Name: Spencer McGuinn

School: Oregon

Year in School: I am currently a sophomore here at the UO

Don't worry, that's his sister ;)

HCO: Major and why you chose it:

I am still in the process of picking my major. It will most likely end up being history or psychology. Why? I love history because you are able to formulate opinions based on the information provided which is something I truly enjoy. Psychology mostly because I love attempting to understand people and why they do what they do, in other words what makes people tick.

Relationship Status:
I am single and about as single as it gets. 100% on the look out for a girlfriend but in no way will I force a relationship, has to work naturally.

HCO: What would your ideal date be like?

First, it starts with the ideal woman who is on the date with me. That being said when I hear the term ‘date’ I always think dinner at a nice restaurant one that you kind of need to dress up for. For myself personally I measure my dates by who I am taking out, rather then what we are doing, every girl is different so in my mind the ideal date changes along with the circumstances.

HCO: What are some of your hobbies?
Crossfit and following major sports are my major hobbies right now (Mostly baseball and football). Crossfit takes up most of time between working out and helping TA the Crossfit 2 class here at school. While talking about Crossfit I am in the process of attempting to make Crossfit a competitive club sport here at the UO. Still very much so in the early stages but is something I hope to be working on for the rest of this year and the rest of my time here at the UO.

HCO: Do you prefer dogs or cats?
This in not even a question, DOGS! I am not a fan of cats at all. I will never own a cat mostly because I am allergic, but they are just not for me.

HCO: The most interesting thing that's happened to you this week:
I would have to go with me walking in to Track Town Crossfit to hit a workout and talk to the owners about my idea for the Crossfit club. It was interesting to me cause I got to see a gym I haven’t been in before and network a little bit for myself now and in the future.

HCO: Favorite guilty pleasure:
This may sound weird but I really like dressing up—and by dressing up we’re talking suit and tie, not me gallivanting around in a Peter Pan costume. I spend a lot of time in workout clothes, which isn’t a problem, but at the same time I like looking my best. So when I have the opportunity to go all out and look like a million bucks, I do.

About Eamonn….

Full Name: Eamonn Dangerous Monks

School: Sacred Heart

Graduation Year: 2015

Major: Criminal Justice

Hometown: Bridgeport, CT

Clubs/Organizations on Campus: Club Weightlifting Team, Kappa Sigma Fraternity

Relationship Status: Single

This or That….

Boxers or Briefs: Briefs

Football or Basketball: Football

Blondes or Brunettes: Brunettes

Twitter or Instagram: Instagram

Eyes or Smile: Eyes

Butts or Boobs: Personality

Curly or Straight: Straight

Fun Facts…

Favorite Animal: Unicorn or Kitten

Favorite Singer: Mariah Carey

If you could be a girl for a day, what would be the first thing you would do: Fight for women’s rights and equality

5 things you can’t live without: Gym, Food, Sleep, Phone, Shoes

Favorite hobby: Crossfit

Where do you see yourself in 10 years: Crossfit Trainer and Competitive Crossfit Athlete

At SHU….

Most Embarrassing Moment: Sliding on ice into a parked car

Biggest Regret: Usually going to class or the library

#1 on your Bucket List: Break records on the weightlifting team

Best Memory: Becoming a member of Kappa Sigma

Favorite Female Sports Team: Softball all the way!

Let’s talk about love…

Celebrity Woman Crush: Eva Mendez

Celebrity Man Crush: Ryan Reynolds

Ideal Date: Long walk on the beach after a nice seafood dinner

First Kiss: 7^th grade

How far would you go on a first date: As far as we’re driving I guess

Biggest Turn-Off: If you can’t make me laugh or a bad attitude

Meet the newest campus cutie, Michael Creighton. He loves football and staying in shape, but also enjoys doing puzzles and juggling! Check out what else this intriguing sophomore has to offer.

Name: Michael Creighton

School: Mizzou

Hometown: Fairfax, Va.

Major: Undeclared

Relationship status: Single

Ideal first date: “I’ve always wanted to take a girl on a hot air balloon ride, so she better not be scared of heights.”

Favorite restaurant: The Cheesecake Factory

Favorite quote: “Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence”—Vince Lombardi

Hidden talent: Juggling

Most embarrassing moment: “During preschool graduation, I went to sit back in my chair, and someone yanked it out from under me.”  

Favorite vacation spot: Virginia Beach

Best memory at Mizzou:  Storming the field after the homecoming win against Oklahoma.

Best quality in a girlfriend: Honesty

Most rewarding experience: “When I did Meals on Wheels and delivered meals to the homeless.”

Dream job/aspirations: “I want to win the Reebok Crossfit Games one day.”

Favorite novel: Holes by Louis Sachar

Involvement on campus: Works at the bookstore

Name: Marcus Lauria
School: Wake Forest
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: West Chester, Pa.
Relationship Status: Single
Major: Physics
Minor: Math and possibly Middle Eastern and South Asia Studies (MESA)
Personal Motto: The pain of discipline is far less than the pain of regret

HC (Her Campus): So you’re a member of ROTC. What’s that like?
ML (Marcus Lauria): I love it—it’s definitely a huge time commitment though. We workout three to five days a week in the morning, have classes every week, and a lab where we perform military skills. It’s just been a great experience so far…I was in Africa over the summer for an ROTC program, which was insane. We trained with the Togolese military and helped them learn conversational English for a month.

HC: What influenced your decision to take part in ROTC?
ML: My dad was on track to be a Navy SEAL but had an accident that kept him out of it, so he’s instilled those values in me. When I began to research ROTC my junior year of high school I realized very quickly that it was the path I wanted to take. My older sister did it and my best friend from home is in it now too, which is really cool.

HC: What else are you involved in on campus?
ML: I’m the process of becoming a member of Pi Kappa Alpha right now. I’m also a captain on the club basketball team—that’s was always my sport throughout high school. So those and ROTC are the three big things I’m involved in.

HC: So what’s a typical day like for you?
ML: I wake up around 5:30 a.m., go to PT (physical training) at 6 a.m., workout, study or do some last second homework, go to class, usually go workout again either at the ROTC department or the Miller Center, and then study.

HC: So it seems like you are a pretty athletic guy. Do you have a more sensitive side?
ML: I mean, I am definitely a huge Taylor Swift fan and a lot of my buddies mess with me for that. But I wouldn’t actually say I’m too, too sensitive.

HC: Now for the stuff everyone really wants to know—what qualities do you look for in a girl?
ML: For me, the number one quality is a girl who is really into fitness. Also someone who understands my sense of humor, and definitely a really nice smile.

HC: What normally makes for a good first impression of a girl?
ML: Someone who is outgoing and who can make me laugh right away.

HC: What are three adjectives you would use to describe yourself?
ML: I’d say outgoing, hardworking, and funny.

HC: What is something people might be surprised to know about you?
ML: I have never had a girlfriend…that’s a good one. I played a lot of basketball in high school so I guess I never had time for that or found the right girl. I’m also kind of a big science nerd sometimes.

HC: What is your biggest pet peeve?
ML: People complaining when they have no reason to be complaining. I feel like most people here are in a very good position and sometimes take a lot of stuff for granted.

HC: Who has been the most influential person in your life?
ML: Definitely my dad. I mean, since I could walk he had a basketball in my hand and made sure I was knocking out absurd amounts of pushups every day. He’s the one person I can always talk to no matter what is going on.

HC: What is one thing you want to do before you graduate?
ML: It would be really cool to take home first place at the ROTC Ranger Challenge Competition, which is like a big physical competition with events for tons of different military skills. We compete against all the ROTC programs in the surrounding states.

HC: Where is the coolest place you have ever traveled? What’s your dream destination?
ML: Definitely Africa. It was an awesome experience to be around the Togo military for 30 days. One place that would be really cool to go is Paris.

HC: Okay, now a couple of short questions. What’s your go-to pick-up line?
ML: Um, I don’t really think I have a go-to pick-up line.

HC: (Laughs) That might be a good thing. Favorite off campus spot?
ML: Chipotle because that’s really the only place I go to eat off campus.

HC: Ideal first date?
ML: Maybe I’m kind of boring but I guess just like going to dinner somewhere and then going back home and to watch a movie and hang out.

HC: Favorite workout?
ML: My favorite workout is a CrossFit workout titled “Nasty Girls.” It’s three rounds of 50 air squats, seven muscle-ups and 10 power cleans.

HC: Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Do you see a plan for the rest of your life?
ML: If everything works out like I want it to, I’ll be an officer in the Army Corps of Engineers and hopefully be married.

Listen up single ladies; meet this week’s man, Joey Scire.  A junior at UNH majoring in biochem.  This cutie enjoys to hit the gym in his spare time, and he has the body to prove it. You can find him at block parties on young drive, so make sure to trek down there come springtime! He loves dogs, especially golden retrievers.  Can you say chick-magnet? We sure can. 

The Basics:

Name: Joey Scire

School: New Hampshire

Hometown: Windham, NH

Relationship Status: "very" single

Clubs or hobbies involved in at UNH: UNH-ABC, intramurals, global medical brigades

Play any sports: Crossfit?

UNH Favorites:

Favorite thing to eat on campus: anything/everything

Favorite UNH moment: block parties on young drive

Fun Facts:

Describe yourself in 3 words: amusing, good-hearted, and real

Any fun facts we should know about you?: I love the whole fitness scene, my friends shit on me all the time but they're starting to come around to it.

Name one thing on your bucket list: travel the world while i'm still young

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?: as a nutritionist living somewhere in cali with like 20 dogs

Favorite movie: Friday Night Lights..movie is a tear jerker

Favorite TV show: I can't pick just one but game of thrones, the office, and modern family are a few favs

Favorite sports team: New England Patriots

Favorite food: Libbys pulled pork

Most played song on your itunes: Gettin' Jiggy With It- Will Smith

Where do you hang out on the weekends?: Libbys & Young Drive, occasionally Scorps

Most embarrassing moment: probably in 2nd grade when I announced to my whole class that I wanted to be a soccer ball when I grew up. My parents never let that one go

What reality TV show would you go on?: Combat Rescue

If you could trade places with one celebrity who would it be? Mark Walberg

If you could travel to one location where would you go? Any of the Thailand beaches

If you were stuck on a deserted island what 3 things would you take? 3 golden retrievers

Love Life:

Biggest celebrity crush: Megan fox

Describe your dream girl: UNH version of Megan fox, i know she's out there

Blondes, brunettes or red heads?: I love 'em all, I don’t discriminate

What do you look for in a girl?: class, good smile, good sense of humor, and ability to hang with the boyz

Favorite pick-up line: do you have a quarter? I told my mom I’d call her when I met the girl of my dreams.

