Can the point of view of college students change the world? In terms of voting rights in North Carolina, the answer could be a resounding “yes!” According to the New York Times, seven college students, in conjunction with the NAACP, the ACLU, the Justice Department and three voter-registration advocates, will make the argument that a North Carolina voting law requiring voters to show photo identification beginning in 2016 violates the 26th amendment.

Under this law, student identification cards will not be allowed to count as valid forms of identification, and in most cases, neither will out-of-state licenses. In addition, this law “eliminated a program in which teenagers filled out their voter-registration forms early and were automatically registered when they turned 18,” according to the New York Times. The law also forbade same-day registration and narrowed the period for early voting. Those challenging the law feel that it discriminates based on age, barring college students in particular from voting easily.

“This is the worst voter suppression law we have seen since the days of Jim Crow,"said Reverend William Barber, president of the North Carolina state conference of the NAACP, according to The Guardian. “It is a full-on assault on the voting rights of minorities.”

While the law inherently attempts to prevent voter fraud, Democratic leaders fear that it will instead deter young voters—who would perhaps vote Democrat—from registering and casting their votes. Republicans, on the other hand, see the current system as “ripe for abuse,” according to the New York Times.

What’s the verdict, collegiettes? Is this law discriminating against college students’ right to vote? 

Not only is Lupita Nyong’o our girl crush, but she also happens to be an amazing hair braider.  Sure, we all know how to do a classic braid or the occasional French braid, but Lupita’s skills have surpassed those.

However, it isn’t her beauty or hair braiding skills that impress us.  Lupita considers hair braiding much more meaningful than most people do.  While attending Hampshire College, Lupita found herself disappointed with the hair braiding skills of salons around the area.  She decided to learn herself and originally planned on using her newfound skill to style her own hair and to make extra money.  But that fell through when she found braiding her own hair difficult and she did not want to charge her friends.

Lupita used her braiding skills to keep herself occupied during drama school and to build relationships with her friends.  Having had her hair braided since she was just a young girl, she holds the practice dear to her heart.  She told Vogue, “Your hair is your frame—it’s so important,” and, she emphasizes, “braiding tells a story,” marking the body with a symbol of communal affection.  As her friend Nontsikelelo Mutiti says simply, “braiding connects.”

Don't worry though, Nyong’o’s main goal is still acting and she uses braiding to just have fun with her close friends.  But seriously, can you braid our hair, Lupita?

If seeing photos of Hilary Duff and her adorable son plastered across Us Weekly and People still freaks you out, you're probably still not used to seeing little Lizzie McGuire with a kid! From having first crushes (hello, Ethan Craft!) to dealing with catty cheerleaders, everything we know about navigating middle school we learned from Lizzie. We loved growing up with the Disney starlet, and now that we're all grown up, we appreciate the lessons Lizzie taught us more than ever. In honor of our favorite awkward middle schooler, we rounded up the most important life lessons Lizzie McGuire taught us.

1. Just because he has gorgeous hair doesn't mean he has any brains.

2. People change, especially when bras are involved.

3. No matter how much you fight, your parents will always be there for you.

4. You shouldn't put pressure on yourself to be model-thin, and the right guy shouldn't pressure you, either.

5. Don't be in such a rush to outgrow your childhood.

6. Have confidence in your own kickass ideas.

7. Don't lose your friends by pretending to be something you're not.

8. The guys who were nerdy in middle school are the guys you want to date now.

9. It's okay to be having a horrible day and just want to vent about it.

10. It doesn't matter how big your wardrobe is - you will always have days where you can't find a thing to wear.

11. Your best friends will always be there for you.

12. Junk food is the answer to all of life's problems.

13. Sometimes the perfect guy has been right there all along.

While the years of asking our parents to record our favorite episodes (the murder-mystery party!) on a VCR are over, the lessons Lizzie taught us are just as much a part of our lives now as they were when we first fell in love with the show. There was something about an adorably awakward middle school girl that felt relatable to us all, and we can't thank Lizzie McGuire enough for everything she taught us, one-armed cartwheels included.

Being in love can feel like a dream come true, but all too often, we convince ourselves that a bad relationship is as close to perfect as we’re going to get. It’s time to stop that! We deserve the absolute best, and that means we must stand up for what we want, and, more importantly, what we need in a relationship. Your significant other probably has some habits that you’re not particularly fond of, such as chewing too loudly or always leaving the toilet seat up, but they may not be actual deal-breakers.

Each of our own deal-breakers are subjective, but there are several core things that none of us should have to deal with from our significant other. Here are some things you should never have to settle for in a relationship. His or her annoying little habits are one thing, but these are entirely another and should not simply be brushed aside.

1. Any form of abuse

This one should be a given, but it’s easy to get caught up in a relationship and lose sight of what’s really happening. If you’re ever being physically, emotionally or mentally abused, that is absolutely not okay. Don’t make excuses for your significant other; love yourself enough to walk away.

“If you shrink rather than expand, if you feel trapped, limited, held down, cornered or feel that you can’t express your opinion, those should be deal-breakers for anyone,” says Patrick Wanis, a human behavior expert.

A relationship should build you up, not tear you down in any way, which is something Becky*, a senior at Ohio State, discovered. “I recently went through a relationship where my boyfriend of the time would be a jerk to me when he was drunk, and especially in front of his friends,” she says. “It was totally degrading, and that's something a girl should never be okay with. I would confront him repeatedly, but the behavior never really stopped. I'm glad I've moved on!”

You should never feel embarrassed or put down by your partner, and if you do, it’s time to walk away. You deserve to be treated with love and the utmost respect. Never let someone make you feel like less of a person through how they treat you physically or verbally.

2. Constant fighting

Every couple fights; it’s not only natural, but oftentimes healthy because it’s important to be able to resolve your issues when they arise. However, if you and your partner find yourself constantly fighting over trivial things, it’s time to reevaluate why that is and if the relationship is worth it. Wanis says that “if you argue more than you laugh,” that’s a relationship red flag.

Relationships should be enjoyable, not a constant battle. We often force ourselves to forget the bad times when the good times finally come, but if the fighting will always return, then what’s the point of the relationship in the first place?

Shira, a senior at Franklin & Marshall College, says, “When I was with my ex, towards the end things weren't so great. We would fight a lot (he even called me ‘miserable’ once), and I basically felt a lack of respect from him and a lack of interest on his part on maintaining the relationship. Looking back, these were signs that this relationship was a no-go and that we should have broken up long before we did.”

Trust us, there are so many better things you can put your time and effort toward than fighting all the time when you could be happily single or with someone who wouldn’t put you through that!   

3. Lack of attention from your partner

Men and women alike are going to find others attractive even while they’re in a relationship; we’re only human. And it’s fine if your man can appreciate a beautiful woman, just as you can appreciate a handsome man, but he never should ogle other women more than you. Wanis says, “If he comments on other women’s beauty, but never yours,” that’s another red flag.

In other words, your significant other isn’t required to compliment you 24/7 (although it’d be nice). But he or she shouldn’t be hitting on other women while neglecting to show you the attention you deserve. According to Wanis, it’s okay if he’s “just commenting on her beauty and [you] knows he still loves [you] and he still thinks [you’re] the most beautiful woman.” It’s not necessarily something you need to feel threatened by, but you should always feel appreciated and respected in your relationship.

If your significant other is always looking at, commenting on and flirting with other women, then it’s time to think about how that makes you feel and what his intentions truly are so that you can know whether or not to walk away.

4. Addictive habits

If your significant other partakes in destructive and/or addictive behavior, such as substance abuse, take that as a warning sign.

Kim Olver, life coach and author of Secrets of Happy Couples: Loving Yourself, Your Partner, and Your Life, says to ask yourself if you’re willing to stay with this person even if he or she never changes. “If yes, then I would ask, can you accept that your boyfriend is going to continue with this addiction and give up the need to try to get him to stop?” she says. “This mean you would have to let go of all anger, resentment and frustration. If the answer is yes, then I say stay in the relationship. If the answer to either question is no, then the relationship is pretty much doomed.”

If his lifestyle makes you uncomfortable or worried and he doesn’t seem concerned or willing to get help, then walk away before you get yourself hurt, or worse, involved in his addictive habits as well. “The addict will continue addictive behavior and the woman will continue to complain, criticize, nag and threaten to get him to stop,” Olver says. “This behavior will destroy the relationship and likely give the addict more excuses to continue to use.”

5. Your SO is in lust, not love

Sexual attraction is a wonderful thing and an important part of a relationship. However, if you feel like your SO only wants you in that way and doesn’t cherish you emotionally, it may be time to hit the road.

Wanis says that “if he only touches you sexually and rarely affectionately,” it’s a warning sign. Your man should love being with you just as much in bed as in the grocery store or the car or even the dentist’s office. If he only tells you you’re hot and never beautiful or always wants to have sex when you’re alone together, he’s not worth it.

As women, we generally get emotionally attached to men much quicker and more easily than they do to us. Therefore, make sure you’re both equally invested emotionally. It’s easy to get caught up in a steamy, physical romance, but if you’re looking for a serious, committed relationship, then it should be built on more than just his carnal desire for you.

Spend time together just talking and hanging out, and take note if it seems like his intentions are always sexual. Sex is awesome and should be enjoyed and encouraged by both of you, but there’s much more to a relationship than just that. According to Olver, “the woman has to love herself more than she loves the guy. When she does that, she will be able to walk away and wait for a guy who will love her for who she is instead of what she does for him.”

