As collegiettes, it can be a struggle to build up a big budget for your apartment. Cheap furniture is often the best way to go, but it’s not always the best-looking stuff! Lucky for you, we gathered advice from some crafty collegiettes for how to upgrade your furniture. Here are some neat DIY tricks to make your furniture look like it’s in tip-top shape.

1. Add brass corners

Sometimes the smallest changes can make the biggest differences! That’s the case with brass corners, an easy DIY project for almost any piece of furniture. You can jazz up dressers, desk corners or photo frames with some simple brass corners.

"A trick I've tried once before that worked out nicely is adding brass corners to a bland piece of IKEA furniture that probably a million people have," says Maya, a senior at Boston University. "You can add this embellishment to many types of furniture (a desk, tray, chest of drawers, etc.), and there are a bunch of hardware types out there that you can choose from!"

2. Stain it

You might not see yourself as the type to get down and dirty when it comes to upgrading furniture, but trust us, staining is easier than it looks—and it can make a piece of furniture look a hundred times better! Head to the store, pick your shade of choice, lug your piece outside and get to work.

A lot of cheap IKEA furniture comes as naked wood, so staining it the color of your choice will give it a richer, more expensive feel. Miranda, a senior at Winona State University, recommends “using a nice dark wood stain, [which is] very inexpensive, then going back in and making some sanding marks and then finishing it up with a nice clear coat finish!”

You can also stain multiple pieces of furniture similar shades to create consistency and make your place feel a little more put together.

Staining is a simple process. Prepare the wood with a quick sand-down, choose your color and then brush on the stain. You can use a rag, sponge or brush to apply the stain. The longer you have the stain on, the darker the finish will be. Then, wrap it up by applying a coat of finish to protect the wood. All it takes is a trip to Lowe’s and a couple of hours!

3. Repurpose old pieces

Ever think of using an old suitcase as a bedside table? If you’re low on furniture funds, use your attic as a shopping mall. There are tons of old pieces that can be repurposed and used for something else—and look totally cute!

Repurposed furniture can look chic and antique, so think twice about your old, dusty pieces. With a nice shade of paint, a ladder can be used as a shelf. Not to mention most items with flat surfaces (suitcases, salvaged doors, etc.) can be remade into shabby-chic coffee tables.

4. Decoupage

So your dresser or desk is looking a little beyond repair, and the possibilities of upgrading are looking dim. However, even if a piece of furniture is starting to look like it belongs at the dump, there are still ways to recover it and make it look nice again—namely, decoupage!

Decoupage refers to pasting paper cutouts to an object and covering them with several coats of varnish or lacquer. It serves as an excellent way to hide imperfections on surfaces of dressers and desks that can’t be fixed with a simple coat of paint.

“I'm taking an old vanity I found a little banged up but in amazing shape,” says Hannah Davis, a junior at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design. “I'm removing all the hardware (handles, hinges, etc.), sanding it down, staining the wood a dark rich mahogany and then letting it sit for a few days to cure properly. Then I’ll place antique stamps onto the top of the vanity and brush heavy duty Mod Podge over the stamps to make sure all the edges are fully glued down.”

Some work and some old papers or stamps can completely transform an old piece of furniture. Take old letters, sheet music or fabric to cover your furniture, making it look chic!

5. Sand the piece down

Sanding is a great trick for transforming a wooden piece of furniture, whether it needs complete reshaping or it just has a few kinks and scratches. Miranda says that her house is filled with furniture that she revamped. “Once you sand it down and repaint [a piece], you won’t even recognize it anymore!” she says.

Sanding down a piece can completely change it. It gives you the opportunity to soften and re-shape furniture to your liking.

“Using a paint that has a non-glossy finish, and then, once the paint has cured, using sandpaper to rough up the edges totally makes for a shabby-chic look!” Miranda says.

Sanding isn’t just for shaping corners and preventing splinters – it can give a piece some personality!

6. Repaint it

Painting allows you to personalize and refresh your furniture; you can choose a bright color to make the place pop or just go over an old piece with a fresh coat of dark paint. Even just a simple retouching can do wonders.

Haleigh, a senior at Point Park University who does a lot of DIY work on old furniture, says, “Repainting is a huge way to make [furniture] look better. Fake wood-paneled furniture looks tacky and often has chips or scratches on it. Giving it a simple paint job makes it look a lot nicer and more chic!”

Cheap and outdated furniture probably won’t have the best paint job, so you might have to take it into your own hands. “Try painting the whole thing one solid color, then adding little pops of color on the edges of the drawers or on the legs to give it a fun pop of color,” Haleigh suggests.

7. Add new handles

Sometimes it’s all in the details. Run-down doorknobs and handles may not seem like big problems, but they definitely contribute to the shabbiness of your place. Upgrading small details, like handles and knobs, can instantly make a piece look nicer.

“To top off dressers or vanities, buying some new handles will totally change the look of the furniture, which is super inexpensive as well,” Miranda says. Replacing grungy old knobs can beautify your furniture, so keep a look out for opportunities to upgrade!

“These handles and pulls can be pretty inexpensive at Lowe's or Home Depot,” Haleigh says. “Both of these places also have a very wide variety of styles to make it look more modern, vintage, or classic - whatever look you're going for. For literally just dollars, it makes the world of difference!”

You can also check out Anthropologie’s selection of hardware with a little more pizzazz.

Your apartment doesn’t have to suffer under your budget! It’s easier to make fancy furniture out of your slim wallet than you might think. Make a few simple adjustments, and your place will go from drab to fabulous!

Getting in shape for summer is always easier said than done—we always start thinking about working out early in the year (it’s the thought that counts, you guys!), but there’s always tomorrow…

Until now. Summer is here, and chances are, the last couple of weeks were spent pulling all-nighters and surviving on a diet consisting exclusively of pizza and coffee, rather than getting up for morning runs or making wholesome home-cooked meals.

But it’s not too late, collegiettes! We’ve partnered up with Spoon University to give away the ultimate health and fitness package… you know, to undo the damage that your diet of Nutella did over the school year. One lucky winner will get a Vitamix blender (worth $600!), a $500 Juice Press gift card, three private Pilates sessions with MyBod Wellness, three Bianca Jade Fitness boxes from Quarterly, a set of hand weights from Whole Foods and a one-hour nutrition counseling session with The College Nutritionist.

Head on over to Spoon University to enter (all you need is your email address)—and get ready to have the healthiest summer of your life! Hurry, the giveaway ends May 27th. Enter HERE now!

Can you smell the teenage spirit? In the '90s, Nirvana was top dog, Gwen and Brad were an It couple and everyone went overload on body glitter. It was also the era of questionable beauty choices. Let’s reminisce on some of the most memorable beauty fixes of the '90s!

1. Skinny brows

In an anti-Brooke Shields movement, '90s ladies waxed, tweezed and shaved their eyebrows into thin arches. We shudder to think how long it took to grow them back out...or whether they did at all.

2. High pony

Also known as “The Fountain Head,” this look required a sky high pony and of course a fabulous scrunchie to finish it off. Now we know where Arianna Granede got her inspiration from.

3. Butterfly clips

No hairstyle was complete without these teeny tiny hair accessories. They work wonders on a braided style or to pin back bangs.

4. Crimped hair

Crunchy and unnaturally wavy crimped hair was all the rage, for some reason, during this era. Nowadays, we’d like to stay as far away from a crimper as possible.

5. Spiked up 'do

Inspired by Sonic the Hedgehog, or so we think, spiked up buns were a cool alternative to your average updo. Set with heavy duty gel, this style could last all day long. Bonus points for butterfly clips.

6. Blue eyeshadow

Bold, excessive and perhaps a bit gaudy, blue eyeshadow was the go-to shade for the '90s woman. Thankfully, there are more flattering, modern ways to apply the colorful shade.

7. Mini buns

First seen on the likes of Bjork and Gwen Stefani, mini hair buns were rad and added a little edge to your 'do.

8. Lip-tastic

Whether it be your favorite tube of LipSmackers or Lip Lix, every gal made sure her pout was shiny and colorful. 

