Stylish Sites for the Classy Co-Ed

With these nifty websites, using a computer can be fun, helpful, and even “in vogue.”

For Finding the Look That Is Just Right:
Looklet.com
Looklet provides its users with an online model and the dream closet to dress her.  In a few clicks, a classy co-ed can test drive a multitude of styles, from haute couture to hot pants, from ladylike to Lady Gaga.  Ever wonder how to wear a trend?  I have consulted this site to help me assemble leggings ensembles that look chic and not sloppy.  This is a great way to try on different looks without taking all the time involved with shopping around.  Maybe you will use this website to pick out a first-day-of-classes outfit!

For Decorating and Fashion That Is One-of-a-Kind:
Etsy.com
You walk into your first class and you realize that three other girls are carrying the same handbag.  How can a student avoid this situation and stand out from the crowd?  Etsy provides individual artists and craftspeople with a venue for selling their unique wares online.  Not just limited to clothing, here you can also find some housewares to spruce up a bland, beige dorm room.  For the sorority girls out there, you even can find items with your mascots on them.  What a fun way to show sisterly spirit!

For Learning Something New:
Howcast.com
This features not only text guides but also fun videos that teach site visitors how to do just about anything.  They range from seriously informative to knee-slappingly hilarious.  Learn how to knit, how to write an amazing essay, and how to ace a job interview, all on one website.  Users can post their own how-to articles and videos to share their knowledge with the world.  Instead of sifting through page after page on google, you can eliminate the hassle when looking for information on writing a resume, baking a cake, or helping a friend.

For the Much-Needed Study Break:
Orisinal.com
Are you looking for a fun alternative to the over-played solitaire on the computer?  Look no further than Orisinal.  Computer games seem aimed at a male audience, but the simple concepts and adorable graphics used in these online games make classy co-eds want to play, too.  Even the background music is enjoyable; some of these are set to beautiful instrumental pieces.  Try checking out these artful games the next time you need a quick study break.

For Great Articles for a Classy Co-ed:
Collegelifestyles.org
But you already knew that!

Meredith is an intern at College Lifestyles.  She is a Business Operations major at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business.  She is always ready to solve any technology crisis or fashion emergency.

5 Pieces for Back to School Fall Style

Hello everyone! I’m Leslie Campbell, one of the newest College Lifestyles interns, and I am extremely excited for the upcoming semester. I am a senior majoring in Apparel Marketing and with a minor in Mass Communications at Kansas State University. I love: magazines, coffee, running, peanut butter, fashion, and of course writing. This semester I plan on bringing you articles on classy co-ed fashion and lifestyle!

1. The perfect t-shirt

A lightweight, perfect fit t-shirt is the perfect base for fall style. Whether you prefer V-neck, scoop, or crew cut, make sure the fabric is comfortable and flattering. Stores like the Gap always have great selections and styles at a moderate price point. Target is a great place to find affordable tees that are cute and colorful and perfectly affordable.

”Vintage V-neck Tee.” Online Image. 28 August 2010. www.gap.com

2. The cardigan

Cardigans are perfect transition pieces for all of your summer tees, tank tops, and sundresses. Solid colored cardigans can be mixed and matched with just about anything, and thrown on when the temperature drops. Patterned cardigans turn your classic basics into a something special. A classy cardigan is the perfect versatile piece; it adds a polished touch perfect for a job interview or class

“Women’s Cropped Rosette Cardigan.” Online Image. 28 August 2010. www.oldnavy.com

 3. Dark wash jeans

Dark wash jeans are the most versatile pair of pants in a woman’s closet. They can be paired with a tee and cardigan for a busy day of classes, and amplified with a dressy tank and heels for night. Pick a jean silhouette that is comfortable and flattering for you; skinny, boot, or flare. The key to a pair of jeans is your comfort in them, not the latest trend, and dark wash is always flattering!

 

“Real Straight Jeans.” Online Image. 28 August 2010. www.gap.com

4. Flats

Flats are the quintessential college co-ed footwear staple. Cute, easy to move in, and of course comfortable, they make walking to class stylish but still casual and practical. Retailers such as TJ Maxx are perfect for scouting out the perfect pair because of their discount prices and wide selection.

