This Halloween, rather than exiling the pieces of your costume to the very back of your closet, choose accessories that you can wear all year long! Check out some of our favorite finds that don't have to be limited to just one night of wear once a year:

1. Furrrocious cat headband

Kat Headband $155

Let's face it—the majority of us choose the easy route and dress up as cats for Halloween every year. This accessory doubles as the purfect touch to your cat costume and an ear warmer for when the temperatures drop later in the year. 

2. Feline footwear

Gold Feline Flat $99.99

Keeping in line with the ever-popular cat costume yet again, put your best foot forward in these killer gold shoes. Even dog-lovers will be fawning over this fabulous footwear. 

3. Sweet socks

Gummy Bear Socks $6

Show off your sweet tooth with these delicious gummy bear socks, perfect to wear with boots long after October.

4. Adjustable ring

Spooky Finger Adjustable Ring $18.50

This ring grabs your finger AND your attention. Add a unique, edgy touch to your accessory game.

5. Wicked earrings

Etsy Bat Earrings $12.80

Just because they're bats doesn't mean these earrings have to be confined to just Halloween. Plus, these bats look cuter than they are spooky! Make these your go-to simple statement earrings no matter what time of year it is. 

Some autumn obsessions will never go stale, namely snuggly sweaters and timeless leather boots. But as we all know, most trends come and go, and it's hard to decipher what's still in and deserving of a closet hanger. That's why we're here to expose a few of the trends it's time to let go of, so that you can save room for cool-weather classics and this year's fashion week faves. Whether they're entirely out or just overdone, these five fall fashions have had their run, and we know exactly what to swap them out for. Below you'll find the perfect trade-ins for tossed trends.

1. Bottoms to Boot

Out: Low-Rise Jeans

You know those hip-bone popping, undie-flashing gems worn by our childhood pop stars? Those babies haven't been in for almost a decade, yet some brands still sell them. Don't be fooled though. While current low-rise styles aren't as drastic, they still can't rival the newer fits of today, so why bother wearing them?

In: High-Rise Anything

High-rise is here to stay, and has been consistently showing face coupled with all of the latest jean trends. Be it high-waisted flares (the '70s are back, ladies), high-waisted whites (that's right, that Labor Day rule is toast), or our go-to high-waisted skinnies, natural waists are continuing to reign as the looks-good-on-everybody fall trend. One final trending tip? Pick a pair with frayed ends like these—it's the cool-girl look of the season ($135, Madewell).

Related: The 7 Trends You Need to Rock this Fall

2. Tops to Turn Down

Out: Overly Fuzzy Sweaters

Let's be clear: comfy, inviting sweaters will always have a place in fashion as long as we have say. But the fuzz level went a bit too far in recent years with the rise of the eyelash knit sweater. In order to achieve super-soft status at affordable prices, retailers began producing fuzzy sweaters that looked a bit too shiny and cheap for comfort. Following the initial fad, these outdated pieces appear overly cutesy—the charm has worn out.

In: Fringe Sweaters

We'll say it again, the '70s are back in action. Fringe is huge this season, and one of the most accessible ways to wear it is in sweater form. Tons of stores have caught onto the craze, and you can now find fringe adorning sleeves, chests and hems. For an ultra-posh and tastefully muted option, try this sassy number ($98, Banana Republic).

3. Accessories to Abandon

Out: Infinity Scarves

Okay, so infinity scarves will always have our hearts, and especially those of us who never quite got the hang of tying regular scarves (with one simple loop, infinity scarves were basically foolproof). Unfortunately, however, that may be just the problem—fashion is never easy, after all, and quick fixes almost always get abandoned as tacky. Luckily, this season is shuttling in a cool-weather must-have that's equally as easy to pull off, not to mention far more fresh and up to date.

In: Blanket and Cape Scarves

One large, incredibly warm and easily worn accessory? Count us in. Cape and blanket scarves are just what they sound like—big, rectangular-shaped pieces of cozy fabric that can be worn in a variety of ways. Too warm for a jacket, but too cool to go without? Need a bit of extra warmth to get you through your day? Don't want to leave your blanket behind and trudge to class? Cape and blanket scarves are the answer to tons of cool-weather woes, which makes them not only more fashionable, but more practical as well. Need somewhere to start? You can't go wrong with a classic tartan look for fall, and you'll never get bored with this reversible option ($48, Nordstrom).

4. Overdone Outerwear

Out: Long Puffer Jackets

Long puffer jackets from our old outdated label obsessions (think: The North Face) may keep you warm, but they do nothing for your style. So why has the trend been so pervasive? It's time to say goodbye to the dreary, shiny and puffy mainstream past and get your hands on something winter- and street style-worthy. Just because everyone wears these lengthy puffers doesn't make them stylish—in fact, trendsetters wouldn't be trendsetters unless they broke from the mold.

In: Duster Coats

Fear not—you don't have to sacrifice toasty legs for gorgeous fashion, and especially not this season, where the cutest coats are knee-length and beyond. Old wool styles have been revamped for the season with longer lengths (if you can commit a super-splurge for something swoon-worthy, try this J. Crew Stadium-Cloth Cocoon Coat, $350) and those feathery duster vests from the summer have transformed into the season's hottest outwear trend (this versatile pick from Topshop is sure to please at a slightly more affordable $170).

5. Footwear to Forget

Out: Shearling Boots

Deep down in our UGG-loving hearts, we've known for a while that ugly fur boots were a thing of the past. But when even middle schoolers are shunning away that sheepskin, we know those things have got to go. At the very least, UGGs and the like should no longer be crashing your everyday style—save them for at-home lazy days and rare errand outings. However, if you absolutely can't let go, we will note that fur-covered shoes did pervade the 2015 runways, however, acceptable styles are expensive (like these runway-inspired fur sneakers, $325, Nordstrom) and may be worth leaving to the models. 

In: Midi Boots

This unexpected silhouette is taking the season by storm, thanks to its knack for complementing some of this year's other autumn trends. Halfway between a bootie and a knee-length boot, these bad boys are both edgy and sophisticated in the best of ways. They're sleekest with a heel, and since you're replacing those UGGs, this simple, rusty, go-with-everything pair can be your new daily go-to ($150, Sam Edelman).

While recycling is A-okay, certain trends smell a little too much like last year (or ten years before that—cringe). This autumn is offering incredible styles and trends we're dying to try—so why get caught up in the past when there's so much to look forward to? It's time to make some swaps for an impeccable season—we'll be right behind you.

No job is perfect. From that hellish part-time gig you had in high school to your ultimate dream position, there will always be a few things you don't love—and that is completely normal. But when a couple things turn into an entire list, you may find yourself in the difficult situation of hating your job—which can truly become toxic. While quitting is the most obvious solution, it might not necessarily be the best; there are a few other options to consider that can make your situation a little more tolerable.

1. Assess the situation 

Before you doing anything rash (like quitting your job on the spot), it’s important to evaluate your feelings and truly figure out what is it that you dislike. Do some self-reflection and to ask yourself the following questions: Do I really hate my job? Is this a new feeling or is it an ongoing one? Is it the people I’m working with, the tasks I’m asked to do, the culture of the organization, or all of the above? 

