As a single gal, there are times when it’s difficult to see the perks of your boyfriend-less lifestyle (for example, that time when you made the poor choice to see the latest Nicholas Sparks book-turned-movie and began to forget all the perfectly legitimate reasons you broke up with your ex).

But no worries, Her Campus is here to help! Let this list remind you of all the perks of being a Beyoncé-certified single lady; you’ll be back to reveling in your independence in no time and loving life in the land of the singles.

1. You can spend the entire day watching Bravo television without anyone complaining about it.

2. You never have to choose between hanging out with him or your friends.

3. It’s one less person you have to buy holiday and birthday presents for.

4. No one is going to yell at you for hogging the bed.

5. There are endless opportunities for you to partake in a random dance floor make-out.

6. The only person who will experience your bad morning breath is you.

7. You can rest assured that you’re not the dreaded “boyfriend girl.” You know, that girl that can’t not be in a relationship. Oh, hey, Kristin Cavallari. We didn’t miss you.

8. You won’t feel guilty about feasting your eyes upon the hot shirtless men at the gym.

9. There’s no one holding you back from studying abroad.

10. If you want to watch ABC Family’s Saturday night double feature of The Notebook and A Walk to Remember while sobbing into your bowl of ice cream, you can. And you can love it.

11. Your eight-hour solo shopping spree is not going to push anyone to the brink of madness, like it would if you had a boyfriend in tow.

12. “Shit Single Girls Say” exists for your viewing entertainment, and it’s satisfying knowing that somewhere out there, a fabulous gay man understands you.

13. You never have to watch him and his friends play video games for hours on end.

14. Ryan Gosling’s filmography is 36 titles long.

15. No one is there to witness the ghastly sight of you wearing your glasses and retainer to bed.

16. You won’t suffer from constant stubble-burn. Never struggle to explain away your irritated pink-skinned chin again.

17. Did you see what happened to Heidi Montag? That’s a girl who could have used a few more years of the single life, and you’re certainly not following in those plastic footsteps.

18. No need to be ashamed of the picture of your latest celebrity-crush that’s hanging over your bed… or the one you’re using as your screensaver.

19. You’re free from the drone of ESPN... free at last!

20. You can lay poolside without fear of the male archetypal scoop-and-throw into the water.

21. All those guilty pleasures you like to indulge in (we’re looking at you, Pretty Little Liars)? No longer “guilty,” just “pleasures.”

22. You can take as long as you want to get ready to go out without worrying about him sitting there waiting for you, meaning it’s perfectly OK to reenact Taylor Swift’s “You Belong With Me” music video over, and over, and over...

23. No worries about what he’s in the mood to eat, the choice is yours!

24. Nothing attracts Facebook comments from forgotten man candy like a recently posted “Single” relationship status. Get excited.

25. You can wear opaque lipstick and not have to worry about him making him look like a drag queen post-smooch.

26. Sometimes just having a crush on someone is amazingly fun, and so is writing “Mrs. Aaron Samuels” all over your notebook à la middle school.

27. There won’t be any unnecessary jealously about you hanging out with your guy friends. Bro out.

28. You can wear your ridiculously comfortable – but also hideous – pairs of underwear without having to worry about someone seeing them.

29. You’ll have enough time to juggle all those intramural sports, Greek-life events and club activities you love so much without dropping the ball on anything. Resident overachiever and proud!

30. Wing Night? Oh, you mean Pinkberry Night?

31. You don’t have to impress two sets of parents. Only your own. OK, maybe not even your own.

32. “Buy one, get one free” actually benefits you. You were never a great sharer, anyway.

33. There’s always the exciting potential of a first date with someone new.

34. You and your fellow un-attached friends can really get into belting out Beyonce's “Single Ladies.” Step 2: Learn the dance.

35. Dinner for one is way cheaper than dinner for two, and with your internship “salary,” “cheap” is your new favorite word.

36. Relationships can be rocky, but pinning your perfect relationship on Pinterest? Totally drama-free.

37. You don’t have to censor your “Never Have I Ever” answers about your exes.

38. You have much more free time to catch up on all those books you’ve been meaning to read. Fifty Shades of Grey, anyone?

39. If you land an awesome internship in a far-away city, you won’t feel guilty about leaving him behind.

40. You never have to have that awkward “Time of the Month” chat when things get a little too heated... no matter how we say it, it never ever comes out sounding cute.

41. Your chances of catching that cold that’s blazing through your town are halved. Tell the world you have the immune system to beat all immune systems; they’ll never know your secret.

42. You always get to control the remote.

43. You appreciate Kelly Clarkson’s “Miss Independent” on a whole other level.

44. You can paint your nails without him whining about the smell.

45. You don’t have to deal with anyone’s mood swings but your own, and they’re really enough to handle already, aren’t they? Or is that just us…?

46. You won’t have to experience that nervous sweaty feeling that meeting the ex-girlfriend-turned-good-friend would put you through.

47. You're free to casually flirt with your coffee shop's cashier. You’re also free to casually accept the free coffee or pastries he may or may not choose to bestow upon you.

48. No one will eat the leftovers that you were so looking forward to eating for breakfast the next morning before you get your shot at ‘em.

49. You can enjoy playing the field. In fact, you’re the star forward.

50. Did I mention Ryan Gosling?

With cramps, bloating, weird food cravings and emotional roller coasters, the week before we get our periods can be pretty miserable. Here are 11 thoughts every girl has while PMSing! 

1. "I refuse to wear real pants."

2. "Why am I crying at this Hallmark commercial?"

3. "If I don't have chocolate right now, I'm going to die."

4. "It feels like my stomach is being stabbed from the inside."

5. "Can you not, uterus?"

6. "SOMEONE HUG ME."

7. "NOBODY TOUCH ME."

8. "Give me all the food."

9. "Is this what dying feels like?"

10. "I hate everyone and everything."

11. "I wish I was a guy."

“…And the winner is…. NEBRASKA!”

The words rang throughout the building as the audience suddenly erupted and sprang to their feet.

And in that moment, my life was changed forever.

The next day, I woke up early to sign contracts and meet with the executives before jumping on a plane straight to New York City for a week of national media.

From there, the entire year continued on at a breakneck pace. I traveled almost 200,000 miles that year, visiting 36 states and 5 countries, clocking almost 200 flights and spending a total of 335 days on the road.

It was exhilarating yet exhausting, fulfilling yet draining. However, I soon found that of all my responsibilities and concerns during that year, my health was the one I had ignored.

I had graduated high school at 17 years old and won Miss Nebraska two weeks later. Six months after that, I won Miss America. All throughout my life, I had been extremely active, dancing for almost eight years throughout middle school and high school, and later competing in gymnastics for four years as well. Staying healthy was natural and simply a part of my lifestyle.

Before becoming Miss Nebraska I had never picked up a weight, used gym equipment or taken the time to think about nutrition. When I competed for Miss America, I learned how to use a few machines at the YMCA and gained a little better understanding of nutrition along the way, but ultimately, I thought that my active lifestyle would be enough.        

So there I was: a 17-year-old with no real workout or nutrition experience, a newly crowned Miss America, traveling the world on a hectic schedule. Basically, my days consisted of a breakfast meeting with this person, a luncheon with that group, a cocktail hour, a dinner with this association, etc. My speaking engagements and appearances almost always involved food, and lots of it! If I was stressed, I would get back to my hotel room late at night and order everything chocolate on the room service menu I could find. I sacrificed workouts for sleep; there wasn’t time for both. I didn’t realize what I was doing to myself. I didn’t recognize that the stress, exhaustion, moodiness and more were probably due largely to my unhealthy lifestyle.

I didn’t realize it, that is, until about six months later.

We were now into the summer months, and my job included going to some of the state pageants, where I would need to wear evening gowns and cocktail dresses. I went to get fitted and found myself wearing a size 10; I had previously been a size two (Now, keep in mind that size two truly was my natural healthy size; it was what I fit when I wasn’t even trying, but was just active and healthy).

I was confused. What had happened? I weighed myself. I had gained almost 30 pounds in just six months!

I felt helpless to do anything. I knew I felt tired all the time and was slipping into depression, but I didn’t really connect it to my physical health. I paid a little more attention to what I was putting on my plate, but overall, the worse I felt about myself, the worse nutritional choices I continued to make. I was frustrated with myself for being so apathetic and knew I was walking a dangerous road.

Finally, months after giving up my title and entering college for my first year as a new freshman, I decided it was time for things to change. Many people become the most unhealthy and sedentary during their college years. I had already done that for the past year and a half; I was done.

I was introduced to the Project 10 Challenge from a healthy lifestyle company called ViSalus that fall, when a fellow pageant contestant challenged me to lose my first 10 pounds. 10 pounds? That sounded a lot more feasible than 30 pounds. I accepted the challenge and started my journey.

Those first few months, I only made small, simple changes. I was busy with school and was still traveling and speaking extensively. I didn’t have much time, so I simply started drinking two nutritious protein shakes each day, eating two healthy snacks, and then having a balanced dinner. It was an easy, straightforward plan that was much healthier than my previous three-huge-meals-a-day-and-lots-of-junk-food plan! I also started working out for about 30 minutes a day. It didn’t matter what type of workout I did but it was important to do something active every day.  With the support of my family, friends and my playlist my motivation grew.

In my first 90 days, those 30 pounds were gone. I was honestly amazed. I hadn’t even realized how my small, simple changes had added up over three months. I knew there was no way I was stopping there! My confidence was growing, my body was slimming and, most importantly, I was smiling a lot more.

By my sophomore year in college, I was ready to take on some new challenges. I had become passionate about my fitness journey and especially interested in learning more. Over the next few months, I studied and earned my Personal Trainer Certification through NASM and continued to tighten up my nutrition plan and my training regimen.

