We’ve all been there—the day after an all-nighter, the 8 a.m. class, the midday internship slump or those days where we’re just plain tired. We aren’t getting the sleep we need in college. We feel like we have to do it all. Since napping may not always be possible, sometimes we have to turn to caffeine. Coffee and soda are just dandy most of the time, but there are stranger ways to get the caffeine boost you so badly need.

A cup of coffee traditionally has 10-15 mg of caffeine per fluid ounce, or about 80-120 mg per cup. So we’ve searched for fun, wacky products to get a comparable caffeine boost. From beef jerky to candy, we’ve got you covered with cutting-edge ways to get caffeinated.

1. Sprayable Energy 

Sprayable Energy provides caffeine straight to your skin. The odorless, clear liquid is sprayed on your neck (like your favorite perfume) and absorbed into your system. It comes in sleek bottles, which each hold 160 sprays. The starter pack is $15, but after you become addicted to this caffeine boost, you can get the month pack for only $29 per month. Goodbye, barista who can’t spell your name!

2. Jolt Energy Gum

Instead of just making your breath minty fresh, Jolt Energy Gum also gets you amped. It fits in your pocket better than a mug of coffee, and each piece has only five calories. It’s also a super efficient way of getting an energy blast—two pieces would be about the same as your typical mug of coffee. 

3. Avitae Caffeinated Water

This water doesn’t yellow your teeth or fill you with empty calories. This product uses only natural caffeine and no carbonation—it tastes just like water! It’s the perfect choice for those collegiettes who still haven’t warmed up to the strong taste of coffee. It has 45- and 90-mg options, so you can pick how much caffeine you need.

4. Java Pops

Java Pops are coffee-flavored lollipops that contain 60 mg of caffeine each. It’s a fun, tasty way to get energized on the go, no matter where you are. How many licks does it take to stay awake through your 8 a.m.?

5. Perky Jerky

Have you ever wished you could combine the buzz from your coffee with the joy of eating a Slim Jim? Now you can! Perky Jerky has 150 mg of caffeine per ounce. This salty treat makes for a great study snack because it’s also packed with protein, so you’ll be doubly energized and filled up to power through that late-night library session.

6. Spot On Energy Patches

Spot On Energy patches are like coffee you can wear! Similar in theory to a nicotine patch, you just pop one of these bad boys on for the day, and it will fuel you through anything. With 65 mg of caffeine per Spot On energy patch, this is for the serious days when you want a caffeine IV. Wear it on your stomach, arm or back, and you’ll be subtly getting caffeine at all hours of the day.

Of course, experts are not in favor of an all-the-time caffeine diet, so we don’t recommend plastering your body with caffeine patches to get through finals. You can try non-caffeinated snacks for a more natural approach, but the only true cure for tiredness issleep. But on occasion, caffeine is just what you need to get rid of a bad case of the Mondays. And now you have six new ways to get your fix! 

Next to a statement necklace or ring, there’s no accessory that takes an ensemble from forgettable to fabulous quite like your nails. If you’re looking to upgrade your fall accessories collection, look no further. Beauty maven Lauren B.’s namesake nail enamel collection, Lauren B. Beauty, will add instant drama to your best accessory—your nails. Ranging from $18-$19, and with names like Runyon Canyon, Hollywoodland, and #ImJuicing, each of the sixteen luxury polishes from the brand’s new fall set oozes Los Angeles, and rightly so: The mastermind behind a line that promotes a healthy alternative to gel manicures drew inspiration from her hometown of L.A. 

I was fortunate enough to sample five of the brand’s products and I am excited to announce that Lauren B. Beauty has earned a spot in my list of top three favorite nail polishes. To start, their Nail Perfecter Base Coat ($20) trumps all base coats. One coat masks spots and leaves a delicate, matte finish. It smoothed my nails out and gave them an airbrushed effect so gorgeous that I was reluctant to color my nails. It enhances natural nails enough to be worn all on its own.

After gazing at the base coat’s perfect finish, I tested the polishes. The bottle's cap is square-shaped and easy to grip. As for the formula—the colors are highly pigmented and have an ideal consistency, one that ensures a hassle-free paint job.  With each brush packed with twice the standard amount of bristles, these polishes do what they claim to do: deliver an eco-friendly, high-end salon manicure. Never tested on animals and free of five harmful toxins, Lauren B. Beauty is justified in describing itself as healthy, functional and fashionable. 

Below are pictures of my nails decked out in two irresistible shades: Where’s My Oscar? ($18), a gilded gold, and Skybar ($18), a lighter shade of pale blue, both which I plan to wear for seasons to come. Every nail polish junkie knows that light-colored polishes or those with a subtle sheen generally require two coats (sigh), but these polishes only required one! Layered over each color is the brand’s Gel-Like Top Coat ($28), a top coat that offers the long-lasting gleam of a salon gel manicure. Along with Skybar, Hollywood-inspired enamels named Calabasas Cash ($18), a to-die-for dark, glossy emerald and One Night in WeHo ($19), a mix of sheer kaleidoscopic glitter perfect for a girls’ night out, are among Lauren B. Beauty’s new fall/winter shades.

Also perfect for Fall is the brand's new Matte Top Coat ($22), the key to a runway-inspired mani. Simply layer it over a dark hue for a smooth velvety finish. 

Just as important as the color is the removal process: Non-acetone, berry blossom-scented and infused with aloe, the Nail Polish Remover Pads ($15), are a major nail game-changer. Unlike every nail polish remover on shelves, the pads exude no harsh chemical smells. I also did not have to scrub my fingers raw to remove the polish—one pad did the trick. And the best part? The pads left my hands soft and moisturized. Yes, moisturized! 

Treat your nails to one of the brand’s Botanical Nail Treatments ($20-$100) or dress your digits in any of the on-trend enamels, which you'll find online and at high end retailers like LaurenBBeauty.com, Bergdorf Goodman, Net-a-Porter.com, Planet Beauty, Dermstore, Bliss Spa and more! 

It’s a simple question: Are you a feminist? But you might find that it’s a whole lot harder to actually answer.

The basic principle of feminism is straightforward but often really confusing. “Feminism isn’t about women being better than men or one sex overthrowing the other,” says Jackie Clark, a feminist and gender studies scholar at the University of Florida. “Instead, it is about gender equality for everyone no matter how they choose to identify, which includes people who are gender nonconforming.”

Does this definition change your mind at all about feminism? If you’re still not sure about what’s so awesome about feminism, trust us, there’s a lot to love! Between celebrities talking about their feminist beliefs to the #YesAllWomen movement, being a feminist has never been cooler.

Need some convincing? Here are six awesome reasons why it’s great to be a feminist!

1. Feminists stand for smashing stereotypes

Forget that old idea of feminists being radical, angry, bra-burning women who hate men. Feminism means standing up for gender equality, and that means not being afraid to show off your girl power!

Kate Masters, a junior at Wesleyan University, thinks it’s important for collegiettes to realize what feminism is all about. “Feminism doesn’t mean that girls are better than boys,” she says. “Feminists stands for all people being given equal opportunities in all walks of life, like getting paid for the same job or being treated the same at work or in other environments. It’s a really crucial distinction that not a lot of people understand.”

Supporting gender equality? We’re all about that!

2. Women’s history is really cool

Did you know that women actually fought in the Civil War and that half of Viking troops consisted of women? There’s so much impressive history spanning thousands of years to discover about women.