Ideal date: wine & the beach at night

What meal would you cook for a girl?: Anything we can cook together

Best place to meet UNH girls: the bars

Biggest turn off: girl mustaches

Biggest turn on: classiness 

If you could choose next weeks campus cutie, who would it be and why?: all my friends are studs, but I gotta say my boy Zach Solomons. Kid can do the Carlton (from fresh prince) like no other

Name: Mateo Lopez
School: Barnard
Major: Undecided (maybe Philosophy)
Class Year: 2014
Relationship Status: Single

Interests:Paleo Cooking, Crossfit, Star Wars, Diego Lopez (my little brother), Marvel, DC, Shows on AMC like Breaking Bad and Walking Dead, movies, movies, movies, MOVIES!, music that makes me want to dance, music that makes me feel better when I am sad
Interests at CU: AEPi, Dodge Fitness Center, interested in finding out why Lit Hum is so bad but CC is so good, interested in finding out why the package center isn’t open on Saturdays

What's your ideal date? I don’t really know what my ideal date is, but I can tell you about a date that went really well. I dated this girl a couple years ago and on our first date I invited her over earlier in the day. After making breakfast for her, we went for a walk around my neighborhood.  I live in a place called Silver Lake in LA.  Down the hill from my house, there is a reservoir and we took a walk around it and then chilled on the grass in the park.  We went back to my house and she said something along the lines of “Wow you have a really nice view from your balcony!”  I said that the view was actually a lot nicer on the roof.  I took her up there and we could see the whole city—downtown, the Hollywood sign, even the beach.
What's your most embarrassing date experience?  I can’t really think of anything that was super embarrassing.  But you know what’s the worst?  When you are into a girl and you want to ask them out on a date but you can’t because they have strategically put you in the friend zone so any time you guys do hang out, you feel awkward and weird because it's not really a date even though you really want it to be a date. The friend zone is like taking a wild animal, like a tiger, and throwing it in captivity, it’s just cruel.
What are some of the qualities you like best in a girl? I am a really nerdy dude. I love Star Wars, I read comic books, and I play way too many video games. I am interested in girls who make me feel less nerdy or who can understand me and accept me for the 5-year-old that I am.  I like girls with a lot of energy, who are loud, and who make weird noises in awkward situations because then I feel more normal.  It’s also a plus when I find a girl who enjoys working out/playing sports as much as I do.
Where do you see yourself in five years? Living in L.A., in an apartment, with three dogs.  Two of them will be pugs, one will be named Goblin, the other Ghoul.  The third will be a mixed dog of some kind and his name will be Steve or Gilgamesh depending on the size.  I will hopefully not be single and I will hopefully own my own Crossfit gym...or I will be the editor-in-chief at IGN, whichever comes first.  Let’s be honest the only thing I know for sure is that I will have those dogs. The rest us up in the air.
Who is your celebrity crush? There’s just so many.  I would normally go with Mila Kunis, but you know who has been catching my eye lately?  Jennifer Lawrence.  It might be that I just saw the Hunger Games trailer and I think it looks tight...
If you won the lottery tomorrow, what would you spend the winnings on?
I would give most of the money to my parents probably. But with my share, I would rent out a flat in Barcelona and fly out my closest family and friends and just live there with all of them by the beach, chilling for a while, and then come back to the real world. After I would give it to Michael Sher and Danny O’Leary to invest it in something.  And I would buy AEPi a house.  You know what would also be cool, if I made my own production company to fund films that I want made.  I could go to my friends and say, hey, remember that idea you had for a movie? Do you want to make it?  You need funding?  Guess what, I just won the lottery and have too much money so, let’s make your movie.  That would be pretty sick.

Name: Chad Hedlund
School: Wake Forest
Hometown: Argyle, TX
Major: Economics, Minor: Communication
Relationship Status: Single

Her Campus (HC): You’re the kicker for Wake’s football team, right? And you’re doing scrimmages right now. How’s the team looking?
Chad Hedlund (CH): It’s going well, they don’t have us doing much out there yet – us as in the kickers. We don't do too much; it’s kind of an easy life. The other players tend to get a little jealous since it’s the easiest, but the coaches feel like we’ve improved since the first scrimmage.

HC: How are you guys preparing? You have practice pretty early in the morning, right?
CH: We have weights early in the morning on either Monday/Wednesday or Wednesday/Friday at 6 or 7. Then we have film or meetings before practice, around 3:45 [in the afternoons] and practice starts around 5.

HC: So, not a lot of free time for you guys?
CH: Not so much, in the gaps where we should have free time we have class or tutoring.

HC: So what’s your favorite professional team?
CH: Unfortunately, my home team is the Cowboys; but they haven’t been too hot lately. I’ve been drifting toward the Patriots just because my favorite player is Tom Brady.

HC: A little man crush?
CH: He’s been my favorite player since, like, the sixth grade. That’s why my jersey number has been 12. I love the man; I love everything about him and everything he stands for…even if people think he’s a baby, he’s a great guy.

HC: Yeah, people can hate on him, like with those pictures of what he used to look like.
CH: Yeah I mean, come on, he works harder than anybody – he puts in the time, you’ve got to give credit where credit is due. Once upon a time I wrote him an email in sixth grade…he did not write me back. I’m pretty sure it was my grandparents who wrote me back pretending to be him.

HC: (Laughs) Really? That’s so cute!
CH: Nah, I’m just kidding.

HC: Do you see yourself going pro like your idol?
CH: I think that’s the reason why I came to college to kick. I’ve always had the inspiration to go to the pros, but if I don’t I would want to be a sports agent.

HC: I can totally see you doing that.
CH: Yeah, I would love to be a sports agent, but that’s why I continue to practice hard and weight train, to hopefully make it professionally.

HC: What are some of your favorite workouts and ways to keep healthy?
CH: A few of my guys on the team like to do CrossFit training, so sometimes I try to jump in with them and do some of those workouts. Besides that, I do a lot of curls for the girls. Lots of the guys on the team get pissed at me because I do the beach workout.

HC: (Laughs) What’s the beach workout?
CH: Bis, tris, abs, and chest.

HC: (Laughs) Oh, wow.
CH: Whatever gets the ladies a likin’. So also squat thrusts.

HC: You’re from Texas, anything about you that’s a Texan man?
CH: Everything. I actually own a pair of cowboy boots, but I didn’t until I got to college.

HC: They’re not red, like on “How I Met Your Mother,” right?
CH: (Laughs) Not red, they’re actually brown. But I do like to country-dance, and country concerts are awesome.

HC: What do you do in your spare time?
CH: I like to play golf, just sit out and find stuff to do with friends, see whatever’s going on around campus or maybe go to the trampoline park or Pilot Mountain. Hopefully there will be some pool parties soon, those would be sick to go to.

HC: Do you have any nicknames?
CH: “Chadwick,” “Chattles,” “Donkey” has been thrown around a lot lately, I don’t know where that came from.

HC: What stands out as some of your favorite memories at Wake so far?
CH: Well for football, it would be the Virginia game because, fortunately, I was able to go out there and get three field goals. I got to win the game for us, so that was pretty sick.

HC: That was awesome; I remember that. We cheered so loud for you.
CH: Yeah, that was a pretty great experience for my first game.

HC: You’re a pretty snappy dresser, like with your pinstripe pants. How would you describe your style?
CH: My friends think my style is quite unusual. In my ideal style, I’d be in a tux every day. Kind of like Barney Stinson, a pinstripe suit would be the best. Sexy. Whatever the ladies find appealing.

HC: (Laughs) So you like to look good?
CH: Right, I like to look good. I mean, if guys expect girls to dress up, then guys should dress up too. 

HC: Okay, lets get into some fun questions. What’s your biggest pet peeve?
CH: A girl that is a know-it-all.

HC: If you could eat one thing for the rest of your life what would it be?
CH: If I could eat fast food every day and still look like Tom Cruise in “Top Gun,” I would.

HC: Boxers or briefs?
CH: Briefs.

HC: What’s your favorite beer?
CH: Whatever the lady across the bar thinks is best.

HC: Who would your celebrity crush be?
CH: Jennifer Aniston. She ages like wine.

HC: (Laughs) These are great. What’s the cheesiest pickup line you’ve ever used, and did it work?
CH: How much does a polar bear weigh? Enough to break the ice. Works every time.

HC:  I’ve heard that. Ideal girl?
CH: Smart, clever, cute. Just a good, fun, nice girl. And if she looks like Jennifer Aniston… 

HC: (Laughs) She’s pretty perfect. Ideal first date with your Jennifer Aniston?
CH: I would say taking her to a nice restaurant, something casual. If we hit it off, I’d take her to do something unusual and fun, something out of the ordinary so she would know she’s special.

HC: What’s your life motto?
CH: Never let your fear decide your fate.

*Article by Madeline Goode 

Name: Donald Ryan Hodge
School: Arizona
Hometown: Valencia, CA
Year: Junior
Major: Nutrition (Emphasis in Dietetics)
Status: Single
Nicknames: Donny, Ry-Ry, Ryan, Butters, Beans, Step-Black, Hodgey
Campus Involvement: Waterpolo, Rec Supervisor, Lifeguard, National Honors Society
Favorite Quotes: "If you're going to get run out of town, make it look like you're leading a parade."" Hardwork beats talent, and talent doesn't work hard."

After sitting down with the brown hair, blue-eyed, waterpolo player, I was shocked to find that he is single. Ladies, time to get your game faces on and make your way to the rec center, this 6'2'' California boy is not one you want to miss out on! In the mean time I was sure to get the scoop on all the basics.
 
HC: What do you notice first when a girl walks by?
Donald: That depends, if it's close up I notice eyes first, always. If it's from a distance I'll notice her face.
 
