It’s Friday night, and you already have your pre-game playlist blasting. That’s right, it’s time to go out.

Whether you end up at a house party or the bars, you know you’ll be sipping on your favorite drink all night long. Not only does your cocktail of choice ensure you'll have a great time, it also can tell you a lot about your personality. Cheers!

Cranberry vodka

Let’s be real, we all went through a cranberry vodka phase. But for those who stuck with it past freshman year, you’re probably really spontaneous and usually go with the flow. You’re the type of party girl that will bounce between bars just to flirt up cute guys and then laugh about all your ridiculous memories the next morning. Everyone loves your free spirit because you don’t take yourself too seriously. You’re just looking to have a great time with you friends.

Pinot Grigio

Pinot Grigio gals are sweet and optimistic. While you love a night out on the town, you also value nights in watching your favorite rom-coms (hellloooo Ryan Gosling). You’re also a great friend because you take relationships seriously, plus you’re always down for an hour-long heart-to-heart. You make friends easily due to your kind nature and stay calm in stressful situations.

Cabernet

If you’re hooked on the red wine, you’re definitely sophisticated. Reading great books and traveling the world are two of your favorite things, plus you’re intelligent, sassy and mature for your age. People probably find you mysterious because only open up to your close friends. You also have great taste and always wear the best clothes. Overall, you’re one classy collegiette.

Jack and Coke

As you knock back some Jack and Coke, you automatically give off a cool, edgy vibe. You’re known to do your own thing and make a strong first impression; you’re unapologetically yourself. It may take people a while to get to know you because you tend to be deep and complex. But you’re confident and a little rebellious, which many people envy you for.

Tequila shots

Salt, shot, lime; If you’re familiar with shots of tequila, you’re definitely the adventurous type. You’ll try just about anything once because you love doing crazy, memorable things. Out of your friends, you’re the one always down for anything, and your outspoken nature makes you the life of the party. Some people may not be able to handle your dramatic side, but you’re too busy having fun to care about the haters.

Beer

Whether it’s out of a bottle or solo cup, drinking beer means you’re chill and laid back. It takes a lot to get you upset because you’re so easy going. You don’t mind hanging by yourself or casually drinking with friends, but you also love tailgates and killer concerts. We’re not surprised if you play intramural soccer or co-ed volleyball, just for fun of course.

Gin & Tonic

This classic cocktail may seem a little mature for collegiettes, but if you’re sipping on a gin and tonic, you’re levelheaded and rational. While you tend to play it safe, your cautious nature doesn’t prevent you from having fun. You have a particular taste, but that just means you know what you like. You never settle for anything less than the best.

Champagne

Just like this bubbly drink, you’re excitable and constantly looking for a fun time. You love getting dolled up for a night out, and you’re most likely to be hitting the dance floor with all your girls. As an extravert, you’re definitely a party person, always finding a reason to celebrate. Most people know you on campus because you’re super friendly. It’s rare to see you not smiling.

Maybe you have one go-to drink on the weekends or you like to switch it up. Whatever you find yourself toasting with on a Friday night, cocktails can tell you a lot about your personality!

There's nothing we miss more than the glory days of perusing the pink-and-purple-splattered walls of Limited Too. When the far-inferior Justice replaced our childhood go-to back-to-school shopping store, we were overcome with sentimental sadness, even if we had grown out of the label by that time. Remember the debut of arm socks? How about when the store's shelves were filled with pink camouflage everything? From floral-embroidered jeans to the perfect sleepover PJs, Limited Too served as host to our childhood fashion dreams.

And now, like many of our other resurrected childhood loves,  it's back.

That's right—future generations of pre-teen fashionistas will now be able to revel in the glory that is Limited Too. Thanks to new company ownership, you can expect to see a revitalized Limited Too popping up online and in your nearest mall starting in the fall of 2016—perfect for some back-to-school dorm decor shopping (yes, we remember you, endless posters and beaded door curtains!). And while we probably can't shop there for clothes anymore (tears), we'll definitely be encouraging every younger girl we know to check the stores out so they can bring back our gloriously glitter-filled past.

Hopefully, the tweens of the future will be given the same hearty dose of the Limited Too lifestyle we lavished in, including feather pens, monkey-themed items and gym shorts complete with cutesy slogans on the butt—you know, the ones our moms deemed "inappropriate" and banned (still bitter).

On a final note, we also seriously hope the stores still stock candy by the registers and sell those squishy, bead-filled, animal-shaped pillows. Even we can still indulge in those, after all!

This weekend, NYC will be filled with the smartest, chicest and savviest collegiettes out there. Why? It's officially time for Her Conference 2015!

If you're attending for the first time (or would give up your tickets before sporting the same outfit from last year—as if), you may be wondering what to wear to this sure-to-be-style-filled event. To help you out, we've put together some inspirational ensembles to get those outfit-making juices flowing. So go ahead, take a look—we can't wait to be dazzled by your unique renditions.

1. A sophisticated short-suit

 

Topshop camisoles tank top
topshop.com
 

 

ASOS clothing
asos.com
 

 

Steve Madden high heels stiletto
lulus.com
 

 

A modern version of the classic pantsuit, this look is fully summer-ready while still glowing with professional glamor. While anyone can find a monochrome, un-patterned ensemble to sport, we dare you to try a textured or printed set. This elegant match-up in a prim posy shade is a surefire standout—just like you and the rest of the incredible women attending the conference! Complete your summer suit with a darling strappy heel and a neutral top underneath.

2. A classy romper

 

J Crew white romper
$185 - jcrew.com
 

 

Sam Edelman pink shoes
lanecrawford.com
 

 

BaubleBar bead necklace
baublebar.com
 

 

Who says you can't work a playsuit professionally? Choose a tasteful, delicate white romper to maintain a classy, conservative appearance, but carefully select the perfect accessories and a (preferably pink!) heel or wedge to add personality and flirtatious flare. Everyone loves a statement shoe.

3. A jetsetting jumpsuit

 

Abercrombie Fitch black jumpsuit
abercrombie.com
 

 

Wanted grey shoes
lulus.com
 

 

Kate Spade satchel handbag
katespade.com
 

 

J Crew chain necklace
$52 - jcrew.com
 

 

While we absolutely adore prep-inspired ensembles that look straight out of a J. Crew catalog, we're also all for the edgier gals who refuse to blend in with the pink, green and seersucker-filled crowds. If you see any special event as a chance to stun in all of your street-style glory, look no further than an edgy-but-appropriate jumpsuit. Black will keep you chic while metallic accessories will add class and some sass (yes, that is a somehow-classy elephant purse, and yes, we're obsessed). Not a traditional heels girl? Flaunt the trendiest of flatform heel sandals—shoes that are comfortable while still event-appropriate.  

