The BEST Dorm Snacks

Today's College Guide post is all about the best snacks for chowing down in your dorm room! I'm guilty as charged as a huge snacker; I've always found that eating helps me focus while studying and is really nice for late night cravings.

My dining hall offered a great "Late Night" meal from Sundays to Thursdays all year, but sometimes the midnight-breakfast and ice cream menu wasn't exactly what I wanted, or needed, to fuel my body. Instead, I liked these snacks:

There are so many great snacks you can keep in your dorm!! Some require a fridge, which I highly recommend getting for your dorm. A lot of universities work with microfridge rental companies so that students can have a minifridge in their room. I loved mine and would 100% suggest having one in your room.

Snacks like peanut butter, cheese sticks/Babybel and granola bars are fantastic to have in your room and are great to munch on in between classes! Yogurt is also a great breakfast on the go and acts as a healthy snack throughout the day. If you're a cereal eater instead, you can purchase your favorites at a local convenience store along with some milk or Parmalat, which stores perfectly in a microfridge.

Nuts are one of my favorite things to snack on! I love trail mix too. You can buy this premade or make some on your own by mixing together your favorite nuts with raisins, granola, and other treats. I also am currently obsessed with salt and pepper cashews (they're soo delish!) and pistachios. I probably snacked on these more than anything else last year!

While I don't recommend consuming these all the time, Easy Mac is great when you are in a rush for dinner, or didn't eat enough at dinner time and need something more substantial to carry you through a long night of studying. Mac and cheese is super yummy, and these are really foolproof to make.

Not only did my microwave come in handy for Easy Mac, but it's perfect for making popcorn or warming up some queso to dip with chips. I looove popcorn, and you can find really healthy options that don't have too much butter or salt. Plus, chips and dip or salsa are a real crowd pleaser and are great when you'll be having a few friends hang out in your room.

Two other crowd pleaser munchies are pretzels and Goldfish crackers. I love both and so did all of my friends - I really like these snacks when you're craving something a bit saltier.

And of course, on the sweet end of the spectrum are candies and chocolates. Neither are great for constant consumption, but every once in a while a piece of chocolate to motivate you while studying or a bite of your favorite candy can be comforting and homey. Keep a small bag of your favorites around for special occasions and extra motivation!

Another great snack is fruit and vegetables. Often times dining halls will have to-go boxes that you can carry out with you, and they are great for filling up with your favorite fruits and veggies. Apples, orange slices, raspberries, baby carrots - whatever your favorites are, stock up on them and keep them in your fridge. Having tons of fruits and veggies around (which will go bad if left too long) makes it so much easier to choose healthy snacks over those that aren't as good for you and your body.

Last but not least, water is so so so important! Drinking lots of water will prevent headaches, keep you focused, and prevent you from being hungry all the time. Drinking water also removes toxins from your body and can help you flush your system of all kinds of yucky things. Water is seriously the best! I never liked water a lot when I was younger, but having a reusable water bottle really changed that. I find that just holding the bottle and carrying it around motivated me to drink more water, and I think it's helped so much!

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What is your favorite snack? Comment below and let me know what other College Guide content you'd like to see!

Set Sale with Kate Spade

Hey everyone! I just got an email in my inbox saying that Kate Spade is having an extra 25% off all sale items with the code "SETSALE" and the sale is going on until July 7th!! That gives you over a week to pick out your fave Kate items from the sale section and save even more!! 

I rounded up some of my favorite items below:

1. cause a stir tee // 2. splash out watermelon clutch
3. cedar street small hayden // 4. highland place katie
5. cove street irini // 6. lily avenue kieran
7. cedar street maise // 8. get out of town resin samsung s4 case

I absolutely love the Maise bag and the Samsung case! The bright geranium color is so fun for the summertime, and can also transition really well into the fall. And... the phone case is perfect for me, since you don't normally find many cute Samsung Galaxy cases - Android users, snag them now!!!

SHOP MORE KATE SPADE SALE:

What is your favorite item from the sale???

The TimelessPrep College Dorm Life Shopping and Packing List

Today's post is all about what to buy and pack when you're heading off to college! Last year when I was going through this, I hit up a ton of Pinterest boards, HerCampus.com documents, and lists from around the web and compiled the most all-inclusive list possible. This year, I've cut down on the list and removed anything that I didn't really use at school, as well as things that were redundant from the multiple lists I had. 

