CL Interviews: Nicole Barron, President of the NYU Ballroom and Latin Dance Team

Posted on May 22, 2013 by SashaG

Image Courtesy of Nicole Barron’s Personal Library

You might think ballroom dancing is just for your grandparents. But think again. Co-eds around the country ballroom dance competitively, and they look fabulous doing it. Nicole Barron, 22, is one such classy co-ed. A graduating senior at NYU majoring in Journalism and Social and Cultural Analysis, Barron has been president of the NYU Ballroom Dance Team for two years. Lucky for us, Barron took a break from tearing it up on the dance floor to chat with College Lifestyles (TM).

College Lifestyles: How did you get involved with ballroom dancing?

Nicole Barron: I got involved my freshman year at NYU. I had found the Ballroom team when I was researching about things to do at NYU when I was a senior in high school and came across the Ballroom team and wanted to join. I never took any dance classes when I was younger but I always wanted to and Ballroom really interested me. I saw the team at Club Fest and I went to their first lesson and stuck with it!

CL: What made you decide to run for President?

NB: I was actually the only candidate. I was the secretary my sophomore year and most of the EBoard were seniors so it just left me and one other girl who would be returning. Everyone just started saying that I would be president and then I kind of just accepted that I’d do it. I originally only wanted to…be vice president my junior year and president my senior year. But then I ended up doing it for two years and I couldn’t have been happier that I did.

Image Courtesy of Nicole Barron’s Personal Library

CL: As President, what do you do?

NB: I basically handle a lot of the logistics between the team and NYU, other schools, and outside venues that we use for lessons, etc. I work to organize the team and keep lessons and comps running. I also send and respond to lots of emails. My whole life these past two years has been about emails.

CL: What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?

NB: Some challenges were small like having to change a reservation in Kimmel and others have been bigger and usually involve competitions. At MIT last year the comp ended later than we had expected so I was searching along with my VP to find tickets to get everyone home. Luckily we had a very resourceful Newcomer who found tickets and we sent the remaining team members back on a late bus to NY. We also were at Yale last year when there was a blizzard around Halloween and we almost got stuck in New Haven. Challenges come up all the time but I always work with my EBoard to solve them by any means.

CL: What is the most important thing you learned from being President?

NB: I’ve learned a lot about working with my EBoard and splitting up tasks. Our team has between 50 and 75 active members and it’s takes more than one person to accomplish everything. There are a lot of forms to fill out, tickets to buy, people to register, and there’s no way one person could do it all. That being said, I still do a lot of things without delegating but I have learned how to delegate more over these past two years.

Image Courtesy of Nicole Barron’s Personal Library

CL: Do you have any words of advice for other college students who will be president of their organizations next year?

NB: Every president should have an idea of what they want to do for the team going into their presidency. I wanted to always be there for my team, and with such a large team that takes a lot of time. I wanted to be present and to always be at lessons and at competitions so that I could help out whenever someone needed help and that I could always be there to ask questions. That was my goal and I’m happy to say I did just that for two years.

CL: What other campus organizations are you involved with?

NB: Nothing! Ballroom took over my life, but in a good way. : )

CL: What are your plans after college?

NB: I’m working at my summer job for now in NY but I’m looking for permanent and hopefully in journalism.

CL: How do you plan to incorporate dancing into life after college?

NB: I’m still planning on dancing after I graduate. I have two partners right now: one for Smooth who lives in Boston and one for Latin who is in San Francisco for the next few months. I’m still planning on dancing with them and competing with NYU.

CL: How do you stay classy in college?

NB: I don’t how classy I am. I may only be on the dance floor? I think it’s important to have a good attitude no matter what the outcome at a competition. If you’re unhappy don’t yell at your partner at the competition. Wait until you are away from the competition. But I also don’t think it’s worth yelling. Ballroom should be fun and even if you’re competitive you should be having fun.

Image Courtesy of Nicole Barron’s Personal Library

Want to read about more classy student leaders? Check out the following CL articles:

CL Interviews: Alondra Olvera, Student Government President

CL Interviews Samantha Vulpis, Panhellenic President

CL Celebrates Women Leaders: Gabrielle Hitchens

Argentina: 5 Places to Go Outside Buenos Aires

Posted on May 19, 2013 by SashaG

Image courtesy of Salvetore Vuono/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Argentina. The country’s name immediately conjures up visions of late nights, sexy tango dances, and delicious steak dinners. For many, it also is automatically equated with Buenos Aires, its capital city. Argentina is the second-largest land mass in South America, and there’s plenty of other places to see. CL has compiled this list of 5 places you can visit outside of Buenos Aires.

Mendoza. Don’t want to party every night? Have a classy vacation in Mendoza. Just a 2-hour flight from Buenos Aires, Mendoza is best known for its wine. For a low-budget option, take a bicycle tour around several different vineyards, and be sure to try Malbec, Argentina’s best-known wine. When you want to burn off all those wine-induced calories, hike up the Cerro de la Gloria. Here you can take in an incredible view of the city and look at the monument to the Army of the Andes. The monument is also pictured on the Argentine $5 bill.

Mendoza/Courtesy of Roselyn Sebastian

San Carlos de Bariloche. Since it’s located in the Southern hemisphere, Argentina’s seasons are flipped. So if you’re craving a ski trip in July, travel to Bariloche for a plethora of winter sports. Getting cold? Head inside any of the several chocolate shops in this self-proclaimed chocolate capital. There’s even a Museum of Chocolate! You can also take a bus ride to Nahuel Huapi National Park, Argentina’s largest national park. At the very least, take a lift up the Cerro Campanario and look at it from above – National Geographic once named this the 8th best view in the world.

Salta. If you like history, you’ll like Salta. The town has several stunning examples of neoclassical architecture, and features several museums packed full of ancient Incan artifacts from the region. Salta is also an excellent starting point for several day trips. Head to Salinas Grandes, which cover 3,200 square miles and are the largest salt flats in the country. You can also take the famed “Train to the Clouds,” which runs over 13,000 feet above sea level and is named as such for the clouds you can see underneath the railway. The train departs at 7AM and returns at midnight, stopping once to let tourists off and shop for folkloric crafts.

Tres Colores Hill/Courtesy of Sasha Graffagna

Quebrada de Humahuaca. A UNESCO world heritage site, the Quebrada de Humahuaca valley has been used for over 10,000 years a trade route between the Argentine plains and the high Andean lands. Take a road trip across this stunning valley to check out the ruins of ancient civilizations, like the one at Tilcara, and purchase handmade crafts at the small towns that still dot the region. Don’t forget to pay attention to the beautiful natural wonders, like the Hill of Seven Colors in Pumamarca.

Ushuaia. Arguably the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia is a major ecotourism destination. If you ever have the chance to go to Antarctica, this is where your ship will depart. This this deepwater port still has plenty to offer even if you’re staying in South America. Go to Tierra del Fuego National Park for spectacular views of birdlife, or head to the Glacier Martial for a panoramic view of the Ushuaia. You can also look at several museums or take a catamaran trip on the Beagle Channel and coo over sea lions and penguins in their natural habitat.

Salt Flats/Courtesy of Sasha Graffagna

Need other places to visit this summer? Check out the following articles for more ideas:

Study Abroad: Mexico

Study Abroad: Ireland

Summer 2013 Vacation Locations

Introducing Entertainment Writer, Samantha Clarkson from West Virginia University

Posted on May 15, 2013 by Samantha Clarkson

Image courtesy of Samantha Clarkson

Name: Samantha Clarkson

College Lifestyles™ Position: Entertainment Writer

Hometown: Greenville, WV

School: West Virginia University

Year in studies: Sophomore

Major/Minor/Concentration: Journalism major and English minor

I LOVE summertime because: it provides time to do all the things I love while the sun is shining, like hiking, swimming, writing things other than research papers, cruising down back roads with friends, tanning, outdoor concerts and bonfires. Plus, I believe that sunshine puts everyone in a better mood, so summer produces the most smiles.

This year, I am going on vacation to: Virginia Beach, VA with my best friend and her family like we do every year.

But my dream vacation would be: to go to Greece! I love Greek Mythology, so I think it would be really interesting to sight-see there.

Image courtesy of: unknown.

My number one DIY craft for the summer is: the idea of potting plants in mason jars. It’s a perfect idea for someone with an excess amount of mason jars and a love for planting flowers…AKA me!

My favorite accessory this summer is: Totes! Carrying one to the beach isn’t only fashionable, but it’s convenient too. I love the Vera Bradley one in Indigo Pop in CL’s Boutique. It matches my lanyard and ID holder.

My favorite food is: pancakes, especially my mama’s banana pancakes. But the blueberry pancakes in the Intern Kitchen sound just as good!

My favorite summer TV show is: Pretty Little Liars. I CANNOT wait for the new season premier on June 11^th! My fellow PLL diehards and I are having a watch party.

My must-have beach read is: TBD. I’m open to suggestions but I have so many books I want to read that I’m not even sure what it will be this year.