4. A drapey trouser

 

Gap tank top
gap.com
 

 

RetroSuperFuture pull on dress pants
$195 - jcrew.com
 

 

Boden vintage high heel shoes
bodenusa.com
 

 

Kate Spade shoulder bag
katespade.com
 

 

When everyone else opts for dresses, shine in a summer work pant instead. We love the drapey styles that have hit shelves this summer, and best of all, you don't have to choose a boring black. Trousers come in classic shades as well as pretty pastels and deep blues, so choose a hue that's right for you. Pair your professional pant with a bright sleeveless top to stay cool and look cooler. And since you've chosen a conservative outfit, you're free to run wild with the boldest of accessories—like bright summer crossbodies to store your pens, notes and freebies in—and the raddest of heels. Just look at those tassels and dots!

5. A classic shift

 

Boden dress
bodenusa.com
 

 

Boden special occasion shoes
bodenusa.com
 

 

Vince Camuto pendants necklace
lordandtaylor.com
 

 

Did you really think we'd forget to suggest the best of all closet staples? If you haven't realized, we're shift-obsessed and proud of it. But, as style-savvy fashionistas, we recognize that the key to success in this classic dress is adding originality to the go-to look. So how can you add that personal flare? Any chic collegiette knows that contrary to some poor advice out there, mixing prints is a total do. So grab a patterned shift that fits your liking and match it with a subtly printed clutch. Just make sure there aren't too many colors going on at once—we love the above outfit because each patterned piece sticks to a precise color scheme. Best of all, you can even add in a funky flat if you feel like an expert at outfit mashups.

We are so excited to meet you, collegiettes, and we can't wait to swoon over your impeccable Her Conference style.

You already know the importance of creating a roommate contract (and you’ve already printed out a copy of the Her Campus Sample Roommate Contract), but there’s more you need to establish with your new roomie than just when to shut off the lights at night and when the TV is allowed to be on. To help you make your relationship with your roommate as smooth and tension-free as possible this year, we present to you a few additions to your roommate contract to cover all those gray areas that your other roomie agreement may have neglected.

1. I, [your name], vow to never invite that cute guy or girl down the hall over for some late-night action without asking you first—and if you aren't okay with it, I promise not to pout too much about it the next day.

2. If you want to have a party in the room, I’m fine with it on two conditions: one, that I am invited, and two, if the RA comes knocking, I expect you to take most of the blame for the noise.

3. I will never eat your snacks without your permission (except maybe for a handful of Goldfish crackers now and then because they’re going to constantly taunt me sitting on your desk like that and I don’t think I’ll be able to resist).

4. I promise not to steal your new Cosmopolitan magazines until after you read them (except for maybe a peek or two).

5. If you’re watching one of your favorite TV shows, I vow not to talk too much during it—unless it’s Pretty Little Liars, because I always get so confused during it and have to ask a lot of questions.

6. When you get a care package from your mom, I solemnly swear to not eat any of the homemade snickerdoodles she sent until after you get sick of them and offer me some.

7. I will know that anything in your closet that still has a tag on it is always off-limits, and I’ll always ask permission to borrow anything else (even that mint green cardigan that I’ve had my eye on since day one that would look so good with my new white jeans).

8. If you decide to go to sunrise yoga at 7 a.m. one day, I promise not to groan too loudly if your alarm wakes me up.

9. I vow to never snoop through the stuff you leave on your desk (even if it looks really interesting, like a letter from your ex-boyfriend or an exam that you did poorly on).

10. When I’m having a heated conversation with my dad on the phone about why my liberal arts major isn’t impractical, I’ll be sure to take the call into the hallway so you won’t have to awkwardly listen to it.

11. I will do my best to limit the number of times I accidentally lock myself out of our room (and have to call you to let me in) to three times a semester.

12. I promise to always go to bed at a reasonable hour—except for on the weekends. Or during exam week. Or any night before I have a big paper due. On second thought, let me just promise instead that I’ll be quiet when I do eventually go to bed.

13. Feel free to have your friends over whenever you’d like—except for that one friend of yours who I think gossips too much. You’re better off inviting her over when I’m not around.

14. If you come back to the room at night having had a few too many, I promise to hold back your hair if you need to get sick (as long as you promise to do the same for me!).

15. In the morning, I promise never to hit the snooze button more than twice—unless it’s a Monday, in which case I think I deserve at least three times. 

16. I’ll try to keep my singing in the shower to an agreeable volume (except for when I sing Adele. When it comes to Adele, belting is a necessity).

17. When you have someone over to spend the night, I will willingly sleep on the common room couch or in a friend’s room as long as you do the same for me (and buy me coffee the next day).

18. When you ask me for my opinion on an outfit or hairstyle, I vow to always give you an honest answer (as long as you promise not to get mad if it’s not the answer you wanted to hear).

19. If you’re in the room watching a TV show or YouTube video on your laptop without your headphones while I’m trying to work, I promise to discreetly clear my throat to express my disapproval rather than shoot you a nasty death glare.

20. I will try my best to keep my side of the room as tidy as possible — but a few shirts lying here and there won’t hurt anyone, right?

21. I promise not to act too grossed out when you get sick, as long as you try not to touch my stuff and avoid having one of those phlegmy coughing fits in the middle of the night.

22. If you decide to stay in on a Friday night with a pint of Ben & Jerry’s and a Lifetime Original Movie marathon instead of going out with me, I swear I won’t tell you you’re lame—unless this becomes a weekly thing, in which case I will feel obligated to rag on you a little bit.

23. If I start snoring one night, I give you full permission to throw a pillow at me, but I do not grant you permission to then tell all our friends that I’m a snorer.

24. When an RA unexpectedly shows up for a room inspection, I promise to share the blame for any empty beer cans she might find in our trashcan.

25. I promise to clean out the inside of the microwave after I attempt a microwave recipe (and probably fail).

26. I’ll do my best to keep my shower time to less than 15 minutes (but when I’m shaving my legs, I’ll probably need more like 20).

27. But, most of all, I promise to be as considerate, respectful and good-natured a roommate as I can be—except for when I’m on my period. During those days, I simply can’t be held accountable for my behavior.

Signed,

[your name]

What else would you and your roomies add to this list, collegiettes? Share your own roommate agreement additions in the comments below! 

As if we needed another reason to love Kate Spade. The fashion label known for its feminine and timeless pieces features Karlie Kloss as the starlet of its Fall 2015 campaign. Kloss stars alongside a "Colorful Cast of New York Characters" while modeling some seriously enviable duds at the iconic Pierre Hotel in New York City. We'll take one of everything, please!

