Last week, the JED Foundation, Partnership for Drug-Free Kids and The Jordan Porco Foundation published their findings in a national study of the “First-Year College Experience.” 1,502 college freshman were surveyed, and it was discovered that emotional preparedness—defined as “the ability to take care of oneself, adapt to new environments, control negative emotions or behavior and build positive relationships”—plays a key role in students having a positive college experience.

Students who define themselves as less emotionally prepared for college tend to do more poorly in school (with an average GPA of 3.1, versus 3.4 for students who think themselves more emotionally prepared), and 22% of less-prepared students feel that their college experience thus far is “terrible” or “poor,” versus 5% of their better-prepared peers. 60% of all students surveyed wish they had received more help in preparing for college life. First-year students with lower GPAs are more likely to consume drugs or  alcohol, consider transferring schools, or take a leave of absence after their first semester, according to the study.

Academics are just one part of being prepared for college life. 45% of students surveyed reported feeling that “it seems like everyone has college figured out but me.” Many students reported that paying for college expenses, making new friends, keeping in touch with family and old friends, and being independent are “extremely or very challenging” aspects of their lives. 50% of students surveyed feel that they are stressed “most or all of the time.”

“Survey data indicate that college readiness requires far more than just a solid academic foundation – a finding that seems counter to conventional higher education preparation. It is clear that emotional preparedness should be better integrated into the work that high school communities are doing to guide students through the transition into college,” said John MacPhee, the Executive Director of the JED Foundation.

Currently, high schools and colleges lack the resources necessary for students to get emotional support. 51% of students surveyed have found it difficult to get support, and 11% said they do not seek support at all. 76% of students go to friends when seeking emotional support, while only 24% go to university staff. Difficulty in getting proper mental health treatment has been a recurring problem on American college campuses that is only just beginning to be addressed.

87% of students believe that more emphasis is placed on being academically prepared for college, rather than being emotionally prepared. The goal of the JED Foundation, Partnership for Drug-Free Kids and The Jordan Porco Foundation is to increase resources for high school and college students to find emotional support and improve their independent living skills. For more information, check out their website: Settogo.org.

We all need a little guidance now and then, so whether you're stressed about a fling gone wrong, a 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!

How do you start a conversation with a cute guy in class when you have to sit on opposite sides of the classroom? – Shy at St. Mary’s

Dear Shy at St. Mary’s,

This may be my favorite question ever…

THE PLAY BOOK:

The “Hadron Accident”:

Prep: Email your professor to move seat due to eye injury. Get some of those old people wraparound sunglasses. 

1. Wear them to class and sit next to the cute man.

2. Ask lots of questions claiming to not see the board.

3. When he will no doubt ask, “Why are you wearing those?” respond with “I was visiting the Hadron Collider with my friend Stephen Hawking and the machine malfunctioned. I ended up taking a Higgs Boson to the eye.”

4. He will have questions. Answer none saying you should not have even said that since you are mid lawsuit. This will leave him wanting more.

5. Right before the end of class say your notes are not good since you could not see. Ask for his number to meet up so you can copy his notes.

…or don’t get too crazy with it.

My actual advice would be to talk to him before or after class. A lot of the time, students have to wait outside of the classroom for the previous class to let out, or when class lets out you might find yourself in close proximity to this cutie as you exit. Take advantage of this time to make contact with him. Just go up to him and start a nonchalant conversation. There is no need to stress about what to say, just use a neutral topic. Maybe ask a question about homework or an upcoming test! Guys love to feel helpful. After he answers you, just thank him and introduce yourself. By doing this, you are creating a connection and removing the stranger mentality between you and the cutie.

After you have established this connection, despite how small it is, exploit it. Continue to find time to talk to him—ask to do homework or study together. Build this connection and see where it goes.

Best of luck,

Jon

Life is a beautiful mess, and although we are all different, some life lessons are universal. So we've rounded up the 25 lessons you need to learn before your 25th birthday. Trust us; you'll be thanking us later. 

1. Appreciate the people that disagree with you.

It’s guaranteed that in your lifetime, you will come across all kinds of people. You’ll make friends and enemies who hold opinions that oppose your own. Don’t disregard their perspective. Yes, sometimes they may be wrong, but other times they could be right. There's a reason the world wasn't made in black and white. It’s the vibrancy that makes it beautiful. Take these opinions and question, learn and grow.

2. Someone loves you more than you know.

There are days that are going to be gloomy, and they may last for a long while. It may seem as though you are all alone. You may not even understand why you’re feeling the way you’re feeling. But there will also be days of sunshine. They may come sporadically, but when they come, they’re as bright as can be. On those days, notice who’s there. Notice who puts a smile on your face. Notice who reminds you about something you completely forgot. Notice the small things because at the end of the day, they’re all that count. Whether it’s a parent, a sibling or a friend, you’ll notice them. Don’t forget to thank them. Don’t forget to say, "I love you."

3. The world is sort of corrupt.

As you step into adulthood, you’ll notice it more and more. The selfishness, the politics and the injustice. You’ll see it all. Sometimes your hard work will not pay off. Sometimes the person you trusted the most will hurt you the worst. Accept that that's just the way life is, but don’t stop there. A broken faucet will continue to be broken unless there is someone willing to fix it. No one expects you to change the world in a single lifetime. But you can be better and inspire a few people to be better, too. Pay it forward. Do great things.

4. Always have a backup plan.

Never assume that you are immune to hard times. In this life, there’s a possibility for anything. Don’t live your life in fear, but acknowledge what could happen when you least expect it. What will you do if you don’t get a job in your field after graduation? What if suddenly, you don’t have a source of income to pay next month’s rent? That's why you should always have a backup plan at the ready.

5. A smile goes a long way.

It could be the reason why the cute guy on the subway came over and sat beside you. It could be why your friend feels better after coming to you to vent. It might have meant the world to a stranger who was having a bad day. Believe it or not, smiling changes the entire direction of your day.

6. Direction is much more important than speed.

You may feel as though you don’t have time to accomplish your goals. You may feel as though you need to do something just because everyone else is. That is not necessarily the case. A lot of people are going nowhere fast. Take a day, a week, a month, a year or however much time you need to figure out what it is that you want. Don’t waste your time or your money if deep down you know that your major or your job is not for you. Where do you want to go? What do you want to accomplish? Once you figure out your goal, think six months ahead. What do you have to do to get there? Whatever it is, that’s your direction. Slow and steady wins the race.

7. Failure can be a blessing in disguise.

You won’t realize it at first, that’s for sure. When you fail at something you really, really wanted, it’s going to feel like the end of the world. Maybe a potential employer told you that there was just someone better. Let that drive you to work harder, to be better and to never feel like that ever again. And hey, you know that job you applied for but never got? The company probably went out of business a year later.

