Your little—the person who might as well just be your soulmate. Having a little gives you a legitimate excuse to be super obsessed with someone, craft every waking hour of every day and spend more money than you'd ever spend on yourself. After you're officially deemed "big" and "little," you start wondering how you ever went so long without this person in your life. Friends may come and go, but a little is forever. Here are 15 signs that you are, in fact, obsessed with your little.

1. Right off the bat, you can think of at least 10 inside jokes that you share.

2. You are a firm believer that you two are actually the same person.

3. Ever since the very second you met her during recruitment, you knew she was the one.

4. You spoil her as if she's your own child.

5. All you ever want to do is craft for her.

6. Even if you absolutely hate crafting.

7. You drop whatever you're doing any time she needs you.

Related: 45 Sure Signs You're a Sorority Girl

8. You have your own Pinterest board dedicated to things you want to buy for her.

9. The feeling you got when you saw her on bid night is equivalent to the feeling a small child gets on Christmas morning.

10. You have no doubt that she will be one of your bridesmaids someday.

11. You're more than willing to put her Dunkin on your tab.

12. You would bail her out of jail with all of the money you don't have.

13. You finish each other's sentences way too often.

14. You can exchange heinous Snapchat selfies with absolutely no judgment.

Okay, maybe just a little judgment.

15. Pictures of the two of you have basically taken over your Instagram page.

As collegiettes, finding new beauty trends is high up on our style to-do list. There’s almost nothing better than finding a hot lipstick shade or an eye shadow trend you love.

If you’re into exciting, new ways to do your eyeliner, you’ve come to the right place. Upping your eyeliner game has never been more fun with these cool new ways to do your makeup! Say bye-bye to boring, black eyeliner and hello to these awesome trends! Take our advice and try one of these for a fresh, bold look.

We spoke to celebrity beauty expert Hasblady Guzman to find out the easiest ways to get these looks and the best products to achieve them.

1. Classic cat eye

This adorable trend never gets old. Cat eyeliner is the perfect way to amp up your makeup without looking too fancy. Simply extend your eyeliner out as far as you desire past your eyelid to create this sexy look. Flare the wings up to create an even more cat-like effect.

1. Start with clean skin, then apply foundation on your eyelid.
2. Lightly dust on a translucent powder or powder that matches your skin tone.
3. While standing in front of the mirror, take your left hand and pull back your right eyebrow (gently; don't tug too much).
4. Holding the liquid eyeliner pen or an angled brush with eyeliner gel on it, start at the inside corner of your eye. Make small applications, almost like small lines, one at a time, increasing the thickness as you move to the outer corner of your eye. Let it dry.
5. Do it all over again on the same eye by going over the same line.
6. For the bottom of the eye, at the lash line, add a skinny line with a second wing just below the top wing so that the lines do not touch, but run parallel to each other.
7. For the left eye, use your left hand to pull back your brow to apply the eyeliner in the same manner. 

Guzman suggests using Make Up For Ever Aqua Liner ($23) or Trish McEvoy Intense Gel Eye Liner ($28).

2. Bright white

White eyeliner can make you appear more awake than darker eyeliners because it brightens your eyes and isn’t as harsh as black or brown. If you’re looking for a more relaxed look, try applying white eyeliner on your top lids, on your bottom lids or even on the inside corners of your eyes. You won’t look like you’re wearing as much makeup as you would if you were wearing darker liner. Try Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner ($20), NARS Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner ($24) or Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil ($20).

3. Smudged and sexy

Smudged eye makeup creates a darker and more mysterious look. To get this look, use a dark eye shadow and smudge it along your eyelid using a small eye shadow brush.  By using shadow as a liner, you’ll create a soft and sultry eye.

“Use a bold color, but make sure that it is more matte than cream based, otherwise it will crease,” Guzman says. She suggests using MAC’s Eye Shadow in Woodwinked ($16) and MAC’s 212 Flat Definer Brush ($24).

4. Glitter galore

For a fun, sparkly look, glitter eyeliner is perfect, especially if you’re going to a concert or a party.  Glitter eyeliner can be applied on your top lids, bottom lids or both if you’re feeling daring. You’ll bring the fun with you with this makeup! Try Urban Decay Heavy Metal Glitter Liner ($19) or Stila Sparkle Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner ($22).

To complete the look, Guzman says, “You don't want to glisten. Use a dual powder that is more matte than creamy and a very low-key [lip color in] nude or pinkish/blushy. Don’t use blush on the cheeks.”

5. Double trouble

For a night out, double eyeliner can be a great way to switch up your look. Simply apply an additional line of a bold color on top of plain black liner to create a dramatic look. Try to choose a color that complements your outfit for the best effect.

“I would definitely use a black or a brown on the top lid, paired with a bright [color],” Guzman says. “Using too many different colors is something to stay away from so that the look isn't overboard.”

Great products to try:

• Gold:NARS Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner in Campo De’Fiori ($24)
• Red:Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Cosmetic Colour Pencil in NSFW ($16)
• Blue:Sephora Collection Retractable Waterproof Eyeliner in Blue ($13)

6. Graphic liner

For an extra-bold look, graphic eyeliner is the trend to try. Creating different patterns and looks with your eyeliner is a fun way to change up your makeup. Try this simple triangle pattern, or go for something more dramatic, like feathering or swirl designs.

If you’re doing a bold eye like this, use less makeup on the rest of your face.  For example, a light, shimmery eye shadow and a simple lip gloss should do the trick.

How to do the triangle eye:

1. With black liner, line your upper eyelids as you normally would.
2. Pull back your eyebrow gently. At the corner of your eye, begin to bring the liner up like a cat eye.
3. Extend your line farther than you normally would and create a sharp corner for your design.
4. Bring your liner back in a straight line to the crease of your eye.

Great products to try:

• Make Up For Ever 256 Definer Eyeliner Brush ($24)
• Dior Diorshow Art Pen ($31)

7. Color craze

If you’re looking for an extra pop to your look, colored eyeliner could be for you. Using a color rather than black or brown will make your eyes look bold while spicing up your look. Bright colors will make your eyes look wider and can complement your eye color.

Guzman’s color suggestions for different eye colors:

• Green eyes: Burgundy, cream and green
• Brown/black eyes: Electric blues, bronze browns, teal and yellow
• Blue eyes: Espresso brown and whites up against charcoal-brown mattes; lining the inside waterline with white makes the color pop dramatically
• Hazel eyes: Caramels, black, whites and pinks

We know that you’ll look awesome in at least one of these seven trends, if not all of them! Whether you’re into dark and smoky eyeliner or bright and sparkly eyeliner, we’re sure you’ll rock whichever one you choose.

Next time you’re feeling down about having to re-do your winged eyeliner three times before you get it right, just remember that World’s Most Beautiful Human, Gigi Hadid, had to audition for the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show three times before she was finally offered her first pair of sparkly VS Angel wings. 

Her mom/best cast member of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Yolanda Foster, went into proud mother mode when Gigi finally booked the gig. “​She has worked really hard​," she told the Daily Mail. "​She's missed it twice, this was her third try, and she pulled it off and got a spot that millions and millions of beautiful women deserve as much as she does. That's a part of the game though.”

If you haven’t seen Gigi’s super adorable reaction to being offered a spot in the show, get ready for your heart to grow three sizes. Her mom admits to watching it “a hundred times” and crying every time she saw it. 

Gigi told Refinery29 that the timing feels right this year. “I didn't get the show last year, but everything happens for a reason.”

In the weeks leading up to the show, Gigi was working out twice a day (yikes) and credited Gotham Gym and Ballet Beautiful, both boutique fitness studios in New York City, for her unbelievable abs. 

Gigi sported two looks during the show’s filming on November 10th. The first, for Victoria’s Secret PINK, was a sexy firefighter outfit complete with a tiny stuffed Dalmatian.

In her second look, Gigi truly earned her wings and became the kind of beautiful butterfly that we're sure made her mother happy-cry again. 

To watch Gigi live her dream, tune into CBS on Tuesday, December 8th. 

At least 127 people are dead and hundreds more are injured in Paris after a series of attacks in six separate locations late Friday night and early Saturday morning. The French government has declared a state of emergency.

The highest death toll occurred at the Bataclan, a trendy concert venue where American band Eagles of Death Metal was playing a show. Gunmen started shooting in the middle of the show, and took many concertgoers hostage before detonating bombs. The Washington Post is reporting that 118 people died there.

Many more deaths occurred in the 10th and 11th arrondissements when gunmen walked down the streets and shot into the cafés and restaurants of the nightlife district. Another set of attacks occurred outside the State de France soccer stadium where the French and German national teams were playing. French President François Hollande attended the game, and was evacuated as the attacks unfolded.