My favorite movies are: Where the Heart Is, Tangled, Steel Magnolias, Perks of Being a Wallflower, Pitch Perfect, The Lorax, No Strings Attached. I.e. any chick flick or feel-good movie in the history of girlhood.

My celebrity dream date is: Cory Monteith. I’m a major Gleek, not even going to deny. He’s so cute and funny. And he can sing…bonus points.

I get my inspiration from: listening to music. It spurs my inner creativity.

I’m excited for the upcoming fall semester because: I’ll be living in an apartment with some of my best friends, and of course Mountaineer football!

Image courtesy of Samantha Clarkson

My friends would describe me as: thoughtful, creative, charismatic and a little bit of a pushover at times.

My favorite College Lifestyles™ article was: CL’s Guide to: Dressing for Summer Concerts by Jessica Martin. I found it very helpful because I always attend a lot of summer concerts and worry about what to wear before almost every one of them.

My definition of a classy co-ed is: a female student at a university who is fashionable, chic and put-together. A classy co-ed also knows how to prioritize her life in regards to her studies, social life and work.

I am excited to be a College Lifestyles™ intern because: I am looking to gain experience with magazine writing for my future and College Lifestyles™ is a great way to gain that experience while having fun at the same time!

Image courtesy of Samantha Clarkson

Top 5 Places to Go in San Juan, Puerto Rico

Posted on May 14, 2013 by SashaG

Courtesy of Sasha Graffagna

When it’s 50 degrees in early May, nobody can blame us classy co-eds for dreaming of tropical weather and white sandy beaches. Those dreams can come true in sunny San Juan, Puerto Rico. Just a short flight from many major cities, San Juan is a low-budget summer getaway. If you can make it down there this summer, CL has compiled a list of 5 must-see places in San Juan.

1. El Caribe Hilton. On a co-ed budget, you likely can’t afford to stay at this Hilton. But you can certainly have a drink at the hotel bar, as long as you’re over 18. Have a sip of a cool, frothy piña colada, which was invented here in 1954. And if you are lucky enough to be able to spend the night, make sure to hit up the city’s only private beach.

El Morro/Courtesy of Sasha Graffagna

2. El Morro, La Fortaleza, and Castillo de San Cristobal. San Juan’s many defensive structures no longer fight foreign invaders, but they remain an impressively imposing sight. These structures make up much of Old San Juan, the city’s historic district. Start at the fountain at the end of Paso de la Princes, and follow the stone wall all the way up to the Castle of San Cristobal. Watching the waters of the Pacific lap against the base of this centuries-old fort is a peaceful end to your day, especially if you go at sunset.

3. Isla Verde Beach. You can’t go to Puerto Rico and miss its biggest attraction: the beach! Go to the one closest to your hotel, because in Puerto Rico you really can’t go wrong. Need a change of scenery? Head to Isla Verde and relax on its famous white sand beaches, or swim in the calming waters. There is also a plethora of restaurants, stores and luxury hotels within walking distance.

El Yunque National Forest/Courtesy of Sasha Graffagna

4. El Yunque National Forest. OK, so this isn’t technically in San Juan. But at just an hour’s drive away, it’s too amazing to miss. El Yunque covers most of the island’s northeastern region and is the only rainforest in the United States National Forest System. See if you can find a coquí, the world’s smallest frog, only found in Puerto Rico. And if it’s not raining, take a dip in one of El Yunque’s several natural pools. Looking for an adventure? Several companies offer ziplining tours of the lush green forest.

5. Raíces. Looking for a taste of traditional Puerto Rico? Head to Raíces, located in Old San Juan, to sample all of the delicious Puerto Rican food they have to offer. Try the mofongo, which is essentially mashed fried green plantains stuffed with stewed meat or seafood. You might want to save this one for a special occasion though – Raíces can be pretty pricey.

Image courtesy of lkunl/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Looking for more budget vacation ideas? Check out:

5 Road Trip Stops in Long Island

City Spotlight: Cancún

5 Pittsburgh Road Trip Stops

Five Staycation Ideas

Posted on May 7, 2013 by Marisa DiNovis

Photo courtesy of artur84 / freedigitalphotos.net

It’s almost summer, classy co-eds! Classes and finals are winding down, and everyone’s favorite time of year is right around the corner. Now for some classy co-eds, I’m sure vacation is a part of the equation that is summer break. But vacation costs can add up, especially if you’re paying for everything on your own. So, CL has your solution: whether it’s the cost of a fancy vacation, or you’re just looking to relax, try a staycation from the comforts of your home. Here are five creative ideas for staycations:

1. Camping. It might not be a weekend at the lakehouse in the mountains, but you can definitely turn your backyard into your own campground. Get a few friends together, pitch a tent or two, build a bonfire, and roast hotdogs and s’mores. Check the weather before you plan your campout — nature often has plans of her own!

Photo courtesy of Sira Anamwong / freedigitalphotos.net

2. Turn your bathroom into a spa for the day. A DIY spa will definitely save you the lavish expense and fit your budget. Indulge in some scented bath oils, a manicure kit and a facial scrub. Unwind from your summer job or internship with a long bubble bath and a homemade facial.

3. Host a potluck dinner party. Make some cute invitations and include RSVP cards where party attendees can indicate what dish they are going to bring. Get creative with the dishes you are going to prepare — maybe try some of these recipes for quinoa. Try something new with your table settings, and make a dinner-appropriate music playlist.

4. Start a book club. If you’re looking for something to make your summer more interesting and educational at the same time, start a book club with some of your friends. Check out these great summer reads and coordinate a calendar of people who will host the book club each month.

Photo courtesy of imagerymajestic / freedigitalphotos.net

5. Go on a “find the best deals” shopping trip. Think of all the things you’ve been wanting to buy, but haven’t really needed, or haven’t had the time to find a good deal on. Then dedicate a day to seeking out those items. Head to your nearest shopping outlets center.

“I think something fun is to drive to the neighboring town mall or outlet malls,” said Shelly Marie Redmond, CEO and EIC of College Lifestyles(TM). “Often, I’ll go to the Tanger Outlets and spend a whole day!”

There you have it, classy co-eds! These five fabulous staycations for when life gets a little bit dull while at home for the summer will help you keep it fabulous all season!

Photo courtesy of marin / freedigitalphotos.net

Best Books for the Beach

Posted on April 29, 2013 by Marisa DiNovis

Photo courtesy of digitalart / freedigitalphotos.net

Hey there, classy co-eds! It’s almost every college girl’s favorite time of year — and I don’t just mean summer. In a month or so when finals come to a close and summer officially starts, it will also become the one season of the year when there’s time for leisure reading! In anticipation of kicking back and relaxing with a good book on the beach, CL has put together a list of the best summer reads.

1. “The Moon and More” by Sarah Dessen. Set to be released on June 4, The Moon and More is a staple for the classy co-ed’s summer beach reading list. Though we may have outgrown Dessen’s demographic in age, we haven’t outgrown her at heart. In fact, Dessen’s latest protagonist, Emaline, is facing the summer before freshman year of college — a place most of us were in not too long ago. As an author many of us followed throughout our high school years, Dessen certainly earns the top spot on our list for summer beach reads!

2. “The Best of Me” by Nicholas Sparks. What would a list of beach reads be without the latest Nicholas Sparks novel? The story follows a young couple from when they part ways after their senior year of high school summer to when they meet again 25 years later.

3. “The Last Summer (of You and Me)” by Ann Brashares. From the author of the Sisterhood of Traveling Pants, Ann Brashares’ first adult novel is half set on the beach and is a guaranteed tear-jerker.

Image courtesy of imagerymajestic / freedigitalphotos.net

4. “The Art of Fielding” by Chad Harbach. If you didn’t get around to The Art of Fielding last summer, don’t let it slip through your fingers again this year. Not the typical beach read, this story follows all-star shortstop Henry through his college baseball career as well as the people he meets along the way.

5. “An Abundance of Katherines” by John Green. Green always succeeds at making a teen novel feel like so much more. An Abundance of Katherines is another demonstration of Green’s ability to engage young readers and make them feel connected to the characters who have problems just as real as any of us.

6. “A Game of Thrones” by George R. R. Martin. Many of you have probably heard of the popular HBO series “Game of Thrones” based on Martin’s novels. The novels themselves offer an entirely new world. A must-read for any Harry Potter, Hunger Games or Lord of the Rings fans out there!

Photo courtesy of SweetCrisis / freedigitalphotos.net

7. “The Silver Linings Playbook” by Matthew Quick. This novel, which inspired the movie of the same name starring Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper, is a tale of finding the good in everything bad. This inspirational journey is a must!

8. “Sloppy Firsts” by Megan McCafferty. Though it was first released more than a decade ago, Sloppy Firsts is a staple read for the classy co-eds who have not yet dabbled in McCafferty. Book one of a five book series follows main character Jessica Darling — via her journal — through high school, college and everything that comes after. You may find that what starts as a trip down memory lane will shortly relate to what you’re going through right now.