Career expert and award-winning journalist, Anita Bruzzese, says that the best way to assess your feelings is to get them down on paper: “Make a pro/con list. Get really specific about your likes and your dislikes and go from there. It’s a great way to pinpoint your interests and identify the problem.” Once you decide what the problems are, it’ll be much easier to come up with a solution. 

2. Switch roles

If you’re content with the company you’re working for, but not with your supervisor or coworkers, consider changing jobs within the organization or altering your current position to better suit your needs and/or goals. Checking for job postings on the company website is one way to go, but Bruzzese suggests making connections with people in different departments at work. “Start networking [at your company] and ask your boss to cross train to get a better sense of other departments,” she says. Not only does this expose you to different skills, it’s also an opportunity for you to meet people who currently work in a position you’re interested in. 

3. Ask for more responsibility

If you’re unhappy with the projects you’re assigned to, tell your boss and consider asking for more responsibility. We know the last thing you want to do at a job you hate is more work, but trust us on this one. Bruzzese says, “People often feel entitled to things. So when we become unhappy with our jobs, the mentality is usually like, 'somebody needs to fix this [job] for me.' But it’s not up to your boss to make your job likeable. It’s up to you…You’re more likely to like your job if you’re constantly growing and developing. You never want to stop learning and growing in your career. You should never feel that way.” 

So if boredom is the source of your unhappiness at work, what is the solution? Challenge yourself and take on more responsibility! Joan Snyder Kuhl, founder of the Gen Y speaking and consulting company Why Millenials Matter, echoes similar sentiments: “Think of everything you do on a daily basis. Have you mastered every aspect of this position? Everything you learn in this position will be an asset in your next position and the one thing that is a given is that there is always something to learn. Work to expose yourself to all aspects of this business while you are a part of it. You never know what projects, business processes and initiatives may interest you or are useful down the road.” 

Becoming bored and stagnant can happen in any job so it’s important to keep your skills and mindset fresh. Attend seminars or courses if your company offers them. Teach yourself a new skill. Watch an online TED talk in a topic that might be beneficial to your career. There are endless (and easily available) ways for you to challenge yourself. 

4. Stay positive

Having a good attitude (which is super hard, we know) in this kind of situation can help immensely. Looking on the bright side of things will distract you from the bad things about your job. One way to remain positive is focusing on all the skills you’re gaining for future jobs. Kuhl says, “Consider how you can capitalize on your current position in order to transition into your next position. Just before your took on this position or when you originally learned about the opportunity, there was something that drew you to accepting. By identifying what drew you to this position, you can focus on all the skills you hope to build and the impact you want to make broadly. It may remind you of your initial goals and ideas that you had hoped to tackle.” Creating new goals for yourself, and focusing on the benefits of your job, will make you think less of all the things wrong with it.

5. Know when to fold

Even after you’ve done everything in your power to make work more enjoyable and tolerable, it may be time to go. If you find yourself crying every night after work or dealing with any type of sexism or racism, it’s time to start looking into other positions. Bruzzese suggests that when working at companies like these, one should “cut their losses. An environment like that can become very lonely and stressful and not something you want to stay in or be a part.” 

If your situation isn’t as overtly awful as the aforementioned, it might seem a little tricky on how to procede. Ultimately the decision is up to you. “You’re the only one who knows what is making you unhappy. Only you know what you can tolerate,” says Bruzzese. Candace Johnson found herself in a less than ideal situation after she recently graduated from University of Iowa. "My first job out of college was very draining for me," she says. "The duties I ended up doing were slightly different than what I thought I would be doing. I thought I'd be writing articles and press releases when I really ended up just editing them and scheduling them out on the blog. To add to that, my coworkers were very clique-y. I felt like I was [in] Mean Girls, but instead of high school it was in the office. It made for very long, tiring weeks."After waiting four months to see if her situation would change and/or get better (it didn't), Johnson began sending out resumes and eventually found a job she loved. 

When your job becomes too much for you to handle and you know you have to leave, it’s time to start making a plan.

6. Take initiative

If you’ve made the decision to start looking elsewhere, begin networking at companies you’d be interested in working at. Your alumni directory is always a good place to start! Reach out to people on LinkedIn who have the careers you want for an informational interview. You’d be surprise at how willing people are to help young people in the early stages of their careers. Allison Martins, a 2015 graduate, is currently searching for a new opportunity after realizing her job isn't for her. "I realized how much I miss writing and that this job is truly not for me," she says. "I haven't quit my job yet because I still want to be making some sort of money. Instead I've been networking and applying to other jobs. I have also joined a freelancing network."

There’s almost always a way to improve a horrible situation and it might be much easier than you think. However, every circumstance may not be fixable, and once you recognize that, it’s up to you change your situation and make it better!

While the unequal pay gap in the workplace (or in Hollywood) is not a new concept, nor one of past times (unfortunately), it seems women under the age of 35 are now more optimistic about equality for women at work, according to a recent poll.

According to The Huffington Post, the poll was conducted by the Thomson Reuters Foundation with support by The Rockefeller Foundation, organizations both dedicated to equality and aid for marginalized groups and communities. The foundations surveyed 9,500 women from 19 nations across the globe in the G20 (an international summit of the governments of 20 major economies that include 19 countries and the European Union), as part of their project to increase the amount of women on the job force. The survey found that young millennials were more positive than previous generations about labor issues, ranging from equal pay to the effects of motherhood on their career.

Forty-three percent of women under 35 believed they could receive equal pay, compared to 34 percent of women between ages 50 and 64 who thought the same thing. In terms of balancing motherhood with their careers, 48 percent of millennial women said they could handle it, with 45 percent of women ages 35 to 64 saying the same. Forty percent of millennials also say they could start their own business with the same amount of success as their male counterparts, compared to only 33 pecent of women ages 50 to 64. It's great to see that despite persistent sexism at work, women are finally starting to feel more confident.

However, the poll found that almost a third of women in the G20 have been harassed in the workplace but only a few spoke out. Also, four in ten women say that the gender pay gap is still the top priority in workplace issues for women. Despite developments of the pay gap closing, a study from the Institute for Women’s Policy Research say that if current trends continue, the pay gap will not close until 2059.

While it can be hard to be positive, we can only hope that with each new generation comes greater opportunity, resulting in greater hope for an equal workplace.

Name: Blaine Bowen Muhl

Age: 28

Job Title and Description: Founder and Creative Directorof Blaine Bowen Jewelry

College Name/Major: University of Kansas/Psychology

Website: www.blainebowen.com

Twitter Handle: @Blaine_Bowen

What does your current job entail? Is there such a thing as a typical day?

Blaine Muhl: There is definitely no such thing as a typical day in our office!  I like to consider myself a jack-of-all-trades; I’ll even make coffee and lunch runs for everyone when I have the time. My major role is to design the apparel and jewelry. I do all of the graphic design and sketching, and I hand-make all of the necklaces and bracelets myself. Currently, I make every piece of handmade jewelry, and all of our apparel blanks are designed by me, down to the pattern. 

