Acne scars, cellulite, stretch marks—these, among others, are all common skin issues we have all faced at some point. Despite how widespread these skin conditions are, it can be difficult to know just how to treat them. That's what we're here for—we've compiled a list of some of the most common skin concerns and how to combat them, all in one page.

Acne Scars

It’s one thing to break out, but it is a whole other thing to deal with the scars they might leave behind. These acne scars are even harder to remove than acne is! Whether you already have acne or are in the process of trying to help your scars, make sure not to scratch at them so that they don’t become worse. Once you already have the scars, the most effective way to treat them is with surgery. Since that isn't doable for everybody, though, an at-home remedy that won’t break the bank involves using over-the-counter scar creams and gels. They'll reduce the itch and also help shrink and fade raised scars.

If you have fresh scars, keep a bottle of Bio-Oil Scar Treatment ($9.19) handy; it'll help your scars blend better with your skin. If you've had them for a while, you should invest in DNA EDF Renewal Growth Factor Serum ($145) to tighten scars and reduce their appearance.

Cellulite

Cellulite can happen to anybody—men, women, overweight, underweight, young, old. It doesn't discriminate, and is certainly nothing you should be ashamed of! All it is is fat pushing up against your skin's connective tissue. Regardless, decreasing the appearance of cellulite may be a personal preference for many—so try a cellulite cream! Be careful to check the ingredient list, though; many cellulite creams contain aminophyline, which can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Or, if you're looking to splurge, go to the spa! While they won't remove the cellulite, there are treatments that'll diminish the dimpling appearance in the skin. And working out can go a long way, too; squats and other exercises that both stretch out and work your legs and quads will help! 

To help diminish the appearance of cellulite, try out Clarins Body Lift Cellulite Control ($70) or Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Firming Butter ($4.79) for an everyday lotion.

Eczema

Itchy, bumpy, thick, and dry are four adjectives to describe eczema—and this skin condition can be extremely annoying! These patches most commonly appear on your face, hands and feet, but can also show up other places. First—don't scratch, no matter how itchy your skin feels! You might cause bleeding and eventually, scarring. Luckily, as long as your eczema is not infected, the solution can be bought over the counter: hydrocortisone! It contains cortisteroids and they lessen the chance of infection. If you don’t have time to run out to the local drugstore yet, keep the affected area moist, hydrated and cool.

For immediate relief, use some Cortizone 10 Intensive Healing Formula 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream ($6.29) and use some Aveeno Eczema Therapy Moisturizng Cream ($13.15) for some long-term relief for mild eczema.

Rosacea

This chronic skin condition is not hard to treat, but if left untreated, can worsen. This condition is characterized by a redness and it can lead to visible blood vessels, swelling, thick and bumpy skin, and irritated eyes. There are many different types of rosacea but most can be treated by medicine and antibiotics. A quick tip to preventing flare-ups is by isolating what causes it: Too much sunlight? Extreme stress? Fatty foods? By knowing what your triggers are, you can learn to avoid them so that you’re not consistently flaring up.

To keep your redness at bay, try out Avène Antirougeurs Fort Relief Concentrate ($48).

Stretch Marks

These innocuous skin blemishes honestly aren't bad. They don't cause any negative effects, and we think that you should love your skin and body—stretch marks included! Even so, if you do have the desire to lessen the appearance of your stretch marks, we recommend trying cream that includes Retin-A, which works by restoring collagen to your skin. Make sure to keep your skin hydrated and always massage the area to keep the blood flow circulating.

For some intense stretch mark removal, try TriLastin-SR Intensive Stretch Mark Cream ($77) or use some Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Lotion For Stretch Marks ($4.79) for a lotion that you can use daily.

There’s been a lot of hype over higher education pretty much since you started high school, but now it’s finally here: your first day of college. You’ve gone through orientation, your room is set up and you’re ready to go. But, of course, it’s normal to get nervous about how the day will play out; After all, you don’t really know what to expect.

But no need to hit the panic button quite yet, because Her Campus is here to get you through a timeline of your entire first day, from the moment you wake up to the moment you hit your pillow at night! We’ll be breaking down some of the biggest snags you could potentially hit (Alarm didn’t go off? No one to sit with at lunch?) as well as how to deal with them should they arise.

7:31 a.m.: Waking up late

You set eight different alarms to make sure you’d get up on time for your 8:00 a.m. class, and to no avail: You still woke up late!

How to deal

First of all, waking up late is not the end of the world. “Everybody almost expects freshmen to be all over the place the first day of college, so take a deep breath and relax,” says Megan Showers, a junior at the University of Florida.

And Megan knows what she’s talking about; She woke up late on her first day of college! “I had a 9 a.m. class and woke up to my alarm clock reading 8:48 a.m.,” she says. “So obviously, I was freaked. It was at least a 15-minute walk to class plus the time it’d take to get ready, so I was pretty much on the verge of hyperventilating.”

Luckily, Megan had taken some proactive steps the night before to shorten her morning routine. “I’d been so neurotic about starting college that I’d actually laid out my clothes the night before and packed up my schoolbag like I was starting kindergarten,” she says. “At the time I felt paranoid, but as I was running around trying to get ready, it was a godsend.”

Megan highly recommends that other first-day collegiettes do the same thing to avoid any surprises in case they pop up a little later than expected on day one. The night before your first day of classes, take 10 or 15 minutes to pick out your outfit and pack your school bag (notebook, pens, folders, your keys, student ID, the works!). Also, make sure you set out toiletries or know where they are the next morning so that you’re not searching for a toothbrush when you’re running around. If you want to earn extra preparedness points, set out a granola bar or some cereal in case you need to eat on the run!

7:47 a.m.: Getting lost on the way to class

You rush out of your dorm, and you’re so excited, nervous and scared that you get extremely lost trying to find the academic building you’re supposed to be in. What’s a newly minted collegiette to do?

How to deal

Kate Masters, a junior at Wesleyan University, reminds collegiettes lost on campus not to panic. “Go up to someone who looks a little older (and friendly) and ask him or her for directions,” she says. Everybody’s been there before!

If possible, though, Kate recommends visiting your classes (or at least the buildings) before your first day. “The night before my first day of college, I actually spent 45 minutes walking around campus to all of my classes just to make sure I knew where the buildings were,” she says. “Some of my new college friends came with me, and it was really fun!”

Like planning your clothes the night before, checking out the campus ahead of time may seem like a little too much preparation for some collegiettes, so don’t be afraid to smile and ask someone for directions! Additionally, you could print a campus map and bring it with you for day one.

8:07 a.m.: You didn’t bring the right supplies to class

You sit down in class and pull out your laptop, only to have your professor announce that he has a no-laptops policy. The problem? You didn’t bring a notebook and pen.

How to deal

Kate faced this same issue during her first college class. “I felt so dumb for not bringing pens and paper to write on,” she says. “So, obviously, my tip is to bring a couple of different note-taking supplies.”

Rachel Nelson, a sophomore at the University of Southern California, says it’s not the end of the world if you don’t have everything on your first day. “Usually the first day of classes is just the professor handing out the syllabus, asking questions and maybe giving a mini lesson, so you really won’t be missing much,” she says. “Just make sure you go buy your supplies directly after class!”

