Barre is the latest craze in fitness classes. Whether you have no idea what barre is, you don’t know where to find classes or you’re worried you won’t be able to keep up, HC is here to answer all your questions. Is this butt-kicking, ballet-inspired workout right for you? Read on to find out!

What is it?

Barre is a challenging full-body workout designed to tone your muscles. Exercises are performed at a ballet barre to high-intensity music. A typical class runs for 45 minutes to an hour and is divided into sequences of movements that target different parts of your body (arms, legs, butt and core).

Barre also comes in various forms. Andrew Ames, a certified personal trainer, barre instructor at UCLA and creator of Butt N Gut fitness, explains: “The Bar Method, Pure Barre and Pop Physique are more traditional barre workouts.  Booty Barre and Cardio Barre are the trendy, ‘fitness-forward,’ fresh variations of the original barre format.” He describes all these variants as “fun, low-impact, ballet-inspired workouts designed for any dance ability.”

How it started

According to Ames, ballet-inspired workouts originated in the 1940s, when “Lotte Berk, a German dancer, had the idea to incorporate dance conditioning with rehabilitative therapy.” It wasn’t until the early 2000s that barre workouts really took off. Burr Leonard and Carl Diehl created The Bar Method in 2000, “re-designing the original barre format, with the help of physical therapists, to improve the barre method to be most efficient and effective,” Ames says. After this, barre spread to different cities in California. Other methods were developed, and the workout became popular worldwide.

How it works your body

Barre is primarily designed to strengthen and lengthen the muscles in your legs and butt. Much like Pilates, it elongates your body. Depending on each individual class, this workout can be executed at different levels of intensity, and thus burn more or fewer calories.

Because barre workouts are based on ballet, they also focus on posture. “The repetitive ballet moves keep the body burning calories, along with elongating the muscles and improving the body's balance and core,” Ames says.

But just because barre requires graceful and controlled movements doesn’t mean it’s easy!

HC contributing writer Katie Szymanski, a junior at the University of Michigan, took a barre class at a Barre Bee Fit studio in Ann Arbor. “I had never taken a class like this before in my life, and after the first day I remember feeling completely drained and sore EVERYWHERE,” Katie says. She felt discouraged at first, but after sticking with the class, she noticed both progress and results. “I would recommend barre classes to anyone who is interested in getting a great, butt-kicking workout,” she says.

Where to find classes

Some popular studios, such as Pure Barre, Barre Bee Fit and The Bar Method, have multiple locations across the US, but their classes can be pricey.

If cost is a concern for you, you can try to find discounted classes, as some colleges offer barre classes at a low cost. At the University of South Carolina, for example, there is a $20-per-semester pass to all classes for a semester, including barre. Other schools, such as Boston College, even offer them for free! If your school’s gym doesn’t give you that option, there are still plenty of ways for you to give barre a try. Websites such as Groupon and Amazon Local offer discounts on barre classes.

How to do it at home

If there are no affordable classes near you or if you’re not a fan of group exercise, you can still practice barre without leaving your dorm, apartment or house. According to Ames, “you can replace a ballet barre with any sturdy object or hard surface, like a chair or tabletop.” And there are plenty of (free!) videos out there for you to follow. Try this 10-minute workout from FitSugar or this 39-minute one from Fitness Blender.

There are also countless great barre DVDs available from studios such as Pure Barre or Booty Barre.

“I love going to Pure Barre and Barre Bee Fit classes at the actual studios, but sometimes it’s too much of a hassle for me to make the trek there when I’m at school with no car, especially in the middle of winter,” says HC’s Health Editor Sammie Levin, a junior at the University of Michigan. “So, I bought a set of six Pure Barre DVDs off their website to be able to do barre in my room when it’s more convenient. It’s not as fun as actually going to a class because you miss out on that energized group atmosphere, but you still get a great workout in from each 45-minute tape, and it definitely saves time!”

Potential risks

With every type of exercise, there is the possibility of injury. Ames recommends that you always consult a physician before beginning a new exercise program. He also advises that if you’ve had a past injury, you “let your instructor know before class begins, so they can provide you with the modifications.” If you are ever unsure of the proper form throughout the class, motion over the instructor to help you get into the right position. The instructors are well trained, so don’t be afraid to ask for their help!

Health benefits

According to Ames, “the benefits [of barre] are endless. Physical improvements are in flexibility, endurance, strength, core, balance and coordination.” And if that doesn’t convince you, Ames says that when you work out in groups, “you see positive self-esteem changes along with other beneficial chemical and emotional changes.” A healthier body and mind? What more could we ask for?

Barre could be your new favorite workout! “I love barre! I have taken many barre classes, and each time I feel like I got a really great workout,” says Chloe Addleman, a junior at the University of La Verne. “I would switch up instructors to try out new routines (and to weed out the less challenging ones). Barre is a lot of fun, and you really can feel a difference in your body immediately—especially posture.”

Like Chloe, Sammie and Katie, many collegiettes have already taken to the barre—and so should you! It’s both a fun and highly effective blend of cardio and strength exercises, so what are you waiting for? Channel your inner ballerina and get ready for a great workout!

Name: Beth Reekles
Age: 18
Job Title and Description: Physics student and YA Author
College/Major: Exeter University, UK/Physics
Website: authorbethreekles.tumblr.com
Twitter Handle: @Reekles

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

Beth Reekles: I’ve always liked writing, and a few years ago I started posting a young adult romance I was writing online to a platform called Wattpad. It had over 19 million reads online, and last year I was given a three-book contract by Random House publishers. I’ve gotten two books published already in the last year, The Kissing Booth and Rolling Dice, and I’m currently working on my third. It’s a bit of a whirlwind job; some days I’m swamped with the press contacting me for interviews, and sometimes I’ll have a quiet few weeks without any media coverage. There’s definitely no typical day for me!

What is the best part of your job?

BR: I loved going to the Random House Christmas party last year and meeting other well-known children’s authors. The TV interviews are really fun as well; I’ve been on NBC News, as well as Channel 4 News here in the UK, and I even went to a BBC studio at midnight once to do a live video feed interview to Sunrise, an Australian breakfast news program!
 
What was your first entry-level job in your field and how did you get it?

BR: I think aside from self-publishing my novels online, my first paid writing work was with a Canadian production company, Smokebomb. They found me on Wattpad and hired me to write a short story about a character in an app they were creating called Totally Amp’d.

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

BR: It’s definitely not as intimidating as it first appears. I’d looked into traditional publishing a few years ago and was pretty intimidated by the lengthy and tough process. First you have to get an agent, and then they’ll work to get you a publisher. It seemed like such a scary process, but now that I’m a published author, I think it’s a wonderful industry to be involved in!

As a university student, how do you balance your schoolwork and college life with being a successful author?

