When you hear the names “Paris Hilton” and “Kim Kardashian,” it seems as if it’s been years since they’ve been used together in the same sentence. It's common knowledge that the two used to be BFFs (RIP 2006) until Kim essentially became more famous. 

So it was a surprise to many of us when Hilton posted a picture on Instagram of Kim — wait, that's NOT KIM? NOPE, IT WAS PARIS HERSELF.

It turns out, Paris was simply promoting Kanye West's new Yeezy Season 6. 

West’s Yeezy Season 6 original made its debut when Kim wore multiple looks from the collections out and about in Los Angeles, using the paparazzi to their advantage to promote the new clothes.

Now, Kim and Kanye are taking the promotion efforts a step further by enlisting Paris and Instagram models to model the clothes in their online photos.

Some of the models enlisted in the campaign include Yovanna Ventura, Jordyn Woods, Sarah Snyder, Sami Miro, Abigail Ratchford, Shannon and Shannade Clermont, Amina Blue, Madeleine Rose, and Kristen Noel Crawley.

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

So many people study abroad every year, but not everyone truly takes in the culture of the place they go.  All too often, Americans are branded when they choose not to take in the local preference for what to wear.  Well, along with a little humility and a let’s-try-new-things spirit, we have just the guide to what to wear in some of the most-traveled-to study abroad locations, as suggested by those who have been there.  The key is to learn from the locals.  Generally, doing as locals do will keep you from becoming targeted as a tourist.

1. Western Europe

Since much of Western Europe has been the determiner of style for centuries (ahem, Renaissance, Rome, etc.), we don’t have to tell you that to travel here, you need to on your A-game, but you might be surprised at what that looks like compared to America.  Here are some keys to keep in mind.

 

Western Europe by christine-ann-burney 

 

Keep it Simple

Although you want to always look your most stylish while in a fashionable country, you shouldn’t break your bank doing so. The use of neutrals allows one you to wear the same pants, top or dress on several different kinds of occasions. Bring lots of basics.  Emme Raus, a writing student at SCAD, summed up the style in southern France in five items: “[t]rench coats, muted colors (black earth tones) smart blazers, thick combat boots, loafers. All very simple and slimming.”

Stylish, yet comfortable

As Coco Chanel once said, “Luxury must be comfortable, otherwise it is not luxury.”  To travel in style, embrace the proper attire that fits the attitude. In this area of Europe, the mode du jour is generally to throw on some comfy flats or boots (typically, designer ones you buy locally at a good price-follow the locals), skinny jeans or tights for sleek legs, and a long sweater and/or fitted jackets with a sweet scarf and some other cute outerwear.  Anything tailored or fitted is a plus.  “Everybody wears scarves, even guys, because lots of people drive mopeds and it gets very windy and cold when you are riding; when you are walking, you can put the scarf away.  And people like to be very trendy with their coats because [if] it’s not that cold, they can buy more affordable coats: an elegant one, a sporty one, a casual one, a night club one, a cute one for a date,” Gema Alcodori, a SCAD Advertising alumna from Spain, says of her country.

Layers

Laura Miller, a UK-local from Chestershire, says layers are the biggest thing to keep in mind:  "It is good to wear layers of clothing; cardigans and sweaters are good. Accessories like scarves and hats are important.  London and some of the bigger cities are quite stylish. Leggings and tunic tops are very popular. The thing with wearing layers of clothing is important for peeling off if too warm and piling on clothes when too cold. In the more rural towns clothing are laid back but I was told if going to town, try to dress smartly so as not to draw attention to yourself.  The UK is a multi-cultural country so there are many crossover clothing styles." 

Whatever you do, don’t…

Apparently, many Americans are easily spotted when they do a couple of things:  

a. Wear sweats when out and about or wear all American-made, like North Face clothing.

b.  Don flip flops (please don’t) — instead, get some gladiator sandals if the weather is warmer.

c.  Bring lots of heels (lots of cobblestone walking will make you hate your life), or even more than five pairs of shoes. 

d. Don’t overload yourself with more than one checked bag.  

2. Scandinavia

Just remember that it gets quite cold here; so, you will want to keep these three main things in mind:  practical, solid and loose. Illustrator and Norwegian-American Courtney Hetland describes the local style in terms for the forward fashionista.  

 

 

Scandinavia by christine-ann-burney 

Practicality is paramount

In this region of the globe, it’s important to remember that it gets very cold and often rainy in various places as well. According to Hetland, Scandinavians are “very practical in their clothing choices; gray is hugely important along with black. A thick gray scarf is another big fashion and practical trend."

Casual

Keep it casual when it comes style: “[T]eens to early 20s many of the girls tend to wear some type of urban shoes or sneakers such as Nike or New Balance," Hetland says.  "[And] every girl aged 12-32 has at least one pair of high-waist black skinny jeans which may or may not have holes in the knees. Also, lounge/ athletic type wear is trendy such as jogger sweat pants.”

Staples: simple style

“Sweater dresses are always a staple, great if in gray charcoal or some other muted tone," Hetland says. "One other wardrobe staple would be the long cardigan with pockets, nearly every girl has one."