At the start of 2014, my goal was to gain muscle and the six-pack that I had never had. Growing up, I was always the “skinny” one. As a kid, I had spindly arms and legs and could never seem to find a muscle anywhere on my body. My new 90-day goal was to find those muscles!

I learned the Project 10 Challenge puts on a competition every year where they award one male and one female the coveted “Vi-Model” title and serve as the company’s representative. I loved the challenge so much and how it helped me over the past two years, so I decided to push myself even more by entering the competition! I was ready to fight for another title. 

Over those three months leading up to the competition, I lifted weights like never before. Like many other females, I had a unique aversion to lifting.  Soon, though, I began noticing that it was producing the toning and leaning results I desired in my arms, my legs and even my abs. 

My understanding of nutrition was developing as well.  I realized that I had previously been thinking of food in terms of “dieting,” rather than recognizing that every week of my life, I should simply have a plan for what I eat. I’ve found this to be the single most important element of any healthy lifestyle: if you fail to plan, you plan to fail. I will continue to always have a meal plan throughout college and throughout my adult life. A weekly meal plan is not a diet. It’s a way to take all the guesswork out of being healthy and to stop obsessing over food.

The time leading up to the Vi-Model competition was a totally different experience than my time preparing for Miss America those three years ago. I felt like an entirely different person: I now knew that I was taking care of my body. I felt better than I ever had. I saw muscles I had never seen on myself before. I had so much energy and was so incredibly proud of all I had accomplished.

It wasn’t easy. It certainly wasn’t fast. It was quite a journey. Honestly, after Miss America, I had never in a million years expected to be on stage in a bikini once again. I truly never even realized what my body was capable of until that point. Before the results of the competition were even announced, I resolved one thing right then and there: I would challenge myself for the rest of my life. No matter what, I would never be apathetic about my health again. I would never make excuses. From that point on, I would spend every day, every month, and every year of my life improving. I would be a healthy role model to others by leading by example.

After all, that’s all that matters. I’m far from perfect. But I set challenges where I compete against myself: to improve myself every day. To make at least one choice daily that impacts my health in a positive way. It doesn’t matter how many times I mess up, fall down or feel like quitting. It only matters that I pick myself back up and try again. All that matters is that I am always setting new goals and new challenges.

If I can do this, I know anyone can. It’s just one step at a time. We all want instant results and quick fixes. But the satisfaction lies in the struggle it requires. I learned to keep challenging myself, to never give up. You never know what you might be able to do.

And by the way, I won.

Teresa Scanlan is the winner of Miss Nebraska 2010, Miss America 2011, and ViModel National Champion 2014.         

Do you have a story to share? Submit your story to Her Story!

As college comes closer and closer, you’ll definitely be looking to make your dorm room the cutest it can be.  Dorm decorations can get pretty expensive, especially on top of tuition, bedding and all the other necessities you have to buy.

Luckily, we put together the seven cutest and easiest DIY dorm decorations with step-by-step directions.  Making your dorm room pop with original, affordable and doable projects has never been easier. Get working, collegiettes!

1. Dry erase board

There’s no need to spend money on an expensive dry erase board when you can make one yourself (and it’ll probably be cuter!).

Materials

• Picture frame
• White or colored paper
• Gorilla Glue 
• Ribbon
• Dry erase marker

Directions

1. Cut a piece of white or colored paper to fit inside your picture frame.
2. Glue ribbon tied into a bow to a top corner of your frame.
3. Attach the dry erase marker to a longer end of the ribbon.
4. Leave yourself messages on this adorable dry erase board!

2. Cosmetics organizer

Ditch the fancy cosmetics organizer for this pretty, antique-looking one you can make with supplies from the dollar store!

Materials

• Two plates (one large, one small)
• Candlestick
• Gorilla Glue

Directions

1. With the candlestick upside down, glue the smaller end to the larger plate and let dry for 10 minutes.
2. Glue the larger end of the candlestick to the smaller plate.
3. Now you have a cosmetic organizer for makeup, hair supplies or anything else you want!

3. Photo heart

Change clichéd photo collages into something fun with this pretty heart design.  Don’t spend money on expensive frames when you can make this yourself for next to nothing!

Materials

• 38 pictures of your choice (37 horizontal, one vertical)
• Ruler
• Tape

Directions

1. Develop 38 pictures of your choice (there can be less or more, but this particular design requires 38).
2. Arrange the pictures into a heart shape (two on the top of each side followed by rows of six, seven, six, five, four, three, two and one vertical one).
3. Using a ruler to ensure that your lines are even, tape the pictures to a blank space on your wall and enjoy a unique collage!

4. Fun lights

Brighten up your room with white or colorful lights you can make yourself!

Materials

• Strand of LED lights
• Package of ping-pong balls (white or colored)
• Knife
• Tacks

Directions

1. Using a knife, cut an X into each of the ping-pong balls you’re going to use.
2. Pop the ping-pong balls on top of each bulb, creating a pretty lantern look.
3. String the lights along your walls with tacks.
4. Plug the lights in and enjoy your twinkling room!

5. Hanging cutouts

Create pretty wall decorations without buying expensive mobiles!

Materials

• Stencil of your choice (can be found online)
• Scrapbooking paper
• Pencil
• Scissors
• String
• Tape

Directions

1. Find a stencil you like and trace it multiple times onto different-colored scrapbooking paper.
2. Cut the designs out and attach them to a piece of string using tape or glue.
3. Hang the DIY mobiles on your dorm room walls!

6. USB desk lamp

Making a USB desk lamp is much easier than it seems, and you can buy all the materials at a dollar store!  Bye-bye, expensive desk lamps!

Materials

• USB LED light
• USB extension cord
• Mini tripod
• Wire mesh pencil cup
• Yarn, bows, ribbons or other decor
• Tape

Directions

1. Wrap the cord from the USB light around the mini tripod and balance it to point down at whatever height you want (the cord is stiff, so this won’t be a problem).
2. Balance the pencil cup on top of the USB cord and tape it for security.
3. Add any ribbons, bows or designs you want to the pencil cup.
4. Plug in your extension cord and enjoy this unique lamp!

7. Desk supply holder

Say goodbye to a cluttered desk when you make this easy desk supply holder!  Your pencils and pens will be organized in no time.

Materials

• Pringles cans (as many as you desire)
• Decorative paper
• Gorilla Glue

Directions

1. Gather empty Pringles cans (this design uses six) and clean them out.
2. Cover the cans in decorative paper.
3. Using Gorilla Glue, glue the cans together to create a unique desk supply holder.

Decorating your dorm room doesn’t have to be difficult and expensive.  With a few simple DIY decorations (and some strong glue!), your room will be the cutest in your hall.  Save money and have fun while creating these projects!

You were waiting all semester for summer break, but now that you have the summer bug out of your system, you kinda miss being at school (never thought you’d say those words, right?). Maybe you want to be surrounded by friends again, or maybe you are secretly excited to take that one class outside of your major. Whatever your reason for wanting to return to campus, these studious and social animals can totally relate. Try and live vicariously through them until the end of summer when you can finally go back to your home away from home!

1. Fred is entering his senior year, so the faster classes start, the faster he gets to graduate!

2. Sometimes, Winston misses “sleepless” study nights at the library (books make pretty good pillows when you’ve been studying American History for eight hours).

3. Evan is an art major, so he wanted to *brush* up on his skills over summer… too bad most of his supplies were in campus storage!

4. Otto has been the captain of his intramural water basketball team since his sophomore year!

5. Hayden made a goal this summer to work on his social skills before first day of classes (he now has to make a goal to hit the gym).

6. As the fundraising chair for her sorority, Jessica is excited to propose some new ideas, like a car wash (trunks are cleaned for free!).

7. Did someone say frat party? Christian is in charge of deciding the themes for his fraternity's ragers (and somehow incorporates popped collars into all of them).

8. Sasha has a love/hate relationship with programming (she's currently working on a code from last semester, or trying to).

9. Stacey can't wait to kickstart the campus fashion magazine (she was voted best dressed last year!).

What are you most excited for this school year? Tell us in the comments below!

We fashion-savvy collegiettes are all about keeping up with the latest runway looks, and as far as fall 2014 fashion is concerned, let’s just say this: we’re in love. But how are we supposed to rock some of these daring styles in the real world (because, let’s be serious—it’s hard for even the most fashionable collegiettes to pull off avant-garde runway looks)?

We consulted Heidi Mares, owner and author of style blog A Fashion Statement, and dELiA*s stylist Anna McDermott to discover the best ways to rock the runway looks on your college campus!

1. The Look: Plaid

Plaid is classic and can go with any sort of style from preppy to punk. Why wouldn’t we adore it? These plaids were fabulous on the Altuzarra, Chanel and Delpozo runways and will look great on your campus, too!

How to wear it

Plaid is on Mares’ it-list this fall in the form of a Burberry scarf (you can get a similar one that suits a collegiette budget from ASOS). We love adding an accent of the pattern by accessorizing with plaid scarves or headbands.

Plaid accessories aren’t the only way to get in on the trend, though. We all know the wonder that is the plaid flannel shirt, but why not try a plaid skirt or a pair of plaid-printed leggings? McDermott suggests pairing the bold look of plaid leggings with a simpler shirt to make this trend work for your campus. Wear them with a white top and the black shoes we picked out above. Add a pop of color with a great accessory.

Channel your inner Jenny Humphrey and have fun with this timeless print!

2. The Look: Mod Inspiration

Welcome to the ‘60s, collegiettes! One of our favorite decades made its comeback on the Gucci, Valentino and Louis Vuitton runways. We love these looks because they’re fun, they’re flirty and they can feature every color of the rainbow!

