Can we be real for a second? Even though exercise is super good for us (it lowers anxiety, boosts self-confidence, improves your health, jump-starts your metabolism, blah blah blah), that doesn’t mean we always enjoy it. In fact, most of the time, it’s just tolerable.  

So if you roll your eyes every time you see a picture of a girl mid-treadmill-run with a bouncy (and sweat-free) ponytail, gleaming calf muscles and a grin so wide it looks like she just won the lottery—we get it, because we do, too. Dear fitness model: Your smile is a lie.

But that doesn’t mean we can skip gym time like we skip bad songs on Pandora. So here are the seven sneaky tricks we use to get ourselves to the gym more often. We hope they make the trek easier for you!

1. Use visual reminders

What’s on your phone’s home screen right now? A cute puppy? A picture of you and your friends the last time you went out? Zac Efron? All of those are sure to give you a mood boost (especially Zac), but none will get you on the treadmill. By making your background a shot of your gym or an inspiring quote, every time you use your phone, you’ll receive a subconscious reminder to go. It’s almost like you’re brainwashing yourself to better health.

And if you want to get truly hardcore, use the same technique on your laptop, iPad and e-reader. The possibilities are as endless as your number of devices!

You can also print out inspiring pictures and pin them on your board (the real one, not your Pinterest one) or around your room. This Her Campus article has some great options!

2. Work out for cash

Endorphin rushes are great, but they won’t pay for your textbooks (or adorable sweaters). Earning money for exercising is arguably the best thing ever, and thanks to new apps and sites, you don’t have to be a Biggest Loser contestant to do it.

With Pact, you commit to a certain number of workouts—say, five per week—and get cash rewards for hitting your goals. The money comes from the community pool, so if you don’t make all of your workouts, you have to pay up. Pretty effective motivation, in our opinion! The app is free to download for Apple and Android phones, has a 92 percent success rate and nets most users between $0.30 and $5 a week!

HealthyWage is a cool option for those who want to lose weight. You decide how much you want to lose, how much you want to bet and how long you want to achieve your goal. As your goal and wager go up, so does the amount of money you can potentially make. Sign up for free on the HealthyWage website.

3. Buy cute workout clothes

Wearing new clothes is always fun, right? If you treat yourself a cute pair of leggings or some colorful tops, you’ll be motivated to hit up the rec center so you can luxuriate in that “I just bought this and I look hot” buzz.

There’s affordable workout gear at Target, Old Navy andForever 21. However, don’t feel guilty if you want to splurge!

“I actually spend a little more on workout clothes,” says Kathleen Kalinsky, a senior at James Madison University. “When you invest financially in something, you feel more of a sense of obligation to follow through.”

Those Nike sneakers or lululemon capris are pricey, but they may be worth it if they get you through the gym doors.    

4. Follow healthy Instagrammers

 

Power couple and proud  Both of us were unhealthy and underweight as kids. We didn't know the meaning of health and fitness until we put in the hard work, researched and found what works best to gain a healthy happy body  Today we stand together as a couple, healthy, strong, happy and we are here to help YOU do the same. We want to change the world and stop the fads, stop the detoxes, stop all the quick fixes and teach people all over the world how to live a healthy life. To learn more, visit www.kaylaitsines.com/guides

A photo posted by Kayla Itsines (@kayla_itsines) on

Dec 12, 2014 at 11:46am PST

Imagine you’re scrolling through your IG feed. You see a funny pic of your friend, Kylie Jenner striking a pose, someone’s froyo creation, a pretty spot on campus… and a girl squatting her heart out. Wow, her butt looks amazing. All of a sudden you’re filled with motivation to go do some strength training of your own.

“I follow a lot of fitness people on Instagram—it’s great motivation,” says Niina Kurki, a sophomore at Vanderbilt University. “For example, I love Kayla Itsines. I’m now doing her 12-week program!”    

And since many of us check social media first thing in the a.m., this can be a great way to get yourself up and at ‘em for that morning workout.

“I set my alarm for 5 a.m. during the week so I can hit the gym before classes,” says Haley Cahill, a senior at Appalachian State University. “As soon as I cut my alarm off, I open Instagram and look at motivational fitness accounts like tonedgirls,average2athlete… andashybines. The posts on those accounts get me fired up to hit the gym and complete a killer workout!”

5. Go first thing in the morning

Speaking of rise and grinding, the morning is a great time to hit the gym.

“The second I get home after a day of class, it's practically impossible to get myself to go back out and to the gym,” says Maya Devereaux, a senior at Boston University.

In the morning, it’s super easy to decide that you’re going to hit the gym in the afternoon or at night, but as the hours go by, your professors pile on the assigned reading, your friends text you invites for Starbucks or dinner and your Netflix queue starts to look more and more inviting. Before you know it, you’re changing into some stretchy pants—for sleeping in, not performing cardio. “I’ll go tomorrow,” you think.

If you exercise first thing, however, you won’t be able to use any excuses. And afterwards, you’ll have the whole day for friend dates and Friday Night Lights (oh, and that reading you have to do). Check out our tips for getting in a morning workout.

6. Write out your fitness goals

Why huff and puff on the treadmill for no reason? Exercise has more positive effects than Martha Stewart has kitchenware, but if you don’t establish specifically why you’re doing it, you’ll have a harder time convincing yourself that it’s important.

So write out a list of reasons to go to the gym. Maybe you’re after that post-workout feeling of victory, or you want to de-stress, or you’d love to be able to run four miles without stopping. Maybe you dream of building your biceps, or you want to lose a little weight or simply avoid gaining any in the first place. Maybe you just want to be in good shape!

Once you have a solid set of reasons, you’ll actually want to go so you can achieve progress.

7. Call a friend

It’s pretty easy to blow off the gym when the only thing missing your presence is your fave StairMaster machine. However, when you’re blowing off another person, it’s a whole different story.

“I always make plans to work out in my school's pool with a friend,” says Malone Ryan, a sophomore at John Carroll University. “That way, whenever I am putting off going (which is normally always), I can't back out because I've made a commitment to go with someone.”

Malone says the secret to pulling this off is choosing a friend who loves to work out. If you make plans with someone who’s flaky, there’s no point.

We’re not going to pretend it’s more fun to go to the gym than the movie theater. Or Starbucks. Or your friend’s house. Okay, there are a lot of places more fun to visit. However, we hope that by using these seven tricks, you can get your cute booty to the fitness center more often. We’ll be right there with you, sweating, panting and looking as all-around non-fitness-model as you can get.

You nailed your interview, got the job and found an apartment—now you need a car to get you to your new office every day!

Buying your first car is a daunting task. It’s a substantial investment, the process is notorious for being tedious and salesmen are known for trying to rip you off. While the make and model of the car you decide to buy is personal, here are some tips for every new-car buyer on how to make the process as painless and worthwhile as possible.

1. Review your finances

Before even stepping foot in a dealership, you should know where your finances stand. This means knowing your credit score and whether you’re pre-approved for financing.

Jeff Ostroff, founder and CEO of CarBuyingTips.com, says, “The biggest mistake car buyers make is heading out to buy a car without making sure they are pre-approved for financing and knowing their credit score.” He explains that being unfamiliar with or in denial of your financial situation leads to two things: Higher-than-advertised interest rates and manipulation by the salesman due to your ignorance of your own financial status.

As a new graduette, you may not have much of a credit history. Ostroff suggests you start establishing credit as soon as possible. “Start with a gas card and Target card, which appear to be pretty easy to get, and pay in full and on time every month,” he says.

If you’re paying a monthly rent, in some cases, you can have those payments included in your credit history; it’s not done automatically. Check with your landlord or register through sites like WilliamPaid.com, which has an official partnership with credit bureau Experian.

Be aware that if you have a lower credit score, your interest rates will be higher. Scores above 680 will give you the lowest interest rates and is the best situation to get a loan for a new car; a score below 680 but above 550 will get you a loan, but you’ll have to pay higher interest rates; and if your credit score is below 550, you can get a bad credit loan or, alternatively, skip loans altogether.

“Save up and pay cash… fees and finance charges kill you,” says former car salesman Buddy Huntsinger.

However, you might need a car immediately and won’t be able to pay in cash. Ultimately the way to decide what sort of financing you need to get your car will depend on your personal financial history, so make sure that you know your own credit score and history before moving forward with buying a car.