6. No longer feeling special

A relationship should be a happy addition to your life. Of course, after time some of the excitement of a new relationship will wear off and you may fall into a routine, but that doesn’t mean all the great quality of being with and wanted by someone else should wear off as well. “Everyone has problems in relationships,” Wanis says. “But if you ever get to the point where you don’t feel special anymore, you don’t feel he adores you, you don’t feel that he loves you, then it’s time to dump him.”

It can be easy to make excuses for your SO being a little distracted every once in a while and not necessarily making you a clear priority due to personal issues, etc. But you should both be making each other feel special and desirable as often as possible, because that’s why you’re with each other in the first place!

“One thing I noticed myself doing was being blinded by love,” says Kelly*, a senior at Stetson University. “I have been so in love with him that even though he blatantly said he was unhappy, I was doing anything to make him happy even if it went against my standards, my will or my comfort. I was putting his happiness over mine, and he just started to take advantage of that.”

It’s important to notice these signs and give yourself the chance to have the relationship you deserve.

7. Pressure to change

Some women often think it’s their job to change their man, Olver says. “We really do think if we hang in there long enough, love him hard enough, then we can change him,” and that is an issue in and of itself, she says. According to Olver, it is not your job to fix him. “It isn’t fair if you’re not holding him accountable for who he is, but who he should be,” she says. “Trust he’s showing you who he is and not who you want him to be.”

Equally so, it’s not your significant other’s job to fix you. You should always be true to yourself, and any successful relationship needs acceptance and understanding from both parties. “If he respects and loves you, he wouldn't want to change you,” says Kasia, a senior at Villanova University. “Everyone has their flaws and shortcomings, but your partner should embrace them instead of making you feel insecure about them. Women should be proud of who they are, including their imperfections, and their partners should raise them up, not make them feel badly about themselves.”

If your SO is trying to change you into something you’re not, or if he or she is trying to change you in any way at all, then it’s time to take a step back and reconsider your relationship.

Maybe you’ll only date a guy who shares your religious views, or maybe you simply refuse to date someone who doesn’t like cats. Regardless, it’s important to decide on your “non-negotiables,” as Olver calls them, and stick to them. She urges us to write them down and, in doing so, make a promise to ourselves of what we deserve. That way, we can hold ourselves and our significant others accountable to our relationship expectations. If your SO is not meeting them, it’s time to walk away and stay away.

But most importantly, if your significant other is falling into any of the above categories, it’s time to seriously reconsider your relationship. No one should have to settle for a relationship that involves these crucial deal-breakers. Have the courage and confidence to stand up for yourself and walk away, because you deserve to be as happy as possible!

*Names have been changed.

By now, you’re probably well read on how to deal with a bad roommate. But what if you're the one who's bad? It can happen, especially because most college freshmen have never lived with a roommate before. However, being a good roommate is definitely doable—it just comes down to courtesy and respect. Read on for HC's tips on being the best roommate ever to make sure your living situation is pleasant and fun!

1. Set your ground rules early and listen to her requests.

Talking to your roommate about issues like sexiling, cleaning schedules, and sharing clothes can be a little awkward, especially when you still don't know her very well yet. But setting ground rules is essential for making your living experience manageable. For example, if you aren't comfortable having alcohol in the room, tell her right away (before she can go on a beer run). If you feel like you have a lot of differences, you can even create a roommate contract to make sure that both of your preferences are being met.

Suzzette, a recent grad of the University of Puerto Rico, thinks setting guidelines at the beginning of the year is really important for keeping the peace. "Based on all my experiences with roommates, it's essential that from day one you lay the ground rules, just so you both are on the same page," she says. Suzzette and her roommates set rules about cleaning and having company over so everybody knows what is expected of them.

2. Clean up after yourself.

Nobody likes to live in a room littered with dirty dishes, overflowing garbage cans, or laundry all over the floor. It's totally understandable to put off washing your dishes when you have a huge exam the next day, but make sure your mess doesn't stay there too long. Not only can it be annoying for your roommate, but it's kind of gross, too! The key to keeping clean is getting into good habits early on. At the start of the school year, put all your laundry in a hamper—not on the floor. Get used to washing each dish after you use it and taking the trash out every week. If you start off your cleaning habits early, it won't seem too hard to keep it up during the rest of the year.

Also, if you clean your side of the room regularly, your roommate might follow your lead. "I try to lead by example—I’ll go out of my way to take out the trash, Swiffer the floor, and do the dishes," says Alicia from Penn State. This way, your roommate might take notice of how much cleaning you do and follow suit. But if she doesn’t, remember to talk it out with her directly yet politely—don’t be a passive-aggressive note writer! Let her know that you’d like to split up the chores evenly and create a cleaning schedule.

3. Respect her privacy

While it might sound like a no-brainer, don’t borrow your roommate’s stuff without asking! Later on in the semester, you and your roommate might decide to start sharing clothes and food. But until you talk about it, borrowing her stuff is off-limits. Using her stapler once or twice won't be a big deal. However, eating her food, taking her school supplies, or borrowing her clothes is a big no-no!

Also, don’t go through your roommate’s stuff, no matter how harmless it may seem. Getting privacy is hard enough while living in a dorm, so don’t snoop on your roommate! Don't invade her privacy by going through her personal belongings, looking through her cell phone, reading her journal, or checking out her browser history. If your roommate did that to you, you'd be upset, too.

4. Try to bond with your roommate.

At the beginning of the year, it can be hard to tell if you and your roomie will really click. Make it easier by trying to form a relationship right off the bat. Plan to go to the dining hall together during the first week of school to get to know each other and find out what you have in common. Discovering that you both love Harry Potter or want to join the same intramural team can help the two of you develop a friendly relationship early on!

5. Keep your stuff on "your side."

In most dorms, each person gets a bed, a dresser, a desk, and a closet. Your room will likely be set up in a way that all your furniture is on one side of the room, and your roommate's is on the other. Keeping track of your stuff and maintaining your privacy can be a lot easier if each of you claims one section of the room.

Katherine, a student at Northwestern University, found that separating her and her roommate’s stuff by sides was really helpful. "My sophomore roommate was neater than me—my closet and desk were pretty disorganized and messy, but I never left stuff out on the floor or on her side of the room," she says. Contain your stuff to the furniture on your side of the room; don't let your belongings wander onto her turf. Not only will you be able to keep track of your things more easily that way, but you'll also avoid annoying your roomie.

6. Respect your roommate's sleep and study habits.

Everyone does homework differently. Some people have no problem studying with lots of noise, while others need total silence. Ask your roommate what time of day she likes to study and if she needs total silence to do it or can stand a little noise. Then, help her out when she’s hitting the books by accommodating her needs. If you need silence when studying but your roomie is used to music, just ask her to put headphones in. Alternatively, find a new place to study, like the library or the lounge in your dorm, so she doesn’t feel like she’s not welcome in the room when you’re working.

Similarly, be quiet when she's sleeping, whether it's at night or during the day. Avoid having friends over late at night if she goes to bed early, and don’t invite people over when she’s napping. "My freshman roommate slept a lot during the day and didn't like me to be in the room while she was sleeping, so I usually planned to be elsewhere most of the day," Katherine says. This applies in the morning, too. If her classes start later than yours, let her sleep in the morning by blow drying your hair and doing your makeup in the bathroom so you don’t wake her up with light or sound. Tiptoe around the room, and don’t let the door slam on your way out!

Of course, you shouldn't be expected to stay out of your room all day, nor should you expect your roommate to never come into the dorm. Talking over these things at the beginning of the year can help you plan your schedule, keep things balanced, and keep up a good relationship with your roomie.

7. Be reasonable about guests.

You and your roommate should both be allowed to have guests over, whether just to hang out or to spend the night. To avoid drama, text or talk to your roommate ahead of time to see if she's okay with you having guests over. Have your visitors over at a reasonable time—not when she's going to bed or studying for a major test. If you have guests over a lot, check in with her once in a while and make sure she’s still comfortable with you having people over so often.

Then, there's the whole sexiling issue. "If you want to be a good roommate, don't spontaneously sexile them!" advises Nicole, a collegiette at the University of Michigan. "Establish a schedule for when you each consistently have class or work. That way, if you do want to bring somebody over, you know the times your roommate won't be there."

Similarly, be respectful of her guests—she's entitled to have people over, too! It's nice to give your roomie some privacy. If she texts you asking if she can have a guy over for the night, it's best not to start an argument right then. Keep the peace by finding somewhere else to stay that night, then talk about it the next day in person if it bothered you.

8. If you break or lose her stuff, tell her!

Accidents happen, and the least you can do is offer to fix the problem. If you break or lose something of hers, tell your roommate as soon as possible—it's better than her wondering what happened or finding out from someone else. Then, offer to replace her belongings.

On the other hand, if she breaks or loses something of yours, remember that she's human! It's also totally reasonable to ask her to replace it for you. Remember to choose your battles and to not sweat the small stuff. After all, you have to live with her all year!

Of course, if things get out of hand or you think you can’t handle the conflict, remember that you can involve your RA to sort things out.

9. Don't act like you own the place.

It's as much her dorm room as it is yours. Before making big decisions for the room—like moving around the furniture—consult with your roomie first and find a compromise that suits both of your needs.

When you're in the room alone, you should usually assume that your roommate will be back soon. It's her room, too, so you never know when she might walk through the door! That means you shouldn't hook up in your room or do anything else potentially embarrassing unless you know for sure that your roomie won't accidentally walk in on you. Not only will this save you some embarrassment, but it will also ensure that your roommate feels comfortable in her own room.