In a later statement, Mr. Hollande promised to fight back. “To all those who have seen these awful things, I want to say we are going to lead a war which will be pitiless," he said at the Bataclan.

It’s unclear who was behind the attack but France suspects the Islamic State, and ISIS has released a statement claiming responsibility. Senior figures in Hamas and Islamic Jihad have condemned the attacks, according to the Guardian.

Leaders around the world have made statements condemning these acts of violence including U.S. President, Barack Obama, German chancellor, Angela Merkel, and Russian President, Vladimir Putin. 

In support, buildings around the world glowed in France’s blue, white and red national colors. The Freedom Tower in New York, City Hall in San Francisco, the Mexican Senate and the CN Tower in Toronto all participated in honoring those fallen. 

Bustle has compiled some ways to donate to victims of the attacks.

The power of bobby pins is no secret––we've all used them on countless occasions for endless hairstyles. Want to know some awesome, effective ways to use them? Check out the list we've compiled below. You won't regret it.

1. Ensure proper use

When you are utilizing the magic power of a bobby pin, the first step is making sure that you are doing it the right way! Bobby pins are meant to be used with the wavy side facing in towards your head. Seriously, the ribbing is designed to grip your hair! If you have been doing it wrong, don't worry. Switch the pin over and your life will surely be changed.

Another tip: spray your bobby pins with hairspray or dry shampoo before use for even extra hold.

2. Show them off

While women normally opt to hide bobby pins underneath their hair, we think that this trend, as seen in Cosmopolitan, is just amazing. Purchase your own ombre bobby pins from Sephora for only $6!

3. Prop your ponytail

Ponytails are every collegiette's go-to hairstyle when the pressures of a semester pick up full-swing. Looking to add some volume to your pony? All you need is two bobby pins. 

4. Create a criss-cross

Rocking a messy bun and want to spice it up a little bit? Mimic this look created by Free People. If you're having trouble with it, look no further than this Exposed Bobby Pin video to learn how to achieve the perfect criss-crossed pin look, among others.

5. Paint your pins

How cute is this? If you're feeling creative, make a one-of-a-kind design on several of your pins and rock them with any hairstyle. According to Free People, all you need is some nail polish and you are good to go.

6. Wear them as earrings

Bobby pins as earrings are definitely a thing––and yes, we are obsessed! Make a bold statement and add some splash to your favorite outfit.

7. Enhance your half-up half-down hairdo

Adding a triangle to a half-up half-down hairstyle may sound, well, weird and random. However, these pictures are proof of just how cute it actually is! Even better, this look gets rid of the tacky ponytail!

These unique ways to use bobby pins will change your hairstyle game forever!

Sometimes we all need a little TLC. Whether your heart was just broken, your internship isn’t turning out like you’d planned or you’ve just been feeling a little down lately, learning to love you for you can be one of the most valuable things a collegiette can do in tough times. Building self-esteem and loving yourself more aren’t easy, but we have some tips that will help.

1. Release your inner yogi

Yoga is the perfect activity for a collegiette to feel great about her mind and body! The combination of challenging physical poses paired with breathing and (sometimes) meditation can make you look great and feel great. Check out some yoga classes near you with YogaFinder, a search engine for yoga classes!

The first step to loving yourself is taking the time to concentrate your efforts on yourself, not other people. Although you could do yoga classes with friends, try taking one alone to carve some “me-time” out of your busy day.

“I've done Bikram yoga, an extremely challenging form of hot yoga that forces me to concentrate on my own body and thoughts and not anyone else's presence in the room,” says Lin, a sophomore at Rutgers University.

So get in that downward dog, collegiettes—your positive attitude will thank you later.

2. Pump up your endorphins

While yoga helps cultivate positive thinking, endorphins are a different way of making you happy through exercise. Get your blood pumping and feel good about yourself with an intense cardio workout! Try one of these awesome workouts.

Whether you’re crazy for spinning or you just want to do a jog around the block, you can be sure that Elle Woods’ advice holds true. A study conducted at Penn State University found that “more physically active people reported greater general feelings of excitement and enthusiasm, compared with the less physically active people.” Take care of your body and your mind, collegiettes—give yourself those excited feelings with some exercise!

“As much as I love sleeping in, waking up a little earlier in the morning to go run or do yoga outside (especially when it's nice out!) is a great way to start my day,” says Kasia, a senior at Villanova University. “It allows me to have that ‘me’ time again, and everything is usually quiet and calm. And afterwards, I have a healthy breakfast and take a long shower. It's such a nice start to my day, and then I feel happy and productive all day long!”

Iris, a junior at University of California, Los Angeles, loves a different kind of cardio: “ZUMBA! The combination of dancing, South American music, group exercise and working up a sweat is one of my favorite ways of feeling better about myself and in general,” she says. “I always come out of Zumba class with a huge grin and ready to take on the world! Also, just exercising in general improves my self-esteem, because it's an achievement—however small.”

3. Make something delicious

Love the fuel you put in your body! Try some yummy, nutritious recipes that will be fun to make and scrumptious to eat. Whether you’re feeling like making amazing popsicles or some skinny desserts, cooking by yourself can be therapeutic and make you feel great about your awesome skills in the kitchen.

Make sure that you’re not just ingesting junk to make yourself feel better, though. Dr. Roy Stefanik, a clinical assistant professor of psychiatry at Georgetown University, says that learning to be happier can be improved with good nutrition.

“Avoiding junk food and focusing on eating healthy improves your mood and body,” he says. “Avoid the bowl of Lucky Charms in the morning and switch it out, say to Greek yogurt.”

Try making your own healthy snacks—it will make your mind and body feel good!

“I love baking when I’m stressed because measuring everything out and following the steps calms me down and allows me to reflect on my day and myself,” says Sophie, a senior at Middlebury College. “Plus, you get to eat whatever you make, which always makes me feel better about myself!”

4. Remember the things you’re thankful for

Taking stock of what makes you happy emphasizes the good things in life. Try Elizabeth Gilbert’s “happiness jar” project: decorate a mason jar, and every day, think of one thing that makes you happy. Write it down on a slip of paper, fold up the paper and put it in the jar. Whenever you feel like you need a pick-me-up, pull out some of the memories. Projects like this remind us that even the small things can make us happy! Even just making a list of five things that you’re thankful for—or five things you love about yourself—every so often can help boost your mood and remind you why it’s great to be you. In particular, think about writing down moments where you were proud of yourself or even days when you felt especially fabulous.

According to psychologist Sonja Lyubomirsky, “the research clearly demonstrates that you would be happier if you cultivated an ‘attitude of gratitude.’”

“I write motivational messages on my mirror in dry-erase markers,” says Cara, a senior at University of Florida. Cara says she writes things like, “‘You’re beautiful’ when I’m feeling self-conscious, or, ‘You’re gonna kill it’ for exams.” Supporting yourself like this reminds you that you have many good qualities for which you should be thankful!

5. Write a letter

Are your friends scattered in different places this summer? Do you have family members you haven’t seen in a while? Nothing allows for more thought and reflection than writing a letter. In this age of texting and email, it can be difficult to feel letters are necessary, but, if you want to unplug and also make someone’s day with snail mail, a letter can be the perfect way to let someone know that you’ve been thinking about him or her! You’ll feel better after some self-reflection, too. You can even write yourself a letter. Gel pens and cute stationery are always fun, too.

Dr. Stefanik suggests acknowledging and being thankful for the people in your life. “Let other people know just how much you appreciate them and thank them for it,” he says.
“Seeing others respond to your kindness has a positive effect on you, too!”

Ingrid, a junior at Boston College, does just this. “I love writing letters because it is a time to reflect and a time to connect,” she says. “I write weekly to my uncle, and it is amazing to look back on the week and remember the best parts! It’s even more exciting to hear about his week and feel close to him, despite physical distance.”

Ingrid says writing letters makes her love herself more because “even in the midst of a crazy, frustrating week, I can still fill pages with what’s been happening in my life and inquiries directed at the other person! I love that letters keep us connected!”

6. Get lost in a book

Reading is a great way to stay sharp over the summer; if you keep reading over the summer, you won’t be ambushed by the amount you have to read during the school year (well, maybe). Whether you’re in the mood for John Green or Jane Austen, reading is an awesome way to unplug from the world and expand your knowledge! So lay out a towel in your backyard, grab a glass of iced tea and let yourself be swept away in a book this summer.

“Whenever I’m feeling down about myself, I always turn to a good book, whether it’s an old favorite or something new,” says Aja, a junior at Cal Poly. “Reading distracts me from whatever is bothering me. Plus, unlike Netflix, it makes me feel like I’m doing something worthwhile with my time!”