BR: I think I’ve gotten used to running on seven hours of sleep at most, instead of eight or nine! My schoolwork includes a lot of hours in lectures and labs, and it’s a lot of independent study too. I don’t actually have as much time to write as I’d like to, but writing is still very much something I find relaxing, so it’s great to be able to work on my books when I’m taking a break from studying for a while and feel relaxed!

You were listed as one of TIME’s most influential teens of 2013 alongside inspirational young adults like Malia Obama and Malala Yousafzai. Wow! What is it like being awarded that honor?

BR: It’s absolutely incredible! I think my jaw actually dropped when I saw that I was on the same list as Malala. I ran around my flat waking people up to tell them! I’m really humbled to be part of the list, and it still seems unbelievable that I’ve achieved such an honor when this time last year, I’d only just been signed up by Random House!

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

BR: Definitely my editor, Lauren Buckland. She’s the one who contacted me first about publishing my book, and she’s been so incredibly supportive and very accommodating of my studying alongside asking me for new books!
 
What words of wisdom do you find most valuable?

BR: I really like part of a quote from vlogger and scientist Hank Green: “Enjoy the ever-present game of not knowing.” It’s particularly applicable to me, because, as I said, little more than a year ago I was still just writing for a hobby, and yet in the last 12 months, I’ve had two books published, been on several national TV news channels as well as in many national newspapers and now I’m a TIME‘influential teen’! I never know what’s going to happen next, but I’m making sure that I really enjoy it all as I go and make the most of these experiences. 

What’s next for you professionally?

BR: I’m currently working on my third book for Random House called Out of Tune. It’s another YA romance, and it’s due out sometime next summer. Aside from that, I’m determined to finish my degree; I want to keep my career options for the future open.

What advice would you give to a 20-something (or someone younger!) with similar aspirations?

BR: I’d say that anyone interested in writing should definitely try posting their work to platforms like Wattpad; the community on there is so brilliant and supportive of writers, however young and however new to writing! It’s a great confidence boost to see people enjoying what you write, and it’s a great opportunity to get feedback on your work. I’d advise aspiring writers to think about posting their books online if they’re still too intimidated by the publishing world. And I’d advise them to write, write, write! After all, they say practice makes perfect!

Just in time to revamp your spring style, Her Campus has partnered with Brit-Stitch for an amazing purse giveaway. One lucky collegiette will win a Brit-Stitch half-pint purse in any color combination of her choosing.

Brit-Stitch is a new UK accessories brand that sells adorable 100 percent leather goods. All of the company’s products are manufactured in the UK. Check our their website and take a peek at their cute satchel bags!

The half-pint, one of Brit-Stitch’s signature items, is a crossbody bag made to help you travel light with style. It features a detachable and adjustable strap, magnetic fastening, an inner pocket and a trendy top handle. Brit-Stitch calls their half-pint a “street style star in the making,” and we can see why! Just imagine yourself toting the bag around on a warm spring day. Ah, perfect!

The purse comes in a variety of colors. Pick your favorite spring color or show your team spirit and opt for the colors of your college or university! Our favorite options for spring are African Violet, Grayed Jade and Chintz Rose. You can also customize your purse via Brit-Stitch’s Make Your Own dashboard, making it completely and authentically yours!

To enter, fill out the form at the bottom of this post. We will pick one lucky winner at random. The winner will be announced in the March 10 STUDY BREAK.

To learn more about Brit-Stitch, find them on Facebook and follow them on Instagram and Twitter at @britstitchuk.

Good luck, collegiettes!

You're at the point where you're SO done with school...

Your professor asks about spring break plans, but you only hear "spring break" and you jump up like, 

But now you're freaking out.

Really, though, you need this break. 

Finally, you turn in that last assignment and it's time for a beach trip with your besties.

You pack your bikinis and sandals, and you're off to the airport.

Can't you just be there already?!

Goodbye, snow. Hello, warm weather, relaxation and freedom.

The plane lands and you step out into the sunshine like,

Before you know it, you've checked into your hotel, you're in your bathing suit and you're jumping in the waves. Except your friend goes straight to tanning, and you're like,   

She says she doesn't want to mess up her hair before you go out, and you're just like,

Time to party. First night:

Second night: 

Third night (and you're scoping out the guys): 

You spot a fine-looking cutie on the dance floor and you're like, 

But your friend reminds you to play a little hard to get, so you're all, 

And, well, eventually you're gettin' jiggy with it...

Your friend's like,

Then the guy's like,

And you're like, 

And back to dancing with the girls. 

By the fourth night, you're totally beat. So when your friend comes in and sees you still wearing your pajamas, she's like,

But you danced so hard last night and your whole body hurts so you're just like,

But spring break only comes around once every year, so you go get dressed for another night out.

Your bestie throws on your fave song, and a little pre-bar dancing commences.

Ultimately, it's your college spring break, and it's time to live it up. 

And you know what?

PointGrab's new app, CamMe, is the newest innovation in selfie-taking.

With the use of hand gesture recognition software, the app allows you to take a group photo or selfie without even touching the device, according to Mashable. To take a photo, the user just has to raise their hand and make a fist, which triggers a three-second countdown before the picture is taken. Instead of being limited by the length of an arm, the app can be used from up to 16 feet away.

CamMe also includes "PhotoBooth," which allows users to take photo booth-style photos that are arranged on a filmstrip, and "FunShot," which includes fun cutouts and backgrounds.

“It’s our goal to make gesture control available across all platforms, Laptops, TVs and mobile,"said PointGrab CMO Assaf Gad. "CamMe is just an example of the easy and practical way gesture technology is becoming a part of every consumer electronics user’s life.”

CamMe won the "Most Innovative Mobile App" award at the 2014 Global Mobile Awards. The app is available for free in the iOS App Store. 

“CamMe’s more than one million downloads have proven that people are readily adopting gesture as a natural way to interact with their mobile devices,” said PointGrab CEO Haim Perski.

To see how the app works, check out the YouTube video here. 

It’s no secret that college is a time of self-discovery. You choose your major and your friends (both of which may or may not stick with you for the rest of your life), learn how to live far from home and make amazing memories the whole time. Here are the absolute most important things you learn during your undergraduate years.

1. The worst phrase you will ever see written on a syllabus is “group project.”

2. There will be days when anything and everything sounds more appealing than going to class.

3. If he texts you after 2 a.m. and never before, don’t respond.

4. If there is free food at an event, you should probably go.

5. If necessary, it is entirely possible to survive solely on coffee and ramen.

6. Studying abroad is everything it’s cracked up to be.

7. Naps are as important as eating. Maybe more important. 

8. Writing a 10-page paper in less than two hours is possible, and you will do it at least once in your college career.

9.  Literally anything can be made into a drinking game.

10. Cereal is an acceptable meal at any time of the day.

11. “Exclusively hooking up” ≠ Dating

12. Sometimes fashion has to be sacrificed in favor of comfort. 

13. Your parents are legitimately the greatest humans to ever walk the face of the earth.

14. Getting mail is the greatest thing ever.

15. The only thing better than birthdays are canceled classes.

16. If you’re doing it right, you can leave your dorm at 8:57 a.m. for a 9 a.m. class.

17. A date with Netflix usually beats an actual date.

These things you learn in your four years of college will carry you far in the real world, trust us!