8. What seems small to you means a great deal to someone else.

Never take anything for granted. You hear it so often that the sentiment probably goes right over your head. You know your mom, the woman who texts you everyday to make sure you’re doing okay? Someone might have lost theirs. You know that roof over your head? The thing keeping you dry, safe and warm? Someone is sleeping on the pavement right now with nothing to keep them warm but their own body heat. You are extremely blessed. Remember that.

9. School isn’t for everyone.

Don’t waste your money doing something you know isn’t for you, just because society tells you that you have to. If there is something that you are passionate about and can honestly see yourself doing, go for it. You only have one life to live. Just be honest with yourself. Do you have the talent and drive to make it?

10. You can’t base your happiness off of someone else’s.

This is a mistake that we all make from time to time. By focusing on or yearning for someone else’s life, you loose sight of yours. You don’t need a significant other to make you feel valuable; the feeling will only last for so long. At the end of the day, only you can make you happy.

11. Sometimes you can’t be what a person needs.

No matter how much you love someone and want to be there for them, it’s never worth changing yourself to do it. It will be one of the hardest lessons that you have to learn to accept.

12. Forgive, but don’t forget.

People are going to hurt you; that’s a guarantee. Holding grudges is stressful, and you owe it to yourself to let go of that negativity. Forgive these people, but don’t forget about the lesson that you’ve learned. It may come in handy one day.

13. The best form of revenge is to have a better life without him/her.

Yes, throwing a carton of eggs at his car may feel gratifying in the moment, but what good does it do? He has a dirty car, and you have a police record and a bill for the car wash. Live your life and do all of the great things that you’re destined to do…without that person. In five years you’ll bump into him on the street with a fiancé on your arm and an established career, all the while still looking 21.

14. Don’t let change deter you.

Change will always be uncomfortable—at first. You may feel out of place, but more often than not, change happens to be a good thing. It challenges you and helps you discover new things.

15. Social media isn’t everything.

We're sorry, but it had to be said. Too many of us are experiencing life from behind a computer screen when really all we have to do is step outside our front door to live life first-hand. The number of followers you have on Instagram means nothing. How many of those people can you go on a spontaneous road trip with or turn to when you need help?

16. Save money, live better.

This Walmart slogan has got it right. We hate to sound like your parents, but SAVE YOUR MONEY. Will you even remember where that $300 dollar coat is in a few years? It’s never too early to save. One day you’ll have a house to pay for, after all.

17. It’s okay to be alone.

Sometimes it’s better even. It gives you time to get to know yourself. And don’t stress about being alone in public! The truth is, nobody notices. Everyone is too caught up in their own lives to realize you’re at the mall by yourself.

18. Appreciate your parents while you have them.

They are probably the only people on this planet who genuinely have your best interests at heart. In their eyes, you’re special beyond belief. As you grow older, you realize just why they are so hard on you and how much they really do love you. It’s not easy to find another pair of people who will care for you just like them.

19. There’s a bigger picture.

There is a world outside of your own, and it matters. Listen to the news; these events may be happening far away, but they affect you too. We only have one home, and we all share it. It’s up to us to take care of each other. So recycle, donate and find ways to reduce your carbon footprint.

20. When in doubt, act like you know.

Fake it till you make it. As horrible as it sounds, it really does work. When you act like you belong, people will think you do. Keep this lesson in mind when you’re on the way to the first day of your new job or when you’re attending your first party amongst the "socially elite."

21. Don’t undervalue your potential.

We all have the potential to be brilliant. It’s up to us to decide how we develop this potential or if we even develop it at all.

22. Never stop asking questions.

There will always be more to learn. Never take things for what they are when you don’t fully understand.

23. Networking pays off.

Your professors are right. Oh boy, are they right. Attend industry mixers, or say hello to an idol when you see them. Develop a relationship with a mentor. They have already failed and succeeded in the industry and can give you tips so that you don’t make the same mistakes. It only takes one person to get your foot in the door.

24. Never borrow money from your friends.

Never do it. It will always end badly. NEVER. DO. IT. 

25. You are not invincible.

Get plenty of sleep, drink lots of water, be active, eat healthy. You’re not going to be young forever. It’s better to start now so that you can avoid more problems down the line.

When you finally decide to move into off-campus housing, it seems like such a liberating day has arrived. But you'll quickly find it's not all that different from dorm life, especially when it comes to the types of roommates you'll have. Below are the seven kinds of roommates you will definitely encounter off-campus.

1. The roommate who won't agree with anything or anyone

Can't we just compromise?

2. The roommate who is always trying to rearrange furniture

Please just leave things where you found them.

3. The roommate who hates when guests are over

"This is MY apartment."

4. The roommate who never cleans

I'm not your mother. Clean up after yourself, okay?

5. The roommate who cooks disastrously

Let's get take-out.

6. The roommate who always wants to throw a party

NOT. EVERY. WEEKEND.

7. The roommate who's stressed out about everything

Whether it's academic or social, it's a problem.

But in the end, you couldn't live without them.

The Democratic debate got off to a heated start with the candidates sounding off on their views about gun control. With the recent tragedy at Umpqua Community College in Oregon, this topic has been a source of massive debate. Because of these shootings, many politicians have spoken out about whether or not the U.S. needs stricter laws for purchasing guns. 

Debate moderator Anderson Cooper kicked off the topic by asking each candidate about their views on gun control.

"We have to look at the fact we lose 90 people a day to guns," Hillary Clinton said. Former Maryland governor Martin O'Malley held similar views, and they both took the strongest stand against firearms and for stricter laws.

The two candidates agreed that these shootings have gone on for too long, and Hillary stressed that it is time to stand up to the NRA. O'Malley told a heart-felt story about a family who lost their daughter in the shootings at an Aurora Colorado movie theatre. The shooter in that incident was allowed to purachase thousands of rounds of ammunition without question. O'Malley expressed his concern with these laws and demanded that we buckle down on the sale of firearms.

Senator Bernie Sanders, former govenor Lincoln Chafee and former senator from Virginia Jim Webb held more moderate views on gun control. Bernie Sanders emphasized that many of the recent gun tragedies were also issues of mental health, and called for reform with how the U.S. treats mentally ill patients. Webb admitted that we haven't done a good job with gun control in the past, but stood up for the right of Americans to carry guns for self-defense purposes.

As Tuesday's Democratic Presidential Debate progressed, the 2016 candidates went over issues ranging from gun control to Hillary’s e-mails. One issue in particular that was highly anticipated but hardly touched on was the legalization of marijuana.

In fact, not even all of the candidates were able to discuss their opinions on the matter.

Sanders was asked if he would vote for legalization at the state level, and it was pointed out that he has said in the past he’s smoked pot twice.

