Back to school!

I leave for school on Thursday, and while I'm sad about leaving my friends, family and boyfriend, there are some great things about the school year!

New classes: Call me a nerd, but I love taking interesting new courses each semester. This fall I'm taking Intro to Public Policy, Western Civilizations, and my first real journalism class!

Going to home football games: My school is big on traditions, so home football and basketball games are big events!

My pledge mom and I at a home football game :)

Sorority functions: I always loved dances in high school, even though they were always considered kind of lame. Now I love going to my sorority's formals and date parties!

A group of my sorority sisters and me at our annual
80s wedding themed date party!

Fall fashion: Fall is my favorite season, and I can't wait to start unearthing the boots, sweaters and jeans from the depths of my closet!

What are you most looking forward to this fall?

Take it easy!

The SelfControl app: the BEST study tool for college students

I usually have good intentions when sitting down to study - whether it be in the library, the classroom or in my dorm room. What often happens, however, is the inevitable: distractions from Facebook, Twitter, Blogger (of course!), and other non-academic sites.

My greatest weapon against procrastination is the SelfControl app for Mac. This little device is a godsend for warding off temptation when trying to make a deadline or finish an assignment. It allows you to create a "Blacklist"of sites you want blocked from your computer for a specific amount of time - anywhere from 15 minutes to 24 hours.

One thing to consider is that there is no way to override the application once it's been activated, so make sure you're ready before you hit start! Nevertheless, this app has helped me to plow through all of my tough assignments and to really knuckle down during finals week.

How do you stay focused when studying? What do you think of the SelfControl app? Have a wonderful Wednesday, everyone!

The Trendy College Girl's Must-Have List

I’ll be moving into my sorority house for the first time this August (only 11 days away!), and I’ve been compiling a mental list of things to bring with me on move in day. There are plenty of college checklists out there (like this one from Bed Bath and Beyond), but somehow I don’t think I’ll need blackout window panels or a bookcase. Here’s my list of must-haves for the trendy college girl:

Shower/Bathroom caddy: Perfect for the trek to the communal bathroom each morning! These from Pottery Barn Teen will hold everything you need.

Hanging organizers: Whether you need to organize an excess of purses, shoes or jewelry, shelf space is limited in dorm rooms and hanging organizers can save you a ton of space. This one from Bed Bath and Beyond can hold up to 26 pairs of shoes and is great for other accessories too.

Drink tumbler: This all-purpose drinkware will serve you well through long hours of studying, whether it’s filled with water, soda or coffee! I like this one from Amazon because it holds 24 oz. and the design is super cute.

Rain boots + a cute umbrella: Look sharp on your way to class – even when splashing through puddles! I love all of Target’s rain boot and umbrella designs.

Strands of lights: Whether you hang them along the ceiling, bed frame or mirror, some twinkle lights can add ambiance to a bland dorm room. Surviving College Life has a cute idea for sprucing up a bedroom with accent lights.

College Frugality 101: The First Year

The first year of college is definitely a learning experience. New people, new classes, and new places to spend your hard earned cash. So, follow these tips to make those graduation checks and summer job earnings go a little farther.

Take it easy for the first two weeks

Skip the eating out, shopping and (for me) school supply purchases that are so tempting during those first several days of school. After that, you’ll be more equipped to say, “Do I really need this leopard print day planner and 24-pack of highlighters? Why yes, yes I do.”

Love your campus? Get a job there!

Most schools have convenient on-campus jobs available for students. Because they are run by the university, they’re willing to work around your class schedule, and some even accept applications year round. (Bonus: If you get a job in your major’s academic building, you’ll earn valuable face time with professors!)

Universities are great places for savings! (Cool part-time jobs and lots of free stuff!)

Utilize your meal plan (A.K.A. cool it  on the Taco Bell)

If you’ll be purchasing a meal plan this fall, make sure you use it to its full extent. At the end of my first semester in college, I still had 40 meals that I hadn’t used! Keep track of the number of meals you are allotted per week and try to use as many as possible. (Unless it’s cheesy squash bake day.. Then you’re definitely entitled to a Chipotle run). Also look into other ways to use your meal plan, such as take-away lunches.

Buying only the essentials will also keep your closet
from looking like Katherine Heigl's in 27 Dresses..

Avoid t-shirt overload (Your closet will thank you)

Ever find yourself throwing out that Forensics t-shirt that you never wore? Or the club sweatshirt that you just had to have? Being in a sorority, I have experienced this firsthand, and all that apparel (and the bills!) can begin to add up.

(Almost) everything is free!

Chances are that your university offers some sort of “Welcome Week” activity during the first few days of the school year. These events are usually chalk full of free giveaways, so stock up! Colleges also offer free movies, concerts, and other events throughout the year, so check your university’s website for tons of great activities.