Though a semester abroad is arguably the highlight of these four glorious years, a collegiette unfortunately must make several stressful yet important decisions before she steps on that plane. If scoring a visa and editing your wardrobe to fit inside one suitcase weren’t worrisome enough, you also have to choose your living situation. Some study abroad students have the opportunity to live with a host family. While crashing with a local sounds like a great experience, it has its own set of drawbacks. Before you make your decision, check out the pros and cons of living with a host family.

The Pros

Homemade foreign food

Picture this: coming back to your humble abode to fresh gnocchi or homemade croquetas. Be still, our hearts. When you live with a host family, you probably won’t have to resort to preparing your own dinner. Instead, a delicious meal is waiting for you. And since yummy food is our unofficial reason for studying abroad—next to traveling, cute international boys and hoping our lives resemble a Mary Kate and Ashley movie—having your own chef is a definite plus.

“You get to taste typical cuisine,” says Irene Berman-Vaporis, a recent grad of Boston University who studied abroad in Madrid. “You can find authentic cuisine in restaurants, but many restaurants, especially those around major tourist attractions, are very touristy and might not be a true picture of what the food is like.”

Don’t forget to ask for some of those recipes before you head back home; nothing screams “well-traveled collegiette” like whipping up your very own croque-monsieur!

It’s a great opportunity to improve your skills with the language

No matter how many language courses you’ve taken in college, you may not have mastered your vernacular of choice. It’s okay—conjugating verbs on the spot is hard! Fortunately, living with a group of people who speak a different language than you is the perfect way to put all your hard work into action.

“The classes I was in did not require participation and it was easy to get around Madrid with very basic Spanish,” says Katie Cordiano, a recent grad of Washington University in St. Louis, who studied abroad in Madrid this past spring. “Living with [my host mother] was the only time I was ever really required to have long conversations in Spanish.”

Since you’re more likely to talk to your American friends in English, you’ll be able to practice with your host family. Don’t be surprised if you even pick up a few new phrases and pronunciation tips when talking to your host family—it’ll definitely give your years of learning an authentic upgrade. We have one thing to say to that: gracias!

You’ll be exposed to local hot spots

Even after months of living abroad, you might find yourself lured into a tourist trap or two. How could you not when that chain restaurant claims to have the best paella in Spain, or that flashy bar has discounted drinks? Luckily, your host family will have a slew of recommendations that are more authentic. By the time you head back home, you’ll have a list of local places to recommend to your friends and family. How much better does it get?

You’ll be immersed in the culture

Studying abroad gives you a better sense of a particular culture, but you won’t be completely immersed in it just by walking past a bunch of locals on your way to class or talking to that cute Spaniard at a bar. When you live with a host family, you’ll be able to have thoughtful conversations with them about their beliefs and actions.

“I felt so much more immersed in French culture than I would have if I'd lived on my own,” says Kate Moriarty, a graduate of Skidmore College. “We got into so many conversations comparing French and American pop culture, politics, sports, working life, schooling—it made me reevaluate everything, and I'm so happy I got that new perspective on my own life at home!”

Though you may have been confused when you saw your host parents drinking wine at lunch, hearing the cultural value behind this quirky action will help you understand them and the rest of the city’s population better.

You might get a place to crash in the future

After a few months of living with your host family, it may feel like they’re truly your second set of relatives. Just because you’re headed back to America once the semester is over doesn’t mean you have to stop talking to your host family. Not only is keeping in touch a great way to maintain the relationships you created, there’s a good chance your host family would be more than happy to have you stay at their place the next time you’re in your old study abroad stomping ground. Free lodging? Every jetsetter on a budget’s dream!

The Cons

Less independence

Let’s be honest: you love having all this independence in college. No curfews? No chores? Sounds good to us! Unfortunately, living with a host family is just like being home from school for the summer. So long, independence, and hello rules.

“My program required me to eat dinner with my host family five nights a week, so I often had to come home shortly after class to have dinner, then would have to stay in to do my homework,” says Kate. “It felt weirdly like high school, even though my host parents were happy to let me do whatever I wanted. It can be hard to maintain that feeling of college-age independence when you're at the table while your host parents lecture their kids, or when you feel obliged to keep your room neat.”

In addition to having chores, your host family may set a curfew for you, which is rough when you’ve been curfew-free for the past few semesters.

Though every host family varies, you’re still living under someone else’s roof. Translation? Even if they don’t mind how late you’re out until, it’s important to respect their daily routine. To prevent any confusion, ask your host family to lay down the basic rules once you move in.

You’ll be far away from your friends

Whether you’re watching the latest episode of Scandal or Facebook stalking your cute lab partner with your BFF, you always cherish randomly hanging out with your friends. Not only will living with a host family prevent you from chilling in the common room until 3 o’clock in the morning, you may also live on the other side of town from your besties. As you can imagine, that puts a major strain on hanging out with your friends all the time.

Different cleanliness and hygiene standards

After years of your mom nagging you to clean your room and wash your dishes, you’ve nailed your hygiene regime. If you’re living with a foreign family, don’t be surprised if their cleanliness standards are different from yours.

“You might be living in a family that doesn't clean often or requires things to be a lot cleaner than you are used to,” says Irene. “They also could limit the number of showers you take per day to save water. I also know one of my friends lived with a family who had her eat off dishes that were still slightly dirty and it really grossed her out.”

As disgusting as we think that is, it’s important to understand that many cultures have different standards. If you’re a self-described neat freak or rarely clean up after yourself, you may want to think about how your habits may conflict with your host family’s.

Different daily agendas

After a few years of living on your own, you have a set schedule: you know what time you usually wake up, when you like to go to bed and that you need the room completely quiet when you study. Though your college roommates probably have similar schedules, don’t be so shocked if your host family has a completely different agenda. From eating super late to dealing with kids who will be running and screaming when you’re trying to study to living with an elderly woman who doesn’t like when you go to bed so late, living with people who have a completely different schedule than you can be challenging. Once you move into your host family’s abode, ask everyone about their daily routines. Don’t forget to share your agenda as well. Since you’re all living under one roof, it’s important that nobody feels uncomfortable!

Some families have the wrong intentions

All host families are thoughtful, welcoming and actually care about your abroad experience, right? We hate to be the bearer of bad news, but some host families may be opening their abode to you for the wrong reasons, like scoring a few bucks. If your host family is in it for the money and not as much for the cultural experience of hosting you, you may feel unwelcomed in your own living quarters. Unfortunately, you won’t know what your host family is like until you move in. If you’re experiencing any difficulties in your new home, talk to your program’s advisers to see if you can change your living arrangements.

Whether or not you decide to live with a host family, it’s important to make the most out of your abroad experience. You have a wonderful opportunity, so you should never be cooped up in your room! Instead, befriend foreigners, try that questionable local dish, and don’t be afraid to take those touristy photos. After all, you only study abroad once!

When it comes to makeup, few things are more intimidating than winged eyeliner. Whether you're a gel, pencil or liquid kinda gal, chances are it takes you countless Q-tips dipped in makeup remover and more time than you would care to admit to get that perfect cat eye look. While winged eyeliner is definitely tricky, it doesn't have to be impossible, especially when you have a step-by-step video guide from a Her Campus beauty blogger to help you out!

As I mentioned in the video, there are three main types of eyeliner you can use to create a wing: pencil, gel and liquid. Pencil, like the Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner in Black ($8.79 at CVS) is great for beginners because it can be smudged out to create a smoother line and it's easier to remove if you make a mistake. Gel, like the MAC Fluidline in Blacktrack ($16 at MAC Cosmetics) gives the most intense look because it's so black and highly pigmented.

Finally, liquid eyeliner, like the Milani Eye Tech Extreme Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner in Blackest Black ($8.49 at CVS) or the Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner in Black ($20 at Sephora), is best for creating a sharp and precise graphic line, but it can be a bit intimidating because it's hard to fix if you make a mistake. I opted for the Milani liquid liner for the tutorial because once you master liquid liner, gel and pencil are a breeze!

I started by priming my eyelids with the Laura Mercier Eye Basics Primer ($26 at Sephora) to cancel out any blue or red tones on my eyelid and to make sure my eyeliner stays in place all day without budging. I then placed my elbow on the table to steady my hand and started by drawing a thin line with the felt-tip liner, from my inner tearduct to the outer corner of my eye, as close to my lashline as possible. I only lined my upper lashline, making sure to get in between the lashes to create a solid black line with none of my eyelid peeking through. I held off on making any wing or flick just yet. I then went back and thickened up that line, trying to make the line thickest right over my iris to create a wider, more doll-like effect.

Once that line was smooth, I started on the wing. I began by drawing a thin line from the corner of my eye out towards my brow bone. Once I was happy with the shape, I joined the tip of the wing up with the liner on my lashline, filling in the triangle at the outer corner. I went back over everything one last time to make sure it was opaque and smooth.