“I suspect I would vote yes,” Sanders responded. “We have a criminal justice system that lets CEOs walk away, and yet we are giving prison sentences to young people who smoke marijuana.”

The audience then turned to Clinton, although she has stated previously that she didn’t smoke pot when she was young and that she wouldn’t start now. Rather than taking a stance on full recreational legalization, Clinton stated her support for medicinal marijuana. She mentioned that she also believes that drug sentences are too heavy. "We have got to stop imprisoning people who use marijuana," Clinton responded. 

Clinton's response to this issue differed greatly from Jeb Bush's response at the GOP Debate a few weeks ago. "Forty years ago, I smoked marijuana, and I admit it," Bush said back in September. "I'm sure that other people might have done it and may not want to say it in front of 25 million people. My mom's not happy that I just did." 

Though none of the Democratic candidates' responses matched this one, we are interested in hearing more about their opinions on this hot button issue at the next Democratic Debate in November. 

Donald Trump was nowhere near tonight's Democratic debate, but that didn't stop him from voicing his opinion on the event and its participants. In case you weren't religiously following his live-tweet, here's a brief recap.

He remained humble the entire time...  

Like, really humble...

He provided valid reasons for everything...

He spoke sparingly...

But he shocked us all by providing an actual compliment...

Only after shunning them all...

But at least said one thing that we could all agree on.

It’s no secret that college application season can be stressful. Despite all of the teachers, counselors and other resources at your school, at some point you’re going to have to do some research and manage your applications on your own.

Luckily, there are plenty of easy-to-use college websites that guide you through the process—whether you’re looking for help with writing essays, finding scholarships or just narrowing down your list of schools. If you’re not sure where to get started, check out our list of the best college websites for managing applications.

1. The College Board

If you’re looking for quick facts on deadlines, admission standards and application options, The College Board is your one-stop shop. “College Board was my number one go-to for basically my entire senior year of high school,” says Malone Ryan, a junior at John Carroll University. “The site provides every piece of information on a college you could ask for, including how to pay for college, college application essays and how they view various different test scores. You can narrow your college search based on factors important to you, such as type of school, campus and housing, support services, diversity, test scores and selectivity and so much more.”

The website’s College Search page is arguably the most organized and detailed of any college website. The more information you enter, the more narrow your search results will be. It goes beyond the standard GPA and SAT scores to include personal preferences like size, geographic location and what student activities are available.

If you're an indecisive pre-collegiette still having trouble narrowing down your long list of schools, The College Board is perfect for you. 

2. Chegg

If you’re the pre-collegiette that's obsessed with being organized, look no further than the college section of the Chegg website. Not only does the site allow you to make lists of the schools you’re applying to, but you can organize your lists of schools by specific qualities such as major or whether it’s public or private.

"I've always been one of those people that's obsessed with keeping lists," says Danielle Hensley, a sophomore at Indiana University. "Using Chegg throughout my senior year helped me to keep an organized list of all the schools I was applying to."

Additionally, Chegg offers a Facebook sign-in feature, which makes it easy to set up a profile and provide some basic information about yourself for college recruiters to see.

3. Peterson’s

Unlike many college websites, Peterson’s goes beyond just providing statistics and basic facts about schools. The Get Prepared section of the website offers expert advice on essay writing, resume building, financial aid and more.

“During my senior year, one of the guidance counselors showed me the Peterson’s website,” says Allison Underhill, a sophomore at Indiana University. “It turned out to be a really great resource throughout the application process, and it really helped me stay organized.”

If you’re stumped by an essay prompt or aren’t sure what activities to put on your resume, Peterson’s is a great place to look for answers. Their helpful articles provide step-by-step advice on writing personal statements, asking for letters of recommendation and finding the perfect scholarship.

4. Cappex

When you’re stressing about applications and essays, it can be easy to overlook one of the most important aspects of applying for college—looking for scholarships. Luckily, websites like Cappex make it easy to work scholarships into the process.

Not only does Cappex provide an easy-to-use search tool and fast facts about thousands of schools, but it also connects you to thousands of scholarship listings. You can organize these listings based on different award criteria, such as ethnicity, gender and major of choice. Cappex even awards their own scholarships to users who write short essays or fill out a profile about themselves.

If you're the pre-collegiette that prefers to multi-task and accomplish several things at once, then Cappex is the best application site for you. 

5. Make Me a Freshman

For the pre-collegiette that just wants to keep it simple, look no further than Make Me a Freshman. Instead of overwhelming you with endless features and pages, the site helps you make a quick and easy checklist to follow as you embark on the application process.

Upon entering the site, you’ll be asked to enter the name of a school. From there, Make Me a Freshman creates a checklist based specifically on programs, scholarships and deadlines that are specific to that institution. You can check items and applications off as you complete them, and you never have to worry about missing a deadline again!

These sites are great starting points if you’re looking for help managing your applications, but don’t be afraid to branch out to other Internet resources as well. Teachers, school counselors and admission reps can all make recommendations for helpful sites based on what tools and advice you’re looking for. Best of luck collegiettes, and happy application season!

Between dealing with their frustratingly cryptic text messages, random acts of chivalry and awkward glances across the room at a frat party, boys can be mysterious, contradictory and even downright confusing. Their behavior often leaves us with questions: “Why did he do that?” “What is he thinking?” “What’s his opinion on cutout dresses — cute or passé?” However, in no perfect world can we ask all of these questions and receive satisfactory answers… until now.

We’ve taken some of your most burning questions and are explaining some of guys’ most unexplainable behaviors!

1. Why don't they just say what's going on instead of leaving me struggling for days to figure it out for myself?

We’re all familiar with the “fade-out” situation: You think that you have a great thing going with a guy, but then that gradual “Cool” text turns into radio silence. You try the dreaded double-text method, and not even that is effective. You thought you had chemistry, but something has gone awry. Didn’t you think you deserved a little more than a lack of a response to signify that he wasn’t interested anymore? Yeah, we did, too!

Patrick Wanis, a human behavior expert and relationship expert, offers us some answers. Wanis says that phasing someone out without causing an actual breakup could potentially be a guy’s strategy for keeping his options open. Either way, Wanis emphasizes that this method indicates a lack of respect for you.

“Sometimes I don't think we know what we want, either,” says Nick*, a junior at Stanford University. “Depending on the guy, there is a time at the beginning where they are trying to figure out, ‘Do I want to be in a relationship, do I want something serious or do I just want to be friends?’” 

Don’t let yourself get trapped in the “He’s hard to get, so he’s perfect” mindset! If he doesn’t respect you enough to be real with you, he’s definitely not worth it.

2. Why are guys scared to fall in love or hesitant to show emotion?

This age-old stereotype can feel especially true in college. Are guys less mature in general, or are there just fewer guys on campus who want committed relationships? Sometimes, it seems like every guy on campus is either committed to the bachelor life or almost married — but where is that dateable middle realm, collegiettes?