Solid outer/footwear:  

Always ensure you have durable footwear for both the cold, wet climate and the intense amount of walking you will be doing.  Boots are great — and of course fresh socks.  “A proper rain coat is a necessity for most Norwegians, as well as light wool to go underneath," Hetland says. "Right now, what is trending is bomber jackets, classic black leather jackets and button downs with the top button of the collar buttoned.”

3. South Africa: Cape Town

The Mother City of Africa is a beach city in the southern hemisphere that can have varying temperatures with degrees ranging from the 40s to the 60s Fahrenheit. The key is to be stylish and comfortable

South Africa by christine-ann-burney 

 

The name of the game is layers 

No matter the temp, you can always shed your layers throughout the day. So, bring a sweater, a jacket and some easily layered button ups, like Chambray tops—these are super important to have as basics. Scarves are great as well.  

Fitted & comfortable is important

When it comes to shoes and pants especially, you want good stability. You’ll want to invest in some good walking boots and some casual street shoes. 

Must-haves

Along with the already mentioned basics, Gloria Rapalalani, SCAD fashion marketing student from South Africa says you will def want flip-flops and skater skirts as well.

Sun Protectors

Since the sun in Africa is HOT no matter the season, you will want some sunglasses and hair ties to keep your hair up when you are having adventure time. This is another great reason to wear layers.

4. China: Hong Kong

For Jeanie Lo, writing major at Savannah College of Art and Design and Hong Kong native, there are two main fashion styles among Hong Kong locals: the ABC style (American Born Chinese) and the Japanese casual style.  

American-born Chinese style

Hong Kong by christine-ann-burney 

 

“This is basically the California girl: Abercrombie and Fitch or Hollister. [The] top 5 pieces [would be] a red, black checker button up, shirt with shoulder cut outs—it’s so popular in Hong Kong for the past few years, floral dress for summer, ripped jeans (denim blue or black or white will do); and for winter a checker scarf, it seems the green, blue, red ones are popular.”

Japanese casual style

Hong Kong: Japanese Casual by christine-ann-burney

 

The key here is to be fashion-forward, yet super comfy. The epitome of this style is long, open sweaters, baggie pants, light-weight shoes and a neutral tone overall. 

Just minutes after President Trump's first State of the Union address, Stephanie Clifford, the former pornographic-film actress known as Stormy Daniels, appeared as a guest on Tuesday night's show of Jimmy Kimmel Live — and things got a little weird.

The appearance came after this month's report from the Wall Street Journal that Trump's lawyer paid Daniels $130,000 to not publicly discuss an alleged sexual encounter the two had in 2006.

Kimmel used a variety of methods to try and get Daniels to admit to the encounter, but she didn't reveal much. 

She jokingly added, "I also work for the FBI and I'm a man according to the internet."

At one point in the interview, Kimmel was so determined for Daniels to admit something that he brought out puppets. 

He thought that while Daniels might not be able to discuss the alleged incident, maybe a puppet could. Kimmel asked her if she "had sex with a married man at a golf tournament," since that's where the encounter is said to have occurred. 

And guess what? The puppet nodded! 

The two also played a game of "Never Have I Ever," and at one point, Kimmel brought out three different-sized carrots to see if Daniels would allude to Trump's — you know. (She didn't.)

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

After Taylor Swift won a lawsuit against David Mueller — a DJ who Swift alleged groped her at a 2013 meet and greet — this past summer, Mueller was jobless. 

That's no longer the case. 

According to the New York Daily News, Mueller is now the morning co-host of "Jackson & Jonbob," on a Mississippi radio station, under the name of "Stonewall Jackson."

Once the internet — and Swifties in particular — found out, all hell broke loose. Swift's fans began actively campaigning on social media for Mueller's dismissal from the station, even prompting people to contact the CEO and President of Delta Radio, Larry Fuss. 

Fuss doesn't seem to care, though. He defended the decision to hire Mueller in an interview with the Daily News. 

"I sat down with him [Mueller] face-to-face in Minneapolis before I offered him the job and talked to him about it," Fuss said. "He's either the world's best liar, or he's telling the truth. I tend to believe his version of the story and most people who have talked to him face-to-face do believe his version of the story."

Doesn't he realize Mueller lost the lawsuit?!

People are continuing to complain about the hire, and after a slew of negative reviews hit the radio station's Facebook page, the ability to even leave a review was disabled.

Swift herself hasn't yet commented on the situation.

There's another movie being added to the terrifying Purge series, and the first trailer and poster are here. They both officially dropped at the beginning of President Trump's State of the Union Address — which is, err, fitting.

The First Purge will tell the origin story of the New Founding Fathers and show how the purge has evolved over the years. The trailer acts as sort of a recruitment video, urging those watching to purge when the time comes. 

The First Purge will be released on July 4, 2018. 

Chrissy Teigen proved to us all that no matter what level of stardom you're at, other celebs will leave you starstruck like any other fan. On The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Teigen shared a hilarious story about her interaction with Beyoncé at the 2018 Grammy Awards. 

After talking about how she and husband John Legend are expecting a baby boy, Legend's upcoming role in Jesus Christ Superstar and leaving the Grammys early, Teigen mentioned seeing Bey and Jay-Z in the seats next to them. When Fallon asked if there's anyone that still gets her freaked out, she mentioned Beyoncé and how there's nobody else like her.

