Applying early decision to your dream school may have felt like a good decision back in November, but now you’re feeling the pressure roll in. Early decision is a binding process in which you apply to a school that you know you want to attend come fall. If the school accepts you, you’re obligated to attend and you must also retract any other regular-decision applications you may have submitted.

Though most early-decision applicants are confident in their choice, early decision can put a lot of pressure on you. Perhaps you’ve realized the school doesn’t seem like the right one for you after all. Maybe you discovered another college that seems to be the perfect fit, or maybe you want to wait and see if any other acceptance letters roll in.

Unfortunately, while early decision is not legally binding, there aren’t many options aside from attending the school you chose. If the school you’ve been admitted to ED hears that you haven’t retracted your other applications and you’ve been looking at other options, you’ll likely be blacklisted. This means the school will contact your high school guidance office and other colleges that have admitted you to notify them of your breaking the agreement. These other colleges will probably withdraw your admission application, and you’ll run the risk of being left with no choices for the fall.

“We try to make it very clear in all communications that this is a BIG commitment,” says a representative from the College of the Holy Cross’s admissions department. “…Only those students who know 100 percent that they'd like to attend Holy Cross above all other schools should be applying ED. “

But what if you’re afraid you made the wrong commitment? Though your options are unfortunately limited, there are some steps you can take to change your situation or at least make you feel a little more at ease. If you’re feeling nervous about being admitted early decision, here are some tips for what to do!

Call the admissions office.

If you’re having doubts, the first step is to reach out to the college’s admissions officers. As an early-admitted student, the school’s admissions officers view you as a great addition to the college’s community, so they will be more than willing to answer your questions and help clear up any confusion. Explain to the admissions officer why you’re having doubts—whether it has to do with the student body size, the campus feel, the classes, etc.—and there will be a good chance that an admissions officer can help you figure things out or at least explain your options.

Look over your financial aid package.

What happens if your dream school’s tuition is way out of your league? Students who regret their decision to apply ED are usually unhappy because of the financial aid package they receive. Early-decision students usually know what they’re in for when they apply, but your financial aid package is one thing that you can’t predict. The college bill can take anyone by surprise.

If there’s really no way you can manage the cost of that school with the financial aid package you were offered, contact the financial aid office. Schools will often consider inadequate financial aid a valid reason to break your contract and let you attend another college. In some cases, schools may even be a little more generous and attempt to help you meet your financial needs. If your financial aid package isn’t even close to what you expected, make sure you contact the school’s financial aid office as soon as you can and explain the situation so they can help you explore your options.

See if you can take a gap year.

Never mind not knowing if you want to attend this particular school—maybe you realized you have no idea where you want to go at all or if you even want to go to college yet. Taking a gap year between high school and college allows you a long period to reevaluate your decisions and think about what you want for your future.

Contact the admissions office at the school and explain that you’re considering taking a gap year. If you explain that you’d like to take time off to work, travel or figure out what you want, the admissions officers may understand and let you go without consequences; it really depends on the school. Again, make sure to call the admissions office to learn their policy on gap years (and whether you’d return to the ED school next year or reapply to more colleges).

Try to make the most of it.

You clearly applied to this school for a reason. Try to remember those reasons and make the most of them! You may have changed your mind about the college since applying, but trying to get in touch with the reasons why you originally applied may bring back some of the school’s value.

For example, if you applied because you loved the extracurricular programs that the college offers, make sure to get involved in all sorts of clubs and activities when you get there. You’ll get out of college what you put into it, so put your best foot forward and try to make the most of your experience. Take advantage of what the school has to offer and you may find that you really did make the right decision!

Remember that you’ll have the option to transfer.

Still regretting your decision? There’s always an option to transfer. A lot of students are put off by the idea of transferring because it means going through the application process again. But in reality, transferring is a great way to see what you like and dislike in a college, and this time you’ll already be used to the application process.

If you’re considering transferring to a different college, keep a few things in mind. For one, think about what you like and dislike about the school you’re at. Love the small campus feel? Not a fan of your academic department? Keep these in mind when looking for a new school. Transferring allows you to reapply to school with a different, more experienced mindset.

If you’re absolutely positive that the college you applied to ED isn’t a good fit for you and you don’t want to attend it, alert an admissions officer as soon as possible. If the school allows it, this will clear room for another applicant. Not all colleges will let you go easily, but the sooner you let an officer know, the more likely you’ll have a chance to make changes.

If you want to avoid the risks, just be careful and be smart! If nothing can be done and you are indeed bound to your ED school, do your best to make the most of the experience. Keep in mind that there really are more options than you may think (like gap years and transferring), and that while college is a big deal, this isn’t the most important decision of your life. Stay calm and enjoy school!

Thoughts of summer sun, sand spread between your toes, and warm weather probably seem pretty far-fetched. It is January after all, right? While 2014 may have just begun, that doesn’t mean collegiettes should be idly sitting around, twiddling their thumbs, and telling everyone that they will start the summer internship search next month. In fact, there are companies already posting summer positions on their websites, and Louis Gaglini, the associate director for employer relations at Boston College, shares that some recruiters and their organizations tend to kick-start their recruiting efforts after the New Year. Deborah Jancourtz, the Assistant Director of Counseling and Programs at Boston University’s Center for Career Development, suggests beginning an active internship search by the end of January.

So what are you waiting for? Now is the time to get the summer internship ball rolling!

1. Update that Résumé

This is the first thing that collegiettes should do before setting out to find their dream internship. According to Gaglini, “Résumés should be updated to reflect each time you make a substantive change in your professional profile.” For example, a change in GPA, a new part-time job, increased student involvement, a change in major or minor, and any notable changes in extracurricular activities warrant a quick update to the résumé. And if you have yet to create a resume, no worries! Her Campus has got you covered with articles on how to make your first resume, how to make your internship sound best on your resume, and how to make your extracurriculars sound best on your resume!

The most important thing to ask yourself is what is the reason for each change? If you find that you are making hundreds of small tweaks each week, then it might be time to step away from the resume and let it stand as is. But make sure you aren’t committing any résumé faux-pas. Employers don’t want to read everything that you have ever done since middle school. Once your resume is updated, make sure you save it as a PDF and use the final version for all of your applications and interviews.

2. Create a LinkedIn Profile

LinkedIn is like the Facebook of the career world. Collegiettes should use LinkedIn to express their professional identity while Facebook and other social media sites should be used on a more personal level. With that said, all collegiettes should have an accurately polished LinkedIn profile. Gaglini explains, “Your online presence is essentially your ‘brand’ as a student and a young professional. Recruiters and hiring managers are expecting you to be visible online in a positive way.” Not only will your LinkedIn profile help recruiters and their companies get a better sense of your accomplishments, but LinkedIn can also help students effectively network. If you are unfamiliar with LinkedIn, then check out our article on The Dos & Don’ts of LinkedIn Etiquette and you will become a pro in no time.

3. Edit Your Social Media Presence and Google Yourself

Potential employers may take a look at any and all of your social media presence. Anything from Facebook and Twitter to Tumblr and Pinterest are fair game these days. Take the time to make sure that there is nothing you are embarrassed or ashamed of on any of your social media pages. Jancourtz advises, “If you wouldn’t show a post or picture to a professor, then keep it private.”

Once you have edited your social media presence, try Google searching your name. Have some fun with this preparatory task! Set aside half an hour to scour the Internet for any trace of your name. Recruiters and potential employers will be doing the same thing once you apply, so it is important to beat them to any potentially unflattering images or embarrassing write-ups. Remember that photo from Spring Break last year? Yeah, you definitely don’t want your future boss laying his eyes on that… Cleanse your profile by un-tagging yourself, deleting any unfortunate content, and making sure you project a professional persona. And from now on, Gaglini reminds collegiettes to try and be increasingly mindful of the fact that it is much easier to put something online than it is to remove it.

4. Make a List of Potential Internships

Before you start attending networking events, applying, and interviewing with potential employers, it is important to sit down and think about what it is that you want to do this summer and where you want to be. Do you want to be interning at a large corporation or spending the summer at a smaller company? Where would you prefer to be geographically? Jancourtz emphasizes, “You really need to think about what areas of interest you are looking to gain experience in, if you can afford an unpaid internship, or if you can afford to move to another location to do an internship, whether paid or unpaid.”

Creating an Excel spreadsheet or Google document is a great way to keep your lists organized. These programs can be used to create a potential list of summer internships, track any applications you have submitted, and stay organized for upcoming application due dates. Keeping all of your internship data in one place will only make your life easier in the long run.

5. Plan Your Networking Calendar

Networking is one of the most important parts of finding and securing a dream internship. Gaglini defines networking as “connecting.”  He explains, “The more people with whom you connect, the more likely you are to meet someone who can have a positive effect on your internship search and your future.” While some organizations will directly connect with you, others will prefer to go through your school’s Career Center, so be sure to take advantage of any programming and networking events happening on your campus.

In the same vein, Gaglini recommends that students have a clear sense of their calendars. He explains, “Establish your calendar and know where you need to be and when in order to connect with potential internships.”  Consider buying a calendar and using it solely for career-related events and activities like internship fairs and networking events. That way you will always know where you need to be. It is much better to be over-organized during the internship search, than to feel overwhelmed and scatter-brained.

And while you’re organizing your potential future, why not schedule some informational interviews with people who work in the industry that you are interested in? Informational interviews are a fantastic way to learn about specific jobs, to show your interest in a particular company or position, and to NETWORK!

6. Go Shopping!

This is hands-down the most fun and exciting part of preparing for the summer internship process. What collegiette would turn down a shopping trip, especially when shopping for cute, sophisticated, and mature career clothes? The type of professional clothing you need will most likely depend upon the industry you plan on entering, but some great places to check out for inspiration are Ann Taylor LOFT, Banana Republic, and JCrew. You might even be able to get Mom or Dad to chip in some money by convincing them that they are investing in your future! In addition to updating your professional interview wardrobe, Gaglini also suggests investing in a high-quality folder in which to carry your resume.

Where exactly can you find a high-quality, résumé-carrying folder? Gaglini recommends checking out your school’s bookstore. He explains, “Most campus bookstores will carry such folders and many are reasonably priced. Some are soft leather while others are faux leather, vinyl, or a high quality laminate.” Still not sure if you have an appropriately professional folder? Look for something like this laminated folder and you are sure to wow recruiters and interviewers alike.