Still freaked out about forgetting stuff? Feel free to ask the person next to you if he or she has an extra pen. Hey, you might make a new friend!

11:17 a.m.: You don’t know whom to sit with at lunch

Thought you were over the days of scanning the cafeteria looking for a seat? Think again. What happens if your orientations friends or hallmates haven’t gotten to the dining hall yet? Should you sit alone or awkwardly stand there waiting?

How to deal

Megan had this situation come up during her first day of college. “A bunch of the girls I had agreed to get lunch with were running late from class, so I got to the dining hall first and found myself having to wait 15 minutes,” she says.

So what did Megan do? She got her food, found a seat and stared at her phone the entire time. “I was so embarrassed to be sitting alone, but looking back now, two years later, I see how stupid all of my worrying was,” she says. “People don’t really care if you’re sitting alone, and no one will think you’re friendless or something just because people aren’t with you. It’s fine! I eat alone all the time now because I like to.”

If sitting alone is a little bold for you, remember that it’s college, so feel free to just wait for your lunch crew or meet some new people and sit with them (people are super friendly on the first day!). The important takeaway: No one is going to judge you, no matter what you choose.

1:42 p.m.: You don’t know what to do with all of your free time

Your classes have wrapped up way earlier than they ever did in high school (ah, the beauty of the college schedule!), so what are you supposed to do with all of this extra free time?

How to deal

There are definitely a lot of options out there if you have a little time on your hands on the first day, from running errands to checking out your class syllabi. First, you can go to the campus bookstore and buy whatever school supplies and reading materials you’re missing for your classes. It’s always good to be prepared!

Second, there’s always the option of getting a head start on academics. Kate recommends combining schoolwork with social time. “I was actually assigned a ton of work in my first college class, so I went to the library with some friends so we could all work on stuff,” she says. “As someone who procrastinated all the time in high school, I thought it was awesome to begin college on a good note by getting an early start on assignments.”

Kate also encourages collegiettes to really try to be social during the first couple of days and weeks of college. “It’s easy to feel tired and want to sit in bed watching Netflix all day, but this a crucial time in your college career!” she says. “Make friends, hang out with people and get involved. It’s an awesome time.”

Free time is a great thing, but definitely make sure you still have a game plan so you don’t spend the first couple of days just sitting on the Internet. Make a list of what you hope to accomplish on campus during the beginning of the semester and go for it!

9:34 p.m.: Your friends want to party but you’re not sure if you want to

It’s your first night of school and you’re beyond exhausted, but a bunch of your friends want to go out to a party. You want nothing more than to crawl into bed and pass out, but you also don’t want to miss out on a social opportunity.

How to deal

First off, don’t feel like you have to go out to have a great freshman year! Rachel found herself in this situation during her first couple of days of college. “On the one hand, I didn’t want to seem like a party pooper, but I was also bogged down in homework on my first day,” she says.

So, how did she deal? Rachel met her friends in the middle. “My friends were actually pregaming for a couple of hours before they headed to this frat party, so I joined them for that and then left them when they went to the party,” she says.

It turns out Rachel made the right choice, too. “My friends only ended up staying at the party for an hour tops, so I didn’t miss much!” she says.

Another huge perk of having so much to do on a college campus is that you can pick and choose what you want to do with your time, so if partying one night isn’t your thing, no one will fault you for wanting to stay in and study or check out extracurriculars!

Overall, your first day of freshman year will definitely be filled with ups and downs, but just remember that everyone experiences them! Problems will pop up, so as long as you go in with a game plan and take a couple of minutes to prepare ahead of time, you’re going to do great. All of your classmates are as excited and anxious as you are to see how the first day goes, so relax and enjoy it!

When it comes to body and size inclusivity, fashion isn’t exactly known for having the best track record—and it seems like for every step taken forward for the fashion world to appreciate women of all shapes and sizes in recent, there are still those who focus only on the mostly unachievable, narrowly defined female body ideal. Take (now ex) Herve Leger executive Patrick Couderc, for example.

The former UK managing director of the iconic fashion brand responsible for the often imitated bandage dress came under fire Sunday after he made some rather nasty comments in an interview to the Daily Mail about the women he believes should be and shouldn’t be wearing the fashion house’s dresses. Among the body types he mentioned? Couderc told the Daily Mail that “voluptuous” women, as well as those with “very prominent hips and a very flat chest,” should stay away from wearing Herve Leger’s body-con styles. (Does that even leave any women left to be wearing his dresses?)

“Yes, you have a 12th of an inch around your stomach, it’s not really a disaster, and what you’re not noticing is that your cleavage is about two inches too low because you are 55 and it’s time that you should not display everything like you’re 23,” Couderc said in his interview.

As if that weren’t bad enough, the exec also targeted lesbians with his cruel comments, saying that truly “committed” lesbians wouldn’t want to wear a Herve Leger dress, because they would rather look “butch and leisurely.” Ouch.

Thankfully, Herve Leger is taking action to show they do not stand behind Couderc’s rather, um, blunt interview by reportedly firing him. The fashion house also addressed the situation with a Facebook post, apologizing to the brand’s fans.

“His remarks are not a reflection of Herve Leger, which celebrates sensuality, glamour and femininity without discrimination,” the brand said. “His comments were deeply offensive to us all."

We’re just glad Herve Leger (and the rest of the fashion industry) finds this as completely unacceptable as we do! After all, with a considerable amount of progress being made towards body positivity in fashion, it would be a shame to let those like Couderc get in the way.

We all need a little guidance now and then, so whether you’re stressed about a fling gone wrong, a recently wrecked relationship or how to handle a stage-five clinger, Real Live College Guy Jon is here to help you navigate the college dating scene!

Hi, I've been texting this guy that is always busy with basketball, and I've hinted that we should hang out when he is available and he agreed, but he hasn't said anything about hanging out and never asks me questions, it is always me asking him questions. What should I do? – Uncertain at UCSD

Uncertain, 

You have done enough; it’s time to move on to the next one. 

If you are the only one putting all the effort towards the two of you hanging out, and yet he still won’t make time for you, then he is not interested. By not facilitating any questions or dialogue he is purposely making it more difficult for you to pursue him. This, sadly, is not some ploy to conceal any deeply held feelings that he has for you.  Instead, it a childish, non-confrontational attempt to stop your efforts.  

My suggestion is to stop texting him and find another guy to go after. Any person you consider for a relationship longer than a one-night stand must regard communication as essential. Communication is a two way street: it takes two active participants, each playing the role of speaker and listener. This is what you are missing. When you do find someone with whom you share mutual feelings, he will more than appreciate any efforts to hang out, no matter how busy he is.

-Jon

Whether you’re fresh out of college looking for a full-time job or trying to fill the empty space your class schedule has left you with, the job search is tough. So it’s inevitable that every girl on the hunt for a job has these 15 thoughts.

1. I don’t know why people are always complaining about not being able to find a job.

Jobs obviously grow on trees because there’s so many listed online. And the Internet is never misleading.

2. My résumé is okay, I guess.

Granted, I wrote it three years ago, but if I change it I might mess up the formatting.