Depending on the day and how busy we are, I can be doing inventory, facilitating PR requests, managing wholesale orders, packaging orders, linesheets, social media, blog posts and lookbooks and [doing] photography.  You name it, I’ve done every job that’s an aspect of my company, and I’m still required to sometimes do things that are not in my main duties. That’s just part of owning your own company. 

What is the best part of your job?

BM: The best part of my job is definitely the ability to create and design every day, and it’s icing on the cake when people love it enough to buy it. I have always loved design, and am a free spirit to a "T," so I’m lucky to not have the confines of an everyday job; I just wouldn’t function well that way. It is really special to have created this brand, and I love watching it grow every day.

What was your first entry-level job in your field and how did you get it?

​BM: My first entry-level job in fashion was with a fashion PR agency in New York. After that, I got away from fashion for a bit and worked for the athletic department at my university and was a veterinary technician. I’ve always had so many interests, so I basically tried everything out until I found what stuck.  

What is one thing you wish you knew about your industry when you first started out that you know now?

​BM: I wish I knew how emotionally draining it can be. It is a hard industry. For just as many people I’ve met who have been blessings, I’ve met 10 times more who have been hard learning lessons. People in fashion are very critical, and a lot of the time, I don’t see it being constructive. I’ve developed quite a thick skin over the past three years. The world can be a shady place, so you just have to learn to bring your own sunshine.

Who is one person who changed your professional life for the better?

​BM: Definitely Lynsey Eaton of Tomboy KC.  She’s an amazing friend but has also been a solid mentor for me and has helped me navigate the fashion industry in a smarter way from a brands perspective. She is seriously like my own Yoda!

What words of wisdom do you find most valuable?

​BM: “Always go the extra mile, it’s never crowded." Over my experience in the past four years, this quote has never been truer. My other piece of advice would be that there is no such thing as an overnight success, so focus on yourself because you can’t compare your step one to someone else’s step 20. It’s a great way to drive yourself crazy. You need to let things take the time they need to grow. Most of all I’ve learned not to sweat the small stuff or roadblocks; you take a nap, and get over it.

What is one mistake you made along the way and what did you learn from it?

​BM: Definitely trying to grow too quickly. It caused me to spread myself too thin, and things were disastrous for a little bit. When I started the company, I had all of these companies coming out of the woodworks saying I needed this or that app to make my feed shopable, you need to pay X amount for SEO or you need an agent or a publicist, expensive photographers, the works. It all built up and became insanely expensive; at that point in my company, I didn’t need all of that. What I really needed was to let things have the time to grow, instead of coming out of the gate trying to roll with the big dogs.

What has been the most surreal moment of your career thus far?

​BM: I think the most surreal moment had to be when Kourtney Kardashian wore my jewelry on the cover of her Fit Pregnancy shoot. That was pretty crazy for me! Then helping style Paris Hilton for Coachella.

What do you look for when considering hiring someone?

​BM: We’re actually going through the process of expanding right now, so we’ve been doing a lot of interviews lately! When I first meet someone, eye contact and a good handshake are actually really important to me. If you can’t look me in the eye and show confidence, it makes me second-guess you too.

Also, bringing a resume and references. We had over 200 applicants for our past job and we had one girl come in with a resume and references. We actually had some applicants not even submit a resume or submit them with spelling errors. A resume is my first impression of someone, so if they don’t go through all the requirements we put out there for the application process, it says to me that they don’t pay attention and they don’t really care, two things I definitely won’t entertain.

I love to also see previous work experience, whether it's organizations or internships, to show me you want to learn and can stay committed to things. Internships are where you learn everything; I had eight. There appears to be a stigma today that internships aren’t worth it, but that’s not the case. They teach you discipline, and just as much as I ran and got coffee, I learned quite a bit.  Heck, I own my own company, and I still run and get everyone coffee and package up orders. 

In my mind, no one at any stage in a company is too good for any job; you’re all there for one reason and to work as a team. So that is definitely a quality I look for in an applicant; any hint of "I’m too good to do that…" and you’ll be checked off my list pretty quick. 

The final thing I look for is haa [an applicant] done their research on the company?  Do not ever go into an interview and not know that company as much as you can, inside and out. We actually had a girl show up for an interview that thought we were a PR company. I bet y’all can guess how that turned out.  

What advice would you give to a 20-something with similar aspirations?

​BM: Ask for help. The biggest mistake I made was having all of these amazing resources at my disposal, but being too stubborn at first to ask for help. Asking for help, I believe, shows more strength than continuing down a bad path because you don’t want to look like you rely on anyone else. At the end of the day, you can’t do it alone. I think being able to work with others and take constructive criticism is huge.

My second piece of advice is to do your research and start small. A big mistake I made was doing too much, too fast; I had too many designs and stretched myself too thin. Most people will try to get you to start with a collection that is nine to 12 pieces; I say cut that in half and switch things in and out if it’s not working. You don’t want sitting inventory because someone talked you into something for his or her production benefit.  You need to start small and figure out what sells while staying true to your design aesthetic.  My mom calls these designs the “bread and butter.” For me, our bread and butter is [our Gameday collection], which allows me to explore with the other collections.

Thirdly, gain experience. Take the internship. I learned so much just observing at my internships and entry level jobs that saved me a lot of headaches and gave me a starting point and direction. You can’t start your own company without work experience.

My final advice is to stay true to you and your vision. I had so many people trying to push me different directions that just felt wrong. If you believe in your vision, stick with it. Trying to design for others doesn’t work, because the lack of passion will show. I’ve found that listening to my gut is the most consistent and safe bet.

Chris Mintz, a 30-year-old man who was shot five times during a mass shooting at Umpqua Community College in Roseburg, Ore., described the shooting in a Facebook post that has garnered more than 11,000 likes and 4,000 shares.

Mintz described the day beginning normally, then the horror as gunshots started to ring out and Mintz ran through the campus attempting to alert others to danger before being shot himself. He then lay on the floor waiting for police to arrive.

“An EMT I am friends with was one of the first responders on the scene,” Mintz wrote at the end of his story. “I looked up and saw him walk up to the classroom door and said ‘hey buddy’ he looked at me and responded ‘hey.’ When I saw him, I KNEW WE WERE ALL GOING TO BE OK.”

Read the full post below:

Let’s be real: having your period can be rough, and sometimes you just want to know that someone knows what you’re going through and understands your pain. There's the cramps, the grumpiness, the going broke for tampons (which is actually totally avoidable with The DivaCup) and the eating everything in sight. Though these songs may not have originally been written to describe our time of the month and all its perils, they really seem to get us. Read on for a “PMS playlist” of songs that perfectly describe your period.

1. When you’re PMSing and you just want to start arguments with everybody.

You can be a bit of a handful.

2. When you’ve been trying to eat healthy, but all you’re craving is ice cream.

Screw this Whole30 Challenge—you need a pint of Ben & Jerry’s, stat!

3. When the mood swings happen.

You should really just warn people not to mess with you for a few days.

4. When you wish you could just nap the day away.

Do not disturb.

5. When someone makes a joke about “your time of the month”.

Not. Funny.

6. When you try to fall asleep, but those painful cramps keep you up.

You need your beauty rest!

7. When you start to break out.

Concealer is your best friend.

8. When you have to cancel a romantic night with your SO because the cramps are just too bad.

It always happens at the most inconvenient times.

