kale puree and olive oil.
5. Mix in the flour, almonds and sea salt, stirring until well blended.
6. Grease a circular cake pan and dust with ground almonds. Pour in the cake batter and bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes.
7. Remove the cake from the oven and sprinkle with the chopped chocolate. Turn off the oven and put the cake back in for a minute or two in order to melt the chocolate. Spread the chocolate evenly with a knife and sprinkle lightly with the sea salt.

The next time you’re looking for a few quick and easy ways to include more kale into your diet, give one of these delicious recipes a try. They’re sure to please your friends and roommates, and the health benefits are an additional bonus!

So you scored an interview with the company you’ve been dying to work for next summer! You showed up on time, dressed to impress, and your answers to every question the interviewer asked you were flawless. Now the end of the interview is drawing near, and the interviewer is about to ask you his last question: “Do you have any questions for me?” Before you open your mouth to answer, make sure that you’re not asking one of the following “illegal” interview questions.

“What does your company do, exactly?” 

One of the most important things you need to arrive armed with is knowledge of the company you’re applying to intern or work for.  Employers assume that you know important information about them, like their mission statement and the head of their company. Asking this question indicates that you didn’t take the time to research those things, which sends a message to the employer that you don’t care.

“How much does this position pay?”

You should never, ever, ever ask this question in your first interview. This just signifies to employers that you are more interested in reaping the benefits from the position that you’re applying for than in actually doing your job. It’s best not to discuss compensation. If you nail the interview, you’ll find out your salary eventually. Until then, it is best not to discuss compensation.

 “When can I take time off for vacation?” 

You aren’t even in the office yet, and this question makes it seem like you’re already trying to figure out how you can get out of it. Asking about getting time off before you even get a job offer just implies that you aren’t going to be fully committed to your position, and makes you a less desirable candidate.

“How many hours a week will I be expected to work each week? Will I need to work weekends?” 

When you ask questions about hours and extra work, it sounds to the employer like you are hoping to work as little as possible. If you really want an answer to this question so that you can gauge how hectic your life will be if your score the job, ask something like ‘What is a typical workday like within this position?’ instead.

“How long would it be before I could get promoted?”

This makes it sound as though you are only applying for this position so that you can climb the company ladder. It implies that you aren’t interested in the position that you’re applying for, and you’re waiting to move on to something better. While it’s good to appear ambitious, this question makes you sound power-hungry, which is an unappealing trait to potential employers.

“Did I get the job?” 

Asking this question puts employers on the spot and makes you sound impatient. If you are impatient, you could ask something like “Do you usually hold multiple rounds of interviews with candidates for this position?” instead, although if they are interested in you, employers will usually provide this information before the end of the interview on their own.

Other Questions You (Obviously!) Should Not Ask:

“Can I see the break room?” 
“How long is lunch?” 
“What are the policies on tardiness?” 
“Will I have to take a drug test?” 
“Does this company monitor internet usage?” 
“How many warnings do you get before you are fired?”

As long as you ask a question off of this list instead of blurting out one of the aforementioned awful options, you will be sure to impress your prospective employer!

Tired of having to sort out the “nice guys” from the “bad boys”? Want to move up from one-night stand to full-time girlfriend, but unsure of how to do so? Stop worrying, because Real Live College Guy Dale is finally here to help with all of your collegiette love kerfuffles and help steer you clear of any unnecessary drama during your brief but ever-important time in college.

I recently transferred to my university, so meeting people has been super difficult. Luckily, there’s a transfer group on Facebook that makes it a little bit easier. I ended up messaging a really cute guy who was commenting on a few posts of mine since the beginning of the year. The conversations were brought to texting, and we hung out once recently. It was a lot of fun and there was no pressure to bring it to a more sexual level. We talked for hours until I finally headed back to my apartment with no more than a hug between us.

The only problem is through texting he seems to get a bit more aggressive with the topic of hooking up and continually asks about it, even before we hung out (aka even met!). I'm somewhat persistent on taking things slower in response. Considering we JUST met and when I originally came across his page he had a girlfriend, could this just be a way of him getting over his ex? Or do you think he could be a possibility for more? I am not saying I am going into the scenario looking for a relationship, but I'm certainly not into the one-night stand ordeal. I am so bad at determining how much trust I should give a guy. Please help! –Swooning but Suspicious at Syracuse

Swooning,

I hate to break it to ya, but I don’t think this guy’s a good egg.

