Over the weekend, Saudi Arabia, a country known for hosting some of harshest restrictions on women's rights, elected women to public office for the first time in the country's history. 

Historically, women have neither been able to vote nor run for office in Saudi Arabia, the result of a patriarchal society and strict Muslim values. That changed with this year's election cycle, when women were granted both rights—And they responded in overwhelming numbers.

An unbelievable 106,000 women out of 130,000 registered voters, or about 82 percent, came out to cast ballots, according to Refinery29. To put that in context, only 57.5 percent of registered voters in America turned out for the 2012 presidential elections, according Bipartisan Policy. And by comparison, only 44 percent of registered male voters in Saudi Arabia showed up to the weekend's elections.

According to Al Jazeera, at least 18 women were elected to office.

As Jiddah resident Sahar Hassan Nasief described it to the Associated Press, "I walked in and said, 'I've have never seen this before. Only in the movies.' It was a thrilling experience."

We don't need to highlight how huge and positive a feat this is, especially in a country where women are required to cover their bodies entirely, among other restrictions. As for the women who did turn out to vote, they couldn't even drive themselves there—Women are not allowed to operate vehicles or go out anywhere without a male chaperone. 

We can only hope that this will start a major shift in policy that might begin to loosen the stranglehold on Saudi women's rights.

It’s official: the holiday season is upon us! While you’re bundled up in hats and scarves, drinking lattes out of Starbucks’ red cups to fight the cold weather, you might be tempted to wish the winter away, longing for a warmer future—but you shouldn’t! Instead, live in the present this season with an amazing gift bundle that will warm up even the chilliest of winters.

We partnered with Vera Bradley (a girl’s best friend!) to give you a whole list of presents that will help you live in the present this holiday season. One lucky collegiette will win the following gifts to make their winter merry and bright:  

• Ultimate Crossbody Bag in Plum
• Quilted Stella Satchel in Aubergine
• Microstud Knit Scarf in Black with Gold Tone
• Cozy Knit Hat in Zebra Intarsia
• Large Duffel in Zebra

This gift bundle, valued at over $600, could be yours for free this holiday season. So, what are you waiting for? Start living in the present and enter now to win

Vera Bradley Giveaway 2

Here’s a quick game of catch up: The United States has a long history of racism. Affirmative action is a relatively new thing that helps give minorities a better shot at combating said racism. And, the Supreme Court has heard a case to do away with affirmative action in a university setting. Of course, that's about as oversimplified as you can get. So, let’s break it down.

Affirmative action programs help people who have not been treated justly to get a fair shot at success. It is a conscious effort to try and right the vast and atrocious injustices that are so deeply rooted in our prejudiced culture. President Lyndon Johnson dropped this wisdom nugget regarding such issues: “You do not take a person who, for years, has been hobbled by chains and liberate him, bring him up to the starting line of a race and then say you are free to compete with all the others, and still just believe that you have been completely fair.” In order to help bridge the opportunity gap, the government has to step in and say hey, don’t be racist. Now, a white girl from Texas is calling that practice into question.

Fisher v. University of Texas is the case in question. Abigail Fisher applied to UT Austin in 2007 and was not admitted. She claims this is because of the holistic approach that universities take in admissions—Meaning the school looks at the whole person and not just the GPA and SAT score. However, she couldn’t prove it with hard facts. The court first heard her case in 2012, after she had already graduated from a different university, and the Supreme Court shot it down 7-1. The case was sent back down to lower level court in order to assure a fair verdict. But now here we are again with Fisher II. The main question on trial here is the fairness of affirmative action.

Affirmative action is a program to help those who have been marginalized. The important thing to recognize here is that affirmative action is not some special golden ticket that certain races are handed so they can cut to the front of the line. That is not how this works.

Affirmative action, as I see it, is a way to even the odds. Take, for example, the popular study in which researchers sent out resumes with the same credentials but different names. On average, resumes topped with a historically black name got called back for an interview 50 percent less than those with a white name. That’s not right. It shouldn’t happen, but it does. It happens every single day. By legislating affirmative action, the government is essentially saying that while companies may want to hire Jake no questions asked, they need to interview Jamal as well, because racism. This is a hypothetical conversation that needs to happen on every level—University, professional, and everywhere else.

Demeaning affirmative action is essentially the equivalent to crossing out #BlackLivesMatter and writing #AllLivesMatter. When you only acknowledge that humans matter, and refuse to say specifically that black humans matter, you are saying that black people are already treated as equals. This implies that black people are not discriminated against and that their struggle for equality is not valid. So, before dissing affirmative action, think about the underlying structural problems, and the real people these programs are meant to help. It’s not about giving people of color something unearned. It’s about recognizing that for centuries, white people have benefited from advantages they’ve never worked for.

Whether you’ve had your best semester yet or you just can’t wait to get out of dodge, you’ve made it to December and the holidays are finally here! In addition to time spent with family, holiday decorating, and sleeping in most mornings, your weeks spent off campus and in between semesters gift you with extra time to really focus on yourself. New Year's approaching evidently presents the perfect opportunity to not only reflect on your past year, but also to consider all that you see for yourself in the year to come. Maybe “new year, new me” takes it a little bit too far, but there’s no better time than now to think about what you want to accomplish in 2016.
So, in an effort to uncover college female’s biggest goals for 2016, we teamed up with The Princeton Review to survey thousands of collegiettes. One of our favorite and most empowering metrics from the survey – which will be released in full in January – is that the number one thing college females do not want to leave home without on New Year’s Eve is their confidence. Other results revealed that college females wanted to try their hand at yoga in order to be the healthiest version of themselves and that a majority finds starting their own company to be the most inspirational career choice for college-aged women. While the topics of questions varied, collegiette’s responses unveiled one united belief: that self-confidence is crucial to making things happen. We see that our readers definitely remain united on the front that confidence is their most essential accessory while headed into the New Year.

The College Females Unfiltered survey features responses from collegiettes on topics like diet and nutrition, mental health, drinking and drugs, fitness, sex and sleep. We’re releasing the results when the New Year begins, so be sure to look out for them in January!