Taking the time to complete these six tasks will make your summer internship search less stressful and much more enjoyable. And don’t feel like you have to keep the internship application process to yourself. Gaglini encourages collegiettes to share their activity with others who genuinely care about their future. Take the time to update your career advisors, family, close friends, current and former employers, as well as any professors you are close with about your individual experience. You never know what words of wisdom they will be able to send your way to help you land that dream summer internship.

Once you have completed all six of these tasks, you will be well on your way to securing a killer summer internship. However, there is still more that you can be doing. Most importantly, keep networking. As Jancourtz emphasizes, “Social media and job posting sites are great search tools, but face-to-face networking is the human connection that remains central to landing an internship.” In addition to networking, there are steps that can be taken later in the process—check out our articles on how to get a summer internship at the last-minute and ten things to do right now to score your dream summer internship.  As long as you stay organized, over-prepared, and motivated, your dream summer internship will fall into place.

It’s that time of year again—summer job and internship application time. Though your interview and cover letters are essential in the job-hunting process, your bios on Twitter, LinkedIn and your personal website are important parts of how you’re represented on the Internet. You probably have accounts on a bunch of different social media, and you can use them to your advantage!

A great bio displays your personality and professionalism year-round, and it’s also a quick and easy way for you to garner interest from potential employers, bringing you one step closer to the job of your dreams. Here are the most important things you need to know when writing different types of professional bios.

LinkedIn Summary

Be professional

It might seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how big an impact using a professional tone can make in your LinkedIn bio. LinkedIn is the perfect medium for getting your feet wet in the professional world, so be sure your bio fits the bill and doesn’t include sarcasm, witty comments, humor or quotes. Make your LinkedIn bio sharp and clean, not personal. 

Describe who you are

The purpose of a professional bio is to “showcase your strengths and what differentiates you from others,” says social media strategy consultant Neal Schaffer. He says that doing this can be challenging because as college students, we may not have a lot of prior experience. To differentiate yourself from other college students, Schaffer suggests you include what you’ve studied, what you excel at and any awards you’ve won or great academic successes you’ve achieved.

Use keywords

According to Schaffer, a keyword qualifies as “any word associated with your experience that would be valuable for the next job that you have.” Recruiters and hiring managers “search LinkedIn or they search word resumes looking for certain keywords.”

Keywords describe what experience you’ve had or what experience you’re looking to gain (e.g. journalism, graphic design, film production, business). Slip these into your LinkedIn bio to attract the attention of potential employers who use searches to find candidates who possess the qualities or skills they’re looking for.

LinkedIn bio example

Laura Reed

Junior majoring in marketing at New York University with an interest in business, PR and social media. Seeking a summer internship to apply my experience assisting a company’s branding needs through social media promotion, digital marketing and ad sales research.

Specialties include:

• Social networking
• Blogging
• Journalism
• Microsoft Office
• Public speaking

Twitter Bio

Include the most relevant information

Marta Steele, partner at PeopleResults, a change and human resources consulting firm, says that the biggest difference between a LinkedIn bio and a Twitter bio is the length. She notes that because Twitter only gives us 160 characters, we need to “make it punchy and to the point.”

It’s also a smart idea to put your college name, your graduating year and any awards you’ve received into your bio. Schaffer says that occasionally recruiters will check out your Twitter profile, so it should be very clear “who you are, where you are in your career right now and what you’re looking for.”

Add some personality, but not too much

It’s okay to add a little tidbit at the end of your Twitter bio about your favorite sports team, your heritage or what have you (e.g. “Puerto Rican, Red Sox fan, chocoholic”). However, Andrew Hindes, president of The In-House Writer, an L.A.-based copywriting service, advises you not to get too cute when writing your bio.

“Try to be focused on really what you’re interested in in terms of your professional career,” Hindes says. The less fluff you include in your bio, the better.

Link to your blog and/or LinkedIn page

Because your Twitter bio is so short, it’s a good idea to link to your other social media websites (e.g. your blog, personal website or LinkedIn page) on your page. Dan Schawbel, author of Promote Yourself: The New Rules For Career Success, notes that “people will use different networks to find you,” and the easier it is to do so, the better. This also allows job recruiters to get a quick taste of who you are in your Twitter bio and follow up on your personal website or LinkedIn page if they’d like to.

Twitter bio example

@nyuniversity ’15. Marketing major. @HerCampus contributing writer. Aspiring marketing consultant. Social media fiend. Lakers fan.

www.linkedin.com/samplebio.

Personal Website or Blog Bio

Keep it all consistent

You likely have accounts on many different social media sites, and it’s important to represent yourself similarly on all sites. Schawbel says you need to “make sure everything you do online is consistent.” Regardless of the varying tones and lengths of your other online bios, your personal website or blog bio should tie it all together and keep it uniform. This credits you as professional and reliable and is the easiest way to show what you know.

Stick to what you know best

You may know about a lot of different things, but don’t represent yourself as someone who knows everything. Hindes stresses that employers want to find people who know exactly what it is they want to do. If you do have multiple strong skills or desired career paths, Hindes suggests creating several different websites so you don’t clutter your bio with too much extra information.

Schawbel adds that it’s crucial to specify precisely what you are good at and interested in. “If you try to be all things to all people, you get ignored,” he says.

Show your passion

Your personal website or blog is the perfect place for you to mix the professional and the personal without a character limit. Steele urges students to promote their individuality; she suggests that your personal website bio should “tell an interesting, unique story with a few sentences, excellent grammar and concise language.”

In terms of appealing to job recruiters, Hindes recommends “[making] up for what you lack in experience with your passions and dedications.” This means adding a sentence or two about your favorite pastimes or hobbies, because although you may not have a great deal of experience, employers like seeing that you have motivation and passion for what you do in your everyday life.

Personal website/blog bio example

Laura Reed is a junior at New York University. She is working towards her earning her degree in marketing and hopes to find a job after graduation that will allow her to apply her knowledge of consumer behavior with her love of sports. She hails from Los Angeles, where she grew up a die-hard Lakers fan and subsisted solely on a diet of In-N-Out and Pinkberry. Last summer, Laura interned for XYZ, a marketing company in Brooklyn, and gained valuable experience in social media promotion and ad sales research. During the school year, Laura writes for Her Campus, the #1 online community for college women, and is an active member of NYU’s marketing society and drama therapy club. She can be contacted at sample.bio[at]gmail[dot]com.

For all Bios

Finally, remember to proofread! Little grammatical and spelling errors are the fastest way to be seen as unprofessional. You know what they say: you only have one chance to make a good first impression.

Your bio can be the key to getting where you want to be in your career, so it’s important that you do all you can to make it a succinct and professional display of your qualifications and your personality. Best of luck this internship season, collegiettes!

They’re finally here! Earlier this morning the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced its nominees for the 86^th Annual Academy Awards. While 'American Hustle'and 'Gravity'got plenty of love from the Academy, there were a few notable snubs, including the film 'Saving Mr. Banks' and performances by Tom Hanks and Robert Redford in 'Captain Phillips' and 'All Is Lost', respectively. Despite those few ommissions, it looks like there will be some fierce competition for this year's Oscar hopefuls.

Keep reading to check out the nominees and don’t forget to tune in on Sunday, March 2 to see how your favorites fare:

Best Picture

American Hustle

Captain Phillips

Dallas Buyers Club

Gravity

Her

Nebraska

Philomena

The Wolf of Wall Street

12 Years a Slave

Actor in a Leading Role

Christian Bale, American Hustle

Bruce Dern, Nebraska

Leonardo DiCaprio, The Wolf of Wall Street

Chiwetel Ejiofor, 12 Years a Slave

Matthew McConaughey, Dallas Buyers Club

Actress in a Leading Role

Amy Adams, American Hustle

Cate Blanchett, Blue Jasmine

Sandra Bullock, Gravity

Judi Dench, Philomena

Meryl Streep, August: Osage County

And since most of you are probably wondering, our beloved J. Law got a nod for Actress in a Supporting Role for her work in American Hustle (*collective sigh of relief*). 

As usual, Her Campus will be covering all the red carpet and awards action from the 86^th Annual Academy Awards on March 2 on ABC, so be sure to check back for a full recap!

To see the full list of nominees, click here.

Sick of eating cereal and ramen for lunch and dinner? Want to spend less money eating out and finally start cooking for yourself? Put down that frozen pizza, because HC’s Health Editor, Sammie Levin, is here to share her daily eats so you can get ideas for healthy, satisfying meals that are easy enough for any time-strapped collegiette to make. After you read Collegiette Eats, your taste buds, wallet and waistline will thank you.

Breakfast 

I was in a hurry before class for breakfast yesterday, so I took a yogurt to go. I had a pomegranate Chobani Greek yogurt and mixed in berries and a tablespoon of flaxseed.

Lunch 

For lunch, I stopped at The Pita Pit in between classes. I love The Pita Pit because you get to customize your own wrap and there are plenty of healthy ingredients to choose from. I got a wheat pita with a spicy black bean patty, spinach, tomato, cucumber, carrots, red pepper hummus and tzatziki (yogurt sauce). It was tasty, but I have to say, they were a little stingy on the ingredients today. I swear the guy only put three shreds of carrot in my pita. That ain't right.

Dinner 

For dinner, I had another vegetable sauté like my lunch I wrote about Tuesday with spinach, kale, tomato, mushrooms, avocado and egg. I washed my dinner down with a green juice. One of my housemates just got a Vitamix blender, which is amazing for blending just about anything into a juice or smoothie consistency. I blended a big red apple with a little bit of spinach and kale, the juice of one lemon and some water. It was so refreshing; you could really taste the sweetness of the apple and it just felt healthy to drink. Want to know more about green juices and find recipes? Read my HC article on green juices and smoothies! 
 

Between a hard course load, applying to internships and many of my friends studying abroad instead of in Ann Arbor, this semester is already proving to be the most stressful yet... and it's only just started! I'm hoping things calm down after I get back into the groove of things and (hopefully) get an internship somewhere. It can be hard to maintain a healthy diet when you're stressed, but I've found that the less healthy I am when I'm stressed, the more stressed and worse I feel, so it's a vicious cycle! If you're feeling stressed or down, take the time to make a few meals that will make you feel recharged and energized. And no, unfortunately, that that pint of Ben and Jerry's doesn't count... but I'm not saying I've never done it. 

