As you book your flight and pack your bikini, chances are you can’t stop picturing the stunning beaches and festive cocktails waiting for you at your spring break destination of choice. But did you ever consider you might be one bad decision away from a spring break nightmare? What about getting all of your valuables stolen so a thief can dine on unlimited breadsticks at the Olive Garden? Or attempting to get a sexy tan, but winding up looking like a full-fledged lobster?  Read on for some tips and testimonies about the 5 most common spring break horrors and how to avoid them.

1. Sexual Encounters of a Dangerous Kind

“We were in Ibiza, Spain my freshman year of college. One night, I ended up getting separated from my girlfriends and going back with a guy, but I didn’t realize my phone wad dead. My friends didn’t know where I was, and had spent all night looking for me and trying to think of ways to tell my parents that they lost me. It definitely scared all of us, because I had no clue where my girlfriends had gone, and there is nothing scarier than being in a foreign country and not knowing where your girls are.”- Krista, Simmons College

By now, we’ve all heard about Natalee Holloway and the dangers of hooking up with strangers. While it might seem like an extreme example, it’s important to recognize that hooking up with someone you don’t know puts you in an infinitely more vulnerable position than hooking up with a friend from home. But that doesn’t mean you can’t indulge in a little spring fling romance. Here are some ways to keep your hookup from crossing into the danger zone.

• Power in Numbers: Before you hit the dance floor, develop a game plan with your girlfriends and stick to it. It’s easy to get lost in a crowded club, so agreeing on a time and place to meet at the end of the night is a great way to keep track of each other. The website SpringBreakSafety.org, suggests: “Go out with your friends, go home with your friends. It’s one of those things that keeps you a whole lot safer, and eliminates about 98% of the bad drama.”

• Pick a Location: If you do meet a guy you want to hook up with, try to go somewhere you feel safe, preferably in a place that’s near your friends so they know where you’re headed and how to reach you. Always use your hotel room instead of his, since your friends can access it if necessary. Or, if you don’t mind a little PDA, stay at the club and get a little smooch time in there. While it may not be the classiest behavior, at least your girls can keep an eye on you.

• Watch Your Drink: Drugs like GBH, Ketamine, and Rohypnol (“roofies”) are popular date rape drugs because they can be discreetly slipped into a drink and take effect quickly, often lasting several hours. At first, when a person is slipped a date drug she’ll just seem really drunk, often making it difficult for friends to realize the person has been drugged before she’s sauntered off with the guy and it’s too late. Stay in control and be aware of your surroundings by making sure you know exactly what’s in your drink and holding onto it the entire night. If a guy offers to buy you a drink, walk over with him to the bar and watch him order it. And if you notice your drink tastes or looks a little funky, pour it out. GBH can make drinks saltier and Rohypnol can change the color of a drink. Also, remember that the more you drink, the more self-control you lose. While there’s no shame in having a little fun, monitoring how much alcohol you consume and making sure to not exceed your limit will help you evaluate a hookup situation with more clarity and better judgment. And if nothing else, at least you’ll choose a guy without the influence of the beer goggles effect. 

• Can I Get Your Number?: It's always a good idea to carry around the number and address of the hotel you're staying in. And before you leave for Spring Break, exchange phone numbers with your friends' parents. Their parents will feel better knowing they can contact you, and you'll know how to get in touch with them in case of an emergency. Also, if you think you might be spending the night somewhere else, bring your phone charger with you. It's a small device that could make a huge difference.

2. Getting Robbed

"I went to Las Vegas and on my first night out in a club, my phone got stolen out of my purse. Then the second night, I was at a club, dancing with one of my friends with my purse securely (or so I thought) strapped over my shoulder. All of a sudden, I realized that my purse weighed absolutely nothing. My ID, money, credit cards, passport- it was ALL gone. I had no clue where it all went. Luckily I was able to get the charges cancelled on my credit card... so I can now laugh about what the thief spent my money on: $300 at WALGREENS (what do you even buy there for $300?!), and a meal at the Olive Garden... someone really classy stole my stuff!" - Cassidy, Emerson College

“I was at the airport on my way back to California when my purse got stolen. I lost everything- my IPod, camera, all of my identification and over $100 in cash!” - Nicole, Emerson College

Between flying on an airplane, staying in a hotel, and running around town, there are an unfortunate amount of opportunities for thievery on Spring Break. San Diego-based travel agent Bonnie Sherman says vacation destinations are a hot spot for theft because “places that tourists gather are prime targets.”  She also claims that TSA agents are notorious for stealing out of travelers’ luggage. However, there are some things you can do to minimize your risk.  

• Lock It Up: Sherman says using a neck safe or a money belt, instead of a purse, is the most effective way to keep your valuables safe while flying. If you are planning on packing some valuables, make sure to pack them in a carry-on bag instead of your checked luggage. Once on vacation, many hotels will offer safes in the room, but bringing your own is also an option.

• Copy Important Documents: If you’re traveling outside of the United States, Sherman suggests making two copies of your passport: one to leave in the hotel room, and a colored copy for your parents at home. Better yet, scan and store all your key documents in Google Docs so that you have access to them anywhere.

• Mix Up Your Money: When figuring out what kind of money to bring, plan on bringing a few different kinds of payment. Sherman suggests carrying both cash and a credit card, and keeping them in separate places. She recommends bringing a debit card rather than a credit card, because “parents can reload it if needed, but if it’s lost, there isn’t a large amount at risk.”  If you’re travelling internationally, make sure to call the credit card company and let them know you’re going away beforehand; otherwise they might think your card was stolen and cancel it when they see the foreign charges! Also, ask your bank what kind of fees they charge for withdrawals overseas and what kind of foreign currency exchange fees they impose. Many banks now offer to refund ATM fees, so shop around for the best deal. And your bank may have a partnership with a bank in the country you’re going to so you can withdraw from there and won’t have to pay the ATM fees at all.

• Lighten the Load: When considering what to pack, ask yourself, “do I really need this?” Cutting down the amount of prized possessions you bring might seem like a sacrifice at first, but chances are you really won’t need your grandmother’s pearls in the Bahamas, and you’ll never forgive yourself if they got lost or stolen. And consider leaving your laptop, iPad, and other hefty electronics behind. They draw attention, add weight, and most hotels have a business center if you need to check your email during the trip. 

3. Attack of Montezuma’s Revenge (and other stomach bugs)

“When I was in the Dominican Republic last spring break I got some sort of allergic reaction to the sun or water or food, they didn't know, and my eyes and face swelled up like a marshmallow. I looked like an avatar and I could hardly see. Our hotel had no real medical care and there were no real hospitals nearby, so they put me in this rusty 1950’s era ambulance and drove me to this ‘clinic’ that was a terrifying excuse for a medical facility. After waiting for four hours, they let me know they didn't actually have any of the medication I needed and it needed to be transported across the island. When my medication finally arrived they said my insurance didn't cover it and charged me 500 dollars for the meds. When I came back I showed them to my doctor, and guess what I paid 500 bucks for? Zyrtec and Advil!” – Amanda, Cornell University

“We went to the most beautiful little islands in Antigua where we were the only people there because you could only get there by boat.  We would anchor in the middle of the ocean at night and have dinner and casual drinks on the deck.  So perfect.  On Tuesday night, my boyfriend, Alex, started to feel really sick.  Early the next morning, we contacted a hospital and took him in the dinghy to land and got him to a hospital. They did some tests and found out it was E. Coli!” –Kara, Emmanuel College

Tropical destinations like the Caribbean are a Mecca for stunning beaches, gorgeous people and unfortunately, food-borne illnesses. Getting sick on vacation is never fun, but when you’re in a foreign country it can become a total nightmare. Keep a few of these items with you to avoid a gastronomic catastrophe!

• Purify Your H20: Places like Mexico are notorious for having poor water quality. Some resorts claim to have filtered water, but if you’re unsure, it’s always better to buy bottled water or bring along a filtered water bottle. And if you’re ordering a drink, make sure to get it without ice!

• Stock Up On Meds: Finding medicine on vacation can be an expensive and challenging feat. Come prepared and pack a first aid kit with some basic medications. If you do get sick, it will save you from the hassle and possibly the hospital (see Amanda’s story below).

4. Feelin’ the Burn

“I wasn’t even in Florida for 24 hours before I looked like a full-fledged lobster! And my beet-red appearance wasn’t even the worst of it. The sunburn made my skin so sensitive that I couldn’t be touched without flinching in pain. Oh well, there went my hopes for any spring break hookups!”- Jenny*, Emerson College

“I went to Phuket, Thailand with my friends and got a sunburn because I did not re- apply my sunscreen enough throughout the day. I was having too much fun with my friends at the pool, bar, and the beach. It was very painful and red!” - Crystal, Emerson College

Getting a tan is at the top of every collegiette’sspring break to-do list. But the quest for the perfect tan can often result in the incredibly painful (and much less attractive) sunburn. Manhattan dermatologist Eric Schweiger, M.D. says tan skin likely represents damaged skin and doesn’t recommend tanning. But that doesn’t mean you have to skip out on enjoying the sunshine completely! Here are some ways you can get your Vitamin D fix, without getting sunburned.

• Accessorize: Nothing looks more beach-chic than a flirty cover-up paired with Jackie O shades and a wide-brimmed hat. And this look isn’t just glamorous, Dr. Schweiger says, “Sun-safe clothing and hats are excellent ways to prevent UV damage.”

• Give Yourself a Break: The sun is most powerful between 10am and 3pm. So after a couple of hours in the heat, head inside for a break. Being wary of how long you’re in the sun will reduce your chances of getting sunburned and you can always come out later for evening cocktails on the beach!

• Moisturize, Baby!: If you do get sunburned, Dr Schweiger recommends using the over-the counter topical cream, hydrocortisone 1% to reduce swelling and redness. You can also soothe your skin by taking cold showers and applying a moisturizer that contains aloe vera.

• Be Patient: While we all want to become tan the moment our feet hit the sand, our skin simply doesn’t work that way. While it might seem like you’re not getting as tan as you hoped, remember to be patient. If you let your skin burn to a crisp, you’ll most likely peel without ever getting brown, and you’ll have to stay indoors the rest of your vacation. But by reapplying sunscreen (a 30 SPF or higher every two hours), you’re much more likely to get that sun-kissed glow.  