Thanks to BroApp, aka the most bro thing to ever happen, guys will no longer have to deal with the responsibility of texting their girlfriends.

According to the BroApp FAQs, the Android app will automatically send personal messages to your girlfriend so that you don't have to. Guys simply have to install the app, enter the name and phone number of their girlfriend and then select messages to send on certain days and times. 

Some of the pre-selected messages include:

• "Hey babe, how was your day?"
• "Miss you :)" 
• "Hey babe, just leaving work now" 

The "clever relationship wingman" was created by two 29-year-old Australians known as Tom and James, who call it the perfect download for "any Bro looking to enhance their relationship." To prevent girlfriends from figuring out that the messages are automated, the creators added several built-in precautions. For example, the app will cancel a scheduled message if the couple has texted or called each other in the past hour, and will also stop sending messages if the guy is logged in to his girlfriend's Wi-Fi network.

BroApp also includes a "girlfriend safety lock down" mode, which prevents girls from opening the app by redirecting them to a list of gifts that her boyfriend was "planning to buy her." 

Although the app seems likely to backfire, the creators insist they have been successful during their trials. "We used it successfully for three months as a trial and our partners had no idea," Tom told TODAY. "Personally, my partner was impressed that I would write her a message even though we were going to see each other that night."

The app is currently available for Android users, with an Apple version coming out soon. According to TODAY, the creators have also received many requests for a female version of the app, which would be called "SisterApp." 

Our opinion? Google Play's content rating of "low maturity" couldn't be more accurate. 

The final awards show of the season is always a bittersweet moment for the collegiettes at the Beauty School blog. But rather than focusing on the depressing lack of red carpet events in the near future, we’re choosing to focus on the absolutely gorgeous makeup and hair from last night’s 86^th Annual Academy Awards – scroll down for our favorite looks!

1. Kate Hudson

The bohemian beauty looked the epitome of California cool with her effortless side-parted waves and smoky, smudgy eye makeup and spot-on brows. We loved seeing her ditch the girl-next-door vibe for a slightly more sexy and dramatic look.

2. Kerry Washington

An absolutely radiant Kerry Washington complemented her pregnancy glow and gorgeous purple gown with a glamorous half-updo, lightly defined eyes and a deep plum lip color that really made her complexion pop and brought out her killer cheekbones.

3. Emma Watson

Sporting one of the only red lips on the carpet, the British beauty went for a more glam rock look centered around her signature bold and textured brows, flirty lashes and a deep red lip. To complement her edgy gown, the starlet went for a messy pony with a deep side part.

4. Olivia Wilde

The second mama-to-be on our list takes the cake for our favorite hairstyle of the evening, opting for a tousled updo with soft waves that framed her face perfectly. For makeup, the soon-to-be Mrs. Sudeikis played up her amazing bone structure with a classic cat eye, flawless skin and a nude lip. 

5. Lupita Nyong’o

Hollywood’s new darling and one of the night’s big winners looked every bit a golden goddess with her to-die-for gold-and-diamond headband. The Best Supporting Actress winner glowed from within, opting for a flattering warm-toned blush, soft eyes and a pop of color on the lips.

6. Jessica Biel

Why pile on the makeup when you naturally look this flawless? Jessica Biel showed us that less is more by playing up her natural beauty with minimal eye makeup, flushed cheeks and a soft pink lip and finished off the effortless look simply side swept locks.

7. Angelina Jolie

Love her or hate her, you can’t deny that Angelina Jolie is one of the most gorgeous women in Hollywood. The beautiful star rocked her signature bronze shadow and smoked out cat-eye and a soft pink shade on her famous pout. She kept her hair sleek and tucked behind her ears to show off her enviable bone structure.

Hollywood’s most glamorous night didn’t disappoint and we loved seeing our favorite stars all dolled up for the red carpet. Let us know which looks were your favorites in the comments below!

We all know guys aren’t always the timeliest texters. Though we try to keep our cool, the waiting game can make us think some pretty irrational thoughts. Here are just a few of the things that may have crossed your mind while waiting for his text message response to light up your phone.

1. What if he got a girlfriend in the last hour since we’ve texted?

2. I knew the exclamation point was too enthusiastic; he totally thinks I’m in love with him now.

3. Maybe I should post something flirty on another guy’s Facebook wall to make him jealous.

4. Is the service in here bad? Maybe he has bad service?

5. He probably lost his phone last night. Maybe I should check his Facebook to see if he posted a status about losing his phone.

6. What if he saw me wear my PJs to the dining hall yesterday morning and now he doesn’t think I’m cute anymore? 

7. Should I text someone else to make sure my phone is working?

8. Maybe I’ll check and see if he’s tweeted at all since I texted him.

9. He tweeted something about the basketball game on TV and yet still hasn’t texted me back. I bet he just wants to wait until the game is over so he can give our conversation his undivided attention.

10. Did it freak him out that I texted him back right away? Should I have waited at least 20 minutes first?

11. Why did I add a thumbs-up emoji to that last text?! He probably has no idea I was using it ironically and he thinks I’m totally lame now.

12. “Hahaha” was definitely too much. I knew I should have just stopped at “haha.”

13. I bet he just went to bed really early. Plenty of people go to bed at 8 p.m.

14. Maybe he didn’t save me in his contacts.

15. Maybe he saved me in his contacts as something like, “Blonde from party.” Should I tell him who this is?

16. Why did I say “LMAO”? Who even says “LMAO” anymore?!

17. Did he notice that I snorted when I laughed at his joke last night? Is that why he isn’t texting me back?

18. I don’t know why I thought it was a good idea to text him before noon on a Saturday. I probably woke him up and now he hates me.

19. Maybe I’ll casually text his roommate and try and find out what they’re doing tonight through him.

20. He must be with his ex right now. He just doesn’t want her to see him texting me because she’ll get jealous.

21. Oh, no—I just realized I said “who’s” when I meant to say “whose.” I’m sure he thinks I’m illiterate now.

22. I wonder if he’s on a reflective retreat this weekend and isn’t allowed to interact with anyone outside the retreat center until he comes back. 

23. Maybe he doesn’t have unlimited texting. Maybe I’m using up his texts for the month and he’s totally annoyed.

24. What if he hit his head and got knocked unconscious? Should I go to his room and make sure he’s okay?

25. I bet someone told him about the time I got way too drunk at the frat mixer freshman year and now he’s never going to want to hang out with me.

26. Did his friends tell him not to text me back? Do his friends think he can do better than me? 

27. Maybe he decided to do one of those weeklong technology purges.

28. He’s probably having a late lunch right now. Or an early dinner. And he probably just doesn’t want to be rude by answering his phone. Yeah, that must be it.