Kloss is joined by singer-songwriter Alice Smith, maître d' of Sant Ambroeus Alireza Niroomand, artist, actress, model and former ballerina Ahn Duong, instrumental jazz musician, artistic director-at-large for the Harlem Jazz museum and bandleader for the Late Show Jon Batiste, Vogue sex and relationships columnist Karley Sciortino and last, but not least, "bright and witty 8-year-old twins" Juliet and Elise Marold. Talk about an all-star line-up!

Kudos to Kate Spade for not only designing killer clothes season after season, but also featuring men and women of substance in their campaigns. These men and women most definitely represent Kate Spade's theme of "audacious femininity" meeting "a sense of adventure." New goals: to be fabulous enough to be featured in a Kate Spade campaign.

Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert are getting a divorce after four years of marriage, and we might never believe in love again. But if we're this upset, how is Blake himself taking it? Here are a few of the ways we imagine he's coping with his heartbreak.

1. Allowing himself time to grieve

2. Getting into a fist fight

3. Living vicariously through other couples

...or living out his own romance with Adam Levine.

4. Overcompensating

Yes.

5. Trying out a ~new~ look

6. Letting go of the past

What's done is done.

7. Not letting the haters get to him

Nobody messes with Blake.

8. Bro-ing out

Luke Bryan has to be the best wingman ever.

9. Shaking it

He's got all of the moves.

10. Drowning his sorrows

...and making solid life decisions.

11. Acting on impulse

12. Staying positive

13. Writing new songs and melting our hearts

When you move into your dorm room, there will most likely be one fluorescent bulb in the ceiling, and that’s it. Many collegiettes choose to bring additional lighting, like a desk lamp, string lights or even a floor lamp. Check your school’s website to see what is and isn’t allowed in on-campus housing, and then get creative with these 11 lights for your dorm.

1. Seeing Stars

Hang these star-shaped paper string lights ($14.99 at Target) around your bed, and it will be like sleeping under the night sky.

2. Paint Spill

Calling all art students! This quirky table lamp ($13.99 at Target) is perfect for a creative collegiette.

3. Bohemian Bright

Light up your space while staying true to your style with this boho blue stacked glass table lamp ($39.95 at Lamps Plus).

4. Incandescent Initials

Want to personalize your shared dorm room? Get two of these letter marquee lights ($39 at Urban Outfitters)—one with your first initial, and one for your roomie!

5. Funky Photo Clips

These clip string lights ($24 at Urban Outfitters) serve a dual purpose—they display and light your favorite memories.

6. Parisian Pretty

Make your room European chic with this Eiffel Tower accent lamp base ($24.99 at World Market). Add a lampshade in any color, and you’ll be set.

7. Tech Trendy

This functional desk lamp ($19.99 at Bed Bath & Beyond) also holds your tablet. What more could you want?

8. Multi-Colored

Add a little color to your room with this five-light floor lamp ($17.97 at Walmart).

9. Organize It

Have a lot of stuff? Keep it neat with this organizer desk lamp, complete with iPad stand ($16.73 at Walmart).

10. Crazy Clip Lights

These flexible lights ($39 at PB Teen) can clip on anywhere. Light up your desk or make a reading light for your bed.

11. Color Wave

Add a splash of color to those plain dorm walls with this modern lamp and shade ($39.99 at PB Teen).

Illuminate your space however you want with any of these 11 funky lights. Welcome back to school, and happy studying!

Let’s face it: as much as we all want to get our exercise in, going to the gym can be so boring. If you’re looking for a more exciting and unpredictable running routine, then you’ll love this people watching interval workout from Women’s Running!

If you’re running on campus between (or after) classes, make your run more fun by assigning different speeds according to the different people you see. For example, if you see a female student, run at an easy pace; if you see a professor, run at a medium pace; and if you see a professor, run at an easy pace. Happy running, collegiettes!

Supermodel and Paper Towns actress Cara Delevingne is basically a goddess. She's also her own fashion icon, because she's the only person in the world who could look this incredible in these seven crazy ensembles.

1. When she wore this shirt that literally nobody else could pull off

We can't even imagine where we'd wear a shirt like this.

2. When she was completely nonchalant about the large reindeers coming out of her boots

Like Christmas socks... but BETTER.

3. When she channeled her inner middle schooler

...and still looked like the fashion icon she is.

4. When she looked ~out of this world~ in this print

It's a onesie. With faces on it. How does she look so good?!

5. When she embraced Bart Simpson from head to toe

We probably would have gone for Lisa, but you do you, girl.

6. When she was all about the bling

Never let anyone dull your sparkle.

7. When she owned festival style

There's no way we could wear this and not look like we just rolled out of bed.

Which is your favorite Cara look, collegiettes?

Coming out is a different experience for everyone. While it’s not always a totally inspiring story of bravery, coming to terms with who you really are and telling the ones you love the most about it can be difficult.

This is exactly why the situation is sometimes uncomfortable on both ends. The person coming out doesn’t know what to expect and the person on the other end doesn’t know how to react. But obviously if your friend trusts you, you want to be as supportive as possible. Here are some super great tips on how to handle this stressful, yet essential conversation!

1. Listening is key

You have a million questions when your friend comes out to you. You want to ask her all the who, what, where and whys of the situation. But Daniel Dallas, the LGBTQ+ Diversity Coordinator for University of Wisconsin-Madison housing, says that listening is the best thing you can do. “The most positive thing you could do in this moment is listen,” Dallas says. “I don’t think there’s a single way to respond better than this.”

But one of the biggest things that you can do as an ally is to understand that these situations are not about you. It has everything to do with listening to your friend and hearing everything that they need to say, without judgment.

2. Don’t make it a big deal

So your friend just came out to you in casual conversation. You asked her if she was seeing anyone lately and she just happens to mention it’s someone of the same sex. It may catch you off guard, but just go with the flow! Dallas agrees that you should act as if nothing happened and just keep asking questions about her as you would normally. “I think the most beautiful experience is when your friend just acts like nothing has changed,” Dallas explains. “Because nothing will change. Your friend is still herself and you should respect her for it.”

If you really are curious about her sexuality and asking about how she identifies, maybe it’s best to leave it for later on in the conversation or ask at a later date. You don’t want to seem too freaked out or come off as judgmental. But as long as you keep it cool, you will be totally fine.

3. Ask your friend what she needs

Maybe she just needs a listening ear, in which case, you’re already doing a fantastic job. You’re hearing everything that she may have been keeping bunched up inside for a while. Just talking at you for a while can be a huge stress reliever for your friend.

But sometimes, when a friend comes out to you, it might be her way of asking for help. Carrie*, a junior at the University of Illinois, says that her best friend came out to her because she knew that she had connections to the LGBTQ+ community on campus. “She knew that I had volunteered at a few events and wanted to see if she could come with me,” Carrie says. “At that time, she just really needed support from other people who identified the same way that she did.”