5. Intoxication Overload

“My friends and I went to Cabo San Lucas and my one friend got a little too much sun and had a little too much to drink one day/night that the next night she was sick and had to stay in bed. She missed the best night when we went on a booze cruise!” Michelle, Emerson College

“It’s five o’clock somewhere” has become the unofficial motto of Spring Break. But while drinking definitely ranks high on the list of popular activities, having a few too many can ruin your entire vacation. By drinking responsibly, you can immerse yourself in the Spring Break experience, without suffering the next morning. According to NYC-based nutritionist and author, Cynthia Sass, “most women who drink 3-5 drinks will get a hangover.”  But she says that if you do get a hangover, the following foods and practices may lessen the headache, nausea and dehydration that stem from a night of heavy drinking.

• Pace Yourself: “Your liver can process about one drink an hour. One drink equals 12 oz of regular beer, 5 oz of wine or a 1.5 oz shot of liquor. Drinking no faster than that rate and drinking plenty of water with and between drinks may help prevent a hangover,” Sass says.

• Snack Attack: While we traditionally think of pancakes as classic hangover food, Sass says scrambled eggs are better. “Eggs contain two amino acids that go to work to help you feel better: taurine and cysteine. Taurine has been shown in studies to reverse liver damage caused by a night of heavy drinking and help the body flush out toxins more quickly.” She also recommends bananas or coconut water for a much-needed boost of electrolytes and potassium.

You’ve booked a hotel, bought your plane tickets, and done your safety research. Now it’s time for some well-deserved fun in the sun! By arriving prepared and staying aware, you are well on your way to creating a Spring break that’s fun, fabulous, and most importantly, disaster-free!

Clueless wasn't just a '90s movie, it was the defining '90s chick flick. Our life goddess, Cher Horowitz, taught us everything we need to know about relationships, negotiating grades and how to spot a "full-on Monet," and for that, we thank her. These valuable words of wisdom will help you navigate through college and beyond, keeping you from totally buggin'. 

1. A true friend is someone whom you can relate to.

2. You can never go wrong with plaid.

3. You should never settle.

4. Because there's nothing wrong with being selective. 

5. Partying is fun, but like most things, it should be done in moderation.

6. Seduction is the highest of art forms.

7. Driving on the freeway is hard and should be avoided at all costs.

8. The truth hurts, especially when used as an insult.

9. Sometimes, staying home can be more fun than going out. 

10. Don't date a guy who dresses better than you do.

11. If you embarrass yourself in public, the best course of action is to brush it off and assume that nobody saw anything.

12. A little shopping spree is always good therapy...

13. ...but doing things for other people feels even better.

14. In times of emotional turmoil, self-reflection is important.

15. Because sometimes, what we're looking for is right in front of us. 

“Let me see your eyes right now!” My mom screamed as soon as I walked through the doors. I hid my head as I ran upstairs yelling at her and telling her there was no reason that she needed to look at my eyes. I slammed my door shut, sunk into a corner of my room, lowered my head between my legs and just cried. I was at an all-time low, and coming out of my six-week denial and escape from reality. For the first time in my whole life I felt like there was absolutely nothing I could do to beat this defeat.

College acceptance season (one-year prior)

Growing up, my friends all got straight As. But I was the girl who cared more about extra-curricular activities and doing the things that I wanted to do rather than the things that I had to do. If a class didn’t interest me, then I just didn’t try. But if a class really fascinated me, then I excelled. As motivated as I am, I just didn’t give my high school grades as much attention as they deserved. I may have given my high school resume a run for its money—but my grades, not so much. I am also a very stubborn girl and refused to attend anywhere but my dream school. I thought that since my letter was taking so long to arrive that maybe, just maybe, they were going to let me in. After all, my essay had been pretty convincing, if I did say so myself.

I got home from school one day in late April and checked my mailbox with that feeling we all have when we’re waiting to hear from our top choice college. I reached inside and combed through the mail, coming across two letters to myself. One was a letter that I had written to myself in the third grade as a class assignment. The other a small letter from the school I was hoping so very hard to get into and planning on attending. Tears started forming, and I threw the rest of the mail back into the mailbox, I got in my car, and I just drove. I drove for hours. I don’t really remember where I ended up, but I found a parking lot that I wasn’t familiar with at all and just sat there as I opened up my mail.

And I quote,

Michigan State University: “We’re sorry, we can’t admit you due to your grades. Please attend another school for one year to get your grades up and reapply as a transfer student.” 

For those who know me, I’m going to stop putting on a show: when I received my first rejection letter from Michigan State University, aka my dream school, I wasn’t shocked. Depressed and devastated, yes. However, I knew a rejection was brewing. I simply hadn’t tried hard enough. But my stubborn mind was convinced that I was going to get lucky—I truly thought there was a chance I would get admitted. Today, I laugh at my stubborn self. I know that I hadn’t worked hard enough. Things like that will not just be handed over to anyone at all.

I still cried for hours and later became depressed for the majority of the end of my senior year. No other school appealed to me—Michigan State was all I knew, therefore, it was the only school I wanted to attend. It was my ultimate dream school. In my head I knew that I would have to do the one thing I just didn’t want to do at all: I would have to attend our local community college. The thought of that just nauseated me, including the fact that I would have to start telling people my unattractive plans.

With tears streaming down my face I opened up letter number two. A letter from my third grade self, and the last three sentences are forever ingrained in mind, “U wyll be a grate persyn. U wyll du alll u wnt to du. U wylll go to the coleg u wnt.” Apparently I was a pretty smart cookie as a third grader. I was giving myself life advice that life had planned to give me on the day that I needed it most! If my THIRD GRADE self was telling me to rise above this situation, then I felt pathetic as my eighteen-year-old self sitting in a random parking lot and sulking. I wiped my tears, put my key in my ignition, and drove home with the aid of Telenav (my blackberry GPS, of course—I had no idea where I was).

Coming to terms with this reality

I kept telling my friends at school that I had no idea where I was attending school next year. I told them that I was still waiting on an acceptance from Michigan State. Finally, during my last week of classes as a high school student I figured I had to confirm something for next year. So I printed off our local community college’s application, filled it in by hand (this was the only option), and drove about 15 minutes from my house to turn it in. I remember feeling like this was the absolute worst day of my life. I felt like I was giving up on my dreams, but looking back at this moment, I really wasn’t. I was doing the first step in taking control of my actions and trying to change a situation that I didn’t want to be in. Going to a community college wasn’t my first, second, third or even last choice—but at this point it was my only choice.

When friends asked for my plans, I still kind of beat around the bush. “I’m going to stay home for a year and just figure things out. I don’t know if MSU is for me and I’m not ready to go away.” This was partially true—I had to figure things out, but oh man I was ready to get away. Staying at home for a whole extra year was not the top thing on my mind. But I was doing it so I might as well do it well.

I made an appointment with a counselor to help me pick my classes. “Please give me a schedule with classes that will all transfer to Michigan State next year. I will be there shortly,” I said, maybe a bit too coldly. “Sure thing! You don’t seem like our normal student. Why are you here? You have an ambition that I don’t see around here.” I sat there ready to cry. But I did walk out with the most awesome schedule and the best professors I will have ever had in my life. Thank you, kind counselor. Your efforts are appreciated so much to this day.

The year I didn’t want, but needed to have

I didn’t want to be at community college for this year. I really didn’t want to be there. But I wanted to get out and that was enough to fuel my drive. First semester, I worked the hardest I had ever worked in school. Every single class was attended, most tests were one-hundred-percented (made this word up… no?), and I had such a strong ambition to succeed. My teachers saw such an incredible side to me and quite honestly, I saw myself grow happier. I was getting the best grades I’d ever gotten and my teachers called me their star student—school was becoming something that excited me. Science became my new favorite subject (this was the weirdest), I fought my way through history, and I did every homework assignment I didn’t want to do because I knew it would get me farther. I would get offended when my friends would make comments like, “You’re doing so well because you’re at community college.” GAG ME. I was doing so well because I was working so hard, and most of my professors were once professors at my friends’ universities; they just wanted a change of pace. No one was handing me the 3.91 I received—I had worked so, so hard for that, and it was the first time I wanted to stand by my GPA.

Next semester was very similar. I liked my professors a little less, but still worked just as hard. I was even making friends. However, one of my friends pressured me into trying weed, and I felt so wrong about it the whole time, but I tried it and liked it and really thought nothing more of it. I didn’t want to keep doing that because I didn’t want to be the stereotypical community college pothead—I just wanted to get out. Something happened mid-semester and my math class became too much. I had dropped it without a single worry and happily landed a 3.8 my second semester in school. At some point mid-semester I had reapplied as a transfer to Michigan State and was eagerly waiting on a letter of admission from them. This time I had earned it. I was going to get in.

However, one day in May, a small letter arrived to my mailbox. Another rejection? How could this be? I had worked SO HARD and had done so well. I opened the letter shocked and my jaw dropped as I read the words out loud. The letter was from the Dean of Admissions, so clearly my application was given heaps of thought. He so kindly said in not these exact words, “Hey, your grades are great, but you don’t have our required math class. We want to let you in, but we just aren’t going to. Try again next time.” I was heartbroken. I had addressed my math class in my new personal statement, saying that learning math for 4-hours, once a week, was so difficult, and I could take the class once I got to school where they had it multiple times a week in one-hour blocks. But, nope. I was going to be home for another year. A year that I simply didn’t want.

I had learned so much this first year at home. I became a better student and really needed this year to shape my learning abilities for my future. But the thought of another year tore me to pieces. I called my friend and told him that I needed an escape from reality right now. He met me in the parking lot and eased me into a calmer peace of mind.

The girl I never was or will never be again

Those next six weeks are weeks I’ve blocked off in my memory. You are some of the first people I’m admitting them to, but in some odd, twisted way, they helped shape me into the person that I am. I spent these weeks keeping myself as high as I could. I spent so much money (that I really didn’t even have) on weed, and got high everywhere except work. I was high in my car, high in my room, high with my friends (when I chose to be around others), and even got high in my garage. This wasn’t who I was at all, but it was taking away the pain of having to face reality. But I couldn’t face the reality of being defeated even after I had worked so hard. Life didn’t seem fair, and this was my way of saying “well life, f*ck you too.”