With the cold setting in and in the midst of finals—among other things—it can sometimes be hard to keep our heads up. Whether homework is taking a toll on you, you’ve been through a bad breakup or you’re just in a rut, we can all use some cheering up at times. Lucky for you, we consulted some collegiettes and a few experts for their favorite pick-me-ups and found the top nine methods to making yourself happier.

1. Exercise

While happiness seems like a mental concept, that’s not always the case. Keeping your body in check is important for balancing your mental health. Exercising can release stress, help you sleep better and boost your energy throughout the day.

“While there are literally thousands of published studies showing the cardiovascular and musculo-skeletal benefits of activity, we should also never discount the 'above the neck' benefits,” says Todd Whitthorne, president of ACAP Health. “While 'happiness' is a state of mind, we know with certainty that well-rested, physically active people that consume a healthy diet are much more likely to enjoy life and have a positive influence on others.”

Of course, it's easier said than done.

“Sometimes it's difficult to motivate myself to go for a run after work when it's already dark and cold out, but it really clears my head after a long day like nothing else can,” says Jenna Adrian, a sophomore at Drexel University. “When I finish my run I feel so much calmer and refreshed than when I started.”

Even if the thought of leaving your bed is getting you down, we promise you’ll feel better after getting some exercise. A quick jog, some burpees or even 15 minutes of yoga can boost your mood and make you feel productive.

Related: 7 Ways to Become the Type of Person Who Enjoys Working Out

2. Help someone out

If you’re feeling down, the last thing you might want to do is interact with... well, anyone. But trust us when we say that doing something nice for another person will make you feel better! Lending a helping hand not only makes someone else’s day, but it can boost your own mood, too.

“Doing something to make someone else happy has always been something that improves my mood!” says Jules Sippel, a sophomore at Gettysburg College. Sign up to volunteer in your community with a friend, or do something as simple as helping your parents out by vacuuming the living room. Lending a hand helps out others and makes you feel a bit more productive yourself.

3. Have a warm drink

If you’re feeling down or stressed, fixing yourself a hot drink is an easy and quick go-to fix. It’s simple, fast and soothing—perfect to pick you back up.

“Warm drinks are perfectly cozy,” says Jules. “I prefer tea or cider when I'm sad or stressed!” If you’re feeling off, consider putting the teapot on the stove or fixing yourself a cup of hot cocoa (with mini marshmallows, of course)!

4. Take a bath

An oldie-but-a-goodie, taking a bath is a surefire way to relieve a little stress and pick up your mood. It might seem a bit cheesy, but don’t be afraid to break out the bubbles, candles and even the romance novels. There’s nothing like some hot water, nice aromas and soothing music to cheer you back up!

5. Eat antioxidants

Just like exercising can help with your mental health, so can healthy foods. If you eat right, you’ll feel right—so try to keep your meals on the healthy side. Antioxidants can boost your energy, clear your skin and support your immune system—and they happen to be found in the yummiest kinds of food, like fruit and dark chocolate.

“I keep a bag of dark chocolate Hershey Kisses in my pantry,” says Alexandra Blessing, a student at Millersville University. “Dark chocolate has been proven to increase happiness because of the antioxidants,” she says. “Any time I'm stressed out, I eat a few!”

According to experts, there's a direct link between what we put into our bodies and how we feel emotionally.

“What we eat affects how we feel, because food is the building block not only of our muscles and bones, but of our very thoughts and emotions as well,” says health and wellness expert, Peggy Hall. “That might seem strange, but everything we do, feel and think is a matter of chemical reactions. And the food we eat affects those chemical reactions.” Next time you hit the dining hall, opt for some fruit, or stop by the grocery store and pick up a bag of chocolate to cheer yourself up!

6. Read

With all the business that comes with college—studying, spending time with friends and extracurricular activities—it can be hard to make time for yourself. Most of us spent a good chunk of time reading back in elementary school and probably throughout high school, but dropped the habit when other priorities took over in college.

Set aside some time to sit back, relax and do some light reading. A good book can take you into another world and make you completely forget the negative things in your life for a few hours. If you don’t have the interest or time to invest in a book, flip through your favorite magazines or read a short story!

7. Talk to a loved one

Sometimes when you’re feeling out of it, it just takes someone you love to get you back in the groove. Feeling lonely or distant is common, and connecting with someone special can bring you back to reality and make you realize that your situation probably isn’t as bad as you think.

“Talking to a loved one, even if it's about something totally unrelated, can be an amazing mood-lifter,” says Jules. Next time you’re feeling down, call up your parents, a sibling or a good friend and chat for a while. The conversation just might be able to distract you and cheer you back up!

8. Meditate

While even thinking about meditating makes you tired, there’s a lot more to it than you think. In reality, meditating allows you to clear your mind and appreciate mindfulness and living in the moment. It means taking just 10 to 30 minutes a day to clear your mind completely. 

“Meditating leaves you relaxed and more aware throughout the rest of the day,” says Nicole Fulkerson, a senior at Auburn University. “Most importantly, it leaves you time to not think about the things that stress you out or make you upset like school, relationships and everyday struggles.”

Meditation can be tricky at first, but with practice, you can easily clear your mind in just a few minutes. “There are a few ways that you can learn to meditate for free,” says Nicole. She uses an app called OMG! I Can Meditate as well as YouTube videos that viewers can follow along with.

9. Get something done

Though you’d probably much rather watch Netflix in bed than clean your room, sometimes work is exactly what you need to do to brighten your day. Getting work done can be incredibly rewarding, and while you might not feel very cheery in the middle of it, we can promise that you’ll feel better after.

“While working is hardly something you'd like to do, productivity can give you another focus and the inspiration you need!” says Jules. Next time you’re feeling down, consider scrubbing down your apartment, writing that essay you’ve been putting off or running some errands you have to do. Productivity is a great mood booster.

If you’re feeling down, there are always simple ways to snap out of it. Remember to keep healthy, stay connected and set some time aside for yourself in order to keep your mood up!