The digital age has blurred the lines that used to exist between dating and hooking up, which has led to a fair amount of confusion for both genders. Some people see virtual discussion as the new form of dating. I personally disagree with this approach, but I kind of understand it.

What do people do on dates? They talk! On a first date, for example, people discuss things and they get to know each another. Facebook and Twitter – almost the entirety of virtual social communication – has replaced physical communication, so instead of talking face to face, people now use the Internet to get to know each other. Things that you could once discover on a first date are now things you can research before even meeting a person. It has been reduced to a process as simple as a few clicks and keystrokes. Where was he or she born? What’s his or her favorite movie? What does this person do for fun?

So what does this all have to do with your situation?

This guy thinks he can bypass “taking things slow” because you’ve talked to each other through texts and Facebook. It seems to me that he believes in his heart that the two of you can skip the formality that is dating and jump straight into bed.

This may very well be a reaction to a breakup, but I don’t think that’s the main factor. I think the introduction of technology to peoples’ love lives has both rejuvenated and crippled a very basic form of humanity: communication. 

Where do you go from here? While I understand that meeting people after transferring can be difficult (I was in the same situation recently!), you have to take solace in knowing that there are literally thousands of other guys walking around out there – hundreds of which are probably better for you than Mr. McHook-up over there. Be strong and take a stand. If he’s moving too quickly, let him know. The best thing you can do is to be honest both with him and yourself and draw your boundaries.

Any guy who aggressively texts you about hooking up even before he’s met you in person is someone you should stay away from. The fact that he acts one way virtually and another way in person tells me that he isn’t deserving of much trust (if any, at all). Virtual communication may have changed how some people date, but it shouldn’t keep you from standing up for what you will and will not tolerate.

The secret to making yourself more attractive. [YourTango]

5 signs he’s just not that into you. [A New Mode]

Why you should never skip breakfast. [I Want Her Job]

Snuggle shops are popping up around the country. [Business Insider]

The debate on college papers— should we keep writing them? [Slate]

Everyone is binge-watching on Netflix. [The Wall Street Journal]

Art made from the dollar store. [Beautiful/Decay]

How to make people like you. [The Week]

Why this TA inflated grades. [Quartz]

2013, a year in memes. [Noisey]

Nelson Mandela was laid to rest this week after countless South Africans and world leaders paid tribute to the politician, human rights activist and revolutionary. In North Korea, however, things were less joyous as reports that Kim Jong Un had executed his uncle raised fears that more deaths are to following in Kim's political purges. Colorado sees another shooting as an 18-year-old student stormed his high school, intent on retribution against faculty member. Finally, Ukraine's protestors finally see some leeway after a three-week uprising marked by violence and unrest.

Welcome back to NEWSFLASH, giving you the week's biggest stories!

Nelson Mandela Remembered

A huge crowd of thousands gathered on Tuesday to remember ex-South African president and anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela. World leaders and South African citizens filled Soweto’s FNB Stadium where Mandela made his last public appearance for a grief-stricken but commemorative service.

Mandela, 95, passed away on Dec 5 after years of poor health, during which he was in and out of hospitals. While he had been responding positively to treatment, Mandela’s health remained in a precarious position up to his death.

Mandela retired from public life in 2004 but never faded from the international scene. The anti-apartheid revolutionary continued to champion human rights and peace around the world.

The former South African president’s body was taken to Qunu, Mandela’s childhood home. Since Mandela retired from political life he had been spending the majority of his time in Qunu, with the rural village giving him a newfound sense of peace and tranquility. At least 100,000 people paid their respects to Mandela as his body was carried out of Pretoria towards Qunu.

Mandela was officially laid to rest Sunday morning.

North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un Executes Uncle

North Korean ruler Kim Jong Un has overwhelmed the international community with nuclear tests and military standoffs with South Korea since he came to power two years ago. But in a move that has shocked the world, the DPRK leader executed his uncle on Thursday as part of a political purge.

Jang Song Thaek was believed to have been 67-years-old at the time of his death. Thaek was both Kim’s uncle and in charge of the DPRK’s economic development, making him the second most powerful man in the country.

Official reports announced that Thaek’s execution took place due to his ambitions to overthrow Kim and for failing to solve North Korea’s economic situation. Thaek had previous been purged from the government in 2004 but returned in 2006 to serve Kim Jong Il, Kim Jong Un’s father, as a top economic policymaker.