By connecting your friend with the right resources, like support groups and campus centers, you can make sure she continues to have a positive coming out experience. Helping your friend in whatever way they need can play a huge part in not only their journey in exploring their identity. Make sure to be receptive and patient as they explain what they need.

4. Thank her for trusting you

While coming out is a process for everyone that never actually stops, it almost never gets easier. There is always an inkling of worry or doubt in the back of a person’s head that whispers their worst fear: what if I lose this relationship?

Alex* from the University of Minnesota says that knowing that their best friend understood how serious it was for them personally to come out made them way more calm about the situation. “She just understood that it was something that I was still trying to come to terms with,” they say. “Everyone thinks that coming out is this huge, spectacular party for everyone, but I really appreciate that she knew how hard it was for me personally.”

Bullying is something that is still prevalent in our society today, particularly with queer and trans folks. This is why when someone trusts you enough to come out, you shouldn’t just feel grateful, but you should express your gratitude as well. “Just a few affirming statements can wash all of her fears away,” Dallas says. Make sure you let her know that while you understand the seriousness of her situation, nothing has changed and you will continue to support her.

Coming out isn’t always a huge, dramatic moment like we think it can be. However, it is a sign that your friend coming out trusts you enough to let you know a potentially vulnerable side of them. It’s important to acknowledge this aspect of the experience, no matter what.

The biggest thing that you should do when this moment arises is to just be there for her. Listen to what she has to tell you, ask her if you can help, and channel all the love you have for her into making sure she feels most comfortable.

You can't go wrong with classics, and a French manicure is just that. But wearing the same look time after time can get a little... dull. Switch it up and add some flair to your go-to design with these variations on the classic French mani!

1. Reverse French

We love this edgy take on the classic style. It's not quite the half-moon mani, but does resemble it a bit. Paint your entire nail the color you want the "French" portion to be. Paint over it with the second color, leaving a sliver of first color showing.

2. Colored tips

This look is perfect for weekend summer getaway or a GNO on the town.

3. Ombré

This variation is really fun but also super sophisticated. The easiest way to achieve this mani is to use a makeup sponge to make the tip more concentrated while the middle stays sheer.

4. Glitter tips

Instead of using a polish, pick out your favorite chunky glitter to paint your French mani. It may require a few coats, but it will definitely be worth it!

5. Double lined

Add a funky twist to your manicure by painting on a second line. Make your tip as thick or thin as you like, but be sure the second one is thinner than the first to add some interest and dimension to the look.

Which manicure will you be trying first, collegiettes?

So your summer internship is wrapping up soon, and you’re getting ready to head back to school. But if you want to be the best intern ever (and increase your chances of a job after graduation), your involvement with the company shouldn’t end on your last day as an intern! Staying up-to-date with your former colleagues and developing those personal relationships is a crucial part of demonstrating your dedication to the company, and, therefore, how valuable you would be as a future employee. Check out HC’s tips for staying active at the company you interned for, even if your internship took place across the country.

1. Stay up-to-date with the company’s happenings

One simple way to stay involved with an organization that you interned for in the past (and may want to work for in the future) is to stay informed about the company’s noteworthy achievements and awards.

Tamara Peters, a career development specialist at Rutgers University Career Services, suggests using online resources to keep up-to-date with the organization’s happenings.

“An easy way to do this is to set up a Google Alert to keep you updated on news that is published about the organization,” Peters says. “Also, follow the organization through LinkedIn and other social media platforms, including Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, if they have accounts.”

To set up a Google Alert, go to Google Alerts and enter the topic you want to create an alert for—say, the name of the organization you worked for. This way, Google will send you an email when there are new results for your search, which makes it easy to stay informed about what the company is doing!

2. Share your professional achievements

You may have gone above and beyond during your internship to impress your supervisor, but even post-internship, you should continue to show him or her how awesome you really are!

“Get in the habit of updating your former bosses/colleagues of your professional milestones,” says Diana Martinez, a career coach in New York City. “Managers and colleagues are always happy to be remembered not only when you need help, but also to share in your joy when your career is in the rising.”

Whether it’s a job promotion, a new assignment or an award, keep your former boss and colleagues in the loop about what’s going on in your life by sending them a quick email or message on LinkedIn. To keep your message from sounding too braggy, focus on the accomplishment in terms of the skills you gained through your former internship. For example, you could say something like, “I just wanted to thank you again for the invaluable skills I acquired from my internship at X company. Thanks to my experience with your company, I was recently promoted to Y position.”

Vicki Salemi, career coach and author of Big Career in the Big City, also suggests sending relevant articles with projects that you worked on as a way to stay top of mind throughout the year. It may seem like a small step, but staying involved in a company (and increasing your chances of getting a full-time position) is all about keeping your name at the forefront of your former supervisors’ minds.

3. Ask for extra tasks that you can do remotely

Although your summer internship may be ending, there are still ways that you can help out at the company remotely (and demonstrate your passion and initiative while you’re at it!).

“For starters, you need to make it known to your supervisor that you want to stay involved,” Salemi says. “Ask to help out remotely; ask to be included in conference calls. Figure out how many hours you can contribute on a weekly basis, and, again, communicate with your supervisor that you'd like to stay involved, even at a minimal basis.”

One of the keys to landing a full-time position with a company that you previously interned for is to make yourself essential to the running of the organization. If you can show your supervisor how valuable you are as an intern now, they will be more likely to consider you for a full-time position later.

“Even if your supervisor has made it clear that there are no full-time positions available after your internship ends, you can still offer to volunteer your services after your assignment ends as a way to keep connected to the company,” Martinez says. “This means going above and beyond what is asked of you, asking for additional projects, offering your help with important tasks and having constant meetings with your supervisor about how you can contribute to the company past your internship’s end date.”

Before leaving your internship, let your supervisor know that you’d love to continue working with the company through tasks that you can do remotely, such as managing the company’s social media accounts, writing their newsletter or acting as a student ambassador for the company or internship program.

4. Continue to develop relationships with your former colleagues

Your former supervisor, interns and colleagues can be valuable connections when it comes to finding future jobs and internships. However, these relationships should be both genuine and beneficial for all parties involved.

“You don’t want to have no contact with these people for a year and then return and ask if they can help you find a job,” Peters says. “Continue to develop the relationships from a distance, having periodic contact, and when the time comes that you are looking for a job, let them know and see what happens.”

There are several ways to stay in touch with your past colleagues, such as congratulating them on a promotion, sending them a link to an article that they might find interesting or inviting them to coffee or lunch.

“If you have a more personal relationship with your past employer or colleagues, remembering birthdays, holidays or personal milestones (like getting married or buying a new house) is a great way to stay connected,” Martinez says. “You can send a handwritten note of congratulations or call them on the special day. A personal touch in your communication with old colleagues always goes a long way!”