With the list of 10 great summer reads, there’s no way you’ll be bored on the beach. Compiled with both fresh and seasoned options, there’s a beach read for every classy co-ed!

For more from CL, check out the following:

What to Wear: Wedding Shower

Must-Have Makeup for Traveling

City Spotlight: Cancún

Image courtesy of stockimages / freedigitalphotos.net

Co-eds Dish on Staying Organized

Posted on March 31, 2013 by AlexisHa

Image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net

In order to be a well-rounded student, you must be able to balance schoolwork on top of extracurricular activities, carry a lively social life and find time to have a good night’s rest. First and foremost, this means it is important to stay organized with day-to-day responsibilities. From organizing your planner to having a separate folder and notebook for each class, organization is key for students in leading a less stressful approach to their undergraduate studies. College Lifestyles™ interviewed co-eds on their personal approaches to keeping their daily lives organized.

“With the way my classes are, I generally have the same things due each week. So before each week begins, I map out everything that I need to finish in the upcoming week and decide what I’m going to work on and when. Before I go to bed each night, I also make sure that anything due the next day is done and ready to hand in, or that I am definitely prepared for any quiz or tests I may have. Planners never tend to work for me because I may start using one and write stuff down in it, but then I end up not even looking at it.”
– Elizabeth Clouser, 21, Junior, Duquesne University

“I write everything down, even if it’s on a scrap of paper. If I don’t, it doesn’t exist. Having a visual confirmation of what I need to do that day keeps me from getting overwhelmed.”
– Zaina Boulos, 22, Senior, Duquesne University

“The way I stay organized is writing stuff down or saving it in my phone calendar, because I’m so busy with school and work that I can’t remember anything otherwise.”
– Katie Tomb, 20, Junior, Duquesne University

Image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net

“My planner is my best friend. I keep it updated weekly and always make sure to cross things off when I finish them, but I also use the monthly calendar. I highlight all of the really important exams and papers so I can look ahead and see what my workload is going to be like. If it’s going to be pretty heavy, I know that I should start things earlier rather than later. I take my planner with me everywhere I go, and it’s a small enough size that it fits in my purse, but big enough that I can fit enough in each box. When I get my syllabi in the beginning of each semester, I go through and fill in my planner exactly when my exams and papers are due so that I know I won’t forget. In terms of staying organized for class, I’ve found that it’s easier to have a separate folder and notebook for each subject. This keeps everything in the right place, so I know exactly where to look when it comes time to study for a test or write a paper.”
– Lauren Dunn, 21, Junior, University of Pittsburgh

“I make sure I have everything in my phone. When things become intense I write out what I need to do each day on my whiteboard. Sometimes I don’t keep to it very well, but it is a good outline!”
– Katie Borzelleca, 20, Junior, Duquesne University

Image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net

“My organizer is my life. Everything is written in it, from exams to papers to meeting times with group members and professors. I’d be lost without it!”
– Natalie DeMaio, 21, Junior, Duquesne University

“I use an app on my iPad that I can type all my classes and assignments into and whenever it gets close to something being due, it alerts me. But when in doubt, I keep post-it notes all over my desk as well!”
– Alyssa Simonin, 21, Junior, Duquesne University

“I use Google Calendar for everything!”
– Erica LaComb, 22, Senior, State University of New York at Cortland

CL helps you discover other ways to stay organized during the school year:

“DIY: Organizing Your Desk”

“Ways to Plan Out Your Day: Clutter Free”

“CL’s Guide to Study Skills”

Image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Your Pre-College Checklist

Posted on March 20, 2013 by AlexisHa

Image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net

You have already selected a school of your choosing for your upcoming freshman year, your high school graduation is in a matter of months, and you have an entire summer to plan and prepare for move-in day. College is a new start, and sometimes it can be scary, especially when incoming students feel unprepared for the beginning and don’t know what to expect. College Lifestyles ™ brings you a list of the top eight pre-college priorities to check off your list before the start of the fall semester.

1. Complete FAFSA

Nothing is more vital to a student’s college education than completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid prior to the May 1^st deadline. Not only will the completion of this application ensure the partial funding of your university’s tuition, it will also alleviate some of the pre-college stress accompanying future freshmen. Some deadlines for the submission of FAFSA are earlier than May, so make sure you pay attention to information from your university, as well as your school’s website for more information on student aid.

2. Apply for Scholarships

Searching for any scholarships that pay for college tuition can spare a lifetime of stress for students. Set aside an hour or two a couple of days a week to conduct your scholarship search. Take notes, print out the essay prompt or application, and form an organized pile on your desk. After a week of searching, give yourself an hour a day for the next week to fill out the paperwork. When you submit the applications, you’ll be happy you checked another priority off your list!

3. Look Into and Submit Housing Information

Finding a roommate can be difficult, and most universities often send out surveys to match up compatible candidates for peaceful dorm living. Make sure to fill out this form honestly, right down to your anticipated bed time and studying methods. If your university doesn’t provide housing surveys, don’t hesitate looking on the university’s Facebook page for your graduating class, if there is one. There are multiple discussion boards filled with students searching for a roommate their freshman year. It has been known that sometimes the person you select becomes one of your closest friends throughout your college career.

Image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net

4. Attend an Open House

Even if you have taken a tour of your campus prior to receiving your acceptance letter, it is always a great idea to visit your university a second time, especially when there are open houses in the springtime. Open houses are fantastic for savvy students to learn about the schools and majors the college has to offer. The best part is incoming freshmen hear personal accounts from students currently attending the university!

5. Transfer AP and College High School Class Credits

Make sure those hard-earned AP and college credits you earned junior and senior year of high school don’t go to waste. Fill out the necessary transfer forms the moment you receive your completed credits, and send them out to your university to notify them of your achievements. Some universities require certain scores in order for AP credits to count as college credit, so look into what your college deems satisfactory. The less credits you have to take at your university puts you one step closer to an early graduation.

Image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net

6. Pick Your Classes

Even though there are students who enter college not knowing what they want to study, picking classes for the fall semester gives students the freedom to explore their options. When you receive notification of who your academic advisor is over the summer, don’t hesitate in contacting them to discuss courses you are interested in. They will be there to guide you through the next four years of your education, and will be more than happy to help you in any way they can. Certain universities allow academic advisors to pick your first semester of classes for you, while others give you full reign. Regardless of the circumstances, ask them questions you have about majors and courses alike.

7. Get Organized

Organization is key before your first semester. It’s recommended to keep a notebook or planner to make lists in. Write everything you can think of down: forms and their deadline dates, predicted spending budget per semester, as well as your book list and course schedule. Put titles on these lists and keep all of them together in one place. It’s easier to check off responsibilities on the list as you go, and the list itself will ensure you aren’t missing anything come orientation week.

8. Put Together a Packing List

Figuring out the numerous dorm essentials to bring is challenging for first-time college students. Start this list with the most important materials at the top of the page, such as a mini-fridge, bedding and laptop. Work your way down this list until you reach non-perishable food items and bathroom supplies. Back-to-school dorm items are everywhere starting mid-summer, so be on the lookout for sales and discounts. However, it is essential to allocate your money and see how much free space you’ll have before shopping for these provisions.

Image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Five Art and History Museums in Long Island

Posted on March 14, 2013 by AlexisHa

Are you a student at Hofstra University or NYU? Or do you plan on exploring the culture and diverse scenery of the Long Island area? From the hustle and bustle high rises of Manhattan to the charming suburban outskirts situated near schools like Hofstra, historical landmarks are present everywhere around there. If you are looking to pass some time on Long Island and wish to travel around its locale, CL compiled a list of art and history museums perfect for the sophisticated college student.

1. Long Island Children’s Museum

Innovative and interactive for adults and children of all ages, the Long Island Children’s Museum is situated in a former airplane hangar. With a built-in theater, sensory garden and 12 art galleries, multiple families are able to actively participate in musical performances and games designed for day-long entertainment.

Admission: General admission is a $12 fee, while seniors over 65 must pay $11, and children under a year are free.

2. Long Island Museum of American Art, History & Carriages

This museum allows you to immerse yourself in the history of America with its constant changes in exhibitions. Containing the best collection of horse-drawn carriages in the nation, Stony Brook gem is surrounded by historical buildings and lavish gardens of all kind, creating a park setting ideal for children. The museum itself holds 19^th and 20^th century art and families can purchase prints of these works in the gift shop at the end of the tour.

Admission: Entrance for adults is $9, while senior citizens pay $7 and children between the ages of 6-17 pay $4. Any children under the age of six are admitted for free.

3. Hillwood Art Museum

Located on the second floor of Hillwood Commons at Long Island University, the Hillwood Art Museum contains numerous temporary exhibitions year-round that are filled with the finest contemporary art. Due to the museum being situated at a college, it provides opportunities for family activities and educational programs for everyone.

Admission: Free for all visitors.

