I recently found out that I’m going to the Super Bowl with Pepsi! I am SO. EXCITED. Seriously, I can hardly stand it.

I’ll fly from Boston to New York City this Friday, January 31, where I’ll meet up with a group of YouTubers and bloggers who are also on the Pepsi trip. Pepsi is really showing us the royal treatment, complete with black-car airport pickups, a swanky hotel, VIP receptions at the Pepsi Hospitality Suite and late-night parties.

For entertainment on Saturday, I got to pick from a bunch of amazing options, like a cooking class at Eataly, a massage, a mani/pedi or facial at an Upper East Side spa or Broadway tickets. I’m a HUGE Broadway fan, so I took the tickets and I’ll be going to see Kinky Boots! I haven’t seen it, but I know it has rave reviews and it’s centered around stilettos. Count me in.

On Sunday, we’ll get up super early and learn all about Pepsi’s work with the NFL and their exciting plans for the halftime show (yay Bruno Mars!). After what I’m sure will be a delicious lunch and some afternoon relaxation, it’s off to the stadium to watch the Broncos and the Seahawks battle it out for the Vince Lombardi Trophy!

The New England Patriots didn’t make it to the Super Bowl, so I have to pick between the two teams… right? Is it okay to cheer for the underdog during the first three quarters and then cheer for the team I think will win in the fourth quarter? Is that kosher football fandom? I guess I’ll just have to play it by ear.

Either way, I’m SO EXCITED! I can’t wait to share my experience with all of you! Be sure to follow @hercampus on Instagram and @hercampus and @Pepsi on Twitter for some behind-the-scenes peeks of what the Super Bowl is like when you’re with Pepsi! Join in on the conversation with #Halftime. If you want to learn more about the Super Bowl Pepsi halftime show (ahhhh Bruno Mars), they’ve got tons of awesome info here.

HCXO,
Windsor

After celebrating the holidays, having weeks off from school, and an abundance of the gloriousness that is spare time, the first few weeks back to the grind can be unusually tough. Not to mention the chilly winter air may leave you feeling that the only option for the day is to stay snuggled under the covers. If you wake up tired, feeling sluggish, or maybe just in a bad mood, stop yourself from spending the day procrastinating in bed or lounging on the couch.  There is hope for those bad days!
 
Dr. David Leibow, a member of the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and author of When College Is Not the Best Time of Your Life, suggests that the first step to fixing a down mood, is figuring out the cause.
 

“Try to figure out when the ‘blah’ mood began and see if you can remember what was going on, or what you were thinking about, when your mood dipped,” Leibow said. “Very often it will be something you've recognized to be a trigger in the past.”
 
Leibow explains that there are two kinds of triggers: major, and minor. A minor trigger could be something such as having binged on junk food or gained some weight.  A moderate trigger might be having had a fight with your mother or boyfriend or been snubbed by a friend.  A major trigger might be having procrastinated too long doing your school work or failing to turn in an assignment.
 
“Once you've identified the trigger, you're in a better position to improve your low mood,” Leibow said.
 
Whatever the cause of your down mood, here are 5 ways to get back on the bright side.

1. Do 20 Jumping Jacks

We’ve had the importance of being active drilled into our heads, and for good reason. Elle Woods in Legally Blonde gave us the explanation for it: “Exercise gives you endorphins, endorphins make you happy.” She’s right. According to a study by Dr. Kenneth Fox, an Exercise and Health Science professor at the University of Bristol in the United Kingdom, exercise can reduce anxiety and improve physical self-perceptions and self-esteem. From the findings of the study, Fox even suggests that exercise be used as a way to treat depression and anxiety.

So whether you’re clicking through the channels on TV, or your friends’ month-old Facebook pictures that you’ve looked at a thousand times, get up! Take a quick walk, or hit the gym, even if it’s only for 15 -20 min. If you’re crunched on time, or aren’t up for a real sweat, try doing a few jumping jacks, anything to get your heart pumping. Check out this article on tips for getting to the gym more often. Not only will for feel better after exercising, you’ll also have done something healthy for your body! How’s that for making you happy?
 
2. Whip Up Some Eggs

It may seem crazy, but eating certain foods can actually put you in a better mood. A few of those foods include: milk, caffeine, eggs, cinnamon, and fish. To read more about these foods and why they work, read this article on 5 foods to boost your mood this winter.  Now you just have to decide: fried or scrambled?

3. Think Happy Thoughts:

Remember how thinking happy thoughts helped Peter Pan fly? It can work for you too. Well, kind of. According to a study by Shelley Taylor, of the University of California, and Jonathon Brown, of Southern Methodist University, positive thoughts are tied to happiness. The study found that people with high self-esteem, self-confidence, and who believe the future will bring them happiness, are more likely to be happy than people who think otherwise.
 
Gretchen Rubin of The Happiness Project says sometimes even pretending she’s cheerful eventually makes her feel that way. “Feelings follow actions,” she says.
 
Instead of dwelling on your sluggish mood, think about what you like about yourself, what you’re proud of, what you’ve accomplished, and what you’re looking forward to that week, or even that year. Try jotting it down in a quick list, and posting it above your desk.  Who knew you were your own best mood-booster?

4. Call Your BFF

Spending time alone can certainly be a relief from a long day, but on an afternoon when you’re feeling particularly down, spending time with your friends may be just what the doctor ordered. According to a study in the Journal of Happiness Studies, being alone had the lowest levels of happiness, while being with a friend had the highest. Any social activity, either active or passive had above average ratings.
 
If you’re sitting alone in your apartment, or dorm room, and feeling gloomy, head to a friend’s place, or invite a few friends over. Even if you’re all just sitting on the couch chatting, you’ll most likely feel happier during their visit, and after they leave, than before. Invite friends over to make dinner or go to the gym with you (two mood-boosters in one!). If you’re swamped with work, call over someone from your class and study together.

5. Put on Chris Brown

You know that feeling you get when your new favorite song comes up on shuffle or the radio? Well, it can work the same magic on a down mood. According to a study in The Journal of Marketing, music can be a powerful stimulus for mood. The study says, “music acts on the nervous system like a key on a lock, activating brain processes with corresponding emotional reactions.” Disregarding lyrics, and other elements to a song, fast music was tied to happier feelings than slower music. Songs in higher keys also related to feelings of happiness.

Turning up the volume on an upbeat song like Chris Brown’s “Love More” or Katy Perry’s “Dark Horse” to brighten your mood? What a way to pass the time.

Try testing out a few of these tips next time you’re feeling sluggish and see if you don’t end the day with a smile on your face.