I had hit rock bottom as I sunk into the corner of my room at the end of this six-week strut. WHO WAS I? Why I was I doing this? I was ignoring my issues and just trying to avoid them. Time wasn’t on my side, and I was losing my window of opportunity to try to figure something out. Depressed and wanting to continue in this rut, I stopped myself. Smart me had decided that this wasn’t going to make me happy, but only put my problems on pause. I had to be proactive and figure something out and leave this part of my life in the past. Because I needed something to do for the year, I decided to simply stay home again. I spent my summer depressed, so very depressed, and not wanting to go back to community college for a year. I had to learn to get happy on my own—I couldn’t run away from my emotions anymore.

My turning point

I was at a party at Michigan State one night in August where a friend had drunkenly convinced me it would be the best idea to go to the admissions office the next morning and state why they needed to accept me for fall. She convinced me I could convince them to let me in and that I would be here in a few weeks. I was happy and ready to take on this challenge.

The next morning I walked into the office and surprisingly, they let me meet with the Dean of Admissions. He explained that I missed another window of opportunity to get in for spring, and that I would have to wait another year. I stated my piece, and he told me he agreed with everything I said, but that he just couldn’t let me in. So I asked, why not? “You have great grades, but at this point you just need above a 3.3 to get in. So if I added you in for consideration you would just be number 731 and not the girl I would let in next.” He had called me a number and, in that instant, I knew this wasn’t the school for me. I was not the kind of girl who was going to get lost in a sea of people and I was surely not number 731. So I left with no desire to ever return.

Achieving my real dreams

Going to the Fashion Institute of Technology had been a dream of mine since eighth grade, but it was something I thought I could never do—it was something I didn’t think I’d be able to do. Moving from Michigan to New York is huge and it wasn’t for eighth grade me. But it was for new me. I wrote the best application essay I had ever written in my life—the words literally sparkled and jumped off the paper. And this felt like the perfect FIT.

I spent that year at home not really enjoying community college and sort of just going to class to go. By this point I was ready to get out. I had also stayed away from the friends I hung around with the year prior—I didn’t want to fall back into that trap. The year went by slowly, and it took forever to go by. However, on March 30th a feeling developed in my stomach, and I left school, hopped in my car, and drove quickly to my mailbox. Something was telling me that I had to get to it ASAP. As soon as I parked and opened up the box I saw the best letter that I’ll ever receive in my entire life. FIT wanted me! And to them, I knew I wouldn’t be just a number, but I would be able to be myself.

Being Myself

Attending FIT has been the best thing that has ever happened to me and I am the happiest I’ve ever been. I’m on student government and an R.A.! I was able to land my dream internship three months after moving to New York (AHHH!!!) and literally lived a year of becoming myself. I have the greatest friends and life keeps growing better. I am so thankful that the guy at Michigan State told me that to him I was just a number because now I know that I’m not—here I am, myself and happy, and in the end that’s all I want to be.

Bloating: we’ve all experienced it, and it’s never pleasant. Bloating makes our jeans feel a little bit tighter, puffs up our stomachs and can sometimes even give us gas and an uncomfortable feeling of pressure. Bloating is temporary—but you can help your body out by nibbling on certain bloat-busting foods, as well as avoiding a few that cause bloating to begin with. We talked to Diane Blahut, a clinical dietician at Johns Hopkins Nutrition Clinic in Baltimore, for tips on how to beat the bloat!

Why does bloating happen?

“Bloating is caused by excess air (gas) in the intestines,” Blahut says. It can happen for several reasons: food allergies and intolerances, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation and pre-menstrual syndrome—but more often than not, eating certain foods that either produce gas or cause your body to retain water is the culprit. The way that you eat a food can also make you bloat, too—like eating too quickly or drinking from a straw. “Air can get into your digestive system by being swallowed.  To minimize the amount of air you swallow, eat slowly and chew your food thoroughly,” Blahut says.

Bloating is rarely serious, but as it is sometimes associated with certain digestive disorders and allergies, Blahut recommends seeing a doctor if you have frequent, uncomfortable bloating. “If you suspect lactose intolerance, gluten intolerance or celiac disease, or if you have other symptoms such as diarrhea or abdominal pain with eating, see your doctor,” she says.

What foods cause bloating?

1. Foods heavy in salt

Think twice before picking up the saltshaker. Salty foods cause your body to retain water, which will give you the classic bloated stomach. Feel a bit puffy after a meal? Avoid salty foods for the rest of the day to deflate fast. “These include processed foods such as canned foods, frozen meals, chips, pretzels, lunch meat, bacon, hot dogs and cheese,” Blahut says.

2. Cruciferous veggies

“Certain fiber-containing foods like cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts) can cause gas production,” Blahut says. Avoid these if you’re prone to bloating, or at least reduce your intake. Can’t sacrifice the foods you love? Taking a supplement like Beano (available at grocery stores) before a meal, which is a tablet that contains an enzyme that helps your body digest foods, can keep you stay gas (and bloat!) free.

3. Beans

We’ve all heard the “beans, beans the magical fruit” rhyme. Like cruciferous veggies, eating beans also can lead to increased gas production. But beans are also high in fiber and protein, so you shouldn’t necessarily nix ‘em from your diet! Try eating smaller portions at a time or taking a supplement like Beano or a gas-reducing pill like simethicone, both of which you can buy at a pharmacy or grocery story, if you’re worried about gas and bloating.

4. Chewing gum

As Blahut said, anything that’s going to create air will also create bloat. “If you’re feeling bloated, avoid chewing gum,” Blahut says. If you’re just chewing gum to freshen your breath, try a mint instead to avoid the bloating side effects.

5. Carbonated drinks

Like gum, a glass of beer or soda will puff up your stomach. But like everything on this list, there’s no need to abstain completely from the foods and drinks you enjoy. Moderation is key, but if you already do feel bloated, that glass of seltzer water won’t do you any good. Drinking lots of plain water is a great way to de-bloat.

What to eat to fight bloating

1. Pineapple

It may seem counterintuitive, but drinking lots of water and eating fruits and veggies with a high water content can actually help reduce bloating. Pineapple is a prime example—delicious and tropical, it’s also great at flushing your system out because of the combination of enzymes it has. “[Pineapple] contains an enzyme called bromelain which helps digest proteins. It is theorized that bromelain decreases inflammation and can help reduce bloating, but to my knowledge there is little actual scientific research into the specific topic. Pineapples also contain potassium, which helps combat water retention caused by eating foods high in salt,” Blahut says.

2. Ginger

Ginger delivers a ton of health benefits, and helping with digestion is one of them! Ginger can soothe stomachaches and nausea, as well as help reduce bloating. “[Ginger] has been used for thousands of years to treat various gastrointestinal issues. It contains an enzyme called zingibain that helps digest proteins. Various other active compounds block signals of nausea and vomiting from reaching the brain and may reduce intestinal spasms,” Blahut says. Try sipping on some ginger tea or chewing on candied ginger. The pickled ginger at sushi restaurants is also a good palette cleanser! Don’t like the taste? You can also buy ginger supplements in pill form at health foods stores.

3. Yogurt

Not all dairy products are created equal. While cheese and milk (especially if you’re lactose intolerant or even just sensitive to dairy) can cause your stomach to puff up, yogurt can help slim you down. Why? Probiotics. This good bacteria helps your intestines process foods better, beating bloating at the same time. “Some intestinal gas is caused by ‘bad’ bacteria breaking down food in your GI tract and releasing gas in the process. Consuming probiotics may help keep a healthy balance of bacteria in your gut,” Blahut says.

4. Peppermint

Like ginger, peppermint has been lauded for centuries for its digestive properties. “[Peppermint] calms muscles in the stomach [and] allows gas to pass,” Blahut says. Sipping on some peppermint tea, taking peppermint oil supplements or even sucking on some peppermint candy can help soothe your system if you feel bloated.

5. Bananas

Bananas are great snacks—they’re filling and portable! But here’s even more reason to love bananas: “[They’re] high in potassium, which can help combat water retention from salty foods. Unripe bananas have a certain starch that can cause gas, however, so make sure you eat ripe bananas to help with bloating,” Blahut says.

6. Oatmeal

This delicious breakfast food hasn’t been specifically linked to bloating, Blahut says, but it could make a difference if you experience constipation or gas, which do often go hand in hand with bloating. “[It’s] high in soluble fiber. Fiber does help maintain bowel regularity, and avoiding constipation is one way to avoid bloating,” she says. Not an oatmeal fan? Get your soluble fiber fix from apples, pears and strawberries.

While having a bloated stomach can make you feel gross and uncomfortable, there are many quick fixes if you watch what you eat, chew slowly and try some of these bloat-busting foods!

St. Patrick’s Day, one of the craziest holidays of the entire year, is just around the corner. This year, St. Paddy’s Day falls on a Monday, which means you could be in several different places while you’re celebrating. No matter what your St. Paddy’s Day plans are, it is fun to dress up. It may be a little challenging to dress chic without looking too much like a leprechaun, but we’ve got you covered. Here are HC’s ideas for grand St. Patrick’s Day getups!

Going to Class

There’s a pretty good chance you’re going to be dragging yourself to class instead of out partying on March 17 since it falls on a Monday. Just because you’re following your academic pursuits, however, doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice a little festive fun. Green jeans (Bluefly, $119) with a traditional Irish wool sweater (Topshop, $65) and statement earrings (White House Black Market, $28) will amp up your outfit. If you have a midterm, maybe this look will give you “the luck of the Irish!”

If you go to school where the weather is warm by mid-March, why not bring out a cute sundress (Modcloth, $57.99) to show off your Irish pride? Throw a cozy cardigan (Tory Burch, $225) over the dress and toss on some beige booties (River Island, $100) and you’ve got yourself a cute, celebratory outfit that is totally class-appropriate.

Going Out

If your St. Patrick’s Day plans include a good amount of green beer, make sure your outfit is worthy of your night out. Try an adorable ruched skirt that has a touch of sexy (Nasty Gal, $38) with a basic crop top (Nelly.com, $17.95) and a fabulous necklace (BaubleBar, $46) that you can wear over and over again after the St. Paddy’s Day festivities are over.

If your going-out plans call for more casual attire, pair skinny jeans with an emerald tank (Lord & Taylor, $35.70) and pretty earrings (BaubleBar, $66) to show your Irish pride. For the final touch, tie your look together with a pair of fab green heels (Heels.com, $89.99) and a touch of gold makeup!