When Adele released her latest album to the world, we cried. We may have called our exes. We celebrated the fact that as always, Adele just gets us. And now, we've learned that we do not, in fact, need to go overseas to experience Adele in all her glory... because when we said hello from the other side, she heard us.

Earlier today, Adele announced that in addition to her tour stops in the U.K., Ireland and across Europe, she'd also be making stops in several cities across North America between next July and November. Word has it ticket prices range anywhere from $35 to $160—and they'll be available starting 10 a.m. local time on Thursday, December 17 (happy early Christmas, everybody). Head over to Ticketmaster or Live Nation to score tix... we recommend bookmarking these pages now for easy access and setting an alarm for Thursday, because you will probably NEVER forgive yourself if you miss out.

Don't feel like waiting until next summer to get more Adele in your life? NBC's Radio City Concert airs tonight from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. EST, and you can live-stream it here.

Interracial relationships are on the rise in the United States. However, for some people, seeing two individuals with different skin colors happily in love can still produce befuddling reactions.

Below are the five things you should never say to two people in an interracial relationship:

“How does that work?”

Well, like any other relationship, there are two people who like each other and decide they want to be together…

“Aren’t the cultures just so different?”

Of course there are differences, but I don’t want to date a clone of myself! That would be boring.

“Do your parents like him/her?”

Would you be asking me this question if my partner was the same race as me? Probably not.

“You two would have such cute babies.”

Um… thanks? Sorry, but that’s not in the foreseeable future.

“You just have jungle fever.”

This one is the most cringe-worthy––just, no.

Blake Lively and Taylor Swift made the world stand still when pictures of them hanging out together in Australia surfaced this past week. We mean, seriously––could anyone dream of a more ideal BFF pair? Probably not. Want to know what old lady activity you would do if you got the chance to hang out with the two? Take the quiz below and find out. 

There are plenty of beauty products that claim to do it all, but the real champion multi-tasker of the beauty world isn’t in the makeup aisle; it’s in the grocery store. Coconut oil has become more than just a beauty trend. For some, it’s the only product they’ll ever need. Even supermodels like Candice Swanepoel swear by the all-natural oil for glowing and radiant skin from head to toe.

But not all coconut oils are created equal. You’ll want to look for unrefined (sometimes called virgin) oil, and go organic if you can. This variety has the most health benefits, and is less likely to clog pores when applied to your skin. Typically, a jar costs about $10 to $15 and can be found in just about any grocery store. If you’re not ready to dive into using the fresh stuff quite yet, there are tons of beauty products on the market that incorporate coconut oil in some way or another. Here are some great ways to use coconut oil (and product alternatives) to ditch the dryness brought on by the cooler months.

1. Deep conditioner

 
Coconut oil has been used as an all-natural hair conditioner for thousands of years. If your hair is lacking moisture and shine from the cold winter air, apply a small amount of oil to unwashed dry hair, wrap it up in a towel and sleep on it. The next morning, hop into the shower and wash it all out. You’ll want to use a good shampoo to remove any residue and follow up with your favorite conditioner. Another option is the Palmers Coconut Oil Formula Repairing Conditioner ($6.04 at iHerb) if you want all the same benefits, but with the convenience of a tube.

2. Body moisturizer

For skin that needs some serious moisture, apply a thick layer of coconut oil before bed. For best results, let it soak in a bit before hopping into bed—that way, your skin will be absorbing the moisture, not your bed sheets. Let the rest work its magic on your dry skin overnight—no need to wash it off in the morning. You’ll wake up with soft, glowing skin and smell like you spent the night on a tropical vacation. For a similar effect, you can try The Body Shop’s Coconut Body Butter ($21). It isn’t as natural, but it will still get the job done.

3. Exfoliating scrub

The next time you’re in the mood for a little DIY project, try a coconut oil scrub. There are tons of recipes out there, but this one is great because you only need two ingredients. All you have to do is mix coconut oil with a little bit of sugar for a yummy scrub that you’ll be tempted to eat.

Related: How to DIY Your Skin Care Routine

4. Makeup remover

 
Since most makeup is oil-based, coconut oil can easily tackle even the most stubborn cheek stains. Simply massage a small amount all over your face and wipe away with a warm washcloth. Even the trickiest waterproof eyeliner won’t stand a chance! This recipe and step-by-step guide from The Beauty Department is the perfect introduction.

5. Facial cleanser

 
Because coconut oil can pretty much do it all, some of its biggest fans have begun ditching their traditional cleansing routines and reaching for the oil instead. It’s antibacterial, so you’re still getting clean without losing the good moisture that your skin needs. Also, it doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals that might be lurking in your current routine. To use as a cleanser, take a small amount of oil and massage it into dry skin for about thirty seconds. Then, take a warm washcloth and wipe away all the oil. If you’ve got on any makeup, repeat a second time to make sure skin is thoroughly clean.

6. Shaving cream

 
If you suffer from razor burn or any type of irritation post-shaving, it might be time to switch up your routine. Coconut oil protects your skin from the razor while providing tons of moisture. The result? Fewer cuts and less irritation. It’s easiest to lather your legs with a small amount of oil before you get into the shower and shave right away. You can also try Alba Botanica’s Coconut Lime Shaving Cream ($4.99), which contains coconut oil and will leave you smelling like a cocktail.

7. Frizz tamer

Coconut oil is a great conditioner, but using it post-shower will step up the shine even more. Warning: a little goes a long way, because it can make hair look greasy if you use too much. A dime-sized amount through the ends of your hair will seal in moisture and shine and prevent frizz (especially if you heat-style). A great drugstore alternative is OGX’s coconut oil based Weightless Hydrating Mist ($7.99). This spray will deliver the same moisture, but won’t weigh your hair down—perfect for any collegiette with fine or oil-prone hair.