4. Hofstra Museum

With a collection of approximately 5,000 art pieces ranging from ancient to contemporary, as well as more than 60 sculptures decorating the university, the Hofstra Museum is as much a part of the campus as its students. Continuously accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), the museum’s professionalism and diverse display of culture proves to be attractive for any wandering visitor or student in the area looking for some fantastic work.

Admission: Open free to the public.

5. Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County

This memorial center is one of the best resources on Long Island for the Holocaust, and it has an especially large education program for the area. Inside the center is the Louis Posner Memorial Library, where there are over 7,000 texts on topics focused around the Holocaust, and multicultural, anti-bias and anti-bullying issues.

Admission: The requested donations are $10 for adults, $5 for seniors and $4 for students.

If you’re looking for other art and history museums in different cities or near universities, College Lifestyles™ has these guides:

“CL’s Guide to: Art and History Museums in Baton Rouge”

“CL’s Guide to: Art and History Museums in Pittsburgh”

College Lifestyles™ Alumnae Update 2013

Posted on March 3, 2013 by Debra Schreiber

Since College Lifestyles™ was founded in 2003, Founder, Executive Director, Editor-in-Chief and CEO Shelly Marie Redmond has had the opportunity to work with classy interns from 90 colleges and universities in the United States, Canada and overseas. Over the past year, the staff has grown to include former College Lifestyles™ interns Debra Schreiber, Alli Heitzenrater and Kaci Hall, who have had the pleasure of working with these incredible co-eds as well.

Interns are the heart and soul of College Lifestyles™ online magazine, and the company enjoys watching interns grow from leading college students to exceptional professionals, all the while committed to being classy, confident and chic.

While you consider applying for the College Lifestyles™ Summer 2013 Internship, we would like to update you on the fabulous work former interns have done since interning with CL, and hope their stories will inspire you, and prompt you to apply!

Christina Hedges - College Lifestyles™ Intern Fall 2011, Spring 2012, Summer 2013 – PR and Fashion Intern; Senior Social Media Intern

“Since CL I have continued to live my life as a classy, confident, and chic woman at home, school, and through social media. CL taught me the importance of being positive and keeping a classy appearance, not only on the business world. CL also taught me to follow my dreams, no matter how big! Over my year at CL I saw the company expand and grow into a well-known brand on college campuses. This experience has given me the confidence and drive for my own dream and career.

“Since CL I have been interning with Tim Duncan Events, an event and wedding planning company based in Atlanta. I am in charge of managing their social media accounts including Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. I have also joined Phi Sigma Sigma at Hofstra University. The positive stories of Greek life I heard through CL and the other interns inspired me to give Greek life a try and I’m so glad I did. It has truly changed my life and enriched my college experience. I truly don’t know what I’d do without my sisters!

“For current and upcoming interns I say, enjoy your time there. You are working with the best of the best. These women will continue on to great places so learn from each other and make contacts. Also learn from the brand. CL is such a well-known and respected brand because of its class. There’s an important life lesson there.”

Kelly Adams – College Lifestyles™ Intern Summer 2011 – Fashion and Sorority Life Writing Intern

“I have continued to be ‘classy, confident and chic’ throughout the whole job-finding process. I am currently still at a part-time position at a magazine, but I am interviewing for many positions in journalism, PR and marketing. It is important to remain classy and confident because that is the first thing people notice about you. If you walk in feeling defeated because you just got an email rejection from another position, there is no way you will get the one you are interviewing for now. Interviewing is hard, but I learned a lot of tips from CL and I am so confident that I will get a great position soon!

“I learned so much from my short time as a CL intern. I learned how to collaborate with a team that is located everywhere in the country. That is so vital these days with our global economy. I also learned how to optimize social media as a marketing tool for a blog. That is one skill I have used in creating my own personal fashion blog, ‘She’s In High Cotton.‘

“My favorite article I wrote [for College Lifestyles™ was 'CL's Top 10 Stores for Stylish Co-Eds on a Budget.' List stories are always fun to put together and shopping is my favorite past time so it was a blast writing this piece.

“Since my CL internship I have graduated college and am currently working at a local magazine in Lexington, KY. I am applying for positions in Louisville, KY because I want to be in a bigger city. I have recently started a personal fashion blog too! I have always loved fashion and I wanted a way to express myself and have an outlet for those creative juices. For now it is just a fun hobby, but I hope to one day turn it into a brand and styling business, hopefully as successful as CL! Personally, I am still dating the same wonderful guy. He lives in Louisville, so moving there would definitely be a plus in our relationship!

“Advice I have for current interns, get the most out of it! Volunteer for anything and everything you can fit in your schedule. Working for CL was so much fun and every time we had a Skype session we had tons of new ideas. Bosses in the real world love it when you take initiative so take ideas and run with them! You only have room to grow and gain, which is what is so great about CL.”

Nicole Savitsky – College Lifestyles™ Intern Summer 2011 – Health and Etiquette Writing Intern

“I’ve continued to stay classy by keeping that mindset as the basis for all my actions and thoughts. I’ve used this “classy and chic” mindset as a foundation for how I look to “brand” myself in the professional world as well as in the academic setting. I’ve kept focused on my career goals and continued to work hard. In my social life I keep a classy mindset whenever I’m at the bar or handing with friends. I know that I don’t want to come off as something I’m not and CL has definitely ingrained classy into who I am now!

“CL was my very first internship. It taught me a lot of things like team work, brainstorming on the spot, time-management, learning to keep deadline, and self-editing. I was able to grow as a writer and as a member of a larger staff. My internship with CL really gave me the confidence to continue pursuing my goal of working in the magazine industry.

“After CL I was fortunate enough to have three more internships. I was given the opportunity to intern with the local tourism office in my county as a Marketing/Communications intern during the Summer of my junior year. That following Fall of my Senior year I was accepted as an intern for the Pontifical Council of Social Communications with the Vatican through my university’s study abroad in Rome program. Lastly, this semester I was offered the dream opportunity of mine to intern with “Seventeen Magazine.” I’m currently interning in the Love Features department twice a week. CL has given me a great foundation to jumpstart my interning through my academic career. I know I’ve taken a lot of the skills that I learned from CL with me along the way. Without my CL internship I don’t believe I would have gotten as many opportunities as I have and I truly appreciate the time I had interning with CL.

“My advice for current interns is to appreciate your time with CL. Take risks and, be bold, and work hard to make your articles look great! Soak up everything you can learn from CL because CL definitely teaches you a lot! Make the best of your time with CL because it really does make a difference in the end! “

Kaitlyn Kline – College Lifestyles™ Intern May 2009-May 2011 – Writing Intern; Social Media/PR Intern

“The CL internship was key in building my writing and social media skills and encouraged me to apply to grad school!

“[I] Finished grad school in August 2012 and I’ve been working at Smith Brothers Agency in Pittsburgh as a Social Media Coordinator and acting Analytics Coordinator.

“Advice you have for current interns: Take full advantage of all that Shelly has to offer – she’s so knowledgeable and wonderful!”

Jessica Fecteau – College Lifestyles™ Intern August 2011-August 2012 - Fashion, Lifestyle, Relationships and Travel Writing Intern

“I learned how to really market a brand and write for a specific audience.

“I am the Style Editor for Grand Central Magazine and write feature stories/columns for my campus newspaper, “Central Michigan Life.” In the summer, I will be living out my dream of interning in Chicago, IL at Red Frog Events as an Event Coordinator.

Connect with fellow interns! They become your CL family and go-to people for anything you need in the journalism field and are great for bouncing ideas off of. Having people to rely on and know what you’re going through is important and the CL ladies are perfect for that.

Jessica’s favorite article she wrote as an intern was “What if You’re Just not that Into Him.” Be sure to check out her recent article as a CL Contributing Writer.

Emily O’Brien – College Lifestyles™ Intern Fall 2012 – Social Media Intern, Twitter

“I learned the ropes of handling social media from CL. Since my internship, I have gotten an internship at Ali Fee PR in NYC where I most recently helped with Katie Ermilio’s fashion exposition. I also now work at my university’s public relations office.”

Think College Lifestyles™ would be a good fit for you? Email intern@collegelifestyles.org and request information regard the CL Summer 2013 Internship!

Intern of the Month: Meg Dowell

Posted on March 1, 2013 by Debra Schreiber

Another month, another fabulous College Lifestyles™ to highlight.

For February’s Intern of the Month competition, CL presents Meg Dowell as the winner.

Meg began the College Lifestyles™ internship this Spring as a Health/Fitness/Nutrition Writing Intern. She was nominated by her team, who said:

“Team Razzle Dazzle has spoken and we are nominating Meg Dowell for Intern of the Month. Meg goes above and beyond her duties as a writer. She is the first to take on extra articles each month and always writes exceptional pieces. When I asked my team to dive into storytelling she went above my expectations. She is always encouraging our team members and giving them praise for their work. She never hesitates to not only share her articles and our group articles, but others as well,” Stephanie Coppola, Health/Fitness/Nutrition Editing/Features Writing Intern.