29. Could his phone have died? Is it possible for a guy to go four hours without charging his phone?

30. What if he went for a jog and got abducted?

31. Maybe his phone got stolen while he was on the bus.

32. Did he drop his phone recently? Maybe the screen is too cracked for him to read my message.

33. Maybe I’ll try sending him an inbox message on Facebook instead. Or tweeting at him. Or slipping a note under his door.

34. Maybe he saw my message and decided he’d text me back in a minute and then he totally forgot to. Should I text him again so he remembers?

35. I just double texted him. Now he thinks I’m obsessed with him and he’s probably going to file a restraining order.

36. Why did I think it was cute to start my text with “yo”? He probably thought I was being serious and that I’m the kind of girl who begins her texts with “yo”!  

37. Was the winky face too much? OMG, the winky face was definitely too much.  

38. I should go to the gym or take a shower to distract myself. I bet I’ll have a text from him by the time I’m done.

39. I spent an extra 10 minutes in the shower shaving my legs and didn’t even look at my phone until after I blow-dried my hair, and he still hasn’t texted me back. I won’t let myself check my phone again until after I do my makeup.

40. What if he was walking down the stairs while he was reading my text and he got distracted and fell and broke his wrist and now he can’t answer me?

41. Wait, he started typing. Now he stopped. He’s starting again. And now he stopped again. Maybe he’s just putting a lot of thought into what he wants to say back to me?

42. Did he just get a new phone recently? Maybe he’s still trying to figure it out.

43. He totally isn’t into me. He isn’t into me, and he thinks avoiding me is the best way to get rid of me.

44. Maybe he committed a horrible crime and he’s on the run and he doesn’t want to text anyone for fear the police will be able to trace his phone.

45. Should I send him a scandalous picture? I’m sure that will get his attention.

46. You know what? Forget him. I’m just going to text my ex instead.

47. I wonder if he’s playing hard to get. When he finally texts me back I’m going to wait twice as long to text him back. 

48. I bet he’s in class. No, wait; it’s a Sunday. I bet he’s at church.

49. If I just keep staring at my phone, I think I can telekinetically will him to return my text message.

50. It’s official: I will never understand guys.

Good luck waiting for that return text, collegiettes. Just try to keep your mind occupied (and keep your sanity!) in the meantime.

The Oscars are a time for actors, actresses, and designers to pile on the glamour as they sit among their fellow artists. Honoring the best films of the year comes with stars dressed to the nines and looking their absolute best — hopefully. Here are our top picks for the best and, unfortunately, worst dressed female celebs to walk the red carpet.

Best Dressed

Lupita Nyong’o

Lupita was absolutely stunning in her mint-colored Prada dress that flattered her figure precisely. Its deep-v cut and gorgeous silver accent belt made it a dress to remember. This golden glamour shot captured the beauty and style embedded within her look.

Sandra Bullock

Sandra kept it classic in a dark navy blue dress by Alexander McQueen that worked exceptionally well with her dark brown locks. The crossover design that met at her hip made it a figure-flattering design, and the simple yet elegant tone of the dress made it so iconic.

Naomi Watts

Naomi turned heads with her fabulous Calvin Klein gown that allowed her sparkly jewelry and red lipstick take center stage. The modest neckline, short sleeves, and chic clutch all came together to create an on-point ensemble.

Jennifer Lawrence

J-Law never fails to please us when it comes to being honest, fierce and powerful. Her look of the evening was a red Dior peplum dress, which lacked crazy sequins or sparkles by just letting the bold color do the talking. She paired it with a diamond necklace hanging down over her back, with equally shiny earrings and rings to match, and a sparkly silver clutch. One word: classic!

Worst Dressed:

Anna Kendrick

Even though we totally have a girl crush on Anna Kendrick, we weren't so impressed with her J. Mendel dress. The all-over-the-place mismatch of lines, cuts and textures made it hard to know what to look at. The strange cutout in the middle didn’t exactly frame her midsection as well as it could have, either. At least her vamped up red clutch and dark manicure were looking fabulous!

Sally Hawkins

Sally’s long Valentino gown looked more like a piece of vintage tapestry than a chic and fashionable gown worthy of the red carpet. The absence of any color, and the equally lackluster tone of her shoes, made her outfit a lot less fabulous than what we know she’s capable of. Maybe next year, Sally!

What were your best and worst dressed picks of the evening? Sound off in the comments!

College decisions are stressful—there are so many things to consider! What do your parents want? What do your friends want? But most of all, what do you want? With a whirlwind of opinions coming from every which way, it can be hard to keep your eye on what really matters in choosing the right school for you. Admissions counselors and college advisers from around the nation have given us a list that may surprise you of things that shouldn’t affect your college decision.

1. It costs a fortune.

Although it may seem ridiculous not to consider tuition prices when applying to schools, in truth, the school with the highest “sticker price” may not actually turn out to be the most expensive school for you. As Judi Robinovitz, a certified educational planner and the founder of Score At The Top, explains, between financial aid grants and potential scholarship opportunities, you really can’t tell what the actual price will be for any given school until your financial aid packages come in.

So don’t rule out applying to a school simply because you don’t think it’s financially feasible. Rather, as Robinovitz encourages her clients, talk to your parents about how much financial aid you would need in order to accept an offer from your dream school. Then, make your decision once you know how much each school is offering.

2. It isn’t an Ivy.

We all know all about the “big-name” schools—the Ivies and the impressive-sounding universities that are steady forerunners on Forbes’s Top Colleges lists. Honestly, who wouldn’t be thrilled to tell their friends and family that they got into Harvard, or that they’ll be studying biological engineering at MIT? But while it can be tempting to choose a school because of its prestige, doing so puts you at risk of missing the perfect fit for you.

“Fit should include academics and probably location (for many people) and looking at all the factors that will make the college the right place for each particular student,” says Michelle Podbelsek, a senior counselor at College Counseling Associates. “That relates to the student going through a process of self-discovery to understand and identify their own personal priorities.”

College should be some of the four best years of your life, but if you are in a place that doesn’t feel right to you, it will be hard for you to find lasting friendships, academic success or, most importantly, happiness when you’re there. 

3. You’ve never heard of it before.

When you’ve never even heard of a school and your adviser insists upon adding it to your college list, it can be hard to imagine yourself actually going there or even considering it. But until you’ve given a school an open-minded evaluation, it would be unfair—to the university and to yourself—to rule it out. After all, you didn’t know about your favorite band until you gave their music a listen, or that you’d love your favorite food until you dared to try it.

Robinovitz says that in order to really get a sense of what a school’s like, you have to come as close as you can to walking in a student’s shoes. So, what’s the closest thing? Campus visits! Robinovitz recommends that students visit as many campuses as possible, taking a close look at the student body and asking themselves if they can see themselves as students there.