8. Breakout treatment 

It might seem counter-productive to treat a pimple (or oily skin in general) with oil; However, coconut oil has antibacterial properties and won’t clog pores, so it fights any nasty blemish bacteria without drying out your skin. All you have to do is cover the spot with coconut oil, and not pick at it! We recommend covering it with a Band-Aid at night to protect the oil from rubbing off and really help it sink in. 

9. Lip balm 

 We’ve established that coconut oil is the master of all moisturizers, so using it as a lip balm is really a no-brainer. It’ll make lips soft and supple, but gives a nice shine in the process; like a lip balm and gloss all in one. The coconut flavor is also a plus, so your lips will taste like an Almond Joy candy bar all day long. For something a little more travel-friendly, 100% Pure makes a great lip balm that’s easy to throw in your bag and go. It’s coconut oil-based, but comes in different flavors, like cherry and mint.

10. First aid and scar removal

The same antibacterial properties that clear breakouts can heal paper cuts in a flash, too. Coconut oil is a natural scar treatment and a good alternative to the harsh chemicals that are found in most skin-lightening treatments. Just as if you had a blemish, simply massage the oil into the area of concern and let it do the rest. You can use a Band-Aid to protect the product from wiping off.

Each of these options is an easy way to sneak coconut oil into your beauty routine, but this miracle product’s uses don’t stop here. There are literally hundreds of different functions for this magical little oil. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you can even try it out as an all-natural toothpaste alternative, or give oil pulling a whirl.

For pop culture lovers, the end of the year is oh so sweet. Because it signals countdowns and retrospectives of all the best moments that happened in the last 365 days. We’re talking Kanye 2020, the meteoric rise of Amy Schumer and Chris Pratt, a little bit of “Hotline Bling” and a whole lot of “Hello.”

Make your pop culture-obsessed pal’s holiday even brighter with these 18 gifts that prove you know her to a T.

1. For the girl who’s not over the 2012 revelation that Dan is Gossip Girl

Gossip Girl gives us life, and we’ll never tire of it. If your bestie is in agreement, she’ll be stoked to show off these Carbon Crusader pencils ($8) in class.

2. For the girl who spends most of her free time writing love-crazed fan mail to Harry Styles

So what if Zayn left 1D behind? And TBH do we really want to get to know Louis’s Tomlindaughter? Anyone who’s anyone knows it’s all about Harry. This Society6 stationery ($12) is perfect for sending strongly-worded letters about the group’s so-called break.

3. For the girl who will always be your person

If she’s already counting down the days 'til #TGIT returns, this tank from Etsy ($19.99) is your person’s cup of tea bottle of wine.

4. For the girl who considers The Mindy Project’s Hulu pickup the highlight of her year

Mindy’s follow-up book is just as hilarious as her debut. Why Not Me? ($15) just so happens to boast even more of Mindy’s dish-y celeb excursions, from tales of her newly formed friendship with Reese Witherspoon (ahem, don’t you mean Wreath Witherspoon?) to her juicy rendezvous with a White House staffer.

5. For the girl who’s still sharing “Hotline Bling” spoof vids on Facebook

She’s perfected the moves. Give her this Etsy sweatshirt ($19), and she and Drizzy can take on the world.

6. For the girl who knows no holiday is complete without a little “Hey, girl”

Ryan Gosling may not have had any major 2015 moments, but this Etsy card ($4) is a holiday must. Might want to stock up for years to come while you’re at it.

7. For the girl who believes “treat yo self” is not just a Parks and Rec mantra but a way of life

Treat your friend to this Society6 phone case ($35) and remind her just how much awesomeness she deserves.

8. For the girl who lost it when Bieber made his comeback

What do you mean you’re tired of the Bieber phenomenon? Your Belieber bestie sure isn’t, so gift her this Etsy print ($5.44). Because true love doesn’t hide in the shadows. Plus, he and Selena are so over anyway.

9. For the girl who takes her anger out on a notebook

Does your girl like to relegate her “Miley, what’s good?”-level thoughts to pen and paper? RedBubble’s spiral notebook ($12) should do the trick.

10. For the girl who got her hands on the Kylie lip kit—before it sold out

Kendall who? Your pal is Team Kylie, no matter what. This tee from Etsy ($12.50) tells the world what side she’s on.

11. For the girl who can appreciate the irony of letting this occupy space on her couch

While the pop culture lover in your life is watching Friends Nick at Nite reruns, she needs to get her comfy on. Society6’s pivot pillow ($14) is for the same girl who wears maternity pants on Thanksgiving and does “the routine” at every New Year’s Eve shindig.

12. For the girl who always tags you when Kate snaps new pics of George and Charlotte

The Royal We ($16.54) is chick lit’s answer to The Prince and Me. Dare we say it’s better? There’s romance, suspense and twists and turns like you wouldn’t believe. Also, as your BFF already knows, Parenthood mother-daughter duo Lauren Graham and Mae Whitman are making this bad boy into a movie. It’s time to study up and tweet them your dream cast!

13. For the girl who needs a daily reminder to let her inner T. Swift shine

Sure, this year was all about “Bad Blood” and “Wildest Dreams.” But can you honestly say “Shake It Off” isn’t still stuck in your head? We didn’t think so. This glittery banner from Etsy ($20) will fit in quite nicely in your pal’s dorm—right above her 1989 World Tour poster, of course.

14. For the girl who’s mad Rihanna still hasn’t released new music

This Look Human pullover ($30) should be enough to get her in the holiday spirit. But secretly, she’ll be stalking all of Rihanna’s social media channels until she gets fresh beats.

15. For the girl who wishes Kanye was running in 2016

2020, Kanye? Really? You couldn’t just man up and run in 2016? Perhaps we can sway the vote with this Etsy tee ($7.73). There’s always the write-in option.

16. For the girl who’s been “Pratt keeping” since June

Don’t get her wrong. She loves Anna Faris. But this Etsy print ($5.60) also makes her feelings for Chris Pratt perfectly clear. Hey, she loved him way back when he was Andy Dwyer!

17. For the girl who’s seen Trainwreck a dozen times already

This was the year of Schumer—the queen of 2015, you might say. RedBubble’s mug ($15) reiterates her royal status and is just the right buy for any Amy superfan.