Clark thinks this is definitely history worth discovering. “Throughout their years of schooling, students learn a very exclusive history, one consisting of mostly males,” she says. “It’s absolutely fascinating to go back and learn what women have been up to during the last couple centuries, and it’s sure to make you think a lot more about gender equality.”

Looking for some great reads to check out on women’s history? Liar, Temptress, Soldier, Spy and A History of U.S. Feminismsare great places to start!

3. Women have seen a ton of gains in recent years

The future for women looks as interesting as the past! Women are holding positions in more fields than ever, from Megan Smith recently becoming the White House’s new Chief Technology Officer to Michelle Howard becoming the first female to be the second-highest ranking naval officer.

“It’s been so inspiring to see women make all of these gains,” says Megan Parkerson, a senior at the University of Arizona. “It makes me want to aim higher with what I want to do with my life, which is awesome.”

The accolades and positions keep coming for women everywhere, and there’s no better time to join the movement!

4. There are more feminists out there than you think

What do Taylor Swift and Lena Dunham have in common? They’ve both publicly talked about being feminists! If you were ever worried that you’d be the only one, you’ve got quite a crew now. Calling yourself a feminist is even more empowering when you have awesome women doing the same thing!

Julie Ascott, a junior at the University of Florida, felt really inspired after hearing that celebrities were supporting feminist values. “After reading that interview with Shailene Woodley a while back where she just seemed ignorant about feminism, I was really discouraged that no celebrities really cared about gender issues,” she says. “It’s been really great to see other well-known people like Lena Dunham speaking out about their views!”

Additionally, more collegiettes than ever are getting on the female empowerment train. Kate says that efforts around women’s rights have increased on Wesleyan’s campus. “A lot of my friends are involved with causes relating to girl power and gender equality, which makes me feel much more comfortable on campus,” she says. “For example, Wesleyan had its first women’s conference in a decade last year, and activists brought the Monument Quilt to campus early this fall.”

Looking to get involved on your campus? Check to see what gender equality groups are at your college, like a feminist club, a women’s rights group or a campus chapter for an organization that empowers women, like She’s the First. If there aren’t any, consider starting one yourself!

5. Feminism is taking over the web

From the powerful #YesAllWomen movement on Twitter (where women talked about the inequality and sexism every female has typically seen in her lifetime) to all of the cool feminist websites out there, feminists know how to utilize the Internet!

Megan says she really started researching feminism because of what she saw online. “After seeing all of those powerful Twitter hashtags (especially #YesAllWomen and all of the accounts that sprouted up because of it), I began looking around to see what else was out there about feminism,” she says. “I ended up reading a ton of feminist blogs and new sources, which was really interesting.” In fact, Megan is now considering starting a blog about feminism and women’s issues!

Wondering what feminist resources are out there? Here are a couple of popular blogs and websites to check out:

• Jezebel: One of the most widely read women-oriented publications, this site has everything from important female empowerment stories to great coverage of Beyoncé.
• Feministing: One of the most popular feminist blogs out there, Feministing proves that feminism isn’t just about women by covering a wide range of topics (everything from coverage of Ferguson to male birth control). What makes it so amazing? Lots of great reporting and attitude.
• The Feminist Wire: A great option for hard feminist news.

Take a read and get educated!

6. Beyoncé is a feminist

Queen Bey is a feminist through and through. After all, she’s written multiple songs about how girls are totally awesome, continues to rock the male-dominated music industry and has openly talked about issues regarding gender equality. Bottom line: She’s a great advocate for feminists everywhere. Need we say more?

Being a feminist rocks, and there are plenty of reasons to absolutely love it! And hey, it also helps that you’re in a league with the Queen. 

Being back on campus means you’ve been spending a lot of time walking from your dorm room to your history lecture to a study session over coffee… and repeat. This means that practical shoes are a must—especially since those flats you bought at the beginning of the school year are turning out to be less than ideal for spending all day on campus in.

That’s why we’re bringing you the crème de la crème of comfortable footwear: Dearfoams. Two winners will get to choose the style of their choice from the brand’s all-new Fall collection, which includes tons of pairs to wear both on and off campus. We’re loving the colorful Fair isle-printed slip-ons, which would look great with a pair of skinny jeans; sophisticated wool moccasins, perfect for those late-night library sessions; and the sweater knit slippers, which offer your feet a welcome respite when you head home at the end of the day.

Give your feet the break they need—enter below to win one of 2 pairs of Dearfoams shoes!

Want to win $1,000? Tell us what you’re excited about this semester by posting on your favorite social media platform using the hashtag #ZAPtastic and tagging @Tanda and @HerCampus, and you’ll be entered in the drawing for $1,000 to go towards whatever it is you need to have a #ZAPtastic semester. Just saying, that’s a lot of shoes… And you definitely have a lot to get pumped about already (at least 10 things, by our count)!

Complain all you want about your psych. homework and waking up for 9 a.m. lecture, but we all know that this semester is going to be the best one ever. Whether you’re taking the class of your dreams, finally working up the courage to talk to your long-time crush or taking on a new leadership responsibility in your sorority, you know you’re going to rock it. Need some inspiration for your entries? Check out all the things you have to be excited about now that it’s finally fall.

1. You get to live near people with the same goals as you.

2. You get to take the coolest electives. History of the high heel, anyone?

3. Your best friends live super close to you again (thank goodness!). Frozen yogurt and Scandal marathons every night? We think yes.

4. Back-to-school shopping can be a semester-long occurrence. Yeah, we’re pretty sure we need those super cozy oversize boyfriend sweaters.

5. You get to ogle that cutie in your lit class three times a week…and (maybe) you’ll finally find the courage to ask them out.

6. The dining hall is a magical haven of unlimited and delicious food.

7. You’ve picked up some dope dance moves since coming back to school. Seriously. You can break it down.

8. You work out all the time (hello, free gym!)—and love it. Bikini body in October? We could be into that!

9. You get to befriend that random girl who’s in all your classes. What’s her name? Oh, who cares – you love her!

10. You’ll have crystal-clear skin this semester—zap your zits within 24 hours with the dermatologist-loved LED technology of TandaZap($39.99 at Tanda.com)!

With clear skin and confidence, you can rock this semester!

Get ready for an incredible semester, collegiettes—and don’t forget to post your #ZAPtastic moment on social media and tag @Tanda and @HerCampus! You could win $1,000!

Name: Dani Deahl
Job Title and Description: Producer / DJ / Blogger / Journalist
College/Major: School of The Art Institute/Visual and Critical Studies
Website: www.danideahl.com
Twitter Handle: @danideahl

 
What does your current job entail? Is there such a thing as a typical day?

Dani Deahl: There is no typical day! As a full time music producer, DJ and blogger, my schedule is dictated by traveling for gigs, when studio time is available and when creativity hits. Some days I might write 20 blog posts in a row reviewing singles followed by a feature article for Insomniac, and some days I might have a studio session followed by Skype meetings with people I’m collaborating with. I think I’d personally go crazy with a set schedule. I like that it’s different every day.

What is the best part of your job?

DD: The unpredictability and the crazy experiences I get to have. One week I’m hanging out with Tommy Lee in the DJ booth in Chicago and the next I’m at a range shooting vintage guns with a promoter/ex-Marine in Minneapolis. You learn to say yes to almost anything that’s thrown your way.

 What was your first entry-level job in your field and how did you get it?

DD: I was 17 or 18 when I got my first club residency. I had told the owner that I would play the first night for free, and if he liked me, he could pay for me to come the next time. That wound up being my first residency for over a year.