Once you've finished one eye, the trick to matching up the other is to step back from the mirror and place a tiny dot with your liner where you think the tip of the wing should go on the other eye. This will give you a good guideline on where to place your lines and minimize your touch-ups. And if you make any mistakes, makeup remover wipes, Q-tips dipped in makeup remover or even a good concealer are all easy ways to sharpen up any edges or smooth any lines (and no one has to know!). 

With the right products, a few tips from Her Campus and a whole lot of practice, you'll be rocking your new signature winged eyeliner before you know it! 

Once you press that "follow" button, there's no turning back. Goodbye productivity, hello cute cat photos, scintillating essays and mind-blowing works of art. Blogs provide endless hours of entertainment for people from all corners of the Internet universe. But have you ever wondered what it's like to run your own blog?

Whether you want to gain professional experience, meet likeminded people or simply have a creative outlet, a blog may be jut the thing you're looking for! There are already over 152,000,000 blogs on the Internet, and there are some pretty convincing reasons why you might want to consider jumping on the bandwagon. Check out these seven reasons why it's a great idea to start your very own blog!

1. It gives you a creative outlet

Sometimes life throws a never-ending stream of things to do at us, and with priorities like paying the bills and getting good grades, our creativity can get put on the back burner. But for many of us, this situation can't last too long—we need to set our creativity free! A blog can be the perfect solution because it can give you the outlet you’re craving.   

"The number one reason I started blogging was pure passion,” says Gina Alyse, whose blog focuses on creativity, artistry and travel inspiration. “I saw that blogging combined all my passions: writing, graphic design and connecting with others. The underlying purpose of my blog is to inspire myself and others to follow their passions and live them out in a creative, unique way that makes you feel fully alive."

For many bloggers, their blogs started out simply as hobbies but then grew into something more. Kristyn Royster, the blogger behind First Impressions, currently has a career outside the journalism sphere but has continued to blog as a way to pursue her other interests and share what she has learned with the world.

"I started my blog to keep up with writing [and] serve as a fun hobby, and it's a great stress relief from work," Kristyn says. "After a long day of work, I love to come home and write about what I want to, and there's no pressure of a deadline or grade. Having a blog is so different from school and work because it's all done by you. You decide what to write about, you choose when to post and only you have the ability for it to succeed." 

If you love to write, draw or create anything in between, that might be the only reason you need to start a blog and get those creative juices flowing.

2. It allows your voice to be heard

Do you have something to say and want the whole world to hear it? From tips about fashion to your thoughts on the latest news story, blogs provide a platform for your voice to be heard.

"I would say a good reason [to have a blog] is if you have a voice and need an outlet and [a way] to control the frequency of said voice," says Elizabeth Guerrant of the blog Broke, Fabulous & Hungry, who blogs about life, fashion and food. "It can serve as a means to tell a story and promote what you feel needs to be said."

If you've ever dreamed about making a difference in the world, your blog could be the next little blog that could. Bianca Castro knows all about the phrase "I think I can." She lives in Doha, Qatar, a country in the Middle East where the majority of women are covered from head to toe in their cultural clothing, called abaya. Here, clothes that most people take for granted, like sleeveless tops, hems above the knee and fitted clothing, aren't part of the fashion vocabulary. Bianca constantly found herself in a closet rut and decided to start a fashion and lifestyle blog called Lil Miss Bianca at the age of 15 to do something about it.

"Imagine, [the] cultural traditions' gamut extends up to restricting the expats to wear ensembles which they describe as 'modest' and 'conservative,'" Bianca says. "Considering the normal temperature here, which is 40 to 50 degrees Celsius [104-122 degrees Fahrenheit], being comfortably stylish whilst conforming to the dress code is most certainly difficult, and that is basically the reason why I ventured into the industry of blogging."

Bianca certainly hasn't chosen the easy path to go down; she faces challenges that most style bloggers don't face on a daily basis. Nevertheless, she hopes that her blog is inspiring others in Qatar to express their personal styles despite the present cultural dress code.

"I am confident that I was not the only one who finds herself in a closet rut and in a difficulty to be chic without considering all the short-hemmed garments a choice,” Bianca says. “That's why I chose to establish a style blog that caters to the cultural dress code in Qatar and inspires the citizens and expatriates alike to learn how to fashionably dress up despite all the hurdles along the way. My blog has become an interactive zone for all the fashion-oblivious, fashion-frustrated and fashion enthusiasts."

Maybe you, like Bianca, have noticed a dilemma and want to create change. Maybe you're looking for a way to raise awareness for a cause you're passionate about. Or maybe you want to touch the lives of women like yourself in some small way. Why wait to do something about it? Blogging might just be the platform you need to let your voice be heard and make a difference in the world.

3. You can earn money

Aside from being personally rewarding, blogging might even be able to keep you out of those waitress uniforms or away from those long work shifts! Blogs can help you earn some extra money on the side, and it won't even feel like you're working. For Melissa Poster, who blogs at Fashion Trend Guide about fashion, trend forecasting, reviews and shopping guides, what started out as a creative outlet soon became an actual business after only a few months of work.

"I was able to monetize Fashion Trend Guide within six months of its start, and before I knew it, blogging took up a large chunk of my time," Melissa says. "It's exciting to see the growing number of bloggers who are sharing their passions and influencing millions of readers around the world."

Melissa was initially able to start earning money by hosting banner ads with fashion brands on her blog. She used statistics like monthly page views and monthly visitors to determine how much to charge brands.

"I knew that once I had thousands of monthly page views, I could begin to monetize," Melissa says. "If you want to monetize, there isn't a need for millions of followers. You can be successful at monetizing your blog with quality content, an honest and authentic voice, and a loyal readership." 

Melissa has since joined several programs for publishers that allow her to work with more advertisers and brands. She now mainly uses affiliate programs and sponsored content (posts she writes for her blog on behalf of a brand), which are currently more popular than traditional banner ads.

So who knows, with the right dedication and passion, your blog may soon become your very own moneymaking side business and give you a snazzy title of Ms. CEO!

4. You get to meet new people

With blogging, meeting new people doesn't have to mean mingling at campus gatherings or striking up a conversation with the person sitting next to you in class. Instead, it can mean chatting with someone across the world about similar interests, networking with likeminded young women or even building relationships with companies you love.

Through her beauty blog, ExtraExtravagant, Sockwun Phng wanted to create a space where beauty and style enthusiasts could have meaningful discussions about a common interest. Her blog has since helped her to talk with people she never would have met otherwise.

"This is such a fast-moving niche, and when I post something, I always encourage my readers to share their opinions regardless of whether they agree or disagree with my post," Sockwun says. "I also sometimes ask readers to add on to guides that I post so that we can work together to build towards a blog that can truly answer questions about such a complicated industry."

The prevalence of social media is making it easier for fellow bloggers to connect with one another. By participating in the blogging community, befriending other bloggers, sharing stories and messaging other users, you'll be able to meet a wide variety of individuals. Blogging is a great way to connect with people from all walks of life!

5. You’ll gain professional experience

Many bloggers have wanted to pursue a career in journalism or fashion their entire lives, but instead of just sitting around and waiting for it to happen, they decided to take matters into their own hands. Running a blog is a great way to practice editing and creative writing and get experience.

"I was a journalism major in college and I thought this would be a good way to hone my writing and PR skills and show employers that I had experience and was able to balance a lot," says blogger Briana Luca ofRoyally Pink, a lifestyle blog.

Even for the collegiettes not interested in pursuing a career in journalism, having a blog can still help you gain valuable real-world experience and develop skills like content marketing, digital marketing, SEO, social media optimization, graphic design, coding, pitching to brands, advertising, photography, personal branding and public relations. Because you're in charge of all these different aspects yourself, running a successful blog is pretty much like running your own business singlehandedly!

All these skills and experiences that you get from establishing a professional online presence can help shape your identity as a creative professional and impress potential employers because it shows not only your hard work and dedication but also your ability to juggle responsibilities and handle a big load. It can be a great addition to your resume, especially if you highlight the skills, experiences and achievements you've gained as a result of blogging.

6. You can establish and grow an online portfolio

Blogging can be a great way to keep track of all the great work that you do, from writing clips to photography—a portfolio of sorts. You can expand your portfolio in a variety of ways and demonstrate your clever use of the Interwebs at the same time!

"Starting a blog was a no-brainer for me because I wanted to expand my writing experience and grow my portfolio," says Caroline Moses, who blogs about fashion and lifestyle atThe Caro Diaries. "It turned into so much more once I began blogging because it was a great way to step out of my comfort zone, earn some money on the side and collaborate with companies I know and love.”

Having a blog that seconds as a portfolio also means that way more people will be able to see your work. All it takes is the click of a mouse! Morgan Hegarty, who blogs at The Enthusiast about her interests and life experiences, started her blog three years ago as a way to get her writing out into the world.

"Doing so has been the best because it's introduced me to lots of people as a writer, and when companies ask for my work, I can just direct them to my website," Morgan says. "It's a great way to get started out as a writer, and you can make money off of it, like I just started doing. Starting a blog is the best way to introduce yourself to the world."