3. Do I have to write a different cover letter for every application?

Maybe I could just copy and paste the info from the job listing instead.

4. I wonder if my LinkedIn is actually useful for something other than braggingabout my short list of accomplishments.

What are all these endorsements I got from working on group projects good for anyway?

5. How long can I get away with this “looking for a job” excuse? Because I’m quite enjoying my free time.

The jobs I’ve looked at just don’t seem right for me. What does seem right? Spending entire weekdays in my pajamas binge-watching Dawson’s Creek.

6. Does this job pay? Preferably money, please.

If I see one more unpaid internship that’s perfect for me but nada on the moolah, I’m going to come unhinged.

7. Submitting job applications is so much work that it should be considered a job.

So tired. Need brain break.

8. I’m never going to find a job.

Is eating a whole pizza by myself considered a skill worthy of employment? *crossing fingers hopefully*

9. This is why I should’ve networked more.

So this is what networking is supposed to be all about. Hmm… it sounds like a good idea. But then again so did getting bangs.

10. My life is all about the B.S.

Yes, I have ten years of experience in my chosen field.

11. So I’ve wasted my time and money on a college education for what now?

Going to college was supposed to increase my chances of becoming a productive member of society.

12. Why has no one responded to me yet?

Is my email even working? I’ve refreshed it, like, 70 times today and still nothing.

13. Do I really need a job?

I’d probably do okay living with my parents for the rest of my life.

14. This is so not my dream job.

I don’t want to settle, but I’ve got to start somewhere.

15. Whatever I end up doing, one thing’s for sure: I’m going to kill at being employed!

I’ve got this whole real world thing down!

Rushing a sorority can be more nerve-wracking and confusing than taking a calculus test. Instead of dealing with derivatives, you’ve got to put yourself out there and impress girls who you just met 30 seconds ago. You have a million questions and don’t know whom to ask about them: Do I eat the snack they give me? Do I tell them I don’t like my roommate, or should I pretend that I do?  How do I sit on the ground in this dress without flashing someone?

Luckily, there’s no need to have a panic attack and give up on rush altogether — we may not be able to help you with calculus, but we’ve got you covered when it comes to sorority rush. We talked to collegiettes who are in sororities, so you can be assured that you’re getting the best advice out there. With these insider tips from girls who have gone through the process and came out alive, you’ll get a behind the scenes look at rush and know what to do (and what not to!) to get the bid you want.

1. DON’T talk about how blackout you got during Welcome Week.

“I would say girls should definitely avoid talking about drinking, drugs, and partying,” says Rachel, a recent grad of the University of Michigan and the former Social Chair of Chi Omega. “We are all in college, we've all seen the same type of parties and it makes you look like you are trying to bond for the wrong reasons.”

Allie, a recent grad of the University of Michigan and the former Vice President of Recruitment of Alpha Chi Omega, agrees. “While you may talk about partying with a best girl friend, recruitment is not the place for it,” she says.  “When a first impression is all you have to offer, you want to put your best foot forward. It is fine to talk about how much fun you had with your friends at a party, just be discreet about it.”

In other words, you don’t have to hide the fact that you go out — it’s good to know that you are a fun-loving person who knows how to enjoy herself! For example, if you went to one of the big welcome parties and you’re asked about it, by all means say you went and had a great time. But avoid the details, such as how much or what you drank, how drunk you were, and what ridiculous intoxicated shenanigans you got yourself into. A fun girl is a plus, but “THAT sloppy, hammered chick” won’t be first on anyone’s bid list. The same goes for drugs — just don’t talk about them.

2. DO say something unique or memorable about yourself.

Be aware that the girls rushing you are also rushing tons of other people, and it can be hard to keep track of them all. The conversations are short and all start to blend together, so your best bet at standing out in their minds is to say something unique about yourself. Then, when they’re telling their sorority sisters about you, they can say “she was the one who went scuba diving in the Galapagos this summer!” or “she’s the marathon runner!”

Dropping a quirky, noteworthy fact about yourself also shows that you are an interesting person, which is obviously a plus. Whereas talking about partying is best to be avoided, your interests and passions are at the top of the list of good conversation topics because they give others a sense of who you really are and what you can contribute to the sorority.

“This may sound cheesy, but we want girls who want to make our chapter better and are determined, hardworking, motivated and smart girls,” says Becca, the Rush Chair of Tri Delta at Union College. “We want to know if they volunteer, play sports or do other extracurriculars, because we want them to get involved and show the administration at our school all of the positive things we do for the community."

So, without bragging, make a point to reveal some of your hobbies, passions and memorable experiences. Added bonus: when you’re talking about stuff you love to do, you will naturally sound enthusiastic and engaged!  

3. DON’T mention the guy you went home with last night.

Like partying, sexual escapades can be added to the list of Things You Should Avoid Talking About With Strangers. Yes, the girls you are talking to may be your future sorority sisters who you will tell everything to, but dishing about your sex life right off the bat can give the wrong impression.

It can also get a bit awkward. Katie*, a collegiette in a sorority at a Midwestern school, says that when a girl she rushed brought up the size of her boyfriend’s package, things got weird fast. “I was just really taken aback and uncomfortable… I had just met her three minutes ago!” Katie says. “It was definitely TMI and it sort of made me question her judgment.”

Allie adds that name-dropping a specific guy could be trouble because there’s always a chance that the girl you are talking to knows him (or is related to him, or dated him, or hates him for something he did to her friend — you get the picture).

So, bottom line: save your boy woes and hookup stories for post-rush dinner with your friends. “In the end, it’s about sisterhood, not catty boy drama,” says Becca. 

Need a reminder of the “don'ts” so far? Allie boils them down to three “B’s” to avoid: booze, blunts and boys.

4. DO look presentable.

Choosing what to wear to rush can cause a bigger headache than choosing your first-day-of-school outfit, but we have some guidelines to ease the pain. Every school’s recruitment is different and you may be told specific things to wear on each day of rush. Regardless, you want to look clean and put together. We know you might still be getting used to doing your own laundry, but a coffee-stained shirt is probably not your best look. 

“Present yourself like you are going to meet your friend’s parents for brunch,” Allie says. That means avoid excessive cleavage, barely-there shorts and skirts and flashy (distractingly so) jewelry. “Your appearance should show that you care about being at the house you are in, but that you are comfortable in what you are wearing. Put time in and make sure you feel confident,” Allie says.

Be conscious of your makeup, too — lipstick-stained teeth are pretty hard to ignore when you’re talking to someone who is two feet away from you.

5. DON’T gossip or talk smack about others.

Gossiping can be dangerous for several reasons. First, as Allie pointed out, the girl rushing you could very well know who you are talking about, so you risk getting yourself into an awkward situation or even offending someone. And the girl may tell someone else in her house or another house, making matters worse.

Additionally, gossiping can make you seem catty, superficial and two-faced — not the qualities of an ideal sorority sister. You want the sisters to realize you would make an amazing friend, so be the amazing friend that you are! Instead of launching into a conversation about how annoying this girl in your class is, talk about how you and your friend signed up for a Zumba class together or how going to camp for six years has prepared you for living with 50 other girls. Leave the gossip for Serena and Blair.