Wanis says guys may be hesitant to show emotion due to a fear of rejection. His example of “guy thinking” was, “If I show her how I really feel, will she reject me? It’ll make me vulnerable, and she’ll reject me because I am vulnerable.”

Brett*, a junior at Stanford University, says, “Some guys fear to appear weak or vulnerable and this can cause them to mask their emotions and underlying desires. They might not want to fall in love because they don't want to end up hurt.” He stresses that it’s important to know your guy well before you criticize him for being afraid of falling in love.

While Wanis says that it’s hard to make a generalization about guys’ lack of eagerness for commitment, he said that it’s best to “look at what’s going on in his life.” Does he want freedom? Does he want to play the field, or is he just interested in finishing his studies?

3. How can I tell if he actually likes me or if he thinks I’m a booty call?

How long have you been waiting for that promised dinner date, collegiettes? “If he really likes you, he’s going to be asking you on a date in advance and not waiting until the last minute,” Wanis says. “If he’s waiting until the last minute, you are then not a priority in his life, or he’s doing the BBO (bigger, better offer).”

Other classic signs you’re not just a booty call? He wants to “take you places, show you places, take you outside of the apartment and bedroom,” Wanis says. If he’s “happy to be seen in public with you and contacting you between nine and five—not after hours,” then you’re probably more to him than a booty call. He’ll also want to have more deep, meaningful conversations with you.

In addition, Wanis says a guy who’s interested in more than a hook-up will want to “do things for you or with you, which is his way of demonstrating love and as a way of connecting with you.” He said that men want to do things with you (like going to the movies), whereas women tend to be happy just being with their significant others (for example, just hanging out together at home).

Contrary to what many girls think, Dr. Wanis says, “Men are good at putting things into boxes. This is the girl I call at the last minute, this is the girl I want to date, this is the girl I want to have sex with.” Even if your relationship seems unclear to you, perhaps it’s not unclear to him.

No matter what, collegiettes, communication is always a good solution to figuring out these problems. Don’t be afraid to ask the tough questions to get the answers you need for yourself.

4. How can I ask him to pay more attention to me without seeming clingy?

Many collegiettes face this problem with their SOs: He tells you he likes you, but you need something more out of the relationship. Whether it’s more communication, a day for just the two of you or a regular phone call if you’re long distance, what you need in the relationship can be hard to ask for when you feel the negative stigma of being the clingy, desperate girl.

“Be clear about what you want in the relationship and need from the relationship,” Wanis says. “Get clear on if he’s actually able to fulfill those needs. Maybe he’s not able or capable. Be specific about what you are not getting and what you want.” Perhaps it’s a date off campus, a movie night in with just the two of you or an afternoon where you can introduce him to your friends—whatever it is, just ask him!

The biggest mistake women tend to make is that “they never request things in measurable, tangible terms,” Wanis says. “It’s okay to ask for what you want. The way you ask it will determine whether you seem desperate or clingy. The way you ask and what you ask will determine that.” If you ask in a clear, calm and specific way, you’re bound for success!

In addition, make sure you understand how he’s feeling. “For instance, make sure that you understand when he is busy and swamped with work or activities,” says Evan*, a junior from Stanford University. “If he is super busy, asking him to spend more time with you and pay more attention to you is something that might just make him even more stressed and turn a perfectly good request into something that he might see as annoying.”

5. What does my body language say about me when I’m talking to a guy?

Whether you’re at a party, at a bar or even in class, there are subtle cues that let a guy know that you’re into him (or not into him). Make sure that you’re giving him the impression that you want to give him with these tips.

Smiling is a seemingly obvious cue that you’re into a guy. Wanis reveals some interesting logic behind the smile-equals-flirting cue: Guys often think, “She’s smiling and she feels good, and that’s because of me.”

Alex*, a student at Stanford says, “Everyone likes to feel valued. I think it can be pretty powerful when a girl is able to express her attention or interest in a visual way through body language.”

The best way to let a guy you’re talking to know that he has your full attention is to turn your body to toward him and therefore demonstrate that you’re engaged in the conversation. “Extended gazes and contacts — smiling and looking at him for a couple of seconds,” Wanis says. “If your body is turned towards me (legs crossed, knee pointed at me) — it’s a mating cue.”

6. What kind of flirty things do girls say that are attractive to guys?

Talking to guys — especially ones who don’t naturally open up or find conversation easy — can be a difficult task. While you may feel like you could talk to your girlfriends for literal days, sometimes guys aren’t as easy conversationalists. We’ve got some great tips for talking to guys like a pro!

“If you want to turn on the guy, find out what turns him on — his interests, his passions, his hobbies,” Wanis says. It’s also great if you’re “really well versed or good at asking questions or good at listening.” If it’s hard to get him to open up, it may be easy to get him talking about something that’s interesting to him, so ask him questions! If he’s a keeper, of course, he’ll also want to hear all about you.

“Look for cues — who is this person?” Wanis says. Even where you meet the person could matter — are you at a frat party, a museum or a café? Paying attention to his body language and being sensitive to the situation can greatly improve a conversation.

7. How important are his friends’ opinions to him?

Be sure to know your guy’s friends — are they supportive or judgmental? Wanis says that a “fear of being judged by male friends” can make some guys hesitant to show emotion or really commit. Boys still “want to be the pack leader, still want to be accepted, and don’t want to be outcast or rejected,” Wanis says.

College guys can be epically confusing. Few, if any, college guys can be the perfect Noah, but with the right advice and knowledge, collegiettes can navigate the stormy seas of college dating with ease.

*Names have been changed.

If you saw Tuesday's first Democratic presidential debate, you know there were some great moments. If you didn't, don't feel left out! We've rounded up some of our favorite moments just for you. Here's your cheat sheet on what went down last night, that we know everyone will be talking about today.

1. Hillary Clinton defended Planned Parenthood and showed us that she knows how to debate.

2. Bernie Sanders defended Hillary and said America was "sick and tired of hearing about [her] damn emails." 

This sparked the hashtag #DamnEmails that's floating aroud social media.

3. Jim Webb kept running out of time and complaining that he wasn't getting as much time as the other candidates.

4. Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton both said they want to make college more affordable.

5. All of the candidates seem to agree that climate change is a serious problem that we can't ignore.

Who do you think won the debate, collegiettes?

Tuesday's long awaited Democratic Presidential Debate was full of both yelling and laughter. However, the latter mostly occured among people discussing the debate on Twitter. 