HC: What do you look for in a potential girlfriend?
Donald: I'm attracted to girls who are outgoing, smart but not at the library 24/7, sociable and gets along well with most people, as well as active. I like a girl who enjoys hiking, running, any outdoor activites. When it comes to looks I have been partial to blondes and you know, a little color never hurts.
 
HC: What do you dislike most/ like the most of ladies fashion?
Donald: I really don't understand those "poofy" gym shorts and I get to see those all the time. I also don't get ugg boots or those fringed crop-top things. My favorites have to be spandex shorts, volleyball player status, definitely. Who doesn't love those?! I also like seeing a girl in a nice swimsuit but my all time favorite has to be when a girl wears one of my jersey's. I LOVE that.
 
HC: What would you do on your ideal first date?
Donald: I would probably take her to a pier, get her favorite food for dinner and chill on the beach. It's the second date where the cooking skills come out. I've been told I was raised well, I am always polite and gentleman like.
 
HC: What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Donald: I play waterpolo, I like going to the gym (side note: he can do handstand push-ups...), crossfit, I really love fitness and taking care of myself. I also love just hanging out with friends and helping them out whenever possible.
 
HC: What kind of music do you listen to?
Donald: Hip-Hop, Electro-House, Dubstep, Rock, Alternative, and I'd say I'm a pretty casual John Mayer fan.
 
HC: What makes you an ideal Campus Cutie?
Donald: I'm a friendly guy, very personable, I take care of myself, I tend to make people laug, educated, avid dresser...I was raised well, I love my mom she's a great lady!

 
There you have it ladies, time to mingle with one of UA's most eligable bachelors. Did I mention how great he looks in red and kahki? He can be one more motivating factor to keep up that resolution of going to the gym every day; just look for him at the front desk. 

It looks like Michael Kelso and Jackie Burkhart’s romance didn’t end with the 2006 series finale of That 70’s Show.

Former co-stars, turned real-life-lovers, Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis are engaged after two years of dating, reports E! News. 

According to the New York Daily News, Kunis, 30, was first spotted wearing what appears to be an engagement ring while she was shopping in West Hollywood, CA on Thursday.

This will be the first marriage for Kunis and the second for Kutcher, 36, who was married to actress Demi Moore for seven years until they separated in 2011. (Their divorce was finalized in November) Kunis ended her eight-year relationship with actor Macaulay Culkin in 2011.  

Effortless love. A desirable prospect for anyone, but let’s face it - love doesn’t come easy.  It may take some time for you to meet your better half, and when you do it’s tempting to just sit back and bask in new love.  But let’s say you want to become a “Noah & Allie” or “Jack & Rose.”  College relationships that withstand the test of time require some daily effort and good habits.  It’s not all sunshine and rainbows the second you become Facebook official, but what if there were ways you could make it so?

What are dream couples doing to keep their love alive?  You’ve seen them walking around campus holding hands, or studying right next to each other at the library.  They are the couple that makes everyone sigh a collective “Aww” when they are spotted.  They may even incite some jealousy.

But chances are, they have their low times as well as their high ones.  The qualities that make them seem so happy together are also the qualities that they use to combat times of stress or disagreement.  The best couples aren’t the ones that sail through a relationship without rough patches; they are the couples that recover from them like true pros.

So what can you do to counteract relationship obstacles and move on smoothly?  What are the secrets behind a couple that is truly in love?  Her Campus has compiled 7 habits of highly effective couples to ensure that you and your guy stay on a blissful track.

1. Slow and Steady Wins the Race

Love at first sight is an exciting prospect, but don’t count out someone you’ve been friends with.  In fact, being friends with someone beforehand can lead to a stellar relationship because you’ve had time to get to know each other in a pressure-free situation. You can get a preview of how they act when faced with a variety of scenarios, something you won’t have on a first date with someone you’ve just met. 

“Start by not choosing someone too hastily,” says Dr. Carole Lieberman, media psychiatrist,“Look for someone that has the same values and goals as you do.”

Tip: Invite someone you’re interested in to a party with a group of friends.  If he gets along with your friends, he is most likely quite compatible with you.  Then, when your crew invites you to play a game, turn it down and spend some time chatting him up solo instead.

2. Establish Mutual Respect

Respect is simple but powerful.  Mutual respect for each other is truly like oxygen in a relationship.  With it, you are able to navigate daily love-life occurrences with relative ease.  Without it, you will be the textbook definition of a “struggling couple.”  Having respect for your guy will amplify the qualities you love about him and keep you from being nitpicky about the small stuff.  It will also keep arguments from going down a hurtful path with name-calling and contempt for one another. 

Tip: Next time you feel yourself getting annoyed with your guy about something that you knowis small, take a minute and think of 3 things that made him catch your eye in the first place.  Did he help someone when they needed it?  Is he good to his family?  Do you love his smile?  Putting things in perspective will make the small stuff less of a big deal.  

3. Know Where You’re Heading

It can be tricky to bring up “The Future” with a guy, but it’s an important step to take if you want to stay on the same page.  Make sure you know each other’s overall goals for the present, like where you see yourself after college.  And, it doesn’t hurt to talk about the big picture: being married (or not), having a family (or not), and having a job (hopefully).  Are you planning on staying in a relationship?  What will happen when you graduate?  Do you want to be more family- or career-driven? 

“[It is important for couples] to have a plan for their life together.  When a couple knows what course they want to steer, they will know when they get off course,” says Lesli Doares, licensed marriage and family therapist, “This plan incorporates children, lifestyle, place of residence, relationships with friends and family, everything.”

Tip: If you’re looking to bring up the future without too much intensity, start with a simple question next time there is a lull in conversation:  In a perfect world, where do you see yourself in 10 years?  This will help you get inside his head without seeming like you want to talk about getting a rock on your finger. 

4. Thou Shall Not Lie, Thou Shall Not Cheat

It’s simple enough to tell the truth, but when aspects of your relationship are traveling down a bumpy path, dishonesty may not be far behind.  A loving, healthy relationship puts honesty on a high pedestal right where it belongs!  A little lie may seem insignificant at the time but once it is found out, a seed of doubt is planted in your partner’s mind that has the potential to grow over time.  As for cheating? That is the atomic bomb in any relationship. 

“Once you both have decided that you are dating exclusively, then you should never cheat. If you feel like you want to date others, tell your partner,” says Lieberman, “Hopefully, you can work out the problems in your relationship, so that your urge to date others - because of resentments that have built up, or other problems - can be resolved.” 

Tip: This one is self-explanatory!  Don’t do it!  And if you can’t seem to stop yourself from lying or cheating, do your guy a favor and put an end to the relationship before you do any more damage.  You might need to take some time for yourself before you get into another committed relationship.

5. Use Your Words

Yeah, yeah.  Communication.  It’s the classic cliché of relationship advice but it’s there for a reason.  The most loyal of lovers are open with each other about their past, present, and future.  They don’t play games or act like everything is fine when it isn’t.  Not being open about your feelings will only leave your guy in the dark and create more problems: “If you are mad about something let him know, because otherwise they are just going to think you are in a (bad) mood, and stay completely oblivious,” says Katelyn, a junior at James Madison University.

Sometimes it takes some courage to communicate, because it involves being vulnerable.  But once you do, you will find yourself in a stronger relationship. 

Tip: Being grumpy all day to prove your point may eventually end up working.  However, you just wasted a day by being in a bad mood when a 15-minute conversation about what is bothering you could have fixed it hours ago.  Don’t waste time!

6. It’s the Little Stuff That Counts
Have you ever been broken up with for what seemed like a silly reason?  Chances are, there was more behind it.  A bunch of little relationship mistakes can add up over time, and just one could be the tipping point.  We’re all human and we will all make mistakes from time to time.  The way your relationship will survive them is if you make up for them in little ways so that you never get to that “last straw” point. 

Tip: You were late 15 minutes for a date?  Next time, make a point to be early and emphasize that your guy’s time is important to you. 

7. Kiss Often

Make no mistake, the physical aspect of your relationship is very important.  A relationship that seems great in the verbal department could still suffer if you don’t keep up some intimacy.  Want a quick fix?  Kissing is the first step. According to this study by The Washington Post, kissing promotes a closer relationship.  A kiss releases oxytocin in your brain, a chemical that is related to interpersonal bonding.  Added bonus?  Studies also show that it relieves stress. 

Tip: Next time he goes in for a quick peck to say, “Hello”, let it linger!  Turning a quick habit into a makeout session will only make you happier to see each other!

These aren’t the only keys to a good couple, but they are a definite start.  If you’re unsure as to whether you’re part of an effective relationship or not, here are some red flags to watch out for:

• You’re bored when you’re in the company of your significant other.
• You see your guy flirt with other people, even when you’re there.
• You’ve been lied to/you’re the one lying.
• You vs. Me attitude instead of working as a team.
• Agreeing to do things you don’t want to do because you think it will help fix the problem.

“If both people’s wants, needs, desires and interests aren’t equally supported, the relationship faces serious long-term problems,” says Doares.

So what will you do next time you find yourself in a relationship squabble?  Practice your rockstar communication, show your love some respect, and seal it with a kiss!  Odds are good that you will both feel much better.  Congratulations girl, you’re one-half of a highly effective couple!

Sure, there are some pretty good shows on TV these days (Scandal, anyone?), but every once in a while we find ourselves longing for the carefree days of the past when TV was much simpler… or better. Though these shows are no longer on the air, we can’t get them out of our heads. #NeverForget

1. The O.C.

Maybe the best teen drama in the history of ever, The O.C. raised a generation of wannabe surfers. We may have faked sick the day after Marissa died to stay home and deal with the emotional shock, but for the most part the show made us really happy, and we miss it. Just listen to the theme song and you'll be overwhelmed with nostalgia and have to skip your next class to watch as many episodes as you can. 

2. Gilmore Girls

From 2000-2007, Lorelai Gilmore was the mom every American kid wanted for his or her own. This fast-paced, original drama (sitcom?) was one of the most creative shows of the early 2000s. We all wanted to go to Yale with Rory and live in Stars Hollow, which, sadly, isn’t even a real town.

3. One Tree Hill

Even though the Tree Hill kids looked way too old to be in high school, we followed every ridiculously dramatic second of their lives for nine seasons.