Working or Interning

What if you’re heading to work or your internship on St. Patrick’s Day? Even though you’ll be in a professional setting, there’s no reason why you can’t dress up and show your Irish spirit! Opt for a chic yet fun jacket (Topshop, $110) in a vibrant green to keep things professional.

If you prefer to add a pop of color elsewhere, try wearing a pair of patterned flats (Nine West, $79) or a fun watch (Bluefly, $79.99) to your work ensemble. Finally, a pretty pair of green studs (Piperlime, $20) will bring your outfit together and show you can celebrate and get down to business at the same time.

On Spring Break

If you’re lucky enough to be on spring break on March 17, then you don’t have to worry about dressing up for class or work. Whether you’re basking in the sun in a fabulous tropical paradise or you’re getting your swim time in at the campus pool, break out a green bikini (Nelly.com, $57) or green sunnies (Ray-Ban, $190) for St. Patrick’s Day. 

If you’re lounging by a pool or the beach, you can also throw on a cute St.-Paddy’s-Day-inspired cover-up (MayKool.com, $15.99) or sandals (Bloomingdale’s, $56.25). Just make sure you’re wearing sunscreen so your skin doesn’t turn the color of leprechaun hair!

Going out on St. Patrick’s Day when you’re on spring break may be, well, just another day in paradise, but you can make it an extra-special night by donning a pretty green maxi dress (Target, $15). Pair it with simple sandals or flats.

No matter where you are on St. Patrick’s Day, jazz up your outfit with a little green here and there! What are you going to wear?  Let us know in the comments below! 

It’s finally that time of year we’ve been waiting for all semester: spring break! To thank our Her Campus chapters for all of their hard work this year, we’re sending them all Spring Break Survival Kits. These kits are full of goodies that are sure to help every collegiette prepare for and recuperate from an amazing spring break.

Need to rest up before a wild week at the beach? Our Spring Break Survival Kits include neuro SLEEP, a tasty blend of goodnight nutrients like melatonin and magnesium specifically formulated to help you sleep better and wake up more refreshed! Know some friends who could use a good night’s sleep? Send them to SLEEPwithneuro.com to get their own free bottles of SLEEP!

When you’re hanging out on the beach (and running into some tan campus cuties!), you’ll want your hair to look amazing. You can get up to seven days of salon-smooth hair after just one use with TRESemmé 7 Day Keratin Smooth System! Thanks to this product in our Spring Break Survival Kits, you’ll look photo-ready during your entire spring break trip!

Curious about what else is in our Spring Break Survival Kits? Watch me unpack this ultimate care package below!

Name: Katie Sanders
Age: 24
Job Title and Description: Contributing Editor, Glamour
College/Major: University of Pennsylvania/urban studies major, journalistic writing minor
Website: http://www.glamour.com/contributors/katie-sanders
Twitter Handle: @katiessanders  (and@glamourtopten, which all awesome college women should follow!)

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

Katie Sanders: My main job at Glamour is managing the magazine’s Top 10 College Women Competition, a program that has been recognizing 10 amazing undergraduates every year for the past 57 years. So, a “day in the life” means anything from vetting the thousands of applications we receive to writing content and figuring out what celebrities our winners should meet when we bring them to New York in the spring. I also write for Glamour.com’s Get Inspired section, which might entail me interviewing movers and shakers like TheNew York Times’ Nick Kristof, or recapping a cool Glamour event featuring women who run their own businesses.

What is the best part of your job?

KS: Interacting with amazing college women all day long. When your job is to essentially celebrate the country’s most high-achieving and impactful 20-year-olds, there’s a lot of fun to be had in hearing about what motivates them and what makes them so incredible. Inventors, Olympians, peacemakers, rocket scientists… sometimes girls will tell me about the kick-butt things they’re up to while maintaining 4.0 GPAs, and I’ll think, “What am I doing with my life?” But more often I feel content knowing these women are out there. If they are this brilliant and accomplished at 20, just think what they’ll be doing for the world a few decades from now.

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

KS: I’m a strong believer in internships. If you have the opportunity to experience and contribute to a workplace while you’re still a student, take it! I did, starting when I was a high-school newspaper geek who convinced the editor of my city’s weekly paper to let me spend my vacations in her newsroom. During college, I spent my summers and select semesters interning at different magazines (Seventeen, Philadelphia, Marie Claire… I even talked my way into freelancing gigs at Glamour over winter breaks).

In 2011, I applied to be an American Society of Magazine Editors (ASME) intern and lucked out when I got matched at my dream magazine, Vanity Fair. Then, what started off as a pretty typical summer internship took a fortuitous turn for the best; an assistant editor whom I’d played on the Vanity Fair summer softball team with was leaving the magazine and asked me to fill in for him until a replacement was hired. I ended up taking off the first half of my senior year to assist VF’s legendary executive literary editor, Wayne Lawson. When people asked why I was absent from University of Pennsylvania that fall, I told them I was studying abroad at the University of Wayne. Best school ever.

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

KS: Regardless of whether you want to work for a magazine’s print edition or the digital side, learn everything. I, along with the rest of the industry, have had to quickly adapt to new–­–and very cool—digital platforms and consumer behaviors. There’s tons of value in honing your digital skills early on (even just through your own Twitter and Tumblr accounts, at first). If you can write a story and build it out, you’ll be much more marketable and useful to an editorial team.

You were a Her Campus writer for several years during college! What were some valuable lessons you learned from being part of the HC team?

KS: Being part of the Her Campus network definitely helped me realize the value of collaborating with talented peers. Some of the people I got to know through Her Campus are now great colleagues and friends. “Networking” is such a buzz term, but there’s something really important and organic about establishing genuine connections with people when they’re in a similar stage as you. Sure, asking a career crush to coffee can definitely be fruitful. But it’s equally rewarding and helpful to see the same friends whose internship applications I used to proofread go on to become writers and editors actually doing the hiring.

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

KS: Wayne, the longtime Vanity Fair editor, definitely comes to mind; he gave me the chance to learn from him and his world when I was barely old enough to enjoy all the martinis in it. And there’s also a really special Penn English professor, Kitsi Watterson, whom I apprenticed for throughout college. An author and former news reporter who has covered issues from black liberation to women’s rights to prisoners’ rights, she has taught me how to keep up my interests in social justice and mass incarceration, even when those subjects aren’t necessarily focal points of my daily job.

What words of wisdom do you find most valuable?

KS: I appreciate Katie Couric’s boldness and bravery (in addition to her awesome first name). At this point in her career, she could easily kick back and retire, already having broken plenty of barriers and contributed a lot of great work. But that’s not her style, as evidenced by her favorite mantra, which she shared backstage at Glamour’s Women of the Year Awards this November: “A boat is always safe in the harbor, but that’s not what boats are built for.” I love that.

What do you look for when considering hiring someone?

KS: Someone very grounded and aware who really wants to support the workplace and is smart and gracious about knowing how to contribute. Someone who has great ideas of her own but also knows when to execute and support whatever it is my team is working towards. Someone with awesome editorial and interpersonal discretion.

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

KS: Remember that your first job most likely isn’t your last. I know it can be stressful to figure out where to kick off your career, but I’d always advise someone to go to the place with the most potential for growth and development. That doesn’t always mean the sexy company you want to work at 10 years from now. Go kill it somewhere you can get your hands dirty, and then go knocking at the place you aspire to be—armed with a ton of applicable experience. 

Also, sort of in line with Couric’s favorite saying, don’t be afraid to do something a little bold, quirky or out of the ordinary (i.e. taking time off to pursue a concrete interest or studying abroad in a country different than the place all your friends are going). Those are the things that make you more knowledgeable and interesting. Or that’s at least what I told myself back in college when I spent a semester researching Scandinavian prisons in freezing Norway while a bunch of my friends were kicking back together in sunny Spain. 

As you pack your bags for spring break, don't forget to grab a good book! Luckily, we already have your spring break read all picked out for you. Enter below to win a copy of Delicious!, a new novel from bestselling author Ruth Reichl. Random House and Her Campus are partnering up to give 25 lucky collegiettes advanced reader's editions of the book!

In her New York Times best-selling memoirs Tender at the Bone and Comfort Me with Apples, Ruth Reichl has brilliantly illuminated how food defines us. Now, she celebrates this theme in her fiction debut—a novel about sisters, family ties and a young woman who must find the courage to let go of the past in order to embrace her own true gifts. We don't want to give too much away, so if you want to learn more about the book, click here! 

Take Delicious! with you on your beach getaway as you soak up the sun or snuggle up with the book indoors under a cozy blanket. No matter where you are this spring break, Delicious! is sure to be a handy travel companion.

Enter below for a chance to win one of 25 advanced reader's copies of the novel (the official release isn't until May!). Winners will be chosen at random and will be announced in the March 17 STUDY BREAK. 

Happy reading, collegiettes!

Although sometimes it feels like we’re going to be stuck in winter forever, warmer days (and spring clothes) are on the horizon! Check out .H.C.B., a fun, fashionable online boutique with tons of trendy, girly clothes at college-budget-friendly prices. It’s the perfect way to get a head start on your spring shopping without even having to leave the house!

If you order your new spring wardrobe by March 24 and use coupon code HERCAMPUS, you’ll get 15 percent off your order. Plus, you can enter our giveaway here to win $200 in store credit! Hurry - the giveaway ends March 12!

Check out our top .H.C.B. picks for pretty spring dresses that will brighten up your wardrobe without breaking the bank!

1. Graphic Stripes Tunic Dress, $34.99

Make a statement this spring in this bold, printed tunic dress!

2. Striped Skater Dress, $40

This striped fit-and-flare dress is super feminine and flattering.

3. Sleeveless Bow Back Dress, $40

This adorable mint frock can be worn with a jacket and flats for class or with a statement necklace and heels for a Friday night out.

4. Button Down Belted Maxi Shirt Dress, $48

This must-have maxi shirt dress will give you a look that’s both casual and girly!

5. Neon Stripes Bodycon Dress, $38

This colorful bodycon dress is fun, flirty and totally eye-catching.

6. Sleeveless Chevron Stripe Maxi Dress, $44

We love the bright colors in this cute (and comfy!) maxi dress.

7. Open Flap Back Flounce Dress, $44

For your next girls’ night out, this flouncy blue number is sure to garner some compliments!