“Being socially comfortable is as important as the academics,” she says. And the “right school” is unique to every student. So visit as many campuses as possible—no matter how unlikely you think it is that you’d go there. And most importantly, make an active effort to keep an open mind.

4. It’s not the school your parents want you to go to.  

Like many decisions you make in high school, your college decision does inevitably involve your parents, and not having their support can make the process even more difficult. But at the end of the day, it’s important to remember that you will be the one spending the next four years at your chosen school. And while your parents should certainly be allowed to express their opinions about which school you choose to attend, you should be able to feel good about your decision, too.

If you feel strongly about a school that your parents don’t approve of, Podbelsek suggests that you talk to them. “Students should sit down with their parents and explain very clearly their reasons for their choice,” she says. “Many times parents and teens have to negotiate a list that includes a range of options that will cover the bases and hopefully please everyone. It can be tough, and there are often serious arguments as the process of where to apply and where to attend is decided.”

It may not be an easy conversation, but it’s an important one to have. If you can talk to your parents and articulate all the reasons why the school you love is a great fit for you, they just might come around. Either way, you won’t know until you try! 

5. They don’t have your major.

Another trap that pre-collegiettes often fall into is designing their college lists around their intended majors. However, according to Dr. Fritz Grupe, founder of MyMajors, approximately 50 percent of undergraduate students change their majors at least once.

Abby Carras, a senior at Columbia University, switched majors halfway through her junior year after realizing the classes she was taking toward her BA in applied math were the classes she enjoyed the least. “I had an epiphany that I was wasting my experience in college by not taking advantage of the classes that I found to be the most interesting,” she says.

Abby is definitely not alone. It is incredibly common—and not necessarily a bad thing—for students to fall in love with something new at school and to tailor their studies to that newfound passion. With most schools offering a wealth of majors to choose from—more than 80 at Columbia, and more than 300 at Arizona State University, to name a few—it has become more and more likely for students to discover something new to pursue at school. So rather than revolving your college search around schools known for their programs in a particular area of study, Robinovitz suggests focusing on finding places where you feel comfortable, and where you will have access to a wide range of opportunities, including—but not limited to—the academic area you think you’d like to pursue.

6. You don’t know anyone who’s going there.

It’s inevitable that you’ll encounter a few schools where you have no contacts. Perhaps nobody from your high school ever got in, or perhaps no one has ever applied. So why would you? It’s tempting to discount schools for this reason; going to a school where you know nobody can feel not only uncomfortable, but also downright scary.

But as tempting as it may be to focus on schools at which you already have a built-in community of friends and acquaintances, looking at options less populated by familiar faces could turn out to be a huge advantage. College is a chance to start anew, and it’s an opportunity for self-discovery.

“Coming to school with no friends from home was very difficult, but has ultimately been one of the best decisions I have ever made,” says Michelle Kauffman, a freshman at Barnard College. She admits that in the beginning, it wasn’t so easy to be what felt like one of the only girls who didn’t have friends. “I instantly wished I had people from home during orientation week, which felt like every other student’s camp or high school reunion,” she says.

But daring to come to a school without ties to her hometown allowed Michelle to branch out and meet new friends, which she thinks may not have happened had she come with a friend from home. “For many of my friends who made that choice, it destroyed their friendships and made returning home very uncomfortable for both of them,” she says. “It was hard at first knowing fewer people, but the advantages of being able to branch out have definitely outweighed any disadvantages.”

So as intimidating as it may be to imagine yourself surrounded entirely by strangers, it might just be the perfect way for you to start your next chapter!

7. Your significant other is going somewhere else.

Ultimately, whether or not you and your significant other choose to maintain your relationship in college is a decision that you will have to make together. However, when it comes to your college choice itself, your wants and needs should come first. If your SO supports and loves you, then he or she will want you to find the place that is the best possible fit for you. And while that might mean you won’t see each other as often as you’re used to, it will only strengthen the bond and trust that you already share. In wanting what is best for one another, you both can grow, learn and share your experiences. But following him or her to a place that isn’t right for you opens the floodgates for regret and, ultimately, resentment.

Parting Advice

Ultimately, there are a lot of things to consider when making your college decision, but remember to ask yourself what it is you want—what are your priorities, your dreams and your goals?

“Each student should allow themselves to go through the process of questioning and examining their priorities, their personality and interests, their best fit—dig down deep to see what is really important to them,” Podbelesk says. “If you just follow blindly and apply only to where your mom went, where your brother goes, the place your best friend said was cool, then you are missing a very important life-skills learning opportunity.”

It's March.

Midterms are already around the corner.

Winter seems to have released us from its chilling, powder-white grip.

Punxsutawney [PUNK-suh-taw-knee] Phil, the season-predicting groundhog, and his kooky band of handlers have decreed that winter will end soon.

Some of these events are obviously more exciting than others, but they all mean one thing: spring break is almost upon us! For many of us, spring break includes warm weather, dance music and cold drinks. If you fall into the last category and you’re an of-age collegiette who has spent some time getting to know the bar scene around campus, you’re probably well aware of the hit-or-miss nature of cocktails. Some bartenders serve drinks that taste like 200-proof water, while others create concoctions that make one think of Prohibition era moonshine. And since a high proof equals a high calorie content, it can be difficult to know which drinks should get the green light more often than others. To simplify things, Her Campus has tallied up the 20 drinks that consistently make nutritionists cry foul and the ones that get a little less flack.

10 Highest-Calorie Drinks

1. Long Island Iced Tea

Serving Size: ~ 7 oz..
Calories: up to 780
Ingredients: 1 part rum, 1 part gin, 1 part triple sec, 1.5 parts sweet and sour mix, splash of coke

If you’ve never tried a Long Island Iced Tea before, let’s get one thing straight: there is no actual tea in this. Absolutely none. Long Islands seem like a good idea for anyone who wants one drink to last them for a long while. What’s more, with up to 780 calories per glass, it’s kind of like you’re ordering a meal, too! But by no means should you skip dinner if you’re enticed by this cocktail. Long Island Iced Teas typically contain about three shots of alcohol, so make sure to have a nice dinner with your friends before going out.

2. Margarita

Serving Size: ~ 8.5 oz.
Calories: up to 740
Ingredients: 4 oz. limeade (usually premixed), 4 oz. tequila, .5 oz. triple sec

If you’ve ever been to a Dallas BBQ or Blockheads, you already know that Margaritas and their cousin, the Daiquiri, pack a punch (Texas style, anyone?). Like the other high-calorie drinks on our list, Margaritas vary greatly by size and content.

3. Piña Colada

Serving size: 6 oz.
Calories: up to 644
Ingredients: 3 oz. light rum, 3 tbsp. coconut milk, 3 tbsp. crushed pineapples

“I can’t wait to order a delicious Piña Colada,” says HC contributing writer and Syracuse student, Heather Rinder—and we totally understand why. This fruity, frothy drink is perfect for poolside chilling. While some serving sizes include as many as 644 calories in just one colada, it’s well worth the splurge when you’re on break. “I definitely enjoy my Piña Coladas,” says HC campus correspondent, Omairys Rodriguez. “They just aren’t the same in the winter!”