Meg attends Olivet Nazarene University and is studying Dietetics and English. On campus, she is involved with “Aurora” (yearbook), Best Buddies, Chrysalis Women’s Choir, “GlimmerGlass” (newspaper), Sister 2 Sister, Student Dietetic Association, a few honor societies, a book club and a literary magazine.

Want more Meg? Read on below…

Her advice for those interested in interning for College Lifestyles™?

“If you want to make time for CL, make time for CL. A few hours a week just won’t cut it! It’s a great way to get to know people, and the amount of experience you get is definitely worth the effort. But you absolutely have to make it a priority. If you do, it will be the best thing you’ve ever done!”

And don’t forget to read up on January’s classy Intern of the Month, Kaylee Kenz.

College Lifestyles™ Announces Summer/Fall 2013 Internship Openings

Posted on March 1, 2013 by Debra Schreiber

You could spend your Summer sitting in front of the T.V. while drinking way too much chilled coffee.

You would spend your Summer writing for an online magazine, developing social media promotions for a student-first business, speaking about the classiest brand in the U.S., or taking photographs of the classiest co-eds and their campuses. No time in the Summer? We’re open for Fall, too. Sounds awesome, right? You’re in the right place for all of the above.

College Lifestyles™ is thrilled to announce its Summer/Fall 2013 internship openings to all classy co-eds interested in working on bringing the best in fashion, nutrition, campus life, DIY, entertainment and dorm life to their peers:

Writing Intern
Social Media Intern
Advertising/PR/Marketing Intern
Photography/Graphic Design Intern

Interested? Email intern@collegelifestyles.org and request our Intern Responsibilities & Expectations Packet and a Summer 2013 Virtual Internship Application. You must submit a complete application in order to be considered for the College Lifestyles™ Summer/Fall 2013 Internship. Completed applications are due no later than 4/15/2013. Qualified applicants will be contacted via email to schedule a phone interview for both Summer and Fall internships.

No time to intern, but want to contribute to College Lifestyles™?

Check out our Campus Correspondent program.

DIY St. Patrick’s Day Decor

Posted on February 23, 2013 by Debra Schreiber

Shamrock Shakes are back, Lucky Charms are in everyone’s cereal bowl, and your roommate just added a ton of green and gold paint to your supply closet. Must be time for St. Patrick’s Day!

CL invites you to show off your Irish pride with these classy green and gold DIY decorations, three out of 100 options of St. Patty’s day crafts and foods on “A Night Owl.”

Shamrock Wreath from “Spare Time Sanity”

Supplies:

One small sheet of Styrofoam
One yard of green felt
Numerous straight pins
Hot glue and hot glue gun
Ribbon

Directions:

Cut a three-leaf (or four-leaf!) clover shape from Styrofoam.
Put together with hot glue.
Cut felt into 2 ¼ inch circles.
Fold circles into quarter circles.
Pin to Styrofoam, using as many pins as needed.
Cut a loop of ribbon and pin to back.
Hang on your door!

Irish Vase from “Better Homes and Gardens”

Supplies:

One wine bottle (you could also try this craft with a Mason jar)
Green or gold yarn
Green or gold ribbon
Hot glue and hot glue gun

Directions:

Wind yarn around bottle, securing underneath once and a while as you go.
Glue at top.
Tie a green or gold ribbon at the top.
Display at your party!

Shamrock Pillow from “HGTV”

Supplies:

16 inch burlap pillow cover
16 inch pillow insert
Dark green felt
Light green felt
Hook-and-loop tape
Scissors
Hot glue and hot glue gun
Marker

Directions:

Download and print out templates for a shamrock and a circle.
Trace the shamrock template on dark green felt.
Trace circle template on light green felt.
Cut out shapes.
Drop a small dot of glue in the center of the light green and fold in half twice.
Glue to shamrock.
Tape a two-inch strip of the hook-and-loop tape to the shamrock.
Put pillow insert into the pillow cover and put a two-inch strip of hook-and-loop tape on the center of the cover.
Put the shamrock and the pillow together.
Show off at your party!

Of course, any of these DIY’s can alternate with green and gold depending on the theme of your beautiful party. Once you’re done, take a picture of your shamrockin’ craft and tweet or Instagram it to us – both use @collegelifestyl.

While you’re here, check out this St. Patrick’s Day recipe for Irish Soda Bread!

Looking for love this St. Patty’s Day? CL dishes on dream date ideas here.

How to Train for a 5K: Interview With Personal Trainer Jamie Finkle

Posted on February 9, 2013 by Sarah Steinmetz

April showers bring Mayflowers, as well as warm weather to kick off the 5K season. Throughout the spring, summer and fall, 5K’s are held in every city and several collegesand universities. Training for anything physical can be intimidating, but personal trainer Jamie Finkle has fantastic advice for any co-ed who wants to start training for a 5K.

College Lifestyles: What’s the first step to training for a 5k?

Jamie Finkle: The first step to training for a 5k is to simply sign up for a race. Once you are signed up for a race you have a date and a goal to keep you motivated. By signing up you have given yourself a deadline and the fact that you have signed up for the race will keep you accountable.

CL: What’s the best thing to do to prevent injury?

JF: The best thing to do to prevent injury is to stretch, not rush into things and rest. Stretching is extremely important in training, especially if you have never exercised much before. You should make sure you stretch before and after your workout. Before you do your pre-workout stretch make sure to do a light warm up of about five minutes of cardio (either walking on a treadmill, biking or on an elliptical) in order to get the blood flow going to your muscles. Before you start your main workout make sure your stretching your quads, hamstrings, calves, as well as loosening your upper body. After your run make sure to stretch again so as to prevent injuries and increase your athleticism. Also to prevent injuries don’t rush into an extremely hard workout regimen. If you have neverrun a mile before don’t set out to run a mile on your first day. Ease into the progression. Go out on the first day of training and see where you’re at so you can improve slowly from there. Also be sure to include a rest day in your week. If you do intense workouts seven days a week your body will wear out and you’ll be more likely to injure yourself.

CL: What are ways to build up endurance?

JF: There are two key components for building up endurance: the aerobic cardiovascular endurance and muscular endurance. Your cardiovascular system and muscular system work hand in hand so in order to be successful you must train both. To build your cardiovascular endurance you should be gradually adapting your exercise plan to where you want to be. If you start and you can only run for two minutes,then walk afterwards for five minutes and repeat it four times in a row a couple days a week. You’ll see that the runs get easier and you will be able to further the initial run depending on what feels right to you. To build your muscular endurance you want to figure out a weight routine where you’re doing exercises with lower weights and higher repetitions.

CL: What are ways to build up speed?

JF: There are a bunch of different methods to gain speed in a run, including interval training and hill runs. For interval training you can warm up and run a mile at your regular pace and then from there increase the pace for two minutes and then jog for two minutes and repeat it a couple of times. As time goes on you can do the increased pace for longer and shorten your recovery time. Doing hill runs can also help improve your speed. If you’re running up a relatively steep hill you’ll be pushing your body and cardiovascular system harder than just running on a flat track. If you train by incorporating hills into your 5k training then when it comes to running a flat 5k you’ll be able to run it faster.

CL: How often should you train for a 5K?

JF: How often you train for a 5k ultimately depends on your individual schedule. Training for a 5k is great because it’s much less intensive than training for say a half marathon or marathon. Therefore, the training does not need to take over your entire week and you don’t need to set aside large amounts of time to do it. If you can fit in six days a week then I would recommend running for four of those days and doing a cross fit routine the other two days where you do a different kind of cardio and work on muscular endurance.

CL: What are ways to stay motivated throughout the training process?

JF: As mentioned earlier just signing up for the race is a great motivator! Another way would be to sign up with a buddy, whether it is a friend, family member or significant other! It’s extremely helpful to have someone there with you at your workouts to push you and to hold you accountable for doing what you need to do. Music is another great motivator. Create a play list of songs you like and that are upbeat and have a good rhythm. A good play list can keep you going longer than you’d think!

Running a 5k is an easy way to stay in shape and avoid the freshman 15. If you’re thinking about training for a 5k, you will also like these CL articles:

“CL’s Guide to Running”

“CL’s Guide to the Perfect Running Shoe”

“CL’s Guide to Keeping Fit Over Spring Break”

The Do’s and Don’ts Of Being Facebook Official

Posted on February 2, 2013 by Campus Correspondent

Sure, you’re dating, but are you Facebook official?

It seems like a modern relationship isn’t really an OFFICIAL relationship unless your Facebook profile page says so.

When it comes to deciding whether or not you need to be FBO, here are some classy do’s and don’ts to keep in mind:

DO:

Check your sources.

You meet a cute boy or girl in class and what is the first thing you do? Facebook stalk? Probably. And there’s no shame to it since most people turn to social media for all sorts of creepin’.

But just because someone’s status doesn’t say “In a Relationship” doesn’t mean they aren’t in one. Don’t pursue a relationship or crush on someone just because their status says single.

Ask your partner what they want to do.

You can set your status to either be “In a Relationship” or “In a Relationship with … “. Ask your significant other what they prefer before jumping the gun and switching over your status.