"It's just so incredible, the aura that comes around her. I mean, she just emits this aura that's spectacular," Teigen said. 

This is where it gets hilarious. Teigen and Legend debated saying goodbye to the Carters on the way out of the Grammys, and then she got a little *too* freaked out by Queen B.

"On our way out, I was like, 'We have to say something, right?' And I took both her hands and, I don't do this for anyone, it was very weird, and John's like, 'What the hell are you doing?' and I took her hands and I got down on my knees and I was like, 'Sorry to bother you, my queen.' Like, who says that? It was like, 'M'lady...' Who am I?"

LOL. Can you blame her though?

As for John and Jay-Z, they were totally cool about their interaction. "John's like bro-fiving with Jay-Z and I'm like, 'Oh, my Lord.' It was so weird." She said she just can't get used to seeing Beyonce. I can just imagine this scenario in my head, which makes it that much funnier.

Even though it was probably horrifying for Teigen at the time, the interaction makes for a hilarious story. Teigen also owned it like it was NBD, I mean, we all have awkward moments.

I doubt she's any different than any other fans that get the chance to meet Beyonce IRL, am I right?

Any time The State of the Union Address rolls around, everyone takes to social media to share their responses, both good and bad. Here are some of the celeb reactions from President Trump's SOTU. 

1) Ellen made her own speech:

2) Michael Keaton didn't even watch it...

3) ...And neither did Chance the Rapper.

4) If you remember the OG Love Connection TV show, here's the host, who seemed to enjoy the speech.

5) On the other hand, Perez didn't seem too into the SOTU.

6) Same, Josh. Same.

7) Looks like someone seized the opportunity to use Snap filters.

8) What's Twitter without Chrissy Teigen?

9) You have to admit, any speech that's longer than 10 minutes can make you feel a *little* bored. 

This year's Grammy Awards were greeted with a variety of controversies, and most notable was the lack of women nominees. Recording Academy President Neil Portnow was also quoted saying that women need to "step up" if they want to be recognized in the industry. 

Understandably, many people — including celebrities— were infuriated by these remarks. Lorde was not only the only female artist to be nominated for Album of the Year, but she was also the only nominee who wasn't granted her own solo performance at the awards ceremony.

In response to the snub, Lorde tweeted about her ability to "murder a stage." She then took a step further by taking out an entire ad in a New Zealand newspaper to both thank her fans and clap back at Portnow. 

Part of her statement reads, “Thank you, also, for believing in female musicians. You set a beautiful precedent!”

Lorde using her voice to shed light on the disparities women in the music industry face is powerful, and it's empowering to see that she isn't backing down from what she believes in. 

Calvin Harris went on a Twitter rant on Tuesday night, explaining his unsuccessful attempt at impressing the Recording Academy by growing a beard. 

Apparently thinking that sporting some facial hair would make the Recording Academy take him more seriously, the music artist hoped that it would have won him a Producer of the Year award. 

Mentioning that the beard seemed to be working as he'd hoped by gaining him a nomination — but it didn't pull through in the long run. 

Concluding the wistful climax of his sad tweets with, "A big ol beard can only take you so far," Harris stated in another tweet that he's moving forward with the rest of the year. 

I'm truly at a loss for words. Is he talking in code? Does this all tie back to Taylor Swift somehow? Someone please help.

Virginia Tech freshman, Yunsong Zhao, was arrested after trying to buy 5,000 rounds of ammunition and possessing an assault rifle. The arrest took place on Monday after more than a week of investigations into the student, according to USA Today.

The Collegiate Times reported that Zhao has family in China and no criminal record before this incident. According to the police report obtained by The Collegiate Times, Zhao has also purchased and modified a used police vehicle. CNN added that Zhao had been researching bullet proof vests.

Zhao had been storing his AR-15 in a student locker at the school’s Public Safety Building, which compiles with university regulations. 

Virginia Tech’s own news website reported that “At no time during this investigation did police believe there was any threat to our community, nor is there one now.” This incident comes after the 2007 mass shooting at the school, and more recent rumors of a student “stockpiling” weapons on campus. 

Police Chief at Virginia Tech, Kevin Foust, address the incident in a statement on Facebook. He said that there was no connection between reports of a student stockpiling weapons and Zhao’s arrest. He then reassured the university that “we will continue to be vigilant for our community.” 

CNN stated that Zhao is currently in custody at Montgomery County Jail without bail. Zhao’s attorney told The Washington Post that there is a bond hearing scheduled for Thursday and “there will be evidence elicited at the bond hearing that will demonstrate the fears and sensationalism associated with this case has been vastly overblown.” 

Zhao is no longer enrolled at Virginia Tech and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 1, The Collegiate Times noted. 

(Photo Credit: Cover)

When it comes to figuring out skincare, things can get really overwhelming really fast. There are thousands of products on the market, and finding the right one can be a hit or miss. When you have sensitive skin, using the wrong products can mean painful breakouts and flare-ups. So we talked to Dr. Kenneth Mark, a New York based dermatologist who studied at the world renowned NYU Department of Dermatology and has practices in the Hamptons and New York City to get to rundown on the best ways to deal with sensitive skin. We know that all skin is unique, so we also asked some collegiettes like you what tried and true products work best for their sensitive skin.

