8Tracks

You may be familiar with the 8tracks website where you can find the right playlist for any occasion. Well their app does just the same. Whether you’re going to the gym, or just having a relaxing day at home, 8Tracks has got you covered. Make an account and save your favorite playlists and even make some of your own! The best part about it is that it’s free!

Stereomood

Are you happy? Sad? Hungover? Whatever it may be, stereomood will cater to your mood with the right song. Download the free app and pick the kind of mood that you’re in from the selections and steoreomood will give you a non-stop playlist of songs to match your mood.

Pandora

We all know Pandora’s website, well they have an app too! It works just like the website; choose your favorite artists and listen to playlists based on your music taste that you’ve selected. You can stick to the free version like me, or upgrade to an add-free listening experience for $3.99 a month.

iHeartRadio

Listen to your favorite live radio stations wherever you go and browse for different stations based on location or genre for free. If you’re going on a road trip but still want to listen to your favorite local radio station, then this is the perfect app for you. Or if you want something commercial-free, switch to the custom stations where you can choose artists or songs to customize your listening experience for you.

The post Four Must-Have Music Apps For Fall Semester appeared first on The Campus Companion.

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So you did it. You’re finally starting to mature, at least in the college sense of the word. You decided to make the switch from the single, party lifestyle to the committed (although you still like to party) lifestyle. Being in a relationship in college can be awesome. You’re no longer struggling with the high schooler’s dilemma of needing your parents to drop you off at the movies, or asking permission for that special someone to come hang out at your place. Freedom is at your fingertips; just remember to use it wisely.

We all know that couple; the couple that only hangs out with each other – the ones attached at the hip. You do not want to be this couple. I’m all for being close and hanging out, but you have to remember to have your own lives too. It’s easy to get so caught up in the excitement of a new relationship that you forget about the other people around you. Don’t let yourself be that person who blows off your friends every night to go on a date. Remember to keep a balance. Just because it’s easy to spend every second of the day together when you’re in college, but that doesn’t mean that you should.

Don’t let being in a relationship stop you from having fun. Simply because you’re past the party-hookup stage, doesn’t mean you’re past the party stage. Maybe your girlfriend or boyfriend isn’t there this weekend, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still go out and have a good time. Don’t feel bad about doing your own thing on a Friday night either. You can both go out and have a good time on your own even if the other isn’t around. College is all about having fun; don’t let your relationship hold you back from that.

Recognize that you each need your own space too. You don’t want to smother each other, otherwise you’ll get tired of each other pretty quickly. Make time for those other things too, like studying and student organizations. And even though you might be tempted to spend every night together, keep a healthy balance and spend the night in your own bed every once and a while (alone that is). Your roommates will probably appreciate this too.

The post College Relationships: A Primer For A New Semester appeared first on The Campus Companion.

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Dealing with difficult customers never really gets easier, however you can be more prepared for when they come your way. Don’t forget to keep your cool if a customer is getting under your skin. Personally, I prefer to kill them with kindness, keep a positive outlook on the situation and stay collected. Think about it this way, all the weird and annoying customers you serve will make for great stories to share with your friends. That, and I like to keep telling myself that my job’s free cupcakes make it all worth it.

The Seemingly-Kind Little Old Lady

Don’t be fooled by her hobble and cane as she walks through the door. Granny can pack a punch, figuratively of course. She fools you into thinking she’s harmless, looking so old and sweet, but when she opens her mouth you soon realize that she’s actually quite demanding and possibly senile. You try to be nice and throw on a smile but she criticizes your haircut and talks about how these establishments were better “back in the day”.

Now first things first, you should know that she’ll probably never be completely satisfied, but you can try to combat her nit-picking, crotchety attitude by using your extra nice voice and smile when accommodating her. She’ll like you a lot more if you just go along and agree with her about “those darn kids these days”.

The Indecisive Couple

You know the ones. That couple that walks in holding hands and staring lovingly into each other’s eyes. The ones who go: “What do you wanna get babe?” “Oh whatever you want honey” in an annoying banter that never seems to end. They can’t seem to make up their minds because of just how in love they are with each other.