How to wear it

If you’re totally digging this ‘60s trend but are afraid of looking like you just walked out of an Austin Powers movie, we suggest taking it slow by experimenting with fun, bold colors (think brights, primary colors and maybe even neons—anything that makes a statement) or an awesome retro dress (try something with a Peter Pan collar or with an A-line). We love this one from Love 21 because it shows just enough leg, it features a flattering color, and is that plaid we see? We adore the mixing of trends going on here!

McDermott suggests letting the dress make the statement in your outfit. “Add simple jewelry and a staple shoe—preferably a flat that you can run around campus in!” she says. We love these earrings that accent the blues in the dress and these nude flats. This is a great outfit you can wear anywhere from the lecture hall to a dinner with your friends!

3. The Look: Bold Hats

These tall cowboy hats are totally new to us, and they’re taking the runway by storm this season. Even in the land of high fashion, hats can be hard to pull off. To make it work, let the focus of your look be the hat, and make sure the rest of your outfit is understated. Tibi and Cushnie Et Ochs style them with outfits that are totally chic and monochromatic (not cowboy).

A hat makes a perfect new statement piece, adding a bit of flair to a simple outfit and making you stand out (in the best way possible!). We totally want in on this trend.

How to wear it

4. The Look: Orange as the It Color

 “The color last year was all about ‘orange is the new black,’ so this fall I predict a darker, burnt orange to compliment the previous season,” Mares says. Dolce & Gabbana, Laura Biagiotti and Alberta Ferretti had orange all over their runways, and maybe it’s because of our favorite Netflix show to binge watch, but we’re definitely on board with this trend.

How to wear it

Orange can be quite a controversial color; a lot of people insist the shade just doesn’t suit their skin tone. We’re here to tell you that that’s not true! There are shades of orange to match every skin tone.

You can add any shade of orange to your closet and still be fashion-forward this fall. “I’m trying to keep my oranges in patterns so I can avoid looking Halloween-y when I add black boots,” McDermott says. Try a flouncy orange skirt like this one and its matchy-matchy top, both from Lucca Couture. Add a pair of gold earrings from Forever 21 and some black combat boots, and you’ll be looking like you just stepped off of a runway—not out of a costume shop!

5. The Look: Oxfords

We’re used to models towering over everyone else in their tall, vampy heels, which is why we were so excited to see them wearing shoes we mere mortals can wear, too! “The runway normally makes a statement in high heels, but the casual flat… [is] really emerging,” Mares says.

Our favorite flat trend this fall is the men’s-inspired Oxford shoe that made an appearance on the runways of Steven Alan, Peter Som and Band of Outsiders. These shoes are classic, wearable and, most importantly, easy to walk in!

How to wear it

Oxford shoes are awesome because of their accessibility to the average college woman. A runway style we can run from class to class in? Yes, please!

“I’m loving the Oxfords because they’re kind of like the fall version of the little white sneaker,” McDermott says. “I feel like I can style them with anything.”

We’re into these cognac-colored shoes from dELiA*s. We love how classic and polished the Oxfords are, so we paired them with a navy-and-white striped shirt and a gorgeous midi skirt that Taylor Swift would adore. Add a classic pair of stud earrings, and you’re good to go!

6. The Look: Nordic Prints

Here at HC, we love sweater weather. These Nordic prints brought it to another level on the Tommy Hilfiger, Burberry and rag & bone runways. Fun and colorful, they bring a touch of excitement and individuality to what would otherwise be a plain sweater.

How to wear it

7. The Look: Nature-Inspired Details

While The Devil Wears Prada taught us florals for spring were nothing revolutionary, we’re super excited about these florals for fall. And who doesn’t love a cute little animal on her sweater? Models from Givenchy, Valentino and Dolce & Gabbana all rocked the look, and you can, too!

How to wear it

These looks are fantastically reminiscent of “What Does The Fox Say?” and we love it. Add animals to your wardrobe with pieces like this sweater from ModCloth. Wear it with a pair of black leggings for the comfiest of comfy days, and add a pair of black combat boots to complete the look!

Ring in the fall with fun florals like the ones found on the runways. “If I’m going to wear a floral, my first pick is with a dress,” McDermott says. “I’m going to let myself overload on femininity for the day.”

We suggest something like this dress paired with a chambray button-down for a relaxed look. Finish the look off with a pair of brown combat boots and some sweet and sparkly earrings, and you’ll have the fall floral trend down!

From the runway to your classrooms, these styles just need one more thing—you to rock the heck out of them! What are your favorite fall 2014 fashions? Sound off in the comments below!

Turning a drab dorm room into a cute and cozy bedroom isn't always easy, but with the right touches, your room will be the envy of everyone in your hall. Check out HC's picks for the top dorm-room decor essentials!  

1. Stylish Storage Bins

When it comes to dorm-room decorating, organization is key! These adorable floral storage bins from Victoria's Secret PINK ($34.95) are the cutest way to store your essentials. 

2. Throw Pillows

Not only are throw pillows a necessity for movie nights, but they can also add some extra color and coziness to the room. Mix and match different patterns and colors, like these decorative throw pillows from Target ($19.99 and $24.99), to make your room your own. 

3. String Lights

Adding string lights is one of the easiest ways to make a dorm room feel more homey. Bonus: during the off-season, you can usually find holiday string lights, like these from Walmart ($7.99), at a huge discount! 

4. Printed Laundry Bag

Doing laundry in the dorm can be a hassle, but a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do. Make your laundry runs a little more fun with this cute printed laundry bag from Bed Bath & Beyond ($5.99). 

5. Beanbag Chair

Give your friends a place to hang out with a comfy bean bag chair! This awesome printed Kick-It Chair from Dormify ($159) comes in 17 different colors and prints to match any color scheme. 

6. Alarm Clock

Make sure that you're never late to early-morning classes with a stylish alarm clock. This option from PBteen ($149) is both fashionable and functional. 

7. Cozy Rug

A small yet cozy area rug is the perfect way to tie the whole room together. This printed area rug from Target ($29.99-159.99; price depends on size) is simple but adds a touch of sophistication. 

8. Posters

Posters are the quintessential dorm-room decoration, but that doesn't mean they have to be clichéd! We love these unique posters from Dorm Co ($8.99 each). 

9. Colorblock Curtains

Make your dorm room feel a little less, well, like a dorm by adding some pretty curtains, like these from Macy's ($10.99). 

As soon-to-be college graduates, we collegiettes are the next generation of ambitious, fierce and kick-a** female leaders – and we’ve got to dress the part! Look no further than Nasty Gal, the global online destination for fashion-forward, freethinking women. Now that Nasty Gal is coming to college campuses, we’re stocking up our wish lists! Not only does Nasty Gal offer a killer selection of edgy, unique pieces, but founder and CEO of the brand, Sophia Amoruso, also wrote the book (literally) on being a #GIRLBOSS – and it’s a New York Times bestseller (Secret-telling time: she’s our #WomanCrushWednesday pick every Wednesday...). If you’re a true #GIRLBOSS, you take your life, your career and your wardrobe to the next level, and you aren’t afraid to admit it!

1. You seize opportunities

As a true #GIRLBOSS, you aren’t afraid to take life by the horns and seize each and every moment. A #GIRLBOSS doesn’t wait for the world to offer her an opportunity; she makes her own! In 2006, founder Sophia Amoruso started an eBay store selling a highly curated selection of vintage pieces. Since then, the shop has grown to become an international style source offering both new and vintage clothing, shoes, and accessories. We’re know you’re obsessed with their showstopper, cowgirl-inspired outfits—seriously, nothing says, “I have arrived” and, “I’m in charge here” quite like this Highway to Hell Fringe Jacket ($118), and that’s why you just can’t stop wearing them.

2. You kick butt in the boardroom

Every #GIRLBOSS knows that the key to success is going above and beyond (and becoming indispensable)! Whether it’s getting to the office early and staying late, asking for more projects or having a positive attitude, being a rock star intern or employee is all about going that extra mile. You’re usually more than just a mile ahead, though – you’re already onto the next road!

As a #GIRLBOSS collegiette, you never forget that you should dress for the job you want, not the job you have! Rocking thisBelieve Me Blazer ($68) shows your boss who’s boss – you! Sign up for the exclusive Nasty Gal newsletter for collegiettes to get all the insider updates on on-trend, office-friendly outfits to hit the site!

3. You empower other women

If there’s one thing fashion-forward boss Sophia Amoruso stands for, it’s girl power. Not only did she write the #GIRLBOSS bible, but she also launched the #GIRLBOSS Foundation, an organization dedicated to funding and empowering the next generation of creative female entrepreneurs, a.k.a. you! Every collegiette who’s got a little Nasty Gal in her is all about building other women up, not tearing them down, and you’re no different.

Whenever you get ready to go out with your girlfriends, you’re dressing up in ultra-femme style (and listening to Queen Bey, because you woke up like this, obviously!). This Nasty Gal Helix Dress ($68) shows off the body you’re proud of, and you’re always ready to rock it with your favorite ladies by your side.

4. You dress like a #GIRLBOSS (duh!)

In or out of the office, a true #GIRLBOSS always dresses to impress. Nasty Gals like you are tastemakers and influencers who love fashion, dress for themselves and make their own rules. Make a stylish statement this summer in this adorable Bow Out Bustier ($38) paired with a classic Cream of the Crop Skirt ($48). You’ve grown accustomed to those less fashionable than you staring in the streets, and you’re not above enjoying those paparazzi-feeling moments.

You’re always on top of the hottest new trends, and you always dress to impress (whatever the occasion). Be the first to score the perfect looks for back-to-school, finals, spring break and more by shopping online trunk shows and getting exclusive insider discounts for #GIRLBOSSES like you!

5. You make your own rules

Nasty Gals believe that some rules are meant to be broken (and many others are meant to be bent). After all, a #GIRLBOSS is in charge of her own life. She gets what she wants because she works for it, just like Sophia Amoruso. You bust out of the box with eye-catching styles and head-turning trends, inspiring style revolutions every time you wear your Privileged Rise Above Platforms ($78) with your Game Plan Dress ($68) -- bold move, #GIRLBOSS, bold move!