We all know there’s no one right way to come out. Some girls trip out of the closet onto their faces, while others bang the door open and strut their stuff – and some never found themselves in the proverbial closet at all. Wherever you identify on the LGBTQ+ spectrum, everyone has his or her own unique process of declaring himself/herself as a part of the community, and everyone has his or her own story that comes with it.

We checked in with a few collegiettes to hear how they discovered their identities and shared that with others. No two experiences are the same, but all are inspiring stories of what it’s like to come out of the closet, be brave and tell others about who you are!

1. J.E. Reich

“Whenever I am asked about my coming-out story, I am always inclined to pause,” says J.E Reich, an Emerson and Brooklyn College grad. “No one has just one coming-out story, because every time you meet someone new, you inadvertently come out again.

“At 17, I wrote a 10-page e-mail to my father, who was in Europe for work,” she says. “I cried noiselessly in a computer carrel in the empty school library during lunch period and figured I was signing my own disownment notice.  He wrote this back, ‘Surprised, but not shocked.  Love, Dad.’ Months later, when I told my mother I was gay, she replied, ‘No, you're not.’

“My step-grandmother, who I had somehow forgotten to tell, came out for me. ‘I don't see why two women can't get married,’ she said to me out of the blue, when I visited her on a trip I took to Miami.  The warm silence said the rest.”

J.E., who is an editor for Medium, an aspiring novelist and a contributor for Thought Catalog, The Huffington Post and The Daily Dot, says that being a writer has given her the opportunity to tell her story again and again. It is part of why she is inspired to keep coming out.

“The more and more I come out, the more I grow to be courageous and true,” she says. “By sharing how I continue to come out, I hope somewhere, someway, someone else will find them and have the strength to come out themselves.”

2. Kayla Goldstein

For Kayla Goldstein, a junior at Florida State University, coming out was a relatively normal experience. Kayla says it just sort of happened after the prompting of her family.

“One day my mom said, ‘Are you a lesbian? Grandma thinks you're a lesbian.’ So I told her I was bi, and we carried on with our day as normal. It really wasn't a very big deal,” she says. “I was always pretty open about [my sexuality] with my peers for as long as I can remember. I didn't really tell my parents because I always found the concept of coming out to be kind of weird. Like, why do my parents need to know what kind of person I'm attracted to?”

Kayla says that being out has prompted her to become even more involved with the LGBTQ+ community, as she desires to help others be accepted and accepting of diversity.

“I was actually the co-founder of my high school's GSA and served as the vice president one year and the president one year,” Kayla says.

As a role model of the group, Kayla is also an advocate for intersectionality awareness and disregarding cisnormativity. Her experiences have pushed her address these important topics within the LGBTQ+ community.

3. Angela Stahl

“The summer before my freshman year of high school, I attended a softball camp at the local college,” says Angela Stahl, a sophomore student at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. “During the camp, I started to grow close to two girls. I admired them for their skill level; they were way better than I was. As the days grew on, I started to become confused as to whether I felt so frazzled around these girls because they were older than me and I respected and admired their athletic abilities, or if I had a crush on one of them.”

Though she’d never considered dating a girl at this point in her life, Angela says that she began to realize she would be comfortable in a relationship with a girl and really wanted to give it a shot.

“Practice for the school softball team started a few weeks later, and I started to grow close to the girls on the team,” she says. “The majority of my team identified as either bisexual or lesbian. Homosexuality was the norm. As a crush developed for one of the players on my team, I felt the time had come to tell my friends and family that I felt I should identify as bisexual. I told my mom first. Her response, which I will remember forever, was, ‘Whatever makes your peaches tingle.’

“My dad jokingly requested that I date more girls so that he wouldn't have to worry about a teen pregnancy.  My girl friends had no problem with my sexuality, and the dynamic didn't change.”

Telling the men in her life about her sexuality, on the other hand, yielded a different reaction.
“When I told the boys, it seemed to break down a barrier in our friendship, and we could bond in more ways now than we could before,” Angela says. “If anything, my social status went up, because, at that point in time, my peers viewed bisexuality as, ‘more likely to be open to threesomes,’ which wasn't actually true. But I was okay with the positive attention at the time.

“Once I told all my friends, I felt the need to play the part. I was aiming to be the stereotypical butch. I wore my hair back and stopped wearing makeup and used cologne instead of perfume.

“After dating my first girlfriend, Kristen, I became comfortable with my new identity. I came to the realization that I didn't have to dress or act in any particular way; I just needed to continue to act like myself. My experience was very easy because of all the support I had around me. My school had a large and involved GSA and a permanent transsexual substitute.

“Once I got to college, I realized that the term pansexual suited my preference more appropriately,” Angela says. “I personally think that labeling myself for my sexuality is strange. However, I understand that everyone does not think the way that I do, and some people need to be able to categorize people in order to understand them. For this reason, I continue to label my sexuality.”

4. Kimberly Rosenthal

“My mom will tell you that her and my dad knew when I was five that I might be gay. I’ll tell you that it was seven,” says Kimberly Rosenthal, a University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point graduate. “When playing house, I was always the guy, and looking back, I realize I basked in the attention from my friends sitting on my lap while I pretended to be Danny from Grease. However, the term ‘gay’ didn’t reach me until high school, and ‘lesbian’ didn’t register fully for me until my senior year in college.

“Everything in hindsight makes sense; the quick glances at girls in the locker room; toxic relationships with men, not because they were awful, but because I didn’t know how to communicate with them; or putting myself out there for a best girl friend.”

Kimberly had always told herself she wouldn’t be opposed to being with a woman, but always dated men.

“I was attracted to men and was happy with them. However, something always felt like it was missing. I blamed it on myself because I knew the men I was with were good, kind and caring people that wanted to take care of me.”

Kimberly didn’t fully realize that she wasn’t completely straight until her senior year of college, when she attended a conference.

“I was joking with a girl and we both made a sly sex comment, and I realized at that moment that women had sex with each other and that I would enjoy being with this girl intimately,” she says. “At the time, I was dating a guy and was happy, so I continued dating him, but acknowledged to him and myself that I was bisexual.

“It was scary taking a leap to queer-ville, because I knew that it wasn’t going to be an easy road. I dated men off and on and was with a few women, but nothing felt comfortable. I was in limbo, and it caused a huge depression in my life that took moving out of the country to move forward from.”

It wasn’t until the age of 26 that Kimberly says she finally fully loved herself and accepted herself for who she was.

“I am a woman that loves a person for who they are, but feel a stronger connection emotionally to women. Some say that is bisexual; I prefer the term queer,” Kimberly says. “This summer, I met an amazing woman that I cannot wait to share my life with. We became engaged on July 31, 2014. Her story, like mine, was about self-acceptance. Our journey together is about building up each other as strong women.”

As these women have shown, no two paths to coming out are the same. While there might never be a perfect time, way or place to come out, we hope that you take pride in your journey no matter what.

GPA might just be the most fearsome three-letter acronym. Sitting conspicuously at the top of your resume, your grade point average will be a quick and easy way for graduate schools and employers to form an impression of you, and it may often be the difference between whether they continue considering your application or throw it in the trash. Even once you enter the working world, your GPA can sometimes be a deciding factor in your salary—at least, it’s significant at the start of your entry-level salary.  

Each industry treats your GPA differently; some place universal emphasis on its importance, while others put more weight on your work experience. We’ve come up with a list of fields and how they view GPAs in order to give you an idea of how that three-digit number will affect (or not affect) your chances of getting a job!

Law

Robin Marks, associate director of career counseling and programming at the University of Delaware, says GPA is extremely important in law, but its importance can vary over time in your career.

“Top-ranked, large-scale law firms will rely heavily on law school GPAs to determine who gets interviewed and who does not,” Marks says. “However, should a new lawyer want to practice at a small firm, GPA will be taken into account, but probably not weighted as heavily in the hiring decision.”

The LSAC, or Law School Admission Council, which all prospective law students use to submit their applications (it’s a lot like the Common App for undergrad), gives a list of what law schools look for, and academic record is at the top of the list.  

Nationally-ranked top law schools such as Harvard Law School and Yale Law School look for both the rigor of your college courses and your academic performance. Most schools don’t have a GPA cutoff, but the median GPA for Yale Law School’s entering class of 2017 is 3.91, so put your best effort in your courses and make sure that you’re academically prepared for the legal profession!