4. Friday Night Lights

Tim Riggins. That’s all.

5. Boy Meets World

Even though the revival series Girl Meets World is in the works, nothing will beat the original. If you didn’t have a crush on Eric or Shawn growing up or wanted Mr. Feeny to be your neighbor, then you really should go back and watch this show. It’s the best, trust us.

6. Hannah Montana

New plot line: Hannah/Miley gets caught smoking weed and Robbie Ray is super disappointed but manages to write a song about it. Rico is indicted for fraud. Lilly and Oliver get married and have a baby. Jake Ryan and Jesse fight Gladiator-style for Miley’s heart. Tell us you wouldn’t watch that.

7. Friends

We still use Friends one-liners on a daily basis (“Joey doesn’t share food!”), and we're still holding out for a reunion season. We just want to see Monica and Chandler’s kids all grown up!

8. Sex and the City

Though we have the SATC movies to tide us over (there’s talk of SATC 3, too), the original episodes are what really have our hearts. To this day, we assign a character to each of our friends. Are you a Samantha or a Charlotte?

9. Freaks and Geeks

It was cancelled after one season, which is maybe the worst crime ever committed by humankind. Young James Franco was possibly even hotter than he is now, so why couldn’t we have had just a few more seasons of his gorgeousness?

10. Full House

New plot line: Michelle starts a fashion line that scarily resembles The Row. Jesse and Becky are still the hottest couple to ever exist. Stephanie gets married before D.J., which causes a lot of sibling tension. Joey finally makes it as a comedian and replaces Ellen as the host for The Oscars. Kimmy Gibbler somehow becomes more successful than any of the Tanner clan, but still shows up unannounced for breakfast. Everyone still lives in the same house, all together.

11. The Office

We only include this show on the condition that Michael Scott makes a return, because he was the best part of the entire show.

12. Gossip Girl

Is it bad that we still aren’t over Gossip Girl going off the air? Even though the last season was a little unwatchable, we’re yearning for the wonderfulness that was seasons one and two. Why couldn’t they have just stayed in high school forever?

13. Laguna Beach

Where do we even begin? Laguna Beach was, like, the best reality show to ever air. The debate is still raging at HC whether we’re team LC or team Kristin. Other relevant opinions: Stephen is way overrated, Lo is the best character on the show and Jason is the biggest d-bag in the world. That's all. 

It's such a shame that shows as perfect as these aren't on the air these days. Until they're matched, however, we'll just stick to Netflix reruns. 

Congratulations on your job offer! After countless emails, phone calls and interviews, a company has finally offered you a job. Hooray! All is seemingly well as you breathe a sigh of relief, calm now that you have an option at hand.

But for many college students and graduates, the job-hunt stress doesn’t necessarily stop with an offer. Even after an employer agrees to hire you, you may still want to wait on other potential offers or continue looking around for a job more suitable and preferable for you. In that case, how do you juggle both your relations with the company who made you an offer and others that may pop up? HC has the answers.

First, check in with your other options

The moment you receive an offer that you’re not ready to accept immediately, you need to check in with your other top choices. This is especially important if your standing offer has a deadline that’s pretty short, so you need to move fast!

“If you’re interviewing with other companies, contact them and say, ‘I just received an offer, but I want to interview with [you]; how does your timeline look?” advises Lesley Mitler, founder and CEO of career coaching service Priority Candidates, Inc. “If you’re close to the final stages with a company, also explain that you have an offer and ask if they can expedite the process for you.”

It might feel awkward and stressful to ask a possible employer to move your application forward, but keep in mind that you also want to have the best set of options available before deciding.

Second, try to buy some time if you need it

Whether or not your other choices do expedite the process for you, it still helps to approach the company that gave you the original offer and ask for some extra time. But when you do talk to that company, you need to communicate and act professionally, or you risk burning some important bridges. That means you have to be straightforward.

“Explain to the offering company that you’re excited, [they are] a top choice, but that you’re currently interviewing with other companies as well,” Mitler says. “Let them know that you want to make a decision based on all inputs you can possibly have; there’s nothing wrong with that.”

Many companies do end up giving a few extra days or a week to candidates who truthfully explain their situation, though others do not. If you end up facing the second case, Mitler says that it’s still totally possible to win some time so you can make some decisions!

“A lot of the time when you enter the final stages of a job hunt with a company, [human relations] departments take over for the hiring manager or your initial contact,” Mitler says. “What happens a lot of the time is that HR’s job depends on hiring for the company, so a lot of HR departments will intimidate you and make it seem as though the few days you have to decide are definitive.”

Instead of going through HR, get in touch with the initial hiring manager or company employee who first put you through the application process. A lot of people who’ve done so have had their offer deadlines extended by a few days, even when HR refused to let them have more time to decide!

Third, start assessing the offer you have

Even if your current offer is only one of a few options you’re thinking about, it doesn’t hurt to start reflecting on your offer even as you continue your search!

Don’t just look at your starting salary

Your top choice might eventually offer you a position after you receive other offers, but your first definitive offer may actually give you better terms than what you would receive from other companies. The key here, Mitler says, is to look at more than what you’d get paid by the company if you decide you may want to work there.

“You don’t just want to look at the base salary, you want to also look at the entire compensation package that you would receive,” she says. “This includes looking at benefits you would get if you accepted the company’s offer.”

Some of the benefits you really want to take a look at include insurance policies, such as health and dental insurance; vacation and sick days; opportunities for bonuses; and even your 401k. Just because a company offers you a good salary doesn’t mean that you’re going to want the entire package they offer!

But what if the offer is from a company you don’t really want to work for?

You might be confused as to why people would actually hold on to an offer from a company they’d prefer not to work for, but there are many college grads and seniors who do as a backup plan. When you’re stuck in a situation where you don’t have any other offers and your other applications aren’t going anywhere, you might be tempted to keep the offer as a safety net so that you’ll still have a job.

While it might make sense to you, don’t hold on to the offer if you don’t want it, even if it’s the only one you have! Not only are you setting yourself up to take a job you’re not going to be happy with, but there’s also the chance that you’re going to change your mind after already making the commitment.

“There are more and more people who will say yes to an offer, but then turn around and rescind that yes later on down the road,” Mitler says. “There’s nothing worse for a company than professional embarrassment, since most employers would like to know that people accept a job wanting to be at that company. In giving you an offer, companies have put in time, effort and financial resources to determine that you should have the position, so you shouldn’t lead them on if you really don’t want the job.”

Aside from making a company extremely uncomfortable, you can also hurt your job recruitment chances. In industries like finance and consulting, for example, hiring managers sometimes talk between firms about different candidates who show up at their door. The last thing you need is to have hiring managers exchange negative information about you.

But your job search SHOULD stop if…

You’re in a very tight financial situation

Depending on how your finances are looking and how your other applications are going, you might just need to accept the offer. Maybe it’s because you’re quitting that campus job when you graduate or maybe it’s because your parents are no longer helping you out financially, but either way, everyone eventually needs financial stability.

“If you’ve got financial concerns and it doesn’t look like another offer is going to turn up soon, then take the offer you got,” Mitler says. “You might be tempted to wait for more choices, but you don’t want to be stuck in a financially unstable situation for too long, either.”

You already negotiated terms with the company

Even before you get an offer, some companies will negotiate the terms of your employment with you, such as your starting salary, your benefits and everything else you’d be provided with at the company. If that happens and they meet all of your terms, you need to take the company’s offer, Mitler says.

“Never enter into a negotiation without knowing that if [a potential employer] accepts your terms, then you accept the job,” Mitler says. “It’s poor ethical practice to work out the best terms for your employment at a company, but then to turn around and say that you need more time to decide or to decline after they’ve given some ground to you.”

So if you already laid out your preferences during the hiring process and your employer accepts, you need to stop your search and take up your offer. Otherwise, you risk damaging some potentially important connections because of poor business practices.

Continuing the job hunt after you get an offer can be tricky, and you may find yourself stressing about how to convey your wants and needs to a potential employer. But with honesty, clear communication and well-thought-out reflection on your end, you’ll end up with the offer that will ultimately be your best fit!

Whether you have a meal plan at college or you make your own food in your apartment, sometimes you just crave a home-cooked meal every once in a while. If you’re headed home for spring break, you may finally get to have those favorite meals again for a week. No more dining-hall mystery meat or finding the time in your busy schedule to cook your own meals!

Since a break from campus life means a change in routine, it’s important to make sure you don’t drop your healthy eating habits while in the comfort of your own home. Sometimes your favorite home-cooked meals aren’t as healthy as you think they are, which can lead to overeating and the weight gain that comes with it. Also, the lack of routine in your schedule can lead you to snack more during the day. For healthy-eating tips, we turned to registered dietitians Katie Ferraro and Nancy Clark. By following these tips, you’ll ensure that your spring break fun doesn’t lead to excess weight gain!

Help your parents cook dinner

Nothing beats having some family bonding time while also being in control of your own meals! Your parents have missed having you around the house, so make sure that you spend some time with them while you’re home in between your time with friends. A great activity to do together is cooking a family dinner.

When you make your own meals, you’re in complete control over what goes into your food. Going out to eat means that you don’t know exactly how your meal has been prepared, and the same is true for your trips to the dining hall.

“You are never going to put as much butter, salt and added sugar in your meals as you get at the typical restaurant,” Ferraro says. “Cooking at home helps you retain control over the foods that go in your body. Don't give up that control to someone behind a counter or a kitchen at a restaurant. They certainly do not have your best interest in mind!”

Assisting in the kitchen also means that you can make suggestions for what should be made for dinner that evening. This gives you the power to choose a delicious and nutritious meal to help you to stay on track. You can try baked or grilled chicken or fish, a side of vegetables and a sweet potato for a nutritious and satisfying meal.

Go grocery shopping with your parents

Along the same lines of cooking meals with your parents, you can also go grocery shopping with them. This helps to put you in control of your eating even before you start cooking.  Make sure you only shop for healthy foods that you really need instead of unnecessary snacks.

“I tend to eat healthier when I am at home,” says Rachel Sutton, a sophomore at Messiah College. “When you’re on campus, you get more stressed because of your schoolwork, so then you go to the dining hall and eat an unlimited amount of food, which can get you off track. At home, we have less food options on campus, so it helps me to stay focused.”

