Education – CollegeFashionista

How My Agenda Saved My Semester

The new school year is approaching! For us college Fashionistas, that means a new semester with a busy schedule of what seems like endless due dates, events, and meetings. An agenda is essential to having a successful year. If you’re new to the college scene or just need a little extra help with staying on top of things, I’m here for you.

Agendas are becoming more and more popular for students. Everywhere I go, it seems that I’m always finding several types of agendas that are cute and would work for me. Since high school, I’ve been using a planner that became essential to staying on top of all my assignments. My go-to agenda was as a jumbo-sized book that had several lines for each day so I could keep track of every single class assignment, project, or test. When I got to college, I realized that I needed a planner that would cover much more than that.

This past year, I switched to an agenda that fit my personal needs and style. My favorite agenda has a full calendar each month as well as a day-to-day section. It also fits in my purse! I section off each day according to morning, afternoon, and evening. I also color-code by assignments, social/family plans, sorority obligations, and appointments. It took me awhile to transition my organization style from high school to college. Once I found the perfect planner for me, my grades improved! I’ve figured out what works best for me, so getting through the semester has been much easier.

When looking for your next agenda, it’s important to find a layout that will work for your organizing style! Think about your day-to-day activities. Are you a busy bee that likes to make an hourly schedule? Maybe you’re more laid-back and just need to write down a few important dates. These are the factors to think about before you make your big purchase! If you’re really into the planning lifestyle, adding a few organizational accessories and decorations can make the planning process a bit more fun! Keeping up with an agenda may seem tedious to some, but it has been a lifesaver for my busy schedule more times than I can count!

How do you stay organized? Let me know in the comments below!

How Career Networking Can Help You Get Your Foot in the Door

Getting your foot in the door for the dream job you want can be extremely difficult. However, there is one thing that can help accomplish this goal. It’s called networking. I am sure you have heard many people tell you to “network,” and it sounds like a broken record. However, it cannot be emphasized enough. Knowing people and having connections is essential. No matter what industry you are going into, I can almost guarantee that these tips will help you network for your future career.

1—Be involved. Being involved on campus opens doors, so immerse yourself in as many activities as possible, and join a club (or two). Fill your planner with dates of events put on by these organizations. Attend these events and see what you can learn from them. A lot of organizations bring in guest speakers, so listen to what they have to say and bring a cute notebook, some pens, and take notes on their advice.

2—Get a LinkedIn. Seriously, make an account. One tip I have is to keep a USB drive of the work that you have done so you can show off everything that you’ve accomplished. Now go and show off the awesome things you have done!

3—Actually use LinkedIn. It’s one thing to make a LinkedIn, but it is another to use it. Establish connections with anyone and everyone you know. The more connections you have on LinkedIn, the more likely an employer is to have a connection to you. Do not be afraid to use this platform to connect with those in your dream job. You could even message them and say that you are a current student and are wondering how they got to their position in their career. People love talking about themselves, so do not be afraid to ask. The worst they could do is not respond!

4—Be polite to everyone you meet. Be polite to everyone when you are networking to get that dream job. You never know who you meet, or who they might know. They just might know the CEO of the company where you have been dreaming of working for years. Plus, you never know who could be around while you are living life. So, always be polite.

5—Believe in yourself. You have accomplishments, you are smart, you are beautiful inside and out, and, most importantly, you got this, you just have to work for it. If you have confidence in yourself working hard for your dreams will be more meaningful. Trust your instincts and believe in yourself. Keep your chin up or the crown slips. Believe in yourself. If you’re reading this, know that I believe in you!

What other tips do you have for career networking? Be sure to comment your tips below!

Here’s Exactly How To Set Up Your Planner to Set Yourself Up for Success

Education has always been very important in my household. As a first-generation Vietnamese immigrant, I know that my parents have made countless sacrifices for me to have more opportunities than they did. I have the privilege of going to college, and it’s one that I’ve always taken very seriously. Wanting to succeed in college is the first step to achieving it. The second step is to own a planner and effectively use it.

