CL’s guide to planning out your final semester of college

As a recent college graduate I know the stress involved with your final semester.  There’s a ton of things that have to be done, from deciding your next step to picking out that perfect graduation dress. But I promise it can be done smoothly. I got through it and with these awesome tips you will too.

1. Create a calendar- One of the most important things to remember are dates and deadlines. Keep track of everything. When do you have to register for graduation? When are payments due? When will you take your graduation pics? What big finals/projects do you have? When is graduation? The last thing you want to do is fall behind on an important event.

 

2. Visit career center- If you haven’t done so already stop by your career center. Ask them to review your resume, help you create a cover letter, find employment/internships or even look up grad schools. They have a lot of resources, take advantage of them.

 

3. Meet with your advisor- Check and double-check that you have met or will meet all of your major requirements. You have come too far to let something stop you from graduating.

 

4. Network- This is an important word. Get the contact information for all your favorite teachers, advisors, supervisors and club leaders. Develop a rapport with them. You never know when you will need advice, guidance or a recommendation.

5. Stay focused- This is the time when senioritis will start to creep up on you. Don’t let it, you’re almost there!

 

6. Relax- Ahhhhh if you’ve followed the steps above you should feel confident and ready to walk across that stage. Don’t stress, this is actually a good time for you. Take time to go to your college’s graduation events and mingle with your peers.

 

7. CELEBRATE!- This moment is what you have been working so hard for. Reward yourself by taking a spa day, buying those shoes you have been eyeing or throwing a party. For tips on how to plan the perfect party check out CL’s Heres How to Throw Your First 2012 DIY Glitz Party by  fellow CL intern TianaB.

 

Your final semester won’t be perfect but with CL’s help it will be great. Good luck and congrats!

 

 

 

Minyvonne Burke is a fashion and lifestyle writer for College Lifestyles ™. She graduated from Point Park University and is currently pursuing her master’s degree at Hofstra University. She loves online shopping, cute bags and NYC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Every CL Girl Should Know: Proper Grad Party Etiquette

School’s out and grad party season is in. It’s the perfect time for every CL girl to polish up her party etiquette skills and be the guest every host wants. The proper way to behave at grad parties may seem obvious—be classy, be polite, be friendly—you know the drill. But I’m here to tell you, it’s not as straightforward as it sounds. This past weekend my family and I went to three grad parties and experienced a few, shall I say, awkward moments.  I came up with a list of questions and asked college girls (including other CL interns) what they would do in each situation. Here’s how they answered.

When should I Arrive?

As the saying goes, “fashionably late” is the way to be. But with three parties on the same day, my family was on a strict time schedule. The first party started at 3pm. We arrived at 3:30pm which was way too early considering we weren’t too close to the graduate or his family. We walked up the driveway to find the graduate, his girlfriend, and a handful of relatives all staring our way. Future tip: Unless it’s family or a close friend, arrive at least an hour after the party starts, that way you can float in and out without looking like the random people nobody knows.

“I usually arrive about five or ten minutes after it’s supposed to start. That gives the host just a few minutes for final touch-ups and calming down.”- Carli Christain, Kansas State University, 2013

“This depends on your relationship with the grad. If he or she is a close friend or family member, the earlier the better. If you aren’t particularly close with the person, I’d wait until at least 45 minutes into the party.”- Bethany Cook, Ohio University, 2012

“On time, if you have another party that day/night as well you should let the host know when you think you’ll be stopping over.”- Nicole Savitsky, DeSales University, 2013

“Around 30 minutes after official start time!” -Emily C, Providence College, 2013

“If it’s a family member, early (to help out with things and help greet other guests you may know/ let the grad greet new people while you help entertain). If it’s a random person’s DO NOT BE THE FIRST TO ARRIVE. You will feel awkward. Arrive a half hour or so after they say food will start.” –Megan A, University of Michigan, 2010

What should I wear?

“It depends on the party–dress to the theme (swim party, casual, dress-up casual).”- Nicole Savitsky, DeSales University, 2013

“A casual sundress or a nice pair of shorts with a dressy top.”- Bethany Cook, Ohio University, 2012

“A nice sundress with wedges or fun sandals.” - Kelly Adams, University of Kentucky, 2012

“Something summery, a step up from casual.” - Kelsey Tremberth, University of Michigan, 2013

“Something fitting for the weather. Dressy but nothing over the top to out due the graduate.”- Lauren Kathleen Beaudin, Macomb Community College, 2013

What kind of gift should I give the graduate?