DON’T:

Enter a relationship just to make it FBO.

It seems like a lot of people meet someone they initially really like, they date for three weeks, then boom, it’s FBO. Do you really like this person? Or are you looking for some “likes” on your page or to prove to your ex that you’ve really moved on?

Dating is a thing. You can take your time with it. You can take months with it. Go on several dates. Spend a lot of time together and make sure you don’t want to kill this person after all of this time together. THEN, make it FBO.

People shouldn’t feel like they need to rush into any relationship so they can switch over their Facebook potential.

Become upset at your partner for not being FBO.

If your significant other fails to go from “Single” to “In a Relationship” online, they’re not secretly cheating on you. You would need some serious outside evidence to support that claim.

Some people say they don’t change their status simply because they just don’t care about publicizing it on social media; not because they’re trying to hide you.

What if Facebook didn’t exist? Would you really care if your relationship was defined? No one would know about it unless they asked you or you talked about it, right?

Which leads to – defining a relationship. It can be tricky. No one knows when to speak up, “what you are,” and what the other person is thinking unless you are both open with each other (which is highly suggested if you want this to work out).

Approach your relationship status as if Facebook was nonexistent. Figure out how much you like this person, and tell them with confidence. Pretending that Facebook is nonexistent also means tell them in person, and not on social media.

Editor’s Note: Check back later this month for a special edition Out of the Mounts of Men piece on making it FBO!

Looking to start a new relationship? Check out a little advice from College Lifestyles™.

Already in a relationship? CL has you covered with Valentine’s Day looks!

Jessica Fecteau is a juniorfrom Central Michigan University. Follow her at @jessfect. To stay tuned to more articles for classy co-eds, be sure to follow College Lifestyles on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter.

CL’s Advice from PR Professionals

Posted on January 10, 2013 by Debra Schreiber

When you go on a job interview, you’re bound to run into other applicants. Sometimes, they’ll be vying for a different position than you are. Sometimes, they’ll be there interviewing for the exact same job you are. So how do you keep it classy and cool? Breeze through your interview by showing HR how intelligent you are about the field? Score the job, and begin your career in PR? These fabulous ladies and gents know how to do just that. How? They’ve already done it.

Ace the interview:

“Since my Freshman year I have been applying for internships and have gone on more than a dozen interviews in the Public Relation field. From what I have learned through my experience there are three things one must do to best be prepared for the interview. First, be comfortable in your appearance. The interviewee will get distracted if you are constantly fidgeting with your hair or pulling at your shirt. It will show your focus is elsewhere when it should be on the interview. Secondly, be prepared! It is the worst possible feeling walking into an interview and they ask questions like, ‘what would you do to better our organization’s event planning?’ If you are unaware of the events they plan, who they target and more importantly what you believe is not working, [it] will show the company you do not care about the company, but only care about just getting a job and making money. And lastly, do not be afraid to ask questions. The more you ask, and the more you show an interest in the company, the more they will notice you and think to themselves, ‘wow, this person really wants to be a part of what’s going on here,’” Melissa Candolfi, 22, West Virginia University, College Lifestyles™ Campus Representative.

“One of my main tips is to make sure you do a little research on the company before you go in for an interview. Come prepared with an answer for why you want to work there and familiarize yourself with some of their projects and work. Also, be sure to ask questions during the interview – what are they looking for in a candidate, why did they choose to work there, etc. Make sure to bring your resume and samples of work in case they don’t have a copy, but it’s also nice for you to be able to reference. After the interview, send a follow-up thank you note. If you’re going the handwritten route, I would also suggest sending an email as well – sometimes decisions can be made quickly, even before the handwritten one arrives,” Kaitlyn Kline, 25, Edinboro Universityof PA 2009, B.A. in Psychology; Point Park University 2012, M.A. in Journalism and Mass Communication; Social Media Coordinator at Smith Brothers Agency; College Lifestyles™ Alumnae.

“You have to have to be a good communicator, because PR is so much communication. Speak well. Have good written examples to bring with you,” Carmen Fortunato, 23, Slippery Rock University May 2013, B.A. in Communications & PR; Advertising Intern at Pittsburgh Magazine.

“I think sometimes people get so caught up in being “professional” and businesslike that they forget to have a personality. When you’re interviewing at a business, they want you to be accomplished and talented of course, but they’re also looking for someone they can work with. Will you get along with others? Will you fit in with the company dynamic? Are you a genuinely good person? Kindness, a positive attitude and being genuine can take you a long way.

“Also, remember to trust your gut. If something seems off about a company or you don’t think a job is a good fit for you, it’s okay to say no. When you’re desperate, it may seem like it’s worth it, but in my experiences, it’s so much better to wait for a job that’s a good fit. You’ll know at an interview if a position isn’t a great fit, so trust yourself. You spend so much of your waking hours working that it’s not worth it to be miserable,” Karen Hurt, 24, Millikin University 2010, B.A. in Theatre & Communication; Literary Publicist at Bohlsen Group; College Lifestyles™ Alumnae.

Score the job or internship:

“I believe the best way to score the job is leaving a lasting impression and that doesn’t mean just having a killer interview. Leave something behind for them to remember you. Everyone will leave their resumes but be the person who goes above and beyond. Bring a portfolio for them keep and look over. Within the next 24 hours send out a thank you e-mail. If you show your appreciation it will show your professionalism and maturity. And always network!! Maybe you did not get this job, but by keeping in touch with this company, they know of other openings and could pass along your resume. This is a competitive field and it is okay to be a little bit aggressive,” Melissa Candolfi, 22, West Virginia University, College Lifestyles™ Campus Representative.

“Networking and getting as much experience as you possibly can, [and] get as much hands-on material as you can in the field that you want,” Carmen Fortunato, 23, Slippery Rock University May 2013, B.A. in Communications & PR; Advertising Intern at Pittsburgh Magazine.

Kick off your career:

“If you are having trouble finding a career it is ok to look back and ask for help. I’ve always spoken with my professors or past internship supervisors and that is how I’ve continued finding out about new opportunities. They know people who know of jobs. It is always difficult to transition into a new career or internship, but in order to be successful by preparing for the job [it] is all about time managing and sorting out your priorities. If you are moving and starting a new job let the company know. They will be more impressed by you giving them a heads up about your hectic week because you’re relocating rather then you committing to something and not doing your best job at it,” Melissa Candolfi, 22, West Virginia University, College Lifestyles™ Campus Representative.

“Once you’re hired, be sure to be proactive about projects you’re interested in working on. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or go after what you want!” – Kaitlyn Kline, 25, Edinboro University of PA 2009, B.A. in Psychology; Point Park University 2012, M.A. in Journalism and Mass Communication; Social Media Coordinator at Smith Brothers Agency; College Lifestyles™ Alumnae.

Want to learn more about the Public Relations field? Check out these College Lifestyles™ articles:

“CL’s Guide to: Online Resources for PR Students”

“DeCLassified: PR Job Applications”

“Major of the Month: PR”

Valentines Day Décor

Posted on January 10, 2013 by LaurenDa

Whether it’s store bought or your feeling creative and want some DIY craft projects for Valentines Day, decorating your space makes the holiday more fun. Small decorating projects are an inexpensive way to freshen up your room.

Using pillows as statement pieces for Valentines Day décor is a way to add personality to a couch or bed. If the furniture has a pattern, go for a plain pillow. Too many patterns make a room too busy, but try not to match the fabrics either. For V-Day, use colors like red and pink; the style is all up to you.

Fill jars or vases with different, small V-Day items like candy hearts or red and pink beads to fill an empty space you have in your room!

Mason jar lace candles are a great way to decorate a tabletop or desk for V-Day. They are incredibly easy to make and accent a table beautifully.

Craft Supplies:

Mason jars (in the color of your choosing)
Red felt
Scissors
Lace
Spray adhesive
White yarn
Small white candle

Directions:

First, cut out a heart with the red felt.
Next, measure out how you want to lace to fall on the jar. Get creative with this step!
Apply the adhesive to the lace and wrap it around the jar. It is important that you apply it firmly and quickly to avoid air bubbles.
Apply the adhesive to the felt heart and stick it anywhere you’d like on the jar.
Play with different ways to wrap and tie the ribbon around the jar.
Add the candle to the inside of the jar.

V-Day décor is great to have because it can be used year round! Hearts, fun jar crafts, and anything that’s red and pink can be used anytime to make a space classy and fabulous.

RA Bulletin Board Ideas

Posted on January 9, 2013 by LaurenDa

Being an RA (Resident Assistant) is a crazy job, and decorating a bulletin board is one of the many responsibilities they have. As an RA I know firsthand the whirlwind of activities that must be balanced. Although it may seem passé in comparison to discipline or programming, bulletin boards are just as important a responsibility. They are a simple way to create a classy statement on your floor. Bulletin boards constantly change and sometimes it can seem impossible to come up with a new idea. CL has tips and ideas to help my fellow RAs and classy co-eds!