 

“Odell Ballet Flats-Cheetah.” Online Image. 28 August 2010. www.target.com

5. Shirtdress

Dresses have the reputation of being “dress up” only items, but they are the perfect piece for a busy, savvy college woman. You don’t have tow worry about matching your top and bottoms, simply throw a dress on and add a few accessories and you’re golden. Shirtdresses are great because they are adorable, but still appropriate for classes. Try a chambray shirtdress with flats, a tote, and pearl earrings for a classy collegiate look.

 

“Women’s Chambray Shirtdress.” Online Image. 28 August 2010. www.oldnavy.com

 These 5 pieces are basics, but when mixed and thrown together with accessories, the culmination is timeless. Don’t be afraid to rework what you already have! Every college woman has a t-shirt, but instead of throwing it on and running out of the door, pair it with your new studded flats or floral cardigan.

Leslie Campbell is an intern at College Lifestyles (TM) and is an apparel marketing major at Kansas State University. She is a member of Alpha Xi Delta and loves coffee and magazines.

September Spotlight: Books!

Lots and lots of amazing books are coming out next month. September seems like an odd release month to me with school starting and everything being a bit chaotic, but I must be completely wrong. Either way, I’m glad there’s such a wide variety of books for me to get my hands on. I’ll be waiting patiently (who am I kidding, I never wait patiently) for these ones!

September 7th:

The DUFF: Designated Ugly Fat Friend by Kody Keplinger. First off, the author is nineteen years old and this book has received some serious rave reviews from book bloggers. I, for one, cannot wait to have it at my house.

Find her on Twitter.

Synopsis from Amazon: Seventeen-year-old Bianca Piper is cynical and loyal, and she doesn’t think she’s the prettiest of her friends by a long shot. She’s also way too smart to fall for the charms of man-slut and slimy school hottie Wesley Rush. In fact, Bianca hates him. And when he nicknames her “Duffy,” she throws her Coke in his face.

But things aren’t so great at home right now. Desperate for a distraction, Bianca ends up kissing Wesley. And likes it. Eager for escape, she throws herself into a closeted enemies-with-benefits relationship with Wesley.

Until it all goes horribly awry. It turns out that Wesley isn’t such a bad listener, and his life is pretty screwed up, too. Suddenly Bianca realizes with absolute horror that she’s falling for the guy she thought she hated more than anyone.

Losing Faith by Denise Jaden. This debut novel looks extremely promising. Plus, the cover is gorgeous.

Find her on Twitter.

Synopsis from Amazon: A terrible secret. A terrible fate.

When Brie’s sister, Faith, dies suddenly, Brie’s world falls apart. As she goes through the bizarre and devastating process of mourning the sister she never understood and barely even liked, everything in her life seems to spiral farther and farther off course. Her parents are a mess, her friends don’t know how to treat her, and her perfect boyfriend suddenly seems anything but.

As Brie settles into her new normal, she encounters more questions than closure: Certain facts about the way Faith died just don’t line up. Brie soon uncovers a dark and twisted secret about Faith’s final night…a secret that puts her own life in danger.

September 14

Personal Demons by Lisa Desrochers. How can you not like a book with a little love triangle in it?

Find her on Twitter.

Synopsis from Amazon: If you had to choose between Heaven and Hell, which would it be?

Are you sure about that…?

Frannie Cavanaugh is a good Catholic girl with a wicked streak. She’s spent years keeping everyone at a distance–even her closest friends–and it seems her senior year will be more of the same…until Luc Cain enrolls in her class. No one knows where he came from, but Frannie can’t seem to stay away from him. What she doesn’t know is that Luc works in Acquisitions–for Hell–and she possesses a unique skill set that has the king of Hell tingling with anticipation. All Luc has to do is get her to sin, and he’s as tempting as they come. Frannie doesn’t stand a chance.

Unfortunately for Luc, Heaven has other plans, and the angel, Gabe, is going to do whatever it takes to make sure that Luc doesn’t get what he came for. And it isn’t long before they find themselves fighting for more than just her soul.

But if Luc fails, there will be Hell to pay…for all of them.

September 28

Girl, Stolen by April Henry. This one seems like a suspense filled book that will be a quick page turner!

Find her on Twitter.