Business

GPA is important in the business world, but not as much as in law. Experience plays a huge factor, so the further along you are in your career, the less your GPA matters and the more important it is to have experience and relevant skills for the job.

“In the business world, experience will always work in your favor, but certain employers will have stringent GPA requirements,” Marks says.

When you’re just out of college or business school, your GPA will definitely play a larger role in getting a job or internship, which is why looking for internship opportunities right now will really set you apart!

If you decide to attend graduate school for an MBA, (Master of Business Administration), your undergraduate grades will be a part of that application but won’t be as important as other skills you can demonstrate. The top three qualities that Harvard Business School looks for are leadership, analytical skills and community engagement. Analytical skills involve your grades and standardized test scores, but the other qualities can be demonstrated through volunteer work, jobs and personal accomplishments outside of the classroom.

STEM fields (science, technology, engineering and mathematics)

Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields are similar to law – some companies will look specifically for GPA requirements, but many others will weigh experience just as heavily.

“Many top firms will want or require a certain GPA, but engineering students with GPAs that might be slightly lower but have great internships and field placements will be sought after for other great opportunities,” Marks says.

STEM majors tend to have lower grades across the board, so don’t be discouraged if you’re not getting the GPA you expected. The five majors with the lowest GPAs are chemistry, math, economics, psychology and biology, according to a study by Wake Forest University.

If you’re a STEM major and you don’t find yourself with the high GPA you expected, you can still set yourself up for a successful career by following Marks’s advice and looking for valuable experience, particularly at startups or smaller companies who won’t weigh GPA as much and may help you grow more by learning on the job rather than in the classroom.

Journalism, communications and media

In journalism, GPA is part of the picture, but not all of it, says Mo Krochmal, executive editor of Social Media News NY and former professor at Columbia University.

“Potential employers will look at your school, your resume, your cover letter and any examples of your work as well as your references,” he says. “Internships are a very important part of your college experience, and the more you can get, the better package you build.”

Krochmal says, “hiring managers/editors are looking for people who are competent self-starters, motivated and sharp.” Great clips make a huge difference, he adds, so make sure to build up an impressive portfolio through blogging, writing for the school newspaper and maintaining a professional online presence.

If you’re looking to study journalism in graduate school, each program is different, Krochmal says. Some will consider a diverse set of skills and accept non-journalism majors who have strengths in computer science or digital media. With the wide variety of recruitment styles in the field, Krochmal has seen some employers ask for transcripts from graduate or undergraduate schools, so it’s good to stay on the safe side and never rule out the possibility that your grades will play a factor.  

Health fields

If you’re interested in becoming a doctor or physical therapist, your GPA is definitely important. After all, taking care of other people’s health is a high-pressure job, and schools want to make sure you’re up to the task!

“Fields with graduate programs that highly value GPA include medical school, physical therapy school, physician's assistant programs, speech pathology programs and … Ph.D. programs, including psychology and clinical psychology,” Marks says.

Most medical schools will require you to fulfill basic science and math courses in your undergraduate education as well as take the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test). Since it’s a highly specialized field, your academic performance in these subjects will be very important, although internships and work experience will help demonstrate your interest in the field.

Marks suggests being passionate about what you’re studying and getting involved on campus. She emphasizes that collegiettes need to be strategic and not try to take on every single opportunity that comes their way. If you see your grades slipping, it might be a necessity to cut back on your outside activities, but not completely.

In the end, a high GPA will set you up for great opportunities, but it’s just the educational foundation for all the amazing real-world experiences that will really count in your career!

For anyone who believes that everything about the Kardashians is fake from their reality show to their various other assets, it is clear to see that despite the overall façade of the family the love and support that they have for each other is undeniably genuine.

A few months ago, rumors began to spread that former Olympic champion and reality star dad, Bruce Jenner, was transitioning into a woman. Initially, the close-knit Kardashian-Jenner family played coy when confronted about the subject by the media. However in January, the usually cool, calm, and collected Kim Kardashian was caught off guard when asked about her stepfather’s alleged transition and admitted that he was that happiest that she had ever seen him.

In the recent E! News Special, About Bruce, viewers see Bruce talking to Kim about this interaction with the media. He begins by saying she is his “darling little daughter out defending me.” She admits that when she gave that statement she was caught off guard but also realized that it was a pivotal point in addressing the rumors. “This was the moment that I’m either going to lie—I cant lie because it’s going to come out,” Kim said. She later added that in addition to revealing that Bruce was happier than ever she also stated, “… when and if he ever wants to address the rumors that’s his story to tell, not mine.”

In his interview with Diane Sawyer, Bruce identified Kim as being the “most accepting” of his transition. We have so much respect for how Kim has responded to Bruce’s transition. Here are nine ways that she is Bruce’s biggest supporter!

1.  She kept his secret for over a decade after she walked into the garage and saw him dressed in women’s clothing.

2. Kim is always showing Bruce love on Twitter.

3. She is the first person to defend him and show her support when his transition is mentioned in interviews.

4. She let him know how super impressed she was by his pedicure skills.

5. Kim acted as the mediator and peacekeeper when all of the Kardashian-Jenner girls and Bruce got together to discuss Bruce’s transitioning.

6. When Bruce asked her to be the family spokesperson for the Diane Sawyer interview she agreed to be there for him.

7. She gives Bruce the best fashion advice…

8. And she didn’t completely kill him for stealing one of her outfits.

9. She loves and supports him unconditionally.  

We love how Kim "keeps up" with and supports Bruce!

You’ve been listening to Adele on repeat, crying into your (third) glass of wine and eating your feelings with Ben & Jerry. Any collegiette knows that these are the telltale signs of a recent breakup.

Although wallowing is an important part of grieving a relationship, there’s a point when you realize that you have to move on. The only problem? It’s easier said than done. And while you’ve heard of the term “closure,” you’re not quite sure what it means or even how to get it. Well, fortunately for you, HC has asked the experts on what closure is, how you can get it and why it’s so important to move on. So turn off the Adele and read on!

What is closure?

According to Jeffrey Sumber, a licensed professional clinical counselor, closure is, “a mutually agreed upon experience where both people leave with resolution or peace. Both parties can walk away with a sense of finality.”

In a breakup, closure is when you and your ex accept that your relationship is over and you both feel a sense of resolution. Even if you or your ex felt more strongly about ending your relationship, Sumber says that you can still gain closure. “It’s possible to end [a relationship] with understanding and kindness…You can walk away and not leave a door open,” he says. “It allows you to heal quicker.”

It’s important to note that closure doesn’t necessarily means that you’re ready to date again, but rather that you’ve closed the chapter on your past relationship and are ready to move forward. It’s an important part of getting over an ex and the breakup so you can feel confident starting a new relationship down the road.

How to get it

What worked for your friend might not necessarily work for you, mostly because you had different situations. Similarly, what worked for you in past relationships might not be as helpful now.

“If you don’t move on, you’re unlikely to be emotionally available for a happy and healthy relationship in the future,” says Jasbina Ahluwalia, dating coach and founder of Intersections Match by Jasbina. “View it as a growth and glean anything you learned about yourself and your needs in a relationship.”

Every breakup is different, and the time it takes for you to get closure greatly depends on how the relationship ended and if you’re still talking to your ex. You may need more or less time to heal.

When you’re on speaking terms with your ex

In this scenario, closure can come in the form of a conversation. However, consider taking some time after the breakup before having this type of conversation. “A bit of communication hiatus is recommended, [like a week or two],” says Jodi RR Smith, etiquette consultant and president of Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting. “It’s important to process the feelings and emotions [to avoid] a major scene at some later point.”

When you feel ready to have a conversation, contact your ex and decide on a meeting place. Your meeting place should be private enough that you can have an open conversation, yet still public enough that you’re not put in an uncomfortable position. For example, a coffee shop might be a good setting to speak about your relationship; just don’t choose the Starbucks that you know all your friends go to.

“Even consider a walking trail so you can walk and talk,” Smith suggests. “And it should be short; keep it to 45 minutes maximum. Otherwise the conversation could go south quickly and won’t be as productive.”