10. Communicate.

Now that you're in college, you're expected to act like an adult. So, when there's a conflict between you and your roommate, be mature and calmly start a conversation about it—don't be passive-aggressive. "My roommate has a knack of leaving b*tchy notes everywhere or Facebook messages us rather than talk to us in person. Not cool!" says Heather, a student at University of Oregon. She suggests being upfront to solve problems rather than avoiding a face-to-face talk, leaving written messages, or confronting your roomie via text.

Erin, a recent grad of Towson University, experienced similar problems with her roomie. "Many times we talk to other people about the situation instead of addressing the person you have the issue with," she says. "But talking things out can make sure you understand each other and it won’t happen again. Just be sure not to use accusatory language [like] 'you did' or 'you are.’ Always use  'I' statements, [like] 'I feel' or 'I think,' to avoid bigger arguments." For example, instead of accusing her by saying, “You always turn the light on when I’m trying to sleep,” say, “I would really appreciate it if you could keep the light off when you get ready in the morning while I’m still sleeping. Could you do your makeup in the bathroom instead?”

At the end of the day, living with a roommate is tough. But you can make the whole journey a little easier by striving to be the best roommate around! In general, treating your roommate as you’d want her to treat you is a good rule of thumb. You may have to deal with a tough roommate, but at least you know you’re not the bad roomie!

Any true beauty junkie knows that product obsession doesn't end with hair and makeup; a well-thought-out beauty regimen starts in the shower! From body washes and loofahs to good ol' shampoo and conditioner, how you prep your skin and hair in the shower makes a world of difference when it comes time to primp for the day. To make sure that you're getting the most out of your products, the dedicated beauty editors at Her Campus are sharing with you the secrets of their showers and divulging their best bathroom beauty tips!

I have a confession to make: I take really long showers. I know that it's bad for the environment and I really try to cut back when I can (I brush my teeth in the shower so that's definitely saving water, right?), but there's something about a nice, hot shower that helps me clear my head. I like to use a shower as an opportunity to give myself a mini pamper session and make sure I'm looking and feeling my best. For a little background info, I shower every day, usually at night, and then let my hair air-dry while I sleep. Read on to find out which products I use, how I use them and how you can, too!

Cleanser

The very first thing I do when I get in the shower is cleanse my face to remove the bulk of my makeup or any sweat or debris that could be clogging my pores. I love the Aveeno Positively Radiant Brightening Cleanser ($6.99) because it's gentle enough to use both morning and night and has a brightening effect that makes my skin look healthy and glowing. I have combination/oily skin, so I love that it controls any oil without stripping my face or making it feel super dry.

Shampoo and Conditioner

After I've wet my hair, I go right in with shampoo. I mix up my shampoo and conditioner every few months, but right now I'm using an old favorite, the Herbal Essences Body Envy Volumizing Shampoo  and Conditioner with White Nectarine & Pink Coral Flower (both $4.97 at Walmart). Not only do these products smell amazing, but they also add serious volume without weighing my hair down with product. I do wash my hair every day, which I know isn't great for it (gulity as charged). I concentrate the conditioner on the middle and end sections of my hair, especially if I've been in the sun a lot or my hair has been exposed to chlorine. If my hair is feeling dry, I'll let my conditioner sit in my hair for a little longer while I shave to really hydrate my strands.

Clarifying Shampoo

I only use a clarifying shampoo once a week or so, or if my hair is really oily or I've used a lot of product recently. Basically, a clarifying shampoo is specifically designed to remove any product buildup and leave your hair squeaky clean. You don't want to use a clarifying shampoo every day because it can strip your hair of its natural oils and leave it brittle and susceptible to breakage, but if you use a lot of product or have oily hair, it can be a great way to remove any buildup. I discovered the Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo ($5.49-$7.99) in high school and I've used it religiously ever since!

Exfoliant

Once I've washed and conditioned my hair, it's time to deal with my body.  I start by exfoliating with a scrub. The fan favorite St. Ives Fresh Skin Invigorating Apricot Scrub ($5.29) does the trick, and I can use it on my face or body. I use it to exfoliate my face about once a week to remove dead skin, encourage glowing skin and help my foundation apply more smoothly. I exfoliate my body every few days and make sure to use the exfoliant everywhere, concentrating on areas that tend to be a bit rougher, like my feet, elbows and knees (this is especially important if you use self-tanner!).

Razor

An especially important step in the summer months, shaving is most likely an integral (if annoying) part of your shower routine. I shave under my arms every day and everything else every other day or so, but it really depends on how quickly your hair grows. I typically use my Dove body wash as a shaving cream because of how thick and moisturizing it is, but a shaving cream is obviously ideal. I've been using a razor very similar to the Simply Venus Disposable Razor in Pink ($7.99 at CVS) for the past few days and I love it, especially on freshly exfoliated skin!

"Down There"Cleanser

Let's have a little chat, collegiette to collegiette. You really should be cleansing your lady parts, and while a normal body wash will do the trick, your best bet is a pH balancing wash like this Summer's Eve Simply Sensitive Cleansing Wash ($4.69 at Target). It's designed specifically for the land down under. Gentle and effective, it will keep you feeling fresh all summer long!

Body Wash

Once you've taken care of the specifics, you're ready to get squeaky clean everywhere else. I love the Dove Go Fresh Rebalance Body Wash with Plum & Sakura Blossom ($7.79 at Walgreens) because it smells good enough to eat (although I don't recommend this) and it's a really thick consistency for a body wash, which means it's super moisturizing. It helps to soothe your skin after shaving but doesn't leave a residue. Lather up, and don't forget behind your ears!

I finish off by washing my face one last time before stepping out of the shower. Sometimes I'll add an intense hair mask and throw on a shower cap while I shave if my hair is feeling really dehydrated, but for the most part, this is the routine. I love pampering myself in the shower and feeling fresh and clean at the end of a long day.

What are your shower must-haves, collegiettes? Share your favorite products in the comments!

If you have an internship this summer, you may be struggling to get the hang of the working life. Being in an office from 9 to 5 can be really tough, especially since it gives you less time to see your friends. Or maybe you’ve moved to a new city for your internship and your friends aren’t even nearby. This transition can be tough, so it’s no surprise you’d want to seek out friends in your new office.

But when you’re navigating an office culture, you need to be careful about crossing lines. Maybe your coworkers are totally cool and invite you out after work – awesome! But can you really be yourself around these people? Can you get to know one another on a personal level without messing with your work relationships? We’ve pulled together the dos and don’ts of socializing with your coworkers.

DON’T avoid it

It can be scary getting to know people in a professional setting. While you don’t need to be besties with your colleagues, you shouldn’t avoid office relationships completely, either.

The number one thing to remember about your relationships with people at work is that it’s all networking. Marta Steele, partner at human resources consulting firm People Results, says, “Our career success very much depends on the relationships we develop. The people we work with and work for become a part of our network, our community.”

Every person you work with is a member of your network. Establishing, at the very least, a friendly office relationship with each of them can only help your career in the long run. Turning those relationships into true friendships can benefit you, too, if you play your cards right.

“My closest, most important professional relationships typically have an ‘outside of work’ component,” Steele says. “I consider them more than just colleagues. They are friends.” Turning your professional connections into friends can significantly strengthen your professional network.

DO be inclusive

Since every relationship you make at work is a form of networking, you need to be sure not to damage any professional relationships. When establishing out-of-the-office relationships, you need to be inclusive of everyone. You’re going to have a hard time working with someone now or in the future if he or she feels excluded or thinks you don’t like him or her.

If you want to hang out with non-superiors just to become friends, you should probably be inviting the whole group. For example, don’t hang out exclusively with one or two other interns; invite the whole intern team out with you. Otherwise, you could end up with quite a few enemies.

The exception to this rule is meeting with your boss. It’s fine to meet for one-on-ones with your superiors as long as they’re work-related. In those relationships, it’s important for your superiors to get to know you on a more personal level, but only so they can become mentors and provide recommendations for you in the future. Going out for drinks and talking about your boy problems with your boss probably isn’t the best idea; keep it to coffee or in-office meetings during the workday to talk about your performance and your goals.

DON’T force it

You may want to be friends with your colleagues, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they want to be friends with you. Some people prefer to keep their work lives and personal lives completely separate and aren’t as keen on befriending their coworkers. When trying to build these relationships, it’s important to remember this. You don’t want your efforts to become friends to ruin your professional connections; that needs to remain the priority.

When approaching your coworkers about hanging out, try not to corner them in front of the whole office where they can’t say no. Send them an email inviting them to lunch or an after-work drink. But pay close attention to how they receive the invitation. If you do ask them in person and they avoid eye contact or don’t really give you an answer, they probably aren’t interested. If you ask twice and they always seem to have plans, you should back off. You’ve made it clear that you want to be friends; if your coworkers reciprocate, they will seek you out. Otherwise, they would probably prefer to keep their professional relationships just that.

“If hanging [out] outside the office doesn’t come naturally, don’t force it,” Steele says. You don’t want to be that unfortunate intern who is always asking everyone to hang out—and getting nothing in response. Keep it casual and don’t be overeager.

DO keep it classy

You may feel like a true adult when you head to your after-work happy hours, but part of being an adult is keeping it classy. Steele warns that drinking with coworkers is one area where you need to be especially careful. “Grabbing a glass of wine at happy hour is very different than a sloppy, drunken night of gossiping about coworkers behind their backs,” she says.

So when you head out for your summer sangria at 5 p.m., keep it to one or two. Drinking may make you feel like your colleagues are your closest friends whom you can share all your thoughts and feelings with. But trust us, none of your coworkers will want to be your friend if they have to bring you home after a few too many cocktails.