Which is your favorite dress for spring, collegiettes? Let us know in the comments below!

As the lovely ladies of Girls so boldly illustrate to us every Sunday night, twenty-somethings have the best boobs. Unfortunately, we won’t always be the proud owners of such perky, perfect breasts. Time and a pesky little thing called gravity are working against us, and none of us are looking forward to the day when what used to be firm and bouncy starts feeling loose and droopy. While we know saggy boobs are in all of our eventual futures (hopefully our far, far-away futures), we’re still fighting back. We can stave off the sagging for a few extra years by giving our girls the support they deserve today!

Why it happens

Before we try to delay the sagging, we have to understand why it happens in the first place. Just what is it that makes our girls let loose?

Nature or nurture?

According to Dr. Fardad Farouzanpour, a plastic surgeon and founder of Beverly Hills Cosmetic Surgical group, sagging is based in biology. 

“Breasts are composed of fat cells, milk ducts, milk glands, and Cooper's ligaments,” he explains. “As women age, milk glands in the breasts are replaced with fat tissue [that has] less support.” While he says that breasts can sag at any age, he adds, “Most females do not experience sagging during their teenage years or early twenties unless their breasts are extremely large [or] the person is obese.” What does this mean for us collegiettes? That we’re only just entering our prime!

Sagging isn’t purely biological, however. Dr. Farouzanpour notes that a number of external factors can speed up the process. In addition to genetics and the stretching of the skin and the Cooper's ligaments, he cites “gravity, weight gain and weight loss, pregnancy, certain sports that can cause the breasts to bounce, and possibly cigarette smoking” as key factors behind the boob droop.

How to stop it

Thanks to biology and genetics, it’s an unavoidable truth that our beautiful boobs will one day sag. The silver lining, however, is that most of the external factors that Dr. Farouzanpour attributes to sagging fall within our control, which means we can easily delay the inevitable (without turning to surgery). 

1. Wear a supportive sports bra

We like to let our best buddies hang free as much as the next girl, but there’s a time and a place for bralessness. Here’s a hint: it’s not when we’re running on the treadmill, playing tennis, or sweating out our last meal at CrossFit. And it’s not even during our sneaky dorm room workouts – sad, we know.

Dr. Farouzanpour says a snug sports bra is the key to maintaining firmness. “[A supportive sports bra] can prevent the skin and ligaments from stretching,” he explains. “Women with larger breasts [especially] should wear more supportive bras to prevent the breasts from bouncing while jogging.” Bouncing only puts more strain on our skin.

We know that, like us, you’re now looking at your sports bra collection and wondering to yourself, “How the heck can I tell if it’s supportive?” The definition of support goes beyond simply preventing the girls from flying in our face mid-workout. Look for sports bras with adjustable straps, inner seaming that circles the sides and bottom of the breast, and cup size differentiation (rather than just XS-XXL). If it’s thin, flimsy, and unstructured, chuck it in the trash. Try these top-notch sports bras instead:

• Champion® The Smoothie™ High-Support Sports Bra, $28
• Shock Absorber Flexi Wire Sports Bra, $79
• Champion® Shape Too! Underwire Sports Bra, $39.99

2. Have a professional bra fitting

Would you use a half-gallon jug to carry a gallon of milk? No. So why are you squeezing your C-cups into a B-cup bra?

Most collegiettes don’t realize that they aren’t wearing the right bra. You could chalk it up to the fact that we’re focused on more important things – term papers usually trump underwire on the to-do list – but we aren’t the only ones making mistakes; 80% of women are wearing the wrong bra size. It would be one thing if incorrect bra sizing only resulted in mild discomfort, but it turns out that the right bra can keep our boobs perkier longer.

For the same reasons that they recommend a supportive sports bra, Dr. Farouzanpour and Rebecca Jennings, CEO of the plus size lingerie company Hips & Curves, stress that the support of a properly fitted bra is our first line of defense against sagging. According to Jennings, the best way to ensure your bra is cupping your breasts correctly is to have a professional fitting, which is free at any lingerie store and major department stores such as Macy’s and Nordstrom.  You can also use a service like True&Co. which sends you a curated selection of bras to try on and choose from at home based on your answers to an online questionnaire about your boobs and how your bras currently fit.

“Lifestyle [and] weight or health changes all can affect the type of bra that’s perfect for you,” notes Jennings. Your sizing could change over time without you even knowing it, so you should be fitted by a professional periodically to make sure that you’re still sporting the right fit. “Definitely don’t ignore your bra [sizings] for more than six months to a year,” advises Jennings.

While a fitting is best because the professional will tell you exactly what size you should be wearing, you can also determine for yourself whether or not your boobs are experiencing the Goldilocks effect. An ill-fitting bra “may slide up in the back or the cup may have some gaps. Both are signs that the bra is too big,” says Jennings. “You know a bra is too small if your breasts spill out the sides or the band is uncomfortably tight.” Another easy way to tell is by pulling your bra away from your back. If it stretches more than two inches away from your skin, you need a smaller size.

3. Don’t Smoke

As if you didn’t have enough reasons to stay away from cigarettes before, we’re giving you another that you probably hadn’t considered: your boobs! “Smoking... can also cause stretching of the breast tissue,” Dr. Farouzanpour elaborates. “So, [this is a] no-no if a woman wants to prevent her breasts from sagging.”

According to a 1998-2006 study on 132 women seeking breast lifts and implants, smoking does appear to exacerbate breast sagging. Brian Rinker, one of the plastic surgeons who contributed to the study, notes, “Smoking breaks down a protein in the skin called elastin, which gives youthful skin its elastic appearance and supports the breast.” We’d like to keep as much elastin as possible, thank you very much, so we’re passing on the cigarettes.

4. Protect the girls from UV rays

Sunburns are never any fun, no matter what part of your body they’re affecting. The good news is that most burns fade within a few days. The bad news is that if that burn happened to be on the undersides of your breasts, you’re more likely to have droopy boobs down the line.

One of the four scary truths you didn’t know about going tanning is that when UV light from a tanning bed (or sunshine from a topless afternoon by the pool) hits the sensitive, rarely-exposed skin on your breasts, it burns it far too quickly. Like all sunburns, it damages your skin cells and negatively affects elasticity, causing the tissue to wrinkle earlier in life. Lather on the sunscreen and always cover up your breasts while tanning. We’ll take tan lines over lackluster boobs any day!

5. Maintain a stable weight

Another major cause of breast sagging is weight fluctuation. “Weight gain associated with the consumption of alcohol and junk food” – i.e., weight gain from an unhealthy diet rather than weight gain from muscle-building exercise – “can also cause stretching of the breast tissue,” Dr. Farouzanpour elaborates. While muscle building makes you heavier, it doesn’t affect your breast tissue (which is why, sadly, no specific exercise or workout will keep your breasts firm and tight). Weight in the form of body fat, however, does affect breast size.

Unfortunately, our bodies oftentimes change without our say-so, so the best we can do is to stay consistent with healthy eating habits and exercise (with a supportive sports bra, of course!). The stretching and shrinking that accompanies weight fluctuations adds to the strain on your skin and ligaments (think of stretch marks), so it’s best to steer clear of fatty foods and fad and crash diets (which are bad for more than just our boobs, anyway). Be choosy in the dining hall! Unfortunately, Dr. Farouzanpour says there is no one diet or vitamin that is known to keep the girls firmly in place, so we’re trusting our healthy instincts... and our Pinterest recipes page.

“The way your curves change at any given age really depends on body type, lifestyle and heredity,” concludes Jennings. “What’s most important throughout our lives is to love and embrace them!” We love our perky boobs today and we’ll love them just as much when they’re starting to sag (we swear!). There’s nothing wrong with delaying that droopy day, though. Slap on a sports bra; get yourself fitted for support; and keep your skin from stretching by ditching the butts, the tanning beds, and the Big Macs – your boobs will thank you later!

Sometimes we collegiettes are prone to exaggeration. It’s not that we're overly dramatic (though sometimes we are… #sorrynotsorry), but it's more that the way we speak on a daily basis doesn’t always align perfectly with what we actually mean. It’s not necessarily on purpose, but we all do it. Wondering what we’re talking about? Check out some examples below.

1. "I died."

No, you did not die. You are not dead. You are still alive and standing right here in front of us, you ridiculous human. 

2. "You’re literally the worst."

Really? We are the literal worst thing you've ever encountered in your entire life? We highly doubt that. 

3. "I can’t even."

If you really wanted to, you could. 

4. "I'd kill a man for a taco right now."

Not denying that Mexican food is, indeed, God's greatest gift to the world, but for some reason we don't belive you would murder a person over something as trivial as a taco. But that's just us. 

5. "I’d rather do literally anything else than this homework."

You'd rather jump into a pile of dog crap and roll around in it while "Friday" by Rebecca Black plays on repeat than finish your reading? Didn't think so. 

6. "I haven’t texted him in forever."

You texted him three days ago. That is not "forever" by any stretch of imagination. 

7. "I don't care."

Any time a girl says that she doesn't care, it's pretty safe to assume that she's lying. She cares. Promise. 

8. "I'm fine." 

Nothing about how you just said that makes us believe that you're actually fine, Ms. Passive-Aggressive.  

9. "I hate you/him/them/her/everyone."

You're telling us you hate your grandparents? You're telling us you hate Jennifer Lawrence? Puppies?! Yeah, that's what we thought. 

10. "I’m never drinking again."

You're going to drink tonight. You might even drink before that. 

11. "I'm dreaming, pinch me!"

Stop. Never has that ever meant we actually wanted you to touch our cheeks. 

12. "I’m seriously going to throw myself in front of that bus."

Okay, whatever. 

13. "We should get lunch sometime." 

By sometime, we mean never.

14. "I’m freaking in love with you."

You did me a favor, and I said that I loved you. This doesn't mean I actually love you, want to date you, want you to text me, etc. Don't let it go to your head. 

Maybe we should all learn to tell it like it is. Literally. 

You’ve had a crush on that cutie across your dorm hallway or your study buddy for your psychology class for months now, but so far, it feels like he doesn’t know you exist. You try to put yourself out there and flirt every now and then, but he just doesn’t seem to be getting the hint. What gives?