6. DO act like you want to be there.

When you’re going through rush, it can be easy to forget that you’re not the only one being assessed. The girls rushing you are being evaluated too — by you! They want you to like them as much as you want them to like you, and they’re looking out for girls who are clearly excited to be there.

Rachel explains that when a girl seems to lack interest, rushers may not be able to get a good sense of her and will write her off. “When a girl acts uninterested or seems like she thinks she is above the process, it’s going to be a lot harder to get to know her in the five minutes that we have,” she says.

So be engaged in conversation. Ask questions, make eye contact, nod, laugh and sound enthusiastic — basically, everything you were told to do doing a college interview. Compliment the house and any decorations they have up, and respond to the information given during presentations to show that you were listening. For example, if a presentation is given on the chapter’s philanthropy, ask the girl rushing you what kind of involvement she had in their annual fundraiser last year.

There’s no need to go over the top and gush about every little thing (“OMG the embroidery on those pillowcases is really amazing, please tell me everything you know about it!”), but showing genuine interest in what you are being told about the sorority is super important. 

7. DON’T say something negative about another house.

You may think that bashing another house could help prove your loyalty to the house you are being rushed at, but this is definitely something you should never do. Once again, you have no idea what connections the girl you’re talking to may have to that house (for example, her biological sister or freshman year roommate may be in it).

Not only that, but talking about another house takes time away from learning about the house you’re actually at and showing your interest in it. Your attention should be solely focused on that one house for the time that you’re there, so you may as well pretend that no other sorority exists until you walk out the door and move on to the next one.  

8. DO be yourself.

This one may seem trite, but it’s the most fundamental advice of all. “Being genuine is the most important thing you can do during rush,” Rachel says. “You want to end up in a house that is the right fit for you, and you and the rusher can only know this if you are being yourself.”

Allie echoes this advice: “Find a place where you can be yourself and where you feel at home!”

If you’re pretending to be someone you’re not (and don’t want to be) just to get into a particular sorority, you’re only disserving yourself because you’ll probably end up being surrounded by girls who don’t mesh best with the real you.

While many aspects of rush do resemble a college interview, keep in mind that you’re talking to girls your age, not a middle-aged woman in a pantsuit who wants to hear you spin your weaknesses into strengths. So feel free to loosen up and joke around. It’ll showcase your sense of humor and establish a connection between you and your rusher. The livelier the conversation, the more likely it is to be remembered positively.

“The best conversations will be the ones you remember laughing in, and enjoying that girl’s company. They will be natural and relaxed,” Allie says.

All of the do’s and don'ts aside, don't sweat rush too much — take a deep breath before you enter every house and present your best, true self. More often than not, the process has a way of working out well for you in the end. We promise you’ll live to tell the tale!

*Name has been changed.

This article has been syndicated to Her Campus from My L(e)onely Planet by Leona Hinds, a Her Campus Blogger Network member. Read the full post here—and find out more about how to become a Campus Correspondent for your school!

During my past three years at university, I was a contributor and intern at Her Campus Nottingham. In my first semester as part of the Her Campus Nottingham chapter, I was a copy editor, proof reading and editing my peers' work before it got published on the website. I received a couple of articles each weekend to go through and I really enjoyed the behind-the-scenes sneak preview of content before it went live.

In Her Campus Nottingham’s second year, I was on my year abroad, but applied to be a writer. I wrote a mixture of health and travel articles as well as other topical pieces. Then in my fourth and final year of university at Nottingham, I started to write about local Nottingham events and university life. This year’s Campus Correspondents really pushed us for content and there were loads of opportunities to get involved and write.

I had great fun as an intern at Her Campus as it helped me to feel like an integral part of university, as we reported on campus affairs and interviewed our own classmates on campus. We have a wide audience comprising university students and staff, as well as alumni and the interns’ friends and families.

I highly recommend Her Campus for anyone who loves to read and/or write. The opportunities to get involved in a community are immense and there are plenty of giveaways, events and exciting articles uploaded daily. What are you waiting for?

Read the full post on My L(e)onely Planet, and find out how to start a Her Campus chapter at your school!

Summer is winding down, collegiettes. While that does mean that you should soak up as much sunshine as you can in these next few weeks, it also means that a new school year is quickly approaching. You may not be ready to hit the books just yet, but we know you love going shopping in preparation for the fall semester!

To help you stock up on everything you need for the back-to-school season, Her Campus and Marshalls are giving away one $500 Marshalls gift card so that you can get what you want AND what you need to rock the new school year!

One lucky collegiette will win $500 to spend at any Marshalls location, on everything from new clothes, shoes, accessories, dorm décor and beyond. Find a store near you, get some style inspirationand enter for a chance to win a $500 Marshalls gift card now!

When it comes to makeup, everybody needs to start somewhere! Especially when you're first starting to build your beauty collection, walking through the aisle at Sephora can be extremely overwhelming. Twenty different primers, literally thousands of eye shadow colors, brands at every price point—trying to figure out what you actually need to walk away with can be pretty dizzying. That's what we're here for! There are only a few products you really need to start with—we've listed all seven below!

1. Cleanser

The secret to good makeup will always be good skincare, so it’s important to find a cleanser that does everything when starting out. Be sure to find a cleanser that cleans and hydrates the skin at the same time. Boots No7 Beautiful Skin Cleanser ($9.99, target.com) is a great find. Use this hypoallergenic formula in the morning to give yourself a clean palette to start with, and then again at night to wash the day's makeup away.

2. Do-all moisturizer

It’s always important to apply face lotion after cleansing to restore any moisture that a cleanser may have stripped from your skin. For starters, Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer ($11.59, target.com) is the best way to go. All you need is a penny-sized amount for smooth skin.

3. Concealer  

You've been going with the natural look thus far, so caking on foundation is probably the last thing you want to do! Instead, opt for a concealer. A concealer crayon works wonders, and is great for covering everything from blemishes to dark under-eye circles. We love the L'Oréal True Match Super-Blendable Concealer ($8.99, ulta.com) in any shade that blends well with your skin.

4. Mascara

You won't believe what a simple swipe of mascara can do for your eyes! You'll look more awake (perfect for when you've just pulled an all-nighter) and instantly makes you look that much more put-together. For dream lashes, try Maybelline The Falsies Volum' Express ($6.99, ulta.com). It even curls your lashes, too!

5. Clear lip balm

A hydrating, colorless lip balm is always an essential. Use it to moisturize before you put on lipstick, as a gloss over lip color, or, of course, just on its own. We're fans of Smith's Rosebud Salve ($6, ulta.com), because it's not waxy or sticky, and gives a subtle shine, which makes your overall look a little more glam!

6. Neutral eyeshadow palette

If there's anything that's fun to experiment with, it's eyeshadow. And when you're just starting out, we suggest going with a palette featuring a variety of neutral shades, so you can create both casual and statement looks. The Naked 2 Basics from Urban Decay ($29, ulta.com) is a cult favorite!

7. Eyeliner

Eyeliner defines the eyes, whether you're going for a bold or subtle look. To apply, gently pull your eyelids outward and trace above your eyelashes. After that, smudge the line out with a Q-tip for an easy, go-to smoky eye perfect for any occasion. Be sure to give Urban Decay's 24/7 Glide On Eyeliner in Zero or Bourbon ($20 each, ulta.com) a try. This product goes on smooth and lasts all day! 