Keeping it classy extends beyond happy hours, too. When you go out for lunch with your fellow interns, remember that they don’t know you that well. You can’t just pick fries off a coworker’s plate like you do with your best friend; you need to be on your best behavior. Be polite; always say please and thank you, and avoid awkward conversation topics like religion and politics. Don’t talk about your other coworkers when they’re not around; even just a little workplace gossip can blow up and make you look bad in front of your coworkers, or, even worse, your boss.

DON’T be too friendly online

Before connecting with your work buddies online, filter through your previous posts and photos first. You wouldn’t want your professional reputation to be tainted by those questionable formal photos, would you? Try an app like Socioclean to make cleaning up your social media profiles easier and avoid uncomfortable conversations about your personal life at work.

But before you reach out to your coworkers online, think about the consequences. Connecting with them online now means being super careful with the content you share forever. The only alternative is unfriending people down the road, which can be really awkward if they notice. Do you really want to make that commitment? If you’re not positive you can maintain a work-friendly profile, you should probably keep your online presence to yourself.

If you do decide to send requests to your coworkers on Facebook, you might want to change your privacy settings. If you can’t trust your friends with what they tag you in, set up tag approvals so you have a say in what becomes public on your profile.

Twitter is one social platform (besides the obvious, LinkedIn) that can be excellent for your career if you use it right. It’s definitely a great way to stay connected with coworkers. When it comes to the content you’re putting out, be “intentional about what you share,” Steele says. Tweet about industry-relevant news, not how hungover you are from last night. Use it as a tool to demonstrate your professionalism and interest in your job.

DO find a mentor

Getting close to your boss or managers is an excellent way to provide yourself with recommendations for the future. If they see you’re putting in an effort to get to know them, they may like you better.

However, keep your questions reasonable to avoid being nosy. You don’t need to know every detail of their personal lives. If your boss doesn’t seem to want to answer your questions, then you should cool it and keep your conversations professional. Seeking mentorship from a higher-level employee is flattering to him or her and a great resource for you, but not everyone will want to be your mentor.

“Ask a boss to go to lunch to learn about their hobbies, interest, family [and] career. Find what you have in common,” Steele says. Show your boss that you want to get to know him or her. But keep these relationships more professional than you would with your fellow interns; your boss is still your superior, even if you feel like long-lost BFFs.

Focus your relationship on learning professionally from your boss. Talk to him or her about your goals for your career and what you plan to do to get yourself where you want to be. Ask for advice on the kinds of jobs and internships you should have to end up where he or she is, if you would be interested in his or her job someday. If you develop this relationship well, you can have it as a resource throughout your career!

There are infinite possibilities, both professional and personal, that can come from being friends with your coworkers. Just remember these dos and don’ts and you’ll be able to navigate your work relationships like the pro you are!

When conversation turns to LGBTQ+ music artists, you might think about Lady Gaga or respond by singing Macklemore’s “Same Love” at the top of your lungs. But whom else do you think about?

In a world where “Talk Dirty” by Jason Derulo is the only song played on the radio, it’s understandable that people know very little about queer musicians. But don’t worry – we’re here to show you that there’s a whole world of cool LGBTQ+ artists apart from Adam Lambert and Melissa Etheridge just waiting for you to give them a listen!

1. Tegan and Sara

The first spot must of course go to openly gay twins and indie-rock goddesses Tegan and Sara. With their infectious beats and feel-good music, Tegan and Sara prove that you don’t need to be a cookie-cutter pop star to make in the business. In fact they’ve performed with Taylor Swift, they had their song “Closer” featured on Glee and they’re even set to open for the third leg of Katy Perry’s Prismatic World Tour! It’s nice to know that while Katy Perry might have kissed a girl and liked it, openly gay artists like Tegan and Sara are here to remind music moguls that the public is a lot more receptive of LGBTQ+ artists than you might think.

Must-listen song: “The Con”

2. Brendan Maclean

Brendan Maclean first captured the attention of the world when his hit video “Stupid” was published on Buzzfeed. For the most part, the openly gay Australian is rather unknown outside of his home country, but with his silky voice, emotionally charged pop songs and quirky aesthetic, he’s well on his way to becoming a gay superstar. What’s even better is that his second album, Population, is obtainable with a “name your price” payment here.

You may end up recognizing his face more than his music, however, considering the fact that he played the fabulously coiffed pianist Klipspringer in The Great Gatsby last year. If you like the flamboyance of Mika and poetic charm of John Mayer, Brendan Maclean is an artist for you!

Must-listen song: “Winner”

3. Mary Lambert

Most people just know Mary Lambert as the female vocalist on Macklemore’s gay anthem “Same Love.” What they don’t know is just how immensely talented Mary Lambert is a solo act.  Her beautiful vocals, akin to Sara Bareilles’, and folk style, reminiscent of Jewel, make her a breath of fresh air in an industry of cookie-cutter pop stars. From recounting her experience growing up as a lesbian to penning songs about self-esteem and body image, Lambert’s music is painstakingly honest and heartfelt. She even wrote a spoken-word song, “Body Love,” that explores her own experience with sexual assault and self-esteem with the hopes of inspiring conversation. What makes Lambert such an incredible artist is the intimacy and rawness of her performances. In fact, she says her concerts are safe spaces where it’s okay to cry. Don’t mind if we do!

Must-listen song: “She Keeps Me Warm”

4. Angel Haze

In an industry dominated by street cred and homophobia, it’s incredible to have a rapper as vocal about LGBTQ+ identity, rape and other social issues as Angel Haze. A self-described pansexual, Haze has used her music to tackle certain issues. In fact, through her cover versions of songs like Macklemore and Ryan Lewis’s“Same Love” and Eminem’s “Cleanin’ Out My Closet,” Haze has shared her experiences with homophobia and acknowledged her own history of sexual abuse to spark conversation.

With the release of her debut album, Dirty Gold, Haze has brought inspiring and original material to the forefront and continues to challenge the structure of rap and hip-hop.

Must-listen song: “Battle Cry” (feat. Sia)

5. Adore Delano

Since appearing on season seven of American Idol, Danny Noriega (aka drag superstar Adore Delano) has made waves on the gay music scene. After tying for second place in the sixth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race, Delano has gone on to release Till Death Do Us Party, a dance-pop album even Miley Cyrus would throw down to. The album debuted at no. 59 on the Billboard 200 and no. 3 on the Dance/Electronics chart, an indicator that gender non-conforming musicians and drag performers can find success in the music industry despite gender and sexuality discrimination.

Must-listen song: “I Adore U”

6. CocoRosie

When discussing queer music artists, it’s impossible not to bring up Sierra and Bianca Casady, the two sisters who make up the “freak folk” duo CocoRosie.  The duo, who is known most for their cross-dressing, gender-bending and use of unorthodox instruments such as windup toys, use their music to voice their stances on several issues.

Bianca, who identifies as queer, explained the role of her sexuality and gender identity in an interview with AfterEllen.com: “My sexuality is explored in my work... [but it’s] more my gender than my sexual preference… it’s about being yourself in a patriarchal, heterocentric, heteronormative, monotheistic world.”

Their musical style, which can be seen as a blend of artists like Antony and the Johnsons and Bjork, often focuses on CocoRosie’s extreme political stances on issues ranging from the war in Iraq to environmental decay.

Must-listen song: “Lemonade”

7. The Knife

The Knife, another family duo consisting of Swedish siblings Karin Dreijer Andersson and Olof Dreijer, has always operated outside of social norms. They rarely make public appearances, refuse to attend award shows and have been known to wear long-beaked bird masks during interviews. When asked by The Guardian why she and her brother wear masks, Karin responded by saying that the two are “always playing a role.” The Knife has been heavily influenced by queer theory and uses their music to criticize the idea that some music is more authentic than others.

While they may have ventured from their Arcade Fire/Bjork routes into more synth-pop territory, The Knife is here to show that you can make great music while staying true to your beliefs.

Must-listen song: “A Tooth For An Eye”

From queer-theory-inspired synth pop to intimate ballads, it’s clear that LGBTQ+ artists can satisfy any and all music urges. And while some LGBTQ+ artists like Elton John and Melissa Etheridge may have more visibility, these artists are ones whose music you definitely don’t want to miss out on!

Are we missing any of your favorite musicians? Let us know your opinion in the comments below!

Raise your wands if you sobbed when you finished the final book in the Harry Potter series (and when you turned 11 and didn’t get your Hogwarts letter… too soon?).

Well, collegiettes, we have awesome news for you — our favorite wizards are baaack! Back like He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named in The Goblet of Fire! This morning, J.K. Rowling released a brand-new short story featuring Harry, his family and his friends 17 years after the defeat of the Dark Lord.

The story is in the form of a gossip column, written by none other than Rita Skeeter. She’s snarky, to say the least: “About to turn 34, there are a couple of threads of silver in the famous Auror’s black hair, but he continues to wear the distinctive round glasses that some might say are better suited to a style-deficient twelve-year-old.”

According to The Telegraph, Rowling's piece is a “thinly veiled attack” on gossip magazines.

“Rowling is no fan of the tabloids, appearing before the Leveson Inquiry into media ethics in 2011 to claim that a reporter had once tried to contact her by putting a note into her five-year-old daughter’s schoolbag,” the article said.

Whether or not Rowling had ulterior motives in publishing the story, it’s still great to get an update on the characters. And by great, we mean magical!