4. Mai Tai

Serving size: 9 oz.
Calories: up to 620
Ingredients: 3 oz. light rum, 2 oz. dark rum, 1 oz. crème de almond, 1 oz. triple sec, 1 oz. sweet & sour mix, 1 oz. pineapple juice

The Mai Tai packs loads of different flavors into one glass, but it also packs on the calories. This is definitely one drink that’s meant to be savored and enjoyed, rather than power-houred. Even so, HC correspondent, Nicole Del Negro, considers Mai Tais to be her favorite vacation cocktail. “They’re fun and super sugary,” says Nicole. “Mai Tais are very ‘island’ so I like ordering them when I am on Spring Break!”

5. Mudslide

Serving size: 12.5 oz.
Calories: up to 594
Ingredients: ¼ cup Irish cream, ¼ cup coffee liqueur, 1 cup vanilla ice cream, 1 tbsp chocolate syrup

This is a 21+ ice cream sundae. That is all.

6. Grasshopper Martini

Serving size: 7 oz..
Calories: up to 525
Ingredients: 6 oz. vanilla vodka, ½ oz. Godiva white chocolate liqueur, ½ oz. green crème de menthe

If you ever thought you overdid it with Girl Scout Thin Mints, you’ve probably never met this drink. The Grasshopper Martini is a white-chocolate flavored Thin Mint blended with vodka. If that sounds good to you (and you don’t mind the rather hefty calorie count), then proceed by all means!

7. Chocotini

Serving size: 6 oz.
Calories: up to 438
Ingredients: 2 oz. vodka, 2 oz. chocolate liqueur, 2 oz. cream, ½ oz. dark crème de cacao, melted chocolate confectionary coating

The Chocolate martini, or the “Chocotini,” is the king of martini spin-offs after the Key Lime Pie Martini. With almost half the calorie content of the first drink on our list (but the same amount of deliciousness), this cocktail might be a nice compromise—even though it’s still pretty extravagant.

8. White Russian

Serving size: 5 oz.
Calories: up to 425
Ingredients: 2 oz. vodka, 1.5 oz. coffee liqueur, 1.5 heavy cream

The main character in the Coen brothers’ movie, The Big Lebowski, is a huge slacker—probably because he can’t tear himself away from this cocktail. Drinking a White Russian is like drinking an ice cold glass of very, very whole milk. Which is just like Mom used to make it, right?

9. Brandy eggnog on the rocks

Serving size: 7 oz.
Calories: up to 422
Ingredients: 1.5 oz. brandy, ¼ oz. sugar syrup, ¼ oz. tawny port, 3.5 oz. milk, ¾ oz. cream, 1 egg yolk, ice cubes, nutmeg

To the uninitiated, eggnog is strictly a seasonal drink that’s only good as long as the holiday cups at Starbucks last. But actually, eggnog is also served when the temperature rises—think of it as a boozy milkshake that contains just as much dairy and more cream.

10. Key Lime Pie Martini

Serving size: ~5 oz..
Calories: 323
Ingredients: 1.5 oz. key lime liqueur, 1.5 oz. Absolut vanilla vodka, .3 oz. lime juice, .3 oz. freshly squeezed lime juice, 1½ oz. half-and-half

This drink presents the perfect opportunity to eat your dessert and have your cocktail too. Line the rim of your glass with graham cracker crumbs, and you’ll find yourself in key lime pie heaven.  Just don’t try to count it as a serving of fruit.

10 Lowest-Calorie Drinks

1. Rum & Diet Coke

Serving size: 6 oz.
Calories: 65
Ingredients: 1 oz. rum, 5 oz. Diet Coke

This may seem too good to be true, and to some degree, it is. Even the stingiest bartender will probably give you more than one fluid oz.. of alcohol, since just one shot is 1.5 oz... But if you feel like taking it easy and enjoying the springtime weather without going in too hard, this mix should work for you. 

2. Anheuser Busch, Natural Light

Serving size: 12 oz.
Calories: 95

We bet you had no idea that all the time you spent practicing your Beirut technique, you were actually being health-conscious—good for you! One 12 oz.. serving of Natty Light contains just 95 calories, while the same serving of Bud Light contains 112 calories. The difference is pretty negligible so feel free to go for whichever beer you like more. You’ll burn it all off playing Flip Cup, anyway.

3. Shot of Jose Cuervo

Serving size: 1.5 oz.
Calories: 97

Regardless of your tequila brand of choice, one shot of this drink will usually run you 100 calories. These shots may not come with cute little umbrellas or taste like dessert, but it is nice to know exactly what you’re getting.

4. Mike’s Light Hard Lemonade

Serving size: 11.2 oz.
Calories: 98 calories

The light option of Mike’s Hard Lemonade has less than half the calories of the original beverage, which goes up to 220 calories. There’s also a cranberry version of Mike’s Light Hard if you want to switch things up a little.

5. Gin & Diet Tonic

Serving size: 7.5 oz.
Calories: 115 calories
Ingredients: 1.5 oz. gin, 6 oz. Diet Tonic

Like any beverage containing extra sugars, this simple and straightforward drink can be brought down a notch by picking a diet option, rather than the standard one. Gin and tonics have a slightly bitter taste, but it’s nothing a wedge of lime can’t cure.

6. Cosmopolitan

Serving size: 3 oz.
Calories: 150
Ingredients: 1.5 oz. vodka, ½ oz. triple sec, ½ oz. lime juice, ½ oz. cranberry juice

Cosmos are excellent low-calorie cocktail options. While they vary in size and alcohol content (a 4 oz. Cosmo might go up to 200 calories, while another with 5 fluid oz. could go up to 320), these drinks generally stay in the range of drinks that aren’t too bad for you. (And might even make you look pretty classy.)

7. Apple Martini

Serving size: 3 oz.
Calories: 148 calories
Ingredients: 1 oz. each of vodka, sour apple and apple juice

This is another option that is popular with those of us who want to feel like we’re part of the “Sex and the City” set. If you’re going glam any time during spring break, this apple-green drink is just for you.

8. Mojito

Serving size: 6 oz.
Content: 160 calories
Ingredients: 2.5 oz. light rum, club soda, 1 tsp. limejuice, 2 tsp. sugar, fresh mint sprigs

Why even bother going out when you can make one of these with your friends, pop in Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights, and watch Diego Luna for a couple of hours? Sounds like an amazing night to me!

9. Bloody Mary

Serving size: 10 oz.
Calories: up to 180
Ingredients: 2 oz. vodka, 8 oz. tomato juice, dash of Tabasco sauce and black pepper

Bloody Marys are roughly equivalent to the original tomato juice, V8, plus alcohol. Not only are they chock-full of tomatoes, but according to HC branch manager and Emerson student, Nikki Fig, “[since] they’re light and somewhat healthy, I don’t feel bloated in my bikini. I’m not a big drinker so I can make a virgin one and still feel like I’m a part of the fun!”