In fact, according to a study done at The New School for Social Research in New York, reading fiction “enhances the ability to detect and understand other people's emotions, a crucial skill in navigating complex social relationships.” How does this help you? If you’re able to understand other people better, you’ll be able to understand their problems, making you a better friend.

7. Create something beautiful

Whether you love Pinterest or good, old-fashioned glue and puffy paint, crafting a compilation or collage of inspiring messages, people and places can put any collegiette in a good mood and remind her of her goal. Look at Her Campus’s “Happiness Wall”—it’s in our office for a reason—for some inspiration!

Iris also loves to create. “I find that creating anything is also a great way to feel good about myself,” she says. “I love to craft and paint my nails, so when I paint a picture frame for one of my sorority sisters or create a really cool mani, it makes me feel proud and accomplished. It may be silly, but it's an easy way to boost my self-esteem, knowing that I'm capable of creating things.”

If you’re at a loss for ideas of what to create, look at these cute DIY dorm décor ideas.

8. Unplug your technology

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the amount of fun all your friends seem to be having on social media or you can’t stand to look at one more picture of your ex with his new girlfriend, try unplugging yourself from the Internet, whether it’s for an hour or an entire day.

Lin loves to go places in New York City without her cell phone. “Unplugging from social media also reminds me that real-world experiences and memories don't have to be photographed, filtered and captioned with a clever phrase. Instead, they can be enjoyed in the moment where no one decides how you much fun you have except yourself,” she says.

Kasia loves to unplug when she gets pedicures. “It's a nice way to unwind for an hour and just have some alone ‘me’ time,” she says. “Plus, I feel pretty and pampered afterwards!”

Take this time to spend more time on yourself, collegiettes—choosing to take a power nap or touch up your manicure in those 20 minutes you would use checking social media might make you feel better in the long run!

9. Don’t be afraid to take a break

Recognize when you need a break—you deserve it! Allow yourself to buy the bracelet you’ve been eyeing for months, splurge on a relaxing pedicure or just eat the ice cream you’ve been trying to avoid lately.

Dr. Jim Manganiello, a clinical psychologist, says that we need to “establish as a default position within ourselves a commitment to treat ourselves with friendship and generosity.”

Collegiettes, treat yourself like you would treat a friend—give her a break!

“One thing I've always done is go to places by myself and enjoy nature, art and food in my own space,” Lin says.

Sophie says she likes to have little pamper sessions when she’s feeling burnt out or stressed. “I'll take a long, hot shower; use a face mask; paint my nails and toes; light some candles and sip some tea while I watch reruns of Gossip Girl,” she says. “Taking time out of my day to focus on pampering myself makes me remember that I'm worth it!”

There are so many ways to do some self-loving and self-improvement this summer, especially if you open yourself up to new ideas! Remember, collegiettes, you’re worth the time and effort. Your relationship with yourself is just like any relationship with a friend: the more you put into it, the more you get out of it.

No matter what, don’t forget that the key to loving yourself more is thinking positively! We’ll leave you with some quotes we love:

We're all guilty of it... buying that item we need to have when we see it at the mall, but never wearing it once it's hanging in our closet at home. As collegiettes, this is quite frustrating, because we all know just how important it is to cherish every single dollar to our names. Luckily, it looks like a solution has been found! Glamour sat down with costume designer Jen Rogien (of Orange is the New Black and Girls) to get to the bottom of this inescapable dilemna.

What they came up with is now known as the 3-7-14 Shopping Rule and here is how it works:

"If you buy something and you haven't worn it in three days, it's unlikely you're going to wear it," Rogien says. "If you weren't that excited to wear it the next day, you weren't that excited to wear it to begin with. If you haven't worn it in seven days, you're definitely not going to wear it, so make sure you return it in fourteen. Get it out of your life within 14 days or you're never going to return it."

Simple and effective, this procedure makes a lot of sense and is something we should all adopt into our shopping habits. 

Our wallets and wardrobes will surely thank us.

Bad grades, a lack of on-campus opportunities and trouble finding friends are just some of the reasons that one might choose to transfer schools. That said, there are also unexplainable feelings that many of us have experienced when we’re simply unsatisfied with the college we chose. Though you may feel obligated to stick it out, hoping that things will get better, sometimes it’s better to explore other options. Either way, feeling out of place at school can be extremely lonely—but don’t worry, we’re here to help.

Before you begin to make any big decisions, you should take a step back and examine your situation. It’s important that you figure out why you’re feeling out of place. Consider these questions before you make any major changes.

1. Am I too far from home?

All throughout high school, you couldn’t wait to go off to college and finally be independent. Now that you’re actually doing so, maybe it’s not as great as you thought it would be. If you find yourself missing your family or hometown, Kelci Lynn Lucier, college expert and author of College Stress Solutions, says although it’s frustrating, one of the best things to do is to not call your loved ones every day or head home every weekend. “Instead, the cure comes by making college your home away from home,” Lucier says. “Reach out, connect with other people, and build your college life in small steps.”

However, that doesn’t always work. Hannah, a senior at the University of Maine, struggled with being too far from home. “I used to go to Seton Hall University, and I chose the school because I wanted to be close to New York City,” she says. “I had a few really close best friends, was actively involved on campus and would go out at every possible opportunity.” So when Hannah decided that she wanted to transfer, her parents, friends and advisor were shocked.

Hannah ended up attending the University of Maine, which cut her travel time to her hometown by 6 hours. “I wish that was a lesson I could have learned in high school—there’s so much pressure to pick the right school, so when you realize that the one you're at might not be the best fit, you really feel like you've failed or made a huge mistake,” she says. “Transferring can be a bit of a pain in the butt to go through, but in the grand scheme of things, it's an easy enough change to make. If you're unhappy, move!”

Related: What to Do if You’re Feeling Lonely in College

2. Do I have friends who I can relate to and rely on?

Making friends in college is hard, there’s no doubt about it. Even some of the most involved students find it difficult to connect with someone on a BFF level. However, if you’re looking to transfer based on this factor alone, you need to make sure you’ve put in your side of the friendship before giving up.

There are a variety of things you should make sure you've tried, like actually talking to your neighbors in class, or joining campus groups that share your interests, according to Julie Zeilinger, author of College 101: A Girl’s Guide to Freshman Year. “Though it may feel counterintuitive and is certainly easier said than done, if one feels socially isolated the best thing they can do is try to force themselves to get involved with a variety of activities and groups on campus,” Zeilinger says. “Sampling many is the best way to find where and with whom one feels most at home on campus.”

If you put in the effort Zeilinger suggests, yet you still find yourself feeling completely alone, you might be better off looking at other options. Shelby, a junior at the University of Arkansas, did this and hasn’t looked back ever since. “I’m a journalism major, so I was involved with the student newspaper, an online magazine and a broadcast show on campus,” she says. Despite her constant interaction with people, Shelby was unable to establish any solid friendships.

“I never stopped trying, though,” she says. “I would always ask people to hang out, but I felt I was just annoying them. Nobody seemed to have the same interests as me.” As a result, Shelby transferred—and she had no problem making friends at her new school. “I don’t really know how to explain it. Sometimes, it’s just hard to connect with people, but I haven’t had that problem here and I’m so grateful.”

3. Is the campus the right size for me?

The number of students on campus is one of the biggest reasons that collegiettes transfer. Whether you’re looking for smaller classes and a tighter-knit community, or for a more diverse student body and larger lecture halls, one of the best things to do is talk to a counselor specific to your major. You can inquire about classes that are either smaller or bigger, and find ways to customize your educational experience.

Julia, a junior at New York University, was looking for a larger and more diverse school. “I started my freshman year at a school that had about 8,000 students and was only 30 minutes away from my hometown,” she says. “I was constantly seeing people from my high school around campus, and even people I knew from surrounding towns. I thought I would be okay with that, but it ended up annoying me.”

Julia finished her freshman year at the small school, but ended up transferring to the extremely large NYU. “Although I miss my family, I absolutely love going to school in the city. I’d definitely recommend anyone looking for a bigger school to find one that’s in or near a large city.”

4. Are the academics suitable for me?

Oftentimes, students go into college not knowing what they want to major in, let alone what type of career they want to pursue. Once collegiettes do find out, they might realize the school they’re attending is not particularly beneficial for their future. If that’s the case, you need to make sure that you’ve taken advantage of every resource possible before transferring, Zeilinger says. “Taking the time to form a relationship with your professor or even TA can go a long way towards understanding course material,” she says. “Many campuses also have tutoring services or other accommodations and are similarly underutilized.”