Want more inspiration?  Here are some collegiettes' favorite ways to boost their mood:

• “The Royal Tenenbaums is my mood savior. I could be bawling my eyes out but if I lay down and pop in that movie it's like putting a baby in a vibrating chair: I'm instantly calmed.”  - Rebekah Meiser, Ohio University
• “I make something sweet! I'm currently snowed in and I'm planning on making hot chocolate or blueberry muffins later today.” – Hannah Orenstein, NYU
• “I go buy myself a new magazine and curl up in my bed and read it. That's a great way for me to shut out the world and escape for a while!” - Valentina Palladino, Syracuse University
• “I like to read a good book. Good books make everything better!” – Danai Kadzere, Harvard University
• “I wash and blow dry my hair, put on makeup and a fierce outfit (heels, of course), and leave my house to do nothing in particular. I pound the sidewalks like a supermodel and instantly I feel better. It always helps to have something to focus on instead of whatever's keeping me down!” – Elyssa Goodman, Carnegie Mellon University
• “I blast the music and jam out. It's a cure that never fails!” - Kaitlyn Schnell, University of Wisconsin - Madison
• “I love putting on a face mask when I feel down or tired. It's an inexpensive and easy way to pamper myself, always wakes me up, and nothing makes me feel prettier than having clear, luminous skin!”  - Nikki Fig, Emerson College
• “I like to either wear really cute underwear or a fuzzy pair of socks—or both!” – Stephanie Kaplan, Co-Founder, CEO & Editor-in-Chief of Her Campus
• “ I love to just soak in a warm bubble bath! Not only is it refreshing, it is very relaxing and soothing.”  – Jaimee Swift, Temple University
• “Once I get out of class on a sad, depressed day, I listen to “I'm Coming Out” by Diana Ross on my iPod REALLY loud.” - Evangeline Spracklin, University of Washington
• “I text my friends! Sounds simple but hearing about my friend’s day which could be better than mine usually perks me up!” – Kristie Demers, North Carolina State University
• “I do aromatherapy with things that are lavender-scented. I'll watch re-runs of Gilmore Girls. Maybe have a glass of wine. I'll pamper myself with a pedicure or do other things to beautify myself that I may have been neglecting.” – Ally Karsyn, Dordt College
• “Nothing helps me feel more put together than painting my nails. There's just something about a fresh coat that gives me that extra polish and confidence. Plus, there's so many colors to choose from, and that makes it a lot of fun.” – Sarah Ramirez, Fordham University

What’s your own never-fail way to boost your mood?  Leave a comment!

It’s no secret that we pick a pair of shoes, a slice of pizza or our Netflix account over a guy, but here are just a few reasons why we wouldn’t mind being in a relationship with a glass of wine.

1. With wine, you can express your deepest emotions and most intimate desires.

2. You can sample as many different kinds of wine as you like without judgment.

3. Wine will always be there to comfort you after a bad day.

4. Red wine is good for your heart.

5. If your wine smells bad, you can send it back.

6. Wine can make you feel confident, sexy and invincible…

7. …but it also doesn’t mind if you feeling like having a good cry with it instead.

8. Wine will only give you a headache if you have too much of it.

9. You can share wine with your friends.

10. Wine always makes for a great dinner companion.

11. Wine can make you feel instantly classier…

12. …but it doesn’t necessarily have to cost you a lot to enjoy its company.

13. Wine knows just how to calm you down when you’re feeling anxious…

14. …and it isn’t a bad thing when wine puts you to sleep.

15. A good bottle of wine is not hard to find.

16. If you run out of wine, you can always go out and purchase more. 

17. Wine always gets better with age.

From couture gowns to miniskirts to one magnificently tailored pantsuit, the red carpet fashion at the 2014 Grammys did not disappoint.  Though there were some questionable wardrobe choices here and there, in general we were thoroughly impressed with Hollywood’s A-List and their sartorial choices.  Here are our picks for the best and worst dressed of this year’s Grammy Awards!

Best Dressed

Taylor Swift: We died over this sparkly champagne gown Taylor wore. This girl knows what works for her, and maybe wears the same palette too often, but DANG does this Gucci number look fantastic on her! Bonus points for the simple, chic ponytail that kept her ensemble from looking overdone.

Katy Perry: The queen of pop somehow snagged a couture Valentino confection just days after it went down the runway at Paris’s couture shows. It’s whimsical, gorgeous and totally Katy. Check out that ‘do, too! We want to know how to do that to our hair! 

Madonna: Never one to shy away from fashion risks, Madonna appeared on the red carpet in a beautifully tailored pantsuit. The pop star looked ah-mazing in Ralph Lauren, making us scour our closets for similar outfits to wear to work one day.

Beyoncé: It’s no secret that we are OBSESSED with Queen Bey here at Her Campus. Her white Michael Costello gown made our hearts melt; we loved it! 

Ciara: Ciara may be one of the most beautiful people in the world, and pregnancy looks fantastic on her. Like many other musicians, Ciara donned a sparkly, floor-length gown (this one by Emilio Pucci), but she let her bangin’ body do the talking. 

Worst Dressed

Pharrell Williams: When Pharrell arrived on the red carpet last night, we are pretty sure the entirety of America gave a collective “WTF.” The Smokey the Bear ranger hat made us really confused, as did his super cazh track jacket… none of it worked. Sorry, Pharrell. 

Paula Patton: Robin Thicke’s better half donned a risky, see-through, zebra-print gown that looked more like a snuggie than anything else. It was too busy and a little tacky. Better luck next time, Paula.

Kathy Griffin: The funny woman’s blue, snakeskin-print gown was WAY too busy. It looked more like a swimsuit cover-up than a gown for the Grammys. 

Check out the rest of Her Campus’s Grammy coverage!

After the release of an ESPN "Outside the Lines" report, Missouri police opened an investigation into the alleged sexual assault and subsequent suicide of a former University of Missouri student. 

Sasha Menu Courey, who was a swimmer for the university, was allegedly attacked by at least one football player after a night out with her friends in February of 2010. She wrote about the incident in a journal and spoke about it to Rolandis Woodland, a former Missouri football receiver and friend of Menu Courey's. Woodland stated that Menu Courey confided to him the day after the incident that something bad had happened. After her death, Woodland says he saw a videotape of three of his former teammates assaulting the swimmer.

Menu Courey also described the incident to university counselors, according to the report. However, the university failed to file an investigation or inform law enforcement officials of the incident.

Following the incident, Menu Courey, who had a history of struggling with depression, continued to spiral downward, according to her parents. In 2011, she committed suicide. 

On Sunday, the university president sent a letter to school officials detailing his intention to conduct an investigation of the school's handling of the case. Menu Courey's family, who stated "the system failed Sasha in many ways," are glad that an investigation is finally being launched.

"The family feels that it is not until universities are willing to take responsibility for the seriousness of these issues that young people will be safe on campuses and families can rest easy knowing that others will not have to go through the horror that they and Sasha went through,"her family said in a statement.

There are a couple of images that come to mind when you think of secret societies, like masks, special handshakes, weird chants and underground tunnels, to name a few. But do real collegiate secret societies live up to all the hype and tradition? Have they updated their old-school traditions? And what do current students think of them? Take a look!

1. Skull & Serpent, Wesleyan University

Wesleyan has a rich history when it comes to secret societies, and one of its most notorious groups is the Skull & Serpent, an organization founded in 1865 that actually has its own tomb on campus (even spookier, no current student seems to know who’s buried in the tomb!). The society allegedly pulls its members from three Greek fraternities on campus—The Eclectic Society of Phi Nu Theta, Alpha Delta Phi and Psi Upsilon—and many of the members have gone on to be influential administrators and trustees at the school.