Managing your time plus balancing your school life with your social life is the hardest part of college. Here are some of my planner tips and tricks to help you guys stay ahead of the game for this next semester.

1—Invest in some good pens and a cute planner. Your whole life will revolve around this planner, and you’re going to see it very often—you might as well pick one that you love. Personally, I love buying stylish school supplies because it’s another way for me to actually want to use them. Nobody wants to use boring notebooks. I recommend buying a planner that has both monthly and weekly overviews, this way you’ll be able to see how busy you are for the month. Cross the days off as you finish them to keep track of what day it is and what assignments you have coming up. You can find cute, affordable school and office supplies at Target.

2—Handwrite all assignments in your monthly overview. Hand-writing things has been proven to be more effective in helping to remember (and thereby completing!) tasks. Luckily, with a physical planner, you really have no choice but to do so. Usually, after I receive my syllabi from all of my classes, I’ll take an hour out of my day to write out all my assignments in the monthly overview section. This step is definitely the most important step—it shows you how busy you are for the month and how many assignments or exams you have coming up. By writing it all down, congrats: you’re already ahead of the game. If you’re really dedicated like I am, you can also transfer your assignments into your weekly overview for extra organization.

3—Color coordinate your classes. I know this might seem “extra,” but it really does help your brain distinguish your harder classes from your easier ones at a glance. I also like to write the time that the assignment is due next to the assignments because not all of them will be “11:59 p.m.,”—something I’ve learned the hard way.

4—Use your highlighters! Yes, color, again—use highlighters to highlight all of your major assignments, like quizzes, essays, and exams. A bright highlighter that will be the first thing you see when you open your planner is best.

I hope these tips help you successfully manage your time while at college! If they do, show us on social media and tag @CFashionista!

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How to Prep for Your First Day Back to School

With the upcoming school year fast approaching, it’s time to start thinking about your first day back to school. How are you going to prep for it? What do you need to get in order to ace it? Is it a new outfit, new pair of shoes, or new supplies? Back-to-school shopping can be a bit stressful, so below is a list of essentials to keep in mind while prepping for the big day!

1—A go-to book bag. Whether it be a tote or backpack, every student needs something to put all of their school items in. It is the easiest way to carry around all of your essentials without having to think twice. I picked a tote as my school bag because this one sits comfortably on my shoulder as it has padded straps. It’s spacious on the inside, too. Regular backpacks offer the same qualities as totes, so pick the style that meets your everyday school needs.

2—Planner. Planners are one of the best ways to stay organized, on-top of your school game, and accountable for your school work. By simply documenting your priorities, to-do’s, and other notes as the day progresses, you’ll not only get it done efficiently but quickly, too. Planners come in a variety of colors, sizes, and styles so you can make it as personal as you’d like.

3—Pens/pencils/sticky notes. Every student needs pens, pencils, and sticky notes as they are essential to doing school work. Make sure to pick out fun colors in those items as they are a great way to be creative when using them.

4—To-do list. Before your first day, make a to-do list of what needs to get done in order to be prepared. Use your new planner for help. Use your sticky notes to place inside and check it off with your cute new pen. You’ll be prepped in no time!

5—Goal Setting. Goal setting for the upcoming school year is a great way to start with a motivated attitude. Write them down so you remember them and can keep yourself on track. Keep them where you can see them every day to remind yourself as to why you made that goal. You can give yourself an A+ both inside and outside the classroom!

Now you have everything you need for your first day back to school. Go ahead and start filling your backpack because class is coming up soon and you don’t want to be late!

Show us how you’re prepping for your first day back by tagging @Cfashionista in your first day of school picture!

4 Reasons Why You Should Pack Your Bags and Go Study Abroad

You’ll be surprised how one single thought can change your life forever. For me, it started with the desire to experience something new. Leaving my tiny hometown in the valleys of Eastern Norway was the hardest decision I ever made, yet undoubtedly the best one. If you have even the slightest interest in studying abroad, check out these four reasons why you should!