I think this list would work for all college students, not just incoming freshman, since even after a year or two of college packing, having a handy list can still be a real help! I know I'll be pulling out this list come August to make sure that I don't leave anything behind.

BEDDING

Two sets of Twin XL sheets

Twin comforter (this doesn't need to be XL, a regular Twin size will work)

Pillows (1 or 2)

Sham and Throw Pillows*

Husband Pillow

Bedbug Protection Mattress Cover and Pillow Covers

Foam Topper

Blanket (winter and spring)

Additional throw blankets

ROOM

Command hooks and strips

Alarm clock

6-cube shelf  and cubes 

Dry erase board / chalkboard

Coffee table (I used one as a mini table next to my desk and another one to hold my printer)

Full length mirror

Hangers

Garment bag for nice dresses

Hanging jewelry organizer

Over the door hooks*

Photos and frames / other decor (you may prefer hanging photos from clothespins or another type of decor! Pintrest is great for ideas)

Shoe rack

Clip hangers for skirts or strapless tops

Stepstool or ottoman 

Trashcan (if your room doesn't come with one)

Plastic bins for under the bed or other storage

Rolling storage cart

Air freshener

LAUNDRY

Bleach

Fabric softener

Dryer sheets

Mini iron and ironing board

Drying rack

Laundry detergent (I found that Pods worked much better than liquid!)

Landry basket

Laundry hamper*

Lint brush

Tide-To-Go stick

Lingerie bag

Money for the laundry room (either in coins or on your School ID)

Sewing kit

Oxyclean stain remover

Wrinkle release spray

FOOD

Reusable water bottle

Brita pitcher*

Plastic utensils

Paper plates and bowls

Bulk snacks (granola bars, cashews/other nuts, individual bags of chips, etc)

Cereal and milk

Coffee maker and anything you need for your coffee (if you have room and if your school allows)

Easy Mac n Cheese

Salsa and queso

Hot chocolate mix

Oatmeal

Peanut butter

Microwave popcorn

Ramen

KITCHEN NECESSITIES / CLEANING

Bottle opener

Corkscrew

Chip Clips

Mini vacuum

Broom

Microfridge (Microwave and mini fridge combined)

Tupperware to take food from the dining hall

Tight sealed bin to store snacks in the room

Dishwashing soap

Sponges

Dish towels

Disinfecting wipes and glass wipes

Duster  or dust cloth

Tumbler

Travel thermos

Mugs

Paper towels

Plastic wrap

Tin foil

Zip loc bags

Trash bags*

BATHROOM NECESSITIES

Bath towels or bath sheets (bath sheets are bigger!)

Bathrobe*

Bathroom cleaning supplies (if needed)

Bath mat (if needed)

Hand and face towels

Scale*

Loofah (if desired)

Shower caddy

Shower shoes

TOILETRIES

Bar soap

Shampoo

Conditioner

Body wash

Shaving cream or lotion

Razors (disposable)

Toothbrush

Toothpaste

Listerine

Dixie cups

Dental floss

Acne medication/cream/lotion

Face lotion

Body lotion

Moisturizer

Sunscreen

Hand sanitizer

Deodorant

Perfume

Makeup products

Makeup remover (pads and wipes)

Nail polish

Nail polish remover

Chapstick

Tweezers

Hairspray

Hair brush

Comb

Contacts with case, solution and drops

Cotton pads

Q-tips

Blow dryer and diffuser

Hair straightener and curler

Eyeglasses with case, and cleaner

Hair ties

Hair clips

Bobby pins

Nail clippers

Nail file

Small hand or desk mirror

Tampons and pads

Tissues (SO MANY TISSUES)*

CLOTHING

Athletic sneakers

Casual sneakers and closed toed shoes

Sandals and flip flops

Heels

Wedges

Riding boots

Rain boots

Winter weather boots / Bean boots

Going out shoes

Slippers

Bras 

Strapless bras

Sticky bra or petals

Sports bras

Dress tape

Underwear

Tights and/or hosiery 

Socks

Boot socks / Camp socks

Belts

Jewelry

Watch

Everyday purse

Going out purse (highly recommend a crossbody)

Smartphone wristlet

Wallet

Formal clutch

Backpack or totebag

Travel bag

Cosmetic or toiletry bag

Gym bag or drawstring bag

Scarves (both lightweight and winter-weight)

Winter hat

Winter gloves

Leather gloves

Baseball hats

Bathing suit (just 1 or 2)

Casual dresses

Semi formal dresses (at least one black)