Even though you may feel like you’re sending him some majorly strong flirtation vibes, your passive approach could be what’s getting in the way of you and your happily ever after. He may not be getting the message because he genuinely doesn’t know you’re interested! Find out the seven worst ways to flirt, plus seven ways to step up your game.

1. Waiting hours to respond to his text

We get it; it can be super stressful trying to figure out what to say over text (and what he means in his messages). You can’t help but worry about how your words will come off, and let’s face it: a two-sentence-long text is definitely not enough to make him see how witty you truly are. All things considered, it’s natural to want to wait not only so you can think about your reply, but also so you can avoid looking too eager. But if you’re delaying the inevitable by not replying right away or you’re purposely making him wait to seem blasé, you probably won’t leave the best impression.

“Most guys can see right through it when you're waiting to text as a way of playing games,” says Arden Leigh, seduction coach and author of The New Rules of Attraction: How to Get Him, Keep Him, and Make Him Beg for More. “What a guy will get a sense of over time is what your flow is with your phone habits.” So if you’re usually easy to reach on weekend afternoons but suddenly start delaying your responses, he might see that you’re jerking him around — or think you’re no longer interested.

“I tried to get with a girl who wouldn’t give me the time of day,” says Eric*, a senior at Boston University. “She never texted me back, but when she did, it was hours later. I don’t know if she was playing a game or trying to avoid me completely, but I didn’t stick around to find out.” If you actually want to show him you’re interested, it’s better to look eager and interested than aloof and inaccessible!

Instead, if you have something to say, just say it. Guys like it! “It’s not an end-all, be-all or off-putting if she doesn’t reply right away—unless she never responds or waits until the next day—because it could just be that she’s busy in class. But having a quick response makes it seem more likely that she’s interested,” says Harrison, a sophomore at Skidmore College.

Of course, you shouldn’t jump on his every text immediately. Give him time to breathe; he might be nervous, too! But don’t wait too long, or your conversation will lose steam.

2. Not texting twice in a row to avoid seeming desperate

Just like you shouldn’t worry about how much time has passed between texts, you shouldn’t worry about double-texting (unless you’re actually hounding him, in which case, step away from the phone!).

“If you have something to say, just say it,” Leigh advises. “Recognize that not all texts warrant a response. If you sent him something cute that reminded you of him, he might have enjoyed receiving it but not felt that it needed a reply.” In that case, it’s totally fine to be the one to text next.

Harrison agrees. “I don’t think double-texting is a bad thing,” he says. “That could be showing that she’s interested in me and wants me to respond even more. If there’s a bunch and it’s starting to seem desperate like, ‘Come on, you need to talk to me! Please talk to me,’ though, that would be creepy.”

Keep your cool — no seven texts in a row, please! Know that it makes sense to double-text after you’ve sent him something funny or ended a conversation but then want to strike up a new one or ask him to hang out. If, however, your last text or two had to do with asking him to hang out (and he never replied), you should probably pump the brakes. Still, provided you’re not exhibiting stage-5 clinger behavior, don’t be afraid to reach out to him, even after a bit of radio silence! He’ll probably be thrilled when he realizes you’re actually into him enough to try.

3. Giving him “come-hither” eyes and hoping he’ll approach you

This flirting technique is definitely a passive, easy way out. You avoid the anxiety brought on by actually approaching him yourself, but by waiting for him to make the first move, you might miss your chance completely!

“I like to make eyes at guys from across the room; it’s less nerve-wracking,” says Anna*, a senior at Tufts University. “They probably can’t tell if I’m doing it on purpose half the time, but it’s better than putting myself out there and looking like an idiot if he isn’t interested.”

While Anna’s approach is great for self-preservation, Leigh warns that it isn’t enough to actually get a guy’s attention. “Eye contact is actually a great way to signal approach, but it's not your only option,” she says. “If you've made eye contact with a guy and he's noticed you but hasn't approached you, he might just be shy. Walk up to him, smile and say, ‘Well you can't just look at me like that and then not say anything at all!’”

Don’t just leave him guessing—make it clear that you’re flirting, and let the fun begin!

4. Paying attention to his friend and hoping he’ll notice you

It’s the oldest trick in the book, but does it really work? Flirting with your crush’s friend is less intimidating than working up to courage to flirt with your crush himself, and it might just make your real crush see you in a romantic way (all that hair-flipping and sultry smiling right in front of him? It seems foolproof, right?). Unfortunately, it definitely won’t make your intentions clear.

“I spent months hoping a friend of mine would notice me in a romantic way, and in the meantime, I flirted with most of our mutual friends,” says Kelly*, a senior at the University of San Diego. “I’m guessing he just assumed I was into everyone but him.”

According to Carole Lieberman, M.D., psychiatrist and author of Bad Girls: Why Men Love Them & How Good Girls Can Learn Their Secrets, this passive flirting technique can totally backfire. “The old bait and switch is hard to pull off, especially if his friend is into you and starts asking you out,” she says. “What do you say then? ‘Oh, I'm sorry. I was really interested in your friend’?”

Obviously, this isn’t the best approach. “You could, however, give attention to the both of them,” Lieberman suggests. “This doesn't put the guy you like on the spot, and it may even make him feel competitive with his friend and get him to make a move.” You have to show him at least a little direct attention to let him know you’ve got your eye on him.

5. Asking him for advice about other guys

If a guy asked you for help getting another girl, would you really think he wanted you all along? This isn’t the sixth grade, so we shouldn’t be acting like 12-year-olds!

“It would seem that she wants to be with another guy, not me,” Harrison says of this flawed flirting technique. “That can sometimes be confusing because if you like somebody, you should just go for them instead of beating around the bush.”

Lieberman agrees that this tactic is a no-no. “It's kind of an insult to the guy you like to ask advice about getting other guys,” she says. “He may think, ‘What am I, chopped liver?’

“On the other hand, you could ask him more general questions like, ‘What are guys looking for these days?’ Or even, ‘How would you describe the perfect girl?’” she suggests. By asking him questions like these, you’ll not only let him know that you’re looking, but you’ll also hear what he wants. That way, depending on his answer, you can stick around and flirt some more or move on!

6. Poking him and/or liking his Facebook statuses

Unfortunately, social networking isn’t the same as being social, and cryptic Internet interactions won’t get you anywhere—as much as we wish they would. Instead of “poking” him online or liking his statuses, try to use your real-world body language and even light touches here and there to let him know you’re interested!

“Social networking can be a good tool, but most guys won't pick up on your interest just because you liked a few of [their] updates,” Leigh says. “Use social media to message him and invite him out, get his number and move the conversation to texting, which is much more personal. And of course, use all of this to get him in person, where you can actually have a meaningful connection.”

It may be tempting to hide behind your computer or even your iPhone when reaching out to him, but flirting face-to-face is always best.

7. Making him work hard to hang out with you

If he signals that he’s interested or asks you to hang out, don’t be afraid to say yes! It may seem like a good idea to play aloof and make it seem like he’s only one of many options—which he may be—but playing hard to get can cost you the guy.

“If a girl plays hard to get, she isn’t worth my time,” says Ryan*, a senior at Colby College. “I don’t want to have to try to figure out what kind of games she’s playing. I’d rather know up front.”

Plus, Leigh says, it can send the wrong message about what it takes to be with you. “[Playing hard to get] sends a message that any guy who wants you has to persist in pursuing you, possibly to the point of harassment, so it adds to a culture of women being encroached upon by guys who don't believe that her ‘no’ really means ‘no,’” she says.

So what should you do? “If you want to be flirtatious and challenging without sending an immature, contradictory message, instead of saying ‘no’ when you mean ‘yes,’ try saying, ‘Not just yet, handsome... but the night is young!’” Leigh suggests. Sure, it can seem daunting to make a bold statement like that one, but hey, if he’s already shown that he’s interested, you should be brimming with confidence anyway!

Forget your days of passive flirting; put these flawed flirting techniques back on the shelves and dust off your confidence. If you’re direct and show you’re interested, you’ll find the one you’re looking for infinitely faster!

*Names have been changed.

Peter Lanza, the father of Sandy Hook shooter Adam Lanza, spoke to the New Yorker in a series of interviews for a piece called, "The Reckoning: The Father of the Sandy Hook Killer Searches for Answers."

In December 2012, Adam Lanza killed 20 first-graders and six adults at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, as well as taking his own life and his mother's. It was one of the deadliest mass shootings in United States history. This is the first time that Peter Lanza has spoken publicly about his son. 

"How much do I beat up on myself about the fact that he's my son? A lot." said Lanza. "You can't get any more evil."

Peter does not believe that Adam's Asperger's syndrome was related to the shootings. "Asperger’s makes people unusual, but it doesn’t make people like this,” he said in the interview. 

The New Yorkerpiece by Andrew Solomon focuses largely on the Lanza family's struggle to deal with their son's problems. “With hindsight, I know Adam would have killed me in a heartbeat, if he’d had the chance,” said Lanza.

By breaking his silence, Peter hopes to prevent a similar incident from happening again. "I want people to be afraid of the fact that this could happen to them. It's real" said Lanza. “It doesn’t have to be understood to be real.”

So let's get this straight—you weren't accepted to your top college, but you weren't rejected, either. Now what?

Like most things in life, college admissions aren’t all black and white. If you applied to college early decision or early action and got a letter saying you were deferred to regular admissions, don't despair. You may be stuck in limbo at the moment, but, lucky for you, there are more productive things to do than idle your days away in suspense. To improve your chances of getting into the college of your dreams, check out these tips for how to follow up with the early-action or early-decision schools you've been deferred from!

Consider your options.

Now that you've had a chance to take a breath and let the deferral sink in, it's time for you to do something about it!

Patty Finer, executive director of The College Admissions Consultant, says it's important to put your chances of being admitted into perspective. The first thing you want to consider is an often-overlooked number on your deferral letter: the admit percentage, which is the proportion of deferred applicants who are expected to be admitted. Many letters will not state an admit rate for deferred ED or EA applicants, but if yours does, take that number seriously. "You run a really high risk if [you're applying] early decision of not getting in,” Finer says. “Try not to be hard on yourself because it is a very competitive process, and a lot of these early-decision schools are very small."

For early-action defers, consider the fact that when it comes to early-action admissions, many schools will only admit those whom they see as slam dunks, so you still have a chance in the regular-decision pool. "If you've been deferred from ED or EA into RD, don't lose hope, because that gives you a second chance to be accepted," says Anna Ivey, founder of admissions consulting firm Ivey Consulting and co-author of the book How to Prepare a Standout College Application.