Join Nasty Gal as they take over the world, one college campus at a time. After all, Nasty Gals Do It Better, and #GIRLBOSSES like you are no exception. If you've got class, sign up for Nasty Gal EDU emails—customized for college girls—to receive student-only offers; updates on the newest trends to hit the site; and info on exclusive shopping events, online trunk shows and more! Now that Nasty Gal is making it easy and coming to you (especially with their new “Nasty Galedictorian” program), there’s no excuse not to be your best #GIRLBOSS self this fall semester!

Name: Amanda Stuermer
Age: 46
Job Title and Description: Founder, World Muse. Runs a nonprofit that offers programs that support and inspire women and girls to be catalysts for change. Last year, their programs reached over 3,000 women and girls from Congo to Oregon.
College/Major: English and Art History
Website: www.theworldmuse.org
Twitter Handle: @amanda_stuermer and @WorldMuseTweets

What does your current job entail?

Amanda Stuermer: There is no such thing as a typical day as head muse. I am one part event planner, one part fundraiser, one part global activist [and] one part program facilitator. I work with teen girls in schools, speak about women’s issues at various events, plan an annual retreat and women’s conference and evaluate programs ranging from a sex education program for teen girls in rural Uganda to a Yoga for Eating Disorders program in Southern California.

What is the best part of your job?

AS: I love seeing women and girls realize their potential and start exploring the possibility of their lives. I believe we are each more powerful than we have been led to believe!
 
What was your first entry-level job in your field and how did you get it?

AS: My field is hard to define. Our programs combine mindfulness, creative writing and social activism. My entry into mindfulness was back in Santa Fe when I began studying yoga with Tias Little. My entry into writing was an internship that led to an editorial position at Outside Magazine. My entry into social activism was a volunteer gig as a creative writing teacher at a juvenile detention center.

What is one thing you wish you knew about your industry when you first started out that you know now?

AS: You can’t do it all alone. So many people enter into the social activism world as lone rangers. They have amazing heart and drive and they want to change the world all by themselves. Unfortunately, many of them burn out. I was on that same path. Thankfully, I realized the need for collaboration and community. We can do so much more good together.

Who is one person who changed your professional life for the better?

AS: Cassondra Schindler has been an amazing supporter and collaborator for several years. Her commitment to the mission of World Muse combined with her ability to create strategies that support that mission has made a world of difference for my professional life. It has also made my personal life much better because working with people who support and inspire you makes life better in general.
 
What words of wisdom do you find most valuable?

AS: “Don’t ask the world what it needs you to do; ask yourself what makes you come alive, then go and do that. Because what the world needs is more people who have come alive.”  That quote from Howard Thurman is my personal mantra. If it doesn’t make you come alive, it isn’t worth your time and effort. Coming alive is what I call living inspired.

What is one mistake you made along the way and what did you learn from it?

AS: I am a passionate person and I have often jumped into projects without fully considering my capacity at the time! Knowing my limits continues to be my struggle. I am always seeking the perfect balance.

What has been the most surreal moment of your career thus far?

AS: I have had so many. I pinch myself quite often. I have had the privilege to work with some amazing social activists from Michael Franti to Dr. Tererai Trent to Zainab Salbi. These are people whose global reach has changed our world. I have also worked with young women who are on the verge of igniting their personal sense of power. That excites me to no end, to see a young woman find her voice and begin using it to empower herself. I wonder which one of them will change our world!

What do you look for when considering hiring someone?

AS: World Muse is all about inspiration. It’s the secret sauce, the pixie dust, the je ne sais quoi. I work with people who have come alive and are living inspired.
 
What advice would you give to a 20-something with similar aspirations?

AS: Follow your heart; it is your best compass. The pay for social activism is generally higher in karma than cash. Be sure you love what you do so that the inner rewards are worth it. 

With these cute school supplies, you might actually want to take notes in psychology lecture or start that econ homework! Check out our picks for the cutest stuff you need for the fall. From binders to pencils, HC is here to help you ease the transition from summer to fall - with a little shopping, of course.

1. poppin Monogrammed Notebook

Take your own cute twist on the monogram trend and write your notes in style with this monogrammed notebook from poppin ($9)! 

2. The Happy Writer Mini

Use this functional mini notebook from the Her Campus Shop ($12) for smaller notes to yourself! We would much rather have this mini notebook than an online to-do list.

3. 2015 Kate Spade Gold Dots Academic Agenda

We are obsessed with this Kate Spade planner ($36)—it will keep your life organized (and adorable). You'll remember all your appointments, classes and assignments, and hopefully some of Kate’s class and style will rub off on you, too. 

4. To-Do List Notepad

You’ll never forget to pick up your prescription or return your library books with this super cute to-do list pad ($14)! 

5. Donut Sticky Notes

Even if they don’t jive with your back-to-school health routine, have your donuts in your sticky notes ($12.95). For every sticky situation, there’s a donut to the rescue.

6. Raval Page Flags 

The equations sheet, the periodic table, the index… no matter the subject, there’s always that one page you keep flipping back to in your textbook. You’ll love to look at these page flags ($5.95), even when you’re studying the periodic table at 4 a.m. the night (morning?) before your chemistry midterm.

7. Marc Jacobs Eyeglasses Bookmark

Even if you have 20/20 vision, you’ll love this eyeglasses bookmark from Marc Jacobs ($19). Don’t be afraid to unleash your inner nerd—and never lose your place in that novel you’re reading for English!

8. Jack Wills Pencil Case

You’ll be “fabulously British” with this Jack Wills pencil case ($14.50). Check out the distinctive navy-and-pink combination, or go for the classic Union Jack pattern.

9. Pattern Pens

You’ll never want to lend out these pens from Poketo ($4.50) to the forgetful people in your English seminar… well, maybe that cute classmate can borrow one. These pens are a departure from the typical blue pen, and you’ll love the style they add to your note-taking procedure!

10. The Procrastinator 

This fun pen from the HC Shop ($3) has a name that's ever-so-appropriate for college studying. Play the game inside the pen when you're taking a break from taking notes.

11. Kate Spade Pencils

Though mechanical pencils seem to rule nowadays, these traditional pencils ($19.95) are charming and will make calculus seem much more bearable. Let's face it: they’re adorable.

12. "Oops!" Eraser

Mistakes won’t seem so big with this adorable eraser ($7 on Amazon)!

13. Dalmation Stapler

You have 101 reasons to love this darling stapler ($24 at Anthropologie). The rush to print, staple and hand in your history paper will never be the same!

Make your transition back to school easy and cute. Studying is way more fun when you love your school supplies!

How many times have you gotten stuck in a boring conversation or awkward situation and wished you had an excuse to leave? Thanks to this handy new app, you'll have the perfect exit strategy.

The app, called This Is Your Out, is designed to send a fake call to your phone with the push of a button so that you have a good excuse to get out of any situation, whether it's being cornered by a Chatty Kathy or suffering through a bad first date.

"There [are] certain people you just can't tell to screw off,"said TIYO founder Ivan Lukianchuk. "Say you have a co-worker, you really can't stand them, but you have to be nice because you see them every day and they're best friends with your boss ... You either have to grin and bear it or find a way out." That's where This Is Your Out comes in.

If you find yourself in a situation that you need to get out of, simply press the button to call your phone (you can even customize the caller ID). Then, when you pick up the incoming call, the app will give you a script to read aloud to make it sound like you're having a real conversation (one that requires your immediate exit). 

TIYO, which is expected to arrive in February, costs $35 (for the button) and comes with 25 different calls. To help make this app a reality, Lukianchuk created an Indiegogo campaign to fund the project. As of today, he has raised over $3,000 of the $100,000 goal. 

Check out these videos below to see TIYO in action!

Would you want this app in your Smartphone? Share your thoughts on the easy out app in the comments!

If there's one thing collegiettes know inside and out, it's pop culture. From Justin Bieber's latest antics (going after Orlando Bloom, really?) to the blockbuster of the summer, we know it all. With great knowledge comes great responsibility, and we can't be expected to just contain our wealth of knowledge about our favorite films and all of their unforgettable quotes - it's our duty to share them! With those expectations in mind, we now present you with the 21 movie lines we collegiettes love to quote.

1. "Hakuna matata."(Simba, Timon and Pumba in The Lion King)

This was one of the very first movies we remember seeing, and of course we're going to remember a quote with such a catchy tune behind it! Plus, it's a great way to justify endless movie marathons and perpetual laziness.

Who says it: Your friends, during finals week when they're trying to convince you to go out even though you have a huge final tomorrow.

2. "Are you not entertained?"(Maximus in Gladiator)

Such an epic movie calls for an equally epic quote, and you'll definitely get points from all your guy friends for quoting this badass line. 

Who says it: You, when you've been dominating at beer pong all night and sink yet another cup.

3. "He's so fluffy, I'm gonna die!"(Agnes in Despicable Me)

We've said this line way too many times since we saw this movie, probably because, deep down, we still act like a little kid every time we see a puppy or a kitten.

Who says it: You, whenever you come within 10 feet of anything with fur.

4. "I sometimes have a feeling I can do crystal meth, but then I think, 'Mmm, better not.'"(Fat Amy in Pitch Perfect)

Collegiettes love Rebel Wilson in general, but this has to be her most LOL-inducing quote to date. With a sequel to Pitch Perfect in the works, we're crossing our fingers that there will be more quotable lines where this one came from.

Who says it: You, when your friend says she thinks she can pull off wearing those six-inch stilettos on a night out.

5. "On Wednesdays, we wear pink."(Karen in Mean Girls)

To be honest, we could have filled this entire article with only Mean Girls quotes, as a collegiette's vocabulary is chock-full of "You go Glen Coco!"s and "She doesn't even go here!"s, but we narrowed it down to just this one quote by everyone's favorite blonde bimbo. 