Formal dress

Business casual / professional clothing

Lightweight jacket or denim jacket

Raincoat

Peacoat

Winter puffer jacket

Short sleeve tops

Long sleeve tops

Tank tops

T-shirts*

Lightweight sweaters

Heavy sweaters

Button down shirts

Sweatshirts

Sweatpants

Yoga pants

Workout clothes

Pajamas*

Jeans

Leggings

Pants

Shorts

Skirts

Going out clothing

Costume clothing for themed events

Umbrella

Sunglasses

TECHNOLOGY

Phone and charger

Laptop and charger

Portable charger

Camera and charger

Camera USB cord

Camera memory or SD card

Laptop case

Laptop portable DVD player (if needed)

DVDs

Ethernet cable

Extension cords

Power strip

Flash drive

Backup hard drive

Headphones

Flashlight

Batteries

Laptop case

Lap desk

Printer

Printer paper

Printer ink

Printer USB cord (if you don't have a router, you can't print wirelessly)

Wireless mouse

Speakers

Microsoft Office software

IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS

Bank documents

Copy of birth certificate

Copy of social security card

Insurance cards (health and dental)

Checks and checkbook

Driver's license 

Credit card

Debit card

Student ID 

Passport

Emergency contact list

SCHOOL AND DESK SUPPLIES

Wall or desk calendar

Planner

Notecards

Stamps

Pushpins

Magnets

Dry erase markers

iClicker

Graphing calculator

Desk organization bins (utensil organizers also work!)

Large eraser

Pencils

Pens (blue and black)

Pens (colored)

Marker pens (Papermate Flair)

Sharpies

Highlighters

Pencil topper erasers

Pencil sharpener

Folders

Notebooks or Binders with looseleaf paper

Three hole punch

Stapler

Staples

Staple remover

Index cards

Journal

Leisure books

Notepad

Post-It notes

Post-It flags

Paper clips

Binder clips

Chalk (if you have a chalkboard)

Scotch Tape (with or without dispenser)

Wite Out

Scissors

Ruler

Rubber bands

Pencil case for carrying items to class

Textbooks and rental information

Password notebook

MEDICINES

OTC pain medication

Allergy medicine

Aloe

Bandaids

Birth control pills (if needed)

Cold medicine

Contraceptives (if needed)

Eye drops

First aid kit

Bug spray

Multivitamins

Other vitamins and supplements (iron, calcium, etc)

Prescription medications

Prescription refill information

Asthma inhaler (if needed)

Retainer

Rubbing alcohol

Thermometer

Thermometer covers

Blister bandaids

Coaches tape

Moleskin

Upset stomach medicine

Cough drops

Nasal spray

OTHER

Suitcase (perfect for storing out-of-season clothes!)

Computer lock*

Bike and bike lock

Beach towel

Duct tape or other heavy duty tape

Tool kit*

Box fan

Tower fan

Door stop

Safety pins

Luggage tags

Pepper spray

Safety whistle

Sports equipment / dance equipment / etc

NOTES

This list is based on what I had with me and used during my freshman year of college. I lived in a co-ed communal dorm with both girls' and boys' bathrooms at the end of the hall. I lived with one other person; my room had no air conditioning and got very hot during the first two and the last two weeks of school. 

You don't need as many shams and throw pillows as you think. I had one sham and four throw pillows and 90% of the time they were not on my bed. I did not fully make my bed most of the time (just re-tucked in my sheets and fixed my pillows). However, the sham came in handy because there was a gap between my mattress and the wall and my pillow would always slip into that crevice; I doubled up my pillows instead!

I used an over the door hook on my closet door to hold purses, an umbrella, and my jacket if I was running in and out of my room frequently.

I also found it really helpful to have both a laundry hamper and basket. Both were kept under my bed. I would use the hamper for dirty laundry, and when it was time to sort, used the hamper for whites/lights and the laundry basket for darks (you'll find you have a lot more darks than lights!). It made it easier for carrying to and from the laundry room, as well as kept my clothes separated neatly in my room so I didn't have to scramble a lot in the busy laundry room.

Check to see if your dorm has filtered water fountains! I had gotten a Brita pitcher but ended up never using it because the water fountains in the hallway were filtered. They even had a motion-sensored spot for your water bottle so that you could refill your reusable bottle on the go!

