What Every College Girl Should Know

A few pieces of advice I've collected, for college girls, throughout my time spent in college. 

1. You may not like your roommate, which is fine.  All you need to do is learn how to live with her.
2. Nobody really cares where you went to high school, what clique you were in, or how many awards you won.
3. Chances are high that you will change your major. I promise you it won't destroy your college experience.
4. It's okay to not get straight A's.
5. Sometimes that paper you think deserves and A+ will get a B, and it's okay life will go on.
6. Tutoring is something that everyone uses, even the smart kids on campus.
7. Your first semester is one of the most difficult adjustment periods you will experience, in college.
8. You're definitely not going to stay in touch with all of your friends from high school.
9. Speaking of high school, you might miss it sometimes and that's okay.  It's all part of the transition process. However, don't let yourself dwell on the pass and miss out on the here and now.
10. There's a lot more to college than frat parties and football games.
11. You don't have to drink to be social.
12. First impressions are important, but your first thoughts about people aren't always correct.
13. It doesn't how well you know "that girl at the party", if she's too drunk help her! After all,  if by chance that was you, your friend, or your sibling you would want someone to help you.
14. Always charge your phone before going out. 
15. Never go out alone.
16. Create a budget, it's easy to spend too much.
17. Don't send a snapchat that you wouldn't want someone to screen shot.
18. Don't post anything on social media that you wouldn't want your grandmother to see.
19. Sometimes you have to cry to feel better.
20. 95% of the time crop tops are not a good look. 
21. Have self respect.
22. Don't change your morals because they don't match someone else's.
23. Get dressed for class. It makes you more alert and leaves a good impression on your peers and professor.
24. Talk to your parents! They can provide great advice and support.
25. Take lots of pictures (You don't need to post every picture you take)!
26. Unless you are 21, don't post pictures with alcohol in them. 
27. Red cups are not a good look for social media posts.
28. Get involved! 
29. Use an agenda. They help a lot.
30. Go to class. 
31. Spark Notes is not going to get you too far in college. Shocker, you have to actually do your own work!
32. Take advantage of all the opportunities your campus has.
33. Failure is a part of life, but remember to learn from it.
34. Try something new.
35. It's okay to have a late night snack every once in awhile just don't make it a habit.
36. Add the number for your campus public safety into your phone.
37. Leggings can be worn as pants, but not for every single occasion.
38. Pinterest is a great resource for just about everything!
39. Stand up for what you believe in. It's okay if you have to stand alone sometimes.
40. Splurge on something for yourself every once in awhile.
41. A little retail therapy won't kill you.
42. Be sure to eat a balanced diet.
43. Be active, it's good for your physical and mental health.
44. Balance work and play.
45. Don't go home every weekend.
46. Step outside your comfort zone.
47. Take time for yourself. Your mental health is important.
48. Take some time for reflection. It is important to realize what is and is not working for you.
49. Be kind to everyone without letting them walk all over you.
50. Have fun!

XOXO

-Michaela

Moving On Up

This year I finally took the leap and moved off-campus. Freshman year I lived in the dorms, but for the past two years I lived in my sorority house. I have so many great memories from living there, but I wanted a change for my senior year. So, I gathered up a group a friends and we embarked on our house search. It was just like House Hunters. We toured houses, and then had three to choose between. I’m so glad I made the decision to live off-campus, but I’m also really glad I waited until my senior year.

My humble abode for the year.

One of the main reasons I wanted to live off-campus was so that I could choose who I would live with. I absolutely love my sorority sisters, but I also love my rowing teammates. By moving off-campus I was able to live with who I wanted, which happened to be 2 teammates, 2 friends from freshman year, and 1 girl who is a teammate and a sorority sister. Choosing who to live with can be really difficult, but it’s essential that you find a group that melds well. Just because someone is your best friend doesn't mean you would be great housemates. It’s okay to be honest with yourself about who you can and cannot live with since that house will last for an entire year.

When looking for a house, make sure to weigh all your options. First and foremost, consider whether it is better to live on-campus or off-campus. If you decide that off-campus is the best option for you, it’s time to figure out your budget. Most people account for rent and utilities, but don’t forget the other expenses. There’s no longer anyone to provide toilet paper or cleaning supplies. The little odds and ends expenses can really add up. The biggest shock to my wallet has been food. I didn't have a meal plan when I lived here over the summer and I was surprised by how much time and money to took to make three meals a day. When school started I decided to get a small meal plan so I could grab lunch on campus between classes and coffee whenever I wanted it. Some people are amazing cooks and bakers…me, not so much. If I had to rely on my own abilities, I would be eating a lot of bagels and taquitos.

Although living off-campus can be daunting, it can also be really fun. My housemate and I scoured garage sales all summer to collect décor for our nautical themed living room. It’s still a bit of a work in progress, but I love it so far. Not living on campus also means not having to follow strict campus rules. No more quiet hours for me!

Living off-campus can be a great experience in college. If you have any other tips, leave them in the comments!