Collecting all of the work you've done on one website makes it easier not only to impress potential employers but also to keep track of all the progress you've made. It's a win-win!

7. You can preserve memories

Going on a study abroad trip soon? How about a road trip with your besties? College is arguably one of the best times to make memories, and you'll want to be able to look back on them years later. What better way to go about doing so than to blog about your adventures? That way, whenever you have a sudden urge to relive those fun and crazy days, the time machine will be just a mouse click away. Plus, you'll be able to share your adventures with the entire world!

Blogger Frances Dumlao started her travel blog, Wanderlust Notes, when she studied abroad in London during her freshman year of college. "I was so inspired by all the places I traveled to that I decided I wanted to share my adventures with the world," Frances says.

And if you find yourself firmly planted in the wonderful US of A, a blog can also be perfect for remembering all of those homegrown adventures as well. Tianna Gallinaro started her blog, Big City Tyro, last summer before starting college in the hopes of documenting her adventures as a college freshman and, well, a big-city tyro.

"It has become a kind of scrapbook of my life where my friends and family can keep up on my life," Tianna says. "I also try to make it a place where I can connect with fellow college students, millennials, and bloggers. I recently looked back on some old posts from last year and can't believe how many memories I have preserved because of my blog."

Whether you're staying in the country or going abroad for a year, you want to simply record your daily musings or recount your movie-worthy adventures, it looks like the blog is becoming the new scrapbook.

All it takes is a few clicks of your keyboard, and the rest could be history! Blogging may be the best creative hobby for you to take up. If you give it a try, you could find your perfect little corner of the Internet universe.

The two youngest members of the Keeping Up With the Kardashians clan aren’t just the adorable younger siblings any more. They reality show child stars-turned-models (turned...designers? Business women? They've done it all!) have become some of the most coveted it girls in the fashion world. If you’ve ever wished these fashionistas could give you some style pointers, you're in luck. The sister duo recently came out with a new shoe line, which they designed for Madden Girl, and released some sassy and fabulous videos to celebrate:

Here are some of our personal favorite looks:

1. ‘Lunaaa’ Sandal, $69.95

The colors are neutral but the style is anything but. These sandals are a great addition to any fall wardrobe (especially since it's still warm out!).

2. ‘Dejah’ Sandal, $79.95.

The texture difference between the straps across the toes and ankle add some interesting detail to an otherwise simple shoe.

We can't get enough of that beaded detail! The design is a fun and interesting, and will make you feel ready for everything from girl's night out to date night in an LBD!

3. ‘Singlee’ Flip Flop, $39.95.

A chic take on classic flip flops. You can wear these with anything from jeans to a little black dress. Not to mention, these are perfect for campus!

Check out the full line on Nordstrom.com or head to Steve Madden's website for more!

Now that you’re back on campus (or are here for the first time), you’ve been thrown into the college social scene – lunch dates at the dining hall with friends, dorm hangouts with hallmates, student clubs, library study seshes with besties and maybe even some parties. Whether you’re an upperclassman surrounded by the same friends every day or a freshman looking to meet some new ones (read: people outside of your orientation group or dorm), you shouldn’t be afraid to branch out!

As the old saying goes, you can make new friends but keep the old, and there’s no better time than National Women’s Friendship Day, coming up on September 21^st! Started by the Kappa Delta sorority, Women’s Friendship Day is all about celebrating the friendships you already have in your life, meeting new people and creating new bestie bonds!

Join a student club

At the start of freshman year, you probably made the most friends from orientation and your dorm, and that’s only natural; it’s easier to meet people who are close by! Still, proximity doesn’t exactly equate to similarity; you may love all these friends, but it’s okay to want to add a few more to the mix who actually share your interests.

Joining a student club is one of the best ways to find friends who are all about your not-so-secret love of Harry Potter (try the Quidditch team!), your penchant for leadership (try student government), your adoration for all things French (try the French Club, of course) or your plans for a future in pre-med (there are on-campus support groups that’ll help you do it!). These are the friends who will just get you, no questions asked.

Use the Skout app

Want to find new friends on and off campus? There’s an app for that! Skout is the leading app for meeting new people and expanding your social circle. Find your future bestie, score a date or practice your French with someone with their Travel feature. It lets you make a connection with someone right around the corner of halfway around the world, all between classes! You can even use the app to help you plan Spring Break or the best vacay ever, which will totally come in handy now that you’ve got all these new besties to get away with! In 2013, Skout facilitated more than 500 million connections; yours could be next!

Skout has thousands of profiles of people whom you might be interested in meeting either virtually or in person, when the time is right. You can “surf” through these profiles to see who might be a good friend (maybe she shares your Mean Girls obsession? Or she loves to run, and you’re searching for a running buddy?). You can chat for free with people in your area, plus you can send potential connections icebreakers through the Wink Bomb feature – hey, it worked at orientation! Download the app to meet your newest bestie beyond your on-campus social circle!

Join (or organize) a pick-up sports game

Not athletic? That’s okay! Even if you weren’t the star of the soccer team in high school, you can still have fun (and make tons of new friends) by joining or starting a pick-up game. Ask around your dorm to see if anyone is interested in joining or knows where to find one on campus, and then tell them all to invite people they’ve met in classes or friends you haven’t met before. That way, when game day rolls around, you’ll have the biggest, best group to make your game that much more social!

Try kickball, wiffle ball, capture the flag or flag football if you’re really not thrilled with the idea of showcasing your athletic prowess (or lack thereof) in front of new friends. If you could make it through elementary school gym class, you’ve definitely got this! Playing a sport with potential new friends is one of the best ways to get to know one another; you can relax, let the endorphins kick in, cheer for each other as you capture home plate or joke around about how you can’t kick to save your life. Either way, you’ll be able to set a time to play again the next week, and thus a whole new group friendship begins!

However you do it, know that you can always – always – find new friends on and off campus whenever you’d like to, and in the spirit of National Women’s Friendship Day, there’s no time like the present to get started! Make new friends and keep the old, one is silver, but the other’s gold (and what kind of collegiette doesn’t like having all kinds of precious metals in her life, anyway)?

Science works in weird and wonderful ways, and chemistry between two people is no different. While you’ve probably already heard of some tried-and-true flirting tips that can get a guy hooked, what about some more offbeat possibilities? What are some less conventional facts about attraction that science has revealed, and how can they help you get a guy?

We’ve compiled a short list of facts you might have never known about attraction. Some of them may seem odd, but you probably never knew that they would help you snag a campus cutie!

1. Wear Red

It’s true that boys don’t always care about our fashion choices, but the one thing they can agree on is their favorite color: red. It’s been repeatedly proven to be an eye-catching color to the guys!

A recent study by the University of Rochester found that women who wear red in their online dating profile photos are more likely to receive messages and dates than those wearing any other color. And another study from the University of Southern Brittany in France found that the women in red tops prompted 21 percent of the total inquiries for dates (compare that to 14-16 percent of the messages received by women who were wearing black, white, blue, yellow or green!). So on your next date, leave your go-to LBD in the closet and slip into a flirty red number instead! The point is to inspire passion and love, and what better color to do that with than a deep, romantic red?

2. Listen to Classical Music (And Maybe Avoid Country)

Don’t hide your CDs if you’re a classical music fan! A study in 1989 by Dolf Zillman and Azra Bhatia showed that men actually found women more attractive when they mentioned that they enjoyed classical music. The opposite effect happened when women mentioned that they loved heavy metal—men viewed them as less attractive. While more research needs to be done to show if today’s new popular music genres have the same effect, there’s no question that music does help get a man hooked.

Something surprising, though, is that both men and women found their dates less attractive if they said they liked country music. We’re sure country music has less of a negative effect if both you and your guy love country, but to be safe, you may want to save the country music confession for later down the road in your relationship.

3. Scare Him

Love and fear may seem like two opposite emotions, but they actually complement each other! To understand why, pretend that you live way back during the hunter-gatherer era when survival would have been your first priority. According to Psychology Today, when humans felt threatened, they went into “survival mode” and looked for ways to stay alive. One way that hunter-gatherers survived was physically and emotionally latching on to others, which led to relationships between men and women. This means that many early emotional and sexual relationships were born out of fear for survival because our ancestors would get anxiety and attraction confused.

So on your next movie night, try watching The Ring and sidle up to your guy. His arm will probably be around you much sooner than you think!

4. Lay off the Perfume

We’re not telling you to stop showering or putting on deodorant when you step out of the gym, but studies suggest that to get the right guy, you don’t need layers upon layers of perfume to make him fall for you. In fact, science says that you should skip all that heavily scented body lotion, since your natural scent will determine if a guy is truly attracted to you!

Why does your natural scent matter? The key lies with more than 100 immune system genes that together are known as MHC. Basically, when you meet a guy, your nose automatically picks up those genes in his natural scent and determines whether or not he’s biologically worth your time. The more dissimilar his MHC structure is to yours, the more attracted you’ll both be to one another. Why does this happen? Your body is wired to make sure that your DNA survives (through reproducing), and one way to do it is to strengthen your potential children’s immune system! Even though you’re most likely not thinking about having kids with someone right now, your body acts as though you may.