Synopsis from Amazon: Sixteen year-old Cheyenne Wilder is sleeping in the back of a car while her mom fills her prescription at the pharmacy. Before Cheyenne realizes what’s happening, their car is being stolen–with her inside! Griffin hadn’t meant to kidnap Cheyenne, all he needed to do was steal a car for the others. But once Griffin’s dad finds out that Cheyenne’s father is the president of a powerful corporation, everything changes—now there’s a reason to keep her. What Griffin doesn’t know is that Cheyenne is not only sick with pneumonia, she is blind. How will Cheyenne survive this nightmare, and if she does, at what price?

Whew, there you have it, my top picks for September. What books are you looking forward to that are coming out next month? Remember, just because school is starting doesn’t mean you can’t read for fun! Tweet at us or leave us a comment down below on which books made your list.

Kaitlyn Kline is an intern with College Lifestyles. She is an Edinboro University of PA and Alpha Sigma Tau alum as well as a current grad student at Point Park University. Maybe one day you will see a book written by her listed here on College Lifestyles!

The CL Guide to the Drive Thru Done Right!

It is no secret that fast food restaurants are filled with unhealthy and fattening things to eat!  But with the stress of going back to school, sometimes our crazy lifestyles leave us no other choice but to pull through the drive thru.

Don’t get tricked into ordering a greasy burger just because time is an issue!  Below are popular eateries, and a healthy, reasonable menu item from each!

Starbucks

www.starbucks.com

Honestly, who can resist Starbucks on a stressful day?  But many of their items are filled with too much fat, and too much sugar!  Luckily, they serve Tazo Passion Tea, which is delicious and so flavorful that it doesn’t need any sugar (and this is coming from a person with a sweet tooth!).  It is slightly sweet, and slightly tart, as it is made with herbs, hibiscus flowers, mango, lemongrass, and passion fruit.  This very refreshing drink does not have any calories, and is a great way to refresh after a rough day!  Plus, it is a pretty ruby red in color!

McDonalds

When most people think of McDonalds, their French fries come to mind, which are extremely high in fat and sodium!  For a healthy, yet fun twist, trade for another side dish:  Apple Dippers with Low Fat Caramel Dip!  With the sweet apples, and creamy caramel, you won’t even miss the fries.  And with only 105 calories per serving, they are a delicious way to get more fiber into your body!  Can’t resist the fries?  An occasional indulgence is okay, and a small size would be enough to satisfy your craving, and is only 230 calories.

Dunkin Donuts

After a long night of studying, you may stop at DD with the intention of just getting some delicious coffee to wake up, but then you may feel compelled to buy a blueberry muffin or chocolate crème filled donut too!  Resist the urge, and try their yummy Egg White and Cheese on Wheat English Muffin instead!  While the muffin and donut will just leave you feeling sluggish a little bit later, the breakfast sandwich has fiber, protein, calcium, and iron to help you get through your morning!

Jamba Juice

Yum!  Everybody loves a refreshing and sweet Jamba Juice smoothie!  But some of them are packed with more calories and sugar than most meals!  To fulfill your craving for the good stuff, try their Strawberry Nirvana ®!  Made with strawberries, bananas, apple juice, and milk, it is high in fiber, calcium, and vitamin D.  And, with only 150 calories per 16 oz serving, it is a very reasonable treat!

Wendy’s

You won’t need a bacon cheeseburger after you try the delicious Apple Pecan Chicken Salad!  It is made up with many different varieties of healthy dark, leafy greens, apples, bleu cheese, dried cranberries, grilled chicken breast, and pecans.  Yum!!!  When ordered with the grilled chicken, rather than fried, it has 460 calories, and a ton of healthy fiber, protein, vitamins A and C, and calcium.

These are also great ideas for when you go out with your friends, because no one likes that girl who doesn’t eat anything when the group goes to McDonalds, but rather just complains about how unhealthy everything is

How do you stay healthy at the drive thru?

Christine Palaski is an intern with College Lifestyles.  She is a junior at Adelphi University, where she is a nursing major.  She enjoys hanging out with her Delta Delta Delta sisters, and of course, eating!