Think secret societies are serious all the time? Think again! The members of this society put together a hilarious Harlem Shake video in their chambers. But did the video ruin the mystery of a group that was formerly known for being underground?

Kate Masters, a sophomore at Wesleyan, says that the student body was split when the video first came out. “Some people thought it was great that members of a secret society weren’t taking themselves too seriously,” she says. “But some people thought that the video was really obnoxious and labeled it as a publicity stunt from a dying society.”

Does the Skull & Serpent’s public online appearance ruin its history of total secrecy? The jury’s still out!

2. ANAK Society, Georgia Tech

Founded in 1908, Georgia Tech's ANAK Society is the oldest known secret society on this urban campus. The honor of being a member is bestowed upon juniors and seniors who illustrate high leadership capabilities and a fierce love for Georgia Tech.

Wondering what the word "Anak" means? It turns out that it's actually the name of a biblical figure who was considered the forefather of a race of giants.

3. The Night Riders, Norwich University

Though this secret society no longer exists (or does it?), the Night Riders of Norwich made quite the impression nationwide during the 1990s when they were at the center of several lawsuits. Various cadets at this military college claimed they were hazed and severely beaten by members of the group. Throughout the press coverage on the group, the Norwich community remained split on their opinions of the Night Riders. One camp thinks that they were a group of unknown students trying to help cadets across campus, and others believe they were an organization of rebels trying to inflict pain and suffering on first-year students.

Though the university later banned secret societies because of all the negative attention they gave the school, you have to wonder: What happened to the members this society, and where are they now?

4. Seven Society, University of Virginia

Looking for a secret society that's all about superstitions and bizarre traditions? Look no further than the UVA's Seven Society! Members of the group are only made public after their deaths, and this big reveal consists of placing a giant wreath of black magnolias that make up a “7” on the gravesite of the deceased. In addition, the bell tower at UVA's chapel rings at seven-second intervals at the seventh dissonant chord when it is seven past the hour (wow, that's a mouthful!). The society also never lets people forget that it exists, marking the campus with the number seven on various occasions.

Despite this level of secrecy, Katrina Margolis, a junior at UVA, says that the group has done a lot of good for the school. “The Sevens (as they’re called) often donate a lot of money to UVA, and they also provide emotional support,” she says. “For example, when a student killed himself, the Sevens hung inspirational banners all over the campus.”

The biggest mystery regarding The Seven Society, however, revolves around its membership. “There is a bit of a weird stigma with them because no one knows if they are coed yet,” Katrina says. There are conflicting reports as to whether or not women are involved. Additionally, many members of the Seven Society who are revealed after their deaths turn out to not even be UVA alumni. Thus, the question of what it takes to be a member of the Sevens remains a closely guarded secret.

5. Order of Gimghoul, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Think there’s no royalty in the United States? Check out the UNC-Chapel Hill’s Order of Gimghoul, which is headquartered in a castle (yes, an actual castle) that is valued at more than $1 million. The entire society is centered around the legend of Peter Dromgoole, a student who mysteriously vanished from campus in 1833. This disappearance inspired the creation of a group dedicated to upholding chivalry and an Arthurian code, but now the Order is known for only being about socializing.

Despite its changing values, Jordyn*, a senior at UNC-Chapel Hill, thinks that the group adds a great deal of character to the school. “It’s always fun to mention to friends that UNC has a castle on campus!” she says. “I also love that we have a group dedicated to old traditions and lore. Sometimes at a large school it can feel like you lose that sense of history, and it’s great to see an organization keeping that history alive!”

6. Cadaver Society, Washington and Lee University

Things get a little spooky at this small liberal arts college in Virginia! The Cadaver Society is comprised of completely anonymous members of the community who create mischief at night, including drawing symbols around campus, running around in all black with white masks while screeching in high-pitched voices and even running into sorority houses to try to scare people. And what’s a secret society without intrigue? There's a rumor that members of the Cadaver Society commute by secret passageways all over the university, and doors to these alleged tunnels can be seen all over campus (including inside of the library!).

Wondering what types of people get inducted into such a creepy society? Louise*, a sophomore at Washington and Lee, says that the Cadavers are allegedly made up of pre-med students on campus, and if you de-mask one of these members, he or she will have to pay your graduate school tuition (we love the academic twist!).

“Supposedly, they defend themselves very aggressively if you actually try to de-mask them, for obvious reasons!” Louise says.

But the question is, who do you think would win in a fight: a Cadaver or someone desperate for grad school money?

7. Skull and Bones, Yale University

One of the most famous secret societies to date (kind of an oxymoron if you think about it!), the Skull and Bones was founded in 1832 and has been shrouded in mystery and mischief ever since. Members of the society are known to steal various Yale heirlooms from other buildings and societies around campus, and everyone in the group is given a nickname (examples include "Long Devil,” "Hamlet" and "Sancho Panza"), many of which come from literature.

Members of the Skull and Bones are known for becoming serious power players on the global stage. In fact, former U.S. Presidents George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush were members of the Skull and Bones (George Bush, Sr. went by the nickname "Magog").

These are just seven of many more secret societies that exist at schools across the United States. But these organizations beg the question: how much of our world is controlled by members of these secret groups? It looks like we may never know!

*Names have been changed.

Love 'em or hate 'em, we've seen (or even been) all of 'em. Behold the 17 types of drunk girls you will encounter in life. 

1. The Shrieker

After four vodka tonics, her voice gets three octaves higher and everything gets SUPER EXCITING!!! Every song that comes on is “her jam,” and she’s gonna let everyone know. Oh, and also, she hasn’t seen you in “SOOOOOOOO long!!!!”

2. The Over-Emotional One

Everything that comes out of her mouth usually starts with “I just,” “I feel,” “I need” or “I want,” which is followed by something ludicrous that happened five years ago. “I just feel like you hate me ever since I barfed in your purse junior year.” She finds something to cry about every time you go out, her smokey-eye makeup streaming down her face like wet paint. 

3. The Dancing Machine

It’s all fun and games until this girl shows up on the dance floor. You're having a great time re-enacting the Napoleon Dynamite dance with your friends, then this girl clears the way and starts doing sexy pirouettes. She drops it so low you start to question if she’ll even make it back up.

4. The "It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere" Girl

She doesn’t care what time it is, what she’s doing or where she’s at - she is always down to drink. She’s the girl who pre-games the pre-game to the pre-game, bongs every beer and cures her hangovers with mimosas.

5. The Cheater

Apparently her boyfriend doesn’t exist whenever she is within 500 feet of a bar past 11 p.m.

6. The Puker

Every. Single. Time. You start to create a point system for this girl: 10 points if she makes it in the trash can, 20 if she makes it in the toilet. 50 points if she manages to put her hair up by herself first.

7. The Scrappy One

Whatever you do, do not piss this girl off. Just don’t. She will take her earrings out, start talking with her hands and rip your heart and soul out. The only case in which this type of drunk girl is good to have around is when you are the one she is fighting for. If she’s fighting you… run.