2. Research, research, research

Your research should begin with your credit score and finding out if you’re pre-approved for a loan, but it shouldn’t stop there. The best thing you can do when buying a car is to be well informed. Research the kind of car you want, the dealers in your area and competitive pricing so you can walk into the dealership prepared to negotiate a fair price.

“Car buyers should know how much they should be paying for the car before they even leave the house,” Ostroff says.

Research common scams and practices by car salesmen so that you don’t fall prey to them. And if you’re looking at a used car, examine its Vehicle History Report (VHR) carefully. A VHR can be obtained online for varying prices—you can purchase a basic VHR from the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System or pay extra to get a detailed report. VHRs provide you with a vehicle’s accident history, how many previous owners it has had, where it was manufactured and other data that gives you a deeper sense of the car’s condition. While you may get to a point where you want to finally seal the deal and get your new car, in the long run it’s worthwhile to do your research to make sure you’re getting a good deal.

Make sure to print out and bring all the research with you so that the seller knows you’re making an educated decision and that he or she won’t be able to manipulate you. “The majority of the time you can tell if the customer has done research and it benefits the customer,” Huntsinger says. “Sometimes you can’t tell until the end when the customer has adopted a take-no-prisoners negotiation strategy. They know what the last 7,000 customers have paid for the vehicle, and they want to pay the least amount.”

Knowing what others have paid for the same make and model can prevent paying more than you need to. Websites such as CarGurus and Kelley Blue Book allow you to compare car pricing trends in your area, and scouring classifieds and Craigslist can give you a sense of how private sellers are pricing cars. By researching the deals in your area and getting a sense for what the car goes for, you can end up paying much less than if you entered the process without any of that information.

3. Should you buy or lease?

If the number of cars to choose from wasn’t enough, there are also several ways to buy the car once you’ve figured out which car you want. You can buy a brand-new car from a dealership, buy a used car from a dealership, buy a used car from a private seller or lease a car.

Ostroff says that if you’re considering buying a new car, you should be able to put 20 percent down and pay the car off in 48 months. If you can’t put the initial 20 percent down on the new car, Ostroff explains that you’ll end up in financial trouble on your loan and will owe more than the car is worth when you go to trade it in.

“Too many people end up in six- or seven-year loans because they can’t afford the lower month terms,” Ostroff says. “This really means, in my opinion, that they cannot afford the car. So if you can’t pay it off in 48 months, don’t buy the car, and instead focus on a three-year used car, because they can be half the cost and have already dropped down the value depreciation curve.”

Leasing can seem like an appealing option with low monthly rates on brand-new cars; you’re only paying off part of the car, not the whole price. However, there are important things to consider about leasing. Leasing requires thinking ahead about 36 months, a typical lease length, as you cannot move out of state with a leased car and it is expensive to break a lease, Ostroff explains.

“If you lose your job, you are still on the hook for the lease, unlike a loan or used car, when you can just sell the car,” Ostroff says. “With a lease, you don’t own the car and cannot sell or trade it in.”

If you’re uncertain where you’ll be a few years down the road, a lease may not be the best option for you. Further, leases have restrictions on mileage, and the car must be kept in the best shape, so if you’re hard on cars or will be driving longer distances, consider that when you decide if you want to lease.

Finally, while leasing may seem the best option in the short term, when the lease is up, you return the car (with an exit fee) and cannot get any return on the money you paid. However, if you buy a car, once it’s paid off, it’s yours to keep, and you can get a return on your investment through trading in or selling the car when you decide to get a different one. While it may be tempting to get that beautiful new car on a lease, make sure to think hard about how leasing may affect you in the long term.

Kelsey Wasilewski, a 2013 graduate of Binghamton University, chose to buy a used car after graduating and couldn’t be happier. “The best thing I ever did for my finances after graduating was to listen to my dad and buy a used car for $1,800,” she says.

Kelsey says she’s able to go on road trips without worrying too much about mileage or condition. Plus, it’s allowed her to spend her hard-earned money elsewhere. “Not having a crazy high lease or car payments has allowed me to get a great apartment and start paying down my student loans pretty quickly, all while still putting away a lot in savings!” she says. “My advice? Buy used, and save the new car for when you are older!”

4. Look for discounts and deals

As part of your research, look for discounts—you can even get one for being an alumna of your college!

Erica Avesian, a 2013 graduate of the University of Michigan, recently bought her first car. “Figure out the best type of discount, whether it be a friends and family, employee or alumni discount,” she says.

Many schools offer alumni discounts, so be sure to consult your school’s alumni website to see what sort of deals they can provide for you. If you’re buying a car around the time you graduate, look for new graduate discounts.

“Follow all the rebates and college graduate promotions from the carmakers,” Ostroff says. “Many have $500 incentives for enrolled students or those about to graduate in addition to any normal consumer rebates that might be on your car.” Use your new status to save you money!

If don’t need a car urgently, try to buy one when you’re most likely to get the best deal. According to the United Services Automobile Association, there are different times of the year, month and even week when you can get the best deal! Avoid weekends if possible, and make your offer later in the day. Since your alma mater or dealerships in your area may offer discounts around graduation, if you can hold off until the end of the year, the influx of newer models combined with year-end quotas can get you some of the best deals.

5. Take it for a test-drive

Once you’ve done your research, it’s time to see the car in person. Erica recommends bringing a car-savvy friend along when you go to buy. Whether you’re buying new, buying used or leasing, make sure that you test-drive the car.

When you’re test-driving, leave the radio off so that you can hear any weird noises the car makes (but do make sure that the radio/CD player/AV system works, too!). Take note of everything you hear, and ask about those noises! This is especially important in used cars to make sure you’re not inheriting costly problems.

Pinpoint where the car’s blind spots are and make sure that you feel safe driving it. “When on the drive, ask to be taken on bumpy roads and parking lots,” Huntsinger says. “Take a long enough drive—20 minutes minimum—to verify your seats are comfortable. Is the steering wheel positioned comfortably? Seat belt ride on your neck?”

When looking at a car at a dealership, Huntsinger advises that you make sure the car you test-drive has the features and extras you plan to buy, because “test-driving a base model is going to drive differently than a heavier, fully equipped model.” A car is too big of an investment to have buyer’s remorse over—use the test-drive to make sure that you’ll be happy in the car for the entire time you have it!

6. Negotiate

When you’ve found the car, it’s time to negotiate. This is where knowing what comparable cars are selling for will work in your favor!

Stay calm but stick to your guns and try to come to a deal quickly. Enter the negotiation with a price that is both fair to you and still gives the salesman a fair commission so that you can confidently stick to a price that is fair to everyone.

Finally, if the salesman is not giving you a fair price, opt to walk out and find a deal elsewhere—you did your research, and you deserve the best price!

“As a car salesman, you hope rich, uninformed car buyers will agree to everything you present,” Huntsinger says. “This mistake can really increase the cost of a car and cause the customer to feel taken.”

If you do your research, you can get a great deal on your first car. And after you finally get it, take your new (or new-to-you!) car for a celebratory drive!

Fashion girls everywhere were in hysterics on social media earlier this week when Céline revealed its newest campaign star: writer Joan Didion, who looks beyond fab in a pair of dark sunglasses in the Juergen Teller-shot campaign photo. This combination of fashion and literature could seem surprising at first—until you really think about it. Who better to act as the face of a brand with seemingly endless witty cool-girl appeal than an intellectual literary and style icon like Didion? We just wish we had thought of it before!

This is definitely one we didn’t see coming, but the campaign makes total sense. After all, it was Didion’s thoughtful narratives that shaped the literary culture of the 1970’s, a decade that Phoebe Philo, the creative director of Céline, seems to love referencing in her collections. Didion is also known to be a master of the minimalist aesthetic that is so prevalent in the Céline brand, as is evident by her well-known packing list from her essay collection, The White Album that lists precisely, “2 skirts, 2 jerseys or leotards, 1 pullover sweater.” Oh, and did we mention the uncanny resemblance of the famous 1968 portrait of Didion sitting in her corvette and Celine’s resort campaign photo featuring Daria Werbowy?

Let’s also not forget that Didion won a Vogue essay contest during her senior year of college, which led to a two-year stint writing for the magazine after college—the fashion world has definitely shown her some love in the past.

Didion’s Céline campaign is a major moment for the fashion industry for another reason—it’s not every day that you see an 80-year-old woman starring in a major fashion advertising campaign. The fashion industry has long been criticized for failing to feature anyone older than her mid-twenties in advertising or on the runway, and we’re thinking this might be the perfect push the industry needs to start featuring a wider range of women. With how great Didion looks here, how could they not?