Sumber also encourages picking a neutral location and to start the conversation on a positive note. “I encourage people to start with by sharing positive feelings. [For example], share with an ex all of their greatest qualities,” he says. “Then, ask permission to speak what could have gone differently or better only if your ex is interested in hearing [and sharing] feedback about the relationship.”

The main goal of speaking with your ex shouldn’t be getting back together, and don’t expect to it automatically cure the post-breakup pain. Rather, the main point of the conversation is to gain perspective on your past relationship and gain some insight for your future ones.

“[To do this], some questions you might want to ask are what [your ex] appreciated about your relationship and what [he/she] felt detracted from your relationship,” Ahluwalia says. “Get their view on how you may have contributed to that detraction [or lack of connection].”

Once you feel like you’ve gained some perspective, end the conversation amicably, maybe give your ex a quick hug and then go your separate ways. “Keep it short and keep it neutral,” Smith says. “Then it’s up to you to take care of yourself and move on.”

By recognizing all the good things you had in your relationship while also identifying what could have gone better, it helps you learn and process the relationship. “We don’t engage in relationships just because they feel good,” Sumber says. “We engage in them to grow as individuals and closure allows us to drive home those learning opportunities.”

When you’re not talking to your ex

For one reason or another, you might not speaking to your ex. While most people think that closure has to include both partners, most experts say that’s not the case. “You cannot rely on an ex to provide closure,” Ahluwalia says. “It’s an inside job.”

The experts suggest doing something active to physically gain closure from a breakup. “Incorporate a tactile, closing ritual that you can’t get in person,” Sumber says. “For example, journal things you would normally say to an ex, or burn a present. You could even bury something… Just make it something tactile.”

You might find it helpful to write a letter to an ex expressing everything you want to say but can’t because of the circumstances and shred it (never mail it!).  Or, you can start working out to physically “sweat out” and get rid of your past relationship.

Ahluwalia even suggests saying all the things you want to say aloud, either to an empty chair or to a friend or family member. “Imagine your ex sitting in an empty chair, and say what you didn’t have a chance to share,” she says. “Or speak to a family member [or a] friend, or consider counseling because counselors can provide objective feedback.”

Lastly, you might find it helpful to change your environment to help you start thinking differently about your breakup. “Changing your environment can help you change your state of mind,” Ahluwalia says. “It can take form in a vacation or even redecorating… Get physical and emotional distance from your ex.” Without constant reminders of them, you can start to focus on yourself and your own needs.

Whether you’re on speaking terms with your ex or not, you can gain closure from a relationship in a healthy way that helps you move on. Try one thing or a combination to find what works best for you!

What closure feels like

So you know what closure means and have taken all the right steps toward it, but how do you know when you’ve actually moved on?  Most experts say that you will feel a sense of freedom and acceptance.

“[You] can feel like the weight of emotional baggage has been taken off your shoulders,” Ahluwalia says. “Or [you won’t] have strong feelings or attachment to your ex. It’s freeing.”

Similarly, Smith explains that an ex will always have a place in your heart, but you start to feel more normal again. “You won’t always be bursting into tears or falling to pieces when something reminds you [of your ex],” she says. “You’ll be having more fun and functioning normally. And one day you might wake up and realize that if an ex doesn’t see how fabulous you are, then [he or she] is not worth it.”

Of course, there will be times that you miss your ex and even get upset over your breakup in the weeks or months afterwards. But eventually those intense feelings fade and you start to feel happy again.

Moving on takes time. You might have some good days and some not-so-good ones – it’s all part of the process. “It’s important to allow yourself time to grieve,” Sumber says. “But then it’s important to move on, because you have to grow. Process the past as fertilizer for your future.”

By accepting that you and your ex did the best you could in the relationship and viewing it as a learning experience, you can move on fully and get rid of any emotional baggage before your next relationship.

“It’s important to move on, because you’re young and you have your whole life ahead of you,” Smith says. “It is possible to be alone without being lonely. Enjoy being by yourself, and you’ll know when you are ready to date again.”

Pretty Little Liars star Lucy Hale is known for keeping secrets. Well, at least her character Aria Montgomery is. But the actress and country singer is now advocating for a cause she thinks we should all be talking about.

Lucy has joined the Voices of Meningitis campaign to inform teens and young adults about the threat meningitis poses. “[Voices of Meningitis is] spreading awareness about meningococcal meningitis, which if you don’t know about it, it’s a rare but potentially fatal disease that can…take your life within 24 hours.”

Part of this initiative involves Lucy bringing her musical expertise to an a cappella singing competition that challenges high school students to create inspiring medleys. Finalists in the competition are then given the opportunity to perform their set with Lucy. “This year [Voices of Meningitis] brought me along to launch Boost the Volume, which is a campaign that involves music. The whole underlying theme is spreading the message through the power of music. So we’re just trying to raise the statistic for teens that are getting the second vaccination.”

No one knows the importance of getting the booster vaccination more than meningitis survivor Jamie Schanbaum. “[Meningitis has] almost affected me in every way—except for my personality,” she said. Jamie had a 10 percent chance of surviving after she contracted meningitis as a 20-year-old sophomore at the University of Texas. What seemed like the flu quickly led to a seven-month hospitalization and amputations of her fingers and both of her legs below the knees. “After going through everything, I learned that it could’ve been prevented.”

Jamie also warns of the increased risk of contracting the disease while in college: “There is a high need for vaccination in college because you are in a higher risk scenario… When I was going to college, I felt very invincible… I just really want to make sure no one else goes through what I went through. I literally describe it as a nightmare.” As Lucy emphasized, meningitis spreads because of the behaviors that college students partake in nearly every day: “Being in close quarters with other teens, dorm rooms, sharing food, kissing, whatever it is.”

So, what can you do to ensure you’re safeguarded against meningitis? The first step is getting that second vaccination as early as possible. From there, participating in the conversation with your friends is a great way to educate those who may not be aware of the disease’s repercussions. Lucy, who regularly gives us major life envy via her social media platforms, knows the impact social media can make with today’s young people: “It’s fun to communicate with friends, but it’s also for campaigns like this. Help us spread the word. You can go to, like Jamie said, boostthevolume.com. You can use #boostthebooster. Just talking to one person gets the word out there even more, and that’s what we’re trying to do.”

Whether you're serving coffee at your local Starbucks or working at your dream internship at a fashion magazine, there are days when we all know the struggle of the 9-5 job. Don't worry, collegiettes - we get it, too.

You wake up looking like this...

But after you put on a little makeup and your favorite dress, you know you're looking awesome.

Add some coffee into your morning, and you're unstoppable.

But why is the train to work late?

And how did all your coworkers get here with time to spare?!

You finally sit down and get to work...

...only to realize the enormous project you thought was due today was actually due yesterday.

And your fear of your boss is steadily increasing.

At 11 a.m., you start counting down the minutes until your favorite time of day.

Until you and your sweet prize are united.

But the post-lunch crash hits you hard.

But you decide to keep trying to work hard to impress your coworkers.

You have to tell that creepy guy in the cubicle next to you that you still can't get drinks on Friday night.

Is time actually moving backwards?

You decide to distract yourself by working extra hard.

But food.

And Facebook stalking.

And office gossip.

But then it's only 4 p.m., and you're already watching the clock.

Has anything ever taken this long?

You're dreaming about what it's like to go home to your sweet bed...

...and finally, sweet liberty!

You make your way home at your leisure...

...and you're reunited with your SO (your bed).

You can do it tomorrow... we promise.

As Columbia University students graduated this week, it was a time for celebration and praise. However, for one student, negativity and discouragement was thrust her way. Anonymous protestors posted flyers around the campus discrediting Emma Sulkowicz and her fight to raise awareness for sexual assault. Using large block letters to call Sulkowicz a “Pretty Little Liar,” these posters are as vicious as it gets.

After filing a sexual assault complaint to the university in April of 2013 and losing the case, Emma has fought to bring attention to the horrific experience she alleges to have had during her sophomore year. In a senior thesis project, she established the Carry That Weight project, where she carried around a 50-pound mattress wherever she went on campus until her alleged rapist was expelled (he wasn't). Even on her recent graduation day, she crossed the stage proudly grasping her mattress. Since graduation, her project has ended, but Sulkowicz’s message remains.