The country’s citizens, however, continue to starve, remnants of a famine that began under the former Kim’s rule. The Kim family attempted to distance themselves from the famine, denying any responsibility.

Experts claim that Thaek’s execution was Kim’s chosen method to send a statement to North Korean citizens and the global community. Political executions were commonplace in North Korea, but Thaek’s elevated status within the party came as a surprise as the most powerful officials are often spared.

Colorado High School Shooting Leaves One Student Wounded, Two Others With Minor Injuries

On the eve of the last year’s Newton shooting rampage, a student attending Littleton, Colorado’s Arapahoe High School opened fire at the school seeking revenge against a staff member before shooting himself.

Karl Halverson Pierson, 18, barged into the school and immediately wounded a 17-year-old student who remains in critical condition. Two other students were shot but managed to escape with minor injuries before Pierson killed himself, alert that police were quickly closing in.

Pierson was reportedly seeking a school faculty member as his main target, though he also intended to hurt multiple people along the way. The teacher left the building during Pierson’s attack to hopefully lure the shooter away from the school to minimize possible casualties.

Pierson had also planted two Molotov cocktails around the school, one of which exploded. Police are also investigating to determine if the shooting was timed to coincide with the Newton massacre’s one-year anniversary.

Momentum Shifts Towards Protestors in Ukraine’s Three-Week-Old Uprising

After three weeks of intense uprising both for and against Ukrainian president Viktor Yanukovich, anti-government protestors are finally seeing some light as the Yanukovich suspended two key officials.

At the heart of the dispute is Ukraine’s cooperation with the EU. While Ukraine is not a member of the EU, plans recently surfaced between the country and supranational body that would have seen the establishment of Ukraine-EU trade and political ties. Yanukovich, however, backed out of the talks, setting off an intense backlash that saw 1 million Ukrainian citizens take to Kiev’s streets.

The main point of contention occurred on Nov 30 when Ukrainian security services were sent in to disperse protestors. But many citizens were violently taken down by stun grenades and batons, resulting in injuries and arrests. The Ukrainian security services were immediately condemned for their violent reaction.

In response, Yanukovich suspended Kiev city manager, Oleksandr Popoov and deputy national security chief, Volodomyr Sovkovych. There has so far been no more talks about the Ukraine-EU deals that set off the uprising, though the government seems to be heeding the protestors somewhat.

I don't need to tell you that it can be hard to stay healthy during finals week. Between staying up late (or pulling all-nighters) and stress eating your way through writing your twelve page final paper, all you want to do is curl up in the fetal position in a groutfit with as many chips and cookies as you can get your hands on. But while eating healthy can be a challenge during this week, it doesn't have to be impossible. The following five tips can you stay on track while saving time (and unnecessary calories) in the process. 

Prepare study snacks in advance

If you stock up on easy snacks to take the library in advance, you’ll not only save time, but you’ll also avoid having to resort to the junk in the vending machine.

• Fruit (my favorites are bananas, berries, grapes, and pomegranate seeds)
• Cut-up vegetables (cucumbers, carrots, celery, cherry tomatoes)
• Nuts and dried fruit
• Chickpeas (roasted or regular)
• Greek yogurt
• Kale chips 
• Bars (I like Luna bars and LARABAR)
• Healthy baked goods (like the chocolate peanut butter balls below or these oatmeal cups)

My housemates and I had a holiday potluck on Friday night and I made these chocolate peanut butter balls. At only 41 calories apiece, these balls are a tasty, healthy way to get your chocolate fix as a snack or dessert. I put the leftovers in plastic baggies and have been taking 2-3 balls to the library for a late-night study snack.

For the potluck, I made a Greek yogurt dipping sauce to go with the balls. I just mixed one six-ounce container of plain Greek yogurt with about a tablespoon of honey, a tablespoon of almond butter, and cinnamon. It made for a great flavor and texture combo!

Cook in bulk

During finals week, it can be hard to find the time to even shower, let alone cook yourself three meals a day. So, when you do have any spare time to spend in the kitchen, whether it’s before finals start or the early morning hours before you hit the library, cook in bulk so that you have food to last you a couple of days.