If you don’t believe it, talk to all your girl friends about their current boyfriends or exes. They’ll probably mention at some point that burrowing their nose into a T-shirt of his or his hair was one of their favorite things to do, most likely because they loved how he smelled. A lot of evolution and the survival of mankind had to do with scent, and the same thing still happens today.

5. Stock Up On Arugula

You may have heard about how effective oysters are at boosting both men and women’s libidos, but you may want to listen to your parents’ age-old advice and eat your greens. This is especially true when we’re talking about arugula.

Arugula is a green plant from the Mediterranean region with a ton of nutrients. But aside from being super healthy, it’s also super great for our sexual health. In fact, arugula has actually been eaten since the very first century because of its positive impacts on people’s sex lives! While oysters directly turn up your libido, arugula helps it by absorbing a lot of the unhealthy contaminants in our bodies that interfere with sexual arousal. So if you’re not a fan of oysters, maybe make your guy a nice arugula salad one night!

Some other good food options include spinach, broccoli and red grapes. If you used to cringe when eating your fruits and veggies, think again! More and more studies are finding correlations between healthy food items and healthy sex lives. The upside is that there are more than enough recipes to incorporate all of them any time you’d like to cook for you date!

Obviously, we’re not telling you that to get the guy of your dreams, you need to constantly play classical music, not bother too much with hygiene, only watch scary movies and serve him huge portions of arugula. If anything, these are just the more uncommon facts about attraction that are backed in science. Chemistry between two people is still a huge research topic among biologists and psychologists alike so don’t be surprised if even newer, wackier facts emerge in the next few years!

While Planned Parenthood is known for the high-quality care it strives to give its patients,it’s also known for its sometimes frustrating appointment system and long waiting room times.

In order to provide patients care that is quicker and accessible in a convenient way, Planned Parenthood has unveiled a new service in certain states through which you can consult with a clinician over video chat to figure out which birth control is right for you (and have it delivered to you ASAP).

Patients who want to discuss and choose the best birth control methods for them first have to download the Planned Parenthood Care app, which is available to Apple and Android users. Once you add basic information about yourself to your account, you simply tap to connect with an available care provider from what resembles a buddy list — no appointment necessary.

According to Planned Parenthood, each visit should take around 15 minutes and costs $45 (the service doesn’t currently accept insurance). Once you decide which method you want, the care provider will fill out your prescription and have it delivered right to your door. Don’t worry, you won’t have to deal with the awkwardness of picking up a package that has ‘Planned Parenthood’ plastered all over it in big letters —they’ll send it to you in discreet packaging.

“Every generation of women is different from their mothers,” Sarah Stoesz, Planned Parenthood CEO in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota, told the Huffington Post. “What’s different about the current generation of young women is that they live a whole lot of their lives online.” So in order to better serve the current generation of young women, Planned Parenthood is adapting to the times by offering extra convenience and privacy, all in an online setting. According to the Huffington Post, PP plans to expand the service to include STI consultations. Plus, it plans to add new states to its service area.

Though the service is currently only available in Minnesota and Washington state, we have a sense it will soon expand, hopefully to all states, so patients all over can easily pick up their iPads or log onto their computers and seek care in the comfort of their homes.

What do you think of the Planned Parenthood Care app, collegiettes? Tell us in the comments!

We may be mourning the end of New York Fashion Week, but we're still reeling from the amazing Spring/Summer 2015 trends (both fashion and beauty!).  Check out the five best makeup looks this season and find out how to get the looks on your own!

1. Creatures of the Wind: Barely There Skin

To get this fresh look, there are two key products you’ll need.  First, cover your face with Lumene Bright Now Vitamin C BB Cream ($11.61).  This light foundation will brighten your skin, cover your imperfections, and even out your skin tone all while protecting you from the sun.  To give your cheeks a rosy flush, apply Smashbox Halo Long Wear Blush ($24) and you’ll be set.

2. Derek Lam: Pastel Dream

Flawless skin, colorful eyelids, and shiny lips are just a few steps away.  To achieve this look, apply Lumene Time Freeze Anti-Age CC Cream ($14.99) to your face, Smashbox Photo Op Eye Trio ($28) to your eyelids, and Smashbox Be Legendary Lip Lacquers ($24) to your lips.  You’ll be looking beautiful in no time.

3. Diane von Furstenberg: Glamorous Lady

To get this sophisticated look, these three Smashbox products will be your best friends.  For foundation, Smashbox Camera Ready CC Cream ($42) will correct any dark spots while providing SPF protection.  To achieve the dramatic eyes, Smashbox Full Exposure Palette ($49) will do the trick for any eye color.  To give yourself an extra glow, Smashbox Bronze Lights ($29) is your go-to.

4. Michael Kors: Clear Complexion

To achieve this look, MAC Neutral Eye Shadow ($100) is your best bet.  Choose a shade that suits your eye color.  For lips, NARS Lip Gloss ($26) will do the trick.  To achieve her clear skin, use Benefit Cosmetics Liquid to Power Foundation ($38).  This lightweight formula will look even better once it dries.

5. Tracy Reese: Pretty in Pink

For an even skin tone, apply AMC Cream Foundation ($22) for natural coverage.  To achieve the pink tint, Inglot 499 Pearl Eye Shadow ($7) will work best.  If you want rosy cheeks as well, apply blush to your cheekbones.

With the help of a few products, you can be looking like these models in no time!  Beauty inspiration has never been simpler with ideas from the pros and products to help you achieve the looks on your own.

Which looks are your favorite, collegiettes?  Let us know in the comments below!

College can be a confusing time for a whole lot of reasons, but nothing can be quite as daunting as buying contraception, particularly if you go to a more conservative or religious school. After all, where can you buy condoms, get birth control or purchase emergency contraception if it’s not available in your campus health center or in your dorm?

Luckily, we’ve put together a list of places for you to go (both in person and online) to get whatever contraception you’re looking for as well as pros and cons of each!

The drugstore

While you can’t get many forms of birth control (pills, IUDs, the works) without a prescription, you can purchase condoms and some emergency contraception (like Plan B) at your neighborhood drugstore.

Pros

Drugstores are a great option if you live in a more urban or suburban area or if you’re just close to a town’s center. Afraid of being judged when buying these items? Don’t be; most shoppers won’t be paying attention to what you’re buying! And remember, collegiettes: It’s totally normal (and also really smart) to buy contraception if you’re having sex, so you shouldn’t be ashamed of it.

However, if you’re still nervous about being recognized or just buying contraception around others, Marcy*, a junior at Wheaton College, recommends driving to a drugstore further away if it makes you more comfortable. “I felt really awkward about going into a drugstore when I knew other students from school would probably be there, too,” she says. “Instead, I drove to one about 10 minutes away to buy condoms. It seems a little over the top, but it made me feel a lot better.”

Cons

An obvious disadvantage of trying to purchase contraception at a drugstore is that, depending on your campus, you may need to take transportation to get there, which might be hard if you’re in a rural area and don’t have access to a car.

There’s also the added risk that there may not be the amount of privacy you were hoping for (as in, there’s no way of guaranteeing that someone from your college won’t be there).

Planned Parenthood

Planned Parenthood, a reproductive health care provider, has 716 locations across all 50 states in the U.S., and you can most likely find one near you . 

Pros

These health centers offer birth control, condoms and other sexual health products and services to college students. If you’re able to get transportation, it’s definitely worth checking out!

Additionally, if you’d just like to know more about the various types of contraception before you go in for an appointment, Planned Parenthood’s website has resources on many topics, everything from emergency contraception to sexuality.

Cons

Like going to a drugstore, your nearest Planned Parenthood location might require transportation other than walking. Additionally, depending on your area, there are some stigmas regarding Planned Parenthood and its work and there may be protesters around, so definitely be aware of the situation in your location before heading in.

Family Planning Health Services

Plan B One-Step is available online on the Family Planning Health Services website, where you can buy it for $35 plus shipping.

Pros

FPHS makes Plan B extremely accessible for those who can’t find it around school or in a neighborhood drugstore. Plus, the online transaction means more privacy for the buyer.

Cons

One extremely important note about FPHS: The website does not offer expedited shipping, meaning it’s more of a preventative measure than an in-crisis one. In other words, if you’re looking to by emergency contraception in case of a future incident, you should use FPHS to buy Plan B. If you’ve already had unprotected sex and are looking to get contraception online, buying it off of FPHS means it probably won’t come fast enough (since emergency contraception generally has to be taken within five days to be effective).

AfterPill.com

AfterPill is a generic version of Plan B One-Step. It can be bought online for $20 plus $5 shipping.

Pro

Like FPHS’s website, AfterPill.com allows you to buy emergency contraception in the privacy of your own home without having to go into a doctor’s office or drugstore.