Her objective has been well received among many, yet it is clear that her stance has rubbed others the wrong way. Such a strong opinion on a typically hush-hush topic can be perceived as brave, yet can also disturb others. And in a way to voice the opinions of those who do not support Sulkowicz’s project, anonymous posters believed that plastering New York City was the perfect platform for their cause.

Not only did these posters attack Sulkowicz, but also discredited actress Lena Dunham. Her posters called her a “Big Fat Liar,” most likely in reference to her recent memoir, which details her experience being raped on her own college campus.

These attacks have been supported by a number of outsiders—namely, the anonymous Twitter account @FakeRape. The account uses the hashtag #RapeHoax to target women like Sulkowicz and Dunham, and even uses a photo of Sulkowicz as its avatar. With the account posting photos of the insulting posters, it encourages followers to help them discredit these vocal women and support the men who have been accused of sexual assault.

While it's important to recognize the damage that a fabricated rape accusation (or a false accusation of any nature) can inflict on both the accused as well as other victims of sexual assault, distributing the message via anonymous posters and Twitter messages isn't an effective way to incite honest discussion. As students across Columbia's campus worked to pull the posters down, protesters called for free speech.

Meanwhile, what's the ultimate message the posters send? Strong, determined woman with a drive to vocalize their assaults can, and will, be shot down. It's imperative to follow in Sulkowicz and Dunhams’ steps and refuse to let these attacks impact the movement to increase sexual assault awareness. Both women remain diligent and proud, and neither will step down from their advocacy platforms—no matter what any poster or Twitter account may say.

Living on a college budget forces us collegiettes to get a little creative sometimes. We don’t always have the expenses to go out and buy a new shirt when we spill red wine on a top or get new tights when one gets a run, so we’re always looking for creative, new ways to solve our fashion problems. Luckily, HC is here to let you in on some of the easiest fashion hacks that will fix your everyday style problems and save you money.

1. Get Rid of Deodorant Stains by Rubbing the Area With the Same Fabric

Deodorant stains are a girl’s worst nightmare. Finding someone else’s deodorant marks on a shirt you see at the mall can be the kiss of death for that purchase if it’s the only one left in your size. Having them on your own clothes can be embarrassing and just plain annoying.

Luckily, the solution is so easy you’ll be amazed you never knew it before. Sally McGraw, blogger behind style blog Already Pretty, says to “gently rub the stained area with a bit of cloth from the same garment. This will remove the mark.” No cleaning products, no special tools and no fuss necessary to fix this everyday problem! By simply rubbing it with the same texture fabric, it dislodges the deodorant and lifts the stains off of the shirt.

2. Keep the Shape of Your Tall Boots by Stuffing Them With Magazines

Tall boots are essentials for every collegiette’s wardrobe, so there comes a time after a lot of use when the shaft of the boot loses its shape. Having a slouching boot can both damage the overall look of your outfit and make it difficult to store your shoes.

The solution? “Roll up old magazines and slide them into the boots to keep them upright,” McGraw says. Stuffing the boots with magazines or newspapers has the same effect as you wearing them and will prevent them from crumpling around the ankles of the boots.

3. Put Clear Nail Polish on Runs in Your Tights

We’ve all been there: that moment of panic when you’re about to go out and you realize there’s a small run in your tights. Even tiny runs have the potential for disaster if they continue to split because it could result in leaving less to the imagination than you’d like. A large run in a pair of tights can make an outfit look immediately trashy and unprofessional.

If you see a run starting to form, don’t freak out! Dabbing some clear nail polish over it will prevent it from stretching into a rip. It essentially works as glue, solidifying the surrounding area and keeping the material from stretching even more. 

4. Get Rid of Static Cling by Rubbing Dryer Sheets on Your Clothes

Wearing a dress, skirt or shirt that is prone to static cling can leave it clinging to all the wrong places. If you don’t own any static-cling-removing spray, the next best thing is to use a dryer sheet. Before you go out, rub a dryer sheet on the inside of the clothing to prevent any embarrassing clinging.

5. Get Rid of Linty Clothes With Damp Hands or Tape

Whether you have a pet that sheds or you live in a dusty dorm room, every collegiette has encountered a time when she needs to de-lint her clothing. Here’s what to do if you’re caught without a lint roller.

Any easy fix for this problem is to “wet your hand with a bit of water and run [it] over your garments,” McGraw says. “It won’t work as well as a lint roller, but can remove some of the more obvious stuff.” Your hands should only be slightly damp because you don’t want soggy clothing, but having that little bit of moisture causes the lint to stick to your hands.

To get any remaining pieces, finish the job by dabbing a piece of tape over the problem area. The lint will stick to the tape like a lint roller.

6. Make Your Shoes Smell Better by Putting Them in the Freezer

Most college campuses require a lot of time on your feet, be it walking to class, working out or dancing at a party. All that time spent with your feet crammed in shoes can make the shoes start to stink, which is more than a little embarrassing.

To deal with this problem, McGraw says to “put [your shoes] in a sealed zipper bag in the freezer for a few days. This kills many common bacteria that live in shoes and cause them to smell.” Because they’re in a sealed bag, they won’t stink up your freezer.

If you don’t have access to a freezer, try stuffing the shoes with fabric softener sheets or dryer sheets. These sheets will add a good perfume to the shoes and absorb any moisture, which can cause smelly shoes.

7. Avoid Blisters From New Flats by Blow-drying Them First

Buying a new pair of flats is both exciting and terrifying. On one hand, you have a fashionable new addition to your shoe collection, but on the other hand, you know days of discomfort are soon to follow as you try to break in the new shoes.

To avoid blisters, wear thick socks and put on your flats. Grab a blow dryer and aim it at the tight areas of your shoes for a couple minutes. While they cool down, make sure to keep your socks and flats on. Try the shoes on once they’re cool, and if they’re still not loose enough, repeat the process again.

8. Avoid Tangled Jewelry by Threading Necklaces Through Straws

When you’re in a rush to get ready in the morning and need that one accessory to pull together your look, you definitely don’t have time to untangle a wad of necklaces. Throwing them in a drawer is a recipe for a colossal knot of jewelry and late arrival to class.

However, this won’t be the case if you thread your necklaces through straws. Put one half of the chain through the straw and fasten the clasp once it comes out the other end. It may look a little funny, but it’s guaranteed to leave your jewelry drawer knot-free.

9. Use White Wine to Get Rid of Red Wine Stains

Wine nights with the girls are a great way to let loose and relax—until someone spills red wine on your shirt, your couch, your rug or anything else in the vicinity. Red wine stains can cause immediate panic, but there is a go-to trick to try before you throw away your favorite shirt. Pour white wine on the red wine and dab the area with a cloth to lift off the stain. Doing so neutralizes the red color. Be careful not to rub it, because that will force the red wine into the clothing.

These unconventional fashion hacks are a surefire way to avoid fashion faux pas. They’re easy and can be done with everyday objects, so you no longer have to wear your wallet thin to replace something that can be fixed with one of these hacks. Which fashion hacks do you plan to try out, collegiettes?

Any good friend knows that you never let a girl go to the bathroom alone.

Because who wants to be stuck looking for the bathroom by herself like a lost puppy?

Plus, being asked to tag along is a sign of friendship, kind of like receiving an invitation to an exclusive birthday party.

And you don’t want to be left out, so when one of your friends asks for a bathroom buddy, you’re like:

But once one girl goes, then all the other girls want to go, too.

Which is why you always see girls in public going on "bathroom safaris," like:

It's a universal phenomenon that leaves all the guys in the group like:

But all the girls dismiss this common male confusion, slide their purse straps over their shoulders and venture off, thinking:

Once you and your girlfriends find the bathroom, you burst through the doors like you’re entering a new, mini social gathering, which is basically what it is.

The one friend who actually needs to use the bathroom is like...

...while everyone else crowds around the mirror to stare at themselves for a good five minutes.

To everyone else in the bathroom, you and your girlfriends look so vain...