9. When you feel bloated in every outfit you try on.

T-shirt and yoga pants it is.

10. When you forget to bring a tampon or pad out with you, and you can’t do anything until you find one.

You’d better hope your BFF has one on her.

11. When you get hot flashes.

Hot damn!

12. When out of no where, after a few pain-free hours, you suddenly get cripplingly painful cramps.

They came in like a wreeeeecking baaaaaaaall.

13. When you accidentally bleed through your clothing.

Look what you’ve done, period.

14. When all you want to do is cry.

Is it over yet?

15. When you realize how much easier your period can be with The DivaCup.

When we discovered the eco-friendly alternative to tampons, we thought our period woes were cured forever. No need for tampons or pads? No need to worry about bleeding through your clothes, since The DivaCup offers 12 hours of leak-free protection? A chance to save all the money we usually spend on tampons on Starbucks and froyo instead? This is the miracle we've been waiting for—sign us up!

As collegiettes, we know the value of time. We’re all juggling different combinations of classes, extracurricular actives, internships and part-time jobs while attempting to maintain some semblance of a social life. When you finally have a moment to spare, climbing into bed is probably a lot more enticing than lacing up and heading out for a run. Luckily, there’s good news for all you multitasking, overachieving collegiettes out there: there are ways to break a sweat and build muscle while you catch up on your chem reading. With these six moves, you’ll be deskercising with the pros.

Lower Body

The Glute Squeeze

The glute squeeze is one of the most inconspicuous exercises, which means that you can do it pretty much anywhere—in your room while reading a textbook, in the library while going over flashcards or in the classroom while taking notes.

To do this exercise, mimic the squeezing motion shown in the image above while seated. Wherever you’re sitting, just squeeze your gluteal muscles as hard as you can and hold the contraction for 10 seconds. Relax briefly. Repeat 10 to 20 times to work on filling out your fave booty shorts while you go over your flashcards.

Chair Squat

Typing a paper but still trying to keep your legs and butt looking tight and lean? Try this chair squat move, which works all the major muscle groups in the lower body and, as a bonus, activates your core and raises your heart rate, helping you torch major calories during those all night essay-writing sessions.

While typing, stand in front of your desk with your feet flat on the floor. Keeping your back as straight as possible, press your weight into your heels and squat down until your butt hovers just above the seat of your chair. Hold for five to 10 seconds then sit back down. Repeat 10-20 times.

Core and Abs

Abdominal Lift

Staring at your computer screen for hours might help you memorize the notes you took in class, but it’s not doing all that much for your abs. Try this difficult abdominal lift to strengthen and tone your core.

While seated, put your hands on the seat of your desk chair. If your chair has arms, you can place your hands on the arms for an easier variation. Keeping your knees bent, press your weight into your palms and lift your butt off the seat while keeping your arms straight. Lifting your knees as high as you can will help in toning your lower abs. Stay above the seat for a few seconds (up to 10) and then slowly sit back down. Repeat two to four times. Keep your eyes on your notes or textbook to keep this tough move study-friendly.

Oblique Swivel

Swiveling desk chairs are pretty cool not only because you can spin around in them when you’re bored, but also because they’re an amazing piece of workout equipment in disguise for those of us who like to get our sweat on outside the gym. Next time you’re just fooling around and spinning, open a textbook on your desk and get your study on with these controlled oblique swivels.

Sitting up straight with your back against the chair. Put your feet together and lift them off the floor as high as you can. Hold the edge of your desk tightly enough to stabilize yourself. Using your core (primarily your obliques), swivel from left to right as your read. Repeat 10 to 20 times.

Upper Body

Trapezius Squeeze

Summer might be leaving us, but tube top season will eventually return, and when it does, you’ll be ready! This simple move tones your upper back and stretches your chest—a must for those of us who spend a lot of our days hunched over textbooks and computers.

Sit upright with arms spread out to either side. Bend arms at 90 degrees so fingers are pointing forward. Pull your elbows back and pinch your shoulder blades together, pretending you’re trying to hold a pencil between them. Hold for five seconds, then release. Repeat 10-20 times. This move is perfect for flashcard users; instead of keeping your fingers pointing forward, pick up a flashcard with one hand and hold it in front of your face to read it. Squeeze while you try to figure out the answer and release once you flip over the card. Switch hands.

Water Bottle Bicep Curl

Slit-sleeve tops are all the rage this season, and the best accessory to the killer summer tan you’ll be showing off is toned arms. Use water bottles (or canned foods, or any other available weight you can grip in each hand) to work your biceps at your desk.

Sitting up straight, hold your weights at your sides, palms facing in and arms straight. With your elbows pressed to your side, raise your weights and rotate your forearms until your palms are facing your body. Slowly lower weights to original position and repeat for 10-20 repetitions. Make sure to keep your book open on your desk and flip pages in between reps.

Being a busy collegiette doesn’t mean that your health has to suffer! By incorporating some of these deskercises into your routine, you’ll be keeping yourself fit—and maybe even giving yourself the energy to finish that chapter in your textbook. It’s a win-win!

Who would have thought that the wage gap extends to Hollywood—but it does, and actor Bradley Cooper is taking action.

After learning about Amy Adams'pay for the film American Hustle, Cooper has said that he'll do his part in helping his female co-stars negotiate their pay for all projects going forward. "Usually, you don't talk about the financial stuff. You have people. But you know what? It's time to start doing that," he told Reuters. 

Jennifer Lawrence recently also spoke out about unfair pay in an essay in the Lena Dunham's newsletter Lenny. In her essay, she wrote, "Jeremy Renner, Christian Bale, and Bradley Cooper all fought and succeeded in negotiating powerful deals for themselves. If anything, I’m sure they were commended for being fierce and tactical, while I was busy worrying about coming across as a brat and not getting my fair share."

The Sony hack made Lawrence aware of the issue, and several female costars jumped in to agree. Cooper also supports JLaw's essay, saying that Lawrence's popularity gave her a great platform to shed light on the issue.

We're thrilled that Cooper is taking a stance on the national issue, and that his voice is supplementing the voices of the female stars who are hurt by the wage gap—and ultimately, we hope this leads to positive change.

Chapman University has just published a fascinating new study revealing the most common fears among Americans. In April of this year, 1,541 adults took part in the Survey of American Fears, Wave 2, and were asked to rank their level of fear about eighty-eight different topics from 1 (not afraid) to 4 (very afraid). The study categorized fears into 10 different domains, including crime, the government, judgment of others, man-made and natural disasters, and personal anxieties.

The study found that Americans are most afraid of man-made disasters, such as warfare and terrorist attacks, as well as technology, like artificial intelligence and cyber-terrorism. Judgment of others, based on factors such as appearance, age, or gender identity, ranked the lowest of the 10 categories. Here is the complete ranking of Domains by Fear:

Of all of the eighty-eight fears respondents were asked about, the largest percentage (58%) of Americans expressed being “afraid” or “very afraid” of the corruption of government officials. Here’s the list of top ten fears most commonly had by Americans:

It seems like there are some recurring themes of the greatest fears Americans have—many of them are government-related! Topics like natural disasters and personal anxieties tended to fall further down on the list (you can see the complete ranking of all eighty-eight fears here). It almosts sounds like people are more afraid (or mistrusting?) of each other than anything else. It’s fascinating how much a simple question like “what are you most afraid of?” can tell us about ourselves.