We really should be happy for them, but it’s hard when getting through to them is like pulling teeth. The best way to deal with these two is to end that constant back and forth between them and recommend  something to them you think they’d like. They’re likely to go with your advice than to continue trying to make up their minds. Plus the faster they make their decision, the faster they can go back to canoodling with each other.

The Dirty Hippie

Is he stoned right now? Is he drunk? Is he just a little crazy? For all we know,  it could be all three. They walk in and start talking to you about those herbal remedies, and how we really just need to be one with the earth and Mother Nature, and how you really should serve all organic products.

They typically mean well, but they might talk your ear off about how everything should just be groovy like back in the day. Despite how confused you may be by their tangents on “The Man” getting them down and so on, just stay nice and keep a smile on. Try to direct them back on track, otherwise you may get stuck with them for a while.

The Overly Curious Customer

They will ask you questions about EVRYTHING under the sun. They will quiz you about your menu and every item of food listed. They just want to know everything. Was this made in the US? Is it organic? Do these come in any other colors? They say there’s no such thing as a stupid question, but there is such thing as too many questions. The only real way to deal with these customers is to answer all of their questions to the best of your ability. Unless you have some duct tape to keep them quiet, although that doesn’t normally do well for business.

The Know it All

No matter what, you are wrong when it comes to the know-it-all. They will try to casually drop into conversation how “my mother’s best friend owns a bakery and she bakes cupcakes and so naturally I know everything there is to know about cupcakes” and proceed to brag about how you clearly don’t know as much as them. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that these people don’t like to be corrected or proved wrong, so I tend to live by “the customer is always right” philosophy. Just flash them a smile and let them continue to think that they know everything.

The post The Five Customers You’ll Come Across at Work, And How To Deal With Them appeared first on The Campus Companion.

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So you’ve finally done it. You’ve finally finished those dreaded high school years. You’re done with boring teachers, tedious work, and uninteresting classes. Ha, just kidding. But as you savor these summer days and get geared up for college, here are some things to keep in mind:

DO have fun and celebrate graduation, you’ve earned it. DON’T post incriminating pictures of it on the Internet, because colleges still have the right to withdraw your acceptance at their discretion. Rule of thumb: if you would hide it from colleges during the application process, keep it hidden until you’re actually there.

DO put that graduation money to good use; you’ll be surprised at how much you need to get before moving into your dorm. DON’T waste it all on video games, although I know it’s tempting.

DO apply for scholarships; DON’T think that it’s too late just because you’ve already gotten into college.

DO introduce yourself to your future roommate and DON’T forget to coordinate who will bring what.

DO start making a list of things you’ll need to pack. DON’T end up getting everything together last minute; it will add extra stress to moving.

DO work on getting requirements out of the way in your schedule, but DON’T forget to take classes that interest you as well.

DO figure out what books and textbooks you’ll need. DON’T buy them new. You can get them much cheaper used or by renting.

DO look into joining different groups and activities when you get there; it will help you branch out and meet new people. DON’T be that kid who never leaves his room or computer. Get out there and live a little.

DO keep in touch with your friends from back home, but DON’T forget to call your parents too. Trust me when I say they’ll want to hear from you.

DO get to know your professors. They’ll think better of you for it. DON’T skip all your classes just because they don’t take attendance, you’ll eventually regret it.

DO use the extra days before classes start to find your way around and figure out where your classes will be. DON’T be embarrassed to keep a map on hand; it’s better than getting lost.

The post Do’s and Don’ts For Incoming Freshman appeared first on The Campus Companion.

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There are tons of ways that you can help without breaking your college student budget. You may not be able to afford to buy dinner for every homeless person you pass on the street, but that doesn’t mean you can’t help feed them. Working in a soup kitchen can be an equally rewarding way to volunteer your time. You instantly see the results of your work and the people that you’re helping, which make it such a gratifying experience.