Things to use:

Your school’s logo and sports team

This was my first board of the year. I used WVU’s new Big 12 Conference status as the theme to promote school pride.

Seasons

Welcomes and farewells: I find farewells to be incredibly special. My residents my first year got very close. Leaving them with a message like this made their goodbye to each other and myself bittersweet and memorable:

Popular culture
Quotes: Quotes that are meaningful, empowering, sassy and funny make good statement boards.

Remember to use helpful websites like Reslife.net, and Pinterest. Using other Internet searches creatively will help too.

collegeproblems.org is a website that has hundreds of quotes relatable to college students. Using these as a board is simple and entertaining.

Things to stay away from:

Politics: Taking a political stance is something that could cause tension. “Rock the Vote” boards are the best option for election years because college residents are typically first time voters.

Religion: Religious views shouldn’t be used on your bulletin boards. They are entirely too personal. Popular holidays that are rooted in religion are hard to ignore, like Christmas, which is why focusing on the season or messages that apply to everyone is best. For example, this holiday season, instead of focusing on a specific holiday I chose a winter/New Years theme.

Drugs/Awareness, Medical Illness: These topics can often be too personal, and unless they are used to create awareness, try to stay away from them.

Ultimately you want to take any idea that you have, simplify it so that it’s easy to create, and make it positive.

Taking a lesson and turning it into a board is another great way to have a positive effect on your floor.

DeCLassified: PR Job Applications

Posted on January 3, 2013 by Debra Schreiber

It’s a tough job market out there for a recent college grad, but with the proper networking skills, any lady or gent can successfully find a job in the career they’re longing for.

Take it from fabulous CL alumae Karen Hurt, 24, who graduated in 2010 from Millikin University with a B.A. in Theatre & Communication, who currently works in the public relations field as a Literary Publicist for Bohlsen Group. Her networking skills and internship set her on the path for success.

College Lifestyles™: How did you begin your PR job search?

Karen Hurt: I started looking with online job boards, which was marginally successful. Networking and asking people for recommendations was much more successful. I interned at my current company, so when they knew I was looking for a PR job in the Indianapolis area, we both knew it would be a good fit.

CL: Was it easy or difficult for you to find a job? Why do you think this was?

KH: I found a job pretty easily, but it took a while for me to find a place where I was happy and a position where I was happy.

CL: How long after graduation did it take you to find a job?

KH: I found a job a few months after graduation, but it wasn’t in my field of study. It took me about a year after graduation to find a full-time position in PR.

CL: Did you receive help from your school’s career center, a professor or someone else when you began applying? What were their thoughts?

KH: I got some tips on my resume from my career center and professors when I started applying. One of the most valuable tips they gave me is to include quantifiable results on your resume. Employers want proof of what you can do, not just your words saying what you did.

CL: What are companies hiring PR professionals looking for?

KH: Companies hiring in PR are looking for positive, hard-working employees. They are looking for people willing to learn and jump in with both feet. They’re also looking for students with real, applicable experience, an understanding of how the PR business works and solid writing skills.

CL: What should students applying for PR jobs always highlight in their cover letters?

KH: Your cover letter should show employers that you’re a good writer. It should also highlight how you specifically have been instrumental in projects and how your contributions have led to positive outcomes.

CL: What should students applying for PR jobs always highlight in their resumes?

KH: Quantifiable data is really important. If you can show what specific media placements you have had or how your leadership in student organizations has aided their growth or projects, make sure to highlight that.

CL: Were you asked to present any type of portfolio? What should students applying for PR jobs include or not include in their portfolios?

KH: I put together a portfolio of press releases, a press kit and some social media planning I had done. I’ve heard of some people including research papers in their portfolios, but I don’t think that’s necessary.

CL: What is a typical interview for a PR position like?

KH: A typical interview is generally a review of your portfolio, what they company will expect from the position you’re applying for and your experience. I’ve usually been asked to provide specific examples from my experiences of working in difficult situations, how my involvement has positively affected a group or organization or what I would do in specific situations. Make sure you do research on the company and their clients, too. A common question in a PR agency interviews is, “Which of our clients would you like to work with?” It’s always good to come prepared with questions for the interviewers, too. It shows you’re engaged and truly interested in working with them and their company.

CL: What is your advice for students looking to begin careers in PR?

KH: Don’t underestimate the importance of internships! Real experience is so much more valuable to employers than class work. Also, make sure to pay attention to details in your application materials! A small misspelling, applying to the wrong person or company or factual errors can automatically put your application in the No pile.

Click here to read what other CL alum have been up to.

DIY Snowflake Coasters

Posted on January 3, 2013 by LaurenDa

The holiday season may be at an end, but winter themed interior décor is still in season very classy. Bring the beauty of snowflakes to your tabletops this season with snowflake coasters. They are a functional and stylish craft with a winter flare. They can be made in many different ways, for different experience levels and costs. Here are some of CL’s favorite ways to make them:

This version of snowflake coasters is incredibly simple to make; it requires little material and looks professionally crafted when complete.

Craft Supplies:

Square tile
Wrapping paper (enough to cover a tile)
Foam brush
Scissors
Light duty felt circles
Mod Podge

Directions:

First, place the tile on top of the wrapping paper and trace around the part hat you want on top of your coaster.
Paint a thin layer of Mod Podge on the tile. Make sure that it’s applied evenly.
Lay the wrapping paper on top of the tile and push any air bubbles out. You may want to use a ruler to flatten any air bubbles.

Paint another (thicker) layer of Mod Podge directly over the top of the wrapping paper. Allow it to dry for at least 30 minutes.
Once dry, turn the tile over and apply light duty felt circles to all four corners of the tile to prevent sliding or damaging of a surface.
Apply a second coat of Mod Podge to the top of the tile.

DIY courtesy of FreeXmasCrafts Youtube Channel.

A second, more time consuming but very chic looking snowflake coaster is made out of flat metal washers. The coasters look very modern when completed. Dad’s tool chest gone girly makes for a great gift!

Craft Supplies:

Jewelry and Metal Glue
Quick Dry Tacky Glue
Pencil
Metallic spray paint in desired color
Assorted flat metal washers (3-4 different sizes make for a great visual variety)
Scissors
Paper towel
Craft foam sheet
Freezer paper: ”grease proof paper” can be found at any superstore or grocery store. It looks just like butcher paper, except on one side it has a very thin plastic-y coating.

Directions:

Lay out freezer paper on work surface.
Arrange washers in a desired design on freezer paper. You may want to draw the shape you desire on the freezer paper as a template.
Use Jewelry & Metal Glue to adhere the touching edges of washers. Use paper towel to wipe off excess glue from the tops of the washers. Let dry completely.
Peel freezer paper from bottom of washers.
Spray paint final design with metallic spray paint. Let dry completely.
Using pencil, trace the shape of the washers on craft foam sheet.
Cut foam along the traced line. Use Quick Dry Tacky Glue to adhere foam piece to the bottom of the washers. Let dry.

DIY courtesy of Jennifer Davey for ilovetocreate.com.

Check out more CL DIYs for winter decorations to deck your spaces out for the chilly months.

My DIY Bucket List Spring 2013

Posted on December 31, 2012 by LaurenDa

Crafting is a great hobby to adopt. People use it to relieve stress, make gifts or personalize their space. I asked some CL interns what’s on their must-do DIY list for 2013, and here are the crafts they can’t wait to tackle in the New Year:

A lot of crafts come from collecting household items and turning them into something beautiful and fabulous. “My mom and I have been saving corks from wine bottles for about a year now. We’ve been waiting until we save up enough so that we can do an awesome DIY corkboard craft! (We found some on Pinterest, of course.)” – Rachel Crocetti, Hofstra University. Wine Corks can also be used to make picture frames, rugs, and other DIY crafts.

“There’s this awesome craft I found on Pinterest that I’m dying to make: you take a hula hoop and wrap it in either ribbon or fabric until you can’t see the pattern underneath then wrap string lights around it so they hang and it’s a mini chandelier. It will look so cute in my apartment!” – Kelly Glasson, Clemson University

Craft Supplies:

Hula-hoop

Icicle lights (white)

Hot glue

3 rolls of Romantic Lace (white)

Directions: Wrap lace around the hula-hoop to conceal the colors, then wrap the lights around the hoop. Use the remaining lace to hang the finished chandelier from ceiling.

“I am a HUGE DIY’er but one that I love is picture frames – not only ones you can make but also using pic monkey to make incredible prints for framing.” -Shelly Marie Redmond, CL Editor in Chief

Buttons are an inexpensive craft item that can turn almost anything into something stylish.

A popular and inspirational craft that is perfect in a dorm room or apartment is a vision board. The idea behind the vision board is that when you surround yourself with images of who you want to become, what you want to have, where you want to live, or where you want to vacation, your life changes to match. It’s designed to inspire and motivate you.

Check out CLs Pinterest Board: Craft Ideas for more DIY must dos.