Professional skateboarder Rob Dyrdek has entertained MTV viewers for almost eight years, leading them through his life to show how he finds his own balance between work and play. A few years later, Rob Dyrdek’s Fantasy Factory is now entering its sixth season, and the reality TV star will also host Ridiculousness for the fourth time, continuing two popular reality TV series with their own unique characters. One of Dyrdek’s most consistent and longtime cast members is Chanel West Coast, Dyrdek’s receptionist in Fantasy Factory and his co-host in Ridiculousness, both of which have made her a hit reality TV actress.

But what’s interesting about Chanel is her role as the only lead woman in both shows, roles she won after an unexpected encounter with Dyrdek through Myspace. While MTV fans know her as a reality TV star, Dyrdek first knew Chanel as a rapper who had been working on her music since she was 14. Chanel eventually received an offer from Dyrdek that put her in the spotlight.

“I was inviting Rob to come see these little shows I was performing at, but he could never make it because he was so busy. Then he talked to me one day and said, ‘Hey, I can’t make it to your performances, but would you be on an episode of my new show?’” Chanel says. “Music was still my main focus, so I hesitated about being on his show and the ‘rapping receptionist’ role he had in mind for me.”

Since accepting Dyrdek’s offer, Chanel has had a successful reality TV career. After a few seasons as a main character on Fantasy Factory, the actress and rapper was also chosen to co-host Ridiculousness alongside Dyrdek and Sterling “Steelo” Brim, a decision that attested to her comedic talent and rapport with her fans.

“By being the only girl, I get to give a sort of female touch to the show and to the fan base because a lot of the time girls have a different sense of humor than men do,” Chanel says. “Men and women do laugh at different things, so I get to show a more feminine side of humor that you might not have with an all-male cast.”

The comedy will continue with this season’s run of Fantasy Factory and Ridiculousness. While Ridiculousness will feature even more outrageously hilarious videos, Dyrdek and his cast will only be upping the ante on their Fantasy Factory antics to give everyone a good laugh.

Along with the comedy, however, this season’s Fantasy Factory will offer Chanel something drastically different. Years of being on TV never dimmed her dream of becoming a rapper, and after years in the business, Chanel signed with Lil Wayne’s Young Money Entertainment Label in 2013, dropping her own mixtape that summer. The move was huge not only for Chanel, but also for Dyrdek and the rest of the Fantasy Factory cast, who realized that Chanel couldn't stay in the rapping receptionist role that served as her claim to fame.

“Honestly, the biggest setback to my music career was people’s perception that I was a reality TV star, not a rapper," she says. "After I signed on to Young Money, [Rob] didn’t really know what to do, and the question of, ‘How do we keep [Chanel] on the show?’ became very real since I was a signed artist now.”

Instead, Dyrdek and the cast decided to take the show in a new direction that would let them work together while also giving them room to explore their other interests.

“You’ll see by the end of the season, but Rob is going to break down the fourth wall and show our fans that Fantasy Factory is actually all happening in a funny, imaginative place and that not all of it is real,” Chanel says. “Of course, Fantasy Factory is 100 percent Rob’s business and we do all conduct different types of work at the factory. But the reality is that we all have our own businesses outside of Fantasy Factory, and we’re not going to be there every single day like the show makes it seem.”

So what will be new for Chanel?

“This season, people will see me as an artist and not only as the Fantasy Factory’s receptionist," she says. "Just like how Steelo has his own clothing line that’s coming out, I have my music. I’m going to be portrayed as more of an artist who’s working outside of a rapping receptionist role, and that’s going to make this season’s Fantasy Factory the best season yet.”

Even with the show’s new approach, however, nothing else is set to change. The cast is just as close as always, going through every day at the Fantasy Factory as they have for the last few years.

“I’m the only girl on the show with a cast full of guys, and they’re all like my brothers,” Chanel says. “Rob is one of the funniest people I’ve ever met and a joy to be around. Even if you have to wake up early for a shoot, you know that you’re not just going to work; you know you’re going to have fun. We’re all happy, funny people on an exciting show.”

And the excitement will only continue on Fantasy Factory and Ridiculousness, with Chanel in more important roles than ever before.

Catch the premiere of Rob Dyrdek’s Fantasy Factory: Season 6 tonight at 11 p.m. EST and Ridiculousness every Thursday at 10 p.m. EST. Also, be sure to check out Chanel West Coast’s music, which you can access on her YouTube channeland SoundCloud!

We’ve all heard a million times since our pre-pre-collegiette days in elementary school: honesty is the best policy. Cool, we get it. But sometimes, telling the absolute truth isn’t always going to sway in your favor. As we’ve said before, when it comes to relationships, some things are just better left unsaid. So where do you draw the line between a friendly conversation and a complete over-share? Well, we’ve got you covered with our 15 secrets that you just should not tell your boyfriend—beware of the TMI!

“My period is really heavy today!”
He gets it: you’re a girl and you get your period. He probably even passed high school sex-ed with flying, crimson colors. That being said, just because he knows it biologically happens monthly, doesn’t mean he needs to know exactly when it’s happening, and he especially doesn’t want heavier details. If it’s a crime scene in your pants, please, keep it to yourself. Telling him “I’m on my period” is detail enough.

“Ugh, I’m just feeling so gassy today.”
Apparently, some guys missed the bio lesson that went over that one minor, yet hugely major, detail: we all go to the bathroom—I know, I was shocked too when I first found out (Ryan Gosling? Bathroom? What?). So now that we’re all on the same page about bodily functions, let’s get a few more things straight. Just because you’re feeling a little, well, a little bubbly per say, doesn’t mean you should go off flaunting your flatulence to your boyfriend. He knows you go, but at the same time, he doesn’t need to know you go. You catch my drift?

“You know, you’re the smallest guy I’ve ever been with… down there. It’s okay though!”
Nothing says, “I’m really into you” like an insult exchanged in bed. Not only is it a major slap in the face, but it’s also a complete mood crusher. He’s never going to want to get physical with you with that constantly ringing in his head—you might as well have just castrated him and sent him out into the wild.

“I can’t tell if I prefer the scented or unscented tampons more.”
Tampons gross guys out, whether they smell like roses or otherwise. Even unopened and unused, your boyfriend is likely to squirm at the thought. So take the debate to Google, your girlfriends, or any girl you happen to run into during a bathroom break.

“You know, you’re physically not my type.”
We’ve all fallen for that guy outside of our comfort zone. Whether he’s shorter than you, thinner than you, or that surfer dude that you would usually never look twice at, we can’t help who we crush on. But, just because you picked someone from outside the box, doesn’t mean you need to share it. Would you like it if your boyfriend told you he usually goes for leggy blondes whose last full meal was from inside the womb? Yeah, we didn’t think so either…

“My bra is padded.”
Guys can be simple-minded. Let him believe they’re real. A little white lie and a hint of mystery never hurt anyone (at least, not to our knowledge).

“I have a foot fungus. Wanna see?”
Nope, just nope. Feet are gross and do we even have to go over our thoughts on fungus?

“No one actually flosses daily… and brushing your teeth twice a day? Why do you think they invented gum? Duh.”
Hygiene. We’re all about it, all the time. Good, clean fun never hurt a soul.

“Yeah, my friends and family totally hate you. They think I can do like, way better.”
Way to stroke his ego! No one likes to hear that they’re hated (no matter how often you say that you just don’t care), especially when it comes to the people that matter most in their significant other’s life. Sure, they can’t stand him, but does he really need to know they hate his guts? Yeah, unnecessary.

“You mom kind of, really, definitely sucks.”
The woman raised him. She changed his dirty diapers (‘cause everyone goes to the bathroom), read his incomprehensible third grade essays, wiped the shmutz off his face, and you know, gave him life—NBD. No matter how much he says he can’t stand her, keep your mouth shut… because at the end of the day, she’s still his mother and you’re just the ex who trash-talked her.

“UGH, constipated again!”
And we’re back to the bodily functions, or lack thereof this time around. We’re all for open relationships, but sometimes discussing the dirty details can get a little awkward, and definitely pretty gross. If you want to complain about your “backed up” issues, call your girlfriends.

“My thighs are so fat.”
Everyone has their own insecurities, even your guy lacks confidence from time to time—we’re all only human (except for the Twilight cast, apparently they’re actually immortal vampires? Weird.). It’s completely fine to whine every once in a while about whatever’s bothering you. But a constant stream of complaints? That’s not only irritating and annoying, but also it’s not hot. Guys want a girl who’s comfortable in her own skin. Faking confidence will eventually lead you to believing it.

“The last guy that broke my best friend’s heart, well, let’s just say we showed him.”
Seeking revenge on your ex? Totally fine, he probably deserved it anyway. Sharing it with your current boyfriend? Eh, not so cool. Depending on how you word it and the evil glimmer shinning in your eye, it’s likely to be misconstrued as a threat, and he’ll wind up skipping town before you have the chance to back-stalk his old text messages.

“I get hit on all the time. I breathe and guys swarm.”
You’re hot and guys notice, congratulations (gag)! But just because you’re the latest “it” attraction on the block, doesn’t give you bragging rights to flaunt this all over town. Your boyfriend obviously knows you’re attractive and doesn’t need to know that every living human is trying to get with you. Making him jealous for no reason is so last year.

“I definitely make more money than you do.”
Nobody likes a bragger. Let this one slip, and you can kiss your relationship goodbye. Money can’t buy love, duh.

Any we missed? What would you never share with your boyfriend? Share it with us in the comments!

It’s happening. Excited “I’m engaged!” tweets, Instagrams of engagement rings, frightening relationship status updates on Facebook - sometimes it can seem as though everyone around you is getting ready to tie the knot. Worst of all, for the first time in your life, these people are actually the same age as you.  

Maybe you and your significant other have been together for six years. Maybe you’ve never had a boyfriend in your life and you can’t imagine yourself settling down with someone until you’re at least 40. Whether you spend your college years committed or free as a bird, we see no issue either way. A collegiette in a relationship can have just as fulfilling a college experience as a single lady. But when it comes to taking that next step—the one that will lead you towards the altar, that is—that may be better to save for after graduation.