...but it’s not your fault that you had a good hair day and Sephora had a sale on lip gloss!

Then there’s always one friend who has to evaluate the bathroom wall color, sink style and general atmosphere like she’s in an episode of House Hunters.

While everyone primps, it’s a given that you have to catch up on your respective lives…

…and gossip specifically about the guys whom you just left when you went to the bathroom.

Though it’s not that secretive, because all of you talk loudly through the bathroom stalls like you rented the place (especially when a friend needs someone to pass her some toilet paper).

And if anyone is on her period, now is the perfect time and place to complain (because men will never understand what you’re going through).

Now that you’ve spent three times as long as any guy in the bathroom, you round up your girls so you can leave in your original tight-knit huddle.

Because when you go to public bathrooms, you never leave a girl behind!

When you finally rejoin the guys, they act all dramatic about your extended absence, like:

To which you’re just like:

Admit it, sometimes you wear leggings as pants. It happens to the best of us! Considering the the amount of use we get from them, it's important to have pairs that work both as casual loungewear and in the gym. However, it can be difficult to find the perfect pair of leggings. To help you on your search for your perfect fit, we checked in with collegiettes to get their recommendations:

1. Kristen Adaway, University of Georgia: Decree Leggings, JCPenney, $9.99

"My favorite leggings are JCPenney's Decree leggings! They give the same comfort of pants without them being actual pants (ha). They also are always there for me if I ever feel like not putting on actual clothes for class."

2. Ashby Strauch, University of Florida: Stoic Leggings, Back Country, $48.75

"They are a great piece of athletic and casual wear because they hold heat heat in during cold weather and keep you dry and cool during hot weather!"

3. Alison Ortner, Dickinson College: Marika Leggings, Marika, $45.00

"These leggings are great both for casual wear when you don't feel like wearing jeans or for when you're hitting the gym. I've never found a pair of leggings as comfortable!"

4. Leanne Hopper, Dickinson College: Wunder Under Pant, lululemon, $92.00

"I seriously love these leggings! They're super comfortable and I love that you can adjust the waistband. I like wearing them with boots and a sweatshirt during the day, but I also wear them to the gym."

Where do you get your favorite leggings, collegiettes?

The end of the semester is here and whether you’re excited or dreading it, it's time to meet your boyfriend’s parents. Nervous might not begin to explain what you're feeling, but don't sweat. We’ve compiled a list of dos and don’ts that you must follow when coming face-to-face with your boyfriend’s parents for the first time.

DO dress appropriately

First impressions are important and part of that is how you dress.

"A night out with the girls and meeting the parents are two different occasions," warns Mariah Moses, a collegiette at Virginia State University.

Ask your boyfriend how conservative his parents are. You don't want to offend anyone by showing too much skin or wearing attire with images or language that might be seen as rude. You might want to avoid clothing that promotes violence or is overtly sexual. To be safe, lean on the conservative side until you get to know them better.

If you're meeting at a fancy restaurant, wear an appropriate dress. Don't wear stilettos if you're expected to do a lot of walking. This is important, as Emma*, a student at Skidmore College, discovered.

"My ex-boyfriend lives on a horse farm, but when I went to meet his parents for the first time I forgot to bring any shoes that were good for trekking through the dirt. I had to borrow my ex's little sister's shoes. I definitely gave the first impression that I was high-maintenance and it took a while to convince his parents that I really wasn't!"

DON'T arrive late to meet them

As previously mentioned, first impressions are everything and being late is not a good one. Running in looking flushed from the sprint you just did to arrive on time might not make a good impression either. Give yourself enough time to get ready. Coming early is better than coming late. Arriving late, sweaty and out of breath can also increase any self-consciousness or nerves you may have. Giving yourself a good fifteen minute cushion can be enough to calm those pre-meeting nerves.

DO some research beforehand

He's probably told them a little about you, so it's good to be familiar with some general facts about them. Don't be afraid to ask your boyfriend for some information on his parents; he obviously wants you to make a good impression, too. Ask him about their quirks or pet peeves so you can avoid doing anything to annoy them.

"Before I met my ex-boyfriend's parents, he told me that his dad had OCD and liked to keep things in a specific order," says Cassidy* from Kwantlen Polytechnic University.

Not only should you ask about their expectations, you should also know little things about them that you could bring up, should there be a lull in conversation. Use these little facts to your advantage: "So, Jenson tells me you recently got a promotion. Congrats!" or "I heard you love Downton Abbey. What did you think of the finale?"

This shows that you are interested in their lives and gives the impression that you are looking for a connection.

DON’T be culturally insensitive

If your significant other’s family is of a different culture, make sure to learn about what is culturally acceptable and what is considered disrespectful.

"In some cultures it is rude to do certain things. For example, in many Asian cultures it's rude to tell a host or hostess that you don't like the food or do any kind of complaining. If they ask you if you'd like more, generally you take it," says Elise*, a collegiette from Mount Holyoke College.

It's important to show that you’re at least making an effort to understand the culture. Even if your boyfriend's parents are not of a different ethnic background, the same advice could apply for religion. Get to know what their spiritual beliefs are (if they have any). Even if you know they follow a certain religion (like Christianity or Islam), religions can have different denominations where traditions and beliefs can vary.

DO bring a gift (if you’re visiting their home)

If you are invited over for dinner, you can never go wrong with a little gift, just as long as it is just that—little.

“If you're going for dinner it's polite to take something like a box of chocolates or flowers or a bottle of wine,” says Elise.

Alicia Thomas from Pennsylvania State University admits to being nervous about meeting her boyfriend’s parents for the first time.

“I really liked him and wanted to make a good impression, so I came prepared,” she says. “I arrived at their house with a bottle of red wine and a juicy bone for the family dog (with a big red bow on it since it was his birthday!), which his parents loved.”

She also left a thank-you card that went down well with his parents. “I think little stuff like this can leave a great impression, and they've told me numerous times since that I'm welcome in their home anytime!” she says.

DO be polite, but DON’T be dishonest

Simple manners never got anyone in trouble. “Please” and “thank you” never go out of style, but Elise warns not to be too polite, to the point where you compromise your own comfort. “If anything makes you feel uncomfortable then say so! Hiding it will make it worse. For example, if you have allergies and his parents have seven dogs, then you should probably say something."

You should also be wary of complimenting for the purpose of flattering. Never say anything you don’t mean. Yes, compliment the cooking, the decor of the house or his mom’s dress—but only if it comes from an honest place. Flattery may win some people over, but some can see straight through false praise. The last thing you want to do is come off as fake.

DO be yourself, but DON'T overshare

Sometimes nerves can get in the way of showing your true personality.

“It’s scary and intimidating because you want to be liked,” admits Claudia Martinez, a student at British Columbia Institute of Technology.

If you pretend to be someone you’re not, you’re doing yourself a disservice. They will be missing out on getting to know the real you. After all, they want to meet the girl that their son has fallen for, not a false version of her.

If you tend to be a naturally open person, although that may be part of your personality, you might want to tone it down for the first meeting.

A first meeting with the parents is just like a first date with a guy—don’t overshare! Don’t talk about your exes, your sex life or any past criminal history. Keep the conversation light, and don’t share any stories about the last time you had bowel problems, especially around the dinner table.

DO show your admiration for their son but DON’T pile on the PDA

Yes, laugh at his jokes and say nice things about him. Let his parents know how much you adore their son... just don’t take it too far.

A little cuddling or hand-holding might be cute, but don’t get carried away. You don’t want to make anyone feel uncomfortable. That means no making out or touching in inappropriate places!

“My ex-guy’s parents are religious, so I knew that we should respect their beliefs towards sex before marriage,” says Cassidy. “The most he did around them was put his arm around my shoulder. We maybe hugged, but that’s it.”

DO offer to help out

The last impression you want to give is a lazy one. Offer to help set the table or wash the dishes if you’re at their home. Even if they refuse your help, at least you asked.

“When I stayed with my boyfriend’s parents, I was too shy to offer to help wash the dishes. Eventually, his father called me out on it... jokingly, but still. I should have just done it,” says Cassidy.