If you’ve tried a bunch of different products and still can’t seem to get it right, take a look at the ingredients and see if there are any common ones that run throughout the products that were irritating you., and try to avoid those. “We all tend to gravitate towards herbal and plant based things these days, but they are also a potential source of irritants and allergens,” says Dr. Mark. “Alpha hydroxyl acids and retinue acids exe can be very problematic for those with sensitive skin and therefore should be avoided.” These are just some basic things to look for when choosing products if you find the ones below don’t really work for you. 

1. Dove Bar Soap

According to Dr. Mark, “Often times those with sensitive skin have allergies, so you want to try to avoid obviously anything you are allergic to.” Dove Bar Soap is a great option because it’s made with relatively simple, sodium based ingredients that will help to gently cleanse your skin. It’s also fragrance free, which is beneficial, since fragrances often irritate sensitive skin.

2. Avéne Hydrance Intense Rehydrating Serum

Avéne is the go-to brand for sensitive skin; their products are known for being restorative and lightweight. “Serums and lightweight products are always a must for sensitive skin,” says Iesha Ismail, a junior at the University of Florida. This Avéne serum is a little on the pricier side, but it’s a good option if you’re looking to invest in a high quality, moisturizing serum. 

3. First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream

This moisturizer is great for all skin types and is especially helpful to combat eczema because it’s made with colloidal oatmeal, which will relieve itching and redness. It has great reviews from women with all types of skin, and many have said that it’s a nice product to have around during an allergic reaction.

4. Lush Aqua Marina Face and Body Cleanser

Lush products are general a safe bet because they’re mostly made with natural ingredients that don’t irritate. “My skin is super sensitive and I’ve found that lush products work the best!” says Kendal Mazzocco, a sophomore at California Polytechnic State University. The Aqua Marina Cleanser is a very gentle cleanser made with aloe vera and calamine that will calm and soothe your skin while exfoliating. 

5. Purpose Dual Treatment Moisture Lotion

Sometimes the most reliable products are ones that have been around for a while that women still seem to love. “One of my favorites that does not necessarily get a lot of hype is Purpose lotion,” says Dr. Mark. “It is very light in texture, non-irritating, yet also moisturizing.” This moisturizer also has SPF, making it the perfect product to put on in the morning before putting on makeup to keep your skin protected throughout the day.

Related: 7 Holy Grail Skincare Products Every Woman Should Try

6. Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater

Everyone and their mother seems to be raving about this Mario Badescu Facial Spray, and for good reason. It’s perfect for a mid-day moisturizing pick-me-up and can be used as a makeup setting spray, hair spray, or a mist right before you go to bed.

7. CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

This simple cleanser is perfect for sensitive skin and can be used all over if you’re experiencing breakouts on other parts of your body because of its unique Multivesicular Emulsion formulation. “My dermatologist recommended CeraVe and I’ve never looked back,” says Abby Piper, a senior at the University of Notre Dame. “It’s just a basic face wash—no scents or little exfoliating particles—so it just gets the job done without drying my skin or making me break out.” This is a great product to help build up and restore your skin’s protective functions to prevent future breakouts.

8. Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream for Dry/Sensitive Skin

Products with dyes and fragrances are probably more likely to irritate sensitive skin, so this Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream is a great lotion to use all over for dry patches and irritated skin that won’t leave you feeling greasy. “I also use Cetaphil moisturizer and it’s never made my face break out,” says Abby.

9. Clinique Acne Solutions 

Clinique is a tried and true brand that women with sensitive skin have had luck with over the years. This 3 Step Solutions Kit is good if you want a multi-step regimen using the same brand of products and one that works pretty quickly to clear up breakouts. If trying out new products has been irritating your skin, switching to this multi-step regimen may help calm your skin down and get back on track.   

10. St. Ives Apricot Fresh Skin Face Scrub

This apricot scrub  is a great exfoliator for all types of skin. “I love St. Ives!” says Náosha Gregg, a senior at Kingsborough Community College. “It cleanses my skin and opens my pores and I find it doesn’t irritate or dry out my skin, like some other products.” If apricot isn’t your thing, St. Ives has many different variations of the same scrub, but the apricot scent is their OG fave.

Finding the right products is going to take some trial and error, so don’t get discouraged if you’ve tried different brands and cleansers and none of them seem to be working. Make sure you keep up with natural ways to keep your skin healthy, like drinking water, maintaining a healthy diet, and exercising a few times each week. If you’ve tried many different products and just can’t seem to find the right match, talk to your dermatologist and see what they recommend. 

It’s been a year since Donald Trump became the 45th president of the United States, and in true American fashion, his term began the way all good news items do: with a meme.

On Trump’s Inauguration Day, the newly elected president and First Lady, Melania, met former President and First Lady Barack and Michelle Obama on the steps of the White House for a photo op prior to the swearing-in ceremony. You’ll remember that Michelle was handed a Tiffany’s box moments before the pose, a gift from Melania.