5 Easy Fall Apartment Decor Ideas

Fall is upon us and it's time for our homes to slowly become a little more orange, yellow, and red as we wave goodbye to summer and hello to fall. I have gathered five easy crafts to get your home in the spirit of fall. I can't wait to try these crafts out myself because we all need a touch of fall. Click each title to get an in depth look at how to make each craft.

1. DIY Leaf Mason Jars

This craft requires a lot of things that are already sorority craft essentials: mod podge, sponge brushes, and mason jars. It's easy to go to a dollar store and grab some fake leaves or go outside and get real fall leaves depending on your preference. These mason jars look wonderful and seem like the perfect way to add a little bit of light to a room if you go the candle route. 

2. Glitter Monogrammed Pumpkin

Pumpkin carving is a thing of the past. Actually cleaning out your pumpkin and carving it can be a total mess to do so instead the best thing to do would be painting it. This tutorial shows you how to make the most adorable pumpkin that includes your last initial monogram and lots of glitter. I don't know about you, but those are some of my favorite things.

3. Candy Corn Decor

There is just something about candy corn that speaks autmn and Halloween. These adorable candy corn pieces would look great on a dinner table, or on your desk. These lovely candy corn decor pieces are there to remind you to take sometime out and enjoy the sweetness of the season.

4. Popcorn Candle

There is just something special about fall and popcorn. In the fall I love to eat popcorn balls and caramel popcorn. This decor item looks so easy to make and it requires very few dollars. By using the link above the blogger who gives the tutorial shows how she did this project for just about $6!

5. Fall Recycled Wine Bottles

Last, but certainly not least in this set of fall apartment decor ideas is this adorable wine bottle upcycle. I am in love with how effortless this blogger makes the tutorial. This is such an adorable project that is easy to finish in a weekend, but it will make any part of your apartment a million times more fall themed. You can use other color paints if you wish on this and this craft would be great throughout the year with different words. 

I hope you enjoyed the crafts I shared today. These look amazing and simple to do. Get out there and unless the inner crafty person in you!

How to Furnish and Decorate Your First Apartment on a Budget

If it is your first year living in an apartment then you are probably stressing out about how you are going to furnish and decorate your apartment with the small amount of money you made at your summer job. There is a way to completely furnish and decorate your apartment on a budget.

The first thing you need to do is set your budget. This varies per person based on whether you are renting a semi-furnished or non-furnished apartment.

After you set your budget compile a list of needs and a list of wants. Make sure you bring these lists with you when you begin shopping to keep yourself in check. Yes, the $25 dollar chevron jars are adorable, no, you do not need them!

Now it is time to head out shopping. The first things you should buy would be the bigger items. Couches, beds, desks, tables, and chairs will take the biggest chunks out of your budget.

Ikea is a great place to shop for the items you think you should buy new. You can get get couches and beds at Ikea for under $400

If you are okay with having a used couch in your apartment, check Craigslist, Goodwill or yard sales for items that have been gently used.

I found this piece of furniture sitting by the trash can at out local trash dump. It cost me nothing but a little work to wash it and paint it white. I added a seat to the top and now it is a unique storage ottoman. 

After you get the bigger purchases out of the way, I suggest returning to Goodwill or Salvation Army to browse the home sections for both useful and decorative items. It is not unlikely that you will find a table for under $5 that you can sand and paint to make it appear brand new. You can also pick up cheap appliances, (think blenders, waffle irons, etc), bake-ware, pots and pans, plates and bowls, and glasses for great prices.

Other needs such as cleaning supplies and bath towels can often be picked up in bulk from places like Costco or can be bought cheap from Walmart, Target, and dollar stores.

After you have bought all the items on your needs list, you can move on to your wants list. You probably have decorative items on this list.

First begin by picking your decorative theme and reminding yourself to stick to that theme. If it helps, create a Pinterest board dedicated to decorating your first apartment. You can often find cheap DIY ideas on Pinterest to make the place your own.

Thrift stores, Goodwill, and Salvation Army often have picture frames, vases, and knick-knacks that can bring your personality to your space. Often you can find vintage items that are really interesting and will surely be unique.

You can also scour yard sales to pick up wall art and more knick-knacks. Remember that a can of spray paint can go a long way with older items!

Once you have a good bit of decorative items, focus on the remaining items you want. Decide which of these you really want and purchase a few of them. If you are looking for wall quotes, Dollar Tree often has removable wall stickers. It is always nice to treat yourself to at least a few new items. Be sure to check out your local TJ Maxx and Ross home sections, as you can often find nice rugs or candles for next to nothing. If you shop end of season sales at Hobby Lobby or Jo Ann, you are very likely to pick up some cute items for mere dollars (think dish towels, jars, etc.).

Remember that while it is nice to treat yourself to a few nice, new items, it doesn't have to break the bank!

Good luck decorating your first apartment! If you have any other tips, feel free to leave them in the comments below!