You can save money on trash bags by using old plastic grocery bags after you put away your groceries. Or if you don't want to use trash bags, stick to keeping only dry items in your room's garbage pail. My roommate and I always threw out food, liquids, and very dirty things in the hallway garbage, that way we wouldn't have any undesired visitors in our room. We used the room's garbage pail for things like paper, tissues, wrappers, etc!

I never had a bathrobe before college, but it's an essential for walking up and down the hallways from your room to the bathroom. Just in case the fire alarm goes off while you're showering, you won't want to be holding up a skimpy towel for who knows how long!!

Having a scale is also more important than you think! There were so many times I wish I could have hopped on a scale, but I didn't have one. No need to keep it out all the time; you can stash it in your closet or under your bed when you're not using it!

I cannot stress this one enough: YOU WILL USE AN ABUNDANCE OF TISSUES. My roommate and I were always shocked at how quickly tissues disappeared. Make sure to stock up on a lot and always have extra on hand!! YOU WILL USE THEM ALL, I PROMISE.

As a college student, you will also received a ton of free t-shirts. Save room in your bags and in your closet by not bringing a ton of your own. You will end up with so many more than you need! They also make great sleep shirts, so don't bring too many pairs of pajamas either!!

A computer lock is also extremely important! Things are bound to get stolen and even if you think that no one on your hall would take something out of your room, I've seen it happen multiple times. Make sure to lock up your items at all times. My computer lock was attached to my Microfridge, and I had my computer locked almost all times I left the room. Also carry your key with your everywhere, even down the hall to the bathroom. I never left my door open unless my roommate was in the room, or if I was going outside into the hallway for a second and could keep watch over my door.

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Best of luck to everyone heading off to school for the first time this fall! I would be happy to help answer any questions you have about college. I hope this list was helpful for you and you can use it well this summer. Feel free to pass it along to your friends as well. 

PS. Who's planning to coordinate their bedding with a roommate? I've seen some really cute coordinated rooms!

Summer Reading List + My Favorite Books

Hey hey hey fellow Internet users!

Today's post is all about the books I'm looking forward to reading this summer and my favorites! This summer I'm hoping to reread a lot of the books that I was assigned in high school as well as a few new books. Check out the list below and post in the comments any books you think I'd enjoy!!

1 // To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
I read this book back in middle school and loved it! My sister also just took the same English class and read this book, which inspired me to pick it up again. I think I'll be able to retain a lot more from this story than I did in 6th grade.

2 // Yes Please by Amy Poehler
Although I haven't seen Parks and Rec (OMG crazy I know), I think Amy Poehler is hilarious!! My roommate read this book over the course of the second semester, and now I'm itching to read it too!

3 // The Catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger
Another one of my classic favorites! I read a lot of these books in high school and feel like I missed out on a lot of the important details. I can't wait to reread this favorite and take in more of its symbolism.

4 // Silent Spring by Rachel Carson

As an environmental science major I'm probably going to have to read this book at one point or another. Luckily, my amazing lab group from AP Environmental Science got me this book as my high school graduation gift. I have yet to open it, but I'm super excited to get started on the book that sparked the ban of DDT, the creation of the EPA, and the entire environmental movement. Seriously, could Rachel Carson be any more of my #spiritanimal?!

5 // Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
Another favorite here that I'm hoping to reread! I love the storyline with Montag and Clarisse, and honestly this is just a classic. Dystopian literature is my absolute favorite genre!!

6 // Love, Ruby Lavender by Deborah Wiles
This was my favorite childhood book! I read it back in 3rd grade and I remember loving it so much that I bought and read every other book by the same author. It's also the first book that ever made me cry, and I was so proud of reading this. Sure, it's a children's book with simple language, but my goal is to read this again this summer and see if it still gives me the same feels it did when I was younger. Plus, the story is sooo cute!

7 // The Great Gatsby by F Scott Fitzgerald
Hello, another classic! Once again, I'm hoping to reread this lovely Roaring Twenties tale for leisure instead of as intensely as I did in high school. I love all of F Scott Fitzgerald's works, and I highly recommend his short stories too! Gatsby is definitely my favorite though. And along with that, I'm hoping to get my hands on a Hemingway tale or two.

 8 // Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton 
Anyone who knows me IRL knows that I am just about obsessed with Jurassic Park and dinosaurs. What can I say, I got it from my brother! Growing up with a twin who loved his dinos really had its effect on me, and I grew up to love them just the same. While I still get freaked if I ever come into contact with any life size dinosaur creature (OK seriously, I'm five feet tall. Those things could swallow me in one gulp), I'm still in love with the whole Jurassic Park franchise and would love to read the book that started it all!