When you head to your nearest grocery store with your folks, make sure you load up your cart with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean protein. 

Don’t drink your calories

Did you know that a Grande Strawberry Frappuccino at Starbucks has a whopping 360 calories? Indulging in a yummy frozen beverage every once in a while is fine, but if you enjoy one regularly, or even several a day, you might be consuming a lot more calories than you intended.

Since you’re more likely to go out with your friends and family during your breaks, you might be more susceptible to drinking your calories. In the end, it’s smarter to eat your calories instead.

“You’re better off eating your calories than drinking them in order to feel more satisfied,” Clark says. “Remember, calories count!”

Clark suggests going to the website of the coffee shop you’ll be visiting to see how many calories are in the drink you want so you know exactly what you’re drinking.

Avoiding drinking your calories also helps you to get the best possible nutrition for your calories consumed.

“Not all calories are created equal, and beverages with calories often contain added sugars that provide no other nutrition,” Ferraro says. “Solid foods take longer to digest than do liquids, so they have the potential to keep you fuller for longer than do drinks.”

Be mindful of portion sizes

Moderation is one of the keys to healthy eating. Of course you’ll want to eat some of your mother’s homemade green bean casserole or another favorite comfort food once you get home, but that doesn’t mean you have to have three helpings of it to enjoy it. You might be tempted to overeat in excitement because you’ll be enjoying food that you haven’t had in a while, but don’t forget that you can always save portions of your favorite meals for later.

It’s a good idea to get familiar with proper serving sizes so you eat only what your body really needs. For example, a portion of meat should be about the size of a deck of cards, and a serving of fruit is about the size of a baseball.

It also helps to start off with a small portion to begin with, since you can always go back for more if you find that you’re still hungry. Take the time to savor your food to the fullest, and have a nice conversation at the dinner table with your family to keep you distracted.

Avoid eating late at night

You might be used to late-night pizza deliveries or midnight diner runs when you’re on campus, but once you go home, your newest weaknesses are easily accessible desserts and a well-stocked pantry and fridge. These temptations make it difficult to stay on track when you’re at home.

According to Ferraro, the urge to snack late at night isn’t that uncommon, and it can actually be done healthily.

“Depending upon what you ate during the day, wanting to eat late at night isn't necessarily all that bad. You do not digest food at a different rate depending upon whether it's early or late in the day,” Ferraro says. “If you did, however, overeat all day, then adding additional unnecessary calories later at night is not wise.”

Ferraro says that if you feel hungry late at night, you should ask yourself: “Am I really hungry?” If you are really hungry, ask yourself: “Why am I really hungry?”

“Perhaps you didn't eat a large enough dinner, or perhaps your meals are low in fiber, protein and fat,” Ferraro says. “Those three nutrients help to promote satiety—the feeling of fullness.” 

So before digging into a midnight treat, take some time to evaluate your hunger. Then try to make healthy adjustments to your diet the next day, such as consuming meals with more fiber and protein, to better moderate your hunger levels.

If you do find that you need something to tide you over until morning, opt for something light, like fruit or veggies. If you’re not actually hungry but are looking for a little something to sip on before bed, try some unsweetened, hot tea or a glass of unsweetened almond milk, which will cost you only 30 calories per cup.

Eat a healthy breakfast

The busy semester might not leave you with much time to enjoy a healthy breakfast, but during your spring break you’ll have more time to eat the most important meal of the day before getting ready for your fun-filled adventures.

A protein-packed, yummy breakfast can keep you full and focused for the day ahead. Skipping breakfast also might cause you to overeat at lunchtime, so avoid all of those extra calories by fitting in a healthy, non-donut breakfast into your schedule. Some great ideas for a healthy breakfast include a veggie omelet, some oatmeal with your favorite nut butter or fruit and yogurt.

Understand your hunger level

If you’re having a slow, uneventful day during your break, your boredom may tempt you to eat when you’re not hungry. You might even be watching TV with your siblings when you see a commercial for a yummy new snack or meal that could lead you to think you’re hungry. Instead, analyze your hunger level and decide what your next steps should be. Maybe you’re thirsty, so drink a glass of water to ward off cravings. Your body might not need the food that your mind wants, so think before acting on your thoughts.

“The part of your brain called the hypothalamus controls your hunger as well as your thirst. For some people, when they think they are hungry, they might actually just be thirsty,” Ferraro says. “Try quenching that feeling with a large glass of water, wait 10 minutes, and then revisit. … Drinking fluids also works to somewhat distend your stomach as the fluid enters. That distention sends messages to your brain that starts to initiate the feeling of fullness. So a large glass of water may help to curb your hunger.”

Just like you were able to stay healthy and in control over winter break, you can do the same during any break when you’ll be spending time away from campus. Make sure that you keep your fitness and nutrition goals in mind as you prepare for your well-deserved time of fun and relaxation!

Here you are: a smart, incredible collegiette surfing the web for the perfect summer internship or applying for one. Internships are a tricky business; experiences range from “OMG it was the best job EVER!” to “I literally just sat at a desk for eight hours every day and played Tetris.”

Sometimes this drastic difference in experience stems from the size of the company. There’s a big question: is it better to work for a larger company or a smaller company? What are the pros and cons of each, and which one is best for you? We’ve talked to experts and students to find out!

BIG COMPANY

Pros

Name Recognition

One of the biggest advantages of working at a large company is that other companies in the same field recognize the “brand name” of that corporation.

“If a student is interested in working for a big company, market-cap familiarity can often help,” says Kevin Curtin, a senior Peer Career Advisor at Wesleyan University. “For example, taking a less important role at a big company with strong brand recognition may enhance one's attractiveness to a large peer company.”

“If you end up working in a big company, you will probably need to work harder at making an impression,” says Eirene Wang, a senior Peer Career Advisor at Amherst College specializing in internship help. “Of course you can still climb the ranks, which many people do, but it may take longer to get there. The plus is that if you work at a recognizable company, the name will definitely help with your future endeavors.”

Kevin explains that this name recognition aspect can be especially important in certain fields over others. “In traditional business and even law, working for large companies generally helps when it comes to HR departments that quickly scan resumes,” he says.

Vicki Salemi, a career/HR expert and founder of Career Boot Camp for College Grads, agrees that name recognition is important for a potential career. “If you're studying marketing for instance,” she says, “interning at Disney will have more cache and strength on your resume than a boutique firm.”

Stability

Ben Doernberg, another senior Peer Career Advisor at Wesleyan, worked for NASA, an organization with over 18,000 employees.

“Bigger organizations may be more likely to have experienced mentors, better defined internship programs, and more connections to other organizations and people in the field/industry,” he said.

Interns working for smaller or newer companies might have trouble finding big name connections or mentors who have been through the industry grind.

Cons

Bureaucracy

Although Ben loved his job at NASA and found his experience wonderful and deeply helpful, he says it was his first exposure to company bureaucracy.

“I had to write a letter congratulating a 5th grade class in the UK on some of their science projects,” Ben says. “That letter had to go through five layers of revisions and authorizations before it could go out! At a small company they probably would have recognized that perhaps this particular communication didn't need quite so many signoffs.”

The lack of autonomy can be frustrating to some, especially when seemingly mundane tasks are required to go through multiple hands before making their way to their intended destination.

Because of the amount of bureaucracy at some organizations, it may not feel like you are doing as much work as you are capable of. “While you may accomplish name recognition on your resume [by interning at a large company], you may not be able to grow as much professionally,” Eirene explains, “especially if you are not given -- or do not acquire -- as many responsibilities.”

No Personalization

Working at a large company can seem more like a “Look at me!” contest than a job.

“In a large company, you may lose the ‘personal’ feel of working in a smaller organization,” says Eirene.  

The way and rate you try to meet people may change depending on company size, too. “[At a small company], you should be determined to meet people on your will,” Eirene says. “Typically, in a large company, employees and interns are pretty replaceable, [and they are replaced] before they acquire experience, since everyone wants the job.”

So interning at a larger company could potentially be more of a race to shake the boss’s hand than effort to learn important professional skills or shaping your own personal experience.

SMALL COMPANY

Pros

Personalization

Eirene, who has interned for small non-profits before, finds that “because of the size of the organization, you will probably not only get more experience, [but] you'll get to know your colleagues better, and be more connected to the company mission.”

Since she was more connected in her company, she was treated more as an employee than an intern and was given greater responsibility. No more coffee runs or hours of playing Tetris at an empty desk!

Ben echoes Eirene’s sentiments. Having interned for several small companies, Ben finds that “you tend to get more responsibility, more visibility, and get to work with the people who are actually making the decisions. There [are] fewer policies and less bureaucracy [at a smaller organization], so there's a smaller chance that you'll be doing things that just don't make sense for you in your role.”

Salemi points out that at a large firm, your department may only be in charge of one very specific part of the company, like marketing. But interning at a smaller organization “may give you the opportunity to get involved with PR, marketing, social media, and events” at the same time.

By taking on more responsibilities, Kevin adds, “with [fewer] staff [members] to cover more responsibilities, each intern and junior employee usually needs to wear many hats.” By taking on a more diverse workload, you could potentially be sharpening many professional skills at once and also gain valuable experience in other fields. This experience could also lead to greater opportunity later!

Meaningful Work

Though many interns have, like Ben, had meaningful internships at large companies, campus career centers often recommend smaller companies as a means of gaining more skills and doing more work for both resume-building and self-growth purposes.

“From [my] perspective as a Peer Career Advisor, [working for small organizations] can make for stronger entries on a resume,” Kevin says. “We at the [Wesleyan Career Center] tend to advocate for experiences that really build skills and demonstrate expertise in the area in which a student is interested.”

During his time at NASA, Ben found himself working with an extremely small group of people within a gigantic company, meaning that he still got the small organization experience.

“NASA has 18,000 employees,” he says, “but I worked in [an international relations] department of about 15 [people], and the other 17,985 [employees] didn't have a huge impact on my day-to-day experience.”

Trisha Arora, a Wesleyan University sophomore, interned at a bank in Oklahoma during her winter break. One of the highlights of her time at the bank was the personal attention so many of the employees gave to her. “I always felt like I had many go-to people to talk to,” she gushes. “People were extremely interested and excited to help me.”