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

DD: Networking is key for nightlife and music producers. If you have the opportunity to go out to events where artists are playing that are similar to you, do it. Participate online—talk to your favorite artists on Twitter and reply in subreddits like /r/edmproduction. The more you put yourself out there, the more likely you are to be noticed by someone.

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

DD: There are a few—my parents, obviously, who always believed in me and even bought me Logic and sent me to MIDI camp in high school. My good friend George Hess who has always believed in me and made connections happen for me that I could have never dreamed of. My husband Fei who has always been my biggest supporter and fellow party animal and my manager Devan who works his tail off on my behalf 24/7. I know there are heaps of people I’m missing—there’s always a team behind what you do…be sure and be thankful for them!

What words of wisdom do you find most valuable?

DD: The more popular an artist gets, the more people have an opinion about you, and it’s not always going to be pleasant. I have always said as long as I can stand by my own words and actions, then it doesn’t matter what anyone else says.

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

DD: Not being vocal enough. I was always willing to help other people out and it took a while for me to learn that I could ask for help and favors in return. The worst thing that can happen is someone says no, so why not ask?

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

DD: There have been several—being on the main stage for Spring Awakening Music Festival, being in the green room with Lil’ Jon and having him grab my face and scream for a pic, being the first person ever to sign a twerk/trap song to Armada (Armin Van Buuren’s label)…it’s not a normal life. I’m constantly being surprised.

What do you look for when considering hiring someone?

DD: Accountability, promptness and organization. I want people on my team who follow through with what they’re supposed to do, communicate and don’t need to be reminded multiple times to complete something.

What advice would you give to a 20-something with similar aspirations?

DD: Don’t let your fear of failure ever be greater than your desire for success. It’s easier now than it ever has been to get into music production and DJing with forums, Reddit and YouTube overflowing with production tips and software cheaper than ever. Being an artist isn’t an easy road, but like anything, you get out of it what you put in, and the rewards can be pretty damn sweet.

If you liked any of the movies in the American Pie or National Lampoon franchises, go see Mantervention, since it’s essentially what the outcome would be if the two had a baby. Between the sex-crazed characters and overarching raunchiness, the movie perfectly fits the college student demographic.

Nick Roux plays Spencer, a hopeless romantic who believes love is dead after an especially bad breakup. After noticing her son is in deep, Spencer’s mom summons his best friend Coke, played by Travis Van Winkle, who coaxes him out of his lovesick state by staging a “mantervention.” This involves a period of complete debauchery where the duo sleep with more women than we could keep up with.

Thanks to Coke, Spencer gets a job at a popular bar in order to meet and take home a woman every single night. Without giving away too many spoilers, we will tell you that a girl comes along and she changes his game (come on, you shouldn’t be that surprised!).

Between the witty humor and the few scenes that make you go “aww,” Mantervention has its moments (and cute eye candy). While the jelly fish scene had us laughing non-stop, so did the scene where Coke bribes his way out of trouble with the fire marshall. Characters like the Thai masseuse and Steve, the drag queen club owner, had us entertained the whole way through.

Aside from the laughter-inducing scenes, the picturesque and sunny California landscape was a nice complement, not to mention the killer beach house! Roux and Van Winkle have on-screen chemistry that worked, despite how much we may have despised Coke and his girl mantra.

Though we could see the ending coming, it’s still definitely worth watching. And while the movie centers around two bros, that certainly doesn’t mean it’s for guys only. Anyone who has gone through a breakup, or had someone you know go through one, will thoroughly enjoy Mantervention.

Before you go check your local screening times, let us warn you: this is not a movie to watch with your parents. In fact, we highly suggest the opposite! If you have no plans this weekend and want to do something laid back, you should definitely catch this flick with your best friends as you will find yourself laughing uncontrollably at times and even identifying with Spencer’s struggles.

For more information on where you can catch the movie and how to buy tickets, check out Mantervention’s website. Even if you can’t make it to theaters, you can still catch Mantervention on your own laptop or TV with iTunes, Amazon Instant Video, or Vimeo. Check out the VOD and release details for more info!

And to win some swag from the movie, enter our giveaway below! And also visit the flick's Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook for more info!

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Mantervention for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.

Admit it, ladies—we all have our fair share of secrets we keep private from the guys in our lives: the record number of pizza slices we’ve wolfed down in one sitting, how often we actually wash our bed sheets, our obsession with Joseph Gordon-Levitt… you get the idea. But do you ever stop to think about the kind of secrets guys could be keeping from you? Lucky for you, Her Campus talked to seven real college guys to find out what sort of things guys tend to keep from their girlfriends as well as their girl (space!) friends. Here are just a few of the things that guys could be hiding from you.

1. “I mean, your mom’s cooking isn’t terrible, but…”

Your best friend may drive you crazy at times and you may realize that your mom is a little overbearing, but would guys ever say it to you?

“One thing I would never tell a girl is how annoying her friends are,” says Eric, a senior from Marist College. “Like, even if I can’t stand them. It’s one of those things you just have to put up with.”

Syracuse University graduate Rich* agreed that family was another untouchable subject. “I once told an ex that her dad made me really nervous whenever I was over [at] her house,” he says. “She took it really personally, which was weird, since she was always saying herself that her dad loves to intimidate her and her sister’s boyfriends.”

Our guys agreed that their friends and family aren’t something they’d want you commenting on, so it’s for the best that they avoid talking unfavorably about yours as well. “It’d be such a turnoff if a girl said something critical about my parents or friends,” says Jordan*, a junior from Temple University. “So why would I ever want to say something bad about hers?”

2. “Is your outfit supposed to match, or is that the look you’re going for?”

We’ve all taken risks when it comes to our clothing and hair—and have probably baffled a few guys along the way—but what do guys think about our stylistic choices?

“I’m the first to admit I know nothing about clothes or fashion or whatever, and that’s why I never comment on a girl’s outfit, even if she’s wearing something that I think is completely ugly, because for all I know it’s considered really fashionable,” Eric says.

Though Jake, a recent grad of Boston University, doesn’t care about style so much as fit, he still agrees that clothing choices are something that he shouldn’t comment on. “When I see a girl wearing something really unflattering, especially one of my friends, it can be hard to hold my tongue,” he says. “But I’ve made the mistake of saying something before, and let me tell you, it doesn’t go over well. Girls don’t like to think of guys knowing what looks better on them than they know themselves.”

Quinnipiac University senior Greg has learned that a girl’s style is a subject he should just avoid altogether. “I once asked one of my girl friends why she had decided to dye her hair so dark,” he says. “I hadn’t even really meant it as criticism, but she didn’t exactly see it that way.”

3. “Okay, I’ll admit it: I love watching The Bachelorette just as much as you do.”

How many movies have made your guy cry? According to our sources, that’s for them to know and you to never find out!

Eric explains that if a hobby or preference feels embarrassing, it probably is, and therefore probably should never be revealed to a member of the fairer sex. “My rule of thumb is that if I wouldn’t tell my friends about it, I shouldn’t tell a girl,” he says.

As Boston College grad Zach* says, “Do I like cocktails? Yes. Would I ever order one in a bar in front of a girl? No.”

University of Southern California grad Trent* says that he once told a girl about his habit of Googling cute animal pics when he’s bored in class. “I was hoping she would think I was sensitive and sweet,” he says. “Instead, I think I just managed to weird her out.”

Greg agrees that certain dirty little secrets should remain secret. “A girl might like the idea of her boyfriend watching The Notebook with her, but once he admits that he actually likes it, sh*t just gets weird,” he says.

4. “Yikes. You weren’t kidding when you said you had an awful singing voice.”