Naturally, social media had a field day with a screen grab of Michelle’s confused side-eye.

Good morning Her Campus! With a break-neck news cycle, there is no possible way for you to stay on top of every story that comes across your feeds—we’re all only human, after all.

But, life comes at you fast. So grab a cup of coffee and settle in for this quick and dirty guide to stories you might’ve been sleeping on (like, literally. It’s early.)

Trump Has Signed an Executive Order That Will Keep Guantanamo Bay Open

In a major reversal of Obama-era policy, President Trump signed an executive order just prior to giving his State of the Union address that will keep Guantanamo Bay, a controversial high-security prison in Cuba that currently holds 41 prisoners detained by U.S. forces, open. President Obama signed an executive order in 2009 to close the prison within a year, but was never able to achieve the goal due to backlash from congress. Trump addressed the order in his State of the Union address on Tuesday night, saying, "I am asking Congress to ensure that in the fight against ISIS and al Qaeda we continue to have all necessary power to detain terrorists wherever we chase them down, wherever we find them. And In many cases for them it will now be Guantánamo bay." 

The Department of Justice & the SEC Are Investigating Apple for Slowing Down iPhones

After Apple made a lot of people super angry at the end of last year by announcing that it wasn't all in our heads that our old iPhones were majorly slowed down as they aged, the U.S. Department of Justice and the SEC are reportedly investigating whether the company violated securities laws through its disclosures (or, lack thereof) about the software features that caused phones to slow down. While the inquiry is said to be in the early stages, there's a chance that law enforcement could come after Apple for misleading customers about what was really going on — until then, the DOJ and SEC have requested information from Apple and are looking into the public statements the company made following the debacle.

Moe's Just Dropped 3 New Queso Flavors

As if Moe's original queso wasn't *magical* enough already, the restaurant dropped not one but three new queso flavors on Tuesday, which include Chili Con Queso, Black Bean Queso and Spicy Queso. If you're struggling to choose just one when picking up your burrito (and can't afford to try all three on your college student budget), you're in luck because Moe's has even blessed us with a quiz to help us all find our queso soulmate. Because we all know that this Valentine's Day, a date with queso > a date with a dude.

What to look out for...

A rare lunar event, called a super blue blood moon (yes, it's just as intense as it sounds), that hasn't been seen since 1866 will take place tonight. Here's everything you need to know to catch it:

I am more than ready to watch Meghan Markle acclimate to her new role in the British royal family before she weds Prince Harry in May. After all, the royals could use more messy buns and oversized scarves. However, fans of the actress's work on the USA series Suits are probably concerned about what comes next after Markle's departure from the role of Rachel Zane. Luckily, a face very familiar to TV is filling the void: former Grey's Anatomy star Katherine Heigl will join the series as a new character when Suits returns for Season 8. 

Variety reports that Heigl will portray the new character Samantha Wheeler, who joins the law firm as a challenging new partner. As Markle's former costar Patrick J. Adams also left the show after Season 7, actor Dulé Hill, known for his role on The West Wing, will also join the cast in the new season. 

It may take people awhile to adjust to Heigl not being on TV as Grey's Anatomy's Izzie, but she's totally ready for the change. "Joining Suits was the perfect organic way to not only colloborate with an [executive producer] I admire deeply, but to also become part of a show and cast that I am an immense fan of," Heigl said in a statement. "I have watched Suits from the very beginning and feel incredibly lucky to be the newest member of the Pearson Specter Litt family."

Fans of Heigl were quick to celebrate the news on Twitter.

However, those familiar with the drama surrounding Heigl's later involvement with Grey's Anatomy weren't very thrilled.

With the new season starting production in April, it looks like Heigl will join the veteran cast in the midst of heavy pre-royal wedding excitement. We don't know if any of Markle's old castmates will make an appearance on the big day, but they have to get a few days off if they're invited, right? 

Good luck to Heigl as she takes on this new job!

As a disclaimer, I met my current girlfriend of over two years on move-in day at my college dorm. We instantly hit it off, eventually entered a bit of a dormcest situation, and it kind of snowballed into a serious committed relationship. Oops! Hooking up with someone who lives a few doors down can be tricky, especially when you’re surrounded by friends, classmates, and other past or potential hookups. But it’s also thrilling and casual and it can lead to some great relationships! It’s definitely awkward at times and is not always easy, but here are some things to keep in mind if you’re considering hitting up that cutie down the hall.

DTR

I learned, fairly early on in my dorming days, about a little concept called “DTR.” A friend taught it to me after I came to her in tears over choosing which newfound romantic/sexual interest I wanted to pursue (so I’d say I’m not entirely unqualified to talk on this subject.) It means “defining the relationship,” and it is a lifesaver. 

If you’re ready to take advantage of having hundreds of hot, educated peers at your disposal, then you need to get used to sitting someone down and making sure you’re both on the same page about what you want out of it, what boundaries must be set, and what is absolutely off-limits, never-gonna-happen. Be absolutely sure of what you want out of the situation before diving in and don’t be afraid of asking a few simple questions beforehand (and afterwards.) It gets easier every time you do it and — hey! You never know; it could lead to something a little more exciting.