If you've ever wondered what the most used emoji in your state is, you can now find out.

According to The Daily Dot, a company called SwiftKey (they make keyboard software for mobile devices) looked at more than one billion emoji, in order to determine texting patterns among people in each state. The results are pretty interesting and quite extensive.

If you go to SwiftKey's website, you can click around and explore the data for every state. Select a state, and choose from these options: "more than any state,""more than average,""less than average,""categories more than average" or "categories less than average." 

And just because we know you're wondering, the state that utilizes the poop emoji the most is Vermont.

What are you waiting for? Go find out if your hometown is more eggplant emoji (Nevada, btw) or mustached man (South Dakota).

Our inner middle schooler is currently freaking out. In huge music news, JoJo just released three amazing new singles—completely out of nowhere! 

The artist who gave us the iconic "Leave (Get Out)" and "Too Little, Too Late" is making a comeback after nine years away from the spotlight.She's calling it a "tringle," and we are so into it. The songs, "When Love Hurts,""Save My Soul" and "Say Love" all showcase her incredible vocal talent and prove that she's still got it. You can listen to them now on her website!

We suggest you stop whatever you're doing, turn your volume up and give these songs a listen. "When Love Hurts" (our personal favorite) will make you want to get up and dance, "Save My Soul" is reminiscent of "Too Little, Too Late" and "Say Love" will have you singing along in no time. JoJo is back, and we can't wait to see what she does next.

TAKE OUR BRAND SURVEY NOW!
 

You are, of course, a highly intelligent and unique human being whom any of your fellow incoming freshmen would be lucky to know. And yet, as you meet them for the first time during freshman orientation, you find yourself unable to say anything other than, “So, um, where are you from? That’s cool. What’s your major? That’s cool.”

Many of the people you talk to will be eager to chat about hometowns and classes. There’s something about the novelty of your first few days on a college campus and the desire to make a good first impression that tends to homogenize conversation. Despite the repetitious introductions, however, a few distinct personalities will emerge from the crowd. Her Campus has compiled a list of seven of these archetypes that you’re sure to meet during freshman orientation.

1. The Guy Who Wants to Get Laid

You’ll probably meet many guys with this narrow aspiration at college, not only during freshman orientation, but also throughout your four years. During the first few days of school, the guys on your hall will get together and talk about who’s going to get laid first. Maybe they’ll have some sort of prize picked out for the “winner.” Yeah, we know. It’s sexist and gross. But unless you go to an all-girls school, you’re going to have to deal with it at some point.

In order to entice you, he’ll try to get you alone in his room. Here are some ways he might lure you there:

• Saying he has a fun game. It’s in his room, wanna play?
• Saying he bought cookies and he wants to share them with you. They’re in his room, wanna get some?
• Saying he has a Tempur-Pedic bed. It’s in his room, wanna check it out?

Don’t take these at face value. He’s not talking about Monopoly, it’s your cookies that he wants and who even brings a Tempur-Pedic bed to college?

If you’re into him, feel free to own your sexuality; just make sure to use protection as always! But be aware that he probably won’t fully appreciate your uniquely amazing body and feminine charms. He’s merely looking for something with a pulse to walk out of his room the next morning so he can fist bump the guys and maybe win a few bets about who can hook up with the most girls before classes even start.

2. The Free Stuff Addict

You’ll first see this guy waiting in the free T-shirt line. You’ll then see him at the student activity fair, feigning interest in clubs long enough to grab a handful of free candy from each table.

Hey look, there he is at the academic advising fair, pilfering pens! He’s even at the ice cream sundae social, dumping toppings (chocolate chips and marshmallows and peanuts) into a little bag to bring back to his dorm and snack on later.

You might call him a cheapskate, but this guy is so smart he’s already ready to graduate summa cum laude in our books. Considering the cost of college tuition these days, we don’t blame him at all for trying to get his money’s worth. Colleges like to use orientation to dole out free merchandise that will give students a chance to show their school spirit. Follow his cue and snag that complimentary bumper sticker!

3. The “Class of” Facebook Group Celebrity

You’ll meet many people in the prefrosh Facebook group, but there’ll be one or two people who stick out. These Facebook users post regularly, comment on other people’s posts and friend all the people who “like” something they write, plus all those people’s friends for good measure.

You’re sure to run into these Facebook elite, and it’ll be a bit weird at first. After all, you know their favorite singers, their class schedules and which clubs they’re interested in, but you’ve never even heard their voices. You’ll see one while waiting in line at an orientation event and will think of something friendly to say, like, “Hey, I think we’re friends on Facebook.” Before you can go up to him or her, though, a mob of your peers will cross in front of you shouting, “Hey, you’re (insert first and last name)! We’re friends on Facebook!”

Sometimes Facebook celebrities are loud and attention-seeking, but sometimes they’re the quiet, shy kids who hide behind their profile pictures and online anonymity. If the latter seems to be the case, wait until after freshman orientation to strike up a conversation, and make sure it’s about something you have in common other than just being friends online—maybe mention that you saw she likes Woody Allen and see if she wants to see Magic in the Moonlight with you. You two might become friends IRL!

4. Everyone’s Instant BFF

This effervescent and extroverted girl has befriended the entire freshman class by 10 a.m. She loves to chat with people about anything and everything, and she somehow knows how to keep a conversation going after you’ve told her your major, hometown and class schedule for the fall. She’s also been live-tweeting and Instagramming every orientation welcome speech, safety presentation and meet and greet, so she’s also been accumulating friends through social media.

This girl is great for networking—tell her you’re taking Calc 110 this semester or are looking at joining the Irish dance team, and she can immediately tell you three people she’s met with the same interests.

After orientation, she’ll probably start hanging out with one group of friends, but will still give you (and everyone around) a big smile and wave when she passes you on campus. Shortly after orientation, you’ll probably start seeing her name written on campaign posters and chalked on sidewalks all over campus. Don’t be surprised if she’s elected your class president!

5. The Party Queen

There are several ways to identify The Party Queen. You could look in her dorm closet, where she has more club dresses than actual shirts and pants suitable for wearing to class. You could look at the orientation leaders eating lunch and pick out the one freshman who’s already friends with them. Or, you could start asking people if they’re doing anything fun after the day’s orientation events and wait for The Party Queen to rush to your side and inform you of the locations of all the best upcoming parties.

Many Party Queens don’t like to relinquish their crowns and will continue to be the sources of information on nighttime soirees even after orientation. Then again, there’s always the chance that she’s using freshman orientation to get the raging out of her system, and once classes start, she’ll be spending all her nights at the library. The next time you see her could be when she gives the valedictorian speech at graduation. You never know!

6. The Guy Whose Parents Never Leave

As you look out at the people in the dining hall, you see many nervous but smiling faces. Except for one. The kid at the table next to you looks slightly dismayed. You only wonder why for a few seconds before you see a middle-aged couple set their trays next to him. You had heard about this kid—he’s the one whose parents just won’t leave.