I know that when I first went to school, one of the things I found myself missing most were my pets. I think I probably missed my furry friends back home more than my family, so it was hard to adjust to a dorm setting where pets are a big no.

The way I remedied my situation was by volunteering at an animal shelter. Not only could I play with all the animals I wanted, but I was also helping them find homes and give them better lives. This is a fun way for any animal lover to get involved. Be careful though, you may just find yourself wishing that you could adopt all the pets yourself. I know I did.

Another simple way to help out is by donating old clothes, books, and school supplies. Throughout the school year a bunch of different organizations on campus would have clothing drives or donation boxes set up, where helping out is as easy as dropping off a bag of some old clothes or books. My personal favorite is the organization that collects old dresses for prom and homecoming, so that girls who can’t afford a dress for their dance can still go looking beautiful. I know that personally I was struggling to figure out any other use for my old prom dress, besides sitting in my closet and gathering dust; this was the perfect alternative so that it can still be worn.

The post Spend Time, Not Money appeared first on The Campus Companion.

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Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter

When I first heard that this movie was coming out, I was skeptical just based on the movie’s title. However, once you get past the ridiculous concept that Abraham Lincoln is fighting vampires to save the United States, the movie has some promise. It’s sure to be packed with action while intertwined with American history, so if you like historical fiction, vampires, action, or all of the above, you’ll be enjoying Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter.

It’s not going to be an instant award-winning classic, but it will keep you entertained when you’re looking for something to do one summer night. You can expect to see Abraham Lincoln’s vampire slaying skills in theaters on June 22nd.

Ted

If you’re looking for a comedy this summer, then mark your calendars for June 29th because Ted is definitely the way to go. With Seth McFarlane (The man behind Family Guy) as a writer and director, you’re definitely in for a laugh.

The movie features Mila Kunis, Mark Wahlberg, and Seth McFarlane as the voice of Ted, Mark’s childhood teddy bear who has come to life. Ted definitely isn’t your average loving childhood toy; instead he’s a crude and snarky teddy bear, who is sure to bring you a good dose of comedy on screen. Ted is bound to be the summer comedy you’re searching for, and with Seth McFarlane’s comedic genius behind the wheel, you wont be disappointed.

The Amazing Spider-Man

We all remember the Spider-Man classics from just a few years ago. Some may say that it’s too soon for a remake after such a short period of time, and they may be right. While we all love our friendly neighborhood Spider-Man, this one may fall a little short.

The movie, coming out July 3rd, features Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone, who’s acting won’t be letting you down. The let down may be in it’s ability to fully capture the action, essence, and heroism of Spider-Man, which is all the more apparent in following so closely to the previous series with Toby Maguire.

If you haven’t seen Toby’s flicks then you might have a better time without making the constant comparisons. It can’t fall short of your expectations if you don’t have any, right? The movie could still be a fun film, but don’t go in there with your hopes too high.

The Dark Knight Rises

Here comes the movie we’ve all been waiting for, the third movie in Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy. After having his reputation tarnished in the previous film, The Dark Knight, Batman comes to Gotham’s rescue again in the final movie of the trilogy to defend the city against his newest enemy Bane.

With Anne Hathaway and Joseph Gordon-Levitt alongside Christian Bale, this movie is sure to impress. We can expect an action-packed ending to the Batman trilogy, in theaters July 20th, that will not let you down.The only question that remains is whether the final saga will break as many box office records as it is predicted to.

The post Summer Blockbusters: Will They Meet the Hype? appeared first on The Campus Companion.

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1. Summer Fun on a Budget

Staying in shape during the school year can be hard enough between classes and commitments, but it can be even harder to do over the summer. Between internships and summer jobs it’s difficult to make your way to the gym for a normal workout routine, or even find a gym to go to. With gym memberships so high these days, they’re almost always out of a college student’s budget.

My friends and I are constantly figuring out ways to stay fit and workout consistently, despite out irregular schedules. We’ve devised a routine and lifestyle that keeps us active and in shape, while adhering to our varying availability and interests.