Spoiler alert:

Ginny is a reporter, Ron has left the Ministry of Magic to run Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes and Hermione is deputy head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. Meanwhile, Neville has been teaching Herbology at Hogwarts, and his wife, Hannah, is rumored to be applying for a position as Matron. Luna has married Rolf Scamander and is still “delightfully eccentric.”

Find out all the details (including some about Percy, Bill, and Harry and Ron's kids) on Pottermore!

Is this exactly the Harry Potter update you've been craving, or are you still hungry for more? Do you think Rowling should have left the characters as-is? Tell us in the comments!

You were there when your friend was caught in the throes of a massive crush. You were there after the first date while she overanalyzed her every sentence, hoping that her date would call her. You were there when he did - and when subsequent dates eventually led to a full-on relationship. A supportive collegiette would be happy to see a friend find someone. But what if that ‘someone’ happened to make your skin crawl at the mere mention of his name?

Just because a friend has fallen in love with someone, doesn’t mean that you will feel the same excitement when you meet him. We asked collegiettes across the country if they have ever hated their friends’ significant others. The good news? If you have a friend that is dating someone less than spectacular, you definitely aren’t alone!

Unfortunately, this puts you in a delicate position. How do you balance maintaining your relationship with your friend against the fact that she’s dating someone you find terrible? Do you say something and risk losing a friend or suffer in silence? Luckily, Her Campus has 5 steps to help you manage the situation and make peace with your friend’s significant other:

Step 1: Look At Your Friendship First

Perhaps you have a friend who has been living the single life for quite some time. It isn’t your fault, but at some point you’ve gotten used to the fact she isn’t ‘attached.’ When you start to feel hostility towards your friend’s new boyfriend, could it be that he isn’t the real cause?

“When my best friend first got into a relationship with a guy after being single for a long time, I had a hard time liking him. Eventually I realized that it was less about the guy she was dating and more about how our relationship had changed. I was just redirecting my frustration. When a friend gets into a romantic relationship it can really change your overall friendship and that’s what I was mad about,” says Emily, a student at the University of Illinois.

In this instance, the significant other is not the real issue. The real issue lies between you and your friend… and possibly a little jealousy over the fact that you are probably getting less attention from her. So how do you cope with this change?

Expert Advice: “Be honest. Are you jealous of the new relationship? You might be holding the wrong person responsible because your friend is suddenly not as available as she was before. If this is the case, tell your friend you're feeling a little left out and would love to see her more,” says April Beyer, Dating Expert and Founder of Beyer & Company, a personal matchmaking firm.

Still, your friend isn’t likely to ditch her new love for you at your beck and call. You may have to deal with being around her and her boyfriend together on occasion, even after you tell her how you feel. Which leads to the second step…

Step 2: Get to Know Him Better

While sometimes it could be the change alone that’s bothering you, other times your friend’s significant other may have given you a terrible first impression. Your best friend should be dating someone who deserves her and lives up to all of your expectations, right? Well, the odds of him living up to perfection aren’t great. If he seemed shy and cold to you at first, he could have just been nervous to meet you (you are the one with the expectations to meet, after all). Start to fix the situation by giving him a second chance. You would want the same done for you!

“Focus on what about him she likes and try to see the good in him. If he still drives you crazy, make sure to schedule a weekly ‘girls only’ night with your friend. If he makes your friend happy, don’t try to drive him away,” suggests Grace, a recent grad of the University of Pennsylvania.

Expert Advice: “Offer up solutions to bring the three of you closer together. Invite them to lunch. Go out of your way to do something nice for your friend's partner. See what happens when you come from a place of friendship and generosity,” advises Beyer.

Step 3: If You Don’t Have Something Nice To Say…

If your feelings about your friend’s significant other are reaching a peak, it can be tempting to vent to a third party. But, if you do vent to a mutual friend, it will only escalate the drama of the situation.

Expert Advice: “It's not YOUR relationship, so unless you're asked [by a mutual friend], hold your tongue. It could easily backfire and you might end up on the outside of the friendship. Everyone loves to shoot the messenger!” says Beyer.

And if you hear that the significant other is not treating you with the same respect? Don’t fight fire with fire:

“One of my best friends got a girlfriend who was really wary of me because of how close he and I were. For a good year and a half or so I’d hear stories about how he would fight with her just to invite me to his birthday, and how she was badmouthing me behind my back. Here’s how you shouldn’t handle it: don’t ever talk bad about her behind her back either. I was really immature and I’m sure some of what I said probably got back to her, and I’m sure they must’ve hurt her feelings, too. My friend and I never talked about it, but he was definitely aware of what was going on,” says Annie, a collegiette from the University of Chicago.

You won’t regret taking the high road!

Step 4: Speak Up (But Only if the Boyfriend is Truly a Bad Egg)

If you’ve given the guy and a try for a while but still don’t like him, chances are it’s more than just the change in your own friendship that’s bothering you. It could be that the guy is just bad news, but it might just be your opinion. So, do you share your thoughts with your friend? Collegiettes have differing opinions about this step. Should you be honest with your friend about how you’re feeling or should you wait it out so that you don’t hurt your friendship?

“From my own past experience where the roles were switched, it’s better to do nothing. When she (complains about a problem in her relationship) mention in a positive way, ‘I just don’t think you’re right for each other.’ Aside from that, putting your friend in a position of choosing (between you and her man) is probably the worst thing you could do. The only way she will figure it out is on her own. And (you) will be right there to support her when it finally falls apart,” says Hillary from Bryant University

“I think in general, it is important to try to be accepting of all of the different kinds of guys that your friends may be interested in. But, I also think that if your friend pursues a guy who you feel is not a good guy, it is incredibly important to voice your opinion. As long as you keep your friend's best interests at heart, you cannot go wrong. It is also important to remember that your friend values your opinion, so if she asks for it, be honest... or you might come to regret it in the future!” says collegiette Annie.

Expert Advice: “Ask yourself WHY you don't like this person. Is your friend being harmed in any way from this relationship? Physically? Emotionally? The only reason to say something is out of protection for your friend. Otherwise, it's best to keep your feelings to yourself,” offers Beyer.

If your friend’s safety is at stake and you do feel that you need to say something, start the conversation by saying something along these lines: “It makes me really happy to see you in a relationship that makes you happy. But, lately I’ve been feeling like your relationship is creating situations that are concerning/unfair to me. Could we find a way to work past this so it doesn’t hurt our friendship?”

Don’t make the issue about her significant other right off the bat (as this may scare your friend off before you’re able to fix anything). Put the focus on you and your friend and how your friendship will be in the future. Maybe your friend will give you insight into his or her relationship that will explain some of the things that are bothering you!

Which leads us to the bottom line and final step of conquering your conflict…

Step 5: Make Your Friend Your Priority

As much as we may like to, we can’t control whom our friends date. If you love your friend (which we assume you do), ask yourself this question: Has she been happier since she got into a relationship? If the answer is yes, then you have to focus on that and let animosity go.

Expert Advice: “You are not on this planet to teach your friends how to have better relationships. It's not your job or your place. Be there for guidance and support when called upon. Whatever you do, if the relationship breaks up don't say, ‘I told you so.’ Relationships are our teachers. Sometimes you have to go through the bad ones in order to learn what's right and good for yourself. Don't cheat anyone out of their own experience,” says Beyer.

In an ideal world, our friends’ significant others would fit perfectly into our friend groups and even become new friends of our own. Unfortunately, they don’t always fit that mold or meet to the high standards we feel our friend deserves. When this happens, ALWAYS keep your friend’s happiness your priority. The person who makes her happy may not make complete sense to you. Luckily, you’re not the one who has to be in your friend’s relationship!

If you’re trying to decide where to live after graduation, you might want to consider moving to one of the 16 cities in the U.S. where women make more than men. You know you're all about raking in that extra cash!

Topping the list is Jacksonville, North Carolina, where female employees make an average of 127.1 percent of what their male counterparts make. Indio, California, is in last place; women’s salaries are around 0.09 percent higher than men’s.

States-wise, California dominates the rankings, with six different locations making an appearance. New York is the only other state that shows up more than once, with Mount Vernon and Syracuse.

Although the survey, which was conducted by the U.S. Census, is a great one to bookmark, it’s troubling that out of all of the many, many cities in America, there are only 16 where women make more than men. Furthermore, as the Daily Mail notes, most of these are not huge cities.

What do you think about these findings, collegiettes? Will you be heading to one of these salary hot spots after graduation, or will you make your mark in a city that didn't score a spot on the list?

The time has come. Netflix has finally created the best job ever. 

In order to improve its recommendation system, the on-demand media streaming site is looking for a "tagger," or someone who will watch movies or TV shows and then choose from a pool of over 1,000 tags that best describe the program's plot and mood. This pretty much means that someone out there is actually willing to pay you (with real currency) to binge-watch Orange is the New Black and then describe what you just watched. It's a win-win situation.

Unfortunately for Americans though, the position is only open to those in Ireland and the U.K.

According to the Huffington Post, Netflix already employs taggers in multiple countries around the world. The system was put into effect when the company realized that its users were not rating what they were viewing, making it difficult for the computer algorithm to make recommendations to other subscribers. 

Though the position may sound like a couch potato's dream, a few qualifications are required to get the job; plus, you have to be prepared to take a huge amount of descriptive notes. The job listing on Netflix says:

"The role will offer flexible hours working from home and would suit those with a passion for films and TV programmes, as evidenced by a degree in film or film history and/or experience directing, screening writing or filmmaking. Applicants with analysis experience (e.g. as a critic or work in development) would also be well suited."