We’re still having a hard time getting over just how cool Joan Didion looks in those Céline sunglasses. What are your thoughts on this fashion-meets-literature moment, collegiettes? 

It’s no secret that the typical college diet isn’t exactly conducive to perfect health. Frozen food, chips and ramen noodles are all often staples of an American collegiette’s diet. But these foods all have one thing in common: a high salt content. The consequences of excess sodium consumption can range from annoying issues like bloating and headaches to serious problems like high blood pressure, strokes and heart failure. 

How much sodium do you actually need? “1,500 milligrams of sodium a day is the ballpark figure,” says Gail Stanton, a registered nurse and former nursing instructor at Holy Family University. “This may vary between people based on level of activity and weather conditions.” 1,500 milligrams may seem like a lot, but that’s equivalent to just 2/3 of a teaspoon of salt, or about one can of soup.

According to the American Heart Association, while the average American should consume no more than 1,500 milligrams of sodium a day, most people consume more than twice that amount. These statistics may seem scary, but reducing salt from your diet is easy if you just make a few simple tweaks. Here are eight tips on how to stay healthy by reducing excess sodium from your diet!

1. Avoid frozen food

Many collegiettes depend on frozen dinners for fast and easy meals, but beware of the sodium content! While frozen food can seem like the easiest option when you’re surviving college without a meal plan, you may want to look for alternatives. 

“Be aware that prepared foods often contain more sodium than fresh foods,” says Stanton. “Sodium is often used in combination with other preservatives to preserve the shelf life of prepared and frozen foods.”

Lean Cuisine’s chicken alfredo pasta has 660 milligrams of sodium, and a Weight Watchers Smart Ones frozen pepperoni pizza has 730 milligrams of sodium.

While some microwaveable meals are more nutritious than others, always opt for fresh food over frozen when you can. 

2. Skip the saltshaker

A couple shakes of salt on your omelet or mashed potatoes may seem harmless, but a little extra salt here and there can add up quickly. Just one teaspoon of salt can equal up to 2,400 milligrams of sodium, according to the American Heart Association. This small amount of salt can put you way over the recommended daily limit of 1,500 milligrams. 

Instead of using salt to add flavor while cooking, try using other herbs and spices, such as basil, oregano and garlic. Spices will give your food lots of extra flavor, but none of the added sodium from salt.

3. Order carefully at restaurants

Restaurants often put extra salt in their food to bump up the flavor. To reduce your salt intake, you can ask for substitutes like low-sodium dressing, or request that your meal be prepared without added salt.

“If I'm at a restaurant, I ask for unsalted fries, which also ensures they are prepared fresh because most places salt the whole batch,” says Sarah Eyd, a senior at Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania.

Many fast food restaurants now post nutritional information online. Stanton recommends looking up the nutritional content of your meal online so you can be aware of the sodium you will be consuming. 

For collegiettes on the go, Fast Food Calories is a free app that can be downloaded from the iTunes store. The app offers nutritional information for popular fast food restaurants such as McDonalds, Burger King and Taco Bell. This way, you can make an informed decision no matter where you are!

4. Rethink your drink

Getting drinks with friends is a huge part of the college lifestyle, but your happy hour drink of choice could be harming your health. That ring of salt around your margarita may seem harmless, but in reality, that salt alone will often contain your recommended sodium limit for the entire day.

Drinks like margaritas, salt-rimmed martinis and Bloody Marys contain a ton of hidden salt. For instance, just one Bloody Mary can contain 1,400-1,500 milligrams of sodium. To decrease the sodium content of your drink, try ordering your margarita with nothing around the rim, or just ask the bartender to go easy on the salt.

5. Read labels on packaged food

The best way to know how much sodium you’re consuming? Read the labels on packaged food!

“Read the nutritional content and realize that name brands do not always have the less sodium content,” Stanton says. “Understand the order in which things are listed on the label. Often ingredients listed first are higher in amounts than those listed later on, so be aware if salt is one of the first ingredients listed.”

Reading labels to check out the calorie content of food is pretty common, but make sure you look at the sodium content as well! Foods such as salad dressing and soup are often incredibly high in sodium. Sodium content will vary between foods, so next time you go to the grocery store, read the nutrition facts and try to choose a lower-sodium option.

6. Rinse canned foods

Canned foods like beans and veggies are a quick, easy and cheap addition to your meals. However, these foods can be high in sodium because they are often preserved in saltwater to retain freshness. 

“I'll rinse canned veggies and beans with cold water in a strainer,” says Sarah. “This removes a lot of the salt and sugar that you don't even know is there.”

To reduce the amount of salt in these foods, follow Sarah’s advice and put the canned food in a strainer and rinse it thoroughly before you prepare it. This will get a lot of the excess salt off while still leaving enough to keep the flavor of the food!

7. Beware of “diet” foods

Low-fat or low-calorie options many not always be healthier. When manufacturers lower the calorie or fat content of a food, they may increase the sodium content to add flavor. While a low-calorie or low-fat option may seem like a good idea, diet foods are often processed and salt-filled. 

A smaller portion of the real thing will give you the flavor you’re looking for without any of the processed ingredients! 

8. Skip typical snack foods

Chips, crackers and pretzels are all often dusted with salt. Try carrots instead of chips with your dip, or munch on an apple with peanut butter. Making some healthy snack swaps is an easy way to reduce your sodium intake and eat healthier all around!

Being aware of how much sodium is in your snacks is key. “I think lack of education is the problem,” says Stanton. “Many college students don’t even realize excess salt is bad; they just don’t think about it.” She recommends unsalted nuts or raw veggies as healthy, low-sodium alternatives to salty snacks.

Your body needs a certain amount of sodium to function correctly, but the typical college diet of frozen meals, snack foods and dining out often leads to overconsumption of sodium. Making a few simple changes can ensure that you don’t overdo it!

"A healthy diet containing fresh fruit and vegetables and limiting the amount of prepackaged or fast food will naturally provide adequate levels of sodium,” says Stanton. If you think you might be consuming too much salt, it may be time to tweak your diet!

If you’ve been looking for another reason to question Shia LaBeouf’s state of mind, Sia just gave it to you with her recently released “Elastic Heart” video. What begins as a dazzling dance routine inside of a cage quickly turns disturbing with many who’ve seen the video claiming it’s inappropriate and triggering to those who have been victims of sexual abuse.

Co-starring in the video with LaBeouf is 12-year-old Maddie Ziegler, the Dance Moms star who had people talking last year after her zany performance in Sia’s “Chandelier” video; but the sexual connotations of her interactions with the actor, 28, have some claiming that the dance incites images of pedophilia, for which Sia has already apologized.

Our curiosity got the better of us, so we watched the five-minute video to decide just how unsettling it is. Don’t get us wrong. The choreography is mostly beautiful, and we love seeing Shia in action again after some troubling years in and out of the spotlight. But we have to agree that the message behind this video is crossing a line. Its unmistakable references to the sexual abuse of young Maddie (by someone more than twice her age) seem better suited for R-rated indie dramas than empowering musical anthems whose lyrics are lost in the confusion of interpreting the two performers.

We went into watching it with an open mind, but in the end, we couldn’t get past the icky feeling we had watching Maddie try to escape Shia, who claimed just last year that he was raped in a live art performance where the public was allowed to interact with him alone in a room. And their complete committals to the roles were, perhaps, the hardest part to suffer through. Sure, we wanted to accept this for the art piece Sia was trying to make it into, but the stellar costumes and amazing set can’t make up for the "ew" factor. While she may not have been trying to make this type of statement, Sia definitely has people talking.

What do you think about Sia’s new video, collegiettes? Is it inappropriate or simply artistic? 

After months of secrecy and one cruel, cruel prank by Ashton Kutcher himself, we're finally getting a glimpse at baby Wyatt Isabelle Kutcher. The cutie was front and center on the family’s Christmas cards, and we can't stop obsessing over how adorable this family looks!

Their little girl looks like she takes after her dad, Ashton. Our absolute favorite is the image of the family in the hilarious pig get-up.

The 36-year-old actor told Ellen Degeneres during an interview that his fiancé Mila is, as he puts it, "the greatest mom I can't even." (Yes, even Ashton says that... celebrities, they're just like us!)

Now all we're keeping our eyes peeled for is the wedding date... although Mila was spotted wearing a small wedding band alongside her engagement ring at a Lakers game and an Instagram post on Ashton's account suggested the union may have already taken place right under our noses. 