1. The harsh truth

2. Where's Taylor when you need her?

3. #Puns

4. What we wish would have happened

5. Because he was the real winner of the debate 

6. When Bernie Sanders actually talked about his platform

7. Lincoln Chafee who?

8. The sass was real

9. *Bernie voice*

10. Don't test him

11. *Hair flip*

Body positivity is an issue that many people often associate with women. There's been a huge push in the past few years to put healthier models down the runway, to stop shaming full-figured women for dressing in certain ways and for the media to stop promoting a singe standard of beauty. And there has been progress: Marc Jacobs recently featured a plus-size model on the runway, celebs like Lauren Conrad have condemned the use of words like "skinny" and clothing brands have stopped sizing their clothing using numbers. But body positivity should be something all individuals are moving towards. This isn't to say, of course, that we have enough female plus-size models front and center—but think about it: When was the last time you saw a plus-size male model?

Thanks to Target, that's starting to change. Zach Miko, a six-foot-six model and entertainer, is Target's only plus size male model, according to Business Insider. Miko models for Target's "Big and Tall" section, which previously did not actually feature "big and tall" models.

Miko told People that the models for big and tall clothing are usually Abercrombie & Fitch-looking guys. "These guys aren't buying XXL tall T-shirts, these guys aren't buying 42-inch pants, but they're the guys you see modeling it," he said.

The body positive movement should be relevant to the entire population, no matter where on the gender spectrum you fall. Promoting a positive, inclusive and realistic image of all should be of utmost priority.

"With everything that's been going on with women's fashion and body inclusivity and self-image, it's interesting that male brands have [just started] stepping up to do the same thing," he told People. "It's fun to be on the precipice of that." Mike also mentioned that he's struggled with self-esteem and self-image issues all his life, and has started to gain more confidence.

The only way we can achieve full body acceptance is if everybody is on board—so we're hoping other companies take note and start making that happen!

Your applications have been submitted, your flights are booked and now all there is left to do is wait for your departure date! Getting ready to study abroad is an exciting process, but it can also be a complicated one. Take advantage of this time to prepare yourself for your upcoming trip next semester. There are tons of things to take into consideration, so get started now!

1. Passport specifics

Naturally, the first requirement for going abroad is having a passport—specifically, an updated passport. If you don’t yet have a passport, you’ll need to visit your local post office and start filling out the forms. Passports can take up to six weeks to process, so make sure you get yours ahead of time so you’re not stressing out at the last minute! If you need to, you can always have your passport expedited for an additional fee. You can find out where to go in your area to get a passport on theU.S. Department of State website.

Even if you already have a passport, that doesn’t mean you're totally prepared! It's important to make sure that your passport hasn’t expired and won’t expire during your time abroad. Some countries even frown upon using a passport that is nearing its expiration date. Do a little research to find out if your passport’s expiration date might be an issue in your host country.

Donna Amore, a senior at the University of Scranton, had some passport trouble when she was traveling between Australia and Indonesia. “When I went to Indonesia, I almost didn't get into the country because of their embassy rules. People aren't allowed into the country if his or her passport expires within six months. Long story short, the head of customs made an ‘exception’ for me,” she says.

Risking a passport faux pas can get you in a sticky situation, like having to spend extra money making calls and visits to a U.S. Embassy in order to fix your problem. Save yourself the trouble (and money!) by ensuring that you have an updated passport.

2. Academic credit

We know you’re probably looking forward to all the sightseeing you’ll be doing during your time away, but remember that academics are a part of studying abroad, too! Education systems differ from country to country, so you’ll want to do a little research into how your host country operates.

“To be honest, I didn’t realize how different the U.K. schooling system is from ours in the U.S., so dealing with transferring credits was a headache I didn’t anticipate,” says Cassidy Hopkins, a senior at Emerson College who studied abroad in London. “It’s important to make sure you check with your academic supervisors on which credits will transfer and which won’t—and whether non-transferring credits will affect when you want to graduate.”

You don’t want to be discredited for all the hard work you do while you’re abroad, so be sure to do some research and get in touch with your academic advisor before you head out of the country. Class length and worth can differ depending on the school, so you'll have to double check that your classes abroad will fit back into your graduation scheme at your home school.  

3. Visa requirements

When you’re visiting a foreign country for more than a couple of weeks for vacation, you need to have a visa. Depending on where you’ll be spending your semester, there will be different requirements for a variety of different visa options. Your visa requirements and costs will depend on where you’re staying, how long you’re there and what you’re doing there. For example, if you plan to get a job or internship while abroad, your visa may differ from the typical student visa.

Since visas differ depending on the circumstances, you’ll want to research what type of visa you'll need for your specific program well in advance. It can take a few months to process a visa, so make sure you plan ahead! Look at your country’s government websites to see which kind of visa you should apply for and what you’ll have to do in order to obtain the visa before you leave for your time abroad. If your school has a study abroad office, consider making an appointment so an advisor can help you sort out your preparations.

4. Financial aid

You may be all set in terms of finances for school in the U.S., but that doesn’t necessarily mean that your financial aid and scholarships will transfer to your host country. If you’re participating in an external program that doesn’t have an affiliation with your home school, your financial aid may not apply when you’re abroad.

Natalie Dunn, a sophomore at Adrian College, is preparing to go abroad and has been making an effort to understand her financial situation. “I need to know how (or if any of) my financial aid will transfer and how it will affect my scholarships here at Adrian,” Natalie says. If you’re unsure whether your financial aid package will apply to your study abraod program, get in touch with a financial advisor at your school in the U.S. to find out.

5. Banking and funds

Speaking of finances, you’ll also want to find out how your banking will change when you go abroad. Many local banks charge an international fee when you cross borders, and you’ll want to avoid that whenever possible. Some banks have international partnerships, so do some research to see if your bank has a partner abroad that will waive the international fees.

Additionally, if you don’t tell your bank that you’re leaving the country, they may flag your international purchases as suspicious behavior and freeze your account. Avoid the confusion (and the extra costs!) by calling or visiting your bank, asking about international fees and listing out all the countries you plan to visit during your time abroad.

You will also probably want to bring extra cash with you when you leave for your program. Some countries’ visa policies even require you to have a certain amount of money in your account before you head over.

“In order to be given a student visa for a semester in Italy, you'll need a minimum of $4,000 in your bank account or $8,000 if you're on a joint account with your parents,” says Anai Perez, a junior at St. John’s University. “This is a security measure for both you and the Italian government, in case you have an emergency. You can fly back with no problem instead of being stranded in the country, or if you suffered a medical emergency you can pay for it yourself instead of the Italian government having to foot the bill.” Make sure you double check if your host country has any special financial requirements!

6. Medical care

Instead of worrying about your health when you’re in your host country, figure out all of your medical details now while you have your regular doctor at hand. Health insurance translates differently depending on the country and the institution your program is associated with, so make sure you sort it out before you hop on a plane.