In 2012, Jordan Canning, a Canadian filmmaker and Netflix tagger described her tagging experience to Canada.com. Canning would get assigned to watch about five programs per week with no particular genre. While watching the programs she would take notes in an Excel spreadsheet, writing down almost every single detail about what she was watching. 

"It covers everything from big picture stuff like storyline, scene and tone, to details of whether there is a lot of smoking in the movie," Canning said.

So, think you can handle it? The competition for the job is probably going to be out of this world, but if you think you can successfully manage to not recommend someone watch The X-Files based on her interest in Gossip Girl (and you call the U.K. or Ireland home), you can apply here. Good luck!

From the pre-date butterflies you get when trying on what feels like a million different outfits to finally sitting down and getting to know your date a little bit better, a first date is full of exciting (and even nerve-racking) moments as you think about what to say, what to do and what he’s thinking.

Once the date is over, the highlights of your night race through your mind as you suddenly wonder if he had the same great experience that you did. Did he really think your jokes were funny, or were those pity laughs? Should you have ordered that dessert?  Is there a second date in your future?

Stop worrying! HC asked guys to weigh in on the first-date moves that leave them wanting more.

1. Take initiative

Have you ever had your phone glued to your hand after a first date, waiting for him to text you? Save yourself the stress and don’t be afraid to make the first move, collegiettes!

“It’s super cool when girls don’t just wait for you to make a move, whether it’s hooking up or even just sending that first text after the date,” says Alex, a sophomore at the University of Delaware.

When James, a junior at Trinity College, had a busy day after an awesome date the night before, he was excited to see that the girl he went out with texted him to let him know she had a great time.

“I was so happy that she had a good time and that she let me know it,” he says. “A lot of girls seem to think that I’ll think they’re clingy if they make the first move, so it’s great to see a girl who’s confident in herself.”

Nobody likes to play the waiting game – guys included – so don’t be nervous about letting him know that you enjoyed your date!

2. Be yourself

It may sound obvious, but the guys we interviewed all agree that their best dates happen with someone who is upfront about who they are: likes, dislikes and everything in between.

When Harry, a junior at Colgate University, was on a first date, he mentioned that he was a huge baseball fan. The way his date reacted surprised him and immediately convinced him to ask her out again the next weekend.

“She looked me straight in the eye and said, ‘When I watch baseball on TV, I think it’s so boring because I have no idea what’s going on,’” he says. “But then she went on to say that she would like to go to a game because it would a fun way to hang out with someone and learn about the sport. I liked that she didn’t lie about her interest and offered to get involved anyway.” 

As long as you’re respectful about your opinions, having conflicting interests or opinions can make for an even better, more interesting date conversation. Pretending to be interested in something that you’re not or vice versa will not only hurt your relationship if it progresses, but will probably be noticed by your date.

“It’s so obvious when a girl is putting on an act about something she cares about or doesn’t like,” says Mike, a sophomore at the University of Delaware. “I don’t want to date my twin, so there’s no reason why someone should say she likes or dislikes everything I do. I see right through that.”

3. Dig in at the dinner table

Whether you’re going to a restaurant, the movies, an arcade or a sporting event, if part of your date plans include a meal, don’t be afraid to eat in front of your date. In fact, if you decline, he’s probably not going to understand why.

“I can’t stand when I take a girl out for a meal and she doesn’t eat or just picks at a side salad,” says Adam, a senior at Lehigh University. “If we plan to get a meal and then she doesn’t eat, it makes me think she’s too self-conscious. Everyone’s nervous on a first date, but confidence is important. Why would I want to go out with someone who can’t be herself around me?”

It’s important that you’re comfortable on a first date. So while your guy may expect you to eat at dinner, don’t be afraid to speak up if he wants to do something that’s outside of your comfort zone.  For example, if you’re a vegetarian and he’s suggesting his favorite steak house, he’ll totally understand if you speak up and let him know you don’t eat meat.

4. Be adventurous

There’s no reason to do anything that will make you uncomfortable, but don’t be afraid to take a risk and do something off the first-date beaten path!

Luke, a sophomore at Hofstra University, says he loves when a girl is game to do something a little more fun than the typical dinner date. He also adds that if you’re on a more active date, you should get involved with the activity! “I took a girl to an amusement park once, and she wouldn’t go on any rides because she didn’t want to mess up her hair,” Luke says. “If you’re too high maintenance to enjoy the date, the first date will definitely be the last.”

Sitting back and watching your date have fun isn’t going to result in a fun first date for either of you, so get involved!

5. Leave your cell phone to the side

Let your friends know you’ll be unavailable for a couple of hours and keep your phone in your bag. Spending your date scrolling through Instagram, tweeting or texting makes you look uninterested and rude.

“There is nothing worse than trying to get to know someone and not even making eye contact because they’re staring at their phone all night,” says Frankie, a senior at the University of Maryland.

Use these tips to score that second date – without the stress of wondering how it went! No matter what you’re doing, be yourself and be enthusiastic about what you’re doing. Enjoy your first (and second!) dates, collegiettes! 

When we were 15, we would daydream about our golden decade: our twenties. We imagined it as a video montage of Friends, Gossip Girl and Sex and the City scenes playing in slow motion to “We Are Young.” Oh, so young and naïve. How come no one told us that wasn’t how it was going to be? Where’s our video montage?

1.You’ll live in a posh apartment in a trendy city
And fill it with chic furniture with names like RIKTIG ÖGLA and FLÄRDFULL.

Expectation

Reality

2. You’ll have an expensive and full style maturation
Which means no more $2 Forever 21 neon colored tube/top-mini skirt hybrids: a.k.a. a perfectly organized Carrie Bradshaw closet with seamless outfits for every mood and occasion.

Expectation

Reality

3. You’ll live happily ever after with your best friends
You’ll all get your dream jobs in the same city and you’ll share that trendy city apartment, which means never having to find random roommates or subletters off of Craigslist.

Expectation

Reality

4. Gossip and drama won’t exist in the twenties life
Because one morning, all the twentysomething girls in the world will just wake up and decide they will all be nothing but nice to each other until their last day on this earth.

Expectation

Reality

5. There will be a bigger and better-looking selection of eligible fish in the sea
Because your milkshake will bring all the men to the yard.  

Expectation

Reality

6. Your social life will be exciting enough for a reality TV show
Legal drinking age means wild clubs, cool bars and sleeping all day before doing it all over again.

Expectation

Reality

7. You’ll get really good at walking in high heels
You’ll own 65 pairs and walk around like Tyra Banks all day, even if you’re just going to the copy room.

Expectation

Reality

8. You’ll enjoy swanky brunches four days a week
You’ll eat croissants, drink mimosas and tell stories about your weekend adventures.  

Expectation

Reality

9. Even after paying your bills, you’ll have endless fun money to blow
Aren’t expensive shoes and $10 cocktails what our 20s all about?

Expectation

Reality

10. You’ll finally make your big break
And then “work” will mean writing songs in coffee shops. 

Expectation

Reality

11. Ditching the sh*tty car ASAP
As an official adult, you’ll reserve the right to get rid of the rust-bucket Honda you got for your 16^th birthday. Car payments? No biggie, your big kid job will take care of those.

Expectation

Reality

12. You’ll get that puppy you always wanted
It's not like you'll be having a kid. They can't be that hard to take care of. 

Expectation

Reality

13. You’ll have all the answers to life, liberty and the pursuit of adulthood
Because you will be an old and wise twentysomething.

Expectation

Reality

14. You’ll catch up with old high school friends and things will be just like old times
You were serious when you made that 9^th grade promise about being friends forever and ever and ever and ever.

Expectation

Reality

15. Basically, life will be one big sitcom.
*cue video montage*

Expectation

Reality

 

Sure, it isn’t exactly what we imagined, but even with all of our crushed teenage expectations, our twenties are still substantially amazing.  We learn to embrace these realities, because no good story ever starts with, “This one time, when everything in my life went as I had hoped and planned…” 

As if we needed another reason to love Emma Watson! Yesterday, U.N. Women, the gender-equality branch of the United Nations, announced the Harry Potter heroine was their newest Goodwill Ambassador. 

Watson is kind-of-sort-of the perfect choice for the role. As Hermione, she proved that girls can definitely keep up with the boys. She was even an equal rights advocate — remember S.P.E.W, Society for the Promotion of Elfish Welfare?

In real life, Watson is equally accomplished. She just graduated from Brown University, and she’s frequently visited countries like Bangladesh and Zambia to promote girls’ education.

“I am convinced that Emma’s intellect and passion will enable UN Women’s messages to reach the hearts and minds of young people globally,” said Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of U.N. Women.

Watson will work on the HeForShe campaign, which is dedicated to the empowerment of women.

“Women’s rights are something so inextricably linked with who I am, so deeply personal and rooted in my life that I can’t imagine an opportunity more exciting,” Watson said. 

“I still have so much to learn, but as I progress I hope to bring more of my individual knowledge, experience and awareness to this role,” Watson said.

We can’t wait to see what she accomplishes!

You may think high school was the best four years of your life, but we beg to differ. There comes a time when you need to move on from high school. Here are the signs that you’re holding on to your high school years a little too tight and definitely too long.

1. The administration still knows who you are.

Of course most of your teachers are going to remember who you are (depending on if you were a front-row native or a back-of-the-room dweller), and it’s cool to stop in every once in a while to say hi and tell them about your life. Teachers live for that stuff because it makes their job that much more rewarding.

Having said that, if you graduated and yet somehow all the incoming freshmen know who you are, it might be time to reevaluate what you’re doing. The front desk should not be on a first-name basis with you when you sign in, asking how that new Pinterest recipe you wanted to try went. Or worse, the front desk should not know you so well that you don’t have to sign in. Come on, girl! You should be out having fun, not voluntarily reliving high school.