8. The Flirt

Everything (and anything) with a pulse flocks to this girl when she’s in the bar. She could be on the verge of a severe blackout and still look adorable. She has perfected the drunk pout and can get you a free drink in three seconds flat by batting her fake eyelashes at the bartender. Be careful of this girl, though; those fake eyelashes might bat so hard that even your boyfriend starts to flock to her.

9. The One Who Doesn’t Give a Sh*t

Don’t ask her to grab drinks when you want to whine about your boyfriend. Sure, she’ll listen, but she doesn’t care. She’s just there for the booze. Although, she is the perfect one to call when you just broke up with your boyfriend and you need to hate the world for a minute. She’ll drink you into stupidity and leave you throwing your middle finger in the air.

10. The Disappearing Act

You look away for one second and she’s gone. Drunk girls are always losing friends, and our poor judgment of time leaves us ready to round up a search team.  “Where is Kelly? She went to the bathroom 10 minutes ago. I think she’s dead.”

11. The Drunk Dialer

All seven of your Saturday morning voicemails are always from this girl. Most of them are of her thinking she is actually having a conversation with you. “You are the best friend ever. Like literally ever. You are so perfect, I just want to make out with your face.” Without these girls, how would we know that we have friends who love us at 2:30 in the morning?

12. The “I’m Not Even That Drunk” One

She’s a really good liar… or so she thinks. This girl is like a one-woman circus, spending half of her night downing shots and the other half doing back handsprings trying to prove that she’s “not even that drunk.” Sometimes it is actually believable for a minute... until she doesn’t land that back handspring well and crashes into the DJ booth.

13. The Blackout or Backout One

Don’t invite this girl out for drinks at Applebee's on a Tuesday night, because it won’t end well. When it comes to drinking, it’s all-or-nothing for this girl; sipping casually on a glass of wine isn’t an option. She’s the one who gets kicked out of the bar, looses her sixth spare key of the week in the sewage grate and resorts to passing out in the quad. And yet, somehow, the girl is miraculously never hungover in the morning. Usually, she’s just still drunk.

14. The Clumsy One

She never listens when you tell her heels aren’t a good idea. Just look for her on Monday; she’ll be the one who shows up to class in a sling and a walking cast.

15. The Super Sexual One

Whiskey, vodka, beer, wine, rum, tequila… it all makes her frisky. She's the one who runs into her biology TA at the bar and climbs on his lap, bragging about how “flexible” she is and that she would love to show him sometime. The worst part is that the poor girl is always mortified the next morning.

16. The One-Drink Wonder

It's like the calm before the storm: she's the adorably innocent girl who sits with her legs crossed tighly at the bar, then throws back one Mike’s Hard and is three sheets to the wind. Part of us wishes we could still get drunk off of one wine cooler, and the other part of us wishes she would stop telling everyone in the bar about Fancy, her miniature poodle with cataracts who is basically her hero.

Interviews are stressful. And awkward. And intimidating. They also happen to be that one thing standing between you and your dream internship.
 
The trick to having an amazing interview is all about preparation. Sure, you should know the job description before heading into that office, but you should also know yourself. I’ve interviewed with everyone from small start-ups (like Her Campus!) to media giants like AOL. I’ve seen the Hearst Tower in Manhattan and the Puma headquarters in Massachusetts. My point? No matter how many interviews you have, those nerves will always be there. But with a little preparation and tips from some interview experts (and a few deep breaths), you can leave that interview knowing that you did the absolute best that you could.

1. Research the Company
 
This one is kind of a no-brainer, but to really set yourself apart from all those other candidates, you need to do more than just surf around the company’s website. Look at their most recent press releases, their annual report and any social media accounts that they use. All of these aspects will give you an idea of what the company’s mission is and how they interact with their customers. Gary Miller, assistant director of UNC’s Career Services, suggests doing “a news search to see if there are current events that involve them or the industry. If you have time, try to find someone within the organization to talk to about the company.”
 

Many universities also have business databases available to students for no charge. Check with your school’s library to see what resources they may have. LexisNexis and Hoovers are both great ways to learn about different industries.
 
No matter how much you do, “don’t even begin to think you know it all—you don’t and you can’t,” Rick Gillis reminds us. All you can do is be as prepared as possible.
 
2. Research the Job
 
No excuses: know the job description backwards and forwards. What skills are they looking for? What experience do you have that you can apply to the position? For each qualification listed, you should be able to explain why you have the skills that they are looking for. My favorite way to prepare stories for an interview is to pick apart the job description and make lists. Take a sheet of paper and list every quality, trait or skill that is mentioned and then list the corresponding experience that you have for each.
 
By jotting everything down in a notebook you’ll have everything organized and you won’t drive yourself crazy trying to remember everything!
 
3. Research the Interviewer
 
Put those well-honed Facebooking skills to good use! Almost everyone in the professional world has a LinkedIn profile (and you should too if you don’t already!). Look up anyone in the company whom you’ve had contact with, or whose name you’ve heard mentioned. According to Northeastern University’s Career Services office, “it is completely appropriate to ask, ‘with whom will I be meeting?’”
 

 
If you’ve never used LinkedIn, there are a few main points to look for in any profile that you’re viewing.

• The information at the top of each profile will tell you current and past work experience, as well as their education history (maybe they’re even an alum of your school!)
• Some profiles will have websites listed as well—sometimes there will even be portfolios, Twitter accounts and personal blogs linked
• At the very bottom you may be able to see what year they graduated college as well, and with what degree(s)

 Being able to walk into interview knowing the age, education and job history of the person you’re meeting with will really help calm your nerves—and also allow you to prepare accordingly!
 
4. Know Your Strengths and Weaknesses
 
Miller suggests not only reflecting on your professional strengths and weaknesses, but also preparing to talk about them. “If you go into an interview without having reflected on your experiences and made connections between those experiences and your skill sets, you’ll struggle more when prompted with an interview question. So, know those stories!”
 
Are you more analytical or creative? Do you work better independently or in teams? It’s important to relay to the interviewer exactly what you can bring to the position. “The days of “I am seeking a rewarding and challenging career” are over. Instead use “I am capable of _____________” and fill in the blank. Make yourself compelling and memorable by speaking to the company’s needs—not yours. By doing so the rest will work itself out,” advises Gillis.
 
5. “Pick Three”
 
Although there is never a way to predict or control an interview completely, Laura Lane, another member of UNC’s Career Services, suggests having a few points prepared that you make sure to talk about. “Always have three points or strengths about yourself to convey to the employer, no matter how the interview goes.” These “three” can be anything from a club that you’re in charge of at school, a big project that you worked on at your last internship or even a study abroad trip. Have a few stories rehearsed that really show why you’re unique and would be a great asset to their team.
 
By having a few major strengths rehearsed, along with stories to illustrate them, you won’t leave the interview wishing that you had said more. If there is no convenient time to share your main points during the interview, they can be a perfect way to wrap up the interview and impress the interviewer.
 