Keep in mind that health providers differ from country to country, and you may not have access to the same kind of care as you do in the United States. If you take prescription medicine, you’ll want to get as many refills as you’ll need for your entire time abroad, unless you want your parents to mail you your prescriptions regularly (which can be pretty pricey). Do yourself a favor and think ahead when it comes to medicine and healthcare!

7. Language differences

For many collegiettes studying abroad, language can be a big barrier. If you’re not familiar with the native language of the country you’re heading to, take the time to learn some common and important words and phrases. Even if you’re going to be taking classes at an institution that teaches in English, it’s always smart to learn the native language—and locals will appreciate your effort!

If you’re going into a country that speaks another language, now is the time to start learning. You can download lingual learning apps like Duolingo, buy Rosetta Stone, or look online for helpful tools.

Even if your host country’s primary language is English, chances are that it’s not the same dialect of English that we speak in the United States. Make an effort to immerse yourself in your host country's culture by learning the local words and phrases.

8. American necessities

What we consider a commodity in America might be a rare sight in your host country—especially when it comes to food products. For example, while we might find an abundance of peanut butter products here in the U.S., sold in every shape, size, and flavor imaginable, peanut butter can be hard to come by in Europe. What you might find easily in America could come at a higher price (or not come at all) in your host country, so come prepared!

Michelle Lu, a junior at Pepperdine University, prepared for her semester in China knowing that she might not have access to the same things that she does at home. “Some things that I wanted to bring ahead of time were allergy meds and sickness meds (like Advil), because you don't know if the ones there are real, good, or the same dosage,” she says. Michelle also said it was hard to find the same beauty and feminine products in China, as they were either more expensive or made of different materials.

To save yourself some money and trouble, look up what American necessities you might not be able to find in your host country. Do a little research online or look at blog posts from students who've studied abroad in your host country to see what you might want to fit in your suitcase!

Check these preparations off your list sooner rather than later and your semester abroad will go off without a hitch!

Filling out job applications is no party. Neither is getting the dreaded “I regret to inform you” letter, or worse, never hearing back from the company at all. But the time and energy spent networking and applying for jobs is all worth it when you finally get your first offer. You feel a sense of pride, relief, and excitement—and are thrilled to kiss that ‘unemployed college grad’ title goodbye. Your first job might not be the highest paying, in your city of choice, or exactly the position you hoped for, but it’s still a job.

Then days, months, and years pass by and you realize you’re still sitting in the same cubicle taking orders from the same boss. Maybe you’re in the wrong industry, you aren't being challenged enough, or you just need a change—whatever the reason, now could be a good time to land your dream job and see how it feels to have a career you truly love. Read on to learn 10 differences between your first job and your dream job.

1. You accept your first job because you need money and it’s better than being unemployed.

You accept your dream job because it’s what you want to do with your life.

2. At your first job, you get paid much less than you feel you deserve—and no one cares.

At your dream job, you make a decent salary and realize it isn’t just about the money.

3. At your first job, Monday mornings are the absolute worst.

At your dream job, Monday mornings still suck, but you wake up happy to go to work each day. 

4. At your first job, you come in early and stay late to prove yourself to your boss.

At your dream job, you put in long hours because you want to.

5. At your first job, you get stuck in a transition phase between college and the real world.

At your dream job, you feel like a real adult and are proud of your awesome career.

6. At your first job, you have to take orders that you don’t necessarily agree with.

At you dream job, you and all your colleagues are valuable members of a team.

7. At your first job, you have fake conversations with your coworkers when you see each other in the kitchen.

At your dream job, you can’t wait to meet up (read: gossip) with your work besties at lunch.

8. At your first job, you get stuck answering the phone and making copies.

At your dream job, you get exciting new responsibilities.

9. At your first job, your clients might not be who you ultimately want to work with.

At your dream job, you be partnering up with people who are passionate about the same things as you are.

10. At your first job, you complain about going to work every day. 

At your dream job, you have no worries because you make your own rules.

Keep these differences in mind during your job hunt and get one step closer to your dream career. Your first job might not be exactly what you want, but it will give you the experience you need to excel at your dream job. Enjoy being a young professional and remember to work it!

Did you watch the Democratic debate on Tuesday? Take our survey and let us know what you thought! We want to be your source on all things Election 2016, so tell us how you think the candidates did last night.

TAKE HC'S DEMOCRATIC DEBATE SURVEY!

Want to break into the digital industry? Are you a total social media maven? Do you dream of writing about beauty one day? We’ll let you in on some incredible opportunities that could seriously open doors and land you your dream job.

L’Oréal Paris, presented by Advanced Haircare Nutri-Gloss, the shampoo system that acts like a glossing treatment, is sponsoring the L’Oréal Paris x RECESS Tour which aims to inspire the highlight the next generation of entrepreneurs (that’s us!)

RECESS, the world’s only college music and ideas festival, is traveling across the country to bring music acts and entrepreneurs to college campuses. In partnership with L’Oréal Paris, they’ve put together this amazing panel called Get The Gloss: How To Kickstart Your Career in Digital & Social Media, moderated by the founder of Career Sushi, Shara Senderoff! The panelists will be absolute experts in their field (Madison Wickham, the founder of Total Frat Move, is one of them!)— so expect a lot of insider insight as well as the potential to network!

If you want to go into the digital media industry, you NEED to hit up this tour! The tour will be at these cities on the following dates:

• Thursday, October 1, 2015: University of Miami – Florida
• Tuesday, October 6, 2015: University of North Carolina – Charlotte
• Wednesday, October 7, 2015: University of Pennsylvania
• Friday, October 9, 2015: Babson College
• Wednesday, October 14, 2015: University of California Los Angeles
• Thursday, October 15, 2015: University of Southern California
• Wednesday, October 21, 2015: Southern Methodist University
• Thursday, October 22, 2015: Rice University
• Friday, October 23, 2015: University of Texas – Austin

Want even MORE opportunities brought to you by L’Oréal Paris? They have an incredible opportunity that you need to apply for—a guest editor position that would allow you to produce and curate content for L’Oréal Paris’ social platforms! And as if that wasn’t enough, there’s also a prize of $2,500 and a possible visit to New York City!

Apply at www.EditorInGloss.com with the entry form by including the links to your social handles, plus or vlog or blog entry about why you’re the best fit for the internship position! The contest will run from October 1 through October 30, and the winner will be announced in December. Good luck, collegiettes! 

Halloween is a whole new game once you’re in college. You may not be trick-or-treating or watching Halloween-themed movies anymore, but that doesn’t mean you can’t indulge in some (or a lot of) candy—you’ll never grow too old for it. From the rich chocolate bars to the chewy novelties, there are so many candies to get carried away with. So what does it mean if the first thing you reach for in your sibling’s stash is a Hershey’s Bar? Or gummy bears? We’ve rounded up some of the most popular Halloween candies and decoded what they say about your personality, so have a look!