Do some recon

Okay, we’re not going to tell you that dormcest is 100 percent easy and uncomplicated. But there are definitely steps you can take to destress the process. You might want to do some mild reconnaissance before choosing your person of interest: Do you two have any mutual friends? Are they in any of your classes? Do they live on the same floor or in the same building as you, any of your friends, or any of your other hookups? How often is your (and their!) roommate around? These are all things to consider before making a move!

If you’re looking to avoid some awkward conversations, questions, or run-ins, make sure you’re cautious. In the words of Rachel Petty from James Madison University: “It was fun and convenient, but put me in weird situations because two guys I was hooking up with ended up becoming friends (since they lived on the same floor.) If you’re going to hook up with someone in your dorm, my advice would be to keep it to one person — or at least only one per floor!”

Be safe, be smart, know yourself

This goes without saying, but please practice safe sex with all of your partners! If you’re going to be intimate with someone, whether they live one door down or across campus, make sure you prioritize sexual health and safety! Discussing STI guards and contraceptives takes less than a minute and it’s not nearly as hard or as uncomfortable as you think it may be. Be safe, be smart, and the whole experience will be better.

If you’re considering entering a dormcest situation, take the time to really figure out if it’s the right choice for you. If you’re the kind of person who needs a lot of communication from others, if you’re the kind of person who can’t handle the unknown, or if you just don’t deal well with awkwardness, then take some extra caution or consider avoiding dormcest at all costs. While dormcest is a convenient way to meet new people and figure out your priorities in relationships, the last thing you want is for it to turn disastrous. It’s okay if you don’t find Mr. or Mrs. Right! Take advice from Iowa State’s Chelsea Jacks, who says: “If anyone's interested in committing "dormcest," be transparent with their roommate/love interest. Nothing's more awkward than living with someone you've hooked up with and not knowing where the two of you stand. While situationships can be fun, having a conversation with your roommate about your feelings and what you want out of your situation can help you both avoid any future awkwardness (and resentment).”

DO IT

Look, if there’s a good-looking, well-educated, person of mutual interest who lives in the same building as you then who should stop you from striking while the iron is hot? Living in a dormitory is far from ideal in many ways, so why not take advantage of one of its greatest assets? Dormcest is, surprisingly, a great way to learn (quickly) about what you like, what you don’t, and how to instantly connect with new people. This world doesn’t want us girls taking charge of our desires, so show them all who’s boss and do it if you want to.

After former USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar was sentenced to up to 175 years in prison for sexually abusing more than 190 athletes, Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles has revealed why she didn't read her own victim statement at Nassar's sentencing. While promoting the Feb. 3 premiere of the Lifetime movie based on her life, the 20-year-old spoke with several news outlets on Wednesday about her decision.

Speaking to BuzzFeed morning show AM2DM, Biles said that she chose not to speak at Nassar's sentencing because she has yet to see a therapist about her experience with him. "I think for me that would be too much to handle, personally, especially before going to counseling and talking to anyone," she said. "And I was still training, so I couldn't take the time out and go, and I think it would just put too much stress on me."

Aly Raisman, Biles' former Olympic teammate, was among the athletes who read her victim statement aloud in court. 2012 Olympian Jordyn Wieber also read her own statement. Former gymnast McKayla Maroney and 2012 gold medalist Gabby Douglas previously came forward as sexual abuse victims of Nassar, while Biles identified herself as a victim earlier this month. 

After Nassar was sentenced last week, Biles took to Twitter, calling Judge Rosemarie Aquilina, who presided over Nassar's case, her "hero." Referring to Nassar, she wrote, "He will no longer have the power to steal our happiness or joy."

Also appearing on TODAY Wednesday morning, Biles shared an emotional moment with anchor Hoda Kotb, who opened the interview by mentioning her tweets about Nassar. When the gymnast's voice began to waver, Kotb gently reminded her, "He can't hurt you anymore."

In a reply that emphasizes how brave Biles and her fellow victims have been in this scenario, Biles said, "No, he cannot."

Currently in training for the 2020 Olympics, Biles clearly isn't letting her past trauma affect her professional goals. Her choosing not to speak at the sentencing also reminds us that sexual abuse victims have the right to determine how vocal they are about their experiences. We applaud her and the other athletes who spoke out against Nassar in any and all ways. 

One person was killed and six were injured on Wednesday when an Amtrak train driving dozens of Republican members of Congress to a party conference hit a truck in Crozet, Virginia, The Washington Post reports. The fatal victim was one of three men in the garbage truck that was in the middle of the railroad crossing at the time of the crash. 

None of the Congress members onboard were seriously injured, and family members and aides accompanying them were also safe. Heading to its annual policy retreat at West Virginia's Greenbrier resort, the group was estimated to contain more than half of the Republicans in the House and Senate, including Speaker Paul Ryan. The New York Times reports that Minnesota Rep. Jason Lewis went to a hospital with minor injuries, while the other two men in the men, two crew members and three passengers were also hospitalized. A spokesman for Lewis later confirmed that he was treated and released after receiving a concussion in the crash.