If you were close with your fellow interns or other colleagues, you can add them on Facebook to make sure that you know when these big events occur. Peters also suggests using LinkedIn as a way to stay up-to-date with your professional network.

“LinkedIn gives you an easy and simple way to access your professional network and keeps you current on events that are happening in their lives,” Peters says. “You can then nurture the relationships by congratulating them if they get a promotion, have a work anniversary, or move on to a different organization.”

If you see that a former colleague was promoted, send her a quick message to let her know that you’re thinking about her. For example, you could say something like, “Hi so-and-so,

I just wanted to personally congratulate you on the promotion! I know you’ll do a fantastic job as the new (X job title).”

Peters says there are more ways to let your old colleagues know they’re still important to you.

“Also, keep an eye out for articles that might be interesting to individuals in your network and send the article to the specific individual telling them that you thought of them when you read it and why,” Peters adds. “For example, if you read an article about the best locations to participate in a marathon and Fargo, North Dakota, is on the list, and you then remember that one of your former colleagues, an avid runner, had mentioned his interest in running the Fargo … marathon, you can then send him the article. Highlight in the note you send that the article reminded you of him and [you] thought he might be interested, and that you hope he is doing well.”

By nurturing these colleague relationships, you’ll keep your name fresh in their minds so that when a job opens up, you’ll be the first person they think of!

Regardless of whether your summer internship took place in your hometown or on the other side of the country, staying involved with the company and your former colleagues is absolutely crucial when it comes to being remembered for a full-time job later on. By keeping up-to-date with your colleagues’ personal and professional lives, sharing your own career-related achievements and demonstrating your continued dedication to the company, you’re more likely to make the big leap from former intern to future full-time employee!

If we've learned anything from Anne Hathaway's past experiences in the spotlight, it's that she can take a joke better than most people. After watching Trainwreck, Hathaway hilariously called out Amy Schumer for including a joke about herself. For those of you who haven't had a chance to see the movie yet, Bill Hader's character (Aaron) is seen parading around with an award he received at a ceremony. Schumer's character then responds by comparing Hader's character to Hathaway, who proudly showed off her 2013 Oscar award at every party she attended that night. But can you blame Hathaway? Wouldn't we all do the same? 

Thankfully, Hathaway wasn't offended by the movie's reference at all. Instead, she took to Instagram to post a photo of her Trainwreck ticket stub with the best caption ever:

In response, Schumer tweeted of her love for Hathaway, while blaming director Judd Apatow for the joke's presence in the movie.

Ugh, we just love both of these women SO much.

One of the best parts of the 90s decade was the great music that came from it! With so many unforgettable hits from this era, it's impossible not to feel nostalgic. Break out that hairbrush you used as a microphone when you were younger, it's time to reminisce on this list of awesome throwbacks! 

1. No Scrubs – TLC

2. At Your Best – Aaliyah

3. Genie In A Bottle – Christina Aguilera

4. Everybody Everybody – Black Box

5. Bye Bye Bye – N Sync

6. Fantasy – Mariah Carey

7. Nothing Really Matters – Madonna

8. Dreaming of You – Selena

9. I Will Always Love You – Whitney Houston

10. Say My Name – Destiny’s Child

11. Slide – The Goo Goo Dolls

12. Crush – Jennifer Paige

13. Life is a Highway – Tim Cochrane

14. I Want It That Way – Backstreet Boys

15. …Baby One More Time – Britney Spears

16. What A Girl Wants – Christina Aguilera 

17. Wannabe – Spice Girls

18. Beautiful Day – U2

19. All Star – Smash Mouth

20. C’est La Vie – B*Witched

21. My Heart Will Go On – Celine Dion

Andrew Hawryluk, a 23-year-old animator from Los Angeles, has taken Chipotle fandom to the next level. This year, instead of giving something up for lent, Andrew decided to commit to eating Chipotle at least once a day. After 46 days of what he called Chipotlent, he decided to keep going on his quest to be Chipotle’s best customer. It’s been 155 days and he’s still going strong! As you might imagine, after spending over $1,500 at the Mexican chain, he’s learned a thing or two about the best ways to order.

1. How to get guacamole without paying extra

Who doesn’t love Chipotle’s guacamole? While the avocado spread may be irresistible, the extra $2.10 isn’t a small price to pay, especially if you’re getting it everyday! According to Andrew, the best way to get out of paying extra is getting lettuce on top.

“Nine times out of ten during the lunch rush, they’ll see the lettuce and not see the guacamole under it because it’s the same color,” Hawryluk says.

2. How to get the most of your double meat order

According to Andrew, there’s an optimal way to order double meat.

“If you are going to get double meat, ask for single meat. When they ask you what kind of meat you want, just say chicken and then once they start moving on to the next station, just say, "Hey, can I actually get double?" They'll have to bring it back and get you an equivalent scoop because they already showed their hand in how much one scoop is,” Andrew claims this method will get you more chicken for your buck.

3. Never get tacos to-go

Hawryluk’s number one rule is never getting tacos to-go. He says they get too soggy when they’re wrapped up. If you’re going to get tacos eat them at the restaurant instead.

Besides these Chipotle hacks, Andrew claims to be healthier since starting this Chipotle binge. His cholesterol even went down. So collegiettes, maybe a Chipotle diet may be the next big thing!

When it comes to being a student fashionista, the struggle can get kind of real when you’re dreaming of Alexander Wang, but your budget is urging you toward Forever 21—that is, until now! ICYMI, The Outnet’s designer clearance started two days ago—and it’s basically the stuff dreams are made of, with tons to-die-for pieces under $100! To see our favorite scores, keep reading.

1. Marc by Marc Jacobs Skirt ($56)

This Marc by Marc Jacobs skirt is the perfect twist on traditional leopard—we’re definitely seeing spots!

2. Band of Outsiders Shirt ($85)

RIP Band of Outsiders! This may be one of our last chances to get our hands on the label’s preppy-cool pieces before the line closes, and this is a deal we won’t be able to resist!

3. Prabal Gurung T-Shirt ($55)

We’re really feeling this gorgeous printed Prabal Gurung tee with a faux leather skirt or pants. *swoons*

4. T by Alexander Wang Sweater ($70)

Wanting to add a pop of color to your wardrobe? This statement-making T by Alexander Wang sweatshirt is exactly what you’ve been looking for.

5. Tibi Heels ($89)

These are the going out heels we NEED in our lives ASAP.

6. 3.1 Phillip Lim Dress ($99)

BRB just buying this goes-with-everything Phillip Lim dress so we can wear it every day for the rest of our lives.

7. MM6 Maison Margiela Jeans ($79)

Flares may be the jeans of the moment, but these frayed hem MM6 Maison Margiela skinny jeans just might be winning us back over.