REESE’S Peanut Butter Cups

If these rich chocolate confections are your top pick, it means you love luxury. You also like to look your best all the time. Some people think you can be shallow, but in reality there are more layers to you than just what people see on the outside.

Skittles

You are the happy-go-lucky type. You share an optimistic view of the world, and that trait brings out the best in those around you. No matter what kind of a day you’re having, you try to look up and see the rainbow that’s usually right in front of you.

Candy Corn

If candy corn is your favorite candy to munch on, it means you’re a love-‘em-or-hate-‘em type of person. Those who love you like being around you all the time, but those who aren’t as keen about you may think you’re strange and try to avoid you.

Hershey’s Bar

You’re always there for others, especially when they need you most. You’re a safe bet as a friend since you’re always sweet and never unpredictable. Everybody needs someone like you!

Gummy Bears

If gummy bears are your go-to candy, it means you’re a goofball. You like to act silly and you don’t take anything in life too seriously. You’ll crack a joke at any chance you get. For you, there’s no such thing as a straight-faced selfie, since you’re always making crazy faces in your pics!

KIT KAT Bar

You’re little Miss Popular. Innately, you’re a social person whose company is craved by others. Everyone enjoys having you as a friend and always wants to hang out with you. Luckily, you manage to break a piece of time off for everyone, even if it means just a 15-minute coffee date at Starbucks!

Milky Way

You’re the most sophisticated out of your bunch of friends. You have the ability to charm a stranger in just an instant. Super outgoing, you’re the type who will make random conversation with the person behind you while in line at the store.

Smarties

Okay, we’re not going to say you’re uptight, but you’re uptight (just a bit!). If things don’t go as planned, you become tense. You fit the type-A personality mold to a T. You also tend to be that person who never leaves any schoolwork for the last minute and tells others at the library to quiet down.

M&M’S

You come off as having a tough exterior, but on the inside, you’re a true softie. Those who take the time to get to know you realize that you actually have a sensitive side. By that, we mean you can often be found alone in your room watching heartfelt videos on YouTube that make you cry.

Tootsie Roll

You’re controversial. Whenever there’s a topic you have a fervent opinion about, you don’t hesitate to pipe in. There’s no in-between with you: Either people like you, or they don’t. One reason some people may not like you is that you tend to dish out thoughts that can be quite hard to chew on.

Now that you know the dish behind these candies, it should become clear why you were always begging your friends to trade your mini Milky Way bars for their packets of Skittles when you were younger. And if you always gravitate toward the same costume every year, check out what your Halloween costume says about you!

Last Saturday night, we threw the ultimate party in downtown New York City, and all party girls had a blast! We put on our party shoes and brought College Fashion Week to the Big Apple for a night of unforgettable and stylish fun! We partnered with StyleWatch, our official media sponsor, to put on the most epic night of college fashion, all featuring real college girls of every shape and size. In between taking pictures with Monthly Gift and SOREL, attendees got to see this season's hottest trends in fashion and beauty, grab free swag, and get the glam treatment! We want to know -- what's your party style? Take our quiz!

No matter your party girl style, you're sure to have a blast at College Fashion Week. Join us for our final two tours—we'll be in Washington, D.C. on 10/17 and Atlanta on 10/24.You can sign up for the free shows here. This is one party you definitley don't want to miss! We're totally obsessed with our sponsors: StyleWatch, Monthly Gift, SOREL, Forever 21, Milani, Jamberry, GLAMSQUAD and European Wax Center and you will be too! 

Lamar Odom continues to fight for his life at Sunrise hospital in Las Vegas after a drug overdose that occurred yesterday.

The 35-year-old former NBA player was rushed to the hospital yesterday after the Nye County Sheriff’s department received a phone call from Dennis Hof’s Bunny Ranch, a brothel in Las Vegas.

According to a statement that was issued on the department’s Facebook page, “An ambulance arrived at 3:34 p.m. and the patient, identified as Lamar Odom was stabilized and transported to Desert View Hospital arriving at 4:16 p.m.”

“After being treated by the physicians, arrangements were made to transport him by Mercy Air helicopter. However, Mr. Odom was unable to be transported by air due to his stature,” it continues. “He was immediately transported by Pahrump Valley Fire and Rescue Ambulance to Sunrise Hospital in Las Vegas, Nevada for further treatment.”

Read the full statement here.

A source inside Sunrise Hospital has just released to E! News that drugs were found in Odom’s system and doctors are treating the situation as an overdose. At the time being, he remains unconscious and on a ventilator, but he is still alive.

Odom suffered from “a loss of oxygen, but also a possible stroke,” according to the source. “So, likely there’s brain damage, but they’re not sure how much. Virtually every drug imaginable was found in his system.”

E! News reports that Odom appears to have suffered an ischemic stroke, which occurs when a blood clot or plaque blocks blood flow to the brain and is typically associated with a drug overdose.

Odom, who is known to previously have drug-related issues, is being treated for an accidental overdose. “The long term effects of his drug use have taken a toll on his body and the binge this time was too much to handle,” the source told the publication.

According to Dennis Hof, owner of the Bunny Love Ranch where Odom was found, no illicit drugs were found in the basketball player’s room. Two employees of the brothel found Odom.

“When they saw him at 3:30 p.m., he was foaming at the mouth,” Hof said. “There was some blood coming out of him. The 911 operator asked them to turn him on his left side and of course he’s a big guy, so it was a big challenge.”

Not long after the story broke last night, Khloe Kardashian, along with mom Kris and sister Kim, flew to Vegas to be by Odom’s side. According to a source for E! News, “Khloe is completely inconsolable and heartbroken.”

Khloe entered the Intensive Care Unit of the hospital around 10 p.m. last night and has not left his side since, we can confirm.

Kris Jenner has been by her daughter’s side as well, and was photographed outside of the hospital sometime between 3 a.m. and 5 a.m.

Kobe Bryant and Lakers’ general manager Mitch Kupchak were also seen entering and leaving the hospital last night.

“We are all currently praying for Lamar and wish him the best,” former Laker and current Lakers broadcaster Mychal Thompson told E! News exclusively. “Our prayers are with Lamar and his family.”

Shortly after the news broke last night, Kylie Jenner suddenly ended a live stream she was in the middle of doing. She tweeted 21 minutes later, “Had to end my live stream. I love you guys.”

The family has remained relatively quiet on social media since. However, supermodel Kendall Jenner turned to Twitter this morning with an apparent message to Odom. “Please don’t go,” she tweeted.

Many other celebrities have taken to twitter to show support for the ex-NBA star. Among them are Dwayne Wade, Miles Teller, Ariel Winter, RJ Mitte, the Miami Heat and many more.

More information on this story is to come.