Cons

Blurred Lines and Lives

One of the other issues that could arise when interning for a smaller company is the blurring of job lines and the invasion of your career into your personal life.

Trisha had issues with the former at her job. As a person who likes structure and a promotion-conscious system, she found the “everyone does a little bit of everything” approach at her company to be puzzling and frustrating at times.

“In a small company, sometimes you can only ‘climb’ so far,” Trisha says. “It’s confusing not to know your exact job title and where your duty boundaries begin and end.”

As far as the issue of which “life” (career or personal) to fit your internship into, “The cost of [working at a smaller company], of course, is that you may become too entangled in the organization's affairs,” Eirene cautions. “You may find it more difficult to separate work life and other life.” Make sure to define your own limits between work and everything else at the beginning of your internship!

The TMI Principle

Building on that grey area an internship at a small company can have, Trisha acknowledges a problem she calls the “TMI Principle” that she found at her workplace.

“People know everyone and everything,” she says. “Sometimes it could get really annoying for people to know everyone’s business both in a professional and personal capacity.”

Although it can be wonderful to have so much connectedness and solidarity between coworkers, Trisha found it overwhelming at times. Such uncertainty amongst the boundaries between coworkers can create awkward situations, problematic disputes, or (again) too much of a mixture between the professional and the personal lives.

Before going into an internship, make sure you determine what information you would like your fellow interns and coworkers to know about you, especially when it comes to issues that fall outside the work/career category. Then maybe avoid adding them on Facebook or accepting their follow requests on Twitter if you’d rather not get too personal.

THE CHOICE IS YOURS

So, which company size is right for your internship? Salemi recommends trying out internships at both big and small companies during your college years if possible. “This will help you determine when you graduate if you prefer to work at a small or large company,” she says.

Ben suggests doing more research, especially hands-on investigating. “I think it's also important to do some research to find out how each company handles interns,” he says. “Do they have defined expectations or duties?”

Ben also notes that it is important to know if companies understand how to utilize interns. “Especially for smaller companies, [it’s important to know if] they have ever had interns before,” he says. “Try to talk to former interns, if you can track them down. There are interns making coffee and there are interns making huge impacts at both big and small companies.”

Kevin applies his own experiences to finding the perfect company size for an internship. “I myself am working at a Wall Street investment bank, and I chose a smaller role at another large firm for the brand recognition and commitment to the field,” he says.

However, Kevin notes, “This certainly does not apply in all fields. In advertising, for example, working at a smaller shop that would allow one to develop his own portfolio would be a lot better than grabbing coffee at Ogilvy.”

“Some fields entail larger companies, others smaller,” Eirene concludes. “If you like getting your hands dirty and taking on a lot of work, then small companies may be for you. Yes, you'll have more responsibilities, but you may also become more valued. Your company may or may not be top in its field, but at least you are an important member of your company, something which a lot of people seek.”

There's no doubt about it - the real world is scary. We hate to say it, but many of the things that are socially acceptable in college just aren't going to fly in post-grad life! Here are a few telltale signs that you're definitely not ready to graduate.

1. This is what your dishwasher looks like...

2. ...and this is how you "decorated" your apartment.

3. Sweatpants are your go-to wardrobe staple.

4. You sleep in past noon on the regular.

5. You can't get through the day without a mid-afternoon snooze.

6. Your weekend starts on Thursday.

7. Doing laundry is a rare event that happens once a month at best. 

8. You avoid cooking at all costs, even if that means eating cereal for dinner.

9. You steal toilet paper from the dorm bathrooms to avoid buying it yourself.

10. Being hungover on a weekday is a regular occurrence for you.

11. You sometimes take "personal days" to watch hours of Netflix while eating cookie dough straight from the tub. 

12. You're constantly on the verge of being completely broke.

13. Yet you manage to spend more money on alcohol than you do on groceries. 

14. Your number-one talent is procrastination, with social media use being a close second. 

15. The thought of having to graduate and get a real-life job makes you want to curl up into a ball and cry. And also watch infinite cat videos. 

Tired of having to sort out the “nice guys” from the “bad boys”? Want to move up from one-night stand to full-time girlfriend, but unsure of how to do so? Stop worrying, because Real Live College Guy Dale is finally here to help with all of your collegiette love kerfuffles and help steer you clear of any unnecessary drama during your brief but ever-important time in college.

I was very casually dating a guy for a few months when I met another really great guy. So then I was just casually dating both of them at the same time, and they each knew about the other person. The newer guy was a little annoyed by the fact that there was someone else, but since we hadn't known each other for very long, he was willing to let it go.

When things fell through with the first guy and I decided not to see him anymore, I wanted to get more serious with the second guy. However, he told me he felt like I was just choosing him as a second option since it didn't work out with the first guy, and he was hurt. Now I think I've scared him out of wanting to commit. I understand how he feels this way, but I truly have had serious feelings for him from the beginning and I think that's part of the reason it didn't work out for me with the first guy. How do I let him know he's not my "second choice" and gain his trust again? – Sorry at Southern Utah

Utah,

I feel like I need to call a bluff on this one.

Not in the sense that I don’t believe you, more so in the sense that I can’t believe Guy #2 has the right to be upset or hurt when he apparently knew you were seeing another guy.

While I’m not overly fond ofdating two people simultaneously, I understand its benefits. If both of these men were privy to the fact that you weren’t only seeing either one of them, I don’t think it’s fair for Guy #2 to catch a serious case of the feelings because circumstances put him in the backseat.

I think Guy #2 needs to not be so self-centered, given the fact that he not only knew what he was getting into, but he accepted getting into it as well.

It’s a crappy situation, obviously, and no guy wants to feel like a second choice. This fear goes all the way back to elementary school P.E., when the nerds or non-jocks would get picked last for kickball. Being picked last, or even second to last, is not a fun feeling. But at the same time, when you play a team sport, that’s exactly what you sign up for: eventually one of the guys was going to get edged out, and someone was going to be the last man standing.

I think that’s how this guy needs to look at the situation. Rather than feeling like he was picked last, he needs to realize that in this game of relationship Survivor, he outlasted the other man. I guess another comparison could be made to The Bachelorette: at some point, there are only two guys left. Do you think the last man standing feels like he was the last choice? No, he feels like a winner.

On top of that, it was your feelings about Guy #2 that influenced your ending your relationship with Guy #1. Guy #2 should take pride in that, unless you haven’t told him yet.

How do you let him know he isn’t your second choice? Make him feel like a winner. Tell him it was your feelings about him that made you end things with the other guy, and convince him that you’re interested in dating only him as opposed to sharing your affections with someone else.

Of course, actually convincing him of this probably won’t be so simple. Don’t go writing him a letter about your feelings, but I think inviting him over for dinner or telling him you want to talk to him over coffee would both be safe bets. Inviting him over will probably disarm him—how mad can he be when he’s in your apartment or dorm? Talking to him in public will push him to remain calm, and coffee is a great between-class, casual date. Either way, you need to sit him down and really explain to him that he was never a “second choice” and that your feelings for him are what pushed you to end things with the other guy. Find a way to spell it out for him.

Best of luck, Utah.

Breakfast

For breakfast, I had a yummy pink smoothie. I blended together a cup of frozen strawberries, a half cup of raspberries, almond milk and a 6-ounce container of strawberry-flavored Chobani Greek yogurt. As much as I love green smoothies, I do have to say that I think this pink one is a little prettier. It's not easy being green. 

Lunch 

For lunch, I had grilled cheese and tomato soup. This combination is a match made in cheese heaven, and it also has sentimental value for me too because I first had it at the summer camp I went to for seven years growing up. Whenever it was grilled cheese and tomato soup for lunch, it was such a big deal that it may as well have been a holiday. The dynamic duo was reintroduced to me in college with Grilled Cheese Friday every week at at my sorority house. It's the best - swapping stories from the Thursday night over hangover-friendly grilled cheese and tomato soup. I actually haven't been in all semester because I have Friday class during lunch, so I've missed it a lot.

I took the grilled cheese game to the next level by adding sliced tomato and avocado. I used American cheese and Ezekiel bread, popped it in the microwave for about 20 seconds and then grilled it in a pan for three to four minutes on each side. Then, I dipped it into Pacific brand organic, low-sodium tomato soup and basked in grilled cheese glory.

Dinner 

I went out to dinner last night and got a turkey burger with lettuce, tomato, pickle and last but certainly not least, caramelized onion. I ate it open face (without the top bun). Restaurant burgers are so big and filling that I don't really miss the top bun, so it's not a hard sacrifice to make. Another easy sacrifice? Pass on getting fries as your side and get vegetables or a side salad instead, but make sure someone else at the table is getting fries... and then snag a few from her. Or, get an order for the table to split between a few people. That way, you get a little taste to satisfy your craving, but you don't have the ability to go overboard. Win-win! 

Jennifer Lawrence and the history of cool girls. [BuzzFeed]

To people who post political stuff on Facebook. [Betches Love This]

The highestpaying internships. [The Huffington Post]

Oscar dresses from the ‘90s that would look normal this year. [New York Magazine]

Sustainable condoms?! [Jezebel]

Favorite musical artists by state. [Deadspin]

Inside the world of competitiveeating. [PBS]

Would you eat dinner in a jail? [Examiner]

All the Best Actress Oscar dresses since 1929. [The Daily Mail]

Order Snipe– a drive thru prank. [Eater]

English majors love to read, so naturally they enjoyed 17 Signs You're an English Major.

You put paused your texting conversation to check out 8 Texts Guys Never Want to Receive, and started it back up after reading 7 Flirty Texts to Send Him.

Needing some new décor you took a look at 13 Decorating Hacks You Need to Know Now.

5 Things Recent Grads Wish They Had Done In College For Their Careers helped you think about post-college life.

Creating your own major gives you the freedom to study your own interests on your own terms. But the opportunity often goes unrealized, as many students stick to the familiarity of their university’s programs simply because they either don’t know creating a major is an option or worry that creating a major will affect their post-graduation opportunities. Never fear, collegiettes! By speaking to real-life girls with self-designed programs of study and professional career advisors who know what employers want, we’ve uncovered the truth behind the mystery of creating your own major.