When it comes to the dreaded post-graduation job hunt, it’s easy to feel like a little fish in a big pond. Between the stress of graduating from college and the terrifying thought of entering the real world (taxes, insurance and health care, oh my!), it can be hard to feel like you have a leg up on the job hunt.

Luckily for us, we have the World Wide Web to help us out! Here are seven of our favorite websites to help you learn more about the company or field you want to work in so you’ll be in the know no matter where you end up after graduation.

1. LinkedIn

Okay, so LinkedIn isn’t that unique anymore, but it does have some cool features and resources you may not be taking advantage of.

“Many people don’t know, but if you search the business in the search box, before clicking enter, there should be an option that comes up that says, ‘See people who worked here,’” says Laura, a junior at the University of Wisconsin-Stout. “When the list of names comes up, you can see if there is anyone that you are either a first or second connection with that you can contact!”

Browsing your dream company’s profile will not only alert you to any shared employee connections, but it will also tell you how many people work for the company, update you on any job openings and provide suggestions for similar companies. Plus, you can check out what former employees are up to now, giving you an example of what your career path could look like.

“It really helps spark ideas of where I might want to take my career, while also giving me a potential inside source to a company,” says Elizabeth, a recent graduate of Brigham Young University.

What are you waiting for, collegiettes? Time to perfect that profile!

2. Glassdoor

We are so in love with this website, and for so many reasons. If you’ve been living under a rock for the past few years and haven’t heard of Glassdoor, it’s essentially TripAdvisor for your career! You can search any job at any company and get info from real employees (past and present) about salaries, work environments and tons of other aspects of work life. There’s even a whole section on each company’s page dedicated to real interview questions asked by the company, which is perfect to check out before that nerve-wracking interview!

While many Glassdoor users are mature and respectful, keep in mind that some ex-employees might view the site as a way to express their frustration with their former employers. As long as you look at a company’s rating overall and take outlier reviews with a grain of salt, visiting this website is a must before accepting any job offer.

3. Salary.com

With astronomical student loans, insanely expensive studio apartments and the occasional well-deserved shopping spree to pay for, graduates have every reason to be concerned with their salaries. As a college senior, you may be nervous about negotiating your starting salary at your first real job, or you may not even know what you should be earning for the work you’re doing. That’s where Salary.com comes in!

This free site allows you to search by profession and provides you with job descriptions and national salary data, including a median annual income as well as the standard benefits and bonuses. You can even refine the data by selecting a particular city, the level of your education and your years of experience to get a more accurate picture of what your salary should look like. For the working twentysomething, this website is a lifesaver.

4. Spotlight on Careers

If you’re getting ready to graduate from a liberal arts college, Spotlight on Careers is a site you should definitely check out! Mary Lothrop, the assistant director of health professions and STEM advising at Middlebury College, says this “premier career resource for liberal arts students” was developed by the Liberal Arts Career NetWORK, so it’s tailored specifically to job hunters with liberal arts majors.

In addition to being able to search for jobs and internships by industry, you can read up on the pros of graduate school and even get advice on how to polish your resume or brush up on those interview skills. Plus, the website offers a feature that allows you to search for alumni advice by college so you can see what your school’s alums recommend doing after graduation. Think of it as an online campus career center!

5. CareerBuilder’s Advice & Resources

Powered by CareerBuilder, Advice & Resources is a great website for job hunters. The homepage lists current career trends, helpful tips and a weekly list of 10 companies all over the country that are hiring. There’s also an option to filter thousands of articles by industry, so you can check out advice articles and career-related info tailored to your interests.

Advice & Resources also offers targeted articles containing advice for every stage of the job search, whether you’re just starting to see what’s out there or you’re on your third round of interviews. Expert advice on how to maintain eye contact during an interview, how to use social media to your benefit in the job search and how to find a career that makes you happy are just a few of the articles available to the budding careerist.

6. CareerOneStop

CareerOneStop has almost more features than we can count, but suffice it to say that it’s one you should check out. For the collegiette who isn’t quite sure how to format her resume, there are sample resume templates available to download as well as sample thank-you letters to send out to your interviewers (a great way to make a good impression!). And, in addition to providing detailed job descriptions and salary info, CareerOneStop is also a one-stop site for info on the less exciting aspects of the real world, like health plans and the cost of living (boring, but important!).

Our favorite feature, though, has to be the free Skills Profiler. All it takes is 20 minutes to fill out your skills profile with some basic information, and the profiler will comprise a list of your skills and aptitudes, a list of jobs that employ those skills and a percentage of your skills that match each job—perfect for the collegiette who isn’t quite sure what she wants to do after graduation!

7. The Princeton Review’s Career Page

You trusted The Princeton Review to help you make your college decision, so why not look to it again during the job hunt? The site’s Careers section allows you to search for your dream career and then provides you tons of info specific to that career.

“It gives you a ton of info, such as quality of life, what a typical day on the job is like, the average career arc, how long it will take you to achieve a senior position and more,” says Aja, a sophomore at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo. “Whenever I discover a career I might be into, I look it up!” 

The site even tells you what degree is required to work in your field and what the most common undergraduate major is. And, if you decide a particular career isn’t for you, The Princeton Review’s Career page also lists similar careers that employ the same skills. Sounds pretty great, right?

Finding a job after college is notoriously stressful, but if you know where to go for expert advice and insider information, you’ll be one step ahead of the game and on your way to scoring your dream job. Happy hunting, collegiettes!

Giving yourself a manicure is supposed to be a calming and even theraputic experience. Who doesn't love a little bit of self-pampering every now and then? But the truth is, painting your nails is more stressful then you thought. Here's why: 

1. Finding the perfect color.

It takes you forever to narrow down your options. Can't it just be acceptable to wear five different polishes?

2. Questioning how seasonally appropriate your chosen color is.

Sometimes you just want to wear neon yellow in the middle of winter.

3. Removing your current nail polish.

No matter how hard you try, there will always be a speck of polish hiding on the side of your nail. And glitter polish? Consider it impossible to take off.

4. Getting nail polish remover on that cuticle cut you forgot you had.

Imagine the pain of a paper cut and multiply it times 100.

5. Discovering the color you want to use has turned gloppy.

One does not simply put on syrupy nail polish. It's a cardinal sin of giving yourself a manicure.

6. Painting the nails on your non-dominant hand.

You vow to take your time and not lose your patience even though you know that will never happen.

7. Having to wait for your nails to dry. 

Have to go to the bathroom? You can't. Want to go to sleep? You can't. Consider it an eternity that you have to wait.

8. Regretting the polish you chose and wanting to redo your nails with a different color.

On second thought, you don't want to OPI's Strawberry Margarita anymore; you want Essie's Turquoise & Caicos, which you don't own. Yet.

9. Feeling extremely disappointed when your attempt at a nail design you saw on Pinterest didn't go exactly as planned.

It's the effort that counts, right?

10. Waking up the morning after a manicure with smudged nails. 

You waited for forever, and yet, it wasn't long enough. What is this nonsense?!

11. Chipped nail polish, aka the bane of your existence.

To all of the polishes claiming they are no-chip, you lied.

Earlier this week, President Obama, sitting casually on his desk aboard Air Force One, gave the nation a sneak-peek of his upcoming State of the Union address: A new higher-education initiative.

The proposal is simple: To allow 9 million students to attend 2-years of community college for free, saving them an average of $3,800. For students working minimum wage jobs (which, nationally, remains at a mere $7.25), the President's plan has the potential to change lives and increase social mobility, an increasing problem for the American economy.

The program would also mandate that community colleges seeking eligibility ensured their credits transferred to local public universities, giving students the freedom to pursue more ambitious degrees.

However, the President has also asked states to pick up a quarter of the program's costs. This could prove problematic, as state governments, often Republican-led and frustrated by the current administration, have historically been uncooperative with Obama's initiatives (such as the implementation of the Affordable Care Act).

Yet Obama hopes that the proposal will reach across the aisle, as it's modeled after the "Tennessee Promise" program, which was created by Republican Governor Bill Haslam. Tennessee Promise functions as a rewards-system, incentivizing students to do well in high school so that college becomes financially achievable.

But marketing this initiative as bipartisan might still prove difficult, as many in Congress have sworn against any bill with Obama's nametag.

Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus has said that the President's "multi-billion dollar Washington rewrite of a successful Republican state education program is neither serious nor responsible—he can't even say how he'd pay for its $60 billion price tag despite the country drowning in red ink."