9 // 1984 by George Orwell
Another classic. Another high school read turned favorite. Another dystopian novel. Need I say more?

10 // The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
I remember trying to read this way back and getting slightly freaked out for some reason (I thought the house was creepy? IDK). But this tale is so charming and so timeless, that I think it's only fitting I finally pick it up and read it. I have only the highest expectations for this one.

11 // Moby Dick by Herman Melville
Funny story here. I had to read the first chapter of Moby Dick for an English common assessment once, and fell in love with Melville's writing style. It screams "I grew up in New England and explored lighthouses" and I love that whole aesthetic. I think this read should be super interesting, and I can't wait to pick this up at Barnes and Noble.

12 // Animal Farm by George Orwell
If you can't tell by now, George Orwell is my homeboy. Animal Farm was one of the first dystopian novels that I read, and it's based off of the Russian Revolution and the reign of Stalin. This book is seriously so great - I can't believe I read it for the first time in 7th grade, which was seven years ago.

13 // How to Be a Hepburn in a Hilton World by Jordan Christy
On a much different note from all my other books above, my current read is this novel all about how to stay poised, classy, and timeless even in our modern world of reality TV and pop culture. Expect a full book review on this one soon!

What books are you looking forward to reading this summer? And do you have any suggestions for me?

Shop the post here:
one // two // three // four // five
six // seven // eight // nine
ten // eleven // twelve // thirteen 

Prep For Less: Fourth of July Fashion

Hey there everyone! Today's blog post is all about how to rock a super cute outfit for the Fourth of July on a tight budget! Red, white and blue pieces are essentially staples in my wardrobe, since they are great items for a classic, timeless style. Of course, my plethora of striped shirts and other Americana-inspired clothing really come in handy when dressing up for summer festivities. Today, I rounded up some of my favorite red, white and blue pieces all for under $50!!

romper // striped boatneck top // american flag scarf // nail polish

stud earrings // bow skirt // "we the people" tank // dangly earrings

phone case // sailor's knot bracelet // sunnies // necklace // lipstick

Hopefully this post inspires you to do some Fourth of July shopping! The holiday is approaching faster than we think, and I think it's so fun to get all 'MURICA on everyone that day! Seriously, how adorable is this Jadelynn Brooke tank top?! I've had my eye on it ever since they released their America-inspired collection! 

Stay tuned for more and an outfit post on what I wore for July Fourth. What's your favorite thing to do for the holiday? I love watching fireworks at the beach and having fun themed parties with friends!

The DO'S and DON'T'S of Going Greek

To Greek or not to Greek? So many girls headed off to college this fall are asking themselves the same question. Joining a sorority has a pros and cons, and each girl will have to weigh the options before making the choice whether or not Greek life is right for her.

There's a lot to navigate, and sometimes rushing doesn't always go as planned (mine certainly didn't). But in the end, things will work out the way their supposed to. The best thing you can do given the situation is do your research and be well prepared before heading to school. Knowing about how Greek recruitment works, what it's like at your school, and having some basic knowledge under your belt will make things that much more comfortable when you finally have to step into the room during Rush.

... your research ahead of time. Look things up! Find out how big Greek life is at your university, how many sororities there are to choose from, what the recruitment process entails, whether you rush first or second semester, and more information! If you need Rec letters, find out now so that you don't have to scramble at the last minute. Read up on your university's Student Life or Greek Life page all the information you can. Usually each sorority will have a website with information, photos, and letters from the Executive Board. Read this information as well to get a general feel for each group. And if you need any general advice, Sorority Sugar on Tumblr is a great resource! 

... look at Greek Rank. GreekRank.com is one of the many college forums on the Internet that just aren't worth your time. I've looked up the information for my university multiple times out of fun, and the things that you read can really skew your perception of Greek Life and taint your personal feelings about each chapter. Although some of the information might be "true," it's best to form your own opinions and get to know the chapters without hearing stereotypes. Also, most of the material posted on Greek Rank is argumentative and pits chapters against each other for no reason. I haven't seen anything good ever come from Greek Rank, and in most chapters, using it is looked down upon. My Theta chapter strongly discourages the use of Greek Rank and has a strict NO SELF-RANKING policy. 