The collision occurred around 11:20 a.m. at a rural railroad crossing. The train reportedly made an abrupt stop and most Republicans "hit a knee or a head on the seat in front of us," according to Utah Sen. Mike Lee. 

Several passengers with medical backgrounds stepped off the train after the incident to help the men in the truck. Brian Monahan, the attending physician to Congress, helped the two injured men, while House chaplain Rev. Patrick J. Conroy administered last rites to the man who passed in the crash. 

The National Transportation Safety Board sent a team of nearly two dozen people to the railroad crossing. The train's leading car was left at the scene while the remaining cars drove back to their origin point at Charlottesville Union Station. The group later traveled to Greenbrier on buses.

BuzzFeed News reports that President Donald Trump spoke to reporters at the White House about the crash after speaking with Ryan and other Republicans onboard. "We don't have a full understanding yet as to what happened, but it was a train hitting a truck, going at a pretty good speed and we'll have a full reporter," he said. "A few of the folks said it was tough."

The Republicans' retreat will continue with a modified program.  

Valentine’s Day can be all about romance, but it can also be about appreciating the love in your life, regardless of where it comes from. For many of us twentysomethings (even if we aren’t single), it’s the roommates, BFFs, parents and childhood friends who mean the most to us, and that’s a fantastic thing.

If your relationship status is single this Valentine’s Day, here are some ideas for spending time (and sharing the love!) with the people who mean the most in your life.

1. Plan a group outing

Valentine’s Day is a classic date night, so why not plan a fun date night, but with friends instead?

Megan Lawler, a 2014 Illinois State University grad, is spending this February 14 on a stereotypical date to dinner and the movies… with all of her single girlfriends. “We're going to get dinner at a sushi restaurant first, then going to see Fifty Shades of Grey together,” she says. “It’s super stereotypical, but we're all really excited!”

Stereotypical or not, surrounding yourself with your closest girlfriends for a fun evening out is a perfect way to ensure you don’t feel lonely without a boyfriend.

Planning one-on-one time with a close friend can be a great option as well. “My best friend and I went out to dinner together and then went to go see a cheesy rom-com in theatres together,” says Leta Stevens, a 2012 Purdue University graduate. “We went to one of the theatres that serve alcohol and had popcorn, candy and wine, and it was so much fun!”

2. Stay in

Not so stoked about being out in public, surrounded by couples? We get it. If you’re up for playing host, there are a slew of different parties you can plan. Send an email out to all of your single girl friends and encourage them to invite anyone they know who’s also single and without plans. Here are some of our favorite ideas:

Girls’ night in: Invite all your friends over and encourage them to show up in yoga pants. Order in and consider letting your friends spend the night so everyone can drink that extra glass of wine. We’d vote for a Gilmore Girls marathon (the love between Rory and Lorelai is truly something to admire), but chick flicks and rom-coms starring your favorite celebrity crush do the trick as well!

Game night: Everyone loves an excuse to play their favorite board games! How will you choose between Taboo, Cards Against Humanity and Trivial Pursuit? Don’t forget about the classics either: Monopoly, Sorry!, Uno and Scrabble are great for smaller groups.

Beer or wine tasting: Ask all your friends to bring a few bottles of their favorite adult beverage, and then have everyone participate in blind taste tests. Guests can vote on their favorite in each category, and the winners get a fun prize. Did someone say, “10-pound Hershey bar”?

Potluck: Suggest a potluck dinner to your friends, or even just a potluck dessert. Everyone loves an excuse to try new, homemade foods, and you can even encourage everyone to bring their recipes so they can exchange them with your other guests!

Single and ready to mingle: If you have more of a mix of male and female friends, consider hosting a singles’ mixer for all of your friends who are unattached. All you really need are some appetizers, drinks and a good playlist. Everyone will be happy to socialize, but there won’t be a ton of pressure. Who knows—maybe you’ll be playing Cupid without even realizing it!

The anti-love party: If you’re feeling cynical this February, put on your anti-love playlist and warn all your guests they may not mention the names of their exes, the V-word or even the L-word. Set up a Bloody Mary bar, serve skewered appetizers, put out a bowl of black jelly beans and let your friends decorate their own cookies with black icing.

Gift exchange: Secret admirers aren’t just for the holidays! Pick names out of a hat a week or two beforehand, and then exchange as a group so each person goes home with a slew of goodies. Or, plan a white elephant gift exchange—it’s the perfect way to get rid of odd holiday presents!

3. Shower your friends with love

There’s no better way to spread love than by treating and giving gifts to the people in your life who mean the most to you. It harkens back to the days when we had to hand write our names on pre-written Disney princess valentines and put them in everyone’s cubbies—and we kind of love it. Take Megan’s lead: “My friends and I don't necessarily exchange presents, but last year I made them little ‘Single Girls’ Valentine’s Day bags with chocolate and wine in them, and I'm planning on doing something similar this year,” she says. “It’s just a fun way to show you care!”

4. Pamper yourself

Love can also be about splurging on the number-one person in your life: yourself. What better way to pamper yourself than with a spa day? Solo or with a friend, set up an appointment for a massage or a facial.