But even if his ideas are supported by the legislature, providing community college at no cost to students could potentially overwhelm the system. The program also does not address the unavoidable fact that educational inequities begin in preschool, and only widen as students progress through elementary, middle and high school. While Obama has said he hopes to make community college as "universal" as high school, some might be concerned that a consistent focus on maximizing higher-education opportunities will be at the cost of a struggling secondary school system.

But the President is surely right in his intentions. There is a undeniable correlation between income, education and unemployment. And, as the high school drop-out rate continues to decline, moving forward, it could be a good next move to put increasing focus on college attendance.

But, like all government endeavors, completely subsidizing two years of community college comes at a price. When considering the obvious educational benefit Obama's proposal provide, we must investigate what funding mechanisms, whether taxes or spending, will finance the program.

Photo credit: Rebecca Heilweil

Looking to celebrities for the latest trends is nothing new—but even still, our favorite celebs somehow manage to shock us with their style and beauty choices sometimes. This time, we were truly stumped (but mostly amused).

While speaking at the Palm Springs International Film Festival last weekend, Brad Pitt was spotted wearing some ever-so-trendy nail art. Pitt's striped mani included a variety of colors, and adorned just his ring finger and pinky. We're not sure why the rest of the nails weren't painted, but we're pretty sure this run-in with polish had something to do with the Pitt-Jolie children. We're guessing Zahara was probably feeling artsy and wanted to use her skills on Dad. Or maybe Vivienne felt Pitt needed to up his trendiness.

Whatever the reason, Pitt isn't the first male celebrity to sport the nail art trend. Jared Leto and Snoop Dog are known for their rocking MAN-icures, and we couldn't love Pitt more for being brave enough to join them!

Where (or how) do you think Pitt scored this chic new look?

With the New Year and spring semester finally here, it’s the perfect time to step up your gym game. While it can be tough to get to the gym if the winter blues are getting you down, we have a solution: cute exercise gear! Sometimes all it takes is a little update to your workout wardrobe to keep you motivated. We rounded up five fab looks for starting your gym routine off on the right foot this semester – no matter what your preferred workout is. When your exercise looks are this on point, it’ll be pretty hard to want to skip the gym ever again!

1. Hitting the yoga mat
 

Getting your “om” on at a yoga or Pilates class? The key is to dress for movement and breathability. We’re loving the open, barely-there look of this Free People tank, which is loose enough that you can downward dog without having to readjust your clothes – and the built-in sports bra is a major bonus!

On bottom, throw on a pair of leggings, which allows you maximum movement during class. This pair from Nike has a gorgeous blue print, perfect for a relaxing yoga session. Don’t forget a headband to keep the flyaways out of your face and a chic duffel that has plenty of room to tote your mat back and forth from the studio.

2. Taking on the cardio room
 

If you’re more of a treadmill or elliptical kind of girl, shorts and a tank are your best bet for staying cool during your workout. Need a little encouragement? This “No Days Off” tank keeps you going when your gym buddy isn’t there, and it looks totally cute with a brightly colored sports bra peeking out underneath. Add a pair of fun, patterned running shorts, which will allow your legs to move freely! Top off the outfit with sneakers in a bright and energizing color, blast your favorite tunes and you’ll never run out of energy.

3. Spinning with the girls
 

Get major style points at your next weekend spin class with friends in a chic, fun look that allows you to sweat in style (and still look cute for lunch afterwards). Pair your leggings with a fun open-back tank with an attached strappy sports bra that’s equal parts fashion and function – the open back will keep you cool during even the sweatiest spin class. Basic black trainers are lightweight and slim for spinning and are totally on-trend for outside of class, too!

4. Braving the elements
 

If you’re more of an outdoor runner, you can still bundle up and face the chilly weather in style! The trick is to go for lightweight layers that still allow you to move and provide plenty of insulation. Try a pair of fun patterned leggings that also have heat technology to keep your legs warm. Pants from Uniqlo, Under Armour and Nike all make great options. On top, you’ll want to layer a basic tank underneath a jacket made specifically for the outdoors – don’t forget to make sure it’s reflective so you can be seen on a dreary winter day! Finally, add your favorite pair of running sneakers and a fleece-lined headband, which is a great activewear alternative to a hat. Ready, set, go!

5. Toning up
 

Going over to the gym to tone up or lift weights? Show off all that hard work (and those abs you’re working so hard to get!) in a shorts-and-sports-bra combo! A plain black sports bra with a high neck looks chic and unexpected and ensures that you won’t accidentally show too much skin with this look. Pair it with bright patterned shorts to add some color. As a topper for when you’re done working out, we love this funnel-neck pullover, which is a much chicer upgrade from your typical sweatshirt. Add a pair of lightweight training sneakers in bright blue, and you’re ready to get your fit on!

No matter what your health and fitness goals are for 2015, there are plenty of activewear options that are both chic and functional for whatever your gym activities may be. Get ready to be the best-dressed girl at the gym this semester!
 

Designer Helmut Lang is officially back, but this time his show is taking place in a gallery instead of on a catwalk. Lang may have built a successful fashion house, but for him, clothing was just one kind of artistic expression. After selling his self-named label to Prada a decade ago, he began to pursue his interest in art. Now, he’s ready to show the world what he's been working on. This past week marks the opening of Lang’s art show in New York City—his most public move in years.

Lang made a name for himself in the '80s and '90s, proving to be a detail-oriented designer with a distinctly modern aesthetic in many ways—he was even the first designer to broadcast a show on the Internet in 1998. Fashion was not his end goal, however. He stumbled into the fashion world at a young age after making his own clothing, and says now that, though “it was successful and a great experience,” he is ready to take on art in a purer form—art for art’s sake.

It appears Lang is sticking to his envelope-pushing roots, and will incorporate an element of his fashion legacy into his new path. How? The Wall Street Journal reports that his sculptures will feature shredded pieces of fabric from the pieces in his own clothing archive! He says he put the clothes through an industrial shredder following a fire that struck the storage space in 2010. Talk about recycling!

What can we expect from Lang’s newest designs? Here are some of the aesthetics we're hoping he has replicated:

1. Mixed media

Spring/Summer 1999

Lang liked to make clothing out of unusual materials such as rubber. In this look, a relatively normal outfit gets a feathery twist. He also often paired unexpected materials in surprising ways. With his use of shredded fabric, we already know he is challenging conventions again.  

2. Reinvention of old concepts

Fall/Winter 2003

In the designs above, Lang took his menswear basics in an entirely new direction. He undoes their symmetry, and adds and takes away fabric in surprising places.

3. Minimalism

Fall/Winter 1999

If there is one hallmark of a great artist, it is the ability to do something that is both simple and new. Lang was known for his minimalism, and seems to remain committed to the idea that you shouldn’t do too much to a piece of art. He told the WSJ that he believes “when a work matures... you know it is a good idea to stop.”

4. Striking lines

Spring/Summer 2001

Lang has often used lines in surprising ways, cutting out new shapes and patterns. Yet, he consistantly did so in a clean and simple way. 

5. Raw emotion

Fall/Winter 1999 Ad Campaign

Though simple, Lang’s collections always had a bit of an edge. From being the first in high fashion to put his advertisements on top of taxis, to publishing print ads that were almost aggressive in their straightforward simplicity, Lang’s approach has always been one seemingly in touch with the very essence of what it is to be human.

Whatever it is Helmut Lang does next, we have a feeling we won’t be disappointed.

A sorority sounded like a great idea when you were a freshman—you were promised a group of girls who would clue you into campus and love and support you like a sister, hooking you up with great information about where to go, where to find great dates, how to participate in awesome campus traditions, and providing you with tons of other benefits. By sophomore, junior, or senior year, however, sorority life can start seeming a little less great. If you’re no longer feeling the “Alpha Phi love” or “Phi Beta warm-fuzzies,” check out some of the pros and cons of disaffiliating from or leaving your sorority.

Pro: You’ll have more flexibility.

Think about a typical week’s worth of sorority activities. Now think about what your schedule would look like without weekly chapter meetings, charity events, dinner hours, study sessions, and weekend events. Disaffiliating from your sorority could lead to more free time to spend on new things, such as participating in other clubs and activities, volunteering on your own, spending more time hitting the books, hitting the gym, or simply allowing you to have a little more “me time.” Now that you’ve been in school for a while, you also no longer need the plus of having tons of girls around to show you the ins and outs of campus and nightlife in your college town. In fact, you might even have more fun exploring different things in and around campus on your own instead of with a huge group of sisters.