For example, I made a big batch of farro (a chewy, fiber-rich ancient grain with a nutty flavor) with grilled corn, green onion, and crumbled goat cheese. Then, throughout the week I added different proteins, such as shrimp and chicken sausage, to a portion of it (about a one cup serving) for an easy lunch or dinner. You could do this with other grains like quinoa, brown rice, or pasta to save time throughout the week—not just during finals, but throughout the year too! 

Find healthy options at cafes/restaurants

If you’re out studying, you likely won’t have the time (or desire) to make the trek back home for every meal. So, seek out healthy options at the cafes or restaurants in your study area. If the place you’re eating at is a chain, you can find the nutrition info online, so look in advance or while you’re deciding what to get so that you can make an informed choice.

I spent a day studying at Starbucks and got the Perfect Oatmeal for breakfast. I added fresh blueberries and the fruit, nut and seed medley as toppings. I also sprinkled some cinnamon on top for added flavor. I hadn’t had oatmeal at Starbucks in a while, but it was better than I remembered.  For lunch, I got a Chicken and Hummus Bistro Box and a banana.

Don’t drink your calories

When you’re on that study grind, you’re probably relying on coffee and energy drinks more than usual. But the calories in those drinks can really add up. When it comes to coffee, your best bet is to stick with it straight up, rather than a flavored concoction that is probably loaded with sugar. Add skim or soy milk and Splenda or Stevia. Or, a cappuccino is also a good pick. Check out our article on healthy drinks to order at Starbucks for more options.

Green or black tea is another healthy way to get your caffeine boost. When you’re studying, sip on water or seltzer instead of soda or fruit juices to stay hydrated for zero calories.

Use cooking as a study break

While you may feel too stressed to make yourself anything, taking a half hour (or less if you find a quick recipe!) can be nice, almost therapeutic study break. Last night, I made salmon with roasted Brussels sprouts, asparagus, and mashed cauliflower.

I had bought frozen salmon a while ago, so I just let it thaw and then cooked it according to the package instructions (about 20 minutes in the oven) and then seasoned it with salt and pepper. For the Brussels sprouts, I coated them in a little bit of olive oil and then seasoned with salt and pepper and cooked them at 350 degrees for about thirty minutes. For the asparagus, I just sautéed them in a pan with olive oil and minced garlic until tender, about five minutes. I followed this recipe for the cauliflower and used garlic powder instead of roasted garlic cloves. The whole meal took me about forty minutes to make, but it helped calm me down and rest my brain in between studying for two different subjects. And if you eat a satisfying, healthy meal it’ll be easier to stay focused throughout the night (I learned that the hard way after eating a greasy hamburger one night and falling into a food coma at the library).

Don’t beat yourself up if your healthy eating habits do slip a bit during finals week (it is just one week, after all), but hopefully these tips help you get through it alive and well! 

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In high school, every subject was on the same playing field. You had to take math, English, science, and history, and all of the grades were equally important on your transcript. There wasn’t much wiggle room in what you could and couldn’t take. But in college, the rules have changed. Suddenly, you get to design your own schedule. Once you declare a major, you can focus your time on the things that interest you. But what if you’re not sure what you want to study? Choosing a major is an important decision to make. Some people go into college with a clear plan as to what they’re going to study and where they want to go with their life, but some have no idea. But don’t worry; choosing a major isn’t as scary or as difficult as it may seem sometimes.  Check out HC’s tips and you’ll have a major picked in no time!

Start with your interests.

When it comes to choosing your major, you may feel lost in a sea of degrees. There are hundreds of concentrations to choose from, so the task can feel daunting. But when it comes to making a decision, the most important factor is finding a subject that you enjoy. Maybe you were a huge fan of your English class in high school, or you’ve always been great with computers. Whatever your interests are, try to incorporate them in your studies. You should want to learn about subjects in your major rather than feel like it’s always a chore. “The biggest factor should be whether or not you are intellectually curious about the subject,” says Gary Allan Miller, assistant director of career services at UNC-Chapel Hill. HC Hofstra Campus Correspondent Rachel Crocetti, who is double majoring in photography and journalism, agrees that a major is all about what draws you in. “My choice is based solely in my interests and the things that I love most,” she says. If you study something that you don’t enjoy, it’s going to be a long four years.

Don’t pick a major because you think it will help you get a job.