You probably will never experience as much personal growth as you do throughout your 20s. It may be the only time in your life where you’re without obligation, free to explore whichever passions, cities and relationships you please. And while being with another person doesn’t necessary inhibit you from the freedom of self-discovery, becoming bound to that person in holy matrimony before you even get your college degree just might.

Here are just a few things we think every collegiette should try before trying on any wedding gowns. 

1. Apply to graduate school

Your education doesn’t have to end with your undergraduate graduation. Check out some grad school programs; you may not be ready to put aside the books just yet! 

2. Plan a backpacking trip in another country (or five)

Whether you plan a trip with friends, with a significant other or totally on your own, every collegiette should do a bit of traveling before she settles down.

3. Take up a totally random hobby

Have you ever tried scrapbooking? Journaling? Quilting? Starting a new hobby is a great way to discover an interest you may have never known you had (and to get plenty of "me time!").

4. Sign up for a new club

You may think you have your friend group established by senior year, but you never know who you could meet before graduation.

5. Accept a job offer in an unfamiliar city

It may be intimidating to step out of your comfort zone, but there’s no better time than right after college to explore foreign territory (even if it’s not the same city your significant other is planning on being in next year).

6. Plan plenty of girls’ nights

Whether you hit the clubs to go dancing or spend the night in with some rom-coms and a bottle of wine, take advantage of all the girl time you can get before you no longer live just down the hall from all your friends.

7. Learn how to cook for yourself

You won’t have the dining hall to depend on anymore next year. Take the time to try new recipes and test your culinary skills.

8. Give back to your community

There’s no better way to learn something new about yourself than by taking the focus off of you for a little while.

9. Earn money to pay off your student loans

Before you can think about any sort of relationship stability in your life, you should get some financial stability.

10. Get in the best shape of your life

Take advantage of free fitness facilities and your (relatively) flexible schedule to set new fitness goals for yourself. Train for a half marathon or triathlon? Why not?

11. Pursue something you’ve always been passionate about

Always wanted to work on your photography skills? Want to raise awareness about the lack of educational resources for women in Third World countries? Use your senior year to follow those passions!

12. Make the Dean’s List

Don’t just skate through senior year – make it your best academic year yet.

13. Get yourself a pet

Before you take on the responsibility of a lifelong partnership, learn how to take care of another living being.

14. Make a Pinterest board for decorating your first apartment

Forget "Dream Wedding" boards – start picking out stuff to decorate your first bachelorette pad.

15. Buy yourself a really expensive piece of jewelry

Who says only a guy can buy you a really nice rock? Save up the money, buy yourself something nice and wear it knowing you earned it yourself. 

Tired of having to sort out the “nice guys” from the “bad boys”? Want to move up from one-night stand to full-time girlfriend, but unsure of how to do so? Stop worrying, because Real Live College Guy Dale is finally here to help with all of your collegiette love kerfuffles and help steer you clear of any unnecessary drama during your brief but ever-important time in college.

For a few weeks now I've been talking pretty consistently (four to five days a week) with this cool transfer who broke it off with his on/off high school girlfriend of three years a couple months ago. We get along great, we have a lot in common and we’ve been hanging out a lot, and while he hasn't pushed a hook-up much, we recently made out. He had the option of choosing her college to go to, but flipped a coin and stuck with my college. If he really wanted to stay with her, wouldn't he have? Should I be concerned that I'm in a rebound relationship? –Don’t Want a Rebound at Ramapo

Ramapo,

Sound the alarms, boys; it sounds like we’ve got ourselves a hero.

It seems to me that this particular guy has found a way to––and I can’t believe I’m saying this––move on easily from a past relationship. Most men have trouble with this kind of thing. Either a guy breaks up with his girlfriend, regrets it and melts into a puddle of misery for some amount of time, or she breaks up with him and he spends the next few months (or years) wondering why.

I’ve heard some people say that the time it takes to get over someone is half as long as the length of the total relationship. But I think the amount of time is going to be different from person to person.

So he’s moved on, or so it seems. You’re right about one thing, that’s for sure: if he wanted to stay with her, he would have. The two of you have been talking regularly, you’ve apparently got a lot in common and the two of you finally sealed the deal with a kiss. Things are moving at a regular pace, which doesn’t suggest to me that you are simply a rebound. He moved from one college to another, and it seems like he found something better along the way: you.

But let’s hypothesize for a minute that you are in fact a rebound. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. Rebounds have a negative stigma about them, and too many people fall for the idea that nothing good can come of a rebound relationship.

Outside of being a way to get over an ex or a horrific tool of revenge, rebounds are full of possibilities. Maybe he’s moving from a bad relationship (you did say it was on/off) to something good! Not only can you help him move on, you might end up finding someone you can spend the next few years with.  While there’s no doubt that some rebounds are purely physical and utterly hollow, I’ve seen a few of my friends turn rebound relationships into relationships that were better than the ones they were trying to get over.

He chose a new school, he chose to end things with his ex and he chose you. Those are all signs that he’s ready to move on from a toxic relationship. On the other hand, if he compares you to her (while you’re around him) or consistently brings up things she did that were either good or bad, it would be reasonable to assume that he isn’t over her. However, as I said, it seems to me that he is. Have confidence in the fact that he’s ready to move on with you by his side.

In this decade of gel manicures and automatic curling machines, beauty and technology have combined beautifully to bring us only the best in efficient, multi-tasking products.

In particular, the 2014 International Consumer Electronics Association show introduced a wide range of new gadgets, with a few gems that are perfect for beauty divas. If you missed the details of the show, check out our top picks in health and beauty electronics.

1.) Kolibree Toothbrush

This toothbrush helps to make sure that you’re getting the most out of daily oral hygiene routine. The toothbrush syncs together with an app via Bluetooth to track details about your brushing habits, such as how long you brush for and how well you clean certain hard-to-reach areas. If friends or family get this toothbrush too, you can compare your habits to each other to see how well each of you is brushing. This may not be a product for everyone, but it’s the coolest thing in brushing since Tooth Tunes!

2.) Tao WellShell for Fitness

If your Fitness board on Pinterest isn’t enough motivation to keep you moving, this new gadget can help. The shell is a small apparatus that links to an app which provides 50 isometric workouts, or exercises based on pressure. Simply squeeze the device according to the various programs, and the intensity and duration will adjust accordingly.

3.) Medissimo Smart Pill Box

Do you have a hard time remembering to take your birth control pill daily or other necessary medications? This year’s show featured a communicating pill box from Medissimo that helps to solve that problem. This smart box has sensors that enable users to accurately take medicine on a regular basis, and to share the data remotely on health networks.

4.) Withings Aura Sleep System

Is your dorm or apartment building constantly buzzing with noise at night from loud hall mates or late night parties? Is the temperature in your room unpredictable, keeping you from your beauty sleep? Get back to a more restful night with the sleep system technology from Withings. The system includes a thin pad that fits under your mattress to monitor your movement and breathing, as well as noise levels, room temperature, and light. Once the device has all of the data, it produces different sounds and appropriate lights that help you to sleep soundly and still wake you up in the morning.

5.) Netatmo Jewelry for Sun Safety

It’s important to apply SPF on the regular to keep your skin safe from the harmful rays of the sun, but do you know just how well protected you actually are? A bracelet called JUNE from Netatmo monitors your sun exposure, then connects with a corresponding app that gives you practical suggestions, such as how much sunscreen to apply and when to reapply. It’s also super chic, so you’ll have no shame wearing it every day.

Which product would you most want to own? Let us know by leaving a comment below!

A New Year means a lot of new starts: new classes in the spring semester, new activities after class and, of course, New Year’s resolutions. One common New Year’s resolution among collegiettes is to work out more than we did last fall. Maybe you got really overwhelmed with class or your internship and didn’t make it to the gym as many times as you wanted. This semester doesn’t have to go the same way, though. Check out our list of ways to work out more that will make you WANT to meet your New Year’s resolution.

1. Set a schedule and stick to it

Once you’ve been through a week or so of classes, you’ve probably figured out which nights are crunch-time for homework and what times during the day you have a few free hours. Decide which time periods are going to be your designated workout times, and stick to them. Courtney Kabbes, a junior at Indiana University, suggests wearing gym clothes to class or packing them with your books so that you’re not tempted to make excuses to avoid working out. Find out what works for you, and keep your workout schedule consistent.

“I’ve always found it helpful to find open spots between or after classes and scheduling in workout time then,” says Michelle Lewis, a senior at UNC-Chapel Hill. “Last semester, I went to the gym every day after my Monday/Wednesday class, and it became a habit,” Lewis says. “It felt like it was part of my class schedule, and you're not supposed to skip class, right?”

2. Find a workout buddy

This is a tried and true solution for collegiettes. You and your friend can hold each other accountable for keeping up with your workout schedule, not to mention the fact that the pain of exercise will be way more bearable with a friend in tow.

The trick here is not only to find a friend who wants to work out more this semester, but also to find someone who shares similar fitness interests and experience to yours. If you’re a runner, find someone who will love to jog around campus with you before or after class. If outdoor running is not your thing, find a friend to hit up the elliptical, stationary bike and other machines with you at the gym. You’ll probably even start looking forward to your workout because you’ll get to catch up with a friend.

If you’re particularly confident and want an even better motivation to work out, choose a guy as a workout buddy instead of one of your girlfriends, suggests Alayna Burton, a junior at Stetson University. “Sometimes, I’ll go with guys, and I swear I work out way harder because I want to keep up,” Alayna says.

3. Sign up for a class at your campus gym

This is a fun way to get in a workout and is also great for exercising with your friends. Most campus recreation facilities offer a wide variety of fitness classes—sometimes free for students—so take advantage of what your campus has to offer and try something new.

If you want a killer core and toned legs, a spin class would get you in shape in no time. If dancing is more your style, get a few friends together and try Zumba. Or if you just want some relaxation and stretching to go along with your regular workout, try a yoga class. Take advantage of the beginning of the semester to try different things and see which workout classes you enjoy, but pick at least one class to sign up for, too. The commitment of registering for a weekly class will keep you going each week, even as the semester picks up.