18. For the girl who knows that sometimes the gift wrap can be better than the gift inside

Say “hello” to the Etsy wrapping paper ($7.80) of your dreams. Your BFF won’t even want to open your fab gift. Oh well…at least she’s got 25. 

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

CNN reports that Planned Parenthood has opened a lawsuit against the Ohio attorney general following allegations of improper fetal disposal methods. Ohio’s Attorney General Mike DeWine made a statement on Friday that his office and the state health department have found Planned Parenthood guilty of disposing fetal parts in landfills.

Planned Parenthood is denying the allegations, calling them “bogus” and an attempt by state politicians to ban abortion. “Politicians will stop at nothing to ban abortion in all cases in our state,” said Stephanie Kight, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio. “Today, we’re asking a federal court to prevent the state from this plainly political attempt to restrict women’s access to safe and legal abortion.”

Planned Parenthood also upholds its use of legal state-regulated medical removal companies—Companies that deal with the organization's medical waste for them. “Planned Parenthood handles medical tissue like any other quality health care provider,” said Kight. “Our agreements with vendors all require them to follow state law, and dispose of tissue accordingly.” DeWine’s office claims that the state’s Planned Parenthood outposts contract with Stericycle and Accu Medical Waste.

The Associated Press reports that DeWine would file an injunction to “restrict Planned Parenthood activities where violations of law have occurred.” However, it has not yet been determined if any laws were in fact broken by the Ohio clinics—Cincinnati.com reports that Ohio law simply states that "a fetus shall be disposed of in a humane manner." CNN reports that both Stericycle and Accu Medical Waste have been unresponsive.

We all have that friend who is a total Francophile and French girl wannabe—you know the type: obsessively Pinterest-searches “French girl style,” has probably consumed enough French macarons in her life to rival Blair Waldorf and owns more striped shirts than she can count. Her amazing taste can make her tricky to shop for, but don’t worry collegiettes! We have you covered.

1. Madewell et Sezane La Superbe Sweatshirt ($79.50 at Madewell)

Nobody does classic, effortless French girl style like Madewell, so the brand’s collaboration with French label Sezane was basically a dream come true for Francophile fashionistas everywhere!

2. Garance Dore x Rifle Paper Co. Notebook Set ($15 at Rifle Paper Co.)

Cute notebooks are the chicest way to stay organized—and this set designed by French fashion blogger Garance Dore will have your Frenchie friend totally obsessed. 

3. Diptype ‘Baies’ Mini Scented Candle ($32 at Nordstrom)

Diptyque anything is a French girl essential—not to mention this adorable mini candle will make her space totally Instagram-worthy.

4. Chanel Le Vernis Nail Color in Rouge Flamboyant ($27 at Chanel)

Red lips and nails are a French girl’s signature look, so it’s likely that your Francophile friend has red nail polish already—but Chanel’s limited edition cherry red is the perfect holiday treat.

5. How to Be Parisian Wherever You Are ($25 at Urban Outfitters)

Written by Parisian style icons like Caroline de Maigret, How to Be Parisian Wherever You Are is a life and style guide straight from French women themselves—need we say more?

6. L’Occitane ‘Best of Provence’ Set ($41 at Sephora)

She may not have a French pharmacy and its notoriously amazing beauty products at her fingertips stateside, but a sampling of L’Occitane’s best products is the next best thing.

7. Macaron Box ($10 at Urban Outfitters)

We have a feeling Blair Waldorf would be all over these adorable French macaron-shaped boxes. 

With the stress of finals, you almost completely forgot about the outside world—we feel ya, collegiettes. Now, almost without warning, the first trailer for Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is here and ready to take you out of your misery, even if just for the space of two minutes. Everything about it is perfection: Eddie Redmayne (of course), the almost unbearable suspense, and the Harry Potter-esque aesthetic of the whole thing are enough to carry you into winter break. As for your New Year's Eve, it will be that much sweeter now that you have this flick to look forward to in 2016.

Fantastic Beasts is a prequel of sorts to the Harry Potter series, although J.K. Rowling would beg to differ. It follows the adventures of Newt Scamander (Redmayne), the magizoologist (self-explanatory) who wrote the Hogwarts textbook after which the movie is named. ICYMI, we're stoked off our backsides for this new film for the reasons mentioned above, but also because Rowling wrote the screenplay herself, working with Harry Potter wizards director David Yates and producer David Heyman. It was about time! Your friends will only agree to so many HP marathons before they start hanging out without you.

Are you as excited as we are, collegiettes? Watch the trailer below and get ready to run to the nearest midnight premiere of Fantastic Beasts on November 18th (ugh, so far!).

You do a ton of work applying to college— prepping for the SAT, gathering all of your application materials and writing the perfect college admissions essay—so it’s only natural for you to be anxious to hear back as soon as you send it all in, right? Knowing that you won’t be getting that coveted college decision letter until March or April, it’s also pretty natural for you to be going a little crazy waiting for it, too. So how do you keep from completely losing your mind?

We talked to collegiettes who were in your shoes just a few years ago and got the scoop on how to keep sane during this stressful time.

1. Decide whether or not you want to talk about it

Everybody handles the stress of anticipation differently: Some people like to talk through the stress, and some people like to distract themselves and focus on something else. A very important step in waiting on college decision letters is to figure out how you deal with stress.

“I’m kind of an oddball in that I love to talk things out when I’m stressed,” says Melanie Jenkins, a junior at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. “So even though most of my friends were trying to push this all to the back of their minds, I was reordering my favorite colleges into the ones I’m most likely to get into and other stuff like that.”

A lot of other collegiettes prefer to distract themselves from thinking about college too much.

“If I’d thought too much about college, I think I would’ve lost so much sleep,” says Abby Williams, a junior at Michigan State University. “I knew that since I’d already sent everything in, I had no control over it, so I had to distract myself from thinking too much.”