Having more free time could be a huge pro, especially if you’re looking to bring your grades up, devote more time to another organization, nab a killer internship to boost your resume, or develop other skills and talents outside of your sorority commitments.

Think carefully about how you’d use the extra time you’d have before you decide to drop your letters. Do you need more time to tackle a tricky class? Is there an activity you wish you had more time to devote to or would like to join? Are there things you feel like you’re missing out on because you’re busy with all of your sisters?  Reflect on questions like these before making a final decision to make sure you wouldn’t regret leaving.

Con: It might not be as easy to meet people, including alumnae who could open doors to possible careers or internships.

We get it—you’re human. You’re not going to enjoy every event your sisters plan, every fundraiser you throw, or every party you’re expected to attend. These events sometimes carry a huge bonus, though; they can introduce you to people with whom you share similar interests, who support the same cause the fundraiser event is supporting, or who have connections that can take you places. (Beauty parlor scene in Legally Blonde 2, anyone?)  There may be alumnae who work for a company that you’re dying to intern at or work for. “A lot of girls really don’t see the value in a lifetime membership,” says Julie Johnson, College Panhellenics Committee Chairman for the National Panhellenic Conference. She says the experience of being in a sorority extends long after you graduate your school or university. “It really is more than those four years in college,” she says. Johnson advises those thinking about leaving to “think long-term about what could happen.”

Your sorority can also introduce you to some influential people on campus who are in your sorority or in sororities you work with or (single!) hotties in a frat you’re partnered with. Obviously a sorority isn’t the only place where you can make these kinds of connections, but it’s an easy in, and it works as an instant conversation topic. Think about if you can still benefit from the network your sorority provides before you decide whether or not to leave.

Pro: You’ll probably see more of your non-Greek friends.

One huge bonus of no longer going Greek? You’ll now have time for your non-Greek friends. “Once I quit the sorority, I found friends that had interests much more similar to my own, so I do not feel like I missed out on much by quitting the sorority. I could simply go to a bar if I wanted to be in the party scene and I no longer had to pay thousands of dollars to be part of a sorority,” says Leslie*, a recent college grad who left her sorority after a year. This can be great if you’re in a sorority with a lot of mandatory weekend events or mixers, or if you’re in a chapter that celebrates big events like homecoming or spring break together. No longer needing to spend these days with your sisters means more time for friends you’ve met outside the Greek system.

You could also have more flexibility with who you date. Some Greek collegiettes say they feel pressured by their sisters to date guys from certain frats and avoid others in less desirable groups or ones outside the Greek system. Of course, this isn’t the case in every sorority, but it might be easier to meet someone special when you’re not spending every weekend with guys from a specific frat that your sorority has paired up with for a mixer or date party. This is also a major plus if you find you’re no longer as tight with your sisters as you used to be, or you don’t have many friends in the house and didn’t bond with the group like you thought you would.

Con: Seeing your former sisters could be kinda (or really!) awkward.

Unfortunately, not everyone will understand your decision. You could lose touch with some of your sisters you simply weren’t all that close to in the first place, or from others who don’t or won’t see things from your point of view. “Girls would pass me on campus after I quit and wouldn't even acknowledge me,” says Leslie. Be prepared to deal with this, and confide in a few sisters you’re close with if you’re comfortable talking about some of your doubts or issues and trust them. Tell them what you’re thinking and ask for their input. Including the sisters you want to still see and talk to on a regular basis and cluing them in from the start will help you stay close with them, and it will help avoid any awkwardness or drama with the people who matter most to you if you do decide to leave.

Pro: No more dues!

It’s no secret that sorority living can be expensive. Between dues, potential fees for living in the house or eating meals with your sisters, going on trips or weekend getaways, gifts for your little, and all of the oh-so-cute apparel with your letters, it can cost quite a bit to be in a sorority from semester to semester.

Look at your budget and decide whether or not you want to keep spending as much as you have in past semesters to be a part of a group you’re losing interest in. Is it worth the investment? Or are there other things you’d rather spend it on? An investment in a different group on campus, more shopping money, or rent for an awesome off-campus apartment in a future semester could make more financial sense.

However, don’t let budget constraints be the only reason for leaving until you’ve explored your options. Johnson suggests talking to sorority leadership to see if an arrangement can be made if you’re having trouble paying dues or other fees instead of letting it be an obstacle to your participation in sorority activities. “Some groups have policies with reduced membership rates,” she points out as an example of what can come of talking things over with a trusted sister or your house mom. “You also don’t have to buy every t-shirt, buy every picture… it’s all choices that you make,” she says.

Con: You’ll lose out on some of the already-paid-for activities you used to do with your sisters.

Of course, those dues need to get paid for a reason. Chances are some of the money you spend goes back to you in the form of awesome activities or fun events for you and your sisters to bond even more. These activities are also usually discounted (or even free!), meaning you don’t need to shell out as much for some of your favorite ways to spend the weekend.

Again, you’ll have to examine your budget and figure out what activities you enjoy doing with your sisters, and which ones you’d rather drop altogether or do on your own. Look at what you spend and decide if it’s worth it—could you do these things on your own, or is the bonus of having people to do things with on the sorority’s dime worth it?

Pro: You lose some of the pressure to fit in and “fake” enjoyment at events.

Leaving makes sense for a lot of girls who may feel like they no longer fit in with the group. This was the case for Leslie. “Once I joined the sorority, I realized how different I was than most of the girls,” she says. “I knew pretty much immediately that I wanted to quit, but I decided to stick it out for a full year just to make sure I was making the right decision. It seemed that the sorority required more from me than I got in return, and I felt I did not need it to have a good social life.”

Now that you’ve most likely had a year or two under your belt, you’ve probably got a better sense of some fun places to go where other students like to hang out, and you might even have a fave spot or two of your own. Dropping out of your sorority would mean more time to enjoy the things you want to do and go to the places you enjoy the most instead of slapping a smile on your face and sticking to the group decision.

Con: The process of leaving your sorority could be a lot of work you don’t have the time or patience for.   

Most importantly, be persistent! If you do decide to leave, be prepared for a lengthy process that could take a bit of time. “Leaving is very specific to each organization,” says Johnson. Work with sorority leadership, your house mom, or your school’s Greek Council to find out exactly how to disaffiliate.  Also, make sure to consider any other details you need to figure out, such as finding housing, getting on a meal plan, getting a new parking permit, or other things you may need once you leave the house. Know that the process of leaving is also usually not reversible—once you leave, you’re out. Be patient and respectful with anyone and everyone you work with in the process of leaving your sorority to ensure a smooth transition and to minimize any damage to your reputation or image.

Leaving a sorority is a huge personal decision. Only you really know what the right path is for you. Whatever your reasoning for considering leaving, weigh the pros and cons, and don’t be afraid to trust your gut and stick with what feels right. You only get one undergrad college career—make sure you’re spending it the way you want to spend it! 

We’re all told that the key to a successful college experience is to get out there: Join a club, make new friends and spend time getting to know other people you would have never met otherwise. While it’s awesome to broaden your horizons, sometimes it’s really useful to be alone.

It can be scary to be alone if you’re not used to it, but spending time by yourself can help you discover new parts of yourself, allow you time to relax and help you be happier. Being alone also means you can order the exact combo of toppings you want on your pizza!

Dr. Bella DePaulo, a social scientist with a Ph.D. from Harvard and the author of Singled Out: How Singles Are Stereotyped, Stigmatized, and Ignored, and Still Live Happily Ever After, says that spending some time alone can be “both a freedom from constraints and a positive freedom to do what you want and let your thoughts wander.”

Although Netflix is a great solo-person pastime, here are some more thoughtful and engaging ways to spend time alone and get to know yourself better.

1. Take a nature walk

Immersing yourself in nature is a great way to spend some time alone. Try picking a place you don’t spend a lot of time in, such as a park in a different town or a nature preserve, and walk around.

DePaulo says, “Having other people around – even wonderful other people – can sap some of your cognitive and emotional resources.” By taking some time to be alone and appreciate nature, you’ll be able to focus all of your mental resources on your thoughts and appreciating the beautiful environment around you.

“Antarctic researchers, who have chosen a pursuit that requires spending a lot of time alone, score especially high on a scale measuring ‘absorption,’” DePaulo says. “The scale assesses enjoyment of experiences such as watching clouds in the sky.”