10. Jägerbomb

Serving size: 6.2 oz. (if using an 8.4 oz. can of Red Bull)
Calories: 200
Ingredients: ½ can Red Bull, 2 oz. Jägermeister

Bar and club hoppers are sometimes warned against (or completely prohibited from) ordering Jägerbombs because of the mix of caffeine and alcohol. The presence of this drink in American and/or Irish bars in Europe, and on quality shows like “Jersey Shore” already made it difficult to resist; but now that it’s made Her Campus’s list of 10 lowest-calorie drinks, you’ll have your work cut out for you. Good luck and Godspeed.

In case none of the previous drinks pique your interest, here are some other Her Campus favorites:

• “I’m a huge Tom Collins fan! Not your typical drink order, I know, but it tastes just like Sprite!” – Alexa Johnson, HC James Madison University
• “Blue Lagoon and Sex on the Beach!” – Meagan Templeton-Lynch, HC contributing writer, Colorado State
• “Vodka and club soda all the way. Unlike beer, this won’t make you bloated if you’re in a swim suit!” – Colette Maddock, HC University of Montana
• “When I was in Cancun, my friends and I loved getting Electric Lemonades—lemonade slushies with rum. They’re so good, especially when you have been out on the beach all day!” – Ericha Forest, HC branch manager, James Madison University
• “My go-to drink at all times of the year is Captain Morgan’s with Diet Coke and an orange wedge. Something about that orange really just takes it to the next level…and it’s a great drink for spring break, too.” – Joanna Buffum, HC Co-President, Bowdoin
• “White sangria is always my favorite! Someone has a different way of making it everywhere you go, so you never get the same kind. It’s a light, sweet, fun drink that is always delicious.” – Krista Evans, HC Simmons Co-Founder

With spring around the corner, it’s time to ditch our winter hats and bring our hair out of hiding. However, winter may not have been kind to our tresses. Whether we have dry, brittle strands from the cold winter air or heat-damaged hair from going overboard with the curling wands we got for Christmas, growing long hair eludes us. But our fantasy of luscious, waist-length locks can be a reality! Celebrity hair stylist and beauty expert Hasblady Guzman shares her tips for nursing your hair back to its long, crowning glory.  

1. Use a Good Shampoo

Hair breakage and thermal damage are the main culprits behind short, unhealthy hair. Guzman says that in her experience, she has identified several factors that can lead to the broken bits we see in our brushes and on our shirts.

“Heat styling, sulfate shampoos, not enough conditioner and too much or too little protein in the hair can cause breakage,” she says. “Excessive sun exposure, spending a lot of time in chlorine pools or too much salt from the ocean can cause breakage as well.”

Sulfate-free shampoos do not strip your strands, leaving your hair moisturized and less likely to snap. We recommend using L’Oreal’s Everpure Moisture Shampoo ($6.99).

2. Trim Your Hair

Guzman’s best advice for heat-damaged hair? “The long and short of it is to trim every six weeks,” she says. “Even if it's minor, you still must do it. As soon as you see some damage, cut the white knob with good scissors.”

With her simple instructions, you can do this in your dorm. “Do this by twisting the hair,” Guzman says. “This way you can go down the shaft of the hair too. Cut off all the knobs that are white and are about to split, as well as the hair that has already split.”

3. Protect Your Hair

Heat protectants help you maintain the nutrients, volume and moisture in your hair by creating a barrier between the heat and your hair. Guzman also suggests using a leave-in conditioner. This added moisture will prevent the hair from getting dry and breaking off before it has a chance to grow longer. We recommend trying John Frieda’s Frizz Ease Heat Defeat Protective Spray ($5.09) and Design Essentials Hydrate Leave-In Hydrating Conditioner ($9.99). Apply the leave-in and heat protectant to damp hair before blow drying and styling.

4. Style Your Hair Safely

Hair can snap off when its protective layer is damaged by heat from appliances and friction from brushes. “When styling with a hot tool, always count to 20 and then remove the tool,” Guzman advises. “Do not leave pieces of hair on heat tools longer than this.”

The protein bonds in our hair are the weakest when wet, so Guzman advises that “when you are combing through your hair, start at the ends and gently work your way to the top. Be careful not to pull or tug the hair too much.”

When in the sun, Hasblady suggests wearing a hat and braiding your wet hair as a protective style. Bonus tip: Unravel the braid when it’s dry for easy, loose waves!

5. Watch Your Diet

Forgot to take your daily supplements? It will definitely show in your hair! What we put into our bodies undeniably affects the length of our hair. Guzman recommends taking vitamins like vitamin E and biotin. Together, they increase circulation in the scalp and the production of protein in the body, boosting hair’s growth rate. We recommend Natrol Skin Hair Nails Dietary Supplement Capsules ($11.99), which contains both vitamin E and biotin. Guzman also says avocado and salmon help with hair growth. Try these two by serving guacamole at your next sorority social and baked salmon at dinner.

Don’t let winter blues affect your spring ‘dos! Make damaged hair a thing of the past and start your journey to long, healthy hair with these tips. What are some of your favorite tips to grow long locks? Tell us below!

Sick of eating cereal and ramen for lunch and dinner? Want to spend less money eating out and finally start cooking for yourself? Put down that frozen pizza, because HC’s Health Editor, Sammie Levin, is here to share her daily eats so you can get ideas for healthy, satisfying meals that are easy enough for any time-strapped collegiette to make. After you read Collegiette Eats, your taste buds, wallet and waistline will thank you.

Breakfast 

Yesterday morning, I made a batch of baked banana oatmeal cups following this recipe on Eating Bird Food. They kind of look like muffins, but it really is baked oatmeal, which has a chewier texture. I had two fresh out of the oven for breakfast, one plain and one topped with almond butter. So good. A nice break from my usual bowl of oatmeal... but it's still oatmeal, so I haven't strayed too far. This is a great recipe because it's simple and makes enough so that you can store some in the fridge for the week for an easy breakfast or satisfying snack. 

Lunch

I got lunch to go from Jamaican Jerk Pit, a Caribbean restaurant. I got a jerk chicken dish with curry-coated chicken, vegetables and rice. The sauce was good, but I wish it was a little spicier because it didn't have the usual I-need-water-immediately flame. Having chicken for lunch, whether its topping your salad, sandwich or stir fry, is nice because it has the staying power to keep you satisfied for a few hours. 

Dinner 

If you love roasted cauliflower as much as I do, then you'll be excited about what I had for dinner last night: cauliflower tacos. This is a healthy, vegetarian spin on a regular taco that's full of awesome flavor from the goat cheese and cilantro. Enjoy or or two for yourself for a meal, or, if you're eating with other people, you could make a few and cut them up for fun appetizers. 