Here’s What We’ve Found Works For Us:

1.) Bike Instead of Drive:

Do you remember being a kid and getting your very first bike? You wanted to ride it everywhere right? Well channel that feeling into your everyday life now and your leg muscles will be sure to thank you for it. Riding your bike can be a great way to stay in shape while traveling from place to place this summer, not to mention it’s good for the environment. If you need to go to a friends house, or run errands at the grocery store, why not take your bike instead? It’s a fun way to travel, in addition to being a great exercise. My friends and I love to ride our bikes through bike trails in the woods during the summer while hanging out and exploring the outdoors.

2.)  Go For A Hike:

My friends and I have always been outdoor enthusiasts so we’ve found an easy way to incorporate our love of fresh air and nature with our goal of keeping fit. What could be a better way to appreciate the outdoors while getting a workout than a good hike? We always like to give ourselves a challenge and you can do the same; find a nearby mountain or forest and gather your adventurous friends for a hike.

Not only is it great for your legs, thighs, and calf muscles, but it’s also a perfect activity for you and a small group of friends. You can chat and catch up with each other while keeping yourself healthy.My friends and I will go for a hike once a week every Sunday, and even though once a week may not sound like a lot, it still does wonders for your health.  You’ll find that each hike will get easier and easier for you as you start to tone your muscles with each time you go.

3.)  Organize A Pick-Up Game:

Everyone enjoys some friendly competition every now and then and pick-up sports games give you just that. Gather up your athletic friends and challenge them to a game of soccer or basketball; they wont be able to turn down a fun game in the flawless summer weather.

These games will definitely help you burn calories and keep your heart rate up, and the running involved gives you a great cardio workout. The nice thing about playing a pick-up sports game is that it can be easy to fit in around your schedule. If you’re busy during the day, then you can always play in the evening; a lot of courts or fields have lights to illuminate your game at night. It wont be hard to continue playing throughout the summer, because someone is almost always looking for a rematch.

4.)  Swim:

With the summer heat in full force my friends and I are always cooling off in the pool or the lake. Perfectly enough it is also a fantastic workout. Swimming works both your leg and arm muscles, giving you great full-body exercise.

Not only can it keep you cool during the summer days, but it also keeps you in great shape. Try to go swimming a couple times a week and by the end of the summer you’ll find yourself with toned arms and a nice tan.

5.)  Eat Healthy And Remember The Little Things:

While trying to stay in shape this summer, don’t forget the little things. They’ll go a long way towards keeping you healthy. Being back home means that I have more freedom over the meals and food that I eat. I always try to incorporate fruits and vegetables into my diet. If you start to eat healthy, you’ll begin to see a huge change in your health and energy.

I’ve never been a huge fan of vegetables, however I love the green smoothie from my local smoothie shop. It has a daily serving of vegetables in it, but you would never be able to tell.It’s a great way to keep to a healthy diet and have a refreshing drink in the summer heat. I also always try to take the stairs as opposed to the elevator whenever I can; the more often you do this the healthier you’ll be. These might seem like little things, but they can have a big impact on your life and fitness.

The post 5 Fun Ways To Stay In Shape This Summer appeared first on The Campus Companion.

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At the end of the school year we were all itching for summer to come, and although mom’s cooking and laundry services are a relief, soon enough we all can’t wait to get back out again. Be ready with some cheap travel tricks for when that cabin fever kicks in.

Hostels Over Hotels

The key to cheap travel can all be in where you stay; sleeping in a nice hotel room each night can quickly eat away at your budget. While room service can be nice, it’s time to accept the fact that you’re in college and can’t afford it. Go with the less expensive route of a hostel or cheap motel. They may not sound ideal, but you’ll learn to love it after seeing the difference in price. Besides, you can consider it part of the whole college “roughing it” experience.

Frugal Fares

If you’re booking tickets, make sure to check for any student discounts offered. Sometimes being a broke college student can come in handy when it comes to getting travel deals, so keep an eye out for student offers. Get your tickets as far in advance as possible and be sure to avoid traveling during rush periods. Ticket prices shoot up for weekend and popular travel days. While I’m all for that fun summer spontaneity, a little bit of planning will go a long way with your wallet.