4. Work out in your room

The gym is a great way to access tons of different machines and weights, but sometimes it’s nice to exercise in the comfort of your own room. When it’s cold outside and you just don’t feel like trudging to the gym, your workout schedule doesn’t have to suffer. If you live in a dorm, you’ve probably checked out things like baking sheets and vacuums from your community office, but many residence communities also offer fitness items like workout DVDs, jump ropes and even weights for checkout.

For the days when you just can’t make it to the gym or you’re too busy during the hours your gym is open, a workout in your room is a great alternative. A workout DVD might teach you dance moves you’ve never heard of before (and that you would be embarrassed to try in public). And in the comfort of your room, you don’t have to worry about anyone judging you for the weight of the dumbbells you’re lifting. Pushups, sit ups, yoga and Pilates are a great way to warm up in your room, too. Check out this list of dorm room workouts for more ideas!

5. Buy some cute new gym clothes

While it’s true that you probably shouldn’t worry about how you look at the gym, a few new workout pieces can definitely be a great motivation for exercising more. If you’re still hitting the gym in old, stained tees and Soffe shorts you’ve had since middle school, it’s time for an upgrade.

Even just a couple of new sports bras, a pair of running shorts and yoga pants can do wonders for your gym confidence level. And once you have those awesome new workout clothes, you’ll be excited to put them to use. “I just bought a pair of awesome running shoes that I can’t wait to use,” Burton says. When you have cute, quality exercise clothes, you’ll be a lot more motivated to work out.

If you’re on the market for some new workout gear, Nike’s Tempo running shorts, sports bras and sneakers are great. For exercise clothing on a collegiette budget, try the C9 by Champion line at Target and Old Navy’s active section for affordable but stylish options.

6. Set a reward system that’s not based on food

It’s great to set fitness goals for yourself so that you can track your progress with an end achievement in mind. But if your idea is to allow yourself a trip to Ben & Jerry’s for every 10 hours you log at the gym, you’re not helping yourself in the long term.

Instead of focusing on calorie-based rewards, focus on something that you will enjoy and is still beneficial for your life. For example, you might not let yourself watch the latest episode of “New Girl” until you’ve worked out that day. You could also allow yourself to spend more time on sites like Pinterest or StumbleUpon after you exercise. There’s no better motivation for exercise than being able to do what you want to afterward.

Another option for a rewards system, if you have the means, is to buy yourself a small gift at set fitness intervals. Invest in a new pair of running shoes after you’ve spent a certain number of mornings running around campus or a certain number of hours on the treadmill. Buy a new sports bra for every 25 hours at the gym. Pick an interval and reward that will work for you and will motivate you to exercise more.

Now that you have our tips on how to work out more this semester, you can feel confident about keeping your New Year’s resolution.

How do you motivate yourself to exercise during the semester? Let us know in the comments section!

With many collegiettes facing a rough winter and yearning for warmer weather, there’s no better way to get out of a mid-winter funk than by getting your spring wardrobe ready! While the high-fashion element of the New York Fashion Week runway shows may seem intimidating and over the top for everyday outfits, HC is here to show you how to take the most popular spring 2014 runway trends and make them wearable for class.

1. Jumpsuits

Jumpsuits were all over the runways of New York Fashion Week last fall, including Diane von Furstenberg’s show, and will be a must-have item come spring. “I live for a jumpsuit,” says Barbet Smith, a personal shopper and stylist on the Lifetime TV show Million Dollar Shoppers.

To pull a jumpsuit off, “you have to be a little daring,” Smith says. Some collegiettes fall prey to the notion that only tall girls can pull off a jumpsuit, but that’s not the case! Picking a jumpsuit with a plunging neckline or more fitted legs can elongate your body. If you’re still self conscious about your height, pair the outfit with a slightly wedged sandal that adds some height but is still easy to walk to class in. Be confident, find a jumpsuit that fits your body type and take a risk! A hot jumpsuit is worth it.

Strappy Sweetheart Jumpsuit, Tobi, $68

Camille Sandal, LAUREN Ralph Lauren, $54.99

Quilted Vegan Leather Jacket, American Eagle, $99.95

Jumpsuits are great for class because they require little coordination. You can roll out of bed 10 minutes before your 8 a.m. and throw one on and it’ll look like you put more effort into getting ready than you actually did. Add a statement necklace to dress it up or pair it with a leather jacket to stay warm on crisp spring mornings.

2. Fringe

Fringed clothing graced the spring 2014 collections of countless designers last September, including Altuzarra, Emilio Pucci and Tibi. This Gatsby-esque trend can be found on almost any type of clothing, such as shirts, leggings and dresses. Because of its versatility, it’s an easy option for collegiettes this spring. Those who only want to use the trend as an accessory can add a fringed scarf to their outfit, while those who can’t get enough of this trend can rock a fringed dress.

My Fringe Mini Skirt, Tobi, $48

This skirt is a great option to incorporate some fringe for class. Pair it with flats and add some statement jewelry to complete the look.

3. Moto Jackets

Motorcycle jackets, which were seen on runways such as Saint Laurent’s, are no longer reserved for rebels on the back of Harleys. Moto jackets can be paired with basically any type of pant, along with your favorite flats or edgy boots, depending on your style.

“I think every girl on campus should have a motorcycle jacket,” Smith says. “What you’re seeing [this spring] is a short leather jacket with some sort of hardware. It’s a classic!”

Cool Girl Perforated Jacket, Forever 21, $37.80

These jackets are an easy way to revamp your traditional look while still looking put-together. “Take a classic look and dress it up with a moto jacket,” Smith suggests. To do so, pair this jacket with a white button-down shirt and dark jeans or black pants for a polished look. A moto jacket can also complete a going-out look. Putting one over a bodycon dress or a romper is a great party look.

4. Pastels Paired With a Bright Color

Say goodbye to the gloomy grays of winter and hello to the pretty pastels of spring, which were a favorite at runway shows such as Matthew Williamson. Sunny days and warm weather can be reflected in peachy pinks, placid blues and lavenders in your wardrobe. When you go shopping for your favorite spring clothing, try picking pastels and pairing them with a more prominent pop of color like in a necklace, bangles or shoes. The contrast between the soft pastel and the bright color is visually interesting and will draw the attention of your classmates. Meredith Dyer, a PR and communications assistant for Oscar de la Renta, says bright colors are “easy to take to the classroom, whether it’s with a bright school bag or tons of bracelets. Or, for the more bold, colored pants!”

If you want to stay on the safe side, stick with pastels and brights in the same color family. Try a light blue pant with bright blue jewelry, such as a statement necklace or a set of bangles (or vice versa). Or, if you’re feeling bolder, take the same ice-blue pant and pair it with coral accessories. Another brave color combo is a pastel green with a pop of neon yellow or bright pink. The key is to find a balance between the pastel and bright color; one should be the more dominant color so the different colors don’t overwhelm the outfit.

Calypso Romper, Tobi, $58

 Bejeweled Bib Necklace, Forever 21, $10.80

Color Cascade Lacquered Bangle Set, Forever 21, $6.80

This peachy romper is a great pastel for the spring. The bright coral jewelry serves as the color pop because one color is more dominant than the other. It’s the perfect balance of pastel and bright color!

5. Crop Tops

You’ve spent all winter slaving away in the gym; it’s about time you show off those abs! Crop tops were all the rage in collections like DKNY, Diane von Furstenberg and Thakoon and will be a must-have item again this spring. Crop tops are no longer exclusive for concerts and parties; they compliment everyday outfits if worn right. Wearing one with a maxi skirt, harem pants, wide-legged pants or a circle skirt balances out the tight top. Contrasting it with a looser bottom makes crop tops more appropriate for class so you’re not revealing too much.

Let It Be Crop Sweater, Nasty Gal, $68

This crop top is great for class because it’s made out of sweater material and is a little looser around the body. It shows a little skin but still stays classy when paired with a circle skirt.

6. Luxe Sweatshirts

We’ve all had those mornings after a late night of studying (or partying) when we roll out of bed and all we want to do is throw on a pair of sweats and slum it to class. With the newest trend of luxe sweatshirts, as seen on runways such as Peter Som, collegiettes can still be comfortable while staying stylish. Luxe sweatshirts are made of a similar material to normal sweatshirts, yet they’re often embellished, be it with lace, zippers, beading or what have you.

Eliza Embossed Brocade Sweater, Tobi, $62

These sweatshirts are “super easy for class,” Dyer says. Pair one like this with a soft, well-worn pair of jeans and flats and you’ll be just as comfortable as if you’d gone to class in a sweat suit—but a lot more fashionable!

These spring trends are great on their own but are also super easy to mix and match! A moto jacket is the perfect complement to a jumpsuit, a fringed luxe sweatshirt is a great look with jeans and any of above the trends look amazing in a pastel or pop of color. No matter which trends you decide to try, you’re guaranteed to look stylish and fashion-forward for class. Let us know which trends you decide to rock this spring!

“Men want thin women. It’s just a fact.”

So says a recent article published on Thought Catalog titled “I Love My Eating Disorder”, written by an anonymous female author.

This particular article threw me for a loop. As a writer, I’ve never been afraid to tackle taboo topics, as I believe that they deserve to be covered just as much as—perhaps more than—most of the other things we read about and see on the news. Eating disorders are one of those taboo topics, falling in the same realm as the shameful problems this country has with weight; whether those issues stem from the obesity epidemic or how the media portrays “average” women who are actually tall, leggy and impossibly skinny. Writers shouldn’t be afraid of stepping on toes to avoid dancing around sensitive issues.

As a man, however, particularly one who has friends and family who have suffered and continue to suffer from eating disorders, I was taken aback by the issue. How would I cover the subject appropriately? Moreover, how would I do so without offending the very friends I want to help? I pondered this issue for hours, and I wrote a handful of drafts that in some way or another accurately displayed my feelings on the topic.

“I love my eating disorder.”

I’ll be honest; I didn’t think such a thing was possible. The author of the Thought Catalog article, though anonymous, made points both good and bad.  She compares embracing her eating disorder to people who drink or smoke on a regular basis—after all, consuming alcohol and tobacco are both unhealthy and potentially deadly. Those people make a choice to actively destroy their bodies, so why shouldn’t she be allowed to do the same?

“An eating disorder might be ‘bad’ but is it really worse than being fat? Than being alone? Than hating myself?”

She places “bad” in quotations, as if to imply that there’s some conspiracy behind the danger of eating disorders.