Ingredients

• 1 head cauliflower, trimmed and cut into florets
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 poblano chile pepper, halved lengthwise (optional)
• 1 large Ezekiel tortilla
• 2 ounces crumbled goat cheese
• Salsa
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro

Directions 

1. Set oven 450 degrees.  Lightly oil a rimmed baking sheet.
2. Toss cauliflower with oil, salt and pepper. Spread in one layer onto baking sheet.
3. If using pepper, put cut side down on baking sheet.
4. Roast for 30 minutes, or until browned.  Let cool for a few minutes. 
5. Skin and de-seed the chili and cut into 1-inch pieces.
6. Heat tortilla in microwave 15 seconds.
7. On tortilla, spoon cauliflower and top with poblano, salsa, cheese and cilantro.

In other news, I'm currently en route to Argentina for spring break to visit my friend who is studying abroad there. I could not be more excited! Look out for my post on Thursday about healthy spring break travel snacks and then I'll be back with a recap of my Argentinian eats when I'm home again. Hope you're headed somewhere warm (and somewhere with good food) for spring break!

Who doesn’t love spring break? Mid-semester, we all need a little reprieve from classes, studying and dining-hall food. No matter what your spring break plans are (or even if you don’t even have any yet), there’s a ton of ways to get some rest and have some fun while you’re away from school.  Here are a few tips for having a spring break to remember!

1. Read something just for fun.

When you’re trying to plow through doing required reading, writing research papers, and running from meeting to meeting, it’s next to impossible to have enough time to read for pleasure. When was the last time you got to plop down on a couch and read a novel that you actually wanted to read? Spring break is the perfect time to pick up the book you started reading over winter break (or maybe last summer…)! Need a new book to start? Check out The New York Times Best Sellers list and then head to the nearest bookstore.

2. Find a cool concert.

No matter where you’re going on spring break, there are bound to be awesome concerts going on. Even better, if you’re a music junkie, why not go on a spring break trip that gets you in the center of some of the world’s best music scenes? HC’s favorite travel site, Contiki, even offers trips that are perfect for music lovers! From Memphis to Barcelona, there are tons of possibilities for a trip that allows you to check out music around the world.

3. Get in some beach time.

Just imagine lying out with the sun on your skin, the sound of waves crashing on the sand and a cold drink in your hand. Doesn’t that sound fantastic? If you’re lucky enough to travel somewhere tropical, get some much-needed rest on the beach. Plug your headphones in, take a nap or people watch (or all three!).

4. Go abroad (seriously!)

Whether you have friends studying abroad or you just feel the need for a European adventure, this mid-semester break might be the perfect time to escape to Europe. Plane tickets tend to be cheaper this time of year, so deals are much easier to find! You could let your inner foodie out in Spain, meander the canals in Venice or even taste real macarons in Paris! If you want to book a European getaway, check out these last-minute deals!

5. Take a road trip.

If you and your besties have access to a car, then taking a fun road trip could make for an awesome spring break! No matter where in the country you go to school, there are always cool things to see within a couple hours’ drive. Need a few ideas of where to go? Check out Her Campus’s 10 Best Road Trip Stops or one of Contiki’s awesome road trip adventures!

6. Go shopping!

You probably don’t have a lot of spare time to indulge in a little retail therapy when you have class, so why not take the extra days over spring break to get some shopping in? Make a day of it with your girlfriends or go all by yourself for some “you time.” If you can’t bring yourself to get off the couch, you can even go on an online shopping spree! As the great Blair Waldorf once said, “Whoever said that money doesn’t buy happiness didn’t know where to shop.”

7. Do something you’ve always wanted to do.

Spring break is the perfect time to do something you’ve always wanted to, but have never had the time (or guts) to follow through on. Maybe you’ve always wanted to take a cooking class, go skydiving, or travel by yourself. Whatever you’ve been dying to do, this is the time! Plus, the best way to live is with #NOREGRETS. 

Times are tough, and as a college student, your money is probably pretty tight.

When you’re out on the town, you always keep your eyes peeled for discounted drinks.

You make sure to pregame (hard)…

…and you always keep your fingers crossed that someone will be feeling inclined to buy you a couple rounds.

Cover charges? You don’t think so!

You’ve noticed that your taste in cuisine is becoming decreasingly sophisticated.

Fancy restaurants aren’t exactly in your budget anymore.

Unless, of course, there’s a special offer involved.

You always go to the campus events that say they’ll provide snacks.  

There’s no better way to entice you to attend a meeting than with the promise of food.

Really, anytime “free” stuff is involved, you’re there.

This is your dinner on a normal night:

Unless, of course, you feel like splurging:

When it comes to beauty products, you’re totally done with those brand names.

Shampoo is still shampoo after all, right?

Whenever your friends suggest a shopping trip, you die a little inside.

This is how you feel walking by clothing store windows:

And then there’s the moment when you’re forced to check your bank account balance.

Though most of the time you feel like this could become you at any moment…

…at least you have the comfort of knowing that in college, you’re not alone.

Members of a Drexel University fraternity will shave their heads March 14 to raise awareness for the fight against childhood cancer.

For seven years, the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity has partnered with the St. Baldrick's Foundation, which holds head-shaving events in order to raise money for cancer research. According to the St. Baldrick's website, the organization provides funding for cooperative research through the Children's Oncology Group and is the largest private funder of childhood cancer research grants.

Leading up to the event, the fraternity members have worked to collect funds for the foundation by sharing their donation pages on social media and by panhandling in Philadelphia. In 2007, they held their first St. Baldrick's event, which honored fraternity brother and childhood cancer survivor Dave Zilly, and have been donating to the organization ever since.

In six years, the SigEp members have raised over $212,000, according to USA Today. This year, they're hoping to meet their goal of $55,000.

"I'll walk around for 2-3 weeks completely bald, which helps me educate anyone I come into contact with about childhood cancer," says Drexel student Jim Tyrrell. "It's incredible knowing that I’m making a push."

Tired of going to your usual “sorority squat” and “skinny arm” pose during group pics? Here are a few adorable group picture ideas for you and your sorority sisters to try during your next photo shoot!

1.

Take some inspiration from the marching band!

2. 

Here are some wall sits we wouldn't mind doing. 

3. 

You'll need a photographer with quick reflexes to take this jumping photo with your sisters. 

4. 

Extra points if your photographer can capture some genuine laughter between you and your sisters!

5.  

Colorful pants and cute adapted song lyrics make for the perfect group photo. 

6.

Make the ultimate lineup with your sisters. 

7.

Sisters on sisters on sisters!

8. 

An adorable post-initiation picture!

9. 

We are sisters, we stand together. 

10. 

You'd better have a lot of flowers on hand for this one!

11. 

Show everyone the shape of you and your sisters' hearts. 

12.

Sunglasses are a perfect touch to avoid that sun-glare squint. 

13.

Throw your hands up in the air for the ultimate sister Initiation pic.