Eat Cheap

Inevitably you will have to eat – and that will cost you some money. You can lessen that cost by cooking most your meals. Find the local grocery store or market and buy food that you can make back where you’re staying. It will make a big difference on the money you save if you don’t eat out for every meal. Plus, it’s a great way to improve your cooking skills.

Free and Frugal

Take advantage of the free activities available wherever you’re traveling. Whether it be the beach, sites, or museums, you can still have fun and be a tourist while saving your money. Don’t forget to look online because a lot of places will give free or discounted admittance to students on certain days.

Set a Budget

Give yourself a spending limit before you leave on your trip, that way you can keep your spending in check and be aware of it during your travels. The more you pay attention to the money you’re spending, the more conscious you’ll be and the less you’ll spend.

The post Thrills Without Frills: Traveling on A Student Budget appeared first on The Campus Companion.

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My friend once told me that his backup plan for a bad interview was to seduce the interviewer. Unless you have an irresistible charm and some sure-fire pick-up lines, you probably shouldn’t be doing this during an interview and trust me, my friend does not. Lucky for him, he did well in his interview without whipping out his “moves”.

This may not surprise you, but seducing your interviewer is on the list of things you shouldn’t do in an interview; and if it does surprise you, then you should definitely keep reading. Here are some less obvious “don’ts” of interviewing that you should make sure to avoid:

 Don’t Talk Too Much

If you’re like me, you probably talk too much when you get nervous. And unfortunately for me, job interviews make me nervous. Just remember to slow down and not to overwhelm them with information. Be clear and focused when answering the interviewer’s questions. Stay on point. If you start to feel yourself ramble, slow down and bring yourself back on topic.

 Don’t Talk Too Little

Although you should make sure not to talk too much during the interview, you still need to fully answer their questions. Don’t just give one-word answers to their questions, elaborate so that they can fully get what they need out of the interview. You don’t need to over-think it too much, just make sure to find a good balance where you aren’t talking their ear off, but also not miming the interview.

 Don’t Get Too Personal

It goes without saying that your interviewer is going to be asking you questions about yourself, and by all means, answer them. However, be sure to do so without delving into your entire life story. They want to hear about you and your work experience, but you can probably leave your experience walking your neighbor’s dog Max that one time when you were twelve off that list. You also want to make sure to avoid sharing too much on controversial topics, so you should probably avoid giving them a run-down of your political views unless it’s specifically relevant.

 Don’t Get There Late

This one may seem simple, but you never know when you’re going to hit every red light on your way there, or end up stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic, so leave yourself extra time to get to your destination. Not only will this ensure that you get there on time, but  it will make a good impression on the interviewer if you’re a few minutes early. If it does turn out that you hit that bumper-to-bumper traffic and know that you’re going to be late, give your interviewer a call to let them know. They’re going to be much more understanding if you call and let them know you’re going to be late than if you keep them waiting without notice.

 Don’t Forget to Prepare

It’s easy to spend all your time planning your outfit or ensuring that you don’t talk too much or too little, so don’t let that  prevent you from fully preparing for the interview. I’m not telling you to go in there with a script memorized, but it will help to have some answers in mind for questions they might ask. It can be helpful to go online and look at sample interview questions to give you an idea of some of the questions that you may get; that way there’s less of a chance that you’ll be caught off guard by anything they ask you. You also want to make sure that you have a good understanding of the job you’re applying for and the place that you’ll be working for. Do your homework so that if they ask you any questions about their company you can answer them with no problem.

 Don’t Forget The Basics

When getting ready for your interview, make sure to dress appropriately and presentably. Even if you’re applying for a job with a casual dress code, they aren’t going to hire you if you look like a bum who just walked off the street. So take the time to iron that dress shirt – it will be worth it. Another thing to keep in mind when getting ready for your interview is to consider forgoing the watch. There’s no rule about wearing watches to an interview, but checking the time during your interview can come across as rude so you might want to do without it.