Her logic is slightly flawed. Yes, eating disorders are bad, just like being obese is bad. However, I think it could be argued that embracing an eating disorder is dangerously close to hating yourself. I’m sure you’ve heard the quote, “You must love yourself before others can love you.” Having an eating disorder is participating in the active destruction of your body.

After reading and re-reading the article, I’ll admit I became somewhat flustered. Not only was this woman refusing to seek help for something that could very well kill her, she was acknowledging its danger at the same time. She knows her disorder is unhealthy, but…

The author believes that in order to “have a great job and a great boyfriend, you have to be hot.” And how does this author become hot? By becoming totally submissive to her disorder.

I can’t say I blame her for thinking this way, even if it does make me want to set my laptop on fire and throw it out the window. Popular media have a history of trying to pass off size-zero models as “the norm,” when the average dress size of the American woman falls somewhere between 12 and 14, and only 5 percent of American women have the body types that are shown most often in television and advertising. As I said above, this country has a massive problem with how weight is both portrayed and perceived.

But even then, I think I was most thrown off by the blog she linked to as “fact.”

The author said near the start of her piece, “Men want thin women. It’s just a fact.” Her facts are flawed beyond comprehension, especially considering that her so-called “facts” link back to a blog post written by a 34-year-old blogger and pick-up artist. The post is titled “8 Things American Women Must Do To Make Themselves More Attractive For Men,” and after opening the link, I was repulsed.

The items in this list ranged from American women needing to “lose the god damn weight,” “talk 80% less” (a point that was aptly paired with a picture portraying a man slapping a woman while shouting, “SHUT THE F*CK UP B*TCH!!”) and “stop self-mutilating” (having tattoos and piercings). The author of the Thought Catalog piece linked to this sexist, dismissive, misogynistic trash and called it fact. By doing so, she completely discounts the opinions of millions of men around the world and instead chooses the opinion of a failed pick-up artist to declare as “fact.”

Let me make this very clear: We all have preferences. We all find certain things more attractive than others, and we all look for certain attributes in potential partners. These preferences, however, do not—should not—discount the other positive attributes and beauty of other people. One man’s opinion, mine included, hardly stands for that of an entire demographic.

The simple fact is that men want different things, and in my research I discovered that most men are looking for a “healthy” size. The common denominator is that men find themselves attracted to realistic women, as opposed to women who are sickly skinny or morbidly obese. The consensus was that “healthy” and “skinny” are hardly the same thing. If a woman is naturally thin, so be it… as long as she’s healthy.

Different men want different things, but I don’t think I’ve ever come across a man who is attracted to a woman who is dangerously skinny.

Eating disorders are not healthy, and this is something even the author admits to—she simply refuses to seek help for something that may very well kill her.

The author does get at least one thing right, though, saying, “Being a woman today is about guarding the control you have over your own life.” That much is true, but she contradicts that statement by allowing her eating disorder—and her desire to become more attractive to men—to take control of her life, and that is truly unfortunate.

Should the author of that article or any person suffering from an eating disorder be reading this article, I implore you to seek help from friends, family or professionals. I promise you that there is so much more to beauty and self-worth than anything physical, and the men of this world (myself included) do not define those parameters. 

From winning Emerson’s drag queen competition to being a YouTube sensation (check out his channel darpenter!), Darian is definitely going places. Learn more about the EmCeleb below!

School: Emerson

Major: Film Production

Year of Graduation: 2015

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Relationship Status: In a Relationship

Hometown: Berkley, MA

Why did you come to Emerson? I saw Emerson as the best opportunity for me to learn and thrive with goals I had in mind.

Biggest turn-on: Smirks

Celebrity Crushes: Darren Criss and Logan Lerhman

Are you a hook-up or relationship kind of guy? Relationship kind of guy

A day you want to relive: I haven't had a day yet that I would 100% want to relive

If you could switch lives with anyone for the day, you would switch with: The members of One Direction

Three words to describe yourself: Creative, Positive, Loving

Favorite place on campus and in Boston: Cafe's, any cafe where i can sit and do work with a coffee in hand

What better coping mechanism for exam period is there than a brand new campus cutie to take our minds off things? Meet Geoff, a U3 English student and music aficionado with a quick wit and a borderline-unhealthy appreciation for Owen Wilson movies. P.S. He’s also in a band. So read on all about him, and happy holidays, collegiettes!

School: McGill

Name: Geoff Abbot

Program & year of study: U3 English 

Favourite course ever taken at McGill: MUAR 393, Intro to Jazz. Dave Laing is as handsome as he is cunning.

Talent completely outside of your field of study: There's a tie here. I make doughnuts that would make Paula Dean quit cooking, and I am the (unofficial) champion of O.C. Trivia. 

How do you feel about being a campus cutie? I feel honored. To be up here with all these great, cute individuals. There're some campus legends on this site and I'm just happy to get to share the stage.

Extracurricular activities: I play bass in the best band in Montreal - The Fiscal Wolverines. I also lead a team that rescues dogs trapped in trees all around Montreal.

Relationship status: Purchased.

3 things you look for in a girl: 1) Appreciates medieval literature 2) Fluent in Elvish and Klingon 3) Decent-to-good plumbing skills

Current band of choice: Nomadic Massive. They're Montreal's Wu Tang, except just a wee bit better.

Favourite Montreal restaurant: Hands down La Garde Manger. 

Most memorable experience this year (or ever): I got a knuckle touch from Chuck Hughes on my flight to school this year, and I haven't showered since.

Dream vacation: Sex trip to Jurassic Park with Angela Merkel.

Ideal job: Owen Wilson body double

90's trend you miss the most: Pretty much everything – comic-book TV shows, Big Shiny Tunes, Will Smith being cool.

Most baffling female fashion trend: G-strings - looks super uncomfy!

Lightning round

Relationship or bromance: Same thing
Bixi or Metro: Metro
Coffee or tea: Coffee
Late nights or early mornings: Early mornings
Dog or cat: Dog (Durr)
Bungee jump or skydive: Neither, that s*** scares the bejesus out of me
Facebook or twitter: Tweeta
New MyCourses or old MyCourses: No MyCourses

Alex Romeo, a Junior Advertising Major who loves to read, is off to Europe this month for a semester abroad. Here at SU, Alex has quite the courseload with not only a demanding major, but also two minors: Marketing and Psychology. Read on to learn more about Alex's plans for next semester and the future! 

School: Syracuse

HC: If you could create and/or teach any elective course at SU, what would it be?

Alex: I think it would have to be some sort of class that would discuss the negative impact of our industrialized society in a global context.

HC: Major and practicality aside what is your dream job?

Alex: The head of communications for the World Wildlife Fund.

HC: What is the most valuable thing you have learned so far in college that didn’t come from a professor or a textbook?

Alex: As much as every school emphasizes the importance of achieving high grades and getting a job, they aren’t necessarily the most important things in the world.

HC: Name three things that you can’t live without!

Alex: Sadly, my phone.  Also something to read and coffee. 

HC:You are studying abroad next semester: what are you most looking forward to, and why did you choose London?

Alex: I’m looking forward to simply seeing as much as possible while I’m over there. I’m a pretty big history nerd, so I’m always going to want to go somewhere else and see something new. I chose London because England is an area in Europe that I’ve always really wanted to see. 

HC: Have you been practicing your British accent?

Alex: I probably have the worst British accent in the world (haha)!

HC: What was your favorite course you have taken so far at Syracuse?

Alex: The Age of Hitler and Stalin...Taught by a really great professor, Michael Ebner.

Basic Facts

School: U Maine
Name:  Cameron Campbell
Nickname:  Cam
Hometown: South China, Maine
Relationship Status: Married to the gym
Sign:  Cancer

Campus Life
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Favorite thing about UMaine:  Food. There’s a lot of food.
Favorite place to eat in Orono: Margaritas
Best Class: Peace Studies
Worst Class: Thermodynamics

Best Professor: Gkisedtanamoogk
How do you like to spend your weekends here:  hangout, gym, go to Hip-Hop club

Campus Posse: Patrick Hapworth, Blake Laliberte

Miscellaneous 
What is on your ipod's top rated: “Don’t Let Me Fall” – B.O.B

 Boxers or Briefs: Boxers
An embarrassing confession: I still like leggos
Ski or Snowboard: Ski
Salty or Sweet:  Salty
Dream job: Robotics engineer subcontracted by the military
Biggest Pet Peeve: Lying
Favorite Guilty Pleasure: Ice Coffee
Three words to describe yourself: happy, outgoing, athletic

Favorites
Favorite Barstool Segment: What’s barstool?
Favorite Quote: “Conquer” by Arnold Schwarzenegger
Favorite song to dance to at a party: Thrift Shop
Favorite food: Oranges
Favorite sports team(s): Alabama Football
Favorite App (game or otherwise): Pandora

The Nitty Gritty   
Craziest place you've ever had sex: Waiting until marriage, ladies.
How do you let someone know you're interested in them: “Hey, wanna go to the gym”?
What do you look for in a girl: If she is genuine and nice. She has to be family oriented.
Deal-breaker: Lying
Celebrity Man-Crush: Tim Tebow

School: Bucknell

Name: JT Engels

Hometown: Marlboro, New Jersey

Major: Accounting and Financial Management

Class Year: 2015

The Basics:

• Favorite book: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, it’s an American classic
• Favorite Movie: I can watch Despicable Me or Zoolander any day of the week.
• Favorite Store: H&M for clothes. I also can’t go a day without coffee, so I have to go with Dunkin’
• Most Played Song on your iPod: The Other Side by Jason Derulo
• Favorite Class at Bucknell: MGMT 101 with Professor Hiller
• Campus Activities: MGMT 101 TA, Orientation Assistant, Chi Phi House Manager
• Campus Posse: Chi Phi Brothers, my O-Fam, my Carey House Fam, and Brett Walter
• General Interests: Music, singing, guitar, piano, going to the gym, playing softball and golf, hanging out with friends
• Little Known Fact: I have a third degree black belt in Taekwondo

Girls, Girls, Girls:

• Relationship: Nope
• What do you look for in a girl: I love a girl who’s outgoing, energetic, and not afraid to be herself. A girl that’s caring, loving, and loyal. I also really love a nice smile and nice eyes.
• Female turnoff: Self-centered, disloyal, dishonest
• Celebrity Crush: Jennifer Aniston

Best of the Rest:

• Proudest Accomplishment: Winning the Shuttle Hurdle Relay event in both the indoor and outdoor national track and field championships during my senior year of high school.
• Where do you see yourself in 10 years: I see myself happily married with kids and a dog. Living in a nice home and having a successful career. I’ll still be loving life and singing in the shower.
• 3 words to describe yourself: Loving, Laid-Back, Dreamer

I was lucky enough to score an exclusive interview with Auburn’s very own, Weston Jezek. He’s single ladies, so watch out.  