The only other “must” is to ask for a business card before you leave. You should always send a thank-you email after an interview to the people that you met with, and you’ll need their business card to ensure that you have all of their contact information correct. As the interview nears an end, you’ll get that flood of relief and be anxious to kick off your heels—but don’t let that get the best of you. Always, always, always ask for a business card.

6. Practice, Practice, Practice
 
Practice with your roommate, your parents, your advisors—everyone! “Interviewing is a skill, and as such repetition builds confidence,” says Miller. Many colleges even offer workshops and hold mock interviews to help you prepare for any question that may get thrown your way. Be sure to check your school’s career services website as you might be surprised what they offer!
 
While you practice, pay attention to those “ums” and “uhs” that we all fall victim to. Lane suggests taking “a few seconds to gather your thoughts to form an answer to a question as opposed to filling the dead air space with filler words.” Not sure if this is a problem? Have an audio recorder or webcam on hand while you practice so you can go back and listen to yourself afterwards.
 
The other advantage of practicing with someone is that they can also indentify any nervous habits you may have. A lot of times, our personal habits (especially those nervous ticks) are so engrained in our behavior that we don’t even notice. For example, when I’m uncomfortable I have a tendency to play with the hair elastics that are always on my wrist. After a couple interviews I finally learned to take everything off of my wrists before getting to an interview!
 
7. Do a “Dress Rehearsal”
 
Just like practicing your responses will ease your nerves, so will practicing the physical act of getting to the interview. “Walk or drive by the building where the interview is taking place so that you will know how to get there, where to park and how long it will take you to arrive there,” advises Lane. Also, be sure to give yourself extra time to account for any unexpected problems, like traffic or bad weather.

Sometimes, your interview will require an all-day trip and will obviously take a little bit more planning. Last fall I had two interviews in New York City scheduled on the same day. The only problem was that I live in Boston, and at that time I had never even been to Manhattan before. Needless to say, I was a little nervous. My one tip of advice: don’t be embarrassed to enlist your parents for help.
 
No matter how independent I am, there was no better nerve-calmer than having my Dad with me for the day in Manhattan. He sat with me in the Starbucks next door to the office while I practiced, wandered around Union Square while I interviewed and sat in rush hour traffic (both ways) to get me to and from the city.
 
So whether you rely on a map, your GPS, or your father, plan ahead for everything and anything that may hinder your commute.
 
8. Plan Ahead for Everything
 
If you’re driving to your interview, you have the convenience of being able to leave things in your car. I always bring my laptop, an umbrella, my makeup bag, etc. Having everything on hand helps to take some stress away because you don’t have to worry about forgetting anything at home.
 
Be sure to always have extra copies of your resume on hand, a few pens and a notepad. No matter how prepared you are, there’s always a chance that you’ll end up meeting with more people that you anticipated. I always feel better when I have my laptop with me as well. There have been numerous occasions that I’ve been early to interviews and sat in my car using the free WiFi from a shopping center next door. Maybe that sounds a little bit embarrassing, but it’s nice to know that if you need to double check anything you can!
 
Relying on public transportation to get to your interview? Opt for a bag or purse that is a professional style in a basic color (black is always the safest best). Make sure that you can zip everything up into the bag so that you come across pulled-together rather than a messy bag lady.
 
9. Have an Amazing Outfit—and a Back-up
 
Try everything on the day before the interview to make sure that everything is ironed, clean and fits correctly. According to Northeastern University, you should “dress professionally, even if you know that dress is casual in the company where you are interviewing.” After numerous interviews, I’ve found that dressing comfortably is a huge help with nerves. Now I’m not suggesting yoga pants and a T-shirt, but stay away from too-tight button-up shirts and uncomfortable pencil skirts. You’ll have a much more enjoyable interview if you aren’t adjusting your clothing the whole time.
 
Although standards may differ slightly by major, you can never be ‘overdressed’ for an interview. It is always better to opt for a suit and be overdressed than to not look professional enough. Remember, “as soon as you enter the office, you are being assessed based on your appearance and behavior.”
 

10. And Remember, Just Breathe
 
On your way to the interview, listen to your favorite music to calm those last-minute nerves. Lauren Berger, founder of Intern Queen Inc., suggests “some dance music. If it were me—Britney Spears would be on!” Don’t down three cups of coffee out of anxiousness before you arrive—the key to a great interview is just staying cool and collected (not on caffeine overload).
 
Miller reminds us, “Just remember that the person who is interviewing you is just a person. Obviously the stakes feel higher, but the more you can think of an interview as a conversation between two people, then the less stressful the situation might feel.”
 
Do your research, practice and plan ahead for everything. The more prepared you are, the less stressful the day of the interview will be. Lane adds, “Be positive, be confident and answer questions matter-of-factly.” Don’t let an expected question or difficult interviewer throw you off your game—just stay calm, take a deep breath and have an amazing interview.

Berger’s tips for the best interview are simple: “Shake the interviewer’s hand firmly. Make eye contact. Don’t look away. Don’t look bored. Be yourself. Avoid one-word answers, explain yourself clearly. Knock ‘em dead!”

Interviews are a fact of life and we’ll all have good and bad ones throughout our careers. The trick is to take advantage of all of the great resources that you have at your fingertips – Her Campus, your Career Services, social media and a ton of practice. Don’t be afraid to ask people for advice, especially if they’ve had experience in the industry that you’d like to work in. If you prepare and practice as best you can, the only thing left to do is go into that interview and show them that you’re amazing, talented and the best fit for their company.

 
Sources
Gary Miller, assistant director, UNC Career Services
Laura Lane, UNC Career Services
Lauren Berger, founder of Intern Queen

When looking for an internship, what’s most important to you?  Are you searching for experience that will help you land a job?  Do you want to work in a professional environment? Or are you simply in it for the perks? If you apply for an internship at any of these five companies, you’ll be walking away with everything you’re looking for and more!

5. The United States Olympic Committee Internship Program

Industry: Varies

Location: Washington, DC; Lake Placid, NY; Colorado Springs, CO; and Chula Vista, CA

Timing: Year-round

Compensation: Paid

School Credit Available?: No, but courses are available

The U.S. Olympic Committee Internship Program offers interns the opportunity to work in many different fields, ranging from sports medicine to human resources. Interns move into Olympic Training Centers (located across the country), where they perform their day-to-day duties year-round. The responsibilities of the interns vary depending on their job, but the opportunity is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, especially for die-hard Olympics fans.

During the years that the Olympics are happening, some interns have to travel internationally for their intern responsibilities. But even if it’s just training season, the few lucky interns get an amazing internship experience. While living in the Olympic training sites, interns get to rub elbows with Olympic athlete trainees. They eat all of their meals at the athletes’ dining hall (the same place where the Olympians eat!) and may even live in the same building as them.

How to apply:

To apply, submit your resume here for one of the various internship positions available.

4.Southwest Airlines NoLimits Internship

Industry: Varies

Location: Dallas, TX

Timing: Spring, summer and fall

Compensation: Paid

School Credit Available?: No

Southwest Airlines offers a variety of internship opportunities in fields from quantitative sciences to graphic design through their NoLimits Internship Program. In the program, full-time college students get hands-on experience in their particular field while getting the opportunity of a lifetime. 