Not only would offering to help prep or clean up show that you are respectful of the time and effort they put into meeting you, but it could be considered rude if you don’t offer to help out in some way. Not all people will find it rude if a guest doesn’t offer to help out, but the safest thing to do would be to at least make your intention of helping out known. It shows that you appreciate and acknowledge the work that goes into preparing for the meeting.

DON’T get involved in any family drama

It happens. Sometimes little arguments will erupt and awkwardness can ensue. Whatever you do, don’t take sides. Respectfully keep out, even if you want to take your boyfriend’s side. The best thing you can do is stay neutral. You don’t want to get involved in other people’s business. The last place you want to be is in the middle of a fight with people you just met!

*Names have been changed

We college students aren’t always the best at keeping track of money. From that daily cappuccino to even printing all those essays at the library, it’s not hard to lose track of your cash. Spending and saving smartly isn’t always easy—and mastering finances is an important life skill many college students don’t have—yet. Luckily, there are several apps that can help us budget and save! The best part? All of these apps are free!

1. Mint

Compatible with iPhone and Android

If you only download one app after reading this article, make it this one. With Mint, you can connect your credit cards, checking accounts and other financial information in one place, allowing you to get a quick visual of your spending habits at once—all in cute, colorful graphs. You can make your own budget, and Mint will warn you when you’re getting close to exceeding your limits in certain categories that you set. The app will also send you bill reminders. You can also set goals (like budgeting for that post-grad trip to Europe) and Mint will calculate how much you need to set aside each month.

2. One Receipt

Compatible with iPhone

Remember that time you needed to return that dress but you couldn’t for the life of you find the receipt? Enter One Receipt, the app that consolidates all of your receipts, both e-receipts and print, into one handy app! The app will automatically pull in electronic receipts, but you can also snap a pic of a print receipt, and the app will do the busy work of storing and indexing the numbers. The app will also compile stats on how much you’re spending each month and on what—so you’ll get a breakdown of how much you’re really dropping at Starbucks each month.

3. Level Money

Compatible with iPhone and Android

A self-professed “mobile money meter,” Level Money tallies up what “spendable cash” you have (for fun stuff!) and breaks down how much you’re spending. The app connects to your bank account and determines what you have left to spend (after bills are accounted for). It calculates how much you have left to spend by day, week and month—so you’re always on budget.

4. RetailMeNot

Compatible with iPhone and Android

We know cutting up coupons sometimes conjures images of your grandma parsing through the newspaper, but hear us out: They can save you a lot of money. Ditch the scissors and download this handy app that gives you access to thousands of discounts, all in one place! You can even set up the app to send you alerts about deals nearby! RetailMeNot has coupons from tons of your favorite stores, such as H&M, Ulta, Walgreens, DSW and Best Buy.

5. Ibotta

Compatible with iPhone and Android

Ibotta gives you cash-back rewards after completing simple tasks, like taking a poll or watching a video. You can browse through hundreds of rebates at stores like Sephora, Target and Whole Foods. Ibotta has a selection of in-store and online rebates, so no matter where you are, you can probably get a little cash back! If you buy something in-store, just take a picture of the receipt, and Ibotta will deposit money into your account. While the rebates are often small (often a few dollars or less), cashing them in consistently on stuff you would be buying anyway can have an impact.

6. ShopSavvy

Compatible with iPhone and Android

Don’t just splurge on the overpriced textbook at the campus bookstore—you can probably find one cheaper elsewhere. ShopSavvy allows you to compare prices at both physical stores and online. You can scan a barcode with your phone and the app will tell you if you can get it cheaper somewhere else. Beyond the app, you can also install an extension to your Google Chrome browser, which will notify you while you’re online shopping if you can get the item you’re looking at for a different price. Talk about easy!

7. shopkick

Compatible with iPhone and Android

shopkick allows you to earn “kicks” (read: points) just by walking into a store, scanning an item or buying something. Once you accumulate enough kicks, you can redeem them for gift cards and products! The app will also notify you of deals and coupons you can use nearby. There are tons of go-to stores on the app, including Best Buy, Macy’s and Target. Once you want to cash in your kicks, choose a gift card (hello, Starbucks!) and the gift card will appear in that app, ready to be scanned by a cashier. You’re probably walking into stores anyway, so why not take advantage of this awesome app?

While making a budget isn’t the most fun thing in the world, these free apps make it easy (and dare we say it, fun?) So download a few and start saving!
 

It’s mystifying, confusing and sometimes downright nonsensical: the Bro Code.

Even if you don’t want to know every little detail about it, you do need to know how Bro Code affects you and how you can use your knowledge of it to navigate the college dating scene—especially when your social circle means that your ex, your best guy friend and the guy you’re interested are all in on the Code. Check out the rules you need to know!

1. The Code is different for every friend group

Don’t listen to what you’ve heard through the grapevine or in the movies; Bro Code isn’t a leather-bound hardcover book that every guy reads when he gets to college. It’s different for every friend group.

“There are no set rules to Bro Code,” says Shawn, a senior at Rutgers University. “Bro Code is not a guideline per se, but a warning on how not to act. Above all, it’s pretty simple: Don't be an a**hole, and don't be selfish and ignore your fellow bros.”

Though some rules of Bro Code apply to most bro groups, your guy friends may have other specific rules. Maybe the guys all have dinner together every Friday night or have bros-only video-game sessions. Remember that each groups of bros is different, even if they all have some pretty basic, similar rules.

2. Bros come first

The idea that friendship takes precedence over potential hook-ups or relationships invades almost every group of guy friends.

Shawn says that Bro Code states, “Don't place the romantic relationship before the bro relationship.”

College guy Daniel says, “This rule, that even I personally have broken, can shatter friendships. It’s a dangerous world, going against the Bro Code.”

Bros adhering to Bro Code will not immediately place a relationship (or the prospect of a relationship) over their friends, so get ready for a guy to be unavailable on certain nights. He won’t drop everything to see you, just like you won’t ditch him for your friends on girls’ night.

3. Don’t date your friend’s ex (except for certain exceptions)

If you go to a small school, feel like your social circles are small or have a lot of friends in one particular fraternity, you may end up in a situation where you’re interested in your ex’s friend or acquaintance.

“A bro shall not sleep with a bro’s ex-girlfriend. This is a classic rule of Bro Code,” Daniel says.

While sometimes Bro Code can vary from group to group, Shawn said that the rule about ex-girlfriends applies pretty widely. “A common ground I find among bros is Bro Code involving ex-girlfriends,” Shawn says. “If a bro, for whatever reason, wants to date the ex of another bro, generally a mutual consensus is met between them.”

What does this mean for you? First of all, don’t leave things messy with your ex, if you can help it. Secondly, you may need to have a conversation with your ex giving him a heads up that you’re into his friend.

4. Being a wingman is a crucial part of being a bro

When you’re trying to figure out a guy’s behavior at a party or in class, you should think about his bros. Do you think that his friend could like you? If a guy at a party is interested in you, his friends will probably not approach you to give their friend a chance.

“A true gift for one bro to give to another is to select him as his wingman,” Daniel says. True bros will be good wingmen and will help a bro talk to a girl he might not otherwise talk to.

“Bro Code involving girls is a little more hit or miss as interpretation is entirely under the discretion of the bro,” Shawn says. For example, at a party, if a guy wants to talk to a girl on his own, his bros will back off.

5. Bros must always treat girls with respect

Whether you’re the girlfriend, sister or friend of a bro, the guy’s friends have to treat you with respect.

“Always treat a bro’s girlfriend with the same, if not more, respect as the bro himself,” Shawn says.

Daniel says, “One large sentiment from the Bro Code towards girls is how a Bro will treat another Bro’s female family members. It is not appropriate for a Bro to sleep with another’s sister. It is unBro. However, it is perfectly acceptable to compliment one’s sister on her looks or personality.”

Remember that no part of the Bro Code allows guys to treat you disrespectfully. If you feel like your guy is violating this rule, ditch that dude.

6. Bros don’t judge other bros for their hook-ups — but they do prevent bad situations

Don’t worry that you’ll be judged by the friends of the bro with whom you’re involved.

“Additionally, bros shall never make a bro feel entirely ashamed for hooking up with a girl,” Daniel says. He said that you shouldn’t feel like guys will say anything mean or unfair about you.