... get to know girls on campus. My recruitment experience was spring semester, so I'm pulling from my own experience, but usually during the beginning of the year, Greek chapters on campus will host events in order to put themselves out there for PNMs (Potential New Members) and get to know the incoming class. I met a lot of Greek girls during this time and got to hear a little bit about the different organizations on campus and what they were like. It's important to put your face out there before recruitment happens, so that current members may remember you better or be able to vouch for you during deliberations and cuts. Getting to know some of the girls involved in Greek life can be super beneficial for you come rush time, and even if you don't end up in the same organization, you may meet some very cool friends!

... get caught up on one organization. It's super easy to do this, and more of us are guilty of only wanting to be in one sorority than we'll admit. I'll go ahead and say that I fell into the trap too, and in the end limiting myself made things only worse. It's important to notice each organization for their best qualities and look positively about them all. You never know where you might end up or who may decide to give you a bid, or you could change your mind mid-way through recruitment and like a sorority that was not your original favorite! Keep an open mind and let whatever happens happen! 

... present yourself in the best light. Make sure you're aware of the dress code each day, arrive on time for events, all that good stuff. If it helps you, think about possible conversation topics in the weeks ahead of rush so that you know what sorts of things to and not to talk about. The girls will understand if you're nervous and they will help guide the conversation, but be aware of your language, body language, and overall presentation. Appearing confident will only make you a more interesting, more desirable PNM.

... trash talk. Speaking badly about a class, professor, subject, or another sorority will be a red-flag to the girls during recruitment. I've actually had a friend that dropped a sorority completely during rush because one of the girls kept making bad comments about her favorite teacher! It's best to avoid all touchy subjects during recruitment, and not to say anything bad about another organization. Word will spread and it can really put a damper on your recruitment experience. It's never a good idea to put down an organization, even if you think it's not "cool" enough. And appearing bitter toward a "higher tier" organization for not accepting you back for another round can also seem very immature or catty to some. Keep all rush conversation basic and simple. And save any complaining for your Saturday night phone call with your parents.

... trust the process. I can NOT stress this one enough. People always spewed this wisdom on me back when I was going through recruitment and although I "believed them" I never really believed them (if you know what I mean). Like I previously mentioned, I got stuck in the trap of thinking that my real favorites were the popular favorites, and probably didn't give everyone as fair a chance as I should have while rushing. I liked a lot of the girls, but I thought I deserved the best (which is true - you all deserve the best) and I thought that the best was the most popular house. I realized a month or two after Bid Night, however, that the process really did know more than I did. The process put me in Theta, which is made up of girls just like me. Theta is the best house for me. Theta is the right house for me. And I should have let the process work its magic instead of getting caught up in the popularity of it all. You will end up where you are supposed to, so don't get caught in that awkward middle ground of thinking you know what's best for you more than the entire process does. It will never steer you wrong.

... be upset if things don't go as planned. I feel like these last three bullets are all along the same lines, but that's because they really are so important. If you're less than excited about the name you see on your bid card, stick it out for a little bit. Go to a few events. It's okay to call your mom or be sad and angry the first few days, and it's okay to consider not accepting the bid. But no matter what hold your head up high. You may find out that you were given a bid to the perfect place, and you couldn't see the greatness even though it was right under your nose. Don't give up on it just yet. If after a few weeks you honestly hate every single thing about it, then reconsider. But seriously only if there's not a single positive thing you can think of. More often than not, you can get involved to change the things you don't like about your sorority and make it even better!

Hopefully this guide was helpful for some of you going through upcoming recruitment. Don't stress - you'll be just fine even through the process can be tiring and daunting. In the end, it will be worth it when you get a new group of sisters to hang out with on campus. I highly recommend Greek life and if you have any questions, feel free to contact me!! 

The DO'S and DON'T'S of Roommate Living

Howdy partner! Big things are happening at The Timeless Prep. If you've stumbled upon this post, you probably are stressing about moving off to college in just a few short months and have no idea what it's like to share a room with another person (read: stranger)! 

If you fit the description above, then this is the perfect place for you! Over the next few months, Timeless Prep will be blogging all about college life and how to survive the struggles of freshman year. From living with a roomie, to knowing what things you should and shouldn't eat at the dining hall, I'm your girl for all things college! We'll even dive into the world of college applications and talk about how to choose the perfect college for you, if you're still in high school.

For now let's get started on how to make the most out of living with another person!! Roomies can be fun!

... try and learn as much about your roomie as you can. Even if you go random and let the school decide your roommate fate, you'll know at least a few weeks in advance who the person you'll be living with is. Contact them as soon as possible and try and find out what they're like and what they want to get out of their college and roommate experience. This will reduce some tension during move-in and make the transition smoother, since you'll be spending a TON of time with your roommate.