Who says it: Absolutely everyone, anytime it's even remotely appropriate to quote Mean Girls. Seriously.

6. "Help me; I'm poor." (Annie in Bridesmaids)

We're pretty sure Kristen Wiig is our spirit animal, and Bridesmaids just confirmed that for us. This line is particularly relatable, at least for any girl who's ever gone to college or had a serious shopping addiction.

Who says it: You, when you linger awkwardly in the doorway before heading back to school after Thanksgiving, hoping your parents will take pity on you and give you gas money. 

7. "I'm in a glass case of emotion!" (Ron Burgundy in Anchorman)

So. Many. Quotes. This movie is an absolute gold mine when it comes to quotable lines, but this one by Ron Burgundy hits the nail on the head when it comes to those days when you just can't even.

Who says it: You, when it's that time of the month and everyone and everything is out to get you.

8. "This is Sparta!"(King Leonidas in 300)

Most often quoted by bros and frat guys, this quote can be appropriate in many scenarios for collegiettes, most notably at sporting events and in the later stages of beer Olympics.

Who says it: You and your friends, when you get a little too into your big rivalry football game and start antagonizing the opposing team's fans.

9. "Just keep swimming, swimming, swimming."(Dory in Finding Nemo)

Another Disney classic, this cheerful line plays in our heads and reminds us to keep on keepin' on whenever our legs threaten to give out on the elliptical.

Who says it: Your sober friend, when she's trying to guide you back to your dorm room after one (or five) too many games of flip cup.

10. "How dare you, she's a nice lady!"(Alan in The Hangover)

Another incredibly quotable film, The Hangover plays like a video scrapbook of every drunk night you've ever had, choice quotations and questionable decisions included. 

Who says it: You (defensively), when your friend says something critical about your favorite professor in your department.

11. "You stay alive!"(Hawkeye in The Last of the Mohicans)

There's something hilariously ironic about how serious and dramatic the delivery of this quote is and the situations in which it gets used by collegiettes.

Who says it: You, when your roomie is getting ready to leave and has to brave the mid-February blizzard to get to class.

12. "Waiting for you is like waiting for rain in this drought: useless and disappointing."(Sam in A Cinderella Story)

What happened to Chad Michael Murray? Where has he been? We miss him, even if he did string Sam along for a little while in A Cinderella Story. Hey, he came around in the end! 

Who says it: You and your girlfriends, when you're waiting for your Chinese food delivery to arrive.

13. "As you wish."(Westley in The Princess Bride)

This is what we wish our parents would say to us every time we ask if we can use their credit card. Alas, we typically hear this iconic line quoted in slightly different circumstances, but it's a classic nonetheless.

Who says it: You, when your bestie is having a horrible day and she asks you to take notes for her in class so she can stay in bed and watch Netflix.

14. "Always."(Severus Snape in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2)

Who knew that one word could become such a famous line? The majority of collegiettes grew up with Harry, Ron and Hermione, so this quote has been part of our repertoire since the seventh book came out.

Who says it: You, every single time your friends ask if you want to order late-night pizza.

15. "If you're a bird, I'm a bird."(Noah in The Notebook)

This scene right here is when all of our unrealistic expectations about boyfriends and young love started. That's right, we blame The Notebook for us getting upset when we don't get a daily letter from our hook-up buddy who's studying abroad. 

Who says it: You, when you finally agree to try rock climbing with your bestie, even though you're terrified of heights.

16. "It's not your fault."(Sean in Good Will Hunting)

Ugh, the feels. This moment in Good Will Hunting when cocky but brilliant (and devastatingly handsome) Will Hunting finally stops blaming himself for his troubled past is a cinematic gem.

Who says it: You, when you're trying to comfort a friend who just failed her calculus midterm by insisting that the professor is out to get her.

17. "Ugh, as if!"(Cher Horowitz in Clueless)

One of the original "it" girls, Cher coined some of the most quotable catchphrases in the English language and has remained one of the most beloved characters in film history (hey, we still love a good Clueless Halloween costume!).

Who says it: You, when that creepy frat guy asks you to dance and you say no. For the third time that night.

18. "Our love is like the wind. I can't see it, but I can feel it."(Landon in A Walk to Remember)

This is the movie that really tested our boyfriend's devotion when we made him watch it with us. We're convinced he must not have fully understood the plot, because we were the only ones sniffling at this line...

Who says it: You, when you get emotional talking about your pets from home.

19. "I'm brilliant, shhh."(Viola as Sebastian in She's the Man)

We're glad to see that Amanda Bynes is back on the right track, because the girl is hilarious. She's the Man is still one of our go-to girls' night movies, especially since there are so many amazing quotes to add to our arsenal of cinematic vocabulary.

Who says it: You, when you tell your college friends what you got on the SAT and they can't believe it, given how often you skip class in favor of a leisurely brunch.

20. "The sky's awake, so I'm awake!"(Anna in Frozen)

We absolutely adore Frozen (as most collegiettes do), and young Princess Anna might just be the cutest thing we've ever seen. We would definitely build a snowman with her, and she'd only have to ask us once. 

Who says it: Your three-sport-athlete roomie, when she's trying to convince you to go for a 6 a.m. run on a Saturday.

21. "One does not simply walk into Mordor." (Boromir in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring)

We end with the line that launched a thousand memes. Boromir's exasperation with the Council of Elrond is perfectly encapsulated with this quote that echoes the frustration we all experience during trying times, particularly accepted student days.

Who says it: The ringleader of the group, when you and your underage girlfriends are discussing your game plan for sneaking into the bar and that one friend doesn't understand the gravity of the situation.  

Okay, so it’s no secret that just about everyone these days wants to be Beyoncé. If you’re trying to channel your inner single lady, or you’re just drunk in love with Queen Bey, you may want to consider taking a class that will teach you how to be just. like. her.

Some may say that without the proper genetic makeup, years of training or undying determination, becoming Beyoncé is basically impossible. According to B’s own father, Matthew Knowles, however, impossible doesn’t exist. The former Destiny’s Child manager is teaching a course called “The Entertainment Industry: How Do I Get In?” at Houston Community College Central this fall – and you can score a front-row seat (to the tune of $295, that is). The class is a one-day crash course on how to break into the entertainment industry, courtesy of the man who helped Beyoncé rise to fame (never mind the fact that he is currently estranged from the singer after being accused of embezzling her money).

So, if you have nothing better to do on September 13th (or just really dig Mr. Knowles’ moustache), book your spot in the class NOW! If you wait until the day of, the price increases to $350.

Bey better watch her back, because after taking this class we’ll be just as talented and knowledgeable about the industry as she is… right? Right! The entertainment industry totally isn't ready for this jelly.

This is it. This year will be your year. It’s finally the year that you can live young and wild and free. But with great freedom comes great responsibility; for every unforgettable Friday night when you’ll dance on tabletops, you’ll need an equally unforgettable outfit. There are several wardrobe essentials that are a must to ensure that when you walk into the club or frat basement (let's be real), all eyes are on you and only you. Before you arrive on campus, make sure you have all the clothing basics you will need to feel as fancy as Iggy Azalea for your first nights out on the college party scene!

Black Basics

A Little Black Dress

Marilyn Monroe once said, “I don’t mind making jokes, but I don’t want to look like one.” If you’re worried you’ll wear the wrong outfit to a party and feel like you stick out like a sore thumb, look no further than a little black dress. An LBD is a classic party must-have because, for collegiettes, versatility is key. “The perfect little black dress can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion,” says Elora Clifford, a recent graduate of Boston University.

You want to find a dress that, given the right accessories, you can wear to multiple types of parties. Pick a style that compliments your figure—you should always feel your cutest in your LBD. Your perfect dress should show off a little skin, but not too much. Keep it plain and let the dress be something your accessories can play off of.

Forever 21 is a gold mine for LBDs; check out their Strapless Textured Geo Dress for $17.80 or their Mesh Plunge Skater Dress for $29.80. With the right purse and pair of heels, a black dress is the perfect look for almost any party. Once you've found your perfect LBD, check out HC’s 20 ways to wear a little black dress for some style inspiration.

A Black Skirt

Don’t be afraid to show off your legs! A black skirt has the potential to be one of your most-worn party staples. Although you might not want to wear your LBD every weekend, you can easily wear the same skirt over and over again as long as you match it with different tops, shoes and accessories. “You want clothes that are versatile so you can get the most use out of them,” says Cassie, a recent graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Tuck a cute tank into a high-waisted black miniskirt, and voilà—you have yourself an easy, stylish outfit. Elora says, “My go-to party outfit is usually a black skirt paired with a hot shirt, usually something with chiffon or lace with a bandeau underneath, and heels.”

You should look for a tight, above-the-knee skirt, but make sure it’s long enough that you’ll be able to comfortably dance or sit in it. Consider trying out this High-Waisted Bodycon Pencil Skirt from Charlotte Russe for $16.99.

For Under Your Clothes

Bandeaus

Little girls wear neon Band-Aids. Party girls wear neon bandeaus. A necessity for every collegiette’s wardrobe, a bandeau can be worn under a shirt instead of a tank top when your outfit needs a little extra coverage. They’re perfect for parties where you'll be spending the night on the dance floor because you’ll be wearing less fabric, so you won’t get as hot. Try to buy a bandeau or two that goes well with multiple items in your closet. “A black bandeau is essential. You can wear it under almost anything,” Cassie says. You also may want to consider choosing a colored bandeau to wear under a sheer top to add a bold accent to your outfit. Try American Apparel’s Cotton Spandex Ruched Front Tube Bra for $5-15. Not only does this bandeau come in over 40 colors, but because it’s ruched, the bandeau will create the illusion of a bigger bust. If you’re looking for a bandeau with an even more feminine flair, try Free People’s Intimately Lace Trim Bandeau for $28.