“It completely depends on how well you know the person! A homemade, personal gift will be more appropriate for a best friend, but a simple gift card is perfectly acceptable for just an acquaintance.”- Carli Christain, Kansas State University, 2013

“Anything he/she could use for their dorm is a great idea. Also, Target gift cards are perfect, that way the grad can use them on anything they might need.”- Kelly Adams, University of Kentucky, 2012

“MONEY, or if you don’t have money to give maybe a picture frame with a memorable photo of you and the person. Another great idea would be like a bucket/basket with “college survival” items. i.e. tide to go, easy mac, pens, highlighters, those baby tissue packs, reading light, ear plugs, bottle opener…. you get the hint.”-Megan A, University of Michigan, 2010

“Gift cards! Everyone says they are impersonal, but they’re perfect for a new grad that’s going to buy a lot of different things, and you can still pencil it into your budget.” - Jessica Salerno, Ohio University, 2013

“For a friend, I just give them a card that’s usually funny and says congrats. For a close friend, maybe something more personal, like a picture board of the two of you for her dorm room.” -Kelsey Tremberth, University of Michigan, 2013

Who do I say hi to? What if they are busy?

“Say hi to the graduate or the family of the graduate first. If they’re busy wait until they seem to have a moment. You and a million other people will want to talk to them that day.”- Jessica Salerno, Ohio University, 2013

“You must say hi to whoever’s party it is! And I think it is classy to introduce yourself to the parents of the person. Parents love to be able to see their children’s friends.”- Carli Christain, Kansas State University, 2013

“Everyone you know! And if you don’t know someone and they’re sitting alone then say hey!”- Emily C, Providence College, 2013

“Any family. Or any close friends. Maybe a cute boy over in the corner. If they are busy move on and come back if they are important.” - Lauren Kathleen Beaudin, Macomb Community College, 2013

“Say hello to the graduate of course, but if they are occupied, be sure to say hello to their mother or whoever is hosting the party. Be sure to thank them for hosting such a great event and congratulate them on their graduate!”- Kelly Adams, University of Kentucky, 2012

Is it weird if my family stays together the whole time?

“Not really. People that know each other generally stick together at these things. As long as they at least make conversation with people other than each other.” -Kelsey Tremberth, University of Michigan, 2013

“No it’s not weird, but it might be a kind idea for your family to mingle with other guests.” - Jessica Salerno, Ohio University, 2013

“No, mine did! At least when I had mine they sat at their own table, and I know a lot of families like to view pictures and things together.” – Lindsay, Drake University, 2013

“Yes. Try and branch out and meet people.”-Megan A, University of Michigan, 2010

“If you don’t know anyone else at the party it wouldn’t be that weird, but try and mingle if you can (you’ll probably have more fun).” -Nicole Savitsky, DeSales University, 2013

How much should I eat? Can I go back for seconds?

“Eat a meal’s worth and if there is a particularly tasty dish, don’t feel bad getting another helping unless there appears to be a food shortage. Typically grad parties have too many leftovers.”- Bethany Cook, Ohio University, 2012

“A lot, and YES! One of the ultimate purposes of grad parties is to stuff your face with free food. Besides, no one wants to have three pans of leftover mostacholi. They want you to eat! – Kelsey Tremberth, University of Michigan, 2013

“At most grad parties I’ve been to, there’s been too much food! Eat as much as you want, the hosts encourage it.” – Jessica Salerno, Ohio University, 2013

“I always eat slightly less than my “normal” amount, just to make sure they’ll be enough food! Generally, there’s more than enough, so I don’t feel too guilty going up for a second appetizer or dessert.” - Carli Christain, Kansas State University, 2013

“Eat as much as you know you can (start small and go back up for more). My experience with graduation parties and food is that there usually is a TON of food and the hosts are always encouraging you to eat more or take some home.”- Nicole Savitsky, DeSales University, 2013

Can I bring a date?