Parents are encouraged to attend some of the orientation events, and indeed, your own parents took the campus tour with you and sat through the info session on financial aid. But this guy’s parents also went to his one-on-one session with his academic adviser and joined in on his residence hall’s game of Apples to Apples. Now they’re at the assembly on safe sex, nodding with approval whenever abstinence is mentioned.

The plus side to this guy’s situation is that as long as his parents are here, so are their wallets. “Hey, Dad, why don’t we go off campus for dinner tonight? Your treat?” And once classes start and they’re forced to leave, this guy will finally learn what it’s like to live away from his family—that is, until Parents Weekend.

7. The Cute Guy You Keep Bumping Into

You noticed him while wandering around the student activity fair. And look, there he is enjoying the impromptu a cappella concert. When you go up to him and start chatting about how Pitch Perfect this campus is, he looks at your face, not your chest, and laughs along agreeably. Yep, he’s the antidote to The Guy Who Wants to Get Laid. Total boyfriend potential.

But wait! Even though the Lily-and-Marshall-meeting-right-as-college-starts scenario as seen on How I Met Your Mother is highly appealing, it’s also quite unrealistic. Focus on yourself, settling in, making good friends and getting a strong start on your classes. Maybe the guy will use the number you wrote on his hand to call you for a date. Or maybe you’ll stop seeing him around and completely forget about it a few months later. Either way, freshman orientation becomes counterproductive when you let some campus cutie disorient your heart.

Are you feeling apprehensive about orientation? Check out these tips on making the most of orientation!

Classes are back in session, the leaves are about to change color and the weather is getting cooler, but don’t let the autumn chill take the sizzle out of your love life! There are tons of amazing date opportunities for the fall months that won’t break the bank. Her Campus presents 15 fun and free date ideas for fall.

1. Make “His and Hers” Scarecrows

Making scarecrows isn’t just for farmers with a pesky bird problem, it can be a great way to show off your creativity and bond with your guy. First, raid your closets for a scarecrow wardrobe. No plaid? No problem. Any old outfit will do! Once you pick the outfits, stuff the clothes with hay, old newspapers, or leaves until the scarecrows are nice and plump. Then, tie the ends of the sleeves and pant legs with rubber bands or ribbons. Stuff a plastic bag or old pillowcase with leaves for the head and don’t forget to give your scarecrow a face with markers or paint. Add an old hat or some ribbons for hair to complete the dashing duo. Some of our favorite scarecrows were the non-traditional type, like this adorable pair of on a tandem bike. Now you’ll have a perfect scarecrow couple!

2. Bike through the Fall Foliage

Hop on your bikes to enjoy the crisp autumn air, the beautiful foliage and the sound of crunchy leaves beneath your wheels. Not only is riding your bike a great source of exercise, but you’ll both feel more relaxed and at one with nature as well. Whether you bike through a local park or just around campus, you’re sure to enjoy the scenic ride on this great outdoorsy date.

3. Go on a Hayride

Lots of farms have free apple or pumpkin picking hayrides where you just pay for the produce at the end. If you’re not looking to drop the cash for the fruit, sit back, relax and enjoy the hayride together. Afterwards, walk hand-in-hand taking a romantic stroll through the orchards and simply enjoy each other’s company.

4. Visit a Haunted House

Face your fears and visit a free haunted house in your area. Link arms and try not to make fun of your guy if he gets more scared than you do! If you can’t find any free haunted houses in your area, consider organizing your own haunted house or volunteering as a “scarer.” Sometimes it can be more fun to be on the other end of the fright!

5. Carve or Paint Pumpkins

If you have some pumpkins, why not channel some creativity and carve or paint them? There are plenty of free designs for pumpkin carving that are available online. Click here for some great templates! And don’t forget to roast the seeds in the oven for a tasty snack!

6. Midnight Bonfire

Use a fire pit to build a romantic bonfire. Roast marshmallows, look at the stars and enjoy each other’s company in the great outdoors. For instructions on building a bonfire, click here. If you’re stuck on campus and don’t have access to a real fire, browse YouTube for a crackling fire video and pop some s’mores in the microwave for a relaxing evening in.

7. Monster Movie Marathon

Get in the Halloween spirit by checking out Hulu’s scary movie selection and pick some frightening flicks to watch together. Horror movies give you the perfect opportunity to snuggle up close. If the bone-chilling gore becomes too much, you can always turn off the flick and let things heat up between you and your guy.

8. Read Ghost Stories

Head to your campus library and check out some creepy ghost stories. Cuddle up under a warm blanket and take turns reading the tales aloud to each other. Add candlelight for a romantic yet spooky touch! If you like your scary stories to have a modern flair, read the scary urban legends together by the glow of your laptop.

9. Post-Thanksgiving Picnic in the Park

Enjoy those Thanksgiving leftovers by planning a romantic lunch in the park with him. Pack some turkey sandwiches and pumpkin pie in a picnic basket and take along a blanket to enjoy your meal amongst the lovely foliage. You can cozy up and give thanks for the wonderful man in your life.

10. Conjure Up Some Treats

Get out the flour, butter and sugar and whip up some delicious desserts. After you’re done baking some Halloween cookies or cupcakes, get creative with the frosting - things will be heating up in no time! Check out these spellbinding recipes:

• Batty Cupcakes
• Halloween Brownie Bites 
• Candy Corn Sugar Cookies 
• Pumpkin Cookies with Brown Butter Icing
• Halloween Blondies
• Candy Corn and Pretzel Bark

11. Visit a Fall Festival

Lots of towns host free fall festivals complete with live entertainment, food, and activities. Check to see if there are any fall festivals in your area. Strolling through a fair arm-in-arm with your guy will make for a great autumn date.

12. Go Trick-or-Treating

Embrace your inner child and go house-to-house with your guy to score some sweets. If he’s convinced that you’re too old for trick-or-treating, suggest going to a Halloween store or thrift shop to try on some crazy costumes. For extra fun, make it a contest to see who can find the most ridiculous costume – loser has to make dinner for the winner!

13. Get Crafty

Scour Pinterest for some fun Halloween crafts you can make with your man. Grab some glitter, markers, construction paper and glue and get those creative juices flowing. Some of our favorite Pinterest crafts include:

• Glitter Webs
• Halloween Button Art
• Ribbon Wreath 
• Paper Cup Spiders
• Halloween Lanterns

14. Volunteer Together

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, what’s a better time to do some good? Visit a local animal shelter or soup kitchen and volunteer together. You’ll both feel good about giving back to the community, and seeing your guy play with puppies or donning an apron to serve food to the needy will be enough to melt your heart.

15. Pick Your Own Apples (and Cook up Recipes)!

What’s more synonymous with fall than the crisp smell of apples in the air? Hop in the car and visit your local orchard and make a day trip out of it. Tour the farm, sip some cider and nibble on some cider donuts (delicious)! Check out some of these other apple recipes to make together!

What fall date ideas do you have? Let us know in a comment below!

With so many different colleges in one city, it's no wonder that Boston has become the place to be for young professionals. While each university is unique, there are some traditions that all students in Boston share. Here are 17 experiences that anyone who goes to school in Boston will know all too well.