Emily, a junior at Vassar College, had to make a decision between academics and a better social life. “By the middle of my freshman year, I was very seriously considering transferring, but I was torn,” she says. “On the social end, I had formed a great relationship with my now-boyfriend, but hadn’t made true friends otherwise, and I was worried I was wasting my chance at experiencing all that college had to offer socially.”

On the other hand, Emily loved the progressive and thought-provoking education she was receiving. “I wasn’t sure that any other school could offer [that],” she says. “In the end, I chose academics over [my] social life and wound up staying.” While you don’t necessarily have to choose between the two, it’s important to remember the reason you’re in college in the first place.

If you’ve pondered these questions and still feel uneasy, it might be time to look into other schools. Instead of just doing Internet searches by yourself, try out these steps.

5. Talk to your parents

Your parents probably played a big role in your initial college hunt. They helped you prepare to enroll, move, and more—so having an in-depth conversation with them about wanting to transfer is important. Carve out a specific time to talk with them, whether it be in-person, over the phone or on Skype.

During your discussion, you should be prepared to explain why you’re feeling out of place. Talk about the specifics of your school, like academics, your social life, etc. You should also talk about what you do like, and how and what you want to carry over to a new school if you do choose to transfer. Once you’ve explained how you’re feeling, give them time to process everything. Once you’re on the same page, then you can start making plans.

6. Talk to your friends at other schools

It sucks feeling out of place at your own school while watching your friends enjoy their own college experiences. Rather than be jealous, reach out to them and ask what it is about their own schools that they like.

Are they involved in Greek life? Have they already decided their major? Did they find it easy to make friends? Expand on the questions that you had to ask yourself earlier, and just turn them around on your friends. This will give you a better perspective of others’ college experiences.

Gracie, a sophomore at San Diego State University, used to find herself feeling jealous of her friends’ experiences at their own schools—so she simply reached out to them and asked what it is they loved so much. “There wasn’t anything in particular about each school,” she says. “They just loved the town, and said they felt at home.” Gracie decided to stay for the duration of the school year, but ended up transferring for her sophomore year. “I knew I would never feel at home where I was.” She hasn’t regretted her decision ever since!

7. Talk to a school counselor

Though you might feel awkward discussing why you’re unsatisfied with the college that they work for, the counselors are there specifically to help you. Nearly one third of students choose to transfer before they graduate, so these people are undoubtedly equipped to assist you with the process.

Again, be specific about why you’re feeling out of place. This will help them to help you determine where to go next. From there, they will be able to help you go through the process of applying, transferring credits and more.

Keep in mind, though, that the process won’t be easy. “In terms of transferring, it’s certainly different for all students, but generally it’s crucial to give your current college experience a fair chance,” Zeilinger says. “There are also plenty of other concerns that should factor into one’s decision to transfer beyond comfort level. For example, credits might not transfer or there may be financial complications that may render transferring illogical or even detrimental.” Basically, make sure you’re 100 percent sure you’re ready to make the change!

Feeling out of place at a school that you thought was going to surpass all of your expectations is without a doubt disappointing. However, you owe it to yourself to give it a chance and make an effort, rather than switching schools the first chance you get. Lucier says it best: “​One key thing when preparing to transfer or thinking about transferring is to really be honest with yourself and ask whether or not you are going to duplicate your problem(s) somewhere else,” she says. If you're not reaching out, being proactive, stepping outside of your comfort zone, or overall making an effort to connect with your campus, what is going to change if you go somewhere else?" At the end of the day, it’s your decision where you want to go to school!

Even if you're not a music major, you probably know one. But you won't see them very often because they're probably at band practice. Below are 17 signs you're a music major.

1. You spend more time in a practice room than in your own room.

2. You binge-shop for instruments, not clothes.

3. You spend more money on iTunes than at Starbucks.

4. Your jeans always have rosin on them.

5. Your fingers are always callused.

6. You analyze every song you hear.

7. Going to see a symphony is a religious experience.

8. You use everything as an instrument. 

9. Your instrument is like a child to you. Or a second limb.

10. You hear the sounds of your metronome in your sleep.

11. You probably have a poster of Bach or Mozart. Or, if you’re really edgy, John Cage.

12. You’ve probably lost track of time while arranging a piece of music.

13. You find yourself conducting, well, everything.

14. You cringe every time someone claps between movements at a concert.

15. You have a pre-selected concert outfit for all of your shows.

16. Gregorian Chants got you feelin’ some kind of way.

17. You have no idea where your life would be without music.

Sometimes it can be difficult to tell whether or not you and your significant other are on the same page about how serious your relationship is. You can’t rely on your Facebook relationship status to sum up how you feel about each other! You may have had “the talk” already, but how serious is your commitment to each other?

Getting signals from your partner may be confusing and leave you wondering if you’ll have a future together. Look for these signs that you two are in it for the long haul!

1. You want to be with each other 24/7

You and your partner are attached at the hip, and there’s nothing wrong with that! Being inseparable from your significant other is a positive sign that things are getting more serious. Making time for each other even if it means giving up other things is proof that you not only want to be in each other’s lives; you need to be in each other’s lives.

According to relationship expert Dr. Seth Meyers, “The best way to determine that the relationship is getting more serious is when you feel that the two of you are establishing a true bond where you need each other and help each other feel better when either of you is upset.”

2. Your partner drops hints about the future

Talking in future tense is an encouraging sign that you and your SO are looking towards the future. “If you've been dating someone exclusively for several months and they mention future plans for living together and so forth, it's safe to assume that your partner truly wants to invest in the future of your relationship together,” Dr. Meyers says.

Referring to your potential plans as “when” instead of “if” implies that you’re both confident about the future and can see each other in it. The next time your SO talks about future living arrangements or career opportunities, pay close attention to see if you might be a part of that.

3. You’ve stuck it out together

The length of time you’ve been together is a great indicator of how serious things are. “You have broken some of those early-dating hurdles: You've passed the one-month mark, the three-month mark, the six-month mark and so on,” Dr. Meyers says.

It may seem like an obvious sign, but since you’ve already been through a lot together, there’s a good chance your relationship will evolve even more. If your relationship still feels fresh and exciting, you two are likely to have a long road ahead.

4. You’re willing to make it work no matter what

Schedules, distance, work and many other obstacles can put a damper on your relationship. It’s when you make the commitment to always make time for each other that you know the relationship has gotten serious.

Rachel Petty, a sophomore at James Madison University, has felt her relationship become more serious even though it’s long distance. “My boyfriend goes to school in Rhode Island and I go to school in Virginia, so I knew it was getting serious when we decided to be long distance,” she says. “We spend the time and money to visit each other, so I know we're in for real.”

Putting in the time and effort to maintain a relationship from separate places shows a new level of commitment.

5. You can be yourself around your SO — no pressure

Who says you have to always dress to impress? When there are no secrets and you don’t feel the need to be fully made up in front of your SO, that’s a good sign.

“When I felt like I didn’t have to wear makeup around my boyfriend, that’s when I felt less pressure and realized we liked one another for real reasons,” says Elizabeth Stiller, a junior at Michigan State University. “When you can be vulnerable with the other person, that’s when it feels real.”

Feeling comfortable enough to hang around each other in sweatpants is actually pretty important.

If you see these signs in your relationship, you and your SO are likely in it for the long haul! Congrats on finding someone pretty amazing.

Alanis Morissette updates her classic hit. [The Huffington Post]

What is the best cheese for grilled cheese? [Newser]

Acting, race and Hollywood. [The New York Times]

18 secrets of being an astronaut. [BuzzFeed]

Why you should never talk politics on a first date. [Elite Daily]

Which state is the smartest? [The Washington Post]

Home Alone turns 25! [Chicago magazine]

The awful cost to getting a PhD that no one talks about. [Quartz]

Beer pong is not the best drinking game. [Spoon University]

Hold a graduate degree? Maybe you should refinance your student loans. [Nerd Wallet]

Natural curls can be a handful at times—literally—but they are so gorgeous. We want to rock the curly hair 24/7 but sometimes having the same hairstyle every day can get old, especially if you're stuck on what to do with it! Have no fear, we've collected some of the most stunning hairstyles you can do with you natural curls, ranging from minimal to extreme effort.

Totally Natural

Timeless and effortlessly chic. Natural curls can look amazing, especially if you have the right products. Try out DevaCurl if you haven't already—it works for all types of curls! 

Romantic Up-do 

Cute, simple (...enough), and versatile. Wear it to class, wear it out at night, and definitely feel free to embellish it.

Statement Piece

On the topic of embellishments... a statement piece goes a long way. For this look, first sweep your hair to the side, attach an oversized clip, and most importantly, enjoy compliments. 