2. You’re still reppin’ your high school’s colors just about everywhere.

Just because you look good in your high school’s black and gold doesn’t mean it should be a permanent part of your wardrobe. That’s not a color palette for collegiette clothing; it’s the color scheme of a hallway full of lockers. We all have a million shirts from high school sports and clubs. And guess what? They make great rags, sleep shirts and workout clothes. They do not make for great fashion.

Your personal style should evolve with you, so don’t be “that girl” who only wears her old cheerleading competition T-shirts. Yeah, you made great memories in them, and of course you shelled out enough of your parent’s cash on tie-dyed school shirts to pay your Starbucks bill for a year, but it’s time to let go. Pass the shirts down to a little sis or cousin and know they will be loved by them—you can do it, we promise. You don’t want to end up on Hoarders: High School Memorabilia Edition.

3. You have programs from all the recent school plays and tickets from the football games.

Few things are better than losing yourself in the arts, and it’s cool to go back and support your school. But if you still think a bunch of teenagers singing in the auditorium is the epitome of theatre, we promise you there’s a great, big, beautiful world of the arts out there for you to explore! Because, let’s be honest, sitting through the spring concert was bad enough back in the day, even when it was an excuse for missing class. You could pick a show or event per year to pay homage to, but other than that, go see a movie or a professional play or even the latest Here Comes Honey Boo Boo episode, because it’s time to move on.

As for football, unless you’re from one of those towns where high school football is a way of life, do yourself a favor and don’t show up to every game decked out in face paint and screaming at the top of your lungs. It was cool when you were with all your peers watching your friends bound across the field. It’s not so cool when everyone around you is too young to know what Legends of the Hidden Temple is and they’re all taking turns getting drunk under the bleachers. You’re better than that!

4. You’re up-to-date on all the couples and frenemies from your classes.

Social media makes it super easy to play detective (or stalker) on all your former classmates, but just because you can doesn’t mean you should. You’re going to meet so many cool people in college, and there’s no reason to still dwell on all the “popular” kids and what they’re doing with their lives after graduation.

Sure, it’s fun to gossip with friends every once in a while, and nothing warrants quite as much shock value as finding out the innocent, quiet girl from your junior-year math class is now somehow tatted up and pregnant. However, seeing the Instagram of her sonogram does not warrant a text to everyone you know to talk about, “Oh my god, how crazy” it is. People change over time. It’s time you do, too, so just throw her Insta a like and carry on with your day. There are way better things to be up-to-date on than a comprehensive guide to all the gossip of your graduating class, even though we’re all occasionally guilty of it.

5. You’re still bragging about your high school accomplishments.

You can still be proud for totally killing it on the SATs or having an insane amount of varsity letters. But going around making it sound like you peaked at 18 years old is just depressing and so not cool. There’s not nearly enough room in your shoebox-sized dorm room for you to justify bringing up all those trophies and medals you acquired. Leave them at home and let your parents admire them while you’re away. They’re only going to collect dust anyway, and, let’s be honest, how often will you dust your dorm room? (Answer: Never.)

Stop talking about all the amazing things you achieved in high school and start setting out to accomplish even greater things in college! You should always be proud of what you’ve done, but there’s an even brighter future ahead of you.

6. You’re still raving about how amazing prom and senior week were.

Sure, Johnny and Kaitlin got that hotel room after prom and everyone was talking about it. And being away from home with no parental supervision for a week of drinking with friends was super cool. But, news flash: that is every day at college! If you go around constantly talking about how senior week was the greatest time of your life, you’re eventually going to get some serious stink-eye from your audience.

Those were the little leagues, and you have way cooler things ahead of you, so stop ostracizing yourself from all those cute college boys who are tired of hearing about how “ah-mazing” your prom dress was. Just Facebook-stalk yourself when you need a little reminder of how great you looked and much fun you had. Everyone you meet will have their own stories just like yours, so it’s time to start making some new memories!

7. You start way too many sentences with, “Back in high school…”

Everyone loves the occasional #tbt, but no one loves hearing you relive your glory days at (Insert Hometown Here) High. No one wants to hear about the prank you played in Mrs. Snyder’s class or that one time at band camp. But seriously, reminiscing with your old pals at a reunion is one thing, but not having anything better to talk about than your shenanigans from the ages of 14 to 18 is kinda lame, and by kinda we mean really, and by really we mean just don’t do it. Plus, all your new friends are going to have no idea who or what you’re talking about, which always results in polite pity nods and laughs.

Enjoy the now! Every once in a while when you’re feeling nostalgic, call up an old friend and catch up on life, maybe throwing in a few fond memories while you’re at it. However, rest assured that you’ll have a bunch of exciting new stories from college!

High school rocked, but when it’s time to move on, move on. Maybe pay an occasional visit and definitely keep in touch with your besties when you all move on to bigger and better things, but trust us when we say that life goes on. So go ahead and salute your alma mater as you drive by on your way to an even more amazing future. In other words…

We’re halfway into summer and the 100-degree days and heat advisories aren’t going away any time soon. That’s why Her Campus is sharing our favorite ways totake a break from the sun and chill out from the blazing hot summer! Instead of laying on your couch in a dark basement wishing you lived in Antarctica, try out one of our fun ways to cool down from the hot, hot heat.

1. Make your own slip n’ slide. Transform your outdoor BBQ into an absolute blast with a homemade slip n’ slide. Find an old tarp, spray it with a hose and let the slipping and sliding begin.

2. Snack on frozen fruit. It’s the perfect afternoon snack when you’re craving a sweet treat that can cool you down. Try topping your morning cereal with frozen fruit for a new take on breakfast. We recommend frozen bananas dipped in chocolate. Beware of the brain freeze!

3. Go ice skating. Turn this fun winter outing into a summertime activity that will definitely bring your body temperature down; it’s a nice alternative to fireworks and bonfires. Whip up a batch of frozen hot chocolate after you’re done skating.

4. Make iced coffee. “Making my own homemade iced coffee every night (for my mid-morning commute) is a tasty and cost-efficient way to keep me cool,” says Kenyatta, a recent grad of the University of Texas at Austin.

5. Go to an ice bar. If you can make a trip to one of the exotic locations that houses ice bars, this is a perfect way to spend a hot summer night. And plus, it’s way cooler (literally and figuratively) than going to an ordinary bar. If you don’t have access to an actual ice bar, order a frozen drink or one with a lot of ice and pretend like it’s the real thing.

6. Put your pillow in the freezer. Do this right before bed on a hot summer night and fall fast asleep. You won’t have to worry about flipping your pillow over to get to the cold side.

7. Fill up your bathtub with ice and soak. Have a spa day complete with cool cucumbers on your eyes. It’s a fun and easy way to relax after a hard workout or a day working in the sun.

8. Go to a water park. What better way to enjoy a day off? Enjoy the slides, lazy river, and wave pool as many times as your heart desires. Or go to your friend’s pool and play all of the water games you loved as a child. Marco Polo, anyone?

9. Create your own fruit popsicles. Use juice and fresh fruit to make a delicious frozen treat you won’t find at the grocery store. Experiment with different ingredients until you find your favorite ice pop flavor, but to start, try out this kiwi-strawberry recipe.

10. Refrigerate your fragrance. “My mom taught me this trick: Put your favorite body mist in the fridge and spritz it on for a quick and fragrant cool-off,” says Daisy, a recent grad of Bowdoin College.

11. Take a trip to the mall. As if you need an excuse to hit the mall. This air-conditioned space is a prime cool-down spot from the hot summer sun. Just make sure you don’t buy too many sundresses!

12. Sit in a kiddie pool and read. No need to go pool-hopping when you can have a pool right on your own porch. So relaxing and refreshing.

13. Buy lemonade from the neighborhood lemonade stand. You’ll get a cold beverage, and the cute kids selling the lemonade will be overjoyed that you gave them business. If you’re in the mood to do a good deed and support a cause, find an Alex’s Lemonade Stand location near your neighborhood.

14. Run through the sprinklers. You spent all your childhood days in the summer doing this, so why not continue now? Instead of crossing the street when you notice your neighbor’s sprinklers are on, run right through the water and enjoy the moment.

15. Take a water break. Jump in the nearest body of water. The ice cold water on your body will definitely help you cool off during a day of laying out. Be sure to reapply sunscreen after you take a dip!

16. Make a frozen margarita and pretend like you’re in the Bahamas. One sip in and you’ll already feel cooled down and refreshed. Don’t forget the mini umbrella!

17. Have a car wash. “Wash your car with your younger siblings, the kids you babysit or your friends. Someone will inevitably ‘accidentally’ spray you with the hose, and you'll be cool... or cold, in no time!” says Elizabeth, a collegiette at Mount Holyoke College.

18. Dance in the rain. There’s nothing better than the feeling of cold raindrops on your skin on the hottest day of summer. Get caught in the rain without an umbrella and show off your best dance moves.

How do you stay cool in the summer, collegiettes? Let us know in the comments below!

It’s time to pack up the car and head off onto the open road with your girls for a summer adventure! A road trip is a great way to explore a new city and spend time with some close friends or become closer to new friends.

When it comes to eating healthy on the road, your best plan is to be proactive. Make sure you plan out your meals and snacks as best as you can before you leave, just as you’d prepare for your lodging, other expenses or your perfect road trip playlist.