If you’re more like Melanie and would prefer to talk things out when you’re waiting on these decision letters, that’s okay! Just remember that many other pre-collegiettes, like Abby, would rather not discuss it. Try seeking out other students who want to talk about it all or chatting with your parents and family members. That way, you can still discuss your options as you await the decisions, but you don’t bother others who might not want to do that.

You can figure out who is and isn’t willing to chat about it by delicately beating around the bush about the waiting period. Try saying things like, “Oh man, sent in my last application yesterday… Getting pretty nervous,” or, “April can’t come fast enough.”

If the person you’re talking to seems to perk up or seems receptive to these comments, you can start to push more about talking about college decisions. If he or she seems more disinterested by giving you a vague answer or saying something like, “Well we won’t know for a while, so it’s best to be patient,” you should probably leave the subject alone.

2. Remind your friends and family if you don’t want to talk about it

Like we said, many pre-collegiettes are more like Abby and want to distract themselves from overthinking the situation. But just because you know you don’t want to talk about it doesn’t mean your family does.

“Each week, family would ask me if I'd heard back from the school, and each week I would remind them that the acceptance was not going to come until April no matter how many times they asked me if I'd heard back,” says Lillian Noble, a junior at American University. “Once my family finally understood that talking about college acceptances was stressful for me, they stopped asking.”

Having family members constantly asking you about college decisions is especially stressful because you only want to give them good news, but, like Lillian, until March or April, you won’t have any news to give. Keep their questions at bay by telling them that they’ll be the first people you tell when you find out.

Address this with your family and friends as soon as possible. As soon as all of your applications are sent in, sit down with your family and let them know that you’re nervous about the decisions, and talking about them during the waiting period makes it worse for you. Tell them that you know that this is also an exciting time for them, but ultimately, this is about your future, and you need to handle it in a way that works best for you.

If your loved ones keep on bringing it up afterwards, try to be patient and remind them that you understand that they are only trying to help, but you really need some space from that conversation topic. Say things like, “I know you’re only trying to help, but constantly talking about getting into college is actually hurting me right now. I think we need to wait until the decision letters actually come before we can have this conversation.” Letting your loved ones know that you understand their intentions while also staying firm with your needs is the best way to get smooth and conflict-free solutions to this problem.

3. Pick up a new hobby

One of the best ways to distract yourself from overthinking is to dive into a new hobby. Since the hobby would be new, you’d more than likely be super excited about it and have a lot to learn. You simply wouldn’t have the time to overthink your college decision letters. Start a blog. Learn how to sew. Learn how to code. Do something.

“When I was waiting to hear back, I decided to get into running,” Melanie says. “It was fun because I started to track how long it took me to run certain distances and was looking at my improvement. It was also good because exercise is such a good way to clear my mind. I thought more about how exhausted I was running than about colleges!”

By getting really invested in something else, you won’t want to think about college—or have the time to. Plus, this could be a great time to uncover a hidden talent or to find a new passion, two things that will really help you pick a major or to get into a certain club or activity once you do get to college.

4. Don’t overhype a certain school

One of the hardest parts of this waiting game is making sure you don’t build up your top schools too much. Overhyping schools means thinking you’ll definitely get accepted, thinking a certain school’s program is the only program suited for you or thinking being accepted into a certain school will make or break your entire life. This is definitely something to avoid doing when waiting on those decision letters.

Iris Goldsztajn, a junior at the University of California, Los Angeles, was very careful not to do this. “I didn't want to jinx it by thinking I'd get in,” she says. “I ended up being genuinely surprised/shocked that I got into UCLA.”

Overhyping a school is something that comes when you start to overthink. When you overthink getting into schools, you begin to idealize them and think that they’re the only option for you, and when you do this, you’re setting yourself up for potential disappointment.

College counselor Nina Wilmot suggests weighing the pros and cons of all of your colleges if you think you’re overhyping one. “Reminding yourself that there are good and bad things about each school you apply to is really important in waiting for college decisions,” she says. “I tell some of my students to literally write out the pros and cons of each school and program. Students should include things from location for internships to co-op opportunities at the school to the environment at the school. Forget about things like big names or minimum accepted GPAs, and concentrate on things that make the school unique.”

5. Channel your energy into extracurriculars or schoolwork

We know that pre-collegiettes are super busy, so maybe you don’t even have to come up with a new hobby to distract yourself from overthinking. Between your clubs, sports and schoolwork, you might not have time to think about college decision letters too much.

That was the situation for Sarah Yu, a student in the CUNY Graduate School of Journalism. “I was already busy with lacrosse practices and games, so I didn't have the chance or time to worry about getting accepted or rejected to the seven colleges I applied for,” she says.

Keeping busy doesn’t just include after-school sports, either. Really invest yourself in your schoolwork as a way to stay busy. This is a great way to avoid the senior slump and to show colleges who may be checking in on your second-semester grades that you’re really invested in your schoolwork!

6. Practice yoga or meditation

Sometimes no matter how hard you try to distract yourself, you just can’t. Whenever the stress really builds up, find a proven stress-relieving outlet like yoga or meditation.

“Yoga and meditation are huge de-stressors for me in college, and I can imagine they work really well in high school waiting on those college decisions, too,” says Sarah Watson, a senior at the California Institute of Technology. “I like it because I can’t push stressors out of my life, but yoga gives me an hour where I don’t need to think about them, and it really is calming.”

You don’t need to be a yoga master to try yoga or meditation, either. Download the Pocket Yoga app onto your phone to do yoga on the go, or check out the listings on your TV’s on-demand features for a more thorough workout. Try meditating whenever you worry too much about getting accepted into the right program or receiving enough of a scholarship from a certain school. 

7. Use the power of positive thinking

It probably sounds really lame, but positive thinking really does have a lot of power and can make all the difference when college decision letters are getting the best of you and your self-esteem.

Many pre-collegiettes worry about college acceptances because they begin to second-guess whether or not they are good enough to go to their top-choice school. Whenever your negative thoughts are bumming you out, just repeat over and over that you believe in yourself, and if that school doesn’t accept you, you still have the power to be successful. Channel the confidence that drove you to apply to that school in the first place.