Con

AfterPill’s website has the same caution as buying Plan B from FPHS: It does not have expedited shipping, meaning that it should be bought for preparation in the case of a future emergency as opposed to an incident of unprotected sex that has already happened.

KwikMed

If you’re looking to buy ella, a newer emergency contraception pill, you can check out KwikMed, an online marketplace for FDA-approved drugs related to sexual health. On KwikMed, the pill is priced at $59, and a KwikMed Physician reviews your order upon checkout.

Pros

The company promises fast delivery (since emergency contraception is time-sensitive) as well as discreet packaging for customers.

Joyce*, a senior at a small Southern Christian college, tried KwikMed last year when she needed emergency contraception. “I was extremely anxious ordering something online since I wasn’t sure how reliable it’d be, but I’m so glad I used KwikMed,” she says. “My package came extremely quickly in a normal-looking box, which was a huge relief for me when I had to pick it up.”

Con

On KwikMed, the pill is priced at $59, which may be a steep amount to pay for many collegiettes.

Overall, there are plenty of ways to buy contraception if it’s unavailable on your campus! Just make sure you do your research beforehand and prepare in case of a future emergency. Be smart and be safe, collegiettes!

*Names have been changed.

Pumpkin-spice everything! Frolicking through the leaves! Football games every weekend! Autumn is going to be awesome. With the change of leaves come the high expectations of a new season, but sometimes our expectations don’t match up with reality. 

Expectation:

You’ve been waiting for this moment all year: The arrival of the Pumpkin Spice Latte at Starbucks.  And since “autumn” is pretty much synonymous with “pumpkin spice,” this glorious flavor isn’t only reserved for coffee. Muffins, pies, smoothies… you name it, you can get it pumpkin-flavored. And you plan to every day this season.

Reality:

Your Pinterest feed is ALL pumpkin recipes, you’ve maxed out your credit card on PSLs and you really don’t want to try the new pumpkin spice potato chips your roomie just brought home. Frankly, you don’t want to see pumpkin anything anymore. Too bad it’s only the first week of October.  

Expectation:

Aaaahhh, the crispness of fall. The temperature is absolutely perfect for layered sweaters, knit scarves and tall boots. As you crunch through the fall leaves, you’ll look like the perfect combination of cozy and cute.

Reality:

By noon, you’re sweating through your sweaters, ripping off your scarf and wishing you just wore flip-flops instead of your (now sticky) leather boots. You forgot the whole “Indian summer” phenomenon until it’s 85 degrees mid-September.

Expectation:

You may not be a nature girl all the time, but you can’t help adoring the change of leaves. With the combination of yellows, oranges and reds, Mother Nature’s foliage is constantly Instagram-worthy, and you can’t wait to enjoy the scenery for weeks.

Reality:

With a blink of an eye, all of the leaves turn from green to gold. And with another blink, they’re off the trees. When it comes to foliage, autumn is less looking at the leaves on the trees and more raking them, crunching through them and tracking them inside.

Expectation:

All summer you’ve been agonizing about the season finales of your favorite shows. Thank goodness for fall season premieres so the suspense can stop killing you! This year, you’ll watch every episode live so you won’t miss any of the juicy weekly drama.

Reality:

You get home late and realize your show started an HOUR ago, but instead of watching the last few minutes, you decide to just find it online tomorrow… which means you’ll probably binge watch it on Netflix in a couple months instead.

Expectation:

Fall = football, and this year you’re going to actually go to the games instead of just the tailgates. You’ll impress your crush with all your football knowledge and even manage to pull off a jersey in a super-cute, sporty way. Go team!

Reality:

Everyone is upset about the “false start,” you can’t understand why the ref is throwing those little flags everywhere and your oversize jersey is starting to look like a sad, shapeless dress. Plus, your crush isn’t even looking at you because he’s yelling at the refs about the call. Ugh, sports. 

Expectation:

Even though you’re sad to see autumn end, you’re completely ready to bundle up and enjoy all of the snow during winter.

Reality:

You just remembered how much you hate snow and wish it was just fall again.  

It’s Friday and you have a full day ahead of you at your internship, but you’re going out later for your bestie’s birthday. Your shoe pick for work is a sophisticated strappy heel, but you want to wear some edgy platforms tonight for a sleeker look (not to mention they’re way comfier!). What’s a girl to do? Carry around a second pair all day, or just wear work shoes to dinner? Frustrating, huh?

Fortunately, this is a dilemma you might never have to deal with again, because OneClique has come up with a really clever and fun solution: shoe separates (why did we not think of that?!).

With OneClique’s stylish products, you can mix and match different shoe tops to shoe bottoms or you can purchase pre-picked shoe combos. While we’re no experts at math permutations, we do know that even a few pairs of these shoes is equivalent to a massive shoe wardrobe (that's sure to fit whatever event you're going to or look you're trying to achieve).

To mix and match separates, you simply slide the upper portion of the shoe onto the bottom and click the two into place. You then lower a latch located by the heel to ensure that the two separates are secure. If you can’t quite visualize how the shoe separates work, OneClique’s killer website features a user-friendly video explaining it all.

Another reason to love OneClique? The brand will donate a portion of the proceeds from each sale to the Kind Campaign, which brings awareness to the negative effects of girl-on-girl bullying.

If you ask us, this innovation is ingenious. Not only do OneClique’s shoe separates provide you the ability to change your shoe style throughout the day, but they also allow you to exercise your creativity! We’ve all been there: you’re at a shoe store and you admire the buckles on a certain shoe, but don’t really like the height of the heel. If only you could swap it for a look you love. With shoe separates, you can essentially play shoe designer in your own bedroom! It’s a dream come true that we can’t wait to live.

A couple of weeks ago, you created a LinkedIn account. You added a picture, threw in a couple of skills like “time management” and “social media,” updated your current job title, sent out a bunch of invites to people that you kinda sorta know and logged off. That’s good for now, right?

Unfortunately, it’s not. We know LinkedIn can be overwhelming. However, since this is a professional site that could really help your career, you want your profile to be just right! Don’t worry, though; we’ve got you covered. Read on for the four deadly LinkedIn sins to avoid when working on your profile! 

1. Not filling out your entire profile

Creating a LinkedIn account is pretty quick and simple, but completing your profile takes much more time. “A traditional paper resume is only a page long, so you can only put so much information,” says Lauren Berger, founder of The Intern Queen. “But with LinkedIn, you have the opportunity to include so much more.” So utilize this opportunity! List all of your past experiences, even if you think they’re small in comparison to your future goals. Attach links of your work to your profile. Include all of the skills that you think apply to you and update them regularly. 

According to a study by TheLadders, employers spend a mere six seconds looking at your paper resume. However, Berger says that when an employer is reviewing your LinkedIn profile, they’re spending much more than six seconds. Instead, they’re scrolling from top to bottom, looking at each section. “I look at the person’s previous experiences, [I look at] company descriptions and check for any possible connections,” Berger says. “As an employer, if I see that you’ve taken out the time to fill out your profile completely, I’m very impressed.” 

2. Not having any endorsements

Endorsements are crucial to having a great LinkedIn profile. Coworkers, classmates, past employers and any other connections you have can endorse your skills. Did you organize a killer semi-formal event for you sorority last spring? Then “event planning” is a great skill to include. However, it looks even better when that skill is endorsed by your chapter president! If you hold leadership roles in multiple organizations, connect with your advisers or organization members to ensure that they’ll endorse your “Leadership” skills. Wouldn’t you rather choose someone whose skills were backed up by multiple sources? That’s exactly what employers use endorsements for.

Need some endorsements? Ask your connections! According to Lauren Berger, students should be actively asking their employers, internship coordinators and other professional contacts for endorsements on LinkedIn. “When you leave an [internship], you should always ask your internship coordinator to give you a few endorsements and to write you a recommendation letter,” says Berger.

Another great way to get some endorsements is to start endorsing your connections. Endorse some of your classmates’ and former co-workers’ skills and, more often than not, they’ll reciprocate! 

3. Not joining groups

If you spend a fair amount of your time joining groups and organizations on campus, you should be doing the same on LinkedIn! There are literally hundreds of groups that you can join on LinkedIn that will add some professionalism to your profile and introduce you to more potential contacts. Although some of the groups are private and require the group manager to review your profile, there are even more groups that anyone can join. LinkedIn has added a new function that allows you to look at the homepage of the group and view a few posts before you actually join.

Berger urges that you take advantage of these groups and make your voice heard within them. “Make sure you not only join but are active within those groups,” she advises. “Joining groups are more important in terms of networking for the individual rather than the employer.” 

Berger admits that she doesn’t really look at the groups that her potential employees are in. So why is it important to join groups? Connections, of course! Although employers may not look at your groups directly, the first thing they probably will do is see if you have any similar connections. Networking and making connections within these groups definitely heightens this possibility.

4. Not connecting with alumni

After four years at college, a diploma and student loan debt shouldn’t be the only things you’ve acquired. You’ve all heard that college is the time for meeting new people and making connections, but using those connections is even more important.