“I would say no. If the host wanted your date to come, he or she would have invited him! But if you must, I think the appropriate thing to do is ask your host if you can bring a date. Most hosts will probably be okay with it.” – Carli Christain, Kansas State University, 2013

“I would ask first because some parties only make food/have room for a certain amount of people, but in most cases I personally don’t think the host would mind.” - Nicole Savitsky, DeSales University, 2013

“Unless you are given a plus one on the invitation, you shouldn’t bring a date, especially if it is a sit down dinner.” - Kelly Adams, University of Kentucky, 2012

“This can get awkward – if it’s your boyfriend/girlfriend totally fine! When it’s a random friend you just wanted to bring along and they don’t know the grad, I think it’s rude. They are just in it for the food to be honest. People did that at mine and didn’t even introduce themselves – very rude.”- Lindsay, Drake University, 2013

“Of course! Call ahead though.”- Emily C, Providence College, 2013

I see a new cute guy I want to meet. How should I approach this?

“Depending on how well you know the host, ask for them to casually (read: not awkwardly) introduce you two. If you’re more bold, you could even ask, “Hey, how do you know [insert name of party host here]? I went to school with her, but I haven’t seen you around.” (hahaha, I definitely would NOT do the second one! But maybe other girls are more courageous/smooth than I am?)” – Carli Christain, Kansas State University, 2013

“Go talk to him! Start out the conversation by asking him how he knows the grad!” Kelly Adams, University of Kentucky, 2012

“Introduce yourself, and pretend you’re looking for the graduate. Then slide into some casual conversation, saying something like, “I’ve never met you before, how do you know [whoever is graduating]?” Then go from there ;]” - Kelsey Tremberth, University of Michigan, 2013

“I would try having someone who knows the guy introduce you. If not, try and wait until he’s alone and then ask him a question like ‘do you know where the drinks are’ or introduce yourself.” – Nicole Savitsky, DeSales University, 2013

“Ask him how he knows the grad, and then go from there. Oftentimes there will be games at the party like cornhole, ask if he wants to play.” -Jessica Salerno, Ohio University, 2013

Who should I say goodbye to? Do I have to sign the guest book?

“Say goodbye to the graduate and the host of the party. Thank them for throwing such a great party and thinking of you for the invite. It is polite to sign the guestbook, plus it is a great memory for the graduate to have.” – Kelly Adams, University of Kentucky, 2012

“You don’t have to sign the book, but it would be a nice gesture. Definitely say goodbye to the grad and their immediate family, if you know them.” - Bethany Cook, Ohio University, 2012

“You MUST sign the guest book! And put a personal note if you can. This is a wonderful memory for the graduation party host.”-Carli Christain, Kansas State University, 2013

“Yes, sign the guest book. Make sure you say goodbye to the grad and thank her for inviting you. If you don’t have to leave at a specific time offer to help her clean up afterward.” - Jessica Salerno, Ohio University, 2013

“Sign the guest book – memories. If the grad is free, say bye, if not don’t feel obligated unless you are family or best friends – or say bye to the parents and let them know you are leaving.” – Lindsay, Drake University, 2013

Share your tips for staying classy at grad parties in the comments section!

Erica Avesian is an intern at College Lifestyles™. She is a junior communications major at the University of Michigan. Erica loves strawberry lemonade and neon pink nails.

The Classiest Gifts Are Always Priceless

It’s graduation season, and that means lots of well wishing and gift giving! Whether you have a friend graduating from high school, college, or even if they’re just celebrating an exciting occasion, these thoughtful and creative gift ideas are sure to warm the heart, even during these hot summer months!

1. Scrapbook One of the most thoughtful ways of expressing your affection and appreciation for a friend is to create a scrapbook of memories for them! When push comes to shove, we often put activities such as scrapbooking to the side. So put some time aside that your friend might not be able to and craft up a picturesque memoir of their journey, whether it be high school, college, or just the past year. Add special touches that show that you admire the little things about them like their favorite colors, hobbies, and memories! But keep in mind that the scrapbook is for them – let them be the focus! It’s tempting to slide extra pictures of yourself in, but pictures of you won’t be necessary in the future – you’ll be remembered for creating the masterpiece in the first place!

2. Handwritten Letter If you’re not one for crafts, then this is a great option for you! Invest in good quality stationary (paper that won’t rip easily) and write out a thoughtful note with a good pen that won’t smear. The length and content are completely in your hands, so don’t feel that all letters need to be serious or overly cheerful. In our technologically savvy age, it’s easy to get caught up in writing emails and typing up word documents – a handwritten letter exemplifies your patience and the appreciation you have for your friend.