With Halloween just a little under two weeks away, many of us are in the final planning stages of our costumes. Every year is a new opportunity to flex our creative muscles and come up with the greatest idea yet. It has to be unique, but not so obscure that people won't recognize it. It has to be cute, but not overly sexy (despite what Mean Girls might say). Most of all, it has to be iconic and make a statement at the various parties we'll be attending over Halloweekend, which means that in a perfect situation nobody else should be in the same costume.

Fortunately, there's a way to make sure to set yourself apart from the pack. Influenster recently polled 40,000 people to see what they're planning on dressing up as this year, and then ranked the top costume per state. Below is a full infographic: 

No surprise that Elsa continues to have a presence even two years after the movie first came out, but Nevada's top costume made us pause for a moment—apparently Las Vegas is a hotspot for pumpkins! Of course there's no way to ensure that you'll be the only zombie bride or "Tom Cruise in Risky Business" but we hope this might at least give you an idea of what to expect on that spooky night. And if you're racking your brain for inspiration, consider taking a look at all of our Halloween coverage featuring tons of helpful tips and creative ideas! 

Crystal Sanchez, 18, created the first necklace with a purpose to prevent assault and change the rape culture that is prevalent in the United States. The University of California – Irvine freshman was awarded earlier this month with $25,000 to make her plans for a unique safeguard become a reality.

Sanchez’s creation, the Guardian Locket, is protection disguised as a piece of jewelry. The seemingly-normal looking locket uses a cellular chip to distract an attacker and alert contacts that the person wearing it is in danger. The locket’s hidden purpose is operated by a button on the back that, once pressed, starts the owner’s phone ringing in order to distract the attacker. If pressed twice, three text messages are sent to the user’s top three emergency contacts, which can be selected on the Guardian Locket App.

According to the Guardian Locket website, the product is both “a piece of jewelry and a guardian angel.” The Guardian Locket’s mission is to reduce the amount of sexual assaults happening in America. Five dollars from each locket sold will go to Peace Over Violence and Take Back the Night.

“When you think about statistics, it’s too much,” Sanchez said to USA Today earlier this month. “It’s too much to see men, women and children being victims of this. Why not try to combat this issue by creating a product that could help people?”

Sanchez originally thought of the idea for the Guardian Locket back in her senior year of high school and has continued developing plans since. She presented her idea on October 6 at the NFTE National Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge in New York and walked away with a winning title and $25,000.

USA Today reports that Sanchez hopes to launch her business by August 2016.

“I want to create an impact in this world,” Sanchez said. “And I want to make sure I’m helping people to stay safe.”

You’ve been in a loving, committed relationship for months now. You couldn’t be happier, except for all the hate you receive for it. Your peers tell you you’re missing out on the full college experience and the dating scene, so much that you sometimes come to question your own relationship—even though you know deep down that you’re perfectly happy. We talked to a dating expert and collegiettes to remind you why you should be proud of being with your SO, and what to do to silence the negativity.

The situation

The hookup culture has become so ingrained in campus life that what used to be a goal for many collegiettes—a committed relationship—is now almost taboo.

Haley Jenkins, a sophomore at the University of Texas at San Antonio, has been dating her boyfriend since sophomore year of high school and often faces criticism. “I have girls saying all the time, ‘college is the time to have fun, you need to branch out’ or ‘how do you only make out with the same one guy all the time?’” Haley says.

Dismissive comments about collegiettes’ relationships are so common that some women begin to internalize the negativity. “I LOVE my boyfriend. I'll say it!” says Lauren McClure, a senior at the University of Wyoming. “But I'm not gonna lie, I have purposely not posted an Instagram or put up pictures on Facebook because I'm worried that people will think I'm ‘showing off’ and being ‘that’ couple.”

So why exactly do we get embarrassed about being happily coupled up? For DeAnna Lorraine, a dating coach, peer pressure—direct or indirect—could be to blame. “I think some women may be embarrassed by [their long-term relationship] because most of their friends and peers are dating around, casually hooking up, and playing the field, so to speak, and they might be pressuring them to do the same,” Lorraine says. “They might feel really conservative or old-fashioned telling their friends and peers that they are choosing to stay in their committed relationship, since that isn't the norm.”

It’s all too easy to see your single friends and wonder whether you’re missing out or doing something wrong, but just because they are happy exploring their options doesn’t mean that you would be too!

Why you should be proud of your relationship

1. It makes you happy

This is self-explanatory: if your SO makes you happy, then of course you should stay in the relationship. Alexandra Blessing, a senior at Millersville University, has been dating her now-fiancé for four and a half years. “People always ask me why I've been with him for so long,” Alexandra says. “The answer is simple: we are in love. Why look for something else when I'm already happy with what I have?”

Haley feels the same way: “I ONLY want to kiss this one guy,” she says. “I want to marry him, I can't imagine my life without him. I'm so blessed to have a real man that is my best friend, I honestly see the guys here in college and at parties and it only makes me more proud to be in my relationship!”

So if your relationship is healthy and fulfilling, you have every right to be loud and proud about it!

2. You are NOT missing out

Being committed to another person in no way means that you are boring or that you are not growing as an individual. In the same way, not giving into the hookup culture doesn’t mean that you’re not getting the full college experience. Such assumptions are insulting and wrong.

“People have tried to hint that I’m missing out on a lot by not being single, but I don’t think that’s true,” says Catherine Brackett, a sophomore at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. “My boyfriend and I experience a lot together—we travel, try new things, test our limits and learn from each other.”

Besides, only you should get a say in your dating decisions. “I’m always ready to prove people wrong about serious relationships in college,” Catherine says. “I’m also very supportive of anyone’s decision to stay single though. You have to live your life for yourself—especially in college.” We couldn’t agree more!

3. You have a healthy balance

Some of your friends might argue that you spend too much time with your SO to make the most of college, but this is usually not true! “I’m completely obsessed with our relationship and sometimes think I’m too involved,” Catherine says. “But we definitely have a healthy balance. We only hang out on the weekends and keep the week dedicated to studies and other obligations.”

For Katianna Tron, a senior at the College of William & Mary, there is no question that she is making the most of her undergrad years. “[My boyfriend and I] definitely are committed and in love, but we are both so independent and so involved, that we have been able to truly enjoy our college experiences, with the added bonus of being together through it all!” Katianna says.

4. You are growing up together

Growing up and finding out who you are is one of the most important aspects of college. If you can do that with another person, even better! “We have both grown and changed throughout the past four years, but I think what has been truly amazing is the fact that we've grown together, as opposed to some long-distance couples that grow apart,” Katianna says. “While entering the real world is scary for the both of us, it’s so incredible to be entering into it with someone who has been by my side through my most formative years.”

Whether it’s entering the real world together like Katianna and her boyfriend, or getting married like Alexandra and her fiancé, having someone with you every step of the way, big or small, is something to be proud of, not embarrassed about.