The best way to network with alumni is to join your university’s alumni page on LinkedIn. Just about every university has one, and sometimes they’re even broken down into majors. If you’re looking for a specific alumnus, don’t worry about sifting through tons of Tom Smiths or Jane Browns. LinkedIn makes it easier for you to connect! “You can filter your searches by your university to find connections,” Berger says.  

After spending all that money to go to a university for four years, everyone is bound to have picked up some school spirit. Most likely, alumni still cheer on the football team, go to a social event every once in a while or make donations. Even after they graduate, they still care about the school and the students that go there. Use this to your advantage, especially when you’re applying to jobs!

“If you went to the same alma mater, you share common ground, so they’re more likely to review your resume than someone who went to a different school,” Berger notes. Connect with alumni who work at a company you’re interested in or own a business you’d like to work for.  Even if the company you’d like to work for is located hundreds of miles away, there’s always the possibility of a connection, according to Berger’s “everybody knows everybody” philosophy.

Now that you know what the LinkedIn sins are, avoiding them should be a breeze. Complete your profile, get endorsements, join groups and connect with alumni—four simple ways to ensure that your LinkedIn profile will be a success. 

With all the fun experiences and unforgettable memories you’ll make in college, there are also countless opportunities to show off all your favorite pieces in your closet. Each type of night out calls for a different dress code, and with these tips and outfit ideas, you’ll definitely find something great to wear out on any occasion! Whether it’s a house party, a frat party or just some friends coming together to hang in the dorms, we’ll help you find the perfect outfit for the occasion.

1. House party

What’s not to love about a house party? You have friends, food and drink all in the comfort of a friend’s home! But what to wear? Keep it pretty casual. When it comes to house parties, it won’t hurt to complete your outfit with a pair of sneakers, since these parties tend to leave floors sticky and slippery. Don’t be afraid to experiment! Try new trends, like this origami skort, and make a statementwith a bold lip.

2. Club

Here’s your chance to take it up a notch and pull out all the glamorous stops. A foolproof way to look stunning at a club is to accessorize your favorite LBD. Wear some statement jewelry, like these blue earrings, or try out a new lipstick to accompany your LBD. Either way, it’ll be fun to dress it up a bit more than usual and go out with the girls!

3. Bar

Each night at a bar has a different dress code depending the type of bar night you choose. Don’t let this stress you out; take advantage of your options! If you’re looking for a casual night at the bar with friends, dress things down and skip the heels.

If you’re headed to a dance floor once the weekend hits, don’t be afraid to amp things up with extra accessories and your favorite heels. A flirty skirt like this will have you ready to take on the dance floor with your friends.

4. Frat party

Frat parties are totally fun if you aren’t worrying about your favorite new top getting ruined by a spilled drink. Try styling a simple outfit with statement jewelry that won’t be damaged by the quintessential college frat party experiences. Pair your outfit with some cute wedges and you’ll be comfortable and ready to mingle all night. You’ll have your chance to dress up for theme parties, but for a traditional frat party, a more casual outfit will have you prepared for anything, like transitioning from hanging out in your guy friend’s room to hitting the dance floor.

5. Dorm party

This kind of casual get-together is all about comfort. Dorm parties are often crowded, so try a casual and comfortable outfit. Don’t worry about heels, cocktail dresses and the works; a pair of trendy booties like these will do the trick.

6. Date night

Maybe you just met a great campus cutie, or maybe you’re going out on a date with your longtime SO, but either way, his or her attention is on you, and you’re going to look great! A sweet floral kimono and strappy heels make for a great eye-catching combination.

7. Formal

Now that you’ve found a date, it’s time to find a great outfit to show off! Formals are a fun opportunity for you to break out a special-occasion dress and kick the jeans aside for the night. Unlike other college events, there’s no need to worry about ruining your favorite heels or dress, because this is a more elegant affair. You could even try an updo to spice up your look!

After a long week of classes, you deserve a night out. No matter where you end up going, you’re bound to look fabulous! 

You’ve seen it in all of its rainbow glory in brochures, on the school website and at the student resource fair: Your campus’s LGBTQ+ resource center. It’s your one-stop shop on campus for everything that screams, “I’m here and I’m queer,” and you plan on taking advantage of everything it has to offer you.

But there’s one teensy thing that you’re wondering: What do they actually have to offer?

Let us explain to you all of the wonderful things that this campus community can provide for you—whether you’re queer or an ally!

1. Internship and work opportunities

Like many other departments on college campuses, LGBTQ+ resource centers are nothing without their student workers and volunteers. Many hire several students every year to help keep the place running smoothly and effectively. Available to any student regardless of their gender identity or sexuality, these opportunities will look fantastic on anyone’s resume. Penn State has seven different internship positions available at their LGBTA Resource Center, each one full of opportunities to expand your resume.

You may have the opportunity to get work study or academic credit for similar positions at your school. With internships specializing in community outreach, event programming, marketing and more, this is the perfect way to build up essential skills, no matter what career you want to go into. Skip the icky job serving food at the dining hall and gain some real leadership experience by working at your campus’s LGBTQ+ resource center!

2. Peer mentor programs

The resource center is chock-full of people ranging from professional staff members to wise upperclassmen who are willing to pass on their wisdom to younger, inexperienced collegiettes. Mentors in any community are beyond helpful in order to help you avoid the typical freshman mistake and sympathize with whatever queer-girl struggles you might be going through (#femmeprobs, anyone?).

Some campuses even have formal peer mentor programs where you can apply to be a mentee or mentor and the campus center will pair you with another person who, based on your application, is your perfect match. Want to be a mentor but not sure if you have the right skills? Not a problem at campuses like the University of Houston! UH’s aspiring peer mentors receive training on how to be the perfect role models for their mentees. This type of training can include appropriate and specific ways you can empower your mentee, ways you can help them reach whatever goals they may have and ways to communicate with them effectively.

3. On-campus ally training

With so many campuses filled with people from diverse backgrounds, not all students and staff know what it truly means to foster a safe space or be advocates for LGBTQ+ people. Fortunately, many resource centers provide ally training in order for campus professionals and other aspiring allies to learn how to effectively provide support and build community with the community. The training teaches people how to reflect on the privileges they may have and be proactive in disrupting homophobic acts.

At the end of the training, the professionals and students will typically receive a certificate or sign saying they have completed the training, which they put on the door outside of their offices or dorms. This is to signal to the rest of the campus that they are safe, effective allies who are not only equipped with the tools to handle incidents of bias, but who are also accepting of the LGBTQ+ community. Many times this training is available upon request to any community on campus, such as entire dorms or student organizations.

4. Health resources

As we all know by now, buying condoms and other supplies for safe sex on a consistent basis can get pretty pricey after a while. While the investment is totally worth it in the long run, it can wear a collegiette’s budget down pretty quickly.

However, have no fear! LGBTQ+ campus resource centers will typically carry a wide array of free condoms, dental dams, lube and anything else you need to have a consensual, safe and sexy time with your partner. Some campus centers also sponsor free and anonymous HIV and STI testing occasionally throughout the year.

5. Off-campus resource recommendations

If your campus’s LGBTQ+ community is too small for your liking, it can get pretty redundant. You’re seeing the same faces, doing the same programming and hanging out in the same places. Snooze fest, or nah?

However, people at your campus’s LGBTQ+ resource center can probably direct you towards some community centers that would be great for you to get involved in. Don’t live in the city, but still have one that’s close enough? Grab a group of your favorite queer besties and hit the road for a weekend trip! The people at your LGBTQ+ campus center are sure to have the network to make sure you find all the support you need in your surrounding area.

6. A resource library

Whether you’re looking for a book assigned to you by your new LGBTQ+ studies professor or you just ran out of queer-friendly shows to watch on Netflix, this side of campus will have you covered. Most LGBTQ+ campus centers will have all of the LGBTQ+ books, magazines and DVDs your little heart desires.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison has everything from LGBTQ+ graphic novels to health resources in their LGBT Campus Center library. By using your student ID card, a simple swipe is all that’s needed to get whatever materials you need from the bookshelf.

7. Discussion groups

We know that you are so much more than your sexuality or gender identity. Discussion groups are a great way to talk about your intersecting identities with other peers who can understand where you’re coming from.

Northwestern University, provides five different discussion groups that address everything from queer people of color to LGBTQ+-identified people who are involved in Greek life. The best part about discussion groups is that they are safe spaces, and whatever is discussed there stays there. It’s a way for you to get out all your frustrations without having to worry about your scandalous drama getting out to the whole campus.

8. Counselors

Coming to terms with being LGBTQ+ and all the stresses that can come with it can be a lot for one collegiette to handle by herself. Whether it’s worrying about coming out to your parents or just coming out to yourself, sometimes you can use a bit of professional help.