8. Alexander Wang iPad Sleeve ($59)

Is there a single fashion girl who isn’t obsessed with those signature rose gold corners?

9. Joseph Pants ($99)

Comfy pants that still look totally luxe and polished? These Joseph pants are EVERYTHING.  

Will you be picking up any of the amazing steals at The Outnet’s amazing clearance this year, collegiettes?

You’re going on dates, you’re texting 24/7, you’ve met each other’s friends and you’re hooking up on the reg. Relationship perfection, right? Think again. Instead, you’re “taking it slow” and “seeing where it goes.” And don’t you dare even mutter the word “commitment!” If only this wasn’t code for heartbreak. We asked relationship experts for advice on how to deal with this common dating dilemma.

The situation

It’s happened to so many of us—we’re “seeing” someone who refuses to put a label on whatever is going on between us, and dodges the conversation every time we try to bring it up. Sarah*, a senior at the University of Virginia, dealt with this during her sophomore year, when she met a guy in one of her classes. The two were assigned as partners for a project, and after spending a lot of time together and hitting it off, they began to hang out outside of the project. “I was sure he would be my next boyfriend,” Sarah says. “But after about five months of seeing each other, I learned how wrong I was when I asked him where the relationship was going. He told me that he wasn’t looking for anything serious and he wasn’t ready to be committed to anyone.” Ugh, we feel your pain, Sarah. But what can we do not to find ourselves in this situation?

How to avoid it

Know what you want

According to Dr. Wendy Walsh, a clinical psychologist and author of The 30-Day Love Detox, the first step of entering a relationship is to understand what you want out of it and be honest with yourself. If you expect long-term commitment, don’t assume that your partner (or whatever he or she is) is on the same page. You must absolutely communicate it from the start, without fear of “scaring him or her away.”

Of course, a first date is probably not the best time to bring up the fact that you want a relationship, but you should feel comfortable sharing how you feel once you are ready. There are plenty of ways to do this without sounding “crazy.” Try saying something like, “I’m kind of tired of the same old relationship that ends before even becoming a relationship. I’m ready to put my all into something a little bit more meaningful.” If he or she does not want the same thing, it might be disappointing, but at least the relationship will end before you get attached. Although it would be nice, your SO can’t read your mind.

Don’t make it seem like it’s just physical

Another one of Dr. Walsh’s essential dating tips answers a question many of us find ourselves asking: If I have sex with my significant other too soon, will it change the course of the relationship? There are lots of myths out there, like the ridiculous “three-date” rule that makes it seem like we should always have sex on the third date. While it would be nice to have a foolproof timeline to follow, it all depends on the situation.

For Dr. Walsh, for a relationship to be meaningful and lasting, sex should happen when trust is formed. When two people know each other and feel comfortable enough to open up to one another, they are ready to take it to the next level. This creates an intimate bond. If you have sex before you and your partner trust each other, the relationship will seem more physical than emotional and may very well continue down this path.

Derek*, a junior at East Carolina University, confirms that he would get the wrong idea if sex happened too early in the relationship. “If a girl has sex with me on our first date, the likelihood of committing to her is a lot smaller,” Derek says. “I’m not saying that I would think less of her, but it gives me the idea that she wants the relationship to be physical. If I don’t have to wait, it’s not as special.” This circles back to being honest with yourself and your partner: a casual hookup or FWB relationship can be really fun and fulfilling, but if you want more, you need to express it from the start.

When to break things off

But what if you are already in a not-relationship? When it comes to determining whether it’s time to break up, you should trust your intuition. “It's less about how long you have known each other, and more about how much time you have spent getting to know each other,” says Stephan Labossiere, a certified life and relationship coach, public speaker and best-selling author. “It is really hard to quantify that.”

A good rule of thumb is that “when you feel you have allowed this person to learn who you are, then it's time to make a decision,” Labossiere adds. “If the other person isn't ‘ready to commit,’ then you walk away. At this point, the issue is within them, and may simply be an indication that they don't view you as someone they want to ‘take themselves off of the market’ for. So walk away in confidence, and focus on you.” If he or she can’t see how great you are, this relationship isn’t worth your time anyway.

If you're upfront with your “sort of SO” and he or she wants to be with you, the relationship-status change you’ve been waiting for is probably only a matter of time. But if you’re not okay with the relationship continuing without a label, and your SO is showing no sign of wanting to take it any further, it may be time to let go. The emotional torture of staying in a relationship that's going nowhere is NOT worth it. So keep your head high and do what’s best for you, because you can't wait forever.

There's something about a friend who has known you FOREVER that makes them special. Knowing your bestie since high school means they have seen you through all your highs and lows and, somehow, you two are still going stronger than ever. Here are 18 reasons why your best friend from high school will be your lifelong BFF.  

1. You survived each other’s awkward teenage years together.

They loved you even during your prepubescent braces, neon stripes and Jesse McCartney-obsessed phase.

2. They know all of your embarrassing stories.

They’re not afraid to use them against you, but they also know when to keep them a secret.

3. You can reminisce about all your high school memories together.

You can talk about that one time at the pep rally and they know just what you mean.

4. They understand you better than anyone. 

After all these years, they practically know you better than you know yourself.

5. When someone asks who your best friend is, you always think of them.

Now that is true friendship.

6. They know all of your past crushes and lovers. 

They know all the crazy stories about Jordan from freshman year of high school and that cute athlete you hooked up with at last night’s party.

7. You are totally and completely comfortable together. 

You have long forgotten the word “boundaries” because you’ve known each other that long.

8. You’ve always gotten through fights and drama.

Nothing has ever come between you guys and it never will.

9. They’re the one person who will drop everything and come over to your house at 2 a.m.

They won’t even ask any questions.

10. They make you excited to go back to your hometown.

Home wouldn’t be the same without them there.

11. Your families know each other.

You know all the gossip about their cousins and you've friended their mom on Facebook.

12. You always have things to catch up on and talk about.

Since you went to college, you may not see them everyday, but when you get the chance to talk your conversations are epic.  

13. They’re never afraid to give you some tough-love.

After knowing you this long they aren’t scared of hurting your feelings when it's necessary.

14. You have the best inside jokes that no one can understand.

Your high school bestie can make you laugh harder than anyone else with just a few simple words.

15. They know how to cheer you up when your heart is breaking.

Whether it's with a tub of Ben & Jerry’s or a just a big hug, they know how to make it all feel better.

16. You’ve been talking about future plans for years.

You have convinced them to name their first born after you. 

17. They’re the person you have vowed to marry if you're still single at 40.

You know your friendship is so strong that it WILL last that long.

18. You’ve stayed close during college, even though you both lead separate lives.

Whether you have thousands of miles between you or just a new friend circle, the fact that you’re still close shows how special they are. 