1. When you tell anyone where you go to school, the first thing they ask about is the winter

“How do you deal with all that snow?” I just do, ok?

2. Even if you used to drink Starbucks, you’re a Dunkin’ addict now

America really does run on Dunkin’.

3. You have a strong opinion on which bakery has the best cannoli

Bova’s? Mike’s? Modern?

4. Tourists have become the bane of your existence

Duck tours. Duck tours everywhere.

5. You have a love/hate relationship with the Green Line (and the MBTA in general)

It’s mostly hate.

6. You’ve been to at least one game at Fenway, even if you’re not into sports

It’s practically a rite of passage.

7. You celebrated the Red Sox win in 2013

As well as the Patriots win in 2015.

8. St. Patrick’s Day is a big deal

But you might not remember it.

9. You know that the Public Garden is the place to take that perfect Insta

It’s gorgeous in every season.

10. You save dinner in the North End for Parents’ Weekend

You are on a college student’s budget, after all.

11. The Esplanade is your playground (literally)

As well as the best place to watch the sun set.

12. You’ve chosen a side in the Boloco vs. Chipotle debate

Because burritos are serious business.

13. You’ve been to at least one sketchy Allston party

And one was probably enough.

14. You’re used to living in an eternal winter

But that doesn’t make walking to an 8 AM class in January any easier.

15. You get mad when people refer to the ‘Boston Commons’

It’s the Common. No ‘s’.

16. You’ve gone to Boston Calling

Or you just listened to the music from right outside Government Center.

17. You will always be Boston Strong

No matter what.

We love you, Boston.

In college, as in life, some things are unavoidable: tuition, essays, bad-for-you food…and roommates. Unless you live at home while going to school, from the time you enter the higher education world until you leave it (and probably beyond that), you will be coping with people in your personal space—sharing a bathroom, the kitchen and the TV. In the land of shared space, problems arise frequently—and if you never deal with them, they have the potential to ruin any relationship. Use these tips from experts and real college girls on getting along with your roommate—whether your roomie is a random assignment or your best friend.

What to Do From the Get-Go

A new school year (often) comes with a new living situation—if you’re a new freshman this might be your first time sharing your space with another person—not to mention sharing a bathroom with many more people. Or, you might be an upperclassman who has just moved off campus with friends into an apartment or house. Either way, it’s best to set up ground rules with your roommate(s) to ensure that everyone stays happy and you don’t end up like these HC girls!

Communicate

If you’re living in the dorms, your RA may force you and your roommate to sign a contract concerning things from what to do during a disagreement to how to handle chores, boys in the room and study/sleep schedules. If you live off-campus and aren’t being encouraged to sign a roommate contract, a verbal discussion is a good idea.

Things that should be in any roommate contract (no matter your situation): whether you have times (such as right before a big test or past midnight on a school night) when you need quiet, your feelings about guys/boyfriends staying the night and how to split chores evenly.

Living in the dorms can be especially tricky, however, because neither roommate has the ability to simply go into their own room for escape. Make sure you and your roommate clearly state your boundaries—for instance, if she needs quiet to study but you listen to background music, come up with compromises (you listen to your iPod rather than your stereo) in the beginning to deal with space concerns.

Living outside the dorms involves more than just cleanliness and proximity issues, however. “Sit down with your roommate(s) to set these boundaries from day one,” advises Emma Wallace, a student at Texas State University. “Decide who will do dishes on what days, grocery shopping guidelines (do you share or buy your own) and if there are boyfriends involved, make sure wires are never crossed with that. If you have the basics set in stone (with a little wiggle room), it's hard to mess it up.”

Bond

If you just moved in with a friend (or several), chances are you don’t think you need to bond; however, if you’re first-time roommates, it wouldn’t be a bad idea. Try having a roommate night (cook a joint meal and rent a movie, perhaps)—this could also be a good time to discuss more serious topics, like how you aren’t okay with her plans to have her bf over every other night.

Kathryn Williams, author of Roomies: Sharing Your Home with Friends, Strangers, and Total Freaks, says, “If you're living with a stranger, I think it goes a long way to have an icebreaker outing with that person - lunch, coffee, a party, a movie in the commons room. It just starts things off on a friendly foot, even if you have no intentions of hanging out with that person. He or she is probably just as nervous about living with a stranger as you are.”

What to Do When Problems Arise

Susan Fee, author of My Roommate is Driving Me Crazy!, gives five tips from her book on what to do when you and your roommate clash:

1. Talk.

If something’s bugging you, bring it up in a non-defensive way rather than assuming your roommate can read your mind. Nothing can change unless you acknowledge it. It’s possible that your roommate may not even be aware of the problem.

2. Focus on behavior, not personality.

It’s not reasonable to ask people to change who they are, but you can ask them to tone down how they express themselves, especially when it’s invading your turf. So, you can’t criticize someone for being "perky," but you can ask for someone not to talk so much while you’re studying.

3. Stay flexible.

It’s not your job to fix anybody else, and it helps to recognize that no one is perfect. Be willing to look at your own behavior. Consider what you could do differently to help the situation instead of only blaming your roommate.

4. Start with one pet peeve. 

What can you absolutely not deal with? What do you find extremely irritating, but could live with if you had to? There are probably tons of things your roommate does that get on your nerves. But nothing kills a relationship faster than listing dozens of reasons why you don’t like a person. Instead, both of you need to list your number one pet peeve and focus your energy on solving that first.

5. Consider the positives. 

Before you decide that life would be better with a roommate exactly like you, think of what you could gain by living with your opposite. We’re often attracted to people who are different from us because they represent qualities we wish we possessed. If you’re shy, maybe being around a more outgoing person will force you out of your shell. When one person’s strength makes up for the other’s weakness, being opposites is an advantage.

Find more of Susan’s survival tips here.

Williams also weighs in how to deal with problems if they do come up: “If your roommate is doing something that's annoying you, tell him or her - nicely, if possible,” she says. “When things are awkward, it's sometimes easier to do this the passive-aggressive way - like leaving a Post-It note on her mirror or putting their smelly tennis shoes in the garbage. While easier in the short run, in the long run this only makes things worse - especially if you're sharing a small space. So try to be direct. And whether you're best friends or relative strangers, it's always good to maintain some personal space, even if it's just the size of a twin bed and an hour with your earphones on. Everyone needs some ‘me time.’”

For a good in-between solution for not-so-confrontational girls, there is another suggestion: texting. Texting allows you to communicate openly without the embarrassment and the awkwardness of face-to-face conflict resolution. HC writer Allie Jones, a student at he College of William and Mary, says that texting also saves a lot of time when it comes to letting your roommate know what your plans are. “It sounds weird that you need to be texting someone that you live with, but it was so easy to text each other when we were going to be in the room,” she said. “It was much easier to text my roommate on Friday night that I might be bringing my boyfriend over rather than just showing up with him unannounced. She did the same for me, like text if she wouldn't be coming home that night, so I wouldn't worry, or say if she would be back late and I would just leave a little light on and go to sleep.”

Sharing your place with another person, whether it's a new experience for you or you’ve had years of practice, is never easy. Use these tips to keep hostility at bay, and you’ll be gossiping about the cute guy in your chem lab rather than the newest annoyance your roommate has inflicted upon you. Trust me, your friends will thank you.