Yes, we may have our little insecurities, but our guy would never dare bring them up to us… right?

“Teasing a girl about something you already know she feels insecure about is, like, the worst mistake you can make,” Jake says. “She may tell you that she’s a terrible cook, but you better compliment her cooking anyway, even if it’s really bad.”

Greg found that even jokes that poke fun at collegiettes could end badly. “I joked around with one of my friends once when she took off her shoes, saying that her feet were totally stinking up the room,” he says. “To say that she didn’t take it well would be an understatement.”

Eric ran into similar trouble when he critiqued his girl friend’s driving ability. “Girls can be really touchy,” he says.

Rich says that he does his best to avoid making a girl feel insecure in any capacity. “There’s certain things you say to a girl and certain things you don’t,” he says. “Commenting on the amount of food she eats, how sweaty she gets when she works out, the number of guys she’s been with… you just don’t go there.”

5. “Be honest: Do you think I’ve put on weight?”

Believe it or not, guys fret about their complexions and their waistlines just as much as us girls. But would they ever admit that to you?

“It doesn’t matter if you think you’re too short or too scrawny or that your shirt doesn’t match your pants or whatever, you should never look to a girl for reassurance,” says Zach. “Because then, that girl will start to think to herself, ‘Yeah, he is kind of short.’”

6. “That’s totally something my ex-girlfriend would have said.”

Your guy might have had a relationship or two in the past, but does he know better than to bring them up around you?

Eric says if there’s one thing he’ll never discuss with a girl, it’s an ex. “Even with my platonic relationships it’s something I don’t bring up or talk about,” he explains. “Girls are jealous creatures and they always get weird about that stuff; it’s best just to avoid the topic all together.”

Says Rich, “I had a girlfriend that always wanted to know about my ex. Like, did you ever take her to this restaurant? Or, did you ever buy her a necklace like this? And whenever I answered honestly, it just seemed to get me into trouble. Eventually, I just started avoiding the questions… or lying.”

Jordan agrees about not bringing up an ex. “Girls are always competing against one another and comparing themselves to one another, so it’s natural that they would do so with a guy’s ex-girlfriends,” he says. “But it gets annoying, too. So the less I can make that happen by not saying anything about an ex, the better.”

7. “I had this really hot dream last night about my high school geometry teacher…”

Some things are better left behind closed doors… or in a guy’s head. We all know that guys spend many an hour immersed in some wild fantasy, but would they rather we not know what those fantasies entail?

Trent believes that what happens in a guy’s head should stay in a guy’s head. “The chance that I would tell my girlfriend I had a dream the night before about the really hot girl that lives down the hall from me? Absolutely zero,” he says.

And when it comes to visual aids, Jordan also thinks its best that a girl remains in the dark. “The amount of pornography that I consume—I’m not saying that it’s a lot, I’m just saying—is definitely not something that any girl needs to know,” he says.

As Zach explains, “Guys are pretty gross. We are horny, visual creatures. So there are certain things that girls are better off never knowing about us guys, whether they think they want to know or not.”

Next time you think your guy may be keeping something from you, collegiettes, just remind yourself: it may just be for the best!

*Names have been changed.

Between her impeccable style and natural knack for acting, it seems that Emma Watson could not be any more lovely. But then she goes and does something huge, something that transcends a trendy Burberry ad or her role as Hermoine Granger, and we fall in love with her all over again.

In July, Watson announced she that she had been appointed a United Nations Women Goodwill Ambassador, joining the ranks of present and past goodwill ambassadors including Nicole Kidman, Mia Farrow, Angelina Jolie and Whoopi Goldberg. The announcement was so well received that fans crashed the U.N. Women’s website.

Just this past weekend, Watson delivered her first speech as an ambassador and spoke on behalf of the HeForShe campaign, a global solidarity movement aimed to promote women’s rights and overall equality between the sexes.

The core of her speech came down to her urge for boys and men worldwide to join what has always been a seen as a “women for women” struggle. “Men … I would like to extend your formal invitation,” she began. “Gender equality is your issue, too.”

In this invitation, she highlighted the fact that men, too, can be “imprisoned by gender stereotypes,” and if freed from them, “things will change for women as a natural consequence.”

Watson even brought to light past struggles she had experienced or witnessed as they pertained to gender inequality. “When at eight, I was confused at being called ‘bossy’ because I wanted to direct the plays we would put on for our parents - but the boys were not,” she shared. “When at 15, my girlfriends started dropping out of their sports teams because they didn’t want to appear ‘muscle-y.’”

Toward the end of her speech, Watson questioned her qualification to speak on behalf of the UN, but insisted that regardless, gender inequality is a problem she cares about and wants to see change.

"You might be thinking who's this #HarryPotter girl?All I know is I care&want to make it better"- @EmWatson#HeForShepic.twitter.com/QOIA9SQkGE

— UN Women (@UN_Women) September 20, 2014

If you ask us, she so didn’t need to sell herself short! Her passion for the matter truly showed, and had we been there, we would have been standing on our seats and cheering (she earned herself a standing O, anyway)! In case you didn't catch her speech, the UN published the transcripts for you to read. Want to watch it for yourself? Check out the video below for Watson's full speech!

Everyone knows that boyfriends come and go, but girl friends are forever. But that doesn’t mean that you don’t have to deal with the men who enter and exit your BFFs’ lives, whether your friends have had the same boyfriends since high school or are taking advantage of the abundance of guys at school. We’re pretty sure you’ll recognize all of these guys.

1. The High School Boyfriend

Okay, you are done hanging out with these two. For the last time, you don’t care what happened to that guy who was in their homeroom class. He Snapchats her sisters and gives her parents Christmas presents — this guy is your BFF’s #1 at school and at home. Not only does having this guy around ensure a conversation in which you can’t partake, but sometimes they also bring back their other high school friends for a weekend visit. Sounds like a fun night…

2. The Frat Bro

He’s all but got his letters tattooed on his forehead, and you’re pretty confused about how he has any time for her. If it’s time for rush, he disappears faster than Kim Kardashian’s baby fat. He’s got a calendar full of mixers, and he’s more than willing to raid your friend’s (and your) closets for the perfect outfit for his toga party or his ABC swap. Your friend has to learn his fraternity’s colors, and all of the brothers know her by name. She complains about the state of the frat house while her boyfriend works really hard on creating a multi-funnel beer bong.

3. The Bodybuilder

Forget about talking to him unless you’re ready to marvel at how much he can bench. He looks like an Abercrombie ad from the neck down, and your BFF buys him protein powder for every birthday and anniversary. Get ready for her to say, “Oh no, we’re staying in… he has to hit the gym Sunday morning.” You’re happy for her because he’s so attractive, but that kind of beauty comes with a price: listening to how much he bench presses, telling him that yes, his biceps look bigger and that there’s definitely protein in froyo…

4. The One Who’s Basically a Dad

Okay, he’s not a dad… yet. But he sure looks, acts and dresses like one. Wears polos and loafers, loves to grill, will tell corny jokes with no shame whatsoever — you know whom we’re talking about. You’re ready to let him raise your firstborn (and second-born, and third-born) children, but you’re not ready to Mr. Socks-and-Sandals take your BFF to her sorority formal unless he can pull off James Bond’s style (even with Mr. Bean’s jokes).

5. The One With the Perks

Sure, he’s a nice guy. But his SUV is really nice when you’re moving. Or his beach house is really, really nice when you’re trying to get away for the long weekend. And his econ notes are really, really, really nice when you’re trying to ace that midterm. Long story short: You like him, but you really like the other things about him. You just hope that your BFF actually likes him for his personality and not his family’s ski resort in the mountains.