Spandex Shorts

To avoid a wardrobe malfunction second only to Janet Jackson's, get a pair of spandex shorts to wear under short dresses and skirts. It’s vital to wear these when you’re going to be dancing, because there’s a good chance your skirt could fly up. You really don’t want to be known as that girl who accidentally flashed everyone at the party. Try these basic boy shorts at Forever 21 for $3.80. You want to opt for a discreet color that will blend with what you are wearing, so it won’t be too noticeable if anyone gets a peek. Just remember to try your shorts on under one of your skirts or dresses first to make sure they lay flat and don’t create lines.

For Theme Parties

Costume Clothing

Wearing nothing but a sheet to a toga party is perfectly acceptable (and often encouraged), but most theme parties at college will actually require clothing (unless you’re headed to an ABC—anything but clothes—shindig). There are lots of items that you can wear to multiple types of theme parties. For example, you can wear the same cute green top for Saint Patrick’s Day, Mardi Gras, a stoplight party (a party where you wear green if you are single, yellow if your romantic situation is complicated, and red if you are taken), or a Christmas party. A button-down can be your go-to when dressing up as a nerd for a jocks vs. nerds party, or as business executive for a CEOs and office hoes party. “Some kind of animal print is always a must for a jungle party, or a costume party, if you can get a pair of ears,” says Cassie.

You also should bring old costumes you might have—you never know when they may match the theme of a party. See if you can borrow your brother's old sports jersey for sports-themed parties. Thinking ahead about items that you have at the back of your closet that could potentially be great for a themed party will help ensure that you won’t have to scramble to buy a last-minute outfit.

Elora advises to pack “items that can be worn for a theme but won't make you stick out like a sore thumb at a different party. You never know where the night will take you.” This is extremely important, because although you might start the night at a party with one theme, you may end up at a different party at the end of the night.

White Tees

White tees are so useful that having a few of these stashed in your drawers at all times is always a good idea. You can guarantee that you'll go to glow parties, where everyone will decorate each other’s shirts with highlighters, and paint parties, where everyone gets slathered in a mass of paint. At these types of parties, you don’t want to ruin any of your nice clothes. A simple white Hanes tee is easy on your wallet at two for $10. They come in both crew neck and V-neck styles.

Keep in mind that you can easily cut a plain white shirt into a cute crop top. If you get really good at cutting your own shirts, try making the back into a cute bow style shirt. Plain tees are also perfect if you get invited to specific themed parties where you have nothing to wear, because you can create your own custom shirt for the night.

Accessories

A Cross-body Bag

If you don’t already have one, you should buy a cross-body bag. You don’t want to have to think about holding onto your purse, wristlet or wallet all night at a party. After all, you may end up putting your belongings down for a game of pong or flip cup and end up losing track of your stuff. Look for a small bag, since all you need for a night out is P-MILK: your phone, money, ID, license, and keys.

Macy’s has a variety of options that are sensible for a range of budgets. Try Nine West’s Quilted Chain Crossbody for $29.99 or the Anne Klein Mane Locket Wallet on a String for $45.

Fast Flats

Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but fast flats ($9.97) are a party girl’s best friend. Fast flats—very thin flats that can roll up to easily fit into a purse—are so small that they don’t take up much room and are so light that they won’t weigh your bag down. Just throw a pair of these into your purse when you’re wearing a pair of heels so you have a backup option if your feet end up killing you later in the night or on your walk home.  Sometimes beauty is pain, but it doesn’t have to be when you’re going out!

A Cheap Jacket

At the end of the night, searching through a mountain of jackets can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack—finding yours will be downright impossible. Since there’s often not a good place to stash your jacket at a large party, it’s not unusual for everyone to throw their jacket in the same massive heap. Because of this, it’s possible someone may end up taking your jacket, either accidentally or on purpose. You don’t want to lose an expensive J.Crew or North Face jacket at a party, so you should have a cheap jacket or zip-up hoodie that you don’t care about that you can wear instead. That way, you will be warm on your way to the party, but won’t really care if there is a mix-up and you lose track of it by the end of the night.

With a little advanced planning, you’ll always be prepared when you feel you gotta get down on Friday. Remember that parties are danger zones for expensive or easily stained materials, so when shopping for clothes that you’ll wear to parties, you probably don’t want to wear anything too expensive or sentimental. If you’re going to a party where there will be dancing, light colors that show sweat also aren’t the best idea since hundreds of people dancing in a basement can make the dance floor pretty hot and humid.

These essential items are vital to any party girl’s wardrobe. With the help of this guide, if you fall into your bed right after a party, you’ll never wake up in the morning feeling like P. Diddy—you’ll be better dressed!

For all of us collegiettes, summer marks a clear change of rhythm. Whether you're working a job, interning, taking summer classes, traveling or just kicking back and relaxing, you're bound to have more time to do you – and the beautiful weather doesn't hurt, either. During the summer, we’re often healthier, happier versions of our school-year selves; we pick up good habits and are just all-around more relaxed. HC put together some of the things we do better May through September, as well as tips from collegiettes and experts for how to carry these good habits into our busy college schedules.

1. The habit: eating a more balanced diet

In college, irregular eating patterns are pretty much the norm. We skip breakfast, stress-eat chips and candy and often go for late-night greasy fare. But over the summer, fresh produce tends to be more readily available, and we also have extra time to prepare meals and sit down to enjoy them. In addition, with our stress levels down to a minimum, we’re less likely to snack erratically.

Sara Heath, a senior at Assumption College and a contributing writer for HC, has noticed some positive changes in her diet this summer. “I've been way more apt to eat better foods, like all of the seasonal fruits and even more veggies, as a way to stay hydrated,” Sara says. “I've been eating lots of carrots and celery just to snack on. I'm also obsessed with watermelon.”

How to carry it into the school year:

Like Sara, if you've been eating better in the past months, you probably want to keep it up once school comes around. “I've been feeling so much better, so I definitely want to carry [this diet] into the fall when I go back to school!” Sara says. “My biggest concern going back to school, though, is that fresh produce is kind of expensive and I have to pay for my own groceries. I'm afraid I'll go back to lots of simple carbs because they're cheaper!”

There are many ways in which your new healthy lifestyle could slip up when you go back to college, but don't worry! According to registered dietitian Nancy Clark, “you will choose to carry your good habits with you into the school year when you stay mindful of the benefits of healthful fueling and enjoyable activities.”

Remind yourself why you wanted to eat wholesome foods in the first place. “You'll realize that when you eat (and sleep and play) well, you not only feel better, but you also feel better about yourself,” Clark says. If you remember how good you felt during the summer, it should motivate you to go the extra mile to eat well during the school year, too.

But even with the right amount of motivation, eating right in college can be a real struggle. Luckily, Danielle Kemp, the dining services dietitian at the University of California, Santa Barbara, has some great tips to help you hold on to your healthier summer diet. First, an easy way to avoid eating the same things over and over is to “include different-colored fruit and vegetables to maximize your overall daily nutrition,” Kemp says. So get creative with your groceries and try something new! “It’s fun and you might find something you love,” she says.

Whether you live in the dorms or an apartment, always “aim for a colorful, balanced plate that is full of nutrients,” Kemp says. As for snacking, “it’s okay when it’s done right. Enjoy fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy and whole grains.” This is also a chance to get creative and test new combos. Kemp suggests pairing an apple with almond butter, string cheese with whole-wheat crackers or dried fruit with nuts for some homemade trail mix.

Another important tip? “If you are on the run, don’t skip breakfast,” Kemp advises. If you have a fridge, prepare overnight oats or a smoothie the night before and enjoy it on the go—emphasis on enjoy. “Don’t forget to enjoy your food,” Kemp says. “It provides our bodies with nourishment, so try to make the time to slow down and savor it.”

2. The habit: exercising regularly

Over the summer, exercising can feel more natural than forcing yourself to hit your school gym. For instance, you might go for a bike ride, a swim or a hike and not even realize you're working out! But even if you love going to the gym or doing workout videos, it's much easier to find time to do so during the summer months. You could even sign up for that yoga class you've always wanted to try!

“This summer, I've been working out regularly, which I haven't done for a while,” says Julia Flaherty, a junior at the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point. “Lately it's been an average of four to five days per week. It's the time I take for myself to feel good about who I am.”

How to carry it into the school year:

Our college schedules can get insane at times, but it's important to remember to incorporate exercise into your school routine. “Being physically active regulates the body in so many ways,” explains Andrew Ames, a certified personal trainer, barre instructor at the University of California, Los Angeles and creator of Butt N Gut fitness. “Fitness fuels the brain with endorphins and other chemicals that help improve overall performance, including on an exam or presentation.”

You don’t necessarily need to block off a whole hour to exercise, especially during busier times like midterms or finals. “Walking and taking stairs, even in 10-minute bouts, is far better than just sitting and studying,” Ames says. “Walk the campus while you study your flash cards, park further away and take the stairs wherever you need to go … Remember, working on your fitness doesn't mean you HAVE to go to the gym. Find something fun that gets you moving.”

Another great way to ensure you continue to exercise regularly once the summer is over is to enroll in fitness challenges. Some colleges offer programs to help you reach your fitness goals, like the team-based challenge at the University of North Georgia, or programs in which you pay a deposit that you get back upon completion, like at the University of Missouri - Kansas City. If your school doesn’t offer fitness challenges, you can use apps like MapMyRun, on which you can win prizes for completing the challenge. Workout calendars like this one are also an effective way to motivate yourself.

3. The habit: getting your beauty sleep

You know what they say – you can't sleep, study and have a social life in college. You have to choose two. But since many collegiettes skip the “study” part over the summer, sleeping is much easier to do, and the benefits are endless!