The biggest perk of working for Southwest Airlines is that you get free, unlimited travel on any Southwest flight if space is available! When you’re not jet-setting, you’re able to have fun at your job while gaining valuable experience for future occupations. Interns will attend career development sessions during the workday to learn how to succeed in a professional environment.

How to apply:

To apply for fall internships, look for positions when they are posted in February and March here.

3. The Disney College Program

Industry: Varies

Location: Lake Buena Vista, FL, and Anaheim, CA

Timing: Year-round

Compensation: Paid

School Credit Available?: No, but courses are available

If you love all things Disney, this is the internship for you! The Disney College Program is a national internship program based out of the Disneyland and Disney World resorts. The internship is composed of living, learning and earning. Interns live in apartments close to their resort with other interns in the program, and they work in the parks and receive an hourly wage. The Walt Disney Company also offers college courses where students can apply what they learn to their work. 

This internship consists of working and learning to give interns the best experience possible. Interns get paid to do jobs across the resort, which may include greeting guests and navigating the parks as cast members.  When interns aren’t working, they get free admission to the theme parks, discounts at locations within the parks, discounts at the resort hotels and exclusive previews of new attractions, parks and resorts. 

How to apply:

To apply, visit the program website.

2. Jack Wills Seasonnaires

Industry: Fashion/Marketing

Location: Martha’s Vineyard, MA; Nantucket, MA; Newport, RI; Chatham, MA; and Southampton, NY

Timing: Summer

Compensation: Paid

School Credit Available?: No

Jack Wills Seasonnaires is a summer-long internship that the company refers to as “The Best Summer Job in America.” As an ambassador of the brand, a Seasonnaire’s job is to epitomize the Jack Wills lifestyle. Seasonnaire responsibilities range from marketing the brand in stores to hosting events around town.

Seasonnaires live in one of five Jack Wills locations while also traveling to London for a week to work with Jack Wills’ different departments. Seasonnaires get to attend the company’s biggest summer event, Jack Wills Varsity Polo, which involves picnicking, live music and an epic after-party. The Seasonnaires will spend their days hanging out at the beach, sailing and surfing and spend their nights hosting parties. Although the job of an ambassador is a lot of fun, the Seasonnaires’ main job is to market the brand, working in their designated stores to plan events and increase sales.

How to apply:

To apply, make sure to like Jack Wills on Facebook so you know when the summer 2014 applications go up!

1. Google

Industry: Varies

Location: Across the country

Timing: Year-round, but at least three months at a time

Compensation: Paid

School Credit Available?: No

Every year, Google selects 1,500 applicants out of the 40,000 that apply. The internship is challenging and extremely competitive, but it’s a great experience that could potentially lead to a job with one of the world’s most reputable companies.

Internships are held in a variety of fields, such as computer science, engineering, business and design. Google makes sure to treat their interns like employees and quickly integrate them into its unique environment. The interns make around $6,000 a month, which doesn’t include the free rent, meals, transportation and gym membership.  Interns can rent bikes to get around Google’s headquarters, which has statues of Androids, volleyball courts and multicolored umbrella tables so people can eat outside, giving the internship a summer-camp feel. The work interns do on the type of internship and particular field, but all involve rigorous work that will give interns a ton of experience.

How to apply:

To apply, go here to get started.

Whether you want to be a software engineer or work at a marketing firm, there are amazing opportunities for you to gain internship experience.  So edit your resume, write an amazing cover letter possible and apply for one of the five best internships in the country!

Music’s biggest night also happens to be one of the biggest nights for any beauty lover, and the 2014 Grammys didn’t disappoint. In fact, we were thoroughly impressed with how many stars nailed it with their red carpet hair and makeup, and we even noticed a few trends to keep in mind. Scroll down to see what the beauty forecast has in store for 2014 and let us know which trends you want to try!

1. Detail Braids

We love that this sporty look has been dominating the red carpet lately, and we especially love the incorporation of delicate detail braids into full-on glam styles. Colbie Caillat added some intricate braiding to her updo, while John Legend’s lady Chrissy Teigen opted for a simple side braid to complement her effortless waves. Sara Bareilles rocked a half-up cornrowed look, citing none other than Katniss Everdeen as her hair-spiration...fair enough, who doesn't want to look like the Girl on Fire? 

2. Vampy Lips

This is one of our personal favorite trends and we were thrilled to see so many stars rocking this dramatic look. During a witchy performance of her single “Dark Horse” Katy Perry rocked a deep berry lipstick (CoverGirl's Euphoria) that perfectly complemented her spooky number. Lorde turned heads with a deep violet lip during her rendition of "Royals" (her MAC makeup artist revealed that the captivating shade was a combination of Vino lip pencil and Cyber and Heroine lipsticks). And finally, how could we fail to mention the queen herself; after a jaw dropping opening number, Beyoncé slipped into a stunning Michael Costello gown and finished it off with a deep oxblood lip. All hail the queen.

3. Bronzed Glow

There was no shortage of radiant complexions at the Grammys, and a pregnant Ciara literally seemed to be glowing from within, perfectly complementing the mama-to-be's gilded Pucci gown. Another star who shone on the red carpet was Amber Rose, who toned down her usually dramatic makeup for a naturally radiant look (she even covered up her full tattoo sleeves!). Country darling Miranda Lambert looked the epitome of Hollywood glam and her gorgeously glowing complexion was stunning against her bright red gown.

4. Soft and Romantic

There was a definite trend towards the soft and feminine at this year’s Grammys, and the theme was definitely “less is more” (think minimal blush and baby pink lips). Kacey Musgraves, one of the night’s big winners, stunned with her soft blush-toned makeup look, defined brows and glossy lips. Even Rita Ora ditched her signature bright red lip for a more feminine nude pout and hazy purple shadow. The always stylish Anna Kendrick also opted for a soft and pretty vibe, pairing shimmering cream shadows with a peachy-pink lip for a classically feminine look.

So, collegiettes, which trend is your favorite and which ones will you be rocking this year? Let us know!

Office 365 is celebrating their anniversary today, so be sure to check out this vlog about their digital notebook, Microsoft OneNote! As busy collegiettes you probably know how important it is to stay organized. Between classes, jobs, extra curricular activities and more, life can get a little hectic. That's why I've started using Microsoft OneNote. It works on my phone, tablet, computer, and even on my web browser! Watch the video to learn more about OneNote and to see how I use it in my daily life. What will you use OneNote for?

The day we’ve all been waiting for has finally arrived: Carrie Bradshaw’s shoe collection is being made affordable. Well, we may not be able to get our hands on Carrie’s Manolos, but with Sarah Jessica Parker creating a shoe line exclusively for Nordstroms with styles starting at $195, we can finally live out our Sex and the City shoe fantasies without taking out a hefty loan from the bank.

Here are just a few of our favorite new styles from the SJP line, inspired by shoes worn by Carrie herself.