6. The One Who’s One of the Girls

You’re fairly certain he has his own friends, but at this point, you can’t be positive. He’s friends with all the girls in your friend group, and he dresses impeccably. He’s always the one hanging around with you and your girlfriends when you’re trying to GNO, and he’s everything short of painting his nails with you — but your BFF is too nice to let him know that he’s overstaying his welcome. But hey, if he wants to mix the martinis, who’s going to complain?

7. The Nerd

He can be fun to hang out with on Friday night (he totally calculated the curve during beer pong), but you’re also glad to have an ally in your super-tough computer science class this semester. In fact, there are plenty of reasons why nerds make good boyfriends. He and your friend must talk about homework a lot, but he seems like the sweetest guy, even if sometimes you can’t understand what he’s saying. You’re willing to overlook the chemistry jokes in return for a really nice guy (and help with Python).

There are tons of different types of couples you’ll run into in college; you’re sure to know all of these guys by the time you graduate!

Titanic is a classic; there's absolutely no denying it. For some reason, time and time again we commit ourselves to more than three hours of a complete emotional roller coaster. We know what'll happen. We are fully aware of the ending. It's a historical event, for goodness sake. Yet somehow, every time some part of us holds on to the hope that the captain will see the iceberg coming, that Jack won't let go, that Rose will move her butt over and make room on the floating door. But no; Jack slowly sinks away, our hearts are shattered into a million pieces and the credits roll. So here is the true story of watching Titanic and all the thoughts we have during this emotional experience.

1. The moment

What we're thinking:

Oh hello there, Jack Dawson; how you doin'? You've piqued my interest for sure. Why don't I watch this movie more often?

2. The moment

What we're thinking:

Is Leonardo DiCaprio even human? Seriously, what planet did he come from where his species gets better and better with age? We could stare at him all day!

3. The moment

What we're thinking:

Rose, are you crazy?! Girl, quit playin', get back on that boat and enjoy your cruise while it lasts with this hot man candy.

4. The moment

What we're thinking:

Why her? What does she have that I don't have?? And why can't they just stay perfect in this moment?! TURN AROUND WHILE YOU STILL CAN, CAPTAIN!!

5. The moment

What we're thinking:

Why yes; yes, I would. How did you know? Aside from the whole iceberg issue, the Titanic seems like a good time.

6. The moment

What we're thinking:

Lifelong fear: Being naked in front of people judging you. Lifelong dream: Being naked in front of Leonardo DiCaprio in any circumstance possible.

7. The moment

What we're thinking:

Dude, shut up. She doesn't like you. We don't like you either. Get off the screen so we can see the Titanic power couple. Ugh. Some guys just can't take a hint...

8. The moment

What we're thinking:

Yes. It's happening. The things we would do to be Rose right now. Who knew a little gulp could be so sexy?

9. The moment

What we're thinking:

The hand. The steam. The car. The excitement!

10. The moment

What we're thinking:

Remember when your mom asked if everyone else was jumping off a bridge, would you do it, too? Well, change out "bridge" for "ship" and change "everyone" to "Jack," and our answer is yes, Mom; yes, we would.

11. The moment

What we're thinking:

Now we remember why we don't watch Titanic more often. Because this stupid, gigantic iceberg somehow came out of nowhere (permanently sat in plain view in the middle of the ocean), and everything starts to go horribly wrong.

12. The moment

What we're thinking:

Um, what are you doing? The entire boat is sinking. People are chaotically rushing around you. And yet, you're gonna keep on playing that violin? Can't decide if that's dedication or stupidity, but you do you, man.

13. The moment

What we're thinking:

You won a ticket of death, Jack. The best thing that could happen for you right now would be for Rose to quit being so selfish and make room on the door for you. THERE IS PLENTY OF ROOM, ROSE. MOVE OVER.

14. The moment

What we're thinking:

Mhmm, give it five more minutes until you drop Jack like a frozen sack of potatoes to sink to the bottom of the ocean. You did this, Rose. You did this.

15. The moment

What we're thinking:

Whyyyyy?! Did James Cameron make Titanic with the intention of torturing us with the ultimate story of love and loss? You bring us the perfect specimen of a man that is Jack Dawson, and then you rip him away from us? Why would you do this? WHY?! And why did we put ourselves through this emotionally draining experience yet again? BRB, crying for at least an hour and eating our emotions.

Until next time, Jack... until next time.

The annual Miss America pageant, which took place this year on September 14, is known for the beautiful, glamorous gowns that contestants wear (and then some). We're still obsessing over the women's gorgeous dresses, and though all of this year's contestants looked uh-mazing in their eveningwear, five of them truly stood out from the rest. These are our picks for the five best dresses of the competition!

1. Miss New York (and Winner!), Kira Kazantsev

This isn’t the dress she won the competition in, but we love this unique evening gown that Kazantsev wore during the preliminary round of the competition. White is truly this girl’s color, and the structured gown is absolutely gorgeous. Her fit physique doesn’t hurt her cause, either.

2. Miss Pennsylvania, Amanda Fallon Smith

How gorgeous is this ruby-hued gown? While singing “Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again” from Phantom of the Opera, Smith dazzled with both her killer pipes and this fantastic get up.

3. Miss South Dakota, Meridith Gould

Daaaaang, now that’s how you wear emerald! Gould looked completely killer in this long-sleeved, body-hugging number. The color was a risk that definitely paid off, and we’re obsessed with how such a simple silhouette can look so refined and sophisticated. We want whatever this girl is having!

4. Miss North Dakota, Jacky Arness

Wearing white on stage is dangerous. Gowns can look too bridal-y or highlight imperfections, but Arness looked amazing in this snow-white dress. The plunging neckline is sexy, but not too revealing, and the full skirt is super lady-like and totally pretty. Definitely doesn’t look like she’s about to walk down the aisle!

5. Miss Delaware, Brittany Lewis

The fit on this cobalt blue piece is perfect on Lewis, who rocked this gown during the competition. We love the unique cut of the dress, which is architecturally interesting and flattering on Lewis’ svelte frame. She’s got us seeing blue!

Did any of these make your list of faves? Let us know what your top picks were!

Twenty years ago this Monday, NBC aired a new sitcom about a group of friends in their twenties living in New York City. On September 22, 1994, Rachel Green ran into Central Perk in her wedding dress and found Monica, Ross, Chandler, Phoebe, and Joey gathered around the iconic orange couch. And so Friends began. Most of us grew up watching the gang fumble through their twenties and thirties, laughing along with them as they struggled with work, family, and their love lives for ten memorable seasons. In celebration of 20 years of one of the greatest sitcoms of all time, we've gathered 20 moments from Friends that will always be there for us.