Before you crank up the tunes and put the pedal to the metal, pack up some of these healthy and delicious snacks to stay fueled (pun intended) and focused for the fabulous journey ahead of you. Loading up on junk food will only make you feel lethargic and unenergetic for your trip, so pick these snacks instead! Some of them require refrigeration, so bring along a small cooler with you.

1. Trail Mix

Store-bought trail mix can be loaded with extra fat, sugar and calories compared to any DIY trail mix. Making your own trail mix is a great healthy summer treat compared to buying store-bought trail mix, and it’s super fun to make your own mix anyway.

Here’s a simple trail mix recipe to take with you on your trip:

• Unsalted almonds
• Unsalted sunflower seeds
• Dark chocolate chips
• Raisins
• Dried cranberries

For a single serving of trail mix, add ¼ cup total of the nuts and seeds, and then a handful of each of the other ingredients. Having a DIY snack night the day before you leave can also be a great bonding activity for you and your friends before your trip!

2. Greek Yogurt

Make sure you don’t leave without packing a few cups of low-fat yogurt into your cooler! The calcium D in yogurt is essential for your health, as are the natural probiotics in yogurt. Look for the “live and active cultures” label on your yogurt, since this certifies that there are natural probiotics in your yogurt that will help to keep your digestive system running smoothly. Plus, yogurt can keep your blood pressure from climbing up too high—as if we needed another excuse to dip our spoons into strawberry goodness.

Pack Greek yogurt for a protein-packed healthy snack. Chobani plain Greek yogurt contains 13 grams of protein, compared to 5 grams of protein in regular yogurt like Yoplait.

When it comes to froyo, there’s nothing like taking a trip to Pinkberry over the summer, but doing so regularly isn’t the best idea for your health. The toppings are often high in calories and sugar, so even though you think you’re doing yourself a favorite by choosing yogurt instead of ice cream, the turnover isn’t much different. If you’re totally craving froyo during your trip, then indulge and say #YOLO, but try to only visit one or two places instead of every one you find.

3. Low-Fat Cheese Sticks

For another low-calorie and calcium-filled snack, reach for some string cheese. It’s the perfect finger food that comes with awesome health benefits.

Research has shown that eating cheese can help to combat uncomfortable PMS symptoms because of its high calcium content. Cheese also contains zinc and biotin, which are essential for tissue repair and healthy hair.

Keep in mind not to eat too much string cheese though, as it can be high in saturated fat and sodium. Stick with no more than one stick per day to reap the benefits without consequence. To make this snack more filling, pair it with some whole-wheat crackers.

4. Whole-Wheat Crackers

While you enjoy your cheese stick, you can pair it with a handful of whole-wheat crackers. The good-for-you carbohydrates will keep you feeling energized and not too full. The crackers are also low in calories compared to other crunchy and greasy snacks like potato chips. Some reputable brands with amazing whole-wheat crackers are Kashi, Carr’s and Back to Nature.

One of the keys to not going overboard with crackers is to keep portion sizes in mind. “It’s so easy to just bring a box of crackers out for everyone to share and to end up eating way too much,” says Megan Dobinson, a junior at Messiah College.

To prevent overeating, check the portion sizes on the box of crackers and measure out portions of crackers into plastic bags before you head out on your trip. A standard serving size is about six crackers, but depending on the brand of crackers you buy, the serving suggestion may be different, so just check the label.

5. Whole-Grain Cereal

To avoid stopping at McDonald’s for a McMuffin, load up on whole-grain cereal. It will keep you feeling full for a longer amount of time and is guilt-free. These cereals are often high in protein if you pick the right one, so check the labels to decide. For example, Kashi GOLEAN original cereal contains 13 grams of protein per serving. You can also sprinkle an ounce of dry roasted sunflower seeds onto your cereal for 5 grams of additional protein.

If you’re on a gluten-free diet, look for Corn or Rice Chex cereal, which don’t have gluten but are still delicious and easy to take along with you.

Shelly Marie Redmond, a Louisiana-based registered dietitian, recommends Puffins cereal as well. “It’s high in fiber, yummy and there are plenty of gluten-free choices available,” she says.

6. Fruit

You can never go wrong with loading up on nutrient-rich fresh fruit. We recommend packing pieces of whole fruit like apples, oranges or bananas since they do not require refrigeration. To add some protein, bring along a few to-go packets of nut butter, like Justin’s squeeze packs. This will keep your snack interesting and will provide additional health benefits.

Fresh fruit is a more ideal option compared to dried fruit since it contains less sugar, so opt for fresh fruit whenever possible. However, dried fruit doesn’t need refrigeration, so it can be a good option to take with you on the road depending on which one you take. A smart choice is to pack dried apricots, according to Redmond.

“Dried apricots are high in fiber,” she says, which will help you to stay full for a longer amount of time. Keep in mind that one cup of fresh fruit is equal to half a cup of dried fruit, so keep your portions in check.

If you have access to a small cooler, you can also load up fruit like berries and grapes. Put them into plastic bags or storage containers to pass around and share with your friends.

To avoid a making a mess, try to pack fruits that don’t have extra waste, such as cherry pits or watermelon seeds. For the adventurous who want to bring these types of fruits along, just make sure you have some wet wipes on hand to clean your hands and a plastic bag to put the waste in.

7. Pretzels

Pretzels are a great low-calorie, low-fat snack that requires no extra preparation. One cup of pretzels contains about 170 calories and less than 2 grams of fat. There’s also about 5 grams of protein, too. To prevent bloat, stick with a brand that says “low sodium” or “unsalted” on the bag.

If you’re looking for something to pair your pretzels with, try eating them with one of your cheese sticks or with a piece of whole fruit. You can also dip them in nut butter for some protein.

8. Popcorn

If you’d kill for something crunchy and you’re not up for greasy potato chips, give popcorn a try. You can make your own air-popped popcorn before you leave for a healthy snack. It’s a low-calorie treat and fun to eat!

This great recipe from wikiHow is easy to make before you leave and can easily be taken with you for the beginning portion of your trip.

DIY Popcorn

• Buy some brown paper bags to place kernels in. Make sure that the bags are microwave safe so that they don’t catch on fire!
• Pour ¼ to 1/3 cup of popcorn kernels into a brown paper bag.
• Fold the bag over twice; do not use staples to seal.
• Place the bag on its side in the microwave.
• Cook on high for several minutes and adjust your cooking time based on your microwave.

Avoid buying pre-packaged popcorn that is already pre-processed and buttered. These options are loaded with unnecessary calories that can leave you feeling too full or bloated.

9. Nutrition Bars

To satisfy your craving for something more substantial than a small snack, enjoy a nutrition bar from brands such as LUNA for additional energy that’s still satisfying.

LUNA bars in particular contain a “Core 4” nutrient powerhouse: folic acid, calcium, vitamin D and iron. When combined, these four vitamins and minerals are just what you need to power through the day.

You’ve probably enjoyed one of these yummy bars during the school year in between classes or during finals season, and they are just as delicious and nutritious in the summertime. They’re a great way to get energized on the go so that you’re not tempted to stop by the nearest fast food restaurant for a burger and fries.

While you’re out conquering the open road, make sure you pack a few of these healthy road-trip-friendly snacks to keep you going. Remember, you don’t have to sacrifice good health for taste; it’s possible to have both!

The Clintons are taking the stage again... but this time, they're being portrayed on Broadway. In Clinton: The Musical, set to debut in the United States in the New York Musical Theater Festival July 18, President Bill Clinton and First Lady Hillary Clinton struggle to mitigate the consequences of the President's affair with former White House intern Monica Lewinsky, according to Reuters.

Written by two Australian brothers inspired by a musical satire of a former Australian prime minister, the presidential musical debuted for the first time in the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2012 and has, interestingly, not yet appeared in the U.S. 

In the musical, the former President is not one character but two--a more serious politician, WJ Clinton, and the less serious Billy Clinton. The brothers, Paul and Michael Hodge, were inspired by the president's portrayal of himself as having these two different identities in his 2004 autobiography My Life. Hillary Clinton, too, just released her book Hard Choices.

According to The New York Times, Duke Lafoon, who plays Billy Clinton, said, “They’re so heavily in the news right now, with Hillary’s book and potential run for the White House, so we’ll ride that wave. At the same time, I understand what people say. Do we need these jokes again?”

The focus of the musical seems to be not on the scandal itself but on the aftermath, according to the actress who plays Hillary. "When she is asked specifically about the scandal her answer is, 'I'm over that,'" said Alet Taylor. "She wants to move forward, so I don't know that our musical represents moving forward, but I think she is aware of it,"according to am NewYork.

Will Clinton: The Musical be as much of a hit in the U.S. as it was in the U.K.? We will just have to wait and see!

How many times have you envied Lady Gaga's wild hairstyles? How about Lea Michele's flawless waves or Mariah Carey's long, flowing locks? Today at 6 p.m. EST, you can learn from an experienced hairstylist who has styled all of these celebrities in a live video chat! Michael Dueñas is the founder of Hair Room Service, an all-inclusive service in your home or hotel room (read: pre-red carpet) that includes haircuts, blowouts, makeup, nail applications, and styling. He's worked with everyone from Oscar de la Renta to Beyoncé, and he's sure to serve up some top insider beauty hints!

Sign up here to be a part of the group video chat and ask Michael your burning questions about hair, style and celebs; you'll need to make a small donation to charity to sign up, but when you do, you'll be entered for the chance to win a one-on-one with Michael himself. Profits will benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, so it's a win-win! Whether you're an aspiring stylist or just want to know how to get hair like Gaga or Lea Michele, every collegiette will benefit from this video chat!