CL’s Guide to Reading for Fun while in School

If you’re like me and love to read (I did start my own book blog after all), then you may be a little concerned about not having any time for it once the semester starts again. School books will dominate your shelves in no time and you’ll have textbooks to read for exams that always seem to occur too quickly. Don’t worry, you can still fit reading for pleasure into your busy schedule!

1. Read as a reward. When you get a good grade on an exam, reward yourself by purchasing one of the books you have been eyeing up lately. Remember you don’t have to shell out a lot of money to get a great book. Check out stores like Half Price Books or even thrift stores.

2. Read to unwind. Most of us know that if we have a standard routine before bed, we will most likely sleep better. Why not make reading part of that nightly practice? Even if you only read one-two chapters a night before bed, you will be finished with a book before you know it.
3. Read to escape. Overwhelmed with everything that is happening this semester? Grab a book and let your mind wander for a bit. When you read a book, you can enter a whole new world. You can go on an adventure with Harry, Ron and Hermione or you can fall in love alongside Sookie and Eric (not Bill ). When you come back to the real world, your mind will be a little bit clearer.

4. Read as a group. Why don’t you set up a book club with people on your floor or in your apartment complex? It would be a great way to get to know people and make reading fun! You can meet every other week or once a month–whatever works with your schedule. Pick books that either you all own or can check out from the library. Talk about your likes and dislikes and things you wish you could change about the book.

Always remember to take a little bit of “me” time during the school year. If you’re too stressed, you won’t accomplish anything to your full potential. What books are you looking forward to this fall? Check out some from this summer that you may have missed and don’t forget, Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins comes out August 24th! Leave us a comment down below or tweet at us (@collegelifestyl) to let us know what books are on your list!

Kaitlyn Kline is an intern with College Lifestyles. She is an Edinboro University of PA and Alpha Sigma Tau alum as well as a current grad student at Point Park University. She has already read 50 books this year!

College Lifestyles Study Abroad Survival Guide – Part One

Summer is quickly coming to an end, which means it is time to begin (or start) school.  Most of us have been preparing for moving back, picking up supplies, and planning time to get together with our friends.  But one thing you might not have thought about was studying abroad.

For those of you that want to do more than just go back to school, it might be a good idea to look into a study abroad program.  What better way to help classy co-eds, like yourself, decide on a study abroad program then to put together a three part post about the process, what to do once you’re accepted, and then how to best enjoy your time.

This past May I returned from a 4 ½ month study abroad program in Antibes, France.  While I was there I encountered numerous dilemmas, a lot of new experiences, and overall had a fabulous time!  Because of this, I felt I might be one of the best people to help you decide if a program is right for you.

So let’s get started!  Here are a few things that are important for you to look into before studying abroad.

Study Abroad Fairs

First thing I recommend is that everyone attend an international study abroad fair.  I know at Western, our International Programs Department holds an annual fair that consists of all the countries WCU participates with.  This is where I found a lot of information about the schools I wanted to attend.  Be sure to check with your universities International Programs Department to find out when and where their Study Abroad Fair will be.  Once you find out… GO!

Deciding Where to Go

There are so many amazing places one can travel to in a study abroad program.  It solely depends on your interests, and what programs your university has to offer.  If for some reason your university does not have a study abroad fair, contact your International Department and find out what foreign universities your school works with.  From that list, begin doing research on the location of the school, the town in which it is located, along with surrounding cities.  While researching, make sure you meet the criteria that your school requires for the program (i.e. required GPA, minimum amount of course hours required, etc.)  You should also talk with your Academic Adviser to make sure your degree program will allow you to schedule in a semester or year abroad.  Want more information?  Check out fellow CL Intern, Abby’s post Don’t Miss Out! – L.I.V.E. It Up When You Travel Abroad!

Q & A’s to help make Your Final Decision

To help you make your final decision, I have put together some questions and answers that can help you decide if going abroad is right for you.

Q:  How exactly will studying abroad help me in my future?

For many employers, it is a bonus if an applicant has a background in a foreign language.  So what better way to get that foreign language background, then to travel to the country of the language you want to learn?  You will not only learn the language, but you will get a first-hand international experience, which for any company or corporation, which will give you many kudos.

Q:  What if I get there and I am insanely homesick?