There's no doubt that you best friend from high school is going to be a lifelong BFF. You two have had a strong bond for years now and nothing is going to break it! 

Since Her Conference is quickly approaching this weekend, we can’t help but start thinking about our hair and makeup as we organize our final preparations for the big event.

With a phenomenal line-up of guest speakers and other collegiettes from all over the country attending the event, you’ll want to look your best this weekend as you network and make new friends. Here are a few of our favorite, trendy looks perfect for Her Conference, so you can look confident and professional.

Red Lipstick

Leave your neon pink and dark berry lipsticks at home, and opt for a bold red shade that matches your skintone. The color is timeless and looks stunning with so many different outfits, from black and white to leopard print and HC-approved pink.

Follow these lipstick hacks before applying, and you won’t have to worry about the color fading or accidently getting on your teeth as you mingle with some of the biggest names in media. We recommend the Red Revival Lipstick from Maybelline ($7.49) if you’re looking for a classic red lip color.

Polished Topknot

For a simple style to go with a bedazzled outfit, such as a skirt with sparkles or a dress with an eclectic pattern, try a polished topknot to look classy and fabulous.

Start by gathering your hair into a high ponytail, and then twist your hair around your hand and the base of the ponytail. Pull the ends of your hair through the elastic, which will help to create the knot. To finish, spray with a light hairspray such as the Touchable Finish Lightweight Hold Hairspray from Suave ($2.88) and use bobby pins as desired.

Natural Smoky Eye

To stay professional, you may want to stay clear of a dark, sultry smoky eye this weekend. If you can’t imagine parting from your beloved eyeshadow routine, consider a more natural smoky eye look instead so you can get the best of both worlds.

Before you start, apply an eyeshadow primer such as Shadow Insurance from Too Faced ($20) to prevent creasing for a long-lasting finish. Start by applying a mauve shadow to your lids, and follow with a light brown or golden shade in the crease of your eyes to make them really pop. Add a medium brown shade to contour, and use a brush such as the Sephora Pro Blending Brush ($20) to blend the shades together flawlessly.

Complete the look by highlighting the area underneath your brows with a cream colored shadow and applying two coats of thickening mascara.

Bombshell Curls

These super elegant curls will give you major confidence as you pose at the Her Conference photobooth with your girlfriends. The look is classic, but also super fun and adorable.

After you wash your hair, apply a mousse such as the Dove Style + Care Amplifier ($3.49) for extra texture. Blow out your hair and create a deep side part on the side of your choice. Next, split your hair into two sections, a top and a bottom, and curl a 1 to 2 inch piece of hair with a 1-inch barrel curling wand.

Once you’re done curling each piece, pin each up with a pin curl clip or a bobby pin. After you’re done curling all the sections, spray your hair with an extra-hold hairspray like the TRESemme Two Extra Hold Hairspray ($4.99) to make sure the curls stay put, and allow them to set for about five minutes before releasing the pins. Finish the look by gently brushing out your hair and spritzing the curls with a shine spray, such as the TRESEmme Smooth No-Frizz Ultra Light Shine Spray ($3.63).

Subtle Kitten Eye

Instead of a dramatic winged-out cat eye, try a more low-key “kitten” eyeliner look for the conference. It will still give your eyes a bit of extra definition without going all-out.

Using a marker-tip eyeliner such as the Eye Studio Master Precise Ink Pen Eyeliner from Maybelline ($7.99), draw a very tiny flick after applying liner to the edge of your eyelids close to your lashes. Top with a few coats of curling mascara such as Pin-Up Tease from NYX ($5.99) to pull the look together.

Boho Fishtail Braid

The fishtail braid is still totally in style, and we don’t plan on retiring it anytime soon! It can bring a little bit of extra edge to a simple outfit, so if you’re planning on wearing a neutral outfit to the conference, rock a fishtail braid for a bit of pizzaz. For added texture, spray your hair with the Double Take Dry Finish Texture Spray from Not Your Mother’s ($5.99) to make the braiding process easier.

To start, part your hair into two even sections. Then, take a strand from one section and bring it over to the other side, making sure that the sections are large enough to work with, but still small enough so that the fishtail will look different than just a regular braid. Repeat this process with the other section, and repeat these steps until the braid is finished, and secure with a tiny clear elastic.

Barely-There Makeup

Since Manhattan is sure to be hot this weekend due to the warm summer weather, we totally understand not wanting to pile on the makeup. For a “no makeup-makeup” look that will have you looking polished, you only need a few products.

First, skip the foundation and opt for lighter coverage with a product like the Camera Ready BB Cream from Smashbox ($39) to conceal acne and even out your skin tone. Next, fill in your brows with a brow pencil such as Brow Wiz from Anastasia ($21) and coat your lashes with a natural mascara such as the Organic Wear Mascara from Physicans Formula ($9.99). For a final touch, swipe on a nude lip gloss such as the Tiramisu Butter Gloss from NYX ($4.99) for the perfect kissy-face selfie with your new HC gal pals!

We can’t wait to see you and your beautiful self at Her Conference this weekend, sporting whichever beauty look you may choose. Stay beautiful, collegiettes!

Every collegiette looks forward to one thing on freshman move-in day: finally arriving at her long-awaited dorm room and making it a place of her own. Move-in day is when you are finally free to make your own decisions and start your new independent life on campus. But besides the obvious comforter, towels, and school supplies, what do you really need in your dorm room? In order to make the most of your (most likely) tiny and shared space, check out HC’s list of the 12 things you absolutely need in your new home and the seven things to definitely leave behind (sorry, stuffed animals!).

1. Breakfast Food

Every experienced collegiette knows that you will not want to go to the dining hall every morning to eat before your 8 a.m. lecture, no matter how good those omelets are. You’ll more likely just want a quick bite to eat to get you through an early morning class. So stock up on cheap and nutritious options like Nutri-Grain and Luna bars to keep you awake and full during those pesky early-morning lectures. You could also pick up some oatmeal, cereal, or bread and peanut butter at the grocery store before you head to school if breakfast bars aren’t your thing.

2. Black Pumps

Your freshman year of college will include a lot of memories from your weekends out on the town. Whether at a house party, a bar, or a club, you’ll want a basic pair of black heels that go with every outfit and add a little touch of chic to your look.  But don’t buy heels that are more than four inches tall – remember that you’ll want to be able to walk in them! And make sure they’re not too expensive, either. Some of the places you'll party might not be the cleanest!

3. Nail Polish

When some collegiettes first move in, they think they’ll be in class and the library 24/7. But sometimes, you’ll need to give yourself some “me time” and pamper yourself. And now that you’ve officially achieved “broke college student” status (congrats!), costly manicures are probably out of the question. So bring your favorite Essie colors and manicure tools with you and dedicate yourself to some primping time.