Besides feeling more energized overall, going to bed early could mean waking up earlier and being able to enjoy what the morning has to offer! Aparna Vancheswaran, a junior at the University of California at Los Angeles, says that during the school year, she never goes to sleep before 2 a.m. Since she has been able to go to bed earlier in the summer, she gets to try new breakfast recipes when she wakes up. “And I'm rather enjoying not looking like a zombie,” she says.

How to carry it into the school year:

You’ve probably noticed that when you’re sleep-deprived, everything seems more difficult. You feel sluggish, less productive, in a bad mood and more prone to mindless snacking, among other things. “Remember that your mood, your focus, your metabolism and your grades all require adequate sleep,” says Michael A. Grandner, PhD, an instructor of psychiatry and member of the Center for Sleep and Circadian Neurobiology at the University of Pennsylvania. “So it is important to make sleep a priority.”

Finding the time to sleep in college can be horribly challenging, but there are a few things you can do to make it easier. “Avoid caffeine within six hours of sleeps,” Dr. Grandner advises. “Avoid screen time in the middle of the night. Try to minimize noise and light, even if it means using an eye mask and earplugs.”

Even following these tips, chances are you won’t be able to get the recommended amount of sleep every night (between seven and nine hours, according to Dr. Grandner). In that case, “naps in the middle of the day can be a great way to recharge and make it through an afternoon of classes or work,” he says. So allow yourself that power nap, because you’ll most likely do what you need to do better afterwards anyway.

4. The habit: being a social butterfly

The summer is the perfect time to step out of your friendship comfort zone and meet new people. Whether you're home, at school or abroad, there are plenty of occasions to connect with friends of friends or total strangers.

Garance Merholz, a junior at the University of California, Los Angeles, is taking summer classes and loves making new friends. “I'm being more social!” she says. “I decided to just go for it and talk to people whenever I want. It's been pretty awesome.”

While meeting new people is lots of fun, summer is also your time to strengthen your relationships with old friends from home or from school, like Sarah Estephan, a sophomore at the University of California, Los Angeles, has done. “This summer, I've decided that I can only have positive and loving people in my life,” Sarah says. That being said, this summer has made me realize who my true friends are, and I couldn't be more thankful for them.”

How to carry it into the school year:

Unfortunately, we don't always allow ourselves quality time with our good friends during the academic year. So whenever you feel tempted to blow off your friends to get ahead on next week's homework, remind yourself that you need to prioritize people sometimes. For Sarah, spending more time with her real friends is “the only way [she] can guarantee next year will be successful.”

As for meeting other people, college campuses are full of fascinating people with lots of different backgrounds and interests. The problem is, once you've settled into a friend group, you don't necessarily feel the need to go out and meet people as much, when you could actually benefit from it a lot.

Because she’s enrolled in summer school, Garance has noticed how rewarding being more of a social butterfly can be in college. “Now I have study buddies in my classes, and I'm making new friends everywhere!” she says.

Joanne Cantor, Ph.D., the outreach director of the Center for Communication Research at the University of Wisconsin - Madison, advises: “Have fun! Don’t be a workaholic. Your work will be of higher quality – and you’ll be healthier and happier all around.”

5. The habit: finding new passions

Whether you've been meaning to make that DIY lamp you spotted on Pinterest or you dream of learning to play the guitar, summer is the perfect time to develop new skills. Kasia Jaworski, a senior at Villanova University, tried her hand at cooking last summer. “Something that I picked up last summer that I continued through the school year (and up until now!) was trying a new recipe every week,” Kasia says. “During the summer, I had the time to look through my Pinterest board and cookbooks I had and I picked out a new dinner recipe every week!”

Achieving new goals will not only spice up your summer routine, but it will also make you proud and give you skills to show off. Just do it!

How to carry it into the school year:

Hopefully you'll love your new talent so much that you won't want to give it up just because classes are starting. “I liked [cooking] so much that I did it all last year as well,” Kasia says. “The recipes don't have to be elaborate or difficult, but I wanted to try something new to switch up what I was eating week to week.”

If you love doing something enough, you should find time to do it. It will make you happier and healthier, which means you're bound to do better in school and everything else as well!

Set aside a time every few days or every week, for instance, to pursue your newly found hobby. By working it into your schedule, it won’t feel like something you can do without.

6. The habit: disconnecting from social media

Let's face it – we’re all pretty much addicted to our smartphones and social media. But in the summertime, it gets somewhat easier to not use technology all the time; we spend more face-to-face time with our friends, and we don't have to set constant reminders for all our busy-girl obligations. It's liberating to find out just how much we can get done when we’re not constantly checking Facebook.

Claudia Dimuro, a senior at New York University, finds that “during the summer, it's extremely relaxing to take time out of the day to separate yourself from your phone/any other type of social media tool.” And we couldn't agree more, but it's often easier said than done to keep that up once fall rolls around!

How to carry it into the school year:

If disconnecting from time to time is so relaxing, why don't we do it in college, too? Well, it's easy to get into the bad habit of constantly scrolling through our Instagram feed, and a boring lecture can seem like a great place to do it. But be careful! “Multitasking (checking Facebook or surfing the web, for example) while in class or while studying dumbs down your brain, makes things take longer, reduces your memory for what you're doing and makes you do a poorer job,” Cantor warns.

Concentrating is difficult, and technology can get in the way. Instead of always having your phone on hand, “turn off your alerts or leave your smartphone behind even for a short period of time,” Cantor advises. “Don't overload yourself with information or trivia from the Internet. Make sure important people can reach you in emergencies, and get back to everyone else when you have time.”

There's a reason we love the summer – life just seems so much easier with fewer obligations. We get into healthier habits, we have more fun and we feel great! That's why it's a good idea to carry your summer habits into the school year so that you can feel more relaxed in a time of high stress. So keep on doing things you love and making time for your friends and for yourself, and you'll improve every other aspect of your life in the process.

What's the first step to making your dorm room feel homey? Bedding, of course! Your bed will most likely take up the most space in your dorm room, so the items you choose will set the tone of your entire living space and establish a color scheme right off the bat (no pressure!). 

College bedding can be tricky to figure out, especially when it comes to twin vs. twin XL and all of the bedding accessories that go along with college dorm rooms. Your college website will have a section about housing where you can find out the exact dimensions of the beds in your dorm. 

In terms of what "bedding" entails, you should check with your specific school, but these are the items most freshmen will need: 

• Comforter
• Fitted sheet (x2)
• Flat sheet (x2)
• Pillows (x2)
• Shams (x2)
• Throw/blanket
• Mattress pad
• Mattress protector

Of course, pack accent pillows, extra blankets and quilts and anything else you usually have on your bed (stuffed animals included). Keep in mind that twin is not the same as twin XL, so pay attention when picking out bedding online. A twin comforter might work on a longer bed, but you'll definitely need your sheets to be XL!

Also, if you love snuggling up in a big comforter, check out a full-size comforter rather than a twin. If your bed is several feet off the ground, the overhang from the bigger mattress can actually look really pretty and hide all of your boxes and storage under your bed!

Enough with the logistics: let's get into the actual bedding. Bedding sets, or bed-in-a-bag sets, are super popular because they include almost everything you could need. We've rounded up our seven faves for decking out your dorm room!

1. Patriotic Patterns

If you want a patterned comforter that isn't too obnoxious and won't clash with your roommate's, this 4040 Locust American Flag Twin XL Bed-In-A-Bag Snooze Set ($169 at Urban Outfitters) is a perfect choice. The gray-and-washed-out-navy American flag pattern is adorable and fun but still understated. We love that the comforter is reversible (stars on one side, stripes on the other), so if you feel like mixing things up, all you have to do is flip it over. Plus, you'll probably be the only one on your floor with a laundry bag that matches your sheets!

What it comes with: One reversible comforter, one fitted sheet, one flat sheet, one pillow case and one laundry bag

2. Mix It Up

When it comes to bright colors, mixing and matching prints is the way to go. We're obsessed with this Kenzie Reversible Dorm Comforter Set ($79.99 at Bed Bath & Beyond) because you'll get some serious bang for your buck. It also has some seriously gorgeous colors, so you'll have tons of options for mixing and matching throw pillows and blankets! The fuchsia-and-aqua-striped side of the comforter reverses to a more subtle white-and-blue pattern if you want to tone things down or just feel like changing things up. 

What it comes with: One comforter, one sham, one flat sheet, one fitted sheet, one pillowcase, one throw blanket and one hanging storage bag

3. Black and White

This adorable Dot Chic Essential Value Bedding Set in Black ($149 at PBteen) is the perfect foundation piece for a chic college bedding set. The black-and-white polka dots are classic and fun but also give you the freedom to accessorize with brightly colored sheets and accent pillows (we would pair this comforter with hot pink or a Tiffany-blue color for a sweet yet sophisticated look)! With a neutral comforter, you can change out your sheets and pillows for each season to completely change the look and feel of your dorm room with minimal effort.

What it comes with: One comforter, one sham cover and one white twin XL sheet set

4. Girly and Romantic

If you love pinks and purples but don't want your room to be sickly sweet, try a soft, patterned comforter paired with more neutral sheets, like this Plum & Bow Phoebe Block Twin XL Bed-In-A-Bag Snooze Set in Pink ($169 at Urban Outfitters). The bubblegum-pink color is girly and fun, but the cool pattern and delicately printed sheets give it an effortless vibe.

What it comes with: One comforter, one fitted sheet, one flat sheet, one pillow case and one laundry bag

5. Prints that Pack a Punch of Color

You will undoubtedly be heading to Victoria's Secret for some back-to-school clothing basics, like bras, underwear and comfy PJs, but don't forget to check out VS PINK's new bedding! There are different patterns, but our fave is this VS PINK Bed in a Bag in Blue Ikat ($129 for the full-size set at Victoria's Secret). This bedding set has a fully reversible comforter, which makes changing up your look super easy (and makes it easier to hide that stubborn makeup stain!). We especially love this tribal pattern, and the sunny colors remind us of vacation!