High Half-Ponytail

This style is perfect for our curly- and wavy-haired collegiettes. Just bring half of your hair into a high ponytail and let your curls do the rest!

Bow-tifully Chic

Let's jazz up the basic bun and create it into a bow bun. How cool is this? The written explanation sounds crazy hard, but watching the video shows that it isn't too time-consuming. Maybe this will even replace your basic top knot.

Braided Crown

Crowns are definitely not just for princesses and you don't need it to be made out of diamonds, although we wouldn't complain if it were! For this look, make a big section starting from one temple and create a loose braid until you hit your opposite ear. Use bobby pins to keep it in place. For a looser crown, just pull apart the braid.

Top Bun

We love buns; they're simple, fun and so easy to do. Instead of the standard bun, use just half of your hair... and don't forget to work it!

Voluptuous and Lifted

If this isn't on your hair goals list, then you're doing it wrong! These curls are wonderful and the secret lies in curl cream, diffuser and curling wand. On damp hair, use your favorite curl cream throughout your hair. When diffusing your hair, make sure to do it from all directions: upside down and from the sides to get the volume. When you're done, use a curling wand to define some of your curls, especially the ones around your face!

Collegiettes, how do you style your curly hair?

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, you're probably looking forward to seeing family and friends... and of course, you're beyond excited about the food. After stuffing yourself with turkey and mashed potatoes, you may have to unbotton your jeans. If you're looking to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner without having to worry about whether your pants will still fit by the end of it all, you've come to the right place. Here are five pairs of pants you won't need to unbutton during Thanksgiving dinner:

1. Leggings

If you think leggings are too casual for Thanksgiving, think again! With a pretty sweater and a cute pair of booties, no one will know the real reason you wore them. Or, if you REALLY need to look dressy, go for a high-shine or faux leather pair!

2. Boyfriend jeans

If you want to wear jeans but know your skinnies will stop you from digging into that third plate of food, try a boyfriend fit! Boyfriend jeans are super cute and won't suffocate you—even after dessert.

3. Joggers

With a cute pair of joggers (like these leather ones), you'll be stylish and comfortable throughout the day.

4. Silky Trousers

Wide-legged fit, elastic waist—what could be better when you're trying to finish that last slice of pumpkin pie?

5. Slim-Fit Sweats

Let's be real—with the library as your second home, you've already mastered the art of wearing sweatpants in public. Thanksgiving dinner is a little bit more formal of an affair than a study sesh in the wee hours of the morning, so opt for a slim-fit pair, dressed up with some classic essentials like stand-out accessories, heeled booties and even a blazer.

After graduation, we all want to be settled into top-notch jobs, well on our way to becoming the company’s next CEO. In an ideal life, this grown-up life involves disposable income, paid vacation days and a career-building job that we love. However, even though that’s possible, the reality is that the path to our dream jobs isn’t always so smooth, and you may end up in a contract position instead of a permanent position. Contract work can be a great way to boost your resume and get the hands-on experience you need to break into your industry. Read on to learn more about it!

What is contract work?

Contract work is a category of work that includes a variety of different positions ranging from temp jobs to freelance positions. Typically, it’s a job that is available for a set period of time—for example, some companies may seek contract workers to get extra help on a big project for a few months, or they may need someone to fill in for an employee on maternity leave or vacation. These jobs can last anywhere from a few weeks to months and even years, according to Rick Gillis, author of Job! Learn How to Find Your Next Job In 1 Day.

As a contractor and not an employee of the company, you are often paid hourly (though salaries are not unusual, especially for longer-term positions) and do not receive benefits. Depending on the position, you may be expected to work 9 to 5, five days a week, like any other employee of the company—and aside from the differences in your contract, you may be treated like an employee of the company and be expected to represent the company as one of its employees. In other cases, you may come in just a few days a week or even work remotely. These terms will be set out for you at the time you sign your contract, and if there’s anything that’s unclear, ask the hiring manager!

Temp jobs are similar to contract work but are generally less formal and last for a shorter period of time. Most of the time, a temp job can last anywhere from a single day to a few weeks, but Gillis says they can go up to a few years. These positions are usually secured through a temp agency or though a headhunter who works with companies directly to provide them with temp workers. These are often jobs that don’t require a lot of training before you head into the office (such as a receptionist or a secretary), and you’ll often be called in the day of if somebody called in sick that morning, for example. Gillis explains that temp workers are essentially employees of the temp agency (that’s whom you’ll get your paycheck from) who work off-site at other companies.

Freelancing also falls under contract work, and it has many faces. There are the freelancers who are self-employed, in a sense: They make their own hours, work from home, offer their services to whomever they choose and are free to accept or deny any jobs. In some instances, they may have contracts to contribute to a company on a regular basis—for example, a freelance writer may be committed to writing a column once a month for a magazine. They’re usually paid for each individual project.

“Freelance can be anything,” Gillis says. “From album art to a book cover, it’s usually just one piece of work, and then you’re done.”

But then there’s the “permalancer”—made prevalent by the media and publishing industry, these freelancers may work part time or usually full time like a regular staff member, but they aren’t there under a contract—meaning they can leave at any time, but can also be let go at any time. They may be paid on a salary, but hourly pay is most common, and benefits like paid time off or health insurance aren’t included.

Who should do it?

Maybe you didn’t have the luck of landing a job right after graduation. Or perhaps in your field, it’s the exception, and not the rule, to have a full-time staff position as your first job after you leave college.

That’s why many recent grads turn to contract work before they find a full-time job. After graduating from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill this past May, Courtney Lindstrand took a freelance job in web production for a magazine in New York City.

“I was just so grateful to have some sort of job,” she says. She was, like many other contract workers, originally hired just to help out with a special project. She started out working just three days a week, and after a few weeks was asked to continue coming in five days a week—though she was still considered a freelancer.

For Courtney, the job was great because helped her get her foot in the door. It can also be a great option if you’re still undecided about the career path you ultimately want to take, because these positions allow you to explore various fields for short periods of time, in many cases without too much commitment.

“I would advise a recent graduate to take on any of [the types of contract work] because you get to go and taste it,” Gillis says. “You get to check out the flavor of the company and the personality and see if you like them or not.”

In addition to giving you the opportunity to explore your field hands-on, contract work can also be great for graduettes who love flexibility. Depending on the job you were hired for, you might just be working a few days a week, which is ideal if you need the time to work on personal projects or if you’re going to school part time. It’s also an option you should consider if you don’t want to settle down in one place immediately after graduation and want to be able to take time off for long travels, like a European tour or a backpacking trip.

Gillis also notes that statistically, most recent graduates only stay at their first job for two to three years, so the limited period of time you spend as a contract worker isn’t an unusually short amount of time to be spending at your first job after graduation anyway.

Lastly, contract work can be something you do on the side even if you do have a full-time job—for example, working as a self-employed freelancer can be a way to continue expressing your passion for photography even when you spend 9 to 5 in an office. Or, if you’re looking for some extra cash, you can check in with local temp agencies to see if they have weekend or evening positions available.

Who shouldn’t do it?

The reality is that there isn’t a lot of job security when it comes to contract work, and although the pay really depends on your level of work and the field you’re in, it can often be as low as minimum wage. It can be stressful not to know where your next paycheck is coming from or to wonder if the paycheck you’re getting the next week will be enough for you to make rent that month.

Gillis says that especially with contract work, recent graduates need to be able to take good care of their money.

“More and more people are [doing contract work], and it’s a scary place to be,” he says.

This lack of financial security and the possibility of being unemployed any day was the reason why Courtney decided freelancing ultimately wasn’t for her. “The worst part about freelancing for me, as someone who is all about having a super-planned budget, was the uncertainty and lack of job security,” she says.

The inconsistency also meant that planning for the future was difficult for her. “I never really knew exactly how much I would be pulling in for any given week, so it was hard for me to create a budget and make moves on things that were important to me, like upgrading my living situation,” Courtney says.

Ultimately, whether or not you seek or accept contract work depends on your personal preferences (do you prioritize a flexible schedule or job security?) as well as the field you’re going into. If it’s unavoidable but you do need a more consistent income, you may need to work part-time, such as in retail or at a restaurant, or temp after hours.

What happens when the contract ends?

Although you shouldn’t go into contract work expecting it to turn into a full-time job, it’s definitely a possibility—for example, the project you’re working on could get extended, the team you’ve been working with could realize your contributions have been invaluable or a new position could open up that you’ve proven to be a good fit for.