1—Step out of your comfort zone. Living in your childhood home and being surrounded by friends and family may feel safe and comfortable, but if there’s one thing I have learned through my two years (and counting!) of studying abroad, it’s that you will not grow unless you challenge yourself. Broaden your horizon, and you’ll be surprised to see who you have grown to become after tackling the peaks and valleys of your life abroad.

2—Unique experiences and friendships Traveling to a whole new country by yourself is terrifying, and I recall being on a late-night flight to Kansas City worrying if I would make any friends. After experiencing both high school and college in the United States, I have so many incredible people in my life whom I would’ve never met if I had stayed in my hometown. Not only will meeting people from cultures unlike your own help you grow, it will leave you with an open mind and an even greater appreciation for our world’s diversity.

3—Home away from home. I never pictured going into my twenties with a place to call home 4000 miles away from where I spent the first 18 years of my life. I am indescribably thankful for making this life-changing decision and grateful for everyone I’ve met along the way who helped me grow and become a stronger and better version of myself.

4—Once in a lifetime opportunity. All I can say is: the only good time is now. I cannot tell you how many conversations I’ve had where people have told me they envy my experiences and regret not doing it themselves. So my advice to you is to pack your bags and just go for it. The journey of studying abroad will change your life just like it did mine, and you will feel nothing but fulfillment.

Have you ever studied abroad or wish to do so in the future? Comment down below or post on social media. Don’t forget to tag @Cfashionista!

5 Activities to Cure Your Summer Blues

Everyone always looks forward to summertime. This feeling of excitement doesn’t change just because you’re in college. But, unlike when you were a kid, the summer can occasionally be a letdown if you don’t have any big plans. When young students ask me how to make the most of their summers, I typically recommend traveling or summer internships. Occasionally, these opportunities aren’t feasible and it’s necessary to go to summer school or spend time at your childhood home. While your Instagram feed is filled with inspiring pictures, it’s easy to get summertime sadness. Below are my five biggest strategies for curing your blues and making the most of all your free time.

1—Take a New Fitness Class.

The summer is a great time to get your work out grind. It’s never too late to work on your bikini body. And, you can no longer use the excuse that you’re too busy. Trying a new workout will take up at least an hour each day. It also gives you something to shop for some new activewear to keep you motivated. Make sure to reward yourself every once in a while with your favorite treats.

2—Get a New Hobby.

Develop a new hobby or take up an old one. During the school year, it’s easy to forget about some of your favorite activities. For example, my hobby is portrait photography. My friends and I try to go out and shoot once a week. The extended daylight hours in the summer give us so much time to shoot.

3—Do Community Service.

It is so easy to forget how privileged we are to pursue higher education. It’s not an opportunity that many people in the U.S. and around the world receive. The summertime is a great period to give back to the less fortunate. Many people do this during the school year. But, the summer is a great time to dedicate yourself to a cause. It will give you purpose and allow you to connect with people who have similar interest.

4—Read a Good Book.

Catch up on some quiet time and snuggle up with a good book. From romance novels, mystery books, and sci-fi dramas. There’s an endless amount of stories you haven’t heard and a countless amount of universes they could take you to. If you’re not a big reader, join a book club to help keep you motivated.

5—Stream a New Series.

Didn’t have time to catch up on your favorite shows during the school year? You’ll finally have time to catch up on your favorite series and maybe you’ll discover a new one. Netflix releases a ton of new shows in the summer months. If you find a great series, hold a watch party and invite over some of your friends who are in town.

What do you do to cure your summertime sadness? Comment below with your favorite activities!