3. Decorative Picture Frame Whether your friend is going off to college, into the “real world”, or just celebrating an exciting occasion, picture frames are a great way to help friends create a meaningful and loving environment right in their own space. Pick up a blank frame at the store (no designs or fancy fabrics) and select a special photo to insert. Then you can decorate the frame as you desire. Writing a small note, inside jokes or words of wisdom around the picture are different ways of making the frame “pop!” 3-D stickers, bows, and handpicked fabrics are also unique ways to spice up a classic gift.

4. Burned CD A super fun and affordable way of creating a thoughtful gift is by burning a personalized CD for your friend! Whether they’re songs that remind you of them, songs they love or just songs you think they would enjoy, burning a CD shows that you carefully thought about and selected songs just for them. Not to mention that everyone gets a little excited when they have new music to play on their iPod!

5. College Survival Package (For High School Grads!) Particularly easy if you currently or have attended college, this survival guide will take a load of stress off your preparing friend! Take a large recyclable shopping bag and fill it with goodies such as Febreeze, Tide-To-Go, a planner, Vitamin-C, shower flip-flops, batteries, band-aids, and anything else you think appropriate and useful for college students! This will certainly give your friend a head start with preparing their dorm essentials!

Take some time this summer to thoughtfully plan out a special gift for a friend of yours. Gifts are more than something you “need to show up with” – they’re an expression of your appreciation and thanks towards your friends, a testament of your love and affection for them. Choose the CL way and give the gift that keeps on giving: love.

Emily Corr is a rising junior at Providence College, studying Social Science, English and Theology. She loves finding creative ways to show her friends how much she truly loves them! She hopes you try these gift tips and experience the joy of giving a gift from the heart!

Every CL Girl Should Know: How to Make the Most out of College

I know summer is just around the corner and college may be the last thing on your mind, but it’s never too early or too late to start thinking about how to make the most out of college. Whether you’re a soon-to-be college senior or a high school junior about to start the application process, here are some things every college-bound CL girl should know.

• Make new friends but still stay in touch with old ones.
• Join on-campus clubs.
  

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• Try new things that you’ve always wanted to do but never had the chance until college.
• Take classes that sound interesting to you but will also benefit you in the future.
  

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• Say yes when the cute guy from class asks you out on a date.
• Wake up early to tailgate during football season.
• Get to know your professors and GSIs.
• Go out on a random week night (as long as you are all caught up on your work of course).
  

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• Eat healthy and go to the gym to avoid the freshman 15.
• Balance work and play.

Erica Avesian is an intern at College Lifestyles (TM). She is a communications major at the University of Michigan. Erica plans to make a college ‘bucket list’ so she can really make the most out of UofM before graduation day.

CL’S Top Ten Classes to Take Before Graduation

Four years can seem like a looooong time, but take it from this junior – it’s not! While each university and major has its core requirements, it wouldn’t hurt to take a class here and there to exercise the other parts of your brain.

1.. Foreign Language. Need a reason to convince your parents to let you study abroad? “But Mom, how else am I going to practice my two semesters of Italian, besides basking in the sun for four months in Florence?” Case closed.

2.. Public Speaking. When asking around for everyone’s favorite classes over the years, surprisingly almost everyone suggested taking Speech or Public Speaking. Cringing? Then sign up! Speaking eloquently and confidently is a skill every internship and career requires.

3. Drugs & Human Behavior. Being informed on what you’re putting into your body leads to a future where you’re making informed and educated decisions. And I’m not just talking about the illegal ones.

4. Human Sexuality. With all sorts of information floating around in cyberspace, it doesn’t hurt to get the real facts about your body. And if spending endless hours with your professor discussing sexuality might not seem like the perfect way to end your Monday, think again. Most professors understand the possibility for awkwardness and look to comedy to offset the chances.

5.. Yoga. It might require setting your alarm a little earlier than usual, but there’s nothing better than starting your morning off right.

6. Creative Writing. Accidently signing up for a poetry class was the best mistake I ever made. While it doesn’t have to be poetry, definitely find a workshop being offered next semester, whether it’s a concentration you’re familiar with or one you’ve never dabbled in.

7. Wine & Beer Appreciation. While this class is strictly for those of the legal drinking age, talk about a great way to pass away the time senior year… I just wouldn’t schedule anything RIGHT afterwards for the semester.

8. Food Science. A class where you get to walk away at the end of the hour with plates of yummy delicious food and the skills to make it again? In the words of Charlie Sheen, WINNING! It doesn’t hurt if you happen to get a cute partner; after all, aren’t you supposed to kiss the chef?