Try upping your score on the absorption scale by taking a walk in nature by yourself, and you just might find that you appreciate the little things even more. You can find a great park near you by using the National Park Service’s Find A Park guide. Don’t forget a water bottle!

2. Treat yourself to lunch

It’s okay to eat alone without a book or your iPhone to keep you company. Sometimes it’s nice to just take some time to be alone with your thoughts.

Whether it’s at a dining hall, an on-campus eatery or a nice restaurant, take yourself out to lunch. Eating alone is a great way to truly appreciate some good food, and maybe you’ll find a new favorite coffee joint instead of the always-crowded Starbucks.

3. Read a book

Reading a book is a great way to spend some time alone while entertaining your brain. Samantha*, a University of Miami sophomore, says, “Reading books is my favorite thing to do alone. I can really focus on the story when I am by myself.”

Most college libraries have a recreational reading section. If you can’t find it, just ask someone at the front desk or a librarian. Read a book about a place you’ve never been before, and it will almost be like you’re there!

If you’re interested in books featuring female characters that are written by women, try The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood or Sula by Toni Morrison.

4. Learn a new skill

Take some time alone to learn a new skill or expand your knowledge on a topic. By being alone, you can thoroughly practice your skill, whether it ends up being rafting, knitting or roller-skating.

Even better, try taking an instructional or fitness class by yourself. If there was ever a time you begged your friends to go to a class with you but they all said no, don’t let that stop you! Although it may be scary to walk in that room alone, the benefits you will get from doing what you wanted will be wonderful once you realize that being on your own is just fine.

DePaulo says, “It is ironic, in a way, that our society disparages people who value time alone, since we are also a society that celebrates rugged individualism and getting in touch with our true selves.”

While it may be scary initially to go to a class by yourself, try to get in touch with your true self, as DePaulo would encourage, and enjoy learning something new!

5. Express your creativity

Being alone often enhances the creative process. Having space to express yourself while focusing on your work can be relaxing—and maybe provide something you can use to decorate your dorm room!

Try drawing or painting a picture, writing a poem or even sculpting (it can be with Play-Doh!) while you’re spending time alone. DePaulo says, “There is so much to be gained by spending time on your own – more creativity, more self-insight, more attunement with your surroundings… to name just a few possibilities.” All of these benefits of being alone can help your true self to shine through in your art.

It’s all right if you aren’t much of an artist; it’s the process of being creative that matters. One easy project you could do is to make a dream board with pictures of all the great accomplishments and adventures you want to experience during college.

If you’re looking for more ideas, try the DIY and crafts section on Pinterest.

There are so many benefits to spending some time alone. The next time you have a few moments to yourself, relax and have some “you time” by doing some of these activities.

*Name has been changed.

Obama proposes some students attend community college for free. [The New York Times]

The hardest thing I ever had to do in college. [The Mighty]

21 books to gift to friends or lovers for Valentine's Day. [PopSugar]

WTF moments from The Bachelor premiere. [YourTango]

How to nap like a pro. [BBC]

Seinfeld is teaching psychiatry to medical students. [Newser]

Adorable photos of shelter dogs hoping to get adopted. [BuzzFeed]

The "Neighbors From Hell" Instagram is too real. [Bustle]

64 Dartmouth students accused of cheating in an ethics class. [The Huffington Post]

Can a state force an underage girl to undergo chemotherapy? [NPR]

Pencil this into your schedule, now: On Monday, January 26, Chipotle is treating you to a free burrito.

The deal comes as a promotion for the chain’s new organic tofu filling, dubbed “Sofritas.” Purchasing any Sofritas item on Monday, Jan. 26 will earn you a free burrito, bowl, tacos order, or salad of your choice, Chipotle announced. The offer will extend into February; as long as you go to any chain location in either the U.S. or Canada with a receipt showing a Sofritas purchase on the 26th, you will receive a free meal.

If a free Chipotle entree was not good enough, Slate reported that the company will also throw in free guac with your redeemable item, too.

Chipotle’s vegan Sofritas option, which is described by the company as “organic tofu from Hodo Soy that we shred and then braise with chipotle chilies, roasted poblanos, and a blend of aromatic spices,” was introduced nationwide in March 2014 after its successful run in the Pacific Northwest.  Its release was a victory for vegan customers.  President of the Vegan Society Jasmijn de Boo told USA TODAY, “Having a major chain feature a vegan entree on their menu is a major deal.” Yet, its debut has hardly attracted big crowds; according to Esquire, Sofritas have accounted for just 3.5 percent of entree sales back in July.

Much of the hesitation to try Sofritas items has been attributed to its unappealing appearance. As Esquire puts it, “It looks strange, granted, with its chopped-up bits of tofu swimming in reddish-brown sauce” but nevertheless stated, “It's full of flavor, with just a slightly chewy texture.”

Ultimately, the decision as to whether or not to take the Chipotle Sofritas Challenge is up to you, but one thing is undeniable: Free Chipotle is a dream come true.

Will you take the Sofritas challenge? If you've tried Sofritas before, what are your thoughts?

Nothing wrong with the classic and glamorous cat-eye, but we have to say: There are so many other cool and amazing looks (that don't involve the cat-eye!) your eyeliner can accomplish. Add some of these ideas to your arsenal of beauty skills, and you'll never have a boring liner day ever again. Bonus: Some of these are even easier than a cat-eye...

White out

This look is just so stunning and makes your lips pop out even more than usual, while still giving you that brightening factor associated with white eyeliner. To get this look, apply white eyeliner to the inner V and smudge outwards to your lids. We are loving the Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Cosmetic Colour Pencil in Feathered ($16). Make sure to keep the rest of your eye very simple. If you want, tightline your eyes to give your lashes some volume. This is such an easy way to awaken the eye and still make a statement. 

Cut it out

The possibilities here are endless, but the end product is extremely cool. To create these precise lines, use Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner ($24) and her Ultra Fine Eyeliner Brush ($27). Here, you can let your inner artist shine, but if you have no idea where or how to start, check out this video on the Corner Cut Crease, above!

Queen Cleopatra

Feeling daring? Try this one out for fun! You'll be needing the Bobbi Brown Gel Eyeliner and Brush set (from the above tip) for this look. Or if you want some ease, try out Kat Von D Tattoo Liner ($18). For this look, you will need to start in the inner corner and extend the line out. Then you will need to connect the inner wing to the outer wing by lining the bottom of your eyes. This look generally works better the thicker your eyeliner is. The inner wing can be as long or short as you want. Don't forget to throw some gold glitter on your eyes to really make the look dazzle. We are loving Urban Decay Eyeshadow ($18) in Half Baked.

Lash it up

Here we are going to channel the iconic Twiggy eyes and draw ourselves some lashes. Use your eyeliner to mimic thicker lashes on your bottom lashes. Any eyeliner with a sharp tip will work, but we love Kat Von D Tattoo Liner ($18). This look is fairly simple but a bit difficult to master because it is all dependent on your eye shape and how comfortable you feel with bottom lashes. To start things off, make sure to prime underneath your eyes. Smashbox Photo Finish Hydrating Under Eye Primer ($29) is a great product to prime, nourish, and keep your drawn-on lashes in place. Next you'll take your eyeliner and create dashes that stem out from your bottom lash line. It's truly that simple.

Seeing double

Layering is not just a technique for the cold months, but for some eye catching eyeliner too. The easiest way to do this is to apply a bright eyeliner, like Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil ($20), then line your eyes with a thin application of black eyeliner. With practice, this look can be recreated over the course of a few quick minutes, and it will be a new favorite go-to look.

Punk-inspired

Raccoon eyes weren't totally bad, right? Well, try this one out for size: Smudged out eyeliner, but only on the bottom. Need to brighten it up? Use a colored liner instead. The grunge factor is 100 percent here with only 50 percent of the effort. To recreate this look, use Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil ($20) and apply only to the bottom lash line, making sure to smudge as you go. For a truly rocker-chic look, use your fingers and embrace the messiness of it all. To make sure people don't mistake you as a collegiette who just never removed last night's makeup, be sure every thing else is made up: Face, hair, outfit.

Floating eyeliner

This look was seen on Rag & Bone's runway show, and while not every runway look can be debuted on the streets, let alone on campus, this minimalist-yet-edgy look deserves a try. Using Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner ($24) and her Ultra Fine Eye Liner Brush ($27), apply the liner to your crease in the inner corner and then follow it out so that it ends right on the bottom part of your brow bone and runs parallel to your eyebrows. Make sure to apply your mascara and keep your face fresh and simple!