All through high school, college was romanticized. Whether you imagined the academics would be more challenging, the people more mature, or just that life without your parents' rules would be far superior than life at home, college was imagined to be perfect.

Yet, college often falls short of our high standards.

I think when I started college, I expected that once I got far enough in, I would have an epiphany and realize exactly what I wanted to do with my life. In reality, I've changed my major something like five times, I'm graduating next year, and I still have absolutely no idea what I'm going to do when I'm out.

-Kate, University of New Haven Class of 2017

Going to college in New York City has always been my dream. In the months prior to NYU, I idealized it to an unrealistic degree. Although the city is as beautiful and energizing as I remember, attending such a spread-out school with such independent students has made the process of making friends incredibly difficult. I'm having an amazing time; I just wish I had people to share it with.

-Hannah, NYU Class of 2019

People don't date. Generally boys just want to hook up and are not committed.

-Lily, Tufts University Class of 2018

The food has been a major disappointment. While there are tons of options, I thought there would almost always be amazing food. It turns out the good food is saved for special events like Parents Weekend.

-Meg, West Virginia Wesleyan College Class of 2019

My biggest disappointment with my personal college experience is the evident lack of teaching that the professors do. A large portion of our classes focus on independent learning and while that is a wonderful skill to have...why am I paying my university and professors oodles and oodles of money when my computer is the device in which that educates me?

-Diana, WVU Class of 2018

I thought the weekends would be filled with non-stop fun. But they're actually boring and consist of watching Netflix in bed and eating food.

-Brittney, Christopher Newport University Class of 2018

The biggest disappointment with the college experience is coming second to someone else. Going to such a large school, there is always going to be someone better than you at something.

-Nicolette, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign Class of 2017

Related:  I Changed Myself to Rush a Sorority & I Regret It

My biggest disappointment is how guys treat women in college. They still have that same boyish mindset of treating girls like we still don't matter and talk down to us. It's exhausting to known that college hasn't changed their minds.

-Olivia, UVA Class of 2019

I think I have been most disappointed in that most people don't really look at college as the time of personal growth and transformation that it should be. People are so much more interested in going out and partying than attending all the really awesome speakers/events the campus puts on!

-Michaela, Colby College Class of 2015

My biggest disappointment so far has been the lack of just general kindness. I really wanted a campus where I could walk around and people would say hi or at least throw me a smile but instead everyone just looks down with their headphones in their ears. I understand wanting to jam on your own but where is the love people!?

-Lindsay, Kent State University Class of 2019

I thought that I would be going out more than I expected. Now I spend most weekend nights staying in with friends, but I totally expected that I would be invited to go to parties.

-Chloe, University of Massachusetts Amherst Class of 2018

The huge prevalence of Greek life on campus is disappointing. A lot of my friends are in sororities and I of course love them, but I'm treated like an outsider for not being in one. The term "GDI" needs to go.

-Allison, University of Kansas Class of 2017

Related: 18 Reasons You're Already Over This Semester

The lack of school spirit. My school has a Division I football team but nobody ever shows up to the games and spirit week is pathetic. It's nothing like the movies. For that matter, neither is Greek life. The nightlife is pretty dead too because it's cold all the time.

- Nabila, University at Buffalo Class of 2016

I'm really disappointed that I didn't make a close bond with my roommates freshman and sophomore year. I see a lot of girls becoming best friends with their roommates. It doesn't just happen on television; it just didn't happen for me.

-Rebecca, University of Maryland Class of 2017

My biggest disappointment is probably how close people smoke to the buildings on campus. I sometimes have to hold my breath when entering the dining hall! I don't have anything against people if they want to smoke, but smoking far away from the building would be nice.

-Lindy, Kenyon College Class of 2019

Finding out who your true friends are. Going away to college really separates your true friends from high school, with the friends that were convenient because you always saw them. It was hard at first, but then you realize that it's for the better, and you have to move on.

-Sarah, University of Scranton Class of 2017

My biggest disappointment with the college experience is how some professors totally disrespect their students. Professors should encourage learning, rather than making their students feel dumb.

-Maura, Loyola University Chicago Class of 2018

My biggest disappointment in college was that you actually cannot do everything you want. You cannot try a bunch of different courses to find what you want to do, because then you'll graduate later and have more loans to pay off. It is very annoying and disheartening to not be able to thrive the way people often portray one flourishing when one goes to college or university.

-Gabrielle, Boston University Class of 2018

Related: 16 Reasons Why College is Better than High School, as told by Rory Gilmore

I was disappointed that Pepperdine's dorms are not as big as they appeared on Zoey 101.

- Dayanne, Pepperdine University Class of 2017

In high school, it was so easy to get good grades. I never studied. In college, you can study your butt off and barely get a C. That sucks.

-Ariel, Western University Class of 2017

I was really disappointed at how superficial people around me would act just to make friends quickly. It was as if there was this book of unspoken rules of how people have to act in college and I had never received the rulebook. It was really confusing trying to decode people, to figure out whether they were being authentic or not. And that made it really hard to trust anyone enough to be my friend.

-Morgan, University of Notre Dame Class of 2018

My biggest disappointment with the college experience is that I made a lot of friends freshman year and I expected them to all be very good friends with me. But now as a sophomore, I've had to make mostly new friends as most of my freshman year friendships did not last.

-Camellia, University of Cincinnati Class of 2018

My biggest disappointment with my college experience would have to be my lack of one. I didn't choose the right school for me my freshman year and since then have ended up transferring twice. Although this was the best decision for me to make, there is a part of me that feels like I missed out on making certain memories by not attending a state university that I love for all four years. I used to believe that I needed to go to a state university, join a sorority, get a boyfriend, etc. because of what I saw on social media and when I was led down a different path I felt like I had messed up. I'm at peace with it now, but I wish someone had told me that we don't all choose the perfect school right out of high school.

-Rebekah, University of Houston Class of 2016

The social life has been disappointing. I don’t drink, and I don't party. It’s been really challenging for me to meet people that share the same values and interests as me, because most of the people I meet just want to go out and party.

-Haley, Sacred Heart University Class of 2017

The fact that my university does NOTHING about Greek organizations hazing has been very disappointing.

-Jenisse, SUNY New Paltz Class of 2016

The realization that labels still matter has been the most disappointing part of my college experience. I expected college to be a time where I would not judged by what organizations I belong to or what my major is. However, in my college experience I have been associated more with labels than I ever was in high school.

-Chandler, University of Texas at Austin Class of 2017

My biggest disappointment has been the weight change everyone experiences. I guess I expected to get to college and drop tons of weight like everyone I know did, but the dining hall food is not your mom's food and although it is tasty, it is not nearly as healthy. You have to work a lot harder to stay healthy and keep your weight low than you did in high school.

-Becky, UGA Class of 2017