Why You Should Create Your Own Major

Creating a major is the ideal choice for collegiettes with academic and professional interests that extend beyond the boundaries of their university’s traditional programs. By self-designing a major, students assume responsibility of their own education by creating a unique degree combining a variety of courses to suit their needs.

Avery Newton, a recent grad of the College of William and Mary, self-designed a major in United States Education Sociology and Theory after realizing her passion for education during an eye-opening community studies program in Washington, D.C. “I wanted desperately to learn more,” says Avery, referring to her exposure to the social inequity of education in the U.S. during the program. “Luckily, William and Mary has a school of education, so I thought it would be a great idea to take some classes there and learn among future teachers while also learning more about the context of U.S. education in other departments.” Beginning the summer before her junior year, she began to work with two professors on figuring out the process of creating a major at her university. Since then, creating her own major has been extremely rewarding. “Each class is automatically tailored to my interests and I can explore several different departments,” she says. In addition, Avery’s advisors connected her with underclassmen also interested in her field of study, allowing her to serve as a resource for a subject she finds important and rewarding.  

Erin Kim, a collegiette from New York University's Gallatin School of Individualized Study, a school that allows students to create their own program of study, is also familiar with the process of creating her own major. This year, she will declare a major in New Media and Cultural Communities after originally planning to double major in Journalism and Cinema Studies. Erin decided to switch her major after finding herself desperately wanting to explore classes beyond her programs of study. “I ended up taking more courses than planned in other NYU schools,” says Erin. “While I was figuring out what I wanted to study, something just didn't fit. I knew I wanted to focus on media and the arts, but I didn't like that they were separate majors.”

Fortunately for Erin, Gallatin’s emphasis on interdisciplinary studies allowed her to study the crossroads of these subjects instead of the traditional cookie-cutter routes that usually accompany disparate majors. “College is the time to push my mind's boundaries and I didn't feel I would get this intellectual challenge if I stuck with my original plan,” she says. “I might learn the how-tos of being an awesome journalist, but I think Gallatin will teach me that in a different, more ‘interdisciplinary’ way. It's not for everyone, but for me, transferring to Gallatin has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”

How to Create Your Own Major

The specific steps involved in creating your own major vary among universities, but the general process is usually the same. The first step is always to find out if the option even exists at your university. From there, students usually create a proposal of the self-designed, often interdisciplinary, choice of study to be approved by faculty advisors. Once approved, students work with professors and advisors to create a curriculum that suits their interests in addition to the major’s educational requirements.

At William and Mary, Avery appreciated the ease of the streamlined process to create her own major. Her wheels began turning immediately after a fateful conversation with a friend who had already completed the process. “I didn’t even know it was possible before speaking to my friend,” says Avery. “After talking to a few professors and friends who have similar interests, I came up with a tentative list of classes and then set up a meeting with the appropriate office on campus to make sure I was approaching the process correctly.”

After Avery’s advisor signed off on her proposed list of classes, she wrote a one-page report explaining the importance and usefulness of her major, as well as detailing the potential for repetition by another interested student. About a week later, she received a letter confirming her major’s approval by the interdisciplinary studies committee. “The most important thing to think about when considering creating your own major is to make sure it is unique enough to stand apart from the other programs available at your school,” says Avery.

Drawbacks of Creating Your Own Major

Although creating your own major can be rewarding, the process is not devoid of challenges. Gary Miller, assistant director of career services at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, says that a drawback is that a student belonging to only a single university department may experience more support by peers and faculty than those who have created their own majors and are spread thin among several departments. “Creating your own major puts a huge burden on the student to guarantee that their curriculum’s combination of courses is going to have the desired outcome,” says Miller.

One of the biggest disadvantages for Avery is the difficulty of gaining permission to enroll in classes that are “major restricted” to other fields although they are also requirements for her self-designed major. “One semester a professor at the school of education told me that because I wasn’t in the teacher preparation program, I would not be able to take a class that I needed to graduate,” recalls Avery. “Luckily, the interdisciplinary studies office stepped in and I got into the class. It turned out that it wasn’t even full!” 

The only downside to Erin’s experience is actually more of a pro than a con. “Choosing only about four classes every semester is difficult because the opportunities are endless,” she says. “But that's actually one of the advantages of creating my own major.” She says that a lot of students at Gallatin worry that they will lose the direction and focus of their coursework by designing their own major. However, she insists that if you are passionate about a subject, the curriculum will fall into place with your goals. “With the help of my professors and the inspiration of the world around me, I am able to craft a relevant and enlightening curriculum,” Erin says.

Remember that in the long-term scheme of a fulfilling academic journey, these obstacles are simply minor setbacks. “These types of hurdles can be frustrating and anxiety-inducing, but overall the self-designed major process is definitely worth the occasional roadblock!” insists Avery.

The Effects of a Self-Designed Major on Your Future

One consideration that students must take into account when deciding to create their own major is the post-graduation consequences. Will devoting your undergraduate degree to a self-designed course of study affect your chances of employment or acceptance to graduate school?

Avery is confident that creating her own major demonstrates initiative and will help her stand out during interviews. “The interviewer for my internship last summer was extremely interested in my created major and asked me a lot about it during the selection process,” says Avery. “I was happy to have the opportunity to dive deeply into my academic passions while showcasing something unique about myself in a professional setting.”

Although creating your own major makes you unique, it is important to not let it be the only thing that defines you. To prove that you are taking full advantage of other academic opportunities in addition to pursuing your individual interests, you must also demonstrate consistent accomplishments elsewhere. “Someone could very easily create a major of random classes, but if this decision isn't backed up by other experiences in the field, I can't imagine it would help them when they apply to graduate school or a job,” says Avery. “I think a self-designed major is a great opportunity for someone with unconventional interests to showcase their passions and unite their experiences in a cohesive way.”

Like Avery, Erin believes that creating her own major has given her the opportunity to explain her studies to employers in a memorable way. “No one else has my major, and my concentration is all about me,” says Erin. “Isn’t that what interviews are all about?”

In general, however, the post-graduation effects of creating a major aren’t drastic. Vicki Salemi, founder of the Career Boot Camp for College Grads, author of Big Career in the Big City: Land a Job and Get a Life in New York and host of Score That Job, a show from mediabistroTV, says that creating your own major barely affects your chances of finding employment after graduation. “When employers evaluate candidates for a job, they are focused on specific skills and strengths, particularly from your internships,” says Salemi. “Overall, your major won't make a huge difference in terms of employment.”

Nevertheless, she adds that there are important additional factors to take into consideration. “Keep in mind that the biggest accounting firms typically only hire candidates for accounting positions who have studied accounting as undergraduates, and even something related like economics won't really fly,” says Salemi. “It really all depends on the type of employment you're seeking. Your major doesn’t always matter if you can show that you took some related courses and have the skills to back it up.”

For the most part, Salemi recommends creating a major if it will allow you to succeed in a field you love. “You're going to excel in a major that gets you psyched to study and invigorated to learn,” says Salemi. “If the majors offered at your school don't do anything for you, the only con for creating your own major is that an employer may not take you seriously if it’s too ‘out there’ to fit the realm of their industry.” But if it turns out your major and career don’t match, your life isn’t over! Focus on majoring in a subject you are passionate about and remember that it doesn’t have to dictate your career choices for the rest of your life.

“It all boils down to the student’s motivation and their ability to articulate why they chose this path for themselves and the benefits they have derived,” says Miller. “It doesn’t generally make a student any more or less competitive for graduate school or employment on its own, but is really more about the compelling story each student has to tell.” Customizing a major is one of many ways to create a significant college experience that can be explored in an interview or detailed in an application. 

Now that the secrets behind creating your own major have been revealed, start thinking about the cool majors you’ve considered but didn’t think were possible, and make them happen! Keep Her Campus posted, and your self-designed major could earn a spot on our Top 10 Weirdest College Majors list.

The early YouTube universe was a wonderfully weird place full of guys in wigs and people named Charlie. Take a journey into the past with these classic viral vids that will never get old.

1. Shoes

What college girl can't relate to Kelly's shoe obsession?

2. Charlie the Unicorn

Shun the non-believers (and also anyone who hasn't seen this at least once). 

3. Schfifty-Five

Can you count all the way to schfifty-five?

4. Numa Numa

You won't be able to get this song out of your head for at least three days.

5. Evolution of Dance

Before Jimmy Fallon did his own version of the evolution of dance, Judson Laipply's killer dance moves made this one of the most-watched YouTube videos of all time.

6. Here It Goes Again

If only working out on the treadmill was actually this fun.

7. Potter Puppet Pals: The Mysterious Ticking Noise

What's that mysterious ticking noise?

8. Fred

This hyperactive kid was one of YouTube's top 10 earners. Now let that sink in. 

9. David After Dentist

IS THIS REAL LIFE?!

10. Charlie Bit My Finger

Almost seven years later, this video is still just as adorable.

11. Leave Britney Alone

I'mma let you finish, but this guy was the biggest Britney fan of all time. 

In many ways I am just like the girls who enjoy hooking up. I start getting ready to go out for the night at the prime hour of 9 p.m. to ensure I don't pregame too early. I apply my makeup and curl my hair and parade around in my pink robe, wondering what to wear that night. I down shots and wrinkle my nose with disgust. I say something witty, like, "They all taste like water after the first one!" I walk the long trek to the frat house. I get there, fill up a cup with beer and shriek when “Gas Pedal” comes on, because that song is my guilty pleasure. But then, after my friends and I dance for about three and a half songs, they start to survey the room, hoping to catch the eye of a handsome Frat Star.

This is the point in the night when visions of pajamas and a warm blanket start to dance in my head. I suddenly get exhausted, and my feet start to hurt. My friends begin to enjoy the almost sugar-like rush they get from hooking up with a handful of strangers on the dance floor, and I bail early.

I walk home feeling like I struck out, because that's what I'm told I'm supposed to feel. I’m told to feel a certain way, and that is what angers me the most. As liberated (or so I like to think) as women are in the year 2014, I’m told to feel these emotions of failure because I didn’t follow through with what was planned for the night. I didn't stick my tongue down the throat of a frat guy who might not even know my name, and for this reason I will get the pitying looks the next morning. "Oh, I feel bad that you didn't find a cute guy! There weren't that many anyways. Don't worry, we'll go to a better frat tonight."