... expect your roommate to always be your best friend. You will spend a lot of time together and they will be your go-to person for lots of activities, but you don't need to be tied at the hip. It's okay to meet other people and branch out from just the kids who live on your hall. Your roommate will always be there for you to come back to, and you'll spend enough time together even if you aren't best of friends. I loved my freshman roommate and spent a ton of time with her, but we also realized that we had our own groups of friends and weren't dependent on each other to always hang out. We ate almost all of our meals together and hung out at night when we were both in the room, and we had a great time!

... respect each others' personal space. Don't poke and prod around in your roommate's stuff, unless you get permission or have decided that you're okay with sharing. When they have a big exam coming up, do your best to keep quiet and not interrupt their studying, their sleep, or anything else. If you're going to have someone spend the night in your room, make sure to notify your roomie and see if it's okay. Sometimes your roomie may have a super stressful week coming up and having another person around would be a hassle. Respect what they have going on; that's what you'd want them to do for you.

... lock them out of the room while they're in the shower (lol). My roommate and I had a great system going where we would check and see if the other would be sticking around while we were showering. That way, we didn't have to drag our key to the bathroom, but we knew our room wouldn't be unattended (read: as close as your floor may be, things will still get stolen). I've brought my roommate her key while in the bathroom multiple times if I knew I had to leave the room and she was still showering. Help each other out! It's the little things that make a roommate great.

... keep your space clean and neat. Roommate surveys are not always as specific as they could be, and everyone has their own definition of "clean." A roommate who leaves her clothes all over the floor or doesn't do the laundry can be frustrating. It's always a good idea to present yourself in the best manner possible and stay tidy so as not to get on your roommate's nerves. If you have a bathroom or kitchenette, decide how and when you're going to clean, and take turns. For things like garbage, my roomie and I were pretty good about taking it out when it got too full, and we didn't have to worry about any silly agreements to swap every week or whatnot. This is college. You know what's clean and what's not.

... be afraid to talk to your roommate. If she does something that bothers you or you don't like, you have every right to speak up. When you're sharing a living space, you have to work together to accommodate both people. Don't be rude or argumentative, but you can, and should, let your roommate know if she does something that you're not okay with. Even if it's a matter of throwing out old food she left in the fridge, politely ask her if she would mind throwing it out (ain't nobody want rodents in their dorm room). A cooperative attitude will show your roommate your good intentions and she will be likely to follow in your footsteps.

... nice things for each other. Many times my roommate and I would bring each other back chocolate chip cookies from the dining hall if we weren't eating together. Those cookies were so delicious and they didn't have them very often - neither of us wanted to miss out on the yummy cookies when we had the chance! During finals, I wrote messages to my roomie on our chalkboard to wish her good luck on her exams, since I knew I would still be asleep when she went off to her test. And there were plenty of times when my roommate would pick up chips for me at the store, or bring me back Coldstone ice cream when she worked there during the year. We really learned to appreciate the little things that we did for each other.

... stress out if your roommate situation doesn't work. I had to change my roommate once before I was happy with my living situation, and although at first I was nervous about doing so, I was much happier afterward and had a much better college experience than if I had stayed with the first girl. Sometimes things won't work out, and that's okay. It's your job to make sure that you are creating the best environment for you, and sometimes that means making tough choices. It will all work out  the way it's supposed to!

That's it for today, folks! I hope you enjoyed the first part of  my college series!! 

PS. Any summer book suggestions? I have a few on my shelf that I need to start but I could use some good, light beach reading!

Summer Jams

Hey everyone!! I know I've been talking about music quite a bit recently, but I can NOT stop listening to the radio and all the songs make me want to get up and dance. These are my favorites right now from the radio (plus Mr. Brightside obviously - I think it's the college party anthem). 

Honey, I'm Good is my current favorite. I keep singing it everywhere - in the car, in the shower, and randomly around my house. It has such a country vibe to it, but is also so fun and poppy. What is your current radio fave???

Wish Wish Wishlist: June 2015

Hey everyone!! Today I'm coming atcha with my wishlist for June. Now that we're in the full swing of summer, there's so much I want to try out. Check out my new wants below and let me know what you think!