1. The "Etta" 

These strappy rose sandals totally remind us of the Christian Louboutin pink cascade ruffle heels that Carrie wore at the end of season 4 to say goodbye to Big. Let's just hope no one's water breaks on us (like Miranda's did on Carrie's Louboutins) if we wear the SJP version!

2. The "Jayne"

So we probably wouldn't be as devastated as Carrie was if this silver wedge sandal was swiped from us at our friend's kid's birthday party, but this shoe is the perfect practical collegiette swap for Carrie's silver Manolo Blahniks. 

3. The "Bobbie" 

You, too, can have "Something Blue" (like Carrie's blue Manolo Blahniks from the Sex and the City movie) with this adorable open-toed sandal. 

4. The "Diana"

Just like the black Mary Jane Manolo Blahniks Carrie salivates over in the Vogue shoe closet, this SJP Mary Jane is not just an urban shoe myth. 

5. The "Carrie"

They may not be as bright as the chartreuse Manolo Blahnik sandals Carrie tripped over while strutting down a NYC Fashion Show runway, but we know we'd hold our head high wearing shoes named after the SATC shoe maven herself. 

It’s the most romantic day of the year…until you end up basically sitting in the lap of the couple next to you at an exorbitantly expensive Valentine’s Day dinner, wondering if the gift you got your boyfriend was too much or not enough.  We have all fallen prey to Valentine’s Day snafus (don’t even get me started on Valentine’s Day 2006)—from lingerie mishaps to dining disasters. This year, to keep you embracing candy hearts and pink cupids, Her Campus has compiled 20 cute things you can do with or for your boyfriend on Valentine’s Day. What are the most unique and romantic ways to celebrate? What does your boyfriend really want? How can you spice up the day without stressing out? We have you covered.

1. Be a snow bunny
I know, I know, we’re all tired of freezing every time we step outside and slipping on ice when we walk to class. But few things are as romantic as playing in the snow with your boyfriend on Valentine’s Day. Channel your inner 10-year-old and head outside for a snowball fight and snow angels—I’m sure your man will be happy to keep you warm.

2. Dress the part
The easiest way to spread Valentine’s cheer is to go elementary school and wear pink and red. Meet your boyfriend for a day date in fitted jeans and a pink top or sport a red mini for your night together. For after hours, try Victoria’s Secret Valentine’s-themed lingerie.

3. Give a gift that keeps giving
As I searched for the perfect gift for my boyfriend last Valentine’s Day I knew he loved two things, beer and lots of beer. It was with this information that I stumbled upon Amazing Clubs. Amazing Clubs is a website that lets you send a 6-pack of gourmet beer to your boyfriend every month for as many months as you choose. If beer is too pricey you can also order coffee, BBQ sauce or ice cream. 

4. Go ice-skating 
The HC team’s number one recommendation for a perfect Valentine’s date is ice-skating.  If romantic comedies have taught us anything, it is that skating rinks breed romance. So go have yourself a Serendipity moment and spend the day ice-skating with your BF—don’t forget the cocoa!  

5. (Or skinny dipping) 
If ice skating is too tame and your school is in a sunny place, many HCers recommend nighttime skinny-dipping. Seriously, not much is hotter than a steamy late night swim. Just be careful please, getting caught trespassing might kill the mood. 

6. Buy him tickets to a sports event
If you want all of his friends to be saying “you seriously have the best girlfriend ever, ” tickets to his favorite sporting event are the way to go. Not only will you make his night and show that you’re into his interests, but you’ll also get to share something special to him, together, and what’s better than that? StubHub is a great place to look for discounted tickets. 

7. Dinner in bed
Going out for Valentine’s Day dinner is a tradition that needs to go. Unless you’re Posh and Becks the service is bound to be terrible, the menu limited, and the prices steep. Instead, try ordering in from a favorite restaurant and eating the meal in bed. Spend the night relaxing over good food and cozy company instead of cramped with strangers.

8. Indoor picnic
Harvard collegiette Olivia Ford suggests taking the dinner in bed idea even further with an indoor picnic.  To decorate your space, string white Christmas lights around the room, buy some picnic-y snacks, pop the champagne and set up a blanket and pillows for you and your boy to sit on. Oh, and don’t forget to ask your roommates for some alone time!

9. Cook it!
 Strawberry bellinis, chicken parmesan, spaghetti and chocolate mousse—nothing will make your man swoon more quickly than a delicious Valentine’s meal. If you are feeling ambitious and extra sweet, cooking dinner for your boyfriend is the way to go. If you are an all-star in the kitchen, check out The Food Network’s Valentine’s Day food and dessert recipes. However, if you’re like me and cooking a full gourmet meal is not a possibility, look at ifood’s simple recipes like heart-shaped pizza. Also, if your boyfriend is up for it, cook dinner together—it will be surprisingly sexy to see your guy move around the kitchen.

10. A classic card
Whether you’ve been dating for a while and want to tell him how you feel or haven’t been dating long at all but want to show you care, a card goes a long way.  Get out the construction paper, doilies and stamps and get artsy. For amazing card ideas, check out Martha Stewart’s card projects. When it comes to writing, a cute poem or heartfelt message is always a hit. Cosmo came up with an awesome list of tips for writing a Valentine’s Day card—read them here.  

11. Set a budget and make it fun
Let’s face it, Valentine’s Day can get pricey.  Instead of stressing about buying an expensive gift, set a budget with your guy and get creative. For 10 dollars you could buy a cheesy V-day themed stuffed animal, bake cupcakes or better yet purchase massage oil to really make his night.

12. Personalize!
Go the extra mile and let him know exactly why he means so much to you. To really touch him this Valentine’s Day, personalize your gift. A great (and cheesy, but come on, so cute!) gift you can make or buy is Lovopoly. Lovopoly is monopoly customized with memories and photos. Another idea from Tulane student Catherine Combs is to buy your boyfriend a deck of cards and write a memory or inside joke on each card.

13. Head to Victoria’s Secret
To ensure a smile on his face this V-day, the HC team recommends wearing hot underwear that he has never seen before. Let’s be real, what makes him happier or you feel sexier than a new lacy bra? My bra pick is VS’s Very Sexy balconet bra because it provides a lot of lift (and padding!) but still looks flirty.

14. Take him down memory lane
Even though Valentine’s Day is about celebrating the moment, there’s no better day to reflect on what makes you so happy with your man in the first place. A great way to celebrate your relationship is to make a scrapbook—look through old pictures, find cute stickers and paper and then channel your inner Warhol. If making a full scrapbook is too time-consuming, make a collage card or mini scrapbook.

15. Splurge on a hotel room
If you are willing to splurge on a gift, why not get away from roommates and sharing twin beds (no matter how much you love sleeping right next to your boyfriend!). Sometimes, the best way to get in the mood is to invest in a change of space. Spend the night ordering room service, cuddling in a big bed, and taking bubble baths…what could be better than that?

16. Meet him at class with hot chocolate
This year February 14th falls on a Friday, so why wait until nighttime to celebrate? Make him a thermos with hot chocolate (for the record, classic Swiss Miss with mini marshmallows is the best) and surprise him outside of class.