It's hard to believe it's been close to two decades since the first Harry Potter book was released. Chances are, the Harry Potter series make up the only real books you actually still read, and you are literally SO excited about the upcoming release of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. 

Needless to say, addiction is real, so any time J.K. Rowling speaks up, we listen. And this time, she's bestowed upon us a fan theory she loves—which of course means we're whipping out our beloved boxed set for another read.

If you've been keeping up with all the theories floating around the Internet over the past several years, you'll know that fans have always supported the idea that Voldemort, Snape and Harry make up the Three Brothers from the Deathly Hallows—Voldemort represents the first brother, who wishes for the Elder Wand so that he can defy death; Snape, whose love for Lily is eternal, represents the second brother, who asks for the Resurrection Stone; and last but not least, Harry represents the third brother, who wisely chooses to use the Invisibility Cloak. 

And it doesn't end there—obviously, Dumbledore has to be tied in here somewhere, because when is he not? The theory hypothesizes that Dumbledore represents Death, whom the third brother greets "as an old friend," reminding us of that moment when Dumbledore greets Harry in the train station on the brink of death. But that's not the only coincidence—each of the Hallows are granted by Death, and it's interesting to note that Dumbledore has owned each of the Hallows at some point throughout the series. Not only that, Death is the only thing the first brother (Voldemort) fears, and we all know that Dumbledore was the only wizard Voldemort was truly afraid of. It makes sense, right? Well, we're not the only ones who think so.

YES. The queen has spoken.

We don't want you don’t waste your precious time in the upcoming early-semester days (you know, the ones that should be spent studying and getting ahead on coursework), so we’ve created a guide to all the new shows hitting prime time this fall. The question is, which ones look like the next PLL... and which ones are sure to be total duds?

Be sure to catch the good ones starting with their pilot episodes—who knows when they’ll make their way to Netflix for you to catch up!  

1. Angel from Hell

Channel: CBS

Premieres: Thursday, November 5 at 9:30 p.m.

HC's Rating: Must-See 

Glee’s Jane Lynch will star in this series, so you know this is a show you won’t want to miss. Maggie Lawson plays Allison, of whom Amy (Jane Lynch) claims to be the guardian angel. Allison is left to figure out whether Amy really has been put in her life for a reason or if she is completely insane. If you loved Lynch’s performance in Glee as the ruthless yet lovable Sue Sylvester, you will absolutely adore this show (as far as we can tell, both characters sound hilariously crazy!).

2. Best Time Ever with Neil Patrick Harris

Channel: NBC

Premieres: Tuesday, September 15 at 10:00 p.m.

HC's Rating: We'll See  

As much as we wish NPH was coming back to us in a sitcom setting like HIMYM, we are still excited to see him back on the screen with his new one-hour, 10-episode variety series coming this fall. This series promises stunts, giveaways and audience interaction, and based on his Oscars-hosting performance, we’re thinking musical numbers and a whole lot of magic tricks. If you’re not a fan of variety shows or you thought NPH’s gig at the Oscars was just a little too much, sit this one out. 

3. Blindspot

Channel: NBC

Premieres: Monday, September 21 at 10:00 p.m.

HC's Rating: Total Dud 

Blindspot seems like a solid show that could soon gain a pretty devoted fan base, but we just aren’t sure. The plot: a naked, completely tattooed woman is found in Times Square with no recollection of the past. She gets involved with the FBI and soon uncovers a crime conspiracy. The show stars Jaimie Alexander alongside Sullivan Stapleton and Marianne Jean-Baptiste. The plot line hasn’t exactly wowed us yet, and we might just wait until this one hits Netflix to start watching.

Looks like it's time to pencil in a couple TV date nights with your roomie, sisters or SO and give a couple of these pilots a try. Happy watching, collegiettes! 

According to a surprising scientific finding, a little bit of pessimism can actually help you achieve your goals! Evidence suggests that too much optimism can actually hold you back from what you want, because you risk getting caught up in positive thinking. If you're busy daydreaming about acing an exam, for example, you might get so caught up in thinking positively that you don't actually study. But if you're realistic and tell yourself that you might not get an A, you will likely put more effort into preparing for the test.

We're not telling you to be negative all the time, by any means! All the study shows is that a little bit of negative—or even just realistic—thinking can be a good motivator for getting things done. So, if you're working toward a goal, make sure positive thinking doesn't get in the way. Be proactive by considering possible obstacles, and make a plan of action that will enable you to move past them. 

For more information on the study that sparked this idea, watch the video below:

With red being the representative color of many covetable things (among them love and wine), we are constantly in search of the best red to sport on our nails. Luckily, Rank & Style has taken it upon themselves to test and determine the most superior shades of red, narrowing their selection to a very special ten. Using a sophisticated method taking into account top sellers, industry favorites, user reviews and more, these ten polishes have defintely passed the test to distinguish themselves as the top red polishes of the moment. Check out the list below and be sure to pick up a bottle for yourself!

10. Fishnet Stockings by Essie ($8.50)

With a name like Fishnet Stockings and a price tag of under $10, we'll be stocking up on bottles of this Essie red. 

9. Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour in Dragon ($27)

This triple threat moisturizes and strengthens nails while adding a punchy pop of color. Not to mention when people ask who you're wearing, you can shamelessly answer, "Chanel."

8. NARS Nail Polish in Jungle Red ($20)

This shade scored extremely well with users and distinguishes itself as an editor's pick. The deeper shade is a bit more unexpected and is perfect for fall.

7. Revlon Nail Enamel in Revlon Red ($8.78)

Earning top marks in the price and editor categories, this drugstore buy can't be passed up. Promising to last up to ten days, you'll come back to this polish again and again.

6. Christian Louboutin 'Rouge Louboutin' Nail Colour ($50)

The genius behind those enviable red soles has bottled his signature crimson for some serious nail candy. Housed in a handcrafted glass bottle with a specially-designed triangular brush for precise application, it's almost too pretty to use. Sadly, the killer shoes aren't included.

5. Tom Ford Nail Lacquer in Smoke Red ($35)

High coverage and shine make this shade ideal for whatever life throws at you. Plus, if Tom Ford is good enough for Jay-Z, we'll take some for our nails, please.

4. Dior Vernis Nail Lacquer in Rouge ($27)

We certainly adore Dior in this beautiful shade of Rouge. And the gel-effect without the harmful UV-rays of an actual gel mani? Love!

3. Essie Really Red Nail Color ($8.50)

It's no surprise to find Essie on this list again, this time with a darker, more classic shade of red (really!). It's chip-resistant and award-winning. What's not to love?

2. Butter London Nail Lacquer in Ladybird ($15)

Our cousins across the pond most certainly know their reds. In a shade made exclusively for Fashion Week, if you're a ladybird, I'm a ladybird.

1. OPI Nail Lacquer in Big Apple Red ($9.50)

The gold standard of polish, OPI, lands the number one spot. With a name like Big Apple Red that would definitely be supported by Ms. Carrie Bradshaw herself, treat your nails to a taste of New York City at the salon the next time you get your nails done.