According to Bari Norman, co-founder and president of college counseling service Expert Admissions, only follow up with a school if you're highly interested or if it’s your top school. "If you're in doubt … the safer thing to do would be don't do it," Norman says. "However, if you really love a school, you should follow up."

If, after you've given yourself a reality check, you still think that this school is the perfect fit for you, get ready to move forward and put in everything you've got!

Connect with the admissions team

The first thing you want to do is give the admissions office a call and try to speak with an admissions representative, Finer says. College admissions offices usually divide responsibilities by geographic region, so there is probably a specific rep assigned to you who is responsible for looking at your application in the first round. If you don't know who yours is, try to figure out by searching the admissions website and then connect with her, because she knows who you are and she'll be the one potentially singing your praises to the rest of the committee at admissions selection meetings. You can communicate with your college rep by sending emails, going to the college for a personal admissions interview or meeting at an official rep visit or local gathering in your hometown.

"Connect with them maybe once and say hi, this is my number one school, this is the school I really want to go to, is there any way I could interview with you or come and talk to you to figure out what I can do to better my chances of getting in?" Finer says. "But you don't want to be a pest. You don't want to be calling them every single weekend saying, ‘Did you let me in?’ That's not going to help."

Remember to be polite in any of your communications with colleges. "Keep things short and to the point, and always be polite whenever you're communicating with a school representative, even if it's the person answering the phones," Ivey says. "How you treat people in the admissions office will get noticed."

Also, if you haven't visited the school, try to schedule a tour and a meeting with the admissions officers in person as soon as possible (you can do this through the admissions website). "Sometimes when they see you, there's a whole different perspective," Finer says. "When you're seeing someone on paper, you're seeing it one way, and when you meet the person it can be a totally different picture. They might go, 'I made a mistake; this is someone we really want to have.'" On the other hand, interviews can also hurt you, so keep that in mind and prepare wisely.

Write a letter to the admissions office

Now comes the part where you profess your undying love for the school and tell the admissions officers why the school can't live without you. Okay, so maybe not in that dramatic of a fashion, but that's basically the gist of it.

This letter is typically called a "letter of continued interest." Each school has its own preferred way of receiving these updates, so if you're not sure how the admissions officers want to hear from you, make sure to ask. "And it makes a good impression if you do the following up, rather than having Mom or Dad do it," Ivey says.

So how do you put this letter together?

Express your love for the school

If this school is in fact, without a doubt, your first choice, make sure that comes across. Even if it's not your first choice, you can say that you're highly interested.

"Depending on the school and whether or not you've already said this in your application, if you're able to or want to say why it is your first choice or why you're highly interested, why it's a really good fit, this would be the time to do that," Norman says. "If you've already done that— for example, if there was already a question like that on the supplement and you've already written a whole essay on why— then you probably don't need to do it unless you have something new."

Use your judgment when it comes to how much you want to say, but don't go overboard or be excessively creative. Generally, it's best to be relevant, concise and straightforward, keeping in mind that the admissions reps probably don't want to hear another song on YouTube about how much so-and-so desperately needs to be accepted.

Say something along the lines of, "Awesome College remains the university that I am most excited about attending. Of the many schools that I visited during my college search, Awesome College and its program in Awesomeness is the best match for my interests and aspirations because..."

Keep in mind that the fact that you really want to go to a school isn’t reason enough for that college to admit you. The answer can't stop at, “If you take me, I'm definitely going to come”—you have to prove why you’d be a good fit. Be confident in knowing how you'll fit into the admitted students pool and provide the admissions team with solid reasons to accept you.

Share your new, relevant accomplishments

You want to remind the admission officers what they liked about you in the first place, and then give them even more reason to like you. This letter is designed to show the admissions team that not only are you still committed to their school, but, oh, wow—look at all the new things you've accomplished while you've been stuck in limbo!

Since you want to give yourself time to accomplish new things, don't follow up with a school immediately after you were deferred. "You have to find time for things to happen and for things to unfold," Norman says. "If you write immediately and then you have another bunch of weeks and opportunities for things to happen, you don't want to write three more times between being deferred and being notified in the spring."

Instead, contact the admissions officers thoughtfully. Keep in mind that each school may also have its own instructions about what they do and don't want you to do and what the timeline should look like, so pay close attention. Generally, it's a good idea to send your letter in February, preferably late February, because that's when final rounds are about to begin.

One update is appropriate in most cases. First, think about what has changed since you applied and if there’s new, relevant information you would like to share, both academic and extracurricular. "There are things that may have come up but they're not necessarily things that warrant any following up," Norman says. For example, if your first-semester grades came out and you got more Bs than As, you don't want to draw attention to that.

However, grades definitely play a huge part in swaying decisions one way or the other. "Commit to doing your best during senior year and not slacking off, because your senior-year performance is still being evaluated," Ivey says. "Typically, you will be required to have your high school … counselor send an updated school report along with any updated grades. Other kinds of updates will probably be at your discretion, and you can decide which ones look good enough to send to the schools as optional updates from your end."

So if your first-semester grades were great, draw attention to them, and maybe even ask your counselor to put in an additional good word for you if she hasn't done so already.

If you've recently accomplished something meaningful or done something you're proud of, like gaining recognition in an extracurricular activity, doing well in a challenging course, accepting a new leadership position, receiving new honors or awards or doing well in a competition, include it in your letter.

You may also want to consider including extra teacher recommendations or other documents, but only if it's significantly going to help your chances of getting in. For example, if you did extremely well in a course fall semester of your senior year and you didn’t have the chance to ask your teacher for an academic recommendation before you applied, you might want to ask for one if you think the letter is going to be vastly different from your other ones. Or, if you just wrote a paper on an ongoing research project that you've been working hard on, it might benefit you to send in an abstract. It's all about being relevant as opposed to being gratuitous.

Keep in mind that more isn’t necessarily better

So how much information is too much information? Unfortunately, it's a fine line that depends on the situation. Generally, for deferral letters, more information is not necessarily better, and relevance is crucial. "The best thing you can do for yourself is to follow instructions," Ivey says. "Make sure to send schools anything that's required, and exercise judgment about sending them things that aren't required. More does not equal better in college admissions, and that includes updates."

According to Norman, it's usually a good idea to give one update. If there's an additional something small that makes sense to include, add it, but beyond that, it might be too much. "You have to be mindful about what the college asks for in the application and not go totally overboard, because then you just get to the point where you're just not following instructions," Norman says. "You could turn something that could work in your favor into something that works against you because you don't know when to stop."

So use your best judgment, be mindful and trust your instincts when deciding what to include in your letter.

Be yourself

It can be easy to get caught up in this arduous process and become someone whom you think the admissions team is looking for instead of being yourself. When writing your follow-up, make sure that your true self comes through. Definitely avoid coming across as bitter, angry or depressed, because that's a huge red flag to the admissions officers. Instead, show them what an interesting and unique person you are and why you would be a great addition to their student body.

"You don't need to put on a play," Finer says. "You just need to be yourself, down-to-earth, serious [and] committed, and show that you know something about the school."

Let it go and move on

Once you've submitted your masterpiece of a letter, the only thing you can do now is wait and hope that it's enough. You shouldn't expect much of a response after you follow up—maybe just an acknowledgment saying that the admission rep will add the new information to your file. While you wait for regular decisions, it's important to stay realistic and have a back-up plan.

"It's critical that you not let go of the other schools that you're applying to," Finer says. "As much as you want [to go to] this school, it's important to continue going forward with submitting your applications to the other schools, because if you don't get in, you don't want to end up saying, 'I have nowhere to go.'"

Don't give up hope just yet! Being stuck in deferral limbo can be a difficult place to be, but you never know what could happen as a result of one extremely persuasive letter. If the odds are in your favor, follow through with what you said in your letter and make that college proud it gave you a second chance. 

Whether you’re a pre-collegiette poring over SAT prep books or an upperclassman getting ready to take the GRE, tests can be stressful. But they don’t have to be! From food to music to learning styles, there are multitudes of proven ways to do better on every test you take, from midterms to MCATs. 

1. Chew gum

You’ve probably heard it before, but it’s no urban legend. Baylor College of Medicine did a study in 2009 where students chewed gum during a standardized math test. The gum chewers scored better than the non-chewing control group. Chewing gum improves cognitive performance in adults because it stimulates the brain by increasing blood flow, according to the researchers. The best part? You probably already have a pack at the bottom of your purse. If you’re allowed to have gum during your test, start chewing to raise that score! Chewing pre-test may also help. 

2. Play some background music...

…while you study! No, you can’t jam during your test, but you can while you prepare. University of Dayton researchers found that fast-tempo music increased cognitive performance. The subjects listened to clips of fast-tempo Mozart pieces, which increased speed of spatial processing (how we understand and organize our world) and accuracy of linguistic processing (how well your brain understands words). The next time you’re studying for a big exam, turn on some fast tunes to better understand your material! The study was only done using Mozart music, so scientists aren’t sure what the effects of music with lyrics are. For now, stick with the classical channel on Pandora! 

3. Eat breakfast

Now is not the time to skip your morning oatmeal. German researchers studied the effect of eating breakfast on high school students. They found that eating breakfast did increase short-term cognitive ability, as well as the students’ self-reported alertness. Before you put your game face on, make some oatmeal or some scrambled eggs to keep you awake and ready for your test. “I like to eat breakfast before I take tests because it’s one less thing to worry about,” says Vanessa, a collegiette at Johns Hopkins University. “If I’m hungry during a test, it’s really distracting.” 

4. Hydrate

It’s simple, yet consistently effective. British researchers published a study last year that shows that students who brought a drink into a test did better than those who didn’t. Of course, some tests like the SAT have strict rules about what you can and cannot bring into a testing hall, but if you’re allowed to bring your own beverage, definitely fill up your water bottle beforehand. You can always quench your thirst during breaks if you have them.

5. Exercise

A light pre-exam jog may be just what you need to boost your score. The connection between cognitive ability and exercise is well-researched and could potentially be a great (and free) way to do better on tests. If going to the gym isn’t part of your weekly routine, try to fit in some quick dorm room exercises before you go to your test. According to scientists, exercise makes the neurons in your brain nimble, strengthening your brainpower. “For me, exercise loosens up my body and makes me relax. You get a clear head,” says Rebecca, a student at the Peabody Conservatory of Johns Hopkins. 