3 Ways Studying Abroad Made Me a Better Person

Pizza. Gelato. Pasta. Did I mention pizza? I’d be lying if I said my initial reasons for choosing to study abroad in Italy weren’t somewhat superficial. When I took the amazing opportunity to study in Rome during my sophomore year, I quickly learned that study abroad is so much more than delicious food and boat rides on the Amalfi Coast. It was the single most empowering experience of my life. Here’s why:

1—I was culture-shocked out of my comfort zone. Culture shock is something that everyone worries about when traveling to a new country. For me, it was the best part of my study abroad experience! I crave situations that force me out of my comfort zone. That is when I grow the most as a person. Instead of stressing about the language barrier, I saw shopping as an opportunity to learn new Italian phrases in order to speak to the cashier. Navigating the confusing public transportation system was an opportunity to immerse myself in the bustling street life. For every time I messed up the double cheek kiss or said the wrong word in Italian, it resulted in me learning from my cultural faux pas. Within no time, I felt confident in my ability to navigate my new Italian life.

2—I lived in the moment. I can’t count how many times I’ve been out at dinner and saw everyone on their iPhone instead of socializing with their table. I love social media as much as the next person, but there’s something to be said for being completely present in the moment. My time abroad had an end date, so I savored every second of it. I ate each pastry and plate of pasta like it was my last. When I began dating an amazing Roman guy, I didn’t focus on the fact that we would have to part ways in the near future. I simply said yes to every adventure he planned for us. Instead of rushing to school in the mornings, I slowed down to take in the details of the architecture. There are times I regret not taking more pictures and videos of the beautiful sights around me. However, I was so mindful of my surroundings that my memories are as vivid as can be.

3—I appreciated the little things. Because everything was foreign, even the easiest of tasks was a struggle. That’s why correctly ordering a cappuccino in Italian, finding a new restaurant that felt like home or simply not getting lost called for a celebration. And that’s not just because I love any excuse to open up a bottle of wine! I truly believe that life is much more fulfilling when you appreciate the small successes you have each day.

Have you studied abroad? If so, what did you gain from your experience? Let me know in the comments below!

Why Internships Are the Best Opportunity for College Girls

“What do you want to be when you grow up?” Who hasn’t been asked that question? I know I have, and when I was little I would say “fashion designer” or “dancer.” Now, I say, “I don’t know.” The possibilities are endless. Being a psychology major, I could go into advertising, journalism, marketing, or various other career paths. Maybe I’ll go to grad school and become a psychologist. Young adulthood is all about finding yourself, and internships are an integral part of this.

“Don’t knock it until you try it.” My mom has always been an advocate of this saying, and I must agree with her (for once). I’m not one of those people with a 10-year plan with every detail and strategy formulated. I don’t even know what I’m doing tomorrow. So, I decided it was probably a good idea to listen to my mom and try things out.

It is true, you don’t know you won’t like something until you actually try it out, and if you hate it, then just don’t do it again. No harm, no foul. I worked the sales floor of a clothing store, I worked on the website of a clothing company, and now I’m interning as a Style Guru for CollegeFashionista. The sales floor clearly wasn’t for me, since I just tried on clothes the whole time. However, I loved working on copyright in the clothing company’s website, and I adore the creative writing aspect of my current internship.

From just dipping my feet into these three different opportunities, I learned that I like using my creativity and imagination. Now, I will definitely be pursuing internships and jobs that incorporate these two qualities. Who knows what I’ll be doing next year, or in five years, but at least I know what I won’t be doing.

So, apply to a ton of internships, go to career fairs, join clubs, and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there because who knows who you’re going to meet or the opportunities you’ll find. You might be finding that one job that makes you wake up every day with a smile on your face. If you’re totally lost, read a book for inspiration, and don’t let fear get in your way. Treat every new chance as a new food. It may seem foreign and unknown, but have a small taste of it, and it might become your new favorite food.

Who knows, maybe I’ll be the CEO of some multi-billion dollar company. Maybe I’ll be an editor at a fashion magazine. Maybe I’ll be a cat lady. Just kidding. Hopefully. But at least I’ll have tried it all out through numerous internships and opportunities. Stay motivated, reach for the stars, and work hard at that internship ladies! Don’t forget to dress for success!