Try hanging a poster in your room or locker at school that has your favorite positive-thinking mantra on it—you could even make it the background on your phone so you have it everywhere you go! Allow that mantra to be something you repeat over and over whenever you doubt yourself or whenever you feel like you’re not good enough.

And whenever you stop believing you’re good enough to be accepted into a school, write down a list of five (or more!) things that you know you can contribute to that school. It can be anything—stimulating class participation, being a friendly face for everyone on campus, kicking butt in intramurals or something else. Remember everything you put in your college application to convince the school to accept you, and start believing it yourself!

Remember: Once the applications and test scores are sent in and the interviews are over, there’s nothing more you can do to get yourself into college, so stressing over decision letters isn’t productive. By distracting yourself and concentrating on the here and now, you’ll be sure to have a way more enjoyable spring semester.

The Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon introduced Adele as a "once-in-a-generation artist" at Adele's Live In New York special preformed at Radio City Music Hall a month ago. While most of us weren't lucky enough to be in the crowd alongside stars like Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, and America Ferrera, the performance was released online in its entirety Monday night. If you're like the rest of us, that means you're throwing popcorn in the microwave and curling up on the couch to watch and have your own personal sing along.

The performance opens with Adele singing "Hello" in its entirety, because duh. Adele's voice is electric and mystifying as she performs live for the first time in four years, telling the crowd she's nervous and "tried to find an exit before she came down." Fortunately for her, we couldn't detect any nerves at all as her powerhouse voice filled the room and her gorgeous sparkling dress caught our eye. 

Adele also performed hits like "Skyfall,""Rolling in the Deep,""Set Fire to the Rain," and of course one of our latest favorites, "Water Under the Bridge," creating the perfect mix of old and new. One of the most beautiful moments of the show came just before Adele sang "Someone Like You," informing the crowd that she doesnt "sing this from the same place anymore" and credits that to her boyfriend and father of her child, Simon Konecki. She also tells us this is the first time he's ever seen her perform, and he must've been in awe at her talent. We know we were.

Catch the entire performance online below. This is something you definitely don't want to miss!

Following four full days of jury deliberation, former Oklahoma cop Daniel Holtzclaw was found guilty Thursday on varying charges of sexual harassment and assault, reports Jezebel. 

Holtzclaw was convicted of using his position of authority to coerce his victims into sexual acts, forcing himself upon helpless women who feared for both their lives and for the value of their word when reporting attacks.

His victims were undoubtedly targeted based on their lack of societal privilege, a fact that rings horrifying but not unsurprising. Holtzclaw attacked at least 13 black women from underprivileged backgrounds, reports Refinery 29, confirming to us what we already knew: Americans are far from safe when it comes to modern racism, and disadvantaged citizens (particularly those of intersectionally marginalized backgrounds: black, lower socioeconomic class women) enter a battleground each and every time they step outside. Collegiettes, this has got to stop.

Due to the make-up of the jury—all-white and mostly male—many following the case (including us) were assuming the worst. The verdict comes as a brief relief to generations largely desensitized to an abundance of violence and demographic-based discrimination, but we have a hard time finding lasting comfort in the notion that the need for such a verdict even exists.

Holtzclaw will be formally sentenced on January 21, writes Refinery29. All we hope is that the sentence puts as much ease as possible in the hearts of his many strong victims. 

Taylor Swift knows how to make friends; you didn't need us to tell you that. The singer practically invented #SquadGoals, and she's had so many celebrity BFFs that it's easy to forget that they used to hang out. We know Tay is a pretty awesome friend, but how do her friends thank her? Well, by paying homage to her Insta-famous cats Olivia Benson and Meredith Grey, of course!

New bestie Blake Lively just did the best thing for Taylor's lowkey 26th birthday. The ex-Gossip Girl actress gave her a personalized "Thanksgiving Birthday" pie, topped with figurines of Olivia and Meredith so realistic that the actual cats might as well be sitting on the pie themselves. Although that might alter the taste just a tad.

One thing is certain: Taylor appreciated the gesture, since she "couldn't stop laughing." Take a hint, collegiettes: if you want to make it into Taylor Swift's squad, an inside joke pie might be just the way to do it. Or a sweater with Olivia and Meredith embroidered on it. That works too, with bonus points if it's a 3D sweater like these classic ones from Hannah Montana:

We're just saying.

"There's a sensitive scene about halfway through the film that depicts images of a suicide," my professor told our entire Intro to GLBT Studies course. "If you need to leave the room, please feel free to do so. You can have another student come and get you when the scene is over." 

That was my first introduction to what has now come to be known by many as 'trigger warnings' in the college classroom. Sure enough, just as the documentary's mentions of the suicide were beginning, one female student quietly stood up and left the room. She made no fuss about it, and she returned so quietly that I didn't even notice her come back in.

My immediate reaction is to push back when society—especially older generations—criticizes and vilifies millennials and the generation below us, Generation Z. We aren't lazy, entitled brats who believe we deserve accolades even when we fail. All we want is to succeed in a struggling economy and to make a difference.

I'm a rape survivor. I know what it feels like to have triggers, and to avoid graphic depictions of rape—especially any that may be similar to what I went through—when I know I'm not emotionally ready to take that on. Some days, that means that I flinch when classmates make jokes about date rape drugs; other days, I'm ready to take the world as an activist, and I openly engage in difficult conversations about consent.

My issue isn't with students who want a simple warning for graphic or disturbing content in class. If network television and movies can give a simple warning issuing this, then so can most situations. My issue is with students who actually are coddled, and who take it too far.

It's not too much to ask that a professor warn students when they're about to read a short story with graphic violence in it, or to ask them not to make rape jokes in class. This happened in my classroom, when a literature professor joked about how women of color were frequently raped during the days of the slave trade. He actually used the word "party" in reference to these rapes. I can only imagine what the only black woman in class was feeling, especially if she's ever been victim to an assault.