1 // Basic Tan Sandals
I mentioned this in my Neutral Sandals post, but I have owned the same pair of tan sandals for such a long time! I have a studded pair from Steve Madden and have certainly gotten my use out of them. Now that it's time to pick up a new pair, I want to keep things simple as well as try out the new trend of having straps across the foot. I normally like thong-style shoes, but these new Steve Madden Rillie sandals are basic enough to wear with just about anything, and look super comfortable!

2 // NYX Blush
For a while now I've wanted to try out the NYX blushes. I love a lot of the NYX makeup products but have never picked up a blush from them. I've heard lots of rave reviews and am hoping to get to my local drugstore soon to pick up a blush and some other makeup. I love playing around with makeup from time to time and always find great picks at the drugstore! Makeup doesn't need to cost a ton of money to be great, and that's what I love so much about NYX. Maybe if I pick up some items, I can even review them on the blog?!

3 // Jack Rogers "Lauren" Sandals
In the same realm of shoes with straps that go across the foot as opposed to in between the toes are the Jack Rogers Lauren sandals. These have become so popular recently and a lot of bloggers wear them! I have always wanted a pair of white Jacks but I think if I do decide to buy I would purchase the Lauren instead of the normal Palm Beach or Hamptons sandal, that way I can diversify my Jack collection. I absolutely love these and am crossing my fingers that they can become mine soon!

4 // Tobi.com
In a bunch of my past wishlist posts, I've commented on the fact that I need more clothes for going out at school! I go back and forth thinking about where the best place to buy is, and who has the most variety, and every time I come back to Tobi.com. They frequently have 50% off the entire website, which is super sweet and so you can score lots of great items at a good price. I've checked all over to see if any website even comes close to competing with their selection and price range, and there is not a single competitor out there. I have yet to purchase anything, but I'm sure that I will soon! And I haven't heard a single bad thing about their site - what more could a girl ask for?!

5 // Light Pink Lipstick
As you may remember from back in the winter, I headed out to my local CVS and purchased a bunch of mauve and plum colored lipsticks for the wintertime. I have gotten so much use out of the lipsticks I bought that I knew when summer came I would want some brighter, bolder shades as well. I love my dark colors, but for the warmer months, I picked up L'Oreal's Colour Riche Lipstick in I Pink You're Cute and can't wait to wear it! It's super bright and very, very pink, and I think it will look great poolside or for an evening at the beach.

6 // Light Green Shades
Recently I've noticed an abundance of mints, pale greens, and yellow-green colors floating around in the fashion world.  My sister rocked this cool mint nail polish, OPI's That's Hula-rious!, when she came to visit me at school, and I have been wanting a color like it ever since. Then, Essie launched the color Chillato in their summer line, and I was sold! I love these fun pastel-brights, and I've found myself gravitating toward the color a lot lately. I think it makes such a statement for the summer!

7 // Croakies
Last summer I purchased some Ray-Ban Clubmaster sunglasses, and wear them ALL. THE. TIME. But, I don't want to hit the beach with them unless I know that I can safely secure them around my head/neck. Croakies are the perfect way to do that, and the most popular are the Vineyard Vines Croakies. The pair above is from Southern Tide, but lots of other companies make them too! Our Hopkins bookstore even sold croakies at one point! Before my next beach trip I need to make a stop at the store and pick up a pair of these life-savers!! 

8 // Denim Jacket
This past spring, time and time again I was asking myself: Why don't I have a denim jacket? I owned one when I was little and probably got to the age where I was "too cool" for a denim jacket. But little did I know that it was such a classic piece, and works perfectly thrown over any outfit! I can't wait to get my hands on one again, since they are just the right thing for covering up when it's warm but there's a breeze. I love the J.Crew Stretch Denim Jacket and this Old Navy one too!  

9 // Beach Cruiser 
I think this will probably come up in every wishlist post until I finally settle myself down and figure out what kind of bike I want, haha!! I love riding my bike at the beach, but I'm in serious need of new wheels. I've been searching high and low to find the perfect beach cruiser for me, and so far I've come across a few that are pretty nice (one // two). Surprise - they're both the perfect summery shade of blue!

10 // White Marble
I remember a little while back seeing marble as a trend for laptop covers, phone cases, and more! My parents' house is under renovation right now, and so I've been looking at tiles, granite, and marble with my mom! I absolutely love White Carrara Marble!!! The look of it is so polished and refreshing. I need to get a new phone before I head back to school, and would looove to get an iPhone if possible. I'm looking into this super cool marble phone case for it when the time comes.

What are you loving this June? Comment below and don't forget to include any post requests!