It wouldn’t matter if we went to a better frat. We could go to the number one-ranked frat in the entire universe, and I would still come home empty-handed, and I would still get the same pitying looks the next morning over brunch.

My perspective on casual hook-ups in college can be attributed to my experiences with them in high school. Many of my friends, myself included, did participate in random party make-outs, and after a couple years of kissing boys who really meant nothing to me the next morning, I realized how empty and boring it quickly became. At least in high school I knew these guys after living in the same town as them for most of my life. In college this is not the case, and the hook-up experience has become even more lackluster in my eyes. 

I want meaning and substance in a world where the best night ever consists of sleeping with a guy you know nothing about. I don't mean to say that women who do so are in any way inferior to me, or to suggest these women don’t have any self-respect. If a woman enjoys it, then more power to her. In fact, I envy her. I wish I could have that kind of imagination or inner quality where being fulfilled comes that easily. My life would definitely be easier, and I would be less of a black sheep.

But after 19 years of being on this planet and having my fair share of hook-ups with strangers or peers and hook-ups with boys who meant something more to me, I’ve come to accept that I can't be fulfilled after a hook-up at a frat party. This isn't a sob story of the poor little girl who was too picky and thought herself to be above everyone else. I'm not better than any of the women who are fulfilled through this. I'm not any wiser, prettier or funnier than them. I don’t mean to say I need flowers, chocolates and vows of commitment because I am more special or have more virtue.

I just want the chase and the buildup that makes hooking up exciting and meaningful. Studies show that women are less likely to orgasm when having casual sex than when they’re in a relationship with their partner.

Just like I will never judge a woman who enjoys casual, no-strings-attached sex, I hope for a day when I can go out with my friends to a frat party and just have a good time without the expected hook-up at the end of the night sitting on my shoulders like a 10-pound weight of pressure. 

I guess I'm just ready for someone to look me in the eyes before he kisses me, push back my hair and mean what he’s about to do. Is that too much of a fairy tale in the college world I just recently become a part of?

Do you have a story to share? Submit your story to Her Story!

Whether you didn’t go out of your way to make any money this semester or you just didn’t save the money you already had very well (even though there are so many smartphone apps that you could use to help you do so!), there’s a good possibility that your bank account isn’t looking quite as plump as you’d like it to. Don’t fret! If you’re not able to go away somewhere warm and sunny with your friends over spring break, here are a fewsuper easy ways that you can fill up your wallet while you’re home over your mid-semester vacation instead.

1. Get on eBay

There’s a good chance that when you put together all of the stuff you have in your dorm and all of the stuff you have at home, you’ve somehow managed to accumulate a lot of things you don’t need. Instead of letting that stuff collect dust under your bed or stay shoved in the back of your closet, you could sell it on eBay like Bentley junior Christina Scandole. “I sell clothing, so jeans, shirts, skirts, dresses, et cetera,” Christina says. “Between my mom, myself, and my sister, we have tons of clothes that we don't want or that don’t fit.” You could sell items like this at a lower cost than retail stores—maybe pricing a pair of Abercrombie & Fitch jeans at $15 when they would cost $40 at the mall—to make money off of them instead of leaving them untouched in your dresser drawer.

All that you have to do is pull out all of the old clothing that you don’t want, take a few pictures, then upload the photos you take onto eBay for auction (or you can list it as “Buy It Now”—eBay’s Learning Center explains how the whole process works).

“If you list an item as an auction, the shortest amount of time it can be set for is three days, then five, seven, and 10 days,” Christina explained. “Seven days is the ideal because it will give an opportunity for more people to see the item and bid, but three days is also totally fine as well.” If you put an item up for auction for 10 days, however, it could get overlooked as newer items take its place in the “Recently Added” section. If you try to sell a pair of old jeans, if they go to the “Women’s Jeans” section of the website, your item won’t likely show up in the forefront of the results page if it was added 10 days ago.

However, the advantage here is that people go on eBay knowing exactly what they’re looking for. If they go into their search knowing that they want a pair of American Eagle jeans specifically, they’ll type it into the search bar, and since your item is labeled relevantly, it will be one of the first things to pop up!

2. Host a Yard Sale

If you’d rather sell your stuff the old-fashioned way, you can host a yard sale! Tell your parents and siblings that you’re planning to hold one so that they can dig out the things they don’t want anymore to put them up for sale as well. Hang up flyers around town advertising the date of your sale, then post an ad for the sale on craigslist or in your local newspaper, and spend the day watching people happily walk away with all of the things you don’t want (and watching your piggy bank fill up!).

Selling your old toys, accessories, furniture, bedding, sports equipment, and any other odd things you can find around your house is easier in a yard sale setting than online, because people can examine the item themselves or try them out. People might not go into a yard sale setting looking for something specific like they would online, which could also help you sell stuff like a used board game that would catch someone’s eye.

3. Help With Spring Cleaning

Once springtime rolls around, people tend to realize that they’ve got some serious cleaning to do around their house. Why not take the job off of their hands? You could easily make $8 to $10 an hour, and people would be so grateful to have the job done while they’re out running other errands they need to do.

Once again, you can hang up flyers around town advertising your services, or you can post an ad on craigslist or in your local newspaper. You could even walk around your neighborhood knocking on people’s doors and asking if they’d be interested in hiring someone to do their spring cleaning.  You’d get a few enthusiastic responses, for sure!

4. Chauffer Your Classmates

This is probably the easiest way to get some extra cash over the break, and it doesn’t require much effort on your part if you have a car. Simply offer to drive your classmates home or to the airport for cash! If you have a car at school and you’re planning on driving home for the break, offer to drive home other students who live in your area, or offer rides to the local airport.

Some schools even have a forum for these kinds of offers. Katie Blitz, a sophomore at Penn State, joined Penn State’s “PSU Share-a-Ride” Facebook group along with hundreds of other Penn State students in order to find rides back home to New York over holiday breaks at school.

“I just go on the page and see if anyone’s offering to drive back toward Staten Island,” she says. “I really enjoyed the ride with the last girl who drove me, and we ended up becoming friends on Facebook. Now she drives me home like every other time I go back!”

See if your school has a ride sharing website or Facebook group, post that you’re willing to help out, and score some extra cash for your chauffer services!

5. Babysit

If your college’s spring break coincides with the local public school’s spring break in your hometown, chances are you could make bank offering to watch your neighbors’ children over the break. Since their parents probably still have to work, they’ll be more than grateful to offer you some cash in exchange for childcare.

You can register for a website like SitterCity, where parents can seek babysitters in their area to contact for child care. You could also put up flyers around town advertising your services, whether you hang them on telephone poles or on the bulletin boards of local businesses in your area.

If enough parents are interested in your services, you could even ask your parents if you could host a “camp” at your house with a few of your other friends who are home from college, and you could all make a few bucks while the kids have fun playing together!

6. Check In With Your Summer Boss

If you worked somewhere local over the summer, give your boss a call before you come home for the break and ask if they could use some extra help for a week while you’re home. Not only could this help you score some extra cash, but if you’re still struggling on the job or internship hunt for this summer, generously offering your services over a week when you could be island-hopping puts you in a great position to ask your former boss for a recommendation you can share with prospective employers! This could also help solidify your plan B, just in case you end up staying home for the summer. It never hurts to have a backup plan, right?  

That’s Penn State junior Kate Leidel’s plan over the break. “I waitressed at an Italian restaurant at home over the summer, and I know that until the summer begins again, they’ll be short on workers,” she says. “So I might as well pick up the shifts they need covered over the break. They get some hands on deck; I get some cash in my pocket. It’s a win-win.” 

7. Work for Your Parents

Tell your parents that you’re looking to make some extra money over the break, and offer to help them with any chores or odd jobs they may need done around the house. Maybe your mom has been dying to organize the Tupperware cupboard or your dad hasn’t gotten around to cleaning out the garage—whatever the case, they’re probably too busy to get to all of the tasks that they wish they could accomplish, and would likely be more than happy to offer you compensation in exchange for crossing some things off of their never-ending To Do lists.

8.  Tweet Yourself Rich

You read that right! Just by offering up your Twitter account for advertising purposes, you could put some extra cash in your pocket. All you have to do is go to a website like Sponsored Tweets and click “Sign Up as a Tweeter”.

Basically, all you’re doing is charging sponsors for communicating their advertisements to all of your followers. You set the amount you want to get paid per tweet, pick a category, and choose the keywords you want to work with. Then wait for the advertisers to contact you and take you up on the offer! You get to choose how you word the tweet, or whether you want to tweet it at all, so you’re still in total control of your account (you’re just now also making money off of that account!).

9.  Sell Your Body (or Mind) for Science!

There are constantly studies going on to research different diseases, the effects of newly engineered medicines, or simply to better learn how things work within the human brain. Those conducting these studies are often so eager for participants that they offer compensation for the chance to test your mind or body.

Check out a (government sponsored, so you know it’s legitimate) clinical trial website to see what kind of medical or psychological tests are seeking participants in your area. You could easily make $10 an hour just for answering some questions for a psych study. Plus, you’re helping someone complete their research, so really you’re doing them a favor and getting paid for it!

10.  Cut Off Your Hair

If anyone’s ever told you what beautiful tresses you have, there’s a chance that you could make some good money off of them. If you have long, “virgin” hair (which means you haven’t dyed it or applied any other chemical treatment to it), you could make a pretty penny selling it to be used to make wigs and extensions when you stop by your local hairdresser at home.

Using a website like OnlineHairAffair you could make between $100 and thousands of dollars selling your hair (although you will have to pay $15 to post your listing for three months). If you head to World of Wigs, they’ll pay you $3 to $5 for each ounce of your hair as long as it’s at least a foot long and meets the qualifications listed on their site. Pixie cuts are super in right now, anyway!

Whether you do something traditional like babysitting or hosting a yard sale or you try something more creative like tweeting advertisements or selling hair, you have the chance to earn some serious dough this spring break. Use the opportunity to your advantage! Then, when your friends start telling all of their wildest Cancun stories once they get back to school, you can comfort yourself with the knowledge that you filled up your bank account instead of draining it this vacation.