Don’t try and take a major if it’s something you’re not excited by. Many students choose a major because they feel it’s a practical choice or it will help them find a job, but then they end up struggling through it. Annie, a junior at the University of Chicago, decided she wanted to declare a second major in economics in addition to her political science major. Despite her constant struggles with math, she thought having a second degree in economics might be to her benefit, but she admits that she struggled with it. “I constantly felt out of my element and was slower than the rest of my classmates to understand what was being taught in class,” Annie admits. She says that because she was working so hard to keep up in economics, it affected her grades in other subjects as well.  Miller suggests studying something that you want to make a career out of that you’ll actually enjoy. “If you don’t enjoy studying computer science, even if you manage to do well in the class, you’re not setting yourself up for a career; you’re just pursuing a job,” he says.

Try out a student organization or a random class.

If you’re not sure what you want to major in when you start school, don’t stress!  Try out a club on campus and see if you like it—it could point you towards a major you’d like. Miller says, “If you focus on learning more about your values, interests, and personality, and then follow your curiosity, you’ll find a path that can point you toward a positive first step.” If you discover you’re a pro on the debate team, maybe political science is for you. Or, if you can’t wait for choir every week, maybe vocal performance is the direction in which you should head. You never know what you’re going to be excited about until you try it!

You could also take classes in various subjects until you find one that really piques your interest.  Grace Ortelere, former HC campus correspondent for University of Pennsylvania, wasn’t sure what she wanted to study until she took her first psychology class. She says after the introductory course, she knew she wanted to be a psychology major. “Go with your gut,” she advises. If you’re curious about a subject, take the introductory course. You’ll be able to get your feet wet and see if it’s something you want to pursue.

Talk to others.

Your academic adviser is the most readily available resource when it comes to choosing a major. It’s their job to advise you; make use of that resource! Alyssa Howard, a junior majoring in psychology and English at the University of Texas, says that at the beginning of each semester, she makes an appointment with her adviser to do some long-term planning. Advisers’ schedules tend to fill up around registration time, so try to schedule an appointment earlier in the year. When meeting with your adviser, brainstorm what you want to ask before you actually meet with him or her. Familiarize yourself with the requirements of each degree and prepare questions. “Advisers don’t have hours to spend with each student,” says Alyssa. “By being familiar with requirements you can maximize appointment time.”

You can also talk to upperclassmen about their majors or shadow someone who works in the field you’re considering majoring in. By talking to people who have already studied what you’re looking into, you can get a better feel for what the major requires and what you can do with it after school. Your adviser may be able to set you up with someone you can work with outside of school if you want to get a feel for the career side of your studies.

Don’t major in something just because your parents want you to do it.

Let’s face it: parents and students aren’t always on the same page. When it comes to college degrees, some parents have a hard time keeping their opinions to themselves. But often times, what parents want their kids to study and what the student actually wants to study don’t line up. Especially when your parents are paying for college, it’s hard to go against their wishes. But if they want you to major in something that you aren’t interested in, you have to put your foot down. Grace declared herself an economics major when she first started school in order to make her parents happy. “I spent two years hating school and not doing well in my classes until I finally realized I had to follow my passion,” she says. When she finally switched to psychology, she was immediately happier with school. If you study something you like, you’re more likely to do well in it. But if you don’t like the classes you’re taking, you’ll probably struggle. Don’t make your parents happy by making yourself miserable! What you choose to learn about in college will eventually lead into a career after school. Make sure that what you learn feeds into a career that you actually want.

Don’t stress!

While your major is certainly an important decision, it doesn’t have to dictate what you do for the rest of your life. Many students believe that they will only be able to work in the field they major in, but that’s not true. “The trick is to combine a major that interests you with practical experiences like internships or volunteerism that give you the opportunity to apply those skills,” Miller says. If you have a major that you enjoy and supplement it with outside experiences, you won’t be stuck on one career path; you’ll be able to culminate an array of skills that will make you a perfect candidate for any job. “If you look at the list of skills that are most requested by employers, things like the ability to communicate, the ability to work on teams, and the ability to synthesize information can come from any major,” Miller says. Plus, if you decide that you don’t like your major, you can easily meet with your adviser to switch. Your major isn’t set in stone.

Life in college is full of decisions, and your major is definitely an important one. Don’t be afraid to try a few new things and in the end, go with your gut and stick with something you’re interested in. If you like what you do, college will be a breeze. “In short,” says Miller, “If the major interests and excites you, then you’re on the right track.”