Do you know what you want to be when you grow up? Sound off in the comments below!

What to Wear for 6 Weeks in Europe

Packing for a big trip can be really stressful, it feels like you need to bring everything in your closet, including that cardigan you haven’t worn for two years but keep around for the “just in case” times. Here’s a list of how to pack smart, comfy, and cute (yes, this can be done!) for six weeks of travel in Europe.

1—Cardigans. Layering is essential when traveling, especially in Europe, where there are style goals left and right. Cardigans (or jean jackets, button-downs, etc.) are great because they double as blankets/pillows for traveling days, a cute way to mix up your limited wardrobe, and keep you warm when the nights get chilly.

2—Comfortable Shoes. Seriously, don’t choose cute if it comes between the two. In Europe, there is a ton of walking to be done. If you aren’t wearing the right shoes, your feet will kill and you’ll be the miserable tourist with blisters all over her feet.

3—Basic Shirts. Leave the neon and funky prints at home! You’re going to need to be rewearing these items a lot, and it’s easier to have that go unnoticed when you’re wearing neutral colors and basic (enough) cuts. I would recommend bringing two cute blouses, two tanks, three short sleeves, and one long sleeve. Yes, this only totals to eight but when you’re traveling all over Europe, you’re not going to want to have to carry too much, trust me!

4—Jeans. You always need a solid pair of jeans, no matter what. Bring a dark wash, so if you spill gelato on them, it won’t be as noticeable!

5—Leggings. I am obsessed with my leggings, I always need a pair with. I recommend bringing a black pair with to stay versatile.

6—Shorts. Definitely going to want to bring at least three pair of cute shorts and one pair of athletic shorts. Europe in the summer gets hot so you’ll be thankful for those shorts.

7—Dresses. I love dresses, because of a few reasons. One, you can dress them up or dress them down; two, they’re pretty comfortable; three, you can put shirts on top of them and make it look like a skirt. Total game changer.

8—Swimsuit. If you’re planning on going anywhere near the Mediterranean, you’ll want to pack a couple extra swimsuits! Bring two tops and two bottoms, unless you have the extra room to bring more. I would say bring tops that match both bottoms, so you can get a more versatile swim wardrobe.

9—Sunglasses. Sun. So much sun, need I say more?

What were some things you wish you had known before you traveled? Comment below!

Studying Abroad in the Fashion Capital of the World

I will be spending a few weeks of my summer in Paris, studying in the fashion capital of the world. This trip has taken much planning and saving, but I am really glad to finally be here! I’m learning about Parisian fashion, culture, and art. As a fashion merchandising major, I knew this would be the perfect place to expand my knowledge of fashion. There are so many beautiful things to see in Paris, whether it is the antique buildings, the beautiful palaces, or the unique art museums.

I begin my day by going to class at Mod Spe, a business fashion school. I’ve learned about fashion marketing, trend forecasting, history of fashion, and a little bit of French. Learning French has been the biggest challenge so far!

In the afternoons, I am free to go around town on adventures. I usually hop on the train or take a walk to a new place. I try new restaurants, go to museums, or just admire the Paris ambiance while taking in the smells and the sounds of the city. There are so many beautiful places to see in Paris.

So far, I’ve been able to go to visit the Versailles Palace which was design by Louis XIV. I went to The Louvre where I got a glimpse of the Mona Lisa, the most visited piece of art in the world! The Arc de Triophe is quite beautiful and unique, connecting twelve radiating avenues and the church of Notre-Dame has lovely architecture. My favorite thing so far that I’ve seen is of course, the Eiffel Tour. It’s quite beautiful, the construction of it is admirable, and it was much larger than what I expected.

Studying abroad has been so much fun! I have grown as a person and I’ve discovered new places and challenges. My time here has been everything and more than I could have imagined. How has your experience studying abroad been? Let me know in the comments below!