The University of California, Los Angeles’s LGBT Campus Resource Center provides counselors in residence for drop-in visits a few days out of the week in addition to a counselor who specifically caters to those who have experienced any type of sexual assault or dating violence. Many other campus resource centers either have similar services or can direct you to counselors on campus who can cater to your specific needs.

9. New friends in a safe space

When you’re new to campus or even just new to the LGBTQ+ community, you might be looking for a place with people waiting to welcome you for exactly who you are. One of the main priorities of most LGBTQ+ resource centers is to help foster a safe space and a community. Wherever you fall on the spectrum, they want you to feel protected. Many campus centers have a variety of different movie nights, game nights and study parties throughout the semester in order to build community and bring people together. These are great ways to connect with new friends!

It can be hard to find your niche on campus, especially when you feel like you might not belong. But this is why your school’s LGBTQ+ resource center can be the perfect location for you to feel comfortable. Whether you’re a queer or trans* collegiette trying to navigate your way through your identity (and college life) or you’re an ally who’s trying to help make campus a better place for your peers, the your campus’s LGBTQ+ center is definitely where you should be spending your free time!

Majors. Dorms. Roommates. Campuses. Internships. College will probably be one of the most exciting times of your life, but when you're a high school senior, the prospect of choosing the college that is right for you (and getting in!) can be beyond nerve-wracking. How do college experiences vary between big state schools, Ivy Leagues, small liberal arts colleges and technical schools? How will college be different from high school? What tricks of the trade can help you make the most out of these next four years?

Fear not, pre-collegiettes! Her Campus has teamed up with McDonald's to answer all of your burning questions in a three-hour live “College Confessionals” webcast featuring undergraduates from 10 different campuses and moderated by Her Campus co-founder Annie Wang (that’s me)!

During our webcast, you’ll hear from real students who currently attend Boston University, Carnegie Mellon, Harvard, Northwestern, Princeton, UCSD, UConn, University of Florida, UMass Amherst and William & Mary. They’ll share their experiences and demystify what college is all about. We’ll cover topics including the application process, campus life, academics and how college compares to high school.

Best of all, YOU can submit your own questions to our collegiette panelists using Google Hangouts. Simply create a Google+ account and send your questions through the broadcast page, located at bit.ly/collegeconfessionals. Here’s how:

• Once you’ve created your account, navigate to the event page
• Click “Q&A” in the top right corner of the webcast screen
• Click “Ask a new question” in the bottom right corner of the pop-up screen
• Type in your question!
• If you see that someone else has already asked your question in the question feed, simply click the plus sign (+) within the question box to indicate that you also want this question answered. The number next to the (+) sign indicates how many people have liked it. The higher that number is, the more likely it is that I (Annie) will select that question to ask during the webcast! 

Then, sign in to the live webcast on Sunday, 9/21 at 3 p.m. EST and hear your questions answered!

Her Campus is proud to be partnering with McDonald’s, a company that has demonstrated its support for high school students pursuing higher education through programs like the McDonald’s Education Workshops for Asian-American students and now, Her Campus’s College Confessionals! In addition, McDonald’s has awarded over $52 million in scholarship funds since 1985 for pre-collegiettes everywhere through the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) scholarship program. These scholarships are offered to students with financial need who have demonstrated academic achievement, leadership and community involvement, which means ambitious pre-collegiettes like you are just who they’re looking for! Plus, several of the scholarships are also specifically catered toward minority applicants. Tune in to our webcast to meet one collegiette who was the recipient of one of these scholarships, and learn about the difference it made in her life! Think you might be eligible? Learn more about the Ronald McDonald House Charities scholarships.

Excited about our College Confessionals webcast? We are, too! Join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #CollegeConfessionals and tagging @McDonalds and @HerCampus.

Lastly, don’t forget to submit your questions to our College Confessionals Google Hangout page anytime leading up to our webcast, and we’ll see you for the live webcast on Sunday, 9/21 at 3 p.m. EST!

If you go “bananas” over Rachel Zoe’s sartorial genius and have always wished for a stylist of your own (minus the crazy fee, obviously) Stitch Fix might be your new favorite website.

Basically, it’s an online styling service for women: you answer a bunch of questions about your personal style, receive a package of five hand-picked pieces, try them on, decide what you want to keep and then drop the clothes you don’t back in the mail!

Each box comes with a styling guide full of suggestions for each item, so you won’t have those WTF-do-I-wear-this-with moments, and returns are free, so you won’t be penalized for sending an item back.

Prices are a little on the higher end for the average collegiette’s budget—each piece is around $55. However, if you buy all five pieces from your box, you get a 25 percent discount.

The first thing I pulled out of my Stitch Fix package was the Iris Striped A-Line Skirt, $58, by 41Hawthorn. It hit a little above my knee, which made it perfect for work. (When I filled out my Style Profile, I requested office-appropriate clothes; love that Rachel—I mean, my stylist, listened!)

I wore this with my white Elizabeth & Clarke T-shirt (#obsessed) and gold Tory Burch flats. (Check out this Lucky Brand pair on sale for $38.99!)

I thought this skirt was super cute, however, it’s one of my life rules not to pay more than $35 for anything with an elastic waistband.

Next I tried on the beautiful Colibri Solid Tab Sleeve Blouse, $48, by Pomelo. Bonus: it was silky and came in signature Her Campus pink!

If I was wearing this out, I’d pair it with black skinny jeans, high heels, a killer clutch and my best smoky eye. Buuuuut, I was headed to the Her Campus offices—so a little more class was required.

I decided to wear it with my American Apparel high-waisted shorts, $58, (check out this $24 pair from Boohoo) and Jack Rogers (at $110, they’re not cheap, but they’ll last.)

This fun Brook Dot Print Tie-Waist Top, also by Pomelo, costs $54 and was perfect for the bright, sunny day I chose to wear it. I loved Stitch Fix’s ideas for what to pair it with: faded jeans and red flats for day, dark-wash skinnies and wedge heels for night. I decided to go with a black Brandy Melville maxi skirt ($26), a wide Calvin Klein belt (similar, $34.99) and my Jacks again. 

Next was the Lexis Chevron Print Henley Tank by Papermoon, $48. I immediately wasn’t a big fan of the pattern; however, it fit well and was soft and comfy. Since it’s a pretty casual, I added a dose of dark denim (similar from American Eagle, $34.99) and Piperlime sandals ankle-strap sandals (similar from ASOS, $38.09). 

Last up was the Adora Ankle Length Colored Skinny Jean, by Just Black! I loved Stitch Fix’s idea of wearing it with a structured black top, a metallic bag and strappy heels, so I imitated the look as closely as I could. Forever 21 has a cute peplum blouse for $14.80, and ASOS’s New Look Metal Bar Edge clutch, $24.74, is similar to my gold cross-body bag.

It was super impressive how well everything fit me; usually, sizing is one of the downfalls of ordering things online. In terms of how well these pieces matched my style, I'd say Stitch Fix did pretty well based on the information they had (not much). Obviously, the more you use the service the better your stylist becomes at predicting what you'll like. I also thought it was cool that they'd take a look at your Pinterest boards—what better way to see what outfits you're dying to recreate?!?

If you’re constantly rushing from class to caf to cool event and barely have time to check your LinkedIn notifications, let alone shop for, organize and style a great wardrobe—but still want to look stylish—we’d definitely recommend Stitch Fix. It’s like effortless fashion, and all you have to do is open your mailbox! While it’s a bit pricey, you can try before you buy. That’s what we call a win-win. 

If you’ve ever locked eyes with a campus cutie across a crowded room at a house party, you probably find yourself wondering… what does he think of me? But, have you ever wondered what he first notices about you? Does he like my dress or my hairstyle? Does he see the circle of friends I’m hanging out with or care about the way I’m sitting? Well, wonder no more! We’ve talked to the guys firsthand to hear what gets their attention, what they notice at first glance—and how you can have him doing a double-take!

On a dinner date

Your sense of style

As chic collegiette fashionistas, naturally, we already knew this, but your personal style can say a lot about your personality. And don’t worry, the boys are taking notice of that cute little sundress you’re wearing to meet him for your Friday night dinner date. We’ve already told you what guys think of some of your outfits, so it’s no wonder that they would be taking notice of your outfits on date night.

“I see how she’s dressed as a way to figure out what she’s like,” says Jonah*, a recent grad of the University of New Hampshire. “How a girl is dressed can tell me a lot of things about her. Like, if she’s outdoorsy then she’s probably not wearing a mini-skirt.” As girls, it goes without saying that there are certain outfits we save for certain occasions. We like to wear the little black dress to formals and we only break out the more revealing (like say, the famous bodycon mini skirt) for the frat party. Most guys we talked to say that they notice that difference. “I like to see a little bit of her figure, but I don’t think she should put it all out there either,” Jonah says. “But there’s a line you cross from being sexy to just being skanky.” When it comes to clothes, the cut and the silhouette of an outfit will impress the guys more than showing skin.