School: Auburn

Grade: Freshman 

Major: Physics 

Fraternity: Delta Sigma Phi 

Hometown: Austin, Texas 

Favorite candy: Hersey’s Kisses 

Favorite TV show: How I Met Your Mother 

Boxers or Briefs?: “Boxers for sure.”

Celebrity Crush: Rachel McAdams

Favorite Spot in Auburn: “Outside of Starbucks in the student center. I like to go there before class, get a coffee, and read over my notes.”

Ideal Date: “I would pick her up at seven sharp, to show that I am punctual and thoughtful. Then, I would take her to Opie’s  BBQ in Spicewood, Texas. I would order ribs for her to see how comfortable she was around me. Hopefully, she can handle the ribs so we can continue the date, and then I would then take her swing dancing at the Broken Spoke Dance Hall to show her my moves.” 

 First thing noticed on a girl: “The first thing I notice is how a girl feels about herself.” 

Favorite thing a girl wears: “A sun dress and flip flops. I can’t stand Chacos, nike shorts, and big T-shirts. I love women that take time to make themselves look nice, and not like they just rolled out of bed. 

Favorite outdoor activity: Wakeboarding 

School: ASU

Name: Tony Perez

Year: Junior

Major/minor: BS Sustainability, BS Earth & Space Exploration, Minor Sociology, Minor GIS

Hometown: Tempe!

Relationship status: Single

Why did you choose that major?

Honestly, I went into the sustainability program not knowing much about it. I changed my major three times in my first year of college. I saw sustainability and hoped it would he the fit that I had been looking for. Fortunately, it was. I love learning about how society, the economy, and the environment work together. I also have a large interest in renewable energy.

Is there anything you want to do before graduating?

I want to get involved. I’m not exactly sure how and when I will do it with my already busy schedule, but I don’t want to leave college without being able to say I was an active member of an awesome club or something that made a difference.

What’s your biggest accomplishment so far?

I would have to say that my biggest accomplishment so far in life is getting my internship working for Salt River Project (SRP). I have been immersed in a corporate world where I’ve already gained so much valuable experience.

Describe your ideal first date:

I’m a pretty simple guy, really. I enjoy relaxing walks or a quiet dinner with casual conversation. I like to make sure things are comfortable and not awkward.

What’s your biggest turn off in a romantic partner?
Poor hygiene. I’m sure many people would have the same answer. But, I put effort into making sure I’m clean, and I think a romantic partner should do the same. If a guy doesn’t take care of himself, it’s a big turn off.

What are some of your favorite hobbies?

I don’t necessarily have "hobbies." But I enjoy many things, including running, watching movies, and having coffee or ice cream with my dearest friends. I also enjoy taking naps. Lots of naps.

Favorite TV shows?

My favorite past TV shows were Lost and Heroes. I loved the complexity of Lost and how it constantly had me on edge. I found Heroes to be an all around cool show. Humans with special abilities is always a fascinating form of TV entertainment. Currently, I’m pretty hooked on Once Upon a Time and Pretty Little Liars. I like many different types of shows, and I am always interested in starting a new series with someone.

Favorite movies?

That’s such a tough question, but I love all movies with Jennifer Lawrence of course. Titanic, Rent, Seven Pounds, Cloud Atlas, The Good Son, and Avatar are some of my favorites off the top of my head. In all, I love watching action/thrillers, drama, and sci-fi movies.

Favorite food?

Pasta. I love how many different varieties there are. Specifically, I love my chicken alfredo with linguini pasta. Pizza is also my favorite. You can’t go wrong with pizza. You just can’t.

Guilty pleasure?

Singing along to my favorite Disney musicals. I won’t elaborate.

Celebrity crushes?

Male: Liam Hemsworth, Matt Dallas, Taylor Lautner, Chris Pine

Female: Jennifer Lawrence, Selena Gomez, Olivia Munn, Lucy Hale

Describe yourself in three words:

Quirky, kind, driven

Do you have a favorite pick-up line?

Hmm. I obviously don’t use any, but I love, “Are you wearing space pants? Because that ass is out of this world,” makes me laugh, always.

If you could take someone out to dinner, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

I would have to choose Demi Lovato. She is has a very interesting life. She’s gone through so much and has made her life viewable to her fans in the hopes of helping those who may have gone through the same struggles as her. She’s strong and driven, and I would love to take her out and learn more about her. Also, I’m a huge fan.

Do you have a weird talent? Or perhaps an interesting fact about yourself?

I’m not sure if this is a weird talent or an interesting fact, but I imitate a lot of people, mostly my friends. I can usually make good impressions of them. I attribute it to me being very observant of people and their demeanor. I do imitations just for fun.

What would be your ideal superpower?

I’ve always wanted telekinetic powers- Or be able to control objects with my mind. You really can do anything with this ability. I’d use it to satisfy my laziness.

Is there’s anything you’d like to add?

Everything I am doing is for my immediate family. Every decision I’ve made and every goal I have set is so that I can, one day, provide for my family in a way that will make their life easier.

Scarf retailer Nepali by TDM is giving back to their beloved collegiette customers by offering a free scarf to HC readers—all you have to do is pay shipping!

Considering the scarves will range in retail value from $75 to $195, just paying for $15 worth of shipping sounds like a sweet deal to us!

All of the scarves are hand-loomed or knitted from either cashmere, silk, bamboo or cotton (depending upon the style sent). To get your free scarf, click here and add the “Free Scarf Frenzy” to your cart. Be sure to specify which color you’d prefer when you check out!

Celebrities like Halle Berry, Anne Hathaway and Kim Kardashian love Nepali by TDM scarves, so we bet you will too!

The best part? Nepali by TDM makes their scarves for a great cause. The brand works directly with a team of women in Nepal from villages right outside of Kathmandu.  Nepali works to support them with above-market compensation, access to health care and scholarships for the education of their children in order to help break the cycle of poverty. Nepali’s goal is to support and empower their growing team in Nepal and continue to provide strong education for their children. 

Be sure to get your free scarf now before they run out!

Beloved musician Tom Petty once gave this timeless advice to college students: “Stay out late… Spend money you don’t have. Drink ’til sunrise. The work never ends, but college does.” That serves as quite a little nugget of inspiration for nights we can’t wait to go out, but it makes missing one moment of socializing sound like the worst tragedy since Antony and Cleopatra. In reality, sometimes the better choice is to stay in. Want proof? Here are Her Campus’s 25 reasons you’re allowed to skip the occasional night out. The Roman gods won’t smite you, we promise.

First, take a look at some things you could do instead...

1. Catch up on sleep.
The New York Times reports that even one good night’s sleep can help you focus, keep off excess fat and even appear more attractive the next day. Sounds a lot better than falling asleep mid-DFMO, right?

2. Watch your favorite TV shows or catch up on all those new releases you've been eyeing on Netflix!

3. Cure your homesickness by taking a virtual trip home — look over high school pics, Skype your best friend and call your parents.

4. Read the most recent of Her Campus’s fabulous articles! You’re off to an excellent start.

5. Now that your roommate’s gone for a few hours,practice your moves like Jagger.

Staying in is a way to treat yourself...

6. You’re finally taking a break from cheap beer. Both your taste buds and your dignity will thank you.

7. Your immune system won’t have to take the beating it usually does by being in crowded spaces like the dance floor. Don’t buy it? Here’s another fun fact from good ole Web MD: the virus that causes mono can hang out in your saliva for up to 18 months after you stop having symptoms. Aren’t you glad you’re not sharing a drink with anyone but yourself tonight?

8. It’s easier on your wallet. Alcohol and snacks — whether in your dorm or at the bar — usually rack up the bill. A night in means more money to spend on other stuff, like that dress you’ve had your eye on or the spring break trip you’ve been saving up for.

9. It’s better for your skin. Think about all that sweat, paint, makeup (and slobber?) you sometimes “forget” to wash off after a night out.

10. You can make yourself truly edible food, rather than ordering greasy pizza at 2 a.m.

And your style-conscious side will thank you, too...

11. You won’t get stains on your pretty new dress from something frustratingly invincible, like wine, ketchup, sweat, or… uh what is that?

12. No need to stress over picking out a new outfit… unless, of course, you’re shopping online.

13. This will give your hair a break from the quick-wash, blow-dry, flat-iron combo. It was starting to feel like the beginning of a shampoo commercial.

14. No painful blisters from those heels.

15. You won’t be worrying about a wardrobe malfunction worthy of a panicked “Remove tag! REMOVE TAG!” come Sunday.

Plus, you’re doing the people around you a favor...

16. No drinking means no drubnk texting youR ex!

17. The new guy you’ve been seeing will be wondering where you are, you elusive seductress, you.

18. You and your best friends will get some much-needed space from one another, which is sure to make the next night out better and drama-free.

19. That creepy fifth-year senior can’t hit on someone who isn’t there!

20. You won’t run into your professor, his wife and their kids on your walk home… barefoot, on the side of the road, with messy hair, at seven in the morning.

Get it yet?
Just in case you still need convincing, here are five more reasons to stay in some nights....

21. You’ve always wanted to learn how to juggle. No, I didn’t read your diary; everyone wants to learn how to juggle. Now’s your chance.

22. The gym will be virtually empty at this hour, if you want to squeeze in a late-night workout. No Zumba® classes scheduled for 11 p.m.? No problem! See number 8.

23. The music in the room won’t be too soft or too loud… because you get to be DJ.

24. You won’t have to retrace your steps from the soccer fields to the library looking for your lost phone, wallet or jacket tomorrow, because you’ll know exactly where you left everything last night.