How to respond to criticism

The best way to counter intrusive questions about your relationship is to know exactly why you are in it, which you probably do anyway. “If a woman is making the decision to stay in a committed, exclusive relationship with her partner throughout college, then she should be very clear on the reasons why she is choosing to stay committed to him, and what joys and value she is getting from that,” Lorraine says. “Then, knowing her reasons, she should be very strong, confident and clear on them when other people try to nay-say about it or pressure her to date around, and stand by her convictions proudly.”

Lorraine suggests saying something along the lines of, “This is my choice and I'm proud of it. I love this person, I am positive I want a future with him [or her] so I don't have the need or desire to ‘shop around’ or look elsewhere, or to casually hook up. I'm happy and fulfilled in my committed relationship and I don't judge you or pressure you for your decisions." That should show ‘em!

All this to say, you are strong, individual and capable of making your own decisions. If your relationship is balanced and lifts you up rather than bringing you down, you have every reason in the world to be super proud of it—whether this means posting pics on social media or silencing the haters. Your relationship will only come out stronger.

As Grey's Anatomy addicts, we seemingly find ways to relate the show to any given aspect of our lives. If you ignore the crazy high amount of deaths that occur on the show (given, it does take place in a hospital), Grey's is actually a lot like the life of a college student. Just think of Joe's Bar as a frat party, the on-call room as a college dorm room and the hospital as a school, and you will shortly realize that the drama the doctors go through in each episode is actually an accurate depiction of your life.  

1. When your professors say they might curve the exam grades and then end up not doing it.  

We've all been a victim of this. As seemingly hopeless college students, we tend to cling onto any chance we have at succeeding. Any person who dares take that away from us may as well just never show their face on campus again.

2. Claiming that you're "dropping out of college" at least ten times a day.  

We college students can only handle so much pressure and stress before we finally just gain an "I don't care" attitude towards any situation that might be the least bit overwhelming.

3. Checking your grades.  

Need we say more? #tragic

4. Making awkward eye contact with a guy you met on Tinder while walking to class.

If you claim this hasn't happened to you, we're calling your bluff. And if this really hasn't happened to you yet, trust us, it will. Be ready to make an on-the-spot decision of whether to acknowledge him or pretend you didn't see him (even though both of you know you did). Either way, it's very uncomfortable.

5. Being the only sober one among all of your drunk friends.

This one speaks for itself. You never realize how annoying drunk people are until you aren't one of them.  

6. Then having to babysit them all night long.

Every college student's favorite thing to do, right?

7. When your parents drive away after dropping you back off at school.

We would be lying if we said a part of us doesn't have to resist going home every weekend. Even though your campus ultimately becomes your new home, it's always refreshing to have a nice, stress-relieving weekend in your hometown with your family. However, the second their car drives away, you know it's time to snap back into the harsh reality of schoolwork. *sheds a tear*

8. Realizing how much homework you have but proceeding to watch an entire season of television on Netflix regardless. 

They say that the first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem. However, we are fully aware of our terrible prioritizing skills, yet we proceed to put our lives on hold to turn ourselves into living Chipotle burritos in piles of blankets and watch disgusting amounts of Netflix without moving for hours.

9. When you realize that your parents really did always have your best interest in mind.

We grow up thinking of our parents as the bad guys and often think they are being too strict or "ruining our lives." But when we get to college and finally get a glimpse of what it's like to be an adult, we realize how relevant all of their advice truly was. Even after our b*tchy teenage years, our parents still love us, and in college we realize how much of a support system they truly are. While in school you will have some of the most stressful and also some of the most fun times of your life, depending on what you make of it. But having your number one fans constantly supporting you will make the bad times good and the good times even better.

10. Having at least 12 mental breakdowns a day for absolutely no reason.  

Sometimes you just need to cry into your pillow for an hour and then inhale an entire tub of ice cream. Don't ask us why; it just feels right.

11. "Netflix and chill" is very much a real thing.

It wasn't until college that we realized how big of a thing this truly is. We would be lying if we said we weren't slightly ashamed to be part of the "Netflix and chill" generation. If a boy goes out of his way to ask you on a real date in college, consider it a huge deal.

12. When you walk into a party and see the guy you like all over another girl.

Behold: the moment we all dread. This is not a situation that can be dealt with easily, but as long as you have some tequila, everything will be all right in the end (even if you don't remember it). After all, YOU ARE THE SUN, AND HE CAN GO SUCK IT!

13. When you and your friends realize you literally have no clue what you're doing with your life.

College can be just one big cycle of waking up every day and questioning why you even went to college in the first place. Going into college, you think it's all about figuring out what you want to do in life, but in all honesty, we just get more confused by the day.

14. Having to keep track of which of your friends actually made it home…

…and which ones got too drunk to remember where they live.

15. When you know you have to be productive so you stay in for the night and watch all of your friends go out.

As hard as it is, we all have those nights where we need to stay in and get caught up on schoolwork. There is nothing more heartbreaking than sitting in a room full of people who are getting ready and having to resist the temptation to go out. In the end, it only makes us stronger.

No matter how much work you need to do or how many responsibilities you have, there’s always that point every semester when you’re just not motivated anymore. Tasks that used to take you only an hour or so stretch into a few hours, and you end up napping the day away instead of buckling down to finish your work.

But you also know that the slump can hurt your grades as you become too tired, too stressed out and too overwhelmed to really focus on work! To beat the mid-semester slump, turn to these tips to make sure that you not only get through the rest of the semester, but that you also power through with flying colors.

Prioritize Your Work

Many collegiettes fall into the mid-semester slump because they’re burned out from multitasking and trying to stay on top of deadlines far into the future. While it’s great to plan way ahead in advance, tackling too many responsibilities while you’re burned out could actually cause you a lot of anxiety, leaving you even more unproductive than before.

When you’re caught in a slump, take on your deadlines and commitments one at a time so you can really focus on each and get them done to the best of your ability. One way is to create a to-do list that you can customize to include assignments, social events and more.

“When it's hard to manage everything mid-semester, I start my day by making a to-do list and rough schedule of the day,” explains Miami of Ohio junior Amanda Hancock. “This way, you can focus on one thing at a time and know that you have a section devoted to each task.”

You can also plan out a to-do list for the entire week rather than just for a day, but make sure that you’re not overwhelmed! Still plan in small chunks, and make sure that your focus stays with the deadlines you need to meet immediately or you’ll be pulled in too many directions.

“I personally make a to-do list for everything, but I keep it realistic,” says Meghan Gibbons, a senior at Boston College. “I only put on it what I really need to do instead of things that are not due until far off in the future. If those far off events were on my list I would begin to panic.”

Find Study Buddies

Sometimes your close friends can be your best motivators, which means that getting a study group together is another great way to stay on top of school. If you find yourself slacking, your friends can keep you on track and make sure that you’re being productive. Besides, study breaks are even more fun with friends since you can decompress in a social way!

“Although we are all completely different majors, [my roommates, friends, and I] will still go to the library together, or sit in our living room and do our work at the same time,” says Marissa Russo, a senior at Michigan State. “That way we can stay motivated through each other. And with that, we like to take breaks and relieve stress!”