1. When Ross tried to go spray tanning.

2. When the gang had a trivia game about each other and placed a bet on the apartment.

3. When Joey put on all of Chandler's clothes...commando.

4. When Ross's boss threw away his sandwich. 

5. When everyone found out about Monica and Chandler's relationship.

6. When Joey and Ross napped together. 

7. When Phoebe went running with Rachel. 

8. When Monica and Ross revealed "the routine".

9. When Ross tried to teach Ben about Judaism, and dressed up as the Holiday Armadillo. 

10. When Chandler said, "I love you" to Monica for the first time. 

11. When Ross said Rachel's name during his vows to Emily. 

12. When Phoebe had her brother's triplets.

13. When Ross tried to teach Rachel and Phoebe about "unagi".

14. When Rachel saw the prom video. 

15. When Chandler and Monica got engaged.

16. When Phoebe sang "Smelly Cat".

17. When Ross claimed that he and Rachel were on a break...repeatedly.

18. Whenever Janice said, "Oh. My. God."

19. When Chandler, Rachel, and Ross tried to "pivot" a couch up the stairs.

20. And finally, when Rachel got off the plane.

Lauren Conrad is one of those celebrities who has mastered the laid back yet still totally put together vibe. Unsurprisingly, the 28-year-old fashionista carried her classy, yet understated style over to her wedding. She and her new hubby landed the cover of US Magazine and the pictures are totally gorgeous!

usmagazine.com

One of our favorite things about LC’s wedding hair and makeup is that she stayed true to her signature look: flowing hair, cat-eye, and a bit of color on the lips. You can definitely borrow Lauren’s simple, pretty wedding look for everyday or your next special occasion.

Tousled Waves

There are a few different ways to achieve flowing waves, but Lauren’s preferred method is the “post-iron-pin”. According to her blog post, pinning the curl right after using heat helps your hair set and yield long-lasting waves. First, you’ll want to spray your hair with heat protectant like Nexxus Pro-Mend Heat Protexx Heat Protection Styling Spray ($10.99).  Next, curl your hair with your preferred styling tool. Use a curling iron to get looser, fuller waves. Wrap the curl around your finger and pin down using either bobby pins or duck clamps to let your hair cool. While the hair is pinned up, you can spray it with a light hair spray like Sebastian Shaper Plus Hair Spray ($16.95). Check out Lauren’s tutorial for how she achieves this easy, breezy look.

The Downtown Chic: A wand like the Infiniti Curling Wand Styler ($29.99) from Conair will give you tighter waves. Twist up the curl and pin to let it set. Afterwards, unravel the hair gently and rake your fingers through.

The Retro Babe: good ol’ fashioned hair rollers ($10.79) are still a good way to get voluminous curls without using heat. You can use hair rollers with damp hair—avoid hair that's too wet, since the curls won't hold. Leave the rollers in overnight. In the morning, you'll reveal big bouncy curls.

The Glamazon Coif: Heat rollers ($19.99) cut right to the chase, forming your hair into big curls without the hassle of a heat tool. Gently wrap your hair around the roller. Start with the section around the crown and curl away from your face.

Darling Cat-Eye

Another piece of Lauren’s signature look is her very wearable cat-eye liner. The key is to choose a gel liner with a thin brush like the Essential Liquid Liner from e.l.f. ($1.00). This way you’ll have more control over the brush. Trace the liner as close to your lashline as possible. Flick the liner in a small wing shape for a more demure kitten-eye. Or pull the liner up and out for a dramatic cat-eye. Get Lauren’s tips for perfect winged liner on her blog.

Fresh Face

The LC Lauren Conrad designer is all about that beachy sun-kissed vibe. Her fresh-faced, barely there make up is an everyday look that can play up your natural features. The most important part is choosing shades that are close to your skin tone. Start with a light concealer like Maybelline’s Fit Me Concealer ($6.99). Dab on a bit of blush and groom your brows with a long-lasting product. We recommend NYX Cosmetics Eyebrow Marker ($9.79) for full, natural-looking brows. Brighten up your face with a tinted balm and don’t forget mascara!

Lauren’s girly, casual style made her wedding look stand out in the crowd of the typical formal, fancy affair. Staying true to your personal style, no matter the occasion, will help any collegiette feel confident and put-together on any special occasion. What do you think of her look? Did you expect something fancier for her wedding? Sound off in the comments!

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 was crushing on this guy for over a year despite the fact that he already had a girlfriend. I was trying to get over him, but eventually I admitted my feelings for him and was brutally shot down. He's single now, and although I've tried to stay friends with him, the things he has said hurt me. I want to move on and also prove to him that he can't walk all over me after shooting me down like he did, and I also don't want to be his second, third or fourth choice. However, a large part of me doesn't want to lose him. I'm torn between being disgusted with him and liking him... help? – Vulnerable at Vanderbilt

You’ve got two options here, Vanderbilt. One: Give up and be try to be his fifth choice. Two: Realize that obviously this guy doesn’t care about your feelings, and move on.

In reality, you only have one option, and it’s that last one. Let’s put this in perspective: You never actually went out with him — you just had a big crush on him — and instead of falling in love with you (as he might have done if this were a teenage romance movie), he shot you down.

The biggest issue here is that you never actually went out with him, nor were you ever actually great friends with the guy — at least, not according to your letter. To him (and even, to some extent, me) you’re a girl who’s had a kind of weird, obsessive crush on him for over a year. You don’t want to lose him? Lose what? I’m gonna roll some bitter reality your way, Vanderbilt: You never had anything to lose in the first place because he was never actually yours.

On the flip side, if he hurt you so much, then he’s just not worth your time. There are ways you go about turning someone down, and doing so brutally isn’t one of those ways. No one wants to be shot down, so the least we can do for one another is cushion the blow by being courteous with our letdowns. You should instead be looking for a guy who actually wants to be with you and make you happy. You don’t want to be his umpteenth choice, but for some reason in the back of your mind, you’re convinced that he and you are supposed to be together.

News flash: You’re not.

Let go and move on to greener pastures.

Classic girl excuses: We’ve all heard them, and we’ve all used them. They can get us out of virtually any situation, whether it’s class, a test, a bad date or plans with our mom. Text? What text? We probably didn’t get it because we were at our aunt’s birthday party and then forgot to respond because we got food poisoning from the cake. Yeah, that’s totally what happened. You believe us, right?

1. “I have so much to do.”

“I’ve just been so busy; I can’t seem to catch up!”

But really…

We have nothing to do at all and we intend to keep it that way. We just figure that if we act like tense lunatics, people will leave us to ourselves and we can binge watch Netflix.

2. “It’s my cousin’s/brother’s/uncle’s/best friend’s/cat’s birthday.”

“And the party is like, so far away, and it’ll be an all-day thing. Maybe even an all-night thing.”

But really…

We committed to plans too quickly, and now we're just thinking of any logical excuse to get out of whatever it is we want to get out of.

3. “What? I totally never got your text!”

“That’s crazy! Are you sure it was the right number? Did it say it was delivered?”

But really…

We got your text, but we didn't feel like responding. Sorry we're not sorry. 

4. “I had an awful day.”

“You don’t even understand. It was literally awful.”

But really…

We're just in a flat-out b*tchy mood and we don’t really have an explanation for it, so for justification, we’ll just pretend we had the day from hell.

5. “I think I have food poisoning.”

“Trust me, you don’t want to come near me. It’s probably best if I just lay low until that bad batch of shrimp passes through me.”

But really…

We really don’t want to go out, and food poisoning is the perfect excuse: We can totally pull it off as a quick 12-hour bug and be back in public by tomorrow. Is a night on the couch without human contact too much to ask for?

6. “I have killer cramps.”

“…and bloating, back pains and extreme irritability, so back off.”

But really…

We simply don’t feel like getting out of bed. There's no way anyone will try to argue any excuse related to Aunt Flo, and we will use that to our power until the day we leave this earth. If we don’t want to do something, blame it on the period. It works like a charm.

7. “My nails are wet.”

We don’t want to smudge a fresh manicure, now do we?

But really…

These suckers have been dry for a half hour, but until someone figures that out, we're going to milk this for all that we can. “I’d totally help you move the furniture to vacuum, but I just painted my nails and they’re a little wet still.”