Still, The Atlantic's article "The Coddling of the American Mind," and the much more rant-like piece, "Generation Cry Baby," which also recently went viral, do offer some valid points. 

When students are being raised to believe that all criticism is a personal attack, they're not building a positive relationship with their own self-confidence. Too many students these days have what I like to call Rory Gilmore Syndrome. I've been a committed Gilmore Girls fan since it aired, and I adore Rory. But in Season 5, when journalist Mitchum Huntzberger tells her she can't make it, she immediately drops out of Yale. She cannot deal with this one slice of criticism, so she completely gives up.

This isn't just fiction. This is what many in my generation are being raised to believe: That all criticism is bullying, that we're all victims, and that our parents will be there to fix our problems.

I was in college when I was raped at a campus party. My dad was my greatest source of emotional support during the most difficult time in my life. He guided me toward campus resources: The counseling center, the health center to check for disease and other issues, and the police department to report it.

About halfway through the semester, I called to tell him I wanted to transfer colleges. Although the incident hadn't happened on my campus, I wanted to make a drastic change to my life situation. Among a crowd of over 25,000 students, I felt lost in a sea of faces, and I lacked direction. Much like Rory, I was lost. I would be sitting in classrooms daydreaming and staring out the window, wondering what I was doing, even though I've loved school and studying all my life. 

My dad thought it was a hasty decision and that I needed time to think, but he didn't push me. I was nineteen years old, and he allowed me to make my own decision. 

It was the best parenting move he's ever made.

In a move that solidifed her as the character I identify most with, Rory bounced back from what Mitchum said to her. In Season 6, she has a panic attack when she sees him, but she deals with it. She needs a minute to process what's happened, but she comes back stronger than ever, scoring a staff writer position at a local newspaper, being chosen as editor-in-chief of The Yale Daily News, and graduating on time despite a semester of lost classes.

After I dealt with what happened to me, I transferred to a small liberal arts university where I had a tight-knit group of close friends. I'd already lost almost an entire semester of wasted time, too: classes that meant nothing, during a time when I barely focused. Like Rory, I gained self-confidence from my moment of failure and loss, and I chose to study Journalism and Communications and graduated as a Commonwealth Honors Scholar, with several publications in newspapers and magazines that I was very proud of.

How many times have I heard a classmate say something along the lines of, "I don't know how. My mom does that for me." How many adults do I know who can't make phone calls because their parents never forced them to do so? How many of my peers have never scheduled a doctor's appointment, have never taken their car for its six-month service, have never held any form of employment, not even an internship?

I'm not talking about those who aren't able to do so. I have a learning disability, and several of my close friends live with various physical and mental disabilities as well. We all live with some form of limitation, whether it's lack of access to resources, disabilities, chronic illness, or mental health issues. The difference that I see is when someone makes an effort to do what they can on their own, to the best of their ability. 

Students need autonomy. We need to learn to control our own lives. Our generation is empathetic, kind, inclusive and considerate. Unfortunately, life has its trying moments. Each of us has to face hard decisions, and while we definitely need a support system in place, we also need to gain the confidence that we can make those choices on our own. If we can't do it as college students—deciding what to major in, deciding whether or not to join a sorority, choosing our class schedule —then how will we do it as adults? We need to foster the maturity and self-assurance that it takes to make hard decisions down the line about marriage, insurance, children, careers, health, taking care of our aging relatives, and end-of-life care.

This isn't an argument against those of us who want to create a more inclusive campus community. I believe that students should be allowed to take a day off from class for mental health reasons as easily as they can for physical health. I believe that students should practice self-care, choosing to remove themselves from situations that may trigger an unwanted response—whether they're upset by a recent loss, severe bullying, physical abuse or another issue altogether. 

In order to make those decisions to take care of ourselves and others, we need to master our own maturity. We need to be able to defend our choices when we're asked why we're doing something. While I was in the process of transferring, I repeated my story over and over again to family, friends, peers and professors. I repeated those lines so many times that I began to believe in my choice. We all need to learn to make decisions when we aren't feeling certain, so that we can later make those same decisions with more confidence. 

If we can learn to make confident decisions, I'm even more certain that our generation can change the world. 

Looking for the perfect gift for your bookworm bestie? We've got great gift ideas for English majors, aspiring novelists and library enthusiasts. Not any old book will do for your bibliophile friends!

1. One Bella Casa Go Read a Book Pillow ($45)

Sometimes a girl needs a little motivation when it comes to reading that enormous Victorian novel. Let this pillow do the talking. 

2. Paddywax Jane Austen Library Candle ($21)

This Jane Austen-inspired candle smells like gardenia, jasmine and tuberose. Light it up for a cozy night in, Pride and Prejudice in hand. 

3. Knock Knock Personal Library Kit ($16)

Never lend a book again without this handy library kit. It's got checkout cards, a date stamp and more. 

4. Out of Print Banned Books Pouch ($12)

This adorable pouch is perfect for stowing your writing supplies. 

5. Obvious State Ernest Hemingway Mini Notebook ($6)

Pay tribute to the man who invented your finals-and-midterm-paper philosophy: Write drunk, edit sober. 

6. Literary Scarf ($48)

Wrap yourself in your favorite words. These scarves come in Jane Eyre, Alice in Wonderland and Wuthering Heights. 

7. mental_floss I'm an English Major T-Shirt ($24.99)

Just in case everyone in your statistics class needs a reminder you're just there for the distribution requirement. 

8. Bookworm Shower Curtain ($68)

We don't advise bringing your precious books into the shower, but this curtain is the next best thing. 

9. Rifle Paper Co. Little Women ($16)

We're all for a good book bargain, but sometimes you just want to splurge on a gorgeous hardcover like this one. 

10. Out of Print Pemberley Pennant ($12)

There's no better way to show off your literary spirit. 

11. Tequila Mockingbird ($14.99)

If you like booze and books (and trust us, your English major friend is down), this is the perfect gift. 

12. Typewriter Icon Mug ($14)

This old-school typewriter mug is perfect for when you're at your desk penning the next great American novel.