9. Introduction to Economics. Have you ever gone shopping, spotted a fantastic new dress that would be perfect for this weekend, walked over to check the price tag, and turned away dismayed at the ridiculous price? Supply and demand, girls.

10. Women’s Studies. Many women believe our fight for equality is over, and that couldn’t be further from the truth. Granted we have come out victorious in many of our efforts, did you know “women account for 46% of the labor force, but 59% of works make less than $8 an hour”?

Kaitlyn Monteiro is a junior at Syracuse University studying English & Textual Studies and Psychology. After spending this past semester abroad in London, where the slight hint of snowfall shuts down the entire city, she has no idea how she’s going to return back to her home sweet igloo on Walnut Avenue. While looking forward to next semester’s Yoga class, she’s just hoping she doesn’t have to don a parka while learning how to do the Downward Facing Dog.

Classy Co-Ed’s Guide to Awesome Advising Appointments

If you’re anything like me, you’re probably trying to figure out what exactly you’re going to have to do to graduate on time (although I don’t know why anyone wants to leave college), get a good job or into graduate school, and all that good stuff. And if you’re even more like me, you probably need a little help. That’s where advisors come in: they’re a great resource for every classy co-ed if you know how to ask the right questions. I asked my advisor a few questions about how to have more productive advising appointments and now I’m passing that advice on to you.

• Do a little research- it helps to have a general idea of what you want to know. If you’re going to your advisor for advice on how to get into grad school for example, do some online searching to see what kinds of schools you think you want to go to. If there’s a class you desperately want to get into that’s full, go prepared to tell him or her exactly why you would be an asset to the class and why the class would be an asset to you
• Ask specific questions to get specific answers- I once went into my advisor and literally asked if I could switch from pre-med to pre-law and that was the only question I’d come prepared with. The answer? “Yes” and that was all. Which didn’t help me with what I actually wanted to know: what should I do to make the switch happen and still be successful? Make a list beforehand of what exactly you want to know. Write down any answers you don’t think you’ll remember later.
• Make sure you’re going to the best advisor for your questions- At Mizzou, I have two advisors specifically assigned to me (one in each of my majors), plus an Honors College advisor and the pre-law advisor. I didn’t even know there was a pre-law advisor until I was considering a double major, and found some things about law school on the Political Science website. Sometimes it helps to just dig around and send some e-mails to feel out the resources your school offers.
• Bring any important documents with you- If you want to discuss your chances of getting into a major program, internship, or graduate school, you’ll probably need copies of your transcripts, recommendation letters, test scores, etc so your advisor doesn’t have to waste time looking things up and he or she has all the information.
• Try to get to know your advisor and maintain a relationship with him/her- the more you get to know your advisor, the more he or she will know (and care) about you too. Your advisor sees lots of students who just pass through, asking requisite questions and never pausing to learn his or her name. Some advisors are really cool people, and if they know you, when opportunities come across their desks that would be perfect for you, they’ll let you know and maybe even write you a recommendation letter.

Kat McClain is an intern at College Lifestyles ™. She attends the University of Missouri-Columbia, is a member of Alpha Chi Omega, and is extremely excited about the start of football season. Go Tigers! She also enjoys reading magazines, watching trashy TV, and listening to the new Katy Perry cd.

Life After College

The future…  I think it is pretty safe to say that all of us co-eds are wondering about what direction our lives will take after college.  Our time in college is usually only four years long, and during that time we have to make decisions that will affect us for the rest of our lives, both professionally and otherwise.  These questions, like what career area we want to work in, what city (even country!) we want to live in, how we will survive in the real world, are not easy, by any means.  However, we are all in the same boat here at College Lifestyles.  We all have to make these seemingly impossible choices- why not make them together and help each other out along the way?

That is why I am starting a new post series- Life After College.  I am going to focus on the options that are available to us right after we graduate, bachelor’s degree in hand, the world as our oyster (I had to say it, I always hear that line!):  graduate school, internships, volunteering, taking time to travel abroad, or jumping into the workforce.

Ladies, this post is all about finding out what is best for you, not what anyone else thinks should be best for you.  The future is all about fulfilling your dreams.  To quote Eleanor Roosevelt, “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”

 If there is any particular pathway that you would like me to write about, let me know in the comments!

 

Deirdre Cunnane is a College Lifestyles™ intern and a second year law student in University College Cork, Ireland.  She is always thinking about life after college, and is looking forward to talking about the big “future” questions with the lovely CL co-eds.