25. Because there’s another Friday (or Thursday, or Saturday, or Wednesday) night scheduled for next week. Calm down.

We're used to seeing celebrities play friends on TV, and when we see their relationships offscreen, they often look too good to be true. Rather than wishing to spend the day with one celebrity, why not spend it with two? Here are 11 celebrity duos we wish we could be friends with. 

1. Tina Fey and Amy Poehler

This past weekend’s Golden Globes was a display of not only 2013’s film and television accomplishments, but also Tina Fey and Amy Poehler’s 21 years of friendship. Tina and Amy met in 1993 in a Chicago improv class and have been dazzling the world with their comedic chemistry ever since. The pair has appeared on Saturday Night Live and in Baby Mama and Mean Girls together. They have also guest-starred in each other’s shows 30 Rock and Parks and Recreation. After more than 20 years of making each other laugh, it’s no wonder that these ladies are the queens of comedy.

2. Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson

Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson’s offscreen friendship is even more awesome than that of their on-screen counterparts, Katniss and Peeta. The Joshifer phenomenon was born from the first movie in the Hunger Games franchise and has only grown in the past few years. Their witty banter is often the focus of press tours, and we can’t help but long to have a friendship as completely weird and comfortable as Jen and Josh’s. Their favorite part of filming Catching Fire together? They say it was running into the ocean and peeing together. Like we said, weird… but charming.

3. Jennifer Aniston and Courteney Cox

This pair brought their on-screen Friendship to life, and we couldn’t love it more. Just because our favorite sitcom ended its 10-year run in 2004 doesn’t mean we have to stop loving Rachel Green and Monica Geller’s friendship. This 20-year relatinship has withstood the test of time, and we can’t help but want to be a part of it.

4. Selena Gomez and Taylor Swift

Two of Hollywood’s sweethearts appear to have the most adorable friendship ever, complete with Saturday night teatime, dance parties and playdates with Taylor’s cat. Taylor and Selena can be seen dancing animatedly together at every awards show, and we imagine that their friendship is full of nothing but rainbows and sunshine.

5. Demi Lovato and Selena Gomez

They started out together on Barney as kids and grew up to become Disney starlets and pop stars. Though they were rumored to have had a falling-out prior to Demi’s time in rehab, Selena came to Demi’s aid during her difficult time. The two make time for each other in their busy schedules with FaceTime dates, and we can't help but love that they have grown up together in the business and remained so close.

6. Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran

Why can’t these two date already? We love their duet “Everything Has Changed” on Taylor’s latest album, and it's clear their time together on her “Red” tour has solidified their friendship. Even if there won’t be any sparks flying in the near future, we hope these talented singer-songwriters continue to make music together. How much would you love to sit in on one of their recording sessions?

7. Nina Dobrev and Julianne Hough

These two have been flaunting their friendship recently, and we couldn’t love it more! They filmed videos together for the hilarious Instagram #ChristmasDanceWars, and although Nina is rumored to have dated Julianne's brother, Derek, their friendship doesn't seem to have suffered. The two met through their hairstylist and have been inseparable ever since!

8. Brad Pitt and George Clooney

These former “Sexiest Men Alive” starred together in Ocean’s Eleven (and Twelve and Thirteen) and started a charity together. Brad and George form one of the hottest bromances in Hollywood and their philanthropic work together shows their personalities are just as nice as their very attractive appearances. Who wouldn’t love to spend a day with these perfect movie stars?

9. Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper

If we haven’t made it clear already, we would love nothing more than to be JLaw’s best friend. We would, however, settle for being part of one of her friendships. Jennifer has consistently denied romance rumors with three-time movie costar Bradley Cooper, but we have hope for a future relationship. Combine Jennifer’s girl-next-door charm with 2011’s “Sexiest Man Alive” and you have a winning duo. It looks like we might have to settle with admiring their friendship from afar via Silver Linings Playbook, American Hustle and their upcoming movie Serena, but we’ll take it.

10. Ben Affleck and Matt Damon

Boston-area natives Ben Affleck and Matt Damon won an Oscar for their co-written film Good Will Hunting back in 1997. The victory catapulted them into fame, but the acclamation doesn’t seem to have worn on their friendship. These childhood friends have a picture-perfect bromance that we would love to be a part of. It must be great to share your success with your best friend!

11. Kendall and Kylie Jenner

Just because they’re sisters doesn’t mean we can’t classify Kendall and Kylie Jenner as enviable best friends. They have glamorous lives and promising futures as fashion designers. Kendall and Kylie do virtually everything together and seem to love every second of it. Regardless of your feelings about their Keeping Up with the Kardashians fame, we’re sure few people would say no to spending a day as one of the Jenner sisters.

Even if your gym offers Pilates, yoga, Zumba and all of the other fitness classes that are all the rage right now, sometimes you may just be in the mood for a no-frills elliptical sesh.

Since you have a million other things on your schedule, like classes, club meetings and fitting in a social life somewhere in between, it’s important to make sure you’re making the most of your time at the gym. Look no further to learn how to make your time on the elliptical as productive as possible! We talked to personal trainer Melanie Ludwig, owner of Prestige Fitness in New Hampshire, to find out the best ways to make the most of the machine that we collegiettes love (or love to hate).

1. Enter your information

Before you even begin moving, take a minute to enter your weight and age into the machine. This will give you a more accurate estimate of the amount of calories you’re burning and the results that you will see.

“Most exercise equipment has settings you can change for calculating calories burned,” Ludwig says. “The usual default is for a 150-pound man.” That means that if you weigh less or more than that, the calorie-burn data will be off. By entering in your specific weight, you’ll ensure that you’ll get more accurate information. 

A range of calories to aim for is dependent on your goals and expectations through your exercise. In terms of a number of calories to aim for to aid with weight loss, Ludwig says that “to lose 1 pound, you need a loss of 3,500 calories. The best way to accomplish this is by monitoring what you eat and by exercising. If you cut 500 calories a day from your diet and burn 150 calories by exercising, your loss of 4,550 calories for a week should equal 1.3 pounds lost.” Ludwig also notes that “a healthy weight loss is 0.5 to 2 pounds per week.”

She also says that with clients she “stresses the balance of calories in [food] and calories out [activity], and moving your body in ways that make you feel strong and healthy.”

2. Try an interval workout

By breaking up your time on the elliptical into bursts of high-intensity activity followed by lower-intensity activity, you’ll help to challenge your metabolism. According to Ludwig, an interval workout “challenges the cardiorespiratory system by making you work harder and helps ‘push the envelope’ by increasing your capacity to do higher levels.”

Her suggestion for an interval workout is to start off on the elliptical for five minutes on a moderate setting, and then push yourself for 30 seconds with a higher resistance or other feature. Then, repeat five times and complete an easy two-minute cool down. The workout will then total 35 minutes, three minutes of which were high intensity.

“After a few weeks, you will be able to increase those high intervals and shorten the rest intervals because your body will be more fit and able to handle it,” Ludwig says. “Then, maybe go for a five-minute moderate warm-up, one minute of speed and repeat, followed by four-minute rest intervals. Repeat five times before cooling down for the remainder of the 35 minutes.”

Since there is also a risk of injury with too much intensity, Ludwig says to make sure that you always check in with your doctor before trying a new exercise.

3. Amp up your resistance

Speeding through on the elliptical for miles in only a few minutes feels great but prevents you from seeing the proper results. That’s because you’re not getting the biggest calorie burn possible for your time because your resistance is set way too low. Instead, you should feel completely worn out once your workout is over. A good resistance is a level that challenges you enough to power through your workout but doesn’t completely wipe you out in a few minutes. You can change your resistance in intervals throughout your workout, as mentioned above.

“Increasing resistance will increase caloric expenditure, as will increasing the duration of the workout,” Ludwig says. “The main goal is to try to vary what you do so your body has to respond to different stimuli!”

However, don’t get this tip confused with the ramp incline feature that may be available on your machine, which literally increases the incline of the surface of the machine. Although it’s a beneficial feature on a treadmill, it only makes it easier for your legs to stride when it comes to an elliptical workout. On the other hand, an increase in resistance will simply make the workout more challenging by making it harder to stride due to a pressure increase.

4. Set goals to improve your previous time or strides

Just like you can set fitness goals for yourself when you’re running or completing any other fitness routine, you can do so with the elliptical as well! Whether you count the number of strides that you completed in comparison to your last workout or go for an extra few minutes, you’ll have something to strive for with each workout.

Ludwig says “your goals/time depends on where you are starting from. Try to start with achievable goals. If you are not active, maybe 15-20 minutes of exercise three times a week is a good start. A good goal is to try and be active most days of the week!”

To stay motivated, Ludwig suggests keeping a log so that you’re able to see your progress. “Write down all the data and you won't believe what [improvements] you will see in even a few weeks!” she says. “I record all my clients’ data, and it is so cool to see their improvements.”

5. Work your core

The elliptical isn’t a machine that works only your legs and arms—you can get a worthwhile core workout from it as well! By adding this extra dimension to your routine, you’ll continue to burn more calories while strengthening a different part of your body.

To do this, go hands-free by letting go of the handles. This practice helps to challenge your sense of balance and places the target of your routine on your core. Do make sure that you’re not swaying side-to-side while you do this, since doing so will reduce the effectiveness of the routine. To keep your posture strong and tall, simply place your hands on your hips and flex (or “activate”) your core. “This takes balance and some practice, so safety first!” Ludwig says.

If you’re not comfortable with letting go of the handles of the machine but still want to work your core, make sure that you’re standing up straight without slouching so that your abs are lengthened and flexed.

6.Pedal in different directions

The elliptical is one of the most versatile fitness machines because it allows you to move forward and backwards, so take advantage of its flexibility. By moving in the direction opposite of what you’re used to, your routine will stay interesting and engaging.

“Going backwards has not been shown to improve cardiorespiratory benefits, but it does allow you to use your muscles in a different way, and also provides a little variety to help with boredom,” Ludwig says. “When you change direction on the elliptical, it challenges your balance, and this makes your core work harder to keep you from wiping out.”

If you’re looking to work your quads, pedal the machine forward. If you’re hoping to work on your glutes or hamstrings, pedal backwards.

The next time you’re headed to the gym to use the elliptical, keep these tips in mind to have your most productive and energizing elliptical workout yet. These ideas will ensure that you’re getting the most out of your time without getting bored or sidetracked. Feel the burn!