Another thing you’ll want to leave at home with your watch is your sailor’s mouth. While you may not be applying for a corporate office job,  you still want to remember to treat it as a formal interview and leave the profanities at home. You also don’t want to bad-mouth former jobs or employees to your interviewer. It doesn’t give them the best image of you –  they’re not going to want you saying those same things about their job when you leave.

If you’re like most people, you’re probably going to be nervous during your interview, Don’t let the interviewer see that. Make sure to be aware of yourself; don’t fidget or fiddle with your hair or clothes. Just relax and remember to stay composed and collected and everything should go fine. If the interview does start to go in a negative direction stay calm and try to liven up the conversation, and don’t forget to be enthusiastic. You could always opt to go with my friend’s route of attempted seduction, but I think you’re going to have better luck if you stick to these tips.

The post Nail the Interview, Not the Interviewer appeared first on The Campus Companion.

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While every college student looks forward to a school-free, action-packed summer, one thing is constantly standing in the way of a good time – the price of fun these days. When every summer outing can cost you an arm and a leg, what’s a broke college student to do? The answer isn’t to sit at home on the couch for the rest of the summer. Instead, follow these tips for a fun vacation on a budget.

The Great Outdoors

While the outdoors may seem like an obvious place to go for free, its realm of possibility often goes unappreciated. Take advantage of the nice summer weather with an easy-to-make picnic in the park, where you can hang out with friends, play some Frisbee and get some sun. If you’re feeling bold, gather some fellow adventurers for a hike to get a good workout while enjoying the fresh air and catering to the outdoorsman in you. Any summer wouldn’t be complete without a bonfire and s’mores, so gather up your friends for a camping trip that both you and your wallet will enjoy.

If you’re looking for a fun way to beat the summer heat, find the kid in you and play in the sprinklers. Most pools require a membership, which is almost always out of a student’s budget, but that shouldn’t stop you from cooling off and having a good time. Don’t be afraid to whip out the old Slip ‘N Slide, which will prove to be a refreshing blast for you and your friends.

Take Me Out to the Ballgame

A trip to a sports game can be the perfect way to spend your day, and even better, you can find cheap tickets for your local team priced as low as ten dollars. Instead of buying the peanuts and Cracker Jacks, save money and pack a lunch. If you’d like to catch the game from your couch, invite your friends over to cheer and watch with you. Complete the viewing with chips, dip, and your favorite soda, and don’t forget to bring your jersey to represent your team. If you’d like to be part of the action, gather up your friends and start your own game in your yard or at your local park. It’s sure to keep you entertained and involved in the game; and win or lose, you’re sure to have a good time.

An Inexpensive Night In

You’re never too old for game night; challenge your friends to your favorite board game or a poker match. Instead of real money, play with cookies, or anything else you have around the house. You can keep games interesting by finding creative things to bet on. Whether its a competitive hand of poker or just a fun flashback to childhood with a round of Twister, you’ll be sure to have a good time. If games aren’t your thing, you can never go wrong with a classic movie night, complete with popcorn and a comedy that you’ll all enjoy.

Cut-Rate Culture

Be sure to check your local newspaper and media listings for free or low-priced events and activities going on in the area. Many places will hold free concerts for the public or outdoor movies, which make for the perfect summer evening. Another great way to spend your day is with an outing to your favorite museum or to the zoo. These are usually free and can be a fun way to pass the time with your friends. Don’t be afraid to be a tourist in your own town and see the sights, hotspots, and all your city has to offer. It’s easy to get caught up in your daily life and forget about what there is around you, so take a day to explore and rediscover the fun sights just around your corner.

If you’re looking for an inexpensive night out, check out your local bar’s deal nights. Many places will offer discount nights like dollar beer nights. Being on a budget doesn’t mean you have to forfeit your nights out.

The post Summer Fun on a Budget appeared first on The Campus Companion.

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