Whether you choose to leave a freelance position or your contract is over and your work is no longer required at the company, you should still treat your departure the same way you would if you were a full-time employee. Regardless of how you were classified on payroll, a contract position is still a real job that you should take seriously. Contract positions within your field of interest are a great addition to your resume, and if you have done a lot of freelance work across different categories within your industry, they can prove that you have a lot of well-rounded experience.

Be sure to stay in touch with your coworkers and supervisors. Even if you are temping for a few days, don’t be afraid to make connections; as a contract worker, you have the benefit of being exposed to more people than you might if you worked a full-time position at a single company, so take the opportunity to do some networking.

Freelancing might just be a foot in the door at your dream company, like it was for Courtney, who’s now working full-time at a magazine—and although she’s glad to know she’s getting a regular paycheck, she wouldn’t recommend that any recent graduates take the option of contract work off the table. Ultimately, any job will likely look better than a blank space on your resume, but at the end of the day, only you can determine if contract work is the right personal and career choice for you!

My freshman dorm in Mary Markley hall was cozy, but it couldn’t fill the deep void in my life. Within the first semester of my freshman year, it was apparent: I had nowhere to go, no people to see, and virtually nothing exciting or important going on in my college life. So I spent Friday nights within my little box dorm, sprawled out on my tiny black futon, swallowed up in blankets and dressed in enormous pajamas. A movie rented from the library – a classic usually – would shine from the screen, giving me a realm into which I could escape; a bowl of ice cream would provide the remaining distraction I needed to avoid reality. The string lights hanging above my head evoked a sense of warmth, albeit false. It was my makeshift sanctuary, the only therapy I knew how to give myself. There was no one there to fill the room. Just the decorations and me. It was all I had in my college life.

My roommate would come home around 4 a.m. each night. I know this because I would drowsily notice her plug in our dull-but-sufficiently-bright string-lights to illuminate the otherwise pitch-black room as she removed whatever clothing and baggage she had with her from the night’s adventures. Usually she had been studying, but I envied her nonetheless. She had friends who spent time with her, and often. She was never alone. Not that I disliked being alone. I enjoyed it, actually, the sense of freedom and possibility of navigating campus on my own, crafting my own schedule and finishing tasks on my own time. But the hours of alone time became hours of being lonely, and I began to recognize my predicament: I was deeply depressed, in a place where I felt completely alone and overwhelmed. At a loss for solutions, my only thought was: When am I going to transfer?

It astonished me, how easy it was to be anonymous in a place bursting with people. To have a friend, you need to be a friend, my dad kept telling me over the phone. And I was trying, every single day I tried so hard. I smiled at strangers and made conversation with people in my classes. I nearly bent over backward to be the friend I wanted someone to be to me, arranging lunch plans, coffee dates, study sessions and movie outings with a slew of new friends. But somehow, my effort meant nothing.

Because everyone seemed to belong somewhere already. Because they had a place to go on Friday nights, when they stopped caring about their English papers and chem labs and went to be with the people they really loved, the people they would take shots with them and dance with and smoke weed with and eat pizza and laugh with them. Because I didn’t have those people – all I had was my blue string lights hanging above from the concrete walls and my black futon in my Mary Markley dorm. They were the ones waiting for me on Friday night – not people who wanted to spend time with me, cherish me, love me or even just like me.

I had some friends. But on a very deep level I knew that they weren’t like me. That they didn’t wonder what it was like to dance outrageously at a wild party, to kiss a stranger, to sky dive, or to learn a new language; they didn’t care to take risks or see things from another’s perspective. They knew who they were already: diligent, hard-working, conservative, resolute rule-followers. And that’s who I had been all of high school. But I didn’t know if that’s who I wanted to be anymore, and so I felt anonymous with my friends and anonymous with my acquaintances and anonymous at this huge university. I was alone, I was no one, and I was desperate to change my circumstances.

By second semester I had implemented some substantial change in my life on campus, and the benefits were visible. I had resolved to lose the freshman 15 that I inevitably gained eating all of those comfort cookies at the dining hall, and followed through on the goal by running, practicing yoga and rock-climbing several times a week. I was more on top of my studies that I had ever been in my life, and this paired with my consistent exercise lent itself to a happier, healthier me. I had made vast strides of progress from the lethargic couch potato that I was the prior semester, but there was still something vital missing in the equation: where do I belong?

At the conclusion of my sophomore year, I had three viable solutions to the central problem of my lackluster college experience. I resolved to either: (a) join a sorority, (b) join an a capella group, (c) begin writing for an on-campus publication or (d) all of the above.

I arrived back on campus in Fall 2014, eager to jump into these new opportunities that appeared to hold such great potential for me. I went to mass meetings, researched positions and qualifications, auditioned and signed-up for everything I could find. While options (b) and (c) fell through rather quickly, on account of my awful sight-reading skills (I hadn’t read sheet music since fifth grade and thus auditioned horribly) and trepidation of prestigious publications, I still had one solution on the table: sorority rush.

The process was long, arduous and at times, awkward. Parading through each house with masses of other eager potential new members felt especially strange, as I was often the same age as the members of the chapter with whom I spoke. But in spite of my prior experience on campus, I still knew nothing about each respective chapter, their reputation, or even how the process of sorority rush (formal recruitment) worked.

All that I was certain of during the chaotic, uncomfortable, grueling process of rush was that I deeply admired the girls at each house and the sisterhood they shared.

This feeling of mine, this deep admiration of these poised, kind sorority women was especially apparent at Alpha Delta Pi on preference night, the final night of formal recruitment.

The ADPi living room was cozy. But it was a different kind of cozy from my Mary Markley dorm, the one I had inhabited just one year prior. It was a kind of cozy that warmed your soul, that made you want to call your grandma just to say hello or tell your brother that you’re proud of him. It was a Friday night – this exciting evening of preference parties – but it was an evening so incredibly opposite of my Fridays alone in my little box room.

The members of the sorority were all elegantly clad in black dresses, accentuated here and there by a pearl necklace or a gold chain. The sisters looked gorgeous. But their attire was only background noise in the atmosphere that they created in that living room. It was their smiles that did it. Their smiles, and their embraces, and their occasional tears as they told us about their sisterhood. We, the wide-eyed peanut gallery of freshman and sophomore girls, listened and watched in awe. They were so radiant; a kind of radiance that emanated from within. I wanted to come back to that living room each Friday night, to have those smiles and embraces and occasional tears waiting for me when I let my responsibilities slip away and wandered over to the people who mattered to me. I wanted to belong there. 

Fast forward over a year, and I am sitting in that very living room, now a sister of Alpha Delta Pi and resident of the beautiful Pi Palace on South Forest Avenue.

My room now at the Pi Palace is no Mary Markley box. It is in fact, quite the opposite, with a beautiful built-in bureau with drawers and closet space that my roommate and new sister, Courtney, shares with me. There is a lovely mirror hanging above it, with a counter cluttered in the books, pictures, homework and textbooks that color my life. There is a string of twinkly lights strung up along the walls, and although it bears much resemblance to those blue lanterns that kept me company on my Friday nights spent in Mary Markley, they are now no longer my only comrade for such evenings.

Now, I spend my Friday nights among the women who love me best, watching movies and munching on M&Ms, comforting a sister in tears over a stupid boy, curling our hair with Beyoncé blasting in the bathroom, prancing and dancing about frat parties on elevated surfaces – and sometimes – grinding through homework at the law library.

Now, I have a group of women who inspire, encourage and support me in my every endeavor, who make me strive to be the best version of myself; who are so very talented, intelligent, kind, funny, beautiful and resilient.

Now, I participate in numerous social, charitable and professional organizations on campus; hold leadership positions, work harder in school, attend more intellectual and cultural events, speak up louder, and participate more.

Now, I am our chapter’s New Member Coordinator, the person responsible for educating, embracing, and supporting each of the wide-eyed new members who walk through our doors – the girls who are me just one year ago.

Now, I belong.

Now, I can honestly say that Greek Life pulled me out of depression, and for that, I am unspeakably grateful.

After a great night and a couple of drinks, the party begins to dwindle down. He asks if you want to go back to his place. You, not wanting the night to end, bite the bottom of your lip and nod before taking his hand.

No matter how you define “hooking up” and whether it’s your first time or not, you can never escape your overthinking brain. Below are 32 thoughts girls have while hooking up.