For me, I experienced the homesick bug immediately!  My first night in France, I cried myself to sleep because I was somewhere that I didn’t speak the language, I didn’t know where I was, and I had no way of contacting my friends and family back home.  But some advice that I can now give to others is who cares!  You will be doing something that so many people wish they had the courage to do.  You will be learning a new language (or brushing up on one), you will get to meet people from ALL OVER the World, and you will create so many new memories that you can tell all your family and friends when you get home.  At some point the homesickness will hurt, but it is something that will only last for a short time, and then the rest of the time you will be so happy you stuck it out.

Application Process

Prepare yourself for a long, stressful, and very tedious process when it comes to studying abroad.  For my program, I was required to write a letter of interest about why I wanted to attend my host university, and how I felt it would further my career goals.  I was also required to get 2 letters of recommendations from professors and/or advisers.  Once that was all finalized, it was time to fill out the paperwork.

The actual study abroad application was very detailed, extremely long, and took a few days to fill it all out.  Thankfully, I was given the application as soon as I got back to school and the deadline was a month away.  For the most part, I believe all the other programs deadlines were around the same time.

If you are interested in studying abroad in the Spring 2011 semester, my suggestion would be to immediately contact your International Department, set up a meeting, and being your research as soon as possible.  That way if studying abroad is something you want to do, you will have enough time to get everything done.

Once you have made your decision on whether or not you should study abroad, all you have to do is apply.  Once you’ve submitted your application the next step is to wait.

Is this something you are interested in doing?  If you have any questions about this post, you can leave a comment here or write me on Twitter @CrottyLove.

You have finished the first part of the study abroad process.  Keep an eye out for my next post about what to do once you’ve been accepted.

Samantha Crotty is an intern with College Lifestyles.  She is a Communications/Print Media and Art major at Western Carolina University.  She enjoyed her experience abroad in Antibes, France she

Back to School! Dorm Room Packing the College Lifestyles Way!!!

It’s time to go back to school!  If you read my CL post about packing for vacations and trips, you know that I HATE packing.  But, packing for your dorm room is the worst kind of packing to do EVER!  Soooo many things to bring!  And what should I pack?  What will I need?  How do I get it so I don’t have a million bags of junk?  Is it possible to unpack into my room without taking forever?

Check out my “Top 3 Dorm Room Packing Tips” and “My ‘Must Bring’ Packing and Shopping List” below to help you out before you go back to school!

Top 3 Dorm Room Packing Tips:

1. Put similar things together while packing.

This sounds simple, but it makes a lot of sense!  When packing clothes, separate clothing that needs to be hung up in the closet from clothing that needs to be put into draws, so you are not making yourself crazy on move in day.  Organize your boxes and bags based on their continents (i.e. keep cleaning supplies separate from school supplies).  Using labels makes this even easier!

2. Only bring it if you need it!

The semester is only 16 weeks long, so you won’t need to bring EVERYTHING you own, especially if you will be occasionally going home for a visit.  Depending on the climate of the city where you go to school, you may be able to exchange your fall and summer clothes for your winter clothes when you go home for Thanksgiving, which will really open up a lot of space!  Also, there is no need to bring every handbag you own, but instead, just bring the few that you know you will use.

3. Keep this in mind:  you will have to unpack at the end of the year!

So don’t make a crazy collage on the wall that you will just have to take down in 9 months!  Also, make sure everything has a place, so you won’t end up with odds and ends as you move in and out.  Store items in boxes so you can take them in and out easily!

My “Must Bring’ Packing and Shopping List:

1. Clothing and Hangers

2. Shoes and a Shoe Rack

You don’t want your Ugg boots to get dented and your stilettos to get scuffed!  Check out this reasonably priced one from Target that you can leave at the bottom of your closet.  It is steel, so it will last well after your college years.

You can purchase it online:  http://www.target.com/Household-Essentials-2-Tier-Stackable-Shoe/dp/B000P6CDEK/ref=sc_qi_detailbutton

3. Linens:

Bed sheets, a bed spread, and bath towels.

4. Pillows

5. Toiletries, Beauty supplies, and a shower caddy!

Keep your shampoo, conditioner, soap, and razor together so everything can be organized for shower time.  You don’t want to be ‘that girl’ who drops a bottle of shampoo when you are only wearing a towel.  It is neither fun nor classy.  Check out these cute ones for only $4.99 at Bed Bath and Beyond!