Color me colored

Obviously black is not the only eyeliner color out there. Any of the eyeliner looks above can be easily recreated with your favorite colored eyeliner. If all that boldness feels like too much but you still want to experiment, you can start with just a touch, like tightlining your eyes in a color and using that same shade on your waterline, before you graduate to full-on color. For lasting color that still makes your eyes pop, try out Urban Decay's 24/7 Eyeliner collection ($20).

Which of these looks would you dare to wear on campus?

Closet full of clothes but nothing to wear? There’s an app for that! The new StyleIt app allows users to take a picture of an item of clothing, either in person or uploaded from a website, and within seconds, style it in ten different ways. Inspired by Cher’s computerized closet from Clueless, engineer Henry Kang and his wife Shawna partnered with hundreds of retailers to create one of a kind looks to help users out of a style slump.

I wanted to know: Could this app really do a better job than the Rachel Zoes of the world?

I tested the app using my new pair of Kelsi Dagger Fame Booties from Anthropologie. Describing my personal style as preppy with an added flair, I had hopes that the customization would leave me with ten new ways to wear my booties. Though the concept is interesting (it provides some insight into ways you can experiment with your wardrobe), I would honestly have only worn three or four of the outfits the app created. You can see the ten total outfits below:

While I think the app has the potential to provide some great outfit inspiration, it doesn't make sense to think that a piece of technology can perfectly style you the way that you can. Would you try this app, collegiettes?

Nothing wrong with the classic and glamorous cat-eye, but we have to say: There are so many other cool and amazing looks (that don't involve the cat-eye!) your eyeliner can accomplish. Add some of these ideas to your arsenal of beauty skills, and you'll never have a boring liner day ever again. Bonus: Some of these are even easier than a cat-eye...

White out

This look is just so stunning and makes your lips pop out even more than usual, while still giving you that brightening factor associated with white eyeliner. To get this look, apply white eyeliner to the inner V and smudge outwards to your lids. We are loving the Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Cosmetic Colour Pencil in Feathered ($16). Make sure to keep the rest of your eye very simple. If you want, tightline your eyes to give your lashes some volume. This is such an easy way to awaken the eye and still make a statement. 

Cut it out

The possibilities here are endless, but the end product is extremely cool. To create these precise lines, use Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner ($24) and her Ultra Fine Eyeliner Brush ($27). Here, you can let your inner artist shine, but if you have no idea where or how to start, check out this video on the Corner Cut Crease, above!

Queen Cleopatra

Feeling daring? Try this one out for fun! You'll be needing the Bobbi Brown Gel Eyeliner and Brush set (from the above tip) for this look. Or if you want some ease, try out Kat Von D Tattoo Liner ($18). For this look, you will need to start in the inner corner and extend the line out. Then you will need to connect the inner wing to the outer wing by lining the bottom of your eyes. This look generally works better the thicker your eyeliner is. The inner wing can be as long or short as you want. Don't forget to throw some gold glitter on your eyes to really make the look dazzle. We are loving Urban Decay Eyeshadow ($18) in Half Baked.

Lash it up

Here we are going to channel the iconic Twiggy eyes and draw ourselves some lashes. Use your eyeliner to mimic thicker lashes on your bottom lashes. Any eyeliner with a sharp tip will work, but we love Kat Von D Tattoo Liner ($18). This look is fairly simple but a bit difficult to master because it is all dependent on your eye shape and how comfortable you feel with bottom lashes. To start things off, make sure to prime underneath your eyes. Smashbox Photo Finish Hydrating Under Eye Primer ($29) is a great product to prime, nourish, and keep your drawn-on lashes in place. Next you'll take your eyeliner and create dashes that stem out from your bottom lash line. It's truly that simple.

Seeing double

Layering is not just a technique for the cold months, but for some eye catching eyeliner too. The easiest way to do this is to apply a bright eyeliner, like Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil ($20), then line your eyes with a thin application of black eyeliner. With practice, this look can be recreated over the course of a few quick minutes, and it will be a new favorite go-to look.

Punk-inspired

Raccoon eyes weren't totally bad, right? Well, try this one out for size: Smudged out eyeliner, but only on the bottom. Need to brighten it up? Use a colored liner instead. The grunge factor is 100 percent here with only 50 percent of the effort. To recreate this look, use Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil ($20) and apply only to the bottom lash line, making sure to smudge as you go. For a truly rocker-chic look, use your fingers and embrace the messiness of it all. To make sure people don't mistake you as a collegiette who just never removed last night's makeup, be sure every thing else is made up: Face, hair, outfit.

Floating eyeliner

This look was seen on Rag & Bone's runway show, and while not every runway look can be debuted on the streets, let alone on campus, this minimalist-yet-edgy look deserves a try. Using Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner ($24) and her Ultra Fine Eye Liner Brush ($27), apply the liner to your crease in the inner corner and then follow it out so that it ends right on the bottom part of your brow bone and runs parallel to your eyebrows. Make sure to apply your mascara and keep your face fresh and simple!

Color me colored

Obviously black is not the only eyeliner color out there. Any of the eyeliner looks above can be easily recreated with your favorite colored eyeliner. If all that boldness feels like too much but you still want to experiment, you can start with just a touch, like tightlining your eyes in a color and using that same shade on your waterline, before you graduate to full-on color. For lasting color that still makes your eyes pop, try out Urban Decay's 24/7 Eyeliner collection ($20).

Which of these looks would you dare to wear on campus?

I'm in a committed relationship with my boyfriend, but sometimes I feel like the guy! While I'm happy he doesn't pressure me into sex, he also isn't very interested in it. We've been dating a while and are very comfortable with each other. I don't want to pressure him either, but I'd like to understand. It makes me feel like he doesn't like how I look or something! Please help me understand this! – Sexless in Seattle

Seattle,

It’s a common misconception that the only thing on a man’s mind is sex. While it’s no secret that we definitely think about it, it isn’t the single most important thing to us. That being said, your situation kind of throws me for a loop.

No guy should pressure his girlfriend into having sex. If you don’t want to do it, he should respect that. And this works both ways – if he doesn’t want to have sex, then you shouldn’t force him into it either. But it seems like you’re only concerned because he doesn’t seem interested in doing the deed, and you want to understand why.

His disinterest could be due to a multitude of reasons. One theory, unfortunately, is that he might be cheating on you. This isn’t something any person wants to face, let alone accept. After building a relationship with someone, it can be hard to believe that your boyfriend would go behind your back. Maybe he feels like the relationship isn’t what it once was—the passion is dissipating and the romance is dwindling, and it’s possible that he’s finding other people to get these things from and is simply too cowardly to break things off with you.

Another possibility is that he’s gay. I’ll be honest, this was one of the first ideas that popped into my head, and it was only reaffirmed when my friend at Starbucks (who’s a gay man himself) jumped to this same conclusion. A guy who doesn’t jump at the opportunity to have sex? That’s fishy. Maybe he’s not ready to come out yet, maybe he’s afraid of what others might think or maybe he’s struggling with accepting the fact that he’s gay. Those are all possibilities, though they may not be strict probabilities.

A third possibility is that he’s just not that into sex. He may not be repulsed by the idea, but he also might not find it very appealing either. Don’t immediately think that it’s your fault though, because this doesn’t mean he doesn’t love you or find you attractive anymore; it could simply mean that he isn’t as into sex as a lot of guys.

Of course, there’s the chance that he’s self-conscious. It happens to guys, too. Are we big enough? Are we fit enough? Will my super pale legs turn her off? Men have body issues too!

But how do you deal with these situations? I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: it all comes down to communication. You’ve got to communicate your feelings with him if you want to make any progress. I wouldn’t suggest just outright asking him if he’s gay, nor would I force him to admit to cheating. However, I do believe you should sit him down and have a serious conversation with him and tell him your concerns. Tell him that when you two are intimate, you don’t feel as though he’s interested in taking things any further, and ask him why.

You could also try injecting a little passion into the relationship. I know a lot of couples that scheduled sex like it was a job, and I think that takes away from the experience. I won’t tell you what to do, but see if you can’t entice him to step out of his shyness or disinterest. Find a way to make him interested, but don’t sacrifice his or your own comfort to do so. 

Like I said earlier, not every guy is obsessed with sex. If you’re that concerned about the issue, I strongly suggest that you communicate your feelings with him. That’s the only way to clear the air and move past the issue.