1. Oh my gosh, I think I forgot to clip my toenails…

2. I hope my cat isn’t watching this.

3. What am I going to eat after this?

4. Am I breathing too loud?

Related: 32 College Students Get Real About Sex on Campus

5. Did I just hear the door open?

6. If that’s my roommate, I’m going to kill her.

7. If that’s my mom, I will die.

8. Urgh, my leg is cramping up.

9. Mmm, they smell so good—I wonder what cologne they wear.

10. I hope I smell nice…

11. Does it sound like I’m crying?

12. I’m going to sleep so well after this.

13. I can’t wait to tell *insert best friend’s name here*

14. Why are their hands so cold?

15. I hope they don't touch my stomach…oh my god, they're touching my stomach!

16. Am I crushing their arm?

17. Maybe I should start buying matching underwear.

18. Well this is interesting, never has this happened to me before…I kind of like it?

19. We don’t fit on this bed…

Related: 15 Thoughts Every Girl Has When Asked to Netflix & Chill

20. This better not mess up my hair.

21. I did shave this morning, right?

22. I wonder if they like it when I do this?

23. I hope we go out for food later.

24. I wonder if they're hooking up with other people?

25. Should I bring it up afterwards?

26. Should I bring it up at all?

27. I’M OVERHEATING.

28. Would it be awkward if I stopped to turn off the lights?

29. Why the hell did I wear so many layers?

30. Urgh, I wish they would shave.

31. Is my essay due this week or next week?

Related: Should You Participate in Hook-Up Culture?

32. Where did they learn how to do this?

Life lessons can come from any outlet. Whether it be your parents, teachers, friends, etc. so many life lessons are learned through others. Possibly one of the most intellectual fictional characters to ever live (through a TV!) is Lucas Scott. The Scott brothers and their friends graced our TVs for nine seasons and the life lessons learned over the course of that time will forever be in our hearts. Because, as we all know, there is only One Tree Hill, but about sixteen seriously important life lessons, listed below, to take away from one of the best shows of all time. *Kanye voice*

1. Time sneaks up us.  

Nathan wasn’t a particularly deep character in the beginning. Orchestrating the team to take Lucas’ clothes while he was showering, stealing school buses and plotting to trick Haley into liking him was pretty much all there was to Nathan Scott. But as the show continued and he changed to be a better person for Haley, he became a staple in the life lessons from the show. His quote at the end, as he watches his seventeen-year-old self, is possibly the most powerful line from all nine seasons.

2. All a girl wants is for someone to want her back.

"Brooke or Peyton?" was a major question for Lucas Scott for a while. Brooke’s epic reveal of what a girl wants to Mouth is a major life lesson for those guys out there that think all girls are complicated creatures from Mars. We just want you to want us. Tell us you want us standing next to you when all of your dreams come true, and you’re golden.

3. The nerd actually can get the guy.

Haley may have hated Nathan Scott out of loyalty to her best friend, Lucas, but Nathan sure did win her over. The cutest love story will always (and forever) be Naley. It’s the classic story of the jock falling for the nerd and we all got to live out our dream of having the bad boy change for you by vicariously living through Haley James Scott.

4. You really don’t know what’s going on with people.

Any real OTH lover is still not over the school-shooting episode. Keith’s death is one that we all will mourn until the end of time. Who would have guessed Mouth’s sidekick in the first season, Jimmy Edwards, felt so left behind? You truly do not know how your actions can affect others, or what is actually going on in their minds, until it’s too late.

5. Never trust drinks from strangers.

For every high school girl, the episode where Peyton and Brooke go to their first college party and that creep slips roofies in Peyton’s drink taught us all to never take drinks that you haven't opened yourself. (Especially from a guy with black nail polish.)

6. Be yourself.

Trying to be something you're not, like when Anna in Season 2 tried to hide being a lesbian, never has good results. Be you. Embrace it. Follow Brooke Davis' advice. 

7. Guys and girls actually can be best friends.

Lucas and Haley laughed in the face of dating rumors. They saw each other strictly as friends and were so close they had sibling love, but never romantic love, proving that guys and girls can actually be best friends without someone catching feelings.

8. Fighting never solves anything.

Nathan almost ruined his career and destroyed his family when he got into that bar fight. How many times we have to hear about people fighting and getting into trouble before people start using their minds before their fists, the world may never know.

9. Bad things happen to good people.

It’s sad, but true. Peyton Sawyer made mistakes, sure, but she didn’t deserve to lose the guy she loved to her best friend, get stalked, have her mother die, find her birth mother and have her die, an absent father, the list can go on and on. Each character gets their poor deck of cards dealt to them at some point. And let’s not even talk about the unfair and tragic fate of Quentin “Q” Fields. *Sobs over Jamie putting the cape on his casket*

10. But from bad comes good.

Clay loved his first wife so much, he thought he'd never love again or get over her death. Insert Quinn. A girl who completely changed his outlook on love and made him believe in it again. Bad things may happen to us, but there is always light at the end of the tunnel.

11. People can change.

How many times did Dan Scott betray our trust with each character? Dan will always be one of the most brutal villians, but he did change in the end and made amends with a lot of people. I mean, if Karen can forgive him for killing Keith, I guess we can forgive (but never forget!) him, too.  

12. Good things do happen to those who wait.

Keith Scott waited his entire life to finally have Karen love him. He is the main reason why every girl should love the nice guy, instead of going after the Dan Scotts of the world. Keith is everything to look for in a man. Period. 

13. Everything is solved with a pun.

Brooke’s clothing line: “Clothes over Bros.” Peyton’s webcam show (that was actually very creepy): “Punk and Disorderly.” Peyton’s breast cancer benefit album for her birth mom: “Friends with Benefit.” And the one and only Chris Keller’s blog is called “Keller Instinct.” Life is better with terrible puns, especially in Tree Hill.

14. High school is only four years.

If there is one thing this show revolves around while the characters are in high school, it's bullying. Between Jimmy Edwards' story and Brooke being such a woman's rights advocate, the show really makes girls feel empowered. And makes sure you remember that no matter how hard high school can be, it's only four years of your life, and anything that's happening now won't feel like such a big deal in ten years. 

15. Have fun! 

Let's face it: this show has some pretty serious story lines. But sometimes we have to remember to have some fun while we're young. Have a boytoy auction, hang out with your friends, get a random tattoo. Because you're only young once, so embrace it.

16. Your art matters. 

It was the line that started it all. Enough said. 

One Tree Hill is a show that shaped the lives of everyone that watched. If you followed the lives people lived in Tree Hill, then you completely understand the life lesssons each season brought its viewers. Make sure you have friends like Lucas had at the River Court, love unconditionally like Brooke Davis would, be the best person you can be like Nathan was, deal with pain and life the way Peyton did (just don't run any red lights in the process), and always follow your dreams the way Haley did. There are so many stories and so many lessons learned from the characters in this show, and there really only ever will beOneTree Hill. 

We find inspiration from celeb style on the regular, but as we know all too well, most of the items famous folks wear are quite pricey. As winter sneaks up, we’ve found 9 amazing coats that our favorite celebs have worn. Plus, we’ve got cheaper alternatives that will fit your budget.

1. Solange Knowles

We love a great animal print piece, and Solange’s leopard coat is no exception. Bey’s little sis got this look right! Try Forever 21’s faux fur option ($85.90) to avoid breaking the bank.

2. Jessica Alba

We can’t be the only ones who’ve been coveting this jacket. Mixing the military-style trench with leather sleeves? Sleek, chic and so on point! This copycat from ModLi ($66.50) is definitely on our must list.

3. Selena Gomez

Add a pop of color (and lots of bling!) to your wardrobe. That’s what Selena did, and man is she working it! But embellishments can cost you a pretty penny. Our solution? Buy this flawless MayKool coat ($53.99) and DIY your own jewels.

4. Olivia Palermo

Street style star Olivia is the queen of intricate, over-the-top coats. Here's how you can score this detailed black masterpiece (sort of): a BB Dakota jacquard and fur option ($93).

5. Mindy Kaling

Winter outfit inspo breeds on The Mindy Project. Mainly because literal genius Mindy Kaling knows the value of custom-made clothing. Just one of the many stellar coats we’ve seen on Mindy, this green plaid creation is the perfect focal point for a killer ensemble. This Genuine People coat ($69) is pretty much a spot-on replica.

6. Blake Lively

Hello, beautiful! No matter the season, Blake is a fashion goddess. The top of this coat seems predictable. Scan down to the bottom and that colorful fringe has us floored! You could always DIY feathers or fringe on the bottom of your black coat or shop this furry colorblock option from Forever 21 ($54.90).

7. Taylor Swift

Meet Taylor Swift, vintage princess. Sure, you could probably pick up a similar coat in any ’ole thrift store. But why don’t you let us save you the trouble with this BB Dakota lookalike ($127)?

8. Alexa Chung

Blue fur could read a bit Muppet on some people. But not on Alexa! You can pull off her cool vibes, too, with this faux fur navy coat from Shoptiques ($109).