8. “My friend really needs me right now.”

“She’s in a really bad place. I don’t want to miss out, but I can’t leave her alone.”

But really…

She needs someone to split drinks and the two-for-$20 meal deals at Applebee's with. What kind of friend would leave someone hanging in that kind of situation? Plus, it was her idea to use her emotional distress as the excuse, so blame her.

9. Crying.

Stone-cold crying.

But really…

We’re honestly not that upset, but if we run out of excuses, a fake mental breakdown always does the trick.

With temperatures dropping and fall officially here (where did summer go?!), it’s time for us to start putting away our denim cut offs and strappy sandals and trade them in for our warmer—and equally as chic—fall wardrobe! 

We were lucky enough to chat with People StyleWatch TV Stylist and Market Editor Joiee Thorpe about her thoughts on this season’s trends and she’s even shared with us her top 5 style-must haves for the season.

As Stylist and Market Editor, Thorpe is the brains behind People StyleWatch’s TV segments. She spends most of her time preparing for fashion segments on TV, whether it be for programs like the Today Show or the View, where she casts models and puts together outfits that not only reflect the season’s trends, but also complement each model’s body type.

Check out her top picks for fall, below!

1. Statement earrings

“For a while I was wearing statement necklaces and bracelets, but now earrings are making a comeback,” Thorpe says. These bold Bauble Bar earrings can completely transform a look, even if you pair them with a basic dress you wear all the time. “It’s not so much that dangly earrings that are in, it’s more ones that pop,” she explains.

Bauble Bar Deco Pool Drops $36

2. Cocoon Coat

“I am a huge fan of cocoon jackets,” Thorpe says. “They’re such a big trend for this fall and winter.” Cocoon coats make for the perfect model-off-duty look—they're oversized and easy, but not sloppy (they've got some structure to them). This Rebecca Taylor boucle coat is the perfect combination of cozy and chic: It hits right above the knee, ensuring you’ll stay warm. “The slouchy look is something big that will translate from this season to the next,” she says. “They kind of have a menswear look to them.”

Rebecca Taylor Boucle Cocoon Coat $650

3. Edgy rings 

“Rings that look almost like cuffs make a big statement,” she says. “Right now one of my favorite rings is by CC Skye and it is actually a double ring, so it cuffs around two fingers but it doesn’t fully wrap around.” Of-the-moment celebrities like Kendall Jenner, who've embraced the edgy look, have been sporting the trend with stacking rings, thick cuff-like rings and chain rings.

CC Skye Ex-Boyfriend Ring $110

4. Statement purses

“Statement t-shirts with big words on them and statement jewelry have been around, but I am seeing this trend translate to little purses and pouches now,” Thorpe says. “They’ll say things like ‘hello goodbye’ or ‘blah blah blah’ in big bold letters.” Think Kate Spade, Edie Parker and Anya Hindmarch, who often feature fun, kitschy sayings on their bags. (Psst: We're loving this collegiette-friendly tote from H&M!)

Karen Walker clutch $250

5. Trendy oxfords

We’ve seen preppy oxfords with tassels or buckles that come in their normal assortments of dark colors for a while now, but Thorpe says the current must-have item is the embellished oxford. “A trendy oxford is really cool, yet it’ll still be comfortable at the same time,” she explains. “They’re coming with pointed toes, in all different patterns, and in different metallic colors.”

Loeffler Randall Fay Cut-Out Oxford $350

From head to toe (almost literally!), Joiee Thorpe has got us covered this season. With style like this, who will even miss our summer wardrobe?

Orientation is overwhelming and exciting at the same time.  You’re meeting so many people and learning so much that you may find your head spinning by the end of it.  Making friends at orientation is a great way to feel comfortable and make the most of what you’re doing, but how do you keep in touch with them afterwards?

Luckily, we have some tips to avoid losing contact with your awesome new friends!

1. Friend each other on Facebook

It sounds clichéd, but adding your orientation friends on Facebook allows you to keep in contact with them better than just texting. You can see if you have classes together through messaging, make plans to meet up or simply know what’s going on in each other’s lives. 

Adrian Thompson, a senior at the University of Iowa, became Facebook friends with a girl she got along with at orientation and managed to stay in touch with.  “When school started I messaged her and asked her what classes she was taking,” she says. “Turned out that she had three of the same gen ed classes as me!” They sat together on the first day of class and became great friends.

2. Make lunch plans

During your first few weeks of classes, you may not have a clue whom to get lunch with.  If you schedule a lunch date with someone you met at orientation, you’ll feel a lot better.  The two (or more) of you will be able to meet up and talk about your dorms, classes and weekend plans. 

Having lunch will open many doors for hanging out in the future. “Getting lunch with people you meet at orientation is a great way to stay in touch,” says Allison Zeppuhar, a sophomore at James Madison University. “I still occasionally grab lunch or dinner with some of the kids I met.”

Bonus: If each of you brings another friend, you can ease your way into conversation and it won’t be as awkward or intimidating.

3. Go out together

Going out together is a fun way to bond and learn more about each other.  Find out what your friend is into and plan your activity accordingly. You can get dinner off campus, go to a movie or go to a party together.

“I went to a party with a girl I met during orientation, and we had such a good time,” says Brooke Pearson, a sophomore at James Madison University. “We were able to really let loose and get to know each other more.  She is currently my best friend and roommate!”

Round up a group of people you got along well with during orientation through a group text, and see what the night brings!  You never know who could end up being a great friend.

4. Become workout buddies

If someone you meet at orientation isn’t in your dorm or your classes, a good way to stay in touch is by going to the gym together.  The gym is a central place where anyone can meet, and you’ll be able to catch up every time you go together. 

Having a workout buddy also gives you motivation to stay healthy, so you’ll be more likely to go on a regular basis (no thank you, freshman 15!).  If your fitness buddy is into the same type of workouts as you, it will be even easier to plan times to go together and bond; try meeting up for a group fitness class you both enjoy. Working out together will help you build a friendship you can take places other than the gym!

Staying in touch with your orientation friends will make transitioning to college a lot easier. If you put in the effort, you won’t lose contact with the people you met.  Good luck, collegiettes!

When it comes to applying for jobs and internships, it’s hard to not feel desperate. As you’re sifting through the thousands of postings online, the stress and pressure piling up, you find an offer promising “immediate work!” and “Great money!”

You may think you’ve finally found the Holy Grail, but the unfortunate truth is that there are a handful of job and internship scams on the web that can rob you of your money, time and hard work. Since it can be tough to determine what is legitimate on the web, we’re here to help. We talked to experts to get you the best information on how to keep your job search and application process scam-free. 

What is an online job or internship posting scam? 

Since just about anyone can post a job offering online, it’s no surprise that there are illegitimate ones out there. According to Tom Dezell, author of Networking for the Novice, Nervous, or Naïve Job Seeker, now is a prime time to encounter these scams. “Unfortunately, the poor labor market and increase in the average length of job searches has greatly stressed many job seekers, making them easy targets for online predators,” he says. “Plus, scammers will also prey on the inexperience in job searches of college students. The market is at an all-time ripeness for taking advantage of job seekers with high levels of desperation and naivety.” 

These scams typically ask you to pay upfront for a work-at-home position at a company that does not actually exist. Alternatively, you could be given legitimate work but then fail to receive the payment you were promised, a situation that Briana, a recent grad of Georgia College, encountered.

“As a freelance writer, I am constantly in danger of being scammed,” she says. “What happened to me was that I wrote several articles for a client and let him defer payment. When I asked him where my money was, he disappeared.” 