However, a bro will stop a fellow bro from making a bad decision in the future. “A rule that could potentially affect dating habits is one that has to be invoked numerous times in college: Never. Let. A Bro. Drunk dial,” Daniel says. “It’s a terrible scenario for the lady included and could have horrible outcomes.”

Bros traditionally do not interfere with another bro’s decisions about girls unless they involve a potentially bad decision. You should know that, to some degree, your guy’s bros will look out for him and know when he should and shouldn’t call you.

Bro Code, believe it or not, definitely applies to you. Whether you’re dating, trying to date, hooking up with or just friends with any guy, he probably has a circle of bros who expect him to follow these cardinal rules. Don’t be left in the dark about the Code and how it affects you!

We all know that Tinder is crawling with creeps, weirdos and just all-around-gross guys. But every now and then, you’ll come across someone who seems to be the whole package: smart, charming and totally attractive. So you swipe right, excited to talk to our new match… until that first message comes in: “I’d love to treat you like a snowstorm…” You don’t even want to know what comes next. What does that even mean?!

You may be so shocked that you don’t know how to reply, but the creeps of Tinder need to know that talking to women like this is not okay. It’s time to stock our arsenals with replies that are just as outrageous as the messages we get on a regular basis. Study up with these awesome comebacks so that when one of these creeps says something out of line, you know just how to respond.

1. Tell him the right way to go about expressing his interest

Some guys just don’t know how to court a woman.

2. Psychoanalyze him

If you can locate the root cause of his grossness, maybe he can finally get the help he needs.

3. Flip the script

Give him something he wouldn’t expect. But, like, maybe tone down the murderous undertones.

4. Let him know you love your body as it is—au naturel

He’ll realize you won’t conform to conventional standards of beauty.

5. Shed light on his sense of entitlement

You’re not obligated to give him anything, even a “chance” with you.

6. Explain why you won’t lower your standards just because it’s an app

You’re supposed to be courteous and respectful to women at all times.

7. Explain why his past failures should have no bearing on how he treats you

Just because he’s had no success with girls before does not mean he gets to be disrespectful to you.

8. Tell him up front his sexual prowess has no bearing on your life

You’d rather hear about his personality, or—even better—his thoughts on how women should be treated.

9. Call him out for not acting his age

Controlling your impulses is part of being an adult, no?

10. Refuse his attempts to explain away the word “no”

No, my lack of interest doesn’t stem from my history with men. I’m just not interested.

11. Let him know he doesn’t have to be bound by the patriarchy, either

Guys have it hard sometimes, too. They could use a dose of feminism as well!

12. Keep it short and sweet

Plain and simple.

13. Don’t let him call the shots

He can’t be gross and then expect you not to have an opinion on it!

14. Don’t be afraid to call yourself a die-hard feminist

You’re a human being who deserves to be valued and treated with respect.

It’s so easy to be silent when confronted with behavior that’s offensive to us. We may think, “If I just don’t reply, he’ll leave me alone.” But Tinder creeps don’t limit their harassment to the virtual sphere—they carry it out into the real world, too. Their offensive behavior is not okay, no matter the platform. We have to let them know that we won’t suffer or tolerate this. Speak up!
 

4 mistakes you make when trying to cheer someone up. [Greatist]

Remember these overly dramatic love songs? [YourTango]

Justin Bieber is loveable yet again. [Elle]

Mary Kate and Ashley broke Uncle Jesse's heart. [Jezebel ]

What it's like when no one texts you. [BuzzFeed]

Why you should save all your photos (even the bad ones!). [Wired]

Who runs National Geographic's Instagram account? [Poynter]

Professors shouldn't have affairs with their students. [Slate]

Curly haired girls: here's an amazing trick. [Refinery29]

With so many African-American women like Kerry Washington and Jada Pinkett Smith embracing their natural kinks and coils, it seems like the natural hair movement is on the rise. A common misconception about natural hair is that basically every hairstyle is the same – a poof here and a twist out there. Luckily, for all the new naturals out there, we’ve whipped out our collection of natural hairstyles that are unique and perfect for any occasion. Try them out if you’re looking for more ways to appreciate your natural hair.

1. Heatless Curls

Yes, you read that correctly—it’s actually possible to achieve flawless curls without using heat! Check out the tutorial below by My Natural Sistas.

2. The Bantu Knot Out

A bantu knot out is another way you can give yourself curls and body without having to worry about the heat damage from a curling iron.

“One thing that’s really important to me and a lot of other naturals is staying away from heat as long as I possibly can,” says Amber, a junior at Columbia University. “I like bantu knots because if I make them tight enough, it makes my hair look shiny and almost like I curled it using a flatiron.”

Want to try it? Check out the tutorial below from natural hair vlogger Tiffany Nichols.

3. The Hair Bow

This one’s a little complex, but it’s not as hard to pull off as it looks. It’s a unique take on a classic high bun that’s wearable for any occasion. Check out this tutorial by YouTube user Razorempress to see how it’s done.

4. The Side-Swept Braid

This style takes the simple braided crown updo and gives it a little twist. “Styles like this are actually easier for me to manage when I don’t feel like twisting my hair out at night,” Amber says. “I can just put this look together in way less time than it would take me to do a whole twist out.”

We love this tutorial from Loxa Beauty:

• Use a comb to part a large section off for your first braid. Put the rest of your hair in a ponytail. 
• Starting in the corner of the front section, start braiding downwards and across.
• Braid your hair all the way to the end.
• Begin braiding the other side. 
• Once both braids are finished, grab the front braid and wrap it around your hair, pinning it to the other braid. Leave the other braid down.

5. The Classic Pompadour

Channel your inner Janelle Monáe with this classic updo. This style is simple and easy and can be done on short or medium-length natural hair. For the visual learners, here’s a video tutorial from My Natural Sistas.

6. The Pineapple

Though this style is better known as a style that most naturals wear to bed at night, it can actually be worn on any occasion. It’s cute, fun and great for those winter mornings when you’d rather spend more time in your bed than in front of a mirror trying to perfect your appearance. This video tutorial from CurlsNLipstick will show you how to nail it.

7. The Frohawk

This style, which is a combination between an Afro and a Mohawk, will definitely turn some heads. Whenever you want to spice up your hairstyle, a frohawk is definitely the way to go.

“I usually just wear my fro most of the time because of how convenient it is,” says Brittany, a junior at the University of Georgia. “My hair can be so annoying and difficult to deal with that just wearing it out like that is like a built-in statement piece. I can say something with my hair without actually trying.”

To create your “statement piece,” watch this video tutorial from Mini Marley.

Try out a few of these simple natural styles to give yourself a unique look! What are your favorite natural styles, collegiettes?

Who needs to date campus cuties when you can date food? Mozzarella sticks would never forget to text you back and nachos wouldn't even think of cheating on you. Keep reading for a list of 10 foods that we think are better than any significant other you've ever had: 

1. Nutella 

All you need is a spoon and an appetite. Actually, you barely even need an appetite. You don't really need a spoon either.

2. Domino's Cheesy Bread & Cinna Stix

This is the threesome you've been waiting for. Ordering one without the other is grounds for expulsion from college.

3. Mozzerella sticks

Fried. Cheese. Let's move on.

4. Chipotle

Whether you're a fan of the burrito bowl, chips and guac or a fat burrito, just face it: ~*~Chipotle~*~ is your LIIIIFEEEEE.

5. Jimmy John's

It doesn't matter if you get the Italian Night Club or the Turkey Tom; we're all winners when we order late-night JJ.

6. Oreos with peanut butter

Making you happy since the age of four.

7. Nachos

Piled high with cheese, jalapeños, sour cream, guac and salsa, this is the perfect last meal before you faint of cheese overload.

8. Easy Mac

Who has time to cook an actual meal when you're so busy marathoning the new season of House of Cards?

9. Girl Scout Cookies

WHY DON'T GIRL SCOUTS HAVE TRACKING DEVICES ON THEM AT ALL TIMES.

10. Ice cream

It's scientifically proven that eating ice cream in your bed on Friday night is infinitely better than going out on a date with a human being.