9. Kerry Washington

Don’t pack away your florals just because the warm weather has vanished. It’s certainly not Olivia Pope-esque, but Kerry’s flowery outerwear has us wanting to scoop up this coat from SheIn ($40.99). 

When you went on vacation during college, your parents probably planned the whole thing from start to finish. Unfortunately, you don’t get a spring break in the real world, and you’re lucky to get Christmas Eve off. Oftentimes, work life gets so busy that it can feel like you don’t have time for a getaway, so when you do decide to take a break from work, it’s important to make sure that you do it right. From asking your boss for time off to finding places to stay, these are the six most important things to consider when planning your first real world vacation. 

1. Asking for time off

Before you plan your vacation, whether it be for a few days or two weeks, it’s important that you tell your boss in advance. Many post-collegiettes don’t realize how much time you really should give an employer, and telling your boss a week before you leave is not the smartest idea—you won’t have time to finish everything that needs to be done before you go out of the office. Make sure you give at least two weeks of notice, preferably three to four (especially if it's a longer vacation), so your boss has time to figure out what needs to be done before you leave.

2. Deciding where to go

You probably have multiple dream vacations planned in your head already, from lounging on the beach in the Caribbean to backpacking through Asia. Take time to think about what kind of vacation you really want and ask yourself a few important questions. First, who will you go with? Are you going to go on a solo trip or with a group of friends? Second, do you you want to visit cities or go somewhere more rural? Finally, do you want a restful, relaxing vacation? Or do you want to make it as adventurous as possible? Make a list of the places you would like to go to, and divide your list into pros and cons. For example, a pro for the Caribbean (depending on your personality) would be getting to lounge on the beach and a con could be not having as many opportunities to check out museums. After you're finished with that list, start eliminating the options with the most cons and go forward from there. If you are traveling with others, they should lists as well—that way, you can find a place that you mutually agree upon. Once you do decide on a place, sites such as Mygola can help you create a custom itinerary so you don’t have to feel stressed about creating your own from scratch.

3. Creating a budget

What are you willing to spend? You need to take into account all that goes into planning and budgeting for a vacation, including flights, lodging, food and transportation. It adds up! Look into your destination before you book anything to try and gauge how much money you will need. The price to take a roadtrip with friends will likely be much different than what it would be to go to Europe, so do your research! You should prioritize where you'll be spending and where you can save. For example, if you're a big foodie, you'll want to spend on nice restaurants and save on housing.

4. Booking your flight

Would you rather spend less money and leave really early in the morning, or depart at a more reasonable time but end up paying more? Figuring out when you want to travel is crucial to the planning process, so it’s important to ask yourself such questions. No matter what you decide, you'll want to take advantage of the best deal possible. Websites like GetGoing can score you 40 percent discounts on fights—perfect for budget travelers. Other sites like Expedia and Kayak are great because they let you to compare flights across all airlines, allowing you to find the cheapest route.

5. Choosing where to stay

If you're vacationing on a budget, it’s probably best to stay in a hostel or rent an apartment. Hotels can get very expensive and it’s not worth the money if you can stay somewhere that is just as clean, but cheaper. For hostels, check out both Hostelworld and Hostel.com. These sites allow you to read reviews and descriptions about different hostels your desired area. Remember to think about what kind of hostel you would like to stay in and do your research—some are popular with traveling college students (so there's likely to be more of a nightlife), where others are known for being quiet places with many traveling families. If you'd like to have your own space, try renting an apartment instead of a hostel. Take a look at Airbnb or HomeAway for some great options. Both list reviews, photos and detailed information about the places available for rent. 

6. Making a packing list

Make a list of what you need to pack, grouping similar items into categories. Keeping toiletries, clothing, shoes, etc. separated in this way will help you stay organized and you'll feel less stressed both while packing and unpacking. Packing really depends on your preferences and you'll need to pack for the specific type of vacation you’ll be taking. If you’re going to several different locations abroad, it’s probably a good idea to bring a hiking backpack—it would be a hassle to drag along your suitcase on trains and busses. If you are going to backpack, it’s wise to bring a few versatile outfits instead of several weeks' worth (that would get heavy)—you can use a Laundromat or a washer/dryer in your hostel. Also, don’t forget to bring First Aid necessities—Band-aids, Neosporin, bug spray, sunscreen, Advil and Tylenol—you never know when you might get hurt or sick, and it's always best to have something on hand.

Now that you know how to start planning your first real world vacation, you’re ready to tackle your itinerary! Get to scheduling, graduette! 

Name: Carrie Hessler-Radelet

Job Title and Description: Peace Corps Director

College Name: Boston University

Website: www.Peacecorps.Gov

Twitter Handle: @PeaceCorpsDir and @PeaceCorps
 
 

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

Carrie Hessler-Radelet: I always say that I have the best job in the world! As Director of the Peace Corps, I hardly ever have a typical day. My schedule is always packed full of interesting meetings, events and travel. One week I might be meeting with members of Congress on Capitol Hill, and the next week I could be hiking to a Peace Corps volunteer’s site on a remote island in Vanuatu. I love that every day is different! 

My job also requires me to do a lot of public speaking. To be honest, public speaking is something I’ve had to get used to. But, it gives me a chance to talk about our volunteers – and there is nothing better than sharing stories of their amazing impact around the globe.

What is the best part of your job?

CHR: The most rewarding part of working at Peace Corps is being surrounded by incredible people everywhere I look – people who teach me, inspire me, and push me to be the best version of myself. Every day I meet someone – a Peace Corps staff member, a volunteer or a host community member – whose life has changed because of the Peace Corps.  

Many college women are looking into careers in public service. What do you think is the best thing about becoming a part of a program like the Peace Corps?

​CHR: Service in the Peace Corps is a life-changing, hands-on leadership experience that offers volunteers the opportunity to travel to the farthest corners of the world and make a lasting difference in the lives of others.

Peace Corps volunteers return home as global citizens with new perspectives. They develop cross-cultural, leadership, language, teaching and community development skills that give them a competitive edge for advanced education and job opportunities in our global economy. These are vital skills that employers are looking for now more than ever. The unique Peace Corps experience helps returned volunteers find success across a number of fields and industries, and many continue their service in their communities back home.

But most importantly, Peace Corps service changes lives - first and foremost your own - and gives you the chance to make a difference. 

On that note, what’s something that most people might not know about volunteering with the Peace Corps or a similar program?

​CHR: I truly believe that Peace Corps is a launching pad for 21^st century careers. There are so many career and educational benefits to Peace Corps service that many people may not know about – public student loan deferment and forgiveness programs, unique graduate school opportunities and non-competitive eligibility for employment in the federal government, just to name a few.

And best of all you'll make lifelong friends and perhaps even find your life partner! That happens a lot in the Peace Corps. My best friends in the world are still my Peace Corps friends.

You served as Peace Corps volunteer in Western Samoa. What was the best part of that experience, and what’s the most valuable lesson you learned? 

​CHR: I joined Peace Corps in part because it was in my DNA.  Four generations of my family have served, including my aunt, both of my grandparents, my husband, my nephew and myself. When I applied to serve as a Peace Corps volunteer with my husband Steve, I didn’t know how the Peace Corps would transform my life. I didn’t know yet the kind of relationships that I would form – lifelong friendships that would transcend time and distance alike.   

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

​CHR: Earlier this year I had the privilege of meeting a Peace Corps trainee named Shalin Shah, and while I knew him only briefly, I can honestly say that Shalin was one of the most courageous, purpose-driven and other-centered people I have ever met. Shalin had nearly completed his training as a Peace Corps volunteer in Peru when he was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer. He had to return immediately to the United States for treatment. 

Even while undergoing grueling chemotherapy and radiation, he remained in close contact with his Peace Corps Peru family. But, when Shalin left Peru, he had just one week of training to go before being sworn in as an official volunteer. And being a Peace Corps volunteer had been his lifelong dream.

It was one of the greatest honors of my life to help fulfill Shalin’s dream of becoming a Peace Corps volunteer. The photograph we took from his swearing-in, in the lobby of the UCLA medical center, sits on my desk, and reminds me of Shalin’s message: to live life to the fullest, every single day, no matter the circumstances.

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

​CHR: Recently I returned to Samoa for the first time in 30 years. I left Samoa having completed my service as a Peace Corps volunteer only to return as the director of the agency. And I have to say, the best part of the trip was my reunion with my host family. I didn’t know if they would even remember us after all this time because we had lost touch about 20 years ago. But Losa, my host mom, was indeed there, living on the same plot of land as she did when we were volunteers. Our reunion was so joyful! There were hugs, tears and laughter all around, and we picked up right where we left off 32 years ago.