Be sure to find friends who you know won't be a distraction. Some friends can distract you from getting all your studying done, meaning that if you do choose them to be part of your study group, you may want to set some work-time rules so that everyone can stay productive.

Watch and Listen to Motivational Speakers

It may sound cheesy, but watching videos of motivational speakers can also give you the drive you need to stay on track. When you’re near the semester’s halfway mark, it can be hard to find people who are positive and upbeat, making it even harder to find friends who have the attitude you need to feel motivated. If that’s the case, surf the Web for motivational speakers and find the appropriate pep talk for you!

“Whenever I feel burnt out or get into a slump, I watch Eric Thomas videos- Eric Thomas is an inspirational speaker and his YouTube channel is full of videos to bring back my motivation and get me through any challenge,” says Rachel Jerome, a senior at Connecticut College. “It's funny because he appeals to a lot of athletes and speaks at a lot of colleges' athletic departments, [plus] many of his lessons are intended for people of lower socioeconomic backgrounds. But I think his lessons can apply to anything.” 

If traditional motivational speeches aren’t your thing, you might want to look into watching TED (Technology, Entertainment and Design) talks. TED talks may focus mostly on science and culture, but the ideas presented in the speeches are often so enlightening that they can motivate people with varied interests. What’s more, a lot of famous politicians, celebrities and other well-known people have their own TED talks, so you can tap into the heads of your biggest role models to find out how they overcome challenges.

Re-Evaluate Your Commitments

To avoid burning out completely, you may also want to re-evaluate your academic, extracurricular and social commitments and decide how much time you can realistically put into each. Depending on how much you think you can handle, you may want to make some changes like taking a smaller role in upcoming events or see if you can negotiate your work hours to better fit your schedule.

“I try to evaluate my commitments and figure out what I can and cannot handle,” says Shira Kipnees, a junior at Franklin & Marshall College. “If I can't do something, I make sure that I tell people [but emphasize] that I want to do it another time so that I have the motivation to work hard for the next semester.”

But of course, don’t cut down so much that you can’t enjoy everything you love! Try to find your own personal balance by first evaluating which activities are your favorites, since you’ll want to spend more time on those. Afterwards, go through each of your other commitments and determine which specific tasks you feel that you can take on. That way, you’ll be able to sail through the rest of the semester.

Reward Yourself for Getting Things Done

For extra motivation, plan out little rewards for yourself after you finish each task! Whether it’s letting yourself do a bit of online shopping or going out with your friends, giving yourself something to look forward to can boost your productivity and encourage you to complete things on time.

“I also stay motivated by getting some fun new snacks for the second half of the semester so that I can reward myself during studying,” Shira says. “I also reward myself by making sure I have some me time, especially during the second half of the semester, such as buying a fun book to read before bed.”

The key to this, however, is self-control. As tempting as it is to drop what you’re doing immediately to watch TV, resist! Giving in prematurely to your planned rewards will train you to ignore the schedule you set, especially if you give in again and again. So if you still want that little extra kick to keep you motivated, convince yourself to avoid taking an early snack break.

Try Meditating

If you’re fatigued and looking for a low-key study break to recharge, why not try meditating? The more stressed out and anxious you get, the more you can forget to breathe and relax. Meditating helps you control your breathing, slows down your mind and lets you feel much calmer.

“It's a technique where you try to fill your lungs up with air like a balloon, but you do it softly, along with a heartbeat pace. Breathing in and out of your nose is the best way to achieve long-lasting results from meditation,” explains Florida International University junior Laura Hernandez. “If you're in a stressed environment, it's best to breathe in through your nose and breathe out through your mouth since it'll help you achieve faster but short-term results. The effect is similar to that of when you're at the beach and you just let the feel of the waves overcome you. It's soothing.”

To make it even more soothing, Lauren says you can light some incense if you like the smell. While you may think that meditating won’t work for you, it might be worth a try even just to catch your breath before diving back into your books.

Get Enough Sleep

No, we’re not talking about the series of naps you’d love to take throughout the day; we’re talking about a good night’s sleep that will keep you energized from when you wake up in the morning until you can hit the hay again at night. A common sign you’ve hit the mid-semester slump is feeling tired all the time, which only makes you less productive since you’re bleary-eyed as you try to get work done.

To avoid falling asleep and risking even more of a slump, make sure that you’re not staying up late for no reason. You’ll be more attentive and productive when you can get to bed at a reasonable time, letting you power through any slump!

The mid-semester slump may seem too difficult to power through, but you can do so by changing small aspects of your life. From finding the right study buddies to making sure you’re organized, you can navigate the slump just fine and get through your semester with flying colors!

We've been waiting for a Gilmore Girls reunion since 2007, when we were stripped of Stars Hollow and Friday Night Dinners for good. Potential reunions have been hinted at, and several castmates have admitted they would be interested in a reunion—or possibly a movie. The buzz about a possible reunion really took off this summer when Patterson hinted at discussions involving a reunion project.

“I can’t really go into any details, but there is some activity. I’m hopeful, and I’m in," said Patterson in an interview with Time.

He's in—he's "all in," just like Luke was with Lorelai in season five. Cue the tears. 

But now, we finally have news that may change everything—the possibility of a Netflix reboot of the series.

The revival will consist of four 90-minute episodes as a Netflix miniseries, with creator Amy Sherman-Palladino and executive producer Dan Palladino confirmed to be on board. Will we finally find out whether Luke and Lorelai get married? What were Amy's intended final four words for the series? Does Rory get back together with Jess, with Logan, or none of the above? Does she ever end up working for The New York Times? We have questions, baby, and now we may have answers.

Netflix has not confirmed the series yet, and neither has Warner Brothers, but according to TVLine, Lauren Graham (Lorelai), Alexis Bledel (Rory), Scott Patterson (Luke), and Kelly Bishop (Emily) are on board for the series. 

Amy Sherman-Palladino has discussed the possibility of the return of the show before, specifically, at the ATX TV Festival this past June. “It would have to be the right everything—the right format, the right timing,” she said. “If it ever happened, I promise we’ll do it correctly.”

Of course, now is obviously the right timing. Right now. 

We've never been happier at the prospect of Netflix and Chill—coming soon to a laptop near you with brand new (!!!) new episodes of Gilmore Girls.

When it comes to meeting professionals without even having to leave campus, virtual networking—aka ‘attending’ an event to network with other professionals in your field over Skype, a conference call, or even Twitter—is your BFF. Luckily for us, opportunities to network virtually are only increasing, which means that making connections to score you that killer internship or job is becoming easier.

Have a virtual networking event coming up? These tips will help you rock it.

1. Look your best

We all know that it’s totally necessary to rock the business casual look to networking events IRL, but believe it or not, you should also completely pull yourself together for a virtual networking event over video chat. Yes, that includes putting on pants! Cara Gargano, owner of Cara G Casting, a company that uses Skype to interview potential cast members for reality shows, says that looking the part is half the battle.

Related: 7 Steps to Ace Your Job or Internship Interview

“Always have your hair and makeup ready and dress the part,” Gargano says. “It's just as important for your surroundings to be put together because there is nothing worse than seeing a pile of dishes or laundry in the corner of the screen. Everything should be neat and tidy before you dial in.”