Not feeling like you can spend the dough? “My roommate and I wanted to pamper ourselves for Valentine’s Day this year, but we didn’t want to splurge on expensive massages. Instead, we’re going to turn our apartment into a mini spa!” says Rebecca Silverman, a University of Arizona grad. “We’re going to light candles, put on relaxing music, do yoga and have a veg-out girls’ day in. We can’t wait!”

Like Rebecca, plan an at-home spa day with a friend! Do your nails and try different face masks, and start watching that show you’ve been meaning to binge-watch.

5. Get in some family time

If you’re in the same city as your family this year, consider spending the evening with them: the truly constant (and unconditional!) loves of your life. Cook dinner for your parents and siblings, then have a game night. Or, if you’re feeling really generous, offer to babysit.

“My aunt and uncle work so hard and they rarely get a night off or a chance to go out without their kids,” says Andrea Grobman, a University of California, Davis grad. “Since Valentine’s Day doesn’t mean a lot to me, I offered to babysit for them this year. They appreciated the gesture so much, and it’s a chance to bond with my cousins!”

6. Spend the day volunteering

Homeless puppies and kittens need love, too! Volunteer with a local shelter or find other ways to donate your time, such as spending the evening at a senior home. You won’t be alone or wallowing, and you’ll be giving back to the community—it’s a win-win!

Need ideas, or ways to find volunteer gigs? Check out VolunteerMatch.org, a site that lets you pick your interests and causes and helps match you with in-need organizations in your area.

Whether you choose to spend Valentine’s Day pampering yourself, going out with a group of girlfriends or giving back to the community, there are plenty of alternatives to staying cooped up inside your apartment feeling sorry for yourself on February 14. Just because you’re dateless doesn’t mean you’re any less fabulous—just let this Valentine’s Day be an excuse to celebrate all of the incredible love in your life!

Good morning Her Campus! With a break-neck news cycle, there is no possible way for you to stay on top of every story that comes across your feeds—we’re all only human, after all.

But, life comes at you fast. So grab a cup of coffee and settle in for this quick and dirty guide to stories you might’ve been sleeping on (like, literally. It’s early.)

FEMA Says That It Won't Remove Aid From Puerto Rico

CNN reports that, despite reporters suggesting otherwise, FEMA is not leaving its relief efforts in a post-Hurricane Maria Puerto Rico. The agency will continue distributing portions of its 46 million liters of water and four million meals to island residents. That amount of supplies is believed to be enough to support residents until their situation improves. 

However, other reports say that many Puerto Ricans are still in need of support and worry if FEMA relief is sufficient. Jorge Pratts, a volunteer with the organization Operation Blessing, said to CNN, "The cry for help comes from fathers and mothers, people in their 60s, 70s and 80s. It's a very, very delicate situation that we're going through. FEMA is not being sensitive at all, and they're not understanding what's going on here."

BBC Pay Gap Is Addressed in Parliament

Former BBC editor Carrie Gracie called out the organization's managers in Parliament on Wednesday for running a "caste system" in regards to gender inequality in employee payment. The New York Times reports that Gracie spoke at a hearing of a parliamentary committee focused on culture and media, saying, "If we're not prepared to look at ourselves honestly, how can we be trusted to look at anything else honestly? The credibility of management is damaged."

Gracie previously made headlines for quitting the BBC after accusing it of "breaking equality law." Since her departure, several male journalists at the broadcasting company have seen their salaries reduced, but 170 female employees reportedly said they had "no confidence" in the managerial focus on staff pay. 

Applebee's Will Sell $1 Bahama Mamas for All of February

Applebee's is a go-to place for deals on alcohol, and after offering $1 Long Island Iced Teas throughout December, the restaurant chain will now offer the $1 cocktail "DOLLARMAMA" for all of February. The drink is essentially a Bahama Mama, containing white rum, pineapple, orange and lime juices. It's quite the heavy drink, but if your Valentine's Day is particularly chilly, now you have the perfect solution for warming up!

What to look out for...

Happy Black History Month! February kicks off this annual celebration of African-American history that, amidst our current political and social situations, we should recognize more than ever before. Catch up on how this title came to be and, if you're planning to be in D.C. this month, check out what cultural events are taking place there in honor of the month. See if your local area is planning any special celebrations, too!

Riverdale favorite Cole Sprouse is making his return to the big screen in the first film of his adult career. According to the Hollywood Reporter, Cole is set to star in the upcoming romantic drama Five Feet Apart.

Written by Mikki Daughtry and Tobias Iaconis, the film is sure to be a tearjerker. According to the synopsis, the film follows two young people who are being treated for critical illnesses. They meet and fall in love, trying to make the most of their borrowed time. Cue the heartbreak. 

Cole is in negotiations to play one half of the doomed couple, and the female lead has not yet been announced. The movie will be directed by Jane the Virgin star Justin Baldoni.

Cole made his film debut in the 1999 Adam Sandler film Big Daddy and then appeared in a few more films over the next ten years. His last film role was in a 2010 direct-to-video cartoon, making Five Feet Apart his first film role of his adult career. Recently, fans have been loving Cole's performance as the brooding and sweet Jughead Jones on Riverdale. 

Shooting for Five Feet Apart is set to begin in the spring, and I can't wait for some more details on this exciting project!