Your hair

While you’re rummaging through the racks of your closet for that perfect date night outfit, you might be surprised to hear that besides your personal style, your hair is just as important to the guys. Evan*, a sophomore at Champlain College, says that one of the first things he notices about a girl is her silky, sexy locks.

“I guess it’s just a personal thing, but I love wavy hair,” Evan says.“I love hair that looks soft, that I can run my hands through.”

Jonah agrees, saying that one of his biggest pet peeves in a girl is messy hair. “If it looks like she hasn’t showered in days, like it’s all frizzy, that’s a turn-off to me.” Good to know.

In class

Where and how you sit in class

It might be hard to scope out the cuties in class, but that doesn’t mean that the boys have stopped looking! So how do they see you in class among rows and rows of other girls? You might not think that slouching in the back of the lecture hall in your sweats says all that much and you would be right! Drew*, a recent grad of Rivier University, says that a girl who carries her head high and sits towards the front of the class sends a strong message. “It’s saying, ‘Hey, I’m confident. I’m a girl you’ll want to know.’” Think about it this way, do you ever notice the guy sitting in the back who looks like he’s about to take a nap? Or do you notice the confidant, talkative guy up front with the rest of the class? Which guy would you want to flirt with and share notes with in a study group?

At the party

Who you hang out with

While the guys love a girl who is outgoing and likeable, being a social butterfly can have its drawbacks. More than half of the guys we interviewed said that they would be less likely to approach a girl at a party who was surrounded by a posse of her BFFs. Even worse, if you’re caught hanging out with a group of guys, guys say they automatically assume that one of those guys is your boyfriend. Sam*, a recent grad of Fitchburg State University, says that approaching a girl who is surrounded by either girls or guys can be intimidating. “If she’s hanging out with all her friends, it’s a lot more embarrassing if she turns me down,” he says.“And if she’s with a bunch of guys, I feel like there’s a lot of competition.”

Your going-out makeup

One of the biggest turn-offs to guys is what Cory*, a senior at the University of New Hampshire calls, “clown face.”

“There’s nothing more obnoxious to me than when a girl’s caked on the makeup,” he says. “I can’t hardly even see her face and I want to know what she looks like.” Ditch the face glitter and crazy clubbing colors. According to the guys, a smoky eye or pouty painted lips can be just enough to get his attention. And feel free to go au natural for a change.

Around campus

Your walk

When you’re running from class to class, guys might be the last thing on your mind. And frankly, how do you know if he even sees you crossing the street to class or in the middle of the morning rush at the dining hall? What does he see about you? Why not the way you walk? A sexy strut can reveal a lot to the boys. “I see these girls who stomp around like dinosaurs on campus,” Drew says.“Not very ladylike. Whatever happened to walking like a normal person?” So stand tall, walk with grace, and treat the campus like it’s your catwalk!

What you tote around

Joey*, a senior at Boston College, admits that it can be hard to notice a girl on campus unless she makes a lasting impression. One of the things he notices about girls is the amount of textbooks, purses, and bags they carry with them. “I’ll notice if a cute girl who’s carrying around a ton of stuff,” Joey says with a wink.“If it looks like she’s struggling with an armful of textbooks or something, it’s the perfect opportunity for me to swoop in and lend her a helping hand.”

Other guys say that the items themselves can speak volumes about you as a person. “If she’s carrying around a lot of makeup, I kind of take that as a sign that she’s going to be high maintenance,” says Craig*, a senior at Brandeis University.

You might not think he’s noticing you, but as we’ve heard from the guys themselves, chances are that they are! But what about you, collegiettes? What do you first notice about the boys?

*Names have been changed.

For just $129, you could purchase what is probably one of the most offensive sweatshirts that has ever managed to slip past a design team.

On Monday, retail clothing store Urban Outfitters, released a vintage Kent State University sweatshirt that featured what looked like fake blood splattered across the front and back. For obvious reasons, many assumed that the sweatshirt was a reference to the Kent State massacre that occurred on the campus in 1970, when four unarmed students were shot and killed by soldiers of the Ohio National Guard during a protest of the Vietnam War.

Not surprisingly, the listing prompted a hefty amount of backlash from the Twitter-verse, with one person even Tweeting, “Just bought a bunch of stuff from Urban Outfitters yesterday. Contemplating returning it all after this disgusting sweatshirt situation.”

A few hours after the social media frenzy began, Kent State also issued a response to the situation.

"We take great offense to a company using our pain for their publicity and profit," the school responded. "This item is beyond poor taste and trivializes a loss of life that still hurts the Kent State community today," the school said in a statement written on their official website.

Urban Outfitters hasn’t been much of a stranger to controversy lately, after just recently being boycotted by One Tree Hill star Sophia Bush after the release of a T-shirt with the words “Eat Less” printed on the front.

The company has since apologized for the tasteless sweatshirt, claiming that the reference to the shootings was just a coincidence. 

“Urban Outfitters sincerely apologizes for any offence our Vintage Kent State Sweatshirt may have caused," reads the statement. "It was never our intention to allude to the tragic events that took place at Kent State in 1970 and we are extremely saddened that this item was perceived as such. The one-of-a-kind item was purchased as part of our sun-faded vintage collection. There is no blood on this shirt nor has this item been altered in any way. The red stains are discoloration from the original shade of the shirt and the holes are from natural wear and fray. Again, we deeply regret that this item was perceived negatively and we have removed it immediately from our website to avoid further upset.”

The sweatshirt is now listed on the company's website as sold out. 

We all need a little guidance now and then, so whether you’re stressed about a fling gone wrong, a recently wrecked relationship or how to handle a stage-five clinger, Real Live College Guy Dale is here to help you navigate the college dating scene.

I met this guy a couple months ago, and we had been talking nonstop. After school ended, we have been unable to hang out due to some circumstances. We've established that we have feelings for each other, and we still keep in contact. Even though this guy isn't a fan of texting, he would text me at least twice a day. Recently he has completely stopped answering my texts, and it feels like he isn't into me anymore. I'm afraid he's just been leading me on or I'm just a rebound from his last girlfriend. What do I do? –Worried at Wesleyan

Wesleyan,

Sometimes, we get into… well, I wouldn’t call them relationships. More than friends, less than dating — you know what I mean? So we get into these periods of talking to people we’re interested in without actually going out, and these periods can last for months on end. You know he or she is interested in you, you’re interested in that person as well, but for whatever reason, no progress is ever made on the dating front. I’ve been in those situations numerous times, and it always sucks when they end before anything actually begins.

At the same time, when these periods of “flirtationship” last for months on end, we grow comfortable. We get complacent in our styles, and things get old. We get bored with things quickly, especially when there’s no tangible progress being made. This can cause people to text each other less and less as the days go on. So take all that with the fact that this guy hated texting already, and I think I see what’s going on here.

If nothing’s happening, there’s no reason to stick around; it’s the bitter truth. You might be wondering why he didn’t ask you out, but that can be argued against by asking why you didn’t bother asking him out. It’s a two-way street, Wesleyan. If you both knew there was something there, one of you should have made a move. For whatever reason, neither of you acted, and I have a sneaking suspicion that now he’s moved on from something that wasn’t benefitting him.

Frankly, I can’t blame the guy. I’m not saying he shouldn’t have manned up and done something, but the past is in the past. The train doesn’t wait for everyone to board: After a certain time, the doors close and the train rolls on. Sad as it may be, I think you missed your chance here.

I don’t think he was leading you on, and I don’t think you were a rebound. I simply think he moved on from something that wasn’t going anywhere. There’s fault in that situation, but it’s on both of you.

Better luck next time.

Being back at school is amazing - your friends live right down the hall, you love your classes, and you finally get to be #BackAtIt on the weekends with your best friends. But sometimes your social life in college is a little more Liz Lemon and a little less Animal House. Here are some of the expectations we had about our college social lives... and the harsh realities we actually faced.

Expectation: You will have classy bar nights with your girlfriends.

Reality: You will witness bizarre antics at a grimy frat party.

Expectation: You will look cute at every social gathering.

Reality: Aren't those the same yoga pants you wore yesterday?

Expectation: You will meet cute guys in that chemistry study group.

Reality: They are in a chemistry study group for a reason.

Expectation: You will totally keep in touch with that nice girl you met at office hours.

Reality: Two weeks later she looks vaguely familiar. Maybe.

Expectation: The guys you meet at parties will make great boyfriends.

Reality: You will never hear from them again unless it's past 12 a.m. and they're drunk.

Expectation: You and your friends will throw great parties in your room.

Reality: You maybe went a little too hard.

Expectation: You will go out every. Single. Weekend.

Reality: You have a boyfriend, and his name is food. 

Expectation: You love dancing when you go out.

Reality: How you feel is never how you look.

Expectation: You will face those former flings with a confident smile.

Reality: Just back away slowly and avoid eye contact...

Expectation: You will know every nook and cranny of your college town.

Reality: You walk for 10 minutes and miss the campus Starbucks.

Expectation: You will go to the meetings for every club in which you're involved.

Reality: The only club that trumps the Netflix Club is the Domino's Club.