17. Coupon book
It’s true, coupon books are hardly a new concept, but what guy doesn’t want his Valentine’s gift to last all year?  Make him a coupon book for things like fresh-baked cupcakes, a movie night or a massage—and feel free to spice it up!

18. Help him out
If your boyfriend is the one planning your special night, channel your inner domestic and help your man out. Do some laundry, make his bed or wake him up with breakfast. It may seem old-fashioned but hey, housewives can be hot and he’ll appreciate the help.

19. Get drunk! (just kidding)
While getting drunk on V-day is probably not the best idea, making Valentine’s Day-themed cocktails with your boyfriend is a fun and festive way to celebrate the day. Make each other drinks post-dinner; after all, ending Valentine’s Day with a homemade Be Mine Mojito doesn’t get much better. If you’re under 21, check out these awesome mocktail recipes! 

20. Be appreciative
I know, we can all get a little carried away with a Valentine’s Day fantasy. But even if you spent the past three weeks dreaming of sailing on a yacht with your boyfriend or opening a Tiffany’s box, be appreciative if he gives you a teddy bear. I’m not talking being understanding if he forgets the day altogether, but V-Day can be a little stressful for everyone, so make sure to acknowledge the effort he makes—you will have more fun and he’ll be thankful to have such an appreciative girlfriend!

* If you’re looking for city specific date ideas, howaboutwe.com has compiled a list of top dates around the country (but most of them work anywhere!).  

You rise and don't shine at an unreasonable hour because, as a single girl, there's not much to look forward to on Valentine's Day.

On the bright side, you don't have to slave away in the kitchen cooking breakfast in bed for anyone.

But that also means you don't have anyone to cook you a fancy breakfast. Packaged food it is.

Things could be worse. Pop-Tarts still taste pretty darn good at 11 a.m., so you tell yourself that you don’t need a man to enjoy the day.

You walk to your afternoon class seeing people with heart-shaped balloons and bouquets of roses, but you act completely unfazed.

Sure, it’s sad that you aren’t receiving any gifts, but it also means you're not spending a bunch of money on a significant other.

Even when you seclude yourself in your room, you can't seem to escape the onslaught of public displays of affection. Facebook is the worst culprit, with its never-ending feed of lovey-dovey relationship statuses.

But as much as you try to play the "happily single" role, there is a part of you that's like:

And your loneliness hits you like a ton of bricks.

But your bitterness toward the couple-centric holiday eases up when one of your best friends surprises you with a Valentine's gift.

Because as much as you wanted to hate today, her kind gesture gives you a tornado of mixed emotions.

The twisted look on your face makes her say,

To which you reply,

The two of you decide to make the best of things by planning a girls' night later with your other single friends.

But really, the occasion is just an excuse to consume an unhealthy amount of chocolate...

...as well as gossip and vent about your respective boy problems...

...and drink wine from a box, like the classy ladies you are.

It sounds like a winning game plan to everyone in attendance.

After an evening with great company and indulgent food, you decide that spending Valentine's Day as a single woman isn't all that bad.

But you warn your friends that your opinion may change when the chocolate runs out.

While it may feel like you’re still recovering from the holiday season, you’ll need to get your head back in the game as Valentine’s Day is rapidly approaching. If that seems daunting, don’t worry: we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re looking for ideas for your guy of three weeks or of three years, we’ll inspire you. And if your Valentine struggles in the gift department we’ve got some ideas for him that you can leave open on your computer screen or subtly send to him. Everyone is happy this way, right?

Gifts for Guys

Car Service

“No gifts this year,” you and your significant other agree on and decide just to go out for a nice dinner. You know you won’t be chipping in for dinner, so here is how you can make the night extra special: hire an UberX driver! The affordable, and yet luxurious (hello bottled water, impeccably clean cars and suited drivers) car service will make you and your sweetie feel VIP all night long. Check to see if your city has Uber. Starting at $3.

Boxers

If it’s still early in your relationship – funny boxers will show that you thought of the 14^th, but have a sense of humor about the fact that you’re not at the “I love you” point of your relationship. These satin finished boxers won’t break the bank, but they will make him break a smile. Walmart, $7.

Chocolate

Put a twist on the traditional V-Day gift with Create my Chocolate. You can make your Valentine chocolate with anything from ground chili to walnuts to mini cookies. YUM! Starting at $7.90

Mini champagne

Toast to your great relationship with these cute mini bottles of champagne! Perfect for those (in warm weather) who can spend their night on a romantic picnic! Korbel Brut $4

“Beauty” Products

Guys need to pamper themselves too! With these six guy-friendly products from Kiehl’s your guy will be able to look and smell amazing! $58

Bucket of Dates

Put a twist on the standard gift of “coupons” with a collection of dates folded up and mixed together – so that you and your sweetie can choose a fun date from your suggestions whenever you’re in the mood. Some ideas to include: movie night (his choice), bowling, volunteering, laser tag, dinner at your favorite restaurant, and a walk around campus at dusk.

Framed photo

Put your touch in his bedroom by taking the time to actually print a photo of the two of you (crazy!) and frame it for him.

Headphone splitter

Perfect for you and your guy if you listen to music at the library together or travel and watch movies on your tablet often. You will be even more inseparable with this cutesy headphone splitter so you two will always be on the same wavelength. Amazon, $11

Gifts for Girls

Guys: we know you already know about the JCF of Valentine’s Day (jewelry, chocolate and flowers). And we know, that you know what kind of accessories, sweets and blooms your girl likes best. If your girl pointed you to HC or you’re over buying from the JCF, we’ve got you covered with the below ideas!

Sheets

We know you like buying practical gifts, and usually we might discourage that, but a new, nice set of sheets is one thing she “needs” that will make you seem like a romantic. Support her sweet dreams (of you, naturally) with jersey sheets. Target, Starting at $18

Manicure/Pedicure

Help her get pampered for your big Friday night date (yes guys, that’s what day of the week Valentine’s Day is this year) by surprising her with a gift certificate for a manicure/pedicure the morning of the 14^th. $25

Luxury Candle

Provide the romantic lighting and keep her dorm room smelling like a million dollars with a gorgeous, and sweet smelling, candle from Izola. Amazon, $33

Artwork

Decorate her walls and set her heart aflutter by gifting her a sweet poster that demonstrates your feelings for her, like this Birds on a Wire Poster. All Posters, $13

Plant

If you want your love to grow, tell her, and then sweeten your sentiment with this I Love You Plant Kit. Perpetual Kid, $7

Wallet

Practical and pretty! This envelope wallet from Kate Spade Saturday might not “show” your love, but she’ll think of you every time she pulls out her ID or money (read: every day) — so what could be better? $80 

Scarf

Struggling through the polar vortex? This super soft infinity scarf, enhanced with a delicate angel’s wing, will keep her snuggly warm (even when you’re in class). Donni Charm, $89

Robe

This super feminine, peony embroidered robe is another practical gift — but it’s more gorgeous than anything she’d ever get for herself. Anthropologie, $89