You can purchase it online:  http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?SKU=118937

6. Cell phone, stamps, and stationary

Keep mom and dad posted with everything going on!  They enjoy receiving mail just as much as you!

7. Small Refrigerator

For your healthy dorm room snacks!  This one from Target is only $89 and is also a whiteboard, so you can keep reminder notes for yourself!  (i.e. Study for bio exam, DO LAUNDRY!)

You can also purchase this online:  http://www.target.com/Emerson-Compact-Fridge-Erase-Door/dp/B003JU6PCU/ref=sc_ri_1?ie=UTF8&node=13158601

8. Television

Talk to your roomie, because you won’t need two!  Bring some fun movies along for a fun night in!  Check out Megan’s CL post to find the movies that your dorm shouldn’t be without!

9. Laptop

Also buy a lock!  They are so cheap and laptops are so expensive!  You can attach it to your desk so if you step out of your room, you won’t need to worry about your roommate’s sketchy friends.  Check out this one from Staples.

One of my biggest pet peeves is when I see people carrying their expensive laptops around in a backpack.  A cute laptop bag is helpful when you bring your laptop to class, the library, or a friend’s room!  Here is a cute one from Kolobags! It can be purchased online at:  http://www.kolobags.com/like-dots-mine-messenger-bag-p-2019

Before you buy a printer, check out your school’s library policies.  At my school, students receive 500 printed pages for free, so a printer for your room may not be worth the money.  Especially since they take up a lot of limited space!

10. Cleaning supplies

Nothing too crazy:  a broom with a dust pan, Lysol wipes, paper towels, a bottle of all-purpose cleaner, sponges, dish soap, and a waste basket should be enough!

11. Laundry Supplies:

Detergent, dryer sheets, and hampers (one for dirty laundry, one for clean)!

12. School Supplies

The standard notebooks, pens, pencils, and folders are always needed, but make sure to also pack crayons, scissors, and glue sticks.  You will never know when you’ll need it!

13. Fun Chairs

Make your room the cool place to hang out!  You don’t want to make your friends sit on the floor!  Check out these different styles below.  Some of them can be folded up to pack and unpack, and all of them are easy to move and small enough to fit into your tiny room!

14. Accessories

This can be your packing downfall!  Be sure to keep all of your accessories together, so you are not separating necklaces while trying to hang up clothes.  In boxes or bins, keep your jewelry, scarves, purses, and hats separate from each other.  Keep the accessories you pack to a minimum, as space is limited, and again, you will not need every handbag you own.  Also, keep the nice jewelry that you inherited from Grandma at home.  You never know who will get sticky fingers!

15.  Plastic Storage Containers

Get a variety of these:  some with handles, some without, some big, some small, some with draws, some without!.  They are a great place to store food, school supplies, cleaning supplies, extra clothing, and pretty much anything!!!

16. Dorm room food

Check out Emily’s CL post about dorm room eating for some healthy ideas!

17. Utensils, a plate, a bowl, and a cup

Because eating off of the floor is not cool.  Just make sure they are plastic to avoid breakage!  You should be able to find cute and cheap ones at a dollar store.

18.  Fun games!

Scrabble and Apples to Apples are both so much fun for a quiet night in with the girls!

19. Decorations

Check out Kendall’s CL post for some awesome ideas!!!  I like using these wall stickers, as they come off easily, look great, and can be reused for when you move back in next year!  They really dress up a boring dorm room! Purchase them online at: http://www.target.com/Wall-Decal-York-City-Skyline/dp/B0038Z4HIU/ref=pd_ecc_rvi_1

20.  Over the counter medication

When you move on campus, you can’t use your bathroom’s medicine cabinet anymore.  Keep the essentials on hand just incase you feel under the weather, like Tylenol and Pepto-Bismol.

Got everything on the list?  Check out Kendall’s post so you can see her shopping list for the little things that most people forget!

How do you pack for back to school?

Christine Palaski is a junior at Adelphi University where she is a nursing major and a proud sister of Delta Delta Delta.  She loves an organized dorm room!