It’s a great idea to check your webcam prior to your networking session to make sure everything is in place. Is your dirty laundry visible in the background? Is the lighting flattering? While a virtual networking event might seem like a great opportunity to network from bed or in your PJ’s, that’s not suggested; if you look professional, you’ll be more inclined to feel and act professional while connecting with others in your field. 

2. Know your ‘elevator pitch’

Chances are that you don’t have your own business to pitch during virtual networking sessions (and if you do, you go girl!), but Deborah Sweeney, CEO of My Corporation, a company that provides services to clients starting their own business, says having an elevator pitch prepared to introduce yourself and market your own personal brand as a professional is always a good idea.

“Remember that you are your own business,” Sweeney says. “Come up with an elevator pitch that includes what you studied, what you're passionate about, and what separates you from like individuals. Selling yourself can be stressful and awkward for some people, but if you have a go-to elevator pitch in your back pocket you'll feel more confident than if you were speaking, or typing in the case of an online chat event, off the cuff.”

Whether your online networking event is conducted through video conferencing, over the phone or in a virtual chat room, you’ll need to be able to introduce yourself in a way that makes you stand out among other professionals. Think ahead of time about your strengths, accomplishments and experience before the event, so you’ll be prepared to wow them when the time comes!

3. Don’t let nerves get the best of you

When it comes to virtual networking events, since you’re not actually physically present, it can be easy to sit back and let others do the talking—but Diane Gottsman, an etiquette and leadership expert, says that this is one of the biggest mistakes you can make.

“Don’t wait too long to speak,” Gottsman says. “If you sit back and allow your nerves to take over, you will miss a prime opportunity to network and interact with a future employer.”

If you’re on the introverted side, it’s a great idea to prepare potential questions and talking points before the networking event and have them nearby on a sticky note or piece of paper.

If your event is happening over the phone, Gottsman also says it’s particularly important to pay attention to your voice and tone, since you’re unable to communicate through facial expressions or body language.

“Let them see you shine,” Gottsman says. “Although they may not be able to physically see you, your voice will form an impression. Make sure to smile when you speak and keep your tone upbeat and positive.”

Related: 7 Signs You Rocked Your Phone Interview

If you’re connecting over Skype, like at any other networking event, it’s important to keep your body language positive—smiling and nodding while other professionals are speaking is a great way to avoid any unintentional resting b*tch face from slipping in, and doing so shows you’re engaged and present!

4. Skype isn’t the only option

While Skype sessions with other professionals in the field you’re interested in are great, there might be other virtual networking opportunities you’re missing out on! Colleen O’Morrow, a marketing and sales specialist at the Columbus-based public relations firm MediaSource, reminds collegiettes to take advantage of Twitter.

“Twitter chats can be a great way to network with professionals!” O’Morrow says. “Map out some of your favorite professional groups and identify when they are hosting a chat. Once you are in the Twitter chat, be interactive not only with the chat hashtag, but also with others in the event. Retweeting, favoriting and replying are great ways to start interacting with professionals.”

Because everything you say on Twitter has to be done in under 140 characters, connecting on the social platform makes it easy and quick to network with professionals who you may not get the chance to interact with otherwise. Just remember to keep your online accounts professional before participating in any kind of networking on social media!

5. Follow up

Like with any networking event, it’s always important to follow up—but with an event where you possibly haven’t met face-to-face before, keeping in touch and staying memorable is particularly essential. Jeremy Schifeling, the CEO of Break Into Tech, says that the biggest part of creating connections is keeping up with them.

“Networking is about building connections that may only pay off years down the road, so the most important task is to stay in touch over the long-term,” Schifeling says. “This means connecting on LinkedIn or other social networks and then setting-up a system to remind yourself to check-in. For instance, on LinkedIn, you can even set a reminder directly on your new contact's profile—which will ping you to touch base every few months.”

Related: What You Should (& Shouldn't!) Do After an Interview

A major part of forming real, lasting connections over virtual networking is setting up a time to meet in person, if possible. While using social media and email to keep in touch is important, asking professionals you meet over virtual networking to meet for coffee or lunch in person is the best way to take the relationship to the next level!

Navigating a virtual networking event for the first time can be a little tricky, but the benefits from connecting with professionals you may not meet otherwise definitely outweigh the struggles—get ready to become a virtual networking pro! 

Hey collegiettes!

We know you love reading HC on your laptops, your smartphones, and your tablets... but now you can truly curl up with HC because our first-ever book, The Her Campus Guide to College Life, just hit stores!

Order your copy online here or head to your local Barnes & Noble! And be sure to check out our upcoming schedule of book signing events and see if we're coming to your area!

The Her Campus Guide to College Life: How to Manage Relationships, Stay Safe and Healthy, Handle Stress, and Have the Best Years of Your Life covers everything you need to know to rock college, from how to get along with your roommates to how to avoid the 'freshman 15', deal with tough professors, snag internships, decide whether to study abroad, and much, much more.

Whether you're already an upperclassman or are just getting ready to go off to college next fall, this book has everything you need to survive and thrive on campus when it comes to all aspects of your life. Our book also includes handy resources like a template roommate contract, dorm room grocery list, and more.

Want a sneak preview? Read an excerpt from our book here then order your copy!

I can't wait to hear what you think!

HC Love,
Stephanie Kaplan Lewis, Co-founder, CEO & Editor-in-Chief of Her Campus

Breast Cancer Awareness month is coming to an end, so we’re giving you one last chance to support the cause!

We’ve teamed up with our official media partner Elite Daily, Birchbox, Trust, The Brave Collection and Lomography to give away a Breast Cancer Awareness-inspired prize package totaling more than $200!

We’re giving away Birchbox’s Power Pose Featured Box which includes a bunch of awesome skincare products like: Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief, Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in Mega Melon, Darphin STIMULSLIN PLUS Multi-Corrective Divine Cream for Dry Skin, Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Serum Synchronized Complex II and Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Classic.

We’re also giving away Trust’s Key to a Cure Necklace, made of copper chain and rose quartz comfort stone, as well as The Brave Collection’s coral “Brave” bracelet, handmade in Cambodia to support local artisans and to celebrate women around the globe, and Lomography’s Lomo’Instant Kyoto Camera, inspired by Kyoto Japan, to take with you take wherever you go!

We are giving one lucky winner the chance to win all of these incredible prizes in one spectacular prize pack! Head over to Elite Daily to read more, and enter now to win.

Breast Cancer Awareness Round Up

No this is NOT a drill—Adele is FINALLY releasing new music! It's been four years since the artist's last album, 21, and fans have been waiting patiently for a preview of her next big hit... and it looks like that's just what we've gotten.

Adele hasn't released a single since 2012's Skyfall, making this new snippet of the song a major deal. During Sunday's episode of X Factor in the UK, Adele gave us a preview of her upcoming song in the form of a 30-second lyric video. Of course, Twitter freaked out and fans everywhere are wondering when her next album 25 will drop. While her record label has yet to confirm a release date, rumors have been flying around that it could be as soon as this November. Either way, we all know it will be worth the wait. Get ready for an album full of soulful tunes about relationships that you'll be listening to on repeat for weeks on end. Until then, the teaser video will have to do.

Peace. Love. Adele.