Our Best Nutrition Articles 2012

Posted on December 31, 2012 by KellySL

With the New Year approaching, let us reflect on the top 10 food and nutrition articles of 2012! These articles have made the year more fascinating, with topics that range from summer eat and drinks, dorm food, snack alternatives, and fitness busters. You will find intelligent and sophisticated information within each article so check out the links below and let us reminisce in the memories of a wonderful year.

1.“5 Reasons Fruit Smoothies Should Be Your Go-To Summer Treat” By Hannah Borland
Want to liven up your summer with something cool and refreshing? Check out reasons why smoothies are your go-to drink for the summer.

2. “6 Moods and Food To Improve Them” By Carrie Westman
Feeling sad or depressed? Put down the candy bar and pick something healthy and uplifting. See what the specific moods are and what foods can help improve them with this informative article.

3. “3 Cool Summer Breakfast Ideas” By Kate Citron
Here are some new and delicious breakfast ideas for your summer mornings. These meals are tasty, healthy and easy to make.

4. “When Vitamin D Stands For Disaster – What To Do If You’re Sunburnt” By Shelly Marie Redmond
Summer is the time for the beach, surfing and hot weather…and unfortunately for some people, sunburn. Check out these tips on ways to help heal a summer tan gone wrong!

5. “5 Foods For: Healthy Dorm Snacks” By Meghan Keane
Making tasty, affordable meals in the college dorms can be difficult. As a classy co-ed, you want to eat healthy and hardy meals for brain power during college. Here’s a list of healthy dorm snacks that will benefit you in making healthy food choices for the future.

6. “Eat Like An Olympian” By Brittany G. Brown
With the summer Olympics behind us, you can still win a gold medal with healthy eating!

7. “Top Five Fitness and Nutrition Myths, BUSTED!” By Carolyn McMahon
We all want to find a perfect diet and workout in order to get the results we want, yet misinformation abounds. This article will help you cut through the false advice.

8. “3 Refreshing Summer Coffee Recipes” By Kate Citron
There’s an easier way to enjoy refreshing drinks during the summer without burning a hole in your wallet! Learn how to make frappuccinos, iced coffee, or any cold drink for cheap during the summer.

9. “5 Poolside Appropriate Mocktails” By Tiana Blue
Don’t want alcohol in your drink this summer? Try a mocktail! It’s a drink that everyone can enjoy. The perfect fruity drink for when you lounge on the beach or by the pool this summer.

10. “Choose This, Not That: 5 Healthy, But Tasty Food Alternatives” By Dustin Divelbiss
Say no to that candy bar and eat an apple. Sweet and sugary foods are meant to be enjoyed, but so should any other type of food. Check out these healthy food alternatives!

My favorite article of 2012 was the #1 article about smoothies. I love the refreshing, on the go, deliciousness of those healthy treats.

Start the New Year off with the important information within all of these fabulous articles of 2012! Tune in for the new CL articles coming in 2013!

Our Best Professional Articles 2012

Posted on December 31, 2012 by Debra Schreiber

With the Fall semester done, it’s time to start thinking about Spring, and with Spring comes graduation, internship applications and job applications; or, maybe you’ve graduated this month and already have a job on lock. Either way, it’s definitely time to think about your life as a young professional. To help you navigate this new chapter of life are CL’s top 10 professional articles of 2012.

10. First step to being a young professional? Clean up your social media. Here are some Facebook housekeeping tips from CL grad Diane Ferrer.

9. With so many resumes flowing through any given company’s HR center in one day, yours has to stand out. Learn how here, with CL grad Ashley Offenback.

8. Unfortunately, you can’t always win. Learn how to handle job rejections with class in this article from CL intern Natalie Raymond.

7. Get some inspiration from “Vanity Fair” contributing editor Judy Bachrach, courtesy of CL grad Tariro Mzezewa.

6. Look fabulous on interview day with these outfit ideas from CL grad Gillian Reid.

5. You’ll also want to fly through your interview with grace and poise; learn how with CL grad Cassandra Marro’s article.

4. Maybe you want to go the nontraditional route and start up your own business instead – fabulous! Get started with ideas from Nautical Notions’ Alex Boudreau, interviewed by CL intern Angela Skane.

3. Got the job? Great! Invited to a business dinner? Eeks! Dress the part here with CL intern Mallory Hatten.

2. And remember your table manners! CL grad Allison Cohen takes you through the night here.

1. We’ve all been there – that one person in your group that you just don’t get along with is disagreeing with you again. Learn how to speak to them respectfully, with this article by CL grad Leslie Alston.

Still have questions about the job search or how to tackle life as a young professional? Check out the great resources in the College Lifestyles™ job and Internship Bank.

Introducing Caitlin Hendrickson: CL’s New Health/Fitness/Nutrition Writing Intern, State University of New York College at Oneonta

Posted on December 28, 2012 by Caitlin Hendrickson

Name: Caitlin Hendrickson

College Lifestyle intern position: Health/Fitness/Nutrition Writer

Hometown: Congers, New York

School: The State University of New York College at Oneonta

Year in studies: Senior

Major/Concentrations: Dietetics/Health and Wellness, Personal Training

Organizational involvement: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

I am excited for second semester because: I am being introduced to advanced, upper-level courses that will show the heart of my major

My favorite thing about spring is: Warmer weather and nature’s beautiful colors beginning to blossom

My dream spring break is: Road tripping across the country with my closest friends in beautiful weather in a 1970 Pontiac GTO convertible

I wish I could study abroad: In New Zealand

My number one DIY craft for this semester is: Mason Jars

My fashion and accessory favorites for this spring are: Colorful high-waisted skirts, little cross-body bags, beautifully unique wedges, and any piece of Swarovski jewelery

Fashion

My dream job is: Writing about healthy lifestyles for Women’s Health Magazine

My favorite food is: Guav Lox

My favorite movies/T.V. shows are: The Nightmare Before Christmas, Titanic, Dazed and Confused/Beavis and Butthead, Shameless, That 70′s Show

My favorite book is: Hatchet

My celebrity dream date is/with: A carnival adventure/Alex Pettyfer

I get my inspiration from: The Sex and the City ladies

My secret get-away during the semester is: My apartment with a couple of candles lit and a nice glass of wine

Study Break

My friends would describe me as: “Adventurous, fun-loving, non-bias (able to look at all sides of a situation and understand each point made), reliable, happy, and very sociable”-very close friend

Three things I want to accomplish before the summer: Find a job related to health that I love, start looking for an apartment, and go on a road trip

My favorite College Lifestyle article was: Choose This, Not That: Starbucks Edition

My definition of a classy co-ed is: Someone who is confident in their ways and is fabulous enough to show it off in a modest, not cocky, way

Why I am excited to be a College Lifestyle intern: I love writing about health and wellness so others can benefit from the readings and College Lifestyles allows me to go above and beyond this by giving me the experience I need to advance myself in the magazine world

Caitlin Hendrickson is a current student at SUNY Oneonta. Follow her @caithendrickson. To stay tuned to more articles for classy co-eds be sure to follow College Lifestyles on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter @collegelifestyl.

Interior Design: Top 5 Apartment Looks for 2013

Posted on December 27, 2012 by LaurenDa

With the New Year comes resolutions, optimism for better days, and a thirst for change. One great way to make changes in 2013 is to recreate your living space. CL has a list of great ways to add to your current space and incorporate items that will rekindle exciting rooms. The main style for 2013 is to BE BOLD!

Code Red

Red is back! Spaces that have a black and white color base and pops of red make for a classic look, which is back in style. Keep larger furniture pieces neutral and add red through accessories like pillows, lampshades, and rugs. Be bold on elements that are easy to change. You can always change out a picture frame, but repainting a room takes a lot of time and effort.

Patterns

Lots of floral and animal print patterns are back in for living spaces. The bolder the colors are, the better. Patterns are used to liven up an area that has plain colors. Use patterns as a focal point on pieces of furniture that would otherwise be boring.

Curtains

A popular place to use patterns and bold colors is on curtains. The main trend here is not the patterns themselves, but where they are placed. Floor length and big patterned curtains that frame windows are a great way to liven up a living space, and add personality to a room. Using bright colored curtains in rooms that do not have a lot of light make the room seem bigger and brighter.

Picture This!

Using photographs as wall décor has always been trendy in interior design. However, in 2013, the way they are trending is more creative. People have been showcasing photos of family, friends, scenery, and more in ways other than sitting behind picture frames. Using photographs as borders to larger pictures, as wallpaper, as coasters, or hung in creative ways are all extremely popular for 2013. For example: An easy and stylish way to use wall space and hang photos is to attach the photos to wire using close pins.

DIY

DIY crafts have become very popular in 2012 and will continue through to 2013. From the development of the photo-sharing website Pinterest in 2010, a new world of craft projects and DIYs has emerged. People have become very creative in their quest to personalize their spaces. Mason jars and crayons have become staples in people’s spaces with the popular melted crayon craft and Mason jar candles.

Making changes to your living space can be easy and fun. These CL interior design trends are about making rooms more exciting and eye-catching; try them out and see what works for you. Happy New Year and redecorating!