Dos and Don’ts While Going Through Recruitment

Going through recruitment can be a scary thing since you’ve never done it before. Don’t be worried though, it so much fun! Just think by the end of the week you could be going to Bid Day with all of your new sisters! Here are a few tips to help you get ready for the week and to get through the week of recruitment.

Do: Plan a relaxing day! Since recruitment can be stressful, just because it is a new experience; plan a day for yourself! Do something you enjoy! Maybe get your hair and nails done? Maybe go to the local bookstore and grab some coffee. Whatever you enjoy doing plan a day for that! It will help you not stress over the recruitment process.

 

Do: Plan what you’re going to wear. A fun way to get to know the girls in your dorm would be to go shopping with them to pick out recruitment outfits.

Don’t: Wear uncomfortable shoes. I know different schools do recruitment differently and you may not be walking a lot but, if you’re going to have to walk a lot during recruitment don’t wear uncomfortable shoes; at least on the first two days so that you can save your feet.

 

Don’t: Party.  During recruitment you are going to need all of your energy to be the best you can be and project a good image of yourself. If you’re out partying all night you won’t be able to be your best self. Plus, during recruitment you are going to be exhausted at night after the fun day you’ve had meeting all of the sorority women on campus and learning about Greek life.

Do: Talk yourself up. The ladies want to get to know you better and want to know as much about you as possible within that short period of time. Think about topics you want to hit on before you go to the house so you don’t walk out of the house and say to yourself “I should have told them…”

Don’t:  Bad mouth any sorority. You don’t know what the other girls are feeling about each sorority and you don’t want to hurt their feelings if you talk badly about the sorority they want to call home. Just keep your positive or negative thoughts to yourself. At my school the ladies going through recruitment get a notebook to write down their thoughts after each house. Once you’re Greek you will have respect for all of the sororities

I hope these tips can help you enjoy your recruitment week! You will make many memories during this week and you don’t want them to be that your feet hurt or that you didn’t like your outfit. Hopefully they will involve making lifelong friends!

Check out this classy College Lifestyles post about what every dorm room needs!

Sarah Franklin is a senior at Western Kentucky University and is pumped for recruitment!

An Event Where All Guest Are Welcome! CL TweetChat!

Calling all twitter fans!  College Lifestyles will be hosting two (2) TwitterChats where all are invited (the only party where you can bring as many guest as you wish!)!

Our first 2 TwitterChats will focus on the theme ‘Back to School.’  Suggestions are welcomed by all.

Here is the ‘Dish’ on our TweetChats:

Dates:  Tuesday 8/10 AND 8/17

Time: 8pm CST

Hashtag: #collegelife

Simple TweetChat etiquette:

1. The chat will begin at 8pmCST sharp with a ‘Hello’ from @collegelifestyl
2. When responding OR answering a question, but sure to follow the format of numbering your question.  For example:  Q1  Write your answer
3. Follow all responses with the hashtag (#) #collegelife.  For example:  Q1 answer #collegelife

We hope to see you on our ‘TweetChat!’

Shelly Marie Redmond, MS, RD, LDN is the Executive Director of College Lifestyles!  She hopes to ‘see’ everyone tomorrow night on the TweetChat!

Fall into Football Season with College Lifestyles

As fall rolls around, we are all preparing for back to school by shopping, buying books and getting our planners organized. While that is high on my priority list since I am starting graduate school this fall, I am also looking forward to football season! Since I am a Pittsburgh girl, you know I will be cheering for my Pittsburgh Steelers. We all know that looking good while cheering on our team is just as important.

Luckily for us, Victoria’s Secret has come out with a line that supports 13 professional football teams. They have a variety of items for each team ranging from t shirts to sweatshirts. If you cannot find your professional team of choice, perhaps you can find a collegiate team to support–they have a plethora of options!

If you still cannot find anything you like at Victoria’s Secret, you can always try the NFL shop or your local department store. They should have jerseys, sweatshirts and everything nice!

What team are you supporting this fall or do you not care about football at all? Let us know in the comments section, by tweeting at us (@collegelifestyl) or emailing us at intern@collegelifestyles.org!

Kaitlyn Kline is an intern with College Lifestyles. She is an Edinboro University of PA and Alpha Sigma Tau alum as well as a current graduate student at Point Park University. She loves the black and gold and can’t wait to see the boys play this season!

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