What it comes with: One comforter, one flat sheet, one fitted sheet and pillow cases

6. Soft and Sweet

If you're looking for a statement comforter but bright colors aren't your thing, try this Sophie Floral Deluxe Bedding Set ($299 at PBteen). The comforter is intricate, but the colors are soft and muted, making this set the perfect centerpiece for your dorm-room oasis. This particular set from PBteen has 12 (!) pieces, meaning you won't need to buy another bedding-related thing before move-in day (unless you want to, of course!). We're especially fond of the lavender fleece blanket for cozy movie nights or picnics on the quad. 

What it comes with: One comforter, one standard sham, one light gray twin XL sheet set (one flat sheet, one fitted sheet, two pillow cases), one white Twin XL sheet set (one flat sheet, one fitted sheet, two pillow cases), one lavender fleece blanket, two standard pillow inserts and one mattress pad

7. Bright and Sunny

After a long day of classes, it's nice to be able to come back to a cheery and welcoming dorm room, and this Xhilaration Paisley Bed in a Bag in Yellow ($59.99 at Target) certainly fits the bill. We love that the color is so sunny and bright but can be toned down with neutrals like gray and made a bit more modern with the addition of chevron pillows and sheets. A pop of yellow can brighten up even the gloomiest of days, and this bedding set will definitely put a smile on your face.

What it comes with: One comforter, one fitted sheet, one flat sheet, one sham, one pillow case and one decorative pillow

Picking out your bedding can be one of the most exciting and time-consuming parts of preparing for college. They may seem like little things, but your comforter, sheets and pillows can actually make a huge difference in how you feel when you walk into your dorm room, and it's important to make sure your home away from home reflects your personality. Happy shopping, collegiettes!

Greek life is meant to be an exciting, empowering part of your college career. When you pledge a Greek organization, your whole college experience changes. You find like-minded people who share the same values that you hold close, and it’s like a home away from home.

The LGBTQ+ community is definitely not excluded from the impactful world that is Greek life. While many mainstream Greek organizations are accepting of potential queer members, there are also organizations specifically created for the LGBTQ+ community.

So for those of you queer women who are still trying to decide whether or not you should rush, here’s your personal guide to LGBTQ+ Greek organizations and why they might be great for you!

1. Gamma Rho Lambda (GRL) National Sorority

Founded: Arizona State University in 2003

Chapters:16

Colors: Purple and black

Best known as:“The first lesbian sorority”

How to join: Rush

What makes them stand out: Gamma Rho Lambda distinguishes itself from many other LBT Greek orgs because it is open to women of all gender identities and sexual orientations, as well as tailoring itself specifically to collegiate women.

Garance Merholz from the Zeta Chapter at the University of California, Los Angeles says that GRL not only helped break down the stereotypes she had in mind about Greek life, but also had a huge impact on her college experience.

“GRL has provided me with a circle of people who really understand me and who don't judge me for who I am,” Garance says. “Through them, I have been able to build my own little community and realized that I am part of something bigger, that we can really do something to make the world a more open and compassionate place.” 

2. Alpha Lambda Zeta Fraternity

Founded: Houston, Texas, and Atlanta, Georgia, in 2006

Chapters:19 

Colors: Wine, black and opal

Best fit: For masculine-identified lesbians

How to join: Submit a letter of interest 

What makes them stand out: This organization is based on their five principles: fraternal sisterhood, political activism, community volunteerism, erudition and professionalism. One of their philanthropies is the Lambda Action Network, a national community service initiative that provides service such as LGBT youth mentoring.

This fraternity isn’t just involved in service, but they’re also down for political activism as well. Another one of their philanthropies is VOICE, a national political outreach initiative that aims to help minority gays and lesbians become respected political alliances.

3. Theta Pi Sigma Frarority

Founded: University of California, Santa Cruz in 2005

Chapters:Four

Best known as:“The world’s first frarority”

How to join: Rush

What makes them all stand out: Calling all genderqueer collegiettes! This could be the perfect Greek organization for you. Theta Pi Sigma holds events catering specifically to the LGBTQ+ community, such as Breaking the Silence rallies with LGBTQ+ youth and allies and Sexual Assault Awareness Workshops, where they focus on “queering consent.”

They also all-inclusive community service events, with everything from One Billion Rising events, which set out to spread awareness about ending violence against women, to homeless shelter clothing drives on campus.

4. Alpha Pi Delta Sorority

Founded: Houston, Texas in 2010

Colors: Royal Purple, Impeccable Turquoise and Onyx

How to join: Submit a membership interest request form

What makes them stand out: Alpha Pi Delta is well known for their philanthropy, the C.A.L.L.A. Lily Academy (the Cultured, Astute, Loving, Leading, Academic Ladies). This seven-week, free summer program is for young ladies ages 7-17 in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. It is designed to teach the girls ethics and respect, encourage and develop their self-esteem, help them practice proper etiquette, help them develop leadership skills and professional development skills and more.

5. Kappa Alpha Lambda Sorority, Inc. (KALSI)

Founded: Clark Atlanta University in 2003

Chapters:Six provinces

Colors: Pink, black and pearl

Best fit: For the “professionally sophisticated, classy, feminine lesbian”

How to join: Submit the KALSI interest application

What makes them stand out: KALSI has a five-facet philanthropy program, including civil equality for LGBT people, diversity and tolerance education, health awareness, economic empowerment and leadership preparation and development. This organization of empowered ladies prides itself on being the only LGBT organization to develop a financial education program, arrange a strategy meeting with a state congressional official, and to initiate action in protest of human rights violations in Darfur, Sudan.

Whether or not you decide to rush a Greek-letter organization is your own personal decision, but it’s always exciting to know that you can find an organization with people to whom you relate on a more personal level.

“LGBTQ+ Greek life is still crucial because many people out there are still in search of a safe space and don't even know that they exist,” Garance says. “It is important because it allows individuals to be involved in LGBTQ+ activism while getting educated about things that really matter to them, and meeting real people with real stories. I think Greek life overall is beneficial for college students to find their space and associate with peers who understand them and pursue similar passions.”

While these might not be the mainstream sororities you see on television, they have everything that every Greek organization should: supportive communities where you can potentially find love, support and, most importantly, a new family to call your own.

We may not know yet where to find our classes on campus or how we’re decorating our dorm rooms this fall, but there’s one thing we’re already certain of: our back-to-school wardrobe! School spirit never goes out of style. With the all-new PINK Collegiate Collection, it’s game day every day, and we’re ready to dress the part!

The PINK Collegiate Collection has the cutest tees, sweats, and leggings; mix and match these all-new styles to rep your school and show your spirit! With all-new styles for 67 lucky schools—more than ever before—you’ll definitely find the perfect outfit for the tailgate, the basketball playoffs, or your BFF’s intramural volleyball game (You can also wear them just to lounge in your room on a lazy Sunday... shh, we won’t tell anyone)!

When you’re back-to-school shopping, you want to plan to look your best and stand out in the crowd. This University of Arizona Throwback Jersey ($49.95) is our fave new item; we definitely won’t get lost in the masses on game day (or any other day) in this standout style!

PINK’s Collegiate Collection is perfect for the stylish collegiette on the go who knows that at her school, it truly is game day every day.

Bülent Arınç, Turkey’s Deputy Prime Minister, was unintendedly hilarious last week when speaking to a crowd celebrating the end of the Muslim holiday of Ramadan.

“A woman should be chaste,” Arınç said. “She should know the difference between public and private. She should not laugh in public.” According to Arınç, women's so-called public indecency contributes to the “moral corruption” he says is rampant in Turkey.

Emma Watson, the new Goodwill Ambassador for U.N. Women, thought that was as LOL-worthy as we did.

On Friday, she posted an Instagram picture of her cracking up (in public! Gasp!). That's the second picture Watson's uploaded--ever--to her Instagram, so you could say this was kind of a big deal.

Women everywhere have been following suit, posting pictures of themselves laughing all over social media. The hashtag #direnkahkaha (ignore him - laugh) has taken hold of the Web, and hopefully won't let go anytime soon!

We’re so glad to see Watson living up to her new role as ambassador for women! #UltimateGirlCrush.

We admit that dressing up is fun, but if we could wear sweatpants and yoga pants 24/7, we would! Check out HC's top picks for the absolute coziest loungewear and sleepwear to stock up on before heading back to school. 

1. Leopard Print Sweatpants 

When you're lounging around your dorm room, it's all about being as comfy as possible. These slim printed sweatpants from Aero ($26.70) are practically made for curling up with a movie and popcorn. 

2. Printed Robe 

For those long walks from the shower back to your dorm room, a soft robe is an absolute necessity. We love this pretty printed option from Aerie ($34.95) so much that we want it in both colors! 

3. Paris PJ Set

Let's face it, those duck-print flannel PJs you've had since middle school aren't going to cut it in college. Look stylish all night long in this adorable PJ set from Boohoo ($20).

4. Satin Eye Mask

A girl's gotta get her beauty sleep! Channel your inner Holly Golightly with this eye mask from Dorm Co ($6.45). 

5. Plush Slippers

Dorm room temps can be unpredictable, so keep your feet warm and toasty in a pair of plush slippers. We love this bow-accented pair from Kohl's ($22)!

6. Comfy Yoga Pants

College girls and yoga pants go together like summer and ice cream. This charcoal-gray pair from Nordstrom ($58) is super flattering and reversible (so you get twice the wear for one sweet price!). 

7. Oversized Sweatshirt

On the days we have our dreaded 8 a.m. classes, trying to look cute is usually the last thing on our minds. But with this oversized varsity crew from VS PINK ($49.95), you don't have to choose between style and comfort!