6. Plan to treat yourself after

Telling yourself you’ll splurge for that new nail polish once your exam is finished just might push your score over the edge. According to a University of Chicago study, the offer of a reward after a test is enough to boost scores. The next time you’re stressing about a test, tell yourself you’ll treat yourself afterwards—and then do it! Or, better yet, get a study buddy and reward each other. 

7. Nix the fast food 

If you want to pass your chem exam, you may want to trade in the French fries for a bowl of fruit. According to a recent study, the more fast food students consume, the lower their test scores will be. But you shouldn’t just avoid fast food the day before a test! Keeping your body as healthy as possible by avoiding fast food year-round is also a great way to help your brain stay healthy. 

So, collegiettes, if you have an upcoming test, try out a few of these tips to boost your score! Let us know how they worked in the comments below!

Talking to professors can be tricky. Standing out in a lecture hall full of hundreds of students can be nearly impossible, so it’s important to visit your professors during office hours. But what do you ask once you’re there? Whether you’re hoping to improve your performance in class or simply just trying to get your professor to remember you, HC has you covered with a few simple questions to ask your professor to get yourself ahead of the game.

1. What made you want to teach this class?

Try and get to know your professor. Not every teacher wants to just stand in front of a large lecture hall and spew out class notes every single day; some actually want to have a relationship with their students, and asking this question will let your professor know that you’re interested in getting to know him or her on a more personal level. Ashley, a sophomore at Duke University, ended up visiting one of her professors so much that it almost became a daily ritual for her. “I like to make my professors know who I am so they can give me a second look,” she says.

2. What’s the most important thing I can take away from this class?

A student who’s willing to learn is more important to a professor than anything. Not only do your professors want you to do well in the course, but they also want you to be able to leave the class at the end of the semester and try to apply some of what they’ve taught you to real life. Be sure to let your teacher know that you’re thinking about the bigger picture in terms of the class and that you do actually have an interest in the subject, even if it’s not related to your major.

3. How would you ask us about this topic on an exam?

Every course is designed differently. When exams count for a large portion of your final grade, it’s important to know what they’re like and how to prepare for them. Asking this question will give you a better idea of how the tests are organized, what you need to focus on and how often you should study the material.

4. How can I improve my grade?

We all begin new semesters wanting to ace all of our classes. But somewhere along the line, with all the partying and the stress from our extracurricular activities, we tend to let our study habits slip up a little. Not only will this question help you find out how to get an A in the course, but it will also let your professor know that you take the class seriously and you care about doing well.

“I’ll usually ask my teachers to look over my papers just to make sure I’m doing well,” says Amber, a student at Columbia University. “If I can at least make the gesture of asking for help and getting them to know who I am, there’s a better chance they’ll bump my grade up from an 89 to a 90.”

5. I didn’t quite understand X in class. Can you explain it to me again?

Being afraid to ask questions can hurt you more than help you. “I was afraid to ask questions in one of my classes because I felt like everyone understood the material except for me,” says Brittany, a student at the University of Georgia. “A few days before our first exam, I barely even understood what we were doing in class.”

Your professors are there for a reason! It’s important to take advantage of their time and ask all the questions that you can before it’s too late. A one-on-one meeting is a great place for you to ask a professor to explain a complicated concept in detail.

Remember, your professors are required to hold office hours, so make sure you’re taking advantage of this by visiting them and asking the right questions!

Get preppy with Harding-Lane's original needlepoint hat! Five lucky collegiettes will win a hat in one of five patterns.

As we say goodbye (and good riddance!) to winter, we're happily welcoming warmer weather with open arms. Spring and summer are all we can think about. To help you transition into sunnier days, a Harding-Lane hat will act as the perfect warm-weather accessory. Take your Harding-Lane hat to the beach, out on the lake or even while shopping around town! 

Harding-Lane sent us a hat to try out and we immediately fell in love with it. Her Campus reader Lily styled her mermaid hat with a simple white tank and an oversized cardigan.

Not only are Harding-Lane caps great quality, they're also eco-friendly! There is no leather in the hat. Instead of being made from leather, the backstrap is made from sail cloth. 

If you adore Lily's look, then you'll love the other patterns we're giving away! Each winner will receive either the lighthouse, crab, mermaid, sloop or lobster hat. To see all of the hats Harding-Lane offers, visit their online shop. 

Five winners will be chosen at random. Winners will be announced in the March 18 STUDY BREAK.

Good luck, collegiettes!

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.

Late Sunday night, I got back to Ann Arbor after a week of traveling in Argentina. I've been wishing I could go back since the second I landed and I remembered how cold it is here! I spent my spring break either outside enjoying the sun or inside enjoying food, so I am still in a sun coma and food coma, making it even harder to get back to class and the real world. I didn't document everything I ate, but I snapped some pictures of the highlights to be able to share a recap of my Argentinian eats. 

I had lots of delicious food throughout the week - all at mind-blowingly cheap prices - but it definitely was not the healthiest fare. I managed to get some doses of fruits and vegetables, but the meals we ate at restaurants primarily consisted of bread, cheese, meat and more cheese. We were active throughout the days, walking and hiking through the beautiful mountains, but I would've had to hike Mount Everest to work off all of the empanadas I polished off (not to mention the glasses of wine I washed them down with). So, if you're looking for healthy meal ideas, check out my other posts, but if you want some South American food porn to salivate at instead of paying attention to your Econ professor, then you are in the right place. Without further adieu, if you're still with me, behold: the empanada. 

Empanadas 

What could be bad about melty cheese surrounded by a warm, crispy blanket of fried bread? The answer is the stomachache I got after eating it, but everything else about it was pure bliss. Every restaurant had empanadas as an appetizer option on the menu, so we got them several times. The filling choices were always either cheese, chicken or beef. We could not figure out why no places had the option of chicken and cheese, which so clearly would have been an amazing combination, so we often ordered a mix of cheese and chicken ones to eat simultaneously like the culinary genuises that we are. I'm considering moving to Argentina just to revolutionize the empanada game. Below is the inside of one of the chicken ones, so you can see for yourself how much better it would be if cheese was simultaneously oozing out of there like above. 

I could go on and on about empanadas forever, but suffice it to say that I'm in love. I think it is for the best that they are not on every street corner in the U.S. like they are in Argentina, because an overdose would be inevitable. 

Tamales

I actually think I liked the tamales as much as the empanadas, but I didn't discover that until later in the week, so I didn't get to indulge in quite as many. A tamale is basically a casserole mush of ingredients steamed in a banana leaf wrapper. Note: don't eat the leaf, which I learned the hard way. The primary ingredient is corn masa, which kind of tastes like a cross between polenta and cornbread. The one pictured above was also filled with beef, onions, potato and delicious seasoning, but the fillings vary depending on the restaurant (and country). I loved the flavor and texture combinations, and they were fun to eat, too - like unwrapping a cute, tasty, little gift! 

Milanese 

Milanese is actually an Italian dish, but it's really popular in Argentina. There are different variations, but the gist of it is breaded meat. More specifically, it's typically a thin slice of beef or chicken (but there were other options, like llama...) dipped in egg and bread crumbs and then pan-fried. The one above is "Milanesa a la Napolitana," which was smothered in tomato sauce and mozzerella cheese and topped with olives. In other words, chicken parm. YUM. 

Steak 

Steak is huge in Argentina. And by that, I don't just mean it's hugely popular, it's also just HUGE. As in massive, like the steak above, which was much larger than my face. I couldn't believe it when we ordered steak for two and that was what was placed in front of us. We also ordered mixed grilled vegetables and the portion size was similarly gigantic. I felt bad wasting so much food, but what we did manage to eat of this feast was absolutely delicious. The vegetables were perfectly smoky. I've never had grilled sweet potato or grilled carrots, only baked or roasted, so that was interesting. My favorite was the grilled beet, though. I don't eat beets very often, but I love them when I do. When I put down my fork for good at the end of this meal, I was the fullest I have been in a long time. I wish we could have taken the rest to go, but something told us it wouldn't have kept well in our backpacks at the hostel. 

Papas Fritas 

I'm going to go ahead and assume you are well aware of what a french fry is, so this one doesn't need much explanation. Fried potatoes, whether in the form of a skinny fry like above or crispy rounds, were on nearly all of the menus. We ordered them once or twice (maybe thrice) to accompany our steaks. The ones above were topped with egg, cheese and seasoning. They were a little too oil-y for me, but the egg topping was bomb. 

Dulce de Leche 

Dulce de leche, or "the candy of milk," is really popular in South America. It's made by carmelizing milk, using sugar and heat. There's a slight distinction between dulce de leche and caramel based on the preparation, but they taste the same. At a few of our hostels where breakfast was included, there was dulce de leche to spread on bread. I tried it and had to exercise real self-restraint to not finish the entire bowl of it. Thick, buttery caramel spread on bread is as good as it sounds. I would have preferred it as dessert because it was a bit too sweet for the morning, but it was delicious in any case. Not something anyone should make a habit of eating regularly, and certainly not part of a healthy, balanced breakfast because it's pure sugar, but it was a nice treat for that once-in-a-lifetime week in Argentina. 

Homemade Pizza 

This sums up the trip pretty nicely: at one of the hostels we were staying at, a group of locals invited us to share homemade pizza they made for dinner. They made about 10 different types of pizzas, all with fresh ingredients (even the dough was homemade!), and all we had to pitch in was two dollars. Two dollars for essentially all-you-can-eat pizza, shared with people we had just met who were nice enough to invite us! Everyone we met was like that - so welcoming and willing to help.

The pizza was unreal. The crust was thin and crispy, which is exactly how I like it. A little less sauce than I usually like, but plenty of cheese to compensate. Each pizza had different toppings, so it was exciting to see what came out next. My favorites were one topped with carmelized onions and arugula, and another topped with hard-boiled eggs.  Hard-boiled eggs on a pizza sounds weird (I've seen fried egg on a pizza, but never hard-boiled), but I loved it! Maybe just because I'm an egg fiend. 

Overall, the trip was amazing and I love reliving it through the pictures of all the yummy food. I'm going to need to squeeze in a few extra gym sessions this week, though. Now go pay attention to your Econ professor!