5. A Desk Lamp

When you first walk into your dorm room, don’t be alarmed; we swear it’s not a dungeon! Most colleges have pretty dingy lighting. But with fun lighting, you can spruce up your room and make it 10 times brighter! A lot of desk lamps, especially at go-to college prep store Bed Bath & Beyond, also have organizational features, such as slots for your pens and pencils, space for note pads, and even places to charge your iPod or iPhone. Plus, a desk lamp will make those late-night study sessions much easier on your eyes.

6. A Tote Bag

Every collegiette wants to look cute as they head out to class. So skip the high school backpack and pick up a tote bag that doubles as both adorable and practical. A Vera Bradley Laptop Tote ($61.60) is a must-have to hold all your class essentials and still make a stylish statement. Make sure the tote you bring has enough space to hold your laptop, charger, notebook, folder, writing utensils, your keys, and your ID, and that it has a strong enough strap to hold all of your supplies securely.

7. Cleaning Products

If you are anywhere near the Monica Geller level of neat freak, you will need to buy some basic cleaning products for your dorm room. Mom isn’t around to pick up your messes for you at college (bummer), so it’s up to you to make sure your room doesn’t look like an episode of Hoarders. Buy Lysol to spray down your desk and dresser and keep the germs away, a small vacuum to pick up all the crumbs from snack time that wind up on the floor, and Febreze to keep your small space smelling fresh.

8. Medication

Obviously you need to bring any prescription medication you need with you, but don’t forget the basics, like painkillers and cold medicine. These simple meds are often left behind and you don’t realize you need them until a headache leaves you sidelined from class. So be smart and bring everything you think you’ll need to stay healthy at school!

Also, pick up a first aid kit, which you can buy at drugstores, that will carry other essentials for minor injuries, like Band-Aids, gauze, and antibiotic ointment. And one more thing: talk to your doctor about birth control. Lots of people start taking birth control during college, and you should start thinking about if this decision is right for you.

9. A Full-Length Mirror

This one goes without saying. You need to check yourself out before you hit the town or head to class, and you need to know how you’re looking as you flip your hair singing to Beyoncé while your roommate is out. Not only are full-length mirrors the best way to check out your outfit, they can also be a decorative way to fill up empty space on your wall.

10. Command Strips and Hooks

Ahh, Command strips: perhaps the one product no collegiette can live without. Are you wondering how you’re going to keep all of your mirrors, framed photos, decorative lights, and more on your walls? The answer: Command strips and hooks. These awesome little storage helpers can hold up almost anything you’ve got. They come in different colors and can hold a range of weights. The best part? If you buy the ones that say “comes off cleanly” on the package, when you take them down, they cause absolutely no damage to your walls. (In other words, your RA won’t fine you for room damage! Yay!)

11. Day-to-Night Tops

As a new collegiette, you probably won’t be hitting the mall or shopping online as much as you did in high school, and your bank account will definitely be dwindling. That’s why you need some cute tops that will easily make the transition from appropriate for class to fun for a night out. “I would recommend bringing some jewelry and adding that to the outfit to transition into night: statement necklaces, bangles, dangly earrings,” says Anna, a senior at Marist College. 

12. Wonder Hangers

One of the great joys of freshman year is figuring out what to do with a space the size of your closet at home. But what do you do when your college closet is even tinier? Like, really tiny. You buy versatile hangers that will conserve space and make organization easy! Try Wonder Hangers that will make your gigantic wardrobe fit in your closet and stay wrinkle-free. Wonder Hangers triple your small closet space by allowing for more slots to hang your clothes on. Instead of cramming your outfits into the closet, they’ll fit in easily and be more pleasing to the eye.

1. Clothes That Aren’t in Season

We were just talking about how itty-bitty your new closet will be. So don’t overstuff it with your winter coat and cozy sweaters when you move in during August. Keep your closet filled with the essentials for the current season and swap them out for cold-weather clothes when you go home on break. The same goes for shoes; no knee-high boots in August! Only keep a few cold-weather items for the next season in case of extreme weather early on; you can swap out your tank tops and shorts for the rest of your winter wardrobe during Thanksgiving break.

2. Stuffed Animals

Sure, one stuffed animal is fine and can be a nice reminder of home. But your entire '90s Beanie Baby collection is excessive. Not only will your roommate think it’s weird, but you can bet guys will be turned off by a litter of stuffed animal puppies on your bed. So keep the majority of the stuffed animals at home and bring along one (if any) for the ride for sentimentality.

3. Your Whole Novel Collection

Sadly, there will be little to no time for reading for pleasure in college. You will be so inundated with textbooks and mandatory reading that the idea of reading a book simply because you want to will seem foreign. Make sure to keep a list of all the books you want to read during the semester, because you will definitely have the time to catch up over winter break and during the summer (rereading the entire Harry Potter series for the 10th time can wait till break). Until then, stick to what your professors tell you to read.

4. Stationery

Although it’s such a sweet idea to think that you’ll send long letters to your besties from home, this often isn’t the case. You’ll find it’s so much easier and quicker to shoot a text to your friend or Skype him or her. Skip the stationery and instead make sure you have a webcam, because at the end of a long, hard day, what you’ll really want is to see your best friend from home’s familiar face.

5. Old High School Textbooks

You know all those textbooks your teachers gave you? And those Barron’s books you bought to prepare for AP exams? Save some space in your dorm and make sure you leave those at home. Your college textbooks will be much more in-depth and cover more information than anything you had in high school. Props to you for hoping the extra books would come in handy, but most collegiettes will find that they’re just not helpful when it comes to their college workload.

6. High School Apparel

Most likely, your new “school uniform” will consist of your new college sweatshirt and some comfy sweats or yoga pants. Don’t regress by bringing every high school sports and drama club T-shirt and hoodie you own. Of course, you can still bring one or two high school shirts to throw back and be proud of your past (after all, it’s your amazing high school experiences that helped you get admitted to college!), but don’t bring every item in your drawer. College is about moving forward and embracing the future, not holding onto your high school glory.

7. Old-School Stereo Systems

Besides the fact that it’s 2015 and huge stereo systems are completely unnecessary, blasting tunes in your room is a clear signal to your RA that something’s probably up in your dorm (noise complaints can get you into trouble). Avoid people thinking there’s suspicious activity going on (and remain friends with your neighbors by turning down the noise level) by opting to bring an iHome instead ($29.99). It’s small and portable, and it’ll also do you the favor of charging your iPhone or iPod. That’s something everyone in your hall can get on board with.

Now that you’ve taken all this in, you pre-collegiettes should have a better idea of what you need (and don’t need) to bring to college. But maybe even more important than all of the material items—be sure to bring confidence and an open mind in order to start the best four years of your life on the right foot. Have fun!