Job search expert and author of several job-search-related books Rick Gillis says that scams often turn out to be a money-laundering process in which you are asked to process checks and involve your personal bank account, under the guise that you are processing payments or transferring funds as an assistant. 

“Any time you have to involve your bank account with a job offer, run as fast as you can,” Gillis says. The Career Services Network at Michigan State University explains that these checks can be fraudulent and “leave you out of thousands of dollars and facing criminal charges.” 

The MSU career site goes on to explain that common scams targeting college students include postings for positions such as personal assistants, mystery shoppers, workers who have to repack or ship items from home, pet sitters or models. There are “a variety of scams where a student is asked to pay for certification, training materials or equipment with promise of reimbursement.” 

What are the signs of a scam? 

Aside from the common guises listed above, there are other key ways to spot a scam. Our experts gave us a list of red flags to watch out for. 

• “If an offer you did not inquire about is sent to your email address (like spam).” – Gillis
• “If a fee is requested upfront. There is no reason for you to pay anything to anybody for a job in terms of the application.” – Gillis 
• If you found the posting on Craigslist.
• “If there is any lack of following the normal steps in hiring: application/résumé, interviews, job offer and salary negotiation. Any process that seems to be short in any of these areas should concern the candidate.” –Dezell
• If it is a work-from-home position, which Gillis and Dezell both note is a common career area to encounter a scam in. Dezell advises to always check the website Rat Race Rebellion to assess any work-from-home opportunity. “It is run by the company Staffcentrix, which researches the legitimacy of advertised work-from-home opportunities,” he says. The site has a Scam-O-Meter where you can see the ratio of scams to legitimate opportunities.
• “If there is no legitimate information about the employer when conducting research on the web.” – Mary Sullivan, associate director of employer relations for Career Services at Emerson College
• “If the employer’s business address is actually a residential address.” – Sullivan (you can check using housing websites like Zillow)
• “If there have been complaints about the business through the Better Business Bureau or through other similar organizations.” – Sullivan
• “If you are asked to provide or rent your own equipment.” – Sullivan 
• “If you are asked to conduct meetings or requested to work in a private residence.” – Sullivan

How can you avoid them? 

As scary as the possibility of unknowingly getting sucked into a scam is, there are ways to avoid it. It’s important to go about your job and internship search as smartly and safely as you can.

“People should avoid these scams by being very cautious and by understanding that it is their responsibility to conduct a thorough investigation of all employers before taking additional steps to agree to work for a company,” Sullivan says. “This means students need to review as much information on the organization’s website as possible, and check the Better Business Bureau and/or other similar organizations to determine if there have ever been complaints against a particular company… [Students] should be very skeptical if there is no information available about a company on the web, or through other public means.”

She further advises working closely with the professionals at your school’s career service center, since they have the knowledge and resources necessary to navigate the online job jungle. 

“If at any point you have doubts, Google the company name and ‘scams’ to see what comes up. Another site to look at is Glassdoor,” Dezell says. “Quality searching will beat quantity searching every time. Rather than blasting countless résumés and applications to opportunities on job boards, research the types of companies you would like to work at reach out to them.” He adds that networking is a great way to go about the job search because “you’ll face less competition” and “network sources won’t refer you to a potential scam.” 

Gillis stresses that you should “always look at job postings with a skeptical eye,” no matter what the posting is or where you found it. If you found it on any website other than the company’s own page, he advises to “always go to the corporate website to cross-check and make sure [the] job is also listed there.”

Gillis’s main tip for ensuring a safe job search is to not provide any personal information (such as your home address or social security number) to anybody until “you’ve met in person, shaken somebody’s hand and know they are legit.” 

Briana’s advice after getting swindled as a freelance journalist is to “always discuss payment upfront and make sure you get paid after every article.” If you do not get the payment you were promised after doing the work you agreed to, contact the employer immediately—if you get a sketchy response, do not do any further work for them. 

What should you do if you're a victim of a scam? 

If you are the victim of a job scam, Sullivan explains that there are several legal routes to pursue. 

“If someone believes that they have been the victim of fraud, deception or an unfair business practice, [her state’s] Attorney General's Office is available to file a complaint,” she says. “The Attorney General's Public Inquiry and Assistance Center is staffed with trained professionals who will review your complaint to determine whether it is appropriate for the AGO's free, voluntary mediation service.” She adds to be aware that “the Attorney General's Office cannot provide individuals with legal advice or act as your attorney. If you have questions concerning the specific application or interpretation of the law, please consult with a private attorney.” 

Hiring a private attorney is a second route you could pursue. However, Sullivan warns, “this course of action could be prohibitive financially and could be very time-consuming.” 

A third option is to report the fraudulent organization to the Better Business Bureau. Sullivan explains that this “may not result in getting money back; however, it would put the organization on notice for consumers in the future.” 

If you’re searching for a job or internship online and you have any trace of doubt about the legitimacy of an offer, always proceed with caution—it’s better safe than sorry and robbed. We know the application process can be stressful, but it’s totally worth it to put in the time and get the job and internship that you deserve. You’re better than the sleazy scammers! 

P.S.- Rest assured, our Careerette page is always free of scams! 

Ever looked at stars like Lindsay Lohan or Gisele Bündchen and envied their multitude of freckles? You're not alone! Freckles have long been an indicator of youthfulness and health, especially since freckles tend to be brought out by the sun. While some girls are blessed with a sprinkling of freckles across their nose and cheeks, others may only have a few freckles here and there. That's why Topshop created their brand new Freckle Pencil in Forever Young ($7 at Topshop) as a way for girls to fake their way to a freckled face. This technique has been seen everywhere, from Olivia Wilde to the NYFW runway, and as a dutiful Beauty School blogger, I had to put this new pencil to the test!

As I mentioned in the video, before adding my freckles I prepped my face and filled in my eyebrows as usual. I then added the peachy-pink Topshop Powder Blush in Do It Again ($12 at Topshop) to the apples of my cheeks and the Topshop Glow Stick in Play Up ($16 at Topshop) to highlight the tops of my cheekbones. I created a slight cat eye with the Topshop Magic Liner in Scorch ($12 at Topshop) and then brightened up my undereye area with Topshop Brighten in Moonlight ($14 at Topshop). I finished off the look with the Topshop Sheer Lips in Alibi ($12 at Topshop) for a peachy-nude lip. 

The freckle pencil itself was surprisingly easy to use, and I only needed to use a small amount of pressure to make delicate marks on my face. I found that the color of the pencil worked well with my complexion and hair color, but someone with a fairer complexion would need to really make sure to blend out the marks well. Once I tapped the product over my face, I used my ring finger to blend the "freckles" in. This did not take very long, and the marks softened easily. I did find that this also meant that the freckles smudged rather easily, so I would recommend using a makeup setting spray, like the Make Up For Ever Mist & Fix setting spray ($12 at Sephora) to set all your work in place. 

Once I finished creating haphazard freckles on my nose, across my cheeks and on my forehead, I stepped outside to get a look at my skin in natural light. I fell in love with the result and could hardly tell that the freckles weren't real. To the casual observer, the freckles themselves probably wouldn't register nearly as much as a generally youthful appearance would. 

Overall, I was really impressed with this freckle pencil. Now is the perfect time for Topshop to release this product, as most of our summer tans and freckles will start to fade as the colder weather moves in. This pencil is the perfect way to preserve a little piece of summer and to add a little something extra to your everyday look.

The verdict: I'm a big fan and I expect to get a ton of use out of this pencil!